Trigger Warning: Some mention of homophobia. No harsh language is used.

Knocks Me Off My Feet

"Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." Sam said, gazing into his future husband's eyes.

There was a time in his life when he never thought he'd make it down the aisle. He spent much of his youth agonizing over his sexuality, too afraid to live in his truth. At the age of eighteen Sam finally found the strength to admit to the world who he was: a proud gay man. To his delight his dear friends accepted him immediately. Well, Twister made a tasteless joke about making sure he wasn't secretly in love with him. Which earned him a death glare and a lecture from his girlfriend Reggie. The two Rocket siblings, who were a tad more evolved than their red headed friend, congratulated his bravery. After a hug from Reggie and a group woggity the gang decided to celebrate with an afternoon surfing. Sam had simply been accepted for who he is by his by his best friends in the world. There was no greater feeling than that.

His parents on the other hand were a different story. His mother, always the worrier, had blamed herself for her son's decision to stay in the closet for so long. She regretted not making their home more lgbt friendly. Paula also fretted about how this revelation would make her son an even bigger target for bullies. Between the guilt and the new stress Paula broke down into tears and Sam ended up comforting her. But the tears came from a place of love and genuine concern, concerns that Sam shared. He had run into his first bully not soon after: his own father.

Unlike Paula his father had been less understanding. It was an understatement to say that Sam and his dad were never close and Sam revealing that he was gay did not bring them any closer. He remembers the stunned silence that came from his father when he told him the news. He awkwardly made an excuse to hang up and that was it. He had made his feelings on the manner clear as day. That same silence occurred when Sam tried to tell him about his first time at pride, his first date, his first real boyfriend and the engagement. Dave always found an excuse to get off the phone or to change the subject completely. Despite his discomfort with his sexuality Sam neglected to cut him out of his life. In a sad way he longed for the day he and his father would finally have a close relationship. He would never give up hope. Even when there was an empty space in the pews on his wedding day.

He figured he wouldn't "be able to make it" and that something would "suddenly come up at work." It didn't make it hurt any less. But he was still determined to make the most of his wedding day. How could he not? He was marrying the most wonderful man in the world after all.

Keoni was smart, athletic, cute and completely out of Sam's league. When they first met as kids Sam was instantly confused by his feelings. The innocent schoolboy crush was one of the most confusing things he had even experienced. Kids in the early turn of the Millennium were still a few years from being told being gay was something they could experience at an early age. By the time Sam had figured it out Keoni had moved from Hawaii to California to attend UCLA and pursue a surfing career. With Ocean Shores being a short ways away Keoni was often in town to visit his uncle which led to him spending a lot of time with the gang.

Sam initially didn't entertain the idea that someone like Keoni would ever be interested in him. What exactly did he have to offer? Keoni was just as smart as Sam. He had quickly become well liked around Ocean Shores. Not to mention his good looks only improved with age which led to him becoming very popular with the girls around town.

But that's the thing about love. The one who's right for you will always see what you don't. Sam assumed Keoni wouldn't be impressed by his intelligence but he marvelled at his brilliance and furthermore his humbleness towards being one of the brightest minds in the room. Although Sam wasn't popular he did have his very close friendships that Keoni found admirable. And asked for his looks Keoni found Sam to be well, adorable. His soft blonde hair and dreamy, forest green eyes left him swooning. He never quite lost his 'baby weight' but that made him perfect for cuddling. Sam's interest in cologne didn't exactly sour the deal. The thing that attracted Keoni to Sam the most was his courageousness. He might have hesitated often in life but when it was important Sam could be fearless. He went from a boy that never stepped foot on a skateboard to a competent athlete. He wasn't the best but he was (now) far from the worst. His surfing skills bordered on impressive. But the valiant thing Sam has ever done, the thing that led Keoni to him, was to simply be himself and come out of the closet.

Keoni had struggled with his own sexuality for as long as Sam did. The pressure to be perfect Keoni Makani led him suppressing his interest in other boys. He only wanted to take that leap with someone he could be serious with.

And Sam was that someone.

"And do you Keoni Makani take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the officiant asked.

"I do." Keoni said, a joyful tear rolled down his cheek. Sam wiped it away, smiling brightly at him.

"With the power invested in me by the Universal Life Church and the great state of California I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now kiss your husband!"

The two men leaned in to kiss each other as the venue applauded.

The wedding reception was in full swing. The band was playing a familiar tune by Stevie Wonder. Sam, a little exhausted from dinner, dancing and the day's festivities, decided to sit this one out. His husband shared a dance with his three year old niece. 'They just couldn't be any cuter' he thought to himself. Someday he'd be watching Keoni dance with their own children. He smiled at the thought and took another sip of champagne as he glanced around the room at all the people who loved them and who they loved back. He observed Mommi yelling at some poor waitress who probably didn't deserve it. He watched Ray and Noelani sway to the music in each other arms. He noticed a very drunk Otto flirting with a very annoyed Cleo. He looked over at his mother chatting away with Tito. Finally he decided to eavesdrop on his groomsman and best lady, Twister and Reggie.

The two lovebirds were sharing a slice of cake. He had honestly been surprised that he and Keoni had beat them to the altar. Keoni and Sam had started dating when they were nineteen and had married seven years later. But those two had spent particularly their entire lives in love. Even though the years of secretly pining for each other their love never faded. He still remembers the day they announced to the group that they had finally gotten together. By then their mutual crushes were obvious to everyone except them. Sam remembers being happy for them, albeit a little envious that they could openly be together with no barriers standing in their way. He would never blame them for the ills of society of course. But envy was envy. It was an emotion that couldn't really be controlled

"So those two have got to be the next to tie the knot." Keoni said to his husband. Sam had been so lost in thought he hadn't realized he had returned to his seat.

"Yeah. Too bad there's no bouquet to toss." Sam laughed. It was the one thing Mommi insisted on that they successfully got her to pass on.

"Maybe now that Twister is seeing some success in the movie business he'll finally pop the question."

Earlier in the week Twister announced that his latest film was going to the Cannes Film Festival. He had only told a select few so he wouldn't upstage the wedding. Something Sam and Keoni greatly appreciated that from their friend.

"Oh I'm sure it's just around the corner." Sam said with a smile.

He of course wanted his friends to be married. He was even looking forward to serving as Reggie's Man of Honor with Trish,Sherri and Cleo as bridesmaids. But he also understood that everyone needs to go at their own pace.

These things take time.

Alright so I want to start off by saying yes I realize this ficlet was like 90% SamxKeoni when I promised y'all TwisterxReggie. When I came up with the idea I only wanted just a taste of Sam but then my brain took the idea and ran with it. And for that I'm sorry. Secondly keep any homophobic comments to yourself. The author is bisexual and will always be bisexual and does not care if you are anti-LGBT. Go tell someone that cares. Lastly these stories aren't necessarily related which is why Twister and Reggie were engaged in the first one at 22 but just dating in the second at 27. They're all alternative universes. The song that inspired this ficlet was Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder. Hope you enjoyed it. Please review.