Feels Like the First Time

Chapter Twenty-Five: Fashion Show

Mei continued to glare at my now permanently casted wrist while Hikaru and Kaoru carried the assortment of dress bags and shoe boxes into Ritsu's house. The impromptu fashion show had seen Ritsu more than happily relegated to his garden for the foreseeable future while Haruhi and I chatted idly waiting for the go-ahead from the three fashionistas.

"Did Mei tell you about the flowers?" I asked Haruhi as Mei huddled with the twins over her dress. She shook her head and I chuckled remembering the meeting. "So Ritsu and Mei came with me to meet the florist and finalise the decisions on flowers. Ritsu and the florist were so eager, would just not stop sharing gardening tips. I thought they were going to invite each other over to their gardens but Mei jumped in before they could. She was fuming. You know when she just freezes with her eyes wide? I left as soon as I could, but he was alive today thankfully."

"She can be terrifying when she's like that. I'm surprised she didn't get mad at the florist." Haruhi chuckled but shuddered upon remembering a time when she'd had to deal with Mei when she was so angry.

"Yeah, I managed to completely drag the florist away to talk numbers. I think Mei had a bit of a rage at Ritsu there but she seemed somewhat calmer just before I left."

"He's good at calming her down when she's overreacting."

"They're so cute. I love how well they fit together."

"Yeah, they've really grown up a lot in the past few years. I still can't believe that they'll be having a baby soon."

"I know, right? It's amazing but crazy. Oh," I gasped as I remembered the party over a month ago. "Did you go to see a Doctor? I haven't really seen you since then. I mean, I completely understand if you don't feel comfortable discussing it with me. More, I mean, I'm here if you want to talk about it."

"No, I'd actually appreciate talking to you about it. I didn't want to bring it up because I know it's not – well, I know that we don't know each other too well, and it's an intense subject."

"I'm more than happy to talk about it, well I'm happy to help in whatever way I can."

"It looks like they're nearly ready to show us Mei's dress. We could meet up in the week if you want. Well, if you're not too busy."

"I'd love to. Text me when you're free and I'll make it work." Haruhi smiled warmly at me as Hikaru and Kaoru made last minute tweaks to Mei's dress, still managing to obscure it from our view.

After a moment more of grumbled arguments about changes, the twins stepped away to reveal Mei adorned in a stunningly beautiful ivory dress with delicate lace and pearl embroidery and soft pink details. She grinned at us, a light flush on her cheeks as she flounced the tulle overskirt that fell in a translucent A-line over the curve hugging bottom of the dress.

"Oh, Mei," I sighed as a lump formed in my throat. I took a moment to catch my breath and gather my thoughts.

"It's so beautiful!" Haruhi nodded with a big grin. "You guys did such an amazing job." Mei grinned even wider at Haruhi's statement, her chest flushing with pride, a point that I tucked away for future reference.

"Yeah, I really did!" Mei chuckled with a wink as the twins sputtered in dismay.

"I'm surprised you two aren't getting emotional." Haruhi chuckled at Hikaru and Kaoru who grinned at her attention.

"We've seen her in the dress loads of time." Hikaru smirked at Mei who bristled slightly.

"We've got tissues ready for the big day though. This will be the last time we see her in the dress before then. Besides, everyone knows that the hair and makeup will completely ramp the look up." Kaoru interjected before Mei could get too annoyed at his brother. Mei and Hikaru nodded knowingly.