I do not own the lyrics to Bryan Adams 'Heaven'
A good accompaniment to this chapter, DJ Sammy 'Heaven-Candlelight Mix'
Chapter Sixty
Heaven
Juliet asked herself, in the aftermath, what could possibly have been the correct answer? Marriage. Such an archaic and human tradition, the Vampires barely practiced their own version of it, so few were the females in the mountain (and of same-sex relations, well it was simply not brought up). They lived, they loved, they fought and they died. What use were husbands and wives in a world where strength was tantamount to godliness?
And yet, there stood Mika ver Leth, Prince among Vampires, holding her so dear and asking for her hand in words Juliet Andères had never before heard, or ever even thought to hear in her lifetime. All those months debating with herself and her newfound clarity, all that time spent pondering her true feelings, and then working up the courage to confront them head on as she had, and she was back in the same spot. Mika's admission was so strong, his need for her so deep that she felt it reverberating within herself and she so badly wanted to respond, but the logic demon within her mind reminded her, once more, what being with Mika, even as surely as Juliet knew she loved him and he her, could bring about the worst in her.
Something or nothing.
Should Juliet choose to say yes, and spend her indeterminately long lifetime by Mika's side, trusting in this deep-seated love she had held for him decades over, or should she decline his offer, staying safe in the emptiness she had so carefully pieced together around her, sure in her reasoning that she will never again become a hate-filled monstrosity, since in this case she had been the one to choose it?
Something…
Or nothing.
This newly rediscovered comfort in Mika's companionship, that easy friendship they'd always had together, had floated back to the surface of vast ocean of their relationship. Would she so easily exchange that for the passionate fire that had once consumed them? Could she maintain this comfortable distance forever, with the utterance of 'no', or would she suffer for eternity with thoughts of 'why not'? But, in that same vein, could she ever see herself happy and in love with someone else? Juliet had failed at that for the past fifty years, why would that change now, after she'd finally come to terms with her feelings?
She loved him, and he loved her, and what was there for love other than to languish in it until it consumed them, together?
The moment dragged on for an eternity, the possibilities floating around her in an impregnable haze. She had to give an answer, she had to make a choice. Did it have to be right that instant? Of course, because this was Juliet and Mika and time enough had passed for them for this moment to come to its climax and call for the determination of their futures, together or a part.
Something or nothing.
And so Juliet closed her eyes, willing that same clarity that had come to her before, on the floor of the newly dubbed 'witch's den', staring into the mirror at herself and realizing her truest fears. And she was there again, only standing, and the mirror was gone and instead she looked her own reflection dead in the face and asked her, 'What should I do.'
Juliet's reflection, this inner embodiment of the magic and possibilities she held within shook her head, smiling at her. 'You ask me, you ask yourself. You know what you should do.'
And her eyes opened, ears popping from the magic that was thick and swirling around her and her beloved, he who stared down at her with eyes full of hope, of determination and fear of rejection after all this time and she said with a startling strength, "Yes. Yes, Mika, let's get married."
What followed was a swift week of preparations. Mika would miss Juliet during the night, as she spent the days calling local towns to find any officiants willing to perform an evening ceremony. There was not talk of waiting and inviting their closest friends, in part due to their current existence 'outside' their original time, and also because neither Mika nor Juliet wanted to spoil the electricity buzzing around them with thoughts of a real wedding, or real plans. The few times they found themselves together, the encounters were brief, each still in a state of disbelief.
Mika would approach her and she would blush, thoughts of their life together filling her mind. They had yet to kiss since she had accepted his proposal, and their bodies thrummed with energy and longing for contact, but Juliet knew if they fell into old patterns they would wind up back where they started, and she was determined to see their commitment through. So, she would allow him to embrace her, and she would inhale his heady, masculine aroma and be content in knowing that soon enough he would be hers, and she his and this short time of apprehension and the unknown would fade away into the background.
One morning, Juliet drove into a nearby (nearly 100 miles away) town to see to the preparations of a small chapel on the outskirts, whose minister could not be reached over the phone. She took with her the little information she had on Mika, his measurements and their wants for the small ceremony. The minister himself was a small, frail old man who was overjoyed to oversee a wedding in his small church, even with the strange constraints she put on him (an evening wedding sounded absurd, but the minister merely nodded in agreement with her wishes). He promised himself and a single attendant, the small chapel, which would hardly hold fifteen people, had a single powder room in the back towards the entrance, and she or her fiancé could change within, the whole of the building would be decorated to the nines, and a ceremony celebrating their love, with only a few references to his God and holy book. With the date and time set, Juliet returned to the town and wandered aimlessly, unsure of how traditional Mika would want the wedding to be. Should she wear a white gown and he a tuxedo? Should there be flowers and doves?
'No,' she thought, shaking her head as she walked past the small boutique stores in the downtown district. 'that would be absurd. It's just the two of us.'
Juliet stopped before a small bridal boutique, and decided that regardless of her, personal, distaste for traditional weddings, she still needed a new dress to wear, and Mika would get his tux, or something akin.
Inside, antique racks were pushed to the walls, the white and ivory of dresses gleaming against the golden wallpaper in the soft light, obviously made to make women look beautiful no matter the dress attempted. A few mannequins sat in the center, wearing the most expensive and alluring gowns available in the shop, in hopes that a woman would see one and die to obtain it. Juliet perused the racks of dresses, the small store manned by a single employee- the owner, who was more than excited at the prospect of a sale. She admonished Juliet for being so late picking out a dress when informed of the wedding date, in two days, and tried to get her to try on dress after dress, but all of them Juliet refused. Nothing was catching her eye.
"They're all to modern, too delicate, too fluffy or too stiff. I don't know. Perhaps I'm just picky." Juliet sighed, giving the owner a small, apologetic smile.
"I'm afraid those are the styles this season." She responded. "Check the clearance rack, perhaps? Some of the last season dresses might fit your taste." She pointed Juliet to the rack. "These you can buy off the rack, maybe save you some money," Juliet scoffed internally, as if a price would stop her from making her wedding day to Mika as dazzling as possible. "The others would have to be custom ordered, and on such short notice, well…" the woman trailed off and left Juliet to browse last season's gowns. Juliet stopped her before she got too far,
"Do you have anything for men?" she asked, pulling out the paper she had scribbled Mika's measurements on. "My… fiancé can't be trusted to get his own clothes." The word had trouble and stuck to Juliet's tongue like thick bread. The woman took the paper and raised her eyebrows at the sizes.
"This man you are marrying is a giant?" she asked, skeptically.
"He may as well be." Juliet muttered dryly. "In comparison to myself."
The shopkeeper smiled and said, "I have a seamstress I work with for alterations, she can throw something together for your beaux. And have it done in time. What colors were you thinking?"
"Black," Juliet stated blandly. "Everything black. Matching black. Just black."
"All these pieces?" The woman asked, incredulously.
"Oh yes." Juliet said, continuing to inspect dresses on the rack.
"I'll get you a price." The shopkeeper tutted, then turned on her heel to leave again, but this time she stopped at Juliet's sharp intake of breath, and turned right back around. Juliet stared at a dress, her eyes wide, mind reeling with how much she adored it. She barely trusted how perfect the gown before her was, knowing that she would only know for sure when she had it on.
As the shopkeeper carefully removed the gown from the rack and motioned for Juliet to follow her to the back, Juliet stuttered, "How is this possible?" very quietly. "I'm not the type of girl to fawn over a dress like this."
The shopkeeper laughed, so used to the display Juliet was putting on that it no longer surprised her. "Oh dear, you're a woman getting married. It doesn't matter how long you've been fighting it. You were raised to want the dress; you'll always want the dress."
Into a fitting room they both went, and the shopkeeper, so used to helping women take off and try on clothes, didn't even turn around as Juliet divested herself of her canary yellow peasant blouse and black pencil skirt. Juliet, for her part, felt little embarrassment for herself, knowing the allure of her own body due to the extremes she went to keep herself fit. But she couldn't help but wonder if she could have worn more modest undergarments, instead of the lacy black thong and matching brassiere.
"Alright, let's get you in," the woman said, opening up the dress for Juliet to slide under. Once in, she smoothed the dress and helped Juliet out into the viewing area, where the walls were lined with mirrors at various angles and seats had been placed for family and friends to 'ooh' and 'aah' the blushing bride-to-be.
"You've got an eye," the shopkeeper said. "Definitely found the perfect dress on your first go."
Juliet stared into the mirrors from the tiny platform she stood upon, seeing herself in the gown for the first time. She felt tears come to her eyes at the sight, something she never expected. It hit her in a rush, the feeling that she was getting married to the only man she had ever loved and this gown, white and beautiful, would represent that love on that day.
"You're right. This is the perfect dress." Juliet whispered, wiping her eyes. Aside from the lacy black straps of her bra taking away from the perfect strapless bust of the gown, it seemed perfect. The fit was not suffocating her, it was snug and comfortable even with its beauty on full display.
"I'll let you admire yourself a while more," said the shopkeeper. "Find some accessories over on that wall, shoes and glove and the like. I'll call my seamstress and get her this information." She waved the paper with Mika's info on it, still in her hands. "Looks like you won't need any alterations. You're blessed." Then she disappeared behind a door, presumably a small office, to make her calls.
Juliet stepped down from the pedestal and twirled, feeling the organza ruffles of the dress sway around her. She felt beautiful and glowing with love as she inspected the shoes and jewelry as instructed. Quickly and obviously she found undergarments to match the dress, a lacy and alluring strapless brassiere and matching panties that she was sure said 'bride' on the back. She wasn't interested in necklaces, or bracelets, nor even a pair of earrings, but the hair ornaments quickly made her realize she had no idea what to style her hair like, hair which was currently fastened away from her face by a single black clip and falling over her shoulders every time she bent over to inspect an item on a lower shelf. Juliet detested the idea of a frilly tiara upon her head, never wore bands or flowers in her hair, but stopped and examined small silver and crystal spirals that could hang delicately from her locks. With them in her hands, she returned to the mirror and, upon removing the clip from her hair, swept her locks over her left shoulder and held the small jewels to them. They shimmered fetchingly in the light, and complimented the simplicity of the dress, which was blessedly lacking the gaudy embroidery or embellishments popular on modern wedding gowns, save small bands of matching beading at the top of the sweetheart neckline and waist. These, she decided, would be the only pieces of 'Jewelry' she allowed herself.
Juliet set the hair accessories atop the counter by the cash register, and returned to the section to find shoes to complement her dress. The front of the dress cut short, just above her knees in a cascading ruffle that fell backwards and to the floor asymmetrically as a small train. Any shoes she wore would be on full display at the end of her lean and bronze legs. In keeping with simplicity, Juliet chose a pair of white, 3 ½in open-toe pumps with rhinestone embellishment around the base that matched the style of beading on her dress. She tried them on, wobbling, unused to the thin heel of the shoes and observed the way her legs looked in the mirror. Her feet would be in pain, but it would put her that much closer to Mika's handsome face.
Satisfied with her selection, she placed the shoes with the hair jewels on the counter and waited for the shopkeeper to return. The woman was out minutes later, smiling. "My seamstress is right down the street, and she promised these clothes will be ready by tomorrow night. Unfortunately, that leaves no time for alterations, you understand?" she looked at Juliet pointedly, and Juliet nodded, then she continued, jovially. "Apparently she had an excess of black fabric just waiting to be used. Here's the price." She handed Juliet the paper, upon the bottom she had scrawled a number. Juliet nodded in approval at the price of last-minute work. "Have you decided on everything?"
"Yes. These shoes, these accessories, and the dress." Juliet gestured to the counter and then herself. "Will be perfect."
The shopkeeper looked disappointed in the lack of accessories on the counter, but nonetheless helped Juliet out of the dress and left her to change back into her clothes as she rang it up. Juliet returned and requested that the shopkeeper hold the dress and accessories until the day of the wedding, and the woman agreed happily, telling Juliet they would be open until six p.m. that day. After receiving Juliet's hefty payment, plus tip, she then gave Juliet directions to the seamstress who was a few blocks down into town and wished her luck with the rest of her preparations.
Juliet left the shop and steered herself toward the seamstress, passing a bakery along the way. Sighing with resignation at the domestic wants she harbored deep inside for this special day she'd never thought she had, she went inside in hopes of securing a small celebratory cake.
Mika, for his part, was not as complacent in the wedding-planning as Juliet believed. That first night after Juliet had said yes, he began planning what small part he could play in the entire affair. He didn't want to simply stand there and accept Juliet as his, he wanted her to know that he was hers as well. On that day when Juliet left to secure their ceremony, Mika awoke earlier than the sunset and, as he had watched Juliet do time after time in the past few days, searched the nearby cities for a jeweler. He found one and used her satellite phone to call and request an after-hours appointment. Perhaps it was his commanding tone, or the desperation of a small town jeweler needing a sale, but the man on the end of the line agreed to meet with Mika a few hours after the shop was set to close.
Mika knew, the moment he arrived inside the store, exactly what he wanted, and he told the rather intimidated man that greeted him exactly his wishes. The employee dutifully pulled out a selection of rings matching his descriptions. The blue sapphires and crystal-clear diamonds sparkled on the counter in the hazy light. Each piece a beauty in its own right, but only one could be the perfect accompaniment to the woman he loved. Most were too gaudy, too many large gems glaring from their faces. Others were not enough of a statement for his affections, too delicate to rest on the hand of a warrior like Juliet.
Mika nearly became lost sorting through the cacophony of jewels before him, then his eyes settled up on a single ring that sat on the border of too much and not enough. A slightly thick, white-gold band branched from the underside into three, thin, nearly delicate bands on top. Staggered, yet centered on each band was a gorgeous blue sapphire, the bottom band's was towards the left, the top band's was towards the right, and one sat dead center of the ring. Each sapphire was surrounded by small diamonds, glittering and accentuating their larger counterpart's beauty. Mika knew this was the perfect ring for Juliet. One sapphire to commemorate their past, one for their present and one for the forever he hoped to spend by her side.
"This ring." Mika held it delicately between his gloved fingers, handing it to the shopkeeper.
"Ah, excellent choice. And how is the size?" The man accepted the ring and placed it on a piece of velvet beside the large array of rings, untouched.
"Here I have it written down." Mika handed the man the piece of paper Juliet had scribbled various wedding information on. He had not spoken to her about the possibility giving her a ring to symbolize their union, and knew that she would be surprised at the gift.
"Aha! For your fiancée and your wedding, I see? And would you like to pick a ring for yourself to match?" The man made a note on his own little notepad after reading through the scribbles on the paper Mika had given him before handing it back.
"Well, yes I suppose." Mika said, thinking carefully. If he were to wear a ring as she would, it would doubly signify their commitment to each other. The Vampire Prince was not versed in modern marriage traditions, had barely given it a thought when he was human, and now standing in the small store found himself in uncharted waters.
The shopkeeper led Mika to a new arrangement of rings, designed for men. "You look like you work with your hands." The man said. Mika looked down at the rings he pulled out. "So let's stay away from gold and silver. These here are platinum, and these here are tungsten, and these steel."
For himself, Mika would pick a simple ring, bland and ordinary, but before he could he spied a dazzling blue gem, peeking out from their setting in a black base. The blue reminded him instantly of Juliet's eyes, soft and bright, shining with feeling. The shopkeeper followed Mika's eyes and picked up the ring. "This is steel with blue diamonds. Little buggers are pricey, but it's a good look. Matches you." He offered Mika the ring, and the Prince slipped off the glove on his left hand and slipped the ring onto it's proper finger. Looking down at it, feeling the weight of it at the end of his arm, he felt this was the ring that would signify Juliet to him. Keep her with him regardless of where she was. Anytime he needed to see her face, he could gaze into the sparkling blue of the diamonds and see her.
"This one, yes." Mika took the ring off and with an authoritative nod, handed it back to the man.
"Excellent choice. Size is all good, and the ring you picked for your lady is the right size too. You can always come back to get 'em resized if something changes, of course. I made 'em myself and can do whatever work you need." He set Mika's ring beside Juliet's on the velvet cloth and proceeded to put all of the ring trays back in their cases.
Mika admired the rings, so different but with striking similarities, laying side-by-side on the dark cloth, and knew he had picked the right ones.
"One last thing, sir. Would you like to get a piece of jewelry to give your lady on your wedding day?" The man was bringing out boxes for the rings as he asked Mika.
"Isn't that what I just did?" Mika asked blandly. The man chuckled.
"Oh yes, but no. There's tradition, you know? Some couples, though, they like to give each other a gift before the wedding. Something special just for them." He packaged the rings in their neat little boxes. "I'll just say, I got a few pretty necklaces I think you'd like."
Mika thought it over, and decided, yes, he would love to shower Juliet in jewels to more show her his affection, and followed the man to the display of necklaces. Again a single piece shot out at him, glaringly simple and spectacular in its design. Three heavy black stones set on a silver rope chain. He pointed to it and the man brought it out, confused, since the item was strikingly different from all the other pieces Mika had selected.
But Mika saw the necklace as something more than different. Much how he saw Juliet in his ring, he saw himself in the round obsidian stones set into the silver chain, and as he held the item in his hand and felt the weight, he knew Juliet would understand it's significance as well. "I'll take this as well."
Not one to ask questions, the shopkeeper added the unique piece to Mika's purchases. "I knew this piece would find a home someday, sir. I just wasn't sure when. I hope your fiancée likes it." He rang Mika up and the Vampire payed him handsomely, more than the man requested, because he understood the time and toil that went into making such beautiful pieces of jewelry.
"Thank you, I'm sure she'll adore it." Mika said, gathering his items and depositing the small boxes in the pockets of his black trousers.
"Congratulations. Thank you for coming!" The man called as Mika strode out the door.
Oh - thinkin' about all our younger years
Juliet awoke, slowly and hazily, in the early afternoon of her most important day. The previous night had been a blur of picking up items and transporting them back to her home, including Mika's suit and a small, two tiered wedding cake she'd ordered from the bakery. The former hung in the closet in Mika's guest room, soon to be worn and the room soon to be abandoned. The day had been so full of movement and anticipation that Juliet had been worn and tired far before Mika had risen. He had stroked her cheek before she went to bed, and she had lain her head against his solid chest, feeling again the reassuring heartbeat of her beloved calm her nerves.
Juliet shivered at the thought that this night would be the first night of her lifetime with Mika. That he would be beside her in that bed was something that forced Juliet up and smoothing the covers, taking care to make everything look pristine. The king-size bed was large for one person, but she knew Mika's expansive body would more than fill it, his arms encircling her as they slept.
Now, she realized, she'd be living on a Vampire's schedule.
There was only you and me
Once she'd finished tidying the 'bridal suite' she exited to shower. She was to be at the boutique by six to pick up her clothes, then on to the chapel to finalize the décor, vows and change, and at 8pm sharp, well after the sun had set, she and Mika were to be wed.
Juliet indulged in the shower, heart aflutter with the immensity of her preparations. Mika slept soundly for hours still, and how she longed to see if he was just as nervous as she was.
'Knowing Mika,' she chuckled, 'He's calm as can be, and will wonder what there is to be nervous about dedicating your life to someone else.'
Juliet sighed, rivulets of water trailing down her body, and she thought again of what it meant to wed the Vampire Prince. He is dedicated to his people, and now counted Juliet among them. He was keeper of her deepest secrets, and friend to her in a way no other person had been. He had accepted her every flaw and misstep, graciously welcoming her back into his arm and into his heart even as she fought her need to be there.
We were young and wild and free
The water was cold, but Juliet felt warm with affection as she shut off the spray and stepped out to dry. Her mind was clear and her heart prepared for the day's adventure. She smoothed lightly scented lotion over the soft skin of her arms, legs and torso, applied a light moisturizer to her face, and spritzed herself with floral perfume. After she had dressed, putting on a cloth bralette, soft panties and a simple sundress of black with bright red hibiscus flowers, Juliet stepped into the hallway, afternoon sun filtering in through the large glass windows and doors at the back of her home.
Now nothin' can take you away from me
She stepped into the living room, seeing the place with new eyes, for how it would feel to sit with Mika, basking in the firelight and enjoying each other's company. She realized, dumbly, that their impending nuptials were a natural step from where they had last left their relationship, and quietly she wondered if Mika had realized that when he proposed. They were not glossing over the near fifty plus years of separation and angst, they instead embraced it as the binding that had made their reunion so bittersweet, and their love that much stronger.
Juliet stepped lightly into the kitchen, ready for coffee before she brushed her teeth and left. There atop the coffee pot sat two small packages and a note written by Mika. The smaller package on top Juliet opened and saw a small note, folded and tucked inside a beautiful black men's ring with three shining bright blue diamonds inserted diagonally. Juliet gasped at the likeness of the gems to her own pale blue eyes. She unfurled the note and read it carefully.
'I shall wear this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you'
'What a man.' Juliet thought with a smile. She appreciated the gesture Mika had made, willing to wear a ring to symbolize their status, and even more so was she in awe by the ring he chose, and knew he must have picked it because of the dazzling color of the diamonds. She set the ring aside, with a mental note to take it with her when she left.
We've been down that road before
The second box was longer, and clearly housed a necklace or bracelet. This one had the note placed flat atop the box, only held in place by Mika's ring sitting atop it. Juliet picked up the folded note and opened it.
'Juliet,
On this day, and every day, I want you to feel as beautiful as the love I carry for you within my heart. Please accept this gift and know that I am yours, always and forever.
Mika'
Carefully, she opened the box and her eyes widened at the piece of jewelry within. The shining silver chain had three large and heavy pieces of polished black onyx hanging from it. Much as Mika's ring harbored a resemblance to Juliet's eyes, this necklace made Juliet feel as if she was staring into Mika's dark, glittering eyes. All over again she felt the deep affectionate love for him swell up within her as she removed the necklace from its box and clasped it around her neck. It sat high on her chest, perfectly between her shoulders, and the weight of the stones felt welcome against her skin. She rested her hand against the center stone, directly above her heart, and inhaled deeply.
But that's over now
Quickly, Juliet ate 'breakfast', brushed her teeth and rushed out the door, ready to start the rest of her life.
You keep me comin' back for more
At the bridal boutique, the shop owner surprised Juliet with a small bouquet of calla lilies, wrapped in white satin.
"Just a little 'thank you' for your purchase. Since your wedding was so last minute I thought you might have forgotten these." The owner said, smiling as Juliet thanked her. The bouquet was lovely in its simplicity, the white flowers pristine and beautiful. Juliet gathered her dress, undergarments, and tucked the hair pieces in her shoe box, carrying it all to her car. The shopkeeper waved at her though the window and Juliet waved back.
And baby, you're all that I want
The sun had begun to set, the long winding drive through the forest to reach this little hamlet of civilization took a handful of hours, and Juliet idly wondered how she and Mika would be returning to the house at the end of the ceremony. She reached the church just as the sun became a sliver behind the darkness of night, and was greeted by the young attendant of the minister. She assisted Juliet in unloading her dress and accessories. The woman escorted her to the powder room to set her items down, and Juliet asked if the woman could store her belongings back in the car after she had changed, and move it to the back of the lot. She agreed, and showed Juliet the chapel after all the affairs were sorted.
When you're lyin' here in my arms
Juliet could not have been more pleased with the intimate decorations of the chapel. The narrow pews had been pushed to the sides, leaving a larger aisle for her to walk down, and the ends had been decorated with flowing linen, draped and attached to each one by a simple white bow. Candles lined the pews, creating a breathtaking light source, flickering shadows dancing across the ceiling. White flower petals had been sprinkled down the aisle leading to where the minster would stand and marry them. Behind where the minister will stand, two candelabras blazed, cascading soft light over and around the front of the chapel. The small church piano that would play her requested song stood solitary in the corner and had three large candles atop it, flickering along romantically.
I'm findin' it hard to believe
"It's perfect." Juliet said. Simple, intimate, beautiful. Everything she'd hoped this event could be.
"Let's get you in your dress then!" The attendant said happily.
We're in heaven
Mika ver Leth stood, studying his reflection in the mirror of the guest bathroom. The suit Juliet had had made for him was form-fitting and expertly tailored, for such short notice. The black pants were relaxed yet sophisticated, matching the silken shirt and suit jacket. His shiny black loafers finished off the outfit. In the pocket of his pants he held the ring he intended to slip on to Juliet's finger. The ring that symbolized this entire ceremony he prepared for.
And love is all that I need
He inhaled deeply, steadying the flow of emotions that swirled within him. He had awoken to the sound of Juliet closing the front door, and knew that it was too early for him to be awake, but still he could not help himself. He sat in the bedroom he had lived in alone, separate from her for so many months, and was elated at the knowledge that he would no longer sleep alone.
And I found it there in your heart
The moment the sun began to set, Mika was out the door. Walking with purpose down the road, toward the town Juliet had marked on the map. Toward the chapel where his bride waited for him. For comfort, he removed the black suit jacket and held it under his arms as he walked, then ran, then flit, heart full toward the woman he'd been waiting most all his life for.
It isn't too hard to see/We're in heaven
Mika arrived in time to see Juliet from the entrance of the church taken into a side room. Just the sight of her in this most special of places set his heart to beating faster than the run had.
Oh - once in your life you find someone
Carefully, he slipped back on the coat, adjusting his pants, and checking his shoes for imperfections. He fiddled with the box in his pant pocket, reassuring himself he still held it, and approached the small steps to the chapel entrance.
Who will turn your world around
Mika was greeted the moment he stepped inside. The small, elderly minister took his hand and congratulated him, pointing out where he would be expected to stand and explaining how the ceremony would go. Mika listened, nodded and asked general questions, but the entire time he was craning his neck down the small hallway, wondering what Juliet was doing behind that door.
Bring you up when you're feelin' down
Juliet had changed, unabashedly from her soft, comfortable underwear into the lacy items she'd purchased to match her wedding gown. She thought, as she'd been taken into the powder room by the attendant, that she'd seen Mika arrive at the base of the church. She could almost feel his gaze following her.
Yeah - nothin' could change what you mean to me
"Oh aren't you gorgeous." The attendant said, unpacking Juliet's gown. Juliet smiled at seeing the garment again, remembering over why she had wanted it so badly in the first place. "Let's get you in here." The attendant said, lifting the dress up so Juliet could slide in under. The fabric fell around her in a perfect wave, the asymmetrical cut of the dress creating a cascading waterfall of organza fabric down from the small of her back. The fitted bodice gently accentuated her assets, without displaying them overtly. The attendant clicked her tongue in approval and sat Juliet down to help her put on her shoes.
Oh there's lots that I could say
Juliet knew now that he heard Mika's voice floating in from the entrance hall of the small building, and her head twisted to the doorway in hopes of seeing him. The attendant chuckled.
"Soon enough, miss. You'll see him soon enough. Come keep still, let's get these shoes on proper."
Upon completion, Juliet stood, staggering in the height of the heels, and wobbled over to the mirror on the opposite the vanity she'd been sitting at. The shoes were a knockout still, accentuating her toned legs and the slip of thigh that could be seen at the front of the dress.
"Did you want to keep the necklace on?" the attendant asked, mildly urging Juliet to say 'no'. Juliet glanced again at her reflection, just time noting her new jewelry. Gazing into the dark, polished stones, Juliet felt Mika's presence around her as clearly as she knew he stood only feet outside the door.
"Yes. It fits, doesn't it?" she breathed. The attendant just smiled and shook her head.
But just hold me now
"Alright. I'll leave you to get your hair and make-up done. I'll come back and gather your things and move the car a bit before it's time for the ceremony." The attendant waved happily at her as she exited the door. Juliet hobbled back toward the vanity, determined to master the heels before she stumbled down the aisle toward Mika.
She sat on the small stool and looked into the mirror of the vanity. Carefully she removed a hair brush from the small bag she had brought along with her and used it to smooth out her ever-growing locks. When was the last time she'd cut her hair? She wondered idly, rolling her eyes at the question as she created light waves with the hair brush. Carefully she brushed her hair over to one side of her head, teasing it into falling down over her left shoulder in simple waves before pinning it into place. Once satisfied she pulled out the small hair accessories and pinned them into the hair at the back of her head, and down into the flowing hair over her shoulder.
Cause our love will light the way
Satisfied with her hair, Juliet gazed into the mirror and debated her make-up. She had brought a small pallet of product, but wasn't sure if she wanted any. In her mind, she looked fresh-faced and young, pure like the girl Mika had first met all those years ago. She determined that make-up was not necessary, and instead readied all of her items to be taken back to the car. Mika's ring she slipped out of its box and into her hand before grasping her bouquet and standing in the room, heart beating intensely, waiting for her moment.
She didn't need to wait long, only five minutes later the attendant came and gathered her belongings. Ten minutes after that she was told to ready herself. Juliet readied herself by pacing back and forth in the small room, becoming familiar with her steps in the tortuously tall heels, readying for her walk.
The piano music filtered into the small powder room and Juliet knew, it was time.
And baby, you're all that I want
Mika was stark still at the front of the chapel, before the minister, when the attendant sat at the small piano and began a piano trill that he'd never heard before. The minister straightened himself up and cast his eyes forward, down to the end of the aisle, and Mika followed his gaze.
When you're lyin' here in my arms
There, standing in the flickering light of the candles, glowing like an apparition, was Juliet. Her shining blue eyes locked with Mika's, and though she had looked terrified in that first moment, quickly she was smiling at him, that gorgeous, unbelievable smile that she had always reserved for his eyes and his love only.
I'm findin' it hard to believe
She walked towards him, slowly, measuring each step in time with the music playing idyllically around them. It seemed she was an eternity away, and Mika had to stop himself on multiple occasions from walking towards her, or reaching out his hand. But with each step she was closer, and he could see her beautiful smile that much better, and feel her radiance wash over him that much nearer.
We're in heaven
Juliet couldn't take her eyes off of the handsome Vampire Prince. He filled out his suit in a way only Mika ver Leth could, all muscles and masculinity. His hair slicked back and falling ruggedly over and around his ears. His eyes were locked on hers, and his jaw was set hard. Juliet knew he was fighting back the urge to move toward her, just as she was fighting the urge to run toward him instead of taking those slow, arduous steps. Every second she walked to the pace of the song she had chosen to perfectly sum up her feelings, she committed herself to him in her mind. There was no longer any turning back, not that there ever had been for the two of them.
And love is all that I need
Finally, after waiting a lifetime, Juliet stood before him, her hair cascading around her shoulder, sparkling from glimmering pins, eyes alight with excitement. Her dress was doubly beautiful for having her in it, filling it out exceptionally. It wasn't traditional, yet somehow it was, much like the setting they stood in. All at once expected and curious. He looked amorously into her eyes, and she matched his gaze, smiling and blinking and turning her head demurely when his intensity became too much for her. The minister had begun speaking but all he could see was her, and all she could feel was his nearness.
And I found it there in your heart
"Do you wish to exchange vows with your rings?" the old minister asked, looking expectantly from Mika to Juliet.
"Yes," Juliet trembled. "I have a few things I'd like to say."
"Go on then," he urged.
It isn't too hard to see
Again, her eyes caught his and Mika found himself awestruck by her beauty. Her voice filtered over him like sunlight he hadn't felt in lifetimes. "Mika," she whispered. "I love you." The minister chuckled at the simplicity of her statement, and Juliet smiled, embarrassed before continuing. "I spent a lifetime with you before, in only a few short moments, then lost you for another lifetime." A frown tugged at his lips but he willed himself to remain impassive. "Now, here I have you again, and there are more lifetimes ahead of us than behind. I can't- I simply refuse to imagine anymore what those lifetimes would be like without you."
We're in heaven
"Mika, I love you so much," she reiterated. "And I promise you, I am here. I am with you, through everything. Always, forever and whatever comes next. By your side."
Juliet offered her bouquet to the minister, and he took it and set it aside. Juliet reached for Mika's hand and he offered it. She looked up at him, with those glittering, expressive blue eyes. "If you'll be my husband?" she asked.
Mika didn't hesitate, even though his eyes stung from un-shed tears. "I will. Of course." She smiled, radiant and joyous and slipped the black metal band onto his finger.
The minister smiled at the two of them. "And you, sir?" he gestured for Mika. "What will you say to your bride?"
I've been waitin' for so long
Mika fiddled in his pocket and pulled out Juliet's ring. Her eyes saw it and her mouth fell open in surprise. He took her hand in his. "Juliet," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "Be my wife. Stay by my side, and I promise you I will work every day to put a smile on your gorgeous face."
Juliet blushed visibly, her smile holding steady.
For somethin' to arrive
Mika cleared his throat before continuing. "I know I've wronged you, I know I cannot put you first in all things. But I'm a good man," his eyes locked with her and she nodded her understanding. "And I just want to make you happy, and keep you safe. I just want you, Juliet. Always. Please, be mine."
His eyes were so full of question, and doubt that Juliet almost wanted to laugh, but she didn't. Instead she lifted her free hand to his heavily lined face, tracing the creases made from so many brooding nights alone in Vampire Mountain. She shook her head in exasperation and said, "Of course I will, you stupid man."
For love to come along
At her words, the tears he had been refusing to shed fell freely down his face, wetting her palm as he tenderly slipped the ring on her proffered finger. Juliet admonished him and wiped his face gently with her hand, caressing the rough skin with her soft palm.
Now our dreams are comin' true
"My, I've never seen two people more in love." The minister commented. "I don't' think it's right of me to have kept you waiting this long. Go on and kiss. By my word, you're man and wife now!"
Through the good times and the bad
Mika didn't hesitate, he swooped in and captured Juliet's lips in a deadly kiss that sparked explosions behind her eyes. Vaguely she heard the minister chide them to 'get on out of there', and she was handed her small bouquet and then Mika lifted her into his arms like the bride she was, and carried her out of the church, then further into the town and then before she could regain her senses they were flitting, on their way back to her home- their home, and Juliet was thankful she'd set up for the car to be moved.
Yeah - I'll be standin' there by you
Mika set Juliet down in front of the door to the house just long enough for her to unlock and open the door, and then she was back in his arms, and his lips were once again upon her, tasting her lips, her neck, her cheek, and she was giggling like a schoolgirl at his attentions, struggling in his arms as he tickled her with his tongue.
And baby, you're all that I want
He deposited her on the couch in the sunken living room, divested himself of his jacket, and gave her just enough time to admire the way the black silk shirt clung to his body, slightly sweaty from the speed he had flit them home, before he was on top of her, eager to feel her lips and taste her mouth once more.
A lifetime had spanned since the last time their bodies had touched in this manner, and Juliet's seemed to have forgotten the time, responding to his touches and his kisses just as eagerly as she had when she was in her twenties and Mika ver Leth was her first lover.
When you're lyin' here in my arms
The weight of Mika's body pressed her into the fabric of the couch, and she felt his heart beat, heavy and familiar, flow from his chest to hers. His lips were softly plying her own open to make way for that devilish tongue of his to snake in and send shockwaves down her spine to her feet and back up again. She had to push him away from her, even as she grasped his shirt in a vain attempt to keep him in place.
As Mika sat up, pulling Juliet with him, he gave her a puzzling look for stopping their actions.
"Th-there's cake… in the fridge." She replied dumbly, pulling the sparkling pins from her now tousled hair.
"You wish to eat cake?" Mika asked, staring at her with those intense black eyes.
"Yes?" she said.
"Can this not wait until after we make love?" he asked, pulling her against him with one arm and steadying her frantic hand with the other.
"Oh, Mika, it's… just been" His hand rubbed up and down the base of her spine, shooting electricity throughout her body. "It's been so long…" she whispered, looking at him, embarrassed. "I can't believe any of this is actually happening."
"I don't believe cake will help with the realization, Juliet." He chided, stroking her hand. Juliet leaned her head against his chest.
"You're right." She sighed.
I'm findin' it hard to believe
She stood abruptly, falling out of his embrace. Eagerly she kicked off her shoes, the pumps flying toward the corner where her sweaters hung on a rack. "Come, let's go to the bedroom." She offered her hand to him, and Mika stood and accepted it, allowing her to lead him to the bedroom they would now be sharing. At the doorway she walked in, nervously flicking on the light. A soft, warm light filtered the room sensuously, and Mika realized that Juliet must have set her lights like this in preparation for that night. He stood in the doorway, unsure of how to proceed.
Slowly, as if realizing Mika needed an invitation to continue in towards their bed, Juliet undid the zipper at the side of her dress, allowing the garment to fall to the floor and reveal her bridal negligee. Juliet watched Mika's eyes follow the dress to the floor, and then slowly creep back up, admiring the small lace panties, the soft panes of her body, and the way her breasts were barely contained in the strapless brassiere. Wordlessly he took a step into the room, then another, and then Mika reached behind him and closed the heavy wood door, locking it behind him as if willing the world to stop for one night, and leave them to each other.
We're in heaven
With speed a precision, Mika undressed, and moved before Juliet fore the bed, clothed only in his tight silken undergarments. She took in his body, something so familiar yet still so daunting in it's exquisiteness, and gingerly ran her hand from his navel to his chest, feeling the hard muscle, the taut skin and the substantial beat of his heart. Mika's hands tousled Juliet's hair, letting it fall over both of her shoulders, deftly they removed the white brassiere that had been holding in Juliet's breasts, and she gasped lightly as the cool air flowed over her exposed flesh.
Without a word, Mike leant down and captured Juliet's lips in a dazzling kiss, sending heat coursing throughout her body. Instinctively her arms wrapped around his neck, and he lifted her to him, placing his hands beneath her thighs, allowing them to wrap around his waist. Juliet's breasts pressed into the flesh of his chest as she squeezed her against him, and they both let out low, tortured groans. He held her there, kissing, sucking and biting at each other's lips languorously, the embers of their passions slowly building into a bright and powerful flame.
And love is all that I need
Finally, moving with a mission, Mika laid Juliet on the softness of the bed, her hair fanning out behind her. She looked up at him with her bright eyes, a deep redness on her cheeks, embarrassed and alighted. With one hand he gripped her waist, and with the other he grazed his rough palm against the tight peaks of her breasts, making her shiver, then trailed his fingers down to her navel where they danced little beats, sending small shocks down to her core. Juliet arched her back, aching for the closeness of Mika's body to her own, and as she did Mika lifted her hips and expertly removed the lacy panties, tossing them somewhere in the room.
Juliet ran her hands up and down Mika's arms, desperate to feel his warmth, but Mika withdrew and she huffed in frustration. He chuckled, deep and velveteen, washing over her as she watched him divest himself of his undergarment, leaving his proud, erect member straining against the air, glistening with anticipation. Juliet inhaled sharply, having never forgotten Mika's size or girth, and suddenly she felt herself warmed from the inside out as her own arousal sought to meet with his.
And I found it there in your heart
Before she could ask him, before she could even whimper with her need, Mika had pulled her body to his at the edge of the bed, effectively impaling her on his swollen member. What came out of his body was something akin to a growl, and Juliet couldn't hold back her pleased moan at the feeling of fullness she had come to realize only Mika ver Leth could give her. He hadn't needed to check if she was ready for him, for on this one point Mika and Juliet were always in sync.
It isn't too hard to see
His body fell on top of hers, impossibly close as he pinned her to the bed. Juliet's legs were nearly wrapped around his waist, keeping him in place, and he reached for her hand, holding her gaze as he drove into her desperately. This feeling of being one, so long lost, was finally recreated on this night, their wedding night, and Mika was desperate to live it completely, for fear that this was all another feverish dream and he would wake to find himself back in Vampire Mountain, cold and alone.
We're in heaven, heaven, oooh
He was snapped out of his thoughts by Juliet's soft hand, stroking his cheeks lovingly. She tugged on his ear, causing him to smile in spite of himself and lean his face in for a kiss. With a few more gentle prods and pokes, Juliet had repositioned him on the edge of the bed, his feet flat on the ground. He sat, throbbing erect, wistful of their short time joined and Juliet laughed openly at the desperate look in his eyes. She offered her hand to him, and using him for support, climbed atop his lap, sliding his member into her soft, hot core. Her legs folded into place behind him, allowing her to seat herself fully on him. Mika groaned at the sensation of entering her again, and Juliet's eyes slid closed from the feeling. In this position he could stroke her body, kiss her lips and neck, and witness more fully how his ministrations affected her.
And so he did.
You're all that I want
He placed his hands beneath her bottom and lifted her inches off his member, then slowly back down. They both groaned, Juliet fell forward, her hands on Mika's broad chest, clenching his flesh harder and harder each time he lifted her body up more and more, and slid her down with more intensity. A low grumbling growl began to permeate from deep within Mika's chest, as he felt his climax approaching with each lift, slide and pinch of Juliet's nails. He gasped her name, and her head and eyes rose to meet his waiting gaze of adoration. She whispered his name in affirmation that she, too, was reaching her limit, and then their lips connected and Mika's hands left her waist, moving to longingly caress her side, her back, her breasts as their tongues danced. Juliet's hands played magic in Mika's roguish hair, and their hips ground against each other, delaying the inevitable for one moment, two and then finally it was over, and Mika's hands held Juliet down on his length, he pulsed within her, releasing jet after jet of seed that only she could carry, and Juliet shook with the weight of his climax mingling with hers, panting his name against his damp chest.
When finally, their spasms subsided, Mika smoothed the hair away from Juliet's neck, he kissed her tenderly as she shook in his arms, small tears falling from her eyes and landing on their still joined bodies. Tenderly, he lifted her from his still impressive length, and laid her on the bed. Juliet expected him to lay beside her, but instead he unlocked the door and left their room. Before she could question why or formulate horrible reasons in her head, he returned, carrying the small, two-tiered wedding cake and a single fork. Again he closed and locked the door behind him, and when he turned back to her, Juliet beamed at him with adulation and love.
You're all that I need
Mika ver Leth watched his wife drift off in his arms, a far cry from the last time he had held her this intimately. With such good fortune finding them at last, he worried over the future and what to say to his clan and his fellow Princes upon their return. The near empty cake-plate now stood on a bedside table, and Mika was sure crumbs littered the sheets as much as frosting stuck in his hair from the 'traditional' smashing of cake into each others faces. Juliet groaned in his arms, wiggling against his solid chest, the cool metal of her necklace shifting and finding new spots to lay, and his thoughts stopped, gaze trailing down to the mess of black waves that now obscured her face. Without a doubt, the two them had a lot of planning to do in order to ready for their return to Vampire Mountain, but that was still years away, and in this moment, all Mika wanted to do was fade off to sleep holding his woman, his wife, his beloved Juliet.
We're in heaven
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