Somehow someway or another, Dark managed to get all the Ipliers seated and sitting still. There was a little hiccup with the priest being able to come so instead, Sammie, Jackie's sister, volunteered to be the officiant. Alongside her law degree, she also had a certificate that gave her to power to marry people.

Jameson was at the front with Henrik next to him as his best man and then Anti, Marvin, Jackie and Chase. Of course on the bride's side, there was the maid of honor, Eva and then Stacey next to her and then Gab. Sammie would have been another bridesmaid but they had to have SOMEONE marry them. 

Wilford volunteered but Dark wouldn't let him.

Anthony sat next to Evan and Chad, having a silent conversation with his eyes with Gab, teasing her and trying to look sexy. Unfortunately, he just looked funny, holding Bella for Stacey while she stood at the front as a bridesmaid. Stacey trusted him with her, though, knowing he had a weird way of being able to not make her cry.

Chase had a hard time not laughing, watching Anthony bounce his knee up and down for his daughter with that serious look on his face. Next to the men in the seats was Benny and Olivia since Jack was the ring bearer and Iris was the flower girl.

Speaking of little Iris, she was just coming down the aisle as Wilson, the retired policewoman and Jameson's friend, played the piano. 

Iris had a blast and threw petals at the egos aggressively.

Surprisingly, a lot of the Iplier egos awed at her, thinking she was just adorable. 

Wilford somehow procured some bubbles and blowed some at her while she went past him. She giggled but tried her best to stick to her task.

Mark, who was forced to sit next to Dark, glared at the entire ceremony with utter hatred in his eyes but Iris was lucky to not even notice him. Dark did as he promised and put ductape over Mark's mouth so he couldn't shout or say anything.

As she went by Anthony, she waved at him furiously and he waved back a little with two of his fingers, busy holding the baby.

Finally she reached Jameson but forgot what to do next and ended up just handing her father the basket and sitting on the ground in front of him.

Henrik shook his head exasperated and sighed but pat her head, mumbling how good of a job she did. Eva just smiled and made a heart to her youngest daughter with her hands.

Finally, Wilson plays the wedding song a little harder and everyone turns to see Emily walking down the aisle with Griffith by her side.

She looked absolutely beautiful in her long flowing white dress.

Jameson started to cry, she was like an angel.

None of the Ipliers knew her but they remained as respectful as they could, containing themselves or else suffer Dark's wrath.

Emily reached Jameson, her veil still in front of her face but everyone could see they couldn't stop smiling at each other.

Sammie started the ceremony.

Anthony sighed heavily. This was already way too long for him but he buckled down, keeping occupied with Bella in his arms. He knew the other egos thought he was so soft now like Anti. He didn't blame them but he also wouldn't hesitate to kill a bitch if he needed to. He kept stealing glances over at Mark who looked like he wanted to murder everyone.

Anthony held the baby a little tighter in his arms. He didn't know how he became so paternal. He stopped questioning feelings in general a long time ago after meeting Gab.

Speaking of Gab, Anthony stole another look at her only to find she had been staring at him the whole time.

She blushed at being caught and looked away, biting her lip a little.

'Damn, I love it when she does that. . . . .  Why was she staring at ME, though? Not like I'm doing anything interesting.'

On the contrary, she absolutely LOVED it when Anthony was like this. She could never tell him but she wanted to have a family with him so bad. She knew he would never agree to it, though. He was already very firm about not wanting kids of his own. He was just fine tolerating his nieces and nephews and that was it.

'Maybe one day I could change his mind' she thought to herself.

Finally, Sammie was nearing the end of the ceremony and got to the most important part.

Jameson still hadn't spoken yet but the groomsmen were eagerly awaiting the moment to see the look on everyone's faces.

Emily lifted her veil and little Jack came RUNNING down the aisle with the rings, taking his job VERY seriously and with pride. Also, he just wanted it to be over already so he didn't embarrass himself.

Everyone chuckled lightly at his enthusiasm and Emily and Jameson took the rings.

Sammie started to speak the vows.

"Emily, will you have this man to be thy wedded husband . . . to live together in Matrimony? Will you love him? Comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

Emily took a breathe and nodded, "I do!"

Jameson put the ring on her finger delicately.

"And Jameson, will you have this woman to be thy wedded wife to live together in Matrimony? Will you love her? Comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

This was it.

Everyone was waiting for Jameson to sign the words.

No one in a million years except the groomsmen ever expected what happened next.

Jameson licked his lips, cleared his throat. . . . .

"I . . ..  I DO!" he smiled wide, proud of himself.

Emily gasped, looking like she'd faint but laughed, smiling just as big, "JAMES! . . Y-YOU SPOKE!"

Jameson nodded, taking her hands in his, putting the ring she gave him on his finger for her, "I . . . M-marvin . . .. made it. . .h-happen. A s-spell. I w-wanted to  . . . sss-save my first w-words again. . . . for you. . . Emily"

Emily couldn't help herself and launched at him, kissing him.

Sammie laughed, "Whoa there! Whoa! I haven't even gotten to that part, yet!"

Everyone chuckled at the enthusiasm but even the Ipliers recognized the significance of the special moment. They didn't really know them but they were happy for them. Many of them clapped or whistled.

Anthony  . . . . Anthony was SHOCKED.

No one had told him this was going to happen but apparently Evan and Chad and the bridesmaids and kids were just as surprised and didn't know it was going to happen either so he was a little less upset.

It made his chest hurt a little, though.

Remembering.

Anthony was the one that hurt him to begin with. He cut out his tongue, making it so he couldn't talk.

He hadn't realized the amount of guilt that still weighed down on him.

He was so infatuated with his own thoughts, he didn't even notice that the ceremony was ending and Jameson and Emily were walking down the aisle together by everyone.

Everyone started to get out of their seats. It was time for the reception.

Reluctantly, Anthony gave Bella to Chase, who was suddenly in front of him holding his arms out to take her from him.

Gab made her way to him, "Hey. . . are you okay? You looked to be in a bit of a daze there at the end."

"Y-yeah . . . yeah, I'm fine.. . .just  . . feeling things . . I think . . I don't know"

Gab nodded. She understood but she felt that it was best for him to work this out on his own.

Everyone walked to the reception area and once again, Henrik was busy overseeing his employees getting things ready for the dinner in an hour.

Everyone who hadn't already seen the reception area with all the flowers, lights and decoration was floored. Not even Dark's mansion was this beautiful and extravagant.

"Geez, Hen" Jackie commented to him once he calmed down a little, "It's like you ripped everything out of a royal castle and put it outside"

Henrik straightened with a smirk, "Do you all forget how rich I am?! This is nothing. I own a space station, several summer homes, hospitals and facilities for crying out loud!"

"Why the fuck am I paying money for anything then?!" Chase grumbled, "Come on, Hen, be a bro" he teased.

They all laughed it off.

Henrik rolled his eyes, "Chase, go set up your cameras. I'm not about to give you money for free unless you really need it. Go do the job you signed up for." he waved him off.

Chase rolled his eyes right back at him, "Alright." he pat Anti's back, "And don't worry, I got a special camera for you and Anthony. Film, so it'll turn out"

"Ah, YES!"

Anthony tilted his head, "Film? Why would that matter?"

"What, you've never had your picture taken?" Jackie asked him.

Anthony shook his head, "No."

They all looked at Gab, surprised she never took any pictures with him. She got the gist and shrugged, "Never thought about taking pictures together before, I guess."

"Well" Anti set himself to explain, "With our electrical capabilities, we have a tendency to short circuit some electrical things sometimes on accident. A digital camera or phone camera just so happen to be one of the things that always messes up around me, for instance. The pictures never turn out. But with a traditional camera with film, there's no problem"

"Oh . . . then what about hero boy?" Anthony gestured to Jackie, "He has some electrical capabilities, too"

Anti shrugged, "He has to build it up, though. The electricity is ALWAYS a part of us"

Anthony shrugged, "E, whatever . . Doesn't matter. I don't want my picture taken"

They all stared at him.

Marvin laughed evilly, "Oh . ..  you ARE getting your picture taken"

Anthony raised a brow at him, slightly concerned.

After a few minutes, Chase got the cameras set up on a tripod on the perfect setting in front of a lake that would be behind them.

First up, of course, was Jameson and Emily and Chase took many beautiful pictures of them.

But then they had to do some of just the groomsmen and then just the bridesmaids and THEN just the kids. 

And that was when Anthony was roped in, getting grabbed by Anti and Jackie so he couldn't run off or teleport away. Anthony threatened to kill them but they all knew he wouldn't.

Anthony was forced to stand in between Anti and Jackie and Jameson, Marvin, Chase and Henrik were around him. Chase had put a timer on the camera and Anthony observed the others for what to do. He looked at the camera like they were.

And then it was over.

"Wait. . .what happened?"

Anti laughed, "You got your picture taken!"

"That was it!?  . . . .That wasn't so bad, I guess"

"SEE?! Isn't it fun?!"

Anti forced his arm around Anthony's shoulder and everyone cleared out just in time for Chase to get a picture of just Anthony and Anti together. Anthony just gave the camera a small smile while Anti grinned like a damn fool.

And then of course everyone had to join in getting a group picture. Anthony started to get used to it.

And then it was time for the couple pictures and Gab was having such a blast, she wanted one of just her and Anthony together. Of course he obliged her.

Dark was watching them all, amused mostly by Anti's excitement and happiness. 

Until Anti rushed over and grabbed HIM.

"Come on, Dark! Take a picture with me!"

Dark tried to resist him, "What?! N-no! I can't possibly . .uh . . I have to. . I have to stay here by Mark you know . . just in case  .. uh. . yeah" Dark was always a little shy about getting his picture taken anyway.

But Mark wanted to do anything to irritate Dark, "I'm handcuffed to a table and your magicians put a spell on me so I couldn't go anywhere on my own. I think your safe taking a little picture with your glitch bitch"

Dark wanted to smack him but Anti pulled him away before he could, putting him in front of the camera with him.

Dark straightened himself up and posed himself with his cane, a little red as Anti held their arms together and leaned so close.

Everyone had their assumptions but kept their mouths shut, minding their own business for once.

Afterwards, since the Septics were all finished with their own respective pictures, Chase welcomed the Ipliers to come and get their pictures done if they wanted.

Wilford was ALL for it and was damn near in every single one with someone.

Some of the Ipliers insisted on pictures with some of the Septics, too, though. Illinois wanted a picture with Henrik and Marvin for instance. They had gotten weirdly friendly since the story fiasco when Marvin tried to help him. Illinois tried to flirt with Marvin but it was going right by the magician's head. Illinois didn't know yet that he was with Evan.

Then Dr. Iplier and Henrik had a picture together, Google and Anti got one, and then Eric and Yandere got a picture with Anti, too. Anthony even caved and got a picture with Wilford.

But finally, the time for pictures was over and it was time for the dinner.

Anthony had been waiting for this moment.

And of course Henrik spared no expense.

There was prime rib and wagyu steaks, alfredo pasta and spaghetti, twice baked potatoes, lobster, shrimp cocktails, caviar and bruschetta, a salad bar, charcuterie boards galore and for desserts there was of course the wedding cake, fancy cupcakes, different types of cheesecakes, tiramisu, an ice cream bar and an assortment of wines, beer, tea and coffee for the beverages.

All the egos were in heaven and Henrik was very proud of himself.

"Damn, Hen" Jackie chuckled, "If this is a wedding you do for a friend, I wish I had been there for you and Eva's wedding!"

"It wasn't spectacular. Not nearly like this at all. We just got married at a church and my father paid for a simple little reception with pulled meat sandwiches" Henrik shook his head, "At zhe time, my father only kept zhe money to himself, insisting I earn my way myself as much as I could running a clinic of his and doing surgeries at his hospital. . . . He always threatened I wouldn't get zhe money. . . until I got his will after zhat horrible day after he was murd-" he stopped, locking eyes with Anthony.

Anthony had the sense to look guilty.

Eva took Henrik's hand, "It's okay, sweety. . . . if it makes you feel any better . .. we could always get our vows renewed?"

Henrik kissed her cheek softly, "I'd love zhat. But we'll talk more on it later. Let's just enjoy ZHIS wedding"

Anthony found himself glancing over at the kids table. He wished he could just worm his way over there. It was getting way too emotional over here for him.

Anti kept glancing over at Dark. He wanted to go sit with him, too but he didn't want to leave his family. He also knew it wasn't a good idea to have Dark over with them because he'd have to drag Mark behind him. It looked like Dark was having a difficult time anyway. He got Mark a plate of food but the asshole refused to eat anything out of spite.

Soon, the champagne was being served to the adults and it was time for the toasts!

Chase got the courage to go up first, looking down on Jameson and Emily sitting in the front, "James. . . . way to go, man. I know when I first met you, we were all down on our luck. You seemed to suffer the most but you pulled through like a champ. I look to you for inspiration every day to be a better man and husband. I see the love you two share in your eyes and it's so beautiful. I'm so happy for you both. Here's to many years of love and laughs! Cheers!" 

They toasted to Chase's speech.

Jackie came up next, looking a little nervous, "Hi . . .. I'm not great talking in front of a crowd. . . but I just wanted to say congratulations to you James and Emily. After I was still grieving and then met you all, your light shone the brightest, James. You always look on the bright sight adn you're an inspiration to us all. Emily, you're a lucky woman to have such a bright soul. You two are absolutely perfect for each other. I don't know what it is to fall in love with someone but I can see pretty close what it's supposed to be like when I see you two together. I'm so happy for you two. Congratulations!"

Anthony started to squirm in his chair. They were bringing up so much of the past and their sorrows. . . . it started to hurt his chest again. He was feeling guilty. Were they doing this on purpose to make him feel bad?

No, he couldn't be that self-centered. Not today.

Gab took his hand, obviously seeing he was troubled.

Henrik went up to the podium, "Zhis is very strange. . .. when you think about it. Two years ago, it vas just me, my Eva and my Olivia and my unborn daughter, Iris in the other universe . . . and zhen I had nothing. . . .and zhen suddenly. . . . throughout much grief and turmoil . . . I found MORE family. I consider all the Septic egos to be my family. . .my brothers. I was so happy when I found my Eva and daughters of zhis universe. It sounds complicated when you start out thinking about it.  . . . but she is just as amazing and wonderful in every way. . . . I love my wife and daughters. . . and I cannot vait for you two to feel the same happiness of being together as husband and wife, growing your OWN family and extending this little . . .colony of ours" he laughed.

Everyone started to chuckle and Henrik continued, "You are my brother, James. .  and you are my sister, Emily. . . .I wish you both a very long and happy marriage"

Everyone drank to that.

Marvin ran up to the podium next, excited, "Hi everyone! I'm Marvin but of course . . you guys already knew that. . .uh . . ..yeah. . .  We've been through a lot together, we all have. But Chase is right. You suffered the most, James. I'm happy I could help you heal so you can talk again. I'm happy that perhaps we're all FINALLY moving on from all our. . . pasts. I'm happy Evan saw what the previous Marvin didn't and got all our families to safety. Otherwise none of us would be here right now enjoying this wondering evening. Emily . . . . James talks about you a lot. He loves you SO much and I hope you know that. You're a very lucky woman to be loved as much as James loves you. Congratulations"

Everyone clapped at the magician's wonderful toast.

And then Anti ran up to the podium, sort of tripping on his own feet on the way up.

Anti just smiled at Jameson and Emily who smiled right back at him.

Anti teared up and sniffled, "You have no idea how long I've waited to see this. My previous James wanted to get married SO bad to you, Emily. He talked about it all the time but was always so nervous that you'd say no for some reason. He loved you . . . . and so does this James. In every universe you're in . . . you two are together. That should say something, huh? You two were always MEANT to be together. . . . .I'm so happy I've finally witnessed this amazing day." he wiped some tears away, "You ALL are my brothers. . . the others were, too . . . I love you ALL. I always will. And NOTHING will ever take you from me again. . . . . . " he sighed, "I used to be a killer. I never killed anyone but that was what I was created for. Until I saw Jack and he welcomed me. . . . and you don't know this . . . . but Jameson . . . your other version was the second that helped me change. Even after I possessed him and tormented him . .  he saw  . . . ME . . .what I could be . . . and welcomed me with open arms. With a smile. You two are exactly alike. The moment I saw your face again . .. I knew I was home again. With you all there. . . . I was safe. . . and HOME. I never thanked you for saving me, James.. . . . Thank you. And thank you, Emily . . .for making him happy."

Everyone clapped and some teared up, feeling his emotion.

Anti came to sit back down and it didn't look like anyone else was going to give a toast.

Jameson was about to stand.

But Anthony teleported in front of the podium, surprising EVERYONE.

Jameson sat back down, curious.

Anthony bit his lip. He didn't know how to talk about this, what he was feeling.

He was quiet for a few moments but everyone was patient.

Anthony took a deep breathe, "Um . . . . . I know that no one expected me to say anything. . . . hell, I didn't expect it. . . .. it's just . . . for the last year and a half . . . ever since I met Gab. . ..  all these weird emotions started blasting into me. For a while, I didn't know what each emotion was, it was all so confusing. . so I ignored them. Until our battle together against. . . . him" he glared at Mark who just rolled his eyes, ductape over his mouth again.

"I guess I . . .  I realized how much I actually liked you all I think? How much I loved Gab. . . I realized how far I was willing to go to keep it all safe and not let any of you die  . . . again. . . . Then today . . .  I didn't know what marriage was. I didn't know what a wedding was. Then all these emotions were spilling out of everyone . . . all the stories of your grief and sadness from the past.. . . .because of me"

He gripped the podium tight, swallowing, clearing his throat, "You Septics . . . a lot of your pain is because of me. . . most all of it . . . ..  hearing you all talk about what happened. . . . . I . . .. I felt . . . . . angry with myself. . . . I felt . . . . pain. . . . . . . guilt.  . . . . . I never said . .. I was sorry . . . . . . . . . .I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything that I did to hurt you all" 

A small tear crawled down his face but he quickly wiped it away, looking a little embarrassed before continuing, "Um . . .. I know . . . I know nothing I say will EVER be enough. . .  I murdered your families in the other universes and I murdered your family's Septics in THIS universe. I am a horrible person. . . . . You all didn't HAVE to welcome me into your group like you did. I still don't know WHY you all did.  . . .James. . . ." he addressed him finally, "The others were right. . . .you suffered the most.  . I made you suffer the most. . . . . and I . . . I'm so sorry. I don't ever expect your forgiveness. None of yours. You all helped me more than you can ever imagine, though. Especially you, Anti. . . . . by not killing me that day. . . . .you gave me this second chance. . . and I'll always be grateful. Thank you."

As fast as he could, he ran off the stage but he couldn't go back to the table with Gab and the other Septics. He needed a moment by himself.

NO ONE expected that from him.

Anti started to clap, though and very quickly so did the other Septics along with the Ipliers.

Anthony ignored the applause, his back turned away from it all with his arms crossed. He couldn't look at any of them.

Jameson stood up and took the mic, " . . . . . A . . .  Anthony?"

Anthony glanced his head that way just a little to show he was listening.

Jameson was still getting used to talking again but was getting better, "I accept . . . your apology. . .  I think  . . . I think it's safe to say we ALL do. We . . We KNOW you've changed. We've seen it every day. T-to be honest . . . . I WAS still nervous around y-you. Even just last month when . . .when you and Gab came for t-that dance lesson. I was n-nervous being around you . . ..  but, but when I saw you . . t-trying so hard . . smiling. . ..  laughing with Gab. . . . I KNEW. . . you weren't to be afraid of anymore. And I. . .remembered when . . you saved me during the f-fight. Y-yes,  . ..  I suffered. . . . but in  . .in the end. . . I'm standing here. . .with all my friends and f-family. . . because you made the d-decision to save me. And you . . ..you are our family, too, Anthony. You're our brother now, too. Whether you like it. . . or not. You're . . you're stuck with us now."

Jackie clapped, "That's right!"

"CAN'T GET RID OF US NOW, ASSHOLE!" Marvin shouted to him, ignoring Henrik warning him about his cursing.

"Get back over here already!" Chase encouraged him, "Bella's starting to tear up, she misses her favorite uncle!"

"You're gonna make zhe girls cry!" Henrik shouted.

Anti teleported in front of Anthony to try and talk him into going back to sit with them.

Only to see him crying.

His shoulders were shaking and his arms were still crossed. It didn't look like he was crying from behind. . .. but Anti could see the tears dripping down his face.

Anti couldn't help himself and hugged him. He waited for Anthony to either attack him or shove him away .. . but he didn't.

Anthony actually quickly wrapped his arms around Anti, holding him to him. It was a tight hold but it was still a hug. A well-needed one.

Anti didn't say anything. He didn't need to. 

Finally after a few seconds, Anthony stopped shaking and his breathing went back to normal. He cleared his throat and pulled away from Anti, rubbing the tears off his face roughly.

"Uh . . ..  don't ever speak of this again"

Anti shook his head, "I'm gonna talk about this for the rest of my life"

Anthony rolled his eyes and just walked back over to the table, avoiding everyone's gaze and the clapping.

Chase pat his back and Gab kissed his cheek.

He leaned into Gab, letting her hug him and she whispered in his ear, "I'm so proud of you. That was beautiful, babe"

He didn't say anything more about it.

The kids ran over to him, though and all hugged him, too. Anthony just hugged them back, trying to remain stoic as they tried their best to make him feel better.

It was hard NOT to feel emotional as they did so, though. They were all so innocent. Completely unaware and not putting it together that in the other universes, he murdered them in cold blood.

He'd hate himself for the rest of his life for doing so.

Finally, the toasts were over. 

Everyone finished eating dinner and then it was time for the wedding cake.

Emily was surprised that the cake was different but she didn't mind it at all. Jameson had changed the cake from red velvet with cream cheese frosting to Chocolate fudge cake with buttercream frosting. She already knew Jameson had 'secretly' changed the flavors, though. This was her second choice anyway and they had red velvet cupcakes, instead.

Dark was a HUGE sweets person come to find out. Anti was floored when he had his plate full of literally one of each of all the desserts.

"How do you NOT have diabetes?" Anti joked and yet stole a bite of the cheesecake on his plate.

Dark snickered and stole a bite of Anti's cake in return, "Because I sweat it off with  . . . activities" he slowly ate the bite of cake, keeping eye contact with Anti.

Anti blushed, "O-oh . . .. ." but he started to laugh, "You mean by running after all the Ipliers when they're doing something they shouldn't?"

Everyone wanted to roll their eyes but Dark spared him, "Sure. Yeah"

Anthony groaned, "How is he so oblivious?"

Evan whispered to him, "Because you had Gab and had sex. He's NEVER had that sort of experience before so he can't really connect the dots"

Anthony nodded. It made sense.

'I guess I might just have to intervene, then'

Meanwhile, since Dark went over to visit with Anti and the other Septics at their table, Mark was left alone at his own table, handcuffed. Since Mark didn't eat any of the good food earlier, Dark didn't get him any dessert, thinking he'd just waste it anyway.

'Fucking low-lives. . . . this wedding is a ridiculous farce. They'll just hate each other in the end . . . . she'll just cheat on him and his whole life will burn down in ashes and she'll just LAUGH at him and-'

He stopped, glancing next to him.

Mark flinched, seeing a little girl next to him, holding a cupcake on a plate.

He looked around for anyone to come take the girl away but no one seemed to notice this yet.

He glared at her, "What the hell do you want, brat?"

Iris was nervous but seeing Mark all alone like this sort of made her feel sorry for him, "I'm  . .I'm Iris! . . . . You looked. . . sad over here by yourself. Then I saw . . you don't have any cake! So I brought you some! Here! It'll make you feel better!"

She tried to give it to him but he just glared at her, trying to scare her off.

But her big eyes were unwavering.

Sensing she wasn't going to be scared of him, Mark sighed, thinking back to so long ago when him and Celine tried to have kids and they couldn't. Was that why she left him, too?

Iris wasn't leaving still.

Mark finally caved and moved his hands down as best as he could, still handcuffed to the table.

She smiled wide when he took the plate from her, "Take a bite!" she was so excited, as if taking a bite of this simple cake would fix everything.

He took a bite of the cake. It had been a while since he had indulged in something so sweet. And seeing this little girl's big smile. . . . 

He caught himself smiling, too.

Saying good-bye, Iris skipped away back to her parents, happy she had made Mark smile.

But as Mark watched her go, his eyes met Dark's.

Dark had seen the whole thing and was giving him a smile back.

Mark immediately frowned and glared back at him, turning away so his back was facing him.

Dark just chuckled to himself, 'Maybe he CAN change just like Anthony after all'

He hoped one day they could put all of the bad blood behind them.

The evening started to get more hyped up after the cake, it seemed.

Everyone started to mingle with each other more and the Ipliers started to intermingle with the Septics getting to know one another better.

Marvin was sitting with Evan when Illinois came wandering over but the magician seemed too focused on something else running through his head.

Illinois cleared his throat, coming to sit next to him, "Hey there, magic man" he teased with a flirtatious smile, "I never had the chance to really thank you for your help before. . . you know. In Mark's world of horrors?"

Marvin smiled, "Of course you have! And don't worry! I keep telling you it's okay. I would have done the same for anyone"

Illinois' flirting USUALLY got a reaction out of someone. Didn't the magician say before in the cave that he was handsome? Did he not like him?

"Well . . . I've wanting to properly thank you. Perhaps we could hang out sometime  . . go on an adventure together?"

For once, being flirted on was going way past Marvin's head, "Yeah, sure, sounds cool, bud. Do I look okay?"

Illinois thought he had a shot, "Yeah, you look beautiful, sweetheart"

Marvin took a deep breathe. He was ready.

Evan didn't really hear their conversation, paying attention to King of the Squirrels who was trying to climb a nearby tree.

Marvin stood up, fixed his hair and gave Anthony a look. He was one of the only ones who knew what he was planning tonight except for Emily and Jameson who he got permission from to do this.

Anthony caught the look. This was his que to make a scene.

He stood up, cleared his throat and shouted at the top of his lungs,"EVERYBODY SHUT THE HELL UP!!!"

Marvin blushed, not expecting THAT but it did the job.

Everyone went quiet and Marvin cleared his throat, directing everyone's attention now to HIM.

"uH. . . Evan?"

Evan looked up at him, confused, "Babe, what's going on?"

Marvin licked his lips, "I know . . . I know I was argumentative and distant a while ago before the fight with  . . Mark. You wanted to get married so badly and you thought I didn't want to get married . . . . but the truth is . . . I was scared"

Everyone watched, focused on what was unfolding in front of them all.

Evan shook his head, "It wasn't fair for me to keep pushing you. I know you were just nervous because of all the dangers that seemed to happen all the time just around the corner"

"That's the thing, though" Marvin stopped him, "It shouldn't have mattered. Yes, I want everything to be perfect, you know how I am . . . but . . . it shouldn't matter if there's danger right around the corner or not. It shouldn't matter if there's another bad guy next WEEK. . . .Because all we really need is each other and nothing needs to be PERFECT. . . . Because YOU'RE perfect"

Marvin got down on one knee and pulled out a small box. 

Evan gasped, covering his mouth to try and hold in his obvious excitement.

"Evan . . . .I should have asked this a LONG time ago . . .. will you marry me?"

"OH MY GOD!" Evan surprised everyone by pulling out his own little box, showing him a ring, "You beat me to it"

Marvin laughed and two hugged and kissed, the answer, obvious.

Everyone clapped and cheered for them.

Marvin and Evan broke apart and they both spoke at the same time, "YES, I'LL MARRY YOU"

They laughed again, pressing their foreheads together, happy tears trailing down their cheeks.

"Whoo HOOO!!" Wilford shot a gun in the sky, getting emotions, "AREN'T PARTIES THE BEST!?"

Dark ran over to him, "WILLIAM! Where'd you get a GUN!? I thought I found them all!?"

Wilford laughed, admiring the gun, "Oh, I took it from Chasey over there when he wasn't looking"

"Y-you-" Chase pat himself down only to find Wilford was telling the truth, "How did you DO that?! Give it back!"

"Why'd you bring a gun to the wedding anyway, Chase?!" Stacey smacked his shoulder.

"Ow" he laughed lightly, "You know . .. just in case?"

Dark swiped the gun away from Wilford and gave it to Stacey to look after.

"Aw" Wilford pouted but looked over to Marvin and Evan, "Congrats, anyway. You don't LOOK like you'll get divorced" he gave a thumbs up.

Jackie snorted at the comment and slowly, everyone started to laugh at the incident. At least no one got hurt.

Of course, not everyone was really happy. Of course Mark wanted to gag at everyone's joy.

But also, Illinois was a little disappointed. He felt sort of embarrassed in himself.

Until he spotted Sammie seemingly by herself talking with Eva, Stacey and Emily, already planning Marvin and Evan's wedding.

Illinois strut on over to her but Jackie saw him first, knowing what was gonna happen. Jackie tapped on Chad's shoulder, "Hey, you might wanna go stand by your woman or else Illinois is gonna shoot his shot"

Chad saw what he was referring to and ran over to her, nearly tripping over himself, before Illinois could get there.

Illinois saw Sammie kiss Chad and his heart broke all over again.

He looked around again and spotted Griffith.

Surely HE doesn't have a date already, right?

Once that excitement started to dial down a little, everyone started to mingle again, a spark of happiness in the air once more.

Marvin was like a peacock, showing off the ring Evan got for HIM.

Dark looking around surveying the area when he spotted Stan going around to each table, trying to give them his special bottled water.

'Oh no'

Dark acted quick and stopped him and he had to go around to recollect all the bottles of water, telling everyone NOT to drink it.

Anti smiled. He was used to the Iplier chaos but it didn't look like the other Septics were, horrified, wondering what could have been wrong with the water.

Chase gave Dark his water bottle, "I drank some already. . . I'm not gonna die, right?"

Dark bit his lip, looking a little unsure, "No . . .yes?. . . . . .. no, you should be fine. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . maybe get a healing potion from Marvin just to be safe?"

Chase looked like he was gonna be sick.

Luckily, none of the kids took any water, preferring their juices, pop or chocolate milk.

And currently, the kids were playing with some bubbles that Wilford had given them, taking the respected title of, 'The Funny Dancing Bubble Man'.

Jack and Benny were chasing Olivia and Iris around blowing bubbles at them.

Google was watching, trying to figure out WHY it was supposed to be fun.

He tilted his head and muttered to Bing, "I don't understand their fascination. It's just air trapped in a soapy film floating around"

Bing snorted at him, "Dude, bro. . . that's why it's FUN. Why don't you try it? Yo W, you got some more?"

Wilford was combing his mustache but happily whipped out his pink afro wig which he seemed to also be using as a bag of some sort.

He yanked out a bottle of bubbles and grinned wide, "Here ya go!  . . Now where'd I put my drugs?"

Google didn't tell him Dark had confiscated those as well.

Bing watched close, entertained by watching Google test the bubbles out. Google poked the wand in and out and pulled it out again. He had been watching the children do this a lot by observing.

Finally he brought it to his mouth and blew gently and a small bubble floated out of the wand. Google followed it with his eyes, watching intently as it popped on his nose.

"That was . . . .disappointing"

Bing laughed, "Dude, try again and try and make the bubble stay in the air unpopped as long as possible."

Google nodded, taking this lesson very seriously. He blew on the wand again, "How do I MAKE it stay in the air?"

"That's a good question." Bing didn't have the answer, "Try your best"

This was now Bing's entertainment for the evening.

Henrik was talking with Dr. Iplier, trying to get it through to him what KIND of doctor he was.

"No, yes, I VAS a medical doctor. . . still sort of am but I also have many other doctorate degrees in Nuclear Physics, Biochemistry, Health Physics, Computer Science, Quantum mechanics, Mechanical Engineering and Interdimensional Mechanics."

Edward just stared at him, "Huh. . .. neat"

"What are YOU certified in? Medical?"

Dr. Iplier cleared his throat a little, "Well yes. . . I'm a  . . healthcare professional but I also worked as a therapist on the side. Always wanted to be more of a doctor on the television screen, though. . . . sounds a lot more lame compared to you"

"Oh certainly not" Henrik shook his head, "I only have those degrees because I could  afford to go to the universities. Most people can only afford one doctorate and quite zhere"

Dr. Iplier hummed, "Well I don't EXACTLY have a doctorate. . . . or a certificate"

Henrik blinked, a little concerned now, "How do you mean?"

He licked his lips, "I mean, I know what I'm doing but . ..  yeah, no. I learned from experience. I didn't go to school"

Henrik didn't know how to expand the conversation from there but Eva saved him.

"So do any of the Iplier egos have wives or children?"

Edward shook his head, "Unfortunately no. Edgar keeps saying he has a son as well as Stan but none of us have actually ever . . ..reproduced since Mark just created us from nothing. Also Stan's 'wife' cheated on him and it wouldn't be his son anyway"

"Oh wow" Eva gasped, "So are you all impotent then or-?"

Jackie was sipping on a bottle of beer people watching near the gazebo. Almost all the Septics had a significant other now except for him and Anti.

'Well . . . .maybe that'll change soon, too' he thought to himself, 'It's like I'm destined to be alone. Not that I mind it too mind. I'll still always have Sammie and Benny around and all my brothers, sister-in-laws, neices and nephews. . . and brother-in-laws.'

He couldn't forget Evan or Chad although he much preferred Evan still as a brother-in-law.

'It's amazing to see that even Anthony has a girlfriend. Wild'

Jackie was so intent watching all the couples, that he didn't even notice a shadow creeping up behind him.

"Hi!"

Jackie flinched, nearly dropping his beer. He didn't even see them.

Yandere.

"Oh uh . . . . hey there. I. . . I don't' believe we've met yet?" he held out his hand, "I'm Jackie"

"Oh, I know. I'm Yandere but everyone calls me Yan" they took his hand almost obsessively.

". . . .Cool" Jackie carefully took his hand back, "Yan. . . . .I don't wanna be rude but. . .  are you wearing a school girl's uniform?"

They just nodded with their hands behind their back, "Yes."

"Can I . . . can I ask why?"

Yan shrugged, "Depends if you're gonna make fun of me or not"

Jackie waved his hands defensively, "Oh, no! Of course not! I'd never make fun of anyone like that. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, either"

Yan shrugged again but blushed, looking away shyly, "Well . . . I like wearing women's clothing. I identify as female. I'm trans."

Jackie blushed, "Oh. Oh okay! I get it now. I'm sorry, my comment must have been pretty rude, then"

"No, not at all. It's better than what some of the Ipliers say, even, really. Eric's never judged me, though. That's why we're best friends" they grinned suddenly.

Jackie found himself with a lot of questions, his interest peaking, "I'm sorry. I thought all the Ipleirs were like brothers. .  I mean, family. Like the Septics"

Yan shook their head, "Not really. We just met a year ago. Still getting used to each other. Mark had us all divided up in other universes and then Wilford comes along and poof! We're all together suddenly."

"That must have been wild"

"It was. . . ." Yan nodded, "Can I have a lock of your hair?"

Jackie was suddenly startled by that, "Wait, what?"

"Whoops, sorry. . . . nevermind. Usually if I had my katana with me, I'd get it myself but Dark didn't allow weapons coming here"

"That  . . . that wasn't. . . my issue exactly" Jackie was quickly becoming weirded out again.

Yan just smirked, "It's okay, Senpai. . . . I won't hurt ya" they winked.

Jackie cleared his throat. Somehow, he wasn't freaked out enough to run away, though.

"So you have a katana?"

Finally, it was time for the first dance.

The music began and everyone stood around or sat at their tables watching as Jameson led Emily to the dance floor.

Their first dance song was, 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Elvis.

The swayed elegantly but nobody expected anything less from them since Emily was a professional dancer.

They smiled at each other, both in their own little world together as if no one else even existed around them.

When the song ended, Jameson kissed Emily, making her giggle.

As the next song came on, Stacey was READY to go on the dance floor with Chase.

She turned to Anthony, "I'm sorry, Anthony, but could you hold Bella again for me? I really wanna dance a little. Please?"

Anthony just took the baby and nodded for her to go. Stacey kissed his cheek and ran off, dragging Chase aggressively with her.

Anthony made a face at Bella who laughed in return.

Gab tried her luck, "You'd make a really good dad, you know"

Anthony practically choked on his own spit, "No. I'm perfectly fine just being around my nieces and nephews from time to time. I don't want any brats of my own."

Gab sighed but let it go, content on just watching Anthony make Stacey and Chase's baby laugh for now.

Very soon, Yancy steals the show on the dance floor and everyone cheers him on.

Magnum politely asks to dance with Wilson but he's so big and tall, he fails miserably, falling over and landing on poor Silver Shepherd.

Dark wanted to dance. Damien always loved to but Celine had two left feet. Still didn't stop Dark from enjoying it, though. He wanted to ask his friend, Anti, but was worried about what implications he'd be setting for everyone. Should he ask him to dance?

No, he shouldn't, it'd be weird. He already made a bit of a fool out of himself earlier with that stupid comment.

"Dark sighed heavily, concerned of how everyone would think of him"

Dark glared, slowly turning to see Host standing behind him.

"Dark looked behind him with extremely dislike, seeing the Host. He still had reservations about his advice from a year ago on how to obtain power. But he KNEW it wasn't HOST'S fault. The Host was just trying to help as always and somehow it always ends up being a mess and everyone blames the Host."

"Host. . . . why are you-"

"Dark attempted to ask the Host why he was attempting to speak with him but he'd like to remind Dark he wasn't actually speaking to him and just narrating the scenes around him. Dark was also concerned about how Anti would feel about him if he asked him to dance, not wanting to ruin their friendship. . .. even though deep inside, Dark knew he wanted more but didn't know how Anti felt and refused to ask"

"Host, I fucking swear, I will-"

"Dark threatened Host's life and Host decided it was best to move on and narrate someone else's scene."

With that, he walked off to go bother Google who looked like he wanted to kill him, too.

Marvin and Evan were dancing together to the slow song that just came on.

Evan held Marvin close, "I love you. . . . I can't wait to marry you"

Marvin blushed, "I can't wait to marry you, too. I can't believe we were both going to propose at the same time."

"Just proves how much of a match we are, babe"

"EXCUUUUUSE, ME! I'd like to butt in if I can!?" 

They turned to see Wilford standing there with his pink afro wig on and ready, wearing his pink glitter suit and pants as well.

Marvin was actually a little impressed.

"On . . on who?" Evan asked.

Wilford wiggled his brows, "Well I'm not exactly against a three-way, I suppose!" he made Marvin's disco ball appear and floated it up in the air turning the dance floor into a disco.

Marvin and Evan blushed but decided to just go with it.

Wilford proceeded to show everyone that HE was the king of the dance floor.

Chase and Stacey finally return to the table to take a break, already wore out.

Chase opened his arms to take Bella from Anthony again, "Go on and dance with Gab. Go have some fun. You two deserve it"

Anthony didn't really want to but he could see Gab was excited and waiting for him. Plus, they DID take a class to learn from Jameson and Emily, themselves.

Reluctantly, Anthony gave Bella up and took Gab's hand, leading her. He whispered in her ear as he brought her close, "I'm gonna wreck you tonight . . so don't wear yourself out TOO much"

Gab blushed but lightly nibbled on his ear lobe making him chuckle lowly.

But his fun was very soon interrupted when someone tugged on his shirt.

He was about to snap but stopped himself, seeing Olivia and Iris.

They wanted a turn to dance with their Uncle Anthony.

How could he say no?

He had one little girl on each foot and hobble around in a sort of 'dance' with them, making their night before they finally ran off again to their parents.

Dark was even more depressed and apparently it was starting to show.

But it appeared that Anti wasn't dancing, either. He kept declining everyone's offers and no one really knew why. Was he not having fun anymore?

Evan saw Dark moping and muttered to Marvin about it.

Marvin glanced to Dark and Anti and had a wicked idea.

Without another thought, Marvin cast a spell with his fingers, grabbing Dark and Anti like he had roped them up and forced them together onto the dance floor.

Dark caught Anti before he could fall over and they could both hear Marvin shout over to them.

"DON'T SAY I NEVER DO ANYTHING FOR YA!"

Anti was extremely embarrassed, "Dammit! Sorry, Dark. I guess maybe Marvin had a little too much to drink tonight already, huh?" he tried to sneak away but Dark kept hold of him.

"Dark?"

Dark cleared his throat and held Anti's right hand and placed Anti's left on his shoulder. Dark placed his own other hand on Anti's waist, ". . . . No sense why two friends can't have a dance, right?"

"But . .. b-but I don't know HOW to dance, Dark" Anti whispered to him.

Dark just smiled, charming the fuck out of him, "Let me lead, then, and I'll show you"

Anti blushed but as another slow song came on, Dark began to move, leading Anti in his steps, keeping him close.

Anti could SMELL him. His emotions and thoughts were running so wild, he thought he'd pass out.

Glancing around, some people were giving them looks.

"D-dark. . . . what if people get the wrong idea?"

Dark just brought him closer, fed up with beating around the bush, "And what if it's NOT the wrong idea?"

Anti swore his heart stopped but for some reason, they kept moving. He couldn't find the words for a rebuttal so he just let Dark keep dancing with him.

Mark was disgusted with this whole thing. He just wanted to go back to his bed already and die there. He just wanted to leave but he couldn't. He was forced to stay for however long Dark wanted to be there and judging by how things were going, they might be staying until morning.

But now . . .his thoughts were all jumbled and askew. After witnessing everything today and seeing how everyone interacted with one another.  . ..  it was weird to him.

Especially being around Dark all day like this. He had witnessed Dark tear up so many times at this damn wedding, it was ridiculous. Was he really that emotional?. . . . . 

 . . . . Was he maybe wrong about Dark all this time?

No. 

He grit his teeth so hard, he accidentally bit on his lip, making it bleed but he didn't care.

Mark was stubborn.

He'd never waver.

Finally it was getting too late for the kids to still be up so the Septic parents took their kids to bed in Henrik's summer house, telling them goodnight and locking the doors so no one could just accidentally walk in and scare them or wake them up. They kept them all in the same room so it'd be like a fun sleep-over for them and they wouldn't be alone.

Olivia didn't want to go to bed, insisting she was old enough to stay up with the adults but Henrik was very insistent. Reluctantly, she did as she was told but wasn't happy about it.

But the night wasn't over for the adults. While Stacey, Sammie, Chad, Henrik and Eva said good night to their kids, Chase was helping Anthony set up his surprise. He was nervous now since the toast earlier but didn't say anything, tuning his guitar like Chase had shown him many times before.

Chase got his drums set up on the large Gazebo as well as the piano. Jackie, Marvin, Evan, Anti and the others were wondering what they were doing, even Gab, but soon the Septic parents came back out and everyone got their answer.

When everyone was interested, there and watching, Anthony took a strum on the guitar and muttered in the microphone, "Yeah . . . a lot of you didn't know I could play, huh? Brody was surprisingly an alright teacher, I guess"

Chase did a test set on his drums before going over to the piano and muttered in his microphone, too, "You were the WORST student ever . . . but you did pick it up pretty quick"

They got some chuckles in the audience.

Anthony swung the guitar over his back. He'd need it for the SECOND song, "I wanted to do something for you, Gabriella. You introduced me to so many things, one of them being music. I wanted to share this with you. Show you how much I. . . how much I love you"

Gab looked like she was ready to cry already and some of the girls awed, thinking it SO sweet.

Anthony took a deep breath and started to sing.

https://youtu.be/Z3sPHAJkWI4

When he was finished pouring out his heart to Gab, everyone clapped and whistled and cheered for him.

Anthony suddenly had a swell of pride in him. 

He liked this.

He liked singing and music. . .  could he do something with that?

He'd think about it later.

For now. . . . it was time for the second song.

He flipped the guitar back over his chest and and watched as Chase went over to his drums to get set up.

When Chase was ready. . . ..  Anthony smiled at the crowd.

The Septics were gonna love this.

https://youtu.be/AF-MLQAr87A

The Ipliers didn't understand the significance of the song. . .. but the Septics did.

They all got emotional and as everyone clapped and cheered, Chase came up to pat Anthony's pat, "Good job, man. That was awesome"

"Oh, we're not done yet tonight. We still got one more. WHO WANTS AN ENCORE!?"

Everyone cheered him on, enjoying the show.

Anthony went wild, his lightning from the power in his new eye snapping around him.

https://youtu.be/skwZ5MQ7CfE

When the song was over, he blasted lightning through the Gazebo and up into the sky, lighting up the night.

He didn't prepare this. He didn't know Marvin was going to give him an eye with his old powers in it.

But he was always good at improvising and shot up more blasts, creating fireworks.

Everyone LOVED the show and the night ended with more songs, cheering and laughter.

It was a night to remember for the rest of their lives.

Epilogue is on its way :) Don't forget to stay tuned . . . . .