Before an attempt could be made to pull the man in closer for a kiss, finalizing the moment, Val had sprung back with a newfound energy and vigor, addressing the house AI directly.
"HANSEL please inform Leanne that her presence is requested immediately."
"You called?"
"FUCKMEwheredidyoucomefrom-" Chad exploded - nearly jumping out of his skin details. Leanne instantaneously materializing behind him like some sort of electronic ghost.
“Yes, thank you Leanne.” Valerian replied coolly, unfazed by her rapid appearance. “Mr. Chinsley has just informed me that he wishes to resume the nuptial process.”
“Very good sir, shall we begin with the vows then?”
Chad hurriedly cut them both off.
Val studied his partner quizzically.
“Correct me if I'm mistaken, but did you not just directly express to me you’d like to finalize our long delayed marriage?”
“But- there’s a whole process! Paperwork to file, things to plan!” Chad shot back, visibly confused at how the moment had devolved so rapidly.
“Correct. Vexus has kept the documents on retainer until he received final confirmation from Party B- that would be you Mr. Chinsley.”
The cogs began to turn in the back of Chad's cerebral cortex.
“You’ve had the documents… filed.”
“Yes sir.”
“For how long exactly?”
“Ten Years, Two Seasons, Twelve Days, Sixteen Hours, Thirty-Six minutes, and 12, 13, 14, 15 seconds. We’ve had to re-file after every patch.”
Chad slowly swiveled back to meet Val’s steel coated irises.
“You're psychotic.”
“Thank you for noticing Agent.” Val raised his eyebrows, amused at the compliment. “Now, shall we continue? Leanne please pull up the vows on file. Draft D6 Please.”
“Right away sir.”
The supervillain readjusted his gaze to that of his partner, confidence dropping slightly as he finally paused to study Chad’s reaction.
“Valerian, tell me truthfully - when I asked you to marry me, did you think I meant right this exact moment?”
“Well obviously,” the villain replied plainly, “But if you wish to include Helianthus in the process, I can have HANSEL wake her up and send her down-”
Chad cut him off, moving forward slightly to place a hand on either side of the man- steadying him for the words he would say next.
“Valerian, I want a wedding.”
A heavy anticipatory silence that fell over the room, as the Agent waited for a response from his fiancé.
