Billy-sapphire

You bit the inside of your cheek to hold back the tears. It was all so beautiful. The flowers, the garlands, the music. Everything you had always rejected. 

Sitting in your chair next to your partner, you watched as the groom nervously recited his vows while the bride gazed up at him with adoring eyes. Your eyes swept over the guests. They all looked radiant. Some were smiling, others were sighing.

As soon as the heartfelt words were spoken, a couple of little girls wearing flower crowns approached the engaged couple with a small cushion holding the wedding rings. One of them tripped on the carpet. Everyone laughed warmly. You clasped your hands together in your lap and held them tightly. 

The bride beamed as her almost-husband slid the wedding ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. As he leaned forward to kiss her, you burst into tears while the guests applauded and cheered.

"Are you crying, darling?" You felt your partner's warm hand cover yours.

You didn’t answer.

He just smiled and sighed.

How many times had he tested the waters with you about marriage? And how many times had you dismissed it, calling it just a piece of paper, an unnecessary formality, something cheesy?

The rest of the evening was a blur of joy. You were either dancing, eating or laughing. Sometimes all three at once.

By the time you returned to your hotel, your feet ached from the heels, but your heart glowed. You sat on the bed while your lover stared at you.

Shanks

“So…” he grinned and stepped closer, “did you like the wedding?”

“Yeah…” you stared at the floor.

“...But?” He ducked his head into your angle of vision, smiling mischievously.

“No but,” you pushed his head to the side.

“Ouch! What do you mean, no but? Didn't you say weddings were a cheesy thing for people with no creativity?”

“Yeah… well…” You slipped off your heels. “I liked this one.”

He laughed, “Oh yeah. You did like it. I even saw you cry!”

“Shanks, you're an idiot!"’ you threw one of your heels at him, “Shut up!”

He dodged it and crouched down, leaning on your knees.

“Oh no, I'm not shutting up until you say it.” 

“Say what?” you blinked at him innocently. 

A couple of seconds passed, but Shanks always ended up winning the silence contests.

“FINE!!!" You finally snorted "I-I want to get married, okay?! HAPPY?!”

“YES!!!!” He threw his arms in the air triumphantly, beaming and moving around the room in a ridiculous victory dance. “I knew it! I knew it! I WON!”

You rolled your eyes, already regretting everything you’d just said.

Beckman

“Doll...” he knelt in front of you, placing his hands on your thighs, ”why did you cry at the wedding?”

He knew. Of course he did. He knew you like the back of his hand.

“I just... “ you trailed off, avoiding his gaze. “It was a nice ceremony, wasn't it?“

“Yes,“ his fingers brushed your chin, making you raise your gaze, “But I thought you didn't like these kinds of events.“

You sighed, locking your pupils with his, “Yeah… that's what I thought.“ He smiled warmly at you and your heart swell. 

"Well," he rose to his feet. Your eyes went wide as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, elegant box. "If you ever change your mind…" 

"Becks..." your voice broke, "that box...?”

“Yes.”

Your eyes filled with tears. “H-have you always carried it with you?”

He gave you another smile and replied in his raspy voice. "Yes darling, just in case... You know I've always wanted to…”

You barely let him finish the sentence. You just ran to him and jumped into his arms.

Mihawk

“My dear, are you unwell?” he took off his feathered hat and fixed his amber eyes on you.

“No, my love, why?' you replied, removing the silver earrings he had offered you.

“I saw you crying at the ceremony.”

You sighed and stood up to help him remove his tie. 

“It's nothing, it's just... everyone was so happy that I... I had second thoughts…”

“Thoughts?” he took your hands in his, “What thoughts?”

“Oh nothing,” you played it down, “things like... weddings and… promises.” 

Your lover's eyes glowed. “My love... it's possible that… are you reconsidering?”

You nodded and his lips curved upwards in a blissful smile.

“Will you let me court you?” he said, soon returning to his usual serious self.

“Court me, Mihawk? When it's been years since we…”

“Shh,” he silenced you, running his fingers gently over your lips. Then he lifted your hand and placed a small kiss on it. “I'm going to find another room to spend the night."

“What?” you laughed, “Mihawk, what…”

“If we're going to do this, let's do it properly my dear," he rested his forehead against yours for a moment, then turned on his heel and disappeared.

You looked down at your freshly kissed hand, and a smile played in your lips as you imagined a ring on it.

..............................