Tonight was a big night. At least, that's what the new head of Lighthouse Tokyo, Deacon Minamino Shuuichi, hoped. Tonight's plan took a little over a week to plan out and as meticulous as he was, Shuuichi was extremely nervous for this moment. A few years of bliss, normalcy, maturity, productivity, and all the ups and downs of a relationship inspired this event. By night's end, lives shall be changed forever.

Inside the sanctuary of the church, Shuuichi, Yukina, and a handful of other volunteers worked hard to fill the space with as many candles and flowers as possible. Well, the altar had battery-powered, and small, illuminated candles while the center aisle was filled with red and white rose petals. In the production area, a DJ sets the mood both in terms of lighting and music. The final touch was a section dedicated to both the Christian and Kemetic faiths. Christianity was represented by Jesus hanging on the cross along with the saints Joseph and Dwynwen of love while the gods, Ausar, Auset, and Heb-het served as ambassadors of Kemetic love. Shuuichi took a step back to analyze the setup.

Please God, allow tonight to go well.

"I think everything is taken care of…" Yukina confirmed from behind, "right?"

"Yes," Shuuichi concurred as he observed everything.

"How do you feel?"

Shuuichi started dancing awkwardly, "Fantastic. I think Kiyoni and I are going to have a wonderful night."

"Shuuichi?"

"Yes?"

"I think you're a little nervous. You dance like a clown when you're nervous."

Shuuichi nearly collapsed where he stood, "Jesus, help me. Is it that obvious?"

"Aw, deacon. It's going to be alright. Once Kiyoni sees all of this, she is going to be ecstatic. Now, care to explain your costume? What are you supposed to be?"

"Well, in the movie, Romeo and Juliet, Romeo attends a costume party held by his rival family, Juliet's family. Juliet attends dressed as an angel while Romeo, aka yours truly, is dressed as a knight."

"Oh, so that explains the wings."

"Yes. If Kiyoni followed my instructions, she should be here in a white dress. You'll give her the wings upon her arrival."

"Ahhhhhh. I get it. Wait, does she know–?"

"She knows nothing other than to be here at the assigned time and in the assigned attire," Shuuichi checked his phone, "It's time. Everyone, thank you so much for your assistance in this setup. I greatly appreciate you all. If you would like to observe the show, please do so either upstairs or outside of the sanctuary and be as discreet as possible. We don't want to throw Kiyoni off. Sister, are we clear about what to do?"

Yukina grabbed the pair of costume wings, "On my way to take my place. Shuuichi?"

"Yes?"

Yukina displayed a comforting smile, "You'll get the right answer. You'll see."

"Thank you, Yukina. I pray that I do."

About a block away from the church and on a rain-covered walkway, Kiyoni showed up just as Shuuichi instructed. Her outfit was a white, form-fitting cocktail dress with a golden underbust lining and a pair of white flats. Since Shuuichi said that tonight was going to be a special night, Kiyoni went all out in terms of hair and makeup with a natural, smoky eye look and cornrows that fed into an Ariana Grande-style ponytail. It was a little chilly but enough to pull out a hoodie jacket.

"Hello, Kiyoni," Yukina greeted at the door with the costume prop behind her.

"Hey, Yukina. Wasn't expecting to see you tonight. What's going on?"

"Let's just say…it's a big night, tonight."

"Yeah, that's what Suu'chi said," Kiyoni instigated, "Yukina, we're girls, right? So…spill the tea. What's Shuuichi up to?"

"I...cannot say. However, what I can say is…this."

"Wings? My night involves wings? Wait, did Suu'chi grow some wings again? I mean, that one time on Halloween when he–"

Yukina couldn't help but laugh, "No. Though I'm sure he'll get a pair when the time comes. No. He wants you to put these on. It'll add to the costume."

"Is this why he wanted me to wear white? Okay, I am getting really nervous here. What's going on?"

"You'll have to put those on and step inside. Shuuichi will take care of the rest."

Reluctantly, Kiyoni did as asked, weary of the upcoming moments. It was neither Shuuichi's nor her birthday so a surprise party was out of the question. Perhaps an early Halloween party? The costume Kiyoni wore would give the idea some merit. Just what was Shuuichi up to?

Yukina delivered one final message, "Kiyoni?"

"Yes?"

"No matter what happens, just know that Shuuichi loves you. He went through a lot just to set up tonight and…I hope you get to stick around to see and help him evolve even more. I want the same for you too. This isn't the same Lighthouse as before and–"

"Yukina, where is this coming from? I'm not going anywhere. You're right. This church isn't the same as before. I actually like coming here now and it's all thanks to people like you and especially Shuuichi. And just to even things out, I love him just as much. I'm a better person because of him and I hope we get to evolve together under the guidance of our gods."

"Best of luck to you both…in Jesus name."

"Thank you."

The second Shuuichi saw Kiyoni cross the threshold into the sanctuary, he looked up at the production studio. The DJ was joined by a couple of volunteers and as soon as he was given the signal, a classic song from Shuuichi's favorite movie played in the background. Nervous, Shuuichi breathed his way to relaxation while Kiyoni gawked at what was laid before her. One, she hoped a fire wouldn't break out considering all of the illuminated candles. Two, Shuuichi can't be up to no good the way he was smiling. He is a fox after all. Three, the vibe was nice at least.

"No. Freaking. Way," she stated, "What is…what is all this? Suu'chi, what…what is all this?"

Dropping her jacket off on one of the back pews, Kiyoni couldn't help but look at the petals on the floor. She picked up a few of them and allowed them to fall from her hands. It was indeed pretty. When she noticed Shuuichi standing in his costume, Kiyoni bashfully laughed. Meanwhile, watching the way Kiyoni looked while smiling as she walked down the aisle soothed Shuuichi even more. The vision was but a preview of what he hoped will become.

Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.

"Suu–... Shuuichi…what…what are you…supposed to be?"

"Good evening, Kiyoni."

"Shuuichi, just what is going on? I thought this was a costume party. Why are we the only ones in costume? Where is everyone?"

"I never said this was a costume party."

"Shuuichi, you asked me to wear white and these wings. You're dressed up as…I don't know, a knight? How is this not a costume party?"

"It's not a costume party," Shuuichi insisted with confidence as he walked around Kiyoni.

"Then, what is it? Suu'chi, I'm getting nervous to be honest. I feel like I may not be properly dressed."

"Oh, no. You've followed my instructions to the letter and are very beautiful. Look behind you."

"What?"

"Look behind you."

Kiyoni turned over to find three of her cherished gods standing next to the saints, "No way. Ausar? Auset? Heb-het? This is so cool. I like this setup. Wait, who…?"

"Those are saints Joseph and Dwynwen. Patron saints of love."

"Ohhh, is this supposed to mean something?"

"Mmm…partially."

"Partially?"

"Partially. Here, come dance with me."

"Well…if it means getting closer…" Kiyoni joined Shuuichi within the open space of the altar.

For the next few moments, the pair allowed the music to take over, the sweet, romantic, fairytale-like duet of the piano and strings surrounding them like a warm, musical blanket. For the next few moments, Kiyoni internally debated with herself on whether or not to decompress and talk about her day before meeting up with Shuuichi. At the same time, Shuuichi argued with himself over how to say what he wanted to say to Kiyoni, the true reason why they're together now. Despite that, both parties appreciated this moment in time.

"Suu'chi?"

"Yes?"

"This song…why does it sound familiar?"

"Perhaps, it is."

"Where have we…where have we heard this? I swear this is so familiar to me."

"I'm not sure. Why don't you…let it linger some more? I'm sure it'll come to you."

Kiyoni sighed and kept quiet as the music continued, eventually repeating just before it ended. While the couple danced, the embrace they shared tightened as if the song was telling them to. From Shuuichi's end, Kiyoni's comforting warmth along with the sweet jasmine and vanilla scent of her perfume created a comparable vision to the young Montague, wishing for tonight to never end, hoping to have many nights like this with his chosen Capulet. In Kiyoni's mind, if it wasn't for Shuuichi's costume, she would've settled in his arms and stayed there. She absolutely loved the way he held her. However, the music was getting more and more familiar. So familiar that when Kiyoni closed her eyes, blurred images played in her mind. Images such as the color blue like water, kissing within a contained room, and the name "Juliet".

"That's it," Kiyoni realized, "Suu'chi, I remember! This song is from Romeo and Juliet!"

"Very good observation. I knew you could do it."

"Wait. We're reenacting that one scene, aren't we? The one with the…'You kiss by the book' thing."

Shuuichi chuckled, "Something like that. However, let's go beyond that part."

"How much further?"

"Say…the balcony scene. The most popular scene of the entire play."

"Oh, okay," Kiyoni went on with her best Juliet impression, "Romeo, Romeo? Whereforth art thou, Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name… How's that?"

Shuuichi laughed again, "That's…that's very good. Nicely done."

"Alright, alright. Shuuichi, what is this all about? Tell me."

Time to end the charade. No more games. It was time to get serious.

"Kiyoni…you know I love you, right?"

"Ra, I melt when you say that. I love you too."

"And we agree…that it's love that is keeping us together, yes?"

"Of course it is. Along with faith, realistic loyalty, honesty, healthy communication…a healthy…sex drive. Even after the two times we broke up."

Shuuichi caressed Kiyoni's cheek ever so gently. Internally, he wanted to follow through with his plan but was just too apprehensive about the execution. However, he had to push through. Screw the nervousness and anxiety. Shuuichi had to push this through.

"Kiyoni…" he whispered.

"Yes, Shuuichi? What's the matter?"

"...Wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?"

Completely missing the connection of Shuuichi's statement to the famous play, Kiyoni replied, "Define satisfaction."

In response, Shuuichi knelt before Kiyoni with his head down and his hands firmly gripping hers, "The exchange…of thy love's faithful vow for mine."

Wait, what?! "Exchange…? Vo-vow? Shuuichi, what are you asking me? Is this…is this what I think it is?"

"Ikeda Kiyoni, ever since we met, I've realized how much you've changed, matured. I've witnessed all you've done and although grateful and proud, partially, I've felt guilty. I felt like all I've done as payment was…nothing. It's obvious that I can't give you the life you were used to before but I know that the life I can give you is one of stability, support, clarity, and of course, love. The only thing I ask of you is for you to give me the word, to say yes. Kiyoni, in the sight of our respective deities…will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Kiyoni, will you marry me?"

By then, Kiyoni was in tears and in shock. She remembered the daydream she had after attending the light show at Yomiuri Land and compared it to this moment. It wasn't winter but there were plenty of lights. It wasn't at a park but was in a church, a perfect place for weddings. The pair did dance and did so under the blanket of romance. Then there was Shuuichi who took charge in not only setting the scene but stating where he wanted to go with Kiyoni. Tonight, one of her dreams came true. With her hand over her mouth and tears flowing around that hand, Kiyoni stood by as she heard Shuuichi's proposal.

"Minamino Shuuichi…" she continued, "you are a fucking idiot. You underestimate yourself way too much. You've done…so much for me. You…you've helped me overcome my biggest fear and my trauma, you've pushed me to reconnect with my family, you've invited and welcomed me into a spiritual home, your spiritual home. However, that all pales in comparison to you…accepting me…for who I am and who and what I wanna be. You've helped me…find love within myself again. You have become such an inspiration in my life. Your love and support has…become a base for me to love and support myself. So no. Your payment wasn't nothing. It was everything…and I know it's going to get better because I believe in you as much as you believe in me. Minamino Shuuichi, it would be my honor…to be your wife. Yes. Yes, I will marry you."

"Haha! Praise his mighty name," Shuuichi exclaimed as he swept his bride off her feet in celebration.

Those who watched from nearby, celebrated as well and did so quietly. Overcome with emotion, Yukina collected her crystalized tears in her hands. They'll be saved as a wedding gift to the soon-to-be bride and groom.

Once Shuuichi stopped spinning Kiyoni around, she gave him a hearty kiss. Both were overjoyed by the results of tonight and were excited for the future. So much so that Kiyoni ran to her respective gods and praised them for this union.

"Thank you, Ausar. Praise you, Auset and Heb-het. Praise you all for this. Hey…" Kiyoni recognized, "none of us have rings."

"Eh…" Shuuichi awkwardly said, "About that. You see, I–"

"Idea! Let's use our bloodstones!"

"What?"

"We can use our bloodstones as rings. For the wedding, they'll have the same energy anyway."

Shuuichi smiled and did so warmingly, "Kiyoni, that is a perfect idea."

"Really?"

"Yes. In fact, you may call me crazy but I already have some ideas for our wedding if you…care to hear them."

"Like what?"

"Well, for starters, how would you feel about a black wedding dress?"

Kiyoni dropped her jaw but just as she was about to say something, the couple was joined by Yukina and all those who volunteered to make this night a good one. It seems the people agreed with the union and Kiyoni was welcomed more into the church community. In some Christian cultures, the marriage would mean that Kiyoni would be the first lady of Lighthouse Tokyo. Would she accept it? Nah. Not now anyway.

To end the night, the pair retire to the botanical attic to celebrate their engagement in sensual fashion. By morning, it's wedding plans and dreams until the big day. Nevertheless, both the young deacon and the former succubus took comfort in knowing how they'll spend the rest of their lives. Together and in peace.