Romance of a Failed Knight
Author's note: I'm going to be painfully honest here; the thought of writing this chapter intimidates me. Looking at my chapter layout there are a few chapters that I think are going to be difficult for me to write. This is taking into account that I try to have each chapter be at least 4000 words long. Well, enough stalling; I hope I don't disappoint with chapter 6. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of Chivalry of a Failed Knight; that includes characters, the plot, etc. Nor do I own any of the characters or any part of the anime, which my surprise character is from. :)
Chapter 6: Wedding Planning of a Failed Knight
Previously, in chapter 5,
Ikki once again broke the silence, addressing Stella, "Hey Stella? There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, but I've been waiting for the right time, and I think that time is now."
Stella replied immediately and eagerly, "Of course, love! You can ask me anything."
Ikki began, "Well…"
"Well now that we've graduated and have our living arrangements settled, I've been wanting to talk to you about our wedding." Ikki informed Stella, looking down at his reflection on the surface of the water.
He swirled his foot nervously on the water's surface, distorting the once clear image. Stella was a bit shocked; not at what Ikki had asked, but rather at his demeanor. Ikki was not the type of person who exhibited signs of nervousness. Sure, he got nervous from time to time, but never had his nervousness been so evident in his actions. This showed Stella just how important their wedding was to him. That thought alone was enough to make Stella's heart flutter and feel more love and adoration for her fiancé, if that were even possible.
Stella replied, causing Ikki to look up from the water and into her eyes, "Alright love, that would make me very happy; it brings me one step closer to being your wife. So, where do you want to start?"
Ikki would usually be flustered beyond belief at what Stella had just said, but just thinking of being able to call Stella his wife unconsciously put a grin on his face, despite how bold what Stella had just said was.
"Well, I guess we should start with the basics; when and where the wedding will be." Ikki told Stella.
Truth be told there was a specific date that he really wanted to have their wedding on, but he wanted to see if Stella had any date in mind. Though he really wanted to have their wedding on said date, if Stella had a particular day she wanted to have their wedding on, then he would bury his desire so that his princess had her way.
"Well, there isn't really any date I have in mind for when we should have our wedding, however, that is not the case for where." Stella replied with a smirk.
Curious as to where his fiancée had in mind Ikki asked, "Oh really, and where might you have in mind?"
"Well in the castle there's a middle age style church; that's where I want to have our wedding." Stella answered timidly.
Ikki looked at his fiancé and asked, "And why does my princess want our wedding in a middle age style church?"
Stella replied confidently, "That's the exact reason. I am your princess and you are my prince charming. Actually, I guess you would be better described as a knight seeing as you did graduate. Yeah, that's it, you're my graduated knight in shining armor."
Ikki blushed at Stella's remark, but gave a nod nevertheless.
"Okay, that takes care of where. I have an idea of when we could have it. That is if you don't have a specific date you want. If that's the case then…" Ikki was cut off by a flick to the forehead provided by Stella.
Ikki looked at his fiancée before she explained, "Your selflessness is one of the reasons why I fell in love with you, but you need to think of yourself sometimes. If you have an opinion or desire, vocalize it, even if, no, especially if it contradicts one of my own. I want to be open in our relationship; I want you to know you can open up and tell me anything."
Ikki held his head in shame, but only briefly. He picked his head up, resolve shining in his eyes. He was determined to be open with Stella; he owed it to her. After all, if he hadn't been open with his feelings the two of them might not be in the relationship they were in currently.
Ikki turned to Stella and said, "I was thinking we could have our wedding in late August."
Stella replied, mocking Ikki's previous questioning, "Oh, and why does my prince want a late August wedding?"
Ikki replied without needing a moment to think, "Well that's easy, Stella. It was four years ago in late August when I first met you."
Stella couldn't fight the smile that graced her lips at hearing Ikki's reasoning for wanting the wedding when he did.
"I love it! Let's have our wedding in late August! Only question now is what day in August." Stella replied cheerfully.
Ikki brought his hand to his chin and began pondering a possible solution to the predicament that lay before the duo. He thought for a few moments before proposing, "I know; how about we get married on August 31st?"
Stella, not knowing where he came up with that date, asked, "Any reason in particular you propose that day?"
Ikki looked up at the sky, a smile of pure contentment on his face. He answered Stella, not averting his gaze from the endless sea of blue above, "I think that getting married on the very last day of the month is a great way to mark the start of something new."
"And what might that something new be?" Stella asked, knowing the answer but wanting to hear Ikki say the words for her to hear.
Ikki turned to Stella and stared lovingly into her eyes as he replied, "Our life together as a family; but you already knew that, didn't you?" Ikki smirked as he finished.
Stella turned red; she hadn't expected Ikki to see through her plan so easily; this was Ikki for crying out loud; the most dense when it came to obvious things, yet here he was decoding her plan like a master hacker. Then it hit her; it was Ikki, but they were dealing with a matter that he cared about and knew that Stella cared for deeply as well. Of course he would see through her from the very beginning, it's what Ikki did.
Stella let out a sigh of amusement at her defeat before saying, "Yeah. When it comes to my emotions I really can't get anything by you, can I?"
Ikki lightly chuckled before he answered, "Nope. When it comes to my princess, it is my responsibility to ensure your happiness; that means I have to know what you want or when you're signaling me to do or fix something." As he finished, Ikki held his head high, non-verbally claiming his victory.
Stella playfully rolled her eyes at her fiancé's antics, which she found absolutely adorable. She found her mind drifting aimlessly before it was brought back to attention by a question from Ikki.
"So, do you have any thoughts on a theme for our wedding?" Ikki asked.
Stella looked dumbfounded at him. Ikki presumed this to mean she didn't have any ideas either. He would come to regret that assumption.
He began, "Well, seeing as we both have no ideas, I think…" Ikki trailed off. When he turned to Stella she still wore the same dumbfounded face she did earlier.
Concerned, he asked her, "Stella, are you alright?"
Stella responded, "Yeah, just amazed at how you can go from being able to pick up the faintest clue of me wanting something to being so stupidly blind as to not be able to see the answer that is right in front of you."
Ikki tilted his head, confused, and asked, "Okay, what did I miss?"
Stella responded, clearly annoyed, "You idiot! Our wedding theme is medieval! I already said you were my graduated knight in shining armor and I'm your princess. So, great theme isn't it?" Stella asked as she folded her arms across her chest victoriously.
"Yeah Stella, that's a great idea, but do I have to wear a suit of armor?" Ikki asked, his wanting to not wear a suit of armor evident in his voice.
Stella thought of teasing him. She knew he would wear one if that were what she wanted, but she decided against it. She raised a hand and lightly slapped the back of his head in a playful manor before saying, "No you dummy. I want to see your handsome face on our wedding. However, that doesn't mean you won't be wearing the suit eventually. I have some plans for you involving that armor." Stella said lustfully, with a wicked smirk and a look of wanting.
Ikki's face grew bright red; yes, he was as dense as a pile of bricks, but not even he was THAT daft.
Stella laughed cheekily. She had expected Ikki to react similarly to how he did, but not to the extent. In the end Stella knew she would wait for what they both wanted, but for the mean time she just enjoyed teasing Ikki.
Stella, allowing her moment of teasing to pass said, "Okay, so what's the next order of business?"
Ikki recovered from his brief panic. What Stella didn't know was that his reaction was to his own thoughts. He had to suppress his desires. He wanted to take her, then and there after the look she had given him, but he promised to wait and keep their relationship pure, which was no small task.
"Well, I guess we should handle guests next." Ikki replied.
He was a bit sad to think about guests; he didn't have any family or friends aside from Alice and his sister who he wanted to invite. This proposed a problem because of the two people mentioned one was his sister and the other identified himself with the opposite sex, or at least Ikki thought, he wasn't sure. Regardless, he didn't think Alice would be a good best man and his sister was genetically unable to. He pushed the thought aside; he would deal with that later. Right now he was working out what guests he and Stella were going to invite to their wedding.
Seeing her fiancé's mood suddenly change at the change of topic, Stella immediately knew what was bothering Ikki.
She again wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a sideways embrace. "I'm sorry love. I know you don't have very many people to invite. I hope that me being here for you is enough, but I won't hold it against you if it isn't. I can't imagine how you feel after all those years of isolation and I don't see how one person could fix that." As she said this, Stella herself felt sad, both at the thought of how Ikki was feeling and thinking that she wasn't enough to heal the wound left by his past.
Ikki saw that his subtle mood shift had also made Stella sad and he mentally cursed himself for not being able to conceal his emotions better.
"Stella, you are all I need in this world. When I'm with you, I don't feel the pain of the loneliness from my past, the only thing I feel is the love and warmth of your company. I don't care if I don't have anyone to invite to our wedding or any other event. All I need is you, so don't go thinking that you're not enough." Ikki told Stella, trying to lift her spirits.
Stella looked at Ikki and offered a warm smile. His ability to notice when something was bothering her, know what exactly was bothering her, and what to say to make her feel better never ceased to amaze her. It was like Ikki had a sixth sense when it came to her.
In a better mood Stella decided to continue their previous conversation. "Okay love, I won't. Now, about that guest list…"
After they discussed people they wanted to attend their wedding the two decided to call it a night as the sun had set and they were both exhausted physically and mentally from their day.
In the end the guest list was fairly short. The females invited consisted of Kurono, Kagami, Tohka, Yuuri-Chan, Ayase, a couple of Stella's childhood friends, and Nene, though Stella made a note to have Kurono keep a close eye on her since she knew how mischievous Nene could be. Shizuku was of course going to attend, but Stella was going to ask her to be the maid of honor.
The only males that would be at the wedding were Ikki, Stella's father, and Alice. Ikki decided he didn't need a best man; Stella was enough for him. As long as he had her he wouldn't have to worry about losing it.
Ikki was a bit concerned that Stella would be upset at the lack of guests but she assured him that the only people she needed there were him, her father, and the pastor.
As the two walked back to the castle they continued their planning.
"So what about catering? Is there anywhere you have in mind?" Stella asked as the duo walked hand in hand.
Ikki replied, "Actually, the place I used to work at can cater for us. They usually wouldn't cater, but when I joined the cooking force the owner pulled me aside after a few weeks. He told me that since I had started that profits had more than doubled and were nearing tripling. He offered his gratitude and asked if there was anything he could do for me. I told him about the wedding and asked if they could cater."
Stella cut Ikki off, asking curiously, "What did he say?"
Ikki smiled as he replied, "Aside from being surprised that I was engaged at my age, he said he would be honored to cater our wedding, that is if that's alright with you, Stella."
Stella thought for a second then replied, "After experiencing your cooking, I trust your culinary judgment. If you think that they'd be good for our wedding then I'm alright with it."
Ikki nodded before asking, "Is there anything you specifically want?"
Stella replied with a smirk, "I already told you that I trust your culinary judgment, so I'll leave this to you, okay?" Ikki nodded in affirmation. He was a bit relieved his options were open; he would make sure Stella would have a meal that she wouldn't soon forget.
"So I believe most of our ducks are in a row, I think there's just one thing left; though it is the most important part of the entire wedding." Ikki said, continuing to look forward as the duo continued walking home.
"Oh, and what's that?" Stella asked, eager to hear what he thought was the most important part of their entire wedding.
"And you call me dense." Ikki mocked.
Stella turned to protest, but Ikki never gave her the chance. She turned, but his lips met hers. Had Ikki predicted Stella's reaction? Regardless, Stella didn't care; she was too wrapped up in their kiss, feeling her love and adoration towards Ikki grow with each passing second.
Eventually Ikki broke the kiss, despite both Stella and him wanting to continue.
Stella looked up into Ikki's eyes as he spoke, "My beautiful bride in her wedding dress; that is the most important part of the wedding to me. Though I know that when I first see you in your dress that your breathtaking beauty will transcend words." Ikki informed Stella as he offered her a warm smile that she swore lit up the entire vicinity.
Stella's cheeks burned as they lit up like a bright red firework. Ikki's words only served to reiterate his earlier message that the only person he needed in the world was Stella. She was overjoyed at his words and couldn't fight back the tears of joy. Before Ikki could voice his concern Stella tackled him for a second time that day, planting kisses all over his face. This time, however, Ikki had been somewhat prepared. He held Stella in his arms as they fell to the ground.
After Stella finished showing Ikki her appreciation, she got up, dusted herself off and offered Ikki a hand which he gladly took. The two once again intertwined their hands and continued heading to the house.
"So, do you have any plans for when you're going to go dress shopping?" Ikki asked as the two neared the door.
Stella paused as she reached for the handle before answering, "I guess next weekend. I'll call a few of the girls and see if they want to accompany me." Stella turned the knob and pushed the door open.
"That sounds like a plan. I guess I'll go tux shopping while you're out dress shopping." Ikki said as he gestured for Stella to enter first.
Stella did as offered, "Well then, I guess I'll call the girls tomorrow and make the arrangements, but for now I'm tired. I don't know if I can make it to our room." Stella said teasingly, but knowing just how Ikki would react.
Before she knew it Stella was in Ikki's arm bridal style. "Is my princess tired? We have had a long day, would you like me to carry you?" Ikki replied, holding Stella close to him.
Stella merely nodded before nestling her head against his chest. Ikki made his way up to their room, but before he had even gotten to the stairs to the second level of their room Stella was sound asleep.
"Don't go Ikki, Mayumi and I want you to stay, right sweetie?" As she said this Stella held on to his shirt tightly.
Ikki didn't know how many shades of red there were, but he was fairly certain he turned each and every one of them. Unbeknownst to Stella at the time Ikki had always wanted to be the father of a little girl, and here Stella was dreaming about it.
After regaining his composure Ikki leaned down and gave Stella a kiss on the forehead and said, "Don't worry, daddy's not going anywhere."
With that Stella loosened her grip a bit, but still held on to him firmly. In fact, when Ikki placed her on her side of their bed he had to slip out of his shirt to free himself from her grip. Once Ikki was out of his shirt Stella brought it up to her and snuggled with it. Ikki couldn't help but grin at how his fiancée acted in her sleep.
He bent down and gave her a kiss as he said, "Good night my princess." With that he crawled into his side of the bed, wrapped an arm around Stella and drifted off to sleep.
A week had passed and Stella and Ikki were heading to their separate limos that were waiting for them in the driveway. By one of the limos was a line of girls. Shizuku, Kurono, and Nene had shown up to go dress shopping with Stella. The only person outside the other limo was its driver. Today Ikki was going to be tux shopping by himself.
Stella was not a fan of the thought of being separated. She knew she would be fine, but she was concerned for Ikki. She told him that if he even thought he might be getting lonely to call her and she would drop whatever she was doing and just talk to him until her voice had comforted him.
Ikki was touched that Stella cared so much about him, but this was her day and he was determined to not interrupt her. Ikki's thoughts were brought back to reality as an unknown force nearly knocked him to the ground. Shizuku had run up to him the moment she saw him to give him a hug.
"Ikki, it's been too long! I hope you've been well!" Shizuku exclaimed as she tightened her grip around Ikki.
Ikki pried himself from Shizuku's vice like grip to greet and respond to her, but most importantly to help dissipate the dark aura he could feel emitting from Stella.
"It's good to see you, Shizuku. I have been well, thank you. I would stay and chat for a bit, but today is Stella's day, so I don't want to hold you ladies," Ikki replied.
Shizuku didn't budge; she just looked at Ikki and asked with concern in her voice, "Are you sure you'll be alright on your own? I can always call Alice and he'll be there at a moments notice."
Ikki shook his head. "I already told you, this is Stella's day, not mine. So take good care of her and don't worry about me." Ikki said, offering a reassuring smile to his sister.
Shizuku sighed before saying, "Well, there's no point in arguing, once you've made up your mind there's no changing it."
Ikki nodded triumphantly. He walked over to Stella and took her hand in his. He led her to the limo, but before she got in he pulled her into a deep passionate kiss. He was going to miss Stella; just the mere thought of being separated from her tore him apart. He decided that a goodbye kiss would send them both off on a good note.
The two were interrupted as a voice broke their moment. "My, can these two keep their hands off each other?" Nene teased from the limo.
Kurono grabbed her by the ear and pulled her into the car whilst scolding her, "Don't tease them you walking public indecency!"
Nene cried as she was dragged into the limo, "Okay, I was only joking, don't pull so hard!"
Ikki and Stella broke their kiss, both flustered at Nene's comment. Ikki helped Stella into the limo and offered her a warm smile.
"Have fun. I'll see you back here when you're done shopping." Ikki said.
Stella only nodded, fighting back tears as her limo pulled out of the driveway and Ikki faded from her vision. She wasn't without his company for more than a minute and she already missed him, but that's why she had three other women with her. They would help ease her anxiety; she just prayed that Ikki would be okay.
Ikki took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead of him; he was sure it was going to be a long one. Not because it would take long acquiring a tux, but because he didn't think Stella would be done anytime soon. Ikki stepped into his limo and stretched out; he thought it would be best for him to just relax and not over stress. Ikki already knew what he was looking for in a tux. All he needed was a traditional three piece with a crimson vest and tie to match Stella's hair.
After an hour, the limo pulled up to a row of shops, stopping just before the desired shop. The driver unbuckled and began to get out to get Ikki's door, but Ikki stopped him. He told the driver not to worry about his door and to just park and wait for him. The driver nodded as he buckled and scanned the lot for available parking that would suffice for a limo. Ikki stepped out of the limo and the driver pulled away in search of parking. Ikki looked up at the sign above the store; it read: Savvi Formalwear.
As Ikki walked in he was greeted by the scent of fine fabric and a young women, about his age. She was a bit taller than Stella, but still shorter than Ikki. She had long straight blonde hair that came down to a few inches before her hip and her eyes were a piercing deep blue.
She walked up to him and offered a smile. "Hello sir, welcome to Savvy Formalwear. What can I help you with today?"
Ikki smiled back at the young woman before replying, "Yes ma'am, I need a tux for an upcoming wedding."
"Oh you don't have to call me ma'am, I can't be much older than you. Please, call me Erica and may I ask who's getting married?"
Ikki just raised his hand, looking down as he felt the blood rush to his cheeks. Erica was a bit shocked at this; she didn't expect Ikki to be engaged at his age.
She quickly regained her professional demeanor and asked, "Alright, and who's the lucky lady?"
Ikki looked up and shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
Erica replied with a chuckle, "Nonsense. I've helped people who were unlikely matches. So what is she, the head of a big company, a famous actress? No, don't tell me. She's an professional athlete?"
Ikki shook his head, saying, "No. Do you really want to know?" Erica nodded her head eagerly.
Ikki began, "You know the kingdom, about an hour from here?"
Erica once again nodded, replying, "Yeah, Vermillion. I've always dreamed of visiting it, but have never gotten the chance. Why do you ask?"
Ikki took a deep breath before answering, "Well I'm marrying the princess of Vermillion, Stella." Ikki looked at Erica who was searching for any sign of deceit; she found none.
"Oh my." was all Erica could say before passing out. Thankfully Ikki was quick to react and caught her before she hit the ground.
When she finally came to, Erica realized she was not where she had passed out. Ikki had carried her to a couch in the store and laid her down. While she was still unconscious Ikki had placed a cool towel over her head and had a glass of water ready for her when she woke up. In the time between him caring for her and her waking up Ikki had taken a look around the store, searching for what he had come there in the first place to find.
Ikki's attention was brought back to Erica as she spoke, "I can see why a princess would want to marry you. You're a very kind hearted and earnest person aren't you?"
Ikki again shrugged his shoulders as he walked over to check on Erica. "I just do what I think is right and I put my all into it, that's it."
Erica laughed as she replied; "I guess I should add humble to that list."
Ikki knelt down beside her and asked, "Are you feeling better, Erica?"
She nodded her head as she stood up. "I am, thank you. I'm sorry I passed out on you. I was just so happy to find out that I was going to be helping a prince pick a tux for his wedding. I've always dreamed of helping with a royal wedding. Guess I didn't think that would ever happen, but here you are."
"Well, I'm glad I can help you fulfill one of your dreams. I hope you don't mind, but while you were unconscious I took a look around and found the tux I would like, all I need is to be fitted." Ikki told her, hoping she wouldn't be offended.
"Of course not. What tux did you pick?" Erica asked.
Ikki pointed to one of the displays that held a tux that fit his exact requirements.
Erica smiled and nodded. She then began to take Ikki's measurements. Once she was finished she wrote his numbers on a piece of paper and put them into a drawer.
"Alright, that about wraps things up. Your tux should be ready in about a week; I'm sure it will fulfill the role you desire it to." Erica said as she closed the drawer.
Ikki replied, "Sounds good. How much do I owe you?"
Erica's face turned red before she replied, "About that… I don't want your money; rather I would like to ask a favor of you. If you don't want to that's fine. I still don't want your money; consider it thanks for taking care of me while I was unconscious."
Ikki was confused, but didn't show it. He inquired, "Depends on what the favor is."
Erica took a deep breath before she continued, "I would like to attend your wedding. I know this is sudden, but as I told you, ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of venturing to the kingdom of Vermillion and here's my best chance; I just can't let it slide without trying."
Ikki stood silent for a minute, processing what he had just heard and thinking of what course of action would be best.
"Erica, you seem like a very nice young woman and I personally wouldn't mind you attending the wedding." Erica's face lit up when she heard this, but before she could vocalize her happiness Ikki continued, "However, this is not my call to make alone. I would be more than willing to talk to Stella about it, but I can't guarantee that she'll approve."
Erica smiled; she thought that Stella was a lucky girl to be marrying Ikki. He was kind but also considerate of how his actions affected others.
"Thank you!" Erica exclaimed as she gave Ikki a hug; she couldn't contain her excitement anymore.
Realizing that she might be overstepping her boundaries she quickly broke their embrace and apologized profusely. Ikki couldn't help but smile at Erica's reaction.
"No worries, Stella isn't here so there's nothing to worry about." Ikki joked, but knew that if Stella were there that it would be no joking matter.
Ikki was about to walk out the door, but he stopped when he heard Erica's voice.
"Oh, one more thing, if it's not too much to ask do you think you could ask your fiancée if I could have a plus one? It's my boyfriend, if that would help ease any anxiety my presence would cause." Erica requested.
Ikki nodded as he replied, "Sure, no problem." Ikki began to smirk as he said one last thing before he walked out the door. "Oh, Erica, you might want to check your pocket." With that he left and made his way back to the limo.
Erica was confused as to why Ikki wanted her to check her pocket. When she did she couldn't help but laugh. In her pocket was not only enough money to cover the tux, but a generous tip as well. She figured he must have slipped it in her pocket when she hugged him.
She shook her head and rolled her eyes as she spoke aloud. "That sneaky bastard."
Ikki opened the door of the limo and got in, stretching out to get comfortable. He jolted up and hit his head on the roof as a voice he wasn't expecting broke the silence.
"My, what an interesting turn of events." Nene teased.
After Ikki let his heart rate drop from its dangerously high level he responded, "Nene, what are you doing here. I thought you were supposed to be dress shopping with Stella."
Nene smirked as she replied, "Yes, but things are always more interesting around you. I mean, look at what just happened."
Ikki just sighed as he settled back down. He found it pointless to argue with Nene. First of all she was just as stubborn as Stella. Second, nothing he could say would change the fact that she was there now. Ikki decided to just relax. He informed the driver that they were ready and he pulled out of his parking spot and headed back to the castle.
"That bitch!" Kurono yelled as she threw the doll of Nene across the room.
Stella walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright Kurono, as long as I have you and Shizuku I'll be fine." Stella reassured.
Kurono calmed down and responded, "Fine, but that still doesn't make this any more acceptable. I mean why come in the first place if you're just going to leave when you're tired."
Stella sighed before she replied, "Can you really blame her? I've tried on more than a dozen dresses and we've been here for more than four hours. I myself am at my wits end."
Shizuku got up from her seat and walked over to Stella. "It's alright. You just want to look your best, and no one can blame a bride for wanting to look perfect on their big day. I know that my brother will think you are the pinnacle of beauty when he sees you in whatever dress you pick. Hell, he thinks you're the pinnacle of beauty no matter what you wear."
Stella smiled at Shizuku. She was right, it didn't matter to Ikki what dress Stella wore. No matter what dress she picked she knew that Ikki would find her to be beautiful in it. Stella took a deep breath and regained her composure. She told herself that she needed to look for a dress that she felt beautiful in, that was all. She didn't need to be concerned with how other people viewed the dress, certainly not Ikki.
After two more hours and another half dozen dresses, Stella found the dress that women dream of finding, the one that fits them not only in size but compliments their personality; the dress known as the one. When Stella walked out to show the other girls, Shizuku gasped and held her hand over her mouth and fought back the tears that desperately wanted to flow. Shizuku wordlessly nodded her head in approval so that Stella would not mistake her reaction for something it wasn't.
Kurono didn't even try to fight the tears.
"You look so beautiful!" She cried as she ran up and gave Stella a big hug.
The dress in question was a strapless georgette dress. Starting from the bottom, the entire end of the dress was embroidered with silver lace designed to look like a surrounding flame. The fire was shallow all around the dress except for two places in the front of the dress, which rose, giving off the impression of walking through fire. As one examined the dress, the embroidering ceased at the torso, which was like the bottom half, pure white georgette, just without the design. On her head was a traditional veil that covered her face, but didn't hinder her vision. She truly was the pinnacle of beauty in that dress.
Stella looked at the clock that was in the room she had been trying dresses in. Noticing how late it was, she had been gone for almost eight hours, she hurried out of her dress. Yes she loved her dress, but she loved Ikki even more and he was probably waiting for her back at the castle. She wouldn't be surprised if he was asleep, but she just wanted to be in his company as soon as possible.
She quickly paid for the dress and left it there to be tailored. After everything was taken care of Stella bolted towards the limo. There was still an hour and a half drive left to get back to the castle. The other girls hurried behind her. They knew why she was in a rush and did not want to invoke the wrath of a woman wanting to return to her significant other, especially if that woman was Stella.
As the limo pulled up to the castle what Stella saw almost made her cry. Sitting on the steps leading into the castle was Ikki who greeted them with a wave. Before the limo even came to a complete stop Stella opened her door and ran at a full sprint towards Ikki. He got up as Stella leapt into his arms. He held her at her waist and spun her around.
When he placed her down she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into an eagerly awaited kiss. The duo paid no mind to the commotion coming from the other girls and just relished in being back in each other's company.
The two eventually separated, though they didn't want to stop anytime soon, they had guests to bid farewell to and seeing that it was already late it would have been rude to keep them waiting any longer. As Stella and Ikki gave each girl a hug goodbye Nene teased Ikki once more.
"Don't forget to tell Stella about your new female friend." Nene said with a smirk.
It was a cold night, but when Ikki felt an unknown warmth he feared for his life. He knew the heat was emanating from Stella who had amassed a good bit of flame around her.
Ikki was quick to defend himself saying, "Not like that! It's just the girl who fitted me for my tux! She just wanted to attend our wedding."
Ikki felt a sweat drop crawl down his forehead. He had intended to talk to Stella about that, but things didn't start how he wanted them to.
Nene was rolling on the ground laughing uncontrollably. Stella noticed this and realized that she had just been tricked for the purpose of Nene's entertainment. Stella dissipated the flames around her and began to apologize profusely; first to the group of girls (minus Nene) then especially to Ikki.
Kurono, tired of Nene's shenanigans, once again grabbed her by the ear and dragged her to the car they had brought to the castle.
"That's enough trouble from you for today you damned public indecency." Kurono once again scolded.
Kurono didn't give Nene a chance to respond as she shut the door on her and motioned for her to stay put. Kurono walked back and apologized for all the trouble Nene had caused and gave everyone a hug goodbye. With that Kurono returned to her car and drove off.
Shizuku gave Stella a hug goodbye, then turned to Ikki and gave him a particularly long hug, which irked Stella. Ikki then walked her to a car that Alice had his family send. He then went back to Stella's side and the duo waved as their last guest departed the castle grounds. Stella was still a bit embarrassed from her earlier behavior.
Ikki saw this and wrapped her in a tight embrace and assured her, "It's alright. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. That wasn't your fault, Nene's… well Nene, so yeah, you're good."
Stella smiled at Ikki's assurance and returned the embrace.
"So do you want to explain the whole situation with this new acquaintance of yours?" Stella asked curiously.
As the duo walked to their room Ikki explained the events that had transpired on his end. When he finished Stella couldn't contain her laughter. She told Ikki that she would be okay with that, but would like to meet Erica before the wedding. Ikki nodded and began getting ready for bed and Stella followed suit. When the two crawled into bed, neither of them spoke a word, they just snuggled with each other and quickly succumbed to slumber.
Author's note: Holy cow! This chapter started off concerning me that it wouldn't be long enough, yet here it is, the longest chapter I've written so far. I would like to extend my gratitude towards my new editor, crimsonboop, for her help in both the editing department and for her input in general. She actually helped me decide the name Stella said in her sleep (Mayumi), so y'all have her to thank for that. Also, I commend anyone who knew Erica was from Campione!
Well, that about sums up my post chapter thoughts. I look forward to the next chapter; so far it's my personal favorite. Until then, stay you my friends.