Chapter 48
Soft music drifted through the gardens as it was played by the quartet, a beautiful peaceful melody that weaved through the gardens and the crowds of murmuring people until it finally came into the changing room via the open window. Whereas the gardens were a peaceful setting, the changing room was full of movement and urgency. Bridesmaids were getting changed and having their makeup and hair done quickly as the ceremony was coming soon. The most movement came from the vanity where the young bride was sitting. Several stylists surrounded her, making sure she was the most beautiful woman there, despite her complaints about it being too much. Lucy finally shooed them off when she found that they were, indeed, going a bit overboard with the makeup and the hair.
"Geez, Lucy, you'd think I was some actress getting ready to go on camera." Levy huffed softly as her friend and Matron of Honor set about doing her hair and makeup for her, giving her a far more natural look while emphasizing her natural beauty.
"Well, this is a very special day. They just wanted to doll you up." Lucy soothed with an amused smile, fixing Levy's hair into a beautiful but simple updo with a few strands left to frame her face. She turned her attention to the younger woman's makeup and let out an amused snort. "Well, that's going to be hard to hide." she laughed lightly, motioning to the hickies dotting her slender neck. "I told you not to let him do that this week." Levy turned crimson, her hands going up to her neck as she stammered out a response.
"H-he doesn't listen a-and I'm always so into it... I just never notice until after..."
"Mr. Boss has a biting fetish." Juvia sang with a large, amused smile as she approached the girls. She'd noticed it, before, too. Gajeel seemed to thoroughly enjoy marking Levy's little neck, and quite a few had obvious teeth-shaped bruises. Gajeel was a biter. And Levy, it seemed, was a scratcher if Makarov informed her correctly.
"Let's get to work. Gonna need a lot of concealer." Lucy chuckled at her red-faced friend. "Don't worry, Levy, you're going to look stunning."
"Oi, Gajeel, you ready yet?" Natsu huffed as he walked into the men's changing room, straightening his tie. Man, he hated these fancy things. Gajeel looked up at Natsu with a raised brow as he lazed on a couch in his boxers and not much else. "Come on, Metalhead, the ceremony's soon."
"Che, calm down. Takes like five seconds to get dressed." Gajeel scoffed, standing up. Sure enough, a few seconds later he was fully dressed in a pristine white and gray pin-striped suit. He ran a comb through his short but shaggy hair, and he was done. "You checked on the girls yet?"
"They're still doing hair and makeup." Natsu blanched. They'd been doing that the last time he checked, too, and the time before that. "Geez, how long do girls really need?" Gajeel shrugged with a light laugh.
"Not sure, but whatever. As long as they get ready on time and don't hold things up." he chuckled. "I guess we should get to our places and wait for them."
All the murmuring in the gardens seemed to die down once Gajeel made his appearance, standing next to his father and the priest who would preside over the ceremony under the rose arch that was placed just before the bank of a beautiful lake. They'd rented a beautiful venue by a lake out in the countryside for the ceremony, and it was a wonderful day for an outdoor wedding. Leading away from the arch was a long white fabric walkway, with chairs on either side, that led back into the gardens.
The chairs to either side were completely filled with hundreds of guests. Most of the family was there, the important ones for sure, along with several important guests from other families or businesses. There was not an empty seat to be seen. And why would there be? This was the most important wedding of the decade. The future leader of Fairy Tail and the heiress of the McGarden Family were getting married today! It was a big deal, and everyone wanted to see it. The guards at the entrance had to turn people away, as there was no more space, and the entire wedding was being televised on a secure station which only Family members had access to.
Everyone waited quietly, seemingly on edge, for the ceremony to begin. They listened to the soft music that played, waiting for any change. And then it happened. The music paused for a brief moment. Some of the guests visibly leaned in to listen closely. Not a word was said, not a breath was taken, as they all waited to hear what would play next. They waited for what seemed like hours but was a mere minute.
And then the Wedding March began.
Gajeel felt his stomach twist into a knot as that song began. He hadn't been the least bit nervous the entire day, and he'd thought he'd be a lucky one and manage to get through the wedding without getting those nerves. But as soon as that song started, his mouth went dry and his stomach flipped, and he had to actively stop himself from fidgeting nervously in front of hundreds of people. His father gave him an amused, knowing grin and briefly placed his hand on Gajeel's shoulder for a moment to reassure him, sending him a silent message to relax. Gajeel could only give a tense nod and take a deep breath as he waited anxiously to see his bride.
The procession was a normal one. Groomsmen and Bridesmaids walked in pairs down the aisle before parting to stand on their respective sides. Natsu stood as Gajeel's best man, and Lucy stood as Levy's Matron on Honor. Once the groomsmen and bridesmaids were in place, there came the ring bearer and flower girl. The flower girl was little Asuka, one of the council members' granddaughters. The ring bearer was Natsu's little brother, Happy, who was a spunky little five-year-old boy with blue hair that was as wild and crazy as Natsu's. The kids walked down the aisle together, Asuka dropping rose petals here and there with cute giggles. Once at the front, Asuka was taken to sit with her parents, and Happy went to stand off to the side.
The music got louder as the reprisal began, announcing to all that this was it. The bride was coming. Everyone stood and turned to greet her, and a round of awed gasps went through the crowd at her beauty.
Levy could only be described of as stunning.
Gajeel felt the air leave his chest in a rush as he stood and stared at her, his jaw dropping. Mavis, she was gorgeous. The white dress hugged her petite form well, accenting her curvaceous figure while remaining modest. Her makeup was minimal yet beautiful all at once for it showed off her beauty. The veil was light and transparent, looking more like a cloud of sparkles than it did actual fabric, and Gajeel was beyond happy that she was wearing the necklace he'd given her with pride. She carried a bouquet of roses, and her arm rested firmly in the crook of Lily's.
Lily looked like he was about to cry. The big, burly man had tears in his eyes as he escorted Levy down the aisle. He felt truly honored to have the privilege, and he'd honestly cried tears of joy when he'd accepted. He stood tall and grinned proudly despite his impending tears. Oh, how Leo and Liza would have loved to see this, to see their little girl all grown up and finding happiness like this. Lily could just imagine their smiling faces, such a bittersweet image...
Levy, herself, looked quite composed... for someone who was a totally nervous wreck on the inside. She was so nervous, and there were so many people! And they were All. Looking. At. Her! Her hands shook a bit as she focused on just walking, using Lily to steady herself in the heels she wore. Lily, thankfully, took it at her pace, and breathed out a few quiet words of encouragement that only she could hear through the music. He finally told her to focus on Gajeel, and she turned her eyes to her fiance down the aisle. He looked so handsome in his white suit, standing tall and proud next to his father. Not only that, but he looked... awed. His eyes were focused completely on her, and his mouth hung open slightly as he watched her. Their eyes finally met, and they both took a deep breath together. Seeing the joy and love in each others' eyes calmed them both down. Gajeel was able to compose himself and Levy was able to walk the rest of the way without shaking as they simply kept their eyes glued to each others'.
They finally arrived at the altar, and Lily kissed the back of Levy's hand before he handed her off to an awestruck Gajeel, who had just barely managed to pull himself together enough to close his mouth and take her hand. Lucy took Levy's bouquet from her, and the couple turned toward the priest in unison. Another round of gasps came as Levy's tattoo was on full display. This was the first time anyone had seen her tattoo, aside from a select few, and most of the family was awed by the obvious meaning behind it. The black dragon surrounding the Fairy Tail symbol protectively was an obvious reference to Gajeel protecting the family, and Levy, and it glaring at the crowd as if threatening them to silence. The priest made a gesture when the guests seemed to go silent, and they all seemed to sit down all at once. All was silent for a moment, though the bride and groom could swear that everyone present could her their pounding hearts. Finally, the priest spoke.
The ceremony was simple, as there was no need to draw it out. The priest went over the value of love and the importance of marriage, of course. He droned on for only ten minutes or so before he focused intently on the couple before him. It was time for the vows.
"The couple has decided to say their own vows." the priest announced, gesturing to Gajeel first. He swallowed thickly and looked into Levy's eyes, droning everyone and everything else out. It was just him and her.
"Levy, you are the most wonderful, brilliant, beautiful woman I've ever met. From the instant I laid eyes on you, ya had me wrapped around around yer little finger, even if you didn't know it." Gajeel told her with a small smile, his comment earning a few chuckles from their audience. "I... I don't believe in love at first sight, Levy... but I think I believe in love at first glare, cause the second yer eyes narrowed and that fire filled them, I knew ya were the one for me. I know I ain't perfect, and I know I'm gonna drive ya crazy sometimes, but I love you more than life itself. I swear to you I'm gonna be the best husband I can be. Through thick and thin, forever and always." he swore to her, smiling a bit as he saw tears pricking in her eyes. She took a moment to collect herself before she began her own vows.
"Gajeel... I know it was fate that brought us together. I can't believe otherwise, because how else would I have met someone so perfect for me? You're the most charming, handsome, and annoying man I've ever met." another round of light-hearted chuckles went through the crowd, and even Gajeel had to laugh a bit. "And you're my best friend. I love you more than words can describe, and I promise to be the best wife I can possibly be. Forever and always." she got out as more tears crowded her eyes. She managed to keep them from falling. Happy approached them now, carrying the rings on a simple white pillow. The dark silver-looking rings inlaid with shiny white stones stood out against the fabric.
"The groom has chosen iron for the wedding bands, to represent the strength of their bond and their love. The bride has chosen moonstone to be inlaid within the bands to represent patience and the beauty of life." the priest told the guests before turning back to Gajeel and Levy. "Gajeel Redfox, to you take Levy McGarden as your wife in holy matrimony, and promise to love her through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, from now until death?"
"I do." Gajeel breathed, his eyes remaining locked with Levy's.
"And Levy McGarden, do you take Gajeel Redfox as your husband in holy matrimony, and promise to love him through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, from now until death?"
"I do." Levy said with the same breathlessness as Gajeel.
"Then take your rings." the priest instructed, and they obeyed. He motioned to Gajeel, who took a shaky breath and gave Levy a genuine smile.
"Levy, with this ring I take you for my wife. Wear it and know that I will protect you. Forever." He slid the ring onto her finger, and was immediately in love with the sight of it on her hand. She took his hand, then, and held up his larger ring.
"Gajeel, with this ring you become my husband. Wear it as a reminder that I will always be by your side. Forever." she said as she slid the ring onto his own finger. They both marveled at each others' hands for a moment, before hearing the priest speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I now pronounce this couple husband and wife. Let us congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Redfox as they seal the bond with a kiss." the priest announced. Gajeel smiled at Levy, who smiled back. Neither were sure who moved first, but Levy soon had her arms thrown around his neck, and Gajeel quickly found his arms around her waist as he sealed his lips over hers while the entire family burst out in loud cheers and applause.
It was official.
They were married.
Loud, upbeat music filled the reception hall as their many guests danced the night away. A few doors down from the reception hall, hidden away in a quiet office room, some very important people were meeting. As Levy was getting changed into a better dance dress, Gajeel was busy talking business with some important guests.
Gajeel sat next to his father at the meeting table, looking around at everyone that had come to the wedding. Don Bob and Ichiya from Blue Pegasus were present and flamboyant as always, one going on about beauty while the other kept talking about perfume. Rogue had also come, bringing his little apprentice, Frosch, with him. Frosch was a young boy, in his very early teens, who was a bit... odd, but Rogue had taken to him. The kid wore a pink... frog hat, of all things, to the wedding. And then there was the newcomer, Roubaul, from Cait Shelter. He was a skinny old man with a thick white beard and an odd tattoo on his forehead. He'd come with a guest, too; his granddaughter; but she was out enjoying the reception.
Everything was silent for a bit, as everyone was just taking everything in. Finally, Metalicana blew out a puff of smoke from his cigar and spoke. "Well, that's enough with the silence. You've all been asked to this meeting to discuss an alliance with Fairy Tail. Boy." he gestured to Gajeel. This was his project, after all.
"Look, aside from Cait Shelter, I know we ain't all on good terms." Gajeel sighed, looking between Rogue and Bob, particularly. "But it doesn't have to be that way, especially when we all have a common threat." At this, a couple of brows were raised. "Jude Heartfilia is targeting all of us for various reasons." Gajeel said, and all eyes filled with understanding.
"So that's what this is about." Rogue hummed. "You'd like to form an alliance to go against Jude Heartfilia?"
"That's it." Gajeel nodded. "He's become too powerful and too arrogant, and he's affected each of us. If this alliance happens, and our plan works, Heartfilia ain't gonna be a problem for any of us ever again." He looked around the room, and all heads seemed to be nodding. He grinned. It seemed an alliance was possible after all. He'd have to thank Levy for letting him have this meeting on their wedding day. "Here's the plan..."
Levy peeked into the reception hall, looking for any sign of Gajeel's guests returning. When she saw them she could go meet up with him, and they could enter the reception hall. They were to be announced into the hall... at Lucy's suggestion because it was the 'cool' thing to do at weddings these days. Still, Levy didn't see any of the important guests yet. She'd be waiting a little longer, it seemed.
"And why is the bride hiding from the celebration?" a familiar voice startled her, and she jumped away from the door with a startled squeak. Levy quickly turned to face the owner of the voice, her eyes going wide upon finding Wendy standing there in a beautiful blue dress, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"W-W-Wendy... I didn't know you were here." Levy said as she stared at her coworker in shock. She silently prayed, for a moment, that the girl hadn't seen the Fairy Tail tattoo on her shoulder, though she knew that was impossible if she'd attended the actual ceremony.
"Yea, I came with my grandpa, the leader of Cait Shelter." Wendy hummed, watching as Levy's eyes filled with shock. Wendy... she was part of a family, too? "I was so surprised when I saw the invitation with your name on it. I almost couldn't believe it." Wendy continued, pouting sadly. "You really are a part of Fairy Tail, after all, huh? How could you not tell me?"
"I-I... I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Wendy, but..."
"I get it." Wendy's upset facade broke and she gave her a reassuring smile. "It's dangerous. I understand, Miss... er, Missus Levy, I really do." the younger girl giggled easily. "I was just teasing you." Levy couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, and she gave the girl a small smile.
"Thank you, Wendy. Ne, you're really part of Cait Shelter?" she asked curiously. Wendy giggled before answering.
"Well, not fully." she shook her head. "It's my grandpa's business, and he's... he's been teaching Romeo the ropes, but I don't think either of us will continue this business after grandpa passes." she sighed softly. "We're too small, and neither I nor Romeo are suited for this kind of life. I'd rather be a doctor."
"I see." Levy said softly. She... she had that choice, of course. To no get too involved, and to stay as a doctor. Gajeel would have worked hard to let her have that, she knew. But... she found she was more suited for this life than she'd previously thought. Than anyone had thought.
"Yea." Wendy let out a soft sigh before giving a small giggle. "I haven't congratulated you, yet. I'm so happy for you, finding love and getting married."
"Thank you." Levy smiled sweetly at the younger girl, who nodded in response.
"Anyways, what are you hiding from, out here?"
"I, um, was waiting for Gajeel's meeting to end." Levy told her. "We're supposed to go in together."
"Is that so? Well, I see my grandpa, so the meeting must have let out already." Wendy commented, looking out into the reception room. "I'll go keep him company. Congratulations, again. I really am happy for you."
"Thank you, Wendy." Levy smiled with a soft sigh, watching the younger doctor walk off.
"There's my beautiful wife." This time she didn't jump when a voice suddenly came, though she did turn around quickly, smiling brightly as she saw Gajeel walking towards her, Lily following him closely. Gajeel grinned and pulled her into his arms, giving her a soft kiss. "I love this dress on you, Levy. Great choice." he grinned, looking her over again. The dress she'd chosen for the reception was far simpler than the dress she'd worn for the ceremony. Where that dress had beads and lace and was form fitting, this one was plain and more free-flowing. It hugged her form to her waist, then flared out with a flowy skirt that stopped at her knees. A few gemstones accentuated the v-neck collar of the dress, which in turn accentuated her modest bust size, making her look a bit larger there. She had changed from heels into a pair of beautiful white flats. It was far less elegant than the ceremony dress, and it made her look utterly adorable and tiny. But what was Levy if she wasn't cute and small?
"Thank you. Lucy helped me find this one." Levy smiled at her husband, that word getting to her. This was her husband now. Gajeel was her husband!
"Oi, oi, no waterworks yet, shrimp." Gajeel chuckled softly when he saw the tears filling her eyes. "Lucy threatened to mutilate me if I made ya cry today. Somethin about yer makeup." Levy giggled at this. That sounded like Lucy.
"She worked really hard on my makeup." Levy told him with a soft laugh, fanning her face to dry her tears. Lily chuckled at the newlyweds, shaking his head softly.
"Are you two ready to go in?" he asked, receiving nods. "I'll go tell the announcer." He walked off to give them their last bit of privacy for the night. They wouldn't be alone until the honeymoon. The couple didn't need to say anything to enjoy their last few moments of silence and privacy. They just stared into each others' eyes and reveled in the love that they shared. And then the moment was over as they heard the announcer.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present you you: Gajeel and Levy Redfox!" the announcer cried out, and loud music played as Gajeel led Levy into the room, both of them smiling happily as the reception hall erupted into cheers and applause. Once they were in the center of the dance floor, a beautiful, slow song began to play. Levy blushed cutely and smiled happily as Gajeel led them into their first dance as husband and wife. It was a beautiful waltz, and they spun around the dance floor happily as their guests watched with smiles. Who would have guessed that Gajeel was such a great dancer?
The song and dance ended, followed by applause, and then the dance floor was open to everyone. The rest of the night followed a typical reception style. Food was served buffet-style, there was a cash bar, there were games and dances. Levy danced with Lily first, then the Don, then Gajeel again. She was introduced to the important guests while she and Gajeel rested at their table and enjoyed a nice dinner together. Then Natsu took over for the announcer, and the real fun began.
Levy and Gajeel soon found themselves sitting in chairs, their backs to each other, and barefoot while many guests watched. Levy had one of her shoes and one of Gajeel's shoes in her hands, and Gajeel had the same. Natsu grinned as he held the microphone and led them through the game.
"Let's start off easy, here, to get the hang of it." Natsu laughed. "Who is the tallest?" Both Levy and Gajeel raised up Gajeel's shoe, both chuckling a bit at the question. "Who is the nicest?" Levy's shoe was raised. "Alright. Let's take it up a notch. Who said 'I love you' first?" Gajeel's shoe went up, and a few chuckles filled the room. Who would have thought he'd be the first to say it? "Who is the best kisser?" Gajeel raised Levy's shoe, but Levy raised his. "Who has the best butt?" Levy blushed at this one, but raised her own shoe. Gajeel raised hers, as well. "Who snores the loudest?" Levy's shoe went up for both, earning some laughs from the crowd.
It went on like that for a while, until Gajeel got annoyed/embarrassed at the increasingly personal questions such as 'who is the best lover' or 'who made the first move,' and he gave Natsu a lethal glare... his cue to end the game. There was a break for more dancing and food, and then it was back to the center of the dance floor for Levy. "All the Single Ladies" began to play, and the girls in attendance squealed and rushed into position, waiting eagerly for the bouquet toss. Gajeel helped Levy to stand up on a chair facing away from the crowd of girls and young women. With a huge smile, she threw her rose bouquet over her head, giggling when she heard screams and cheers. She turned around to see who caught it, and she laughed happily when she found a blushing Wendy holding the roses.
The next thing Levy knew, Gajeel's hands were on her waist. She squeaked with her own blush as he picked her up, then sat her down in the chair, earning some hearty laughs from the attendees. It was Gajeel's turn. Levy blushed adorably as Gajeel got on his knees before her. Men hooted and cheered as Gajeel's hands slid beneath her skirt, trailing along her legs until he found what he was looking for. He chuckled and pulled off her simple white garter belt, twirling it around on his finger as he stood up from his blushing bride.
"Alright, boys, get ready." Gajeel laughed, pulling the belt taught and aiming up high. The single men scrambled into the center of the dance floor, and Gajeel sent the garter belt flying. Hearty laughs filled the air as it was, surprisingly, Happy who caught the belt... on his head. By accident. He wasn't even in the group, just walking past, and it just... landed on him. Even Levy had to laugh as the kid didn't seem to know what to do with the strange thing on his head.
The rest of the night proceeded like a normal wedding reception. They cut the cake and Gajeel dared not smash the cake in her face like he wanted. One firm glare and a whispered castration threat from his tiny wife were enough to stop that. Pictures were taken, more dances were had, alcohol was consumed, speeches were given, laughs were had, and the night went on and on until the newlyweds finally decided to retire. Several people followed them outside, where their ride was waiting, and Levy couldn't help but laugh when she saw it. Gajeel just had to be showy. Parked in front of the venue, with two pure white helmets resting on top - one reading 'husband' and the other reading 'wife' - was Gajeel's motorcycle.
"My lady..." Gajeel gestured to the cycle with a grin and a showy bow. Levy just giggled and picked up the 'wife' helmet, putting it over her head. Gajeel helped her adjust it before he put his own on, then hopped onto the bike, Levy following him and making sure to tuck her dress skirt in firmly beneath her. Cheers went up as Gajeel revved the bike in a showy fashion before speeding off with his wife, who squealed happily at the speed and held onto him tightly.
It was a perfect end to a perfect wedding.
Well... how's that for a wedding chapter? I told you it'd be a long one. I know it probably had a few boring bits, but to be fair I haven't been to a lot of weddings and the one I did go to was really long and boring (the ceremony part, I mean).
Don't worry, the steamy stuff is coming XD
I just felt like this chapter was getting a wee bit too long, is all.
Anyways, tell me what you think. I love comments. They feed my motivation.
Oh, and in case y'all didn't notice, I changed my penname. Yes, I am the right author, Everythingnerd12. I shortened it to Nerdy12 for... reasons. (My boyfriend was picking on me, y'all. Sigh~ that's not the only reason, but it helped me make up my mind).
Check out my little side project, if y'all get a chance. It's a collection of one-shots I'm working on when I get the chance, and I'm accepting prompt suggestions/requests. It's called Shots, Shots, Shots!
Thanks for reading, like always. I love you, my loyal minions - er, I mean - Fans. Yea. That's the word. Fans. *muffled evil laughter*
-Nerdy12