Sorry that it's been a while, you guys! ; No, I didn't forget, I've just been busy with my Senior year in High School, what with all the projects, and work, and other "fun" stuff. ; Anyways, here's another bonus chapter!! I hope this long chapter makes up for the long time I haven't updated!! Again, I'm sorry!!
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Leiko paced nervously around in her large room, her face wrought with anxiety. Glancing briefly at the cherry wood clock seated on top of her wardrobe, she groaned softly before resuming her impatient pacing. A soft knock on her solid oak door brought her out of her slight trance and she rushed over to the door. Still hiding behind the door, she grasped the brass doorknob, but did not open the door.
"Who is it?" She called, trying to keep her nervousness from showing.
"It's Rose." Came a soft reply, though to Leiko it was like the howling wind in a storm at sea.
Quickly opening the door, Leiko grabbed the front of Nozomi's brides' maids' gown and practically dragged her into the room, slamming the door behind her.
"Where the hell have you been?! I've been sitting here, worried sick that my bestest friend in the entire world might not have made it to my own wedding!"
Nozomi forced herself to smile, sweat dropping slightly. She had expected as much. But, it was understandable. On her wedding day, a bride would want everything as perfect as it could get, to the utmost degree.
"Explain yourself!" Leiko demanded, her brows creasing slightly as she mildly glared at her best friend, waiting impatiently for an answer.
Nozomi sighed heavily, then looked up at her friend. "Leiko, you know I had to sneak away from Youko in order to be here… Since they still haven't made up yet, he doesn't want me anywhere near the man! I told him you were my best friend and I had to go, but he just ignored me…" She looked down sadly. "I tried to tell him again, but he ignored it again and changed the topic. I managed to sneak away, but I'm sure he's figured out that I went anyway…" She sighed, then looked up at her best friend, looking at just how beautiful she looked on her wedding day. "But, I have to say, you do look beautiful, Leiko."
Leiko seemed to flinch as she said that and quickly turned and leaned into her vanity. Placing her palms gently on the smooth surface of her vanity, she stared uncertainly at her wedding gown, and at herself.
"You don't think it's a bit much?"
Nozomi walked over, but stayed far enough behind so that Leiko had enough room to move with her medium poofy gown.
"No, not at all." She smiled. "Besides that, you requested to have make-up and jewelry and accessories." She tilted her head slightly to one side, her brows creasing slightly in a look of slight sadness. "Although…I must admit… Your hair's a bit messed up, and you have a bit too much make-up on…"
Leiko looked up at her fearfully, panic flashing over her face. However, Nozomi was quick to reassure.
"Relax, I can handle it." She gave a reassuring smile as she held up a clean plain white cloth. "I'll have you fixed up in no time!"
With that said, she got to work.
--8 minutes later
"There, all finished." Nozomi said, stepping back so that she could look at the over all picture.
Leiko looked absolutely beautiful in her wedding gown. It was a pure white, strapless gown made of pure satin, so that it would be gentle on her sensitive skin. The bodice part of her gown (the corset-like part of the dress) was embroidered in what appeared to be laurel branches with small leaves sprouting from them. The bell of the gown cascaded in gentle waves down over her legs in small folds, creating an elegant look to it. Single laurel branches were scattered randomly about the bell, holding up a few of the folds. Leiko's high heels were hidden under the long bell, but if they were shown, they would be the color of pearls, and have glitter spread evenly over the strap around her ankles and over the bridges of her feet.
Adorning her right wrist was a simple ornate golden bracelet, one that she had received from her brother when she was younger that had her full name written in italics on the broad part of it. Hanging from her neck was a thin diamond necklace, going around her neck and hanging straight down; simple, but elegant. Her earrings were also quite simple; diamond earrings that gleamed in the sun light that seeped into the room. Atop her head was a small silver tiara, placed at the crown of her head, encrusted with diamonds and a few pearls. The veil was attached to the back of it, and cascaded gently down her back, covering the back of the dress.
Nozomi's eyes filled with tears, a small smile on her lips. Leiko noticed and grew worried, wondering what was wrong now.
"W-what's up? You okay, Rose?"
Nodding, Nozomi sniffled and grabbed another white cloth, dabbing her eyes the best she could so as not to ruin her own make-up, she smiled at her friend.
"Leiko…you look beautiful… You really do…"
Blushing, Leiko crossed her arms over her chest and looked away, glaring mildly out the window.
"I do not! I've never really been pretty in my life! Not as pretty as you, anyway."
Nozomi sighed. "Yes, yes…you keep mentioning that… But, I'm kind of over it…"
Leiko glanced at her friend, surprised that she wasn't upset about what she had said.
"Over it? What do you mean?"
Blushing slightly, Nozomi looked down at her folded hands. "Well, Youko helped me… He told me that…every time he caught me saying that I wasn't pretty, or if anyone else told him that they heard me saying it, then he'd show me just how beautiful I truly was…" Her face was burning brightly by now, and Leiko suddenly understood what Youko must have been doing.
"That sick bastard…"
Nozomi said nothing and decided to change the topic. "Anyway, shouldn't we get going to the spot where Yusuke's waiting? They can't start the wedding without the bride, you know."
Leiko suddenly looked really nervous. "Ohhh! I dun wanna go!!!" She cried suddenly, grabbing a random green pillow from her bed and hugging it tightly.
Sighing, and knowing that the pressure was bound to catch up to her eventually, Nozomi went over and gently hugged her friend, careful not to mess anything up.
"C'mon, Leiko. You don't want to keep Kurama waiting, do you?"
Blushing immensely, she slowly lowered the pillow and tossed it onto her bed again with a sigh.
Smiling, Nozomi gently took Leiko's hand and led her to the door. "That's the spirit!"
--3 minutes later
Walking down the highly polished halls of the castle, Leiko and Nozomi conversed as they headed towards the wedding, speaking of nerves raking and who would be there, among other things.
As they were walking, Nozomi suddenly stopped, staring straight ahead, her complexion suddenly pale. Noticing this, Leiko paused, glancing back at her worriedly.
"What's wrong, Rose?" Seeing how her friend refused to respond, she looked back the way they had been going, wondering what could have stopped her. Almost immediately, she saw what, or who, was the cause. Youko stood at the center of the hallway, the half way point between where the two princesses stood and the end of the hallway. His golden eyes were on his mate, and they were narrow, as they usually were. However, they were somewhat soft as he confronted them both.
He was wearing all black, which was surprising since he usually wore all silver or some other light color. A white shirt could be seen just underneath his black suit jacket with gold colored buttons at the cuffs. His right hand rested in his pocket, while the left rested at his side. Sighing, he scratched his head before walking over to the two, keeping his eyes closed for the moment. Once he reached them both, he opened his eyes and looked at his mate.
"I knew you'd pull a stunt like this…"
Leiko stepped in front of her best friend, glaring at him. "You're NOT taking her away! This is my wedding! I want her to be here!"
Studying her expression, Youko sighed once again. "I'm not here to take anyone away; nor to stop you from your goal in marrying my younger brother."
Leiko stopped, staring at him in shock. "T-then…why are you here…?"
"To give you my blessings." He responded, smirking as he saw her blush.
Nozomi stepped forward, smiling shyly up at him. "So… You're not angry?"
He shrugged. "There's no reason why I should be. I knew you'd go anyway, so I decided I may as well go."
Leiko shook her head. "That's fine and all, but why are you here? I mean, shouldn't you be in the church, waiting?"
"I wanted to give you something before I went there." Rummaging in his right pocket, Youko soon pulled out two boxes wrapped in gift wrap; the one on top was wrapped in silver, the one on the bottom was wrapped in gold. "It's for you to cherish, considering that we're now going to be family members."
Taking the presents in shaking hands, Leiko noticed that there were two. When she had first seen them, she thought it was one large present. Now that she held them both, she realized that she had been mistaken.
She looked up at him quizzically. "Why are there two…?"
"One is for you, the other for my brother."
Leiko stared, surprised. Knowing that he had shut her up for the time, Youko turned to his mate, his right hand resting idle in his pocket once again. "I'll see you at the wedding, then. My job here is finished."
Nodding, she walked over and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Thanks, Youko."
Nodding, he turned silently and walked down the hall, disappearing around the corner. Turning to her friend, Nozomi smiled.
"Well, shall we go?"
Shaking her head gently, so as not to mess up her hair or anything else for that matter, Leiko returned the smile.
"Yeah, let's go."
--Meanwhile, at the Church
Kurama stood near the altar, completely nervous. His mind was racing, his body trembling from the excitement of the event. The wedding should have been over by now, however, so far, Leiko was a no-show. His thoughts raced with thoughts that she had deserted him, and that she was happy with another man… Inwardly shaking his head, he concentrated on distracting himself. Glancing around the room, the people were murmuring among themselves. Kuwabara's sister sat next to her husband, Sakyo, both talking quietly with small smiles on their faces; towards the back, his old crew sat, murmuring among themselves, trying to act like civilized people while complaining about how they had to dress. Brom sat among them, and gave a small wave of encouragement, seeing the young man on the stage trembling slightly. Nodding in appreciation, Kurama continued to scan the audience, hoping to find something that will keep him distracted.
The door suddenly opened. Turning to see who it was, Kurama's eyes widened in pure shock as he saw his older brother enter and quietly close the door behind him. He glanced at him, flashed a smirk, and took a seat in the seat nearest the door, yet farthest to the back. He crossed his legs, his arms, and smirked at his brother.
'What are you doing here?' Kurama asked with his eyes.
Youko's eyes flashed mysteriously, the smirk still on his face. 'What do you think?' Came the silent reply.
Growing even more nervous, Kurama felt a sudden relief when his brother looked to the side, scanning the audience as well, apparently, the smirk gone.
--In the church in another room
"Ohhh! I'm so nervous!" Leiko cried, hugging a pillow tightly as she sat on a lime green chair.
Nozomi sweat dropped. "C'mon, Leiko. We're almost there! All you have to do is gather up your courage, walk down that isle with Yusuke, and BOOM! You're married!"
Leiko shot her a cold glare. "You make it sound to easy! You're not even married yet!"
Nozomi shrugged. "What can I say? I read a lot."
"So do I!"
A knock came from the door. Leiko quickly stood up and ran over to the bathroom. Glancing back, she whispered, "I don't want anyone to see me until I'm ready! Don't let them in unless we know them!"
Nozomi sweat dropped. "Leiko…we know everyone here! They're our closest friends!"
"I don't care! Don't open it unless it's important!" With that said, she entered the bathroom and closed the door, locking it in the process.
Sighing, Nozomi went over to the door and opened it just as the person was about to knock again. It was Yusuke, and he looked both nervous and angry at the same time.
"What the hell!! What's keeping you guys!!" he shouted, barging into the room before she could reply.
Laughing nervously while still sweat dropping, she replied, "We just got here, Yusuke… It's sort of my fault…since I had to kind of sneak away from Youko to get here…"
This caused him to pause and look back at her, confused. "But…he went in not too long ago…"
"Yeah, I know. He met up with us in the hall just before we got here. He gave her presents for both her and Kurama, then said he'd see us at the church."
"Presents?" Yusuke asked incredulously, blinking. "Damn, Rose! You must have whipped him good!"
Nozomi's face burned a bright red as she glared at him. "I didn't do anything! And I don't 'whip' anyone either!"
"No, no! Not literally! I meant that you really….oh, what's the word… It's a big word that starts with a 'D', I think…"
Nozomi sighed heavily, "You mean 'domesticated'?"
"Yeah! That's it!" He started laughing. "You should see the look on your face!"
Glaring at him, she continued. "Anyway, Leiko locked herself in the bathroom and told me that she's not coming out until she's ready…so…"
The door to the bathroom opened and Leiko walked out, smiling brightly. She saw her brother, and walked over to him, although his back was turned to her.
"Ani!"
Turning at the sound of his little sister's voice, Yusuke stopped dead and stared.
"L-Leiko… You look…." He trailed off, not able to find the words that could help describe anything that he was seeing.
"I look what?" She asked, confused.
"……beautiful….." He breathed, then went over to her and hugged her tightly, careful not to ruin anything.
Hugging her brother back tightly, Leiko suddenly felt extremely happy that her brother was here.
Letting go of his sister, he asked softly, "Are you ready?"
After looking deep into her brother's deep chocolate brown eyes, saw the care in them, she took a deep breath and sighed.
"I'm ready."
"Cht, finally…" Nozomi murmured, before grabbing the bouquet she was supposed to carry out as the maid of honor. "I'll see you guys later, then. I'd better tell the others that we're about to start. Good luck!" And she left, closing the door quietly behind her.
--10 minutes later
A servant quickly slipped into the room and ran over to the maestro, whispered something to the relaxing man, and left the room just as quickly. The maestro, after checking his watch and shrugging, made a motion to his relaxing band, and they began getting ready. Kurama's heart skipped a beat, and felt as if it were wedged in his throat. Was it finally about to happen? Was he about to see Leiko again? They had barely had a chance to speak very much over the past few days, and he truly missed her. He suddenly felt reassured that this was the right choice, and his nerves calmed down, leaving him feeling very confident and happy about what was about to happen. The band began playing a soft and soothing song, and the doors to the main church opened wide, signaling for the occupants to stand.
The wedding they, Leiko and Kurama, had designed was a small one. One that didn't include a lot of people, just the ones that they knew well and that they trusted; the band was hand picked, and also good friends of theirs; Nozomi had helped with the decorations, and everyone seemed to like it.
Yukina, the flower girl, entered slowly, dropping the bright red petals of a rose behind her, a light blush on her cheeks as she saw everyone watching her. Willing herself not to mess up, she finished her trek and took a seat in one of the front rows near her older brother Hiei. Kuwabara, the ring bearer, was now about half way through the isle, holding the rings that they had both chosen for one another aloof on a square scarlet colored pillow rimmed with golden thread. He made his way over to the far left, on Kurama's side, holding the rings on the pillow around his abdomen area. He flashed a smile at Kurama, who smiled back and returned his gaze to who was now walking down the isle. It was Nozomi, who was wearing a light blue strapless dress with small clear crystalline gems clinging to it at the bottom, giving the impression that they were trapped icicles attached to it. She held her head up high, although one could clearly see that she was completely nervous and embarrassed to be up in front of so many people by herself. Finally reaching the area near the altar, she gave a nod to the priest of the land, Koenma, who was also a good friend of theirs, and took a stand near the area where Leiko herself would soon stand. She cast Kurama a smile, seeing him confident, yet with a hint of nervousness. He gave a slight nod, grateful for her being here, and now knowing why his older brother was here. Or, at least part of it.
Just then, the band changed its tune and began playing a slightly faster version of the song they had been playing. (No, it's not the traditional wedding song. I listened to it, and it made ME feel nervous, as if I were getting married. x.x No way was I gunna put that for my best friend… Ah, well. She can change it whenever she really gets married. : D) Everyone turned to the open doors, waiting and watching. Kurama held his breath, daring himself not to shut his eyes.
From around the corner, holding lightly to her brothers' forearm, came Leiko, in all her beautiful glory. Kurama stared, seeing just how beautiful she truly was. Even on her worst days, she appeared beautiful to him, but this had to be the best he had ever seen her, and he wasn't going to deny it. Smiling, his eyes were soft as he watched the siblings make their way up the isle, closer and closer to him. Leiko smiled shyly up at him, blushing under the make-up. The audience was making hushed comments on different things, but Kurama found that he suddenly didn't care. All he cared about, at this moment, was that he loved Leiko with all his being. His very core wouldn't be whole if she weren't there.
Reaching the base of the stairs that led up to the altar, Yusuke held Leiko's left hand as she walked forward, reaching out with her right hand to Kurama. Smiling softly, Kurama gently took her right hand, and Yusuke felt a sudden rush of sadness as he felt his younger sisters' hand leaving his. Still, he held it in, smiling up at his smiling and clearly happy sister.
Turning, both Leiko and Kurama walked forward until they were directly in front of Koenma, Yusuke having gone off to the side to be the best man.
Glancing between the two, a smile on his face, Koenma addressed them and the entire church. Seeing how the bride was up at the altar, everyone took their seats, waiting in hushed silence for the big moment.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union between this man, and this woman. If there are any present who oppose this union, please speak now, or forever hold your peace."
His voice echoed throughout the entire church, and soon died away into a silent echo, leaving the church deathly silent. Seeing how no one was going to say anything, Koenma gave an approving nod before continuing.
"Seeing how everyone has waited long enough, I'll skip a few parts." He said, winking at the two love birds before him. "Kurama, will you take this woman, love her, comfort her, honor her, and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?"
"I will." Kurama replied, feeling very confident about that. He wanted nothing else but to make her happy.
Koenma nodded and turned his attention to Leiko. "Leiko, will you take this man, love him, comfort him, honor him, and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others so long as you both shall live?"
"I will." She replied confidently, nodding slightly in the process.
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"I do." Yusuke said, feeling another large wave of sadness wash over him in a deafening roar.
Koenma nodded once again. "Kurama, repeat after me; I, Kurama, take thee, Leiko, to be my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."
(Kurama repeats it. x.x; I don't want to write it again…)
Turning to Leiko, he said, "Leiko, repeat after me; I, Leiko, take thee, Kurama, to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."
(Leiko repeats it too. x.x; Again, too lazy to write it…)
Glancing at Kuwabara, Koenma beckoned him forward, bringing the rings with him. Taking a spot near the priest, Kuwabara held the pillow forward, bowing his head in respect.
Taking the smaller of the two rings, Koenma held it before him and said, "Bless, O Kami, this Ring, that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in thy peace, and continue in they favor, unto their life's end; through Kami. Amen." Looking at Kurama, he said, "Repeat after me; With this ring, I thee wed."
Turning to Leiko, blushing slightly, he slipped it onto her ring finger. "With this ring…I thee wed."
Leiko blushed now, knowing that this whole thing was finally coming to a close. She glanced at Koenma, who had just said the same thing to her ring, and was now doing it to Kuramas' ring. Handing her the ring, he nodded.
"Leiko, repeat after me; With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed." She repeated, slipping the ring onto his ring finger, blushing madly as she did so.
Both turned back to Koenma, both blushing, both happy.
"With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife." He turned to Kurama with a smile. "You may now kiss the bride."
Turning back to one another, both blushing, Kurama wrapped his arms around her waist while she wrapped her arms around his neck. Their lips touched, and the whole church erupted in cheers and applause.
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I know it kind of cuts off in the end, and I'm sorry about that. I just didn't know how to wrap it up, so to speak. I was kind of brain dead at that point. Sorry. ; Anyways, I believe that I'm done with the bonus chapters... Oh no, wait! I have one more that I need to finish writing! Who knows? Since this is Spring Break, it may be up later on this week. But, no promises. I'll try, though! You can count on that!!
Oh, and I thought I'd let you know something! My best friend, who ARAAR was written for, has started a new fan fiction. It's called Project Rose. So far it's going really good, and I hope that you enjoy it, if you decide to read it. Best of luck to you all! ^-^
