Starry Night

After days of moving into Chizuru's apartment, and visiting with Adam, and constant solicitations from Sayaka, the day of the wedding had finally arrived. Both brides had moved down into the tunnels and brought their dresses and make-up, down into the living quarters to get ready. Shion was particularly nervous as she had left Sayaka in charge of her hair and make-up and was worried she would come out looking like some kind of sexy stripper.

Sayaka, however, appeared to be taking her task very seriously, and made no passes at Shion nor any risqué comments of any kind. Instead her gaze was fixated on Shion's as she gently applied make-up. Shion knew that Sayaka was not actually ok because of this silence, but wanted to wait for Sayaka to talk on her own.

Sayaka put a few finishing touches on Shion's face then began braiding part of Shion's hair for her up-do. Within minutes she was finished. Sayaka spinned Shion around to face a mirror and Shion was astounded by how beautiful her own reflection appeared. The doctor had given Shion a reversal pill, so her hair was its natural chocolate brown.

"Thank you Sayaka, it looks so good. I actually look like I'm a real bride. And I look like I am myself."

Sayaka smiled, but her voice trembled as she spoke to Shion, "Are you sure about this Shion?"

She replied unwaveringly, "Yes I am".

Tears began to fall from Sayaka's eyes. She spoke in a quiet whisper, "I love you so much Shion. For me, it's always been you. I told myself that I wouldn't fuss and I wouldn't interfere because you made your choice, but I'm not selfless enough for that. I at least need to know why you chose her and why you didn't choose me so I can move on."

Shion turned to Sayaka and gently grabbed her hands. "This may not be the answer you want but it's the truth as best I can tell it. Chizuru is special. She loved me unconditionally from the start. She took care of me despite my ignorance about her feelings. She didn’t ask me for anything in return and just waited for me patiently, learning about me, and finding ways to make me happy.”

Shion continued “Once she knew who I was, she accepted me without complaint and without anger at being lied to. She got it. She snuck her way into my heart and I felt like I could be myself around her. It's not so much that I don't love you. Because I do, just not in the same way you love me. You are super fun, outgoing, sexy, and funny. But you will always remind me of my old life. I'm not that person anymore, the one you fell in love with. Maybe if I didn't meet Chizuru, I would have been able to fall in love with you, but it's simply not the case. Now I can't see my life without Chizuru. I can't see my life without you either. You are a dear friend, but when I think about losing you it feels more like when I lost my parents and not a lover. I'm so sorry it isn't different, and am truly thankful for what you have given me over the years, but I just don't love you in that way. I see you as a dear friend and I hope we can stay this way.”

Shion gave Sayaka some side eye, “Plus you joined the Rebellion to get to me. Chizuru and I both joined for different reasons, but they are our own. We didn't do it for anyone else. It means something to me. You can't force yourself to stop or have romantic feelings for someone else, right? If I could I would choose you, because of all the things you have done for me. You would deserve it if love was earned. I'm truly sorry, and I wish for your happiness and that one day we can all be friends one day. I’m so sorry Sayaka."

Tears streamed down Sayaka's face. Shion gave her a big hug and uttered, "I'm sorry," one last time.

Sayaka blew her nose and dried her eyes by blotting off the tears. "Gotta keep the make-up looking good," Sayaka joked half-heartedly. "Shion just promise me one thing. If something should happen to Chizuru, will you give me just one chance?"

Shion sighed, "If by some miracle I'm still alive and Chi-chan isn't then yes. I promise." Shion knew though the chances of that were almost none because she would sacrifice herself before allowing anything to happen to her soon-to-be wife, but agreed anyways Im the off-chance that it happened.

Sayaka chuckled, "I've never heard you use a nickname with a lady before. I guess you must really be in love."

Shion smiled back, "For the first time, yes, I actually am".

A quiet rapp sounded on the door, "Shion the transport vehicle is ready. Chizuru is already waiting there for you. Wrap it up."

Shion hiked up her dress and slipped on her combat boots then grabbed her heels and headed to Chizuru.

When Adam saw her, his face glowed with pride. Shion's dress was all white with a low v-neck, an all lace back and covered in small sequins. Both sides of her hair were braided and tucked with her long hair in a low,  neat bun. Chizuru had hair to match, and very light, natural looking makeup. Chizuru's dress had spaghetti straps, a straight cut breast line with sequins all over the front part of the dress. Shion had never smiled wider than when she got her first look at her future bride. The same could be said about the smile Chizuru had on her face.

With all in the vehicle, Cooper started it up and began the hour-long drive. To keep busy, everyone elected for the soon to be weds to open their gifts.

First up, was none other than the heartbroken Sayaka who handed Shion and Chizuru a large black box tied with black ribbon. The brides exchanged wary glances before Shion untied the ribbon and Chizuru peeked into the corner. Fur lined handcuffs, silk ropes, and a book depicting god knows what was in the box.

Sayaka laughed, "Aren't you gonna show everyone?"

Shion snapped, "Some things are better left unseen."

Next was a small gift from Matt. When they opened it, a 3D hologram of Shion and Chizuru dancing could be clearly seen. The two girls smiled and thanked him profusely.

Cooper directed them to two small items wrapped in plain butcher paper while swerving erratically from not watching the road. Both the girls thought, typical teenage boy move. Shion handed one to Chizuru and the two opened them at the same time. Inside the poorly wrapped packaging were two wooden, hand carved cups. One inscribed with an S and the other a C.

Shion smiles, "Cooper, how long did it take you to make these. They're pretty awesome."

Cooper just laughed hiding the many bandages on his fingers, "I know right? You're welcome".

The final gift was a small box from Adam. Shion opened the box, and inside was a ring with a sparkling diamond Centerstone. She looked at Adam with happy tears in her eyes, and she asked in a confused voice, "Papa, where did you find this? Mama didn't have it on when she was killed."

Adam laughed, "No, I know Kana. If people started coming for us she would have stashed it. I know all her hiding places, so I just described where it would be to one of the guys and they got it for me. I want you girls to have it. It's what Kana would have wanted."

Shion gave her father a quick hug then turned to Chizuru and placed the engagement ring on her left ring finger.

Chizuru cried, "It's beautiful. Are you sure Shion?"

Shion put her forehead on Chizuru's and shook her head yes.

After a couple rounds of champagne and some chit-chat. The crew finally arrived at the wedding site. It was dark outside, pitch black, other than the twinkling glow of millions, and millions of stars. Chizuru looked up at the stars she was seeing for the first time, then looked back lovingly at Shion.

"Well, is it everything you imagined it would be?"

Chizuru shook her head, "No, it is so much more. This has to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, but Shion is it safe for me to be here?"

Shion looked up at her lover, "Yes, the nanites make it so you should be ok for a couple of hours."

Matt called everyone's attention and the two stepped up to either of his sides.

Matt began to speak, "Hello all, you know I'm no priest so this ain't gonna be some kind of religious ceremony, but today we have gathered to witness the official union of Chizuru Yamamoto and Shion Tanaka-Cohen. These two have been through hell and back together and have had each other's back. They work well as a team and I personally have never seen Shion smile as much as she does when she is with Chizuru. As for Chizuru, you can tell by the way that she looks at Shion that she is head over heels in love. In this day and age, love is one of the only things we have left. Now, in typical rebellion tradition, the couple shall now mix their blood and drink to the oath of unity."

Shion held out her left hand, and Chizuru followed along, a bit lost. Matt swiftly made a small cut in each of their palms and the two joined hands, then Cooper gave the couple the cups he had carved with a small amount of red wine in them and the couple recited after Matt.

"Together forever, our bond is true. Today I give my whole heart to you."

Then the couple crossed arms and drank wine from each other's cups. Once it was done, they shared a long, passionate kiss. Shion grabbed Chizuru's hand and led her down a small path.

Shion smiled and giggled like a school girl, "There is one more thing you have to see out here, and this one is my absolute favorite. Look at all those plants." Shion picked up a smooth stone and chucked it into the middle of the field. Instantly the plants lit up a neon green.

"Whoa, that's super cool," Chizuru picked up a stone and did the same thing. More flowers became neon green.

Shion looked like she was going to jump out of her skin with excitement, "That's not even the best part," Shion hiked up her dress further then jumped into the flower bed. After bending down and grabbing something, Shion came running back hands cupped. She slowly opened them and Chizuru saw a little green and glowing frog. It was super cute but her wife's excitement at the little critter was even cuter.

Chizuru leaned into Shion and demanded a kiss with her eyes. Shion gently set the frog on the ground and kissed her new wife.

"There are many creatures like this out here. The radiation levels are so high many plants and animals have the same green glow," Shion elaborated.

"Now for the fun part. Do you know the other Rebellion wedding tradition? "

"No Shion-chan, I do not."

"We head back to the barracks and we dance until dawn. Are you ready for a hell of a dance party?"

Chizuru smiled sheepishly, "You bet your ass I am?!"

With that, the group left and returned back to base where a feast awaited them and various beers and wines. Unfortunately for the brides, the nanites made sure it would be a night without even a little buzz. They danced and danced and danced some more with many friends and many they did not know. It was the time of their lives, and around dawn, the newly married couple snuck back Uptop and watched the sun rise from on top of an abandoned building. Legs dangling over the side of the building, Shion rested her head on Chizuru's shoulder.

"Chi-chan, when I'm with you, I feel like maybe the world isn't such a bad place all the time. I can't wait to go on vacation with you and just forget about it all for a little bit."

"Yeah, I feel the same way about you. Being away from it all, we can finally be a real couple with normal couple problems. Like what to make for dinner or what tourist shop to visit. Whatever it is we have to do for Hitler when we return won't be so bad as long as we are together. I love you Shion-chan."

"I love you too Chi-chan."

The two stared off into the horizon enjoying the little time they had to just be two newlyweds, and for a brief time, not have to worry about battling corruption or completing a mission.