Gh6st Wedding

[be_seeing_you]

Who: Number 6, Ava Starr & Wedding Guests
What: Number 6 and Ava are getting married!
When: Saturday, August 19, Sunset
Where: Pool Deck
Warnings: Post is open to all but any characters who initiate conflict will be thrown out of the party immediately

Setting The Scene

A package had arrived for Number 6 a few days prior. Inside was a note explaining that an appropriate backdrop for their wedding would appear for the event. The note did not lie. A few hours before the appointed time, a stunning arch of flowers and opalescent crystals appears at the end of a white aisle runner on the pool deck. The various lounges and deck chairs already present have been arranged on either side of the runner, facing the new archway. Aside from that stunning centerpiece, the rest of the decorations appear makeshift upon inspection but are arranged with plenty of care--with soft and gauzy fabrics draped over key tables, such as where the gifts and the wedding cake sit, and improvised cloth flowers for most of the centerpieces and railings. All that’s missing now are the guests.

Ceremony

It begins at sunset, the sky painted with a warm ombre above the pool deck. The railings leading up to the deck are draped with repurposed curtains woven with dozens of flowers sewn from the fabric of Tommy Bahama apparel; they mark the way. As guests choose their seats (on either side, no one is being picky) they will find a cloth flower waiting for them as a party favor.

The whole ceremony is a compromise between traditional and simplistic. Klaus is officiating, but they’ve been asked to keep the ceremony itself short and sweet. Number 6 is standing beside them at the end of the aisle decked out in white himself in the form of a white tuxedo with coat tails (it even has wing holes built-in.) His fingers dance anxiously in front of him like he’s frantically playing an invisible keyboard. And, then, the processional music begins, provided by their very own pianist, Phil.

Number 6 turns his full attention to the center aisle. The first down is Fio, playing the lovely role of flower girl once more, with even more of those specially crafted fabric flowers. Then the best man, Skulduggery, and maid of honor, Valdis. Number 6 barely notices either. He’s waiting for... yes, there’s the music change.

His eyes go wide with awe as he beholds the sight of his gorgeous bride being led down the middle of the aisle on Maximilien’s arm. Not even the sight of that omnic can spoil it for Number 6. He’s never seen anything so stunningly, fabulously, beautiful as Ava looks right now. Even the jittering of his hands has stopped. He can scarcely do more than stare. This is really happening. He almost wants to ask Skulduggery to pinch him.

Ava’s glad for Maximilien’s steadying presence by her side, to hold onto so she doesn’t dissolve away into nervous static in anticipation of her turn down the aisle. But once the music transitions to her song, there’s no hesitation as she gracefully makes her way through the parted crowd of their gathered friends toward the man she’ll so soon be able to call her husband.

Valdis helped style her hair just hours before, with a flower crown, adorned by shimmery feathers that match the patch of blue of the groom’s own wings and the borrowed sapphire necklace to complete the tradition. Her gown is a gauzy chiffon, constructed over the last few months with the help of Okie and Siffleur. The fabric flower bouquet she carries is constructed with the pearls gifted to her by Helena.

She can feel eyes on her; that typically might inspire her to flicker away. But hers remain ahead, looking to her future husband. Their gazes catch, and so does her breath as the moment overwhelms her, and then Ava’s smile brightens-- an expression so rare, so uncomplicated. This is the happiest she’s ever been, taking her place by his side. She gives Maximilien one last squeeze of his arm in appreciation of his support, passes the bouquet off to Valdis, acknowledges Skulduggery with a tiny nod, and then steps in to take Number 6’s hands in her trembling own.

Number 6’s own smile is bright as he takes her by the hand, yet somehow soft. In this light, he almost looks like he’s aged backward, as if the man standing before her is in his twenties now, fresh-faced and free of the weight of worries that have weathered him in the past decade. This is an end and a beginning. A beautiful beginning.

Vows

The vows begin with a traditional exchange, each of them repeating their promise to love and cherish one another through sickness and through health, for richer or for poorer, until their final deaths do they part. Then come the rings, discretely handed over by Skulduggery.

“With this ring, I pledge myself to you,” Number 6 recites, as he slips a stunning opal and diamond ring onto Ava’s finger. She does the same for him, slipping a simple and elegant golden band upon his finger. This one holds a secret, but he won’t discover it until later.

With the official vows and rings exchanged, there are only personal vows left to give. Number 6 slips a small sheet of paper out of his breast pocket, but he has read and re-read the words so many times, he hardly needs to glance at it. In front of the whole room, he declares his unending love for her and promises to be her first and best supporter, to be the one that lifts her up, always, to help her see herself as the shining light that she is. Theirs will be a partnership built on mutual respect and unending love. He also promises to withhold no part of himself from her, that she will know him more fully than any other in the world. “I put my heart in your hands, forever more, for no one else in all the world has made me believe in a future like you have. No matter what that future holds, these will be the most rewarding days of my life, because I will share them with you.” He starts to lean in like he means to kiss her but has to stop himself. Not yet. Not quite time.

Once it’s Ava’s turn to share her vows, she freezes up. It’s not that she can’t remember. She’s practiced the words over and over, committing them to heart. But she gives Number 6 a quietly worried look that he luckily recognizes, and as she steps in even closer he brings up a wing to shield them from view and save her from embarrassment. It’s not how it was planned, but Ava draws him down toward her, to lovingly whisper the vows into his ear. Promises of devotion and loyalty, of unconditional trust that no spy should ever have in another. She looks forward to cherishing each day that they’ll have together. To strive for a shared future no matter what horrors they face, that waking up next to him will always make it worth it. “I love you” she finishes and allows him to wipe the stray tear from her cheek, laughing lightly in relief.

“I liked it better this way,” Number 6 whispers back, still cupping her face with his hand. “Words only for me to know and cherish.” He cannot resist any longer. Vaguely, he has the sense that Klaus may have declared them husband and wife, and that they now may kiss. But he’s already leaning in, behind the shield of his wing, to claim his very first kiss with his new wife.

Reception

They are introduced to the room now as Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Ava Starr. Since the reception is happening right here on the pool deck, they don’t have much in the way of formalities. The wedding party simply walks back down the aisle and then disperses, as some of them set to the task of clearing the chairs. The newly wedded couple makes their first stop the cake table.

Grinning like school children, the bride and groom cut the first slice of cake and feed each other a bite before the rest is served up. After that is their first dance to At Last. The two of them sway to the ballad, lost in each other’s loving gazes as if all the world has melted away and only the two of them exist in this moment.

Once the first dance finishes, Sharky takes over the party as DJ to provide a mixture of upbeat and romantic dance hits for all to enjoy. Ava takes turns dancing with each of the requesting guests, as does Number 6, although he is not likely to be in nearly as high demand for partners. As it should be, for who would want to miss their chance to dance with the loveliest woman aboard this ship (in his shamelessly biased opinion?)

There's time for speeches, planned and impromptu. The food spread was prepared by Darcy, and though there are a few bottles of champagne, the drinking isn't overly in abundance.

Bride and groom stick around for long enough to mingle, but eventually Mr. and Mrs. Starr sneak away from the crowd for their own private after-party.

Comments

[goodweather]

i. around

Phil steps down as Sharky takes over; not that he isn’t capable of playing for a party crowd, far from it. But a party DJ is a job for one, and it’s probably better that he’s free to roam once the reception is in full swing.

He’s handsomely dressed for the occasion. He mingles pleasantly, catching up and making conversation. People will note several things: first, that his right eye is still cloudy; second, that there’s an odd orange light cast on him from nowhere that throws him an extra shadow and dogs his steps with a cool spring chill; third, that he’s wearing earmuffs.

Once in a while, he rolls his head and brings up a hand like he’s got one mean crick in the neck.

ii. calgona

Sometimes it’s just a bit too much.

Here and there he disappears from the party, retreating nearby to the empty spa just to take a moment for himself. Calm down. Recompose. He slouches into a chair, drink left besides, and just… sits, fidgeting with his wedding band.

God, it is so nice to be able to enjoy silence.

i

[businessorlibation]

Game recognizes game, and the other new member of the ship's growing Spring Court recognizes the marks the season has left on Phil. Approacheth one Johnny Summer, with a subtle not-quite-bow. More like a deep polite nod, but like. Not the macho upnod type of nod. More formal than that, somehow.

[goodweather]

Phil perks up at his approach, taking him in and nodding in turn. There's a... strange sort of charge in the air as Johnny approaches, something like the party atmosphere they're already in but... something more, somehow? Something...

"Nice to see you, Johnny. You've got something on your..." um, "air."

[businessorlibation]

"You're one to talk, glowbug." He doesn't bother to be subtle or polite about it, gesturing down at Phil's feet and the spare shadow. "Sundries seems to be making a couple declarations, recently."

[goodweather]

Phil laughs and glances down at his hand, turning it over as he watches the burning orange lamplight from nowhere shine across him. Something something groundhogs and shadows… the Spring court sure has a funny sense of humor.

“Looks like it. Thing I’m wondering is, why us, why just us, and why now? I hope it’s just the aura.”

[businessorlibation]

"Mine, for better or worse, isn't just the aura. It's also the ability to seal promises and make them binding. The thing of it is, at least in my case it's the right season's Mantle. I'd bet the same is true for you."

He's speaking quietly, not broadcasting this to the whole party, because it does feel somehow...theirs.

[goodweather]

And Phil's voice is lowered to match.

He nods. "Spring. Court of Desire, so Erin says. I'd at least say it feels better suited than the other three. I don't know about binding pacts and promises, but... well, how did you find out you could do that?"

i.

[decohere]

She approaches Phil with the intention of thanking him again for the beautiful music, when she catches the movement of his head, wondering if he pulled something. "You okay?"

[goodweather]

"Hm--? Oh! Yeah, sure, I'm alright." He nods towards Ava. "I was just hunched over my desk for too long last night, and I'm still all achy." Hunched over working on the quilt, that is.

"You don't worry about me, ehn? It's your wedding."

[decohere]

There's something else off about his presence, that she can't quite pinpoint. Something that feels far too much in her peripheral. But his reassurance helps her shake it off. "I'd recommend the hot tub, but perhaps later tonight," she suggests.

"I know it was perhaps an unusual choice, but thank you again for that lovely rendition."

[goodweather]

"Ah, if only. I've never gone swimming here. I figured that the chlorine's bad for the feathers." One of the many things he can't Just Do anymore. But it's not the end of the world, honestly.

"Hey, it's not a problem. You just had to like it and I just had to play it, ehn? It's a good song. I'm just happy it worked out. "

[decohere]

"Couldn't you go in your furry form?" Ava suggests. She peers closer at him, still a little thrown off.

The characteristic ehn however catches her attention and earns a slight smile, but she chooses not to point it out. It's cute. Seeing how they all rub off on each other. "Thanks again, for your advice. Earlier."

[goodweather]

His expression turns thoughtful. "Well, I can only be in that shape if I wear that watch, and I don't think I should get it wet. I still can' swim, but... maybe I can use the hot tub if I just keep my hand above the water and get out before the hour is up." Huh!

But anyway: "Of course. That wasn't just me speaking, though. I mean--I've been married, of course, but not for that long. A couple years. Most of what I said was the advice I got from people who got it right and know much better than I do. Most of what I know is like that, actually."

ii.

[millay]

Maeve spots Phil as he leaves one time, excusing herself from the room to follow after him. She tries not to be terribly obvious, giving him a moment before she sticks her head in. "If you'd like to be alone, I'll go, but I just wanted to check in and make sure you're doing okay." This all said as she goes further inside.

[goodweather]

Phil jumps. He's so not used to not being able to hear people approach.

"Oh, sh--hey, Maeve." Phil sits up properly and readjusts the earmuffs. "Yeah, I'm okay, I just... needed some time to cool off. How are you? Enjoying the party?"

[millay]

Maeve resists the urge to laugh at him nearly swearing. "You can say shit, darling. I won't tell anyone." The amusement in her voice is fairly obvious all the same.

"Ah. Too many people, is it?" She can understand that. And given his usual propensity for hearing quite well, she can imagine it can get overwhelming at times. "The couple seem very happy and I am happy for them. So...yes. I suppose I am. Are you?"

[goodweather]

“Yes! I’m very happy for them. They’re both my friends and I’m glad they’re doing this, I’m glad they’re happy, I’m glad we all get to come together, especially since… you know.” The whole suffering thing.

“It’s not that it’s too many people. It’s just… I just don’t wanna bring down the mood, but I still miss her. Rita, I mean.”

If he looks at the boots he left at the memorial on the sports deck every morning when he goes up to exercise, no he doesn’t, shut up.

[millay]

"Ah." She sits down next to him quietly. "I understand. It's hard to stop missing someone that meant so much to you. I am lucky, I suppose," she says quietly after a while. "I can look at the people I miss whenever I wish to. Not everyone has that same ability. I can rewatch memories and things to help me when I feel lonely or if I miss someone."

But she knows that might make things worse for others. Trapped in the past and unable to move forward.

"Do you want to talk about her some more? We can if it will help. Or we can sit quietly together until you're ready to go back and dance with me at the party."

[goodweather]

"I mean... I could give it a shot? By the way, you still owe me a talk about what was bugging you back in June." He elbows her lightly. "I'm not telling you to talk to me right now in the middle of a wedding, but I just want you to know that I still worry about you."

Phil's hands fold into his lap. "How much have I told you about her, anyway? Not a ton, I think."

i.

[mistertwister]

A cloud drifts Phil's way not too long into the night, trying to stop to talk without interrupting anything, be it other conversations or walking paths. His own cool chill is met with the warmth of summer sun and nostalgia as a voice speaks up.

"You're Phil, right? I'm Okie. One of Darcy's friends." He offers his hand. "Nice to meetcha."

[goodweather]

Okie is not someone who comes as a surprise to Phil; he's seen the kid around for some time now, and he's not exactly your Joe Average. So when he comes up to him, his first thought is not what the hell? His first thought, as the warm front of air pushes into his thawing chill, is oh, that might be rain.

His second thought is wait, hold on.

"Nice to meet you too!" He takes the hand with a firm, practiced shake. Okie can feel all the weathering of his hand like this, the scales on his fingertips. "Yeah, I'm Phil. Sorry, I probably should have met you properly before now, but better late than never."

[mistertwister]

Okie's own hand, in turn, is smooth and soft and warm, like a cabin window facing the setting sun. Glass with give.

"Hey now, that's a two way street. Plus this place gives folks a lotta other, uh. Possible preoccupations. It's a wonder anyone's got energy to meet anyone."

[goodweather]

"'Cause we'd go crazy if we never did. We're social folk, we've gotta have friends. It can't be all nightmares all the time."

He gives Okie a sort of playful look. "I hope Darcy hasn't been making fun of me too badly to you. Has he said much?"

[mistertwister]

"He's actually been tellin' me to avoid you. Warned me if you ever saw me you'd be unable to stop yourself from tryin' to predict me. Or duct tape me to a green screen." Okie grins wide.

"He said yer a great guy, mainly. Whether in as many words or just how he talked 'bout ya. But I'm sure you've only heard horror stories about me."

[goodweather]

Phil laughs openly, the cool breeze picking up around them. “Oh, yeah, sure, only the most horrible of stories. That you’re a good kid with a hand for needlework, oh, the humanity.”

He thumps him lightly on the shoulder. “You know, I actually made your folks a quilt of my own. Don’t tell them ‘till they actually see it, but then you can judge my handiwork, ehn?”