ganbatte

Samantha is one of those people who look good in practically anything. You can’t keep a good girl down, and her infectious smile makes sure you are grinning along in a moment. Which is why Kevin is looking at her right now and wondering what’s wrong. She’s standing in front of the mirror in her wedding dress - which has to be one of the prettiest ever, Kevin thinks - frowning, and she is not looking good. She hasn’t noticed him yet, standing in the doorway. He supposes he technically isn’t supposed to be here, but he doesn’t really care.

It’s not his wedding, after all.

He’s just part of the support team, but Best Men aren’t on the bride’s side, and maybe the whole superstition with grooms and not looking at brides.. anyway, it doesn’t matter. He’s only best man because Adrian’s such a nice guy he’s letting his wife-to-be’s best friend be Best Man. Kevin thinks Sammy, his own special nickname for her, is one lucky lady to get this nice guy. Kevin didn’t even know him until 6 months ago.

Sammy glances up in the mirror, and notices Kevin for the first time. A surprised smile spreads across her face, and suddenly she’s looking like an angel in that dress.

“Oh Kevvie! How long have you been there?” she exclaims, spinning. She tries to walk over, but the dress is oversized for the room, and she nearly trips. Kevin catches her from embarrasing herself. He’s already embarrased though; she still loves to use that name all Kevins dread, the cutesy Kevvie. Then he thinks again. There’s no one here, and he’s always loved being called that by her. Like he calls her Sammy.

Kevin just beams at her. She brushes a blonde lock of hair out of her face as she recovers.

“Just look at me.. I’m a mess…” she says, her voice trembling. The smile slowly disappears. “I’m… oh god, I’m such a mess. I can’t stop shaking!”

She raises a hand, and he can see how much she’s shaking. He raises his hand to hers, and they entiwne fingers. Her palms find their stability against his, as he hugs her close, knowing words aren’t needed. A brother, she once called him. He likes to imagine that’s what he’s acting like right now. Then he hears her sob against his chest.

“Hey! hey, none of that, ok! You’re ruining my one good suit here, let alone your make-up.” he says, finally opening his mouth. The silent type, he gets called. No-one’s ever added strong to that. But Sammy’s like a sister, anyway. She lets a laugh escape through her sobs, and he knows it’s all ok.

* * * * *

They’re in the chappel now. Kevin’s next to Adrian, Sammy’s on the other side. They’re absolutely beaming at each other, and he couldn’t be happier for either of them. The priest is nearly finished; then, he gets to the mere formality of the ceremony, the stereotype of Hollywood.

“If any can see reason that these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.” He looks around questioningly. There’s a comfortable silence, a soft murmur echoing around the church hall as everyone waits for this formaility to be over.

Kevin blinks. It’s been less than a moment since the priest spoke, but he’s got an evil thought in his head. Speak now, the little devilish thought says. You don’t want to let her go, it says, he ain’t never gonna treat her right. It’s like a cartoon - he can almost see the little red demon on the left shoulder. He glances over to his right, and sure enough the little angel’s sitting there. He matches eyes with the little angel, and there’s a silent nod of approval. The moment passes, reality snaps back.

The preist smiles, all is well and as expected. The happy couple kiss, as Adrian dips her and bestows one of the most memorable moments of the whole ceremony. Kevin’s smile is as broad as can be, and he watches the occasion wrap up, silent as ever.

Sammy’s dad comes over to him. He’s ever so slightly teary, in the manner of all old men watching their daughters being taken away. He claps Kevin on the back and says “Well, that’s us out of the picture, eh son?” Kevin just smiles. He couldn’t be happier; Sammy and her family are as good as his family. He doesn’t have to marry her to feel that close; it’s his best friend’s wedding day.

Outside, the sky is endless blue.