Fenne insisted that she didn't care about the balaclava. She just asked that he took it off when they exchanged vows so that her parents could get at least one photo.

These were reasonable terms. It meant that the start of Fenne and Joost's wedding was traditional; the bride entered the church in a white dress and the groom stood at the alter in a black suit.

Joost wore a white, collared shirt, with his Looney Tunes tie. His bright hair was freshly cut, his cheeks were shaven and his moustache was trimmed. Joost chose to not wear his glasses on his wedding day. This could have been by choice, or by default from the balaclava that was waiting in his pant pocket.

Fenne's dress was simple with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt. Pearlescent silk cascaded down to the floor and a white bouquet busied her hands. The front pieces of Fenne's hair were pulled to the back of her head and the rest was left to flow over her slender shoulders.

Hugo, Apson, Stuntje and Enzo wore matching suits and stood with Joost, while Hanna, Nanda and Teun's girlfriend, Evi, stood with Fenne. Nanda's husband sat with baby Ruben in his arms, while Annaliese threw handfuls of flowers as Fenne walked down the aisle.

Fabian was watery-eyed as he handed over his only daughter. Anna consoled the man as he shrunk into his seat. Members of their family sat behind them wondering how the Meer daughter found herself being married to the famous Joost Klein.

On Joost's side, the pews were full of familiar faces like Nathan, Teun, Daan and Aggu. The German had choosen to not wear his mask for the formal event. Instead, he sat towards the back where he could still see the ceremony.

Joost's tattooed hand ghosted Fenne's face as they kissed. Applause for the married couple echoed throughout the church and the guests stood from their seats. Fenne's side of the pews were blissfully unaware of the reception that was going to follow, while Daan, Teun, Nathan and Aggu exchanged looks with the best man and the groomsmen.

If Joost Klein was now a married man, that meant they had to celebrate in the only way they knew how.

'Was Hanna's wedding like this, Emma?'

'Similar, yes. Although I didn't see Apson in a balaclava.'

Anna Meer sat with Hanna's mother, Emma, with pursed lips. Their meals were left unfinished as they watched the dancefloor.

A bottle of champagne was being sprayed into the air, covering the men that crowded around the groom. In his black suit, Joost had pulled on the mask from his pocket and danced around with his friends. Flashing lights accompanied his own music, which hadn't been on the playlist made by the hired DJ. But it wasn't long until Teun and Stuntje had relieved the poor man and took control.

Aggu's ski mask had made its way over his eyes and the fountain of fizzing alcohol had been his doing. Friesenjung had played about four times already, leading to Aggu and Joost jumping around in the middle of the circle.

Hanna and Nanda ushered Fenne away from the dancefloor when they saw the champagne in Aggu's hand. Her dress had to be saved and the bride was forced to stand on the sidelines for the first part of the reception. She didn't mind, as it gave her time to welcome/apologise to some of the guests.

After a stern look from Hanna, Apson gave the signal to his friends up at the DJ booth. The music was cut and the flashing lights were replaced with less-epileptic-inducing hues.

'Your dad looks fucking pissed.'

'It was inevitable.'

Fenne had to lean close to hear Joost during their first dance. The pointy-eared mask remained over his face but Fenne wouldn't have it any other way. She was content with only seeing Joost's blue eyes through the fabric's holes. Not only was it because they never moved from her, but they showed enough of his crinkles to tell her that he was smiling underneath the balaclava.

It wouldn't be Joost Klein's wedding if it wasn't for the small things that her father was currently scowling at.

'I'll have a smoke with him later,' Joost said, stepping away to twirl Fenne around. He stood back and watched as she spun with her hand still in his. Joost could hardly wait to bring Fenne back to be flush against him.

'He'll like that,' she replied and beamed when she felt his tattooed hand return to her waist. 'Maybe get Hugo to smoothen him out first. He's good at rambling.'

'As good as me?'

'Almost.'

Joost leaned forward to press his forehead against hers. Before he could, Fenne took her hand off of his shoulder to roll the bottom of his mask up. She never took her eyes off of his pink lips and blonde facial hair as she leaned in for a soft kiss. Joost immediately reacted, loving every bit of the way Fenne's hand cupped his jaw and how beautiful she looked in the dim lights.

At the tables, people from all sides cooed at the sight.

'That's sweet,' Hanna prompted from beside her mother.

'I suppose it is,' Anna said, eyeing her daughter and son-in-law with a tiny smile.

When the couple pulled away, Fenne rolled the mask back down over Joost's lips. His grin was hidden but it never left his face.

He couldn't believe that he had somehow won at life. It was like the universe was paying Joost back for all the hardships it had placed on a small child's shoulders. To come out the other side of his teenage years with the accomplishments he had was beyond his belief. He had a career, lifelong friends, a niece, nephew, his siblings, a home and a beautiful wife.

Having Fenne in his life made the pain not hurt anymore. Even when she didn't know it, Fenne gave Joost something to look forward to. In school, after school, during a show, after a show; Fenne was always on his mind.

'You know all the things that everyone has said about me from highschool? All the jokes about my crush on you?' Joost found himself saying.

'Hm-mh,' Fenne nodded while humming.

'They were all true. I watched you every day and remember every conversation we ever had. I think I loved you back then.'

'Joost-'

'Don't say you feel bad. You have done so much just by loving me now,' Joost took his hands off of Fenne's waist and out from her hold. He brought them up to hold her face, making the two halt their dance. The music continued but Fenne could barely hear it as her eyes welled with tears and let out a whine.

'You're making me cry,' she sniffled and took hold of Joost's blazer. 'I love you, Joost. I can't begin to tell you how much I do. I just... love you so much.'

'I love you, too, liefje.'

---

'Incoming in-law. Good luck, bro.'

Stuntje stamped out his cigarette while Joost rushed to pull out the pack from his pocket. Fabian Meer had turned the corner, his eyes set on the two men that smoked outside the venue. Joost had already finished his cigarette but pulled out another with the father of his wife striding over with a wrinkled frown.

Before the groomsman could make his swift exit, Stuntje yanked the balaclava from Joost's head. The groom stumbled backwards with a yelp and seethed an insult through his teeth. With dishevelled hair, Joost let Stuntje head back inside without any bruises for now.

'Thanks, Son,' Fabian took a cigarette from the pack. Joost even gave him a light, using his free hand to fix his hair. The older man caught sight of the engraving between Joost's tattooed fingers and furrowed his brow as he leaned away.

'What's that on the lighter?'

'It's an 'F'. For Fenne,' Joost held it out for the man to see. 'It was the first present she ever got me.'

'Huh.'

Joost took a drag as he let his arm fall slack by his side. The man's reply hadn't sounded disapproving, which was usually a good sign.

After all these years, Joost still struggled to read Fabian Meer. He had learnt from Fenne's mother that he was a man of few words and the ones he did say were generally unbiased. It was what he didn't say that meant the most, so Joost resorted to bouncing on his heels in silence.

'Your brother talked to me just now... is it Hughie?'

'Hugo.'

'That's it,' Fabian nodded. 'Seems like a nice guy. Said that he hoped he raised you to be a good husband.'

Joost gulped and shakily exhaled the smoke from his lungs.

'I'd say that he did.'

In relief, Joost let out a laugh and ruffled his own hair to calm his nerves. Fabian turned to him, his face stretching into a familiar smile, before reaching out to put a hand on the nape of Joost's neck. He pinched at his shoulders in a fatherly touch and Joost dared to pat Fabian's back. To be accepted by his wife's father was one of his greatest accomplishments.

'Your mum and dad would be proud of you, Joost. You're a good man,' Fabian said and Joost bit his lip as he felt a sting behind his eyes. 'Having their son grow up into someone like you is a parent's greatest pleasure. It's a shame they weren't here to see it, but you've turned into someone almost anyone could love. I'm glad that it was Fenne in the end.'

'I'm glad it was, too...'

Joost couldn't help himself. His body moved on its own and before he knew it, Joost was embracing his wife's father. He was careful to keep his cigarette away from Fabian's suit as he bent his arms around his shoulders. Tears streamed out of his eyes and Joost prayed that Fabian would at least remain still. He didn't care if the man returned the embrace, as long as Joost was able to have a moment to sob over his shoulder.

But after clearing his throat, Fabian patted Joost's back in a loose hug and for a brief moment, Joost felt like he was with his own father, again.

'Come on, Son. It's your wedding day,' Fabian said, sniffles loud in his ear. 'Stiff upper lip, alright?'

'You're right. I'm sorry,' Joost jerked away. The back of his hand flew up to wipe at his eyes and he retook his place at a safe distance. No matter how much he tried, Joost's tears fell one by one and added to his embarrassment. Eventually, he gave up and finished his cigarette with wet cheeks and a red nose.

Fabian straightened up and stamped out his light. He gave Joost a final nod before going back into the venue. He heard Apson at the DJ booth for a brief moment before the door was closed, making Joost think that he was alone.

'Uncle Ghost?'

He whipped around and looked down to see Annaliese in her pink flowergirl dress. Her hair was wrapped in a bun with a white ribbon and her shoes were decorated with pretty daisies.

'Hey, Lise. What are you doing out here?' Joost squatted down to her level. He hoped he didn't stink of smoke or look too distraught from his tears.

'Mum sent me,' the little girl said truthfully. 'Are you okay? You look like you've been crying.'

'Yeah, I'm okay, Princess. I'm just... really happy. Seeing Fenne looking so pretty made me emotional.'

'She is really pretty. I want to look like her when I grow up.'

Joost grinned and took his niece's hand. Her tiny finger nails were painted an aqua shade and looked comically small against his rough, tattooed digits.

'I think you'll be even prettier, but don't tell Fenney that,' he said and Annaliese grinned while nodding.

'I won't.'

Through the venue's glass panels, Nanda and Hanna watched the sight with the bride in between them. Evi had been roped into dancing with Teun and was quickly learning why the women weren't on the dancefloor with them.

Fenne's stomach churned when Joost took Annaliese's hand. He was so handsome in his suit and without his balaclava, Fenne was able to see his wide smile and fluffy hair. The way he looked at Annaliese as she rambled flared a fire inside of Fenne. She adored how he listened so intently, like every word was important. His replies made the girl giggle and at one point, Annaliese twirled around with her skirt in her hands. This made Joost beam and Fenne unconsciously did the same. She imagined that Joost was saying how beautiful Annaliese's dress was and it would have been no word of a lie.

'You better start thinking about what your daughter's name is going to be, Fenney,' Hanna said. 'Because he is girl-dad material.'

Fenne didn't have a comeback because it was true. Joost turned his attention from Annaliese and caught sight of the three women watching him inside. He would have usually given the middle finger, but considering his niece was infront of him, and his sister and wife would be the recipients, Joost refrained.

With a lingering smile, Joost looked at Fenne, and she looked back. They had one thing on their minds as they stared; het komt goed.

—-
Joost's assault case was dropped. Fuck Eurovision