Chapter Text
11:56 AM Sunday 27th June
“Hydration break?” Harrow stretched his back, looking between Callum and Ezran.
“Definitely.” Ezran sighed, grabbing his water from the cooler and taking a seat on a pile of bricks.
“We’re making great progress, boys.” Harrow smiled at the construction, now truly recognisable as a pizza oven. Nodding in a clearly satisfied manner, he glanced at his watch. “Few more hours and we’ll be done.”
Callum straightened up, wiping his brow as he surveyed their work so far. He’d never been particularly handy, but when he’d approached Harrow about getting married down on the peninsula and potentially having the after party at the shack, his father had been overjoyed, listing off the things that needed finishing before they could do so. Most of the interior was complete at the time they discussed things, but Harrow had begun working on the outside as the weather warmed up.
Initially, Callum had suggested on hiring a mobile pizza oven, but when Harrow heard how much it would cost, he insisted it made far more sense to simply build a permanent one. Simple being Harrow’s words.
Callum hadn’t exactly been excited at the prospect of spending the weekend in the shack doing manual labour, but he couldn’t exactly say no. Harrow had suggested they try and get down Friday evening so they could get to work first thing. Rayla had a dress fitting first thing this morning, which couldn’t be changed, so it ended up being him, Ezran and Harrow.
Friday evening, Harrow had shown them through the work done since their last visit, then made dinner in the completed kitchen. They’d sat around the table, reminiscing about their childhood time spent in the shack and in the end, they’d all had a good evening. The Saturday night even saw them making laksa from scratch, chatting about their memories of Sarai and discussing how nice it would be they’d be making new memories in this special place.
Taking a long drink of cold water, Callum looked at what had once been a pile of timber, bricks and mortar, and he couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. The previous day had been long and hard, but by the time they’d finished in the evening, they were all weary but satisfied.
His phone began loudly vibrating in his jeans pocket. Glancing at the screen, he was unsurprised to see Rayla’s name.
“I’ll just get this?” He looked at Harrow and Ezran, who both waved him off.
Hurrying down the path, he put some distance between himself and the others as he picked up. “Hi.”
“Hello, Mr. DIY-man,” Rayla sounded bright and happy on the other end. “How are you this morning?”
“Good!” Callum couldn’t help but smile himself. “Just on a water break, so good timing.”
“It must be our psychic connection.” Rayla snorted. “How are things going there? You’ll still be home for dinner?”
Callum turned around to survey the work so far, not the greatest judge of progress on a project like this, but trusting Harrow’s assessment. “Em, good, I think. Dad had us up at six to get started on it.”
“Six?” Rayla chuckled, clearly used to Callum’s dislike of early mornings. “Serves you right for insisting on having pineapple pizza at this thing.”
“This thing? You mean our wedding?” Callum rolled his eyes, waving at his Dad and Ezran as they sat side by side, munching on jelly tarts Ezran had got as soon as Barius’ place was open. “You wanted to keep it informal.”
“I’m not the only one!” Rayla insisted. “Remember that place with the deconstructed prawn cocktail thing as just a starter?”
Callum wrinkled his nose, wishing he could very much forget. “Yeah, exactly. So, pineapple pizza, along with multiple other pizzas is a pretty decent compromise.”
“Yeah, yeah…” Rayla laughed, clearly amused.
“Anyway, more importantly.” Callum couldn’t help but smile. “How’d the dress fitting go?”
“Good.” Rayla chuckled. “Really good.”
“Still insisting on sticking to tradition and keeping it hidden from me until the big day?”
“We should probably try and do one thing according to tradition, you know?”
“I think the timeline of our engagement is very according to tradition, actually.” Callum leaned back a little, remembering bringing Rayla to this lovely place not so long ago. “Wasn’t it the norm for people to meet and get married within a year back in the day?”
Rayla laughed loudly. “Well, technically we haven’t done that either, you know?”
“We’re doing well enough.”
“Pfft, if you say so.”
“But the whole dress thing is still going well? Did Nyx tag along again?”
“Yeah, well, it’s her friend so…” Rayla chuckled. “Nyx has to have something going for her, right? Knowing a funky seamstress who was willing to fit me in can be her redeeming feature.”
“Things are okay with you guys?” Callum frowned, knowing what Rayla and her morals were like. She had wanted to do something with the beautiful lace Runaan had given her, but finding someone talented enough to work on it on their timeline hadn’t exactly been an easy task.
“Well, it’s not like I had a personal issue with her.” Rayla sighed.
“No, but you were upset with her about the whole Soren thing.”
“I was upset for Soren, but he seems pretty happy with Corvus, so I guess it all worked out.”Rayla took a breath. “She told me she ran into them a few weeks back and she messaged him after and they’re good now.”
“You believe her?” Despite himself, Callum liked Nyx. She was funny and sarcastic and she an Rayla had got on well for a while before the weirdness with Soren made Rayla pull back a little. They did seem to make up however, doing a few more things together after work recently.
“I guess. I mean, as long as they don’t have a bust up at the wedding, whatever, you know?” Rayla paused, sighing. “But from what you and Soren have said, I don’t think Nyx was, like, the issue. More Soren wanted a relationship, I suppose.”
“I suppose.” Callum could agree with that. Soren was a good, loyal guy but if Nyx wasn’t right for him, that was her loss. And like Rayla said, he and Corvus seemed to be going well, as miss matched as they appeared at first.
“He still trying to convince you he could be the celebrant?” Rayla chuckled, her tone clearly changing.
Sighing, Callum hung his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Yes, yes he is. He tried to convince me with some whole “the heart do what it do” speech. I don’t know why he’s insisting on talking to just me about it.”
“Me either, and I’m in no hurry to find out.” Rayla sniggered.
“Oh, some fiancée you are.” Callum grinned, shaking his head, picturing her cheeky smile.
“Thank you.” Rayla sounded smug on the other end. He could easily imagine her reclining on one of the lounge chairs on the balcony, Shadow curled up on her lap.
It was a sweet image.
Sighing, he turned around. Harrow and Ezran were still taking a break, but he was pretty sure Harrow would want to get back to work soon. “I better get back to this. I want to get home at a decent hour.”
“The offer to cook for you and Ez is still on the cards, you know?” Rayla asked, snorting. “I know I’m not some star chef like you, but I can rustle something up.”
“Na, Ez wants to go home early. I’m craving pizza after spending all weekend building a pizza oven.”
“Makes sense.” Rayla snorted. “So you’ll drop Ez, come home and we’ll order in?”
“That’s the plan.” Callum smiled, dusting off his pants as he straightened up.
“Okay. Let me know when you’re leaving so I know when to expect you.” Rayla’s voice was soft as she sighed happily.
“Miss me?” Callum grinned.
“Yeah, obviously, dummy.” Rayla snorted. “It’s weird being in the apartment without you. Shadow keeps wandering around meowing sadly, looking for you.”
“Aw.” Callum smiled, feeling sorry for the poor cat. “Well, I’ll have to make up for it with couch cuddles as soon as I’m home.”
“Oh no, he’s second in line, thank you.” Rayla laughed.
“Glad to hear it.” He sighed, stopping a little before the others. “I’ll see you later. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Rayla replied softly.
Callum hung up, smiling at his lockscreen and the selfie of Rayla, him and Shadow on the couch. It would be nice to re-create that photo in a few hours time.
“Hey.” He grabbed his water as he rejoined Harrow and Ezran, taking a long drink.
“Rayla?” Harrow asked, getting to his feet.
Callum nodded, taking another drink before he put his bottle down and grabbed his gloves.
“How did the dress fitting go?” Ezran got up too, patting his pants pockets as he seemed to search for his own gloves.
“Good, from the sounds of it.” Callum resumed his role of making clay sausage shapes to insulate the remainder of the oven.
“Any idea what it’s going to look like?” Ezran located his gloves and joined Callum.
“Nope. She’s keeping it secret.” Handing a sausage to Harrow, he shrugged. “Lace, I guess, but that’s all I know.”
“You have to keep that a surprise.” Harrow chastised. “It’s tradition.”
“So they say.” Callum chuckled.
“I’m glad you at least went with the non-traditional frog suits.” Ezran grinned.
“It’s not a frog suit.” Callum rolled his eyes, continuing his work with the clay.
“It’s green, isn’t it?” Ezran shrugged.
Callum shook his head, very familiar with Ezran’s opinion on the suit colour. “It’s olive.”
“If you say so.” Snickering, Ezran handed Harrow another clay sausage.
“It goes with the rustic theme.” Callum rolled his eyes.
“Uh huh.” As like in previous conversations, Ezran did not seem convinced.
Callum sat on the deck, admiring the results of their hard work over the weekend. He was tired and hungry, but beyond satisfied.
“Thanks for all your help this weekend.” Harrow took a seat by Callum, handing him a bottle of cold water. “It was nice spending the weekend with you boys.”
Ezran sat on the other side of Harrow, sighing as he finished his own water. “It was.” He smiled at the pizza oven, looking proud as well. “I’m exhausted but it was a fun weekend. I can’t wait to actually make pizza in the oven.”
“Well, we’ll probably want a few practice runs before the big day. You think you boys can make it down to give it a try?” Harrow looked at them hopefully.
“We’ll have to be down a few times between now and the big day, so we’ll be happy to be guinea pigs.” Callum smiled, eyes still on the construction.
“I must say, when I bought the place, I didn’t think the “house warming” would double as a wedding, but I’m pretty happy it worked out that way.” Harrow chuckled, placing a hand on Callum’s shoulder and squeezing it.
Callum chuckled softly, smiling back. “No, me either.”
06:46 PM Sunday 27th June
“Hey!” Callum called out from the hallway, precariously balancing a box of jelly tarts in one hand and his overnight bag in the other as he toed off his shoes.
Shadow meowed loudly as he hurried down the hall, his purring loud enough to hear as he twisted and twined his way around Callum’s legs.
“Hi!” Rayla hurried down to see him as well, a wide smile on her face. “Welcome back.”
Dropping his bag and placing the box on the hall table, Callum wrapped his arms around her as she met him halfway. “Nice to be back.”
Rayla sighed happily, squeezing him tight before she leaned back to kiss him. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” He pressed his forehead against hers, squeezing her tight.
Shadow meowed long and loud and they both snorted as he furiously butted their legs.
“Say hi.” Rayla rolled her eyes as she grabbed his bag and the box.
Laughing, Callum crouched down, picking Shadow up and giving him a cuddle. “Miss me?” He stroked the cat’s long, soft hair, getting up and following Rayla into the living room. “Was it worse than when Ez moved out?”
“Pfft, you wish.” Rayla put the jelly tarts on the kitchen counter, then dropped Callum’s bag in the small laundry space. “Ez moving out was the end of Shadow’s world.”
“You think he’ll come back to us after the honeymoon?” Callum pouted, looking Shadow in the eye.
“That’s actually a genuine question?” Rayla pulled her phone from her pocket. “Anyway, I’m starving. Pizza?”
“Yeah, can you order?” Callum put Shadow on the floor, scratching his head one last time for good measure, then made his way into their bedroom. “I’m going to jump in the shower.”
“No problem.” Rayla followed, eyes on her phone.
“Care to join me?” Callum grinned at her as he tossed his t-shirt on the floor.
“With our track record this close to the wedding?!” Rolling her eyes, Rayla absent mindedly picked up his shirt and expertly threw it through the open door and into the laundry hamper. “I’d rather not walk down the aisle with a moon boot, thanks.”
“What did you get me that frog anti-slip mat for, if not for proving we can successfully do the shower sex thing?” Callum snickered, stepping onto said frog mat, and crossing his arms over his chest to more effectively sulk.
“I got it because it amused me.” Rayla kissed his pouty lips, pulling back laughing when he tried to grab at her. “I need to order pizza. I’m starving.”
“Fine.” Callum gave up, silently agreeing she was probably right about avoiding injury this close to the wedding. They did have the far more suitable bathroom in the shack, once they began their honeymoon.
“I confirmed all the orders with Barius today, by the way.” Rayla leaned against the vanity, phone in hand as she appeared to be ordering dinner.
“Great. He asked me earlier but I didn’t have the book to check everything.” Callum sighed in the warm shower, happy to wash off the grime of the day. “Did you tick it off the list?”
“Oh, not yet!” Rayla clicked something on her phone, then put it on the counter. “Hold on, I’ll grab the book and see what else we can cross off.” Rayla returned with one of Callum’s sketchbooks that had somehow become their default wedding planner. It helped that he always had a sketchbook on hand, the pretty personalised planner Claudia had gifted them, so big and bulky it was hard to keep with them when they were out of the apartment. “So-” Rayla opened the book, starting immediately as she went bright pink. Snorting loudly, she left the bathroom and then returned a moment later.
“What?” Callum asked, unable to see what she had been doing in the bedroom, even with the open door.
“Wrong sketchbook.” She snickered, raising up an identical one.
“Oh,” Callum chuckled, remembering accidentally bringing the wrong sketchbook when they had gone to meet a prospective celebrant. He still cringed at the memory of opening what he thought was his normal sketchbook only to be greeted by a double page spread of some very intimate drawings of Rayla.
Neither of them were particularly surprised when that celebrant emailed them only a few hours after the meeting to say they were busy on the day in question.
“Okay, well…” Rayla made a mark on the page, then ran her eyes over it. “Hmm… I think we might have done everything we can do until closer to the day. Playlists are still a work in progress… you’re still working on the paintings.” She closed the book and left it on the counter, glancing at her phone for a moment.
“Wow, we’re doing well.” Callum turned off the shower and stepped into the bathroom, taking the towel from Rayla as she offered it to him. “This wedding planning stuff is easy.” He grinned at her unamused face.
“Shush!” She put a finger to his lips, one brow arched. “Don’t say anything out loud. You’ll jinx us.”
06:59 PM Wednesday 25th Aug
Rayla pressed the button for the lift, checking her watch as they waited on the doors. She probably could have forgone this evening’s run, considering how close to the wedding they were but with all of the last minute calls, emails and messages, she needed some time to disconnect. “You sure you don’t mind bringing down the bombonieres?” Rayla looked at Soren. “We’ll be able to fit them, if you can’t.”
“Na, that’s fine.” Soren waved her off. “I like candy.”
“They’re not candy.” Rayla snorted, rolling her eyes. “Well, not the ones you’re taking down.”
“What?” Soren sounded confused. “Bombonieres are candy.”
“No, they can be.” Rayla stepped into the lift. “Callum did little paintings of the shack for everyone.”
“Huh?” Soren looked to Corvus, as if he would have an explanation. “Aren’t they candy?”
“You’re thinking of bonbons.” Corvus smiled softly. “Bombonieres are those little favours you get at weddings.”
“Oh.” Soren seemed satisfied with that explanation, though unimpressed.
“There will be tasty treats as part of the favours.” Rayla snorted at his deflated reaction. “Barius is doing a bunch of jelly tarts as well.”
“Well, I suppose that’s okay.” Soren did not sound convinced.
Soren and Corvus followed her into the apartment, as Rayla looked around for Callum.
“When are you heading down anyway?” She was unsurprised to see him on the phone outside, though he didn’t noticed them straight away.
“Friday morning.” Soren waved at Callum, getting his attention by way of a quick stiff wave back. “Doing a four day weekend. All four of us are staying with Dad Friday night, then camping with everyone else at the shack Saturday, then us, Clauds and Terry are going to stay in this creepy B&B she found on Sunday night.”
Rayla snorted at the face Soren made. “All set for camping? I, eh, can’t really imagine your Dad camping.”
Soren rolled his eyes, smirking. “He’s got the oldest tent I’ve ever seen. All the instructions still there… every tent peg and little bag thing perfect. It’s so old it’ll probably crumble to dust as soon as it’s in the sun.”
“Doesn’t he live only twenty minutes or so from the shack?” Rayla glanced at Callum again, surprised the conversation had gone on that long. “Why doesn’t he go home?”
“Oh, he and Harrow are all excited for reliving their younger days.” Soren explained. “Going hiking in the woods and that.”
“Uh huh?” Rayla watched Callum pacing on the balcony, getting increasingly anxious. He was frowning and sighing, shaking his head as he walked back and forth in the small space.
“He doesn’t look happy.” Soren stated.
Rayla rolled her eyes, sighing herself. “You think?” Before Soren could respond, Callum hung up and re-entered the apartment. “Everything okay?” Rayla stepped around the kitchen counter, walking over to join him.
“The guitarist cancelled.” Callum took her hand squeezing her fingers. “She has COVID.”
“Huh.” Soren snorted loudly, causing everyone to turn and look at him. He blinked at the collective scrutiny, smiling awkwardly. “It’s just… it’s ironic, isn’t it?”
“Ironic?” Callum sounded unimpressed and Rayla squeezed his fingers in an attempt to keep him calm.
“You know, because you guys met due to the whole lockdown thing and now…” Soren gestured to them. “You know, irony.”
“It’s not funny, Soren.” Callum glared at him, dropping Rayla’s hand as he made his way to the kitchen.
“I’m not saying it’s funny.” Soren put his hands up in an attempt to appease Callum. “I’m saying it’s ironic. Different thing.”
Callum took a breath to say something and Rayla interrupted. She could tell Callum was upset and she didn’t want him taking his bad mood out on Soren. “Why don’t we figure out what we’re going to do instead of discussing the definition of irony?”
Callum turned his attention back to her, blinking rapidly. “Do? What can we do? The wedding is in two days. How are we ever going to find someone decent to play in two days?”
Rayla pushed down her annoyance at his tone. It wasn’t going to help if they both got angry and started arguing. “We’ve got the whole sound system set up for after, we’ll just have to move it from the ceremony spot to the shack. We can play a song on Spotify or something.”
“Spotify?!” Callum rolled his eyes.
“Hey,” Rayla caught his hand and waited for him to look at her. She saw some of the anger leave his eyes, though the worry remained. “The important thing is we’re getting married, right? No-one is going to care that we had to rustle up something last minute.”
Callum sighed, taking her other hand. “You’re right.” He took a deep breath and smiled softly at her. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Knowing our luck, something was bound to go wrong.” Rayla smiled wryly. “At least this is a small something.”
Callum smile turned into a grin, the last of his current worry melting away. “Hey, don’t tempt fate!”
“Excuse me, you already did!” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re the dummy who said wedding planning is easy.”
“Yeah, well…” Callum fumbled for a response.
“Why doesn’t Corvus play the cello?” Soren piped up, seeming to see an opening.
“Huh?” Rayla looked between the two men as she and Callum turned to give them their full attention.
“Soren!” Corvus put his hand up, looking embarrassed.
“What? You’re really good.” Soren continued, unabashed, as he looked back at Callum and Rayla “He’s really good.”
“I didn’t know you played the cello.” Callum sounded as surprised as Rayla felt.
“I’ve played since I was a kid but, em, I wouldn’t want to impose.” Corvus’ cheeks darkened.
“I mean… if you don’t want to…” Callum looked between Corvus and Rayla.
“Oh, I’m happy to, but if you don’t-”
“That would be amazing. Wow, better than a guitar!” Rayla felt some of her own tension leaving. “If it’s not too much to ask?”
“Not at all.” Corvus seemed to relax a little. “I’d be happy to.”
“Thank you.” Callum squeezed Rayla’s hand, smiling happily at Corvus.
“Great!” Soren beamed at them all, throwing his arm around Corvus’ shoulder and yanking him in close. “Oh, now we don’t have to give them the gift! ‘Cause we’re giving them, the gift of music.”
“We still have to give them the gift.” Corvus smirked, an eyebrow raised in amusement. He turned back to Rayla and Callum. “What did you want played?”
“Is two days long enough to practice it?” Rayla asked. “We could change it to something you already know.” She glanced at Callum. They had spent ages debating their song choice but they were clearly going to have to be adaptable.
“What is it?” Corvus enquired, extracting himself from Soren’s arms.
“I can’t help falling in love with you, you know, the Elvis one.” Callum answered, looking between Rayla and Corvus.
“It’s cheesy, I know but instrumental guitar made it seem less so.” Rayla’s cheeks burned.
“It’s been a few years, but I know that one.” Corvus chuckled. “Seems fitting for you guys, from what I hear.”
“See, told you.” Callum laughed, squeezing Rayla’s hand.
“Yeah, yeah.” She rolled her eyes, relaxing a little now that issue seemed sorted.
“I can call later today or tomorrow and make sure you like the version?” Corvus suggested. “We can adapt it to suit.”
08:32 PM Wednesday 25th Aug
Rayla slumped into the sofa, showered and clean after her late run. She had the next two days off to tackle whatever random wedding related errands turned up, but she wasn’t anticipating a relaxing two days.
Maybe it would have made more sense to do something in a traditional venue? They managed all the logistics of food and lighting and that. A small farm style wedding had seemed like a great idea until they realised they were not only a decent distance from accomodation, they were a decent distance from a road. Amazingly, almost everyone attending had been excited by the idea of hiring out the adjacent shacks or camping on the garden’s surrounding theirs.
Harrow had initially looked into hiring another shack for him and Ezran for the night but after (what Callum described as an incredibly awkward conversation) he had been convinced to simply stay the night in his actual shack. Having lived together for months before getting married, the wedding night itself didn’t exactly hold the same magic and mystery as days gone by.
Still, not the most fun conversation to have with one’s Dad.
Thankfully neither Runaan nor Ethari enquired when she told them there was room at the shack next door and so they would be sharing with Amaya and Janai.
Sighing, Rayla looked through their list once again, desperately hoping they hadn’t missed anything. She had just pulled up the weather to check some random storm wasn’t about to hit and completely floor their plans when Callum took a seat next to her, offering her a beer.
“Thanks.” She sighed, taking a long drink before cuddling in next to him, sketchbook/wedding planner still in hand.
“Getting there?” Callum asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer against him.
“I think so.” She shrugged. “I hope so.”
“You’re definitely happy with Corvus’ on the cello?” He leaned forward to catch her eye.
“Yeah, aren’t you?” She asked, concerned.
“Oh I’m super happy.” Callum put a hand up. “Happier than the guitar, actually.” He tapped his chin. “Perhaps it was a happy accident.”
“Hmm…” Rayla narrowed her eyes. “Or perhaps we’re making the best of a bad situation. We’d have been screwed if the guys hadn’t offered to take some stuff down for us.”
“Hey, we’re good at making the best of bad situations.” Callum snorted. “Remember when your plane got delayed and you came over for a very PG dinner?”
Rayla rolled her eyes, chuckling at the memory.
“Where would we be if not for plane delays?” He wriggled around to face her.
“Plane delays and booty calls.” Rayla smirked, taking a drink of her beer.
“I told you, it was not a booty call.” Callum looked at her pointedly. “I wanted to help out a friend.”
“A friend you were banging.”
“A friend who had just broken my heart the day before, but who I wanted to help all the same.” Callum put a hand on his chest, putting on a dramatic tone of voice.
Snickering, Rayla covered his hand with hers. “Oh, how noble of you.”
“Indeed.” Callum continued in his ridiculous voice. “I’m just lucky you were wooed by my cooking and my frog.”
“So you admit it was your frog now?” Rayla grinned.
“Well, he got me sued…” Laughing, Callum elected not to further address that. “See, we always make the best of a bad situation. Anyway, with two days to go, what else can go wrong?”
Rayla’s eyes went wide as she mock glared at him. “What the fuck, are you kidding? Can you stop tempting fate already?!” She straddled his waist, covering his mouth with her hand. “No more talking for you.”
Callum grinned under her hand. “Trying to shut me up?”
“Well, it looks like I have to.” Rayla narrowed her eyes at him, keeping her hand in place.
“How are you going to do that?” Callum asked smugly, unsurprised when she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll think of something.”