Boy Scouts

When Galen agreed to attend Vesi and Otto’s wedding, it was under the assumption that he would have a positively dreadful time. Nothing less than a complete and total disaster. Obviously he was going to attend to support his friend, but it wasn’t like he was going to… like, enjoy himself or anything. He expected misery from end to start, after all, that’s what Otto leaves in his wake wherever he goes. 

But even his bitter resentment is forced to admit… Otto knows how to throw a good party. He even cracks a smile a few times when he catches occasional glimpses of the tight group of Serpent’s Hand wizards and the love and happiness they share. He never really believed the tabloids that said they were evil… but seeing this firsthand confirms they’re more like his guild than even he knew. They’re a family.

Though that doesn’t do much for him, he knows probably about 10% of the people here, and they’re all busy mingling with others. Clinging to Ryllae’s heels makes him feel like he’s 13 again… and she’s got Yume with her too… which makes his presence even more awkward. 

Once the formalities are done and Vesi and Otto dump enough sappy garbage into their vows to make him nauseous for a week, he’s left lingering alone on the edge of the reception. I used to be part of her family… now he’s nothing more than an outsider looking in. But she still wanted me here. And I wanted to be here. This is what friends do for each other and he's not about to complain. At least, not out loud anyway.

But, once again, credit where credit is due, Otto arranged for an open bar that he is taking full advantage of. One more thing that even he has to admit that bastard did right. The music is nice, and the setting is gorgeous and he’s got a good buzz going… but none of this is really for him. He doesn’t belong here, with them. He did his part for Vesi, stood beside her through the end of the ceremony. Her eyes are completely locked on Otto at the moment anyway, looking moonier than ever… pun intended. she won’t notice if I step out… 

Just as he’s about to set his drink down and slink to the nearest exit, he feels a hand on his shoulder that makes him jump with surprise. His head spins to lock with tender hazel eyes and more shimmering golden jewelry than any one person had any business owning, let alone wearing. The man is dressed in a well fitted tuxedo with a dark red handkerchief in the pocket to represent his position on Otto’s side of the ceremony, “Hello there, you’re Galen, correct?” the stranger asks.

Galen recognizes him from the rehearsal. Lorian, a close friend of both halves of the wedding couple. He’s hard not to notice, that kind of bubbling charisma that draws in an entire room. Lorian is the type of party goer who flits from group to group and everywhere he stops he blossoms laughter and smiles and happiness… he can’t help but appreciate such a positive force in the world. Lorian endeavors to make everywhere he goes a better place, an admirable quality. He caught himself chuckling occasionally at his jokes that he overheard from afar… not that he was intentionally eavesdropping or anything! But this is the first time he’s sought Galen out intentionally. Didn’t think he’d notice a single wallflower…

“Yeah, that’s me. Best friend of the bride regardless of what Mana says. I was here first, I’ve got dibs.” he claims. It’s been a struggle to fend off the bubbly godslayer, but he does his best to be a good enough friend to cling to that title, “And you’re Lorian…” everyone knows your name by now…

He joins him against the wall and leans back beside him, “Ah, my reputation precedes me once more. Would you like another drink? I’ll get you a refill.” he offers.

He looks down forlornly to his tragically empty glass he was just hoping to discard, “Oh, no I don’t- Uh I mean I was just-” leaving… “I’m at my limit I think, but thanks for the offer.”

His ensuing laughter is as light as a tingling wind chime, “Oh, I’m not sure I believe that. But I assume you have your reasons for keeping your act together.”

He purses his lips while his thumbs play with the rim of the cup, you try being drunk alone at your best friend’s wedding to a man you hate… Doesn’t sound like a good idea… he catches a glimpse of Otto and Vesi dancing in the distance. His expression is pure bliss as he holds her close… and Galen can’t stop his thumbs from digging reactively into the edge of the glass, you don’t deserve that happiness. He should really get out of here, he’s been good, kept his mouth shut, but he’s seen enough of their showboating. He looks back to Lorian, “Did you need something…?” he quips unintentionally short.

Lorian seems completely oblivious to his discomfort, “How familiar are you with wedding traditions, Galen?” he prompts.

Most of the things Lorian has to say usually seem to be worth listening… so he must be going somewhere with this. Alright, I’ll bite, “Not much, why?”

He smiles a blindingly endearing smile, “They say that the prettiest bridesmaid and the most charming groomsman always hook up.” He asserts. His eyes fall shut and straightens his collar ostentatiously in confirmation that he is the laterally mentioned charmer.

Galen laughs out loud and pats him on the shoulder, though he doesn’t believe Lorian was intending to be humorous this time, “Hahaha! Good luck with that! Mana is married and Maggie is a lesbian.” he explains.

His eyes flick open with a newfound intensity to stare him down, “Did you misunderstand? The tradition calls for the prettiest bridesmaid… Which is precisely why I’m talking to you…” he reaches out a hand to twirl a finger around the purple Vesi handkerchief in his front pocket. He goes beet red in about .5 seconds, … Me?! What?! “So…” he continues far before Galen has time to resume any level of composure, “What do you say Galen…? Care to fulfil a tradition with me…?”

He’s a fucking mess, “Uh… I um…” he’s stunned Lorian even noticed him, let alone pursued him… He’s the most interesting person here, and a walking art piece. Answer him you dumbass! “S-sure!! Yeah! Yeah… I would.” He finally gives about four answers for the price of one.

Lorian gives another elated chuckle and takes his hand softly, “Then let’s go…” he casts a final glance towards the newly married couple still completely lost in each other, “I don’t believe we’ll be missed…”