Troia & Alucard

It was 5:30pm on this joyous day, a day we already celebrate for many reasons. It was queer Christmas, aka Halloween. It was our two-year anniversary. And now, today, it was a wedding to celebrate the union of Alucard and Troia.

Night had already drawn in, and there was a biting chill in the air.

Most of the reception guests have descended on the happy couple, one after the other, arriving on foot and by taxi, and by bus.

We were the last to arrive.

Troia beamed and rushed over, arms wide, pulling Wally into a tight hug.

“You made it! You made it! Look at you both.”

“Look at you! You look stunning.”

“Oh, stop. Stop.”

Then Troia embraced me.

“Take the compliments.”

“Ugh, you sound like Tate. He said the same thing.”

“How was the ceremony?”

“Beautiful. Small. Just the wedding party.”

“Brilliant.”

“I know, right? So now can celebrate with everyone here.”

“Love what you’ve done with your hair.”

“Yeah? Thanks. You too. Wally showed me the bathroom images from the other night. Looked like you’d butchered a unicorn.”

“Oh, God. He sent you those?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“We tried your tip to clean the bathroom. It’s no longer aggressively pink.”

“Oh, wonderful. I’m glad it helped. We have a bath that is slightly pale blue. But the worst is out. Alucard? Alucard? Nope, looks like he’s busy talking to Hamilton.”

“How does it feel?”

“Still hasn’t quite sunk in yet. But, give it time. You know, I am so proud of Alucard. It took him a full five hours not to use the Borat voice when introducing me as—”

“MY WIFE!”

We all burst out at the same time, laughing.

“Only five. I admire his restraint.”

“So, wife?”

“Yeah. Wife. ... I chose wife over partner. Just for how to describe myself. You know?”

“I get you.”

“Btw, happy anniversary to you both, too.”

“Ooh, thank you. One of these years, we should totally meet for a double date/celebration.”

“Oh, I would love that! Hang on— Err... yeah, go on, I’ll have one of those.”

Troia helps themself to a mini-burger from the waiter.

“Thanks.”

“No thanks.”

“Sure, I’ll have one. Thanks.”

Troia grinned, mouth full.

"Ohh, so good. Listen, I have to go, and you know, circulate, but I’ll catch you later. Thank you so much again for coming all the way down to celebrate with us."

“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”