Sahrah: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Because I am sixteen today, I shall give my lovely readers a gift. Which is backwards, but I don't care. I present to you the last chapter of "One Step Forward." Stay tuned for the epilogue. This isn't the last entry.
Editor: No, there's going to be two more. The epilogue and the thank you letter.
Squall: Is the thank you letter necessary?
Sahrah: YES. I have something important to say.
Squall: …Whatever.
Editor: These characters belong to Square Enix. Except for Marza and Raine, who belong to Sahrah.
Sahrah: Tidus and Yuna got married on my birthday! Meh. It's my story. I can do anything I want. Yuna's point of view.
Chapter 16: Always Have, Always Will
"Yuna! Aren't you coming?" called Paine from outside the door. "I put on a dress, for Yevon's sake. Come on."
"Doctor P, leave her alone!" argued Rikku. "It's her big day; she can have as much time as she wants. Yunie, you don't need any help in there do you?"
"No," I answered. "Thanks, Ri."
It was a beautiful building with cream colored walls and changing rooms. My cousin noted that it reminded her a little of a theatre she'd seen in Kilika. It was big and fancy, not to mention terribly romantic.
I poked my head out the door and smiled at my best friends. Because they'd helped plan the wedding, they had gotten to choose the colors they wore. The dresses were all the same basic style; a calf-length strapless gown with a ruffled skirt. Rikku, the Maid of Honor, had a pale orange dress. Paine wore grey, Lulu wore purple, Lenne wore light blue, and Raine wore red.
And me? White. Of course. The bride is supposed to wear white, so I did. Lulu designed my dress herself. It had a full, big skirt, a corset top, and off-shoulder short sleeves. The veil was long, and the ribbon wrapped around my braid was a silky white. The flowers in my bouquet were white and red roses.
"You coming soon?" Shuyin, the best man, stuck his head in the door.
"I'm ready Daddy!" exclaimed Emma. Emma was the flower girl, and her dress was the same color as Lenne's gown. Of course, hers was cuter and frillier. She held up the basket proudly, and reached for Shuyin's hand.
He smiled at us before closing the door and leading his child down the aisle. I swallowed and stepped out of the dressing room. I can honestly say that I felt beautiful.
Feeling beautiful is a rare, wonderful feeling. It's the feeling that for once in life, everything is perfect. I know that many brides get frantic, and panicky, but I felt a calm wash over me. The man I loved was going to marry me. I was going to marry the man I loved. No matter how I said it, no matter how many times, it still made my heart sing.
"Time to go," said Lulu as she opened the door. The groomsmen were waiting for the bridesmaids. Rikku hooked her arm around Shuyin's (she was the maid of honor; he was the best man, that's how they went. It's the way things are.), and they started towards the front. From behind my friends, Tidus couldn't see me yet, but Yevon I saw him.
He looked slightly nervous but mostly happy. Raine took Squall's arm. I stared at my fiancée. Lulu took Wakka's arm. I kept staring. Then Lenne went with Gippal and then Paine with Baralai. Next was me.
My father, Braska Lesca, had been waiting in the room with my friends. He smiled at me.
"Your mother would be so happy," he said.
"She's here," I answered. That's all I said. All I needed to say, really. It was time. I grasped my father's arm and we marched.
Tidus's Point of View
Waiting is the most horrible thing I can think of. Waiting for the sun to rise, waiting for someone to arrive, waiting to go somewhere… waiting is evil, vile, nasty, and whoever invented it is a terrible person.
I was waiting somewhat patiently in front of the alter. The flower girl, my niece and Shuyin and Lenne's daughter Emma (now seven years old), tossed the last handful of flowers onto the ground and skipped up to stand quietly beside her mother.
Then the piano struck up the melody of 'here comes the bride' and the doors opened a little wider than they had already been. The bridal party descended, starting with a strange pair of best man and maid of honor. Shuyin was the best man, because he's always been there.
He's my brother. We'd been best friends since birth, and he's always supported me. I've had the opportunity to see him change from a child to a pigheaded teenager to a worrying husband to a loving father. When Shu first met Yuna, he called her a geek. Now he calls her a sister.
Shuyin was there when our mother died. He was there when Yuna came to our house in the rain. He was there to help me when I needed it. Even when he proclaimed himself "the handsome twin" and said annoying things, I knew that he was my closest companion. Shuyin was always there, and that's why he was the best man.
I was happy with my choice. With all my choices. I was glad that my brother was my best man, happy that 'Lai, Gippal, Wakka, and Squall were the groomsmen, and glad that we were all together.
And then my blushing bride walked confidently down the aisle in her wedding gown with her father at her side. Braska walked her up the steps, smiled at me with tears in his eyes, and let go of his daughter. He stood on her side of the stand.
Yuna and I stood together during the happiest moment of both of our lives. Our wedding day.
"Those who are gathered here today are called to bear witness to the union of Yuna Lesca and Tidus Watanuki…"
Yuna's Point of View
The priest went on for a while about the sanctities of marriage. He spoke of how it called for two people to love and cherish and hold dear each other and themselves. There was so much truth to what he said.
Marriage isn't about fancy parties or pretty dresses or expensive suits. It's about love, partnership, and hope.
"Yuna Lesca, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to cherish, through sickness and through health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?"
I smiled at Tidus and held his hands. "I do."
"And do you, Tidus Watanuki, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherish, through health and through sickness, through rich and through poor, until death do you part?"
He did not hesitate. "I do."
"Does anyone in this assembly have any reason these two should not be wed? Speak now, or forever hold your peace." There was a pause. Who would object to us being together?
Who would dare to even consider stopping us now, after what we had come through?
"Then, I legally pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest closed his book and smiled warmly.
"You don't have to tell me twice!" Tidus muttered under his breath. Time stopped as we came together for a sweet, loving kiss.
Every time Tidus kissed me, I felt like I wanted to melt into him. I loved him so much, and I know he loved me. My heartbeat pounded in my ears. Or was it his heart? I couldn't tell.
My friends and family clapped and cheered. Rikku glomped Gippal and yelled things that I couldn't hear.
"I love you so much," I said when we parted.
"Forever and always… until death do us part."
"No," I answered. "Longer."
Tidus's Point of View
There was a cake in my face. I mean, I didn't ask for it to be there. It just… was.
Yuna and I held the knife and cut the cake together. It's traditional for newlyweds to either feed each other a piece of cake or shove a slice into their new spouse's face. I fed the cake to Yuna, because I was sure she wouldn't appreciate the messing of her makeup and hair. I was totally being a gentleman. But she shoved it in my face.
This was okay, I guess, because it tasted really good. But still. There was still cake in my face
"We're going to throw the bouquet!" I heard Rikku squealing. Yuna climbed onto one of the tables, faced away from all the excited women, and prepared to throw the collected flowers over her shoulders.
Lulu and Wakka sat at one of the table laughing. Lenne and Shuyin were out in the car, making sure Emma went to sleep. Rikku was just running around getting everyone excited, not really intent on catching a bouquet, because that tradition is worthless if you're already married. Although I wouldn't put it past Rikku to catch the flowers anyway.
"One… two… three!" Yuna tossed the flowers back. Little girls and older women that were odd cousins and friends of friends and relatives we didn't recognize scrambled for those flowers.
But Paine caught them. She just kind of thrusted her arm into the air and caught them. She didn't even look like she was trying. The other women were sorely disappointed.
"Well, looks like I'm getting married next," the warrior said, flashing a very rare smile.
"Excellent!" exclaimed Raine, who was yanking on Squall's arm to try to get him dancing. He just kind of stared at her until she pretended to cry, at which point he stood and allowed himself to be dragged off.
So Paine took the flowers to go sit down at her table and eat more cake. Baralai walked up and sat down next to her.
"Nice catch," he said.
"Thanks," Paine answered, giving him a sort of half-smile.
"Actually, I was talking to myself. About you. You are a nice catch, Paine."
Paine blushed, showing the second rare emotion for that day. I think the reason she got along so well with Baralai was because they were both pretty shy when I comes to emotions and such.
"So… what's up?"
"Well…" Baralai was flustered. He got down on one knee, and I pulled Yuna to me.
"What is it?" my new wife asked me. I pointed.
"Oh my Yevon!" she exclaimed. "He's proposing!"
Paine, on the other hand, had different ideas. She was still flushed, sure, but that didn't stop her from reaching over and closing the box that 'Lai had pulled out of his pocket.
"Why are you proposing to me during the reception of our best friends' wedding?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking. Her boyfriend looked shattered, and I was about to go towards him when Yuna stopped me.
"Wait," she said.
"Today is their day, 'Lai," Paine continued.
"Right, so… can I ask you to marry me tomorrow?" questioned Baralai as he stood.
"Why yes," she smiled. "Yes you may."
I grinned and turned to Yuna. Yevon, she was so beautiful. Her bi-colored eyes were bright with happiness and love, and she smiled softly. My wife looked content with all of Spira at that moment.
"My mother would have hated this party," I commented. "She would have preferred a simple one on the beach or something. She would have wanted it to be smaller and more special."
"My mom would have wanted to invite more people," Yuna answered. "She would have invited every person she'd ever met. She'd have wanted it to be bigger and elegant."
I laughed, and so did she. "Our moms would hate each other," I said.
"No," she smiled. "I don't think so. Their wants have one thing in common, and that's for us to get married. My mom would love you."
"My mom would love you," I answered.
"D'you think Marza would like this party?" Yuna asked dreamily, hugging me.
"I don't know. But I'm sure she can see it." I kissed her head. "Well, Mrs. Watanuki, it's getting late."
She looked up and smiled. "We've cut the cake, thrown the bouquet, removed the garter, danced our first dance, drank champagne, talked to everyone we know… Did I miss anything?"
"No," I said. "Just one more thing that needs to be done."
"And what might that be, Mr. Watanuki?"
"We go home and do it. Multiple times."
"Tidus!" she hit my arm playfully. "Don't say it like that!"
"Shall I become a prince then?" I laughed, sweeping her into my arms. Then I whispered into her ear, "I'll say it like this. Let's go home and I'll make love to you over and over. I'll make love to you because it feels so good when I'm inside of you, and you're so beautiful that I want you to know how much I want you. I love you so much. You're my princess." Yuna shivered and blushed, hiding her face in my shoulder. I smiled triumphantly and carried her to the door.
"We'll take care of the clean-up!" cried Lenne. "That's our job! Go home and have fun!"
"Lots of fun!" exclaimed Wakka.
"Not too much fun!" Rikku frowned. "I live next door!"
Yuna's Point of View
I love Tidus Watanuki with all of my head, all of my body, and all of my soul. I love him when he's frustrated, when he's smiling, when he's failing miserably at Super Smash Brothers. I love him when he cooks, when he drives, when he holds my hand.
Like he said in the first place, we… "Did it" multiple times. No, that's not right… Tidus and I made love until we collapsed, breathless in each other's arms. It was beautiful, and I felt whole and utterly loved.
Three weeks of wedded bliss passed. The first week, we went to Macalania for our honeymoon. It was a stunning place, especially at night. But see, I didn't really care about a honeymoon; this is going to sound so lame, but ever since Tidus and I had started living together, every day had been a honeymoon. You should be jealous; my honeymoon has lasted for five years.
We left from Macalania and returned to Zanarkand, because of course my husband (haha, still fun to say) was taking classes. I'd been feeling somewhat ill, and I'd made an appointment at the doctor. Because of busy schedules, Lulu took me to the doctor's office.
I told the doctor my symptoms, and she smiled. She smiled when I told her that my stomach kind of hurt, and food didn't taste good anymore, and everything smelled weird. I wanted to slap her in the face.
"Mrs. Watanuki," the doctor said. "You're pregnant and you're going to have a baby."
Suddenly, the desire to slap her transformed in the desire to hug her. Lulu cried out in surprise and happiness, and threw her arms around me.
Tidus's Point of View
It is incredibly alarming to receive a text message from your wife that says "CALL ME. EMERGENCY" in the middle of a psychology class. I went to the hallway and called Yuna immediately.
"Tidus?" she answered.
"What's wrong?" I exclaimed. "Are you okay? How bad is it? Did something happen? What did the doctor say?"
"To answer your questions, yes, very good, yes, and she said it's too soon to tell."
"Too soon to tell what?" I cried.
Then Yuna blew me away. "She said it's too soon to determine the gender."
I took a breath. "The gender of… what?"
I heard my wife laugh softly. "The gender of our baby. I'm pregnant, Tidus. We're going to have a baby."
Seven minutes later, a classmate found me passed out in the hall. I regained consciousness as my classmate (a young guy named Shinra) shook my shoulder. Naturally he was worried.
"My wife is pregnant!" I exclaimed in joy, jumping up.
"C-congratulations?" Shinra blinked. Poor guy just wanted a drink of water. He didn't expect to find a half-crazed guy passed out in the hallway. I ran back into the class.
"Professor, I need to leave now. It's an emergency," I said to my teacher.
"If it's an emergency," he answered kindly, "then why are you still here?" I nodded my thanks, grabbed my books, and bolted for the apartment complex. Yuna and Lulu were sitting on the couch, drinking coffee. I burst through the front door and the black mage smirked.
"I think you made record time," Lulu said, pushing her black hair out of her eyes.
Yuna stood and walked over to me. She put her hands on my wrist and pressed my palm to her flat tummy. It wouldn't be flat for long.
"There's a baby in here," she whispered. "Our baby. You ready?"
I laughed. "Ready? Of course not. But I will be."
Yuna smiled and kissed me. "It'll be okay. We'll take it one step at a time. And we'll be together."
I smiled back and hugged my wife. My beautiful wife. The love of my life. My Yuna.
"I love you," I told her. "Always have, always will."
End of Chapter 16
Sahrah: It's so adorable that I may be ill. But hey! For once in my life, something's done on time. Hell is frozen over. You'd better run… Don't forget that there shall soon be an epilogue!
Editor: That's right! We're not done yet. Also, Sahrah's written a surprisingly sentimental letter to be posted after the epilogue.
Squall: I still say it's stupid.
Sahrah: But then you would be wrong.
Editor: Yeesh. Time to go, birthday girl. Wrap it up.
Sahrah: Right! Please take the time and review! Do it as a birthday present for me! And the more reviews I get, the sooner the epilogue gets finished. Thanks for sticking with me thus far, we're almost done!