don't you call me, baby.

Ladies and gentlemen, her: Allison Pellisier nee’ Hawthorne

Weddings are sweet things, nerve-wracking things that induce the sweetest of joys, the warmest of loves, and yet lurking around the corner would always be that sharp edge of panic, of anxiety. For Allison, Lara only wants the best. She only wants today to go perfectly. Both she and Mason had been nervous all day, perhaps she more than he, but as the woman walking Alli down the aisle, she knew her worries had to merely pale in comparison to those of the blonde she grinned at from the doorway. 

“I won’t make you cry,” She softly promises, already reaching for the blonde that after all these years considers her family as much as anyone else that had passed under and into the Winter household. Alli was getting married today. Alli was getting married. She’s found her person, her safety, her happiness and hugging the woman she nearly feels as though she’s going to start crying and she attempts to stifle the tenderness that threatens to overwhelm her with a smile, with a nod and small laugh before she fully answers. “Yes, I am.” Lara wants to lean in again with another hug, move her hands to hold the other’s face in sheer giddiness that the day had finally come. But, she refrains and pulls away, feeling somewhat like a fawn gingerly walking in her heels and dress. “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”

Do you need anything? The question hangs in the room, echoing as it had for the latter of the morning. Lara wasn’t the first to ask her this question and she knew for a fact she certainly wouldn’t be the last. Allison quickly shook her head before offering the woman a seat somewhere in her suite. She looked over her outfit, impressed as always. Though Lara never seemed to give herself much credit for being put together, Allison found she had to remind the woman just how much of her poise actually came from her. “Do you think these shoes are gonna be too much?” She asked as she brought out black stiletto's. There was only one fear she had which was accidentally stepping on her own cape train and getting so entangled in it that she couldn’t be able to get herself out. She then pressed on to show Lara the assortment of fruits and cold water pitchers that were already around the suite. For a brief moment, she held her hand over her stomach and shrugged, “I’ve been hydrating an ample amount, but I can’t get myself to eat.” She began, before she pouted. “Don’t look at me like that, it’s just...the excitement. It feels like it’s buzzing.” 

With a few more stylists that had entered the room, Allison soon found herself in her full entire, her black suit, her lace bodice, the cufflinks had even been tailored with her and Sanem’s initials with a daisy in the center. With her hair done and John’s heirloom in the middle of it, Allison offered Lara a broad smile as she asked her, “Close your eyes for a moment, and don’t peek.” When she was satisfied that the woman was following her direction, she briefly turned around and found the corsage she had asked Lily for. It was something that was typically given to the mother of the bride, but seeing as Rachel wasn’t allowed even a foot near the premises, Allison knew who she wanted to bestow this traditional garb too. She was quick to take hold of Lara’s hand and affix it onto her wrist before she said, “Okay now open.” 

STARTER FOR @crescentstarters​​                           OPEN TO: ANYONE

Cristina hadn’t factored in cars during her run. When the trail appeared to be vacant, she let her dog off the leash as she would in the past. It had been a while since they’d ran in the city and she’d mistaken how close they were to a busy road when her dog ran off and didn’t immediately pause for his name. Her feet pounded the pavement in an attempt to catch up, losing Arlo’s leash in the process. A hand fell on the dog’s back and her german mix was quick to come to a stop just as they neared the intersection. Kneeling down to catch her breath, Cris only returned to her full height when she heard nearby steps. “Sorry, do you mind handing me the leash that’s right by you?” She didn’t dare release Arlo until she was sure he was clipped back onto his leash

There was a new sense of optimism in the air for Allison, at least that’s how she felt as she walked out of her firm just days away from her honeymoon getaway with her wife. Walking downtown used to feel difficult especially with the caseloads she had taken on, but now that the work had been delegated to other associates, and with her emotional support dog Milo in tow, Allison could truly say this was probably one of the first times she felt fine walking in the middle of the hustle and bustle of town. She had been checking her phone to see what else was left in her agenda, when she felt Milo tugging her in the direction of some frenzied commotion. Green eyes darted up to see a near miss of a german mix coming to a stop near a busy intersection, a woman jogging after it in a frantic manner. She got close enough where she felt the dog wouldn’t go any further, and she obliged at her request, being careful not to accidently hand off her own dogs leash. “This one right?” Allison asked, “Do you need me to hold on to his collar or anything? You seem out of breath.” 

Landon’s eyes narrowed as Allison turned on her role of lawyer. He had to admit, she was good– her voice remained neutral, not wavering to one way or the other. As much as Landon tried, he couldn’t figure out if whatever Oliver had told her was positive. Why did she have to be just as annoying as the doctor? “I was hoping your morals,” he rolled his eyes, “would go out the window for your brother-in-law. Especially if it was going to help keep me out of you and Sanem’s hair.” Landon snorted and looked up at the blonde, a sly smile crossing his face. “I mean, lawyers walk the thinnest line between being a narc and the most trustworthy people you’d ever meet. I have to say, I am disappointed in the path you chose tonight,” he scoffed.

“God, you’re telling me,” Landon mumbled in agreement. It was well-known that the man couldn’t keep a plant alive no matter how much he tried, but still he was trusted to keep not one, but two dogs alive. Odd. “I remember he tried to put a bouquet of flowers in a vase but he filled it with dirt instead of water,” he shook his head, trying not to smile fondly at the memory. “I’m just hoping he accepts them…whether they end up at the office or his home doesn’t matter to me,” Landon looked over at Allison and shrugged, “if they stay at his house though, I can go over more often and help him keep them alive…,” he trailed off. 

Allison gave Landon a swift but unapologetic kick to the shin at his comment pertaining to her teetering around being a narc or being a trustworthy cohort. It wasn’t a topic that she talked about at length with the man, but she would be damned if he ever joked about her being anything less than thorough and righteous in her career path. There were enough snakes within the firm and in town for Allison to handle, she had no intention of joining their league. “You think years and years of being under oath would make me give up anything, especially for my in-laws?” Allison asked with her brow quirked up. “Dream on Landon, besides it might help you in the long run to try this nifty thing called communication. I hear it’s all the rage.” 

To try to be in the middle as possible, she tapped on the counter top to alert an employee. “Hi, we can have these delivered from here too right?” She questioned, before she allowed Landon any type of interference. “Can these be sent to this address?” She asked before writing down Oliver’s practice address. If they made it to the office first she only hoped to god the doctor wouldn’t carry it home with him. In truth, she didn’t trust Landon’s intentions, especially with his track record. “Consider this my first gift to you, brother.” 

***

“Oh for the love of fucking Christ,” Skylar scoffed out, fingers squeezing on the door knob. It was locked, hell she even installed the damn door herself, wanting something a little more reinforced than the cheap door her townhouse came with, so she knew better that she’d have any success of opening it. Concern was beginning to take over and the best way she knew to react was to feel annoyed over it. The small things did these days. Keeping the groan inside her throat, she leaned against the doorway and crossed her arms like a petulant child though she’d drop the pretense just as easily. “How do you not–… okay, fine. I will give you exactly one minute before I barge through the damn thing myself. Hell, I’m going to open the timer on my phone here…” She bought out her personal cell phone, opening up a color-by-numbers app that was meant to promote calmness within, though it did anything but.

The irritation that was evident in Skylar’s words only made Allison’s panic spike even further. She knew she couldn’t lock herself in the bathroom forever but there were no goddamn windows in this particular space either. She could have tossed the plastic back into the trash, completely bald-face lied about what was taking her so long but she felt it would have been such a slap to the face to Skylar. When it came to loyalty, Allison had high regard for it when it came to the woman, but the thought of her actively abusing pain pills, it was too much to bear if though she was quite literally holding the evidence in her hands. She knew the woman’s threats were probably true, but to make sure she had what she needed, she carefully opened the medicine cabinet, looking for anything that seemed amiss until she found the aspirin bottle that had a cap that had been left slightly popped up. Hands shaking, she gently picked up the bottle, knowing full well the shake and sound of it was echoing in the space. She shook it until a pill came out to confirm that it matched the loose pill that was inside of the plastic bag. Placing the bottle back into the cabinet and before Skylar could hurt herself more by kicking in the door, Allison unlocked the door and felt the cool air whoosh in front of her face. “Why do you have this?” She asked. 

John tilted his head, moving to get a better look but it seemed like the tailor had no problem at all. Along with that came the quick confirmation that made John beam back at them both, a sense of relief settling within him as well. No one deserved it more to have the most perfect day than Alli and Sanem did after all. John Followed Alli with slow steps, a small laugh escaping as he shook his head. “No, I think you should be fine now,” he promised softly. It felt good to know that any random occurrences would be handled and neither of the men around them would let there be any room for harm. It felt peaceful and John wanted nothing more for them.

He’d come to a stand near her, a small, sleek box in his hands now from where he’d retrieved it from his pocket. An almost shy grin spread on his lips as he shook his head, a chuckle escaping. “Oh, no. I’m all set, don’t worry about me,” John told her swiftly, biting his lip as a grin spread across his features. It felt much bigger now than he’d expected. More meaningful and he let out a breath. “Yes, it is,” he confirmed, opening the box to reveal the piece. Something borrowed. And something that would now hold a meaning that John had never expected. “If you’d still like to wear it, I can put it on you - carefully,” he joked. “I’d hate to cause another crisis. One is enough.” With that, he took it from the box carefully, his eyes full of emotion now as he smiled at Alli. A woman who’d shown him nothing but warmth and kindness all along.

When John opened the box to the hair piece that he had offered to her at the bridal shop just weeks ago, her first immediate reaction was to cover her mouth. Her jaw had dropped open instantly looking at the classic grandeur of the piece. Before an odd croaking sound could be more audible than a whisper, Allison delicately reached for the box though quickly withdrew her hand away, nearly afraid that if she touched it, it would simply shatter like glass. The thought of having another mini crisis that had to do with her wardrobe or anything on her person would have been catastrophic but the feelings that Allison was dealing with was a whole new terrain. She’d never been given much by her own parents growing up, at least not anything materialistic. In Allison’s web of care and her own experience, all she’d ever known was that if someone were to give something there was always a catch, always a need for someone to want something else from her, but with John, she knew there wasn’t anything material the man would want from her, or ever ask of her for. She turned to the mirror, watching their reflections as she nodded for him to proceed. 

Her hair had already been prepared modestly where at the crown of her head was a braid while the rest of her blonde hair had been curled into waterfall curls. She pointed to the center of the braid, trying her best not to tilt her head to the side to grant John the precision he needed. “I think that might be a good for it, right?” She asked quietly. Before she knew it the hair piece had been affixed delicately onto her hair and while she thought it would feel heavy, she found herself feeling a lightness that emanated through her finger tips. It somehow had brought her entire look together, even more so then before. She wasn’t sure when the tears had formed in her eyes but she did her best to swipe them away. They were joyous tears, tears from being so overwhelmed from the statement behind John allowing her to borrow this gift, to allow her to have this being her something borrowed. “I told myself I wasn’t going to fall to pieces before the ceremony but god, it’s gorgeous.” 

To be completely honest, Max had never really understood the plot of the movie and he only remembered the basics. This weird dialogue he could not recall and it made him snort now and then while Alli commented on it ❛ I don’t know, it feels like it’s written by a teenager, ❜ he said with an amused chuckle before frowning, a hesitant look on the screen and then back to Alli before he shrugged. ❛ The character or the actor? I dunno, Lautner is younger than me, I think, ❜ Max said casually, as if the knowledge didn’t stem from a celebrity crush he’d had a decade ago. He didn’t really know what the guy looked like now. 

❛ I think I could make that happen sometime, ❜ the man nodded, taking a note of the food in his head so he could search up a recipe. It couldn’t be that hard. He’d made ravioli before. Just stuff some mushrooms in there and they were sent right to Fork…. No wait, what was the name of the city these vampires and wolves lived in anyway? Never mind. He shook his head, chuckling as he looked over at the blonde and stuffed some popcorn in his mouth. ❛ Don’t worry about it. That app is pretty dry anyway, especially in a small town. You just vaguely know half the people on there, it’s weird. ❜

In theory, Max was the perfect participant to accompany the woman to the movie, especially for the sake of how wonderful his facial expressions were. The story itself seemed on par for what seemed to be a formula that ensnared plenty of people under a certain spell. Impossible romance, usually half of the romantic pair had to be of another species, then came the impossible task of seeing a sustainable future. But then Allison couldn’t help but wonder, just how much of that could have been amplified by the horrible misfortune that was puberty. “I know they’re supposed to be 17, but jesus I couldn’t imagine being that into a person, especially at the point of saying forever.” Then again, Allison had completely skipped out on the high school sweetheart, no one had really caught her eye and she wasn’t particularly looking, not when her nose was stuck in a book and her eyes were strained from trying to read as much as she could about common law before she had even gotten into law school. “Have you ever felt that way?” She found herself asking out of the blue. 

She couldn’t help but smirk as Max had explained the app that she had thrown his way was slim pickings and that the awkward part was that as small as Crescent was, it wasn’t a joke to say it was a place where everyone knew everyone. “Are you saying then everyone in this town is on a vague hunt to feel something?” The ‘villains’ of the movie were gracing the screen now, the mention of Bella’s scent and whatever else echoing through the space. “She must smell like paradise for all of them to fixate on her like that.” 

The next string of words spoken to her, flowing from an intonation of tenderness, caused the smile perpetually curved to reach higher towards her eyes. Within the vast culmination of memories they’ve created already, she remembered how that saying was written out to her with the unexpected gifted trip to her birth country. The same one that’d cemented the course for the rest of their lives, bringing them both to this very moment with each other and entire future ahead. Couple by the feeling of being held within her palms, the dancer was truly whole. ❝ O zaman bu iyi bir şey her yer beni sana götürüyor, meleğim. ❞ The lightest giggle falls from her lips, with a scrunch of her nose then. It was any wonder how, even with the vows they’d just expressed to each other, neither would ever seem to run out of adoring material. If not for the music and crowd of guests around them reminding her of their need to head back down the aisle together, she could’ve remained within this moment for — an indeterminate amount of time in truth.

Radiant shine beams off both as they make their way back into the chateau, dark hues catching the outpour of cheerfulness coming from everyone else. Cocktail hour had been kicking off now, with the reception to follow, and it’d finally be a reprieve of time they could simply be with one another, alone after an entire day of restlessness, now as newlyweds. At the very least till they were whisked away to take wedding portraits. For a beat there was silence, comfortable, taking in each other fully, the blonde’s gaze had always caused her heart to thump in ways it never had before. And presently that sensation was only multiplied. Just like the instant flutter of a blink, solace of whispered sweet nothings and enveloped embrace was interrupted by words that everyone had been ready and just waiting on them to make that official appearance as Mrs. 

One by one the bridal parties entered the ballroom, with their grand entrance saved for last, still in wonderment of everything Lily had been able to set up, despite already having a sneak peak just earlier on. Cheeks reddening profusely yet again as Allison gave her the spotlight, before leading onto the dance floor, with all eyes trained on them both. Hands clasped as the melody of their chosen song played and they began to move in tandem with the beats. ❝ Has someone been practicing without me ? ❞ Questioned as a small tease, softly chuckling, head tilting towards the side as her vision roams her wife’s features. ❝ You know, I never got the chance to say, between how much you made me keep blushing from all the mouthed compliments, but god, you are so incredibly stunning. As eternal as it might’ve felt, I’m glad we skipped the first look, seeing you at the end of the aisle was beyond worth it. If not for dad — and the possibility of tripping, I was fully ready to sprint right to you. ❞ 

The photographers and videographer they had gone with were silent but constantly moving. She caught a few from the corner of her eye and wondered if her look of confusion would translate well on film before her attention returned solely back on her blushing bride. “I couldn’t not tell you what I was feeling, isn’t that the whole point of this?” Allison said with a grin. The softer the song had gotten, the lighter she felt and she chuckled as she looked down at Sanem’s shoes. “I’ve seen you wear higher heels, there’s no way that could have taken you down, but the fabric of your dress snagging on them? The chances might be slightly higher.” Ears pinked up a bit as she mentioned Lawrence but instead of saying my dad, she simply said dad. It was an adjustment that Allison would have to get used to for sure. “He looked like he had a firm grip on your arm, like he knew what you were plotting.” She said with soft laughter. “It was worth it though, I think they would have sparkled either way, but there was something really ethereal watching it happen under arches of flowers with the sun in the horizon. It almost reminded me of Izmir.” Allison admitted. 

Eyes scanned the crowd and with the table settings she could see Sanem’s biological parents in the distance, a soft smile and wave being sent their way, she couldn’t help but feel grateful to them for not only their blessings but for the sheer sake that they had brought Sanem into the same timeline that she existed in. Once the song had slowed, she dipped the dancer down and laced a sweet kiss on her lips, before she asked, “Ready for the rest of this party?”

There were multiple courses served up for dinner, salads, an assortment of the usual choice of chicken, beef, pork, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Allison sampled plenty of the food and made it a habit to ask Sanem to take a bite afterword so she could know her opinion on it. Copious amounts of alcohol were being served but Allison was on the side of caution just wanting to bask in the moment and remember every little detail as best as she could. Then came the tapping of glasses where speeches began to ring through the space as guests sat at their tables eating their fill. Quinn’s nearly made Allison sob like a child and the immense need to give him a bear hug was not a futile one as she embraced the man with everything she had. If there was one thing she had learned as she tried to repair her vision of what family meant, it was that they always showed up for you, no matter the scenario and to have Quinn beside her on her special day it meant more to her than she could express. 

Then came Lily’s speech which drew a fond smile and a dewy appearance in her eyes. She mouthed a sorry to Lily’s direction, the story of her trolling Lily coming into fruition as Allison whispered to Sanem, “I’ll have to fill you in on those details later.” Then of course came Landon’s speech, one that was sentimental and one that she knew mattered a lot to the dancer beside her, though both of her eyebrows raised at Landon’s declaration about their...mostly timely end. She couldn’t help but mutter to the brunette, “He’s joking right?” Finally came time for a lovely rouse of more dancing, more wining and dining, and then it was time for them to cut their cake. The smoothness of the knife going down the tier was like cutting through butter, she carefully fed a piece to Sanem before having a taste on her own. “God, everything about this is so magical.” Her eyes landed on the brides bouquet and she smirked, “Wanna take a bet on who will catch it? Don’t aim for Landon,” She warned.  

His whole life, it had been just him and Sanem. If he needed to tell her anything, he did it immediately. With Allison in the picture, Landon realized that he hadn’t added her to his ‘in case of emergency’ contacts in his phone– though the emergency was only keeping her informed of his turbulent love life. “I don’t know where we stand either,” he shrugged and looked up at his sister-in-law. “But he slept over. Just slept and nothing more,” Landon admitted after a moment. 

“I know that you and Ollie are friends,” he said, though it was more of a reminder to himself, “but I can’t believe he spoke to you– my family– about me.” The faintest grin appeared on his face. Did Landon mean that much to the other man? That he had to speak to his sister-in-law for help? Had he spoken to Sanem? “Considering I live in an apartment, I don’t think he ever burned the cut-out,” Landon laughed, “but maybe he didn’t do it because he loves me. Did he…did he say that he loves me?”

The overwhelming need to pinch Landon behind the neck like a cat who had gotten its head into something it shouldn’t have been in was immensely strong. But she stopped herself from grabbing onto the delicate terrain, if only for the sake of not giving Sanem grief or giving Landon ammunition to continue whatever it was that was happening between himself and Oliver. A part-time magician and a Dermatologist, who would have thought? When Landon asked Allison about whether or not the other man had said he had loved him, she held her hand up. “I’m a neutral party, I will not take sides or spill secrets and that’s on my laurels of morality.” She began. “I’ve also been called a narc one too many times this week and I’d like to not add fuel to that unsubstantiated stance.” 

Still her lips pursed as she looked at the bouquet that Landon was carefully picking out and she couldn’t help but fold her arms together. Whether or not things were platonic or way more friends-with-benefits it was something that would come to the surface. “Are these for his office or his place? Cause they’ll die if they go to his place.” 

“Uh…yeah,” he looked at her, a bit shocked that she remembered, especially since she had been spending most of her time wedding planning. “I know you don’t care, but we like…don’t have to talk about it,” Zay feigned a smile. They were close friends, but there were still parts of each other that he’d be okay with keeping private. A light blush came over his cheeks and he rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t anything on purpose,” he nudged the woman who clearly enjoyed making something out of nothing. “Uh, I think she’s outside smoking right now, but do you mean in general? Because like…I don’t know. We’ve made out a few times and just been hanging out. I guess things are okay since she came here with me but,” he shrugged, “who knows, right?”

The lawyers brow raised briefly. It was a good sign that the woman’s latter occupation wasn’t a major topic of interest, but Allison couldn’t deny the fact that she was curious about what their conversation could have been like. Then when Zay confirmed it was certainly a lot more physical experience rather than vocal expression she couldn’t help but smirk. “You dog,” She teased as she pushed him slightly. She knew she’d have to make her rounds from guest to guest, but she figured that if and when she spotted Nel, it might have been good practice not to give her the full 21 questions in the middle of the lawyers own wedding reception. She had free reign though from the time between her departure for her honeymoon. “Who knows indeed,” Allison began. “But if she makes you happy, that’s all that really matters, doesn’t it?”  

At first glance, Oliver wasn’t really prepared to see Alli standing next to him. He wasn’t entirely sure how these things worked, but he could have sworn the wedding party wasn’t seen until the ceremony. “You look incredible,” He smirked, dodging the question, before turning away from her. He wanted to turn away so that Alli wouldn’t necessarily see him pull the collar of his shirt from his neck as he thought about the rest of the evening. Oliver and Landon didn’t come to the wedding together, nor did he think that they would interact. He was hopeful, of course, knowing that they had spent more time together recently. Time was supposed to heal all wounds, right? “I’m single tonight, yes,” He sipped on the refill this time, wanting the drink to stay so that he’d have even more reason to ignore Alli. He hadn’t set eyes on the other man yet, but as he followed Alli’s gaze, he found him in the crowd, as dazzling as ever, the smile undeniably on his lips as he tried to push it away. He raised his eyebrows slightly at Alli before turning towards the bar again, “I, unfortunately, don’t know what he’s doing tonight. I do know that he’s most likely going to perform a card trick during the speeches,” He pinched his inner cheek between his teeth. “He’s been practicing.” Oliver turned towards the blonde again, a hint of a smile on his lips, “Don’t you have somewhere to be other than asking me about your new brother-in-law?”

At first the man seemed startled to see the woman and for that she felt slightly apologetic about the ordeal but she couldn’t help but offer him an apologetic smile before her eyes glanced over to the center of the room where Landon had just appeared. He was like a modern day Jekyll and Hyde, where he would smile at some family but then grow sour with strangers he couldn’t or didn’t recognize. Such was the chaos that filled her brother-in-law. “Oh Oliver, trust me I have thousands of places I should be and if I had worn the ear piece that Landon insisted about us all as a bridal party I would probably hear some barking orders, yet here I stand,” Allison said with a sly smile. “With a man who is so doe-eyed for a Reid.” Allison settled for her usual drink, the coolness of it allowing it to fully quench her thirst while giving her some liquid courage to push forward a little more. Oliver had confirmed he’d shown up single, a direct correlation to what Landon had been discussing with her days ago at the flower shop she’d caught him in. “So you came here stag, and you’re not sure if it’ll stay that way?” She questioned. Though she knew Oliver was a master as averting questions he wasn’t ready to answer, she went with her best bet, “Did you enjoy the flowers he got you?” 

***

“It’s over –…” Skylar’s words disappeared into the void as her eyes followed Allison from behind, fingers focused on loosening the laces of her boots so she could comfortably insert her feet in. Thankfully her ankle was on the mend, the swelling have subsided considerably so she could get around without much issue. The addition of extra pain medicine certainly helped, knowing she wasn’t going to run out anytime soon put her mind at ease. She finished tying her laces, straightened out the minuscule creases in her buttoned-up shirt, bought out her make-up mirror to make sure her face was on-point. Doing all of these little things made her realize the time and how long it had been since her friend left for the restroom. A cause for concern had her getting up from her seat, ambling her way toward the restroom. Delicately knocking on the door, she leaned against the doorway. “Hey, babe,” Skylar cooed out, heartbeats quickening in pace. Surely, her friend had no idea and she was overthinking for nothing. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. She felt confident in how well she had hidden the hefty supply she had illegally obtained. There was no cause for concern and she kept telling herself that over and over again. “Hope you’re not stinking up the place because you’re cleaning it up if you are. You doing alright in there?”

The flimsy plastic was delicate between Allison’s fingertips, and all she could do was draw in a heavy breath. If this had been a conventional over-the-counter it should have been in a bottle, shouldn’t it? This pill looked as if it had been snarled within its confines, stuffed to the brim and hurried away, hand to hand. But what didn’t make sense to the lawyer was how long this had been going on for. Had she missed the signs? Had she chosen to wave away Skylar’s moodiness and the tension between them as just something cosmic? That was when she heard Skylar’s voice resonating from the other side of the locked door. She gasped lightly, but gripped harder until the plastic even more. The tone seemed light hearted but Allison couldn’t help but feel like she was being caught red-handed in something she wasn’t meant to find. How could she bring it up when it was all just wild assumptions that were flooding her mind? Was she alright? Absolutely not. But she didn’t know what else to say for the moment. “I- I don’t know.” She answered back lamely. Her hand reached for the handle of the door, contemplating unlocking it and allowing the woman to see the scene, but she wasn’t ready. “I just need a minute.” 

Attention flits towards both bridal parties, either side full of grins to watch two individuals they cared for be wedded. Giddiness flowing even more so off Damla, who’d probably been their biggest supporter since the very beginning. Giving the youngest Bayrak a mirrored gleam in return, then peering back to her love. She’d seen her in suits before for countless occasions, and every time couldn’t help but think of how incredibly she always wore them. Yet — getting a full glimpse now of the silk cape among an impeccably tailored ensemble, there didn’t seem like quite enough of a perfect word to describe just how phenomenal she looked. The sight of her entire being so luminescent in the sunlight blanketing the entire outdoor space caused that little thumping organ in Sanem’s chest to skip several beats. Between how already erratically it’d behaved on the walk here. When her father went to get seated after sharing a small moment with Allison, her eyes followed the man briefly, catching what was a — sublime memorial, set up for her mother beside, at the same time. Quiet gasp leaving her throat as she felt a breath catch, looking back over to the other woman, who’s expression already gave her the answer to an unspoken but understood query. The utter surprise on her features fell away to a smile forming once again, sure that her eyes were already glistening. A part of her taking it as the sign she needed, to know that in some capacity that Alanah was here, watching over the nuptials with the rest of her family. Mouthing a soft ‘thank you’ as their hands clasped, fitting together perfectly just as they always had, and were always meant to. 

❝ Olmayı tercih edeceğim bir yer yok, aşkım. ❞ Responding in dulcet tones without a second thought. So often had the dancer heard people talk about the way they fantasize their wedding day to be, a picturesque fairytale dreamt from childhood onwards. While there’d been snippets of time she contemplated ever that possibility for herself, she still never got quite the same imagery. Even after becoming best friends with someone who truly loved everything that encompassed romance. Then ever so gradually did that scope of view change when their lives crossed paths once again, more especially after being proposed to and came the months of preparation to be right where they were now standing. In front of hundreds of people here to witness their storybook begin a beautiful new chapter, the way she felt when seeing herself in the mirror earlier. Neither of which as more powerful as how green hues were focused solely on her, with a profound affection, like being far more revered than the most precious work of art to exist. Safe to say while she may not have mused this point in time as many did, the past year had made up for it infinitely. 

While the ceremony kicked off finally, Sanem listened intently to everything being said, but the attentiveness of dark eyes remined on Allison. With every compliment she lipped, the grin she bore grew wider, uncaring if by the end of the day her cheeks ached. Or the deep rosy tint heated upon her complexion became a permanent shade of blush, it was worth it just to be so loved by her. The personable deliverance given had been filled with a medley of heartfelt sincerity on their journey together and playful additions, much of which on the latter had to with Landon, eliciting a symphony of chuckles from everyone. While she didn’t assume anyone would actually object, suppose it was a decision from the case of better safe than sorry. Then came time for each of them to say their vows, knowing this was when the height of her emotions, and probably of those around. Unable to blink away the tears as a few pooled over, cascading down her cheeks in the middle of Alli’s ever thankful the mascara kept intact. Especially as it was her turn, every syllable that mellifluously rolled off her tongue carried a portion of the grander scale of her devotion, each. 

Next came the more traditional part in asking if they took each other to the fullest degree, positive she couldn’t beam any harder hearing those two words, I do. Taking everything in her not to just cut it off halfway when the same was asked of her, and just shout it back at the top of her lungs. She’d waited this long, what was a few more seconds really. Did she promise with her complete self to have and hold, comfort honor and be with through every prosperity and hardship that may come their way ? There was no doubt about it whatsoever in any corner of her mind, ❝ Absofuckinglutely, I do. ❞ It came out before she fully realized yet had not a single regret about the chosen mash up of a word. The rings were exchanged, slipping easily on either left hand, and without further ado, they were officially pronounced wives, all that was left was to seal it with a kiss. It was chaste yet vehemently brimming with passion all the same, with a cheers coming from all around. Pulling apart, lithe hands held both sides of Alli’s face. ❝ Ready for forever, Mrs. Pellisier - Reid ? ❞

With no reservations left to have, Allison waited a beat as the same traditional questions were being asked to Sanem, and she couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her response. She drew a hand up to her mouth to hide a flurry of laughter that had echoed into the crowd, and she quickly drew it back to hold Sanem’s hand once more. The officiant had made a comment about how they weren’t aware cursing was on the table, and Allison couldn’t help but banter back, “It’s in the Reid name, being completely unconventional.” But in the same vein, she felt relieved to hear her saying I do. With their wedding bands being passed over to them, it was easy slipping the ring onto her ring finger, saying a silent prayer to herself that forever really truly did mean forever. Then came the proclamation that now in the state of Washington, they were officially wed. She’d done it, she’d made Sanem her wife. 

Allison didn’t have a moment to think before she drew Sanem in close and felt her lips against her own, the comfort and familiarity of it bringing her warmth and love all in one fell swoop. As they pulled apart, she couldn’t dare to bring her hands away from the crook of her face, but the music that played to guide them back down the aisle runner and into the chateau began to play and she couldn’t help but grin. “Seni her yerde takip edeceğim aşkım.”

Walking hand in hand back into the chateau with Sanem, she couldn’t help but smile gleefully at the guests who snapped pictures, blew kisses at them, and then for the briefest moment as the brides were escorted back to the main waiting area where they would be stowed away until after cocktail hour was over, Allison couldn’t help but look over at her with the most sheepish grin. The way the dress hugged onto her curves in such a flattering manner, the gentle touch of lace and the vivid whites that shone through, the softness of her veil and how it intermingled with the tendrils of her hair, she was such a sight to behold and she spent the hour letting her new bride know how much she couldn’t take her eyes off of her. 

The sparks were undeniably, but before they both had realized it, the hour had passed and guests were filtering into their tables and waiting for the announcement of the bridal party. Couple by couple went in front of the brides until they were introduced and Allison couldn’t help but direct her arms to point over at Sanem to give her the center of attention. With the bridal party being seated, she carefully passed Sanem’s bouquet to Lily as she led Sanem to the middle of the dance floor in order to engage in their first dance. 

John had known from the start that this day would get to him – not in a bad way in the slightest but in a way that pulled his heartstrings. He adored both Sanem and Alli with all he had and seeing Alli in such a different kind of beautiful was definitely not helping the emotion bubbling up in his chest. She’d welcomed him with open arms, the moment she’d given him the chance to prove himself and knowing that she approved of him. Of Quinn and him. That was all he’d needed before settling into accepting her as a part of his family in return. He’d heard about the mishap, the sheer horror of something like this happening so randomly right before your big moment and yet, John had been sure that Alli would be fine – she deserved nothing more than the perfect day with her not-for-much-longer fiancée.

A grin spread across John’s lips the moment his eyes met Alli’s and he gave her hands a gentle squeeze, a silent reassurance. He was dressed in a simple black suit, not wanting to steal the show in the slightest with any other more out there pieces, merely a set of bold rings and thick-framed glasses adding a bit of luxury to his look. Another gentle laugh escaped him as he shook his head. “Oh god, don’t put so much trust in me – I’m already feeling very fragile today,” he joked, taking a step back to look her over. “Ripped pants or not, you look stunning, Alli,” John breathed. “I’m so glad they could fix it in time…now that this is out of the way, I’m sure nothing can go wrong anymore. You’re right though, I won’t let it,” he added, his tone genuine and firm, as if he was making sure this was nothing but the truth. “How do you feel?”

"I think I’ll breathe a little easier once I know for sure that my wedding pants can be saved?” Allison said, her voice a little concerned, though the tailor had risen up just as she spoke the statement with a grin and a thumbs up. Allison turned to face the mirror and found that the pants were as good as new, with no trace of figuring out where the rip had been. She could feel her shoulders finally dropping down, the pressure of the event coming to a close. “You are magical,” She spoke to the tailor who excused themselves out of the room. She faced John once more, carefully walking over to the lounge chair that she had been plopped into for a multitude of times in the morning alone. “If I sit here until it’s time, I should have no other interferences in theory right?” She leaned her face into the palm of her hand, feeling a multitude of emotions. It was finally here, the day she’d been dreaming of in both good ways and in irrational nightmares, mainly from the anxiety she garnered from her parents showing up, but from the security system and team that Landon had been hounding she felt safe, and now knowing Quinn was in the vicinity and John being with her now, she felt like she couldn’t have asked for a better group of men to safeguard her. 

She motioned for John to come take a seat next to her but noted how he stood, fumbling with something in his hands. “Did you need me to put any cufflinks on for you? Maybe a watch?” She asked, before she canted her head to the side. His energy didn’t seem nervous but whatever was about to happen she could feel delicate undertones in the general vibe between them. That was when she felt through her hair and remembered the item that John had promised to her and she couldn’t help but dart her eyes down as she said, “Is that the heirloom?” 

He gave a nod of thanks and continued to devour the antipasta and various appetizers. The good news was Zay was going to try his best to get some of this food home so he could eat it tomorrow and probably the next day– Alli and Sanem weren’t going to have any wasted money on food costs. “Uh, yeah, it’s Eleanor. Nel,” he said. “You, uh…the last time you saw her it was on my laptop screen and she, uh, she wasn’t like…wearing clothes,” he blushed before grabbing a champagne flute. Why did the drink taste spicy? “I know this wasn’t the dinner you were expecting to meet her at, but you should try to uh, talk to her if you get the chance,” a shrug. There was clearly more that she wanted to know, solely based on her facial expressions. “She looks really pretty though, doesn’t she?”

Allison quickly looked around them hoping that the guests hadn’t heard Zay’s outlandish and certainly not-safe-for-life statements about Nel. She spoke in a hushed tone, “Is that the girl where you were explaining that you were searching for a website for air fans but you landed on OnlyFans instead? Which by the way, I don’t care about what you do in your free time or how you...express yourself? But uh,” She made sure she was directly beside him so the people near them could not hear anything else she could possible be saying. “I mean I guess this is technically a dinner for me to get to know her, you two even match.” She said with a small smile. “Are things ...going well?”