Rem: Yeah, I know we should really update Traveling Fairy first, but... we did indeed start this story before we started TF, so I figured it's about time I finished the first chapter and posted it up xP Hey... now that I read the last sentence of this chapter, I guess it makes it seem like Osaka's some wierdly important place... like, there's some really, really good reason she picked that place instead of something else. Actually, there isn't. It's just, like, the first place that came to mind xD Right, well, I really shouldn't be talking about the end of this chapter before you've even started reading... so... get to it! Start reading! Oh, and, reviews are always nice -wink, wink-
Suzie: Hey people! If you're a reader of TF, we WILL update soon! Very soon! Anyway, like Rem said, we started on this story first but we were being kind of lazy -cough- and didn't finish the chapter until now... so... please review?
Disclamer: We don't own anything -cries-
-- CHAPTER ONE --
Wedding
Ichigo Momomiya twirled around in front of a large, full-length mirror. Her white, silk gown fanned out around her as the pink strawberries embroidered on it sparkled in the bright light. Ichigo admired the puffy sleeves that were a pale pink color, while pulling on a pair of white gloves that went up to her elbow.
Lettuce Midorikawa clapped her hands together delightedly. "You look wonderful, Ichigo-san!"
Ichigo smiled brightly. "Thank you, Lettuce." Ichigo then hesitated a bit before adding, "Do—"
Just then, Pudding Fong burst into the room, cutting Ichigo off. "Lettuce-neechan! Zakuro-sama needs your help in the kitchen. She says to hurry, and that it's an emergency."
Lettuce frowned. "Alright, I'll be right there." She then turned back to Ichigo. "What were you saying again?"
Ichigo shook her head and replied, "It's nothing."
Lettuce nodded and left the room with Pudding following her.
Ichigo waited until she could no longer hear her two friends' footsteps anymore before peering out through the white, oak door. Seeing no one, Ichigo slipped out into the dim hallway.
---
Ichigo hummed softly as she slowly made her way down the corridor, peering into any rooms she could.
Suddenly, as she was approaching a certain fancy, mahogany door, Ichigo heard a rustle of clothing and a series of low moans.
Ichigo blushed as she passed the door, trying to give the couple privacy... that is, until her curiosity got the best of her and she tiptoed back to the door.
Ichigo slowly pushed the door open, cringing when it creaked noisily. Luckily, the couple didn't hear her enter. Ichigo peeked into the room and stiffened at what she saw.
There in the room was Masaya Aoyama - her husband-to-be, for goodness sakes! - sprawled out onto a couch with a girl on top of him, kissing him passionately. Ichigo began feeling nervous. The girl had blue hair. 'It couldn't be Mint, could it?' Ichigo thought to herself. Just then, Masaya's hand slipped under the girl's shirt and that was when Ichigo caught a glimpse of the girl's face.
Ichigo could only stare in shock. It was Mint Aizawa indeed. Sure, she and Mint hadn't gotten along at first, but they had slowly become the best of friends. Mint was even going to be the Maid of Honor in Ichigo's wedding! Yet... there she was…
Ichigo finally tore her gaze away and slamming the door behind her, running as fast as she could back to her dressing room, tears streaming down her face.
At the same time, inside the room, Masaya and Mint jumped apart startled. They looked at each other, both with a frightened look on their faces. The two were thinking the exact same thing.
Who had caught them together?
---
Ichigo ran inside her room and slammed the door behind her. She fell to the floor, crying her heart out. The scene just kept on replaying in her head over and over. 'How could they do this to me?' Ichigo thought, anguished. 'I was going to be married today... I was going to be happy forever...'
Then, Ichigo slowly began thinking that maybe Masaya didn't mean to do it and her mind started creating feeble excuses. With those excuses swirling around in her head, Ichigo slowly got up with a slightly hysterical expression on her face. She walked over to the makeup counter to redo her smeared make-up, and waited for the redness in her eyes to go away.
A half hour later, someone knocked on her door. "Who is it?" Ichigo asked, her voice showing no sign that she was in emotional pain.
"It's me!" her father called out. "It's time."
"I'm coming!" Ichigo yelled as she rushed to the door. With butterflies in her stomach, she slid out the open door. "I'm ready", she whispered softly, hoping it wasn't a lie. Ichigo took her father's hand, her heart betraying the delighted expression on her face.
---
Ichigo trembled, staring at the large door in front of her. She knew perfectly well that Masaya and Mint were both behind that door, and for a second, the idea of fleeing the church dawned on her. Ichigo shook her head slightly, pushing the thought out of her mind.
Ichigo turned her gaze to her father. "Let's do this!" Ichigo burst out energetically.
Her father nodded, smiling back. Together, they pushed the door open and prepared to walk down the long aisle.
---
Ichigo's smile faltered when she saw Masaya standing in front of her, just several strides away. Ichigo gripped her father's arm tightly and started walking forward before she could do anything she didn't want to.
Ichigo's mind was whirling as she neared Masaya. Everything and everyone around her were but a blur. Ichigo could barely register the following events, but finally found herself standing in front of Masaya, looking directly at him.
The priest began speaking.
We are assembled here on this very special day of your lives to join Masaya Aoyama and Ichigo Momomiya into the bonds and unity of marriage.
Marriage is a meaningful word; meaningful because it means the end of your search for that special person you looked forward, to complete your life. Marriage also speaks to us about the fulfillment we have found and the love we have given to each other.
It is our prayer that you have a wonderful marriage and that you have peace and prosperity on the road of life you have chosen to travel together...and may all of your dreams come true. With this in mind...
The priest turned to Masaya.
Masaya Aoyama, do you take Ichigo Momomiya to be your lawful wedded wife?
Masaya beamed at Ichigo. "I do." He replied.
The priest then turned to Ichigo.
Ichigo Momomiya, do you take Masaya Aoyama to be your lawful wedded husband?
Ichigo looked at Masaya. He was still smiling brightly. Ichigo clenched her teeth. She knew perfectly well that smile was fake. How could she have ever loved him? How could she have ever thought he was kind? Caring? Loving? It was a lie; all of it was just a big lie.
Masaya began to look uncomfortable as Ichigo's silence drew out. He glanced over Ichigo's shoulder at Mint, who returned his smile with one of her own. Masaya's eyes lit up.
Ichigo noticed all this, and it was the last straw for her.
Ichigo looked up at Masaya. Glaring at him, she clenched her fists together. Ichigo's claws slowly began growing out.
Raising her right hand, Ichigo slapped Masaya, leaving red slash marks over his cheek.
Ichigo took a deep breath. "You dirty bastard! How dare you? We were going to be married! And yet, you decide to CHEAT on me with my BEST friend! What were you planning to do? Pretend to be in love with me, and then go to Mint's house every night to fuck her? I don't care if you want to do that. It's NOT what I want, and it's NOT what I'm going to take. Guess what? The marriage is OFF. You can go and marry Mint for all I care. Goodbye and I hope I never see you again!"
Looking at Masaya's face one more time, Ichigo picked up her skirts and ran out the church, smiling inwardly at Masaya's shocked face.
Only when Ichigo was a far ways off from the place where she was going to be married did she sink down onto the ground sobbing. What was she going to do now? Where was she going to live? She certainly could NOT stay here where all her so-called friends and so-called family were.
Ichigo stared at the far horizon, her face tear-streaked. Yes. That was the perfect solution. She would give herself a whole new life. A whole new name. A whole new look.
She would go to Osaka.
We're sorry it's so short! u.u
Cheers,
Rem & Suzie
