Chapter 1: Invitation
Chapter Text
The sun hung high in the late afternoon sky as the day began winding down after a morning of classes and lessons. Jeremy pulled into the driveway and got out of the car, he hadn’t slept much recently and felt haggard. Before heading inside Jeremy caught a sight of the postman driving down the road, his mail had just been delivered. Jeremy opened the mail box and saw a fresh stack of papers and envelopes. He took the handful and headed inside his apartment.
“Hey welcome home Jerebear.” JB, his adoring girlfriend since high school was there as always to greet him with a cheerier disposition than he could ever muster. “Anything interesting in there?”
“Nope.” Jeremy responded without so much as glancing at the stack of envelopes as he set them on the counter.
Just as he had, one oddly shaped letter flitted onto the floor. He bent over to pick it up and noted the address it had been sent from: Sunset Bird, California. Seeing equal parts disgust and confusion wrought on his face, JB walked over to see the letter for herself, taking a seat at the small bar separating the kitchen from the living room.
“Where the heck is Sunset Bird and who do we know there?”
“It’s those people… again” Jeremy made no attempt to hide the fatigue in his voice.
“What people, who are those people?” JB emphasized her tone of voice to mock Jeremy’s apparent disgust with these people.
Jeremy didn’t want to bother explaining but he was keenly aware JB would not drop the subject until he divulged who these strangers sending them letters out of the blue were.
“They’re a pair of insane people I met about a decade ago. They insist on keeping me updated on their lives even though it makes no sense, it doesn’t matter.”
JB was intrigued now. “Okay well that’s a little vague, and I think it does matter. Open the letter, I wanna see what it says.” She added an airy cheerfulness to her voice as she clasped her hands together.
“Do I have to?” Jeremy crossed his arms in weak defiance.
“Yes. Unless you want me to rip it open and read it aloud to you.”
Jeremy sighed heavily. “Fine.” He grabbed a letter opener and gingerly cut along the glued edge. Pulling the letter out it was clear this was no common handwritten letter, it was a card and had clearly been professionally designed and printed. It was a personalized invitation with a picturesque photo of a beach with a shining beautiful ocean behind text that read:
Jeremy Marion King & JB Winters,
you are formally invited to the wedding celebration of
COVE HOLDEN
&
Atticus Bryson
The wedding will be held in Sunset Bird in the large poppy field on the outskirts of town at 11:00 am on June 19th, 2022. The following reception will be held at The Cypress country club. Contact Baxter Ward for RSVP at 619-555-7446.
Reading the invitation Jeremy’s face twisted. He couldn’t believe he’d be invited to something like that, especially by them of all people. By now JB had given him enough time to read the note.
“So what does it say tell me already!” She hovered over the note, intent on snatching if Jeremy didn’t divulge it’s details.
With an exasperated sigh, Jeremy relented. “They’re getting married and they want me to go.”
“For real? Looks like we’re going to a wedding!” JB sprang up from her seat and threw her hands into the air.
“I don’t want to.” Jeremy set the invitation down gently.
“Oh yes you do you big baby, stop whining we need to go get our outfits ready come on.” JB was already half way out the door, car keys in hand, waving at Jeremy to follow her. Jeremy very much wanted this day to be over but as always, he began following JB out of the apartment.
It was only three in the afternoon but Jeremy could already feel himself slipping into short fits of sleep in the passenger seat. His slumber didn’t last long as the car coming to a stop stirred him. He reclined his seat back up and saw a large boutique across the parking lot. He yawned groggily. JB got out and began walking toward the store until she noticed Jeremy wasn’t following her and slowly walked back.
“Are you gonna sit in the car while we try on our clothes?” She raised her voice to reach him through the rolled up windows.
Jeremy lowered the back of the seat down, making it clear he thoroughly intended to stay put.
“I’m not going inside, we don’t need new clothes and we don’t need to go to this wedding.”
Jeremy started putting up a fight, he wasn’t always the mopey kid JB had come to know in high school but they’d been together long enough for her to get used to that.
“Get your butt out of that car or I’m gonna drag you out myself!” JB had always respected Jeremy’s boundaries, she knew he was a germaphobe and hated being touched. While she had learned to work around this for the last five years, today was a special occasion and would put her hands on him if necessary.
“I’d Like to see you try.” Jeremy let the seat back down, unafraid to be petulant for once.
JB opened the passenger door and stared Jeremy down. “Jeremy. Get out.” There was no amusement on her face.
Jeremy sighed. “Fine.”
He sat the back the seat up and undid his seatbelt. JB wasn’t particularly big, but she was bigger than he was.
“That’s what I thought.” JB giggled, unable to resist teasing him.
“You are horrible.” Jeremy continued being obstinate despite having just given into JB’s demands.
“Yeah yeah let’s get you inside and get fitted for a new shirt.” JB put her arm around Jeremy’s, which he shrugged off.
Now feeling utterly defeated, Jeremy had fallen back into his mopey attitude. “Whatever.”
“Ah hello there.” A man in a gray suit and green spotted bow tie greeted the couple who walked through the door of the boutique. “Welcome to Dupont, my name is Thol and I am the assistant stylist here, how may I assist you?” Thol spoke softly but with the confidence of a man with years of experience dressing up the public.
“Nice to meet you, I’m JB and this is my boyfriend Jeremy. We’re going to be attending a wedding and need to get outfitted for the occasion.” Jeremy crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, adding emphasis to the gesture to make sure he was seen.
Thol ignored the body language Jeremy desperately asked him to heed. “That sounds excellent! So what can you tell me about the dress code, dark and formal? Light and casual? We can do it all here.”
JB and Jeremy suddenly realized the invitation hadn’t specified a dress code, perhaps they were meant to RSVP and find out from this Baxter person first. Jeremy dropped his arms and his mouth curled into a small downward bend. JB then spoke up.
“Actually our invitation didn’t mention any dress code.” She spoke plainly, their unpreparedness not weighing so heavily upon her as on her boyfriend.
“Not to worry, something in between formal and casual should work just fine, come with me.” Thol reassured the couple and led them to a rack containing an assortment of sports jackets, tasteful sweaters and tuxedos. “Here are just a few of our options, each of these come in multiple colors and sizes. If any of these pique your interest please let me know so I can grab your measurements.”
JB looked very excited now. “Jerebear you gotta try on that tuxedo.” She pointed at the sharply dressed mannequin with a single outstretched finger.
“Why?”Jeremy had lightened up slightly since the debacle outside but he still did not want to be here.
“You know perfectly well why. We’re here to get dressed for a wedding you goober.”
“You’re the one who wants to get all dressed up. I don’t even want to go, remember?”
“It’s always a fight with you… We are going to this wedding because these people cared enough to invite you. Now try the tuxedo.” JB was done arguing and Jeremy knew it.
“Whatever.” Jeremy motioned lazily towards Thol, suggesting he’d try the tuxedo.
Thol walked over to Jeremy with the measuring tape and noted his sizes down in a small notepad while Jeremy tried not to make a fuss about getting so close to another person. He then wordlessly stepped into the back room. Jeremy turned back to JB.
“This is ridiculous, I don't know why you’re making me do this.”
“Because I want to do this and I want you to be here to do it with me.” JB had gotten used to explaining this facet of their relationship over and over again for the last five years.
Despite this Jeremy still couldn’t quite wrap his head around the fact that JB actually liked him, liked his company. In his mind he was just a mopey, angry man with nothing to offer anyone. JB’s constant assurances were helping little by little though. Soon Thol came back with a shiny tuxedo draped over his arm and a pair of black dress shoes in his hand.
“Here you are sir, please step into the fitting room here.” Thol set the outfit on the gilded chair next to the couple.
Jeremy took the clothes gently in hand and stepped into the fitting room, he was in there for several minutes getting himself tucked, zipped, and buttoned into place. As he stepped out of the fitting room, JB’s eyes lit up like they had when she first spotted him in high school. She put aside her usual snark to slip in a moment of authenticity.
“Wow. Jeremy you look… very handsome.”
The suit fit him perfectly, from the tie all the way down to the ankles. Only Jeremy couldn’t stop pulling at the collar. The attention was too much for him.
“Echh I feel like I can’t breathe in this thing, I’m taking it off.”
He stepped back into the fitting room with a blush on his face, leaving JB feeling somewhat disappointed. When he returned Thol suggested something a touch more relaxed and offered a light ash gray button up shirt and dark gray sweater combo which changed out the black tuxedo slacks for heavier dark gray wool slacks.
“Sure. I guess.” Jeremy took the clothes and retreated to the fitting room once more. He seemed more comfortable upon his return but was very much ready to go home.
“So are we done now? I wanna get out of here.” Jeremy said
“Wow that looks really good on you too, but no way I still need to pick out what I’m gonna wear.” JB had a playful tint to her voice.
“Fine.” Jeremy returned to the fitting room to redress in his usual day clothes, when he returned he took a seat while JB spent nearly an hour flitting between various dresses and suits. Eventually JB stepped out of the fitting room one last time and Jeremy raised his eyes in wonderment. She had settled on an all white tuxedo with black bow tie.
“You’re really gonna wear that to a wedding for someone you’ve never even met?” Jeremy tried and failed to disguise the smile creeping onto his face.
“Yeah why not, it’s flashy and makes me look cute, not that I need any help with that.”
“You know the day isn’t about you?” Jeremy began to find this amusing.
“Every day is about me Jerebear, you should know that by now.” JB strutted around to show off the curves of the suit.
“Of course. How could I forget.” He didn’t bother trying to hide the smile anymore. Jeremy’s sarcasm signaled to JB that he must be feeling better after all the bickering and being difficult earlier.
With their choices of garments finalized, JB still had to change back into her normal clothes. After that was taken care of they paid at the front desk. Thol saw the couple off as they began heading home.
“Bye you two, have a beautiful day and do come back when its time for your own wedding!”
JB waved back at him as Jeremy ignored him.
Jeremy climbed back into the car while JB set the bags of their new clothes in the trunk. JB started the engine as Jeremy reached for his seatbelt. A comfortable silence filled the air as Jeremy began drifting back to sleep again, but before he could, he noticed JB turn off the path that leads home.
“Where are we going?” Jeremy asked with a suspicious bend in his voice.
“You’ll see.” JB’s answer was curt yet she had a devious smirk on her face.
A few minutes later JB pulled into a small parking lot in front of a quaint pink building with big blocky white letters adorning the space above the front door, XAKE.
“What are we doing here?” Jeremy was clearly confused.
“Just wait here for a few minutes and I’ll be right back.” JB hopped out of the car with a start and jogged her way into the shop.
Jeremy sat patiently and waited. And waited. And Waited. After several minutes he became impatient and was about to reach for his seatbelt just as JB reemerged from the shop carrying a small pink box. Curiosity rising, Jeremy sat back again. JB pulled the door open with one hand, balancing the box on her wrist with the other.
“Ummm what is that?” Jeremy took the box from JB as she climbed into the car.
“Open it up and take a look.” JB’s face was lit up with a 1000 watt grin.
Opening the box Jeremy saw a freshly baked Strawberry cake just big enough for two people to share.
“I know today wasn’t exactly planned and you’re swamped with studying, but despite your vocal protests, you went along with it and stomached my shenanigans like you always do so I wanted to get you a little thank you gift.” JB was being uncommonly sincere and Jeremy was taken aback.
“Well. You’re welcome. And thank you.” Jeremy had made some progress, however small, on rehabilitating himself into a less abrasive man since his days in high school and this was a chance to demonstrate it. He was blushing and trying to put forth an air of genuine gratitude.
JB started the engine and turned to grab her seatbelt. “Let's head home and tear into that cake alright?”
“Alright.” Jeremy smiled gently as he looked down at the cake, a confectionery reminder of how much JB cared about him.
The door of the apartment opened as JB turned the handle and gave the door a gentle shove. JB took the bags of their new clothes and hung them in the closet. Jeremy set the cake on the counter, but when JB returned from the bedroom she saw Jeremy quietly sitting on the couch in the living room.
“Something wrong with the cake?” She asked playfully.
“Are you really sure you want to do this?” Jeremy asked bluntly, turning his head to look at JB.
“Do what? Ask about your cake?”
“Go to this wedding I mean. You don’t even know these people so I don’t understand why you’re so excited about it.” Jeremy seemed genuinely confused
JB took a seat next to Jeremy, facing him directly and hooking her arm over the back of the couch.
“I’m excited because these “insane people” were nice enough to remember you and invite you to share in the most special day of their lives. That tells me they care about you even if you haven’t seen them in ages so of course I’m curious who they are. Besides if nothing else maybe this will be a chance to further drill into your cute little head that you really are more likable than you think. Now stop thinking so hard about that and have some cake already.” JB jumped up to cut a slice of cake and handed it to Jeremy.
He took the slice of cake with a short groan. “I Guess.”
JB had spent years impressing on Jeremy that people do actually like him, most of all her, but he never seemed to retain it for very long. Still she was always happy to give him another reminder.
By now it was getting dark, the sun had mostly set and left a faint orange tint in the sky. The day’s events had taken the wind out Jeremy’s sails, he took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes as he sunk into the couch with a yawn, followed by a groan. “I still need to finish my homework…”
“Just leave it for tonight, your grades can afford the hit this once.” JB wasn’t attending college, she didn’t have the weight of failing a class and losing her tuition on her shoulders.
“That doesn’t mean I should let it.” Jeremy still hadn’t moved his hands off of his face.
“Gee Nate when did you get here, where did Jeremy go?” JB cracked a lopsided smile as Jeremy glared at her for that remark.
“Look I promise it will be just fine okay? Let’s just spend the rest of the evening relaxing.” JB turned the TV on and began flipping through movies on Netlfix.
“Whatever.” Jeremy’s go to word for conceding an argument meant JB had won.
“Yay.”
Once the movie had been chosen and the couple were both settled in, it wasn’t long before Jeremy drifted off to sleep once more. JB gently lowered his head into her lap and started braiding the tufts of hair on the sides of his head. Eventually once his hair was neat and pretty, JB’s own eyes began feeling heavy and with Jeremy soundly asleep next to her, she turned the TV off and allowed herself to doze off for the night.
Chapter 2: Ideation
Summary:
Continuing where chapter 1 left off this is going to be the shortest chapter by far.
Chapter Text
Sunlight streamed through the crack in the closed curtains as JB woke up, her neck sore from being craned backwards all night. She looked down and noticed Jeremy was gone. Then she noticed the sound of the shower running. JB laced her fingers together, raised her arms over her head and arched her back to stretch and work out the stiffness in her joints. She stood up and walked toward the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. When she opened the refrigerator she saw the cake she bought for Jeremy neatly wrapped in saran wrap sitting on the top shelf. A couple of toothpicks kept the wrap propped up so it wouldn’t stick to the frosting. She chuckled, remembering when she taught him that little trick. When she turned back around, water in hand, she noticed the wedding invitation was still sitting out on the counter with Baxter Ward’s phone number printed in sky blue cursive reminding JB that they still needed to RSVP. She figured that could wait for a while though, it was 9:36 AM and she was still groggy. JB realized she was still wearing yesterday’s clothes and headed off to the bedroom to change. While she was changing, the running water in the bathroom stopped. The couple returned to the living room simultaneously, both dressed in near matching pajamas. Jeremy had a question.
“Why did you braid my hair?” he asked flatly.
“You haven’t figured that one out yet? I did it and will keep doing it because I love your little hair braids, they’re so cute.” She couldn’t help but notice his braids were still in place after his shower.
Jeremy only sighed and left the conversation there.
“Hey by the way when do you want to call that Baxter guy about the wedding” JB asked
“If we’re really going then we might as well do it now.” Jeremy wasn’t excited about the prospect but wanted to get this out of the way.
Jeremy grabbed his phone and dialed the number on the invitation.
… … …
… … …
… … …
Finally someone picked up.
“Office of Baxter Ward, Baxter speaking, how may I help you?” The voice on the other end was a mix of professionalism and playful smugness.
“Umm. Hi there. My name is Jeremy King, I’m calling to RSVP about the wedding.” There was an apparent discomfort in Jeremy’s voice. “We’ll be there.”
“That is wonderful, the couple will be thrilled to see you there.” There was a soft, pleased, undertone in Baxter’s voice that sounded almost as though he were purring while he spoke.
“Alright then. Thanks.” Jeremy hung up quickly.
JB spoke up “Hey you know what, we need to get them a gift!” She said this as if it were something she just remembered.
“Fine.” Jeremy didn’t protest.
“Wait really? No fight? No resistance?” JB questioned Jeremy
“I thought you’d be happy that I’m not arguing.”
“Well I am, I just wasn’t expecting that to be so easy.” JB was so used to arguing with Jeremy about going anywhere it was still a shock to her system when he didn’t.
“Well if we’re gonna do it, we might as well do it right.” Jeremy may have looked lazy to the outside observer but truthfully he was always diligent when he set his mind to a task.
“I have always loved that about you.” JB said with a faux dreaminess in her voice.
“Ich” was all Jeremy could muster in response.
“Anyways I need to shower and then we can get going.” JB turned and headed off to the bedroom, then straight into the bathroom with a handful of fresh clothes.
Jeremy busied himself around the apartment for the next 20 minutes, making sure his hair was brushed, still braided, and getting himself dressed to go out. When JB had finished her shower and stepped back into the living room, she was wearing a simple yellow sundress accented with a yellow ribbon around her neck. Jeremy had put on an olive drab button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up paired with brown corduroy pants. The pair were ready for their outing. Heading out the door JB posed a question.
“Okay so you know these people and I don’t, what would they want?”
Jeremy thought for a moment.
“I don’t actually know them that well but they’d probably want something sentimental.”
“Okay I think I’ve got an idea.” JB fiddled around on her phone for a few minutes looking at Google Street View.
Just like that they were out of the house
Chapter 3: Inamoratos
Summary:
The grand finale and the name sake of the whole thing! this is where the majority of my effort went and is easily the longest chapter here.
Chapter Text
The next several weeks had passed in a flash as all JB and Jeremy’s prep had been gotten out of the way early, now it was finally the day of the wedding. JB was all dolled up in her white tux and Jeremy was all put together in his gray sweater and black slacks. He wasn’t wearing his glasses today. JB glanced at the clock, it read 10:15 am. They had gotten up early to prepare and had hardly said a word to each all morning as they busied themselves. It was about time to leave, Sunset Bird was only about a 20-30 minute drive away and they couldn't get stuck in Sunday traffic.
“Okay we have everything we need right?” JB was crossing off a mental checklist, making sure not to forget the gift or the invitation.
“Yep.” Jeremy’s response was short and to the point.
“Great. Let’s get going.” JB held the door open for Jeremy as crossed through the doorway with the large wedding gift in hand.
She closed the door, making sure it was locked and walked down the hall to the parking lot. JB opened the truck to fit the gift inside and climbed into the car with Jeremy.
“This is gonna be so much fun! I’m so excited!” JB almost giggled the words out.
“No it isn’t.” Jeremy had to bring his natural disposition back around.
“Oh come on, weren't you the one saying you “were going to do it right?” Don’t tell me you’ve given up on that.” JB was quick to retort.
“I never wanted to go to this stupid wedding.” Jeremy stated his stance plainly, as if JB needed an obvious reminder.
“Jeremy Marion King I have known you too long to tell when you truly do and don’t care about something so suck it up.” JB added emphasis on his middle name just to get under his skin.
“Whatever.” Jeremy had been defeated.
The drive was quiet and uneventful as the couple crossed from Prim Vista City to the sleepy town of Sunset Bird. It took a few minutes to find the large poppy field at the edge of town but eventually they pulled into the parking lot outside the venue and headed towards the seats. A member of Baxter’s staff was standing by to verify invitations, the couple showed their’s and took a seat near the back row. The weather out was perfectly comfortable for a summer afternoon, there was a cool breeze blowing through the field as everyone took their seats. The field itself was beautiful, an endless expanse of poppy flowers across the hills and just in front of the rows of seats was a simple arch made of flowers.
“This is a pretty nice place to get married, real quaint huh?.” JB nudged Jeremy in the side with her elbow.
“Please stop.” Jeremy was never shy about the topic of marriage, unless it was his own marriage in which case he would clam up or change the subject and JB’s stunt had just made him blush.
JB only giggled to herself as her attempt to tease Jeremy went exactly as planned.
A few minutes went by and the special couple of the hour arrived.
Everyone was seated except the wedding parties for each groom who all stood in perfect lines at the makeshift altar. Everything and everyone went silent as the two grooms stood at the end of the aisle with their arms locked around each other, both standing perfectly straight. One had long flowing sea foam green hair and small square frame glasses with a hint of a tattoo peeking out from the right sleeve of his tuxedo. His husband to be was nearly just as tall, and had tan skin with brown eyes and neck length blond hair styled into curtain bangs. The band began playing and the couple started to walk down the aisle together. They were a paragon of beauty until Cove’s knee locked and buckled momentarily, Atticus reflexively helped prop him up before he could fall over. Cove’s face was a deep shade of red, he was thoroughly flushed with embarrassment as he stood back upright and continued walking. When they reached the end, they unlinked arms and stood facing each other directly. Then the judge who had been appointed to officiate began to go through the standard affair of wedding talk. Eventually the judge had mentioned vows and Cove immediately locked up again and nearly fell backwards, once again Atticus caught him though the wedding party were all posed to jump in if needed. Cove stood up again and straightened himself out, ready to proceed.
“The couple have chosen to prepare their own vows and will share them now. Cove Holden, please begin.” The judge ordered gently
Cove was silent for several moments before he spoke up.
“Atticus. We met when we were eight years old. And, well, I wanted to run away to Nevada that first summer I moved into the neighborhood.” Cove had begun by recounting all his childhood experiences with his fiancé.
“Truthfully I planned to do it before my dad and I even made it to Sunset Bird. But I saw you that first day I was there and nothing went the way I thought it would. You changed everything in my life. I did still make the attempt in my child mind genius, and you came to find me. You tracked me down to the end of town. You were the person I needed when I was so little and lonely, and you still are now.” Cove continued listing off memories throughout his life spent with Atticus until eventually he said something JB wasn’t expecting.
“Of course, the way you punched Jeremy will always be incredible.”
At this revelation JB eyes opened wide in surprise, she looked directly at Jeremy who was wearing a deep scowl on his face. She made a mental note to ask him about that later.
Eventually Cove wrapped up his vows and it was time for Atticus to give his.
“Cove James Holden. Ever since we first met on the poppy hill behind my house fifteen years ago, I knew I wanted to make you happy. When your dad offered me twenty dollars to be your friend, it seemed so strange at the time. Something obviously wasn’t right. And when I found you, I saw a lonely, angry boy who’s life was falling apart and I wanted to help him. It became my mission then and there to put a smile on your face whenever I could. Throughout our childhoods we were practically attached at the hip because neither of us wanted to be away from the other, and I made the best use of that time that I could. In return you’ve always been equally thoughtful, when you took me on a series of wild dates just to make me happy it was like you were turning everything on its head, that was supposed to be my job and now you were doing it for me. Well it worked, you made me very happy. Even so I will never stop trying my hardest to put a smile on your face every chance I get. We’ve been with each other through thick and thin for nearly our entire lives and I can’t imagine a better way to have spent it. And I’m looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together, you mean more to me than the entire world and everything in it. You make life worth living. So get ready for a lifetime of smiles because today is a promise that I will never leave your side. I love you.”
Atticus finished his lengthy vows and the judge spoke up
“Cove Holden, do you take Atticus Bryson to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
With a focused demeanor and tears on his cheeks, Cove answered.
“I do.”
The judge resumed.
And do you Atticus Bryson, take Cove Holden to be your lawfully wedded husband.
“I do!”
Atticus responded loudly and quickly, his voice almost breaking.
Each of the wedding parties stepped forward with their rings and handed them to Atticus and Cove. The couple slipped the bands around each other’s fingers one at a time. When they finished the judge spoke up again.
“By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husbands. You may now kiss.”
The newly wed couple embraced each other in a kiss, then as they separated, Atticus scooped Cove into his arms and walked back down the aisle holding his husband.
With their union now officiated it was time for guests to move to the reception at The Cypress Country Club. JB spoke up as they headed back to the car.
“That was such a sweet ceremony, those two are really dedicated to each other.”
“I guess.” Jeremy was curt.
Getting back into the car, they followed everyone else to The Cypress where they got settled in. When they sat down they noticed servers walking around with appetizers on silver platters. JB got one of the waiter’s attention and asked for two appetizers for her and Jeremy. Before long the newly wed couple arrived as applause and cheers rang out from the guests, JB joined in while Jeremy stayed seated and quiet.
Then Baxter gathered everyone’s attention to announce the couple would have their first dance, after which the dance floor will open up for anyone who wishes to participate. The first song was a slow and romantic tune, So in Love by Curtis Mayfield. Cove and Atticus swayed slowly while they locked eyes. Somewhere along the way JB’s gaze had drifted away from the couple and settled on Jeremy who was resting his head in his palm with elbow on the table. It took a few moments for him to notice her staring and when he did, he turned away from her with a soft grimace and a light blush. The song came to an end a minute or two later and there was only a moment of silence before something decidedly more upbeat started, I Was Born To Love You by Queen. Atticus and Cove suddenly burst into a rehearsed dance routine, it was fast, it was intense. Several guests were standing and cheering them on. When the song ended, the couple finished on a final pose as Atticus dipped Cove. They were breathing heavily and their hair was disheveled. The guests exploded with applause and cheers. They took their seats as Baxter took the stage again and congratulated the pair on such an impressive display as well as announced the dance floor is now open for all guests. Atticus and Cove took their seats and began conversing with guests.
“Hey let’s go talk to the grooms, I bet they wanna see you.” JB stood up
“Do we have to?” Jeremy didn’t want to move.
“Yes we do and you know we do so come on.” JB would not entertain him saying no
“I Guess.” Jeremy groaned and the couple walked towards the grooms.
As soon as they approached, Cove and Atticus perked up.
“Jeremy! Hey, it's so good to see you! And you must be JB.” Atticus held a hand out to JB
“That I am, nice to meet you two, and I have to say that dance of yours was crazy impressive.” She said while completing the handshake.
“Oh thank you, we spent months putting that together, I’m just glad we were able to get through it without falling over at every step.” Cove chimed in.
“So Jeremy how have you been?” Atticus turned his attention to Jeremy.
“I’ve been better, why did you invite me to this?” Jeremy replied sourly
“We wanted you here because we like you.” Atticus gave Jeremy a friendly nudge on his shoulder.”
“Yeah it wouldn’t be the same without you.” Cove added
“You’re right, it would have been better.” Jeremy’s familiar self deprecation elicited an eye roll from everyone.
“Look I know you’re not one getting out and seeing people, but it does mean a lot that you’re here” Atticus went in for a hug
Jeremy shrieked quietly as Atticus wrapped his arms around him “Let me go.”
Atticus backed up quickly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t hurt you did I?” Atticus was distraught
Jeremy shivered before recomposing himself. “It's fine.”
JB patted him on the shoulder. “Sorry about that he’s a big baby about people getting affectionate.”
Atticus and Cove chuckled together
The group spent a few more minutes catching up, asking about Pran and Jeremy’s studies as well as getting to know JB better. Eventually they said their goodbyes and JB and Jeremy headed back, but before they sat down JB made a request.
“Come on, dance with me.” She offered a hand to Jeremy.
“No.” Jeremy didn’t so much as budge with his response.
“Oh come on did you see how much fun they were having earlier, get your butt over there and let's boogie!” JB was insistent.
“Only you think dancing is fun, you can go dance.” Jeremy had never been one to let loose
“Boo. You know this is just going to turn into me telling you to dance and then you do it right?” JB knew she’d get him to dance eventually.
As if by sheer serendipity the next song in the playlist that came on was Give it to Me Baby by Rick James. Jeremy had always been a fan of disco…
“Oho this is perfect, come on!” JB pleaded
Jeremy moved, but not to dance. Instead he moved away to another part of the venue. JB followed him with a groove in her step. He was blushing slightly now as JB danced around him in circles. He finally relented and held his hand out slowly, with exasperated sigh and a full body shiver like he was preparing himself for this arduous task.
“I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.” Jeremy made sure his resistance was heard.
“Oh I believe it boy, you know you wanna dance with me.” JB was practically dragging him onto the dance floor.
Jeremy groaned in defiance as he allowed himself to be pulled along. “This is stupid.”
JB grooved, boogied, and funked while Jeremy slowly shuffled around, clearly feeling out of place though still willing to try despite his misgivings. JB was still mouthing lyrics at Jeremy while they danced. The rest of the guests were enjoying the music as well and were filling out the dance floor which made it easy for Jeremy to feel that he wasn’t the center of attention. Even if he was the center of JB’s attention.
“Hey, remember the time we went to that karaoke place and I tried to teach you to dance?” JB asked fondly.
“Yes. Are you trying to tell me I’m still a terrible dancer?” Jeremy responded flatly.
“No way you’ve made huge improvements, look at you getting down!” JB tried to flatter him.
“That’s a lie.”
“Okay true you still totally suck at this but at least you’re here and I appreciate that.”
“Whatever.”
Eventually dinner was served and everybody cleared the dance floor to take their seats. Jeremy for one was glad to be done with dancing. The waiters came around and asked everyone their preference of beverage When they made their way to JB and Jeremy’s table, the waiter offered a selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
“I’ll have a glass of sparkling cider, and what do you want?” JB asked, turning to Jeremy
“Nothing.
“Just a plain glass of water for the boring old snore across from me.”
The waiter stifled a chuckle as he took down their order. “Certainly. It’ll be right out with your meal.”
The waiter closed his notepad and walked off. He returned a few minutes later along with several other waiters, they each pushed along a cart carrying drinks and plates of food. He set the couple’s requested drinks on the table and then set down the first course; grilled chicken with slices of lemon and roasted asparagus. Jeremy looked unimpressed at the display, but slowly lightened up and he tried it. His uptick in demeanor did not escape JB’s attention.
“Uh oh did you find something you actually like here?”
“It's not terrible. I guess.” Jeremy rolled his eyes while cutting another strip of chicken.
“Ooooh that’s practically a glowing review from you babe.” JB took a bite of her own meal.
“Gross. Are you ever going to stop calling me things like that?”
“Nope. I know my Jerebear loves it.” JB held her fork out and poked his nose with the back of it.
Jeremy shivered and huffed but didn’t say anything else.
JB and Jeremy both passed on the second dinner course as Baxter announced that the microphone would be open to anyone who wished to say something about the grooms. Jeremy had no interest in this, he didn’t know these people anyways. He tuned out the entire speech event and was quite ready to go home by now. JB wasn’t quite ready to go yet, much to his chagrin.
“Why do you even want to stay so bad, we already fulfilled our end of the bargain by showing up.” Jeremy complained
“Yeah Yeah it's been a long day and all but we at least need to at least see them open our gift then we can leave okay?” JB assured him it wouldn’t be much longer.
“Fine but we are going as soon as that’s over with.” Jeremy made his final stand on the matter.
When the time finally came, and the grooms did open their gifts JB and Jeremy had to sit as they waded through various football and ocean themed memorabilia; jerseys and aquarium tickets and the like, until they finally landed the large rectangle that had JB and Jeremy’s names written on a little sticker on the front. Atticus and Cove gently tore the wrapping off at each corner together revealing underneath it a beautiful hand painted portrait of Sunset Bird’s city limits sign. Cove started tearing up almost instantly, clearly it had been a hit. It was mostly JB’s idea but Jeremy still felt the pain of embarrassment in being wrapped up in the affection once more as the grooms gave loud thank you’s from across the venue towards the other couple. With that it was finally time to leave. JB and Jeremy got up from their table and headed towards the exit. Finally back in the car, there was silence on the road until Jeremy posed a question.
“JB. Why did you ever pick me? Of all the guys back in school, why did you want me?”
“Well you always had this kind of sad wet cat thing about you that I thought was pretty cute so I’ve just stuck around for that.”
Jeremy only groaned.
“And If you want a sincere answer, it's that you were always nicer than most of the other guys in our group. You still towed that jerk line pretty hard but you could have been a lot worse. You’re smart, focused, and dedicated when you put your mind to something. And to top it all off, you’re real handsome to boot.” JB told him softly.
“Whatever.”
“Oh Brother.” JB giggled to herself as she drove them back home.
nerdychara on Chapter 1 Wed 05 Mar 2025 03:10PM UTC
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kacangmede on Chapter 3 Wed 22 Jan 2025 07:38AM UTC
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SaintOratorio on Chapter 3 Wed 22 Jan 2025 08:53PM UTC
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kacangmede on Chapter 3 Mon 27 Jan 2025 12:46PM UTC
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Cakenpie on Chapter 3 Wed 29 Jan 2025 04:07AM UTC
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