The Marriage Life Meme

[wrongs]

marriage life meme
(condensed version)

rules:
* post with your character's name and series in the comment title along with any preferences or notes.
* taggers, go to RNG and roll between 1 and 3, or choose one of the prompt selections down below.
* head back to RNG or go there if you haven't already and roll between 1 and 5, or choose a prompt of your own.
* play out the sequences relevant to that of a married lifestyle.

1. proposal {
1. park - you've been planning this proposal for awhile and have taken your sweetheart to a nice secluded area in the park. are they going to say yes or leave you in the dust?

2. house - dimmed lights, candles, home made dinner. it's obvious you've fixed yourself up for something tonight. let's see if your lover catches on before the question is popped.

3. public event - perhaps you're one who wants to gain a lot of attention; maybe your significant other doesn't as much. either way, this goes from writing their message in the sky with an airplane to something like a flash mob ensemble with others involved.

4. restaurant - nothing romantic like taking them out somewhere ritzy and hiding the rings in that glass of expensive wine.

5. car - you've driven them somewhere nostalgic or meaningful either to you or each other, or perhaps just a good view overlooking the city cause maybe you had no other idea how to do it or couldn't afford anything else.

2. marriage {
1. traditional - both parties have agreed and said yes, and everything goes well just like in the fairy tales you've always dreamed of.

2. arranged - you had no say so in this but somebody else like your parents did. you've never seen this person before until you walk down the aisle. what are your thoughts? are you nervous? what if you two don't get along? looks like you have to deal with it either way. enjoy?

3. elope - nothing fancy. you know, they do make drive thru chapels or perhaps you're just going to experience the excitement of meeting up at the court. all and all, it doesn't matter, just so you have your sweetheart to yourself.

4. shotgun - congrats, somebody is pregnant. there's only one more thing left to do now..

5. disaster - looks like somebody forgot the rings! never mind the fact the maid of honor is having a wardrobe malfunction or that soon to be father in law is causing a scene of some sort.

3. after marriage {
1. honeymoon night - self explanatory! come on, you know what this means. it just wouldn't be the same without this option.

2. new addition - it could be a pregnancy or bringing home a new child, or something as simple as a new pet goldfish.

3. house purchase - after months of living in a trashy apartment, you're both about to sign the dotted line and move into your new place.

4. argument - deep, relationship sort of arguments or something petty like who drank all the milk; it's up to you!

5. divorce - somebody has had enough of this and is ready to move on. how will it all go down?

Comments

[aviophobia]

If that's what you want.

[He helps Jim over to the spot indicated, where the window overlooks what is, to McCoy, one of the most terrific (in the original sense of the word, meaning fit to excite fear and awe) views anywhere ... ever. The huge void of space spreads out before them, dotted with brilliant points of light. It makes McCoy want to hide in a corner, but Jim loves it, so he's willing to deal with it for now.

For their wedding.]

[captaincocksure]

[This means more to Jim than he can possibly say. It's not just this spot: the one place he comes when he needs solace in solitude, the one place on this ship that never fails to remind him of the sense of awe and wonder that got him up here among the stars in the first place. More than that--it's that McCoy is here, willingly, even though Jim knows he must be ready to crawl out of his skin at the experience.

He leans in once they're in place, pressing his mouth to McCoy's.

Hey, hey, break it up, that goes at the end, Pike scolds, good-naturedly, and Jim grins, sheepish.]

Sorry.

[aviophobia]

[There's a reason McCoy positioned himself away from the actual observational part of the observation deck. His mama raised him right, and though she never said, Len, it's not right to vomit during your wedding, he thinks it was one of those unspoken rules.]

I think that means he's ready, sir.

[captaincocksure]

[I suppose it does.

I assume, due to how quickly this was arranged, you don't have any special readings or vows? I'll just perform the standard ceremony?]

I... yes, sir. I think so.

[He glances at McCoy, eyebrows raised.]

[aviophobia]

Yeah - no, wait. Computer, begin recording, and prepare for transmission to Susan McCoy and Winona Kirk on Earth.

[He turns back to Jim.]

Ready.

[captaincocksure]

...Thank you.

[He wouldn't have thought of that. Reason #45923 why Bones is the better half, not that Jim will actually say that out loud.

If we're ready?

Jim nods.

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together to join together these men in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this estate these two persons present now come to be joined.

Marriage is the union of two people in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

Through marriage, Leonard and James make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. James and Leonard will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.

Pike pauses, a faint grin turning his lips.

...I assume nobody here can show just cause why you two shouldn't be joined?]

[aviophobia]

[As Pike speaks, Leonard senses a feeling of joy so big, so overwhelming seizing in his chest, and he's so happy it actually hurts. He's heard about it, in books and movies, about happiness so powerful it feels like you might explode, and he marvels, quietly, at the fact that Jim Kirk is the one inspiring it in him.

Not that, if he's honest with himself, he's that surprised. It had always been Jim, from that first day on the hovercraft, to their days in the Academy, to the day he had smuggled Jim onto the Enterprise. Jim had become his fixed point, his North Star. His annoying, drunk, overly cocky, please-God-give-me-the-strength-not-to-throw-him-out-a-window-inducing North Star.

And then Pike stops talking, and Leonard stops staring at Jim for a moment to look at the admiral.]

If they can, they can take it up with me after the ceremony.

[captaincocksure]

[Jim feels like he's about to be overwhelmed by his feelings again. It's this expansive mixture of pride, of gratitude, of love, and of happiness. He never imagined he'd get to feel it at all, growing up with so much loss, living through traumatic times.

And then he met Leonard, who from the first day believed in him, steadfast and true. Who never doubted him, and who always had his back, even when he thought Jim was in the wrong. Even then, it took him a long time to dare hope he could feel like this, with his best friend.

Now, here they are. He can hardly believe it sometimes, believe what a fortunate bastard he is.

Jim's not sure he can speak. He clears his throat, a wavering smile on his lips.]

What he said.

[All right. Jim, repeat after me.

And he does:]

I James, take you, Leonard, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.

[aviophobia]

[Leonard, repeat after me.

So he does, saying vows that are different from the ones he traded with Jocelyn and, he hopes, are the beginning of something happier, something longer-lasting, something better than what those began.]

I, Leonard, take you, James, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.

[By the power vested in me by the United Federation of Planets, I pronounce you partners for life. You may now kiss the captain.

And he does.]

[captaincocksure]

[Command requires a distance from one's emotions, the ability to make a decision impartially. As much as Jim wears his heart on his sleeve at all times, he's still learned that separation; there's still part of him held back in most interactions.

Most, but not all. And not here. He kisses Leonard back with all he feels, all he is. And when he pulls away, his eyes are too bright, he's breathless, and audibly breathing in the way he does when he's totally not about to cry, shut up.]

[aviophobia]

[Leonard feels an almost painful tightness in his chest, because he's no empath, but he's pretty sure he can figure out precisely what it is that Jim is trying to tell him.

He blinks, hard, when they finally pull apart, trying to keep his own emotions under control.]

I love you, Jim.

[captaincocksure]

I love you, too, Leonard.

[Not "Bones"--Leonard. Not that this is going to become a regular thing by any means, but it's a sign, it shows how seriously he takes this, how much it means. He tries to muster a smile but his mouth twists, and he has to press his lips together to keep from breaking down.]

[aviophobia]

[McCoy looks away from Jim for a moment. He's fairly sure Jim wouldn't want to have a breakdown in front of Pike, so the best thing to do is get him out ASAP.]

Sorry, sir, but are we good to go?

[Of course. I'm surprised you stayed as long as you did.]

Thank you, sir. We'll see you later. Computer, end recording, and transmit. C'mon, Jim.

[captaincocksure]

[Jim manages to rally enough to stop and thank Pike, and shake his hand, before they leave. Once they're in the corridor his pride slips far enough for him to let himself take McCoy's arm for support--those ribs are still killing him--but he manages to hold his emotions in check.

So far.]

Back to bed rest?

[aviophobia]

Yes, but speaking as your doctor, I believe there is one activity you can safely engage in after tonight's strain - if you're feeling up for it, of course.

[captaincocksure]

[He can't help the grin that spreads across his face, even through all the stiff body and high emotions.]

Well. It is our wedding night.

[aviophobia]

[McCoy smirks a little, then leans in to kiss him.]

Let's go back to your quarters.

[captaincocksure]

[Jim leans on McCoy all the way back to his quarters, but once they're over the threshold and the door has softly hissed closed, he drops the tough-as-nails-captain routine. He can still stand and move, it just hurts. He can't (he thinks) show any sign of weakness out among his crew.

But in here, in private, with his husband, he can let himself slump a little.]

All right. If you've got doctor's orders, I'm all ears.

[aviophobia]

All right, then. Doctor's orders: you lie down and get your dick sucked by your husband. How's that sound to you?

[captaincocksure]

Oh, I know better than to defy doctor's orders.

[...Liar. But in this case, hell no, he's not arguing.

He shifts, wincing as he starts unfastening his dress jacket.]

...Don't suppose the doctor's orders also include some doctor's help?

[aviophobia]

Considering what the doctor's orders are, I think that's acceptable.

[He steps forward, swatting away Jim's hands and undoing the fastenings with deft fingers, then slowly pushing it off his shoulders.]

[captaincocksure]

[Jim dutifully drops his hands, letting McCoy unfasten his tunic. He shifts, to allow the garment to be removed. And he takes advantage of his husband--God, that word still feels weird and wonderful all at the same time--standing so close. He leans up and kisses him, gentle but full of heat.]

[aviophobia]

[Though McCoy definitely returns the kiss, his hands don't stop their work. There's the tunic, the belt, the undershirt. He murmurs against Jim's mouth, firm but affectionate.]

Arms up for a second.

[captaincocksure]

[Jim pulls away with no small amount of reluctance. For once it's not all born from giving up this kiss; he's dropped all pretense that he's anything but weary and in pain, as happy as he is. He raises his arms stiffly so McCoy can finish what he's doing.]

[aviophobia]

[As soon as the undershirt's off, McCoy coaxes Jim's arms back down, brushing over the stiff muscles gently and nudging him back towards the bed.]

It'll be easier to get these - [his pants] - off if you're sitting.