A/N: No special ceremonials used, I just threw a few things together and made a few other things up.

It is a brilliant day; they sky a clear blue color and no cloud at all to mar its perfection. Truly the day is fitting for the event. The war is still going on, even after half a year has passed since its beginning and so many people have come to get a temporary reprieve from the harsh reality.

On this day however there is no talk of war, if they are losing or winning, how many towns have been razed and how many good men have been lost to steel and fire. The fighting has stayed away from the capital but that hasn't kept the news away. But for once no one thinks about that, when two individuals are about to be joined there is no place for gloom.

It is supposed to be a small event, only the closest friends of the couple have been invited but in times like this a celebration of whatever nature attracts more spectators than usually. And neither groom cares, as long as their friends are there the world could very well come and watch.

A pavilion has been raised outside in a park that stretches at the foot of the central city hill, where the trees are decorated with streamers and a carpet of flowers has been strewn. A group of musicians stands on a raised dais, playing a soft tune that wafts through the air, calm and unobtrusive.

A group of five people stands under the shade of a giant apple tree, all dressed according to the occasion and each and every one of them shows an expression of fondness, each in their own way. Arthur watches with a soft smile as the parents of one of the grooms talk to another man, the pride they feel for their son is both evident in their stance and expression. They have come a long way, accepting that their son loves another man but now they couldn't be prouder because Berwald has been knighted only a few days ago, and his reputation as a skilled fighter and scout reaches far throughout the land.

Arthur allows himself a raw gesture of affection as he entwines his fingers with those of Francis who stands beside him, beaming at the tables where the cake he has made and all the other small delicacies attract a lot of positive attention – and praise.

Francis turns his head and smiles at Arthur and the other man's heart skips a beat as he is once again overcome by love. He has never been happier to be with Francis, their little shop is not so little anymore and even the King himself has ordered a few times. He couldn't be prouder.

Emil is scouring the crowds for a familiar face, he has invited his new best friend for the wedding but he is late and even though he would never admit it, he is a bit worried. Kaoru usually never lets him wait. The two have met at the school Emil is attending, courtesy of Lord Kohler. Emil has proven to be a diligent student, even though he has started so late.

Lukas watches as his brother's features lit up when he spots his friend, even more so as he notes the flowers the other holds in his hands, flowers that are intended for Emil. It is good to see that his brother has finally found someone special, even if it is only friendship so far; it makes his heart warm, because he knows how deeply both care for each other.

The flower gift ensues into an argument, because Emil of course can't accept such a girly gesture but he is pleased nevertheless and Kaoru has learned early to not be deterred by Emil's cool attitude. A light chuckle draws Lukas' attention to the man next to him and the fond smile on his lips grows deeper, as he takes in the sight of Mathias, who is looking absolutely dashing. He is best man after all.

Yes, everything is well for now, the war will be over eventually and all of them are sure that no matter the outcome, they will weather it.

A cheer erupts and they all turn, aside from Mathias who lets out an undignified yelp and scurries off to take his place at the central dais, where the priest is already waiting. Lukas has already tended to his duty as groomsmaid and has kept Tino company until his nervousness had subsided and he is once again the giggling idiot who bounces on the spot for being able to wed his beloved Berwald.

And then the grooms come into sight, both accompanied by their fathers as they walk in from different sides, it had taken Tino only a bit of pouting to get Berwald to agree with this setup for the other had wanted for Tino to be a full out bride. The musicians have switched to another tune, one that seems to guide the grooms into the center and then a few girls run out into their paths showering them with flowers, madly giggling at their task. It brings a warm smile to Lukas' lips as he watches how Tino tries to playfully catch a few petals and throw them back at the girls. It is such a lighthearted display, not burdened by the usual heavy formality that accompanies most noble weddings.

It is good though that Lukas has talked to Tino beforehand, he had been so nervous and short of a breakdown but looking at him now one would never suspect it. He looks truly happy and the moment he lays eyes on Berwald his smile widens and his step grows surer as he has ultimately realized that this is his soul mate, the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

It is a heartwarming scene, the voice of the priest wafts over the silent crowd and everyone can see the love in both their faces when they finally meet in the middle. Mathias beams when his part comes and then Berwald leans over to whisper something in his ear and Lukas can see the shift in his eyes when joy is replaced with wonder as he is allowed to be the one to tie their hands together with the red sash that symbols unity.

Again the crowd cheers and then the newlywed couple parades past the waiting guests and are again showered with flowers, only this time the flowers are blue, the color of the eternal sky above. Mathias follows behind and his eyes lock on Lukas' and he smiles as they near the waiting group of friends. Tino has tears in his eyes but he is smiling and Berwald, even stoic Berwald carries a moved expression and they gladly enter the fray of hugs and congratulation kisses that are offered by mostly Francis but who cares anyway.

Lukas hugs Tino firmly and gives him the small box with his and Mathias' present and Tino starts to cry anew because the happiness is overwhelming and even he can't handle all of it. Kaoru waits at the side, not sure if he is already part of their family but soon he is pulled into the throng by probably Mathias and gets a few hugs for good measurement, and at least one of them is from Emil.

And then the rest of the guests are there, wanting to give their presents and both grooms are led away to greet and get congratulated and all the while they stay together because the sash around their hands doesn't allow for anything else. Ludwig shows up a bit later, a grumpy Gilbert in two who doesn't like too much sunlight – for obvious reasons. But soon their spirits lift up as they are joined by Eli, who after a bit of surprise turned out as Elizaveta, and Roderich.

Music starts to play again after a while and with another cheer the young couple opens the dance floor, Berwald twirling Tino around in the air and both are laughing as the world seemed to close in on them and only them. Francis drags a willing Arthur with him and soon they are joined by more and more couples that lose themselves in the music and the joy of the moment.

Elizaveta, a cheerful young Lady, no one had suspected behind the mask of Eli, pulls Emil and Kaoru with her and judging by the looks of her companion's face they dread the same fate. And soon they are all on the dance floor, albeit Ludwig looks rather uncomfortable with arms full of a joyful Elizaveta, until the only ones left are Mathias and Lukas.

Lukas watches his friends he considers families and he feels glad for them and for him, because they all deserve this happiness. A soft touch to his arm prompts him to look to the side and there he is, under a canopy of green leaves and budding fruits, white and blue streamers dancing in the wind, his one and only, Mathias on his knees and in his hands a simple box, small and inconspicuous but the content of that box is enough to bring tears to Lukas' eyes.

"Yes." He whispers as he takes the ring with trembling hands, the ring of gleaming silver, with the beautifully carved blue stone in a bed of white and red, with the intricate gravure on the inside that only says one word, but one word is more than enough. And the smile he carries as he slips on the ring can rival the stars.

Forever.

So this is it. It has been really a long time and lots of fun but also a bit of stress but that is normal I guess. I want to thank all my followers, readers, reviewers, supporters, fans and generally everyone who bothered to check with this fic. You kept me going and I hope this final peace of hopeless fluff and sap sweetens up your day.

Maybe just really tiny maybe I'll write a sequel. If I get some nice ideas and a decent plot that is. (And free time and inspiration and motivation and all the other things you need to write a story) Or maybe I'll write a side story on Tino's and Berwald's married life, hrhr.

Anyway it has been a true joy with you I am really glad that I got to write for such an amazing and nice audience.