May 21st

Mu's Hotel Room

Mu yawned as his dream released him, stretching one arm lazily above his head before he looked down to him right to see a very familiar figure curled up next to him, tangled in the sheets. He laughed gently, reaching out to smooth her messy brown hair away from her face, leaned down to kiss the crown of her hair. "I love you..."

He was slightly amazed that she'd snuck out like she had, but he didn't regret it for a moment. He was glad that she'd done it, they had a good night because of it. Holding her snugly in his arms, he smiled. This was something he wanted to wake up to every single morning for the rest of his life, he sleeping beside him, curled up next top him. That was as close to heaven as he could get.

He frowned at the thought of the separation that was supposed to happen yesterday, and his arms tightened protectively around the sleeping Murrue. He didn't like the thought of being away from her for any length of time, this, this right now was what made him what he was. He glanced over his shoulder at the clock on the bedside table and sighed. 'Six thirty... She ought to go back to her room...'

He gently kissed her temple, rubbing the area between her shoulder blades to wake her up, knowing how ticklish she was. She mumbled something incoherent and turned over in her sleep, eyes still practically glued shut as she did so. He laughed weakly and then reached out to trace the path of her spine with his index finger, following it down as far as he could before the blankets obscured the rest of her.

"Murrue..." He whispered into her ear, not really wanting to wake her but knowing that if she didn't get up Erica would more than likely have an explosion of a temper able to beat out what happened at Alaska. He shuddered. He was hoping to avoid that at any and all costs, she could scare the living daylights out of anyone. "Murrue, c'mon babe, wake up..."

"Nn..." Murrue groaned, forcing her eyes to open to the sound of her lover's voice, blinking a few times before she found his face, his eyes staring anxiously at her. She smiled sleepily and watched him return the gesture weakly and then she curled closer to him, sighing contentedly as she prepared to fall back asleep.

"Murrue, you have to get up." Mu nearly chuckled, quite amused by her antics. Normally it didn't take very much to wake her up, she was a very light sleeper but she looked so comfortable he was having second thoughts about moving her. It wouldn't hurt to sleep a little longer, would it...?

"I love her, you know that, right? If you ever do anything to screw up her life in any way, I'll hunt you down. And what I do after that... Well, use your imagination."

Mu shuddered. Erica's threat constantly rang in his ears, and she'd only uttered it once, smiled cheerfully and pat him on the head before walking away. She certainly had a way of getting her point across quickly and efficiently. He gently nudged his lover's shoulder and said a little more loudly, "Erica will kill you if you're not back in your hotel room."

Murrue turned over with a low curse and muttered into her pillow as she buried her face in it, "Let Erica freak." She felt exhausted, they hadn't slept much last night, and she smiled secretly at the thought. It had been a very good night, as though they hadn't seen each other in years. It was always like that, the moment they saw each other again at the end of the day, as though they had been separated for a lifetime. "I'm comfy and sleepy."

"If I had my way you wouldn't be leaving either." Mu sighed, wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her back into his arms, nuzzling gently into her hair and breathing in the scent of roses. "I don't want you to go, but I do want to be able to have an enjoyable honeymoon."

Murrue moaned unhappily, and promptly hid her head under her pillow in a vain attempt to drown him out and hopefully get back to sleep. She felt warm, it had spread all the way down to her toes and she had the suspicion if she got out of bed the feeling would disappear. She wanted to stay right where she was.

Mu chuckled weakly, knowing just as well as she did that Erica would be furious with both of them. He reached out and gently brushed his fingertips along her ribcage, knowing that it would do exactly what he wanted. He wasn't disappointed, after another moment of tickling she shrieked and bounded upright and tried to escape, but he wouldn't let her, catching her around the waist and yanking her back into his arms.

"Mu, get off! Stop it! Eek! You know I hate it when you do that– Eeek! No!"

Mu just chuckled and easily had her pinned down onto the bed in the scuffle, having both of her hands on the pillow above her head with one of his hands, the other steadying himself as he loomed over her with a huge smirk. She was glaring at him, not happy with this new predicament, and he asked her calmly, "Will you go now?"

"Do I have to?" Murrue asked with wide marigold eyes, looking for all the world like he was banishing her to the street. She knew all of his tricks, and she wasn't above trying them out for herself if it would work. With an impish light suddenly sparkling in her eyes, she gently raised her leg and brushed her foot teasingly against his leg, smiling when his eyes widened a bit at the sensual touch. She purred, "Can't I stay for a little while longer...?"

"Murrue–" He began warningly, his voice already beginning to falter and grip weakening as her smile grew more seductive and she propped herself up to push herself against him. Her lips gently pressed against his and everything simply faded out of his thoughts after that as he let her hands go and held her close. The world could wait a little while longer...

Later...

"We are in so much trouble." Mu groaned as he looked up from his exhausted lover to the clock on the bedside table. They had certainly wasted a good amount of time, the redhead was probably planning torture. He shuddered, he was no looking forward to facing her wrath anytime soon. Murrue muttered something incoherent and it sounded grumpy, and he looked down at her with wide eyes, "Do you want her to kill me?"

"I just want to be with you." Murrue murmured, winding her arms around him to hug him close, glad that he didn't object. He never did, he hugged her back protectively and nuzzled gently into her hair with a contented sigh. She could have happily skipped the entire ceremony and spent all day in bed with him.

"I'd love to spend all day with you too." Mu agreed with a sort chuckle, kissing the crown of her hair and settling back into the bed with her. He also wouldn't really mind missing his own wedding if it meant he got to spend the entire day like this, just holding her, wrapped up in their own little world.

S if to shatter that dream and bring them back to reality, his phone rang and they both looked at it like a poisonous reptile. Mu finally sighed, reached over, and answered it with an exhausted sigh. "Hello?"

"Erica's having a stroke."

Murrue was close enough to hear Natarle's anxious voice on the other end and she ducked her head to smother her laughter with Mu's shoulder, though she saw his horrified expression anyway, which only really made her laugh harder. Mu ruffled her hair playfully and tried to compose himself by asking pathetically, "How much trouble am I in?"

"None actually." Natarle's answer startled him, as did her sarcastic voice when she continued with her explanation, "I'm the one who convinced your soon-to-be wife to sneak out, she just ran off to you." Mu glanced at Murrue in surprise and she nodded a little to tell him that she was honest, and before he could say anything the raven-haired woman continued, "So, if you don't mind saving my neck, please get moving."

Murrue snatched the phone from Mu and answered her friend instead, "We'll be getting over asap, alright? Just keep out of Erica's way." She smiled wryly and added apologetically, "I'm sorry I put you in that position for me."

Much to her relief and slight surprise, Natarle laughed. Her voice was friendly and tone affectionate when she answered, "Nah, don't apologize. My intentions were good enough. Just please come back before Erica wrings my neck, okay? I'll see you soon." The line promptly went dead.

Murrue sighed and pulled herself out of his arms and off of the bed, knowing full well that Erica would more than likely have a few choice words for her and as much as she would love to stay with him and ignore that, her friend had pretty much put her neck out for her... She deserved to be saved. She gently kissed her fiancé and murmured, "I'll see you at the altar."

"Yeah." Mu nodded, pulling her into his arms again to give her a warm hug that she gratefully returned.

"I'll be the one in white."

"And I'll be the one staring at ya."

"Nervous?"

"Not really."

"Bullshit."

"Okay, I'm shaking in my boots."

"Also bullshit."

Natarle rolled her eyes as she finished working with Murrue's hair, Erica's questioning was blunt but rather amusing at the same time. She understood how Murrue could love her like she did, the redhead was protective but also a very kind and caring woman, she grew on you quickly. Erica was just concerned.

"C'mon Murrue, just tell me how you're feeling." Erica grinned and gently finished applying the last bit of blush to her friend's face, smiling quite proudly when she completed her task and stepped back to look at her. She beamed and crossed her arms, commenting quite affectionately, "Perfect. You look beautiful."

"She has a point, you're gorgeous." Natarle agreed with a grin, watching as Murrue's skin turn crimson with embarrassment and she looked nervously at her feet. Natarle smiled and gently pat her friend on the shoulder, not wanting to ruin the slightly curled hair that she'd given to her friend. "As always. You're the belle of this ball."

"Good, she's the bride." Erica joked, gently elbowing her friend and earning a snicker of amusement. She glanced at her watch and pretended to sigh, commenting tiredly, "Well, guess it's my turn to get into my dress. I'll see you in a few." With a rather obvious wink to Natarle, she slipped out of the room, humming a very loud version of 'Here Comes The Bride'.

"Are you alright?" Natarle asked with a little concern, watching as Murrue hesitantly got to her feet, glancing sheepishly at the woman in the mirror. She seemed a little embarrassed, a bright red colour splashed across her cheeks, marigold eyes wide and bright. Her hair was done up subtly, gentle curls waving down to brush her shoulders, the veil hanging over her shoulder, not yet ready to be put up. The dress was strapless, a gentle ivory colour that sank down elegantly to her heels, a red sash curving up just above her waist. What had made Murrue pick the dress was the pattern along the bottom, the blood-red rose that stood out among the vines and leaves that spanned across the white fabric, it seemed just too perfect.

"I'm a little nervous." Murrue finally admitted, turning to look at her maid of honour with a little smile, nervously smoothing out an invisible crease in her gown. She sat back down after a long moment, not really wanting to turn back to the stranger in the mirror, wringing her hands together. "But not because I don't think we're meant to be together or anything..."

"Everybody gets wedding day jitters, you're no exception. Captain or not." Natarle scolded the brunette gently, once again patting her shoulder and pulling up a chair beside her. She idly fixed her friend's gown herself and continued in a gentle tone, "It's just the stress, and it's normal."

"I know that but it's... It doesn't feel the same, you know...?" Murrue murmured weakly, once again wringing her hands and toying with the band of her finger, twisting it this way and that every so often. She wondered where the worry was coming from, she had felt perfectly fine this morning but her emotions were wild today, she blamed the stress of the wedding that had finally caught up with her. "I... I just keep worrying that it won't be the same after this, that something will change. I don't want anything to change."

"The only thing that's going to change is your last name and adding another ring to that hand of yours." Natarle chided, crossing her legs and watching her friend smile sheepishly at her, a silent apology. The younger woman continued as though she hadn't seen the expression, voice gentle, "You two have been together for so long, you're basically already common-law. Nothing will change. You two will just be legally tied to each other, that's nothing big considering how much you love him anyway. Don't worry so much Murrue, everything will still be the same when you wake up tomorrow."

"Thanks." Murrue finally laughed nervously, brushing her hair back with one hand and smiling weakly at her friend. Her nerves felt a little less frayed now, her friend's words put some sense through her worry. 'She's right... Everything will still be the same tomorrow, we'll still love each other like we do today. Nothing is going to be different.' Her smile grew a bit more confident and she straightened a little and nodded. "Alright."

"Good, now that that's all settled..." Natarle got to her feet and rummaged around in a box for a few moments before grinning and taking out a flimsy looking piece of fabric and tossing it to the bride with a smirk. "Put that on. It's Erica's, and she wants it back after you're done with it. Something borrowed and blue."

"Are you kidding me?!" Murrue burst out in shock, staring at the little thing with wide eyes. She knew very well what it was, and she had assumed that everyone else would just forget about that certain tradition. It was a small little lacy blue garter, something that she had never seen, or worn, every before in her life, and she wasn't about to start now. "No way. I am not wearing that."

"Oh c'mon, it's a harmless little tradition." Natarle was having a hard time not laughing, the brunette's expression when she caught the flimsy thing was priceless, she wished she had a camera. Erica had left for two reasons, one to get ready and second so she wouldn't have to tell the bride herself. "Erica will be hurt if you don't do it."

"No way in hell."

"Mu's all for it." Natarle tried with a little laugh, trying very hard to control her laughter. She had to admit if she was in Murrue's position she more than likely wouldn't have gotten anywhere near that thing but since she wasn't... She wanted a chance to have a little bit of fun herself.

"Eh? He is?" Murrue was distracted long enough to have a mental image of his wandering hands, and she shivered a little as blood flushed up her neck to settle in her cheeks. If they had been doing that in private, she probably wouldn't have minded at all, but this was different. She knew the traditions, and she wasn't really sure that this was something she wanted everybody to see. She debated inwardly for a few long moments, finally growling, "I'll do it, but only on one condition."

"What?" Natarle asked curiously, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as she examined her friend.

"You're wearing it when you and Justin get hitched." Murrue said finally, a devilish glint entering her eyes and a big smug smirk stretching across her pink lips.

"What?!"

Murrue snickered, quite amused as her friend turned several colours of pink, darkening to a bright crimson, her violet eyes wide in shock and entire body frozen where she stood. She wondered what made the young woman the most embarrassed, the thought of wearing it to her own wedding, or the idea of a wedding in general. She smiled broadly and repeated her terms.

"I doubt Erica will want to let me borrow it after you." Natarle muttered under her breath, not even managing to have eye contact with her friend now, still blushing to her ears.

"Who knows. Now you ought to go get into your dress." Murrue teased, and Natarle basically fled from the room, so red she would have little trouble being mistaken for a rose. She peeked at herself in the mirror once more and smiled shyly at her reflection. 'Well... Let's go get married.'

The ceremony was rather small, just close personal friends and family were invited and it still turned out loud and boisterous, but for some reason the couple weren't really surprised. Justin took his place as best man with Kira walking the bride down the aisle, Erica, Lacus, Cagalli, and Natarle standing there as bridesmaids with equally glowing grins on their faces. The vows were read, rings exchanged, and when they finally got permission to kiss, Mu basically lifted her clear off the ground to a chorus of wolf-whistles and cheers.

They took turns tossing the cake at each other, much to the amusement of everyone else, and the party was fun, the best romantic songs blaring out of the stereo as couples filled the dance floor of the small chapel. Murrue had finally been coerced into sitting centre as Mu knelt in front of her and removed the garter with his teeth, she was pretty sure she'd never be able to show her face in public ever again.

They finally went out for their own dances, switching partners every so often just for fun, even Murrue had taken turns with her own best girls, much to their amusement. Natarle was in a fit when it was her turn to have a 'waltz' with Murrue, the two women had barely made it through the first few steps before they had to break apart from laughing too hard. It didn't take too long before Mu had stolen Murrue away for yet another dance, and she didn't mind it at all, moving so close to him they were basically just swaying to the music.

"You look beautiful." He muttered softly into her hair, pressing a gentle kiss to her curls before she snuck a peek up at him, cheeks still rosy pink and marigold eyes sparkling happily. He brushed his fingertips over her cheek and added quietly, "Mrs La Flaga."

"I'm going to need to get used to that." Murrue giggled sheepishly, fighting the urge to duck her head and look away out of embarrassment. She stood on tiptoe, brushing her lips against his cheek before whispering into his ear, "Mr La Flaga."

"Having fun?" Mu asked after yet another dance, holding her close as they watched the other couples from the wall, having snuck off the dance-floor to rest and enjoy the sight. He'd pulled up a chair in the little corner and she had immediately pounced into his lap and snuggled into his arms. He had to admit, he wasn't the best dancer and the other boys were quite amused with showing him up but it didn't matter. He had the most beautiful woman in his arms in the room, so he was quite smug.

"Much. Everyone looks happy." Murrue commented with a smile, peeking up at her husband. It was going to take her awhile to get used to calling him that, but she had forever now. The thought made her smile grow and she leaned further back into his arms with a happy sigh of her own. "It was a beautiful ceremony."

"Shall we get running?" Mu suggested with a wicked smile.

"Nah... I'd like to stay for a little, watch everyone. Is that alright?" Murrue asked with a shy little smile, looking up into his warm azure eyes. A familiar song began to play and she smiled before she hopped off his lap and extended her hand to him, curtsying and asking politely, "May I have this dance good sir?"

"Yes you may." Mu laughed, taking her hand as they wandered once more onto the dance floor as the music began to play. His arms wrapped around her lithe form and her hands on his shoulders, they started to sway again to the beat, him whispering the words of the song into her ear as the night dwindled into time, a new chapter of the rest of their lives.

Don't wanna close my eyes,

I don't wanna fall asleep cause I'd miss you babe,

and I don't wanna miss a thing.

Cause even when I dream of you,

the sweetest dream would never do,

I'd still miss you babe,

and I don't wanna miss a thing.

AN

Hehe. It seemed suitable to end the chapter there, and with a hundred damn pages too XD I'm a dork. Honeymoon next, lol, there's still loads to come. (I'm never going to end this thing am I?) But anywhosit, please drop a review and tell me what you think and what you'd like to see next! Love ya all, peace!

Sky