White Wedding
Professor X's POV:
Today is June 12, 2011, and another of my students is going away. I should be used to it by
now, even expect it. They're all growing up, starting new lives, raising families. I feel old.
I didn't expect this day to come. Rogue, excuse me, Marie is getting married. And to Todd
Tolensky. As with the others, I volunteered to pay for the wedding. After all, I'm an old man who
has more money than he knows what to do with, so why not make some kids happy for one day. And pray
that their happiness lasts longer than mine did.
They didn't want anything extravagant. Neither one is particularly religious and neither has
any family they care to meet again. They were all for a backyard wedding. Well, I do have a rather
big backyard. They picked the rose garden, a favorite trysting place of their's, much to Storm's
consternation. Storm. She married Logan 7 years ago. They now have a little girl named Kiara Rose.
I can hear her playing 'duck, duck, goose' with the other children, including her second cousin,
Evan Jr. Scott and Jean have two children- Nathan and Rachel. They've been chosen to be the ring
bearer and the flower girl. The Formidable Four were invited along with their children; Jasmine,
Jason and Matthew. I think of my own son. The one I nearly lost without knowing him. Sigh.
Logan and Kurt are putting up the trelis. Storm and Jean are getting the cake and punch
ready. Logan said not to worry about the person performing the ceremonies. The man he got is pushing
90 and is nearly blind so he may not notice a few oddities among our guests.
Lance's POV:
I got to see them. Kitty Pryde never showed me her boobs the whole time we were dating. Never
even let me touch them. But I got to see them today.
And she had a baby hanging off one of them.
Not just any baby. Nooooo...This one was covered in blue fur and had a tail. You think having
a demon baby would freak most girls out. Why do you think Mystique tossed Fuzzball over? Not Kitty.
She's nursing this thing for crying out loud! I swear, it was an accident when I walked in on her
and she gets all mad at me. She grabs a pillow and tries to cover herself. She says "Lance, go
away! Can't you see I'm trying to feed Gabs?"
So I mumble an appology and leave. Gabs is Kitty's daughter. And Kurt's. She slept with that
hairy blue freak! Calm down, Alvers. Toad's not gonna appreciate an earthquake on his wedding day.
Toad's wedding day? What alternative universe did I just slip into?
I find the room I was looking for. There's Blob and Toad, getting ready for the big day.
Fred's POV:
Never thought I'd see the day. My little buddy's getting married. And I'm the best man. I
think I know why he chose me. Lance and Pietro laughed at him when Todd told them he was seeing
Rogue. I didn't. I know how much it hurts when people laugh at you. Todd says he's used to it.
He says he can laugh at himself sometimes.
Rogue's a neat girl. I'm real happy for Todd. But sometimes, I'm just a bit jealous. Not
'cuz of her, but because they have something I can't have. I was being stupid when I thought
Jean liked me. Let's face it, why would any girl like me?
I look in the mirror. Todd's combing his hair for maybe the 50th time today. We're both
wearing white tuxedos. The Prof had them custom made. It's hard for me to find stuff that fits.
Todd says he has a hard time finding something that fits that wasn't made for a 10 year old. He
looks good. I look like a giant gallon of milk.
Todd's POV:
I'm not going to faint. I'm not going to throw up. I am going to comb my hair. It's become
a nervous habit for me. I used to bite my nails, now I've replaced one habit with another. I grab
an elastic band and tie my hair back. That looks better. I guess. I look so stupid. Let's face it,
I'm a jeans and T-shirt guy, yo. Tuxedos just make me look like a little kid playing dress up.
How do you tie a tie again? Over, under, the bunny goes around the tree-ah, screw it, I'll wear
a clip on.
I wonder how Marie would feel about just taking off for Las Vegas. Get married by Elvis
and celebrate by playing the slots. I guess she wouldn't go for it.
It's one thing to tell Marie how much I love her. It's another to get in front of everyone
and tell them. Just words aren't enough to say how I feel about her. Uh-oh- sweat. Wouldn't do
to get all sweaty. Only got one tux. Gotta get some water. Whoa, who turned out the lights? I
fall on something soft.
"You OK, Todd?" Fred asks. "You nearly passed out on me."
OK, that was awkward. I tell him I just need some water. He says he'll get it. Then Lance
comes in. Lance just looks at me. I'm trying to take deep calming breaths.
"So, getting hooked to the ball and chain, huh?"
"Uh-huh."
"Liked the party last night?"
"Uh-huh." Last night the guys took me out to some strip club and tried to get me drunk. Yeah,
like I'm falling for that again. I gave most of my beers to Fred. He can drink a keg and barely
get tipsy. I wasn't impressed by the strippers. They all had implants and were way too skinny.
They looked like a pair of balloons tied to a twig. Sorry if I don't find that sexy.
Pietro dashes in. Lovely. Like I didn't feel sick already.
Pietro's POV:
I deign to grace Todd and Lance with my presence. "So, li'l Toddlekins is getting married!"
He won't admit it, but he likes my teasing.
"Uh-huh." is all he says.
I see a fashion faux pas. It's my duty to point it out. "Todd, you're not wearing a /clip
on/ to a wedding, are you?"
"Uh-huh." He's not the wittiest of conversationalists at the moment. I remove the tacky
clip-on and replace it with a tasteful four-in-hand. Takes me an eighth of a second. "Thanks."
he says.
"You're wearing white?" I ask. Well, it /is/ after Memorial Day, but "Excuse me for saying
so, but haven't you and Rogue..um..tasted forbidden fruit?"
"Way to go with the euphamism, Pietro." says Lance.
"Way to go with the vocabulary, Lance." I reply.
"White doesn't neccesarily mean virgin, yo." Todd finally adds to the conversation. "It's
a symbol of our love. Our love is pure. Everything we do is an expression of pure love."
Since when did Todd get poetic? "Well," Lance sighs. "I guess this means no more stumbling
over used condoms."
"That was just one time, yo!"
"It was cherry flavored! Do you know how many disturbing mental images I got from that?"
"Thank you." I say sarcastically. "Now I've got mental images that I don't want."
Enter Tubby. He gives Todd a glass of water. Todd chugs it. "Prof's been real good to us."
he says. "Even got us a room at the Marriot in NYC for our honeymoon. While we're there, we're
gonna look for a place to live. Keep a secret, guys?" We guess we can. "Marie and I are thinking
about opening our own bar. My job at Kip's Tavern pays OK, but I wanna move on, yo. She's tired
of temping for bookkeepers and ready to start something of her own too."
"Best of luck." I tell him.
Kitty's POV:
That was so embarressing. Couldn't Lance knock? I know, those newsletters I get from La
Leche league say I shouldn't be embarressed about breastfeeding, but I don't want just anyone to
see my ta-tas. La Leche also recommends I breastfeed untill age 3 or even 4. Right. Sorry, but
once she starts growing teeth the dairy will close. Especially if she starts sprouting fangs
like her dad's. He's nipped me a few times. He's always willing to put a band-aid over his bite
marks and kiss it better. I knew there was a reason I love the fuzzy dude.
Gabs was getting full anyway. I toss a towel over my shoulder and burp her.
Her name is Gabriele Eva. Gabriele is the German spelling of the feminine for Gabriel, an angel
important in both Jewish and Christian theology. Eva is the name of the woman who adopted Kurt.
The woman who did what Mystique couldn't bring herself to do.
I sit Gabs in my lap. She's 9 months old. She can sit up on her own fairly well. I refasten
my dress and go back to the room where Rogue's getting dressed.
Jubilee greets me. Or rather, greets Gabs. "Oh, look at the pretty baby!" she squeals. I
let her hold her. "Look at the cute little dress she's in! Lavender's just the right color for
her, Kitty! Oh, does Gabsy like her Auntie Jubes?" Gabs makes some cooing noises.
"Will you put the kid down and help me zip up?" That would be Rogue.
"I'll get it." Kelly zips her up. She's maid-of-honor, it's kinda her job.
"Careful." she warns.
"I know, I won't touch the skin." Kelly says. "Now suck in."
"Thanks." Kelly and I help Rogue put on these extra long gloves that go almost up to her
shoulders and need to be buttoned. Rogue would probably toss me out a window if I told her, but
she really does look beautiful, if frazzled.
"How are you going to wear your hair?" asks Kelly.
"It's to short to do much with it." Rogue shrugs. "So, I'll just put on the veil after I
do my make-up."
"You're not going all gothed out are you?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be a gothic bride." she laughs. Her hands shake as she picks up an eyeliner.
I ask if she wants me to do it for her. "Nah," she says. "You might touch me by accident." This
would've sounded rude from anyone else, but it actually shows concern coming from her.
"Listen, Rogue," I whisper to her. "I know you're nervous, but trust me, once you see Todd
and you're together with him, it will all go away."
"Who says I'm nervous?"
"You're using eyeliner on your lips."
"Oh."
I remember my own wedding and almost envy those two. My parents came and had a big screaming
fight with each other. They are divorced now and my dad has refused to meet his own granddaughter.
Mom's been OK, but she keeps hinting that I should get Kurt to convert to Judaism. Not happening.
It was an interfaith wedding, with Rabbi Farburg and Vater Braun sharing ceremonial duties. Since
it was interfaith we skipped the eucharist and the wine goblet. Which was a shame. Kurt was looking
forward to being able to break something. Then the priest caught on fire and that chimp went
crazy. Long story.
Rogue looks pretty. Mauveberry lipstick suits her much better than that purply-black
stuff she usually wears.
Rogue's POV:
I look like hell. I didn't sleep good last night. Combination of nerves and I just know
Todd's skeevy friends took him to some cheap strip club. I nearly put eyeliner on my lips. Oh,
no, I'm not nervous. Oh my god, that's a cold sore, isn't it? I've got a fucking cold sore on my
wedding day! Kitty says she's gonna see if Kurt's finished with the trelis. OK. I'm ready for my
nervous break down.
I feel something rub against my leg, followed by a purr. "I can't hold you, Peaches, I'll
get fur on my dress." A couple years ago, Kelly's cat went to Kitty Heaven, but not before dropping
a litter. Kelly let me have one. She has Siamese markings like Puss did, but her eyes are yellow-
orange, like peaches. So, that's what I call her. I found out a long time ago that my powers don't
work on animals, so at least I get something fluffy to pet.
Peaches gives an irritated meow and stalks off. Kelly combs my hair and puts on my veil.
Jubilee is snapping photos. I have this filmy layer of white tulle hanging in my face. I would've
perferred the type worn off the face, but if anyone wants to kiss the bride, this is how it has to be.
Kelly leaves to see if everything's ready. She reminds me not to leave the room.
Old superstition, no one must see the bride before the wedding other than her attendants. I go over
to the window and push the veil from my face. I can see the rose garden from here. Looks like
they're getting ready. I look down and see Todd come out with Fred and the others. Todd looks great.
Wish I could get him to dress up more often. He looks really nice. Not at all nervous and frazzled
like I am.
As soon as the kids see him they drop whatever game they were playing and run up to
their Uncle Todd. Those kids love him. What am I thinking? Todd deserves to be with a woman who
can touch him, give him children. I'm holding him down. I love him too much.
Jubilee asks me what's wrong. I say I'm fine. "No you're not." she says. "You're about to
cry, and they're not happy tears."
"Look outside, Jubilee." She does.
"Hey, there's Todd!" she says. "He looks cute, if you don't mind me saying so. All the kids
are down there. There's Kitty, she's handing Gabs over to him. Looks like Kelly's taking pictures."
"Jubilee, I can't give him children. It's clear that he likes them. Am I being...selfish?"
"Rogue, girlfriend, listen to me. /Not/ marrying him would be selfish. You're the only
woman he wants. The kids like Todd because-well-deep down he's just a big kid himself. He'll talk
to them, get down on the floor and play with them, that kinda thing."
"He has a lot of love in him. He'd make a good father."
"Maybe. But, for now, just concentrate on what a good husband he is. I like the stories he
tells the children. I can't help but think some of the characters seem awfully familiar."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it. In his stories, the wicked witch is always named Raven. And then there's
Sir Lancelot and his squire, Petey the Swift. Freddy the Friendly Giant, Queen Kitka of the
Cat People, Jeannie the Red Sorceress, and everyone's favorite Truk the Silly Blue Elf. And I've
got a pretty good idea who the Beautiful Princess Marie is based on. Wonder if he'll ever make up
a character based on me."
"You could ask him."
Peaches is bugging me again. Unless I want my wedding gown clawed up I'd better pay attention
to her. I find one of her cat toys and play with her for awhile. Then there's a BAMF! and I'm
face to face with my brother.
"Kurt!" Jubilee scolds. "What if we were naked?"
"I'd go back and get my camera." he jokes. "Ready, mein Shwester?" He offers his arm.
"Ready."
Todd's POV:
As soon as I'm out the door I hear it.
"Uncle Todd! Uncle Todd!" The kids stampede toward me. Ah, I love 'em.
"Uncle Todd!" says Kiara Rose. "We're playin' 'duck, duck, goose'. Wanna join?"
"Kids, we're all dressed up today. Maybe we shouldn't do anything to get messed up." Whoa.
Since when did I start talking like an adult?
Kitty comes out. "Todd, could you hold Gabs for me? I'm going to see if I can help Kurt
with the trelis."
"Sure." I take the gurgling little fuzzball. She's cute. Hard to believe something cute
came from Kurt Wagner. She has a tail. No question who the father is in that case. Wonder how
they get a diaper on her?
"Hey, Todd." It's that Kelly Osbourn chick. "Hold Gabs up so I can take a picture." I hold
the baby up and pose for a few pics. Gabs looks like a little elf baby. Her fur is a shade or so
lighter than Kurt's and really soft. It feels more like the down on a baby duck than like fur.
Baby ducks are what got me in the situation I'm in. It was the day after Easter. Marie and
I went on our biannual candy run. (The other one is right after Halloween.) We grabbed some take-out
and had a picnic in the park. They have this thing where you can buy food for the ducks, so we
thought, what the hell. This big duck with a bunch of little fluffy ducklings paddled up to the
shore. One of the ducklings got out of the water and waddled up to us. When they're this young,
they aren't affraid of people. I picked the little guy up and showed him to Marie. I heard some angry
quacking and something biting my jeans. Mama Duck wanted her baby back. I put it down for her.
Marie and I just stood there, looking at the lake. I can't remember which of us did it first,
but next thing I know is we're hugging. We just held onto each other for a long time. I never want
to let go of her. I asked her to marry me. She said yes.
Back to the present, Kelly's taking more photos of me and the kids. She says she has to get
more film for her camera. "Uncle Todd," says Evan Jr. "Will you tell us a story?"
"Oh, yes!" says Rachel. "Tell one about Princess Marie."
"You always want to hear about Princess Marie." says Nathan.
"Alright, gather around, kids." I grab a seat on one of the benches and hold Gabs in my lap.
"I've got a new story for you." I love telling the kids stories, and they love hearing them. They're
mostly fractured fairy tales with my own creative bent to them. "This is how Princess Marie broke
the spell Raven the Witch put on her by falling in love." It's an allegory about Marie and myself.
With a little of The Frog Prince thrown in. The kids love it.
"But Uncle Todd," says Jasmine. "Why didn't the toad tell Princess Marie who he was?"
Clever girl. "It's like this, Jasmine. The toad had been a toad for so long, he forgot he
was really a prince."
"Kissing is gross." says Nathan. "Tell a funny story."
"Yeah," says Jason. "Tell one about Truk the Silly Elf. He's funny!"
"Well..." I pretend to think about it. Actually, I've been thinking of a good story with
him. "OK. Did you know Truk and Princess Marie were brother and sister?" They shake their heads. "Well,
they were. Raven the Witch tried to keep them from finding out, but Princess Marie gave her what
for. One day, Princess Marie and Truk the Silly Elf were walking in the forest. The birds were
fluttering around and singing. Marie was singing with them. She had a very beautiful voice. Truk
was supposed to mark the trail so they didn't get lost, but why is he called Truk, kids?"
"Because he has the brains of a pick-up truck!" They chorus.
"That's right!" Actually, it's Kurt spelled backwards. Shhh..."Truk thought he could mark
the trail with bread crumbs. Of course, the birds that had been singing with Princess Marie saw
the crumbs and starting eating them. They were now lost in the woods. Princess Marie was about
to wallop her stupid brother when they smelled something delicious. Marie thought that if they
followed the smell, they might find someone who could help them. You know what they found? They
found a house made all out of cakes and candy. Marie thought this was just a little strange, but
Truk just scampered over and started shoving handfuls of cake in his mouth." I tell them my
twisted version of Hansel and Gretal. Ending with Truk getting mad at Marie for pushing the witch
into the oven. She hits him with a spatula and flies away on Raven's broomstick.
"Hey, Stink-Boy." It's Logan. "It's time."
Lance's POV:
I stand nearby as Todd tells the kids stories. He tells some pretty good ones. I like the one
he told once about Sir Lancelot the Bumbling Knight. That character is just ridiculous. So's the
squire,Petey the Swift, who should be called Petey the Swish. He can't make him out and out gay,
it's a children's story, but he does make him very effeminate. I'm using lots of big words today.
In one story he told, Lancelot and Truk jousted for the hand of Queen Kitka. I felt kinda sorry
for Lancelot when Truk managed to beat him. Wait a minute...Lancelot...Kitka-Kitty...Truk-Kurt.
Froggy Boy's been making fun of us!
"Hey, Lance, do me a favor?" asks the tuxedoed twerp.
"What?"
"When Ma-Rogue and Fuzzbutt come down the path could you play this?" He puts a CD in my hand
and leads me to this chair by a boombox. The CD is the soundtrack to /Top Gun/. And people say
/I'm/ stuck in the 80's.
"Yeah, sure." Yeah, I'll do him a favor.
"Thanks. Play track 5. 'Take My Breath Away'. That's the song we want."
"Yeah, sure."
Kurt's POV:
I was so flattered when Rogue asked me to give her away. We've been through so much together.
We've had our fights and our hugs and our long talks on the balcony. She really sees me as her
family now. Kitty jokes that this is good practice for me. Someday, I may do this for Gabs. That
day is a long, long way off.
I'm giving her to Toad. Sorry, Todd. I just can't get used to calling him that. I can't
understand why she loves him. He's crude, boorish, has no manners. OK, Rogue tells me that his
hygiene has improved dramaticlly. He still smells weird. Better than usual, but weird. She says
he stole stuff because he needed to. The night I came to the Institute, Scott had caught Todd
swiping wallets and saved him from getting clobbered by Duncan and his goons. Todd later told Rogue
that he was trying to get enough together for a motel room and a pizza. He had to settle for some
flies and a spot under an overpass that night. She says he doesn't steal anymore because he doesn't
need to. Well, all I can say is he'd better be a good husband to Rogue. If he isn't, he'll have
me to answer to.
Here we go. Nathan and Rachel go just ahead of us. Nathan holds up the silk pillow with the
rings. Rachel gets ready to scatter her rose petals. Lance pushes a button on the boombox. Hang
on. This isn't processional music. This sounds like Kenny Loggins' "Fly Into the Danger Zone" if
I'm not mistaken. "Lance!" Rogue shouts at him. Poor Rachel and Nathan stop right in the middle of
the path. They don't understand what's going on. I cover it with a joke.
"Toad and Rogue's Wedding! Take Two!" Jean shoos her kids back up the path so we can start
over. Rogue has a little talk with Lance. Apparantly, she was to come down the path to Berlin's
"Take My Breath Away." I tell her that "Fly Into the Danger Zone" might be more appropriate
anyway. She doesn't like the joke. OK, here we go again.
/Watching every motion/
/In my foolish lover's game/
/On this endless ocean/
/Finally lovers know no shame/
/Turning and returning/
/To some secret place inside/
/Watching in slow motion/
/As you turn around and say/
/Take my breath away/
Todd's POV:
Wow. Just-Wow. Marie looks so beautiful. She's always beautiful, but, wow. She's wearing
this white dress with this full floaty kind of skirt. Kinda looks like a dress Marilyn Monroe
wore once in this picture I saw of her once. Not the one from /The Seven Year Itch/, though that
wasn't bad either. In the photo, Marilyn in sitting in this long fluffy white dress, the skirt
all flared around her. What really makes the picture is that she's looking right at you with her
lips parted and one hand raised as if asking you to come closer so she can tell you a secret. Ah,
Norma Jean, you were to good for this world.
Marie's right beside me now. Fuzzbutt kisses her cheek through the veil and puts her hand
in mine. OK, calming breath. Don't shake.
Judge's POV:
It's such an honor to bring two young people together. My eyes are going out on me, but I
just know they're very happy. I've memorized the words I need to say. They come naturally to me.
The bride's brother gave her away. His face looks-blue? These young people today. Wear
outlandish facepaint anywear.
They wish to read their own vows. Very touching. They exchange rings as they do. Shouldn't
the bride take off her glove for this? Oh well, young people today
Hmmm...which one's the bride again? They're both wearing white. Did I get roped into one
of those new fangled girl on girl weddings? No, no, if I remember, the groom's name is Tom. Or
Ted, or something like that. "Do you, Mary..." I say
"Uh, I'm Todd." says the short white blur. "And her name's Marie."
Oops. First that "music" now this. Take two. "Do you, Marie, take Todd to be your lawfully
wedded husband?"
"I do."
"Do you, Todd, take Marie..." You know the rest.
"I do."
"Then by the power invested in me by the state of New York I now pronounce you man and wife.
you may kiss the bride." I said kiss her, not swallow her! Young people.
Rogue's POV:
I love you so much, Todd. You'll never know how much. I worked for weeks on the vows I wrote
for him. How he means the world to me. He wrote how he wants to be with me forever. He's giving me
one of his soft, slow kisses. I worry if the tulle is just a little to thin. I don't seem to be
draining him, so I guess we're cool.
We sign the marriage certificate. Marie Tolensky. That's my name now. I didn't care to
carry my no account daddy's name for the rest of my life anyhow. But my initials are MAT. Oh,
well.
My husband. That's how I have to think about Todd now. Not my boyfriend or even my fiance,
but my husband. I'm wearing a gold band on my finger with the name "Todd" etched in it. Todd has
a simular one with my name etched in it. We cut the cake together. He feeds me a morsel. I offer
him some. THWACK! The Tongue snatches it up. Gotta teach that boy some manners.
I'm looking over some Polaroids some people have taken so far. Jubilee got a lovely shot
of my clevage as I leaned over to sign the papers. Wonderful.
"My child."
I look up to see who said that, even though I know who it is. "Irene! What the hell are you
doing here?"
"I wanted to see you get married."
"You lied to me! You lied to me since I was kid! You told me I was sick when I wasn't!" I
sound like one of Todd's corny Emenem CD's, but I don't care. I'm so pissed that this woman invaded my
wedding day.
"Marie, honey, I wanted to protect you. I hope you'll understand."
"What I understand is Mystique made my life a livin' hell and you were fine with it!"
"I don't expect you to forgive me, Marie."
"Then what are you here for? Just wanna wish me and Todd luck?"
She smiles just a little. "No, I didn't come to wish you luck. I don't need to. I've seen
your future with Todd. You will have both joys and sorrows, but your joys will outnumber your
sorrows. I know you will be happy with him."
I may be mad at her, but I have to know. "Irene, I know Todd will make me happy. But, will
he be happy with me? We can't touch like normal people. We-I mean-I can't have kids."
"Marie, he /will/ be happy. I won't tell you anything more. I think you'd rather be surprised."
"Hey, angel." Todd comes up to me. "Who's this?"
"Todd, I believe I've told you about Irene."
"Uh-huh." Todd looks like he can't decide whether to hit her or hug her. He settles for a
handshake.
"I'll leave you to your festivities." Irene reaches out to me, finds my face with her hand
and pulls me in for a peck on the cheek. Am I imagining things, or did I see a tear leak under
her dark glasses? "If you ever need me, I'll know where to find you." She uses her cane to find
her way out. Todd takes my arm.
"C'mon, Marie." he says. "It's time for the first dance. You don't wanna keep Fuzzy waiting."
I dance with Kurt to "Blue Skies". Todd found this Irving Berlin CD to play at the reception.
Kurt's a pretty good dancer. I'll bet he and Kitty look good on the dance floor.
The next dance is just me and Todd. The Irving Berlin CD has a song called "Marie". It's
a short song about a guy who asks a girl named Marie is he can kiss her. Todd and I both love
slow dancing. Nothing fancy, just hugging to music.
Logan's POV:
I didn't like Irving Berlin when he first came out and I don't like him now. I sit at a
table and sip some more champagne. Dammit, not even a decent buzz. Aw, not another Irving Berlin!
Grrrr....I'm not crazy about the band Berlin either.
Kelly Osbourn says she'd like to sing a song for the bride and groom and all the other couples.
It's a showtune called "No Matter What". Well, the kid does have a good voice on her.
She puts an instrumental CD in the 'box and sings.
/No matter what they tell us, no matter what they do/
/No matter what they teach us,what you believe is true/
There's a hand on mine. Ororo smiles at me. "My I have this dance?"
Hell yeah! I'm not much of a dancer, but there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my 'Ro.
She loves me even when I'm being an asshole and she's the mother of my little girl.
/No matter what they call us, however they attack/
/No matter where they take us, we'll find our own way back/
This song is us. Not just me and 'Ro, but for all mutants. We've got some hard times up
ahead of us, I know. But we'll face it together. Did I just think that? Been hagin' round Chuck
for too long.
/I can't deny what I believe, I can't be what I'm not/
/I know I'll love forever/
/I know, no matter what/
Wanda's POV:
Why did I come here? Because Pietro's here? We're actually starting to get along. Have to
since we joined the Avengers. But that's not it. Because goth chicks gotta stick together? Nah.
I have no idea why I'm here.
Look at him. Just look at the shrimpy little toad. With this big simpering grin on his
face. Holding on to Rogue like he's never gonna let go. It's pathetic. Especially the way he looks
at her. Like he's looking at a rare flower or a masterpiece painting. He used to look at me like
that. Not that I want him to start again.
Is Rogue smiling? I don't think I've ever seen her smile before. He has his shaggy dirty
blond hair tied back. While they're slow dancing she slips the band out of his hair and lets it
hang loose. She whispers something to him that seems to make him happy. She holds him and strokes
his hair. Does she realize he's just the right size to plant his face in her boobs?
He reaches up and touches her cheek through the veil. She touches his hand, to keep it there.
Christ! Get a room! I turn away from them. I see Kurt "dancing" with his daughter. Actually, just
holding her on one arm, taking her tiny hand in his and swaying to the music.
/No matter if the sun don't shine or if the skies are blue/
/No matter what the ending, my life began with you/
Goddammit! My fucking life is passing me by! Two great guys who coulda made me happy and I
let them slip by just because I'm such a bitch!
Lance's POV:
Wanda doesn't seem to be having any fun. "You OK?" I ask.
"I'm fucking fine."
When people say they're "fucking fine", they usually aren't. Is she crying? Wanda never cries.
"Wanda, you can tell me what's wrong." Where was that sensitivity when I was dating Kitty?
"I'm OK, I always cry at weddings."
That's bull. Pietro told me she's never even been to a wedding before. "They look happy." I
say, motioning to Todd and Rogue. Maybe not the best thing to say.
"The two freaks deserve each other."
"Yeah, they deserve each other all right." Take that however you want. Wanda is very pretty.
Even if she's smeared her make-up a little. "Do you wanna dance?"
"Sure."
Todd's POV:
While we were dancing, Marie took the elastic band out of my hair. She whispered to me that
she thinks it looks better loose. I'm still getting used to the idea that someone finds me
attractive. Frankly, it's kinda nice. She held me close and stroked my hair. God, that feels good.
Party's almost over. Marie tosses her bouquet. Jubilee catches it and starts doing this
victory dance, like she made the winning touchdown or something. Now it's my turn. I gotta throw
her garter. Fuzzball says she has to sit on Fred's lap while I take off the garter. Where does
he come up with this? So, Fred sits in this chair and Marie gets in his lap, his belly almost
pushing her off. I kneal down and start searching under these layers of fluffy white skirts.
"Watch it, Todd, that's my leg!" says Fred. Har har. Hey, she's wearing those silk stockings
I like so much. The ones she has to wear a garter belt and straps with. And nothing else. Good.
I'm wearing those black silk boxers I know she likes. I get a good look at what I'm getting later
tonight. I see the garter and grab it. I can't help taking a moment to feel the silk over her
knee. She nudges me with her foot. Time to stop admiring the view and get on with it.
I throw the garter over my shoulder. Lance catches it. Scott comes over to me. "We got a
surprise for you two out front." he says.
The surprise is a white '04 Corvette complete with cans tied to the bumper and a "Just
Married" sign.
"So, where'd you rent it from?" I ask.
"It's not a rental, it's yours."
OK, my hearing must be going out on me. "Excuse me?"
"We all pooled our money together and got you this. Slightly used, but I got it running like
new. The '04 series is pretty resiliant. Treat it good and it'll last practically forever. Just
need the two of you to sign this." He takes out the title. We use the hood of the car to write on.
The car is signed over to us. Scott tosses me the keys. I used to hate these people. Now I see
there not all that bad.
Rogue's POV:
In one day I get a husband and a car. I've never been kissed so many times in my life.
People tend to avoid Miss Goth, especially when they learn she can kill with a touch. I think
my veil might be worn through. I give all the kids a hug and a peck on the cheek. I remind Kelly
to look after Peaches for me.
"Been a lovely weddin', petite fille."
That could be only one person. "Remy?"
He's standing there in a tux. Grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Oui." he says.
Todd sides up to us. "Hello Remy," he says cooly. "And good-bye, we're leaving."
"Don' I getta kiss dee bride?"
"Don't you have a gumbo or something to make?"
"Mais, eet's only one petite kiss." He gives me a gentle kiss on the cheek. Poor Todd is
fuming. He knows I used to have a thing for Remy. I guess it was mutual, but it just wasn't meant
to be. "Best of luck, Rogue." he says. "Now, I brought you something. A piece de resistance for
de Corvette." He takes it out of his jacket pocket and puts it on our dashboard. It's a
bobblehead Kermit the Frog.
"That's real cute, Remy." I mean it. "Thanks."
"Mais, I wanted to get ya something." He almost looks like he's blushing.
"Yeah, it's great." Todd says impatiently. "Now, we've got a honeymoon to get to so go...
row a pirough, or whatever it is you do."
"What I was t'inkin' o' doin' was spearin' me some frog legs." he says with a smile. "Hey,
don't get jealous, mon ami. Rogue is your woman. I respect that." He shakes his hand. "You be
good to her, ya hear?"
"Yeah, I hear."
Our bags are already in the back seat. We're ready to roll. I have to practically wind my
skirts around me to fit in the seat. Todd starts the car. The predictable rice throwing and shouts
of good luck follow. I realize how ironic the rice is. It started out as a symbol of fertility.
No chance there.
As we head down Graymalkin Drive I lift the veil from my face and feel the wind. Todd
asks if I want him to put the top up. No, I like it this way. I don't think I've ever been
happier.
Todd's POV:
OK, so I'm insecure. Marie is as hot as they come and me, well they don't call me Toad
because I look like Fabio. But she's my woman, dammit! Gumbo can just keep his cajun fingers
off her! My woman. My Marie. My wife. She really is mine. Just like I'm hers.
It really is windy, driving with the top down. I'm getting tears in my eyes. Marie wants
me to leave the top down. The wind blows at her veil, making it trail behind her. She puts a hand
over the side and lets it ride the updraft. I turn on the radio. Billy Idol's "White Wedding."
Pretty appropriate. Marie and I sing along with the radio as we head down the highway to New York
City. I look at Kermit, his head bobbling as he smiles at us. It makes me smile.
/Take me back home/
/There is nothin' fair in this world/
/There is nothin' safe in this world/
/And there's nothin' sure in this world/
/And there's nothin' pure in this world/
/Look for something left in this world..../
/It's a nice day for a white wedding/
/It's a nice day to start again..../
We get to the Marriot. Prof already made reservations for Mr. and Mrs. Todd Tolensky. The
bellboy takes our bags to our room and starts going on about where the closets and bathrooms are,
how to call room service, yadda yadda. I give him a tip just to make him go away.
I stop Marie from going in the room. "What is it?" she asks.
"Um...aren't I supposed to carry you through the door or something?"
"Todd, you'd throw your back out. Wait, I know..." Whoa, where'd the floor go? Oh. She's
carrying /me/. OK, this is kinda fun. She drops me on the bed. She pulls her veil back down and
gets on top of me. OK, so I like being dominated. She kisses me. Mmmmm....all silky and lacey.
I've got a long night ahead of me. And I'm going to enjoy every minute. I love you, Marie. I
always will.
A/N The End! For now. Some of the events here are based on my own wedding. The best man's 'that's
my leg' crack. Getting worked up over a cold sore. The wrong processional music. (I was to come
down the isle to "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" from the /Armegeddon/ CD. My brother-in-law nearly
had me march to "Come Together".) The song "No Matter What" belongs to Jim Steinman and Andrew
Lloyd Webber. It's from the musical "Whistle Down the Wind". Other songs have their owners mentioned
in the fic. For some reason, I have a mental image of Logan sitting at a table and growling Irving
Berlin's name like Worf did in the wedding scene in /Star Trek: Nemesis/. If you're wondering what
Kelly Osbourn is doing here, read "The Best Little Institute in Texas" I always thought Kelly
would get along with both Rogue and Kitty. She seems like aweird mix of both. As for the Formidable
Four, well, check out the Daria fan-fics.
Professor X's POV:
Today is June 12, 2011, and another of my students is going away. I should be used to it by
now, even expect it. They're all growing up, starting new lives, raising families. I feel old.
I didn't expect this day to come. Rogue, excuse me, Marie is getting married. And to Todd
Tolensky. As with the others, I volunteered to pay for the wedding. After all, I'm an old man who
has more money than he knows what to do with, so why not make some kids happy for one day. And pray
that their happiness lasts longer than mine did.
They didn't want anything extravagant. Neither one is particularly religious and neither has
any family they care to meet again. They were all for a backyard wedding. Well, I do have a rather
big backyard. They picked the rose garden, a favorite trysting place of their's, much to Storm's
consternation. Storm. She married Logan 7 years ago. They now have a little girl named Kiara Rose.
I can hear her playing 'duck, duck, goose' with the other children, including her second cousin,
Evan Jr. Scott and Jean have two children- Nathan and Rachel. They've been chosen to be the ring
bearer and the flower girl. The Formidable Four were invited along with their children; Jasmine,
Jason and Matthew. I think of my own son. The one I nearly lost without knowing him. Sigh.
Logan and Kurt are putting up the trelis. Storm and Jean are getting the cake and punch
ready. Logan said not to worry about the person performing the ceremonies. The man he got is pushing
90 and is nearly blind so he may not notice a few oddities among our guests.
Lance's POV:
I got to see them. Kitty Pryde never showed me her boobs the whole time we were dating. Never
even let me touch them. But I got to see them today.
And she had a baby hanging off one of them.
Not just any baby. Nooooo...This one was covered in blue fur and had a tail. You think having
a demon baby would freak most girls out. Why do you think Mystique tossed Fuzzball over? Not Kitty.
She's nursing this thing for crying out loud! I swear, it was an accident when I walked in on her
and she gets all mad at me. She grabs a pillow and tries to cover herself. She says "Lance, go
away! Can't you see I'm trying to feed Gabs?"
So I mumble an appology and leave. Gabs is Kitty's daughter. And Kurt's. She slept with that
hairy blue freak! Calm down, Alvers. Toad's not gonna appreciate an earthquake on his wedding day.
Toad's wedding day? What alternative universe did I just slip into?
I find the room I was looking for. There's Blob and Toad, getting ready for the big day.
Fred's POV:
Never thought I'd see the day. My little buddy's getting married. And I'm the best man. I
think I know why he chose me. Lance and Pietro laughed at him when Todd told them he was seeing
Rogue. I didn't. I know how much it hurts when people laugh at you. Todd says he's used to it.
He says he can laugh at himself sometimes.
Rogue's a neat girl. I'm real happy for Todd. But sometimes, I'm just a bit jealous. Not
'cuz of her, but because they have something I can't have. I was being stupid when I thought
Jean liked me. Let's face it, why would any girl like me?
I look in the mirror. Todd's combing his hair for maybe the 50th time today. We're both
wearing white tuxedos. The Prof had them custom made. It's hard for me to find stuff that fits.
Todd says he has a hard time finding something that fits that wasn't made for a 10 year old. He
looks good. I look like a giant gallon of milk.
Todd's POV:
I'm not going to faint. I'm not going to throw up. I am going to comb my hair. It's become
a nervous habit for me. I used to bite my nails, now I've replaced one habit with another. I grab
an elastic band and tie my hair back. That looks better. I guess. I look so stupid. Let's face it,
I'm a jeans and T-shirt guy, yo. Tuxedos just make me look like a little kid playing dress up.
How do you tie a tie again? Over, under, the bunny goes around the tree-ah, screw it, I'll wear
a clip on.
I wonder how Marie would feel about just taking off for Las Vegas. Get married by Elvis
and celebrate by playing the slots. I guess she wouldn't go for it.
It's one thing to tell Marie how much I love her. It's another to get in front of everyone
and tell them. Just words aren't enough to say how I feel about her. Uh-oh- sweat. Wouldn't do
to get all sweaty. Only got one tux. Gotta get some water. Whoa, who turned out the lights? I
fall on something soft.
"You OK, Todd?" Fred asks. "You nearly passed out on me."
OK, that was awkward. I tell him I just need some water. He says he'll get it. Then Lance
comes in. Lance just looks at me. I'm trying to take deep calming breaths.
"So, getting hooked to the ball and chain, huh?"
"Uh-huh."
"Liked the party last night?"
"Uh-huh." Last night the guys took me out to some strip club and tried to get me drunk. Yeah,
like I'm falling for that again. I gave most of my beers to Fred. He can drink a keg and barely
get tipsy. I wasn't impressed by the strippers. They all had implants and were way too skinny.
They looked like a pair of balloons tied to a twig. Sorry if I don't find that sexy.
Pietro dashes in. Lovely. Like I didn't feel sick already.
Pietro's POV:
I deign to grace Todd and Lance with my presence. "So, li'l Toddlekins is getting married!"
He won't admit it, but he likes my teasing.
"Uh-huh." is all he says.
I see a fashion faux pas. It's my duty to point it out. "Todd, you're not wearing a /clip
on/ to a wedding, are you?"
"Uh-huh." He's not the wittiest of conversationalists at the moment. I remove the tacky
clip-on and replace it with a tasteful four-in-hand. Takes me an eighth of a second. "Thanks."
he says.
"You're wearing white?" I ask. Well, it /is/ after Memorial Day, but "Excuse me for saying
so, but haven't you and Rogue..um..tasted forbidden fruit?"
"Way to go with the euphamism, Pietro." says Lance.
"Way to go with the vocabulary, Lance." I reply.
"White doesn't neccesarily mean virgin, yo." Todd finally adds to the conversation. "It's
a symbol of our love. Our love is pure. Everything we do is an expression of pure love."
Since when did Todd get poetic? "Well," Lance sighs. "I guess this means no more stumbling
over used condoms."
"That was just one time, yo!"
"It was cherry flavored! Do you know how many disturbing mental images I got from that?"
"Thank you." I say sarcastically. "Now I've got mental images that I don't want."
Enter Tubby. He gives Todd a glass of water. Todd chugs it. "Prof's been real good to us."
he says. "Even got us a room at the Marriot in NYC for our honeymoon. While we're there, we're
gonna look for a place to live. Keep a secret, guys?" We guess we can. "Marie and I are thinking
about opening our own bar. My job at Kip's Tavern pays OK, but I wanna move on, yo. She's tired
of temping for bookkeepers and ready to start something of her own too."
"Best of luck." I tell him.
Kitty's POV:
That was so embarressing. Couldn't Lance knock? I know, those newsletters I get from La
Leche league say I shouldn't be embarressed about breastfeeding, but I don't want just anyone to
see my ta-tas. La Leche also recommends I breastfeed untill age 3 or even 4. Right. Sorry, but
once she starts growing teeth the dairy will close. Especially if she starts sprouting fangs
like her dad's. He's nipped me a few times. He's always willing to put a band-aid over his bite
marks and kiss it better. I knew there was a reason I love the fuzzy dude.
Gabs was getting full anyway. I toss a towel over my shoulder and burp her.
Her name is Gabriele Eva. Gabriele is the German spelling of the feminine for Gabriel, an angel
important in both Jewish and Christian theology. Eva is the name of the woman who adopted Kurt.
The woman who did what Mystique couldn't bring herself to do.
I sit Gabs in my lap. She's 9 months old. She can sit up on her own fairly well. I refasten
my dress and go back to the room where Rogue's getting dressed.
Jubilee greets me. Or rather, greets Gabs. "Oh, look at the pretty baby!" she squeals. I
let her hold her. "Look at the cute little dress she's in! Lavender's just the right color for
her, Kitty! Oh, does Gabsy like her Auntie Jubes?" Gabs makes some cooing noises.
"Will you put the kid down and help me zip up?" That would be Rogue.
"I'll get it." Kelly zips her up. She's maid-of-honor, it's kinda her job.
"Careful." she warns.
"I know, I won't touch the skin." Kelly says. "Now suck in."
"Thanks." Kelly and I help Rogue put on these extra long gloves that go almost up to her
shoulders and need to be buttoned. Rogue would probably toss me out a window if I told her, but
she really does look beautiful, if frazzled.
"How are you going to wear your hair?" asks Kelly.
"It's to short to do much with it." Rogue shrugs. "So, I'll just put on the veil after I
do my make-up."
"You're not going all gothed out are you?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be a gothic bride." she laughs. Her hands shake as she picks up an eyeliner.
I ask if she wants me to do it for her. "Nah," she says. "You might touch me by accident." This
would've sounded rude from anyone else, but it actually shows concern coming from her.
"Listen, Rogue," I whisper to her. "I know you're nervous, but trust me, once you see Todd
and you're together with him, it will all go away."
"Who says I'm nervous?"
"You're using eyeliner on your lips."
"Oh."
I remember my own wedding and almost envy those two. My parents came and had a big screaming
fight with each other. They are divorced now and my dad has refused to meet his own granddaughter.
Mom's been OK, but she keeps hinting that I should get Kurt to convert to Judaism. Not happening.
It was an interfaith wedding, with Rabbi Farburg and Vater Braun sharing ceremonial duties. Since
it was interfaith we skipped the eucharist and the wine goblet. Which was a shame. Kurt was looking
forward to being able to break something. Then the priest caught on fire and that chimp went
crazy. Long story.
Rogue looks pretty. Mauveberry lipstick suits her much better than that purply-black
stuff she usually wears.
Rogue's POV:
I look like hell. I didn't sleep good last night. Combination of nerves and I just know
Todd's skeevy friends took him to some cheap strip club. I nearly put eyeliner on my lips. Oh,
no, I'm not nervous. Oh my god, that's a cold sore, isn't it? I've got a fucking cold sore on my
wedding day! Kitty says she's gonna see if Kurt's finished with the trelis. OK. I'm ready for my
nervous break down.
I feel something rub against my leg, followed by a purr. "I can't hold you, Peaches, I'll
get fur on my dress." A couple years ago, Kelly's cat went to Kitty Heaven, but not before dropping
a litter. Kelly let me have one. She has Siamese markings like Puss did, but her eyes are yellow-
orange, like peaches. So, that's what I call her. I found out a long time ago that my powers don't
work on animals, so at least I get something fluffy to pet.
Peaches gives an irritated meow and stalks off. Kelly combs my hair and puts on my veil.
Jubilee is snapping photos. I have this filmy layer of white tulle hanging in my face. I would've
perferred the type worn off the face, but if anyone wants to kiss the bride, this is how it has to be.
Kelly leaves to see if everything's ready. She reminds me not to leave the room.
Old superstition, no one must see the bride before the wedding other than her attendants. I go over
to the window and push the veil from my face. I can see the rose garden from here. Looks like
they're getting ready. I look down and see Todd come out with Fred and the others. Todd looks great.
Wish I could get him to dress up more often. He looks really nice. Not at all nervous and frazzled
like I am.
As soon as the kids see him they drop whatever game they were playing and run up to
their Uncle Todd. Those kids love him. What am I thinking? Todd deserves to be with a woman who
can touch him, give him children. I'm holding him down. I love him too much.
Jubilee asks me what's wrong. I say I'm fine. "No you're not." she says. "You're about to
cry, and they're not happy tears."
"Look outside, Jubilee." She does.
"Hey, there's Todd!" she says. "He looks cute, if you don't mind me saying so. All the kids
are down there. There's Kitty, she's handing Gabs over to him. Looks like Kelly's taking pictures."
"Jubilee, I can't give him children. It's clear that he likes them. Am I being...selfish?"
"Rogue, girlfriend, listen to me. /Not/ marrying him would be selfish. You're the only
woman he wants. The kids like Todd because-well-deep down he's just a big kid himself. He'll talk
to them, get down on the floor and play with them, that kinda thing."
"He has a lot of love in him. He'd make a good father."
"Maybe. But, for now, just concentrate on what a good husband he is. I like the stories he
tells the children. I can't help but think some of the characters seem awfully familiar."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it. In his stories, the wicked witch is always named Raven. And then there's
Sir Lancelot and his squire, Petey the Swift. Freddy the Friendly Giant, Queen Kitka of the
Cat People, Jeannie the Red Sorceress, and everyone's favorite Truk the Silly Blue Elf. And I've
got a pretty good idea who the Beautiful Princess Marie is based on. Wonder if he'll ever make up
a character based on me."
"You could ask him."
Peaches is bugging me again. Unless I want my wedding gown clawed up I'd better pay attention
to her. I find one of her cat toys and play with her for awhile. Then there's a BAMF! and I'm
face to face with my brother.
"Kurt!" Jubilee scolds. "What if we were naked?"
"I'd go back and get my camera." he jokes. "Ready, mein Shwester?" He offers his arm.
"Ready."
Todd's POV:
As soon as I'm out the door I hear it.
"Uncle Todd! Uncle Todd!" The kids stampede toward me. Ah, I love 'em.
"Uncle Todd!" says Kiara Rose. "We're playin' 'duck, duck, goose'. Wanna join?"
"Kids, we're all dressed up today. Maybe we shouldn't do anything to get messed up." Whoa.
Since when did I start talking like an adult?
Kitty comes out. "Todd, could you hold Gabs for me? I'm going to see if I can help Kurt
with the trelis."
"Sure." I take the gurgling little fuzzball. She's cute. Hard to believe something cute
came from Kurt Wagner. She has a tail. No question who the father is in that case. Wonder how
they get a diaper on her?
"Hey, Todd." It's that Kelly Osbourn chick. "Hold Gabs up so I can take a picture." I hold
the baby up and pose for a few pics. Gabs looks like a little elf baby. Her fur is a shade or so
lighter than Kurt's and really soft. It feels more like the down on a baby duck than like fur.
Baby ducks are what got me in the situation I'm in. It was the day after Easter. Marie and
I went on our biannual candy run. (The other one is right after Halloween.) We grabbed some take-out
and had a picnic in the park. They have this thing where you can buy food for the ducks, so we
thought, what the hell. This big duck with a bunch of little fluffy ducklings paddled up to the
shore. One of the ducklings got out of the water and waddled up to us. When they're this young,
they aren't affraid of people. I picked the little guy up and showed him to Marie. I heard some angry
quacking and something biting my jeans. Mama Duck wanted her baby back. I put it down for her.
Marie and I just stood there, looking at the lake. I can't remember which of us did it first,
but next thing I know is we're hugging. We just held onto each other for a long time. I never want
to let go of her. I asked her to marry me. She said yes.
Back to the present, Kelly's taking more photos of me and the kids. She says she has to get
more film for her camera. "Uncle Todd," says Evan Jr. "Will you tell us a story?"
"Oh, yes!" says Rachel. "Tell one about Princess Marie."
"You always want to hear about Princess Marie." says Nathan.
"Alright, gather around, kids." I grab a seat on one of the benches and hold Gabs in my lap.
"I've got a new story for you." I love telling the kids stories, and they love hearing them. They're
mostly fractured fairy tales with my own creative bent to them. "This is how Princess Marie broke
the spell Raven the Witch put on her by falling in love." It's an allegory about Marie and myself.
With a little of The Frog Prince thrown in. The kids love it.
"But Uncle Todd," says Jasmine. "Why didn't the toad tell Princess Marie who he was?"
Clever girl. "It's like this, Jasmine. The toad had been a toad for so long, he forgot he
was really a prince."
"Kissing is gross." says Nathan. "Tell a funny story."
"Yeah," says Jason. "Tell one about Truk the Silly Elf. He's funny!"
"Well..." I pretend to think about it. Actually, I've been thinking of a good story with
him. "OK. Did you know Truk and Princess Marie were brother and sister?" They shake their heads. "Well,
they were. Raven the Witch tried to keep them from finding out, but Princess Marie gave her what
for. One day, Princess Marie and Truk the Silly Elf were walking in the forest. The birds were
fluttering around and singing. Marie was singing with them. She had a very beautiful voice. Truk
was supposed to mark the trail so they didn't get lost, but why is he called Truk, kids?"
"Because he has the brains of a pick-up truck!" They chorus.
"That's right!" Actually, it's Kurt spelled backwards. Shhh..."Truk thought he could mark
the trail with bread crumbs. Of course, the birds that had been singing with Princess Marie saw
the crumbs and starting eating them. They were now lost in the woods. Princess Marie was about
to wallop her stupid brother when they smelled something delicious. Marie thought that if they
followed the smell, they might find someone who could help them. You know what they found? They
found a house made all out of cakes and candy. Marie thought this was just a little strange, but
Truk just scampered over and started shoving handfuls of cake in his mouth." I tell them my
twisted version of Hansel and Gretal. Ending with Truk getting mad at Marie for pushing the witch
into the oven. She hits him with a spatula and flies away on Raven's broomstick.
"Hey, Stink-Boy." It's Logan. "It's time."
Lance's POV:
I stand nearby as Todd tells the kids stories. He tells some pretty good ones. I like the one
he told once about Sir Lancelot the Bumbling Knight. That character is just ridiculous. So's the
squire,Petey the Swift, who should be called Petey the Swish. He can't make him out and out gay,
it's a children's story, but he does make him very effeminate. I'm using lots of big words today.
In one story he told, Lancelot and Truk jousted for the hand of Queen Kitka. I felt kinda sorry
for Lancelot when Truk managed to beat him. Wait a minute...Lancelot...Kitka-Kitty...Truk-Kurt.
Froggy Boy's been making fun of us!
"Hey, Lance, do me a favor?" asks the tuxedoed twerp.
"What?"
"When Ma-Rogue and Fuzzbutt come down the path could you play this?" He puts a CD in my hand
and leads me to this chair by a boombox. The CD is the soundtrack to /Top Gun/. And people say
/I'm/ stuck in the 80's.
"Yeah, sure." Yeah, I'll do him a favor.
"Thanks. Play track 5. 'Take My Breath Away'. That's the song we want."
"Yeah, sure."
Kurt's POV:
I was so flattered when Rogue asked me to give her away. We've been through so much together.
We've had our fights and our hugs and our long talks on the balcony. She really sees me as her
family now. Kitty jokes that this is good practice for me. Someday, I may do this for Gabs. That
day is a long, long way off.
I'm giving her to Toad. Sorry, Todd. I just can't get used to calling him that. I can't
understand why she loves him. He's crude, boorish, has no manners. OK, Rogue tells me that his
hygiene has improved dramaticlly. He still smells weird. Better than usual, but weird. She says
he stole stuff because he needed to. The night I came to the Institute, Scott had caught Todd
swiping wallets and saved him from getting clobbered by Duncan and his goons. Todd later told Rogue
that he was trying to get enough together for a motel room and a pizza. He had to settle for some
flies and a spot under an overpass that night. She says he doesn't steal anymore because he doesn't
need to. Well, all I can say is he'd better be a good husband to Rogue. If he isn't, he'll have
me to answer to.
Here we go. Nathan and Rachel go just ahead of us. Nathan holds up the silk pillow with the
rings. Rachel gets ready to scatter her rose petals. Lance pushes a button on the boombox. Hang
on. This isn't processional music. This sounds like Kenny Loggins' "Fly Into the Danger Zone" if
I'm not mistaken. "Lance!" Rogue shouts at him. Poor Rachel and Nathan stop right in the middle of
the path. They don't understand what's going on. I cover it with a joke.
"Toad and Rogue's Wedding! Take Two!" Jean shoos her kids back up the path so we can start
over. Rogue has a little talk with Lance. Apparantly, she was to come down the path to Berlin's
"Take My Breath Away." I tell her that "Fly Into the Danger Zone" might be more appropriate
anyway. She doesn't like the joke. OK, here we go again.
/Watching every motion/
/In my foolish lover's game/
/On this endless ocean/
/Finally lovers know no shame/
/Turning and returning/
/To some secret place inside/
/Watching in slow motion/
/As you turn around and say/
/Take my breath away/
Todd's POV:
Wow. Just-Wow. Marie looks so beautiful. She's always beautiful, but, wow. She's wearing
this white dress with this full floaty kind of skirt. Kinda looks like a dress Marilyn Monroe
wore once in this picture I saw of her once. Not the one from /The Seven Year Itch/, though that
wasn't bad either. In the photo, Marilyn in sitting in this long fluffy white dress, the skirt
all flared around her. What really makes the picture is that she's looking right at you with her
lips parted and one hand raised as if asking you to come closer so she can tell you a secret. Ah,
Norma Jean, you were to good for this world.
Marie's right beside me now. Fuzzbutt kisses her cheek through the veil and puts her hand
in mine. OK, calming breath. Don't shake.
Judge's POV:
It's such an honor to bring two young people together. My eyes are going out on me, but I
just know they're very happy. I've memorized the words I need to say. They come naturally to me.
The bride's brother gave her away. His face looks-blue? These young people today. Wear
outlandish facepaint anywear.
They wish to read their own vows. Very touching. They exchange rings as they do. Shouldn't
the bride take off her glove for this? Oh well, young people today
Hmmm...which one's the bride again? They're both wearing white. Did I get roped into one
of those new fangled girl on girl weddings? No, no, if I remember, the groom's name is Tom. Or
Ted, or something like that. "Do you, Mary..." I say
"Uh, I'm Todd." says the short white blur. "And her name's Marie."
Oops. First that "music" now this. Take two. "Do you, Marie, take Todd to be your lawfully
wedded husband?"
"I do."
"Do you, Todd, take Marie..." You know the rest.
"I do."
"Then by the power invested in me by the state of New York I now pronounce you man and wife.
you may kiss the bride." I said kiss her, not swallow her! Young people.
Rogue's POV:
I love you so much, Todd. You'll never know how much. I worked for weeks on the vows I wrote
for him. How he means the world to me. He wrote how he wants to be with me forever. He's giving me
one of his soft, slow kisses. I worry if the tulle is just a little to thin. I don't seem to be
draining him, so I guess we're cool.
We sign the marriage certificate. Marie Tolensky. That's my name now. I didn't care to
carry my no account daddy's name for the rest of my life anyhow. But my initials are MAT. Oh,
well.
My husband. That's how I have to think about Todd now. Not my boyfriend or even my fiance,
but my husband. I'm wearing a gold band on my finger with the name "Todd" etched in it. Todd has
a simular one with my name etched in it. We cut the cake together. He feeds me a morsel. I offer
him some. THWACK! The Tongue snatches it up. Gotta teach that boy some manners.
I'm looking over some Polaroids some people have taken so far. Jubilee got a lovely shot
of my clevage as I leaned over to sign the papers. Wonderful.
"My child."
I look up to see who said that, even though I know who it is. "Irene! What the hell are you
doing here?"
"I wanted to see you get married."
"You lied to me! You lied to me since I was kid! You told me I was sick when I wasn't!" I
sound like one of Todd's corny Emenem CD's, but I don't care. I'm so pissed that this woman invaded my
wedding day.
"Marie, honey, I wanted to protect you. I hope you'll understand."
"What I understand is Mystique made my life a livin' hell and you were fine with it!"
"I don't expect you to forgive me, Marie."
"Then what are you here for? Just wanna wish me and Todd luck?"
She smiles just a little. "No, I didn't come to wish you luck. I don't need to. I've seen
your future with Todd. You will have both joys and sorrows, but your joys will outnumber your
sorrows. I know you will be happy with him."
I may be mad at her, but I have to know. "Irene, I know Todd will make me happy. But, will
he be happy with me? We can't touch like normal people. We-I mean-I can't have kids."
"Marie, he /will/ be happy. I won't tell you anything more. I think you'd rather be surprised."
"Hey, angel." Todd comes up to me. "Who's this?"
"Todd, I believe I've told you about Irene."
"Uh-huh." Todd looks like he can't decide whether to hit her or hug her. He settles for a
handshake.
"I'll leave you to your festivities." Irene reaches out to me, finds my face with her hand
and pulls me in for a peck on the cheek. Am I imagining things, or did I see a tear leak under
her dark glasses? "If you ever need me, I'll know where to find you." She uses her cane to find
her way out. Todd takes my arm.
"C'mon, Marie." he says. "It's time for the first dance. You don't wanna keep Fuzzy waiting."
I dance with Kurt to "Blue Skies". Todd found this Irving Berlin CD to play at the reception.
Kurt's a pretty good dancer. I'll bet he and Kitty look good on the dance floor.
The next dance is just me and Todd. The Irving Berlin CD has a song called "Marie". It's
a short song about a guy who asks a girl named Marie is he can kiss her. Todd and I both love
slow dancing. Nothing fancy, just hugging to music.
Logan's POV:
I didn't like Irving Berlin when he first came out and I don't like him now. I sit at a
table and sip some more champagne. Dammit, not even a decent buzz. Aw, not another Irving Berlin!
Grrrr....I'm not crazy about the band Berlin either.
Kelly Osbourn says she'd like to sing a song for the bride and groom and all the other couples.
It's a showtune called "No Matter What". Well, the kid does have a good voice on her.
She puts an instrumental CD in the 'box and sings.
/No matter what they tell us, no matter what they do/
/No matter what they teach us,what you believe is true/
There's a hand on mine. Ororo smiles at me. "My I have this dance?"
Hell yeah! I'm not much of a dancer, but there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my 'Ro.
She loves me even when I'm being an asshole and she's the mother of my little girl.
/No matter what they call us, however they attack/
/No matter where they take us, we'll find our own way back/
This song is us. Not just me and 'Ro, but for all mutants. We've got some hard times up
ahead of us, I know. But we'll face it together. Did I just think that? Been hagin' round Chuck
for too long.
/I can't deny what I believe, I can't be what I'm not/
/I know I'll love forever/
/I know, no matter what/
Wanda's POV:
Why did I come here? Because Pietro's here? We're actually starting to get along. Have to
since we joined the Avengers. But that's not it. Because goth chicks gotta stick together? Nah.
I have no idea why I'm here.
Look at him. Just look at the shrimpy little toad. With this big simpering grin on his
face. Holding on to Rogue like he's never gonna let go. It's pathetic. Especially the way he looks
at her. Like he's looking at a rare flower or a masterpiece painting. He used to look at me like
that. Not that I want him to start again.
Is Rogue smiling? I don't think I've ever seen her smile before. He has his shaggy dirty
blond hair tied back. While they're slow dancing she slips the band out of his hair and lets it
hang loose. She whispers something to him that seems to make him happy. She holds him and strokes
his hair. Does she realize he's just the right size to plant his face in her boobs?
He reaches up and touches her cheek through the veil. She touches his hand, to keep it there.
Christ! Get a room! I turn away from them. I see Kurt "dancing" with his daughter. Actually, just
holding her on one arm, taking her tiny hand in his and swaying to the music.
/No matter if the sun don't shine or if the skies are blue/
/No matter what the ending, my life began with you/
Goddammit! My fucking life is passing me by! Two great guys who coulda made me happy and I
let them slip by just because I'm such a bitch!
Lance's POV:
Wanda doesn't seem to be having any fun. "You OK?" I ask.
"I'm fucking fine."
When people say they're "fucking fine", they usually aren't. Is she crying? Wanda never cries.
"Wanda, you can tell me what's wrong." Where was that sensitivity when I was dating Kitty?
"I'm OK, I always cry at weddings."
That's bull. Pietro told me she's never even been to a wedding before. "They look happy." I
say, motioning to Todd and Rogue. Maybe not the best thing to say.
"The two freaks deserve each other."
"Yeah, they deserve each other all right." Take that however you want. Wanda is very pretty.
Even if she's smeared her make-up a little. "Do you wanna dance?"
"Sure."
Todd's POV:
While we were dancing, Marie took the elastic band out of my hair. She whispered to me that
she thinks it looks better loose. I'm still getting used to the idea that someone finds me
attractive. Frankly, it's kinda nice. She held me close and stroked my hair. God, that feels good.
Party's almost over. Marie tosses her bouquet. Jubilee catches it and starts doing this
victory dance, like she made the winning touchdown or something. Now it's my turn. I gotta throw
her garter. Fuzzball says she has to sit on Fred's lap while I take off the garter. Where does
he come up with this? So, Fred sits in this chair and Marie gets in his lap, his belly almost
pushing her off. I kneal down and start searching under these layers of fluffy white skirts.
"Watch it, Todd, that's my leg!" says Fred. Har har. Hey, she's wearing those silk stockings
I like so much. The ones she has to wear a garter belt and straps with. And nothing else. Good.
I'm wearing those black silk boxers I know she likes. I get a good look at what I'm getting later
tonight. I see the garter and grab it. I can't help taking a moment to feel the silk over her
knee. She nudges me with her foot. Time to stop admiring the view and get on with it.
I throw the garter over my shoulder. Lance catches it. Scott comes over to me. "We got a
surprise for you two out front." he says.
The surprise is a white '04 Corvette complete with cans tied to the bumper and a "Just
Married" sign.
"So, where'd you rent it from?" I ask.
"It's not a rental, it's yours."
OK, my hearing must be going out on me. "Excuse me?"
"We all pooled our money together and got you this. Slightly used, but I got it running like
new. The '04 series is pretty resiliant. Treat it good and it'll last practically forever. Just
need the two of you to sign this." He takes out the title. We use the hood of the car to write on.
The car is signed over to us. Scott tosses me the keys. I used to hate these people. Now I see
there not all that bad.
Rogue's POV:
In one day I get a husband and a car. I've never been kissed so many times in my life.
People tend to avoid Miss Goth, especially when they learn she can kill with a touch. I think
my veil might be worn through. I give all the kids a hug and a peck on the cheek. I remind Kelly
to look after Peaches for me.
"Been a lovely weddin', petite fille."
That could be only one person. "Remy?"
He's standing there in a tux. Grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Oui." he says.
Todd sides up to us. "Hello Remy," he says cooly. "And good-bye, we're leaving."
"Don' I getta kiss dee bride?"
"Don't you have a gumbo or something to make?"
"Mais, eet's only one petite kiss." He gives me a gentle kiss on the cheek. Poor Todd is
fuming. He knows I used to have a thing for Remy. I guess it was mutual, but it just wasn't meant
to be. "Best of luck, Rogue." he says. "Now, I brought you something. A piece de resistance for
de Corvette." He takes it out of his jacket pocket and puts it on our dashboard. It's a
bobblehead Kermit the Frog.
"That's real cute, Remy." I mean it. "Thanks."
"Mais, I wanted to get ya something." He almost looks like he's blushing.
"Yeah, it's great." Todd says impatiently. "Now, we've got a honeymoon to get to so go...
row a pirough, or whatever it is you do."
"What I was t'inkin' o' doin' was spearin' me some frog legs." he says with a smile. "Hey,
don't get jealous, mon ami. Rogue is your woman. I respect that." He shakes his hand. "You be
good to her, ya hear?"
"Yeah, I hear."
Our bags are already in the back seat. We're ready to roll. I have to practically wind my
skirts around me to fit in the seat. Todd starts the car. The predictable rice throwing and shouts
of good luck follow. I realize how ironic the rice is. It started out as a symbol of fertility.
No chance there.
As we head down Graymalkin Drive I lift the veil from my face and feel the wind. Todd
asks if I want him to put the top up. No, I like it this way. I don't think I've ever been
happier.
Todd's POV:
OK, so I'm insecure. Marie is as hot as they come and me, well they don't call me Toad
because I look like Fabio. But she's my woman, dammit! Gumbo can just keep his cajun fingers
off her! My woman. My Marie. My wife. She really is mine. Just like I'm hers.
It really is windy, driving with the top down. I'm getting tears in my eyes. Marie wants
me to leave the top down. The wind blows at her veil, making it trail behind her. She puts a hand
over the side and lets it ride the updraft. I turn on the radio. Billy Idol's "White Wedding."
Pretty appropriate. Marie and I sing along with the radio as we head down the highway to New York
City. I look at Kermit, his head bobbling as he smiles at us. It makes me smile.
/Take me back home/
/There is nothin' fair in this world/
/There is nothin' safe in this world/
/And there's nothin' sure in this world/
/And there's nothin' pure in this world/
/Look for something left in this world..../
/It's a nice day for a white wedding/
/It's a nice day to start again..../
We get to the Marriot. Prof already made reservations for Mr. and Mrs. Todd Tolensky. The
bellboy takes our bags to our room and starts going on about where the closets and bathrooms are,
how to call room service, yadda yadda. I give him a tip just to make him go away.
I stop Marie from going in the room. "What is it?" she asks.
"Um...aren't I supposed to carry you through the door or something?"
"Todd, you'd throw your back out. Wait, I know..." Whoa, where'd the floor go? Oh. She's
carrying /me/. OK, this is kinda fun. She drops me on the bed. She pulls her veil back down and
gets on top of me. OK, so I like being dominated. She kisses me. Mmmmm....all silky and lacey.
I've got a long night ahead of me. And I'm going to enjoy every minute. I love you, Marie. I
always will.
A/N The End! For now. Some of the events here are based on my own wedding. The best man's 'that's
my leg' crack. Getting worked up over a cold sore. The wrong processional music. (I was to come
down the isle to "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" from the /Armegeddon/ CD. My brother-in-law nearly
had me march to "Come Together".) The song "No Matter What" belongs to Jim Steinman and Andrew
Lloyd Webber. It's from the musical "Whistle Down the Wind". Other songs have their owners mentioned
in the fic. For some reason, I have a mental image of Logan sitting at a table and growling Irving
Berlin's name like Worf did in the wedding scene in /Star Trek: Nemesis/. If you're wondering what
Kelly Osbourn is doing here, read "The Best Little Institute in Texas" I always thought Kelly
would get along with both Rogue and Kitty. She seems like aweird mix of both. As for the Formidable
Four, well, check out the Daria fan-fics.