" You're what?" the entire guild shouted in sync.

" We decide to get married. Today. Right now actually so if you all will get dressed we can go to the chapel and get it over with," Tsuboi said as we held hands at breakfast.

" What about the dress and flowers and stuff?" Issin asked.

" We don't care about that we just want to get in and get out," I replied simply.

" No way!" Kunimittz said. " If you two are going to get married it better be proper! You need a dress and you need a tux. We'll get some flowers and cake. Now both of you go to the first floor to find your outfits and meet at the chapel in a few hours!"

" But-" Tsuboi and I both began.

" Go!"

We groaned and left the room. " I guess we should have just gotten it over with last night then," I said as we walked out.

" It's fine this was the right thing to do. Just a little wedding with our friends that's all," Tsuboi said and I nodded.

" I'll meet you at the chapel in a few hours ok?"

Tsuboi replied with a kiss then teleported away. After telling Inferno and Amaterasu to stay I followed after. I got to the first floor and sighed. Where the hell do I get a wedding dress? Ok think… ah! There's a store close to the chapel of course. I walked through town, ready to get this over with. " Fumiko?"

I turned and saw Asuna with some friends of hers. One I recognized as Lisbeth and the other was a beast tamer I did not know. " Hey Asuna what are you doing here?" I asked.

" Just a little shopping you?"

" Oh uh… same."

" We're looking for some good armor materials you?"

" I uh… just a dress."

" Oh really? What for?"

I inwardly groaned. " Ok can you keep a secret?" I asked Asuna and she nodded fiercely. " Tsuboi and I are getting married today."

" You're getting married today?" she screamed loud enough that the entirety of the first level must have heard.

Immediately people began talking excitedly about how there hadn't been a wedding in so long and how they were going to go. I groaned as Asuna realized her mistake. " So anyways I'm on my way to get a wedding dress and-"

" Oh can we be in your wedding?" Lisbeth asked excitedly.

" Uh I guess you guys can be bridesmaids?" I asked back and they all shrieked in excitement.

" Ok let's go!" Asuna said dragging me away. We ran for the wedding dress shop and upon arrival fond the store empty. It was true, not only were weddings not that common but there were even less this late in the game. The girls all ran around the store, tossing dresses at me right and left as I sat back and enjoyed the complimentary champagne.

Eventually the girls stopped and I looked to the side to see a mountain of dresses towering over me. I sighed and stood then picked one dress up at a time. " Too big, too small, too much lace, too many jewels, too gaudy, too short, too long," I said and the list went on and on.

" Aw come on Fumiko just pick one!" Asuna shouted.

I groaned then stood and went to the lines of dresses. I'm not the type to want something big and extravagant so something simple would be perfect. Towards the back I saw a series of mermaid dresses. I saw one with sleeves that I thought would look nice and tried it on with a simple tap before stepping out again.

" How is this?" I asked.

" Oh Fumiko it's great!" Asuna shouted clapping her hands.

" Really?" I asked.

" Just needs the final touch," Lisbeth said and put a veil on my head.

I looked in the mirror and was mildly surprised by how nice the dress look. It hugged to my figure then poofed out just enough around my legs. " Well now I can go to the chapel and-"

" Nope! Now it's time for you to get your hair done," Asuna said at the register.

" You don't have to buy it for me!" I shouted and wobbled towards the register.

" It's fine just consider it a gift," she said and made the purchase.

I sighed in defeat and changed into some normal clothes. We walked down the street to the hair salon, along the way I texted Tsuboi. ' Hey sorry but some people find out so now it looks like we have three more people tagging along.'

He texted me only a moment later replying ' Make it at least a hundred. Looks like Knights Blood Oath wants in. The rumors are spreading too.'

" Asuna!" I shouted drawing her attention. " You said it would be a secret!"

" The people in the square found out so I thought it would be ok to tell."

I groaned a face palmed myself. This is getting way, way out of hand. " ok now sit down," Lisbeth said once we arrived at the store.

" I think we should put your hair up with a nice hair piece," the little beast tamer said against the wall.

" Sorry but have we met before?"

nd flower

" Oh no ha-ha. I'm Silica, nice to meet you," she said. Silica walked back over and held up a diamond hairpiece.

" And with this hairstyle," Asuna began and pressed a button. A branched, diamond flower hairpiece held up my hair in a bun. " Oh this is it! Do you like it?"

" It's actually really nice," I said and grazed the hairpiece. It finally felt like this was really happening.

' We're ready are you close?' Tsuboi asked in a message.

' On our way' I shot back.

" Ok can we go now?" I asked.

" Wait we don't have dresses," Lisbeth said remembering.

" They're ready at the church now. On the way there you should all go through your dresses and find ones that kind of match and we'll see how it goes."

We ran from the salon to the chapel where a horde of people were waiting outside. " What's everyone doing here?" Lisbeth shouted above the noise.

" You don't know? It's been 2 years!" Asuna shouted back.

2 years? 2 years since the game began. Since we were all locked in here. I frowned and opened the chapel doors to find my guild, minus Tsuboi, waiting in tuxes. I couldn't help but burst into laughter. " Oh man you guys look great!" I said still laughing.

" Fumiko uh listen," Dale said ushering me forward. " There's a little more than a hundred people now."

" What?" I asked as he cracked the chapel door open. I peaked in and saw all the pews were filled to the brim and people were standing against the walls. " What the hell?" I hissed after shutting the door.

" Well apparently one guild found out then messaged their friends and it kept getting out so now it's turned into wedding extravaganza," Kunimittz said.

" And what does that mean exactly?" I asked face in my hands again.

" It means you and a bunch of other people decided to get married too! You're first though so head on down!" Issin said pointing to the doorway.

" I can't do this it's too embarrassing. There's too many people here and-"

" She's here!" I looked to the doorway and saw it was cracked open with a head peaking through. " Ok start the music!"

Before I could say stop the doors closed again and I heard a symphony playing in the back. " Oh come on really?" I asked.

" What people volunteered," Kunimittz shrugged.

" Asuna please you have to stop this," I begged.

The three girls had all changed into red dresses that matched the flowers the guys had given them. " Sorry Fumiko too late now. Good luck," she winked and paired up with a very happy Issin.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids made their way down the hall and I hid behind a pillar hearing the doors close again. " I can't do this," I muttered over and over again.

Just then I got an instant message. I opened my inbox and saw a simple little heart from Tsuboi. That's right he was waiting down there for me I couldn't just leave him. I took a deep breath and entered my inventory then put the dress on. My bouquet of red was waiting for me on the side table and after I put my veil on I picked up the flowers and went to the doors. Someone peaked in again and upon seeing me their eyes widened and they opened the door. I took another deep breath to calm myself then began the trek down the aisle.

The room was quiet other than the symphony playing in the background. There were soft murmurs behind me as I walked down the aisle and I felt more and more eyes upon me. Just as I thought I would break into a sweat I met Tsuboi's eyes as he looked at me in awe. We met eyes and suddenly I had all the confidence in the world. I haven't seen him all day and now more than ever I wanted to stand up there with him. Once I got to the steps I made it almost to the top before I tripped. Just as I was about to face plant strong arms held me up then lifted me into the air.

" Close call," Tsuboi said with a smile.

I smiled back and held onto those arms smiling as people clapped in the audience. " I'm a little nervous," I murmured.

" Me too. So much for a little gathering of people huh?"

I laughed then realized it was quiet again. " Do you know what to do?" I asked.

" Not really," Tsuboi chuckled.

" Ok first get some matches."

Tsuboi looked at me questioningly then went into his inventory and got a match for the two of us. " Then we light the candles?"

" Yes," I said approaching the table in front of us. There were two, tall candles at about a foot high sitting before us. They were white with a red heart sitting in the middle. We lit the candles simultaneously and a message appeared.

'Players Fumiko Mori and Tsuboi Ryoutarou, do you two wish to unite under the bonds of marriage?'

Tsuboi and I pressed yes and we watched as our names were carved into each candle like magic. " Now what?' Tsuboi muttered.

' To finish the ceremony please go to the candle alter and place your candles side by side'

We each picked up our own candles and moved behind the table where a series of shelves housed many other marriage candles. Many were lit but some had blown out, meaning one or both of the partners had died. We set our candles down beside each other and I smiled then gasped quietly. " The rings! We forgot to get rings!"

' Now please place a ring on your left ring finger. WARNING: Once this ring is on it will not come off until your partner's death.'

I looked to Tsuboi who smiled while in his inventory. " Don't worry I took care of it."

He handed me his ring and I looked to see it was simple gold. " Thank you for doing so. I don't know what I'd do without you."

" And you never will," Tsuboi murmured and put the ring on my finger. " It's a unicorn horn ring with gold on the edges. I know it's kind of simple but I thought you would like it. And there's not stone but-"

" Tsuboi I love it," I said happily. He smiled back as I placed the ring on his finger.

'Congratulations! You have just been married!'

" Wait so that's it?" Tsuboi asked. " What about the kissing part?"

" It's not necessary. See, when we included the wedding feature in the game we were trying to be as nondenominational as possible so-"

Tsuboi cut me off with lips and the whole church erupted into applause. I smiled through the kiss and wrapped my arms around him. Behind us more and more couples lined up to light their candles and join us up at the candle altar. " We should wait and congratulate the others," Tsuboi said after we pulled away.

I nodded happily in agreement and in the end nearly a dozen couples stood with us as the entire church, heck even the outside, roared. " So now what?" I asked.

" Let's celebrate in the square with everyone else!"

" Are you sure? I thought you wanted a small gathering not thousands of people?"

" I did but I think that's been kind of ruined," Tsuboi said motioning to the church audience. " So let's just go with it."

I nodded and Tsuboi took my hand as we ran back down the aisle to the front of the church. We opened the doors and the crowd from earlier had tripled leading me to believe everyone left in the game had come to town for the 2 year anniversary. Instead of mourning like the first year anniversary everyone was celebrating. Celebrating being alive, accomplishments, and just being together which was wonderful to see and experience. The crowd cheered for everyone leaving the church and I waved the bouquet over my head hearing girlish screams. I turned around and threw the bouquet back as hard as I could.

When I turned again I saw Asuna had caught it making me smile and wave to her. She blushed and waved back a little before turning around and seeing Kirito. I think I will leave that to them. Tsuboi took my hand and we joined the crowd as some music started. A large gap formed in the middle for people who wanted to dance and Tsuboi pulled me in. " I can't dance!" I said hastily as he pulled me to him.

" It's ok just stand on my feet!" He laughed.

I questioningly did as asked and Tsuboi pulled me tight to him before starting to dance away. I laughed giddily as I was spun round and round almost like a ride. Tsuboi pecked the top of my head, drawing my attention back to him and we smiled lovingly at one another. The fast song came to an end and then a slow song came on. " Now I really know I can't dance to this."

" It's ok. Since it's slow it's easier to practice to."

I nodded and Tsuboi showed me the steps. After fumbling once I finally picked up the steps and was able to keep up with Tsuboi. The slow song grew into a faster one where couples passed off to one another. After a minute of spinning Tsuboi softly spun me towards another set of arms. " H-Heathcliff?" I asked in surprise.

" You didn't think I would miss your happy day did you?" he asked cheerfully.

" Well we never really talk that much sir," I replied.

" True your guild is one of the many on the front lines. Or should I say was."

" We're not retired yet sir just taking some time off."

" Oh? Are you sure that's the best idea?"

" The guys can't stand sitting idle too long or they'll get antsy."

" True but could you stand it if you lost Tsuboi? Or what would happen to him if he lost you? Perhaps you should listen and take the time off. We can handle ourselves on the front." There was… darkness in his eyes, something I hadn't seen before from Heathcliff. Before I could analyze it more it was gone a moment later and replaced with a smile. Heathcliff made a side step out of the dance circle and on the perimeter of the watching crowd. " As a gift from Knight's Blood Oath, please accept this voucher for a weeks stay at a cabin on the 45th floor. Think of it as a honey moon."

Before I could reply he left, slipping into the crowd with too much ease. For once I felt unsettled by Heathcliff, letting the feeling sink in as the gears in my head began to turn. Why does he want me off the battlefield so badly? Is it truly for my own safety? " Hey you ok?" Tsuboi asked.

My chain of thought broke and I shoved the bad feelings back. Just over thinking is all. " Nothing just got us a honey moon," I said waving the two tickets.

Tsuboi smiled and grabbed one ticket and looked it over. " 45… the snowy mountain level?"

" Ya it's based off an American ski resort." Tsuboi seemed skeptical so I smirked and leaned in to his ear. " After going down the slopes all day we'll get back to the room and you'll just have to warm me up in front of the fire under the covers."

He perked up visibly at that and we both laughed. " Oi!" we both turned and saw Issin jumping above the other side of the crowd.

Tsuboi took my hand and we miraculously got through the spectators to the guild and a seemingly never-ending table filled with desserts and alcohol. " So all the guilds banded together and bought well… stuff. But this, we got this," Dale said.

He pointed to a cake that Kunimittz was guarding with his life it seemed. It was three layers and had red frosting with our insignia in gold and red on all the layers. " Guys… oh come here," I said hugging Issin, Dale and Dynamm to me.

" Just keep Tsuboi happy ok?" Dynamm asked and I nodded.

" Come on Fumiko cake time!" Tsuboi said pulling me away. We got to the cake and I saw Tsuboi enter his inventory and pull out his sword then look to me with a wide grin. I laughed and nodded as Tsuboi used his sword to cut the cake.

" Tonight is your one time deal on all the cutesy stuff," Kunimittz said.

Tsuboi and I looked to each other and shrugged then each took and fork and fed each other the first bites. It was sinfully good chocolate cake and I thought I was going to die and go to heaven. " And now for the champagne!" Tsuboi said and grabbed a bottle.

" You're going to open it with the katana?" I asked skeptically.

" Ya you know like the waiters do in those fancy restaurants. Should be easy enough."

Tsuboi bit his lip in concentration then made a swipe. I watched with a raised brow as the top half of the bottle fell off and a bit of champagne spilled out. He looked back to me and smiled holding the bottle out skeptically. I smiled and took the bottle and drank straight out of it a few gulps before taking some in my mouth and kissing Tsuboi full on. His eyes opened wide in shock as I tossed the bottle behind me, only caring about the man in my arms right now. " Did it taste good?" I asked pulling an inch away.

" Y-ya. Ya it did," Tsuboi said dazed.

Behind us a champagne bottle popped and we both turned to the guild staring at the two of us, mouths agape as champagne spilled out. " Tsuboi you're such a lucky man," Dale sobbed.

" Where can we pick a girl like Fumiko up?" Issin asked.

Tsuboi turned back to me and smiled down. " Sorry she's one of a kind and she's all mine."

The guys groaned as Tsuboi went back in for a kiss. " Do you want to go?" I asked holding Tsuboi to me.

" So soon? The night's still young," He said motioning to the people still dancing.

" I thought you'd want to be alone," I said fake pouting. I was fake pouting? What was wrong with me?

Tsuboi smiled his dazzling smile and I remembered why I was acting this way. I was in love. " Guys we got a gift from the Knights Blood Oath for a weeks vacation and we're going to take it," Tsuboi said.

" Oh really when are you going to go?" Dynamm asked. Tsuboi gave them a look as he pulled me to him by my hip. " Oh."

" Well we've got some gifts for you before you go," Kunimittz said and sent a bunch of things to Tsuboi. " Don't have too much fun ok? And don't worry we'll take care of the mutts!"

" See you in a week!" I called over my shoulder as we went to the teleporter. A moment later we were on the 45th level. We stood in the middle of the main town, a quaint log cabin experience all around.

" Do you know how to get to this place?" Tsuboi asked holding up the waiver.

I pulled mine out and set it on the teleport pad and a second later we stood outside a cabin. " Oh my feet!" I shrieked as we were standing in the snow.

I made a run for the door and put my voucher in front of it, which turned into a key, and I opened the door. " Wait!" Klein shouted.

" What?" I hissed rubbing my arms. I yelped at Tsuboi picked me up. " Wouldn't be a honey moon if I didn't carry you over the threshold."

I held on tight as I was carried in to a now lit cabin. The interior was a mix of modern and rustic, most of the décor rustic but with modern touches such as an updated kitchen. The layout was mostly single floor with the bedroom visible upstairs. After Tsuboi set me down I ran to the other side of the room to the large floor to ceiling windows and gazed down the mountainside. It was truly a sight to see, the lights of town flickering below, the trees on the mountainside, and the colors of the aurora lighting the night sky.

I turned back and saw Tsuboi had shed his tux jacket and had started a fire in the fireplace. " So what did the guys get us?" I asked and walked back over to the living room area then sat on the rug in front of the fire to warm up.

" I guess they expected us to go on some kind of getaway so it's mostly food stuff," Tsuboi said returning from the kitchen. He brought with him another bottle of champagne, some champagne flutes, and chocolate strawberries. After pouring the two of us glasses of champagne, Tsuboi held us his glass to mine. " To the time we've had together."

" And to the future," I said and we clinked. We both finished out glasses in only a moment then laughed at the informality. Tsuboi poured more and I sighed in complete relaxation. " I have to admit the big wedding thing was kind of fun but next time let's go really, really small."

" Next time?" he asked with a quirked brow and handed me my refilled glass.

" Well… I mean… if after the game you want to of course," I mumbled nervously.

" It's just we haven't talked about after the game much if ever. I think it's the first time you've been truly hopeful about leaving."

" I think with everything that's happened it's only fueled me more to get out," I said and took Tsuboi's hand. " I won't let our candles burn out Tsuboi."

" Neither will I Fumiko," Tsuboi replied and leaned in to kiss me. I set my glass down and moved closer to Tsuboi, only wanting him at the moment. Except Tsuboi pulled away with a smirk. " So… is there a garter under the dress?"

I blushed hotly and shook my head no then paused. " Well I don't think so at least." I rubbed my legs together in a test and sure enough felt something along my leg.

" I take it from your surprised face there is indeed something there," Tsuboi smirked.

Before I could reply his lips were on mine again, distracting me from the hand creeping up my dress. It slid along my leg and sent tingles throughout my whole body. I pulled away from the kiss and rested my head on his shoulder so I could hide my blush and control my breath. It was crazy such a simple could drive me insane. A moment later the hand returned and from the corner of my eye I saw a frilly, white garter dangling from Tsuboi's hand. " Idiot," I muttered and buried my head deeper.

" Hey I didn't mean to embarrass you… well maybe just a little but still," Tsuboi began and tilted my head back up.

I immediately burst into mad laughter upon seeing Tsuboi had taken the garter and wrapped it around his head. Tsuboi leaned back against the couch, relaxed as I leaned back with him, the laughter finally dying down. He handed me back my champagne glass and pulled the strawberry tray closer. " You know other than the cake and this I haven't eaten all day," I said then devoured another strawberry.

" Me too and I've got it covered," Tsuboi said and went into his inventory again.

A moment later there was a beautiful plate of sushi and on cue my stomach rumbled making Tsuboi laughed. We each laughed then attacked the sushi. There wasn't a single tuna slice, strawberry, or drop of champagne left when we were done. By then we were simply laying back and enjoying each other's presence, the quiet peacefulness filling the air. " So what else did the guys get us?" I asked breaking the silence.

" Oh you know like I said food stuff," Tsuboi said with a small blush. I stared Tsuboi down hard, watching him try not to make eye contact and even break a sweat. " Ok well they got you a couple things."

I smiled and sat up as Tsuboi went into his inventory and sent me a few items. The smile dropped however upon seeing they were… bed related items. A few lingerie items and some… other things. " Oh."

" You don't have to use any of it!"

I looked back to a beet red Tsuboi and then back to the items. " Well I suppose one week being naughty won't hurt."

Tsuboi's head whipped back to me and I nervously smiled and looked through the outfits. " Th-that one!"

I gave Tsuboi a look to which he replied by looking away and whistling a tune. I sighed then removed the veil and hairpiece before selecting the outfit. A second later I was in a black and white French maid outfit. " Do you need me to clean these dishes up… master?" I asked in a cutesy voice.

I thought Tsuboi would laugh but it seemed instead I broke his poor mind as he stared agape. As I was about to say something a little blood trickled out his nose. He woke from his daydream and felt his face. " This-this-I can explain!"

" I thought this only happened in animes!" I shrieked and pulled my apron off, using it to stop the blood. " Are you ok?"

" I'm fine really," he said muffled by the apron. I frowned thinking the night had been ruined until Tsuboi moved the cloth down and kissed the top of my knuckles. " I'm fantastic actually. I have my beautiful WIFE sitting before me in a very arousing outfit which I am going to take advantage of to end the most perfect evening I've ever had."

Tsuboi gently pushed the apron away, which I dropped and he pushed me back onto the carpet. I watched Tsuboi change out of his tux and into boxers before pinning me between him and the floor. Slowly and silently I reached up and caressed Tsuboi's face, him leaning into my touch, then moved down to his torso and felt the skin beneath my fingertips, savoring the sensation. I wanted to remember every bit of it so I could feel it once again when we got out.

Tsuboi, not holding back any longer, slammed his lips against mine as I immediately wrapped myself around him. No matter happens from here on out I know that we will leave this game. Our minds and hearts together are too strong to just give up. I would get out and find Tsuboi then live many more years with him just like this. We will get out.