A/n: Ah, weddings. Whoo hoo! It's time to throw one! Or 2.Two is even better! Double-wedding; let's par-tay! I decided on a Western type wedding, 'cause I'm from the west. I think in Japan they wear garments and drink tea out of each other's cups. Pretty different. If anyone knows for sure, please tell me! Also, if anyone know how ta say brother-in-law in japanese, plz tell me that too! Just wondering. I decided to write this all in Joey's POV cuz pple say I write 'im the best. Unsure if dat's true. . . I mean if that's true. . . --;;

Chapter Thirty Seven: YGO Ought To Have More Love Speeches.

Only once in your life, does love happen.

-M.C.

Joey's POV

I stood in front of millions of fans, actually studying the back of their heads, actually they were my relatives, all my friends, and colleagues. Actually, they were Mai's colleagues, since I don't have a job. Yet. But my grandparents were there, my aunts and uncles and little cousins - they were all flown in.

Since my sis and I were getting married at the same time, and all. No reason to have to come back twice again. Mai's parents were there too, in the audience, actually her mother was giving me stares. Glaring stares. She and Kaiba should start my fan club (sarcastic).

Mai said that I had to be nice to him. She said, pointing, "look, he's about to cry," but he wasn't really - just looking nervouse and apprenhensive with everyone staring at him. (I don't think they ever met him.). I think she was just playing a psychological trick on me with Kaiba. It's her way of trying to cheer me up. It worked. But thats was fifteen minutes ago and now I'm depressed.

On my wedding day. I'm depressed on my wedding day. No, I thought to myself, I won't let HIM ruin my own day where I commit everlasting faith to my bride. Even if he is - if he IS - I sobbed on a choke, felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Ready, big bro?"

I allowed myself a moment to mentally cry out, OH WHY OH WHY did I SAY that I'D play 'father of bride'?"

Then I turned around with a fake grin. "Sis - oh -"

I found that I didn't have to act pleasantly surprised, but did so anyway. She grinned back at me, up sine I was taller, but hanging out with Kaiba you never know, one day she'll be passing me vertically-wise and looking down her nose at me. She looked beautiful.

"Wow, sis, that's some . . . uh . . . "I paused. "pretty fancy dress you got on there." Probably rented it, no, bought it using HIS fancy checking account.

"Thanks; Mai bought it." She twirled around once; Oh, I thought sheepishly but didn't show it, of course. "And so quickly too," she added, arching her eyebrows under a pretty, fancy hairdo, too. "She found me a dress so quickly."

"I'll have to thank her," I said on purpose through gritted teeth.

"Wow, you look like a stud."

I guessed that in myy new white suit with silver trim, I did look pretty spiffy. Serenity looked up at me, placatingly. (What? I was in college, you know. I use big words, now.) "Big bro? You are happy that I'm marrying Kai - I mean Seto, right. . . .?" she said hopefully.

"Sure," I said through that same strained voice. "After what he said to ya, during your proposal, he should have you if he loves you that much. Even though I still think you're too young, ta be a wife. Even though I think he's too old for you. Even though - "

"Okay, okay," she said, rubbing her temples in a stressed out way. "Anyway . . . I'm glad that you're here for me big bro. To walk me down."

"Who else?" I said easily. Then, seriously, "Now, sis, I wantcha ta know . . . " I tried to think of way, for her know that she could run away from him. But without sounding or seeming too negative, or like I was insulting him.. "Uh . . . Um . . . "

"I understand, Joey."

"You c'n always come home. Anytime." There. It was as plain as it could be made.

"Thanks, Joey." she said brokenly, pretending to scratch her eye to wipe away a tear. Women always do.

"Don't cry," I teased, "yer not married yet and besides, you'll ruin your makeup."

"I know," she laughed, "That's why I'm crying dryly." She fished out a wadded up piece of hanky from her bosom. "Anyway, uh. . . can we do this already?"

"Sis, no offense, you look nice, but. . . isn't that neckline CUT a little too low?"

"Jo-ey. I'm not - little, I am a lady, you know!" She stuffed it back.

"But sis, you know . . . you're a mother now, you know. . . and," I coughed, leaning in, glaring, "breastfeeding. . . "

"Well, that's why," she said easily without batting an eyelash. "I might have to feed Chris." She looked down the aisle. "Wow. . . " I suppose she was admiring the decorated church. "Well, they're waiting. Come on, let's go."

The "Wedding March" started on the organist. But it wasn't enough for me. I kept trying to get my fingers to work and my legs to move but they stood still. Serenity had to hiss at me: "Take my arm!" and drag me down the aisle. I could hear chuckles and murmurs all around; I couldn't help stopping to chat. I was taking as long as I could.

"Wow, Sis, it's a big turn out, isn't it?" I whispered but she didn't hear. I saw her eyes getting all glazy and dreamy as she stared at Kaiba and he stared at her. I heard Tea whisper to Ishizu, "Kaiba . . . looks . . . like he got hit on the head with a brick-size stone" and that was pretty accurate.

I scowled, when Serenity wasn't looking. She was staring straight ahead, with that dreamy smile of hers. Practically floating. And Kaiba was boring his eyes into her so hard, it was like if necessary blinking would take his eyes off of her for a second. I mean, I don't mind mushy looks, really, but really. They could blink. Their eyes might dry up.

Much too early, we reached the end of the aisle and the last of the "Wedding March" and we were both facing him. Around was the priest, in his priestly-like robes, beside a podium and the bridesmaids, all looking identical and line up to the left side, the groomsmen in dark gray suits white frilled white shirts. I could hear oohs and ahs at the bride's - Serenity's - dress, and Tristan sobbing in the background. Ma, dressed in a skirted business suit, was sobbing, too, but for a much different reason. Kaiba himself was in a shiny black plain tux, with an even shinier trim. And blinding shoes. Geez. Does he wax all his tuxes?

I meant to - I SWEAR IT - on my mother's grave - to squeeze Sis's hand, kiss her cheek, and let her go, but instead I squeezed and just kept squeezing.harder and harder and harder. 'Til - she had to hiss: "Let go of my arm, JOEY!"

"I am!" I hissed back. "Oh, sorry, sis." I let go. Then I took my place and stared straight ahead as they smiled at each other and she took her place next to him. I saw, out of the corner of my eye Kaiba throw me a reproachful look when Serenity was expectantly looking down the aisle, and him throw Tristan a look of utter revulsion.

Out of nerves, I watched poor Yugi, one of the groomsmen next to Tris, pat him on the back awkwardly. Tea was holding Christian on the other side, and I saw them exchange a glance like, "poor Tristan". At least, that's probably what Yugi was thinking; Tea was like "How embarrasing," in embarassment and eye-roll with-

The "Wedding March" started again, after a few minitues of realizing there were two couples, getting married today, and we were minus one bride - hello? I glared at the minister and the organist for forgetting, then turned back to watch the entryway under the arch.

I was eager to see Mai come down the aisle, for the obvious reasons - I was marrying her anyway - but also because I had FINALLY manage to give the message to Mr. V, Mai's father, to come and walk her down the aisle and give her away. Unfortunately, Mrs. V, her mother, had also made an appearance, and I could tell that she couldn't decide whether to glare most at me, or Ma, still sobbing in a tissue. Well, I didn't care what they both thought. I was going to marry her whether either mother like it or not.

Ma's sobbing grew dimmer as the guests once again rose to their feet and she and Mr. V came into view. They were both chatting under their voices, her arm entwined with Mr. V's. Mr. V was beaming broadly and swinging his gold-tipped cane. Mai looked absolutely outstanding. She had told me earlier, in a light voice, she had to go and "beautify" herself for me. I told her that she already looked pretty. She said that not yet; she wanted to knock me off my feet. Mission accomplished.

"Tristan. . . " I said hoarsely, reaching for something to hold me up. I mean, I wasn't going to fall and embarrass myself. Would Kaiba just love that. I couldd feel his smirking, and Serenity's beam.

"Get up, man, get up. . . " Tristan was also looking at her and Mr. V. "If you fall, I will kill you. . . "

I guessed this is what didn't make me fall, since I heard Tristan threaten Yugi a few minutes ago and he sounded like he meant it. But dear God. She was beautiful. All over. Form-fitting white gown. . . .And her eyes. . . .large and beautiful eyes.

As she came towards me, she smiled and I barely noticed when Mr. V smiled benevolently, kissed her cheek. He let go after a hand-squeeze and she took her rightful place beside me and took my hand.

I managed to close my mouth and act like I wasn't staring, since everybody was staring and chuckling at my reaction. I colored and faced the priest, an old elderly one but barely heard as he murmured through some psalms and passages in the Bible and the audience got down on the knees and so did we. It was about the sanctimony of marriage and how no holier union there was, and I agreed, but my mind had a blank buzzing sound. I could think of the time, way back in Europe, at the World Tours Tournament. It was a Duel Monsters type, and at the celebration party at the end. Mai had come and taken my hand in much the way as today, and said, "let's dance." Two little words that started everything and ended here, to where we are now.

Oh please let everything go well, I added a silent prayer. In our futures. And don't let me mess up a good thing.

, I added a silent prayer. In our futures.

I snuck a peek at her again. Her veil was a little like Serenity's, except pulled back while Sis's covered her face. In fact, their dressed were similar as well - except Mai looked WAY better in hers, of course.

Finally, after a long sermon, we all got up after fifteen minutes and the audience sat in their pews. I could hardly wait to dance with her.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today; to join these couples in holy matrimony," the priest intoned, and I realized it was Shadi after a second look. Huh. I didn't know he was a priest! And Mako was playing on the organ - he smiled and waved at me. I had thought it was just a really ugly girl. I was shocked, and almost didn't hear the priest say: "Now, I understand they have written their own vows?" A nod. "Okay, then ladies first." He nodded at Mai.

She turned to me. I felt as nervous as she looked, like if she were channeling it at me to get rid of her nervousness. I fixed my eyes at her face, silence fell.

"...Never had I known a person so kind, so giving as you

. You've got the biggest heart of everyone I've ever met,

and everyone I have never met.

It is an inspiration.

And I promise to love you. You are my sun,

and I am . . . a flower.

Leaning to you, gathering up warm rays from your smile with which to grow upon as we go

through this life together forever I hope."

There wasn't a dry eye - Serenity and Ma gave a loud simultaneous sniff. She had said it staring directly at me, and I never felt so moved. "Mai, I - "

"Ladies first," cut in the priest. More chuckling from the audience, butI was such in a daze I didn't care. I felt like something had unlocked inside of me - a click. But I stared blankly and shut up.

Sis pulled out a piece of folded paper, not wanting to mess anything up that she wanted to say. All eyes were on her now andshe looked nervousand she could barely speak because of Mai's speechbut she still managed to, albeit softly. Luckily the room was quiet now, even Mrs. W was listening hard. "Seto, everytime I think of love, I think of you. You have taught me so much about being a person. You give me the strength and inspiration for the moment I met you, and you don't even have to say a word." Light chuckling and she turned slightly red and her voice shook with emotion. "Um, . . . it's so strong, your presence in my heart. I pledge that I'll love you forever, I promise you this, as we stand before God and the rest of our friends, . . .in as witnesses."

She gestured around to them, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Kaibe looked as touched as any human could be. I turned my attention to the priest, with Now? He nodded.

But Kaiba butted in, before I could speak to my wife! He gazed deeply into Serenity's eyes. "And I promise, as well. You are like my half, what has been missing in all my life. You are love. And you seem - no, you are the best human being I've ever known, with your kindheartedness, . . . my best friend. I feel so lucky because of that, and because you were born."

He trailed off. Any slower, I thought gritting my jaw, and he'd be talking backwards! I threw him an evil eye.

He grinned. "And I hope . . . . we'll always be together." He finished with a flourish and a nod, hugging her lightly. He threw mea nasty look over her head. "Always.NO. MATTER. WHAT."

Some clapped - actually it was Mokuba and Rebecca, and Roland; Serenity looked like she was about to cry dryly;Ma did. I had to wait until the applause died down and for my mother to stop her sobbing, I wanted total quiet.Someone coughed, the crowd was getting restless from all this romantic tension. "Mai, I - I just wanted to say that you are the best thing to happen to me in my life, out of all of them. My feelings for you run deeper than any river. Our time together has always kept precious, like gold, and from the moment you looked at me, I was in complete love. If I never fell in love with you, it would feel like something was wrong. It seems like I've always known you. You have abeautiful smile, inside and out -everything I could eva wish for and I love you. I know we'll have the most wonderful life ever. And we know it. It'll just keep getting better, I promise."

"Oh, darling. . . " she whispered, her eyes glistening and shining. I held her gaze and she held mine for a long time. It wasn't until the priest cleared his throat after fiften minutes did we look up again.

"The rings?" he murmured, twisting right and left searchingly.

Tristan, my best man, handed me Mai's. I gave it to her; I was going to transfer her engagement ring on her right hand to the one on her left. I saw Roland slip Kaiba something, and he and Serenity took one of each of it.

We repeated after the priest as we slipped it on each other's finger. "Do you, Mai Valentine," I heard a chuckle at the name, from behind us, "take this man . . . . Joey Wheeler . . . for your lawfully wedded husband?" he said kindly. "To have and to hold, for richer and poorer, til death do you part. . . ?"

She looked at me, "I do," she whispered. I heard Kaiba quietly snicker at the "poorer" part; I would have glared if I weren't busy looking and smiling at her and she back. I heard Sis's sniff.

Shadi was doing this all out of order.

"And do you, Serenity Wheeler, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" he gestured towards Kaiba surprisingly.

"Yes. I do."

I heard Ma wail.

"Do you," the priest Shadi plowed on with a sigh, " Joey Wheeler, take this woman," he pointeed at Mai, "as your lawfully wedded wife? To honor and to cherish, until death do you part . . . ?"

I stared at her, "I do," and slipped the newly promoted engagement ring to her manicured ring finger of her left hand. It sparkled in competition with her eyes.

Kaiba said, "I do," before Shadi finished his question of him, and Shadi threw him a look and it was my turn to laugh. "I do," he said, subdued. After the priest went through the love spiel.

"Then, by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husbands and wives!" he said in a finally-done! sort of tone. Everyone got to their feet and cheered loudly. "You may now kiss your brides!" There was such stamping of feet, you would've thought we just won the Super Bowl. I bent her backwards, as we enjoyed our married first kiss. Then, grabbing her hand, laughing, we sped down the aisle to the awaiting limos through a shower of confetti into the awaiting limo.

TBC

A/N: Aw...wasn't that nice. I confess, I could barely write that do you take so and so part. I just felt all...full of mushy stuff inside. Yuck. I don't like sap, but I figured, eh, it's a wedding. Mush ougtha be there.

Next: Reception! Party time! YxT ness! I've gotten threats - threats, people - of the shadow realm if I didn't get 'em together. W/ all the romance in the air (shrugs) something is BOUND to happen!Woo! I just love romance.

R E V I E W ! whaddya think?