Chapter Twenty-Nine
Heather's POV
I never could get the hang of this wedding stuff. Jūshirō's mother helped me in more ways than I could ever imagine. She even went into details on how the ceremony was supposed to go. Apparently, their way was a silent ceremony and there was sake involved, which made me nervous for a good reason. My soon-to-be mother-in-law assured me that this would not put any harm to the baby especially since it was so late in the development process. I was dressed in the traditional wear which I knew was the right way to go, but let's face it…being an American girl, I still felt ridiculous. The hair was my biggest problem. It felt so out of place for me. It had only been a few days since I met his family and they seemed very nice. I was sure I could get comfortable being alone with one of them quickly. "Poor thing, you're shaking like a leaf." one of Jūshirō's sisters commented. "I'm not one for weddings." I answered nervously. "Don't worry yourself, the ceremony is short." the other sister assured with a smile.
We left Ugendō to find Shirō waiting right outside the door. He smiled softly at me, yet it looked forced as if he were nervous. My friend straightened his posture and walked over to my side. He looked handsome in his formal wear, as far as men went. Everyone followed Jūshirō and me as we walked to the shrine that did most of his family's weddings. I did not know if this was a good time to talk or not but what would I say to him? We remained silent even after entering the building. The priests waited for the guests to sit down before beginning. They had started with a short speech on why we were there and then handed my friend a saucer full of sake. He took three sips from the saucer and handed it to me to do the same. This process continued with the last two saucers. Jūshirō took in a deep breath when the rings were presented. I found that I could not help but to hold my breath as he took one of the rings. He held my hand before slipping the ring over my finger. I repeated the action, my own hands shaking slightly. He gave me an assuring look before taking the presented scroll. He read the vow of commitment before we were handed an offering to present to the Kami of the shrine. The priest had then proclaimed, "I now announce this couple bound together as Mr. and Mrs. Jūshirō Ukitake."
The room burst into applause and I followed Shirō's lead as he bowed respectively to the priests. We were then lead away from the shrine and brought back home for the reception. I looked to Jūshirō as the guests entered. "I never thought to ask this, but how do American weddings go? I could not help but notice that you seemed confused about the ceremony." he asked before explaining as he looked over to me. I didn't know how to describe it. "I don't really know anymore. Ever since I got here I have been doing a lot of forgetting. All I remember is that it is longer and the couple would kiss at the end…kind of like showing the world that they're together." I rambled a little with my explanation. This time he looked confused. "That sounds really…intimate." he stated, pondering in thought then asked, "What is the reception like?" I chuckled humorlessly then replied, "Wild drunks." "Aren't they all? I meant by what are your traditions. What do you do?" he asked specifically. "I'm a little fuzzy on the details but we dance, dine, give speeches, and then there's the bouquet and garter thing." I stated offhandedly. "What bouquet and garter thing?" he asked as if he were not sure whether or not he wanted to know. "I think the bride would toss the traditional bouquet to the other female guests and it's like a prediction on who would get married next. The groom would have to fetch the garter off the bride and use that the same way." I explained and giggled at the look on his face. Shirō shook his head and muttered, "Crazy Americans." "We're not all nuts." I defended and added, "Look at me." He looked me over with playful caution and shook his head while teasing, "I don't buy it." I laughed a little despite the fact my feelings got hurt. Damn hormones were at it again! I would have usually laughed and joked back with him. "I didn't mean anything by it." he explained as if reading my thoughts. "I know you didn't. I swear I'm just not myself lately." I commented and hoped he would understand. He gave me a soft look and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You'll be just fine. You're just going through a rough spot right now, it'll pay off." Jūshirō assured me comfortingly. I smiled at him before replying, "Keep up that positive outlook." He smiled and brought me closer to him before adding, "Everything will get better for us. I just know it."
