Chapter Text
You’re invited! Colm and Janelle would like to request the honor of seeing you at their wedding on October twenty-ninth at eleven o'clock am!
Bring love to the new bride and groom on their special day! See you there!
Robert pauses mid-sip, the tip of his coffee mug pressing against his bottom lip as he rereads the card at least three times, just to be sure he read everything correctly. Colm and Janelle? Getting married? It doesn't surprise him all that much, but after over ten years together and many back-and-forth breakups, he thought it would be sooner, or they would finally make up their minds and break up for good. But, he was proven wrong yet again, and now he was invited to their special day of staying together forever… Hopefully. Divorce is expensive, that much he knows.
He hasn't talked to either of them in some time, probably a couple of months or so. He has seen their pictures on Instagram, though, and they do look happy. Especially Colm, but then again, he always looks happy. So, not becoming fully aware his friends were getting married, and the fact they remembered his address to send an invitation, how could he turn it down?
With a little tap of his pinkie against his cup, Robert settles down onto his chair and places the card on his clothed thigh, making sure it stays balanced before digging into his pocket and pulling out his window. Seven forty-eight am. Not everyone would be awake at this hour, especially those he was extremely close with, but he knew one early bird that could never let him down if he truly needed it. He clicks on his ‘call’ icon and scrolls through his contacts for a minute or two, accidentally swiping further than needed, before finding the person he was looking for and clicking the phone symbol next to her name.
It rings two times before she finally picks up.
“Hey, Robert!” Mandy's soft voice comes through from the other end. “I was just thinking about you.”
The tired man chuckles, leaning back in his chair, swirling his black and orange mug in his hand. “Were you? Was it because of my dashing personality or because I have an Instagram that I never use?”
“Very funny.” Mandy sighs on the other end, but Robert could hear the smile in her voice. “I'm guessing you got the wedding invitation, too?”
“Yep.” The freckled man whistles, looking at the corner of the kitchen and seeing Beef munching away at his breakfast. “I haven't checked my mailbox in a few days. For all I knew, this could have been sitting there for hours or probably an entire day.”
“You need a better habit.” He hears the blonde—or maybe she went back to brunette, he really needs to check his socials—scoff. “Anyway, we got it last night. I was going to call you, but—”
“Hold on, let me guess. Courtney had other ideas that didn't align with a phone of any sort?”
There was a silent pause. “Don't say it like that! We went out to dinner with my parents.”
“Oh.” Robert shrugs to no one. “Sorry.”
“Weirdo.” She laughs.
Robert follows along with his own laugh. “I just had to be sure, alright? I never know what she's up to.”
Robert has been friends with both of them for a while. And by a while, he means literal years. It all started with him and Courtney. They've known each other since freshman year of high school. At first, they didn't take too kindly to one another, especially on Courtney's end. Since she was the “quiet girl,” everyone called her Invisibitch. Robert didn't really follow into the trend, but it didn't change the fact the two didn't get along at first. It started off petty, with Courtney purposely disturbing him or Robert saying a witty insult that easily got under her skin. Honestly, if anyone asked him what made them become eventual friends, he couldn't answer, because he doesn't even remember. It might have been an assigned group project, or maybe he asked for a pencil and she actually gave him one.
Nonetheless, sooner or later they started hanging out. Robert would meet her by the lockers and listen to her say some shit, either about some guy she fucked up or a shitty teacher that made a witty remark towards her. Then, one day, she randomly mentioned she had a dream they fucked. His response? Well…
Was I big?
Yeah, actually, you were.
Hm, I have dreams about those, too.
Nothing came of it though, especially when the new blonde girl transferred to the school. Mandy was in Robert's physics class in sophomore year. She was nice, and everyone fell in love with her in an instant. Robert got to know her pretty well—well enough that he introduced her to Courtney since the tomboy was curious about her. Next thing he knew, he was the biggest third-wheeler in the entire school. They hit it off immediately, sharing kisses between classes and floating in cheesy nicknames that Robert rolled his eyes at anytime he heard them. Mandy had even called her “Visi,” hitting Robert with the single fact that he was, indefinitely, going to be a best man in the future.
Which is ironic, because they also aren't married yet. Colm and Janelle have been on and off for years, and here Robert was, letting their fancy-looking wedding card rest nicely on his leg. Maybe he can be the best man in another lifetime.
“Whatever. Anyway, I'm glad you called.” Mandy continues on. “Yes, we were invited, of course. Thanks for checking.”
She knows him too well. They were the two closest people he knew; of course he had to check they were going.
“But! I do have an idea. Want to stay at an Airbnb with Courtney and me?”
Oh, he quiets at that. Honestly, he was just going to find the nearest, cheapest hotel he could afford and call it a day there. But he should have guessed Mandy would extend an invitation to stay with them. After all, life has been very busy for everyone, and Robert wasn't always a social guy.
“I wouldn't want to—”
“You wouldn't be bothering us.”
“But that would be—”
“Don't worry about the money.”
“I am going to worry about the money.”
No wonder people used to call her “Blonde Blazer” in high school. Always there to take a step up for people, even when they don't need it. No wonder everyone she's ever met loved her.
“Can I at least pay some of it?” He asks, tapping his long finger on the chair rest. “It'll make me feel less guilty.”
Mandy clicks on her end, thinking. “Well, to save you a headache, I'll allow it. But remember, you're being offered. Don't think too much about it, we just want to see you.”
Robert's lips turn to a smile, glancing out the window. “Of course. I'm excited to see you guys, too. Is everyone else going to be there?”
“From what I know, yes.” He hears shuffling on the other end. Did Mandy just get out of bed? “You know how close Janelle and Alice are with one another. And Colm always enjoys having Victor and Malevola around.”
“What about Bruno?”
“I'm sure he is. He's a hardheaded guy, but you know better than anyone how much of a good friend he can be.”
That is true. Bruno had his moments, but he was always there to extend a hand when needed. He was also a giant dude, almost reaching Royd’s height—
“Oh, shit! What about Royd?”
“We already called. It's a yes.”
Another person Robert enjoys being around. He met him in freshman year of college. Good guy overall.
“Herm, too.” Mandy perks. “I was kind of surprised. But I think Colm has finally grown warm to him.”
“Thank God. Oh, uh, is Katon going to be there?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
Her ex-boss. Might be awkward.
“So, basically everyone we know then. Great to know. I have to go now, but I'll—”
“Uh, Robert.” Mandy clears her throat. “Are you forgetting someone?”
“Hm?” Robert hums, bringing the coffee mug up to his mouth, ready to take a sip. “Am I? I thought I named everyone.”
“Right… So, you're telling me you don't remember Sayed, then?”
Robert nearly spat out his coffee at the mention of the name. Beef, hearing his owner nearly choke on his drink, came over with a bright look, tail wagging. After a few coughs and wiping away hot caffeine, Robert grumbles an ”ahem” and adjusts himself in his chair.
“I didn't forget.” He almost did, but that's because he was trying to on purpose. “I just, uh, didn't think about it.”
“Alice’s best friend?” Mandy scoffs. “I don't need to go into further explanation, Robert. Just to warn you ahead of time, yes, he is going to be there.”
Fuck. Fuck. He shouldn't be surprised, since he and Alice are the biggest package deal in existence. But currently thinking about his ex at almost eight in the morning wasn't exactly the most ideal way to start the day. Still, Sayed is friends with everyone and has known most of them longer than the brunette has. He shouldn't be surprised that he is going to the wedding, but that didn't make it less… stressful. And awkward. And making Robert second-guess going entirely. Damn it.
“Yeah,” he sighs, putting down the mug on the small tray next to him, “yeah, you're right. I know.”
She was hesitating, he could tell by the way she left the line between them silent. “Will you be alright?”
Robert smacks his lips together, turning his head to look up at the ceiling. “Well, I can't lie to you. It's hard to say, but also, it's been two years. We can be adults.”
Yeah, it's been two years since he and Sayed broke up and went their separate ways. It mostly stemmed from Robert’s end, initiating and pushing until it broke. It led to a big fight, words left unsaid, and finally, watching the man he spent four years with pack his shit and rush out the front door. That was the last time he ever saw him, and despite how fucked up it was, he was hoping it would stay that way. Robert blocked him on everything, and that was it. Honestly, he's surprised that Alice, as well as everyone else, still follows him on everything and stays in contact. Hell, last week, Victor sent him a picture of a bat and asked his opinion on it. It was a cute bat, in all honesty.
Still, hearing his name again made his chest ping with pain. Or perhaps something else, as it didn't feel like pain.
“I believe you.” Mandy says carefully, her voice low. “But if you feel uncomfortable in any way or think it's too much, you can come get us.”
Robert smiles. “Thanks, Mandy. I'm sure Courtney will love to be my fabulous bodyguard at a wedding that's being hosted by none other than Janelle and Colm.”
A small chuckle bounced in his ear. “Of course. Speaking of—”
He hears the phone being snatched, and soon enough another voice comes barreling through. “Sup, fucker.”
Robert grins. “Hey, Courtney.”
The two friends talk for another hour or so before she eventually has to leave for “important stuff,” which could mean anything in her case. Robert decided he had to get ready for the day and stood up, stretching his limbs and heading over to the bathroom to begin showering. Lucky for him, it was the weekend, so he had all the free time in the world. Mandy shot him a quick text, telling him to get more info from Colm or Janelle about the wedding.
As the warm water hits his skin, his mind begins to wander back to locked-away memories. Long black hair, a scruffy beard, bright hazel eyes that he used to adore staring into after a long day—
Two years. Two years, and the reason.
God, this better go well.
*
A few weeks later, Robert was settling in his temporary room at the Airbnb. It was a nice, quiet room that was conveniently on the other side of the house, away from the master bedroom that Mandy and Courtney took over.
“I've seen bigger.” He hears the tomboy joke behind him, followed by a quick breath of her inhaler. “But it should be cozy enough for you.”
Robert stands straight and cracks his back, rolling his shoulders as he looks down at the singular bag he's packed. He didn't need much… except a week’s worth of clothes. Apparently, Colm and Janelle planned an entire vacation with every one of their friends (aka Robert and the others) to “catch up.” It wasn't just Robert that hasn't hung out in ages, everyone else had been off the grid. Malevola and Victor moved out of state, Bruno was a full-time trainer, Royd was always working with technology, and so on and so on. The wedding was basically the best opportunity to hang out and actually be together again. He found this out after his shower; he texted Colm, and the lad gave him an entire rundown on what was happening and how it was going to happen. Thank God Mandy texted him to get more details when she did.
“I can manage.” Robert smirks, looking over at the TV. “It's decent enough for a guy like me. Plus, Beef seems to like it.”
Beef was somewhere in the house, exploring the new environment as each of them got their stuff in. Whatever floats his little doggy boat.
“Which,” Robert opened his bag and took some of his stuff out, “thanks again for finding a place that accepts dogs.”
“It costs more money, just so you know.” Courtney smirks, a playful tone in her voice. “Kidding. I like having the little guy around, he's cute.”
“Of course he is.” He brightens, unrolling his phone charger. “He’s my dog. Too bad I can't take him to the wedding.”
“Yeah, he’d probably eat the entire cake.”
Robert pouts. “Aw, come on—”
Courtney smiles, removing her purple jacket. “I'm kidding. Kind of. You should probably put him on a diet, though.”
Rude. It's one thing to make fun of him and his skinny appearance, but fat-shaming his dog? That's a new blow that he wouldn't take. Just as he was about to snap back with something else for his very judgy friend, the appearance of a tall, blonde woman came into view, standing at the doorframe with a soft smile painted on her pale face.
“Liking it?” She questions, tilting her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “I tried to find the best for you and Beef.”
Robert gives a thumbs up, smiling. “Better than nothing. Too bad I have to share it with my world's biggest bully, unfortunately.”
“I'm not a bully.” The black-haired woman frowns, giving Robert a stink eye. “I could be meaner.”
“You were meaner in high school.” Robert bites back, though there's an obvious playful tone at the edge of his voice. “Thanks, Mandy. It's wonderful.”
The blonde woman seems to have sparked with his words, her eyes practically glowing. Courtney smiles too, but he already knows she's about to say something that will ruin the mood.
“Don't hole away in here.” She warns, tilting her head. “You're going to hang out with us whether you’d like to or not.”
Robert holds up his hands. “I’m not arguing with you here.”
The shorter woman does a playful pose in response to her victory. “Good.”
Always the queen of words. And names.
“Anywho,” Mandy steps in, hands moving to her hips, “dinner at Melberry’s Steak starts at five. We have an hour and a half to get ready, so let's start unpacking everything before we head out.”
Oh, right. The dinner party. Yeah, there were apparently multiple things scheduled during the totally-valid-vacation time between now and the wedding. Another thing they did. Sometimes he wonders how people still have money when they make events like this. But at least he'll get to see everyone, and free food on the side since it's already prepaid.
“Right on it.” Robert nods at Mandy, then motions for Courtney to get out. She flicks him off but does leave, saying something about making Beef love her more, but he'll worry about that another time.
Just as Robert was about to make a snarky joke, Mandy steps over and places a hand on his arm, a comforting look in her eyes. Sometimes he forgets she's a little bit taller than he is.
“You sure you'll be okay?” She asks, her blue eyes filled with worry. “I just want to make sure—”
“I promise I'll be fine.” Robert reached over and patted her hand. “Like I said, it won't be long, and I'm sure we can still handle being in each other's presence.”
In truth, Robert was nervous as fuck. No contact in over two years, and now they have to be in the same space after all this time. God, fate was testing his patience. And his mental state. Can he catch a break? Not really.
“Not just that,” Mandy bites her lower lip, “I mean, after what happened with Chase…”
Robert's face sours, and her soft look immediately falters into guilt.
“I'm sorry, I—”
“It's okay.”
Robert takes both her hands and smiles. “I get it. It's been rough, but I wouldn't miss my friends’ wedding for anything in the world. Unless, you know, Beef had to go to the vet. That's more complicated.”
That got a giggle out of her, thankfully.
“Let's just not talk about it, alright?” Robert looks down, forcing himself to keep his smile. “If it comes up, I'll tell the others myself, okay?”
Mandy nods. “Yeah, okay. I'm sorry.”
“Don't be.”
The drive to the restaurant was loud, just like the drive to the Airbnb. The entire time, Courtney and Robert were arguing over this current show they were watching at the same time (something that Courtney forced him to binge-watch so she could talk about it with someone), with small playful jabs of insult thrown at one of the other every couple of minutes. Mandy has told them to stop a few times; they would, but then Courtney says something, and Robert says something back, bringing them back full circle. He often sounded serious because of his deadpan tone, but she always knew better.
Finally, when they arrived, Mandy happily exclaimed that Colm and Janelle were already outside, waiting for everyone. Robert sucked in a breath, tightening his grip on the back of Courtney's seat. It now just occurred to him he hasn't seen them in over two years either. He really needs to chat with people.
“Make sure Colm doesn't punch your balls.” Courtney jokes, unbuckling. “Kidding. He stopped the fighting ring thing a while ago. He's a coach, I think.”
“He'll probably blabber about it at the table.” Robert smirks, doing the same and opening his door. “He still does that, right?”
“Oh, yeah.” She chuckles.
As soon as they walk up, Mandy and Courtney are immediately embraced by Janelle, dropping her cold demeanor to greet her two friends. Robert nearly falls over when a small but strong force almost tackles him into the concrete, having to catch himself on his feet in order not to break his skull open six days before the wedding.
“Ain't it the lad we were excited to see!” Colm cheers, strong arms wrapped tightly around the brunette’s torso. “Robert, my boy! How ya been?!”
Robert smiles and does the same, using one arm to embrace the much shorter man. “I'm good. Congrats on the wedding.”
Colm pulls away with a shiny smile. He still looked the same, with maybe a grey hair or two. He could still kick Robert's ass, however. Never underestimate his strength.
“Aw, shucks, thanks!” He beams, puffing his chest in pride. “Never too old to get married! I'm a very lucky man.”
The taller man's expression warms. “You definitely are. Janelle is… uh, beautiful, without the romantic intention part of it. See? I'm explaining that I'm not here to steal your soon-to-be wife.”
Colm laughs. Janelle turns her attention to Robert, her face falling to neutrality upon seeing him. Yep, he's going to die here.
“Hey, Janelle. Congrats on—”
Janelle lightly punches his arm. Robert rubs the spot, frowning, thinking she would say something cruel to Robert, but then she steps forward and wraps her arms around him.
“There's our favorite Rob.” She soothes comfort in Robert’s hearing. “I’m glad you were able to make it.”
Thank God. Robert hugs her back, his body relaxing. “Wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm happy for you two.”
Janelle pulls away, her eyes softening at the sight of Robert. “You still look tired.”
He shrugs. “Nothing's changed.”
Okay, so far so good. The group decided they'll wait for everyone else inside, since Janelle didn't want to stand any longer. Robert, now basically being a fifth wheel, follows both of the couples inside and waits for everything to be arranged before they're taken to the table. It was basically in its own room, a separate corner away from the rest of the restaurant.
Courtney whistles, looking around the room. “Nice. How'd you find this place?”
“My grandmother recommended it.” Janelle sits down, scooting over on the smooth wooden bench so Colm can sit next to her. “Pretty good price, honestly.”
“It's lovely.” Mandy sits on the other side, doing the same so both Courtney and Robert can sit down. “You can make it a wedding room if you wanted to.”
The hazel-eyed woman chuckles at the joke. “Maybe next time.”
“Next time?” Robert cocks a brow. “Already thinking ahead. Good thinking.”
They laugh at the deadpan joke. Turns out, only a few of their friends were showing up today. Royd needed an extra day to get to his hotel, Herm was helping his grandma with something (probably ridiculous), and Katon was MIA for now. Which means it most likely wouldn't be as overwhelming. Thankfully. Except they didn't mention Sayed not coming too, which means he's still fucked. Which still led to some of Robert’s confusion with the wedding; why did they stay in contact with Robert after the breakup? And why is he wondering this now? He needs to let his mind rest sometimes.
“So,” Mandy leans forward, resting her chin on her knuckles, “how was the proposal? What did you plan, Colm?”
“Hopefully no one got hurt.”
Colm gasps. “Of course no one was! It was a private moment between me and my lady.”
Janelle blushes at her fiancé's words. “Oh, shush. It was a park, after we went and saw a private match.”
Oh, so Colm didn't entirely stop his usual fighting habits.
“We were walking home, and he said he had a question to ask me.”
“The typical stuff.” The tomboy giggles. Mandy gently elbows her, giving her a stern look that basically screamed behave. Robert didn't say anything to that.
“Oh, it's more romantic when you're there.” The mustached man defends, leaning on the table, arm wrapped around Janelle’s waist. “Like you would know!”
“Hey, I absolutely—!”
“Ooooh, I smell alcohol!”
Robert's head shoots up to the entrance of their hidden spot. There stood Malevola, Victor, and Bruno, the unspeakable trio of the generation. Malevola's tanned muscles bounced off nicely with the lighting of the room, with her curly black hair tied back in a ponytail. Victor was more hairy these days, his long brown hair covering his back and a scruffy beard decorating his face, but overall he looked pretty stable. Bruno was still fucking jacked and bigger than everyone else in the room. Wavy golden-brown hair stuck out everywhere, yet somehow his clothes were still baggy on him. How does a guy like him do that? If Robert wore that, he'd look like a lost toddler.
“Ah, there you are!” Janelle stands, grinning. “We just got here a few minutes ago. Food shouldn't be out for another thirty minutes.”
She didn't look at Victor. He remembers they only get along sometimes, but only for certain situations. Victor's held a grudge against her since she handcuffed him to a pole and left him there. They never found out why she did that, but Courtney laughed about it for days. He thought it was dumb, but what did he know?
Speaking of, Victor’s head scanned to the other side where the others were sitting, and his icy eyes widened when they landed on the freckled brunette.
“No fucking way! You actually made it, dude.” Victor passes by Malevola to get to Robert. “I thought you died.”
“... You text me all the time.” Robert's brows furrow as he stands up. “Of course I would make it.”
The other man grins, patting his friend's arm. “You look good. Where's the dog?”
Oh, yeah. He sends photos of Beef to Victor sometimes. “He's at the—”
“Wait, hold on, my turn!”
Robert is suddenly swept off his feet and into the air with a small yelp. Malevola squeezes him against her, muscular arms practically covering his entire body in their big embrace.
“Roberto! About time we see you again!” She squeals, stuffing her nose into his short brown hair. “I was getting worried you were hiding from us.”
Wel… “Of course not, Mal. I got really busy, and I'm very quickly losing air, so please let me go.”
“Malevola.” Mandy coughs into her fist. “Please don't kill Robert before the wedding.”
“Am I a sacrifice or something?” He huffs as the taller woman puts him down.
“Maybe another time.” Malevola smiles, pinching the paler man's cheek. “Aww, look at your face. Haven't changed a bit. You should post more on your Instagram.”
“Oi, he's busy!” Colm butts in. “He's got a cute dog he takes care of.”
Oh, did he mention that? Or did Courtney? Actually, it's more logical to think he was told by Victor or saw a once-in-a-blue-moon story of his that had Beef being the center of attention.
“Oh, yeah, Beef right?”
“Yeah.”
“Hi, Robert.”
“Oh, hi Bruno.”
Bruno wasn't as affectionate as the other two by any means, but he still gave a warm smile to his long-distance friend. Robert nods, suddenly feeling sour.
“Okay, I'm glad to see you guys, but we should be focusing more on the couple here.”
Robert points behind him at Janelle and Colm. “They're the ones getting married. We can catch up another time.”
“We can multitask.” Malevola smirks but does toss her attention over to Janelle. Robert made room so Courtney and Mandy could stand and greet their friends. Even so, Victor stood next to Robert, scratching his neck.
“So, big day on Saturday, huh?” He yawns. Yep, still Victor.
“Yep, you got a suit that isn't used for interviews?” The freckled man teases, turning his head to look at the slightly taller man.
“Yeah, Malevola helped me pick it out.” He rolls his shoulders. “I could have done it just fine, though. As a Harvard graduate—”
“We know.” Robert's warm look instantly drops. “You tell everyone that.”
“It's true.”
Bruno walks over, standing on the other side of Robert. “Sup, dude.”
“Hey, Bruno.”
“You got shorter.” He jokes, scratching his chin. “Kidding. Good to see you, man.”
“The gang is almost back together.” Victor says, placing one hand on his hips. “It'll be like the old days. Going to bars, getting into arguments, and all the drinks.”
“You had a cocaine addiction.” Bruno nonchalantly points out, his eyes darting over to the long-haired man. Robert pressed his lips together to stop himself from laughing.
Victor’s face shifts, unsatisfied with the call-out. “Okay, you don't have to say it like that. And I don't do it anymore, thank you very much.”
“Thankfully.” Robert sighs. “Though, being a college graduate would do that to someone.”
“This guy gets it.” He happily pats his shoulder. “Don't worry, I just do meth now.”
Both Robert and Bruno shot concerned looks at the Harvard graduate, whose face stayed the same.
“Kidding. Weed. Mal would kill me.”
Robert breathes a sigh of relief. “Jesus, man.”
“It was funny.” Bruno nods. “Nice joke.”
“Thanks.”
Robert coughs slightly. “Well, since you're no longer a drug addict, what do you do now?”
“An accountant. Easiest thing to do.” Victor looks over at Bruno. “It's not, but I like to say it is.”
“You're a bad liar sometimes.” The bigger man points out. “That's okay, though.”
“Whatever, Golem.”
“You two still act like kids.” Robert says, looking over at the other group, who seemed to be having a wonderful time talking to one another. “I can't tell if I hate it or love it.”
“You missed us, so you love it.” Bruno smiles. Okay, he's got a point. It was nice hearing everyone's voices around the place after so long. Even if he had to hear ridiculous comments from Victor.
“By the way, are you chill with seeing Sayed or are you going to hide in the bathroom to avoid him?”
Aaaaaaaaand there it was. Robert's body stiffens, lowering his head as red spreads across his face. He knew someone would ask sooner or later, but Victor? Of all people? He wholeheartedly expected Bruno to do it instead.
“I can't get mad, I was just about to ask.”
Okay. Never mind. His friends are assholes.
“We're here for Janelle and Colm.” Robert points out, firmly crossing his arms over his chest. “Not between my ex and me.”
“Oooh, you can't even say his name.” Victor chuckles, followed by Bruno.
“Shut up.” Robert shakes his head. “It's been years, guys. This isn't some weird high school drama episode.”
“Not yet.” Bruno shrugs. “But don't worry, Courtney will beat his ass.”
“God.”
“Be honest, if you get the opportunity to—”
“Victor.”
Victor held up his hands. “Okay, okay, sorry. Not more Sayed talk. Except maybe now because he’s here.”
Wait, what?
Robert's head snaps back to the other group, seeing two new additions. Oh fuck. Pink and blue hair stood out among the rest; it was no doubt Alice, given her flashy look. She was hugging both Janelle and Colm, most likely congratulating them like everyone else had. Honestly, given her aesthetic, Robert nearly forgot she's a famous popstar with multiple songs played on the radio, and for a moment he wondered if anyone recognized her when she came in. Unfortunately, his easing thoughts erupted when his dark eyes trailed to the man behind her, and fuck this was bad. His heart started to beat, anxiety creeping up inside him.
Sayed looked… well, like Sayed. He hasn't changed all that much, besides the fact that Robert swears he's gotten beefier. His black hair was tugged tightly in a ponytail, straddling it down toward his back, and to Robert's demise, he was wearing a tight black v-shirt that exposed a good chunk of his chest. He was also wearing tight jeans. Great. Everything he was wearing was tight. He did always like tight, though, so he can't say he's surprised.
But he looked good. Hasn't changed all that much. Robert looks away, keeping his eyes on the floor. He hears a low chuckle from both of his friends.
“There it is.” Bruno grumbles.
“Don't worry, he's just here to drink.” Victor mutters over Robert. “You'll definitely need a few, too.”
“Both of you, shut up!” Robert hisses, smacking his own face. “Do me a favor and don't make it a big deal, got it?”
“I'm not the one avoiding looking at him.” The taller man moves to the side. “Which, by the way, is hilarious on my end. You look terrified.”
“You both make me miserable.”
They both say something, but Robert doesn't catch it. Instead, he stands straight and says some weird excuse about the bathroom before he's pacing off, avoiding eye contact with everyone else. He heard Victor make a comment about hiding in the bathroom, but he decided he'll get on his case about that another time. It takes him a moment to find the bathrooms until he sees the brightly lighted doors across from the entire restaurant. Great, they're the furthest from it all. Wonderful to know. He stalks over and pushes his way in once he's on the other side. Luckily, no one was in there. Tiredly, Robert takes the other side and hides himself in a stall. He said he'd be normal about this, but one look and he felt smaller than ever.
Ha! Look at you! So small, so itty bitty.
He can still hear his voice even after all these years. The brunette’s phone dings, and he's quick to check the notification.
Courtney: Yo, you good?? You just left
Courtney: Is it him?? I'll kick his ass for you
He does smile at that.
Robert: Nah, it's okay. Thanks, but I think I just needed some air
Robert: Honestly, I think I'm more nervous about the food
Courtney: Lmfao, yeah. Well, lmk when you come back because we're getting swarmed here
Courtney: Rest dude
He reacts with a thumbs-up emoji. That was the best he can do for now. Okay, so, the night isn't super long, except that it is. Dinner should be done soon, but everyone who's been at a gathering knows it goes on forever because everyone is constantly talking. He didn't want to leave yet, that'd be rude, and he wanted to talk to his friends after so long. Robert knew there was no going back once he accepted the request, and he wasn't going to chicken out and leave either. This was about Janelle and Colm, so he's going to let it stay that way.
Plus, there's no way Sayed would interact with him either. He's a petty person, and he holds grudges, but he wouldn't ruin everyone's week of fun.
… Probably. Alice would tell him not to… in public. Okay, so he might be fucked. But it doesn't change anything. He'll just stick with everyone else, avoid Sayed, and have a very fun and outgoing week. Yay! That's why he took work off!
It's more enthusiastic when he's not thinking about it.
After a few minutes of collecting his thoughts, Robert unlocks the stall door and steps out, meeting the bathroom sinks across from him. Even though he didn't do anything, a simple wash doesn't hurt anyone. Plus, it's still a bathroom, who knows what germs he touched by just walking in here?
Robert turns on the sink and starts freshening up. His anxiety cooled down a bit, which is good because the last thing he needs right now is to go completely nonverbal at a place where you're supposed to be the most verbal. Then again, he himself wasn't the quietest person on Earth. He's had his moments; he's just very neutral in general.
Once he was done, he started to dry his hands when the sound of the door opening caught his attention. His eyes instinctively lift up to the reflection in front of him, not expecting much other than another person. Only except this wasn't another person. Of course it wasn't, knowing his damn luck.
Firey hazel eyes, black hair, v-shirt, and Mr. I-wear-everything-tight shithead. Yep, and they just happened to make eye contact just as Robert looks up. That's wonderful. He's having a great day.
They're both silent for a moment. He can't exactly read Sayed’s expression, other than annoyance, anger, conflict, and… well, what does he know? Still, it's awkward. It's very awkward.
Robert looks down to avoid him.
“Hey, bitch.”
Wow. Okay. He tries to ignore him again.
“I'm talking to you, bitch.”
Robert’s fears went right out the window. Yep, he's still a prick. He looks up to meet his eyes again.
“Just so you know, I'm looking at you because you're talking, not because I'm a bitch.” He deadpans, throwing away the paper towel and turning around to really look at his ex. “The hell are you doing, Sayed? Trying to start another argument?”
The older man grimaces at his words, eyes narrowing as he scans all over Robert's body. “You still dress like shit.”
“You still act like shit. Looks like we're fucking even.”
Even so, Robert felt his stomach fall into a pit. This was bad, he didn't like this, but at the same time, talking to Sayed again felt… better? Not exactly, but they weren't screaming at each other at least. Not yet. That's up to Sayed, though.
Sayed bares his teeth as he speaks. “Avoiding me, huh?”
Robert rolls his eyes. “Yeah, obviously. Exes don't usually meet up again after years of separation. Plus, the last time I saw you, you nearly broke my door by slamming it too hard, jackass.”
Something changed in Sayed’s expression, but he didn't allow it to show in front of Robert of all people.
“If it weren't for Janelle and Colm, I’d make this a MUCH bigger issue.” He scoffs, crossing his muscular arms (that Robert totally avoided looking at). “I am going to play nice until the wedding. Which means fuck off for you, got it?”
Robert raises a brow, unamused. “You trying to kick me out of a wedding I was invited to? That's a new blow, even for you.”
Sayed’s eye twitches. “Rot in hell, bitch.”
What a way with words. “Keep this mature, Sayed. We can survive a few days around each other. Just don't cause problems like you usually do.”
His ex looks away, finally. “I’m done wasting my time. I don't want to look at you anymore.”
For some reason, that stung a little. “What a nice conversation. Hope to do it again soon.”
Sayed ignores him as he heads into a stall. The brunette kicks himself out, head hanging low as he leaves the bathroom to go back to the others. For some reason, that entire interaction felt incredibly fake, yet he couldn't point out how. The way S
Sayed acted was… well, he hasn't changed, but the vibe was different. Very different.
Shaking his head, Robert can only groan as he comes back to Bruno and Victor hiding away in a corner, mumbling to themselves. They were betting. They were totally betting.
Just six days. Six days, and everything can go back to normal.