Allie
III
Today is the day, the day I will official be bound to all of my soulmates by law.
I am wearing a short red and gold dress, my hair is curled, and my makeup is done. A mirror before me says I am beautiful, but I'm too anxious to feel pretty.
"You okay there Siren?" The question breaks my daze and I carefully turn to face my gathered bridesmaids. It was Gabie who posed the question, she always takes care to say my old name.
Darcy Lewis, Jane Foster, Skye, Jemma Simmons, Lottie Lovelace, and Pepper were all scrambled for the impromptu wedding ceremonies in Vegas. They now sit behind me spread out onto two king sized beds.
At first only Pepper and Lottie were called, but then I insisted my new SHIELD friends and Thor's science friends be invited. I wanted to meet Darcy Lewis, a hacker who's helping Tony, and Jane Foster, the amazing astrophysicist; Thor is always gushing about them.
Tony flew them all here on first class red-eye flights at the request of Darcy. The brunette is bold and seems a little too trigger happy with her taser.
"Yeah you look totally freaked for a girl who's about to marry four superheroes," Darcy observes casually and I let out a breath of air.
"She's probably freaked because she's about to marry four superheroes, Darcy," Jane cuts in.
"Point."
"Life is crazy this way," I mutter and tug at my bodice.
"Yup, super crazy," Gabie agrees. I let it go quiet before inserting an offhanded and joking remark to make the girls laugh.
"Lucky for some of you, these weddings are starting at noon." It's a jab at the hungover ladies, mostly Gabie.
My bachelorette was last night and Gabie got a little crazy with the drinks after our laser tag showdown. I didn't drink, I don't like the taste of alcohol and I can't get drunk anyway. Age didn't factor in last night, the club we ended up at said being a hero was ID enough.
"Hey! I had every right to celebrate my best friend, who up until a year ago had no hope of marrying her soulmates much less meeting them, getting hitched to not one, but all four of her soulmates," Gabie defends and fluffs her hair. "And besides a hangover isn't anything Tylenol and makeup can't fix. Not to mention I suffered from migraines all through high school, so this is no big deal."
"Yeah you're right, you look amazing," I concur and side eye her. "You already looked top notch when I ran into you at like 3 am this morning."
"What can I say, I couldn't sleep," she responds.
"More like you didn't sleep because of a certain ar-"
"Shut up!" she cuts off suddenly and I smirk.
"Gabie? Allie? Have you gone of into your own secret world again?" Pepper asks and I snap my eyes to her with a sheepish smile.
"You know how we are Pep," I excuse and shrug.
"We're connected," Gabie adds with a secret smile on her face that says there is an inside joke to the statement. In her memories I can see the boy she and Tony met, Harley, making a point about his connection with Tony.
Cautiously I turn away from the mirror and face my guests and my Gabie.
"Which is why, Gabie, I'd like if you would walk me down the aisle," I request solemnly and Gabie gapes at me.
The gathered women go silent and stare in surprise, they hadn't expected this, neither had Gabie. The original plan was I ask Fury, as a joke, and then have Thor walk me. The god has always wanted to participate in a Midgardian wedding and I do owe him for saving my life in New York. Not to mention I have a newfound kinship with him ever since he caught me outside an anonymous support group meeting in my hometown. I started stopping by meetings on my way to Vegas and Thor wanted to check on me after the Dark World incident.
But I want Gabie by my side for this. She promised she'd never let me fall and I need her.
"Plot twist," Darcy breathes out.
"Yeah I'm in," Gabie agrees simply. "Already wearing a suit so we're good."
The girls clap and I giggle in euphoria.
"Oh yay! Now everything is perfect!" I squeal and clap my hands.
Gabie grins at me, a special expression reserved only for me, and gets to her feet. She walks up to me, careful not to ruffle my dress, and embraces me tightly. It feels overwhelmingly good to have her arms around me, to have her around me. Gabie is the only constant in my life, I need her around.
"I'm so happy," I sigh.
"Hi happy I'm Dad."
"Fuck," I swear upon the realization that I'll be hearing dad jokes all night.
"This is amazing," Darcy and Skye remark in sync and then high five. "We have to post about it!"
I don't think I've ever been more proud of myself for bringing together such an amazing group of ladies.
III
Gabie
III
It took ten minutes to get Allie and her entourage down into the lobby and then out to the limo pickup area.
Natasha, Bruce, Steve, and Tony were all waiting for us there.
III
"If the dress gets a little beat up it's fine!" Allie insists vehemently as she stomps forward. Bunches of it are clutched in her hands, despite it not being long at all, and she keeps glancing back as she walks to make sure it doesn't ride up.
Before us her soulmates stare with dilated pupils and faces in varying state of shock.
Allie finally tugs her dress and whips her face forward, her curls falling out of her face and revealing the golden and red makeup. I watch is amusement as the air leaves her lungs and she shakily smiles at her loves.
"Hey guys," she greets and waves.
They have no words, well no intelligible ones, however their minds swarm with gushing compliments.
Smiling I store their thoughts for Allie to see later, right now I need her focus. With a few snaps of my fingers I have the attention of the guests and the future spouses
"The name of the game is Sydrian Dream Wedding and the goal is get married in three hours at four different chapels. The first ceremony is Tony and Steve at an Elvis Chapel. The next is Tony, Steve, and Bruce. The third is Tony, Steve, Bruce, and Natasha. And finally the fourth is Tony, Steve, Bruce, Natasha, and dear Allison. She is going to have the longest and splashiest ceremony followed by a wonderful reception." I rattle off while wielding a metal clipboard and a fierce look. The gathered persons nod tightly and Lottie Lovelace, the insane organizer steps forward. "Take it away Pepper's Planning Princess." The brunette version of Pepper grins and pulls out her Stark pad to read off lists.
"Pepper, Tony, Steve, Bruce, Thor, and Rhodey you're in limo one. Jane, Darcy, Clint, Skye, Jemma, Gabie, Allie, Natasha, and myself will be in limo two. Other guests have a car service going to them or they plan on driving themselves," Lottie announces and I clap my hands for their attention again.
"Thank you Ms. Lovelace! Now all of you get in your designated limos!"
"Can't Allie and Nat ride with us?" Steve whines. Bruce, Steve, and Tony are all pouting at the fact Allie isn't in their limo.
"It's a good idea," Bruce agrees.
"Plus you guys all just got ready with her," Tony adds and makes grabby hands towards Allie. Natasha smirks and takes Allie's hand as she leads the blonde away.
"I'll see you guys at the Elvis chapel! Don't have too much fun without me!" Allie calls back and slides into the back of the limo, barely cautious of her dress.
"You guys have each other, so think about your vows and get in the limo," I demand. The guys grumble, but shuffle into the vehicle.
Once the limo's are loaded I hold up a timer and make a show of starting it.
"Time starts now!" Quickly I scramble into our car and slam the door. "Go! Go! Go!"
The driver, Darcy Lewis, slams on the gas and we go careening forward, making Allie squeak. Darcy is a self proclaimed amazing driver, however Thor begs to differ.
"Agent May and Maria Hill are meeting us there right?" Allie asks nervously. She is wringing her hands and her skin is a shade redder than it should be. "Along with Fitz and Ward?"
"Oh yes, May hasn't said it but she does love weddings," Skye jokes and Jemma laughs. "And Fitz and Leo are driving together so they can bond or whatever." Allie forces a smile and leans her head back against her seat. Her cheeks are flushed red now and I can see steam rising off her.
"Watch that fire Allie, Tony didn't have time to fireproof that dress and I'm pretty sure you don't wanna get married in your hero gear."
"Right." Allie inhales deeply and closes her eyes, seconds later her skin cools. "I'm just nervous."
"There's no need to be nervous Солнечный свет," Natasha assures and kisses Allie's cheek. Allie grins and almost purrs.
"Enough, you'll have plenty of time to purr at your soulmates once you're married," I chide. "Which you will be in three hours."
III
It takes five minutes to get to the Elvis chapel and three more for them to get us into a room.
An Elvis impersonator stands under a white marble arch waiting for the grooms.
Way in the corner Allie's favorite quartet is chatting and giving Allie thumbs up. I'm not entirely sure why the four random SHIELD agents are here, but Allie really enjoys their company.
Tony and Steve linger together towards the back of the room, awkwardly kicking and shuffling their feet.
In their heads I can see tons of worries and hesitations, but I also see that they both care for each other deeply. Scenes from the New York incident play in their minds, almost in sync. I can see when they first noticed the tension between themselves and when they finally pulled themselves into working together. They make a great team and I can tell they'll fall in love.
Stepping towards them I move engage them in the ceremony, but Allie cuts me off.
III
Allie
III
Gently I hold the hands of Steve and Tony in front of me, allowing their emotions to bleed through my skin and our bond. I can feel their anticipation and anxiety.
"I know this is nerve wracking, I can feel your worries," I begin seriously and squeeze their hands. "But I can also feel your excitement. There has been something here since you both met and you may not have realized you were soulmates then, but I think deep down you both felt it."
"You came in and saved my ass in Stuttgart and I knew; I knew that one of them was going to be you," Steve murmurs eloquently and Tony grins at the use of a swear.
"And when I saw a plucky blonde taking on a god I knew that one of mine had to be you. Only someone with that much courage and stubbornness could handle me," Tony returns. My heart warms at their confessions, and I desire to screech in joy at how this is falling into place.
Now I feel only enthusiasm from them.
"Now my loves, would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you down the aisle and up to an old singer who isn't even from your time, Steve?" I request and they both nod excitedly.
Hooking their arms in my own I take a brave step forward, kicking my dress out and holding my chin up.
At the end of the aisle Elvis is waiting and singing some song, not very well.
"Dooo youuu?" he sings to Steve and I raise an eyebrow at the haste.
"I do," Steve says and takes Tony's hand.
"Aaannd dooo youuu?"
"I'm down-I mean I do," Tony agrees.
"Theennn I proooonouunce yoou husbaaand and husband!"
"Cool Cap, we don't gotta ki-" Steve cuts off Tony by laying one on him, right there, in sloppy and shocking glory. A moment later when Steve pulls away Tony is dazed and beaming.
"Okay! First one down! Let's go people!!" Gabie calls and claps her hands.
"That was fast," Steve comments.
"Last time you'll ever say that about something I do to you," Tony remarks and Steve flushes. A fit of giggles comes upon me and I become weak to Gabie's lead away from my newlywed soulmates.
III
"Wow," I gasp, once again I'm in the limo. Now we are on our way to a casino chapel for the marriage of Steve and Tony to Bruce. "This really is a timed thing isn't it?"
"All part of the fun," Gabie responds. "Need something to relax?" I turn my glazed eyes to her and nod. She's holding lemon heads and fake wine out to me.
"The night we met Tony," I utter and she nods. "He stocked the limo sent for us with fake wine and candy, I ended up stealing all of it."
"Sounds like you," Natasha chuckles and I take this moment to admire her dress.
My beautiful red haired soulmate is in a larger dress than I imagined she'd want, but nonetheless she's stunning. It's a white dress with a flare around the waist and gold adornments framing the bodice.
Taking a deep drink of the sparkling juice I force my fire to remain calm and ease my adrenaline rush.
"Let's go for wedding number two."
III
Gabie
III
Thirty minutes since this incursion first started we come to the second chapel, in the middle of a wild casino.
"Considering my issues I think this decision of locations was a bad one," Bruce shouts, over the chattering people and ringing slot machines.
The agents of SHIELD appear to be having fun mingling with the Avengers and rapidly winning at poker games. Everyone seems to be having fun except Bruce, who's nervous as hell.
"You forget Bruce, the Hulk is Allie's soulmate too," I sing song and he goes pale. I cackle at his reaction and wave my hand. "Don't worry there won't be an appearance of jolly green today Brucie."
"Where is this minister we're supposed to meet?" Allie asks and starts examining the room. Natasha and Tony are both holding her hands as they too study our surroundings. "This place is loud, I'm super anxious right now."
"Hi Super Anxious, I'm dad," I retort and she winces.
"I made a mistake asking you to walk me down the aisle," Allie grumbles.
"It's gonna be dad jokes all night baby girl," I tease and Allie glowers.
"Seriously where are we?" Bruce gasps, he's spiraling out.
"Scientist Wrangler," I prompt and Darcy salutes. The trigger happy taser wielding maniac was dubbed scientist wrangler by Jane and we're all just rolling with it. The busty brunette jumps into action and grabs the shoulders of Bruce Banner, looking him right in the eyes.
"Bruce, you see that girl over there? The one in the poofy dress with the curled blonde hair and a smile that could rival the sun?" Bruce nods and Darcy shakes him gently. "Good. That girl is here today with all her soulmates to have four fantastic weddings and I know you are dying to be apart of that."
"I am, I don't want to fail her again."
"And you won't if you can just stay focused," Darcy drills and he nods. His eyes are on Allie and she is watching him with a supportive gaze.
"I can stay focused."
"So the guys who's gonna marry you is actually at that poker table over there and I'm pretty sure he's inebriated," Lottie informs and gestures to a tipsy dealer at a Black Jack table.
"Do we have to beat him before he'll marry us?" Tony asks and I quirk am eyebrow. "Cause that would be a fun challenge."
"Good idea," I praise and pull Allie away from his and Natasha's grip. "I'll stay with Allie, you and Nat go beat him."
"Come on Stark, this shouldn't take a moment," Natasha deadpans and puts on a murderous look. The millionaire and the spy saunter to the table and the collective guests and I follow.
Allie and Bruce linger behind.
III
Allie
III
"Could you do that thing where you made Tony and Steve feel better about all of this for me too?" Bruce inquires and tilts his head at me.
"Sure Bruce," I say and carefully grip onto his clenched fist. I can feel the Hulk under his overlaying emotions and I can feel his elation as well as his fear.
Gabie has supplied me with stories from when he first met Tony and Steve for the occasion, but it will appear as if I just picked up on things from what they told me and reports.
"When Steve first met you he shook your hand and he treated you with the utmost respect. He said he didn't care about what he had heard concerning your attempt to replicate the serum and he was telling the truth. And when Tony first met you he was playful and he didn't walk on eggshells like the rest of the world. You shared an instant kinship with him and within minutes he had invited you to his tower. You're Science Bros with Tony and you share a connection with Bruce so deep the Hulk listens to Cap's orders." Bruce blinks and exhales deeply, his face telling me I had completely captivated him.
"Wow, that really worked."
III
Gabie
III
"Allie bring the groom!"
Natasha had beat the dealer easy peasy and now he is prepared to officiate the ceremony. Unless prepared means sober, in which case I imagine this man is never prepared.
Allie grins at me and cheerily walks Bruce to the table where he sits between Steve and Tony.
As always I check in on the minds of Allie's soulmates, but to make sure we're all still game.
What I see in Bruce's head brings me to a screeching halt.
"What happening?"
"Oh I see you're up from your nap," the voice of Bruce returns mentally.
"Search for crazy cat girl was sad."
"She's here now, and we are all getting married big guy," Bruce supplies while filling his head with memories from the past months and days.
"Married to Tin Man, Star Guy, Spider, and crazy cat girl?"
"Yeah, all of them. Is that alright with you?"
"Hulk like Tin Man, Star Guy, Spider, and crazy cat girl."
"Me too big guy."
The Hulk is a voice in Bruce's head? They talk? How could I have missed this before.
"Hey B-"
"Gabie shush, the ceremony," Allie chides to me and I blink myself back to reality. I hadn't realized the 'ceremony' had begun.
"Do you," the dealer starts and whips out a card to prompt Bruce. "King Of Hearts, take these," he pulls out two more cards and shows us them before referencing Steve and Tony. "Jack Of Hearts and Ace Of Hearts to be your lawfully wedded husbands?"
"I really do." Bruce has shy stars in his eyes, but he's all in.
"Me too," Hulk chips in.
"And do you-heart card guys take this king of he-hearts did I say? Seems more like a spades guy but okay. Anyway do you take him to be your husband?" the dealer slurs and tosses his cards aside. Steve and Tony willfully grasp hands and in sync declare their agreement.
"We do." Steve and Tony lean forward and plant a kiss on each of Bruce's cheeks and then take turns pecking his lips.
Allie cheers and bounces on her feet while clapping wildly, as she does whenever she's excited.
"Crazy cat girl happy. Tin Man and Star Guy pleased."
"Yes they're happy, and we're happy too right?"
"Happy."
Hearing the Hulk's voice in Bruce's head is unsettling and distracting, but also kind of sweet. At first I was hesitant at Hulk putting Allie in danger, but he seems to be protective of her.
"Next wedding! I can't wait for my turn!" Allie exclaims and directs her attention to Lottie. "Lottie, where to?"
"A drive through chapel so that means it's time for a limo swap. Bruce, Tony, Steve, Natasha, Allie, Gabie, Rhodey, Clint, and me will be in the first limo while everyone else squeezes into the second."
"Wait! Can we make room for Thor in our limo?" Allie asks and grabs onto the gods arm. Thor beats in pride at being especially asked for by the bride to be and pats her on the shoulder.
Thor went to check on Allison after her disappearance and after his run in with Dark Elves. He kept her secret and he's saved her life and for that she is grateful.
"I just wanna make sure everyone in our team can see," Allie elaborates.
"Sure Allison, I'll swap with Thor," Rhodey offers and she claps again.
A minute later we're on the move again.
Now it's been an hour since I started the time, but I don't really care that much about that. All I care about is the glow in Allie's cheeks, the bounce in her step, the way she twirls in her dress, and the way she tosses her curled hair over her shoulder.
Allie is truly reveling in this day, so much so that it's almost as if Killian never happened.
III
Allie
III
"Spiderling, before we get in the car could you speak to me?" Natasha whispers to me and lightly pulls on my hand. Her fingers steadily trace my palm lines as she meets my gaze.
"Does my super spy need some reassurance?" Natasha huffs but nods and I move to cup her cheek.
"Remember when you first met Tony? He told me you were posing as a new assistant to Pepper to assess his personality for the Avengers Initiative. He said he flirted shamelessly, but when he was beat down you still comforted him. There was an instant attraction between you, regardless of the fact you were playing a part. When you met Steve it was casual, respect at first sight really. You joked and he got flustered about trading cards and you realized there was something there. However I also know how your first interaction with Bruce went and then the subsequent interaction you had with the Other Guy."
Natasha stiffens ever so slightly and I give her hand a squeeze in assurance. Bruce and Natasha have had a rough start, one I can't fix with a few pretty words.
"It was tense the first time and the conversation full of tricks on both your parts; with the Hulk it was dangerous and scary and it went all wrong. Natasha I won't try to justify what happened or tell you that you shouldn't be scared or you should get over it. I-" Pausing I look back at Bruce at how he's shyly preening under Tony's attention and I smile. "I think we all have to be aware that Bruce and Hulk are far from the same person, in time I believe we can come to terms with Hulk, but for now it's about Bruce. We are surrounded by fighters, but Bruce...Bruce spends all his time trying to avoid fights and it's because he knows he'll win. That fact is something to be treasured because it is so unique."
"It's proves he's good," Natasha affirms.
"Bruce deserves this and you deserve a soulmate who won't run to a fight." My Black Widow tilts her head and her eyes bore into mine as if she's reading my thoughts. For a second I'm nervous and then her lips quirk upward and she embraces me.
"Allison, you do have a way with your words," she compliments. "You're enchanting."
My cheeks, it seems, will not have a break from mad blushing for this entire day, and for much of my future.
III
The second I step into the limo I'm pulled between Steve and Tony, much to Gabie's dismay.
"You know I was thinking-"
"That's why I smell burning," Gabie quips and I scoff.
"Enough of the dad jokes for a second," I chide, but my grin fails me. "I was thinking that after our weddings we should maybe spend some time all in the same place. We could all stay in the tower for a week or two, or more, for our honeymoon of sorts before we go back." I want so much more than a week or two, but I don't want to ask for too much.
"You all still have your floors in the tower," Tony chimes in. "I'm sure this is doable. And maybe we can talk about a real vacation, one to an exotic place or someplace fun."
"We don't have to do that if you guys don't want to," I insist. I know this wedding was already a lot and asking for a long and extravagant vacation would be too much.
"I wouldn't mind a vacation," Natasha concurs, with Tony, and leans forward to cover my hand with hers.
"I appreciate the tradition of a honeymoon," Steve pipes up.
"A stress free trip would do me good," Bruce says offhandedly. It seems this vacation has turned into something I have to agree to, not the other way around.
"How the turn tables," Gabie mused, a veiled dad joke in reference to Teen Wolf.
"I mean, I've dreamed of having an all access long term vacation to Disney world," I mumble sheepishly and Tony lights up.
"I'm buying shares to Disney," he declares and pulls out his Stark phone.
"But I'm open to what you guys want!" I jump in and stay his hand. "You know maybe you wanna go to Hawaii, or Tahiti! I hear it's a magical place."
"But I can rent out the entire Magic Kingdom park after hours for only $180,000 dollars," Tony argues and my eyes widen. It's weird he knows that right off the bat, almost as if someone supplied him the information preemptively.
"The entire park? No lines?" I squeak weakly as my resolve wavers. The more time I spend with my soulmates the more I become to understand how nice being treated like a queen is and how much I love it.
"I can get into thrill rides and Stark spending copious amounts of money," Nat affirms and my eyes spark. The idea of my childhood dreams coming true after my Vegas weddings is incompressible.
"We could all find something to do Allie don't worry," Bruce assures.
"If you're uncomfortable about all that money being spent on you we could invite the rest of the team and SHIELD families," Steve suggests and I nod.
"Yeah..."
"So Disney honeymoon then? I'll call Lottie! Oh she'll have fun with this organization challenge," Tony proclaims and begins rapidly typing to his poor assistant.
At this point I'm still not a hundred percent sure who Lottie Lovelace even is.
III
Gabie
III
Darcy hits the brakes sharply at the pull up opening for the chapel and then rolls down every single window in the back.
"You got a tight twenty minutes if we're gonna make it to the wedding hall for the grand finale," Darcy informs.
In that second a minister leans out the window and waves to us.
"Who's getting married?"
"Cute nerd, Boy Scout, and me are marrying femme fatale over there," Tony responds and gestures to Bruce, Steve, himself, and Natasha.
"Alright then, do you all take each other as lawfully wedded husbands and wives?"
"We do," they pronounce in sync.
"Then by the power vested in me by I now declare you married. You may kiss and then pull up to the second window for your certificate."
Allie breaks out in laughter and claps as her soulmates swap easy kisses.
"Only one to go."
III
By the time we reach our final destination, the Stratosphere Casino and Hotel, it's been an hour and forty five minutes since we began.
The second the limo keys are tossed to the valet Allie, her entourage, and I bolt through the lobby and towards a room I booked yesterday.
Allie has to change into her real wedding dress. It's a dress she picked out last minute at a bridal shop yesterday morning, overnight alterations had to be done. The dress is strapless with s sweetheart neckline, a ball gown shape. And flowers embroiled onto it.
"Gabie you can help," she says and I look up to notice her deer in the headlights expression. She doesn't want the other girls to see her.
"Guys I got this, could you step out?" I request and luckily they understand. The room is vacated and it's just us.
We are silent as she sheds the short bridesmaid dress and steps into the wedding gown. It takes some effort but we get the dress on and once it's done Allie's eyes go to her neck.
There's a thick layer of concealer on her scar that seems to be rubbing off, and I can tell she hates that.
"It's fixable," I remind her and pull out my backup makeup. "Though I don't think you have to cover it."
"I don't want a mark of him to be visible on my wedding day to my soulmates," she hisses and her pupils go dark.
This is how Allie copes, or how she did before the crash, with rage instead of sorrow. It's easier to get angry than to be sad.
"Then consider it covered," I murmur calmly and begin dabbing on an extra layer of coverage.
"Is the music ready?" she questions nervously.
"Everything is being taken care of by Pepper and her protege," I reassure.
"Then let's do this."
III
Allie
III
Outside the wedding hall, I come to a halt.
Gabie winds her arm in mine and bumps her cheek against my shoulder.
"You won't let me fall right?"
"I'll never let you fall, Allie, I promise," Gabie vows and the promise means more than just her stopping me from tripping over my wedding dress.
"Let the music play," I decide and push my shoulders back as the tune starts.
"Just a young gun with a quick fuse"
"I was uptight, wanna let loose"
Pushing my left hand forward I shove open the doors, put on a sensual expression, and saunter forward with Gabie.
"I was dreaming of bigger things"
"And wanna leave my own life behind"
I've wanted to play this song as a dramatic entrance ever since I saw Alice Cooper from Riverdale stomp into a party dressed to the nines and tossing her hair while it was playing in the background.
"Not a yes sir, not a follower"
"Fit the box, fit the mold"
"Have a seat in the foyer, take a number"
Turning, I make sure toss my hair as I face the guests and my soulmates.
"I was lightning before the thunder"
All eyes are on me while we walk down the aisle and I, for the first time in awhile, feel insanely confident.
The song melts into the background and my face splits into a huge smile.
Nearing the altar I allow the guests and even Gabie fade away, until it feels like it's just me and them.
Gabie stops just before the flower arch and nudges me forward. Frantically I pass off the rose bouquet and fold my hands before me.
The minister, Nick Fury shockingly, clears his throat, my guests sit down in their sits, and the music fades out.
"I know we are on a time crunch so I'll skip right to it," Fury starts and looks to Steve Rogers. "Do you Steven Grant Rogers take Allison Marie Hollden to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Steve replies, our blue eyes boring into each other.
"And do you Anthony Edward Stark take Allison Marie Hollden to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Tony agrees without hesitation and winks at me. I giggle and my mouth almost hurts from grinning so much today.
"Do you Robert Bruce Banner take Allison Marie Hollden to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do." Bruce no longer looks hesitant and he makes his declaration with conviction.
"Do you Natalia Alienova Romanova take Allison Marie Hollden to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Nat states and the expression she gives me is the same one she had the second we met.
Fury turns to me and my stomach drops. I'm too wired and dazed to be surprised about Fury being a minister, but his presence still distracts me from my goal.
"I believe you have words you want to say Allison?" he prompts. My throat dries and I nod slowly.
"Y-yes."
"You can do this."
"I was born with four gray soulmarks, barely visible against my skin, and a mystery to the doctors," I begin somberly. My vows are long and sad and happy all at the same time. "When I was old enough to understand my soulmarks I was still naive. I had dreams of meeting my soulmates, getting married, living together in a big house, having a huge family, and basically being swept off my feet...Well I got older and I got smarter. I realized soulmates didn't work out all the time and multi-soulmate relationships working out was virtually unheard of. I also realized that my marks were gray, and that could mean any number of terrible things. My dreams were crushed and I resigned myself to simply looking forward to meeting my soulmates. I convinced myself that it would be enough to just know them."
A lie, it would have never been enough to only know them.
Inhaling deeply I steady myself for the next part. It's always hard to talk about the crash.
"But then Gabie and I were hit by a car and as I laid dying I had to make peace with the idea of never meeting my soulmates," I choke out. Gabie reaches forward and pats my arm, giving me strength to go on. "When I woke up the marks were in color, but I was stuck believing I'd never meet my soulmates."
Pausing I let that sit and then share a secret smile with Tony.
"A year later I won a writing contest and landed myself in Stark Tower. Coming face to face with Tony Stark; my very first thought was: I understand why he's a playboy, he's hot as fuck." There's laughter and Tony preens. "At the time I was wearing a corset so he saw his thought on my skin, but he's Tony Stark and I was an eighteen year old fangirl."
This time I let out a short laugh, though I'm sure Tony analyzes the moment and what could have happened everyday.
"I'm not sure it would have gone anywhere or if I would ever have met my other soulmates if not for New York."
There's a heavy weight to what comes next, that battle was hard and brutal, but I met the rest of my soulmates.
"I met Steve next, I saw him lecturing some police officers and instantly I grumbled: oh great another insanely attractive and older man that's out of my reach. I ended up jumping onto Steve and then later became his personal backpack twice," I joke and Steve sucks his head as a blush rises to his cheek. "Bruce rode up on a shitty motorcycle about five minutes after that and I was definitely confused. I thought, and nearly said out loud: the hell is this random dude doing here? Bruce quickly answered that question when he let the Other Guy out and my marks shifted too. Suddenly, the hell is this random dude doing here? became: oh wow, well this might as well just happen." Gabie snickers at this and Bruce bites his lip. "Natasha I met met next when she offered me her hand after I was nearly strangled to death by an alien-"
Quickly I stop myself and tilt my head to Thor.
"But I was saved by Thor. My gaze locked with Nat and the gay in me had a heart attack and I immediately whispered: let me have your gay babies. She had asked what I said and I played dumb and then she pretended she hadn't heard." Natasha's red lips curl up and her eyes brighten as I speak.
"Oh but she did," Gabie interjects and I pause only for a second before continuing.
"In the aftermath when it all came out my schedule was divided between my soulmates and Gabie, and it was enough. It was more than I could have hoped for and now this...this is beyond my wildest dreams. I never thought that I would ever be here, ever. But it's happening and I can barely comprehend my utter joy, I am marrying my soulmates and I have to believe everything that came before was worth enduring for this, for this future, for our future."
To Natasha with innocence: "I love you Natalia Alienova Romanova."
To Tony with promise: "I love you Anthony Edward Stark."
To Steve with tenderness: "I love you Steven Grant Rogers."
To Bruce with security: "I love you Robert Bruce Banner."
At the end Fury poses the crucial question t me.
"Allison Marie Hollden to you take Steven Grant Rogers, Robert Bruce Banner, Anthony Edward Stark, and Natalia Alienova Romanova to be your lawfully wedded spouses?"
"I do, I really really really do."
"I know pronounce you married. You may kiss the bride."
Natasha steps forward and plants a daring kiss on my lips, Steve a reserved one, Bruce a shy one, and then Tony holds my face and gives me a kiss that leaves me breathless.
III
The reception is in a different open room with a band, tables, and an open bar. Music is softly playing when we walk in and picks up after Lottie signals the lead singer.
"I'm married, we're married," I breathe out, still in shock. "I married most of the Avengers."
"Yes you did wifey," Tony says matter-of-factly.
"And now we're gonna party and dance and Gabie is probably gonna get drunk again," I say. "You know Steve, we're in the same boat now. Alcohol instantly burns up in my system."
"Trust me Allison watching friends get drunk and act like fools is more fun," Steve assures and I crack a smile.
"Oh Stevie I don't think you realize that I can be just as crazy without alcohol," I joke and in demonstration I skip forward and dramatically twirl in the huge dress.
Just like at my gala I spin and spin into Steve's arms, but unlike the gala I don't feel dizzy. Steve moves he twirl right into a dip and then pops me back up while holding my waist.
"Can I tag in?" Tony asks and Steve uses my arm to whip me out and I gracefully slam into Tony's arms.
"Now this is fun dancing," I squeal out as Tony leads me into tango style move.
"Stark!" Tony nods and turns me out to Natasha who pulls me close in a steady sway. After a second Nat twists my arm and I flit away to Bruce. When Bruce catches me he turns the dance into a classic waltz and we glide across the floor.
It's a perfect dance and when I float from Bruce I look back to see my soulmates have paired with each other and continue the song.
"This is going to be great," I muse to myself. "This is perfect." Nothing could ever ruin this, ruin us.
"Yeah, you're welcome by the way," Gabie cuts in and I jump in shock of her presence. Gabie smiles at my usual jumpiness and pats my hand. "Extremis hasn't rid you of all your quirks."
"Oh hush," I snark.
Gabie doesn't reply and I look back to see she's watching Clint.
"You know Gabie, Clint would adore you if you would only let him."
"You know why I can't do that," is her quiet response.
"I don't and I don't think you do either."
"Not today Allie," see warns and I frown. "Cheer up and go dance or drink or something."
Deciding I should let this go and enjoy my wedding reception I inhale sharply and exhale deeply. I can't argue with he about this right now, I have to drop it.
"I should throw my bouquet!" I exclaim and bounce into the center of the dance floor. "Gather around girls-and boys, I don't care!"
With my back to the surrounding crowd I blindly toss the bundle of flowers back.
Instantly there is a series of gasps, shocked swears, and one cackle of delight.
"Who caught it? Was it Gabie!?" I ask excitedly, still not turning around. "Or Skye? Or Jemma? Or Thor? Come on guys who caught it?"
"Your doppelgänger," Tony utters.
"It was me. And lucky I'm here because now the party can really start."
My blood runs cold and I screw my eyes shut tightly in hopeful disbelief. Oh please don't be her, not today. Fists clenched at my sides I grit my teeth and very steadily turn to face her.
There stands Alex Hollden, my twin in the flesh.
"Alex you weren't invited."
"Oh that would be the best kind of party dear sister, but I was invited," she replies and points to Gabie. "Gabie saw it fit to help me crash this reception."
Gabie chooses this moment to jump forward and wave her hands while cheerfully declaring the awful news.
"Surprise Allie has a twin!"