Divinity: Fates and the Afterlife
Chapter Thirty
It was the first hours of a new day; the sun moved slowly from the horizon up to the sky bringing light to a fresh and breezy morning. Like warm ribbons of golden silk, its light filtered the thin slits from the shades and curtains from every window of the very crowded house.
An endless pattern of blurred lines moved slowly with the sun from the end of a bed to the face hiding under a fluffy pillow. As the warm light moved across the room like a magnificent morning dance and covered the body with its welcoming warmth, it was finally caught by a heart-shaped pink diamond making it sparkle in hundreds of tiny rainbows across her blush pink duvet.
Usagi turned her head and slowly, opened her clear blue eyes, and stared at the large balcony windows on her side while her hand lazily rested over her forehead. She took a deep breath and turned to her side, to face the light while exhaling with content. Her eyes stared at the clear blue sky while she let herself being embraced by the warmth coming from the sun shining brightly outside; she didn't need to look any further to know it was going to be a wonderful day.
With eyes full of emotion, Usagi looked at the ring on her hand and paid close attention to every little detail on it for the hundredth time since the previous night and smiled. It had been eight years since she got the first version of the ring she was now wearing. Since Mamoru returned from America and after he anchored a residence at the hospital, he insisted on changing it or at least give the ring some well-deserved and much-needed care maintenance to what she would always say it wasn't needed as long as he was with her, until he surprised her with a much-updated ring one Christmas morning, went on one knee, and gave her the most heartfelt proposal that finally made it official with that simple question that made any girl's heart explode with emotion.
It was no longer a promise, it was time—their time.
Usagi looked at the stunning stone gleaming on her finger and thought in how she had worn it every time like her most sacred of treasures from her happiest to her toughest times, new or old ring, it made her think it was because of what it represented that she could keep her sanity despite all the madness that happened all around her. Her eyes could feel the burn of some tears forming when she thought of the moment when she almost lost Mamoru and her friends because of Galaxia—because of Chaos. Usagi remembered the battle that happened later on and what she had to do to stop it. The battle to save the Earth and the universe from the grasp of evil and darkness. A battle they had won or at least she thought they had won.
Eight years can be said easily but to them and especially to her, it was probably the most significant thing to say ever. She had been on the brink of death too many times and risked her life to save her loved ones too many times. She had joined forces with powerful soldiers who was grateful to have as friends and have also met some of the darkest beings in the galaxy. She had cried, laughed, had reunited with her millenary lover, daydreamed and fought for love and justice and just to think how all started one fateful day when she met a cat with a band-aid on its forehead and as she stared at her ring, it made sense to her to believe that the ring summed it all.
Usagi smiled again at the memory of the gorgeous man looking at her with both emotion and nervousness while putting her promise ring on that day at the airport and later, the beautiful moment he went on one knee and sealed the promise with her new engagement ring. The man she had shared her dreams and fears since forever, the man that had died for her and found her again in another time. Her best friend, her accomplice, her lover—the man of her dreams.
With a slow and graceful movement, Usagi moved her hand away and heard the sound of footsteps going from one side to the other in the hallway outside her bedroom knocking on doors, opening windows and motioning people to rush until finally, those urgent feet stood outside of her bedroom door, "Usagi?" Her mother's warm voice called for her as she slowly opened the door and closed it behind her without knowing her daughter was already awake.
"Usagi, dear?" Ikuko walked closer to her daughter's bed and sat next to her, "It's time to get up."
Usagi smiled softly and turned to look at her mother over her shoulder, "I'm awake."
Ikuko blinked with surprise and smiled "Well, this is a first! Good morning dear," she went to open the curtains "Did you sleep well?" Usagi nodded and yawned softly, "Sleep has never been a problem for me, Mama."
Usagi's comment made Ikuko burst in laughter as she slowly held her daughter's hand and looked at her with emotion gleaming in her eyes, "Today is the day," she closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, "I must say, this house is going to feel very lonely without you here," she opened her dark eyes and looked at her daughter, "But I couldn't be happier for you two, I know for sure that you are going to be very happy."
Usagi smiled sat on her bed and tightened her grip on her mother's hand "Mama, thank you for all your support. I know Papa could have given Mamo-chan a harder time if he had the chance and if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be marrying at all in the first place,"
Ikuko giggled and shrugged her shoulders, "Your father was just worried this day would come. Since the moment Mamoru stepped foot in this house we both knew he was the man that was going to take you away with him." Usagi blushed and looked down at her pink comforter and bit her lip, "I'm worried that Papa will never accept him as his son in law."
Ikuko chuckled and waved her hand, startling Usagi, "Oh dear, that is not going to happen," she chuckled again and patted her hot rollers in place again with her hand, "Mamoru won your father's trust and respect a long time ago, but he is just too stubborn to admit it."
Usagi giggled and shook her head "He is stubborn."
"Very," Ikuko sighed dreamily and caressed her daughter's face softly, "That young man adores you with all his heart, there is no question about that. It may have been a couple of years since he asked for our blessing but I believe it was the way destiny wanted it to happen. You both now have a career and you are ready to start a new life as a married couple; you will face your own challenges and live new experiences—it's very different to live with a husband than just date a boyfriend, but, I can tell you with certainty that it is very much worth it. There are still so many things you need to learn from one another, be patient, be communicative, and remember how you overcame many obstacles to stay together." Ikuko smiled and tucked a piece of hair behind her daughter's ear, "I couldn't be happier, to see my beautiful daughter marrying the man of her dreams—it just brings so much joy to my heart."
Usagi's eyes gleamed with tears in her eyes "Mama..."
Ikuko sniffled softly and wiped a tear threatening to fall, "Alright young lady, everything's ready for you to take a warm shower; the girls will be here soon to help you so you better start getting ready." Ikuko smiled and patted her daughter's hand. Usagi nodded and leaned closer, wrapping her arms around her mother in a warm embrace "We'll be here every Sunday for breakfast, lunch, or dinner."
Ikuko chuckled, "You better, those plum tarts won't eat by themselves,"
"Ah, yes... the plum tarts... he really likes them, you know?"
"I know, why do you think I keep baking them?"
Usagi chuckled, "I don't know... maybe Papa likes them too? He never complains," Ikuko shook her head, "No dear, Papa doesn't like my plum tart, he doesn't complain because he knows I could go on cooking strike." She pulled back and tucked a strand of silver blonde hair behind her ear with a smile on her face, "Alright," she stood up and turned on her heel, "I have to wake your brother and the rest of the family downstairs..." she turned to look over her shoulder at her daughter, "Shower, now."
Usagi chuckled and turned to see Luna coming into her room and climbed into the bed. "I'm glad you are finally awake," she looked at the door and lowered her voice "People outside are going from one place to another like crazy."
"Where were you?" Usagi frowned, "I thought you were asleep,"
Luna sat regally next to Usagi on the bed and looked out the window, "I went to take some fresh air," she sighed and turned to look at the blonde with teary eyes, "I am very happy for you Usagi-chan, I really am." Usagi widened her eyes "Luna…"
"You have matured so much since the day I found you, you became a strong warrior and have done so many wonderful things. I am very proud of you and I am very happy you and Mamoru are finally going to be together—you deserve to be happy, together." The feline watched the blonde with endearment and tilted her head to the side, "I'm going to miss you Usagi-chan."
Usagi felt her cheeks flush and her eyes burn with hot tears, she moved closer to the black cat and shook her head "I'm not going anywhere, Luna." The black feline purred and rubbed her head against Usagi's arm "You need to have your privacy, I cannot barge into your home like that."
"You won't be barging, you are part of our family—my family. I understand you don't want to stay with us all the time but there will always be going to be a place for you and Artemis at our home."
Luna cleared her throat and sat straight like the regal cat she is "As a matter of fact—I've been talking to Artemis and..."
"...And?"
"We are planning on living together, with Minako-chan."
Usagi widened her sparkling blue eyes and raised her hands with excitement "Oh my god! Oh my god!" She smiled widely, "Things finally settled—you made up!" she gasped with glee, "That is so wonderful! Do you know how much we all waited for this moment to happen, like, to really happen?!" She blinked and quickly changed her face to confused, at the silent, expressionless black cat "Luna?" Usagi blinked as she asked again as she turned her head and saw one of her cousins staring at her with a worried look on her face.
Usagi blinked and turned to Luna, then to the girl and blushed "I…" she trailed off, knowing it was practicable futile to try to defend her current position; what the girl had seen is what was really happening—she was talking to her cat. She cleared her throat and sat straight on the bed again, trying to regain some of that gracefulness to patch the awkwardness of this moment. "Yes, Izumi-chan?" She asked with a more serious tone in her voice. The light-haired girl pointed at the stairs and bit her lip, "Um... Aunt Ikuko says you really need to go and take a shower before the stylist comes to do your hair and makeup."
"Oh," Usagi bit her lip and turned to see Luna who was nodding her head, and while she couldn't speak because there were more people in the room, she could almost hear the feline's motherly tone, scolding her on how she was going to be late for her own wedding if she did not hurry up and start getting ready. After she scratched Luna's ear for a few seconds, she stood up and went straight to the bathroom. The young girl stayed in Usagi's room while she was taking a shower and roamed around while staring at the many pictures of what seemed to be her cousin's friends and their many adventures together. One of them showed four girls, each very different from the other wearing ski gear and drinking hot cocoa at a cabin near a fireplace; another showed Usagi at the beach with other girls drinking margaritas and there were others with all eight girls reunited at different places.
Her light hazel eyes looked at each picture with detail, one after another, until they landed on a picture that caught her total attention. It was a picture showing Usagi and a dark-haired man in what appeared to be a fancy party; there was something about the picture that really made the young girl look at it with more attention; it looked personal, both were smiling widely just like someone would do when is having a good time. The lighting was not the best and the angle was a little crooked but it was the way they both looked so happy and enjoying the moment what made the picture:
"Perfect."
The girl widened her eyes and turned to look at Usagi who walked inside her bedroom and closed the door behind her "The picture, I think it's perfect." She went to sit on her vanity and scooped some rose scented body butter and started rubbing it on her arms and neck, "It's not the best picture of us; of all the ones we've taken over the years—this is probably the worst, but, I just love it. It's my favorite—it's from new year's."
"Why?" Asked the girl while looking at the picture again. Usagi smiled and tilted her head "Because he looks so happy... Mamo-chan smiles in pictures but not like that, it was spontaneous. He just took out his phone and took the picture because he knew it's exactly what I wanted at that precise moment, right before the countdown ended. The girl turned to Usagi and sat on the bed, "How long have you been together?" She asked with curiosity. Izumi was a girl in her early years, seventeen years old—Usagi came to remember. Ash brown hair and pale colored skin; she had big hazel eyes, so full of expression and clarity. Her face shared a similarity with Usagi's when it came to its delicate oval shape. She was close to Shingo despite the small age difference, and she used to come and visit very often when she was younger but it was because of Usagi's side job as a soldier of justice that kept her mostly out of the picture every time she wanted to spend quality time with her, growing a much stronger bond with her brother.
Usagi turned to grab a large-tooth comb and started to comb her damp hair while looking at her cousin reflected in her mirror and smiled softly, "More than you can imagine..."
Izumi smiled and looked at her cousin then at the sleeping cat on the bed "Do you always talk to your cat as if she was a person?" She began petting Luna softly and giggled, "She's very soft." Luna purred in her lap. Usagi blushed and saw Luna open one burgundy eye while still receiving her little massage, "Luna is very special to me, she has been with me when I have needed comfort the most," she smiled softly "She is family."
"Must be nice…" the young girl said softly and sighed, "Now that you are moving out, it is going to be hard to spend time together next time I come to visit." Usagi chuckled and turned to look at her, "I am not going to be far away and you can always come and visit me."
"Shingo says nothing but good things about your boyfriend," the girl said softly, "He says he's the coolest guy he's ever met," she giggled "And that he was very shocked when he learned you two were dating for real."
The silver blonde sighed softly, "Yeah..." she turned to look at the young girl and smiled after sitting next to her on the bed. "Hey," she held the teen's hands and looked at her in the eye "I know I wasn't around too much when you came to visit, but it's not because I didn't want to spend time with you, trust me, I had a lot going on, but I really enjoyed when you came here to spend your vacations with us. Maybe this could be a good start for us to bond again, if you come back again soon, we can go shopping and do stuff only girls like to do."
The young girl's eyes lit up with excitement "Really?"
"Sure thing!"
"That would be great!"
"Alright! So, it's a plan..." Usagi smiled and turned to the door where a young red-haired woman all dressed in black, stood next to her mother, "Dear, Yumiko-san, is here to start doing your hair and makeup."
O—o—o—o—O
The scent of freshly brewed coffee caught Megumi's attention as she walked out of her bedroom and found Mamoru sitting on the sofa and casually drinking from his favorite black mug, one Usagi gave him that had the constellation of Leo engraved in gold that curiously enough, matched her white one with the constellation of Cancer engraved in silver. *He remembered that day when she came to the apartment to wrap some Christmas presents she had bought for her friends and family and gave him the mug with a wide smile of accomplishment on Christmas day, the first one they had spent just the two of them. She loved it every time she found little things that hinted that secret part of their lives; she loved sharing little things like those with him, things that were not meant for everyone to understand, even if it came in the shape of matching mugs.
He was too immersed in the article he was reading in the paper as he took another long sip of his coffee completely unaware that he was no longer alone. "Your Highness!"
Mamoru choke on his hot drink while he jolted in his seat, trying not to spill the hot beverage all over him and the sofa and turned to see Megumi standing next to him still a little shook by her sudden apparition, "M-Megumi, I didn't see you there..." He quickly turned to look for a napkin to wipe the splashes of coffee off his chin. Megumi turned to the clock in one of the bookshelves and then at him and frowned, "What are you doing?"
"Uh..." Mamoru raised his mug and arched a brow as a sardonic gesture, "Drinking coffee..." he frowned softly, "What are you doing up at this hour? You stayed up until very late last night with the girls and you helped Usa pack... you can go back to sleep for another while until it's time to get ready,"
Megumi blinked, still very aghast, "It is still not the time?"
"No," Mamoru smiled and shook his head, "It's still very early... the wedding won't happen until the afternoon and it's nine in the morning,"
"B-But the girls said Her Highness had to be up very early to start getting ready," Megumi scratched her head showing confusion about the whole thing making Mamoru chuckle, "Well, that is because people from Usa's family are probably staying at her house and things must be a little hectic over there. She has to be up earlier than everyone else because she's the bride—she needs more time to get ready than I do." He patted a spot next to him on the sofa, "We, on the other hand, can keep it calm for a while,"
Megumi blushed but willingly went to take the offered seat next to him, "B-But it is your wedding day..."
Mamoru took another sip of his coffee and turned to look at her with a soft smile, "Yes, yes, it is, but, the bride is the center of attention, plus, Usa is not the most punctual person in the world so she needs to get up earlier than usual to be on time." He pinched Megumi's nose softly, "So, coffee? I made plenty..." the comment and the relaxed tone of his voice made Megumi feel less stressed, making her smile, "Alright, thank you, Your Highness,"
Mamoru nodded and went to the kitchen to refill his mug and fill one for Megumi. The young maiden looked at the paper Mamoru was reading and leaned forward to take a closer look and then turned to take the mug Mamoru was offering her and diverted her gaze at her hot beverage as she felt him sit next to her again, "Um... Your Highness... there is something I would like to consult with you..."
Mamoru took a sip of his coffee and turned the page of the paper to give it a quick glance before turning to Megumi, "Consult with me? That sounds... serious," he folded the paper on the coffee table and gave his full attention to the young maiden with a concerned look on his face, "Everything okay?"
Megumi bit her lower lip and nodded, "Yes... it is just... well... I have been thinking..."
"Yes?"
Megumi turned to look at her prince shyly, "How it would be a good idea to spend some time with Lady Uranus and Neptune at their home." The unexpected comment made Mamoru arch a brow in a sardonic manner, "Huh?"
"After you wed Her Highness, you will need your privacy and you will not get any of that if I am here," Megumi looked down at her mug again, "I know today it is not the best time to talk about it but it just came up yesterday during dinner and I think it is a fair offering for me to take,"
"Hm," Mamoru tightened his lips for a minute and took a sip of his coffee to study Megumi's words carefully, "Is it something you want to do or is it something they are asking you to do?"
Megumi widened her eyes, "Your Highness?"
"Megumi," Mamoru sighed softly and put his mug on the table and turned to hold her hand, "You are free to make whatever decision you think it's best for you. I appreciate that you had the confidence to reach out to me and talk to me about this but it has to be something you want to do and not something somebody else told you it was the right thing for you to do. You know you are more than welcome to stay here, Usa has told you the same thing too; after the wedding, we will be away for a few days so for that you don't have to worry. This is why it has to be something you really want to do, for you, not for anyone else, not even me."
"They did not pressure me or anything, Your Highness," Megumi shook her head and waved her hands apologetically in front of her, "I do not want you to think that I do not like living here with you because I do, very much, but I also do think it is a good idea to stay with them, at least until you come back and settle in,"
Mamoru sighed softly and granted her a smile at her with much more understanding, "Alright, if that is what you want to do, I respect your decision." He pinched her cheek softly and turned to grab his mug again and took a sip, "But I must say that I am surprised that you are staying with them instead of Minako or any of the other girls with whom you have been bonding much better."
"Yes, I understand your concern," Megumi nodded, "But, Lady Venus has a very strange and hectic schedule, Lady Mercury works up until very late at the hospital; Lady Jupiter too at the restaurant and Lady Mars is already giving the Shitennou a place to stay at the temple. Lady Uranus and Neptune are inviting me to stay at their home... I also thought it would be a good opportunity to smooth any ridges that might be left from that day; Lady Uranus seems to be more relaxed now and they have always been nice and polite to me, I know I can make her understand things,"
Mamoru felt moved by Megumi's words and cupped her cheek softly, "Look at you... you've become quite the strategist," Megumi giggled, "I learned that from you, Your Highness..."
Mamoru chuckled, "I'm very honored by your words, you are one brave lady Megumi," he took a sip of his coffee and put the mug on the table, "But, you really don't have to do such thing for me, that is something that I have to talk to them about in the near future... but I thank you—for staying by my side and for all of your support,"
"Always, My Prince, always." Megumi smiled and took a sip of her coffee and took and exhaled while enjoying the calmness around them, "Well, I must admit that it never crossed my mind that the day His Highness got married would be this calm..."
Mamoru chuckled and leaned to grab his mug again and the paper on the table and handed her the entertainment section for her to read, "I know, right? I am actually enjoying this low-key vibe, and as I said, the bride is the center of attention," he smiled at her and slouched back on the couch, "Megumi... always keep in mind that there is always going to be a place for you with us, here, alright?"
Megumi blinked and turned to look at him feeling her cheeks slowly blush. Feeling the melancholic undertone of his words she gave him a warm smile filled with gratitude and appreciation. She was moved by his brotherly approach to her while thinking how the terran prince has never treated her like a servant and how he never undervalued her but on the contrary, he always offered her his friendship and trust but there was a law that obliged her to keep a certain distance from him due to his high rank. But this time things were different, they felt different; while he still kept his high rank as the prince of earth, it was like if he had freed from the protocol he always complained about because of the strict isolation that came with it and that kept him apart from most everyone. While he was still her prince, she did feel him more like a member of her family than a royal master; he was her friend and a big brother, after so many years in complete solitude, she had found a family to look after and for that she was grateful.
Megumi smiled softly and nodded, "Yes, Your Highness."
O—o—o—o—O
A few hours later, Minako stepped out of her ride with Artemis resting on her shoulder and a large cloth bag that had her blush pink bridesmaid gown inside on the other; her hair was styled in a loose updo with thin gold leaves pins decorating the back of her head.
"I told you we were late," Artemis scolded the blonde and jumped off Minako's shoulder to the ground, startling her, "Hey! It wasn't my fault! The lady doing my hair was taking forever! I could not even get dressed in time, that's why I will have to do it here!" She turned to the driver who was staring at her with a strange look on his face and blushed, "Oh, I do this all the time," she giggled nervously "I tend to talk to my cat like if he could answer me back, cute, huh?"
The look on the driver's face was priceless, giving Minako little to nothing to work on a valuable excuse for her random act. She sighed heavily as she continued grabbing her things from the car and looked at him before closing the door "Look, I'm single, okay? Cope with me here."
The cab driver widened his eyes "Oh." He mumbled and waited for her to close the door before leaving. Annoyed and embarrassed, Minako walked away from the car and walked to the house's front door to press the doorbell and turned to the white cat with the deepest of frowns, "You always make me look like a crazy cat woman to others—I don't appreciate it."
"Oh, please," Artemis rolled his blue eyes "Don't blame me for your own distractions."
Minako narrowed her eyes "You always make me look crazy when I'm around someone—it's like if you enjoy it." Artemis looked at her and shook his head, "It is not my fault you are always so careless about the fact that I cannot speak in front of just anybody."
"Well, I think you should at least give me a sign! I always have to tell people I'm single as a justification of why I am talking to a cat and it's embarrassing, people don't need to know that!"
Artemis turned to look at her and narrowed his green eyes at her, "You don't have to tell people that, you could say anything else," he sat on the porch like the regal advisor he is and sighed with annoyance, "Come on push that button already! Let them know you are here... it is getting late."
Minako smiled wickedly and looked down at the white cat "Oh?" She giggled and put her hand in her mouth "Someone misses his lover?" Artemis widened his green eyes and looked up "But then you ask me to help you not look like a crazy woman in front of others..."
"Ugh, where's your sense of humor?" Minako pushed the bell ring again, "You are such a killjoy."
Artemis purred and licked his paw as he continued to listen to a very flustered Minako shot angry comments at him completely unaware that there was someone at the door waiting for her to stop. Izumi stared at her with wide eyes and waited for her to finish her discussion with the white cat "Um... yes?" She asked softly, startling Minako who was blushing like a tomato in embarrassment.
—Not again, not again, not again—
"Hi! I'm Aino Minako, Usagi's best friend and maid of honor,"
The young girl nodded her head and stepped aside, letting both cat and girl walk inside the house, "She's upstairs getting her makeup done..."
"Awesome!" Minako waved her hand and walked up the stairs, "I'll go see her now." Izumi nodded and closed the door with a frown, "Where you talking to your ca—"
"No."
"But I—"
"No," Minako's face darkened "No, no—you heard wrong," she closed her eyes and sighed heavily again, feeling completely helpless, "Look, I'm single, okay? Cope with me."
"Oh." Izumi was all she could say in response. Minako wanted to cringe in embarrassment but decided to ignore the girl's comment and continued walking up the stairs towards her friend's room and knocked on the frame with a wide smile on her face, "Knock-knock!"
Usagi turned and grinned when she saw her soul sister standing by the door and waved her hands excitedly, "Minako-chan! Come in!" Minako walked inside and greeted the girl who was finishing doing Usagi's hair and took a moment to speak, "Oh my—" she sighed in awe,
"What do you think?" Usagi beamed a wide smile, "Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it! Look at you, so beautiful..." the blonde sighed dreamily and brought her hands to her chest with emotion, "You look like a princess..." Usagi blushed, "You look like a princess too—I love your hair and makeup, you look so beautiful," she widened her eyes when she saw Artemis standing by the door, "Artemis! Come in!"
The white cat walked inside and stood in front of Usagi, by now she was very aware it wasn't safe to have a conversation with him but she could see the deep emotion showing in his green eyes; the silver blonde smiled, silently thanking him for being there by scratching his ear gently.
Yumiko, one of the best stylists that worked with her for photoshoots at the magazine stepped aside and smiled, "Okay! This beautiful bride is ready to walk down the aisle!"
"I am?"
"You sure are!" She turned and handed Usagi a large hand-mirror so she could take a closer look at her hair and makeup. Her crystal blue eyes widened as if she did not recognize her own reflection and blushed, "Is this person really me?" She asked in complete awe as she moved her head from one side to the other to give a detailed look at her loose updo at the nape of her neck. She liked the way her hair looked so polished and elegant but yet, young and fresh with a few delicate pieces of hair peeking out and framing her face. Yumiko had put small crystal pins in the back, giving the perfect amount of sparkle without being too overwhelming; her makeup was natural and classic but accentuated her big clear blue eyes with a slim and elegant cat eye and shimmery champagne eyeshadows with a very subtle crease that stood out from behind her natural full and long dark lashes. Her cheeks had a pale peachy color with a subtle highlight on the highest point of her cheekbones and finished the whole look with a satin nude color on her lips.
"Yumiko..." Usagi smiled widely and tried her best to contain her tears of emotion "Oh my goodness... I love it so much... I—"
Minako wrapped her arms around her flushing friend and chuckled "Now, now, you are going to ruin your perfectly done makeup," she pulled back and cupped her cheeks softly, "You look like the princess you really are,"
Usagi chuckled and dried the tears that slowly started to pooled in her eyes with a soft tissue and sniffled softly, "Oh my god, I am so emotional... and the wedding hasn't even started yet!" She giggled and turned to Yumiko, "Thank you so, so much, Yumiko."
"Of course! When you asked me if I could do your hair and makeup, I couldn't say no!" Yumiko winked an eye at her and started packing her things, "Okay Sweetie, I still need to do your mother's hair makeup! You look beautiful Usagi, congratulations, I will see you later today, I want to see my bride shining like a star on her special day!" She smiled and exited the room, leaving the two girls and two cats alone. The blonde went to close the door quickly and sighed softly, "In case somebody wants to eavesdrop and think I am one crazy cat lady again." The slight bitterness in Minako's voice made Usagi break in chuckles as she went to look for the box where she kept the heels she was going to pair with her wedding gown, "What?"
Artemis cleared his throat, finally breaking his silence, "Minako always gets caught when talking to me—but it is because she is always so distracted."
"Excuse me?" Minako snapped with annoyance, "You should at least give me a sign!"
"Don't worry, Minako-chan," Usagi giggled and waved her hand "I got caught by my cousin while talking to Luna too."
"Ah, so I am not the only one," Minako sighed with relief, "We are two crazy cat ladies and not just me then—good."
"Anyways..." Artemis rolled his eyes and turned to the bride, "Usagi, I want to tell you that I am very happy for you and Mamoru," he preferred to ignore Minako's rant still happening in the background, "Queen Serenity would be so proud and happy to see you getting married to no other than her best friend's son."
Usagi smiled and tilted her head "Artemis, thank you, for everything." Leaning down, she petted him behind the ear and smiled softly, "Take good care of my Luna, alright?"
Artemis widened his eyes and soon after was distracted by a knocking on the door, "Usa-chan?" A fully dressed Ami showed up in her blush-pink chiffon dress with a flowing cascading skirt. Her deep blue hair was styled in a more vintage looking fashion with soft waves framing her heart-shaped face and a delicate golden hairpin on the side. As soon as she entered, her eyes widened in awe "Oh my goodness! You look so beautiful Usagi-chan!"
Makoto and Rei showed up seconds later, both wearing similar dresses in the same color, Makoto styled her hair in a high loose bun with delicate silk flower pins on one side with her usual messy bangs styled to one side, revealing her delicate makeup in earthy tones and soft rosewood touch of color on her lips.
Rei's midnight hair was styled in a messy but classy pull through braid with some loose strands framing her face and wore a more natural makeup with a peachy neutral tone on her lips and soft golden shadows that accentuated her amethyst eyes. As soon as they walked in, both had the same reaction Minako and Ami had the moment they saw Usagi "You look like a dream!" Makoto said softly, trying her best not to cry and ruin her own makeup.
"Usagi-chan!" Minako smiled, "You have us all in awe and you are not even wearing your gown yet!"
Rei turned and looked at the clock and went to Usagi's closet in silence and walked back with the gown in her hands "Well, I think it's time—wow us all!"
Usagi smiled widely and went to stand behind the changing screen she had to get dressed; Minako and Makoto helped her take off her robe with the care of not to ruin her makeup or hair while Ami helped Rei take the ethereal gown off the hanger. Luna and Artemis walked out of the room to give them a moment on their own; it was like if time never passed and they were still at the moon palace during the Silver Millennium helping their princess get ready for a ball.
"Just like when they all lived together," Artemis said softly as he walked out the door, Luna nodded and sniffed a little "Yes, it's like if time never flew by."
Rei helped Usagi get into her dress and Ami pulled the hidden zipper and did the long trail of small buttons on her back and worked on the final touches to adjust and comfortably secure the gown in place. The bluenette smiled and walked from behind the screen with teary eyes; Makoto smiled, "Alright, Usagi-chan, wow us!"
Seconds later, Usagi walked out wearing her ethereal white gown making the girls gasp with awe and surprise, "Oh god... I'm so ruined," Minako mumbled and went to look for a tissue to dry her tears. Rei nodded and turned to her blonde friend, "Take an extra one for me too,"
"Me too, please,"
"Yeah, me too."
"Guys?" Usagi blinked startled, "What's the matter?"
"Oh, Usagi..." Minako wept with emotion and twirled her finger, "You—You need to turn and see it for yourself,"
Usagi slowly turned to look at herself in the large mirror behind her and felt her heart stopped beating for a whole minute and widened her eyes. She didn't have the words to describe what she was feeling when she stared at her reflection wearing the gown that had a subtle resemblance to the famous one she wore as a princess because of the many fluffy and volatile layers of her skirt. The soft shimmers of her rose lotion had settled on her milky skin giving a beautiful satin sheen. Usagi took another moment to finally sink her mind to the idea that she was not dreaming, that this wasn't another impromptu model work she had to do for a special wedding shoot for the magazine but in fact, that she was wearing not just any wedding gown but her wedding gown and that this was her wedding day.
With trembling fingers, she traced the soft sheer fabric of her off-shoulder sleeves and the heart-shaped neckline that elegantly exposed her décolleté. She looked at the sheer and shimmery train of fabric falling gracefully from her back that looked like stardust following every step she took; the same soft fabric of her loosely gracing her shoulders. The soft silk and chiffon fabrics had a subtle pearled touch that gleamed with exquisite delicacy every time it shifted from one side to the other with her every move. The heart-shaped neckline was adorned with delicate lace that also went around the seam and down her waist until it reached the sparkly sash wrapped around at her waistline matching ethereal perfection. The look was completed with a delicate diamond bracelet and crystal moon shaped earrings, a special present from the girls as a wedding gift for her. Usagi looked at her friends' reflection on the mirror and turned over her shoulder to see Rei with teary eyes "Rei-chan…" she whispered on the verge of breaking into tears herself. Rei waved her hand and smiled, "I know, I know, it's so weird but you look so beautiful—I can't help it."
"You are going to leave Mamoru speechless," Minako fanned her face with her hand to dry the tears that were threatening her to fall, "Literally, his heart will literally skip a beat as soon as he sees you walk down the aisle."
Usagi blushed and chuckle, "You think so?"
"Yes!" All four girls exclaimed with excitement. Ami nodded with enthusiasm and used her tissue to wipe a tear threatening to fall from the corner of her eye, "You are going to take his breath away, believe me."
"Oh, my…"
All eyes were now on Ikuko standing at the door with tears in her eyes, "Usagi…" she took a deep breath and brought her hands up to her chest with emotion, "You look so beautiful... you're an angel..."
"Mama..." Usagi breathed, trying her best not to cry. Ikuko walked into the room and greeted the girls, then took her daughter's hands into her own and took a step back, "Let me take a look at you…" the older woman smiled "You look like a regal Princess, so beautiful."
Minako walked behind them with the long mantilla veil lined with iridescent pearls and crystals and handed it to Ikuko with extreme care "A bride is never complete without her veil." She smiled and walked back, allowing the mother of the bride arrange the delicate veil over her daughter's head.
"Let's give them a moment in private," Ami suggested when she saw Kenji standing in the doorway; the girls agreed and walked out of the room in silence.
"My daughter is a Princess, no doubt about it."
Usagi turned to see her father standing by the door with tears in his eyes "Papa…"
Kenji walked in and held his daughter's hands as he looked into her eyes de smile, "It was only yesterday when I held you in my arms for the very first time, time goes by very fast," his voice quivered with emotion and nodded, finally admitting out loud a truth he had been keeping to himself for years, "Mamoru is a very lucky man Usagi, he knows it, and what makes me truly happy is that I know he will always be there for you; I know he will make you very happy."
Usagi giggled, "Papa... are you admitting Mamo-chan is a good man?" Kenji nodded and cupped his daughter's cheek, "Yes, dear, I do. I always have... he adores you and he has proved it without fail, I have not seen a man look at a woman the way he looks at you and that brings joy to my heart."
Usagi felt her eyes started to burn with tears, "I love you, Papa,"
"I love you too, my moon child."
Ikuko wrapped her arm around a very emotional Kenji and sniffled "Well, we better get going if we want to make it on time." She turned to Usagi and smiled "How are you feeling, dear?"
"Happy,"
"Are you ready?"
"Yes," Usagi nodded and leaned to kiss her mother a soft kiss on her cheek, "More than ready."
O—o—O
Outside the house, Haruka was waiting anxiously with Michiru for Usagi to appear. The door opened minutes after and both women gaped in astonishment when they saw the beautiful bride walking out the door. Rei, Minako, Ami, and Makoto followed behind each of them holding a little pink roses and peonies bouquet that matched their blush-pink empire cut dresses.
Haruka kept it a little androgynous as always with a pure silk pale pink shirt and cream-colored high waisted palazzo pants. Of course, she styled it up femininely with a pair of sparkly heels—Usagi's suggestion—and pearl earrings. Her sandy blonde hair was loosely styled back and kept a very natural makeup with taupe smoky shade contrasting her deep blue eyes and a touch of peachy gloss on her lips. Michiru wore a rosewood colored gown with nude colored heels; her hair was up in a loose French twist with some curls framing her delicate face and a golden pin adorning the hairstyle making her look as regal and artistic as always, like a sea nymph.
The tall blonde walked towards the bride and helped the girls and Ikuko hold Usagi's veil up while she walked to Haruka's fancy white CVU she offered to drive to the church. With a big smile on her face, Usagi looked at Haruka who in return shook her head in admiration and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "His heart will stop as soon as he sees you, you will take his breath away. He is one very lucky man, Princess, you are a true dream come true."
Usagi blushed and gave the tall blonde a quick hug before getting inside the car with Michiru's help, "Usagi-chan, be careful with the dress' tail!" Minako said as she sat next to her inside the car with Rei taking the other side, "Mako-chan has your bouquet; she'll give it to you at the church so the flowers won't stress and break with all the movement." The priestess reassured the nervous and excited bride.
"Wait!" Usagi looked at Haruka and Michiru "Where's Luna and Artemis?"
"We are taking them with us Usa-chan," Makoto said while pointing at the ride already waiting for them, "We will meet you at the church!"
Kenji and Ikuko stood on the porch with teary eyes, soon after the rest of the family including a fully suited and good-looking Shingo and his new girlfriend wearing a pale blue sleeveless long gown came out of the house, and arranged their seating in the car. "Oh my god... your sister looks so beautiful," she said in a dreamy tone. Shingo smirked, "Yeah, she really does. I can't wait to see Mamoru's face when she walks down the aisle,"
The girl blushed, "Oh, right!"
"He's taking a whirlpool to live with him, but, she's a very special kind of whirlpool."
"There goes my baby girl," Kenji said with a quivering voice as he watched the car driving away. Ikuko turned to look at him and wiped his tears with the back of her hand, "We are not losing our girl dear, we are adding another son to our family."
Kenji nodded and rearranged his glasses "That is true, Ikuko Mama, that is true," he smiled and nodded "Well then, let's go—I want to make sure he is already there waiting for my little girl!"
O—o—o—o—O
At the other side of town outside the church, Mamoru parked and stepped out of his black Audi wearing an impeccably tailored black suit and vest with a deep sleek grey tie and walked to the other side to help Megumi step out of the car with care so she wouldn't trip with her dress. His midnight hair was loosely combed back but some pieces would fall casually over his alluring blue eyes. Kunzite, Zoisite, Nephrite, and Jadeite, stepped out from the back seat fully dressed in matching dark grey suits and black ties Minako made sure they got delivered on time at Mamoru's apartment so they could get dressed once they went to make sure their prince had proper assistance in getting ready and later joined him on his ride to the church along with Megumi.
"Lovely place," Jadeite said softly with a smile on his face, "I would not imagine a better place for a Prince to marry his Princess." Zoisite smiled and nodded, "That is true,"
Mamoru walked towards the church and saw the guests arriving and waving their hand at him cheerfully and waved back, recognizing a few of them as Usagi's family members and others as friends from college; his heart skipped a beat when he spotted three familiar faces in the crowd and one of them beamed a wide smile and pointed at his direction, "There he is! There he is!"
Mamoru turned to the shitennou to excuse himself for a minute before walking to the girls running towards him with excitement. He opened his arms wide and welcomed both girls with endearment. Fifteen-year-old Mei, a girl with luscious brown hair that fell down her back in lose waves and big round eyes full of wonder. She was wearing a deep coral gown that only made her chubby cheeks blush even more with that adorable mischief that characterized her quirky personality. Tao, a year older than Mei, had long a more reddish-brown hair that fell down her back in tighter curls, compared to her sister's more relaxed tresses. She was wearing a lilac gown, very similar in style to that of her younger sister's but the grin and the wonder in her big green eyes were exactly the same.
"Mamoru-oniisan!" Both girls said with excitement as they wrapped their chubby arms around his waist with overjoy. Mamoru chuckled and bent his knees slightly to be somewhat at the same height as them and beamed them a wide smile, "Look at you two! You look beautiful,"
Tao giggled and flicked a piece of dark hair away from his eyes, "You too, Mamoru-oniisan,"
"Is she here!?" Mei turned both sides excitedly and then at Mamoru, "Is your girlfriend here?"
"Not that I know of, Mei-chan," Mamoru shook his head, "She will soon, though,"
"Mamoru-oniisan," Tao smiled widely and cupped his cheek lovingly, "Are you happy?"
"Very much, Tao-chan,"
Tao leaned closer to him and lifted his dark Ray-Bans to look into his blue eyes, "Are you nervous?" The familiar gesture made Mamoru crack a chuckle and winked an eye at her, "A little, but I only trust this secret to you,"
"Got it," Tao giggled and slid his sunglasses back down, "I know you will be alright, but, I can't wait to see your bride,"
"Me too, Tao-chan, me too."
"Well, this is one special day," A deep raspy voice but with a very Scottish accent caught all three by surprise; Mamoru looked up at Benjiro wearing a navy blue suit and smiled before going to give the older man a heartfelt handshake the man quickly turned into a bear hug, "Boy, it's so good to see you,"
"It's so good to see you too, Benjiro-san," Mamoru bowed his head with tremendous respect at the man in front of him, "I am very happy you're here,"
"Of course!" Benjiro let out a thundering laugh and patted Mamoru's shoulder, "We would not miss it for anything in the world," he smiled, "How are you feeling?"
"Good, good, Benjiro-san, thank you."
Benjiro smiled with more sentiment, "These events sure bring many good memories... my Mao, she loved weddings... I know she is watching this very special moment from wherever she is. I know she is very pleased to see the man you have become."
Mamoru felt a lump in the back of his throat and nodded with a smile, "Thank you for your words, Benjiro-san, they mean so much to me," he looked down at Mei and Tao hugging him again and his smile grew wider, "She's in their hearts, I feel the love." Benjiro nodded as he watched his daughters holding on to Mamoru with so much endearment, "You are a special part of their lives, thank you for not forgetting about them."
"No, I would never do such a thing."
The reddish-haired man sighed softly, "I also want to thank you for all the help you've been giving us, you know, with the store..."
"No, Benjiro-san, don't mention it." Mamoru shook his head, "It's a pleasure. You helped me so much and stayed by my side through some very tough times. Liquidating a mortgage and a loan to keep the store running was truly nothing compared to all the things you and Mao-san did for me."
"You are family to us, Mamoru-kun, you will always be." Benjiro patted Mamoru's shoulder again and looked at his daughters, "Alright, Tao, Mei—you need to let go of Mamoru-kun for now, he still needs to attend some things before his bride arrives and we need to find our seats,"
"Yes, Papa," Tao and Mei said in unison as they let go of Mamoru and looked up at him, "We will see you inside," Mei smiled; Mamoru pinched Mei's cheek gently and nodded, "Sure thing, Mei-chan," he looked at Benjiro, "You're joining us at the reception, right?"
"Of course," Benjiro let out a hearty chuckle, "We closed the store this day so we could spend the whole evening with you," he nodded, "We will see you there," Mamoru smiled and waved his hand at the girls walking alongside their father and walked back to where the shitennou and Megumi were waiting for him.
"Oi!"
Mamoru turned over his shoulder and saw Motoki's raised his arms from the other side and smiled widely the minute he spotted him, "Oi!"
Mamoru smiled in return and went to greet his friend and best man "Hey, I was beginning to wonder where the heck you've been." Motoki gave his friend a brotherly pat on his back and pulled back; Mamoru smiled again and shook his head, "There was too much traffic going on for some reason." He smiled at Reika who was walking towards them "Mamoru!" She smiled and wrapped her arms around him in a friendly hug. The brunette took a step back and blushed softly, "Well, look at you! You look so handsome, oh my god!"
Mamoru blushed and gave the woman a shy grin, "Thank you, Reika," he turned "Oh, sorry... they are my friends, Kunzite, Zoisite, Nephrite, and Jadeite—we've known for a long time and they came from out of town for the wedding."
Both Motoki and Reika nodded their head, "It's very nice to meet you all," Mamoru turned to the shitennou and smiled, "This is Furuhata Motoki, we work together at the hospital; we've also been very close friends for years, and this lovely lady is Furuhata Reika—his wife."
Zoisite smiled politely, "Oh, I see..." The shitennou bowed their head with respect, "Likewise, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Reika blinked surprised and looked at the four handsome men "Wow, your names are like those of the precious minerals!"
Nephrite nodded and smiled "Indeed, call it a casualty, but, we're brothers, that is why we share names in common," Reika smiled and nodded, "I see—that is amazing! It is very nice to meet you all."
"Likewise,"
"And this is Megumi, daughter of one of my late parent's friends." Mamoru held Megumi's arm affectionately pulling her closer to him; Megumi blushed and nodded her head at the couple in front of her. Reika and Motoki smiled "Very nice to meet you, Megumi-san."
"Likewise." Megumi said softly and bowed her head, Mamoru turned to Motoki and smiled nervously "Is she here?"
"No, not yet, but she must be on her way." Reika smiled widely, Mamoru pressed his lips and looked at her, "It's good to see you too, how you've been? When was the last time we went to have lunch?"
"I know! It's been a long, long time but you guys are always busy saving lives," Reika blew her bangs and flicked her reddish loose hair over her shoulder with one hand and chuckled, "And I've been very busy at the museum; we are actually preparing everything for a press conference and exhibition about a discovery found a few weeks ago."
The mention of such discovery caught the attention of the shitennou and Mamoru remembering Motoki mentioned the archaeologists before, the same archaeologists Kenji was talking about just the night before. "Yes, about that—" Mamoru frowned with curiosity, "Do you happen to know what discovery is what they are talking about?"
Reika looked both sides and leaned closer "I am not supposed to say much, but, they found some ancient ruins underground somewhat close to Aomori. The rumor is that they were looking for something very different when they came across all this they found."
"I see..." Mamoru pursed his lips in thought, "That sounds very interesting, I very much want to know what happens, I would like to go and see this exhibition personally," Mamoru tilted his head and looked his watch with a worried frown, "Do you think something might have delayed them?"
"Wow…" Mamoru was distracted by Motoki's voice "What?"
"You are nervous," Motoki grinned widely and with much pleasure; Mamoru arched his brow and pushed his sunglasses from the center of his frame with his finger "No, I'm not." Reika smiled and clapped her hands excitedly, "Really? But it's so exciting!"
"All stoic and mysterious Chiba Mamoru nervous—who would have thought? I'm really enjoying this." Motoki chuckled with excitement. "That is something nobody gets to see," Reika narrowed her eyes and turned to her husband, "Says the man who was crying at his own wedding like if someone had died..."
"I wasn't crying!" Motoki frowned; Mamoru arched his brow and scoffed sardonically, "Yeah, right..."
"I didn't cry!"
"Right, you're right... you didn't cry, you sobbed," Mamoru chuckled "I remember that very clear,"
"You couldn't tell!" Motoki pointed an accusing finger at him; Mamoru narrowed his blue eyes, "Motoki, I was your best man—I even handed you a tissue Usa miraculously found in her purse, come on."
"Well, you have a point there but—" Motoki arched his brow and crossed his arms, "How do I know you are not crying now? I can't see what is happening behind those dark shades of yours—ah, I see what you're doing..." he tapped his temple, "You're so clever,"
"Don't try to justify that you bawled your eyes out," Mamoru joked between chuckles. Motoki chuckled and patted his friend's shoulder, "You are going to cry too, trust me—it happens. You don't know how or why but it happens. It happened to me and now it's going to happen to you and I am going to enjoy every second of it."
"Loving this pep talk—by the way," Mamoru crossed his arms, "You always have the right words for every occasion,"
"I know," Motoki grinned, "It's like a gift or something—what can I tell you?"
"You're so mean!" Reika laughed and smacked Motoki's arm, "Leave him alone," she turned and saw the guests walking towards the church's inner garden where the ceremony was going to be held and looked down at her watch, "Well, I guess it's almost time, I will go and find our seat. The ceremony is going to be held in the garden, right?"
Mamoru smiled and nodded. He remembered the first time Usagi came up with the suggestion of following her family's tradition and marry at a church just like her parents did. The first time they went to see the church, they both thought it was perfect in size and simplicity, in Usagi's words, the church was cute and romantic, perfect for a small and very intimate ceremony but her opinion soon changed as they made their way to the priest's office and saw the garden behind the actual chapel and immediately fell in love with it.
Mamoru didn't need any more words coming from her to explain how this was the perfect spot to have the ceremony. Her eyes lit up with excitement and amusement when she spotted the stone wall fountain in the back of the garden and the pergola with hundreds of flowers and leaves around and falling from it and he had to admit, it looked like it was straight out of a dream—and a gardening magazine. He liked the idea and thought it would give the ceremony a more intimate feeling with all the greenery around and its pebbled floors so as soon as they learned they could use it for the ceremony with the proper arrangements, the idea was sold.
"I've heard it's beautiful," Reika smiled and kissed Mamoru on the cheek, "I'm so happy for you two, you deserve it." She turned to Motoki "I will see you, two handsome guys, inside, okay? Good luck!"
"Alright hun," Motoki kissed his wife on the lips and turned to a very calm and quiet Mamoru "You sure you're okay? I was just joking back then…" Mamoru sighed and smiled "I know, but to tell you the truth, I am."
"Nervous?"
"Yeah…" Mamoru let out a shaky breath and turned to Kunzite, who was patting his shoulder in support, "We will go and find ourselves a seat as well, we will be escorting Megumi too." He leaned closer to him and arched his brow, "Is there anything you need before we go?" Mamoru smiled and shook his head, "I'm alright Kunzite, thank you." Kunzite chuckled and nodded, "Well then—we will see you inside. Excuse us," he nodded his head at both Mamoru and Motoki and turned to offer his arm to Megumi, which she took gracefully and walked inside the church grounds. Motoki smiled as he watched them walk away and turned to Mamoru with a curious look on his face, "Who are they, really?"
Mamoru turned to Motoki and took his dark shades off and put them in one of his hidden pockets inside his jacket and smiled, "They are very, very old friends of mine."
Motoki nodded, quickly understanding they had to do with that secret part of his life, the one only he knew. Chuckling, he patted his friend's shoulder "There is nothing to be nervous about, bro, Usagi-chan loves you and her family does too—even her father." He chuckled lightly, "Come on, let's go inside. You are not supposed to be here when the bride arrives, girls say it's bad luck or something like that..."
O—o—O
Not long after, the Tsukino family arrived, followed by Haruka's car who parked right in front of the church. Usagi looked out the window and saw many guests were still arriving giving her a little more time to prepare for the emotional event. She could feel her heart beating faster and with so much force she could swear it could leave her body with one loud thud. Things finally fell into place, making her realize that the moment she waited for so many years was just minutes away from happening.
"Mamoru's here." Rei said softly as she pointed his shiny black car parked right in front of them, "He must be inside already, I don't see him anywhere." Minako held Usagi's hand and smiled at her "Nervous?"
"Yeah..." Usagi turned and smiled "A little."
"Everything is going to be fine, you both waited a long time for this moment and now it's finally here," Minako smiled widely, "Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy it."
Makoto and Ami stepped out of their ride with Luna and Artemis in their arms and walked over to Haruka's car "Ready Usagi-chan? Let me help you get out of the car," the amazon girl said as she opened the door and handed the bluenette the cascade bouquet she made for the bride. Rei stepped out of the car first and offered her hand to her friend while Minako helped Usagi her with the long veil "Slowly—slowly."
"Usagi!"
The blonde turned and saw Naru walking with Umino holding hands. The couple had married just six months ago in a very private ceremony in Kyoto at Umino's grandparent's country house. The redhead smiled at her friend and gave her a quick hug, trying her best not to ruin her hair or makeup, "Oh my god. You look so, so, beautiful!" She winked an eye at her and took a small box out of her purse "I got a surprise for you," she said while opening the long velvet box in her hand and showed the blonde a delicate golden chain with moon and star shaped crystals that she would use to put it over the couple as a symbol of their union while the priest gives his blessing during the ceremony, "It's a special delivery from the jewelry."
"Oh my..." Usagi looked at the chain and then at her friend with teary eyes "Naru-chan... it's so beautiful! Thank you so much! I really have no words... it's beautiful..." She spotted Umino smiling at her and nodded, "Hi, Umino,"
"Usagi-san, you look very pretty." Umino said softly as he pushed his thick glasses back "I just saw your future husband walk inside the church a few minutes ago, he looks very fine I must say."
Usagi blushed crimson red, not sure why. The sound of the words 'future husband' made her feel all giggly inside while repeating the word in her mind like a beautiful mantra, 'husband' Mamoru was going to be her husband and he was there, waiting for her. She felt butterflies fluttering all over her stomach and instinctively her crystal blue eyes searched for him in the middle of the crowd, even when she knew he was not there.
"We better go inside and wait for the priest's call," Ami said and turned to Makoto, who was helping Usagi with her veil and handed her the bouquet she especially made for her. Usagi smiled in gratitude and walked to one of the private rooms inside the church to wait for the right time for her to come out; Haruka and Michiru walked all the way inside to the church's garden and spotted Setsuna seating next to Hotaru wearing their respective formal rosewood colored gowns and saving them a seat very close to where the couple would be exchanging their vows at the altar. Despite not being part of the actual court, Usagi wanted to include them in some way because they meant as much as the other girls did.
O—o—O
Inside the church, at one of the dressing rooms they offered to the bridal party, Mamoru was fixing his tie in front of the mirror while waiting for the sign for him to come out. There was still some time before the ceremony would start and for what Motoki told him, there were guests still arriving and finding a good seat in the garden.
He looked at his reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath, it was time. Their time. After everything they had gone through they were finally going to fulfill a dream they have kept close to their hearts for more than two thousand years. With a heavy exhale, he sat on the small sofa in the room and rested his elbows on his knees and tilted his head low. Accompanied only by the sound of the ticking clock on the wall, Mamoru began to think about his life and how much it has changed over the years; he thought about his childhood and everything that consequently happened and the vague memory of the words 'Don't let go…'
All of his life, Mamoru didn't really understand what that even meant and even when he didn't remember where those words came from, he never stopped thinking about them. Later on, when he got hold of the silver crystal and regained his memories as a kid and he discovered those were the words his mother gave him right before she passed away in that tragic car accident. He remembered being a confused six-year-old kid standing outside of a room that was meant to be his for the next decade or so with an uncertain future waiting ahead an uncertain future. His life at the orphanage was difficult and confusing; on one side he experimented solitude in all its glory and learned how to deal with it even with a broken heart and on the other, he felt something was missing and it was not related to his parents, he felt it was something else; he always felt there was something else.
He grew up with a cloud of mystery around him, not knowing where he came from or what happened to him. If the doctor hadn't shown him an ID with his face he wouldn't even believe for sure if his name was in fact, Chiba Mamoru, but probably the worst part for him was to know that everything had been a plan from his past, a past he just fully remembered and was still trying to adjust it into his present.
It might have been in his nature to try to survive such hard life that he focused all his strength in looking for a way to find his place in the world and to do that, the first thing he had to do was to get out of the orphanage because if there was something Mamoru hated the most was to be an object of pity to others, so when he was old enough to have a small job at a market nearby he took the opportunity and rented a small place in Azabu without the people at the orphanage know until right before he moved out. His life and faith changed the moment Shimuta Ikio, an old friend of his parents found him and told him about the inheritance that was left for him and the rest is history. But even with all that wealth inherited to him, he wanted to make a name for himself and grow on his own and not under his parent's invisible shadow and the strange feeling nesting in his heart.
Mamoru thought his life was already planned; he would continue his studies and live a life on his own without really worrying if he ever was destined to meet someone until a strange dream of a certain girl became more and more recurrent in his mind, asking him for a crystal that eventually would change his life for good and forever.
A soft knock startled him and turned to find an old family friend opening the door. Shimuta Ikio, the man that had taken care of his late parent's assets that later became his when they perished; the man that took his under his wing in the only ways he was allowed to be—according to the law. He was the first person to call Mamoru by his name when he opened his eyes at the hospital after he woke up from his coma, the first one to call himself a friend, a support, an ally in business and later a mentor. Shimuta Ikio taught him everything he needed to know about finances and trading, it was him who trained and prepared him to learn how to move around the merciless world of finances and work on his deals with other smart business men despite wanting to focus his career in medicine. Ikio always knew Mamoru was smart and he was surprised to see the young man could excel in both areas with his keen negotiating skills from a very young age which only solidified their relationship even more and took his rightful place as his legal and financial advisor.
There was no question the man had money and a high social status; wearing a perfectly tailored dark grey suit and deep purple tie, Ikio smiled at Mamoru, "Have a minute to spare?"
"Ikio," Mamoru quickly stood up from his seat and went to greet the man, "It's good to see you came,"
"Of course, I came." Ikio frowned as he closed the door behind him, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Because you're always traveling," Mamoru chuckled, "You're always busy and I mean, I understand, but... you know..."
"And miss this moment? Absolutely not," Ikio chuckled, "You're right, I am always with one foot at the airport, but, that doesn't mean I will miss important moments like these," he patted Mamoru's shoulder, "It's not just anyone's wedding—it's yours. I've known you for years and I am glad to see you happy. You deserve it—happiness."
"Thank you, Ikio," Mamoru smiled and motioned the man to sit across from him in another lounge chair, "Please,"
Ikio took the offered seat and crossed his leg over his knee, "Although, I do must apologize, since I won't be able to attend the reception. I have to catch a flight soon—I pushed my schedule as much as possible so I could be able to be at the ceremony,"
"That's alright, I understand. Is it a new deal?"
"The same one we've been working on for months," Ikio sighed softly, "We're almost there. I am literally working as an accountant of signatures."
"I read your email and I checked the status, it's good to go." Mamoru crossed his arms and smiled, "Thank you for coming, Ikio, I know this strains your usual hectic schedule. It means a lot."
Ikio smiled, "You are very much worth it, Mamoru. I am proud of you, you persevered and all I am left to say is that I wish you the best in your life as a married man. From what you've told me about your bride, I have no doubt that you are a happy man and very much in love."
"Yes," Mamoru blushed slightly, "She's the best,"
"The past is bitter, Mamoru—better set your eyes into what's ahead of you. In the life you are about to embark together as a married couple. Embrace the differences, embrace the challenges and let yourself be surprised if it's your birthday, no matter if it rains... always remember you were born—"
"—Born on a very sunny day, I know," Mamoru chuckled, "Thank you. I will take your words into valuable consideration."
"Please do, for the rest—well, things happened that way for a reason. Now, one must let it happen the way they're supposed to be." Ikio tilted his head, "You know what I mean,"
"I know,"
"Good."
Ikio sighed and looked at the clock on the wall, "Well, it's almost time for you to come out." He smirked, "Nervous?"
"I am excited," Mamoru smiled, "But, yeah... I am also nervous,"
Ikio arched a brow "You, nervous? My, that's new... but I guess there's a first for everything." He chuckled and stood up, "Take your time, you will be alright. You will do fine, Mamoru." The man came close and patted Mamoru's shoulder, "I will see you in a bit,"
"Sure, Ikio, thanks."
Mamoru watched Ikio walk out and closed his eyes as he leaned his back on his seat and took a deep breath; the clock kept tickling in the background in a harmonious sound, soothing his growing nerves. Without notice, the same feeling he had when he was a child possessed him; doubt and concern suddenly made their way to his mind and then he felt it, a strong tug in his chest.
"*Hoc, quod tenes, quod meum est."
He opened his eyes with unexpected shock and turned to look around and found nobody was there with him; he frowned when he turned to the clock on the wall and let out a heavy sigh. There was an unwelcoming and strange feeling clinging in his chest the moment he heard a voice talking to him just now—clear as the ticking sound of the clock. His brow knitted in thought and confusion and shook his head with unease and rubbed his chest, "It's you again," he muttered bitterly and took a deep breath.
A soft knock brought him back from his thoughts and turned to see a couple standing at the door. Mamoru widened his eyes and quickly stood up "Tsukino-san,"
"Are we interrupting your moment of peace?" Ikuko asked softly, Mamoru shook his head and immediately went to greet them at the door with a beaming smile, "No, not at all, I am just waiting for the priest to come and tell me when it's time."
"It should be any minute now," Kenji smiled at him and patted his shoulder, "Nervous?" Mamoru appreciated the fatherly gesture and smiled softly "A little,"
"Ah, there is nothing to be nervous about," Kenji patted Mamoru's shoulder again, "You are part of this family now. My little girl choose wisely and found a good man to share her life with," his expression soon died and turned into one more serious as he looked into his eyes, "Usagi is my life Mamoru, my little princess—please,"
"—Always, with my life." Mamoru nodded, "I swear I will do anything to make her happy, my vow to you stands forever. I keep your blessings close to my heart, Tsukino-san."
Ikuko walked over to him with a small box and took out a white rosebud and pinned it on the lapel of his suit, "You have been a part of our family for too many years now Mamoru. You have guided and protected our Usagi without question and for that, we will always be very grateful." She looked up into his eyes and cupped his cheek as she looked into his deep blue eyes, "I know you wished your Mama and Papa were here supporting you; I know you have had a very lonely life without a family but that is no more because to us you are our son."
Mamoru felt his eyes burn with tears and nodded with a wide smile on his face "Thank you, Mama-san," he bowed his head in respect and gratitude "Thank you for everything." Minutes later, Motoki knocked softly and opened the door interrupting their little family moment, "Hi, good evening," he turned to his best friend and nodded, "Mamoru—it's time."
"Well, then, let's take a final look here," Ikuko dried her tears with her silk handkerchief and fixed the groom's tie "It's a little crooked, there," she tried to justify her reason for being so sentimental and stepped aside "You're all set," Mamoru smiled and offered his arm, which Ikuko took gladly with a soft giggle as the three of them left the room in silence.
O—o—O
All guests were finally waiting anxiously for the ceremony to begin and admiring the precious, unique garden filled with the soft and sweet scent of the hundreds of jasmine flowers around. It wasn't too big but it was not that small either; it had a lovely pergola roof with a variety of greenery and flowering vines all over falling like a curtain to the sides. From each pergola white paper lanterns hung with a small candle lit inside giving a soft and romantic glow. The guests were strategically seated with a front view at a big stone waterfall fountain surrounded with rosebushes where the bride and groom would seal their love forever.
Mamoru couldn't help feeling a little overwhelmed by all the people who came, part of it because he was not used to be around too many people and the other maybe because he felt a little shy about the fact that he had just a few guests coming from his side compared it to the ones that came for Usagi. Thankfully, everyone took a random seating, disguising the truth a little bit. Haruka, Setsuna, and Hotaru waved at him while he waited for his bride and smiled in gratitude for being there. Minutes later, Michiru stood up from her seat close to the groom and best man and began playing the special melody she composed for the occasion, giving the cue that the bride was ready to meet with her groom.
Two antique filigree doors opened allowing the girls to walk out the rose petal covered aisle first with their small bouquets in hand—another Makoto's creation. As Minako walked to her place on the bride's side, she turned to Mamoru and winked a complicit eye at him, one he returned with a small and grateful smile. The blonde's little sweet moment soon stalled when she happened to turn to Kunzite's direction and found him sitting on the front row paying close attention to every move she made. Minako had no other option but to ignore the intense glare shot at her and turned to the door where Usagi was finally waiting with her father at the other end of the aisle. In this very moment, Mamoru felt his heart had stopped beating in his chest and his breath was completely taken away he couldn't think for how long. His eyes couldn't leave her and then, he felt it—the knot in his chest and throat. He felt it, and he could almost hear Motoki's voice in his head, reminding him how he was going to cry as soon as he saw her walk down the aisle looking like the most beautiful goddess in the universe.
Mamoru could not describe the emotions bottling up inside his chest, he felt an enormous amount of excitement and happiness to see the woman he has loved all of his life looking extraordinarily beautiful and ready to share her life with him. His heart was beating so fast in his chest that it almost felt like if it was going to escape his body if he didn't keep his emotions under control, this was it, this was their ever after.
As he watched her walking towards him with a smile on her beautiful face, he thought how Usagi was the only one that gave sense to his life; how she made his world spin in the right direction, how she had his heart in her hands. She was beautiful inside and out and she emanated a light that could warm even the hardest and coldest of hearts and now, that wonderful human being was going to share her life with him.
It felt as if they were back to where they left off two thousand years ago.
Once she reached the altar, Usagi turned and gave her father a peck on his cheek and took Mamoru's hand and stood next to him "Hi," she whispered and looked at him with a warm, nervous smile.
"Hi." Mamoru smiled and greeted her with a soft kiss in her hand. Usagi blushed and turned to the priest, who was ready to start the ceremony. By now, Michiru had stopped playing her melody and graciously had gone to take her seat next to her beloved Haruka.
"Good evening. On this lovely day, with the sun setting on the horizon before us, we are gathered here to celebrate the union of this young man and this young woman in holy matrimony." The older man raised his hands to chest high and looked at the crowd sitting behind the couple, "It is undeniable, when we witness the power of love and the blissful support behind this beautiful couple," he looked at the guests, "But as the person entrusted to bless this union, it is my duty to ask if this ceremony is happening under the consent of every person gathered here and if there is someone who opposes to the union between Tsukino Usagi and Chiba Mamoru, it is the moment to speak now, or, forever hold your words."
Minako looked at the crowd as if she challenged anyone to oppose the union of her friends and turned to the priest who continued sharing words of wisdom for the future married couple.
"This beautiful young lady and young man have not reached this place alone, each has been given life by their loved ones. These, who gave to them care and support through all these years, are and will be, a vital part in their continued lives. Their love has borne fruit in respect and for these will continue as they grow in this new life made possible by everyone here witnessing this joyful moment for no other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred than these you are about to assume. You are entering into that holy estate which is the deepest mystery of experience, and which is the very sacrament of divine love." The priest looked at the couple again, "Now, this is when I ask you, Tsukino Usagi, Chiba Mamoru—if you are here with your consent to celebrate your union before the heavens above us,"
"Yes,"
"Very well," The priest smiled and turned to call Naru and Umino to walk to the aisle and asked them to put the delicate crystal and gold lasso over the couple as a symbol of stability and union and turned Usagi, a smile graced his features when she saw her holding her future husband's hand and nodded, "Tsukino Usagi, do you accept Chiba Mamoru as your lawfully wedded husband, will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him safe, forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him so long as you both shall live?"
Usagi turned and looked into Mamoru's ocean blue eyes and never felt so sure about something in her life as to share her life with the man in front of her, "Yes—I do." She answered on the verge of tears. The priest nodded and turned to Mamoru and asked the same question; "Chiba Mamoru, do you accept Tsukino Usagi, as your lawfully wedded wife, will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her safe, forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her so long as you both shall live?"
"Yes," Mamoru flashed her that perfect smile that made her feel like the only girl in the world, "I do."
The priest turned to Motoki and asked for the rings. Usagi took the sleek titanium band from the soft cushion inside the box and turned to look into Mamoru's alluring eyes with a soft smile, "Mamoru, before our family and friends, I vow my love to you and I promise to care for you for as long as we both shall live. I take you with all your faults and your strengths... I promise to always be there when you need help, to protect you from everything that could make you sad or harm you, I will be there to hold you when you feel down, to make you smile when you feel low; to laugh with you and cry with you, but most importantly, to never, ever, make you feel alone in the world anymore. I promise to forever hold you dear to my heart, honor you, treasure you in sorrow and in joy; to stand by your side in the good times and bad times, in sickness and in health, and make you happy every day for the rest of my life."
Mamoru blushed and looked down as she carefully slid the ring on his finger making him feel complete and completely hers. Finally, he felt he belonged somewhere; like he had a place in a world—her world, and that was all he needed. With a gentle squeeze on her hand, he turned to grab her ring from Minako and took a moment to put his thoughts and emotions in place before speaking.
This was probably the first time he felt so emotional in all his life, his eyes burned with tears as he waited for the lump clear in his throat and silently while cursing Motoki, who probably was rejoicing in silence by his premonition.
Mamoru took enough the courage to continue and looked at her with teary eyes, something that completely melted Usagi's heart, "We've come a long way…" he smiled and took a deep breath "…Since the very first day we met. You changed my life completely and gave me the family I never thought I could ever have. You gave me the courage to face the world with different eyes, gave me a smile when I needed it the most, comforted me when I felt my lowest; supported me and helped me get back on my feet when I felt I couldn't walk any further. You give me truth and you bring me peace, you bring me joy just by looking at that beautiful smile of yours. Usagi, you are my best friend, my other half, and the love of my life. In the presence of every soul watching us from heaven, our family and friends gathered here, I offer my solemn vow to be your faithful partner and walk beside you in this new life we are about to share together. I will be with you every day and night, in sickness and in health, in all times—good or bad; in joyful and sorrowful moments. I swear to love you unconditionally and support you in every single thing you decide to do, from this point on, I promise to make your dreams mine as well and do everything in my power to make them a reality and make sure nothing take away your happiness. There is nothing I won't do for you, there is nothing I would not give you, I swear to honor and respect you, to laugh with you, cry with you, and to cherish you for the rest of my life. I would go to the very end of this world just for you because you hold my fate and soul in your hands; I am forever yours Luna Bunny... we found our way."
There was something in his words that made Usagi feel that it was just not plain Mamoru speaking to her, no, the man speaking to her was Endymion, Tuxedo Kamen, and Chiba Mamoru all at the same time. Usagi felt her eyes fill with tears at the mention of the millenary promise he made to her, letting the ancient soul inside her shine with glee and happiness. It was his secret way to tell her that they had made it against everything, and everyone, that their love truly found a way.
A tear rolled down her cheeks as she watched him slid the wedding band on her finger with the same carefulness she put his ring minutes before. There was so much truth and devotion in his words that had everyone present silently sobbing with emotion. Minako turned to a crying Ami, Rei, and Makoto, and to a very emotional Ikuko crying next to an even more emotional Kenji drying his tears with his silk handkerchief, even Shingo and girlfriend got touched by their words.
The priest turned to Naru and Umino and asked them to take the lasso off the couple and raised his hands above the couple's heads, "With the power invested in me to bless your union, I now pronounce you husband and wife." With a smile, the old man looked at Mamoru and nodded, "You may now kiss your bride."
With all the joy curled up in his chest, Mamoru held her hands and pulled her closer to him and sealed the promise with the most heartwarming and emotional kiss. Usagi closed her eyes and gave in to the kiss, completely ignoring the claps and cheering happening in the background, this was their moment—their own little world, the one both of them promised to nurture and grow until the end of time. Seconds after, both parted and looked into each other's eyes, "Te amo, Endymion, to the Moon and back—" she whispered with tears in her eyes.
Mamoru caressed her cheek and leaned his forehead on hers, he took a deep breath like the man madly in love he was and smiled, "Te amo, Serenitati, back to the world we belong."
I do not own Sailor Moon, just this plot and some of the characters.
The Divinity Series is rated M. Intimacy, cursing, and violence may occur.
AN: *You can find the references of Mamoru's guests in Shades of Blue: Midnight, Indigo, and Royal Blue from the collection of extra chapters "Divinity: A day in the life." Also, the reference of Usagi and Mamoru's astrological mugs is in "The secret is in the details." also from the collection of extra chapters.
*Everything you hold is mine.