Sorry peeps, thanksgiving week happened over here in the States. Turkey coma = bliss. I am not a Black Friday shopper, just so you know. I spent a lovely day with my family, doing nothing but relaxing. And then I just had issues trying to accurately portray Lucy's response. She's so over the top that it's hard for me to express. So not 100% satisfied, but hopefully it comes across. And then just trying to figure out what happens on the journey to the mansion.
But this is my longest chapter yet. An extra present for you all. Since you are all so loyal and amazing and wonderful.
My last chapter got 1.77 thousand views on the first day of its release. I was completely shocked and humbled by such a number. 33k people have read my story so far. Thank you all so, so much. Even more exciting are a couple of authors I highly admire have found, read and said they like my story. It was a total "Squee" worthy moment for me. So exciting, it's like getting a celebrity's autograph I imagine. I've never gotten one, so don't know, but anyway it made me feel special.
Chapter 360 of Fairy Tail was so awesome. Natsu you did a great job raising Happy, you should feel proud. Lucy, he's gonna make a great dad, don't let him get away. 3 And anyone else excited at the anime finally making it's return? No official date that I know about, but it was mentioned in the manga. What a great couple of weeks.
Journey to the Mansion
Lucy's POV
What did Natsu just say?! Oh My God, I gave him a hickey? There is no way, no way. None. AAHHH! How can he say that so calmly? What the hell happened that night? God I am so embarrassed. And mortified, and shocked. I was covering my mouth with my hands trying really hard to not scream. My face had turned bright red and steam was coming out of my ears. I fell to my knees in utter shock.
How is this possible? I am a proper young lady, not some…wanton hussy. Just because my thoughts towards Natsu have been less then appropriate doesn't mean I should be acting on them in a drunken frenzy. Oh God should I apologize to Natsu? I suddenly remembered not wearing a shirt that morning. I looked in my shirt and stared at the purple splotch on my boob, and freaked out even more. Could it be…no it isn't possible…Natsu wouldn't…
I had head in my hands, and was crouched down on the verge of hysteria, when Natsu exited the bathroom. He was wearing only his boxers. He looked surprised that I was on the floor.
"What are you doing down there you weirdo?" He asked me crouching down in front of me. Leaning forward so his face was right in front of my own.
"Nothing" I squeaked out, freaking out a little more at his closeness.
"Are you sure you're not getting sick? Because we can't be out in the cold if you're sick." He reached out and tucked some of my hair behind my ear while he said that. I looked in his eyes, and saw that he looked concerned for me. He is so hot. This thought causing my face to heat up even more. If I was a fire mage I'd seriously be so on fire right now. Completely a blazed and burning down the hotel. Natsu would have to eat me to save the town… Oh God, I'm such a damn perv!
"Are you that upset over acting like a drunken vampire?" He asked me curiously.
I looked downward, escaping his gaze and my eyes settled on his bare chest. Then I had a slight flash of unzipping his shirt. Exposing his chiseled muscles. As quickly as it came the image left. Oh God, not possible…What did I do that night!? "Oi, Luuuu-cyyy." I looked back up, meeting Natsu's eye. "You're staring." He stated. I can't deal with this right now!
"No I'm not, and I'm not sick." Avoiding his eyes, I stood up suddenly. "I need to take a shower!" And quickly ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me, attempting to hide my embarrassment. If I had glanced back at Natsu, I would have seen a mischievous smirk gracing his face.
I hid in the bathroom for a good hour and a half, taking the opportunity to thoroughly wash myself several times. Taking extra time to wash my face properly. I was not stalling… just being thorough, after all who knows when a girl can get her beauty treatments done when one is on a mission? No sir, I wasn't stalling, or avoiding the dragon slayer in the other room. Not praying at all that he would he asleep by the time I got out.
And I was definitely not thinking about how a large purple bruise came to be on my chest. Nor the spattering of smaller ones across my torso. Must have happened during that fight Natsu was talking about, because there is simply no way that Natsu could suck on my breasts. Though the imagery of such an event made me hot and bothered more than once. Natsu holding me close while I straddle him. He ravages my breasts. Fondling one with his hand and devouring the other with his mouth. Moans of ecstasy escaping my mouth. Almost feels like a memory instead of something my over active imagination came up with. I shook my head at my naughty thoughts. Sorry mother in heaven your daughter is turning into a floozy.
I quietly exited the bathroom, to see all the lights out, but one small candle. How courteous of him. Natsu was already in bed. Thank God he was already asleep, because I didn't think I'd be able to stay calm with him awake. By tomorrow I should completely calm down from the little bomb he had dropped.
And when did it just become a normal, nightly thing to share a bed? It's really not appropriate. We're not even dating, and Natsu just hops into bed with me every night. Doesn't he realize what people would think of us if they found out? I mean sure it saves money by only having one room, but it's really not a good idea.
How will I be able give it up when he gets a girlfriend? My heart lurched a little at that thought. I really should just sleep on the couch. But the strong desire to feel his warmth overcame my common senses. I crawled under the covers, blowing out the last visage of light. I stayed on my side, and got comfortable or as comfortable as possible without touching Natsu. I was having a hard time falling asleep though, since my mind just had to keep thinking bad things about a certain dragon slayers sleeping beside me. Turn off brain, seriously. Uh. It's also hot. I was sweating pretty badly. Natsu was really emanating heat waves tonight. He's always like a furnace, but it felt hotter than usual. Or maybe it's just my treacherous or should I say lecherous thoughts?
I was laying there contemplating my plight, when Natsu suddenly turned over and tightly grabbed me close to him. "Natsu!" I said a little annoyed but then I realized his arms were shaking. "Natsu?" He didn't answer, he just held me, quivering. There is no way he's cold. I started rubbing his back, he felt so hot, something was obviously wrong. "Natsu, hey it's okay." I said. His face was buried in my chest, and I couldn't be sure because of all the sweat but I thought that maybe he was crying. "Can you tell me what's wrong?" He didn't say anything, but slowly his shivering stopped. I felt his body relax and soft snores return. And his temperature noticeably went down.
What was that? I wondered. Did he just have a nightmare?
Natsu's POV
We woke early the next morning. Lucy did not want to move, and then she insisted on taking another shower. "Lucy you took one last night." A long one at that. "Why do you need to take another one now? Seriously if anyone can tell if a person stinks, it's me." Hell I could still smell her over powering shampoo from last night. Did she wash it 10 times or something? It was making my nose hurt, giving me this constant feeling like I needed to sneeze.
"It's not my fault you made me sweat so badly." She said crossly. "And who said I was your teddy bear? Seriously snuggle with a pillow. I could hardly sleep last night."
"You've got a soothing heartbeat." I responded. Which is true, just not the only reason I enjoy her chest so much. Her squishiness makes a great pillow.
"Natsu do you remember what happened last night?"
"In regards to what exactly?" Feeling my defenses go up a little. Was she talking about the hickey? Or was she mind reading my pervy thoughts just now?
"You grabbed me in the middle of the night shaking and maybe crying... Did you have a nightmare?"
Oh, hmmm. I've been having random bad dreams about her dying ever since Future Lucy died. But I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want to remember how I just stood there as that asshole took something precious away from me right in front of my eyes... "I don't know, I don't remember." I said, which is only a half lie. I don't honestly remember last night specifically, but it's not the first time I've had a nightmare about it either. Happy has said I've cried out Lucy's name more than once. Reminds of when my father first left. It was hard to sleep back then too. "Sorry I kept you up. Do you want to leave tomorrow instead? We're not in a hurry." I said contritely. I don't remember waking up. Nor do I remember grabbing her. I did like waking up with my arms wrapped around her though.
"After breakfast?" I asked hopefully.
"Sure Natsu." She said with a small smile as she closed the door.
I didn't like that she had witnessed one of my nightmares. It just made me feel weak and …vulnerable I guess. Stupid I know, but I wanted her to see me as someone strong and able. Not some cry baby. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now.
We packed all our stuff into the bags, it really wasn't that heavy but the size of the pack I was wearing was fairly hilarious to look at. I saw a lot of smirks as we walked through town to a place that smelled the best.
This time however when Lucy was trying to fix my defin-shun-cy, I ate what I wanted. "Lucy, we're walking miles and miles today, carrying that big ass pack. I'm eating what I want." And with only a minor glare in my direction, she didn't bug me further. Though to make her happy I made of show of eating a bunch of fruit, as well as 5 dozen eggs, 15 steaks, 3lbs of bacon, flaming potatoes and 3 loaves of toast. Gotta keep it light if we want to move fast.
After confirming where we were headed, we set out. It was a sunny day, I thought it was a rather nice day, but after maybe an hour Lucy was already shivering. Seriously? "Lucy how can you be cold? The sun is shining and we've been walking for an hour. Shouldn't you be sweating?"
"Shut up, you wouldn't understand."
I lit myself on fire and walked closer to her. Her shivering subsided. How is she gonna manage colder weather? "Should have gotten the pajamas Lucy. You wouldn't be shivering so much now." I said cheekily.
"Baka." Though it was said with no real energy.
"So…slave, what shall I have you do today?"
"What?"
"Slave for a day. You had some time off to recover. "
"Right now, Natsu? There's nothing out here."
"I could make you give me a piggy back ride."
"Fine if you want me to fall face first into the snow."
"You wouldn't be trying to get out of my prize would you?"
"Of course not Natsu. I'm a celestial mage, my word is my bond. I just think you'd waste it out here."
After some playful back and forth, and successfully getting her mind off the cold, we agreed that she would be my slave the first full day at the mansion. "So if I tell you to bark at the bride, you're gonna do it. Right?" Her look of horror was great.
"Technically, but keep in mind Natsu that if you ever want to eat another one of my flaming apple pies, embarrassing me to such an extent would prevent such an event from EVER happening again."
Taking a moment to process that wordy statement, I realized she just threatened to not make me anymore pies if I embarrassed her. Well that's not fair and no fun. "Can I at least make you wiggle like Plue?" From the glare I received I'm gonna have to assume that's a negative. Sigh, it was her idea in the first place, grumble, grumble.
It was only a little past mid-day, and we were probably a little over half way there. When the sun started setting.
"Hey Lucy, we should probably find someplace to set up, the sun is gonna go down soon, which we can keep walking if you really want, it's just gonna get even colder." The walk was very uneventful. Where were all the mean nasty monsters we kept hearing about? I was expecting a battle every other step based on how scared the villagers were acting.
"Please let's stop." I could hear the exhaustion in her voice. I know we've walked farther before. What gives?
"Why didn't you say you were so tired Lucy, we could have stopped."
"I'm not going to hold you back."
Swallowing my annoyance. Her desire to prove herself isn't different from mine; she just doesn't need to prove herself to me. "Why are you so tired Lucy. You said you weren't sick?"
"I didn't sleep that great last night and what little energy I had I used to walk, and keep my body warm."
Uh, makes sense. "Well lets set you up in the tent and I'll go hunt us some dinner." We found a spot under a tree. Unpacked the tent and I looked at it, then looked at her. "So, how do you set it up?" I asked.
She looked at me in shock. "Why are you asking me, you're the outdoorsman?!"
"Well I usually just sleep in a tree or something. Never used a tent."
"Natsu! This was YOUR idea! Oh my God I really am going to freeze to death out in this tundra! How can you not know how to set up a tent?!"
There she goes flipping out again. Silly girl. "Lucy, quit waving your arms like a headless chicken. There's instructions. You read them and tell me what to do. Your way smarter about things like that. Kay?" She immediately calmed down, and in just a little time, with no accidental holes or injuries the tent was up.
"It's kind of small?" She said.
"Well if it's too big it won't get warm in this weather." Plus, I'll get to sleep right next to her. And she'll hold me so tight when she gets cold, and it will just be...
"We're not going to have any room between us." She said in a tone that I'm not sure of.
"So? Won't you stay warmer that way?" I heard her sigh and crawl on into it. "Why don't you take a nap or just relax for a while, and I'm gonna find some sticks to make a campfire." Well I'm going to go pulverize a tree to use, but same thing. Then I'm gonna go see if I can find some of the monsters. Maybe they'll make a yummy dinner?
After beating up a tree, I won, I brought back a large armful of wood. I poked my head in the tent and she was curled up in both sleeping bags, asleep. Maybe I'll get to share a sleeping bag after all? And with that happy though I went off to hunt.
Sniffing the air to start. I hadn't really smelled anything all day, which was a little odd. There should be other animals like squirrels or something, but really nothing fresh. Like something hadn't lived in the area for a while. I was hopping from tree to tree when I got a wiff of something. I paused to sniff the air more closely. I started heading towards the scent, and as I got closer to it, I could smell blood and death, and the scent became more disgusting.
"Yuck. Damn, whatever it is, it stinks." I could smell rotting meat, old blood, and just nastiness. I didn't see anything though. The smell was so bad, I really should be on top of whatever it is but I wasn't really seeing anything. I was scanning the ground when suddenly the branch I was sitting on was snapped off by a really large white arm. I flipped out of the way, away from the tree, turned and saw a giant thing in front of me.
It stood on 2 legs, though was hunched over. At first I thought it might be a Vulcan, but once looking at it's face, it definitely wasn't. It stood over 8 feet tall, and was covered in a thick white shaggy fur which blended with the snow perfectly. Though the front of its chest had dried blood and bits of something that used to be alive. It also had 2 large black horns on the side of its head, large jagged yellow teeth, huge black claws on both its hands and feet. And some creepy ass yellow eyes.
"I guess you're the big ugly the villagers are scared of." It roared at me, and started to charge, I charged back. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" My fist connected soundly, but it didn't even budge. It swiped at me knocking my ass against the tree. Turning quickly so my feet hit the tree first I took aim, "Fire Dragon's ROAR!"
That hurt it, as I heard it roar in pain. Then shoving off the tree, and heading it with top speed, "Fire Dragons Brilliant Flame!" It managed to take another swipe at me. Damn thing was fast as I felt it's nasty claws cut into my arm.
"Fire Dragons Destructive Fang!" Aiming for where I heard it's heart beating the loudest. My fist went though, piercing it's heart and killed it. "Alright, I'm awesome! Dinner is served. Did you see…?" Oh right, Lucy isn't here and is sleeping. Guess I should lug this smelly thing back. Maybe the mean tempered mermaid can hose it down for us.
I lifted the thing up, and started jogging back to Lucy.
"What the hell is that Natsu!" Ouch, guess she's awake. "Oh my God, you're covered in blood!" I looked down at myself, oh, guess it's been leaking all over me. Well that is kind of gross. "Are you hurt?" She said taking a tentative step towards me.
"I 'm fine. The blood isn't mine, didn't realize it was leaking all over me."
"Why did you bring that giant, smelly…thing back here?"
"Dinner. " I said with a big smile.
She looked at me for a second and said with a scoff, "God you remind me of a cat that brings its owner a dead mouse it caught. Should I pet you on the head and say good job?"
"If you want?" I said slowly. Happy doesn't bring me dead mice, so I wasn't sure what she was talking about.
"Natsu that thing smells disgusting. How do you expect anyone to eat it?"
"Well once I get all the dirty fur off, it'll just be meat. And then I'll cook it and I think it'll smell good then. Don't know, never had it before though." Then I had a good thought. "Do you think Virgo would be able to wash it's fur?"
"Maaybee?" She said unsure of her answer.
"Well let me skin it, and when I'm done you can summon her and we'll find out."
"I am so not watching that, and don't do it anywhere near the tent. So disgusting." She said as she climbed back into the tent and zipped it shut.
I stuck my tongue out at the tent. It's for me anyway. I was just willing to share. As if I didn't know the thing smells to high hell. I just lugged it the past 2 miles. She'll change her mind when she smells it cooking, then I'll just say no. Though I wouldn't really say no, just a little. Now to get a little more dirty.
The pelt was set to the side and I had made about 20 little skewers for Lucy, and set them up near the fire to slowly cook. The rest I just lit on fire till it had a nice burnt crisp, and ate it. I tried eating it raw back when I was a kid with my dad, but it had tasted pretty nasty and I got sick afterwards. I remember feeling sad because my dad just gobbled up everything raw. That's when he explained that I wasn't a real dragon, but a human, so couldn't do everything he could do. What a sad day. Though I wonder if I could eat it raw now that there is a fire always in my belly now? Eh, why risk it. I like it flaming.
"Hey Natsu, you're right it is smelling pretty good. Anything I can do to help out with dinner?" Lucy had finally come out of the tent. Knew she'd change her mind. Then she looked at me, and said, "Oh God Natsu, your eating while looking like that?!"
"What?"
"Have you even looked at yourself?"
I looked down, oh yeah, I did forget about the mess. Well if she insists. I stood up kicked off my shoes and removed my shirt. "What are you doing!" She shrieked.
"Geez Lucy quit popping my ear drums. What do you want? Obviously I can't go in the tent or else all this shit will get inside the tent. And wearing it is bugging you. What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Warn me when you're about to act like Gray." She said snidely.
I narrowed my eyes at her, two can play this game. "Well since you put it that way, 'I'm acting like an ice princess' "and quickly stripped off my pants as well.
"Dammit you baka perv!"
"I'm not the one staring."
"I'm not staring! That's it. Open gate of the Maiden, Virgo!" Shit I pissed her off so much she's using magic on me? She seriously wants to fight? I can't go serious on her. I'm about to get my ass beat. The most she usually does is just kick me in the head.
"Punishment princess?" Then looking at me, "Is princess being punished again?" Again?
"Stop Virgo. Please clean Natsu for me, he's so disgusting right now."
"As you wish Princess."
With that she dug a large hole and filled it with snow. "Please melt the snow as it fills the hole," she asked me. I complied, and when it was filled with melted snow, Virgo attacked me, again, stripped me completely naked and shoved me in. Shit, it was cold, but I quickly heated it as Virgo scrubbed me like some unruly pet. "You know, I know how to take a bath right?"
"Princess gave me an order."
I could hear Lucy giggling. If the water wasn't so gross from washing the blood and gore off of me I'd shove her ass in. After she scrubbed me, she somehow emptied the pool and refilled it with snow that I promptly melted and rinse me off again. I was not a happy person, but I complied. I was pretty gross looking and smelling.
When the torture was finally over I was squeezed into new clothes from the celestial world, which I gotta admit were pretty bad ass. A typical sleeveless, black, tight, shirt and black pants, but with an awesome floor length, red coat with yellow flames all over it. Almost makes up for the scrubbing I just received. Then I remembered, Hey Virgo can you clean an animal pelt? "
"Yes, Natsu-san."
"Great I'll go get it." As I was walking over to it, I was grabbed and stopped by the gorilla chick. "What?"
"Please allow me; I do not want you to get dirty again for Princess's sake."
"Sure Virgo." I pointed to where it was at and headed back to Lucy.
"Enjoy the show." I asked Lucy.
"Don't pout Natsu. It was an emergency." She said with a smirk, and failing miserably at hiding her amusement.
"Am I clean enough to eat my dinner now?" I asked sarcastically. Seriously chicks and there need to have everything clean.
"Yes Natsu, but please don't get all nasty again."
"I will get my revenge slave, a dragon never forgets."
"More like never remembers," She said full-fledged laughing at me. That's it; I grabbed a snowball and threw it at her. "Ack." She squeaked when I got her in the chest and knocked her over.
Well in true Fairy Tail fashion it became a full blown snowball war with Lucy summoned Loki, and Gemini who mimicked Grey again. . "No fair using magic!" I yelled at her when she first summoned them.
"You can use magic too if you want. Though it is a SNOWball fight." She said with a laugh as she dodged a snowball. She knew perfectly well that I'd just melt all the snow. Grrr.
For a good 30 minutes it was a 3 on 1 battle. Finally her spirits went back because she was low on magic power. "Hahaha, now what are you going to do Lucy?" I said while slowly creeping up on her.
When I was about 3 feet away, she cutely said "May I take a moment to remind you that you haven't eaten your dinner yet?" Oh yeah I completely forgot, Her words stopped me, and had reminded my stomach that I was actually very hungry. She saw my pause and took the opportunity to tackle me while my focus was shifted.
"OOf!" And 2 hand fulls of snow were smashed into my face. Instead of wiping the snow off, I increase my heads temperature, and it melted off quickly. Giving her a scowl.
"Admit it, I win." She said with a smile, while sitting on my chest. A view I could get used too. I reached up and brushed some snow off her hair.
"Fine I concede defeat. Just too badass for me." I said with a smile. Bringing a cute blush to her face. Then she looked down and saw she was sitting on my chest and quickly got off. Her face was so red.
Then she reached down, and offered me her hand. "Shall we go eat Natsu?" I took her hand and let her help me up. These are the moments I love.
Virgo returned the pelt after we were done eating. For such an ugly animal it's fur was really soft. Alright, "Lucy, I've got a present for you."
"A pelt?" She asked confused.
"It's a bedroll for you. Put it at the bottom of the tent and you'll be extra comfortable and warm. And it's super soft come feel."
She gave me the smile. The smile that warms me up in a better way than any fire. "Thank you so much Natsu." She came over and touched it. "Wow, it's really soft. Who would have thought such a creature would have soft fur?"
"And later on, you can turn it into a rug or a fur coat, or whatever."
"That was very thoughtful of you Natsu. Thank you. I'll treasure it." She said smiling and looking in my eyes. I never considered brown to be a pretty color till I met Lucy... Shit mushy stuff messing with my brain again.
I stood up and stretched. "Want me to go lay it down for you?"
"Yes please."
Technically it was still fairly early only like 8:30, but the sun was completely gone and the temperature continued to drop. We'd have to wake up early tomorrow to get to the mansion before night fall. I finished setting everything up, and asked her to come see.
"Looks good Natsu. I'm going to get ready for bed now." She then looked at me.
"What? Go ahead. I'm not stopping you."
"Get out so I can change? When will you get it." She sounded annoyed.
"Fine, I wanted to check the perimeter anyway." I said and then grumbled just loud enough for her to hear "It's not like I haven't seen it all before anyway." I grinned evilly because I'm sure I heard her squeak and I can just imagine her cute tomato face.
I took my time and carefully checked the perimeter. All that cooked meat might have attracted another one of those monsters, so I had to be sure that nothing was already in the area. I didn't find any signs, nor did my dragon senses tell me anything was amiss.
I went ahead and stripped out of my new clothes before entering the tent. There isn't much room to maneuver inside. I really do like the new jacket hopefully I don't ruin it too quickly.
I was a little surprised that Lucy was already asleep, but then I recalled that she used a ton of magic for the snowball fight. Usually they're not out for more than 5-10 minutes. But 2 for a whole half hour plus the 15 or so minutes of Virgo torture she inflicted on me. My girl is getting so strong. I gently brushed her cheek, and then outlined her lips with my finger. I decided that stealing a little kiss wouldn't be that bad. So I slowly and gently pressed my lips to hers. Her lips were soft. "Good night Lucy" I said softly, and laid down next to her, putting an arm around her. To keep her "warm" of course.
The next morning was very nice. I woke slightly before dawn, and Lucy was resting on my chest with my arm around her. To be like that always would be so nice. I just watched her sleeping face and dreamed of a future with her in it. I don't know how much time passed, but I started to feel her wake up. Her breathing changed, her pulse quickened. I decided to pretend to still be a sleep.
I felt her head lift up and look towards me, and then happily enough it went back down on my chest. I thought for sure she'd jump through the roof of the tent when she discovered our position. Then interestingly enough I felt her gently traced my stomach muscles. If this kept up, I'd get a hard-on from hell and jump her. So I started shifting. She immediately stopped and got off of me.
"Morning." I said in a sleepy voice and looked up at her.
"Good morning Natsu. How did you sleep?"
"Great, what about you? I know yesterday you didn't sleep much."
"Surprisingly well. I feel really refreshed this morning. Too bad there's no shower around."
"You can have a snow bath. They're tons of fun." I said with heavy sarcasm.
"No thank you, hopefully we can make better time today and reach the mansion early. I'm sure they'll have servant quarters we can use."
"Well guess we should get started on our day. I'll get dressed outside, you go ahead and change in here."
"Why do you only sleep in boxers?"
"I usually sleep naked, but figured you would get mad at me if I did that." And crawled out with my clothes. Hmmm, was that an indignant huff I heard perhaps? I mean it's not like the tiny booty shorts she wears as normal clothes are so much more modest. Or her bikini? Yet I'm the indecent perv. And girls wonder why guys don't get them.
I quickly got dressed, though I was tempted to strut around a little longer just to make her blush. I've really got some kind of blush fetish don't I?
After we were dressed and mostly packed we were looking at the tent in confusion. "So how do you get it back to small?"
"Just reverse what we did yesterday I imagine." Lucy responded.
"Right….So remember how we set it up?"
"I'll get the instructions." She said with a small sigh.
We made much better time that day. And within a few short, uneventful hours, we saw the mansion in the distance.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The creature I used in my story was based on the Wampa from Star Wars. The snow monster that knocked out Luke and hung him up by his feet and wanted to eat him I believe in the 2nd movie? It's been a few years since I've seen them.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
We were married on a warm Spring day May of 2004. It was an evening wedding, but I was still up at 5am after not really being able to sleep because I was too excited. My "best friend" the same one who said that crap about liver when I told her he finally confessed, literally dropped out of the wedding 2 days before the big event.
I said to hell with it, and just made the next girl my maid of honor and just had the bridal party unbalanced. Printed my programs myself, so was able to change them to exclude the dumb broad's name without a hitch.
So anyway up at 5 for a nice long, thorough bath. All sorts of moisturizer and what not applied. Got my hair done, nails, toes, the whole shebang. Changed at the church we were getting married at. We had decided to take pictures before the wedding instead of after because we didn't want to make our guests wait an hour for us to arrive, plus we could take tons of pictures without hindering the guests.
Mike and I got to have a few minutes just the two of us alone. So he could see me in my dress and all dolled up. He said I was beautiful. And gave me a sweet kiss. My dad got the same treatment, and he hugged me and cried a little.
My dress was new, my shoes were old, the same shoes I wore on my first date to Junior Prom, borrowed a bracelet, and had painted my toes blue .
500 literal pictures later, we were waiting for the clock to hit 6. Some of my family had a flight delayed, we postponed for half an hour, but it just wasn't fair to the rest of our guests to make them wait any longer.
Showtime. I have my dad holding my hand and we're walking down the aisle. I smile and wave at my guests and then I look to the front and there's my man. We had a Medieval Theme, so he was wearing a leather jerking, a cloak, boots the works, and was looking mighty handsome. My dress was a poofy. satin Cinderella like dress, that I got from Museum Replicas for only $80. And it was very pretty. By this point I had taken off my heels and was just wearing pretty satin slippers.
I get to the front and priest asks" Who gives this woman away." And my more dad started crying. And I gave him a big hug and kiss. Later on I had a few people ask me if he had said "No". Seriously folks? Some people are so silly.
This almost make sme cry then I notice the unity candles aren't lit. The ones Mike and I take and light the big candle together. The little ones were supposed to be lit by the best man. I notice and I'm trying to mouth to the best man "Candle, can-dle" This very comedic moment was perfectly times and I stopped being all emotional and crying. He gets the point and I do have a picture of him sneaking up there to light them.
The rest of the ceremony went off perfectly at least from my view. My new sister in law sang beautifully, my new father in law played his flute perfectly. Later on I discovered my new brother in law had to be rushed to the bathroom to barf because he was highly allergic to my flowers. And some other drama. But the bridal party made it their mission to protect the bride from all of it.
I shall share some of the drama.
The top tier of my cake got smashed because my mother put a bag of ice on the box it was in, to the cake decorator was rushing to fix it before the reception started. I had put disposable camera on every table so we could get some fun candid's, but my mother thought it looked "tacky" and hid them. My mom also insulted the cake decorator by buying some Jewel cakes because she didn't think the cake would be big enough. I found out all this later, had several people come up to me and say they'd never met a mother who tried so hard to ruin her daughter's wedding. Some kids hit the DJ equipment with a basketball so we almost didn't have any music. That would have been bad.
My reception wasn't as much fun. The late family members insisted on having pictures taken. And so to keep the peace Mike and I spend a good hour and half taking about 300 more pictures. Looking back I really wish I hadn't but that's life. I got my first dance with new husband, then Mike danced with his mom and I danced with my dad. My dad squashed me he was holding me so tightly. I love my dad.
My words of advice, if you can afford it, just have your reception at a banquet hall, someone else decorates, someone else cleans up, and you just get to enjoy yourself. It's cheaper to do most of that yourself, but that's what I did and it was so stressful that I wish I really hadn't. I'm not saying shell out 15 grand, but someone else worrying about those details is so nice.
And it's your wedding. Your guests will only remember bits and pieces but you will live with the memories of that day for years, so do what makes YOU happy. Your guests just want good food, good music and some good conversations with people.
Next chapter will be current stuff then I'm done, unless people want to do a question and answer thing. No one responded before so I'm assuming no. Hope you guys will continue to read my story even though my personal one is done .