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"We should get married."
"You know we can't, Silver. As much as I want to say yes, we can't."
"I know. I just…think it would be nice. I wish we could."
Sonic had thought about that brief conversation every night since then. The thought of marrying Silver made his heart ache in longing. He wanted to have a ceremony to show the world how much he loved him. He wanted to feel the pride that came with saying my husband. He wanted to be with him forever. But they couldn't, and they both knew it.
Or at least, they couldn't do it publicly.
One perk of being king was that he had access to the treasury, and could use its money without much suspicion, especially for something as small as a ring. It wouldn't be anything too fancy, as neither of them cared much for jewelry—just a simple gold band with a few small gems embedded around it. He wanted it to be small and elegant so that Silver could wear it under his glove to avoid losing it while he worked, but still unique enough to be special.
Another perk of being king was the ability to avoid questions. The goldsmith only asked one: why Sonic wanted such a ring. All he had to do was say it was a gift. He didn't give any more explanation, and the man didn't ask. Sonic provided him with the materials and measurements, and he produced a beautiful ring in only a few days. Sonic couldn't stop staring at it during the carriage-ride back to the castle. It was stunning, and he had no doubt Silver would love it.
The next step was simply to wait. While Silver sometimes gave him an estimated return date, it often wasn't correct, but Sonic usually didn't mind the inaccuracy. There were plenty of unexpected things to delay him, from storms to patrols to resupplies. But now he found himself growing restless, wishing Silver would hurry up so he could set his plan into motion. Then finally, after what felt like a lifetime, he got word that Silver's ship, the Phantom Arrow, was approaching.
As much as he wanted to run down to the port and meet him on the docks, Sonic knew he would have to wait just a little longer. He was too recognizable, even in disguises. They would meet that night behind the tavern when the moon was high, just like they always did, and then, in the shadows of the night, they could do whatever they wanted.
Sonic was practically jumping out of his boots by the time he snuck off, the ring tucked safely in his coat pocket. As usual, Silver was there already, his expression brightening as Sonic practically tackled him with a hug. It was a juvenile greeting, really, but they couldn't help it.
"I missed you, too," Silver said with a laugh.
"I have something special for you," Sonic said, his voice muffled by Silver's shoulder, "but I have to talk to Blaze first."
"Why?"
"You'll see."
Because Blaze would be the one to officiate it. Captains had the legal ability to officiate weddings, and first mates could take over if the captain was the one getting married. Sonic had made sure to research it—just because it would be in secret didn't mean it couldn't be official.
"Alright," Silver agreed. "I don't think she's left the ship yet."
"Perfect. Do you remember the little beach beneath the cliffs? Meet me there."
Sonic started to pull away, but Silver pulled him in and kissed him first. Sonic practically melted into it. He wrapped his arms around his neck and tipped his head slightly for more room, and took a deep breath of Silver's familiar scent through his nose. The captain smelled like salt, sweat, and alcohol, but beneath it, there was something unique to Silver. Sonic couldn't tell what it was, but he loved it anyway.
"You didn't really think you could get away without a kiss first, did you?" Silver teased, and Sonic laughed as a familiar warmth spread through his chest.
"You're right; I should have known. I'll be back soon."
He shot off into the night, eager to get started. Sure enough, Blaze was just stepping off the gangplank when he approached, and smiled as he skidded to a stop beside her.
"Hello, your Majesty," she said with a nod rather than a bow—as he'd requested to keep his cover. He preferred it that way, anyway. He still hated the formalities.
"Hey, Blaze. Can I talk to you for a minute? In private?"
Her ear twitched, but she otherwise didn't seem bothered. "Of course. Is something wrong?"
"No, not at all." Sonic shook his head as he followed her back up the plank to the ship and into the captain's cabin, where both she and Silver resided. One of Silver's newer crew members had asked Sonic once if he was worried Silver and Blaze had a romantic relationship—if he was worried Silver was unfaithful. Sonic didn't worry at all. He trusted him. And Silver had once described Blaze as a sister, so he clearly wasn't interested in her romantically.
"What is it?" Blaze asked.
Sonic produced the ring from his pocket, holding his palm out for her to see. She tipped her head in curiosity. "I'm going to ask him to marry me," he said.
Her eyes sparkled as she examined the ring. "He'll be overjoyed," she said with a smile, though the expression wavered for just a moment. "But pardon my asking: what are you going to do about the kingdom?"
"We'll be married in secret. That's why I wanted to talk to you. Will you officiate the ceremony?"
"Oh." She took a small step back and rubbed the cuff of her sleeve, suddenly avoiding his eyes. "I would be honored. I just…don't know anything about weddings. I wouldn't know what to say."
"That's alright. I found a few scripts if you want to look over them. It's easy. You could even read straight from the paper if that makes you more comfortable. Besides, it'll only be me and him."
"You would trust me with that?" Blaze asked softly, as if she didn't quite believe it.
"Why not? Silver trusts you, and so I do, too."
Her smile returned, more relaxed than before. "Then I would love to. Where shall we meet?"
"If you follow the edge of the cliffs towards the East, there's a path leading down to a small beach. And by small beach, I mean it's about the size of your ship, so no one else will be there. I'm going to propose to him there. If you wait up at the top, we can figure things out afterward."
"That's as good a plan as any, I suppose."
"Do you want the scripts?"
"I would appreciate that," she said, and he gave her the pages he'd stowed in his pocket. "Do you care which one I use?"
"Not at all. Whatever you're comfortable with will be perfect." A wide grin spread across his face and he could barely keep himself from throwing his arms around her in a hug of gratitude. "Thank you."
She smiled easily. "Of course."
Sonic practically flew down the gangplank and through the port, giddy with excitement. He could hardly wait to see the look on Silver's face. Yet as he came closer to the meeting spot, his stomach twisted into a knot. What if he said something stupid? What if Silver wasn't ready? What if he didn't like the ring? What if he messed everything up?
Just breathe, he told himself. It's going to be fine, whatever happens.
His hands were terribly sweaty as he followed the path down to the beach. He could see Silver's silhouette sitting in the sand, looking out to sea. His hat rested beside him and his quills were untied. He looked over his shoulder as Sonic approached, and gave him that perfect, lopsided smile as he summoned his magic leg and climbed to his feet.
"That was fast," he commented.
"Of course it was. I'm the fastest thing alive and you know it." Sonic shot him a teasing look, and Silver pretended to scoff even as he wrapped his arms around him.
"I dunno, I've been practicing long-distance flight. Maybe we should race and see."
Sonic pressed his lips against his cheek. "Another time. I have something else planned for tonight."
Silver's ears perked up. "What is it?"
The nervous twist in his gut tightened, and he took a deep breath and pulled away from the embrace. "Silver," he started, his voice only shaking a little. "You know I love you, right?"
He gave him a confused smile. "Of course. Why?"
"Do you remember what you said last time we were together?"
Silver's brows furrowed as he thought, and slowly, like the sunrise, realization dawned in his eyes. "You…you mean…"
Sonic pulled the ring from his pocket and got down on one knee, and Silver covered his mouth with his hands. "Captain Silver," he said softly, "will you marry me?"
His partner stood as still as a mountain as tears filled his eyes. "Really?" he finally whispered. "You're…you're serious?"
"Of course I'm serious."
"Oh, Chaos—yes! Yes, yes, yes—" He practically threw himself at him as he fell to his knees, and buried his face in the crook of Sonic's neck. His fingers dug into his coat as he sobbed; heavy, shaking sobs Sonic knew were meant to be happy.
"You don't need to cry, silly," Sonic teased, running his fingers through Silver's loose quills.
"I know, I'm sorry." He hiccupped and his shoulders shook. His voice was muffled as he spoke. "I just—I just almost can't even believe it. I'm so—" His voice cracked, and he squeezed Sonic tighter. "I'm so happy." He was still for a minute, and then caught his breath. "Wait, but what about the kingdom? What are you gonna do?"
"A secret ceremony." Sonic kissed the side of his head. "Tonight. Then we can always be bound together no matter where we are. The kingdom doesn't have to know." Even though he wished they could know. He wished to shout it out to the whole world. Because he wasn't ashamed of who he loved, but they both knew what kind of consequences would come as a result.
"Who's gonna officiate?"
"Your first mate Blaze, of course."
Silver started to laugh through his tears of joy. "Of course." They started to stand, but Silver paused again. "I—I don't have a ring for you. We can't get married if you don't have a ring."
"That's alright—"
"No, it's not. I'll be right back." He took off in a streak of teal light before Sonic could protest again.
The sand crunched behind him and he turned to see Blaze on her way towards him. "Don't worry," she said, though he wasn't worried anyway. "He'll find something in the hold, I'm sure." Then she thought for a moment and chuckled. "Or he might not. He'll want to find something absolutely perfect, and won't settle for anything less." She stood beside him and put her hands behind her back. "You're the best thing to ever happen to him, you know."
Sonic blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, well…"
"I'm serious. Every time we approach Mobius, he turns into a giddy child." She laughed again. "It's quite funny, actually. He's a fierce captain, commanding and powerful—and yet when you come into the conversation, he's bashful and giggly and love-struck."
Sonic laughed as he pictured it. He'd spent enough time with him to know Blaze was completely honest.
"He's never happier than when he talks about you," she said.
"And the opposite is true, too. I'm the happiest when I'm with him." Sonic turned back to stare out to sea. "I just wish…we didn't have to hide it."
"I know," she said softly. "I'm sorry."
He shrugged. “It's alright. There's nothing we can do about it anyway, unless one of us gives up our duties, and I'd never ask that of him, and I know he’d never ask that of me.”
They stood in silence, listening to the waves, and then the blur of cyan light rushed toward them. Silver practically tumbled over himself in the air as he stopped and hovered in front of them, a bright grin on his face and something tight in his fist.
“That was fast,” Sonic said with a wink.
“I found the perfect one,” Silver declared, “but you can’t see it until the exchange.”
Sonic rolled his eyes and laughed. “Whatever makes you happy, love.”
“Are you ready?” Blaze asked, sounding terribly nervous despite her calm demeanor.
“Whenever you are, ma’am.”
Blaze’s ears turned pink. “Oh, you don’t need to bother with formalities—”
“Nonsense. If we were in a church or you were a government official, we’d use formalities. The ceremony is going to be as real as possible.” Sonic glanced at her. “If you’re comfortable, of course.”
Silver laughed a little as Blaze’s ears grew redder. “You can’t change his mind, y’know. Besides, you’re my first mate, so you’ve got a title, too.”
“Of course,” she said, clearing her throat. “It’s just been so long since I’ve been addressed by a title. But that’s alright. This is a wedding, after all.”
Silver touched down on the sand, the glow around him vanishing and leaving only his conjured leg left. Still, his pale quills in the moonlight made him look as though he still glowed, especially as he smiled. Sonic brushed his quills back and took his hands, his heart racing a million miles an hour.
Blaze stood beside and between them, and pulled the paper from her pocket. “Right,” she said. “Let’s—” She froze, her eyes on the cliff above them, and Sonic quickly turned to look, dreading what it might be.
“Knuckles? What are you doing here?”
“I can explain,” Silver said quickly, and the echidna shook his head and started down the path.
“No need. I know exactly what’s going on.” Once he reached the sand, he started towards them with his hands balled into fists.
Sonic let go of Silver to take a step to his guardian. “Knuckles, please don’t—”
“Did you really think you could get away with not inviting me to your wedding?” Knuckles glared right at him, and Sonic did a double-take.
“W-wait, you mean…you’re not going to stop us?”
“Why would I stop you?” The echidna huffed and crossed his arms, but the gesture was good-natured. “I’ve been by your side since you were eight years old, Sonic. You didn’t seriously think you could run off and get married without me, did you?”
A wide grin spread across Sonic’s face. “Knuckles, you don’t know how relieved I am—”
“Yeah, yeah, enough of that. Don’t leave your fiancé waiting. It’s rude.”
Blaze started to laugh at that, while Silver still looked a half-second away from having a heart attack. Sonic returned to him and took his hands again, giving them a squeeze. “Don’t worry, Silv. He’s on our side.”
Silver took a deep breath and let it out slowly, and then smiled. “You’re right. I mean, it is partially his fault I’m still alive.” He looked at Blaze and continued before Sonic could even react. “Alright, it looks like everyone’s here. Ready when you are, Ma’am Blaze.”
The cat straightened her coat, and then cleared her throat again, the paper trembling only slightly in her hands. “Alright,” she said, and began to read. “Dear beloved and honored guests…oh dear.” She shook her head a little as if to clear the mistake. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re doing great,” Sonic assured.
“And technically there is one guest,” Silver added.
“Right.” She took a breath much like Silver had earlier, and started again. “Dear beloved and honored guest—” Silver giggled under his breath, and she shot him a look. “—we are gathered here to join Sonic and Silver in the union of marriage.”
Already, Sonic thought his heart would burst with happiness. He could hardly believe it was real. They were really getting married.
Blaze slowly grew more confident as she read. “This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. The grooms have each prepared vows—wait, have you prepared vows?”
“Sort of?” Sonic said, giving her an awkward smile.
“Not at all,” Silver said cheerfully.
Knuckles face-palmed.
“Do you want to at least try?” Blaze asked. “Vows are a significant part of a wedding.”
“Of course.” Sonic tried his very best to calm his nerves, and looked into Silver’s stunning golden eyes. He gave his hands a squeeze. “Silver, when I am with you, nothing else in the world matters. And even though we can’t always be together, I vow to always wait with open arms for you to return.” He chuckled a little. “Because like a true pirate, you’ve stolen my heart, and I’ll never again be whole without you.”
Silver had tears in his eyes again. "I don't…know what to say. I'm only good at saying snappy sarcastic things. But I'm gonna try my best." He smiled as bright as the sun even as the tears slid down his face. "Sonic, I swear to Gaia you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I…don't like to talk about my past. There's a lot of pain, but you—you make it all worth it. I'd do it all again if I had to. You're…you're my lighthouse. You're the light in every storm. And I'm gonna hold that light close forever, because losing you would be worse than death."
Blaze waited a moment or two, and when neither of them continued, she looked at the page. "Sonic, do you hereby take Silver to be your husband, to promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"
Sonic's eyes blurred and his voice shook. "I do."
"Silver, do you hereby take Sonic to be your husband, to promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"
“I do.”
"You will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal, but are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love neverending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end."
Sonic risked a glance over at Knuckles, surprised to see him discreetly rubbing under his eye.
"Please remove your gloves," Blaze said, and took both pairs when they did. "Sonic, please place the ring on Silver's left hand and repeat after me."
Sonic took Silver's left hand, but froze for a moment. Seeing Silver's scars so plainly always caught him off guard, and this one was so deformed that he couldn't help but run his fingers over it, wishing it hadn't happened. It wasn't quite a hole anymore, as the inside had healed much like an unused piercing, but it was still rough and deep, stabbed right through the center of his psychokinetic mark. Silver’s hand trembled just a little, but neither of them spoke.
Blaze gave him a moment, and only continued when Sonic managed to pull the ring from his pocket. "As a sign of my love…"
"As a sign of my love…"
"…that I have chosen you…"
"…that I have chosen you…"
"…above all else."
"…above all else."
"With this ring, I wed thee."
The ring, which had felt so heavy with nervousness before, now felt light as a feather as he gently slid it onto Silver's finger. "With this ring, I wed thee."
Silver admired the ring on his hand with contagious excitement. "It's beautiful," he said.
"I hope it's small enough to wear under your glove while you work," Sonic said.
"It's perfect."
"Silver," Blaze said, "please place the ring on Sonic's left hand and repeat after me."
"That's alright," he said, drawing the other ring from his pocket. "I know it." He took Sonic's hand and pressed his lips against his fingers. "As a sign of my love that I have chosen you above all else. With this ring, I wed thee." He opened his palm to reveal a simple silver band. There was something inscribed on the inside, and Silver smiled when he asked what it said. "It says forever and always. I've wanted to give it to you ever since I found it." He slid it onto his finger and ran his thumb over his knuckles, and Sonic immediately felt as if he'd been reunited with a part of himself.
"Remember to cherish each other and take care of each other as much as fate allows," Blaze said, dropping her arms to her sides, no longer reading the script. "What you have is special. Don't let anyone take it away from you. And now." Once again, she straightened her coat. "I declare you wedded together forever and always. You may now seal this promise with a kiss."
No sooner than the words had left her mouth had Silver thrown his arms around Sonic's neck and pressed his lips against his, almost hard enough to knock them both over. Silver's hands dug into Sonic's quills and Sonic tipped his head for more room, and that underlying scent Sonic loved so much completely enveloped him. He felt totally weightless, as if he was floating on a cloud.
"I love you so much," Sonic murmured against his lips as they parted slightly for a quick breath. They kissed again, and then rested their heads on each other's shoulders in a tight embrace.
A firm hand rested on Sonic's shoulder, and he straightened up to see Knuckles smiling warmly at them both. "Congratulations," he said.
"Thanks, Knux." Sonic moved to hug him, too, catching him off guard for a moment. "Thanks for the support. Really."
Silver stepped forward when Sonic pulled away, and shook the guardian's hand. "And thanks for not bashing my head in when you found out."
"Break his heart and I will," Knuckles threatened.
Silver just laughed. "I don't doubt it. But you don't have to worry. You have my word."
This time, Knuckles laughed. "What good is the word of a pirate?"
"Silver is not a liar, if you are worried," Blaze said.
"I'm not worried," he said with a head shake. "Maybe I should be, but I'm not."
“And now for the couple’s first dance,” Sonic declared, wrapping his arm around Silver’s waist.
“I thought you said I was a terrible dancer.” Silver laced their fingers together and put his other hand on Sonic’s shoulder, giving him a goofy smile.
“You are. But there’s no music, so you can’t possibly be that bad.”
“You’re so mean,” Silver complained, but gave him a quick kiss anyway.
“Just follow my lead. Here.”
Sonic urged him backward, and Knuckles and Blaze moved out of the way. The sand wasn’t exactly sturdy, making it harder to keep balanced, but they tried anyway, and only stepped on each other’s toes a few times. Sonic quietly kept time, counting beats in three, and watching Silver concentrate so hard on keeping up brought a smile to his face.
“You’re doing great, love,” he said.
“I’m doing terrible.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I didn’t marry you for your dancing then, is it?”
“Shut up.” He let go and wrapped both arms around Sonic’s waist, and before Sonic could protest, he lifted him a few inches off the ground with a little spin. “It’s not my fault I don’t know any prestigious dances. I only know how to do this.”
“Hey!” Sonic started to laugh as Silver spun around and around, still keeping him stubbornly above the sand. “Put me down!”
“Not a chance. Now I must carry you off into the sunset, just like in the stories.” Silver stopped for a second to sweep Sonic off his feet into a bridal carry, but only made it two steps away before he tipped over and fell, sending them both crashing into the sand, giggling like school children.
“A little dizzy?” Sonic teased as they helped each other sit up and brushed the sand from their clothes.
“Only a little,” Silver agreed, and kissed him again. Sonic didn’t let him pull back, and deepened the kiss instead, wrapping his arms around him and holding him close.
“We should give them some privacy,” Sonic barely heard Knuckles suggest, and then the two of them were gone, leaving them alone with the waves.
Sonic pushed Silver back against the sand, the captain’s arms still tight around his waist. Silver didn’t resist at all and just deepened the kiss, both of them full of passion and pure love. Sonic’s body felt weightless, like Silver’s embrace was the only thing keeping him from drifting off into the stars. His husband—his husband! —tasted like alcohol, as usual, but with a hint of something tangy and fruity, and he could feel Silver’s heart beating a steady rhythm against his own.
It was everything he could have ever wanted. Silver mumbled breathless words of adoration between kisses, and then they pulled back, breathing hard, their faces only inches apart. Sonic admired those shimmering golden eyes more every time he looked into them. “Silver,” he whispered. “You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Then you haven’t looked in the mirror,” Silver murmured.
Nothing else in the world mattered as they joined together again in perfect harmony.
Forever and always.