America the Mysterious (United States of America #1.5)

His American Wife (China) (Part 3)

Once more, if the wedding traditions are inaccurate, I apologize in advance. Also, if any of you get confused on what happens, don't worry, I got confused too when I researched this, and again, I'm not sure if this is correct.

Months have passed, and that amount of time had been...intense to say the least.

Despite being in the comforting environment that was her home, America found herself getting constant headaches and mental exhaustive episodes, all thanks to China. China, while using the wise decision of not being his usual self in her home, was still not pleasant to be around, as his very presence seemed to carry a darkness with it that spread to anything exposed to it.

Things had also been awkward, and America was not afraid to admit that she felt...embarrassed around the older nation. Of course, they hadn't really been that way when they were planning preparations for the wedding, but the times they weren't doing that was another story, and now America was starting to regret ever agreeing to this.

Though, speaking of the wedding, it was agreed that they would have a Chinese-themed wedding with a Western touch, with everything, such as the wedding attires, the decorations, and even the food, would be red, the color of good luck in Chinese culture. However, due to the fact that neither America or China wanted the normal flashy wedding themes seen in either of their countries, they were only going to be having a small wedding with only a few Chinese traditions, such as the tea ceremony.

America knew her boss and China's boss wouldn't have minded to fill in the roles in Chinese culture, but America didn't want to waste their time.

And it was definitely something she didn't want to expose her children to either.

Speaking of her children, they all stated that they wouldn't be attending the wedding both due to urgent affairs and because they didn't want to see their mother marrying a man they distrusted. Of course, they didn't say the last part, but America easily detected it.

She couldn't blame them though, and it would be easier for her if they didn't come, so she agreed.

Anyway, for the wedding, China agreed to let it take place at a nearby suite by the beach, believing the scenery would be good for the both of them, but in return the suite would need to be prepared for the three days of the wedding, while also going as far as to hire people who were familiar with Chinese wedding traditions.

As for the outfits, America would wear a long red dress with a red hairpin, along with red lipstick and red slippers. It was a beautiful dress that looked like it could hug her figure perfectly despite the fact that she hadn't tried it on yet, while China was to wear a regular wedding suit with a red tie and a pin full of lily flowers. It had also been decided that he was to cut his hair to look more formal.

America almost choked on her water at the thought.

Though, now that the wedding was getting closer and closer, America could feel her anxiety growing as she prayed this would not end up poorly, making the alliance void and useless.

Oh great Mother Gaia, she prayed the night before the wedding. Please do not let this happen.

~~~

Today was the day.

It was early afternoon, and America had been busy all morning getting ready. China was out, finding another place she'll have to go to when it was time, and now it was just her and the woman who was assigned to help her into her wedding attire and comb her hair.

Said woman didn't really tell her her name, though she was clearly of Asian (specifically Japanese) descent with her almond-shaped dark brown eyes, the matching hair, and pale skin. America also knew the girl had been living in Hawaii for years, in fact she had been born and raised here, learning not only about Japanese culture but also Chinese culture. She also worked with Chinese weddings, helping brides with their hair and attire, just like she was doing with America right now.

First, the woman helped America into her red wedding dress, and her early thoughts of the dress were correct, for it hugged her figure perfectly yet was modest, the slippers fit her feet perfectly and were comfortable, the lipstick brought out her eyes, and her bun looked elegant and regal, not counting the fact that the veil was hiding most of her face.

America really thought she was looking at another woman.

The night before though, the woman had combed her hair as was the custom of girls or boys reaching adulthood. While she did this, the woman incited something at each stroke.

"May your marriage last a lifetime. May you be blessed with a happy and harmonious marriage until old age. May you be blessed with an abundance of children and grandchildren. May you be blessed with longevity."

Each stroke made America sad, for the woman thought she was brushing the hair of a woman who was about to get married to the man she loved, when that couldn't have been anymore wrong. Still, she didn't want to destroy that, so she said nothing.

By the time they were finished, the woman eyed America, her eyes pleased and amazed.

"You look beautiful Miss," she said. "Your groom is so lucky to have you."

America did her best to not smile weakly. "Thank you."

Just then there was a knock on her door, and the woman was quick to answer it. On the other side was China, dressed in his wedding suit and looking quite dapper with how out of place he looked. The fact that his hair was cut also added to the affect, and America for a moment wondered if this man was really China.

His face told her so.

Behind him, a group of men stood, smiling tiredly but excitedly, and further behind them, a group of bridesmaids smiled in satisfaction and pride, holding various items. According to Chinese wedding traditions, the groom had to work to get to his bride's home, which the bridesmaids were for. Symbolizing the unwillingness of the bride's family to let her go, the bridesmaids would test the groom to see if he is worthy of his bride. After proving himself, he would go to his bride's home, just like China was doing right now.

He was smiling at her too, and without a word, he walked into the house in front of her, and after lifting the veil from her face, placed his lips on hers. His mouth tasted strange, though America supposed that was because of the foods he was forced to eat as part of the various tests the bridesmaids gave him.

In the end, she knew this was it. That kiss had just sealed their union. She was now the wife of China's personification, Yao Wang, a man who never truly cared about her or the people closest to him, a man who had witnessed more conflict that she, and who was one of the many nations who was cruel to her because of her made-up flaws.

Another existence, another misfortune.

After he pulled away, China looked at her and said in a low whisper, "Are you ready?"

America forced herself to smile back. "Yes." She then grabbed her bouquet, which consisted of lilies and roses, before following China out the door and into his car, which was a mini limo, all while a red umbrella was placed over her head to keep bad luck away from her. After helping her in, China climbed in after her and motioned for the driver to take them to China's suite to perform the traditional tea ceremony, the car moving shortly after.

As soon as the car moved, America felt she was heading to her own doom.

China eyed her, his gaze hiding nothing. "You look beautiful aru."

America nodded. "Thank you. You look quite dashing yourself."

China blushed, and was ultimately quiet for the rest of the ride, and America didn't know if that was a blessing or a curse.

She supposed it was both.