Crazy things when you're in love

[Raerae]

"Well, I just figured we had the same tastes. Black curtains, tree limb book cases, big dogs," She snickered, though did feel a little bad for sounding off. Ethan hadn't been a fan of her ideas, which had compelled her to get her own place but anxiety kept her rooted. "Sorry, we don't have to. Though I guess you're right, a house would be nice. Maybe two stories, two bedrooms," She shrugged, considering she doubted they wanted a ton of company or kids, they-


God, what was she doing? Kids? After a day? Head out of the clouds, sister! Carter wasn't even used to long term! Talk like that would just egg on a break up.


"Whatever's not oppressing," She added, and hopped up on the counter again.


---


Ethan felt himself leaning forward a little- he couldn't help himself, he was vulnerable, hurting, and in the presence of someone extremely sweet and, if he hadn't said it enough already, adorable. She didn't push him away or refuse the proximity, and to a guy? That meant he had the option of stepping out of the friendzone. The gap was closing, what little of it there was-


But then his phone rang, blaring Gary's ringtone, Fraiser theme song, and the blonde literally jumped and quickly grabbed it. "U-Um, it's Gare, I should... Take this," He held the phone up to his ear and flinched when the clear and strongly worded voice of his closest friend came through, angrily accusing and demanding to know what happened, and what's happening now.

 

[PrincessKaty]

Carter chuckled, listening to her talk. "I'm just fucking with you. You can do whatever you want with it. As long as we have a game room," He suggested simply. He was all about gaming and movies and shit, and he was sure that Rae wouldn't mind either considering they played games together all the time. "We could look for a house. You do know that means that shits gonna be like, real," He pointed out.


He put his arms around her waist when she got up on the counter and grinned. "You're gonna be stuck with me forever. Are you sure you're alright with that?" He asked her with a smirk. He was cool with it. He'd been all for her for eight years and he wasn't even with her so he was definitely alright with it.


"Like, you know I snore sometimes and can be an ass. And can be really jealous," He said, listing some things that might drive her away from him.


~


Charlotte saw Ethan began to lean in and she did the same out of instinct and felt her face began to redden even more. They were so close and- And then they weren't. His phone was ringing and he answered it in a second. She bit down on her lip and nodded, quickly turning away and walking back into the kitchen.


What the hell was she doing? She couldn't kiss him! Not after everything that had just happened. She sat down at the kitchen table and pulled her bagel out of the paperbag. She began to rip off bite sized-pieces and eat, thinking about it all which just made her face stay red. Thinking about what it'd be like to kiss Ethan and whatever else could happen.. Her eyes shifted over to him when she heard the voice on the side of the phone getting all loud and amped up about whatever they were talking about.

 

[Raerae]

"Game room! We can invest in some classic arcade games, start a little vintage collection," She definitely loved the idea, she and Carter would waste hours in front of pinball machines and topping high scores in Pac-Man.


"You're stuck with me, too. My mom snored my whole childhood, and I can be disgustingly jealous. Like, I'll be super clingy. And I cry a lot, and I lime to stay up all night," She listed, gently stroking his hair whilst she rambled on about might scare him off. But if he made it through Senior Rae, the rest was a piece of cake.


---


Even with the volume turned low, Gary's infuriated voice was bellowing, precise enough to resemble that of a politician, though angry as a redneck. Ethan was obviously used to these one sided lectures, and merely sat on the couch with his head in his hands, sighing heavily.


"Gary... She chose Carter. I'm so fucking done talking about this and her, it's over- No, no, I'm at Charlotte's. No, she didn't. Gary says hi," Ethan called with little enthusiasm, and then returned his attention to his phone. ""I'll probably move up towards your place, closer to home. Nah, I don't have to transfer, shit it's like thirty minutes... Temporarily. She's fine with it, she even bought me a cinnabon," He grinned.

 

[PrincessKaty]

{Two Weeks Later//The Dates}


~
​

Charlotte tilted her head as she looked at herself in the mirror. Maybe it was too much? Ugh, she didn't know. She hadn't been to a wedding since she was like, seven. She was all dressed up in this black and white outfit and a pair of black pumps. It was dressy but she didn't know if it was too much? She guess that she wouldn't know until Ethan looked up and looked at her like she was crazy.


She walked from her full length mirror in her bedroom to her bathroom. She touched up a few of her curls and then leaned forward to make sure that her makeup was decent. She'd gone somewhat natural with the eyes but put on a lot more face makeup than what she was use to. Foundation, powder, highlighter, blush, eyebrows. The whole nine yards. She felt like she looked way prettier than usual but she also felt like she was lying to everyone about her appearance.


She walked back to her bedroom and grabbed her little black purse that resembled something of a Chanel knock off and her phone before heading to her living room to wait for Ethan. She checked her dainty black watch and then took in a deep breath. Was it weird that he was brining her?


~


Carter ran a hand through his hair as he tapped on the steering wheel along to the music that Rae had put on. It was a good thing they had the same choice or else the road trip up north would've been a really really long drive. "Excited yet?" He asked her playfully, not sure how she felt about the whole surprise thing. It was getting to be a little later in the afternoon and they were only about thirty minutes out from their final destination.


Rae was all about outdoors and adventures and shit so Carter had decided to rent out a cabin in the woods. It had a hot tub on the deck and if they walked a little ways down a path, it led to a lake. He'd driven the two hours out really early in the morning to make


arrangements for candles and all that shit to be set up by the lake. Well, he'd basically done it all himself. He just asked if there was someone that could light them before they arrived. He was kind of proud of himself.

 

[Raerae]

Ethan had swung by Gary's and stayed there on and off these past two weeks, gradually swallowing his pride and realizing he couldn't just move into another apartment the very next day. He hated feeling like a user, but both Char and Garette had insisted he relax, get over the trauma, and let the bruises heal.


He'd rented a tux, dry cleaned, black tie, and slicked his hair back. The discoloring of his face was still a little visible, but he'd just have to play it off and hope his family didn't make a fuss. This was his cousin Ashley's wedding, she was a platinum blonde prep girl who sported diamond bracelets on both wrists, and played tennis on the weekends, marrying the son of a CEO who ran a popular franchise like Nike, and Chanel. Dream come true, and considering she'd always been daddy's little girl, but also a good student who was committed to her youth group, so Ethan believed she deserved a happy marriage. And they invited him to their summer night Yacht right, so he couldn't really complain that her husband was so suave it made Ethan and Gary gag behind the scenes.


Hey, Lottie, you think I need some of your foundation for this bruise? How lame I that? He'd texted her, and then followed up by knocking on her apartment door, resisting the urge to look at his former home, the one he'd not kicked anyone out of, though he had gone in to grab most of his things when they were both at work.


---


"Considering the landscape, I'm sold already," She answered with obvious enthusiasm, rolling down the window a little and letting the fresh, woodsy air waft in, maple, earth, and grass. That outdoorsy aroma that let her know she was far away from her problems, work and obligations, and was entitled to relaxing, and a bit of fun.


"I've never had someone really surprise me before, I think I'm excited," She added honestly. Rae hadn't celebrated a birthday since she was twelve, and other events and holidays she'd lost touch with. Ethan's family threw beautiful parties, but the obligation to memorize names and outdo others gifts just sucked the fun out of everything for her. But this time around? It was just Carter and herself. No matter what it was, she was content. Noooo bullshit, whatsoever.

 

[PrincessKaty]

Ever since that moment in the kitchen, Charlotte felt like it was the only thing that she could think. Okay, well not the only thing but when she had nothing to do it was. He wasn't like, actually going to kiss her, right? He was just caught up in the moment and heartbroken. He was getting better though. She'd told him he could stay for as long as he wanted but after a few days, he moved his stuff over to Gary's house and they'd only hung out a few days since. He was busy with baseball and she'd finally gotten a job in retail. It wasn't her first choice but she needed something to pay the bills.


She looked down at her phone when she saw it go off and giggled after reading Ethan's text and then looked up when there was a knock at the door. She took in a deep breath, already feeling nervous about the whole situation, and then made her way over to the door in her heels. She opened it up and smiled at him. "Hey," She said sweetly. Dang, even in her heels she wasn't as tall as him. She tilted her head a little bit to look at his bruise and then smiled. "It looks better. I could fix it up if you really wanted," She offered him. Having it covered up would probably save it from the 60 different relatives that were going to ask to hear the story and it wasn't a short one.


Her eyes dragged up and down him and sighed silently. God, he was so attractive. Why did he have to be so damn cute? Men in suits were already just like, a turn on all the time but if they were attractive and dressed up? Panty dropper. "You look really good," She complimented, looking back up to him with a smile.


~


Carter grinned, glad that he'd made the right decision taking her to the wilderness rather than the city. He'd considered going to a fancy restaurant down town and walking around, but he didn't really think that qualified as anything special. Two nights alone by the lake sounded way better to him.


"Sometimes that's a good thing. Do you remember my sixth birthday party?" He asked, already laughing at the memory,"When my parents decided to blindfold me and take me to my surprise party?" As soon as they took off the blindfold, everyone jumped out of no where, including the huge mouse mascot, and he peed himself in front of all of his friends and in public. Good times.


"This won't be like that though. You'll like this," He assured her with a chuckle, taking one of his hands off the wheel which he placed on the inside of her thigh.

 

[Raerae]

"I'd say likewise, but that wouldn't do you justice," He leaned in and kissed her cheek, gently brushing past her and letting his race calm down with every step towards the bathroom. Ethan wouldn't admit it, but he'd been planning to do that since he woke up this morning, and was still surprised he'd had the balls to just now.


"Can't you just put a little of that... Concealer on, or whatever? Aw, wait, you're so not my skin color," He said with a teasing lisp. "I didn't mean to just barge in, but I left my... Um... There! I left my Axe here," he held the bottle up and spritzed himself where it worked best, before stepping back out and offering his arm.


"Really though, have you ever thought of modeling or something? There's petite size, too," He winked, but tripped over the threshold, bracing himself against the door and lowly cursing her welcome mat. "...Aha..."


---


"That wasn't much of a birthday, I still remember you describing how humiliated you felt... I spent my kiddie days trying to talk to an animatronic Chuck E. Cheese. He never, ever threw the tickets at me, giant rat," She momentarily empathized with her younger self. "And, ya know, I never recall the Princesses being out at Disneyland when it was around my birthday, and then as we were leaving, all of the sudden there's Auroura just gliding along mockingly. Psh."


Snapping out of her reminiscing, she leaned forward as if she'd get a better view of what was slowly coming into her line of sight. A long stretch of constant dirt road, but on her side there were slopes leading to a lake that expanded just far enough to hide the shore to the opposite audience of trees. Sparkling waters, a clear, undisturbed skyline and the tallest evergreens she'd ever seeb. "Damn, is this where we're gonna be?" She inquired though it was pretty obvious, and averting her gaze as redness rose to her cheeks from his gesture.

 

[PrincessKaty]

Charlotte felt her cheeks heat up a little bit, listening to Ethan's compliment and then how he pissed her cheek. Erg. Irresistible. She giggled, watching him just walk in. She shut the door behind him and strolled towards the bathroom where he darted off to.


"Maybe if you weren't out in the sun so much and I wasn't so damn Irish this wouldn't be a problem," She remarked jokingly. She knew she was pretty damn fair and Ethan always had a tan, whether it was natural or because of baseball she didn't know.


She put her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh at Ethan when he tried to be all smooth and flirty but ended up almost eating shit. It didn't work very well though and she broke out into laughter as she pushed him lightly out of the doorway and closed the door behind him. "Damn. So smooth. Is that how you get all the girls?" She teased him with a smirk on her lips, locking the door. She started to walk down the hallway with him, bumping into him playfully. "And no. I'd still be too heavy for modeling," She told him with an eyeroll. She was around a size 3/4 and they only took 00. She didn't really care too either. She didn't think she took too great of pictures.


~


Carter laughed and shook his head. Ah, memories... "This is where we're gonna be," He answered with a little grinned, glancing in her direction before back to the dirt road that he turned onto. About a mile down the dirt road, the cabins began to appear few and far between. It was definitely a great place to come if you wanted privacy... Or to make sure no one could hear someone scream. He pulled in front of one of the last few cabins and grinned, parking. "Ta-daaaa," He sang jokingly, turning off the car. He hopped out and then walked around to the front of the car with his hands in his pockets.


In front of them was a cute one-story wood-styled cabin. He knew it had a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom so he supposed that it was just enough for their two days out here. It wasn't like they needed much anyways. He pulled a gold key out of his pocketed and handed it over to Rae with a smile. "Two days of seclusion and the lake," He offered with a wink. So he guessed this was less of a "date" and more of a little getaway but he didn't think she'd mind too much.

 

[Raerae]

"Irish? Really?" He adjusted his tie a little, smoothing down the fabric and tucking it's tip just breath his blazer. If there was one thing about Ethan, it was that he had style, and made jaws drop from trunks to formal attire. He laughed a little, "Yeah, spending your life on a field'll do that to you. It's cute on you, but I can't go around sporting Twilight complexions."


"I, um..." He trailed off, thoroughly embarrassed and wishing he could hit the rewind button. "Y-Yeah, well, I... Think you could go for another kind, maybe commercial, or..."


Stuttering? Tripping? Since when? That's not how things work, nor had it ever been an issue of his- well, at least, not since middle school. Brace face Grosso was a different person though, one he'd buried in all the God-awful yearbook photos and all that. What was she doing to him? "O-Or... Or not."


He held the elevator open for her and slid his hands in his pockets, "So, don't worry about conversation, all my family does is talk, especially on my mom's side. She and my dad'll be there, everyone but the usual gang..." He didn't mention that everyone was under the assumption Rae was coming, other than his parents who were in denial regarding their breakup and claimed it as merely a 'bump in the road'.


---


"Seriously?" She slipped outside and closed the car door gently beside her, slipping her aviators on and gazing around at what was indeed absolute seclusion. That lake! That view! And the little tracks along the dirt that indicated wildlife! It was just like the reserve she worked at, but admirably people free. She grinned a little, "Two days stuck with me. Can you handle that?"


She had to admit, this was a total surprise. Somehow Carter just didn't strike her as the getaway planning type, and had this shushed hope he didn't feel pressured to do anything out of his comfort zone for her; apparently, Ethan did that all the time. With the key in hand she headed towards the porch, noting the tiny swing for two and the maintained pots with various flowers; the cabin was kept perfectly. "Coming?"

 

[PrincessKaty]

Charlotte laughed at Ethan's question. "Really? The transparent skin didn't give it away?" She asked him teasingly, stepping forward to straighten out his tie quickly before biting her lip and grinning as she took a step back. He was really damn attractive. She had a thing for dressy guys, but what girl didn't?... Internal swoon. "Aw, darn. I thought the whole Twight sparkly vampire look was still in," She joked.


She smirked as she watched Ethan stumble over his words in an attempt to recover the whole model thing. It was extremely entertaining to her because she hadn't been upset over it, she was just stating a fact. She wasn't saying she was too fat either. She loved her curves and wouldn't want to be that skinny anyways. She looked over at him with a funny look and then laughed. "It's okay," She told him, putting her hand on his muscly bicep, ugh, "I was just messing with you. Thank you, for thinking I could."


She stepped into the elevator and leaned against the wall, watching Ethan. She made a face when she said that his family was talkative and that no one she knew would be there. She crossed her arms and nodded slightly, watching the digital numbers as they descended to the parking garage. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" She asked him for probably the 15th time since he'd brought it up. She just knew that since he was getting out of a long relationship and all, a serious one, that it might be weird bringing her around. It wasn't like she was replacing Rae because they weren't dating but she was still a different girl. She didn't want his family to get the wrong idea about either of them. She could feel herself getting anxious just at the thought of someone not liking her. Everyone liked her. What wasn't there to like?


~


"Guess we'll find out," Carter teased with a smirk, knowing that he could though. Two days was nothing. He'd been living with her after all. As Rae stepped ahead, he hung back a few extra seconds to admire her as she walked away and looked around at everything. It looked like she liked it so he was going to pretend like she did and give himself a mental high five for coming up with the idea, and he'd totally forgotten about the whole lakeside romantic dinner thing that would be happening soon. Oh yeah. He was going to get some awesome boyfriends points and actual boyfriend points since he was going to ask her and make it official tonight.


"Yep," He said, walking to meet her at the front door. After she'd unlocked it and walked inside, he followed. The door led right into a small space that was in between a kitchen/dining area and a living room, then just down a short hallway was the bathroom and bedroom across from each other. To the right of the living room was a door that led out to the porch, and then from the porch were stairs down to a path to the lake. It was small but cozy and he figured that they didn't need a lot of space anyways. "So?" He asked with raised eyebrows, waiting for her to give him some affirmation or something.

 

[Raerae]

"What, the wedding? Don't even worry about it. If they say anything it's just out of shock, they'll love you. And besides... It's not like you're under couple pressure, I just couldn't think of asking anyone other than you," He admitted, and stepped out of the elevator into the lot, clicking his keys and listening as the cars response echoed through the inside lot.


"And you don't have to worry about drunks hitting on you, either. Very few single people are attending, and my family doesn't really... Condone drinking. Most you'll find here is champagne," He laughed lightly, opened the passengers seat open for her and the briskly rounded the vehicle to his own. "Expensive dinner, outdoor wedding, a little wine, some bad dancing... I thought it'd be perfect for.. Two people who need a nigh out."


---


"I always wanted some kind of a retreat growing up, you know? All the youth group girls were heading to Maui and Beverly, and my big trip of the year was GameStop or Walmart." She adjusted a rather large painting that'd teetered on the nail a little, a rendition of something classic and brilliant, but she wasn't an art nerd, so she didn't know what the hell was going on in there.


"All I ever wanted was a little, secluded cabin," She held up her hands and made a frame with her fingers. "This is absolutely perfect-- Even has a king sized bed!" She chirped as she poked her head in the bedroom, always one to take the fridge and mattress into consideration. "Really Carter, I'm... Shocked. I didn't peg you as a getaway kinda guy. Unless it's the Star Wars Cantina or something."

 

[PrincessKaty]

Cambree smirked. "So I was a backup plan, huh?" She asked him. She knew that's not what he meant but it was honestly just entertaining watching him subtle over his words when he realized that he might've slipped up. It was cute that he thought that she really cared that much about the little comments because she didn't. She was pretty good at letting things roll off her shoulders.


"That definitely sounds like... An entertaining night," She agreed with a little laugh. She was fine with whatever was ahead of them as long as it wasn't a disappointed family. She knew that Rae had been well-liked and that they all had assumed she'd be around for a lot longer so hopefully they wouldn't hate her for being her "replacement" for the night.


She walked over to Ethan's fancy car and slid into the passenger's seat, once he opened the door par usual like the gentleman he was. She put her little purse in her lap and then put her seatbelt on, feeling anxious yet excited about the wedding. Weddings were so beautiful. It made her a little jealous though because she couldn't wait for her fairytale wedding with her poofy princess dress.


~


Carter smiled, beyond happy to hear that Rae liked it. "I'm just full of surprises, sweetheart," He told her with a chuckle, walking up behind her. He put his arms around her shoulders from behind and kissed her head as they looked into the bedroom. "And the bed will come in handy later," He said lowly and teasingly in her ear before letting her go,"The surprise isn't over yet."


He turned her around and took her by the hand, leading her from the bedroom to the living room. He gestured towards the door and grinned over at her. "Go down the path and go check out the lake," He told her simply, acting as if the lake was the surprise or something,"I'm going to get our bags." He wanted to let Rae happen upon the romantic dinner set up rather than him leading her to it. She was into the whole adventuring thing anyways so he figured she wouldn't mind. He winked, then turned and headed towards the front door.

 

[Raerae]

​

Ethan had indulged to Charlotte about his cousin the entire way there, what he could remember of their childhood, how she was ambitious, even for a kid, and they weren't at all surprised that she wound up with a rich man in place of a college degree. She'd spent her whole life in the heights, it was her old stomping ground, so naturally she'd have her wedding there, though second to that was Venice. Over three hundred people were attending, and I'd Ethan knew his cousin, she'd have a thought out seat for every single one of them- he just hoped there wouldn't be any extra awkwardness, like cards or memorabilia dedicated to him and Rae.





Admittedly, a small part of him was bummed she wasn't going, just because of the intense awareness he had of her lacking presence. But Charlotte was beautiful, light, funny and as sweet as the perfume she wore, he couldn't comprehend the possibility of someone not loving her as much as he did.


Er, well, love may be a little strong... Someone not like-liking her like he did. Yeah, cause that was a manly confession.


They'd arrived in the heights not twenty minutes later, greeted by bright, familiar faces (Familiar to Ethan, anyways) as they pulled into a packed lot, and behind them, stretched over quite a bit of foliage spotted field was a giant, blush canopy, a blur of pink in his opinion, with balloons, scattered roses and wandering bridesmaids.


"Damn, she over did it as always," He peered through the back window before switching the car off and offering Lottie a lopsided grin. Even inside, the resonating music outdoors was loud and likely kept anyone from having to engage in real conversation. "I... Ready?" He quirked a brow, and then slid out of the front seat, suddenly baring a different presence, no longer the stuttering, fumbling boy with his crush, but a man in his natural habitat, strutting and working that suit. He opened her door for her and waved with forced optimism at the growing crowds amidst the lot and grass.


---


When Carter left, Rae merely stood there, watching him retreat discreetly before taking a moment to really gaze around the cabin. Being her somewhat pessimistic self, she was waiting for the ironic turn; practical joke, house falls over and reveals a movie set, giant swarm of zombies-- Anything crazy, but the seconds ticked by and all she could hear was the distant chirping of wildlife, the earthy aroma still heavy even inside.


Like he'd told her to, she headed down the little pagh, still glancing skeptically over her shoulder, but the only thing she saw was a squirrel or two. He really, truly planned this on his own? "Either I'm dreaming or Carter really is a romantist," She thought aloud and listened to the dirt scuff beneath her shoes till she'd come to the lakeside, inching her way down a bit of an incline before her thin brows quirked comically and she let the scene before her soak in.


A lakeside dinner? He seriously managed all this? When? How? Is that sirloin??

 

[PrincessKaty]

Listening to Ethan talk about his family and cousin made her realize just how different the two them were. She'd grown up in a small town on acres of land that was used for farming while he grew up with a silver spoon, along with the rest of his family members. It wasn't a bad thing necessarily but it made her feel kind of... Less than him? It was stupid because it wasn't like he was trying to brag or anything, and he wouldn't hang out with her if he didn't think she was worthy or whatever but it made her nervous. She felt like she'd look like a total fool in front of his prestigious family..


"Wow," Charlotte whispered quietly to herself, looking out the window at the wedding that was all set up. It was a lovely venue; she just hoped that she didn't get eaten alive by bugs.


She looked over at Ethan but before she could even answer, he was out of the car. She stepped out of the car when he opened the door with her and mumbled a thanks. She readjusted her shorts and then forced a grin as she attempting to swallow the anxiety that was beginning to eat at her. What if they didn't like her? What if they compared her to Rae? Hell, what if they didn't even give her a chance because she wasn't Rae? She should just fake the flu now and not risk it... She didn't have a chance for that either. Ethan was already playing the part of a proper man, with a charming smile glued on his face as they walked in the direction of the event. He waved and said hello while she just smiled politely and tried her best not to look as awkward as she was feeling.


~


Carter actually did go out and get their bags from the back of the car because he knew that they'd actually need them later on tonight. Plus, it gave Rae more time to go out and realize what a great guy he was. Jokes, but seriously. He felt pretty cool for coming up with this whole thing. He guessed that it was just really nice to finally get to show Rae that he actually cared and loved her after all this time.


He brought their bags inside and to the bedroom, then walked over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of chilled red wine, then headed out the back sliding glass door. He waltzed down the steps and then down the trail, grinning when he saw Rae standing there and observing what he'd set up. "Bet ya didn't see that one coming, huh?" He asked her with a stupid smile on his face. It was all so stupidly cheesy but he wanted to show Rae that he wasn't just video games and hardcore drinking. Like yeah, that was a big part of his life but it wasn't who he was.

 

[Raerae]

Ethan had seated himself and Charlotte at their designated chairs once the bridesmaid guides showed them the right row of seats. "Daphne always goes overboard... My uncle rented out all of Disneyland for her tenth birthday, what kid needs the whole park?" He joked lightly, and had gently placed his arm over the back of her chair, his fingers occasionally brushing her soft, slightly chilled skin. "If you're cold... Let me know. I actually brought you a jacket this tme," he smiled, giving her arm a playful squeeze.


Fresh grass and the scent of rose petals wafted through the air, along with the aromas of distance, sizzling meals and berry filled pastries. The air was crisp and cool, and filled with chattering people, dressed in mostly pinks and blacks. He'd attempted to dodge the relatives, hoping for an evening more centered around the sweet smile beside him, but whilst he tried to make conversation with Lottie about the wedding's extravagant exterior (which obviously wasn't his area of expertise) his grandparents, cousins and extremely boisterous (and already slightly drunk) aunt had come to pinch his cheeks and compliment his suit.


"Daaaarling Melvin-"


"Ethan, auntie."


"Yes, yes, of course. Where's that starved little brunette of yours? Finally pass out from too many vitamin supplements?"


Ethan brushed off the remark and shook his head, "I'm here with Charlotte, she's my... Date," He shot a look at her as if to ask the okay, and then shifted in his seat a little. Huh, he liked the sound of that!


"Oh, good, good. I can't see her collarbones," the woman complimented and greeted the girl with a hiccup. "You keep this one, she has far prettier face!"


"Uh... Yeah, she does," he didn't know if he was to agree with that, but he did.


Their first questions were "where's Rae" followed with quirked brows and faded smiles when he briefly enlightened individuals that they were 'no longer together' and that he was 'here with Charlotte'. While few seemed to wave it off and warmly welcome Lottie, others, like his disapproving grandfather, made side glances like 'we'll talk about this later' and remarks about it being something Ethan had done. All in all the awkwardness faded as the distant chairs started to fill and the chatter came down a level as the aisle lit up under fairy lights and the men lined a few steps to a little podium beside the priest. He stressed about whether or not Lottie was uncomfortable, maybe this was a bad idea...


---


"I just... I don't know, when you asked if I was excited I figured it was something like... A day visiting the Comicon, or just a nice, long road trip to no where... But a little log cabin by the lake? That's... Serious boyfriend planning," She laughed lightly and skidded her way down the little path, quite enticed by the sight of the dinner and clasping her hands together as she studied it with obvious adoration.


"I love it though, really, I haven't been out to dinner in... A while. You know me, I like to be spoiled," her smile faded briefly, but the sudden sight of the waiting wine glasses nearly had her blushing.


She snapped a picture with her phone anf sent it to her mother, awaiting the praise that she knew he would get a kick out of- that, and Rae didn't really have a social circle past her mother, younger sister and Carter. Her head perked up, and she beckoned him over with smiling, brown eyes. "Well? Do I have to eat the steak myself? You know I will!"

 

[PrincessKaty]

Charlotte got chills sitting next to Ethan in front of the alter. She wasn't sure if it was the breeze, the story of a grossly spoiled girl, his fingers, or the wedding ambiance so she was going to chalk it up to all four. "I wish I got Disneyland all to myself. Well, at least Fantasyland. I aaam a Princess after all," She remarked teasingly to him with a smile. She finally felt herself start to relax, listening to Ethan talk about whatever the hell was going on around them and pointing out things throughout the venue. It was nice to be breathing in the outside air and not being bothered.


Well, she spoke too soon. It was only a matter of time before Ethan's family members would stroll up to them and she'd just smile and say a hello if she was spoken to but for the most part she just let Ethan do all the talking. It wasn't like she could answer anyways. Rae, Rae, Rae, Rae. It was all that she heard, she swore. It only reminded her that she'd been the backup plan to all of this, even if not on purpose. Rae really should've been the one here, probably the one that RSVP'd, and everyone had been expecting her. From the comments she'd heard here and there, Rae seemed to be thought very fondly of which kind of sucked. She felt like that automatically put her at a disadvantage because she'd have to meet even higher standards than usual to please anyone here. So she thought, anyways.


It wasn't until everyone started to settle down and people started to walk up the aisle that she finally felt herself relax back into her chair. At least for the next fifteen minutes minimum she could not have to worry about the disapproving looks. She subconsciously began to use her thumb to rotate the ring on her right ring finger as she thought, looking around at the set up and then to the aisle when the bridesmaids began to make their way down to the alter. She smiled a little bit herself, happy for them that the bride hadn't dress them all in something hideous and unflattering. She didn't expect that though, given the outlandish stories she'd heard. She was sure that "ugly" wasn't in the bride's vocabulary.


The bride's walk music started to play and as she shifted in her seat and then pushed her herself up, using Ethan's thigh as leverage as she did so. She turned to face the aisle and held her hands behind her back, curious to see what dress the silver spoon princess had decided on. She was thinking My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding big.


~


Carter chuckled, listening to Rae. He made a face when she held a phone in his direction and then waltzed over towards the dark picnic table that he been covered with a patterned table cloth and set up for their evening with candles and all. "We're not dating," He remarked playfully with a wink as he began to open up the wine,"You deserve it though." He felt like that was a good enough explanation for her. He might've not been super romantic or touchy-feely but he knew that Rae definitely deserved to be treated like a queen. She did a lot for him anyways.


He poured them both a pretty hefty glass of wine before he sat down across from her and they both began to enjoy their pretty damn cooked meal. High five to whatever chef was working up at the lodging's main building. "This is all I really had planned though," He admitted and then laughed,"So the night 48 hours are completely up to you." Rae seemed to be pretty good at coming up with a plan and Carter was always up for the challenge so he was sure that they wouldn't be too bored. Worse comes to worse they could just lay in the bedroom and watch TV and do whatever else... Hell, that wasn't even the worse thing they could do.

 

[Raerae]

Though he didn't look out if place, the shifting, bobbing left leg and hunched over, folded hands position told the story of his discomfort amidst the wedding scene. He'd much rather be in a stadium, swinging bats, fixing caps and sporting the number one. But instead, all the men were suffocating behind collars and ties, and women ate up the chance to out class each other in attire that just didn't do it for him. Petals, aisles, tiaras, canopies, he didn't shame it, but he wouldn't deny it crippled his masculinity. All he could do was bare the gentleman role, and he awaited the opportune moment to slip off his blazer and drape it over Lottie's shoulders.


The music started, and he chuckled as Lottie attempted to boost herself up and see better, ignoring the way his face heated up as her leverage was indeed his thigh. "What's wrong sweetheart? Can't see?" He asked in an all serious tone.


Daphne came out just as he asked, and he gently reached over and placed a hand under her chin, guiding her eyes to the proper location of the bride. She had the classic long strewn, ivory veil over her face and mismatched, bright colored flowers in her boquet. Daphne looked absolutely gorgeous...


"You could've worn it better," He whispered with a bit of a laugh, though he meant it. And then he thought about Rae in a similar dress, though she'd told him over and over again she didn't want a princess wedding. You probably won't have any kind of wedding, unless you want a drive though Vegas deal.





(My pic link isn't working. Use your imagination lol; blonde, perfect smile, gorgeous body, everything be gawgeous.)


-


"Next forty eight hours, mmm? Were there any Pokemon included in the package?" She joked lightly, gingerly sipping on her glass whilst she propped her chin on her fist and gazed out at the lake. This had been that fairtytale date scene she'd refused to mention thinking it's lame, and so Ethan had never inquired, thus they shared long dinners in posh restaurants she couldn't even pronounce the name of. She... Appreciated it every time, but Carter truly read her mind here, and it made her wonder just how much better he knew her than Ethan did, all physical contact aside.


"All childhood icons aside... We can just wing it. I hate to plan, you know that," She made a face, as of the thought of organization destroyed her, and then flashed a smile and went on stabbing at her food. She'd completely forgotten about the wedding since the break up, all ties and contacts had been severed and deleted; ultimately, she would have liked to tell everyone in advance about her absence, but the more she thought about it, the less of a damn she gave. "Maybe we can go Bigfoot hunting or something, I bet there's a shop with some mediocre binoculars and whatever, yeah? We might even catch'm and be millionaires!" Of course she was laughing as she said the, but there was always that little part of Rae that was dead serious.

 

[PrincessKaty]

"No, just wanted to touch your thigh," Charlotte remarked back quickly with a smile on her lips. It may have half been the truth. When you liked someone you basically found any excuse to touch them, as if it would clue them in that you totally liked them. And yes, she totally did like Ethan. It was hard not to. They'd been spending a pretty decent amount of time together and every time they did, she felt like a schoolgirl, blushing and giggling like crazy.


Her eyes widened a little bit as Daphne came waltzing down the aisle with a dazzling smile and even more stunning dress and a smile came over her lips. Not really because she was happy for her, because she didn't know her or anything, but just because she was so pretty and you could tell that she was really excited to marry the guy standing at the end of the alter.


A blush came over her lips, hearing Ethan's comment but she grinned and turned her head in his direction. "And you'd look great in a tux," She whispered back."But my dress will be bigger than that." She turned her attention back towards the aisle, tucking some hair behind her ear as she watched. She didn't think there was anything wrong with the two of them talking about how they'd look in formal attire. It was all just compliments. It wasn't like she could assume he was talking about their wedding... But damn. The thought of Ethan waiting for her at the end of an aisle was enough to make her head spin.


As she reached the end of the aisle, she turned back right in her chair and leaned her body slightly into Ethan's, mostly because she was getting a little cold and wanted his body warmth but also just because she could. Well, she thought she could at least and he didn't seem to oppose.


~


Carter gave Rae a look. "You like that whole cast way too much. You should just go be polygamous with them all. But, you like Picachu the best so like... I feel like that would be bestiality..." He laughed and shook his head at his own comments and then took a sip from his wine. His eyebrow cocked at the idea of tracking down Bigfoot which... He actually kind of wanted to try? They were crazy.


"Okay so like, what I don't get is what you do when you find him. Like, you've seen all those TV shows right? They set up cameras and whatever but they never like set up traps or anything. What happens when he attacks you?" He inquired, wondering how Rae would go about it in all seriousness. Obviously those TV shows were a joke but he was just saying that they should probably try and make it seem real if they didn't want people to make fun of them. "Pictures or it didn't happen" didn't even apply to Bigfoot hunting. He wanted to see the dude alive and in person for it to count but sadly, that was like dinosaurs. You'd never see a real one just roaming around.


He leaned in over the table a little bit and dropped his voice to a joking whisper. "He's probably watching us right now, listening so that we can't catch him," He theorized with a smirk before leaning back and laughing. God, he missed this so much. Just fucking around together and being total losers. When she was with Ethan he didn't get to do that. Ethan was trying so hard to brainwash her to be a posh little wife that she seemed annoyed pretty much all the time. He wouldn't have to worry about that now though. Thank God.

 

[Raerae]

Without hesitation, Ethan tugged her back a little more, feeling the tension that'd come with the teasing die down a little as her body gently pressed against his, light as a feather and easy to slip his arms around. There wasn't any guilt or bitter thoughts that came to mind, either; Charlotte wasn't any kind of rebound, the only word for her was perfection, he wasn't even watching Daphne come down the aisle until he heard muffled sobs emit from the crowd, and some man started singing a cliche song from the seventies about their everlasting love. The priest started his speech and the sentimentality was resonating from the room, leaving the atmosphere crisp and serene whilst Daphne's husband, Connor, read his vows aloud and confidently, sounding like Shakespeare with all his fluffy comparisons.


Ethan leaned back in his seat, his thumb lightly stroking Lottie's hand. They were breathing in sync, too, and he'd finally felt those pesky little butterflies reignite and swarm around his stomach unnervingly so. But they were the good kind of butterflies, like he was right back in middle school, minus the braces, drama and all that.


Daphne recited hers, and even Ethan was grinning:


“I take you to be my partner for life


I promise above all else to live in truth with you


And to communicate fully and fearlessly,


I give you my hand and my heart


As a sanctuary of warmth and peace


And pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor


As I join my life to yours."


Objections and all were considered before the man named them husband and wife, and with swift movements and nearly sweeping her off her feet, Connor planted a brief but meaningful kiss to her lips, looking like Herculeus with Aphrodite. Pictures snapped and everyone cried and cheered, meanwhile Ethan leaned in and whispered, "I think we should go snag some of those brownies before all my sweet toothed relatives inhale them. Come on!"


---


Rae snorted and tossed a piece of her bread at him, dodging when he tossed it back, "Don't be a weirdo, Carter! You'll scar my childhood just like you did with all the hidden meanings behind Disney movies!"


"I actually hope they don't find him. You know the poor thing'll just end up some experiment on an island, maybe showcased and humiliated. Unless it turns out to be some start to a bad horror, then you and I are moving to Iceland!"


Rae smirked and leaned back, letting her hair down and shaking it out whilst striking a bit of a coquettish pose. "And if he decides to play king Kong and whisk me away? What'll you do then, Charming?" She was just about to be a little more naughty when a small but jagged rock struck the wine bottle in the middle of the table, causing her to basically swallow a lung and comically flush five colors. "I... Um... Uh..." Her eyes flickered to the more distant shrubbery and she gulped, "Did... You do that on purpose?"

 

[PrincessKaty]

Charlotte flushed, feeling Ethan pull her back and put his arm around her without a second thought. She relaxed into him and grinned a little bit to herself, more caught up in the thoughts of how coupley they probably looked than whatever speaking was happening at the alter.


The whole things was honestly beautiful. From the extravagant vows to the cute kiss. They were a picture perfect couple and she was happy just because they looked great together. Everyone there seemed accepting of the couple too.


She smiled, listening to Ethan before turning to him and nodding eagerly. She could always go for some sugar and chocolate. As Ethan stood up, she grabbed ahold of his hand so that he could lead her out of the crowd of overly emotional relatives who were all nearly crawling over each other to get pictures of the newly wed couple.


"Wow," Lottie breathed, looking around as they reached the reception area. They'd really gone all out with the pink and white thing. The wedding planner had really pulled it off though. It was all so beautiful and expensive looking. "I wonder if they have an open bar," She remarked to Ethan teasingly, bumping into his hand. She felt the heat rush to her cheeks, knowing that she was still holding Ethan's hand. She didn't want to let go but she knew that it would probably look weird to all of his relatives. It was really nice though. It wasn't until she started hanging out with Ethan more and crushing on him that she realized how much she'd missed having a man's attention. Good attention. Ethan's attention. Fuck it. She didn't let go. Instead, she just started to walk in the direction of the deserts table which was four tiers of cupcakes, brownies, sugar, sugar, and more sugar. It was like heaven.


~


Carter laughed and shook his head. "He's probably not even real so I don't think crazy mutations are going to happen," He burst her bubble with a little smirk. There wasn't any proof and so therefore, he didn't believe it.


He smirked, watching Rae act all damsel in distress until something caught the both of their attention; a loud "ping" from the glass bottle. The two of them exchanged glances before he looked in the direction of where he could only assume that the rock had come from. "I- No. I didn't, actually. Probably just some locals trying to mess with us..." He answered, his eyes searching the distant forest area for some hooligans trying to fuck with them. "Hey," He called out, assuming that he'd get an answer or a giggle or someone running but there was nothing.


He looked back at Rae as if she'd have an answer or something. It was obvious that nearly of them knew what the hell was happening. While he was looking at her, another rock came flying and hit the wood table, bouncing off the top and landing in the dirt behind Rae. Carter stood up from the table and turned towards the forest, tilting his head to the side and taking a few cautious steps as he tried to get a better look.

 

[Raerae]

"Like I said, not big drinkers. Though," He glanced over his shoulders, before leaning in really close and whispering, "Just between you and me, Daphne is a riot when she's drink. I'd be surprised if she pulled something like that here, but... Let's just say she's banned from the every bar downtown, I'm not even kidding," He seemed to crack himself up before stealing the brownie she was reaching for a popping it into his mouth and smirking a little.


"Do... You like the... You know, princessy vibes. Flowers, reds and pinks, ball gowns. I mean I'm nor saying you couldn't be a princess-- you totally could, Aurora for sure--"


Did I seriously just accurately name a Disney princess? Damnit, Rae!





"--It just, doesn't... Seem like your type of thing. Then again, I don't know, why would I know?" He averted his gaze and grinned at the floor in a bashful manner, scooting over as all the women flocked to the sweets and even stuffed some in their purses, like he predicted. "But I mean it's nice, really... Look, I'm not going to lie I'm scared to death to see what the bill looks like. Why does anyone need ribbons on their chairs? Or a tuxedo for their dog??"


---


(Feel free to have it escalate or just be a scare!)


When the second rock came flying, Rae tried to sit still, listening to her thudding heartbeat fill her eardrums one profound pulse at a time. When Carter stood up, then she really started to feel anxious, and gently poked at the remainder of her food with her fork, "Seriously, if this is a joke..."


An abrupt, guttural growl, though more like an unnerving array of ape like noises ripped through the air distantly from the audience of trees. She felt her breathing hitch in her throat and she rose to her feet, letting anxiety clutch her chest, "Carter! I want to go back to the cabin now, don't go over there! Whatever it is probably smelled the food..."


When the chants sounded again she whimpered and covered her ears, thinking about all the animals that could be out there and, oh God, if anything happened to him... "I want to go back right now! Right now!"

 

[PrincessKaty]

Charlotte giggled at Ethan, trying to picture the blushing bride falling all over herself, horrible karaoke, and ridiculous dancing. It was hilarious to think of anyone doing that though. She could see it. No one was that perfect. She grabbed a brownie after him and took a bite before stepping out of the way and towards him.


She looked around at everything again when Ethan began to ask if she was into the whole princess thing. She laughed when he said that she didn't seem like the type and then looked back to him with a smile. "I am indeed the type. I love it. I can't wait to wear a huge poofy dress and have flowers everywhere and a big cake," She sighed happily as if she were dreaming about it and then grinned,"And I feel like I'd be more of a Belle since Aurora was blonde."


"People who have too much money?" She answered him with a little laugh,"Not gonna lie though. If I had a pet. I'd totally put them in a tuxedo. Like a cat in a tuxedo!" Her eyes seemed to light up at the silly thought and she giggled, looking up at Ethan rather then around the room. Damn. She wasn't sure if it was the lighting or just because she was in a good mood from it all but he looked so good... And intense eye contact intense eye contact. Look away.. Wow, she sucked at being subtle. "You don't have any pets, do you?" She asked him curiously. She hadn't been to wherever he was staying ever so she wouldn't know.


~


Carter froze in his tracks at the noise, feeling his heart actually start to beat faster as he brain contemplated the idea of this night being a joke at all. That was silly though. What animal made that noise and thew rocks?... He heard Rae telling him that she wanted to go back right this instant but he was more than curious now. They couldn't leave..


He took a few steps closer towards the trees and it was then that the whatever it was make a terrible noise and he stopped. He bent down slightly, trying to looking through the trunks of the trees and the bushes to see what it was. This is a terrible idea. He really hadn't thought this one though. Not that he really had time to think after he saw... What the hell did he just see? I could've sworn he saw eyes just glaring into him and.. An arm? Yeah, nope. Fuck that. Time to leave.


He whirled around and walked back to the table, rushing over to Rae who looked like all the color had drained from her face. "Yeah, let's go," He told her, trying to play it cool as grabbed her hand. His eyes switched back towards the forest as she stepped over the bench of the picnic table. He saw the bushes move and her looked back to Rae with wide eyes. "Now," He added on almost nervously before beginning to walk pretty damn fast with her back up the trail towards their cabin. They were probably just freaking out over nothing after their talk about Bigfoot but he wasn't about to get eaten. Not today. No thank you.

 

[Raerae]

Wasn't she just the cutest thing? If it wasn't totally out of place, he'd have scooped her up and... God, he couldn't do that. Even though, at times, it seemed like she was waiting for it. He couldn't do that spontaneously if it might make her uncomfortable, and e sure as hell shouldn't do it right in front of all the family members in denial about his break up.


Then again, that was all the more reason to do it!


And then he lost his nerve. Instead he just reached over and wiped the crumbs off of the corners of her lips, flashing a smile before dropping his hand back to his side. "Belle, got it. I don't know how lame Disney accuracy seems to people," After a roll of his eyes, he continued. "Daphne and Connor are loaded, and that's putting it mildly. Between investing in stocks and knowing some of the not acclaimed people out there... They've got it made. Can't say I'm jealous though, she's a good girl, I... Think it's well deserved. Long as we his the vodka!"


"No, no pets. I always got my fix with Garrett's dog, Fluffy. We had retrievers growing up, but watching them grow old and pass on... Just really bothered me. And Rae wanted a Chameleon, I was like, fuck that. Not to say I'm opposed to... Normal pets, though. Why? Other than your dog, do you want to get another one?"


---


Once they were within the safety of the cabin, Rae huffed dramatically, awaiting any other odd noises to sound through the air. The eerie grunts it emitted still echoed in her ears, the adrenaline started to die down but she'd gotten a serious rush from it. After five long, unnerving minutes of assuring silence, she whirled around, and lightly whacked his chest, "Good going prince dorkus, your get away was the cliche start to a horror film! That thing is probably going to finish our steaks..."


"...Did you see anything?" She asked finally, and placed her hand on the knob to properly lock it. "Cause you looked kinda freaked when you crouched down... Oh my God, this is unreal! And why us? It's so ironic!" She yanked the curtains across the living room windows, and double checked the back door which she quickly locked.

 

[PrincessKaty]

Charlotte blushed, feeling Ethan's fingers brush across the corners of her lips. Mostly because she'd had something on her face which was embarrassing but also because it made her think of that one time in the kitchen, when she'd been eating a bagel and he'd leaned in. There was a slightly second where she thought that he'd lean in but he didn't. He just continued on about the bride and groom. Ignoring the slight hit to the heart, she smiled and laughed a little bit.


"Maybe they are, but that's not everything. Money and being well known.." She shrugged,"I rather have love than money any day. Wow, that was really cheesy." She laughed and shook her head, then finished up her brownie.


She laughed, remembering how Fluffy had attacked her with slobber until he was drug away by the collar. What a cute guy. Way too hyper for her though. She shook her head,"I don't think so.. Well, I don't know. Like, I want another one for comapny but I don't want to like, replace my dog? Maybe I'll get a cat," She told him honestly. A chameleon, huh? Maybe she wanted too much Tangled or maybe she was just that type of girl. Totally out there. He couldn't see Ethan with someone like that. He seemed like the type to like... Normal girls?


~


Carter laughed, listening to Rae. "It's not my fault whatever it was wanted to eat us. I'll make you more steak. Don't worry your little heart out," He told her with a chuckle and a smile. Although he was laughing, inside he was pretty much panicking. What the fuck was that? There's no way it was...





He strolled almost leisurely to the front door and locked it, just in case, as he listened to Rae's question. He could've told her the truth but instead he shook his head. "Nothing," He lied. Well, actually, he wasn't sure if it was a lie. His mind was probably just playing tricks on him. He turned and walked back to the living room, hanging his arms loosely around Rae's shoulders. "It's probably just like... A bear or something. Which is fucking terrifying but we're alive and it'll eat our great food and leave us alone. I don't think they usually like, break into people's houses," He assured her and gave her a reassuring smile to go along with it.

 

[Raerae]

While everyone else did whatever the hell people do at weddings, Ethan had hung around the snack bar and managed to strike up some pretty entertaining conversations with Lottie. He hasn't been able to suggest a pet for her near the beginning, but eventually worked up the nerve to offer accompanying her to a kennel to look around, discreetly mentioning he'd pay for whatever she liked, though from their previous outing he knew she wouldn't accept easily. That's what he liked about her, she was a little bashful too, but didn't have an issue just throwing out there what she was and wasn't up for.


Fairy lights illuminated the canopy as, gradually, the any became a little more navy than sherbet, and damn, the view was gorgeous. It cast a multicolored glow over the tent, though the air did get a little more chilly and he just awaited the moment he could play prince and grab her the jacket he'd thrown in the backseat. But first? It was time to dance.


The attendees gathered around whilst Daphne and Connor orchestrated a lovely rendition if the waltz, authentically reminding him if every ending to a Hallmark movie, though it was genuinely a really impressive and beautiful display of how well they for together. But then the DJ had switched their fairytale soundtrack to one that was a little more pop like and up beat, first off was Shut up and dance by Walk the Moon. Fortunately, that was a song Ethan genuinely liked. He stepped out before her, bowed a little and held out a hand, baring a pearly white grin as he asked, "Care to dance, gorgeous?"


For the briefest moment, he'd been hit with nostalgia again. Instead it was inevitably Rae standing there, looking flustered and reluctant, begging him not to make her dance 'cause she wasn't good enough. They'd missed out on a few opportunities to do that, and it'd always urked him a little. Would Charlotte be equally as insecure and embarrassed? Or would she show him yet another surprising side of her?


---


"Liar," Rae snickered, and leaned back against his chest as he tried to reassure her.


Even if she didn't really believe that it had been a mere bear, they were indeed inside, that thing was outside, and within the dim, warmth of the cabin, solace started to emanate again, reminding her that it was just the two of them. She wouldn't dare be one of those naggy, annoying girlfriends that bitch about what didn't work out. The night was still salvageable! And if it wasn't food wise, there was always... Physically.


"I'm sorry the dinner couldn't have been chick-flick flawless, it was a valiant try though," She turned around and sighed, gently running her fingers along his jawline. "But there is a king sized bed waiting for us, if you're... Interested in... Cuddling..."