Journey of Love

Chapter Twenty-One

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from

Babylon 5.

Authors notes: Rated R. Contains slash: two males in a romantic/sexual (although not explicit) relationship. If this offends you please turn back now.

[……..] Denotes thoughts which is slightly changed from previous chapters.

The only reason we moved apart when we did was because Tradae delicately cleared his throat, reminding us exactly where we were. I most likely looked like a complete idiot with my mouth hanging open, my face red and staring at Neroon like he grew two additional heads, but frankly I was in shock.

[Hot damn, that man can kiss! With a mouth like that he could have gotten Delenn to marry him, hell, Sheridan to for that matter. Whew.]

"Neroon." I murmured still in shock.

"Yes?" Neroon asked, looking for all the world like he just got back from a relaxing stroll, rather that kissed the stuffing out of me.

"What the hell was that?" I squeaked.

"If I have to explain to you what that was, then we have our work cut out for us." Neroon responded playfully, winking at me. Winking!

"I know what a bloody kiss is." I snarled. "I-"

"That's a good thing." Neroon interrupted me.

"Arrrgg! Will you shut up?!?" I ignored the ensuing chuckles from some of the close-by elders.

"If that is your wish."

"It is!" I cursed glaring at the amused Minbari, daring him to interrupt me again. "Now, why in the bloody hell did you kiss me?"

I waited a few seconds and when he still did not answer me I got impatient and started tapping my foot. "Well?" I yelled.

"Oh, you wanted an answer." Neroon responded, looking amused at my continued annoyance. "I thought you wanted me to be quiet."

"Will you be serious for one god damned minute!" I screamed into Neroon's shocked face. It seems he didn't realize that this wasn't the time for our usual banter. "You surprise me with a freakin' marriage proposal, then kiss me in front of all these people, and you act like it's all some amusing joke."

"Will you try to calm down, Marcus." Neroon suggested gently, rubbing a thumb over my cheek affectionately. "You've already admitted you love me. I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you, so what has you so upset, love?"

"You love me?" I asked incredulously.

"Of course I love you. Did you really think I would be forced to bond with anyone if I didn't sincerely want to?" Neroon asked calmly.

"I wasn't sure." I stuttered out. "But you could be with anyone, why would you want to spend the rest of your life arguing with me?"

"Have you not been paying attention?" Neroon asked me chidingly, gently taking my face in each of his hands. "Marcus Cole, even though most of the time I feel like strangling you, I love you, and would be honored to bond with you. Our life would never be boring."

"What about-"

"We will discuss the particulars later." Neroon interrupted me. "Say yes first."

Looking into Neroon's beautiful eyes I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else, even with all the problems that were sure to follow our union. The longer I stared at him, the more nervous Neroon became, until he couldn't hide the fear in his eyes, at least not from me.

"Yes first." I whispered hoarsely, getting only a blank stare in return. I saw the exact moment Neroon realized that I agreed. His whole face lit up and a large grin spread across his usually stoic face while he grabbed me in a bear hug, placing little ecstatic kisses all over my face. Feeling belatedly embarrassed by all the public affection, I buried my head in Neroon's neck until my mouth was right by his ear.

"Let's get this show on the road, huh?" I whispered.

"Very well." He murmured, stroking my hair. "But we still have a bit to discuss."

"You said it yourself… Later."

Neroon gave me one last squeeze before he reluctantly released me from his embrace. We both made our way in front of the altar, where the Elders were waiting, looking amused at our rather public display. Tradae began again exactly where he left off.

"Satai Neroon, do you now accept Anla'shoc Marcus Cole as you life mate and shield-brother, with Valen's blessing?"

"Yes." With a nod, Tradae turned toward me.

"Anla'shoc Marcus Cole, do you now accept Satai Neroon as your life mate and shield-brother, as well as the responsibilities of Alit in Neroon's absence, with Valen's blessing?"

"Yes." I answered without a pause.

"Very well. Join hands." Tradae ordered. After we did so Tradae raised our clasped hands above our heads. "The new Satai of the Warrior Caste and his life mate. Long may they live."

"Long may they live." The gathered assembly echoed, bowing respectfully as we stepped off the altar.