Author's Notes at Bottom - Enjoy!
@------
No Greater Love
Chapter 2 - Wedding Bliss
By: Bethany
Editor: Meara
Rated: PG
@------
Biological time clocks, you have to love them. Promptly at dawn
my dreams faded away, leaving way for my ears to perk up to the sound
of Mamo-chan snoring away beside me. It seemed he could turn off his
biological clock any time he took the notion, while I woke up at the
same time every morning, give or take a few minutes. This morning,
however, the bedroom I shared with my fiancé was void of this sound.
Sometime before I had woken, he had left our bed, determined to stick
to some semblance of tradition and not see me again until I was walking
down the aisle.
It has been seven months in the planning. After long hours of
sitting with open booklets, pen and paper before us, thousands of yen
spent, I was assured by my best friends that all would go well. Yet, I
still couldn't believe that I would be married today. That finally all
the dreams Endymion and I talked of over a thousand years ago had
survived death and the boundaries of time to finally come true today.
I turned over on my back, staring at the white ceiling and
listening to the baby monitor as Chibi-Usa giggled and talked to
herself happily. I was thankful to be blessed with a child that could
keep herself content by listening to the sound of her own voice for
hours on end instead of crying in the mornings. But the sunny morning
that promised a beautiful day couldn't shake the emptiness that nagged
at my heart. My mother wouldn't be here to help with my dressing and
wish me good luck. And my father wouldn't be here to walk me down the
aisle and give me away to the love of my life. I would make that
journey alone, and the thought brought tears to my eyes.
I lay in the bed for a few more minutes, falling through memories
of my mother's fairy tale wedding stories she told me as a child, until
the sound of my own child clapping her hands caught my attention.
"Papa!" she squealed. It never stopped amazing any of us when she spoke
so clearly, or that at ten months old she already began walking. She
was smarter than most infants her age, mimicking anything she saw and
paying attention far longer. Often when I spoke to her, I felt her eyes
on me and wondered if she actually understood what I was saying.
She squealed again as someone lifted her out of her bed.
"Shhhh," I heard Mamo-chan whisper to her. "Papa just wanted to see his
Princess before battle begins." I laughed quietly to myself as he said
this. Several times over the last seven months he had insisted that
preparing for a wedding was like preparing for war. In response to his
words, Chibi-Usa gurgled and made a grumbling sound in her throat.
Mamo-chan kissed her and placed her back in her crib. "Be a good girl,
okay? I love you."
"Luv ou!" Chibi-Usa repeated and smacked her lips together. My
smiled widened at the visual image of her blowing him a kiss. She blew
everyone kisses when they left, no matter who.
I waited until I heard the front door close before I emerged from
the bedroom and went to my daughter. As usual, she sat happily in her
crib sucking her thumb when I entered. Her eyes lit up when she seen me
and instantly she lifted her arms to be picked up. I plucked her out of
the crib, covering her face with kisses. "Good morning sweetie," I
cooed to her, tickling her stomach and causing her laughter to ring
through out the room. I started towards the kitchen to begin breakfast
when my front door was opened again. With an array of garment bags,
plastic bags, paper bags of all sizes and shapes, a line of Senshi
entered my home and promptly began talking at once.
"Morning Usagi-chan!" they greeted, Minako's voice singing out
loudest as she put the bag with my veil in it on the floor and took her
shoes off. "Are you ready to marry your prince charming?" she asked,
running over and kissing Chibi-Usa's cheeks.
I placed the baby in her high chair and began mixing up cereal.
"I've never been more nervous in my life," I admitted, glancing at the
large garment bag that held my dress. The dress was all that I had ever
dreamed of; ruffles and lace, pearls and sequence. The top fell off my
shoulders and flowed into a form fitting bodice that ended at my waist
and flared out in layers to the ground. I grimaced, "What if I trip on
that thing and fall flat on my face?"
"You won't!" Mako-chan insisted, laughing at the face I made. "I
would be more worried about the fact that it weighs a ton; you're going
to burn up."
"Eleven pounds, veil and all, to be exact," Ami said, one finger
on her glasses.
"See? Besides, the crillion under the dress makes it stick out so
that you won't step on it," Mako-chan continued.
I shook my head at her, not convinced, and began feeding Chibi-
Usa. She ate silently, watching all the commotion in the room with
interest. Rei began pulling my hair back, discussing with Ami how to
fix it. Mako-chan and Minako pulled my dress out and were talking back
and forth about one thing or another. Above all the chatter and
laughing, it's amazing I even heard the door bell. Soon Haruka,
Michiru, Hotaru and Setsuna had joined the array of people that crowded
my kitchen. As I looked around, it occurred to me that it wasn't quite
as big as I had originally thought.
Haruka and Setsuna carried in garment bags that contained the
bride's maid dresses and flower girl dresses that Setsuna had designed,
each in the Senshi's colors. "And," Setsuna grinned, pulling out a
smaller bag. "A special dress for Chibi-Usa to wear, also." Everyone
'oohed' and 'ahhed' over the small pink dress that was accented lightly
with pearls and lace. Around the hanger was the matching hair clip.
Amazingly, even though so far it seemed everybody was doing
something totally different, everything started coming together with
the arrival of the Outer Senshi. Setsuna took over feeding Chibi-Usa,
shooing me away with strict orders to shower before Naru showed up to
fix my hair and make-up. Michiru pulled out a large bag full of make-up
and different size curling irons to fix everyone in the wedding
party's' hair.
Just as I left the living room, abuzz with chattering and
laughing, Minako pulled out a large stop watch and set it atop the
television. "Three hours, five minutes, thirty-two seconds and
counting!" she announced to everyone and then began unzipping bags and
pulling dresses out. I knew I would regret having a morning wedding.
I stayed in the shower a little longer than I normally did, just
enjoying the feeling of the warm water rushing over me. The steam made
my head feel clear and I was finally able to stop thinking about how
much I missed my parents and look forward to my wedding. When I stepped
out of the bathroom, Naru was sitting on my bed watching Setsuna pull
Chibi-Usa's hair back and pull it into a tiny French twist. Chibi-Usa
sat quietly while she worked, watching Setsuna's skilled hands in the
mirror.
When she was done, my daughter looked up at me expectantly. I
smiled widely, making my eyes wide for emphasis. "You look beautiful,
Chibi-Usa." She grinned, looking at herself in the mirror again.
In the living room Michiru was curling Hotaru's hair and pinning
it up. Since Chibi-Usa was still too young, I had asked the Senshi of
Saturn to be my flower girl. Even though twelve was rather old, she
still happily agreed. Right now, however, she didn't look so happy. "I
feel like Little Bo Peep," she stated flatly, pulling her dress away
from her in silent disgust.
I tilted my head, looking at the dress for a moment. I knew that
Setsuna had made the dress, but it did look a little too young for her.
"The ruffles around the collar are a bit much," I offered. Otherwise it
was a beautiful dress that fit her young curves just tight enough to
look elegant. Michiru gently took a seam ripper around the ruffles,
removing them. I nodded my approval and, happier, Hotaru allowed
Michiru to finish piling her hair on her head.
I went back to my room, sitting down at the vanity table and
allowing Naru to begin working on my hair. It seemed ages had passed
before she announced that she was done with my hair and ready to begin
with the make-up. I looked in the mirror for the first time since she
began and my breath caught. She had put my hair up in a pony tail high
on my head; small strains of hair curled into a tight spiral. Some of
the curls were pinned to cover the hair bow keeping my hair up, while
some were falling freely around my face and neck.
Naru studied my reaction closely. When I said nothing she pressed
her lips together firmly. "You hate it, don't you? I can change it--"
"No! I love it!" I interrupted, turning to admire the side view.
"Oh Naru-chan, I had no idea it would be so beautiful!"
She smiled also. "Come on, we need to get you finished. I can't
have you late for your wedding!" With a careful hand she began applying
make-up.
I sat with my eyes closed while Naru applied powder and base (she
swore if I opened my eyes and looked at her it made her laugh), my
heart beating faster the closer it came to eleven o'clock. "Well, what
do you think?" I heard Minako ask.
I opened my eyes to see all of my friends standing around the
room in duplicate style dresses of different colors. Each had a simple
slim bodice with spaghetti straps and elbow length gloves. Even Haruka
wore one, though she did look terribly uncomfortable. Rei had Chibi-
Usa's hand, whose hair had also been curled. Her dress stood out
proudly from the layers of crillion and ruffles underneath and her
small feet were decorated with ruffled socks and small white dress
shoes. When she seen me, she slapped her hands together happily and
giggled. "You all look wonderful!" I exclaimed.
With Naru's help I climbed into my wedding dress. Ami was right
about one thing, it was heavy. But after what I paid for it, I was
going to wear it through the reception right on up until we left. I sat
back down at the vanity table and let Naru place my veil on my head.
When I got up, I looked at myself in the full length mirror. The girl
who stared back had traveled a long, painful road to be here today. But
there was no trace of any of that, only deep happiness. Naru put her
hands on my arms and squeezed. "You look beautiful," she whispered, a
note of sadness in her voice. Just two months before she and Umino had
eloped. When she seen me panicking over preparations for my own
wedding, she swore she was happy they went to a court house. But now
that everything in my wedding was finally coming together, she looked
regretful.
I smiled at her reassuringly and we hugged. "Let's go!" Haruka
grumbled as she passed the doorway. "I want out of this dress as soon
as possible!" Seconds behind her was Michiru, swatting her on the arm
and telling her to hush.
Setsuna laughed and scoped up Chibi-Usa. Rei came over and picked
up the long train on the dress so I wouldn't get the ten feet of lace
and pearls caught on anything between here and the car. "Get out of the
way! Bride coming through!" Minako announced down the hallway. I shook
my head at her as she directed traffic going out of my apartment and
down to the street. The butterflies really started letting loose in my
stomach when I stepped into Haruka's car and the door was shut. All the
way to Tokyo gardens I twisted my hands, twisted my purse strap -
anything I could get my hands on.
Mamo-chan and I had decided to have an outside wedding and dare
Mother Nature to rain. In fact, it was one of the only decisions he
made. The rest of it was left up to me and my eight bride's maids.
Tokyo garden at this time of year was perfect, the Cherry Blossoms were
out and their beautiful petals floated through the air. The ceremony
itself was completely out in the open, the reception would be held
under a large tent.
As we pulled up, there were a few men putting the finishing
touches on the decorations. The entire place was buzzing with activity.
A few helium filled balloons had come loose and were rising into the
air, much to Chibi-Usa's delight. I stared at everything in wonderful
amazement as Michiru started reading off a check list Minako had given
her. "Your luggage is in Mamoru-san's car. Mako-chan brought the outfit
you are going change into in her car, I believe Mamoru-san has his with
him. After the reception Mako-chan is taking the children to her
apartment - those bags are already there - while you and Mamoru-san go
off on your honeymoon."
"Which I don't know where we are going yet," I pointed out. It
had been something Mamo-chan wanted to surprise me with. And no matter
how much I had tried, he wouldn't give me the first clue.
Haruka pulled the car around to the back of the green house,
Mako-chan pulling her car behind us. I let out a sigh of relief when
the car stopped; unknowingly loud enough for Michiru to hear. She
giggled and winked at me as she stepped out of the car. "Even in high
heels, Haruka thinks she is on a race track."
I placed Chibi-Usa on the ground with strict instructions not to
wonder off. Hotaru ran up, picking Chibi-Usa up and pointing everything
out to her while Ami helped me - and all of my dress - out of the car.
Chibi-Usa's big blue eyes stared at everything in amazement. "Mama,
look!" she squealed in her child-like way, pointing at all the flowers
and balloons. "Pretty!"
"Very pretty," I agreed, kissing her cheek. Naru came over to
take Chibi-Usa and the rest of us hurried to our positions. As I stood
at the side of the greenhouse I caught sight of Shingo in his tuxedo.
He had been so proud to have a suit matching Mamo-chan's. He took
Naru's arm and led her to a seat in the front. I had to smile at his
stiff posture and the way he tried to imitate Mamo-chan as he walked.
Minako passed out bouquets to everyone as the music began. I
tried to peek around the corner of the building and watch as everyone
went down the aisle, but Hotaru kept telling me that they would see me
if I did. So I stood nervously, a thousands things going through my
head. What if I fell? What if Chibi-Usa ran up to us? But somehow I
didn't think that any of that would matter, except the falling part. It
was my greatest fear. But even as nervous as I was, when the music to
'The Wedding March' began playing and I finally turned the corner and
meet Mamo-chan's eyes, nothing else mattered. I felt all the
butterflies leave my body and I could have been walking on clouds for
all I knew. Suddenly I was standing next to my Prince and the ceremony
began.
The priest was a short man, only two or three inches taller than
me. The sun reflected off his bald head, making it shine in my eyes for
a moment until he looked up again. I tried to pay attention to every
word he said, to put to memory the words that bided me forever to my
husband, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from Mamo-chan's. When I
noticed a tear fall from his eye, I began crying also.
"Do you Usagi, take this man to be your lawful wedding husband?
To have and to hold, through sickness and health, from this day
forwards, as long as you both shall live?"
Mamo-chan squeezed my hands and with tears in my voice I managed
to answer. "I do."
I smiled as the priest then turned to Mamo-chan and repeated the
same words. Mamo-chan met my eyes squarely and replied: "I do, with all
my heart." We exchanged rings and turned to the priest once more. My
heart was so full I feared it may burst. I couldn't imagine loving
another man as much as I loved Mamo-chan at that moment.
"What God as brought together, let no man put ascender. You may
kiss the bride."
I wrapped my arms around Mamo-chan's neck and we sealed our vows
with a kiss. Among the frantic beating of my heart, I heard all the
Senshi and Motoki yelling and whistling. We parted and happily turned
towards the crowd. I'm not sure why, but as I turned I glanced towards
the groomsmen. Mamo-chan had Motoki for his best man, and two guys he
worked with for groomsmen - including Daiki. His eyes caught my gaze
and he sneered, the dark lust so obvious on his face that I shivered.
"May I now present Mr. and Mrs. Mamoru Chiba," the priest
announced.
Together my new husband and I went back down the aisle. Bubbles
were being blow and bird seed thrown. I pushed back Daiki's face and
concentrated on the here and now. But maybe a sixth sense knew more
than I did - involuntarily I felt another chill run up my spine. I
pressed myself closer to Mamo-chan's side and we proceeded to the
reception.
@------
Instead of having a four course dinner, we had decided on finger
foods. The cater had set up two long tables at the back of the tent and
an elegant array of cheese, crackers, nuts and mints lined the tables.
In the middle was a three tier cake, the bride and groom figurines on
top. The tables had been set up in a box shape, the middle acting as a
dance floor. Mamo-chan and I sat at our table, surrounded by the
wedding party.
As soon as everyone had drinks in their hands, Motoki stood up
and tapped his fork against his glass to get attention. When still
people were talking, he placed his index finger and thumb in his mouth
and let loose a shrill whistle. Mamo-chan and I laughed as everyone
abruptly turned towards the best man. "If I could have everyone's
attention, please! I would like to do my duty as best man and purpose a
toast." He lifted his glass towards us, his eyes dancing with laughter.
"To the best friend I've ever had and his beautiful wife, may all your
children be as well behaved as Chibi-Usa!" Everyone laughed, some
nodding their heads. "And, of course, to a long life together. I hope
you two are forever as happy as you are today."
"Here, here!" the crowd roared and we drank. Everyone circulated
around, getting food and punch. Mamo-chan and I cut the cake, feeding
it to each other. The audience cheered when Mamo-chan ended up wearing
most of his piece of cake.
The music began and, with my new husband, I went to the dance
floor for our first dance as husband and wife. As Mamo-chan pressed me
against his body, I felt his lips glaze my ear. "Well, Chiba Usagi, how
do you feel?"
I giggled as he twirled me around. "Like I could fly," I replied
and we kissed. Around us other people began dancing.
"Could I cut in?" I heard Motoki ask. Mamo-chan nodded and soon I
was dancing with my boss. He did well, but I missed Mamo-chan's warmth.
"Not as dashing as my best friend, eh?"
I laughed, relaxing some. "I'm sure Minako thinks so."
His eyes took on a far off look, and he smiled in her direction.
"Yeah, I suppose." I noted a hint of something in his voice, something
that didn't seem right. But today was too happy a day to bring up
something bad. The song ended and he bowed. "Thank you for a lovely
dance. Care for another?"
"Actually, I think I'll go find my husband," I told him. "But
before we leave I'd love to dance with you again," I promised and
walked off. I hadn't seen Mamo-chan since Motoki and I began dancing. I
started back towards our table when I seen him standing near the
greenhouse, talking to Daiki. I started to turn away when I caught
sight of Mamo-chan's fist drawn up to his side.
Making as little noise as possible, I moved closer to them -
staying around the corner of the building and out of sight. The small
breeze brought their conversation to my ears.
"I'm not stupid. I see how nervous she gets when you're around.
And I know the look in your eyes. Stay away from my wife," Mamo-chan
said slowly, putting more and more force into each word he spoke.
Daiki sneered. "You ask me to be in your wedding, and then have
the gal to accuse me of wanting that kid you married. Ha! We both know
the only reason you married her was because of that baby! Which
probably isn't yours anyw--"
His words were cut off by the sound of Mamo-chan's fist coming in
contact with Daiki's nose. I looked around the corner in time to see
Mamo-chan punch him again, this time catching him in the jaw. "That was
just a warning," my husband hissed. "Stay away from my family. Trust
me, you sure as hell don't want me to have a reason to come after you
again."
Mamo-chan walked away, thankfully not towards where I was
standing. With my heart pounding, I slipped back to the reception
without being noticed. In a few minutes I felt Mamo-chan slip his arms
around my waist. "Where did you go?" I asked, hoping he didn't turn me
around and see how upset I was.
"Nowhere important," he responded and kissed my neck. "I'll tell
you about it later. You wouldn't know where our beautiful daughter is,
would you?"
"Naru was getting her something to eat last I seen her," I
replied. "Bring her back over here when you find her, the photographer
is ready for the wedding party shots." Mamo-chan went to find her as a
couple of people approached me. With all the people to talk to and
congratulate me, I had little time to dwell on what I had seen and
heard earlier.
Mamo-chan danced with Chibi-Usa and I with Shingo just before we
threw the garter and bouquet. Everyone laughed as Minako began rushing
to the bouquet, Rei pushing her aside. The two collided and Mako-chan
bent down and took it from them both. Motoki caught the garter and
shortly after we went for pictures.
I wondered what Mamo-chan would say since Daiki left, but he said
nothing and no one asked. After photos were taken, the crowd began
thinning out. Haruka, looking much happier in jeans, came up to tell us
they were taking Hotaru home. We all hugged and with a heavy heart I
watched them go.
"What's wrong, Usagi-chan?" Ami asked worriedly. "You look
upset."
I smiled at her, readjusting Chibi-Usa on my hip (which was hard
to do with a wedding dress on). She fought to stay awake, but it was a
losing battle. "We have planned this for so long, and then before you
know it - it's over."
Ami giggled and offered to take Chibi-Usa from me before she
began drooling on my dress. "You're more tired than you think you are.
We'll clean up here, why don't you and Mamoru-san go on?"
I agreed and went to find Mamo-chan. We changed quickly and
started out. The remaining people hugged us and wished us good luck. We
said our goodbyes to Shingo and Chibi-Usa and made sure Mako-chan had
Mamo-chan's cell phone number. After we got in the car and pulled away,
I let out a deep breath and closed my eyes. "So, my darling husband,
where are we going?"
I peeked my eyes open and seen him grin. "You'll see."
Soon we pulled into the airport and Mamo-chan opened the glove
box, producing our passports. He said nothing as he handed them to me,
just continued grinning like a Cheshire cat. We checked our bags in and
sat in a waiting area. People rushed to and fro, some sitting in the
same area as us and others continuing on. About a half hour later I
heard a man come across the speaker in our area. "Now boarding, seats
1A through 20A for flight 17255 - Tokyo to Honolulu. Seats 1A through
20A only at this time."
Puzzled, I watched Mamo-chan stand up and grab my hand. "That's
us."
"Nani?" I squealed, trying to see if he was joking or not. He
grabbed the bag with the video camera in it. Still I only stared at
him.
"Come on Usako, we have to board," he laughed, tugging me up into
a standing position.
Finally it sank in and I nearly screamed as I jumped up and threw
my arms around his neck, almost knocking him over. "Hawaii! We're
really going to Hawaii?!"
"Not if we don't get on the plane," Mamo-chan said, picking me up
(my arms still around his neck) and starting towards the boarding
tunnel. He put me down when people began staring, and laughing, we
boarded the plane.
We didn't land at the Honolulu airport until two o'clock in the
morning, local time. By the time we went to sleep, the sun was rising
up over the ocean. I felt Mamo-chan slip over me and kiss my lips
gently, then my eyes and finally my nose. "Chiba Usagi, my beautiful
wife and love of my life - it's time to wake up." Gently he kissed my
lips again as the sun filtered into our room.
I smiled, curling up in his arms. "My first day as your wife...
mmmm..." I mumbled, closing my eyes. "And I'm going to sleep."
My husband laughed, settling down beside me. "Amen to that."
--End Chapter 2.
Konnichi'wa minna! Now that everyone is settled in and comfortable with
where the story is - it's time to bring in the action! *evil eye* If you
haven't guessed by now (if you haven't, go read this chapter again - shoo!)
Daiki is our evil person of the book - but he is only a pawn in a much
bigger game... but you won't find that out until the next chapter, now will
you? ^_^;
HUGE thanks to everyone who has already reviewed on "No Greater Love" on
Fanfiction.net - You guys are so good to me ^_^! *hugs*
And of course, I love my editor to death as she is the bestest person on
Earth :)
Btw, I haven't been putting my disclaimers in my story like I should. Bad
me *slaps wrist* Bad Bethany! So here goes:
Things I do not own: Sailor Moon, any related characters or story lines, a
nice car that runs properly, working back speakers for said car, money, my
own computer, a house, or any number of other things.
Things I do own: The characters made up in this story (ie. Daiki), this story
line, a P.O.S. car that doesn't run very well and doesn't have any back
speakers as of this morning (will trade for just about anything), a soon to
be five year old Cocker Spaniel (don't try to take him if you wish to live
to see your next birthday), a half a bottle of pastel blue finger nail
polish, and some other junk.
Now that we got all of that down, if you still wish to sue me you can have
the car :P
And after all of that, I hope everyone sticks around for next weeks chapter;
Chapter 3 - Bad Surprises
@------
No Greater Love
Chapter 2 - Wedding Bliss
By: Bethany
Editor: Meara
Rated: PG
@------
Biological time clocks, you have to love them. Promptly at dawn
my dreams faded away, leaving way for my ears to perk up to the sound
of Mamo-chan snoring away beside me. It seemed he could turn off his
biological clock any time he took the notion, while I woke up at the
same time every morning, give or take a few minutes. This morning,
however, the bedroom I shared with my fiancé was void of this sound.
Sometime before I had woken, he had left our bed, determined to stick
to some semblance of tradition and not see me again until I was walking
down the aisle.
It has been seven months in the planning. After long hours of
sitting with open booklets, pen and paper before us, thousands of yen
spent, I was assured by my best friends that all would go well. Yet, I
still couldn't believe that I would be married today. That finally all
the dreams Endymion and I talked of over a thousand years ago had
survived death and the boundaries of time to finally come true today.
I turned over on my back, staring at the white ceiling and
listening to the baby monitor as Chibi-Usa giggled and talked to
herself happily. I was thankful to be blessed with a child that could
keep herself content by listening to the sound of her own voice for
hours on end instead of crying in the mornings. But the sunny morning
that promised a beautiful day couldn't shake the emptiness that nagged
at my heart. My mother wouldn't be here to help with my dressing and
wish me good luck. And my father wouldn't be here to walk me down the
aisle and give me away to the love of my life. I would make that
journey alone, and the thought brought tears to my eyes.
I lay in the bed for a few more minutes, falling through memories
of my mother's fairy tale wedding stories she told me as a child, until
the sound of my own child clapping her hands caught my attention.
"Papa!" she squealed. It never stopped amazing any of us when she spoke
so clearly, or that at ten months old she already began walking. She
was smarter than most infants her age, mimicking anything she saw and
paying attention far longer. Often when I spoke to her, I felt her eyes
on me and wondered if she actually understood what I was saying.
She squealed again as someone lifted her out of her bed.
"Shhhh," I heard Mamo-chan whisper to her. "Papa just wanted to see his
Princess before battle begins." I laughed quietly to myself as he said
this. Several times over the last seven months he had insisted that
preparing for a wedding was like preparing for war. In response to his
words, Chibi-Usa gurgled and made a grumbling sound in her throat.
Mamo-chan kissed her and placed her back in her crib. "Be a good girl,
okay? I love you."
"Luv ou!" Chibi-Usa repeated and smacked her lips together. My
smiled widened at the visual image of her blowing him a kiss. She blew
everyone kisses when they left, no matter who.
I waited until I heard the front door close before I emerged from
the bedroom and went to my daughter. As usual, she sat happily in her
crib sucking her thumb when I entered. Her eyes lit up when she seen me
and instantly she lifted her arms to be picked up. I plucked her out of
the crib, covering her face with kisses. "Good morning sweetie," I
cooed to her, tickling her stomach and causing her laughter to ring
through out the room. I started towards the kitchen to begin breakfast
when my front door was opened again. With an array of garment bags,
plastic bags, paper bags of all sizes and shapes, a line of Senshi
entered my home and promptly began talking at once.
"Morning Usagi-chan!" they greeted, Minako's voice singing out
loudest as she put the bag with my veil in it on the floor and took her
shoes off. "Are you ready to marry your prince charming?" she asked,
running over and kissing Chibi-Usa's cheeks.
I placed the baby in her high chair and began mixing up cereal.
"I've never been more nervous in my life," I admitted, glancing at the
large garment bag that held my dress. The dress was all that I had ever
dreamed of; ruffles and lace, pearls and sequence. The top fell off my
shoulders and flowed into a form fitting bodice that ended at my waist
and flared out in layers to the ground. I grimaced, "What if I trip on
that thing and fall flat on my face?"
"You won't!" Mako-chan insisted, laughing at the face I made. "I
would be more worried about the fact that it weighs a ton; you're going
to burn up."
"Eleven pounds, veil and all, to be exact," Ami said, one finger
on her glasses.
"See? Besides, the crillion under the dress makes it stick out so
that you won't step on it," Mako-chan continued.
I shook my head at her, not convinced, and began feeding Chibi-
Usa. She ate silently, watching all the commotion in the room with
interest. Rei began pulling my hair back, discussing with Ami how to
fix it. Mako-chan and Minako pulled my dress out and were talking back
and forth about one thing or another. Above all the chatter and
laughing, it's amazing I even heard the door bell. Soon Haruka,
Michiru, Hotaru and Setsuna had joined the array of people that crowded
my kitchen. As I looked around, it occurred to me that it wasn't quite
as big as I had originally thought.
Haruka and Setsuna carried in garment bags that contained the
bride's maid dresses and flower girl dresses that Setsuna had designed,
each in the Senshi's colors. "And," Setsuna grinned, pulling out a
smaller bag. "A special dress for Chibi-Usa to wear, also." Everyone
'oohed' and 'ahhed' over the small pink dress that was accented lightly
with pearls and lace. Around the hanger was the matching hair clip.
Amazingly, even though so far it seemed everybody was doing
something totally different, everything started coming together with
the arrival of the Outer Senshi. Setsuna took over feeding Chibi-Usa,
shooing me away with strict orders to shower before Naru showed up to
fix my hair and make-up. Michiru pulled out a large bag full of make-up
and different size curling irons to fix everyone in the wedding
party's' hair.
Just as I left the living room, abuzz with chattering and
laughing, Minako pulled out a large stop watch and set it atop the
television. "Three hours, five minutes, thirty-two seconds and
counting!" she announced to everyone and then began unzipping bags and
pulling dresses out. I knew I would regret having a morning wedding.
I stayed in the shower a little longer than I normally did, just
enjoying the feeling of the warm water rushing over me. The steam made
my head feel clear and I was finally able to stop thinking about how
much I missed my parents and look forward to my wedding. When I stepped
out of the bathroom, Naru was sitting on my bed watching Setsuna pull
Chibi-Usa's hair back and pull it into a tiny French twist. Chibi-Usa
sat quietly while she worked, watching Setsuna's skilled hands in the
mirror.
When she was done, my daughter looked up at me expectantly. I
smiled widely, making my eyes wide for emphasis. "You look beautiful,
Chibi-Usa." She grinned, looking at herself in the mirror again.
In the living room Michiru was curling Hotaru's hair and pinning
it up. Since Chibi-Usa was still too young, I had asked the Senshi of
Saturn to be my flower girl. Even though twelve was rather old, she
still happily agreed. Right now, however, she didn't look so happy. "I
feel like Little Bo Peep," she stated flatly, pulling her dress away
from her in silent disgust.
I tilted my head, looking at the dress for a moment. I knew that
Setsuna had made the dress, but it did look a little too young for her.
"The ruffles around the collar are a bit much," I offered. Otherwise it
was a beautiful dress that fit her young curves just tight enough to
look elegant. Michiru gently took a seam ripper around the ruffles,
removing them. I nodded my approval and, happier, Hotaru allowed
Michiru to finish piling her hair on her head.
I went back to my room, sitting down at the vanity table and
allowing Naru to begin working on my hair. It seemed ages had passed
before she announced that she was done with my hair and ready to begin
with the make-up. I looked in the mirror for the first time since she
began and my breath caught. She had put my hair up in a pony tail high
on my head; small strains of hair curled into a tight spiral. Some of
the curls were pinned to cover the hair bow keeping my hair up, while
some were falling freely around my face and neck.
Naru studied my reaction closely. When I said nothing she pressed
her lips together firmly. "You hate it, don't you? I can change it--"
"No! I love it!" I interrupted, turning to admire the side view.
"Oh Naru-chan, I had no idea it would be so beautiful!"
She smiled also. "Come on, we need to get you finished. I can't
have you late for your wedding!" With a careful hand she began applying
make-up.
I sat with my eyes closed while Naru applied powder and base (she
swore if I opened my eyes and looked at her it made her laugh), my
heart beating faster the closer it came to eleven o'clock. "Well, what
do you think?" I heard Minako ask.
I opened my eyes to see all of my friends standing around the
room in duplicate style dresses of different colors. Each had a simple
slim bodice with spaghetti straps and elbow length gloves. Even Haruka
wore one, though she did look terribly uncomfortable. Rei had Chibi-
Usa's hand, whose hair had also been curled. Her dress stood out
proudly from the layers of crillion and ruffles underneath and her
small feet were decorated with ruffled socks and small white dress
shoes. When she seen me, she slapped her hands together happily and
giggled. "You all look wonderful!" I exclaimed.
With Naru's help I climbed into my wedding dress. Ami was right
about one thing, it was heavy. But after what I paid for it, I was
going to wear it through the reception right on up until we left. I sat
back down at the vanity table and let Naru place my veil on my head.
When I got up, I looked at myself in the full length mirror. The girl
who stared back had traveled a long, painful road to be here today. But
there was no trace of any of that, only deep happiness. Naru put her
hands on my arms and squeezed. "You look beautiful," she whispered, a
note of sadness in her voice. Just two months before she and Umino had
eloped. When she seen me panicking over preparations for my own
wedding, she swore she was happy they went to a court house. But now
that everything in my wedding was finally coming together, she looked
regretful.
I smiled at her reassuringly and we hugged. "Let's go!" Haruka
grumbled as she passed the doorway. "I want out of this dress as soon
as possible!" Seconds behind her was Michiru, swatting her on the arm
and telling her to hush.
Setsuna laughed and scoped up Chibi-Usa. Rei came over and picked
up the long train on the dress so I wouldn't get the ten feet of lace
and pearls caught on anything between here and the car. "Get out of the
way! Bride coming through!" Minako announced down the hallway. I shook
my head at her as she directed traffic going out of my apartment and
down to the street. The butterflies really started letting loose in my
stomach when I stepped into Haruka's car and the door was shut. All the
way to Tokyo gardens I twisted my hands, twisted my purse strap -
anything I could get my hands on.
Mamo-chan and I had decided to have an outside wedding and dare
Mother Nature to rain. In fact, it was one of the only decisions he
made. The rest of it was left up to me and my eight bride's maids.
Tokyo garden at this time of year was perfect, the Cherry Blossoms were
out and their beautiful petals floated through the air. The ceremony
itself was completely out in the open, the reception would be held
under a large tent.
As we pulled up, there were a few men putting the finishing
touches on the decorations. The entire place was buzzing with activity.
A few helium filled balloons had come loose and were rising into the
air, much to Chibi-Usa's delight. I stared at everything in wonderful
amazement as Michiru started reading off a check list Minako had given
her. "Your luggage is in Mamoru-san's car. Mako-chan brought the outfit
you are going change into in her car, I believe Mamoru-san has his with
him. After the reception Mako-chan is taking the children to her
apartment - those bags are already there - while you and Mamoru-san go
off on your honeymoon."
"Which I don't know where we are going yet," I pointed out. It
had been something Mamo-chan wanted to surprise me with. And no matter
how much I had tried, he wouldn't give me the first clue.
Haruka pulled the car around to the back of the green house,
Mako-chan pulling her car behind us. I let out a sigh of relief when
the car stopped; unknowingly loud enough for Michiru to hear. She
giggled and winked at me as she stepped out of the car. "Even in high
heels, Haruka thinks she is on a race track."
I placed Chibi-Usa on the ground with strict instructions not to
wonder off. Hotaru ran up, picking Chibi-Usa up and pointing everything
out to her while Ami helped me - and all of my dress - out of the car.
Chibi-Usa's big blue eyes stared at everything in amazement. "Mama,
look!" she squealed in her child-like way, pointing at all the flowers
and balloons. "Pretty!"
"Very pretty," I agreed, kissing her cheek. Naru came over to
take Chibi-Usa and the rest of us hurried to our positions. As I stood
at the side of the greenhouse I caught sight of Shingo in his tuxedo.
He had been so proud to have a suit matching Mamo-chan's. He took
Naru's arm and led her to a seat in the front. I had to smile at his
stiff posture and the way he tried to imitate Mamo-chan as he walked.
Minako passed out bouquets to everyone as the music began. I
tried to peek around the corner of the building and watch as everyone
went down the aisle, but Hotaru kept telling me that they would see me
if I did. So I stood nervously, a thousands things going through my
head. What if I fell? What if Chibi-Usa ran up to us? But somehow I
didn't think that any of that would matter, except the falling part. It
was my greatest fear. But even as nervous as I was, when the music to
'The Wedding March' began playing and I finally turned the corner and
meet Mamo-chan's eyes, nothing else mattered. I felt all the
butterflies leave my body and I could have been walking on clouds for
all I knew. Suddenly I was standing next to my Prince and the ceremony
began.
The priest was a short man, only two or three inches taller than
me. The sun reflected off his bald head, making it shine in my eyes for
a moment until he looked up again. I tried to pay attention to every
word he said, to put to memory the words that bided me forever to my
husband, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from Mamo-chan's. When I
noticed a tear fall from his eye, I began crying also.
"Do you Usagi, take this man to be your lawful wedding husband?
To have and to hold, through sickness and health, from this day
forwards, as long as you both shall live?"
Mamo-chan squeezed my hands and with tears in my voice I managed
to answer. "I do."
I smiled as the priest then turned to Mamo-chan and repeated the
same words. Mamo-chan met my eyes squarely and replied: "I do, with all
my heart." We exchanged rings and turned to the priest once more. My
heart was so full I feared it may burst. I couldn't imagine loving
another man as much as I loved Mamo-chan at that moment.
"What God as brought together, let no man put ascender. You may
kiss the bride."
I wrapped my arms around Mamo-chan's neck and we sealed our vows
with a kiss. Among the frantic beating of my heart, I heard all the
Senshi and Motoki yelling and whistling. We parted and happily turned
towards the crowd. I'm not sure why, but as I turned I glanced towards
the groomsmen. Mamo-chan had Motoki for his best man, and two guys he
worked with for groomsmen - including Daiki. His eyes caught my gaze
and he sneered, the dark lust so obvious on his face that I shivered.
"May I now present Mr. and Mrs. Mamoru Chiba," the priest
announced.
Together my new husband and I went back down the aisle. Bubbles
were being blow and bird seed thrown. I pushed back Daiki's face and
concentrated on the here and now. But maybe a sixth sense knew more
than I did - involuntarily I felt another chill run up my spine. I
pressed myself closer to Mamo-chan's side and we proceeded to the
reception.
@------
Instead of having a four course dinner, we had decided on finger
foods. The cater had set up two long tables at the back of the tent and
an elegant array of cheese, crackers, nuts and mints lined the tables.
In the middle was a three tier cake, the bride and groom figurines on
top. The tables had been set up in a box shape, the middle acting as a
dance floor. Mamo-chan and I sat at our table, surrounded by the
wedding party.
As soon as everyone had drinks in their hands, Motoki stood up
and tapped his fork against his glass to get attention. When still
people were talking, he placed his index finger and thumb in his mouth
and let loose a shrill whistle. Mamo-chan and I laughed as everyone
abruptly turned towards the best man. "If I could have everyone's
attention, please! I would like to do my duty as best man and purpose a
toast." He lifted his glass towards us, his eyes dancing with laughter.
"To the best friend I've ever had and his beautiful wife, may all your
children be as well behaved as Chibi-Usa!" Everyone laughed, some
nodding their heads. "And, of course, to a long life together. I hope
you two are forever as happy as you are today."
"Here, here!" the crowd roared and we drank. Everyone circulated
around, getting food and punch. Mamo-chan and I cut the cake, feeding
it to each other. The audience cheered when Mamo-chan ended up wearing
most of his piece of cake.
The music began and, with my new husband, I went to the dance
floor for our first dance as husband and wife. As Mamo-chan pressed me
against his body, I felt his lips glaze my ear. "Well, Chiba Usagi, how
do you feel?"
I giggled as he twirled me around. "Like I could fly," I replied
and we kissed. Around us other people began dancing.
"Could I cut in?" I heard Motoki ask. Mamo-chan nodded and soon I
was dancing with my boss. He did well, but I missed Mamo-chan's warmth.
"Not as dashing as my best friend, eh?"
I laughed, relaxing some. "I'm sure Minako thinks so."
His eyes took on a far off look, and he smiled in her direction.
"Yeah, I suppose." I noted a hint of something in his voice, something
that didn't seem right. But today was too happy a day to bring up
something bad. The song ended and he bowed. "Thank you for a lovely
dance. Care for another?"
"Actually, I think I'll go find my husband," I told him. "But
before we leave I'd love to dance with you again," I promised and
walked off. I hadn't seen Mamo-chan since Motoki and I began dancing. I
started back towards our table when I seen him standing near the
greenhouse, talking to Daiki. I started to turn away when I caught
sight of Mamo-chan's fist drawn up to his side.
Making as little noise as possible, I moved closer to them -
staying around the corner of the building and out of sight. The small
breeze brought their conversation to my ears.
"I'm not stupid. I see how nervous she gets when you're around.
And I know the look in your eyes. Stay away from my wife," Mamo-chan
said slowly, putting more and more force into each word he spoke.
Daiki sneered. "You ask me to be in your wedding, and then have
the gal to accuse me of wanting that kid you married. Ha! We both know
the only reason you married her was because of that baby! Which
probably isn't yours anyw--"
His words were cut off by the sound of Mamo-chan's fist coming in
contact with Daiki's nose. I looked around the corner in time to see
Mamo-chan punch him again, this time catching him in the jaw. "That was
just a warning," my husband hissed. "Stay away from my family. Trust
me, you sure as hell don't want me to have a reason to come after you
again."
Mamo-chan walked away, thankfully not towards where I was
standing. With my heart pounding, I slipped back to the reception
without being noticed. In a few minutes I felt Mamo-chan slip his arms
around my waist. "Where did you go?" I asked, hoping he didn't turn me
around and see how upset I was.
"Nowhere important," he responded and kissed my neck. "I'll tell
you about it later. You wouldn't know where our beautiful daughter is,
would you?"
"Naru was getting her something to eat last I seen her," I
replied. "Bring her back over here when you find her, the photographer
is ready for the wedding party shots." Mamo-chan went to find her as a
couple of people approached me. With all the people to talk to and
congratulate me, I had little time to dwell on what I had seen and
heard earlier.
Mamo-chan danced with Chibi-Usa and I with Shingo just before we
threw the garter and bouquet. Everyone laughed as Minako began rushing
to the bouquet, Rei pushing her aside. The two collided and Mako-chan
bent down and took it from them both. Motoki caught the garter and
shortly after we went for pictures.
I wondered what Mamo-chan would say since Daiki left, but he said
nothing and no one asked. After photos were taken, the crowd began
thinning out. Haruka, looking much happier in jeans, came up to tell us
they were taking Hotaru home. We all hugged and with a heavy heart I
watched them go.
"What's wrong, Usagi-chan?" Ami asked worriedly. "You look
upset."
I smiled at her, readjusting Chibi-Usa on my hip (which was hard
to do with a wedding dress on). She fought to stay awake, but it was a
losing battle. "We have planned this for so long, and then before you
know it - it's over."
Ami giggled and offered to take Chibi-Usa from me before she
began drooling on my dress. "You're more tired than you think you are.
We'll clean up here, why don't you and Mamoru-san go on?"
I agreed and went to find Mamo-chan. We changed quickly and
started out. The remaining people hugged us and wished us good luck. We
said our goodbyes to Shingo and Chibi-Usa and made sure Mako-chan had
Mamo-chan's cell phone number. After we got in the car and pulled away,
I let out a deep breath and closed my eyes. "So, my darling husband,
where are we going?"
I peeked my eyes open and seen him grin. "You'll see."
Soon we pulled into the airport and Mamo-chan opened the glove
box, producing our passports. He said nothing as he handed them to me,
just continued grinning like a Cheshire cat. We checked our bags in and
sat in a waiting area. People rushed to and fro, some sitting in the
same area as us and others continuing on. About a half hour later I
heard a man come across the speaker in our area. "Now boarding, seats
1A through 20A for flight 17255 - Tokyo to Honolulu. Seats 1A through
20A only at this time."
Puzzled, I watched Mamo-chan stand up and grab my hand. "That's
us."
"Nani?" I squealed, trying to see if he was joking or not. He
grabbed the bag with the video camera in it. Still I only stared at
him.
"Come on Usako, we have to board," he laughed, tugging me up into
a standing position.
Finally it sank in and I nearly screamed as I jumped up and threw
my arms around his neck, almost knocking him over. "Hawaii! We're
really going to Hawaii?!"
"Not if we don't get on the plane," Mamo-chan said, picking me up
(my arms still around his neck) and starting towards the boarding
tunnel. He put me down when people began staring, and laughing, we
boarded the plane.
We didn't land at the Honolulu airport until two o'clock in the
morning, local time. By the time we went to sleep, the sun was rising
up over the ocean. I felt Mamo-chan slip over me and kiss my lips
gently, then my eyes and finally my nose. "Chiba Usagi, my beautiful
wife and love of my life - it's time to wake up." Gently he kissed my
lips again as the sun filtered into our room.
I smiled, curling up in his arms. "My first day as your wife...
mmmm..." I mumbled, closing my eyes. "And I'm going to sleep."
My husband laughed, settling down beside me. "Amen to that."
--End Chapter 2.
Konnichi'wa minna! Now that everyone is settled in and comfortable with
where the story is - it's time to bring in the action! *evil eye* If you
haven't guessed by now (if you haven't, go read this chapter again - shoo!)
Daiki is our evil person of the book - but he is only a pawn in a much
bigger game... but you won't find that out until the next chapter, now will
you? ^_^;
HUGE thanks to everyone who has already reviewed on "No Greater Love" on
Fanfiction.net - You guys are so good to me ^_^! *hugs*
And of course, I love my editor to death as she is the bestest person on
Earth :)
Btw, I haven't been putting my disclaimers in my story like I should. Bad
me *slaps wrist* Bad Bethany! So here goes:
Things I do not own: Sailor Moon, any related characters or story lines, a
nice car that runs properly, working back speakers for said car, money, my
own computer, a house, or any number of other things.
Things I do own: The characters made up in this story (ie. Daiki), this story
line, a P.O.S. car that doesn't run very well and doesn't have any back
speakers as of this morning (will trade for just about anything), a soon to
be five year old Cocker Spaniel (don't try to take him if you wish to live
to see your next birthday), a half a bottle of pastel blue finger nail
polish, and some other junk.
Now that we got all of that down, if you still wish to sue me you can have
the car :P
And after all of that, I hope everyone sticks around for next weeks chapter;
Chapter 3 - Bad Surprises