Chapter 46: Finally

It was an hour before sunset, and the bride is currently sitting in front of the vanity mirror, fidgeting on her ivory off shoulder satin wedding dress. Her hair was put up in a bun, and jewels and diamonds garnished her hair, a few of her bangs framed her face. Her veil is positioned on her head strategically to prevent it from slipping. She stared at her natural makeup which accentuated her small nose, long eyelashes, and doe eyes. She couldn't believe she could look as beautiful as she is now, and she can't help but imagine Ryoma's reaction when he sees her.

"You look very beautiful, Ryuzaki-san," Ran, the makeup artist, said. Sakuno blushed at the compliment and nodded in thanks. As she admired how Ran made a miracle on her somehow, the girl excused herself and left Sakuno on her own. There was only an hour before the ceremony and it was making Sakuno nervous and uneasy all of a sudden.

A knock on the door popped her thought bubble.

"Y-Yes!"

Rinko stepped inside and Sakuno saw how she looked beautiful in her beige dress, and her angelic smile completed the look. Sakuno stood up and bowed to her in respect.

"Oh my… you look…" Rinko put a hand on her chest and sighed, "...beautiful."

"T-Thank you, Aunt Rinko…" she finally smiled for the first time that day. It was strange how the woman always knew how to make her feel comfortable. If only her own mother would tell her that. Oh no, Sakuno suddenly felt sad and confused.

I was okay with that, right? I made my peace with it.

She shook her head to clear her mind but Rinko suddenly frowned.

"There you go again, Sakuno-chan. I told you to call me mother," she instructed with a finger pointing at Sakuno. The girl quickly panicked and immediately corrected herself.

"M-Mother! I'm sorry, it seems I'm still not used to calling someone mother… All my life it was my grandmother who raised me and assumed the maternal responsibility for me," she felt tears rolling down her cheeks and she was horrified that her makeup would be ruined.

"Oh, dear!" Rinko pulled out some tissue from her purse and gently dabbed on her face, careful not to mess up her foundation.

"I miss her…" she whispered.

"I know, sweetheart. I'm sure Sumire-san is happy for you, and even though she's not here anymore, we will take care of you. Me, Ryoma, and your father, Nanjirou," she placed a hand on Sakuno's cheek and caressed it. Her heart aches whenever she sees the girl weeping. She recalled how heartbroken she was when Sumire passed away, and though she tried her best to mask it, there were times that Rinko could sense how sorrowful and lonely Sakuno was.

However, there was one person who changed something in her. Suddenly, her world became bright and exciting. She followed her dreams and made a career for herself. She was inspired and motivated to make it, and marrying that someone was the best decision she could ever make.

Sakuno held Rinko's hand on her cheek and smiled. She was relieved that she was there, and even though being with her grandmother was bliss, Sakuno was beginning to learn how a mother's love really is.

"Thank you, mother," she said.

"I can't find him anywhere!" Horio exclaimed. Tomoka's ears rang from his sudden outburst and she quickly covered her husband's mouth so that Sakuno couldn't hear them. If she ever finds out that the groom fled, this wedding might never happen.

"How could he do this to my best friend?!" it was her turn to exclaim.

"Calm down, you guys. I saw Echizen by the tennis court. He's obviously experiencing pre-wedding jitters," Momoshiro stifled a laugh. Even though he knew his best friend so well, he never imagined the great prince would experience something like this.

"This is not funny. The wedding will start in half an hour! Meanwhile, the bride is anxious and the groom is out there sweating!" Tomoka said in a panicked voice.

The Seigaku regulars stood there, wondering what could be done about the two. It was a normal thing to feel, after all. When Horio was about to marry Tomoka, he felt all the uncertain feelings, too. But of course, he was head over heels for Tomoka, and his brothers had threatened him, so they got through the wedding.

"Ryoma's out there?" Nanjirou popped out of nowhere and had that grin on his face. He was wearing his black suit and his hair was styled in a clean manner. He looked absolutely dashing, far from his usual monk getup. The regulars couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Momoshiro unconsciously pointed to the direction of the tennis court and Nanjirou immediately walked away.

"Yo, brat. I heard you're having cold feet," The older man entered the courts, catching Ryoma off guard. He had removed her black coat and was hitting tennis balls on the wall.

"What's that?" The term was quite unfamiliar to him.

"It means you're nervous about the wedding. Why?" He leaned on the wall and crossed his arms on his chest. Ryoma stopped in his tracks and retrieved the ball in his hand. He caught his breath and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"I don't know… Maybe I'm not cut out for this huge thing," he muttered under his breath. It was an awful thing to think about, but he couldn't help but wonder if Sakuno would be alright with an emotionally unstable person like him. He could ruin someone's life, like what happened in the past.

"Ryoma, I may not be the best person to give advice about marriage and shit, but I'm your dad. Even if you don't feel balanced right now, don't be afraid to share that part of your life to someone, especially someone who's willing to love the ugly in you. I had that feeling with your mother, and she was there for me in every way. So, be there for Sakuno-chan and believe in yourself. Give her the best version of you," Nanjirou looked down at his shoes and wondered if those words could at least make Ryoma feel better.

Ryoma was still panting, and his eyes were fixed on his father. His hands gripped the dirty red racket and neon ball as Nanjirou's words soaked in his mind. It was a surprise that someone like his father, someone who's as goofy as him could give such advice.

It was as if cold water washed down all of his worries, and suddenly, he was able to relax. A smile crept on to his face, and finally he could let go of the racket and tennis ball.

He was right. Ryoma was too scared to let Sakuno have his burden for the rest of her life. Would she be willing to take it? It would seem horrible to make her suffer. However, he realized that he could work on it with her, he doesn't have to run away from everything whenever it troubles him. That's what marriage is, that's what his father and mother's marriage is.

It's imperfect, it's meant to be learned along the way. And if they're lucky, they could be like them in thirty years or so.

Nanjirou grabbed the racket and tennis ball from him and smirked.

"Now, go and shower. Your bride is waiting for you," he said.

"O-Okay. Thanks, dad," he muttered before he walked away.

When the clock struck five in the afternoon, when the sun began to set and the moon rose above the gradient sky, the wedding commenced.

As the pianist played, the couple of wedding singers began to serenade the crowd.

When I fall in love

It will be forever

Or I'll never fall in love

The minister stood in the middle of the pedestal full of white roses–Sakuno's favorite. From the other side, she walked slowly, her gown flowed behind her, her arms cradled a bouquet of white roses, and the veil covered her face entirely.

When I give my heart

It will be completely

Or I'll never give my heart

(Oh, let me give my heart)

On the other side, Ryoma walked towards her, wearing his simple but classy tuxedo with a white rose on the chest. His hair was swept up for a cleaner look but some stray bangs fell on his forehead. As their eyes met, Ryoma couldn't believe how ethereal Sakuno was, and she was too stunned at how dashing Ryoma looked.

And the moment I can feel that

You feel that way too (I feel that way too)

Is when I'll fall in love (I'll fall in love)

With you

When they finally stood in front of each other in the center, their friends and family applauded, and as the song came to an end, the minister started the ceremony. Ryoma and Sakuno faced the minister and the guests sat down. Fans around the world were at the edge of their seats waiting for an update on their wedding, and of course it was Shiba who continuously posted updates on her page.

As the ceremony went on, Rinko couldn't help but cry a little, and she clutched Nanjirou's hand. To their side, Tomoka sat beside Horio as Haru held onto the pillow with the wedding rings on it. In the back, the Seigaku regulars were complete and they sat neatly on one row. Oishi held a picture of coach Sumire, making sure that she was present at her granddaughter's wedding.

When it was time for the vows, Tomoka stood up and handed Sakuno a paper. It contains all of the things she wanted to convey to Ryoma. Meanwhile, the prince was taken aback, as well as Horio. It seems the best man forgot to tell him that they needed to write vows.

Ryoma shot Horio a menacing look which earned a few giggles from the audience. Horio mouthed an apology to him. He tried to write a quick note for him to read, but Tomoka hit him on the head.

Sakuno cleared her throat and began to speak.

"I remember... I was only a spectator in all of your games, I was content with watching and speaking to you every now and then, if I'm lucky, we get to sit together. I remember when my grandma died and your family took me in. In your own subtle ways, you cheered me up, and made me feel that it gets better. Time passed and that forgotten crush somehow turned into love, and I just had to let you know. You, being the wonderful guy I know, you saw the light in me when I couldn't see it myself. You inspired me to reach for my dreams and I did, because of you. Ryoma-kun, you're stubborn, cocky, childish, and you never cared about anything else except tennis,"

The crowd was hollering at Sakuno's remark, but they fell silent when Ryoma, as red as a tomato, frowned at them. Especially Momoshiro.

"But you're also handsome, kind, determined, beautiful, you have a heart of gold, as golden as your eyes. I could go on all day telling you every nice word I know, but, all I really want to say is… I love you, every bit of you, and I vow to stay in your worst days too," she smiled and her cheeks were as red as tomatoes and let the tears roll on her face, sobs and sniffles were heard. The audience gave her a round of applause, and then it was the groom's turn.

Ryoma shoved his hands in his pants pocket, and to his coat's pocket in hopes to find his nonexistent vows, but it was hopeless. He reminded himself to beat up Horio after this.

He cleared his throat and decided to do it on the spot. He just hopes that his impromptu class in high school would do the trick. But he remembered that he kind of flunked that subject.

"Even though the coach is not here anymore, I'm your family now. I won't leave you alone, so you won't get rid of me easily, you know. I'm your problem now,"

The audience laughed again, and as the sky went darker and darker, the lights turned on and illuminated the setup.

"All I really want is to see you smile every day for the rest of my life. I'm sorry that I haven't prepared any speech for you, Sakuno. But rest assured that I'm prepared to be here for you... forever."

A round of applause for his impromptu speech, and even though Ryoma felt bad that it was nothing extraordinary like Sakuno's vows, she smiled at him and held his hand in reassurance.

"It was everything I wanted to hear, Ryoma-kun," she said. Ryoma squeezed her hand and smiled back at her. Now that the ceremony is about to end, the minister asked for the rings and Haru confidently walked towards them with the pillow.

"Here you go, Dada," the little boy said. The way he calls Ryoma was never corrected, and Horio went along with it. He smiled as Sakuno kissed Haru on the cheek and Tomoka guided him back to their seat.

"Good job, buddy," he whispered to his son.

"Daddy!" he jumped to his lap and held his arms tightly.

After Sakuno and Ryoma put on the rings to each other's fingers, the minister was ready to announce their union. He held their shoulders and they faced their friends and family. They saw the Seigaku regulars, Echizen's parents, Nanako and her family, Tomoka and her parents and brothers, Horio and Haru, the Tachibana siblings, Shiba and Inoue, Katsuo and Kachiro, Fuji's sister, and many more others from their middle school. Sakuno also spotted Soichiro, Mr. Arata, and… Atsushi!

I wonder if he knows about Tomo-chan and Horio-kun.

Ryoma's eyes darted from left to right, recognizing everyone in the crowd. Everyone he saw was expected to attend, but he was surprised to see Ludovic standing on the side. He couldn't help but smirk a little, he was presented with an opportunity to gloat, of course he was Echizen Ryoma!

"Ladies and gentlemen, I now pronounce these two as Mr. and Mrs. Echizen, congratulations you are now married!" the minister said with a smile on his face. He whispered another congratulations on their ears before he patted them on the shoulders. All of the people applauded and hollered at them.

"You may now kiss the bride," the minister said.

"Get it, Echizen!"

"Go for it, Sakuno!"

"Kiss the bride!"

He heard so many excited voices, and they were all eagerly waiting for his next move, others were holding their phones at him, ready to record their first kiss as husband and wife. He smirked and lifted Sakuno's veil off of her face. She blushed, her hands fidgeting on her bouquet.

"Chibisuke! Kiss the girl!"

Ryoma's hands froze, his head turned and saw his brother, wearing a black tux, standing beside their parents and the biggest smile present in his face. He felt his heart jump in joy, and as he nodded to Ryoga, Ryoma was ready to return to Sakuno.

"You ready?" he asked her as he stared at her pink and soft lips. She nodded and a smile crept on her face as the voices only went louder and louder until the minister joined in the fun.

Finally, Ryoma grabbed her waist and pulled her closer, and his other hand traveled to her cheek, positioning them in an angle ready for a smooch. As his lips went closer, Sakuno closed her eyes and relished their first kiss tonight. The piano resumed playing, the singers sang a ballad song to signify this joyous occasion, violins harmonized with them, and white petals showered the newly wedded couple.

Amidst the music and voices drowning out their thoughts, Sakuno spoke.

"I love you," she whispered as he kept the kiss brief and subtle.

"I love you, too."

Going to Hawaii for your honeymoon could never go wrong. With their mutual love for beaches, Ryoma and Sakuno set out to enjoy the white sand and tropical vibe of the country. They had just arrived at their hotel, and the room attendant guided them to their suite. It was a spacious room, with a large window with ocean view, and a king sized bed.

The room attendant handed Ryoma the keys and he had informed them that a complimentary snack and beverage was on the way before he excused himself.

"Thanks," he closed the door. Sakuno ran out of the veranda and marveled at the stunning blue waves that seemed to never end. Her long auburn hair and white dress swayed with the strong breeze.

Ryoma ate some grapes that were on the table and saw a small card.

Mr. and Mrs. Echizen,

Congratulations on your wedding! Halekulani Hotels welcome you to enjoy a luxury escape of white sand and grandeur experience. As our thank you, we have prepared dinner for two tonight at the beach. You may call for our attendants should you need anything.

Best Wishes!

-Makani, General Manager

"Oh, that's nice," he muttered. "Sakuno, we have a dinner reservation later tonight."

"Okay!" she replied, her attention focused on watching the mesmerizing weather. Ryoma stepped out onto the veranda and stood beside her. It was the most relaxing feeling, and a surreal experience to see the wide ocean.

"It's beautiful, Ryoma-kun," she whispered as she leaned her head on his shoulder, and she held his arm tightly.

"Yeah, it is," he smiled before he leaned down and kissed her. His lips lingered on hers as they felt each other's warmth, and the cold breeze seemed to embrace both of them. She could feel the way Ryoma exhaled, enjoying the kiss. When he lifted his face from her, the most beautiful red tint graced her cheeks. Sakuno's eyes were so focused on his mouth that she didn't quite hear what he was saying, completely intoxicated with the prince's kiss.

"Sakuno?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Let's go check out the beach,"

"Oh! Sure! Let's go!" She ran inside and opened up her luggage. There was one thing that Tomoka and the girls from the bridal shower gave her and frankly, she wasn't sure if she's up for it, but maybe it's time to be confident! After all, it would be a waste not to wear it.

There was a small cottage dedicated to them as seen on the card addressed to them. It was decorated with fairy lights and different kinds of flowers. It's not too likable for Ryoma's taste, but Sakuno surely loved it.

As they settled on the beach, Ryoma pulled out a professional camera which was gifted to her by his friends back at their party. Apparently, it's a way to encourage Ryoma to snap memories and share them. He initially wondered why he was given a camera of all things, but they said that being a professional athlete, he deserved something nice like this, and to snap something as nice as that.

He watched his wife walk along the water with her feet submerged. She wore her new bikini, a dusty rose strapless bra and low rise underwear with side ties. She tied her long hair in a bun and some stray strands fell on her shoulders. Ryoma raised his camera and adjusted the focus. He kneeled down and tried to get a decent shot with the ocean as the background.

Snap!

This is definitely going in the memory album, he smirked. Sakuno waved her hand from a distance, and Ryoma gave a thumbs up.

"I found a seashell!" she yelled.

"Lemme see," he stood up, dusted his shorts, and ran towards Sakuno.

In the afternoon, they roamed around the market and tried all sorts of food, bought a few souvenirs for Tomoka and the others, and they enjoyed the sunset.

Ryoma held Sakuno's hand while they walked by the peaceful streets, and they would take photos of each other when they saw an interesting object or a stylish background.

"We should get back to the hotel for that dinner," Ryoma said.

"Okay, let's wash up," she pulled his arm over her shoulder, and they headed back to their room.

What should I wear?

Sakuno stood beside the bed with all of her clothes laid on the mattress. She ignored his sleeping husband by the edge of the bed who had no problem choosing what to wear for their romantic dinner. He had on a simple white shirt and had a brown polo over it, and matching brown pants.

Meanwhile, she was conflicted on wearing her yellow dress, or a black one. They were supposed to come down thirty minutes ago but knowing Sakuno as always, they were late. So, Ryoma dozed off and let her have all the time she needed. They can always get takeouts.

After a few minutes, Sakuno was prepped and ready. She opted for her yellow one thinking that a black dress would be too dark and gloomy, which is the opposite of her mood right now. When they got to their dinner, the waiters were standing in front of their table, holding a tray of food and wine.

"I'm so sorry we were late!" Sakuno bowed to them, and the men only denied her apology, saying that it was no problem. Ryoma guided her to sit on her chair and they started their quiet dinner.

On their third day in Hawaii, they decided to swim on the beach one last time before they go home. When the hotel found out that Ryoma Echizen booked them for their honeymoon, they had specifically set up a small tennis court by the beach for him. It made no sense to Ryoma since he actually wanted to take a break from the sport for just a few days, but when Sakuno heard it, she said she wanted to try hitting a few shots for old time's sake.

"I'll be here," he sat on one of the reclining chairs and wore his sunglasses. Sakuno nodded and prepared the machine to spit a few balls to her. When she was ready, the first ball came flying towards her.

Thwack!

She hit the ball and it landed on the other side of the court.

"Yes! I still got it!" she exclaimed, and she heard a chuckle from Ryoma. Sakuno continued to hit some more until a tall and blonde woman approached her.

"Hey, want to play with me instead of the machine?" she said in English. It was a good thing Sakuno is now fairly efficient in the language and she was able to understand her.

"Oh, okay!"

When the match started, Ryoma immediately noticed that the woman is quite skilled in tennis and he could tell that she's an athlete. Sakuno, on the other hand, is failing miserably to return her shots. And when she lost, which is an inevitable result because she hadn't been practicing, she returned to where Ryoma was seated and there was apparent gloom on her face.

The woman couldn't help but chuckle at how Sakuno smiled sheepishly at her. It definitely boosted her ego. She let out a taunting laugh as she flexed her arms.

"Ne, wanna play?" she heard a familiar voice. The man, who took off his shirt and grabbed Sakuno's racket from her, who wore his dark sunglasses over his eyes, smirked at her.

"O-Okay," she swore she had seen that man before!

One after another, the unknown man accurately hit her attacks and it landed just near her foot. He seemed to be targeting it, she was beginning to lose her balance and soon, the match ended with all service aces from him.

"Mada mada dane," he finally said.

Wait… Echizen Ryoma?

It must be her lucky day! The woman ran to him excitedly and marveled at his splendid performance.

"Echizen! You're just too incredible! Hey, if you've got nothing to do today, I'll be going to the bar for drinks, want to join me?" she held onto his arm and her hands stroked his shoulder.

"Sorry, I'm with my wife," he smirked and pulled away from her. Sakuno was surprised when Ryoma pulled her close and put his arm on her waist. He removed his sunglasses and put it on her eyes before they walked away.

"What's happening, Ryoma-kun?" she adjusted the sunglasses and held onto his arm as they made their way back to their hotel.

"Nothing," he replied.

"Ryoma-kun, maybe I should start practicing tennis again?" she smiled up at him, and Ryoma chuckled before he kissed her forehead.

"Whatever you want, wobbly hips."

The woman put her hands on her waist in a frustrated manner as she groaned at the couple's sight. It was her fault for not keeping up with the wedding news.

Sakuno sipped on her cup of tea while she sat on the sofa cozily. She admired the dark sky absent of stars, only the moon shone brightly above them, and the cold night breeze blew through their window. Ryoma sat behind her and wrapped his arms and legs around her body to keep her from the cold. It was a good thing they brought thick pajamas for nights like these.

Tomorrow they will fly back to Japan and resume their daily lives. She will return to being a sous chef, and Ryoma will be competing for another tournament somewhere in the world.

But for now, she has him for herself, all of him. She would like to cherish this time and spend as much time and energy on him as she possibly could.

"Ryoma-kun, how do you see us in fifty years?" she asked. He rested his chin on her shoulder and thought of what to say.

"Hmm… you're a grumpy old lady who bakes goodies with her grandchildren,"

Sakuno laughed loudly at his answer. It definitely sounded like her grandmother. Ryoma always did remember how the coach was in their younger days and it was so endearing, and hearing him talk about family was cute.

"How many children do you want to have?"

"Hmm… eight to twelve babies, so we can make a tennis team,"

Sakuno pushed Ryoma's face away from her. It was one of those times her husband would spout nonsense just to make her laugh. Like they could have free time for that.

"Ryoma-kun, you're an idiot,"

"What about you then? How do you see me in fifty years?"

"Well, based on your answer, I'd say you'll be a perverted old man who lives in a temple and reads perverted magazines,"

"Ah, now you're just poking fun at me," he nuzzled his nose on her neck and sniffed its strawberry scent. Sakuno giggled at the sensation.

"I want babies, too," she softly muttered. The thought of building a family with the love of her life was sending tingles on her body, and the fact that it was a dream come true now, Sakuno felt like the luckiest person in the world.

"I know, let's do our best," Ryoma grabbed the cup of tea from her hand and placed it down on the end table. He kissed her lips gently, then more passionate. She surrendered her mind and body, letting him carry her to the bed.

Five more hours until they had to leave this place, they were both determined to make the most of it and hold nothing back.

Hours passed, and as Sakuno laid her head on Ryoma's chest, she recalled the numerous fairy tales she grew up reading, and wondered how real those stories were.

For Sakuno, her own fairy tale came true. After years of yearning for a happy ever after, she finally ends up with her prince. But do all happily ever after end with a wedding?

In real life, it's only the beginning.

To be continued.

.

.

Song: When I Fall in Love - Celine Dion, Clive Griffin