Spring. It seemed like only yesterday that Kanako's heart was broken when Keitaro told her they could never be together, amidst the last few sakura blossoming in the night. Now, cherry blossoms are once more in bloom, this time with a happier note for Kanako's heart. In a few hours, at that lovely spring night, within the walls of the old annex building, she was about to get married. She had not seen Keitaro since last night, on the basis of some old superstition. She remembered the day they first came, spring was in the air as well. It seemed perfect to her, that the end of something that never was, the day her heart was broken was on the end of spring. Now, the happiest day of her life, the end of her life long quest for his love was coming to an end on the first day of spring.

"It's time. My day has finally come." she said to herself.

In a way, the two of them were married long before this day. The two of them had given each other the very best of everything, their hearts, minds and their very souls. She had given him everything she had to give, leaving hardly anything for herself to keep. Her heart was beating frantically, her happiness almost impossible to contain. She belonged to him and he belonged to her. This wedding was almost like a mere formality, a ceremony to seal the deal. She held on to the teddy bear she received from him as a child and they were still arguing on what to name it. She took a look out the window, noticing Motoko.

Motoko kept herself in a meditative state, as she sat with her legs crossed on the ground. Her sword at her side, with a large block of wood in front of her. She asked her family to transport it to Hinata Sou, for a special purpose. Kitsune and Shinobu stood nearby, wondering just what she was planning. It was the day of Kanako and Keitaro's wedding, with decorations all around the old annex building. They still had many hours to go, since it was a night wedding. Finally, Motoko stands up, her sword at the ready. With a moment of utter concentration, her eyes closed in thought, then, Motoko drew her blade.

Cutting and slashing wildly, chipping away the wood of the block. Kitsune and Shinobu begin coughing, due to all the dust and wood bits flying around. Her hand and arm moving unbelievably fast, the blade relentlessly cutting away at the block. Within minutes, she was done. Motoko fell on the ground, tired and panting. Then, with help from Shinobu, she stood up to look at her work. A finely carved statue of a crane, her family's symbol. It was carved well, with hardly a single cut out of place. She smiled as she looked at it, taking it as a job well done. Standing on her own two feet now, she sighed and smiled.

"Amazing, Motoko-chan." Kitsune commented.

"Is it? I hope that it is a fitting wedding gift to Kanako-chan and Urashima."

"I'm sure they'll love it." Shinobu said.

Some time later, Shinobu was busy in the kitchen. Everything except the soup was ready. She was planning on making her special noodle dish, with various sea foods and the soup stock from various mountain delicacies. However, the mountain delicacies she asked to be delivered are not there. By some clerical error, instead of them, she got an amount of beef that was twice the amount she asked for. Obviously, she isn't too happy about this. Running her fingers through her blue hair, she frantically tried to think of a way to solve this. She knew the dish had to be special and everything was ready, so she had to think quickly.

The dish she was making was no ordinary dish, it was her gift to the happy couple. It had to be absolutely perfect. The two of them had been like parents to her, watching over her and taking care of her. She wanted to show them her appreciation, if only in a small way. Even though Kanako assured her that no gift was needed, she promised herself that she would not show her face at the wedding should she fail. Then, she glanced upon the beef. In a stroke of genius, she had an excellent way of turning a clerical error into an exquisite idea.

"I guess that could work......" Shinobu thought.

In a desperate move, she took a piece of beef and cut it along the visible lines there. To her surprise, it looked and felt like a noodle. Smiling ear to ear, she began to frantically slice. By the late afternoon, she was sweaty and tired but everything was done. All she needed to do now, was cook. Using the sea food as soup stock, the beef strips as noodles, she created a unique dish. Even with her nervousness and uncertainty of herself, she knew it was an excellent gift. She decided to take a short shower before getting dressed in her gown. She knew most of them would either be getting dressed or were already dressed by now, so she didn't feel too out of place. As she walked up to the smaller bath, she bumped into Motoko, who happened to be heading there as well.

"Perhaps it is best that we bathe together, to save time." Motoko suggested.

"Hai, we don't really have that much time before the wedding."

Meanwhile, Naru was already dressed and ready to go. In a light pink gown, reaching just above her ankles, with a single strap on her left shoulder. The other strap seemed to be simply falling off, placing itself on her right arm, just below her shoulder. On the left side, it had a small blue rose attached to it, a simple design to a simple yet endearing gown. It fit her a little tightly around the hips and chest but she didn't mind. She looked in the mirror of her room, trying to look at herself. She admitted to herself that she looked especially cute in that dress. Smiling and giggling, she walked over to Kitsune's room door.

Inside, Kitsune was taking in a sip of sake before putting on her dress. Only in her underwear, which would have made most, if not all men, salivate at the sight, she got her dress ready. It was a light red dress, simple yet seductive, just as Kitsune liked it. Unzipping the back of it, she slowly put her feet in and pulled the dress up. It only reached her knees, revealing just enough to tease. As she pulled it towards her heaving chest, she fit her head through the single neck strap. She then closed the back of her dress and walked outside with a slight swaying in her hips. Even in a gown, Konno Mitsune still couldn't be anything other than foxy.

"Hey there, Kitsune." Naru greeted.

"Shall we get going?"

"Hai!!" she raised her hand into the air.

As they walked along the halls, which seemed uncharacteristically empty at the time, they saw Mutsumi in her gown. In an excellent emerald green gown, with a neckline that plunged a little into her cleavage, she smiled happily. It had ruffles along the end of her dress, which was cut just above her knees. With a crimson red shawl over her shoulders, wrapped around her upper arms and some of her body, the girl from Okinawa looks elegantly stunning. With her hair neatly tied behind her head, Tama-chan resting like a decoration on her head, there was a certain air of cuteness about her that even Naru and Kitsune couldn't help but feel jealous of. For a crowning touch, she had a pair of small gold earrings.

"My, you look lovely, Mutsumi-san." Kitsune grinned. "I'm jealous."

"Ara, you look beautiful as well, Kitsune." Mutsumi answered. "You too, Naru-chan."

The lovely trio went on and walked towards what was once the kanrinrin's room, where Kanako was getting dressed. However, she was strangely nervous and uncertain. She sat there, looking out the window. She admired the decorations, the candle lit path she would walk in little more than an hour. The wind began to blow the sakura around, creating a cloud of those precious petals. Flying through the window, one of them landed on her hand. With a solemn, thankful smile, she felt like she could almost cry. Kitsune and the others kept their silence, instinctively feeling that this was a moment that they should respect. After a while, Kanako got up and looked at her wedding dress. Just as Naru and the others were about to help Kanako put it on, Motoko, Kaolla and Shinobu passed by.

Shinobu was dressed in an adorable pink gown. She smiled at the group nervously, since the dress was rather revealing for her taste. It stopped just above her knees, hugging her petite figure a little too much. She feared the dress made her lack of physical "assets" far too obvious but in fact, it merely added to her already increasing charm. It had a shallow neckline, just a few inches below the base of her neck. The thinnest parts of the material were covering her shoulders, while the overall appearance made her blush wildly. She had a single white rose, placed in the middle of the chest area, which strangely made her a little more comfortable with the dress.

Kaolla was wearing a simple dress, in a dark shade of yellow. It was almost exactly the same as Shinobu's dress, since both of them were bridesmaids. She didn't seem to mind it. It was unfortunate there was no red moon at that time or Kaolla could have worn something a little more elegant. Unlike Shinobu's rose, she had a white lotus on her chest, which seemed rather out of place. Another difference was that it was cut a little higher, to allow for a little more flexibility. Smiling as she stood there, she was genuinely happy for Keitaro and Kanako.

Motoko, on the other hand, had the strange inclination to wear something that was nothing less than unique and quite kawaii on that day. A simple black gown, which barely even went below her hips. Strangely enough though, she didn't seem bothered by this. She had dark brown stocking covering her legs, while she stood on a pair of high heels. To top it all off, instead of the usual samurai ponytail, her hair was untied, with a red headband on her head. Motoko wore a chrysanthemum corsage on her chest, with rosebud earrings that she borrowed from Kitsune. Regardless of what she was wearing, she had a sort of rugged elegance about her that, while hard to spot at first glance, was undeniable.

"I'm jealous." Kanako said. "Shinobu-chan looks better in her dress than I would in mine!!"

"Maybe Shinobu-chan's the one getting married!!!" Naru joked.

Everyone laughed. It seemed the best way to calm everyone down. Then, with a grin to warn her, they proceeded to strip Kanako down. They were a little rough at first but she got used to it. After some time, Kanako was in her dress, appearing lovelier than she ever thought she could possibly be. It was elegantly made, in the color of the sakura petals in springtime. Like all wedding dresses, it extended just a little bit too much, so it trailed a little on the ground. It barely covered her shoulders, while she had long, white silk gloves reaching just beyond her elbows. The parts that covered the shoulders and the upper back were connected together by a simple sakura design in the middle of the chest. It embraced her body just enough to accentuate her figure but not enough to make her feel insecure about herself.

Her hair was tied behind her head, with a few strands sticking out from the left side like spikes, as it was held together by a pair of large geisha pins. She also had a pair of exquisite, silver earrings, shaped as crescent moons as she wore her mother's necklace. Now, all that was left was the veil. The veil itself was elegant in it's simple design. It had a small crown made of cherry blossoms, linked together by a thick golden thread. The silk of the veil was thin enough to see the silhouette of Kanako's face but think enough to hide it, even when looked closely upon.

"Why don't you go and check the preparations? I can handle the rest myself." Kanako said.

As they all agreed and left, Motoko stood there and remained. "Motoko-chan? What's wrong?"

"May I kiss the bride?" she asked nervously.

Kanako smiled, then nodded her head. "Of course."

Motoko closed the gap between their lips, as she closed her eyes. Pressing her lips upon Kanako's as her companion did the same, there was a sweet taste in her mouth that she felt was special. Like an elusive string of music, the sensation she felt was easy to remember, yet impossible to catch. She knew she would never have her but at the very least, she would have her friendship and something more. There was the concern, the respect, the closeness that they had. It was completely different from what they had with the others, different from what Kanako had with Keitaro. It was this unspoken bond between the two that would forever be the link between them, as Keitaro's love links him and his bride. As they separated, they embraced one another.

"Well, congratulations, Kanako-chan." Motoko said. "He's a good man."

"I know. I'm lucky to have found him." Kanako answered. "I only hope you can find someone like him."

As Kanako stayed in the room, thinking, Motoko walked outside to join the others. She noticed Seta and Haruka in the corner, she paid no attention to them though. Haruka was in an exquisite emerald green dress, similar to Kitsune's. Her appearance was ruined only by the cigarette sticking out of her mouth. Leaning close by was Seta, who was dressed in a simple black tuxedo. He seemed rather nervous about something, with one hand reaching for something in his pocket. As he pulled out a small ring, he sighed.

"I know this is a rather odd time to ask you this but......will you marry me?" he asked.

Haruka took the cigarette from her mouth, then had a small smile on her face. "Do you know how many years I've been waiting for that question?"

"Well? Will you?"

"Why not?" Haruka thought. "Sure."

"You want to get married now?" Keitaro suddenly asked.

Keitaro was in a simple white tuxedo but it had a few special touches to it. It had an off white shirt, with a silver coat and off white pants. Wearing his black leather shoes, Keitaro didn't look too impressive. He adjusted his glasses a little, with a few small stones on his coat. He knew well that his coat would shine a little in the moonlight. He was also wearing a pair of crescent shaped cufflinks, which matched Kanako's earrings. He looked at Haruka and Seta, who seemed to be wondering about what he just said.

"You mean have a double wedding with you and Kanako-chan?" Seta asked.

"Hai. If you want and if Kanako-chan agrees." Keitaro said. "As I'm sure she will."

"No. We'd rather not. I think it's best that we get married at a later date." Haruka said.

"The ceremony's about to start, you better get going." Seta said.

A short time later, Keitaro stood at the altar, with Seta by his side. Motoko was on the opposite side, as all of them waited. When Mutsumi began playing the bridal march on the organ, all the guests turned to see Kanako walk down the aisle. Homura, walking by Kanako's side, walked with her along the candle lit path. As they arrived at the altar, Homura bowed and kissed his daughter on the cheek before walking to his seat. Now, everything that Kanako and Keitaro had gone through was coming to completion, to the final step in their long journey. They held each other's hand, ready to face everything that could ever be thrown against them.

"We are here to celebrate the union of Urashima Keitaro and Shinomori Kanako." the priest said. "Is there anyone here who objects to this union?"

A great silence fell upon all of them, a sign that everyone wanted this to happen. "I will continue then. Do you, Keitaro, take Kanako to be your wife, to have and hold, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do."

"And you, Kanako, take Keitaro to be your husband, to have and hold, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do."

"I believe the bride and groom have something to say to one another."

"Kanako-chan, we've been through more than our fair share of hardships. But even then, you were always with me. Now, I promise, I'll stay by your side. No matter what happens, I'll always love you." he said as he slipped a ring on Kanako's finger.

"Kei-chan, I'll never forget everything we've been through, all the obstacles, all the things that got in our way. I've never forgotten the promise I made you all those years ago, I never will. Come what may, I will love you until the day I die and even longer." she answered his words as she placed a ring on his finger.

"I now pronounce you, man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Keitaro slowly lifted the veil, revealing Kanako's face, which was not just your typical blushing bride's. In her eyes, as he saw the reflection of his smile, he could also see something more. A lifelong concern, a lifelong love for him, an undying devotion and unending concern and understanding that he could only hope to one day fully return. She had given him everything that she was, now, he planned to give all of himself to her. Never again would either of them be apart, neither of them would allow it. As they took a second to calm themselves, they pressed their lips softly to one another's, as Keitaro caressed Kanako's hair. It was the perfect kiss, with every emotion in their hearts multiplied and overflowing as their lips touched. Everyone present began to weep tears of joy for the two of them, only hoping they could find love such as the two of them had. As they parted, Kanako and Keitaro stood up. With the bouquet in her hand, Kanako decided to speak.

"Minna-san, I have an announcement." she said. "All of you, you have been as much a family to me as anyone. I can't really imagine life without all of you anymore. While this is completely unheard of, I've made arrangements for all of you to come with Kei-chan and myself......on our honeymoon."

"Nani?!" the collective question sounded.

"I've rented this small chateau in France, I......want you all to come with the two of us." Kanako smiled shyly. "After all, what's the use in renting a castle for a week if there are only two of us to enjoy it, ne?"

"Three cheers for the happy couple!!" Kitsune sounded, raising a bottle of sake in the air.

As the sakura blew all around, the moon and stars seemingly focusing their light on the two, Kanako smiled and threw the bouquet. Every one of the girls frantically jumped up and fought over who would catch it. As it began to fall down, two fought ferociously to get above the others. In the end, as it landed, the result surprised everyone. Motoko and Shinobu both had their hand holding on to it. Everyone was happy for the two, though neither of them understood what it could possibly mean. As the excitement over this event died down, Kanako and Keitaro, hand in hand, walked inside the old annex building, where the reception was to be held. As they sat in their seats, there were small sparks of purple lightning between them, as Kanako and Keitaro both noticed a small sakura, blown by the wind, wandered into their hands.

"At long last. We'll never be apart again." Keitaro said. "I'll always love you, Kanako-chan."

"I'll never let anything come between us." Kanako answered. "We will always be together."

"I love you, Kanako-chan."

"I love you too, Kei-chan."

"We're no longer brother and sister."

"Now, we're husband and wife."

Their eyes came down in a slow close, their vision locking on each other as their lips slowly drew to a kiss.......

Everyone gathered in the master’s bedroom in the second floor of the old annex building, even the mist, a sign of the elder’s presence, was hanging around. It had been a month now since the honeymoon, during which, Kanako was unusually odd in her behavior. She had almost doubled her food consumption, eating twice her body weight in noodles once. She and Shinobu had just come from a trip to town and she had called everyone there. She stood up with a gentle smile, wrapping her arms around Keitaro’s neck.

"I’m so happy for the two of you, senpai." Shinobu said with a big smile. "Congratulations."

"Congratulations for what? What’s going on? What’s this about Kanako-chan?" Keitaro asked.

"I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure. I’ve been feeling sick as of late, as you all know. I was suspicious, so I had Shinobu-chan come with me to the doctor. We confirmed it." Kanako’s face had an expression of irrepressible happiness, eyes bright and a smile from ear to ear. She moved back a little and placed Keitaro’s hand on her stomach. "Can you feel it? Kei-chan,……..I’m pregnant."

Author: Well, clearly the anime"Cooking Master Boy" has been an influence to Shinobu in this chapter. Ah, well. Time for a good long vacation. Preferably somewhere cold.........maybe Greenland. That should make it easier to get to work on my Galaxy Angels shojo-ai. Maybe an original as well. The anti-alternate couples and anti-shojo-ai people here *you know who you are!* will certainly be happy to see me go.

Kanako: Go on. *squeezing a Keitaro plushie and a Motoko plushie* Place your comments, complaints, questions and flames in the reviews section. Baka is desperately in need of praise right now after completing the first ever non-lemon Kanako/Keitaro on , unless he's actually failed to find an earlier one, which is unlikely..........wait, isn't he always like that? You know, paranoid and stuff like that? Oh well. You people know the drill. And to those asking questions, please let him know your e-mail so he can answer said questions. It irritates him when people ask a question but don't leave any way of telling them an answer. If you'll excuse me........the baby is kicking again.......

Shinobu: *squeezing a Motoko plushie* Due to technical problems out of author-senpai's control, as well as a bad case of laziness afterwards, he has given me the final confirmation that there will be NO expansion plans. However, he still recalls the general plot of the 30 chapter expansion and would be glad to share said plot with anyone who asks. Just ask for it in your review and leave an e-mail. Also, he would like me to say "arigatou gozaimasu" and "gomennasai" to all of you who have put up with him and his babbling throughout this story.

Kanako: The poor man is desperately in need of rest. Between trying to fix his computer, re-formatting all his floppy disks, putting up with unbearable social situations caused by transferring to a new college, even I feel the urge to help alleviate these problems from his existence. *evil grin*

Shinobu: *equally evil grin* What are you doing with that knife?

Kanako: *winks* You'll see. *walks off*

Hours later.......

Author: Boy, I sure could use a thousand year nap right about now......

Kanako: Welcome back. How was your trip?

Author: Eh? Kanako? Why the sudden concern? Or are you Miho?

Kanako: Come now, surely you can tell between me and Miho-chan.......

Author: Kanako...*knocked down by Kanako's tackle*.....you've pinned me to the floor. I assume you're going to kill me now.......*evil grin*.....please make it painless.

Kanako: *sadistic yet foxy grin* It's time I gave you what you deserved.

Author: I am so dead. Why are you closing the door?

Kanako: I'd prefer to keep your punishment a.......private matter.

Later...........

Kanako: *licking her claws* Yum, tasty little soul. *turns to audience* Well, since everybody's been so nice in not flaming poor Baka, he's decided to plant a double whammy by posting the last two chapters at the same time. By the way, he wants you to review them separately, if possible.