St. Albin's

[GGJ5]

Silhouette St. James

"So does that mean you accepted the apology?" And do I really care if you accept it? Why am I doing this? What's wrong with me....? One the one hand, he was apologizing, and she was apologizing, and so who was to say a second change would be bad? But then... it was almost like he was promising to botch it, like he didn't really want to try, and did she want him to try? It was all so confusing....

Clarence nodded. "Of course, babe. Wouldn't dream of doing otherwise. I just..." He kicked at the floor. "I just know how hurtful I am, you know?"

"So..... you don't even want to try it again?" What? Where the heck did that come from?!

Silence, just for a moment. Then, "I do." A jolt in Silhouette's stomach. "I do. I mean..." He leaned back on the pew, staring up at the altar. "I want to. I just... I'm not sure I could do it right, you know? You can take things slow... careful. Do it right. I have a history of doing everything too fast, being too impatient."

"Everyone has a history of something," Silhouette observed quietly. Was she encouraging this?? Did her brain suddenly go Jekyll and Hyde on her?

Clarence looked over, smiling. "I guess I was just afraid to assume, you know? To ask when I pretty much did enough so far."

"Well, talking it out is a good first step. Progress..."

He sighed, moving closer to her. "Are you saying that you're interested enough to take a chance with Chaos Clarence?" he asked, nudging her a little with his elbow. Silhouette snickered. "I know you can take the heat but... just tell me plainly. I'm a one-track minded guy." He met her eyes. "Do you want to try it again?"

Silhouette rolled her eyes, smiling. "Only if you get a new nickname for yourself."

A glance at where Clarence's eyes were drawn and she saw him being beckoned. "Um... He wants you, I think."

[More than Music]

Clarence Morgan

"So..... you don't even want to try it again?"

He made himself think clearly -- as much as he could -- before he said anything. But all he could really come up with was: "I do." He looked up, smiling. "I do. I mean..." Leaning back a bit, he looked at the altar. That altar had a lot of meaning for everyone at this wedding, and would have more, very soon. Yukito wasn't a perfect guy, but if he could give himself a break and be with Erin..... Clarence could too, right? Not like he'd say that to Yukito, but... it made sense. "I want to. I just... I'm not sure I could do it right, you know? You can take things slow... careful. Do it right. I have a history of doing everything too fast, being too impatient."

"Everyone has a history of something."

Smiling a bit more, he looked over. So, she was hinting that she was willing to overlook everything, was she? He could take a hint. "I guess I was just afraid to assume, you know? To ask when I pretty much did enough so far."

"Well, talking it out is a good first step. Progress..."

'If I took your first kiss, this is probably your first time talking to a guy like this, isn't it? If I was the first to hurt you, maybe I can be the first one determined to make it right. I mean... if you're willing...'

"Are you saying that you're interested enough to take a chance with Chaos Clarence?" He nudged her a little, making up a nickname on the spot to try and lighten this up. It worked, earning a little laugh that made him smirk. "I know you can take the heat but... just tell me plainly. I'm a one-track minded guy." Meeting her eyes, he made this serious for a minute more. "Do you want to try it again?"

Silhouette seemed to get his drift, rolling her eyes with a smile that made him want to beat his head against a wall for maybe having missed out on this opportunity he was getting. "Only if you get a new nickname for yourself."

"Pft, fat chance," he murmured, though he was smiling. "Only two people have nicknames for me. That's Coony, who calls me Gunny, and Yukito, who's a jerk in disguise when he's around me." He shrugged. "We're kinda like brothers now."

For some hilarious reason, that felt like bragging.

Then he saw Preston motioning to his wrist, trying to tell him that leaving soon might be a good idea. "Um... He wants you, I think," Silhouette put in, following his eyes.

Clarence shrugged. "It's just getting a bit late," he said coolly, looking around to see they were pretty much the only ones left, now that Preston and Shelby had left with the Wright rugrats. Timmy was still playing quietly in the corner with some little action-figure he'd acquired, Jacob and Mandy chatting it up with the pastor or whatever he was called. Clarence looked back at Silhouette. "So, I don't know if this is the point where I say this, because I don't pay much attention to romance crap," he began, sighing. "But..." He shrugged, looking into her face again. "Is this the point where it's okay if I ask to kiss you?"

'Because you're beautiful, and it's killing me to just sit here, but I have to follow your lead.'

[GGJ5]

Silhouette St. James

"I know you can take the heat but... just tell me plainly. I'm a one-track minded guy." Clarence met Silhouette's eyes. Silhouette willed herself not to break it. Even if it was suddenly a little scary. "Do you want to try it again?"

It was easy to cover her sudden anxiety with a scoff or a snicker. She rolled her eyes. "Only if you get a new nickname for yourself." Maybe it was childish, but just then Silhouette could easily reason using humor to hide her true feelings. Or to reveal them.... she still wasn't sure, and that made it worse.

"Pft, fat chance." Clarence gave her a smile. "Only two people have nicknames for me. That's Coony, who calls me Gunny, and Yukito, who's a jerk in disguise when he's around me." He shrugged. "We're kinda like brothers now."

Now Silhouette smiled. "You're very proud of that, huh?" A glance over her shoulder, in the direction of Clarence's gaze, showed her one of the groom's men gesturing at his watch. "Um... He wants you, I think."

Clarence shrugged. "It's just getting a bit late," he pointed out. Silhouette glanced around and saw that that was pretty much true. Not many people were left. Not even Erin and Yukito were there. Of course, Silhouette thought, they'd left at their earliest chance, probably, for coveted alone time. Not like they weren't going to get more than a week of it after the wedding tomorrow. Clarence looked back at Silhouette. "So, I don't know if this is the point where I say this, because I don't pay much attention to romance crap," he began with a sigh. "But... is this the point where it's okay if I ask to kiss you?"

"Yes," Silhouette heard herself say. But I'm scared. I'm terrified. She couldn't make any effort to move forward. She was an ice sculpture in the pew. I'm scared.

--------

Erin Maki

Erin took Yukito's hand in hers as the opening strains of "Love Song" swirled about them. It wasn't what they'd picked as their first dance-- that was the song Cassie was supposed to sing, but she didn't really want to wait anymore. Plus, Cassie didn't seem to like them very much lately, so maybe she wouldn't want to sing for them. For a moment, the thought saddened her, until the surroundings reminded her that even if someone was in a bad mood, this was their day. Their best day so far, with many more to come, she was sure of it. Their songs were playing, because they were in love and in marriage for their whole lives. Erin pulled herself close to him.

“I think that fits better, Erin Chloe Spenser Maki.” Hearing Yukito say her new name, meshed beautifully with his, sent a squeal of glee up from her as she wrapped herself closer in his arms.

"You're supposed to dance with me!“ She started pulling him into the dance, leading him though she knew perfectly well he was capable of the same. The sleek dance floor tiles felt cool against her bare feet, while Yukito's close form warmed her, matching the glow in her heart. "You know," she said, mid-twirl, "This is our song now. Our first we're-married song! And then we get the beeaach... and we get to be with each other foreeeeveeeerrrr....." Their steps brought them together, her head resting close on his chest. "I love you!!"

“Don't you know,” Yukito started, resting his cheek gently against her hair. “I'm going to make many more songs 'ours' before I'm done.” The promises of more dances sent Erin mentally soaring. Like a princess with her prince, and everyone enthralled with each move they made. Cliche or not, this was perfect-- the feel of her hands in his, the splash of color in the flower against his suit, the light glinting in his eyes that were half-hidden behind hair, and every part of him loving her. Wow.... “I love you,” he whispered into her ear, the breath of his voice tickling and making her giggle as they danced.

"I love you so much, Yukito," Erin murmured, feeling closer to him now more than before in her memory. Physically, this was possibly the closest they'd been since he'd driven her mad by moving out to the couch. And they'd get to fix that problem once and for all in a few hours... He really was dancing really well right now, wasn't he...?

”Kiss her! Kiss heerrr!” Chance's call echoed across the dance floor, making Erin laugh brightly. Yukito, however, gratefully followed "orders" and lifted her chin so her lips would meet his in one of a hundred kisses.

"I will always love you...."

Yukito touched his nose to hers sweetly, suddenly seeming shy. “They're all taking pictures. I think my retinas will be murdered by the time this party breaks up.”

More laughs tumbled out of Erin as she held him in her arms. "It's because we look so friggen amazing!! They can't help it! Don't deprive them of true art!" This comment, of course, was followed by another drawn-out kiss as the song faded out and applause commenced. Erin gave a dramatic bow, holding Yukito's hand in hers and lifting her dress just enough to expose her bare toes. "Yuyukun," she voiced, turning to him and dropping both her hands onto his shoulder. "We need to eat something. You can't forget. We'll be starving by the end of the reception, and you'll have to take me to Sonic in a wedding dress before we can leave..." The mention of their upcoming honeymoon sent another jolt of excitement through her. She sent him a wide smile. "It's already soooo beautiful, Yuyukun...."

[Elda Forever]

Preston Brailsford

"Pixie cut," Shelby muttered again under breath, pulling out her camera while Preston stood at her side. "Tinkerbell can keep it for all I care, I hate it." He watched her as one hand lifted to tug on the choppy ends. Preston kept his hands in his pocket, not sure what to do with himself. It had been a silly mistake from the girls, and Preston knew every fun-loving kid played Beauty Parlor at one point in their lives. But Shelby seemed really torn up about it.

“Didn't Tinkerbell just have like a bun on the top?” he added unhelpfully, trying to add a little smile to it to make it seem more chipper. He'd already abandoned the blazer he'd worn throughout the ceremony. It was draped around the back of a chair at one of the tables, leaving him in just his crisp white shirt, the sleeves folded up to give him more mobility.

"It's stupid, right?" she said, more to herself than Preston. He fell quiet, poking at one of the bouquets arranged nearby. "Here I am at the wedding of two really good friends and all I can think about is my stupid hair. I'm being selfish and immature, aren't I? I am. It's ridiculous. I should be happy and thinking about them, focusing on making their wedding video, and all I can think of is my stupid friggen hair.” She gave another tug to punctuate her point, scowling and giving a little sigh. "Sorry. I'm sure I'm being the worst wedding date ever. Feel free to ditch me for someone who currently doesn't want to hide in her closet for the next year until her hair looks decent again. You don't deserve to have me ruin your good time at the wedding."

Preston smiled at her, though it was a little strained. He figured it must just be a girl thing to be so concerned with hair like that. He didn't want to make things worse, but Preston was an honest sort. “Yeah, you kind of are being ridiculous. But what kind of date would I be if I ditched you for something silly like that?” he gently reached over, pressing her camera down and then taking her cheeks in his hands so that she had to meet his eyes. “I know it doesn't make it all better or anything, and it may not mean much, but I think it looks cute. Now kiss me, Shelly Bean!” And he leaned in to kiss her. “Now let's go have a party. Luckily for you, there's no alcohol, or Chance would go nuts trying to get a hold of some.. And trust me, you don't want to see what happens.” He stuck his tongue out of his mouth playfully.


~~


Lilith Eytinge

“Cassie!” Lilith called out once she saw her roomie. Cassie turned, nervousness glowing in her eyes but a smile on her lips, at least.

"You look gorgeous, as usual. It's almost not fair."

“Almost?” Lilith retorted as a tease, though she flushed visibly at the compliment. “You want me to ask the DJ to turn your music on? Go up there!" She had seen the newlywed couple out on the dance floor, but Cassie was supposed to sing for their first dance! She was about to burst with excitement, and running in her shoes was quite a challenge that took her breath away on its own.

Cassie's eyes widened and she shook her head quickly. "No, no no no, not yet--"

"No, wait a sec!” She didn't wait for Cassie's reasons or rejection, she lifted her camera and honed in on Cassie and her outfit. The two seconds it took to focus were just long enough for Cassie to force on a smile. “Okay, go-go-go! The sappy couple need your voice!”

"In a minute," Cassie pleaded, almost in a whimper. "Just give me a minute. I need to calm down and forget that the best man is my ex and that if I screw up I'll have ruined their entire reception, the one thing they asked me to do--well, I still have to make my toast, too, but that's not the point--and that's gonna take another minute...oh, God, Lilith, I don't know if I can do this..."

For a moment Lilith just sat smiling at Cassie, then tilting her head a little to side in good humor. “Really? Come on, Cassie-andra. No one cares if the best man is your ex. He's Yukito's best man, not yours. And if you mess up, just laugh and keep going, and everyone will write it up as a cute blunder. As long as you giggle right.” She gave a little abashed sounding giggle, one hand over her mouth, to demonstrate her point, then pushed Cassie toward the dance floor. “Now go or you'll miss your best friend's first dance as a married woman!”

Once Erin's grinning face came into view, Lilith was positively beaming. She lifted her camera up and caught a few shots of their faces again. “Isn't it just beautiful? They look like nothing on earth could bring them down. You'd never think they were in the hospital a few weeks ago, so sad and all..” She nudged Cassie with her arm. “Just be happy for them, and think about that. It'll be alright.” Lilith's enthusiasm jolted back up as she pushed Cassie forward, chanting quietly, “Go-go-go-go!”

~~

Yukito Maki

"I love you so much, Yukito," Erin murmured, and he wholeheartedly believed her. Though she'd said it a thousand times, now it was almost with a solemn note to it. A rare 'serious' moment with Erin that meant a tremendous amount.

”Kiss her! Kiss heerrr!” Chance chanted, and Erin's mirth giggled out as the groom did as he was instructed. No sooner had their lips met than a dozen cameras flashed and noise rose in a crescendo, and Yukito leaned in to touch noses with hers, half-trying to hide behind her and their hair as much as he could.

Shyly, he murmured to her, “They're all taking pictures. I think my retinas will be murdered by the time this party breaks up.”

Erin just laughed at his silliness, and even more so his shyness which was never truly comprehensible to her. "It's because we look so friggen amazing!! They can't help it! Don't deprive them of true art!" Obviously she had to end that with another crowd-pleasing kiss, either consciously or subconsciously matching up with the fadeout of the song. A love song for them. Yukito colored as Erin led them both into a dramatic bow. Shouldn't you be curtseying? he wondered with amusement, but followed her example with a chuckle.

"Yuyukun," she voiced, turning to him and dropping both her hands onto his shoulder in a quite natural gesture. "We need to eat something. You can't forget. We'll be starving by the end of the reception, and you'll have to take me to Sonic in a wedding dress before we can leave..." No, that wouldn't do at all. Yukito instantly got the mental image of Erin crying in the passenger seat, juice and coney dog all over her beautiful dress, heartbroken and of course grouchy from lack of food. But he didn't really want to leave her and focus on food, even for just a minute.

“Maybe one more dance or so, then we'll go sit down for awhile. My insides are still turning around like a washing machine anyways,” he pleaded, his hands coming to her waist. “Somehow this spinning helps. Like it counteracts or something.”

"It's already soooo beautiful, Yuyukun...." she cooed with a grin. Yukito gave her a decidedly crooked smirk.

“I beg for your pardon for being cheesy, but you are so beautiful. To be honest I'm not sure if I took a breath during the ceremony.” He could feel the nervousness starting to loosen his tongue, his heart rate rising in excitement as reality kept banging on the walls of his heart, bearing good news he was almost afraid to accept. He held her tightly, speaking in a lower voice, “I want to make sure it all stays this beautiful.”

[More than Music]

Clarence Morgan

"Do you want to try it again?"

Silhouette rolled her eyes. "Only if you get a new nickname for yourself." Alright, so 'Chaos Clarence' wasn't exactly the best thing he'd ever come up with. The whole name association thing was kind of a hilarious icebreaker, but that was kind of how he'd used it, wasn't it? It seemed to lighten her up a bit.

"Pft, fat chance," he said, smiling, trying to keep the joke going. "Only two people have nicknames for me. That's Coony, who calls me Gunny, and Yukito, who's a jerk in disguise when he's around me." He shrugged. "We're kinda like brothers now."

There was her smile. Her beautiful smile. Success. "You're very proud of that, huh?"

He smirked. "Oh yeah, it's not everyone gets to say it..." He pointed to himself with both thumbs, nodding. "I'm the best man, for the best man."

Then came Preston to remind them of the time. Nice.

"Um... He wants you, I think."

Clarence shrugged. "It's just getting a bit late." It was. He didn't want it to be. But it was. "So, I don't know if this is the point where I say this, because I don't pay much attention to romance crap," he began with a sigh. "But... is this the point where it's okay if I ask to kiss you?"

The next few seconds didn't feel like forever. They felt like they went by too fast, actually. He felt like he should've earned her response by holding his breath and sweating a bit. But an immediate 'yes' was always good.

"Yes," she said, sounding a bit like she'd caught herself by surprise.

Smirking, Clarence reached over to touch her cheek. "Cool." He leaned in slowly, the thought burning in the back of his mind that he should take this slow... she already looked a bit nervous. She knew it was coming this time. He reached up with his other hand, touching her shoulder. She was tense. His smirk deepened as his lips met hers. "Relax," he whispered, then went back in for one more. It felt good, to not worry about her pushing him away.

She wanted to kiss him. Then... why wasn't she moving?

He leaned back a little bit. "What?"

[GGJ5]

Silhouette St. James

The way Clarence talked sometimes made her think of a little kid, the way he was so proud of his odd alliance with members of the Maki family. It was kind of ironic in an endearing way, the mixture of childishness with adulthood.

A groom's man's gesture drew both pairs of eyes. "Um... He wants you, I think."

Clarence shrugged. "It's just getting a bit late." I know. I have people waiting for me at home. "So, I don't know if this is the point where I say this, because I don't pay much attention to romance crap,... But... is this the point where it's okay if I ask to kiss you?"

"Yes," she said, barely after a beat. Objections swirled in her head, conflicting with the sounds her voice made. Why would you say yes?! He already practically promised to hurt you, you know he is probably right, you aren't ready for any of this, you have other obligations that need you, other people that need you, and what will happen to them if you get wrapped up with this guy? What if you become one of those girls? The ones that lower and lower and lower their standards because of the guy and end up dropping out of high school to have a baby? What if you become just another statistic? What makes you think you're ready for this? You didn't even think about your answer! That proves you are not ready! Back down! Back down!!

Back in the real world, though, Clarence was touching her cheek, very softly. It surprised her somehow. "Cool." At least he was taking his time. But her thoughts that wouldn't stop made it scary... Why did it have to be so scary? He kissed her, a short and simple kiss that shouldn't have been scary. But she still couldn't move. You're abandoning the ones who really need you. And you're going to fall. "Relax," he whispered before kissing her once more.

Two? What does two mean? What am I supposed to be doing? I don't even know what's going on...

He leaned back a little bit. "What?"

I'm scared, that's what, but I can't just tell you that. I can't. I can't do that, but I can't do this either... "I..." She stopped herself, corrected herself. "It's not something I can explain, but I can promise it's not something you did or didn't do, and I'm standing in a church saying that." She stood up, biting the inside of her cheek so she wouldn't cry, looked away just to be safe. "I swear it. I just... can't explain. I have to go. I'm sorry." I can't tell you that I'm scared. I am scared of falling, and you wouldn't get it!

In a rush, she disappeared out the nearest door, the heavy old wood shutting to a thud behind her.

I think Silhouette has left! D':



Erin Maki

People actually applauded after their dance finished and they kissed. They applauded! Everyone should get married-- it's great for your self-esteem! she thought to herself, giggling a little aloud. "Yuyukun," she voiced, turning to him and dropping both her hands onto his shoulder as she beamed up at him. "We need to eat something. You can't forget. We'll be starving by the end of the reception, and you'll have to take me to Sonic in a wedding dress before we can leave..." Memories of another bride's advice from just a few years ago-- she'd forgotten to eat at all during the reception and fainted. No way was Erin going to make that one of her wedding memories.

Of course, Yukito didn't immediately go for it. Erin smiled at the thought that in some ways opposites really do attract. “Maybe one more dance or so, then we'll go sit down for awhile. My insides are still turning around like a washing machine anyways,” he explained, his hands coming to her waist. “Somehow this spinning helps. Like it counteracts or something.”

Erin laughed at that. "For someone so nerdy like you, that really doesn't make much sense," she teased, grateful for more reason to hold him close and dance. "It's already soooo beautiful, Yuyukun...."

“I beg for your pardon for being cheesy," Yukito replied with a smirk. "But you are so beautiful."

"Aww, being cheesy isn't so bad when you do it like that." She lifted her face up for another kiss, though this time on his cheek as they danced.

"To be honest I'm not sure if I took a breath during the ceremony.”

The statement brought to Erin's mind a blue-faced cartooned-Yukito holding his breath. She burst into laughter, and when she could talk again, she declared, "I'm so happy that you didn't pass out! Omigod, what a story that would've been..."

Yukito held her tightly, speaking in a lower voice, “I want to make sure it all stays this beautiful.”

"Mmm...." The sweet promise set her face into a glowing smile as the strings of the music carried them away. "I knew I loved you..." Her head came to rest against him again, mussing her hair, but it actually felt better when it was loosened. "You can keep me right here forever with you," she murmured happily. "I don't think I could ever be happier than this... I love you so much... I love the way you hold me, the feel of your hands, the sound of your voice...." A new thought prompted her quick shift in conversation. "Hey, Yuyukun! You know what Clarence told me before the wedding?" She laughed. "He told me you went missing, like you were beamed up or something. He really had me freaked out for a while there. And it was right after my mom got my shoes, which were all nasty because Leigh peed on them! But I like going barefoot better anyway," she finished proudly.

A tug on Erin's skirts drew her attention from Yukito for the moment. A pair of large blue eyes stared up at her under a mop of blond hair. She had to think for a moment about her cousin's name--they were twins after all, and identical at that. But one of the twins liked her better, so she went with that one. "Mason? Hi! You look so handsome in your suit. Was that Daddy's idea?"

The little six-year-old nodded. "I don't like it, though, 'cause it's itchy. And hot. And it's what grown-ups wear. Can I dance with you, too?" He glanced over at Yukito. "She's my cousin, and she likes me, so I can dance with her. Why do you keep kissing Erin? My daddy says I can't watch people kissing, but I don't want to anyway, because it's gross."

Erin started laughing. "Come back in ten years and tell me what you think, okay? I would love to dance with you, but just for the rest of this song, okay? Because we have a special song coming on just for us. Then I'll come find you and dance with you again, all right? And later there'll be cake!"

"I love cake!" Mason squeaked out excitedly as Erin reached out to take the boy's tiny hands in hers.

"'Course you love cake. Your last name is Spenser, after all," Erin replied with a giggle as she finished the song out with a very tiny dance partner. But the majority of her mind was on hearing their real song come on so she could dance with Yukito to a song meant just for them.

[More than Music]

Clarence Morgan

"So, I don't know if this is the point where I say this, because I don't pay much attention to romance crap,... But... is this the point where it's okay if I ask to kiss you?"

"Yes,” she breathed.

He smirked, leaning over to touch her cheek, just barely. Her eyes didn't close. She looked almost frozen. That didn't matter. Jitters went away. “Cool,” he found himself whispering. 'Because we don't want anything like what happened the first time, right?' Clarence leaned in, kissing her gently. Still tense. "Relax," he whispered. 'It's no big deal, babe. Chill out.' He tried again, hoping for a reaction, for her to return the kiss... anything. 'Come on. I thought you wanted this.' Nothing.

He leaned back a little bit, trying to read her face. "What?"

"I..."

“What's wrong?” he asked, his voice lowering a bit. 'Is it something you don't want people to hear? We're alone. Why won't you just tell me what it is? Do you even know?' “Silhouette?”

Oh god, he knew that face.

“It's not something I can explain, but I can promise it's not something you did or didn't do,” she said. He felt a rock in his stomach. “And I'm standing in a church saying that." She stood up, looking more uncomfortable by the minute. Part of him wanted to beg her not to go, because he knew that was what was coming next, to plead... do say he'd do anything. But hardened wounds spoke first, making him look away about the time that she did.

“Sure,” he muttered. 'Sure it's not.'

"I swear it. I just... can't explain. I have to go. I'm sorry."

Then she ran and, even though the door was really that loud, he jumped at the sound. Why did it feel like being hit? He looked up at the door, shoulders tense, mouth open. If she came back, he'd break and fall into the stammering and pleading. But he didn't think she would. What had just happened there anyway?

“...S***.”

Feeling it there, almost like a disappointing gaze, he looked at the altar. Closing his mouth, he sighed. “Sorry,” he said, softly. 'I know I always say I can take whatever you dish out, but... seriously? Every time I catch up with how I should act, it changes. Can't I catch a break? Please?'

Getting up, he took in a deep breath, clenching his hands into fists, hiding his anger deep inside. 'I guess I'll see her at the wedding. Nothing to do but wait.' He glanced back at the altar. 'God, girls are so confusing.'


Clarence is done here


~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

OOC: Time for new stuff! ^_^ No Kagayaki stuff planned until a bit later, unless someone requests it, so here goes some Clarence! Feel free to let me know if I've been to liberal with his actions... And the kid was GG's idea. x)
BIC:

What a morning.

Last thing he remembered, he'd sat on a pew after the ceremony. The whole thing had been really exciting... Apparently too exciting, because now he found himself being woken up to a small person poking him in the stomach.

Opening one eye earned him a small gasp. It was a little girl with big brown eyes and long black hair. She couldn't have been more than four or five. Clarence could only guess she was one of the rugrats from the Spenser clan, a group that he was realizing was increasingly large. She was watching him intently, like she'd seen something crazy. When he didn't say anything, just kept watching him for a few more moments.

“What?” he asked, his voice a low groan, not wanting to open both eyes yet.

“...You're breathing funny.”

He raised an eyebrow as the girl darted away, looking spooked. “Am I really that creepy?” he muttered to himself. 'Guess I should get up... what time is it?' He sat up with a heavy exhale, rubbing his eyes for a moment before looking around. 'Wait a second...' Clarence jumped up.

'Shoot.'

Taking in a deep breath, he tried to pull himself together. What a morning... what an afternoon. He sighed, heading towards the reception hall. It was crowded with people. Good, maybe no one had really noticed he was gone? Hilarious on the surface, seeing as he was the best man, but maybe it was better he act like he hadn't just fallen asleep. This was his brother's wedding for god's sake.

Well, practically his brother.

Dodging a few people, Clarence slipped in an grabbed a soda, nodding a bit at a somewhat familiar guy close-by. He wasn'tt even sure what kind of soda it was, but it was a good enough excuse, so he found a wall to lean on like he'd been there for a while. Glancing around, he saw Lilith right off, talking to Cassie. They both looked great, but Lilith's smile made her easily the better looking of the two. Cassie didn't smile enough. 'Maybe that's why she used to be with Buttercup,' he thought to himself with a smile, taking a drink.

There was Yukito and Erin, dancing slowly together, talking to each other. He smirked as a kid ran up and started loudly talking to them. Clarence blinked a few times, his head still a bit fuzzy from drowsiness. He looked around a bit more, seeing Preston and Shelby talking. They were between him and SJ. Oh well.

Trying to get the caffeine to his brain faster, he finished the can. Fell asleep. Not cool.

Taking a deep breath, he got rid of the can, waiting for a break in the conversation before he walked up to Preston and Shelby. “Hey Rinzler,” he put in, patting Preston on the shoulder. His eyes fell on Shelby, who looked uncomfortable, then on her hair. Oh yeah, the hair. Girls were crazy about hair, and she didn't like hers. Of course. “Hey, little soldier! Your hair looks longer already!” He reached up to tug on a lock gently, winking. “Don't sweat it. You look good.” His eyes fell on SJ. “Uh-oh, got too close,” he joked, laughing. “Guess I have to get back to SJ before she comes after me.”

Slipping over to the table, he smiled at SJ. “Hey, did you have any idea there were really that many Spensers? Seriously, it's like rabbits, only... more humane. I think.” He laughed, sitting down, then looked over at Timmy as the boy pushed some grapes and cheese onto SJ's plate. “Hey-hey, what's up, buttercup?”

Timmy looked up, frozen with his mouth open for a moment before he spoke. “She started it,” he said, the words coming out as a rush, a little finger pointing accusingly at SJ.

Clarence smirked. “Of course she did.” He reached over to pinch Timmy's nose, which made the boy squeak in protest. “Eat it.”

“But I don't wanna!” Timmy whined. “She's trying to make me, but I don't wanna!”

Raising an eyebrow, he looked at his little brother's plate. “Yeah, probably because all the rest of your food is crap. Eat it.”

Timmy pouted his lips. “You're not my daddy,” he put in.

“No, I'm not, I'm your big brother, so shut up and eat it,” he said, flippantly, looking at SJ. “By the way, I reserve you for your first dance, as my wingwoman. That's just how it is.” His eyes wandered to the dancefloor until he saw some weird movement out of the corner of his eye. “Tim, you did not just do that.”

Timmy froze once again, hand in his pocket. “...Huh?” His face lit up in a nervous smile.

“Very funny,” Clarence said, reaching over to poke his brother's stomach. “Get those grapes out of your jacket. You're going to eat them. You can't live on just candy, or you'll get fat.”

The boy slumped in his chair a bit, seeming deep in thought. “Bein' fat ain't so bad, is it?” he said after a few minutes. Clarence slammed his palm against his forehead, but couldn't help laughing.

“You little rascal!” He reached over to roughly tickle the boy, who fell into fits of giggles. He finally withdrew after garbled demands for air, leaning back in his chair. “How about this... I'm going to get some food. You go with me, and find something to go with that stuff to make it taste more like something you like. But only if you promise to eat it. Got it?”

Timmy put his hands on his face, pulling his eyelids down his face in a ridiculous face. Clarence just sat there, smiling, watching his brother. When it didn't work, Timmy put his hands in his lap and sighed. “Fiiine...”

Ruffling his brother's hair, Clarence laughed and got up, looking over at SJ. “You want anything?”

[The Phantom of Paris]

Shelby Wright

She could sense Preston's growing unease with her and her complaining, but Shelby was finding she couldn't really stop. The thing that nobody seemed to get was why this hair incident meant so much to her. It wasn't a vanity thing, necessarily. It was the fact that throughout her whole life, Shelby's hair had defined her, in a way. It was who she was, the girl with the long red corkscrew Hobbit curls that could be recognized a mile away. She liked the way it felt to gather it up to pull it into a ponytail, and the way it lit up in the sun when she let it tumble down her back without anything pinning it up. She liked the way the little girls had always wanted to brush it and play with it, making her feel like Rapunzel, and the way Preston liked to run his fingers through it or tug on it lightly, depending on his mood. Her hair used to make her feel like a medieval princess. Now she looked like Little Orphan Annie, and she sure didn't feel like herself anymore. Her head felt way too light, too unfamiliar, like it belonged on someone else's body instead of hers. With all of it forever ruined and gone, chopped off like a diseased limb, Shelby wasn't quite sure who she was anymore.

Still, complaining about it wasn't going to make it grow back any faster, she supposed, and if she kept this up everyone would be gossiping about how selfish and childish she'd acted at the wedding she was supposed to be filming. "Sorry," she said quietly, focusing on her camera. "I'm sure I'm being the worst wedding date ever. Feel free to ditch me for someone who currently doesn't want to hide in her closet for the next year until her hair looks decent again. You don't deserve to have me ruin your good time at the wedding."

Preston smiled at her, but it was a smile that hid tension. Fantastic. He's probably been hatching some elaborate plan to escape me for the past twenty minutes. That is, if he hasn't been planning our breakup from the moment he saw my glorious new look

“Yeah, you kind of are being ridiculous."

The blunt statement hurt a bit, but Shelby only blinked in response, thankful for the camera that hid most of her vision as she zoomed in on Yukito and Erin's blissful faces as they danced. "But what kind of date would I be if I ditched you for something silly like that?”

The kind that matches up well with people who ruin weddings because of their own insignificant problems and bad hair days?

Shelby didn't answer, and Preston gently reached over to take her attention off the camera, lowering it for a second. She opened her mouth to protest him ruining her perfect close-up shot, but cut herself off as he took her face in his hands, forcing her to meet his eyes. “I know it doesn't make it all better or anything, and it may not mean much, but I think it looks cute.

"Thanks," she whispered, but it wasn't enough. She didn't want to be cute, she wanted to be beautiful, but how to let him know that? Besides, it was Erin's wedding day, and no one deserved to look beautiful at someone's wedding unless it was the bride. Wasn't that the rule or something?

" Now kiss me, Shelly Bean!” Her eyebrow arched at the nickname, but she obeyed. “Now let's go have a party. Luckily for you, there's no alcohol, or Chance would go nuts trying to get a hold of some.. And trust me, you don't want to see what happens.”

She chuckled. "What do you mean, 'luckily for me'? I think--"

“Hey, little soldier!" came the voice of Clarence next to her, teasing as always. "Your hair looks longer already!” He punctuated his words by tugging on it, a bit harder than she had been doing just moments before. “Don't sweat it. You look good.”

"Thanks, but I'm not sure I should be taking style advice from you. You've had one too many violations from the Fashion Police lately, and I heard that there was an interesting hair gel incident this morning..."

“Uh-oh, got too close. Guess I have to get back to SJ before she comes after me.”

"I thought she was your wingwoman, not your date!" Shelby called after his retreating figure. Laughing and shaking her head, she picked up the camera again, getting a bit more footage of the happy couple before turning so her boyfriend was in the camera's line of vision. "Hey, anything you'd like to say to the bride and groom? Here's your chance!"

There was some movement on the little makeshift stage that had been set up for the DJ, and Shelby turned excitedly. "Oh, I think my sister's gonna sing her song now. God, I wanted to dance to this one so bad, but Erin will kill me if I miss out on filming this dance..."

---

OOC: Here is Cassie's song. BIC:

Cassandra "Cassie" Wright

She seriously felt like she was going to faint, but Lilith brushed aside her worries. “Really? Come on, Cassie-andra. No one cares if the best man is your ex."

"I care," Cassie said pointedly.

"He's Yukito's best man, not yours. And if you mess up, just laugh and keep going, and everyone will write it up as a cute blunder. As long as you giggle right.” Cassie only looked on miserably as Lilith demonstrated the proper giggle. She could barely breathe, the bodice of her dress threatening to suffocate her. “Now go or you'll miss your best friend's first dance as a married woman!”

Cassie looked up to see Erin was now happily twirling around with a small child she didn't recognize--a Spenser cousin probably, who would later be stuck with Cecily and Grace and the other children at the kids table. Your best friend's first dance as a married woman. Already Erin looked different, just as Cassie had feared. She was practically glowing with happiness, a happiness so fierce it looked like it could never be taken away. Things will be different now, even if Erin says they won't. They will, and there's no getting around that.

“Isn't it just beautiful? They look like nothing on earth could bring them down."

"Yeah," Cassie agreed quietly.

"You'd never think they were in the hospital a few weeks ago, so sad and all. Just be happy for them, and think about that. It'll be alright.”

Cassie stared at her for a second while the wisdom of the statement sunk in. Lilith was right. She couldn't worry about all this stuff now, because it wouldn't help anything. She shouldn't think about herself right now, because her friends deserved the best wedding she could possibly give them. It was okay to be nervous--probably anyone else would be in this same situation, at least a little bit--but she couldn't let that hold her back. Not anymore. A little smile crossed her face, and she pulled her roommate into a fleeting hug. "Thanks."

"Go-go-go-go!”

Lilith pushed her up onto the little stage, and Cassie spoke hurriedly with the DJ, who set up her karaoke track for her. Then, still shaking a bit but now with a smile on her face, she approached the microphone that had been set up for her.

Someone got the attention of the crowd by tapping a water glass with their fork, and the whole room grew quiet, all eyes on Cassie. She smiled wider. "Hello, everybody, and thank you so much for being here today. First, I just want to say congratulations to Erin and Yukito..."

Applause broke out at that, and Cassie waited for it to die down before she continued. "Erin asked me to sing this song for them, and I hope I do it justice. It's called 'Only Hope' from the movie A Walk to Remember, and I think that, especially given recent circumstances, it's the perfect song for them." She blushed a bit. "I was incredibly nervous about singing it, and I realize I haven't been the most supportive friend recently to them, maybe because of that. Someone once told me that love means never having to say you're sorry, but I disagree with that, because sometimes, especially when you're in love, you need to say sorry in order to move forward. So, Erin and Yukito, I love you both, and I'm sorry. Here's your song." She nodded to the DJ, who started up her intro music, and Cassie started to sing.

"There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But You sing to me over and over and over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
and pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope

Sing to me the song of the stars
Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

I give You my destiny
I'm giving You all of me
I want Your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope."

[Elda Forever]

Preston Brailsford

She chuckled, finally starting to look a little more like herself. "What do you mean, 'luckily for me'? I think--"

“Hey, little soldier!" Clarence cut her off with a teasing air, making Preston smile. "Your hair looks longer already!” He punctuated his words by tugging on it. “Don't sweat it. You look good.”

"Thanks, but I'm not sure I should be taking style advice from you. You've had one too many violations from the Fashion Police lately, and I heard that there was an interesting hair gel incident this morning..." Shelby's words made him happy to hear. Clarence always helped raise her spirits a bit, and though he was jealous of the easy banter between those two, he had to admit that he loved the way it always made Shelby's eyes sparkle.

Preston let out a boisterous laugh. “What hair gel incident..? I need to hear this one.”

“Uh-oh, got too close. Guess I have to get back to SJ before she comes after me.” Clarence ducked out quickly. Preston gave a little nod and held out his glass to his fellow comrade in the battlefield of women, but Shelby did not want him to leave so quickly.

"I thought she was your wingwoman, not your date!" Shelby called out, laughing and shaking her head, then picking up her camera with more of her usual airs.

“Like that matters. Have you met SJ?”

"Hey, anything you'd like to say to the bride and groom? Here's your chance!" Preston looked up to see the camera trained on him. It always felt a little like a spotlight in the middle of an empty stage, but fortunately he was getting a little used to guest-starring in Shelby's videos. He smirked, crossed his arms on his chest, and thought a moment.

“Hmmm...I'd say, 'I don't know you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve'.” He gave a wink, then added, “Or maybe just 'congratulations! And please-please-please keep your minds open to performing in future musicals! I don't know if it was the magic of my gorgeous girlfriend or just your own leet skills, but I think I got chills from your Phantom and Christine.” He lifted both of this shoulders up high and gave a dorky-looking double thumbs up, accompanied by a grin. “Okay, I'm done.”

"Oh, I think my sister's gonna sing her song now. God, I wanted to dance to this one so bad, but Erin will kill me if I miss out on filming this dance..."

Preston stood at her side, wrapping his arm around her waist in such a way as to not get in the way of her filming, “...hmm...Maybe you could get Lilith to hold it for you for awhile. Doesn't she use cameras?” He didn't know if photography and video was so much different.. At least she should have a steady hand, right?

~~~~~

SJ Tompkins

SJ looked over to find Clarence chatting it up with a few other party-goers, and she sent him a disapproving look, gesturing to the chair next to her. He caught the hint for once, excusing himself from his current discussion and finding his way through the crowd over to their table.

To Timmy, she muttered, “Your brother looks a little ruffled.” Timmy looked at her questioningly. But despite that, he was able to coolly slip into the chair next to her, suave and cocky grin as he made himself comfortable. “Hey, did you have any idea there were really that many Spensers? Seriously, it's like rabbits, only... more humane. I think.”

She smiled, but gave no answer, focusing her attention on the dance floor as Erin started dancing with one of her cousins. They looked so happy. SJ didn't know them very well, but she'd heard quite a bit from Clarence, piecing together what she knew from what Clarence knew. And she could tell that it hadn't been all rosy and perfect for them. There had been rough points. There had been times for bringing out what was buried.

I need a notebook... The overwhelming urge to take notes of her thoughts making her fingers physically itch. Meanwhile, Timmy continued their game of 'pass-off-the-health-food'. “Hey-hey, what's up, buttercup?” Clarence queried at Timmy, looking at the suddenly stock-still Timmy.

“She started it,” he said, the words coming out as a rush, a little finger pointing accusingly at SJ, who just giggled.

Clarence smirked. “Of course she did.” He reached over to pinch Timmy's nose, which made the boy squeak in protest. “Eat it.” And so began the normal banter between the two brothers, which she had witnessed since it first began. Clarence hadn't been so great with a little brother at first, and she never would have guessed him the protective brotherly type, but he'd picked up on it fast and held onto it hard. Clarence, you're really such a sap, she looked down at her hands on the table, the thought making her smile.

In the middle of his habitual rapport with Timmy, Clarence looked at SJ and brought her back into the conversation, “By the way, I reserve you for your first dance, as my wingwoman. That's just how it is.” She had time to raise one eyebrow, skeptic. Then it was back to his brother, “Tim, you did not just do that.”

Timmy froze once again, hand in his pocket. “...Huh?” That pudgy little face looked very guilty.

“Very funny,” Clarence said, reaching over to poke his brother's stomach. “Get those grapes out of your jacket. You're going to eat them. You can't live on just candy, or you'll get fat.”

The boy slumped in his chair a bit, seeming deep in thought. “Bein' fat ain't so bad, is it?” he said after a few minutes. Clarence did a double-take for a moment, then slammed his palm against his forehead, laughing that deep, throaty laugh of his that made him sound like a total dork.

“You little rascal!” He reached over to roughly tickle the boy, who fell into fits of giggles. “How about this... I'm going to get some food. You go with me, and find something to go with that stuff to make it taste more like something you like. But only if you promise to eat it. Got it?”

Timmy dragged his hands down his face, tugging his eyelids down until SJ laughed aloud. But Clarence continued the face battle, and Timmy finally gave in. “Fiiine...”

Ruffling his brother's hair, Clarence laughed and got up, looking over at SJ. “You want anything?”

“Martini on the rocks. Shaken, not stirred,” she teased, taking on a dramatic air.

~~~~~

Lilith Eytinge

“Isn't it just beautiful? They look like nothing on earth could bring them down." Lilith beamed at the newlyweds – she just loved weddings.

"Yeah," Cassie agreed quietly.

"You'd never think they were in the hospital a few weeks ago, so sad and all. Just be happy for them, and think about that. It'll be alright.” She glanced up knowingly to find Cassie staring at her. Lilith sent her roommate a smile, seconds before Cassie rushed forward for a hug. "Thanks," Cassie breathed.

“Of course!” Lilith laughed, then pushed her forward, "Go-go-go-go!” She stood nearby, smiling, as Cassie went up and spoke with the DJ, and they set up the song. Cassie timidly stepped up to the microphone smiling nervously. Lilith raised her camera and took a few shots of her bashful face, stepping to the side to get a different angle.

"Hello, everybody, and thank you so much for being here today. First, I just want to say congratulations to Erin and Yukito..." Applause broke out at that, and Cassie waited for it to die down before she continued. "Erin asked me to sing this song for them, and I hope I do it justice. It's called 'Only Hope' from the movie A Walk to Remember, and I think that, especially given recent circumstances, it's the perfect song for them." She blushed a bit. "I was incredibly nervous about singing it, and I realize I haven't been the most supportive friend recently to them, maybe because of that. Someone once told me that love means never having to say you're sorry, but I disagree with that, because sometimes, especially when you're in love, you need to say sorry in order to move forward. So, Erin and Yukito, I love you both, and I'm sorry. Here's your song."

As Cassie sang out, Lilith stood a few moments, swaying her hips from side to side to the music, then stepping forward to the inner edges of the circle of people surrounding the couple, kneeling so she could take a few beautiful shots of their smiling, bashful faces.

~~~~~

Yukito Maki

Erin's cheek resting against him, hearing her speak so gently to him. It was a little piece of heaven. It was a lot like those soft moments that let you know summer has truly begun, and those quiet moments that you won't forget. He held her possessively in his arms, trying to ignore the annoying flashes of cameras and shouts of guests. She lifted her head, "Hey, Yuyukun! You know what Clarence told me before the wedding?" She laughed, and he smiled.

“What did he tell you?” he queried, expecting some lame advice like 'don't forget, Yukito's not in charge' or something.

"He told me you went missing, like you were beamed up or something. He really had me freaked out for a while there. And it was right after my mom got my shoes, which were all nasty because Leigh peed on them! But I like going barefoot better anyway," she finished proudly.

Yukito arched an eyebrow at her, hesitant to admit that he had gone missing. “Leigh peed on your shoes? O-oh.. I heard something about that. Hm. I think it's been a rough day for Clarence so far.” He chuckled. “And he wasn't exactly lying. See--”

They both looked down at a little boy came up to tug on Erin's skirts, a good diversion. He had those bright blue eyes and blond hair. Erin had sort of introduced the twins to him at some point, but he was utterly clueless as to which one. Erin, somehow, was blessed with better knowledge at it than he. Yukito probably would have utterly avoided using a name at all.

"Mason? Hi! You look so handsome in your suit. Was that Daddy's idea?"

The little six-year-old nodded. "I don't like it, though, 'cause it's itchy. And hot. And it's what grown-ups wear. Can I dance with you, too?" He glanced over at Yukito. "She's my cousin, and she likes me, so I can dance with her. Why do you keep kissing Erin? My daddy says I can't watch people kissing, but I don't want to anyway, because it's gross."

Yukito smirked in amusement, while Erin burst out laughing. "Come back in ten years and tell me what you think, okay? I would love to dance with you, but just for the rest of this song, okay? Because we have a special song coming on just for us. Then I'll come find you and dance with you again, all right? And later there'll be cake!"

“I guess I can let her go for a minute or so,” Yukito mumbled, “Maybe.”

"I love cake!" Mason squeaked out excitedly as Erin reached out to take the boy's tiny hands in hers. Yukito stepped back, crossing his arms and watching them from a few feet away. He heard his name called, and turned to send an awkward little wave to a few people he barely knew. Then Yukito turned back to watch his bride dance, seeing her easy smile and the way she held those tiny hands in her own. Yukito gave a sigh, letting out the hair like a release of pressure. There was so much ahead of them. It was beautifully terrifying.

The sound of a microphone drew his attention to the stage-like area, and he looked up to see Cassie. She smiled broadly out across the reception hall, and Yukito went back to Erin's side. To the little boy, he muttered, “I'm going to have to steal her back now, I'm afraid.” And he slipped his arm around her waist as Cassie began to speak.

"Hello, everybody, and thank you so much for being here today. First, I just want to say congratulations to Erin and Yukito..." Applause erupted across the hall. Yukito kept his eyes up on Cassie. "Erin asked me to sing this song for them, and I hope I do it justice. It's called 'Only Hope' from the movie A Walk to Remember, and I think that, especially given recent circumstances, it's the perfect song for them."

Yukito turned to Erin, a little confused, “Isn't that a Switchfoot song?” he whispered, then decided it didn't matter that much, anyways. Though his nit-picky side now wanted to go search on the internet to make sure.

”I was incredibly nervous about singing it, and I realize I haven't been the most supportive friend recently to them, maybe because of that. Someone once told me that love means never having to say you're sorry, but I disagree with that, because sometimes, especially when you're in love, you need to say sorry in order to move forward. So, Erin and Yukito, I love you both, and I'm sorry. Here's your song." The music started, and Yukito turned to Erin, his hands sliding around her until he was holding her tightly.

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again

He touched his forehead to hers again, now staring into her eyes again. Cassie's voice echoed in his head, as he pondered her words. If she really felt that way about love and being sorry. He wondered what was different now, and if they could move forward. If it was possible to do that all together. His fingers intertwined with Erin's, and he knew that at least that was one person, one single person, who was always on his side in the end. Who wanted him to be there, and needed him. The floor was cleared save for the two of them, and he kissed her to remind her that the same went for him wanting and needing her to be there, too.

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope

“You remember the day we met?” he mumbled, his eyes flickering off to the side. He'd been so different, then. “And our first date, too. Which was totally unplanned, since Tevin and Cassie dropped out and everything...” he considered for a moment, then pulling her closer as he sighed, still spinning her around though he was starting to get a little dizzy. “I think it was easier for me the first time than the second. The first time just popped up on us. The second time I had a chance to be nervous.” He smirked at her.

[More than Music]

Clarence Morgan

“Hey, little soldier!" Clarence said, smiling at the two of them, and at least getting one back from Preston. He saw Shelby looked uneasy. Girls and their hair, honestly. "Your hair looks longer already!” He gave her hair a tug to show he meant it. “Don't sweat it. You look good.”

"Thanks, but I'm not sure I should be taking style advice from you. You've had one too many violations from the Fashion Police lately, and I heard that there was an interesting hair gel incident this morning...”

Clarence laughed, running a hand through his own hair, which was just barely long enough to do that now. “Hey, give me a break, I was following orders.”

Of course, no one laughed as big as Preston, who always seemed to be trying to out-do him. “What hair gel incident..? I need to hear this one.”

Pursing his lips, Clarence thought against it. “I can't help it if Timmy wants to be as cool as me.” Then he looked over and saw SJ pointing disapprovingly at the empty chair next to her. “Uh-oh, got too close,” he said, quickly, laughing. “Guess I have to get back to SJ before she comes after me.” As Clarence slipped away Preston nodded and raised his glass, making Clarence smirk. Yeah, always trying to out-do him.

"I thought she was your wingwoman, not your date!" Shelby yelled after him.

He just turned to wink and send Shelby a sly thumbs-up before he sat next to SJ. “Hey, did you have any idea there were really that many Spensers? Seriously, it's like rabbits, only... more humane. I think.” She watched Erin and Yukito instead of answering, and Clarence frowned. “What'd you call me over here for if you're not gonna talk to me? What am I, arm-candy?” Just then, he saw Timmy push food on SJ's plate, and so began a banter between the two brothers that only ended when Clarence offered to take Timmy to get something to make it taste better. He got to his feet and looked at SJ. “Hey dreamy-eyes,” he teased. “You want anything?”

“Martini on the rocks. Shaken, not stirred,” she said, thematically.

Clarence laughed, and shook his head. “Sorry, sweetheart, this is party is extremely dry. Requested and maintained by Jacob and Mandy.” He looked down at Timmy and nodded his head towards the tables. Timmy hopped on over, going various speeds. Clarence watched his brother move along and ended up slamming right into someone.

“Yikes, sorry,” he said before he saw who it was. Pursing his lips, he made a sour face. “Oh, hey Sparkles.”

“Hi Chance!” Timmy chirped. “My hair's still pretty, see?”

Clarence smirked, shaking his head a little, just as he heard a familiar voice come on the loud speaker that made him look over at the dance floor again. Cassie.

"Hello, everybody, and thank you so much for being here today,” she said, smiling. Woah, she was smiling. Big deal. “First, I just want to say congratulations to Erin and Yukito..."

She calmed down and waited while applause broke out, and Clarence couldn't help but feed it, watching Yukito and Erin's faces.

"Erin asked me to sing this song for them, and I hope I do it justice. It's called 'Only Hope' from the movie A Walk to Remember, and I think that, especially given recent circumstances, it's the perfect song for them." She blushed and Clarence laughed.

“Seriously?”

"I was incredibly nervous about singing it, and I realize I haven't been the most supportive friend recently to them, maybe because of that.”

He raised an eyebrow. 'You think?'

“Someone once told me that love means never having to say you're sorry,” she continued, and Clarence suddenly felt a huge rock in his stomach. It must've shown on his face. It had to.

'...You remember that?'

“but I disagree with that, because sometimes, especially when you're in love, you need to say sorry in order to move forward. So, Erin and Yukito, I love you both, and I'm sorry. Here's your song."

He crossed his arms over his chest, thinking as Erin and Yukito started dancing, foreheads pressed together. They were farther ahead of the rest of them, as far as growing up went. Watching them, he remembered what they'd been like – all of them – back when he'd first been included in the group. They'd all come a long way, trying to catch up with the reality that Yukito and Erin had introduced to them. Cassie seemed like the farthest behind but... then he thought about what had happened with Jessica. Maybe she wasn't that far behind.

'Love means you never have to say you're sorry. Because, if someone loves you, they'll always forgive you, as long as they know you love them.' He looked at Timmy. 'But, in order to earn love, I guess, you have to learn to say you're sorry for not loving constantly.'

He took in a deep breath, trying to get this whole thing out of his head. Timmy could see it, he knew, because the boy was giving him a dark look. “Let's finish our journey, my dear hobbit,” he said with a smile, reaching over to touch Timmy's shoulder.

“Yeah!” Timmy piped up, turning on his heel. “'Cause grapes are blecky!”

Clarence laughed. 'You're such a Spenser, kid.'

[GGJ5]

Erin Maki

....Can you be in heaven and alive on earth at the same time?... She rested in his arms, floating on the floor.

Her blissful flight was momentarily lowered a couple of inches by the tugging touch of a young cousin. Begrudgingly, Erin could tell, Yukito parted with her so that she could give the goofy little twin his attention. He really was a precious kid, Erin thought as she twirled with him on the dance floor. It felt like she hardly saw most of her cousins, though... It was kind of sad. They were adorable and funny and goofy and crazy and deserved more time spent with them.

The song slowed, and Erin gave Mason a final over-exaggerated twirl, to which he argued through giggles, "Only girls get twirled, Erin!"

"The shorter ones get twirled, Mason!" she argued back playfully as Yukito's hand found her. A signal to return to him, her husband. And Cassie now stood on the little stage, holding a microphone and probably scared out of her mind on the inside. Erin smiled. She didn't forget, or get too scared, or decide she didn't want to. That meant a lot, Erin decided. She looked happier now, too....

“I'm going to have to steal her back now, I'm afraid,” Yukito told Mason, who shrugged and disappeared to who knows where-- probably the sweets table. And Yukito's arm slipped around her waist as Cassie began to speak.

"Hello, everybody, and thank you so much for being here today. First, I just want to say congratulations to Erin and Yukito..." Applause erupted across the hall, but Erin giggled and leaned over to tease, "She said my name first." Cassie continued, "Erin asked me to sing this song for them, and I hope I do it justice. It's called 'Only Hope' from the movie A Walk to Remember, and I think that, especially given recent circumstances, it's the perfect song for them."

Yukito turned to look at her curiously. “Isn't that a Switchfoot song?” he asked, voicing the same thought Erin had. She nodded, giggling a little. "John Foreman wrote it first, then the movie--"

”I was incredibly nervous about singing it, and I realize I haven't been the most supportive friend recently to them, maybe because of that. Someone once told me that love means never having to say you're sorry, but I disagree with that, because sometimes, especially when you're in love, you need to say sorry in order to move forward. So, Erin and Yukito, I love you both, and I'm sorry. Here's your song."

"Awwww," Erin breathed, a smile spreading wider on her face as the music stirred the air and Yukito held her close to him. "You know, I really like this song...." she told him, feeling the absolute soreness in her face from the smiling and loving every second. No drama, no pain, no anger, no problems.... It had to be heaven.

"There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again...."


The way he held her against him, she could search his eyes over and over, finding the sweetest love inside of them. The deep color in his eyes reflected everything else about him: what he did, what he felt, what he thought, he did it all deeply, richly. So his love was deep and rich, too, and she was lucky enough to receive it.... It was more than enough to send a girl over the moon, so that's why he held her so tightly. Then they closed as his lips touched hers, and her own eyes shut out the rest of the world except for him. How was she so blessed?!

"So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope..."

“You remember the day we met?”

"'Course I do," she replied, matching his quiet tone and swaying to the melody. "You made me think my music was too loud, and I thought your accent made you even hotter." Giggles punctuated the comment. "And I think my parents still think we'd kissed that very first day before they'd got home."

“And our first date, too. Which was totally unplanned, since Tevin and Cassie dropped out and everything...”

That drew more giggles from her. "It was planned!" Not really, of course, but if you thought there was Fate, then it was sort of planned.... "It was sweet, beautiful Fate!"

“I think it was easier for me the first time than the second. The first time just popped up on us. The second time I had a chance to be nervous.” He smirked at her, making her laugh during the musical interlude.

"I made you nervous? What were you nervous about? That's so you, my husband," she chided playfully before giving him a kiss as the music soared.

"I give You my apathy
I'm giving You all of me
I want Your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back...[/i]