2025-07-28 - Mr. and Mr. Accardi

On Monday morning, Trace had thrown together a weekend bag and gotten things together. Calling off of work had been pretty easy. His projects would wait for him to get back and no one asked any questions as to why the sudden trip. The plan was pretty straightforward. There was a shop or two in Traverse City that had rings that they'd both liked that they would stop at in the morning and choose their rings. Then, they would go to the courthouse and get their license. And then, they'd have a little time to themselves before heading to the little chapel they'd chosen for a short sunset ceremony, just the two of them, to make it all official, followed by a night at a nearby bed and breakfast on the lake.

They had taken one of Enzo's cars to drive around in, because, well, Enzo loves a good drive. Was it a smart thing to do? It's hard to say. He wasn't going to have them in storage forever and this was a good time to take them out for a nice little drive, to do nice little things. Wedding things.

It's been pretty hot for the most part, so as they drove around, he had on sleeveless grey fitted shirt and a pair of somewhat baggy and airy trousers in black. He has on a pair of sunglasses right now as he drives.

"I guess we'll see what kind of options they have then we'll figure out which rings fit us the most. I mean, we could go the internet route. I'm sure it's not that bad, but I, personally, like to see and feel jewelry, like rings. And this way, we get them fitted to."

Trace is more than content to let Enzo drive them around in his fancy car. It lets him sprawl comfortably in the passenger seat, a pair of aviators on to shield his eyes from the sun. As soon as his wings had vanished while they were on the ferry, he'd swapped shirts, throwing on one of his usual t-shirts, this one a pale grey with the maroon MIT logo on it. He's just got on a pair of jeans for now, and his usual boots. In the back, he has what he'll wear for their ceremony later. "Yeah," he says, "Me too. I'd like to see what they look like on. And if they need to adjust them after the fact, we can bring them back for resizing tomorrow and have them send them to us at the park." But at least they would have them chosen and could wear them for their ceremony.

He drives pass your usual jewelry shops at the mall, because Enzo is looking for something interesting. He does find a location nearby on his phone that has specialized wedding rings and bands for your non-traditional weddings. "This might be what we're looking for." A pause, "Or what I'm looking for. I heard that meteorites were all the rage now, but we'll see what they got here."

They pull in to park and enter the store which caters in, well, all sorts of wedding rings and jewelry that one can imagine. There are many with fantasy or gothic designs among other things. Taking off his shades, he mounts them atop his head, pushing some of his dark curls back. "Let's see what they have here."

Trace had looked up a couple of places in Traverse City and had given the info to Enzo and let him make the decisions as to where they'd stop since he was driving. He looks over at the shop as they pull up and nods, a grin tugging at his lips. It was exciting, and still a little bit surreal that they were doing this, but he was all about it.

His own glasses are set atop his head once they're inside and his eyes begin adjusting to the lighting inside versus the brightness outside. He drifts past some of the display cases, giving them a brief look but nothing jumping out at him. He's not as interested in the ornate gothic bands and the things that are too large or ostentatious.

He's drawn to the somewhat simpler even if patterned or colorful bands. He bypasses the gold, the silver, and drifts toward the bands that have a simple design, but unique colorations and patterns. "Meteorites?" he asks, glancing over toward Enzo. "Space rocks are cool."

"They are cool. And that seems to what guys want nowadays." Enzo says as he trails alongside Trace, his own attention drifting over the sections and styles of rings that they pass by. "Or so says the magazines anyway."

He then adds, "I know that we wanted a similar style so that our rings looked somewhat matching but fit our personalities more?" There's a head tilt to go with that question, so we'll just see if there something that we can agree on. "I, personally, am not overly picky. I just like things that look cool." He then realizes that they were just saying that meteorites looked cool...

Enzo then points out, "Oh look, that one has The Eye of Sauron on it." He's not all that interested in the ring, he just decided to bring attention to it as they walked pass.

Trace grins a little crookedly when Enzo informs him of what the magazines say, his attention moving from one piece to another, one row of rings on display to another, taking them all in with a slow, steady gaze, assessing each one. He nods then and says, "I'd like something with a similar style, but perhaps that has some unique element of us in them.. or maybe just matching rings that have elements from both of us in them. I don't know.. I think we'll know it when we see it."

Then Enzo points out the Eye of Sauron ring and he laughs, "Come away from the dark side, Enzo." He's just teasing. "That's definitely a choice." If someone were to take it as a wedding band.

"Not all of us want to be heroes." Enzo says flashing a hero's grin. He's also the one who calls Trace the Dark Angel...

They approach another case, this one with a lot of glittery and crushed gemstones to give their rings extra spark. "What would you say my element was?" He decides to ask, now turning his head towards Trace as he leans against the case for a moment as he waits for the other to catch up.

"These look nice. Some of them even have that starry sky look." He ends with, "Take that meteorite."

"Oh, I know," Trace says, slipping an arm around Enzo's waist and leaning in against him for a moment. He has no illusions that his fiancé is some kind of white knight, and he does indeed call Trace a dark angel.

He lets Enzo go then and trails after him as they continue to move through the cases. The question has him glancing over and without hesitation he says, "Fire." He points to one of the bands that has a thick vein of red glittering through it. "You are very much a fire personality," he says fondly. "I like that one. Dark with that fire running through it."

Then he glances over toward the ones with the starry skies. "I like the ones that kind of look like a nebula. But I also like this one that's just .. entirely dark with tiny stars glittering in it." He points out one of the bands, though his eyes continue to scan some of the others. "I like this blue one, too." It's a similar design to the red one, but with a deep blue running through it.

"Am I really all that fiery?" Enzo looks askance at Trace, brows slightly lifted, but he can't help but smile afterwards. "I do like how that red pops out at you like that. It stands out nicely." He then reaches over towards it, his hand placed above the ring atop the case as if to see how both the dark band and the flame red of the crushed fire opal looks against his tanned skin.

When Trace mentions the nebula bands, it draws Enzo's attention that way, leaning in close to view all the different styles of night sky. "They are all so beautiful. Ethereal. Like you are." He adds in, head tilted so he can look Trace's way, smiling softly.

When the store clerk arrives, Enzo is quick to state, "We'll take them." Without indicating which them he's talking about.

"Fire personalities are passionate, charismatic, decisive, and determined.. natural leaders," Trace says as he places a hand against Enzo's back, lightly rubbing there as they look over the rings in the case. "And also a little easily irritated, hot-headed, and impulsive," he adds with a bit of a laugh. "You are very much fire, my Lorenzo."

Trace's smile skews a little crooked at the compliment and he ducks his head slightly, still perhaps not quite used to the way that Enzo talks about him, the way it makes his heart flutter a little bit to be looked at that way by the man in front of him. "Yeah?" he asks and then looks back down at them and says, "I do like that one.."

And when the clerk arrives, and Enzo makes the decision for them, he can't help but chuckle. "Fire," he murmurs. Then he turns back to the clerk and nods his agreement.

The rings are taken out and sized, and both he and Enzo are able to try them, make sure that they fit. Fortunately, both bands are available in their sizes and no resizing is required.

Over the course of trying the rings on and waiting to see if they have those particular rings in their sizes, Enzo can't help but look fondly over at Trace. They were really doing this TODAY. And that excited him. They were getting their ring, then they would get their license and then? Going to the chapel to seal the deal. Or was that their night at the B&B afterwards?

Soon they would be married and despite his crush or infatuation over the son of some rival company's lawyers so many years ago, the Enzo back then... well, it's hard to say what the Enzo back then would have though if you told him that this would happen. What if he had made the move to talk back then too right?

With their rings boxed up and ready for their wedding, it was time to make it all legal. So they hop back into the car, stop off to get some drink and snacks along the way and drive off to the courthouse.

It's in the car that Trace takes a turn, their rings in their small boxes cradled in his lap, to just watches Enzo's profile as he drives. They were really doing this. Today. In a few scant hours Enzo would no longer be his fiancé, but his husband. The thought made the smile on his lips broaden. To think it had only been a little less than ten months ago that he'd run into Enzo on that dock and Enzo had made him promise not to tell either of their families that he was there, that he'd clasped Trace's shoulder and leaned in close and in that moment he'd felt such a mixture of confusion, and frustration, and attraction.

"Camilla made me promise that we'd at least send selfies with the license and from the ceremony," Trace says as he watches Enzo drive. "She's very excited to have the mystery prince as her brother-in-law," amusement in his tone. His sister, who had both warned him away from Enzo, and turned out to be their biggest supporter and cheerleader, was a little disappointed that she didn't get to be there for this, but he'd promised her she'd be part of the celebration later. His parents had been .. surprisingly understanding. It was unfortunate that his near-death had been what had brought them all closer together, but he was glad that it had.

With snacks and drinks, they are fortified for the courthouse. The entire process is remarkably quick as they stand in line with a couple of other couples also picking up their licenses for their own weddings. The application was already put in, so with the payment and the rush fee, and showing their paperwork, they are ready.

Enzo's chin lifts slightly as he looks at the center mirror to view the traffic behind him before turning to Trace with with a smile, "We can send her some pictures, sure. I bet she's dying to see what rings we'd chosen as well." After a moment, he adds, "I wish she could be here, but everything is so... spontaneous and quick. It's not as if I'm worried that I'll lose the chance to do this, but I just want to do it so much and the spur of the moment just felt like the right time. No planning. No overthinking."

As they wait for their turn in line, Enzo had his arms placed at Trace's hips, the rest of his own paperwork tucked beneath an arm. This time, his shades were stored away into his pants pocket. For now, there's this air of excitement in his smile as he looks into Trace's eyes, "Soon. Very soon in fact. Then we'll be bonded like... shelter cats. Okay, I could've thought of something far more romantic than that." He can't help but laugh. "But legally bonded. And then we get cleaned up and dressed for our big day."

"It'll be okay," Trace says with a little shake of his head. "Ultimately, she's just happy for us. We'll send her pictures of the rings, too." Reaching over, he rests one hand on Enzo's thigh and gives it just a little squeeze. "Oh, I get it. I'm the one that proposed spontaneously in the middle of the ball, after all. Couldn't wait. Just had to do it because I felt it." Just like he feels this now, too.

Trace leans in against Enzo comfortably, at ease, both excited but relaxed at the same time. This was all very official, and he didn't even mind the wait in line in the drab little office at the courthouse. His own smile only broadens, brightens, a reflection of Enzo's. "Very soon," he agrees and then laughs, features scrunching up in amusement and confusion. "Shelter cats? Very romantic." He then gestures and says, "Technically just licensed to be legally bonded. Until the ceremony is over and its signed and sent back." He then lets out a slow breath.

"Let me check in with the B&B and see if they're ready for us to check in," he says while they move a little closer up in line. "We can stop in, drop things off, get changed and ready.. we've got plenty of time." As quick as all of this is, Trace did make sure to give them ample time to do everything they needed to during the day.

After Trace mentions being the one to propose spontaneously, Enzo turns to look at him when he brings up, "And you were the one to initiate the New Years Kiss... so are you sure that you're not the fiery one between the both of us?" The question is asked with a straight face, but a smile soon curves at his lips once it's asked.

The smile remains when he feels Trace's weight leaning against him and he does the same, leaning just slightly against the gentle pressure felt at his arm.

"We both could be a mixture of, well, both things. Though one aspect is definitely a more dominant part of our personality, I guess." He's just saying whatever right now, trying to figure things out and blabber on as they wait. Seeing that Trace was checking in on their reservation, that gives him the moment to quiet down as it would be rude to just keep talking when there was no need to.

Eventually, it was their turn and with most everything already filled out and their paperwork in order, the process goes by smoothly and they are even congratulated. It's then that Enzo leans in to give Trace a proper kiss, though knowing that their official kiss would be later tonight.

As they exit the building, he also can't help but look down at the legal document stating both of their names. They have really come a long way.

"I didn't say that I didn't have my own impulsive moments," Trace laughs when Enzo tries to turn it back around on him, leaning in to steal a kiss from those lips when that little smile curves them. He lets out a little contented sigh. This is good. This feels right.

"Mn, probably," Trace agrees. "I don't think anyone is ever entirely one thing an not another. Keeps things interesting." He doesn't seem to mind if Enzo keeps talking while he does a quick check on his phone. But he's done and tucks it away quickly. "We're all set for whenever we're done here."

He's more than happy to accept another, proper kiss, now that they have their license in hand. One more step closer. Each bit of this journey they complete gets them one more step closer. He bumps shoulders with Enzo as he looks down at the document in hand, grinning. "Never thought you'd see that, did you?" he teases just a little bit lightly, very much enjoying, perhaps, the unlikely turn their story took to get where they are now.

As they head back to the car, Enzo takes one last look at the legal documents before he slips them back into the folder for safe keeping. Biting down at his lower lip at first, he considers, "I don't think I'd ever have thought I'd be married at this age. At 25? I have my whole life ahead of me still. A career to work on." The car door opens automatically for Trace as Enzo settles himself in, closing his own door, and starting the engine just so the car can cool down some after being sitting here in this head this whole time.

"But at that time, I don't think I'd met the right person yet." He then corrects himself, "I mean, formally or... You know." Turning to look at Trace once more, he nods, a quiet smile on his lips, "But this feels right to me. And right now there's nothing else that I'd want more in this entire world than to be married to you."

Trace has to think about that for a moment and nods thoughtfully, "I don't think I thought I'd be getting married at 26 either, not really. Though I don't think I ever really gave any serious to thought as to when or if I might be." He opens the window for a moment to let some of the hot air escape before closing it up to keep the air conditioning in.

Then he grins over at Enzo and says, "I know what you mean." He does. Reaching over, he takes Enzo's hand and gives it a squeeze, lacing their fingers together for a moment or two while the car cools down a little, before letting go so he can drive. "And you do, still have your whole life ahead of you, and a career to work on, and a future to build, and amazing projects to be involved in. You'll just.. also have me to be there to help you out, and cheer you on, and help make sure that you get there."

The way to the lakeside B&B was a slightly further drive as it was nice, quiet and a bit out of the way. So they had this moment to talk if they wanted to and to think before the whole whirlwind of checking in, showering and getting dressed and ready for their wedding began. The radio was playing quietly in the background if they wanted something to tune into and every so often Enzo would sing along to whatever was playing, drumming his hands on the steering wheel to go with the beat.

Though at some point, he turns the music even quieter, just so that they can talk, "Right now I have all of this business stuff under Castillo. I even signed some papers recently in regards to the new project using that, but..." He turns to look to Trace, "In my mind, I'm Lorenzo Accardi. Somewhere down the line, I might change that legally too."

Trace, too, sings along with some of the songs, the ones that he knows the words to, anyway, grinning over at Enzo whenever they overlap and both sing the same ones. He's enjoying the ride, the little peaceful interlude along the road and the view of the small towns as they pass on their way.

When Enzo turns the music down some more, he glances over, expression curious at first, then softening a little into one of those crooked smiles. "I know we talked about it a little in Paris, but I figured that was when we were talking about running away. You really want to change it?" They hadn't really talked about it in the context of the wedding at all.

"Yeah, why not?" Enzo has to ask curiously now. "I mean, I could do the hyphenated thing but..." And when he says this, there's a long, thoughtful pause as he looks out into the distance ahead of them. After a moment, he eventually answers the question seriously, "After what my father did to you, I don't know how I could keep his name. I mean, sure... when I introduce myself to people, some already connect the dots and know what I'm about, but they also probably expect me to be connected to my father still so..."

Turning back towards Trace, he sighs, "He hurt you. Taking on your name will be one less reminder of any of that." His attention is drawn back to the road, and his grip on the steering wheel tightens for a short moment before loosening somewhat. He has his thoughts that when his father found out about this, he might be more than a little pissed off by the name change. That was both satisfying and concerning, but it's not something that he wants to bring up at the moment.

Trace is quiet as Enzo explains his thoughts on it, studying him and reading as much between the lines as what he says out loud. He tilts his head one way and then the other as he thinks about it. Then he says, "I love the idea of you taking my name. I like the idea of us having the same one. At the same time, I know that your name has certain weight in the business that you do."

He's a little reflective as he says, "On the one hand, practically speaking, it keeps your name recognition to keep your own name. But on the other hand, it does continually tie you to your father and his name and his business as well. Maybe the change will help you with breaking away and making your own name.. literally, as well as figuratively." His smile curves a little at the edges.

Then, on a more personal note. "He did hurt me. And he's hurt you. But I'm not going to let what he did hold any weight on our lives and our future," Trace says with a shake of his head. "But.. if you want to take mine, I'd be honored. And I find it really touching that you would."

Enzo is put at ease listening to Trace's response to what he's brought up. He then says, a cheeky smile tugging at his lips, "Instead of automatically pinning me as the construction or city development guy, people will be asking me if I'm a lawyer now too?"

The smile never leaves even when his attention returns to road ahead, "Lorenzo Accardi... I'm sure your parents will be pleased as punch."

It's been a long drive and leaving the dense areas of the city and its outskirts was a nice change. By the time they pull up to the bed and breakfast, he pops the trunk open so that they can gather up their things, though he'll leave one of his hands free to hold onto one of Trace's as they make their short way from the car to where they are staying.

Trace laughs and says, "Yes, you get to enjoy that, too, now." The joys of being associated with a different name and other expectations. "Lorenzo Accardi," he repeats, thoughtfully to himself. "I like it." As for his parents? "I don't think they'll be complaining, no."

Trace gathers his things together, and their rings, and then slips his hand into Enzo's as they head up to the little place. It's very cute, quaint, with that small town charm. There are trellises with heavy blooms on them, fed by recent rains and the summer sun. There is a porch swing out on the wrap-around porch. There's a nice little yard and out back, a dock that stretches out into the water, and a view of the lake.

When they make their way in, their room is ready for them and the owner comes out to greet them, give them a little tour of the house, let them know when breakfast will be served in the morning, and then leaves them to settle in to their room -- a second floor room with a view of the lake.

Once they get to their after the tour to find their luggage waiting for them, Enzo stands at the window to admire the view of the lake. They weren't even at the chapel yet and already he felt as if he were dreaming. It was a nice dream. And if it really were a dream, it's something he wouldn't want to wake up from.

"It's beautiful here. One of these days, we'll own a quiet place like this too." He's teasing, because money is tight! At least for him right now. And with them wanting a place like that winery near Paris, maybe a house on the beach as well. Now this?

Glancing down at his watch, "There's no rush, but we should start getting ready and we can take our time doing so."

Trace walks up behind Enzo where he's looking out over the lake and wraps his arms around him, resting his chin on his shoulder. "We can have a place just like this," he says with a little smile. "In dreams, we can have anything that we want." Because of course, Trace still has an entire dream universe of his own in which to build them wineries and bed and breakfasts, and houses by lakes. And it costs them nothing at all, while they live in their apartment at Spellbound and work on a future where maybe they have a place or two like that in the waking world. Or another world entirely, for that matter.

But right now he's in no rush to move. He just stands there taking in the view for a moment or two until Enzo mentions that they should start getting ready. "Okay," he says, pressing a kiss to Enzo's cheek before stepping away to go get out his things.

Even after Enzo mentions that they ought to get ready, he, himself, isn't ready to move from this spot. At least, not after Trace has wrapped his arms around him, so he'll just let them linger there by the window for a few minutes longer as he finds comfort in his fiancé's arms for the time being. They weren't even fiancés for very long, so he may as well allow them to draw it out for this much longer.

When it is time to move, he kisses the side of Trace's lips before they are off to do their own things, though they were both sharing the shower. There was showering, shaving if that's preferred and everything else that goes into looking presentable for their private wedding ceremony. As Enzo is getting ready, his mind is on the whole event to come. It was exnihilating to think about as he spritzed on some cologne then patted it down into his skin.

Enzo didn't have family to send word back to, so it would have to be the triplets and some of his other friends. It is weird like that, not having family. Even when he did have family, his father, it was as if he didn't have family.

It may have been a far shorter engagement than Trace had imagined, but he has not a single complaint about it. He moves to get ready with that kind of nervous energy of anticipation building in him. It'd been there ever since he'd gotten up in the morning but now, as he takes his time to shower and shave, to switch from jeans and a t-shirt into the suit that he'd brought with him, he could feel it like electricity.

The suit that he wears is a black and white three piece with black trousers, waistcoat, and jacket, a white pressed shirt beneath, and a black tie. The waistcoat has a subtle black on black pattern, and the tie silver threads within that give it a little bit of a shimmer, not so much unlike the wedding band that they'd chosen for him.

By the time that he's finished dress, not a stitch is out of place. Reaching up, he runs his fingers through his hair, nervously fixing and re-fixing it though it looks just fine.

He spent his time up to this point thinking about their past, and now he thinks about their future and all the possibilities that it holds. And the idea of meeting all of those challenges together has him smiling to himself. They have a lot of big dreams, and he likes nothing more than the challenge of dreaming big, and going for it.

Trace may have been dressed up to the nines in his formal three piece suit, but Enzo is dressed in an outfit that blends classical tailoring with an avant garde edge. Rather than your traditional buttoned shirt, he wears a white mesh shirt which does go against all sense of formality as it boldly exposes the skin beneath. A slim tailored double breasted ivory jacket is worn over the mesh top made of a light wool fabric. High-waisted ivory trousers both cling to and drape over his long legs in a semi-relaxed fashion, the length of the pants spilling over the ivory hued Italian leather loafers which he wears on his feet.

Enzo looks as if he were confident. He often times exudes confidence and if he's getting married in an outfit like this, well, it is a private wedding. Though he might even do the same in front of a much larger gathering. He does spend some time on his hair, making sure that his curls are just so before he slips on his watch and looks about ready to go.

They were both getting read in the same room this whole time, but only once they're done does he actually stop to take a good look at Trace all dressed up like that. By the looks of it, Enzo is pleased. "Nervous?" He teases gently. He was nervous too, though really, he was more excited than anything else. "In about forty-minute's time, we'll be husband and husband."

It suits them, their different styles, complimentary in a way, uniquely them. Trace turns around to take a long look at Enzo as well. He smiles at the teasing and says, "Just a little, but in a good way. Nervous. Excited. Happy." His grin broadens and he says, "We're really doing this." He runs his fingers through his hair. Again. It neither improves nor dishevels its condition, which is a little tousled as usual.

He makes his way over to Enzo and takes his hands in his own and gives them a little squeeze which is as much for himself as anything else. "I don't know that to do with my hands, or anything else for that matter for forty more minutes. Are you sure we can't do it any sooner?" he laughs.

Enzo doesn't laugh when he watches the way Trace tries to make his hair look perfect, or whatever he wants his hair to do, but he tries! There's a wide smile across his lips though which is very telling.

Then when his hands are taken and squeezed, he returns the squeeze to offer his own comfort back. "It's going to be okay. It might not even be forty minutes. Getting there won't take too long and... if we're all ready," His shoulders shrug, "They might just decide to do it then and there. It could even just be fifteen minutes tops. Once we step foot inside." Now his smile widens as he looks adoringly at Trace.

In a quieter tone, he says as he leans forward to press soft lips in for a kiss, "Come on, let's do this."

Trace can tell that Enzo is trying not to laugh at him, and it makes him laugh a little, only partially self-consciously. Blowing out a breath, he nods as Enzo starts to shorten that wait time more and more the longer that he talks. It seems to have a calming effect on Trace, at any rate, because he focuses and nods and seems to breathe a little easier. "Okay, yeah.. very soon," he says, grinning back at Enzo.

And then there's the kiss, and he leans in to meet it, letting that stillness settle over him for a moment as he returns it. Then he nods, drawing back enough to release Enzo and grab the things that they need -- the folder with their paperwork and the boxes with their rings. Then, it is out the door once more.

It does take them around fifteen minutes or so to reach the chapel from their bed and breakfast. It's a small country chapel, one that you could imagine in storybooks or in movies of small town life or even period pieces. It old, but well-kept, and very charming painted in all white.

The pair walk in hand-in-hand very much and Trace would be able to feel the enthusiasm and just that spark of something, joy, perhaps, radiating off of Enzo who looks so strikingly confident as he speaks to the clerks who greet them.

Turning to Trace, he smiles even more brightly, "The priest is actually almost here. So we'll be able to have this done earlier than originally planned. He should be arriving in less than five, I'm told."

Trace seems to relax a little bit at a time as they arrive at the little chapel, taking it in. It's very cute with little stained glass windows and everything kept neat and clean. There are some photos of other weddings and happy couples just inside the little area where they meet with the clerk. He takes care of the business of handing over the rings so that they can be given to them when the time is right.

Then he lets out a slow breath and turns back to Enzo, nodding when he says that the priest is almost there. His smile is warm, less nervous now. There's nothing to worry about. They're here. They made it. He relaxes into the moment and just takes it all in. The lake glitters in the background through the windows. The light catches on the stained glass, ending rainbows across the floor, and even onto the white of Enzo's clothing. He loves seeing that spark, that joy in Enzo. And it echoes in him as well.

When the priest does arrive, they are directed into the little hall and up to the front where the clerk and the organist serve as witnesses who will sign their license after they complete their vows.

This is when Enzo draws in a deep breath. If he were nervous, that's when he shows it. He's still smiling somewhat confidently. "Here we go. We have everything in order. They have our paperwork waiting so it's there once we're done. Our rings..." And when he says that, his smile grows even further now.

"This is it. It's time to walk down the aisle." That's said with a light laugh, but he does offer up his arm to Trace, gracing him with his slightly turned profile and the grin upon his lips.

"We've got this," he says with a quiet grin, now being the one to show the calm while Enzo starts to show a little bit of his own nerves. He takes Enzo's arm, leaning in to bump shoulders lightly with him, and then they make their way inside.

There's a little music playing as they walk down the aisle, not a traditional wedding march, but something a little warmer, sunnier, for this little private summer wedding. When they come to stand in front of the priest, the clerk stands to one side with their rings, ready to present them when they need them. And when the music stops, the priest begins a short, but sweet ceremony.

Trace wasn't sure what to expect, but it's a warm and hopeful sort of thing. He talks about the trials and tribulations of life, but it's more about finding strength in one another, and supporting one another, and hope than it is anything too dour. There's a solemnity to it, but also a lot of warmth and talk about love, and the power of love to see them through.

When the time comes for the exchanging of rings, the clerk turns to Enzo first and offers him Trace's ring, the glittering night sky, shimmering crushed stone on a background of black and darkest blue.

Enzo's been to a few weddings, though most of his friends aren't at the marrying age yet, even if they say that they are. So he's experienced this before. And his dad's second marriage, of course. Now it was his turn and he couldn't be happier. There was no cold feet, no thoughts that he was making a mistake because in his mind, this was the right thing to do. He could see himself taking no other path but this one now that it has presented itself to him.

This was it. Though this was a small, private wedding, he did hire a photographer who also did video to record the event. Enzo knew that they'd want to look back on it and so would their friends and Trace's family, who weren't allowed to be here, as this was so spur of the moment.

He just couldn't help but smile over at his very soon husband-to-be as they listen to the priest speak. And then the rings come out and the clerk hands him the one resembling the stars in the sky.

"This band holds the night sky, but tonight the universe feels smaller, warmer, because I know we will walk through it together, for all eternity." Enzo's eyes look down at the ring, before his gaze lifts to view Trace, his lips still curved into a smile. At the end of his statement, he gently takes ahold of Trace's hand and slips the ring upon his ring finger.

Trace is only very vaguely aware of the photographer who is taking photos and video of the occasion. His attention is entirely on Enzo. Yes, he's certainly paying attention to the words and the little ceremony, but it's one pair of beautiful dark eyes that he can't stop looking into. He can't stop the smile on his face, either. His heart races, alive with the moment.

There's no cold feet on his part, either. Not for a moment since he proposed has he had a single second thought. They were different in so many ways, and alike in some others, and they complimented one another perfectly. They were what the other needed. They, like the man said, gave one another strength. They were more together, than the sum of their parts.

He extends his hand to let Enzo slip the ring onto his finger. Then he takes Enzo's red and black glittering ring from the clerk and he holds it in his hand, taking Enzo's with the other and says, "This band is the burning heat of fire, but tonight, there's no fear of being burned because this warmth will keep us safe, and light our way through, tonight and all nights going forward." He gently slips the ring onto Enzo's finger in turn.

All that Enzo can do now is watch, his eyes alight on Trace when he speaks those words, though he keeps his chin lowered. Then, when the ring is placed upon his finger, his full attention is focused on that one action.

They felt as if they were a bonded pair well before this day, but now they legally were. They had the paperwork and the rings to show for it.

He can't help but smile, just looking down at their hands, their fingers, the rings now worn by both of them. Then he laces his fingers with Traces and squeezes his hand gently, before turning his head back towards the priest who continues with the ceremony as he waits for the go ahead.

When it's given, Enzo is quick to draw Trace in close and seal their union with a much needed kiss. His arms wrap around the other to hold him close.

Theirs has been a bond that has been drawing them together for some time, through circumstances that brought them together, and apart, and together again. Ceremony or no, there was no question in his mind that he and Enzo would always be connected to one another. But this ceremony, the exchanging of rings, making it official? It felt just right. Exactly as it should be. He looks down at their joined hands, the bands on their fingers, and if he were being entirely truthful, he wasn't at all paying attention to what the priest was saying after that.

He's just waiting to seal that moment with that kiss. And when they are finally given the go ahead, he's in Enzo's arms, holding him tightly, and kissing him in a moment where time stands still, at least long enough for him to get lost in it. And when the kiss breaks he murmurs, "I love you. Always."

That kiss felt like a release for Enzo. Everything that they were working up towards and fighting against, even if sometimes they were fighting against the barriers he, himself, had put up. In that moment, it's as if he could feel the universe. Those stars in Trace's ring. It's not that his love for Trace had expanded, but it was... it was difficult to explain and he Enzo wouldn't be able if he tried.

There's just this moment and he didn't want to let go, he didn't want it to end, as time stood still and their universe opened up around them and he just wanted to get lost into all of it. When the kiss does finally break and he's forced to take in a deep breath, the soft words spoken make him feel even warmer in their embrace. "My love for you," He says, before licking at his lips and breathing in once more, "will burn for all eternity." That's followed by another passionate kiss, to further seal the deal...

The fact that time has been slowing, quite literally for both of them since they've been within the park, that their own magic has been gradually lengthening their potential lifespans a little bit at a time, could mean make that promise far more literal than even Enzo knows. More than either of them knows. But the words alone, in combination with that kiss are more than enough to warm Trace from the inside out.

It's very easy to forget they're still in a room with other people until even the priest laughs just a little bit and murmurs, "Gentlemen.. let me be the first to congratulate you. But you do.. still have to sign the license with your witnesses, if you don't mind?"

Trace laughs when he comes up for air from that very passionate kiss only to blush just slightly and says, "Oh, yes, of course. Sorry! Sorry." And then he laughs, squeezing Enzo's hand tightly and murmurs, "Come on, Mr. Accardi. Let's let these poor people go about their day."

It doesn't take long. They sign, the witnesses sign, the priest signs, and then takes the license from them to register with the courthouse. The photographer gives them information on when and how they'll be contacted with their videos and photographs. And Trace takes a moment to quietly thank the clerk, who returns their ring boxes to take with them. Once all the thank yous and business is taken care of, they are finally left alone once more, outside the little white chapel, with just a little while before sunset.

"That was... nicer than I could have imagined for such a last minute decision." Enzo says as they linger outside of the church for a while longer. "I was afraid that it would be somewhat disappointing, but besides not having family and friends here, I think anyway," And here his voice gets louder to add emphasis, "that this was a wedding that anyone would want to have. It was perfect."

"Mr. & Mr. Accardi." Enzo says as if testing the name out, one of his hands continues to hold onto Trace's still. "And now we get to watch the sunset together for the first time as a married couple. What more could we ever ask for?"

"Not even a little bit disappointing," Trace says, but then adds. "Of course, all that really mattered was that it was you, and me, and us doing this together. The rest is all.. icing on the cake." He brushes his thumb lightly against the back of Enzo's hand and then says, "It was perfect. I think it was just what we needed. Something that was just for us." He lifts their joined hands and presses a kiss to the back of Enzo's. "We'll have something that's for everyone else later."

His grin broadens as Enzo tests out their name as a couple and says, "I like the sound of that." He then lightly tugs Enzo's hand to pull him along with him toward the little path that leads down to the small garden behind the chapel and the lake beyond, to go find a spot to sit by the shore and watch the sun set together. "Nothing, really," he says, truthfully. "I couldn't ask for anything more than this."

There's a lone bench facing the lake and the sunset which they sit on. Enzo's been swinging their arms somewhat vigorously the whole time in his excited elation that they were finally wed. "Maybe instead of seeing how the whole city thing was going to come along, we should have asked Parker to look ahead and see what the Park would tell him about what the future held for our relationship. If we would adopt any kids. Things like that."

He takes the moment to lean against Trace's shoulder, resting his head there as they both look off into the distance at the setting sun. "Then again, maybe it's best to simply live our lives and let it all be one big surprise."

Now that they've done it, Trace's nervous energy is abated and he has settled into a quiet newlywed bliss. He laughs a little as Enzo swings their arms a bit, tugging him closer to steal a kiss or two on the way over to the bench before they settle on it. Tilting his head, he glances over at Enzo when he mentions Parker, and looking into the future about their relationship. Both brows go up just a little bit.

But when Enzo leans against him, he just smiles and rests his cheek against Enzo's curls, looking out over the water and contemplating the future, himself. "I think," he says, "That I'd rather just live every moment with you in that moment, rather than focusing too much on the future. I want to enjoy the here and now. And I like surprises. I like when you surprise me." Then his smile skews a little crooked and amused, "I didn't think you'd be into the idea of kids."

"Now that we're married, you get to see the real me." Enzo says with a wide smile, "Whatever that may be." The smile softens when he adds quietly, "But no, you've already seen me inside and out. Let's hope that I'm still able to surprise you when it matters. Which means... no peeking into any of my planning folders that I have have scattered around the apartment. I should actually have them all locked up somewhere."

As he's leaning in towards Trace, when he turns his head, his nose nuzzles through Trace's hair softly, "Well, I don't want kids right now, nor want to deal with any of that. Later? Who knows. But for the moment, I want to spend most of my life with you. Unhindered." He takes a gentle bite at ridge of Trace's ear when he says this.

"And I love you, inside and out," Trace says with an amused little smile. Then he laughs and says, "I will have you know, that I wasn't even aware that you had all these planning folders!" Well, of course, he was aware folders existed. They share an apartment now, and an office space. But it's pretty evident that Trace doesn't look through Enzo's things as a general rule. "Your folders are your business. I haven't gone rifling through them yet. I don't plan to start now," he chuckles. "You don't need to lock them up like Fort Knox."

"I was just surprised you mentioned them at all," Trace says with a little shake of his head. "Right now, all I want is time with you, to work on all these big dreams and big plans and to build cities and travel to other worlds, and explore all the big possibilities that lay out before us. Maybe someday, but yes, right now.. just us." He laughs at the little bite and turns to catch Enzo's lips in a kiss before looking back out over the sunset.

"I don't have them just yet." Enzo says in defense of himself, then murmuring, "Except for the wedding planning one, which is still in use, but when I get an idea, sometimes I just want to start planning something. Somewhere to go. Something to do or experience. I just like making it a thing." He then further tacks on, "And it keeps me from forgetting and using up all of the battery and memory space on my phone."

The talk of kids, their big dreams and bigger plans and so forth, all that Enzo listens to with a sense of understanding, a sense of amusement, and also a sense of that is it. This really was the start of their new life together. There was proposal, them moving in together. Now this. He keeps telling himself how perfect everything was.

How perfect this kiss was as well when Trace turns to turn his playful nibbling into a kiss. Then once more, they are both sitting quietly to watch the sunset, bodies touching, their hands together, fingers laced. "I never knew peace could feel like a person until I found you." That's what Enzo was feeling right now. Despite his excitement and everything about being married. He was at peace with himself right now too.

"Well, I promise not to spoil any surprises by peeking," Trace says, of the hypothetical future planning folders that Enzo might accumulate. He's then quiet for a moment or two before saying, "I like that about you, you know. That you always have ideas, plans, that you think of these things. I mean, I know you're always thinking." He brushes his nose lightly against Enzo's hair. "But I like that you have plans for us. And that I get to share them with you." He laughs a little, "When you're ready to share them with me."

It was, indeed, a perfect beginning for a new chapter. It was a bumpy road to get here, but they got here. And there would no doubt be more bumps along the way to tackle, but for now, there was peace, and some time to breathe and just be.

"I'm glad that I can be that for you, the way that you are so much to me," Trace says, voice quiet, just enjoying these quiet moments. There's a light breeze off the water. And the sky slowly turns a myriad of colors, bright gold and pink fading into orange and purple as the sun sinks over the lake.