𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 ✔️

Chapter Twenty One

"Calm down," Marinette said, tying Nino's bowtie. "You'll be fine."

"I'm so nervous," he said, fidgeting. "How'd you get through this the first time?"

"I was about as panicked as you," she said, straightening the bowtie before fixing the collar. "Thank goodness for my bridesmaids because otherwise I have the feeling I would have passed out from a panic attack."

"You looked so calm, though."

"That's because they forced me to breathe through a paper bag and I was trying to get oxygen back into my brain," she admitted with a grin. "It will be easier when you see her coming down the aisle. When I saw Nathaniel, that's when I started to calm down a bit and I went from nervous to excited and happy and...you'll see."

"Then I just have to wait for Alya to come in?"

She nodded.

He groaned. "This is going to be the longest twenty minutes of my life."

"I'm okay," Alya said, pacing the room in her dress, her hands shaking. "I'm okay. Totally okay. Everything's great. We're good. This is good."

Adrien chuckled. "Hey," he said, stepping in front of her and taking her by the shoulders to stop her pacing. "You'll be okay."

"I'm freaking out."

"I know."

"I shouldn't."

"But you do. I know. I've been there."

"Any tips on how to make it out alive?"

"Take a breath," he said. "Close your eyes, and take a breath."

She did as told.

"Okay. If you need to take another breath, take another. You'll still be nervous, just don't freak out. It's okay; you're walking down the aisle to your future. All this nervousness will turn into excitement soon enough. Don't worry."

Though clearly still nervous, Alya smiled. "Thank you, Adrien."

"Anything for you, Alya."

The ceremony was a success, everything going off without a hitch. Adrien couldn't help but recall the thrill of walking side by side with Marinette down the aisle. He then got the opportunity to watch Emma toss flowers down the aisle. She did so with glee, then stood beside him once that was over and managed to stay well-behaved throughout the ceremony.

Once the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Nino scooped Alya up into their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Lahiffe. Marinette cheered, Adrien whistled, and Emma threw the rest of the flower petals from her basket. The bride and groom then took off running down the aisle while the guests tossed confetti at them. It wasn't part of the plan, Marinette was the one to organize that little surprise, but judging by their laughter, Alya and Nino enjoyed it.

Within the hour, the reception was going full force. Music was playing and the food was being served out buffet style. Alya's mother went all out with the catering, and they had a full mix of ethnic foods being presented.

Adrien got something for Emma he knew she'd eat, then sat down with her at the table with his father, Nathalie, and Marinette's family. Emma claimed the seat beside Marinette, then happily talked with anyone at the table who engaged her. Adrien's attention was on his father and the way he interacted with Marinette's father. So much so he almost missed the announcement for the newly-weds' first dance.

It wasn't to a slow song nor a song that had any lyrics, but it was a song Nino had specifically created for Alya, so it was an obvious and meaningful choice.