I don't own these characters; Sunrise does. Well, I do own Ryo and his sons, Dante, Shizue since I thought up those characters.
21: Forever
Tension quickly vanished after Takeda was out of sight and the wedding was able to go on without much trouble. Mikoto did a wonderful job performing the ceremony, making everyone proud of her, especially Mai. Natsuki and Shizuru had written their own vows and spoke them to each other as if they were the only two people on the planet.
"Shizuru, my dearest love, I have never felt this way about another person and I know this feeling will last for all eternity. I will always love you, even when our bodies are gone. My love for you will never die. I will always do my best to show you the depths of my affection for you and I will do anything, anything, for you. I will make sure you never want for anything, especially love. I am yours for now and always," Natsuki promised, her emerald eyes shining brightly with the emotions that some never thought possible. She looked ready to burst into tears.
A tear did slid down Shizuru's face and she had to take a few breaths before she could speak her vows. "Natsuki, my sweet Natsuki, I pledge my never-ending and undying love only to you. You are my heart, my soul, my entire being, my whole world, and without you, I am nothing. You make me whole. You make me exist. I am your servant, your slave, and whatever you want or need me to be. I will always care for you and take care of you. Thank you for making me the happiest woman on the planet. I will do my best to make you feel this way for the rest of your life…"
It was Natsuki's turn to cry. She was touched just as much by the adoring look in crimson eyes as she was by the wonderful words. Shizuru smiled and gently reached out, wiping away her love's tears. The audience basically waited for hearts to pop out of their eyes with the way they stared at each other. Mikoto then pronounced the couple married. The crowd, led by Natsuki's brothers, cheered loudly when the newlyweds exchanged their first kiss as a married couple. Mai breathed a sigh of relief that the couple did not get carried away, remembering there were a lot of people watching.
As they pulled away, they turned to look out into the audience. Hundreds of greets look back at them, applauding. Some friends, some associates, and some just people who had to be invited or it would have been seen as a social snub they could not afford for Garderobe. Still, it was all just amazing to know so many people were happy for them.
The reception went just as smoothly as the wedding, but there were some underlying questions. Natsuki wanted answers and she wanted them now since everything seemed to be back to normal. She needed to talk to her parents immediately.
The principal tried to get to her parents, wanting to know what they knew about Takeda's sudden appearance and how he had an invitation. She did not get the chance at first because she tried to go at them as soon as the reception began. She forgot there were formalities for her to go through with her new bride before she was free to mingle with anyone.
Natsuki and Shizuru were sat in the middle of a table in the dining hall of Windbloom palace. On their sides were their families, showing Natsuki's brothers all made the trip without their wives, except for Shuichi. Shizuru's family was much smaller by comparison since it was just her parents and her little sister.
"Now starts the really embarrassing part," Natsuki muttered to herself.
"Sit back and let them toast us. No one is going to say anything too horrible," Shizuru assured her while taking Natsuki's hand in hers. She smiled when the pale hand squeezed hers.
"How do you know? Did you review your father's speech?" Natsuki inquired in a hiss. He was probably going to roast her!
"My precious wife," Shizuru paused, loving the sound of that word on her lips directed at Natsuki. She made a mental note to use the term more often. "My father knows when to be serious. He's not going to turn this day into a joke, I promise. Trust me."
Natsuki nodded and smiled brightly. "Always."
Natsuki was able to relax, just because Shizuru held her hand. Shizuru added in a gentle massage to Natsuki's knuckles, using her thumb, which really soothed the principal. Natsuki smiled when she saw that Dante, Shizuru's father, was not going to be the first to toast the marriage. Mai got the honor.
"I'm going to keep this short and sweet since I know almost everyone has a few words to say. All I want to say is: it's about freaking time!" Mai grinned as a round of "hear, hear" followed her words. Apparently, everyone agreed with her. "I've known these two for a long time and I don't think I've ever seen a couple quite so made for each other, so in love with each other. Sometimes, it's hard not to think one of them was put together, designed, built just for the other. They are like magic together and we should all be so lucky to find someone who complements, completes, and exists with us so well." She raised her glass and everyone followed.
After Mai gave her speech, everyone agree Anh should speak while she was sober. The fair-haired princess took the remarks with her usual grace. She smiled to everyone as she stood.
"Ara, ara, what to say about this lovely couple? It's wonderful to see that Shizuru gave Natsuki not just the strength to propose, but the strength to remain standing during the ceremony. Natsuki, your being in Shizuru's life has done wonders for her and I'm sure you will continue to do so. I believe the same is true for Shizuru with you. I know decades of happiness and love still await you. I just want to be around to witness them." Anh raised her glass and everyone followed again before drinking that toast. She gave the couple a wink before she returned to her seat.
Natsuki's older brother went next. Things seemed to be running smoothly until Shizuru's little sister, Daphne, got up to say something.
"Shizuru-onee-sama, enjoy being married to Natsuki-kun for the next three years because once I'm legal I'm stealing her!" Daphne promised with a smile that had to be genetic because Shizuru was a master at it, as was Dante.
"Dearest little sister, I promise you that I will be the only Viola that Natsuki is ever married to," Shizuru said with an amused smile.
"These Viola women are just all over you, huh, baby bro?" Koji remarked with a wolfish grin.
"And they're nothing but trouble," Natsuki replied with an amused smile.
"You know you love us all, Natsuki-chan," Shizue, Shizuru's mother, remarked.
Natsuki groaned, but a gentle squeeze to her hand eased her nerves. She gulped when Dante stood to speak, not sure what he might say. She glanced at Shizuru, who offered her a light, encouraging smile.
"I was planning to stand up here and say a million things that I knew would make Natsuki blush. I knew we would all get a delight out of it, but I decided against that." He paused as a short, disappointed groan echoed throughout the party. "I want Natsuki to know from the bottom of my heart that I don't think my daughter could have done any better than marrying her, even if the proposal took ten years. If that's any indication of how long they're going to be together, I'm happy it took so long. Natsuki, I know my whole family likes to get on your case and tease you, but you know we're like that with each other. We see you as one of us and have for a long time now. I know you'll bring my daughter happiness and I pray she does the same for you."
Despite it all, Natsuki did blush as a round of agreements went around. Soft lips touched a flushed cheek and Natsuki turned to look at Shizuru, who smiled as she pulled away. Natsuki smiled, too.
"I'm pretty sure Shizuru will make me as happy as she always does," Natsuki stated with a tender look in her eyes.
There was a round of applause. Natsuki was a bit saddened as the speeches continued because her parents did not have anything to say. At one point, the mic even came to Ryo and he passed it along.
The newlywed decided not to worry about her parents for the time being. She just wanted to enjoy the moment. After more speeches than Natsuki had ever heard at any international meeting, she and Shizuru cut their cake. They shared the first slice and gave the second, third, and fourth slice to Mikoto, who looked more than contented now that she had food.
"Ara, ara, my little Shizuru is all married now. I suppose it's a sign that we all have to get married," Anh commented, speaking to the small group of people near her that included Chie, Haruka, Mai, Yukino, and Aoi.
Chie almost choked on her champagne and wished she had when she noticed the twinkle in Aoi's eyes. Haruka laughed nervously while Yukino smiled. Mai looked at her master and could not help laughing loudly.
"Anh-onee-sama, who are you kidding? You know you wouldn't last a minute married," Mai remarked.
Anh smiled coyly. "Wouldn't we have said the same of Shizuru not too long ago?"
"Not really. Shizuru's a flirt while we all know you're a little something more that. Besides, Shizuru and Natsuki have been together for such a long time, it's hard not to think of them as married already," Mai argued.
"I just can't wait for them to have children. I'm going to spoil them rotten!" Anh declared with a joyous grin. No one doubted she spoke the truth.
"It would be like having children that you can send home later. I'm in!" Mai concurred with a grin. She was very much looking forward to that.
Natsuki watched the group from across the room and shook her head, knowing their laughs and smiles were because of her and Shizuru. A soft hand on her cheek turned her attention back to where it was supposed to be — on her wife. She and Shizuru were dancing together, having the first dance of the afternoon.
"Natsuki has made almost all of my dreams come true today," Shizuru said, wanting to keep her love's attention, so she figured speaking the truth would be the best way.
"Almost? How many more do we have to go and how many of them are rated PG?" Natsuki inquired with a curious look on her face.
Shizuru's head went back as she laughed lightly for a moment. "My dreams are hardly perverted, dearest. Don't confuse my dreams with my desires."
"All right, all right. So, your dreams are PG rated. What are they and what can I do to fulfill them?" Natsuki asked in earnest. She would move mountains right now if it meant bringing her wife even a small amount of happiness.
Shizuru was silent for a long moment. She adjusted her body, drawing closer to her beloved. She snuggled her face into Natsuki's soft, inky mane. Natsuki knew an answer would come, but she had to wait a little while.
"My dreams always include Natsuki. First, I dreamed of Natsuki loving me, which came true. Then I dreamed of Natsuki marrying me, which has come true. I now dream of our family together. I dream of carrying Natsuki's baby," the words were whispered gentle, like a kind secret that almost took Natsuki's knees out from under her.
"Shizuru…" Natsuki whimpered as she held onto her wife for dear life.
"Are those Natsuki's dreams, too?" Shizuru asked, her voice pleading with her love.
Natsuki could not trust her voice right now. She only nodded, which brought a smile to her lover's face. Shizuru held Natsuki tighter and let thoughts of them starting a family run through her mind.
"They are too adorable," Shizue commented as she and her husband watched the newlyweds dance. They were close to Natsuki's parents, who stared at the same sight.
"They are. I'm very glad Shizuru was able to find Natsuki. Heavens forbid she actually have fun in her teenage years like I did," Dante remarked.
Shizue rolled her eyes. "As if I would allow you to have fun."
Dante scoffed and then smiled in a charming manner. "You forget, dear lady, I called the shots, just like Shizuru does with Natsuki."
"You, like Shizuru, fail to understand that we allow that. So, I wouldn't brag too much about it," Shizue commented in a calm manner.
Dante wisely let the matter drop. He turned his attention to the Krugers and figured it was time to try conversing with them again. He was coming to understand they were not taking the occasion as joyful as everyone else and he did not understand why.
"They're a charming couple, aren't they?" Dante asked the King and Queen.
It took the Krugers a moment to realize they were being addressed. They both blinked hard before turning to the nobles standing near them. The Viola pair smiled, hoping to set the Krugers at ease.
"Excuse me?" Ryo said.
"Our daughters. They make a charming couple, right?" Dante repeated.
"Uh…" Ryo was not sure how to respond to the question. He could not understand how their daughters even worked as a couple. It did not make any sense.
"Natsuki has said this thing is not very common in Saxas. It is great that you all could put that aside and come support her," Shizue said, hoping that drew the duo out of their shells.
"She's our daughter," Saeko stated, as if she was insulted by the implication that they would not show up.
"I realize that, which is why it's good that you came. There are still places where Natsuki and Shizuru would have disowned for their love. She was scared to tell you about her relationship, but it's good she got over it," Shizue said.
"Scared?" the Krugers echoed as if they were totally surprised by that. They had the nerve to look baffled as to why Natsuki would be afraid to tell them anything, especially about her relationship.
"When she was much younger. She used to spend some vacations with us and bewitch our daughters," Dante remarked with a smile. He thought whenever Natsuki spent time at their home, Shizuru fell even deeper in love with her and poor Daphne had such a crush on Natsuki that still existed, even though Daphne understood where Natsuki's heart was and would always be.
Ryo and Saeko were about to object to the idea that their daughter bewitched anyone, but they decided against it because they did not want it to come across that they were against the newlyweds. It amazed them how many people came out to celebrate the wedding of two women, many of whom they knew were heads of state in many countries or representative of heads of state. Most of the guests even seemed to be all right with the union, as if it was completely normal. They were sort of thrown by the whole atmosphere.
"You've raised a fine daughter. She's a strong leader and wonderful partner for Shizuru. We should thank you for that," Shizue said, still trying to prompt the other couple. She and her husband noticed they seemed to be in shock, which they could not understand. It seemed like they would not get an understanding because the royal couple was not conversing.
"Was she really scared to tell us?" Saeko asked as she realized what was said about Natsuki's mindset. Natsuki had been scared to tell them she was in love?
"For a while, but we promised her that you would be accepting of her and that who she loved would not change your feelings for her. How right we were," Dante boasted with a charming grin.
Ryo and Saeko looked away, shame spilling over them like a knocked over glass on an expensive white carpet. They knew Natsuki's fear had foundation considering the way they acted already and it crushed them to know their own child was afraid to tell them something. They felt even worse knowing that her fear was correct. Who knew what they might have done if a teenage Natsuki told them that she was in love with Shizuru. They hated thinking they had taken things the best that they would have at the moment because they knew they had not handled things well.
"So… how long did you two know about our girls?" Ryo asked. He had to clear his throat to make sure his voice did not shake as he spoke. The nobles were polite and ignored the noise and nervousness.
"Long enough for me to consider buying a shotgun to get your daughter to propose sometime this century," Dante joked.
"Your daughter could have just as easily proposed," Saeko mildly snapped, coming to her daughter's defense. Well, she thought Shizuru could have proposed just as well as Natsuki, but she was not sure how things worked with same-sex couples. She hated to think that Natsuki was… "the man" of the relationship. If that was the case, things were really going to take some getting used to and she doubted she would totally accept the couple of that was how things were.
"Touché," Shizure said while elbowing her husband in the side, making sure to do it none-too-gently. He glanced down at her and stepped away a few inches away from her before she bruised his ribs.
"Ah, yes, Shizuru could have proposed, but why should she when I didn't?" Dante remarked with a laugh.
"You didn't propose to your own wife?" Ryo inquired in shock and confusion. He had never heard of such a thing.
"No, she pretty much threatened to shoot me if I didn't marry her. I'm glad Natsuki didn't go that route. Knowing Shizuru, she would have asked to see the gun first," Dante commented and a glare from Shizue kept him from taking that remark further than any of them needed to hear.
There was a beat of silence between them as they focused on their daughters again. All four of them smiled. Dante's was the biggest smile and surprisingly enough Shizue's was the smallest. Saeko suddenly asked a question.
"Are you two waiting for grandchildren?" the Queen of Saxas inquired.
"We suspect the wait shouldn't be long. Shizuru, though she loves her job, isn't going to be able to resist the idea that she could have Natsuki's baby for too long," Shizue answered.
"I'm shocked she resisted this long. I was expecting her to tell us she had a surprise for us one day and then show up knocked up, saying something like 'ara, ara, I thought I would show you my surprise in person.' You know how she is with Natsuki, after all," Dante said.
"You don't mind this scientific approach to things?" Saeko asked, keeping her tone neutral, but her eyes showed how much she was bothered by the thought.
"Considering how many children are born through the aid of science, no. Why, does it bother you?" Shizue countered, even though she could tell it did bother the Queen, very much so.
"It does seem a bit unnatural to me…" Saeko admitted.
Shizue tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "You'd be surprised how many people are born through scientific intervention. I'm sure you'll feel differently once Natsuki and Shizuru have a little daughter that looks like the both of them. Although I would watch the Viola genes, as they seem to be damned strong." She glanced at her husband and then at both of her daughters.
Saeko did not say anything and turned her attention back to the newlyweds. Natsuki and Shizuru were wrapped up in each other, still dancing, as if they were the only two people in the universe. It would seem they totally forgot about the moment of weirdness at the start of the wedding. It was good for them to forget that since this was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives. It appeared to be just that too.
"You know I love you, right?" Natsuki asked Shizuru, just to be sure.
"It never hurts to hear it one more time, lovely wife," Shizuru replied with a small, sweet smile.
"You like calling me that more than you do 'prince,' don't you?" Natsuki inquired, smiling a little herself. She loved hearing it if her expression meant anything.
"I do indeed, my wife. The best thing I like to call you is mine. You are mine, aren't you, dearest Natsuki?" The question was whispered into a pale ear and a kiss was then placed to that ear.
Natsuki answered in a breath. "You know I am."
"And I will never have to worry about someone else making that claim?" Shizuru continued to question. One of her hands leisurely and lightly wandered Natsuki's slim, powerful form.
"They wouldn't be telling the truth if they did. You don't have to worry about anybody, Shizuru. No man, no woman, and especially not Takeda. I am yours, now, always, and forever, just as I promised in my vows."
Shizuru almost swooned from those sweet words. She thought back to the vows Natsuki made barely an hour ago and how delightful each and every promise sounded, how much her body sang knowing Natsuki would do everything in her power to keep each of those promises.
"You are the most wonderful person ever, ouji-sama," Shizuru said before planting a deep kiss on her wife's mouth.
It was now Natsuki's turn to almost fall over. She barely heard the cheering when Shizuru pulled away. Shizuru laughed a bit when she saw the dazed look on her love's face and she heard the applause from their family and friends. The best thing for Shizuru was that Natsuki's brothers were leading the cheers, letting her know they approved wholeheartedly of the marriage.
"I hope I'm not embarrassing you, Nat-kun," Shizuru remarked.
"You're not. Nothing you do could really embarrass me right now. I'm just so happy to be here with you, to be married to you. I'm happy everyone witnessed our commitment to each other. I'm happy everyone gets to see just how in love we are," Natsuki answered with a small smile.
"Especially your parents?"
"Yes, so now they can stop all of this nonsense about me marrying a man. I do need to speak with them before we leave for our honeymoon. I want to find out if they were the ones that gave Takeda an invite," Natsuki said.
"Don't accuse them so soon, Natsuki. Ask them gently. It is possible he could have gotten an invitation from someone else. We sent almost two hundred of them out and some people were not able to make it. Then, there were the plus-ones. He could've come in as one of them. There are ways he could have gotten in without your parents help."
Natsuki's face scrunched up. "You're trying to protect my parents?" She could hardly believe it.
"I just don't want you to upset them over something that might not be their fault. Deal with the situation gently. You don't want to push them around if this was not their doing or they might retreat from you again."
Natsuki nodded, knowing her lover was absolutely correct. She did not want to push her parents away if they honestly were trying to accept her relationship with Shizuru. Maybe they did not invite Takeda and he acted on his own. She decided she was going to approach her parents with that in mind, giving them the benefit of the doubt.
"I suppose matters could have been worse. Maybe I'm a little upset with myself because I thought I tied up all of the loose ends," Natsuki admitted.
"Loose ends like what?" Shizuru asked curiously.
"Well, I had guards on the lookout for Takeda to make sure he did not get in, which we know didn't work. I also had them on the lookout for Tomoe, but I was also able to contact her aunt to make sure she was nowhere near here today. For once, her family came through."
Shizuru smiled. "My little prince is always thinking ahead. I would have hated for Tomoe to show up here."
"Then you know how I feel about Takeda turning up here."
The Third Column nodded. The couple finally broke apart to mingle a bit. Shizuru knew she needed to talk to people now before she dragged Natsuki to go start their honeymoon. Natsuki just wanted to make sure Garderobe would not be blown up while she was gone… and to get Nao the hell away from Kenta. They were spending way too much time near each other in Natsuki's opinion.
"Nao, you stay away from Kenta. Kenta, this is jailbait, so you stay away from her," Natsuki ordered her brother and her friend as she stepped in between them.
"I am not jailbait!" Nao huffed.
"Doesn't matter. He's almost ten years older than you are. No more flirting between you two," Natsuki commanded as she pointed between the pair.
"Chill out, Nat-kun. Shizuru led me to believe you and Nao were friends," Kenta commented.
"Hell, no!" Natsuki and Nao both shouted with indignant looks on their face.
Kenta laughed and Natsuki marched off, not wanting to hear anything about being friends with Nao. She went over to her parents, who were sitting down and watching the crowd. Natsuki pulled up a chair next to them.
"How are you liking the wedding?" Natsuki asked, hope in her eyes.
"It's… impressive," Ryo admitted.
"So many people and they all speak highly of you," Saeko replied. It was a little surprising to hear a lot of people discuss Natsuki because it felt like they were talking about someone totally different, a Natsuki she did not know.
Natsuki smiled. "I'm sure they'll say what they really feel when they're heading home. I want to know what you think, though."
"It was a wonderful ceremony, even though having that little girl do it might trouble you later on down the line," the King answered.
"Mikoto?" Natsuki laughed. "She's a goddess and the marriage preformed by her was very much legal. She's certified and everything. Are you hoping otherwise?" Natsuki asked with a strange glint in her eyes that her parents noticed, but were not sure what it was.
"Natsuki, all we want is your happiness," Saeko stated, knowing that was the best answer for her to give.
"If that's the case, I need you guys to trust me. Shizuru makes me happy and she will continue to do that, like she has for the past decade. All right?" Natsuki asked.
The parents nodded, as that was the best they could do for a response at the moment. Their eyes showed some hesitation, but Natsuki expected that. She leaned forward a bit as she prepared to ask her next question.
"Did either of you invite Takeda here? Promise him anything?" Natsuki inquired in a serious, but quiet tone, making sure that no one else heard.
"We did not," Ryo insisted. Natsuki nodded, but she looked at her mother.
"I didn't invite him, Natsuki-chan. I wouldn't risk ruining this day, even if I don't understand it totally and even if I did resist for a long while. I swear," Saeko stated.
Natsuki nodded. "Thank you both, for that and for coming. I'm glad you're trying. I know this is all new and weird to you, but please, keep trying, for me and for the family I want to build."
"You shouldn't have to thank us for this, Natsuki. We're your parents and even though we butt heads a lot, we do want you to be happy. If Shizuru is your key to happiness, we will do our best to support you in any way that you need," Ryo vowed.
"Thank you, Papa," Natsuki said quietly. He smiled, happy to hear the title that his daughter used to call him by when she was very little. Occasionally, she called him "papa" and it was usually when she pleased with him.
Ryo leaned over and he kissed the center of Natsuki's forehead. She felt as if she had been blessed and she knew from there on that everything would be fine between her and her father… well, as fine as they always were. She smiled from the emotion coursing through her thanks to the simple gesture. She had to wipe her eyes to make sure she did not start crying.
"Just try to pick up some ladylike behavior from Shizuru. Just because your brothers consider you a boy doesn't mean you are one, even if you're dressed like some confused groom," Saeko remarked and she kissed Natsuki on the cheek. She decided to keep her thoughts of Natsuki being "the man" in the relationship to herself. Maybe one day, she would be able to ask or she would just grow to understand, but right now, she did not want to ruin the moment.
Natsuki laughed, lightly and lovely. "Maybe if you ask around, you'll find I'm more of a lady than you give me credit for."
Her parents were not sure what to do with that statement and Natsuki just smiled at them. The three of them shared a quiet moment before Shizuru appeared out of nowhere on Natsuki's back.
"Excuse me, your highnesses, I wish to have my wife back," Shizuru quipped with a smile of her own.
"That's fine and well, but I suppose since we are family now, you'll have to find a less formal way to address us," Saeko said to the Third Column.
Shizuru now grinned while Natsuki would have been knocked over with a feather. It would appear the King and Queen of Saxas truly were going to try. Natsuki was almost tempted to ask if aliens abducted her parents on their way to the wedding.
"For now, will Ryo-san and Saeko-san do?" Shizuru asked. She wanted to start small before she blindsided them by calling them "Mom" and "Dad" like Natsuki did.
"It will do for now," the couple answered. It seemed strange, but it would do for the moment.
"Thank you. Well, now, once again, I will have to steal your daughter away," Shizuru said and then she leaned down next to Natsuki's ear. She whispered something that only the principal could hear and whatever she said turned Natsuki's whole head a deep crimson.
"I get the feeling it's time for you two to go on your honeymoon," Ryo commented.
"Yeah. Bye, Mom, Dad. I'll talk to you guys when I get back," Natsuki said as she stood up into her spouse's waiting arms.
Shizuru grinned widely, almost madly as she embraced Natsuki. The couple made their rounds, saying their goodbyes to their guests. They then left for their honeymoon and for their future.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: a honeymoon epilogue.