Epilogue: Happily Ever After

Serena: Finally, it's over!

Starlily11: Until they decide to educate you on BSE, that is.

Serena: (Blushes)

Seiya opened his eyes to find that it was daylight, and sighed. It was time to get up again. Why did the sun have to rise so early? A soft moan from the form next to him seconded that. He smiled softly and faced her. She was still beautiful, even with her long golden hair messed up and in a state of disarray, her eyes cloudy from sleep. She smiled and snuggled deeply into his chest. His arms wrapped around her, and he softly kissed her forehead. Her fingers ran through his hair, which was loose and tumbling around him.

"Good morning, Odango," he said softly.

"Why do we have to get up?" she asked groggily.

"We could stay in bed," he said. "But Mina and Yaten will never forgive us if we miss their wedding."

Serena shuddered at the thought, and started to scramble out of bed. Seiya wrapped his arms more tightly around her. "No need to rush," he told her. "We don't need to be there until four." He glanced at the alarm clock, and promptly swore. It was two in the afternoon. Thank goodness those two had had a summer wedding and that college was out for the summer. They'd slept all day.

Serena looked and let out a screech. Both of them looked horrified. Serena would take about an hour and a half, and Seiya was known for being fussy about his appearance and taking just as long. Both scrambled out of bed and raced for the bathroom. After a furious scuffle, Seiya relented and let Serena go first.

Two Hours and Thirty Minutes Later

The couple slipped quietly into the respective rooms reserved for the groomsmen and bridesmaids. Mina was thoroughly annoyed, and Yaten equally so. Fortunately, both had planned for the couple's tendencies to be late. Therefore, they still had enough time to get dressed before the wedding started. A grinning Lita zipped Serena up, and Taiki straightened Seiya's tie while giving him a lecture about lateness. Seiya listened sheepishly, nodding his head at the appropriate intervals, and then completely forgot what his brother said. Serena took Mina's scolding in stride, knowing that her friend was nervous about the big day, and sweetly reassured her friend that she looked like a goddess and that everything would be fine.

Sure enough, the wedding went off without a hitch, and no one but those who were actually part of the processional had any idea that two members of the wedding party had been late. Seiya smiled at his silver-haired brother, silently congratulating him. Then, he smiled at Serena, who returned it by discreetly blowing a kiss. The preacher began to speak, and everyone fell silent, completely focused on the bride and groom. The happy couple said their vows and kissed, and then the reception began.

When Mina threw her bouquet, Serena caught it, and that set off a whole wave of rumors about the bridesmaid and one of the groomsmen with long black hair. Everyone had noticed the way the two looked at each other, and there was some major speculation that the two would be married within a year. Seiya grinned, but said nothing. Serena wondered if he was ever going to pop the question. She wanted to get married, but it wouldn't be appropriate for her to ask him. It wasn't done.

The Following Week

Serena sat quietly on the park bench in a flowing, cerulean blue evening dress that brought out her eyes. She looked at Seiya, who was strangely nervous and tongue-tied. He twiddled his thumbs for a few minutes, and Serena smilingly placed a hand over his. He smiled tenderly at her, and handed her a deep red rose that had appeared seemingly from nowhere. She accepted it with a smile, delicately breathing in the sweet scent. Then, Seiya left the bench and knelt in front of her, producing a blue velvet box from his pocket.

He opened it, and said everything he'd wanted to say. "Serena, I love you more than life itself. You mean more to me than anything in this world, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Serena looked at him with a loving smile, and answered, "Yes."

Lovingly, Seiya placed the ring on her finger. It was gold with a sapphire in the middle, surrounded by diamonds. It was elegant, but not ostentatious, and it suited Serena perfectly. The raven-haired man took her hands and smiled up at her. She pulled him to his feet and kissed him. "Yes, I'll marry you," she said again.

In answer, Seiya pressed his lips to hers, and fireworks flashed in their minds.