Julian (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Thank you!

Excuse me.

Fleur.

- Take off your coat.

- Sorry.

- No worries.

- I'm so late.

No.

- No.

- Hello.

Stop it. Turn that camera off.

Let me pee.

Let me pee, please. Stop it.

It's wide open.

OK, I'll close the door.

- Please, close the door.

- Yes, OK.

- You've missed me, right?

- No.

Go back to your boat,

Madam Hydrographer.

Stop it.

- She's back.

- Leave me alone.

Oh, damn. It's too early.

I don't want to. Don't film me.

- Want to say something?

- I need to go back to bed.

Fleur, you're really annoying.

Why are you doing this?

Don't bother.

You need to sleep.

I'll start prepping the dinner.

No, you'll be too jetlagged.

I'm glad you're home.

Me too.

This woman came to see me,

'Doctor, I have a sore throat.'

I said, 'OK, let's take a look.'

And she strips down.

- You arouse your patients.

- No, I don't.

Every two weeks,

he has a story about patients...

- It happens a lot.

- ...stripping down.

So people are becoming more prudish

by the day,

- but not with you.

- They come to let loose.

Are you even allowed

to talk about these things?

- You don't even know them.

- You'll have to tell us now.

- I'll tell what I want.

- What's up with you two?

- What's happening?

- Fleur has something to tell you all.

- We're getting married.

- I knew it, I knew it.

Come here.

Darling, grab that bottle

I put in the fridge.

- Oh, sweeties.

- You're on your knees.

So who proposed to whom and when?

- Yesterday.

- Yesterday?

- Yesterday, when she got home.

- Just like that?

Yes, she picked me up from the airport

and when we saw each other,

she looked so beautiful,

so I asked her.

I'd been thinking

about it for a while, so...

And Ed... Oh, thanks.

We wanted to ask our dear friend

Lady Liberty to officiate the wedding.

- Ed, you have to do it.

- I'll ask her.

Last year, for Imani's cousin's wedding,

we went to Greece and...

- Greece would be nice.

- No, we'll do it here.

- Since they don't allow it.

- You could do the party there.

Not in a country

where we can't get married.

- Isn't that ironic?

- Deeply ironic.

- What about Lesbos?

- Not even there.

Very funny, Bob.

- Italy?

- No.

We could go swimming

at your mum's house.

That's exactly what she said,

but it stresses me out.

It's the perfect place for a reception.

It's me she'll be nagging at.

'Turn down the music.

You're freaking out my chickens.'

You are so like her.

What about your parents, Julian?

What did they say?

- It's just that...

- No, it's OK. They're...

I haven't seen them in a long time.

It's OK.

- Oh no, I...

- No, it's OK.

I can't take him anywhere.

Tut-tut. I think you should be

allowed to spit first. There.

It's tradition.

There you go!

This is what you get.

Julian.

What if we got married everywhere?

I mean, in all the countries

that allow it.

To show people there aren't many

and we'll celebrate them all.

Yes.

Good idea.

I don't think

you should omit your questions.

But if I want to avoid

shortening their answers,

I would gain a page

if I left out my questions.

But then you're removing yourself

from the story. That's a shame, no?

- You've missed a spot.

- Have I?

Come here. Here.

- Right... That was Enrique.

- Enrique?

Yes, the Chilean hydrographer.

He shaved my head

while at the port of Callao.

Have a nice day.

Can I?

- I won't let you down.

- I know.

There's a spot here.

- Here?

- Yes.

There's not much left.

I'll bring my baby along

New York, New York

These f*cking bold shoes

Shoes

I wanna be...

New York, New York

Yeah? You guys as well?

- Alright then. Here we go.

- Here we go.

Dear friends, colleagues,

reporters and supporters...

We are gathered here today to celebrate

the union of Fleur and Julian.

Hey, Fleur.

It's Chris from the organisation.

I checked and we can now rehearse

in the actual auditorium today,

so you were right to ask.

If you just take the disk

that has all your footage,

everything else

should be there tech-wise. So...

I'll see you in thirty minutes.

We're really glad to have you

and I know that it can't be easy, but

still, thanks for coming all this way.

I heard a lot of people

booked seats for tonight.

I think it will be a beautiful lecture.

Okay, see you in a bit.

It must be strange... being back here.

Yes.

It was still the same woman at the counter

as when I got my first ID card.

No way. You remember

the lady at the counter?

Tanya.

Her son was in the same class as me.

And? Did you like him?

Her son? No.

Not at all.

- Birth certificate.

- Birth certificate.

- Birth certificate.

- Very good.

Paulien Boom.

- That's Paulien Boom's primary school.

- Oh really?

This is where I sometimes took the bus.

Is it the first one over here?

Want to ring the doorbell?

They're not in.

Their car's not there.

Wouldn't it do you good

to give them another chance?

I don't know.

Yes, I don't know.

That's just it. I really don't know.

I just want to marry you.

And when I was younger, I never

imagined that to be possible, so...

There.

Shall we go home?

Thanks for coming along.

What are you doing?

Eh?

Check it out.

You can scroll.

Canada.

Spain.

What?

You were serious?

If you wanted, you could add

a colour code for each continent.

And here... The estimated cost, yes.

I put the expenses, transport,

clothes, the camera, but I think

- we can find sponsors.

- Yes, good idea.

No, but wait. Wait, wait, wait.

- You want this?

- Yes.

- You're not doing it for me?

- No.

- You're sure?

- I'm not doing it for you.

I think... I think this could be big.

Yes.

Wait, but...

I can't believe this.

What do you think?

Yes, yes.

f*ck, Fleur. 22 countries?

- It could have been 196.

- Of course, you're right.

- It should be 196. Except...

- It's a lot. I get it.

But we want to celebrate those 22.

What about interviewing

the first couples of each country?

- We thought about that...

- You can do that from here.

- We'll schedule it for the April issue.

- I don't think that's enough.

Sure, I could conduct interviews

from behind my pc, but...

The global story.

It would be so abstract...

Isn't there a cheaper way

to make your point?

Online perhaps? Like a virtual trip?

But if we get married in each country

and one local journalist picks it up...

- Rather expensive symbolism.

- You want a good story or not?

The bigger risks we take and the more

ambitious we are, the more it will sell.

And yes, it's more costly.

But maybe that will finally

make people talk about it.

The higher-ups won't allow it.

OK.

I won't get the funds.

OK. At least we've tried.

We don't know how we'll fund it,

but we're going to try it.

No matter what.

We figure it will take

three to four weeks per country.

We'll need to find sponsors,

speak to ambassadors, local media...

So a year and a half altogether.

During which I won't be able

to take on any assignments.

But I will finish all ongoing projects

until the end of August, and then...

We'll first get married

here officially, for us.

Then New York

for the first symbolic wedding.

And if it's a success, we'll continue.

If we sell up, we'll have enough

for the first five weddings,

so we'll have to find sponsors

along the way.

- And Julian?

- She'll resign.

Her assignments always take

three to four weeks at sea.

There aren't many hydrographers.

She'll find work again.

It isn't just a symbolic act.

Dear friends, colleagues...

To place your signature...

...of two exceptional women.

Julian and Fleur.

Sorry, is it normal?

No, I'm checking the outputs.

Have you had problems

with this disk before?

No.

It's weird.

Because it should work.

I know we've definitely

had this work... Oh, OK.

I'm just going to load the files again.

- This might take a while.

- OK.

What are you doing?

I'm filming you.

Can I see?

What... What are you doing?

Oh, hey, sorry. I was just watching...

- Just, can you...

- Checking another file for the sound.

- I can...

- Just play the clip from earlier.

The one I selected.

The one I tagged in green.

Those are the ceremonies.

I'm sorry. I didn't know.

Can you hear me, darling?

Julian?

Julian?

We're here.

- Hello.

- Just a moment, please.

- Yes?

- Hello. My wife's dizzy.

She's been unsteady on her feet.

She fell down the steps at the town hall.

Could I have her ID card?

- I'll get it.

- Thank you.

Darling, they can see us now.

I need your wallet.

Julian? Do you have your wallet?

- Wait, I've got it.

- In here?

- Tell me. I'll look.

- It's here.

- No, it's not.

- In the bag.

Wait, I'll look.

OK.

Are you OK?

- Hello.

- Hello.

Hello.

Hello, madam.

We're going to move you to the chair.

It's OK. They'll come with us.

- Hello, madam.

- Hello.

- Here she is.

- Are you OK?

- Could you move your things?

- Sorry.

Could you...

Thank you.

We drew a blood sample

and we did a brain scan.

They are reviewing the images now.

They'll come and see you later

to explain.

- OK, thank you.

- Can I get you anything?

- No.

- See you later.

Thank you.

- Were you good here?

- Yes.

- Sorry.

- No. It's OK. Don't worry.

I hate hospitals.

- Did they say anything?

- The same thing they told you.

- The scans took forever.

- Yes.

- And we don't have...

- What?

- We don't have time for this.

- Don't be silly.

Sorry.

Don't be.

It's OK.

- Are you in pain?

- Well, they put a needle in my arm.

- It smells in here.

- Yes.

It smells of chlorine.

Sperm.

- Really?

- Yes.

- Eww.

- A little bit.

- I've got another idea for Denmark.

- I'm listening.

Do you know Imani's friend

who lives in Denmark?

I've had an idea.

We could call him.

And we might be able to stay with him.

To save money.

Why are you filming my ear?

You like my ear?

Why are you filming my ear?

Check it out. 22.

GREAT BRITAIN - IRELAND - DENMARK

- Fleur.

- Hm.

Your food's getting cold.

- Where are the ESTAs?

- They're on the drive, under Legal.

- They won't call anymore. It's too late.

- They promised. At eight So Paolo time.

Say something.

Hello, hello.

It is Wednesday. It is very late.

- Tell me your vows.

- No, you'll hear them often enough.

Are you saying

the same vows each time?

- Are you changing them up?

- Yes.

Yes.

- Pick up.

- Yes.

Hello.

- Hello. Is this Julian?

- Yes, yes! This is her. Hi.

- Is it late where you are? Is it...

- No, no. Thank you for calling back.

I just... We looked at your request

and we cannot have your ceremony

at the So Paolo City Hall.

We had some incidents

last year at Pride, so...

OK, erm...

We're not willing to risk it if we

can't do it under police protection.

- That's something we'll have to check.

- OK, we'll get back to you.

- I'm sorry.

- Have a good evening.

What are you doing?

- We can't just turn a blind eye.

- Is that what I do?

- Are we a national threat?

- That's how the world works.

No! I don't believe

that's how it works.

Well, good for you.

No, Mum, that goes in the donation box.

- You're not throwing it?

- Yes, we don't have the space.

- Hang on, no. I'll take it then.

- No.

You wrestled with that yarn

for three months.

That's a lie.

- Julian? Isn't it pretty?

- Yes, you should keep it.

Why did you even pick that up?

At thirteen, she decided

she wanted to crochet.

- Out of nowhere.

- So what?

What? I'll put it in the attic.

I don't like you going

into the attic alone.

- Why?

- Because I don't.

- It's high up, it's sloped...

- High up? There's a ladder.

Put it in a box. We'll move it up.

No, no. Absolutely not.

- I've told you so many times.

- I can manage, darling. Leave me.

- I'm doing you a favour.

- OK. I get it.

- You're not listening.

- I won't listen.

I know what I'm doing.

I go up there all the time.

- Non-stop.

- Your lover's up there.

- Exactly.

- See? I knew it.

- He's barely alive, but that's OK.

- That's disgusting.

OK, that's five...

Seven... Nine, yes.

And fifteen.

- How much was that? Ten euros?

- Ten euros?

- Eight euros?

- No.

- Five?

- No.

OK.

Four? No?

Go on. Watch the shoulders.

- There? OK? Great.

- Yes.

- I'll pull it.

- Yes.

OK. There. That's it.

OK, I'll zip you up.

- Oww! You're unbelievable.

- Come on.

- It's OK? Careful.

- I'm careful.

This one is for Paris.

- Ah, OK. Very nice.

- Do you like it?

It's crazy.

You're crazy.

We need to be...

The neighbours' baby is sleeping.

No.

- Did the neighbour come nagging again?

- Yes. I won't be missing the neighbour.

- No, me neither.

- She gets on my nerves. So...

Oh, Fleur. You forgot the flowers.

Do we leave them here?

- Say goodbye to the plants.

- Bye.

Bye, plants.

- Are you nervous?

- A little.

Wait, Mum, we're nearly there.

Ten minutes, just let us...

No, Mum, stay there.

Just wait five minutes.

We'll take the boxes up

before we change.

- OK?

- Yes.

Shall I put it behind

the Christmas stuff?

Yes, great.

Either way, you won't be back before then.

Careful.

Watch out.

Hey! You're something else.

- Are you ready? We need to...

- Nearly done.

Wait. I'll do it.

Can you hold it? OK.

- Later.

- Later.

Where do we put the shoes?

- Did I hurt you?

- No, it's OK.

Sorry.

How does it look?

- Does it look nice?

- Yes.

- What?

- You look nice.

- Come on. You'll ruin your make-up.

- It's OK.

Come here.

I'm going to miss you two.

Same here.

Careful.

Fleur,

there are so many things

I could say to you.

So luckily, we'll have more

than one opportunity to do this.

I could even arrange

what I want to say by theme or period.

There are so many things

I'd like to tell you.

But let's start with the beginning.

I remember the first time I saw you.

It was December. It was cold.

Three degrees.

You wore a black faux-fur coat.

And I never saw that coat again

after that.

But you were the most

beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

I couldn't stop looking at you.

In that moment, I would have

dropped everything for you,

only to be near you for one moment.

And here we are now.

- To love.

- To love.

I would've exploded with joy

at the thought.

There's nowhere I'd have rather been,

with no one else.

You make me happier

than I could ever have hoped to be.

Shall we look at Tuesday's

scans together?

- Yes.

- Yes?

So here we can see

some anomalies in the bones.

Here in the liver.

There is a lesion there too, on the lungs.

And then... The biggest problem.

- The brain. All over.

- Yes.

We're awaiting the biopsy results,

but as we discussed with Julian,

the tests seem to confirm

the suspicions we had

during our last conversation.

I sent the documents to Belgium.

Because her best friend is a doctor

and the hospital where he works

has a renowned oncology department.

So they're examining it.

OK. Very well. You have every right to.

But...

I understand that you...

want to investigate it thoroughly.

But you have to believe me when I say

that we took this very seriously.

It's just that... It's normal

to get a second opinion.

- Yes.

- Because you went about it very fast.

I understand.

And if they can do something for her,

that would be fantastic.

It's just that...

We've carefully assessed it as well.

And if we believed there was

something meaningful we could do,

then we would have.

We would do it.

OK.

We shall see then.

Yes.

You know where to find us and...

You can always get in touch.

Ed? Yes.

No, it's not good.

But were you able to check what he...

What he thinks about it?

Because if we...

Yes.

- And our list kept getting...

- Yes.

And our list kept getting longer.

In September, a bill in Malta

was approved by parliament.

Germany followed in October.

A postal survey in Australia proved

that 61% of the population

was in favour of same-sex marriage.

- Do you need a break?

- No. It's OK. Just give me a minute.

I really just needed to check the sound.

I think we're alright here.

No. No, please, I just want

to do the whole thing once more.

We've gone through all the cues

and I have your lines in front of me.

- If you wanted, you...

- Please let me finish, OK?

They're in my head.

- I can... I can do it myself.

- OK.

- Here you are.

- Thank you.

- Thanks.

- Yes.

Oh, and I copied the file

onto our server, so...

- OK. Just the one?

- Yes, just the one.

It doesn't make you that fat.

One more time, one more time.

It's just here.

I've been so looking forward

to meeting you.

Us too.

- Yes, us too.

- That's a nice thing to say.

Have you heard about

the New York minute?

Yes.

You get one minute,

there are no vows.

It's just 'I do, I do. Thank you

very much. Have a good life. Next.'

It's kind of how we do things here.

But I understand you need more.

Yeah. We need a couple of minutes

to set up the camera, check the sound...

- We want to record everything, so...

- Yeah, but it's just a very little setup.

It's nothing much.

- How much time do you think you need?

- Ten minutes?

- Ten?

- Fifteen max.

Alright, OK.

Well, let's see what we can do.

Listen, I've read your proposal.

And I've got to tell you, I was...

I was moved, really.

I think it's great.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

My sister... I mean, her kid...

He really would have loved to see this.

It could have changed things for him.

He was... He was fifteen, so...

- Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that.

- It's OK. I'm sorry. Excuse me.

I mean, if it's alright I'd like to do the

ceremony myself, if you're OK with that?

- Yes.

- As the city clerk,

- it'd be a real honour.

- Oh, I mean...

It's an honour for us, really.

We've been contacting some local press

and people seem to be quite interested.

I will check with your staff

to get passes.

Stories like that just...

And I don't understand what we can do

to make people understand.

- That's why we're here.

- Yes, I know. But I...

- So?

- But I... I can't.

I can... I need...

- I need...

- What?

- Let's go to the hotel.

- No, I need a moment.

- I can't.

- Let's drop off our stuff.

No, if I open my mailbox now

and I happen to get a 'no'

or a hate message,

I will lose it, I can feel it.

- We'll just drop off our stuff.

- Right, is that what you want to do?

- We still have tons of work.

- Fleur... I've just told you I can't.

I just need a moment. OK?

Or I might lose it.

That's no good for the project,

or anyone.

We are in New York

and you don't even realise it.

We're ten minutes away from

the Brooklyn Bridge and all you want is...

to get back to your computer.

Look. They're like us.

That's us. That's us two.

Aren't you romantic,

comparing us to ducks?

What?

Te quiero mucho.

It took the Netherlands years and years

to even consider

legalising same-sex marriage.

- Come on. Catch up.

- I can't.

Come on! Come on!

And my legs are longer.

That is... Sorry, yes. Sorry.

We noticed that in Belgium,

a lot of people were...

Hello, Julian.

So, we're in New York.

We're here for 'Project 22'.

Is that nice?

Yeah, there is a lot of paperwork. But,

I mean, it's all part of what we're doing.

Yeah, we'd love for it to go back

to the countries we're visiting.

Maybe for an exhibition or...

We're filming everything,

so maybe a documentary?

Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina,

Mexico, Colombia, South Africa.

Okay, so today we're going to marry

in New York. It's going to be super great.

We have not one minute,

but we have seven minutes.

We fixed it. She fixed it.

Fleur Pierets fixed it.

We noticed that in Belgium a lot of people

were convinced that this idea was too big.

- Malta, Germany.

- Atlantis.

- Spain, Portugal.

- Middle-earth.

- Ireland.

- Shangri-La.

- Iceland. Did I say Iceland?

- El Dorado.

Camera's rolling?

You guys as well?

Alright, then. Here we go.

Dear friends, colleagues,

reporters and supporters,

we are gathered here today to celebrate

the union between Fleur and Julian.

Fleur, you have chosen Julian

to be your life partner.

Will you love and respect her?

Will you be honest with her always?

And will you stand by her

through whatever may come?

I pledge you my love and respect.

- My laughter and my tears.

- My laughter and my tears.

- With all that I am.

- With all that I am.

- I honour you.

- I honour you.

We've heard you promise

to share your lives in marriage.

And we will strive for a world

in which this ambitious journey of yours,

to get married in every country

where you two are allowed to do so,

is infinitely extended.

In the honesty and sincerity of what

you've said and done here today,

and, of course, by the power vested

in me by the state of New York,

I declare you married and partners

for life. You may now kiss your...

You're tired.

I've got a headache.

Shall I ask reception

if they have something?

No, it's OK.

It was worse this morning.

How so?

I just need some sleep.

OK.

- Like this?

- Yes.

Wait. Let's change it up.

I wanna be...

New York, New York

Come on!

Dammit!

Please leave your name and number.

There are some traffic jams

near the border,

- so we might be a while.

- OK.

- Are you cold?

- No. Your hands are.

A little, but it's OK.

You heard, right?

You heard what Edward said.

We mustn't kid ourselves.

He's cleared his calendar

for the coming weeks and...

I was thinking

he could come with us to my mother's.

I'm going to go senile.

Don't say that.

You are free to decide

how to go about all this.

But...

You'll have so much left to do.

And you'll have...

so many reasons to be angry.

You'll have so much love to give.

Because that's you.

And... And it might not feel

like that for a while, but...

You'll still be you.

I'll put that here.

The morphine patches?

- The patches?

- Yes.

You apply them every three days

in a different spot on the upper body.

OK.

Here. You don't want more?

- And for the pain?

- You have the patches.

- Morphine? Is that morphine?

- Yes.

- And this is cortisone?

- Exactly.

And what is this?

It's crack.

No, Mum, that's the thickener.

That's to...

- To help her swallow.

- Sorry, darling.

Honestly, Mum.

- Ingrid.

- OK, listen...

Stomach protectors,

pain K*llers, cortisone.

Yes, but I don't understand what's funny.

- Hey, Fleur, we're just kidding.

- No, stop.

We're kidding.

- We're kidding.

- Alright.

Come here.

Crack...

- It's now or never.

- You're all going mad.

Ingrid, do you happen

to know anyone around

- that could get us...

- Ah no, no.

Don't do crack. You'll lose your teeth.

- That's not true.

- Of course it's true.

- What do you know about it?

- What I know about it? I'm a doctor.

Oh right, you're a doctor.

Patrobus assimilis,

a boreo-arctic mountain species

that lives mostly in cool climates

and is mainly found

in Northern and Central Europe,

as far as north-western Siberia.

Until recently...

It'll be OK.

Your nails need cutting.

- Are you in pain?

- You should stay in bed.

I'm washing you.

Or you won't get better.

I'll be fine. Don't worry.

Our lines are busier than usual.

An operator will be with you

within the next 15 minutes.

- Are you coming in?

- No, I need some air.

Come.

I called them all of last week.

No answer.

We put all our money

into transport and materials.

If the insurance doesn't come through...

- Mum.

- I'll call them later.

Have a shower and eat something.

Go on. Edward is with her.

Did you speak to her parents?

- How many times, Mum?

- They've got a right to know.

It's her choice.

She can do what she wants.

- What was that noise?

- Easy. Easy.

- I thought...

- Go and dry off.

I'm here. Edward is here.

Everything's OK.

Go on.

Fleur.

Go and get dressed.

What are you doing?

I'm filming you.

Can I see?

What are you doing?

I'm filming you.

Can I see?

Can I come with you?

No.

I will always love you.

I will never forget you.

You'll always be in my heart.

I will never leave you.

I will always love you.

You'll always be in my heart.

I will never forget you.

I will never leave you.

I will always love you.

I will never forget you.

You will always be in my heart.

I will never leave you.

I will always love you.

You will always be in my heart.

I will never forget you.

I will never leave you.

Here.

No, I'm OK.

You need to eat.

- Want some?

- No, thanks.

- No?

- I have some grapes.

OK.

- Shall I get that?

- Yes.

We need to let them do their job.

Here are some clothes.

- Easy.

- Careful.

Julian Boom.

Julian.

No, Julian is her first name.

Yes, I know...

Yes, that's not what it says

on the documents, but could...

No. Would it be possible

to change it because she...

No. Her name is Julian.

But would it be possible...

- Hi.

- Hi.

- Fleur?

- I tried to call the venue,

but nobody picked up the phone.

So I took the subway back.

Look, I... My disk crashed.

I must have done something wrong.

- I don't know.

- I got you. You want to grab a seat?

- Yeah.

- Let's see.

- You want some coffee?

- No, thanks.

What is it?

It's... in...

In the...

- Can you find the one called 'Julian'?

- Let me see.

Look. 1%.

- It's working.

- Yes.

OK.

This might take a few hours.

It's an old device.

I didn't mean to just go

through your files.

No, it's OK. Really, it's OK.

When did she die?

A year ago.

Did you know she was sick

during the project?

No.

No.

- Well...

- I wish we did, but I...

I didn't... We didn't know.

It's really moving, I think.

That you filmed her like that.

I imagine these bring comfort in a way.

- Hello, darling.

- Hi.

- Is that your outfit for tonight?

- Can you see?

Yes. It's nice.

It goes well with your hair.

Are you ready?

I don't know.

I'm... I'm a little nervous.

That's normal. But you'll do well.

I have nothing on this weekend

if you fancy doing something?

Great.

What time do you land tomorrow?

Quite late, I think. In the evening.

OK. We'll come pick you up.

- Send me the details.

- OK.

With light traffic,

we can be there in half an hour.

So...

OK?

What?

I'm sorry.

Sorry.

- Sorry.

- It's OK, it's OK.

I don't...

I don't know where she is.

It's OK.

When does the lecture start?

Wait, let me check.

In an hour, or an hour and a half.

I need to be there

in an hour and a half.

- An hour and a half.

- Yes.

- Get some rest then.

- Yes.

I'll be here, OK?

Close your eyes.

There you go.

Alright, thank you.

- Ready?

- Yes.

- Can I just check your mic real quick?

- Yes.

OK, you're good.

Go get 'em.

All the way from Belgium:

Fleur Pierets.

Good evening.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah, thank you all for coming, I...

I wasn't expecting this many people.

The first time I saw her

was in a room just like this one.

I arrived just in time, but the lights

in the audience were already out.

I had to walk

past her seat to get to mine,

and she had to stand up

to let me through.

She was very tall.

She very clearly remembered me

wearing a black faux-fur coat that day,

even though I've never in my life

owned anything like that.

But then again, I remember nothing

about the concert itself.

I couldn't focus on anything

but the back of her neck.

Nothing ever came more naturally

than falling in love with her.

But when, in the spring of 2017,

friends suggested we get married

in Greece or Italy, we had to explain

that that wasn't possible.

That, in fact, we were fortunate

to live in one of the 22 countries

where same-sex marriage was legal.

We could use that privilege

to make a point.

So that's why I'm here,

that's why I'm talking to all of you.

And it's just me now, but...

I need you all to know about her.

I was lucky to have found her.

If I had arrived on time that day,

if I had been seated anywhere else,

I could have walked right by her.

But I didn't.