Chapter 4 _From Now Until Eternity: Reunions
May likely contain some angst-hurt comfort and feels. Fluffy/happy scenes too as well, as per usual~
Happy (almost) White Day in Japan ^.^ March-14th~
The morning dawn broke through the small slit along the windowsill. Shun found his body waking up first, a natural habit, and he slowly blinked his eyes open.
He shivered, with eyes half-lidded and drowsy he softly padded the space next to him. It felt so empty. No wonder he was cold. His disheveled and energetic love wasn't next to him?
With reasoning of being half-asleep, Shun nearly shot, and fell out of bed. Blankets and sheets came falling out below him like a wave crashing against the mattress. Shun's eyes widened to being fully open, and he was completely sitting up straight. He looked around frantic before breathing a sigh of relief. "Of course..." Shun whispered, what was he thinking? His lover was right there on the other end of his bed, sound asleep and snoring softly.
Shun shook his head slowly, as he rolled his body close to lay against Dan. He hummed, feeling the warmth return, and slowly descended his body right and flushed against Dan. Leaning forward Shun placed a soft kiss on the brunette's cheek. "What was I thinking Dan?" , he asked himself in a solemn tone.
"I know you wouldn't leave..." He took the sheet that had fallen below his bare waist, and brought it up over his and Dan's form. He leaned in to kiss the lips of his own sleeping beauty, the one who had thankfully stopped snoring. It was meant to be a soft soothing kiss... "mmm, hey!" Shun broke out, he felt the lips below him, kissing him back with a feverish tone.
"You-you're awake-" Shun accused, flustered, as he saw long eyelashes and beautiful auburn eyes coming to life.
Shun was about to apologize before feeling a soft fingertip on his lip. Dan was yawning for a moment, before he found himself fully waking up. Dan grinned, tilting his head to the side cutely, before leaning right up against Shun. He captured Shun's face between his palms.
His eyes were burning. Dead serious, the auburn red eyes were a lit with a flame; Shun found his mouth dry. "Shh," his lover soothed him, "Please, don't cry." Shun hadn't realized it, but reaching a finger to his cheek and dabbing over the skin, he could feel the cool tears falling.
How long had it been since he had been able to fall apart so easily? To be so very vulnerable, and let his guard down where he lost awareness of his own expressions. Shun glanced at his concerned lover. Only with Dan Kuso.
"Just look at me, please.." Dan called to him, his eyes firm and set onto him, giving him a fiercly protective look.
It was a look Shun had recalled only a few times in their lives, when he had gotten serious and finally found whatever burst of passion he needed to make the wrongs, which threatened those around him, right.
"Shun, don't look away." Dan pleaded in a gravely serious tone. Shun shivered visibly. "I am not leaving you. Not now. Not ever. And now that I have you..." Dan's face melted into a smile, although the stern look in his eyes remained. "I am not letting you go," he ensured, leaning in to steal Shun's lips into a messy and unpredictable kiss.
"You're my Shun," Dan proclaimed with his usual stubborn possessive streak, he would hold over a championship title .
Shun kept blinking while flushed. "You're not wrong there..." he smiled. Shun felt that spark inside him return, and warm arms wrap around his center. "But I'm not one for letting you go either. Dan Kazami," Shun was being pulled in closer and closer to that sweet warmth.
He buried his face into the nape of Dan's neck. He placed a soft kiss there and Dan breathed out an appreciative sigh.
"Aww but Shun Kuso has such a nice ring to it..." Dan insisted, burying his hands onto his lover's addictively soft hair.
"How long have we been over this one...?" Shun chuckled, breathing warm air onto his lover's neck and shoulder.
Dan gasped at the sensation before pulling Shun's head back. Their eyes locked. "I don't know. You're the one who wanted to keep score", Dan smirked, continuing their little flirtatious game.
Shun propped himself up onto his arm, as he turned to face Dan, while on his side. "It's gotta be near a hundred now? We've been talking about it since we dated ."
Dan laughed heartily at that, "You're probably right about that, we could... also.." he paused pursing his lips together, glancing up at the ceiling, as though the answers were written there, "Combine names maybe?"
Shun looked up, rubbing a hand against Dan's cheek. "Maybe..." Shun began, but the drying tears and consuming warmth was starting to make him sleepy. "I don't know..right now. We'll figure it out, later...", Shun yawned out heavily before laying his head right on Dan's pillow. He draped his arm across Dan's exposed form. "Love you," Shun spoke out sleepily through another yawn.
Dan smiled softly again, combing and ruffling a hand through his lover's hair. "I love you too." And he snuggled himself closer to Shun. "So please just know. I'll always be by your side." Dan promised kissing the top of Shun's head as he watched him slowly drift off to sleep.
Shun awoke around an hour later, feeling much more well rested, and feeling protected by the owner of those affectionate, auburn orbs.
The older male looked up, and he was warm, still cuddled and held in Dan's arms. Shun reached towards his lover, and tangled his fingers in the soft and messy brown locks of hair. "Good morning," Shun hummed in contentment. Dan was right here beside him. Shun wouldn't have to say goodbye, never and not like before.
Dan would be with him for his life, and eternity beyond that; they would get through anything, together.
Reaching his arms way above his own head, Shun let out an audible yawn. He was feeling more awake, but lying there with Dan, like that, was so alluring.
The long haired male walked over to the far right corner of his bedroom, and he rummaged through his drawers of neatly folded clothes. A thought struck through his mind, of their eventual married life, and Dan's own personal habits. But then again, he had seen Dan's relatively messy room many many times before, so there shouldn't be too many surprises. Still just thinking of sharing the same space with Dan, and sleeping in the same bed every night, felt so warm.
Upon hearing the sound of the rushing water from the adjacent bathroom, Shun turned into the connecting laundry room. As tempting as it was to join his beloved fiance in the shower, they did have plans to meet with their friends in the afternoon.
Although it wasn't quite as big of a gathering this time, with just the original brawlers along with the siblings Mira and Keith. That alone was fun but it would prove to be a rather special event. Bakugan partners they fought alongside, would come from New Vestroia, and even some that hadn't seen or heard of humans before.
Shun made it to the laundry corner of the room, opening the door before him, and immediately making his way to the large grey dryer on the far side, away from him. He took out his own clothes first, sitting in a small white basket on top of the machine. He started quickly folding several times over his own silky shirt and completely dry pants. He put his clothes and undergarments up into a pile.
Next he went towards opening the circular hatch, which held their remaining load of clothes, and he took out Dan's red clothing and folded it, the sleeves turned in against the body of the shirt, before folding the ensemble together. The sound of rushing water began to fade, and the soft creaking sound began before being replaced by silence.
Shun smiled, staying right in place, and hearing that endearing voice call out. "Shun! Where are you?"
"You're done already?" Shun asked, as his lips curved into a smirk, he opened the door from the laundry room and handed his lover his folded clothes.
Dan smiled widely the curve of his lips spread from ear to ear, as he took the pile of clothes. He himself was only adorned in a soft lilac towel, hanging from his waist. "It feels like we're married already," he chimed in.
Shun shook his head, walking ahead of Dan, "Get dressed. We will be seeing them all soon,", the older of the two walked ahead, putting his own clothes away, smiling as he felt two eyes trailing his every movements.
Dan rushed in, wrapping arms around him in a tight and excited hug, his face was reminiscent of a puppy greeting his owner from a long day away.
Laughter filled the air of the now lively and scenic park. There was a crystal and glistening fountain right in the center, it was rather large with a walkway going every direction around it, and plenty of space for people to sit. The park was quiet aside from a few younger children seen in the smaller playground below, and their friends nearby.
The pair walking down the sidewalk, had managed to be a few minutes late. Dan flushed, as he noticed the accusatory glance in his direction. The brunette shrugged it off, happily holding hands with his love. Dan and Shun already saw Marucho, Mira and Alice setting things up. A large picnic table was right in the center of the grassy field, not too far off.
Julie was setting up a rather colorful sign, with Runo on the other side of it, there were two pink pegs attached that seemed to go easily into the grass. "Welcome All Bakugan!" was written plain and simple in a bold, hot pink tone. Julie seemed to be laughing, closing her eyes and tilting her head back, before showing the blue-haired girl, something on her phone. The two broke out into a fit of laughter.
Dan and Shun took a few steps forward into the park. "There you two are-and finally, we've been setting everything up without you!" Julie had greeted the pair, all smiles, despite her words. She was dressed in a soft pink sundress with her hair curled and styled prettily. "All to see my precious Gorem, of course~!" she cheered, adding a wink and grin as she finished with," And not for anyone else~ Look how cute he is today!", she gestured, pointing with his chin to the brown marbled Bakugan, which was adorned with a tiny hot pink ribbon, matching his partner.
"Well, you two are matching," Dan had agreed, with his eyebrows raised a bit, hearing the Bakugan's bashful reply, "Anything for my Julie," his tone remained dedicated, and Julie took Gorem into her hands and leaned down to press and soft kiss on the top of the Bakugan's form. She was practically glowing today and very happy. The two made a good team.
That's right. They had heard from their friends in new vestroia. And sure enough they saw Mira sitting on a large checkered blanket, next to her blond brother, chatting about something with laughter abound. It seemed Gus had stayed back in New Vestroia, for this outing, but not too surprising as their visits had become more frequent as of late. Perhaps the siblings couple gossip got to him as well?
But neither of the new attendees gave it as much thought, as soon as they looked at their numerous and tiny guests. The colorful Bakugan of all attributes were bouncing playing with each other on the ground, around the siblings. Mira and Keith looked towards each other and back at the happy Bakugan.
"Dan! And Shun!" Marucho had been the next to physically greet them, wrapping the pair into a tight hug together and dragging them back to greet their other guests. Their twin-tailed friend had been sitting on the park bench, with her arms crossed on the table and face near her white-haos Bakugan. They seemed lost in chat, before slowly she leaned her head up. Her smile was much more relaxed than expected, "Hey you two!", she greeted lightly and cheerfully, "We've got a lot of new Bakugan friends here today," she gestured holding her hand out to the side, where the siblings had been sitting.
"It's good to see you all too," Dan greeted in return, giving Marucho another hug, and Runo a friendly hand-shake. Shun returned the gesture, breathing out softly as he noticed Runo's personality and smile remained bright.
"It's been awhile since we had the group together," Shun replied fondly.
Alice returned the gesture, "It's good to see you both as well, but you two do look….a bit tired. Are you alright?,"
Dan flushed, noticing at the seemingly innocent comment, all of their friends began eyeing them in suspicion or with terrible smirks, save for Marucho of course.
"Oh really now," Julie took a break from gushing over her Bakugan to give the two lovers a look. "And what would cause that?"
"Well...you see," Dan started, and Shun took his hand blushing as madly red as his fiance was, "We had a brawl...and,"
"A brawl, really?" Mira had overheard, from her position on the blanket, and eyeing the two boys.
"It must have been quite heated, if it involved you two I'm sure," her brother returned with a devilish grin.
Their group's youngest member pouted, "What are you all talking about? Isn't it always like that…?"
"Exactly right!" Dan shouted out, waving his arms before him in defense. The whole group, including their New Vestroia guests had made their way up to the couple, with new and familiar Bakugan aligned all around them on their arms and shoulders.
"Oh...what is that?" Mira's eyes were sparkling, as she bit down on her lip, she immediately turned to Shun. He was about to give his silent thanks before realizing they were out of the frying pan and into the boiling hot lava.
Dan blinked, looking up and down his body, arms and legs. "He means…" Shun took his lover's hand and held it up in front of the group. "This Dan," Shun finished. It would be easier to be direct, something he learned from his love. The ring upon Dan's ring was sparkling, and Mira quickly stepped forward, alongside Keith, Julie, Marucho.
"We're well, engaged now," Dan smiled blissfully, although his face was on fire and he heard his guardian Bakugan laughing from his previous slumbering place in this pouch. Julie and Marucho were the first two greet them with hugs, and a near unison, "Congratulations!"
"You two are so sweet," Julie added.
Mira placed her own fingers over Dan's ring finger and looked up at Dan. She leaned back with her lips pursed in a line before closing her eyes. "I see," she spoke vaguely, "So Shun was the one to propose, I knew it," she grinned, stepping closer to the two and hugging Shun first.
Mira whispered against Shun's ear, "I knew you had it in you" as though she had known all along, before patting him on the shoulder, and giving Dan a soft hug.
Shun flushed. What was that supposed to mean?
"I'll be wishing you two a lifetime of happiness," Alice stepped forward, taking her newly engaged friend's hands in her own, she smiled sincere, as her eyes remained firm. "So be good to each other. And congratulations,"
The group turned back towards Runo who had pursed her lips and closed her eyes. Her reaction to this news...and what remained. Runo had Tigrerra right there on her shoulder, as she turned to Shun. "To be honest…" she started, leaving some of their friends grimacing, "I wasn't sure what to think of you two at first, but now it kinda makes since. We're friends forever, Dan, and Shun" she nodded towards the brunette and then back at his love, Shun, thank you for taking care of our group's most idiotic member." she huffed, leaving Dan to pout and his lover to simply laugh at the mark, "So I do wish you two the best, so congrats and all of that!" Runo turned back around, "Alright that's it, now come on we have a lot more Bakugan to meet, but leave it to Dan to try and steal their spotlight.
The tension in the air lightened and the grimaces turned to genuine smiles.
Their Bakugan were planning a get together which each other and of course in some cases their battling partners, and even guardians. With a time of rare peace such as this, it was ideal. And as Shun returned to that place on the grassy field, he saw so many Bakugan, and then he saw her, with aqua green wings and a caring tone that called his name.
"Skyress?" Shun's voice began to break, as he leaned over only to feel a familiar weight launch against him. He clenched right at his chest, as the small figure perched into the palm of his hand
Skyress leap and flew her small form right into the palm of Shun's hand, and the floods began to break. It had been some time...and he felt that warmth.
That soothing and motherly voice called out to him, "I've missed you, Shun"
"Skyress…? it's, it's been too long," Shun's light brown eyes were flooding and foggy with tears.
Dan's eyes lingered over his lover's form, and he called "Shun.."
The Bakugan had an important job keeping peace in Vestroia. He knew that of course he did. Shun collapsed onto his knees, allowing tear after tear to fall silently down his cheeks.
The dark haired male brought his hand towards his chest, as he leaned forward. Long raven-black bangs of hair fell over his eyes like a waterfall, and it created a shadow over his face, concealing him. "Skyress..."
It had just been too long. All of his Bakugan partners were irreplaceable. Shun knew that. "It's okay Shun, we're all here for you..." the voice spoke so soothingly.
It reminded him so much of his mother. That warmth, it felt so much like her. That was why... Shun's tears fell faster down his face, and he closed in on himself, holding Skyress tighter to his chest. "It's alright Shun"
He knew that. He was far from alone. All of his Bakugan partners, friends and the love of his life was here with him.
But it would resurface. Images of his mother laughing with him over a sunset sky, and their last meeting... it all came back. Their warmth felt so similar...and maybe that was parting and meeting again made things so difficult.
"I-it's alright everyone..." Shun began seeing nearly every set of worrying eyes upon him. Dan's hand clutched his shoulder. The brunette was kneeling down next to Shun, his eyes unwavering and patient. "Dan..." he called out.
"It's alright, Shun... I know," Dan soothed. Of course he knew. Dan knew him better than anyone. And out of everyone... he was the one that gave him the strength to wake up. He was there in that room all those years ago.
Dan took Shun's chin in his hand and kissed his lips, it was brief and chaste. But it replaced the quivering lips Shun had with a smile.
"Well that was new." Skyress pointed out rather intrigued but not at all surprised. Of course she would have known too. Shun blinked before quickly moving his hands away from his body, giving skyress some space.
The tears still flowed but it felt more relieving. Shun wiped under his eyes with the back of his hand. "Yeah. Sorry Skyress... I've been meaning to tell you, but I guess you've found out."
Dan grinned, "Guess I couldn't stop myself, sorry Shun," his tone was so cheeky and it was obvious he was anything but.
"Well that's nothing new" a lower and deeper voice jabbed out. Bouncing from the pocket of Dan's jacket came his fiery partner Drago, bouncing his way all the way up to his partners shoulder. "It is good to see you Skyress," he greeted.
"Likewise," Skyress piped up from the base of her partners palm.
Shun and Dan looked down and to the side at their partners respectively, then back to each other. They grinned.
"So I'm assuming you've known about this development for some time as well?" Skyress inquired of her dragonoid friend.
Drago groaned, before laughing at his battling partner's expense. "Trust me...I've known," he hopped over towards the brunette, finding rest on his palm, much like skyress had been doing. "I've heard enough about each and every 'amazing' feature of Shun, and Dan's insistence on them being, boyfriends to last a lifetime,"
Shun glanced over to his lover, a wry grin graced over his lips, as he spoke, "Oh is that so?" he turned to Dan.
Dan was flushed red from head to toe, as he glared down at his Bakugan partner, "It wasn't like that okay...and all the time, at least…" Dan filled his cheeks with air before letting out a dramatic huff. "Besides, it was a year without you...how was I not supposed to-well.."
"It's fine," Shun held out his palm out flat before him. "It's endearing," Shun told him, and Dan stuck out his tongue.
Skyress turned toward her previous Pyrus team-mate and in an enlightened voice added on, "Shun had always been a bit more subtle with me. Although we did have a talk a while back about a certain dream...one where he kissed Dan 'of all things'"
"Skyress!" Shun called out defensively.
"But Shun you were so intent on being serious all the time, it was cute to see." Shun hung his head low, he couldn't exactly stay made at his partner, but still.
"It's endearing," Dan mimicked, eyes fluttering up at his lover, who rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I get it…" Shun said.
Skyress laughed in a lighter tone of voice, as Shun found the strength in his legs to rise back up again. "Congratulations you two, I think you make a wonderful pair," Skyress congratulated in an earnest voice. Shun nodded, with a warm and lovestruck smile that seemed to melt off his face.
Dan got up first with Drago and held out a hand towards his lover. Shun took his hand and slowly ascended back up to see the brunette. He was smiling from ear to ear, and it became apparent shortly after. Dan quickly leaned in and kissed Shun right there and then, as though they were the only two people in existence.
Shun's eyes bulged as he felt his lips still parted.
"Just kinda felt like it," Dan shrugged it off, and he glanced back at their friends towards their table. He kept glancing to and fro, and eventually settled back onto his lover, while Drago made his way up to his shoulder. His stomach gurgled.
"Of course," Shun spoke as though exasperated.
Dan laughed it off, "I guess I'm more hungry than I realized,"
"Why am I not surprised?" Shun shook his head, before leaning against Dan and brushing their foreheads together. They stayed like that until…"You okay Shun?"
"Huh?" Shun's brown eyes fluttered rapidly, and he shook his head out of it, backing away enough to give Dan space. "Yeah, sorry. I guess I've just been a bit more…. sentimental lately…." he admitted the latter barely above a whisper, as though it was some secret the others could never discover.
"Alright…" Dan looked him over, and he wasn't convinced, eyeing his love's form up and down. "Well, let's go catch up and eat. We haven't eaten since breakfast ya know?" Dan mentioned cheerfully, pulling Shun along by his wrist.
"I'll catch up," Shun explained, and Dan grasped his arm tighter with a pout on his lips.
"I promise," Shun swore to his partner, sealing their lips closed, and taking the other's breath away before slowly and reluctantly pulling away.
"We'll be waiting for you," Dan called out after his friend, before turning back to see the group of friends. "Hey what's everyone standing around for?" Dan glanced around, seeing everyone was either talking among themselves or to their guardian Bakugans, and surely their food would be getting cold. "Let's dig in already!" Dan beamed, already taking his position of being first in line
The two walked in a comfortable silence a good distance away from the park bench. The patch of grass extended down to a small and sparkling bond, with various birds swimming among
"We-we're getting married next year," Shun's voice trembled, and he felt again like that same lost twelve year old boy. Those memories, talking to Skyress on the rooftop like that...they were precious. And he felt that same fragility within him right now.
"You're quite nervous about this," Skyress, answered. It wasn't a question, she already knew. It reminded him so much of his mother, and one of the reasons he had always been so close with his Ventus guardian.
"It must seem off, and I mean I'm the one that proposed," Shun took a seat by the surface of the pond, he held one bent knee against his leg and allowed the other to rest. Skyress moved from his hand to perch in a nearby spot next to him.
"It's a big step for you Shun, and you should feel proud," Skyress cheered on her partner,"Of course, these feelings are normal, but don't let them get in the way of what makes you truly happy," Skyress paused, glancing up at the boy she had known for so many years, now grown up into his own man. "You've become much stronger Shun. Being around you feels much lighter now, and I think I can guess why…"
Shun brought his own legs up to his chest, forming a ball of comfort, as he rested his eyes against his knees. "Thank you…." he breathed out, looking at the ducks and ducklings swimming along the clear lake. It all seemed to simple for them, going about the motions. "I just..I love him so much, Skyress…."
"I had a feeling this day would come, Shun." Skyress spoke out intuitively and in a moment it seemed the world around them faded into the Bakugan realm, time was stopped and Shun felt an incredibly warmth with aqua-green feathers from his guardian phoenix wrapping around him in a soothing hug. "You are loved"
Shun let the dam inside of him break, for this moment he was allowed to cry and be vulnerable like that stubborn child. Tears were pouring down his face like an endless waterfall and his worst became blurred. "I-I really missed you…" Shun sobbed.
"I've missed you too," the phoenix's wings wrapped around him tighter, "And it's not just me who loves you. It's quite easy to see he loves you immensely."
Shun nodded, allowing the warmth to embrace him further, "I guess I've just always been scared of losing someone I love...like I did with my mom," his heart sank just saying the words allowed, as his eyes were sure to be puffy, red and swollen all around.
"Shun," the guardian Bakugan called out his name, taking in every tear, every feeling of pain and struggle these past few years. "I understand your apprehension, and I know how painful things have been, but trust me Shun. Dan will be with you, right by your side. and hasn't he proven that over your years together."
"You're right…" Shun cried as he sniffled his nose and he buried his head against the form of his guardian Bakugan, allowing himself to be cared for and sheltered.
"And if Dan ever hurts you, I'll come straight from New Vestroia and deal with him personally," Skyress assured, and Shun laughed. "Thank you, Skyress…" Shun felt himself at ease as he cried the last of his tears and the scenery faded away, he was back by the edge of the pond with his marble-formed Bakugan.
"Shun! Shuuuuuuuun!" Dan's booming voice called out, as he noticed the brunette rushing in towards him, and nearly crashing into him for a landing. "There you are, I've been looking all over for you, You've been gone way way way too long! I missed you!" Dan pouted childishly, as he quickly knelt down and interlaced their hands together.
"Come on, everyone's waiting for you, Mister Hot-shot! Let's go already" Dan insisted, tugging on his arm harder and harder until the other relented with a sigh. Skyress perched back onto his shoulder blade.
"Alright, alright Dan-Hey!" Shun was surprised at his lover's strength being pulled to his feet and already half way up the grassy hill they crossed. And he smiled, squeezing his lover's hand, and allowing himself to be moved forward. "I adore you," Shun whispered breathily, catching the glance from his lover, but not necessarily being assured his words were heard.
Through it all, he felt loved, the warmth surrounded him.
Shun felt relief. He was surrounded by love, flooded with friends and...Dan was here. His most precious person. Things would be alright. He was loved.
Seemingly bemused by their partners, the Bakugan remained observing from afar. Shun's guardian Bakugan such as Jaakor were busy informing new visiting Bakugn about the updates in Shun's current life, and their own world's state of peace.
Skyress and Drago were deliberating amongst themselves. The Pyrus and Ventus Bakugan sat upon a rather high windowsill, appreciating the shimmering stars.
"It has been some time Skyress," Drago sighed out, watching the scene before them.
"Certainly," she answered calmly, looking forward to see her dear partner Shun's face relaxed and smiling as he slept. His arms were wrapped tightly around his partner. "And it seems, they've really grown in that time,"
"Well, in some cases. Your Shun's had a good influence on Dan, that's for certain, he's been a lot less reckless too," Drago explained, expanding his wings, as he watched over his brawling partner. "Our year traveling, he had reminded me he needed to get home safe,"
Skyress hummed hearing the words, "That's certainly good to hear. Shun deserves all of the happiness this world can offer. After what our partners have been through, well they both do. But I'm happy to see Shun like this."
"Like this?" Drago inquired, looking to see the two cuddled up and Shun mumbling something in his sleep.
"At peace, and happy. I believe I have Dan to thank for that, they make a good couple," Skyress commented, her voice bemused as she noticed Shun nuzzling his face into Dan's hair. The younger male grunted in response.
"You're right about that," Drago agreed whole-heartedly, hopping closer to Skyress noticing her form still, as she watched the two. "What is it Skyress?"
"Just make sure," she started in an eerily calm tone, "That Dan doesn't hurt Shun,"
"What?" Drago asked, taken back quite literally and figuratively.
"Shun doesn't open himself up to others often, and never has like this, he deeply loves Dan. And I can't stand the thought of him being hurt," Skyress explained, hearing a low rumbling chuckle from her friend beside her. "What is that for?"
"Nothing," Drago started, "You sounded a lot like a mother just then…" he explained hastily, "Dan's been crazy over Shun for longer than we have been partners. There's no doubt in my mind he loves Shun more than anyone, but I'll keep my eye on him to ease your worries. I'll be asking the same of you, and Jakkor as well. Dan may not look it, but he can get quite somber on his own. Shun matches him well, and brings him to his cheerful self," he explained quite intuitively.
"We are in agreement then." Skyress began, "I do plan to stay for a while. And it seems natural that we keep these two together, at all costs," she advised in a stern tone.
Drago laughed again, "It's hard now-a-days to keep these two apart. Jakkor and I have been having to give these two their time alone, quite often as well. But I do agree with your plan. Having you back here, it'll be like old times,"
Skyress agreed, "It'll be good to be back," and she glanced down to see Jakkor talking animately among several new Bakugan, and familiar partners of Shun. We'll be counting on your help as well. Keeping Dan and Shun happy, it was their new mission as guardian Bakugan.
Planning for the wedding during the next year seemed to fly by. There at least wasn't any pressure on finding a wedding dress, for this ceremony. Shun had gone with Mira, Baron, Ace, Alice & Klaus to pick out a few suits. The latter couple were beyond ecstatic, and likely planning on their own future plans.
Shun could still see the sparkling light in Alice, Mira and Baron's eyes upon seeing him emerging from the small dressing room door. "It's perfect!" they all said in unison. Alice had her hands clasped around her nose, as though forming a mask. Klaus ran a hair through the front bangs of his sparkling silver hair, before smiling and nodding at the soon to be groom
"Master Shun, you look amazing!" Baron had his own fingers laced, with a sparkling white grin to show for his joy. Ace let out of a huff, as he held a had to his own temple, with his eyes scrunched up, at Baron's fanboying. Although he did give Shun the thumbs up.
Mira smirked, "Dan is going to go crazy when he sees you like that,"
Shun turned away with a stain of red on his features. He was glad he talked Mira out of bringing her brother, Keith. One sibling was enough to handle, and adding in both would be unbearable. What with nearly every other word being incredibly prying or a double entendre of some sort.
Shun looked himself over in the mirror and had to admit he loved the look. He was adorned with a dark teal wedding suit. It was almost shimmering, especially under the wedding stores lights, a smooth teal blazer matched perfectly with elegant dress pants and a tie of the same tone. Under the blazer was a soft pale sky blue top that balanced out the darker colors brilliantly. Shun's silky raven-black hair flowed elegantly behind him, and he was certain he had found a match.
"You're going to be the most amazing groom out there Master Shun!", Baron complimented his friend with starry eyes. His aqua-haired partner groaned at the reaction, whispering something to Baron, that made him pout in concern, oblivious.
Shun shook his head at the interaction, "Thank you, but…" and he turned back to the mirror as though verifying, "Dan will be there too," his fiance, soon to be groom, soon to be husband. His husband. And at 21 years of age Shun will be married to his best friend.
"What do you think Dan will be wearing?" Shun blinked, one of his friends catching him and bringing him out of his daydream; it was probably Mira.
And he was already missing his energetic fiance at just the mention of his name. "It doesn't really matter too much to me," Shun mentioned nonchalantly, fiddling with the dark teal tie around his neck. He was glad he was turning away from his friends now as he rambled on, "As far as I'm concerned he could come in Pajamas…" he started dreamily, And he'd be perfect. "So long as he shows up on time," Shun opted for, although it was obvious from the smirks and smiles around him, he was in pure bliss at the thought of seeing Dan in such a setting.
Several weeks later Dan been doing his own wedding apparel shopping with both of his parents, Marucho, Ren, Spectra and Gus. He had planned on keeping it a smaller family outing, but one thing led to another and suddenly he had a room full of friends and family. He wouldn't be surprised if Mira came along too, those siblings tended to find their ways together, and to using their evil powers combined, to embarrass the new couple.
He'd honestly wanted just Shun to be there, but his fiancee had been stubborn on keeping at least some surprises before their wedding ceremony, and they were doing everything else together. Plus they'd probably just end up making out in the dressing room, and getting next to nothing done...which didn't seem too bad. Still, Shun insisted.
He wasn't going to push his luck inviting Runo or Julie, although they were special guests of course at the wedding, and had reportedly been growing a bit closer, after Julie's last breakup. Or so it seemed through the grapevine.
There would be plenty of time to see everyone at the wedding. Arriving out of the dressing room, proved to be less than theatric than he had been hoping for. It wasn't like during a tournament, there wasn't the heavy applauses or oohing and awwing. Just small compliments from Marucho and Ren.
Dan wasn't exactly feeling like being the head of a fashion show, and hearing his mother's words of "No, don't slouch so much honey. You wanna look your best for Shun when he sees you,"
Dan titled his head back and sighed. "Mom! Seriously? My friends are here too!"
Keith had a mischievous look on his face, holding a finger up to his lips. "Your mother is right. You should be keeping good posture, or you'll look rather fatigued. You haven't been overexerting yourself, have you?" he finished with a private wink and smirk.
Dan mouthed the words through gritted teeth ., and if looks could kill Spectra would be long gone. There was no way in hell he was going to react more to that statement, and so he quickly took another suit hanging on the hook and fled behind closed doors.
He pulled on the second to last of their 'preferred options' from items to try on. This one just fit like a glove. He grinned sliding on a shimmering red vest over the white button up top, with several silver buttons and pockets adorned on the bottom of the top.
The brunette slid off his black jeans and put on the matching dark red dress pants. Next was the blazer, it fit nice, loose enough so his arms weren't cramped but very smooth. Best of all there was no itchy tie or bow tie required for this ensemble.
With a victorious grin, he unlocked and pressed open the dressing room door with both hands. He consciously straightened himself up, and turned to meet his friends.
His mother and father both looked liked they were about to cry, and Dan couldn't help but feel his own eyes glistening from seeing them. His friends were giving their own nods and comments of approval, and Dan at last announced, "Finally, got this one down!"
Finally he could get back to spending time planning with his fiance as well. Still he couldn't help but turn around and pose, now that the spotlight and proper attention was in fact on him.
Dan and Shun swore they had been on the phone nearly all day, as they finally crashed back at Shun's room, with magazines and a notebook filled with contact names.
"I'm this close," Dan held out his index finger and thumb, pinched with a few centimeters between them. "To just eloping with you,"
Shun chuckled, laying on his stomach upon his mattress, lowering his eyes as they began scrolling through the list of names and numbers on his notebook. "It would put all our effort to waste though." Thankfully, Dan's parents and even Shun's grandparents had done a wonderful job at narrowing down their contacts needed in a nice easy list.
"Guess you're right." And Marucho had been a tremendous help to the couple, insisting on paying for a great deal of musicians, florists, and caterers to start with...ones who operated at prices Marucho didn't dare admit the actual cost to. Plus he had many connections and insistence on hiring wedding planners to make things easier. They were to decorate either one of his many ballrooms or gardens for their setting.
Still they wanted to do some things on their own, and calling and scheduling with many of those connections proved tiring on it's own. There were just so many questions. Everything was so customized and specific, and to think Marucho and his family were used to hosting events like this all of the time.
Dan sat with his legs crossed, and leaned over Shun. He glanced down at the list, seeing Shun take a pen in one hand and scratch out the numbers and contacts they had already called.
The next on their list was- cake testing.
"Finally, something not complicated." Dan cheered, sliding his body down so he was laying on his side and facing his love. He kissed Shun's lips.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Shun warned his lover, wrapping an arm around his love's center, and pulling him close. "But with this we'll be done with our main appointments and meetings," he noted, already reaching for his phone and beginning to dial the number.
"You wanna take this one?" Shun asked.
Dan shrugged, taking the phone as his answer, and beginning a phone call that thankfully, started and ended simply.
The two fell asleep beside each other after the last call.
Arriving in the small bakery/cafe, the two found themselves pleasantly surprised. It wasn't overly lavish and fancy like the other places they had visited. It had a very "at-home' and family feel to it. There were different colors on every booth and table, and there were many little rainbows hearts and nick-nacks all around.
It was a very cute and simple place that boasted on its LGBT support and openness to any couple who had an appreciation for unique and original cake designs.
A young curvy female with curly l blonde hair approached the couple, she was wearing a pink dress suit, and had the most beaming smile. " I'm glad to meet you both. Dan, Shun." she reached out and eagerly shook their hands "I'm Sabrina 's nice to meet you two. My wife and I have been watching all of your tournament brawls...pretty much since they started we're fans," And she smiled, glancing down at their joined hands, "Especially now, you two are absolutely adorable!"
Shun and Dan flushed at the comment, laughing nervously. "Thanks," Dan said, scratching at the back of his neck. He supposed he should get used to this attention. And it was better from this adoring lesbian fan-girl than a crazed jealous or upset fan of any preference.
The cafe owner, covered her mouth, stifling her giggles. "Sorry, sorry. It's just when you get to be in your 30's like me, young couples like you just seem too adorable", she spoke so dreamily, looking up as though recalling memories.
The couple across from her blinked, turning to each other and back to her. Their mouths were slightly ajar. She honestly didn't look a day older than 18! 30's?! Well their bakery owner may have not won any tournaments but she seemed to have found the fountain of youth.
She cleared her throat, smiling fondly, "Our bakery has been preparing a variety of samples for you. We got a call from your friend...Marucho?'s butler and he gave some great details about your own tastes, but just in case" the bubbly owner, pulled out a colorful menu from the table behind them, "We have a great variety for you to choose from, hearing from the Marukura family again got us so excited, me and our whole team were really baking up a storm this week! I'll get you started with a few samples!" she explained, before standing up to turn and head in through a small doorway in the back of the bakery.
Dan and Shun glanced at each other and back at the menu. There had to be hundreds of different flavors listed, some with small sample photos next to them. Dan had a preference for chocolate flavors, but he couldn't help but get excited reading the many unique varieties. He circled several of the titles with his finger on the menu. Shun sighed, "We're going to be here a while then."
Their cheerful friend returned with a large silver plate full of decorative and perfectly shaped square cake pieces, all with cursive writing describing their flavors. The shop owner certainly seemed a bit airy when talking, but she and her team certainly knew what they were doing. It was all so professional, and definitely deserving of being praised by Marucho's family.
Dan's eyes lit up at the various samples, and he reached for a "Double chocolate Chip" cake sample. "That's so good!" Dan told the owner. Well, maybe it wouldn't be too hard to decide, Shun had thought. Dan brought the remaining cake up to Shun's lips, pressing it through and teasing against Shun's tongue. The darker haired male flushed furiously, quickly taking the cake piece from his partner, and turned away.
The shop owner was grinning from ear to ear at the display before her.
It's not like they hadn't done that before, but in front of other people was a whole other story. Still, his eyes lit up, it had to be one of the best pieces of chocolate cake he had ever tried!
"You're right!" Shun exclaimed, and he was ready to simply finalize things, but his lover had already gone to reaching for several other flavors. Among the flavors were caramel, chocolate and vanilla, triple chocolate, espresso. There were even some rather appetizing sponge cakes with different colored icings and fruit toppings.
Dan took the liberty of taking each small, toothpick filled sample, and bringing it to his own lips and his lovers. Dan tried one of the vanilla sponge-cakes and immediately beamed, "This one is amazing too!"
Another chocolate-vanilla swirl was met with equal enthusiasm from the brunette as his eyes were shimmering, "Amazing!"
Shun hung his head, they would be here all day, without any doubt. So he gave in and reached for the various samples, finding himself pleasantly surprised, and filled with fond thoughts that the starry eyed male beside him would be his husband.
End
Wedding chapter next? Who knows!