Ashton:.... *sigh*
Leah: You're trying to break a record or something?
It's been a week since I agreed to the marriage. Leah and I are in the greenroom of the studio waiting for the director's signal. I sigh for the who-knows-what time and Leah comments in an irritated tone.
Ashton: You don't sound surprised.
Leah: Yeah, well, it had to happen one day.
Ashton: Why? Why... why..?
Leah: It's not that big a deal, you're getting married, so what?
'So what'?! It's about my personal freedom and privacy! Tomorrow I'll be having my 'wife' at home giving me none of those!
Ashton: When are YOU planning on getting married anyway?
Leah: Pfft, don't joke with me. I'm never getting married.... Unless Caroline asks me to.
Ashton:....
I'm envious of her carefree attitude. I wish I was in her position right now. I sigh again and distract myself with the movie script.
The next day...
*Ding!*
I get a text on my phone and check to see that it's from the Highschool Reunion group. It's getting postponed? It was supposed to take place next week but now they've shifted it to next month for the best interests. I put my phone away.
Hahh, that's not even important to me right now. Kate and I are now at the marriage registrar's office to sign our marriage certificates. I didn't want it all to happen so soon though.
None of the parents were happy to know to know that we won't be holding a wedding ceremony and only getting a license but, we're either doing it this way, or no way. They were so firm on marrying us that they moved Kate's stuff to my house a day before she was supposed to move in.
To think that this is my first live-in relationship with someone at a time like this is driving me nuts. She's not interested in working so she's going to be there in my- I mean our house the whole day, waiting for me which makes me nervous.
Is this what marriage is supposed to be like? After I leave this room, I'm no longer going to be single or living alone.
Pen in hand, I reach my hand to the spot on the papers where I need to sign but, my hands freeze. Am I really ready for this?
Kate: What's wrong?
Kate looks at me worriedly. I can't back out at the last moment. I mentally take a deep breath and smile.
Ashton: Nothing.
Okay, let's do this..! I grip the pen tightly and sign the certificate. Kate follows the suit and signs it as well.
... Oh, my God.... I'm MARRIED!!! This definitely took a bigger toll on me than I'd expected. I.. She... We...
Ashton:...
Kate: Can you believe this? I'm officially Kate Beckett now!
And I'm not single now! Maybe I'm overreacting. I mean how difficult is this going to be, really? We're not strangers. We Both walk out of the room and Kate tugs on my sleeve.
Kate: Wait, we haven't bought wedding rings yet.
Ashton:... Are they really that important?
Kate: Yes!
Ashton: Won't people get to know of our marriage if we wear them?
Kate: You don't want to get me one?
Ashton: It's not that.
Kate: Then what? You can't even give a little ring to mark our marriage?
Her eyes about to tear up, she looks at me sadly. I couldn't give her a wedding ceremony; this is the least I could do to compensate.
Ashton:... What kind do you want? Couple ones or... non-couple ones?
Kate:...!
Her previously saddened eyes immediately light up.
Kate: Hmm, I was thinking of one with my birthstone on it.
Ashton:....
She always gets her way with everything with her acting skills. If she were to become an actor, she'd rise even higher than me. But, she's kinda cute in her own way like this. I feel a smile spread across my face seeing her furring her brow over which ring she wants to get.
She laces her fingers with mine and we leave the building hand in hand carefully to not alert the paparazzi.
I really was overreacting, it's not she's a stranger; everything's going to be alright. I used to have feelings for her, didn't I? Maybe they'll rekindle if I give them some time. Only in that way will I be able to let 'her' go.
Later that day...
I stroke the ring on my left ring finger. I don't think I'll be getting used to this for a while but, what happened this afternoon...
Kate: This is so pretty!
She stares at the Rosy Tear (a platinum and amethyst ring) with practically stars in her eyes. Heh, she looks like a little girl. I look at the price and my heart almost stops.
This thing was made in the early 18th century for a princess by her lover as a token of their love since they were from two very different social rankings and could never become one.
I guess that the story about them went like this; when the Princess saw the ring, she was so overjoyed that she vowed to never leave his side. They decided to run away and get married but were caught and the man was sentenced to death and the Princess forever lived in regret.
The ring symbolises their tragic love story and is almost priceless!! Even though I'm quite rich, this is going to hit my wallet really hard!
Ashton:.. You sure you want this one?
Kate: Yes! Oh, let's buy you this platinum one!
Ashton: .... Hmm, okay.
We purchase the rings and put them on each other.
Kate:... I think I'm going to cry.
She purses her lips and eyes tear up. I paid for those, *I* want to cry.
Ashton: What is it?
Kate: I've had relationships with only one man in my life and now he is my husband.
Ashton:....
She used the 'h' word..! My hearts starts pounding wildly. I spoke too soon, am I REALLY ready?
Kate: But, you know, this is not a bad feeling.
Ashton: Huh?
Kate: As long as it's you, I know that I'm not in bad hands.
*Ding*
Ashton: Ah, that's my cell.
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I look at the messenger ID. Leah? Wait, what time is it?! It's already 2:15?! I have to reach the studio in 15 minutes!
Ashton: I need to get going.
Kate: That's fine, I'll meet you at home then.
Ashton:... Right. You take my car and send it to Abramson Studios later...
I think it won't be so difficult to adjust to this new... change. The car pulls up at the door and I step out. Something feels off. Ah, where is the staff? I just hired them a week ago and they're already slacking off?
I massage my neck while walking to the door. I'm beat, I had to wait and finish today's shooting overtime because I reached late. I'm just going to hit the sack once I go in.
I open the door and an unfamiliar aroma wafts towards me. Lavender? I look around the dark, dimly lit room. To my left are burning candles and to my right are.... more candles.
Leaving so many candles unattended, who's planning to set my house on fire?! But wait, floral scent, candles, dark room... Don't tell me...
I leave my bag on the couch and head to my room upstairs. I open the door and my jaw almost drops down to the floor at the sight before me. Wh-What?!
Kate is sitting by the bed in a red, see through night dress pouring wine in two glasses. The candle light highlights her curves making her look unusually alluring.
What's she up to?! I advert my eyes. She notices me and smiles.
Kate: You're back already? I prepared all this for you! Do you like it?
Ashton:... Yeah, but why?
Kate: What do mean 'why'? We haven't consummated our marriage yet.
Ashton: What?
I finally turn to look at her to notice that she's walking over to me, a glass of wine in hand. Her thin, satin dress strap slips down her shoulder pulling her dress down, revealing her cleavage slightly. Oh, hell no. I look away again.
Kate: Are you being shy? It's not like there's something here you haven't seen or something... I've neve-
Ashton: I-Is this really necessary?
She stops in front of me and runs her finger over my blazer and smirks. I swallow my saliva in nervousness.
Kate: Of course it is. If you aren't in the mood, I know something that'll do the trick.
Ashton: Huh?
Kate:...
She presses something to my lips and before I get the chance to say anything, she drowns it down my throat with wine.
Ashton: *cough cough*..! What the hell?!
Kate: You'll know.
What the hell is she up to?! I stroke my throat. This definitely isn't the Kate I knew. She's... so different. Anyhow, I still don't know what she fed me. I hope she isn't planning on poisoning me or something...
Ashton:... Where's everyone anyway?
Kate: Oh, I sent them home for the day.
Ashton: What? Why?
Kate: I thought we'll require some privacy.
Privacy?
Ashton: For what?
Kate: I don't have to spell it out, do I?
I'm almost captivated by her sensual gaze but manage to look away and when I do, my head spins. I hold my head and wince.
Ashton: Ugh.
Kate:...
She says nothing and sits me down on the edge of the bed. Why is it so hot in here? It's... suffocating. My breath turns rugged. Wait, these symptoms... Did she just force me to swallow an aphrodisiac?! I take it all back, I'm never getting used to all this! When did she become so bold?!
As I'm being pushed down to the bed by her, I know for sure that my days with her aren't going to be easy...