Forgive me! I know it's been a really long time since I've updated this story, but I'm hoping to get back on track with it. I just hope that my professors are nice to me this semester and don't assign too much homework. Along with being a full-time student, I'm still working part-time. Pretty much, if I'm not at school, I'm at work. I promise you all that I will try harder to get the next chapter out to you as quickly as possible. Life tends to happen, though, and I can't ignore it – as much as I really want to.
For those of you who are still with me, thank you so much for hanging in there and I'm sorry for your wait!
Review Responses:
Padfoot Starfyre: I'm glad that you see things this way. Even though they seem to be moving along rather quickly, there are several factors that come into play. They're parents, they live in the same house (and recently began to share a bedroom), and they dealt with kidnappers. Since you're looking forward to the wedding preparations, I can't wait to find out what you think of this chapter!
MystearicaBlaze: I like this version of Tora too! His flirty side is my favorite side. I couldn't wait to write about a father-son moment and I'm so excited to write more of those in the future!
A week later, Tora returned to attending his classes. He and Suzume haven't had much interaction because of it. They see each other during their morning ride to classes and up until her first class, then meet again at the end of the day. Once they arrive back home, they go their separate ways. He goes to his office to aid his father in running the conglomerate while she studies and tends to Kei. Usually, when he's finally heading to bed, she's already out like a light.
Sometime during that week, Suzume got together with her mother and she informed her of a particular event happening that she wanted to share with her. Time since then seemed to fly by, bringing them back together.
Hatomi, Hanako, and Misaki were sitting alongside her on an elegant, white couch. Another couch was occupied by two more of her friends from Seika and two girls from Miyabigaoka's Elite Group.
"I can't believe one of my friends is getting married already!" Kaon seemed annoyed by Sakura's outburst. She called the salmon-haired girl childish in her thoughts, yet Kaon is the one clutching a stuffed bear in her arms.
One of the consultants made her way over to the group and introduced herself. "If you'd like, you could browse through the racks or, if you have something in mind already, I can try to find something for you to try on."
"I think we'll browse." Suzume stood up and faced everyone with a smile. "I'd like to see what we can find."
Everyone branched off, beginning their search. Misaki stuck near Suzume, wearing a concerned expression. Sakura's earlier comment resounded in her mind.
"Are you sure about this? About getting married, I mean."
Letting out a sigh, the bride-to-be tried to ease her best friend's mind. "I know what you went through with Tora in high school wasn't… the best, but I think he's serious about this. He's taking responsibility for choices he's made in the past. While he still has some adjusting to do to this situation, he's been doing pretty well so far. Besides, us getting married is what's best for Kei."
The uneasiness dissipated some, but it was still apparent. "But is it what's best for you?"
"Maybe? I don't know…" Averting her gaze, she shrugged and sighed again. "I keep thinking back to our days at Miyabigaoka and, when I do, all these feelings resurface. It scares the living daylights out of me, but I find that I'm comfortable around him despite what happened."
"As long as you're comfortable, I feel somewhat at ease. The second you're not, you let me know and I'll hit him so hard that he sees stars for a week." Laughing at Misaki's 'demon president' side coming out, Suzume agreed.
They each found at least one dress and passed them on to the consultant who placed them in a dressing room. The first dress Suzume tried on was her mother's pick. When she walked out to show the group, Hatomi had tears in her eyes.
Standing up, the woman placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders then slid them down her arms to grasp her hands. "Oh, my baby girl is all grown up."
"Mom… Save the tears for the wedding," she replied with a laugh, wiping away a couple stray teardrops threatening to fall from her own eyes.
"Now let's get a good look at that dress." Pushing her daughter up onto the small pedestal, she sat back down and they all examined how she looked in the A-line dress. The fit was a firm no, even though the design was beautiful. It just wasn't the dress for her.
Several more of the dresses they found were tried on, but no luck finding the one. Their consultant even pulled some that were just as stunning as the ones before. They were all becoming a bit restless, not coming up with any promising candidates.
"I don't see why you came to try on dresses when you have the ability to have a custom-designed dress anyway," Kaon spoke up. Honestly, she had plenty of money at her disposal. Why would she look at dresses that any other girl in Japan could be seen in when she could have a one-of-a-kind? "This is supposed to be the wedding of the year, right? Everyone will be expecting something amazing."
"It would guarantee that you have the perfect dress," Yi Hua supported.
Glancing around the room, she saw her Seika friends nod in agreement. "Mostly, I wanted us to get together for this to spend a little time together, but I think you're right. I've gone through over a dozen dresses. I don't think I'm going to find what I'm looking for."
Hanako smiled. "I believe I know someone who can help you with that. I'll contact her and set up a meeting."
"Great!" Suzume smiled.
All eight of them traveled back to the Igarashi estate to have lunch before their day together ended. Suzume pulled Misaki, Shizuko, and Sakura aside as the others continued through the mansion.
"I wanted to ask you all something. You were all there when I needed help and we've become the best of friends. I couldn't just choose one of you when you've all been so important to me. Will you all be my maids of honor?"
Sakura leaped towards her, squishing her in a tight hug. "Of course!" Laughing at Sakura's excitement, Misaki and Shizuko also accepted. After thanking them, Suzume led them all to the outdoor table for lunch.
Pausing at the front entrance, Suzume pressed a kiss to Kei's head. "Mommy loves you. Thank you again for setting this up and watching Kei while I'm gone, Hanako. I really appreciate it."
"Where are you going?" Tora asked as he walked closer, coming from his office.
"It's not a problem dear, that's what grandmothers are for. We'll see you when you get back." The older woman smiled and took her grandchild toward a room with toys.
Turning back to her fiancé, she filled him in on her plans. "I'm going to meet with a designer for my dress. I shouldn't be gone long since this is just to get an idea of what it'll look like and have measurements taken."
"Well, then I'll walk you out." A member of the staff held the front door open as he placed a hand against her back and ushered her outside to the waiting car.
They said their goodbyes and the car began pulling away. Tora stood in the same spot with his hands in his pockets while the car disappeared towards the gate, just thinking about the position he's in and what exactly it is that he's feeling.