Makarovia! Yes, I Know Where That is! Sophomore Year - 40. Chapter 40

The Wedding

The crowd was now clapping, but Peter tapped the Olek's shoulder. “You forgot something.”

Olek looked puzzled. “No.” He thought a second. “I don't think so.”

Peter nodded. “Yes, you did.” He grabbed me and pulled me into a kiss that would melt iron.

“Oh,” Olek smiled. “As if you needed prompting for that? I didn't forget, we just haven't gotten around to it.”

“A more perfect wedding I couldn't have planned better.” Grandmother said proudly as she hugged me and Peter.

I laughed. “We came. We saw. We married.” She took my left hand and looked at the ring there. “Yes, we really did marry just now. This almost seems anticlimactic.”

Grandmother nodded hugging me more. “Like Christmas morning. He'd delay opening the presents as long as he could...”

“I did!” I agreed. “It was just so...delightfully agonizing.”

“He enjoyed the anticipation.”

“When it was over, it was over!” I reminded them. “I hate that.”

“Once he held out until 8pm!” Grandmother explained further. “Finally, I had to say it was time or we put it off until the following year.”

“Just that one time.” I argued as Grandmother squeezed our cheeks together.

“He has a lot of impulse control.” Grandmother nodded still hugging me.

“So,” Drew said. “I have to bow or something?” He asked grinning.

“Do you have to now?” I asked.

“Nah,” Drew said.

“And there's your answer.” I grinned. It was all in good fun.

Yuri and Boris came up.

“Your Highness.” They said together and bowed.

“Knock it off.” I grumbled.

“Yes, Your Highness.” They again answered together with a bow.

I squinted an eye at them. “It's a good thing I love both of you. That doesn't mean you will be spared the rack.”

Yuri looked at Boris and thought. “Is there a rack? I couldn't begin to guess where it is.”

“We' ll build one!” I said. “I'm sure there is one on file.” I waved at the thought. “I saw one when looking things up like the torture fork. We can revive that, too.”

Yuri nodded slightly. “You were looking that up, why?”

“To know.”

“Uh, huh.” Yuri said with his eyebrows coming together as he tried to figure it out. “I see.”

“And we're not moving again, are we?” I asked Olek.

Olek shook his head. “No.” His head looked inquisitive. “Why?”

“Just making sure, Mr. Ivanov.” I waved my fingers in that gimme motion.

Olek chuckled. “Okay, Mr. Ivanaov. Still want to kick the tires to see, Mr. Ivanov? It's yours whether you like it or not.”

“It's good thing I do like it.” I pointed out. “Eric Ivanov.” I shook my head. “Still, it's alien enough. I need to get used to it.”

Olek nodded. “And we're happy to oblige!” He looked beyond me. “Your public awaits!” He waved at the camera.

I turned and bowed grandly at all of who I knew were gathered on the streets, taverns and the Grotto. “Thank you for your continued support. I feel humbled by it and will prove myself daily.” I turned like I was going somewhere and turned back pointing a twitching finger. “No take backs!” I winked at them.

The transformation of the ballroom from wedding mode to reception was to me seamless. I knew it wasn't, but done well. I then saw why. Boris was the reason. Various men and women came to consult Boris about whatever, which Boris directed. He knew his craft!

I came up behind Boris. “You know, you don't have to do this.”

Boris grinned with a nod. “I do, if I want it done correctly.”

I pulled him to kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you, Boris.”

The reception line. Congratulations and best wishes given. Grudgingly by some like from countries in or near India. They were here and wanted a portion of what we had they would have to. Politics.

I'm sorry to admit, the British Empire didn't send anyone but General Hammond and Troops. That was enough. I saw the King and Queen of Sweden was there, the King and Queen of Spain and the King of France! He didn't have a wife, yet. Only, he wasn't a king, but a Duke. Same thing. He was young and good looking! He had time. I sensed the King and Queen of Sweden was here to be seen. The King and Queen of Spain were enjoying themselves and Duke Louis VI was having fun! King Felipe of Spain was very tall! Six feet and six inches I am told. A good looking man, just...tall. A foot taller than his poor wife. I wondered if she had neck strain to kiss him. I didn't know their rules concerning public displays. Queen Letizia was a CNN anchor Television Española before Felipe. And get this, she was married before Felipe! Yes! She was his first and only wife. He was her second husband. I would remind Olek of that soon. (Sarcasm again.) Oh, the very scandal!

Then Peter and I were told it was time for the first waltz. We were prepared for this. This time, I knew the piece, a soft waltz by Chopin. Marriage d'Amour. It was beautiful! A circle of people told where we were to dance. As that haunting piano begun, we clasped hands and waists and began to move slowly. His gaze was fixed on me. Mine was on him. Were there others here? They sort of got overshadowed by him. He was taller, so he began to lead and we switched back and forth seamlessly. That took practice.

“I'm saying it again.” Peter said softly. “I love you.”

I smiled. “Never stop.” I said back. “I love you.”

“I know.” Peter said kissing me.

Not all was like that. When the Weather Girls began to sing “It's Raining Men” Wayne, Drew, Boris, Yuri and other guys got out there and we had a sort dance we all tried to get. It was pretty much every gay man in the world's song! It was almost like a line dance we all agreed on! It was fun! Boris could dance! And Yuri...well, he tried. He wasn't bad, just not comfortable with himself dancing. I gave him an A plus for trying.

A reception for hundreds was gotten and set out. After dancing with Grandmother she waved to our table.

“Let's sit this one out.” Grandmother suggested with a sigh to regulate her breath.

We went to the table where Yuri was speaking with Olek and suddenly stopped. It's like a neon light on Yuri's face!

I tensed. “Come on, Yuri. Do you think I can't read you?” I asked sitting down. “Is it bad?”

Yuri nodded waving at me and said to Olek. “See? He just knows. I can't keep anything from either of them.”

Olek nodded. “It isn't good.” He sighed. “They tried to make good the threat about the missile. It was launched in Northern Iraq. Near the town of Dahuk.” He shook his head. “We're still here, so...it went down over North Eastern Turkey. The town of Artvin was hit. There are quite a few deaths.”

I nodded. “That's terrible. They missed the target.”

“The Levant or the ISL are saying it's our fault.” Yuri explained further.

My eyes widened. “How the Hell did we do that!? They came up with the missile, they aimed it at us and they fired it. Just because they missed, they can't possibly explain that to a rational world.”

Olek nodded and pointed at me. “Exactly, but we're not necessary talking about the rational world, are we?”

“What does Yasin tell you?” I asked as both of their eyebrows rose in surprise. “What?” I asked. “I see a man from the Middle East here? I'm not going to speak to him? He sort of stands out.”

Olek nodded slowly. “Okay. He said the ISL, or the Islamic State of Islam, the Levant, is well funded. They just lack know how.”

“Aren't they still fighting among themselves?” I asked.

“Yes,” Yuri nodded. “This was an attempt to extinguish any competitor.”

“But they missed.” I added.

“Missed or it was brought down,” Yuri said. “We don't know.”

“Or the Consortium.” I suggested. “If they did hit us. We could lose you, Olek, Peter, Me, Mom...even with England and the US forces here, there would be a gap in the hierarchy. A gap I'm sure the Consortium would love to help with.”

Yuri stood up straighter. “He's right. Until they investigate, we won't know.” Then Yuri frowned. “And there's a change.”

“Oh?” I asked. “I'm still married to Peter.”

Yuri chuckled. “You certainly are.” He looked up. “Here comes Peter now.” He waited for Peter to sit. “Your trip to Tel Aviv has been canceled.”

“What? Why?” Peter asked.

Yuri was waving his hands down to stop the questions. “I'm telling you.” He sighed. “It was leaked...not by us,” he clarified, “but by a woman at their travel service as to when and where. Instead, you two will fly to Venice, Italy tonight. From there you will have use of a yacht. It's in Boris' and my names.” He smiled. “Tour Venice a day or two, but stay on the yacht.” He said firmly. “My suggestion is go down to Greece. The choice is yours. We're very welcome there.”

“We are?” Peter smiled at that.

“Hell, yeah.” Yuri nodded. “Most of their gods were bisexual or gay.”

“You're making that up.” I accused.

“I am not!” Yuri said. “Poseidon, Eros, Apollo, Pan just to name a few. And those were the men! Aphrodite and Artemis...” He waved his hands. “Hell, Zeus even had an affairs with guys! He began paiderastia where Greek men had sex with post adolescent boys!”

Peter and I were chuckling. “Okay, okay. Why do we have to travel to Venice.” Peter said.

“Because that's where the yacht is berthed and is being stocked now.” Yuri looked a little sheepish. “That's why I said to tour Venice a day or two to give them time.”

“And it will give your older brother a chance to relax knowing your safe.” Olek grinned. Then he sprang up. “And you...” he pointed at me, “owe me a dance!”

“I do?” I grinned and nodded. “I do.” The music went to a slow song, but Olek grabbed me up and swung me around. I let him lead. It's what he knew how to do.

“I knew, after you opened that door to that hotel room right before the dinner at the White House, I'd be seeing you a lot.” Olek confessed.

“You did?” I chuckled. “Any other clairvoyant glimpses you'd like to share?”

Olek looked smug. “Laugh if you want. I tell you, I did. I got this chill up my spine. I swear it. I just knew things were going to change from that moment on.” He grinned. “I have to say, I've not seen my brother this happy. Thank you.” He said sincerely.

“I will strive to always do that. He makes me happy.”

The song was ending. Olek got a tap on the shoulder. Turning Olek saw Drew. Olek held his hands up to lead Drew.

Drew chuckled. “Not that I wouldn't love to, I will, but can I get one in with Prince Eric?”

“Always a bridesmaid and never the bride.” Olek smiled and waved both hands at me. “He's yours through the next song.”

I held my hands out and held his out, completely opposite of each other. I chuckled. “You lead.”

Drew snickered. “You sort of will want me to do that. When I let Wayne lead...let's just say your toes will appreciate it.”

We had some wild songs, but now the mood just seemed to call for a lot of slow songs. The truth was, most of these guests were older and night club music just wasn't...dignified.

“I have to say,” Drew began. “The day you called me to cover that Proposal was the beginning of the best year for me.” He raised a hand to caution me. “I wrote about that, now I will tell you, I want to tell the rest. This has got to be the most romantic relationship ever! Gay or straight. You can practically touch it, it's so real.”

I smiled at that. “You and Wayne have that, too.”

Drew nodded. “We do, but...” he was flustered for a word. “We've been together for so long. I'm not complaining. Wayne's a great man. I love him to death. He knows me so well and I know him.”

I chuckled. “One day, I want to say the same about Peter.” I shook my head. “You're looking at it from the wrong perspective. You see Peter and me in the newness of our relationship. I see that calm familiarity in yours. I want that.” I patted his back. “I chose you because of your stance with gay and lesbian...all that fay, fag and fairy shit.” He laughed at that. “You told the truth and I knew you'd be outspoken about it. I wasn't wrong.”

“I convey truth.” Drew claimed. “I reported what I saw. I thank you for trusting me to do that.”

“Well,” I sought a word myself. “Thank you for being trustworthy.”

“Are we going to keep going with this?” Drew asked. “Like those two gophers in those Looney Tunes?”

“Tosh and Mac!?” I said happily. “The Goofy Gophers! I love them.”

Drew's eyes widened. “They have names!?”

“Of course, they have names.” I shot back. “They're from your world!”

“My world?”

“They're British!” I said. “Robert Clampett was American, but Norm McCabe was British. Their names are for Macintosh.” I explained. “Mac in tosh?”

Drew looked at my head carefully. “Where do you put all this?”

I shrugged. “You remember what's important. I wanted to know, so I looked it up.” I bounced. “I can name all of the Seven Dwarfs and name all the reindeer that pull Santa's sleight.”

“I don't doubt it.” Drew threw his head back and laughed.

We were still moving, but noticed the music had stopped. The next song began and I pushed Drew away. “You need to find Wayne for this song and I need Peter."

“”Why?” Drew laughed.

I went over and grabbed Peter and drug him to the dance floor. “Because....” and I sang! Yes, I did in English. Using the words in Makarovian just didn't work. Remember those hoops? I could carry a tune. I would have done whatever I needed to do. “Isn't it romantic? Music in the night, a dream can be heard. Isn't it romantic? Moving shadows write the oldest magic word.” I watched Peter's smile grew. “I hear breezes playing in the trees above. While all of the world you meant to be loved.” I shrugged. “Ella did it better. Or Mel or Glenn Miller...”

Peter shook his head. “Not to me.” He said rolling me in his arm and the extended until we almost lost touch. He brought me in again as we continued to dance. “You mean it.”

I didn't care about anyone or anything but Peter. It was easy to be romantic with him. It could have been my imagination, but think I heard a few ladies sigh. Then they hit their husband or boyfriends for not doing things like this.

“I love you, Eric.”

“I know.” I said. “I love you.”

“I know.”