Their own wedding, Guts and Casca's, that is, passed way faster than the royal one. It was simple and straight to the point, more than a mercenary wedding (well if they were still just both mercenaries they probably wouldn't officially get married) but less than the second in command of an army's. Casca wore a nice dress, or at least Guts thought she looked nice in it, and he wore nice clothes, well, they were new clothes that had yet to be anything but nice.
This being like the third or so wedding he'd ever attended, everything went pretty smoothly. He said some vows about honoring and standing by Casca, and she said the same about him. It all seemed very final, very permanent, which gave Guts a bunch of mixed feelings. He'd never had anything permanent, nothing to rely on but his own strength, now he had her. And she had him. He didn't really think it was an equal exchange, but it all seem to make her happy.
And happy wife, happy life, right?
The reception was more fun than Griffith's in that Guts actually knew most of the people there. Most of the old Band of the Hawk showed up, including the raiders. It was good to see them all together again, many had left to pursue other interests, like Gaston and his tailor shop, or the couple others who returned to their farms with wealth and glory. They were all moving apart, slowly but surely; the two weddings seeming to mark the turning point. The Band of the Hawk was dead, the Holy White Phoenix Knights taking their place.
Guts almost felt sad, this place that had been his home, the only true home he'd ever had, was dissolving before his eyes. But he was good at rolling with the punches, and while part of him missed the war, the simplicity of killing so you don't die, a united purpose, it wasn't a sustainable lifestyle. It was also all he knew.
Casca too, while a farmer's daughter at one point, she grew up to be a battle commander. This was as unfamiliar territory to her as it was to him. But hey, with his stubbornness and her… stubbornness there was no way they could fail. Or rather, no way they would accept failure.
"Guts, come on, it's time for our first dance." Cacsa said, pulling on his arm.
"First dance? But we've danced before-"
"It's tradition." She said.
Guts was a little reluctant to dance in front of so many people, thankful for once for his and Casca's dance lessons. A fast paced song started. Perfect, Guts thought; he always liked the faster ones, for some reason he found them easier, Casca thought it was bizarre. So off with a skip and a hop they started their first dance as husband and wife.
Casca was laughing, and Guts found himself smiling as well.
Once they were done, apparently everyone was shocked by their performance.
"When did Guts learn how to dance?" One of the former raiders asked.
Almost bashfully (as bashful as someone like Guts could get) he answered, "Casca's been teaching me."
"So that's why you two were always were always disappearing." Rickert concluded.
Judeau called out, "Was that all you were doing?" Earning a few whistles from the crowd.
Casca who would normally lash out started laughing again. She waved him closer so she could whisper in his ear.
"They'd never believe us that that was all we were doing." She said through giggles.
Her laughter was infectious and what she said true. The fact they had started being intimate less than two weeks ago was a fact even Guts had a hard time believing. Either because they were so good together or because neither of them ever saw that kind of relationship in the future.
"So you two really are leaving?" Ricket asked, "I've just heard rumors… but with Casca being the second in command I thought..."
"We will be leaving, I don't know for how long." Casca looked to Guts who shrugged.
"It's not really planned out, I figured Casca needed a break from all that." He settled an arm around her.
"Well I want to go meet that blacksmith you talked about." Casca interjected.
"Godo? Why?"
"He and his daughter sounded like interesting people." Casca shrugged.
"I guess we're going to the mountains first then."
"The mountains," Rickert repeated, "I've always wanted to go there."
"Why would you want to go to some backwater mountains when you have money and live in the capitol?" Corkus asked. Guts was surprised he even showed up, as when Corkus first heard Guts and Casca were getting married he just muttered something about misery loving company. But here he was. As much as Corkus hated Guts, Guts could never reciprocate. Corkus was just such a simple man, and the simple path when encountered with Guts was to hate him. It's just the way things were and Guts wasn't particularly hurt by it.
"Seems like a strange place to honeymoon unless you like doin' it in the dirt." Cokus added crassly.
"At least there will be privacy." Judeau said, joining the conversation, "There's not a lot of that around here, even the princess' chambers I am told."
"I hate to break this to you, but I don't really want to know about Griffith's sex life." Guts said.
"Well, neither do I now, but the rumors going around right after you left were that someone had been seen inside the princess Charlotte's bed chambers."
"Why bring that up now?" Casca asked.
"Well I just found out it was completely true." Judeu nodded his head in the direction of one of the guests, a maid who had come in the company of one of the hawks. "She's friends with the one who saw it all."
"You believe her?" Casca asked. The said maid was obviously getting quite sloshed.
"She's too drunk to be lying." Judeau shrugged, "I don't know, I just- I guess we know how Griffith married the Princess now."
"I guess we do." Guts said. "Honestly I hadn't even thought about how he convinced the king to let him marry his daughter."
They all stared at the castle for moment.
"I guess we take that secret to the grave." Casca said. And in truth they probably would, the Band of the Hawk was loyal like that.
"Well, Lady Casca, could I steal a dance from you?" Judeau asked, "Or do you not want to be stolen away from your husband so soon?"
"He'll be my only company soon enough." Casca laughed. "I think I can bear to be parted for a few minutes." She looked up at Guts and jokingly asked, "Is that okay, honey?"
He blinked before replying, "Oh sure thing, sweety."
Rickert pretended to gag, and Corkus groaned.
Judeau held out his arm and Casca accepted. They walked over to the crowd of dancers.
"Come on Rickert," Corkus said, "I'm gonna show you how to out drink any man alive."
"Uhh, but I was-"
Corkus threw an arm around the boy, forcing him along. Rickert threw an apologetic look at Guts, but Guts just waved him away.
Guts was alone for a couple moments, which admittedly was nice. He watched Casca dance with Judeau, the two laughing about something. He felt a little guilty about taking her away from all these people who relied on her, but at the same time he could tell it was a heavy burden on her. She wore it well, but everyone could use a break, right?
"Hey, Captain!" Gaston called, walking over. "She left you already?" He asked motioning with his head at Casca and Judeau.
Guts shook his head, and accepted the cup that Gaston offered him, "I'm not your captain anymore."
"And I'm not a mercenary anymore."
"I still have your shirt, if you want it back." Guts said.
"I almost forgot about that, I don't think I've ever seen you that drunk before." Gaston laughed, "Who even won that contest?"
"We lost count, remember? That's when you guys started ribbing me about Casca." He scratched his nose.
"You wanna settle now then? I think the crew's all here."
"Are you kidding? Casca nearly killed me last time."
Gaston blanched, "Wait, so you actually did it?"
"Uh, yeah." Guts answered, "She was not as impressed as you guys thought she would be."
"Well that's what you get for listening to Simon, I swear for all his advice I don't think he's ever been with a woman."
They both shared a chuckle at the expense of their friend. Sobering a bit, Gaston place a hand on Guts' shoulder.
"Y'know, I'm really happy for you two." He placed a hand in front of his mouth as if confiding something, "You know, we all took bets during the war about you two."
"Did you now?" This was the first Guts had heard about this.
"Yeah, whether you two would kill each other, or screw each other."
"Well, I wouldn't cash in anything yet; she still has time kill me."
Gaston let out another bark of laughter.
Casca had begun to approach them again, Judeau somewhere else it seemed.
"Commander." Gaston greeted. "Just wishing you both well."
"Thank you, how is your shop doing?" Casca asked.
"Not so bad, all things considered." Gaston answered.
Their small talk continued, until a song picked up that got Guts' foot tapping. Casca noticed and grabbed his hand back toward the dance floor. Gaston more than understood, just laughing at his former captain.
"Man, those guys can really play." Guts said, gesturing to the band with a nod. "They were in the Band of the Hawk?"
"Yeah," Casca smiled, "I guess at some point we both saved their lives and they offered to play at the reception."
"Really?" Guts tried to recall. "I don't-"
"To be honest I can't remember them either." Casca confessed.
"Huh, guess we saved too many people to keep count."
"Maybe."
They continued the dance until the music slowed and so they changed to a slower dance. Casca was smiling and Guts found himself enchanted.
They danced and then they rested, and then they socialized, and ate, danced again until it was late in the night, and just a few around a fire. Pippin, Judeau, Rickert, and even Corkus (granted he was just passed out on a bench.) Griffith had not shown up. Not that he had RSVPed or anything, but it was only the wedding of his ex-best-friend and second in command. Not a big deal or anything, it wasn't like he had gone to Griffith's wedding. Noo, Guts wasn't upset.
"It does feel strange that he isn't here." Judeau commented. What, was he a mind reader?
"Oh, don't look at him like that." Casca said, "You have a very distinct 'thinking too hard about something you shouldn't be' face."
Judeau shrugged as if to say she was right. "To be fair, we were all thinking it."
"It's was weird when you left too, Guts." Rickert said, then yawned, "It'll be weird when Casca's gone too."
"Yes, well, we'll see each other again." Casca assured.
"Promise?"
"Of course."
Casca leaned her head on Guts' shoulder and closed her eyes. Rickert also seemed rather drowsy. Pippin picked up Rickert and Corkus, and bid Casca and Guts a good night.
Judeau winked saying, "Well, it is getting late, and I better help Pippin. Hope you two have a good night."
Guts couldn't help but grin, and waved his friends a good night. Casca did the same.
When they were out of sight, Casca sighed and stretched.
"It's finally over." She said with relief.
"I thought all brides never wished their wedding days to end?" He stood up and offered a hand all the same.
"You haven't met many brides have you?" She asked, accepting his hand.
"Including you? Like three." In one motion, Guts drew her up into his arms, carrying her bridal style.
She crossed her arms. "Really?"
"You are a bride." Guts said, "It's fitting."
"Are you planning to carry me all the way to my room?"
"I mean, that's what I'm supposed to do, right?"
The stern face Casca was trying to keep cracked into a smile, "Well, get on with it then."
They fell into a comfortable silence as they made their way to Casca's room. Was it also considered Guts' room now? If so, not for long; they would be leaving soon. It had been hard leaving the first time, now seeing how much he really missed them it might be even harder. They were all moving on, putting the past into the past. It would do no good to dwell there for long. Leaving was like cutting off an infected limb, painful, but ultimately needed.
Casca would be with him making the whole event better. With her and everyone's blessing it finally felt right, like this was what was supposed to happen.
Finally at the door, Guts opened it, setting Casca on her feet before closing it behind them. She sat down on her bed and and tried at the laces on her shoes. She seemed tired as her fingers were clumsy.
Guts kicked off his own boots and undid a few of the buttons on his shirt. Watching her struggle for a moment he kneeled in front of her, taking over the loosening of her shoes. It took a little effort to get the leather off, but Guts succeeded, setting one shoe off to the side before working on the other. Casca wiggled her toes on the freed foot, sighing contentedly. When both shoes were off, Guts stood up and sat next to Casca on the bed.
She hadn't removed the flowers from her hair yet, but the necklace and other jewelry had been removed. She leaned closer to him and finished unbuttoning his shirt, which he shrugged off.
"You looked quite dashing cleaned up." Casca flirted.
"Oh do I, Lady Casca?" He chuckled.
She eyed him and started undressing herself. She stood up and let the outer dress fall to the ground. Now in just a slip, Guts let himself take her in. He had a hot wife. She blushed under his attention, and he almost teased her about being a blushing bride, but she said, "You can take off your pants. If you want."
"I'm fine." He was under the impression she was too tired for any fooling around tonight. Though perhaps he misread her? "Unless you want me to-" He started, before she cut him off.
"No. You're fine, I just-" She looked at her dress on the ground. "Whatever make you most comfortable. You just get ready for bed." She gathered up her clothes, saying, "I need to put these away."
He nodded and she went to the other room in her apartment. He followed her advice and lifted the covers, laying under them. Her bed was comfortable, much more comfortable than the straw stuffed cot he had been sleeping on for the past couple weeks. And the blankets too, not scratchy at all. It was almost too comfortable and warm. Guts decided he wanted to take off his tank top too, so he did.
He felt a little better, but when Casca joined him he'd definitely would still be too warm. He thrashed around a bit before deciding his pants had to go as well. Plus they were his dress pants, too stiff to sleep in, and Casca had told him to get comfortable. So he shimmied out of the pants and dropped them where the rest of his stuff was.
His sword leaned against the wall near hers. It was out of reach from the bed, which felt strange. Guts lay on his back string at the ceiling. It was still uncomfortable, but that was probably just because he wasn't used to it.
Finally Casca reentered the room, extinguishing the lamps until the only one was the one on the nightstand. Guts slid over so he was closer to wall. It was still a bed meant for one person, but he didn't mind the close corners. She got under the covers before blowing out the candle, rolling so she was facing him. It was then that she noticed he was naked.
"Why're- You said.-" she sputtered.
"It was too warm with them on." Guts explained.
She bit her lip before tugging her slip off.
This surprised Guts, but he wasn't complaining. He was still confused though, "What're you doing?"
"I thought you wanted to- It is our wedding night."
"If you want to, I'm game, but I thought you were tired. Honestly I'm kind of tired too."
"So you didn't...?"
"We have a long day tomorrow and an early morning." He shrugged.
"You couldn't have just taken off a blanket?"
He hadn't thought of that. And he didn't want to impose.
"So you care then?" Casca asked.
"Care about what?"
"That we aren't consummating our marriage tonight?"
"Are you?"
"No, it's just I've heard that men…"
We've already consummated it, right?" Guts asked, "Multiple times, if I remember correctly."
"Yes, but-"
"Look, if it bothers you so much we can do it tomorrow after go on the road."
"That's not what I was going to say."
"Oh."
"But sure, we can do that." She winked, "I was going to say, we're married now."
"Yeah."
"We. Are. Married."
"Yeah." He wasn't getting it.
"When we met, who would've thought thing would've happened. I certainly wouldn't have."
"Me neither." Guts admitted.
"Are you happy?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Mhhm."
With that they tried to settle in to go to sleep, but something wasn't right. Guts had gotten rather squished against the wall and Casca wasn't fully on the bed as they tried to give each other room. Finally meeting each other's eyes in the dark, they both burst out laughing.
"Come here, you."
They moved so Casca was lying on him, a little more snug than he was used to, but it also almost made him want to perform his marital duties. If he wasn't so tired. After a little more adjusting, they both started drifting off.
"Night, night." Casca murmured.
Guts grunted a "G'night." and let sleep take hold.
And so, the young couple fell asleep until morning.