"You know I was planning on getting drunk today. Her dad paid for an open bar."
"I know. I'm so sorry to drag you into this."
I sighed. I knew I would regret this.
He'd texted me saying he needed help with something and well, me being in the same hotel before his wedding and all, and his best friend, I came right up. I wasn't wearing an expensive dress. A Decent one. I'd sit on his side of the aisle but since the Bride's mom had planned it, it was mostly her friends and family. Brian's Mom was gone anyways.
The hotel was...lavish. I'd been invited, being not of the bride's social group but as a formality-I don't think they expected me to go. The hotel was spanish style, right on the beach, an enclosed by building itself, a pristine pool with water streams that arced into it and lit up at night. It was impeccably fairy tale-esque.
The wedding was over a weekend, and the bride Sarafina had been there since Friday, frolicking in a matching bathing suit with her bridesmaids on the beach and open cabana bar. Invitations meant any costs went to the wedding account.
But you know, he was a programmer who scored it big with a blonde and was fucking it up.
I took a deep breath.
"Where's the hotel stationery?"
"On the...desk.." he seemed confused. I walked over, sat down and pulled a sheet of paper towards me, then started writing. It wasn't going to be a great contract, but I had to be in one before I could shift to that person, via the accords.
"I will do this for you, but you will owe me."
"Yeah...what?"
I was writing still.
"I need permission, preferably written, to take the countenance of another. I can handle your wedding for you."
"What?" He was lulling a bit to the side, like you might do when you still haven't gotten your land legs after a tilty ride.
"Read it." It was short, only a paragraph.
I, the signed, agree to allow Mereen Sikka, Shapeshifter, to borrow my countenance, identity and voice for the duration of my wedding, today. In her hand no damage to reputation shall be undertaken, as her honor is my honor, and the basic stated contract blah blah blah. Nothing fancy.
I hated this part. The words of the contract are part of the accords, and normally a specialist lawyer or my handler would peep at this but the main ceremony was in like an hour and a half.
Also he ate like 20 hash cakes judging by the smell and the empty bag, so he was probably a stiff breeze away from a serious nap, and I wanted to get permission before it was too late. I didn't want his wedding to be ruined.
"You owe me for this." I hissed. I took his phone off the bedside table and pressed mine into his hands, putting the contract in my clutch. I took out a small finger pricker, used for diabetics. This would be plenty for his form, for what, 6-8 hours? I sat him down and pricked his finger, then squeezed his hand to well up a good bead of blood, then sucked it off.
"Ow what the hell Mer!" He trailed off as I moved away from him and slipped my dress off.
We were in his room, which made this easier. I could just slip back into my mine, chuck my clutch and dress. Or keep the clutch at least. Men's clothing has way better parkets. Dress, Bra, Underwear, and Pantyhose came off. I'd become a pro at quickchange recently so it was no longer an hour process. I knew him so well so mimicry would be easier. I figured 10 minutes, tops?
His eyes looked me up and down. I'd always been a bigger lady. He was taller than me, but slimmer, more muscles, a good lookingish guy. We just never developed romantically.
Burnished auburn hair, big longish, but still kept neat. Facial hair. I cracked my neck and stepped towards his tux, still in it's garment bag. A fine light grey and charcoal 3 piece set, and a fresh boutonniere from the florist, coral and poppy.
I changed into his tux quickly. It fit me. I mentally patted myself on the back for a good job. Got into his trouser socks and shoes, and slipped his phone into my pocket.
"Well how do I look? Also your wedding starts in like 45 minutes so I am rushing a bit."
He gaped "You're...a...shapeshifter?"
"Skinwalker. But not technically because not native. Yes Shape changer. I only do it via contract."
"How..."
"Explanation later, wedding now." I checked the mirror. Practiced a few facial expressions I'd seem him use.
"I'll be back to check on your later. Please order room service or something but do not leave your room. I'll handle Sarafina's Family and Sarafina." I bundled up my clothes and slipped down to my room to drop off the clutch, and tucked my room key into my coat pocket.
The ceremony started at noon. The idea was to be ready about 15 minutes before etc etc anyways, I hate weddings, but also love them, ya ken? Anyways there was already a snack table out and his bulk was bigger than mine. I knew the photographer would be with the bride and 8 bridesmaids at the Hotels' Private Spa getting ready still. They really spared no expense. I decided to snack, then go greet guests. I mean, I had nothing else to do until noon.
I got a text. "Ring. best man. Vows on notes app"
Ahh the fool. See I already knew this because I paid attention. I'd been a hanger on since Saturday morning with his group but I'd caught their stag party and it was 0% hooker and 70% him stressing over the vows and the ring. It was pretty enough. Stately for someone spending so much money otherwise.
I walked along the aisle and shook hands of people that looked important. "Thank you for joining us today. Thank you for coming." I got a text from the bride. Replied.
This was going to be so easy.
I checked the notes app. He'd written 3 sentences in it and it was mostly about how beautiful she was. Yawn. I knew better poetry but i would stick to what he wrote.
I mean just...the groom never does much.
Show up, smile, pay for things right?
I passed the half hour mark easily. Even took a bathroom break. I would miss getting drunk. Can't drink on jobs.
So the music starts 15 minutes till and I head up to the front.
8 Bridesmaids. Do you know how long that takes? Like a good while. So 15 minutes after noon the first groomsmen and Bridesmaid comes down the aisle. Then a few more seconds of music. Then the next. Felt like forever. I thought I saw a flicker of curtains from his room, it faced the square of green between the hotel and the beach where the wedding was being held.
Finally it was the maid of honor then the best man, who I held out a hand to and he clapped it. It was the bride's brother, who I didn't know that great, personally. But I figured it was his idiocy that left a shitton of edibles in easy reach of the groom.
Then the wedding march started. And there Sarafina was, being escorted by her dad, who'd spent the past few days at the nearby golf course. He stopped with her midway down the aisle to flip back her veil, this long silk number in a single oval slice. Her dress was lace, sleeveless but not strapless, with a long train that slid over the grass.
I smiled at her. I produced just a bit of tear, enough for it to glisten.
Her maid of honor arranged the train and the music stop. She handed over her giant bouquet of poppies and peonies in peach. I took her hands, and the ceremony began.
I mean it was simple really. You do what the priest says. Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today. I passed off my forgetfulness of the exact movements as me being nervous. I said his vows.
I held my hand out for the ring. It was very ceremonial.
It still kind took me by surprise for the kiss, though.
We had chemistry. Like, crazy stuff, I took her chin with my hand and lifted it up, and put my hand on the small of her back and she just went so pliant, melding against me. I kept it short, no tongue, I wanted his wedding to be nice you know?
She comes away flushed. So strange. I'd had some sex before while shifted, so...oh hell.
