A Bundle Of Terror: Wedding!
A/N: Well, here's the second-to-last chapter. Again, thank you all for making this story an incredible experience. And special thanks to my beta Brokenshardsofmyheart99!
He stared at his reflection in the extravagant mirror before him. Tears were gathering at the corners of his eyes, but he refused to let them run down. After all the hard work his female friends had done on him, he was reluctant to go through it all again, not to mention he liked their work too. Though he looked more like a bride than ever before, he overlooked that and focused on the joyful occasion. Everyone had dressed in their finest, all for his unification with Juubei.
The dress felt soft against skin as he moved toward the door, ready to begin his day as his lover's husband. He opened the door and stuck his head out first, wanting to see a familiar face somewhere. Breathing an air of relief, he made his way to the single person he saw outside his door. "Shido," he acknowledged, seeing the other man turn to face him. The Beast Tamer looked so different yet handsome in his tuxedo. He could see a faint tinge of red on his face, though, an outcome of many pleasantries the man received.
"Hey Kazuki. So are you ready?" Shido asked, looking at him with an even bigger blush on his face. Kazuki supposed that any one would do that. It wasn't everyday that he wore a wedding dress, after all.
He nodded. "Yes, but I am slightly restless," he began, "Do you think Juubei feels the same?" Shido shook his head with a smile on his face.
"Looks like all brides are the same, even the male ones," he teased Kazuki.
"When your wedding to Miss Madoka comes, I'll love to see how you handle it, Beast Master," he chided, but failing to maintain a stern voice due to his giggling. The words he spoke seemed to have made the other man just about faint. "So, I assume everyone is inside already… Shall we go?" Receiving a nod, both made their way to the alter.
"Today we have gathered in this place of natural beauty to be joyful, in celebration of the relationship of Juubei Kakkei and Kazuki Fuuchoin. By their commitment to marry each other, they are saying yes to love, yes to caring, yes to the family. May the spirit of God–which is in the blue sky, in the wind, and in the fresh smells of the Earth–enter your bodies, fill your hearts, and bless your lives," spoke the man in front of them. Kazuki and Juubei both faced each other, feeling the moment swell with ecstasy. "Have you come here in the midst of these natural surroundings to affirm your commitment to each other?"
Without hesitation, they both answered, "We have."
Nodding, the man continued. "Please share your vows with each other."
"I promise to live with you, to encourage and celebrate your growth and fulfillment through all the changes of our lives, and to be your faithful husband. May respect for ourselves, for each other and for the earth continue to be the cornerstone of our lives together," Juubei said to Kazuki, eyes full of love and determination.
Kazuki could feel how powerful the words that Juubei spoke were. His heart felt complete for the first time in years. "I promise to live with you, to encourage and celebrate your growth and fulfillment through all the changes of our lives, and to be your faithful husband. May respect for ourselves, for each other and for the earth continue to be the cornerstone of our lives together."
The man unifying them smiled. "What do you give to each other as a symbol of this pledge?"
Juubei took a box and picked up the ring within it. He turned to Kazuki and said, "I give you this ring, and I welcome you into my life as the companion of my days."
In return, Kazuki mirrored Juubei's moves. "I give you this ring, and I welcome you into my life as the companion of my days," he said.
"These two people have been drawn together by their love for each other. May they practice self-discipline and patience throughout their marriage, for these are essential to lasting love. May they continue to trust each other, for trust is the foundation on which all love is built." The man stepped away from the couple in front of him. "Since Juubei Kakkei and Kazuki Fuuchoin have pledged their love and commitment to each other before these witnesses," he pointed out at the guests, "I declare that they are husband and husband." He clapped his hand before speaking again. "Congratulations! You may kiss." Both lovers caressed each other's faces before kissing. Their kiss was filled with passion and undying love, so much so that it seemed to have drowned out the clapping and cheering from their friends.
After the ceremony there had been dancing, eating, and an eternal moment of peace. It almost felt as if their marriage had somehow calmed the rest of the world. As if for one day, there was nothing wrong anywhere and everyone was filled with as much bliss as they both were. Surrounded by friends, they felt like they could wait for their first night together, as a married couple.
Later that evening, they took their time in getting to bed. They passed some of their time just gazing at the world from their window. It was a romantic sight to see the night lights flicker and change color before them in their new home. Embracing one another felt so euphoric that it might've been a mere illusion. Yet, illusion or not, there was no greater feeling than being with the one you've sworn your life to. They paused their gazing and kissed.
Lips brushed against lips, tongue over tongue, eyes closed to everyone but each other. Hands clutched clothes that later ended up on the floor. Bodies moved together, causing waves of bliss to crash within them, bringing them both down to their knees. When it was over, their breathless kisses felt intoxicating. They clung to one another, drifting off to sleep until their first morning came.
A/N: One more chapter left. Thanks for reading!