A/N: 10 words over my self-imposed 600word limit - but there wasn't anything I wanted to take out so I'm just going to say it evens out the shortness of the last instalment! Anyway, ENJOY!

Natsuki's Envy

"You may kiss the bride."

Lips touched and applause broke out, along with cheers and stifled sobs.

I looked over to Mai to see the red-head dabbing away her tears and trying her best to keep a stiff upper lip but it was all to no avail.

I looked over to Shizuru; her eyes glistened with joy and a true smile graced her face as she clapped along with the crowd.

I turned my sights to the bride and groom - it was hard to believe that the boy we've come to know as a little brother has become a man, and that the stern-faced tomboy Akira could look so different to her usual self - her face held a bright smile and a strong blush that shone through the thin layer of makeup she modestly wore whilst the both of them made their way down the aisle again - hand in hand this time - as it was being littered with flower petals by the other guests in this ceremony.

It was a beautiful wedding and it was a heart-warming union of two people I knew will truly stay together for the rest of their long lives.

"Mai, do you want some more tissues?" Shizuru offered in concern with a packet tissue in hand.

"Oh thank you, Shizuru. I told myself I wouldn't cry, but-" Mai replied in strangled chokes. "My- my little brother is all- Oh! They looked so- I'm so-"

I rubbed my best friend back - awkwardly - hoping to do what little I could in her emotional turmoil while Shizuru latched onto Mai's arm on the other side and gently assured and soothed her with words.

"Mai, no matter how old Takumi-kun gets, he's still your little brother - there is nothing that will change that. He really does look handsome though, he has really grown to the dashing young man we all know him to be. I'm sure you're as proud as any parent would be, and I'm sure he'll be a spectacular wife to Akira-kun."

Mai chuckled between sobs and even I grinned at the joke my lover made to lighten our good friend's mood.

"He's- he's always been a bit of the mothering type hasn't he?" Mai said with a growing smile.

"Do you think it's in the blood?" I interjected - hoping to keep the light-hearted conversation going as a distraction.

We were all laughing when we finally made our way to where the newlyweds were posing for photos.

The young auburn-haired man beckoned towards Mai whilst he stood by his wife and his new in-laws.

"Nee-san!" He called out with a wide smile.

"Excuse me; I think I'm needed for photos. Thank you, you two." Mai said before walking off and grabbing a little mirror from her purse to fix her makeup.

I stood closer to my love as the two of us watched the family crowd and situate themselves around Takumi and Akira.

They looked so happy together; so radiant.

"Akira-kun looks beautiful in that gown. Or perhaps I should say that gown looks beautiful on her. She's really glowing today." Shizuru muttered her observation.

I watched as Takumi pulled Akira closer to him eliciting an even brighter blush on Akira's pale cheeks - it's a wonder how she was ever mistaken for a boy for so many years because… she really was beautiful.

I had never seen her looked so content and pleased.

It really was a gorgeous wedding - I felt overjoyed for the couple and even Mai despite her crying - but I couldn't help but feel envious.

I grabbed Shizuru's hand in mine.

A/N: I really need a break from fluff/romance fics... I'm losing my touch...

Next chapter will be next weekend - same as usual!