Now and Forever
Disclaimer: I own nothing at all.
A/N: This is something that popped up in a dream. Although the people getting married had been myself and my crush. p. I'm currently suffering from mild writer's block with my other story ("I Want You Back"). Hopefully it'll be up by Sunday. But after that, I won't be updating till the next two weeks 'cuz of exams.
Exams were created to turn our brains to mush. –kambing. (Haha. My best friend said that to me during our Biology paper a few weeks ago.)
Today was going to be the day.
Lance and Kitty had been together for about five years, after Apocalypse's defeat. Lance had, although slightly more than nervous, went back to Northbrook a few months back to gain permission from Kitty's parents, despite the fact that her parents hated him after their initial encounter. But about two years ago, Kitty had brought him back and had reintroduced him, and since then, her parents – who were now divorced - had softened up to him, even though there were moments when he accidentally said something wrong. Parents seem to always hate that.
He'd also gained permission from Professor Xavier and Logan. Xavier had smiled and nodded during the entirety of Lance's speech, although he had asked a few questions. When he finally gave his permission, he offered to sponsor the wedding. Lance had nearly cried in thanks. Logan had been more than a slight problem though. He had growled and unsheathed his claws all the while Lance talked, who kept forgetting what he was going to say in exchange of gulps and heavy breathing. He finally did get the wolverine's permission when Logan had sensed his sincerity.
Lance had managed to convince Rogue, whom he was on good terms with, to lure Kitty out for the day. More specifically, to buy a dress, go the salon and get their hair and nails done; generally, to pamper themselves the whole day with, if possible the rest of the women at the Institute.
He was nervous. Incredibly nervous. After all, it was the first time he was going to propose to a woman. Heck, it'd also probably be the last time. She completed him, and she was all that he needed. Other than a good home, and his family of course.
He already had an image of the wedding in his mind. Things were all going smoothly. "I do"s were said, they kissed and went back to the hotel.
That is, if she said yes.
The perfect wedding in his head would only come true if Kitty said yes. She played a vital part in it. If she said no, well… He didn't want to think about it.
The things they had gone through together kept replaying in his mind. Sweet, happy times just lazying around while talking about nothing. Beautiful beach days where the Brotherhood and X-Men got along together for about six hours before hell broke loose. When sunset came, all the couples present would snuggle up on a towel and watch it. It was almost too clichéd. Pietro had snapped a picture from behind. It was beautiful, and it hung in living room downstairs.
Speaking of which, he had helped choose out a ring for him, a tuxedo, made reservations at the best restaurant, and had rented a limo. All using the credit card Magneto had given to him.
"Hey-Lance," Pietro said, barging into the room. But when he realized that Lance still wasn't dressed – it was about an hour to eight – he snapped at him. "Why-aren't-you-dressed? The-limo's-going-to-be-here-in-fifteen-minutes!"
"Nerves," Lance mumbled.
He was sitting on the bed, staring at the tiny square box in his hand that was opened. The ring that lay inside it had a simple pink diamond on a pure silver band. He'd fallen in love with the ring instantly. The shade of pink sort of reminded him Kitty's pink cardigan, the article of clothing she wore when they had first met. He shut it close and put it beside him before rubbing his hands. They were shaking.
"Lance," Pietro said, deciding that talking at normal pace would be better. "I'm your best friend. I'm gonna make sure that everything is perfect tonight. I'll be outside the restaurant if you need me. 'Sides, you've gained her parents permission, not to mention baldy and wolverine's. You aren't chickening out now." He tossed him a black cell phone.
"What's this for?" Lance asked.
"My number's on speed dial. Call me if anything goes wrong," he said. "Consider it a pre-engagement present. If there's such a thing."
Lance gave a shaky smile.
"Listen to me, everything's gonna be alright. What've you got to lose?" Lance shot him a look. "Okay, everything if the X-Geek says no. But you'll live."
"Thanks," Lance said. "I think." He shook his head. "Get out of here, Pie. I need to get dressed," he said, shoving the white-haired mutant out of the room.
"Alright,-alright,-no-need-to-get-violent. Save-that-for-your-wedding-night," Pietro said.
"Hey!"
Lance closed the door shut and leaned against it. His heart had decided that a drum solo would be good right about now.
"Okay, deep breath, Alvers," he said. "You can do this. You love her, she loves you. She's going to say yes. If she doesn't, well, like Pie said, I'll live."
With a shaky breath, he changed into black dress pants, a white dress shirt and a black jacket. Completing the attire was a black tie that he at first refused to use. But he thought about it more and thought it was probably better if he did use the tie.
Taking a deep breath, he pocketed the box and went out and down the stairs. The rest of the Brotherhood were watching TV, including Wanda, which was weird considering she said reading books were a lot better.
"Ehem," Lance cleared his throat.
Everyone looked up and their jaws dropped.
"Look at him, yo! All dressed and ready to propose to his kitty cat!" Todd said, breaking the silence.
"You look great, Lance," Wanda agreed, nodding.
"Good luck with the proposal, man," Fred said, holding up a chicken leg.
"Thanks," Lance said.
"You look great, bro," Pietro said, giving Lance a hug. "Now go get me a future-sister-in-law!"
Lance laughed slightly, picked up the flowers he had bought earlier and left and got into the black limousine. During the entire drive to the Institute, he kept thinking over and over again on how he'd propose to her. Start off with a 'how much I love you' speech, perhaps? Or just ask the question straight away?
They finally reached the Institute. He got out and just stood outside nervously. Finally, he raised his hand and rang the doorbell.
There was faint, 'I'll get it!' from inside and a few seconds later, Jamie was at the door.
"Hey, Lance," he said, letting the older man in. Jamie had grown up from a bumbling twelve-year-old to a rather confident and handsome seventeen-year-old. Last he heard from Kitty, he was manning the training sessions, even though there was no real threat at the moment, for the younger generation of mutants. "Uh, Kitty'll be down in a minute. Marie and Amara are blindfolding her."
"Blindfolding?" Lance asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Hey, good luck, man," Jamie said and left.
"Come on, you guys! What's all this about? First the shopping, which I totally love of course, and now this?"
Lance's eyes lit up when he heard his angel's voice. He stood up even straighter and dusted off imaginary dust from his jacket. He heard a giggle and then he saw Rogue and Magma holding both of Kitty's hands while leading her down the stairs. She had a black cloth tied around her eyes and a smile graced her features.
She had on an off-the-shoulder pink dress on that went down to her knees and a pair of white sandal high heels on. Her hair was down in curls.
She was absolutely beautiful.
"Marie! 'Mara! Come on, you're going to ruin my make-up!" Kitty said. They finally reached the foyer. Marie gestured for Lance to come forward and he did so slowly, taking in every curve, every detail of Kitty.
"Alright, we'll leave you alone now," Marie said. As she and Magma walked away, she whispered, "Good luck," to Lance who nodded back in reply.
"Does this mean I can take off the blindfold, now?" Kitty asked. No one answered her.
He took her hand and she gasped. With the other unoccupied hand, she took off her blindfold, mindful of her make up. When the cloth fluttered to the floor, she gasped in shock and hugged Lance.
"What're you doing here?" she asked suspiciously. She glanced at his clothes. "Oh?"
"We're going out tonight, my lady," he said, handing her the bouquet of flowers. "For you."
"Why, thank you," she said, taking them. "You clean up real good," she mused, leaving the flowers while telling a girl, who had been passing by to get to the kitchen, to put it in her room. The girl nodded and left.
"You look absolutely beautiful yourself. Who was that?" Lance asked, offering Kitty his arm as he led her outside.
Kitty gasped with a giggle followed after she caught sight of their transportation. "My, my, it seems as though someone's been spending," she said as soon as they were safe inside the limo.
"Actually, Magneto sort of paid for it through Pietro," Lance said sheepishly. "Ol' buckethead's sort of taken us all in. Didn't I mention that to you?"
Kitty shook her head. "Is something going on, Lance?" she asked.
"You make it sound like a crime. Can't I take my beautiful girlfriend out who I love very much once in a while?" he asked.
Kitty smiled softly and kissed his cheek lightly. "So where're we going?" she asked.
"It's a surprise," he said.
"You never cease to amaze me," she said.
They finally reached the restaurant about half an hour later. With their arms linked, both Lance and Kitty entered the restaurant.
"Alvers party for two," Lance stated to the receptionist.
"Follow me," the receptionist said. He led the couple to a window seat with a lovely view. The restaurant was located on top of a hill that overlooked Bayville.
The lights close to their table was dim, illuminated by the many candles that were lit around them. They emanated a faint scent of roses.
"Do you like it so far?" Lance asked.
"Well, the ride here wasn't so bad," she teased. "And the view is absolutely breathtaking! You really had this night all planned out, didn't you? Are you sure you're not planning something?"
"Me? Of course not! You know how I am at planning things," he said.
Their food arrived and Kitty looked at him, puzzled. "I didn't order anything."
"Pre-ordered. Don't worry, there's absolutely no meat," Lance assured.
They ate their food with light conversation and laughter, with a waiter coming occasionally to refill their glasses. They finally ended dinner with desert, tiramisu cake and an assortment of fruits drowned in chocolate. They finally left around ten.
"Take us to the park," Lance told the driver after he and Kitty were safely seated in the vehicle.
They were there within minutes. Lance told the driver to just drive around until he gave a call. Together, Lance and Kitty ventured on the cobblestone pathway.
"So, how's everything been lately?" Lance asked, one hand holding Kitty's while the other in his pocket, clutched around the ring.
"Lance, I just saw you yesterday, remember?" Kitty said with a nudge in the ribs.
"Just trying to start a conversation," he said. "In case you've forgotten, I have the worst conversation skills in the whole of Bayville. And Northbrook if your parents have anything to say about it," he added.
Kitty laughed. She had grown up from being a fifteen-year-old Valley girl who took honors classes back in Freshman year at high school, to a first-year college student – she had put college off to help Professor Xavier after Jean and Scott moved out – at NYU who no longer talked with 'like's and 'totally's. Although she did slip occasionally.
"Hey, remember that time when I was chasing you here?"
"The one where you attempted to scare me and succeeded?"
"Yea," Lance said with a smile. "Still scared?"
"What do you think?" she asked scathingly, her grip on his hand tightening slightly. She shivered. "But having you here is all the comfort I need."
A/N: My "I Want You Back" readers will know this particular memory. But this story and that has no connection at all. Except the memories, excluding the break-up one. Heh. My notes are all over the place. I apologize.
He smiled at her. "Are you cold?"
"A bit," she admitted.
They stopped for a moment so that Lance could take off his jacket. He put it around her shoulders and kissed her forehead. He smiled as he watched her lean her nose against the fabric.
"Do you wanna sit?" he asked, jerking his thumb at a bench.
"Alright," she said. "These heels are killing me. I swear, they're demon shoes from hell." She let him lead her.
They sat down and she leaned against him, her head on his shoulder and her arm hooked around his.
"It's really nice out tonight," she whispered.
"Yea, it is," he said, looking at her. He pulled his arm away and stood up. Kitty looked up at him in surprise.
He bends down on the ground so that he was almost eye-to-eye with her. He took both her hands and gave them a light squeeze before bringing them up to his lips so he could kiss them gently.
"Lance, what's going on?" Kitty asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Kitty, we've been dating for – what? – five years now. And I'd love to tell you now that you complete my life. I couldn't possibly imagine my life without you. I really do think that this love we have between us, it's for real. I love you, Kitty, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you," he said. he put his hand in his pocket and took out the box before opening it. "Katherine Pryde, will you marry me?"
Kitty's eyes filled with tears as she grinned. She sniffed and was speechless. Finally, when she saw the dejected expression on Lance's face, she whispered, "Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."
"Y-You will?" he asked, standing up slowly.
She nodded and he laughed with joy, taking her waist and spinning her around in the air before hugging her tightly. "I love you so much," he said. Their lips met for a kiss.
"I love you, too," she said, leaning her forehead against his. She pulled away. "So this was what the fancy clothes and limo and expensive dinner was all about!"
He shrugged.
"Ooh, you!" she said and tackled him in another hug. "Let's go back to the Institute. We have to tell everybody!"
Eight Months Later…
"Lance, get outta that bathroom right now!" Wanda said, banging on the door.
Lance had locked himself in a bathroom due to his nerves. Today, he was getting married. And apparently, his stomach had decided that today, it wasn't going to agree with him.
After much planning, Kitty and Lance finally agreed to have the wedding at the Institute at the large backyard. Outside, Ororo as well as Jean were ushering everyone to their seats.
"You've been in there for ages, Lance," Wanda said, crossing her arms. She was wearing a rather decent red dress for once.
"Yea, yo, you gotta get out there and get married!" Todd said.
"I can't do it!" Lance voiced. "Awh, I think I gotta hurl."
Wanda and Todd heard retching and they rolled their eyes. "Lance, you can do this," Wanda said, surprising herself. She sighed. "Where's my brother? He's supposed to Lance's best man, right?"
"Pietro's probably still at home, yo," Todd said. "You know how long that man takes to dress. And that's sayin' something!"
Wanda sighed again. "Okay, Lance, you are going to come out or I'm gonna hafta hex this door open," she said.
"Alright," Lance finally said. Hs stepped out of the bathroom. "Do I look bad?"
"You gotta be positive, man," Todd said. "And for the record, you just look like you did when you proposed to her."
"Thanks," he said. "I think."
"I'm-here. What-did-I-miss?" Pietro said. He was wearing something similar to Lance's, except his tie was blue while Lance's was black.
"Not much," Todd said. "Except Lancey here threw up for half an hour."
"You're-not-chickening-out-now-are-you?" Pietro asked. Lance didn't answer. "Don't-you-dare-chicken-out-now,-Lance. Me,-Rogue-and-Grey-and-your-Kitty-spent-months-working-on-today. Including-the-reception."
"Wait, you helped with the preparations?" Lance asked, looking at him weirdly.
"What? I-want-it-to-be-perfect-for-you. 'Sides-I'm-the-best-man," the speedster said.
"I only chose you 'cause Todd can't stand still and Freddy would rather be at the reception eating and he takes up too much space at the altar," Lance said.
"Oh, very funny, Lance," Pietro said, rolling his eyes and glaring at him. "Well, come on, future-husband-of-Shadowcat, let's get you there. Kit's gonna be out any second."
"We'll go get a seat now," Wanda said. "Come on, Toad."
(A/N: For the record, I don't know if Jew marriages are any different from normal marriages. 'Cause from where I'm from, marriages are WAY different. There's about two or three events before you're actually married. So, I'm gonna just do it as how it is on TV. I know, pretty lame, but, yeah… So tell me if the marriages are any different.)
Meanwhile, in Kitty's room…
"Kitty, you look gorgeous!" Jean gushed when she entered.
"You think so?" Kitty asked, giving a little twirl in the white dress that was custom-made. There were pink and baby blue translucent cloth sewed to the bell sleeves. The bodice was a nice fit around her small waist. (I suck at describing. Just imagine it any way you want.)
"We know so," Amara said, giving the girl a hug.
"Thanks you guys," Kitty said, feeling herself tear up.
"No! Don't you dare cry! I spent a long time on that make-up!" Amara said. "Save the waterworks for after the wedding, okay?"
"Everyone's seated!" Jubilee said, walking as fast as she could without running to Kitty's room. She was already wearing her peach bridesmaid dress and heels. "And Lance is already standing at the altar. From what Bobby told me, he locked himself in the bathroom for a half an hour! He's real nervous, Kit, but the Brotherhood got him to come out."
"And you think I'm not nervous? Thanks for telling me he's nervous, Jubes, now I'm nervous," Kitty said, sitting back down on her bed.
"Kit, yah'll gonna be alraght," Marie said, sitting down on the bed next to her.
"She's right, Lass," Rahne said.
"You've been waiting for this since he proposed to you, Kitty, and now you're finally here. You can't back out now," Jean said. "Once it's over, it'll all be a huge relief. Like, 'Whoa, I'm married! I don't have to do that again!' relief."
Kitty looked at the framed photo of her and soon-to-be-husband during the night they got engaged. She felt her lips tug upwards as she fingered the smile on his face. She took a deep breath.
"Alright, I'm ready," Kitty said. "How about Rachel? Is she ready?"
"All dressed and impatient to throw the flowers on the ground," Jean said. She gave Kitty a hug. "It's going to be fine, Kitty. You deserve this. Oh, I better go. Scott just told me they're starting. Alright, bridesmaids, let's have you out there, now."
Slowly, every one of them went out and braced themselves for the second wedding the Institute has seen.
Back at the altar…
Lance kept tugging at his tie as he stood there with his heart beating rapidly. He didn't know that getting married would be this nerve-wracking.
"You-alright?" Pietro asked.
"I'll be fine as soon as we say 'I do'," Lance said. And when he saw the red-headed four-year-old walk out, he started hyperventilating. The 'Wedding March' soon started playing as the little girl slowly walked, throwing the flowers here and there, while curtseying and smiling sweetly to the guests.
The first bridesmaid and her escort finally appeared. Rahne and Roberto both walked out with smiles on their faces, followed by Jubilee and Bobby, and lastly Amara and Ray, whom he was still shocked to see together. Last he remembered, Amara had introduced him to her parents in Nova Roma, and apparently, he made a very good impression on them.
Marie finally came out. It was almost hard to think that she was actually wearing an off-the-shoulder peach dress with her mutation. Her hair had grown out and it was up in a bun, with her white bangs framing her face. About two years ago, Forge had successfully invented a power-nullifier and had given it to Marie. To say the least, Marie now declared herself eternally in his debt. Of course, there were still a few minor glitches and she had to take them off about eight hours a day. Oh, well, at least she could touch for most of the day.
And then finally, Kitty came out. It took him a lot of control to not let his jaw drop. She was being escorted down by Logan. Only her mother could make it. Her father had a very important meeting to be at. And although Kitty had been upset, she got over it quick when Logan had volunteered.
Kitty's smile became wider and wider as she walked towards the altar. Her smile reached its full extent when she finally reached it and Lance took her hands to guide her to stand across from him. He smiled at her nervously as she smiled back.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…" The minister continued on and on until it was time for the "I do" to come.
"Do you, Lance Dominic Alvers, take Katherine Angela Pryde, as your lawfully wedded wife. To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in rich and in poor, till death do you part?"
"I do," Lance said without hesitating. He could almost hear Pietro smiling at his courage.
"And do you, Katherine Angela Pryde, take Lance Dominic Alvers, as your lawfully wedded husband. To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in rich and in poor, till death do you part?"
Kitty looked up from their joined hands to gaze at his love-filled eyes. "I do," she finally said. Out of the corner of her eye, she could actually see her mother starting to cry.
"The rings," the minister said.
Jamie came forwards with the wedding bands. Kitty had to admit, she did look handsome.
"Katherine Angela Pryde, take this ring as a token of my love," Lance said shakily, taking her hand and slipped the ring on.
"Lance Dominic Alvers, take this ring as a token of my love," Kitty said, just as shakily. In fact, her fingers shook quite a bit as she slipped it onto his left ring finger.
The minister nodded. "I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," he said.
Lance and Kitty smile and met their lips in a kiss. Everyone clapped and all the ladies cried and stood up. They broke away and smiled at each other before Kitty turned around and throwing the bouquet (A/N: Forgot what it's called. Tell me, and I'll edit this.). Amara caught and she squealed in delight as Ray hugged her waist.
At the reception…
"Um, I'd like to say something," Scott said, tapping his fork against his glass. He stood up and everyone stopped talking to look at him. "First of all, I'd like to say congratulations to both Kitty and Lance on their marriage. God knows, I disapproved of their relationship, and I admit now that I did sometimes try to break them up," he glance sheepishly at the wedded couple, "But after today, I finally realize now. They're happy. Kitty's happy. And that's what I want.
"I watched her grow up here at the Institute five years ago when her powers first manifested. She, along with the rest of us, faced complications following mutants' discovery. And she and Lance spent the most of the first few months separated, and miserable. Although they didn't show it much," he gave a raised eyebrow at Kitty who turned pink slightly. Scott had walked in on her talking to a picture of Lance and how much she missed him. "Lance has done everything for her. And I think they deserve to married just like all of us do. So, once again, congratulations Kitty and Lance."
Kitty mouthed 'thank you' to him and hugged Lance's side sideways.
"Ehem,-ehem,-the-best-man-would-like-to-say-a-word," Pietro said.
"Alright, Pie, just speak normally alright?" Lance said, smirking.
Pietro rolled his eyes but obeyed his wishes. "Me and Lance, we go far back. Back to out Brotherhood days. Lance and Kitty-Cat there, they also go way back. Lance here was always pining away for her. Lemme tell you, he was completely lovesick. But me and the guys, Toddy, Fred and including my sis, Wanda, could tell just how much he loved her. I can tell you now I was annoyed when he sat around moping over her. There were many times when I passed by his room playing his guitar and attempting to write an apology song for her. And when we went to Mexico to help fight Apocalypse's horseman stationed there, it was clearly obvious that he never stopped caring about her. The years following that was almost sickening. Too much love. But at least he isn't trying to use me as his punching bag any more," he said with a laugh. "So, you know what, man? Congratulations. May you be blessed with many children. Invite me and Wanda for Hanukah, alright?"
Many more speeches were said from Marie, the Professor, Logan (that was slightly brief), Jamie (who admitted his crush on her back then to everyone), Kurt, Jean, Amara (who told their brief days as Bayville Syrens), and also from Kitty's mother as well as Lance's only decent foster parents.
They finally cut the cake, the perfect closing for the perfect night.
Eight years later…
"Daddy!" a little girl of seven years screeched, running into the room.
"Yes, Cammy?" Lance said.
"Gary cut off the hair off all my dolls!" she complained while pouting, her blue eyes glistening with tears.
"Aww, come here," he said, picking up his daughter easily. "Come on, sweetie, don't cry. Gary! Can you come in here for a moment, please!"
A little boy five years old came in with a sheepish smile on his face. "What do you have to say for yourself, young man?"
"Umm… Uh-oh?" he said with an innocent smile on his face that melted his father's heart.
"Uh-oh is right, young man. And besides, what'd mommy tell you about scissors?" Lance asked.
"Not to touch them unless you or mommy is around," Garret said.
"That's right. Now say sorry to your sister," Lance said, setting his little girl down.
"I'm sorry," Garret said.
"It's okay," Camilla said. She hugged her little brother. "Besides, Polly looks better with short hair anyway." Giggling, the siblings walked out of Lance's office.
Lance sighed in content. As much as he loved them, they were weird sometimes.
"I'm back!" Kitty had been out shopping for dinner. Her cooking skills had greatly, and thankfully, improved over the years.
"Mommy!" Lance heard the two kids yelling. He then heard his wife laugh. "Alright, you two, help me put these on the table, okay?"
Lance smiled and walked out and into the kitchen. "Hey, you," he said, taking several paper bags from her and pressing on her image-inducer. The Mutant Registration Act had been passed when Camilla was three and mutant haters wouldn't leave any mutants alone, no matter how harmless their powers were. Thankfully, moving back to Northbrook had been a good thing. Mutant-hating activity was much lower here than back in Bayville, although it had been hard for the both of them to leave their family.
"Hey," Kitty said back, now back to normal. "Had fun babysitting the kids?"
"They were okay. Well behaved too," Lance said with a smug grin.
"Hmm," his wife said and turned around. Lance turned to his kids and made a 'shush' gesture. Camilla and Garret repeated the action and ran off to the living room.
Lance hugged Kitty from behind. "Have I mentioned lately that I love you?" he murmured into her hair.
"No," she said. She turned around and put her hands around his neck.
"Well, I love you," he said, leaning in.
"I love you, too," she said, kissing him.
"Ewwwwww!"
They broke apart. Apparently, the kids had decided to come in at that time. Both Lance and Kitty laughed.
"C'mere you two," Lance said, putting out one arm.
Camilla and Garret ran towards their parents and hugged them while carrying them up.
"I love you two," Kitty said, kissing Garret's forehead who snuggled against his mother.
"We love you, too, mommy, daddy," Camilla and Garret said simultaneously.
"And I love you too," Lance said, kissing his little princess on the temple. "Now and Forever."
Life was now officially perfect.
The End.
A/N: This took me approximately about six hours to write, and that included my temper tantrums, ice cream and chores. Plus the distractions in the form of TV and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Love it!
Toodles!
xo pyroesque26