Note: Reading Follow Me Back Home, the FMBH tangent series and Together On Mars first is strongly recommended. As always, rating/content fluctuates from chapter to chapter.

Chapter summary: A few months have passed since the battle and mouse territory has been cleaned up, and everything and everyone has settled comfortably into place again. Which means that the time for a very special event has finally arrived. Rated G.

Two Hearts Become One

Modo couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. He awoke from a restless night to find the early morning sky dawning bright and clear, the air he breathed in as he stepped outside to greet the day comfortably warm and subtly perfumed with scents from the gardens thriving nearby. Things looked even better than they did a couple of months ago - and things looked infinitely better than they did during the time in between, when they were still cleaning up after the almost day-long battle with the rats and sand raiders.

Looking at everything now, you'd never suspect that homes had been scorched, or that patches of ground had been burnt to ash. Paths and streets wove between lush sections of grass and flowers, gardens growing outside homes were in full bloom, and fragrant herbs flourished over the rims of hanging pots. They weren't want for anything when it came to plants and vegetation, and their water supply had grown to the point where they were tentatively starting to use it for recreation, with things like small fountains popping up in parks, complete with tiny fish swimming in the basin.

He couldn't name a single thing that would make life better around here. As for his life, well...he didn't think it could possibly improve, but in just a few short hours he supposed he would be enhancing it.

When he'd finally built up the courage to ask Ashlin to marry him, proposing had actually been the easy part. Planning their wedding was another story; they discussed it for weeks before finally deciding where they should hold the ceremony. His first idea was for them to get married close to home - maybe out in the field by the garage. That way there'd be plenty of room for his bros and all of their friends, and they could go straight to Conrad's to party afterward.

Ashlin agreed that she wanted to have an outdoor wedding, though she hesitated at the idea of having it so close to home. She didn't state any specific reason...but he could figure out what was bothering her on his own. Despite how widespread acceptance of her was becoming, there were still mice who didn't fully trust her, or her rat kin - who would naturally be joining them as well. She didn't feel comfortable with the unwanted attention they might end up attracting.

Holding the ceremony in her father's territory was out of the question, since Nitro and those like him never so much as gave the vaguest hint of where their real homes were. Ashlin suggested that they go out to one of the places they used only temporarily, but Nitro pointed out that if they did, they'd likely be in the middle of nowhere. So they decided...why not? Out in the middle of the wide, open desert was neutral territory. A place that didn't belong to either mice or rats...and they sure weren't going to go within sneezing distance of a sand raider outpost.

Once the location was chosen, the rest fell quickly into place. And now here it was; the morning of their wedding. Traditionally, the bride spent the night separate from her husband-to-be and in the morning was assisted with her gown and appearance by her mother, while the groom was assisted by and received last-minute advice from his father...but in situations where this particular arrangement wasn't possible, both parties chose someone else to fill these positions. So, Ashlin had spent last night at his mama's, and just a few minutes after Modo woke up his bros rode up to help him get ready.

Although between all the jokes and the breaks for celebratory bottles of root beer, it would probably have been quicker for him to get dressed by himself. Finally he was ready and rushing out the door, carefully groomed from head to toe and wearing a long, loose-fitting coat - so he wouldn't get his wedding clothes dusty during the ride out into the desert.

The spot they had chosen was right next to an oasis-like pool of water, one of many that now dotted the surrounding desert thanks to the generosity of Tamerin and her people. A small terrace had been built on the sand out of gold-colored bricks, each one of them intricately shaped as they interlocked together in a rectangular pattern. Rows of chairs were lined up, facing the end of the terrace where a small, narrow table that sat low to the ground had been placed out. The table was draped in a blue silk cloth, with a row of objects set along its board-like length. Matching blue silk cushions were placed near either end.

There were no symbolic walks down the aisle in Martian weddings. The bride and groom, escorted by their parents (or whoever had been appointed in their place) simply approached either end of the altar-like table together. When he and his bros rode up and parked their bikes alongside the others already lined up by the pool, Modo saw that everyone else was present and waiting. The family of the bride sat on one side while the family of the groom sat on the other, with friends interspersed between them. Nitro was sitting in the front row on the left side, watching his daughter with proud, loving eyes as she stood at the edge of the terrace.

Rimfire was sitting in the front on the right, with Bevra at his side - and Modo had to admit that he had been a little worried about what kind of outfit she was going to show up in today. To his relief, she was wearing a pretty satin gown with wide straps and a modest neckline, the full skirt reaching all the way down to her ankles. The soft material was colored a pale peach, with a contrasting orange-pink showing through the folds of the long skirt and matching orange-pink pumps on her feet. Her ruby-red hair was pulled back in an elegant twist and there was a delicate gold chain around her white throat, and Modo didn't think she could look prettier - or classier.

Her daughter was sitting on the left, next to Nitro, and like him her eyes were on Ashlin. Unlike her mother, Tamerin-ma'am was dressed in a snug camisole that was visible through the lace design of the long-sleeved deep blue shirt she was wearing over it, along with a pair of black boots and jeans. Her shoulder-length hair was down and she wasn't wearing any jewelry beyond the earrings and bracelet she wore every day. She looked lovely, but pretty casual for a wedding.

After hopping off their bikes his bros walked with him to the right side of the terrace, where they helped him out of his coat before escorting him the rest of the way, while his little mama, who was beaming like the sun, took Ashlin's hand and led her to the opposite end of the table. His mama had Ako crooked under her arm, and the little guy squirmed around so he could see as his 'grandmommy' scurried to a seat near Rimfire and sat down. After giving his shoulder a brotherly pat, his bros did the same. Throttle took his place beside his snow-skinned mate, while Vinnie parked himself next to Charley-ma'am, who had their curious-eyed son in her arms. Modo's own eye turned to and became glued to his bride, who flashed him a shy smile across the short distance between them.

Deciding on their wedding attire had been much easier than picking out a location; Ashlin wanted them both to wear what was traditionally worn by mice, while she honored the other half of her heritage with accessories used only in rat weddings. These included two gold bands on her slender wrists and a matching choker around her neck, along with two gold spiral shapes that were hooked around the base of her ears. Attached to the ends of the spirals were the corners of the filmy, transparent veil that was draped softly over her dark hair, which was styled in loose curls and waves.

The gown she had chosen was sleeveless, with soft straps that were as filmy as her veil positioned at a slight angle, like they were gently slipping off her shoulders. The cut of the gown was simple, with a snug bodice that had a low yet still modest neckline and was decorated in delicate glass beadwork, and a long, flowing skirt that brushed the ground. Her feet were hidden, but he knew she was wearing the traditional satin slippers, with more beadwork along the tops of her toes.

He was wearing the same kind of slippers - which he had to admit felt kind of strange, they were so light. Their soft texture matched the loose fit of his pants, which he wore with an equally loose tunic-style shirt. Having long sleeves felt almost as weird as not wearing boots, but it was part of the tradition. The ends of the sleeves tapered down to a snug cuff made of a rippled, bunchy material lined with gold threads, giving them a glossy sheen. The shirt's collar was designed in the same way, though it thankfully didn't fit snugly.

There were more elaborate designs they could have worn, but they had both agreed that they wanted to keep it simple. And what was more important than the design of the clothing itself was the color; when you were at this point, ready to vow to love and be with someone until the moment you died, there was no room for secrets. The colors they both wore revealed their personal history, both to each other as well as those in attendance.

Since those colors were significant to the individuals wearing them, a couple didn't necessarily match on their wedding day - though the two of them did, for the most part. Instead of powder blue (the color symbolizing virginity) they were both dressed in pearl gray. The pale brown sash around each of their waists showed that they had given their virginity to each other, while the gray signaled that neither of them had conceived a child yet - otherwise they would both be wearing scarlet.

But because he had adopted Ako, Modo thought it was appropriate to add the color of parenthood to his outfit, so he'd made sure that the beadwork on his slippers as well as the front of his shirt was red. Even though she would soon be Ako's adopted mother, Ashlin was technically childless, so her beadwork was clear.

Looking at her now, standing just a handful of feet away from him, another thing was clear: she was the most beautiful bride a mouse could ever ask for. As if sensing his affection, her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink as she lowered her eyes, while Modo drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, his heart aching with love.

Standing to Modo's left was a cheerful cleric dressed in his wedding ceremony finery, and he approached the table with a welcoming smile as he faced the seated onlookers. "Dear family and friends," he began, "we have been brought together on this beautiful morning to celebrate the oldest and most joyous of traditions: the union of two hearts."

As he spoke, he gestured to the bride and groom before clasping his hands, which was the signal for both of them to take their place for the first part of the ceremony, and simultaneously they knelt on the satin cushions placed at either end of the table. "In these sometimes difficult lives we lead," the cleric went on, "one of the greatest joys we can ever find is the chance to share that life with another. When someone who loves you is at your side, times of sorrow become easier to bear and times of happiness become even sweeter. This unity is a gift, but it is also a solemn responsibility; it will be a duty for you both to care for and cherish each other through all things, be it joy, pain, or hardship."

As he listened, Modo gave a subconscious nod of his head, the vow to treasure and protect his bride for the rest of his life already burning in his heart. His gaze never left her face, and her eyes watched him earnestly in return. After pausing briefly, the cleric said, "When joined together, both your lives will acquire new purpose. And at this time you are asked to share with each other the wishes and desires you hold in your hearts, symbolizing what you will strive to bring to each other during your life together."

This was the part of the ceremony Modo was both looking forward to and worrying about the most. Finally tearing his gaze from Ashlin's lovely face, he looked down at the table in front of him, where matching sets of three special items were set out for each of them; a tiny pen, a square white slab, and a silver goblet. Ashlin had already grabbed her pen and started writing, but even though he had been practicing for days, Modo still had a little trouble getting a good grip on the silly thing. But he couldn't ask for something bigger to accommodate his large hand, since writing small was a must.

The white slab was made out of sugar, and the pen wrote in black food coloring. As the tradition went, they were supposed to write out everything they wanted the other to have, from others as well as each other, and what they wanted to share in together. There wasn't room for anything elaborate, so you had to sum it up in single words, from top to bottom. Ashlin was finished in only a few minutes and then waited patiently, her smile loving as she watched him, while Modo worked his way tediously to the end.

Painstakingly, he wrote: love, happiness, compassion, understanding, respect, peace, comfort, safety, stability, children.

When he was finally finished, he set the pen aside with a quiet breath of relief, then carefully picked up the hunk of sugar and passed it to his bride, who passed her wishes for him in return. Modo looked down at what she had written and couldn't help but laugh softly, because his slab read: love, happiness, peace, safety, fun, adventure, spontaneity, understanding, sympathy, children.

A grin spread across Ashlin's face as she read hers, and her eyes danced as she took her fragile slab and carefully crushed it between her fingers, letting the granules fall into her goblet. Modo did the same, then gripped the stem and swirled the goblet's contents - a mouthful or so of wine - around for a moment, letting the sugar dissolve. The sugar was sweet, while the wine was dark and bitter, symbolizing that they were to remain united during both good and bad times. His expression turning solemn, Modo lifted the goblet and brought it to his lips; Ashlin did the same.

After both goblets were drained, they put them down again, and the cleric, who had been standing by quietly during this time, resumed speaking. "With the presentation of your desires for each other, you may now exchange the physical symbols of your unity that you have chosen. These objects will serve as a reminder of your love for each other when you are apart as well as signify that love to others."

At this point he gestured that they stand, and as they both rose they carefully picked up their wedding tokens from their place on the table. They had discussed what they thought was best for them to wear for the rest of their lives - what they would be the least likely to break or lose. Modo couldn't see himself wearing a ring, since even when things were quiet he still found himself punching someone - either playfully or seriously - at least once a week, and Ashlin didn't want to wear one because she got her hands dirty all the time at work.

In the end they both agreed that earrings were probably best, but instead of hoops or studs that could potentially wind up being pulled out of their soft ear tissue, they chose silver cuffs that would snug securely around the strongest point; the very base, right next to the sides of their heads. The two of them moved around to the front of the table, where they stood a pace or two apart as they faced each other. "As you exchange these symbols of the love you both share, please speak out loud the promise you have come together today to make," the cleric told them.

Instead of opting to parrot the traditional vows generally spoken at this time, they had both chosen to write their own. Modo was eager to begin, because he had no idea what Ashlin was going to say, but he was also a little anxious because speaking eloquently wasn't exactly his thing, but with his bride's earring cupped in his hand, he cleared his throat and began.

"Ash, darlin', havin' you come into my life was the best thing that could ever happen to a guy like me. Bein' loved by you has made me happy in ways I could never have imagined. You make me laugh, and when we're together I'm not afraid to cry. Havin' you in my heart has made it whole, and I'm gonna spend every breath I take from now to the day I die keepin' you happy and safe. I love you more than I could ever say and I'd lay down my life to protect you."

He paused for an uneven breath, then reached over and placed the silver cuff on his bride's ear, while at the same time he whispered, "You are my breath, my heartbeat, my everything. I'm yours forever."

Ashlin blinked rapidly as he lowered his hands again, though she couldn't quite clear the moisture in her eyes. "Modo," she began in a soft voice, "having you to love and call my own has been the greatest gift I never dreamed I could have. You've made me so happy and helped me grow stronger than I ever thought possible. You taught me what it means to find my home, the place where I belong. Getting this far with you has been the most amazing journey, and I can't wait to see where the rest of our lives take us."

Modo had to lean down so Ashlin could reach his ear; with moisture still glistening in her dark eyes, she slid his ear cuff into place, and with a quiet sniffle, she echoed his words from a moment ago. "I'm yours forever."

His throat tightened, and then, even though it wasn't part of mouse tradition, Modo found himself reaching up to cup her face, so close to his own, and pressed a warm kiss to her lips. This brought an amused chuckle from several of those present, including his bride, though she sniffled again when he pulled away. He then went ahead and did what he was actually supposed to be doing at this point; took her hands in his and brought the tips of his antennas close enough to touch the tips of hers, letting all the love inside him, the hope, the longing ache to take care of her forever flood through her mind and into her heart.

Her own love and devotion swept into him, so powerful it took his breath away for a moment. With a soft smile, Ashlin tenderly dried his eye before they each took a step back from each other, severing the connection. Smiling, the cleric beckoned to Modo's mama, who happily hopped up from her seat and hurried over to Ashlin, placing Ako in her waiting arms.

Ashlin let out a quiet laugh at how thrilled the little guy looked to be included, and the cleric continued to smile as he asked her, "Do you promise to nurture and guide this child throughout his growing years and on into his adulthood, and to love him as if he were your own from this moment forward?"

With a smile overflowing with love, Ashlin looked down at the happy creature cuddled in her arms. "I will. Yes."

Ako beamed and curled up against the hollow of her throat. "My mommy," he said delightedly.

Ashlin laughed again and hugged him, and Modo put his arms around them both, while the cleric said, "And with that, I proclaim that this union - and this family - is now complete. From this moment on, your lives are as one."

Everyone started cheering and getting up to congratulate them, but Modo clung to his new wife for a little longer before he was ready to let go - for now. Tamerin-ma'am reached them first, pulling Ashlin into a tight hug and kissing her cheek. She then turned and hugged Modo, pulling him forward with those strong hands of hers so she could kiss his cheek too. His bros came over to slap him on the back and swap more jokes and teasing wisecracks, and Nitro came up to shake his hand with a smile...although there was a clear look of fatherly warning present in his dark eyes. Modo gave him a solemn, wordless nod.

After a long round of hugs, congratulations and well-wishing, they all returned to their bikes and rode back into the city, where they trooped en masse into Conrad's, which was reserved for the wedding reception today.

Not that anyone who wanted to stop by and congratulate them wasn't welcome, and while they were all passing around refreshments and making toasts - with root beer, naturally - more of Nitro's crew seemed to mysteriously appear. Modo recognized a few of them, though as the morning wore on he saw more and more that he didn't know. Ashlin hugged everyone who showed up regardless - including Carbine, to the General's surprise.

"I can't stay," she said, as Ashlin sat down next to her new husband again, "but I wanted to at least stop in and say hi."

Despite not being able to stick around, Modo noticed that she had dressed up for the occasion and was wearing her nicest uniform. She stayed for only a few minutes, talking briefly with some of the others, then excused herself and headed for the door. As she was leaving, Modo spotted a figure he hadn't realized had joined them until now, standing with his arms folded and his back pressed against a support pillar. Nitro was standing beside him, one hand in his jeans pocket and the other holding a drink that was a lot stronger than root beer. His dark eyes watched Carbine as she went by, and when she was gone, he nudged Poison with a smirk. Poison grunted wordlessly in response and turned away, and like a shadow when the light was turned on, he vanished and didn't come back.

Modo's bros and their significant others were sitting at the table with him and Ashlin, and Throttle, who had also watched his ex leave, suddenly glanced over his shoulder at the table where Rimfire was sitting with Bevra-ma'am and casually said, "Your mother looks nice today."

Beside him, Tamerin-ma'am took a long sip from her glass, then plucked one of the pieces of fruit that were stuck to the rim and popped it into her mouth. "Uh-huh."

Throttle's eyes drifted over his mate's attire. "Did you hear me when I mentioned earlier that you should dress up today - and by dress up I mean wear a dress?"

"Yes. I just politely pretended not to."

"How come? I'd love to see you get dolled up for a change."

"I'd rather cut my hair even shorter."

"Please don't."

Modo snickered and slid his arm around his bride, who settled against him with a sigh of contentment. Today couldn't have gone any better, and as he listened to and watched the others enjoying themselves, and watched as Ashlin cradled Ako lovingly in her arms, Modo couldn't wait to see what was in store for all of them tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the next.

Life was good.

Note: I don't think there's an official word out on how Martian mice wedding ceremonies go, so I had some fun with it. Hope you enjoyed, more coming soon!