The Gun & the Sword.
Chapter XIV: The Happiest Days of Our Lives.
Keiranto woke up suddenly. He had finally got to sleep after tossing and turning in anticipation of the day ahead. Today promised to be the best day of his entire life, ever. He walked into his bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. His head still ached a bit from the stag party Seta, Keitaro, Tei, Ben and Taiki had thrown for him last night. Man, that had been wild.
He walked down the stairs and got himself some breakfast. Motoko was staying at her sister's; apparently it was bad luck for the bride to see the groom before the wedding. After he had finished, he checked the time again. The wedding was booked for two o'clock, so he had four hours to get changed, go over the entire plan a few times so he knew what he had to say and do where and when, and have a bite of lunch. However, he didn't think he would be able to eat much; he was so nervous and excited.
Keitaro would be acting as his best man, with Su and Shinobu as Motoko's bridesmaids and Naru as maid of honour. As the wedding was being held at the Aoyama dojo, transport for the bride to there wasn't a problem. Tei would drive the happy couple from the dojo to the Hinata Inn in a hired Rolls-Royce, a classic convertible model from the 1930's. The reception was planned to start at five, lasting until the last guest either left or passed out. Keiranto and Motoko would be leaving at around 11 to catch their plane to Cape Soya.
At 1:30 Keiranto donned his suit and set off for the dojo. He got there with plenty of time to spare and greeted all the guests. Finally, someone whispered in his ear, "she's here" and he stood by the altar waiting for her. The sight of Motoko, resplendent in white dress, took his breath away. As her father was dead, she was accompanied up the aisle and "handed over" by her mother, who was also conducting the service.
She spoke. "We have come here today to witness the union in holy matrimony of one Keiranto Urashima and Motoko Aoyama." She turned to Keiranto.
"Do you, Keiranto Urashima, take this woman, Motoko Aoyama, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."
Without hesitation he replied, "I do."
"And do you, Motoko Aoyama, take this man, Keiranto Urashima, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."
"I do"
Rikku and Tama-Chan came walking up, bringing the rings. He slipped one onto Motoko's finger as she did the same to him.
"With these rings, you symbolise the union of your souls and hearts."
She smiled at the pair.
"By the power that is vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
With that, Keiranto swept Motoko into his arms and gave her a long, passionate kiss. As they pulled apart he whispered to her, "I love you Motoko, for ever and always."
She whispered back. "Me too, forever, together, you and me."
They walked down the aisle hand in hand, confetti raining down on them from above. Motoko flung her bouquet high over the heads of the crowd and all the women scrambled for it. It was Kitsune who finally caught it, and blushed furiously. The happy couple climbed into the waiting car, and sped off.
-------------------------------------Hinata Inn, a few hours later--------------------------------------
The guests all raised their glasses and cheered as the newlyweds walked through the door. They blushed and smiled before walking into the inn and sitting down at the head of the table. After the meal, somebody, probably Ben, yelled out "Speech from the groom!" and Keiranto was heckled to his feet.
"Before I go on," he said. "I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible today. Grandma Hina, for giving us your blessings, Tei, for driving us here and that 'Interesting' stag party; Ben, Taiki and seta for helping me choose my suit and organize all this, Shinobu for her wonderful cooking, all the rest of the girls for helping Motoko choose that beautiful dress, Tsuroko and Mrs Aoyama for giving away your wonderful daughter, and finally Motoko, for always being there for me and agreeing to become my wife on this day. This is truly the best day of my life."
Everyone applauded and/or sighed and the band started to play. Keiranto led his wife over to the dance floor.
It feels so right now, hold me tight,
Tell me I'm the only one,
And then I might,
Never be the lonely one.
So hold me tight, to-night, to-night,
It's you,
You you you - oo-oo - oo-oo.
Hold me tight,
Let me go on loving you,
To-night to-night,
Making love to only you,
So hold me tight, to-night, to-night,
It's you,
You you you - oo-oo - oo-oo.
Don't know what it means to hold you tight,
Being here alone tonight with you,
It feels so right now, feels so right now.
Hold me tight,
Tell me I'm the only one,
And then I might,
Never be the only one,
So hold me tight, to-night, to-night,
It's you,
You you you - oo-oo - oo-oo.
Don't know what it means to hold you tight,
Being here alone tonight with you,
It feels so right now, feels so right now.
Hold me tight,
Let me go on loving you,
To-night, to-night,
Making love to only you,
So hold me tight, to-night, to-night,
It's you,
You you you - oo-oo - oo-oo.