Love Don't Come Easy
Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonians.
Chapter Seventeen: All this, and a wedding too
Cathy smiled at her oldest daughter, "So we have to figure out what you are going to wear for the wedding" She announced, as she gave a sidelong glance to Jen, Karena and Sara, the woman were all sitting around the kitchen table drinking tea and making plans for the big day.
Rama scrunched up her brow and face, "What d'ya mean? I am not, I absolutely refuse to wear a dress do you hear me? This is my wedding day and I'm not going wear one of those things." She declared firmly, "So don't any of you think like that" She warned, "I was thinking I might look good in a tux though."
Karena rolled her eyes "Always a tomboy Casey and Raph corrupted her at an early age."
"Oh come on it is my wedding I deserve to be comfortable" Rama protested innocently.
Cathy shook her head, "Honey what about Jessie?"
Rama gave an indifferent shrug, "He can wear what he wants, he can go naked if he wants. I do all of the time." A sly grin crossed her face, "I know Jessie can wear the dress!" she beamed suddenly.
"I don't think so Rama" Jen gave an icy tone, and shook her head.
Sara chuckled "It could be fun to watch, now Raph in a dress could be even more hilarious." She held a hand over her mouth as she began to laugh at the mental image that popped into her mind, "Something pink and frilly maybe."
" Uncle Raph wouldn't go there on a dare." Rama grouched crossing her arms over her plastron.
"Look Rama you want to look good on your wedding day for Jessie, you were beautiful on our wedding day" Cathy reminded her, "Your dad loved to see you in the dress, so why not do it for Jessie?"
"Jessie doesn't care about that" Rama insisted firmly, "He told me so himself when we set the date."
Sara shook her head as she recovered from her laughter, "Honey, I know for you that dressing up is more for disguise, but don't you know that clothes can sometimes be more interesting, because of the things they cover up?" Sara hinted, "Being au natural nothing is covered or hidden, it's all out in the open. But clothing can be very exciting, it can draw the eye to certain places like a flash of leg or the cleavage which granted you don't have the latter. It can hide other areas that don't look as good, or make other areas more flattering" Sara gave her a knowing look, "Not to mention the feel of it brushing up against your skin or body, soft cotton, or silk, and oh a flash of skin can captivate."
Rama smirked "I'm sure you'd know all about that."
"I do know, that is why I am telling you, not to mention the fun you can have undressing each other on the wedding night." Sara hinted arching an eyebrow up meaningfully.
Rama chuckled "I have a feeling if I want to be a true kunoichi I ought to talk to you further alone before the wedding night." She muttered more to herself then the others present.
Sara smiled, "Sure I can help you there. No one else in this clan seems up to training the kunoichi in the traditional aspects."
Karena sighed "Well Rama is it a dress?"
Rama looked around at the expectant look on the faces of the others "All right a dress, but I don't want to go for anything too, well you know, that isn't me."
"Don't worry we have plenty of time to shop" Jen assured her.
"Next order on the agenda is the menu for the reception." Karena remarked, "We may have to start early, so we need to know now."
Rama groaned, "Is it too late for Jessie and I to elope?" she inquired of no one in particular. She had never realized what went into a wedding before now, she didn't think Leo, Don, Raph or her father had worried about so many different details. Not only had there been things like the location of the wedding and the reception, but the flowers what types, colours and how many, there was now the fun of trying to find a dress, and bake up a storm for the reception. Then there was decorations and numerous other details that made Rama just want to scream.
Of course Cathy and all of her Aunts were very insistent that these decisions be made, to make the day perfect for her, so that her wedding would be memorable, and more importantly to go off with little fuss.
'I think I know why I was trained as Jonin it was to prepare me for all the decisions I have to make just to be married.' Rama mused to herself. Then again if there is going to be such little fuss later, why is there such worries now?'
XXX
Mike had been put in charge of getting a hold of the one man who had the honour of marrying the others in the clan. Priest William Jacob. The blind priest was always so happy to hear from them and find out how the family had grown, how they were all doing. Keeping in touch with the extended turtle family seemed to be something the Priest looked forward to, in fact he always acted as if marrying anyone in their family was the best and was appreciative to do it.
Mike had long claimed that the Priest, though blind wasn't dumb and surely had to have an inkling that he wasn't marrying normal couples, for no matter how carefully they were he knew for a fact that something must have given them away after all this time. Still if Priest Jacob did have any knowledge he was wedding a human to a giant turtle, the man never betrayed it, in any way shape or form, thus leading the family to discuss whether the Priest had caught on yet, or if they had been extremely lucky. Either way, he was the only man the family knew of, who could make such ceremonies legal.
Mike picked up the phone and dialed quickly whistling a bit while he listened to the rings from the other end. At least until he heard the phone picked up and a warm greeting issued. "Yeah, I was wondering if the Priest William Jacob was in?"
"I'm afraid not, he retired a few months back. Is there something I can help you with?" came the reply.
Mike groaned and gave a soft forlorn sigh, "Uh no, I don't think so. See the Priest Jacob married myself and my brothers, and well, my first born is getting married and we were kinda hoping he'd be able to, well do the honours for us." He explained.
There was a chuckle on the other end of the line, "Well, he may be retired but he still loves to perform special ceremonies, however he reserves the right to pick and choose who he does it for, says if he did it for everyone who asked for him he'd be working more hours then when he had all of his duties of Priesthood."
Mike perked up as he heard those words, "Really, that sounds promising at least. Is there any way to get his number or do you call him?" Mike pressed.
"We call him, if we gave his number out to everyone they'd be pestering him at all hours of the day. Just remember if he can't do it then I would be happy to officiate for you."
Mike scowled and gave a small shake of his head, "Uh what was your name again?"
"I'm Priest Evan Taylor," was the prompt answer.
"No offence Priest Taylor, but you see, my family suffers a strange skin condition, it looks and feels a bit scaly and well, it sort of puts a lot of people off that is why the family sort of went with Priest Jacob, because he is blind it sort of made things easier on all involved." Mike informed the fellow on the other end. " I don't know if we could find someone as willing to look beyond our outer skin."
"Ah I see, well give me your number and hopefully you will hear from him soon Mr..."
"Turtle, Mike Turtle." Mike said as he gave out the number. The Turtle bit had been something Leo had started, they had no last name and while they could go by the Hamato name, none of them were Japanese, and besides that it had been a bit of a joke on Leo's behalf as well as giving a last name that Leo felt truly represented who he was, thus not compromising Leo's integrity. As he hung up the phone Mike could only hope that the good Priest would reply in the affirmative to their call.
It was later that day that Mike received a return call from Priest Jacob. "Mike Turtle, so your oldest that would be Rama, correct?"
"Yes. You got it in one." Mike laughed, "a wonderful memory you have."
"She can't be old enough yet though for such..." Priest Jacob declared.
"She is twenty one, and she was fourteen when you married Cathy and I." Mike pointed out gently.
"Ah yes, then I guess she is old enough" he laughed, "For some reason I felt she was still in her teens."
"Oh no I wouldn't permit her to get married that young. I found out the hard way that teens don't know much about the commitment it takes for marriage or any responsible relationships, tends to make the kids grow too fast." Mike muttered ruefully, "I mean that is how I ended up being Rama's father."
"We all make mistakes in life, and I'm sure she was a blessing to your family considering your..." Priest Jacob coughed, "Skin disorder which went further then skin."
Mike went on his guard, "What do you possible mean by that?" he demanded.
"Skin is one thing but your bodies feel hard, and I got to thinking that it feels very similar to a turtle shell, rather fitting the last name." the Priest remarked casually.
"All right how long have you known?" Mike wondered curiously.
"Since before Raphael and Sara were married. I wasn't sure if I was right and had no way of approaching it to you. I also got to thinking that it was, near as I knew almost impossible for a turtle to walk or talk, or make the decisions that you made."
Mike nodded "Okay confession time," Mike told the old Priest everything concerning their mutation, though he hid the fact that they were ninja. "We really didn't want to lie to you but...well not too many people would marry an animal to a human."
"An animal?" Jacob echoed.
"Well sure basically most people would see us as that, they'd look at our turtle features and they'd just think animal." Mike shrugged.
"True, but your mutation put you above the animals. We are all creatures of God. What makes man different from animals is we can make the conscious choice to do what is right or wrong. We can make decisions for the better or worse. Animals can communicate but they can't make the necessary choices beyond survival, they don't think in killing is wrong." Priest Jacob explained, "You and your family have the intellect of a man, and became like a man, for whatever reason, that perhaps only God knows or understands. You like man have a soul of that I am sure of and the good lord wanted us to help our fellow men whoever they may be." He explained, "When is Rama planning to marry?"
"September twentieth." Mike answered.
"Good I"ll be away for a bit but I'll be sure I'll be back by then, and also my friend we ought to get together and see what we can arrange as a group to insure any weddings, funerals, or prayers you may need are seen to, for I won't be around forever." Priest Jacob assured him.
Mike smiled relieved that Rama would be properly married in the eyes of the world, but also that they seemed to have gained another friend in Priest Jacob, a friend they hadn't realized they had.
XXX
Rama rested her head in Jessie's lap, while he played with her hair, as they watched a movie.
"I think I'll be glad when this is all over" Jessie muttered as he gazed down at her.
"Agreed, I'm threatening to elope if that helps," Rama offered amiably.
"Just run away for awhile huh?" Jessie arched an eyebrow up, "That does sound promising."
"I guess we get to run away on our honeymoon" Rama sighed, she closed her eyes, "This is nice." She crooned, "I really do want a place of our own Jessie."
"A place of our own and a family of our own." Jessie responded, "I suppose as quick as possible on both."
Rama nodded "But of course."
Jessie smiled down at her "Are we going to do our own vows, or keep it simple and ..."
Rama smacked him "You're doing it now Jess" she accused, giving him a mock glare " You are putting wedding decisions into our let's relax and forget about it time. What do you want?" she then inquired seriously as an afterthought.
"I thought of own vows, but I'm worried I might stutter my way through it" Jessie confessed uneasily, "You know that I have more trouble with it when I'm nervous and I've never been able to change that in any way, no matter how hard I tried."
Rama sat up and placed an arm around Jessie, "Jess, I accepted you for who you are, that includes the fact you stutter now and again. You've come along way since you were seven, and I'm pretty sure you never thought you'd get as far as you have." Rama assured him, "If you want to do our own vows then let's do it. Nobody in our family is going think you are making a mess of the wedding." Rama reached her other hand across to take his hand, "In fact I think it will make things better."
Jessie smiled, "You always understood." he blushed a bit. "You know any of our kids might end up with this problem too."
"Yeah, I'm aware of that Jess, but it won't matter because it has no effect whatsoever on what kind of husband or father you are going to be." Rama leaned in and kissed Jessie. When she broke off the kiss she smiled at him "I know for a fact you are going be wonderful."
XXX
The day of the wedding dawned and Rama with the other ladies of the household went to set up the hall and dress there, though Rama insisted that she'd sooner be with Jessie, in spite of everyone telling her it was bad luck. "Ninja aren't superstious and I am quite willing to risk it." Though Rama had to admit, if only to herself, that she enjoyed the chance to decorate the hall.
They placed up the chairs, for the family and guests to sit on and decorated the hall with mini lights and artificial flowers. There were two arches, one at the each end of the aisle, both of them decorated in bright artificial flowers, in such a way as if the flowers had grown up the arch and were taking it over. They hung a Japanese picture on the wall, of a garden with a koi pond, small Japanese lanterns were dispersed around the room and candles lit inside them, then there was the soft scent of incense, and colourful balloons. The balloons didn't seem to fit with the soft lights, and fragrant scents but Rama had insisted on having them for the children to play with later.
Rama smiled as they stood back to admire the work "This is so heavenly," she sighed.
Kali nodded, "Oh Rama I wish it was me." She gushed happily.
Karena turned to her daughter, "Your father won't approve of you marrying right now and neither do I. Just be lucky you are one of the bridesmaids."
Kali gave a small pout "Always a bridesmaid never a bride."
Rama leaned into her and softly whispered "See to it you catch the bouquet, you know what that is suppose to mean."
Kali giggled at her words, "I hope so Rama, but I think Ashlynn might."
Rama shook her head "No way she wouldn't. Now Abigail is more likely to provide more competition for you. Not to mention Kaida."
Cathy cut into their talk, "Come on we have enough time to grab a quick lunch before we get dressed."
"It won't take that long to get dressed" Rama protested.
"You forget Rama along with getting dressed is doing the hair, the make up and a great deal of other stuff as well." Karena reminded her.
Rama rolled her eyes, "It just better be worth it."
By the time the rest of the family had arrived, the females were hidden away. Mike was looking forward to walking Rama down the aisle, though Rama had informed her father that she wasn't his possession and therefore the archaic line of who gives this woman to be wed to this man, was going be answered by her, because she was giving herself to Jessie. Rama was fully aware of where and how that line came about and she didn't approve of it, especially in this day and age. But she had worked with Priest Jacob to give Mike another question to answer instead.
Jessie had asked for Don and Raph to be his best men, or turtle, in this case. This was to balance out the two bridesmaids, Cathy and Kali. Jessie pulled at his tie and grimaced a bit.
"Quit fussin' ya think your uncomfortable in these fancy duds just think how we feel." Raph informed him, "Or how Rama feels bein' made to look like a woman." He added.
"I've never seen Rama look like that." Jessie beamed at the thought.
"It has only happened twice in her lifetime boy, don't get used to it, but do enjoy the pictures." Mike advised his son-in-law.
Sara and Karena came out, not missing the opportunity to dress up, Sara quickly eyed her mate and cocked her eyebrows up, slowly licking her lips "You are hot" she mouthed.
"Yeah I'm roastin' in this" Raph agreed, with a small smirk that said he knew exactly what she meant.
Upon hearing the news that the bride and bridesmaid were ready, Priest Jacob looked with his sightless eyes towards Jessie, "Is everyone else ready, if you are then I suggest we all take our places and allow this blessed event to take place."
"I'm all for that" Jessie blushed a bit as he spoke eagerly, while Mike, Raph, and Don went to collect the ladies. Jessie craned his neck a bit as he held his breath, waiting for that moment when he would see his beloved coming towards him. However he had a bit of a wait because first all he could see was Don leading Cathy, and Raph leading Kali, the two bridesmaid were dressed in a soft peach coloured gowns that fell past their knees.
Jessie found he was out of breath and quickly breathed, as he anxiously looked for Rama, but for the moment there was nothing, of course being ninja, Mike and Rama knew all about appearing at the right moment. Choosing their time to peak interest without causing attention or anticipation to fall. Then finally Mike appeared with Rama on his arms, and there was a chorus of 'oohs" and 'awwws.' Jessie shifted in place wanting to see what others had all ready seen.
Then Rama came around a corner, her arm still in Mike's and Jessie's jaw dropped, his eyes growing large as he saw her. Rama was stunning, her dress was a cream colour, that covered her upper body, with half sleeves, the lowered part of the dress flared out falling to the floor, with a slit up either side, that went from the floor to just above the knee. She had on a pair of high heeled shoes, and even her nails had been buffed and painted, her face done up with make up to enhance her eyes and cheek bones. As for her hair it hung down in a mass of curls, with fancy jeweled hair pieces that trapped some of the curls, and caught the light.
Jessie swallowed quickly as he felt his face grow warm. He felt his breath quicken, and his heart pound faster as Rama slowly made her way to the front, she coyly looked up and batted her eyes at Jessie, and then had to hide her laughter as she caught his baffled response.
"Who gives this woman to be with this man?" Priest Jacob inquired
"I give myself to be with him." Rama replied sweetly.
"Does your family accept this union.?" He asked.
"The family accepts Rama's choice, and upon that we give her our blessings." Mike replied sincerely.
"Then let us begin, this most blessed ceremony, of union, sanctified by the one above." Priest Jacob remarked.
Rama slipped her hand into Jessie's, she had to admit he looked good in that outfit, ' And it was almost worth getting in this strange get up for the look on his face.' She mused, ' I'm pretty lucky though to have Jess he does care about me.' She felt giddy as she waited not wanting this moment to end, and yet at the same time longing to be announced to all as man and wife, or be presented as Mr. and Mrs. Scott. ' The family was right all the fuss and the decisions were worth it. Everything today is worth it, and beautiful.' She gushed inwardly.
Jessie slipped the ring onto her finger and then shortly after began his vows, hoping he wouldn't stutter but doubting he'd get off so lucky. "Our love started with frrr...friendship. We helped each other an learned to ssss...stt..stand by one another through all sort of problems, though we drifted a part we remained friends" Jessie paused and took a deep breath, closing his eyes momentarily, " It is that, which wwwww...will see us through the years to come. Life won't get in our way now, we can't aff...afford to drift away, not when I'm so devouted to being, and staying with you. I love you with all my hu...hu...heart. You always meant the world to me. I love you forever, and will be your friend forever."
Rama knew Jessie might have said more then he did, but she also was aware he didn't want to stammer so much, she had a feeling she might get a full version later on, either in writing or spoken when they were alone, just the two of them, though by that point they might be busy with other things. "Jessie, I never thought or realized that the one I had grown up around, was so used to hanging around would end up being the man I loved more than any other," She smiled at him, "But then maybe it shouldn't be a surprise, you know me for who I really am. You're not fooled by any of my acts, you are privy to all my secrets. In the end I think you know me better then I know myself." She paused ducking her head, "Some people speak of soul mates, the one person who is meant for you. I know in my heart that you are mine. True, our friendship has taught us important values that will help us along in our future." Rama looked him right in the eye, "We have learned trust, to stand by one another and to be there when the other needs. Some couples go a lifetime without any of that. I am sure we will learn more as we go for we were constantly learning from each other. I love you heart, soul, mind and body. I pledge to stand by you no matter what happens or comes our way."
"What has drawn these two together let no person break apart. You may now kiss your bride."
Jessie didn't need to be told twice he wrapped Rama in his arms bent her over and gave her a long and passionate kiss.
The End