Here Comes the Bride

[madammina]

That IS a ghost. Leota died by beheadment a few chapters back, now she's back as a ghostly head in a crystal ball.

[Lanydx reborn]

O.O Oh right I forgot about that part. I may have to reread.

[Organization_42]

Plus, Riku saw a few ghosts in the beginning, right? And in the previous chapter there was the organist and the dueling paintings.

Oh Sora, you silly boy. ;) Riku's right- he shouldn't be getting married at such a young age when he barely knows the girl. That being said, I thought their conversation before he proposed was very sweet, and I liked how Kairi wanted to help him out with it. I think I've pretty much told you everything I thought about the chapter while beta'ing it, and everything else I want to say is spoilery, so I'll leave it at that.

[madammina]

No, he just met up with Eleanor ;) But, yes, there have been ghosts before.

Thank you. I'm really glad you like this chapter. And while Riku IS right, Sora is (something) teen (It's a year after KH2 anyway), not thinking straight, kinda full of love and... yeah.

Thank you for your help too.

[Organization_42]

That's what I meant, that there had been ghosts at the beginning of the story.

You're welcome! :)

[madammina]

Night 12

“Riku! Riku! Have you heard the good news?” Riku walked into the house in a daze. “Riku...”

“Kairi? No, sorry. I just...” He looked backwards. Kairi huffed in fake anger.

“Well, then, I'll tell you. Sora proposed! And I was all set to get a ring too.”

“I know.” Riku mumbled. Kairi looked at him in astonishment.

“HOW??? He only came to me about an hour ago?” She began to fiddle with her dress, looking for something.

“Oh, I saw it. In the garden.” Riku rubbed his neck and stretched slightly. “We need to get out of here for a bit though.”

“Why? It's not really a-”

“The ring.” Riku reminded Kairi. She paused.

“Oooh.... how are going to pull that off?”

“We need to get it exchanged. Maybe Scrooge?”

“So, one of us will go off world?” Kairi whispered. Riku nodded.

“So, you or I?”

“Well... I'll go.” Kairi bit her lip slightly. “Make up an excuse for Constance, but you know more about weddings then I do, you can keep Sora from...”

“From sticking his foot in his mouth like he tends to do?” Riku offered. Kairi nodded. “Alright then, you take the munny and get it exchanged for... money. We'll go ring shopping later.” Kairi held her hands up to her mouth to hold in her excitement. “Kairi, can you excuse me? I'm tired.” Kairi gestured him away and began to skip back to her room. It was really going to happen. A WEDDING! And it was SORA who was to be married. Kairi hid back a squeal as she walked into her room. Everyone looked expectantly at her. She gave a truly happy smile.

“He proposed!” There was an inordinate amount of cheering followed by everyone pulling out dress plans. Constance Hatchaway getting married again? It was going to be the wedding of the century!
–
Sora was hiding in his room. As much as he wanted to be by Constance now, and forever, he needed a moment to reflect.

He had proposed. HE HAD PROPOSED! Even though Riku was right about all of the issues, Sora didn't really care. All that mattered is he was to be married to CONSTANCE HATCHAWAY. With a sigh he flomped down onto the chair in his room... which wasn't to be his room for too much longer. Wouldn't have to share a room with Constance? Sora catapulted straight up and stared at his reflection in the mirror.

“Kingdom Hearts! I'm going to marry Constance Hatchaway!”
–
Constance also was alone in her room. She took a deep breath and enjoyed the minute of peace. He had proposed. Constance tried to hide a giggle. Weddings were ALWAYS fun. The people, the food, the dancing, the... Constance blushed. She walked back to her desk and slid a drawer open. Out of it she pulled five pearl necklaces.

“I'll have to order a sixth” she muttered. “And then there's... Can I really do this in less then a week?” She wanted to get married as soon as possible, but she had to do this right. She straightened up and pulled a piece of paper in front of her. With a sigh she dipped a quill into the inkwell. “I have to get the necklace of course. Then there's hiring the band, ordering the food, hiring extra servants, sending out the invitations... thankfully Sora doesn't have any relatives, and then there's the dress...” Constance continued to write the long list of all the things the bride does before her wedding night.
–
“Sora. Sora, you coming out?” Sora opened the door to see Riku standing there.

“Hey! How.... um....”

“I know you proposed to Constance. Even if I didn't see it, the entire house knows by now, and probably half the town.” Riku leaned up against the door, resignation written over his face. “Congratulations.” Sora blinked. Of all the responses, he wasn't expecting that.

“Thanks. Look, Riku, I trust you but... I really think she's the one.” he intertwined his hands behind his now tamed hair and looked up with a dazed smile.

“You do realize the intent is forever, right?” Riku gave Sora a small punch on the shoulder. “No backing out.”

“Yeah, I know. But, hey” Sora summoned the keyblade and held it out. “So is this keyblade, and I'm not giving up on it either.”

“Or maybe because it's just as stubborn as you. Or just as stupid.” Sora half punched Riku in response. Riku instantly doubled over as Sora became very aware he must have just hit one of Riku's bruises.

“Sorry-”

“It's fine. It's fine.” Riku waved away Sora's concern. “I need to talk to you and Kairi later, in Rolly's and mine bedroom, but right now it's dinner time. You should probably officially announce your engagement then.”

“Yeah....” Sora started to walk down the hallway. “Hey, Riku, there are other positions in a wedding, right?”

“Yep.” Riku stretched as he thought back to his cousin's wedding. “Best Man, Maid of Honor, the celebrant, other bridesmaids, the guests... why?”

“Will... will you be my best man?” Sora glanced over at Riku whose face broke into an easy smile.

“I would be delighted. What does a best man do?”

“I thought you were the expert on weddings!” Sora started to argue with Riku as they walked down the hall.
–
Kairi couldn't eat. She was just so excited. Sora was getting married! Well... it wasn't official yet but still... a wedding! Rosa and Cecil had told so many stories about their own wedding, Kairi was so excited to be part of one herself. Granted, they couldn't get Edward to play for this wedding but a wedding! And Sora's! And...

“I have an announcement to make.” Sora stood up and the fuller then usual room (Kairi took a brief look around. It appeared that most of the servants were crammed in here tonight. Normally it was just the three of them and Constance) “You probably all know this anyway but...” he rested his hand on Constance's shoulder. “Constance Hatchaway and I are engaged.” The hall broke into cheering. Kairi glanced at Riku and saw he was clapping as well, just not as hard.

“When's the wedding!” Someone shouted out. Constance and Sora discussed quietly. Sora spoke up again. “In a few days.” Whispers filled the hall again, something about it being “too soon”. Even Kairi had to agree. What about their parents? And what about all the plans.

“It's Constance's sixth wedding, I don't think she needs a lot of help, or needs to go all out.” Riku whispered to Kairi. “I've been thinking about it too.”

“Yes, but.... a few days? That's really....” Kairi looked back and forth between Riku and Sora and Constance (who were accepting congratulations)

“Kairi, I am reasonably sane right now. It's probably so I can be there. Sora asked me to be his best man.” Kairi gave him a hug. “Oh, and I need to talk to you after dinner. Can you come to my room?” Kairi just looked at him. He sighed. “Don't worry. Rolly, Harriet, and Sora will be there. You were never that worried back on Des- our home.”

“Yeah, well... I've got to go.” Kairi got up and gave Sora and Constance hugs while gushing with praise. “And really, I only hope for the best.”
–
Riku was ticked. He paced in his small room that he shared with Rolly while he waited for Sora and Kairi to come down.

“Yah ain't happy.” Rolly stated. Riku nodded and took a deep breath.

“Honestly, I do want him to be happy, I do. But.... Constance? She seems to treat you better then most people -though that's not saying much- but something is just so off! The marriages and falling in love with Sora and and how she tried to lock me up in an asylum. DON'T say anything. I know I probably would have signed myself in. And she did stand up for me against the police. But... things just really seem off. She always feels like she has an ulterior motive and then there's the whole Leota business. According to Leota, Gypsies weren't treated very well. But that still is no reason for.... okay, I know she didn't do anything against Leota either but there was this whole tone and we still don't know who killed Leota. I mean, I asked but Leota claims that someone did something to her and she can't talk about her death. The only thing she WILL say is she was channeling husband number five at the time but that doesn't really mean much. Who was husband number five? He was probably the man in the hall, the one with the head cut off that only I can't see. Can see. Can't see. How do you even phrase that anyway? And I still see the other things too. Like that suit of armor and the shooters in the main dining room where we had the party and then there's that terrifying mirror. I've tried a few times to see if I can get back in that room but she's still there banging at the mirror. And, of course, Emily is upstairs just floating and holding a candle and she won't talk to me which is getting annoying since I found her perfectly nice when she was alive, even if we did meet for all of five minutes, but I didn't cause her death, or Leota's, so why would she be angry at me? Unless she can't talk which still makes no sense and-” At this point he finally ran out of breath. As he took a deep breath, someone knocked on the door. Riku opened it, and saw Sora and Kairi standing there with Harriet behind them. Sora was glowing.

“So... we decided on about four days.” Sora began to gush. “Constance says she still is in contact with people from her previous wedding to George Gracey, the old owner of this mansion who was killed on their honeymoon by some raiders in Africa. They went on a Safari. I told Constance I wasn't sure where to go but she said we can put it off. What's a honeymoon?”

“It's... a trip taken by newlyweds so they can get to know eachother better and see the world with eachother for the first time. Look, you need to come in.” Riku stood back and allowed the three to enter. Riku proceeded to sit down on his own bed (the lower bunk) Sora took the floor and Kairi sat on the sole chair. Rolly stood by Harriet by the door.

“Mr. Lockheart. Who was the previous president?” Harriet asked. Sora's color turned white. “Miss Kairi, from what country did America declare it's independence?” Kairi stopped mid way in pulling out her sewing. Both teens looked at Riku.

“Yep, they know.” Riku said with a half crazy grin before flopping back on the bed. “Oh, the few perks of insanity. I don't have to deal with this. You do.”

“What do...” Sora fidged with how to say it. “Don't tell Constance.”

“Honestly, I'm not sure where you're from.” Harriet clucked. “But you do seem to really like Constance so it's really not my business. All I do know is you seem to be polite, but you miss all of our society's fine points and your history and culture is horrible. Most people wouldn't act like you do. But you have a notherner's accent and even THEY would know some of the South's fine points. And they would know the history.” Sora and Kairi blushed.

“When... when did you suspect?” Kairi mumbled.

“Me? Oh, I didn't suspect anything.” Harriet gave a grin. “It was Rolly who figured it all out. And, no, Riku doesn't talk in his sleep.” Rolly gave an embarrassed grin too. “He can't read or write due to laws. That doesn't make him an idiot.” Sora gave a sage shrug. “I will teach you as best as I can before your wedding day, Sora Lockheart, but really...” Harriet clucked. “You were doing decent so far.”
–
Sora, Riku, and Kairi sat together around the scarred wooden table in the kitchen. Each person there had a cup of warm Apple Cider in front of them and a plate of Harriet's delicious pies. The smells floated around the kitchen, and Sora grew drowsy.

“So... We're going to be taking history lessons?” Sora finally asked. “Great... more school.”

“YOU have to take history lessons. I'll be sitting in when I feel like it.” Riku gave a grin, and ducked as Sora threw his napkin at Riku. “Anyway.... a toast!” Riku stood up and held his mug up. “To Sora. Our best friend and going to be married in a week. May his life be long, his love be eternal, and his happiness assured.” The three of them clinked their mugs and then sipped the rest. “So... what are your plans for the marriage?”

“Well... I was talking over some of it with Constance.” Sora said, fiddling with his pie. “She knows more about it then me so I'm going to let her do most of it. And... I'm still torn about our parents. I don't think we should bring them though. It might mess up the balance too much. I'd rather explain other worlds when I'm back at home and I can take my time. I'd have to rush it and rapidly introduce inter world travel in order to do all the wedding stuff. We can have a New Orleans wedding here and a Destiny Island one back home.” Sora finally took a bite. “Is this Apricot? Anyway... Am I really doing this?”

“Yes.” Kairi leaned on him. “And we're here every step of the way.”
–
Riku closed the door to the room. For some reason musical instruments were packed up on the walls. The only things in the middle of the room were a large circular table, a book open to a page on the grim reaper, a chandelier and the ghostly green orb.

“He really is convinced in her, Madame Leota.” Riku smiled and sat down in front of her ball. She looked back, her ball starting to float in happiness. “So, what do you think we have to do next?”

“Just let it play out.” Leota suggested as she sunk back to the table. “There isn't much else we can do without risking your status here.”

“Sora wouldn't throw me out. And he's about to be the master of this house.” Riku argued.

“ABOUT, not there yet. I'd rather keep you safe.” Leota murmured.

“Fine, fine. I met a woman named Eleanor Audley after you....” he trailed off. “Anyway, she seems.... earthy.”

“Is she still smoking?”

“And cursing out a cat. Oh, Hello Claude.” Claude Coats the Raven swooped down from wherever he had been hiding the last few days to land on a chair nearby. “Did Oona have a pet?”

“Yes, she has a snake.” Leota seemed to be a bit disorientated. “What about you? Do you have a pet?”

“Huh? No... not really. I just never really had one growing up. Even if I did, I couldn't take care of them after I.... nevermind. How did Rolly find you?”

“Rolly was assigned to clean up....”her form grew misty for a few minutes. “he found me hidden in one of the trunks. No, it wasn't my murderer. My form just took a rest in the nearby crystal ball.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Eleanor said she had two types of seeing. You did too, and one of them was crystal balls.”

“Yes, that's true.”

“Then what's with the literal smoke and mirrors?”

“I thought I told you before... yes, I did. But then Oona... nevermind. I understand why you won't remember it. People won't trust or believe me without some smoke and mirrors. Either they believe it and think I'm real – I am, don't worry- or they don't but just chalk me up as a harmless old hustler trying to make some money.” Riku sat back in his chair.

“You must have been...”

“Terrified for my life? Usually. I... have... had trouble with crowds. But back to business. Rolly told me you were probably from other worlds. Don't worry, I forsaw that. I didn't say anything though. Is there anything you need to do for the wedding?”

“Currently? Stay sane.” Riku's head dropped onto the table. “After the Asylum I've been mostly okay. I saw the portraits in the great hall acting up at the party, but other then that... well, and you but Rolly sees you too... I'm okay. That's why Constance is rushing it, I think. She wants to get married within a week. Well, one of the reasons.”

“You just don't trust her, do you?” Leota finally asked. Riku shook her head.

“I've had women betray and use me before. You sound like the women who did it to me before but you're okay. She... just gives off a bad vibe. She's giddy about this whole thing though.” Riku mused. “She seems like she honestly wants to be married. Anyway, I should be getting off to bed. Wedding plans are not a picnic and I don't know if I'll be needed.” He stood up and bowed to Leota before walking off.
–
“Oh, Riku! Are you still up?” Riku looked up to see Constance standing in the hallway. “Sorry, I haven't seen you up for a while since you moved. Is everything alright in the kitchen? There are nicer rooms.”

“Yes. It's very good. Thank you for your generosity with having me share a room by the kitchen instead of a guest room.” He gave a bow. “And congratulations on your seducing of Sora.” He straightened up. “The match might lead to happiness to both of you.”

“Yes, I am hoping so. Sora said he asked you to be the best man? I know he doesn't know many people here” she gave a shy grin.

“Yes, he did. I accepted. Even if he is going against my wishes, he is my best friend.” Riku shifted his weight around. “Is there anything else?”

“Well, if you run into miss Kairi, can you direct her to me? I would like her to be my bridesmaid. And as for the guest list, is there anyone you can think of that should or shouldn't be invited? I'm afraid we will be having a larger wedding though. My weddings need to be shared.” she looked over in shock as Riku began to chuckle.

“Officers Bill Martin and Dave Burkhart should not be invited. I try not to hold a grudge, but... thank you for alibiing me by the way.” And this time, Riku sincerely meant it.

“The truth will set you free, Riku. And what I said was the truth. Well, then, good night!” Riku watched as Constance walked away in her pink nightgown and tried to figure out how he had just had a civil conversation with Constance Hatchaway.

[Lanydx reborn]

WOW, I didn't even know you were working on this so fast.

Great, job, and for once. I'm on Riku's side this seems way too fast. Also nice cameo for two FFIV characters. ^_^

[madammina]

So fast? It's been 2 months!

I've actually had it mostly finished for a while, I just decided to post it now.

Yeah, headcanon is Rosa and Cecil raised Kairi. I'm glad you liked it!

[Lanydx reborn]

So fast? It's been 2 months!

I've actually had it mostly finished for a while, I just decided to post it now.

Yeah, headcanon is Rosa and Cecil raised Kairi. I'm glad you liked it!

Right but it takes you longer.

Headcannon. Oh I love thee and yet, it also messes with me.

[Organization_42]

And, of course, Emily is upstairs just floating and holding a candle and she won't talk to me which is getting annoying since I found her perfectly nice when she was alive, even if we did meet for all of five minutes, but I didn't cause her death, or Leota's, so why would she be angry at me?

ROFL, I love how Riku has gotten to the point where he's actually annoyed over a dead person not talking to him!

Riku watched as Constance walked away in her pink nightgown and tried to figure out how he had just had a civil conversation with Constance Hatchaway.

Well, he certaintly didn't make it a secret how much he doesn't like her!

Oh boy, I really like where all of this is going! I can't wait for the climax! Aside from that, your chapters continue to improve and I love how you write the friendship between Sora, Riku, and Kairi. I don't have any criticisms to make this time; good job!

[madammina]

Thanks. ^_^ Well, Riku has gone far enough off the deep end that he is allowed to be annoyed at being deprived of civil conversation.

No, no he did not.

Yep, I have to get back to Day 15. Wedding stuff! YAY!!!!

[Organization_42]

To quote the wise Captain Jack Sparrow: "A wedding! I love weddings! Drinks all around!"

[Lanydx reborn]

To quote the wise Captain Jack Sparrow: "A wedding! I love weddings! Drinks all around!"

Aw man you beat me to it. *Drinks Rum*

[madammina]

Well, not for Riku. After the... Incident with Oona, he's not drinking a drop ever again.