cheerfire | two houses, both alike in dignity

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the romeo and juliet timeline

two houses, both alike in dignity

[ All things considered, Eddie had originally been set up for an extremely ordinary life. With his mother dead and his father in prison, he had been shuffled off to live with his uncle in a shabby trailer in nowheresville, Indiana. But his uncle was whip smart, and had quite the knack of technology and coding. The first app he had created had been a hit success, and soon Wayne was creating one successful app after another. This had catapulted them into fame and fortune, and Eddie quickly went from only being able to afford clothes from the Goodwill to being dressed in clothes that looked just as shabby but now cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

The family that accumulated around them wasn't a family bonded by blood, but it was family nonetheless. Both Wayne and Eddie collected friends that were closer to them than their own blood had ever been. It wasn't a surprise to Eddie when Wayne packed them up to move out to the west coast, where they would be immersed in the heart of a thriving technology epicenter. It was like an arms race, with multiple companies fighting tooth and nail to get an edge over one another. Eddie was quick to learn what was now the family business, and thus Munson Enterprises was born. They were rough around the edges, some news outlets called them 'scrappy' but they posed a real threat against the previous titans of the industry. One of those was Cunningham Corp, a long established, old money sort of family.

They hated Munson Enterprises openly, and thus, a rivalry was born. For his part, Eddie didn't really care about something like a tech company rivalry. For as much as his uncle tried to impart upon him just how serious everything was, that he would be the CEO one day, Eddie was more interested in sneaking off with his friends to explore and party in the city. He was twenty now, and already had earned something of a playboy reputation for himself. That wasn't entirely true, but again, Eddie didn't care. He was having fun, and had found a few friends within the company that were now as close to him as siblings. Eddie, Steve, Robin, and Nancy would often wreak their own sort of havoc on the town, still hungover or high when they settled in front of their computers the next day.

Robin is the one that that shows them the post about the party Cunningham Corp is throwing to celebrate their founder's daughter's 18th birthday. With wicked smiles they bend their heads together and plot to crash it. It's masquerade themed, which Eddie finds incredibly corny, but it's the perfect way for the four of them to sneak in unnoticed. They don't actively plan to cause trouble, but Eddie has a feeling trouble will have a way of finding them.

The four of them slip into the night club with ease, its patrons in sharp suits and racy cocktail dresses, all of them donning a mask. Eddie himself wears a well fitted black suit, with a glittering mask that vaguely resembles a raven obscuring his face. He's never seen Chrissy Cunningham in person, only pictures of her from paparazzi, and that's why he doesn't recognizes the pretty young woman that he has found himself in front of. Robin and Nancy have long since separated from the group in what he's sure will only be them spending time with each other, and Steve is trying his luck with any woman that will give him the time of day.

That leaves Eddie and this mystery woman, with her bright, strawberry blonde hair that reminds him of a sunrise. He leans up against the wall, flashing her his most dashing smile. ]

Lame party, right? [ Of course, he has no idea that this party is all for her. ] The Cunninghams are totally stuck in the past.

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[ The whole way home, Eddie gets an earful from his friends. Miraculously, most of their ire is turned towards the Cunninghams themselves. They don't seem to blame Eddie for his hair brained idea, but instead the Cunninghams for their desire to ruin everything they can. Eddie isn't sure if this makes things better or worse. He shifts uncomfortably in the back seat of their town car, grappling with the feeling of guilt that runs through him. He isn't guilty about causing the fight to break out, he's guilty about leaving Chrissy.

All he can think about is finding her again, about somehow making things better. She is the love of his life, he knows this from somewhere deep inside him. It's his luck that his uncle is away on business, because he's sure that the dressing down he'll get from Wayne would last all night and then some. Instead, as soon as he's back inside their shared penthouse apartment, Eddie sets to work. The first thing he does is shuck his formal attire, scrounging through drawers to find something more appropriate for what he has planned.

By the time he leaves the apartment, Eddie is dressed in comfortable dark wash jeans and a long sleeved navy top, a hair tie around his wrist in case he needs his hair out of the way. For all parts he looks completely normal and unassuming. A town car is waiting for him to drop him off several blocks away from the Cunningham complex, Eddie choosing to walk the rest of the way. He does a few slow laps around the area, taking his time, looking for an area of opportunity.

He finds it, slipping inside and moving quietly between bushes and buildings. He doesn't know exactly what he's looking for, but he has an idea. When he finally steps into soft glow of light that comes down from her window, Eddie can hardly believe it. It is as if the stars aligned to guide him to this very spot. And there she is, standing on the balcony in her nightgown looking like an angel in her nightgown. ]

Chrissy! [ He calls out to her as loud as he dares, his voice carried by the cool night breeze. ] I had to see you again, I couldn't wait.

[She hears his voice, and her breath catches. It's impossible for him to be here, he wouldn't risk doing that. Would he? No, she tells herself. He wouldn't. He had left her back at the club, why would he be here? But she's certain she just heard his voice say her name, and she hurries to peer down from the edge of her balcony. The wind that's carried his voice over to her blows her hair into her face, but she's quick to gather it and pull it away as her eyes search for him.

And oh.

There he is, standing down by the small pool in the courtyard. He came back for her. He didn't just leave her to nurse a broken heart. If she can hear him up here, she fears that the guards or someone in her family may hear him too. Panic rises up, eyes widening as she looks like she might climb over the edge and leap down to him. The thought of having him this close and not being able to be near him again before he gets caught fills her with pain. It's the worst imaginable thought, to not be able to be with the man she loves.]

Someone might hear you!

[She warns in a raised whisper, placing a hand on the edge of the railing so she can try to climb up and stand on it. She's too wobbly and not strong enough to do it properly, and she isn't sure it would be safe to jump. She would though, take the leap and hope that he caught her.

Beneath the balcony is a small garden, with a trellis that scales all the way up to the rooftop. It would be easy for him to scale up the vine and flower covered metal grating to reach her.]

I don't care!

[ But despite the declaration, his voice is only a hushed shout. He doesn't want to be discovered, because that would mean the end to this moment. Still, Eddie needs to know that she can hear him, that his words aren't being lost to the wind. He watches her with a careful, almost obsessive gaze, winces when it looks like she might leap to him. As much as he would like to have her in his arms, he prioritizes her well being more.

His gaze finds the trellis that climbs so perfectly up to her room, and Eddie grins. It is as if a ladder has been dropped down from the heavens. Eddie wastes no time in rushing towards it, scaling it with an athleticism he has never experienced before. His hands find each space easily, and before he knows it he's managed to pull himself onto the balcony, facing her.

Eddie wastes no further time in pulling her close against him, kissing her fiercely. ]

I missed you so much. [ Never mind that it's only been a handful of hours since he's seen her. ] You look so beautiful Chrissy, I could die.

[Her hands cover her mouth when he starts to climb, out of worry that he might slip and fall. He doesn't, thankfully, and it's hardly any time at all before she's blessed by his presence in close to her. She's ready for him when he pulls her in close, and she eagerly presses up against him as she kisses him with tender passion.

Eddie is fierce where she's soft and subdued, loud where she's meek and nervous. But they fit together perfectly, making sense in a way that she's never understood until now. Chrissy knows she's meant to be with him. That she was born to love him. She knows that she's destined to give him everything, that he's meant to be her first everything. Her mother and Jason Carver are far from her mind as he pulls back, and she's left with a lovestruck smile on her face.

Not done tasting him yet, she presses her hands against both of his cheeks, and guides him in for another kiss. They're not as fierce as his are, but after a series of three or four more, she seems to be gaining confidence quickly. Even if she's blushing because he's called her beautiful.]

I thought I was going to die when you left. My heart broke, I really thought I'd never see you again.

[But here he is, risking his safety to come see her. It's so romantic that she thinks she might burst.]

I told you I'd find you again, didn't I?

[ There's no accusation to his words. Instead, Eddie is simply happy to be reunited with her. All the outside forces that rain down on them seem like nothing now, because he can touch her, feel her, know that she is real. He doesn't know if this feeling his normal, he thinks that it isn't, but rational sense is thrown out the window. ]

It's alright now, Chrissy. [ He pulls back from their latest kiss with all the love in the world shining through him. Whatever it takes, he needs to have her, now and forever. ] We'll never be apart after this.

[ There's only one way to make that real. He needs to make her his wife. That realization strikes him hard and heavy, but it doesn't damper his resolve. Eddie takes both her hands in his, lowers himself to one knee before her. ]

Marry me, Chrissy. [ He smiles up at her, his face bright and lit by foolish love. ] I want to be with you every day, from today until forever.

[He had promised her that he'd find her again. She remembers that. At the time, it had felt hopeless. Her only love had sprung from the only family she was supposed to hate. How could she ever expect him to find her when he was locked away in her tower?

The way he's looking at her though, makes her flush as she smiles up at him. And when he promises her they'll never be apart, she thinks she falls for him a little more. She loves him so completely that she knows she can't be without him.

His proposal, however, is a surprise. She gasps as she watches him get down on one knee, eyes widening as he makes the most beautiful proposal. It's filled with love and dedication to her, a far cry from the "proposal" she had been forced ito by her mother.

With a bright smile she laughs, giddy as her hands press against his cheeks and she sprinkles his face with soft kisses.]

Yes, yes. A thousand yeses!

[Not that yeses is really a word, she thinks. But she's too excited to care. Blinded by how much she loves him, she knows that the only way they can be together is to be married.

Her lips seek out his, and this time her kiss is so fierce that she thinks he'll have to feel how much she wants him.]

We'll have to come up with a plan though. And fast. My mother told me I was engaged to someone else tonight.

[And the thought of being forced to be with Jason Carver makes her sick. She looks afraid by the prospect, of someone else other than Eddie touching her. Jason shouldn't ever get to kiss her, hold her hand. he shouldn't be given the right to experience any intimacy with her. But her parents have money. They're persuasive.

They can make Eddie disappear if they want to. She pulls back from him just enough to look back toward the house. It probably won't be long before the guards are knocking on her door to check on her. They're on borrowed time.]

Take me with you.

[She suddenly begs of him, urging him back up to his feet.]

Right now? Please, he's in there. They'll be in to check on me soon. We can't stay here.

[ There's a feeling within him, that she can't possibly resist his proposal. It's all he wants, to make her his wife, and everything beyond that is hazy. He doesn't have to worry about any day beyond today, because right now is all that matters. And despite the words that fall from her lips after she accepts his proposal, Eddie seems overwhelmed with joy. He rises back to his feet, desperate to meet her lips with his own.

It doesn't matter to him that there is someone else her mother wants her to marry, that Jason is only a few rooms away. Chrissy is his and his alone, and that's the only though that reverberates through him. Chrissy is his, and that will fuel him for the rest of his days. ]

Follow me.

[ Eddie knows exactly where to go for their union to be consecrated. He is already back on the trellis, offering a hand out to her to help her down. It's not easy going, but they make their way down to the ground slowly, with Eddie waiting there to help her down.

Once they're both on the ground, Eddie is quick to take her hand in his, to navigate both of them out of this place. He moves quick and easy, as though he has escaped her family's compound more than once. When they're back on the streets, he pulls her to him again, to kiss her hot and hungry. ]

I've got a friend that can help us. We'll be married tonight.

[And so he helps her escape from her sheltered life, Chrissy barefoot and in her nightgown. She's a little nervous as they leave the compound, but seems to relax once they're a safe distance away. He kisses her, and she softly groans her approval as she desperately kisses him back. He tastes like freedom, but more than that, the feel of their kiss reminds her of her hope.

Freedom is a big thing for someone that's been under other people's control their entire life. She's giddy with excitement as she pulls away, cautiously bounding ahead of him. It's then that she realizes she has no idea where they're going. She left everything behind. She has absolutely nothing, except for him.

They're not far enough away from the compound yet. She hears a commotion, a chorus of panicked shouts. Chrissy thinks a lot of the shouting sounds a lot like her name. She tucks herself in close against his side, letting his arm around her feel like protection.]

We should hurry. They're looking for me now.

[The sooner they can get to his friend and get married, the better. Once she's his, no one can take her away from him.]

[ When they hit the pavement, Eddie realizes just how little she is wearing. In only her nightgown, she looks almost like a ghost in the night. They hadn't even thought to get her shoes. That can all be taken care of easily enough, but he hates that she has to move over the pavement like this at all. The chorus of shouts are beginning to fade when the same black town car rolls up alongside them. Eddie lets go of her only to open the door for her and usher her inside. The door swings closed and shuts out the sounds of the outside world.

Instead there is only the sound of soft jazz playing, and Eddie gives a signal to the man in the driver's seat, and they pull away. The man glances back in the rearview window, smiles at Chrissy's reflection, gives her a wink. ]

Slight change of plans. [ Eddie reaches to grab Chrissy's hand as he speaks. ] We're going to need to get her some clothes first.

[ He gives a smile, tucks a strand of hair behind her ears. It feels like they've accomplished the most difficult part, and everything from now on will be smooth sailing. ]

[Chrissy is grateful when there's nothing but soft music and the two of them in his car. Or really, the two of them plus his driver. The man manages to make her softly laugh, but she still shies away from the attention, scooting in and curling up closer to Eddie. She only relaxes when his arm comes down around her, and she sighs contently the second she feels safe.

Everything from this point really will be easy, she thinks. They're together, and they made it out of her family's compound. Nothing else is going to get in the way.]

Eddie? [She questions him, voice soft so hopefully only he'll hear.] Where are we going to get clothes this late?

[She eyes the driver warily then. Her driver tells her parents everything. It's hard not to think that this one will do the same thing. Even if he does seem friendly. He's helping her escape, putting himself in trouble to carry out Eddie's plan. She should be less cautious about him, she thinks, and looks to the driver through the rearview mirror.]

And thank you, for helping us.

[It's said loud enough that the man should be able to hear.]

[ Eddie looks surprised by her question. She really is sheltered, to ask something like that. As the daughter of Phillip Cunningham, she could have any and everything she ever wanted, regardless of the time of day or night. He makes a mental note that he needs to work on broadening her horizons. That can come later, once they've begun to build a life together. ]

I've got a friend that owes me a favor.

[ He shrugs as he says it, as though this is something completely normal for him. And he supposes it is. The world he lives in is built on "favors", doing things for others in the hope of one day being able to call them back in. ]

Vince, let's swing by Heather's place. She should still be up.

[ The man nods, flashes another smile back at the both of them through the rearview. ]

That's Vince, he's been driving me around since I was in car seats. [ Eddie grins at her as the car sets course. ] And he can keep a secret.

[Chrissy is used to things being given to her. She doesn't pick out her own clothes, doesn't go shopping for them. Whoever is responsible for that just goes out to get them, and they're in her closet and dresser for her to find at random one morning. She's never wanted for anything, but has never been the type of girl to be greedy enough to ask for more than she needs. The idea of being able to get clothes another way is incredibly appealing to her though, another step toward independence.]

Okay, Vince. [She nods, saying his name with a hint of fondness now. If he's been with Eddie that long, and Eddie trusts him? She can too, she thinks.]

Who's Heather? [That's definitely a girl's name, but Chrissy isn't jealous. She's more curious about what Heather can do to help them. She also wonders if this is the person that owes him a favor, and thinks to ask him later just how many people owe him things.]

The friend that owes you a favor?

Just a friend. She runs a little boutique across town.

[ It's late, but not so late that they should be waking her. They're going to be married, after all, and Chrissy deserves to be looking her best. The car ride is otherwise uneventful, the two of them trading excited whispers of what their life could be like. Vince finally parks, and Eddie tells Chrissy to wait in the car. She doesn't need to be out in the elements in only her nightgown.

They're parked in front of a two story building, the lower half featuring a large boutique window, with 'Handmade by Heather' painted in gold across the top. Eddie disappears into a little alley, and after a moment lights come on in the apartment above. A few minutes later, the boutique itself lights up. Eddie returns to the car to help Chrissy out, bringing her up to the entrance as a young, blonde woman unlocking the door for them. ]

Heather, this is Chrissy. Chrissy, Heather. Heather's going to get you something a little more appropriate for the rest of the night.

[ Eddie releases her so that Heather can take her hand, leading her through racks of clothes and shoes. She smiles at Chrissy despite looking tired, always eager to show off her creations. ]

Pick out whatever you want, Eddie's taking care of it.

[This is a new experience for her. Chrissy's eager to make her way inside, grinning as she grabs hold of Heather's hand in return. It's sweet that Eddie escorted her all the way to the door, and let her know that Heather can be trusted. But she guesses after her behavior toward Vince, he probably knows she's easily freaked out by strangers.

But Heather is kind, and she's gentle. And more than that, she's patient. She takes her time with Chrissy, showing her each and every thing in the store. At a few points, Chrissy insists she could just wear her nightgown. Heather looks so tired, and she feels bad taking up her time.

But Heather won't hear any of it, and gathers each and every item Chrissy shows a interest in. The girl that's never wanted for anything still never will, and as they go to the fitting rooms they take their time trying on everything. It's while Chrissy is admiring herself in a dress that strongly resembles a stormy day that Heather slips away. She comes back a few minutes later with several bags, each of them full.]

Eddie says you're going to him with nothing. This should get you through the first week or so. Don't go through it until you're safe at your new place though, okay?

[Chrissy smiles and nods, eagerly pulling Heather in for a hug. After working together to pick out just the right heels and accessories, Heather whisks her away upstairs, to her apartment. Chrissy is absolutely delighted when the time is taken to dry and style her hair, and do her makeup.

When Chrissy is busy with makeup, Heather goes back down, and lets Eddie know he can take Chrissy's bags to the car.]

You better take care of her, Eddie. She's a sweet and innocent little thing.

[But it's obvious from Heather's smile that she's glad to see him in love, and see that he found a good girl for him. The sound of Chrissy's heels on the stairs alert them of her presence, and it's with a smirk that Heather helps Chrissy get back into Eddie's arms.]

How does it look?

[She pulls away enough to give a twirl to show off her new dress. It's clear that she absolutely loves it.]

[ As the girls have their fun, Eddie slips outside of the shop to smoke a cigarette and check his phone. Understandably, it's been blown up with texts from Steve, Robin, Nancy, and several more of his friends. Eddie flicks through them, answering none. These are things that can wait until tomorrow, far more important matters lay ahead of them tonight. He makes a phone call, arranges the last important piece of their evening.

When he comes back inside, Chrissy is upstairs fussing with makeup, and he's there to take the bags from Heather. He smiles at her, both grateful and sheepish. ]

She's safe with me. [ It's all he can manage to say, and it says so much yet nothing at all. Eddie leans over to exchange kisses to Heather's cheeks while she does the same for him. It's true that she did owe him a favor, but she's gone above and beyond tonight. ] Thanks for all your help.

[ He's just come back from dropping the bags off at the car when Chrissy returns from upstairs. Eddie is sure he feels his heart stop, frozen in the moment of emerging like a true vision of beauty. Part of him wants to cry at the sight of her, overwhelmed by her effortless beauty. ]

You look amazing.

[ He pulls her back to kiss her, deeply, only interrupted by Heather clearing her throat to remind them that she's still in the room. ]

Thanks again, Heather. We'll get out of your hair now.

[ And with that, Eddie is taking her by the hand, leading her back out to the car. Vince pulls away from the shop once they're settled inside, already aware of the plan. ]

[Chrissy's blushing when she waves goodbye to Heather, flushed after having kissed in front of her. It doesn't feel wrong to do, but to go from having her first kiss to being deeply kissed like that in front of someone she just met? Well, she looks the part of a socialite that's used to all eyes on her. But there's still some things she's shy about.

Any trace of it is gone from her as he escorts her into the car, and Chrissy rolls down the window to wave goodbye one more time and call out thank you! as they drive away.

Dressed this way, it's almost like a switch has been turned on. She sits up straight, posture perfect. But she's relaxed with him, her hand reaching across the seat for his, so she can play with the rings on his fingers. She scoots in closer when he beckons her in closer, giggling softly as he kisses at her neck and whispers sweet promises into her ear.

She has no idea where they're going, no clue what the plan is. All she knows is they're going to be married before the night is over. And nothing could make her happier.]

You know, it feels like I might cry at any second. [She admits, sneaking a soft kiss.] I've never been this happy. Or this free.

As long as they're happy tears.

[ He grasps her chin lightly as he kisses her, letting his fingers slide up to brush over where tears might fall. For a a man who works in tech, his fingers are surprisingly rough. Years of guitar playing have left him with hard calluses at the tip of each finger. Eddie smiles at her, warm and knowing, because he thinks he understands how she's feeling.

Eddie has always been free, at least, more free than she has ever been. But it has been an empty sort of freedom, a freedom with no real purpose or direction. Now Chrissy is in his life, and it's as though his guiding star has finally lit up in the night sky. Even if the path itself is unclear, he knows the direction in which to move. ]

We'll be there soon. [ Their final destination isn't far, so Eddie savors these moments together. ] And then you'll be my wife.

[ He says the words with a quiet reverence, as though in awe of them. It feels like only a matter of moments before they are parked again, in a nearly empty parking lot alongside a small park. The only other car in the lot is a cargo van, with a balding, bearded man leaned up against the back, smoking a cigarette in the darkness. ]

So, uh. Murray is a little eccentric. [ He feels the need to give her a heads up before the exit the car. ] He's a good guy though. Don't let him scare you.

[Chrissy is naive. She's sheltered and innocent. But she knows exactly what eccentric is codeword for. It means Murray is going to be a lot to handle. It's after giving Eddie a wary look that she lets him guide her out of the car, her hand in his. It doesn't really matter if Murray's eccentric. All that she cares about is that she's about to become Eddie's wife.

It's the final race toward freedom, and it ends with her in the arms of the man she loves. It's odd to think that they went from strangers to this in just a single night, but she knows with certainty that she never wants to be with anyone other than him. He's handsome and kind, and he's so gentle with her, despite the fact other people could see him as mean and scary. His touch brings out a warmth in her she knows is far from innocent, and even the way his fingers are rough doesn't change the fact that it makes her crave him.

Now that they're on the edge of marriage, she knows that later tonight she'll get to have all of him. And he'll get to be the first and only one to ever lay claim to her, a fact that makes her nearly shiver with anticipation as Eddie guides her over to where Murray is waiting for them.]

Thank you for helping us. [She can't hide the eager smile on her face, her confidence feeling a little more easy to access as she's pressed in close to Eddie's side.]

I'm not sure what we'd do without you.

[ Before Chrissy has barely finished speaking Murray is letting out a roar of delight, scooping her up into an enormous hug. It's enough to leave her feet dangling above the ground, tight and fearsome. Eddie isn't sure whether to laugh or look horrified, and instead settles for rubbing his forehead as though fighting off a headache. ]

So this is the girl that has stolen our Eddie's heart. [ Murray is laughing as he releases Chrissy, taking a moment to look her over. ] And I can see why. [ Murray reaches for Chrissy's hand so he can pull it to his face, press a kiss to her knuckles. ] Murray Bauman, at your service.

[ Eddie feels a possessive sort of pang run through him, and is quick to return to Chrissy's side. He's grinning ear to ear though, even fleeting jealousy not enough to damper his own excitement. ]

Thanks for meeting us, Murray.

[ Murray winks at the both of them, reaching into his jacket to withdraw a think stack of papers. ]

Got everything you need right here. All legit, just need a few signatures and the two of you are legally married. Of course, if you want a little ceremony, we can do that too. I've been told I've got quite a way with words.

[ Eddie rolls his eyes a little at that, but is all smiles when he turns to Chrissy. He leans down to kiss her, slow and loving. Desire twists through him, and his thoughts can't help but wander to their plans for after their impromptu wedding. His voice is a low whisper, just for her. ]

What do you think?

[She almost winds up flailing in surprise when Murray picks her up the way he does. It's not what she's used to, and it's almost too much all at once. But thankfully she's set down, and Eddie is quickly at her side, and all she does is stare in bewilderment up at how it's even possible for a man like Murray to exist.

Of course, she's left feeling pretty grateful that he exists, because he seems willing to indulge a little romance. Eddie's eye rolling doesn't go unnoticed, but it's forgotten the second he kisses her. Left dazed and even more smitten as he pulls away, there's a slow nod of her head at his words.]

I'd really like it if we could have one.

[A big party isn't what she's looking for, it's far from what she wants. All that matters to her is that they're there, and the park they're nearby looks really pretty, even at night. It's quiet and peaceful here, and it's absolutely perfect. She rises up to kiss him, just as slow and sweet as before.]

Can we have a ceremony here? Just us, in the park.

[She's already trying to lead him toward the park, where it looks like there's several perfect places. There's a pond here, with plenty of tall Willow trees surrounding it. There's even a cute gazebo right off the water, dimly lit and lined with Crepe Myrtles with flowers in stark white and vibrant pink. As the summer breeze blows, the tiny blooms are pulled from the trees and scatter in the night wind. Chrissy's completely captivated by the sight, particularly when she takes in how the moon shines off the water in the pond.

There may be a playground, and in the day this place may look small and ridiculous. But right now, it's the most romantic and beautiful thing she's ever laid eyes on.]

Anything you want.

[ Chrissy could have asked to get married standing in the pond or on the side of the road and Eddie would have happily obliged either way. He offers his arm to her as they make their way across the park, Murray trailing just behind. When he notices the gazebo, it's difficult not to feel like the little place was made just for them. Like the rest of their evening, it seems to stand as another testament to their serendipity.

He settles his hands on her hips, taking a moment to enjoy just standing here with her. The moonlight reflects off the water and towards the gazebo, casting the interior in a hazy blue. The moment of peace is interrupted as Murray joins them. ]

Oh, almost forgot! [ Murray is digging through his pockets before pressing a ring into each of their palms. The rings are thin and silver, shabby and just the slightest bit tarnished. ] Part of the package. I expect you'll want to replace them later but they'll do the trick.

[ Eddie smiles, tucking the one he's been given into his pocket for safe keeping. He reaches to take Chrissy's hands in his as Murray get's started. The larger man positions himself alongside them, facing out towards the pond. Clearing his throat, he begins. ]

Eddie, I've known you most of your life. And Chrissy, I've known you for about five minutes and I already like you better. I'm here to unite you kids in legal matrimony, parental enterprises be damned. And hey, let me just say, totally support that.

It was the bard who wrote: My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite. I'll let you two chew on that on that for what will presumably be the rest of your lives. Marriage is a hell of a trip, but love is the key. If you've got that, then the rest is easy.

Now, onto the big questions. [ Murray fixes his gaze on Eddie, surprisingly serious. ] Eddie Munson, do you take Chrissy to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?

[ The words are certainly serious, but they strike a joyous chord within him. He almost wants to shout the words for how strongly they surge up within him. Instead, he simply squeezes Chrissy's hands, meeting her gaze with intensity. ]

I do.

[ He drops her hands only so he can retrieve the placeholder ring and slide it onto her finger. As he does so, Murray turns his attention to Chrissy. ]

Your turn, young lady. Chrissy Cunningham, do you take Eddie to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?

[Chrissy's so taken with the sight of Eddie in the moonlight that she almost doesn't hear when Murray begins. Her heart is so full of love and adoration for Eddie that tears build in her eyes as he places the ring on her finger. When it's time for her vows, the tears slip free. They're happy tears though, and she's not ashamed to let them be seen.]

I do.

[Her voice cracks, her tone heartfelt. She's never meant any two words more than she does those. She's so caught up in the moment, staring up at him and crying because she's so overwhelmingly happy, that she forgets there's something she's supposed to do. She leans in to kiss him, stopping right before she does.]

Oh! [Blushing, she pulls away, producing the ring she had been given by Murray. It's slipped onto his finger with care, and she smiles fondly at the sight of it. Another warm breeze blows over them, and more colorful flowers are carried with it. They all end up with some in their hair, and she thinks it makes everything just a little more perfect. As much as she loves this moment though, she's also a little impatient for what comes at the end.

Which has her glancing over to Murray.]

Is it okay if we kiss now?

[ It feels wrong that she should be so beautiful when she's crying. The sight of her is enough to set his own eyes to burning, hot tears welling up there. Only happy tears, he thinks, only happy. His heart is on fire in his chest, and the feeling spreads out in every direction so quickly that Eddie thinks he might combust.

The ring feels like a sharp, cool, contrast as she slides it onto his finger. How Murray managed to get rings that fit the both of them, he'll never know. He can't help but admire the sight of it, the band of metal against his skin. They'll get something nicer, tomorrow maybe. But in the moment, it feels like looking down at the most beautiful thing in the world. Well, second most, because his gaze flicks back up to Chrissy. ]

I'd be offended if you didn't. [ Murray's voice cuts through the passion that lingers like static electricity in the air, and Eddie wastes no further time.

He draws Chrissy close to him, and kisses his wife. It's desperate, needy, the heat that had built up inside him seeming to explode in her direction. He needs her, he's so hungry for her, he-- Murray's voice interrupts. ]

Look, I just need some signatures and I can leave you two to... consummate.

[ Eddie keeps one arm around Chrissy as Murray presses a pen into his hand. He's barely looking at the paper Murray holds out for them to sign, scrawling his name before passing the pen to Chrissy. ]

[And just like that, she's married. She's Chrissy Munson now, and there's nothing anyone can do to tear them apart. There's no effort to actually look at the paper before she signs her name as well, and the pen is barely passed off to Murray before she's kissing him once again. Every part of her is crying out with need for him, and her kiss is forceful as she lets her desire be shown. The heat that she's feeling is consuming her, and she quickly discovers that kissing is just not enough to quell it.

Thank god Murray's leaving so they can consummate things. There's still a matter of where that can actually be done, because the back of his car with his driver looking on isn't really the best place for it. And with how needy she currently is, she isn't sure how long she can wait. A whimper builds within her, and slips free as she pulls away. Panting a little, her chest rapidly rises and falls as she looks up at him.

The passion that hangs heavy in the air now is heady, only made more electric by the way he has her held in close to him with his arm around her waist.

She really isn't sure what Murray says after that, all she knows is that Eddie scoops her up in his arms and bridal carries her back to the car. They kiss the entire time, and somehow manage to make it without him tripping or falling. They're still kissing when he gets them both into the backseat, Chrissy winding up straddling his lap and deeply kissing him.

It's definitely not the safest way to ride, but good luck getting her off of him. Vince will get them wherever they need to go safely. ]

[ Part of him wants to stay there, at the beautiful spot in which they were married. He would have no problems taking her in that gazebo, making her screams echo out across the water. But he thinks better of it, because being caught right now would be the ultimate bummer. He needs her, desperately, and part of that means getting her somewhere indoors. Murray, god bless him, disappears into the darkness, and Eddie finds it in him to break apart enough so that he can scoop her into his arms.

Actually getting back to the car is difficult, if only because he can barely stand to not have his mouth on her in some capacity. They're in the back seat, and even then it's hard to resist taking her right there. But he manages to cling to some respect, both for Vince and for her, to get them to another location. Eddie breaks away to rasp out two words to his driver: The Sapphire.

It's one of the swankiest hotels in town, one that he has a credit card permanently on file with. Eddie does his best to keep things PG-13 until Vince can drop them off. Once they're inside the hotel, he manages to keep his hands, or more importantly, his lips, to himself. There's a brief conversation at the front desk before a keycard is handed over.

Even the elevator ride up is hot and wanting, and Eddie is laughing with delight as he drags her down the hall to their room. The room is gorgeous, spacious, with floor to ceiling windows that offer a stunning view of the city. That doesn't particularly matter to him right now, not when he's here with Chrissy. He's already guiding the both of them towards the bed, wasting no time in laying her out on top of it. ]

I... [ He's already crawling on top of her, flushed and breathless. He was her first kiss, so surely this also means he's her first-- everything. ] I really want you, Chrissy.

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