Tender Thoughts: Heh he, you see I made this chappie a little longer! Thank you so much for the positive feedbacks I received last chap! For totally awesome people—louiseramz, Lily Fenton Phantom, , Yumi to kuroi hane, UnattractiveGoddess, InnerFlame98, CapsTra, riaanaa and Butterfly7258.
Canichan001- thank u much for the wonderful review :D :D :D
Deathgod10- yes, thanks! You made me grin.
Guest- iiie, you're not logged in, still thank u! thank u!
I don't own the characters! Have a joyful reading! There could be mistakes, sorry about that! Review please :)
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~ Chapter 12: Just Married ~
"You know you're in love
when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
―Dr. Seuss
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Now they must know that once upon a time—as these stories should always begin—Takumi proposed to his lady love Misaki one rainy afternoon of May. He treasured it as a late birthday gift, as his hand running profusely through his short blonde hair, because he was luckily accepted.
The sun was shining unusually bright that day and the wind was humming romantically. It was one of those days when he just knew that it will gonna be a great day. They both stopped at the pavement of a particular house of burnt sienna, exchanging meaningful looks at each other—one was sort of nervous and the other was of amusement— before opening the mahogany front door.
Minako was the first to greet them, with a couple of good scolding for letting the breakfast to wait and a ready empty chairs for them to fill in. Scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted on their senses. Five empty plates were there. Sakuya came after, with his hair sticking out in all directions, scratching the inside of his shirt as he walked groggily into the table. Still half-asleep, he blinked his dark eyes one after another when he heard a faint scrapping of the chair against the wooden floor and an unknown voice of a man. Takumi had risen from his seat and had bowed politely upon his brief introduction to his future father-in-law.
The eldest Ayuzawa's jaw dropped open, his eyebrows shot upwards and his hand seemed had frozen under his own shirt.
'Are you…' he trailed off, wondering with hesitation '…are you the boy...my daughter accidentally fell for?'
Interestingly, Misaki's face bloomed in humorously seven shades of scarlet (D-dad…?!) while Takumi was grinning sheepishly, learning a little of Misaki's blush threshold, by himself. Honestly, no answer was needed. Sakuya hadn't been recovered from his astonishment when his dear wife, Minako, exclaimed so girlishly loud and began pulling her eldest daughter for a hug. Suzuna, still in pajamas, joined the commotion below by giving congratulatory claps as she dragged her still sleepy self below the stairs.
The sun smiled down above them and the Earth screeched into a halt.
Sakuya, this funny man, dropped dead on the floor.
Because atop the blanketed table were their two engagement rings around their intertwined hands, shooting back magnificent, golden rays into their expecting eyes.
:::
The two lovebirds spent the day strolling down the nearby riverbanks, walking hand and hand. Countless bikers came passed them. Some children were sitting close to the river, throwing pebbles with their small hands, creating large ripples on the once still waters. And some were busy, speaking softly in the wind.
But they had used to it, to the stares and dubious whispers.
Takumi was grinning satisfactorily when he pointed out a large camphor tree at a distance. They could smell the fragrance of the abundant bluebells and marigolds surrounding the tree, swaying by the cold breeze. Misaki even spotted a snail over the sprouting dainty leaf of a tiger lily.
She produced a book out of her blue bag as soon as she had plopped down, under the shadows of the great camphor. Her fiancé, who wore denim jacket atop his white shirt and brown pants, laid down to the grass next to her.
'Where are the popcorns?' he asked as he conveniently crossed his arms behind his head.
'All burnt!' she glibly replied without even a pause, earning a curious look from the blonde boy. Ignoring expertly his eyes, she flipped the page to chapter three.
'All?'
'Yeah. So I just left it at the kitchen and just brought my books along.'
'Figured as much' he said, chuckling 'You'll be an amazing wife someday.'
'Is that sarcasm I hear?'
'No, dear. It is a rare compliment coming from your husband-to-be.'
Once again, he saw her blew her cheeks, sulking like a grade-schooler. She was really cute when she does that. The wind was blowing with a song, pushing the puffy clouds overhead and the lush green grasses beneath, compelling him to say…
'I love you. A lot.'
She was surprised for him telling it so sudden. She dipped her face closer to her book, trying to hide, with a stuttering voice she said 'Y-yeah, I know that.'
He smiled inwardly 'And you?'
'Are you s-stupid?' she retorted, almost jumping, still being overly shy about this matter 'W-why don't you just hug the ground and sleep?!'
'Ah, sleeping is nice, I have kissed you countless times in my dreams.'
'YAAH! You pervert!'
He laughed heartily as he shielded his arms away from Misaki's beating, furiously trying to punch him 'Is that how you treat the guy who made you fall, all at once?'
'WAAH! JUST S-STOP! STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE! Now, you made me ban you in my room! You are not allowed anymore!'
She screamed at him while he laughed some more. Maybe it was really a bad idea giving him a tour to their house. He must have read her diary!
'I won't let you read in peace unless you'll tell what I wanted to hear.'
He was grinning mischievously, already scooting next to her. It may be because of the nice glow of the setting sun that his face looked so dazzling.
She bit her lip and grabbed a handful of little grasses on the ground. His eyes glittered as she spoke 'I love you…stupid Takumi.'
She was smiling, flashing her perfect white teeth. He was lost at the moment, taking in her beauty and the message she had just told him, it sent the butterflies in his stomach doing somersaults inside. Maybe she simply delights in driving him crazy.
He pulled himself to her, his hands guiding him to her creamy neck and pressed a light kiss to the corner of her lips.
Her eyes were wide…and her cheeks were pink. So cute. But that was all he could do for now, no further hugging or he might lost his common sense. So he simply plopped again on the ground, wearing a very big smile on his face as he closed his eyes. The world was just so wonderful.
A vivid picture grew in his mind.
A picture of her, beautiful, in a white wedding gown. And it was not until three years later when the dream finally became a part of his reality.
:::
It was June, and the sun was starting to set.
It was the climax of three years and one month excitement that had begun sometime in April, when the famous Walker gave the unassuming Ayuzawa a ring of sapphire.
The church atop the hill, where the wedding took place, stands with its own simplicity and glory. Outside, they could feel the cool breeze and the scent of nature.
It was particularly small and old, they said it had been standing since the 14th century, yet its interior was awe-inspiring. And although the red bricked church was small, it was perfect for them. Long ago, the couple had both agreed that this occasion would be private and only immediate families and friends were to be invited. Not more than 60 guests filled the church.
Atop the altar was the stunning groom dressed in pure white, except for his red tie. His supporters –his Dad and his older brother Gerald—were standing almost next to him, replying words of assurance when he randomly starts to ask if she was going to show up or not or when he was wondering a little loud why it was taking her so long.
It was fun to see him get anxious like this sometimes.
The groom looked at the tall stained glass windows, noting how beautiful they were and how the sun was about to disappear behind the horizon. The chandeliers were lit. It was his idea to do this at this time of the day so when the ceremony ended, he could take away his bride, conveniently, away from them and to make her his own alone.
The large church door opened, letting streams of natural orange light in.
The bridal procession began when the soft melody of the wedding march came in the air, breaking his thoughts for a moment. Everyone stood up.
The whole church was full of anticipation, craning their necks to have a glimpse of the bride.
After the bridesmaids and the groomsmen—parading in purple gowns and black tuxedos—was the two year old and a half Nana, Sakura and Kuuga's first child. They had explained it to them why she was named that way—because she was born in the seventh day of the seventh month. With pink hair like her mother, she was very cute in her violet puffy gown, carrying a basket and practically throwing a handful of peach rose petals as she went.
Then there was the ring-bearer Ryuu, who held the rings adorably over the white cushion in his hands. He walked so solemnly, trying his best not to stumble and ruin his dear uncle's wedding. Gerald was grinning, a feeling of wholesome pride marking its way to his lips for his four year old son.
The soft sound of clicking heels resounded. The music shifted to the piano and violin version of the song I Could Not Ask for More as she entered. It certainly struck emotion throughout the church.
What met their eyes was a very, very lovely bride.
Everyone oohed and aahed as the beautiful bride took baby steps through the aisle of carpeted white marble with her proud father. She wore an ivory sleeveless taffeta gown, its neckline curving romantically and was hugging her figure perfectly.
She was the prettiest, with her long hair tied in a bun and loose curly tendrils around her face. In her hands were a bouquet of daises and baby's-breaths, on her head was a diamond tiara and a veil to futilely cover her face. She was blushing slightly, her eyes were glowing like twinkling stars.
And he remembered all the reasons why he found this woman amazing and endearing.
She was the one who throws punches like a total gangster, who belts out boundless audacious laughs without any care of the world, who rides her bike like a free soaring eagle across the zigzags of the street, who prefers reading fancy old books than sprinting into the glamour of the modern age, who loves being in a movie house, who works to death, who shares and who made him feel all the good thing there was in earth. She made him learn how to love unconditionally.
His heart pounded with expectation and excitement as he stretched his hand to her.
And she reached out as she stepped forward.
Together, they faced the wonderful altar and the kind old priest. Her eyes were bright that mirrored his own and throughout the ceremony, both were wearing their smiles, not growing tired at all.
'…all the promises and the hopes. The memory of this day will bring courage to you in the future. Always respect the truth, never pretend. Carry each other, not as a burden but because of love. Be each other's strength, being far away or not.
Let Christ's peace rule your hearts,
Because love is patient and kind.
…always be forgiving.
May you grow old with each other,
And may you see your children's children.
Hold each other's hand and discover the wonders of love that will grow higher than any tree as you take this day and onwards…'
Takumi squeezed a little his bride's smaller hand. Her eyes peered up, bursting with love and joy. The priest continued until to the moment before they say 'Yes, I do.' He regarded the humble crucifix, which hung between the windows of intricate designs, with soft eyes. To His nailed open palms. His heart was singing songs of delight and of gratefulness. For the gift of today. For it was her. And for everything.
They were announced as husband and wife. Then it was his turn to kiss the bride.
He lifted up her veil, her golden eyes almost teary. And he was also trying his dumbest not to cry, no, not in front of this crowd, not now. He still has to seal the deal with a kiss.
And so with the gentlest way he could do, he cradled her head and proceeded to kiss her, tasting her sweetness and her tears. Her lips were like moving jellies, he just wanted to bite them here and there.
But the loud cheers of the crowd cut the magic. The newlyweds pull each other for an embrace, bursting into laughs and a series of contagious smiles. After all, they weren't just mere spectators. They were loving families and friends with sincere affection and best wishes as they step into their new journey.
Yu Walker looked into his son.
His back was no longer small and he knew that those broad shoulders were strong enough to carry all the weight of his decisions and consequences ahead. He stepped closer and rested a warm hand on his back.
Then, it hit him so suddenly.
He was really no longer a child. If only she was here, she would probably also shed some tears. He had all grown up, had found a wonderful bride and was in love.
His son smiled to him, very sincerely, like the ones he used to give him when he rarely gave praise about his Lego toy. His father definitely knew he was on the right path.
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Now, you've seen where I root for the story's title. And the kiss, hah ha, finally.
I really like this one, I hope you feel the same, too :)
