"Stop worrying," Simon smiled, straightening the bow tie that wrapped around Ralph's neck, "You look great. And yes, I know you're going to say I'm batty."

Ralph gave him a crooked smiled and paced around the hotel room for his grooms people.

"Si, I can't help it—I'm going to be married in an hour or two. Married!"

Simon fixed his black hair in the mirror, "Well, you love him, don't you?"

"Of course I do!"

He smirked, "You're excited, aren't you?"

"Of course I am!"

"So what's the problem, then?" Simon beamed and hugged Ralph over his shoulders from behind.

"I dunno..." Ralph mumbled into his hands with a smile.

Simon giggled, leaving Ralph's shoulders, "Well, anyway, you can do this, Ralph. We're all so excited for you,"

Ralph smiled right before his sister walked into the room.

"Little Bee!" she exclaimed with excitement, greeting Ralph with a hug.

Ralph rolled his eyes at the childhood nickname, "Hey, sissy."

"Hola, Si!" she said, letting go of Ralph and turning to Simon.

"Hi, Claire," Simon waved shyly.

Ralph's sister, Claire, waved back and turned to Ralph once again.

She stared at Ralph for a minute, then softly spoke, "Wow."

Claire, in her light blue dress similar to Simon's light blue suit, bore a look of wide eyes and a mouth opened slightly. Taking in Ralph's image—a grey tuxedo cocooned around him and his hair greased into a wave—she breathed a deep breath as her eyes watered. Her face broke out into a smile.

"Wow," she uttered again.

"Is something wrong?" Ralph asked worriedly.

"No, not at all!" Claire giggled, "It's just...this is all so surreal."

She put her hands on his face.

"Little Bee, you're all grown up!"

Ralph felt the tears coming into his eyes as well. He snickered, with tears falling out of his eyes, and Claire pulled him into another hug.

"I'm so proud of you, Ralph. So proud," she whispered, one hand on his head, "You did it."

Ralph smiled; he knew what she meant. He had overcome his parents homophobic stresses and made it to his love. And now, he was getting married. Only about three years out of college, with a steady job, a family sized house, and a lovely fiancé. Or rather, almost husband. Still, he couldn't help but let his mind wander.

After the two stopped hugging, Ralph began, "I...I know it shouldn't matter, but..."

He paused, messing with the engagement ring on his finger.

"Are mother and father coming?"

Claire inhaled sharply, as if she was surprised by the question.

"No," she declared bravely.

Ralph's head dropped and Simon put a hand on his shoulder.

"But...mother cried a lot. She didn't want to miss it, but father, he...he said she couldn't go. If she did, he would never love her again," her words became slower, "He said, no son of mine is a...you know. He didn't seem to waver during any of it, mom said."

Ralph sighed.

"Hey."

He looked up at Claire, who had spoken again.

"Don't let that shit put a damper on your mood, alright? You don't need them," she spoke confidently, pushing a strand of his hair back.

Ralph scoffed, but grinned, "I'll try."

"Nah, bee, don't try."

Ralph and Simon both cocked their heads to the side.

"Do it."

***

In Jack's hotel room, the boys cheered like there was no tomorrow. Clapping Jack on the back many times to the point where Jack had to sit down, they were all having a good and relaxed time. Maurice gave a toast to all of Jack's grooms people—himself, Roger, Robert, Henry, and Jack's childhood friend Elizabeth—and then a toast to Jack.

"To Jack!" everyone said in unison while Jack blushed lightly.

"You guys are great," he laughed.

Elizabeth, with her Spanish tongue, spoke up, "Ay, Jack! You are."

She playfully punched his shoulder as he snickered.

"So, Jack," Roger, in a dark red suit, sat on the couch next to Jack's chair, "How are you feeling?"

"Yeah," Maurice, wrapped in a lighter shade of red than Roger, commented, "I'd like to know how on Earth you got Pretty Boy!"

"Hey! That's my nickname for him," Jack feigned anger from where he was sitting, slouching in his black suit.

When there was silence, Jack smirked.

"Kidding."

The room erupted in laughter again.

"Dude, how are you so good at pretending you're angry?" Henry asked, being the youngest in the room and seeing Jack as an older brother.

Jack shrugged, "I just am."

Elizabeth, in her slimming red dress, placed a hand on Jack's red curls which were greased back snickered, "Sí! He's just always sulking on the inside. An emo, dead man, they say."

Jack rolled his eyes as everyone laughed along. Henry, satisfied with this answer, flopped onto the couch and leaned his elbow on Robert.

Robert, who wore the lightest of the reds, noticed Jack's phone buzzing and spoke up, saying, "Yo, Jack, I think you're getting a call."

"Huh?" Jack grabbed his phone, "Oh, thanks, man."

"Who's it?" Elizabeth asked, her English slurring.

Jack's faced paled slightly, "It's my dad."

"Well, answer it!" Maurice said

Jack hit the green button that appeared on his phone screen and swallowed his anxieties.

"Hello?" he spoke tensely.

"Jack," his father replied.

"Uh, hi, dad. What do you want?"

"It's your wedding day today, yes?"

Jack paused for minute, but responded, "That's right."

"With Ralph?"

"Correct."

There was silence for a few moments.

"I'm sorry for everything I said to you in the past."

Jack didn't answer.

"You know I've gotten better, right?"

"...I suppose."

"You should visit your mother and I sometime."

"I can try, I guess."

Silence, again.

"Son?"

Jack paused.

"Dad?"

"I—We are coming to you're wedding."

"...what?"

"Your mother and I will be at your wedding, Jack. My son."

"You...you're serious, right?"

"I am."

"I...Thank you," Jack said, tears forming in his eyes.

"I can't wait to see you, Jack."

"Right. Bye, dad."

"Farewell."

Jack pressed the red button on the phone and stared down.

"Jack, are you...okay?" Elizabeth said, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Y-yeah...yeah!" Jack stood up, "I...I can't believe it! My dad is coming back! My family...we can be happy again!"

Elizabeth smiled, "It really has been a long while since we've hung out with you Merridews all together."

"I know right!" Jack hugged Elizabeth, who froze for a minute, but hugged back.

"I wonder...what about Ralph's parents?" Roger asked quietly, then looked up at Jack and Elizabeth, "Uh...sorry, I don't mean to ruin the moment or anything, or whatever..."

"It's alright, Roge. I wonder about Ralph's parents, too," Jack admitted.

Maurice tucked a strand of his brown hair behind his hear.

"Maybe...hopefully...at least one will come."

***

Finally, the procession had begun. In the fancy restaurant where they were to be wed, Ralph was the first to walk down the aisle; his stance in combination with his tuxedo made him look like a prince. He wore a relaxed smile on his face.

When he made it to the end of the aisle, he stood in his place and secretly scanned the audience. To his surprise, to rows away from him, there sat his mother. She was smiling from ear-to-ear.

Ralph's smile widened, and his cheeks grew pink as he felt his eyes get watery. He was so glad that at least someone from his family was here.

Next down the aisle were the girls—Claire and Elizabeth—walking arm-in-arm. They took there spots right next to where the two grooms were to stand; they were the best women.

Then walked Simon and Roger. They walked arm-in-arm as well. At the end of the aisle, Simon placed a quick kiss to Roger's cheek as they parted ways.

A funny pair, Piggy and Maurice walked down the aisle together. They were not arm-in-arm, but Maurice gave Piggy a friendly pat on the shoulder at the end of the aisle.

Sam and Robert came after, Sam walking with a smile and Robert walking cooly. They flashed each other a smile at the end of the aisle and went their separate ways.

The last of the grooms people, Eric and Henry, walked down the aisle. Arm-in-arm, they snickered about something, trying to be discreet. They were failing at that, but Ralph didn't really mind; he couldn't help but let a smirk pass through as he saw them.

The ring bearer came down afterwards. He was Jack's fondest little cousin, and Ralph would definitely have to admit that the kid was adorable. He was six, pretty tiny, and a bit shy; he walked down the aisle red-faced. He took his spot next to Ralph, who ruffled the curly locks on the boy's head with his hands. He giggled, and kept the rings steady.

Finally, it was Jack's turn to walk down the aisle. He stepped confidently down the aisle, smirking. With his hands clasped behind his back, he made it to the end of the aisle and stood in front of Ralph, who began to tear up.

"You're beautiful," he mouthed.

Jack took time to observe Ralph.

"I wanna kiss you so bad," Jack mouthed back.

Ralph snickered and the preacher began to speak.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Ralph Olsen and Jack Merridew in matrimony commended to be honorable among all; and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. Into this—these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together—let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Jack flashed his crossed fingers at Ralph, who rolled his eyes with a smirk. Thankfully, though, no one spoke up; Ralph beamed at this fact, and Jack did as well, taking Ralph's hand in his own.

"You may exchange vows."

Both boys grabbed their papers out of their pockets and Ralph began, clearing his throat.

"Jack—We've been together for many a year, since junior year to be exact. When I first confessed to you, I was a scared, nervous nerd; I didn't know how to talk to you about it, and I didn't even know that being gay was okay. You, however, opened my eyes to a world of new colors. You showed me all the things you knew about being queer, and you took me to my first pride parade. It was the most fun I'd ever had, and that was because I was finally, truly, all-together happy. Because I was with you, and I was free to be whoever I wanted."

Ralph paused for a minute, taking time to smile at Jack with red cheeks and wet eyes.

"Jack Merridew, I've loved you for about 8 years. And I never plan to change that. You are the most beautiful, most amazing person in the world. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone, Jack."

Ralph wiped a tear that fell from Jack's eye.

"Now it's your turn to talk about that."

Jack snickered with wet eyes.

"Ralph—You're my pretty boy, my sunshine, my one and only love. The one that I will also be a cheesy mess of love for. At the worst of times, I am a clueless moron, but you always take me back."

He took a deep breath.

"In fourth grade, when we met, I had barely any friends—and even if I did, I was never close with them. The only person I had to talk to was Elizabeth, but she was so far away at that time."

Elizabeth smiled softly, happy to know she was loved, even when she left Jack for two months, only being able to call him at precisely 6:30.

"But you—you introduced me to a whole new world of friendships and people. I still remember—I was on the swings, alone, and you came over and plopped down right next to me. You said, 'Do you wanna be friends?' and I remember being shocked. I told you 'No', but you never stopped trying. Until I gave in and said 'Yes. I need a friend.' From then on, that's how everything was with us. You never stopped trying for me. Ralphy, you're one of the best people on this Earth, one of the best people I've ever met. You are lovely, talented, wise, and persistent. I admire you, everything about you. I love you so much. I'd do anything to be with you. I can't wait for the time when I get to kiss you again, baby."

Ralph laughed and Jack grabbed his hands, looking into his eyes with a smile.

"Now, do you, Jack Merridew, take Ralph Olsen to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"

"Fuck yes," Jack smiled. Ralph raised an eyebrow with a grin.

"Uh—I mean—I do," he beamed.

"And do you," the preacher continued through a snicker, "Ralph Olsen, take Jack Merridew to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"

Ralph beamed back at Jack, "I do."

"May the ring bearer present the rings?"

Jack's little cousin jumped up from his spot next to Ralph and gave the rings to Ralph and Jack. Jack giggled a bit and gave him a supportive shoulder pat. Then, the two boys slid the rings onto each other's fingers.

The preacher smiled, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband! You may now kiss the groom."

Jack pulled Ralph forward by his hips and Ralph threw his arms over Jack's shoulders. They both went straight into the kiss, deepening it for a moment, before pulling away and holding hands.

"I present to you Mr. Jack Merridew and Mr. Ralph Merridew!"

***

Four years later, Jack rested on the couch in Ralph and his living room. Flipping through the channels, it was a calm weekend for him. That is, until a cheery voice came from behind him, bounding down the stairs.

"Dad, dad!"

"Yes, darling?" Jack said, turning around to his adopted daughter. She was eight years old.

Jumping onto Jack's stomach and earning an 'oof' from him, she continued, "Can we play our video game together today? Pretty please?"

"I suppose," Jack smiled, and then laughed as he watched his daughter jump up in excitement. He watched her grab the CD from its case and treat it roughly.

"Scarlet, don't be too rough with that," Ralph said, yawning as he walked down the stairs.

"Huh?" Scarlet, their daughter, turned around in confusion.

"Oh, hi, daddy!"

"Hi, baby," Ralph replied before snuggling into Jack.

Jack kissed Ralph's head, "Morning, love."

"Morning," Ralph mumbled back, nuzzling into Jack's side.

Scarlet ran back over to Jack, "Here, dad! Let's play!"

"Okay, sweetheart," he smiled.

The two played for a while, with a dozing Ralph and Scarlet in between the two lovers, before Scarlet's adopted brother, Brandon, came down the stairs. As fifth grader, he stood tall for his age and rubbed his eyes, sitting between Scarlet and Ralph.

"Good morning, guys," he smiled.

"Morning, son!" Jack flashed him a smile.

"Morning! We're trying to beat this level," Scarlet said to Brandon. He only laughed and leaning back on Ralph, who was still asleep.

Later on, the day was filled with laughter and enjoyment, but that doesn't differ from much of any of their other days together. Their lives were good.

All in all, Jack and Ralph had gone through rough times; however, they pulled through. With an intelligent son and courageous daughter, their found their way through life and never looked back. They loved each other, after all.

They still visited their old friends from time to time; Simon, Roger, Piggy, Maurice, Elizabeth, Claire, and everyone else were most definitely in their lives still. Even if only for short amounts of time.

And when Scarlet and Brandon grew up, they grew into amazing adults. Scarlet became the CEO of a big business company, but her tight curls still held onto her childish wonders. She married a wonderful guy and had three children who were triplets. On the other hand, Brandon grew up to be a school teacher; his students loved him. He, like Scarlet, married a man. Together they adopted two children and a dog.

As for Jack and Ralph, they grew old together. They stayed together until the end.

What happened between that time?

Well, that's up to the reader to decide.

This concludes The Worst Mistake - A Jalph Fanfiction. Many thanks to whoever has read this far through the story; your support does not go unnoticed. I will see you whenever I see you again!