Chapter Text
Heartleaf Springs, a small town in the heart of Fairy World with a natural lake named after. The city of nature and beautiful landscaping, the epitome of love and romance.
Shimmering in cyan and lilac, a stream sprung over limestone rocks in its path, burbling into the large body of water surrounded by malachite-green fields. The brightest sheen of the yellow sun shone freely with not a pink cloud in the sky. A two-story cabin-lodge housed the bridal suite, the groom's room, the indoor catering kitchen, and the grand hall where the reception would take place. Planked in white wood and roofed with an A-frame, a half-octagonal balcony faced the lake of the botanical gardens overlooked from the loft above the lobby. Wide-casement windows provided natural lighting for the interior, the same white-wood walls and wood flooring varnished in pastel-purple keeping the same cabin aesthetic. Dim lighting glimmered from the hanging bulbs of the high ceiling, plants and other shrubbery planted around the property as well as along different focal points of the inner lobby.
Vine archways shaded green pastures, leading four rows of white folding chairs where the backs had been tied in satin ribbons of indigo and arctic. They faced the scenic view of the lake's backdrop against the altar of a double pagoda-roof oval gazebo, shingled in navy and columns of white vinyl decorated with wild assortments of wild indigos and himalayan blue poppy in which those same floral arrangements pathed the grassy walkway where all eyes would be on the beautiful bride.
A white tent shaded the black-industrial stage platform to the gazebo's right, a generator hidden in the back for the extension cords needed for all the sound equipment. Microphone stands stationed in various spots of the stage, Encanto tested each microphone plugged into the main stacked-speakers facing out into the audience. Already dressed in a simple jade dress shirt tucked into his black slacks with his hunter-green locks braided into a low pony, he'd only turned his head to his slight right when his lime-green eyes stumbled upon the dark-orchid fairy of his longest best friend.
Juanita's raven hair was crimpled was parted to one side where the extent of its length draped over one side of her A-line scoop neck mini-dress, amethyst sheer-tulle sleeves and purple sequin-lace adorn around the sweetheart bodice, the two-piece feel of the separate skirt ruffled in volumizing tulle. Masked in natural makeup of a minimal palette, Encanto found losing focus from the task at hand, magically drawn to her.
Encanto has known Juanita since first-grade at Fairymenementary. Though Encanto did not partake in the foreign exchange program and graduated from Fairymendo High School, he and Juanita kept in close touch all those years, essentially growing up through all the growing pains together. They've always bonded like brother and sister; however, Encanto has dappled with feelings of something more. The older they became, the more Juanita's beauty seemed to blossom, and while he's tried to ignore these feelings out of fear of tarnishing the close bond they share, it was getting increasingly difficult to do so whenever Juanita was around.
"…is there something on my face?"
"¿…qué?" Encanto blinked out of his unfocused attention, seeing Juanita's quizzing expression facing him.
"You were staring at me." Juanita coolly clarified, checking the settings on her guitar amp to prevent any distortion waves. "Is there something on my face?"
"…n-no, no I just uh…" he stuttered for a proper excuse "…a-are you excited about today?"
"Of course." Juanita smiled, floating to adjust the mic stand she'd use to sing. "What is there not to be excited about?"
"Your brother picked the perfect day to get married!" Starr beamed, scooting the folding chair she would be using to sit beside her bass amp. Her tangerine waves flowed down her back behind A-line off-shoulder crepe dress dyed a sunny yellow, the skirt of cascading ruffles hemmed just above her knees. "Not a cloud in the sky, not too hot, not too cold…so excited!"
"I'll be more excite when the DJ takes over and we an actually enjoy the wedding." Endigow scoffed, adjusting the stands to their kit. They had their black and purple synthetic dreads parted down the middle over their indigo button-up where silver pyramid-studs belted their black slacks.
"Speaking of 'actually enjoying the wedding,'" Starr turned to Endigow with a cheeky expression. "Did you bring any Fairy Jane?"
"Girl, when am I ever without?" Endigow boasted, sneaking a plastic bag of dark-chocolate brownies from their pocket.
"Do you two seriously plan on sparking?" Encanto asked, noticing the bag of brownies that definitely looked baked with something else.
"Dude, the invite specifically stated you have the 'option' to bring your own booze." Endigow pointed out, tucking the bag away. "Or, in my preferable case, bring your own buzz.'"
"I do not see an issue; just make sure you partake after we are done performing." Juanita emphasized as the designated leader of the band. "This may be mi hermano's wedding, but that does not mean we are not professionals."
"Duh, that's the point!" Endigow commented light-heartedly, returning to setting up their drumkit. "Sheesh, you'd think I'd know better!"
. . . . . .
A chalet archway led into the hall of chandeliers dimly lit with industrial lighting, bar-shaped wall lights illuminated in a vibrant purple. Indigo-satin layered in arctic-blue lace clothed the rounded tables seated with white polyester banquet chairs, arctic and indigo ribbon bow-tied along the backs. Syracuse China set with dinnerware of the finest silver, white pillar candles centering each table with pedals of wild indigos layered with blue-poppy. The DJ booth resided in the corner a ways away from the long table designated for the wedding party, similarly decorated except for artic-blue satin layered in indigo lace where 'Mr. & Mrs.' carved in a white-wood sign acted as the table's focal point, decorated with the same assortment of wild indigos and blue-poppies.
Alewandro hovered alone in the hall, dressed comfortably in a white slim-tee and dark-denim jeans. He observed the round tables and the table for the bridal-party sorted to face the center of the dance floor, soaking in the surroundings of the reception to come much later. In just a two hours' time, the love of his life will become his Mrs. They have not seen each other physically since the night prior before their planned parties, and the anticipation of what would grace him along her float down the aisle filled him with unsettling nerves.
Those same nerves disturbed the few hours sleep he managed to get, the realization of the day hitting him harder than a brick. They will be physically, mentally, and emotionally responsible for each other. There will be compromises and sacrifices which will test their ability to stand by and love each other through it all, in sickness and in health. There's no turning back, no more chances for second guesses. It's time to grow up, to be the man Susie more than deserves.
After searching for his eldest son everywhere, Mr. Magnifico stumbled upon the lone fairy in the grand hall, Alewandro slowly floating back and forth in the same place. Fatherly-lilac eyes spotted the subdued anxiety in the icy-blue that mirrored his wife's, flying over with a consoling hand on his shoulder to stop his son's pacing.
"¿Estás bien, mijo?" Mr. asked softly.
Alewandro diverted his gaze downward, lips fixed in a straight line.
"Sé que estás nervioso…" the father coaxed, floating to face his son. "And I completely understand."
The future husband sighed heavily, believing he was dumb for fretting over something he signed himself up for.
Mr. Magnifico could sense this troubling feeling, so he kept his hand on Alewandro's shoulder, thinking of a story that could help calm him down. "I remember when I had just finished my training at Law Enforcement Academy and su mamá had just graduated with her masters in social work, and the day of our wedding had come. Even with all the desensitization training I went through, nothing could have prepared me for the beginning of the rest of my life twenty-four years ago."
Alewandro's stare remained to the floor, though Mr. Magnifico knew his son was still listening.
"I was a ball of anxiety that day, suffered a slew of panic attacks." Mr. Magnifico continued. "So much so, that just ten minutes before the start of the ceremony, I actually passed out, and when I came to, I vomited all over my tux."
Lifting bewildered eyes to his father, Alewandro's softness questioned "…and you still got married?"
Mr. Magnifico let out a low chuckle. "Well, we are not magical creatures for nothing."
"How is it that I have never heard of this story before?"
"I was saving it for this exact moment, to show that you are handling this so much better than your old man." he pressed his forehead to his son's, bringing a hand to the back of Alewandro's head to ease the pressure of his lean forward. "I am so proud of you, mijo." Locking eyes with Alewandro, his voice managed not to shake despite the moisture beginning to brew in his gaze. "Serás un esposo maravilloso…"
A warm smile came from Alewandro as a single tear trickled down, touched by the first of many emotional moments sure to come.
. . . . . .
Creamy-beige wallpaper printed in floral patterns of pink roses surrounded the soon-to-be bride, bellbrook eggplant-velvet furniture providing living-room style seating for optimal relaxation before the ceremony. Hand-beaded silver pearls covered the mermaid-bodice of charmeuse and French lace dyed icy-blue, the neckline framed in an off-shoulder sweetheart. The sheer-lace train draped delicately to the purple-wooden floor of the Bridal Suite, the special bridal gown for the special day hung from the crystal chandelier hung low from the ceiling.
Blending in her foundation with the reflection of the vintage vanity mirror as her guide, Susie sported a simple black oversized tee with black spandex shorts for comfort until the time came for her to get dressed. She relished in the quiet privacy, taking some time to herself for reflection.
An hour before the biggest event of her life, Susie felt this unexpected calm hovering over her. Perhaps more nerves would hit her like a freight train right at the start of the ceremony, or perhaps she'd come to terms with her previous qualms about starting the next chapter. Or she could be just a tad hungover. She didn't know for certain. What she did know for certain is that she couldn't wait to see her baby hovering at the altar, couldn't wait to say 'I do' and share a kiss with the man that will always have the key to her heart.
Knocks behind the entrance to the bridal suite disturbed the peaceful quiet, Susie seeing her father carefully enter through his reflection in the mirror. Half-dressed in his white dress-shirt beneath his indigo vest and black slacks, his afro and stubble beard both trimmed neatly for the occasion. "Hey, baby girl." Bernard greeted, shutting the door delicately. "Hope I'm not interruptin'."
"You're fine." Susie assured, applying her concealer over her foundation. "How's Gammie feeling?"
"Better." Bernard replied, having spent most of the night tending to Grandma Cocoa's bouts of nausea from the drastic drop in blood pressure during her dialysis. "I had her eat an early lunch and take a nap before we came, so I think she'll be okay the rest of today."
"I'm glad." Reaching for her beauty blender, Susie blended the concealer she just applied. "There's no way I'd get married if she couldn't be there."
Hovering closer to the vanity, Bernard reached into his pocket, pulling out a black jewelry box lined in dated suede. "…I came in cuz…I have somethin' to give you." he waited for Susie to finish her blending, turning in her stool towards his tender smile. "Somethin' I wanted you to have for your big day."
"What is it?" Susie cautiously took the box, the long, flat case indicating some sort of necklace.
"Open it." Bernard encouraged, anticipating the look on his only daughter's face when she saw the gift.
Unclasping the box, a single row of crystal diamonds twinkled in their greeting, formed in the shape of a small choker.
"…it belonged to your mother, when she wore them on our wedding day." Bernard explained. "Momma gave it to me this mornin' after she'd kept it all this time hoping to give it to you someday and…well…it's only fitting."
"It's beautiful…" Susie took out the diamonds from their case, admiring its shimmering elegance as she imagined her mother wearing that exact necklace. "Thank you…"
Susie's features began to fall, and Bernard's brow etched worryingly. "You okay?"
"Yeah…" Susie exhaled. "…just thinking."
Taking the empty stool in front of his daughter, Bernard wanted to do what he could to cheer her up. "…wanna tell me what it is?"
"…I didn't think you'd ever come back…" Susie began, staring down at the delicate diamonds on her fingers. "…and I thought I'd be floating down the aisle with Gammie or by myself if Gammie wasn't able to…"
Thinking back to the dark years of his addiction to Fairoin, Bernard's indigo eyes faltered shamefully.
"…I never thought I'd want you in my life…and now that you are…" Susie looked earnestly to her father. "…I'd be honored…if my father was the one to give me away."
He met her stare, thrown by the request he was certain would only be reserved for the woman who raised her in his place. "…y-you want that?"
"Mhmm." she grinned faintly. "It would mean a lot to me."
At one point, during his many nights on the streets and on the brink of drug-addicted death, Bernard believed he wouldn't live to see his daughter get married. He was horrible to her during her most critical years, missed every milestone he was supposed to experience with her. He knew he'd failed his daughter, had failed his mother, and when he finally opened his eyes, he'd realized that he was failing his late wife with his choices. When he choice to start anew, to makeup for the loss time, it was an expected struggle to gain his daughter's trust. To be there in that moment, for his daughter to want her father to give her to her new husband, touched him in so many ways that he couldn't express except through the swelling tears in his eyes.
"…it would mean a lot to me…" he failed at preventing the tremble in his lips. "…to float you down, Susie-Lue…"
Susie hovered into her father's embracing arms, squeezing him when she sniffed from her own tears formed. Whelp, at least she hadn't applied mascara or anything yet.
In the color palette of rich browns and navy blues, deep ebony-leather chairs and stained-glass windows surrounded the four-painted walls of navy. A large wall-clock mounted as the room's focal point, half-moon lights layered subdued lighting along the white wall-trim.
The videographer for the day captured artistic shots of Alewandro straightening his silver tie in the full-length mirror, now fully dressed in his indigo-wool tux with silver-leather loafers and a one-button closure over his white shawl lapel. His raven-black hair was slicked back with his waves curling just past his shoulders, his chiseled jaw clean-shaven.
The photographer snapped a few flashes of Juandissimo adjusting the cuffs to his icy-blue tux, a silver bow-tie around the white collar matching the silver-leather loafers on his feet. He'd straightened his long hair down his back, his goatee finely trimmed and trousers crisp as the edge of an envelope. Spike and Thornton were also readying themselves to be groomsmen, wearing silver tuxes similar to Juandissimo's with icy-blue bow-ties and pocket squares, footed with blue pointed-toe shoes.
Mr. Magnifico and Bernard, now dressed in their traditional black tux with icy-blue and indigo vest respectively, conversed amongst themselves in one corner of the groom's room. Cupid, sporting a blazer in blush-pink over a white button-up with black trousers and a lilac bow-tie, and Binky, wearing a lilac blazer with a similar button-up and trousers along with a blush-pink bow-tie, were giving compliments to each of the outfits, now with just thirty minutes before the ceremony would start.
When the videographer and photographer finished getting the content they needed, a knock on the door came before the men saw Blonda come inside, assuming everyone was dressed. She'd shaped her flaxen curls to bounce past her shoulders, a strapless, corset dress shaping her full figure in a velvety turquoise. The corset of the dress plunged at the front, giving the appearance of a tinier waist, and the waterfall drape extended around the hips to flatter her curves. She complimented the dress with her traditional white-pearl choker and matching earrings, as well as three rows of pearls wringed around her left wrist.
"Girl, you are giving!" Cupid flattered, the videographer and photographer exiting the room to go over to the bridal suite for those shots.
"I do what I can." Blonda smiled, catching Juandissimo's blue-violets studying every inch of her in his silent admiration. A woman's wedding band ringed around one finger, Blonda flew over to the strikingly handsome Best Man, and she took his hand so that she could place the wedding band in his hand. "I think this belongs to you." she handed Susie's wedding band for when he was to hand the ring to the groom to put on the bride's finger. "At least, until the wedding."
"Oh my gosh!" Binky perked, suddenly reminded of his task. "I was supposed to give Alewandro's ring to Wanda!"
"Binky, you literally had one job!" Cupid groaned, his boyfriend now in a mad dash.
"I'm sorry!" Binky squeaked on his way out. "I-I just forgot, that's all!"
Everyone chuckled as Juandissimo tucked the ring securely in his trousers' pocket "Gracias, chica." he thanked with a warm grin.
Instead of saying 'you're welcome, chico' and leaving it at that, she did one better. Palming one cheek, she drew him close in a soft yet amorous kiss, an act that no one, not even Juandissimo, saw coming. What also led to the other occupants exchanging questioning glances to each other was when Juandissimo, not long after, returned her kiss, their lips barely breaking apart when he planted another.
Breaking away partially, she lowered her hand to give his bottom lip a few innocent brushes with her thumb, beaming in a satisfied smile. He held her gaze before she turned away to leave, unable to tear his eyes away as she gave everyone else a parting wave upon her exit.
"…yo, what was that?" Thornton broke the silence, all eyes locked on the Best Man.
Now with so much unwanted attention, Juandissimo turned to Thornton, pretending to be clueless "…what was what?"
"I knew it!" Cupid chimed, his intuition predicting the whole thing. "I freaking knew it!"
"I have no idea what you speak of." Juandissimo scratched his head, a heated warmth radiating in his face.
"Dude, I'm the freaking god of love!" Cupid boasted. "You can't fool me!"
"And you cannot fool me either, hermanito." Alewandro jokingly elbowed his brother with a sly smile. "You two make a nice couple, you know."
His face now in full blush mode, Juandissimo annoyedly grumbled "…shut up."
Mrs. Magnifico, dressed in a dark-cyan midi-dress with billowing sleeves and sparkling in sequined-tulle fabric, assisted Susie into her gown as the videographer circled around them with the camera recording more scenic points of view. Grandma Cocoa, wearing an indigo dress similar to Mrs. Magnifico's, wore her grey hairs in a braided bun as she observed with a sentimental glee, appreciative that the future in-law stepped in so that Grandma Cocoa could conserve her energy for the long day.
The photographer captured a few shots of Wanda fluffing her rosette curls over her shoulders, gowned in a gorgeous indigo-charmeuse beaded with embroidered lace along the one-shoulder bodice, a silver ribbon belting her waist with the flowing pleats of her skirt reaching just above her silver baby-doll wedges. She adjusted the silver-satin gloves to reach just over her elbow, silver crystals necklaced against her chest. Rose and LeShae, the bridesmaids, wore the same silver dresses as Wanda's with indigo ribbons enclosed around their waists, shoed in indigo baby-dolls and accessorized in indigo-lace fingerless gloves embroidered with diamonds matching Wanda's necklace.
The women heard Binky's voice ask to enter after a couple knocks, and with Susie's permission, Binky opened the door, motioning for Wanda to come over. Wanda flew from the vanity over to Binky as he revealed a male wedding band in his fingers, and Wanda thanked with a smirk as she took the ring and tucked it into her skirt's pocket.
Blonda, who was not far off Binky's trail, watched Binky apologize to Wanda which Wanda obviously didn't feel that any apologies were needed, and as she floated down, she asked Wanda if she could speak to her outside in the hall. Binky made his way back to the groom's room as Wanda told the other occupants of the bridal suite that she'd be back, and when she closed the door behind her, she approached her sister, unsure of what Blonda would have to speak to her about.
"Something wrong?" Wanda asked, arching a brow.
"No, not really." Blonda rubbed her arm. "I just…wanted you to know that…well, Juandissimo and I might start dating officially."
"…and you do realize you don't need my permission, right?"
"I know…" Blonda wanted to be considerate. "I just didn't want you to be surprised if you saw us acting a certain way around each other."
"The only ones to be surprised are the oblivious ones." Wanda specified. "And if he's serious about you and you're serious about him then…who am I to stop you two."
"…really?"
"Of course." Wanda replied, smiling softly as she added solemnly "You deserve to be happy."
So grateful to have her sister again, Blonda flew to wrap her arms in her embrace of appreciation, smiling against Wanda's cheek. "…thoak yau."
Just as grateful for their sisterhood, Wanda returned the Fairywinklish sentiment with locked arounds around her sister's waist. "…yau wolcune."
With all wedding guests in attendance and videographer and photographer ready to roll, the ceremony commenced at the top of the 4:00pm hour, and with the officiant floating center by the altar, Sunrize en Paradize began their performance of Diana Sparklemoss's 'Love Always' with the largo interlude of piano/string synth from Encanto's keyboard. Starr's legato bassline followed along with a long crescendo of Endigow's cymbal where it rang at the downbeat, four counts of Juanita's chord arpeggios strummed in between the downbeat and the next bar where Juanita would begin the romanticized lyrics.
Guests turned and awed silently when the father of the groom ushered the grandmother of the bride through the vine archways onto the grassy walkway, his arm gently guiding her down the aisle. Mr. Magnifico's parents, Alewandro's paternal grandparents, smiled brightly among the audience as Mr. Magnifico assisted Grandma Cocoa in taking her seat on the first seat on the front left row of chairs.
As Endigow's 2-4 pattern came in before the main chorus, the groom could be seen ushering his mother down the grassy path, linked by the arms as Mrs. Magnifico's older brother took out his camera for a personal photo, his two young children waving enthusiastically to their aunt which she graciously returned. He guided her to the empty chair in the front right row, and she planted a tender kiss on his cheek to make him smile before she let him go to hover to the officiant's left.
As the chorus led into the second verse, as the first pair of groomsmen and bridesmaid floated, Atatiana and Charleena perked in their seats, both greeting Thornton with eager waves. Thornton quietly chuckled and LeShae smiled when Tanisha pulled her sisters back in their chairs, gritting her teeth at them to behave. When they reached the altar and the pair broke apart to float to their separate stations, Thornton let out a hand of good luck for Alewandro to shake as he passed.
Re-entering the chorus, the next pair of groomsmen and bridesmaid entered, Spike ushering Rose with her bridesmaid bouquet of wild indigos and blue-poppy held elegantly with her free arm. Cosmo, seated within the second row on Susie's side in a hunter-green blazer with black slacks and a black tie, gestured to the couple with a shy wave which they both politely returned. Cosmo looked on as Spike and Rose went their separate ways at the altar, Rose floating to stand in front of LeShae and Spike patting Alewandro on his shoulder before hovering in front of Thornton.
Entering the song's bridge, guests watched as the Best Man led the Maid of Honor down, Juandissimo leaning to murmur a joke about the officiant's caterpillar mustache in Wanda's ear to make her smile away the nerves of so many eyes on her. They weren't the best of buddies by any means, yet they were friendly enough to be able to share a few jokes here and there. Blonda's attention stayed on the man of the pair, glad that there were no hard feelings between her love interest and his ex, and Cosmo waited for Wanda to look over to his side before offering a timid hello. While holding her Maid of Honor bouquet, she waved back with a small grin, and Cosmo continued to observe as Wanda then stood in front of Rose while Juandissimo joined Alewandro in their brotherly handshake, floating to stand behind the groom.
A key change peaked to more climatic point of the song, and with all guests rising at the announcement of the bride, Alewandro locked eyes with the lady of the hour…his angel.
The father of the bride linked arm ushered the bride along her graceful float, an elegant arrangement of wild indigos and blue-poppy with silver-sprayed baby's breath bound together in white satin griped tightly with two sweating palms. Crisscross goddess braids of black and silver ombre trailed down her left side past her chest, the crystal diamonds around her neck catching glistens of the sun's spotlight rays. Observing every set of eyes glued onto her, she soaked in the sensation of their love and support, letting it overtake her.
So taken by the breath-taking splendor of the one he loved so dearly, the groom could not cover his tears of joy fast enough. He stifled a sob in his palms covering the lower half of his face. As his brother and Best Man, Juandissimo rested a solacing hand to the groom's shoulder, whispering in his ear that Alewandro was an extremely lucky man, and the bride kept her glossing tears from falling, touched by Alewandro's heartfelt reaction.
Juanita's vocal dropped in a decrescendo from the higher octave to a comfortable range when the song neared the rallentando of the end, holding her own tears back when Bernard stopped so that Susie could bend down to her grandmother, allowing Grandma Cocoa to kiss her cheeks repeatedly while careful not to ruin Susie's foundation too much. Wanda and the other bridesmaids smiled as Alewandro struggled to pull himself together, aware that the ceremony was far from over. He floated a couple steps down to greet Bernard, wiping his tears as he shook Bernard's hand. Bernard temporarily released his daughter's arm to bring the groom in for a brotherly hug, allowing Alewandro more time to compose himself as he whispered into his ear "Take good care of my baby girl."
The song came to a melodic conclusion as Bernard gave his daughter to the groom, and the officiant instructed everyone to take their seats while Bernard took the empty seat next to his mother. Alewandro assisted Susie up the steps, hush in his compliment to her which she smiles warmly in acceptance as she took her place in front of the Maid of Honor.
"We are gathered here today to witness a unique moment in the lives of Alewandro Milagro Magnifico and Susanna Louise Sprinkle." the officiant began as the musicians took their seats. "To all of their guests, they are happy to share this moment with you, and because you are the ones who have supported them and known them so well, it is only fitting that you are the ones to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with them."
As the officiant continued their scripted speech, icy-blue locked with indigo, their attention enclosed to that of each other's worlds. There she was, adorned in goddess splendor. The woman he always dreamed of, the woman that would become his permanent reality. There he was, carved in an sculpted masterpiece. The man who has imprisoned her soul, the man she will be sentenced to life without the possibility of annulment.
"We come now to the words Alewandro and Susanna want to hear most today…" the officiant announced the citing of the vows. "The declaration of their binding affection, and their intent to love that will last the rest of their lives."
When the officiant gave Juandissimo the mic to hold for Alewandro to speak freely, Alewandro coughed to clear his throaty frog, focusing on artistic prize before him. "As everyone may notice, I do not have a sheet of paper in front of me. To me, vows are words spoken from the heart, and I will do my best to not make this longer than it needs to be."
Susie gave her undivided attention, and Alewandro began his vows.
"I remember when we first met in our A.P. English class. You were writing notes in your 'Leprechaun Park' notebook, and when I came up after class and asked you where you got your notebook, not only did you not believe that a football player listened to Rock…you grilled me twenty-one questions style to prove that a football player actually listened to Rock. Little did I know, that shared interest would be one of the many reasons to love you."
Her lips curled admirably as he continued.
"Your captivating smile, your contagious laugh, your overflowing heart, and at times…" he paused humoredly. "…even that big mouth of yours…" Low chuckles from the audience followed, Susie reacting with a giggle of her own. "…are just a few reasons in which you are something and someone too special to live without. I vow to keep giving you reasons to smile, because I thrive on wave of your true happiness. I vow to continue to make you laugh, because laughter truly is the best medicine for both of us. I vow to never break your heart, because you have given me the privilege of showing how beautifully yet fragilely raw it can become…"
She pressed a gentle hand over her heart when she watched his internal struggle to tame the crashing emotional wave.
"…and most of all, as your husband, I vow to never forget that you are my best friend. I vow to cherish you and remind you every day of how special you truly are to me, and how you and I will forever be united. Eres mi único…eres mi siempre. You are my one…" he inhaled a tight breath, making it to the end of his vows before his eyes watered all over again "…you are my forever."
When Juandissimo handed the mic back to the officiant, Susie mouthed the words 'I love you' as the Maid of Honor then took the mic, also taking out the written vows that Susie fretted over numerous times until she settled on the finished product the morning of. Unfolding the single piece of notebook paper, Wanda handed it to the bride, holding the mic near Susie when she started her vows.
"…I did not know the love of a man before you came along. And from two teenagers living simpler times to two young adults entering a new phase of life, you made sure that I would never forget what it feels like to love and be loved."
Alewandro curved a tender smile, and Susie paused long enough to give her own in return.
"You are so good to me, and I vow to be good to you in all the ways that I can. You never stopped loving me, so I vow to never stop loving you…because I could never stop loving you, even if I tried…" the longer she went on, the blurrier the ink became from her swelling tears. "…you've shown me that I am worthy, that I matter…and I vow to show that you will always mean everything to me…you never gave up, e-even when I wouldn't blame you if you did…s-so I vow to never give up on us…"
He wiped the few tears that broke free, watching as Wanda hugged the tearful bride from behind as a means of more support. She exhaled for composure, and after ensuring to her Maid of Honor that she was okay, Wanda let her go as Susie neared the end of her written words.
"You will always be my love…and I will always love you…siempre serás…mi amor…y yo siempre…te amaré…" she looked up from the paper, mustering a grin to her groom. "…thank ya sister for teachin' me that last lil' bit."
A few tear-filled chuckles followed, especially from Juanita, as Wanda gave the officiant the mic, saying a few more words in his speech before the exchange of wedding rings. When Juandissimo handed Alewandro Susie's ring and Wanda gave Susie Alewandro's, the officiant asked Alewandro to repeat after him as he took Susie's left hand, ringing her finger. Susie did the same when it came for her to ring Alewandro's left hand with his band, repeating the same words with different context.
"Do you, Alewandro Milagro Magnifico, take Susanna as your lawfully wedded wife."
Caressing Susie's hand with a thumb, Alewandro stared into her as he stated "…I do."
"And do you, Susanna Louise Sprinkle, take Alewandro as your lawfully wedded husband."
Unable to contain her cheeky smile, Susie proclaimed "…I do."
"Then by the power vested in me, it is my honor to declare you husband and wife!" Delightfully, the officiant made eye-contact with Alewandro "…you may kiss your bride."
Without hesitation, Alewandro held the sides of Susie's waist as Susie circled her arms around his neck, and once the newlyweds locked lips, the bridal party and audience all congratulated them with a cheerful applause.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" the officiant announced once the husband and wife parted, facing their friends and family hand in hand. "I am pleased to present to you…Mr. and Mrs. Magnifico!"
After wedding and family photos were taken and Sunrize en Paradize successfully transferred their equipment from the industrial stage to a designated area in the grand hall, and once all guests were seated and accounted for, the reception kicked off with the entrance of the wedding party.
With Juanita making the introductions and the rest of the band performing instrumental snippets of what each pair would be entering to, the first to enter were Thornton and LeShae. With LeShae lacking prior knowledge of how they would be entering, Thornton swooped LeShae in a cradle, twirling around until LeShae yelled for him to put her down as everyone laughed. Next came Spike and Rose; Rose strutted in a model-like fashion as Spike pretended to be her paparazzi, snapping fake photos with an invisible camera. Upon Juandissimo and Wanda's turn to enter, Juandissimo swayed his hips in a cha-cha fashion while Wanda struggled to sway any hip, eventually giving up which resulted in a few cackles.
And finally, when Mr. and Mrs. Magnifico were announced, Alewandro held Susie's hand as she twirled in a circle before their ridiculously dramatic end poses led to many shared laughs.
The catered dinner was set up where the food would be served to the guests and the wedding party; the menu consisted of a pre-made choice of teriyaki salmon or chicken cordon bleu as the main entrée with mixed vegetables, wedged potatoes, meatballs, and a buttered roll. Short speeches from the Best Man and Maid of Honor were presented as everyone enjoyed their meals, both filled with words of support, words of wit and words of wisdom. The parents of the bride and groom also gave speeches, some more emotional than others, some intentionally aiming for laughs. And while all of this took place, Cosmo could not keep his eyes off the girl of rosette curls.
He'd been mulling over and over in his mind of just what he would say to her whenever he could go somewhere with her in private. The Wanda he went with the cliff with versus the Wanda he enjoyed the club with last night were two extremely different Wandas in his eyes. The Wanda on the cliff seemed so against giving their love another chance, while the Wanda last night acted as if she wanted more from him. The Wanda on the cliff disappeared in a runaway cloud swiftly after their shared kiss, while he caught sneaked stares of the Wanda last night almost expectantly waiting for him to kiss her again.
Maybe the difference was alcohol, what did he know? Then again, Schnozmo did tell him that what soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals…
The time came for Sunrize en Paradize to perform 'Para Siempre' by Kandi Garcia for the first dance as husband and wife. Their guest looked on at the sweet moment between the newlyweds; Alewandro pressed his forehead against Susie's, hugging her middle as she held him with arms around his neck, their eyes only for their forever love in front of them. Swaying back and forth in the center of the room, they would occasionally express their affection in that of gentle kisses. So much of that day felt like a giant blur, but in that moment, time stood still. Their hearts beat as one, their love united in a stronger front.
Then came the Father-Daughter dance, or, in Susie's case, Father, Daughter, and Grandmother. Susie requested a song of a moderate tempo, something simple for Susie and Bernard to swing Grandma Cocoa's arms while they failed miserably and comically at syncing their hips together with the beat. The three generations of Sprinkles laughed in their merriment, and while they are a small family, the room was filled with their giant love for each other.
Alewandro led his mother to the center dance floor when it was time for the Mother-Son dance. As a surprise to Mrs. Magnifico, Alewandro request that Juanita and her band perform the same song that his parents danced to when they became Mr. and Mrs., a bit of a homage to them in being the product of such a beautiful union. Overcome with gratitude, Mrs. Magnifico laid her head to cry her tears of joy as Alewandro tenderly danced with her, summoning emotional tears from others, including Mr. Magnifico.
A few hours passed after the cutting of the cake, Sunrize en Paradize having packed away their instruments so that the hired DJ could take over as musical entertainment. A few guests conversed around the seating tables, some indulging in their own bubblies and what not, while the majority danced on the dance floor. The videographer captured these moments of everyone enjoying the music and relishing in the good vibes, while the photographer had already left as their main priority was up until the first dances.
Endigow and Starr, buzzed on fairijuana brownies, for some reason couldn't keep their hands off each other. Their shoulders' rocked from overwhelming laughter, one falling over the other. Juanita and Encanto used their tweaking as a form of comedic entertainment; whatever Endigow put in those brownies must've been pretty freakin' strong.
Cupid and Binky hovered off to the side, Cupid swinging Binky's arms to the beat. Cupid knew Binky still felt a little shy and secretive about PDA, so he didn't push farther than what he knew Binky would be able to handle.
Thornton and Spike joined Alewandro in whatever the hell they called dancing, letting their intoxication flow freely, while their female companions partook in a repeat of last night with Rose and Susie encouraging LeShae to loosen her hips and feel the music.
Wanda sat alone at the wedding-party table, watching Blonda and Juandissimo among the crowd. He held her hands as they rotated their hips to the music, their bodies close but far enough to where their bottom halves weren't touching. Blonda looked absolutely enamored, and from what Wanda could see, Juandissimo reciprocated that captivation. It sort of reminded her of Senior Night at Magic Mirror, his eyes for Blonda similar to when he had eyes for her. Did this bother her? No, not at all. What intrigued her most was how those two went from friends, to friends with benefits, to enemies, back to friends…into something more?
…and if those two can do it…then…was there a chance for her and Cosmo?
Getting up from her chair, Wanda avoided the other dancers as she made her way to her sister, tapping her shoulder before both Blonda and Juandissimo noticed Wanda's newfound presence. "…do you mind if I steal him for a sec?" she asked Blonda through the music. "Nothing bad, just...wanna talk."
Raising a brow, Juandissimo looked to Blonda in his silent ask for permission, and when Blonda nodded encouragingly, Juandissimo led the way from the entrance hall on the first floor, traveling out into the lobby where the curved staircase would lead to the second-floor loft over the lobby where the balcony was.
Holding the arched doors leading out to the balcony for Wanda to pass, she thanked Juandissimo before floating to the wooden-railing, Juandissimo trailing after. The full-moon glimmered a silver light upon the botanical gardens, the same gardens where a celebration of a union for life took place hours prior. A blanket of stars shimmered against the deep navy of the sky, reflected along the dark, glistening along the lake-waters of Heartleaf Springs with the muffled base of the DJ speakers piercing the still air of an otherwise quiet calm.
An unusual chill breezed through the malachite-green of bordering trees, causing Wanda to rub her arms for warmth. Wanting to be a gentleman, Juandissimo removed the blazer of his tux and offered it by wrapping it over her shoulders, Wanda thanking him again in the appreciated protection from the chill.
"So…" Juandissimo unbuttoned dress-shirt cuffs to roll up his forearms, naturally warm-natured. "¿…qué pasa?"
"…so…" Wanda wasn't trying to make anything awkward…so why did it feel that way? "…about you and Blonda."
He side-eyed his ex, curious to what made her bring that up of all things. "…what about Blonda and I?"
"You guys weren't always so…close, right?"
"…is there a reason you are asking me this?"
Wanda continued to shield herself from the cold with Juandissimo's blazer, subconsciously shielding her nerves as well. "…Cosmo and I have been talking, and I'm torn…"
"…on entering another relationship?" Juandissimo assumed, turning towards Wanda.
"…I know my situation with Cosmo isn't exactly the same as your situation with Blonda." Wanda hesitantly turned to face Juandissimo. "…but how did you guys move past it all?"
"…I do not think we ever 'moved past' what set us apart." Juandissimo shrugged faintly. "…we simply just…started over."
"But how?" Wanda quizzed. "How can you just throw away all the baggage and just…start over?"
"It is what worked best for us."
"…how did you know that was what was best?"
"We did not know for certain." Juandissimo clarified. "We just gave it a try, and after some time, that is what worked best."
Wanda looked away contemplatively "…so…you're saying I should at least try to start over with Cosmo?"
Juandissimo leaned with his arm against the balcony's rail. "Are you not doing that already?"
"We are…" Wanda lifted her diffident gaze. "…but I'm still not sure if that's what's best."
"Because you have not given it enough time." Juandissimo pointed out. "You cannot rush healing…"
Fuchsia stared searchingly into blue-violet. "…so…I'll know in time?"
"Si." Juandissimo inched forward, solacing her with a hand on her shoulder. "Time may not heal all wounds, but it does heal most…"
Was it a little weird having a wholesome conversation with one ex about getting back together with the other based on the conversation of that ex getting with her sister?
…eh?
The two fairies flicked their heads towards the sound of the balcony double-doors pushed open, revealing the little green fairy who'd searched the crowd for Wanda only to be told she flew off somewhere with her ex…
"Cosmo!" Wanda's past experience panicked, in no mental capacity for a third act of the Poofy Pants saga. "…t-this isn't what it looks like-"
"I know." Cosmo's calmed response came to a surprise to the two fairies hovering before him. "I'm not mad."
Wanda eyed the green fairy in a blank stare "…y-you're not?"
"No. Blonda told me already." Cosmo confessed; Blonda of all people helped him figure out where to look.
"I think I will leave you two to some privacy." Juandissimo excused himself, beginning his exiting float.
"…oh…here, Juan." Wanda just remembered that she still had Juandissimo's blazer around her. "You can take this back."
"Keep it." Juandissimo dismissed; might as well let his blazer be of some use to someone who actually needed it. "Just give it to me when you are done, si?"
Wanda nodded, curling the blazer tighter around her bare arms. Regardless of their previous quarrels, she'd always appreciated her friendship with Juandissimo and was glad that they still had a chance to revive it.
Juandissimo gave a parting wave, and with Cosmo still in the balcony's doorway, Juandissimo paused beside him, staring with a side-eye and speaking at a volume only Cosmo could hear. "…do not screw up this time."
Cosmo's shamrock-green locked to Juandissimo's blue-violet, picking up on Juandissimo's lack of ill intent. Taking in his words as an earnest suggestion more than a intimidating threat. Stern in his stance, Cosmo mimicked the low yet serious tone as he responded saying "…I don't intend to."
Juandissimo maintained his stare, seeing that Cosmo was not backing down from his statement. Convinced enough that he was leaving Wanda in good hands, he continued past Cosmo back into the lodge, returning to the grand hall.
Meeting Wanda over by the balcony soon after, Cosmo folded his arms over the rail, Wanda turning back to observe the glistening lake with him. No one willingly spoke first for the first few minutes, one more apprehensive than the other. He noticed the way the moonlight radiated off her porcelain skin. How can she look so gorgeous under any type of lighting?
"…pretty wedding, huh?" Cosmo started with small talk, testing the waters.
"It was…" Wanda kept her gaze lowered to the botanical gardens, inclined to keep her responses short in the beginning.
"…wanna know what I kept thinking about today?" Cosmo's question resulted in Wanda forcing herself to meet his gaze, and he found the courage to wear his heart on his sleeve. "It was me imagining you and I up there…"
Wanda let her features falter, afraid a conversation like this would resurface "…Cosmo…"
"This year reminded me how empty I am without you, Wanda…" Cosmo expressed, now facing the woman he should have never let get away "…I have no breath without your air, I have no heartbeat without your pulse…I have no soul without your mate…"
She stared at him, letting him continue.
"I know you feel the same." he loomed forward, interlocking his right fingers with her left hand. "There's no way you don't."
"Cosmo…" Wanda's head shook in denial of his assumption "…It's not-"
"You keep saying it's not that simple, but to me it is!" Cosmo stressed, now taking hold of her shoulders. "We wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't!"
Fuchsia orbs widened, a yearning pinch in the pit of her stomach.
"Please…you mean so much to me." Cosmo lowered his voice, and Wanda could still hear his heart weeping for her forgiveness. "Please…take me back, and let me love you like I know I can…" one palm raised gently to her chin, shamrock-green eyes piercing through her toughest guard "…like how I know you want me…"
Wanda could not deny her true heart's desires any longer; of course, she wanted him to love her again. Of course, she wanted him. But what Cosmo failed to understand is the amount of damage and destruction inflicted on not just her heart but his as well. That amount of damage cannot heal with the band aid of leaving the past where it belongs., and Wanda cannot guarantee that time would be enough to those wounds to heal…
But what was faith without works?
Cosmo had the strongest belief that they can rebuild, but what good was that belief if they didn't act on it? Just she had the key to his, Cosmo had the key to her heart once, and just because they changed their locks…didn't mean they couldn't issue a new key.
She was not confident in her definitive answer, yet she knew one thing for sure; Cosmo was all out of chances…so he better not make her regret this last one.
To be continued…