She flushed, her nose brushing his. "It's because we slept together, isn't it?" * * * He sighed, standing up. "Fine. Come on."
She laughed embarrassedly, looking down. "I think I'm falling in love with you too," she replied quietly. * * * He sat on the side on the bed, sighing tiredly.
(Yoop!) *** She hesitated, looking a little put down at this before she stood up. "I'm sorry, Burke."
Their wedding was a few weeks later. It was arranged to be surprisingly small for a royal marriage. Ellie had insisted on that, saying that it would be ridiculous to have a large wedding when they had only known each other for a couple of weeks. The day came. Xavier stood at the end of the aisle, waiting for Ellie. * ** He glanced up at her, his face softening. "Why?"
He was dressed nicely, as usual with weddings. The tux was black with a slight red trim. He opted to wear an eyepatch which covered his bad eye, and his hands were folded neatly. *** She scratched her temple uncertainly. "I.. I haven't quite been making this trip easy for you. I haven't all been kind. I just feel badly because you were happy to bring me along but I'm not making it much fun."
The doors opened and Ellie walked through. Things seemed... off. Her wedding dress was ornate and heavy, decorated with pearls that circled her bodice. It was a beautiful dress, but it didn't seem like her, the birdlike movement that generally accompanied her actions limited and restrained. Ellie herself was smiling, but it seemed false, the smile failing to reach her eyes. It wasn't until her gaze flickered to him that she seemed to brighten, her smile genuine and sincere. She looked beautiful, with pearls and flowers in her hair, but again, something seemed off. * * * He raised an eyebrow before giving her a small smile. "Don't be silly. Everything is great."
He relaxed when she came through the doors, his shoulders easing as he saw her. A smile crossed him as well as he waited for her to join him. *** She frowned, her brows furrowing. "It's obviously not. You don't have to lie to me."
She joined him at the altar and the priest began speaking over them, beginning the ceremony. * * * He squinted at her for a moment before opening his arms. "Scarlet, c'mere."
He was quiet, taking her hand as he listened respectfully. *** She seemed unsure, going over to him hesitantly.
The ceremony was quiet and at the end, the priest closed the book, looking up at them. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife." * * * He pulled her into a hug, his arms wrapping around her shoulders. "Don't be stupid."
He turned to her playfully before pulling her close and kissing her. *** She was tense, but relaxed slightly. A small smile made it's way to her face as she hugged him back. "How rude."
She seemed extremely shocked at his action, kissing him back hesitantly as he pulled her close. The crowd fell silent also, watching them in surprise. *** “Everything is great. I don’t make a habit of lying.”
He pulled away after a moment, his expression smooth and composed. *** She nodded. "Okay.. If you say so."
She looked up at him with wide eyes. The entire church was silent. After a second, though, she laughed, her hand coming up to cup his jaw playfully. The laughter broke the silence and the audience began talking among themselves. *** He let go of her, squinting. “Weirdo.”
He grinned, pulling away. "Well that's that." *** She sat back. "I think Logan should sleep on the bed, too."
She looked up at him thoughtfully as people began to move around them. “That’s that.” *** “He snores,” Burke said flatly.
