Thank you so much for reading so far! Once again, please do not copy the characters or story in any way. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 3

Yuki pulled at her dress.

"Please sit still, Ms. Saito," her seamstress begged. Frustration laced her voice, making Yuki frown.

"Is all this really necessary? It fits fine."

"Everything must be perfect," the woman insisted. Frowning harder, Yuki found herself in the mirror. She was gorgeous, the most dressed up she'd ever been. Covered head to toe in white, she watched as the seamstress poked and prodded. The woman lifted the hem slightly, pinning it in place. Yuki winced as she was poked with a pin at her waist.

Two days later, she stood at the altar with her future husband.

"Do you, Jesse Miller, take Yuki Saito to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

"Do you, Yuki Saito, take Jesse Miller to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. If anyone sees any reason why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Minutes later, the two watched as their friends got married one by one. Yuki turned her head to look at her husband. His back was ramrod straight, shaggy hair shorter and neatly combed. He didn't look at her, nor did he seem to know she was there. Saddened, Yuki faced the altar. She turned when he grabbed her hand. Still facing forward, a light blush dusted Jesse's cheeks. Yuki smiled. He gave her hand a light squeeze - he was there. He must have noticed I was looking at him, she thought. Blushing, she watched the rest of the proceedings, interlacing her fingers with his.

They were back at the Lodge, given their own private room. Yuki walked around, taking in her surroundings. Much like his other room, Jesse didn't need to look for the bathroom. He shut the door, turning the shower knobs. He welcomed the hot water, rinsing the gel from his hair.

Yuki watched as he closed the door behind him, puzzled at his silence. She turned to the nightstand, an old photo lying next to the lamp. A baby boy was with his parents, the trees standing behind them in a picturesque way. She looked at the back.

August 27th, 2293

Jesse opened the bathroom door.

"It's beautiful." Jesse stopped drying his hair; he saw her next to the nightstand, holding his old picture.

"They loved you," he said. Yuki turned. Words caught in her throat as she remembered that it was her mother who'd killed them.

"Yuki?"

"Uh-" She spluttered as she tried to find the words. "Nothing!" she squeaked. Realization crossed his features as she stared at the nightstand.

Jesse moved towards her, but she didn't back away. As he stood in front of her, she waited for him to say something. A head taller than her, she had to look up at him. Gently, Jesse wrapped his arms around her waist. He bent down, watching her face for any changes. He kissed her carefully, waiting to see how she'd react. His heart jumped when she kissed him back. He moved his head back to look at her.

"It's not your fault," he said. Tears pricked her eyes. She hugged him fiercely, putting all the affection she had into it.

"I'm so sorry." Momentarily stunned, he strengthened his hold. The stars winked as they held each other, the moon illuminating them in a tender glow. She buried her head in his chest as he buried his in her hair. She wished she'd been there; he understood it wasn't her fault. A rift they hadn't known was there closed as they held each other. They cried together, their embrace long overdue.

Yuki woke, the artificial sun warming her face through the large window. She turned over to find the space beside her empty. Still in a daze, she sat up and looked around. Jesse sat at the foot of the bed, packing his clothes.

"Jesse?" He turned. Her groggy voice matched her expression, sleepy-eyed and messy-haired. He bit back a laugh.

"Morning. How'd you sleep?" Yuki blushed.

"Good!" she squeaked. Memories came flooding back as she saw herself hugging him in the moonlight, his family photo still clutched in her hand. Jesse gave her an understanding smile, stuffing down another laugh. She looked really cute when she was flustered.

"We've gotta get your things later - we leave tomorrow." Yuki's face relaxed as she realized what he meant.

"Why do they only give us a couple days after the wedding?"

"Beats me," he admitted. "They probably want us back up there as soon as possible." Yuki supposed that made sense, but she didn't know how fair it was.

"You think we'll ever get to come back?" she asked solemnly. Jesse stopped what he was doing. He turned around to look at her; she watched the sheets, fiddling with them in her hands. Standing, he made his way over to her and sat on the bed.

"I don't know," he answered frankly. He put his arm around her, not sure what to say or do. She put her head on his shoulder, leaning into the comfort he was trying to give.

"Our kid will make that decision."

"How is that fair?" she asked. "They're not old enough to make that kind of decision."

"I know," he said. He wished he understood, but he knew that Yuki probably knew what it was like better than anyone.

All children decided which group they would be in at age twelve based on a series of tests. Their results dictated their options. The ones who didn't qualify stayed on the ground. If the spaces filled up, those who were left were also assigned roles on the ground. If the tests and the choices that came with weren't mandatory, it was almost certain that most every child would choose to stay. Yuki sighed. She snuggled deeper into Jesse's chest, drawing comfort from his presence.

"I guess we'll just have to help them as much as we can" she said. Jesse nodded. Looking at his wife, he kissed her forehead and pulled her closer. They'd do whatever they could.