Marie truly was beyond amazing. Over the next three days she made an extremely fast recovery and was home on Friday. The doctors couldn't believe it; they were certain she would be there for a long time.
"I'm pregnant…" Marie whispered rubbing her stomach. Stein smiled and pulled her toward him on the couch.
"I'm still going to have a baby…I'm so glad…and then tomorrow I'm getting married." Marie said lacing her fingers with Stein's. Stein looked over at her and ran his free hand through her golden tresses.
"How are you feeling?" Stein asked.
"My body feels a bit weak but other than that I'm fine." Marie chirped.
"Good." Stein said simply, closing his eyes and leaning his head back. He exhaled smoothly.
"Stein?" Marie asked gently.
"Yes?" he said opening one eye to look at her.
Marie's eye penetrated his open one with such beauty that he opened his other one just to take it all in. Her gaze was warm and sweet like honey and a gently smile slowly formed on her face. Her eye narrowed to look more deeply into his mossy eyes. Her gaze along with the smile looked so loving, motherly, affectionate, and meaningful. The words "I love you" filled her eyes, smile, and whole presence, as her shoulders relaxed as well.
"I love you too." Stein said in a low tone. Despite his dull sounding voice, the words were full of beautiful love. Stein clasped Marie's hand that was laced with his tighter, and meshed his other hand in her hair, causing to take in a deep but quiet breath.
Marie looked into Stein's earnest orbs. The emotions in his eyes came across much more subtly than Marie's but the feelings were still there, and were just as deep and sincere as hers. The color, power, and focus of his eyes created a hypnotic, relaxed, and melting feeling all in one. Marie could feel her eyelid drooping as Stein pulled her head toward his gingerly.
He pressed his lips against hers carefully but still with great purpose and Marie returned the pressure with just as much meaning. She loved him so much, just as he was, nothing more and nothing less, and she knew that she wanted to be his forever; she wanted him to be hers.
Stein made small shifts, a bit at a time, to move closer to Marie. He loved her so much. She had always been there for him from the beginning, even when he hadn't noticed. She was the perfect one for him; the only one for him. He wanted to have her all to himself forever; he only wanted to be hers.
Marie could feel Stein's body heat closing in on hers. The warmth of his body along with the kiss was intoxicating and she found herself falling backwards against the couch. She made a small mph sound as her body pressed into the cushions; she and Stein's laced hands were placed up by the side of her head.
Damnit, she had to breath.
They reluctantly pulled apart and rested their foreheads together. The whole world was silent except for their two soft, mingling breaths. Everything was serene and weightless, until…
"You're soul's wavelength changed; it seems worried." Stein stated simply.
"That's so unfair. You shouldn't be able to sense that so easily." Marie whined.
Stein pushed himself up smoothly and pulled her up along with him.
"What's wrong?" Stein said simply.
It was amazing how little Stein had to say in order to make her heart pound. The sound of his voice and how effortlessly intense his gaze was, made her feel obligated to tell him whether she wanted to or not.
"It's the baby…" Marie said glancing down at her feet.
Stein closed his eyes. He recalled having told Marie about the possibility of a premature birth or birth defects. He had been surprised that she didn't burst into tears or start spouting off questions. She had looked pained but simply nodded and only said "Oh…ok". He had been worried; he was still worried; because he hadn't seen her mourn over it. He wondered if she had actually grasped his words, or if she was going to be alright.
"I'm just worried about it is all." Marie breathed.
Stein stared at her, trying to think of what he could tell her. Before he could speak though, Marie broke the silence.
"But all we can do is hope for the best right?" she said smiling. There was still sadness on her face, but she seemed to have a sincere hope in their child's future.
"Yes." Was all Stein said in response.
"Besides, I can't be all depressed; I'm getting married tomorrow! How did that whole tuxedo thing go with Spirit?" Marie asked with a goofy smile creeping onto her face; Stein sighed.
"Never again. He went on and on about how I needed to look a certain way and then tried to get me to try on everything in the store." Stein said with a slight growl. Marie giggled.
"That's what I expected." She said smilingly. "Awww…I really wish I could have seen the girls try on their bridesmaids dresses!" Marie dragged out with disappointment.
"You'll see them all tomorrow." Stein stated simply. "But are you really having Azusa as your Maid of Honor?" Stein said dully, possibly hoping that it wasn't true.
"Stein, honestly, she's not that bad! We're friends! And besides, Spirit Albarn is your Best Man; that's insanity." Marie said placing her hands on her hips.
"I'd never hear the end of it if I hadn't chosen him. Besides, who else would I choose?" Stein said.
Marie simply giggled and closed her eye peacefully.
"Tomorrow…" she breathed.
And Saturday came in a flash. It was very exciting, but extremely stressful as well.
As Stein and Marie approached the church to get ready they noticed Noah wailing in front of the church sign.
"Noah, what's wrong?" Marie asked quickly.
"Oh the humanity!" Noah cried, throwing his head back. "Look what the young people of Death City have done!" he shouted pointing a stiff finger at the sign.
Stein and Marie instantly sweatdropped at the sight.
The sign once said Sweetens and Cumin Church; the name was from the founders. However, the sign had been altered as many letters had been knocked down so that it now read in large black letters: Sweet Cum Church.
Spirit walked up behind Stein with a hand to his mouth, trying to suppress a fit of laughter.
"On someone's wedding day! Lord, have mercy on their souls!" Noah pleaded to the clouds above.
"Noah, please try and calm down. I understand that you're upset, but sobbing won't change this. Let's try to move on and make the rest of the wedding as lovely as possible. Okay?" Norah said soothingly, with her shy, silky voice, as she placed a small hand on her twin's shoulder.
"Oh Norah….you're right! I have a couple to wed!" Noah said standing erect with determination; fist balled tight.
Norah chuckled nervously at her twin's silly behavior but didn't object; she was obviously used to his behavior.
"Um…Miss Mjolnir? W-would you like to come with me t-to change into your dress? I-I can help you…maybe…I mean that is if you want me to!" Norah clumsily blurted.
"Norah, you can call me Marie alright? We're friends now, and you have your own bridesmaids dress for my wedding! There's no reason for you to be this shy around me." Marie said cheerfully. Norah's pale cheeks turned rosy and the corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly.
"Ok…" Norah said shyly, but with a bit more ease in her voice.
Marie shot Stein a smile before following Norah to her dressing room.
"Stein, you need to get out of those hideous clothes too." Spirit said placing a hand on his shoulder. "You get to wear your tux! Aren't you soooo excited?"
"Not really. It's pretty uncomfortable." Stein said blandly, as he turned the screw in his head.
"Oh come on! This is your one chance to not look like a frump!" Spirit said.
"Yeah, yeah…" Stein said halfheartedly as he began to walk toward the church.
"H-hey wait up!" Spirit called.
With the girls:
Azusa carefully pulled the dress over Marie's head and Norah tied the blue bow elegantly.
"Y-you really look lovely Miss Mj—Marie…" Norah said with a flush to her cheeks.
"Yes, you look wonderful." Azusa added.
Marie stepped in front of the full length mirror and examined herself. It wasn't long before she started tearing up.
"If you cry you'll ruin your makeup." Azusa scolded.
Marie nodded and smiled.
"It's just that I'm so happy." Marie beamed.
"And you should be." Norah chimed in. "I-I want to stay with you longer Marie but…I think I should check on the ladies next door." Norah said motioning toward the next room over where the younger girls were getting changed.
"You look so pretty sis!" Patty's voice radiated from the room.
Marie laughed and Azusa sighed and shook her head.
"You look rather lovely as well Azusa." Marie said happily, admiring her friend in her thin-strapped, sweetheart neckline, flowing champagne pink dress.
"You should focus on how you look Marie. It's your day." Azusa said back with a rare kindly smile.
With boys:
"What do you mean you can't tie a tie?" Spirit said in outrage.
"I've never worn anything that required me to." Stein said uninterested.
"You're ridiculous." Stein said shaking his head.
"Even I was able to do that when I was alive." Sid added.
"You can keep rubbing it in or you can actually be useful." Stein said.
"Ok, calm down!" Spirit said reaching up to do the tie for Stein.
"I said show me, not do it for me." Stein said in response to Spirits' actions; Stein wasn't one for being taken care of.
"It would be a pain to show you how." Spirit said pulling the tie to tighten it properly. "See? I'm a pro!"
Stein was about to reply when he heard a loud voice explode through the walls.
"Man! I look incredible! Too bad for Stein that I'm gonna be the star in this wedding!" Black Star boomed.
"No, no, no! Look at you! The left side of your suit is hanging off your shoulder!" Kid pointed out.
"Those kids are too much." Sid said finally. "But we can't worry about that, you need to get out there."
With girls:
"Are you nervous?" Azusa inquired.
"A bit; I just want everything to go well." Marie said looking up.
"It will. But you're happy to be marrying Stein right?" Azusa said giving Marie a quizzical look. Marie's head whipped around to face her.
"Of course I am!" Marie said quickly.
"Alright; if you think you'll be satisfied in that relationship…by the way…" Azusa said pushing her glasses up.
"What?" asked, Marie.
"Is he good in bed?" Azusa deadpanned.
"A-Azusa! Y-you can't ask something like that!" Marie blurted, with her face burning.
"We're friends right? This is factor in your relationship satisfaction. So how is he? Don't complain; just tell me." Azusa stated, obviously not willing to back down.
"H-he..well…." Marie's whole face and neck was beet red. "….was good." She finished.
"I see. Maybe he had prior experience." Azusa said with a fully straight face. Marie's head shot up.
"Azusa! H-how can you say that?" Marie sputtered with a small angry tear at the corner of her eye.
"I was only joking Marie. It's impossible that he's had anyone else." Azusa said. Marie looked cutely confused.
"Impossible?" Marie questioned.
"No woman in her right mind would have sex with him. You're the only one who's crazy enough. So yes, it's impossible." Azusa said bluntly.
Marie closed her eyes for a second before unleashing a punch on her friend.
"DON'T INSULT MY LOVE!" Marie cried passionately. Only moments later, Marie regretted her actions.
"I'm sorry!" Marie said waving her hands in front of her body.
"Great, and right when I need to leave." Azusa groaned.
"Huh?" Marie questioned.
"I need to be up at the altar. The other ladies should be waiting there, as well as Spirit and Stein by now. You'll be coming down the aisle soon, Marie." Azusa said as she walked out the door, having recovered rather quickly.
At the altar:
Music started playing very gently. It was a very tense but wonderful moment for everyone. All of the DWMA staff and students were there, along with some others. Marie would be coming out soon.
There she was. She looked…perfect.
Stein's eyes widened at the sight of Marie slowly making her way down the aisle. She looked like an angel, all dressed up in white. She stepped so carefully and gently, practically gliding across the floor. Her soft hair draped over her smooth shoulders, and the veil flowed away from her head elegantly. She looked perfect. So beautiful. The way the dress flowed on her body…Marie…he loved her. God he loved her.
Marie's eye widened at the sight of Stein. It was rather shocking…appalling, astonishing, remarkable, incredible, amazing…that he could look like he did now! Marie had never seen Stein dress up. He was just Stein, no matter what the occasion was. But now, he just looked so neat. Stein…neat? He stood confidently, with his mossy eyes fixed on her. He was wearing a white tuxedo….wow…just wow. He really looked amazing like that.
Before she knew it, she had reached the altar and was staring directly into Stein's eyes. She almost wanted to cry right then and there, and Stein wanted to pull her into his arms just looking at her.
"DEARLY BELOVED, WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY TO-" Noah started extremely loudly, with over enthusiasm; he stopped short when he saw Norah making hand motions that said "tone it down."
"Ahem…Dearly beloved friends, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in Paradise, in the time of man's innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his church: which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honorable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised nor taken in hand unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained:
One was the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord and praise of God. It was also ordained for the mutual society, help and comfort that the one ought to have for the other, both in prosperity and adversity: into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, it any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now, or else hereafter hold his peace." Noah said with a pure tone, as he looked up to see if anyone would object.
Stein took a quick glance over at Ryota who was seated next to Norah. Ryota smirked and put his arm around Norah and pulled her to him tightly.
Noah looked at Marie with a bright smile.
"Marie Mjolnir, do you take Franken Stein to be your lawful wedded husband?" Noah said in an almost angelic voice; it was amazing how tender he could sound.
"I do." Marie said closing her eye with a smile.
Noah smiled and continued.
"Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Marie repeated with deep love in her voice.
Noah then turned to Stein, and asked the same questions. Stein said "I do" with deep meaning…so deep that Marie began to tear up.
"Do you together promise in the presence of your friends and family that you will at all times and in all circumstances, conduct yourselves toward one another as becomes husband and wife?" Noah asked both Stein and Marie.
Together they answered with full heart "We do".
"Do you together promise you will love, cherish and respect one another throughout the years?"
"We do" Stein and Marie repeated, looking intensely into each other's eyes.
Stein and Marie then exchanged vows, in which Marie cried and Stein only smiled.
Marie smiled tearfully and took a step closer to Stein.
"I, Marie Mjolnir, give you, Franken Stein, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." Marie breathed as she tried not to cry. She slipped the thick banded sliver ring on Stein's finger and temporarily admired the two black and white diamonds in the center of it. She was very grateful to Azusa for having picked the ring up for her while she had been in the hospital.
Noah nodded to Stein, who repeated Marie's line and slipped the gold ring with its large diamond in the center on her finger.
Noah then said a very elegant prayer, not to short, but not too long either. It was perfect.
With a bit more power in his voice, Noah spoke again.
"By the power vested in me by the town of Death City, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Noah finished closing his eyes with contentment.
Stein wrapped one arm around Marie and rested it on her middle back, and laced the other hand with hers and pressed his lips against hers lovingly. He poured his soul into the kiss; as deeply as he could. Cheering, clapping, and crying could be heard in the background.
Marie pulled away with tears streaming down her face and Stein smiling.
"I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Stein!" Noah shouted happily as the newlyweds made their way out with joined hands.
When they stepped outside, they were greeted with Patty pelting them with rice and laughing happily.
Marie couldn't believe it….she was ACTUALLY married now….she was married to the man she truly loved. She loved Stein so much….now she would never have to worry about being without him ever again.
"I love you St-….wait…Stein is my last name now…" she said giggling. "I love you…Franken." She said touching his cheek lightly.
"I love you Marie…" Stein said pressing his lips to hers once more.
This was the start of a whole new chapter. A beautiful start.