Chapter Text
Chapter Twenty Three
Even without the arctic fox and the incredibly fluffy cow, Jon and Martin are certain that this is the most unconventional wedding that they’ve ever seen. Somehow, the fact that it’s on a spaceship is negligible compared to the rest of the surrounding chaos. It’s not exactly like any aspects of their lives for the past few years have been normal, though, so it doesn’t worry them at all. Jon and Martin are eager to get married as soon as possible despite their new immortality. They both agree that enough has stood in the way of their love up until now, and though they know that they don't have to get married, they’re both quite excited about it. The two of them had felt bad at first for asking the other Mechanisms to help with so much, but the space pirates assured Jon and Martin that it was in exchange for their future performances with the band and definitely not an act of kindness.
Ivy continued her sharing of books in order to expedite planning. Lyf had been a bit secretive about their contributions, but Marius made sure to promise that it was nothing sinister. Marius had also offered some pre-wedding therapy, but Jon and Martin informed him that Aurora had found a way to get them actual therapy over her radios, so the two of them would be alright on that front. Tim, Raphaella, and Brian worked on the cake, which they all assured was perfectly edible. Nastya set up the room for the ceremony, with help from the Aurora. The Toy Soldier was in charge of decorations. After a long and tiring argument with Ashes, Jonny had agreed to sew the wedding outfits as long as he could get out of attending, but Martin and Jon see (with a hint of amusement) that he is tied to a chair in the front row.
And then they see each other, and it’s as if time stops.
Martin wears a light blue suit that matches the colour of his eyes, and his lengthening hair is pulled back with a silver butterfly clip. He beams, smile lighting up the room, and Jon feels himself blush. Between the warmth of his cheeks and his gold outfit, Jon looks absolutely radiant. Martin wants to scoop him up in a hug right away, but they both know that can wait.
“You look wonderful,” Martin says.
Jon takes a moment to clear his flustered mind before responding, “You as well.”
As Martin anxiously escorts Jon to the front of the room, Brian begins to speak.
“Now, according to ship laws, the duty of officiating a wedding should fall to our first mate. However, since Jonny is a bit…occupied right now, I’ll be taking over.”
“Fuck you,” Jonny shouts from his chair.
“Not right now. Anyways, Lyf, are the rest of our guests here yet?”
“Wait, who else is coming?” Martin asks.
“Hi, Jon and Martin,” a voice sounds from Lyf’s radio.
“Daisy?!”
“Well, we couldn’t miss the big day. The cats are here as well,” Basira answers.
“I managed to find the signal again. We figured you wouldn’t mind,” Lyf clarifies with a satisfied smile.
Melanie’s voice joins in, “Took you two long enough!” They hear Georgie laugh.
“This is perfect, Lyf, thank you,” Martin answers, tears welling up in his eyes.
“Alright, now we can begin,” Brian continues. “Who wants to do their wedding speech first?”
“Not the poet,” Jon grins.
Martin just smiles back.
Straightening his posture and gently grabbing Martin’s freckled hands, Jon takes a breath before beginning his vows. “Martin, when I first met you, I could not possibly comprehend the concept of eternity. In fact, there was a time when I didn’t even think that I would make it to see my thirties. But standing here in front of you, I realise that I don’t need to know what an eternity would feel like. Because all I need to know is that I will be with you ; we will never have to be alone again, and that’s more than I ever could have hoped for. I love you, Martin. And I will never tire of saying it.”
“Thank you, Jon,” Martin answers through his tears. “I love you too.”
Jon brushes aside one of Martin’s tears and tries to ignore his own watering eyes. “Your turn, beloved.”
Martin takes a deep breath. “Jon, I’ve loved you for so long, and I’m still getting used to waking up with you by my side. Every part of you is like a resonant note in a symphony of discovery. I see more of you each day--the parts of you that you have felt so determined to hide until now--and every moment is something that I will treasure forever. And I can’t wait to keep on loving you every day. Thank you for being here with me, Jon. I love you.”
The two of them kiss, and they don’t let go. Not even when Tim shoots his gun into the air as a toast, and Nastya shoots him for damaging the Aurora. Even then, they don’t let go of each other. And they keep not letting go.
There are lies we tell ourselves, and there are lies we tell the universe.
Jon and Martin once told themselves that fear was the strongest emotion in existence. But they know now that, together, love is so much more powerful. As the two of them make their way back to their room and fall into each others' arms in a practised but delicate motion, Martin and Jon know that they will be okay. The fear that once consumed their lives cannot touch them anymore. And they charge into their beginning together, never to be apart again.