The wedding (pg13)

Loika and the girls were changing at the house before the wedding which was by the lake. It wasnt anything crazy. Just them and some friends. Anyone from Xaviers was invited of course. Loika wrangled the girls into their dresses and worked on their hair. " Mackenzie Brooke Jackson you sit still right now. No shenanigans today missy. This is a big day for all of us. I just wish Eve was here..." The dresses for the wedding were grey and purple as were the flowers. Mackie pouted in hers, wanting to go play outside with Claire.

Peter felt nervous. Funny, jumping off a 200 story building didn't make him nervous, but getting married did. It was all the uncertainties that could happen after Peter bonds with Loika, which made Peter unsure of himself. But he did and always will love Loika for what she was, no matter what happens after they get married. Peter starred at himself in a mirror as he straightened out jacket. 

A door opened and Peter saw his sister walk in. A person he didn't expect to see till the day he died. "Hey, sis." said Peter as he turned back to the mirror. Sophia Jackson was Peter's older sister, except she wasn't a mutant. Sometimes, Pete would trade everything in his life to be with his family. But he knew that would never happen, not as long as he carried X-Gene.

"You look good, Pete." said Sophia.

I little form darted through the open door and pushed past Sophia. " DAAAAADDY!" Mackenzie squealed and jumped into his arms. She giggled and gave him a big sloppy baby kiss. Her dress was beautiful. It was wrinkled a little and her headband was crooked.Mommy had done her hair in a french braid with a ballet bun in the back. A little smear of chocolate was on her cheek as well.

" Daddy guess what! Me and Claire found cookies and we were playing outside and claire saw a bunny and she chased it and it was so cool shes really fast. I wanna be an animal tooooo!" She spoke like a hyperactive child, pumped up on sugar.

Peter turned to look at Sophia as she suddenly got pushed and Mackie busted into the room. Peter caught her and picked her up off the ground. "Sophia," said Peter, smiling. "Meet Mackenzie, my daughter."

"Don't get too dirty, alright? Where is Katt?" asked Peter. Time was closing in, and Peter would have to head down to the front, it was finally going to happen. He was going to make Loika happy. For the first time in a long time, Loika was going to get everything she wanted.

Mackenzie stared at Sophia while reading her mind. She was going through every memory and thought in her head like a flip book. She was talented and fast at it. When she was satisfied she stopped concentrating and looked up at daddy. Being out of the institute was helping her concentrate on being a child and she was developing more tendencies of her own age. She was still crazy smart but actually started to act her age sometimes. "Claire is eating the bunny." She jabbered on about something else for a few minutes then added a last part. " Mommy is so nervous she puked. She must love you alot if she pukes huh daddy?"

Jason was all dressed up for the occasion. And it was a special one too. It wasn't everyday Jason witnessed his students getting married and to be this close. But that's what Xavier Institute was for. To feel safe, belonged, to find friends and maybe getting married. The memories of Peter and Loika getting married and moving on with their lives, almost brought tears to his eyes. It reminded Jason too much of his loved one Helena, who was unfortunately gunned down by a random guy.

He shook his head and knocked on Loika's door. Not many people were probably going to show up, but at least Sara was going to be there to witness Peter's and Loika's union. "Loika, are you almost ready?"

"She's doing what?" asked Peter with a little surprise to his voice. "She's going to need some lessons on how to be more of human...and I know, I know, she's a feline. But that shouldn't prevent her from behaving like a human for a change. Go and tell her not to eat the bunny...or there'll be trouble." he turned to look at Sophia again. She was quiet, probably little intimidated being in a presence of mutants. 
"Something's bother you, sis?" asked Peter.
"I feel like someone is going through my brain, listening to my thoughts. Weird, I'm just being paranoid I guess."
"Don't worry, it's probably nothing,"
Peter shot Mackie a warning silently, before she takes off.

"Ok, I think I am ready," said Peter. 
"Listen Peter, I have to talk to you about something." said Sophia just as Peter was about to leave the room and head down to the lake.
"Whatever it is, it'll have to wait. My beloved needs me." he smiled as he walked out and headed for the lake where chairs were set up for the guests.

Loika opened the door. She was slightly paler than usual and looked a little shaky. " Hey Jason, come on in. Im dressed. Im just a little nervous. I sent the girls ahead so i could get dressed and think. I love Peter but what if im not doing the right thing, or he thinks hes not doing the right thing." She babbled quickly like she did when she was nervous.

"You look beautiful, Loika." said Jason as he looked at her and smiled. "I didn't see them yet, I am sure they are either running around, playing or with Peter,"

It was finally going to happen. Nothing was going to go wrong today. It seemed like only yesterday they met and now they were getting married. Surprising how time flew by, without them even realizing. "Don't worry Loika, you and Peter were meant for each other. I have never met anyone who was more compatible than you two. You'll be great, just don't let anyone think otherwise." he kept on smiling at Loika.

Loika wasnt normally a physical person. She was like a skittish wolf in that aspect. She wrapped her arms around Jason's neck in a hug. For being such a lean and skinny girl she had alot of power. Her hug was stronger than one might think. " Thank you jason, for everything. You have given us so much. You sounded exactly like my dad just now. I wish he could be here."

Eve had been away.Away from the world,away from her best friend,and certainly away from her own self.Things were happening so fast,and the next thing she knew,she was pregnant,and Loika was getting married.Eve had tried multiple times to get things under control,but nothing seemed to go her way.Everything just ended up being a mess.

Kas was almost always absent,leaving her behind in an empty and half destroyed house.Lakai had made sure to just destroy everything before she decided to kill her.Though whenever she tried to think of it,there was a blur and a blinding pain,so she never tried to remember.She didn't want to remember.These days were now over,and she had finally started a new life.Or at least,she tried.There wasn't much she could do,but whenever Kas was around,he would always be emotionless for some reason,and it was her duty to cheer him up.She never asked,he never answered.It was just that plain,but both of them understood.

His last visit thought was something unexpected.The days for her to give birth to Adam were close,yet,he had insisted on taking her out.Eve was known to be a whiny baby when it came down to Kas,but he had somehow dragged her alone,towards a place she was familiar with,yet couldn't understand why.The purpose was simple,but she still couldn't understand why he would want to do something like that.Taking her out on a picnic was the last thing she would have expected of him.Though the matters he wanted them to discuss were serious.He was practically asking her to leave everything behind,and follow him somewhere,in order to be safe.He had a point,and she knew that this was the best thing.But before they had the time to make any more plans,Adam decided to make his appearance.

The way to the hospital seemed like a comedy,while his birth was another long story.But everything went away the moment she held him in her arms for the first time.The way that little one was asleep in her arms.It was something she couldn't explain..the feeling...,but she was sure Kas pretty much understood.
This baby was more of a blessing than she thought.While giving birth to that little angel,her powers came back,giving her more strength.The moment he opened his eyes,on the other hand,had her breaking down in tears.Whatever doubts she might be having about the baby's father were gone the moment Adam looked at her.The same baby blue eyes that had been looking at her for so long,were now the eyes of her angel's.Adam was a little Kas,it seemed,but she had to wait for him to grow up first.

Going to Loika's wedding wasn't really something planned.Of course she wanted to go since the moment Loika announced that she was getting married,but with the recent events and the talk she had with Kas,nothing was sure.Well,let's just say that she persuaded Kas into coming to the wedding,along with her,even though he wasn't really interested in it.Just the thought of Eve going alone though,was enough for him to change his mind.

So here was Eve,dressed in a simple and elegant dress,holding her little angel in her arms.He had been crying a little,but she knew that this was natural.He had never seen that many people before,and he wasn't accustomed to the loud talking or music either.Kas was by her side,never leaving either of them out of his sight.He sometimes made her feel as if she was a baby herself.But she knew that Kas was simply worried.He loved them too much to lose them.

Leaving Kas with the baby outside,Eve made her way into the Institute,a weird feeling making itself known immediately.It felt weird just by being here,and she was thankful she didn't have to stay here long.
Asking around,she found out where Loika's room was,and headed there,imagining Loika's reaction when she saw her.This would probably be one heck of a surprise.

Reaching the room,she knocked a couple of time,holding in the giggle that was ready to escape her lips.Evelyn couldn't wait to hold he best friend in her arms once again,and she couldn't wait to show her the baby.Before she left...

Outside near the lake, Kas was looking out over the surface of the water, though his attention was focused inwardly. Resting snugly in the bend of one arm was a tiny, sleeping infant. Adam was blissfully unaware of anything going on around him, which Kas was thankful for. At least the baby wasn't going to give him any dirty looks for attending a wedding that was not his own.

The last few months were difficult, to say the least. Fighting a personal crusade to stop the hostility between humans and mutants, and doing the best he could to keep his first real relationship afloat. Not that Kelly was one to give into self-pity, though now that a second of peace had finally come, there were many things to contemplate.

"What is that? It smells funny!"
An excitable voice piped up behind him, making Kas jump slightly. Adam's little hand lifted for a moment, before he sunk back into comfortable sleep.

"Not an 'it', Katt. A he. His name is Adam."
Turning away from the lake, he looked to the teenage cat-girl who had come to the shore to look for fish in the water, even though she had been expressly told not to try fishing in her dress.
"You look nice today. Do you like living with Mackenzie?"

Katt grinned, flashing her pearly-white fangs.
"Sister and me play when she is not at school. Mommy and Daddy are good to me."

Smiling back at the girl, he nodded, glad to know he didn't have to worry about Katt. Not that it seemed like he ever did, since Katt ran from his burning apartment straight to the Institute to hide under Loika's bed. Katt fit in here well, and Kas didn't feel guilty about leaving her where she was. She had found her family, and he had found his.

"Can I see Adam?"
Edging closer, her orange eyes tried to get a glimpse of the small bundle in Kelly's arms.

Chuckling a bit, Kas thought it over.
"Hold out your arms."

A few moments and careful directions later, Katt was smiling from one pointy ear to the other while she stared down at the face of a sleeping baby.
"He is very small, and warm. Like the bunny I ate!"

"Uh.. yeah. Don't get any ideas, okay? There will be food after the wedding."

Sophia caught up to him as she grabbed him by the wrist, preventing him from taking the door knob. 
"It can't wait," she said.
"Don't, Sophia..." pleaded Peter. "don't spoil my special day."
Sophia stared at Peter for a brief moment and then let go of his arm. Peter turned left the room without saying another word to Sophia. 

Everyone was gathering at the event. There was Jason and Kas, even Eve appeared. He was sure she didn't show up for him though, considering they weren't on friendly terms at the moment. Soon, Sophia appeared at the chairs, where she took the seat. It was finally going to happen. The only person, Peter didn't see at the wedding was Lakai. Where was she?

Lakai showed up in the silvery bride's maid dress Loika picked out. Her cheeks were a little flushed from running here in wolf form but she was otherwise clean and presentable. She spotted her soon to be brother in law and walked up before the ceremony. As she passed Sophia she stopped and cocked her head. She could smell the familiar scent. She gave her a catty look and walked up to Peter. " So you are really ready to play house with my sister and the pup?Im impressed."She laughed.

Mackenzie appeared behind Eve and tugged on her dress. She had already snuck some cookies from the reception. Chocolate was smeared on her cheek. She giggled and hid behind Eve when she turned to see who it was. " Gueeessss whooooo" She said in Eve's head.

Shikon walked up behind Lakai as she was talking to Peter, and wrapping his arm over her shoulder kissed her cheek. Shikon smiled and held out his hand to Peter. "Long time coming I think. How've you been Peter? Are you excited about it all? I for one think this is going to turn out perfectly for the two of you."" Shikon's smiled broadened as he realized today was going to be a good day for everyone.

Peter turned to see Lakai. "Speak of a devil," he said as he saw Lakai there. She wouldn't want to miss her sister's wedding, and if she didn't plan on showing up, maybe she felt guilty. "As sure as I'll ever be." 

Maybe Lakai has changed, became much more softer. She didn't seem the same kind of person he was before. Lakai has become more of a social butterfly and not as aggressive toward her sister. Then, priest has came out and raised his hands upward.

"Welcome everyone, please be seated, so that we can start." he said.

"Are you ready?" asked Jason. He was going to walk her down to her groom. Seeing how she lost her father not that long ago, it was the least he could do. Wearing nice suit to her wedding, Jason felt very happy for Loika. Maybe, her and Lakai will grow closer together since Peter is going to be involved more in their lives now. There was no sign of Sara or Logan or Athena. They'll be here, Jason reminded himself constantly. They wouldn't miss it for anything.

Loika wiped some happy tears from her cheeks and nodded. " Im okay im ready. Lets do this thing." She sounded nervous but happy. She gave Jason another hug and put her veil on. it was a simple veil attacked to a clip in her hair. " I had a nightmare last night i shifted and my claws ripped my dress."

Sara trotted in looking beautiful as ever. She hugged Loika tightly around the neck and gave her a kiss on the cheek. " Sorry im late sweetie! had to finish up some last minute things but im here now. You look AMAZING!" She looked her up and down then frowned and smacked Jason on the arm. " What did you say to her to make her cry! You make her cry and i will have to redo her makeup"

The music started as Jason looked at Loika and smiled. Deep inside he wanted to cry as well, but wasn't sure if it would look proper. So, he kept inside. "It's alright Loika...we'll talk about it later, just focus on what's in front of you," said Jason. Then, suddenly he got smacked. He looked up to see Sara there.
"You are late, honey...I don't think that's forgivable. We'll talk later." He smiled.

Slowly, Jason started to walk Loika down the carpet, which led all the way to altar, where Peter stood. Everyone stood up and stared at them two. Nothing Jason didn't expect. He married twice now, so the process was far too familiar to him to be annoyed or embarrassed by it all. Besides, they were among friends and family.

Loika was walking toward Peter. She was the most stunning lady present at the wedding. The clock silently ticked and it seemed as if it was about to strike to where he will say, "I do". Maybe it wasn't going to be so bad, not at all. With Jason sitting right in front of them, it shouldn't be too hard. They will finally get to be happy. The memories of them two, seemed to fill Peter's head as he patiently waited for Loika reach him. The wedding probably wasn't as fancy as he has seen, but it wasn't about fancy any longer. All Peter wanted was for Loika to be happy and see that smile on her face more often.

loika nervously gripped Jason's arm tightly then realized with her strength she would probably hurt him if she kept it up. She loosened her grip and smiled. She was extremely happy. So happy a few tears spilled. She smiled at Mackenzie who was walking ahead of her and Claire standing with Peter. Mackenzie was fulfilling her duties as flower girl. She sprinkled white rose petals as she walked.

Mackenzie pranced ahead of Jason and mommy. She liked the way her dress went swoosh swoosh when she walked. She carefully dropped the petals on the walkway. She saw daddy ahead and grinned. The last few steps before daddy she ran foreward and hugged daddy's leg. " Its okay daddy. Mommy is cryin cause she saw you but its a good crying."

Loika was the only one that mattered to Peter. Everything around Peter melted into one perfect moment. It was as if everyone present just vanished into the thin air and Peter and Loika were the only ones remained standing.

Suddenly, Peter was shaken by someone wrapping around his leg. He looked down and saw that it was only Mackenzie. Peter smiled at her as he smoothed her hair and then took her hand. "I know, little one...I know." said Peter softly. The moment was closing in and Peter braced for it, like he was about to get hit by a large vehicle. Everything was going perfect.