Bare trees trembled in the white as if shivering from the chill of frosty air. The wind danced a soft waltz over frozen streams before dying out gracefully. Late morning sun basked the earth in soft hues of orange, pink and yellow while the looming clouds shadowed with blues and grays. Nature slowly built up the orchestra for a long awaited peak, setting the stage for a glorious display of fragile beauty.
Kazune's nose was red from the cold but he dare not leave his spot in fear of missing the spectacular show. He let a warm breath out into the crisp air and he watched as it bubbled up into the sky. A single violin began to play. Its melody sounding somber but deep as it rose through the trees. To his left, Kazune saw Yuuki playing the song he would surely remember for the rest of his life. As the music entered the chorus, small, white beads drifted down from above.
Kazune looked forward and met Saul's wife and Suzune's gaze. They looked like they were anticipating everything just as much as he was. There was a lull in the music before it picked up again, this time with a sweeter tone. From deep within the trees, Kazune could see movement. A goddess in a pearly light blue dress with a lace veil covering her eyes from the side moved fluidly through the freshly fallen snow. In one hand she held lily of the valleys and bluebells while the other was gingerly placed in the crook of Saul's elbow. They moved slowly and Kazune's heart beat more desperately with each passing moment. At last Saul and the goddess turned a corner and were advancing towards him. The beauty looked up from the ground and Kazune was met with breathtaking pine eyes framed by silky golden hair falling in tresses over her shoulders. Karin's lips were rosy pink to match the pink in her cheeks on her milky white skin. She indescribably lovely.
Snow continued to fall softly while Yuuki's music rang out through the silence everywhere else. Saul's wife and Suzune turned to watch as Karin continued down the path. When she passed them, she looked in their direction giving a brief smile lined with shimmery tears. It was there that Saul let her walk the rest of the way on her own. Kazune watched as Karin turned her gaze directly into his sapphire eyes. He forgot to breathe when he took her form in. Those soft steps, those shining eyes looking only at him, the majesty of her charm washed over him. Kazune thought he might drown. As she neared arm's reach, Kazune put his hand out. She placed hers into his palm and shivered at the heat he was radiating. A few more steps and she and Kazune were facing Michiru together. Michiru held both their hands in his, looking from one to the other with a grateful smile. Yuuki's music slowed until everything went silent.
"I am honored to be the one to join two of my dearest friends in marriage." Michiru spoke with a softly trembling voice. "I know as well as anyone how perfectly suited you two are for each other."
"Karin Hanazono, is there anything you wish to say to Kazune Kujyou?" Michiru began the vows.
Karin looked up at Kazune from under the lacy brim, finding the words she wanted to say.
"I never thought I could be as lucky as to find someone like you." she began. "Every day, I wake up to find myself happier than I was the day before regardless of what happened. I have found love in the tender and infuriating moments we share. From today, onwards, I want to stay by your side, until one day my breath stops."
Karin shrunk backwards a bit, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Kazune Kujyou, do you have any words you wish to share with Karin Hanazono?" Michiru moved the ceremony along.
Kazune stood there trembling. His mouth opened to speak but in an instant, everything he'd wanted to say disappeared from his mind. He had to say something so he forced words out of his throat.
"I've never been fond of women..." he began."But somehow, you managed to turn my ideologies upside-down. Since I've known you, I have experienced a warmth and happiness I'd never known before. You are the strongest, most wonderful woman I've ever met. The thought of losing that love terrifies me to the point where I feel I can no longer live without you by my side. I love you to the extent that I hope you bury me so I never have to face a day without you."
Kazune clamped his mouth shut in fear that he'd said too much. The part about burial suddenly sounded too morbid even if it were true. However, he relaxed when he saw Karin's face. She looked like he'd just said the most beautiful thing she'd ever heard.
"The two betrothed have now exchanged words with each other. Kazune Kujyou, do you whole-heartedly wish to take Karin Hanazono as your lawful wife in sickness and health, richer or poorer as long as you live?" Michiru managed to say poised through to this point but was beginning to show signs of tearing up.
"With all my heart, I do." Kazune breathed out. It was as if he could not say those words with enough truth to do his feelings justice.
"Karin Hanazono, do you take Kazune Kujyou to be your lawful husband in sickness and health, richer or poorer until death do you apart?"
"Yes."
Her answer was so short but so powerful. There was an unwavering resolve to her voice that nearly brought Kazune to his knees.
"Then, Karin Hanazono, please place this ring on Kazune Kujyou's left hand" Michiru held out a ring to Karin. Kazune was surprised. He had no knowledge of this ring.
Karin held his hand and slid the golden circle onto his finger. It was a perfect fit.
"Kazune Kujyou, please kiss the ring you have given Karin Hanazono to seal the bond."
Kazune did as he was instructed. He brought Karin's hand up to his lips, kissing the stone softly while never letting his eyes leave hers.
"If there are any objections to the union of these two betrothed, speak now."
Their small audience was quiet. Kazune anxiously waited for the next part to come. The silence seemed to drag on for minutes.
"Then by the power of the East Kingdom, I pronounce you Man and Wife. You may kiss the bride." Michiru wiped at his eyes.
Kazune leaned down to face level with Karin. He looked at her for a moment, burning the image into his memory. She was crying softly and smiling in a chaste way. She'd never looked so dear to him before. Kazune took her by the waist and pulled her in gently. As their lips met, the cold melted away and tears spilled out from under Kazune's closed eyes. Karin met the kiss with a happy hum.
In the small audience, Kazune could hear Saul's wife sniffle and Yuuki patting an overjoyed Michiru's back.
They parted and turned to face their friends. Suzune threw flowers into the air around them and Saul clapped his hands for them. Karin took Kazune's arm and looked up at him with cherished love in her eyes. Kazune laughed before stepping down off the short stage and into the embrace of his friends. Everything seemed like a dream. The snow continued to fall as Karin and Kazune climbed into the carriage that would take them to their honeymoon spot. They watched as their friends waved until they were no longer in sight. For the duration of the ride, Karin and Kazune fell asleep. They were exhausted from all the planning and the ceremony.
The sky had turned orange and purple by the time they reached the cabin they'd be staying in for the next four days. Climbing out of the carriage, still groggy from sleep, they saw the sign on the door said "Mr. and Mrs. Kujyou". When they opened the door, the cabin was small, warm and cozy. While Kazune started a fire in the fireplace, Karin found robes, the bath and a variety of objects she was not sure what they were for. Their appearance however looked a little dangerous. She was not ready to take her dress off yet so she joined Kazune next to the fire.
"Remember what I said a while ago about what we'd do on our wedding night?" Kazune asked as she sat down next to him.
"I don't get to chose what we do cause I got the choice on the night we got engaged..." she trailed off.
"Correct. May I make a slight alteration to that deal?" Kazune leaned back onto his palms.
"That depends on what it is..." She eyed him warily.
"I am too tired to do what I want tonight. Can I wait and do it tomorrow?"
Karin laughed a little.
"Yes. I think I am too tired too. I don't think I could handle bending to whatever you want tonight." Karin seemed to be trying to think of just what Kazune would do if he got free reign over her.
"Thanks." Kazune replied. "But, keep in mind, I will not tell you when I decide to start."
Karin looked a little worried.
"You'd better prepare yourself." Kazune whispered with a sultry smile before pulling her face in for a kiss.
