But Seriously... - Sequel to Truly, Madly, Deeply - Part 1
Merry Christmas! And here it is, ladies and gentlemen. Not yet complete in the typing stage, but complete in the writing stage: The final part of my WLIIA Affirmation four part series.
"But Seriously..."
Title: But Seriously….
Author: Shinigami518
Rating: PG-13, but with some bits of R in it for mpreg, swearing, some violence, and insanity
Main Character(s) and/or pairings: Ryan/Colin, Tony/Paul, Josie/Richard, Jeff/OFC, Stephen/Hugh (growing), OFC/OMC
Summary: few weeks after their wedding, Paul and Tony take the next step in their relationship: Parenthood. Paul undergoes the "Mpreg Operation" as Alicia and the trio calls it and now he and Tony are to be parents. Keeping this a secret from the news is going to be a bit hard, but with the help of their friends, they are ready.
View Affirmation here:
Epilogue, but with all parts linked
View Against All Odds here:
Epilogue, but with all parts linked
View Truly, Madly, Deeply here:
Epilogue, but with all parts linked
Part 1 - Something Happened on the way to Heaven
August 6th 2007
England
“I never thought I’d ever see this in my life. Paul, Tony, getting married!” Will heard Lee whisper to Richard, both men sitting behind him as he tried to observe the event before him.
“I’ve seen Paul do this twice, and you know how they turned out… I think this one will be a long lasting one.” Richard told Lee, also whispering.
“Hope so. I haven’t seen Paul this happy in years.” Lee nodded. Will sighed and looked over at his sister, who was watching with tears in her brown eyes, several falling down onto her dark blue v-neck sleeveless dress. The brunette removed her glasses and wiped her eyes with a tissue.
Will then looked forward at what was making his sister cry and shook his head, a crooked smile on his face.
Paul and Tony stood in front of the altar, having just started to exchange their vows. Both men were dressed elegantly in black tuxes, Tony was clean shaven and Paul’s hair was slicked back.
The wedding was rushed somewhat due to Paul’s plans to travel to India for the second of his travel documentaries. The brunet would be leaving shortly after he returned from his and Tony’s honeymoon. So, they had opted for a small ceremony with only a select group of friends and family in a private outdoor ceremony. Both Tony and Paul’s sisters - Marlene and Libby - had come to the wedding, but Tony’s brothers were unable to come due to prior engagements but sending their love to their little brother.
Paul took one of the two gold rings on the silk pillow held by Paul’s niece, Maggie. He then carefully slid it on to Tony’s left hand as he spoke the proper words, his voice wavering slightly, “Tony, in sickness and in health, I promise that I will love you, respect you, console you, be faithful to you, and protect you. From this day on until the day of my death, this do I swear.”
With his hands trembling slightly Tony took the other wedding band and placed it on Paul’s left ring finger.
“Paul, in sickness and in health, I promise that I will love you, respect you, console you, be faithful to you, and protect you. From this day on until the day of my death, this do I swear.” Tony repeated the same words, blinking back tears in his brown eyes. Stephen smiled and nodded at Julian, who stood next to him, both men serving as Best Men for their two friends.
“May you always share with each other the gifts of love - be one in heart and in mind - may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts - love - generosity and kindness.
In as much as Anthony and Paul have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith - and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring - are now joined.
You have pronounced yourselves life partners, but remember to always be each other’s best friend.
What - therefore - God has joined together - let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you life partners.
You may now kiss.” The priest finished, gesturing to both men before him. Tony grinned impishly as he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Paul’s neck, pulling him into a very passionate kiss.
Applause and cheers erupted from their guests, a few wolf whistles thrown in for good measure.
“I can’t believe it’s finally happened. Tony, married, to Paul! It’s like a dream come true.” Emma exclaimed, wiping away tears of joy.
“I ‘m more surprised that its Tony getting married. Remember how shy he was when we were younger?” Hugh noted, reminiscing. Emma nodded, smiling in remembrance.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the newly married Paul and Tony Merton-Slattery!” The priest announced, prompting more cheers as Paul and Tony pulled apart, smiling at each other. Tony frowned slightly, reached up, and wiped a small tear from Paul’s eyes.
“Are you alright?” Tony asked, concerned. Paul nodded, still smiling through tears that had begun to form in his blue eyes.
“Yes, just… I love you, always.” Paul replied softly, cupping Tony’s face in his hands. They leaned into each other again until their foreheads touched, the two men smiling joyously. After everything that happened, they finally found peace in each other’s arms.
Shortly afterwards…
The reception, like the wedding, was a small, but lavish affair. The party was held at Paul’s home, most of it being outdoors under several small white tents. Once there, everyone began to find themselves with their usual groups while others found themselves talking with people they didn’t know.
Once Tony and Paul arrived lastly, the party was in full swing. The rental band began to play the first song, which happened to be the first dance for Tony and Paul.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, its time for Tony and Paul’s first dance as newlyweds.” The MC, a young woman Alicia was friends with at the café she worked, said. “The song they chose was “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake… Just kidding folks! Their first song is “All You Need Is Love” by the Beetles.” The MC smiled cheekily. She turned to her band mates and gave them a nod to begin playing the song in question.
If anyone had wandered in from off the street and saw Tony and Paul as they danced, he or she would’ve thought it was strange. For those who were there, it was a wonderful sight as Paul led Tony across the dance floor and danced as graceful as he could, considering Paul wasn’t much of a dancer like some of his friends.
Once the song had finished and Paul and Tony had finally pulled apart, the party was thrown into full swing. Everyone went off to do their own thing, from dancing and drinking to snacking and talking.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
“Is this whole thing awkward or is it me?” Julie asked Samantha, who sat next to her. Samantha had opted for a soft red short sleeve top with matching skirt that went pass her knees. She and Julie were sitting alone, watching everyone mingle and dance.
“Why you say that?” Samantha asked back, curiously.
“We’re the only two here not doing anything. Dad and your mom are chatting with the others, Will’s with Alicia, Melissa’s trying to take over the DJ position and Lennie’s hanging with Jim. And I feel like I’m a wedding crasher here. I hardly know anyone here, aside from a few select people we didn’t meet until Ryan and Colin’s wedding,” Julie groaned, slumping slightly in her chair. “Its times like this I wish I could actually drink some alcohol without fears of how it’ll affect me.” Julie stated, resting her chin on her fists as she leaned forward.
“So I guess you’re either a designated driver or too young to drink?” A voice asked from behind the two young women, startling them and nearly making Samantha spill her glass of iced tea. The two women looked up at the owner of the voice. Julie blinked in surprise, and then smiled when she saw who it was.
“I don’t want to find out I’m a violent or stupid drunk or just find out that I’ve got a low tolerance for the stuff, er, Julian, right?” Julie replied with a sigh, picking up her glass of water. Julian nodded, walking around to face the two.
“Yes it is. There are some things I’m wondering, though - Julie and Samantha, correct?” Julian asked, pointing at the two women.
“What do you want to know?” Samantha asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You two were there during that whole ‘Lolita abduction fight’ that happened last year, right? Paul explained to me what happened, but…,” Julian frowned, grabbing a nearby chair and sitting down on it. “You were there when Tony… Tony saved Paul’s life back there. What happened there? Paul just said he saved his life and that Lolita was shot.” He went on, crossing his legs while sitting. Samantha looked at her friend, who looked down in silence.
“Julie was there when… when that happened, Julian. She knows more about it than me.” Samantha replied, still looking at Julie. Julian turned to face the brunette, who finally began to speak.
“It… I still have the occasional nightmare about it, but… it’s not as bad as it was after it happened.” Julie began, removing her glasses to rub the bridge on her nose in tension. Julian leaned towards the two young women, resting his arms on his knees.
“Tell me.” Julian stated, seriously. Julie took a deep breath before putting back on her glasses.
“Well, it was Paul, me, Jeff, Alicia, and Lennie - Melissa’s father, he’s the older looking blonde walking with a slight limp - together in a group. A guard had caused us to get separated from Lennie, so we were left wandering the halls, trying to find where Lolita was…” Julie began, brushing some strands of hair out of her eyes.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
“So how long have you been… ill?” Jim asked the man sitting across from him.
“A few years, ever since Alexandra died. I began to notice it a few months after her death.” Lennie replied. The two men had quickly became friends due to their shared illness and Lennie had just told Jim that they were the same.
“How bad has it gotten?”
“It’s been getting harder to walk for long periods of time, so much that I’m probably going to be needing a cane in a year or less. Melissa and a couple of my co-workers already know.” Lennie turned slightly in his chair, watching Melissa dance on the dance floor. She was with Neil and Lee, Alicia joining them as Lennie watched. “She was heartbroken about it when I told her a few months ago. I’m afraid of telling her sister, Christine, though.” Lennie went on sadly.
“Why?” Jim asked, raising an eyebrow.
“She… she hasn’t been the same since Alexandra died. She shut herself off from us, focused on her studies and became a nurse. I guess to make sure that no one else suffered like she did. Melissa’s been doing great, trying to break her out of her shell, but… when Christine finds out about this, I’m afraid of how it’ll affect her.” Lennie went on, still watching his youngest dance on the floor.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
“Are you… happy, Paul?”
Paul was caught off-guard by that question but not by the words, but due to who had asked it: Caroline Quentin, his first wife. Caroline was indeed invited to the party since Paul and she had still remained friends, even after separating, and the two had been talking pleasantly.
“Happy… Yes, I think I am. I mean, I haven’t been this happy since…” Paul sighed, looking down at the glass of champagne in his hands.
“…Since Sarah?” Caroline finished. Paul nodded slightly. “Did she... know?” Caroline asked, taking a drink from her drink.
“About how I felt about Tony? She did, but she understood… and she still loved me. I wish I had told you sooner about what happened back then-.” Paul replied, then began to apologize.
“Don’t. I had a feeling something happened back there, but that was years ago. We’ve all changed, all grown, Paul, and I’m very glad you re-found happiness.” Caroline cut him off, placing a comforting hand overtop his. Paul stared at the woman for a few silent seconds before smiling.
“Thanks…, Rabbit Eyes.” Paul said, calling Caroline an old joking nickname from back when they were together.
“Not a problem, Donkey Dick.” Caroline smiled back, playfully punching Paul in the arm. Paul chuckled and gave the woman a hug. Even if they weren’t together romantically anymore, friendship still remains.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
“Enjoying yourself, Will?” Alicia asked, stepping off the dance floor and walking over to the tall young man.
“Sorta. I feel even more awkward than at Ryan and Colin’s. At least there I knew some of the people I could talk to. Here: I don’t know more than half of these people.” Will replied with a sigh. Alicia scanned the room and noticed Julie, who had joined up with Melissa, talking with Ian Hislop, his wife, and Bill Bailey.
“Your sister and Melissa sure are making friends, though.” Alicia noted, pointing at the two women in question.
“That’s because Julie and Melissa know Paul and Tony more than any of us. Well, at least what they know, they’ve learned from the internet and you know how accurate that can be.” Will replied, a smirk on his face while saying the last words. Alicia laughed gently, making Will blush. Alicia noticed the young man’s reaction and began to blush as well.
“So…, what do we do?” Alicia asked shyly.
“About what?” Will asked, not really sure what she was saying.
“About… us?” Alicia replied, gesturing between her and Will. Will blushed more.
“Oh… that.” Will whispered, looking down shyly.
“Yeah. That. Will, you know there’s something going on between us.” Alicia went on.
“Alicia, we’re from two different worlds. Hell, we live in two different time zones!” Will replied in exasperation.
“Don’t you think I know that? Ryan and Colin came from two different worlds, so did your parents, and look at them! Will, how are we going to deal with this?” Alicia shot back in anger, then asking with sadness in her voice. Will sighed, leaning back in his chair.
“I don’t know…” Will replied, honestly. Alicia nodded before taking a seat next to Will. They stayed silent and still for several seconds before Alicia leaned to her side and rested her head on his right shoulder.
Will didn’t tell her to move. He just sighed and tilted his head so it rested against hers as the two watched everyone dance.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
Samantha sighed as she walked up the stairs, cursing to herself. The downstairs bathroom was already occupied - and probably would still be for a few more minutes judging from the way Josie exclaimed from inside, followed by whom probably was Richard adding in a few choice groans and moan - so all that was left was the upstairs one.
As she walked pass the guest room, she heard something that made her stop in her tracks. Moaning. She backpedalled until she stood in front of the door of the room in question, staring at it in confusion. The moaning came again, and Samantha recognized it instantly.
“Mr. Fry?” she whispered, walking to the door cautiously. Slowly and as silently as possible, she opened the door slightly and peaked in…
…and as swiftly as she had opened it, closed the door, blushing beat red.
“That was something… I didn’t want to and expect to see.” Samantha exclaimed in shock as she leaned against the now closed door.
“Huh, see what, Sammie?” Alicia asked, walking up to the younger woman. Samantha ran a hand through her short black hair.
“Ever walk in on your parents doing the mattress mambo?” Samantha asked.
“Ugh, no!” Alicia shook her head with a grimace.
“Well, guess who I just saw in there doing just that?” Samantha went on.
“Richard and Josie?” Alicia asked, wincing in disgust.
“No, they’re using the downstairs bathroom.” Samantha replied casually.
“Hm, no wonder there’s a line down there,” Alicia muttered to herself, “So who’s in there?” She then asked, pointing at the door Samantha was leaning against.
“Jeeves and Wooster.” Samantha replied, stating the names in a subtle manner. Alicia blinked several times, not really understanding the subtlety. Then she realized who the aliases belonged to and paled.
“You… saw… Stephen and Hugh … do the frontal lobe tango?” Alicia asked, saying each word slowly as she comprehended what she heard. Samantha nodded, still blushing softly. Alicia smiled slightly. “So, they’re together now?” she mused, putting a hand to her chin in a thoughtful manner.
“Sure looks and sounds like it.” Samantha nodded, blushing as she remembered what she had just saw. Alicia walked over to the opposite wall and leaned against it, still in shock, but it was slowly fading away.
“This is incredible.” She whispered in awe. She then began to blush as she then asked something that made Samantha blush harder. “Did- did you, erm, see who was on top?”
“ALICIA, REALLY! That’s gross!” Samantha exclaimed, her face beat red in embarrassment.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
“Alright, you two, you better tell us what you’re planning. I’ve been trying to get Col to spill, but he’s not giving me anything.” Ryan asked Paul and Tony, having dragged the two, with Colin following close behind, towards a private area in Paul’s backyard.
“Can’t this wait until after the honeymoon?” Paul groaned, rubbing the back of his aching neck, which was sore from all the hugs he’d been getting from the guests. Ryan glared at the brunet, giving his answer. Paul sighed, then looked at his new husband, mentally asking him what they should do now.
“We have no other choice, love. We have to tell him.” Tony stated with a sigh.
“Well…?” Ryan asked, crossing his arms. Tony and Paul turned to face Ryan and Colin.
“Well, that… experiment you and Colin went through is being tested by experts and, erm, if it goes alright, it… it might, might, be made legal for anyone who wants it.” Tony began, rather nervously.
“What?!” Ryan snapped, making Tony and Paul wince in response. “They want to make what Col and I went through a legal medical procedure? Who in their right mind would want to go through that!? It nearly killed Col and me!” Ryan went on, annoyed. Tony looked down, rubbing the back of his neck in apprehension and Paul began to find the overhead branches of a nearby tree quite fascinating. Colin sighed, shaking his head as Ryan began to realize what was going on.
“Don’t tell me…” Ryan began, shaking his head in disbelief.
“What if we are, Ryan? What if we are considering going through with it?” Paul asked, glaring at the tall, thin man.
“Paul…” Tony said softly, touching Paul’s shoulder to calm him down. Paul looked down at Tony, then he felt his anger subsiding for now. Ryan’s eyes widen.
“You… you ARE serious?!” Ryan whispered in shock. The two men in question nodded. “Do you two have any idea what you’re getting into?” Ryan asked seriously.
“We’re well aware of it and what it nearly did to you, but let me remind you, Ryan, about something. The two of you went through a sped up version of it, while we are going to go through it at a normal rate. This is going to last the full nine months, not nine days.” Tony noted, also equally serious. Ryan was still frowning.
“Ry,” Colin began, taking Ryan’s hand into his own, “it’s their decision, not ours. They want a baby; let them do it the way they want.” Colin told his partner. Ryan turned to face Colin, staring deep into his chocolate brown eyes. Ryan was silent, as was Colin, what they didn’t say being conveyed by the deep stare they shared.
Finally, after several seconds of silence, Ryan sighed and turned to face Tony and Paul. “If you guys are really serious about this, then let me warn you about one thing.” Ryan began, still serious.
“What?” Tony and Paul asked at the same time.
“Be ready for a roller coaster of emotions, insanity, and… a shit load of joy.” Ryan smiled. Paul let out a sigh of relief while Tony grinned and pulled the taller man into a giant bear hug, almost lifting Ryan off the ground.
Watching from a short distance, three young women looked on in shock, disbelief, and worry, for they had accidentally overheard the conversation.
“They’re actually going to go through with this?” Melissa whispered in shock.
“I know there are people wanting this, but I never expect Paul and Tony to be ones wanting to go through with that!” Julie nodded in agreement, equally shocked by what she heard.
“You think they’re going a little too fast here? I mean, they just got together last year in December, now they’re going to do this?” Samantha wondered.
“They’re adults, girls. They can make their own decisions.” Alicia replied, standing behind the three younger women, her hands on her hips. The three girls froze in fear as they turned to face the older woman.
“Shit.” Melissa whispered bluntly.
“You’re gonna bust us, ‘Licia?” Julie asked nervously. Alicia shook her head ‘no’.
“Not this time, girls, because if you remember, I told you three about the possibilities of that operation being made available.” Alicia replied with a smile. Julie turned back to watch the two couples talking.
“But this is a huge step for them…” Julie whispered, worriedly.
“They’ll be fine, Jewel.” Melissa remarked with a grin, calling Julie by her internet nickname. Julie nodded slightly before turning away, forcing a smile.
“Y-yeah. I mean, they’ve been through worse, right?” Julie said.
“Sure they have.” Samantha smiled weakly, looking at Alicia, who just smiled wearily. Melissa, however, was the only one smiling naturally.
“Come on; let’s show off some of our awesome dancing!” Melissa grinned, grabbing Julie’s hand and began to drag her to the dance floor.
“No-no-no-no-NO!! You know I can’t dance!” Julie exclaimed as Melissa pulled her to the centre of the floor.
“Oh yes you can!” Melissa laughed as the song changed from “We Belong” by Pat Benetar to, much to the chagrin of some people, “Beat It” by Michael Jackson.
“Oh no, not Michael Jackson…” Samantha groaned, burying her face in her hands.
“Why, what’s wrong?” Alicia asked, curious. Samantha lowered her hands and turned to face the older woman.
“Melissa is a giant Michael Jackson fan, among other things.” Samantha replied, pointing to Melissa, who began to dance like the “Gloved One” with Julie dancing, a bit awkwardly, next to her.
“And Julie?”
“She tolerates him, mostly because of his music and his dance moves.” Samantha sighed, watching her two friends dance.
Meanwhile, Paul, Tony, Ryan, and Colin saw the two girls dancing and began to watch.
“Think we should save the kid?” Tony wondered out loud.
“Nah, looks like she’s having fun.” Colin shook his head.
“And probably planning to hand down swift revenge on the flirt once this is over.” Paul smirked.
“Wouldn’t surprise me.” Ryan grinned. The four men shared a laugh as they heard Melissa loudly singing along to the music while dancing with Julie, who had a seriously annoyed look in her eyes, despite the smile on her face.
Tony felt a hand take his own, startling him. He turned to see Paul, the owner of the mysterious hand, a soft, but noticeable smile on his face. Tony smiled widely and leaned against his lover, watching their two friends dance. He couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them…
And for them to start their new lives together in the next several months.
Next part to come as soon as I can post it. Still worknig on the last several chapters at the moment, so don't expect a lot at a time.