Her eyes light up as she intones the word eagerly, looking for all the world like an excited child. You struggle not to laugh.

"That's right. Cake. There's always a big cake, absolutely huge, richly decorated, and painstakingly assembled. It usually comes in a bunch of layers, with all the icing you could ever want, swirled into little decorative shapes, and at the top layer of the cake they sometimes put little figurines of the bride and groom. Once every has arrived at the reception, it's customary for the bride and groom to grasp the same knife together and symbolically cut the first slices of the cake, which they then feed to one another."

Yuyu lets out what sounds like a girlish squeal of excitement, her eyes now shining quite literally, a rich blue glow pouring from her pupils as she drops her cup and fan to seize you by the collar, and pull herself down to look you directly in the eyes.

"Let's do it," she proclaims giddily.

"Yuyu?"

"Let's get married!"

---

Nightfall finds you watching the stars as you take your nightly soak alone for the first time in ages, Yuyu having tired herself out by fussing over both the newlyweds in the house, and enthusiastically making wild plans for the wedding she was now dead-set on. It's kind of funny. When Youmu first announced her intention to marry, it made you think about marriage yourself. You wound up spending days, weeks trying to figure out how to propose to Yuyu, and just like that...

You laugh.

"Well, leave it to Yuyu to make the complicated matters easy for me."

Of course, she also makes easy things complicated. Then again, you do the same things for her; maybe that's why you make such a great couple. Such a great couple that you're getting married.

You're getting married.

Fuck yes! You're getting marrie--

Ow!

You rub the back of your head and take a self-conscious look around the room. Note to self: do not try to leap to your feet in the bath, no matter how ecstatic you are. Slumping back down into the water, you settle for a celebratory soothe-your-now-aching-head-with-hot-water. You can barely sit still, you're so excited; looks like Yuyu's enthusiasm has found its way to you after its previous host hit the hay.

"Alright! Let's make this perfect!"

Plans begin to lay themselves out in your head, although you'll have to take care of it all in the morning. First things first...

***

Where should you have the wedding ceremony?

[ ] Hakurei Shrine

[ ] Moriya Shrine

[ ] Somewhere else. (Specify)

[X] Moriya Shrine

{X} Moriya Shrine

[x] Moriya Shrine

If we want a modern ceremony, this is the place to go.

[x] Moriya Shrine

[x] Hakurei Shrine

I thought we had promised Reimu to have it at her shrine?

>>16608

Nope. All she said is that her shrine can do them. We never promised her anything about getting married there.

[X] Moriya Shrine

[x] Moriya Shrine

>>16612

What makes you so sure she married a man?

She could have married anyone.

Anyone.

[x] Hakurei Shrine.

Words cannot describe my smile as I saw your name here again, Patchwork. Love your work.

[x] Moriya Shrine

[x] Moriya Shrine

[ze] Moriya Shrine

We're damn for sure putting Reimu on the guest list, though. No sense in pissing her off with the whole shrine thing.

>>16647

We also have to put Siki and Komachi on it, as well as the Prismrivers.

Why not an outdoors event? Have it held somewhere no one else has had theirs. Somewhere that holds more meaning to you two, personally, than a shrine.

...But where...

>>16650

The bath?

>"Don't frighten me like that, Yuyu! You're supposed to be the one who protects me. My knight in frills and lace."

>"You haven't a romantic bone in your body, you know that?"
>"I haven't got any bones in my body."

I lol'd at both these parts.

Compromise suggestion:
[x] If we're doing it Western-style, doesn't the Scarlet Devil Mansion have that disused Western-style chapel in one of its closed-off wings?
[x] As for performing the rites, Sikieiki Yamaxanadu is more than capable of presiding, being a judge of the heavenly courts. Moreso because this is a afterlife marriage ("until reincarnation do you part" rather than "death do you part").

The one with the stained glass windows.

As for Youmu's waifu/husbando, SDM wedding would confirm/disconfirm Sakuya.

>>16655

Holy crap! Great idea! Changing votage!


[x] If we're doing it Western-style, doesn't the Scarlet Devil Mansion have that disused Western-style chapel in one of its closed-off wings?
[x] As for performing the rites, Sikieiki Yamaxanadu is more than capable of presiding, being a judge of the heavenly courts. Moreso because this is a afterlife marriage ("until reincarnation do you part" rather than "death do you part").

[x] If we're doing it Western-style, doesn't the Scarlet Devil Mansion have that disused Western-style chapel in one of its closed-off wings?
[x] As for performing the rites, Sikieiki Yamaxanadu is more than capable of presiding, being a judge of the heavenly courts. Moreso because this is a afterlife marriage ("until reincarnation do you part" rather than "death do you part").

Yeeees.

[z] If we're doing it Western-style, doesn't the Scarlet Devil Mansion have that disused chapel in one of its closed-off wings?
[e] As for performing the rites, Shikieiki is more than capable of presiding, being a judge of the heavenly courts. Moreso because this is a afterlife marriage ("until reincarnation do you part" rather than "death do you part").

Changing vote; will delete >>16647 later.

[O] If we're doing it Western-style, doesn't the Scarlet Devil Mansion have that disused chapel in one of its closed-off wings?
[O] As for performing the rites, Shikieiki is more than capable of presiding, being a judge of the heavenly courts. Moreso because this is a afterlife marriage ("until reincarnation do you part" rather than "death do you part").

[X] If we're doing it Western-style, doesn't the Scarlet Devil Mansion have that disused chapel in one of its closed-off wings?
[X] As for performing the rites, Shikieiki is more than capable of presiding, being a judge of the heavenly courts. Moreso because this is an afterlife marriage ("until reincarnation do you part" rather than "death do you part").

[X] If we're doing it Western-style, doesn't the Scarlet Devil Mansion have that disused chapel in one of its closed-off wings?
[X] As for performing the rites, Shikieiki is more than capable of presiding, being a judge of the heavenly courts. Moreso because this is an afterlife marriage ("until reincarnation do you part" rather than "death do you part").

adding

[x]Propose anyways.

Can't break tradition.

Alright, I've dawdled long enough. Moriya Shrine wins 8 to 7 against the write-in. Writing now.

shit, I would've changed mine to that

[X] Moriya Shrine.

***

"We'll do it!"

Sanae slams her hands down onto the table so hard that you can hear the wood cracking beneath them, and her eyes shine like those of a child who's just been handed the biggest piece of candy they've ever seen. Without warning she practically springs across the table and seizes your hands, gushing with excitement all the while.

"Two spirits trapped in eternity, finding love with each other! It's so romantic! A perfect happy ending!"

She spins away from you and onto her feet, neglecting to let go of your hands until after she does her turn, and yanks you forward far enough for your stomach to collide painfully with the table in front of you, and with nearly enough to force to flip you over it; as it is, you just end up with your head bouncing off of the hardwood surface, launching you back into a sitting position. Sanae stands with her back to you, trembling, and just when you think you might be able to recollect your wits, she spins back around and lets out what amounts to martial roar, her fist clenched and raised to the heavens in determination, and her eyes blazing like flames.

"I'll handle this ceremony perfectly! You won't regret coming to Moriya Shrine for this!"

With that last cry, the shrine maiden tears out of the room like a tornado on speed, bowling you over in the process as she flat out leaps over the table during her exit. You lie dazed on the floor for a minute or so, trying to get your head to stop spinning. Once the world is kind enough to stabilize itself, you haul yourself back into a sitting position and stare bewildered at the two goddesses on either side of the table.

"What... what just happened?"

Kanako is too busy howling with laughter to answer your question, but Suwako is more obliging, even if she is sporting a grin.

"Sanae always did love romance; back when we still lived on the Outside, she would collect all sorts of romance novels and comics. She tried to hide them from us, but she even brought a bunch of them over with her when we moved here! Getting to conduct marriages always excites her, but a special marriage ceremony for a couple in your circumstances? It must be like she's living the dream! Ah, it fills me with joy to see my little girl acting like a little girl again, even at her age!"

Suwako wipes a tear from her eye, still smiling. It would normally be heartwarming, but the fact that her hat appears to have watery eyes as well is creepy enough to distract from that. As Suwako launches into a rambling reel of reminiscences, an activity that Kanako can't help but join in once she recovers from her bout of laughter, you ponder what it is exactly that you've just unleashed.

Well, at least she's dedicated.

---

You stumble out onto the main path of Moriya Shrine, having finally escaped from Kanako and Suwako, and their endless deluge of embarrassing stories about Sanae's childhood. Not to say you don't enjoy that sort of thing, but you've just got so much more on your mind right now. You've finally got the marriage set up!

You hop, skip, and jump from one darker flagstone to another - the lighter ones are hot lava - in excitement. This is wonderful! Now that the ceremony itself is in order, you have to start thinking about the attendees...

Wait. There's a very distinct problem with the attendees that you had overlooked in your excitement.

This is Gensokyo.

"Where the hell am I going to find a best man?"

***

Where the hell are you going to find a best man?

[ ] That shopkeep from the forest? Not a chance in hell. That guy is weird.

[ ] One of... one of the girls? (Specify)

[ ] Someone else? (Specify)

[ ] Anything but a Genji joke.

[X] Komachi




what?

>You hop, skip, and jump from one darker flagstone to another - the lighter ones are hot lava - in excitement.

Greatest game ever.

[X] Someone else? (Specify)
[X] Belmonymous

>>16705
Thus far the only other Anon(?) to get married. Wait, scratch that, there was Nanaya in BKC/TS1.

>>16712

Nobody likes him, though.

>>16712

On a semi-related note, the only CYOA character I know of to have kids is Nemo, whose offspring is also a CYOA character.

>>16689
>You hop, skip, and jump from one darker flagstone to another - the lighter ones are hot lava -
Hakunon? More like Hanako.

[X] Unzan

[ ] One of... one of the girls? (Specify)

[ ] Yukari

[X] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)

[O] One of... one of the girls? (Marisa Kirisame)

Why not? Also, depending on how you look it she's the biggest chick magnet... and the tuxedo'll do fine on her.

>>16730

Does Belmonymous even exist in this story?

>>16731

Have we even SPOKEN with Marisa? I think the only time she appeared in the game was during the welcome party, and she only had three or four lines at the most...I don't think Ghostnon knows anything about Marisa.

>>16732

I would think so...that's why Patchwork provided the "Someone Else (Specify)" option.

Although, if he's not available...let's find out...


PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!

[x] One of... one of the girls? (Youmu)

Yukari's probably gonna be maid of honor

>>16733

To make it clear, most anyone is available for most anything. The ministory is set quite a while after the main story, and it is assumed that Hakunon has had enough time to adapt and meet everyone. He's closer to the HLA main cast, of course, but he knows most people at least in passing. Gensokyo's endless parties helped to assure that.

Plus, the ministory is just for fun, and bogging it down with too many restrictions would just weaken it.

[X] Someone else? (Specify)
[X] Belmonymous

Fuck yes then.

[X] Someone else? (Specify)
[X] Belmonymous

Then again...perhaps first impressions can be wrong...

[x] Someone Else - Belnonymous (or whatever Patchy decides to call him)

[X] Someone else? (Specify)
[X] Belmonymous

I'm not much of a crossover fan.

Just don't actually call him "Belmonymous."

Please.

>>16744

That'd have a feeling, to me, like when he said Hakunon "looked like a... trap."

I can't help but feel that that was one of the cheapest parts of the whole story.

[X] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)
Because I don't want any crossover faggotry.

[X] Someone else? (Specify)
[X] Belmonymous

[?] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)

>>16752

This is awesome.

[x] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)

[X] Belmonymous

>>16752
Why must this comic be so awesome?

I love whoever draws those images for this story. The Yukari + Yuyu one was gold.

[x] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)

[X] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)

Of all the characters... Belmonymous? Seriously? You all don't even have good enough taste to invite someone like K.C. or...

Now I can't stop imagining how truly awesome a toast delivered by Sigurd would be.

>>16767

Then, change your vote and go for Sigurd! If it's awesome, then go for it!

[X] Someone else? (Specify)
[X] Sigurd

Anti-crossover fags be damned.

[X] Someone else? (Specify)
[X] Belmonymous

Because EoSD was COOL.

> Belmonymous
no good will come of this

> Sigurd
this would be agreeable

But I already voted for Komachi and I'm not budging.

I hope Belmonymous gets a flashback triggered as he delivers his speech, and goes into "DIE MONSTERS!" mode

[B] Someone else? (Specify)
[B] Sigurd

[x] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)
>Because I don't want any crossover faggotry.

[X] One of... one of the girls? (Komachi)

Alright, Big Sis Machi Machi takes this, nine to eight. Update may be delayed for some time tonight, but I'm going to get started on it now.

>>16802

Ah, well. There goes any hope for Machi-nee as Yuyu's Maid of Honor...I guess Youmu or Siki will be an acceptable substitute there...and we can still ask Belnonymous to be on our side of the ceremony.

>>16804

Wouldn't Yukari, her best friend, make a better fit?

>>16805

Maybe, but I see a couple potential problems with having Yukari as the Maid of Honor:

Problem 1: Yukari is not known for her...responsible nature. A level-headed person like Youmu, Siki, or even Ran would, potentially be a better candidate to take care of the arrangements for Yuyu.

And before you say it, I know that Machi-nee is not known for her responsible nature, but for the most part, that's okay here - the irresponsible best man is a familiar wedding trope. And really, all she has to do plan the bachelor party...which we might not even HAVE, and if we DO, it's a PARTY - Machi-nee should be right on board.

Problem 2: Yukari MIGHT NOT EVEN BE AWAKE when we decide to hold the ceremony. Or are we going to let HER determine when WE can get married? I don't think so.

>>16808

I don't know, Yukari and Yuyuko are very close friends. For something as important as a wedding I'd think Yukari would serious the fuck up.

>>16752

If I haven't said so already, I love this to bits. Saved.

***

[X] Komachi

***

"I'm telling you, Machi, I really have no idea what I'm going to do about this."

You take aim and cast the stone in your hand out over the Sanzu; five skips before it sinks beneath the surface.

"Definitely a tough one. Probably doesn't help much that you spend all your time around women though, hot stuff."

Komachi sounds amused as she flicks her own stone out to the mercy of the Sanzu; six skips.

"I don't--" Yes, yes you do.

"I can't--" Actually, you could help that.

"It's not my fault that I'm surrounded by charming women," you finally say, throwing out another stone; nine skips.

"Aw, don't sell yourself short, kid. You're plenty responsible for so many women spending time around you," Komachi says with a laugh, leaning over and pinching your cheek affectionately. "Trust me on this one; after all, I'm a charming woman myself, aren't I?"

"No doubt," you concede readily, tossing a third stone; only four skips.

Komachi, looking very pleased at your response, flashes you her signature grin and ruffles your hair with a flourish.

"You see? That's why women are always hanging around you; and since you've got so many of them, you might as well rely on them!"

"So what are you saying?" You think you know where this is going, but you dare to give her a hopeful smile.

"I'm saying," Komachi throws her arm around your shoulder and gestures confidently to herself with her free hand, "that I'll be your best man, kid!"

"You're a life saver, Komachi," you remark with a wry grin. "Even if you don't fit the description of best man at all," you add, giving a playful poke at her very womanly chest.

"Don't worry about that bit," she says with a laugh, slapping your hand away, "I've got a plan to cover it."

"A plan?"

"That's right, a plan!" Komachi springs to her feet, and cracks her knuckles. "It'll take a little work, but I'll show you just how well a woman can play best man!"

With a hard stomp, she sends a rock flipping into the air. Pivoting on one foot, she snatches the tumbling stone out of the air with a dramatic, dynamic spin, whirling about in a single lightning fast rotation before releasing the projectile and sending rocketing out over the Sanzu like a bullet; the stone skips across the river more times than you can count, faster than you can keep track, leaving a trail of giant plumes behind it as it vanishes into the mist. Looking over her shoulder at you, her eyes glitter with supreme sureness.

"I'll blow all the best men before me clean out of the water!"

---

"So you're really sure that Siki is going to be just fine with you skipping out on work to come here?"

"It'll be fine. I'm sure she'll understand. I've got to get this prepared just as soon as I can after all."

You watch Komachi with amusement as she brushes off your poorly disguised warning with a simple wave of her hand, all the while leaning coolly against her scythe without a care in the world. While this is heinously irresponsible of her, you can't help but love her for it; she's sure to get punished, and she damn well knows it, but it hasn't deterred her from springing to your aid in the least. Hasn't even made her hesitate. At the very least, you hope that Miss Margatroid will get home before too long, so that Komachi can get her order in quickly... not that your grasp on reality is tenuous enough for you to believe that Komachi will get back to her job as long as she has the slightest excuse to be away.

Speaking of getting clothes tailored, though...

With a snap of your fingers, your clothes instantly reconfigure themselves into a sharp black tuxedo; the blue dress shirt underneath the suit is good, and you quickly polish one of your cobalt butterfly cuff links to a shine. You had conceived of the outfit already, and you thought it looked snazzy enough for the wedding, but you had wanted to get an outside opinion on it. Striking as elegant a pose as you can think of, you flash Komachi a grin.

"So, how do I look?"

"Oh ho! Very nice, my friend!" Komachi smiles as she says it, stepping forward to adjust your black tie slightly. "Good to see one of us has the appropriate threads!"

You heave a sigh of relief, and relax a little.

"You wouldn't believe how worried I was about this looking right," you say with a weak, relieved laugh.

"I think understand," Komachi says warmly, "after all, this is-- well look at that! That puppeteer didn't keep us waiting long!"

You look back over your shoulder and spot Miss Margatroid coming into view above the treeline of the clearing around her house. Looks like you came here at a good time.

"Wait here for a minute, and stay just like that," Komachi remarks hastily. "I want her to get a look at you; wouldn't do for us not to match at the ceremony, right?"

As the ferrywoman takes to the sky and floats off to meet Miss Margatroid halfway, you feel one more burden lifting from your shoulders. You've got a best (wo)man who you know will do you right, and she seems quite confident that Miss Margatroid can tailor her a suitable... suit. That's an important little preparation, and it's out of the way.

Now, however, you find your mind turning to the tasks you still have to sort out. You'll save the pi?ce de r?sistance - the cake - for last, naturally. The matter at hand now is... the rings!

***

What should your wedding rings be like?

[ ] Describe the rings! Make them however you like!

[x] Picture Related. Replace the middle design with a mixture of Yuyuko's butterflies and the cloud design from "Hakunon's" normal outfit.

>>16822
So gaudy~ but oh well.
[x] What 16822 suggested.

>So gaudy~
Not as gaudy as others I've seen. I think it's perfect.
[x] What 16822 suggested.

[Q] >>16822

[X] >>16822

[X] >>16822

[x] this only with a pink garnet stone instead-so as to look like a cherry blossom in bloom

for Yuyu of course

[X] >>16822

>>16839 looks more like an engagement ring to me.

Who the fuck is Youmu marrying.

[x] >>16822

>>16841

Me

[x]

...why not?

>>16849

Definitely going to have to call Yukarin to grab a few bags of thesee then from outside escpecially since Yuyu is likely to consume several even before the wedding ends (:

Although, if Hakanon still wanted to do the whole genuflection and proposal thing, this would make a good ring for that (:

>>16849

Oh god my lungs...
And it's just silly enough to get some laughs out of it.

[x] >>16822

>>16839
Good idea, but yeah, it looks more engagement ring-y.

Although honestly, I'm not too big a fan of gold; silver and platinum are way prettier.

>>16843
hurrr

Hakunon in this story is a mirror that has increasingly come to reflect Yuyuko's soul, in part because he himself hasn't got one. That's why they act so similarly, and get along so swimmingly. This is why it makes sense from a storytelling perspective that his inner monologue is now closed to the reader, as was Yuyuko's from the beginning.

They will attend Youmu's wedding. They will have their own wedding. Then, after many, many happy years, they'll... forget. The ring, whatever form it might take, will get misplaced, lost, or be worn until its material gives out, or even thrown away in a fit of caprice or temporary jealousy, something which is likely to happen over the course of millennia. Its significance will be lost. The memory of the event will inevitably be lost, in their minds, and in that of their friends, over the generations and as relationships drift in and out. But they'll still be happy together for the reason they're happy together now, even if they can't remember specifics of how, or why, or when, or what.

Their (un)lives are truly eternal, the both of them. That much is certain. The location of the only thing that could seperate them, Hakunon's soul, will be stay buried in the increasingly soporific mind of the one who will always be Yuyuko's oldest friend, as certain as Yuyuko's own body will stay buried beneath the Saigyou Ayakashi. A true friend, who in doing so will have made sure she's provided for her friend's happiness, even after she yawns her last yawn--inevitable, though it may take many eons to happen.

They'll forget, and have many more happy years together. (It's not their memories of each other that make it so; otherwise, it wouldn't have happened to begin with.) And then, as they are now, they'll be musing on the pact made between their current generation of gardener and another person who will make sure there will be another generation of gardener, and the novel thought will enter their minds that they should have their own marriage. It will be full of pomp and cheer from their friends and acquaintances, whomever they then may be.

The cycle will go on. Maybe not in a perfectly predictable manner, but it will go on. It must go on, because while they themselves are eternal, every thing and every person, every memory, and every thought, feeling, and intention that makes up their experience is passing. Excepting, of course, each other.

[x] >>16849

It's nonsense, but that's what their existence is, and will always be, being one of eternal transience. A thing as ephemeral and airy as the clouds in the sky, though its taste on the tongue be that of cotton candy.

So, should it be surprising to the reader that he reflects on this with a bittersweet sentiment, knowing that they really will 'live happily ever after'?

>>16849 for laughs, but then
>>16822 ,
saying "No really, will you marry me?"

>>16856
Romantic nihilism.

I never thought I would need to create such a phrase, but there it is.

>>16856

That's beautiful in a sad sort of way.

>>16856
Sir, I do believe I hatelove you. Be you a tripless author or a verbose anon, take up your pen and write more - for the good of us all, for the love of God, write more! You're an inspiration!

Sorry for the lack of updates. I had a bit of unforeseen circumstances yesterday. Nonetheless, I am back, and I am writing.

On a related note, please do me a favor, Anon. Never buy jewelry.

>>16822

This would be the ring for hakunon, right?

[X] This little beaut

Perfect for Yuyu?

>>16912
>On a related note, please do me a favor, Anon. Never buy jewelry.

...

[X] That one ring.
[X] With some minor adjustments.

***

You examine the rings critically. They seem like solid work, and your specifications were followed quite well. Simple gold bands, with a platinum stripe down the middle of each, decorated with small butterflies and cloud patterns. The design was based on another that you had seen somewhere, with some alterations to make it less appallingly gaudy; for one, you got rid of the diamond cut on the gold to keep ot from looking like cheap tinfoil; the rhodium plating on the platinum had to go too, as the stuff shines enough as it is; the sole embellishment on your part came in the form of changing the originally simple pattern on the platinum into a series of butterflies and clouds to match the emblems that you and Yuyu typically chose for yourselves. Okay, using platinum instead of silver might have been an embellishment, too. Regardless, the resulting rings didn't blind you with reflected light like original designs might, but that was a small price to pay for the much more tasteful appearance.

"Alright, looks good. Looks great," you admit with satisfaction, "though I'm surprised you managed to find something that fit my specifications."

"Of course I could," Nazrin proclaims proudly, thumping her chest. "After all, a great treasure hunter has to know all about the people that make treasures too!"

"I guess you could say that those people are a treasure in their own right, couldn't you?" You snap the ring box shut, a satisfying click assuring you that it's secure. "Well, thank you for your services, Miss Nazrin."

"Sure, sure, just don't forget about my payment."

"Alright, alright, just give me a minute."

You're going to need two hands for that, so you'll have to stow the ring box away. You don't really want to just pocket it, and risk it falling out, so...

Firmly grasping the box, you slam it into your chest, sending it rocketing into your body, where it lodges itself about where your heart would be. Nazrin looks a little put off by the display, but you don't expect her to understand. Having a hollow body is one the biggest advantages to being a ghost; you can store things so easily, and you don't have to haul all those organs around with you all the time! You never really realized how heavy those organs were until you became a ghost.

As for her payment... you shift around a little, and the lower set of snaps to your jacket undo themselves enough for it to spread open. To save time you quickly graft your skin to the garment, allowing your stomach to open like a second pair of jaws. Amused by that thought, you allow each side of the gap in your jacket and stomach to sharpen into vertical rows of jagged points. Ha! It really looks like you've got a sort of second mouth there.

Well, best not to fool around any longer.

Reaching into your stomach, you retrieve the box of cheese you had been keeping in cold storage, the flickering pale blue flames that seem to make up what little real substance you have licking at your hands and the edges of the box as it exits.

"One large box of Gouda, as requested," you remark as you hand her the box.

"Yeah... yeah." Nazrin takes the box with a rather odd expression on her face, and turns to fly off without another word. The poor little mouse girl looks rather shaky, and it makes you pity her a little. Wonder what's got to her.

At any rate, you look down at your new pseudo-jaws and make them bite a few times in amusement. Finally they close themselves, a few small licks of blue flame leaking through as they return to normal and your jacket's snaps fasten themselves properly. Speaking of things that need proper refrigeration, you had probably better get around to that cake now.

***

Who should you get to make the cake for the party?

[ ] Lily Black

[ ] Sakuya

[ ] Ran

[ ] Ruukoto

[ ] Youmu

[ ] Someone else. (Specify)

[ ] Make it a collaborative effort!
-[ ] Specify the girls you want involved.

[X] Lily Black

The cake will be awesome and the fairy will get some much needed attention. Plus, it's advertisement for her establishment.

>>16932
[X] Make it a collaborative effort!
-[X] Lily Black
-[X] Youmu
-[X] Eirin
-[X] Ruukoto
-[X] Ran
-[X] Wriggle
-[X] Yuuka
-[X] Sakuya
-[X] Alice

More than the rings, the vows, the music we choose, dress code, what we serve to the guests in the reception, so on and so forth... this cake needs to be perfection incarnate. Pull all of the stops and let no expense be spared. Lily Black and Youmu need to provide the culinary prowess to give every layer, filling, frosting, and coloration the highest degree of refinement and flavor. Eirin is on commission to provide whatever flavors and textures that wouldn't normally be available in Gensokyo (I imagine something on the order of mandarin orange ginger would be somewhat difficult to ordinarilly obtain). Ruukoto's mechanical precision will be necessary for the intricate decoration necessary to make each and every layer of cake a work of art that will make people feel faint of heart at the thought of consuming something so beautiful. Ran's mathematical prowess will provide the calculations behind supporting and creating a wedding cake that will probably need to be 10 seperate layers and 10 feet high (at the least, to support all of Gensokyo plus Yuyuko and still provide a commemorative piece to hold on to... as futile as it may be). Wriggle and Yuuka need to be present to provide aesthetically perfect models of the cherry blossoms and butterflies that will become the over-arching theme that tie together the decorations on the cake. Sakuya can contribute to the culinary effort, as well as keeping the finished product in temporal stasis to maintain optimal freshness and to preserve the flavor. Hopefully she has an ornamental knife to serve as the cutting implement as well, though something from Youmu would be preferable. Finally, Alice will construct the representations of you and Yuyuko that will adorn the the acme of this mountain of cake.

Some people think that too many chefs spoil the broth. Maybe... maybe. I've yet to meet one that refused to make a Portal joke here

[X] Lily Black

Oh c'mon, the ring wasn't that bad.

>>16935
[x] That.

[X] Lily Black

[ ] Lily Black

[X] Lily Black

[X] Make it a collaborative effort!
-[X] Lily Black
-[X] Youmu
-[X] Eirin
-[X] Ruukoto
-[X] Ran
-[X] Wriggle
-[X] Yuuka
-[X] Sakuya
-[X] Alice
-[x] Kaguya

>>16935
>Sakuya can contribute to the culinary effort, as well as keeping the finished product in temporal stasis to maintain optimal freshness and to preserve the flavor.
It's Kaguya who does preserving and time-stretching. Sakuya can help with the cooking.

>>16932
>allowing your stomach to open like a second pair of jaws. Amused by that thought, you allow each side of the gap in your jacket and stomach to sharpen into vertical rows of jagged points. Ha! It really looks like you've got a sort of second mouth there.
I'M GETTIN' HUNGRY, HOMBRE!
How very perfect for Our Wife, The Death Sentence.

[X] Lily Black

[?] Ran

I~m gonna make a tofu cake~ just kiddin~

[O] >>16935

[X] Make it a collaborative effort!
-[X] Lily Black
-[X] Youmu
-[X] Eirin
-[X] Ruukoto
-[X] Ran
-[X] Wriggle
-[X] Yuuka
-[X] Sakuya
-[X] Alice

Just do it.

[x] >>16935

>>16935

Completely stupid

>the rhodium plating on the platinum had to go too
Patchwork is apparently a jeweler in real life. Seriously, how does one identify a micron-thick covering of a semi-translucent metal from a .jpg file?

[X] Lily Black

Ever heard the expression "too many cooks spoil the broth," Anon? It's actually a metaphor. They spoil cakes too.

[X] Lily Black

[X] >>16935 but with the Kaguya suggestion from >>16947

This. This. A thousand times over, this!

[X] Lily Black

Calling it for Lily Black with nine votes. Writing soon.

>>17058

Hooray!

[X] Lily Black

***

"Lil," you say, assuming an earnest tone, "I need a cake."

"Bottom shelf of the display inside. The prices are put up next to each cake," Lily responds in a bored tone, flipping another page of her book with one hand, and spooning herself another mouthful of her newest creation - looks like some new variety of ice cream, milky white with swirls of pale brown in it.

"You're not listening, Lil. I don't need a cake. I need a cake."

Snapping her book shut and placing it on the cafe table, Lily fixes you with an indifferent, mildly exasperated stare. She allows herself a thin smile, then calmly scoops another load of ice cream into her mouth. Pulling the silver spoon from her between her pursed lips, she holds it up and rolls it between her fingers, watching it turn as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. Her throat pulses lightly once as she sucks down the thick cream in her mouth, and her tongue quickly darts out to wet her lips.

"So," she says disinterestedly while still watching her spoon, "you need a cake."

"That's right. A cake."

"And what, may I ask, is so important that you just have to have a cake?"

"Marriage. Yuyu and I are getting married, and we need a wedding cake. It would be important enough in any other wedding, but for one with Yuyu, it's absolutely vital that only the best of the best is brought in."

Lily remains silent for a few moments, and thin a little sneer crawls across her face.

"Marriage. Of course." She leans back in her chair, shaking her head. "The ghostly princess, and her spirit lover, bound together for their soulless eternity. How disgustingly sweet. It's a perfect little - and I loathe this phrase - fairy tale," she spits, "happy ending."

You sigh. Maybe Lily wasn't the best person to come to for a romantic affair like this one.

"Fine. I'll do it. I'll make your cake. It'll be the best damn cake ever made."

Wait, what?

"Don't give me that look," Lily says, turning her head away. "I'm just letting you stay in that little dream world of yours where true love conquers all for a little bit longer. If I let you get your hopes up, it'll hurt all the more when they all come crashing down."

You feel a tension that you hadn't realized had been building in you drain away.

"Thanks, Lil."

"Whatever." The fairy just waves your gratitude away with a dismissive gesture of her hand. Climbing to her feet, she walks off toward her cafe. "Feel free to come crying to me when you're crushed by the weight of your own idealism. I'll try to keep myself from laughing too hard."

Even though her parting words are harsh, you can't but think she looks a little more cheerful than usual as she steps into her shop.

---

"Finished!"

You seal the last of the wedding invitations, marking the end of your preparations for the wedding, and let yourself drop forward onto the table in minor exhaustion. Your hands ache from all that writing, even if there aren't really any muscles to be found in them, and monotonous work tends to tire you out - it drains the spirit, after all.

A sudden light weight, and a pair of arms encircling your neck inform you of Yuyu latching onto you. She leans over your shoulder and smiles happily at you.

"Such a hard worker," she coos. "Should I help you relax, now?"

Without waiting for your answer, she begins to massage your shoulders. A shudder runs through your body at her fingers digging into you like that.

"That's real nice, Yuyu," you purr happily. "Did you finish your preparations, too?"

She hums in affirmation.

"All done!"

It looks like everything is taken care of, then. The only thing left to do now is sit back and relax with Yuyu until the wedding. You feel a giddy little rush at that thought.

"My, my, you two seem even happier than you've been all week."

You open your eyes, finally realizing they had drifted shut, and give the newcomer sitting across the table from you a sleep gaze.

"Hello, Yukarin."

"Yukarin!"

You and Yuyu greet the blond youkai together, but don't do anything to move from your current position. Yukari doesn't seem to mind, however, smiling at the two of you just the same, and soon assuming a position identical to yours, leaning forward and lying partially on the table.

"My, that looks nice; I should have Ran do that for me when I get home. Are the two of you taking a break from organizing the wedding?"

"We finished," Yuyu announces in a pleased tone. "Everything is all taken care of! That's why he gets this reward!"

She punctuates that statement with a deep push against upper back that makes you groan in appreciation. Good grief is that ever heavenly.

"Ah! That's perfect timing!" Yukari proclaims in a satisfied tone. "We just finished our preparations for your wedding too!"

You and Yuyu look quizzically at each other, then at Yukari.

"Come now! You can't tell me you've forgotten about the bridal shower and the bachelor party! It took a lot of time to organize them, you know."

At the sound of those words your blood, in so far as ghosts have blood, runs cold. You had told Yuyu about bridal showers, but you had hoped to avoid having a--

"What's a bachelor party?"

Yukari perks up at Yuyu's question, a smile spreading across her face, and a mischievous, sinister gleam in her eyes.

"He didn't tell you about bachelor parties? I'm shocked; they're an important part of Western weddings! Before the wedding, the prospective husband is given a bachelor party, where everyone celebrates his movement into married life. It's a wild night of drinking, and flirting, and promiscuity, and the groom's last chance to make a fool of himself publicly, and fool around with other women!"

"I had no idea!"

Yuyu stops her massage in order to embrace you from behind again, and leans forward farther so that you don't have to look over your shoulder to meet her eyes. Speaking of her eyes, they're glimmering with amusement.

"Did you avoid telling me because you were embarrassed about it?"

"Not exact--"

"So cute!"

Yuyu suddenly rubs her cheek against yours affectionately, snuggling up to you all the while.

"You don't have to worry about that, silly! Since it's tradition, I'll give you a one night pass! You can go and do whatever you like during the party, no matter what it is! I know how important fooling around with other women is to you, after all!" She laughs a bit as she says the last words.

"Yuyu," you whine. That's mean.

"Well, you heard her!" Yukari jovially interjects herself back into the conversation. "You wouldn't want to disappoint everyone who put together your bachelor party, do you?"

***

[ ] But you really don't want a bachelor party! You just want to kick back and relax until the wedding.

[ ] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[ ] Just make sure to keep yourself under control. You don't want this getting out of hand.
-[ ] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

Didn't see this one coming.
[X] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[X] Just make sure to keep yourself under control. You don't want this getting out of hand.

[X] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[X] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

Ohhh Lily Blaaaack~! And... and... uh... whoever else!

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

Woohoo! Free pass! Yuyuko is the most understanding woman in the world!

>Snapping her book shut and placing it on the cafe table, Lily fixes you with an indifferent, mildly exasperated stare. She allows herself a thin smile, then calmly scoops another load of ice cream into her mouth. Pulling the silver spoon from her between her pursed lips, she holds it up and rolls it between her fingers, watching it turn as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. Her throat pulses lightly once as she sucks down the thick cream in her mouth, and her tongue quickly darts out to wet her lips.

Goddamn! I hope Lily's at the party!

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

You had to have known this was going to win.

Also, I get the feeling Yuyu's going to be tapping Yukari's ass like nobody's business while we have our fun.

[X] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[X] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

[X] Well if you must, you must! A bachelor party it is!
-[X] This is your last chance! If you're going to have a bachelor party, you might as well capatalize on it and do all the things you wont have a chance to do after tonight!

This story is quite warm and fuzzy. Put me in a better mood just by reading it.

Also, I think certain individuals are going to be there to get their piece of the soon to be wed.

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

[X] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[X] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

This is bound to be interesting.

[X] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[X] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!
-[X] Just make sure you give Yuyu the same privileges for her bridal shower/bachelorette party.

>>17079 must come to pass.

I like how everyone thinks that Yuyu is serious about that one night pass.

>>17102
She did almost have sex with Yukari right in front of us.

Speaking of which, we should ask Yukari to keep her company during the party, if you know what I mean. And if she turns it down, tell us IMMEDIATELY.

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] Just make sure to keep yourself under control. You don't want this getting out of hand.

Hopelessly pissing against the tide.

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] Just make sure to keep yourself under control. You don't want this getting out of hand.

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] Just make sure to keep yourself under control. You don't want this getting out of hand.

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] Just make sure to keep yourself under control. You don't want this getting out of hand.

[z] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[e] Just make sure to keep yourself under control. You don't want this getting out of hand.

I look at it like this: We draw the line at actually jamming it in.

But, anything up to that point is probably fair game. And I mean pretty much anything.

That's got to be a satisfactory compromise, right? You can't tell me you don't want to spank Tenshi, get blown by Lily Black, get a titjob from Komachi, a hairjob from Kaguya, god knows what kind of craziness from the Prismrivers, a tailjob from Ran, a footjob from Shikieiki, or put it in Hina's fine, fine ass?

Really, Anon? You'd turn down that kind of crazy, hedonistic variety? And that's just for starters.

This anon makes no guarantees that any of the girls named above will necessarily be available, inclined to, or willing to perform any of the aforementioned acts. God only knows what Patchwork has planned.

Between the prevalence of votes for going wild, and >>17109 as an explanation from someone voting for restraint, can I assume that >>17109 is the general attitude toward the party?

>>17111

No, I'm afraid it's not.

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

I voted to go wild and >>17109 is even a bit further than I thought it would go.
But a tail job is fine too.

>>17111

Yes.

[x] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[x] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

I vote under the assumption that Patchwork is neither Teruyo nor Kira in disguise.

>>17111

Sound good to me (>>17101)

>>17113

Well, when I say general attitude, I truly mean the general bit. That is to say, a willingness to engage in more than a moderate degree of debauchery, while at the same time steering clear of actually dipping your noodle.

Either way, I'm calling it for "going wild" at this point, I just wanted a somewhat more concrete idea of how far you all were willing to stretch it. Update isn't likely to come until some time tomorrow - the bachelor party transitions into the wedding and the wedding reception rather smoothly, so this is liable to be a long update, maybe even the last of this ministory.

>>17111

I'm all for go wild as long as it doesn't mean fucking every living and/or non-living thing he sees. I just assumed heavy drinking and flirting.

"We're two one WILD and CRAZY GUYS!!"

Sorry for the delay in getting this up, but I've been waylaid by a sudden surge of allergies. It's blown my sleep schedule apart and left me less than productive. Still, I don't want to leave you guys hanging, so give me a few minutes and I'll have the bulk of the next update posted; this will get the bachelor party itself out of the way.

[X] Well, if you must, you must. A bachelor party it is!
-[X] This is your last chance! If you have to have a bachelor party, you might as well capitalize on it and do all the things that you won't have a chance to do after that night!

***

"... alright," you concede with a sigh. You might as well go out for one last wild night. "It's not like it'll be all that bad, right?"

The grin Yukari gives you is less than reassuring.

---

You stand, with some degree of aprehension, before the gap that Yukari has opened for you. The prospect of a bachelor party in Gensokyo had been causing you to look to this night with a mounting dread that mixed with your eager anticipation of the wedding that would follow the next day, resulting in a conflicting sort of hybrid between joy and horror. Suffice to say, you're not at the top of your mental game at the moment.

Well, this is just one more trial to face, and who knows? For all your worries, it just might be a little fun. Steeling yourself, you attempt to prepare for what you're about to face.

"So, what can I expect tonight?"

"I don't know," Yukari confesses cheerfully. Not the most comforting thing to hear. "I was rather busy planning for Yuyuko's bridal shower, so I thought I would save some time and delegate this party to someone who would have even more fun planning it than me."

Wait.

"You didn't plan it? Then who--"

A sharp push from Yukari sends you tumbling through the gap, and your world is briefly replaced by a maelstrom of colors and staring eyes. Just as abruptly, you find yourself stumbling disoriented into a darkened hall, your swimming vision making it impossible to ascertain exactly where; you never could get used to gap travel. As you steady yourself against the wall, a familiar voice greets you.

"If it isn't the man of the hour!"

Oh no. Oh gods no. Not her.

"Hello, Mima."

You lift your head in exasperation, catching sight of the green-haired beauty who's come to meet you... and do a double take. What the hell is she wearing? It looks like some bizzarre cross between her usual magician's garb and a french maid uniform, calculated and cut to reveal as much of her bare skin as possible without actually showing the goods; what little non-erogenous flesh it doesn't display openly is covered only by translucent cloth. Her usual pointed cap has been swapped out for a blue top hat tied with ribbon, and worn at a jaunty little angle that renders it surprisingly alluring. Is that a choker... no, she's wearing a damned collar! How the hell did she get a necktie on underneath that? And... oh, merciful heavens, stockings; delicious, delicious stockings with sexy, frilly little garter belts.

She lets loose a rich laugh as she struts up to you, swaying her hips provocatively.

"What's the matter? You may look excited to see me, but you sure don't sound like it."

She throws an arm about your shoulders and pries you away from the wall, forcing you to start walking and guiding you through what you can only assume is the Hakurei Shrine, all while pressing herself uncomfortably - or perhaps too comfortably - against you. You give her a tired smile.

"Mima, you're a darling friend, and I love you dearly, but you are the last person I ever want to see when I am trying to avoid having sex."

"Oh, you are just so sweet," she replies with another laugh, pinching your cheek. "I bet you say that to all the girls."

You let out a weak laugh of your own.

"Mima, that wasn't a complim--"

"Hey girls, look who I found!"

Mima steers you around a corner before you have a chance to finish your sentence, and a sudden chorus of cheers ensures that you won't be able to get back to it. Sure enough, this is the rear courtyard of the Hakurei Shrine, an area that sees its fair share of parties. A long table has been set out in the middle of the courtyard, covered in a wide variety of snacks and alcoholic beverages, and more curiously, an enormous layered cake. There's quite a crowd around the table, but before you can identify anyone present, Mima steers you toward a seat at the table directly before the cake.

Once you've been planted in your chair, the chatter of the table increases in volume, but Mima quickly gestures for everyone to quiet down, and surprisingly they comply.

"Alright now, I know you're all eager to get this party started," another round of cheers, "but I want to take this opportunity to say a few things. First of all, I'd like to thank our friends from the Scarlet Devil Mansion and Makai for helping us with preparing the food for tonight!"

Mima makes a sweeping gesture toward one end of the table, where you spot a group of youkai that you recognize from the lake mansion. Remilia, the little vampire girl who owns the mansion, seems to be quite satisfied with herself for being mentioned. You also spot a pair of girls that you assume to be the "friends from Makai," mostly because you don't recognize them at all, which fits in with the fact that you, surprisingly, have never heard of Makai. One of the pair is a girl with blue hair, dressed all in white, and the other is a blond girl in mostly black attire.

"They've also provided some of the service for tonight, so give them a round of applause!"

Most of the table obliges with a series of hoots and hollers.

"Speaking of service, everyone please note that tonight you'll be getting the top class service from Sakuya, Yumeko, and our very own Ruukoto!"

As soon as the words leave Mima's mouth, the aforementioned trio takes you by surprise and appears quite literally out of nowhere, all clad in a variant of Mima's outfit - rather than a top hat, each of them wears a traditional maid's hairband, and they lack the snazzy little cape that Mima wears. Ruukoto appears directly beside you, and meets your gaze when you look up at her with a soft smile and pink-hued cheeks. Sakuya, who you know only in passing, appears behind her mistress Remilia, wearing a vacuous smile and looking mildly oblivious; she always did strike you as a little off kilter. Lastly, behind the two girls that you were now sure were the Makai group, appeared a third maid, who you didn't recognize at all; a tall blond with a remarkable bust, and a uniquely distinctive red version of the uniform the other two wore. She doesn't look to share the enthusiasm of her peers, bearing a sort of sullen, almost traumatized expression.

"If you need anything, anything, feel free to harass them," Mima adds with a lascivious leer toward Ruukoto, causing the maid to turn her face away with a blush. "Next, I want everyone to thank our star attraction here for giving us an excuse for a really wild party! Apparently he's getting married or something, too."

The loudest ovation yet comes from the crowd.

"Lastly, I'd like to thank an old friend of mine. I needed a way to start this party with a bang, and she came through for me. Everyone, give it up for... Shinki!"

>>17295

Hooray!

With a dramatic wave of her arm, Mima directs everyone's attention to the cake at the center of the table. The enormous confection twitches once, twice, and then the top explodes off of it in a surprisingly musical fanfare; the music, though you have no idea where it comes from, continues as the cake's lid tumbles to the floor forgotten, and a pair of scantily clad women pop out the top of the evidently hollow cake. One of them you recognize as the assistant librarian of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Koakuma, a gorgeous redhead with a devilish appearance who you eventually learned was a succubus. The other woman who pops out must be Shinki. You can only see her top half, the rest of her being hidden in the cake, but you like what you see; even more alluring than the redhead beside her, Shinki looks to be a fine physical specimen, with an astounding figure, creamy, unblemished skin, sparkling pale blue eyes, and long silver-blue hair to match, complete with cute little side ponytail.

"Mom?"

Alice, who you now realize is seated next to the Makai pair, seems to be staring open-mouthed at Shinki. Despite her incredulous question, however, she is ignored as the partygoers let out another roar of acclamation.

"Thanks everyone," Shinki speaks with a sensuous lilt, her dulcet voice tinged with a heavenly exotic accent. "It's lovely to see you all. Wouldn't you agree, little one?"

"Yes, Miss Shinki," Koakuma replies in a mellifluous breathy voice, perfectly suited to the sort of bedroom whispers that succubi would have so much use for. "I'm so glad Miss Mima invited us. Aren't you?"

"Absolutely, little one." Shinki leans on the rim of the hollow cake, her eyes scanning the crowd while she smiles, until at last she locks gazes with you. Leaning forward now, she addresses you directly. "Now, are you the boy that Mima told me all about?"

You cough, and respond in a slightly hoarser tone than you had intended.

"Yes ma'am."

She lets out a divine little laugh, and you could swear you hear a throaty little purr before she speaks again.

"Oh, you are just the most precious little thing. You know, when Mima told me about you and your little wedding, I started thinking to myself that it's been far too long since devils like me and the little one here really did our thing. Yes, this was the perfect opportunity for us to spread our wings and tempt a man for the first time in ages. How about the rest of you?" Shinki suddenly stands up and looks around the crows, making a beckoning motion with her hand to encourage them answer. "You all remember the days of teasing humans, don't you? Wouldn't it have been waste for us not to toy with this boy a little?"

A choir of affirmations comes from around the table, several of the girls swinging glasses of sake in the air and toasting Shinki's sentiment.

"So, the two of us decided to get together and surprise the little boy. We hid in this cake here, but you know, it wasn't completely hollow," Shinki says, turning and wrapping her arms around the succubus beside her, who quickly returns the embrace. "Sitting in this for so long, we got absolutely covered in its thick, white, sticky cream."

"Mom?"

Alice's horrified shout is once again ignored, drowned out by a series of wolf whistles. The sheers only grow louder when Shinki dips a finger into Koakuma's flimsy top, scooping a load of what looks like vanilla icing out from between the woman's breasts, and sucks it off her finger in a very slow, very deliberately suggestive manner.

"It's delicious, but it gets in everywhere, doesn't it, little one?"

"That's right, Miss Shinki. I feel so dirty, covered in this sticky stuff. Can't we get cleaned off?"

"I don't know, little one," Shinki says coyly. "With so much of it on us, we'd have to get these clothes off to do any good. What do you think girls, should we take it all off?"

A howling affirmation is all Shinki needs to hear, and with a flourish she undoes Koakuma's top, a favor that the succubus librarian eagerly returns. You hear the sound of a cup shattering against the floor as Shinki's top comes fluttering down to rest on Alice's head. Realizing exactly what it is these two are here for, you have to fight to keep a grin off your face as you look up toward Mima.

"Strippers."

"I believe that's what they're called, yes."

"Mima, sometimes I don't know whether I hate you, or love you."

"Same difference."

---

You clink glasses with Suika, the latest of the partygoers to have taken up the seat next to your own. With the party in full swing now, most of the attending have been shuffling around, freely exchanging positions at the table as necessary to accommodate whatever latest form of entertainment any given group cooks up. Aside from yourself, the only people that have remained static are Alice, who appears to be undergoing some form of nervous breakdown, Yumeko, who seems to be preoccupied with offering Alice some weak encouragement, and Marisa, who has spent most of the party just blushing and staring down at the table.

"So you're saying this sort of party is customary on the outside now?" Suika queries, discarding her cup in favor of one of the many bottles on the table.

"Depends on where you are; how outrageous parties get is a bit of a cultural thing."

"Ah, that's just details," Suika waves her hand dismissively, "the point is that it's really impressive that humans have learned to ease up! Us oni have been getting way too tame with our parties lately; if humans are throwing bashes with this sort of entertainment, then we need to shape up!"

The entertainment she is referring to, of course, is the rather interesting display being put on by Koakuma and Shinki. Floating in mid-air above the cake at the center of the table, the two women have been engrossed in "cleaning" one another in a very intimate way. Right before your eyes, Koakuma arches her back and looses a satisfied moan, Shinki licking a trail up one of the librarian's icing-covered legs, straight to the junction of her thighs, where she lingers while displaying a little too much enthusiasm. You suppress a shiver.

"In fairness, you seem to have some interesting party games." You gesture toward one end of the table, where Suika's oni friend, Yuugi, is engaged in some sort of bizarre game with the tengu reporter, Aya. They seem to have one of the goddesses from the mountain, Hina, keeping score for them, so you assume there are rules to this game, but you sure as hell can't work out what they would be. The game seems to revolve around catching various other partygoers with a long cloth - which they've improvised with Yuugi's sarashi, you note - and wrapping them up, then yanking the cloth to send the captured victim spinning away like a top. Their latest victims are spinning so fast as to be indistinguishable, twin tornadoes that haphazardly whirl about the shrine grounds, colliding with various people, things, and frequently eachother.

"You want to have a go?" Suika produces her gourd, pulling the chain attached to it taut, and flashing you a toothy grin.

"I think I'll pass." You'd rather put off getting sick as long as possible.

"Your loss." Suika shrugs, fastening the gourd back onto her belt with an exaggerated sigh.

"Don't look so down," Koakuma's breathy voice draws the attention of both you and Suika, and you glance up to see that the succubus and her partner have discarded their earlier display in favor of sitting on the rim of the cake's topmost layer. "If he doesn't want to play an oni game..."

"... why don't the two of you join in our little game?" Shinki finishes for her compatriot.

With that, the two women hop off their perch, sliding down the cake to land neatly on some of the plates set out on the table. As they descend, small trails of glittering magic form in the air, lifting icing and toppings off of the large confection in order to deposit them on the two women in aesthetically pleasing arrangements.

"Last one to finish loses," Suika declares before you even agree, advancing on Koakuma with a leer that clashes badly with her young appearance.

That leaves you with Shinki. The silver haired beauty gives you a wink when you look her way. You're a bit hesitant to do this, but...

... well, why not? This is a bachelor party.

---

Red in the face from more than just the obscene amount of alcohol you've imbibed by now, you recline in your chair, and desperately try to keep your mind off the very naked Shinki grinding against your crotch. You're not having much success. You look around for potential assistance, but no dice; the oni and the tengu are busy with a(nother) drinking contest, the residents of the Scarlet Devil Mansion seem to be engaged in some form of strip-mahjong, and Koakuma seems to be entertaining the remainder of the partiers in a variety of novel ways. That leaves you only one recourse.

"Ruukoto?"

The maid comes up to you in a flash, surprisingly hearing you from across the table, and over the din. She bows low upon arriving next you.

"Yes?"

"I'm sort of pinned down here," you say, gesturing at Shinki. "Could I ask you to get me something to drink? Something strong?"

Ruukoto's cheeks flush pink, and what she says next leaves you feeling nervous.

"I see. Forgive me sir, but Lady Mima gave some very clear instructions on what to do if you asked for drink."

Taking one of the larger bottles from the table, the maid pops the cork and takes a truly impressive swig from it. Rather than swallowing, however, she turns and offers you a very sympathetic, nervous stare, then...

Wow, she has soft lips.

That's about the only coherent thought you can manage, and it leaves you slackjawed. Which makes it rather easy for Ruukoto to pry your mouth open with her tongue, and pour the large amount of sake in her mouth into yours. When at last she pulls away, you end up grappling for words. Until she starts taking another swig from the bottle.

"Ruukoto, you really don't need--"

She cuts you off again with another kiss, and this time you note with some alarm that she employs less reserve. You can feel her tongue actually poking and prodding at your own, attempting to rouse you into returning the kiss while she feeds you the alcohol.

"Lady Mima gave very clear instructions; I am not to stop until you have finished at least one bottle."

As the maid takes another pull from the now dauntingly large bottle, you give Shinki a helpless look.

"Help?"

That single imploring word is all you manage to get out before Ruukoto captures your lips again, this time closing her eyes and putting more force into her kiss. You note with dismay that Shinki's only response is to laugh quietly, and then direct Ruukoto's arm so as to bring the bottle of sake close enough for her to take a swig herself; with that done, Shinki leans in, plainly waiting for Ruukoto to finish her current lip lock with you. That really wasn't the sort of help you had meant to ask for!

---

"Girls, is this really necessary?"

"We get thirsty too, you know," Shinki replies, further unbuttoning your jacket. You shoot her an exasperated glare, then look up at Mima, who happens to be pinning your arms against the back of the chair, trapping you in your seat. In her free hand, she swings a bottle of sake about rather spiritedly.

"Relax kid, they do this all the time in the outside world, don't they? I mean, they even came up with the term body shot for it."

Not waiting for your reply, she holds the bottle out and over your chest, pouring the contents onto you. Cold! You suppress a shiver when Shinki begins licking her way up your body from your navel, failing spectacularly to actually catch most of the alcohol running down you. As her tongue reaches your chest, the sake she missed begins seeping into your sash and skirt, leaving a very important part of you very cold. You give Mima an irritated glare.

"You're not supposed to use a whole bottle!"

Your protest goes ignored, however, and a much more pressing matter comes to your attention. Specifically, the fact that Shinki is busying herself with pulling the bottom half of your outfit down.

"What are you doing?"

"It would be a shame to let all the sake that ran down here go to waste."

You think briefly to mention that sake is going to waste as she speaks, or that most of it has probably soaked into your clothes already, but then your lower garments come off entirely, and Shinki--

Erk!

---

"... and that's the way you're meant to eat a human!"

You fall back in laughter as you finish the third colorful verse of the oni drinking song, Yuugi continuing on to the fourth, and drawing a blushing little bluenette in a green cap into singing with her.

You should probably get back up, but the world seems to be seesawing around, and it's making it hard, so you just lie there on the ground. Kind of uncomfortable without any pants on. You should get pants. Appear pants!

No pants appear.

Everything below your waist just sort of fuzzes around, turning back into a tail. Hey, your ghosty tail is all plaid instead of black! Ha ha! That's funny.

---

A groan escapes you as you wake up; you may be mostly immune to the effects of hangovers, being a ghost, but the technicalities of it all escape you, and suffice to say that you have a bit of a headache despite your non-physical nature. You prop yourself up on one of your elbows and look around blearily. The sun is out, so the party is obviously over, and the partygoers are lying around the courtyard in varied states of undress. Except for Alice and the maid trio, anyway; those four all seem to be dressed properly - if you can the skimpy outfits the maids have been jammed into proper - and sleeping relatively peacefully.

A small yawn to your right alerts you to Shinki, who it appears must have fallen asleep next to you at some point. Rubbing her eyes sleepily, she soon sits up and stretches; still naked from the previous night, she's giving you quite a show. You bring your eyes away from the more intimate parts of her anatomy, and up to her face; surprisingly enough, her skin has a healthy glow to it, and she wears a rather pleased smile.

"How wonderful," she gushes happily to herself, "I feel a thousand years younger!"

"You seem cheery," you remark. Shinki jolts in surprise, and turns to look down at you sheepishly.

"Ah! I didn't realize you were awake!" Quickly, she leans over and helps you sit up straight; it's not, strictly speaking, absolutely necessary, but the gesture is appreciated. "How are you feeling?"

"Well, I reek of alcohol, woke up next to a naked woman, and am wearing plaid pants for reasons that are entirely unclear to me. The first two aren't terribly uncommon, but that last one has me worried. I didn't do anything too stupid last night, did I? My memory is a little fuzzy."

Shinki laughs a marvelously mellifluous little laugh.

"You don't have anything to worry about. Mima and I got a bit carried away when we were doing those body shots she suggested, but that was as far as anything went. I was with you all night, so I made sure nothing too improper took place."

Oh? That's a little surprising.

"Really? Thanks. I don't know what I'd do if I let myself make any real mistakes... or what Yuyu would do, for that matter."

"No need to sound so surprised, you know." She pinches your cheek and smiles. "I may be the goddess of devils, but I'm also a mother. When Mima told me that you were engaged, I thought I'd keep an eye on you; she's a wonderful friend, but she really gets carried away sometimes. I didn't think trusting an engaged man to her alone would be the wisest decision."

"Good call," you remark with a wry smile. Shinki giggles a little.

"Still," she gives you a wink, "I have to say that I almost had second thoughts. I haven't had fun like that in ages. Having everyone looking at me like that really took me back to my younger days; I used to have so many admirers, devil and human alike, showering me with gifts, listening to my every whim, satisfying the more... carnal... of those whims. It's nice to know I can still have an effect on you boys. Maybe I should put myself out there more, start dating again..."

"You'd make a lot of men happy if you did," you offer. It's not just flattery, either; when she's not playing the part of a seductive stripper, Shinki seems rather sweet. Both sides of her are attractive in their own right, and if you weren't a taken man, you might be tempted to chase after her yourself.

Shinki pokes your nose playfully.

"You little charmer. You should be more careful about what you say; I'm still a devil at heart, you know. I think I'd better get myself away from you before I'm tempted to spirit you away."

With that, Shinki climbs to her feet, and gives a big stretch once again. This time, however, three pairs of large, pristine white wings sprout from her back, and curl around her body to hide her nudity; the wings are rather strange looking, with an almost draconian appearance despite their light hue. At odds with the wings, she also sprouts a short, black, pointed tail; if she were actually wearing something, the tail would probably be hidden from sight entirely. Strolling over to the table, Shinki approaches the sleeping Alice and shakes her shoulder lightly.

"Alice, honey?"

The puppeteer stirs, and looks tiredly up at the winged woman.

"Mom? I had the most terrible nightmare..."

"Did you? Well, I'll be happy to let you tell me all about it if you'll just be a dear and help your mother find her bra."

Alice's eyes widen, and she stares blankly at her mother for a moment, then falls out of her chair with a clatter. The poor girl seems to have fainted. From the way Shinki's tail is wagging, you may need to reassess your impression of her being sweet; she really is a devil.

On a positive note, the noise of Alice tumbling to the floor seems to have roused most of the other partiers. A loud mix of pained groans and muffled curses tells you that they all feel a lot worse than you do. The noise of everyone waking up, however, is soon silenced by a the loud sound of wood snapping.

That would be Reimu's gohei breaking to pieces in her clenched fist.

A deathly silence settles in, every partygoer now wide awake, and staring at the miko standing at the rear entrance of the shrine. When she speaks, it is in a strained, forceful tone that carries well despite her opting not to yell; good projection abilities, there.

"Mima," Reimu intones, barely suppressed rage bubbling under her otherwise calm voice, "when you said that you wanted to hold a party while I was gone, you assured me that it would be just like any other party held here. This is a bigger mess than anything I've ever seen, everyone is half naked or worse, and there are stains on my tablecloth over there that I don't even want to know the nature of. What the hell kind of party did you have?" All through her speech, her words have been growing in volume, and now they hit a crescendo. "What the hell do you have to say for yourself?"

A pregnant pause hangs in the air, and then you hear Mima shout from somewhere across the table.

"Cheese it! It's the cops!"

Reimu lets loose a howl of untempered fury, and the scene turns into chaos. Everyone turns to flee in separate directions, bowling over others in their way, flipping chairs, and sending the contents of the table flying. Taking the opportunity to err on the side of caution, you use your talent as a ghost to fade from sight, and slip quietly away. This is definitely your cue to leave.

God damn Patchwork.
God damn.

That was awesome in every sense of the word.

>Shinki

Superb.

>>17300
>"Did you? Well, I'll be happy to let you tell me all about it if you'll just be a dear and help your mother find her bra."

I lost it so hard. This was one of the most entertaining things I've ever read. Bravo!

I...

Wow.

Poor Alice. Still, that was awesome.

>"Mom?"

I fucking lol'd.

Patchwork, as an avid lover of Shinki, I have to thank you greatly for that. There has been very little Shinki on this site and dear God do a Makai story please please PLEA--

Ahem. I enjoyed that very much. Good job. NervousbreakdownAlice was great and your Shinki is just awesome.

My god. Patchwork, that scene, and the fact that you included Shinki in it, was the most awesome thing I've ever read.

A thousand cheers for you.

I... I have no words!

... Well, except for these three.

That was awesome. Most fun I've had this week!

Oh man, god bless you Patchwork. That was a wonderful read.

Too much /e/ and not enough /h/ but lovely all the same.

I am utterly AMAZED. GJ.

>>17377

No need to fear, wedding night's coming up.

>>17379

But... but... Koakuma and Shinki...

See, this? This sort of thing is why I keep coming here. Bravo, patchy. Bravo.

Now I know that whatever batchelor party I can expect in my life, it will never be this.

Fuck you Patchwork.
Fuck. You.

Best bachelor party ever.

>>17374

Also this.

>God damn Patchwork.
>God damn.
That sums my reaction up quite nicely. Bravo, Patchwork. That was beyond excellence.

Mima's last line was really the perfect finisher.

Boring.

Patchwork you magnificent bastard.

That was goddamn beautiful and I couldn't stop laughing.

Patchwork you wonderful bastard.

I'm gonna keep bumping this to the top with additional comments so that other CYOA will be pushed down when they update. I love you that much.

---

Serenity washes away all the anxiety and exhaustion that took hold of you in the morning as you walk down the main road of Hakugyokuro. The pleasing warmth of the afternoon sun seeps into you, tempered by the gentle spring breeze, and the wafting scent of the blooming cherry trees soothes you. Walking in the gardens is always marvelous, but you've always loved the return trip down the central path most of all, for one reason alone...

As the manor comes into your sight, you spy Yuyu waiting patiently on the front porch, teacup at her side. The moment your eyes make contact she is on her feet, skipping quickly down the path to you. Before you know it, you've picked up your own pace, and swept forward to meet her; the two of you spread your arms in unspoken accord, finally coming together in a strong embrace, the twin pulses of your spirits resonating until you can feel hers just as well as you can feel your own.

Yes, Yuyu is where your heart is, and that means...

"I'm home."

"Welcome home."

Her lips brush against yours in a soft kiss, a simple, but nonetheless meaningful expression of love. You stand in silence for some time, just enjoying your closeness. These are the moments you cherish most of all, when you and your love don't need words, or actions, or anything other than simply being together.

The time you love sharing with her, the times that you want to share together in the future...

A small knot forms in your throat. It was something you had thought of ages ago, something you had dismissed as a silly, sappy sort of idea, but now you understand exactly why people do it. There's not much time left; this is your last chance to suggest it, your last chance to make it happen.

"Yuyu, how would you like us to write our own vows?"

***

I'm pleased to see that you all loved the bachelor party. Now it's your turn. This is the last action before this story draws to a close, so I ask of you: rack your brains, pour your hearts into it, and give it your all.

[ ] Write your own vows.

Some helpful tips for coming up with wedding vows:

http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/a/PersonalizeVows.htm

>>17639
>[ ] Write your own vows.

Most intimidating write-in ever.

oh god oh man

how do we summon all of the awesome write in-fags at the same time

Not exactly an answer, but some observations, contemplations, and other things to think about: First of all it was truly random, bordering on miraculous, that after we died we ended up on this side of the border, and that the first person we met was Yuyuko. Next, we met a lot of very beautiful and charming women, and even through all of that Yuyu was at the forefront of our mind almost the entire time. I think it was her childish-yet-motherly personality and willingness to share both casual and intimate experiences with us that won many over (having her guide us up to the roof to snuggle and admire the scenery, walking through the garden, and the tour of Gensokyo spring to mind). She's equally likely to play a game, want to be doted upon, hold you while you cry, or go on the war-path for your sake. Yuyuko supporters can fill in or elaborate upon the specifics here; I was/still am a Yukari man.

I also think it was the fact that we shared a very similar fate/experience as ghosts existing outside the karmic flow that endeared us together; there are very few people that empathize or understand such and existence. The relationship certainly hasn't been an easy one. For a while (still is?) the relationship was imbalanced: ghostanon truly in love with her in quite short order while Yuyu was unsettled on what this relationship was, pressure from the Yamas, and that nasty little crisis regarding Yuyu's influence over us certainly put us through our paces. I think it speaks to the depth and dedication to this relationship that we've managed to overcome these and are now willing to undertake a new 'life' together, bound eternally by marriage.

Also, while I know wedding vows are Serious Business, this has been a relatively relaxed and comfortable relationship: if there isn't at least some reference to Yuyuko's appetite, the vows will be a failure. Finally, we certainly wouldn't be here without the support, care, and love from those that we've truly been blessed with the good fortune of calling our 'friends.' They clearly deserve some love and recognition in this.

I'll stop here and save my good ideas for if/when we ever get to do the same with Yukarin~

Well shit. I will brainstorm something later, maybe tomorrow or tonight before going to bed. But this is something that all anons reading this story need to work on together. And thus, I give a small suggestion: at one point or another, Hakunon just have to say "Death was the best thing to ever happen in my life", or something to that effect.

>>17683
>Hakunon just have to say "Death was the best thing to ever happen in my life"

While the phrasing could use a slight re-wording, such would be a fine conclusion to our vow. I am envisioning something that begins with "My beloved Yuyuko..." ,[insert poetry about the highs, lows, and observations as to how madly in love we are with Yuyu], and "I would never have expected my life to truly begin after I had passed on..." (or some such). I'll take a crack on it later on~

Shit, this is hard. This is in no way complete, and it needs a lot of working.

>I...am an outsider. From where I come, death is believed to be the end of everything, and I used to believe in such thing. But when I died, I discovered how wrong I was. For some unkown reason, I ended up here, in Gensokyo; may it have been divine will, fate, or just coincidence, my soul came to Gensokyo.

>It was strange. When I woke up, the first thing I learned was that I had died. "I'm dead?", "What is this place?", "Am I flying?" and "Holy shit, I'm dead!" were some of the thoughts I had at the time; but the most important one was, of course, "Who is the beautyfull, pink haired woman?".

This is supposed to be the beggining or maybe the middle. Don't really know what to think of it, just posting it for now so we can start discussing the vows, you know.

>>17693

Do want to see what you can come up with.

I'm going to catch up on this story, and then I'm going to write-in your face off, Patchwork.

>>17660
Oh god so true. I don't even know where to start.

Michael Jackson is dead. We definetly need to have his ghost singing thriller on the wedding party. You know this must happen Patchwork. It was no coincidence the site was dead the day after Michael died.

>>17699
Micheal Jackson ghost at the wedding party? THat could be interesting. Though maybe a bit tasteless.

Also, didn't Hakuanon do the Thriller dance earlier, back in the main story?

>>17701

Yup. That's another motive for havng the King at the party.

>>17701

That moment was very special. I'll never forget that cause I think that's the best sence in every CYOA.

>>17703

You should read a bit more. I personally thought that a lot of scenes in the original SDMLA were much better, though that's only a personal opinion.

>>17703

>every CYOA
>implying this scene is commonplace

Ran Yagumo engrish is excerrent.

[X] "My dearest Yuyuko, in the presence of our friends and family, I take you to be my friend, my lover, and my wife. Whether it was a miracle, kismet, or something else that brought me to you... ever since I looked deep into your gorgeous eyes, I knew that I had found my soul mate. I never would have expected my life to truly begin after I had passed on, for today we will share a beautiful and brilliant future together as husband and wife My most sincere wish is to experience everything this existence has to offer together, with you by my side, and I at yours. With an adoring heart, dedicated mind, and tranquil spirit, I vow to love you, support you, care for you... and nourish you... in all of the good times and the not-so-good times, for as long as you will bless me with your love and companionship."

Notes: I know including "...and family" seems since technically there are no "actual" family members present, but I'll be damned before we don't acknowledge Youmu (and her husband) as a member of the family. I needed to comment upon her eyes as well, since they always struck as her most captivating characteristic in this story. Of particular note, I'd like it if the "and nourish you" part was something we could lean in and whisper into her ear before we conclude the vow. I think vows are supposed to reflect the nature of the relationship between the bride and groom. While there have been some sombre moments in the past, the playful and friendly nature, and especially the rampant teasing, are what stick out to me. 'Nourish' has some pleasant double-entendre attached to it as well, so all the better to me~ Finally, while a little cumbersome, the 'Heart, mind, spirit' thing is in tribute to Yuyuko's past concerns about controlling us. I wanted to remind her that all of our care and love is pure and genuine.

So yeah... I just want to get my say in before we go with Doc's write-in.

I had 'Thank You, My Twilight' by the pillows in mind. It's a brilliantly melancholic and powerful love song sung from the perspective of a man helplessly in love due to a chance encounter, fully aware that it could end at any time, but determined to enjoy it as fully and for as long as possible. That's my take at least.

>>17725 is good, but still needs that "Death was the best thing to ever happen in my life" line in there somewhere.

I'll wait to see what Doujin and anyone else comes up with, first, though.

Yeah, I'd rather wait for a good set of choices before casting a vote for anything.

>>17736
As the only person that has made an effort to offer a recognizable 'vote' for this choice (which is going on a week strong by now), this attitude is a little irksome. Instead of waiting for others to do the work, I think the best bet for this vote is to contribute to the discussion and options available in order to lay the groundwork for an epic 'GATTAI-DA.' Just because a single tripfag has declared his intention to compose a write-in does not absolve the long-time followers of this story from their duty of selecting the perfect wedding vow. The author has asked us to "rack your brains, pour your hearts into it, and give it your all." If this discussion goes down without even a modest debate over which aspects of the different votes are the best, this decision will fail. Miserably.

>>17745
He is right. I offered a write-in (provoked by the post in Norseman's thread) because have long enjoyed this story but dropped off after the Moriya visit. But I'm not the only one playing this game; we all are. Reader, is your chance to write your feelings and desires. Immerse yourself and forge the story as you see fit. Its a scene for you to make real, not an obstacle to get to the next update.

If you see an write-in you don't like, then alter it. Create your own. But just waiting for one to fall into your lap makes the experience shallow. If you love Patchwork's Yuyu, then show her.

/preach

(I'm still catching up on this thread)

I didn't read this story completely, so my opinion probably doesn't matter, but...
Were I a regular reader, I'd probably find this entirely too intimidating to write-in. Also, it requires something substantially longer than normal (unless someone did some kind of bulleted list, which would feel pretty weak.)

Please, don't chide Anonymous so. This shit is way over most of our heads.

Correction.
>>17763 neatly sums up what I feel, except I am a regular reader.

[x] "My dearest Yuyu, you mean more to me than I could ever express in words. Before we met I never truly lived, and now in death I could never imagine any existence without you. Every moment we spend together feels like a dream I hope to never wake from. You are more than my lover. You are my best friend whose companionship is my greatest desire and simplest joy. You are my partner in crime whose mischievous smile I could never deny. You are my soulmate whose soft words and touch can heal any wound. You are my strength and weakness, and I am thankful for every bit of it. I am the luckiest man in the world to have met you, and the happiest to be with you.
I vow love and support you with every ounce of my being. I pledge to walk beside you in every moment of calm and storm, in every world of light and dark, in every distance near and far. I swear to always respect you, and to never betray your faith in me. I give you my everything: heart, mind, and spirit. Please take them, knowing they shall always be yours. All I ask in return is to still hold you in my arms, for it is the greatest comfort ever known."

Was going for one that feels more...ethereal?
Personally I enjoy the previous write-in by Anonymous as well. Do what you will with it.

[X] Yuyuko, my love. I promise to be caring, faithful and loving, to be your shelter and your warmth, to be your companion and your partner in crime. I accept all that you are, all that you offer, and give all that I am in return.
The beautiful woman who makes my heart stop, the playful girl who leaves me breathless, the wonderful person who is my life after death. You are all of these things to me and more. In all that will come, in the good times and the bad, in happiness and sadness, in death and in life, I will always love you, from now until forever.

Not nearly as good as Doujin's but, well ... there it is.

[X] "My dearest Yuyuko, in the presence of our friends and family, I take you to be my friend, my lover, and my wife. Whether it was a miracle, kismet, or something else that brought me to you... ever since I looked deep into your gorgeous eyes, I knew that I had found my soul mate. I never would have expected my life to truly begin after I had passed on, for today we will share a beautiful and brilliant future together as husband and wife My most sincere wish is to experience everything this existence has to offer together, with you by my side, and I at yours. With an adoring heart, dedicated mind, and tranquil spirit, I vow to love you, support you, care for you... and nourish you... in all of the good times and the not-so-good times, for as long as you will bless me with your love and companionship."

Sorry Herr Doktor, I'm running with this one.

[x] "My dearest Yuyu, you mean more to me than I could ever express in words. Before we met I never truly lived, and now in death I could never imagine any existence without you. Every moment we spend together feels like a dream I hope to never wake from. You are more than my lover. You are my best friend whose companionship is my greatest desire and simplest joy. You are my partner in crime whose mischievous smile I could never deny. You are my soulmate whose soft words and touch can heal any wound. You are my strength and weakness, and I am thankful for every bit of it. I am the luckiest man in the world to have met you, and the happiest to be with you.
I vow love and support you with every ounce of my being. I pledge to walk beside you in every moment of calm and storm, in every world of light and dark, in every distance near and far. I swear to always respect you, and to never betray your faith in me. I give you my everything: heart, mind, and spirit. Please take them, knowing they shall always be yours. All I ask in return is to still hold you in my arms, for it is the greatest comfort ever known."

>>17820
I think they are all good, and no one write-in is going to make or break the story. Regardless of what happens we win. So Patchwork should just take one and roll with it so we get an update.

Alright. It's been two weeks now, or thereabouts, and I shouldn't really wait on this any longer. I may have asked a little much this time, so I appreciate the write-ins I did get; they're all fine, and I'll probably create some form of amalgam for this last update.

That said, this is going to be a big one too, and knowing me... expect the update to come either some time tomorrow, or on Sunday. Please wait warmly.

>>17830
Bugger; I seem to have waited a little too long. Well, since these write-ins are more of idea starters than actual votes, I might as well put in my feelings as well. Take what you can from it.

[+] "Yuyu?there's so much I want to say, and so much I've already said. But the truth is, you mean more to me than I could ever express in words. No matter what happens to us in the next month, or the next year, or a hundred years from now, dying will always be the best thing that ever happened in my life. I may have lost my soul along the way, but what I found was my heart?and I want you to have it."
[+] Have Komachi come up and present the rings (customary for the best man to hold onto them).
[+] "With this ring, I promise to never leave you or forget you. Whether you're near or far, happy or sad, hungry or?not quite as hungry, I'll always be there for you. Whether we're with friends or alone, in light or in darkness, in calm or in strife, I'll never stop caring for you. Even if we live, die, and live again, my heart will always be yours, and yours alone. Everything I have I give to you now, because you're the only everything I'll ever need."

Also a few of my ideas I came up with when writing the above; could help a little.

+ If you want less formality in your vows (as would be proper with Yuyuko's casual nature), use contractions, and don't be too preachy. The less words you use, the better. Talk less, say more. I just didn't see much of that in the other write-ins so far, and they felt a little too stiff because of it.

+ I don't think the phrase ?my lover? should be used. The word ?lover? has too many attached connotations with it, and isn't very proper to be mentioned at a wedding. "My love? might be better, but personally I think that one is too formal in its own right.

+ Try not to ?ask? Yuyuko to do things. The vows you make say what you will do for her, not the other way around; that's her job. You don't need to spend forever telling her you love her; she should already know that by now.

+ People make their own vows because that want to express themselves in ways the standard vows don't let them. Therefore, don't write up a bunch of melodramatic fluff that any groom could say to any bride. Make it specific.

Good luck on writing the conclusion, Patchwork! I may not have been there from the beginning, but it was a fun read all the same.

>>17838
Seconding everything here. And I think "my love" is fine to use once or twice.

[ze] The best possible combination of all of these.

[x] Just make Patchwork write it like he should have done in the first place.