A night in Tuscany was a beautiful yet unexpected theme to have for the Kade-Gomez wedding.

Sheer ceiling drapes dangled over twinkling fairy lights. The long pieces of fabric surrounded an eye-catching chandelier made of clear gems. Egg shaped bulbs had been dimmed to engulf the room in a cozy faint yellow. It aided in encapsulating a relaxed, intimate feel within the confines of the reception area.

Wooden barn walls were covered in fake garlands and dark leaves, additional sets of hidden fairy lights making it seem like fireflies were sitting in thick trees. Artificial plant life wove along the walls until reaching the front doors. A closed entrance had a red carpet leading into the room, rectangular shaped tables placed on either side.

They were decorated with dark brown cloths and yellow runners which ran down the length of the entire surface. Porcelain plates of differing sizes were set in front of each seat. As were groups of silver utensils and champagne flutes. A tiny palm sized menu sat in the middle of the top plate to reveal the evening's Italian inspired dishes. Tall clear vases housed red geraniums that had actually been imported from Tuscany.

The flowers themselves symbolized passion and intensity—a nice touch both visually and emotionally.

The bridal table sat at the very back of the room at the end of the red carpet. A large booth made of dark fabric sat behind a plexiglass table. Dual settings mimicked that of everyone else; but instead of a centerpiece of geraniums, there were small wooden letters spelling out Mrs. and Mrs.

Since the wedding itself had just ended, neither of the brides were in the room yet. Guests were patiently waiting for the two, and their wedding party, to come inside.

Alessandro could see everything through a small crevice in between the set of doors. He was fiddling with his tie out of slight nervousness.

His outfit mirrored surrounding bridal party members by including all burgundy attire. Suits and dresses were of differing designs, but everyone was wearing the same shade of deep red. It made the brides' dresses seem that much more conspicuous.

Lance stood close by as the two were partners for the evening. It took every single ounce of self control to not ogle at the way his suit hugged his body; or how long black hair framed the contours of his face and made his smile even more radiant.

He most likely wouldn't notice any staring though, since he was talking to Mina and Angelika.

Alessandro was left to his own devices, but he didn't mind. It gave him a moment to reel himself back in. It also gave him some time to sit in silence like he wanted to.

He was more than happy to be here—and as a guest of honor, no less. But being in such a substantial position was deemed uncomfortable since he didn't know anyone inside. Most of the evening's guests were made up of Mina's immediate and extended family, a select few members of Angelika's extended family, and their shared group of friends.

All strangers to Alessandro.

Being around large crowds of people he didn't know made him a little anxious. He didn't want to slip on the facade of Mr. Bale just for the sake of mingling. Unfortunately, there was quite a real possibility that he'd have to if nerves continued to get the better of him.

Intrusive thoughts halted, however, at the sensation of fingers against his chest.

Green eyes moved downward to watch as Lance carefully straightened out Alessandro's tie. The fabric of his blazer was smoothed over with delicate hands. They gently slipped right into his own.

Anxiety began staving off in waves at the calming touch.

"You doing okay, big guy?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Just a little in my head is all."

"I'm here if you need me."

A neutral expression softened. "I know."

They smiled fondly at each other.

Alessandro didn't bother trying to hide his blush. Nor did he ignore pleasant warmth pooling deep in his chest, the feeling slowly moving down to his stomach as well.

Fingers were interlaced as the DJ's voice could be picked up from inside.

One by one, couples walked into the reception room. Cheerful applause could be heard from all corners. A well known pop song was playing to get people amped up. Excitement continued to climb with every passing second.

The warm hand holding onto Alessandro's was grounding. It helped to quell his nervous jitters; enough for them to be manageable, at least.

The DJ's voice cut in again when it was their turn to walk. "And now, we have two very special guests. Our last two bridesmen and Angelika's guests of honor: Lance and Alessandro!"

The couple entered the reception area at the call of their names. Friendly smiles were flashed at a female photographer standing near the walkway. She gave a thumbs up after taking their picture.

Instead of just walking, Lance and Alessandro did little dances while getting to their designated spot. Their movements received a series of hollers and some laughter. They continued to stand close as Angelika and Mina walked in.

Both women mirrored each other in looks.

Straightened hair was pulled into long braids dangling over their shoulders. Bouquets of differing geraniums were held in opposing hands. Off-shoulder wedding dresses stopped right below the knee, revealing matching pairs of lace skateboard shoes. Clear gems fell from white-golden earrings and necklaces. Engagement rings sat triumphantly atop sleek wedding bands. Bright, dazzling smiles grew with each step taken forward.

Members of the bridal party settled at designated tables next to the brides'. Everyone remained seated to watch the couple's first dance.

Slow guitar was backed by melodic accordion. The instrumental tune further encapsulated the night in Tuscany theme.

Angelika and Mina set down their bouquets. They gazed longingly into each other's eyes while giggling quietly together. Clumsy feet took them in small circles. Swaying was kept in time with slow paced music. More pictures and videos were taken by other people, but it didn't ruin their little moment.

If anything, Angelika and Mina didn't notice the quick flashes of cameras since they were more preoccupied with their first dance as a married couple.

"She looks so happy," Lance noted. "They both do. I'm glad. It's good that they're not too bothered about my parents not showing up."

"We'll have more fun without them," Alessandro said.

"...Is it bad that part of me was hoping they'd still be here? Not really for me, but for my sister."

"I don't think so. At the end of the day, things like weddings are supposed to bring families together. They decided to distance themselves for their own reasons. I may not like them, but even I can admit that it's unfortunate. I know you care about your parents to an extent- even if you won't say so out loud. And I know them not being here is disappointing. You're not wrong in feeling what you are."

A quiet hum was given in response. "At least you're here. It- it means a lot. To me and my sister."

Alessandro offered a tender grin. "Well, I don't plan on going anywhere. So you're stuck with me for awhile."

Lance hid a portion of his growing smile behind his hand. He turned toward a wall and scratched the back of his head. Pink could be seen tinting his cheeks when he brought his attention back to the dance floor.

More jovial applause broke out once the song concluded. Angelika and Mina finished off their dance with a soft kiss. They hugged, peppering each other's cheeks with delicate pecks as well. 

A slow tune switched to thumping beats. The brides began their long quest in welcoming everyone to the party.

Multiple people got up to dance without question. With the reception now being in full swing, other partygoers started congregating toward the open bar for drinks. Lance got up to do so as well with the promise of returning shortly.

Alessandro silently watched the sea of dancing people a few yards away.

Radiant smiles and boisterous laughter made rounds throughout the exuberant group. Relatives from both sides were partying together with glee.

Considering it was most likely the first time a lot of these people were meeting each other, it was nice to see them getting along so well—that a bunch of strangers connected without issue as they took up the title of newly joined family members.

The fact that he was technically part of the established group was enjoyable. A sense of euphoria blossomed at the thought.

The feeling stayed when slender arms wrapped around him from behind. His reaction to the gesture was surprising since the hug wasn't given by Lance. A familiar scent of perfume hinted at who was giving the embrace though, and Alessandro was just as happy to receive it from her.

"Thanks for being here, Ale." Angelika tightened her arms slightly.

"It's my pleasure," he responded. "Where's Mina?"

"Stopped by the bathroom real quick to fix her makeup with her mom. Which is good. Because that gives us a chance to talk in private."

"Um... about what?"

"Nothing bad, don't worry." She laughed. "I just wanted to thank you. After everything that's gone on with Lance and our parents- and how you took him into your home when he didn't have anywhere else to go- I know things have been pretty hectic for him. I at least have Mina and her- well, now our- family. Lance doesn't really have other people like that since he's not close to anyone else in our family. So- I guess what I'm trying to say is that I appreciate you being here for him. And I appreciate you standing up for all of us after the shit show that happened with our folks."

Alessandro honestly didn't expect to hear any of that from Angelika. He wasn't aware that she knew about all of the chaotic events that transpired. Then again, the Kade siblings had always been close. It wasn't farfetched to imagine Lance opening up to his sister as a means of venting to someone who would understand his struggles firsthand.

"It's their loss, really. You and Mina deserve to be happy together. And so does Lance. I know him and I have to work through some things ourselves, but I'm glad to be able to give him the help that he needs. To be the friend that he needs."

Angelika tilted her head in genuine curiosity. "Just friends?"

"Yes..? Why do you ask?"

"Oh- I'm sorry, I guess I just assumed. You guys seem closer. And, well, just seeing how you look at each other."

That piqued Alessandro's interest. "How... we look at each other..?"

"Y'know, soft eyes, little smiles, things like that."

"...Lance and I- we aren't- it isn't like that."

She offered a nod in understanding. "Well, regardless. It's good to know that my stubborn ass little brother has someone he can rely on. It's also nice that it's someone who genuinely cares about him too."

"Lance deserves it. He's been through a lot. I just want to make things easier for him."

"You really are a sweetheart, Ale." Angelika leaned in a little closer. "...And for what it's worth, if you and Lance ever do get together, I support you guys one hundred percent."

Alessandro was unsure of how to respond.

As tantalizing as the thought was, he was afraid to imagine their relationship in that sense. He'd love it, of course; but he still didn't think it was something within reach. Those specific concerns weren't voiced though. Instead, a false grin was flashed in appreciation.

It was a bit heartbreaking to know the feigned emotion was still taken as something believable.

"You better not be harassing him, Ang." Lance reappeared with two drinks in hand.

"I'm not. Have some more faith in me," she teased. "You're lucky I just saw Mina come back in. If she hadn't, I'd stay here just to annoy you."

"Knowing you, you guys will probably start doing so together. And from today onward, my life is going to consist of both of you driving me insane for your own amusement."

"...Yeah, probably."

Angelika giggled before walking away to rejoin her wife.

Narrowing his eyes, Lance watched his sister's retreating form while sitting down. Both glasses were set atop the table. "She wasn't bothering you, was she?"

"Not at all. It's always nice talking to your sister."

"Kiss ass."

Alessandro laughed, any lingering discomfort completely melting away. He accepted a vodka cranberry with a quick thanks.

The drink was more juice than it was alcohol, so the sharp kick that danced on his tongue was minuscule. The delectable taste partially held his attention. The rest was on Lance as he tilted his head back to take a swig of his own beverage.

He was slow with his actions because he wanted to savor the flavor.

Ice cubes clinked together with each small movement. They slid upward toward the rim of a tall glass when it was held against his lips. Moldable cheeks hollowed before filling out again. A pronounced Adam's apple bobbed up and down alongside a satisfying gulp.

When the glass was pulled away, the tip of his tongue dragged along the lower lip to wipe away any lingering juice. Bluish gray eyes met green ones. Lance smirked, knowing that he was being watched the entire time. He shot a quick wink to the other male and continued to take more sips.

So that was how tonight was going to pan out, huh? Cool. Two could play that game.

Alessandro pretended like he didn't know what was going on. He simply flashed a bright grin to the openly flirtatious gesture. His own glass was brought back up to his lips. While doing so, a foot lightly kicked one of the legs of Lance's chair. The action caused him to sputter, and a droplet of juice fell from the corner of his mouth.

"Oh, silly me." Alessandro chuckled, his hand splayed over his chest. "Let me help you with that."

He took the reins by leaning forward. As most of the attention in the room was on the dance floor, no one else noticed his daring gesture of sweeping up the small dollop with his own tongue. The tip of it grazed the edge of the other male's lips.

Alessandro relished in the surprised expression his actions caused. He shifted his weight again, so he was leaning closer to Lance's face.

It was immediately noticed how his skin felt warm, and his ear started turning red. A teasing breath against the sensitive area made the color change even more apparent.

"Yummy."

And just like that, Alessandro moved back into his own chair like nothing happened.

The timing was appropriate too because a female waitstaff member approached the table. She asked about what selections he'd like for his dinner order.

The evening's menu consisted of dishes from Tuscany to further immerse the theme. Fortunately, they were all meals he'd had before that his family members used to make back in the day.

Smiling, he selected the fish stew, a salad, and a helping of Ragu Toscano over ricotta stuffed ravioli. Tastes that really captured home to him.

Lance was still dazed from what just happened, so Alessandro answered for his date since he knew what the other male wanted. An order was placed for steak, a creamy soup, and another portion of Ragu Toscano over ricotta stuffed ravioli.

The friendly woman nodded her head in understanding after writing everything down. She continued onto the next table with a polite wave.

Lance finally came back down to Earth with a quick shake of his head. Vibrant red dusted his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. He snickered in response to a large, goofy grin thrown his way.

"So" —Alessandro glanced toward the group of hyperactive bodies— "want to dance?"

*

Dinner plates were being collected by waitstaff when the DJ made the announcement for the bouquet toss. Since there were two brides, dual sets of handheld floral arrangements were going to be thrown. Everyone was given the option to join in, regardless or gender. Because of that, Lance dragged Alessandro over to the dance floor to participate.

They took stances in the far left section of a growing crowd. It mostly consisted of women with a few other men joining in as well. A strong scent of perfume permeated the group. As did a more pungent aroma of faint alcohol. Giggling and hushed conversations could be heard throughout.

People who weren't participating in the bouquet toss were standing around the room with their phones and cameras ready to take pictures. The DJ was taking some time to eat his dinner now that he had a quick break. Mina and Angelika were seen talking to each other while standing side by side. Their backs were to the crowd that stood a short distance away. Both were taking turns testing out their throwing patterns to see what would be the best for tossing.

After getting the okay, Mina was the first to throw. She used both hands to toss the multicolored bouquet over her head. It soared through the air for a solid three seconds. Multiple sets of hands reached up to grab the floral arrangement. A few people even tried jumping to get more height.

Once it was close enough, Lance was hoisted up by his hips. He braced himself by placing one hand against Alessandro's opposite shoulder. The other hand shot out and successfully grabbed the bouquet.

Since the whole ordeal was done in good fun, everyone broke out into laughter and excited cheering. Mina clapped her hands together as she giggled. Lance cheered as well when he was set back down.

Once it was Angelika's turn, she threw her bouquet in a similar fashion. Her toss was a little too forceful though, and she accidentally clipped the bottom of the hanging chandelier. Dangling gems wrapped around the stems of her flowers. As they swung away from her, the jewels detangled themselves. They sent the bouquet flying to the left.

Green eyes locked onto the projectile just like they would a birdie in badminton. Focusing in such a way made it easier for large hands to dart out when necessary.

Alessandro jumped and managed to catch the flowers by their stems. He held them up like a prized trophy.

More cheering and applause broke out at the sight. Both bouquets were clinked together the way drinking glasses usually were during a celebratory toast.

The DJ took a break from eating to announce who exactly caught which bouquet. He asked for the two gentlemen to stay on the dance floor while everyone else returned to their seats. Both sets of flowers were set onto a side table. Cheeky snickers and cackles broke out when a slow tune started playing.

Since there wasn't a garter toss, it was common knowledge that whoever caught the brides' flowers were meant to dance together. Lance and Alessandro were being given the opportunity to not only have another intimate moment together, but it would be done in front of a large group of people.

Just the mere thought of doing so filled Alessandro's stomach with swarming bees.

He did his best to not let any reforming anxiety show on his face. The task was easier to do when smaller hands settled in his. Both sets squeezed each other, giving a nonverbal reminder that it was just them in that moment. Any onlookers weren't important.

Similarly to the song for the first dance, acoustic guitar cut in. This time though, it was backed by lyrics sung in English and Italian.

Surrounding lights were further dimmed to make the area feel more romantic. Any conversations that were going on were kept quiet to not interrupt the scene happening on the dance floor.

Lance was twirled before being pulled in by his hips. A single hand traveled upward and settled on his lower back. The gesture was reciprocated by both of his arms snaking around Alessandro's shoulders. They held each other close; only a mere few inches separating their faces.

Thumping hearts could be felt against their chests. Each exhale spread pleasant warmth across reddening cheeks. Gentle sways and steps were kept in time with a slow tempo.

The audience was completely forgotten about.

Musicality began to pick up. More and more instruments joined the acoustic guitar. A solo male singer was backed by another, and the romantic tune became a gorgeous duet.

Both sets of hands were grabbed again. Arms were pushed out, separating their bodies. The moment only lasted a few seconds as Lance was twirled a second time. When he came out of his spin, he was held firmly against Alessandro's chest.

A heated palm settled against the back of a long neck. Fingers ghosted near silky strands of wavy black hair. A similar gesture could be felt as he was pulled in as well. The position left the two with their foreheads resting against one another.

Alessandro forcefully willed himself to not lean forward for a kiss. He opted to start singing along to the music instead.

The soft smile given in return made his heart sing as well.