AN: Since this chapter is 2002 words long, this is officially my longest chapter yet. The version of Join Me in Death by HIM that I write their first dance to is the acoustic version they performed live at Koln in 1999. If anyone is interested in hearing it, it's on youtube :)

Ideal

Rory Deveaux had enjoyed several wonderful days in her life but only one that was ideal. Only one that was perfect. And that day was today; the day she became Rory Dene. The ceremony had finished a few hours earlier and now everyone was enjoying the reception. She and Stephen had thought for a long time about the date. For a while, they wondered if they should make September 30th the happy day but neither of them wanted to wait a year to get married. They decided that their anniversary, two years to the day that he finally told her that he loved her, should be the date.

After the ceremony, they had stood outside the church and had the official photographs taken. She and Stephen had several taken of them before others were added to the shot. Rory had one taken with Jazza, Boo and Freddie and then Stephen had one taken with Callum, Thorpe and Jerome. The eight of them then stood together for a photo before Frank and Louise Deveaux joined for another group shot. Then Rory beckoned Jerome and Jazza over for a photo of the three of them together; herself and the first two friends she made in England. Stephen watched with a smile.

Then the group made their way to reception. Thorpe, Frank and Louise had pooled their money together and had managed to book the London Ritz for the reception. Everyone else had entered the hotel first, impressed with how beautiful it was. Rory and Stephen had then walked in hand in hand to the cheering of the crowd and were announced as Mr and Mrs Stephen Dene. Her heart had soared at the sound. They stood smiling while people came to congratulate them. The Deveauxs introduced members of the family that had flown over including the infamous cousin Diane and uncle Bick. "Welcome to the strangest family on Earth," Rory whispered. "I think they're brilliant," Stephen replied with a wide smile.

She and Stephen had then cut the cake. They had held the knife between them as they slid it through the cake, cutting pieces for themselves. Rory had picked up a piece and fed it to Stephen, desperately trying to cover him in cake but he managed to take it from her with no mess. The same could not be said for her and she ended up with cream on her nose. They both laughed as he picked up a napkin and wiped it off before giving her a kiss. The crowd cheered again. Thorpe came up to them and handed them a room key. "You've got the bridal suite." They both gasped and thanked him. They had been shocked to find that Thorpe and the Deveauxs had managed to stage the reception in the Ritz and even more so to find that they'd be staying there for a night.

Then Rory had pulled up a chair and sat in it while Stephen called over the single males. He got down on his knees and slowly slid his hands up her leg until he had reached her first garter at her knee. The crowd wolf whistled and he grinned as he slid it off and threw it to the men. It was caught by Jerome. He and his girlfriend had split up a few months beforehand. Rory found it highly amusing that he had caught the garter while Jazza had caught the bouquet. Maybe they would get together. Now that would be interesting. She decided that she would like that. She turned to Stephen and whispered in his ear. "I imagine you'll enjoy taking the second garter off. It's a little bit higher up leg than my knee." She pulled away to look at him and saw him smirking. "Oh, I'm sure I will."

And then came the dancing. They had let others dance first while they relaxed for a few minutes. Callum pulled Boo into a dance while Rory watched Jerome offer Jazza a dance. Maybe she was imagining things but the two of them had seemed closer lately. Maybe it was time to play Cupid. Or perhaps things would develop by themselves. They were both going to Stephens birthday party next month. If nothing had happened by then, she would help it along. And then the music stopped and Stephen stood, held out his hand and lead her to the floor. He held her close, ready to dance and the band began to play an acoustic version of their song.

When she heard the first notes on the piano, her breath hitched. She had let Stpehen choose the song and he had chosen perfectly. Her lip quivered slightly as the singer started. "Baby, join me in death..."

Stephen rested his forehead against hers and swayed her gently to the piano before he whispered along with the singer. "Baby, join me in death..."

He felt her nod gently and he kissed her. She scrunched her eyes shut to hold back the tears and the rest of the world fell away as she danced with Stephen. The crowd had spoken of the interesting song choice while Boo, Callum, Freddie and Thorpe exchanged knowing looks. If ever there was a song to describe them and what they had been through together, it was that one.

After their first dance was finished, other couples took to the dance floor once more while Rory and Stephen continued to hold each other, both of them wiping away happy tears. They both went to sit on the head table. Callum sat on Stephens side while Jazza sat on Rory's. Boo, Freddie, Jerome and Thorpe sat on a table just next to the head table. And that's where they were now, enjoying the champagne and cake. Rory fiddled with the heart around her neck before Stephen took her hand and kissed it. Callum stood and tapped his glass and all turned to look at him. Rory felt Stephen squeeze her hand a little and they both exchanged funny looks of nervousness. It was time for the speeches.

Callum cleared his throat. "Ok. So, as I understand it, I have some kind of speech to make. Too bad I've left my notes at home." The crowd laughed while Stephen shook his head gently. He was smiling. "Seriously though. Rory, Stephen," - he turned to face them - "the three of us have had our ups and downs and while those downs were pretty massive, the ups have been far more numerous, and I couldn't be prouder to call both of you my friends. I have seen both of you go through so much together. I have seen you go through things that should've ripped the pair of you apart" - he raised his eyebrows at the pair of them, silently telling them that he was talking about Stephens death - "but, not only did you come through those things, you came through them stronger. If that's not love, I don't know what is. I know that everything you two face, you will do so together and nothing will tear you apart. I can't think of two people more perfect for each other than you two. And so" - he addressed the crowd again - "if you would all join me in raising your glasses to the Denes, here's to you both and many years of happiness. To Stephen and Rory."

The crowd echoed the sentiment as Callum sat. Stephen and Rory smiled at him and thanked him. Callum nodded to Jazza and they both turned to face her. She bit her lip nervously as Rory squeezed her hand. "You can do it." Jazza giggled nervously as she stood. "Right, so I guess it's my turn. Mines not quite as beautiful as Callums was but I'll give it a go. I first met Rory at our school, Wexford. She was my roommate and my instant best friend and we've been side by side ever since. I watched as she went to hell and back but she still always had time for me. Even now, we've long left school, she's married and about to start a new life and she still wants me around. I couldn't ask for a better friend. Stephen has protected her and cared for her for almost as long as I've known her and I thank him for that. And I know that he will always look after my best friend. Stephen, thank you for making Rory happier than I've ever seen her." Stephen nodded to her with a smile while Rory grinned widely at her. "So, to Rory and Stephen."

She sat as the crowd drank another toast and Rory gave her a hug. "That was gorgeous. Thank you." Jazza smiled as Stephen took her hand and thanked her too. Then, with a deep breath, he stood. Rory looked up at him in confusion before looking at Callum and Jazza. They both shrugged. She took Stephens hand and he smiled down at her before speaking. "I know the speeches are supposed to be about the bride and groom but I would very much like to make two of my own. Firstly, to Rory's family. It means a great deal to both of us that you've flown all the way from Louisiana for this. I don't have a relationship with my family so I can't thank you enough for accepting me into yours with such open arms. Thank you, all of you." The crowd cheered and clapped, and Rory was grateful that she'd told her family that guns weren't allowed in England or there may have been one or two joyfully fired bullets in the ceiling. She giggled as she thought about it. Stephen waited for the cheering to subside a little before continuing. "And secondly, to Rory herself." She looked up at him with wide eyes and he smiled. He took her hand once more. "You are the strongest person I know. What you have done for me, no one else could ever do and I am going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know how grateful I am to have you in it. You're not just my greatest friend, you are my first, my only love and now, my wife. Rory, you have made me the happiest man in the world. And I promise to make you the happiest woman."

She stood up slowly, wiping away some tears. "Stephen,"- she placed her hand on his cheek - "you already have."

They stood looking at each other while Callum and Jazza looked on. Jerome stood from his table and clapped. Thorpe stood next, followed quickly by Boo and Freddie. Then Callum and Jazza stood and soon the whole room stood applauding. Rory's hand fell to his shoulder as his hand went to her cheek and he pulled her into a gentle kiss. The night wore on with more dancing, more cake and more champagne. At 11pm, Rory leant over to Stephens ear and whispered seductively. "I think we should go and have a look at our bridal suite." He turned to look at her slowly, a smile creeping onto his face. "Oh yes?"

"Yeah."

His voice was low. "Would else do you think we should do?"

"I think we should go and consummate our marriage. Several times. In several places. In several positions. Then we should run a bubble bath and crack open another bottle of champagne. Then maybe consummate the marriage again before the water goes cold."

He chuckled. "And is sleep involved in your plan?"

"Oh yes. But not until tomorrow when we're back home. We should make the most of our bridal suite, don't you think?"

He chuckled again and kissed her. "I couldn't agree more." He stood and held out his hand. "Shall we, my darling?"

"We shall." She took his hand and stood and they both wished goodnight to the people they passed before he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the suite.