Age 25...
Love is definitely in the air on this beautiful evening.
The breathtaking outdoor venue is finally filling up with close friends and family. Little chatter rushes among the crowd who can't wait to see the special couple dedicate their lives and hearts to one another in the most magical of ways. Everything is painted in splashes of crystal white and pastel shades to accompany the plethora of flowers littering the area under a bright blue sky. Anybody would be able to tell that a pretty penny was spent on this wedding, but according to Leo Gaines, it almost isn't enough.
Pacing around his groom suite and stressing about every little thing that is missing isn't soothing Leo's mind. In less than an hour, he is getting married to the love of his life, and unfortunately, his support is no help at all.
"Hayden, you want to go get manicures later?" Cecilia asks from the velvet sofa in the corner of the room, looking at her nails disapprovingly.
"Oh, I like the sound of that," Hayden smirks, sitting on the arm of the chair right next to her. He puts his hand out in front of his face to observe his nails. "What color should I get?"
"Oh, you're getting a color?" Cecilia says with mild surprise, her gaze briefly flitting over to observe a pacing Leo. "That might be the first badass thing you've done in your lifetime."
"Hm, what about pink?" Hayden chirps.
"Statement immediately revoked," Cecilia says playfully, nudging a sulking Hayden with her elbow.
"For the love of god," Leo breathes, his hands dramatically thrown out in front of him. "Could you guys please focus?!"
"On what?" Cecilia raises an eyebrow cheekily. "You not being able to get your shit together? It's quite funny to watch."
Leo looks at Jordan helplessly, who is also barely paying to the nervous groom as he flips through the magazines thrown about the table. He quickly looks at Leo and clears his throat, straightening up so he can try to be there for the person he has called his brother for so long. However, much like Cecilia and Hayden, he is getting annoyed by Leo's fruitless worryingâas if he has anything to worry about.
"Jordan, please say something," Leo begs, closing his eyes and anxiously running his hands through his hair before instantly pulling them away from his head, knowing that he just got his hair done.
"Uh...do you want me to get you a shot or something?" Jordan says wearily because honestly, he's never had to deal with Leo like this.
"No. God, no," Leo says exasperatedly. "I'm not going to kiss my future husband with alcohol on my breath. Jesus Christ, he's going to be my husband." Leo puts a hand on his forehead and gulps thickly as he begins to pace for the umpteenth time. "Oh lord, Asher is going to be my husband soon. My fucking husband. I'm about to get married toâ"
"My gosh, can we get this over with already?" Cecilia says, rolling her eyes. "Why are you getting cold feet? I thought we would be helping the quarterback of the nation get ready for his wedding, but nooooooooo. We are stuck babysitting."
Leo ignores her last comment and says, "Cold feet? Pfft, you think I'm getting cold feet? My feet are so hot, they are on fire. As a matter of factâ"
Leo begins to ramble and the other three in the room throw their heads back in disappointment because the man really can't get it together.
Jordan strolls over to the sofa, taking the open spot next to Cecilia.
"Mind if I just tag along on your little manicure trip?" Jordan asks.
"The more the merrier, J-man," Hayden beams.
Cecilia then says, "We will be lucky if the big guy over here even says anything understandable at the altar." Cecilia then smirks, "You guys wanna make a bet?"
Meanwhile, in the other groom's suite, everything is peaceful. Sawyer, Vincent, and Kai are crowded around Asher, watching the smiley husband-to-be dust his face in light glitter and makeup.
"The fuck is that?" Vincent asks curiously, watching Asher draw a thick line of tan pigment down his face.
"Bronzer," Asher answers softly, a smile tainting his lips when the three boys follow his every move through the mirror.
"You didn't want to hire a makeup artist?" Kai asks inquisitively.
"Nope," Asher chimes, spinning around to look at his groomsmen. "Leo likes the way I do it best."
"You guys are both still cheesy as hell," Vincent smirks.
"You sound jealous," Asher counters with a little giggle, causing Vincent to roll his eyes.
"Damn, no comeback?" Sawyer grins, nudging Vincent.
"Shut the fuck up," he spits back and Sawyer laughs.
"Kai, do you actually like this guy?" Sawyer smiles, pointing a thumb at Vincent. "Have you gotten used to the moodiness yet?"
"Sawyer." Vincent turns to the smug, curly-haired man before Kai gets a chance to say anything. "Do you want to die?"
"Nobody is dying at my wedding," Asher says matter-of-factly.
"You tell 'em," Sawyer beams as he gets punched in the arm by Vincent.
"How long have you and Leo been together?" Kai then asks, feeling Asher's happiness seeping in from the walls of the room.
"It's been almost nine years now," Asher confesses, his cheeks turning the faintest pink. "Since junior year of high school."
"That's so sweet," Kai smiles and Asher nods bashfully.
"Knowing Leo, though," Asher begins with a laugh. "I know he's freaking out for no reason."
"I wish I was there to see that," Vincent snorts.
"I'm sure my wife is already giving him enough crap," Sawyer admits with a playful shake of his head.
"Probably," Asher chuckles. "I'm sure Leo is pacing around the room..."
Leo is definitely still pacing around the room while Jordan, Cecilia, and Hayden talk about their plans in case this wedding goes to shit just to tease the quarterback.
"He's probably rambling on and on about every little thing that might go wrong..."
Leo throws his hands in the air. "What if I trip when walking down the aisle? What if the paparazzi crash the event? God, what if Asher doesn't say 'I do?' What ifâ"
Jordan finally can't take it anymore. He grabs both of Leo's biceps and drags him over to the couch, politely shoving him down next to Cecilia.
"Do I need to slap you?" Jordan asks Leo, his hands on his hips like he is reprimanding a child.
Hayden raises his hand. "I volunteer as a tribute."
Cecilia snorts as Jordan looks at Hayden with disappointment. Hayden sinks back onto the couch with a huff.
"You guys," Leo sighs, rubbing his palms down his pants anxiously. "He just...deserves the whole world. I don't want anything less than perfect becauseâ"
"God, stop, stop, stop," Cecilia groans. "Asher may be my best friend, but that doesn't mean I can handle both of you saying sappy shit every second of the day."
"You're telling me," Jordan mutters. "Thank goodness I don't have to live with them anymore. I've seen way too much."
"At least they're sexy," Hayden shrugs.
"Leo, you are stressing my baby out, so please just take a chill pill," Cecilia explains.
"Wait, you're pregnant?" Leo asks, the girl distracting him from his pre-wedding jitters.
"Not yet," Cecilia says. "I'm just trying to get used to the idea of something growing in my body."
"Wait...I thought you were asexual?" Jordan questions.
"Still am, buddy boy," Cecilia laughs.
"So...how does that work?" Jordan continues.
"Jeez, nosy much," Cecilia smiles.
"Easy, she is going to reproduce asexually," Hayden chirps, crossing his arms to show his satisfaction with his answer.
"Christ," Cecilia sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Well, my vagina can't exactly do that. Sawyer was actually the one who brought up trying artificial insemination so we could have a biological child without, you know..."
"Getting freaky?" Hayden finishes, suggestively raising his eyebrows.
"The only person getting freaky in this room is your ass," Cecilia retorts. "I'm surprised you aren't in some sort of BDSM club."
"Hmm...sounds intriguing," Hayden mumbles, scratching his chin as he contemplates the statement.
"Of course it does. Anyways, back to what I was saying," Cecilia continues. "I may be asexual, but my husband isn't. I don't know how it happened, but I just may have found the sweetest guy on earth, and I feel like he deserves a little pleasure too, especially with how understanding he is. Do I deserve him? Fuck no," she laughs. "Yet somehow he's the one who put a ring on my finger. I guess what I'm trying to say is, even though I don't particularly enjoy sex, I'm not repulsed by it." She shrugs. "I think the least I can do is try to have this baby the conventional way...for Sawyer."
"I lowkey didn't want to hear about your sex life with my best friend, but that's actually really cool of you, Cecilia," Leo replies.
"Yeah, I'm a fucking great wife," Cecilia winks, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Nobody needs to tell me that."
"Marriage looks good on you," Jordan says sincerely.
"Thanks," Cecilia smiles.
The little exchange greatly soothes Leo's mind because, after all, he's known for a while that Asher is the one he is going to love for the rest of his life. He is certain that he wants Asher King to be his husband, and all his worrying is pointless.
"Now I can tell you who won't be getting married...possibly ever," Jordan chuckles.
"Who?" Hayden asks.
Jordan and Leo deadpan while Cecilia's expression remains unchanged. She's the only one in the room that knows he's been in a stable relationship with Vincent for quite a while. That's already a step ahead of Jordan.
Hayden finally understands what Jordan is hinting at and gasps with offense.
"What?!" Hayden yells. "I would be a lovely husband!"
"Or an unstable one," Leo murmurs lightheartedly, causing Jordan to laugh.
"Don't you like to flirt with anything that breathes?" Jordan adds.
"No!" Hayden says defensively.
"Yeah, okay," Leo says sarcastically.
"Hmph," Hayden huffs, crossing his arms and looking away.
Leo and Jordan laugh at his dramatics, but they don't know that Hayden is genuinely upset by their comments but trying not to show it. It's as if they can't see that he really has grown up. His childish and playful nature is of course part of him, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't matured, especially when it comes to relationships. He loves Vincent so much that he would never risk ruining what they have, and the fact that Leo and Jordan indirectly claimed that he would, makes Hayden feel blue.
Cecilia notices Hayden's shift in mood and sets a comforting hand on his arm. She then says, "By the way Leo, we worked out our bet. Hayden has $50 on you crying first at the altar. Jordan has $50 on Asher crying first. And I have $50 on you both crying at the same time."
"You guys are horrible people," he scoffs. "Besides, I'm not going to cry."
"Yeah, okay, big guy," Cecilia says with a roll of her eyes.
Vincent is also rolling his eyes in Asher's groom suite because, after all, that's what the man does best.
"I don't dance," Vincent claims as they are talking about the reception.
"That's a lie," Sawyer instantly refutes. "You always dance if Haâ"
Vincent shakes his head, not wanting anything to hint at him and Hayden dating. Sawyer cuts his sentence short to respect his friend's wishes, even though Hayden and Vincent dancing together has been a regular occurrence in their lives.
Asher glances weirdly at the exchange but shrugs it off.
"If I ask you to dance, will you?" Asher grins, knowing that Vincent has a hard time saying no to him.
"If you get me drunk then sure," Vincent laughs.
"Fine, that's easy enough," Asher giggles.
"I don't know," Kai muses. "I've been out partying with this guy plenty of times, and he has yet to make any stupid drunk decisions. It's on my bucket list to see him let loose."
"Oh, I let loose," Vincent corrects. "But if my life was left in your hands, I would be writing my will. I can barely get through the night making sure you all survive, so what makes you think I'm going to get drunk on your watch?"
"Aw, guys," Sawyer coos. "He cares."
Vincent flips him the bird before saying, "Anyways, Asher, is there anything else we can do for you?"
"Yeah, Vincent, could you help me with the flowers?" Asher asks softly. "Kai and Sawyer, could you go make sure that everything outside looks okay with the guests and whatnot? We should be starting soon."
"Of course," Kai nods.
"Sure thing," Sawyer chimes.
The two say their final goodbyes before slipping out of the room.
Vincent crosses the room to grab the small flower buds and petals laid out across the table.
"What am I supposed to do?" Vincent asks patiently.
"Just...place them all in my hair, but make it look pretty."
"And you think I'm the best person to do this job?" Vincent chuckles.
"You can manage."
Vincent smiles before trying to fulfill Asher's command. A comfortable silence is evident in the room as Vincent gently helps Asher with the final touches for his wedding day.
When he is finally done, Asher's jaw drops for the amount of attention Vincent gave to the look. He quickly thanks him, and just as Vincent is about to depart from the room to take part of the audience, Asher stops him.
"Vincent?"
"Hm?"
"Um...I just want to say thank you so much for always having my back," Asher says bashfully. "It means a lot."
Vincent thinks about saying something snarky at the display of gratitude but settles for a warm "You're welcome. I'll always be here."
Asher giggles and strolls across the room to give Vincent a light hug.
"Sorry, I know you don't like this kind of thing."
"That's okay," Vincent claims. "Anyways, uh...good luck out there? I don't know what I'm supposed to say."
Asher laughs. "Thanks, Vincent."
Vincent nods before leaving the room. Just as he is about to head toward where the rest of the crowd is, he remembers that Hayden had asked to meet him by the bathroom before the ceremony officially started. Why the bathroom of all places? Vincent has no idea.
Vincent silently waits for his boyfriend, expecting an update on how much of a mess Leo is. He hopes that Hayden doesn't take too long because he wouldn't be caught dead missing Asher and Leo's wedding.
Eventually, Vincent's favorite energetic head of brown hair comes strolling toward him. In the low lighting, Vincent really appreciates how good Hayden looks. How could he not feel his level of love for the man rising off the charts in this environment?
However, Vincent quickly notices that something is off. Hayden looks at him for a quick second, his eyes flicking around nervously, before stepping forward to hug Vincent. Vincent instantly accepts the embrace, tangling a hand in Hayden's hair as he carefully watches over Hayden's shoulder to make sure no one sees them for Hayden's sake.
"What's the matter?" Vincent whispers, his lips touching the shell of his boyfriend's ear.
"There's just a lot going on in my head," Hayden admits. "I don't know how to deal with it."
"Wow, you actually have brain cells up there?" Vincent smiles, slightly swaying their bodies. "Let me in that head of yours."
Hayden takes a deep breath before saying, "Have you ever doubted my love for you?"
Vincent's eyebrows pinch up in confusion. "No, never. Did something happen that makes you think I have?"
"No, not at all," Hayden manages, slipping his hand into Vincent's pocket. "Well, kind of...maybe...yes. I don't like lying to you."
Vincent laughs in his ear, briefly warming Hayden's heart.
"Well, I'm glad that you feel safe enough to be honest with me," Vincent admits. "Is there anything else bothering you?"
Hayden steps back so he can look Vincent in the eyes.
"Have you thought about marrying me?"
Vincent stares into Hayden's eyes for a little too long, and the latter squirms under the attention of his quiet, calculated boyfriend.
"Can I ask you a question?" Vincent asks, tossing his hands into his pockets.
Hayden instantly wants to say no, to demand a response to his first question, but Vincent always thinks about his every actionâthe total opposite of Hayden, and it's something he's truly grown to appreciate. The ravenette always has something up his sleeve, so Hayden is going to trust him.
Hayden nods.
"Which one of us plans ahead and which one of us acts on impulse?"
"The impulse one is definitely you," Hayden says smugly.
"Yeah, right," Vincent scoffs. "What I'm trying to say is I'm not like you."
"Oh my gosh, Vinny! I had no idea," Hayden says theatrically.
"Shut up and come here," Vincent grins, tugging Hayden closer by the loops of his slacks. "A lot of thought goes into my everything. Some people may say that it's over dramatic or unnecessary, but I like to plan for every possible thing in my future. That's why you balance me out so well. So the answer to your question is yes. Of course I've thought about it, Hayden. How could I not? I mean, I think it's fair to sayâ"
Vincent doesn't get to finish his sentence as Hayden cuts him off with a kiss.
Vincent politely shoves his hands into Hayden's chest, and their lips break with a small smack.
"Hay, someone might see," Vincent explains, some slight panic evident in his tone because he'll do anything to protect the person in front of him.
"I don't care anymore," Hayden says shortly.
Hayden presses their mouths together again, a hand on the back of Vinny's head to let him know that this is okay, that he is sick of hiding. Vincent finally relaxes as his hands fall to Hayden's hips and he deepens the kiss contentedly.
And with just their luck, Leo happens to see the unexpected affection from the two on his way to the bathroom. However, not wanting to ruin their moment, he quietly stalks back to where he came from with a little smile on his lips for his friends.
"I know I won't be the best husband," Hayden admits as his lips continue to lazily move against Vincent's. "But I'll try to beâ"
"Who says you wouldn't be a good husband?" Vincent asks, completely pulling away.
"I don't know," Hayden mutters shyly. "I know I'm not all that serious, I get distracted before I can finish any chores, and I'm not exactly the type of person you bring home to your parents, but I would step up if you asked me to."
"And I haven't asked you to," Vincent says matter-of-factly. "Therefore why are you worrying about those things? The person I marryâI want them to be themselves. I wouldn't want them to step up to some plate based on other people's expectations. You would be the perfect husband to me. How many times do I have to tell you I love you for you to get it through your thick, dumbass skull?"
"I think if you whispered it in my ear right now, I'd believe it," Hayden says cheekily.
Vincent rolls his eyes but leans in and tells Hayden exactly what he wants to hear.
Hayden's face lights up in a giddy smile, but something comes to mind that wipes it off real fast.
"Vinny, I haven't flirted with anyone since we've been together."
"I know," Vincent soothes. "Why are you explaining yourself to me? You've never had to." Realization dawns on Vincent's face. "Those dipshits said something to you, didn't they?"
"No."
Vincent looks at him unimpressed.
"Maybe...yeah," Hayden confesses sheepishly.
"You can't let what they don't know affect you," Vincent says. "But at the same time, are they really in the place to be saying anything? I know Jordan opened his big mouth and he's in the most complicated friends-with-benefits relationship of all time."
Hayden laughs, "Yeah, I guess that's a good point."
"I have to tell you something, though," Vincent admits. Hayden looks at him patiently, urging him to continue. "I'll be completely honest with you. If I was still close with my parents, I don't know if I could say the same thing about marriage with confidence."
Hayden doesn't like where this is going.
"If things were different between my parents and me, I don't think I could marry you without their blessing. However, that wouldn't mean that I would let them break us up. You'd still be my boyfriend, but you'd have to be okay with us just being life partners without marriage."
"So are you trying to say that if you make up with your parents, you won't marry me?" Hayden asks.
"Fuck no," Vincent chuckles. "I was just trying to be completely transparent with you in another life. As for right now, we are all good."
"Okay," Hayden replies, revealing a brilliant smile. "Vinny?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't want to keep this from our friends anymore. I want to tell them all."
"Okay," Vincent smiles, relieved to hear the request. "Let's wait a bit, though. It's Leo and Asher's day. We don't have the right to try and overshadow them, you know?"
Hayden nods before placing four loving kisses off the side of Vincent's mouth.
"You're the best," Hayden whispers sweetly. "Thank you for loving me as much as you do."
"Don't thank me," Vincent replies, planting his lips on Hayden's forehead. "You're my best friend. I've always loved you in some capacity."
Hayden beams before adjusting Vincent's tie in adoration. Vincent protectively rests a hand on Hayden's scarred thigh. Hayden's eyes soften at the action because, even though he's come to peace with the reminder of the horror he endured last year, Vincent always takes the extra step to remind him how strong he is and how the beautifully flawed mark doesn't make him think any differently of him.
"You look very handsome today," Hayden chirps.
"What the hell?" Vincent spits. "Why did I get downgraded? You said I was the sexiest man alive yesterday."
"Silly Vinny," Hayden says flirtatiously, lightly hitting Vincent's chest. "Buy me a drink first."
They laugh softly in their little bubble of love. Hayden can't help himself when he reaches forward and tucks a black strand of hair behind Vincent's ear, despite knowing how much he hates it.
"We should probably get out there," Vincent whispers. "I'm sure it's already suspicious that two groomsmen are missing."
Hayden pecks Vincent one last time before saying, "You go first."
Vincent agrees and starts walking away, but Hayden only wanted Vincent to go first so he could take advantage of smacking his ass as he walks away.
Vincent spins around angrily and says, "Fuck you."
"Fuck me yourself, sugar," Hayden counters gleefully, reveling in the joy of his best friend's humorous sudden change up.
"God, I'll deal with you later," Vincent huffs before leaving the scene.
"Yeah, you will~" Hayden mutters seductively only to receive a middle finger from the king of middle fingers.
When the two finally get to their respective congregations for the groomsmenâalong with the singular grooms womanâthat's when the traditional wedding tune begins to play. The lively crowd instantly grows silent under the bright sun and slight breeze as they wait expectantly for the ceremony to begin.
After the officiant takes his place at the head of the altar, a nervous Leo Gaines enters the scene with Esther latched onto his arm. He easily nods and greets the guest, but Esther only softly laughs when she can practically feel her son freaking out about the whole ordeal as they cross the aisle. Esther takes a seat after Leo fondly kisses her cheek and stands before everyone, wringing his hands nervously.
Quickly filing in after the groom, Vincent, Hayden, Jordan, Kai, Cecilia, and Sawyer take their places on the special platform. Jordan teasingly nudges Leo with his elbow when the quarterback takes an overly dramatic deep breath.
The crowd's little fond smiles at the arrival of the wedding party only grow softer when the flower girl enters the scene, which is none other than Sawyer's little sister, Olivia.
One may argue that the girl is too old to be doing the job, but a long time ago she made a mindless comment about being a flower girl at Asher and Leo's wedding, so the couple definitely knew who they were going to ask first. Besides, Olivia seems to be charming the crowd with her lovely attire as she expertly scatters Lisianthus petals down the runway.
Sawyer winks proudly at Olivia, who takes a seat in the front row, giving both Leo and her brother two big thumbs up.
Just when Leo felt like his nerves were dissipating, the close friends and family gathered in the crowd respectively stand up as Asher appears with a smiley Oliver at his side.
Leo gasps as he watches the love of his life stalk toward him in an all-white suit in the most enchanting way. "God, he's beautiful," Leo mutters, unable to tear his eyes away from what he knows is pure perfection. Likewise, Asher's anxiety is far in the back of his mind because as long as he focuses on Leo, he will feel nothing but safety and acceptance in this magical moment.
Oliver finally hands off his son to Leo, but not before tossing him a wink and saying, "Take care of him for me, superstar."
"Always," Leo nods as he grabs Ash's hands and plants a warm kiss on his forehead in welcome. Asher smiles shyly as he turns to Vincent for the remaining Lisianthus, which Asher lovingly tucks behind Leo's ear. Leo bites his lip as he wills himself not to get emotional, and when Asher sees this, he only giggles softly at his favorite person in the world.
Hayden stares at Vincent across from him and can't help but melt when the latter catches his gaze. Vincent tosses him a subtle little wink, knowing that he loves Hayden just as much, if not more, than Asher and Leo love each other. And for someone as shameless as Hayden Williams, not even he can prevent the color that bashfully dusts his cheeks.
When the officiant begins the introduction, Asher and Leo would be lying if they said they understood a single word uttered because their attention is entirely latched onto the otherâgiddily whispering sweet nothings, their hands subtly and beautifully wandering their bodies, and their stances, posture, and eyes open to accepting another being as their own home.
"âif there are no objections, you may begin with your vows."
Asher nods, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before finally smiling up at Leo, who delicately holds Asher's face in his calloused hands.
"Roses are red, Violets are blue, I love life, but can't imagine it without you," Asher starts.
When Leo realizes that it's going to be a poem, he tilts his head fondly, unable to promise anything less than the gorgeous man in front of him a life of protection, love, and support.
"I was lost among the stars when you found me. A quarterback and a hopeless poet, how did we find such glee? You've never judged, never badmouthed, and would never flee. How is it that I got so lucky?
"With all that I am, I promise that I belong to you. You've taken my heart kindly, everyone here knows that is true. Why is it that every time I hear your voice, it's like our love begins anew? Leo Gaines, you are imprinted in my memories forever like a tattoo.
"You've given me strength for the better, willing to follow, cheer, and uplift whenever. Just know that marrying you is such a wonderful endeavor, I couldn't imagine anything less than being together.
"Leo Gaines, a lovely life we shall build, all my dreams by your side have been fulfilled. Just know I can't be anything but thrilled to have you as my husband, your love in my bones forever instilled.
Asher briefly stops his speech to wipe the small tear that has fallen from his love's eye.
"I win," Hayden whispers to Cecilia and Jordan, who only roll their eyes at losing their bet.
"You have consumed my entire soul, I'm happily weak to your love and control. For every tear I have cried, you unsolicitedly console, Leo, it's my turn to show you how much you have made me whole.
"This is my promise to always mean well, I can't express just how hard I fell. When you are gone, I feel nothing but hell. Godammit, Leo Gaines, I'm trapped under your spell."
The crowd laughs softly, many people wiping their eyes with tissues at the display of Asher and Leo's love.
Asher takes a deep breath.
"For every touch, every whisper, every sweet little kiss, how can I feel anything but pure bliss? Every year we've spent together, I look back and reminisce, but here's to the future because loving you is such a wonderful abyss.
"I should know by now that I can't escape us. After all, we've been through, we can easily move past the fuss. Leoâmy love, my person, my rock, my everythingâwords would never be enough to discuss just how much I cherish you, my most precious Lisianthus."
Asher smiles up at Leo and nods slightly, letting him know that it's his turn to begin his vows and that he meant every single word he said. However, Leo can't keep it together.
Joyous tears cascade down his cheeks as he throws his arms around Asher, trapping his head in his chest, and settling for nothing less than holding the man dear to his heart.
Vincent looks at Hayden during the brief emotional moment, seeing that Hayden is tearful as well. After all, his boyfriend has always been a sucker for anything cute.
Hayden vainly wipes his eyes before his gaze connects with his Vinny's. He can't help but mouth a small "I love you" in Vincent's second language to keep the decree of love hidden from those around them. Vincent smiles fondly and mouths back, "Me too."
After about two minutes pass of a sobbing Leo embracing a giggling Asher, the officiant awkwardly clears his throat.
"Uh...your vows, sir."
"H-Hold on," Leo stammers wetly. "I n-need a second."
"Leoooo," Asher groans, lightly pushing Leo back with two hands on his chest. "Get it together. You are embarrassing me," Asher teases, causing everyone observing the special wedding to laugh.
"God, I just love you s-so fucking much," Leo sniffles.
He leans forward and tries to kiss Asher, but Asher swiftly puts a hand over his mouth.
"Leo, your vows," Asher laughs with playful disappointment.
"Fuck. Y-Yeah, the vows...right," Leo stutters, unable to cease his river of tears. He pats all around his pockets, almost as if he wrote his vows on a notecard, but he has them entirely memorized and is just feeling so insanely flustered and overwhelmed.
Just when everyone thinks Leo is going to compose himself, he takes one look at Asher and crumbles all over again.
"Baby, I-I love you," he manages tearfully. "God, I love you. I love you. I love you." He then addressed the officiant. "I'll t-tell him all the vows later, but just please hurry it up so I can put a ring on this man's finger and kiss him silly."
The officiant nods with an amused smile, gesturing to Jordan and Vincent to present the rings.
"You're such a mess," Asher chuckles, endearingly wiping Leo's wet cheeks.
The two accept the rings and slide them on each other's fingers, Leo of course making the job a lot harder than it needs to be from his shaking hands.
Now for the part that everyone has been waiting for.
"Do you, Asher King, take Leo Gaines to be your wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Asher smiles.
"And do you, Leo Gaines, takeâ"
"I do. I fucking do," Leo interrupts.
Before the officiant even gets to open his mouth, Leo dips Asher down, causing the latter to squeak in surprise, and easily seals their lips. The venue erupts in applause for the newly married Gaines's.
"Sure, sure, I totally said you may kiss the groom," the officiant says playfully. Even he is feeling weak to how strong Asher and Leo's love for one another is.
Leo and Asher are engaged in a romantic but passionate kiss, and although Asher's entire body is red from the embarrassment of Leo's enthusiastic actions, Leo covers their faces with his arm so the crowd doesn't have to see just how much Leo wants to get out of there and make love to his husband. By the time Leo pulls away, both of their lips are swollen and Asher is heavily flustered, lightly punching Leo in the chest.
Leo suddenly picks Asher up bridal style, giving the man barely any time to wrap his arms around Leo's neck as he throws his head back with a laugh for his excited lover.
"This is my husband!" Leo shouts as he strolls back down the aisle, cheers breaking out around them. "This gorgeous man is my fucking husband!"
Both Asher and Leo are grinning from ear to ear when they exit the scene to get inside their limo that has words scribbled on the outside like 'Just married!' and 'Congratulations Leo and Asher Gaines.' Asher and Leo are high on love as they stumble into the car, and needing to find some release, it won't be surprising when they waltz into their reception with terribly messy hair, love marks, and disheveled suits.
Meanwhile, as happy guests are clearing out of the venue to follow Asher and Leo to their reception, Hayden and Vincent slightly trail behind everyone because although they want to respect their friends' special day, they have to be next to one another after all of the love in the air.
Just when all their friends are out of sight and the couple is jumbled into the small crowd, Vincent lets his arm slip around Hayden's waist, the brunette pressing himself closer in Vincent's strong and protective arms. Their faces remain close as they slowly file out of the venue, loving and soft statements slipping from their lips and pouring into the other's heart.
Vincent squeezes Hayden's hip and says, "You ready to get some cake?"
"You have cake right here that is ready to be eaten," Hayden smirks, gesturing to himself.
"My god, Hayden," Vincent snorts. "You have zero self-restraint."
"Well, I obviously have a little if it's taken me over an hour to make a sex joke."
"Wow, you should be so proud of that accomplishment," Vincent mutters sarcastically, rolling his eyes with a laugh.
"Mhm, I am!" Hayden chirps, oozing self-satisfaction.
"Come on, idiot," Vincent grins, pulling him toward his car at a quicker pace. "I know you want to dance and have some alcohol."
Hayden beams, "Oh, you just know me so well."
"You're a handful," Vincent comments teasingly.
Hayden says, "Yeah, and I would like a handful of your dicâ"
"You're literally insufferable."
"Yet you still love me," Hayden laughs, clinging to Vincent's hand.
Vincent looks him in the eyes, seeing nothing but a perfect life partner.
"Yet I still do."