I didn't say it was. Say what you want about your bad parents, but, they always were. I can be sorry about that, even if I didn't make them.
( She had zero influence on them. )
If we hadn't found out their true agenda, if we were all called in for the ascension alone, you know I would know something was up. My parents are nothing like they used to be.
( And that's enough talk, isn't it. She's getting married. And she's surviving. They all are. She takes her friend's hand in hers beside them, on the couch, and sips again from her champagne.
Susannah will come to gather her daughter to take her to the wedding ceremony, while Jaqueline is fussing with her dress on the side before she and Max are to head up to the stage. She knew all along that she wasn't going to make any decisions for her wedding, not even the partner she was going to marry, not even the dress. The dress fits her figure, certainly, but doesn't really feel like her style.
( He is. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't thinking about Russell DeBrande, the hate in his heart and whatever deep dark secret he's keeping. Being rejected does that to you. Max and his sister were in their guilded cage, but a cage nonetheless. But, they had a different kind of freedom. One never afforded to Rusty. )
He sold out David's main squeeze fast enough. Think we'll make it to our first year anniversary?
( he stands, facing his sister. they're doing this. )
I got your back. Go. I'll be right behind.
( Down the hall in the grand ballroom, the processional begins. He knows three things. The ascension can't happen until they're all married. The marriage is one of two ceremonies - and the first. And he needs to milk these vows for all they're worth. )
[Jaqueline and Max join David and Sierra at the altar, and they can't help but feel like there's an underlying layer of tension. Their parents are nervous and she can't quite put her finger on why.
Her eyes glance to Sierra and David, eyebrow raising as the officiant clears their throat.
"Shall we begin?"
"Yes," Gainor replies. "Let's get on with it."]
How romantic.
[But still, she turns and faces Sierra, extending her hand to her.]
( Sierra takes Jaq's hand in hers, then covers them both with her other hand, squeezing. The officiant encourages Jaq to do the same while picking up the handfasting thread. The thread extends out from whatever substance it's been sitting in. Sierra fights a frown as she sees it drip. Maybe that's the magic, she thinks. She doesn't flinch as the officiant readies the thread, one end in each of her hands. )
[Jaqueline does as she's told, looping one hand over Sierra's and lets them be bound together. She knows that this is one step closer to their parents getting what they want, but she tries to focus on the moment. Focus on the woman in front of her.
This, she can take for herself, no matter what.
Eventually the officiant steps back and nods to them. "The vows?"
Jaqueline takes a deep breath, before reciting the words laid out for them.]
I call upon the universe to witness this union, as I bind my life with yours. I promise to honor your spirit, to uplift and cherish you, to walk this sacred path as partners. May we grow together, sharing our hearts and our souls, and may the love we share be a beacon to guide us through the darkness. With this cord, I join my spirit with yours, in love and in faith.
[She means every word of it, even if it feels forced.]
I( Sierra starts, every word deliberate, fighting back the a tears of sentimentality this display doesn't deserve. ) call upon the universe to witness this union, as I bind my life - with yours. I finally promise to honor your spirit, to uplift you, to put you first,
( Max tilts his head closer to his soon-to-be husband, "This is the feminist rewrite," he quips. But Elton can tell he wants his sister happy and has only recently realized what will do it. Just how much she sacrificed for him. He doesn't know the extent. But he knows how long she has gone. )
to cherish and kiss the ground you walk in because you deserve that and more, to walk this sacred ancestral path as partners. May we work together, grow together, sharing our hearts, our fears, our plans, and our souls and may the love we have always shared be the beacon we both need to guide us through the darkness and back to one another. I choose you. Every time. From this day forward. With this cord and these witnesses and your brother's stand-in
("Hot stand-in," he grumbles. Then looks back. "I mean. Rude. That was rude," he nods, smirking underneath. Sierra would always go with style. Maybe this gives him hope. And a kernel of an idea. )
I join my spirit with yours and yours with mine, in love, in faith, under siege - ( she turns to address the crowd ) the patriarchy ( she explains with elicits some laughter. she faces her wife again. ) - so mote it be.
[Jaqueline grins, catlike, at her partner's editing of the vows, though she can see their parents - with the exception of Sierra's father who's not present - rolling their eyes.
The officiant would probably be amused as well, if he wasn't there under some kind of duress. "Yes, well. Lovely. You may now kiss the bride."
And Jaqueline will do just that, because it's her wedding and she'll do what she wants.
David also looks amused because good for them. He'll celebrate their wedding if nothing else. Elton, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be processing any of this. He's starting to realize that maybe he made a huge mistake.
( It's more apparent than ever to Max and Ezra, and even Sierra as she breaks her first kiss as a wife, that most of this crowd isn't aware of what's going to happen. They think this is a straightforward ascension, a passing of the torch to the heirs to finish the Gauntlet and claim power. Maybe they're innocents, too, but that makes them dangerous under their parents.
The officiant turns to the other couple, one he has a bead on being unconventional. He believes he heard he word stand-in? But, it's likely, his family, or livelihood or whatever is being threatened, isn't worth not performing this ceremony.
Removing the second round of ties that will bind, he gestures for Max and Elton to also join hands, clearing his own throat. He smiles to the crowd. More pomp. More circumstance.
Max holds one hand out, palm down. His eyes say, you're a freaking idiot, but do what we're told. We may not have a plan, but we have self preservation instincts, unlike you.
[They are very expressive eyes. Elton also doesn't really seem like he had much to live for. He just fell for the con, and he's realizing he might be seeing the person he lost sooner than he thought, though not in the same way he thought.
Sorry, love. I thought this would turn out better.
But he takes Max's hand, almost on autopilot, watching as the officiant binds their hands and waits for Max to begin the vows.]
( His eyes say something else next. 'Watch this,' )
Elton-I-Have-No-Idea-What-Your-Last-Name-Is. Elton-Easy-On-The-Eyes. I call upon the universe to witness this Married at First sight-caliber union, as I bind my life with yours. I promise to honor your spirit, to uplift and cherish you, to walk this sacred, special snowflake path as partners. May we grow together and not apart, but if we fall into the gay cliche, may our marital bed stay sacred... ( what's next. right, pushing forward. ) while still sharing our hearts and our souls, and may the blind love we share be a beacon to guide us through the darkness and the bullshit. With... this cord, ( Throughout his speech, he meanders, he pauses, he tries to push for time, to brace himself for the cavalry that never comes. He sees his parents lean forward, their ire, their hunger. His mother is almost on her feet. His final message his eyes give is an apology. Because, he tried to delay this as long as he could. And this damns the both of them. It's rather to be married and alive then to refuse and be dead.
He plays the golden boy one last time. ) I join my spirit with yours, in, in... in love and in faith. So. Mote it be.
[Elton does appreciate that he's trying, even if his face seems fairly resolved (13). This doesn't seem like a safe space to show it, but maybe Max will see it if they're paying attention. He repeats the vows as written, knowing that he's expendable, and the officiant nods.
"I now pronounce you spouses. You may - "
Before he can request the kiss fully, both men already leaning in to get it over with, the doors to the back of the makeshift chapel fling open and a loud, familiar voice draws all eyes to the back of the room.]
I'm sorry. Did I miss the part where we were supposed to object?
He takes a generous step back and exchanges a look with his sister. He couldn't have been a few minutes earlier.
Ezra and David stand at the corners, like the men of honors they are. Ezra doesn't make a move but sees a familiar flick of Max's wrist. His eyes grow intense and he shakes his head, eyes not on them. Not yet.
Max rolls his eyes.
He guesses it's... his wedding. A sigh, he raises his handfasted hand in Elton's up high. )
[All of the parents eyes are focused on Rusty, all with varying shades of emotion from wariness to interest to anger. Rusty's just about to continue his dramatic entrance when a witch bursts through the door behind him.
"Vampires! Elijah Mikaelson and Stefan Salvatore. They're here."
At that, the parents startle more, until eyes flow from Rusty, to the woman standing just slightly behind him.
David grins when he sees Bela. "Your timing, as always, is impeccable."
Bela smirks in return. "I try. Shall we finish this then?"
That question is more to the heirs than anyone else in the room.]
( Their parents are one thing, but channeling the husband whose power you now share makes snapping a row of witness witches necks pretty easy with that flick of the wrist he doesn't hold back: (15).
Serena takes Jaq's hand and phases through the floor.
Ezra imbues Rusty and Bela with some bonuses (+3 to attack rolls, +2 to AC equivalents), but keeps his eyes on his husband's "parents." )
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somanyadjectives) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
everyonelives2025-07-26 07:05 pm
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( And it wasn't enough. )
Eventually, I stopped.
( She needed to start creating her own leverage. )
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[He gives a small shrug.]
It's not your fault.
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( She had zero influence on them. )
If we hadn't found out their true agenda, if we were all called in for the ascension alone, you know I would know something was up. My parents are nothing like they used to be.
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[It always felt like they actually wanted to parent. At least more so than his or the twins parents ever did.]
Are you ready to do what we have to do?
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( And that's enough talk, isn't it. She's getting married. And she's surviving. They all are. She takes her friend's hand in hers beside them, on the couch, and sips again from her champagne.
It's not long now. )
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Susannah will come to gather her daughter to take her to the wedding ceremony, while Jaqueline is fussing with her dress on the side before she and Max are to head up to the stage. She knew all along that she wasn't going to make any decisions for her wedding, not even the partner she was going to marry, not even the dress. The dress fits her figure, certainly, but doesn't really feel like her style.
She glances over at him.]
I feel like a painted doll.
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( Max adjusts his bowtie in the mirror, frowning. )
Painted or not, we always have been. Just keep your eye on the finish line. ( He glances back. ) And, hey, you're marrying someone you love.
( Not that love is everything to Max, or like it ever has been. )
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[They would have done things differently if they were actually having a say, but she could take comfort in that much.]
At least Elton's easy on the eyes. You could do worse.
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( He is. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't thinking about Russell DeBrande, the hate in his heart and whatever deep dark secret he's keeping. Being rejected does that to you. Max and his sister were in their guilded cage, but a cage nonetheless. But, they had a different kind of freedom. One never afforded to Rusty. )
He sold out David's main squeeze fast enough. Think we'll make it to our first year anniversary?
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[Because that's the rule that should go into every marriage, clearly. But Jaqueline knows he's been fixated on someone else.]
Maybe Rusty will show up and object.
[Can't help but make a little jab.]
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( So they can avoid a Chicago fate. )
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We'll see.
[A double rap sounds against the door and she sighs before nodding.]
Either way, it's show time.
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I got your back. Go. I'll be right behind.
( Down the hall in the grand ballroom, the processional begins. He knows three things. The ascension can't happen until they're all married. The marriage is one of two ceremonies - and the first. And he needs to milk these vows for all they're worth. )
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Her eyes glance to Sierra and David, eyebrow raising as the officiant clears their throat.
"Shall we begin?"
"Yes," Gainor replies. "Let's get on with it."]
How romantic.
[But still, she turns and faces Sierra, extending her hand to her.]
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This, she can take for herself, no matter what.
Eventually the officiant steps back and nods to them. "The vows?"
Jaqueline takes a deep breath, before reciting the words laid out for them.]
I call upon the universe to witness this union, as I bind my life with yours. I promise to honor your spirit, to uplift and cherish you, to walk this sacred path as partners. May we grow together, sharing our hearts and our souls, and may the love we share be a beacon to guide us through the darkness. With this cord, I join my spirit with yours, in love and in faith.
[She means every word of it, even if it feels forced.]
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( Max tilts his head closer to his soon-to-be husband, "This is the feminist rewrite," he quips. But Elton can tell he wants his sister happy and has only recently realized what will do it. Just how much she sacrificed for him. He doesn't know the extent. But he knows how long she has gone. )
to cherish and kiss the ground you walk in because you deserve that and more, to walk this sacred ancestral path as partners. May we work together, grow together, sharing our hearts, our fears, our plans, and our souls and may the love we have always shared be the beacon we both need to guide us through the darkness and back to one another. I choose you. Every time. From this day forward. With this cord and these witnesses and your brother's stand-in
( "Hot stand-in," he grumbles. Then looks back. "I mean. Rude. That was rude," he nods, smirking underneath. Sierra would always go with style. Maybe this gives him hope. And a kernel of an idea. )
I join my spirit with yours and yours with mine, in love, in faith, under siege - ( she turns to address the crowd ) the patriarchy ( she explains with elicits some laughter. she faces her wife again. ) - so mote it be.
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The officiant would probably be amused as well, if he wasn't there under some kind of duress. "Yes, well. Lovely. You may now kiss the bride."
And Jaqueline will do just that, because it's her wedding and she'll do what she wants.
David also looks amused because good for them. He'll celebrate their wedding if nothing else. Elton, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be processing any of this. He's starting to realize that maybe he made a huge mistake.
Just maybe.]
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The officiant turns to the other couple, one he has a bead on being unconventional. He believes he heard he word stand-in? But, it's likely, his family, or livelihood or whatever is being threatened, isn't worth not performing this ceremony.
Removing the second round of ties that will bind, he gestures for Max and Elton to also join hands, clearing his own throat. He smiles to the crowd. More pomp. More circumstance.
Max holds one hand out, palm down. His eyes say, you're a freaking idiot, but do what we're told. We may not have a plan, but we have self preservation instincts, unlike you.
They're very expressive eyes. )
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Sorry, love. I thought this would turn out better.
But he takes Max's hand, almost on autopilot, watching as the officiant binds their hands and waits for Max to begin the vows.]
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Elton-I-Have-No-Idea-What-Your-Last-Name-Is. Elton-Easy-On-The-Eyes. I call upon the universe to witness this Married at First sight-caliber union, as I bind my life with yours. I promise to honor your spirit, to uplift and cherish you, to walk this sacred, special snowflake path as partners. May we grow together and not apart, but if we fall into the gay cliche, may our marital bed stay sacred... ( what's next. right, pushing forward. ) while still sharing our hearts and our souls, and may the blind love we share be a beacon to guide us through the darkness and the bullshit. With... this cord, ( Throughout his speech, he meanders, he pauses, he tries to push for time, to brace himself for the cavalry that never comes. He sees his parents lean forward, their ire, their hunger. His mother is almost on her feet. His final message his eyes give is an apology. Because, he tried to delay this as long as he could. And this damns the both of them. It's rather to be married and alive then to refuse and be dead.
He plays the golden boy one last time. ) I join my spirit with yours, in, in... in love and in faith. So. Mote it be.
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"I now pronounce you spouses. You may - "
Before he can request the kiss fully, both men already leaning in to get it over with, the doors to the back of the makeshift chapel fling open and a loud, familiar voice draws all eyes to the back of the room.]
I'm sorry. Did I miss the part where we were supposed to object?
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He takes a generous step back and exchanges a look with his sister. He couldn't have been a few minutes earlier.
Ezra and David stand at the corners, like the men of honors they are. Ezra doesn't make a move but sees a familiar flick of Max's wrist. His eyes grow intense and he shakes his head, eyes not on them. Not yet.
Max rolls his eyes.
He guesses it's... his wedding. A sigh, he raises his handfasted hand in Elton's up high. )
By like a minute.
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[All of the parents eyes are focused on Rusty, all with varying shades of emotion from wariness to interest to anger. Rusty's just about to continue his dramatic entrance when a witch bursts through the door behind him.
"Vampires! Elijah Mikaelson and Stefan Salvatore. They're here."
At that, the parents startle more, until eyes flow from Rusty, to the woman standing just slightly behind him.
David grins when he sees Bela. "Your timing, as always, is impeccable."
Bela smirks in return. "I try. Shall we finish this then?"
That question is more to the heirs than anyone else in the room.]
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Serena takes Jaq's hand and phases through the floor.
Ezra imbues Rusty and Bela with some bonuses (+3 to attack rolls, +2 to AC equivalents), but keeps his eyes on his husband's "parents." )
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