Bullet To The Heart

Days Like Summer

Days Like SummerElliot woke to the sound of birds' singing- a loud mocking bird cheeping outside of their window. Elliot didn't want to get up since Randy's weight was still settled around him- telling him it was still early. Randy was holding Elliot to his slim chest- one of Elliot’s military shirts over his skin. His legs were entangled around Elliot- keeping the older man still and in his embrace.

Ah. Now Elliot remembers. He had another night terror last night. Elliot watched my squad mates being tied to trees and shot into mush with assault rifles. Elliot could do nothing but watch- crippled with his lost leg and worthless arm. Elliot had woken up buy managing to throw himself off the bed ad land on the floor. Randy had startled awake and sat with Elliot until he had sopped having a panic attack. Then Randy helped him back into bed and held him until Elliot fell back asleep.

He felt so much like José and Elliot knew he knew it. The way his ran his fingers through his hair to calm himself- the way he smiled. But there were also so many things that were different. The way he second guessed every move- how he touched Elliot with the softest hands he’d ever felt. He looks at Elliot with such soft eyes- a guarded heart beat in his chest yet he still put Elliot first- every breath he took- it was for Elliot.

Elliot wished he could repay him.

Elliot wished he could go back and never leave- take Randy down to the chapel and marry him right there.

Elliot opened his eyes- an idea swirling in his head and was met with Randy looking at him- blue eyes shining in the early morning sunlight. His lips were upturned in a silly grin and he reached to tangle his fingers in Elliot’s hair.

"Good morning" he whispered, and Elliot smiled- kicking his head up to kiss Randy’s lips softy- hating the taste of morning breath but loving him.

"What should we have to breakfast on this fine Saturday morning?"

"Just oatmeal" Elliot said, and Randy nodded, his face scrunching up as he was reluctant to leave Elliot, "How about I get my prosthetic on and we can cook together?"

"That sounds lovely darling" Randy smiled again and unraveled himself from around Elliot. Randy laid flat on his back and sighed before throwing his legs over the edge of the bed. He walked over to Elliot’s side of the bed as Elliot sat up as Randy got on his knees. Elliot couldn't help but think of how beautiful Randy looks- just woken up- his brown hair a wreck and his face with rosy cheeks.

Randy helped Elliot pull the sock thingy over his scarred stump and Elliot shifted into the leg- setting it so it felt comfortable. Elliot reached an arm out and Randy held onto Elliot’s bicep- helping him stand. Elliot let his poor hand go to Randy’s hip and held him still as Elliot kissed him again- Randy’s hands cradled Elliot’s face and he pulled away- smiling wide.

"I love you too" he snickered.

Elliot kissed him again- wrapping his arms around Randy’s back so he arched. They stood- in the early morning light- the rays streaming through their windows and shining on them- all until Randy’s stomach grumbled and he pulled away laughing.

Dear lord- Elliot’s heart almost stopped. Randy’s laugh- that song that plays in Elliot’s head all the time. If he could only listen to one thing the rest of my life- he would want it to be Randy’s laugh- the tone so soothing to Elliot’s troubled soul. An angel from above- Randy was Elliot’s air.

Randy dropped Elliot’s face but took his hand and Elliot unsteadily walked after him as Randy led him to the kitchen. Elliot let go of Randy’s hand and began to gather things- a pot- which he filled with water- and some steel cut oats from their cupboard. Elliot watched Randy stir the oatmeal while he cut some fresh fruit- Elliot’s hand feeling stronger than it was when he returned home.

--

Elliot dragged Randy to the church doors and he laughed, "Elliot- what are we doing here- why did you make me dress up?”

"Just trust me- do you trust me?"

"Of course, I trust you- you're just being suspicious today- ever since this morning" he said placing his hands on his hips.

"I have a good reason- I promise"

"You better- I had to iron my tux- I haven't worn this thing since Carson's and Harrisons wedding- and that was a crazy night" he giggled- Elliot remembered that night- holding Randy’s hand on the dance floor as he cried in happiness of his older brother.

"Just wait here for a second, okay?" Elliot asked, and Randy c****d a brow.

"Yeah yeah I can stand alone outside for a few moments- Elliot what are you up to?"

"If I told you it would ruin the whole thing" Elliot insisted, "I swear you'll see me again in like a minuet- just wait here"

He nodded again and grinned- shaking his head at Elliot’s antics. Elliot let go of Randy’s hand and sighed- his shoulders rising and falling. Elliot nodded and snuck into the church. Sitting in the pews was Randy's friends and family- only about 20 people. His father and mother were waiting for Elliot by their seats. The church was decorated in yellow and pink flowers. Elliot ran a hand down his suit and walked to Randy’s parents.

"He's right outside" Elliot breathed- nervousness taking over his body and causing his hands to shake.

"Okay- go stand by father and we'll get him"

"Thank you" Elliot nodded and clunked his way to the left of the alter and stood with his hands clasped in front of him. Blake stood on the other side with Sandy- both dressed to the nines. In the pews was Lizzy- grinning at Elliot. Carson and Harrison were even there sitting in the pews. Holding hands and leaning into each other.

Elliot had called them very early in the morning and they took Carson's jet to get here in time. Father laid a hand on Elliot’s shoulder and it calmed Elliot. He looked at Elliot and smiled softly-assuring the soldier that this will all be great.

"Please rise" Father said and everyone stood up from their seats as the church doors opened to reveal Randy with his parents on his arms.

Elliot began to tear up- bringing his good hand up to his eyes to flick tears away. Randy looked teary eyed as well as he shook his head at Elliot.

"Welcome Family and Friends

We are gathered here today in the sight of God and angels, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words which shall unite Randolph Sterling and Elliot James Classmen in holy matrimony." The father said and Randy came to stand in front of the stairs to the alter.

"Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and Instituted by God, signifying unto us the mystical union, which also rests between Christ and the Church; so too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.

Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace"

No one dared to raise a finger and Randy's father hugged his son- his mother kissed his face and they went to sit in the pews. Randy walked to face Elliot and took his hands. He shook his head- tears welling fatly in his eyes.

"As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly.

Within the Bible, nothing is of more importance that love. We are told the crystalline and beautiful truth: "God is Love". We are assured that "Love conquers all". It is love, which brings you here today, the union of two hearts and two spirits. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union, and it is love which will cause this union to endure." Father said, I will now invite the couple to read their written vows"

"Hi" Elliot started, and Randy laughed, "So this is unexpected right? I woke up today- seeing you smiling and the birds singing, and I realized I couldn't bear to not be married to you a second longer. So, I called everyone and arranged this.

This is sudden, but I feel like I've known you my entire life. You are a gem- you hold me when I wake up with night terrors, you sing too loudly in the shower. You make great pie" Elliot snickered, "you kiss my scars when I am feeling depressed. You go to your meetings and work and still manage to find time to cherish me.

So, forgive me for crying because before me is the greatest man to ever walk the earth. I know I've hurt you- pull you through the ringer. But here you stand- holding my hands and looking like you're about to cry. And I love you. So much. And I am so thankful for you and everything you do. So now- after all this time- it's my turn to cherish you. For the rest of my life"

"I swear you're going to kill me" Randy chuckled, "I have nothing prepared"

"Speak from the heart son" Father said and Randy sighed- taking a deep breath.

"To be honest- if my father disapproved of you- I'd still marry you- we can go back to home and just be us. You have taken my heart and brought it back to life. I fell into a pit but when I looked up- there was your smiling face- reaching a hand out to pull me out of my self-pity.

Waking up to you in my arms will always make me smile. Seeing you make strides everyday makes me swell with pride. After Eli passed away I never thought I'd fall in love again. But here you are- also crying and you stand on your own two feet. So strong. Bomb proof pretty much. I am so deep in love with you- I will never look back. It's just you and me. And I couldn't be happier"

"Elliot, do you take Randy to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him forevermore?" Father asked.

"I do" Elliot grinned and held Randy’s hand to slide a sterling steel wedding band over his gold engagement band.

Father looked at Randy who reached a hand up to wipe his tears away, "Randy, do you take Elliot to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him forevermore?"

"I do- I so so do" he grinned and slid the band onto Elliot’s finger.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift his countenance unto you and give you peace.

I present to you Mr. and Mr. Sterling-Classman. You may kiss".

So, they did.