The Road Before The Aisle

[Danielle Gates]

Time: May 2050
Venue: Markovina Vineyard Estate, New Zealand
Season: Autumn

Spoiler: Setting

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[Damien Gates]

Damien was nervous as hell. He knew there were going to be so many people here. His brothers, his in-laws, countless friends and family. Including Dani's family. He took a few deep breaths, pacing nervously near a tree as he waited for guests to start arriving. Or even Dani. They had agreed to meet here, and Damien had been in too much of a hurry. He'd been here for twenty minutes already, making sure Cooper had everything set up to cater the event. He took a deep breath, rubbing his neck. Let the show begin, he thought with a chuckle.

 

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle took a deep breath as she looked at herself one last time in the mirror. With a satisfied nod, she apparated to the venue of the engagement party. She arrived to find her fiance pacing back and forth while Cooper was in his element in making sure that the food was ready for the guests. "Stop fretting, darling.", she chuckled as she announced her presence to the man. She wrapped her arms around his torso, giving him a loving smile. She knew he was nervous at the thought of meeting her family. "They'll love you.", she assured him.​

 

[Kira Wolf]

Kira had decided to appear early to help Cooper, and it was a good thing she did. She came in to see Dame and Danielle. She leaned against the tree and crossed her arms. "And if they don't, I'll kill them myself." She teased with a small smile. "Kira Wolf. Tyra's sister." She held out her hand to Dani. "I don't think we've officially met yet. I'm helping Dame here plan the wedding?" She gave Dani a smile, studying her subtly before turning to the man of the hour. "Dame!" She hopped up to hug him, squeezing her arms around his neck. She stepped back and smiled at them both.

 

[Damien Gates]

Damien sighed as Dani appeared. "Danielle," He whispered softly and turned, wrapping her up in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and chuckled as he heard a familiar voice. He released his fiancee and turned. "Kiki, hello." He returned her hug. "Where's your boyfriend? Meeting you here?" He asked, stepping back. "Oh, Kiki, you. Look. Fabulous. Did Tyra make this?" He rubbed the fabric between his fingers, distracted. "The stitching is immaculate, the seams are flawless..." He murmured, studying Kira's gown.

 

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle chuckled, even more, when she heard a young girl's voice threatening. She turned to find a stunning woman who was like a young version of Tyra. She was right when the latter introduced herself. "Danielle. You can call me Dani.", accepting her hand. "Thank you so much for helping us. I love your dress.", she added with a genuine smile. She watched how her fiance was loved by his relatives, making her think how great the man would be when he became a father. The adoration turned to amusement when Damien inspected the dress. She rolled her eyes, fashion talk was not new to her. Just then, Dominic arrived with his date, with her parents just trailing behind the pair. "Domi!", she called, her steps quickened to meet them. The woman almost tackled the towering man, squeezing him in a hug.​

 

[Dominic Corelli]

It was the day of Danielle's engagement. Dominic aimed for a casual look since his sister mentioned to reserve all the formal attire on her wedding. Also, the man felt relaxed already around the man approving of him since the day they met. He would be picking up @Rowan Coltsfoot before meeting his parents at a hotel near the venue. Mr. and Mrs. Corelli were keen to meet their future son-in-law and his sister after being away because of work. After much deliberation, more like reporting from his part, Kamilia seemed satisfied with the idea of Damien as her son-in-law. That and the letter Damien had sent her. Frankly, Dominic admired Damien's courage of doing it. ​

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They had arrived in the estate and Danielle saw them first. Bracing himself, he let go of Rowan's hand just in time to be engulfed in a tight hug by his sister. "Oof! Dani, silly you.", he chuckled. "Relax, Mum has already warmed up and Dad was ecstatic.", he added in a whisper. He stepped back and presented Rowan. "Dani, this is Rowan. Rowan, my only sister, Dani." With a wink at his sister, he subtly gestured to their parents to be introduced.​

 

[Kira Wolf]

Kira smiled, shaking the woman's hand. "Pleasure to finally meet you, Dani." She turned, giggling as Damien inspected her dress. "Dame," She scolded gently. "There are more important things for you to notice aside from my dress." She teased him, moving so that her left hand and the ring on it were more visible to the man. "Now pay attention so I can go help Cooper," She smiled brightly, looking up to see where her other brother-in-law was hiding.

 

[Cooper Gates]

Cooper had been busy all day working to get everything ready for the party. He was relieved the place Damien had picked was willing to let him take over the kitchen. He'd been interested in the cuisine for the night and had spent months researching the best dishes and where he could get the best ingredients with their budget. He still wasn't sure how Damien could handle Dani being so much more well-off financially than he was. He supposed being a professional Quidditch player just paid better than it did to be a professional blogger.

He had just wandered out of the kitchen to ask Damien a question when he spotted his brother with his favorite sister-in-law. He jogged over, eager to say hello, just in time to see her flashing Damien a ring. "WHAT?!" He squealed loudly, pushing past Damien to catch Kira up in a tight hug and spin her around. "You told him first?" He laughed, setting her back on her feet before stepping back to give Damien room to do the same.

 

[Damien Gates]

Damien's eyes widened as Kira drew his attention to something other than her dress. But before he could react, Cooper had pushed him aside. He clasped his hands together and laughed loudly, catching his second favorite girl up in a hug. He set her down and took both Cooper and Kira's hands in his, dragging them with him to follow Dani. "Darling! Darling, look!" He deposited Kira by Dani's side, kissing both their foreheads before moving to clap Dominic's back and shake his hand, offering a smile to him, his date, and a handshake as well for everyone there.

"Dominic, pleasure to see you again," He turned to his date. "Damien Gates, pleasure to meet you, you look fabulous, darling," He turned to Dani's parents, smiling nervously. "Mr. and Mrs. Corelli, a pleasure to meet you both. I'm terribly sorry it took so long to meet." He stepped back, indicating his family. "My younger brother Cooper is the head chef tonight, everything served he's prepared. And this is Kiara Wolf, my sister-in-law, just engaged," He announced with a proud smile. "She's the wedding planner, she and her elder sister Tyra run the family Inn, they host several weddings a year." He stepped back, wrapping an arm around Dani's shoulders to keep him grounded.

 

[Atkin Grayveson]

If it wasn't for @Lucca DeNiro and Cassi, Atkin would not be in attendance and just wait for the wedding day. It was his cousin, Danielle's engagement party. He heard from Cassi that @Ember Michaels would be there too since she was related to the groom. A small world indeed for the group. Still, too small for Atkin since he would be constantly reminded of his ex-girlfriend, Aliviah, who was also friends with Ember and Lucca. The boys decided to meet at a nearby pub and came to the venue together, meeting Cassi at the front. He saw Danielle talking with Dominic and his aunt and uncle. Muttering about finding a spot, he stalked to the farthest table he could find and sulked. It seemed that he had ceased to live and enjoy life since the love of his life left him.​

 

[Ember Michaels]

Ember was already bored as they all arrived at the party for fashion boy. She rolled her eyes. Why had she agreed to do this? She waved at the couple, parting from her siblings to go see the boy she'd spotted in the corner. She plopped into the chair next to him, throwing a foot in his lap. "Hey, Crank-kin," She greeted coolly. "Party's barely started and you're already sulking. That's no fun." She teased him, working to get him to smile.

 

[Amethyst Michaels]

Amaya was unsure what to think of today. She knew she would see @Kace Corelli. Things were barely better between them, she had no idea if he still wanted to do a set for the wedding itself next year, and she knew she still had a huge crush on the younger boy. She was incredibly nervous. As soon as they arrived, she separated from everyone and found a place leaning against a tree to the side. She nursed a cup of punch, watching the crowd.

 

[Cassiopeia Sparkes]

Cassiopeia shuffled on her feet as she waited for Atkin and Lucca. Morwen would be here anytime soon as well as Ember. The redhead was kinda worried about her cousin. Atkin was a mess ever since Aliviah broke up with him. She felt she was partly to be blamed since they were pretty close which the girl found it hard to believe that they were cousins. Finally, the pair arrived featuring a sulky Atkin, nothing new there. She was about to pull Atkin toward Danielle when the latter stalked to the farthest table of the venue. Shrugging her shoulders, she turned to Lucca looking at him as if asking him what to do next.​

 

[Jasper Michaels]

Jasper had no idea why he had to come. Sure, he was playing in the band, but that didn't mean he had to show up for some party did it? He was relieved when his sisters dispersed and found a seat, taking the book from his arm and settling in to read.

 

[Rowan Coltsfoot]

Rowan was nervous to be meeting Dominic's family today that it took her a bit of time before she picked out an outfit that was fitting for the occasion. She settled for a dress that sort of imitate a tuxedo but not quite. She went for something fun and playful, Rowan wanted his family to like her. If her dress didn't say fun and playful, she doesn't know what did. Rowan arrived at the party holding onto Dominic's hand. They must've looked odd as she was much smaller than him in height. Rowan let go of his hand and safely moved out of harm's way as Dani jumped into his arms. She giggled over the siblings' childlike antics. "Hello, pleasure meeting you all. Congrats on your engagement!" Rowan took a gander look around at the venue, it was too lovely for words. "This place looks amazing!"

 

[James Michaels]

James hated events like these. Sapphire was the easiest to get put together and out the door. But Onyx and Jordie were always so difficult. Onyx had been throwing the contents of his drawers around for over an hour, looking for some hat, and somehow Jordie didn't have a single piece of clean clothing. He caught Jordie, ran a brush through his hair, and got him into something presentable. Colin had already arrived at the house, much to James chagrin. He had a horrid crush on the man, and he hated Colin seeing how crazy the household could be. James released the young boy to find Sapphire before walking into Onyx's room and going to his closet. He knew where Onyx liked to hide his favorite things. He reached into the top of the closet, and after a little bit of digging, James produced the hat Onyx had been looking for.

With everyone finally ready to go, James gathered them all into the living room. Moments later, the group appeared at the venue. James' breath caught and he hardly noticed as the three children dispersed. "Merlin, this is beautiful," He breathed, doing a slow turn as he took it all in, awe clear in his face. He smiled as he saw the bride and groom. He turned to Colin, trying not to notice how breathtaking the other man was. "Would you like to fight your way to the bride and groom or do you just want to find a table and some food?"

 

[Atkin Grayveson]

Atkin was nursing a glass of whiskey, when he started drinking them, he never knew. It was a mistake to come since his mood might come as impolite to the couple. Thankfully, Ember approached him, being her usual self. He managed a smile as he playfully massaged her leg. "Hey, Em. Sorry for the mood.", he said softly. He downed his whiskey in one go. "Want a drink? I can get you one.", he offered to his friend while his eyes wandered as to where his cousin and Lucca were. ​

 

[Morwen Orlando]

Decked in a simple grey number, Morwen arrived shortly after Cassi. His adopted sister was engaged in a conversation of who seemed to be her friend. He was adopted but was warmly accepted. He just decided not to change his last name yet. Wandering his eyes, he spotted Atkin at a table with another person. A friend perhaps. Morie decided to join them since Dani was still busy. Swinging by the snack bar, he brought sandwiches and some drinks for the group. "Hey, Kin. What's up?", he smiled as he took a seat across the girl. "Hello. I believe we haven't been introduced.", he glanced at Atkin who was not exactly paying attention. "Morwen. Morwen Orlando.", he smiled.​

 

[Ember Michaels]

Em raised a brow at her friend. "Whiskey before food? Maybe we should eat something with that." She told him, knocking her foot lightly into his side. She looked up as someone approached them. She watched him sit down, unable to speak for just a moment as she admired his good looks. Then smirked as he introduced himself. "We haven't, but we were going to be." She flashed him her most charming smile. "I'm Ember. Michaels. And we were meant to talk, I believe. Something about a duet? " originally she hadn't been too keen on the idea. But seeing the handsome man changed her mind just a bit.

 

[Colin Michaels]

The irony of attending someone else’s engagement party, while in his own life he was in the process of getting a divorce, wasn’t lost on Colin. But nevertheless he was ready to bid his congratulations to the young couple and hoped their lives together would remain happy, believing that his own experience with marriage was an anomaly, rather than the norm. The last thing he wanted was to project his own negativity about marriage on to a couple that were about to start the rest of their lives together. He thought it would be an unnecessary and awfully improper impression to make, when the atmosphere of an engagement party was meant to be one of celebration and hopefulness. Instead of letting his own past surface, he wanted to be as positive and supportive as he was sure every other party guest would be, and he showed up to James’ place with this mindset, able to feel relatively calm while he waited as everyone around him scrambled to get ready for the party.​

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Colin was familiar with the chaos of raising a teenager, especially the chaos of getting ready for an event with a teenager, and was thankful for this when it allowed him to remain calm until the moment the group arrived to the venue. It was after a pause, when the teenagers they were with ventured out to the party that the sense of calm left Colin, and his nerves began to set in. Arriving to a party with another man, even with one that was not officially a date, was an experience Colin wasn’t used to. He tried not to seem as unsettled as he truly was, and swallowed the lump that formed in his throat when James asked whether they should see the bride and groom, or find some food. “I’d like to find a glass of wine, if anything.” He answered, hoping that a drink would help him ignore his fear of judgement, and allow him to feel more comfortable mingling with lots of unfamiliar people.​

 

[Morwen Orlando]

Morwen nodded in agreement to the girl's statement. He figured this could be Ember from Dani's description as what her fiance also mentioned. Without any hesitation, he grabbed Atkin's glass and just as he was about to protest, he snuck a piece of sandwich into his mouth. He chuckled successfully. Turning to the girl, he smiled when he guessed her name right. "Yeah. A set of songs for the couple. I believe Damien's your cousin?", he asked in return. She looked young but her maturity with things was evident in how she carried herself.​

 

[Lucca DeNiro]

Lucca arrived at the venue and witness a sulking Atkin slink away before Lucca can suggest something fun to do. "Is he going to be like this all the time now? B*llocks," Lucca wished his best mate would snap out of his misery. It was weighing him down. Lucca turns to Cassi, sighing. "Who am I supposed to meet again? I don't know anyone but you and Atty," he didn't see Ember sit down with Atkin. He might not want to see her either, he hasn't properly spoken to her since the day they broke up.

 

[Atkin Grayveson]

Atkin nodded at Morwen who arrived with drinks and food just before he could answer Ember. He was about to take another gulp from the whiskey when it was snatched from his hand. Scowling, he opened his mouth at Morie who was holding the glass to retort but almost choked on the sandwich the man chucked on his mouth. "N-no frrrm,Morriii.", gibberish because of the food. He took it out and chewed it properly. "Cassi here, Morie?", he asked, he looked around and found her with his best friend, Lucca. "Em, Luc's here.", he teased the girl, tickling her leg. The pair broke up before they left school and had not met yet since then. For all he knew, Cassi and Lucca met a few months ago and had been hanging out since. Whatever their relationship was, his cousin was being secretive. ​

 

[Cassiopeia Sparkes]

Cassi finally took a good look at Lucca. With his new haircut, he looked even more handsome. She was suddenly worried that Em might get back with him. Little did their friends, her cousin and brother knew, but Luc and she had a secret. Linking her arm through his, this had become her habit whenever he was around. "Ignore Kin. But don't ignore me.", she teased. "You cleaned well today.", she inspected him with a playful wink. He smelled great too, aftershave and cologne. She looked around, spotting Ember with Atkin and Morwen. "Look who's with Atkin now.", she studied Lucca's face for his reaction.​