Devil's Silver #7 A Wedding Story Part 2
By Carol M.
See disclaimers and stuff in part 1
Author's Note: Forgot to thank a few people in part one. First, I want to thank Emily Post for her book on Wedding Etiquette because I'm completely clueless when it comes to weddings. If I get a few things wrong, please forgive me. I would also like to thank my roomies in #1214, whose names are scattered throughout the story. Last, I would like to thank all of the people who have read this series. Some of you have been here since the beginning and others are joining now. I just want to thank you all for accompanying me on this little journey of fiction. Anyways, enough with this mushy stuff. Enjoy the next the part!
Friday, August 31, 2001
Kensington Beach
"Okay, so basically, I stand up here and wait for everyone to make their little trip down the aisle, right?" Darien asked Reverend Moss from his spot in the sand.
Rev. Moss nodded. "That's correct Mr. Fawkes. First Mr. Eberts and Gloria will walk down the carpet, followed by Mr. Hobbes and Ms. Monroe. Then your flower girl will go and finally Mr. Borden and Ms. Spencer will come down," he said as he looked at the crowd of people standing at the opposite end of a long silver carpet set out on the sand of Kensington Beach.
"You know I think I like my role in this wedding," Darien replied with a smile.
Rev. Moss cupped his mouth with his hands and yelled "Okay folks, time to get started. First I need Eberts and Gloria."
Darien watched Eberts nervously take Gloria's arm. He was glad that he had decided to make Eberts a part of the ceremony.
"Okay, go, walk," yelled Rev. Moss.
Eberts hesitated, looking nervously towards Darien.
The Official grumbled and shook his head.
"What's a matter, Eberts, forget how to walk," said Bobby sarcastically.
Eberts turned around and gave Bobby a pointed look. "No Robert, I was simply trying to remember how to step properly down the aisle," he said with equal venom.
Gloria pulled him slightly down the aisle, starting the wedding march. "Here Albert, like this," she said as she took a step and then brought both feet together.
Eberts looked at her and blushed. "Thank you, ma'am," he said shyly.
Gloria smiled and continued to lead Eberts down the carpet.
"Eberts, sweetheart, you're doing just fine," said Claire sweetly from her position next to the Official.
"Okay, now I need Mr. Hobbes and Ms. Monroe, front and center," yelled Rev. Moss.
Bobby looked at Alex and held out his arm. "Ready, my dear?" he asked mysteriously.
Alex rolled her eyes and took Bobby's hand. He led her to the beginning of the carpet.
When Eberts and Gloria reached the middle of the carpet, Rev. Moss cued Bobby and Alex to start down the carpet. Bobby strode with purpose, taking perfect military steps.
Darien couldn't help but laugh. "Hobbesy, this isn't a funeral, buddy," he yelled.
"Fawkes, you have no sense of honor or tradition, my friend," responded Bobby.
"Whatever, pal," said Darien sarcastically.
"Okay, flower girl, go," yelled the Reverend.
Darien smiled widely as Jessica slowly made her way down the carpet, dropping a mix of red and white rose petals from a basket she was carrying.
As Bobby and Alex passed Darien, he pointed towards Jessica. "Look at my girl there. Didn't I tell you she would be perfect," he said with pride. He caught Claire's eye from the beginning of the carpet and a loving expression passed between the two.
"Okay, bride and escort, get in your positions," yelled Rev. Moss.
The Official stuck out his arm and Claire smiled warmly, accepting it. He led her to the beginning of the carpet and when Jessica reached the end of the carpet they started walking.
Claire kept eye contact with Darien as she slowly started walking, trying to picture what the moment would be like tomorrow at sunset when this whole thing would be real. She had never felt so happy and secure in her whole life.
She could feel the Official nervously walk down the aisle. She supposed he was not used to this kind of attention, preferring to be the powerful man behind the scenes. She decided that asking the Official to be her escort had been a very good decision.
As she made her way towards Darien, she thought back to the day when she had nervously ambled into the Official's office and asked him to be a part of the wedding.
Two Months Earlier
The Official looked up from his desk with annoyance. "Eberts, get out of my way, I have work to do. I can't have you pacing around, driving me crazy like this," said the Official gruffly.
"But sir, if I may remind you…" said Eberts.
"Shut up, Eberts," interrupted the Official. "Go to the archives and file some of the tax forms."
Eberts pouted and headed towards the door. "Yes, sir," he said softly. As he opened the door, he almost bashed right into Claire. "Oh, I'm sorry, Claire," he said, as he stepped into the hall and slowly starting walking.
"It's okay, Albert," she called after him as she stepped inside the Official's office.
The Official looked up at her curiously. "What do you want, Claire? Something wrong with Fawkes?" he asked, the slightest amount of concern etched across his face.
Claire shook her head. "Oh no, sir, nothing like that," she said nervously. She took a deep breath and looked around the room.
"Is something else bothering you, Claire?" asked the Official.
"No, I just…I just had something I wanted to ask you," she said with a nervous laugh.
"Well what is it?" the Official asked.
"Well, as you know, Darien and I are getting married…"
"Is this about the counteragent? Claire I already told you that the formula will be kept with me at all times accept when you are synthesizing the formula. That way I don't have to worry about you two love birds running off together with the six million dollar prize," he said.
"No sir, you made that quite clear before," she said.
"Then what is it?" he inquired.
"Sir, I was wondering if you would escort me down the aisle," Claire blurted out.
The Official looked at her oddly. "Escort?"
Claire nodded. "Yeah, sir. My mum and father are both deceased and I don't really know anyone else I could ask. And since the Agency is pretty much like a family anyway, I though it might be nice to have the father of the family be my escort."
The Official nodded. "I see. Who else is involved in this little extravaganza?" he asked.
"Well Alex is my maid of honor, Gloria is a bridesmaid, Bobby is Darien's best man, Eberts is a groomsmen and Jessica Semplar is the flower girl. So you see, everyone is going to be a part of it and we thought you might like to join us," Claire explained.
"We?" the Official said gruffly.
"Yes, Darien and I discussed this and he agreed that he wanted you in the wedding," said Claire.
"Darien? He wanted me in the wedding?" the Official said with doubt.
"Well yes. It took a little convincing, but now he is very happy with the idea. So what do you say, sir? Would you escort me down the aisle," Claire asked with hope.
A smile slowly started to appear on the Official's face. He nodded. "Miss Spencer, it would be an honor," he said.
Claire jumped up excitedly. "Oh goody, now I have everything all set," she said. She looked at him with appreciation. "Thank you, sir, this means a lot to me."
The Official nodded. "Well thank you for asking me," he said.
Present
Claire smiled as the Official kissed her softly on the cheek and released her arm, guiding her towards Darien.
The Official looked over at Darien and smiled. "I think this is where you take over son," he said.
Darien nodded. "Yes, sir," he said warmly.
"Okay, so you say your vows, repeating after me, you know, to love, honor and cherish, till death do you part, all of that stuff," said Rev. Moss.
Claire and Darien both nodded.
"Then you exchange rings, I pronounce you man and wife and then you kiss. Think you can handle that," he asked.
Darien took his hand and ran it gently through Claire's hair. "Oh yeah, we got it," he said with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
Claire smiled and pulled him in quickly for a small hug.
"And that's it people, good job," said Rev. Moss. "We meet back here at 6 o'clock tomorrow night for the ceremony," he said.
Darien looked at the small crowd of people surrounding him. He eyed Jessica and walked over to her, picking her up and twirling her in his arms. "You having fun, Jess?" he asked.
She nodded sharply. "Yeah Ral…I mean Darien. Claire let me pick out what kind of flowers to throw when I walk down the aisle," she said with pride.
Darien looked at the petals that laid on the carpet. "Well I think you picked the prettiest ones," he said.
Jessica smiled with excitement.
"Jessica," called Alex. "Come here, me and Gloria want to see what we can do with your hair tomorrow," she said.
Darien set Jessica down. "Man, your playing with the big girls now. Watch out, don't let their jealousy get to you," said Darien. Jessica smiled and quickly ran over to Alex and Gloria.
Bobby walked over to Darien and slapped him on the back. "Come on partner, let's go eat," he said. "The Official is paying and I plan on taking full advantage. I'm going to try and get some of that money back that he's been screwing me out of all these years."
"What was that Bobby?" asked the Official as he walked over towards them.
"Oh, nothing sir, I was just saying how nice it was that you were paying for our meal, that's all," Bobby said innocently.
"Don't bother sucking up Hobbes, the money from this dinner is coming straight out of your validated parking fund," he said smugly,
"Ouch," replied Darien.
Claire smiled with sympathy.
"Come on people, let's go eat," yelled the Official.
Eberts checked his watched. "Sir, are reservations aren't until…"
"Shut up, Eberts," yelled the whole group simultaneously.
Ket's House O' Barbecue
"So me and Viv, right, we are both completely drunk and this priest dressed as Elvis is standing in front of us. But in my drunken state of mind, I think it's the real Elvis, so I make him sing all these songs before I would let him marry us," recalled Bobby with amusement as he gnawed on his barbecue ribs. "Crazy times," he said nostalgically.
"She's coming tomorrow, right?" asked Darien as he took a bite of steak off his fork.
Bobby nodded. "Yep and she's bring Brock with her. I'd like to take my fist and pound it right up his…"
"Bobby, I don't want any fighting at the wedding," said Claire sharply.
"Yeah, buddy, let's keep the violence to a minimum for one day," said Darien with a smile.
Bobby nodded hesitantly. "All right, fine, for you two I will. But if it was a normal day, Bobby Hobbes would be releasing the dragons on his pretty boy face."
"Oh, I don't doubt that for a second, my friend," said Darien.
Bobby looked toward the end of the table. "Hey Eberts, pass me the ketchup, will you?" he asked.
"Certainly, Robert," Eberts said. He picked up the ketchup and threw it at Bobby, who barely avoided dropping it.
The Official patted Eberts on the back. "Way to look sharp, Eberts," said the Official.
Eberts beamed with pride.
Bobby rolled his eyes and put the ketchup on his French fries. "Eberts better watch out, that's all I have to say."
"Hobbesy will you calm down, he's just trying to get you back for all the crap you pull on him," said Darien.
"No, D. Eberts, he's trying to take over my job as best man. This afternoon, I caught him staring at me with envy as I walked down the aisle and yesterday at Armando's, he tried to steal my tuxedo when I wasn't looking. I'm telling you, I think he has something planned," Bobby whispered.
"Are you always this funny?" asked Jessica from her position next to Darien.
Darien and Claire both started laughing. "Yes, he is darling and that's why we love him," said Darien.
"Speak for yourself," called Alex from her position next to the Official.
"Oh yeah, whatever Monroe, you know you want me. I see the way you look at me," he replied.
"Kids, kids, can't we all just get along," said Claire.
"Right, sorry, Keep," said Bobby.
"That's okay Bobby," said Claire with distraction as she turned to look at Darien.
Bobby watched as Darien took a fork full of his steak and gently put it into Claire's mouth. The pair smiled blissfully at one another and then gave each other a quick peck on the lips.
Bobby smiled as he noticed how relaxed and happy his partner looked. It was quite a change from a month ago when Darien started to have nightmares and panic about marrying Claire. He had been terrified that he was going to go QSM and hurt her again, but Bobby had made him see the error in his ways, at least, he thought he had.
One Month Earlier
"So this perp, right, he's hauling ass down the alley. Meanwhile, Bobby Hobbes has got a bullet in his leg and is struggling just to stay up right. But no problem, no problem, I can handle it, right. So I run my ass through the alley and tackle the punk to the ground. Get the cuffs on and throw him in the van. Just more proof that Bobby Hobbes always gets the job done," said Bobby as he ate his taco.
Darien was looking out the window of Poncho's Taco Shop, his burrito barely touched and his ears missing Bobby's entire story.
Bobby cleared his throat. "Excuse me, there Gilligan, my story not exciting enough for you?" he asked with irritation.
Darien jumped a little and looked over at him. "What?" he asked.
Bobby shook his head and took a bite off his taco. "What the hell is wrong with you these days, Fawkes? You getting cold feet over your upcoming trip to the big altar or what?"
"What are you talking about, Hobbes?" asked Darien innocently.
"Oh don't play your little con games with me, Fawkes. Look D, you've got nothing to worry about. I'm your best man and I will get you to the church on time and then some. All you have to do is show up and say your lines, leave the rest to me," said Bobby in a serious tone.
Darien looked at him with amusement. "I guess picking you as my best man over Eberts was the right choice, huh?"
Bobby nodded sharply. "You're damn right. I'd like to see Eberts handle the plans with as much gusto as Bobby Hobbes."
Darien smiled and shook his head. Darien reached for his burrito and took a bite, willing it to stay down. He could hardly eat anything these days.
Bobby noticed Darien's tired red rimmed eyes. "You're not sleeping are you?" Bobby said matter of factly.
"I'm sleeping fine, buddy," said Darien quickly.
"Is it nightmares?" asked Bobby as he chewed on his taco.
"No, I'm fine," said Darien curtly.
"Spill it Fawkes, If you don't then I'm going to kick your skinny little punk ass and if you think I'm kidding, then meet me outside in 10 minutes," said Bobby firmly.
Darien took a deep breath and eyed Bobby. "I'm afraid I'm going to hurt her again," he said.
"Who, Claire?" asked Bobby.
Darien nodded. "I've been having nightmares. One of them, I strangle her when were up at the alter. In another one, I'm reliving the whole rape again. I'm terrified man. I think I should call it off and break up with her," he said.
Bobby dropped his taco and sighed in disgust. "Now why would you go and do something stupid like that, my friend?"
"Hobbes, don't you get it, I could really hurt her. What happens when we're at home and I go QSM and we don't have any counteragent? What if I killed her or raped her again? I could never live with myself, man. I think it would be better to break up with her and know she's safe," said Darien.
Bobby shook his head. "Fawkes, the Keep, she knows all this. She knows the risks and she still wants to be with you. Besides, you know she's always going to have an emergency shot around just in case. I understand what your trying to do here, trying to let her go because you love her and don't want to see her hurt, but Darien that would hurt her more than QSM ever will," said Bobby.
Darien shook his head in misery. "I'm just so afraid, Hobbes. I love her so much and I want to spend the rest of my life with her, but not if it's going to hurt her, you know."
"I know, I know. Look…Darien let me tell you what I know, okay. I have never seen you or her happier then these last couple of months. Sometimes you have to take risks in life and I think this is one of those times. Claire knows what she's getting into and she doesn't have a single regret. I would hate to see you throw this all away because you're scared. You're so lucky, D. Might as well take advantage of what you have," said Bobby softly.
Darien nodded slightly, wanting to believe what Bobby was saying. "I guess I could learn to control myself better, maybe learn some new biofeedback tricks, really try and get the QSM more manageable," he said, a trace of doubt still evident in his voice.
"That's the spirit, Fawkesy. It's going to be fine, my friend. Would Bobby Hobbes lie to his partner?" he asked.
Darien smiled and shook his head. "Never," he said.
"All right then," he said as he stared at Darien's half eaten burrito. "You gonna eat that?"
Darien laughed. "Naw, be my guest," he said, trying to ignore the worry still creeping at the edge of his mind.
Present
"Hey Hobbesy, you going to show us your dance moves at the reception?" asked Darien, causing Bobby to come back to the present.
Bobby smiled. "Yep, I'm a regular John Travolta. You amateurs will be struggling to keep up," he said.
Darien shook his head and nudged Claire. "I don't know about that. My wifey to be here has some moves. Isn't that right my dancing queen," Darien said with a smile as he pressed his forehead against Claire's.
Claire smiled and kissed Darien on the cheek. "You're not so bad there yourself, Bartholomew," she said teasingly.
Darien sighed. "You're going to hold that over me the rest of my life, aren't you?"
Claire nodded. "Of course," she said as she picked up the rest of her burger.
A few hours later
Darien laid sprawled out on Bobby's couch, enable to sleep. After finishing up dinner at Ket's Barbecue, Claire had forced Darien to stay with Bobby because she didn't think her and Darien should spend the night together the night before their wedding. So that left Darien cold and alone on the couch.
"Can't sleep, Fawkesy?" he heard Bobby say.
Darien sat up and saw Bobby emerging from his bedroom. He checked his watch. Three in the morning. "Well I didn't know you were such an early bird Hobbes. What, do you have to go feed the chickens or something?" asked Darien sarcastically. But Bobby could detect the trace amount of fear and worry in his tone.
"No, I have to do a little damage control on my freaked out Gumby, here," he said as he sat on the couch next to Darien. He looked at him with a serious expression. "So you gonna do this or what?"
Darien nodded. "Yep. I'm still scared to death, though," he said.
Bobby smiled slightly. "You're allowed to be scared, partner," said Bobby as he put his arm around Darien. "Keep told me that you talked her about your worries," he said.
Darien looked at him with surprise. "She told you?" he asked.
"Oh come on, Fawkes, you know me and Keep have had a thing on the side for months. She tells me all her secrets cause I know you never will," he said.
Darien nodded. "Yeah."
"She's so happy partner. I know you are too. You have to get past all this stuff. I must admit, you've been hiding it from me pretty well. Here I thought you had gone and gotten over it," he said.
Darien smiled. "Well that's just me. I'm always full of surprises," he said.
"You're gonna be okay, buddy. You and Keep are going to live a long and happy life together, I promise," said Bobby reassuringly.
Darien bit his lower lip and looked at Bobby. "Thanks partner, for everything," he said.
"Not a problem," he said as he stood up and patted Darien on the back. "Well just because you're going to look like crap tomorrow doesn't mean I have to. I'm going back to bed so I look my best. All the women will be flocking to Bobby Hobbes tomorrow," he said with a warm smile.
"Yeah, if they like middle-aged balding men," said Darien with a smile.
"You're just jealous cause you can't pick up chicks anymore," Bobby retorted. He softly hit Darien's hair. "Go to sleep, now. Don't make me tell you another long war story," he warned.
Darien shook his head violently. "Going to bed as we speak," said Darien as he laid back down on the couch.
"Good. I've trained you so well. Night, Fawkes," said Bobby as he walked back into his bedroom.
"Night, Hobbes," yelled Darien after him.
Darien closed his eyes and was surprised when sleep started to creep up on him. For the first time in months, he dreamed of a peaceful, beautiful wedding with the woman he loved tucked in his arms.
TBC tomorrow