Sakura watched the soon-to-be-husband-and-wife sitting on the loveseat adorably. They were holding each other so tightly, as if the world was going to end if they let go. She was still surprised at the sudden turn of events. A mere confusion in thoughts made nights so unbearable. Although she felt horrible for Eriol and Tomoyo, she had a known feeling inside her that Tomoyo did want to marry him. She just had to find the real reason. But now, the wedding was back in order, it was going to happen in 3 weeks, originally, in a week.
She stood up from her seat on the couch and walked to Syaoran's room where he was sleeping contentedly. She pushed him a little to one side and rested right beside him, wrapping her arms around his warm torso. Syaoran didn't wake up, though, keeping his breathing normal, and eyes closed, as if he was in a dreamland. Sakura stared at him with affection and gently touched his bangs. Moving forward, she attempted to kiss him on the cheek when he suddenly turned his head. At this, their lips made contact.
Sakura's eyes widened a little bit, but Syaoran's eyes didn't seem to open. She broke into a smile and kissed Syaoran slightly deeper than before. Oddly, he returned it, his arms wrapping unconsciously around her. Giggling inside, Sakura moved so she was on top of him and kissed him as passionately as she could. Giving out a low moan, she explored his wondrous mouth, getting a groan out of him. After a few minutes of unstable breaths, she moved away and planted her hands on top of his chest, smiling at him.
Syaoran opened his eyes and looked up at her with a crooked smile. "Nice way to wake me up," he remarked, pulling her close.
She giggled and played with his hair. "I was just going to kiss you on the cheek, but you moved your head!"
"So you're saying I initiated that kiss?" His eyebrows rose up.
"Why of course, Li." Sakura bent down and moved closer and closer to him, and when her lips were just 4 millimetres away from his, she stuck out her tongue.
He laughed and completely rotated them together, making him be on top of her. "If I weren't in love with you, I'd get out of here right now for doing that."
"Doing what?" She asked innocently, carefully touching the hair behind his head with her hands.
"I don't know…maybe doing this?" He murmured and lowered his face a few cm away from hers. "Or maybe this?" He automatically wrapped an arm under her and pulled her close to him, catching her lips in the process.
Once again the two were in a heated kiss. Just as fireworks started exploding in both their minds, there was a knock on the door. Syaoran groaned inwardly, but continued to kiss Sakura. Sakura gave Syaoran a soft kiss and pulled away, making him do the same thing.
"Aw, Sakura…" Syaoran muttered in a frowned voice.
She patted his cheek lovingly and gathered the blanket on the bottom of the bed around her waist and down. "Come in."
"You sure?" Eriol's teasing voice passed through the wooden door. "Cause we really don't want to see anything naughty!"
Sakura turned beet red while Syaoran rolled his eyes. "You're gonna be a dad and you're still immature!" He commented.
Eriol laughed and opened the door, revealing Tomoyo and him. "Hey guys."
"What's up?" Sakura smiled and made room for Tomoyo to sit with her.
"Thanks," Tomoyo smiled back and sat down, making sure she felt perfectly fine.
"So why are we all here?" Syaoran questioned, gazing at the other three around him.
"I think we should eat dinner at that restaurant down 9th Ave," Eriol replied, "you know, since we missed the rehearsal dinner, we might as well make up for it by doing this."
"Oh that's a great idea!" Sakura's eyes sparkled.
"Yeah!" Tomoyo giggled.
"So what you're saying is, you're paying for the dinner?" Syaoran asked. "Cause it was your fault we missed the rehearsal dinner, and you are the ones getting married," he mentioned.
Eriol's eyes sparkled with mischief and he grabbed a pillow, swinging it at Syaoran. "You dumbass! We're the ones getting married, you know! I think you should pay!"
Sakura and Tomoyo laughed. Syaoran sighed. "All right, fine, but let me tell you, when I go broke, I'll be blaming you."
Eriol laughed, "fine with me!"
--
As soon as they got to the restaurant, both Sakura and Tomoyo headed to the washrooms. Syaoran and Eriol ended up standing and waiting with the maître d' for their table. Ten minutes passed and both women came back looking fresher than ever. Syaoran grasped Sakura's waist in affection and kissed her lightly on the lips. Eriol wrapped an arm around Tomoyo and looked deep into her eyes, seeing the love he had always seen.
"Sirs, Madams, your table is ready," the attendant interrupted.
Eriol and Syaoran both looked up and took the hands of their beloveds, following the man walk down the path to a nice, glamorous table.
"Ooh." Sakura whispered. "It's so gorgeous here."
"I know!" Tomoyo gushed. "I feel rich!" She sighed, "It's a heavenly feeling."
Sakura agreed wholeheartedly. "Yeah it is." She breathed happily.
The guys rolled their eyes at each other knowingly.
----
During one night, Tomoyo and Sakura were going over the wedding plans, making sure everything was going fine. Three more days left and the two would be married. Sakura was practically shaking in anticipation. Tomoyo was all over the place, even though she was pregnant. Surprisingly, Eriol didn't feel any doubts or nervousness. All he felt was excitement and the thrill of having a wife. Since he was the one cooking their dinner, Syaoran ended up having to follow the girls and do what they ordered him to do. It was a really…new feeling for him, looking after the girls of the residence.
When Eriol finished cooking the food, he called them. "Dinner's ready! Let's eat!" He announced.
"A second!" Tomoyo replied, muffled.
Syaoran appeared on the dinner table quickly, staying at his chair stiffly.
"Syaoran…?" Eriol asked, raising an eyebrow.
He ignored the questioned look on Eriol's face. "Give me the food now or I'll never be able to eat tonight!!" He practically begged.
"Syaoran, we're not done yet!!" Sakura yelled.
"Oh crap…" His face fell. Syaoran stood up and lazily walked back into the room.
Eriol sweatdropped. "What…is going on…?" Completely confused, Eriol brought the food on the dining table.
--
"What?" Syaoran asked cautiously, opening the door.
"You've got to get the box up there," Sakura pointed. "See it?"
"No I don't," he replied shortly, wanting to turn around.
"No, no, no, no!" Tomoyo grabbed his arm and pulled him in the room. "We're not tall enough to reach it, so you've got to go get it."
"Tell me why you need it first," he challenged, crossing his arms, and frowning at the girls.
Sakura challenged his stare. "Because we need it."
"I need a better reason than that, baby," he teased, smirking slyly.
Her heart jumped. "Because we need it!" She repeated, insisting it.
"A good reason is all I want," Syaoran continued.
"Do we really need a reason??" She asked, muttering.
Tomoyo broke in. "Look, there are just some important stuff in that box and we need it! Now!"
Syaoran looked at Tomoyo. "What is the important stuff?" He pushed.
"Argh! You're giving me a headache, man!" Tomoyo tightened her fist and walked out of the dining room.
"Syaoran, just get it, please!" Sakura frowned up at him, confused at his actions. "We really need it-"
He broke into a small smile and grabbed her waist before she could finish her sentence. Lowering his face down on hers, he kissed her nose lightly. "I just wanted Tomoyo out of the room," he admitted with a husky voice. "I never got any time with you alone today."
She reddened and put her arms around his neck. "Was that my fault?" She whispered, staring up at him. "Besides…it's Tomoyo and Eriol's day, not ours."
"That's in three days," he argued lightly. He stared down at her eyes absorbedly. "You're still so beautiful, 'Kura. Why's that?"
She shrugged modestly. "It's probably because we're still young," she joked.
He chuckled, cutting the mere inches of space between them. "You'll always be beautiful." He kissed her lips softly then passionately.
"Mmm…" Sakura whispered softly. Syaoran groaned inside his throat as the kiss turned very heated.
Suddenly the door opened and came in were Tomoyo and Eriol.
Syaoran felt a glare coming on, directed at the two, and then remembered the box. Letting go of Sakura's lips, he looked up at the couple, a small glare on his face. Sakura caught her breath and kept her head on Syaoran's chest. Eriol glanced at the lovebirds in surprise and back at Tomoyo, who was practically like a red balloon about to explode. Sakura looked back up and glanced at the two.
"Hi," Sakura smiled bashfully.
"I'm not even going to ask," Eriol grinned naughtily and elbowed Syaoran on the arm.
"Just get the box!" Tomoyo said impatiently.
"What is up with her…?" Syaoran whispered to Sakura.
"Mood swings, remember?"
"Excuse me," Eriol pushed the couple gently and slowly looked up at the box. Suddenly, a sweat drop appeared on his forehead. "Huh. How the hell am I supposed to reach that??"
"What? Let me see," Syaoran thought the box was just his reach. "What box did you girls want again?"
"The blue one right there," Sakura pointed.
"Do you think we're giants or something??" Eriol asked, glaring at the box. "How far is it up? Like two metres?"
"Just about, yeah," Syaoran turned back around and faced the girls. "I have an idea."
"Fine! Let's use it!" Tomoyo said hurriedly.
Glancing at her questioningly, Syaoran shook his head and continued. "Sakura, I'll carry you up my shoulders and you get it, all right?"
Her eyes widened. "What??"
"It's the only way," he replied impishly.
"What a liar! He just wants to hold you up," Eriol laughed.
"Shut up, man," Syaoran shook his head. "Anyway, come on. I won't let you fall!"
"N-no!" She replied in a fearful voice. "I'm afraid of heights."
"First it's ghosts and now heights??" Eriol asked in surprise. "I never thought you were a big sca-"
"Honey?" Tomoyo interrupted.
"Yes baby?" He looked back at his fiancée.
"Be quiet," she said shortly and faced Sakura. "Sakura, there's nothing to be scared of, ok? Syaoran's not going to let you fall," Tomoyo smiled gently, "and don't forget. We need that box."
"We?" Eriol raised an eyebrow. Tomoyo rolled her eyes.
"Um…" Sakura looked up at Syaoran. "You promise I won't fall?"
He sighed softly. "If you love someone, you do whatever you can to keep him or her safe, right?" He asked.
She nodded slowly.
"So stop worrying and let me hold you."
Sakura turned pink at this and hugged him immediately. "I trust you, Li." She whispered in his ear.
"Thank you, babe," he kissed the top of her head.
"Hurry up, would you??" Tomoyo had her hands on her hips, her foot tapping the floor.
Eriol grabbed her waist. "They're just in love, like we are."
She sighed and looked up at him. "But I need my box," she whined lightly.
Eriol laughed. "All right, all right. Come on guys."
"I agree. Let's go." Syaoran looked straight down at Sakura. "I'll bend down and you sit on my shoulders, all right?"
"Won't I hurt you?" She asked softly.
"You won't. Just go up."
She nodded reluctantly and did as she was told. Syaoran stood up carefully, his hands on her legs.
"How strong are you, man??" Eriol asked, dazed at how he was perfectly fine, carrying the woman.
"Not sure," he replied, grinning timidly. "Go get it, Sakura."
She nodded and reached for the box. As soon as she got it, she threw it down on the bed. "Yay!"
Syaoran squeezed her legs and bent down. She got off him and stood beside Tomoyo. Syaoran stood up and massaged his shoulders a bit. "I admit I'm strong, but I think you cramped my shoulder muscles."
Sakura looked back up at Syaoran. "I'm sorry, honey, but that was your idea." She patted him on the chest lightly. "Ok so now that we don't need you guys anymore-"
"You might as well go," Tomoyo finished. "Thank you for doing that, but go away."
Syaoran's head fell. "Might as well." He glanced up and put an arm around Eriol's shoulders. "How 'bout you serve me that dinner now?"
"Yeah let's eat," Eriol grinned. "Bye ladies."
Neither paid attention to the men. "Open the box!" Tomoyo giggled.
Inside were the baby pictures of all the roommates, which were obtained by Sakura, who asked the parents for it. The box also had the "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" stuff that Tomoyo needed desperately. Although neither believed in all that luck that stuff did, it was good old tradition that made them have it. As soon as the two got the things out of the gray box, Tomoyo and Sakura started putting the baby pictures in separate albums. In Tomoyo's life, having an album full of baby pictures was really important, and to her, one of the first steps of marriage.
----
Eriol touched the sides of his tux in an attempt to calm his nerves. Looking up at the mirror, he stared at the reflection of his eyes. They showed excitement and nervousness, which wasn't there before. Knocking on the door, Syaoran opened it and entered the small room, glancing around. When his eyes finally reached Eriol's, he smirked lightly.
"How you feeling, buddy?" He asked, hands at both pockets.
Eriol smiled weakly. "I'm holding up," he admitted bashfully.
"You're looking good, so you don't need to get worried," Syaoran offered. "Tomoyo and Sakura aren't here yet. They're coming."
He nodded carelessly. "I can't believe I'm getting married in an hour," he whispered.
Syaoran patted his friend's shoulder. "Are you worried…? Or just excited?"
"To be honest, man, I don't really know. But I'm sure I'm not scared. I don't have any doubts," he responded. "A week ago I felt completely stress-free, like everything would be okay, but now that the wedding is actually going to happen, I feel weird inside."
Syaoran nodded, not bothering to give his own opinions. It wouldn't have mattered anyway. All Eriol needed was a listening ear. Syaoran was prepared to do that. As soon as Eriol focused back his attention to the mirror, Syaoran walked over to the window and glanced outside where a white limo had just arrived. Although the temptation to see Tomoyo and Sakura was great, he wrenched his eyes away from the stained glass window and walked back to Eriol. There would be time until he saw his woman walking to the altar.
--
Tomoyo wore simple clothes, because she knew that the doors of both groom and bride had windows facing north, where the limo was supposed to arrive. Sakura was right behind her, along with some of the bridesmaids, who were basically Tomoyo's workmates and old friends. The 5 women went to the bride's room first, which had the dresses and shoes already set, and the bouquets, clearly put on the marbled table. As maid-of-honour, Sakura was in charge of having everything under control while Tomoyo just focused on her dress and her appearance and her wedding.
"All right girls, this is how we're going to do it," Sakura started. "Tomoyo and I will use this room to dress while you three use the other room to our left. Um, there are…" Sakura closed her eyes and tried to remember how many stalls there were. "I think 4 vacant stalls, so you can change there, all of you. After you're done, use this," she walked over to a door that led straight through the changing room of the other girls, "to get through here, and then we'll just get the women to fix up our hairs and stuff. Sound like a good plan?"
"Yeah," they agreed.
Tomoyo was staring at the dresses at one corner of the room, hung so delicately. It all seemed so real. 'I'm going to be wearing those things…and…become Mrs. Hiiragizawa…I never thought…I'd always…' Shaking her head from the train of thoughts, happy tears appeared in her eyes. 'I'm going to be married to Eriol!!' She shrieked inside her. 'Yay!! I've waited my whole life to find my dream man and…and I'll be marrying him in an hour…' A small giggle erupted her. "Girls I'm going to be married!!"
The four looked at her and laughed as well, clapping their hands joyfully. "You are, you are!" Sakura cheered and hugged her best friend. "I'm so happy for you!"
"So are we!!" The bridesmaids gushed. "But we're going to get changed now," they laughed and left the room with their clothes.
Sakura took her dress and gave the gown to Tomoyo, who was dabbing at her eyes. "I can't believe it either," she murmured, her eyes so bright with happiness.
Tomoyo smiled. "I'm not afraid anymore. This past week, I've been so hectic and so doubtful, but…they're all nervous emotions, you know? I only realized until now that I'm so ready to be his wife. I'm carrying his child, I'm going to be its mother, and we're going to have a family together!" She laughed happily. "And it's only a matter of time until we're actually going to be wedded and finally be a family…"
Sakura's eyes warmed and she immediately hugged her friend once again. "As much as this talk has made me so happy, it makes me think of all the things that'll happen to us, and I don't want to be sad right now. I want to be happy and I want to see you in your dress, so let's change!" Sakura grinned.
"Ok!" Tomoyo giggled and the two ran for the stalls.
----
Sensing Eriol's nervousness, Syaoran patted Eriol on the back. "You're gonna be fine, man." He assured, watching the back of the church, awaiting the women's presence. Eriol smiled weakly in response and faced the back as well, his heart pounding in its socket with thundering booms. Soon, the soft sounds of the piano with the violin breezed by everyone's ears as the flower girls began to make their way.
Eriol's eyes glanced the whole cathedral, finding Syaoran's mom and sisters, Sakura's dad and brother, and many others he knew. The ache of not having his family burned inside him. Blinking his eyes quickly to wash away the tears, he stared straight, hands firmly together in front of him; he stared straight at his future. Meanwhile, Syaoran watched the two girls, Tomoyo's friend's daughters, pass through, and showering flower petals on the pathway. Then the bridesmaids walked slowly through with their escorts.
The last person before the bride was the maid-of-honour, and this was where Syaoran stood rigid, waiting with excitement. Passing through the doors and walking on the path, there stood Sakura, wearing a gorgeous lavender dress without any straps. Her hair was pulled up with thin bangs accenting her face. The make-up was just right, lavender gloss over her pink lips and small blush to tinge her cheeks. She was beautiful…and Syaoran couldn't breathe. He was starting to visualize himself as the man standing in Eriol's spot, waiting helplessly for his bride, and his woman walking closer and closer, looking like the most beautiful angel ever created. His heart raced rapidly, and no smile adorned his face; his eyes showed it all. Sakura passed by them, sending him and Eriol the most glorious smile as she took her place on the opposite side of where Syaoran stood up.
"Hi," she mouthed and smiled, waving slightly at him.
He couldn't help but smile back. "Hey," he mouthed and winked at her. "Beautiful." He added.
Her already pink cheeks darkened. "Thanks."
Suddenly the piano and violin changed the music. The traditional wedding music began to play softly, then more passionately, and every person in the church stood up, awaiting the bride's presence. Syaoran and Sakura turned their attention at the back of the church where Tomoyo was supposed to go through. Eriol felt his body surprisingly relax at the beautiful music. Taking small deep breaths, he waited with ease, and yet his heart pounded excitedly.
Tomoyo walked through the doors and ever so slowly; she walked on the red carpet, with her mom holding her arm. Of course, it was supposed to be the father, but Tomoyo had lost her father long ago. It didn't matter anyways; her mother was there and that was all she wanted. The first thing Tomoyo looked at was Eriol. He was standing a good 6 metres away from her, and yet her eyes remained focused on his. Amethyst met navy and they were the only two people in that place. As soon as she reached the altar, she broke off their gaze and hugged her mother, who was crying with happy tears.
"You take care of her, ok?" Sonomi whispered to Eriol, hugging him too.
"I will, don't worry." Eriol smiled as Sonomi let go of him. He offered his arm to Tomoyo.
"I love you, mom." Tomoyo whispered and took Eriol's arm.
Sonomi sat on the chair awaiting her and watched as the two walked up the few steps to the front of the church.
Tomoyo and Eriol stared at each other as the priest spoke. Eriol fought the urge of grabbing that veil and kissing the life out of Tomoyo. 'So beautiful,' he thought, swallowing his nervousness. Her eyes were brightly shining while her lips looked so seductive and glossy. He glanced down at the growing stomach, which carried his baby. Nothing came through his head, but he said what he needed. Even as he read his own vows, his only attention went to Tomoyo and nothing else. His impatience caused him a great deal of pain. He wanted to kiss her so much and he wanted her to be his wife, and yet time seemed to move so slowly!
Tomoyo felt her heart pound with gladness as Eriol recited his vows. It was full of sweetness and romance; everything she had ever dreamed of. Her future was right here standing in front of her and as soon as she realized it, tears emerged out of her eyes and slowly trickled down her cheeks. She was going to be Mrs. Eriol Hiiragizawa, the one thing she waited for her entire life. Tomoyo felt little Syaoran kick with happiness inside her and she almost wanted to jump with glee herself. As she spoke her own vow, she brushed away the light tears and stared straight at Eriol. She had a feeling nothing was getting into his head, because his eyes were always focused on her, never leaving her face, and he even seemed stunned when it came to the rings.
"Repeat after me, Eriol," the priest instructed. "Tomoyo, I give you this ring…"
"Tomoyo," he paused and smiled at her, "I give you this ring…"
"…As a symbol of our vows…"
"As a symbol of our vows," he repeated.
"…And with all that I am…"
"And with all that I am," Eriol slowly slipped the ring on Tomoyo's slender finger.
"…And all that I have…"
"And all that I have,"
"I honour you." The priest continued.
"I honour you."
"In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,"
"In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," Eriol looked into Tomoyo's eyes, still clutching her hand.
"…With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed." He grinned as he finished.
Tomoyo giggled slightly as she wiped away her tears again with her free hand.
"Now Tomoyo, repeat after me," the priest said.
She nodded and took the ring Sakura passed to her.
"Eriol, I give you this ring…"
Tomoyo smiled and looked into his eyes first. "Eriol, I give you this ring…"
"As a symbol of our vows…"
"As a symbol of our vows," she spoke softly.
"And with all that I am," he persisted.
"And with all that I am,"
"And all that I have…"
She took the ring and started to slip it into his finger. "And all that I have…"
"I honour you," the priest paused.
"I honour you." She repeated and stuck the ring at the end of his finger, still touching it fondly.
"In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," he started once again.
"In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," she replicated.
"With this ring, I thee wed." He finished.
Tomoyo looked up at Eriol, tears shimmering in her eyes and a teardrop appeared on his eyes. "With this ring, I thee wed." Her voice was ever so soft, but that didn't stop Eriol from bending down to kiss her. "Wait, wait!" She protested, almost laughing. "It's not time yet!"
A groan emitted from his throat and everyone heard it in the church. Syaoran shook his head as a smile grazed his face. Sakura giggled and looked bashfully at Syaoran. They smiled at each other and waited for the priest to continue.
The priest smiled and continued. "In as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder!" Creases appeared on both sides of the priest's eyes as he grinned. "Eriol, you may kiss your bride!"
"Thank you!" Eriol laughed and looked down at his one and only. Tomoyo blushed under his gaze and laughed. Eriol put his arms around his wife's waist slowly and wrapped them delicately around her. "I love you baby."
"I love you too honey!" She grinned and pulled her veil up. As soon as the cloth was out of the way, Eriol bent his head down and caught her lips in the most passionate way and gave all his love in that kiss.
Sakura blushed and giggled. Syaoran smiled, amused at the sight. He knew that was what Eriol had been waiting for the whole ceremony. Everyone clapped and cheered as the two finally broke away from each other. However, Eriol couldn't stop staring at her. He couldn't believe Tomoyo was actually his wife! Bending down, he snaked an arm under her legs and another under her back. She let out a squeak and giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The two walked down the carpet happily and headed to the limo waiting patiently outside. As soon as Eriol put Tomoyo inside, he turned and waved to everyone.
"Thanks everybody! We'll see you in the reception centre!" He went in and sat beside his beloved, kissing her breath away.