I just got to get it right

[overimpulsive]

WHO: Bart Allen, Mulan Fa
LOCATION: Starts out in the potion lab => eventually Gryffindor Commons/hallways
WEEK: Romance Event
TIME: late morning => late afternoon
WHAT: They just got accidentally married to each other. ;D Drama (and hilarity... eventually) ensues.
RATING: None yet!

Comments

[notabride]

Mulan however, wasn't paying attention to her friend's hand but instead her own. Or, to be more precise, the ring that had suddenly appeared on it.

She hadn't minded helping Bart out with his potions final. It wasn't anything new, to be honest, as she was always there to help when he needed it - mostly when he rushed something he shouldn't of. What was new, however, was the subject for his final. A Midlandian bonding potion between two separate houses. That was quite a reach from his usual assignments, but she remarked nothing about it because he seemed so serious about completing it. So serious, in fact, that he wanted to begin right after breakfast.

Arriving in the labs somewhere about mid morning, Mulan had glanced over the instructions Bart handed her. The ingredients mixed together were harmless enough, showing nothing dangerous or life altering when combined. All seemed well on paper, so she had checked - then double checked - his kit before letting him go at it with a watchful eye and some neutralizing serum. Just in case.

Things had progressed rather well. At least, until the brief flash of light and the feeling of slight weight on her hand.

"No," she answered sparing a glance at the ring Bart wore. Her voice was quiet as a feeling of shock began over taking her, growing as another presence, a familiar presence could be sensed at her side. That was a wedding ring on her hand. She was wearing a wedding ring! A magical wedding ring that had appeared from nowhere and seemed to be connected to her best friend's own ring. Seemed to connect her to her best friend. Mulan couldn't help it, she began to tremble slightly as the implications of what this meant began to dawn on her.

[overimpulsive]

That was when Bart first noticed something was terribly wrong. His mind didn't even register that yes, her ring and his ring were identical; technically, by Midlandian standards, they were married. Committed to each other forever and ever until the end of time.

He let a nervous chuckle - almost a sob - escape his mouth before he stared at her. Carefully making his way to her, Bart offered a nervous smile. "Mulan...? Are... are... you okay...?"

Crap. If only he hadn't sucked so badly at time magic. Then maybe he could've reversed this whole thing.

oh god I am so sorry for all the edits :c /done now

[notabride]

She heard the sob in her friend - no, her husband's - voice and wanted nothing more than to go over and just hold onto him, to feel comfort in his grasp like always, to make things better, to fix it, but the shock of this new event wouldn't allow her legs to move her. The fact that Bart was being so careful around her almost made her cringe.

All her training, all her experiences and nothing could prepare her for this! The emotions circling through her, that she could sense in her fri--husband thanks to these rings was overwhelming, but one thing stood out; She was married. A forced marriage to someone she dearly loved who was forced into it as well. Mulan never thought this would happen -- not that she'd have to marry like this, through the matchmaker was one thing she had spent time coming to terms with years ago, one that had never come to fruition thankfully, but this? -- and didn't know how to fix it. She didn't even know where to begin and couldn't help but feel as if she must of missed something in the potion. Something in the instructions or ingredients for the potion or -- Oh, Merlin, Bart had his choice taken from him, because she missed something that she was supposed to be helping him with! Guilt and fear began to grip her.

"I ... I'm sorry," she began to babble, her knees locking as her usual composition, determined and adaptable in what ever may come, gave way and strength began to leave her. "I ... I must've missed something, some note or --" Mulan glanced up at Bart, a look of pained worry crossing her face. This wasn't something where looking for another way would help. Marriage was forever in the Midlandian culture. Her voice came out in barely a whisper as she gripped a nearby table for support. "You're stuck with me."

don't apologize, you dork ♥ it's fine

[overimpulsive]

Choice hadn't even been a thought to him. Marriage had always been an impossibility to him, something that'd simply never happen because he wouldn't settle down long enough. He was... he was... huh. It was like a heavy weight'd been lifted on his chest. But at the same time, he was still Bart. And she was still Mulan.

These rings didn't change their relationship. They were just... symbols. That was what Aunt Helen'd say. Heaving a sigh, he stood before her and offered his hand again. Almost wincing, he slowly - which said a lot, considering Bart liked moving fast - caressed her cheek with his fingers.

"Stop apologizing," He said, clearly indicating that he could support her. "You did nothing wrong. If anyone botched this up, it was definitely me." He paused, laughing a little as he went in for a hug. "And don't act like being stuck with you's the worst thing in the world. Because I could totally think of a million people I'd rather not marry."

reserve your words for when you see your poor inbox xD;; ♥

[notabride]

At his touch, she startled, her babbling abruptly ceasing, and couldn't help but immediately latch onto him. Though she knew Bart rather well, Mulan had still expected something ... something more than how calmly he was taking this. Anger, perhaps - forced marriage being so appalling in a culture as free as the American one, the idea itself enough to set some off (her included, but her forethought was of Bart). Still she was grateful for his support, the support that Bart had always given her, the way he accepted being stuck with her while she vehemently disagreed that there were worse to be with (fictional character's from his comics didn't count), and snuggled up into his hold. It was so natural for them, that she didn't even think anything of just knowing that things would be okay with Bart there. She completely missed the gentle glow from their rings as the two made contact, signifying how right it was for the two to be near each other.

After a few calming moments she glanced up, her hold remaining the same - she wasn't letting go of Bart for anything. She needed him. "It's not your fault," Mulan stated, still feeling some guilt. "I, I didn't see anything in the potion that could of caused ... this. I don't know what to do."

my inbox'll live :|b It deserves it for being a jerk

[overimpulsive]

Part of Bart still didn't register the situation. Right now, making Mulan feel great was more important than freaking out about their marriage. (Besides, she was freaking out for them both. Why should he pull out the dramatics when she had it covered?) Really, he couldn't find the energy to be angry. Not when he'd goofed up so badly and gotten them in this awful mess in the first place.

He instinctively scanned the room for any signs of interference - a bird, maybe? a cockroach? - but gave up in five seconds after spotting absolutely nothing. However, Bart didn't miss that glow. His mouth widened - and he almost said something - but Mulan's words distracted him. Right. She needed him more than those rings right now.

"Shhhh," He soothed, trying to play the role she normally did. Snuggling close, he calmly answered, "Then we'll figure it out together. If it's not my fault - and it's so not your fault - then this must be the bonding spell or I simply miscopied or..." He took a breath, keeping his voice as even and steady as possible. "Look at it this way: at least we love each other. Maybe not romantically, but... we're not total strangers."

revenge for keeping the awesome away? (also, keywords)

[notabride]

"It's not your fault," Mulan restated, calming more as the space between them closed, "It just... happened. Magic itself, maybe."

She rested her head on his shoulder, trying to return some of the comfort Bart gave her as she started to come to terms with the situation. Thinking that magic itself may of caused this helped. Part of Mulan wondered if Bart had fully realized what this all meant yet and another part answered in "No". If he did, then...

Tangling one of her hands into his, she gave it a gentle squeeze in a silent apology. There would be a lot of change happening for both of them and it wasn't fair. She made a mental note to be there as much for Bart as much as he was being there for her - even more so. It was the least she could do, she thought - another thought sparred as she wasn't letting him sacrifice anything for her in this situation - and Mulan would always be more than willing to do whatever she could for him.

Her lips quirked up in a slight smile at his latter words. "Silver linings?" she asked, feeling well enough to smile but still not about to be parted. Heaven or Hell help whoever tried separating them during this.

got it in one! Thankfully, it's behaving now \o/

[overimpulsive]

Acting like the mature one was weird. Bart vowed that once this whole mess was over, he'd revert right back to his childish self. Taking care of people was a lot of hard work---oh god. Was this how Griff-Griff and Mulan felt about him? Maybe he could grow up a little. They wouldn't be as burdened.

He squeezed her hand in return. Really, when she was like this, she was... pretty cute. Bart didn't really know why the thought popped into his head all of a sudden. Mulan was always attractive--heck, he know he told her so a bajillion times. Why was this time any different? Because she was his wife? How weird.

Ahaha... he laughed upon seeing her smile. "There's the Mulan I know," He grinned in return. "Yeah. Silver linings. I know that... things're different in your country, but I promise. We'll get through this and somehow get it nulled and you can go back to marrying whoever the heck you really like."

Yay! Good Inbox~ That's a good boy/girl! \o/

[notabride]

A frown began to cross her face, Mulan bristling at what she just heard. She didn't even seem to realize that Bart hadn't said he was a burden aloud nor that the rings were glowing again, as she subconsciously began to project her emotions forth.

"You are not a burden! Ever," she stated, squeezing his hand again as she pulled back slightly, staring up at her new and sudden husband with a hurt look. She couldn't even believe Bart would say such a thing! Nevermind that he actually hadn't. "You are incredible. Sometimes I can't follow your train of thought as fast, but that doesn't mean you're immature, or wrong, or hard to deal with. You're intelligent, skilled, fun, understanding and ... and I'm lucky to have you in my life. Without you I... I don't know."

Mulan stopped, she wasn't trying to upset him or herself with all this going on, but she didn't want to to think about not having Bart around. That was a very painful thought, especially so for the moment. She loved him and while Jasmine and Kairi were her adopted sisters, Griffith and many others her brothers (honestly, there were tons of those) and a certain former blue Ravenclaw held her heart, Bart was different. It was as if he was part of her soul, he knew her so well.

"Very different," came the soft reply to his reassurance. Shaking her head, Mulan smiled again, "I know we will." After a second, a hint of mischievousness flicked through her eyes. Teasingly, she trailed off; "I wasn't about to marry anyone. But if you were..."

We shall reward it with... clothes.

[overimpulsive]

Whoa, wait, what? Bart stared at Mulan for what felt like forever. "I never said that---" and yet his voice was drowned out by the praise. God. Women. Was she psychic? He'd thought it, but he'd never meant to say it out loud like that. Or maybe they'd learned how to figure out what each other thought because they'd been friends for so long... Huh. Bart made a mental note to ask a Professor later. After they cleaned this up.

"Th-thank you," He finally managed to say, his face turning beet red. Wait. Did she just say that he was part of her soul? That was weird. Bart couldn't help giving Mulan a Look, almost as if to say 'so I'm like your brother and not your brother?' Soulmate would probably be the right word. Probably being the keyword.

"Nah," He said, looking at her with a smile. "I'm not much for the c-word, remember? I'd rather hang out with you and Griff-Griff than think about some girl." After a moment, he amended, "So I guess maybe this spell isn't half-bad. I lost my choice, but considering you were my choice anyways...."

Funny how things worked out like that.

Clothes are expensive. How about some candy?

[notabride]

...huh? Hey, wait. Mulan startled and glanced up at Bart, a confused look crossing her face. 'I never said that,' she thought, not realizing that he technically hadn't either. Their rings continued to glow gently as the two unknowingly traded their thoughts with each other, picking up what the other wasn't saying aloud.

"You're just, you've always been there. Ever since first year," she tried to explain aloud. Sure, he drove her away first, sending her into a rare fit of tears, but that was how they met Griffith. And after that particular incident the two had been pretty much inseparable. As the years had past, they just formed a strong bond to where they knew each other and would be there. It felt right, as if that was how it should be.

"The c-word isn't that bad. We've been in a com--- ... friendship for years," Mulan pointed out, smiling back and resting her head against him. It was interesting how they fit so well, she had never thought about it before. "No, I guess it isn't... Not really." She laughed. "I remember when you announced that."

I think it'll like both. :> So sure.

[overimpulsive]

Always been there. He liked the sound of those words. Yeah, the first week of school'd been rough - and in retrospect, he wasn't sure just how they became friends - but once they'd gotten past it, they were inseparable. It was how things were supposed to be. "I get that," He said, laughing. "So like a totally platonic soulmate? Cissie used that word once or twice about us and YJ."

Oh. Right. The time Bart'd publicly announced that he, Mulan, and Griff-Griff would get married as soon as they left Hogwarts. By now, he'd had enough classes - and experience - to know that marriages didn't work like that. "I kinda wish the world worked like that," He confessed, grinning at her as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "It'd make life so much easier. Why does the world believe in monogamy anyways?"

He was totally joking--and in the innocent sense too. They both knew that Bart didn't really grasp the more adult connotations of polygamy; heck, Bart didn't want to know. "But I insist. The c-word is a horrible, horrible thing no matter what you say."

The inbox shall be spoiled! \o/

[notabride]

"Mhmm," Mulan nodded, feeling content and assured for the first time today. She was even getting used to the feeling of his emotions and sensing of his words, the dramatics aside. A 'Platonic Soulmate' was just the right way to describe it, no matter what else others had suspected or asked of the two and it did feel exactly like how it should be.

Her expression changed to one of amusement at the memory of Bart's sudden announcement. She honestly didn't think there had been a more interesting lunch period the entirety of their Second Year, or anything else that Griffith had encouraged so-not-quite innocently during that year, either. And Bart had always wondered why she had given their best friend such surprised looks when they were younger... Back then Mulan had understood the implications rather well, the idea and details of marriage ingrained in her through her cultural upbringing, the implications of what would go on in relationships learned through necessity for particular potions, but she didn't mind because it was Bart and Griffith. Marriage or not they'd be together somehow. Truthfully, a part of her had also wished that was how the world had worked, too. It definitely would of made life much easier.

"Some parts of the world hold that belief," she informed simply, feeling comfortable in his grasp. Mulan didn't go into more specifics, Bart was probably not ready nor would he want to hear anything about them. Raising an eyebrow, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and glanced up with an innocent look. He would learn when and when not to challenge her on things. Eventually. "So, it's a horrible thing that I'm completely committed to you?"

if we treat it, maybe it'll act nice! :>

[overimpulsive]

He didn't really know why he could feel every part of Mulan's soul, but he kind of liked it. It felt warm and fuzzy and kind of like his best friend was always there - even when she physically couldn't be a part of him. Still, he'd always known that everyone else got the marriage jokes and the whole dating gig long before he did. It just... never interested Bart. He had Uncle Max and Dax and Aunt Helen and Carol and Cissie and Mulan and Griff-Griff and Tim and Kon and well, a lot of people. They loved him and he loved him back.

As far as he was concerned, that was it. This wasn't bad either! Now that they were slowly accepting it. Still, he wanted to give her the chance to choose.

"Nooooo?" He said slyly, his face turning red at the thought. "Nothing at all!" Okay, so maybe being committed to Mulan wasn't bad. Really. "I think it's actually pretty awesome."

He paused, amending, "but I'm still going to find us a way out of it."

Should they get back to cleaning...? Bart lazily glanced at their surroundings before deciding that no, he wouldn't budge. Not until someone decided to kick them out.

if that doesn't work, I suggest bribes - for each day it behaves it get's a v-cookie

[notabride]

"I'll show you some of the courtship offers then," she stated, mentally going through the polite few she had kept in friendly contact with--the ones who wouldn't break Bart's brain if he ever wanted to or ended up meeting them. She never really talked about any of the offers she had gotten, as she never intended nor wanted to accept any of them. Those friendly few were ones she had met by chance and accepted her dismissal without argument. Really, they were nice acquaintances to have.

Leaning up, Mulan tucked a bit of hair behind her ear and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. Friendly, reassuring and no amorous connotations behind it, it was one of those things they did without thinking and lead the way to other's assumptions. "Marriage or not, I'll still be committed to you," she explained before nodding. "I know, this... this isn't us. You deserve a choice. We'll find a way."

Following his glance, Mulan looked around the potion's lab and took out her wand reluctantly. She didn't feel like cleaning, no matter how much that was ingrained in her when it came to potions. After this morning, all Mulan wanted to do right now was just relax with Bart. Cuddle up to her best friend (now new husband), maybe take a nap. Yet, with a practiced hand she mumbled a few incantations in Chinese and watched as things began to come alive and carefully fix themselves, nothing startling into any more explosions or flashes of light.

oooh. duly noted. *o*

[overimpulsive]

Bart made a face. He really didn't want to meet Mulan's suitors, but he'd never tell her "no" either. "Sure," He said nonchalantly. "I'll meet 'em." (But would he be nice to them? ... Actually yes.)

He felt reassured at the thought of them finding a solution. Really, the idea of 'choice' didn't matter so much as them just... not being married. They were best friends! Who somehow got people thinking they were boyfriend and girlfriend when they really weren't. (Those people were just idiots who didn't know the meaning of love. Or lust.)

"Thanks," Bart remembered to reply, grinning as he watched the potions lab repair itself. Mulan'd always been better at the practical stuff; Bart knew that if he'd tried that same spell, it'd flop. Miserably. "... So I guess we'll talk to Professor Raith once this's over and see what I end up getting for my final. I mean, we did technically do the potion and all." He figured that at the very least, a potion that'd end up with two people married would earn him a solid C. He was happy with those marks! They weren't downright terrible!

Still, he just wanted to cuddle with Mulan and... not do work. Stupid grown-up world. "Hey," He said, knowing full well that she probably thought the same, "After we get all this crap done, you wanna steal the usual couch in the commons?" It might've sounded weird to outsiders, but to Bart, it was just regular, ordinary behavior. Best friends cuddled each other, right? (Or well, married couples did at the very least.)