arrays | tell the world that we finally got it all right

Entry tags:

tell the world that we finally got it all right

Natalie had really gone all out for this thing, hadn't she? Leo, for his part, had only been involved enough to put together the mechanical birds she'd asked for. How the wedding and reception looked didn't matter to him a bit - all he wanted was her, and he had her.

Though that wasn't to say he didn't appreciate all the work she'd done. Everything looked amazing, and it all had the steampunk vibe Leo and his siblings were known for, but with just enough touches of magic to suit herself, too. All in all, it was the best wedding he could have hoped for, and the only thing that could make it better would be if he could convince Natalie to have a dance with him, after all. She'd resisted so far, given him crap when he's tried to teach her, but maybe now that the day is here...

But even that, he could do without if he had to. They're here, surrounded by friends and family (and that was still a strange thought to Leo, especially now that Dan was legally his father-in-law), and they're together and this time, it's permanent. Even their daughter, Josephine, was here, being watched by Piper or Dany or Enjolras or Dan in turns. It was all he needed, he thought, pulling his new bride close to nab another kiss. A perfect day for a perfect woman, and Leo was beyond elated to show how much he loved her for all the world to see.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"No, no, I didn't say that either."

Natalie's eyes drop as she fixes his collar, straightening his shirt, smoothing her palms over his shoulders before she gently holds his face, looking at him seriously. "I'm saying I'm normally boring as hell and you push me to do things I never would have considered. I love when you tie me up," she laughs, kissing him quickly. "When I've got my hands all over you and I'm invisible." And another kiss. "When you're behind or it's just your hand, or whatever, and then we screw each other senseless."

The sudden concern he'd been feeling gradually lifts with each word, and each kiss. His eyes drift shut when their lips meet, and a smile slowly reemerges with a soft, humming noise as she details everything out. The imagery is vivid in his mind, all the more enticing when paired with thoughts of leaving all this behind for just the two of them, alone and uninterrupted and married.

"I can't wait until tonight," he murmurs finally, holding her tight against him.

"Me neither. Kiss me, until then," Natalie suggest against his mouth, sliding one hand back to brush her fingers through his hair, anchoring them there.

"And grope me, since no one's around," she laughs, eyes bright with mirth and adoration.

"Whatever you want, babe." Kissing her tonight has felt easier than usual, purely for the added excitement of being able to call her his wife, even if she hadn't totally taken his name. Knowing she's his, and he is hers, officially, makes him want to do nothing but kiss her.

And the way the dress drapes over her small frame makes her look as beautiful as ever, impossible to resist touching her. His arms slowly unwind from her waist, instead letting his hands explore her curves as if they'd forgotten everything about her and needed to reacquaint themselves. It's nice, having this moment alone before they have to go back out among everyone else, and it makes him wish they didn't have to, that they could just take off and leave everyone behind for a while. He has to keep reminding himself that they'll go soon, and make up for all the time they've lost.

"That dress looks perfect on you," he says softly when they break for air, leaning his forehead against hers. "But it would look better on the floor, you know."

As always, her body responds well to the weight of his hands, arching slightly, muscles tightening. Even now, she yearns for him, but she tells herself that they need to stay, to spend time with their loved ones and thank them for their kindness and support before they fall into newlywed debauchery.

Well, what she'd consider to be debauchery.

"I'll slow dance with you again," Nat murmurs, pressing her lips to his again and lingering for an extended moment.

Natalie knows just how happy it makes him when she agrees to dance with him, and today is no different. He smiles against her lips, pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her waist. Music floats up toward them from below, as well as the pleased giggles of their daughter as Dan entertains her, and he falls into the rhythm easily, gently swaying to the sounds, letting himself relax.

There’d been a time in his life when Leo had never expected himself to be happy, truly happy. When Natalie had left him, and he knew no one would ever be able to stand up to her, when they’d had to leave camp and find their own lives… something about it all had felt hollow, even with his sister still by his side.

“Estás feliz?” he asks softly, pressing his lips to her cheek.

"Uh-huh," she mumbles, half paying attention.

Her arms slide around his neck and she sways gently, pressed against him like so, dancing the only way she would privately. "I'd say this is a success, hm? My parents are both okay, our wedding party is weird as hell and Stiles is currently flailing like chicken on the dancefloor. I'm too scared to let him hold Jo."

She snorts, kissing the corner of his mouth.

“Who rates a wedding as a success?” he asks with a snort. “But yeah, I see what you mean.” He glances out the window near them, spotting Natalie’s brother with ease. Everyone’s given him a wide berth, and for good reason. “And you’re right, he totally should not be allowed near her at all. Your brother’s nuts.”

"I met him when I was ten. You don't think I know that by now?" She grins down at the scene affectionately before turning to press her forehead against Leo's.

"I rate this entire turnout as a success. Baby, check, family mostly together, check, wedding, check - plus, the cake was amazing, and no one had to put me on Bridezillas."

He snorts. “You say that like there would be anyone left if that was even an issue. You’d probably destroy the whole place first.”

She’s definitely got the power to do it, and there are always rumors about Hecate’s children going nuclear. Leo would hate for that to happen, though, especially so soon after the wedding. “But the nymphs always were good at baking cakes. And Jo loved it, so I see what you mean.”

"Yeah, you're probably right." Natalie snorts.

"I know how to have a meltdown, not that that's happened ... recently." She even has to think about it, squinting one eye. "Not recently." It's been better since graduation, anyway. "I'm happy."

“Well, good,” he says, nosing her cheek playfully. “I’d hate for you to have one on our wedding day - be all grumpy and upset while everyone else is having a good time. You’re supposed to be happy today.”

And so is he. Leo smiles. “I’m glad you are.”

She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. Grumpy and upset are the last two things on her mind right now and she is happy to keep it that way. Since getting back together with him, things have been on the up and up and she couldn't ask for anything more.

"You want to get out of here?" And her eyes open, full of impish glee, as if picking him up at a bar.

“You know I do,” he answers immediately, grinning that mischievous grin he’s always been known for. It’s about time they take off, anyway, and spend some time alone. The honeymoon’s got to start sometime, and he’s got everything planned out. “Want to go say our goodbyes?”

"Totally."

With one more kiss, Natalie finally pulls herself from Leo's warm embrace. Slipping her hand into his instead, she leads him back to their guests, encouraging them to take more cake and have one more dance and thanking them for their unwavering support. Time with mom takes a moment, time with dad takes much longer, especially when Josephine pulls at her mommy's curls in some attempt to get them both to stay.

"Gramps'll show you a good time. He'll show you cool buildings." She laughs as Dan nods vigorously. "Say bye-bye to your daddy, Jo."

Jo frowns up at him, knowing full well what that word means. It’s normal for one of her parents to vanish on her for a while, with their work, but both at the same time? It’s a relatively new thing, and she’s never liked it. Leo can’t help but laugh at her expression, taking her little hand gently and wiggling her fingers.

“We’ll be back before you know it, kid,” he tells her affectionately. “You’ll have fun with your grandpa, get to see where Mom gets all that nerdiness from.” Lowering his voice to a stage whisper, he adds, “Who knows? Maybe you’ve got it in you, too.”

Her face is mildly horrified as he straightens to ruffle her hair, and he laughs again. “Take good care of her, Dan.” Not that Leo has any doubts. The guy may have failed in some ways when it came to raising Natalie, but he’s been nothing short of doting when his granddaughter is in the picture. It’s adorable, in a weird sort of way.

The thought never occurred to her to block her father out of her life once they both started seeking help, separately, without the pressure from other family members. Natalie had kept her own therapy under wraps for a while. It's been good for them both and seeing him now, especially with mom, though distant, in the same room, it makes her love him more. He is more than capable of caring for her little girl.

Natalie steals away to say farewell to Diana, keeping it quick and unsentimental. They seal it with a short hug. It's still complicated in this realm but they have time.

Natalie meets Leo by the entrance of the ballroom where everyone has gathered to see them off, some actually shedding tears. Instead of rice, guests throw purple confetti, as per her request. She takes a deep breath. Perfect.

It’s natural by now to lace his fingers in hers, giving her hand a light squeeze as they walk through the confetti she’d asked for. It’s been an amazing day for him - hopefully even better for Natalie, hopefully everything she’d ever dreamed it could be. To Leo, at least, not a single thing seems out of place; everything is as perfect as Natalie herself, and he has no doubts that it will continue on until tonight.

The honeymoon was his to plan, they’d decided, but the wedding and night thereafter - those were Natalie’s. It’s her day, he’d insisted, technically his too, but the whole thing is about her, and all he’d wanted was to be sure that it was perfect for her. So now, as they walk out, he’ll let her take the lead. And tomorrow morning, she’ll see the surprise that’s kept Leo busy for a good, long while. It will be worth it, of that he is certain.

They don't have to go far to get to their suite - Natalie chose it for its convenience (pragmatic as ever) and the fact that it was beautiful, prepared and stocked with champagne, chocolates, and soap for bubble baths. She makes sure the candles are lit before they enter the room, soft piano music playing in the background.

It's very romantic, but not completely out of character for Natalie. It's still quiet and subtle, but perfect for their first night as husband and wife.

She doesn't speak once they stand in the elevator heading to their floor, a distant smile on her face, dizzy with love and affection.

Leo is content to watch and admire her as they up, still amazed that anything on this day has actually happened, that it's all real and Natalie is officially his wife. The sheer happiness leaves him in a kind of daze, but really, all he wants is to be with her tonight.

The room, once they get there, and all of the effects that Natalie's set up for the both of them, are only mildly surprising, and for once, Leo refrains from cracking a joke as he takes it all in. It's... romantic, something he never would have considered either of them being, at least not in the conventional sense, but it's appropriate for the day. It will be something else they'll want to remember for years to come.

Turning back to her - his wife - he smiles and takes her hand, gently pulling her to him the same way he had earlier, for their dance. Only this time, he doesn't move with the music, merely letting out a soft sigh as he presses his lips to hers, full of love and passion now that they're alone with no one else to impress.

Her life has never been normal, and at some point, she had begun to appreciate the absurdities for what they were. She's a half-blood with a complicated family, a girl who fell through a crack in the earth, who can sometimes be remarkable, in love with someone just as weird as she is. Some tradition couldn't hurt on a night like this.

She threads her fingers through his hair, looping her other arm around his shoulders, meeting his kiss fully, It feels good to taste him, to be in his his arms the same way she's been held since she was sixteen.

Leo, of course, would be glad to tell her that normal is overrated, with all the ridiculous things that have happened in his life. It makes them special, though in their own ways, they're still perfectly normal - even him, with the rare blessing of his father on his shoulders. None of it makes them any less perfect, Natalie especially, and tonight is more perfect than any they've shared before, because tonight, they're married.

With a happy hum, his arms slip around her waist to hold her close while her fingers card through his hair. He smiles against her lips, pressing close for another moment before he pulls back, lips parted.

"I love you, Mrs. Goodman-Valdez," he breathes, a sparkle in his eye at finally being able to say it.

"I love you, Leo." Her husband.

Her hands drop to the lapels of his jacket, curling her fingers around the fabric and pulling him for a few short kisses, unable to stop herself. She lifts her gaze and smiles up at him, nudging her nose against his affectionately. It's okay to go slow for now, to build up a little more tension before they settle into their first night together. It's how she wants it to be.

"Our first time here will be more comfortable than our very first time," Natalie finally cracks a joke, fondly remembering the way the table initially dug into her thighs before they moved.

Short and sweet is the best way to describe those kisses, and he loves every one of the, responding with some of his own. It's just the beginning, he thinks, and the smile comes naturally, never fading in the slightest.

"We know what we're doing now, too," he tells her with an amused sparkle in his eyes. The first time was great, at least in his memory - but it will be nothing compared to tonight, their first time as husband and wife, married and parents of a beautiful daughter. He couldn't ask for more. "And we have an actual bed, and music, and... more champagne and chocolate over there." Pressing another soft kiss to her lips, he says, "It'll be perfect."

Natalie leans into him, her cheek against his when she looks over their spread.

"Don't melt the chocolates," she teases.

The first time was wonderful, she agrees, and she considers that the first time she truly felt she might love him too. Now, they are stronger than ever, the feelings she has for him. Her heart never feels empty.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject