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Late June - 1999
Exer woke up one Friday morning with the sun shining through the gaps in the blinds. The sunlight was warm as it hit the skin on his arms. He usually disliked summer and the warmer temperatures, but he couldn’t bring himself to complain on this particular day.
If anything, the sunlight felt like a hug.
What also felt like a hug, was the literal embrace he found himself in.
Turning to look at his partner beside him, Exer hummed in amusement at the way David drooled onto his shirt, blissfully unaware of how ridiculous he looked with his unkempt hair and day-old stubble.
He tried to look at the time without moving too much, he didn’t want to accidentally wake David.
The alarm clock read 9:32am. He was usually on his way to work by now, but today was different. He’d ask for the day off to attend an important event, and had luckily gotten it without much questioning from his boss.
He smiled to himself, returning his attention to his partner once more. He ran his fingers through the blonde’s hair, with the silent knowledge that he was the only one allowed to do this. The reason for this still sat at the back of his mind, taunting him, despite it being something that happened about a decade ago.
David stirred a little, before turning to lay flat on his back, raising his hands to rub his eyes and wipe the drool off his cheek. He sighed.
“Good morning, Day” Exer began.
David turned to look at him, with a sleepy smile, ever present in his eyes. It had taken David a long time to smile this genuinely again, and Exer couldn't help but cherish every time he saw David smile like this.
“Hey” he replied softly. Returning to the previous position he was in, with his arm over Exer’s chest.
“How long have you been up?” He mumbled.
“Not long, i just didn't wanna wake you” Exer admitted.
“What time is it?”
“9:40 am”
“Great, that means we can stay like this for a while”
Exer rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but smile a little.
“We have to be out of the house by 12:30, you know this,” he teased by poking his side, causing David to jump a little.
Exer watched as David’s face lit up as he remembered why they were going out today. He threw the covers to the side and stood up from the bed, suddenly very awake.
“Brenda and Pam said they’d drop by to help us get ready. We can have breakfast while we wait” Exer offered, beginning to stand up as well.
David nodded before walking over to open the blinds, allowing the sunlight to fully enter their apartment, warm and welcome. The way the light hit David’s hair and face made him look ethereal, almost dream-like. Exer thinks David is gorgeous all the time, in any situation, at every time of day, but there’s something particular about the sunrise and how the rays of sun seemed to follow David specifically.
Exer loves the sunrise.
As he made the bed, Lucy-furr decided that it was the perfect moment to sit on the duvet. Despite her age, she never lost the attitude nor her playfulness. Exer believes her energy has to be related to magic in some way.
“Lucy, come on-“
She blinked in response.
In one swift movement, David scooped up the cat, and then turned towards the bedroom door.
“We’ll make some toast. I’ll leave the coffee making to you, barista boy” he said.
Exer laughed at the nickname. David insisted on calling him that any time he was making any sort of drink, despite his days as a barista being over.
The cup-o-cat café was still open and thriving. They both visited often. Sea would welcome them enthusiastically every single time without fail. Exer had quit his job there after college, because while he did love the café, he didn't particularly want to spend the rest of his life as a barista. Sea had been supportive, and promised that he’d always be welcome there, as family.
He stops reminiscing as he places the last pillow back on the bed.
Almost as if on cue, there’s knocking on the door. Rhythmic and familiar.
“I’ll get it” he hears David yell from the kitchen.
As he walks out of the room, he is immediately ambushed in a tight hug
“Pam!”
“Hey you!” She beams.
She’s wearing a long dark purple dress. Exer’s seen it before, she’s been working on it for about a month.
“You look amazing! The dress turned out so well, Pam!
She vaguely waved a hand at him with a smile.
“You’re too nice Ex” she giggled. “Now” she clasped her hands together. “We’ve got about two hours, but I think we’ll be done in no time!” She said.
David and Brenda walked into the room shortly after. Brenda engulfed Exer in a hug much like Pam did. Her smile brightened the room exponentially, and she was practically bouncing off the walls. She was wearing an elegant baby blue dress, matching the flowers in her hair.
“I’m so excited guys you have no idea” she squealed, as David took the opportunity to hand Exer a plate of toast and a cup of coffee.
“You guys finish up your breakfast, then we’ll get ready”
—
Once the dishes were washed and stored away, Brenda and David took the living room while Exer and Pam took the bedroom to get ready.
“Thank you for helping out, Pam”
“Don’t mention it, it’s the least i could do” she said, helping him tie his bowtie. “Did you guys pick out the suits together or separately?” She asked.
“Separately. Christine insisted on helping Day pick something out, so my dad took the opportunity to help me as well.”
He had picked a cream colored suit with a brown bowtie. He had a green boutonniere for a pop of color.
“So you haven't seen what his suit looks like?”
“Nope”
At that, Pam stood up quickly and exited the room, gesturing for Exer to remain where he was. He could hear a faint conversation from the other room before Pam quickly returned and continued helping him adjust the bow tie.
“What was that about?”
“Oh nothing, I just had an idea and wanted to tell Brenda about it” she said casually. “There. Just don’t fiddle with it too much or it will probably come undone”
He smiled at her with a nod, standing up to retrieve the blazer off of the dresser, throwing it on in one swift movement. He glanced back at the clock.
12:03 pm. Still on time.
Brenda peaked into the room, confirming that Exer was ready, before winking at Pam.
“Alright Exer, I want you to walk out here real quick.” She instructed
He nodded and headed towards the door. He noticed as she took the camcorder he’d gifted her a few years ago out of her bag, and not so subtly started recording.
As he stepped out of the room, his eyes widened as he took in the sight of David in his suit.
A crisp white collared shirt with a light green tie under a black waistcoat. His blazer was unbuttoned, and in the breast pocket sat a small pocket square the same color as the tie, neatly folded and placed with care. (Exer noticed his own boutonniere was coincidentally almost the same shade)
His hair was slicked back, unlike his usual hairstyle.
He looked beautiful.
David was always beautiful, but in this precise moment, something clicked. The weight of what today meant to them hit Exer with the force of eight semi trucks all at once from every direction. He had dreamt of this moment as a kid. He’d assume whoever stood across from him would be wearing a long white dress, have long wavy hair maybe done up in a bun.
No assumption from his childhood could ever live up to the sight of David Miller standing in front of him in their shared apartment, in a suit and tie, matching Exer’s own.
The image of David became blurry, a product of the tears that welled up in his eyes.
David himself wore a similar expression, and it wasn’t until he heard Pam shuffle next to Brenda that he snapped out of his trance.
He walked forward, taking his partner’s hands in his own. Just as he had done countless times before.
“You look gorgeous,” he confessed. And he smiled wider as David’s cheek grew redder.
He lifted their joint hands up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of David’s.
He heard a sniffle from behind, and turned to the sight of Brenda, still recording (to the best of her ability, shaking hands and all)
“Come on, we need to get going,” Pam said with the widest grin that she was putting absolutely zero effort into hiding.
-
The drive there was a familiar one. Brenda in the driver’s seat, Pam in co-pilot, David and Exer in the backseat.
Though Ronald’s banter was missing, it felt as if no time had passed since senior year. Since Exer was already in a reminiscing mood, he thought of that fateful year and everything that happened, and how despite it all, here they all were.
He was brought out of his thoughts by a gentle pressure on his thigh.
Looking down, he found the source of it, good-ol Lucy.
“Hey you- how did you get out of your carrier?”
It didn't take too long before Lucy’s eyes conveyed a response somewhere along the lines of “don’t question the ways of the magical cat”.
He caved and picked her up, placing her fully on his lap now. No amount of cat hair could ruin his evening anyway.
“She’s excited, can’t blame her,” David said.
-
As they pulled into the driveway of the old Campbell home, Ken came running towards the arriving group.
“Hey gang! Looking great!” He beamed.
“Everything should be ready, we’re just waiting for a few more people and we can start.”
He held out his hand, which Brenda promptly took.
“Thanks Ken,”
“Oh! Christine is in the living room, and Mr. Harry should be in the yard with the others” Ken informed.
As the group walked into the home, Exer felt a wave of calm wash over him. He’d been nervous all morning, but walking into the house he’d grown up in was comforting in ways he wasn’t even aware of.
The walls are lined with photographs, some of Exer as a baby, held by a beardless Harry. Some photographs of a young Exer with his grandparents. Graduation photos, vacations, and memories that his father decided must be displayed on the walls, turning his home into a walk-in photo album.
He focused on a specific photograph. It must’ve been taken not long after he’d first met David, he remembered that day, he had begged his dad to let him invite his new friend over for a sleepover, which Harry had happily accepted. The image was of both of them fast asleep on the floor of Exer’s room, a bowl of popcorn to David’s left, and a blanket forgotten on the floor by the bed. He remembers finding the photo embarrassing, by his eight year old standards, which only made his dad insist on keeping it up by the tv.
He smiled, wide.
(Reluctantly) parting ways with David and walking out into the yard, he took a second to fully take in the scene.
He hadn't visited his dad in a couple of months, due to work mostly, but he immediately noticed how his gardening efforts paid off. Gorgeous flowers lined the back wall of the house, tulips, roses and peonies were everywhere. Numerous folding chairs, clearly rented, were lined up, making a small pathway that led to a makeshift stage. It was just a few wooden pallets covered with a large rug. It was perfect.
He spotted his dad by the chairs, talking with Mrs. Sea, his old boss. Before he even took a step forward, Harry’s attention was on him in an instant, and there was something in his eyes that almost made Exer weep.
The pride in his father’s eyes upon seeing him was unmistakable, so much so that Mrs. Sea immediately knew who she’d turn around to see.
“Exer! Oh look at you!” She started, grinning wide.
He approached both of them quickly, Mrs. Sea immediately wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. She pulled back to admire his getup, smiling even wider than before.
“I’m glad you took my advice on the suit color! It looks great on you darling.” She said.
As she let go of him, he turned to his dad, who was currently fighting for his life, trying to cry before the ceremony even began.
“Hi dad,” he smiled.
“Exer,” he said, his voice failing him. He put his hands firmly on his shoulders, before pulling him into an embrace that gave Brenda’s bone-crushing hugs a run for their money.
“You look wonderful, son.” Exer felt himself beginning to well up before his dad continued. “I’m so proud of you. I know how important this day is for you, and I'm so happy that I get to witness it.”
Exer felt a tear or two fall at that. He’d gotten here no more than twenty minutes ago and he’s already crying.
He was so grateful.
He saw how everyone was dressed up nicely. He took in the sight of the intricately decorated yard, clearly homemade. He saw the look in his fathers eyes upon merely looking at him.
He allowed himself to forget that their union was not being legally recognized, because everyone there, in the backyard of his childhood home, put in time and effort to help them set this whole thing up. No piece of fancy paper would ever hold a candle to the light of being recognized by those closest to you. And it was all real. Laws be damned.
“Exer!”
He swiftly turned around to face the source of the voice calling his name, although the heavy russian accent gave away the identity of the speaker immediately.
Ronald stood next to Jackson by the makeshift stage. Beckoning him over, Ronald held out a glass of what looked like champagne.
Exer excused himself, his father giving him a small nod.
“Hey man!” Jackson greeted as he got to the pair.
“Jack! Ron! I'm so glad both of you could make it!” He beamed. Ron had flown in from Russia just for this. He remembers that phone call. Ron got a noise complaint from his neighbor afterwards. He chuckles at the memory.
Ron smiled wide, probably the widest Exer has ever seen him smile. “Would not miss it! I predicted this ten years ago.” He laughed, proud of himself.
He looked towards Jackson, who’s expression was soft. They’d been through a lot, and yet despite it all, they fully trusted each other now.
“I'm really happy for you, Exer. If anyone deserves this it’s you two.” He said earnestly, and while knew he was being truthful, there were unspoken words the both of them knew were there. An apology of sorts. One that had already been accepted long ago.
Before any of them could continue the conversation, Harry had walked up to them, informing them that the ceremony would begin soon.
With that, he parted ways with his friends and headed towards the altar. David would be the one walking down the aisle (they’d had an incredibly thorough discussion about who should walk, coming to the conclusion that Christine would do anything to walk her son down the aisle.)
He saw as the rest of the guests he’d not had the time to greet gathered and took a seat on the rented folding chairs. He waved to Jolie, Timothy and Ken who’d sat right behind his father and Mrs. Sea. Pam had made her way next to Jackson and Ronald on the other side of the aisle. Behind them sat some of David’s college friends, and nearby were two of Exer’s closest colleagues, the only two he was out to. Marco and Dylan joined the crowd shortly after. Bailey helped Brenda to the front of the isle, since she would be officiating (she had begged, though she’d deny it if you asked)
Exer fiddled with the sleeves of his coat. He was suddenly very nervous, given all the eyes on him. He turned to Benda, who was already fanning her face in an attempt to keep her composure. He chuckled.
She leaned in to whisper “I can’t cry yet! We barely started yet!”
He allowed himself to genuinely laugh this time.
He fixed his posture as soon as Brenda’s eyes darted towards the back door of the house. Christine has given her a thumbs up, signaling that everything was ready.
He fought the urge to hold his breath. He’d seen David all morning but reality hit him for what felt like the tenth time that day, as he stood atop the wooden pallets that were set up in the yard of his childhood home.
He felt his vision start to fog up with tears. He blinked them away as the music started playing. “Don’t cry until after the ceremony” he’d whisper to himself.
When David walked out of the house, arm held by his mother, holding a bouquet of white roses, Exer felt time itself stop.
His best friend, his fiancé, the love of his life.
The distance between where Exer was standing and the house wasn't that large. It would realistically only take them a few seconds to reach the makeshift stage. However, it felt like an eternity.
Every step he took reverberated through Exer’s chest. He couldn’t help but swat away the green sparkles that decided to swarm around him.
When David finally stood in front of him, he had to fight back tears yet again. His face was sore from how hard he was smiling.
David mirrored his expression. A wide smile that brightened up Exer’s life.
Brenda cleared her throat, more so to help her voice recover from choking back tears rather than to catch the attention of everyone.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of David Miller and Exer Campbell” she began.
“Many of you present here today have seen firsthand how this relationship has blossomed, from childhood best friends to something more,”
If asked, Brenda would deny that there were tears falling down her cheeks by this point, but the videocamera that was set up by the first row of chairs held enough evidence against her claims.
“It is an honor to be here today, to whiteness as they reach this milestone. No matter how hard things get, and no matter how many curve balls life throws their way, they have managed to overcome it all.” She continued.
David’s hands found Exer’s, and he held on for dear life.
Brenda cleared her throat again, the tears getting in the way of her words.
“What you have is special. And I can only hope you cherish it. So without further ado- the rings please“ she took the opportunity to dry her eyes.
Everyone turned around at the sound of a jingle bell.
In all of her feline glory, stood Lucy-furr. Bell around her neck (curtsy of Christine) and a small pillow tied with a green ribbon, which held both rings.
Delighted laughter erupted from the guests, as Lucy happily strutted her way down the aisle.
Once she reached the front, Brenda picked her up with her left hand,untying the pillow from her back, and holding it out in her right.
“I believe both of you have prepared your vows?” She prompted.
Exer Nodded, as did David.
“You first,” David whispered.
Exer took in a deep breath as he tried to calm down. The last thing he needs is his voice failing him right now.
“David Miller. Where do I begin” he chuckled.
“You have always been one of the most important people in my life. If you’d told eight year old Exer that he’d be marrying his best friend, he would not believe you, because that sounds too good to be true. There’s not a day in my life where I'm not grateful to have you in it. It feels like I'm dreaming.
I will always do everything in my power to make sure you’re okay.” He sniffed, interrupting his own speech, crying freely now.
“Your smile is enough to brighten up my day, your voice is the sweetest sound and your presence is the most calming thing in the world. I love you… and I promise that I will always love you.”
He nodded, signaling he’d concluded his speech, letting David begin his own (not before wiping his eyes with a handkerchief and collecting himself).
Exer watched him with pure adoration.
“Exer Campbell,” he began. “To say I love you is to put it lightly. You have no idea how complicated it was to come up with my vows. There are so many words I could use to describe how you make me feel, yet none of them fit quite well. You make me feel alive, present, and grounded. I’ve made acquaintances with the butterflies in my stomach, for they decided they’d stay even after all these years. You have been there through the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows, and you stuck around for all of it.” His grip on Exer’s hand tightened.
“I am forever grateful for you. I love you so, so much, and I cannot wait to call you my husband.”
His smile widened again, his eyes shining bright through the tears. And Exer almost fainted right there
“Well. I believe it's time” Brenda said, as the applause from the guests quieted down.
“She looked Exer dead in the eye with the intensity of a thousand suns. This was her brother after all.
“Exer Campbell , do you take David Miller to be your husband, to love and to hold in sickness and in health?”
“I do.” He said, as he slipped the golden band onto Day’s ring finger. Engraved on the inside, read ‘D + E’
“David Miller, do you take Exer Campbell to be your husband, to love and to hold in sickness and in health?”
“I do.” He watched as David slipped the other golden ring onto his finger. Perfectly matching its pair.
“If there are no objections- which there better not be,” Brenda glared at the audience, which earned some laughs. “Then by the power vested in me by the backyard of the Campbell family home, i pronounce you husbands.”
Exer and David had kissed many times before, it was nothing new. However, this kiss felt different. It meant something different. Standing in front of their friends and family, being able to hold each other, being celebrated by their loved ones.
As Exer broke the kiss, he wiped his husband’s tears with his sleeve.
“I love you so much. So, so, so much” he whispered just for him to hear.
“I love you more,” David replied.
Neither of them let go as they turned to walk back down the aisle, joining everyone else in a giant hug, and their friends and family continued to cheer.
Christine and Harry ambushed both of them, singing praises through sobs and laughter.
Exer had never felt so accepted, so seen and acknowledged. He looked at David who matched his expression.
The rest of the afternoon was full of laughter, love and family. And neither of them could be happier.
-
Years later, in the first few days after same sex marriage was legalized, Exer and David walked down to the courthouse and signed their marriage certificates.
It was on a random Tuesday, they had Brenda and Pam as their witnesses.
The whole thing didn’t take long, and they were out of the courthouse by noon.
They’d gained the legal recognition and the papers to prove it. But they didn’t tell anyone, not that it truly mattered anyways.
Those who knew them knew they’d really been married since the summer of 1999.