The next morning saw the couple hurriedly packing all of their wedding clothes to meet Setsuna and Hotaru at the wedding site. The chapel they had chosen was small and tucked in the heart of a nearby harbor. Rows of white chairs sat to either side of a blue carpet running up the aisle. Its huge glass windows were so clear they were almost transparent and the vibrant blue ocean was very visible through the crystal panes. It was the next best thing to being actually on the beach. They wouldn't have to be concerned about the elements and also the music would be easily heard over the muted roaring of the waves. As luck would have it the day was sunny and bright with a nearly cloudless sky. The curator greeted them and opened the doors when they pulled up to the chapel. As Haruka handed Michiru her make-up kit from the car, the violinist took a deep lung-full of the salty air and sighed contentedly. Another car pulled up. "What are you doing! You aren't supposed to see each other before the wedding!" Setsuna raised her sunglasses to arch an eyebrow at Haruka. "You wanted me to make Michiru walk?" Haruka feigned shock. Her lover made a disapproving sound. Hotaru just shook her head as she retrieved two bags from the back seat. The garnet eyed time guardian took charge of Michiru's large dress bag and together the three members of the bridal party disappeared into the room designated as their base of operations. The blonde was still outside when the florist arrived and she showed them into the sanctuary and let them get to work. One of the women handed her a large box containing the bridal flowers. Haruka went over and knocked sharply on the door to the bride's changing room. "Delivery!" she called. There was a rustling noise. "Close your eyes," came the demand. Obediently the blonde closed her eyes. The door swung open and she was divested of her charge. As the door swung shut she could have sworn she heard Michiru call out to her but it was suddenly muffled. Shaking her head in amusement the blonde went to change. An hour later Setsuna was putting a coat of gloss over her lipstick while Hotaru fussed with her hair. It was a little longer than the pageboy cut of her youth, but it was still hard to get the straight black strands to cooperate in any kind of styling endeavors. They were both already dressed in long flowing gowns of marine blue, Michiru's favorite color. In their arms they would cradle long stemmed lilies while the bride carried a bouquet of stephanotis and white roses. Michiru was radiant in white silk. She had begun to think this day would never come. While she had secretly dreamed of a wedding for herself, this wonderful reality was still a fantastic surprise for her. All of those details tucked away in her heart of hearts had been made into reality. She watched her best friend and daughter with a smile on her face. Around their necks were the identical pendants Michiru had given the two women she treasured. Setsuna and Hotaru had helped with as many details as they could and their presence alone added tremendously to her joy on this wonderful day. Setsuna brushed invisible lint off of her skirt and rechecked her appearance, looking uncustomarily nervous. "If you don't quit that, I'll have to do your makeup again," Michiru teased. Setsuna grimaced at the cosmetics queen. Their dark haired daughter was looking out the blinds. "Wow, a lot of people are here already," she commented. Immediately, the bride and her best friend were at the window. "Michiru-mama! They can't see you yet." Hotaru tried to tug her back. "Shh. They won't!" Setsuna whispered. She was curious too. The dress code had been listed as a summer dressy casual. The men looked great in their khakis and polo shirts while the women wore flowing summer dresses with wide brimmed hats. "Wow look at Ami-chan," the violet eyed woman breathed. Setsuna looked over her with a practiced eye. "Good style and color choice." "Pinch me," a voice said softly. "Nani?" Hotaru glanced out of the corner of her eye at Michiru. The aqua haired woman looked amused. "I'm afraid I'm dreaming!" Setsuna looped her arm through Michiru's clasping her hand. "Are you nervous?" the time guardian asked. Michiru shook her head. "Not at all. In fact, I feel..." "Hey! There's two limos. Chibi Usa-chan!" Hotaru was excited to see her best friend. The other two occupants of the room looked back to the window to watch the King, Queen, and Princess. Inside the chapel Haruka was calmly awaiting the arrival of the Royal family as Endymion and Serenity were performing the civil ceremony. She had already greeted the musicians who had taken their places on the raised dais. The blonde was suddenly swarmed by several young women. Haruka looked dashing in a sand-colored suit and open necked white shirt. "Kakkoi!" Minako shouted grabbing the blonde's arm. "I guess now Haruka-san is officially off the market!" "Minako-chan." Makoto shook her head and smiled knowingly. "Haruka-san was already off the market on the first day we met her." The sandy blonde leaned in and gave Minako a sisterly kiss of the cheek. "Don't worry, you still have a chance." She winked at the other girl. Minako didn't look impressed. "Of a snowball in he-..." Makoto elbowed her. Haruka crossed her arms across her chest. "Hey, I never said it was a good chance." "Haruka-san!" The queen in a lovely pink and white sundress accosted her blonde protector. Haruka returned the hug affectionately. Behind Serenity strolled Endymion. "How do I look?" The king was not in his customary lavender, but rather a nicely tailored dark blue suit. He was tinkering with a stubborn cufflink. "You clean up pretty well," the senshi of the wind teased as the two shook hands. The three moved to the back of the chapel where they would await their cue to enter. More and more guests filed in to take their seats and a low murmur filled the chapel as they began to talk amongst themselves. The blonde was taking deep breaths to calm herself. She flexed her hands slightly. Beside her the king and queen exchanged amused glances, but Haruka was oblivious to everything except her growing nervousness. She was irritated with herself as well; she'd never been anxious - not even before a race. "It's time," a retainer said. The three took their places at the front of the chapel. The guests instantly hushed and a quiet air of expectation fell over the room. The music started as a very gentle tune and the bridesmaids came down the aisle. Hotaru was first, her joy at being part of this special day for her parents obvious. Setsuna followed with a kind smile for Haruka who stood alone. The blonde didn't have a best man, although a few nights ago she and Makoto had gone out for drinks in lieu of a Bachlorette party. No one really noticed as the slight senshi of destruction went up and joined the small orchestra. A hush fell over the room as they awaited the arrival of the bride. Hotaru picked up her violin and with a well-practiced sweep of her arm began to play a rich melody. The pianist joined and the duet created was quite different from the wedding march of old, but seemingly appropriate. All of the guests rose and stood with respectful attention as Michiru made her entrance. Breath-takingly beautiful, she calmly glided down the aisle with her skirt billowing at her feet like gentle waves. Her hair was down and pinned back on one side with an orchid above her ear. In her arms was bouquet of white roses and Stephanotis. Each little flower carried a pearl in the center as it had been crafted by a master florist. When she reached Haruka, the blonde bowed slightly and offered her arm. Michiru took it beaming at her fiancée. Setsuna quickly took charge of Michiru's bouquet and handed it to Hotaru, who had rejoined her, before fluffing out Michiru's short train. Michiru knew she was blushing. She was so happy she thought her heart would burst. She looked at Haruka and found the blonde watching her. When their eyes met it was like an electrical shock went through them both. King Endymion greeted the guest and made his statement. ---------- "It has been said that it is love that makes the world go around. However, without a doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for happiness in life - it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship. It is the music which bonds us all together in harmony, and it is the calm, warm protection that we sometimes need when the world outside seems unstable and chaotic. True friendship holds up a mirror to our faults but embraces us in spite of them. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in disappointment and encourages us to grow into our fullest potential. A long time ago Haruka and Michiru came together as friends, but it was a friendship so strong and deeply devoted that it became a powerful love. Today before these assembled witnesses they will pledge their eternal commitment to each other and in making these vows will cement their marriage before the Crown." Serenity smiled and took over. "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person..." she smiled a secretive smile. "...May your marriage always be a safe haven in the world. A place of love and peace. Haruka, Michiru, your vows." Haruka was nervous and when she started to speak her vow for a moment the world contracted to a point and then burst back into marvelous technicolor focus. She swayed slightly holding Michiru's hands in her own. ‘Baka' she shouted to herself. ‘Don't faint!' She'd done this before.. well she'd done the love contest. But that had been a game to her then, this was wonderfully real. From this day the state would recognize Michiru as her legal wife and no one could take that from them. A strong and confident voice she almost didn't recognize as her own began to speak the wedding vow they had chosen. "I, Tenoh Haruka, take you Kaioh Michiru to be my wife, my partner and one true love. I will cherish our union and will strive to love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust and respect you, love you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of what obstacles we may face together. I vow to give you my hand, my heart, my soul and my love, from this day forward into eternity." Michiru sniffled a bit and squeezed Haruka's hands before repeating her own vow in a strong clear voice. ---------- "I, Kaioh Michiru, take you Tenoh Haruka to be my wife, my partner and one true love..." Under Endymion's direction they exchanged rings that were platinum bands with a thin river of gold through the center. They complimented Michiru's engagement ring while incorporating Haruka's favorite color. Haruka took great care placing the ring on Michiru's slender finger. The hand she knew so well. Michiru's hands were sure as she slid the ring home on Haruka's finger. "Under the power vested in us as the rulers of Crystal Tokyo and all of her inhabitants we hereby pronounce you two, one in the eyes of the Crown." There was a bright flash from the crystals and Haruka felt the warmth of their embracing power surge through her. The newly married couple paused for a second smiling at one another. Then Michiru reached up and cupped Haruka's cheek before moving in to tenderly kiss the blonde. The crowd broke into applause for the newlyweds, rising to their feet. Although time for the recessional, Haruka caught Michiru's hand and pulled it back against the blonde's own chest over her heart, just as the violinist turned for them to leave. Haruka took a deep breath. She needed to say this, needed to let Michiru and all of these guests know how much her wife meant to her. Surprised blue eyes looked up into her own. "Michiru... when we first met. I was always running, but you always found me. ...I was the soldier of battle and you ...you were the soldier of smiles ...with the sea in her eyes. You always knew my true feelings even when I tried to hide them from others. I know that before I could never bring myself to say to you in front of the world...aishiteru. But I'm through running." Her voice had dropped an octave as her tightly caged emotions surged to the surface. "My heart is full..." the blonde whispered. "Aishiteru." Michiru gave a soft gasp as she heard the word that Haruka rarely said, but she always knew burned brightly in the blonde's eyes. "Haruka." The violinist repeated her wife's name rawly, her voice choked with emotion. Haruka's right hand was tangled with Michiru's left and they leaned in at the exact same moment and found each other's lips. Off to the right Setsuna looked down and wiped away a few tears. When the couple turned to walk out, the guests burst into applause. The blonde ducked her head and flushed slightly as she acknowledged her vulnerability, but Michiru was her strength. After Haruka's wildly romantic speech there was barely a dry eye in the house. The queen was weeping tears of joy and the king had his arm around his wife, but was positively beaming for his friends. Preparing for the reception after the formal pictures, Michiru slipped off her silk dress and turned to see exactly what Haruka intended to wear. "Oh." The comment was soft because all the air had left Michiru's lungs the second she'd set eyes on her gorgeous mate. The blonde smiled with a mischievous sparkle in her verdant eyes. She was positively radiant. Michiru concentrated and was soon similarly attired. The Princess of Uranus offered her arm to her new bride. The aqua haired woman laughed. "You don't intend to take it easy on them do you?" "Let's go." Her wife answered in a low happy voice. She was going to have a lot of fun with this. In the palace ballroom everyone was waiting for the newly married couple's appearance. When they swept down the huge, elegantly decorated staircase a soft gasp rose up from the crowd. Together the newlyweds made a striking but beautiful contrast with Uranus' royal blue gown and its ornate straps set off by Neptune's aqua gown full of gentle wave-like gathers. The cutting of the cake was a fun ceremony as they held the knife together. Uranus grinned for a moment as the knife sliced through the icing. "Space Sword..." Neptune elbowed her lightly although she looked amused. The other senshi in attendance laughed. King Endymion looking the most entertained. It was good to see them both so free and open. Only rarely would anyone see Uranus' playful side but after the ceremony she was on a kind of high from the release of the tension. They fed each other cake. Staring into each other's eyes as they tasted small forkfuls of the elegant dessert. There were several toasts to the new couple. One of them by a certain short palace retainer was funny and sent a few gentle barbs in Uranus' direction. The blonde slunk in her seat and brought her hand to her mouth, but you could see her lips quirked in a smile. The toasts went on, some sweet, others silly, but all wrapped in love. At the queen's subtle hand gesture, the band began to play. Uranus rose and offered Neptune her hand and guided her beloved to the middle of the ballroom floor. Uranus' leading was so flawless that one almost forgot she was wearing a dress. She twirled Neptune around and brought her back close. They locked eyes and kept the intense gaze. Inside Michiru felt like her heart would explode. She'd loved this woman for centuries and today they had sealed their union in front of the people that they loved. She pressed closer to Haruka, afraid that the vision might shatter and she'd find herself alone. Her gaze flicked to her wife's face only to find Haruka's eyes closed and a gentle smile playing on her lips. "You smell so good," she whispered. The other woman giggled. They smiled at each other as the melody ended. Everyone applauded and Uranus bowed gallantly and kissed her wife's hand. To the violinist's surprise she felt a soft blush tinge her cheeks. So many years and she was still affected this way. As the music was starting again, the king and queen advanced on the newlyweds. Endymion took Neptune's hand and Serenity was left with Uranus. "You look happy, Haruka-san." The queen seemed pleased. Uranus spun her around and deftly brought the white-clad queen back into line. "Hai." The answer was simple but there was a joyous light there. "Still as good a dancer as I remembered." The blonde laughed softly. "It has been a long time, Princess." When the song ended they traded partners yet again before coming back together for another song. Uranus didn't mind entertaining, but tonight she wanted to stay near her wife. This day was to celebrate their love and being apart from each other for long was not in her plans. The place settings had silver chopsticks and the brides' were engraved for them to have as keepsakes. Neptune made a point to sample a little of everything, but Uranus wasn't hungry at all. She only picked at her food. The photographer flitted around capturing unwary guests as they feasted on the delicacies the palace chef had created for the reception. Overall, dinner was beautiful as many traditional dishes were served in honor of a not so traditional couple. When she was able to relax for a moment from the seemingly endless rounds of dancing and pictures, Michiru took in the tiny details. Everything was softened by a pinky taupe drape over white. There was a loosely followed sea motif as the cake had been decorated with seashells. The silverware was wrapped in napkins that were ornately tied with pink ribbon and nestled within the bow was a pink and white orchid. She heard low, sexy laughter and followed it to its blonde source. Uranus was posing for pictures with Jupiter and Mars. They were all making fists for the camera. It was a show of strength that belied their dresses. After that they hugged and the blonde avatar of the wind made her way back to her bride. Neptune touched her wife's arm and slid her hand down tugging Uranus closer. The blonde inclined her head. "I love you," the aqua haired woman whispered softly. The blonde's look was tender and passionate as she cupped her wife's face and kissed her fully. There were a few catcalls at that point and Haruka pulled away with a grimace realizing they were still very much the center of attention. "I'm ready to go," Michiru whispered. "Me too." They didn't have to leave the palace. A suite had been prepared for them and it was more sumptuous than any hotel could be. Only a few people knew that they would be there and they liked it that way. As they made their way for the door hands linked, several people noticed. "Wait! Wait!" Venus shouted stopping her two friends in their tracks. "Bubbles!" she yelled with the authority of a field marshal. There was a flurry of movement and it seemed only seconds passed before everyone had tiny white jars of bubbles with entwined rings. The king and queen were in the center of the room resplendent in white and lavender. They waved Uranus and Neptune back to them. Mars tossed Serenity a microphone and the queen tapped it before making a smiling announcement. "We want to thank everyone for coming tonight to honor our close friends, Uranus and Neptune, on the day of their marriage." There was applause. The queen continued, "They are leaving us now, but the party will go on." Cheers went up. "Let's give our friends all of our good wishes and a proper send off." The giggling queen set the microphone aside as the king handed her a bubble jar. The first few exploratory bubbles went up and then they began to multiply as more guests got the hang of it. Mercury stood in the corner, her planet symbol burning brightly on her forehead. She winked at the couple as they passed her and suddenly there was a cascading curtain of glittering balls floating around the room and out in the foyer giving the place a magical air. Uranus and Neptune ran through them laughing and sometimes gasping as several cold bubbles popped when they hit them, leaving icy kisses on their bare shoulders. When they reached the top of the stairwell, they were alone again. They went down the hallway hugging one another, blissfully happy and lost in each other's company. In the room champagne was chilling, but Haruka ignored it, whispering to her lover in fervent tones. "Come now ...to your bedroom, to your bed and play there gently and sweetly with your bridegroom." "Sappho?" Michiru questioned softly Haruka's voice was barely audible as desire overwhelmed her. "I think it's appropriate." "Mmm..." Their lips met. There was smoldering emotion in her teal eyes as the blonde kissed her wife. Michiru too didn't want to waste any more time and she pressed her body against her new bride. A powerful wave of passion tore through them leaving in its wake two very sleepy but well-satisfied women.
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