Just Friends

*42*

The motel proves not to be as horrible of an experience as both of them had anticipated. Sure it isn't the Holton, and yes maybe the room here smelt funny, but it could be worse. Despite the setbacks though, Alice sleeps like a baby, FP's warmth next to her oddly comforting. She sleeps soundly and without interruption until she hears the door open and shut.

She peels one eye open and sees FP trying to wheel in a cart of food as quietly as possible, unsuccessful with how squeaky the wheels are. "Smells so good." She groggily comments, letting him know she's awake.

He smiles over at her. "Sorry, did I wake you?" He blushes when he asks the question.

"Yeah, but you made up for it by getting food." She sits up and runs her fingers through her long, curly strands, knotty from a deep sleep. "What'd you get?"

"Didn't know what you'd be in the mood for and since it's on Hermione, I just got a little bit of everything. I got some pancakes, toast, bacon and scrambled eggs." He lists. "Oh! And coffee."

"Good, I'm starving. Wheel it over."

He does so happily and joins her in the bed again, both picking their desired food from the tray. "How'd you sleep?" FP asks her, stuffing a large bite of syrup soaked pancakes into his mouth.

"Like a baby. Who knew the best sleep I get in a while would be at a Bates looking motel?"

He smiles at that. "You don't say. I wouldn't have been able to guess with the way you had yourself wrapped around me all night."

She blushes and gapes. "I did?"

"Yeah, I woke up at some point and it was like I was your human body pillow." He chuckles.

"I'm sorry." She squeals out, embarrassed.

He shrugs. "Don't be, best sleep I've gotten in a while too." He nonchalantly answers, and Alice isn't sure if he means because of her or because he was just as tired, she decides not to ask either way.

"Well it's probably for the best we slept well tonight, we probably won't get much the rest of the trip."

"Don't remind me," FP groans. "Did you see how long Hermione's to do list for the weekend is?"

Alice nods. "Why did we agree to come to this thing?"

"Because she's our friend," FP answers. "That, and we were promised a stay at a five star hotel."

"Right. She owes us big time."

***

Alice struts back over to the table she and FP are seated at and plops down with a huff. "You good?" FP asks, stifling a laugh.

"I was just talking to Mrs Gomez, and in case you were wondering, yes, she does still look at us like we're hoodlums." Alice rolls her eyes. "You'd think after so many years being friends with her daughter she'd realize we're not the devil."

"I mean, do you really care what she thinks about you?"

"Well no, but I'd like to at least feel welcome." Alice explains. "And besides, I have the power to ruin the wedding. When the preacher asks if anyone objects, I could stand my hoodlum ass up and say I do."

FP laughs at that, knowing she very well would if pushed far enough. "I don't think he'll ask that considering it's a vow renewal. And even if he did, you'd have to deal with Hermione afterwards, and she'd probably take it out on poor Fred too."

Alice thinks about it for a moment before sighing in agreement. "Fine. I won't. But only for Fred."

"What about me?" Fred walks over, as if on cue.

"Oh nothing. How do you like your future in-laws?" Alice cheekily questions, making him blush.

"The question is, how do they like me? I'm trying to make a good impression but every time I speak
I'm worried I said something wrong."

"It's kind of impossible not to like you, Fred." FP assures him. "Just be yourself."

"I'm trying! You know, it's easy when it's just her parents I need to impress. But now I'm dealing with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousin's... gosh I need a drink." He looks at Alice expectantly and she frowns at him.

"Sorry, I didn't bring my flask." Alice informs him. "I thought it'd be a little too obvious at the rehearsal dinner, but I've already got it filled and in my purse for tomorrow." She winks.

"Mind if I take a swig of courage beforehand?"

Alice chuckles, rubbing his shoulder. "Of course."

"Hey guys!" Hermione squeaks, joining her friends at their table. "Are you having fun?"

"It's a really beautiful place." Alice comments, eyes drifting around the ballroom.

"It is, isn't it? This is where they got married all those years ago. Pretty crazy, huh?" She curls her arm around Fred's and pecks a kiss to his cheek. "What about you, baby? Are you having fun?"

Fred grins at her. "So much."

"My grandparents just adore you."

He beams. "They do? I was worried I made a fool of myself."

"They think you're a charmer." She assures him, just as someone picks up the microphone. "Oh speeches are starting! Let me go get my cue cards!"

"I forgot their was going to be speeches." FP groans.

"I bet you ten dollars, at least half the room is in tears by the end."

"Please, you know you'll win," FP scoffs. "All that sappy crap is bound to not leave a dry eye in the house."

"Fine, I bet you ten dollars that you will be in tears." Alice teases.

"Maybe Hermione." FP suggests instead. "I bet she doesn't even make it halfway through her speech before she chokes."

Alice debates it for a moment, deciding to have faith in her friend, and extends her hand to FP's, shaking it firmly. "You're on."

The pair sit through countless boring speeches from people they don't know, making snide comments and teasing jokes at the cheesy words said.

When it's finally Hermione's turn FP sits up a little straighter in his chair. "Hope you brought your wallet Smith, you're going down."

"Don't get cocky Jones, it's not a good look."

"Friends, family, welcome. Thank you so much for coming to help celebrate my parent's love." Hermione begins. "For as long as I can remember my parents have always been the epitome of true love, they showed me from a young age how one should treat their partner, and that love conquers all obstacles. I'm so grateful..." Her voice squeaks and FP grins. "I'm... I'm sorry." She pinches her nose as her eyes well up with tears and Alice groans.

"Damnit!"

FP laughs in triumph. "Pay up!"

Alice narrows her eyes at him as she digs into her purse, pulling out a crisp bill and slapping it down in his palm. "I hate you."

"Aw come on, don't be a sore loser." FP chuckles.

"I-" A sniffle from beside her cuts Alice's sentence short and when she peers over, she finds Fred blubbering like a baby. "Fred?"

"You okay man?" FP asks, passing down a napkin.

Fred nods, dabbing at his eyes. "I'm a sucker for weddings."

"Apparently I should've placed my bet on him instead." Alice comments cheekily to FP.

FP winks. "Hey there's always tomorrow."