Two weeks passed and everything was peaceful. The town seemed to be back to normal. Shou and Tsubaki had found a nice house. They just moved in the other day. Gakupo says he's never seen both of them so happy. I'm glad they're finally together. They've waited so long.
The poison finally washed out of me and I could, once again, walk. When Gakupo told me I didn't need that stupid wheel chair anymore, I threw it right out the door. Everyone looked down on me when I used it and there's nothing that I hate more than being looked down on. Especially when it's not really my fault…ok maybe it is a little bit my fault.
Since everything was so peaceful again, Gakupo took it upon himself to occupy himself with something else. Our wedding. Gakupo wouldn't tell me anything about it. He said it's tradition for the men to prepare the wedding instead of the women. When I asked Rai about it, he said the same thing. Since I'm one of them, I have to follow tradition. I'm not even allowed to the leave the house for a full day before the ceremony. Something about keeping pure or something. I don't understand werewolves. The only thing I was allowed to plan was my dress.
According to Aoki, it's tradition for werewolves to wear something from there fiancé's mothers in the ceremony. Gakupo had, of course, chosen something for me. It was a necklace with a crystal shaped like a heart on it. I'm sure Aizo's not too happy about this but it is tradition.
My dresses color was already decided for me by none other than, you guessed it, Gakupo. I suppose he allowed me to keep one of my customs. The color he chose was white. So, with excitement, I went to the dress shop with Aoki and Tsubaki. I hadn't met too many women while I was here so there the closest thing to bridesmaids I can get. However, I managed to grab one more person to be my bridesmaid.
"I'm not wearing a dress." Ron said impassively as he held the door open for us.
"Then you have to match us." Tsubaki said. "It's tradition."
Ron glared at her. "Don't start with me. If I'm going to be a stupid bridesmaid, you better treat me with respect or you can forget it. I don't have to do this you know."
I smiled. "But I'm still happy you are."
Ron groaned. "Let's just get this over with."
I groaned. "You're taking all the fun out of the one thing I get to do to prepare for my wedding." I frowned. "I don't get to do anything."
Ron groaned. "I hate you."
"I know." I happily pushed him over to the dresses as Tsubaki and Aoki followed giggling to each other.
"Ah, Gumi. I was wondering when we'd see you." a woman with black wings said. "My name is Ring Suzune. It's a pleasure to meet you." she shook my hand happily.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well." I said.
"Well let's get you fitted in a dress." Ring led us over to the wedding dress section. "These are all the dresses that we've ever made in the history of our town. Each has sentimental value so do be careful with them."
"All of them?" I looked at all the dresses. They were all so pretty. I've never been one for dress shopping so this isn't really my cup of tea but it's the only thing I can do to get ready for my wedding and I'm not gonna hand it over to Gakupo because I can't pick anything. He already has enough on his plate as it is.
Then a thought accord to me. "You wouldn't happen to have Aizo's wife's dress would you?"
She smiled. "I'll look it up and then bring it out for you." She walked towards the counter and began to look through a very large book.
"You're going to wear my mother's dress?" Ron asked.
I nodded. "I figured Gakupo would be moved to tears and I'd like to wear something of hers. Since I can't contact my mother, I might as well wear something of Gakupo's mother's."
Ron hugged me. "Gakupo got himself a great woman."
"If he were here, he'd say that he knew I would be." I said.
"Isn't that a little creepy?' Aoki asked.
"Aoki!" Tsubaki snapped.
"What? I'm just asking?" Aoki shrugged her little shoulders.
I shrugged. "The creepiness fades after sex, running away with him and the undying love."
"Aw." Tsubaki and Aoki sighed together.
I chuckled. "But it's still a little weird. Especially since he's a few hundred years older than me."
"That's something you come to term with when you enter this world. My husband's two hundred years older than me." Aoki explained.
"I didn't know you were married." I said.
Aoki nodded. "Happily for the last 189 years."
"That's so sweet." I sighed. "I hope my marriage is just as perfect as yours."
"My marriage is only two weeks in but it's going swimmingly." Tsubaki sighed happily. "I'm just glad I finally married the man that I've loved for over two hundred years."
"Aw!" Aoki and I sighed together.
"I think I need to go hunting. I feel like I've lost my guy card being here." Ron groaned.
"Just go punch a bear after were done and you'll be good." I walked over to where the bridesmaid's dresses were. "Well while we wait, let's pick something out for you two." I began to push through the dresses. I didn't know what the colors Gakupo chose for the wedding so I decided on blue. I mean there's got to be some blue in the wedding right? I pulled a pretty long light blue dress with a dark blue ribbon tied around the waist. We had to put a custom order for Aoki since she's only about as big as a stapler.
Ron picked out a really nice black tuxedo with a blue tie. I thought he looked really good but apparently he really hates dressing up. I mean I know Ron's a werewolf and there used to being in the woods but I wish he would be a little more hospitable. He's been a sour puss since we started planning this wedding.
Ring brought out a large bag. "Here it is." She hung the bag up on a hook outside a dressing room then unzipped the bag. It was an absolutely beautiful dress. It puffed out like a ball gown and had a beautiful sweet heart neckline. The top of the dressed was jeweled with actual diamonds into pretty little flowers. I couldn't get into the dressing room fast enough. When I finally got the dress on, I almost burst into tears. It looked wonderful on me. I bet you it's a sign from Gakupo's mother. She must want me to wear it. At least I hope so. I'd like her to be happy with our wedding just like Aizo is…well I'm not so sure he's happy about it but at least he's putting up with it which is all I asked for.
When I came out of the dressing room, Ring led me over to a full length mirror. "It looks absolutely stunning on you." Ring complemented me.
"I can't believe how much you really look like Kokone." Someone said. I turned and there stood Aizo. He walked over to me with that same impassive look on his face.
"I'm sorry. I just thought that –"
"Do not apologize. Kokone would want you to wear it." Aizo looked at Ring. "Ring, save the dress for her."
"Yes sir." Ring took my hand and led me back towards the dressing room. I took me a moment to take that in. I know Aizo doesn't like me much…but he wants me to wear his wife's dress? I don't really understand but he says I can wear it so…I suppose I will. At least it will make him happy. I carefully slid the dress off and put my clothes back on. When I came out, Aizo was gone…and so was Ron.
"Where's Ron and Aizo?" I asked.
"Some wedding emergency." Tsubaki answered. "Gakupo just ran in to get them. He didn't tell us what it was."
A wedding emergency? What could have gone wrong? I suppose I should leave it up to Gakupo but I'm too curious to let it slide so we finish placing our order to Ring and then headed out to find them. It wasn't that difficult. They were in the middle of the square on the platform. I couldn't exactly see what the commotion was all about so we rushed over to listen.
"Queen Midorine, we were not expecting your presence. What are you doing here?" Aizo asked.
Queen Midorine was so much prettier than me. Man. Why did Gakupo pick her over me? Her hair was a beautiful teal color and went past her hips. Her blue eyes were so beautiful. She looked so graceful and she was so dignified. She wore a beautiful white gown that flowed behind her. It had a sweetheart neckline and thick straps made of lace. The dress was made of multiple layers of lace. She looked almost angelic. And I thought I had picked out a beautiful dress. Hers was ten times more beautiful and she's not even being married…at least I hope she isn't.
"I'm aware." Queen Midorine said. "I was told there is a wedding coming up here. I am saddened when I missed Shou's wedding. I was so fond of him. I was glad to hear he was cleared of all crimes. It would be sinful to miss Gakupo's wedding. I would never forgive myself."
Gakupo rolled his eyes but put on a smile when Queen Midorine looked at him. "You don't mind if I attend your wedding do you Gakupo?" At which point I made my way up to the stage.
"Of course not. My future wife and I would be honored if you attended." Gakupo answered.
"Yes. We would be." I added as I climbed the steps up to the stage. All eyes fell on me. Gakupo's eyes widened. He obviously hadn't wanted me to know Queen Midorine was here.
"Gumi…how long have you been here?" Gakupo asked nervously.
"Long enough." I walked over to Queen Midorine. "I'm Gumi. It's a pleasure to meet you your majesty. Gakupo has told me too much about you."
She shook my hand. "Good things I presume."
I nodded. "Of course. I'm glad you're here. We were going to send you an invitation but the wedding is only a few days away and it's such short notice. I hope you understand."
"I do. Besides, it's not like anyone is allowed to know you're here." Queen Midorine looked at Gakupo. "I assume you'd appreciate me keeping your existence here a secret."
"We would. Thank you." Gakupo answered. I could see in his eyes how much he has wanted to ask if she was going to tell the council were here.
"Yes well if we weren't such close friends, I wouldn't hesitate." She looked at Aizo. "Aizo, would you please direct me to my home. I'm afraid I have forgotten its location. It's been so long."
"Yes my Queen." Aizo bowed to her then led her down from the stage.
As soon as she was gone, I charged right over to Gakupo. "What the hell is she doing here?" I whispered angrily.
"I don't know!" Gakupo shout whispered at me. "She never tells us when she comes here. She always shows up out of the blue."
"Well that's just great." I mumbled. I know Gakupo said he turned her down but it was only because of me. I have a hard time believing that he never had any feelings for her. She's so beautiful. I mean I know Rai said she was beautiful but I never would have expected someone as perfect as she is. She'd be the perfect wife for Gakupo. This just brings me back to my point that he should never have left here. He should have married Queen Midorine and rained as king of the Werewolves. He'd be such a perfect leader. From what the guys tell me, Gakupo was an amazing leader and one of the best generals in their history…and because of me he left such a great position and pretended to be a host at a mansion like some creepy man whore or something.
"What's the problem? We have plenty of room at the wedding." Gakupo asked.
"That's not it." I glanced out at the crowd. Everyone was watching us…and since most of them are werewolves, they must have heard the whole thing. I glared up at Gakupo. "In the house. Now."
Gakupo gave me a confused look. "What? What did I do?"
I pointed at the house angrily. Gakupo sighed and started towards the house. The crowd dispersed. Great. They did hear everything. Now they think we're fighting. That's not good before a wedding. Our weddings in 4 days. If Queen Midorine didn't show up, we wouldn't have a problem but she's here and I'm not going to let her ruin my wedding. I left my home, my friends and my mother to be with him. I won't let go of him easily. But for now, I needed to make sure I knew where Gakupo's loyalties lie.
When we were finally alone in our room, I felt like exploding with anger but when I spoke, I was almost sounded like I was about to cry. "You're not going to leave me for her are you?"
"Oh Gumi." He held his hand out to me. I looked away. I wasn't in the mood for his weird romantic stuff right now. He side and sat down on the bed. "Gumi, do you really not trust me at all? I love you so much. I told you that I wasn't interested in Queen Midorine. Why don't you believe me?" he ran his fingers through his long purple hair. "You always do this." He was starting to sound angry now. "It almost seems like your trying to test me or something? I'm starting to get tired of it. You are my world. My everything. What don't you understand?"
I was taken aback by this. I suppose I do ask things like this a lot…I can't help it. I worry. I'm not perfect. I'm no Queen. I'm just another girl amongst thousands. Nothing special about me. Well I guess there is. I am a Cat Half Breed. An important one…but what else do I have. I don't have an award winning personality. I'm not beautiful. All I seem to do is make everyone's lives more difficult.
"I'm sorry…it's just that…I don't know. I don't think I'm worth it…and I worry that you'll realize that and leave me for someone like Queen Midorine. Someone as beautiful as she is…I can't compete with that. I look like a boy with my hair so short." I looked away. "I don't mean to question you…I guess I just want to make sure that you still want me around...if you left me…I…I…"
Gakupo rose from the bed and pulled me to him wrapping his arms around me. "Shh. I would never leave you. You know that. Deep down I know you do. Stop worrying. In four days, you won't have to worry about that ever again. You are my one love. I will love you for all eternity. I've loved you all your life and I will love you until the day your die…or I do."
I shook my head. "Don't say that. I don't want to think about such things. Not so close to our wedding." I laid my head on his chest. He rested his head on top of mine. "I worry that Queen Midorine will call the guards to take me away."
"She promised she wouldn't." Gakupo said as if her saying something was law. People go back on their word all the time…and I feel like she's only here to break up this wedding. If she doesn't succeed, she might call the guards…and then we'll have to leave again. Find a new home to stay at until the vote sways to our favor. We would have lost another vote then.
"That doesn't mean she won't." I pointed out as I looked up at him. "I think she's here to steal you from me."
Gakupo rolled his eyes. "Midorine doesn't have any interest in me."
"Why do you think she showed up four days before our wedding? She's going to try to cancel it." I said.
"She knows that I wouldn't do that." Gakupo assured me.
"Does she?" I asked expectantly. "She hates women. Rai made that perfectly clear to me. She sided with us because of you, not me. She came to end this wedding and probably send me on my way to marry Mikuo. We need to get her out of here. She's going to send me back there."
"I told you she wouldn't do that." Gakupo objected.
"Why are you defending her?" I demanded.
He glared at me. "Midorine has been my friend since I was child which, as you know, is a long time for me. I am a loyal man. I know she loved me once but she understands that I'm in love with someone else. She's come to terms with that. Trust in me for once Gumi. Lord knows you barely trust me at all."
I crossed my arms. "I do trust you…just not with women. You were a host for how many years? 30? I know your moves and all your flirtatious advances towards women."
"The only reason I stayed there was so I could be near you!" He snapped. "I never wanted to be a host but I don't take a job and half ass it! I did what I was supposed to!" He turned away from me. "My god Gumi! Why do you always do this to me? You don't trust me at all!"
I glared at him. "I told you that I trust you. I only asked a question. There is nothing wrong with checking in. I wouldn't be so offended if you asked me the same question."
He sighed. "I would never ask you that because I trust you. Obviously, you don't feel the same way." He grabbed a pillow off the bed and a blanket from on top of a chair. "I'm sleeping on the couch."
I grabbed his arm before he could leave. "Gakupo…please don't go." I knew this was my fault. I don't know how to handle this. I haven't dated many guys. Gakupo is the only serious relationship I've ever had. I don't want to go to sleep knowing this ended like this. "I do trust you."
Gakupo tore his arm away from me. "Then prove it." He slammed the door behind him.
Damnnit! Queen Midorine is driving a wedge in our relationship already and she didn't even do anything! Well at least I think she hasn't. I didn't see everything that transpired. But…Gakupo's right. I should trust him. He's my fiancé. If we're going to get married, we have to trust each other. Relationships are built up on trust and honesty right? I have to give Gakupo the same kind of trust he gives me. I know he wouldn't cheat on me. I'll just have to put my faith in him.
That's easier said than done. I woke up the next morning alone which wasn't the most pleasant feeling. When I went to the living room, Gakupo had already left. I suppose I won't be trying to make up with him this morning. So instead I sat down at the kitchen and ate breakfast with Rei. It had been so long since I had spent time with him and I felt bad. We were freeloading in his house. I should try harder.
"So are you Gakupo okay? I heard you fighting." Rei asked as he cut into his pancakes. He's such a great cook. I missed his food.
I sighed. "He's angry because he doesn't think I trust him." I ran my fingers through my hair. "I do trust him. I really do…it's just…seeing him around Queen Midorine…I know they have a past together. She's known him longer then I have. I shouldn't have said anything about it."
Rei shook his head. "Gumi, you should know by now that Gakupo isn't that kind of a man."
"I know him. I know he'd never leave me for another woman…back at home…I was cheated on a few times…and I worry the same thing will happen again…and with me running from the council…I won't have anywhere to go. I don't have friends in this new world. I don't have connections that will happily let me stay with them. They'd find me." I looked down at my pancakes. "Everything about my life relies on Gakupo. I feel like this is only a burden to him. I made him leave his home, not once but twice." I looked up at Rei. "I love him. I love him so much. What will happen if he falls out of love with me?"
Rei grabbed my hand. "He loves you more then you'll ever know. You said it yourself. He left his home twice for you. He traveled all the way here with you on his back. Something that isn't easy. He ran to the point of exhaustion so he could protect you. He's given up his world for you. You have no reason to worry about Queen Midorine. No matter what she does, it won't break the love he has for you."
I gave Rei a small smile. "Thanks Rei. I needed to hear that."
"It's no problem." He leaned forward over the counter. "So, how are you going to prove to Gakupo that you trust him?"
I looked down at the table. That's a good question. "I don't know. How do I prove that to him?"
Rei smiled. "I think I have an idea."
I hate Rei. This is the stupidest thing I've ever done, and I'm running from the council. I didn't think jumping off a roof was a smart plan and the risk was high that I could in fact die from this but I had to prove to Gakupo that I trusted him and this was the best idea I had so far. It would definitely prove something. It might be that I'm crazy for letting him talk me into it but it might just win me his trust. That alone brought me up to the highest roof in the village.
Four stories. I could definitely die from a four story drop. At the least, I'd break a lot of bones. That would be pure luck and I've more than proven that I have the worst luck in the world. I'd definitely die. All I can hope for is that Gakupo will be there to catch me when I jump.
Right on cue, Gakupo and the rest of the guys came running. The sun had long ago set and the lights around town were the only lights that eliminated them in the darkness. I could barely make out there faces but I knew it was them. I didn't need to look to know that Gakupo's face was full of fear and worry.
"Gumi! What are you doing up there?" he yelled.
"Come down!" Youe yelled.
"Don't jump!" Ron yelled.
I walked to the edge and looked down. It was such a long fall. My breath grew heavy as fear began to wash over me. It looked a lot shorter of a fall from the ground. I almost chickened out…but I had to get Gakupo's trust back. So…I took a deep breath and jumped.
I screamed as I fell. It was a longer drop then I thought it'd be. Just like I had planned, Gakupo caught me with ease. I almost thought he wouldn't. I had jumped to far and Gakupo had to take many steps back before he was at the perfect angle to catch me. I slammed into him knocking him to the ground. He groaned from the impact but he seemed to be more concerned with me than anything.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he asked. He looked me over analyzing every ounce of me looking for any injuries.
"Are you out of your mind?" Rai yelled. "Your wedding's in four days!"
"Why would you jump off of a building?" Gakupo demanded. He hugged me against him. "I almost lost you. If I hadn't caught you, you'd be dead."
"That's why I did it." I whispered.
Gakupo pushed back to look at me. "What do you mean that's why? Did you really want to die? After all we've done?"
I shook my head. "You wanted me to prove that I trust you. I jumped off a four story building trusting that you would be there to catch me. I think I've more than proven that I trust you."
"Are you insane? That was not what I meant when I said I wanted you to prove it!" Gakupo yelled. He hugged me again. "Don't you ever do something that stupid again." He kissed my hair. "For the love of god. What did I do to deserve this?"
"How did you come up with something so stupid?" Ron asked.
"Rei gave me the idea." I answered.
That did it. Gakupo pushed me off him and immediately turned on Rei. "You gave my fiancé the idea to jump off a four story building! What the hell is the matter with you? She could have died!"
"But she didn't." Rei pointed out. "I knew you'd catch her."
"And what if I hadn't?" Gakupo yelled grabbing Rei's shirt and forcing Rei to look at him.
"Then I would have." Rei answered.
Gakupo stood there glaring at Rei for a few moments before he finally let go. "I'm too worried about my fiancé to be pissed at you right now." He let go of Rei and immediately went back to me. "I get it okay. You trust me. Just don't risk your life again to prove your point. I can't handle another near death experience. Since you've been here, you've almost died 5 times. If I was human I'd probably start balding with all the stress you seem to love causing me."
I hugged him. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to get married with us fighting like this." I smiled when Gakupo's arms finally wrapped around me.
"What am I going to do with you?" he tilted my chin up and gave me a kiss that was a little too long to be a simple kiss.
"I don't know. That's up to you." I whispered.
"Okay. Too much romance for me. I need to drink so I forget all of this happen. I'm already a bridesmaid. I don't need this right now." Ron stormed away heading for his house which was probably stocked to the brim with liquor. The rest of the guys soon followed.
Gakupo took my hand. "Let's get you home so you don't do anything else stupid tonight. Please tell me you don't have any more trust building activities planned."
I laughed. "No I'm done."
Gakupo ran his fingers through his hair. "And I thought putting you under house arrest was a bad idea."
I laughed again. "There's a reason why you fell in love with me?"
"I thought your spontaneous-ness was more fun when it didn't involve possibly serious injury." He mumbled.
I wrapped my arms around his arm. "I do you trust you."
He sighed. "Yeah you've made that clear."
I looked up at him and gave him a smile. "I love you."
He groaned. "Yeah I love you too."
He pushed the door to Rei's house open for me. I happily strolled inside. I was happy when Gakupo went to our bedroom instead of the couch. We soon crawled into bed together. I was glad to be able to snuggle up with him again. He soon fell asleep but I stayed up a little longer wondering how I luck I was. I would never not trust him again.
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Sorry for the wait. I've been really busy but one of my biggest fans, Lucy Dreyar (check out her stuff cause it's awesome), messaged me and made sure that I finished writing this chapter for you guys. Get ready cause next chapter is Gumi and Gakupo's wedding. I know you guys have been waiting for this but you'll just have to wait a bit longer. A lot will happen and you're going to be on the edge of your seats.
In the meantime, check out Kyousei and Oniyuri as well as my profile page where you can read some of the stories that I might actually publish one day. Just look up Torrance Courtney.
Thanks so much for all your support! Keep reading!