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It was the day of Paul’s wedding. He was marrying that barista girl from Beanie’s. Uhh, Emily..? Was that her name? Ehh, who cares. Ted was styling his hair to his classic slicked back hair style, huffing in irritation as a strand of hair stood out. He kept trying to fix it, but it just kept falling out of place. So, he just shrugged and tied his tie. He took one last look in the mirror, sighing.
If someone asked, he’d say he was happy for Paul. He was his best friend after all. Atleast, he thinks so. He hopes so. A “best friend” was probably the closest he could get to Paul. Nothing more, and it makes him feel off. The whole wedding thing makes him feel weird. But, he just shakes that thought away, not wanting to distract himself. He figured he must just be jealous that Paul of all people managed to score someone, let alone be willing to marry him. He paused at that thought.
Anyway, Paul’s wedding was on a Saturday, so Ted just let Pete hang out with his girlfriend, Steph, while he was at the wedding. The dork was on the couch with her, watching some kind of time travel movie. They said it was called The Time Machine? Pfft, who names their sci-fi movie about time travel a basic ass title like The Time Machine?? But it’s what they liked, so he doesn't really care. As long as they don't burn the house down, he's cool with it.
„ Aight, I’m heading out. See you guys in like.. I dunno, 4 hours? “ Ted estimated, shrugging.
„ Okay, Ted. “ Pete half heartedly acknowledged, obviously too busy being invested in the movie. Steph just hummed, her arm entangled with Pete’s.
Ted rolled his eyes at the sight, slipping on his leather shoes before heading out by the front door, locking it behind him. He inhaled deeply, letting out a groan before heading into his baby blue Studebaker.
When Ted got into the venue, his eyebrows raised. He didn't even realise they could make a marriage at the Hatchetfield National History Museum look so.. Grand. He stood there, admiring the decor. It was minimalistic but it still just fit so well. He was impressed. Ted spotted Bill and went over to talk to him to kill some time.
After a slight disagreement and possibly fueling Bill’s hatred for Ted, it was around the time that the wedding would start. All the guests gathered and sat in their assigned seats(Ted, of course, didn't have one because well, he wasn't invited but he showed up anyway). Paul stood at the altar with some crazy looking guy in a dark grey turtleneck with a black blazer overtop, gray hair and sleek black pants with black leather shoes that are similar to Ted’s as the officiator. Who even is that??
Whatever, it was Paul’s wedding, not his. Why should he bother?
..
Pause.
Paul’s wedding. It felt wrong to say that. Why did it feel wrong? It’s not like it’s factually wrong. It WAS Paul’s wedding. But, why does he feel like.. It should be him who Paul’s engaged to-.. No! No, no. What was he thinking, he doesn’t have feelings for Paul. Not.. Anymore..? What? No, he’s never had feelings, probably. Ted couldn't. Paul was his best friend, nothing more. Sure, maybe he had slight feelings, but those feelings are long gone now, they have to be. Paul’s married now. Or well, he’s about to be. If he wanted to say something, he was too little too late for that. Just like Jenny. God, it was Jenny all over again, wasn’t it? Everything always ties back to-
„ Ted? “ Mr Davidson called out, tapping his shoulder. Ted snapped out of his train of thought, flinching. He grabbed onto his seat before looking behind him to face Mr Davidson. „ Err.. Yes Mr Davidson? “ Mr Davidson had heard sniffling coming from him and just noticed the tears welled up in his eyes. He raised an eyebrow. „ Are you alright? You’re.. Crying. And the bride hasn’t even come down the aisle yet. “
Ted paused. He hadn’t noticed the fact he had tears falling down his cheeks. Jeez. „ Sorry, uhm.. Must be allergies, “ He lied, wiping the tears away while sniffling to buy into the act.
„ Well alright, then. If you’re sure, “ Mr Davidson shrugged. Ted turned back to face the altar, sighing.
And soon, the cliché wedding music began. Oh god.
During the wedding reception, Ted tried (and successfully failed) to hit on any women he could find. He half heartedly used a pick up line on Paul’s now wife because why not? He sat down at the wedding bar, sipping on a bottle of Vodka. Paul came over.
„ Hey Ted, “ Paul waved, awkwardly sitting next to him. „ What’re you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with your wife? “ Ted asked, snickering.
„ Mm.. Yeah, but I can’t exactly do that if you tried to hit on her at our wedding. That you weren’t invited to. ” Paul mentioned bluntly, fidgeting with his hands a little.
„ Haha, yeah.. Whoops! Look, I got bored, mkay? It’s not my fault! ” Ted raised his hands defensively, taking another swig from the bottle.
„ It kinda is, ” Paul responded, his expression blank.
„ Yeah, yeah. Whatever. ” Ted rolled his eyes, his fingers drumming on the bar counter.
„ Uhm, Mr Davidson mentioned that you were uh, crying before Emma had come down the aisle. You told him it was just allergies, but you aren’t really allergic to anything here, and well, it isn’t even allergy season. Are.. You okay? I usually wouldn’t ask, but you’re going to bring down the mood, “ Paul muttered, a slightly worried expression on his face.
Ted was about to take a swig of his vodka when Paul asked if he was okay. Okay? Him? Okay? He’s more than okay, he’s fine! Dandy, even!
„ Pfft, am I okay? Of course I am, idiot. Why wouldn't I be? ” Ted dismissed, taking that swig of his vodka. He didn't want to think too hard about that, especially not at a wedding.
„ Mm, alright. I need to head off to the dance floor soon, but, just.. Take care of yourself and don't do anything stupid, okay? ” Paul awkwardly smiled, walking away towards his newly wedded wife.
Ted sat there, slightly tipsy but not entirely intoxicated. He groaned, setting the bottle on the counter before holding his head in his hands. Ugh, he hated this. Why did he have to feel this way? Why did everything have to be this way? This FUCKING sucks. Well, nothing he can do now. All he can do is watch from the sidelines as the two danced happily on the dance floor.
Because it was too little, way too late.