24 Fic: More Ready Than Ever 1/1 (Under Your Skin - Tony/Michelle)
Title: More Ready Than Ever
Fandom: 24
Characters: Michelle Dessler/Tony Almeida, Sebastian Almeida, Amy Dennison
Word Count: 2,146
Rating: PG
Summary: It’s Tony’s big day, is he ready?
Author's Notes: Don’t freak out, but this is definitely another story in the Under Your Skin series. It’s been in the works for many, many moons, and I think it’s finally time to just release it into the wild.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Without turning around, Tony Almeida shook his head. "You're not getting any hints on where to stand for the best view of the garter toss, no."
Sebastian snorted. "You suck. And for the record, I don't constantly think about looking up your girlfriend's dress. I happen to like my face intact, thank you."
Straightening his tie one last time, Tony spun to face his brother. He looked serious for what was probably the first time in decades. Serious enough that he didn't give him any harder a time than he already had.
"Go ahead." He glanced at the time quickly, wondering if Michelle was as ready to get the show on the road as he was.
He hadn't seen her since the rehearsal dinner they had snuck away from the night before, and pathetically enough, he missed her. Sleeping in his old room at his parents' house hadn't been nearly as fun last night as it had been at Christmas, when he and Michelle had taken advantage of the close quarters and spent all night wrapped up in each other, shushing each other any time someone giggled or gasped too loudly. Contrary to all the teasing he got about it, Michelle was the first girl he'd ever gotten lucky with in that bed and if he was really lucky, he would keep it that way.
"You really love Michelle, right?"
Tony raised an eyebrow and Baz continued, "In that dopey, stupid, a day and a half without her is too long, it's okay if she keeps you from watching another Cubs game for the rest of your life kinda way, right?"
He chuckled, scratching his cheek. "Well when you put it that way," he muttered. Crossing his arms, he nodded. "Honestly, even half a day is too long. And if I never got to see another pitch again, but I got to be with her, it'd be worth it." It was ridiculously cheesy and sugary sweet enough to give him a headache, but damn if it wasn't the truth.
"You're such a poet, Tony," Sebastian snickered. Tony glared, checking his watch again.
"You asked."
"I didn't expect you to get so damn mushy, though, jeez. A simple yeah or no would've sufficed."
"Tell me that next time, so I can save it for someone who'll appreciate it."
His brother smirked, clearly biting back another retort. After a second, his lips smoothed over his teeth and he nodded. "Well, I'm happy for you, I really am. I uh, I know I give you a lot of shit, but Michelle's really good for you. And I'm glad you're happy."
"Don't you have a speech you can use to say all this stuff?"
Baz shrugged. "I'm going to be funny then. I can't ruin my image with mushy gushy."
Chuckling, he nodded, thanking his brother quietly. Baz was still Baz, even if he was in a steady relationship with a girl who was far too mature for him. Glad to see Amy hadn't rubbed off on him too much.
"Don't go shiny eyed on me, Tony. If you and Michelle don't work out, I'm going for it."
Grinning wryly, he clapped his brother on the shoulder. "I'd kill you before you could even touch her," he murmured, his tone completely serious despite the smile on his face.
"Yeah, yeah. Amy'd fight you for that honor. That woman is territorial, damn."
He chuckled. "Oh I know. I've seen how she is with Michelle, I'm not getting in the way if she decides to kick your ass."
He'd taken entirely too much delight in the tables being turned the first time he and Michelle did a double-date sort of thing with Sebastian and Amy. Michelle's friend got to be the nervous one, even though she tried to hide it, while he acted as the appraising one. Really, he had no problem with Amy, never had, even though she'd been wary of him from the start. It was just nice to get a little payback.
Just a moment later the subject of their conversation arrived.
"Almost game time, guys," Amy announced, sticking her head into the lounge. Tony snorted when Heather's head appeared below hers. "You ready?"
"Look, Tony. She even makes sports references. I told you she was perfect," Sebastian teased, beckoning his girlfriend inside, only to receive a smack and an eye roll from the blonde. He stole a quick kiss anyway, being careful not to mess up her makeup. Everyone knew there would be hell to pay for that. "Yeah, we're ready," he answered for the both of them.
"How's Michelle?" Tony asked when he was finally able to get a word in.
The women shared a grin. "Michelle? Wait, she was supposed to be here too?"
"Unless I'm marrying one of you," he retorted. "Which no, offense, I like her better."
Heather slapped a hand against her cheek melodramatically. "Oh my god, you're kidding?"
Amy laughed. "Did you know that Heather?"
"No, Amy, did you?"
"No! I always thought we were his favorites. Well, damn. I haven't seen her today. Maybe she skipped town."
Tony growled, playing into their game. "She damn well better not have."
"Relax, Tony." Heather laughed, smiling calmly. "She's ready. She's calm. She wanted to make sure you weren't getting cold feet."
Tony scoffed. "If she thinks I put all this time and money into this thing to run, she's crazy."
"You are of the romantic sort, aren't you?" Amy rolled her eyes again, patting Baz on his tuxedo-covered chest and pulling away. Tony snickered; with her heels on, Sebastian's. girlfriend was taller than his brother.
"Yeah, and you can tell her I said that, too. And throw in that if she's even thirty seconds late getting to that aisle, I'm comin' to find her and putting her over my shoulder to get her there quicker." He made sure to point at each of them, as if that would emphasize how serious he was.
The women laughed, waving goodbye idly and leaving him with his brother once more.
After a second, Sebastian turned away from the door, looking serious.
"So," he began, crossing his arms. "Do you think she'd say yes?"
He squinted, wondering what his brother was getting at. "Who? What?"
"Amy, Tony. I know it's probably impossible, but try to focus on another woman besides Michelle for five minutes. If I, uh, if I asked Amy, do you think she'd say yes?"
"Asked her to…" There wasn’t much his brother asked for, anyway.
"Marry me, moron."
"Don't call me a moron, asshole," he snapped, one corner of his lips twitching. "And I'm already engaged. To a girl."
Sebastian snorted. "I'm serious, Tony."
He sighed. His brother always did this. Something wouldn't even be on Baz's radar until it was on Tony's and then Baz had to have it too. When they were kids it was whatever new toy was out. When they were teenagers, it was the newest record, or the cool car, and sometimes even a girl. The only thing Baz hadn't done as soon as Tony did it was join the service. In fact he hadn't joined at all, which was probably for the best. Sebastian was not Marine Corps material. Now, of course, since Tony was tying the knot, it must be time for him to do it too.
"All right knucklehead, siddown," he beckoned. "Amy's great, and I'm happy you're happy with her, but what the hell makes you think you're ready to get married?"
Sebastian frowned. "You think she'd say no."
"I didn't say that. I don't know her well enough to make that call. But really, you should know her well enough to have some idea. Do you think she'll say no?"
"I don't know. I know I love her, though."
He rubbed his forehead slowly. "Really? You look at her and see the only person you want to be with for the rest of your life? I'm not talking about five months from now, or in three years, I'm talking retirement, maybe grandkids, wheelchairs and bedpans if the need arises. Is Amy that woman?"
"I guess so."
Tony sighed. He guessed so. Typical Sebastian. "Baz, you gotta be sure."
“But what if I want it to surprise her or something? Don’t women love that part?”
Rubbing his face, Tony shrugged. “Some women are. Amy seems more like the 'talk it into the ground' type.”
Baz nodded. "Yeah, she is."
"See, you know that about her. So talk it out. Not now, though, 'cause nobody's thinking clearly at a wedding. Everyone thinks it’s a good idea then."
"You didn't talk to Michelle before you proposed."
Tony shrugged. "I knew the basics of where Michelle stood." He coughed, remembering how firmly she'd insisted to him that she didn't think it was too soon, both the night before the proposal and after. "You sound like you're going in blind."
Baz nodded again.
"And I mean, when you talk, the worst that can happen is she says she's not ready to do it."
"And then it gets awkward, she breaks up with me, and we're both stuck watching you and Michelle live this sickeningly happy life while we make awkward small talk at every party or get together you guys have."
Snorting softly, Tony shrugged. "We just won't invite either of you, problem solved. I'll get to keep all my beer and only have one of her girlfriends nagging me. It sounds like a fair trade to me."
"Screw you."
"Just talk to her, all right? Maybe it spoils the surprise, but isn't it better than her flipping out on you and saying no because she's not ready? And then all those things you mentioned could happen."
"True."
"Besides, you do that, and you can't come whining to us if it goes wrong. Which I like, personally."
"Gee, thanks."
Tony stood again. If his brother was serious, then more power to him, but if he was just feeling like being Baz, then maybe the idea of actually talking about it with Amy would hold him off a little.
"Seriously, if you can't talk to her about it, you're not ready for it."
"I know, I know," he sighed. "Thanks, Tony."
"You don't always have to show me up, you know. I love you, but if you propose at my wedding reception, I'll kill you."
Sebastian laughed. "You'll kill me for a lot of reasons, Tony. Besides, maybe it's just your romantic bullshit finally rubbed off."
"Yeah right. Besides, my romantic bullshit serves me well."
Sebastian checked his watch, grinning. "Show time, bro. Sure you don't want Dad to stand up there with you?"
"Nah, let him stay with Mom. You got me into this, you're sticking with me to the end."
"Sweet, I knew I'd get in on the honeymoon."
Tony rolled his eyes, rubbing his fingers together quickly. "You wish. Okay, let's move. You're not making me late to my own wedding with your fantasies."
Sebastian cackled. "I just meant maybe you'd want to make this wedding party more even, it is three against two up there."
He shrugged, patting his brother on the back. "There's nobody else I'd want up there with me. Besides, you're bringing two women down the aisle, Baz. Don't complain."
Baz grinned. "Never mind. Let's go."
He was pretty sure he'd never smiled so much in his entire life. As soon as he saw her, any trace of nervousness faded and a stupid grin took up residence across his face. She didn't look nervous, either, he realized. She looked beautiful, confident, absolutely stunning, but he felt her fingers trembling a little once her hand settled in his own. He smoothed his thumb across her knuckles, soothing her jitters.
"Hello, Mrs. Almeida," he murmured, lifting her fingers to his mouth. God, it felt stupidly good to call her that.
She beamed, but tamped it down with a deep breath. "Not yet I'm not," she returned softly, squeezing his hands. Excitement was making her eyes bright, even through the veil, and he could see that her cheeks were a little crimson, too. Conversation hadn't been in the plan when they rehearsed last night.
"Close enough," he smiled cheekily. She smiled back, shaking her head and squishing her nose playfully.
"Not really."
He chuckled, kissing her hand again. "You look beautiful," he whispered, making her color again.
The priest cleared his throat, making them both grin. "Are you ready children?"
He heard Michelle say yes for the both of them and his hand tightened around hers. He watched her face as the priest made his welcoming statements; she was looking up and over at the other man, smile radiating her happiness. Just looking at her, he knew without a doubt that he'd never been more ready in his entire life.
Fandom: 24
Characters: Michelle Dessler/Tony Almeida, Sebastian Almeida, Amy Dennison
Word Count: 2,146
Rating: PG
Summary: It’s Tony’s big day, is he ready?
Author's Notes: Don’t freak out, but this is definitely another story in the Under Your Skin series. It’s been in the works for many, many moons, and I think it’s finally time to just release it into the wild.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Without turning around, Tony Almeida shook his head. "You're not getting any hints on where to stand for the best view of the garter toss, no."
Sebastian snorted. "You suck. And for the record, I don't constantly think about looking up your girlfriend's dress. I happen to like my face intact, thank you."
Straightening his tie one last time, Tony spun to face his brother. He looked serious for what was probably the first time in decades. Serious enough that he didn't give him any harder a time than he already had.
"Go ahead." He glanced at the time quickly, wondering if Michelle was as ready to get the show on the road as he was.
He hadn't seen her since the rehearsal dinner they had snuck away from the night before, and pathetically enough, he missed her. Sleeping in his old room at his parents' house hadn't been nearly as fun last night as it had been at Christmas, when he and Michelle had taken advantage of the close quarters and spent all night wrapped up in each other, shushing each other any time someone giggled or gasped too loudly. Contrary to all the teasing he got about it, Michelle was the first girl he'd ever gotten lucky with in that bed and if he was really lucky, he would keep it that way.
"You really love Michelle, right?"
Tony raised an eyebrow and Baz continued, "In that dopey, stupid, a day and a half without her is too long, it's okay if she keeps you from watching another Cubs game for the rest of your life kinda way, right?"
He chuckled, scratching his cheek. "Well when you put it that way," he muttered. Crossing his arms, he nodded. "Honestly, even half a day is too long. And if I never got to see another pitch again, but I got to be with her, it'd be worth it." It was ridiculously cheesy and sugary sweet enough to give him a headache, but damn if it wasn't the truth.
"You're such a poet, Tony," Sebastian snickered. Tony glared, checking his watch again.
"You asked."
"I didn't expect you to get so damn mushy, though, jeez. A simple yeah or no would've sufficed."
"Tell me that next time, so I can save it for someone who'll appreciate it."
His brother smirked, clearly biting back another retort. After a second, his lips smoothed over his teeth and he nodded. "Well, I'm happy for you, I really am. I uh, I know I give you a lot of shit, but Michelle's really good for you. And I'm glad you're happy."
"Don't you have a speech you can use to say all this stuff?"
Baz shrugged. "I'm going to be funny then. I can't ruin my image with mushy gushy."
Chuckling, he nodded, thanking his brother quietly. Baz was still Baz, even if he was in a steady relationship with a girl who was far too mature for him. Glad to see Amy hadn't rubbed off on him too much.
"Don't go shiny eyed on me, Tony. If you and Michelle don't work out, I'm going for it."
Grinning wryly, he clapped his brother on the shoulder. "I'd kill you before you could even touch her," he murmured, his tone completely serious despite the smile on his face.
"Yeah, yeah. Amy'd fight you for that honor. That woman is territorial, damn."
He chuckled. "Oh I know. I've seen how she is with Michelle, I'm not getting in the way if she decides to kick your ass."
He'd taken entirely too much delight in the tables being turned the first time he and Michelle did a double-date sort of thing with Sebastian and Amy. Michelle's friend got to be the nervous one, even though she tried to hide it, while he acted as the appraising one. Really, he had no problem with Amy, never had, even though she'd been wary of him from the start. It was just nice to get a little payback.
Just a moment later the subject of their conversation arrived.
"Almost game time, guys," Amy announced, sticking her head into the lounge. Tony snorted when Heather's head appeared below hers. "You ready?"
"Look, Tony. She even makes sports references. I told you she was perfect," Sebastian teased, beckoning his girlfriend inside, only to receive a smack and an eye roll from the blonde. He stole a quick kiss anyway, being careful not to mess up her makeup. Everyone knew there would be hell to pay for that. "Yeah, we're ready," he answered for the both of them.
"How's Michelle?" Tony asked when he was finally able to get a word in.
The women shared a grin. "Michelle? Wait, she was supposed to be here too?"
"Unless I'm marrying one of you," he retorted. "Which no, offense, I like her better."
Heather slapped a hand against her cheek melodramatically. "Oh my god, you're kidding?"
Amy laughed. "Did you know that Heather?"
"No, Amy, did you?"
"No! I always thought we were his favorites. Well, damn. I haven't seen her today. Maybe she skipped town."
Tony growled, playing into their game. "She damn well better not have."
"Relax, Tony." Heather laughed, smiling calmly. "She's ready. She's calm. She wanted to make sure you weren't getting cold feet."
Tony scoffed. "If she thinks I put all this time and money into this thing to run, she's crazy."
"You are of the romantic sort, aren't you?" Amy rolled her eyes again, patting Baz on his tuxedo-covered chest and pulling away. Tony snickered; with her heels on, Sebastian's. girlfriend was taller than his brother.
"Yeah, and you can tell her I said that, too. And throw in that if she's even thirty seconds late getting to that aisle, I'm comin' to find her and putting her over my shoulder to get her there quicker." He made sure to point at each of them, as if that would emphasize how serious he was.
The women laughed, waving goodbye idly and leaving him with his brother once more.
After a second, Sebastian turned away from the door, looking serious.
"So," he began, crossing his arms. "Do you think she'd say yes?"
He squinted, wondering what his brother was getting at. "Who? What?"
"Amy, Tony. I know it's probably impossible, but try to focus on another woman besides Michelle for five minutes. If I, uh, if I asked Amy, do you think she'd say yes?"
"Asked her to…" There wasn’t much his brother asked for, anyway.
"Marry me, moron."
"Don't call me a moron, asshole," he snapped, one corner of his lips twitching. "And I'm already engaged. To a girl."
Sebastian snorted. "I'm serious, Tony."
He sighed. His brother always did this. Something wouldn't even be on Baz's radar until it was on Tony's and then Baz had to have it too. When they were kids it was whatever new toy was out. When they were teenagers, it was the newest record, or the cool car, and sometimes even a girl. The only thing Baz hadn't done as soon as Tony did it was join the service. In fact he hadn't joined at all, which was probably for the best. Sebastian was not Marine Corps material. Now, of course, since Tony was tying the knot, it must be time for him to do it too.
"All right knucklehead, siddown," he beckoned. "Amy's great, and I'm happy you're happy with her, but what the hell makes you think you're ready to get married?"
Sebastian frowned. "You think she'd say no."
"I didn't say that. I don't know her well enough to make that call. But really, you should know her well enough to have some idea. Do you think she'll say no?"
"I don't know. I know I love her, though."
He rubbed his forehead slowly. "Really? You look at her and see the only person you want to be with for the rest of your life? I'm not talking about five months from now, or in three years, I'm talking retirement, maybe grandkids, wheelchairs and bedpans if the need arises. Is Amy that woman?"
"I guess so."
Tony sighed. He guessed so. Typical Sebastian. "Baz, you gotta be sure."
“But what if I want it to surprise her or something? Don’t women love that part?”
Rubbing his face, Tony shrugged. “Some women are. Amy seems more like the 'talk it into the ground' type.”
Baz nodded. "Yeah, she is."
"See, you know that about her. So talk it out. Not now, though, 'cause nobody's thinking clearly at a wedding. Everyone thinks it’s a good idea then."
"You didn't talk to Michelle before you proposed."
Tony shrugged. "I knew the basics of where Michelle stood." He coughed, remembering how firmly she'd insisted to him that she didn't think it was too soon, both the night before the proposal and after. "You sound like you're going in blind."
Baz nodded again.
"And I mean, when you talk, the worst that can happen is she says she's not ready to do it."
"And then it gets awkward, she breaks up with me, and we're both stuck watching you and Michelle live this sickeningly happy life while we make awkward small talk at every party or get together you guys have."
Snorting softly, Tony shrugged. "We just won't invite either of you, problem solved. I'll get to keep all my beer and only have one of her girlfriends nagging me. It sounds like a fair trade to me."
"Screw you."
"Just talk to her, all right? Maybe it spoils the surprise, but isn't it better than her flipping out on you and saying no because she's not ready? And then all those things you mentioned could happen."
"True."
"Besides, you do that, and you can't come whining to us if it goes wrong. Which I like, personally."
"Gee, thanks."
Tony stood again. If his brother was serious, then more power to him, but if he was just feeling like being Baz, then maybe the idea of actually talking about it with Amy would hold him off a little.
"Seriously, if you can't talk to her about it, you're not ready for it."
"I know, I know," he sighed. "Thanks, Tony."
"You don't always have to show me up, you know. I love you, but if you propose at my wedding reception, I'll kill you."
Sebastian laughed. "You'll kill me for a lot of reasons, Tony. Besides, maybe it's just your romantic bullshit finally rubbed off."
"Yeah right. Besides, my romantic bullshit serves me well."
Sebastian checked his watch, grinning. "Show time, bro. Sure you don't want Dad to stand up there with you?"
"Nah, let him stay with Mom. You got me into this, you're sticking with me to the end."
"Sweet, I knew I'd get in on the honeymoon."
Tony rolled his eyes, rubbing his fingers together quickly. "You wish. Okay, let's move. You're not making me late to my own wedding with your fantasies."
Sebastian cackled. "I just meant maybe you'd want to make this wedding party more even, it is three against two up there."
He shrugged, patting his brother on the back. "There's nobody else I'd want up there with me. Besides, you're bringing two women down the aisle, Baz. Don't complain."
Baz grinned. "Never mind. Let's go."
He was pretty sure he'd never smiled so much in his entire life. As soon as he saw her, any trace of nervousness faded and a stupid grin took up residence across his face. She didn't look nervous, either, he realized. She looked beautiful, confident, absolutely stunning, but he felt her fingers trembling a little once her hand settled in his own. He smoothed his thumb across her knuckles, soothing her jitters.
"Hello, Mrs. Almeida," he murmured, lifting her fingers to his mouth. God, it felt stupidly good to call her that.
She beamed, but tamped it down with a deep breath. "Not yet I'm not," she returned softly, squeezing his hands. Excitement was making her eyes bright, even through the veil, and he could see that her cheeks were a little crimson, too. Conversation hadn't been in the plan when they rehearsed last night.
"Close enough," he smiled cheekily. She smiled back, shaking her head and squishing her nose playfully.
"Not really."
He chuckled, kissing her hand again. "You look beautiful," he whispered, making her color again.
The priest cleared his throat, making them both grin. "Are you ready children?"
He heard Michelle say yes for the both of them and his hand tightened around hers. He watched her face as the priest made his welcoming statements; she was looking up and over at the other man, smile radiating her happiness. Just looking at her, he knew without a doubt that he'd never been more ready in his entire life.