My Wedding Date (ManxMan)

I Should Have Known

"If you all find your seats and wait for the newly weds to give their first dance please," the DJ announced from some corner. The banquet hall was beautiful with a winter theme they had going. Lyxander and Aspen looked beautiful together too.

They walked out holding hands, and when the music started, they began to slow dance. I carefully made my way to where my reserved seat was. To say I was nervous would be the understatement of the year: I was terrified.

When I got to the table, I felt disappointment to see it empty. Maybe he bailed. I sat down and tried to pay attention to the next dance the newly weds were transitioning too.

"Is this seat taken?" A soft voice spoke, pointing at the seat to my left.

"Nope," I looked at him feeling like I've seen him before. He had beautiful blue eyes, the kind that can make you swoon. His dirty blonde hair was brushed back, and his face looked soft yet firm. I really wanted to touch his hair, it looked so soft.

"Thanks," he said, making me blush because my goodness was he handsome and beautiful. Can you even say those two words together? I couldn't find the right words to even describe how he looks. He could be the literal definition of gorgeous. Or sex on legs.

"Are you okay?" He leaned towards me, waving his hand in my face.

"Y-yeah, sorry. Was thinking." About you.

He smiled and I felt like I've seen him before, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Or him.

I smiled back at him and took my hand out to him. "Hi, I'm Asher Reed. Nice to meet you." I waited for him to do something but he just stared at me wide-eyed. He vaguely reminded me of someone when he looked at me like that...

I frowned because I couldn't be that bad looking, right? Unless he heard things he didn't like from Aspen. Oh god, why won't he reply?

"I'm sorry, just. Wow. You've really grown up Ash." I dropped my hand and furrowed my brows. Do I know him? He couldn't have been a one night stand because he said "grown up" and I'm sure I'd remember someone like him.

"Do you know me?" He asked, his smile faltering. "Probably not, but then again, it has been 12 years since we last spoke." He answered his own question.

I tried to think of someone I hadn't spoken to in 12 years. The only one I could think of was him. My first crush that I confessed to. My first crush who was my best friend. My first crush who crushed my feelings and ideas of love. My first crush who I wanted to hate, but couldn't hate.

"William?" I hoped he didn't hear the slight squeak in my voice that I do when I'm scared.

"In the flesh." He flashed me a smile. It made my stomach bottom out and want to run and hide.

"Wow. William Benedict. You're the last person I thought I'd meet here," I dug my nail into my palm to keep myself from running.

"Well Aspen is my cousin." His words made me peice what was happening.

"Oh, you're," I couldn't finish the sentence. To say to William Oh, you're my blind date, felt like salt being rubbed in a wound.

Last time I saw William he hated me. He hated that I was gay. He hated that I confessed to him. He hated me. Period.

"Your blind date?" William smiled, unaware of what he was doing to me. "Who would have thought! It's really good to see you again Ash." His smile softened and I began to become a bit angry. And hurt. And excited too.

"Wouldn't have thought you'd gone to the dark side," I joked but came out harsh, making him wince. So he did remember.

"Well there are sweets on the dark side," he smiled apologetically, "and I do have a sweet tooth."

Was he trying to flirt? I really hope he's not. I really don't want to be here anymore. I don't think I can continue. I should find an excuse soon.

"Totally not awkward." He muttered to himself, but I pretended to ignore it.

"I'm sorry they did this. I mean, I told them not to because to set people up at their own wedding seems really...odd." I wanted to run but didn't want to miss anything William could do or say next.

"I think it's brilliant. Helping people find something close to what they found." He took a sip of his wine, looking at Lyxander and Aspen.

"I guess. If you believe in that sorta stuff."

He looked at me and frowned, making me feel slightly guilty.

"You don't believe in love? Or monogamy?"

I shrugged. "Both? I don't know. I find it hard to believe that one person can satisfy you for the rest of your life and you to theirs. Also, I don't know but marriage is kind of just a turn off. People get divorced and break their vows, and if I were to make such a promise, I'd want to keep it. But love? Love. What even is love?" I took in a deep breath, watching his face.

"Baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me. No more." William sang making me laugh at his dorkiness.

"Sorry, but I think that when you find the one, you'll change your mind." He smiled and stood up making me panic. I didn't want to think that he didn't change his mind towards me. But to change his mind on being with a guy hurt me too. Like the biggest slap on my face. But I didn't want him to leave either.

"Want to dance?" He held his hand out to me.

"Um," I stared at my drink unsure. "Why not?" I downed the rest of my wine knowing I'd have to get more in my system to survive the night. A lot more.