Today was the big day for Simon Petrikov and his fiancée Betty Grof to finally marry! It had been a month since Finn and Betty defeated the ice crown's evil entity. Since then, Betty and Simon made preparations for the wedding. They also had their friends assist them with the arrangements: Finn would act as Simon's best man and as the head of the security detail, Flame Princess would help Betty choose her wedding dress and be her maid of honor, Jake and his family would cater the banquet, Marceline would be the lead singer for the music entertainment, and Gunter and all the other penguins would handle the wedding decor and furniture.
The ceremony was scheduled to take place in noon at the Ice Kingdom's palace. Hundreds of thousands participated in the wedding. Because all of the seats were sold out, the special occasion was broadcasted on every television and radio in Ooo.
There was only one hour left before the big event would start. Simon was dressed in a black tuxedo with his ice crown. He was nervously pacing back and forth in his personal chambers. "I can't believe it! I'm getting married! Oh, what if I'm not ready," he anxiously asked himself.
Finn was with him trying to comfort, "Alright, just calm down. You and Betty made plans to prepare for a month, remember?"
Simon was still pacing, "Yes, yes I know. I didn't feel like it bothered me back then. But now, all of a sudden I've lost my confidence!"
Finn took a deep breath, "Simon, do you love Betty?"
"Of course I do, with all my heart!"
"Then that is all you need to be strong. Know this Simon, do not think about what you should do from just here...," Finn pointed at his own head. Then he motioned his hand to his heart, "...but here."
Simon nodded, "You're right, Finn. For many years, I have dreaded to be with my lost love. I'll start toughening up."
"That's the spirit! Just make sure you do so before one hour."
After hearing that, Simon passed out on the floor while Finn face palmed himself.
Meanwhile, Betty and Flame Princess were experiencing a similar situation. Betty was dressed in a traditional white dress, while FP was wearing a formal burgundy dress.
Betty looked at herself in the mirror and began doubting herself, "I know we've waited a long time for this, but I feel afraid."
Flame Princess placed a hand on Betty's shoulder, "It's a natural feeling. I know this because of all the weddings that took place when I was imprisoned in a glass lantern. But I'll tell you this, you never gave up on Simon when he was insane. You told me that you spent every single day relentlessly finding a solution for him. And now that you're finally together, you're going to let something as small as anxiety take over?"
Betty nodded and showed a look of determination, "You're right, I went through all the trouble with Finn to defeat the ice entity just to be with Simon. I would never forgive myself if I backed out now and let it go to waste."
"Think of it this way, you two already love each other. Just think of this whole event like it's making your relationship official on paper. Except well, there's a large crowd to see it," Flame Princess giggled at the end.
Betty rolled her eyes, "Gee, thanks for reminding me. But seriously, thanks."
"No problem, Betty. I'll see you soon at the alter." FP left Betty's room.
The hour had passed, Simon recovered from his anxiety and waited at the alter. Finn was standing beside him making final checks with his phone to ensure there were no disturbances. Luckily, Lumpy Space Princess was tackled by a large group of penguins before she even had the chance to crash the wedding. Flame Princess was also standing nearby opposite to Finn and Simon. When Finn noticed FP, he was immediately entranced by her beauty. He stared at her from head to toe, observing her curvaceous figure.
His thoughts were suddenly broken when his phone beeped. Luckily, Flame Princess was oblivious as she continuously stared at the entrance. He blushed at first then answered it quickly, "Report."
"Lumpy Space Princess has been taken into custody and all sectors are clear. You are good to go," a security guard said.
Finn holstered his phone and gave the pianist the signal to start the wedding. Moments later, the music, "Here Comes the Bride" played throughout the palace. Everyone shifted their gaze at the doors where the bride would enter. Simon almost thought for a brief moment that she would back out, but was proven wrong seconds later.
Betty strolled her way down the aisle towards the alter. The groom had a wide grin on his face. He couldn't believe this was truly happening. His soon to be wife also shared the same feeling by showing a coy smile.
The bride finally arrived at the alter and the priest began the ceremony, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bond these two in holy matrimony..."
Several minutes later, the priest was finishing the vows, "Do you, Simon Petrikov take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health?"
"I do," Simon nodded.
The priest looked over to Betty, "And do you, Betty Grof take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health?"
"I do," Betty nodded.
Moments later, the bride and groom exchanged rings and the priest concluded, "Then by the power invested in me, I hereby pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Simon and Betty kissed as the audience applauded. Tons of cameras flashed to capture the newly weds sharing their passionate moment. Then, everyone made their way towards the ballroom. Before anyone could celebrate, Simon motioned everyone to wait, "Bring out the the ice marble." Seconds later, a few penguins delivered a tall block of ice.
Betty was curious and asked, "What's that for?"
Her husband smiled and replied, "You'll see. Stand back everyone!" He cracked his knuckles and framed the block with his hands. Then, he threw both of his arms forward and shot an icy bolt of lightning at the object. The ice marble was struck successfully and as a result, an exact sculpture of Betty was formed.
"Oh, Simon it's beautiful!" Betty hugged him with tears of joy. Then she realized something, "Wait a minute, how do you still have your powers?"
"Well, the Grand Master Wizard said the ice crown's corrupted influence was gone. But he didn't say anything about the powers itself being taken. Besides, I wanted to surprise you," Simon said sheepishly at the last part.
"I'm most certainly surprised, thank you so much Simon." Betty hugged him tighter.
"You're welcome, beloved. Now, let's get this party started!" Simon signaled over to Marceline and she and her band played the song, "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. Everyone went into frenzy and partied on the dance floor. Cheers and whistles erupted from the crowd as the newly weds danced together.
After a while, people started to settle down. Some went back home, while others took a break and ate food. Finn left the dance floor and checked on his brother Jake.
"Hey brother, thanks for providing the food for the wedding," Finn said as he hugged him.
"Ah, don't sweat it man. You know me, when it comes to food, I make sure everyone has tons of choices to choose from, especially myself haha." Jake returned the hug. Ever since the canine married, he and his family ran a catering service for most of Ooo's kingdoms. He made sure his family was personally involved since they were affiliated with Simon and Betty through Finn.
As the two broke their hug Finn asked, "So, how's things with the family?"
"Oh, you know. Nothing unusual. Lady and I are great and so are the kids. I must say though, they are growing up pretty fast," Jake said as he showed a sad smile.
"I'm sure it's natural to feel like that. I have done some reading about how families would typically feel about their children."
"Heheh, yeah well let me tell you something. It's one thing to know about it and another to actually experience it. Know what I mean?" Jake countered.
Finn nodded, "Of course, Jake. I can't expect to be fully prepared from life's problems by reading books. But at least I would get a general idea of what to expect rather than be naive about it."
Jake scratched his chin, "That is true. Anyway, how are you and FP doing? You two seem to be having a great time lately."
Finn rubbed the back of his neck, "Oh, fantastic. I'm just taking a breather for the moment. She certainly has the energy to dance for a long time. Who knew? Anyway, I'm just going to head outside real quick and get some air."
"Ok, Finn. You be careful out there." Jake waved at him as he left the ballroom. The canine looked back at the food table with an indecisive gaze, "Let's see what I'm feelin', cheeseburger or pizza? Oh, I know I'll pick the burrito!"
Finn made his way outside of the main palace and took a seat on one of the park benches. He looked over at the setting sun across the horizon. As he sat there, he began to reflect on his personal life about how he got to where he was today. Suddenly, he heard someone approach him. He looked over to find it was no one other than his fiery girlfriend, "Hey Flame, how are you?"
"I'm well, Finn. But why are you by yourself?" Flame Princess showed a look of concern as she joined him.
"I'm just resting for a little while. I'll be back soon," Finn said dismissively.
FP insisted and caressed his cheek, "Please Finn, talk to me. What's on your mind?"
He sighed, "I'm just thinking about us, Flame. We used to be apart from each other in the past, burdened by our own personal biz. But now that we're together, I'm just worried that I would mess up again somehow."
She shook her head, "Finn, no relationship is perfect. Everyone including ourselves are bound to make mistakes. The important thing, however is how we react when we do them. Do we choose to cry and mope about them or do we choose to learn from them?"
"You're right. I just don't want to lose you again."
"I understand. Remember, this relationship is a team effort. We will be tested, but we must never give up on each other. I don't want you to feel that you have to be alone to do this. I love you and it's both our jobs handle these responsibilities together." She smiled tenderly as she drew her hand away.
Finn smiled back, "Thanks Flame. I guess I shouldn't trouble myself too much. After all, I know better now." Both of them kissed briefly then Finn continued, "Can I ask you something?"
She nuzzled his neck, "Of course, Finn. Go ahead."
He took a deep breath, "I know we're closer than ever before, but are you sure you want to take our relation to the next level in the future?"
She met his gaze, "Yes Finn. I have never been so sure in my life. You are the one who brought me peace and comfort. You are the one who brought a smile to my face when I needed one. Most importantly, you made me experience love for the first time after being imprisoned in a glass lantern for so many years. But what about you? Are you sure you want to marry? I am aware this would affect your adventuring and duties as a hero."
He lightly grasped her hand and gazed back, "I'm sure, it's almost time I move on with my life. I will still protect Ooo when I am needed, but my place is with you. This decision will have its hardships no doubt, but I'm sure I can handle it. You could say it's like having another adventure because it has its challenges. And you know me, I never back down on adventures."
They made out for a few minutes until FP asked, "I'm not in a rush, but when do you suppose we marry?"
Finn thought to himself for a while until he replied, "Well since Simon and Betty just married, I figured that it would be best to wait and let them have their moment. But to be more specific, I would say soon my love, very soon."
She giggled in excitement as he kissed her forehead, "I can't wait for us to be truly together."
He smiled warmly, "I know, Flame. When the time is right. Come now, let's head back to the party before we are missed."
As they walked into the main lobby, they noticed Lumpy Space Princess was still pinned down from a dog pile of penguins.
"This is like, totally bogus! Come oooon, let me go!" LSP kept struggling to break free but to no avail. Seconds later, another penguin jumped into the pile, much to her dismay.