I have to admit, I honestly didn't think that she'd be able to do it. Sure, Anna owns New York and its legislature, but I had no idea she owned it to quite this degree. Oh well, not like I'm complaining. Keeps me out of prison. I chuckle thinking about that. It would not go well for anyone there trying to lock up a god, and considering that we own half the police force, I'd probably just be killing my coworkers.
Since I'm sensible and don't bother with makeup or dresses, I have some time to kill. My incredibly expensive tuxedo is already on and I look fantastic. I kind of want to adjust my bow-tie, but it's already straight and fiddling with it would only mess it up.
So, instead, I head out to the lobby of the hotel that is absolutely a front – there's a reason Anna didn't sign off on legalizing prostitution – and head to the open bar. "Hey, Uncle Pete," I say, as I grab the seat next to him, and wave the bartender over for a Jack and Coke.
"Ready for the big day?" he asks, beaming at me.
I nod, letting a small smile show, rather than grinning ear-to-ear like I had been in the changing room. "I am. I can't believe we didn't think of this before. Then I'd only have to go through this once."
"Please, you love having an excuse to wear a tuxedo."
"Can you blame me though? I look amazing?"
Chuckling, he looks me up and down, and smiles approvingly. "It's your last chance to change your mind and wear a dress."
I shrug. "I tried it for a bit when I first transitioned, and it's just not me."
"Too much of a mobster?"
"Too hard to fight in." I laugh into my drink as I take a sip. A little heavy on the alcohol. Just how I like it.
"If you think Anna couldn't kill everyone in here in a ballgown then I think you've been smoking something."
He has a point. "Of course she could, but she wouldn't. That's what I'm for, so I need to be ready for a fight."
"You're a Greek god. You're always ready for a fight."
"Stop putting holes in my reasoning!" I glare at my father-figure, doing my best to actually look angry.
He rests his hand on my shoulder. "All right, all right. I love your suits too. Plus that tailor you recommended is amazing."
I give his pinstripe suit an appreciative glance. Marco really is the best. "Well, when Pop's guy wasn't willing to work with me, I had to find someone who could show him up. With petty revenge as a motive, I can accomplish anything."
"That does sound like you. I'm glad he's gone, Elsa."
"I know. I am too. It still hurts a little. I did love him. But he was an absolute monster, in a far worse way than I could ever manage to be."
"I may be a little biased, since he wanted to kill me, but I don't think you're anything like him, Elsa. You're your own woman, despite what he always wanted for you, and you've done a lot with that."
Staring at him incredulously, I drain the rest of my drink before asking, "So by carrying on his work I'm somehow not being like him?"
He snorts. "Well technically Anna's the one continuing his work."
"You're welcome to tell her that." I get the bartender's attention and order a beer. "I'm sure she'll take it amazingly," I add, shaking my head.
"She's not like him either. Sure, she's gotten a lot harder than she used to be – she's had to make some very difficult decisions – but she still actually cares. Sure, she makes sure that she lines her pocket and keeps the business going, but she's done a lot to make life better for the people on the streets. With her running everything, any other crime is quickly handled – by our favorite super heroes if need be." He winks at me. "And with control of the legislature, she's ironically managed to remove a lot of corruption, and helped improve things for everyone."
"Except those real estate tycoons she jailed." I grin, stifling a laugh.
"I think that counts as an improvement."
I say, "You know that she just wants to keep going. Hell, she might even make her own presidential run before too much longer."
"It'd have to be twelve years."
"If you honestly think that would stop her, then you're the one who's on crack."
He sets his drink down, foam resting above his lips. "Hey, I never said crack."
I roll my eyes. "I do worry about her. I don't care that much about how it affects everyone else, but do you really think that all of this is good for her? I love my wife, and the new blood-thirsty her is crazy hot, and at least Jasmine has helped her lighten up a bit, but she's still going against so many of her old morals. It wasn't that long ago that she wanted us to quit and run off. You really don't think that running a criminal empire is hurting her?" Plus it's my fault, so I'd really rather not have all of this guilt.
He shakes his head, squeezing my shoulder. "She's had to make a lot of compromises, but I think if she didn't, she'd always know that she could have done this – that with someone else running things, it would all be so much worse. She's hurt people, she's had to, but that doesn't change the good that she's able to do now. Plus, the three of you did save the world from that alien invasion over the summer, and that probably helps ease her conscience a bit."
"The military would've wiped them out fine. They really weren't that much of a threat."
"Say that to all the soldiers who died before you showed up."
Gritting me teeth, I stare back at the drink. I swear, it's like people just won't let me have my anxieties without telling me why they're bullshit. "I just don't want to have hurt her. I'm the one that made her the don, when she really didn't want it, and when it's changed her so much – plus everything Notos did to her – it really worries me. I try not to think about it, and I'm really happy with how things are now, but –"
"Elsa, stop it. This isn't like you, and you know full-well that if Anna didn't want this anymore, she'd stop it herself. I think you're just looking for something to be worried about since you can't worry about your wedding."
"I could worry about my wedding if I wanted to."
He chuckles. "No, you couldn't. You're already married to Anna, and the two of you are marrying the other love of your lives. I know you're both scared for her, and that that's part of what gave Anna the idea, but the three of you probably have centuries of happiness together, and you know it. So stop looking for something to stress over and just enjoy your big day."
"Well, when you put it like that." I raise my drink, and clink it against the one in his hand. "All right, fine, Anna's okay, Jasmine's probably okay –"
"The girl who doesn't age and who's dreamed of being a super hero her whole life and has a 3.9 GPA in her college? I think she's fine."
"She still lost Skaldi."
"She talks to her every day, and you're already working on a way to fix things. So just enjoy your big day."
"Fine," I mutter. "I guess I'll be happy."
Anna and Jasmine must have timed this, because they walk out together, and my jaw drops. Okay, I'm happy. Anna's seafoam green gown billows down to her feet, clinging in just a few select areas that emphasize the impressive figure the tiny woman has. Jasmine's red dress, with it's high neck and shoulders, is a bit more demure, but I'm not sure I've ever seen anything look more beautiful on her. All of her scars that wouldn't be covered by the dress are concealed with makeup, and her brown eyes shine all the fiercer contrasted by it, and her gaze takes my breath away. It's a good thing I don't need to breathe.
"Wow," I breathe.
"You're not looking too bad yourself." Anna tugs me off of the bar stool by my collar, pulling me down into a kiss.
The second I get a chance for air, Jasmine throws her arms around me and kisses me. Aren't we supposed to save that for the wedding?
When she pulls away, I can barely make out the scar by her left eye as they crinkle in joy. "I can't believe we're really doing this," she squeals.
Anna pats her ass. "It's happening. I had to pull quite a few strings to pull it off, but it'll be official. You're ours. You're family."
She nods, wiping at a tear. "I can't cry, it'll ruin my makeup."
"Did you want to talk to Skaldi first?" I ask. I know she does. It's the only way Skaldi can join her, unfortunately, but at least she'll still be there. I'd suggested just letting Skaldi be on one of Anna's employees so she could give Jasmine away, but she said it just wouldn't feel the same.
"May I? Please."
"Of course. We still have plenty of time. The guests are still filing in." Holy shit, is that Hera? I should talk to her later.
She can barely contain her grin. "Okay!" she grabs me by the arm to lead me back in the direction of the dressing rooms. I guess she wants some privacy. Behind us, Anna has taken a seat next to Pete and appears to be ordering a drink.
Once we're safely cloistered away, I remove the bracer from my pocket and put it on my wrist. I just don't like having her in my head all the time. "Hey, Skaldi."
"Is she okay?"
Tell her I miss her. "She is. She misses you."
"I miss you too." You two talk every single day. I swear, I handle being away from Anna better than this, and that only ever happens when I'm dead or being tortured.
"'So, today's the big day. Are you sure you're not having any doubts?'" There was no way to have these conversations that wasn't awkward, especially when she's insulting me, so I try to just relay what she says the best I can.
Jasmine nods, blinking away a few tears. "I'm sure. I love Elsa and Anna with all of my heart. I want to be their wife."
"'That's good to hear. I'm happy for you, Jasmine. And I'm so proud of you. I still think you could do better, but they're far better for you than I'd expected. They do seem to actually make you happy."
"You know they do, Skaldi." Jasmine squeezes my hand. I'm not sure if she means it for me or Skaldi.
"'I do. Even if they are criminals.'" I resist chiming in. I don't want to ruin their moment. "'I just wish I could be there for you. My wedding was a magical day, and I hate that I can't share yours with you.'"
Here, I have to interject. "I'm not having your voice in my head when I'm marrying her. You make it so weird any time we kiss."
She squeezes again, a sad expression in her eyes. "I know. I don't want you to either, it'd be like having my mom possessing you or something."
And yet she made me endure all of the times you all had sex. That was far more awkward for me. Yeah, I'm not saying that. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It really would be weird. And besides, we've already found a lead. Before too much longer Skaldi can be her own person again, and maybe we can renew our vows then or something, just so she can be a part of it."
"'I'd love that.'"
"Me too." She throws her arms around me, hugging me tight, though this time, I'm pretty confident she's hugging Skaldi.
"We don't want to mess up your makeup, right? Or get makeup and tears on my tux."
Nodding, she pulls away and stares up into my eyes. "I love you."
"We both love you." Go have your wedding. I don't want to keep her from it. "Are you ready?"
Another nod. "I am. Let's go get married."
~o~
"Mrs. Arlotti," the mayor says, bowing his head obsequiously as he approaches us at the front of the room. Of course, he means Anna. This could get confusing with Jasmine taking our name. "Are you ready for the service to begin?"
"We are. Thank you for doing this. I know how busy you've been."
"Of course. It's my pleasure." Inclining his head again, he takes a step back, taking his spot behind us. We're standing at the front of the room, with Jasmine in the middle, since she's the one that really needs to do the marrying. He starts the whole spiel, even including the dearly beloved bit. I love my wife – my wives – but I can't say I care too much for the pomp and ceremony, even when it's a power play by Anna. And I say this as someone who loves her power plays. They're very hot. "You have your own vows, that you wanted to read, correct?" he finishes.
"Me first!" Jasmine chirps, pulling a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket – her wedding dress has pockets? She smiles out into the audience, doubtless meeting her father's gaze, maybe even Uncle Pete's. I still can't believe her dad came, he handled our relationship so much better than my father ever did. "Before I knew Elsa and Anna," she clears her throat and wipes away a tear, "Before I knew them, I didn't know who I was. My world was black and white, and I was a straight girl. Being with them has complicated things, and shaken up my whole world, and I wouldn't trade it for the universe. Now, I know who I am, I know what I can do – how far I can go and what I'm capable of – and I know how much I love the two of them. Anna," she turns to face her, "You are so strong and responsible, and caring. You keep me in track, and we have so much fun, and I love seeing you let your hair down and just enjoy yourself. Falling in love with you was as easy and natural as it was terrifying.
"And Elsa." She meets my gaze, her brown eyes shining with tears of joy. "You made me realize so many things about myself. I still remember how scared and confused I was by the feelings I was starting to develop, and just how much they all came bubbling forth when you were gone. You're my sidekick," the playful expression only slightly reduces the spanking she'll get for that, "the first real love of my life. No one makes me feel safer than you do. I want to spend eternity in your arms. I love the both of you more than I could have ever thought possible, and I'm just so happy that this day has finally come." She wipes away more tears as she lets out a shuddering breath.
Anna takes her hand, comforting our imminent-spouse. "You came into my life at a very dark time and provided a brightness that I desperately needed. You've reminded me of the woman that I once was, and despite all that I've changed, you've allowed me to keep that piece of me. I was skeptical of this strange girl that had followed my girlfriend home, when we first met, but as soon as you fell asleep in my arms, I knew that I never wanted to let you go. You complete our family, Jasmine, and I love you with all of my heart."
Staring down at her feet and doing the best to hide the blush shining through her makeup, Jasmine replies, "You're not gonna say anything for Elsa?"
"We're already married. I love her more than everything too, but we can just renew those vows when we renew yours." I think she just didn't want to repeat the vows from last time. Some of it definitely wasn't fit for public hearing – more for crime than for kink, but some of that too.
They both turn to me, as does the mayor of New York. Great. I hate public speaking. "Jasmine, you know how I feel. I haven't been able to get rid of you since we met, and I don't intend to ever find a way. You've softened me in ways that I've never been too willing to show. I love you, and I'd really prefer to just hurry up and be your wife."
"Well then," our officiant says, "Let's not delay. I've known Elsa and Anna for a long time, and I'd never seen a love like that before, and I hadn't since, that is until I saw them with Jasmine. It is my humble pleasure to pronounce the three of you wife, wife, and wife. You may kiss the brides."
He doesn't have to tell us twice. We're married, and I intend to not let a day pass without kissing both of them. Who says only good people get a happily ever after?
