then ~ RUEL FANFIC~

Ruel's POV

It's a sunny spring day, and the winery that the wedding is at has pink flowers sprouting from the tufty grass all around us. Guests hang around in little clumps, conversing in fancy dresses and suits. 

"They aren't serving drinks till the reception, I don't think I can wait that long." Mutters Alira, appearing at my side.

"Howdy, stranger. So you found the bar?"

"Yeah, and they wouldn't serve me! Not even wine!"

"Wouldn't want to drink wine before a wedding anyways, if you spill it on a dress that light you're screwed."

She's wearing a periwinkle dress with intricate lace designs, hair plaited loosely and tied with a matching blue ribbon. 

"It's not that good a dress, I wouldn't mind."

"Don't be ridiculous, you would not want to go a whole wedding with a red stain on your clothes regardless of what those clothes were."

"I could take the clothes off? If you want?"

"Shut up, stop, you're not funny-"

"Oh, here we go again, mr 'I refuse to make any slightly sexual jokes towards or regarding my best friend who I've known for two years.'"

I wrinkle my nose up. "Yeah, that's me. And don't pretend that you didn't used to get uncomfortable when I was shirtless."

"Of course I got uncomfortable, I found you highly attractive."

Before I can make another effort to get her to be quiet, everyone starts moving towards the seats that are set up.

"Crap, I think we're sitting at the front, we better hurry."

Everyone's already seated by the time we duck into our row in front of the bridesmaids. The fact that Alira wasn't asked to be one bothers me but then again, she probably would've said no.

Music starts playing and I turn around to Coco, Sylvie, Mum and Dad in the row behind us. 

"Excited?" I whisper to a Coco.

"No. I hate Xena. We all do."

"Don't talk shit about the bride at her own wedding." Mutters Kate.

"Sorry mum."

Watching Xena walk down the aisle is more than unpleasant. I get the feeling that not many people there actually like her. She is smiling so wide it's scary, her eyes piercing and cold. Sure, she looks lovely and the dress is gorgeous, but I can see behind the layers of makeup that she's evil as always.

Alira's dad, unfortunately, doesn't know this, which is clear as he is marrying her after all. He stands beaming, a real kind smile, watching his bride to be get closer and closer. My heart sinks.

"Should I trip her? I want to trip her." Alira whispers in my ear.

"Don't."

"Why? I'm going to trip her."

"I said DONT."

"Ok, ok."

She reaches the front and the officiant starts talking, but I tune out of it completely. I can feel Alira's body tensing up beside me In obvious discomfort. 

"You May now kiss the bride."

That went quick. Thank god.

"Can we go?" She whispers.

"No. Just wait a bit longer."

Everyone's cheering and I try my best to clap as well.

"Come on, I really need a drink."