My Big Fat Aquios Wedding

By Nicolle

1st Note: Yet more OOC-ness ahead!

2nd Note: STEAMY WARNING! There is a steamy warning attached to this fic, but nothing that will offend the senses or sensibilities.

3rd Note: There is a story behind the armadillos. You see, there's this guy who lives in my town and he owns two stuffed armadillos. When he's sitting outside the used book store, he puts the armadillos side by side on the side walk. Every time I see them, I have this undeniable urge to punt the armadillo. I want to see how far it will go. Yeah... I'm messed up.

Disclaimer: Star Ocean 3 belongs to Tri-Ace/Ubisoft/Square-Enix.

Yet Another Note: To Peril and Chaoswing: Thanks for letting me know about Woltar's daughter. I missed that in the game. I shall now, yet again, employ the Poetic License and say I'm ignoring the facts.

Chapter Seven: Rehearsal Everyone!

I turned and Claire buttoned up the back of the white dress. Farleen held out the coat and I stepped into it. Lady Anne checked the dress over, making sure of it's fit while we waited for Albel to get his scrawny ass over here. I sat down and stared at myself in the mirror. This was it. This was the last day I could say anything. I could stop this whole process right in its tracks.

So why wasn't I?

I didn't love Albel… did I?

A knock sounded at the door. "Come in." The four women chimed at the same time.

King Airyglyph stepped into the room. The girls bowed while Lady Anne curtsied. He smiled and took Nel's hands in his. "May you and Albel find much happiness in the years to come." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you."

"Albel asked a favor of me today and as I'd rather not spend the day doing paperwork when it's so beautiful out, I will accompany you for the remainder of the morning."

"Thank you, again." She blinked. "Why isn't Albel here? He didn't say anything about not being here last night."

"There's an important errand he had to be on this morning that couldn't be trusted to anyone else. He'll be in Kirlsa to meet you for lunch."

Nel nodded.

"And don't worry. I'll keep the hordes at bay. I believe the first stop today is to pick up the rings, is it not?" He held out his arm and Nel took it as they went out the door. They stopped at the jeweler's shop down the lane.

Promise Keeping

Albel dropped the bucket filled with water and flowers next to his feet. He knelt next to the headstone and brushed the dirt away. Working carefully, he pulled the weeds up and scraped the lichen from the name carved into the stone. Standing back, he surveyed his work, finding it satisfactory. He pulled the flowers from the bucket, and threw the water on the headstone. Laying the flowers over the grave, he knelt down and stared at the name.

"I'm sorry I haven't been by in a while." He looked away for a moment, sighed, and lay down with his head near the stone, sprawling comfortably. "I was busy being an idiot."

Things Remembered... Last minute

Nel pulled out the wedding planning book and went down the list. "Toasting glasses, check. Guest book, check. Cake Knife, check. Food, check. Jewelry, check. Rings, check. Attendant's gifts, check. Flowers..." She blinked, staring at the blank space. "Oh dear Apris, no..."

"Did you forget something?"

She stared blankly at the book. "The flowers," she whispered, voice weak.

Arzei looked over her shoulder. "Do we need to stop somewhere else?"

She looked up. "Do you mind, your Majesty?"

"Not at all." He escorted her to the florist. Nel pushed the door open and was suddenly rushed by several men and women from Airyglyph.

"May your wedding day be only a taste of the wonderful days to come!"

"May you have many strong children!"

"May you never be without love, wealth, and happiness!"

"May your love be sung through out the ages!"

"May your siblings envy you forever!"

Several dozen kisses later, and several bows and curtsies to the King, Nel finally made it back to the counter. The woman at the counter smiled. "Zelpher - Nox wedding, correct?"

Nel nodded.

The woman went into the back and came out with several huge boxes. "The altar preparations will be finished and in place tonight. We'll be in the garden to set up the reception flowers in the morning, and yes, we are aware that the Killer Chef is catering."

Nel opened her mouth to say something and was cut off when the boxes opened. Instead, she gasped.

"These are the finished bouquets for the bridesmaids." The florist pulled out a bouquet of summery blues, greens, yellows, and purples. More boxes opened and Nel stared in stunned disbelief.

Subjects finally at ease, Arzei stepped up next to Nel. "Everything seems to be in order. Did you just forget to mark it off the list?"

"I never ordered these."

The florist looked up. "Sir Albel did. Are they not to your liking?"

"They're perfect." She looked at the florist. "Was anyone with him when he ordered?"

"Lady Claire." The florist closed the boxes. "Is there anything to be changed?"

Nel shook her head. "Do you have the bridal bouquet done yet?"

The woman nodded. "Lady Claire said it was one of the traditional dresses of old. So we put together one of the older bouquet styles." The florist opened a box and pulled out a large bouquet of multi-colored roses. "You hold it here and the train wraps around you like this." She pulled the cascade of roses around Nel, effectively surrounding her in flowers. "The hook is right here, underneath the last rose, and it clips on to the other side of the bouquet." She stood back. "What do you think?"

Nel smiled. "It's beautiful."

"Any changes?"

"None."

The florist unhooked the train. "For the reception, just hook the trail of flowers underneath the bouquet so it forms a loop in front of you and the hook won't catch on the dress."

Nel nodded as the flowers went away. "And payment?"

"Lord Albel took care of it a month ago."

Nel blinked. "Oh. Thank you."

"The flowers will be waiting for you at the chapel." The woman bowed and Nel left with Arzei.

I am stretched on your grave

He took a breath. "Mom said she'd kill me if I didn't stop by. I'm sorry I've been avoiding you, it's just that I didn't think I was worthy enough to even be near the cemetery, let alone in front of your stone. I don't think that anymore."

He lay there for a while and watched the sky. He sniffed and one rebellious tear threatened to slide from the corner of his eye. He snorted and sat up before his emotions got the best of him. "I'm getting married to Nevelle's daughter, Nel. She's just like Sarah: a brick wall."

He turned around and sat facing the stone. "I think, finally, I'm being the person you died for." He smirked. "I even got your sword." Reaching out, he touched the name on the stone with his good hand. "Did you know this would happen? Did you know that I would one day be among the stars and see worlds I'd never even imagined? Did you have some premonition?"

A hand landed on his shoulder and he looked up at Woltar. "He did it because he loved you. And don't you ever forget that."

Lunch!

The King left Nel in Kirlsa to wait for Albel. She sat in the first floor receiving room of Woltar's mansion, bored out of her mind and hungry.

"Damn Aquarian. You aren't good enough to wear Airyglyph finery."

Nel's head snapped up, glaring at the guard who stood over her. "You got a problem?"

"Yes. Your dirty skin is staining our pure Airyglyph traditions!"

"Do you have a problem with my betrothed? If so, feel free to take it up with me."

The guard started shaking.

"Don't just stand there, maggot. Turn around so I can get a good look at you."

The guard turned and, his worst fears confirmed, fell to his knees. "Please forgive me, Lord Albel! I would not have said anything had I known that she was your intended!"

"So you would have said it if she hadn't been my love? And even if you had said nothing, I'm sure you would have thought it." Albel landed a hard kick to the man's chest and he hit the floor gasping. "Dishonorable scum." The Captain reached down and picked the man up with one hand so he could look the fool in the eye. "If these are your true feelings on the issue, I wonder what you thought when you first saw our Queen, hmm?"

"Let him go, boy. I'll take care of him," Woltar said from the second floor balcony.

Albel snorted and tossed the man into the nearest wall. "As you wish, old man." He took a deep breath and looked at Nel. "I believe I'm treating you to lunch." He offered her his hand.

Nel nodded and took his hand, following him outside. "Are you all right?"

He sighed. "I will be in a minute."

Nel watched him as he returned to that strange calm that seemed to wash away any other emotions. "You're rather fond of Professor Elena, aren't you?"

Albel he hid his eyes under his hair and looked away. "Maybe."

Nel smiled. "You know, it's a good thing you showed up."

Albel looked at her. "Oh?"

Nel smiled and pulled him into the restaurant. "I would have gotten so much blood on your mother's dress."

Albel laughed and let her pull him to a table near a window. They sat down and a barmaid rushed over. She took both of Nel's hands in her own.

"May you have many healthy children!" She kissed Nel's cheek. "Now what can I get you?" They ordered and the girl ran off to the kitchen.

Nel looked out the window. "You know, you're really damn lucky that Airyglyph has that Bachelor Party 'get out of jail free' card, or you'd be screwed."

Albel grinned wickedly. "Why do you think we punted the armadillos?"

"Why did you... No. Wait. I don't want to know why you were abusing armadillos. What I already know keeps me up at night." Albel snickered and she kicked him in the shin. "Ass."

"Ow." He sat up. "Can I see the rings?"

"Oh, yeah." Nel reached into the white bag that came with the dress and pulled out a tiny little box.

Albel took it and flipped open the top. "Did you try yours on?"

Nel shook her head.

Albel rolled his eyes. "You always try something on before you buy it, fool. Here. Give me your hand."

Nel held out her hand and Albel slipped the plain gold band on her finger. "There. Does it feel all right? Not too tight or loose?"

"You sound like your mother." Nel batted him away. "It's fine."

Albel slipped his ring on. "Not too shabby." He pulled it off and put it back in the box.

Nel pulled her ring off. "I need to pick up the dress today." She leaned back as her lunch was put in front of her.

"Sophia and Claire should be by to help you get it back to your room."

Nel looked up. "Speak of the devils." Sophia and Claire sat down on either side of Nel.

"One more day," Sophia said. "Are you ready?"

"Pretty much. I don't know about Albel though, he doesn't seem to be feeling himself lately," Nel said.

Albel raised an eyebrow.

"You've been almost bearable."

The girls snickered while Albel gave a long suffering sigh. They finished lunch quickly and the Captain walked them to the seamstress' shop before heading off to find the boys the herd them to the chapel for rehearsal. Nel picked up the dress' garment bag while Sophia and Claire handled the boxes.

"Thanks for taking care of the flowers. I completely forgot."

Claire blinked. "Don't thank me. Albel was the one who remembered."

Nel looked at Claire. "How the hell did he manage to get the flowers right?"

"He badgered us everyday for a month and then dragged Claire to the florist to make sure it was right," Sophia said.

"Hmm..."

They wandered out of the store and carried the dress to the castle. The girls put the boxes on the bed before running to find Maria and Mirage for rehearsal. Nel hung the dress in her closet, carefully smoothing it out. A knock at the door drew her attention, and she closed the closet. "Come in."

A runologist came in with a large box in her arms. She set it on the bed. "We were cleaning out old records and we found a bunch of letters your mother had written. Would you like them?"

Nel nodded.

The runologist reached in the box and pulled out a small packet of paper. "Here you are. Have a good day, Lady Nel." The girl picked up the box and left.

Nel sat down at her desk and sorted through the letters. "They're all addressed to Milenya. Hmm..."

Dear Milenya,

Thank you for the potions. They have done wonders for my stomach. It's been so hard to keep food down. The doctor says I'm coming along fine though. We have picked out names. If it's a boy, we will name him Nevelle. If it's a girl, we will name her Nel. I know, it doesn't sound terribly creative, but I really want my child, son or daughter, to be a reflection of my husband. He's done nothing but care for me, putting aside a lot of his duties to be with me.

Nel looked at the next letter.

Dear Milenya,

It's hard getting around. I have not walked on my own for the last week. Nevelle helps me get along and Adray has been nice enough to lend a hand. This wouldn't be so bad if I didn't feel so weak all the time. It seems as if all my energy is going into this child, and if it is, so be it. I will give anything for my baby. Nevelle says he thinks it will be a girl.

Nel put down the letters for a moment, thinking back on the few memories she had of her mother.

Dear Milenya,

Oh Apris! How I love Nevelle! He brought me flowers yesterday. He also managed to get the Queen to pass his duties on to someone else so he could stay home and care for me. This pregnancy has been so hard, but Nevelle's presence has made it all seem like a passing discomfort. I heard that Anne is having the same problem I am. Has she been well?

Suddenly intrigued, Nel flipped to the next letter.

Dear Milenya,

Anne stopped by yesterday so I could see her son. He's so small and cute. He already has a messy head of hair and his eyes keep darting around, looking for something to grab a hold of. If he's anything like his parents, he's going to be a handful. Speaking of his parents, Glou and Nevelle have been conspiring. They keep using words like, 'auspicious occasion' and 'family alliance.' As usual, they are way ahead of themselves.

Nel rubbed her forehead. "Great. I wasn't even born yet and my father was trying to marry me to Albel the Wicked." Growling, she picked up the last letter.

Dear Milenya,

You asked me last letter how I knew when Nevelle loved me. Well, a week before the wedding, I realized that I'd forgotten to order flowers. All those months of planning and one thing out of place. I felt so foolish. But, when I went to the florist, I found out that Nevelle had taken care of everything. The flowers were exactly what I wanted and how I wanted them. Apparently he badgered everyone into telling him so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

Nel dropped the letter and put a hand over her mouth. Claire knocked on the door and poked her head in. "We're ready for the rehearsal."

Nel jumped out of her seat and nearly sent Claire to the floor as she ran for the chapel. Pushing Cliff out of the way, she grabbed a hold of Albel by the shirt and yanked him down so that he was eye level with her. "How did you know about the flowers?"

"You didn't have them marked off in the book."

Eyes blazing, she glared at him. "So when did you find out about the letters?"

"What letters?"

"Don't give me that!" she growled. "Did one of the runologists show you, or did someone just happen to mention?"

Patience at an end, Albel extricated himself from Nel's grasp. "When someone accuses me of something, I usually have a good idea what's going on, but in this case I have no clue. So would you be kind enough to stop acting as if I've murdered someone and tell me what's going on?"

The wind suddenly out of her sails, Nel just blinked at him. "You don't know. You never saw." She dropped into the nearest pew with her head in her hands.

Albel knelt next to her. "Nel?" He pulled her hands away from her face. "Are you all right?"

She sighed. "I don't know."

Albel looked up at the High Priestess. "Would you mind if we put this off for an hour?"

The woman shook her head.

Albel stood and pulled Nel up with him. "Come on. You're all stressed out from planning the wedding. We can wait while you lay down for a bit."

Albel walked me out of the chapel and led me to my room, helping me into bed. He pulled off the little white boots I was wearing and placed them under the bed. I watched his hands as he pulled the blanket up to my chin. I was suddenly very tired, eyes drooping. I asked him if he loved me.

I fell asleep before I heard an answer and woke up to him sitting on the edge of the bed, holding my hand. We stayed like that for a while, quiet and comfortable. The warm glow of the setting sun lit his face and I dreaded the moment someone would knock on the door and drag us away. He looked absolutely beautiful.

And Finally... the Rehearsal

The High Priestess stood in front of the altar and directed everyone. "Claire, after Nel's procession from the Zelpher estate, I want you to come in through the east entrance and wave to let me know she's there. I'll make sure that Albel isn't in sight when you come in the back. Nel, I want you to head straight to the rooms under the stairs."

She turned to the groomsmen. "Are we missing a groomsman?"

Albel nodded. "He's a troublesome old coot, but he'll be here tomorrow."

The High Priestess nodded. "Then I will leave it to Sir Cliff to tell the groomsman what he's to do. The groomsmen will line up at the bottom of the stairs and as the bridesmaids come down, they will be escorted to the altar, Claire and Sir Cliff last."

Everyone nodded.

"All right. Let's do a quick run through of that. When the couple in front of you is half way up the aisle, then you start. Come right up to me here for a quick blessing and then head to your seats. Boys on the right. Girls on the left. Albel, you'll be up here with me."

The men and women took their places and began the procession, Sophia and Mirage first.

Lasselle snickered from the side balcony. "It's not a race, people!"

"Be quiet, Lasselle," the Queen said.

Lasselle sighed. "Yes, your Majesty."

Roger, who stood on the balcony next to the Queen, kicked the magistrate for good measure.

"Miss Peppita, when Claire and Sir Cliff are at the altar, you come forward and make sure you don't have any rose petals left when you get to me."

Peppita nodded and headed up to the altar, throwing invisible flower petals.

"Perfect! When you get up to me, I'll give you a blessing, and then you'll stand to Claire's left. When Miss Peppita is half way up the aisle Adray, get yourself and Nel ready to come up to the altar. The musicians will start the bride's processional and the two of you will come forward."

Adray held out his arm and Nel took it. They walked up the aisle.

"Remember to take it slow and give everyone a chance to see you," the High Priestess said. "Adray, you know what to do when you get up here."

Adray put Nel's hand in Albel's and then went to the pew.

"Great. Nel, Sir Albel, step up to me. From here on out, it doesn't matter if you remember what to do or not, I'll walk you through it. You'll both kneel for a blessing and then separate to your chairs: Nel on the left; Sir Albel on the right. After the readings, you'll both come back to the middle for your vows. I'll pronounce you man and wife, you both smooch, and then I'll present you to the congregation." She eyed Albel. "Keep the kiss clean."

Roger shrieked. "He has to kiss her?! What if he get cooties?!"

The assembled broke down into laughter with even the Queen chuckling behind her hand.

Last Meal!

The wedding party sat around the table in Lady Anne's house, chowing down on lasagna and garlic bread.

"If I'd known you were this good a cook, Mrs. Nox, I would have recruited you for the inventor's guild," Fayt said.

"Thank you, Sir Fayt."

"Pass the bread," Maria called from the other end of the table.

Sophia turned to Nel. "So where are you going for the honeymoon?"

Nel froze.

"It's taken care of," Albel said before biting into a slice of bread.

His intended eyed him suspiciously. "Where are we going?"

A wicked grin lit up his face, but he said nothing.

"Tell me where or I'll start a food fight in your mother's nice house."

Albel's eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't dare..."

Nel smiled.

He snorted and turned his nose up. "It's a surprise."

Nel got a spoonful of ambrosia and took careful aim. "One more chance, Nox."

Mirage put her hand on Nel's shoulder. "It's okay, Nel. You'll like it."

Nel looked at Mirage. "You know?"

"I'm the one who did the arrangements. Trust me. Albel picked a good place."

Nel put her spoon down. "I'll take your word for it."

Albel huffed. "Sure. She'll take your word but not mine." He dramatically put a hand to his forehead. "How will our marriage survive without trust?"

"A lot of chloroform."

"Less talk. More eating," Maria said and pushed a bowl of salad into Nel's hands.

As the meal drew to a close, Lady Anne recruited the men to do clean up so the girls could run off to an early bed time. The room emptied out leaving Albel and Nel sitting next to each other, nursing their cups of coffee.

"Are you ready?" Albel asked.

Nel nodded. "I think so." She sighed. "I'm sorry about this afternoon."

Albel shrugged. "No harm done. So what was the letter business all about?"

Nel shook her head. "It was something my mother wrote in a letter to Milenya years ago. Apparently, I'm following in my mother's foot steps. She forgot the flowers too." Nel stood and Albel followed suit. "I should get going. We still have the last 'Washing of the Hair' tonight and I need to get to bed."

Albel's hand shot out, grabbed Nel's arm and spun her around to face him. "There's one more thing to do before you go." He stepped up to her, one hand on her waist and the other coming up to cup her cheek.

Nel gasped at the warm and intimate look in his eyes. "What are you doing?"

"I am not walking up the aisle tomorrow without having kissed you at least once." He tilted her chin up and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was electric and Nel pressed herself against him, arms wrapping around his neck. The hand on her waist moved to her back, stroking along her spine while the other ran through her hair. His tongue parted her lips and she moaned. Without breaking away, Albel lifted her and sat her on the table. Nel pulled him tightly against her, wrapping her legs around his waist. Leaning back, she pulled him on top of her.

"It's so nice to see you both getting along," Lady Anne said as she walked in to gather the rest of the plates from dinner.

Both of them froze.

Roger followed Lady Anne, taking some of the plates. "Woo-Hoo! Go Albel!"

When Roger and Lady Anne had left the room, Nel reached up to push away the hair that hid Albel's face. "You're blushing."

"So are you," he drawled. His eyes met hers and they both broke down in laughter.

"You bad little boy!" Woltar's wife yelled. "You keep your dirty hands off of Lady Nel!" She grabbed Albel by the hair and dragged him off.

"She's going to be my wife, worm! I'll kiss her whenever I want!"

"You can wait till you're married, Mister!"

"Everyone else on this maggot-filled planet has gotten to kiss her today! You can let me have one!"

"NO!" The word was followed by a splash and the sound of a door slamming shut.