Chapter 4
A/N: The church (not likely a TV animation setting) was based off Malibu Presbyterian Church. I don't live in Malibu, but did my research. :) Once again, thanks to all of you readers.
The Malibu Beach Club was just down a long curving street, closer to the ocean. The high ceiling and large glass window-walls gave the hall an open feel. Some round tables and a long rectangular one filled the room. Off to the side was a table of gifts for the couple, and on another, the sound system for the modern music playing at low volume.
A terrace with comfortable seating and small tables gave access to the beach. Those who hadn't chatted at the wedding made a point to over a variety of drinks, and conversation filled the semi-spacious reception hall. Eventually Martin and Alex made their entrance.
"Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Mystery," Olivia announced in a deep, almost authoritative voice.
She was a striking asian woman in her late 30s with short black hair. Wearing an off-white dress, Olivia, long known only as Mystery Organization Manager (M.O.M. for short), had a reputation as a party lover and planner.
Everyone applauded and cheered the couple, then Olivia guided them to the wedding photographer, a happy-looking blonde woman, ready to take their pictures.
Afterwards, Olivia announced that dinner was ready, and people took their plates to the buffet. Seafood, vegetables, sushi, and salad was prominent, but some pasta, beef, chicken and bread was available, all organic by Alex's insistence. Conversation swelled and new friendships were made. Thanks to years of coaching from Billy, even Java's table manners were quite good.
When most had finished, Olivia moved to the microphone stand by the groom and bride at the head table.
"Hello, everyone! May I please have your attention as we toast the bride and groom?"
The conversation quieted and she nodded in appreciation, then motioned to Billy. He smiled at his longtime colleague and friend, then took his place at the mic as she claimed a seat. Those who knew Billy clapped encouragingly.
"Hey," he said nervously. "Um- Martin's been an inspiration to me since we met. Despite my- unique situation- he became my best bud. I grew so much thanks to him."
A few people applauded and sent out words of encouragement.
"And Alex, well- she's an inspiration too. Same story with her knowing the real me. Fact is, she and Martin are a great fit. Congrats, you two!" Billy squeaked.
The audience chuckled and applauded once more. He shook Alex's hand, and gave Martin a fist bump, followed by a hug. He then turned to Sam and Clover and extended a hand to the mic.
Cheers rang out and there was much clapping as Sam and Clover approached the mic.
"Some might think it's odd to have two Maids of Honor," Clover said, and raised a forefinger. "But I know marriage rules, and it's legit."
The audience laughed lightly at her nonchalant attitude and clapped.
"The reason being," Sam said, "since starting high school, the three of us became not just best friends, but practically sisters." She gestured to Clover and Alex.
"Someone once asked Alex to choose her best friend between us and... she couldn't do it," Clover said. Alex nodded and grinned, holding in laughter.
"Many of you may know Alex's weaknesses-" Sam said, with a pointed look to her, causing Alex to form a wary expression.
"-but her strengths far outnumber them. Brave, compassionate, and funny," Sam said.
"Honest, tough, and adorably cute," Clover added.
Alex wiped her tears and leaned into Martin as the audience applauded and cheered.
"Hey, Clover?" Sam asked, looking at her notes.
"Yeah?"
"We're supposed to be giving a speech about Martin."
The audience laughed at Sam and Clover's mock surprise. Clover held up a hand.
"Seriously, Martin's all those things we just said for Alex, except less funny," she said.
The audience laughed even louder, with more applause. Martin exhaled, and Alex slapped his shoulder playfully, then gave him a shoulder hug.
"And-" Sam said loudly to gain the audience's attention. "We deem that Martin is amazing enough for Alex and wish you the best for your marriage!"
The audience cheered.
"Alex, Martin, we love you!" Clover added, and she and Sam returned to their seats.
Alex's father, Manuel, went to the mic next and shook his head with a smile.
"How do you follow up a speech like that?" he asked. A few chuckles rang out.
He held a champagne glass in his hand and gestured to the newlyweds with the other.
"Some of you know how proud I've been of Alex, her whole life," he started, earning some nods and voiced agreement from the audience, and a giggle from Alex. "Well, I've never been prouder of her. I love you so much, and I wish you both the best. In the time I've gotten to know Martin, I think you two will be a wonderful couple."
He raised his glass in a toast to them, followed by everyone else, and took a sip, set down his glass so he could hug Alex, then Martin, then waved over Carmen, who took the mic.
"And most of you know how long I've waited for this moment- begging Alex to find the right guy," she said, and a few people chuckled, including Alex.
"Thanks for putting up with me, honey," she said, looking to Alex, "I never meant to rush you. Martin, you're a wonderful guy, and I just know you two will be great. We'll be here for you," she said, and moved to the couple to hug each. She then returned with Manuel to their seats.
Gerard stepped up with Nora, and smiled at the couple. "Martin, you've been an amazing son, accomplishing so much, and I love you." The audience applauded. " Alex, you're a wonderful lady, and I'm happy for both of you."
He raised his glass and sipped, then Nora moved to the mic.
"Just know that Martin can be a handful. But I think you can handle almost anything, from what I've heard." Martin smiled and shook his head as the audience laughed lightly. "We love you!" Nora said, and she and Gerard left the mic.
A teary-eyed Olivia lowered the mic stand and moved it in front of Martin and Alex at the head table. Martin took a drink of water and looked at the attentive audience.
"Alex and I met on a mission to stop a yeti-man from wreaking havoc on innocent people at a ski resort."
Some in the audience chuckled in surprise, and others clapped and chatted.
"We were a great team. You were beautiful, brave, and kind. And still are, of course," he said.
Alex leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, causing some to say "Aww".
"And when we were changed into yetis- temporarily," he said with a gesture to he and Alex, "my thoughts for you didn't change."
Some in the audience made sounds of surprise and applauded.
"I thought me being in Sherbrooke and you in L.A. would make this-" he said gesturing to themselves, "-impossible. But here we are. I love you and will always be here for you."
The audience clapped and cheered, and Billy dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief. Martin and Alex hugged, then she turned to the audience with a crooked smile.
"I'm not much of a speaker-" she started, then heard encouraging words ring out. "But I'm so thankful I found Martin." She was met with cheers, and looked up in thought.
""You wouldn't believe how many guys I had a crush on in high school and college."
The audience chuckled, while Sam, Clover, and Britney almost broke down in laughter.
"Then I met my future self in her 30s, and she was single." The crowd chatted, and Jerry clapped a hand to his forehead, straining to keep a smile to those near him.
"That's supposed to be top-secret," he muttered under his breath to Olivia, who shook her head.
"Not that there's anything wrong with being single," she said, earning more applause, including from a happier-looking Jerry.
She turned to Martin. "I love you, and can't wait to live my life with you!"
The audience applauded, the couple kissed, then both faced the audience, glasses raised.
"But we couldn't have done this without you," Martin said.
"Yes, your support made this all possible," Alex added.
The audience clapped and cheered, and the couple sipped their drinks.
"Our groomsmen and bridesmaids, and some of you others- literally saved our lives, so many times!" Martin called out.
"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Really! Thank you!" Alex said.
The audience conversed a bit, notably to Jerry, Olivia, Diana, and a few others, and applauded the couple for their toast. Olivia raised the mic on its stand and gestured from the couple to the open area of the floor.
"First dance," she said simply with a slight smile.
A familiar mellow tune piped out from the sound system speakers, and Manuel promptly led Alex in a sedate dance. Clover and Sam looked on, hoping neither would stumble and fall. It ended, then Martin danced with Alex to another enjoyable song.
"I can't believe this is happening," she said quietly.
"Yeah, it's incredible," Martin said happily, as they moved about as best they could.
Their dance ended, then other couples took to the floor: Martin and Alex's parents, Dean and Sam, Blaine and Britney, Marvin and Jenny, and others. Clover sighed and looked to her tablet set upright on the table, then picked it up.
"Hey Marinette. Been enjoying?" Clover asked.
"Oh, it's been fun. I'd never seen an American wedding before," she replied, reclining in her cheery pink room.
"Wish you could've been here in-person, but I understand," Clover said, then looked around to confirm no one was in earshot.
"Yeah, I'm the only one who can deal with akuma attacks. Since they started, I haven't been able to leave Paris. Not that I ever did too often anyway," Marinette said with a chuckle.
"Well, great job, Marinette. Take care. I'll send you a video of the wedding," Clover said. She thought a moment. "Maybe this will inspire you to go for Adrien," she said with a sly grin.
Marinette dipped her head with a smile. "Maaaybe." She chuckled, then yawned. "It's midnight. I'm going to sleep! See ya!"
Clover returned the goodbye, set the tablet back on the table, then looked around at couples and the few single guys. She finished her glass of wine then walked briskly to the dance floor.
After the newlyweds took a break from dancing, they saw a young woman in a sleeveless pale blue dress head towards them.
"Lookin' good, Di," Martin said.
She hugged Martin in delight. "Thanks. Oh, I'm so happy for you, Martin."
"Thanks, sis," Martin said. He held her tightly, then released her with a tender look.
She then hugged Alex. "Congratulations, Alex. I hope we'll be good friends."
"Thanks, Diana. Me too."
Diana set her hands on her hips with a wry look. "I honestly never expected this to happen-"
Martin's features fell.
"But..." she held up a hand to show she wasn't done. "I figured it'd take a really special girl to make it happen. And it did!"
Martin chuckled at his stepsister fondly.
"My thoughts exactly," said a young woman in a light purple dress with flared auburn hair noted with a dazzling smile.
Diana gestured to her. "Alex, this is Jenny, my best friend from high school and college."
"Good to meet you. Congrats, both of you!" Jenni said and hugged Alex gently, then Martin.
"Likewise. Thanks!" Alex said.
"Thanks, Jen," said Martin.
"Has Martin told you how much of a crush he had on Jenni at Torrington?" Diana asked Alex, who shook her head with a strained smile.
Martin raised his brows, about to reply when Marvin ambled over.
"But it all worked out. Right, Jen?" Marvin asked and put an arm around Jenny's shoulders.
"Yeah, Marvin," she said dreamily.
The dancing continued until the music lowered and Olivia took the mic.
"Attention, please," Olivia announced,"we have a Bouquet Toss to get underway," she continued in a mock-serious voice, and gestured to the dance floor. "Please, not too rough, ladies; we don't want any injuries."
A/N: Still no disasters... Predictions on who catches the bouquet? The cover may have a hint. :) Thanks for reading!
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