Malignant

Chapter Fifteen

 Gerard's been a total nightmare when it comes to wedding planning. We did a whole year of picking plates, flowers, food, best men, groomsmaids, all of it. As I'm standing here at the altar, waiting for the moment where my life will change forever, I know my wonderful husband is waiting behind those doors. Mikey is Gerard's best man, and CC is mine. None of my family I care about, but Gerard's mom is there. There are a few other people that I don't really know, but some of my old friends are here, too.

The music begins and I look down the aisle. The doors open, and Gerard starts to walk in, Ray presenting him. He's in a dress! It's beautiful. Starch white, with small orange flowers and a beautiful pink ribbon around his waist. He's holding a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers, his veil framing his head and his hair. He steps up to the altar, and we look at the minister.

"Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of Gerard and Frank."

I smile and look at Gerard.

"The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you smile, makes you comfortable. The person who makes the world liveable, who fights for you no matter what. The person who makes you never want to be with anyone else. Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure in human relationships. 

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Frank Iero and Gerard Way in the union of marriage. Will you, Frank, take this man to be your wedded husband?"

"I do," I say.

"Will you, Gerard, take this man to be your wedded husband?"

"I do."

"In the spirit of the importance of strong friendships to a marriage, Frank and Gerard have asked a friend to say something about love that resonates with them."

I watch Mikey grab his papers from his pocket, and get ready to hear what he says.

"Not only have I been able to live with Gerard all my life as his brother, I now get to share that bond with Frank. Frank makes my brother so happy, and I couldn't wish for someone better for him. Gerard has always been there for me, whether it was school or just figuring things out. He supported me, and now I'm here supporting him on the best day of his life. Now, I didn't meet Michael until about six years ago, but I know he went through so much more with my brother. Gerard was never at home, and I never wondered why. But I finally realized it was because of love. He never left Frank's side while he was going through leukemia, and now he never wants to leave his side again. And I will support them through anything they want, and I couldn't have imagined a better cancer love story."

I smile at Mikey, his words making my heart jump. I turn to CC, and he hands me my written vows.

"Gerard, you've been with me for everything. And, in this past year of planning this fantastic day, I've learned so much about you. For one thing, I know I'll never have to do anything alone. I know you'll stop whatever you were doing for me. You gave up on your dreams to be with me when I thought I was never going to live to see this day. I love you more than anything in this world, and I know that without you, I'd probably never have been able to get through it. Thank you for being you, for always being there for me, even when I didn't care. I knew I loved you ever since you shouted at that kid for me, when you walked me home even though I didn't want you to. I love you, and I couldn't have asked for a better husband."

Gerard wipes a tear from his eye, and I give my paper back to CC. Mikey hands Gerard his, and I brace myself for the emotions he will bring.

"Frank, I love you so much. I've watched you die, and I learned what my life would be without you. It would be awful and not worth living. I promise, I'll never give up on you. When you need a friend, I will be your best friend. When you need help, I will be there for you. When you need care, I will support you. When you want to try something new, I will encourage you. And when you do the same for me, I'll appreciate you. But if you don't, I'll forgive you. Every day. For the rest of my life. Throughout these wonderful eight years, we've faced obstacles I never imagined we would have to. I swear, I'll never leave your side, no matter what. I'll always be there for you, I'll do whatever you need me to do. If you just want me to sit by you for the rest of our lives, I will. I love you, Frank."

The minister hands us the rings, and I notice the rainbow flag on the inside of Gerard's. I know on the inside of mine, there will be the exact same.

"I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of the strength I bring to you, the love I give and will always give to you," Gerard says.

Gerard places the ring on my finger, and I look into his beautiful green eyes with the specks of brown.

"I place this ring on your finger to remind you of everything we have and will do together, and the love I have for you."

I place the ring on his finger, and I smile. We look at each other, his cheeks slowly blushing.

"And now by the power of your love and commitment, and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband! You may now kiss."

And I kiss Gerard, sealing our marriage. We smile out at our guests, holding each other's hands.

"I am pleased to introduce the newlyweds, Frank and Gerard Iero!"

Me and Gerard walk down the aisle hand in hand, everyone around us clapping. And I just smile the whole time.