-Chapter 5-

Cagalli had returned the honor to Lacus to be her matron-of-honor. Lacus was helping the bride adjust her vale to fit her hair. Cagalli looked so elegant in the pure white gown that hugged her perfect curves.

"You look so pretty." Miari squealed.

"What she said, less high pitched."

"You really do." Mirriallia smiled from behind.

Lacus smiled and hugged Cagalli as the little flower girl and ring bearer came waddling into the room.

Miari adjusted the dark navy fabric on Shace that were the wedding party's dresses. They all looked like burnt out stars compared to a glowing Cagalli. She was smiling so much you could barely make out her eyes. Shace and Miari had forced both Nicol and Yzak into giving Cagalli away, since her father was no longer with them. It was going to be quite the story to tell. They all gathered in a circle in silent "good luck's" and "thank-you's".

Finally it was time. The first song trickled in through the doors and the small flower girl and ring bearer waddled up the isle to where Athrun and the groom's party stood. Little flashed from cameras, "aw's" and a few stifled laughs, then the first bride's maid; Lacus. Sporting her bright smile and glorified eyes as she approached the others. Next came Shace, eyes wide and that same tomboy charm plastered all over her smug face then Miari and Mirriallia trailing behind to hide the bride. The wedding march revved and as the entire bride's party stood at the front of the church. Cagalli walked around the corner with Yzak and Dearka on either side. The 3 slowly approached the others in silent approvals.

"And who gives this woman to this man on this day?"

"We do." The church echoed.

Cagalli stood facing Athrun as he lifted her vale. Her cheeks were bright pink with blush and her dark brown eyes intent on Athrun's eyes. They hardly shifted and as they exchanged vows and held back tears of joy. Miari, Lacus and Mirriallia were having a hard time not crying. Their handkerchiefs were soaked and they were thankful for waterproof mascara. Yzak rolled his eyes once he noticed that Shace had started but let it go, he'd never seen her cry at all. Kira stood proud as the best man and silently rehearsed his toast in his mind to keep him from crying as well. On his own wedding this technique hadn't worked and Yzak teased him for a month straight afterwards.

They were on the last of their vows now.

"You may kiss your bride." And so they did and flowed out of the church and out into the back as their guests filtered out and waited by the entrance and when they came, confetti, rice, was welcoming to them in congrats as the wedding party filed into the limousines.

(Reception)

Cagalli and Athrun were finally entering the hall with the rest of the wedding party and everyone cheered. It was exciting, uplifting, overwhelming and a humbling experience all in one. Hard to believe they'd finally done it and tied the knot. The party sat at the head table and looked around at their guests as the food was served.

During the first 20 minutes of the supper, someone tapped their glass with a chime at least 8 times and broke Cagalli's concentration on the food in front of her and Athrun moved closer for a kiss. She continued to blush and then came the toasts.

"First we'll hear from the first bride's maid. Shace." The DJ said from the podium. Shace stood excitedly and slouched at the mike.

"Well hello everyone. What a beautiful wedding, huh? I guess it helps that the wedding party wasn't so bad looking either, eh?"

A small fit of laughter gave Shace a push to keep going.

"Well I met Cagalli on our girl's football league in university. She hasn't changed much, except now… she could probably toss the old pigskin but she wouldn't want to kick Athrun's but too much."

Cagalli blushed and urged her to keep going, now this time followed by the same laughed.

"But…even if she makes the perfect quarterback and has the best come backs. I'm happy to see that you've finally come this far to catch something and hold onto it. Cheers." Shace held up her glass and left the podium. The DJ once again stood there and introduced Kira to the podium.

"Umm well. Thanks for making me the best man. Well… I've been repeating these words over and over inside my head and I just don't know what to say. Athrun's been my best friend since we were 4, so that would make it… 19 years. Doesn't it make you feel old?" Kira paused and took in a deep breath. "I remember the fact that you used to wear that dorky outfit that made you look like a Girl Scout. I remember the time you got your head stuck in the revolving door at junior prom and the punch accident. But… this day I will ALWAYS remember. Take care of my sister and each other." He stepped down for the first dance.

Athrun and Cagalli were the first ones allowed on the dance floor. They seemed to be floating on a cloud and stood dancing, embraced in silent stares. Next the wedding party. Lacus and Kira of course immediately hopped onto the floor and slow danced next to the distant newlyweds. Nicol ever so gracefully took Miari's hand and followed Dearka and Mirriallia onto the dance floor as a few smaller lights spun over head. Shace however knew Yzak hated to dance, so she sat there in her designated seat marveling at the elegance and talent of her friends' motions that sparkled in their eyes. Yzak stood in front of her holding out his hand blushing with a hopeless look on his face. She sat at first hesitated to take his hand but then took it with ease and walked onto the dance floor and she winked at Miari. NOW all the other guests were welcomed onto the floor. The dance ended and the speeches continued, along with dancing and dining. Shace however pushed Miari towards the podium so she could hear her speech before Lacus finished her meal before her speech.

"Okay, I can do this on my own." Miari stared at Shace. "Alright. Well I'm not much of a public speaking person but well… Cagalli and Athrun you deserve this and… I love the dresses!" Miari blushed an quickly made her way back to her seat.

Lacus made her way to the podium gracefully with her same smile dressing her eyes. She stood there happily and held the microphone.

"Cagalli, Athrun. You two mean everything to me. My family and friends. I couldn't imagine or sing about a more beautiful and suitable couple as the two of you. I hope you both find eternal love and happiness in your future together." Not a tear, no choke, but a flawless delivery and such passion.

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N/A: R&R please