October 17th, 2009
Huntington Beach, California

Sunlight beamed in through my bedroom window, waking me from my slumber. I sat up and turned to look at Michelle. Her recently dyed golden blonde hair glittered in the morning sun and I smiled to myself; She was so beautiful, and looked so peaceful. Today was going to be a big day, and she had no idea of the surprise I had in store for her.

Best let her sleep for a little while longer, then...

Today was the day of Matt and Valary's Wedding, and last night, I had decided that now was as good a time as any to propose to Valary's sister. I'd gone over my plan last night before I had fallen asleep, with the intention of calling Matt in the morning to arrange things with him.

After I'd taken a brief shower to freshen myself up and wash my hair, I wrapped a towel around my waist and retrieved my phone and the packet of Marlboro Red's on my nightstand, walking out to the backyard. Michelle was still asleep, and I hoped she'd stay asleep until I'd at least finished my phone call. I took out one of my cigarettes and lit it, taking a drag before dialing Matt's number.

"Morning." A very sleepy-sounding Matthew answered.
"Get up, Shads, it's your big day." I chuckled.
"Shut up, Gates." he grumbled. "Why the early phone call?"
"I need your help, man."
"Everything okay?" he asked, sounding a tad concerned.
"Everything's fine, it's just, I need your help planning a little surprise for 'Chelle tonight."
"Gates, leave me out of your kinky sex fantasies, I'm not helping you with some weird roleplay shit."
"Shut up." I snorted. "No, that's your thing, listen; I wanna propose to Michelle tonight, at your reception."
"So Synyster Gates has finally decided to settle down." he chuckled. "Never thought I'd see the day."
"You gonna help me, or just be a smart ass?"
"Sure." he replied. "What's the plan?"

After filling him in, and telling him I'd see him in a few hours, I took a few moments to finish my smoke and collect my thoughts before going back inside. I made Coffee for myself and Michelle, and carried both of the mugs back to our bedroom. She stretched and rolled over as I set her mug down on the nightstand.

"Mmm, that smells good." she smiled, her eyes still half shut.
I crawled on top of her and kissed her just below her jaw. "Not as good as you."
"Well good morning to you, too." she giggled.
I kissed her tenderly, stroking her cheek as I pulled away. "I love you so much."
"Someone's in a cheesy mood this morning." she bit her lip. "What're you up to?"
"Nothin." I lied, giving her another soft peck on the lips. "A guy can't shower his girl with affection from time to time?"
"Oh, I'm not complaining." she laughed. "You just seem different."
"I'm happy." I smiled. "You make me happy."
"Well, I'd hope so, it's been how many years now?"
"I lost count." I chuckled.
"Since Eighth grade." she reminded me.
"And hopefully forever." I smiled.
"Well, I certainly hope so." she teased, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me in for another kiss.

I trailed my lips to her jaw, to her neck, working my way down to suck and bite her where I knew she was most sensitive. She let out a low moan and I felt her hand travel down between my legs and begin to rub my crotch, it wasn't long before I grew hard. I growled and grabbed her wrists, pinning her down as I nibbled on her lip-

The doorbell rang

"Ugh, really, now?" I groaned.
"Better get that, big boy." she teased, biting her lip.
"Oh, you're gonna get it later." I purred, smirking as I pushed myself upright and left the room.

I descended the stairs and strode across the living room to answer the door.

"Good fuckin' morning!" grinned Jimmy.
"You're an asshole, I was busy." I scowled.
"Doin' what?" he teased.
"Michelle." I laughed. "Or, I was going to, until you fuckin showed up."
"Well Hello to you, too, nice to see you this morning." Jimmy scoffed, holding up a plastic garment bag. "I brought your Tux."
"Sorry, thank you." I said, taking the bag from him. "Coffee?"
"Sounds fuckin' fantastic." Jimmy grinned, perching himself on one of the bar stools by the kitchen isle.
"Still not shaving, I see." I noted, gesturing at the scruffy beard he was growing.
"Ya know, it's just too much work." he shrugged. "But I'm getting Lasik soon!"
"Oh yeah?" I said, knowing how long Jimmy had been wanting to get his eyes fixed. "Booked in for December." he grinned. "I'll have new eyes just in time for Christmas."
"That's fuckin' amazing, I'm stoked for you." I smiled, setting his coffee down in front of him. "So, tonight's the night, man."
"You're gonna pop the question?" he smirked.
"Called Shads this morning and told him the plan, he'll fill you in when we get to the venue."
"Nervous?" he asked.
"A little."
"You got this." Jimmy smiled, reaching out to grip my shoulder. "Today is the day you become a Man."

***

Michelle had stolen my breath when she'd descended the stairs in her royal blue gown, her twin sister would no doubt blow everyone away later today, but in my eyes, Michelle was the most exquisite masterpiece I'd ever seen. Once I'd managed to snap myself out of my daze; she, Jimmy and I had left to pick up Leana and drive to the venue.

Matt and Val had rented out a beautiful vacation home in Palm Springs for their Wedding, to keep things private and intimate, just for friends and family. It was rare we got to escape from all the excitement of being a successful band who were always in the spotlight. Personal moments like these were incredibly precious to us.

Michelle parted ways with us to help Val finish getting ready, and I went with Jimmy to get into place for the ceremony. Jimmy was the Best Man, customary for Weddings within the Avenged Sevenfold family, and the rest of us were Groomsmen. Even Dan Abel, and Jason and Matt Berry.

Leana, Gina, and Lacey were already on the Bride's side of the Altar, soon to be joined by Michelle, who was by default, Val's Maid of Honor. I smiled as I spotted McKenna down at the other end of the Isle, looking stunning in a deep green and black gown, her purple hair freshly dyed and straightened.



McKenna had begged and pleaded to be a Flower Girl, despite her age, and after much persuasion, Val had given in and bent the rules to let her do it. They'd be sisters-in-law soon enough.

As everyone finally took their places, the ceremony began. Matt emerged from the house, taking his place by the Altar as my father began to play an Acoustic, delicate beach-vibe'y version of "Here Comes The Bride". Val emerged next, accompanied by her Father, as McKenna sprinkled flower petals down the isle as she walked.



Her Father passed her hand to Matt when they reached the Altar, and the Priest began his part. His words were but a distant hum in the background as I gazed at Michelle, unable to keep the stupid grin off my face. Soon, it'd be us up there, exchanging rings and vows and tying ourselves to one another for the rest of our lives.

I couldn't wait...

***

The reception was well underway, with everyone dancing and laughing and eating great food, the wedding band providing some amazing entertainment. I stood with Jimmy, Matt, Zacky and Johnny, watching our respected women get crazy on the dancefloor.

Jimmy raised his glass. "To Matt and Valary."
"To Matt and Valary." the rest of us said in unison, all clinking our glasses together.
"So." Matt smirked as I downed my wine. "You ready to do this?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." I grinned.

The wedding band finished their song and vacated the stage as Jimmy took a seat behind the grand piano. Matt stepped up to the microphone.

"We're gonna play a lil somethin' for you all, now." Matt spoke.

Jimmy began the opening notes of "Warmness On The Soul" and Matt began to sing.

"Your hazel-green tint eyes watching every move I make, and that feeling of doubt, it's erased. I'll never feel alone again with you by my side, you're the one, and in you I confide..."

I glanced across the room, smirking at Michelle; she was totally oblivious to what was about to happen, and I felt my stomach twist with nerves. My pulse was thumping in my ears and my hands began to tremble with excitement.

Matt continued to sing; "And we have gone through good and bad times, but your unconditional love was always on my mind. You've been there from the start for me, and your love's always been true as can be..."

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what I was about to do, trying my best not to look as though I was plotting something. Trying to keep a straight face was so goddamn difficult.

"I give my heart to you, I give my heart, 'cause nothing can compare in this world to you."

I walked onstage and Matt Berry brought me my guitar. Jason Berry took up a seat behind the drum kit as Jimmy was busy on the piano. As I began to play my solo, I locked eyes with Michelle, unable to contain my smile, which she mirrored back my way.

"And we have gone through good and bad times, but your unconditional love was always on my mind. You've been there from the start for me, and your love's always been true as can be."

I glanced over at Jimmy as I set my guitar down, and he met my gaze with a smirk, winking at me.

"I give my heart to you, I give my heart 'cause nothing can compare in this world to you..."

"Will Michelle DiBenedetto please come to the front of the stage?" Matt said, as Jimmy began the instrumental break on the piano.



I took a deep breath as Michelle came to the foot of the stage, and Matt placed his hand on my shoulder.

"It's time." he murmured into my ear, slipping the ring box into my hand and stepping away from the microphone.

I unhooked it from its stand and began to speak; "I never thought a day would come when I would be doing this, and while today is Matt and Valary's special day, it's also an important one for me." I took a deep breath. "Michelle, you have stood by my side for so many years, you've put up with me on my worst days, and loved me unconditionally on my best, I haven't always been the greatest boyfriend, but I'm ready to really devote myself to you, now." I got down on one knee in front of her, opening the ring box before her and watching as one hand flew to her heart, the other covering her mouth. "Michelle DiBenedetto, would you do me the incredible honor of becoming my Wife?"
Michelle sniffed and I watched a couple of tears roll down her face. "Yes, a million times yes!" she cried.

I slipped the ring onto her finger as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I captured her lips with mine, kissing her maybe a little too full on for a wedding environment, but I didn't care; I was the happiest guy alive. I cupped her face as I drew away, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead and smiling warmly as I gazed into her eyes.

My heart felt like it was going to explode...

***

The group cheered as Valary dove into the swimming pool in her wedding dress, Jimmy running and flipping in the air as he jumped into the pool a moment later. He waded over to the side of the pool and retrieved a cigar from a small box, lighting it before turning back to us.

"Alright, come here, you fucks!" he grinned, motioning for everyone to huddle together. "I wanna congratulate Brian on finally Man'ing up and popping the question to 'Chelle." he chuckled. "Thing is, I'm very jealous right now because I think I should be marrying both of you. Cuz that's how much I love the both of you."
Everyone laughed.
He continued; "I'm happy but it's kind of a bummer at the same time. I missed my chance, but, what can you do? Don't miss your chance." he held his arms out to Michelle and I. "I love you guys more than anything on the planet so-" he moved toward us, wrapping his arms around both of us in a tight embrace. "Huddle up, with me first."



This was, without a doubt, one of the happiest days of my life...

Notes

Yes! I'm still here!

Sorry it took so long to update, I haven't been in the greatest place mentally, lately, and it's been hard to write. But I do not have any intentions of abandoning this project, I promise!

I just about made myself cry writing this, I came up with the concept of Brian's proposal whilst daydreaming on break at Volunteer Work last week and knew it would be just perfect.
I fucking love Brian and Michelle together so much, they make me so happy. Despite how much I envy 'Chelle, I just love seeing them together, it gives me a warm fuzzy. I can't wait for Baby Gates to come into the world. I hope they have a Girl, I got a feeling they might. :3

I promise the real nitty-gritty of the story is just around the corner now, thanks for hanging in through all the buildup of the backstory!!

Until next time! xx