-James-

I've never liked weddings.

Especially after my parents divorce. I turned into a bitter asshole that didn't want to see other couples happy. Lindy dragged me to one while we were dating and I swore that would be the last one I'd ever go to.

And today I woke up and got ready for my dad's wedding with a woman that's not my mom. Sara's not exactly a bitch, but she definitely can be. She's tame when compared to Cristin. She gives a whole new meaning to the word.

But I looked forward to going with Violet. She'll make it bearable at least.

The tux my dad picked out was definitely white. Every piece was white except my crimson tie. Even the vest was white. I would've at least liked a red vest, but Dad said that's what his groomsmen are wearing. It shouldn't matter, but whatever.

The wedding is taking place two hours away. He wants it out in a field of hills and the reception too. It was an odd request, but again, whatever. It's his wedding to another woman. I really shouldn't care. He's lucky I'm going at all. If it wasn't for my mom and Meredith, I probably wouldn't be going. My mom isn't going though. I didn't ask why either because I already knew she wouldn't be able to handle it.

Chaos came trotting in my room with a toy rope hanging from his mouth. He dropped it at my feet and I bent down to pick it up. "I don't have time, buddy." I dangled the rope and he latched onto it with a tight grip of his teeth. He started pulling back and so did I. He's grown quite a bit since I've had him. But in my eyes he'll always be a puppy.

After sparing Chaos a few minutes, I fed him and closed all the doors before leaving my apartment.

I took the back way to Violet's and got there five minutes earlier than I usually do. Their car wasn't in the driveway, but that doesn't mean Gray isn't home. Violet told me he still isn't over me picking her up from school. Talk about over protective, but I'm an older brother too. But there could be more to Gray's story I don't know.

Turning off my car, I got out and walked up the front steps to Violet's house. The weight of my finger pressed the doorbell and I heard it echo through the house. The door opened and Blue appeared at the door. "I remember you." He grinned.

"Blue, what did I tell you about opening the door?" I heard Violet as she approached behind Blue.

Blue shrugged his shoulders and walked away.

Violet appeared in the doorway and my breath got lost on its way up along with my words. Her dress was a red almost as dark as my tie, with thick straps, a square neckline, and the skirt was just above her knees.

"You're early." She breathed.

"Uh, yeah...sorry." I swallowed the lump in my throat, "We just have a long way to drive."

She smiled and opened the door for me. "Let me get my shoes and tell my mom I'm leaving. She'll probably want to come say hi anyway."

"Okay." I closed the door behind me and followed Violet into the living room.

"I'll be back." She said and walked down the hallway to my left.

Blue was sitting on the couch, invested in whatever cartoon was playing on the TV. He looked at me and smiled. "Do you like my sister?"

Definitely caught off guard. "I'm sorry?"

He still grinned. "Did you kiss her?"

My face was probably redder than a tomato. "No. We're friends." I can't believe I have to explain this to a six year old.

Thank god Violet came back into the room with her mother in tow. "Hey, James." Caroline smiled.

"Hi, Ms. Bowen. It's good to see you."

Then she pulled me into an unexpected hug. Of course I didn't know what to do, but I hugged her back. "It's good to see you too."

I stepped back and looked at Violet. "Ready?"

She nodded and gave her mom a quick hug. "I'll be home by midnight. Tell Gray and Nic both for me."

"Of course." She squeezed Violet and let her go, "Have fun. Both of you."

"She'll be taken care of." I assured her with an easy smile.

"I know." Then she ushered us out the door, "Call me if you're running late."

"Bye, Mom. I love you." Violet called out while she opened the door and stepped out.

Violet was only a few steps ahead, but I managed to catch up to her. I opened the car door for her and she gave me a smile before getting inside. "Thank you."

Moving around to my side, I got in and started the car.

* * *

Two hours later, we arrived at the secluded area my dad had reserved for the wedding. The street below the hills was already lined with cars of waiting guests. The guy in change of parking directed me further down the road to an empty spot on the right side.

When I stepped out, I walked around to Violet's side just as he was stepping out into the grass. "I didn't thank you for coming yet." I offered her my arm as she closed the door.

She looped hers through and we started walking. "Like you said, it could be fun. And there's always amazing food at weddings." She joked.

I laughed lightly. "Knowing my dad he got nothing but the best. So I hope you're not expecting any finger foods."

"I do expect really amazing cake though." She giggled a little.

"I think it has a strawberry filling."

"Maybe we should just skip the wedding and go find the cake."

I chuckled and glanced over at her. "That's the best offer I've had all year."

We started walking up the hill, following the rest of the guests. A large white gazebo appeared a little ways in the distance, rows and rows of chairs, and white rose petals lined the center, setting an aisle. "Is she actually going to be walking up that hill?" Violet asked as we finally made it up.

"Probably. That's going to be a lot of fun. She'll be winded before she even makes it to the top."

"They really thought this one through."

Meredith was already here with her date, Damon, whom I've already met. It's good to see that they're still together. When she saw me, she smiled and stood to greet me. Violet stepped back and Meredith enveloped me in a hug. "I almost thought you weren't coming. If I have to be here, so do you."

I breathed a laugh and stepped back. "You should know I couldn't leave you here alone."

Meredith smiled and her gaze moved to Violet.

"This is Violet, she works with Mom. Violet, this is my sister Meredith."

"Oh, Violet!" She wrapped her arms around Violet's shoulders and brought her into a tight hug, "My mom has mentioned you quite a bit. It's so good to finally meet you."

Violet hesitated before hugging her back. "You too, Meredith."

Meredith released Violet and she moved back to my side. "James and Mom both have said nothing but nice things. I was beginning to wonder if you were even real." She laughed.

Violet laughed nervously and tucked a curl behind her ear. "They're too nice." She said quietly.

"Only sometimes."

Violet laughed again and her cheeks turned just a shade pinker.

It was then I realized I had been watching her the whole time.

I cleared my throat and looked over at Meredith. Damon stepped forward and shook my hand. Meredith introduced him to Violet and then we all sat down. I sat beside Meredith in the front row, and Violet sat on my other side at the end of the row.

She started picking at her fingers, a nervous tic I've noticed she also possesses. That's other than putting a strand of hair behind her ear and pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. It was oddly adorable.

Gently, I took her hand into mine and shifted my hand slightly so my fingers could slide through hers. Her hand relaxed, then tightened around mine. The feeling made me relax as well. Then I wondered if I grabbed her hand more for my sake or hers. But it helped, so I stopped thinking about it.

There were plenty of different flowers weaved through a vine on the gazebo. Mainly pinks, reds, and whites. The smell of fall lingered with the scent of fresh flowers and it was very enticing. Vines intertwined with flowers also lined the aisle and the grass was covered in rose petals. It was beautiful, I could admire that.

About thirty minutes later, my dad walked under the gazebo. He smiled and waved at Meredith and I before he proceeded on his way. He didn't look twice at Violet, but it still made me nervous.

Then the music started and everyone turned in their seats to watch. Cristin was the first to walk down with her arm looped through Jared's, a fake smile on her lips. As she past us, she winked at me and let go of Jared's arm as they walked under the gazebo. Two more bridesmaids walked with Dad's groomsmen and now it was Sara's turn.

Sara walked down with her arm looped through her dad's. Her dress was really long and...tight. Too tight to be considered appropriate for a wedding. But, it's their wedding and I'm sure my dad's eyes are bugging out of his face.

She did look gorgeous; I'll give her that. Maybe because her smile looked genuine and she wasn't glaring at me, she did that quite a lot. Probably because I'm not close with my dad, not that I really care what she thinks.

My dad actually looked happy too. Part of me was happy, another part wondered how he could be happy without Mom. And I need to get over that. Everyone else in my family is and I need to be too. Hopefully after this wedding I'll be able to put it behind me. That's what I'm really hoping for.

Violet kept a small grip on my hand and I softly brushed my thumb over her skin. She seemed content right now.

Verses were stated, vows were exchanged along with rings, and a kiss to seal it all together.

After they were pronounced husband and wife, everyone started clapping.

Usual wedding things.

They both walked down the middle, arms connected and smiles that beamed and reached their ears. They truly did look happy and I was jealous yet bitter.

Sara said something about an open bar under the large white tent only a few feet away from the gazebo that held the ceremony. Now it was the part that everyone loved more than the ceremony. And I can't lie and say it's a bad part. Maybe I could sneak a drink or two when no one is watching. I'll be twenty-one in a couple of months, it won't hurt anything.

We followed the bride and groom across the way and under the tent. Music started playing and they had their first dance.

And while that was happening, I pulled Violet towards the bar that was currently empty. I resisted the urge to order anything stronger than what was allowed and just got a glass of water. The first glass I handed to Violet and I greatly took the other. "That felt like a scene straight from a movie." Violet said after taking a drink.

I nodded. "My dad does like to go all out. But it was a pretty ceremony."

"Are you okay?"

Another question that caught me off guard. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Instead of answering, she shrugged.

Feeling guilty, I sat my water down on the bar and extended my hand towards her. "Dance with me."

Her eyes widened and she shook her head. "No, I can't—"

"One dance." I timidly took the glass from her hand, "When people say they're bad at dancing, I call them a liar."

Violet shook her head again. "If you knew me, you would know it's not a lie."

I took her hand slowly. "Then prove it."

She glared, but tightened her grip on my hand. "Fine. But if I embarrass you, it's your fault."

I laughed lightly and guided her to the dance floor where everyone was now dancing. The music was slow, yet slightly upbeat. It was slow enough to bring Violet close. Our hands clasped together, one of her hands on my shoulder, and my hand gently placed on her waist. "Is this okay?" I whispered.

She nodded. "Yeah."

I guided her slowly across the dance floor, careful not to bump into anyone. Violet kept looking to her sides, probably hoping not to do the same thing. I freed the hand from her waist to slightly press against her cheek. Slowly, I turned her head to face me. "You're fine." And I dropped my hand back to her waist.

She let go of a breath and nodded. "Sorry. I just don't really want to bump into someone that could fire me."

I snorted. "You're dancing with someone that could fire you."

"So if my dancing isn't up to your standards, you'll fire me?" She grinned.

"Eh, maybe. Don't be surprised if you don't have a job on Monday."

She scoffed, but then laughed. "So funny."

There was a hand on my back and I dropped my arms away from Violet. I twisted my body around to find Meredith. "Let's go talk to Dad and Sara."

"Okay, one second."

Meredith smiled and nodded once. I turned back to Violet and leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "Meet me on the second hill behind you."

I pulled back and all she did was nod.

Meredith was waiting a few feet away for me. She looped her arm through mine as we made our way over to the table. "You like her."

"What?" I whispered, glancing at her.

"You like Violet."

Now this tux felt too hot. "Why would it matter?"

"It doesn't." She answered, "I like her. It's about time you found someone that isn't completely obnoxious. Though I did like Lindy. She was a little crazy, but you liked that. And she was fun."

The conversation was cut short as we reached the table. Dad stood and Meredith and I both hugged him over the table. Which was a very difficult thing to do by the way and I don't recommend it. "Congratulations, Dad." We said in unison. He squeezed us for a moment and let go.

Sara stayed seated with a smile.

"Thank you guys for being here." Dad beamed.

"Of course, Dad." Meredith said, "We couldn't miss your wedding."

Gag.

"Well it really means the world. I see your mother couldn't come."

Did he really except her to? "She was busy." I said instead.

"Figures." He laughed, "And James, I'd like to talk to you before you leave tonight."

"Okay, well I'll find you before we leave."

He smiled and sat back down, taking Sara's hand between his own. "I'll see you later then."

"You will."

Meredith stayed when I walked away. I pushed through the crowd, past the tables, and off the floor of the white tent. When I walked over the first hill, I could see Violet's silhouette in the distance. The wind was blowing lightly. It skimmed across the nape of my neck and chills cooled my skin.

Violet's hair was blowing to the side, the back of her neck exposed.

My feet halted three feet away. "I didn't get a chance to tell you how beautiful you look in red."

Violet slowly turned around, a brilliant smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you."

If it was lighter out, I'm sure I'd see the rosiness of her cheeks. The stars just started to faintly show in the dull sky. "Are you having fun?"

She took a step closer. "Surprisingly yes."

"Surprisingly?"

"The way you were talking made it seem like this was going to be the dullest wedding ever." She released a small laugh.

"We have different definitions. But it wasn't as bad as I expected. And to answer your question from earlier, yes, I'm okay."

Her smiled widened. "Good. I'm sure it's not exactly easy to see your dad marry someone else."

"Definitely not easy. But he did look happy."

"Very. I don't think I've ever seen your dad smile like that before." She sat down on the grass and tucked her legs under.

Even though my tux is completely white, I sat down next to her. I would definitely be paying to get these grass stains out later. "To be honest, I don't think I have either. Maybe when we were little and he was happy with my mom, but I haven't seen that in awhile."

She looked over at me, a slight frown tugging at her lips. "I remember seeing my dad that happy before. It's amazing how much I do remember before he left."

"Do you have a favorite?"

Her gaze shifted to look straight ahead. The bright lights of the tent could be seen from here. People dancing and talking. "It was about a month before everything went down hill. My mom was going back to school, but then found out she was pregnant with Blue. My dad cried." She smiled a little, "He was so happy. I remember before she got pregnant with Blue, she lost a baby. I didn't know what that meant then. When she got pregnant with Blue, they cried together." She breathed a little laugh, "That was probably my favorite memory. I came home from school and they're both just crying in the kitchen. I was barely eleven so I assumed the worst. Then they hugged me and I started crying too. I know it sounds ridiculous."

"No, it doesn't." I spoke softly, "I think everyone deserves to be that happy."

She stole a glance in my direction. "I think so too. And that's all I want for my mom. I just want her to be happy again." Her voice was shaking a little when she spoke again, "He destroyed her."

"He never noticed, did he?"

Violet sighed and leaned back on her hands against the grass. "Or he noticed and didn't care. That's one reason why Gray is the way he is. He doesn't want to see me go through what my mom did. The pain of it..."

I tilted my head down to look at her. "It's not always like that."

Her eyes bore into mine. "How do you know?"

"My friend Juliet found love through pain. It's not easy, but it's worth it."

Her eyes glistened as she searched my face. "It's not worth it. No love is worth the pain it causes."

"How do you know?" I echoed her question.

Violet sat up again, tucking her legs underneath her. "That's not the point." She sucked in a shaky breath, "I saw what it did to my mom. And my dad didn't care." She looked away and swiped a finger under her eye, "So no, I don't think it's worth it. Sometimes I think it is, but then I remember what my mom went through. Something that's supposed to make you happy shouldn't make you miserable."

I moved so that I was sitting across from her. She used her fingertips to brush away the tears that fell onto her cheeks. Even with her glasses, she managed to catch the ones before they fell. "I'm sorry." I spoke gently and slowly wrapped my fingers around her wrists. "I shouldn't have brought it up." I pulled her hands away from her face and timidly cupped her jaw.

She looked down, silently crying.

Hesitantly, I leaned in and pressed my lips to the small space between her brows. Her hands gripped my forearms securely and she leaned into me. My lips fluttered over the length of her face, stopping to leave a small kiss on her cheek. A kiss to the tip of her nose and her other cheek.

Everything slowed down and I couldn't hear anything but her short breaths.

The reception was nothing but a faint echo.

My heart was beating too fast against my chest.

Violet lifted her head, leaning her forehead against mine, and her grip only tightened on my arms.

When the feeling of wanting to kiss her became unbearable, I slowly tilted my head down. What I didn't expect was for her to do the same and meet me halfway.

Heat surged through my body when her kiss met mine.

Her lips were as soft as I expected them to be. The last thing I expected was for her to actually kiss me back.

Violet's lips parted under mine as she dropped her hands from my arms. She snaked her hands to the back of my neck and slowly leaned back until she was lying against the grass. I used my hands for support as I barely hovered over her.

Our lips moved in sync, only adding to the heat of my body.

Her hands weaved through my hair, her fingers wrapped around locks as she squeezed her hands into fists.

With a bit of reluctance, I left her lips to leave delicate kisses along her jaw, one to her chin, and down the center of her throat. She arched her back slightly in response. As I dragged my lips across her chest, I gripped her waist and kissed my way back up to her lips.

My lips met her jaw and she turned her head to catch my lips between hers.

She gripped my face between her hands and I let go of her waist to keep myself balanced.

Then she jerked away too quickly.

"I...I need...you to take me home."

"Violet—"

"Please."

I stood up and nodded. "I'll take you home."

----------------

Yeah, so that happened, haha. This is exactly how I had it pictured in my head. Character's first kisses are always amazing but such a pain in the ass to write, lol. I really hope I did it justice. I was afraid of going too fast. Gotta love that build up hahahaha.

ANYWHOOOOO let me know what you think please? I'd really love to know your thoughts! <3 And thank you for all the votes as well!

Song: Around The World and Back by State Champs (I loooooove this album so much and also can we talk about the new 5sos album too because I cried a few times. So much better than I expected.)