Jack and The Cuckoo Clock Heart Preferences

What's Next with Joe

Joe and Y/N were yet again at another engagement party. Mind you, this was actually their second engagement party but extended members of the Charbonneau clan flocked to Edinburgh as soon as they received word of Joe's betrothal. Not having another soirée was simply out of the question.

Even though the tension from Y/N and Joe's last party eased over, there was still tension. It certainly didn't help matters seeing as it was the first time they'd seen each other since their argument.

In retrospect, agreeing to have another party was a bad idea, and it seemed Joe and Y/N knew that. The guests paid no attention to Joe or Y/N, save for the occasional passing tight lipped smile or mumbled 'hello'. Regardless, there wasn't much that could have been done.

When the music began, most everyone made their way to the floor with their partners. Wanting to avoid the stares from the elder members of his family, Joe was quick in taking Y/N's hand in his own, even if he felt awkward doing so. He led his fiancée to the center of the room, as was customary for the Charbonneaus.

"So", Y/N relished in his displeasure. "I see you're enjoying the party." She gave him a smug, taunting smile as they swayed among the other couples.

"Of course I'm enjoying the party, my dear." Joe lied through his teeth, rebuffing her question with a sickly sweet smile of his own. "I'm enjoying it as much as I'd enjoy contracting typhoid."

Y/N stifled a laugh. She followed along as he led the dance, not caring much for his failed attempt at an insult.

As the music progressed for what seemed to be an eternity, the two had begun what seemed like an intense staring contest. Joe frowned at his fiancée while she looked up at him, amused with his temperament.

"Oh, Joe...", Y/N mused.

Having been distracted by their petty match of wits, both Joe and Y/N failed to realize that the band had stopped playing and that the other couples were making their way back to their tables. Joe took her by the hand and quickly made his way back to their table along with her.

Y/N sat down and looked out upon the vast hall and the other seated guests. "Do you think they'll all come to our wedding, Joe?" She only had a few members of her family attending her wedding, but it felt as if Joe's family was an army.

"God, I wish they wouldn't", Joe muttered as he inspected his glass of wine. "It's too much work." He set the glass down and picked at his almost empty plate.

"Don't want a big wedding? Hm, that's understandable. Is there anything about the wedding that you're looking forward to?" It seemed as if Y/N's job was to be the face of their union, seeing as her fiancé had no interest whatsoever in socializing with any of the partygoers.

Joe rolled his eyes as he watched her smile and wave politely. If only they knew what a hellion she was...

He shook the thoughts out of his head and took a sip of his wine before addressing his fiancée. "Of course, darling. I look forward to the wedding being over. That way we can finish this little charade."

Y/N scoffed and hid her grin behind a lace fan Joe's mother had gifted her for the party. "Yes, then what? Need I remind you that we'll still be a married couple even after this whole ordeal? Trust me, you're not the only one who's opposed to this. God knows I'd kill to not marry you." She fanned herself slowly, ignoring his offended expression.

Her quip was enough to offend Joe, obviously. "Marrying me wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, Miss L/N."

"Oh, but I believe it would." Y/N grinned, almost as if he had just cracked a joke not worth a complete laugh. "Regardless, I'm not going to throw a fit. I'm going to let this run its course."