Archive of Our Own

Norman wakes up, his head resting up against Augustine’s chest. His eyes scanned towards the alarm clock, and spared a glance toward the window. The sound of the fletchling and swellow’s chirping outside, accompanied by the rays of the sun peering through the drapes of the window. A tick could be heard from the clock on the dress next to their bed, time drawing nearer.

Augustine stirred slightly. “Morning Norm.”

“Morning, August,” Norman murmurs, a faint smile formed. His head tilted upwards, their lips met in a cherished, soft and lingering kiss.

“Today’s the day~” Augustine chirps happily with a tired smile on his face.

Norman nods. “It is. Who knew it would fly by this fast?”

“Four years went by quickly, who knew time could fly when you're in love?” Augustine chuckles softly. As his body rolls and lays upon Norman’s chest, his hand ran through his dark hair gazing into the gray eyes, expression softening warmly. “Although,” he adds. “I cannot deny these have been the most enjoyable four years of my life. Each day felt like I was living in a fairy tail.”

“I think you might be giving me too much credit, August,” Norman murmurs. A dust of pink trailed over his cheeks. His hands ran down the other man’s back, sliding down beneath the covers running straight down below. Their foreheads nuzzled together gazing deeply within the other’s eyes.

Augustine gazed playfully. “You deserve the credit, Norm.” As he leans forward kissing him on the lips. “Now,” he mumbles. “I think we best get up and get moving. There's only so much time in the day, and we do have a deadline to meet today,” removing himself from Norman’s embrace and from the covers, standing before the other man with back turned towards him, sauntering towards the doorway which leads to the bathroom. His hand resting away the side, glancing back.

“You could come and join me, you know~”

Norman stares for a moment. The dust of pink earlier grew into a lovely shade of crimson, discreetly coughing into his palm before managing to pull himself off of the bed. “I…” He begins shyly. “I suppose I can join you.” 

Augustine curls his lips fondly. “Then, I can’t very well keep you from joining me. Now can I?” The rumble of a chuckle came from his throat, the reflection of mirth danced, As their hands intertwined together, walking backwards inside the bathroom. Their lips met again in a chaste kiss, the sound of the door closed behind them.

The sound of faucets turning out drowning out the accompanied noises coming from within.

The venue chosen for the wedding had been a simple country club, with lush fields of green and trees surrounding the area. The interior and the exterior were both decorated from top to bottom, while not in an extravagant way, the decorations which had been set up had been that of a simple yet beautiful. The tables were spread out from one another allowing room to manoeuvre down the aisles, chairs circling around each table with a number placed within the centre of the table. The font had been big and bold, large enough that could easily be seen from a distance.

Augustine and Norman arrived together, taking one of the Professor’s vehicles. It had been spacious enough for them both, and their things. Everything needed for their special day. The drive went relatively uneventful, both enjoying each other’s company while going over things while in the vehicle. Once arriving they quickly piled out of the vehicle grabbing their things from the back, proceeding straight through the front doors and were greeted by their friends.

“About time you two showed up!” Nolan gave a two-finger wave. “You made us worried you were running late.”

“No, no. We made sure there was plenty of time for us to arrive on time,” Norman reassures with a bit of a nervous chuckle.

“Hm?” Kukui grins broadly. “You made sure, huh?”

Norman used his entire self-control not to blush. “Y-yes, we set our alarms for an appropriate time. We’d have enough time to get up, shower, and have breakfast-”

“Yes, yes I’m sure. You two were giving each other a Helping Hand for the big day,” Kukui’s grin grew wider.

“Has everyone arrived for the preparations? No guests yet?” Augustine asked steering away from the conversation and shared a look with Kukui.

Norman wisely ignored that exchange.

“No guests or any others have arrived.” Koga emerges from the shadows, the shinobi wears a smug look, while they nearly jolted in place. “I’ve surveyed the area. No others have arrived or entered the area.”

“We need to put a bell on you,” Noland mutters.

Koga glances. “Hm? What was that?”

“Nothing!”

“Where are Professor Willow And Palmer?” Norman glances curiously around within the venue, walking through the hall.

“Palmer’s outside coordinated the setup outside. Professor Willow is with the chefs and everything to make sure everything they have has arrived and that the food has been accounted for,” Noland answers. “He’s double checking the chairs and tables in case we might have to do an emergency order.”

Augustine frowns. “We’re not having that big of a ceremony…” As he and Norman shared a quiet exchange.

It had been an agreement that their wedding would be a rather small affair, joined by the people they considered friends and family. Norman had never been big on extravagant, over-the-top events. That had always been more Caroline’s thing. His ex-wife had the habit of taking things to the extreme, showing off and placing a spotlight whenever possible when not needed or going behind his back and going on a gigantic spending spree without informing him. Whatever made her coming out looking good, and their family perfect in the eyes of the public, even going behind his back to give interviews with the local news.

That’s why when Augustine and Norman became engaged, the two agreed upon a smaller ceremony for themselves. Norman had been a private person, but being able to share this with people that truly knew and cared, it had been a discussion that went on for several days about whom they wanted to attend their ceremony.

“Yo, Norman!”

Sidney had his guitar strapped around his back, the Hoenn Elite gave a sharp grin showing off his fanged teeth. “The sound stage and amps, and the music is set up and ready to go~ I tested them myself with my team.”

“Thank you, Sidney,” Norman smiles.

“That was fast.” Noland whistles impressed.

Sidney grins. “Did a show here back in the day. Already know the ins and outs of this place, and the wiring.”

“Wait, you did? When?” Norman looked interested.

“Back when I was starting out as a musician, one of my first gigs ended up being here,” Sidney says. “Anyway, one of my crew is testing the microphone and range. Everything seems to be a go.”

That had been a relief, Norman knew asking Sidney had been the right decision.

“Now that’s been dealt with, time for us to change and get ready. After all,” Kukui grins. “Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride for the wedding?”

Augustine and Norman looked at each other before back at him. “Which one of us is the bride exactly?”

Professor Kukui grins wider about to open his mouth, more than likely to make one of his awful puns and then…

“NO! NO! NO! NO! THAT’S NOT HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE SET UP!”

The sheer volume exploded loudly causing the venue to shake violently, Norman looked rather startled by the outburst. Koga looked mildly bemused, Noland shook his head bemused before making a beeline straight towards the source of the voice, the others following behind him out of curiosity.

A man with brownish-green hair wearing a tuxedo coat with a magenta dress shirt and a yellow tie stood, his slender body emphasising his build; the scowl on his face directed towards the three other photographers that had been with him. The straps of his clothing peering from behind the tuxedo coat, an unlit cigarette danced between his fingers while pointing angrily with his free hand.

“None of you bothered to check the film, did you?! What about the tripod? The length of the photos? Did you account for each guest?!”

Noland shakes his head, looking amused. “Nial. I thought you weren’t working.”

“Tsch,” The man, Nial, scowls. “Not my fault these amateurs have no idea how to take proper photos. Someone needs to whip them into shape. It’s a wedding, not some half-ass event.”

“They know what they are doing, Nial. C’mon,” As Noland draps an arm around Nial pulling him away gently. “Let them do their job.”

“Their amateurs! They need to learn how to do their job right!”

Noland seemed unperturbed by Nial’s outburst, nodding along with the other man’s words, disappearing down the hallway.

“So that’s Noland’s boyfriend. Didn’t realize it was Nial Burns,” Professor Kukui muses thoughtfully.

Norman furrowed his brows. “Nial Burns?”

“He’s a famous reporter in Sinnoh. If I recall, he helped cover the Team Galactic story awhile back, and been covering bigger incidents that spread across the region over the past year and some,” Augustine says, frowning. “I remember the conversations with my mentor, Professor Rowan, who shared with me some details. Although the more in-depth ones continue to elude me.”

That sounded… oddly familiar to the Hoenn incidents with Team Aqua and Team Magma, although Steven and Wallace had been kind enough to share the details with him, given that his daughter had been involved. Although that did not stop him from feeling horrified by what his child had gone through, despite everything having worked out in the end. The fact that May was placed in such danger did nothing other than alleviate his anxieties and worries, the temptation of flying out on Staraptor in order to check up on his daughter fired through him like a Hydro Cannon.

But… May contacted him not long afterwards, along with Ash and Brock and Max. Reassuring that they were fine, and that they had not been alone during the confrontation with the two criminal organizations, and…

Groundon and Kyogre.

That had been a shocker.

“Daddy?”

Norman snaps out of his thoughts and turns to see May standing there. “Oh, May!” The smile appears. “When did you get here?”

“A little while ago, you weren’t paying attention. I am the flower girl after all,” she says, grinning widely. “Max’s outside and trying to be self-important.”

Norman laughs. “I suppose I should go and have a bit of a talk with him?”

“Brock’s there. He’s keeping an eye on him.”

“He is?” Norman blinks surprised.

“He’s the plus one with someone. He won’t say who,” May looks thoughtful.

A plus one, but… with who?

“But Dad,” May puts hands on her hips and frowns. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?”

“... but… there is no bride?” Norman said, confused.

May giggles.

“How was your travels?” Augustine asks pleasantly.

“Oh.” May turns and folds her hands. “It was okay. I wish it had been a bit better, the train had been too cramped and too humid. I seriously thought I was going to melt!”

“Have you managed to have a drink of water?” Norman asks, concerned.

May nods. “I took a shower the moment we got here and changed my clothes, but,” she holds up her bag. “I have my dress for today! It was made by Elesa!”

“Elesa did our tuxedos too! Her and your dad are pretty good friends, actually~” Augustine informs with a teasing grin.

Norman coughs. “T-that’s stretching it a bit. We talk, that’s all!”

“Isn’t she here as one of our guests?” Augustine teases.

Norman felt his face burn and coughed into his hand. “T-that’s besides the point-”

“Shouldn’t you both be heading off and getting ready? The guests are going to start pouring in soon!” May placed hands upon her hips.

“We’re on our way,” Augustine wraps his hands around Norman’s hand, smiling warmly. “You should go and get ready too, May.”

“Which means…” May sighs. “I’ll have to round up Max and get him ready too.”

“Now, now,” Norman gave a slight chuckle seeing the exhaustion on her face. “I can go and grab Max if you want, May.”

Her head shakes. “Nah, I can do it. This is your big day, Dad. You too Professor Sycamore.”

“You can call me by my name, May, you know that.” Augustine’s expression was soft, and welcoming, blue eyes shimmed beneath the ceiling lights. “We’re about to become family, after all.”

“I know,” May says. “It’s just… weird , you know? No offense, Prof…” her caught herself and head shakes. “I mean,” she corrects. “August.” The strain her voice filled awkwardly with a touch of embarrassment. It was rather cute.

“I understand,” Augustine agrees, patiently.

May flashes a quiet, appreciative smile. “Anyway, I’ll go grab Max and force him into his suit.”

“Just be gentle with your brother, May,” Norman says.

“Oh, Dad,” May giggles. “I’m always gentle~”

May practically skipped down the hall, with flair in her step and a quite melodic tune she hymns along the way.

Augustine and Norman silently watched her walk away.

“She’s certainly in good spirits,” Sidney speaks up, nearly spooking them both.

Norman whirled. “I thought you left with Noland!”

“And miss this? Yeah, right!” Sidney grins. “But, good to see that May’s doing well, since you know…”

The divorce.

Norman ran his hand through his hair. “I know, I’m glad May and Max are… that they seem to be doing okay,” he says, softly.

“It’s been, what, how long? Five or six years?” Sidney furrowed his brows, frowning.

“Feels longer,” Norman admits.

Sidney holds his gaze. “You look much happier now.”

“You really do, Norm,” Augustine intertwined their hands together, gazing warmly. “Your face has colour again, your eyes are brighter and you're branching out, plus your home actually looks alive!”

Norman could not deny those claims.

“But seriously, you both need to get ready. I’ll keep holding off early arrivals and all that,” Sidney waves his hand. “No go. Shoo , shoo .”

Augustine laughs. His fingers wrap around Norman’s, squeezing.

“I guess the next time we meet will be down the aisle,” He says fondly.

“That we will. I can’t wait to see you in your tux,” Norman teases softly, leaning in, planting a kiss upon his lips.

Augustine reciprocated the kiss, leaning inwards and pulls them together closely. Their bodies nearly touched, and parted as their foreheads were aligned.

“See you soon.”

After another brief kiss the two untangled themselves from each other, separating and headed towards their respective rooms to change. Entering and seeing Noland and Koga wearing their tuxedos, both had a different coloured tie. Koga wore a purple one with a pink with the Fuschia City gym’s badge on it, despite not being a gym leader anymore, the man was very proud of his home and his daughter’s succession whereas Noland’s tie had been a steel-like gray with a strip of black and dotted red resembling his usual work uniform that he wore.

“You both changed fairly quickly, I didn’t even notice you two stepping away,” Norman says.

Noland chuckles. “We didn’t want to bother the moment with you and the professor, or the little daddy-daughter bonding.”

“She’s grown,” Koga gruffs out, and grips on the tie and tightens it. “My daughter Janine keeps an eye on the Contest Circuit.”

“I’ve heard some things from May,” Norman nods. “I still don’t know much about Pokemon Contests.”

Noland turns slightly. “Maybe you should give them a try!”

“We’ll see.”

“Oh, good you’re here.”

The sound of the door closes behind them, Norman turns about to lay the tuxedo out. He stopped mid-stride and stared wide-eyed at Elesa standing there behind him. The electric gym leader smiles warmly, stepping forward.

“Hello Norman. Time to get ready for your Wedding,” as each step echoed had meaning, sauntered over. “Don’t worry, Norman,” she begins. “I’ll make sure you shine.” As her lips grew across her face.

“Leave everything to me…”

Guests arrived by the minute. Piling through the venue, being led straight through the building straight outside and placed within their respective seats. Animated chatting soared amongst them, their voices carrying upon the winds while waiting for the ceremony, allowing them to reconnect, or even meet new faces and igniting new friendships that promised a fruitful future.

The Wedding had been a fairly small affair compared to standard weddings, with at least under a hundred people in attendance. Pokemon were allowed to be out and about within, acting as plus ones or helping the staff leading guests towards their respected seats or navigating them through the venue. “Why, isn’t this a nice spot?” Lorelai comments with a smile, wearing her navy blue dress looking around with a faint yet appreciative smile. “Professor Sycamore and Norman chose an excellent place.”

Delia leans against her girlfriend. “It very much is,” she agrees with a soft laughter. “It’s making me think of our own day.”

Lorelai’s eyes glinted with promise.

“Dorothy.” Nial’s voice came, holding up his Poryphone. “Where am I right now?”

The young woman on the other end hesitated. “Erm….”

“I’m at a Wedding. With my boyfriend,” Nial emphasized. “Which means, I’m off work for the day. You can handle a story yourself, can’t you? You have enough experience!”

“Urgh, I guess that’s true. But it’s so not fair you get to go and enjoy nice food and have a night of fun and dancing. Why couldn't you bring me along!” Dorothy, the young woman, on the other end whined.

“I’m a plus one, Dorothy. I’ll try sneaking back some food for you, but no promises,” Nial says. “Not whatever you're working on. Figure it out.”

“But Ni-”

Click .

“Norman’s choice of botany was on point as always,” Brassius nods with crossed arms, gazing at the flowers with approval.

Hassle chuckles with a bright smile. “Truly an artist at heart.”

“May and I have been trying to get Norman to at least try out Pokemon Contests,” Wallace sighs, shaking his head. “He’s a bit too stubborn despite that he’d probably be pretty decent at it.”

Steven chuckles. “Now, now dear. Norman has to discover contests on his own accord, given him time.”

“I suppose, such wasted talent,” Wallace sighs and shakes his head.

And then… the ceremony began. The guests quieted down, the sound of music played and turned back and saw both Professor Sycamore and Norman emerging from their respective sides of the venue walking towards the centre of the aisle. Both had opted not to go for the standard white and black tuxedos, instead had gone with their own styles, Professor Sycamore wore a deep blue tuxedo that fit against his body, the tie matching with the shade chosen for his tuxedo jacket and pants. Sitting in the upper pocket of the Professor’s tuxedo jacket were two flowers, sitting in a crossed fashion.

On the right side, for Norman, many were surprised to see him not wearing his standard shade of red, with his black slacks and whites. Instead wearing a quiet, dark yet silent shade of pink. While Professor Sycamore’s tuxedo jacket had been unbuttoned, Norman’s had been buttoned up yet revealed the white dress shirt underneath with a pink tie to match with his own suit.

With two flowers settled in the upper pocket of the tuxedo jacket. As the two met together in the centre walking down the aisle towards the arch, meeting Drayden at the very centre. May followed behind them, her dress had been a beautiful shades of light green almost minty coloured, the skirt part of the dress flowed straight down past her knees wearing pure white heels carrying a small basket, spreading the petals of behind them. The top portion of the dress had been rather glittery and fluffy, taking the shape of a flowery design with a small green jacket fitting snug against May’s body. Her brown hair tied back with red, blue and orange ribbon with tints of white.

On the left side was Professor Sycamore along with Professor Kukui and Professor Willow, while on the right was Norman with Noland and Koga.

“Now,” Drayden gruffs out addressing the audience. “It has been heavily requested by the two grooms that no speeches are made, if only so that all those that have joined us today and to celebrate their union together. We shall respect their wishes in this regard, however, both have expressed their desire to share some words.”

Professor Sycamore’s expression warmed considerably, fingers slipped into Norman’s hands holding together.

“Norman,” his fingers squeezing Norman’s hands. “There are no words that I can really put into a sentence, how much I love you and how excited I am to spend the rest of our lives together. How grateful I am to have you in my life, to be here with you now before the people that we love and consider family.”

Professor Sycamore pauses, his smile became softer and gentler. “Starting the next chapter of our lives together, is a chapter that will be worth sharing together.” Pulling the two flowers that were within his pocket. “I offer you these flowers to turn,” holding them out towards Norman.

Blue hydrangea .

Bluebells .

“Wait…” Max whispers quietly from the side, brows furrowed. “Those flowers..”

May swats Max gently. “Shuush, Max. Later.”

Norman held the professor’s gaze, his smile filled with warmth that spoke of promise and truth. “August,” his eyes glistened quietly. “You’ve become far more to me than my sun and my moon, you’ve become the entire starry sky. The fact that we were able to meet is nothing short of a miracle, a miracle that I thought was beyond my reach and yet, you managed to find me. You chose me out of everyone else, you taught me how to open up my heart again and learn to love again,” his thumb caressing Sycamore’s hand. “I never thought I’d ever be able to, but you’ve not only proven me wrong. You’ve shown me a whole new world on top of that, and welcomed the rest of my family with open arms.”

Stepping forward slowly, the gap between them narrowed and their arms nearly touched. “I cannot wait to begin our new life together as husbands. So I offer up these flowers,” pulling the two pink flowers joining in union with the blue flowers presented. “In turn to you, as you for me.”

Pink peonies.

Pink Astrantia.

“If there is anyone here that does not believe these two should be wed,” Drayden’s voice boomed loudly, carrying through the sky. His eyes held firmly over them all. “Let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.”

Max wore a small black tuxedo, with a dark green tie with a tint of blue on each corner at the bottom point of the tie. Holding the small pillow which held the two rings. Sycamore grabbed the left and Norman grabbed the right. Together slipping on the rings to each other’s fingers.

Drayden gave a gruff smile beneath his bread. “With the power invested in me, I pronounce you both husbands!”

A wave of applause erupted at once, the guests stood from their chairs watching as Norman and the professor shared a quick, loving kiss before turning and heading down the aisle together joined hand in hand with one another ready to begin their new life together as husbands.

The bright, happy and warm smiles upon their faces. The vibrant energy rolling off of them had been contagious, spreading amongst the guests watching the two newly weds heading straight towards the venue. Sidney grabs the microphone. “Already ladies, gents and all those in between. Let’s go and celebrate with our two handsome newlyweds in the venue hall! The food will be serviced momentarily, so let’s all let loose and have some fun!”

The dinner that had been prepped, cooked and prepared by Siebold and his team of culinary chefs from Kalos. The dishes were a mix from Kalos, Johto and Hoenn from the appetizers to the main dish and even the dessert. Each came with a unique flavour and taste which drove everyone wild for more, with little plates put out on the table and spread out through the venue.

As the night descended many of the guests joined in on the dances, from the parent and daughter dance to the first dance between the newlyweds, some broke off and began mingling with one another either indulging in food and drink or sharing conversations with each other. Sidney was seen leaning on the food table, talking with an irritable Siebold before the musician grabbed him somewhere behind closed doors without so much of a sound. That had not been the weirdest thing witnessed tonight, swearing she had seen Bruno of the Kanto and Johto Elite Four take Brock by the waist, leading him to somewhere outside away from the prying eyes.

Volkner had been on the dance floor, arms wrapped around Riley. The Aura Guardian smirking back at him, on the opposing end of the dance floor had been Palmer with Byron, the two clearly trying to outmatch the other and take the lead. Koga was by himself overseeing everything with a critical eye, although his fingers found their way to brush up against Surge’s. Professor Kukui and Professor Willow shared a quiet kiss near the back of the room, quietly joining the group of dancers upon the floor. Lorelai and Delia joined them not soon afterwards with Elesa following behind them. Raihan was on the side using his phone recording, with Leon’s hands wrapped around the other’s and leaned against him.

Glacia stood with drink hand chatting with Winona. Roxanne and Brawly and Phoebe danced and played around with Tate and Liza, Wattson with Drake and Juan sat with Alder, Marshall and Drayden chatting away the night. G

No one seems to notice that Norman and Professor Sycamore had quietly left the room, sharing a moment with one another outside beneath the starry night sky, taking the other into their arms. Their bodies swayed in unison outside, gazes locked to one another never breaking eye contact, smiles matching the other. Nothing else outside of them mattered, their moment shared between them. As their heads tilted, meeting in a kiss. The sound of fireworks erupting behind them.

It was the start to a brand new, beautiful beginning.