AN: 135 reviews! weeeh! December 27...Happy Anniversary Tratie's Kisses! So many amazing reviews in just one year...This is definitely a dream come true and thank you so much guys for all your support and by support I mean all your patience in reading every chapter of my story, your heart-warming reviews, your surprising favorites and awesome follows! Without all these things, without you guys...I would never be this happy and Tratie's Kisses wouldn't have come this far...so thank you so very much! Mahalo for all that you guys do... :)
Honestly, when I posted the very first chapter of Tratie's Kisses, I never thought it would come this far...even if some readers didn't enjoy my story, it's alright. I respect your opinions but I didn't let their comments stop me because when you're a Tratie fan and part of the Riordan Generation, you just enjoy. Don't mind the others. This is your world and I am so thankful to share it with you guys...so now that I've posted the last official chapter of Tratie's Kisses, I don't want you guys to feel sad. I want you all to smile and always remember these amazing characters. As I have promised, after this chapter, this story will be marked complete BUT, I will be posting some Special Kisses chapters so just stay tuned. But for now, here is Chapter 25...thank you for reading my very long author's note now please scroll down and enjoy the finale of Tratie's Kisses!
Disclaimer: Uncle Rick Riordan, thank you so much for introducing these amazing characters to us and making them a part of our lives. Song used in this chapter is not mine. :)
Song: (NOT MINE. THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE WRITERS AND ARTISTS)
Mona Lisa - The Summer Set
You Got Me - Colbie Caillat
Rest - Bruno Mars
I Do - Colbie Caillat
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
Wedding Kiss
'Girl I'd steal the Mona Lisa
But I know I wouldn't keep her
Cause I wake up next to you everyday…'
"WHERE IN THE NAME OF ZEUS IS MY COAT?" Travis exclaimed throwing all that was inside his closet.
Jason cleared his throat at the mention of his dad's name and said, "It's on your bed."
"Oh," dumbfounded, Travis walked over to his bed, now filled with different clothing, and retrieved his black coat.
They were all in the Hermes cabin, helping Travis get ready. Saying that the cabin was a mess was an understatement. It looked as if monsters just attacked it. Clothes were scattered all over the floor. A blue sock even caught on the hook by the door. Yep, the Hermes cabin is definitely trashed.
Connor sighed and fixed his bow tie. "Seriously dude, relax!"
Connor, Jason, Nico and Percy just stood, watching Travis loose his mind, looking for his clothes. They were all ready, wearing their suits and bow ties. The only problem was their friend, the groom to be, who was still in his white shirt and blue striped boxers.
Travis glared at him. "How can I relax when I'm about to get married?"
He looked at his watch and said, "In an hour!"
Percy shook his head, causing his jet black hair to fall over his eyes, and patted him on the back. "I can honestly say that I know how you feel, Travis but I can also honestly say that you have nothing to be nervous about. Katie will be there and she will look even more beautiful as she walks down the aisle. And then you will be there to-"
"Dude! Breathe! Percy, maybe that's enough said," Jason said, shaking Travis by the shoulders.
"Hee-Hoo-Hee-Hoo!" Travis breathed.
"You look stupid," Connor said, slapping his cheek. "Go get ready! You have to be there in a few minutes, idiot!"
Travis nodded and put on his suit. This was it! This was finally it. He was getting married. To Katie. His stomach was churning so bad, he feels as if he's going to barf. 'Suck it up, Stoll!' he mentally scolded himself. Who knew that after years and years of bickering and shouting and fighting, he'd be standing there getting ready to say his vows to Katie Gardner.
He's definitely the luckiest guy out there.
Through the years they've been together, he is still full of doubts that maybe he's not perfect for her. That she deserved someone better. But even when tried to give in to his doubts, he couldn't picture a life where he was nowhere near her. From the moment she became his girlfriend, his future appeared right before him and he was certain about one thing: she is the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
She is, after all, the girl who stole Travis Stoll's heart.
And forever, she will have it in her hands.
'Cause I've never loved anything like I love you.
Like I love you…'
Up in Olympus…
"Oh! Would you all look at that! I just love weddings!" Aphrodite squealed, hugging Hera.
Zeus sighed as Ares rolled his eyes. They were all watching the wedding preparations and Aphrodite is just about to damage all the Olympians' ears by her squeals of delight.
"Oh Poseidon, Athena, have you forgotten the magical wedding I set up for Annabeth and Percy? Oh, even the minor gods were all enchanted by it. And now, here's another magical wedding!" Aphrodite clapped her hands.
"Poor demigods," Apollo muttered.
"I heard that!"
Apollo shrugged. "When will this wedding begin, anyway?"
Hephaestus shook his head.
"Soon!" Aphrodite squealed and then pulled Demeter and Hermes for a hug.
"Oh, I am so happy for both of you! Your kids are really made for each other!"
Hermes sighed and looked at Demeter. "Well, guess we'll be in-laws now."
Demeter sighed and looked down at the screen, showing her daughter. "I guess so."
"Oh! I just love my job!" Aphrodite squealed. AGAIN.
'The way you take my hand is just so sweet
And that crooked smile of yours
It knocks me off my feet…'
"You look beautiful," her dad smiled lovingly down at her, caressing her face.
"Dad," Katie smiled at him and the tears that formed in her emerald green eyes finally fell down her cheeks.
"You look just like your mom. I'm so happy for you." Her dad wiped her tears and embraced her tightly. "Oh, my little princess is not so little anymore. You're going to be his queen now."
Katie hugged him even tighter and cried silently. Luckily, Silena still haven't applied make up on her.
"I'll always be your princess dad," she said.
"Of course. I love you, my princess," he whispered.
Katie cried even more and said, "I love you too, dad."
Her dad pulled away and held her at arm's length. "Now, look at you." He wiped all her tears, making her laugh. "You go get ready now okay?"
She nodded and walked back inside the room where her friends were waiting for her. She was already wearing her wedding dress that was designed by none other than Silena. It was just a simple off shoulder dress that hugs her curves perfectly.
This was the day.
The day she will finally say her vows to Travis.
The day she will finally be Katie Gardner Stoll.
He was annoying and he got on her nerves. That was her impression about him the first day they met.
He was still annoying and he made fun of her. That happened the next time.
He always pulled pranks on her and embarrassed her in front of the whole camp. That happened almost every single day she spent at camp.
He became this cute and tall blue eyed camper who was still annoying and who still got on her nerves. That was the scariest realization she's ever had.
He still pulled pranks on her and at the same time, calls her babe. That sparked this tingling feeling in her stomach.
And all hell just broke loose. And poof! They got themselves in a tornado of emotions and situations that neither of them ever imagined. And when the tornado finally stopped.
There they are, about to say 'I do' and kiss their way to their happily ever after.
'Cause no matter what I do
Oh, my heart is filled with you…'
Back on Olympus…
"It's time!" Aphrodite squealed, dragging Demeter and Hermes over to the TV.
"Oh no! What are we still doing up here?" she panicked, "On my count, we all head over to the church!"
One…
Two…
Three…
Inside the church, everything seemed like a dream. White glittering curtains covered the glass windows and framed the altar. The seats were all covered in white satin cloth and the aisle was lined with a red velvet carpet and full of scattered white flower petals. The sides were lined with metallic columns designed with white glossy cloth and full of white roses. At the side, Will and his siblings, the children of Apollo were starting to play a slow song. Apollo himself, now dressed in a tuxedo and golden bow tie, led his children in playing the song that immediately made Aphrodite cry.
'Every day I wake up next to an angel
More beautiful than words could say
They said it wouldn't work but what did they know?
Cause years have passed and we're still here today…'
Travis stood by the altar waiting for the big oak doors to open and reveal her to him. Hermes, now also wearing a tux stood by his side. The god placed his hand on his shoulder, giving him a smile that lets him know all his dad's support and blessings for him.
'I'm so proud and happy for you, son,' he could almost hear his dad say it in just a smile.
Connor was his best man and Percy, Jason and Nico were his groomsmen.
He waited and listened to the song being played by the Apollo kids. Pair by pair, his groomsmen came out arms linked with their partners, Katie's bridesmaids. Connor and Miranda; Percy and Annabeth; Jason and Piper; Nico and Thalia; Charles and Silena.
'Never in my dreams did I think
That this would happen to me…'
Then the doors finally opened and there she stood between her dad and Demeter.
Her eyes were glassy but they still held those twinkles of delight he's grown to love. Her arms were linked with her parents' and as they slowly led her down the aisle, he could almost feel his own eyes watering. He wasn't going to cry.
No…
No…
Okay , maybe…just this once…
He wiped away his tears and smiled at her as she approached.
'As I stand here before my woman
I can't fight back the tears in my eyes
Oh how could I be so lucky
I must have done something right
And I promise to love her for the rest of my life…'
She promised she wouldn't cry. But the moment the doors opened, she just lost it. It wasn't sadness. It was joy. She could clearly see him by the altar, smiling at her. And on the other side stood her friends, Annabeth, Thalia, Piper, Silena and Miranda. They were all smiling at her.
As she slowly began her way down the aisle, Will and his other siblings played another song. This one faster and bubblier.
'Tell me is it only me
Do you feel the same?
You know me well enough to know that I'm not playing games…'
There was no turning back now. She stood as straight as she could and kept her eyes on the only man she's ever loved. His blue eyes met her green ones and as she took the one final step before her dad let go of her hand and placed it in the hands of Travis Stoll, she swore she could soar up as high as the winds could carry her.
There was no denying the happiness they were both feeling. They say that marriage is only the beginning of hard things to come but for them it is just the beginning of their happy ending. They are certain that as long as they have each other, they'll make it through.
As they faced the preacher, they held onto each other, tightly.
And so the ceremony began.
'You make me wanna say I do, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do,
Love you…'
All eyes were on them. And ears were all fixed on their words. And all hearts were with them as they ease their way to their vows.
But before anything else, the preacher said that one phenomenal statement.
"Speak now or forever hold your peace," his deep voice echoed in the room. Everyone remained silent, and Travis sighed in relief, not that he was expecting someone to ruin his wedding day.
The preacher was about to carry on with the ceremony when suddenly, Aphrodite stood up and gasped, rather exaggeratingly.
"Who in their right mind would ask the beautiful bride to wear dangling diamond earrings?"
Everyone stared at Katie who just looked back at the goddess with wide green eyes.
"Um…mom, you actually told me to let her wear that," Silena said slowly.
Aphrodite stared at her and composed herself, "Oh, well then, I changed my mind."
She snapped her fingers and Katie's diamond earring morphed into white glossy pearls.
"That's much better. Now, proceed," she motioned for the preacher who cleared his throat.
"Okay..," he began.
The rings were brought up to them by Julia, the cute little Roman girl who smiled at both of them. And whispered, "Long live, Tratie!"
And that made them both smiled and hug the little girl.
"Do you, Travis Stoll, take Katie Gardner as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Travis looked at Katie and let himself get lost in her emerald eyes for just a few seconds. That kind of question doesn't require effort or thinking. It only requires the voice of the heart. And as he swam in her green pools, he took a deep breath and just let himself utter the words, each letter sliding through his tongue like a spell that will forever entrance the both of them in magic.
"I do"
"Do you, Katie Gardner, take Travis Stoll as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Katie looked at Travis and smiled at him. Her eyes twinkling and forming a crescent moon shape. His mischievous blue eyes glistened in joy and love. Love, that was the main recipe of what they're about to make. Love is the main recipe of marriage. Without it, marriage would nothing be more than just a bond two people will have to live with the rest of their lives. It will lack that magic; that spark. But Katie saw that spark, in his eyes as he looked back at her. And it wasn't that big of a spark and neither was it small. Just enough. Enough to prove to her that the bond she will share with him will forever keep burning with love. So as she opened her mouth to speak, she felt the spark grow brighter until it was emitting enough warmth to overwhelm the both of them.
"I do"
The preacher smiled at them with his eyes.
"You may now kiss the bride," he said in that deep voice, now laced with joy.
Travis turned to Katie and slowly, he raised her white veil, revealing her delicate face, a perfect portrait of happiness and love. He gave her his signature mischievous smile, his blue eyes twinkling.
And leaned in.
Katie was smiling back at him as he looked at her and when he finally closed the distance between them, she closed her eyes and touched his face.
It was like a first kiss; sweet, gentle and innocent. And maybe it was a first kiss, a first kiss that was full of promises about the life awaiting them.
When they pulled away, everyone cheered. Flower petals were thrown in the air. Gods, demigods, mortals and other mythological creatures rejoiced. Aphrodite sighed dreamily and hugged Demeter and Hermes.
"Oh, I just love weddings!"
Travis took Katie's hand, lacing their fingers together and raising it up, causing the cheers around them to become louder.
The music played on as they walked down the aisle, towards the big doors where their car was waiting and where Argus was crying ALL his eyes out because of happiness.
'…Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby…'
And as they stood outside the church, Travis twirled Katie and wrapped his arm around her waist, he whispered, "Now, I can finally call you, wifey!" He smirked down at her and kissed her forehead.
"I love you, Katie Gardner Stoll, formerly known as babe and now wifey."
He smiled at her goofily and pulled her closer. Everyone else piled up behind them and stared at the newlywed with laughing eyes.
"I love you too, Travis Stoll, formerly known as peanut and now hubby."
She kissed him once more and hugged him. And he lifted her up and they spun around, laughing and holding each other close, right in front of everyone.
Aphrodite smiled contentedly and whispered, "Now that's a Tratie's Wedding kiss."
Aphrodite turned to the video camera Hephaestus was holding and waved, "And Tratie lived happily ever after!"
Then she leaned closer and whispered, "But I will make sure they will have more kisses to come!"
The End
AN: Sooo...there you have it! This is now officially complete and I have you all to thank! I really hope I made you guys happy in this chapter...anyway! Because of all your support, marshmallows and Twix for everyone! :) When I realized that today was Tratie's Kisses' 1 year Anniversary, I honestly wanted to make a cheesecake just to celebrate it...hehehe but of course I wasn't able to do it since my baking skills are still in progress...anyway! Thank you for everything! :D And Merry Christmas! :D And Happy New Year! :D Stay tuned for the special chapters! :D I love you all! :D
End Credits:
Story Idea: I want to thank that one picture in Weheartit about kisses because without it, I never would have thought of this story line so...thank you!
Cover Picture: Still from weheartit...so thank you!hehehe :)
Songs Used: They are not mine, okay? hehe They are owned by their amazing composers and singers. :)
~ Angelica :D
PS: I really do hope you liked it...hehe
