Disclaimer: See Prologue
Evangelion: Any place can be Heaven, if you let it (A Sequel to Random1377's, Crimson and Azure)
Chapter 10
The Wedding
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If it had been up to Rei and Shinji to plan their wedding it probably would have been in a judge's chamber with a small handful of friends and family present. But with Shinji out of the country and Rei preoccupied with finding the right dresses and suits for the wedding as well as with arrangements for their honeymoon, both the commander and the department head of Project E offered to handle the wedding and reception arrangements.
The day was a typically perfect Toyko3 day, warm but not overbearingly so with a gentle breeze and not a cloud in the sky. The ceremony was to take place on the fairway of the 18th hole. Seating for over 1,000 guests were set up. Guests included two-thirds of NERV's personnel, everyone from Shinji's High School class and a large assortment of political, corporate and entertainment dignitaries. The seats faced away from the clubhouse out toward the lush green lawns. A curtain was hung behind the last row to conceal the approach of the wedding party. At the front of the assembly was a short, but wide platform where the actual ceremony would take place, performed by the Japanese Minister of Justice, Yurika Matsumura. Behind the platform was the Tokyo3 Symphony Orchestra. To the far right, in a roped off area was a large contingency of the international media. The marriage of the two most high profile people in NERV was no small international event and the media was out in force to report on it.
Kaji stood talking to the Minister, explaining the name change the couple chose. The Minister made a quick change in her notes and nodded her understanding. That task done, Kaji made his way to the back of assembly and behind the curtain.
Soft murmuring continued amongst the assembled guests until Kaji reappeared from behind the curtain and signaled the orchestra conductor. With that the orchestra broke into a slow haunting rendition of Bach's Air on the G String. The guests immediately became silent and stood, turning to face the back of the assembly. A moment later the curtain was pulled back slightly and Shinji Ikari appeared, escorting his guardian, Misato Katsuragi to the front of the assembly. Having reached the front, Shinji leaned forward and kissed Misato on the cheek.
"Thank you for everything Misato." He whispered, smiling at the woman who had been more of a mother to him these past three years than a boss.
"Thank you Shinji." She smiled back, struggling not to cry as she gently touched his cheek. "Thank you."
She turned and took her seat while Shinji took his position on the platform.
Nozomi Suzuhara came next sprinkling red rose petals over the hunter green carpet that covered the aisle. Next came Hikari Horaki escorted by Kensuke Aida then the Maid of Honor, Asuka Langley Souryu escorted by the Best Man, Touji Suzuhara. Kimiko Horaki was next holding a pillow in her hands with the two wedding rings on it. When she reached platform she turned and walked over to Touji who took the rings off the pillow then she took her place along side the flower girl, next to her sister.
Finally, down the aisle came Rei Ayanami escorted by Commander Kouzou Fuyutsuki. As the music played the assembled guests were in awe at the radiance of the bride. She walked staring straight ahead but with a faint smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes.
Reaching the front of the assemble, Kouzou turned to face the bride and lifted her veil, kissing her on the cheek and whispering, "Be happy my dear. Be happy."
She gifted him with a warm smile as she mouthed the words, 'Thank you.' Then she took her place on the platform next to her soon-to-be husband. The moment she came into view past the crowd of guests, the cameras that could be heard clicking way as the rest of the wedding party assembled on the platform suddenly increased in volume, tenfold.
Having only arrived back in Japan a little over an hour ago, Shinji had no idea what he was supposed to do if anything. But Rei put his mind at ease as she gently took his hands into hers as they turned to face each other. And as the minister began to speak, the two young lovers looked deeply into each other's eyes and saw in them a soul, meant only for the other.
"The past three and a half years have been tumultuous ones for everyone on this planet of ours. A war against powerful supernatural beings, a global catastrophe and the slow rebuilding of our world has been a terrible trial for every person on this planet but for none more than the two young people standing before us today. For not only did they have to endure these trials along with the rest of us, they had to deal with them first hand. And despite their personal suffering and tragedies along the way, they managed not only to survive but to find love as well; a love that sustained them during the worst moments of mankind's trials, a love that has enabled them to endure the inherent dangers of space, a love that has brought them here today. Stories will inevitably be written of the two Evangelion Pilots who battled the Angels of Heaven, saved the world from destruction and fell in love in the process. We are the fortunate few who have been honored to witness the reality of this love first hand."
Addressing the young couple directly she continued, "And now you begin a new journey, a new challenge. For love is more than just a feeling, love is a commitment, a commitment of two souls living as one. Through all the joys and the trials life has to offer. Shinji Ikari, will you promise to love Rei Ayanami through the trials of life as well as through its joys?"
Looking deeply into his lover's eyes he replied. "I will."
"Will you promise to honor her and respect her and provide for all her needs in this world as well as the next?"
"I will." He said with a quivering voice as a single tear escaped his right eye.
"Rei Ayanami, will you promise to love Shinji Ikari through the trials of life as well as through its joys?"
"I will." She whispered.
"Will you promise to honor him and respect him and provide for all his needs in this world as well as the next?"
"I will." She said in a barely audible voice as her own tears began to run down her cheeks.
"Do you have the rings?" The minister asked.
Touji took a half step forward and handed them to the minister.
"Oh my! These are magnificent." Looking up quickly, she cleared her throat and proceeded, handing Rei's ring to Shinji, she said. "Placing the ring on Miss Ayanami's left hand and repeat after me. With this ring I pledge to you."
"With this ring I pledge to you." Shinji struggled to say without breaking down completely.
"My love, my life, my eternal devotion."
"My love, my life, my eternal devotion." His hand trembled as he slid the ring onto her finger.
"From this day and for all of eternity."
"From this day and for all of eternity." A tear fell from his eyelash and onto the back of her hand.
Then the minister handed Rei, Shinji's ring and said. "Miss Ayanami, please repeat after me. With this ring I pledge to you."
"With this ring I pledge to you." Rei's voice cracked three times as she whispered the words.
"My love, my life, my eternal devotion."
"My love, my life, my eternal devotion." She gently slid the ring onto his finger.
"From this day and for all of eternity."
"From this day and for all of eternity." Her tears, which had stopped momentarily suddenly started again as she smiled up at the man she loved.
"By the power vested in my by the Federal Government of Japan and the Japanese Constitution, I now declare you husband and wife. Mr. Ayanami, you may kiss your bride."
Shinji smiled as he heard his new name for the first time said officially. Then without further hesitation he leaned forward as Rei raised her lips to meet his. The kiss was soft and sweet as he wrapped her arms around her and breathed in her essence. As the kiss broke, he hugged her, pressed his cheek against hers and whispered into her ear. "I'm so happy right now. I love you so very, very much. I'll love you forever, I swear."
"As will I my dearest love. As will I." She whispered back then they kissed again, both oblivious of the thunderous applause and rivers of tears being shed by all those present. Even guests who did not know the couple personally as well as members of the media who stood more than 50 meters way were moved to tears by the ceremony.
Misato wept uncontrollably as did Maya and the recovery crews who had worked closely with both pilots over the past year. The commander found himself using his handkerchief every few minutes to wipe way the stray tears that just wouldn't go way. Kaji, who was holding his wife in her arms, trying to calm her down, found himself unable to stop the tears of joy that sprang to his eyes. Even Ritsuko who once hated Rei even more then Asuka ever did, couldn't help but smile and feel a sense of love and happiness for the young couple. With the palm of her hand she wiped away a stray tear.
"Crying Ritsuko?" Maya said as she blotted the tears from her eyes with a hanky then suddenly realized what she said. "I mean Doctor."
The blond put her arm around the younger woman's shoulder and pulled her close to her. "It's okay Maya. In a day like today, it's okay to love and be loved." She smiled.
The brunette smiled back. "Thank you Ritsuko." And she leaned her head against the taller woman's shoulder. "Thank you."
After Shinji and Rei finally separated, Minister Matsumura offered her congratulations to both then had them turn and face their guests. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you for the very first time, Mister and Misses Ayanami."
Again the surrounding area was filled with the sound of applause. This time both Shinji and Rei blushed from all the attention they were receiving as Rei pressed her cheek onto Shinji's shoulder, Shinji stroked her opposite shoulder in an effort to partially conceal both of them from the large crowd.
As the applause continued, the rest of the wedding party approached the newlyweds and offered their congratulations with warm hugs and kisses. Asuka and Hikari quickly dried Rei's eyes. Then the orchestra began playing Beethoven's Ode to Joy, indicating it was time for the wedding party to exit down the aisle. As they held each other's hand, the newlyweds accepted the congratulations and praise of the assembly of people who lined the aisle. Once passed the back curtain they were escorted, along with the rest of the wedding party, back into the clubhouse and to a private room for a chance to rest and gather their composure before the reception.
"Oh my goodness." Shinji sighed as he laid his suit coat onto the arm of the sofa then plopped down on it himself. "Where did all those people come from?"
"Indeed." Rei laid her bolero jacket on top of his suit and sat down on his lap. Without hesitation she went to work undoing his tie and unbuttoning the top button of his shirt.
"Ah, thanks Misses Ayanami." The groom smiled.
"You are welcome, Mister Ayanami." She smiled back.
"Mmm, I like the sound of that." He laughed softly as he pulled her close and they kissed deeply, passionately for the first time as husband and wife.
"Now come on and tell the truth." Kensuke said as he walked up to the young couple. "You guys aren't really in love, you just got Rei in the motherly way, right Shinji?" He snickered.
It took a second for Rei to understand what he meant when he said, 'motherly way,' but once she understood she didn't hesitate to swing her foot at him, catching him in the shin with her heel as she glared at him.
"Ouch!" He hobbled away, "I was just joking."
"Serves you right for making a stupid joke like that you stooge." Asuka said as she walked past him and bumped him with her hip, knocking him off balance and sending him to the floor. "Here you go." She handed the newlyweds each a tall glass of iced tea.
"Ah, thanks Asuka." Shinji took his glass and gulped half of it down instantly.
"Thank you Asuka." Rei said as she sipped hers.
"So, lets get a good look at these rings you flow halfway around the world for." The redhead stated.
The bride held up her hand to show her Maid of Honor.
"Oh my god! It's gorgeous!" She screamed.
Hikari and the other girls rushed over to look.
"Oh my goodness. Shinji, that's incredible." Hikari added.
"It's so beautiful." Nozomi said, wide-eyed.
"Unbelievable!" Kimiko marveled.
"Thank you." Rei said happily. Then she turned her head and kissed her husband lovingly once again. "And thank you for such a beautiful wedding gift." She said then kissed him again.
Kaji walked in just then, supporting Misato who was still weeping uncontrollably. When she spotted her two wards she rushed over to them. "My children!" She cried. Quickly they stood up and embraced her, partially to share the joy she was feeling and partially to help keep her from falling over, her body was such a quivering wreck. Slowly they maneuvered her over to the sofa and sat her down, with each sitting on either side of her.
"I'm so happy for you two." She said between the tears. She stroked their cheeks then held their hands tight as she looked back and forth, from one to the other. "I love you two so much."
"We know Misato. We love you too." Shinji said, smiling at his guardian as he rubbed her shoulder in an effort to comfort her.
"I know…" She looked into his eyes. "I love you so much Shinji. I've tried to be like a mother to you. I'm sorry I wasn't a better mother. But I love you so much." She wept louder.
Pulling her head onto his shoulder, he stroked the back of her head. "You've been a great mother Misato. A boy couldn't ask for a better one." He reassured her.
"Or a girl." added Rei, while still holding her hand tightly.
"Oh Rei!" The purple haired woman turned to the young bride. "I love you so much. You're the best daughter a mother could ever wish for."
"Hey, what am I? The black sheep of the family." Asuka teased as she held out a tissue for Misato.
Looking up at her other ward, the older woman burst into tears again as she reached up for the redhead. Grabbing her hands she pulled her down till she was kneeling in front of her. "NO! I'm sorry Asuka! I love you too. I didn't mean…" She lost her voice as she wept.
"Misato, I was just teasing. It's okay. Really." Asuka tried to assure her guardian. "Come on. We all know you love us and we all love you. Right?" She looked from Rei to Shinji.
"Asuka's right." Shinji said running his hand over her shoulder.
"Yes Misato. We all love you." Rei confirmed. "Please stop crying. If you do not, I am afraid I will soon be crying as well."
"Hey, Rei's right." Asuka said. "Before you know it, you're going to have all of us crying. And the last thing the public needs to see is the whole wedding party wailing."
"You're right. You're right." Slowly Misato began to regain her composure. "It was just so beautiful, the vows you took and the way you two were looking at each other." Her eyes welled up with tears again but she managed to keep from weeping this time.
As the wedding party relaxed, Misato was finally able to compose herself and was now sitting on a lounge chair with Kaji next to her. After about an hour Ritsuko walked into the room to inform them that the guests had all moved over to the reception area, which was the large patio area behind the clubhouse. Casually, everyone got up and started preparing themselves to go out to the reception. Ties were retied and makeup was applied, as Kaji and Misato make sure everyone was presentable.
Assembling in proper order they made their way out of the clubhouse and to the reception. The orchestra had moved to a place close to the reception area and continued to play an assortment of music until it was announced the wedding party had arrived. At which point the conductor began playing Alla Hornpipe from Handel's Water Music. Each member of the wedding party was greeted with enthusiastic applause as they were introduced. Again, the media was kept a respectable distance away from the actual event while still having an unobstructed view.
The reception went on without incident; numerous speeches of congratulations were made, meals were served, people danced, and the bride and groom kissed several times to the approval of all. Not wanting to be out done by the media, halfway through the event, Kensuke went back into the clubhouse to retrieve his video camera. As he headed toward the exit to rejoin the reception, he was busy adjusting the camera's settings and failed to notice the redhead who had entered the clubhouse moments ago. She was on her cellphone making sure all the arrangements for taking the newlyweds off to their honeymoon were in order. As she spoke she stood facing the tinted windows, observing the activities outside. And as she ended the call and turned around, Kensuke's camera pressed firmly against her right breast.
"OH MY GOSH! I'M SORR…" Was all the boy got to say before the redhead's fist made contact with his diaphragm, knocking the air out of his lungs and sending him collapsing to the floor.
"You Pervert!" She yelled as she stepped on his camera, breaking off the LCD viewfinder and rendering the device useless, then she turned and stormed out the clubhouse.
After about an hour the bride and groom made their way back into the clubhouse and to locker rooms where they changed. Asuka, Hikari, Touji, Misato and Kaji saw them off as the limousine pulled up to pick them up. As they exchanged hugs and handshakes, Rei asked her Maid of Honor. "You will still be here when we return, will you not?"
"Of course," The redhead assured her. "How can I leave without saying a proper goodbye? Now don't you worry about such things, go and have a wonderful time on your honeymoon. Okay?"
"We shall." Rei smiled and kissed her friend on the cheek. "We shall see you again in two weeks."
With that the young couple boarded the vehicle and were off as their loved ones waived goodbye.
"So, where exactly are we going for our honeymoon?" Shinji asked as he held his bride close.
Kissing him gently on the lips, she smiled. "You had your secret my love, now I have mine."
"Well, all I hope is that it's not someplace too far. After over 30 hours in the air already, the last thing I want to do is spend all day in the air again." He laughed.
Rei just turned away.
Five days after the wedding
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Rei stood at the balcony of they bedroom looking out at the quaint little village and rolling hills in Central Italy. The building they were staying in was over 400 years old and the village itself was over a thousand years old. Shinji stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist. After sleeping the first two days after their arrival, the young man made a point of never leaving his bride's side unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Living in a modern city such as Tokyo3, I never considered the possibility that someplace as old as this could be so very beautiful." Rei observed as she rested her head upon his shoulder.
"Mmm, it is beautiful? Isn't it?" Her husband agreed. After a few minutes, he asked her, "What would you like to do today?"
"Perhaps a long walk along the countryside." She offered.
"Sounds romantic." He turned his head and kissed her ear.
"Mmm, yes it does. Perhaps we can leave in an hour or so." She replied.
"What do you want to do until then?" He replied innocently.
Turning in his arms she looked up at him and smiled. "I am sure we can think of something." Then she reached up and placing her hands on either side of his face she kissed him passionately, exploring his lips and tongue with hers.
"Mmm, yesh, I belieff you arr righ." He muffled out through pressed lips. Taking her by surprise, he picked her up in his arms and carried her over to their bed where they made love as young lovers do.
Eleven days after the wedding
---
"I can't thank you enough Rei, for letting us cut our stay in Italy short." Shinji smiled.
"You are welcome. But I would like to know where it is we are going to." She replied as she gently ran her finger down his cheek and along this jaw line.
"Someplace very out of the way to see someone very special." He smiled.
"This is not fair Shinji. You are keeping two secrets from me, I only kept one." She faked pouting.
"Where'd you learn that? From Asuka?" He teased.
"No, I do not ever recall seeing Asuka pout in this manner. Mother taught me it. She demonstrated how effective it can be on Kaji." She answered then made the pouty face again.
Laughing silently, Shinji caressed his bride's cheek and nodded, "Okay, I'll tell. We're going to see the jeweler who made our rings."
The blue-haired woman's expression changed to a questioning one. "But why?"
"You'll see soon enough." Her husband replied as the taxi came to a stop in front of the small cottage. After paying the fare and retrieving their bags, he took his wife's hand and positioned her at the side of the door so as not to be seen by the home's resident. Then he rang the doorbell.
After a few minutes an elderly gentleman came to the door. Speaking in his broken English he greeted the young pilot. "Shinji! I did not expect to see you again so soon. Is something wrong?"
"No Mr. Fuhrman, nothing's wrong. I'm just keeping my promise, to pay you a visit if I was ever in Europe again."
"Well, what brings you to Europe this time around?"
"My honeymoon." The young man smiled then he reached out and took his bride's hand, and brought her into view. "Mr. Fuhrman, this is my wife, Rei Ayanami."
"Hello sir. It is a privilege to meet the artist that created such beautiful rings." Rei gave the elderly gentleman a gentle smile.
"Oh my god." Tears clouded the man's vision. Without a second thought he stepped forward and embraced the young woman.
Rei instantly stiffened up, being caught off guard by the gentleman's gregarious nature.
Sensing the young woman's discomfort the elderly man stepped away. "I'm terribly sorry. I don't know what came over me. This is just so unbelievable. It's like a dream come true. And Shinji was right. You are truly a heavenly vision." Wiping way a stray tear, he gestured for them to enter. "Please, please, come in, come in. How long can you stay?"
Shinji grabbed the bags as Rei walked in. "Only a couple of days I'm afraid."
"Well, that will be two days more then I could have ever hoped for. Shinji, go ahead and take the bags to the guest room. You remember where it is don't you?"
"Yes, Mr. Fuhrman. Not a problem."
"Shinji, what did I tell you?"
Laughing lightly, the boy indulged the elderly man. "Sorry Uncle Carl."
"That's better." The gentleman smiled then turned his attention to the young woman. "Rei, may I call you Rei?" The man asked as he took her hand.
Rei was uncertain how to act around the elderly gentleman but sensing his benevolent nature, she smiled. "Yes, of course Mr. Fuhrman."
"Please, please call my Uncle Carl, I insist."
"Very well, Uncle Carl"
Smiling broadly the retired jeweler gestured to the sofa. "Please take a seat."
Later that evening
---
"And when he awoke two days later, he swore not to leave my side for the remainder our honeymoon. And he has not." Rei gently caressed her husband's cheek.
Shinji placed his hand over hers and kissed her palm then smiled at his love.
Uncle Carl silently sighed. 'Young love, is there anything more beautiful?' Shaking himself slightly he stood up from the kitchen table. "Would either of you like some more tea?" He offered.
"No thank you." Rei replied.
"I'm fine, thank you." Shinji added.
"Well, it's time for this old man to get some sleep. Please feel free to use whatever you need here. Consider this your home away from home." He started to pick up his cup and the teapot.
"Uncle Carl please, leave that. I'll take care of it." The young man insisted.
"But…" The gentleman started to protest.
"If you wish to make him feel at home Uncle Carl. I suggest you allow Shinji to pick up after you. There is no stopping him from doing it back home." She grinned slightly.
"Rei." Her husband blushed.
"It is true." She replied innocently.
Laughing heartily, the retired jeweler placed the items back down on the table. "Very well Rei. Well, goodnight you two lovebirds." He walked behind them and gave each a gentle pat on the shoulder and a kiss on the head. "Sleep well. Or whatever else you do. I'll see you in the morning." He laughed softly as he walked down the hall to his bedroom.
"Did he just insinuate that we will have sex tonight?" Rei asked.
Blushing slightly, Shinji nodded. "Yes, yes he did."
"Uncle Carl is an unusual gentleman." She stated then paused for a moment before adding. "I believe I like him."
Smiling, her husband leaned forward and kissed her softly. "Let me just clean up here then we can take a short walk outside. The lights from Zurich look really nice this time of night."
"Very well." She kissed him back then stood up. "I will retrieve our sweaters."
Following the narrow path over the hill, the city of Zurich came into view as they reached crest.
"It is lovely." Rei said as she looked down at the old city.
"You know something I've recently discovered Rei?" Shinji asked.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Everyplace is lovely as long as I'm with you." He answered.
Smiling, she placed her hand on his cheek and pressed her lips to his as tears rolled from her eyes. A few moments later she rested her cheek upon his shoulder and said, "Thank you Shinji my love. Thank you for bringing joy and love into my life. The person I was is but a shadow of the person I have become since you came into my life. Thank you."
"Thank you my love. All I knew in my life before you were loneliness and pain. I never thought I could find the kind of happiness, the kind of joy I've found with you. I never believed I could experience this type of joy until I met you. I love you Rei. I always will." And with that they kissed with all the love in their hearts.
~~~~~~~~~~~
AN: Hope this lived up to all your expectations. Sorry it took so long but I wanted it to be right. I think I got it right. I hope you agree. What happens next you ask? Quite simply they stay a couple days then return home. Not much to day or write about that. I considered including Mr. Fuhrman seeing them off at the airport but I didn't really feel it was necessary. The remainder of the story should come much faster now, I hope. ^-^
I'd like to thank each and every one of you who have commented on my story. I really appreciate your input. Thank you very much.
A. Amishi