Work Text:
1. when he approaches you to become his best man, smile winsomely. don't think about the ache in your chest, the pin-needle-splinters through your lungs. you're used to this, aren't you? (smile like your life depends on it.)
2. throw yourself into planning the same way you prepared for the g20 summit, dialed up to a hundred. research flower arrangements. check entourage color schemes. do taste tests with caterers. mention the bride's name every five minutes so you don't forget whose wedding you're planning.
3. when he brings you to the tailor, don't let him convince you to help fit his wedding suit. you'll smooth down the wrinkles in his jacket, and your hands won't want to let him go. they'll want to make him stay. don't let them do that.
4. make sure the stag party goes flawlessly. invite all the guys except for that fucker who screwed your best friend over in uni. dance and drink. ignore the pitying looks aimed at the back of your head. they don't understand anything.
5. when he looks at you from across the bar the way he looks at his fiancée, stop him. he's just drunk; stop him from doing something he shouldn't do. (it's not your name right next to his on the invitation cards, okay? don't be selfish.)
6. through the hangover, when he voices his doubts, assuage his fears. he wants this. don't be fucking selfish.
7. be on your absolute best behavior on the day of the wedding. make sure everything's perfect. this is going to be the best day of your best friend's life; you'll do anything to make it so, even if you have to stamp out the screaming in your chest like fires under your heel.
8. don't look at the bride. don't look at the bride. don't look at the bride. you'll imagine yourself in her place, and that's not something a good best man would do. you're trying your best for him, aren't you? don't look at her.
9. when you hand him the rings, do not tremble. (don't make it obvious; don't make a scene. this isn't about you.)
10. play the sibelius concerto at the reception. he'll like that.
11. go get yourself a drink while the newlyweds continue their first dance, swaying together as two halves of a whole. you've earned a break. just a little one. make it quick.
12. make sure you get home at a reasonable hour. kiss his wife's cheek. hug him tight before you leave. (make sure to let go.)