I remember the day so clearly.

It was one of the most magical days of my life.

When I had woken up on that blissful morning, my heart was racing. For a split second, I had forgotten what day it really was.

Then, when I looked off to my side and saw my future husband to be sleeping peacefully by my side, I remembered instantly.

It was June 20th.

Our wedding day.

Planning was no biggie, it was a short planning period simply because we were having a small wedding in the house. Guests were no problem either. While we never got a hold of Sound… sadly, Velvet was able to show up just yesterday. She found a way to sliver out from underneath White Star's gaze just for a day or two.

When I rose up, stretching and yawning, I couldn't stop the blush that rose just for knowing it was my wedding day.

I looked over at Death's sleeping figure, smiling softly to see him passed out like a baby.

I leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek before slipping out of bed. I pulled on some basic clothes comprising of a t-shirt and some shorts, before slipping out of the room as quietly as I could.

When I closed the door, I quietly rushed downstairs and into the living room, see Astoria sitting on the couch, already awake and feeding Wesley.

"Oh! Astoria, you're up early," I exclaimed, walking over.

She smiled, shaking her head.

"This one's up and down with the sun, I've been up for an hour now. But that's not important right now! It's the big day!" she cheered quietly, not wanting to disturb Wesley.

I blushed, nodding my head excitedly.

"Yeah, I know," I replied, sitting down on the opposite side of the couch.

Astoria smiled, her feet tapping the ground.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so excited! I can't believe you two have been dating for only a year and you're already getting married! That's incredible Elphie, it really is! So, your dress is ready right?" she asked, moving around when Wesley suddenly flailed his arms, signaling to his mother that he was finished.

As Astoria went to lay him against her shoulder, I nodded.

"Yes, it is. It's been hanging up in my greenhouse so that Death can't see it. It's not anything overly fancy, it's actually rather simple in its design. I'm not too fond of those giant… monsters of dresses most women wear to their weddings," I confessed, rubbing my temple.

Astoria nodded in understanding.

"Trust me, I know how you feel. I looked atrocious in the dress I wore to George and I's wedding believe me. I wanted to burn the damn thing…" she huffed, crossing her legs irritably.

I smiled sympathetically, "Man, that bad?"

Seeing her roll her head with her eyes and pretend she was barfing was enough to answer that question.

"Yes. BUT, that's enough about me! Velvet! Perfect timing!"

I turned around to see Velvet walking out of the hall, still in pajamas. She had grown a little bit in the time we were apart, now at a stellar 152 centimeters, with some new scars to boot.

Poor Astoria… still doomed to be four foot eleven till she died.

"Hey girls. Heeyy~ it's the bride!" she cheered, rushing over and poking me in the shoulder repeatedly.

I swatted her away, laughing along with her.

"Shut up! I know I'm the bride you don't have to remind me! Anyway, how did you sleep?" I asked, trying to divert the attention away from me.

Velvet rolled her eyes, however, and plopped down next to me, swinging one of her broad arms around my shoulders.

"Come on, stop trying to change the subject. Who gives a shit about how my night went, I wanna know about you! Excited?" she asked, wiggling her brows.

I flushed for the fifth time that morning, turning away.

"Yes. Excited, and nervous…" I answered, rubbing my cheeks.

I heard Velvet hum in curiosity, her grip on me loosening.

"Nervous? What for?" she asked.

I saw Astoria roll her eyes at the assassin, pursing her lips.

"Come on Velvet, it's her wedding day! It's normal to be nervous!" she answered, receiving a shrug from Velvet.

"What? I'm just asking! It's not like Elphaba to be nervous about… anything really!"

Oh honey you have no idea.

I decided to butt in, turning to the bluenette, "Yes we get it, I'm hardly nervous towards anything, but this is… huge! Me! Getting married!? I never thought it would happen so forgive me if I'm, ya know…" I cried, tussling my hands through my hair, pulling at the bedhead.

Velvet patted my back reassuringly, a soft smile on her face.

"Hey, don't sweat it. Sorry to seem pushy, I'm just worried about you," she replied, leaning back on the couch.

I looked over at her, feeling a bit vulnerable.

"I'm sorry… I'm just so nervous. What if we don't work as husband and wife? What if we get into fights!? What if-"

"OH MY GOD ELPHIE! Will you stop asking what if, and just look at was IS!" Astoria suddenly shouted, Wesley gurgling in response to his mother's yell.

I jumped shock at her commanding, kind of parental shout, staring at her silently as she stared me down.

"Look Elphaba! You need to relax! I know you're nervous around love and all that bull, but it's been, a whole, god, damn, YEAR! Velvet! Hold Wes-" she held him out and Velvet jumped from the couch to receive him, "You've been with him happily for the past year, in love with him for nearly three, and have known him for like, five or six! Just let it go! You two will flourish as a couple! You'll be happy, you'll live long, and maybe you'll have babies, I hope you do! I want nieces and nephews!"

I flushed at that statement.

"But as I was saying, you need to relax! It's your wedding day! Be happy! You're about to walk the… hallway, and stand in front of that man and declare him your husband. Velvet and I might have experience with weddings, but we don't have something that you do. You're getting married because YOU want to, don't you?"

I nodded.

"Then why are you nervous? I was scared as FUCK when I walked down the aisle towards George because I was giving myself to a man I hardly knew, and who threatened my family before. I'm working to get away, but it won't happen any time soon, I need proof and such but that's beside the point! And Velvet… I'm not sure…" she waved her hands at Velvet, who shrugged.

"I was ten, I don't think I was paying attention."

She rolled her eyes and turned back to me, "Okay Velvet's not a good example, but back to the point! There's no need for you to be scared. If you love Death, then don't doubt this decision. You said yes because you wanted to marry him right?"

I nodded once more.

"Then go through with it! If you love him and want to be with him, but then fucks suck Elphaba GO THROUGH! Marry that man, and marry him proudly! Whether tonight you snuggle in front of the fireplace or you fly up to the bedroom to have sex till dawn-"

"ASTORIA!"

"You'll be happy. And married. Happy and married. To Death. Which you want. By god, woman stop complaining and freaking out about it not working out. So please… just get married and let my ears rest will ya?"

I stared at her silently, unable to find the words for a response.

When I looked towards Velvet, she shrugged, bouncing Wesley a little bit to keep him entertained.

I looked back at Astoria, who had her arms crossed and was staring at me silently with a raised eyebrow.

I looked down at my lap, feeling a bit childish now after her lecture. Man, for someone who had lived not even a quarter of my lifespan, she was acting way more mature than me at the current moment.

Made me feel childish…

"Well… I guess…" I mumbled, rubbing my arm nervously.

Astoria nodded, giving me large smile before reaching her arms out, gesturing for Velvet to hand her baby back to her.

When Wesley was safely back in her arms, Astoria bounced him a little, the infant reaching up to grab fistfuls of her hair.

I smiled, leaning back against the couch.

I guess I was overreacting… I mean, getting married was something I never expected I'd do. Hell, get married to Lord Death of all people.

But, if we had lasted this long as simply a couple, we could last even longer as husband and wife.

I had to be confident in that.

"Mornin' ladies."

I turned around with a smile to see Death walking out of the hall, hair messier than usual and a sleepy grin on his face.

"Morning Death!" Velvet smiled, lifting up her hand for a high-five. Astoria gave him a small wave, holding Wesley's hand also to make him wave, and I flushed. I looked away hurriedly, covering my face with my hands. God, why was I embarrassed to see him!?

"Jeez you two are so awkward."

I shot up to glare at the albino mother, a smirk sprawled across her face.

I heard someone walk up behind me, and felt the top of the couch dip with a new amount of weight.

"Morning hun," I heard him whisper, feeling his lips press against my temple. I smiled, leaning back to kiss him back, this time on his lips.

"Morning sweetheart." I laughed when he nuzzled my nose with his.

"You know typically the future husband and wife aren't allowed to see each other the morning of the wedding?" I heard Astoria say, her voice playful.

I rolled my eyes, kissing his cheek over and over in a sort of defiance.

"Well we're not cliche, are we? I think I have a right to see my fiance's face before we're wed, don't you?" I asked him, leaning up to nuzzle his chin.

I could feel the blush crawling on his face from his chin, hearing him chuckle in response.

"Yeah, I do."

I saw Astoria roll her eyes, moving to stand up from her seat.

"Well, while you two make out and such, I'm gonna go find something to eat. Elphie, once Panthera gets here we're taking you away and getting you fitted alright?" she announced, moving away from the living room and towards the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes, giving her a nod before she and Velvet disappeared into the kitchen.

I looked up at Death, watching him jump over the back of the couch and plop down next to me, his arm around my shoulders.

"Well that was unnecessary," I mused, seeing him chuckle in response.

"Only the best for my Lizard Lady~" he cooed, leaning forward to eskimo kiss me.

I flushed, returning his little gesture.

"Of course. And my Shit Lord only receives my best as well."

The two of us continued this little cheesy snuggle fest for a few minutes, the glee of getting married overtaking us.

"Come on hun, let's save the snuggles for after the vows," I stated, grinning when his ducked down to my neck.

"I know, but honestly? I'm so happy right now… we're getting married! Today!" he squealed like a child, scooping me up into his arms and into his lap.

I squealed as well, hugging him tightly.

"Hahaha! Yes I know! Now come on! Let's get some breakfast, and get ready. Everyone else will be arriving soon, and I'd rather not invite the wrath of Astoria. You don't even know how much of a pain she was back on the Gala night where we danced those five or six years ago," I explained, moving to stand up and walk towards the kitchen.

But Death held me down, preventing me from standing. At first, I thought he wanted to snuggle or kiss more, which despite myself I was gonna have to tell him no. But he was no longer laughing. He was smiling, but it was whimsical and even reminiscent in some way.

"...Has it really been that long already?"

I felt my heart stop for a moment, before picking back up.

Had it been? Had it really been, six years since I had first walked into this city? I arrived in 1990, and it was already… 1996?

When I stopped to think about it, it seemed almost… surreal. As if it wasn't happening.

And yet, it was.

Here I was, sitting in the lap of my fiance, who would become my husband later that afternoon. I'd walk down the hall, meet him right here in the living room, and proclaim our desires to each other. We'd bond, say I do, and kiss.

Yeah, we wouldn't have one of those cliche, cheesy honeymoons in New Zealand or whatever, our honeymoon would be right upstairs. We wouldn't build a brand new house in celebration of our new lives, but we'd continue to live in the one we were marrying in. We wouldn't receive gifts upon gifts upon gifts, we'd get maybe a thing or two from a batch full of friends.

It certainly wasn't cliche.

But then again, what part of our love story was?

A human turned Dragon falling in love with a Grim Reaper. It wasn't as common a story as I sometimes thought.

But… here we were.

Hours away from becoming one.

Forever…

I smiled, tucking into his side even more, nearly forgetting about breakfast.

"Yeah… it has…"

The two of us sat in comfortable silence, resting in each other's presence.

Then, the doorbell rang.

I sighed, looking up at Death, knowing that once Panthera was here, I'd be dragged off and wouldn't see him till we were on our altar.

He smiled at me, leaning and kissing my nose.

"Guess… I'll see you later?" he asked, a blush crawling on his face.

I nodded, feeling my own blood rush dust over my cheeks.

"Yeah, I guess so."

We both stared at one another for a minute before sharing one last kiss, then standing up.

"Well, Imma go let the hell in," I said, stretching my back out before walking out of the living room and downstairs into the foyer.

I walked over to the small camera system sitting right next to the door, turning it on to see who was there, even if I knew who was there.

When I saw Panthera, Andrei, Spirit, and Stein all gathered by the gate, I unlocked it. I pressed the mic button and spoke through to them.

"Try not to rip the place up okay?"

I saw them either laugh or give me eye rolls as they walked through the now open gate.

I waited by the door silently, hearing their excited chatter get louder and louder as they approached.

I heard them stop near the door and knock.

"You can come in you know?"

That was a bad thing to say.

The door was basically bashed open, and the four newcomers flew in at breakneck speed. Stein and Spirit raced past me, flying up the stairs while screaming Death's name. Andrei gave me a polite bow and greeting before following them in a more, regal fashion. And Panthera simply stopped when she passed the threshold.

"Hey missy miss! Excited for the big day?" she chirped, placing her shoes on the rack next to the door.

I rose a brow playfully, acknowledging the little nickname she had for me.

"Is that really something to be calling your employer?" I teased, watching her wave me off.

"Oh please Miss Elphaba, I think you and I have passed the barrier of boss and underlings into friend territory. At least I hope so, why would you invite me to your six, seven-person wedding otherwise?" she replied, holding up a bag that I assumed was either her supplies for dressing me up or some kind of gift.

I shrugged, "Point taken. Now come on, I can only fathom what you and the girls have in store for me…"

Panthera laughed at my comment, patting my back.

"Oh trust me, we've discussed this in full over the past week, at least Astoria and I since Velvet just got here yesterday. Witch to witch, trust me when I say we'll get you so beautiful, Death's jaw may just drop and fall off when he sees you!" Panthera pumped her fists in the air, flashing a toothy grin.

I rolled my eyes, smiling.

"You know I'm not a witch, right?"

"Eh, it's the thought that counts."

Are you guys sure about this?"

"Of course we are! You look AMAZING!"

I stared at myself in the mirror, the doubt I had earlier this morning flowing back into my system like a waterfall.

It had been a few hours since everyone got here, and I was almost immediately dragged into my bedroom to be dressed. I had to scarf down some food before I did, otherwise, I would be standing here with a growling stomach.

However, after an hour of discussion, another hour trying to get my hair to cooperate, two curlers and a straightener died that die, may they rest in peace. Thirty minutes of trying to convince me to wear makeup, and ultimately failing, and another hour and a half of actually getting me fitted.

Now here I was, standing on the tiny little stage thing Velvet had set up and looking at myself through three different mirrors.

My dress itself wasn't all that fancy. I upright refused to have those long trailed dresses or fucking cupcake ones you saw in those shitty soap operas. It was skin tight, simple, but I had a few twists added to it.

While the dress itself was white, I need some form of black on here because I felt uncomfortable without wearing a little bit of it. Around the middle of the dress, more towards the knee, the white of the dress began to flow and fade into black, and by the bottom of the dress, it was solid. The torso bit was sleeveless, with a V neck and draped bottoms. There were hints of gold in the dress too, like the belt-like section that marked where the torso met the legs, gold threads tracing patterns all along the bottom, and lining the neck and armholes.

I, of course, had a veil, but it was sitting behind my head. I had the same hairdo I did for the gala those six years ago, but now with the short veil to boot. The cloth itself only draped to the top of my neck, not really being enough to cover my face.

I had decided to wear earrings to make my facial area a bit more appealing since I wasn't wearing makeup.

The one thing I refused to go without, was my necklace. The one of the skull. Astoria had tried to persuade me not to wear it because it would look unappealing in comparison to the dress, but that was the one thing I refused to argue about. I put my foot down about it, not hearing any arguments or persuasions.

I needed to wear it. It was the only thing that connected me to my previous life with my sisters, and the brief day I had spent with my father.

Had it really been that long already?

"Honey, why are you so nervous about this? You look amazing! Death's gonna be speechless when you walk out!" Panthera cried, clapping her hands together.

Velvet nodded from off to the side.

"Yes, I can agree. You look great Elphie, stop freaking out," she deadpanned, shaking her head at my anxiety.

I fretted around a bit more, frisking with the dress worriedly.

Astoria slapped my hand away, fixing the dress.

"Stop messing with it! It's fine Elphaba, you look wonderful! Oh my goodness, we went over this morning, why are you freaking out now of all times?" she fussed, frowning at me angrily.

I pouted, looking down at the floor like a dejected child.

"It's just… what if this doesn't work out like I think it will? What if something happens?" I asked, really to myself than to them.

However, they caught my question, and all seemed to roll their eyes.

"Come on Elphaba, you nearly ran from Death City last year cuz you were terrified at the thought of just dating him, thinking that you two wouldn't last as a couple. But here you are, one year later. You were proven wrong Elphie, you two do, and WILL work. What makes you think you two won't work as husband and wife?" She asked.

I looked away, staring at the floor.

She was right. We had been over this already. Why was it coming back in full swing now that I was in a dress!?

I looked at my reflection, staring at myself curiously.

Was I worried about the wedding? No… we had dismissed and crushed that fear. Our relationship? No, I had full confidence we could make a good couple. Death? There was nothing wrong with him, he was everything I had ever wanted…

Was it…

Me?

"I'm… not worried about that…" I whispered, realizing suddenly what I was fearing.

The girls all looked up at me, confusion in their eyes.

"Than… what are you worried about?" Velvet asked, walking up next to me.

I sighed, looking down at my feet defeatedly.

"...Me."

The looks I got made me feel uneasy. At some points they were confused, and others looked mildly concerned. Astoria stood up from her chair, Wes gurgling from his carrier.

"What do you mean, you're worried about yourself? Afraid Death won't treat you right?"

I shook my head violently, nearly sending my veil flying off.

"NO, no! I'm not worried about that at all, Death is a wonderful, kind, honest man! He'd never do anything to hurt anyone, at least not intentionally. I know he'll treat me right, he always has, that's what's so wonderful about him! But…"

Astoria rose her brow, "But…?"

I looked at my hands, my thumbs fiddling together nervously.

"What if… what if I'm, not good enough for him?"

I heard Velvet gasp, and Astoria's eyes seemed like they popped out of her head.

"What!? You think YOU'RE not good enough for him!? What the hell Elphaba, you've been dating for over a year now why are you afraid of this now!?" she snapped, her arms flailing out.

I whirled around, turning towards her and Velvet angrily. Panthera had very obviously stepped away to the back of the room, the fear in her eyes apparent.

"Because what if we get married, we're happy, and it turns out he doesn't want me as a wife!? What if I'm not as interesting as a wife as I am as a girlfriend!? What if we get married and we fight a lot!? What if I'm a horrible wife, what if I do something that makes him upset and he wants to split!? What if… what if I'm not… good enough?"

I felt my heart sink as I voiced my fear, sinking down and sitting on the small little stage. I buried my face in my hands, sighing heavily.

All remained silent after my confession as if taking it in.

I sensed Astoria and Velvet walk over towards me, hearing them sit down next to me. I felt a hand go to rub my back, sighing heavily.

"Elphie… is that really it?" I heard Velvet ask, her voice unusually soft.

I nodded, not removing my hands from my face. I could feel my nose and cheeks begin to burn, my eyes stinging in response. I was seconds away from crying.

I heard Astoria chuckle next to me, her hand coming to my back also.

"Come on hun, you can't really be worried about that can you?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm.

I felt my throat jump, pulling my hands away to reveal my tear ridden face.

"Y-Yes! What if I'm n-not what he needs!? Wh-What if I'm the opposite!? I just-I just feel so frustrated! I want to do this! I w-want to get married to him but… but I can let go of this fear! It lives inside of me, I can't… get rid of it! After all this time, a single fucking year isn't enough to extinguish a fear that's lived in me for, quite literally, over two HUNDRED YEARS! What if we hate each other when we're married!? I don't think I could live with something like that happening! God dammit… I should've just left this city when I had the chance…"

There it was, all out. An anxiety I didn't even know I had until it was all out and said. I was afraid that I wasn't enough for Death. He had never dated anyone except me, and now he's marrying me! What if he realizes I'm not the person he needs halfway into the marriage and divorced me?!

I honestly had never had so much anxiety before, getting married. I wanted to, I needed to! I dreamed of settling down at one point, finding a new home. I had never imagined I would've gotten married as well, but here I was, in my dress and ready to walk to that makeshift altar and proclaim him my husband.

And then suddenly, Astoria and Velvet burst into hysterical laughter.

I jumped up to see Astoria with her hands over her mouth, trying to contain her giggles as tears built in the corners of her eyes.

Velvet, on the other hand, was slapping her knee and doubling over, her laughs loud and brash. I felt shocked, confused, even hurt.

"Are you… laughing at me!?" I cried, feeling more tears build at the thought of them thinking my pain was funny.

But Astoria shook her head, placing her hand on my shoulder.

"Oh Elphie, hehe, sorry! We're not laughing at you, we promise!"

Velvet lifted her head, "We're laughing because you think Death doesn't want you!"

I narrowed my eyes, "That counts as laughing at me."

Velvet waved me off, scooting closer to wrap her arm around my shoulders.

"Elphaba, if Death didn't want you he would've never asked you to marry him. Do you wanna know a secret?"

Astoria gasped, looking around me at Velvet.

"Wait, you don't mean THAT one do you!?" she gasped, Wesley squealing at his mother's tone.

Velvet nodded her grin wide.

"You bet I mean that one! I think it's about time she knew, I mean it is her wedding day, after all, ~" she mused, shrugging her shoulders.

My gaze whipped back and forth from Astoria to Velvet, who were both pondering over this… secret of theirs.

"What? What secret? What am I missing!?" I shouted, seeing them both laugh.

"Oh Elphaba, the secret is that we've known about Death's attraction to you for like… ever."

Velvet nodded, "In fact, we were the first people he told! He called us to the Death Room about a year after you two became friends to tell us something of utmost confidentiality! That he had a crush on you!"

My eyes widened, feeling a warmth bubble up in my chest.

"Wait… what?"

Astoria nodded, "You betcha'. Man did he go one for HOURS about all the things he loved about you! Seriously, it was two hours and thirty-seven minutes we counted."

Velvet added something else, "He told us this because at the time, we were closest to you in relationship. He wanted to know if he had a chance with you based on your end, and on what we saw. And do you know what we told him?"

I shook my head.

"We told him, a big, fat, YES!"

I reeled back when Velvet suddenly jumped up to her feet, pumping her fists into the air. I heard Astoria begin to fuss at her though when Wesley suddenly started crying, the sudden volume in her voice startling him.

"Velvet!" she hissed, "That's enough, sit down!"

Velvet winced, slowly sitting back down next to me as Astoria bounced and rocked Wesley gently in order to hush him.

"Why… why did you tell him that? What if… what if things were different?" I asked, feeling curious as to why they would tell him yes, not that I minded.

Astoria rolled her eyes, planting a few kisses on Wesley's head before speaking.

"Because, we knew how much you cared about him. It was as a plain as day sometimes. We also knew by the way you talked about love, that you didn't just fear it…"

Velvet smiled, "You longed for it."

I stared at her silently, feeling surprised that she was able to pinpoint something so easily.

"...How… How did you…"

"How did we know? Come on Elphie it was obvious. You talked about how scared you were of love, and yet when I talked about those people you quote on quote hurt, you were so passionate about them and everything you loved about them, as if you missed them," Velvet explained.

Astoria nodded, "It's not hard to tell when someone misses something they've supposedly gotten rid of. I may not be able to sense wavelengths as a weapon, but I know enough about emotions and their physical traits to tell when someone is longing or missing something. Elphie, if you really miss being loved, and loving someone, then stop trying to deny and fear this. Let your fear inside, but don't let it take control of you. Grab that motherfucker by the reins and tell it while you may live inside of me, I'M in charge! You'll always be afraid of losing someone you love, it's not as uncommon as you make it out to be. Your fear is just stronger because you've lost nearly everyone you loved. But god forbid, don't let this control you or make your decisions for you. Just go out there and get married."

I sat in silence as Astoria stared at me, Wesley staring at me from her chest.

When I looked at my other side to gaze at Velvet, she was wearing the same expression. Expectation, and some slight annoyance.

I sat in thoughtful silence, pondering over their words.

They were right…

They were always right about this kind of thing.

Why was I letting my fear get the better of me?

Why didn't I just… go marry him?

This is what I wanted. I needed to let myself have this.

Take my fear by the reins and control it.

It amazes me how much of a baby I actually acted like in situations like these…

I sighed, looking down at my hands.

"...Yeah, okay."

I heard Astoria and Velvet give me hums of shock.

"Wh… What?" Velvet asked, her eyes wide with confusion. I turned to her worriedly, wondering if I had something out of the ordinary.

"What? Did I say something weird?" I asked, raising a brow towards them.

Astoria shook her head, lifting Wesley up a little bit, "N-No, it's not that but… well… you're never all that quick to accept an answer…"

I chuckled, nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, I won't deny that. But… I need to start accepting answers and not questioning things anymore. If that's the answer I'm getting, then I just have to swallow it," I stood up, "Besides, you're right anyway. Why deny the thing I want the most, it doesn't make sense.

I turned around, giving them apologetic smiles, "Sorry for being a pain in your asses this past day or so. How 'bout it? Shall we go out there and get me a husband?"

To see them smile brightly and give me encouraging nods brightened my day. They stood up with me, arming my sides.

"Finally, I thought you'd never get off your moping ass!" Velvet cheered, giving me a punch in the shoulder.

Astoria nodded, moving Wesley's carrier around to the front of her, "Yes I agree. Let's do this already, I've been waiting for this moment since 1990!"

Wesley squealed with happiness with her mother's cheer, his little arms flailing about.

I smiled brightly, a blush dusting over my face. When I turned to the door of my room, I had noticed that at some point, Panthera had slipped out. When I approached the door, taking the bouquet that Astoria handed me, the door swung open, and there she was.

"Miss Elphaba! Are you ready? Death's waiting for you now!" she hissed as if trying to whisper loudly.

I nodded, moving a piece of my dress.

"Yes, I'm ready. Sorry for the wait, I just needed a… pep talk." answered, giving her a nervous grin. I heard the two snicker behind me, making a move to swat one of them with my flowers.

Panthera chuckled, nodding in confirmation.

"Alrighty then. If you're ready,"

She moved out of the way, allowing me to exit the room.

I felt my heart begin to beat faster and faster, suddenly overwhelmed by how nervous I was.

I stepped forward more to let Astoria and Velvet out of the room, Panthera closing the door behind us.

"Alright, I'm gonna go on ahead and let them know you're ready. Stand at the door to the living room and just tap it when you're ready. Astoria, Velvet, come with me."

I turned to watch the two move in front of me, giving me one last hug.

"Good luck honey!" Astoria cooed, keeping Wesley from grabbing my hair. Velvet grinned at me, patting my back.

"Knock'em dead!"

I nodded, watching them walk away with Panthera.

And then… I was alone.

I waited for the three to be good and gone, my grip on my bouquet of flowers tightening.

This was it. I was minutes away.

I need to take a step.

That's all it would take. Just a single step and I would be on my way.

But… before I took that step, something happened.

Suddenly, memories began to rush through my head. My sisters, my mother, the dragons, the witches, Medusa, Erica, Maba, Anam, Hikari, my father, Excalibur, everything and everyone. It was like a showreel, flashing random memories from my life long ago to the few days before now.

I felt tears build in my eyes, biting my tongue to suppress quiet sobs.

This was it.

I was leaving all that pain and strife behind.

And starting anew.

I stepped forward.

I stood in front of the double, elwood door. The noise was scarce on the other side, only a few shuffles of feet and some whispers passed by my ears.

I sighed, looking down at the bouquet of roses in my hands.

I could hear a few more whispers, one asking, "Is she ready?"

Yes.

I took in a deep breath, looking up at the ceiling. I smiled.

"Atamanaa li alhaza, ya'abi."

I tapped the door.

The other side went silent.

The door clicked, and gently swung open.

The living room was decorated nicely, a makeshift altar sitting right in front of me. The layout of the room had been changed, the couches moved off the side and a few chairs lined up to make a small audience row. A long, velvet carpet awaited me, leading me up to the altar. The room had typical wedding decorations from the white tablecloth to the white chairs, even ceiling decorations.

It was small, and not too fancy. It really just looks like the living room was rearranged and someone threw white paint everywhere.

But the one thing colored white and gold that I had my eyes on, was the man standing to the left of the altar.

Death.

His spanking new tuxedo was white, laced with gold silk. His didn't fade out to black like my outfit did, but it did have hints of red.

His hair looked like it had a brush run through it, but that was it. A skull broach was sitting where a tie or bowtie would be, still keeping that Lord of Death feel to him.

When we met each other's gazes, I think the whole world slowed to a stop.

His eyes widened, and his jaw seemed to drop. I could see a blush crawl along his face, his big, crimson eyes dancing.

I myself felt a blush begin to bubble, finding him not only attractive in white, but also at the fact I was now staring in the face of my husband.

My husband...

My thoughts were interrupted when a chair moved. I looked over to see Stein of all people sitting at the piano, his olive eyes seemingly glowing.

When Andrei, the one officiating the wedding, moved his arm up, Stein whirled around and placed his fingers on the keys.

When the first note rang out, my body moved all on its own.

Oracion. That was the name of the song. It meant an act of prayer or calmness, and it was Galic.

It was known for being played on the leaf whistle, not the piano. It was one of my favorite songs…

How did he know?

But instead of your typical wedding march, I got to walk down our aisle to Oracion.

Even if our audience was tiny, I still felt like a hundred pairs of eyes were staring at me. Astoria and Panthera were sitting, smiling at me brightly. I could even see tears in her eyes.

Spirit was sitting on the opposite side, a large grin on his face as he bounced in his seat.

Velvet wasn't sitting, but standing a few feet away from the altar. She was holding a small pillow in her left hand, two black rings sitting on it patiently.

And Andrei was standing by Death, waiting for me to reach the altar.

It was only a minute due to my pace, but it felt like hours. When I reached the altar, I turned to face Death, who looked ready to pass out.

It made my nervousness disperse, and a chuckle escape my lips.

"Nervous?"

He winced, looking around as if trying to pin it on someone else.

"...That obvious?"

I laughed a bit loudly at that, nodding my head.

"Trust me, even without reading your aura I can tell you're ready to fucking faint."

He blushed heavily, looking away.

"Sorry…"

I laughed a third time, "No need to apologize. Now, sorry for the chatter Andrei."

He shook his head, lifting a small stack of papers, like a script of some kind. To think, this was the boy I had interrogated those years ago for the murder of an innocent woman, and now here he was, officiating my wedding.

Andrei cleared his throat, allowing for Stein to take his seat before reading.

"Good afternoon, and welcome to the first wedding of the Lord of Reapers and Dragon Kind. My name is Andrei Kuznetsov, and I am the second in command of the Protection of Magic Users Division, and subordinate to Elphaba Screeting. It is my honor and pleasure to be with you today."

Well that was dramatic.

"We are gathered here today, in this glorified living room-" The whole lot of us laughed, "to join these two in matrimony. 'Bout time too we've been waiting six years now?"

"Ahem."

Me clearing my throat was enough to get him back on track, for he apologized and continued.

"Inspired by the calmness of this home and the couple we see here, we ask that you put down your cameras and turn off your phones to remain unplugged with us here in the moment, that means you Spirit."

No one but the redhead made a move, which meant everyone else had their stuff off already. Seeing Spirit shamingly place his phone in his pocket was too funny to me.

Andrei smiled, "The couple wished for me to express their gratitude and how much you mean to them. They are deeply appreciative of your presence here today, the distance, or who two blocks you may have traveled, and your commitment to their relationship's blossoming."

I smiled, feeling a few tears build when I glanced at Velvet and Astoria, who both held the same, teary face I did.

"And now, we're gonna cut to the chase, simply because Elphaba threatened to skewer me should I tell them their love story or anything like that, so we're gonna cut to the vows," Andrei flipped the page, glanced at the page briefly before lowering the papers.

"Lord Death, your intentions and vows towards Elphaba, your future wife to be?"

I felt my heart beat so fast, it was echoing in my ears. Death looked up towards me, a blush on his face, but his eyes loving and serious all at the same time. He cleared his throat.

"I'll make it quick. I vow to love you as you love me, through all hardship, darkness, and pain to reach for our joys, our hopes, and always with honesty and faith. Somehow my life has come to this amazing moment and now I will always share it with you. And in the beginning… I hated you for proving me wrong. If that hadn't happened, if you hadn't, quite literally, knocked the sense into me, I wouldn't be standing here after millennia of solitude. For that, I not only thank you but vow to stand by your side through all that may ensue from here until the end of the road, whenever that may be."

My tears were flowing like waterfalls, down my cheeks and neck as he finished off his vows. I felt my heart swell, ready to burst forth from my chest. I looked ready to cry to, his face red and warm looking.

Andrei nodded, turning to me.

"Elphaba Screeting, your intentions and vows towards Lord Death, your future husband to be?"

I remained silent for a split moment, wondering what I should say. Hard to believe I didn't rehearse this…

"My desire for love diminished after two hundred years of loss. I fear everything having to do with love, from friends to lovers, even to family. I feared the death of those I cherished should they desire me in their life, so I continued to run from it. But you brought my frantic sprint to a screeching halt. You took me into your arms and let me fear, let me cry, even let me express my fear for you. But you didn't allow me to run away, you told me to stand my ground and face my fears face to face. If it weren't for you, I'd still be on the run. If it weren't for you, I'd be lonely to the end of my days. And for that, for preventing that, I thank you. And, I promise that my love for you will be an ever-flowing spring, never diminished and always sweet and life-giving. From this day forward, let us build our home in this six hundred-year-old house or whatever, filled with love, laughter, joy, and light when two become one we create a family, built on that same love. As I promise always to be true, I promise myself, to you."

I took in a deep breath, realized I hadn't stopped to breath to many times during that speech.

When I looked up, Death had tears streaming down his face, a watery grin plastered on his face.

I returned the grin, feeling my own tears build up once more.

Andrei wiped his eye quickly, lifting his papers back up.

"Having expressed their intentions to spend the rest of their lives together, Lord Death and Elphaba Screeting have chosen to embody that commitment in the rings that they will wear. There are many metaphors for the wedding ring- an unbroken circle, a gift of valuable metal, a token of one's love, blah blah blah. I personally like to think of it as something that represents another person that is with you at all time. As if a… comforting presence of your other half."

I smiled, looking up Death. He smiled back at me, and the two of us turned to Andrei.

"Miss Velvet, the rings please?" he asked, holding out his hand.

Velvet stepped up to us, holding the pillow out so that Andrei could retrieve them. She gave me a wink before stepping back. Andrei turned back to us, holding his other hand out.

"Lord Death, please take the ring."

Death reached out and took the small, black ring from Andrei, turning to me.

"Now, place this ring on Elphaba's finger, and answer the following question."

I felt my heart pick up in pace and my whole body flush when Death reached down to tentatively take my hand, slipping the ring onto my ring finger. Andrei cleared his throat.

"Do you, Lord Death, take Elphaba Screeting to be your lawfully wedded wife for now and forever more, to hold her in both sickness and health, and to be forever bonded as her soulmate as long as your auras still glow?"

I stared up at Death, who gave me his goofy grin.

'I do!"

I felt tears pour down my face as Andrei turned to me.

"Elphaba Screeting, please take the ring."

I reached up, switching my flowers to my other hand to take the ring. Before that, I saw Velvet's hand come into my vision and take the flowers from me.

"Lemme give you a free hand."

I chuckled, mouthing a 'thank you' before turning back to Death.

"Now, place this ring on Death's finger, and answer the following question."

I reached down to grab his hand, his fingers shaking. I gave them a gentle squeeze, smiling at him before sliding the ring onto his ring finger.

"Do you, Elphaba Screeting, take Lord Death to be your lawfully wedded husband for now and forever more, to hold him in both sickness and health, and to be forever bonded as his soulmates long as your auras still glow?"

I swallowed thickly, feeling a rush of nervousness and doubt.

Only to be stomped to dust by my heart and soul releasing a swell of love.

I smiled.

"I do."

The smile and wave of love and happiness that I saw and felt from Death made me happier than I had ever been in my entire lifetime, a few more tears leaking.

Andrei nodded, tossing the papers behind him and clapping his hands together.

"Now that Lord Death and Elphaba have pledged their love and exchanged rings in the company of… us, it is my GREATEST pleasure to proclaim that, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you-"

I held my breath.

"Husband and Wife!"

I let out a blubbered cry right there.

"And, perhaps you would like to begin your marriage with a kiss?"

I looked, abandoning all formality and modesty. I seized Death by his cheeks and pulled him down, and he grabbed me around my waist. We met at the same time, crashing into the most passion filled kiss we'd ever had.

The cheers from everyone in the room were deafening, even if it was only six or seven of us.

Death and I remained lip-locked for I think it was half a minute before he pulled back and scooped me up into his arms, cheering and whooping loudly.

We were suddenly surrounded by everyone there, the tears and cries overwhelming.

On that blessed day, there was only one last thing Andrei said before we dispersed to the reception, or just moving to the dining room table.

"Ladies and gentlemen-!"

"LORD DEATH AND LADY ELPHABA!"

*legitimately starts crying cuz thought we wouldn't make it this far*

Are we here? ReaLlY?!

Honestly, I was afraid I would've given up by now. BUT NO! I HAVE PULLED THROUGH AHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Oh yeah, sorry bout the late day my dad, sister, and i went to see Ready Player One last night and I didn't get to upload till today. Go see it guys it was really good!

But, let's forget about that for now and focus on THIS! THIS! RIGHT HERE!

THEY'RE MARRIED! CONFETTI!

Okay, on a more serious note, I want to make an announcement.

A release announcement.

Conquest, the story surrounding our beloved Velvet, will coming this WINTER! OR FALL! I actually predicted when I'll be done with this and IF we remain on schedule this story will end in like... late September. But yes, I wanted to announced that Velvet's story is next, and that it's in the works! Well, I'm getting the table of contents worked out and fixing any kinks in the story, I'll actually start writing it in the end chapters of TDW. Guys... with this, we are like... twenty chapters away from the end. OMG!

But yes, we got a little view into Elphaba's anxiety. She's a bit more afraid being a bad wife then she is afraid of them not working. Luckily though she just needed a pep talk to get her out there.

The song that plays is called Oracion from one of the Sinnoh Pokemon movies (yes yes shut up), and I thought it would be perfect. Also Stein can play the piano in my AU.

We are so close to Kid, it's almost frightening. We're also close to the... third main character death, the first being the sisters, next Hikari, and third? We'll see~~~~~~~

But yes, they are married now! YAY!

Welp, that's all I gotta say for this! The Dragon Witch is updated every Sunday at 5 pm Tokyo time (+9)!

NEXT TIME:

Elphaba and Death have finally married. As they bask in the glow of being newly weds, some new desires and old fears are spoken of. What are these, and how are they related to their newfound bond?

Find Out Next Time: May 27th!

~HUGS ALL AROUND~

PS. I will say it IS the end of school year and work is piling up and such and I AM graduating, so just a heads up if some future chapters come late. Okay? OKAY!