Note: while this chapter may barely touch on it. This is one of the chapters besides Rachel's death that brought the rating to be changed. And hopefully, the picture of her dress shows at the end like it is supposed to. And that none of these properties belong to me. Thank you.
"Close your eyes and don't open them until I tell you." Obeying his request, she feels the world below her move as she is picked up. Before the feel of the wind takes over, the breeze and tranquility of the moment wash over her. A smile appearing on her face. 'I haven't been this happy in a good while, especially not after.'
Feeling the movement halting, "you can stand now. And open your eyes." She sees that they are in front of a restaurant. Turning to him with amazement, "you remembered?!" "Of course, I did." "But I only brought it up once." Shrugging his shoulder, she looks back at the words, NOBU. "I know you have been curious about sushi. And it may be an acquired taste, but it isn't so bad after that. And it isn't always raw anymore." She simply takes his hand, leading him inside.
Taking in the sights, the silence between them begins to become unbearable. "Are you okay?" Taking her in his arms, I'm fine. Why?!" "Just that you have been broodier than usual. And I don't even need to use telepathy to know that something is off with you." "Just have been contemplating things." She opens her mouth about to say something. "Come on, we are almost there."
"And then?" "I was about to get there. And you don't seem really surprised about this, Lorna. You knew?!" "Guilty. He had come to see me shortly before, asking what you liked. You know since you aren't exactly accustomed to wearing baubles, despite your profession. How is that going by the way?"
"Thank you, Jean for opening the door for me, but Kingo has been helping me slowly get back into things; since my focus has been elsewhere. But I don't want to give up working entirely. And the moniker of Kathleen Pryce wasn't really used until then. Now should I continue?!" "Oh yes, please do." Scarlet adds. The other women waiting quietly, anticipation written all over them.
"Are you ready to go?" "Yes. I am." Getting up, the two move and push their seats in. Feeling the pressure on her hand, she turns to see that Ikaris has yet to actually move. "Before we leave, there is something that must be discussed." Giving him a scrutinized look, "whatever you are planning can surely wait?!" He shakes his head, "it can't." "What are you up to?"
Slowly getting down on his knee, "I know that the setting may not be ideal, with the lack of privacy. But doing it here has meaning more than anywhere else; and it just couldn't live up to it occurring but where our first date took place?!" The impact of what is about to occur has her recoil, not that she gets far with the hold on her hand. The question and hurt beginning to linger in his eyes at her movement.
Kneeling to be faced with his eye level (for the most part). The tears and smile appear on her face. Taking his hands, looking at them before speaking, "before I give my answer. I have to say that I know she hurt you. But I am so happy that you took a chance on me, and on loving me this much. Our life may not have any guaranteesbut as long as I am able, I would never leave you. And even without this question you are about to ask, my commitment would remain the same."
Cupping his face as she stares at him in the eyes, before laying her forehead against his. "Yes." She whispers. "Now let's get out of here before the beans are possibly spilled. I definitely don't want our friends here to find out that way. But you know how the tabloids can be, so it might be too late." She takes the ring in her hand, putting it in her pocket, as he wraps his arm around her, leading her out of the establishment.
She sits back in astonishment as she hears the sighs around her. Seeing that each has their heads resting in their hands, leaning against the table. "Wow, I hadn't realized all of you were so cliché and romantics?!" "Hey, as stereotypical as it may seem, we are still women." Katya answers. "Really?! And yet you didn't go through with your wedding." "Hey, I got cold feet. But that doesn't mean that I love Piotr any less.''
"Enough of this talk. This is supposed to be a happy moment and all about you, Kathleen." Wanda adds. "She's right. We are here to discuss your upcoming nuptials, not my failed attempt." "I am going to bring up the shadow again, and I apologize but we are just glad that you are including us. And for not being able to completely separate you from Rachel." "Its fine. I get it, Crystal. But I do greatly appreciate all of you trying. But I can't totally fault you since I do insist on using her face.
But I would like and need pointers on that note, on how to deal with the men who still cling to this notion. Especially her romantic entanglements, Castle thankfully being, one of the ones not fooled or letting it consume him. Crystal, you have the best knowledge, tell me how I would deal with Pietro and Dane?!" The Inhuman princess begins laughing. "Oh, those two are in a class of their own.
And while they both may be so arrogant, at least, Pietro will respect a no. And take it for what it is worth. He didn't protest our annulment. Dane on the other hand, refused to. It became so bad that at one point, he and Pietro got into a fight. But I left both of them behind, their archaic behavior less than flattering. So, with Pietro, you may not have too much of a problem; it will be fending Dane off that will be the issue. So, just deal with it how you seem to fit, just don't go too extreme and take it too far."
"We are treading back into the negative. Tell us after all the dresses have been tried on, and you have you narrowed the choice down?" Mariah speaks. Hope and Rachel staring at their cousin's wife as she speaks. "I am not sure, though there is one that may fit the bill. But there were others that were just as flattering." "Well, that is what we are here for, to help, right?!" Clarice asks. "Of course."
"Clarice is right. And if you need help, Lorna, Wanda, Hope, Mariah and I know how tasking and tedious planning a wedding can be, we are here, at your disposal." Jean tells her. "Thank you, all of you. I really appreciate it." Good, now about the venue, who is walking you down the aisle, food, your bridesmaids and maid of honor, best man?!"
"Okay, guys. Let her breathe." Kitty tells them seeing Kathleen's panicked demeanor. "It hadn't been this overwhelming when Rachel married Pietro both times. What if I can't do this after all?! What does he even see in me?!" Lorna reaches out subtlety using her abilities, "okay, Kathleen. Either way, it will be fine. If he loves you as much as it seems, I really don't think he will leave you over this. But if you really aren't ready for this, you need to talk to him about it sooner rather than later. And definitely not on your wedding day." Rachel tells her. "She's right. As much as he clearly loves you, no man is that patient or understanding if jilted at the altar, at least not right away." Hope adds. "How about we end this conversation for now; and give you time to think about things more. And get back to us if still willing and not so overwhelmed; and we will help take the burden off?!" Jean replies. Kathleen nods her head.
Walking down the hallway, she is greeted by Mercury. "Hello, Hermes." "Lady Phoenix, or should I say Ikaris?!" "How about just Kathleen like I have told you before, I thought we are friends?!" And how did you find out?" "Really, one of my expertise happens to be delivering messages. And you are asking even if mum is the word, if you two have kept quiet about it for now."
"Which is exactly how we would like it, at least until later today." Ikaris says. Holding his hands out, she takes them. "Yes, we would greatly appreciate it." "Well, when the fair lady requests it, how could I not comply?!" Ikaris glares at him. "It is but a jest, my love." Taking his leave, "come now, you know how beautiful you are and that isn't meant to be funny. Hey, at least, you wouldn't ever need much help from Eros (Cupid, not Starfox) and Aphrodite, (much).
And seriously go find a room, because seriously sometimes the two of you are so sweet, it's sickening. And before anyone tracks you down, you know that word can and will travel fast here." Ikaris's arms around her, as she turns in Hermes's direction, seeing his form disappear around the corner. "HERMES! WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
Only to be met with silence, "come on, we should take his advice. Let's get out of here." Using her abilities which would get them around faster, the two disappear. And just in time as Makkari and Sprite turn the corner. Putting the adolescent down, "are you sure they were here?" "Yes. I can feel her magic. She must have teleported them." "Do you think it is true, Makkari?" "It could very well be likely. They have been joined at the hip, practically since she joined us."
"But what about Sersi; how is she going to take it?! Especially since Whitman has started to show an interest in Kathleen as well?!" "It is hard to say. Granted there had been other circumstances playing in the factor, but she had dealt with him and Crystal really well." "But now?!" "It wouldn't really matter. Lady Pryce isn't interested in him. And even if she were, Kathleen isn't that type of person. She does consider Sersi a friend of sorts.
It is her former involvement with Ikaris that may be more of the problem. With Sersi, it is hard to tell at times. She could not be bothered by it. Or it could be the complete opposite?! But at least, we do know that she wouldn't be vindictive about it. Not completely anyway, though we may have to watch if she does anything underhanded. The last thing we need is a possible fight between her and Kat and Ikaris getting in the middle of it."
"There you go." Looking in the mirror, "thank you, Jean." "It was no problem." "That was the last of it." Lorna adds from her position, before getting up from kneeling with Katya's help. "You look beautiful. Ikaris definitely won't know what hit him." "Scarlet Mackenzie is correct. You definitely have an aura of radiance." "Venus, what are you doing here?!" "Well, as a neighbor, I was invited. So, I thought, why not come and bless you and Ikaris with a happy marriage. Though, Hermes was correct. You two really don't need much help in this department. But still, obstacles abound in any relationship, so hopefully this will soften the blow when any occur." Taking the goddess's hand in hers, "thank you, Aphrodite." "You are quite welcome. Now ladies, the time is getting closer. Taking our leave for her to be alone is nigh. Besides, some of you need to find your places."
Running his hand against her back, she sighs placing her hand on his chest. "Do we really have to?!" He laughs. "They are our friends, Aikaterine. Besides, you know if they do receive confirmation from others, they will be far from happy with us." "Well, at least, Hermes left it as a rumor, for the moment. I guess you are right." She gets up beginning to get dressed as he watches her.
"Well, come on. I am not going to face them alone. The news should come from both of us. I won't wait for long before I have to come get you, if you linger too long. And you know you definitely don't want that. And be thankful, I love you and we are in private; otherwise, that nickname wouldn't be tolerated. I refuse to be ridiculed, especially from Sprite."
Getting up, he makes his way to her. Hugging her from behind, "come on, you know Sprite thinks the world of you." "I love the child too, no matter what sex they bother to take. But you know the child can be quite petty and a definite $hit. Entangling ourselves in that as little as possible is a good thing. And that Greek variation is beginning to grow on me, even if I still tend to stumble over it when I bother to repeat it."
"Ah, there they are." Sprite rushes them. "Is it true?!" "The food is going to get cold." "But Kat, is it?! Come on, tell us." "Sprite that is enough." Ajax says. Each remaining quiet though, the looks of curiosity speak volumes. "Wow, okay, you guys aren't even trying to hide wanting to know." Each taking the portion they want off the platters, never losing enough eye contact with the couple.
"We should just put them out of their misery, my love." "Clearly, that would be best. You know that they aren't going to stop with the inquisition as silent as it may be until the answer comes forth." Standing Ikaris takes a goblet in his hand, "I would like to toast all of you being here. And to Kathleen, your assumption isn't wrong. Though, we had been wanting to tell you ourselves. But yes, I asked Kathleen to be my wife and she has accepted. And Earth's heroes know now. Or at least the Xmen do for the moment. Except for Wanda Maximoff."
Sitting down, he takes a taste of the liquid as Kathleen takes his hand in hers. As his fellow Eternals come to congratulate them. Sersi remains on the fringe. The others remain in the background, giving the former lovers space after the blessings are done. Kathleen by his side. "I could leave if you need me to?!" "No. Aikaterine. I could use your support." Remaining silent she puts her head on his shoulder, watching him as he and his ex, have this necessary conversation. Their hands remaining intertwined.
The knock at the door has her turning to answer it when it opens before she can reach it. "Thor, Johnny, Pietro, Dane?!" The bouquet of Heliotrope, Anemone, Poppy, Asphodel, Lily, Crocus, Violet, Iris, Rose, Narcissus, Wolfsbane, Hellebore, Strawflowers and small stalks of Fennel held gently in her arms. Before she can get a word in, Dane holds her close. "Don't marry him, Rachel!" Johnny says. Looking to each, "are you all drunk?" "Of course not!" Thor falls over as she watches unsure of how to feel. Though joy is the furthest from what she is feeling. And before she can make any movement, Dane lays a good one on her. The surprise of the situation leaves her reeling.
"You all are drunk. I will forgive this, but you must leave now. Before." "Before, what, my love?!" Seeing Adam Extreme and Ikaris standing there, she clutches the flowers closer. "Ikaris!" "Adam, leave us." "Adam, take them with you." "Oh, but Rachel?!" "NO! GET OUT! I don't know what made you think that I reciprocate your feelings. And even if I did, the time and place have definitely passed. I have shown you this time and time again. AND MY NAME ISN'T RACHEL!"
Standing right behind her, waiting patiently. "You know you should really get back out there." Turning to face him, the bouquet clutched to her chest. 'She is just as beautiful as ever. What does she even see in me; not when she could have any one of them?!' Do you even love me? Or want to marry me?" A soft smile touches her face as she moves forward, before laying her head against his chest.
Raising her head, "what kind of questions are those?! I am still here, aren't I?! I love you. And sure, I don't need all of this to show you that; or feel committed to you." "So, you don't want to marry me?!" Taking a step back, she sighs at the hurt puppy look on his face. "I told you when you proposed I wouldn't leave you." "But what if your feelings changed, hers did?!" He turns his head to best hide his emotions.
Moving his face back to face her, "I love you. But if you are going to let the ghost of your relationship with her continue to cast a pall of ours, then we will have a problem. It shows me you aren't as committed as I thought, nor love me as much or how I love you." "That's not true! And you haven't answered my question."
"All of this as nice as it is, is just a formality. I don't need any of this to feel committed and married to you." He steps back at this, "so you don't want to marry me?!" Sighing again, "I didn't say that. I just said that this ceremony is unnecessary, but it is something you want. And I want to make you happy, for as far as I am concerned, we are already married."
Seeing the betrayal, hurt and disappointment still evident, she takes his hand, placing it against her chest as she places the other against his. The flowers temporarily forgotten on the stand at her side. "This right here is why. This and everything within burns for you. It actually hurts if I am away from you too long.
And I know the same is for you, so I am not understanding why you are letting your relationship with Sersi or my admirers try to dictate what we have?!" Putting his hand over hers, before tightening it and pulling her gently to him. The kiss speaks volumes and displays all his love for her. But before she fully reciprocates, she retreats. "Aikaterine?!" Taking the flora in her hands again, "they are waiting for us. If we tarry much longer, they are going to think we ditched the ceremony. Or that I jilted you."
"Let them wait then." He starts to close the gap between them again. "I need you." She moves again, shaking her head. "You are really going to have to exercise restraint and patience. Tell Adam he can come back in; that I am ready to meet you on the other side of that altar." Encasing her, his arms barricading the wall behind her. "Then we better make it quick." His hands on her as she loses brief touch with reality, but not before "you better not ruin this dress." Smirking, "why you can always create a replica?!" "That isn't the point, if you want to be my husband today, you will do this." "Fine."
He swiftly grabs the skirt holding it as she works on unzipping his pants. And he is thrusting into her in no time. "You have to keep it down, unless you want to announce it to everyone. Not that I have ever had a problem with this." Throwing her head back, he takes advantage of it. As the knocking on the door resounds, trying to pull away. "No! Wait, we, uhh!" "Ignore them." He replies as he puts more pressure in their intimacy. "Ikaris!"
Running her hand down her gown, "you look fine. Besides, when they see the two of us standing there. Most of them are going to know what we did, nor would they be surprised." "Have we really been that bad?!" "Ajak has started to compare us to rabbits." "I see. Well then, it is best you get back out there." Taking her back in his arms, he kisses her soundly and deeply.
Shoving him away, "no don't even think about it." "But, I?!" Resolutely shaking her head, "absolutely not. Not if you want to get married today. Now go. And tell Adam he can come back in here. That I am ready." He moves, following her command before he can walk it back. "Is everything alright?!"
"Its fine, Adam. I am ready for your assistance. And I apologize about earlier but my soon to be husband's arrogance and insecurity became evident." Looking between them, a smirk still on his face, "hey, I won't dispute that." Ikaris says before leaving their view, walking further down the hallway. Turning to face her, Adam holds his arm out, "well then, are you ready now?" "Yes, and thank you for your assistance taking them away." She answers taking his arm as the two begin to take her to her future.
