Chapter 3: Then comes marriage…
Seventeen years old. Todd mused about his age. Two and a half years ago he was recruited to join the Brotherhood. They had been through more than their share of fights and disastrous events in that short period of time.
Todd remembered the moment he fell for Wanda. He woke up at the Bayville Mall to find her defeating the X-Men single-handedly. From then on, he knew he wanted her. All his advances toward her had failed, usually ending with him flying into something hard.
When Wanda started having nightmares, he'd try to comfort her. She'd tell him to leave her alone. The nightmares resulted in her finding out the truth about what Magneto had done to her as a child. Her anger was more subdued this time (maybe because of some mental blocks Mastermind put in place), but the nightmares didn't stop and instead of revenge, she yearned for comfort. The only person there for her was Todd. She didn't ask him to leave anymore, and one night, they became close.
Todd relived that night every time he laid down for sleep. He and Wanda never talked about it, but a new understanding had formed between them. Todd stopped making stupid advances toward her, and they began to have civilized conversations. The other members of the Brotherhood wondered what was going on, but never bothered to ask.
"What do you think the guys will say when we tell them?
Wanda snorted, glaring side-long at him. "Does it really matter? We're doing the right thing, Todd."
Todd grinned. "This'll be a first for us to say that. You ready to go in, snookums?"
They were standing in front of the Bayville Courthouse. They had decided to be married by the Justice of the Peace. It'd be more suitable for them and quicker. They just hoped they wouldn't get thrown out the courthouse for being mutants.
"This is unnerving having to wait," Wanda commented, flicking her crossed leg impatiently. People passing by gave the couple strange look.
"It'll be over soon, snookums." Todd rested an arm around her shoulders, but quickly retracted it at Wanda's death glare.
"Todd Tolensky and Wanda Maximoff!" the secretary called. Todd and Wanda glanced at each other then stood and walked into the judge's office. To their surprise, the judge was a woman. She stared up at them over her reading glasses. She indicated for them to sit in the chairs in front of her desk then asked for the marriage certificate.
"Stop your leg!" Wanda hissed as she leaned in close to Todd.
Todd grinned sheepishly and grabbed his leg. "Sorry. Guess I got wedding jitters."
"Mr. Tolensky. Ms. Maximoff," Judge Barnes read off the marriage certificate. "I've seen both of you on television. You're mutants."
Wanda's eyes darkened and her fist clinched. "Is that a problem?"
Judge Barnes waited a moment before answering, "Mutants are allowed to be married." With that, the tension surrounding Wanda simmered down a bit. "Before we move on though, may I ask why you wish to be wed?"
"Because I'm in love with this little crimson beauty," Todd replied, grabbing Wanda's hand and planting a kiss.
"Todd."
"Sorry, cuddles."
"I'm not very accustomed to mutants, but you two seem like an unusual couple."
"Our story is complicated," Wanda huffed. "Now can you please marry us?"
Judge Barnes steely gaze stayed on Wanda for a moment then she said, "Let us begin." The judge went through the logistics of the marriage ceremony. It didn't take long. At the end, she asked, "This is policy, but I always say this for couples. Mr. Tolensky, you may kiss the bride."
Wanda turned to find Todd's hopeful face staring back at her. She didn't want to kiss him, especially in front of a stranger. "Todd…" she growled, trying not to sound too reluctant.
Todd frowned. "Come on, Wanda. It's not like we haven't kissed before. I promise I won't ask after this."
She couldn't deny him. He was staying instead of running as far as he could from her and the baby growing inside her. A kiss was the least she could do for him. Wanda sighed. "Okay, but just this time."
The delight on Todd's face brightened the chambers. They leaned in close. Wanda's awkward level rose to dangerous heights. They're lips met. It wasn't much of a kiss; no deep intimacy or passion, just simple and sweet. Wanda felt the familiar almost rubber-texture feel of Todd's lips, contrary to her soft and plump ones.
They broke the kiss and just stared at each other for a moment. Wanda was the first to stand. She thanked Judge Barnes then her and Todd left the courtroom in silence. They walked down the block to the bus stop.
"It's done," Wanda said, breaking the unusual silence. She found it quite strange that Todd wasn't coming on to her or even saying a word for that matter. Her gaze met the sidewalk. "Thank you for doing this, Todd."
"No problem, cuddlebumps," he replied, shrugging. "I should be thanking you. You just made me the most happiest mutant in the world."
Wanda pursed her lips. Another quiet moment passed then, "Why aren't you coming onto me?"
Todd looked confused. "I promised not to do that again if we kissed, so I'm not."
"Oh," Wanda said, sounding a little disappointed. She didn't expect Todd to keep that promise. She thought the second they stepped out the courthouse, he'd be all over her. She was impressed by his restraint, but also that so far he was keeping his promise.
The ghost of a smile crossed Wanda's face. Maybe there was hope for Todd yet.