Kiss Paralysis
The tear-drops-rain-drops fall from our faces sink to the ground and into the ocean.
Chapter 17, Sea Us
"Is everything arranged properly?" asked Selphie urgently as she trotted about the numerous tables, verifying that every flower was in its place and the tableware was methodically aligned.
"I think everything is in check," Naminé replied as she polished a fork, the dullness fading and revealing her pink-cheeked reflection.
Tidus circled a few tables under Selphie's command, "Everything is good here," he answered then started wandering off towards the tables of his own interest, "I'm going to see if the food table is--"
Selphie cast him a foreboding look and answered curtly, "Riku has already overlooked them."
Tidus mouthed an O. Disappointed he shuffled over to Wakka who gave him a small carrot to snack on for the meantime.
The wedding was gorgeously painted, it resembled something heavenly and tropical at the same time. The tables were decorated in sheer pink table cloths and sheer blue ones, the dining ware was orderly and dazzling with silver forks, spoons, and knives, the china was painted with vivid handmade designs of island flowers. The seats were simple and made of wicker with beige padding. The napkins were lavender, folded into intricate designs that resembled hats in a sense, and resting patiently on plates. The vases were a solid off-white color that contrasted well with the luscious, luminous flowers of Destiny Island and alongside each vase was a single paupu fruit that would be cut for everyone at each table to share.
The paupu fruit on each table was Kairi's idea, she believed that all the people gathered at this wedding should share their destinies together. Destiny was a romantic idea to her after all.
Roman pillars surrounded the isle, wrapped around them were brilliant green vines, accented with sunset pink flowers. The altar was surrounded by the renowned flowers and plants of Destiny Island and the carpet in which Kairi would lay her feet on was a delicate cream color with golden edges.
Naminé stood at the beginning of the trail that led to the alter, daydreaming for a second of her own wedding day, "How lovely," she didn't feel herself say it.
"It is," Riku answered from behind her, his sea green eyes almost as dazed as her own.
She blushed and smoothed her dress, "When did you get here?"
"A few minutes ago," he answered as he fixed the silvery white flower on his tux.
"Oh," she replied, smiling, "It must be a really big day for Sora, don't you think?"
Riku nodded, "He's really come far, Kairi and Sora will surely last," something flickered into his eyes, Naminé couldn't really place it though, it was something like a rejoicing despair.
"I'm glad for him, for the both of them," she responded sincerely.
Before their moment could get any more intimate Selphie emerged from Kairi's dressing tent, "Naminé, come into the tent for a moment?" she asked, "Oh yeah, Riku you ought to see Sora before the wedding, he looks so anxious and nervous."
Naminé nodded, "Well, I'm going to help them out."
Before she left Riku kissed her lightly on the cheek, "Alright."
Her cheeks were reddening madly and Selphie's green eyes emitted something that looked like jealousy.
Kairi side glanced at Selphie as she allowed the hairdresser to curl her hair, "What's the matter, Selphie?"
Her friend returned and smiled, she knew better than to feel any vendetta towards Naminé, especially since Kairi had grown fond of her over the past few days, "Nothing's wrong," she assured, grinning.
The bright blonde entered the tent and took a seat, "Is there something you need?" she asked.
"Um, I know this is on such short notice," Kairi mentioned meekly, "but we're running short a maid and I was wondering if you would mind . . ."
Naminé smiled widely, "I'd love to!" she answered before Kairi could finish her request.
Kairi smiled gratefully, "Thank-you Naminé, that means so much to me."
"The wedding just wouldn't be complete without the right number of bridesmaids," Selphie commented as she fixed a stray bang in her hair.
"Oh, is Riku here yet?" asked Kairi, now free from the styling of the hairdresser.
"Yes, he just arrived not too long ago," answered Naminé politely.
Kairi seemed relieved, "Good, I'm glad."
"Naminé, you should have the hairdresser work with your hair for a little while," Selphie suggested as she helped Kairi place on her veil.
"It does look sort of plain, doesn't it?" she asked as she observed her locks of blonde fall flatly against her dress.
"A few curls here and there and it'll look nice," Kairi replied sweetly.
Selphie helped Kairi add on the rest of the complicated wedding garments and then moved out of the way, she felt herself flushing at Kairi's image, she looked really pretty, a bride to be proud of, "Wow, Kairi . . ."
She stepped in front of the mirror and overlooked her dress. Riku was the one who helped her on deciding, she was thankful for his good taste. The veil was small, the mesh so translucent and adorned with flowers. The dress held an islander sort of appearance but in a formal way. Pastel pink flowers and ribbons adorned the hem and the dress had a certain simplicity that softened and heightened all the features of Kairi. The straps crossed in the back and the dress wasn't quite poofy, like 1800's Victorian dresses, more so thin and pressing perfectly against Kairi body frame, reaching above the knee. Her dress was much like a combination between a sundress and wedding dress. Her shoes were delicate white pumps, with flowers adorning them. The necklaces around Kairi's neck were but thin silver chains, the charm was a small silver key that Sora had given her as a present when he returned on that fateful day. The earrings were pearls her own mother had worn at her wedding and the hairdresser did a splendid job on her hair, framing Kairi's face perfectly, and making it the focal point.
Selphie had finally managed to say a proper compliment, "Kairi, you look beautiful, truly amazing."
"Thank-you Kairi," she took her friend in her arms and felt herself already growing sentimental.
Naminé took a moment to look at Kairi and she smiled at the friends, Kairi really was breathtaking.
Meanwhile, Sora was sitting inside his own tent, his hair had always refused to agree with anyone so in the end the stylist opted for a more casual look--basically his hair looked normal. Tidus was sitting beside Sora and on the other side was Wakka.
"Man," was all Tidus could say and it spoke for both Wakka and himself.
Wakka scratched his head idly, "Yeah, man, don't be nervous, it's goin' to be cool."
"Yeah," Sora replied blandly and he went to fix his tie that always ended up slightly crooked no matter how much it was worked on.
Tidus's gaze went to the entrance and watched as Riku came inside discreetly, "About time you got here," he declared playfully.
Riku only replied with a casual smirk and leaned against one of the posts that supported the tent, "Are you ready, Sora?"
Sora looked to his best friend, "Yeah, I think so."
Wakka could sense Riku's prep talk coming and he knew it always worked best when Sora and Riku shared it alone, "C'mon Tidus, I'm going to see if they finished cooking all the appetizers."
"Sounds good to me," he followed hurriedly after Wakka.
Riku took the empty seat that Tidus left behind and if he could, he would've smoked a cigarette, but for Kairi he wouldn't smoke at their wedding.
"I'm really going to go through with this Riku and you're not going to stop me," Sora declared, his heart wrenching.
"And I won't stop you, Sora," Riku response sounded cold to Sora, however it was quite a complete malicious response.
Sora took in a deep breath, "Riku, I love Kairi with all my heart," his words betrayed him so much.
Riku only nodded, "You wouldn't be doing this if you didn't love her."
Sora fingered his tie and Riku motioned for him to stand. He did as told and felt himself going rigid, he hadn't been this close to Riku since--no sense in recalling that day.
"Sora, you should learn to tie these properly," he lectured, sea icy green eyes overlooking the tie and then focusing in on Sora's ocean blue eyes.
Riku's height has always towered over Sora but it wasn't that particular aspect about Riku that made Sora succumb , it was his eyes, they were such rare eyes, so quixotic.
Sora grinned innocently, Riku hadn't been lecturing him lately, it was so nostalgic and solacing hearing it again, "I won't ever be able to do it on my own," he admitted.
"Sora," Riku could've kissed Sora after that smile--he could've took Sora by the hand and ran off to the ports--he could've found a way to a world that would exist solely for them--he could've made Sora his own--but Riku knew realities better than anyone else. Destiny wouldn't work out like he wanted it to and he was accepting it.
Sora looked up after observing himself in the mirror, the tie was finally symmetrical, "Hmm?"
"Make Kairi a happy wife, take care of her," those words reminded him of the beginnings, recalling the darkness and Kingdom Hearts.
"I will," Sora said nobly, he would because Riku asked him to and because he was in love with Kairi. Sora just had to remind himself that he loved Kairi.
Tidus cleared his throat upon his entrance, "The wedding starts in ten minutes," he reminded.
Sora noticed the crumbs around Tidus's mouth, "You better not have ate everything," he joked.
Tidus immediately began to rid his face of the evidence, "I didn't!" he defended.
Sora just laughed lightly and watched as Riku began heading towards the exit.
"I'll see you at the alter, Sora," those words sounded foreboding more than comforting.
Riku departed from the tent and Sora stared at himself at the mirror. He didn't feel appropriate for such formal attire. His tux seemed to enhance his boyishness rather than diminish it. He straightened his tie one last time and silently prayed for himself.
The pianist sounded for Kairi's entrance and Selphie grinned, "It's your time to shine!"
Kairi nodded and every ounce of grace within her had unleashed into her movement and into her posture. She was something like an angel as she walked along the white carpet spread before her, leading her to her everlasting life, leading her to her beloved. The flower girl behind her made Kairi's flight only look more celestial, the rose petals floating and falling. Selphie and Naminé matched accordingly to Kairi--both sharing equal poise with her and only exuding more beauty for Kairi.
Sora swallowed and he his fingers twitched, he knew if he were to straighten out his tie he'd only look more nervous but Kairi was so beautiful. Was he really worthy of her love. Kairi's love was so profound, almost so profound it was tangible. She deserved something whole-hearted. She deserved all his love. Could Sora provide for such a pure love?
Kairi was now standing before him, her blue eyes sparkling and reflecting into his own. Her red hair but a halo around her flawless face. Sora was struck by disbelief, this was the girl, no woman that loved him and that he loved too.
When the priest began to speak Sora became warped into his mind's land to comprehend his speech but when he said, "Into this holy estate these two people come now to be joined together. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully married, speak now or forever hold your peace!" something in Sora screamed for help--it screamed for Riku's objection.
It was only for a second but Sora looked away from Kairi's eyes, trying to glance impossibly at the man behind him. His best man. Riku made no protest. Sora realized this was real, he was getting married, and no one could reject. Only Sora could do the speaking now.
There was more brief speaking from the priest and now it was Sora's turn, what would he say, should he run now?
"I take you Kairi, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and, in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, and thereto I pledge you my faith and love."
The priests speaks but it's all too obscured for Sora, his thoughts and emotions were acting as a blockade, shackling him down.
He listened now for Kairi's lips moved and repeated the same verse to him, "I take you Sora, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and, in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, and thereto I pledge you my faith and love."
It happened quick but Sora's body seemed to be doing all the reacting for him and he closed his eyes, bringing Kairi into his arms and kissing her for the world to witness their love, their marriage.
Kairi and Sora were granted the first to be on the dance floor and soon couples gradually filed in after. Amidst all the twirling and dancing Sora could see Naminé along with Riku and as the blonde twirled Sora and Riku's gazes clashed.
Sora knew every emotion behind those rock-like eyes.
He had abandoned his love for Riku.
They both had already known it would've ended up this way.
They knew it from the beginning.
No kiss and no lingering paralysis.
A/N: Tragic ending, don't you think? There's an epilogue so before you get mad at me and flame me with angry reviews, critique this chapter nicely, and I should have the epilogue up soon. Man, this chapter was LONG. Sorry for the slow update, I've actually been playing Kingdom Hearts II.
Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own Kingdom Hearts, ugh.
