Wedding Day

Maybe an hour before the ceremony I stood in the chapel's waiting room. I ran my fingers through my jet-black hair, feeling much more nervous than had I thought I would. Then again, it was my wedding day, I do believe I am allowed. Especially considering this wasn't just for show. Apparently, RoboSlut INC had friends in high places as not only was this marriage official, it was legally binding and would be recognized by the Federal Government.

Kinda wish they'd told me that part before the day of my wedding, but I digress.

As I'm pacing back and forth, I hear the door open.

"Mr. Vincent? We're ready for you," a woman said.

I let out a deep breath.

"Thank you. I'll be right there."

The woman nodded and left. I turned to take one more look in the mirror. At 5'8" and 160 lbs I admit I'm not the most imposing physical specimen, but I take care of myself. I gave myself a quick once-over and walked out of the room.

As I stood at the front of the chapel, right next to the minister, I looked out over the small crowd.

It seemed I was right to go with a small ceremony because as I had predicted, no one came. I couldn't invite my college (now work as we had gone into business together after graduation) friends because they knew who Weiss was. I didn't bother to tell my family because I knew they wouldn't come even if I did. Understandably, Weiss's side of the chapel was similarly bare, on the account of her family not actually existing, however, her immediate family was in fact there.

I recognized Winter Schnee sitting in formal attire in the front row, next to a white-haired woman I didn't recognize. I gathered this was Weiss's mother, commonly referred to as Willow Schnee within the FNDM. Three rows back sat a boy I knew as Whitely, Weiss's arrogant little piece-of-shit brother. He wore a pleasant enough expression, but his eyes betrayed his apathy. Not that I cared one bit. Besides, at the moment, he was just stage dressing. Quite literally in fact, as when I asked the minister how they were here he told me they were temporary robots provided by the company to fill in the fantasy.

A few moments later, the 6-piece orchestra I hired began to play. My eyes immediately darted to the chapel doors as the Bridal Chorus began. The wooden double doors opened slowly to reveal Jacques standing with his arm in that of a small woman clad in a white dress, her face obscured by a veil.

As the two walked forward, I found myself with a multitude of new reasons to hate Jacques Schnee, despite the fact that he hadn't spoken, nor that he even existed, but as I am about to marry a fictional character, I believe I can be forgiven for that second part. Primarily it was his smile. It was small, much smaller than was typical of fathers on their daughter's wedding day. And it didn't even seem to remotely touch his eyes. Secondly, it was his pace. He was practically dragging his daughter forward, as though he couldn't get wait to get rid of her. And finally, the lynchpin, the final act that cemented my hatred for him:

He didn't give her away.

When the two of them arrived at the altar, Jacques gently let go of her, feigning a tender moment, and then proceeded to stand right behind her, as if to say that she was somehow still his. I did my best to ignore his unspoken gesture, letting his presence slip from my mind.

At the minister's signal, I raised my hands and drew back the woman's veil.

She was breathtaking. Lovingly recreated down to the smallest detail, and there she was, standing right in front of me.

Real.

Her eyes were what drew my attention first. They were unyielding and strong. Such a deep ice blue that sparkled in the light of the chapel's stained-glass windows. Yet, beneath that, I could see a layer of hidden vulnerability, a revelation that made my heart swell. Knowing that somehow, even after all Weiss had been through, there was still a part of her that was untouched, pure, made me happy.

Her eyes entranced me so much, I almost didn't hear the minister deliver the vows. Almost. As I said "I do," I felt what was possibly the warmest smile I have ever worn in my entire life make its way on to my face. For a split-second, Weiss herself looked confused, as if she wondered how I could be happy about this situation. The look quickly vanished and her face fell back into the neutral mask she had worn till then.

"Weiss, Do you take this man, Jason Vincent, as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until **** do you part?" the minister asked.

"I do," she said.

"Then by the power vested in me by this holy institution, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife," the minister said happily, "You may kiss the bride."

Hesitantly, I brought my hands to Weiss's face. To my surprise, Weiss beat me to it, her lips coming to mine with an unexpected heat. Her lips were soft, warm, and surprisingly welcoming. Her breath was cold in a refreshing way, and there was a passion to it I found myself surprised by.

As the small audience politely applauded, Weiss pulled away, her face a mask once again. I found myself smiling even wider. The two of us walked back down the aisle and out the door of the sanctuary.