The day of the wedding dawned, unheralded, as ordinary as any other day in May. The only one's who held anticipation for it were Yuki and Tohru. As far as they thought, no one else but Grandpa knew they would take their nuptial vows that day. Supposedly, all the Sohma family understood was that Tohru would leave them that day to return to her grandfather's in preparation for her wedding, and that Yuki was coincidently going on a journey by himself, supposedly to get away from having to deal with Tohru's impending marriage. Yuki had spent the last few weeks moving most of his things into the little apartment by the university in preparation for school which would begin in a matter of weeks. Of course, the two were really feathering a love nest for them to move into after their honeymoon.
In the late morning Yuki emerged wearing the same suit he had worn to the engagement party, and Tohru came down the stairs wearing a simple blue dress. "Are you ready?" Yuki asked Tohru when they met. "I am if you are", she said breathlessly. They made no pretense of not leaving together. It didn't even occur to them, possibly because of nerves, and possibly because they had successfully kept up the deception this long so it didn't seem to matter anymore. They clasped hands and simply walked out of the house and down the walk together, knowing that after this day their lives would never be the same.
As soon as the young couple disappeared into the trees, Shigure picked up the phone. "Hey…Yup, they just left…OK, I'll be waiting". Shigure emerged from his study dressed in his suit, and called anxiously up the stairs to Kyo who was in his room.
Tohru had agreed to meet her grandfather at the courthouse. She asked him not to bring the rest of the family with him saying that "Yuki didn't really like crowds and all the fuss", as an explanation for the simplicity of the ceremony. A wedding in the Sohma family would normally be a gala affair, with press coverage and much notoriety due to their social status, and to the rarity of that type of event among them. However, this was to be a civil ceremony- if it could be called that- a simple registering of the new family unit. They would forgo the festivities in order to keep Akito well in the dark about the marriage. Yuki felt badly about this. He was sure that Tohru, like other girls, had dreamed forever about her wedding day, and all the trappings, and to do that would go with it. He would have gladly showered her with anything she desired, but for his dire circumstances. Tohru had been so great about concealing her disappointment, if there had been any. Still, Yuki knew she deserved better, and his guilt grew as they walked. "I'm sorry" he said simply. He looked down and bit his lip. "About what?" Tohru asked, truly perplexed. Yuki looked at her with his soft eyes. "I'm sorry it has to be like this. I'm sorry you can't have a big wedding with all your friends around and everything". Tohru stopped walking and turned to look at him. She wore a resolute expression. "Yuki", she said firmly, and waited until she had eye contact with him. He gave it to her in a "yes ma'am" sort of way. She continued. "Today I become your wife. I'm not marrying you so I can have a big celebration. I'm marrying you for you. That's enough for me. It's more than I ever hoped for". She waited until Yuki's expression softened, then she smiled. "I love you", she added. "I love you too", he echoed with a half smile, and they continued their trek. They spent the rest of their time discussing their upcoming trip to America and Disneyland that they would embark on the next day. Yuki had been true to his word, and he comforted himself with the idea that he was going to spoil Tohru rotten on their honeymoon. He would give her what ever her heart desired, and then some.
They neared the courthouse, and could see Grandpa waiting patiently at the steps. Tohru waived to him, and he returned it to her. She greeted Grandpa with a hug, and bows were exchanged all around. "Well, shall we?" Grandpa gestured up the steps. Tohru and Yuki looked at each other again, and each drew a deep breath. "Tohru!" A familiar voice suddenly jarred the air. They turned towards it to see Hana and Uo approaching. Yuki looked shocked. He hadn't known that the two of them had discovered the secret. He looked at Tohru, who blushed. "I didn't tell them", she offered, "They just figured it out". She smiled sheepishly. "Did you think you would get away without saying goodbye?" Uo sputtered when they reached the group. Hana handed Tohru a large bunch of colorful flowers tied with a ribbon. "Here, you need a bouquet", she said softly. "Thank you", Tohru smiled. She was so happy to see her friends there. Then, "Hey", another voice came up behind them. It was Haru. Tohru looked sideways at Yuki. "Well, Haru figured it out too", Yuki conceded with chagrin. Tohru laughed, and Yuki joined her.
They turned one more time to ascend the steps when a black car pulled up. Shigure yelled "wait!' out the passenger window to them, and before long, he, Kyo, Momichi, and Hatori had joined the group. Now the bride and groom were getting a little nervous. Had they been that obvious? Momichi led the group with his usual enthusiasm. "Hey!" You two can't get married without telling anyone!" He called happily. The crowd on the courthouse steps was growing. "But how did you…" Yuki directed his question to Shigure and Hatori as they approached. "Frankly, it was hard to miss" Shigure said with a smile. "I didn't know what the hell was going on until Shigure told me this morning", Kyo said in exasperation. He bent down and kissed Tohru on the cheek, and then with a sharp look, he clasped Yuki's hand in a firm handshake. "You'd better treat her like a queen or you have me to answer to", he said unsmiling. Yuki met his eyes in answer to the challenge, but without anger. They understood each other.
About this time Hiro and Kisa showed up. Kisa ran to Tohru and threw her arms around her while Hiro looked on in disgust as usual. "She made me come", he said to Yuki, who looked at him in surprise. Momichi let out a nervous laugh and said "sorry, I couldn't help it", to Yuki. "That's OK, Momichi, as long as you didn't tell anyone else at the main house". Yuki admonished. It was obvious now their secret had not stayed a secret very long. Yuki turned to Hatori. "You didn't tell Akito did you?" he said warily" He had suspected Hatori had known since graduation day. "No, I only told one person", Hatori answered flatly. "YUKI!" a high voice boomed over the gathering, and peals of hearty laughter followed it. "Oh no", Yuki said to himself. "You didn't think you could get married without your own brother being in attendance did you?" Ayame approached with Mine at his side. He was dressed in his usual flamboyant style, and Mine had on her familiar maids outfit. It was as if they were ready to go to work. "Hello Nisan", Yuki offered with little enthusiasm. His brother threw himself at Yuki with great gusto. "To think, my own dear little brother is going to marry. It brings tears to this older sibling's eyes". He continued without noticing Yuki's displeasure at seeing him. "And Tohru, may I offer my heartfelt congratulations". Ayame swooped down on her as if he would devour her for lunch, but only kissed her hand. Yuki tensed at this, but then relaxed when he saw Ayame forbear. "Tohru, darling!" Ayame said in shock as he assessed her. "Forgive me, but you can't get married in that, no, no, no!" Tohru smiled brightly at him. She had always loved Ayame's crazy ways. "And Yuki", he turned on him, "wearing black to your own wedding? How morbid and tasteless", he exclaimed. Yuki looked more than a little annoyed. "But, never fear", Ayame said with flourish, "big brother is here!" He laughed his outrageous laugh again. Everyone had fallen silent to Ayame's theatrical display. "Behold!" he shouted and gestured towards the curb. An oversized, white van was parked there with his shop logo imprinted on its sides. "I have the answer to all your wedding needs here in my trusty chariot. I call it my 'wedding on wheels'". Ayame's distinctive laugh sounded again as he and Mine ushered Tohru, her friends and Kisa towards the van. "This will take a few minutes. Everyone, just relax", he said over his shoulder to the rest of the crowd.
The men of the group milled around and talked quietly as they waited for the feminine half of the wedding party to prepare. Yuki finally confessed to Shigure and Hatori about the apartment and honeymoon plans. They had figured as much, but enjoyed finding out how right they had been. Kyo looked bewildered as he realized how in the dark about all this he had been. Then a chill went down his spine as he heard a familiar voice. "KYO, darling!" it was Kagura. She bounded up to him and gave him a hearty squeeze before he could react, then, without letting go of Kyo, she turned to Yuki and said "Congratulations! Ayame told me all about it. I never thought you two would beat Kyo and I to the altar". She giggled, and squeezed Kyo harder. "Kagura-san", Mine called from the van, "please hurry. We need you!" Kagura said "bye-bye", blew a kiss to Kyo, and pranced off to meet Mine.
After awhile, the ladies finally emerged, looking lovely- all decked out, like a spring rainbow, fit for a formal wedding, with matching dresses each in a sheer fabric of a different color, and their hair done up with white flowers. They each held a small bouquet. Tohru was nowhere in sight, however, making Yuki nervous. "You're not supposed to see the Bride before the wedding", Kagura teased Yuki as she exited the van and re-attached herself to Kyo.
"Now gentlemen, if you don't mind, it's your turn", Ayame poked his head out of the van door and waived them over. Shigure gave Haru, Momichi, Hiro, and Kyo a push towards him, and they all went willingly. Yuki tried to pretend he hadn't heard. There was no way he wanted to let his crazy brother do a makeover on him, and he shifted his eyes looking for a place to hide. When he didn't respond, Haru and Kyo came back and grabbed him. They carried the struggling groom all the way to the van saying things like "come on Yuki, It'll be fun", and "It's for Tohru, damn it!"
The girls giggled and chatted as they compared their dresses and hair styles. Hatori excused himself from a conversation, and ascended the courthouse stairs. "Yes, I'm a novelist", he heard Shigure say proudly to Grandpa as he made his way into the building.
Finally, the groom's men emerged from the wedding van as well, and joined the bridesmaids who were waiting on the courthouse steps. Each of them wore a black tuxedo with white shirts, and a cummerbund of a corresponding color to match each of the ladies; Hiro had yellow, matching Kisa, Kyo had green, matching Kagura, Haru had fusia, matching Hana, and Momichi had blue, matching Uo. "Western style weddings are all the rage" Ayame spouted to Yuki as he came forth wearing a white cut-away coat with long tails, an ascot, and black slacks. A white rose boutonniere completed his tuxedo, and he looked dashing. "I do wish you had let me put eyeliner on you, Yuki", Ayame pouted. "It would really enhance your eyes, you know". Yuki gave his brother a death glare. "Touch me and you die" he hissed.
The group was starting to attract some attention from the courthouse patrons. It was unusual to see a complete wedding party in the middle of the downtown area- especially where civil weddings were performed. But they were still minus the bride.
Yuki, aside from being embarrassed, was getting impatient about Tohru's absence. "Nisan, what have you done with her?" he asked Ayame exasperatedly. "Never fear, Yuki" Ayame answered with a grin. "All shall be revealed in due time". He waived his hand in the air like a magician. Just then Hatori came out of the courthouse with an official. It seemed he had convinced the man that it would be easier to conduct business on the steps rather than try to accommodate all those desiring to witness the marriage inside. "Places everyone", Ayame shouted, and began guiding the wedding party into their appropriate spots for a proper entourage. The couples were lined up on each side with the official at the helm of the group. Ayame guided Yuki into place in the front with some resistance. The rest of the group smiled and looked on. "Now", Ayame called to the van. Mine came out ushering a blushing Tohru, who was somewhat reluctant to step into view. Once in the open, they could see she was dressed in a beautiful, yet simple wedding dress. The fabric was smooth and creamy looking, with dabs of lace and pearls dotting it here and there. The skirt was straight and simple in the front, but gathered behind her almost like a bustle, and flared out into a long train in back. The neckline was daring, and fell off the shoulder, with slim fitting long sleeves. A simple string of pearls adorned her bare neck, and her hair curled softly all around, laced with baby's breath here and there. An ecstatic smile completed the picture of the perfect, blushing bride.
There was an audible gasp that went up from the group, but none were more taken with the vision of Tohru than Yuki. He stared at her, awestruck as she approached his side, Hana's bouquet in hand. "I guess there's no need for you to feel guilty after all" she beamed at him. He smiled awkwardly.
"Well then, let's get started", said the official grinning. He cleared his throat and offered a few words about the sacredness of marriage, and such. This wasn't in his job description, but he didn't do too poorly considering it was impromptu. After this, Grandpa came forward, and the three of them signed the necessary papers, making the marriage legal. Yuki and Tohru smiled at each other and kissed shyly. The crowd that had gathered burst into applause, and the family joined them adding some whoops of approval. Ayame bustled around with camera and video equipment commemorating the event for all time. Then congratulations were in order, and Mine brought out champagne and hors d' oeuvres, and they continued the celebration right there in front of the courthouse.
They ate, and talked, and laughed, and took pictures- as people do at any wedding reception. In the course of events, Tohru tossed her bouquet which was caught by an ecstatic Kagura, who waived it in Kyo's face.
"Now you have to toss the garter Yuki", Haru suggested. "I what?" Yuki questioned. He had been trying to lay low. "It's a western custom." Haru guided him over to Tohru who had been seated on a planter by Ayame and Mine. They were speaking to her in hushed tones. "Oh is that what that is for", Tohru said blushing. She hiked up her skirt to reveal a ring of white lace adorning her thigh. Yuki thought he would die of embarrassment. "You remove her garter and toss it to the single men" Haru instructed with a smile. Yuki swallowed hard, and very daintily pulled on the strip of white lace until he had worked it off of Tohru's leg. Then, blushing madly, he shot it into the group of men. It caught in Shigure's fingers, and he sniffed it with a wiggle of his eyebrows and a grin. "Not bad", he said, congratulating himself.
While the others celebrated, Ayame took Tohru aside. "I have something for you", he said with a knowing smile. He handed her a pink gift bag from his shop. "For tonight" he whispered with a titter. Tohru peeked into the bag and saw a mass of white lace and tricot, but couldn't make anything out so she reached in, and from among the frilly items, extracted a white lace thong with a little satin bow attached in the front. She shoved it quickly back into the bag, hoping no one had seen. Hana and Uo stood a little ways off and had burst into giggles. She looked at them with large eyes, blushing fiercly, and walked over to them with a shy smile. Yuki had seen only the exchange between the girls and noticed Tohru's discomfort. He came over to her and said "Is everything alright?" as he stole his arm around her. "Fine!" Tohru snapped, and clutched the bag shut, hiding it behind her. "Everything is fine!" she said abruptly, and she looked at Yuki with an embarrassed expression, leaving him bewildered.
Finally, it was time for the wedding party to disperse. Hatori drove the car around, which had been decorated by Haru, Kyo, and the rest. It said "just married" on the back and was strewn with ribbons down the sides. The group started pelting the newlyweds with handfuls of rice. "I'll take you to the hotel", Hatori offered blandly to the couple. "But we were just going to stay in the apartment tonight", Yuki said, a little apologetically. "Not anymore", Shigure smiled. "You're going to the honeymoon suite in the finest non-Sohma hotel in all of Tokyo", he said with a flourish. "Thank you for thinking of that", Yuki offered. A Shoma hotel might have caused a problem for them.
Hatori held the door and Yuki helped Tohru into the car. Before getting in, Yuki turned to Ayame, and with some embarrassment, said "Thank you, Nissan." Ayame immediately went wild with his elation at Yuki's appreciation. "Did you see that Tori?" he called over the car. "Yuki offered me his heartfelt gratitude on his knees for my extraordinary display of generosity and love". "Shigure, did you see?" he continued. Yuki just shook his head.
The bride and groom waived their goodbyes to their family. Ayame captured it all on film. The group waived as the car pulled away from the curb. Hana and Uo hugged each other and shed a few tears as they watched Tohru disappear. Momichi and Grandpa sampled a few more of the hors d' oeuvres. Kagura had not let go of Kyo, and was repeatedly asking when it was going to be her turn to be a bride. Kisa hugged an indifferent Hiro, and exclaimed; "Now we really are sisters!" as she waived to Tohru. Shigure speculated out loud about their wedding night and negotiation around the curse, while Haru stood bye and just smiled saying "I think they'll figure it out".
In the back of the car, the couple waived to the group of family and friends that had gathered to wish them well. When they were out of sight, Yuki turned to Tohru with a smile. "Some secret", he said with chagrin. Tohru smiled back at her husband. "But isn't it wonderful?" she said, and the newly weds shared the first kiss of their life together.