AN: Happy Halloween to everyone who celebrates! I wanted to post this before November because my next story is going to be my NaNoWriMo novel (so hopefully I'll update regularly).

This is it, the last chapter. The end.

Chapter Thirteen: It's Time For a Wedding

Christmas Eve, 7am

The day dawned bright and beautiful. Snow covered the ground, sparkling and pristine. Birds sang in the pine trees and a peace covered the town. Arthur awoke alone in his bed. He instinctively reached out for Alfred and drew his arm back as though burned when he found the bed to be empty. He stared at Alfred's unused pillow and let out a breath. Crumpet hopped up on the bed and butted his head against Arthur's palm begging to be loved. Arthur absently rubbed the cat, his eyes never leaving Alfred's pillow. Arthur blinked away a tear as he pet his cat and looked into the creatures big yellow eyes.

"It's only been a day, precious," Arthur said to Crumpet. "Only a day. I can handle it."

Crumpet purred his response and then loudly meowed for food. It was a typical day. Although today was anything but typical.

Arthur got out of bed, brushed his teeth and padded into the kitchen to feed the cat. He started his tea and stared blankly at the kettle wishing for it to boil faster. There was a sharp knock on his door and he wandered over slowly and opened it, revealing Francis, Matthew and Lilli. His three friends bustled into the small apartment, taking off their heavy winter jackets and mittens and stamping their feet from the cold.

"How are you mon ami?" Francis set his hand on Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur shrugged him off violently and glared. "I'm peachy, how do you think I am?"

"We thought you'd be knocking on my parent's door by midnight," Matthew chuckled. "I'm surprised you held out."

"Well, I was the one who wanted to do this after all," Arthur sniffed.

"Yeah, but you were also the one who didn't want Al to leave yesterday," Matthew pointed out. "You grabbed his arm and begged him to stay."

"I was emotional," Arthur looked away.

Lilli giggled and blushed. Matthew just nodded knowingly while Francis flicked his hair and said, "Congratulations."

"It's a big day," Lilli smiled prettily. She held out a small, wrapped box to Arthur and said, "Here, it's for you."

Arthur delicately took the box and lifted the wrapping paper. When he opened the present, he gasped. Inside, nestled against a pure white fluff of cotton was a pair of cufflinks. They were a tarnished silver and had deep blue sapphires adorning them. They looked old, and expensive and beautiful.

"Lilli," Arthur gasped. "This is too much."

"It's something old, borrowed and blue," she announced. "They're my grandfather's cufflinks and my brother and I decided that you needed them today. I will need them back though, hence the borrowed part. And they match Alfred's eyes so they're perfect. You've just…you've helped me so much. No one would take a chance on me after I left school and Vash and I were struggling. Without you I don't know what we would have done. We just wanted to show how much you mean to us on your special day."

Arthur felt the tears welling in his eyes as his friends looked on. He fingered the cufflinks delicately and sniffed. "They are the most wonderful thing in the world. Thank you." He set the box down and pulled Lilli into an enormous hug. Alfred's tendency to hug anything near him was rubbing off on the stubborn Englishman. Wordlessly, Matthew and Francis slid their arms around Lilli and Arthur and all four of them stood in a haphazard embrace.

After a moment, Arthur wiped away his tears and looked at Matthew curiously. "Matthew, shouldn't you be with your brother right now?"

Matthew smirked. "Yeah, but Al's fine for now. Liz has him, and I'm sure she's going to be fine at distracting him. I needed to come by here for something first."

"What?"

"This," Matthew held up a bottle of rum and grinned cheekily. Francis laughed out loud and even Lilli began to giggle. "It's a tradition in my family that any man getting married has to take a shot with the best man. And since I'm Alfred's best man and you're going to be my brother in a few hours I figured we better drink together."

"You're ridiculous," Arthur laughed.

"Hey," Matthew held up his hand. "You're the one marrying into this crazy family."

"Touche," Arthur acknowledged.

He made his way past the whistling kettle and pulled four shot glasses from his cupboard. They were all from different cities from around the world. Francis immediately latched onto the one with the Eiffel Tower on it and exclaimed, "Mon ami, I never would have thought you to buy a trinket from my hometown!"

"It was a gift, as well you know," Arthur huffed. "From you no less."

"Ah, yes," Francis pouted. "I remember. So sad, you really should see Paris for yourself."

"Speaking of Paris," Arthur said as he poured rum into the shot glasses. "You promised you wouldn't send us there for our honeymoon. When exactly are you going to inform me of your plans?"

"Right now," Francis waved his hands and twirled. Matthew rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Mon ami," Francis clapped his hands together. "Matthew and I have planned the best honeymoon you could possibly want."

"What, pray tell, is it?" Arthur was impatient. Francis hadn't breathed a word of his honeymoon plans to Arthur since the Englishman had turned the responsibility over to him. It was driving Arthur up the wall. He needed to know what was happening in the future to remain sane, but Francis remained secretive.

"My family has a boat," Francis began. "A yacht actually. It's usually moored off the coast of Seychelles where my family keeps a home." Arthur nodded. He knew that Francis' family was well off and that his friend merely worked out of boredom. "Anyway," Francis grinned and flipped his hair. "It is now docked off the coast of Miami and tomorrow morning, you and Alfred are booked on a flight to Flordia so that you can board her. My crew is at your disposal for the entire month. There is a cook and a butler and many beautiful, muscled men to pull the rigging or whatever it is that sailors do on a ship."

Arthur's mouth was agape. "I can't leave for an entire month!"

Francis waved his hand. "Yes," Lilli spoke up. "Yes you can. I have the key to your apartment and the shop. I'll stop by twice a day to feed the cat and I can run things in the store. Everything will be fine. You've been training me for this. You really should enjoy yourself Arthur."

Matthew and Francis both nodded at him. "You really deserve it," Matthew said quietly. "And Alfred will get a kick out of sailing around the Caribbean."

"Besides," Francis held up his shot glass of rum. "You drink enough to be a pirate anyway. Might as well live up to it once in a while." He winked.

Arthur didn't know what to say. He was completely taken aback and speechless for maybe the third time in his life. His friends were magnificent. He couldn't have planned a better honeymoon himself. "You're sure you're all right with this Francis?"

"My home is yours…or actually, my boat is yours," Francis winked. "I only expect something equally romantic when dear Matthew and I tie the knot." The two boyfriends looked at each other with a smile and a sparkle in their eyes.

"It's a deal," Arthur said with determination.

"Excellent," Francis' eyes sparkled. "Well, let's get on with it so Matthew can get back to his brother."

The four friends lifted their shot glasses and clinked them together. A little of the rum sloshed over the sides as the glasses met.

"To friendship and many more adventures together," Francis said.

"To family and always having a place with them," Matthew smiled at Arthur.

"To taking chances and being the better for it," Lilli grinned.

"To love," Arthur echoed. "And to many happy years to come."

They all downed their drinks in one go. Lilli and Matthew made faces as the burning liquor slid down their throats but Francis and Arthur swallowed them like the old pros they were. Slamming the shot glasses on the counter, they all smiled at one another for a moment before Lilli said, "Arthur, you don't want to be late."

They all stumbled over themselves as Francis kissed Matthew, who ran to the door and Lilli reached down to pet the cat. Arthur took off for the bedroom, shutting the door quickly behind him. He looked at the closet. Hanging above it was his tuxedo. It was a deep black and a relatively thick wool due to the winter weather. He had a green tie that would match his eyes and he knew that Alfred would be wearing a blue one. Arthur took a deep breath and reached for the suit.

Arthur and Francis got a little tipsy in the car on the way to the winery where the wedding was being held. The Frenchman pulled out a bottle of very nice champagne and the two friends proceeded to drink the entire thing on the twenty minute drive. They exited the car holding one another up and laughing. It was a rare sight.

Once they were ensconced in one of the winery's bed & breakfast rooms, Arthur began to fret about his appearance. He straightened his tie seven times before Francis shouted at him from his prone position on the bed to stop messing himself up. The two got into a small shouting match as to which one was more concerned with appearances when there was a soft knock at the door.

Arthur reached out to open the door to room and was greeted with the sight of Barbara and Alfred Senior standing on the threshold. Barbara's eyes were filled with tears as she clutched at her dark red dress. Alfred Senior smiled warmly at the Englishman.

"I hope you don't mind," Barbara gushed. "We've just come from Alfred and we want to wish you luck too."

"I don't need luck," Arthur said, smiling. "I'm the luckiest man in the world to be marrying your son."

Barbara burst into tears at that. "She's a little emotional," Alfred Senior shrugged.

Arthur smiled and held his arms open. Barbara collapsed into them, sobbing and mumbling things about ruining her makeup. "I'm just so happy I'm getting another son today," she wailed.

"Think nothing of it," Arthur patted her back. "I am beyond grateful that you and your husband have accepted me so readily."

"We'd do anything for Alfred," the policeman's father said. "But you made it pretty easy for us."

Arthur blushed and looked down at his shiny shoes. He wiped away a tear of his own. "You have both been so wonderful to me, I don't know how I'll ever be able to show my gratitude."

"Just treat our son right and you will have shown us gratitude enough," Barbara sniffed. "Oh, I just love you both so much!" As the mother of (one of) the grooms threatened to burst into tears once more, Alfred Senior led her away saying that they would see Arthur after the ceremony.

Francis laughed into the pillow as Arthur closed the door. "Mon ami," he said, "I can only hope they accept me into the family as much as they have taken to you."

"Don't count on it, frog," Arthur sniped. "I'm special."

"Yes you are," Francis giggled.

Arthur threw his shoe at his friend.

A small orchestra in the corner played Pachabel's Canon as the few guests entered the atrium attached to the winery. They had spent the previous hour getting slightly toasted on the various wines the venue had to offer and they made their way to their respective seats, all a little wobbly. Bunches of lilacs had been set out in vases and clusters hanging from the white, wooden chairs that the guests were seated in. A few people fingered the flowers and allowed themselves to breathe in the heavenly scent of the couple's chosen blooms.

A simple archway, laced with lilacs was set at the front of the chairs where the couple would stand. Both men elected to walk down the aisle and it was a bit of a kerfuffle to make sure neither groom saw the other before the ceremony.

Alfred was to go first. He waited behind the big, white, double doors for Matthew's cue. Once he saw his brother's face peeking around the door he let out a breath that he didn't know he had been holding. "You ready Al?" Matthew asked, looking at him. They were twins and therefore attuned to the other's feelings.

"I'm so scared Matt," Alfred admitted. "What if I'm not good enough for Arthur? What if he deserves better than some dumb cop who can't take him to fancy restaurants all the time? Should I call it off? Should I let him find someone else?"

Matthew stepped forward and took his brother in his arms. "No one else is good enough for Arthur," Matthew whispered to his twin. "No one will ever love him as much as you obviously do." He pulled away and his violet eyes met Alfred's blue ones. "Now get out there and marry the man of your dreams!" It was as close to assertive as Matthew was capable of.

"You're right Mattie," Alfred's face broke into a grin. "I'm just being stupid."

Liz peeked into the hallway and furrowed her brow, tugging at her bowtie. "What the fuck is the holdup?"

"Nothing Liz," Alfred said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly.

"Good," Liz replied. "Cause you have a wedding to attend. I'm not wearing this monkey suit for nothing!" She pulled at her tailored suit uncomfortably.

Alfred, Matthew and Liz had a good laugh before Liz opened the door and the three of them proceeded down the aisle towards where Alfred would begin his new life. Nothing could be better than this.

"Francis?" Arthur said, while looking in the mirror.

"Hmmm?" Francis muttered from the window.

"Am I too old for Alfred?" Arthur spun around and faced his friend.

"What?" Francis turned away from the now falling snow and looked at Arthur with shock. "Whatever are you talking about?"

"I know we're compatible ages, I'm only three years older than him," Arthur began. "But do you really think some vibrant, young police officer is going to want to be saddled with boring old me forever? I mean, I don't even go out on Friday nights!"

"And neither does Alfred," Francis pointed out. "Even if you weren't dating, the young man doesn't really drink. He would probably just sit at home playing video games if he were single. Instead he sits and home and sticks it to you all Friday night."

"You're vulgar," Arthur sniffed.

"You're sensitive." Francis pointed out.

Suddenly Arthur noticed the falling flakes out of the window that Francis had been watching. "Is it snowing? Really?" He moved to the window and pressed his heated palms against the glass. The cold was soothing to him. He felt itchy and tight and uncomfortable. This whole wedding business was too much for his fragile soul.

"It's snowing for your special day," Francis sighed. "So beautiful. I hope you appreciate it."

"I wonder if we'll get snowed in here?" Arthur's nose was practically touching the frosted glass.

"Perhaps," Francis said airily. "At least they have bedrooms…and wine." The two friends looked at one another with a mischievous smirk. "Come," Francis slung his arm around Arthur's shoulders. "It's time for you to get married."

Arthur pressed his hands to his face and was surprised to find how wet and clammy they were. He quickly wiped them on his pants and then immediately regretted the decision. How common and disgusting was he? And on his wedding tuxedo, no less. Arthur glared around the hallway, wishing that Francis would come back.

No sooner had he thought the words than his French friend popped his head in through the doorway and grinned at him. "Mon ami, are you ready?"

"I suppose," Arthur grunted. "As I'll ever be."

"Ah, but this is a time of love," Francis slid through the door and faced him. "You do not look like you are in love, you look constipated."

"Shut up," Arthur said without venom.

"I am jesting, mon ami," Francis smiled genuinely. "Are you sure you're all right? We can leave if that is what you wish. I am at your disposal. We can turn around and walk away now if you so desire."

"I don't want to leave," Arthur said. "I just want to blink and have all of this over. I don't want to go out in front of strangers and announce my love. I just want to be married to Alfred without all this fuss."

Francis chuckled. "Too late for that," he smirked. "Besides, they aren't strangers. There's only about twenty people out there. And you know them all. What is really wrong?"

"I'm just nervous, I guess," Arthur admitted. He examined the cufflinks that Lilli had lent to him and twirled one around in his fingers. "What if Alfred isn't there when I come through the door?"

"He is there," Francis pointed toward the closed doors behind him. "I was just out there and I saw him. He looks magnificent, by the way. Standing up by the arch of lilacs and waiting for you."

"He is?"

"Oui," Francis nodded. "He's there. He looks like he's ready to pass out, but he's there."

Arthur nodded. "All right then," the Englishman had a determined set to his mouth. "Then what are we waiting for?"

"That's the spirit," Francis clapped him on the back and smiled widely. He gave Arthur's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm going to walk out there and take my place up front. If you haven't followed me in two minutes, I'm coming back here and dragging you out with me."

Arthur nodded and gave his friend a small, wobbly smile. "Thank you Francis. You're truly the best friend I could ever have."

Francis placed his hand over his heart and gasped. "I never thought I would hear the words!"

The Englishman rolled his eyes and playfully shoved Francis toward the door. When the Frenchman was through and on his way up the aisle Arthur took a deep breath. This was it. The moment that he had waited his entire life for. Alfred was up there, waiting for him. They were going to be married and spend the rest of their lives loving each other. All Arthur had to do was make it down the aisle. And oh, did he want to. He hadn't seen Alfred since the afternoon before and there was a physical ache in his heart. He never wanted to be parted from Alfred again after this day, and hopefully, he wouldn't be.

He could hear the strains of the music playing and he knew that it was time. Now or never old chap. He placed his hand on the door and pushed it open.

When he looked back on it, Arthur couldn't recall seeing anyone seated among their guests. He didn't remember what the lilacs looked or smelled like. He didn't even really register that Francis, Matthew and Liz were all standing at the end of the aisle waiting for him. The only thing he could remember was the look on Alfred's face.

His fiancée was standing at the end of the carpeted walkway, his hands clasped in front of him. He had on his glasses and a blue tie that perfectly matched his brilliant eyes. His hair was neatly combed with a wayward tuft floating as he moved. And his smile…Alfred's smile could bring light to the most dark corner of the universe. Arthur could see nothing but Alfred. He took a step and soon found himself almost running toward his lover.

He knew that he was smiling as well, and he could feel tears pricking behind his eyes but he ignored them. He wanted to be next to Alfred, with Alfred, joined with Alfred and he wanted it immediately. When he reached the front of the atrium, he grasped Alfred's hands in his and noted that his lover's palms were also slick with sweat. It seemed as though they were both a little nervous. Arthur smiled softly at that. It was endearing to think of Alfred being anxious about their wedding.

Alfred's boss, the Captain of the police force was an ordained minister and he stood up between them, smiling at their joined hands. He began to speak, but Arthur didn't register any of the words that were being spoken. He didn't hear anything except a rushing in his ears. He was a little concerned that he may pass out from happiness. Alfred's grip on his palms tightened and he felt a wave a gratitude toward the younger man.

"…they will now recited the vows that they have written themselves," Arthur vaguely heard the Police Captain say.

Alfred cleared his throat and blinked rapidly behind his glasses. "Arthur," he began in his intoxicating voice. "I have never loved anyone like I love you. You are my first love, my only love," Alfred's eyes were shining brightly and Arthur could feel his own tears welling up. "I never want to be anywhere but at your side. I promise, that as long as we live…I will honor you, cherish you, love you and protect you. I will be there every morning and every night. I want to grow old with you and see how our lives together turn out. I want you. Forever. I promise that I will love you like no other, because that's how you love me. I love you Arthur. I always will."

Arthur burst into sobs at that moment. He could hear sniffles from the audience that alerted him to the fact that Alfred's heartfelt confession was tugging on the emotions of their guests. He didn't even know what he was going to say. He had written a whole speech but at that very moment, he couldn't remember a word of what he was going to say. He felt so loved and safe and wonderful. He wanted to bask in that feeling forever. Francis sniffed behind him and Arthur turned to glare at his friend. The action brought him back to the moment and he turned back to look into Alfred's eyes.

"Alfred, love," he began. "You are the sun in my dull, grey world. You are the breath of fresh air that I didn't even know I had been craving. You bring me every sort of joy and happiness and I can't imagine my life without you." Arthur took a moment to wipe away a tear. He could see the beginnings of tears welling up in the corners of Alfred's eyes. "I promise that I will always be by your side, no matter what happens. I promise to love you until the end of time. I want nothing but you, you perfect, wonderful, exquisite man. I will always be here for you and I can't wait to start our life together. I love you Alfred."

The guests of the wedding were all crying at that point. Most people had pulled out handkerchiefs and were dabbing at their eyes. The Police Captain even had to take a moment to compose himself before he announced, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Husband! You may kiss the Groom!"

Alfred had a predatory look in his eyes and he circled his arms around Arthur's waist and pulled the Englishman to him. Their lips met softly and chaste as their shared their first kiss as a married couple. Arthur had insisted on no tongue during the ceremony. He was pleasantly surprised when Alfred agreed.

When their lips parted, Arthur gazed up into Alfred's brilliant blue eyes. He was completely mesmerized by the gaze of his new husband. At that moment, in Alfred's eyes, he could see their future. He could see the many, wonderful and magical years ahead of them and he couldn't wait for it to begin.

Arthur kissed his husband once again.

AN: Thank you so much for sticking with me through all of this. I loved writing this story. It was such a joy. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I hope that the writing bug stays with me so I can reach my goal for NaNoWriMo and get another story out as soon as I can. Again, thank you so much for reading! USUK/UKUS forever!