Six

The day had come at last.

The bride was completely exhausted as she slumped into her chair, gathering her thick robe tightly around her body. She stared at her wedding attire absently as it hung on the door in all its splendor. Mrs. Souma purchased a magnificent gown to celebrate her marriage, and she was grateful for it. Yet, Tooru couldn't help but feel disappointed for she wanted to wear her mother's own wedding gown, though it was far too long and a bit loose for her. And far too late to make such alterations in less than a week's time.

"Tooru? Why aren't you dressed!" Mrs. Honda exclaimed as she entered the room.

The younger woman averted her eyes, apologizing softly as she stared down at her small pale hands. She was scared, tired, and confused. She wanted to run away and never return...but that would be cruel. Straightening up, she looked up at her aunt and smiled reassuringly.

"You're a very strange girl. Now, I'll bring that friend of yours to get you ready and you better be down stairs in twenty minutes. Your uncle will be waiting there for you and please, please, please be graceful. We don't want the Soumas' to see what a klutz you are."

With that, she turned away and left the bride alone once more. Tooru turned her back at the door and looked outside the window of Mrs. Souma's two story home; drinking in the beautiful spectacle before her. If it had not been her own wedding, she would have dreamed of having such an elegant ceremony. She was in awe at how nicely and quickly her mother-in-law arranged the whole matter.

"You shouldn't look outside the window."

Tooru turned around, smiling as her friend embraced her. "Why is that?"

"Because you'll spot your soon-to-be spouse and obtain a marriage of ill luck," Hana said matter-of-factly. "Now, let's get you dressed, shall we?"

The brunette nodded as she disrobed herself, growing warm as she saw her revealing lingerie in the taunting full-length mirror.

"My, my...I see that you are truly anticipating your wedding night," Hana teased, eyeing her well shaped form.

Tooru blushed and shook her head, evidently ashamed. "Mrs. Souma picked it out without me knowing. I look so silly in it, don't I?"

"No, you look rather sexy if you don't mind me saying so," Hana replied, smiling widely. "Now stay still, why don't you?"

The petite girl absently slipped into her dress as she gazed about the room, feeling at peace for once. It had been a long week for her; a stressful one, and she was glad that the whole ordeal was nearly over. The room was silent for moment as Tooru stood there, contemplating with a look of wonder in her innocent face.

"Hana..." Tooru reached out for her friend, whom was zipping the back of her elegant dress. "I'm ready."

Saki smiled warmly at her friend as she gathered the trembling girl into her arms, "Ready? I'm not even done zipping you up."

"No, I meant...ready for this. The wedding." Tooru gave a weak smile and was grateful that Hana was holding her so she wouldn't see the hidden look of fear and curiousity that took hold in her eyes.

"Marriage is a big step to take," the other girl whispered softly, rubbing her back soothingly. "I never would have imagined you to marry so soon. I suppose I've been so selfish for thinking that I could have you all to myself."

Feeling the bitter sting of tears, Tooru looked up at her dear friend pleadingly. "I'm still me, Hana... I don't want you to feel that you are not useful to me now that I am married. Don't ignore me after today!"

Shocked by her sudden outburst, Hana looked down at the young girl who had stolen her heart years ago. She had always known that her love would never be returned and had dealt with that fact for many years. It was hard to imagine giving her away to someone else, knowing full well that nothing will ever be the same; yet she somehow had the courage to let her go.

Hana straightened up, giving a small smile. "Don't think I'll abondon you just because your last name has changed; you'll always be my Tooru. I will always be here for you...because I love you."

Tooru eyes widened brightly as she beamed up at the beautiful woman. "I love you too, Hana!"

She doesn't get it, Hana thought wearily, but smiled nonetheless. "All right, now we really need to get ready because I'm sure Hatori wouldn't want to see his bride red-nosed and brimming with tears."

Her uncle gave her away in marriage. Walking along the ailse with an uncle she had barely spoken to was uncomfortable for her and the knot in her stomach tightened. With each passing step, she took deep gratifying breaths; hoping that she wouldn't trip on her dress. She peered into Hatori's face shyly as she walked closer to him. His expression was contained, much to her disappointment for she couldn't tell if he was pleased or annoyed. Her hand began to tremble when her uncle placed her hand in Hatori's. She didn't resist, but she gasped when they made contact. She had never touched him before, and the touch of his large warm hands almost comforted her tension.

He was also somewhat surprised when he felt those soft little hands invade his own; feeling a wave of protectiveness wash over him for only a moment. Hatori eyed her for a moment, watching his bride flush beneath his gaze. Her wedding attire was that of a princess as the chapel of her train nestled gracefully behind her; her bodice low and inviting as delicate lace trimming brushed against her creamy skin. Her hair was down as it lay in soft curls at her back, a small tiara nestled lovely atop her head. She looked stunning. No, he thought, more than that...he couldn't really distinguish the right words to define her beauty. His eyes wandered to her slender neck, suddenly noticing the rather low neckline that showed her lovely endowments and looked away.

The wind danced in the air between the married couple as the ceremony began, distracting the bride for a moment when it tossed a strand of hair out of place in the process. She let go of Hatori's hand to brush the strand of hair behind her ears absently before letting her arm linger at her side. Hatori grunted to himself softly when he saw that she didn't take hold of his hand again, and grabbed hers into his possessively. He looked at her gravely, wondering what he was going to do with her.

The ceremony was going along nicely until 'the moment' came. Tooru looked up nervously at her new husband, feeling that everything had gone by too fast. It only seemed like moments ago that she was walking down the ailse with her stiff uncle and had exchanged vows and rings. But, now the time had come. Hatori looked into her brown eyes for a second before closing them as he leaned down and captured her lips with his. His mouth was hot against hers as they pressed gently onto her own. Tooru recovered a mere second from her shock and returned his kiss as well, somehow liking the feel of his warm lips on hers. It was far too short to call it romantic, though too long to call it friendly. An unusual feeling passed through her body as they ended their first marital kiss and, to her embarassment, she wanted more.

A loud cheer arose from the crowd, as his seemingly hyper-active family members bounced up and down in utter joy. She was in a dream as she walked arm-in-arm with her husband down the aisle, noticing the male members of his family nudging and winking at him while Hatori grunted to himself in apparant annoyance.

Stiffling a giggle, Tooru led her groom to the awaiting car while the trail of whistling adults followed them. Hatori refused to acknowledge the congratulating individuals as he hurriedly opened the door for Tooru to enter. She was laughing in glee at the cheerfulness of the crowd while she helped herself into the car, waving to them as they continually spewed their congrats. Hatori ignored them for the most part, and was about ready to murder two beautiful men if his stern glare didn't get the better of them. Cursing beneath his breath, Hatori entered the driver's seat of his car and sped away without a second glance.

"Is there something wrong, Mr. Souma?" Tooru asked quietly once they were in the car, though her eyes danced with merriment.

"Those damned fools," Hatori began before clinching his jaw.

Giggling, the small brunette looked over at him with a devilish grin. "Ah, but they'll be at the reception."

He glanced at her at hearing her small jest and could see that she was completely intoxicated in... happiness? What on earth was she so happy about, he wondered to himself harshly, as he looked away from her.

Yet, he couldn't deny the fact that his heart was beating quite rapidly when she was in his presence.

Yay, I finally updated quickly :P This chapter was a bit rushed but I was sooooooo excited while writing it (as you can see). I don't know when the next chapter will be up, but hopefully it will be soon!

.Hae-Jang Lee.

Just call me Blue- Yay! Thank you :D I understand though, because we all have a life (at least I hope so) so there's no possible way for us to update nearly everyday :D

Flurescentpinkfairies- I hope you won't die :( Because you won't be able to leave me such nice reviews anymore, hehehe XD thanks!

Hatorifan- Thanks! They're also my favorite pairing :D

Venna- I'm glad that you thought my story was ok.

HelloKat- Thank you! I'm very happy to hear that my two behbeh's are in character and that you understand how I am trying to potray this oh so sexy doctor ;)

animaeGuRl- Awww thank you! They're such a cute couple, aren't they?

Placid Snowflake- Yay! Heehee, I'm sooo excited that you like it so much! Thank x million :D This story won't have any zodiac forms, unfortunatelty, and she doesn't remember Hatori because she never met him before. Thanks for asking though :) If you have any more questions, feel free to ask them :D!

Jaclynn- Thanks!

Joflower- Aww thank you! Yeah, my spelling is horrid and I'm much too lazy to run a spell check...I also skimmed through your stories...they look very interesting! I'll read them once I have time and stop being pestered by my mother XD;; Oh and a BIG THANK YOU for the link :D!

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Anonymous- Thanks for reading my story and also thank you for bringing up that topic. I'm pretty sure many who read the American manga were wondering the same thing XD.

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