We Go Together Or We Don't Go Down At All

What If We Just Elope?

The weight of wedding planning had turned Alex's excitement into a tangled mess of stress and anxiety. Each decision felt like a monumental task, and the pressure to create the perfect ceremony was suffocating. As he poured over guest lists and floral arrangements, he felt the joy of marrying Zack slipping away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of dread.

One night after Everly went to bed. Alex was sitting on the couch, his laptop in his lap, looking over plans. And while they haven't booked anything yet,because Alex wanted to plan every last detail before he confirmed anything.

He had an estimated budget he made. And saw that the choices he was making kept making the budget increase to dangerous levels. He slammed his laptop shut, making Zack who was sitting beside him reading a book jump.

"Why is getting married so expensive! We have been saving for months! And you have even been working overtime!" Alex exclaimed as he took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes frustratingly.

Zack moved the laptop  and glasses off of Alex's lap, stood and walked behind the couch, and gently placed his hand on Alex's shoulder, massaging them.

Alex sighed as he melted into his fiancé's touch.

He appreciated the fact that Zack recognized he needed to be pulled away from the endless sea of wedding magazines, and spreadsheets.

"Hey baby. Talk to me." Zack said softly.

"I just want to make it perfect and give you the wedding you deserve. You asked me to marry you and I said I wanted to plan it. I don't take that trust in me lightly." Alex whimpered as he leaned his head back against the couch.

"Alex... all that is important to me from that sentence is that I am marrying you. I don't need a big fancy wedding to solidify my love for you, even though I am appreciative of all the planning you are doing. And you know I am in no rush to get married. Being engaged to you is beautiful within itself." Zack spoke softly.

As he spoke he leaned down and kissed Alex's forehead as Zack continued to massage Alex's tense shoulders.

"I know... but I want to give you the world. And giving you a beautiful wedding is a good place for me start." Alex said softly, as he relaxed, resting his strained eyes.

Zack had a lightbulb go off in his head. "What if we just elope?"

The words hung in the air, carrying with it a sense of freedom that Alex hadn't felt in weeks.

"Elope?" Alex repeated.

Alex opened his eyes and looked up at a grinning Zack, as the idea slowly started sinking in. As they made eye contact, Zack nodded, his eyes filled with understanding.

"Yeah, we can go to the courthouse, just us, and Everly, with Jack, and Rian as witnesses. We can say some simple vows to each other, We'll keep it simple and intimate." Zack said softly.

Alex felt tears prickling at the corners of his eyes as the weight of Zack's suggestion lifted so much stress from his shoulders.Zack swore he could feel the stress leave Alex's body.

"That sounds perfect," Alex whispered, unable to contain his emotions any longer.

Zack went and sat down beside him.Hugging Alex to him. Alex cried as he and Zack made their decision.

"I will call the marriage and licensing office tomorrow. See what they have available this week." Zack said softly as he kissed the top of Alex's head that was buried in his chest.

"Oh you are The best. Are you sure?" Alex asked, a bit worried.

Zack giggled.

"Honey, I would marry you anywhere. A hobo under a bridge could perform the ceremony and I would still love it. I just want you to have what you want and to just be Zachary Gaskarth." Zack said with a smile.