WriterFreak001:

Sooo…. I got a second interview for a job! And to celebrate, here's the 24th chapter! :) If I do get this job, updates for any fanfiction I write might be scattered a little bit more. (Just a fair warning).

Fun Fact: Those requirements for the ceremony were legit. I actually looked up the LA marriage laws to find out what is required for a couple to be married in a courthouse in LA.

Title | Mind Games

Fandom | Scorpion (CBS)

Description | Post-Deception. Four months passed since the ending of "Deception," and it seemed as though life, for the most part, returned to normal for Team Scorpion. Walter and Paige were given a chance to focus on their relationship in the midst of all of the cases that were assigned to the team. However, eventually, all great things must end, and once again, Team Scorpion will have to deal with an even bigger opponent than the Leviathan Mafia. Mark Collins is back for revenge and will have something big in store for Walter – something even the 197 IQ genius might not be able to see coming. And Collins's return just might cause a rift within the Scorpion family in the process, making it next to impossible for them to beat his ultimate game.

Rating| This fanfiction will be rated T for violence, obscene language, sexual themes as well as brain stuff and fluff.

POV | Limited Third Person

Disclaimer | While CBS owns Scorpion, I am the owner of this masterpiece.

Claimer | I am human; there are bound to be mistakes. If you feel like something should be changed, you have the power to send me a review/private message. I can't guarantee if I'll change it every time, but I do read all of my reviews and all of my private messages!

Mind Games

Sequel to Deception

Written by WriterFreak001

Chapter 24

~ SCORPION ~

After Walter made a pit stop on the way to the courthouse, he hacked into the DOT from his tablet and showed Ralph how to control and change the traffic lights. The length of time it took for Walter to get what he needed took a lot longer than he had anticipated; it was a quarter til 10:30 AM, and without commandeering the traffic signals, there was no way he'd arrive to the courthouse on time. He remembered the last time he had to hack into the Department of Transportation; it was technically during his first case with Paige. While Paige was going almost 200 miles per hour on their way to Klemmer Airfield, Walter was only driving ten miles over the speed limit; he wouldn't dare drive that fast with Ralph in the car.

The arrived at the courthouse by 10:25 AM, and Walter was somewhat grateful that Paige and Hetty hadn't arrived yet; he didn't want to explain as to why he was almost late. It would blow his cover. He placed his hand on Ralph's shoulder and guided the boy to the waiting area. To keep Ralph occupied, he gave him his tablet again and then sat down next to him.

"Hey, Walter?"

"Yeah?" Walter looked at the boy as he folded his hands together and propped his elbows on his knees.

"After the ceremony, how long will it be until you can adopt me?" Ralph asked as he leaned back against his seat and twirled his thumbs in circles.

"Well, it'll take a few months for everything to be processed, so it'll be a little while…." Walter raked his hand through his hair. Walter noticed Ralph's frustrated expression. "Hey," he ruffled the boy's hair, "Just because the paperwork will take some time, it, um, it d-doesn't mean a-anything. I've a-always cons-s-sidered you and your mother as p-part of, um, as part of m-my f-family ever since… s-since we've met." The boy finally looked at him. "Adoption is a-all legalities, giving me the right to, um, to be your new f-father in the eyes of the law. B-but as f-far as, um, as far as I'm concerned, the l-law c-can't stop me, um, w-well, it c-can't stop me from," Walter gulped and tugged on his collar, "f-from w-wanting to b-b-be your d-dad today."

Ralph beamed at the 197 IQ genius and surprised Walter with a tight embrace. Before the boy could say anything, the doors to the courthouse opened, and Paige walked in, followed by Hetty. Paige, even covered with a long, velvet coat to hide whatever dress Hetty had given her, was stunning. Her hair was pinned up, and the diamond earrings and necklace she was wearing perfectly adorned her complexion. Her lips were bright red, and her makeup complimented her subtle beauty. He had almost forgotten how to breathe as she walked up to him. He was so focused on Paige that he didn't even see Hetty stepping to the side to talk to someone.

"Hi Mom." Ralph grinned and hugged his mother.

"Hey, Sweetie." Paige wrapped her arms around Ralph's small body and squeezed him against her. "Do you mind staying here while Walter and I speak with the county clerk before the ceremony?"

Ralph shook his head as Hetty captured everyone's attention. "I have just received your proof of divorce document, Paige," Hetty handed Paige the sheet of paper and then continued, "I've also already paid the fee so the two of you are free to speak with the county clerk whenever you're ready. You'll also get a choice to walk down the aisle, Paige, if you want."

"Thank you for everything you've done," Paige smiled at Hetty. The elderly woman extended her hand, but Paige bent down and gave her a hug instead. Hetty was first surprised by the sudden gesture, but grinned and returned her embrace. She then shook Walter's hand and said she would keep an eye on Ralph. Paige turned to Walter and took his hand. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," Walter nearly exclaimed, causing Paige to laugh as they started their way towards the county clerk's office. "By the way, did Hetty ever call Cabe?"

"No," Paige shook her head. "But she did say she had it covered. She's having an agent pick your sister up from the hospital; your sister has already been instructed to wear a formal gown. I don't know how Hetty convinced her, but somehow she did."

Interesting. "Okay."

~ SCORPION ~

Cabe was wondering what was taking Walter and Paige so long to return with Ralph; he had arrived at the garage, wanting to speak with 197 about designing a new facial recognition program for Homeland but was informed that his favorite threesome – soon-to-be foursome – went out for breakfast. That was almost two hours ago. Suddenly, his phone rang. "That's odd…," he muttered, wondering why Hetty Lang, from the NCIS branch, was calling him. "Agent Gallo."

"It's been a while, Cabe." Hetty greeted him.

"Is there something wrong?" Cabe was always quick to jump to conclusions – especially if it had something to do with his team. Why else would Hetty be calling him?

"NCIS could use Scorpion's help on a case at the LAX Courthouse; details will be given once you get here. Have your team – or whoever is available – come to the courthouse by 11 AM, dressed in formalwear. They'll be going undercover as witnesses to a marriage ceremony; the couple getting married is very well aware that they'll be having extra guests at their wedding. Anyway, time is of the essence so I won't keep you on your phone."

"Hetty, you're not making a lick of sense…." Cabe scratched his head. "What good would a bunch of geniuses do for a wedding? Besides, two members of team are currently A.W.O.L."

"11 AM, Cabe. 11 AM." And then the line went dead.

"Well…. That was weird." Cabe mumbled and then exclaimed, "Suit up, Einsteins! We've got a case!"

~ SCORPION ~

Once the team was dressed in their finest and were in the van, Cabe sped off towards LAX Courthouse, hoping Walter or Paige would answer their damn phones. Homeland didn't buy new ones for the couple, only to have them frequently ignored.

"So, Cabe, why are we dressed like we own money and are headed to LAX Courthouse, for that matter?" Toby asked as he poked his head between the driver seat and the front passenger seat. "I mean, I'm all for looking sharp, but this all seems a bit fishy to me."

"Hetty wouldn't explain," Cabe replied with a shrug. "When we get to the courthouse, I want all of you to be on your best behavior. Hopefully, Mr. 197 will hear his messages and meet us there." When they arrived at the courthouse, Cabe spotted Paige's car. "Well, it looks like Walter might have gotten his fifteen messages after all."

"Should we bring in our equipment?" Happy asked as everyone got out of the car.

"Not yet. Let's just find out what we're dealing with first." Cabe ordered and then led everyone inside the courthouse; Hetty was talking with a few of her agents in the corner of the lobby. While he told the team to take their seats at the waiting area, he walked over to the elderly woman and folded his arms in front of him. "Care to explain what's going on here, Hetty?"

"The groom is in the courthouse, waiting for the ceremony to start. I think he might find it comforting to know that his extra witnesses have arrived. Mr. O'Brien is already in there as well; he can explain things further. And –" Hetty paused when Toby walked up to them, mimicking Cabe's stance.

"Scram," Cabe muttered at Toby; the shrink quickly stepped backwards. Cabe glared at him, and he heaved a huge, disappointing sigh as he returned to the group. "I apologize. You were saying?"

"Before you let the other team members into the courthouse, perhaps you should speak with the groom and Mr. O'Brien alone." Hetty finished her statement; Cabe nodded in response.

"That's probably not a bad idea. Do me a solid and babysit them while I'm gone." Cabe shook Hetty's hand and then started for the courthouse. He told the team to stay put. As he walked into the courthouse, he scanned the large room. First, he saw a woman sitting close to the front, but he couldn't make out who she was. He assumed she was a witness. He tried looking for Walter but frowned when he didn't see him in the other seats. He decided to make his way towards the front of the courthouse and speak with the groom. Halfway up the aisle, he finally looked up from the floor and saw the groom standing with his back towards him. "Well, I'll be damned." The groom turned around at the sound of Cabe's voice. "So this was what Hetty was concocting up her sleeve."

"Sorry for the secrecy," Walter scratched the side of his face, "To be fair, this wasn't something that was planned; it was a spur of the moment kind of decision."

"Where's the lucky lady?" Cabe asked as he searched for Paige.

"She's in the back with Ralph. I was instructed to stand up here and wait like a nervous fool." Walter stammered. "The county clerk's words, not mine."

"Are you nervous?" Cabe smirked and patted Walter's shoulder.

"As hell." Walter nodded with a gulp.

"Whoa, Walter?!" Toby exclaimed as he, Happy and Sylvester waltzed into the courthouse. "You're getting married, and you didn't even care to send me an invite!? I'm crushed."

"Pipe down, Doc," Cabe barked as the three geniuses walked up to Walter. "The case was your invite."

"Touché." Toby waved his hands in defense. "And here I was thinking this situation was fishy because the name of the courthouse sounds like something you'd take to help you go to the toilet more often during the day."

"Grow up," Happy elbowed Toby in the side. "Congratulations, Walt." Happy gave Walter a small smile. "Paige's lucky to have you."

"Thanks," Walter grinned anxiously, "But I think I'm the lucky one."

Happy shrugged. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, I guess."

"Don't you mean, whomever, Happy?" Toby snickered, receiving eye rolls from everyone. "By the way, Happy, pay up." Toby extended his palm in front of Happy. Happy heaved a sigh, dug through her pocket and slapped a roll of twenties into Toby's hand.

"You bet on me and Paige?" Walter raised an eyebrow.

"Yup!" Toby grinned. "And here Happy was thinking the two of you wouldn't get hitched for another two years! I had faith in you, Walt, though. I figured the two of you would tie the knot in less than six months – that was a little over a month ago."

"You guys are unbelievable." Cabe shook his head in dismay.

"Come on," Toby chuckled, "How long have you known us?"

Cabe decided not to answer Toby's question and focused on Walter; after Sylvester gave Walter a big hug, he turned and sat down next to Megan – the woman Cabe hadn't recognized from earlier. "So," Toby muttered towards Walter, "You think Paige'll get cold feet?"

Walter froze. Cabe quickly snapped him out of his trance. "Don't listen to that weasel." Cabe's glare sent Toby scrambling to find a seat. He turned back towards Walter and said, "Don't worry about a think; if I know anything about you and Paige, it's that she's crazy about you. She's been through a hell of a lot, and she still hasn't left."

Walter started to relax. "Thanks, Cabe."

"Not a problem." Cabe smiled and patted Walter's shoulder. Cabe turned to sit down when Walter casually called out to him. "Yeah?"

"I, um, I know I don't say this enough, but, um, I'm glad you're here." Walter scratched his head and pressed his lips together as Cabe smiled.

"Wouldn't miss this for the world."

~ SCORPION ~

Paige took off the coat she had worn to conceal her dress from Walter and hardly recognized the woman in the mirror. Her dress was a simple number, and it clung comfortably to her chest as it cascaded to the floor. The dress was soft and glittered much like the dress she wore on her first date with Walter. Hetty had even been kind enough to lend Paige a veil to complete the ensemble. She wondered if the beautiful woman in the mirror was the woman Walter saw every time she caught him sneaking glances at her. For the first time in a very long time, she felt beautiful in spite of the physical and emotional scars she received from Mark Collins.

"Mom?" Ralph shook her out of her reverie when he gently pulled on the train of her dress.

"Yes?" She quickly wiped the tear that had fallen down her cheek and looked at her son. "What is it, honey?"

"After the ceremony, do you think Walter would be okay if I started calling him Dad?" Ralph asked with ever-curious eyes.

Paige smiled and ruffled her son's hair. "I think he would like that a lot."

"You do?"

Paige nodded and gave her son a hug. "No matter what happens after the ceremony, Ralph, you'll always be my number one guy." She kissed his forehead, rubbed the lipstick off of his face and hugged him once more.

"Mom?"

"Hm?"

"You look very pretty today."

~ SCORPION ~

While there wasn't any music to accompany the ceremony, Walter didn't really care. He was as nervous as hell, and he had a feeling music would only make matters worse. He didn't even hear the judge begin the ceremony; he was too focused on the center aisle. He mentally measured the approximate length of aisle, considered the length of Paige's slowest stride and calculated the average amount of time it would take for – when he saw Paige take her first step down the aisle with Ralph holding her hand, he forgotten how to think, let alone function.

He had always considered Paige a beautiful woman, but she was absolutely breathtaking. Walter intently watched her slowly walk down the aisle with affixed eyes on him and gulped. How he had gotten to a point in his life where he was mesmerized by the woman smiling at him was beyond him, but if this moment shared between him and Paige was only a dream, it was a dream he wanted to pause, rewind and replay over and over again because he didn't want to wake up.

Ralph released her hand and smiled at Walter before leaving to sit down between Cabe and Hetty. Paige took Walter's hands in hers and never looked away from him as the judge started talking. Walter really wasn't paying attention to what the justice of the peace was saying, and, to be honest, he really didn't care. All that mattered to him was Paige; the rest was simply chatter to him.

Then he heard the judge say his name and ask him something; however, the words didn't translate so Walter stayed silent. The judge called his name again, but he felt like he was in a trance and didn't want to break out of it. Finally, Paige whispered his name and broke him from his reverie. "Huh?" He lifted an eyebrow at her. "What is it?"

"Say your vows, kid!" Cabe called out with a chuckle.

"Say my vows?" Walter repeated slowly as he glanced at Cabe before bringing his attention back to Paige. He forced a chuckle and muttered towards Paige, "What is Cabe talking about?"

Paige laughed in response to his confusion, but before she had a chance to answer her, Megan exclaimed, "Why do you want to marry her, Little Bro?"

"Oh. Vows. Right. Okay." Walter's ears perked up when he heard his sister's question and finally understood what the judge wanted. "Well, um…," He grew very nervous. He wasn't used to an audience whenever he conveyed his feelings to Paige.

"Walter," Paige whispered his name, "It's just me. Focus on me."

"O-okay," Walter gulped and squeezed her hands. "When I, uh, when I first saw you, I was fascinated with, um, with your tenacity for your son, Ralph; even when, um, when you, um, when he didn't connect with you, you didn't g-give up on him like m-many parents do with their mentally-enabled children. And after I hired you onto the team, you, um, you didn't leave." He inhaled a deep breath and continued. "In fact," he released a small chuckle, "there were some nights I couldn't get you to leave." She smiled in response to his tried humor. He also heard a few chuckles in the background. "Anyway, um, th-there, um, there was a time w-when I didn't b-believe in superficial things like, um, like love, b-but, um, but you h-helped me view the, um, the concept of l-love th-through a d-different lens and, um, and t-taught me how to c-comprehend it, um, with an a-a-analytical approach. Th-the w-ways you helped me u-understand EQ w-were often o-odd a-and inefficient b-but effective. And after all of those s-social experiments, I'm a b-better person. You m-make me a better person, P-Paige." He licked his lips. "A-a-and I c-can't, um, I can't fathom any future life w-without you…You are my constant, Paige."

He dug into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box and opened it, revealing a simple but delicate diamond ring paired with a gold wedding band.

Paige released a small gasp. "I thought you don't believe in those sorts of things."

"I don't…, but I know they're important to you…, and you're important to me…so…yeah," Walter forced a laugh as he pulled out the ring. "Um, here."

Paige laughed and whispered, "You're supposed to slide it on my finger."

"Oh. Okay." Walter cleared his throat and slowly glided the ring onto the fourth proximal digit of her left hand. He started to speak again, but the judge cleared his throat. "I'm on the clock, kid."

"Oh. Right. Okay. I'm done." Walter swallowed the lump in his throat as he found Paige's eyes again. Tears had fallen down her cheeks.

The judge said a few more words and then Paige released Walter's hand to dab her cheeks before speaking. "When you and your team waltzed into the diner I worked at, my first impression of you was not pleasant, but you opened my eyes and showed me how special my son was, and while that day had been a crazy one, I realized you weren't such a bad guy after all. Tactless, at times, yes, but I quickly figured out that you always meant well. The way you stood by my son meant a lot to me; above everything, you made Ralph a first priority, and that's always a plus in my book. And…, knowing how you treasure my son," she brought Walter's hand to her belly and smiled, "our child is going to have a loving father." She released his hands and hooked her arms around his neck. "I love you, Walter O'Brien, and I always will. No buts." She took the other ring that was in the box and slid it over Walter's third knuckle before taking his hands in hers.

The judged continued with the ceremony and the moment he pronounced them husband and wife, Paige grabbed Walter's cheeks, jerked him towards her and hungrily kissed him as cheering and whistling went on in the background. The moment the judge cleared his throat, Paige pulled away from him, and they directed their attention to the justice of the peace as he handed them their marriage certificate. "Mr. and Mrs. Walter O'Brien, congratulations." The judge shook Walter's hand and then Paige's, and as soon as he walked by them, Paige pulled Walter into another searing kiss.

"Hey, 197!" Cabe called out to Walter, "Get your ass over here and introduce us to your wife!"

"Okay." Walter mumbled against Paige's lips as he gave Cabe a thumb's up; he had no interest to follow orders, though. When Paige finally did pull apart from Walter, they met with everyone. Ralph caught Walter by surprise when he ran up to him and gave him a hug. Paige smiled at the interaction. "Hey," Walter bent down and ruffled the boy's hair.

Ralph beamed. "Hi…Dad."

Walter's ears perked, and he wondered if his mind was playing tricks on him. Then again, if that were the case, his entire time with Paige would have been a trick too, because with his luck, he shouldn't be so lucky.

"Hi…," Walter found himself smiling, "Son."

~ SCORPION ~

WriterFreak001:

Yeah. I suck at writing weddings… I watched three different court wedding videos on YouTube to get an idea as to how they were performed and what the judge would say, and then I was like: Pfffft! Walter would be too focused on Paige to even care to hear what the judge had to say….so yeah. I don't know if they actually let the bride walk down the aisle, but I thought it would be cute if Ralph escorted his mother down the aisle and hand her off to Walter.

I don't know if there will be five more chapters because I feel like this part of the story is winding down. There may be two more chapters, but I don't think there will be five.

Anyway, let me know what you think!