Butch glares at reader(s) "No plagiarize…no SUE! Me break neck!" That's pretty self explanatory. Thank you Butch. "Grr…" Oh, and some characters are mine, others are Delia's or Chanda's, the rest (and originals) belong to MIB: The Animated Series. ^_^ We're nearing the end of the fic folks!

Written in the Stars: A Destined Romance

Part 35: The Bridal Shower

Days later Elle found herself sitting in one of the lounge areas set up in the living quarters building opening gifts. Yep, it was her bridal shower. Everyone was there. Chassidy and Zoey who had arrived the day before, Agents Val, W, V, Delia, and almost half of the MIB's female staff. Even Talia had transported herself in for the joyous event, bringing her son Chant with her. That little infant made Zoey's day and all Elle seemed to hear about was how Zoey couldn't wait for grandchildren. Elle seriously doubted that JeeDangians and Earthlings could have offspring, but she wasn't about to disappoint Zoey with her suspicions.

"Here girl, something for the honeymoon," Val laughed, handing her friend a small box with shiny gold wrapping.

Elle eyed the box for a moment, not sure if she wanted to open it in front of her soon to be mother-in-law. With a nervous shrug she ripped off the paper and opened the box. At first all she saw was a small handkerchief sized folded bit of black lace. Then she gasped and realized---it was skimpy lingerie! Holding it up without thinking she laughed, "X is gonna go on about how humans have no shame when he sees this."

With a nervous glance to her side she noticed Chassidy giggling, "X is gonna hit the floor when he sees you in that Laurel, he's never even had a hot date before!"

"Chassidy!" Zoey scolded with a smile, "I'm sure he'll think it's nice." Turning to Elle she laughed, "It's alright dear, you should see some of the things I wore on my honeymoon!"

The was a slight burst of laughter from around the room as Elle turned red at the thought of picturing a JeeDangian in a revealing robe. Despite her efforts the thought entered her mind, 'What do the males wear?'.

Presents kept coming as the females poured into the room. W had gotten her a set of handcuffs and some wine glasses, "Ya never know when your gonna run out of original ideas for your honeymoon." she laughed.

Agent A, thankfully, had only gotten her some candles, candlesticks, and bath oils. That was a gift Elle could live with. Delia's gift was next though, Elle eyed her friend for a moment, asking with her expression if anything was gonna jump out or bite her. "Go on, open it!" Delia encouraged her with that silly smile of hers. Elle reluctantly opened the box and laughed at what she saw inside, matching Cowgirl pajamas for the Cowboy pair that X had! And there was even a pair of fuzzy blue slippers. "Since X's are green and all," Delia explained, knowing the favorite colors of both agents.

"This is the best one yet!" Elle exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Delia.

"Aw shucks," Delia snickered, "t'weren't nothing'."

Agent V had gotten Elle a sewing kit, some dinnerware, and a long silk nightgown. It was periwinkle and had a low V-neck. "I just had to make you something you know," she smiled as Elle held up the nightgown. "This is gonna hug all my curves." Elle smiled, she knew X had never seen her curves with the suit she always wore. "Thanks V." another friendly hug.

"Um, I don't do the mushy stuff, and I REALLY don't wanna get ya something to fool around in with my brother." Chassidy laughed, moving to a seat further from her mother. Everyone laughed as Elle pulled out a strange device from the box Chassidy had given her. "Uh---thanks Chassidy," leaning over towards her Elle added, "What is it?"

"It's a kitchen appliance," Chassidy laughed, "you use it to make JeeDangian pasta and stuff, it gets the temperature just right and you can walk away and take care of other stuff without worrying about overcooking your meal. It's a life saver when you're not an expert cook…coughMEcough."

Elle chuckled and warmly hugged her friend (soon to be sister-in-law). "Thanks Chassidy, you know me too well."

Zoey had went all out on the gift buying. There was a pile of dishes, appliances, and bath towels stacked behind Elle threatening to topple over. "Wow, thank you so much Zoey."

"Mom will do fine dear," Zoey beamed.

"Uh okay, thanks…Mom." this seemed to delight Zoey beyond words and the ladies in the room held back laughter.

"I don't have a clue about what to buy for these things," Talia admitted, handing Chant over to Zoey for a moment, "So I just got you this."

Elle opened the package wrapped in maroon paper with black cobwebs. 'Just Talia's style.' she noted happily.

Inside the box was photo album with the words, 'Wedded Bliss' etched across the front in gold letters. Talia also handed her a bag, "My mother-in-law had to get you something too Laurel," she smiled.

"Oh, well that was nice of her." Elle had only met Atfari once in her lifetime. Opening the gift she noticed a silver choker with a beautiful sapphire in the center in the shape of a planet, "That looks like our planet." Chassidy commented.

"It's beautiful," Elle gasped, putting the piece of jewelry on. There was a note in the bottom of the bag.

"What's it say girl?" Val inquired.

Elle read aloud…

"Dear Laurel,

My daughter-in-law tells me that it is an Earth custom to have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue for your wedding day. I thought it would be nice to give you something that would combine all these things into one. Something old, the home world of your fiancé (it has been in existence for quite some time). Something new, this choker. Something borrowed, my time which I will gladly spend at your wedding my dear girl. And something blue, the sapphire, I think it will bring out the pale blue of your eyes. Wear this proudly on your wedding day, I will see you there and pray for a long and happy marriage for you and the one you love.

Best Wishes,

Grand Counselor and Queen Atfari"

Elle smiled as she finished reading, intending to keep the note and place it in her album. "Tell your mother-in-law that I'll wear this on my wedding day and that I can't think her enough for it." She hugged Talia tightly. There was a brief, "Awww." from all around the room.

Chant was awakened by the noise and began to pout. "Uh-oh," Delia grinned, "moment's over."

Talia took her baby back into her arms and turned to Delia, "Welcome to the wonderful world of motherhood." she handed Delia the baby.

"What am I supposed to do with him?" Delia asked as the baby whimpered.

"First rule of motherhood." Talia began, taking Delia by her free hand. "Changing diapers."

The other women laughed as Delia was hauled out of the room. "Oh wait! NO! I can't stomach this!!!"

"Great shower Elle," Agent A mused leaning over the back of her chair, "Hope the bachelorette party is this much fun."

________________________________________________________________________