The journal (rarl)

Vol. 15 | I Do

Ron sat on his and carls bed, all dressed up and ready to go get married. He sighed, trying to get rid of some of his nerves. He picked up his book and started writing.

"Hey dad. I know this isn't you, this is bob. But I can't go to your grave right now, so this will have to do. I feel like you can hear me here too. Or read this? I'm not sure.
Anyway, I miss you.
I'm getting married today!! I wish you could be here to see it. I think you'd be proud. I hope so.

Also, mom has a boyfriend? I don't even know what you'd say about that! You're probably not very happy. Sorry if I ruined your day, daddy.
Do you have a new girlfriend in heaven?!  No, don't tell me. I don't want to know. Does she have kids? Have you replaced me?
No. You wouldn't. And I won't replace you. I promise. Ezekiel will never be you, will never be my dad. You are. For better or for worse, I guess.
You know I've been thinking about how you died. I've never told anyone, and I never will, but I'm not sure if I believe you attacked Carl. It doesn't sound like you. And if you did, how did he shoot you in the head? Wouldn't it have been like, your stomach or something?
I'm scared of the truth.
I don't want to believe that you'd attack Carl.
And I don't want to believe that Carl would shoot you if you didn't, and then lie to me about it.
I don't know. What's the truth dad? What should I do?

I'm going to marry your murderer.

Is that ok? Would you hate me? Do you already hate me? I don't know. Maybe I will someday.

I have to get going, dad. I love you.
I'll bring some flowers to your grave when I get home. Sorry for not coming at least once a week anymore. It's hard since you're not buried in Alexandria. You would be if it was up to me. Maybe I can move you there someday.

Love, your Ronnie"

Ron closed the book, wiping tears of his face.
"You ready?" Jessie asked, knocking on the door.
"Yeah. Just one minute." Ron replied, trying to make it look like he wasn't crying.
"Ok honey." Jessie said.

...

Carl and Ron stood on the little stage outside, holding hands.
They were half listening to the things Gabriel was saying, mostly lost in each other's eyes.

"Do you, Carl, take Ron as your husband?" Gabriel said. The boys fully heard that.
Carl smiled, "yes, I do!" Carl exclaimed.

"Do you, Ron, take Carl as your husband?" Gabriel asked.
"I do." Ron said softly.

They stood looking at each for a moment.
"Go on kiss!" Gabriel said informally.

They kissed for a moment, everyone cheering.

"Carl and Ron Grimes, everyone!" Gabriel called out, while the boys ran out, laughing as everyone threw bird seed at them.

...

Carl was spinning Ron around in the group of people dancing to the live music.
Ron wrapped his arm around Carl.
"I'm about to starve to death, angel." Ron whispered.
"Me too." Carl replied.
"Let's go get something to eat." Ron said, taking carls hand and leading him to where the food was.

"Go find somewhere to sit. I'll get our food." Carl said, kissing Ron on the cheek.
Ron found an empty picnic table, and sat down. He looked around, taking in the sights of the fair. He saw Sam and Henry playing together. Brothers already. He thought, smiling.
Benjamin sat down at the table with Ron.
"Hey Ron. I just wanted to say congratulations on the marriage. The ceremony was beautiful." Ben said.
"Thanks Ben. So I guess our parents are dating, huh?" Ron replied.
"I guess they are. Does that make us brothers?" Ben asked, smiling.
"Yeah. I guess it does." Ron said.
"Brothers?" Ben said, putting his hand out for a fist bump.
"Brothers." Ron said, giving him a fist bump.
"See you around." Ben said, going to join Sam and Henry.
"See you." Ron said. 

Carl came over and sat down, handing Ron a plate.
"Thanks babe." Ron said, starting to eat.
Enid and Mikey joined them.
"That was really beautiful, guys. When are we getting married, Mikey?" Enid said.
"Soon." Mikey said, shaking his head yes.
"You have been say "soon" forever." Enid replied.
"Soon." Mikey said again.
"Sure." Enid said.
"Good luck with that Mikey." Carl said, laughing.
"Good luck with that Carl." Mikey said, gesturing to Ron.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Ron exclaimed.
"Oh nothing, Ronnie." Mikey replied, taking a drink of his water.
"Oh fuck you Mikey." Ron joked.
"You wish." Mikey joked back.
"Not on my worst enemy." Ron said, making them all laugh.

...

That night, in their bed, Carl and Ron were cuddling.
"You ready to go home tomorrow?" Carl asked his husband.
"Yeah, I am. I don't know about mom though." Ron said, laughing.
"I'm afraid we'll have to drag her out of here." Carl joked.
"Sam too. He really likes Henry. I guess there isn't any kids their age in Alexandria." Ron said.
"Hm. Do you think there will be a coronation?" Carl teased.
"Wow you're so funny!" Ron said sarcastically.
"Oh I know. You don't have to tell me, sugar." Carl replied.
Ron smiled, placing a kiss on Carls lips.
"Good night. I love you." Ron whispered, burying his face in Carls shoulder to sleep.
"I love you too, good night." Carl said, kissing Ron on the top of his head.