The day of the wedding dawned clear and pleasantly cool, promising good weather. Akito had never seen so many women walking around half-dressed or in various states of not-readiness in his life. Many of them were running back and forth trying to get help with this or that small task. Hatori had gone to stay with Shigure and the others at the small house, for it was supposedly "bad luck" to see the bride before the wedding. He somewhat envied the ex-dragon, as all these girls were making him nervous. They fussed over hair, they fussed over makeup, they fussed over clothes. Ugh…

In all that fray, Melody was nowhere to be seen.

He listened for her violin, but could not hear it. He watched for her blue-tinted hair, but he never saw it. The house was simply too full of people. Gritting his teeth, he gave up and retreated to his room. At least nobody was in there for the time being. Lunch was every-person-for-themselves, though Kyoko made a point of bringing a tray to him.

"Have you by any chance seen Melody?" Akito asked.

"Yes, actually."

"Well, where is she?"

Kyoko smiled.

"Ayame and Ritsu sort of kidnapped her this morning," she said with a secretive grin, "they said they'd give her back in time for the wedding."

"Oh."

He didn't even want to imagine what those two were going to do to her. Ayame had just been waiting for the chance to pounce on her again—he never got tired of dressing her up like a doll. It was a pity that Melody's innocence didn't allow her to see what Ayame's trade really was! As for Ritsu…well, he wasn't sure why he'd teamed up with Ayame. He hoped they wouldn't get too carried away. After he'd forced down lunch (his appetite was almost nonexistent, for in truth, he was as excited as everyone else for Kana and Hatori), he retrieved his kimono. This one, unlike many of the yukatas he had, was real silk. It was a royal blue with a darker blue trim around the collar and a matching waistband. He'd chosen to go the simpler route though Ayame had wanted to put him in very loud, vibrant colors. Loud and vibrant wasn't his thing when he was out in public. He had some simpler clothes to wear for the reception, as he didn't intend to stay long. He'd probably have had his fill of people by the day's end. The silk felt amazing against his skin and he forced away the unwelcome thought of how it would feel to hug Melody while she was swathed in this material.

I can't get distracted like this now…

Everyone else was assembling in the entrance. Kana had already been taken to the church. The bridesmaids were all going to ride together in one car and all the men in another. Tohru was the first one that he spotted.

Impressive…

Tohru's usual ribbons had been replaced with sparkly butterfly-shaped clips that looked like rubies. She wore a modest sleeveless dress with some kind of gauzy material that swished and floated at the slightest breath of air. There was a tiny amount of sparkle in the dress, just enough to draw attention without being gaudy. Her jewelry matched the clips and Ayame had lovingly crafted two bright red wings that had a translucent quality about them. They were bendable and moved easily with her. It seemed fitting that he had made her into a butterfly, for she was still her annoyingly sweet self, but she'd definitely grown a backbone. Kyo was admiring the view so much that he was completely ignoring Momiji, who was tugging on his sleeve. Akito smirked.

Isuzu was next. Ayame had made her costume a dark purple. Her dark hair had been braided with tiny little white flowers that popped dramatically against her inky locks and her dress was shorter in the front than in the back. A black stripe flowed down the back of the dress and ended at the hemline. She wore a choker-style necklace with a rearing horse pendant on it. Then, there was Kisa. Just as Akito suspected, she wore a tiger-print dress and a little headband with tiger ears on it. Since she was little, she could get away with some of the things that the others couldn't. Kagura appeared out of the crowd after her. Her dress was emerald green and she wore a pendant with a boar on it. The front of her dress was a paler green than the back part, suggesting the color change that a pig might have on its belly. While the hints were only slight for both her and Isuzu, Ayame had managed to make them extremely flattering ones.

Shigure appeared at Akito's elbow.

"Come here! You have to be in front since you're so short!"

He tugged him to the edge of the crowd at the front. Ritsu's cheeks were pink as the whispers started, but he seemed content. Akito was stunned: he had actually cut his hair! Now, it was the same length as Yuki's or his own, but it was a welcome change. He also wore a kimono the color of creamed coffee with a white band—it was a male kimono at that. Akito would have been impressed by that all by itself. But the best was yet to come. Ritsu and Ayame (wearing bright red as always) stepped aside to reveal Melody.

Akito could swear his heart stopped.

Melody's dress was a very pale blue with only hints of white in it (as Kana was the only one who should be wearing white today). It was made out of a soft, gauzy material that seemed almost woven more out of light than of fabric. There was a band around her high waist, flattering her figure excellently. The trim was a royal blue, suspiciously close to the color he was wearing. She had elbow-length gloves that were the same pale, pale blue as her dress and there was a white rose in her hair with bluish tips on the petals. The finishing touch, of course, were the white wings that were on her back. Ayame had been careful to hide all the bindings for the girls who had wings, so it looked like they were held on there by sheer will instead of wires, tapes, or adhesives. Her makeup was done very softly without any obvious color changes, though the white shimmery shadow around her eyes seemed to make the green more vibrant. Her expression was very serene as she told Tohru about this morning's "kidnapping".

"Ritsu, Ayame, you've really outdone yourselves!" Shigure announced. Everyone started talking at once. Melody's gaze dropped to the floor, a signal that she really didn't want as much attention as she was getting. Shigure placed his hand on Akito's back and nudged him forward until he grazed Melody's arm. She looked up at him, then, and the light from the window hit her full in the face. It looked as though she was glowing.

A slow smile crossed his lips. Words weren't really necessary, for his expression told her everything. Her smile mirrored his, her cheeks flushing under the makeup. There was a bright flash and Akito knew they'd been sniped once again by somebody's damn camera. He didn't care, though. No one was going to break the spell this time.

"Ready to watch two lives join?" she asked.

He slid his hand into hers. The sleeve of his kimono hid their joined hands for now, but that was all right. All the world would see tonight…

They sat side by side in the limo. Everyone assumed he was going to ride there anyway because he always did, though it was mostly full of girls. He felt an odd squirm in his stomach when he realized that their hands were still joined. Everyone was talking up a storm, though, and discussing the after-party, so they didn't really catch it. His thumb stroked the back of her small gloved hand, admiring the sleekness of the material as well as the beauty of the hands within the gloves. He was disappointed at how quickly they arrived at the church—it was as if the whole ride had gone by in a minute. Then, he had to let go of her hand, as the bridesmaids had to be with Kana. He actually sensed a bit of reluctance on Melody's part to do so, which stroked his ego massively. Something was different today…

The wedding ceremony went on for a while, but he couldn't really say he minded that much. For the first time, he actually felt like a participant instead of merely a spectator. Hatori's demeanor was calm, but there was a tiny tremor in his hands as he slipped the ring on Kana's finger. Cradled in her arms, she had chosen to carry Tianshi instead of a bouquet of flowers. Tianshi's dress was tinted pink instead of blue like Melody's and she had a band of tiny white flowers around her head. She slept through most of the ceremony and only started to fuss towards the end.

"I don't blame her," Shigure whispered, "I'm getting hungry, too."

This caused a little ripple of smiles.

After what seemed like an eternity, the priest pronounced them married and Hatori gave Kana a relatively chaste kiss. Various mischievous comments came from the spectators, but it had been a stretch for him to do that much—he wasn't big on PDA, even if it was his wedding day. Then, it was back into the cars and back to Sohma house. Melody got whisked away with the others and Akito was left in the garden by himself.

"She's popular today," Shigure remarked, "but you'll catch up with her eventually."

Akito mumbled something under his breath and went to go change out of his kimono. It was far too warm for this thing. He was happy to lay the heavy thing aside and change into cooler things. It was the usual stuff he was seen in; the others probably wouldn't mind. A lot of the men were changing into more casual outfits.

All the usual stuff was done; the wedding toasts and all that. Shigure was the one to do that, as Akito wasn't much of a public speaker. The cake was cut and Kana giggled when a little of the frosting got smeared into the corner of her mouth by accident. Then, everyone got to dig in for dinner.

The cooks had outdone themselves. Since he hadn't eaten much for breakfast or lunch, he got seconds and even thirds. There were some things there that he'd never tried before. Melody herself was packing it in, her ever-present coffee cup there instead of the fragile little crystal glasses that everyone else was using. She was sitting between Tohru and Isuzu. Isuzu must have made one of her snide little remarks because Melody's cheeks were red with laughter. Tohru was cracking up as well, so it must have been quite the joke. He noticed Hatori feeding Kana some kind of little dessert thing. The way he placed it in her mouth with such tenderness spoke volumes. Then, he saw why: Kana was giving the baby a bottle, so her hands were busy.

He was made for this, Akito thought.

When all the plates had been put away and the majority of the guests had been served their cake, the dancing started. As was custom, Hatori and Kana were first. Hatori seemed a little stiff, probably nervous about dancing in front of everyone else, but his motions soon glided out as he forgot about the rest of the crowd being there. The music playing was soft, instrumental. Akito didn't know a lot about classical music, but he knew Hatori liked it. That was probably why they'd picked it over some cheesy pop tune. It fit better anyway, as this was a more timeless love. After a while, the song ended and all the other guests got to join in. Melody was laughing as Shigure instructed her on how to dance. Why he didn't transform was a mystery…had all the remaining curses broken? It seemed unlikely, but something was keeping them from turning. Tohru's friend was dancing with Momiji. Hiro grudgingly let Kisa drag him out there, too, but he must have at least been enjoying it a little bit to let her. The sun was going down, bathing everyone in a soft golden light. The shadows softened to blues and purples and gradually the light turned orange, then red, then purple. One male guest after another kept snaring Melody for a dance. Akito, getting impatient, growled under his breath. She disappeared into the crowd again for the fourth or fifth time and he rested his chin in his hand, trying not to tip over the punch glass.

"Go ask her," Ayame hissed in his ear, sounding every bit like the snake he still was.

"I've tried," Akito muttered, "but the others won't let me get near her. Where did they all come from, anyway?!"

After that song was over, he'd decided he'd had enough and rose from the table where he'd been planted at all evening. The crowd thinned just enough for him to track the wayward angel down. It didn't escape his notice that Shigure and Ayame had taken over the stage where the band was. They were up to something…

He decided it wasn't important right now. Just as some other guy, yet again, someone he didn't know, reached her, Akito snaked one arm around hers and very gently steered her away. Giving him a smug "I got here first, pal" grin, he led her through the crowd.

"You want to dance with me?" Melody asked, slightly disbelieving. She didn't figure Akito for a dancer. In fact, she was surprised he'd stuck the reception out this long. By watching him out of the corner of her eye, she'd noticed that he was getting increasingly annoyed.

"No, I'm dragging you out here so we can stand in the middle of the crowd and do nothing," he retorted.

"I'd like to dedicate this song to all you lovely young couples out there," Shigure said warmly, "and I hope there will be more weddings soon. I do enjoy them so!"

The song was a soft but bouncy tune, one he'd heard Melody play before.

"Show me how to do this so I don't look like an idiot," he whispered in her ear. She smiled and placed his hands on her waist and her hands on his shoulders.

I think I finally understand the thing about butterflies being in your stomach…but it feels like they're going to war in there!

He gulped audibly, as people were starting to look. Putting on his best "I don't care what you think" smirk, he slowly swayed in time with the music with Melody. She looked like she was relieved that he'd found her, but also pleasantly surprised.

"I'd like to sail the lands afar,

Out on a boat that's built for two…

Beneath the canopy of stars,

That would be just like a dream come true

Just to be with you…"

He hated to admit it, but Shigure was actually quite gifted. It was probably that soft singing voice that had gotten him out of a great deal of trouble with his editor. Speaking of that…he did a double take and realized that Ritsu was dancing with her. Wow…

"Oh Oh Oh ohohhhh when we're together,

Oh, Oh, Oh, Ohohhh, feels like forever

Worries seem to fade away,

they become as distant memories

When We're together!"

Now that they'd done a complete circle, he was able to see Kyo and Tohru. Kyo looked a little out of his element as well, but Tohru's eyes were closed as she leaned against his shoulder. Akito felt very smug—he was glad he'd intervened. The dumb cat would never have said anything on his own. And Tohru…well, she was just too much of a doormat.

"I'd like a castle on a hill,

Where you and I could spend the day…

And I'd love to go where time stands still,

And all that doesn't matter fades away

You are here with me…"

Now, Hatsuharu and Isuzu came into view. Isuzu was very, very tense and Hatsuharu seemed to be trying to reassure her of something. Akito, unfortunately, knew what it was. Yet another mistake he'd have to fix…

Then, he saw something he did not expect: Kagura and Yuki together. They weren't dancing; they were just hanging out at one of the tables. Yuki appeared to be having the time of his life just sitting there talking. He was more comfortable with her than he'd ever seemed to be around other girls, even Tohru. Tonight was just one surprise after another, apparently.

"Oh Oh Oh ohohhhh, when we're together,

Oh, Oh, Oh, Ohohhh, feels like forever

Worries seem to fade away,

they become as distant memories

When We're together"

Melody's cheek came to rest against his. They were the exact same height, so there was no bending required on either of their parts. Something changed then. She'd hugged him before, but he actually felt her embracing him. Not just with her arms, but with her heart as well. It was an invisible change, but something he felt very strongly. Her breath was soft against his ear and he felt the blood rushing to her face, as though it were eager to be close to him. He adjusted his grip on her so that they'd both be more comfortable. The material of her dress and the feathers on the wings were soft against his wrists and hands and he suddenly felt that there was no place he'd rather be than right here, right now.

"Aren't they cute?" Kana whispered in Hatori's ear. He couldn't help but nod in agreement.

"He looks happy," he answered.

"So does she."

"And I would love to dance with you under the big blue sky,

we hold the wonder of the moment as the moment passes by

When we're together…"

The sky spread out over them, seeming to go on forever. It was frosted with stars and with a crescent-moon that, oddly enough, looked like a smile.

Father, help me, I love him so much…Melody's heart ached. When she dared glance at his face, she saw a smile that she'd never seen before. This kind of smile was…she had no words for it. There was so much hope there, and admiration. And…dare she think it? Love…

And that smile was getting closer…

His breath, still sweet from the punch and the cake, grazed her nose and mouth. Her heart started to thunder. For one terrible and glorious moment, it was as if time itself had stopped. Then, somebody bumped into him from behind, sending his lips crashing into hers.

Melody almost fainted.

He felt her go rigid in his arms and turned his head so that he could give her a little bit of space, but it was too late. It was as if a lightning bolt had struck him—he felt the energy surging through her palms and down through his body until it spread out all over. Suddenly, though the garden was dimly lit, he could see everything as brightly as day. Melody's aura flared outward as if it were a towering inferno of blue flames. Her breath had caught in her lungs. Then, he felt her legs turn to jelly and she had to hold onto him for support. Even through his shirt and her dress, he could feel her heart thundering. His own seemed to be trying to outpace it.

What now? Should he apologize? Even if it made him a big fat liar because he could never, ever be sorry? Should he say anything at all? The question was never answered. He impulsively led her away from the crowd. He'd be damned if another one of those dumb guys touched her. Without thinking, he steered her towards a part of the gardens that was deserted. This place had a bunch of hedges around it, so it was closed off from everywhere else. They'd be alone here. The music was fainter here and the merry splashing of a nearby fountain almost drowned it out.

"What are you doing?" she asked quietly.

"Shut up," he said huskily. Taking her face in both hands, he guided her towards him. This time, there were no spectators, no one to mess it up. Tonight, they weren't "god" and "angel". They were man and woman experiencing true love for the first time. He buried his lips in hers and felt her freeze up once again. But this time, she melted. His kisses were rough, as she was the first girl he'd ever kissed in his entire life. She didn't truly seem to mind, though, as her arms twined around his neck like thick vines. She was as clumsy and inexperienced as he was, which kept the nerves at bay. The whole world seemed to suddenly be spinning faster under him, for he was quite dizzy and quite breathless, but he didn't want to stop.

Suddenly, he was vaguely aware of his feet actually leaving the ground. First, only the toes of his dress shoes scraped the stone path, then there was nothing. He was completely weightless, being held in her arms. It only added to the excitement—he was flying! Well, floating, anyway…

They had to come up for air at some point. When they finally broke the kiss, he felt them touch gently back on the earth. He opened his eyes to see a literal glow coming off of Melody for a split second—it was throwing light on the water, the leaves, the path, everything. Then, it died as quickly as it had started. She stared at him with those big, wide, dark green eyes and wobbled over to the base of the fountain and promptly sat down. She was trembling so much that he couldn't help but smile as he joined her. If he could do that to her now without knowing anything about kisses, imagine what would happen if he got better at them….

A/N: The song is called "When We're Together" by Mark Harris. Hope you all enjoyed! And Happy Birthday to my Sweetness! I love you.