Unknown...

Ivan waited a while before following Scarlet into the kitchen. "What's for lunch?" He asked, standing behind her.

"And who are you?" Hellen asked, shifting her focus to Jake. "One of Ivan's new friends?"

Hellen smiled. "I see. So, how would you describe Scarlet?" She asked curiously.

Ivan hugged Scarlet back.

((Sorry I'm not on often; I'm on a short vacation at my friend's house in California. They have many responsibilities, so I can't be on often.))

Ivan stroked Scarlet's hair. "I understand. There's nothing wrong with being nervous. In this situation it's inevitable." Ivan said, speaking softly and reassuringly.

Hellen gave a light laugh. She regarded his statement of Scarlet's cruelty as a sibling thing.

Ivan adjusted his tuxedo again. Perfect. He had finally got it right. Unknown to him, the majority of the waitresses at work thought his elegant uniform suited him perfectly. They would have been even more impressed to see him now.

Hellen and Gary Grey, meanwhile, carried stools and tables and other various pieces of furniture into the courtyard where the wedding would be held. Hellen's eyes widened. "We forgot the food! I asked you to remind me to bring it." Gary waved a hand aside, brushing the comment away. "I asked Ivan's friends to bring the snacks... Give me SOME credit; I'm not completely devoid of forethought." That's when the truck drove up. The doors opened and five men around Ivan's age got out, carrying snacks and refreshments. "I think we're late, Smokey." Pointed out a large muscular man whose tuxedo seemed a few sizes too small. "Nah. They're setting it up. Just relax and help us carry this stuff, Shoulders." Replied Smokey. Smokey was similar to Ivan in height hair and muscle mass, but Smokey always wore dark shades and carried a lit cigarette in his mouth. His tuxedo was torn in places and off-center. He constantly reached up to tug on the collar. It was readily apparent that he was uncomfortable and ridiculous-looking in the tuxedo. Soon, everything was set up.

A limo drove up into the area, making a dramatic entrance. The door opened... Then the limo changed back into Ivan. He received a warm greeting from his friends. He told them all of the major events that happened since they were there last, most of it involving Scarlet.

"You've really fallen for this one, haven'tcha Shifty?" Smokey asked as Ivan finished his story. Ivan sighed, thinking about how he felt about Scarlet, his soon-to-be wife. "Not really. When you fall for someone it means you're suddenly in love with them. Instead of falling, I rise for Scarlet; With each passing day my love grows. You could never imagine how happy I am." "...So she's quite a looker." Smokey said, translating Ivan's description for Shoulders because he was a bit slow. "Ah..." "That's not what I meant!" Ivan shouted, frustrated at what Smokey had drawn from his little explanation. He wasn't angry, however; Smokey wasn't someone to take seriously. "That's amazing. Even Shifty found someone who loves him, even though he usually kept to himself." Observed a man with blond hair and blue eyes. He was the shortest of them all, and often considered the most optimistic. "Actually Sunny, in accordance with my observations, those who keep to themselves are often pursued and fought over more feverishly than regular males." Answered a tall thin man. Little drops of oil could be found on his tuxedo from his inventions. "I think Slim's right... We oughta try that when we get home." Smokey announced.