After forever...THE WEDDING DAY HAS ARRIVED! I know it's been awhile, but it took forever to think of everything for this. This is probably the longest chapter, because I didn't want people to be stuck with "clifhangers" and be left for more slow updates from me! Anyway, let's get this show on the road... Chapter 10 of Light of My Shadow! Let's do this thing!
Normal POV
After Valentine's Day, the months went by quickly. They were filled with wedding preparations, such as choosing a wedding cake, decorations, flowers to fill the aisle, where the reception would be, choosing select dinners, hiring a band (Silver specifically requested the band both he and Shadow liked), and everything else in between. How Shadow thought they could afford it...he never figured until he learned about all of the money Silver's parents saved. Turns out Angel was a nurse at a nearby hospital, and Dominic was a succesful business owner of a well-known city restaurant, which was best known for it's deli submarines. When something major occured, they had all of that money to help them afford it, whether good thing or bad thing.
Silver and Shadow decided to have their wedding under the big blossom tree just outside of Tropical Jungle, not Wave Ocean, and have their reception at the Écouter de Plage de D'Coolette, which was owned by none other than Sonic's friends, Antoine and Bunny. Sonic highly suggessted that they give them a call.
"Of course y'all can have yer weddin' 'ception here," Bunny exclaimed over the phone as soon as April rolled around, "Ah'm sho Antoine an' I can have this place shinin' like a diamond crystal jus' fer you!"
"Oui, oui!" Antoine agreed over her, "Zis resort is the number un in Mobius. Bunny and I will be happy to make zis wedding reception spécial!"
"Thank you both, so much!" Silver smiled, "I trust you'll do your best to make it perfect!"
Along with reservations and family, Shadow had some duties to deal with with his Best Man, Sonic. And, Silver had decided to have his "sister" Blaze be his Maid of Honor...even if Shadow argued he wasn't exactly a "bride"...But, Silver replied, "I know...I just want her to be a big part in this wedding."
He later went dress shopping with her and Amy for the bridesmaids...for almost the whole entire day. It began to worry Shadow that he was perhaps becoming more of a girl than before...especially if he was gone shopping with the girls for hours on end. However, he couldn't complain because he was getting enough attention when they had passionate makeout sessions at Club Rouge and in Shadow's apartment. What upset him the most was when their bachelor party at Cub Rouge (they only had one for the both of them to save more money) ended. There was a lot of karaoke and alcohol...Sonic wanted to hire a stripper, but the couple refused immediately! He ired one anyway...
Afterwards, Silver's parents ordered Silver to come back to his house for preparations for the next morning. As much as Shadow didn't want to leave him, he had his own things to settle with...like Sonic...
Once the the portal opened for the family, Silver gave his soon-to-be husband a hug and a kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow. Good luck getting through the night without me..." He giggled.
Shadow smiled and kissed him on the cheek, "Don't worry...I'll be fine, my love. I can't wait to see you tomorrow in a white tux...you'll look so cute!" He nuzzled his nose lightly as he whispered, "I love you, Silver."
Silver kissed him again, "I love you too, Shads..."
He then stepped through the portal, waving good-bye as he blew a kiss. Shadow grinned as he blew one back to him. In another instant, he was gone from sight...until tomorrow.
Silver woke up to the alarm sounding off on his alarm clock. He groaned as he rolled over to check the time.
7:15...too early for a hedgehog like him. He slowly roused from his bed, stetching his arms over his head and yawning widely. He glanced toward his door and smiled brightly. His new, white tuxedo hung neatly on the hanger.
Today was it...he and Shadow were going to get married!
He sighed and walked over to his window. He pulled up the shades, and it felt like his day couldn't get any better than this; the sun shone as the birds sang, and not a cloud in the sky was going to stop the wedding now...
A knock was heard on his door.
"Come in."
Angel appeared in the doorway, still wearing her nightgown. She laughed as she gave him a loving hug, "Good morning, sweetheart! My lovely, little boy! I can't believe it's the big day today!"
He hugged her back, "I can't either, Mom...I'm excited, too!"
She let him go, and looked into his eyes, "Are you nervous, sweetie?"
He shrugged, "Yeah...but, I know it'll be fine. Mom, shouldn't you be getting ready? We have to be at the place by 9."
She held up her hands, "I know, I know. We all have to get ready..."
Silver froze, "Wait, 'we all' ?"
Dominic then came in, buttoning up his white shirt, his black tie slung over his shoulders.
"Oh good, you're awake. I thought I would have to bang on the door to get you up..." He walked over and hugged Silver as well, "Congratulations, son! I'm so proud of you!"
The other hedgehog laughed, "Thanks, Dad..."
Angel took his tuxedo off of the hanger, "Come on, honey. It's time for you to dress up and look nice for your wedding."
Dominic began to leave the room, "Speaking of which, I better tell the girls you're up."
Silver followed him until he reached the bathroom, "Wait, you mean the bridesmaids?"
"Mm-hmm...they want pictures with you before we go."
Silver opened the door, "Can't they do it once the wedding's over? The photographer's going to be there anyway..."
Getting no response, he walked into the bathroom, only to find girls doing their makeup and re-designing their hair. Every pair of eyes was on him as he gaped.
"What the hell's all this?"
The girls then screamed and tackled him to the ground with hugs and kisses.
"Oh my God, Silver!"
"Where've you been?"
"I can't believe it's today!"
"Don't we look pretty, Silver?"
"Wait, why aren't you dressed yet?"
"Are you wearing a dress or a tuxedo today?"
Silver finally escaped from the pile, and began to gather up all of the makeup kits and throwing them out of the door, "What are you girls doing? I need to get in the shower right now! Then, I need to get myself ready with my tuxedo! I don't want people to be looking at me while I'm in here!"
"Except Shadow..." Amy giggled.
"GET OUT, ALL OF YOU!"
The girls squealed and scurried out of the bathroom, leaving Silver to sigh with relief and hop into the shower.
Shadow walked down through the hallway to find Sonic eating a slice of toast, and Knuckles, Tails, Espio (Silver requested to have his best friend be part of the wedding), even the whole Chaotix team, the Freedom Fighters, and just about everyone else Sonic knew.
Sonic saw him enter the kitchen with his quills all messy, "Dude, it's about time you woke up!"
The ebony hedgehog yawned, "Sorry...I accidentally slept in a litle..."
"A little? It's 8:15! You better wash up and put on your tux, or we'll be late!"
"Shit..." With a black blur, Shadow rushed to the bathroom and got into the shower. After 5 minutes, he ran back to his bedroom and grabbed his tuxedo, examining himself in front of his full-view mirror. Sonic came in with his tuxedo already on, tying his black tie.
He held up a rose, and said, "Shadow, I have to put this on you. Hold still for a second so I don't stab you with the needle..."
He looked down at the flower. "Faker...it's beautiful. Where'd you get it?"
"Eh, I bought it from a flower store that said they would sell it at a low price. They were having some kind of special on specific flowers...or something..."
"Hmm...thanks for buying it...it means a lot-ouch!" Shadow flinched as the needle stabbed him a little.
Sonic immediately pulled the needle out of the flower, "Oh, sorry! Are you bleeding?"
Shadow looked under his coat, "No...I'll be okay..."
"Let me try again...there, you're all set."
The ebony hedgehog looked at himself in the mirror again, Sonic beside him looking as well. He placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm proud of you, man. You've come a long way to get where you are now. I just want you to know that I'll always be around if you need anything."
Shadow scoffed, "Save the speech for the reception, Faker. But, I appreciate the comment. Now, let's go...everyone's waiting for us."
Silver straightened his quills a little more as he slipped his white coat on. Angel and Dominic came into the bedroom, Angel holding a small box. Silver turned around to greet them, "Hi Mom, hi Dad. What's going on?"
The parents looked at each other, until Dominic spoke up, "Silver, there's something that your mother and I want to give you before you walk down the aisle. It's an...early wedding present."
Angel opened the box, to reveal an off-white blossom hairpiece, the outer tips of the four petals fading into a black color. The center was filled with pure-cut diamonds, glistening in the sunlight.
Silver covered his gaping mouth, "Oh my God...! It's...goregous!"
Angel took the piece out of the box, and placed it behind his left ear, leaving it visible in front of his quills, "Your father gave this to me on our wedding day. We were in the back of the limo, and he pulled this out of his pocket. We want you to keep it, until your children get married..."
Dominic nodded, "I told her it would keep our bond strong, like our wedding rings. It will keep us together...as a family. I hope it will help you and Shadow stay together...forever."
Silver held back tears as he hugged them both, "Thank you both! I'll never forget this gift. This is one of the most important days of my life...and I have you to thank for making it the best day ever! Thank you!"
Angel wiped her eyes, "Of course, darling! We want this day to be memorable...for you, Shadow, and your friends and family. We're just so proud of you, Silver! We can't believe you're all grown up now, and living your own life with the hedgehog you care about..."
Dominic patted his head as he nodded, "We love you, son...we always will. We want you to feel happy today once you marry Shadow."
After some more hugging and mushy words were said, they traveled down the stairs and exited the house. The bridesmaids were all giddy and showing off their pink rose-colored, kneelength strapless cocktail dresses with big matching bows tied around the waist, and twirling their thinly layered skirts around. Once they saw Silver exit the house, they held their hands together, or held each other to prevent crying and ruining their makeup.
"Awwwwwwwww..."
Blaze walked up to him, and placed her hands on his shoulders, "You look so handsome, Silver. I told the girls we'll get pictures with you in the limo...if it's okay with you."
Silver shrugged, "Eh, why not? We've got a little bit of time before we get to where we need to be..."
The girls then grabbed their digital cameras, and swarmed around the limo. Silver sighed mentally, but he smiled as he walked with his parents. Camera flashes surrounded them until they went into the car. As soon as they sat down, girls began to argue about where they were sitting, whether next to Silver, or near a best friend, or next to his mom...it took a few minutes to solve the problem. Eventually, everyone was seated, and began taking photos of themselves with each other and with the..."bride". Silver knew it was going to be a long ride...
Shadow took a deep breath as the car got closer to the border of Tropical Jungle. Just a few more miles until the made it to the blossom tree. Sonic was sitting next to him, eyeing him now and then just in case he began to get all nerve-racked...which he was. He was wringing his hands, maybe a little too roughly, and his foot was tapping on the floor of the limo continuously which made the cobalt hedgehog get quite annoyed. They finally arrived, and Sonic opened the door of the car.
He looked back at Shadow, who didn't move at all. "Shadow?"
No response. He waved a hand in front of his face, "Hello?"
"What, Faker?"
"You okay, man?"
"I guess so...why?"
"Well, you're almost as white as a ghost, you're so pale."
"I am? Uh...I guess I am a little nervous, that's all."
Sonic grinned and scooched back next to the groom, "Hey, it's going to be fine! Sooner or later, you'll be walking down the aisle with Silver, and then you'll be on your honeymoon! You're a very lucky guy to be livin' life like this! Silv'll be really nice-looking today, and he's all yours for the taking!"
Shadow grinned and nodded, "Yeah...I guess you're right..."
"Ha, I know I'm right! Trust me, this'll be the best day ever! Now, let's go! Silver's supposed to be here in a few minutes!"
Shadow then followed Sonic out of the limo, and they began walking towards where the ceremony was being held. It really caught Shadow by surprise: Pink roses filled the aisle with white ribbons, a red carpet leading underneath the giant tree. Oak benches lined up in numerous rows on each side of the carpet, people already filled from earlier that day, from his and Sonic's friends, to Silver's family and his distant friends from the future. A small band was near the front row, consisting of 2 violin, a cello, and a viola player. Almost every seat was going to be full...that's a lot of people, especially if they are all friends and family!
Everyone's heads turned to meet the two hedgehogs, Shadow almost cringing.
A few minutes later, Sonic got a call from Amy.
"Sonic, tell everyone we're almost there. We'll arrive in about 5 minutes."
Sonic thanked her, and announced the news. Everyone sat down, and took their places as Shadow stood on the small stage next to the priest. Before long, the sound of a car engine approached their ears. Angel hopped out of the car, her purse in hand as she went down the aisle to the front row of benches. "He's here!"
The crowds got a little rowdy, but calmed down once the bridesmaids came out of the limo. Each one linked arms with their beau, of course Amy wanted to be with Sonic (he just couldn't win over her words...it just...can't be done).
The cue for the strings was sent, and they began to play. The bridesmaids walked down the aisle with the men, smiling as the photographer focused on them. Sonic attempted a smile, which was quite successful until they reached the end. He winked at Shadow as he shook his hand, Shadow nodding in response.
Finally...the moment arrived...
Silver drew in a deep breath, wrapping his arm around his father's. He looked at him, and smiled.
"Ready?"
His father returned a glance, "I am...are you?"
"Whenever you are...Thanks for everything, Dad."
"Just wanted this wedding to be perfect for you."
"I couldn't ask for more from great parents like you and Mom."
Dominic patted his hand, "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get this ceremony rolling!"
Silver laughed as they approached the carpet. Then, the strings began to play his song. Father and son began to take their first steps together as the crowds started to rise to their feet...
...
...
Shadow's breath was taken away at the sight of his "bride"...
He tried to prevent himself from gawking, but it was really difficult.
God, Silver looked beautiful; He had a white tuxedo on, and a light pink tie to go with it...damn, he looked cute in pink! He held a small bouquet of red, white, and pink roses, and he wore a white and black flower hairpiece with diamonds on it. Walking beside him was Dominic, who looked like he was on the verge of crying but still stood tall.
As they got closer to the stage, Shadow snapped out of his trance with a tug on the sleeve from Sonic. He grinned as Silver looked up at him, and he smiled back. He turned back to Dominic, who embraced him and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. He then took both his son's hand and Shadow's, and brought them together. He placed a hand on Shadow's shoulder, smiled again, and took his seat. Shadow turned back to Silver, and led him up to the stage to be across from him on the other side of the priest. Silver handed his bouquet to Blaze, and he took Shadow's other hand and held it tightly. The music ended as the wind swayed the branches of the blossom tree, allowing it to release its fragile petals.
"Dearly beloved..." The priest exclaimed, "...we are gathered here today, to to witness the celebration...of the joining of Silver and Shadow in holy matrimony."
Angel grabbed her handkerchief, and wiped her tears away. Dominic held her hand to comfort her.
The priest held up a hand, "Silver has some vows to say at this time. Silver, if you will..."
"Thank you, Father..." Silver looked into Shadow's ruby eyes as he spoke, "Shadow...you're the greatest person I've ever met. I wish to spend the rest of my life with you, no matter what happens between us. Our love can never be broken, for our bond is beyond anyone's power. With all my heart...Shadow, I will always love you...no matter what happens."
A few "Awwww"s were heard and some applause.
The priest nodded, "Thank you, Silver. Now, Shadow, do you have any words?"
"As a matter of fact, I do..."
Shadow pulled out a small card. He chuckled, "I told myself to memorize this..."
The crowd laughed.
"Seriously, though...My darling Silver, you're like my rainbow on a rainy day, you're my melody to my guitar...heck, you're my voice, because I can't sing at all..."
More laughter.
"All in all, I can never leave your side for one moment. I'll do all in my power to protect you from any danger, and I will love you until I'm nothing but...nothingness. I guess what I'm trying to say is...you're my light in my shadow that never goes out, and I'll always love you for that."
More people applauded.
"Thank you, Shadow. Do we have the rings?"
"Yes." Sonic stepped up with Blaze as they gave the rings to the couple.
"Thank you. Now, if Silver will please have his ring and repeat after me; With this ring, I thee wed..."
"With this ring, I thee wed..." Silver began to slip the ring on Shadow's finger as he continued, "Whether near or far...this ring shall bind us...together forever we shall be...no matter what ails us...our bond is unbreakable."
Then, it was Shadow's turn. He put the ring on the same finger as his engagement ring as he repeated the priest's words, "With this ring...I thee wed...whether near or far...this ring shall bind us...together forever we shall be...no matter what ails us...our bond is unbreakable."
Amy almost started bawling her eyes out, wiping her eyes as she looked on. Blaze did as well, because her "brother," more or less her best friend, was now getting married! Let's face it, almost everybody was crying at this point.
After a few words from the Bible and from himself, including some light jokes, the priest announced, "Now, we will exchange our matrimonial vows..."
He looked at Shadow with his Bible opened, "Do you, Shadow...take Silver in holy matrimony...to be your lawfully wedded husband...wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor him and heal him...both in sickness and in health...until death do you part...and cherish him so long as you both shall live?"
Shadow nodded, "I do."
The priest then turned to the other, "Do you, Silver...take Shadow in holy matrimony...to be your lawfully wedded husband...wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor him and heal him...both in sickness and in health...until death do you part...and cherish him so long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
He grinned as he held up a hand, "If anyone has an objection as to why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Silence, except for the blowing wind in the tree branches.
This is it...! Both Silver and Shadow thought together.
The priest then exclaimed loudly, "In the name of the Holy Father of Heaven and Earth...in the name of the father and of the son...amen."
"Amen."
Silver held Shadow's hands more tightly than ever as he looked into his red eyes again. Shadow complied with another smile.
"I now pronounce you husband and...well, husband!"
With that, Shadow got in close. Silver was blushing as his chin was being lifted, and he gave another bright smile. Shadow stared into his golden eyes, which were full of excitement and care. Above them, he noticed that more blossom petals from the tree fell onto the setting...it was so perfect!
He then felt gentle lips touch his as the strings began to play again...
Oh...my GOD it's finished! It took about three days to get this whole thing right! Now before people start complaining that the wedding vows aren't correct, let me make this clear...I tried, okay? I know they're a little n the short side, but I didn't want this chapter to go on forever. As said before...I tried, so I don't want people to be nagging about it! It's supposed to be a happy ceremony!
Now, it's time for special thanks: Bridesmaid dress style from Dessy, some vows from Disney's "101 Dalmatians" (I had to watch it about 5-6 times to get something right), and the Sonic '06 game for helping me be inspired by the blossom tree scene in "Sonic's Story", even if it's a terrible game!
Anyway, expect another chapter up soon, I feel like I'm on a roll!