#mendingbrokenhearts

The reception is a busy mass of people, chattering, and food. John and Hunter have the tablet nearest the centre of the veranda, table covered with dark blue cloth and decorated with reds and purples, anything matching. On either side would be Jane and Dave, both still dressed to their nines and happily enjoying the banter. And John is happiest, with his seat scooted close to Hunter so that his husband’s arm can wrap warmly around his shoulder. When he isn’t there, he is talking, receiving congratulations from everyone, and hopefully turning to watch Hunter gathering the same. Hunter can say what he likes, these people still love and like him just fine... John’s chaotic display of a family was Hunter’s now, and he wouldn’t be alone.

Speaking of family, John can see his dad is behaving himself and Huang is functioning well as a mediator between those he knows.. He is excited to see Draco made it! Feferi was here too, Handmaid, and a few others from the ring. John is elated to know they had the chance to step away from the tense situation that was the ring. Wendy is here, looking as regal as usual, and even the pleasant surprise of Mrs Paint and her own husband of another Boxcars! They greet him with love and adoration, though John knows that Hunter is probably wary of his own alternate. 

John and Hunter return to their tables, food is served and so is more wine. John is at ease, the stress of the morning gone, and all thanks to his friends, family, and husband. He hopes to god that when he leans up and presses a kiss into Hunter’s jaw and hugs him gently around the neck while whispering an ‘I love you’ gets the point across. 

   “Are you sure it’s all straight?” John is standing in front of a mirror, continuously adjusting the bow tie on his neck and the lapels of his suit. He feels suddenly out of place in it, like this isn't supposed to be made for him. But the last two months of fitting and refitting were tediously spent making sure it was made just for him. But, that doesn’t stop him from fretting. Jane is beside him in a moment, adjusting the tie and giving his chest a gentle pat.

     “John, I swear you look fine! Stop looking for missed details! Now shut up and let me put your corsage on you.”

John turns, a small frown on his face while he lets her pin the flower into place, more lilies that look lovely up against his suit. He gives a deep sigh and lets his hands stop fidgeting in front of him, looking at his cousin with a soft and thankful look.

    “Thank you, Jane.. I’m just nervous.. Like, I know we are already technically married, but still! The actual ceremony is always a huge deal, not to mention this whole thing was planned in like two months so! It’s hurried and sloppy and..” Jane has a hold of his face, forcing him to stop babbling, “John, it’s fine.. It looks beautiful out there, I made sure of it.. I had to stop Dave from causing shit, but it looks beautiful, this will be beautiful, and you look dashing as ever.”

John is about to speak up before the door to their room pushes open, and speak of the devil, Dave looks through.

Aly had spend her last two days in some kind of blurr, the time seemed to stand still but at the same time go by so fast. She wouldn't admit it to everyone but she did miss Cooper a lot. She had realised how much she had hurt Cooper with saying that they'd never been a family - but it was too late when she realised it to turn it around again. Aly tried to keep her mind off of him as much as possible, what worked quite already but at night, when she was alone in the bed, she couldn't find any rest. 

Even though the young woman hadn't really slept or eaten in the last days, she decided to bring Hailey in the daycare, since she felt a little better, and go to the dance studio herself. That was always something that got her mind off of things that bothered her. After a few hours of letting go, Aly got to a café she had found the last week to take a break before she got back. While drinking her hot chocolate she got a message from Cooper, asking her to come to the park. She had no idea what the reason was, thought he'd yell at her for telling her friends what he had said to me. After a few minuts of thinking she decided to go to that meeting, even though the chances it would leave her in tears again was high.