Groove Adventure Rave: Tease Me
Rave is copyright of Hiro Mashima, Kodansha and Tokyopop. No infringement is intended.
-
"To have and to hold, in sickness and health..."
As the minister continued, Haru Glory felt his mind switch half into automatic. He was still conscious of the minister's words, but his thoughts were literally reeling madly.
It still felt so unreal. A mere few months after the fall of Demon Card and the destruction of Sinclair, here he was, at an altar, getting married to the girl who had changed his life. It had all seemed a bit comedic a few weeks ago, but it was actually happening.
Thoughts good and bad rushed through his brain. He loved Elie. He never wanted to leave her. But being a husband? Coping with work and kids. How the hell was he meant to cope with that...?
He was aware of a pair of limpid eyes staring expectantly at him through a veil. He clicked back to reality, realizing the minister was expecting his answer. He looked at Elie, pretty as ever in her white dress, and smiled. No contest.
"I do."
The minister nodded. "And do you, Elie Resha Valentine, take Haru Glory..."
He focused on her, hearing and seeing nothing else but her. He only had to look at her to feel better whenever things felt bad. Kindness, heart and laughter in one gorgeous person. And she was marrying him, a humble guy from an island.
"I do..." She spoke. Her amazing smile appeared. And he felt all the better for his decision.
"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife"
Haru lifted the veil, and pressed his lips to his girlfriend's.. his wife... for the first time in two days. They'd done it. They were married.
"Now what?..." He heard in his head...
-
"Ah, the end of an era.." Musica sounded a bit slurred. Probably due to the vast amounts of champagne he and his friends had been downing. Haru, Shuda and Let had sensibly been pacing themselves.
"Can you believe it? My best buddy is married..."
"Yes, and we believed it when you mentioned it two times in the last hour" Shuda snarled, irritated by Musica's antics. "Thats it. Come my wedding day, no open bar."
"Spoilsport.." Musica whined.
"You have been putting them away Musica.." Haru voiced.
"Well duh! I'm depressed! You and Let are married, Shuddy's wedding is in two months, I'm gonna be all alone" He downed another glass.
"Well, why not marry your lady friend" Let asked.
Musica's eyes bulged out. "What! Get real man! I'm a lone wolf! I vowed never to get married. Never"
"You're missing out." Let sighed.
"Yeah man, this is just the booze talking. You love Melodia more than you say." Haru spoke.
Musica looked a bit ashamed. "Well, yeah, I do, but I dunno... marriage ain't my forte."
Haru patted his friend's back. "Not my forte either, but I still did it. Don't worry, no matter what you and Melodia do, we'll still be pals."
"Mean it"
"Mean it."
Musica smiled. "Thanks man. Hey, you and Elie are going to your honeymoon after this, right"
Haru nodded. "Sieg is going to teleport us there... Elie picked a great place by the coast..."
"Great! Just in time to give you this."
Shuda produced a small box from his jacket. "A late gift from us three, but you'll be needing it."
"Wow, thanks, you shouldn't have..." Haru's voice trailed off as he opened the box. Inside was a small book entitled '101 Saucy Positions for him and her', a lacy nightie, and several boxes of condoms. He looked up to see his friends smirking.
"A little care package for the honeymoon. We expect you to have completed that whole book before you come home." Shuda laughed.
Haru was shocked. "Wait, you want me to..."
"Duh" Musica rolled his eyes. "That's the whole point of the honeymoon. Sod the coast and your hotel, it's a week long sex-a-thon."
"Indeed..." Let had a rare smile on his face. "After I and Julia were married, we didn't step out of our room for about... five days."
"Dude, that's inhuman."
Haru was struggling to keep a straight face. "So, you're saying I have to.. you know... make love"
Shuda rolled his eyes. "Haru, don't tell me you don't want to have sex with her."
"I do! It's just..." Haru went silent.
Shuda sighed. "I know you and Elie have never.. you know. But now is the perfect time. You love her, she loves you... just let things go naturally. I assure you, you'll enjoy it."
"But then, you're the expert, eh Shuddy" Musica leered. Shuda narrowed his eyes.
"If you're about to make some tirade about me and Cattleya, save your breath."
Haru smiled, glancing at Elie with her female friends across the room. "Yeah... I'm sure I'll be able to... give Elie a good time.!
"Attaboy" Musica cheered. Then he sobbed and hugged Haru hard. "God I'm gonna miss you"
Haru sighed. Definitely no more booze for Musica tonight.
"Oooh I feel giddy" Elie squeaked, one hand holding a glass of champagne, the other holding her heavy skirt around her knees.
"I don't blame you." Julia sipped from her glass. "This is really good stuff.."
"No no, I'm not drunk. I'm just... giddy! I'm married! Yay"
Nagisa scowled. "Rub it in why don't you"
Melodia chuckled. "Now be nice. This is her day after all."
"Yeah, but does she have to keep reminding me that you and I have zero chance of getting married anytime soon"
"I'm with Musica..."
Nagisa looked at Musica, who was across the room joking with Haru and the other males. "Yeah. He's really gonna propose anytime soon."
"I'm sure Hamlio will come around... someday..." Melodia sounded unsure. Elie patted her back.
"He will Mel-chan! He'd be stupid not to. Just hang in there"
"It's gonna be a long wait.." Nagisa and Julia chuckled.
Cattleya joined the group. "So Elie-chan, excited about your honeymoon"
"Damn right" Elie hopped in her chair. "We booked a lovely place near the coast of Minami. It's by the beach, so it'll be a week of sun sea and...
"Sex" Julia jumped in, laughing behind her glass. Elie looked surprised.
"I was going to say slot machines. There's a casino in the hotel."
"Sorry Elie. But you know, I doubt you'll have much time for gambling. You'll be too busy.." She giggled. "Performing your wifely duties."
Elie was confused. "Wait, you're not talking about... you mean... I can..." She seemed to pale.
"Elie-chan, what's wrong" Cattleya asked.
"I... well... I can't tell you, it's about your brother."
"And you just became my sister in law. So please, tell me." She flashed an assuring smile.
"Well okay..." Elie fidgeted in her chair. "You see, Haru and me... we've never really been... together, if you get my drift.."
The girls nodded in understanding. "Wait, you mean the whole time you've been together... "Julia started. "But what about all the times you two slept alone, like on your dates"
Elie shook her head. "Nope. Just a bit of kissing and feeling each other, but that's all."
Cattleya sat closer to her new sister. "Elie, you don't have to be nervous. It's perfectly natural. Just let it happen. Whenever it feels right for you two, just enjoy it."
"Right... but it always helps to be assertive, so..." Nagisa produced a small bag from under the table. "... show Haru these whenever the mood takes you."
Elie peered into the bag and laughed. Inside were a pair of boxer shorts and red panties, each made of red silk. "Oh how cute! Thanks you two"
Julia smirked. "Just make sure you get your moneys worth. On my honeymoon, I didn't allow Let to leave for about five days."
Tears appeared in Elie's eyes. "You girls are so great... ooh gimme a hug"
The girls complied, wrapping Elie in their arms.
"Hey, mind if I can tear my wife away so we can get our luggage" Haru laughed. Elie extracted herself from the group.
"You going now" Cattleya asked.
"Doesn't want to waste time now, does he" Julia gave a dirty laugh.
"Well, we want to get to our room before it turns dark."
"Well, get your stuff and we'll wave you goodbye."
With that, Haru took Elie's hand, and they walked together out of the room to get their luggage. Elie giggled.
"What's up" Haru asked.
She looked into his eyes. "It just still feels a bit surreal... you called me your wife.. my husband.."
He smiled. "Yeah...it does a bit... maybe we could give each other some other name, just until we settle in."
"Like what"
"Honey... sweetheart..." He kissed her gently. "..Soulmate..."
"Lover... she murmured softly, content to just stand close to him. But then her senses came back.
"Hey! Let's save the sweet talk for the hotel, okay"
"As you wish." Haru drawled.
-
Cattleya hugged her brother tight. "You two have a good time, okay"
"We will sis." Haru returned the hug, and looked at Shuda. "And you look after her, okay? No funny stuff"
Shuda smiled. "You just worry about Elie. We'll be fine."
Musica ran up and hugged Elie and Haru in one swoop. "You guys, take care of each other, okay" Cause I ain't around to save your asses this time." He seemed upset. "And... don't forget about us, okay"
Elie smiled. "We can never forget you Musica... but you gotta promise us you'll marry Melodia."
"Funny. Real funny." Musica deadpanned, before moving back to give Sieg Hart some room. The mage flexed his hands.
"Ready to go"
"Ready Sieg."
Sieg nodded, and moved his hands in coordinated movements, chanting a spell under his breath. An arcane symbol appeared under Haru and Elie, casting a blue glow around them. A white circle of light appeared behind them.
"Bye everyone! See you soon" The married couple cheered. As everyone waved and cheered back. Haru remembered something. "Elie! The bouquet"
"Right" Elie flung her bouquet over the crowd, just as the two faded away, transported by Sieg's spell. The flowers fell into a large crowd of female guests.
Let was confused. "Er.. what's with the flowers"
"Oh, it's an old tradition." Shuda spoke. "They say whoever catches the bride's bouquet is destined to be married."
Musica snorted. "Yeah right. Can you believe people believe in that rubbish..."
"Hamlio" Melodia jumped from the crowd, holding the flowers. "Look Hamlio! I caught it"
Musica paled. He was aware of Let, Shuda and Nagisa grinning evilly at him.
"This does not bode well..."
-
A bellboy, usually standing around looking bored, was anything but as two people materialized in front of the Periall Vista hotel , seemingly out of thin air. He stood rigid in shock, as a silver-haired man and a brunette woman in a white dress appeared just inches from him, suitcases by their side.
"Wow..." Haru and Elie looked in awe at the tall white building in front of them, surrounded by miles of sandy beach and the ocean behind it, dark and langid in the approaching night.
"It looks so much better in real life..." She turned to the bellboy. "Excuse me."
"AHHHHH" The bellboy jumped in fright, landing on his arse.
"Um... could you take our cases to room 2031? We have reservations."
The man seemed to recover. "Er.. um... sure thing." He grabbed the cases. "Er...pleasant trip"
Haru shrugged. "Could have been better. I felt tingly all over."
"Right..." The man ran into the hotel, seeming wanting to get as far away as possible.
"What nice staff." Elie beamed. "Well, let's check in and..."
Suddenly, Haru swept her up into his arms, causing Elie to yelp in surprise. "Haru"
He grinned. "Just doing it properly. It's customary to carry the bride over the threshold."
She giggled and kissed him. "Well, as long as you insist..."
A short elevator ride later, Haru carried Elie gracefully into their room, managing to walk over to the large bed before he playfully fell over, dropping Elie onto the mattress and landing next to her. They bounced for a few seconds, Haru relieved to lie down.
"Man I'm beat... we've been on our feet all day."
"We could have stopped dancing..."
"Stop dancing with you... Not likely.."
Elie gazed around the room. As his gift to them, Ruby had paid for one of the most expensive rooms. The place was filled with lavish furnishings and decorations, one wall taken up with a large table and dining area, the other with large wardrobes and a gigantic TV. It all looked incredible... but it was a bit warm. Not caring to find the air conditioning, She got up and fumbled with the skirt of her wedding dress.
"Does it feel warm to you"
Haru pushed his body up. "Just a bit. I could to with a shower to freshen me up..."
He stopped as he saw Elie. Her skirt had fallen to the ground, leaving her in the strapless bodice, a pair of white panties, and a garter around her leg. A silent gasp escaped his mouth.
She blushed at the sudden attention. "Haru? You okay"
He shuffled closer to her. "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are"
"Rather often.." She moved closer, moving her hands to cup his face. "Not that I don't appreciate the comments.."
She touched her lips to his, and he took the oppertunity to wrap his arms around her, and pull her back onto the bed. The kiss got deeper, their hands beginning to touch and roam around each others bodies.
Haru sighed as he stroked Elie's back. His first night as a married man, and his last night as a virgin.
The others had teased him about being the only one to not have made love, always asking him why it was taking so long. Truthfully, Haru couldn't really answer why he'd waited so long. There had been many chances to do so when they were dating. In the end, he decided he was saving himself until a really special occasion, one where he could really show his passion to Elie. Well, that day had come.
His kisses travelled to the tops of her breasts, before returning to claim her mouth. He felt her hands silkily gliding down his side, reaching his trousers. In response, his hands traveled down her belly, to grasp at her panties.
"Okay.. here we go.." He thought, about to pull the panties down her legs.
Except he didn't.
Inexplicably, his body froze. Try as he might, he couldn't will his hands to continue. He looked up at her face. Elie had stopped feeling him, her hands still on his trouser waist.
What was wrong? She was willing, he was wanting... so why weren't they doing it? Fear settled in his stomach. Something was stopping him, and he didn't know what.
"You know... I could really use that shower.." He managed to speak.
She didn't seem to mind the excuse. "Um, sure. You go ahead. She sat up, preparing to change into some nightwear, while Haru nipped into the shower. He immediatly turned on the cold water.
As he cooled down, he thought about what had happened. Why on Earth had he stopped? He had felt the rush of passion when he kissed and touched her, but when it came to doing the deed... nothing? He scoulded himself for being so hesitent. This was his wedding night. He was ready.
Right?
Turning off the water, he stepped out, dried off, and put on a towelling robe. Moving back to the room, he found Elie sitting on the bed. He grinned at the sight of her in her nightie, her knees up to her chest. Could she look any cuter? Or sexier? He took a glance at her smooth legs...
"Hey Haru! I found a great program" She called suddenly. He shook himself out of his trance, and looked at the TV. It was one of those new cooking shows, the one with the loutish chef who yelled 'PUKKA" everytime he completed a dish.
"Didn't know you liked watching this." He remarked.
She smiled at him. "Well, since we're married, I should learn how to cook some more. The stuff Catt-chan taught me is great, but I could do with more recipes."
He sat on the bed next to her. "Okay, but don't think you have to do all the cooking. I want to do my fair share as well."
"Then you'd better watch carefully, you really need to learn."
"Ouch. Harsh." He gave her a playful shove.
They watched the rest of the programme, then a late movie. By the time the movie was finished, Elie was fast asleep against Haru's shoulder. Seeing her nod off, he picked her up, and tucked her under the bed covers.
He watched her, wondering what had happened tonight. They had almost made love, but instead, ended up watching TV and joking about cooking instead. Not exactly the honeymoon night he was expecting.
He touched her cheek gently. In the end, it didn't matter. He was with the woman he loved. That was enough for him.
He quietly joined her under the blanket, and wrapped an arm around her, holding her close.
Besides, they were here a whole week. He probably wasn't feeling up to sex, after a tiring wedding day.
Tomorrow, he believed, would be the day…