Whatever may come, your heart i will choose ♡
When: October 26th, 2024 Notes: The wedding.
The last 24h until he walked down that isle were the most nerve-wracking and exciting that Erik had ever lived. His mind was in overdrive, overfilled with love and anxiety and all of the plans for the future, for that ceremony, for that night. He went to sleep wrapped around Seth, in what had grown to be their nest of blankets and pillows in the overgrown ballroom. Ever since they started dating, that was where they gravitated towards, it was special, it was theirs. The dragon knew, though, that it wasn't be for long.
Seth had no idea about it, but he had arranged for a surprise upstairs, the place that was still somehow referred to as "Erik's bedroom". It was never theirs, upstairs. Seth had always been too polite and too mindful of Erik's space, he wouldn't put his own clothes in their closet until Erik told him it was okay. The dragon was set on making the angel feel like this was home, the whole mansion, every inch of it was Seth's now, officially. So he had arranged to move their things upstairs, electricians would come over in the morning, after Chris had rightfully kidnapped Seth to get ready - since apparently it was bad luck for the groom to see... the other groom, the day of the wedding - and they'd change the lighting fixtures in the bedroom, installing dimming lights, much warmer and cozier than the bright ones he had before. That was most of the reason why they stayed in the ballroom in the first place - it had a soft, diffuse light, thanks to the tall windows, and they could see the overgrown garden outside. There were also new plants being moved upstairs, his favorite vines that sneaked up the glass outside were repotted and moved to the balcony, so they could still see the greenery first thing in the morning.
And then there was Chris's wedding gift.
When Erik reached out to the young wolf asking him to kidnap his holy groom and make sure Seth didn't come to the mansion until the ceremony, Chris asked why - because of course he did. And Erik might've been a bit too eager to talk about his plans, and the wolf was eager to listen, so the 30 minutes that followed were filled with quick hand gestures and squeals from the boy. Erik mentioned the only downside of moving upstairs was losing the view of the stars at night, and Chris asked why not set up a projector onto the ceiling. After explaining to the dragon what in hell's wide land was a projector, Erik was set in the idea. Chris, ever the thoughtful though, asked if he could make a "special projection" as a wedding gift. Confused, Erik agreed.
That's how, in the afternoon before his own wedding, the dragon was standing in the middle of his bedroom, the lights off and projector on, looking up with tears streaming down his face. Somehow - by technological witchcraft, he was certain - Christopher managed to emulate the perfect view of the sky back when he was first awake, 600 years ago. Erik recognized it right away, there were three times more stars, the sky was clear and bright, and he recognized some that weren't visible nowadays anymore.
This was home.
The idea that he was going to get to share it, all of it, with Seth made his heart beat so loud in his chest that Erik was certain Seth could hear it across town.
The hours that followed were a true test of his friendship with both Jason and Warren, since the dragon couldn't seem to stop talking. He did a last round, checking on the staff-
"Is the ballroom ready?" "Yes, sir." "What about the painting I told you to-" "Hung by the catering table, sir." "Did the gardeners finish-" "Yes, the overgrown is groomed to a respectable amount, sir." "Good. But did the cake-" "Already conditioned as to Master Seth's orders, sir."
And once Erik seemed to be either satisfied with the answers or ran out of questions, he moved to get ready. Having the Alfa werewolf of the Hollows Creek pack and war incarnate standing side by side in a room commenting about his hair was an experience, for sure, and Erik was glad they kept the eye roll count to a minimum every time he asked.
He could see the sun threatening to come down when Erik nodded one last time to his mirror, swallowing hard. The dragon pocketed the rings - of the purest of golds, forged from one of his scales - and his vows - scribbled in a selection of thick napkins, because it was way too early for him to have thought about bringing his notebook when inspiration struck, when he watched Seth open up shop in a random Tuesday that his employee called in sick - and he was texting Seth, with the stupidest grin on his face.
"Ready to be my husband?"
Seth never imagined this day would come. Since his first moments on earth he wondered what it would be like to fall in love or to find someone to spend your existence with but he had made his peace with the idea that it was not something he would be destined to experience. That, until Erik appeared in his live and now he was the happiest he never imagined he could be.
Now, here he was, getting ready at his best friend's place for his wedding. HIS WEDDING! He couldn't stop smiling thinking about it. He was fresh out of the shower when his phone vibrated with a message from his soon to be husband. Which was quickly answered.
"I am! I cannot wait anymore. I have to admit I would have rather very much to have woken up beside you this morning, though."
If he chuckled like a schoolgirl with a crush when he checked his phone, Erik didn't care. Not today. "I know, but it's said to be bad luck for me to see you - and you see me - before the wedding ): BUT HEY, in an hour or so you'll get to see me again (:"
Seth pouted to his screen when Erik said it was bad luck for them to see each other before the ceremony, "You don't believe that, but okay, I will have to wait one more hour to see you. Are you nervous?"
That made Erik laugh "True, I don't" he texted back "But I don't want to give fate any chances to be mean to us. I don't think I'm NERVOUS, I'm more ANXIOUS. Waiting is hard. What about you?"
Seth smiled at the answer, "You are right. It's better if we do not tempt fate to mess with us." The Grigori took a deep breath before answering, "The wait is almost over. I'm a little nervous but it is the good kind of nervous! More like excitement."
"Fate wouldn't dare 😛 " Erik texted back, his heart swelling in his chest when Seth talked about being excited to marry him. "I love you" was the only words his brain could think of to type, then he added "I should finish getting ready. You see, I have to meet this gorgeous fiancé of mine by the beach in a few"
Seth's smile now seemed permanent whenever he talked to Erik and his dragon always reassured him, "I hope so." Those three words had become the angel's favorite since the first time he heard them, "I love you too, Erik, very, very much," he answered quickly. "I suppose I should stop distracting you then. I will see you later at the beach. I will be the one in blue with a boutonnière."
Erik was lucky Jason and Warren had grown used to his stupidly in love self, if he was still back on the ship, there would've been tons of cat calls and whistles because of his ridiculous grin "Right, I'll make sure to find you. I'll be the one in front of the crowd, at the end of the isle" he answered, then added " ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 "
Seth was unable to repress a sigh at the text while his smile was still in place, "I know I will find you. I will see you soon ❤️ "
With one last smile, Erik pocketed his phone, moving onto the last of the preparation. Soon enough, he was making his way to the beach. Halfway down the hill he could already see the people finding their seats around the isle, most of them talking excitedly, smiles all around. Followed by Warren and Jason, he walked through the isle, nodding along to the people who greeted them, until they stopped under the archway covered in flowers. "Your boy is late" he smirked at the wolf, knowing full well that was expected. Chris had many great qualities, being on time had never been one.
Jason was feeling a little emotional. He hadn’t been at many weddings after Val and even less after his last relationship went down to the drain, but he was happy for Erik and Seth. He moved to adjust the lapels on Erik's jacket and chuckled, "He's not late. Sebastian is already there, they're probably just taking a minute and here he comes," he said shaking his head as he saw the young wolf come down the side of the ail to take his place on the spot for Seth's groomsmen, "Now put yourself together," he winked as he smiled and stepped to a side just in time for the music to start and everyone got to their feet, waiting for the other groom to make his way down the aisle.
Seth could feel his nervousness raising when the time got closer. He pulled Chris in for a hug, thanking him for all his help and then turned to Trevor; there were so many things he wanted to say to the Nephilim. Just the mere fact that he was alive because of him was something he could never thank him for enough and that was why he had asked him to please be the one to walk him down the aisle. With a deep sigh he reached for the taller man and gave his hand a soft squeeze, "Thank you for everything. Nothing of this would be possible without you, Trevor, and for that, you will have my eternal gratitude for as long as I live," his words were honest and filled with emotion.
Trevor was flattered when Seth visited him at the store a few weeks ago only to ask if he would like to be the one giving him away to Erik down the aisle. There was no way for Trevor to say no to that honor and now the day had come and the falling Grigori's words moved him, making his expression soften, "to me, you are another brother, Seth and nothing makes me happier than doing this for you," he smiled, "now, it's time to get you married," he grinned and offered his arm to Seth. As soon as the music started, he walked his older little brother down the aisle as a radiant with love dragon was eagerly waiting for him.
Nothing could've prepared him for the sight of Seth walking towards him that moment. Between a sea of faces, Erik only had eyes for Seth and his bright smile mirrored the angel's. His mouth was dry when he muttered a sincere "Thank you" to Trevor when the half ling offered him Seth's hand and the dragon accepted it, not letting it go for the rest of his life. "Ready?" He whispered conspirationally to his still fiancé, as the music faded, and people sat back down.
In the past, Seth had believed nothing would bring him more happiness than heaven and his holy duties. He had been sure that was the maximus level of happiness he would ever get to experience, but today, this very moment when he was walking towards Erik to promise each other a life of love and companionship, this was the truest happiness in his existence. As soon as he reached for his dragon's hand, all his nervousness vanished. He gave Trevor one last thankful look before his eyes were set on the love of his life, "I have never been readier," was his murmured answer as they both turned to look at Warren in front of them.
The ceremony went by faster than he thought it would, but it was like the dragon's mind was burning every moment to memory. The knowing look on Warren's eyes when he wrapped the band loosely around their joined hands, the how he could feel the people, their friends and found family, wishing them happiness through their wet smiles. The ceremony itself wasn't religious - because he would never give Seth's absent and vengeful father the satisfaction of having their fate in his hands again - but it followed the old traditions, of when Erik was first hatched. Chris and Jason, the best men, crowned them in white flowers as Warren talked about two souls finding each other against all odds and uniting as one once more. They thanked the earth and the tides, Erik ignited a candle as an offering to the fire and Seth blew it out, offering his breath to the wind. The moon and the sun were both in the sky blessing their union in a twilight of color when Warren said they could say their vows.
The ceremony was beautiful and not one he had ever imagined. He was not old enough to have witnessed the old traditions Erik and apparently Warren had lived by, but he would be forever thankful with his dragon for finding a way to make this day so special even with the absence of a part of him he had lost. He stopped thinking about it and was now ready to embrace these new beliefs. It was uncommon for Seth to be nervous to speak in front a crowd, but these words were too especial, and he could feel a soft blush adorn his freshly shaved cheeks. After a deep breath, he smiled and locked eyes with Erik's, "Today is the joyous day of my existence because I get to join my life to yours, not simply as your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your biggest supporter. I promise to love you for who you are, and for who you are yet to become. I promise to be patient and to remember that all things between us are rooted in love. I promise to nurture your dreams and help you reach them. I love you with all my heart. You're my love, light, and soulmate. You're the one who never fails to make my heart sing, the one who keeps me smiling, and laughing as I never imagine possible. I promise to share my whole heart with you and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you, no matter the challenges that may come our way. I promise to love you loyally and fiercely—as long as I shall live."
Seth could've said a recipe of instant noodles and Erik would've loved it, yes, but he wasn't prepared for the words he heard. It was a rare sight, but halfway through his short, heartfelt speech, tears were rolling down Erik's cheeks and he squeezed the angel's hand, under the embroidered band that tied them together. Some parts could've seemed nice to the onlookers, but went much deeper when they reached Erik's ears, especially when he mentioned sharing Seth's heart. That was it. It was the proof that loving wasn't losing part of his heart. He was giving his own to Seth and getting the angel's in return.
After a moment too long, Erik recomposed himself, murmuring under a wet chuckle "I'm so glad I wrote this down, damn, I wouldn't be able to form coherent thoughts after that". After wiping his cheeks with his free hand, he reached into his pocket, grabbing a napkin with the logo of Seth's bakery. "It's a bit long, so please bear with me" He used the text just to be sure he wouldn't forget anything he wanted to say, but in the end Erik said most of it staring into Seth's eyes.
"I never believed in miracles before I met you. Or believed in love, for that matter. I learned from the start that I could never let someone take hold of my heart, it'd leave me too vulnerable, it felt dangerous and violating. So when I met you, I had my heart safe, locked into this chest buried where no one could reach."
"But you did. You did and it was scary and thrilling and everything I never thought it would be. I craved your touch, I starved for your smile, I longed to hear every word that left your lips, and I thought once I had heard them all, it would end, and I'd find peace again."
"But it didn't."
"And it doesn't."
"And I don't think it ever will."
"Instead, I've found my peace with you. So I could promise you the moon and the stars and make all of these vague allusions about loving you when you're sick or in health, but I won't. Because that's not enough for me."
"So I promise you, Seth Winfred, that I'll do my damn best every single day to be your peace. I'll respect you as my equal, I'll cherish you like a sunny day, and I'll support you with every last spark of energy in my body."
"I love you, and I'm going to keep on loving you until far beyond my last breath, Seth."
"Under the gaze of infinite pantheons I promise you this, and under the sight of the gods of old I humbly request the blessing of the ones who wish for our happiness."
"May our paths never wind far from one another, and may your hand always find mine in the dark, for mine will be searching for yours too."
Seth was never one to cry, but halfway through his vows when he saw those tears of happiness in his lover's eyes, his voice quivered, and he did reach to wipe a couple of tears that rolled down his cheek. But how, how unprepared he was for the dam that it was about to break when Erik said his bows. He smiled at the initial request, "Always, my love, always," his answer as honest as ever but as the beautiful words progressed, more and more tears rolled down his face.
It was common to hear angels were miracles to humans, but hearing Erik call him his miracle was one of the sweetest things he had ever heard. It all made sense, and it came to a full circle; one where they both understood and shared with the world that love was such a selfless act that only implied completing each other. Being what your partner needed and loving every single moment you got to share together. Seth swallowed hard and smiled through the tears, murmuring a soft "I love you," at the end of Erik’s vows.
It was really hard to watch Seth cry without comforting him, so when he finished Erik put the napkin back onto his pocket and reached out to cup his cheek, wiping tears away and muttering "I love you" in return. People clapped and Erik took that opportunity to step closer and go against protocol, pressing a kiss to Seth's forehead. Warren then unwrapped their hands and proclaimed that they could now share tokens of affection. Back in the day this was when they signed treaties and united kingdoms, it went from gold coins to scriptures of land and pieces of clothes with the shield of the family. Nowadays though, Erik knew people valued rings. "I'm going to need that hand, just a second" he murmured, playfully letting go of the angel's hand so he could use both of his own to open the tiny box from his pocket. Carefully, Erik picked up the ring inside, an intricate wine, made of the purest gold from his own scales, he was sure Seth could feel it once it touched his skin. This way humans would know Seth was cared for and every other being would know the fury of a dragon would rain upon them if they hurt Seth. "May I?" He asked, gently grabbing Seth's hand to put the ring in place.
Seth smiled at the soft comforting kiss and let out a breathy soft laugh when Erik said he needed both hands for a moment. The ring was beautiful, and he just knew it was literally a part of Erik and what it would mean wearing it. There was another smile and a nod when his dragon asked if he could put the ring on his finger. He could feel Erik's love through the gold band around his finger, confirming his thoughts of it been made of his lover's scales.
A while ago, Seth had given Erik one of his feathers, long before they turned black and now he was wearing one of Erik's scales , in the most beautiful exchange that clearly symbolized the exchange of their hearts. Moving forward with the ceremony, Seth let go of his beloved dragon's hand to turn to Chris to retrieve the ring he had chosen for his soon to be husband. It was a golden ring with two wings forming a heart, symbolizing Seth giving his everything to Erik, "May I?" he asked back with a teasing smile and right after the ring was on the dragon's finger, Seth pulled his hand to his lips, pressing a kiss over the ring to seal the promise they had just made.
Very few things in the world felt right, but sliding his ring onto Seth's finger was certainly one of them. He chuckled when Seth asked him the same question back "Of course" he said offering his hand, a gentle tug on his heartstrings when he noticed the engravings. He still had it, Seth's feather, Erik wore it every day around his neck, in a delicate bottle. Now humans would know he belonged to someone as well. A soft warmth covered his face when Seth kissed his hand, sure they this kind of gentle affection had never happened around other people. Still, contrary to what he'd think a few decades ago, Erik didn't feel belittled or vulnerable. It felt right, Seth loved him, there was no question.
With one last prayer to whatever deities who were listening, who cared about their happiness, Warren proclaimed them wed, and with the widest of grins, Erik pulled Seth by the waist, one hand on his cheek as people cheered and his lips touched for the first time his husband's.
This was it. This was the moment they both had been waiting for. When Warren said they could finally kiss and be announced as husband. Seth closed his eyes at the kiss and smiled into it, his left hand now with his wedding band on, pressing over Erik's chest right on top of his heart and in that very moment, everything was perfect in their own little world.
