Kiddos ★ lennstarr

25. The Reception

After the wedding was over, it was time for the reception.

John and Ringo sat next to each other, hands intertwined with each other's as they talked with family who went up to them or asked for a picture.

"Daddy!" Julian and Sean had come running over for the two men.

They smiled and John got up to greet the two kids.

"Hey boys," John smiled and kissed their heads. "How'd you like the wedding?"

"It was nice!" Sean giggled and went over to Ringo, climbing into his lap while John pulled up a chair for Julian.

"Yeah I liked it," Julian smiled. "Your mom is nice Ringo."

"Oh god you met me mum?" Ringo blushed and rested a hand on Sean's shoulder.

"Mhm," Sean giggled and bounced in his lap. "She's real nice. She gave me candy when you guys left!"

"Oh did she now?" Ringo chuckled and kissed Sean's head.

"Mhm," Julian laughed. He then furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Ringo curiously. "Hey, now that you're married to Daddy, what are we suppose to call you?"

"I," Ringo blushed and looked down. "I don't know."

"Dad?" Sean offered and they remained quiet.

"Well," John reached for Ringo's hand and squeezed it gently. "What do you think, love?"

"It's fine," Ringo shrugged. "I'll be with you guys forever anyways so we might as well stick to it right?"

"Dad it is then," John smirked and leaned over to kiss his husband. Husband. The word was perfect. "Can I go see your mum?"

"Oh god," Ringo chuckled nervously. "We just got married Johnny, I don't want to have to get a divorce because of what you do."

"I'll be good I swear," John smiled and got up from his seat. "She's me mum in law now anyways."

"Good that you know," Ringo warned and made Sean get off his lap. He got up and pointed across the room. "She's over there."

★

Mrs. Starkey showed where Ringo got his looks from.

She was sweeter than all the lollipops Sean liked to eat when he behaved well for more than a week. Her dark hair coiled around her face and her smile was brilliant, just like Ringo's.

"Congratulations sweetie," she had almost come running when she saw her son walk over to her with a sheepish grin and pink cheeks. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks mum," Ringo chuckled and looked over at John. "This is John, my husband."

"Or as I like to call him, my son in law," Elsie smiled and engulfed him in a warm hug. "Welcome to the family darling."

"Thank you ma'am." John smiled and hugged her back just as tightly.

"Please," she smiled kindly. "Call me mum."

"Shouldn't we meet your aunt?" Ringo poked at John's stomach gently.

"Now if you'd like," John smiled. "Just don't talk. She'll try and steal you away all for herself."

"Well I can't promise anything," Ringo laughed. "I'm pretty good with mums y'know."

"Shut up," John rolled his eyes and grabbed his husband's hand, leading him to his wonderful aunt. "This is Mimi."

"Johnny," Mimi's eyes were sparkling. "Congratulations! I always thought no one would want you after all that's happened!"

"Gee thanks for the support Mimi," John deadpanned and glared at his husband when he saw that he was hiding a giggle. "I thought you should meet my husband."

"Oh hello darling, nice to meet you." Mimi brought back her composure and brought Ringo in for a hug.

"Wonderful to meet you," Ringo kissed her cheek. "I hope you can find it in your heart to see me as family."

"Oh gosh John you married such a dapper young man!" Mimi gasped and looked at her boy in surprise. "God I want him for myself. I promise I'll give him back in one piece."

"He's a real charmer," John said proudly and reached for him. "But he's mine Mimi. Maybe another time though?"

"Dad! Daddy!" Sean and Julian had come running for them.

"What's wrong guys?" Ringo had bent down and picked up Sean. He tousled Julian's hair affectionately.

"You guys gotta dance!" Sean smiled and snuggled closer to Ringo.

"I'd love to see Daddy dance," Julian smirked. "He never dances."

"Well today's your lucky day," John smirked. He took a deep breath. They shared the same exact smirk. "Let go of Sean, babe, we've got to dance."

★

When they'd gotten to the dance floor Ringo burst out laughing when he heard the song. Elvis's "Can't Help Falling In Love."

"You're such a fucking nerd." Ringo laughed and blushed when he felt John's arms go around his waist.

"Yeah well I thought you'd expect that from me by now." John smiled and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"I do," Ringo smiled and leaned his head against John's chest. "But it wouldn't matter anyways. I love you."

"Oh I love you too darling," John said, a hand going underneath Ringo's chin. He lifted up his head and brought their lips together, glad to say that these were the first of many married kisses.