The Years Before…Part 5 The Wedding (1)


Ayame sipped his wine as the girl hung on his arm chatting up a storm. He smiled indulgently. He mentally rolled his eyes and wished she could disappear. He looked around the reception area, there were tons of people, and not one of them was the one he wanted to be with. Where was she? Did some college boy take her to some back room or back garden? She was not very good at defending herself. If some kid with raging hormones get to her, - he felt himself fuming at the thought.

'Ayame-san, are you listening?' The girl whined. He nodded and she continued her one-way chatter. His eyes continued to roam the grounds. And there she was.

She was a vision of beauty. Her dress complemented Mine's. It had simple lines and no fluffy lace like most bridesmaid dress. It was long and ended with a fish-tail train. It totally accentuated her figure. Her hair was up with tendrils, it gave a sexy bedroom romantic look.

Ayame shook his head. Bedroom and Tohru did not go together. The faster he etched that to his mind, the better. She was surrounded by young men who were trying to get her attention. She looked lost and harassed, she was not used to the attention. Ayame politely excused himself and was about to go to her when he saw Yuki standing next to her. They looked perfect together. He wore a black shirt with a tie and black pants. It was a simple but yet elegant get-up. Ayame's heart gave a little squeeze when he saw Yuki taking Tohru's hand and leading her to the dance floor. They looked perfect together.

'Ah, young love. Unlike us, don't you agree?' Shigure's voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned and grinned at his cousin while they went on their usual routine of greeting each other.

'Do you want to tell me what is going on?' Shigure asked, suddenly serious. 'I saw the way you look at Yuki and Tohru.' Ayame opened his mouth to deny, 'Don't Aya. I know you better than that.'

Ayame looked at his cousin.

'I think I am in love with her.' His eyes opened with shock. This was the first time he admitted the fact to himself. He looked defeated. Shigure hid a small smile. This was the first time Ayame had ever said he loved someone. His delicate little flower, no less. He knew this was not a time to tease Ayame. For once, the hebi was seriously caught in the net of love. He looked at the young couple dance. Tohru had a light flush on her face, but that was her, she always blushed when she was in close proximity to men. The look in her eyes was not of love though. Yuki, however, was looking at the little onigiri tenderly. Shigure narrowed his eyes. He could foresee problems. He sighed, that's the life of the Junnishi, nothing came without a price. He ran his hands through his hair, but first things first.

'Have you told her?'

'Are you mad? She is eleven years my junior. She is absolutely precious to all us Junnishi, not to mention Uo and Hana. I don't want to be cursed by that freaky Megumi. And that is after I get killed by Kyou and black Haru. Get hugged to death by Momji and possibly and possibly…' Ayame slowed down and lowered his voice, '…possibly hated by Yuki. Not like he does not already.'

'You did not mention Tohru herself. How do you think she will react?'

'I don't know, if I do, trust me I will not be talking to you but to her.'

'Who's her?' An innocent voice piped in.

They turned to find Tohru and Yuki standing behind them. Ayame was struck dumb, he did not hear them coming, have they heard any part of the conversation?

'You, my little flower. I was just telling Aya how beautifully my little flower has blossomed. And now you will leave my nest!' Shigure bawled loudly. Yuki rolled his eyes. 'Yuuuuki-kun must protect my little flower from these fiends who want to take her and taste her sweet nectar…' Yuki decided at that point to punch him