Heli: I was cleaning when the inspiration for this struck. Now only half of the house is clean…

Rhage: Who cares? I'd rather have an awesome short than a clean house.

Heli: *stares at bedroom floor* But…I've been neglecting cleaning up after the parrots for a couple days and-

Rhage: *Grabs inspiration stick* DON'T CARE! *whacks her with it*

"Jack! Jack wait! You'll get your dress dirty if you go outside!" Berni yelled after Jack as she took off down the hall to burst out into the back garden, her chest heaving in the corset like top of the flowing white gown she wore. Her hair, worn loose as he'd requested, swirled around her shoulders and face when she half turned to yell back at her friend.

"I-I can't do this!" Berni tossed aside the bouquet of yellow roses and emerald green feathers to follow Jack out the back door, her copper colored dress flashing in the morning sun.

"Jack! Come back!" But her words were useless as Jack bolted down the gravel drive to vanish into the garden's interior, the white of her wedding dress swallowed by green. Berni stopped next to one of the large fountains, panting for breath as she looked left and right, trying to figure out which way Jack had gone when footsteps in the gravel had her looking over her shoulder in time to see a flash of gold and black flash past. She steadied herself on the edge of the fountain, her eyes wide as she watched Dino vanish into the garden as well.

"Berni?" Monty came to a stop at her side, his light blue eyes wide with worry as they gazed down at her, "Is she alright?" His hand smoothed along her arm to cup her elbow and help her regain her balance.

"Yeah you know how she gets. She's scared of all the strangers that had to be invited. We should go help him track her down." She stared to move when his hand tightened on her arm, pulling her back against his chest.

"No we shouldn't. Let him handle her." His lids lowered as he looked down at her, "Let's go wait inside so that we're ready when he brings her back."

Jack slowed as she entered the silent grotto, the only sound that of the fountain in the water tinkling like glass. She slumped down on the marble bench and buried her face in her hands as the hot tears ran down her cheeks. There's so many of them in there. I can't...I can't do this. What have I gotten myself into!? Her sobs were muffled by her palms, her hair sticking to the wet tracks and tickling at the gentle swells of her chest.

"Miri." Jack shrieked and bolted to her feet, whirling to face Dino as he stepped into the grotto, the expression on his face worried.

"D-Don't!" She held her hand up to ward him off, "It's bad luck to-"

"I don't care." He said before striding forward to wrap his arms around her, his hands gliding up the back of her neck to tangle briefly in her hair before sliding forward to brush his thumbs along her cheeks, "God, Miri..." Dino pressed his lips to her forehead, "If you can't do this, I'll call the whole thing off." She pressed her face against the black material of his suit while her hands ran up his back to hold him to her tightly.

"I'm sorry...no...I can...I'll do...I think I just need some time. I'm sorry." She whispered and he stroked her hair, running his long fingers through the coppery length until Jack started to relax against him.

"Take your time. I should have warned you about how many there would be. I'm sorry, my love." She sniffled then rubbed her cheek against his neck, her fear subsiding in his presence. Dino smiled down at her when she pulled back to whip at her eyes, "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." Her cheeks turned pink before she looked away, laughing softly which only made him smile wider.

"You're very handsome yourself. I don't think I've ever seen you in a tux." She smiled back and Dino tilted his head to the side cockily as he grabbed his lapels.

"So it's a good look for me?" She nodded and a roguish grin tilted those perfect lips, "Does that mean if I start wearing it more often, you won't be able to keep your hands off me?" Jack shoved at his chest but he caught her hands, their laughter ringing in the quiet circle as Dino pulled her close to lay his forehead against hers, his eyes gazing down at her lovingly.

"Better?" He asked and she nodded then he kissed her quickly before placing her hand on his arm, "Ready to give this another try?" Jack took a deep breath, her fingers clutching his arm.

"As long as you're by my side, I think so." Dino smiled brightly as he bumped into her, his lips brushing along her temple.

"Where else would I be?"

Heli: *sighs dreamily* Damn I love him….

Rhage: R&R if you would, ladies!