Whimsey’s Story Event “I Do, My Love!” - Keiji Pt 2- The Wedding

We took our time planning the wedding. I needed plenty of time to make my dress, which was going to be combining elements of a modern wedding dress with a traditional kimono. But part of it was also spent arguing with Hideyoshi. He wanted to make it some grand affair fitting of a vassal of Nobunaga and an Oda Princess…even if I was just a fake princess. Since it was a title given to me by Nobunaga himself, Hideyoshi said it was how everyone would see me.

However Keiji and I just wanted something a little smaller and more intimate. Just a simple wedding with the people who mattered most to us in attendance…well at least most of the people who mattered most to us anyway. There were two exceptions, but Keiji and I knew that some things would just take time for everyone to accept.

With help from Nobunaga telling Hideyoshi to calm down, we had finally gotten our way and the wedding was to be held in a small shrine in not far from Azuchi castle. Of course, there was also a copious amount of teasing from Masamune and Mitsuhide during our planning sessions.

“Ava, how is the dress coming along?” Masamune asked me, during one session.

“Fine.” I answered, raising a brow.

Masamune nodded. “Can’t wait to see how Mitsunari looks in it. I hope you got his measurements right.”

Keiji sighed. “I let Mitsuhide talk me into practicing my proposal and now you guys aren’t about to let me live it down.”

“Why else do you think I came up with the idea?” Mitsuhide replied.

I couldn’t help but to giggle. “I do think Mitsunari will make a lovely bride.”

Keiji looked at me and lifted a hand to muss my hair. “You, too Princess?”

I laughed. “Hey, I will never forget the sight of seeing you on one knee in front of Mitsunari…or how poor Mitsunari was dressed.”

Keiji sighed again. “I guess I can’t blame you.” He then glared at Mitsuhide. “But I can blame you.”

Mitsuhide just grinned. “My pleasure as always.”

Hideyoshi cleared his throat. “Come on, we have to talk about the prosession. We should really make it very large and it really should be a grand affair. We can go through the town. The people would love to see a wedding prosessional.”

“A party does always cheer people up.” Keiji said.

I sighed. “Can we not, though?” I asked. “I thought we were just going to have everything be you know small and about us and all of that.”

“Come on, lass. I think Hodeyoshi just wants to his his little sister be shown off just a bit on her wedding day.” Masamune said.

“Yes, mothers do love to gush over their little girls on their special day.” Mitsuhide agreed.

Hideyoshi glared at the pair and then looked at me and Keiji. “You’ve already decided you don’t want the ceremony to be huge. At least let the prosessional be somewhat grand and go through the castle town.”

I sighed and looked at Keiji.

Keiji grinned and leaned in. “Ah, come on, it won’t be that bad. Besides, what would a wedding to Keiji Maeda be without a little show?” He replied. “Besides, how can I resist the idea of showing off my bride?”

“Oh, alright.” I agreed, my cheeks reddening ever so slightly. Keiji really could be a jerk sometimes, but he was also really sweet, too.

This was pretty much how all of our planning sessions went. Lots of teasing and arguing with Hideyoshi on the details. We were still hammering out some details three days before the wedding when Keiji and I were summoned to an unexoected meeting with Nobunaga.

When we walked into the council chamber, I was surprised to see Keiji’s Uncle Toshiie sat kneeling before Nobunaga, along with a younger man beside him. The other man appeared to be around the same age as Keiji.

“Keiji, Ava I am glad you two could make it.” Nobunaga said and gestured for us to take our usual seats.

“What exactly is going on?” I asked.

Nobunaga looked at us, an amused smile on his face. “I was just hearing a proposal from Toshiie.” Nobunaga answered. “And…well clearly you should make the decision Ava.”

I furrowed my brow. “Huh?”

Nobunaga gestured to Toshiie. “As you were saying?”

Toshiie nodded and bowed to Nobunaga and then bowed to me. “I am honored to hear of the news of the Maeda and Oda clans to be united in marriage.” He began. “I think it is truly a wonderful thing.”

“What is it you’ve come to ask?” Nobunaga asked, though he either already knew what was going on or he was aware of whatever Toshiie’s intentions were.

Toshiie nodded. “I apologize if I am over-stepping, but I think that there would be a better way.” He said. He then turned to me. “Lady Ava, I believe my nephew is not the appropraite match for you. I present my son, Toshinaga as a better suitor.”

“What?” Keiji and I asked in unison.

“That is a rather bold statement, given I have already given Keiji and Ava my blessing.” Nobunaga said, his voice deep and authoratative.

Toshiie bowed to Nobunaga. “I apologize my lord. I just know how Keiji is and I don’t think he is a fitting match for the Oda Princess.”

Keiji was glaring at Toshiie. “Why you…”

“Enough.” Nobunaga commanded. He then looked at me. “Ava, this is your choice to make.”

I nodded to Nobunaga and then placed my hand over Keiji’s. “I’ve already made it. I won’t marry anyone other than Keiji.”

“As I expected.” Nobunaga said with an amused smile. He turned to Toshiie. “There you have it.”

Toshiie nodded, but then turned to me. “Please, Princess. I am sure you think you’re in love with Keiji and his boisterous persona, but that’s not how he really is. That’s not the kind of man he really is. Nor is he the kind of man who should be marrying a woman of your station.”

“I know exactly the kind of man Keiji is.” I replied. “And clearly I know him better than you do. I love every side of Keiji. He’s a good man and the only man for me.”

“I think it is time you take your leave, Toshiie.” Nobunaga said. “You have tested my patience enough for today.”

Toshiie looked like he wanted to protest, but knew better than to defy his lord. “Yes, my lord.” He replied, bowing and then exiting the room, his son following him out.

Keiji and I were soon leaving as well. Once we were outside in the hall, Keiji was pulling me into a secluded hallway and pushing me up against the wall. I looked up at him, into those golden eyes. “Keiji…” I breathed out just before his lips were crushing mine.

I gasped but quicky responded, my arms wrapping around him, my body pressing close to his. His arms were around me, his hands moving up and down my body. I was starting to tremble, feeling that needy little ache building up inside of me. Keiji broke the kiss, but still held me close, those golden eyes molten with passion, love and desire.

“N-not that I'm…complaining or…anything, but…what brought…this on?” I asked, breathless.

Keiji smirked at me. “How is a guy supposed to control himself when his bride talks about him like you just did in there, huh?” He asked me. “Calling me a good man and the only man for you, when presented with a better option.”

“I didn’t see any better option.” I countered.

“Come on, we’re going home.” He said. “And don’t blame me when you’re walking bow-legged tomorrow…and at our wedding.”

I felt my cheeks flush. “Keiji…”

“Come on, I wanna hear you make those dying duck noises.” He replied, his arm wrapping around my waist and pulling me towards the exit so we could go back home, where we spent a very passionate evening.

Three days later…

Finally the day of our wedding arrived. At Hideyoshi’s insistence, I had spent the night in Azuchi castle in my old room. In the morning, I was woken up by Masamune with a large breakfast and then the maids were coming to help get me ready. I was basically being given a spa day. I’ll admit, it was kind of nice…somewhat embarrassing but still nice. I guess if I was going to be getting the princess treatment, my wedding day was the day for it.

At least that was what I told myself. It really didn’t feel right to have people waiting on me hand and foot. They washed my hair and everything, putting scented oils in it and massaging some into my skin as well. “You’ll definitely want to wear this scent.” One of the maids told me as she rubbed some of the scented oil onto my shoulders. “My mother swears up and down that I came into existance because she wore this scent on her wedding night. Drove my father absolutely nuts apparently.”

I blushed and giggled. If anything these last few nights taught me, it was that I didn’t need any kind of special perfumes or clothes to get Keiji going.

Once my bath was over, the maids were helping me finish getting ready. They fixed up my hair and makeup before helping me into my dress. I had made a simple strapless A-line dress with an empire waist that I accentuated by putting an obi-sash and chord. Now, knowing I was in the Sengoku and couldn’t quite go out with my arms on full display -gasp how scandelous that would be- I had also made a long-sleeved bolero jacket to go over it.

My dress was plain white silk. My obi was gold and trimmed in red and I wore a red obi chord. My jacket was red with gold and orange flowers embroidered on it. I looked at my reflection for a moment and smiled, happy at the results I’d had. I really hoped that Keiji liked my dress. It was far different from anything anyone else would wear in this time.

There was a knock on my door then, Nobunaga and Hideyoshi coming in soon after. Nobunaga only smiled. Hideyoshi looked like he was ready to burst into tears and Nobunaga wore his usual haughty smile. “I should have known you would come up with sich a creation, Fireball. It is fitting for one such as yourself.”

“Thank you.” I said, smiling.

“I’ve never seen anything like it…you definitely look beautiful.” Hideyoshi said. “And that red is oddly fitting considering who you’re marrying.”

I laughed. “That kind of what I thought when I was coming up with the design.”

“It is almost time. Come.” Nobunaga said. “We will escort you to Keiji.”

Keiji…

Keiji stood in the hall, dressed in the traditional black adn white groom’s hakama. In just a few more moments, Ava was to be coming out and joining him and they would begin the processional to the shrine where their wedding would take place.

“There he is!”

Keiji turned at the sound of a voice he hadn’t been expecting. He put on his bright smile, though it wasn’t quite as forced as he had thought it would be. “Dad.” He said, turning to see his father coming up to him. His mother was not far behind and was soon rushing from behind her husband and throwing her arms arounf Keiji. He let out a laugh. “Heya, Mom.”

“Oh, don’t you heya Mom me.” She said pulling back to look at him.

“I’m really glad you guys coud make it.” Keiji said, his smile warming.

“Well of course, when our son is getting married.” His mother said.

“And to the Oda Princess.” His father said. “You must be doing something really amazing to have Lord Nobunaga approve of the match.”

“Just doing my best.” Keiji replied. “I can’t wait for you guys to meet Ava.”

“I bet she’s just beautiful.” His mother said.

“Beautiful kind, smart, and a fighter.” Keiji answered.

“Sounds like an amazing woman.” Keiji’s father said. “Of course, she’d have to be something special to catch your attention.”

“She’s definitely special.” Keiji agreed.

It was then that they could hear approaching footsteps. They all turned to see Ava being escorted by Nobunaga and Hideyoshi. Keiji couldn’t hardly pay any attention to the other two men as soon as he caught sight of Ava. He knew she was planning to combine elements of clothing from her time with the traditional kimono, but he hadn’t known exactly what she was going to come up with. She had been keeping it a secret from him, saying it was a tradition from her time for the groom to not see the dress beforehand.

She looks damn beautiful. Keiji thought as Ava approached him. The dress she’d made was perfect for her. The white silk along with some bold reds and he noticed organges in there, too. She was wearing all of the usual colors he wore and he couldn’t help but to smile a little smugly at that.

Ava was looking right back at him, her smile seeming even brighter than usual. He could see the love in her eyes and damn if that didn’t get his heart racing and bring a genuine smile to his face. He thought if sunshine and happiness could be embodied in a single person so well…it was in her.

“Lord Nobunaga, Lord Hideyoshi.” His parents said, bowing respectfully and pulling Keiji from his thoughts.

Nobunaga and Hideyoshi acknowledged them with a tilt of their head.

“Thank you for allowing us to come, today, Lord Nobunaga.” Keiji’s father said.

“Yes, it truly means the world to us, my lord.” His mother added.

“It is only right.” Nobunaga replied. He then turned to Hideyoshi. “Come, we shall wait at the shrine.”

“Yes, my lord.” Hideyoshi replied. Then the pair were off.

“My goodness, you must be Princess Ava.” His mother gushed, looking at her. “You’re even more beautiful than I imagined!”

Ava smiled and her cheek reddened. “Thank you…and just Ava is fine.” She was then looking at Keiji, questioningly.

Keiji grinned. “Right, Ava this is my mom and my dad.” He said, introducing them. “Guys, this is Ava.”

Ava gave them a polite bow. “I’m so happy to get to meet you guys.”

“Oh, we are just so happy to meet you, Princess.” His mother replied.

“Please, just Ava is fine.” Ava said. “We are about to become family afterall.”

“You are very kind.” His father said, a warm smile on his face. “And you are right.”

“Well, in that case.” Keiji’s mother said just before enveloping Ava into a tight hug. “Welcome to the family.”

Ava smiled as she hugged the woman back. “Thank you.”

Keiji’s father was reaching for his wife. “Come on, we shoudl go wait at the shrine with the other guests.” He said. “Let these two have a moment before they’re surrounded by everyone.”

Keiji’s mother gave them both one last hug before she and his father left. Keiji turned to Ava, taking both of her hands in his. She was smiling at him. “So, what do you think?” She asked.

Keiji wanted to tease her. He wanted to come up with some smartass thing to say…but he just couldn’t. For once the smarmy, cynical Keiji…Nega Keiji as Ava had called him, couldn’t be found. “You look beautiful.”

He could tell that caught her offguard. She blushed and looked away. She pulled herself together quickly though and was looking back at him. “No smarmy remarks today huh?” She asked, her tone playful and teasing.

“Nah.” Keiji answered. “Besides, I don’t want to be an ass to you on our wedding day.”

Ava smiled up at him. “Is that your wedding present then?”

Keiji let out a chuckle as he wrapped his arms around Ava and pulled her close. “Nah…just doesn’t seem right…besides when I look at you dressed in my usual colors and looking so beautiful…nothing but how much I love you and how happy I am that you’re really marrying me comes to my mind.”

Ava’s smile brightened. “I love you so much, Keiji.” She replied. “And I can’t wait to marry you.”

The pair shared a kiss before breaking apart. Keiji was taking Ava’s hand in his. “You ready to marry this mean cynical asshole then?”

“As long as you’re ready to marry this fake princess.” She replied, squeezing his hand.

They were exiting the castle hand-in-hand. They were joining the processional and making their way through the castle town, heading towards the sign. The entire castle town seemed to be gathered on the sides of the streets to witness the wedding procession.

Keiji put on his wild child act and was showboating a but as they made their way through the castle town. The townspeople were shoting well wishes to them the entire time. As they walked through the streets, Keiji couldn’t help but to catch sight of a familiar head of silvery grey hair.

Golden eyes quickly met with a wisteria gaze and both gave a breif smile before moving on. Keiji saw that Ava had been looking in another direction, her eyes having caught sight of something or someone else. He made note to ask about it later. He wouldn’t say what it meant to have caught sight of his friend and it was then that he remembered Ava had a friend on the enemy side as well. Perhaps he had snuck into the crowd as well.

After what felt like a small eternity, they were finally reaching the shrine and approaching the alter together. The ceremony began as they knelt down. Prayers were offered over the couple as their friends and family watched. The first of the three cups of sake was poured and handed to Keiji. He took his three sips before passing the cup to Ava.

She casually brushed her fingers over his as she took the cup and the couple shared a smile. Keiji couldn’t believe his luck or how much having Ava at his side like this made him so happy. Damn if this wasn’t the best day of his life.

Once they had finished with the three cups of sake, he was then reading the vows of commitment and together they placed the offering together. The ceremony came to a close and Keiji couldn’t help but to think of the conversation he and Ava had had about wedding traditions from her time.

He looked at her a big grin on his face. “Keiji…” She said his name so quietly.

“I get to kiss my bride now, right?” He asked before taking her in his arms and planting a big kiss on her lips, sealing their vows.

When they broke apart, Ava’s cheeks were as red as her dress. He loved every reaction he got out of her. Damn if he didn’t love her. And for some reason, this beautiful ray of sunshine of a woman loved him back. And she was now his wife. “I love you, Ava.” He told her.

“I love you, Keiji.” She replied, smiling despite her blushing cheeks.

Yeah, this is the happiest day of my life. Keiji thought as he looked at the woman he loved. For once, things were finally truly looking up and Keiji was truly happy.