AUTHOR'S NOTE WARNING! This chapter contains SLASH! If you don't like that, don't read it! None of the other wedding stories are slash, but this is. Also, I'm not sure if gay marriage is allowed in Australia, but lets pretend that it's not.
DISCLAIMER Not mine. I don't know who they DO belong to, but it isn't me.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Bernadette Bassenger sighed when stepped off of the bus in Sydney, Australia. She was back.
Bob, her traveling partner, stepped down behind her. Craning his neck to look back at the bus, he commented, "Well, at least it's not pink. So where is this wedding?"
"It's not a wedding," Bernadette replied shortly. "It's a commitment ceremony."
"Oh." Bob followed Bernadette as she went to hail a taxi. He would never get used to that voice. No matter what Bernadette did, she would never be able to shed her masculine voice.
They were quiet as they rode through the city. "So what's the difference between a wedding and a commitment ceremony?" Bob asked.
"A wedding is legal," Bernadette explained as she cracked a smile. "A commitment ceremony's just for the hell of it."
Bob laughed. "And you and Trumpet…were you married or committed?"
Bernadette got a faraway look in her eyes. "We were married legally."
Bob put his hand over hers. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stir up any bad memories."
Smiling sadly, Bernadette just shook her head. "Don't worry, Bob. Trumpet will always be in my heart, but that doesn't mean I'll go raccoon every time you mention him."
"Excuse me?"
Bernadette laughed. "Never mind. It's fine."
Bob smiled and they sat in peace. It wasn't long before they'd arrived at a grand hotel in the heart of Sydney. "Well, here we are!" Bob announced. He paid the cabbie, then they made their way into the lobby.
"Can I help you, ma'am?" the receptionist asked.
"We're here for the Belrose/Whitely party," Bernadette replied, ignoring the surprised looks she received. "Can you point us in the right direction?"
The receptionist stuttered. "Of course. You've only just made it. The ceremony's due to start in only a few moments' time."
"Thank you." Bernadette nodded cordially to the woman behind the desk. Bob too nodded his thanks and directed the bellhop to bring their bags up to their rooms.
Outside of an ornate banquet room, Bernadette balked. "I'm not sure I can do this," she admitted.
Bob put a reassuring hand on her arm. "Sure you can. Just think of it as a big party with a few boring speeches at the beginning and a lot of wedding gowns."
At his words, Bernadette cracked a smile. "The boys do love their dresses, don't they?"
They laughed. "I can hardly wait to see what Felicia's wearing!" Bob said.
The door cracked open. "Neither of you will see what he's wearing if you don't get your buns in here!" Marion Belrose said with a teasing smile.
"Hello Marion!" Bernadette said, kissing her cheek. "It's lovely to see you again."
"Lovely to see you, too, but I wasn't joking! My ex-husband and his husband-to-be wait for no man or woman!"
Bernadette chuckled softly. "All right. Lead the way!"
Marion grinned and herded Bob and Bernadette through the doors. Bernadette gasped when she saw the banquet hall. "Oh Marion!" she breathed. "It's beautiful!"
"Why thank you, dear! Only the best for my favorite boys."
"Who's presiding over the ceremony?" Bob asked.
"I am, of course!" Marion said proudly. "Now hurry, on to your seats! You know Mitzi and Felicia won't wait much longer!"
Bob chuckled. "Come on, Bernadette my dear." They made their way to their seats, way up at the front of the hall. It was just in time too, for the pianist began "Here Comes the Bride" only moments after they sat down.
Marion stood at the fluorescent pink podium, watching the two brides approach. Bernadette had never seen her look so proud.
Anthony Belrose, called Tick or Mitzi Del Bra depending on his mood, came in from the left. His cream-colored wedding gown trailed a yard of sating behind him and bright diamonds sparkled on his wrists, reflecting on his blue and yellow bouquet.
From the right door came Adam Whitely, also known as Felicia Jollygoodfellow. His gown had no train, but was pure white and trimmed with lace. His bouquet was made up of delicate pink roses and white baby's breath. When the two stood together before Marion, there wasn't a single dry eye in the room. No one could have asked for a more beautiful couple.
They had written their own vows. Especially since the ceremony wasn't legal, Tick and Adam had gotten creative. Soon the crowd's tears of happiness turned to laughter.
And then it was over. The newlyweds were swamped by guests before they even left the alter. Bernadette fought her way to Tick's side.
"Congratulations Tick," she said, dabbing at her eyes. "I'm so happy for you!"
They hugged. "Thank you," Tick said earnestly. "He makes me happy."
She smiled. "I know. This is the happiest I've seen you in years." She wiped her tears away again.
Tick laughed. "Raccoon time again, Bernie?"
Bernadette laughed. Bob walked up just to catch the comment. "No one will tell me what that means!" he said, throwing his hands up in the air and laughing.