Episode 62: The Wedding (Before “Us”)

I don’t attend events.

This is known.

Respected.

Ignored—again.

“It’s quiet,” Mira promised.

“It’s small,” Lina added.

They lied.

Weddings are never small.

Even when they are.

I stand near the edge of the venue.

Shadow. Wall. Exit within reach.

Optimal positioning.

Black trench coat.

Mask. Gloves.

Chains. Boots.

Standard.

People stare.

Of course they do.

“…Is he security?” someone whispers.

“…No idea,” another replies.

…Acceptable misunderstanding.

Diana arrives shortly after.

Black blazer.

Leather skirt.

Presence.

The room adjusts around her.

It always does.

She finds me immediately.

Of course she does.

“You’re hiding,” she says.

“…I’m standing.”

“Semantics.”

She steps closer.

Not touching.

Just—there.

The noise dulls slightly.

“…This is inefficient,” I mutter.

“It is,” she agrees.

We stand in silence.

Together.

That’s when it becomes tolerable.

Her family approaches.

One by one.

Viktor nods.

“Good to see you.”

“…You as well.”

Minimal interaction.

Efficient.

Monica is not efficient.

She hugs me.

Again.

“…You’re pale,” she says.

“I’m always pale.”

She ignores that.

Diana watches.

Amused.

“…You could intervene,” I mutter.

“…Why would I?” she replies.

…Of course.

Malcolm stands nearby.

Silent.

“…This is a lot,” he says.

“…Yes.”

We stand in mutual understanding.

Across the room—

Lina and Mira are watching.

They’re smiling.

That’s not good.

“Look at them,” Lina whispers loudly.

“An icy queen and her quiet shadow,” Mira adds.

“…They’d be perfect,” Lina says.

“…They already act like it,” Mira replies.

I pretend not to hear.

Diana does hear.

Of course she does.

She says nothing.

But she steps closer.

Closer.

“…Ignore them,” she murmurs.

“…I am.”

“…Liar.”

The ceremony begins.

I remain still.

Silent.

Observing.

Diana sits beside me.

Not out of obligation.

By choice.

At one point—

Her hand brushes mine.

Not accidental.

I don’t move.

Neither does she.

And somehow—

That’s enough to make the entire event… manageable.

Later, as we leave—

“…You stayed,” she says.

“…I said I would.”

“…And you didn’t disappear.”

“…You were there.”

Pause.

“…Yes,” she says softly.

That’s the end of it.

But not really.