Age 28...
"Now introducing, for the first time as husbands, Mr. and Mr. Russell-Williams!"
An overwhelming amount of applause erupts. The sheer amount of cheers and whistles from the happy crowd of family and friends has the volume of a packed stadium as Vincent stumbles after his newâand over-the-moonâhusband.
Vincent should hate this. He should hate the amount of eyes on him even for something as monumental as his wedding day, but for once, he's glad to share the limelight with his better half.
The two are high on love as they continue to nearly trip over one another, their frazzled states displaying how joyful yet unguarded they are in this beautiful moment. Hell, this is the most Vincent has ever let himself loose in public, but he is at his own wedding reception after all, and he has Hayden to blame for his undoubted happiness.
Hayden masterfully charms the audience as the pair continues their advance toward the center of the dance floor. He practically drags Vincent behind him in excitement, but his husband doesn't mind. Vinny finds Hayden's inability to contain himself weirdly endearing and adorable, but Vincent also now understands how important marriage is to his lover.
After all, Hayden would barely let Vincent pick out the reception decorâelegant white centerpieces, gold accents, and lots of greenery donated from Esther's flower shopâbecause he just wanted everything to be perfect. Again, Vincent doesn't mind, though. He didn't expect Hayden to become a groomzilla, but that's just another thing Vincent found endearing.
Hayden did an amazing job at trying to subtly blend Vincent's culture in with his wedding and reception as well. Honestly, it isn't even something that Vincent asked for, but he is also so grateful for the amount of time Hayden took to research certain customs and truly embrace all Vincent is and where his family comes from. Vincent doesn't know anyone else who would simultaneously hold cocktail hour and a tea ceremony, but Hayden continues to surprise him every day.
Vincent happens to see his wedding party on the edge of the dance floor, and can't help but reveal a bright smile to all of his best friends. He wouldn't be where he is today without each and every one of them, so for today, there are no playful insults, pretending they aren't important to him, or hiding the strength of his emotions; just his pure, unfiltered self that doesn't have to shy away from vulnerability.
"And before you all take your seats, join me in celebrating the newlyweds taking the dance floor for the very first time."
A hush falls across the crowd as a slow, intimate song plays through the speakers, captivating the audience with a simple melody.
Vincent extends his hand to his husband, who looks especially breathtaking in the almost magical lighting. Hayden instantly connects their touch, butterflies rushing through his body when Vincent presses his lips across Hayden's knuckles. The brunette practically giggles in his spot.
Hayden laces their fingers together as his hand moves to drift to Vincent's hip, just like they had practiced in rehearsal. However, that's not what Vincent has in mind.
"Come here," Vincent smirks, abruptly pushing his hands into Hayden's back and causing the man to stumble into him. The little startled face that Hayden pulls causes Vincent to melt as he pushes their bodies flush together and finally gets the closeness he wants to share with his husband.
A pretty smile slips from Hayden's mouth as he wraps his arms around his husband's neck. Hayden plants a small kiss just below Vincent's eye before muttering, "I'm sorry." He knows that Vinny doesn't like public affection, and was just too caught up in the moment.
Vincent lets out a hearty laugh. "Hayden, it's literally our wedding day," Vincent whispers, leading their footsteps as he presses their foreheads together. "I'm not going to be mad if you want to kiss me. Just be yourself."
"O-Oh, okay," Hayden says smally, feeling bashful with the love of his husband as they sway and get lost in the tune.
Hayden can almost hear his heartbeat in his ears. His skin tingles with pleasure every time Vincent provides the tiniest mindless caress. He wishes that he could be trapped in time, able to embrace this moment for life where he wouldn't have to do anything but waltz into his boyfriend's arms and dance to prove his love. Hayden just can't believe it. He can't believe that he gets to have this man for the rest of his lifeâthis man who doesn't try to change him or make him live up to expectations or treat him as anything less than the fascinating person he has grown into. Hayden didn't know it then, but he thinks the moment he fell in love with Vincent was when they were kids; when Vincent first told him that he likes him for who he is when Hayden didn't have the strength to love himself.
Hayden can't help himself when he pulls Vincent in for a long kiss, praying that Vincent doesn't pull away...and he doesn't. Their eyes drop shut in serenity as they block out the rest of the room. Vincent's hand delicately grasps the back of his husband's neck, trying to bring him closerâto have him in every way possible.
Vincent breaks the kiss so he can get a look at just how pretty his husband is. His fluffy brunette hair slightly curls at the end, and Vincent loves it so goddamn much. Vincent kisses the one freckle on Hayden's cheek, knowing that he will kiss all the others scattered across his shoulders later. His plump lips, his cute nose, those gorgeous golden eyesâVincent loves it all.
"I'm surprised you aren't crying," Vincent teasingly whispers, pressing his cheek into Hayden's forehead fondly.
"Iâyou just don't u-understand," Hayden says shakily, his arms tighten around his husband. "I'm so fucking happy, Vinny."
"So this isn't about that bet you made with Cecilia?"
"Okay," Hayden smiles. "Maybe it is...just a little bit, though."
Vincent snorts and says in his second language, "Hell, I love you so much."
Hayden snickers, "Mmm, I love you more."
"Oh, shut up," Vincent remarks, knowing that the battle of who loves each other more can go on for hours. "But I'm sorry it took us so long to get here, Hay."
"I don't want to hear any apologies, Vincent Russell-Williams," Hayden reprimands sternly before he feels his heart swell at saying their hyphenated surnames out loud. "Oh my gosh, it's so cute. I'm so cute too. We're so cute together...Anyways, what were we talking about?" Vincent opens his mouth but Hayden beats him to the punch. "Oh, right! I was trying to say that all that hesitation and guilt doesn't matter anymore, Vinny. A goddess once spoke to me in my dreams and said 'If you like it, then you should put a ring on it.' And look!" Hayden holds his hand up excitedly to expose his wedding ring to his husband. "You did!"
"I'm surprised it has taken you all this time to make a Beyoncé reference," Vincent smiles.
"It's because everyone should know I'm the real Queen Bee," Hayden purrs in a sultry tone.
Vincent throws his head back with a laugh.
Everyone around the couple continues to observe their loving waltz, but truthfully, what nobody seems to understand is how they have so much to talk and laugh about. One should never underestimate the unpredictable and loving mouth of Vincent's husband.
Vincent soothes his hands across Hayden's shoulders, his arms, his wrists, and finally laces their fingers together. "Hayden, please neverâ
"Change?" Hayden chimes, giving his husband a wink. "I don't plan on it."
"Good," Vincent grins.
"Can I tell you a secret?" Hayden whispers.
"Yeah..."
"I'm bored," he says innocently, glancing at the audience around him. "Can everyone else come to the dance floor now? We need to get turnt the fuck up and party."
Vincent feels like he should be offended, but of course, he loves that Hayden can never be too serious. The ravenette bursts out laughing as he clings to Hayden's form and places his chin on his shoulder. Hayden briefly closes his eyes and lets a smile taint his lips as he blocks out all sound except for the noise of Vinny's beautiful laugh that tingles his eardrums.
As if listening to Hayden's plea, the slow song finally comes to an end as the gentle claps of surrounding people provide a nice peacefulness to end the couple's first dance.
When a more upbeat tune starts up, Hayden doesn't hesitate to shove his husband away from him and tug Cecilia, Jordan, and Leo onto the dance floor as the announcer introduces the wedding party. Things finally start to heat up as Asher and Kai follow them to the dance floor. The group's loud voices soon cause the remaining guests to get excited and flock to the cheerful area, officially kicking off the reception party.
Hayden takes Asher's hand and gives him a twirl and the latter giggles away. Hayden then dances over to Kai, pushing his shoulders down and telling jokes to make him laugh, so he doesn't keep dancing like he is stiff as a board. Next on Hayden's list, he joins Leo to break out all of the embarrassing 80's dance moves that the football player learned from none other than Esther Gaines. Hayden spins around to dance with Jordan, the two desperately trying to make the other laugh from some hilariously horrible dance moves. Hayden then excitedly gasps when he spots the one person who typically wouldn't be on the dance floor. He reaches forward and grabs Vance's hands. The teenager's moves are sluggish and he feels slightly awkward, but the more Hayden helps him groove to the beat of the music, the bigger the smile grows on his face.
Vincent silently watches as Hayden makes his way around the floor, charming everybody with a simple smile or sway of his hips. Vincent isn't exactly the best dancer in the world nor is he a likable person, so he could never do the things his husband does. Nonetheless, he is still bobbing to the music but keeping a watchful and fond eye on his lover. And when Hayden finally makes it back to Vincent, his moves become more enthusiastic as their bodies drift together and swing in sync as if they were made to find one another.
Hayden soothes his hands teasingly across Vincent's body before departing with a kiss on his cheek to make his way over to Cecilia. Cecilia laughs when she sees Hayden striding toward her while raising his eyebrows with an outstretched hand. Cecilia rolls her eyes but grabs the brunette's hand and allows him to lead their footsteps for once because it is his wedding day after all.
"Where's the hubby?" Hayden asks curiously.
Cecilia swiftly points a thumb behind her and says, "He's got baby duties for now."
Hayden swiftly looks in the direction of Cecilia's finger.
"So, Hayden, how are you feeliâ"
Hayden gasps so loud that it abruptly cuts off Cecilia's sentence. Before the girl can even begin to wonder what the man is on about now, he practically sprints toward Sawyer.
"Yep, nice talking to you too," Cecilia mutters, shaking her head playfully as she strolls toward Asher.
Hayden almost trips and ends up hitting his face on a table when he finally makes it to Sawyer.
The curly-headed man and final friend is seated at one of the beautifully decorated round tables with a baby curled up in his arms. Sawyer is of course dressed up for the occasion, but the fact that the little one also has a matching suit causes Hayden to nearly melt. Sawyer grins at Hayden's arrival as he plucks up a bottle for his baby and begins to feed him.
"I'm trying not to combust with how cute he is," Hayden coos, kneeling in front of the baby to get a closer look.
The baby's gaze flicks toward Hayden curiously and recognition flashes through his eyes as he pushes the bottle away and gurgles cutely. Sawyer doesn't want to admit it, but Hayden is already the favorite uncle.
"How's little Corey doing?" Hayden asks, sighing softly when he reaches out to Sawyer's son with one finger and he wraps both of his stubby but cute hands around it.
"He's kind of grouchy today, but he was starting to bob his little head to the music," Sawyer laughs, stroking through his hair. "I think we have another partier on our hands."
"Hell yeah, you do," Hayden scoffs. "When Uncle Hayden has to watch him, you already know what we are gonna do."
Corey laughs and squeals when Hayden tickles his side.
"Soybean, can I hold him?" Hayden asks, almost timidly. "I'll even say pretty please for you."
"Yeah, sure thing," Sawyer chuckles, noticing how Corey is already making grabby hands toward the newlywed.
Hayden literally almost dies when the baby is handed to him. He just wants a little stinker of his own sooo badly.
"Can I trust you to watch him for a few minutes while I go dance with my wife?" Sawyer questions as he stands from his chair, placing the bottle on his chair next to the diaper bag.
Hayden honestly barely hears the request because he is so caught up in doing anything possible to make Corey laugh.
"What do you mean?" Hayden asks. "We are all heading to the dance floor."
Sawyer doesn't even get to say anything before Hayden is doing a two-step toward the dance floor once again. He grabs one of Corey's hands and pumps his arm up and down so he doesn't have to feel left out as they weave through dancing ongoers.
Sawyer chases after Hayden, knowing how irresponsible he can be. However, when he hovers over Hayden's shoulder for a few seconds and notices how he carefully guards his head, doesn't let up on a safe hold of his son, and keeps the boy blubbering brightly. Sawyer should know that there is nobody on earth who loves kids more than his energetic friend.
Sawyer takes a hold of Cecilia's hips playfully as Hayden excitedly skips over to Vincent.
Vincent leans in to kiss his husband before he happens to see the stranger huddled up in his arms.
"Isn't he adorable?" Hayden comments. "Vinny, don't you want one?"
"I think it's enough of a handful to look after you," Vincent chuckles, stepping closer and slipping his arm around Hayden's waist.
Hayden fails to hide his little frown, trying not to think about how Vincent has given no indication of wanting a child anytime soon. It's something Hayden wants more than anything, and it's unsettling to think that they've only had two conversations regarding kids after just getting married.
"I want a little girl," Hayden confesses, smiling softly as he observes Corey and tries to distract from his inner turmoil.
"Why?" Vincent says curiously, kissing just behind Hayden's ear.
"So I can raise her to be a badass bitch," Hayden answers proudly.
Vincent laughs, "If we have a boy, you'd also raise him to be a badass bitch."
Hayden scrunches his eyebrows together. "Shit, Vinny, you're right. A badass bitch is decided upon birth." Hayden then glances at his husband and is surprised to find Vincent staring down at little Corey with a smile even though he makes no moves to interact with him. Hayden then shyly says, "...Within the next five years?"
Vincent turns to Hayden and looks intensely into his eyes. Hayden is like an open book with his expressions, so he can tell that Hayden is scared they don't want the same things...and that couldn't be further from the truth. Vincent is just scared of raising a child anything like his parents did. Nonetheless, the hopeful shimmer in Hayden's eyes lets Vincent know that they can figure it out together, one step at a time.
"Will within the next three make you happier?" Vincent offers. "We can start talking about it and planning, you know? We can figure out the options out there for us and see what'll work best...I just know you're going to be an amazing dad."
Hayden's eyes instantly begin watering, "V-Vinny, you're gonna make me cry."
Vincent smiles and swiftly wipes the single tear rolling down his husband's cheek. "You can't cry. You'll lose your bet with Cecilia."
Hayden snickers wetly and says, "Can you hug me?"
Vincent doesn't respond verbally but easily answers by wrapping his arms around his emotional husband, staying mindful of the giggling baby between them.
Vincent whispers in his ear, "You never had anything to worry about. I've always known how badly you want a child. It would've been selfish of me to marry you if I didn't want one as well. Okay, Hay?"
Hayden nods, burying his face in Vincent's neck.
"Alright, alright," Cecilia cuts in. "Give me my baby."
Cecilia has to practically pry Corey from Hayden's hold but Vincent easily comforts him.
"What do you say we start making our way around?" Vincent offers. "We gotta check in with everyone. After all, most people are here for you."
"Okay..." Hayden mumbles, sad to be separated from the child.
Their hands stay laced together as the newlyweds make their way around the reception. As usual, Hayden does most of the talking while Vincent silently supports him, only this time, Vincent feels as though he is trapped under a spell with the way he can't pry his eyes off of his gorgeous husband. He just happily lets him do his thing and entertain.
After some time has passed and the couple is sure that dinner is going to be served within the next five minutes, the pair is drifting to find Scott, wanting to know if they can get a sneak peek at his speech. However, when Vincent and Hayden find Scott immersed in a playful conversation with Kane, Vincent stops his husband.
Hayden looks over at Vincent in question.
"I didn't know he was here," Vincent says quietly, staring wide-eyed at his father.
"I thought he said he would be here, though," Hayden reminds, linking his arm through Vincent's. "He was at the ceremony too. How did you not see him?"
Vincent shrugs half-heartedly. "I don't know, I thought Ana would talk him out of it. How messed up is it that I was so convinced he wouldn't keep his promise to be here when he is trying so hard to make up for all that he has done wrong?"
"Aw, Vinny," Hayden sympathizes, kissing his cheek. "It's normal to feel that way when you have been hurt in the past. There's no reason to beat yourself up over it."
Vincent takes a deep breath and nods.
Whatever has happened in the past can all stay in the past when it comes to Kane. He has done more than enough to prove to Vincent how sorry he is for every failure he had concerning his child. Vincent isn't a forgiving person and one of his biggest weaknesses is holding a grudge, but he is finally ready to let that all go. Vincent loves his dad, and although his childhood was rough, he is finally ready to include him in his life entirely.
...Too bad Ana never came around.
Thinking of his family causes Vincent to think of the missing presence he hasn't seen all night.
"Where's Val?" Vincent speaks worriedly.
Before the couple gets to worry, a voice interrupts them.
"There's the happy couple."
Sabrina stops in front of Vincent and Hayden with a bright smile.
Over the past few months, Hayden has grown closer and closer with the girl, who still happens to be one of his fitness clients. Vincent found it to be kind of awkward at first, but also knows that his husband has zero ill intentions whenever he friends anybody. Vincent was also scared that the girl would resent him in some way, but it was not anything like that.
"Oh, hey, Sabrina," Hayden replies enthusiastically.
Vincent gives her a small nod before distractedly looking around the venue to try and find his little sister, who has been having a hard time lately.
"Is everything okay?" Sabrina asks, her eyebrows furrowing at Vincent's expression.
"Vinny, I'll go find her," Hayden smiles. "Just relax; it's our night after all."
"Yeah, okay," Vincent agrees, his mind soothed with the simple actions of his husband.
"Socialize, have fun," Hayden chirps before departing with a short kiss on Vincent's mouth. Oddly enough, the statement sounds more like a command than a suggestion.
"Hey," Vincent laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as he looks at Sabrina.
"Oh, come on," she groans lightheartedly. "Why are you making this weird? We can have a civil conversation."
"No, we can't," Vincent says teasingly, finally starting to loosen up. "You really didn't have anything better to do today?"
Sabrina giggles, "It's nice to talk to you again, Vincent."
"The feeling is not mutual."
Sabrina bursts out laughing, "Yep, you haven't changed a single bit."
"Whatever." Vincent rolls his eyes playfully. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"I'll think about it," Sabrina says back, matching his level of banter. "Am I allowed to say I told you so first?"
Vincent rolls his eyes again but leads the girl toward the bar as they catch up.
Meanwhile, Hayden finally traverses outside and easily spots the teenager in question. The smell of smoke burns his nostrils, but he also promised that he would never judge the way that people learn to cope.
He takes a seat beside Valerie on the curb and throws his arm around her shoulder. The action slightly startles the girl, but when she realizes who is next to her, she sighs in frustration at herself before stomping out her cigarette.
"Dinner is coming out soon, sweetheart," Hayden whispers, not mentioning the fact that Valerie told him she was going to quit smoking because it's clear that she has been trying.
"I'm not that hungry," she says.
"How about just a little?" Hayden offers supportively. "I want to see you energized and on the dance floor."
She hesitantly nods.
"Vinny is starting to get worried about you, you know," Hayden speaks softly.
Valerie fiddles with her hands and sighs, "I don't want him to see me any differently."
"He won't, darling," Hayden assures. "He just wants to understand."
She nods again. She takes a deep breath and opens her mouth, but doesn't continue.
"What is it?"
"I'm sorry that I'm ruining your wedding day," she begins. "You should be in there with Vincent, yet you are out here worrying about me."
"Nonsense," he smiles.
"I just...need to get out so badly," Valerie confesses. "I can't deal with the pressure anymore."
"Babe, you know that you always have me and you always have your brother too. You don't have to suffer alone. I hate seeing you so sad because nobody else can match my sass like you do," Hayden chuckles.
"Damn straight," Valerie laughs.
"Come on," Hayden grins, patting her shoulder. "I'll pull up a chair for you at our table."
"Okay," Valerie responds, finally revealing a little smile.
Hayden sweetly helps her to her feet.
"And one more thing..."
Before Val has any time to react, Hayden engulfs her in his arms. He lets out a pleased hum as he slightly sways their bodies, hugging Valerie tighter.
"I drowned myself in half a bottle of cologne before I got here, so hopefully this will get rid of the smoke smell."
"You're a liar," Valerie snorts into his chest, finally reciprocating the embrace. "You just wanted an excuse to hug me."
Hayden chuckles, "Maybeeee."
"No, it's not a maybe. You're so goddamn readable," Valerie laughs.
"Shut up and come inside," Hayden remarks. "You're getting that mouth of yours from your brother, and I don't appreciate it."
"Yeah, yeah." The girl waves it off with a quick flick of her hands but follows Hayden inside, feeling somewhat at ease.
By this point, everybody is seated at their respective tables. The hired servers already seem to be passing out plates which means that Hayden and Valerie missed the chance to pick out their entree of choice.
Hayden easily spots Vincent at the head table and lights up as he drags Valerie over to his husband and the rest of the wedding party. Valerie feels slightly embarrassed to impose on all of the adults but they instantly treat her with kindness when Hayden grabs a chair for her.
Hayden's eyes flick to Vincent's for a brief second before he spins on his heel and walks away. Vincent just glances at his retreating form, completely dumbfounded.
As light conversation starts up at the table, Vincent looks at his sister, who avoids his gaze sheepishly.
"Are you okay, Val?" Vincent whispers.
"Trying to be," she admits, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"I'm here to listen whenever you need me, you know," Vincent begins gently. "I know you've been talking with Hayden, and if that's easiest for you, I don't blame you. He's pretty great."
"Yeah, he is," Valerie chuckles.
"But I just wanted to say that I'm still here. I always have been." He gives her a genuine smile.
"I know...you're just kind of intense, and I can never read your face, and I'm like ninety percent sure you don't have a single empathetic bone in your body," Valerie grins.
"You little shit," Vincent smirks. "I'm learning, can't you see? Someone like Hayden is my fucking husband after all."
"Yeah, I'm going to be honest, big bro: I had zero faith in your love life," she snickers.
"See, you think that's an insult but I lowkey agree," Vincent laughs.
Before Vincent and Valerie can say anything else, Hayden finally returns, but this time, he has yet another guest at his side.
"Look, guys!" Hayden announces. "I'm dragging Vance over to join the party!"
Hayden pulls up another chair right next to Valerie and slightly pushes on Vance's shoulders to encourage him to sit down. Of course, Hayden is just trying to be nice and give Valerie some company, but he doesn't realize that this situation is even worse for Vance, who still has trouble speaking to all of their friends without stuttering or shutting down. Nonetheless, Valerie nudges his arm supportively, causing the boy to smile.
"Vinny, now we have the whole Russell squad!" Hayden says excitedly, finally taking his seat next to his husband.
"I see that," Vincent responds dryly, making the twins laugh.
Hayden looks at Vincent unimpressed and even goes as far as crossing his arms.
"Come here," Vincent smiles, tugging the leg of Hayden's chair to bring him closer.
Hayden huffs to show that he is not letting up his attitude, but he can't help feeling the facade slip away when Vincent grabs his opposite hip and pulls him halfway onto his own chair.
"I already ordered for you and Val," Vincent whispers.
"Thanks, hubby," Hayden beams.
Vincent almost immediately retracts his arms and distances himself. "Nuh-uh, that shit isn't sticking."
"Ugh, boring."
The room begins to quiet as more and more plates of food come out for the wedding guests. The exquisite meal has everyone's mouth-watering, so a soft tune begins to play in the background to make up for the newfound silence.
The atmosphere still feels magical, though. Vincent looks around and notices how smiling faces paint his vision. Truthfully, he never thought this day would come, but now that he's experiencing it, he doesn't want it to end.
Vincent's eyes finally pan over to his husband, who is already looking at him.
Hayden's brow furrows cutely with concern. "Is the food not good?" he pouts.
Vincent laughs, "No, it's perfect. I was just taking this all in."
Hayden shows Vincent a happy little smile and lets his cheek fall on his shoulder as he continues to chow down on dinner.
Before long, a loud clinking sound catches the audience's attention. The unmistakable sound of a spoon hitting a glass finally halts as Scott stands from his chair.
"Good evening, everybody," he says animatedly. "First off, I just want to thank you all for joining me on this beautiful evening. But that means if you're here, you've somehow been able to put up with my son, so congratulations."
Hayden gasps with offense while Vincent just laughs at his overdramatic husband.
Scott then looks directly at Vincent and Hayden. "You guys should've known better than to let me get up here," he chuckles, causing everyone else to laugh as well. "Honestly, I don't know when it happened. I don't know the exact moment when I realized that Vincent and Hayden were closer than they let on. Maybe it was the day they first met when Hayden came into the house screaming his head off about his great new friend, who apparently called him a bitch in their first interaction. Maybe it was when Vincent ran all the way over to our house in the rain just because Hayden wanted to play a board game. Or maybe it was when I couldn't contact either of them because they cuddled up and fell asleep in the corner of the locker room after a grueling football tournament. No, I've got it: the moment I realized they were more than friends was when they were making out on my living room couch and thought I wouldn't find out. Aren't you smarter than that?"
Hayden shakes his head playfully.
"My point is that these two have been in each other's lives for what feels like forever. I know I'm supposed to get up here and, like, wish them well and blah blah blah, but they don't need it. Vincent is already like my second child. I trust him with all I have and couldn't think of anybody better to leave my son in the hands of. Again, I don't need to tell you guys to be perfect together or always treat each other with care or even make sure to remember your love when you are at your lowest moments because you two already do all of that and always have. God, you two conflict in every way possible, and I'm not sure how you haven't killed each other yet, but I'm hoping that every other person in this room gets to experience what you two have."
Hayden drapes his arms around Vincent's shoulders and kisses the side of his head.
"Let's all raise a glass to the newlyweds. After all, we know that happiness in their future is promised because they were destined to be together."
Instant applause breaks out across the room. Joy is practically seeping in from the walls at this point.
Much of the dinner continues with more speeches to uplift the couple. The newlyweds opted out of this, though, because Vincent would rather not stand in front of a crowd and preach about his husband when he is only just beginning to be comfortable doing that to Hayden's face and Hayden doesn't trust that he isn't going to say something unintentionally out of line or inappropriate. Nonetheless, Cecilia, Leo, Sawyer, and Kane all say a few words, with Asher patiently sitting in his seat, not wanting to give a speech when he was forced into them growing up and now has better control over his anxiety.
Soon the servers come in and swoop all the empty plates away from the tables. The mood is instantly elevated once again as an upbeat song plays through the speakers.
Hayden practically jumps up from his seat. He tugs on Valerie's arm.
"We going to continue that twerk competition or what, Valley girl?" Hayden grins.
Valerie snorts with amusement but stumbles to her feet.
"Vancey pants, you too," Hayden chimes. "Don't you want to learn how to twerk from the best of the best?"
"Um...no?" he says wearily.
"Too bad!" Hayden tugs him up as well. "Vinny, come to the dance floor with us. You have to judge who does it best."
"No offense, Hayden, but I would rather not watch you teach my siblings how to twerk. I'm going to get some water if you need me."
"Okay, but my ass shaking is supposed to be enough to convince you," he argues.
Vincent pinches the bridge of his nose. He cannot believe his husband just said that in front of his siblings.
"Goodbye, Hayden," Vincent laughs, finally walking away.
Hayden doesn't let his uncooperative husband get him down for too long as he drags the laughing twins over to the forming mosh pit.
Vincent doesn't say it, but he feels like he needs a second to himself. He doesn't think he has had to interact with so many people in his lifetime and his social battery is dying. He kind of just floats among the outskirts of the reception, quietly observes the beautiful chaos, and even sits down for a little conversation with Scott.
However, when he gets up to get a second glass of water, a voice stops him.
"Vincent."
He turns around and completely freezes when he sees who it is.
"Ana?"
Vincent's mom is standing before him. Kane is also at her side trying to give Vincent a reassuring smile, but he also knows that he has nothing to do with Ana wanting to make a change, so is trying to keep his distance and let her speak entirely.
"What are you doing here?" Vincent asks in shock.
"I thought you wanted me to be here?" she claims wearily.
"Yeah, that was before you disapproved of my engagement, completely insulted my husband, told lies about my husband, and disowned me from my own family for the second time. I think the fact that there is even a second time says enough," Vincent practically growls.
Ana says, "But Iâ"
Vincent suddenly feels two hands gently plant themselves on his hips. He didn't even realize his body was so tense until Hayden begins to kiss at his shoulders, urging him to relax.
"Is everything okay?" Hayden asks softly but seriously, rubbing circles into Vincent's hips to try and calm him down.
As promised, Hayden found Vincent exactly where he said he would be, he just didn't expect Vincent to look so angry, conflicted, and just downright confused. However, he didn't need to wonder the reason anymore when he saw Ana standing in front of him.
"How could you think showing up to the reception but not the actual ceremony would be fucking okay?" Vincent sneers, getting more worked up by the second.
"Vinny, take a deep breath," Hayden whispers, pecking the back of his neck.
Vincent wants to scream. Not because of his mother's presence, but because some part of him is relieved that she is here. Vincent hates her so much, but the fact that she is here and not looking at their affection with disgust or contempt, really says a lot.
"I'm here because I'm trying to make an effort," Ana sighs. "I'm so sorry for everything, Vincent."
Vincent laughs in disbelief. "Sorry doesn't even come close to making up for all you've done. I'm nearly thirty years old, and now you want something to change? Ana, what are you even doing here? I don'tâ"
"Son, just hear her out," Kane cuts in.
Vincent stares at him incredulously. Kane gives a simple nod of his head to say that he can trust him.
Vincent takes a deep breath and looks at her expectantly.
"I know how badly I've messed up, Vincent," Ana starts. "I really do. I didn't realize how much unhappiness I was causing in all of our lives just because I wanted to prove myself to a few friends and families who never cared in the first place. I didn't notice how different and accepting things here could be, and you have opened my eyes. I still don't really understand...your marriage, butâ"
"I've never once asked you to understand," Vincent interjects. "All I asked for was respect, and you didn't even show me that. Much less my husband."
"I-I know, Vincent," she stammers. "But time continues to slip away with no consent. Your father and I aren't getting any younger, and I already hate myself enough because I have spent so much time digging for things I didn't like about you."
"That's literally awful," Vincent muses.
Ana huffs at his interruption and says, "But the more I watch you grow, the more I come to realize that the unconventional parts of you are my favorite. You are the only one brave enough to break away from this life and not do whatever path your ancestors chose for you. The truth is that neither I nor your father ever had the courage to do that, and I think that is why I've wasted so much time trying to attack you. It's crazy that we packed up and moved over to America for new opportunities and discoveries, but I only grew overcome with envy when I realized that I could never live through you vicariously. And yes, I know this isn't enough for now, but at least it's a start. I don't deserve a second chance, but I'd be really happy if you could consider it."
"Well, I definitely don't forgive you," Vincent says heartlessly. "Not until you prove that you deserve forgiveness. But forgiveness is completely out of the question if you don't start trying to get to know Hayden."
"What?" Hayden says in surprise. "Vinny, t-this doesn't have anything to do with me."
"But it has everything to do with you, Hay," Vincent retorts. Vincent reaches out and pulls Hayden in front of him. Hayden glances at Vincent nervously since he doesn't have a relationship with Ana and his one with Kane isn't that much stronger. However, Vincent knows just how badly Hayden wants to have a connection with his in-laws, so he is going to do everything in his power to try and make that possible. "Since you haven't officially met after we started dating, we will do this the right way. This is Hayden; my partner of nine years and now better known as my husband. See, you could avoid him when he was my boyfriend, but he's not going anywhere so I expect you to be just as kind to him as he is to you. I hate that this is even happening because if you accepted him when we first got together, you would've fallen in love with him, just as I have."
Hayden blushes on the spot.
"Should I apologize to him too?" Ana says discreetly, not knowing that Hayden is fluent in their language.
"If you don't want to get ignored over the course of the next month, then yeah, I would recommend it," Vincent answers sassily.
"O-Oh it's okay," Hayden says awkwardly. "You don'tâ"
"Hayden, do me a favor and zip your lips," Vincent commands. "You are too nice for your own good."
Hayden nods and remains quiet while the couple waits for Ana to put her pride aside and apologize.
"I-I'm sorry, Hayden," she says feebly. "I have judged you way too harshly and I sincerely regret it. I want to make it up to you someday, and I hope to get to know you better." She extends a hand toward him and Hayden takes it. Ana then blankets her other hand across the top of his. "And I really mean it."
Hayden nods, trying not to get emotional because this is all he has ever wanted. Nonetheless, he remembers his bet with Cecilia.
"Come on, Hay," Vincent says, tugging on his wrist. "Do you want to go dance again before cutting the cake?"
"I would love to," Hayden smiles, taking his husband's hand.
"Call you later?" Kane offers.
Vincent says "Sounds good," before drifting away with his complete attention on his husband. "Wait, one last thing," Vincent calls out, swiftly turning back around to face his mother. She looks at him expectantly. "Lay off of Val and Vance. They've both been through enough, don't you think?"
When Ana is too ashamed to respond, Vincent takes that as his sign to leave.
For the next hour, the two seem trapped in time. They dance and flirt and are practically all over one another, but how could they be anything but stuck in a euphoric stage at the moment? They also make plenty of use of the Photo Booth, dragging their friends, family, and just about everyone over to capture the memories.
Now that the night is winding down and people are starting to grow tired, an announcement is made to say that it is finally time to celebrate the special couple cutting the cake.
Scott hands an excited Hayden the biggest knife he can find for the task, but when Vincent sees the mischievous look in his eyes, he instantly snatches the weapon away from him. Hayden pouts, but laces his hand on top of Vincent's and presses closer, wanting to share the spotlight.
"Ready?" Vincent smiles.
"Yes, lovebug," Hayden grins, kissing behind his ear.
Vincent absolutely despises the nickname, but something also tells him that it's unfortunately going to stick.
The knife slowly slices through the moist cake, Hayden's mouth watering at the sight of the whipped icing. Hayden and Vincent work together to move it onto a plate. Vincent then plucks up a fork and allows Hayden to take the first bite, watching with endearment as he practically jumps with delight at the taste.
See, Vincent made Hayden promise that he wouldn't do anything too drastic or random at the reception because he knows his husband well enough by now. However, Vincent didn't make that same promise to Hayden.
"Vinny, why are you smiling like that?" Hayden says carefully. "Stop. You're scaring me."
Before the brunette has any time to react, Vincent sticks his hand in their piece of cake and smears it all across his husband's cheek, losing the fight to conceal his laugh as he looks at Hayden's comically shocked expression. When Hayden finally gets over his surprise, he doesn't hesitate to retaliate against his amused husband. He takes the entire plate and shoves it in Vincent's face like a true pie to the face. The plate slips onto the floor, leaving Vincent's eyesight blinded by white cream and marble cake.
Hayden expects to find an angry expression upon Vincent's face as he tries to swipe the excess off his face, but when he sees a full grin, exposing every single one of his husband's teeth, he practically squeals as Vincent grabs his waist and smears cake and frosting all over his suit. Hayden tries to lunge at the beautiful cake to get back at Vincent, but Vincent tightens his arms around the man and pulls him away. Hayden's limbs become weak with laughter when Vincent sticks his hand in the top tier of the baked good. Hayden tries to dodge Vincent's second attack and somewhat succeeds, causing the cake to splatter onto his neck and shoulder.
Their lighthearted little fight lasts for around a minute until Scott decides to move the cake away from them to prevent them from making a complete mess of the venue and because other people want cake too, and it was definitely on the road to being scattered across both grooms' bodies.
Vincent holds Hayden close as they remain covered in cake, trying their best to behave as they wait for everyone to grab a slice of cake, which they spent way too much money on for them to have a food fight.
All of a sudden, Hayden leans over and licks up the frosting off Vincent's cheek.
"Mmm, the frosting is so good," he pipes, unaware of the full-body shudder of repugnance that wracks Vincent's body.
"That is so disgusting," Vincent scolds, shoving the giggly brunette away from him. "Get away from me."
"Oh, come on, Vinny," Hayden groans. "It wasn't disgusting when my tongue was licking much unholier places." The brunette bats his eyelashes innocently.
"Jesus Christ," Vincent says with embarrassment, clamping his hand over Hayden's mouth. "Don't fucking say that out loud."
Hayden moves Vincent's hand and stares at him seductivelyâas if they aren't both still covered in cake. He then leans close so he can whisper in his ear.
"Nobody can hear us now, can they?" Hayden chuckles and kisses Vincent's ear before continuing. "I can't wait to get out of here and have my way with you tonight. I love you so much and I just can't wait to show it."
Vincent harshly whispers, "Hayden, if you don't control your goddamn selfâ"
Hayden lets out a confident laugh before saying, "You're not going to be able to walk tomorrow."
"Hayden, get the fuck away from me."
"You're defensive because you know I'm right," Hayden says smugly.
"I'm walking away now," Vincent hisses, not even hesitating to get away from Hayden because there really is no end to his teasing.
Hayden burst out laughing at the disappearance of his husband but he'll give the man five minutes before he is grumpily floating toward him again.
God, Hayden could've never imagined being this happyâwith himself, with his life, with another person, but he is so excited for the future. He would've never said that before today, and the fact that Vincent is a catalyst for almost everything right in his life, shows how valuable the man is to him.
Hell, Hayden meant every word of his vows, and he knows Vincent did too. For the first time in his life, Hayden feels like the air is easier to breathe. His self-confidence issues are a thing of the past, he is finally settled into a job he loves, and his husband just promised him a child in the near future.
Hayden could cry with how perfect everything in his life is right now. He didn't think it would happen, but he finally gets to live in his own fairytaleâone where the protagonist has fought through numerous grueling battles and finally gets the happy ending they deserve.