Day 26: Getting Married
Arthur was sitting on a bench, head in hands. I can do this. I can do this, he encouraged himself. There is nothing to be worried about. You're just marrying the love of your life. You've been planning this for four months. Nothing can happen.
Arthur was wearing a white tuxedo, a black undershirt, and a red tie. His hair was pulled out of his face showing every detail, including his nervous, pale face.
There was a quick knock on the door before it opened. Arthur stood up, looking at who it was.
"Oh, it's just you, France," he said sitting again.
France was wearing a black tuxedo, his slightly different for he was Arthur's best man.
"Don't sound so excited now," he joked. He sat next to Arthur. "I just came by to tell you the ceremony is about to start."
Arthur gave a weak smile. "Thanks."
"Mon ami, big brother France is really proud of you, but you have got to calm down. There's no need to be nervous."
"I'm sorry, I'm trying not to show it."
"It's alright. And Peter does fit that suit I gave him."
"That's wonderful. He and Wy are perfect for the ring bear and flower girl, respectively. Speaking of, are they ready?"
"Sealand is, but I'm not sure about Wy. I'll have to ask Seychelles."
"Thanks." Francis clapped a hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"There's no need to worry, mon cher. Everything is fine out there. Everyone is where they should be. Keep a level head and Alfred might to."
"He's also nervous?"
"Oui, he's been pacing back and forth in his room." Arthur sighed in relief. He wasn't the only one who might have a heart attack from worrying. Francis's watch beeped. "Ah," he said looking at it. "It's starting. I better go before I'm late." He stood up and walked to the door.
"Francis," Arthur said not looking at him. France stopped and looked back. "Thanks again. I'll get you back sometime."
Francis smiled and waved him off. "No need, Angeleterre. Consider this as my early wedding gift." He smiled once more and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Arthur sighed again and waited for his turn to walk out.
xxxXXXxxx
Everyone was sitting quietly, waiting for the ceremony to start. The guests were inside a beautiful wedding hall, the ceiling reaching to the sky, all dressed in their finest wear. There were many white, silver, and red streamers tossed across the room, probably because of Alfred. There was an altar on a small stage, off the ground by a few steps. The United States and England's national flowers could be found in white vases around the room on small tables at the end of each row of chairs, out of the aisle. Small flags could be found also, making everything look perfect.
Hungary had just started rolling her camera when one of the two doors opened. Everyone looked over seeing Seychelles walk down the aisle. She was dressed in a red gown, bringing out her brown hair and brown eyes. She walked up to the altar and faced everyone, a small smile grazing her features.
Again, the doors opened, both of them this time, and the first of the two groomsmen walked out, Alfred's being Japan and Arthur's being Hong Kong. Both were wearing black suits, with red and white trimmings. They had white undershirts and gray- almost silver ties. Both met at the aisle and nodded to each other, walking down the aisle, making it to the altar where they then split ways. Japan went right while Hong Kong went left.
Next, a man with tan skin, brown hair, and brown eyes and Australia came out, Alfred's then Arthur's, respectively. They were also dressed like the other two groomsmen. The first man was often called Mexico, or Alexandro, Alfred's older sibling. They also met at the end of the aisle and walked down it, taking their place next to the other groomsman chosen out.
Finally, both best men came out; France and Canada. Both were in black tuxedos, as you may already know. They were accented with silver trimmings. They had on a white undershirt and red ties. Francis and Matthew met like the others and walked down the aisle, waiting patiently as they awaited for the others.
The next to come was Sealand, dressed up in a childlike suit, made perfect for him even though it was from France. His hair was slicked back making him look much like his older brother. He was holding a rose red pillow trimmed in silver, the wedding rings resting on it.
Wy came shortly after him, dressed in a beautiful red dress, going just past her knees showing off her white sandals. As she walked down the aisle smiling, she occasionally tossed some petals onto the floor.
Finally, the doors opened for a final time, revealing both grooms. Everyone stood. Alfred was also wearing a white tuxedo, dressed just like Arthur. The only difference was how their hair was done. Plus, Alfred had worn his contacts, making his child-like face visible.
Once their eyes met, Arthur felt himself smile, making Alfred smile back. Arthur held his breath as he and the other met at the end of the aisle. They hooked arms and began walking down the isle.
"You look really handsome, Artie," Alfred whispered.
"You do, too... Alfie." Before Alfred could comment about the nickname, they reached the altar. They centered in front of the altar, with the priest taking the position next to it.
"You all may be seated," Seychelles said to the audience. They sat down, Elizabeta's camera still rolling. Arthur had a strong grip on Alfred's hand, too nervous to ease up. Alfred rubbed Arthur's with his thumb, returning his attention to the female priest.
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Arthur Kirkland and Alfred Jones in marriage. In the years they have known each other, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and... husband.
"True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.
"Alfred and Arthur, remember to treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty, and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at some time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not just the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can survive the times when clouds drift across the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that, just because you may lose sight of it for a moment, does not mean the sun has gone away. And, if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight." She smiled looking at Alfred.
"Do you Alfred Jones, United States of America, take Arthur Kirkland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
Alfred looked at Arthur in the eyes. "I do," he said smiling.
"And do you Arthur Kirkland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, take Alfred Jones, United States of America, to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
Arthur smiled. "I do."
"Please bring up the rings," she said. Peter stumbled forward and held up the pillow. "Alfred, as you put the ring on Arthur's left hand, repeat after me: with this ring, I thee wed."
Alfred picked up the ring with his right hand also picking up Arthur's left one. His hands were shaky as he put it on Arthur's finger. As he did so, he said, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Arthur, as you put the ring on Alfred's left hand, and repeat after me: with this ring, I thee wed."
Arthur picked up the last ring and gently put it on Alfred's left ring finger, hands also shaking. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"And now, by the power vested in me by the country of Seychelles, I hereby pronounce you husband and... husband. You may kiss your groom."
The two men looked at each other, shock in their eyes. Alfred tilted Arthur's head up and kissed him, the audience clapping at the display. They broke smiling to each other.
"And that concludes the ceremony. Everyone, please head to the reception at this time," she said smiling. "Congratz, you two."
Everyone quickly evacuated the building, heading to where the reception was being held, a block away.
xxxXXXxxx
The pre dinner drinks were being served at the tables. Everyone was talking with everyone else, enjoying their time together. Of course, Japan, with his ninja skills, was putting cameras up in every corner to capture everything. It wasn't every day two nations got married (and male ones, at that!).
The hall was huge, about half the size of a football field. There were tables all over the room, but none of which were on the dance floor in the center of the room. Just off to the side was a DJ, that DJ being Prussia, playing quiet music. The tables had red table cloths with sliver lining on them with white vases holding their national flowers on the table top. There were disposable cameras littering every table, enough for how many people were there. Plus, there was a cute poem that Alfred wrote next to them. As in the ceremony, streamers were thrown across the room, but not enough to trip anyone.
Finally, the newlyweds walked into the room smiling and holding hands. Prussia spoke on the mic, "Alright everyone! I'm your DJ for tonight, DJ Awesome, and I am here to welcome Mr. Newlyweds! Now will everyone please sit down at your reserved seat and we'll get started!"
After ten minutes, everyone calmed down enough to get started. DJ Awesome gave the mic to Alfred, nodding once. Alfred then looked over to Arthur, smiling at once.
"Do you want to talk first or...?" Alfred pointed to himself, holding out the microphone to Arthur, then doing the same, but switched hands.
"Uh, you go," Arthur answered. Alfred nodded.
"Heyo heyo!" he said into the microphone, smiling. He then frowned at not hearing it on. He looked over to Prussia. He did something on his laptop before giving a thumbs up.
"Hello?" Alfred asked, smiling as it worked. Everyone quieted down. "Ah, there we go. Anyway, hey everyone! Welcome and thanks fer comin'! We have disposable cameras for ya at your table. If you're short some, don't hesitate to tell us! We got tons in the back-"
"Is there even a back to this place?" Arthur's voice asked, being picked up by the mic.
"I don't know, but we do have more! So don't fear!" Alfred laughed. "So, you might be wonderin' what that poem is, right?" The guests sounded in response. "Thought so. Anyway- do you want to say what it's about, Artie?"
"You have the microphone," was the reply.
"Okay, so what that's about. If you want ta see us kiss, you and your whole table have to stand and sing a song with the word love in it. Artie wanted that traditional ringing bells thingy, but that'll give us both a headache. That whole groomsmen and best men table, sit back down."
"Aw, but Al. We're doing as the paper said!" Alexandro called.
"Then do it later!" Al said back.
"How much longer is later?" Hong Kong asked.
"I dunno, probably when I'm done talking, I guess."
"We shall be waiting!" Australia said, and the table took their seat.
"Now, where was I...?" Alfred asked.
"Bells, headaches, poems," Arthur said.
"Oh yeah! Yeah, so... That's about all I have to say. Art, you got anything?"
"No, I think you covered it all."
"Okay! So listen DJ Awesome and he'll tell ya what's going to happen next!" Alfred said handing the mic back to Prussia. Immediately after he did so, that table stood up again.
Alfred held his hands out like a nonverbal 'What the hell, guys?'. "You really want us to kiss, don't you?" he asked, voice much quieter now that he didn't have a microphone.
"We only do it because we love you, Al!" Matthew called back.
"Fine, carry on."
"It's easy~ All you need is love~ All you need is love~ All you need is love, love, love is all you need~" Mexico, Canada, Japan (yes him), France, Hong Kong, and Australia sang completely off tune to the Beatles' All You Need Is Love.
"I really hate and love you guys at the same time," Alfred muttered before kissing Arthur on the lips. The table (besides Japan) cheered and sat down.
"Alright!" Gilbert said. "I think we should let the grooms dance now, then we'll serve dinner at the buffet in the back. How's that sound?" He looked to the couple. Arthur nodded, making Alfred follow shortly after. "Okay you lovebirds! Head out to the center of the floor. Let DJ Awesome set the mood."
Arthur grabbed Alfred's hand and pulled him out to the center of the floor. Arthur wrapped his arms around Alfred's neck as he set his hands on the other's waist.
Gilbert began playing Give Me Everything by Pitbull, making both turn and face him, blushing bright red. "Sorry about that, you two. Here's the real song." The song changed to I Swear by All 4 One. They resumed their position and slowly danced, staring only into each other's eyes.
"You know, you look different without glasses," Arthur said.
"I think I might put them back on. These contacts are irritating my eyes."
"I'm sorry, love."
"Don't be, I'm really happy," Alfred said smiling.
"I have a lot of feelings now."
"Like what?"
"I am thrilled beyond words. I am relieved. I am overjoyed. I am-"
"Alright, I get it," Alfred said chuckling. "I do, too. Before the ceremony, I was freaking out!"
"Yes, Francis told me."
"But, then, I remembered I was marrying you, and I calmed down." Arthur smiled, not sure what to say.
The song ended and everyone clapped.
"Aaaalright! Now, who's hungry? Let's let the couple go first, and we'll call you up by table!" Gil said. Before they could take a step, that same table stood up again.
"Are you fucking kidding me, guys!" Alfred said smiling. "Fine, let's hear whachu got."
"Love's such an old fashioned word and love dares you to change our ways of caring about ourselves this is our last dance~ This is our last dance~ This is our selves~ Under pressure~" They sang Queen's song Under Pressure. Alfred smiled and kissed Arthur making them cheer once again.
They broke and headed to the buffet table. They grabbed a plate and began filling it with all the different sorts of food.
"Hey, Alfred?" Arthur asked, looking somewhat hopeful. Alfred looked up from adding mashed potatoes to his plate.
"Hmm?"
"Can you- can you have one of my scones?" Alfred froze. "Now, before you criticize it, I made it extra special last night. Please?"
Alfred tried not looking at Arthur's face, knowing full well how he'd react if he saw it. He sighed. "Fine, Artie." He grabbed one of the scones, setting it on his plate. "I'm done, you?"
"Yes, let's sit." They took their plates and sat at a two person table, sitting across from each other. As everyone else got food, Alfred dropped some potatoes on the top of his jacket.
"Honestly, Alfred. I thought for today, you'd not make a mess while you eat," Arthur said with no fire. He leaned forward and began to wipe it up with his napkin.
"It jumped off my spoon, though!"
"That's it, blame the spoon," he teased.
After that, everyone finished eating. By that time, an hour had passed. In that hour, the two lovebirds we're chatting mindlessly about nothing and everything, everyone else dancing on the dance floor.
"Okay, everyone!" Gilbert said. "I'm not sure about you, but I want some dessert. How about those two guys cut that cake!" The guests agreed loudly. "You heard them, Arthur and Alfred!" They nodded and a big cake was brought out along with a kitchen knife.
"Before we cut the cake, I'd like to make a toast," Arthur said after he obtained a microphone. He held his wine glass in his hand. "Even though you can get under my skin. A lot. I don't know where I'd be without you. Who knows, maybe I'd still be an empire." He had a far away look in his eyes before he blinked. "But that's not the point. The point is, Alfred, I love you with all my heart and more and I can't wait to take this next step with you." He held up his glass. "To marriage!"
"To marriage!" everyone echoed before taking a drink of whatever they had. A different table stood up, this one being the Mediterranean table.
"Go on," Arthur said, nodding once.
"I'd never sing of love, if it does not exsist~ But darling you are the only exception~ You are the only exception~" they sang. The Only Exception by Paramore was a good choice after what he just said. He smiled and Alfred kissed him, breaking shortly afterwards.
"Are you ready to cut the cake?" he asked.
"I'm always ready, love." Arthur grabbed the knife and Alfred put his hand over Arthur's, looking over his shoulder as they cut it, setting it on a plate afterwards. Alfred took a fork a and fed Arthur with it, while he did the same to Al.
They smiled at each other before taking their seat at the table they had earlier. They were content with eating that one piece together.
Eventually, everyone was served and finished. Now, most of them were dancing. Hungary walked up to them.
"May I dance with Arthur?" she asked. Alfred nodded and Arthur stood up, taking Elizabeta out onto the floor, his hands on her waist as she rested her arms on his shoulders.
"How are you feeling?" she asked before she spun out, coming back just as quickly.
"I'm really content with how this night has turned out," he answered.
"So, do you really love Alfred?"
Arthur looked over to the American. He was currently dancing with Wy and Seychelles, all three looking to be having a fun time dancing whatever they were dancing.
"Yes, I do," he responded smiling.
"I've never seen you happier," she commented.
"He makes me happy. He is nothing but a ball of sunshine and joy."
"I'm glad someone could make you happy, Arthur. Now I better dance with Austria before that dummkopf Prussia ruins his good mood."
"Alright, dear. Thank you." She walked away.
Hours passed before anyone started going home. Arthur and Alfred chilled out by the door, saying good byes to everyone. As France was leaving, he gave something to Arthur.
"You might need it tonight after the party's over," he said winking. Arthur turned bright red at seeing what it was. He would've yelled and hit the frog if it weren't for the fact he was already gone.
xxxXXXxxx
"Whachu got there, Artie?" Alfred asked, looking over his shoulder. Arthur quickly hid the box.
"N-nothing!" he yelped turning brighter. Alfred shrugged, brushing it off.
That night found Arthur and Alfred in the American's house. Both had changed into pajamas and were getting ready for bed in their own rooms. Alfred knocked on the Briton's door.
"Hey, Artie?" he asked.
"What is it, Alfred?" Arthur asked concerned, sitting up some on his bed.
"Well, can I sleep with you? We're married now, so shouldn't we share a bed?"
"I suppose you're right. Come on," he said patting the queen sized bed.
"Really? I thought you'd say no."
"As you said, we're married now. We should do things together more." Alfred laid down on the bed next to Arthur. "Alfred."
"Yeah?"
"Aren't you going to turn off the light?"
"Oh, yeah." He sat up and reached for the switch, stopping once he caught sight of the box France gave Arthur earlier on the table. "Why do you have this?" he asked, a small blush on his cheeks.
"France had given it to me while he was leaving, saying I might need it. It's stupid, I know."
"I don't think so." Arthur turned red.
"Wh-what do you mean?" he stuttered.
Alfred looked up to Arthur, turning even more red. "Should we, uh, use it?" Arthur's mouth was gaped open.
Say no say no say no say no say no- "Yes," his voice was small. Dammit!
"Are you sure? I don't want to pressure you into something you don't want."
"No. I want to, Alfred."
"Well," Alfred fiddled with his thumbs, sitting up. "I've never really... done it before. Not with a guy anyway." He had a light blush on his cheeks. Arthur looked at him shocked.
"I would've thought that you had sometime in your life. Given which way you go."
"Don't laugh!"
"I'm not laughing, Alfred. Are you sure you want this? If you're not ready, I understand."
Alfred nodded. "Yes, I want you to be my first."
Arthur smiled. "I promise, I'll go easy."
"Okay. I trust you." Arthur nodded once and started.
Whatever is in that box is up to you. Heyo gummy bears! I took eight hours to write this one O.o I have never been to a wedding before (heh forever alone) so I had to look up how one goes XD I hope I did well. Anywho, I hope you liked the chapter! Until next time, peace~!