Kissing Xander wasn't supposed to be part of the plan. That's right! I was kissing a bad guy! It wasn't as exhilarating as everyone expects it to be. Maybe with the right person sure. I needed to convince him I was on board with marrying him; I needed to buy Merrill time. It's only a matter of time before he's figured it out. So here I am, improvising my shell off. I felt discomfort and aggravation. I cracked an eye open. I spotted a desk's shadow shifted by the left side. Merrill, stop watching and go!
'You're playing a dangerous game, Leo. What if I won't be able to make it in time?'
Then you better get a move on. I pulled away. "How's that for convincing?" I asked, twirling a lock of Xander's hair. He smirked as he picked me up bridal style. I yelped in surprise.
"What are we waiting for? Are the preparations set, Mother?" he asked in glee.
"Almost done, my little spider cake", Big Mama answered, "the dress and makeup artists are coming to your fiancé's room momentarily." She clapped her hands. "Places yokai! We have a Nexus wedding to prepare!" her staff hustled.
To my displeasure, Xander carried me back to my room. He sat me on my bed. He stroked my cheek. I had to hold in my vomit as I leaned into his touch. "You have me fooled for a while. Maybe a change of heart was all it takes. Or rather, a human's death was the effect of your decision." I had to bite my tongue from lashing out.
I shrugged. "Humans die every day. It makes no difference."
"Especially if it involves Merrill the Robot Human?"
Remain in control, Leon. Don't let him rile you up. "Especially him." Xander seemed pleased. He leaned down to kiss me, but I placed my hand over his lips. "Not until the wedding." He smiled as I let go. He kissed my forehead instead and left.
I waited until I heard his footsteps away from my room before dashing into the bathroom. I rushed to the sink. I washed my mouth five times, brushed, wash, spit, and repeat. After, I splashed cold water on my face. I released a held breath. Merrill was right. I was playing a dangerous game. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. You got this, Blue. Lou Jitsu could pull off kissing different ladies in most of his films. I could pull it off! How far I'm willing to go is another story.
No longer than ten minutes, a team of yokai entered my room. Two yokai grabbed me and dragged me to the bathroom where another yokai was filling the bathtub with water and dropping in rose petals. I was shoved into the cold water with a loud splash. I reached out to the surface gasping for air.
"Was that necce-" I was interrupted when someone dumped more water over my head. The groomers discarded my bandana and belts. They scrubbed everywhere! Oh yeah, they went in DEEP! I felt so… dirty, yet clean. Next, I was escorted wearing a fluffy bathrobe. I entered my bedroom seeing a tree yokai preparing a wardrobe. They spotted me and went to work. I had little to say about letting them work and do their work.
They put me in a dark blue kimono with light blue koi fish swimming in silver tread outline with long sleeves. The wrapping was silver. I wore light blue slippers and white socks.
After, they sat me down at the vanity facing the makeup artist. It was a yokai with many tentacles. I was told to close my eyes; I did. I felt light touches of brushes on my cheeks, eyelids, and lips. I didn't know how long I sat on the stool. My tail was getting numb.
A gasp caught my attention. "Goodness me, Bluey Dewey. You are a vision. A breath of fresh air", Big Mama commented. I opened my eyes and saw what she meant. I looked way different from before. A small dose of blush on my cheeks, light blue eyeshadow above my eyes, and clear lip gloss make my lips shine. A tiara-like veil was crowned on my head. They even added dashes of glitter to my face. Big Mama walked behind me with a bouquet of white roses with a blue ribbon tied around it. She bent over to hand me the bundle. "I hope you are not leading my son, Little Blue", she softly whispered, "if this turned out to be a hoax, I will not be keen on your brothers. I might have the need to toss them to my Battle Nexus as monster nibbles. Do I make myself clear?"
I smiled from the reflection. "Perfectly clear, Mommy-In-Law." She gave me the flowers. My face frowned as she spoke with her staff. On the vanity, I saw various makeup and utensils. I spotted some hair decorations and spotted a stick. I quickly grabbed it making sure no eyes were on me. I inspected it. the tip was sharp enough to cut. I tucked the stick in my sleeve as I straightened my back. "Well, then, it's time to get to the ceremony! Come along!" I stood up with the bouquet in hand. It was time.
Big Mama took the lead with me behind her also with four yokai covering all my sides in case I make a run for it. I didn't know where we were going, but the closer we were the more the hallway was getting extravagant with decorations. Big Mama stopped and held out her hand seeing two yokai sweating up a storm.
"Ma'am? Can we speak with you?" one of them shakingly asked.
"How important is it? I have a wedding to attend", she replied, impatiently. They ushered Big Mama away from my small group. They were discussing in hushed tones as my group pushed me ahead toward a large set of oak doors. "How can you let this happen?" I heard her hiss her employees, "Find them. This wedding needs to be perfect for my son! Nothing needs to be out of place." The two staff nodded and scurried off. Big Mama straightened her posture and returned to my side. My four bodyguards dispersed leaving us standing side by side looking at the doors.
"Is something wrong?" I asked the hotel owner.
She flashed me a professional smile. "Nothing to fret, dearie. Some technical difficulties. it will be fixed momentarily." Big Mama offered her arm. "Shall we walk down the aisle?"
I, too, gave her a professional smile. My insides were flipping over. Two buff yokai opened the doors revealing a massive room decorated as a white floral garden. White roses hung on the wall and petals draped on the white carpet. To be honest, I was going blind from all the brightness. Big Mama escorted me to the front where my "future husband" slowly turned to see us approaching.
Xander smiled as his mother passed me over and stood at her son's side. The pastor was a short octopus yokai wearing a priest outfit. He cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…" I zoned out from the rest. Merrill, where are you? the ceremony already started. Merrill? Don't tell me you're dead!
'A little busy here trying to get to you! Stall! You improvised so far!'
I rolled my eyes as I cleared my throat gaining everyone's attention. "Sorry to interrupt, but I have something to say to my future hubby", I announced trying to cringe at my words. I turned to Xander who was confused by my action. "Xannie, my Spider Boo, you are the apple of my eye. The twinkle in my smile. You're dashing and courageous. The very presence of your existence makes me weak to my knees…" I was pulling an Oscar Award performance out of my shell! "I know I said many rude things to you, but you were right. We have all the time in the world to get to know one another. You said you were willing to buy the world and put it on a silver platter if I ask for it. Forget that disgraceful human. My heart belongs to you and only you." I smiled softly.
'Barf. I think I'm gonna be sick.'
You said to stall! How do you think I feel?!
'Could've said something better than that cringe fest.'
Let's switch roles next time. You be in my shoes, and you can try lying your ass off!
Xander laughed. "Your words are adorable. Endearing. Passionate. It makes me slightly upset I have not prepared words that can outmatch yours. All I want to say is I cannot wait to make you mine." And… I'm back to being sick.
"If anyone were to object, speak now or forever hold your peace", the pastor said. I glanced at the doors, expecting a rescue squad bursting in. Nothing! Not even a cowabunga! Uh, Merrill? That's your cue… where are you?
'Would you believe me, if I were to say we're a few floors below you?'
MERRILL! You have my magic sword that CREATES portals! How are you still not here?!
'Trust me I'm working on it, especially encountering wave after wave of yokai!'
"Are you kidding me?!" everyone looked at me. "I mean… are you kidding me on… how eager I am to see where we go on our honeymoon!" I swear to God if you're not here in five seconds, I'll have a Spider Sugar Daddy!
'Then be a Gold-Digging Turtle.'
Not funny!
'Hold your panties! We're getting close!'
"No objections? Then I shall claim my prize." Xander pulled me close to his chest. his lips itching close to mine. My face paled. Great, this is Hypno all over again!
"Wait! Wait!" I called, "Shouldn't we exchange rings or vows or something!" I was getting desperate.
"I cannot hold my eagerness anymore. You're too enticing, my sweet." I tried leaning away but his tight grip won't let me get any further. I closed my eyes and embraced myself. That was until a huge ruckus was heard outside.
Merrill and my brothers burst through the doors. I was relieved to see my brothers unarmed. My heart soared seeing Merrill in the lead with my sword in his hand. They huffed and puffed. I noticed they were wounded, but nothing dire.
"I object…" my friend paused, "…I ob… I… I… uh…" he kept staring at me. Oh, no. I knew what was coming next. Merrill's nose burst out a bloody stream and he fell backward. Raph managed to catch me. My eye twitched. Seriously, you have a nosebleed now?!
"Merrill, this is no time for your tricks!" my older brother scolded, unfortunately, my friend didn't respond.
"Oh… Nardo wasn't kidding about the nosebleed", Donnie commented.
"So, you mean Merrill gets a nosebleed whenever Leo wears a cute outfit", Mikey smirked, "good to know, good to know."
"Fuck you, sluts", Merrill mumbled, gaining back consciousness.
Xander's arm wrapped around my waist and tugged me close. "Please go to your respective seats and let the wedding commence. Otherwise, we're forced to use force I need be."
I ground my teeth as I slowly pulled the long, sharp hair stick. I hit the bouquet at the groom and slashed my hidden weapon at his cheek leaving a long mark from the bottom of his chin to the tip of his nostril. I pushed back inspecting my work.
I smirked seeing his perfect face marked. Big Mama yelled in agony. She transformed into her yokai form and spat her webs at me. I was wrapped up in her goo. Her son pulled me close again. "You have done a big mistake, Bluey Touey", the spider woman said.
"Hands off my brother, Spider Gang!" Raph yelled as he, my brothers, and Merrill were ready to strike.
"I don't think so, red kappa", Xander objected, "your brother and I are betrothed without an objection. So sad, but true. Be glad we're in-laws. Nothing can disrupt this moment!" I was wishing for my gag reflex to interfere with the moment he mentioned.
Instead… the windows burst, and glass shattered. Riding on a huge, velvet vine was Baron Draxum. "I heard you have something that belongs to me", he said to Big Mama.
For once, I'm glad a villain decided to crash a party.