Blissful Tears

Chapter 21

Brian leaned into AJ's strong embrace as their fingers entwined. Conversation wasn't necessary. They both had clearly expressed their feelings for each other during the ceremony. Brian turned his head and found AJ's lips. The kiss was gentle and slow, both knowing that anything more passionate had to wait till later.

Finally, the car pulled up outside the rented banquet hall. Neither man knew what to expect since the mothers of all the guys had taken over the planning of it. It didn't matter to either of them. They were just happy to be together.

AJ stepped out of the car and held out his hand for Brian. Together they walked into the banquet hall and paused at the door to take in the scene before them. The main colors were black, white and midnight blue. White table clothes covered the tables with black dishes and silver cutlery on top. Bouquets of blue and white roses were on all the tables. A stage was set up at the end of the room, and they could see the boys from Westlife checking the sound system. White and blue streamers and balloons hung from the ceiling, while strands of small white Christmas lights twisted around the pillars throughout the room. Just inside the door, a table was laden with wedding gifts and beside that was a smaller table with a three-tier wedding cake.

AJ pointed out the cake and they both smiled as they noticed the two little groom figures on top.

It was Kevin who noticed the newlyweds at the door and started the applause going. Hands tightly clasped, they walked into the room and up to the table at the front of the room.

Like any wedding reception, the wine and champagne flowed as thank-you speeches were made and toasts given. Brian and AJ tried to pay attention, but their focus kept returning to one another.

After the meal, everyone helped move the tables to the sides of the room, leaving a large dance floor in the center. Kevin stepped up onto the stage and accepted the microphone Kian handed him.

"May I have everyone's attention?" he asked. The guests turned to look at the stage. Kevin smiled. "Thank you. Some of you may not realize who these gentlemen behind me are, and why they are here. Collectively, they are known as Westlife. The boys and I met them almost two years ago when they were first getting started over in Ireland. We've been friends ever since. Well, while Brian was unconscious, AJ was desperate to find something to help bring Brian back to him. He came up with the idea of singing him a song. The song he did, is one of Westlife's. As it turns out, both Brian and AJ had songs they wanted as their wedding song, both songs just happen to have been done by Westlife. After hearing that, they offered to come and perform the songs live." Kevin paused and looked over at AJ and Brian. "So, without further delay, Brian and AJ, would you please come out on the floor for the first…two dances!" Kevin handed the microphone back to Kian.

Everyone in the room fell silent as the two men, hands clasped, walked slowly to the center of the dance floor. The guests in attendance quietly formed a circle around the outside, watching the men who were oblivious of their audience.

The band began to play and the newlyweds wrapped their arms around each other and slowly moved to the beat.

Two very different people
Too scared to get along
'Til two hearts beat together
Underneath one sun
One very special moment
Can turn a destiny

And what some would say
Could never change
Has changed for you and me

'Cause it's all, it's all in the way
You look through your eyes
And when all is said and done
All of the fear and all of the lies
Are not hard to overcome

It's all in the way you look at it
That makes you strong
We were two
Now we are one

We are two very different people
So much to overcome
So why care for one another
When there's so much to be done

'Cause sometimes it's necessary
Just look how far we've come
You could say my friend
That it's the end
Or a new tale has begun

And one moment in time
Is all that we need
Just to make a difference
To make it better for you and me

If you just believe
Just open your eyes
We were two
Now we are one

AJ sang the words to the love of his life. His hands tenderly cupped Brian's sweet face as their eyes locked. "You are so strong, baby, and together we are invincible," AJ said softly.

A gentle smile came to Brian's lips. "I think they want us to kiss, love," he whispered. AJ raised his head and glanced around, noticing their audience for the first time.

He grinned back at his husband. "I guess we can't disappoint them," he murmured as he leaned in and his lips found their perfect match.

Minutes later, their lips separated. Brian stared into his husband's eyes. "Now its my turn," he whispered as a second song began to play. AJ wrapped his arms around Brian and again they swayed slowly to the music.

Everybody's looking for that something
One thing that makes it all complete
You find it in the strangest places
Places you never knew it could be

Some find it in the face of their children
Some find it in their lover's eyes
Who can deny the joy it brings
When you find that special thing
You're flying without wings

Some find it sharing every morning
Some in their solitary lives
You find it in the works of others
A simple line can make you laugh or cry

You find it in the deepest friendships
The kind you cherish all you life
And when you know how much that means
You've found that special thing
You're flying without wings

Brian began to softly sing the words as he pulled back and stared into his beloved's eyes.

So impossible as they may seem
You've got to fight for every dream
'Cause who's to know
Which one you let go
Would have made you complete

Brian reached up and gently cupped AJ's cheek with one hand as he continued to sing, pouring his entire being into the words.

Well for me it's waking up beside you
To watch the sun rise on your face
To know that I can say I love you
At any given time or place
It's little things that only I know
Those are the things that make you mine
And it's like flying without wings
'Cause you're my special thing
I'm flying without wings

You're the place my life begins
And you'll be where it ends
I'm flying without wings
And that's the joy you bring
I'm flying without wings

The song ended and there wasn't a dry eye left in the room. Brian had tears streaming down his face; tears that AJ gently kissed away.

"You are my special thing, Alex. Always and forever," Brian whispered intently to his husband.

AJ smiled his love. "And you are mine Brian."

I hope you enjoyed reading Blissful Tears! If you haven't emailed me yet about the story, I would really like to hear from you. I like to know who is reading and what you liked or disliked about the story!

Kenitra:-) kenitra_canada@hotmail.com