Miki peered out towards the open skies, relishing in the gentle breeze that combed through her strawberry brown hair. Unlike the wedding ceremony she had been apart of nearly a decade ago, this time she felt a lot more at peace. She was genuinely excited to walk down the aisle, not only in the name of experience but also towards the person she grew to love more than she ever knew she was capable of.
The wedding ceremony was taking place in the lavish garden of the Roi Hotel ran by Suoh Cooperation - also known as the most luxurious hotel in all of Japan. Surrounded by wisteria and willow trees, atop a wooden port that extended out towards a massive lake, Miki felt as if she were living a real-life fairytale.
Many of their friends and family have gathered to attend this joyous celebration, as well as a large number of reporters and photographers. The news of their engagement spread like wildfire throughout Japan, after Kyoya proposed nearly a year ago at her birthday gala. Since then, the press had been eager to be the firsts to sink their teeth into the official union between two of the most prominent families in Japan, both in the social and business worlds.
"Milady, it is time," Suzuno informed, drawing the young woman out of her thoughts.
"Coming," Smiling, Miki hurried out of the pavilion she stood under and into the bright sunlight, meeting with Yuzuru, who waited not too far away.
"Miki," He greeted, taking his daughter by the hand and sweeping her up and down with a glassy stare. "You're getting married today," was all he could muster through his choked voice.
Miki nodded with a bright beam.
"First Tamaki, and now you..." Hurriedly wiping the moisture from his eyes, he sniffled. "I'm just grateful you still asked for me to walk you down the aisle, even after what I did."
"That was years ago, father," Miki reminded softly, gesturing for Suzuno to grab a towel. "You've already apologized many times over. Besides, how could I not forgive you? You're my birth father." She said as she helped the man wipe away his onslaught of tears.
"Miki," Yuzuru took a moment, watching his daughter with watery eyes before reaching forward and began pinching at her cheeks in adoration. "You really are just the sweetest little thing, you know that?" He cooed between sobs.
"Fawthew, stwap pwinchwing mwy chweek pwease." Despite the slight pain in her face, Miki couldn't help but giggle a little. "Ywouw gwonna mwess wp mwy mwake-wp," She pointed out.
"Sorry, sorry," Letting out a laugh, Yuzuru took a step back and quickly wiped away the rest with the towel Suzuno provided. After taking a deep breath and recomposing himself, he turned in the direction of the alter. "Are you ready?" He asked, offering out an arm.
Miki stilled. For a split second, her mind had wandered back to that day when she found herself nearly had been married off in Madrid nine years ago. At that time, she had walked down the aisle with her then-fiance, Miguel, as per her maternal grandparent's instructions. But now...
Hooking her arm around his, she gave a firm nod.
"Of course!"
Kyoya stood at the alter, his foot subconsciously tapping against the wooden dock in anticipation. He glanced over at Arden, who a little stood further back.
The butler had since been certified as a wedding officiant after his lady requested that he be that the one to marry them. Kyoya didn't really mind either way. The two have since developed a strong sense of mutual trust after spending many years within each other's presence. Though there were still times when his off-handed bluntness got on his nerves, much like his to-be wife.
Tamaki, the best man of the ceremony, once again volunteered to play the piano during the group's entrance march. So when he suddenly switched to a different song midway through upon receiving a signal, Kyoya knew Miki was on her way.
The guests collectively rose up from their seats, searching past the canopy and the cluster of wisteria and willow strings for a trace of the bride. Kyoya closed his eyes.
Cameras began to shutter, followed by the sounds of a few children in the crowd gasping with awe and excitement at the sight of the bride. Unable to contain himself any longer, Kyoya's eyes snapped open as he turned to look down the roll of white carpet, only to feel his breath hitch.
Approaching him down the aisle, Miki was dressed in a strapless embroidered gown that was coloured a creamy-white, emphasizing the warmer tones in her complexion. Her hair had been done into a braided half-do, trailing alongside her decorated veil in loose curls, She looked as if she were in another world of her own, floating towards him in one fluid and elegant motion. Meeting his gaze, she quickly flashed her signature radiant smile that practically halted time and space itself.
"Kyoya," Yuzuru's voice snapped him out of his dream-like trace. Blinking a little, he quickly realized that Miki now stood before him, passing her decorated white-rose bouquet to Reiko, her maid of honour.
The Chairman pressed his lips together, studying at the young man before him. With a stoic expression, he gingerly guided the blonde's hand towards his. "I know I have no right to say this," He took a deep breath. "But please, continue to take care of her."
"Of course," Kyoya nodded.
Smiling in satisfaction, Yuzuru leaned in to kiss his daughter on the cheek before parting ways to sit at the first row alongside Anne-Sophie and Shizue. The remaining guests were also seated as Tamaki's music came to an end.
"Kyoya," Miki called out to him in a murmur. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Kyoya raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
"You look... surprised," She pointed out. "You've already seen me in a wedding dress before, so why do you look so surprised now?" She cocked her head in curiosity.
Kyoya couldn't help but huff out a wry laugh. It seemed that even after all these years, she was still pretty slow when it came to these types of things. Reaching down to hold her other hand as well, his lips tugged into a faint smile. "Because this time, you're marrying me," He said simply.
Miki's eyes widened a little before crinkling.
Catching the brief conversation between the couple, Arden couldn't help but laugh a little inwardly. But he quickly recomposed himself as he cleared his throat. "Dearly Beloved," He began. "We are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Ootori Kyoya, and Suoh Miki in matrimony commended to be honourable among all; and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. Into this - these two persons present now come to be joined," He paused for a moment, emerald-like eyes sweeping across the waiting guests before continuing. "If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Gardens were silent, save for the faint rustlings of the trees and the quiet sobs coming from the piano.
Satisfied, Arden turned to Kyoya. "Do you, Kyoya, take you, Miki, to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
"I do," He said, gazing tenderly into her hazel eyes.
Arden then turned to Miki, who's smile broadened a little with Kyoya's vow. "Do you, Miki, take you, Kyoya, to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
Unlike all those years ago, Miki's cheeks brightened as she declared: "I do."
"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," Arden closed his eyes and took a step back. "You may now kiss the bride."
"With pleasure," Kyoya whispered. Wasting no time, he cupped a hand to her cheek and guided her lips towards his, enveloping them in a soft kiss.
As the cloak of twilight draped over the skies above and the guests were beginning to finish up their dinners, Arden stood atop the podium. He began tapping his glass with a fork, quickly silencing everyone in the reception hall as all attention darted towards him.
"Before we begin the rest of our evening with toasts from the best man and the maid of honour, I would like to borrow a minute of everyone's time," Arden announced, looking over at the newly-weds who exchanged a curious glance, absolutely clueless on what was about to come up. "Your friends and family have worked hard, gathering and putting this together as a special present for you on your big day," He smiled softly. "Milady, Master Kyoya, please direct your attention to the screen behind me. On behalf of everyone involved, I'd like to present to you this video message."
The large screen behind him flickered to life, revealing what seemed to be a hand crowding the lense of the camera.
"Is this thing on?" A muffled yet familiar voice spoke. After a few rustlings and clicking, the hand-pulled back to reveal Haruhi, now sporting medium-length brown hair that reached just past her shoulder. Her stomach was bulging out from her small frame, indicating her five-month pregnancy. "The red light is flashing, so that must mean it's recording, right?" She glanced to the side, only to sweatdrop a little.
"Come on, Tamaki," Moving off-screen a little, she dragged the blond in the frame as he wept into his palms. "You need to pull yourself together. As Miki-senpai always says, 'This is a joyous occasion, isn't it?'"
That only made Tamaki's tears double.
Heaving an exasperated sigh, Haruhi turned to the camera. Ignoring the crybaby beside her, she cleared her throat. "Kyoya-senpai, Miki-senpai. Congratulations on your wedding!" She announced courteously. "I wish you both a long and happy marriage."
"Kyoya!" Though he was still bawling his eyes out, Tamaki managed to snap out of his crippled state as he leaned in closer to the camera, tears still flooding down his face like a broken water dam. "Listen to me, mon ami! You've got yourself the best girl any man could ever ask for! So you better love and protect her with everything you have. Give her the best life you can offer! And as for you, Miki..." The thought of his sister had him pressing his quivering lips together. "C-C-C-Congratulations!" He choked, breaking into a dramatic sobbing mess once more as he collapsed to the ground.
Haruhi laughed wryly, patted her husband on the back as he blew his nose into a towel that popped up out of nowhere.
***
"Kyoya, Miki, Congratulations on your wedding," Sitting at the head of his office, Yuzuru said as he rested his chin on his bridged fingers. "My deepest love and very best wishes to both of you."
"Lots of love and happiness to you both," Anne-Sophie chirped, waving towards the camera with a growing smile.
***
"May you share a long and happy life together," Shizue's eyes crinkled.
***
"Welcome to the family," Yoshio gave a curt nod.
***
"Here's to a lifetime of happiness and safe returns," Yuichi smiled ever-so-slightly. His younger brother Akito, on the other hand, didn't seem all that impressed.
"Congrats, or whatever," He grumbled, arms folded over his chest.
***
"Happy Wedding Day to the both of you!" Fuyumi clapped her hands together in excitement. "I'm so glad I get to call you my sister now, Miki-chan! Take care of Kyoya-san for me, okay?"
***
"Congratulations on getting married, Miki! We're so honoured we get to celebrate this day with you!" Elena beamed at the camera, cradling her infant son - Diego, in her arms while Agustin hoisted their other son - Carlos over his shoulder. "Elisa would be so proud if she could see you right now."
"May today mark the first of the rest of your lives, filled with love and fellowship," Agustin added. "You deserve it."
"Congrats!" Carlos waved, hanging down from his father's shoulder with a series of laugher.
***
"Kyoya-senpai! Miki-senpai! Congrats on your wedding!" Hikaru and Kaoru cheered in unison.
"Best wishes to a fun-filled future!" Hikaru grinned as he gave a thumb up, his hair still the same dark-brown it had been since his highschool years.
"But try to avoid playing too many games with her, Kyoya-senpai," Kaoru advised as he playfully threw an arm around his brother's shoulder. "You'll just end up driving yourself insane."
***
"Happy Wedding, Kyo-chan, Miki-chan!" Honey threw his arms in the air with a fit of giggles. "Remember to eat lots of cake on your wedding day, okay?"
Reiko nodded as she stood next to her husband, a gentle smile gracing her thin lips. "Congratulations, Miki," She said in a soft voice. "I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. And Ootori-san," Her expression suddenly took a grim turn as her aura grew dark. "If you ever dare break Miki's heart, I already have dozens of hex and curses prepared. You and your descendants will be plagued for the ten generations until-"
***
"Congratulations," Mori nodded with a serene expression as he rested an arm around his beautiful wife, Kisaki Temari's shoulder.
"Indeed," Temari beamed, hiding the bottom half of her face behind the sleeve of her kimono. "May your years ahead be filled with everlasting joy and bliss."
***
"Well, well, well," Turning his nose up towards the camera, Kuze scoffed. "Look who's finally getting married."
"You say that as if you hadn't been crying your eyes out since receiving your invite to their wedding," Matsuyuma's chimed as she entered the room with their four-year-old daughter.
"K-Kanan!"
Leaving her husband to babble about how he was 'in no way excited about being invited to his childhood friend's wedding,' Matsuyama turned to stare down the lens. She had since stopped wearing her hair in twin braids. Instead, she allowed her long brown hair to trail elegantly down her back. "Takeshi aside, we send our congratulations to the both of you. Marriage is tough, but I have faith that you'll do just fine," She said with a soft smile. "And Miki-san, if this fool's meddling ever becomes too much, do let me know. I can handle it for you."
"What do you mean 'this fool?!'" Kuze snapped his head around as their daughter giggled along.
***
"Miki-san, Ootori-kun! Congratulations on your marriage!" Kotaro waved happily.
"Jeez, it sure took you two long enough," Resting her hands on her hips, Sora commented playfully. "I was beginning to wonder if we're ever gonna see a mini Miki-chan or Kyoya-san running around."
"Sora!" Kotaro's cheeks reddened.
"What?" Sora grinned, shooting her fiance an innocent look before turning back to the camera. "Jokes aside, congratulations to you both," She winked. "You'll be great together."
***
"Congratulations on your wedding, Miki-san, Ootori-san," Carrying her two-year-old son in her arms, Sumire beamed. "Best wishes on this wonderful journey as you build your new lives together."
"Lots of love from our family!" Imaji Tori, Sumire's husband and lover from their high school years, also gave a quick smile and wave.
"Congwats!" Their son managed to say through a fit of laughter.
***
The camera zoomed out a little, revealing many familiar faces that made up the Host Club's regular guests, Kyoya and Miki's classmates, as well as a few students from Haruhi's class.
Standing front and centre with her hands on her hips, Renge took a deep breath. "Three, two, one!"
"Congratulations on your wedding, Kyoya-sama, Miki-chan(-senpai)!" They shouted in unison.
"May today be the beginning of your long and happy lives together," Ayame said as she pushed up her glasses.
"Wishing you both endless amounts of happiness!" Momoka cheered, clinging onto her boyfriend, Kazukiyo, by the arm.
***
"Happy Wedding Day, Miki-neechan, Kyoya-niichan!" Kirmi popped up on the screen with her arms thrown wide. "Let's play together again sometime, okay?"
"Best wishes to you both, Ootori-kun, Suoh-kun," Nekozawa chuckled darkly as Belzenef appeared on the screen, waving a paw down the lens.
***
"C-Congratulations, Ootori-senpai, Miki-senpai!" Kasanoda shouted, puffing out his chest as he stood a little taller.
"Let me know if you need any clothes for your future baby," Mei, who in a twist of events had become Kasanoda's girlfriend, added as she threw up a peace sign.
***
"U-Um..." Averting his gaze, Chika awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "Congratulations on your marriage, Shuriken-neechan, Ootori-san..."
"Are you still calling Miki-san by that?" Standing beside him, Satoshi couldn't help but laugh. "It's been nine years already, you know?" He pointed out.
"Shut up! I call her what I want!"
***
There was the sound of rustling as the screen shook, briefly showing Ouran Academy before flipping around.
"Okay, it's recording," A grown-up Reira popped into the screen, Ringo and Aoki standing on either side of her. They were now about to enter their final year of high school.
"Miki-neechan, Kyoya-niichan, congratulations on your marriage!" The three teenagers cheered.
"We watched Millenium Snow, by the way," Aoki's smile broadened.
"The set design was absolutely beautiful!" Ringo clapped her hands in agreement.
***
"Congratulations, you two!" A few of the sports team leaders from their high school years popped on with wide grins.
"Ootori, don't make Suoh cry now, you hear?" One of them hollered teasingly.
***
"Here's to many happy years ahead," Ranka declared with excitement.
"Come visit me in Karuizawa anytime, okay?" Misuzu nodded along, cupping his cheeks in glee. "I'll be sure to reserve a private room for you two."
***
Standing before the Monar Royal Castle, Princess Michelle waved towards the camera alongside her brother. "Congratulations to the two of you! I hope we continue to stay in touch!"
***
"Happy Wedding," Megumi smiled, back home in Kobe.
***
With the city of Barcelona as their background, Nanako and Miguel beamed down the lens.
"Congratulations, Miki-san," Miguel said with sincerity. "I'm so happy that you've found the right person to marry."
"It's a shame his personality is so un-cute though," Nanako shrugged before giving a playful wink. "Best wishes, you two!" She chuckled.
***
"Congratulations!" Standing in the foyer of the Suoh Mansion, the staff waved up at the camera.
"May the love you share today grow stronger as you grow old together," Shima smiled calmly.
***
"Congratulations, Master Kyoya, Miss Miki!" The Ootori bodyguard-trio saluted. While Tachibana and Aijima wore soft and tranquil expressions, Hotta was bawling his eyes out behind his sunglasses, struggling to wipe the tears with his sleeve.
***
Finally, the screen flickered to reveal the study in Kyoya and Miki's home, Arden and Suzuno, standing before a set of bookshelves. The latter of the two stepped forth first.
"Milady, Master Kyoya," She smiled cheerfully. "Please accept my most heartfelt congratulations. It is an honour and a privilege to serve under the two of you. I wish you nothing but joy, love and happiness towards your days ahead."
Arden was the next to step forth, his gaze glassy. "Milady," His voice cracked a little. "Ever since I began serving you all those years ago, I have always hoped for your happiness and well-being. Given your circumstances, to see you smiling each and every day was already the greatest miracle in itself. So to think that today, you'll be getting married..." He paused, sniffling lightly as Suzuno placed a hand on his upper arm, gently rubbing in an effort to show comfort and support. "It fills me with a lot of emotion," He managed.
"Master Kyoya," After taking a minute to recompose himself and his emotions, Arden continued. "You are the only man I would ever consider holding to the same regard as Milady. I'm giving my deepest love and wishes for a long, loving and happy marriage for the rest of your days," His emerald-like eyes crinkled. "You both very much deserve it."
As Arden's segment of the video reached its conclusion, Miki found herself unable to control it any longer. Tears spilt over and rolled down her cheeks like large beads of glass, forcing her to bury her face in her hands, struggling to mumble her incoherent words of thanks as she leaned into Kyoya, who quickly wrapped an arm around her.
Reiko immediately grabbed a few tissues, attempting to help her friend wipe away the flood of tears that coursed down her flushed cheeks as Tamaki reached for a microphone. He figured that Kyoya would want to say a few things to the guests and people involved in the video, seeing as Miki was too much of a mess to say anything at the moment.
Accepting the microphone from his best friend, Kyoya gently rubbed his wife's shoulder, trying to ease up the intense emotions that swelled within her. He chuckled wryly, pressing a kiss to her hairline and muttering a few words of comfort before bringing the mic to his lips.
"Thank you, everyone," He said.
After a long night of celebration and tending to each and every one of the guests, Kyoya and Miki were at the private jet terminal bright and early the next day, ready to head off on their honeymoon.
Their destination was Bora Bora, an island in French Polynesia. And unlike all their previous trips, Arden and the Ootori guards would not be accompanying them, out of courtesy to the newlyweds. It was a little challenging to get Kyoya out of bed as per usual, but thanks to Miki's coaxing with some sweet kisses, they managed to get to the terminal on time.
Flipping through a pamphlet in the VIP lounge, Miki hummed as she took a sip of her freshly-made commoner's coffee. "We'll get there around midnight, right?" She asked.
"Not exactly," Kyoya murmured, still a little grouchy from being woken up so early in the morning. But one look at the blonde evaporated the last of those lingering annoyances. "We'll be arriving tomorrow in the early afternoon."
Miki cocked her head the side, trying to run the math through her head only to find that it didn't match up.
Catching on to her confusion, Kyoya huffed out a laugh. "We have a layover," He explained. "There's somewhere I want to take you first."
"Layover?" Miki blinked.