'Marry me tonight.'

Did he… did you hear that right? He wants to marry you tonight? Where is this… how…?

You must looked stunned, because Scar starts to look nervous. 'I know it's sudden, and of course you can refuse me, but if you do, then we'll be exiled. My haste has damned us both, and I'm sorry it has to be like this, but if we're not married an hour from now, then we will not be accepted by our people any longer. You know that if I could, I'd happily live the rest of my days with only you by my side. If I had to, I would risk being cast out by our people to be with you, because I would always be by your side to protect our family. But I won't be around to do that, so I have to make sure you have a safe place when I'm gone. For your sake, and the… marry me tonight' And the what? Who else could possibly be impacted by this? And why is he phrasing it like it's something he's having to talk you into?

You rise from your seat immediately, closing the distance between them and putting your hands on his face. 'You don't have to convince me. Only this morning I asked you to marry me. Do you think a few short hours is enough time to change that? To change how I feel? There is nothing that could change that now. So okay. I'll marry you tonight. But… I'd like to make a request.' It's a big risk, but it feels right. It can't hurt to ask either…

Scar looks like he wants to fall to his knees and thank you, but he settles for putting his hands on your hips, his grip slightly firmer than usual. 'Anything. I'll do anything you want, if it means that I get to sleep with my wife in my arms tonight.' It's just as well you're not a terrible person; if you were, you could make him do just about anything right now. As it is…

Steadying yourself with a deep breath, you tell him what you want. 'I know that we can't have what most would consider a perfect wedding, but that doesn't bother me. I don't need a million guests and mountains of food. All I need you is, a priest, and… this is where my request comes in. In an ideal world, I'd have wanted my family there. I know I said I was happy with just the two of us, but with your master performing the ceremony, it's almost like you have a family member there. He told me himself that you're like a son in his eyes. So, if you get to have a stand in family member, I'd like to invite one of my own; I'd like Marcoh to be there. I know it seems sick and wrong after what he did during the war, but you know, I think this wedding could be about so much more than just our love. I've attended enough weddings to know what it entails. The lovers walking hand-in-hand around a fire, and make promises to each other before Ishvala that can never be broken. In that moment, they change forever. Everything you were before pails in comparison to who you are afterwards. It's like washing the slate clean, and while I know what Marcoh is just a guest…'

'You want the same for Marcoh. You want his slate wiped clean. After what he's done to our people, you care for him? I shouldn't be surprised. If you could find it in you to love a murderer like me, it only makes sense that you could forgive the man who turned our people into ingredients.' Scar's mouth says one thing, but his eyes say another; deep down, he still retains some kind of hatred towards Marcoh.

That's not about to stop you from explaining yourself. 'You think I could ever truly forgive him? There will always be scars on our souls because of his actions. Yet when I look at him, I don't see a bad person; I see a good man who made some truly dreadful mistakes. It's much the same thing that I see in you. The only difference is that you have me, a speck of something bright in the overwhelming darkness. Marcoh has nothing but his own despair, his own guilt. I honestly believe that if we offer him a speck of light, he could do real good for the world without the weight of his conscience crushing down on his precious efforts. Anyway, it's only a request, I'll marry you either way…' He's almost certainly going to reject the idea, isn't he? Well, maybe it's for the best…

Scar seems to deliberate internally for what feels like a lifetime, before finally giving you an answer. 'If he will come, he will be welcome. I agree that there is good in the man, despite his crimes, but that is not why I am agreeing to this. From now until the day that I die, I shall make your happiness my priority. Our time together is growing shorter by the moment, so I intend to make every second count. Even if I cannot give you the life that you deserve, I can at least give you memories of being loved so completely that it makes the pain of loss almost worth it. Find Marcoh, then meet me back here. Do not take too long; my master has granted us one hour to prepare, and I do not intend to be late.' He kisses you passionately, and your stomach begins to flutter. So he really wasn't exaggerating? An hour from now, you'll be marrying Scar, and in two hours, you and he will finally embrace as husband and wife… the thought makes you eager to get to Scar's former master.

As such, you separate from your soon-to-be-husband, and go off towards Marcoh's tent, hoping that this small act of kindness won't result in him spilling your secret to Scar.

After all, the last thing any man wants on his wedding day is to discover his new wife has been hiding something.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Marcoh's tent isn't far from the fire, which is convenient in this case; it gives you that little bit longer to try and convince him to come with you.

Not that there's much chance of that anyhow. After all, what are you to each other really? Travelling companions, mostly, though he's recently taken to acting as your doctor and confidant as well, keeping your secret as if he were your doctor!

…He's really going to flip his lid when you tell him the truth, isn't he?

You're almost not ready for the horrendous lecture you're about to receive. Unplanned and unmarried pregnancies are always considered the woman's fault, and as you've gone so far as to lie about said pregnancy to the father… you're just hoping Marcoh is not petty, or both your secrets will be out before you marry. Maybe he'll take it upon himself to shout your so-called sins to everyone before hearing you out…

No time to think of that now; you're at his tent.

As there's no door to knock on, you call out for him, hoping he's still awake. 'Doctor Marcoh? Are you there? I need to speak with you urgently.' If he's not awake, you'll just have to leave without him; you can't miss this chance.

A voice calls out in an instant. 'Mrs Scar? Of course, come in.' You'll gain that title soon enough, but for now, it feels far more awkward than it used to…

You enter his tent without further prompting, hastily closing the flap behind you.

For a man about to sleep, he's made little effort to get himself into such a state; he's still fully dressed, and appears to be wide awake. Perhaps your visit has snapped you into lucidity? You hope not. You'd hate to think you've worried him…

It's seems as if worry is at the forefront of his mind right now; his brow is furrowed, and he looks like he's ready to spring into action at any moment. 'Is it the baby? Is something wrong? I'll do what I can to help you, but if it's something serious…' shit, you have worried him! He thinks there's something wrong with the baby!

You shake you head, running a hand over the tiny bump that is your growing child. 'Everything is fine. I mean, I've not felt it moving yet, but it's still early days. No, I'm afraid it's something else…' you probably shouldn't have said that; now he'll think there's another medical issue.

Marcoh's expression of concern doesn't fade; if anything, it's gotten more intense. 'It's Scar, isn't it? Has he reacted poorly to the news? I certainly wouldn't have expected him to turn his back on you, but I suppose I don't truly know him. If that's the case, don't worry. There are plenty of options for a single mother, especially one in your position. It'll be okay.' He's being so sweet, a reassure smile appearing on his worried face…

This is going to hurt so terribly.

You have to fight back tears as you speak again. 'I still haven't told him, but I must argue with you; there are precious few options for a woman carrying a bastard child.' You hate the term down to your very core, but as it's the best way of saying 'we're not married' that you can think of, it'll do.

Marcoh seems genuinely confused. 'Is the child not Scar's? Or… ah. I see. You and he aren't really married, are you? And that's why you don't want to tell him about the child…' you fail to fight back tears as you nod, but as they begin to fall, Marcoh stands, and hugs you, albeit somewhat awkwardly. 'It's okay. I shouldn't have assumed… Mei is a child, it makes sense that she would see a man and woman together and assume… It's still not the end of the world. There are things you can do. I could speak with Scar, beg him to consider marriage, if that's the route you'd like to take. If not, well, I know of a charming little village that won't ask questions. Just leave it with me. I'll make sure you're both okay…' his words make you cry harder. Isn't he angry with you? Doesn't he think you're a whore for sleeping with someone before marriage?

When you ask him those questions, Marcoh looks concerned again. 'Why would I be angry with you? Because now I'm looking out for you as a doctor too? I've had far worse patients than you, believe me. And as for thinking you're a whore, that's the silliest thing I've ever heard. All you wanted was to be close to your lover, and in the world that we live in I don't blame you even slightly. Besides, the outcome really isn't that bad. I know Scar would panic if he ever found out, but as I just said, there are options. I think you'd be better off discussing them with him, not me though. Unless you want me to mediate?' You know women usually cry on their wedding day, but you're probably about to set the record. He's not angry, not even slightly. It hurts even more knowing the kinds of acts he's been mixed up with in the past, and makes your decision even more certain.

You allow yourself a moment to cry, before you do your best to pull yourself together, and address the man before you. 'Thank you. You've always shown me so much kindness no matter what. But you don't need to beg Scar or mediate a discussion; he and I are marrying tonight, in a clearing not far from here. His former master has agreed to perform the ceremony for us.'

Marcoh pulls back from the hug, his eyes wide. 'That's fantastic! You should go to him immediately! Don't waste your chance talking to an old fool like me! Get out there and marry him!' As enthusiastic as he is, Marcoh should consider a career as a life coach, should he decide that being a doctor is no longer for him…

You shake your head at him. 'I want to go, but… there's something important missing. I don't know if you know much about Ishvalan marriage ceremonies, but the most important part of them is family. Not just the bride and groom, but the extended family, too. Fathers, mothers, siblings… but Scar and I have both lost ours. That's why I'm glad Scar's master is the one performing the ceremony; he's a like a second father to him. I don't have anyone like that. I wasn't tutored by monks. I don't have a teacher or a master. Right now, you're the closest thing I have to family, not including Scar. That's why I'd like you to come with us tonight. After witnessing the loss of so many Ishvalan families, I'd like you to witness the creation of one. Please, Tim, will you stand as my family tonight?' It looks like he's about to cry, your words clearly impactful. Does that mean…?

To your surprise, Marcoh shakes his head. 'I can't do that. I couldn't. It would be beyond disrespectful of me to attend after every thing I've done. For all you know, some of the people I killed could have been your family, or the stone I created could have been the weapon used to butcher them. As much as I'd love to watch you marry the love of your life, and as much as I see you as the daughter I desperately wanted but never had, I fear that my being there would be an insult to you, Scar, your child, and your God. I'm sorry, but that's my decision.' He returns to his seat on the floor, and refuses to look at you.

His rejection stings at your very core. You had honestly thought… why would he do anything to help you, but he won't come with you for a few moments to watch you marry? It doesn't make sense. Why is one thing so much worse than the other? Does he see dealing with medical matters as his duty, but spiritual matters as something he has no right to meddle in because of his past? If you truly held no trust towards the man, you never would have asked him to examine you like you did. You've have rather died than let him help you. Can he not understand that if you trust him in that, you'd trust him in this? That if you want him involved in one, he's allowed to involve himself in the other?

Sighing in disappointment, you fight back yet more tears; you don't want Scar to think you're upset about marrying him. 'Very well. I think your decision is the wrong one, but I'll accept it. I'd like to ask you a question though, Doctor Marcoh; is doing something to make someone else happy really that insulting? I asked you out of selfishness, because I didn't want to stand alone as I committed myself to another. I just wanted… to be…' you start crying again, this time earnestly. 'I can't bring them back. No tears will ever bring them back to me. But then… guilt won't bring them back either. And you know? If they were looking at us right now, they'd hate you. Not because you killed them, but because… because you made their little girl cry by wallowing in your own self-pity on her wedding day… night… so I'll go it alone, but only because I respect you too much to force you to do something you hate. Even if it means you get to hide behind your self-pity like you always do, and even if I means I'll have to go out there, and lie to Scar that I'm crying because of hormones and then he'll ask what hormones and I'll have to lie and tell him I'm bleeding or something and I… but it's fine. It's all fine. Sorry to bother you.' You storm out of his tent, not bothering to look back.

As you make to meet Scar, you feel thoroughly embarrassed; what was THAT, and where did it come from?! You were only going to tell him that you're sorry he feels that way, but you want him there regardless. Where did all of that stuff about selfishness and your parents hating him come from?! That last part about hormones must be more on the nose than you'd realised when you said all of that; your tiny Ishvalan must be really mad at Marcoh for some reason! Or it's just your body changing to accommodate it… either way, hormones seem like a likely explanation.

As you approach Scar, he clocks sight of you immediately, smiling a little, but it fades the moment he registers your tear-stained eyes, and the fact that Marcoh is nowhere to be seen.

When you reach him, you pull him straight into a hug, and he returns it, softly stroking your back as you sob a little into his chest.

He keeps stroking as he speaks softly, his voice barely audible over your crying. 'I can speak to him. Convince him to come.' You don't like the sound of that. Scar's idea of 'convincing' probably involves punching Marcoh until he agrees. At least Scar doesn't know you're pregnant yet; then he'd be tearing off chunks of flesh.

Your voice is muffled by Scar's clothing, so you hope he can hear you. 'You don't… you don't h-have to. I was so… so horrible to him when he said no that I bet he ha-ha-hates me! We should just g-go.' How much time do you have left? A good thirty minutes or so? Still, better to arrive early than miss your chance…

Scar holds you tighter. 'I can't marry you if you can't talk. We have time. Cry it out.' So you do. You cry out all you can, because you don't want to be in tears for the actual ceremony.

You're crying so much that you fail to notice footsteps approaching behind you.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Marcoh dies tonight, research be damned. How could he upset her so badly, make her sob moments before her wedding? Scar must have misjudged the man greatly…

'No you haven't,' Oh great, it's his mind talking again. Sometimes it should stay quiet… 'You don't know what he said. His reason for not coming could be perfectly valid. You know full well how he struggles with his guilt. The last thing he wants is to attend an Ishvalan wedding after what he's done! She's probably more upset with herself for even asking him. Besides, she's probably just having a moment. Pregnant women aren't exactly known for their emotional stability…' he'll reprimand his mind for that last comment later, but for now, he'll chalk it up as further evidence in favour of her being pregnant, rather than dying.

As her sobbing continues, he makes a note to confront Marcoh first thing for answers. Not about her health, but about his reasoning. Even if he does have his reasons, he's either denied a dying woman one of her final wishes, or made a pregnant woman sob. Either way, it's not a nice thing he's done here, and Scar will see him apologise to her!

No sooner than he's thought that, he notices someone approach him and his wife-to-be; it's Doctor Marcoh.

Marcoh seems to be nervous, toying with the bottom of his shirt. He clears his throat when he thinks he's close enough, causing the woman in Scar's arms to flinch slightly.

Marcoh's tome makes him sound like a naughty child. 'If I may, I'd like a moment with the bride.' What, so he can break her heart a second time? No, he can't have any more time with her. Hasn't he made her cry enough?

To Scar's surprise, his lover slips out of his arms, wiping some of her tears away with her hands. 'I'll be two minutes at most. Then we can see about getting married, okay?' Okay is such a weak word to describe the situation, but he won't correct her; he just nods instead.

As she goes off to have a quiet word with Marcoh, Scar begins to think about the next three months.

All he knows is that in three month's time, he'll be in Central, trying to foil the homunculi plot. But what about his wife? When he's there, where will she be? Is there anywhere in the country he can leave her that will guarantee her safety?

He takes a moment to think about that. If the homunculi plan to make everyone in Amestris a sacrifice, she'll die if he fails no matter what. She won't be safe wherever she is. As much as he plans to succeed, if something goes wrong, he can't stand the thought of her dying. Even if by some miracle the circle gets reversed upon activation (something that seems completely unlikely), while her life might be spared, what of the child? If the thought of losing her cuts him to his core, then the thought of losing his firstborn…

She can't remain here. At first chance, he needs to send her away, even if he has to have Marcoh drag her away from him. He can't risk either of them dying. He'll give it two months, and if he still doesn't have a way to get her out of Amestris, he actually will force Marcoh to do it.

Speaking of the two of them, they return, both of them in tears. He's about to ask what's wrong, when she cuts him off. 'Marcoh has agreed to come. We can go whenever you're ready.' Marcoh is just behind her, eyeing Scar cautiously. Perhaps he knows how angry he was with him a few moments ago…

Still, Scar nods. 'Very well. Follow me.' He heads off towards the clearing, walking slower than usual so his bride can keep pace. Practice for what is to come…

And for what is to be his final moment of true peace.