I'M BACKKKK! First and foremost, I am so so sorry. It was mostly my fault for not updating- I hope you all are here and waiting- I'm sorry. Anyway, yes guys, THIS IS IT. THIS IS THE WEDDING CHAPTER. This is the longest chapter that I've ever written, and I've written it all in the span of three days. Yes, I am proud. You will feel the feels, and I hope it can make up for the times I've missed. I've missed you guys too! Hopefully I can hear back as to hear on how y'all are doing. I had so much fun writing this, and with the help of the fab duo, staringbackatme and idevourbooks, this has become more fabulous than I could ever make it. Seriously guys, they gave me inspiration that wouln't be possible without their comments. I'll be updating regularly from here on out. Enjoy the show!
Summary: The Wedding. 'Nuff said. *PLEASE NOTE* This is set BEFORE the last chapter, wherein Ruby is pregnant. I know, I know, "I should've wrote it before!" but hey, them's the breaks. Also, Ruby is 21 in this chapter. Therefore, everyone has aged accordingly. While there will be chapters set in this future,, not all of them will, but I'll make a note of them when it is or isn't.
"Hrggnnn…" Ruby groaned rolling over in bed. It's too early, Ruby's mind sluggishly supplied. Pressing her face into the white pillow, her hot breath warmed her face as she tugged the covers over her head, trapped the heat in the space.
"Ruby, you better get your butt up now, or I'm calling Chubs." Vida's voice invaded the haze of sleep like a knife.
Giving one last moan, Ruby dragged her sleep-heavy limbs out of the protective warmth of her bed. Ruby glanced at the window next to her bed, seeing no light filtering through the white blinds. Rubbing an eye with a fist, Ruby asked (while yawning), "Wha 'ime is it?"
"5 o'clock." Vida answered offhandedly. Ruby groaned again. Vida took no notice though, her eyes were as sharp as ever and scrutinizing Ruby's bed headed figure. "We've got a lot of work to do." Vida said half to herself, eyes raking over the brunette's matted hair and crumpled pajamas.
Zu entered next, elbow length hair combed and tidy. The almost 16 year old had a set look on her face, ready to face the daunting day ahead. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Zu and Vida shared a determined look before advancing on the half-awake brunette.
"Let's get you ready for the aisle."
"Hold still Ruby, you're going to mess up your hair." Vida stated as she pulled harshly on brown hair pulling it into an intricate hairstyle.
"But it hurts-I feel you ripping out my scalp, hell, Vida-ow!" Her head jerked as Vida pulled a strand of hair especially tight.
Over the last hour, Zu and Vida had successfully thrown Ruby into the shower and dried out her hair. Within in the said hour, Cate and her 4-year-old daughter had arrived in order to help the preparations for the day.
"Just think of how pretty you'll look. I'm sure Liam will faint." Zu added, trying distract the squirming soon-to-be bride. Giving an audible huff, Zu smirked as she saw Ruby visibly hold herself still.
At her hands, Cate was concentrated on painting detailed white feathers that started on the base of Ruby's nails, expanding and looping out towards the carefully manicured ends. The careful, lacing feathers gave her hands a soft and smooth look. Cate's daughter, Maeve, watched in adoration at her mother's handiwork.
"Mommy will you do mine next?" Maeve asked, tugging on Cate's sleeve.
"Sure honey, I just need to finish Auntie Ruby's first." Cate told the bouncing girl.
"Okie!" Maeve exclaimed, exiting the small bathroom in tiny footsteps. Just as the young girl exited, another, blonde and southern head peeked through the doorway.
"How's it going in here?" Liam asked conversationally. Vida shrieked before throwing various hairbrushes and pins with one hand in Liam's general direction, only a few of which he dodged successfully. "Wha- ow! What are you doing?!"
"GET OUT LIAM. YOU CAN'T SEE HER YET." Vida's voice dropped to a low no one had heard before, shivers racing through their spines. Beside Liam in the doorway, Maeve had a sort of nopenopenope look on her face as she disappeared again. Liam, being bombarded with bobby pins, had to shield his eyes in order to refrain from becoming permanently blinded. Zu was quick to jump up, ushering Liam out of the small bathroom.
"You know it's bad luck to see the bride before she's ready." Zu said in a sing-song voice as she pushed Liam out the door. As if remembering something, Zu said a quick, "I'll be right back," before rushing out the door, clicking it shut behind her. Somewhere else in the house, Zu could be heard yelling Maeve's name.
Vida pinned a couple of stray hairs in place, then, with triumph announced, "Done!"
Handing Ruby a handheld mirror, Ruby inspected her hair.
Surprisingly, her hair was in a sort of messy bun, except it was perfectly placed in its messiness, if that made any sense. Strands of hair were loosely curled around the right side of her face, softening her features and framing her face. A braid snaked its way down the left side of her head, joining the bun and adding a sophisticated touch to the look.
Vida smirked as Ruby looked awestruck at her head, and no longer doubted the hair tugging and hour of sitting still.
Zu flung opened the door, Maeve in tow, hands full of tiny yellow flowers.
"Maeve picked them out for you." Zu said as she tucked them into the braid of Ruby's hair. "They're mayflowers."
"No," Maeve corrected, "they're Maeve flowers."
Ruby laughed and Cate chuckled, both smiling at the girl's correcting tone.
Ruby knew the true reason for the yellow flowers. Her throat constricted a tiny amount thinking about Jude, and oh how much he would have loved to be here.
Stretching her muscles, Ruby was ready to get up. "Can I leave yet?"
"One more thing." Vida told her mysteriously. Held in her hand was a makeup palette. Ruby groaned. It was going to be one hell of a long day.
"Chubs, you gotta get up." Liam said as he shook his half-asleep friend.
"Noo, don' wanna." Chubs whined.
Last night's bachelor party was one hell of a night. Let's just say Chubs got drunk. Like, try-to-kiss-a-male-police-officer drunk. Needless to say, he had one huge hangover.
"Oh Chubsie!" Vida called from down the hall. "I've got something for you!"
"Oh god, please I don't want to die like this." Chubs grumbled as he dragged himself up. Vida was now standing in the doorway, one hand holding something obscured from view.
"I heard you guys had a lot of fun last night." Vida said in a high pitched voice. "Well, I got you a little present Chubs."
On a hanger, Vida held Chub's suit. It used to be black and white. Key term used to be. On that hanger, Vida held Chub's pink suit. Electric pink.
Chubs muttered profanity under his breath before responding with a "Point taken," and going off to shower.
Ruby stood at a full length mirror, staring at the person looking back.
The figure had a full length mermaid dress on, pure pearl white and satiny. The dress hugged all the right curves, without being too tight or revealing. It had off-shoulder straps that connected to her upper arms, straight across the bodice. Small beading curled up her torso and up to the neckline, sparkling slightly with each movement. The skirt gradually billowed out, still fully on the ground but allowing movement to be possible. The train extended about three feet behind her, adding a delicate and dramatic look.
The strangers green eyes were piercing with shadowing makeup, both mysterious and beautiful. A hint of red played on her lips, and her cheeks were touched a pink blush. The nails balanced it out, the feathers softening her look and pulling it all together.
Ruby could not believe the girl in the mirror was her.
"Well?" Vida asked almost anxiously. (Since when was Vida anxious? Ruby's mind asked. There was no clear response.) "Do ya like it?"
"It's beautiful." Ruby told her. "Thank you." They hugged, and Ruby had to hold herself from crying and therefore ruining her makeup.
"Wait, there's one thing missing." Cate said beside them. "Something old, right?" Cate slipped a necklace out of her pocket, and held it out to Ruby.
Jude's small compass had been turned into a pendant, strung along a piece of silver chain.
With the help of Vida, Ruby clipped the chain in place, and pulled a couple of caught curls free.
It was perfect.
"Thank you guys, so much."
"Everyone ready?"
"Places!"
"We're starting!"
Wedding music chimed from the outside. The first person to exit was Zu and her boyfriend, (who, for the first couple months, was under intense scrutiny and questioning by, well, almost everyone, especially Chubs,) although no one could see them yet.
Before we go any farther, let's explore the wedding atmosphere. It was outside. Not quite in the forest, but still in the area where there were trees but not quite too dense with them. Around 6 o'clock, the sky was beginning to darken and the sun beginning to set. Trees lined the aisle, with white chairs lining each respective aisle. No one in the seats knew it yet, but fairy lights netted the trees and aisle. Only Liam stood at the end of the aisle, which had a trellis with (you guessed it) fairy lights. The other groomsmen were waiting at the other end, waiting to escort their respective bridesmaid. Alright, let's kick off this wedding.
Zu took the arm of Quinn, her boyfriend. She gave him a brief smile before the pair started to walk down the aisle.
Zu's dress was a soft, yellow that went a little past her knees, a brown leather belt at the waist. It was loose fitting and airy, giving the impression of a goldfinch about to take flight. Her elbow length hair was curled and swept back, giving it a vintage look. The makeup was mostly natural, save for a light pink lipstick and minimal mascara.
As Zu passed each tree, the light on them turned on with each one she passed. Over the last couple of years, Suzume had been able to practice and perfect the control over her power. As she lit each light, the smile on her face grew, people in their chair gasping in happy surprise and children giggling in their seats.
Reaching the end of the aisle, Quinn and Zu split ways, Quinn to the left and Zu to the right. The trellis above them illuminated.
Next was Vida and Chubs, whom one of which sauntered the aisle, and the other attempted to reach the other side as quickly as possible.
Vida's midnight blue dress was lacy and just brushed the floor. The back was cut in a low "V" the bone of the scapulas showing. Black heels clunked across the aisle, with nails painted the same shade. Her hair fell in loose curls across her back, and for once was a normal shade of her natural brown. Makeup was striking but not overdone, highlighting cheekbones and sharp eyes. Chubs was faring as well as expected, dark skin contrasting dramatically against the pink of the suit. They too, parted ways when they reached the trellis, taking the spot of best man and maid of honor.
People and their respective partners continued to pass, some newer faces, and some old, like Sam, Nico, and other old friends made during the Psi period.
Things became interesting. The ring bearer entered, in an altered tiny suit and leash accounted for. Scout, Ruby and Liam's pug trotted down on stubby legs, two wedding bands, one silver and one gold attached to the collar. He obediently walked down the aisle, only stopping once to sniff at some grass. He sat directly under the zenith of the trellis, tail swishing adorably.
Maeve walked in next, wearing a pale lilac dress with a darker purple bow in the back. Her mother held a hand on the girls' head, and they looked so much alike you could automatically tell they were mother and daughter. Same white-blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Cate wore a dress matching the shade of her daughter, although it was more flowy and longer in length. Maeve held a basket in one hand filled with yellow and red flowers, sprinkling them at her feet as she walked along. They took their place next to Vida.
Ruby's figure appeared, and everyone held their breaths.
Ruby held her breath.
No one mentioned it much, but walking down the aisle was one of the most nerve-wracking moment of a wedding. Next to her, her dad (whose memories had all been recovered) escorted her. Her hands bunched tightly around the bouquet of flowers she was give, and all she could think was don't trip, don't fall, oh please god don't let me fall…
Before she realized (or was prepared to) Ruby reached the Liam under the trellis. He looked more alive than ever, eyes bright and dancing and face with his crooked grin. Something red in Liam's pocket caught her eye. A ruby red handkerchief was folded neatly and was put carefully in Liam's breast pocket. Red for Cole, yellow for Jude. Liam's eyes were filled with love as his looked searchingly across her face.
"Will you please rise for the opening ceremony." The Minister stated.
Ruby didn't really listen to the next minutes, and based on the look on his face, Liam didn't either. It wasn't until the vows that Ruby's brain perked up, straining to hold onto every one of Liam's words. In his Southern drawl, Liam read out the words on a crumpled and worn piece of paper:
"Darlin'," Ruby was already smiling as the term of endearment slipped from Liam's tongue. "you are the best thing that ever happened to me. You are completely, utterly, and fantastically brilliant, clever, and beautiful. You showed me a world in a way I've never seen before, and you made me a better person without even realizing. Around you I could be anyone I wanted, and I could be the person that I wanted to be. I promise to be the person to love and be by your side, forever and ever."
Ruby forced back the tears pricking at her eyes, and sniffed and saw Cate dab at her face out of the corner of her eye. Releasing a shuddering breath, Ruby opened up a piece of paper in her clenched hand. In a slightly trembling voice, she began,
"When I first met you, it was on pure luck and chance that I stumbled upon Zu and Black Betty." Ruby heard Chubs snort at the name of the van. "I was surprised that you offered to take me to the nearest bus station, and was always afraid and refused to touch anyone. I still don't know how you did it, but you broke down all my walls, all my defenses, and you found your way into my heart. You gave me a light in the dark world we lived in, something and someone to fight and live for." Sucking in a breath, Ruby read the last line. "Liam Stewart, I am honored to be the one who broke into your van that night."
Looking up, Ruby saw Liam wiping at the tears in the corner of his eyes saying, "God, I was trying not to cry. I wanted to be cool." Laughing, Ruby raised a hand to thumb away the remaining tears.
Ruby and Liam bent down to unclip the rings from Scout's collar, bumping foreheads in the process. Laughing, they stood up. They each held a wedding band in their hands- Ruby held Liam's gold one, and Liam held Ruby's silver one. They had both gotten something inscribed into the sides.
The Minister led them through the steps in the ceremony of presenting the wedding bands. With shaking hands, Ruby and Liam exchanged bands and slid them on their counterparts left ring finger.
Taking a moment to inspect the band, Ruby looked at the carefully inscribed script on the silver. Encircling the band were the words, "Carpe the hell out of that diem" in tiny script. A smile danced across her features, and Ruby could see Liam smiling at the words on his band.
"I present to you Ruby and Liam Stewart." The Minister announced. "You may now kiss the bride."
Liam's lips caught Ruby's and a tender kiss, people cheering and clapping around them. Maeve threw the few remaining flowers in her basket over them, and Zu lit some hidden lights behind them in the shape of a heart. They broke away, and Ruby thought of what she had inscribed on Liam's band.
"The ones who lived and loved."
At the wedding reception, Ruby gaped at the beautifully arranged room around her.
After pictures, (which included pictures wherein Zu ran around Liam and Ruby with a handheld sparkler, making it look as if a trail of light encircled them) the group had moved into a huge tent, with chairs and tables and food and a dance floor set up. The flowers were red and yellow, brightening the tent, along the lights that Ruby had no idea were possible to have in a tent.
"I didn't know your wedding was Gryffindor themed." Chubs said to her left, looking at the yellow and red around the tables, and well, everywhere.
"I didn't know Slytherin wore pink." Ruby responded coolly, looking pointedly at his pink suit.
"Touché." Chubs managed to mutter before being dragged to the floor by Vida.
Ruby laughed as he was dragged off, and Liam's arms circled her waist.
"Let's dance, darlin'." He said, guiding her to the floor.
With his hands on her waist and her head on his shoulders, the fairy lights led the night away.