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The usual disclaimers apply. This is fiction.
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Chapter 19
Chris wove his way through the clusters of Adirondack chairs to look for Armie. It wasn't ever hard to spot him, but it was tough to actually get to him. The book party was set up on a makeshift deck on top of the sand, with string lights hanging above the crowd and the requisite taco truck on one side. It wasn't like any book party Chris had ever been to, which was the point of the whole thing. It was more an excuse to get everyone together. There wasn't a formal signing, there wasn't even a huge blow-up poster of the cover--there was a smattering of billboards in L.A. and New York, however. Instead, there was a table of books for anyone interested and the sound of the Beach Boys in the air. The books were the only indication that the party had any sort of purpose other than revelry. Chris noticed that nobody had taken one yet, even though everything was well underway.
"The photographer left," Chris said when he finally reached Armie. Penguin had insisted that there be some sort of photographic evidence, especially with a tiny sliver of Hollywood present. Chris assumed it was for social media, to give the "People" magazines of the world that he was in the orbit of famous people. It helped sell books, but it didn't do much for his reputation in literary circles.
"Did you get a chance to eat?" Armie asked, wrapping one arm around Chris' waist. Armie had a beer in the other hand. Chris leaned into his body, wanting to melt right into it if possible. He could hear his heartbeat thumping in his ears. Everything was buzzing around him, but the whole world seemed hazy.
"I'm okay," Chris said, surveying everything happening around them. "Maybe I should get some water, though."
"That speech really took it out of you." Armie joked. Chris had spoken for less than a minute, welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming. Armie ended up interrupting, announcing that Chris' new book had, in fact, gone to the very top of the "New York Times" bestseller list, was officially his most well-reviewed release to date, and just about everyone really was excited to read it. It was a good place to be in, Chris admitted, but it was also new. Mixed reviews were the norm for him. This time around, the consensus seemed to be clear: good job. Armie had spent most of the day reading the reviews aloud from his phone and Chris was almost being lavished with nothing but positivity.
"My nerves are shot," Chris said. "Your parents are here and just about everyone I know is here."
"Don't exaggerate," Armie said. He took a long swig of beer and a deep breath. "Okay, my parents are going to freak out. Should we get this over with?"
"That's a great attitude to have right now," Chris said. He ran his fingers through his hair, doing his best to look kempt, even though the ocean spray and gentle gusts were working against him.
"The taco truck is only here for a little longer, we have to."
Together, they walked over to where the audio setup was. There was no DJ, just a laptop that was rigged to the speakers. Armie grabbed the microphone as Chris turned the music down.
"Hello, hello, everyone," Armie said. Chris watched as everyone turned to face where they were standing. "Thanks again for coming to celebrate Chris' new book. We're so, so happy that you could all make it," he continued as the two of them walked a little bit closer to where everyone was standing.
"Seeing everyone here, eating great food, and sharing this achievement with us is really great. This morning, Chris and I were freaking out, because this whole thing was happening and we didn't know if everything would turn out right, but we both have to say that this is pretty perfect. However, there's more to celebrate than this guy," Armie said as he pulled Chris close to him. "Before all of this, we took a little detour downtown. I'm very, very proud and excited to say that Chris and I went to City Hall and got married."
Chris scanned the guests' faces. It was a combination of shock and awe along with an almost palatable joy. He could almost feel the buzz coming off of everyone as they let the news sink in. It took a split second, but there was a wave of cheers and applause. Armie leaned over and kissed Chris, bringing his focus away from everyone's reactions to the announcement.
"There you go," Armie said softly. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"Thank you for celebrating with us," Chris said into the microphone. "I hope everyone has been having a great time. Armie and I are very grateful to have you all here to share this with and I don't think that we'd both be where we are right now without everyone either supporting us or telling us we're making a huge mistake."
"Last call is happening pretty soon, so I hope everyone got enough to eat and has a great night," Armie added. "Thanks again for coming, everyone."
Another round of applause swept the crowd and Chris felt himself being pulled into a hug and another kiss. The swell of cheers got even louder. Chris smiled as Armie pulled away. "I love you," Chris said, his arms tight around Armie's torso.
"We did it," Armie said. "This is real." Chris rested his cheek against Armie's chest for just a second, trying his best to commit this feeling to memory.
"You guys are serious, right?" Sebastian asked. He pulled them both into his arms. "You told me you were going to get a haircut and you end up getting married?"
"I did get a haircut. Oscars are on Sunday!" Chris said, grinning. "And this just felt right. It really did."
"He took some convincing," Armie emphasized. One of his arms was still around Chris' waist, even as everyone was coming up to congratulate them. "I've been trying to convince him to think about getting engaged again...and we decided to go all in."
"I'm so happy for you guys. Congratulations," Sebastian said. "It's about time."
"And here come my parents," Armie said as he saw them through the crowd. "I'm going to talk to them, you guys have a drink for me."
Armie made his way to his mom and dad while Chris accepted hugs and well wishes. "You were never one to follow tradition," Dru said.
"Mom, this wasn't a last-minute decision. I've thought this through," Armie said.
"Chris is wonderful," Dru said, her hands reaching for Armie's. "I'm not going to ruin tonight for you. There's a lot to think about. You know how hard marriage is. I've been through it. You've been through it. He has, too."
"I love you, mom," Armie said, hugging her. "But we're not talking about this right now. I'm too happy to hear anything negative. Have a beer. Have some fun."
"I didn't really think about it at all," Chris said to Sebastian. They were sitting on the edge of the party together. Chris couldn't keep from smiling as they watched everyone get back to eating and drinking. "I told him I wasn't ever going to get married again. Then, this morning, we went and did it and I am so happy I can't even explain it."
"You're crazy," Sebastian said. "Everyone knew this would happen. We were all just waiting."
"I didn't want to go through that whole circus again," Armie said to his father. He could see Chris out of the corner of his eye. "Chris already had a big to-do. This just felt like the perfect thing for us to do. Everyone is here. We're celebrating anyway. Why not?"
His dad didn't need an explanation. From the very beginning, Armie knew his dad loved Chris, too. When Armie decided to pursue acting, his mother was hesitant, insisting that there was so much out there that was more stable, more reliable. His dad was encouraging, even if he did have second thoughts.
During Armie's divorce, his mom suggested therapy and his father actually sat down to listen. His parents had split up; they knew how tough it was. It wasn't surprising that his dad would support this decision. He couldn't see his mother being as quick to celebrate, but he hoped she'd make her way through the thinning crowd.
"You're officially married now and I'm still struggling to keep things going with my girlfriend," Sebastian said to Chris. "Who would have thought that would be where we are?"
"I don't think that much is going to change," Chris said. "We're so busy. Right now I have to finish writing an entire movie."
"No honeymoon?"
"We didn't even have an actual wedding," Chris said, motioning to the party around them. "We literally signed a paper and walked back to the car. We had to pay $20 for a witness. I don't think a honeymoon is in the books."
"Take him to the island," Armie's dad said. "Spend as much time as you want."
"We can't right away," Armie said. "But I appreciate the thought."
"This time's the one, I can see it."
"I hope so," Armie said. "Because I feel it."
"There you are," Chris said, getting back on his feet as Armie approached. He gave Armie a quick kiss. "People are freaking out."
"Figured they would."
"How are the Hammers?"
"Mom's not so good. Dad's great. Went just like I thought it would."
"Can't win at everything," Chris said.
By the time everyone had said their goodbyes, Chris and Armie had a chat with Michael and Dru, though it wasn't anything more than a second round of congratulations. Chris could feel some of the tension, although Armie seemed to be satisfied with where things were standing. Chris knew that it had taken a long time for Armie's parents to accept his acting career, so it could take just as long for them to adjust to the news. Chris and Armie gave them hugs and goodbyes and, hand in hand, they headed back to the house. By now, the night sky over the ocean was inky black, though the city lights illuminated everything in the other direction.
"This is the first time we've done this walk as husbands," Armie said. "Does it feel different?"
"Not even a little," Chris said. "Which is how it should be."
"When we wake up tomorrow, will things be different?"
"Yes," Chris said. "Because I'll get a lot of flower deliveries and phone calls and who knows what else? My book is out."
"You're being crazy," Armie said, squeezing Chris' hand tight. "We need to get wedding bands. We need to tell Deb."
"We'll do all that, too," Chris said. "But I think right now, I'm going to enjoy you being right here with me."
Chris undersold the after-book protocol. Armie watched, wide-eyed, as the house filled with bouquets of flowers, sent from editors, friends, and people Chris couldn't even place. Chris' inbox was filled with congratulations and praise. His phone buzzed almost nonstop. By the time Chris shut it off to maintain his sanity, Armie's head was spinning. It wasn't even lunchtime.
"This is slightly more than normal," Chris explained. "I'm not usually getting roses from the people at NPR."
"What are we going to do with all of these? There's no room for it all."
Chris shrugged. "Honestly, I have no idea." For his part, Armie was dealing with his agent and how to let the world know about what had happened the night before. Without an official statement and no professional photos, everything on the internet was still hearsay. Deb was coordinating with Chris' publicist, but Armie was hoping that everything would be done by the end of the day. If they timed things right, the Oscars would overshadow their marriage announcement. It was better that way. Being tabloid fodder wouldn't help his chances with HBO.
"Why are we on Rodeo?" Chris asked. They'd managed to leave the house, leaving a note on the front door, telling any deliverymen to just leave the packages, no signatures necessary. Usually an oasis of calm, the house was a tempest of chaos. They needed out, just for a bit. "I thought Ilaria was sending our shoes?"
"I have to pick up a pair, she had to have them shipped in," Armie explained. "She has other clients. I'm saving her the trouble. Plus, we have to pick something up for ourselves."
"Oh, right," Chris said as they walked down the palm tree-lined street. "Did you call ahead?"
"They know we're coming," Armie said as pulled his sunglasses off. Tucking them into the collar of his T-shirt, he grabbed Chris' hand and led them towards Cartier. A few minutes later, Armie was sipping scotch and they were examining a tray of wedding bands in a private room in the back of the store. It was definitely different from the first time around. Jake had chosen everything, not that Chris had taken issue with that. Armie was making sure that everything was cooperative, that each experience was shared.
"I'd prefer white metal," Armie said. After he found Chris' old ring upstairs, he made it a point to get something different from the gold wedding band he'd seen hidden away. If Chris objected, he'd stand down, but if he could nudge him towards something, he'd do it.
"I wear mine on a necklace sometimes," Chris explained to the saleswoman. "So, something rounded. Something thin. Nothing flashy."
Chris gravitated the simplest one, though Armie suggested one with an Art Deco-inspired detail, with a raised portion that made the ring look like something more sophisticated than a band. "It's based on a design from 1938," the saleswoman added. "A classic design that the maison updated. It's called D'Amour. Love. It's very popular."
Armie slipped it on Chris' ring finger. He held it up, the clean platinum gleaming in the store's bright lights. "I like it," Chris said. "It is nicer than the plain one. Love. That's very appropriate."
"I'm going to need a new necklace if we get this," he added.
"That's fine," Armie said softly. The sight of Chris' finger and the ring hit something inside him he didn't expect. It was real now. The rings would be a testament to that. "That looks...wow."
"Are you okay?" Chris asked, reaching to feel at Armie's cheek. "He's not usually like this. He should be goofing off."
"Time and place," Armie said. He took a slow sip of his scotch and took a deep breath. "We'll take that one, a chain, and let's get me the same one. All set."
"You should get a bigger one," Chris said. "Your hands are bigger than mine."
Chris picked up a thicker version of his band and slid it onto Armie's finger. He blinked back some tears and Chris chuckled. "You're such a softy," he said. "Armie, calm down."
"I'll get some options for the necklace," the saleswoman said before excusing herself.
"I never thought this would happen," Armie said. "You told me you wouldn't get married again. We're here, though. Tell me this is real."
"This is very real," Chris said. "We got married. I hate to break it to you."
Armie leaned in and kissed Chris softly. "I don't know what's happening in my head or my heart right now. I just know this feels really good."
"It could be that drink," Chris joked, pressing their foreheads together.
"We'll take this one," Armie said, holding up his hand as the saleswoman opened the door. "And Chris' and also whatever chain he wants."
"No, no," Chris said. "I don't need the necklace. I'm okay. I'll wear it on my finger. If I need it, we can come back."
"You'd think that size 14 would be in stock everywhere," Chris joked as they walked down the street. No shopping bags necessary--they wore the rings right out of the store. Armie let out a soft laugh. He couldn't remember ever getting shoes without having to special order them. Only a few of the big designers even made his size and it helped that his stylist had developed relationships with the brands that did. Being tall did have some disadvantages.
"This'll be quick," Armie said. "They have everyone ready for me to pick up."
Armie was true to his word. After a quick in and out, they were back in the car. Chris was about to close his eyes when he felt Armie grab a hold of his hand, his fingertips tracing at the new ring. He didn't say anything, but Chris knew it meant a lot to Armie to see it. "After Sunday, let's go away."
"I would love that," Chris said.
"I want to get away from all of this," Armie said. "I've got all I need right now."
"You need a script," Chris added. "Take me away and I'll get you one."
"It's a deal," Armie said. "But we can go even if you don't write it."
"It'll be like a retreat," Chris said. "With a very welcome distraction. I don't even care where we go."
Back in Venice Beach, Armie moved most of the flowers out onto the patio. The house was filled with the heady scent of flowers and both Chris and Armie were still grinning from ear to ear. With Armie's shoes, everything for the Oscars was set, too. Ilaria's assistant had dropped off their tuxedos. They had Sunday's schedule set. Now that Armie had thrown in the idea of getting away, Chris was even more excited for the days to fly by.
"And it's out," Armie said, eyes focused on his phone. "Exclusive to 'People,' but since we didn't have an actual photo, they used one from the first premiere we went to together."
"That's not even a good picture," Chris said, looking over at Armie's phone. "But I can't blame them for that. Bless Deb for getting this out at the end of Friday. Nobody will care."
"And you maintain your air of mystery," Armie said.
"It's tough when you're making statements to 'People,' but I manage," Chris said sarcastically.
Armie settled in on the couch, but didn't get anything more than a few seconds of quiet before Chris tossed a small box on his lap. "That's from David. Feel free to share." Armie tore open the box to find another one inside. Carefully pulling it out of its bubble-wrap cocoon, Armie opened the inner box to find a card that simply read "Congratulations." He smiled at the sight of two cigars. "I'll be on the patio," he said over his shoulder.
"I didn't prep," Chris said one more time to the producer, who was too busy screaming into his headset to pay any attention. As soon as he and Armie stepped out onto the Academy Awards' red carpet together, Chris was pulled away and ushered straight into the auditorium. Armie didn't even realize what had happened until he reached for Chris' hand and saw that he was missing. A panicked second later, a production assistant let him know exactly what was happening. One of the ceremony's presenters had dropped out and the show's producers were scrambling to get someone who was roughly his same height to take his place. Armie volunteered, but he was too tall. The camera operators weren't prepped for someone of his height standing next to the co-presenter and it was too late to get the blocking right.
"You'll just say, 'And the nominees are,'" he finally told Chris. "Elizabeth Olsen will read everything else."
"Also, this white jacket will look great on camera. Thanks again," he added.
"Wait, what?" Chris asked. "What am I even presenting?"
"Best Supporting Actor," Armie said, scanning the script. "Jake is nominated. This is a joke, right?"
"What?" Chris asked, pulling the paper from Armie's hands. "This is unreal. I'm not here for a ratings stunt. Who dropped out?"
"James Franco," Armie said. "You know what happened there."
"And it's the second award of the night," Chris said. "That means..."
"You're on in 30 minutes," the producer interrupted.
"You look really handsome," Armie assured Chris.
"Yeah, at least there's that," Chris said. "Because I will manage to screw this up somehow. Do I look okay?"
"I just said that you looked handsome," Armie said. "And if they wanted it to be for publicity, wouldn't they want me to do it?"
Chris took a few deep breaths. He'd done this before. He could do it again. Jake didn't win awards. Nothing weird would happen. Suddenly, the weight of his new wedding band seemed monumental.
"Do you need anything?" Armie asked, his hands on Chris' shoulders, squeezing slightly.
"I'm fine," Chris said. "I just can't believe they'd choose me over the dozens of other people here."
"Right place, wrong time," Armie said. "You'll do great."
Chris felt a hand on his elbow and he turned to see another PA, who was ready to whisk him deeper into the bowels of the theater. "Makeup," he said flatly. Armie was a few steps behind, not sure where he should be. If he went back out to the carpet, there'd be questions about why Chris wasn't with him. In the back of his mind, he knew that Deb wouldn't be happy with the fact that the two of them skipped out on the interviews out there.
"I need to call Jake," Chris said. "I'm not going to surprise him with this."
"I'll text him for you," Armie said, reaching for Chris' phone.
"Thanks."
Armie leaned against the doorframe as Chris sat in the makeup chair, the harsh lights of the mirror making them all blink a few times. "He probably won't be able to answer," Chris added. "But I can say I tried."
"I'll stay back here with you," Armie said. "There's no point in going to our seats."
"Do you think we can leave after I present?" Chris joked.
"We have a room across the street," Armie said, reaching out to hold Chris' hand.
"For a nap?"
"You know what it's for," Armie said.
"Need you at the stage," they both heard. Chris hopped out of the chair, cringing at the amount of powder they had packed on his face.
Armie pulled Chris back a few seconds later, so that they were a few paces behind the headset-wearing PA that had been wrangling them for the last 20 minutes. Chris felt himself being pushed against the wall and Armie's lips on his own. Chris melted into the embrace, the familiar warmth and feel of Armie's body against his. A buzz in Chris' jacket pocket brought them both back to reality.
"That's Jake," Chris said, pulling away. One hand lingered on Armie's chest as he checked the message. "Let's get this over with."
"Oh shit, the opening monologue is already over," Armie said, eyes focused on a tiny monitor down the hall. The two of them rushed towards the stage and Chris took his place next to Elizabeth Olsen, making sure that he didn't stomp on her long, beaded dress.
"You two are cute together," she said.
Chris steadied himself on his feet and smoothed down his jacket. He glanced over his shoulder to see Armie grinning at him, his blue eyes sparkling. "Love you," he mouthed.
"I think I'll keep him around," Chris said, letting out a soft laugh. The PA pushed an envelope into Chris' hand gave them a three-finger countdown. One deep breath and Chris knew there was no turning back now.
"Here we go," Elizabeth said. Chris followed her out onto the stage and the next few minutes were a blur. The lights were so bright that he couldn't see anyone out in the audience. He heard applause, heard Elizabeth and delivered his singular line as best as he could, tamping down the shakiness in his voice.
"There you go," Elizabeth whispered in his ear as they turned to face the screen behind them. "Nothing to worry about."
Chris handed her the gold envelope and he could feel her pause. "The Oscar goes to Jake Gyllenhaal."
Chris froze. He didn't even remember to clap. He did, however, feel Jake pull him into a hug when he arrived onstage. "What are the chances?" Jake whispered into his ear. Chris felt a chill run down his spine at the once-familiar sound of his voice, the scent of his cologne. Jake looked devastatingly handsome all dressed up. Chris felt his breathing stop for a second.
He took a few steps backward, taking his place beside Elizabeth again. He didn't even hear Jake's speech. He stood still, rapt as he watched Jake speak. He felt Elizabeth's hand on his arm and they crossed the stage one more time, the lights and sounds blending into a hazy blur.
"Congratulations," Chris finally said when they were backstage.
Jake smiled and gave Chris' shoulder a squeeze. "Still keep yours in the bathroom?"
"It got moved," Chris said softly. "I'm so happy for you." He felt a hand on his back and he looked over to see Armie at his side.
"Congratulations, Jake," Armie said.
"I'm going to skip the press room," Chris said. "Go ahead, they're waiting for you." He knew better than to take any attention from Jake. If they both stopped to talk to the reporters, the questions would definitely sway towards the two of them and not Jake's movie. Chris' body relaxed slightly when he felt Armie step closer, letting more of the crew walk past them. The three of them were basically blocking the entire walkway.
"Congratulations are in order for you, too," Jake said to both Armie and Chris. "My sister told me."
Chris' face flushed and Armie wrapped his arm around Chris' waist. He didn't know what to say. "Thank you," Armie said. "That means everything coming from you."
"Jake, they're waiting for you," came a voice from down the hall.
"We'll see you at 'Vanity Fair,'" Chris said.
"See you there," Jake said before he walked away.
"That could have been worse," Armie said, pulling Chris aside so that they weren't directly in the middle of everyone's path. Both of them stood, backs against the wall as the commotion buzzed all around them.
"We should go sit down," Armie said. "There's a lot of show left."
"Yeah," Chris muttered. He turned to Armie and wrapped his arms around his waist, wanting and needing the contact. He took a few deep breaths, inhaling the now-familiar scent of Armie's cologne and willing his heart to stop pounding so fast.
A few hours later, Armie was definitely buzzed on Champagne and Chris' shock had worn off. They'd managed to get to their hotel room in just a few minutes after the final award was handed out and Chris was already changing out of his white jacket into something less fussy for the night's after-parties as Armie sat on the edge of the bed and undid his bow tie. Chris stepped out of his tuxedo pants and straddled Armie's lap, running his hands down his chest. "This velvet feels so nice," Chris said before kissing him.
Armie groaned into the kiss, feeling up Chris' bare legs to his back. Chris' lips moved to his jaw and neck, but Armie held him still. "Let's go to Grand Cayman again," he said softly. "For a honeymoon."
"I'd like that," Chris said, his lips still on Armie's throat. "But let's figure that out later." With that, Chris climbed off the bed and got on his knees between Armie's legs. He tangled his fingers in Chris' hair when the familiar warmth surrounded his dick. Head tossed back, Armie couldn't think of a better way to start off the night's festivities.
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