[open log - it's a wedding!]

[ruevealing]

Who: Rue, Hob, and everyone else! Even if you don’t know the couple personally, Rue will not be throwing anyone out.
When: Evening of April 9th
Where: On ADI grounds
Summary: A fey wedding! Come take a break from all of the usual drama to dance, drink, and be merry!
Warnings: n/a

[After months of extensive planning, the day is finally here. To all those personally invited or who just so happen to stumble upon the lovely outdoor tent on ADI property, they’ll all be welcomed as anticipated guests to join in the celebration.

For how lavishly Rue had lived prior to this realm, the wedding is elegant in its pure simplicity, all creams and ivories splashed with the bright color of wildflowers, golden lights twinkling in every corner of the spacious tent. The decor is all fresh flowers and gentle lights, nothing over-the-top or excessive, just a pretty, aromatic backdrop for the ceremony taking place.]

[Mingling]

[Is it any surprise that fey weddings are a touch more eclectic in their traditions than most humans might expect?

Upon arrival, all guests are invited to pick up a smooth stone, small enough to fit easily into even the smallest of palms. The game then becomes being sneaky enough to slip that stone into someone else’s pocket without being caught. Fey tradition dictates that if you manage it without suspicion, that person shall be blessed with good luck for the rest of the year. But get caught and it backfires only on the gifter themself, who is then cursed with bad luck for the next ten years.

(It’s only a silly fey game, of course, take the gift of good and bad luck with a grain of salt. ..Though you never quite know for certain in a place like this, do you?)

After the ceremony, in an imitation of one of the more bloody and violent goblin customs, bird-shaped confetti is rained down on the guests, tiny, edible doves to either politely brush out of your hair or to catch and eat. Collect more than anyone else and you just may be named Destroyer of Doves for the rest of the evening, a title that comes with a small crown and sash. (Goblin traditions are something else.)]

[Reception]

[The ceremony itself is brief, fey promises are already binding, no other long-winded declaration of vows or exchange of gifts are needed, the words Rue and Hob speak are weighty enough.

But the true celebration follows immediately after, an after party that lasts long through the night, with music, drinks, and nonstop dancing. Feel free to drag a friend onto the dance floor or stand awkwardly on the sidelines, waiting to be bullied into dancing the macarena. You can try to use the tender environment to strike up a conversation with your crush or maybe just challenge your rival to see who can Cha Cha Slide best.

Or, if you’re truly opposed to dancing, you could grab one of the delicately painted eggs in a basket by the entrance. They weigh next to nothing, and the instructions are simple: throw it at someone. Ideally a someone that you’re fond of, but it doesn’t have to be. Regardless of whether the egg is chucked out of affection or malice, it will break with a puff of perfume and a spray of colorful confetti.

When you leave, don’t forget to grab your gift bag! Rue’s prepared small bags for anyone who attends, invited or otherwise, filled with all of your wedding gift bag essentials! Included is a mini bottle of champagne, a decorative baggie of jordan almonds, and a small paperweight with a spray of the same wildflowers preserved within it.]

Comments

[punched_hitler]

I have experience watching, [Steve admits; he'd always assumed he was supposed to lead, but has never actually had the chance.] People used to dance a lot, when I was comin' up. My best friend - Winter - was a real natural at it.

[And now he doesn't remember it, because of something they got into, and that's not a road Steve wants to go down right now.

He smiles instead, because this is a happy occasion.]

So I did a lot of watching. He was real popular. I could probably try to lead, if you want me to?

[But if you want to lead, Rue, please, save him. Otherwise he will try his very best.]

[ruevealing]

[It's surprising, in a way that Rue hadn't quite expected of their friend. Knowing Steve and Winter as they do now, they honestly expected Steve to be the more gregarious of the two and Winter spent more time on the sidelines watching. So this is all new insight, proof that there's still so much to learn.

- But at least Rue knows Steve well enough to pick up on that cue.]

How about I lead for now? And if you feel more comfortable later on, we can switch. Or perhaps try a chicken dance together?

[Rue holds a paw out for the man.]

[punched_hitler]

[Things certainly have changed, in the very long time since when Steve and Winter were kids.

But right now, Steve absolutely can't hide the way he looks relieved at Rue's suggestion that they lead.] Please, [he laughs, taking that paw and letting Rue lead them to the dance floor, adjusting his hands to the right places for him to follow once they get there.] And I feel like I'd be a terrible guest if I didn't agree to a chicken dance. That seems like something I'd excel at.

[Looking ridiculous to music? Yep. He was born to do that.]

I will try to spare your feet for your own partner to tread on, though, [he adds, with a wink.] Have you managed to teach him any better?

[ruevealing]

Then I shall be stealing you away for a chicken dance later!

[It's a mid-tempo song, nothing soft and sappy and slow, but still perfect for an easy quick waltz, which Rue leads Steve into with ease. For their size, Rue's movements are as graceful as always. Even if this is only the second time they've ever danced with another in such a formal setting before, they waltz as if they've been doing it their whole life.]

Knickolas hardly needed my instruction. My, ah - [Alright, they can't help the happiness that seeps into their tone.] My husband picks up things quickly. We spent that whole night dancing and after the first song or two, he never misstepped again.

[punched_hitler]

[An easy waltz he can do, at least passably, especially if he's not leading. Steve's not exactly a klutz, though he doesn't quite have the same grace. Not without the serum. Part of him is still learning how to be a run-of-the-mill human of this size.

He maybe grins stupidly at the word husband, just genuinely happy to see his friend happy.] Well, I can't promise to be that impressive, but I do like to at least try to learn from my mistakes.

So, I'm guessing a traditional honeymoon is probably a little out of the question, but are you two going to take at least a few days off to yourselves? You should.

[ruevealing]

[It's simply a fun time with their dear friend, swirling and twirling under the flowers hanging from the tent roof, both absolutely beaming.]

We haven't discussed it, but perhaps. Truth be told, Hob and I have spent nearly every day together since our arrival some months ago. It seems a touch silly to take time off when we will simply continue that tradition anyway.

[a gentle beat, as Rue continues to lead the pair of them in their casual dance. it's amusing to watch the crowd of friends around them, all dancing in their own particular way, just having fun.]

Though my experience tends to stop after the wedding itself. Is that considered tradition here?

[punched_hitler]

I think so. [Granted, this world isn't Steve's, exactly, but most of the major factors do seem to line up. So he'd hazard that honeymoons do, too.]

I can see where you might not need it from a togetherness standpoint, but maybe as a break? After putting all this on. [He waits until they're not quite twirling as much to gesture with one arm at the festivities around them, before putting his hand back into the right place as they move.]

Or consider it some well-deserved time off from the apocalypse. You deserve that.

[The world isn't going to stop spinning, and the entities won't stop being horrible, but maybe Rue and Hob could let other people handle it for a few days.] We can hold down the fort a few days without you.

[ruevealing]

[Well, try as they might, Steve makes a pretty compelling argument. Since their arrival, it has been rather go-go-go for the pair. Immediately jumping into their new jobs, then taking a second, while trying to balance their hobbies and health and their time spent with one another. Perhaps taking a little extra time off from the office would be good for the both of them. Haven't they earned a little break?

The idea of having nothing to occupy their time isn't as terrifying as it used to be, not when that down time is spent with the goblin they love.

Beneath their feathers, Rue feels a happy rush of warmth at their face, big eyes fluttering.]

I have the utmost faith in all of you. [a quick beat, before Rue adds,] But especially you. A break may be quite nice. We do have a whole new apartment to decorate together.

[punched_hitler]

[Steve laughs, but he's clearly pleased at the compliment. He doesn't always feel very competent, without the serum. And while he's not great at taking compliments, Rue always seems so very sincere.] Well, I would go to very great lengths to make sure you're not disturbed on your honeymoon. I feel like you'd get a lot of enjoyment from staying home and making the place completely your own.

Are you in the ADI apartments?

[Because if so, somebody clearly needs a housewarming gift. When the honeymoon is over.]

[ruevealing]

[It is always a wonderful feeling to see their dear friend pleased like that. It's true that all of their compliments are sincere, but also, Steve just deserves to be praised and told how wonderful he is sometimes.]

Yes, that's right. We have recently moved into Apartment A-1, if you should ever like to stop by. I'm afraid the dream of moving out of those apartments and seeking more appropriate housing is still on hold for the time being. As much as I would relish the space and privacy, I can not imagine having to wear a glamour for the whole of our lives.

[Again.]

[punched_hitler]

[Steve does make a face at that, somewhere between annoyed, understanding, and sorrow.] Yeah, that's - that would be terrible. And unfair. I'm glad you don't have to do it here.

[Of course,] It's unfair that you have to stay with ADI just to be yourselves, but I'm glad you have a place here, where you don't have to worry about what you look like.

Because you look pretty neat.

[He is apparently bad at compliments sometimes...]

[ruevealing]

Thank you, dearest. The apartments are not built for beings our size, but alas, I should very much like to wake up and see my husband's true furry face. It is much too cute to be hidden beneath a glamour.

[Oh Steve, that compliment is truly adorable. Rue can not recall a single point in their life that anyone had referred to them and their appearance as 'neat'. So maybe they look a touch amused at such a comment.]

Do not let my husband catch you praising me so enthusiastically, Steve! [Let them tease him, just a little.] But thank you. I find that I do agree. I am rather, ah, neat.

[punched_hitler]

[He winces, though it's at least a little playful.] Ah, yeah - they're not, are they. And too small is much worse than too big. You can climb on a countertop to reach things when you're short, but there's no option like that when you're tall.

[He ducks his head a little, but he definitely meant it.] Good. It's good. That we agree. But I'll leave the, uh, better compliments to your husband.

[Although now he's curious:] How long have - uh, had, I guess - you been seeing each other? Before you decided to get married?

[ruevealing]

[Steve, there is just no apologizing enough for the answer that Rue has for you.]

Well, we had known one another, about, six or seven days before he proposed, I believe.

[punched_hitler]

[Steve blinks, but he does at least seem to take it in stride.]

Oh. Well - when you know, you know, huh?

[ruevealing]

[Bless you, Steve. This is just messy fairy drama.]

And how quickly I knew! But then again, after millennia of waiting to meet our other halves, it seemed silly to wait even longer once we finally found one another. [And it takes no time at all to glance across the tent filled with their dearest friends and see Hob deep in conversation with a familiar face, his booming voice even over the music.] And we have been most happy ever since.

[punched_hitler]

[He smiles to hear that, really, because,] It does seem silly. I'm really glad you didn't.

[As someone who is slow on the uptake: Yeah. He means it.]

I don't really have any advice, but you know what - you seem smart enough that you wouldn't need it. You guys are gonna be fine. Great.

Anyone talented enough to keep me from tripping over their feet or mine is - pretty set for life.

[ruevealing]

[Rue absolutely beams down at the man, their paw squeezing his hand.]

That is not me at all, my dear friend. That has all on you. Would you like a chance to lead? Or perhaps a small dancing break for drinks?

[punched_hitler]

[Steve looks touched at the compliment, though he ultimately decides,] Let's not ruin a good thing. Drinks sound amazing. You've got quite the spread.

[ruevealing]

[It is enough to leave them laughing, light and happy, as they begin to gently tug the man towards the refreshments table.]

How is dear Winter doing?

[punched_hitler]

Steve follows dutifully - and does not quite blush at the question. But he looks... very decidedly cautiously ecstatic.

"Uh. He's - doing really well. I brought him, I'm sure he'll turn up and congratulate you. You did such a lovely job for his birthday."

[ruevealing]

Look, Rue doesn't have such large, all-seeing owl eyes for nothing. They catch that look and it absolutely thrills them.

"I will keep an eye out for him. I hope you both get a dance in before the night is over." Whether Rue means with each other or not, well, that's up to Steve's interpretation.

"I must confess, dearest, I am quite fond of him. He's a good man, with a gentle heart. I can see how you both must have been drawn to one another."

[punched_hitler]

"Well, I hope he gets a dance with you. It'd certainly be a better experience for you both than dancing with me," Steve laughs, now self-conscious for an entirely different reason.

But not self-conscious enough to keep from saying, "I'm pretty fond of him, too, yeah. It's - I'm just better with him around. That's always been true, my whole life."

He glances over at Hob, then at Rue. "That's how these things are supposed to work, right?" You find someone that makes you better, and you try to hold onto them.

Even if you make some mistakes along the way.

[ruevealing]

The way their expression softens, well, that says everything.

"It is. My Hob has brought out the very best of me, helped me see that being my true, authentic self was the only way to live. I fear that if we had never met, I would still be hiding behind an elven glamour, pretending to be someone I am not."

They beam over at Hob, then to wherever Winter is out there among the crowd, and then back at Steve, knowingly. "I spent my whole life hating my claws, until I saw his. Because how could I hate in myself what I found so beautiful in him? Love makes us all better, it allows us to find the beauty we had always failed to see in ourselves before."

[punched_hitler]

Hearing that makes him both sad and glad - well, it's a sad story, but with a happy ending, and there are precious few of those.

He wishes he could give Winter that kind of ending.

"That's - beyond wise," he admits, finally, smiling up at Rue. "I don't think a lot of people would realize that kind of thing for themselves.

He nods toward Winter. "He always put up with me, even when I was being a pain in the ass. I could always count on him. I let him down, badly, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to him, if he'll let me."