Chapter Three
"What have you done to your hair?" Yondu asked, whilst Kraglin reached up and touched his cropped look.
"You guys like it? Thought I'd go for something different".
Well, that was the understatement of the year, as Kraglin's scraggly locks, had been cut into more of a mohawk look which was shaved on the side.
Yondu suddenly noted that Kraglin had high cheekbones, and the look was different. Whilst Regellen and Hoag just went to take the piss out of it, as friends did.
Since it was dinner time, Regellen, Hoag and Kraglin left, whilst Yondu said he would join in a few minutes. But not before he looked at Kraglin and said as sincerely and gruffly as he could. "I like your hair, suits ya", Kraglin replied in thanks as they crossed the decks the coupled Ravagers, turned to Kraglin.
"A cut like that, a bit like Yondu's isn't it? Well, if he still had his fin, that was cut off at some point." Supplied Regellen, whilst Hoag smirked, and Kraglin tried to backtrack, but it was clear.
"Is it that obvious, that I like him?" since Kraglin really was a green Ravager after all, and Hoag shook his head.
"No, it's not, we know you check him out and let's face it, he's hairless apart from his face and we've all seen his massive cock but no, not that obvious. Don't know why you would bother, but still. We can't criticise, look at us?" they finished and that was enough for now.
With Yondu having his project which aside from the rest of the group, everyone respected his work was a perfectionist and wouldn't show anyone until it was done.
When Kraglin asked about the small crystalline piece next to the larger Yaka Arrow Controller, all he was told was "The big one's the prototype" which was all he needed to say.
However, creating it took time, and many months which managed to drift a year, whilst Yondu did it in his spare time, which became more of a part of a group, and work was at times scarce.
Stakar, who had been observing Yondu for some time saw the change in him when they had their regular meetings. On some level, Stakar felt protective of Yondu and was impressed by the Ravager he was turning into.
Since all captains needed was loyalty from the crew, however within the group of friends, there was an undercurrent developing, between the Ogord's, Regellen and Hoag, and always about their relationship.
Hook-ups as both Yondu and Kraglin learned were expected, even encouraged within the Ravages as a chance to let off steam, with no lasting commitment. Or God forbid marriage, which was only allowed by the Senior Crews.
But for two people who came in on the Star Hawk together, and no matter what was thrown in their way, were always together, it just seemed to wind Stakar and Aleta up.
Especially Regellen's sarcasm towards Aleta because she was so casual about something they were denied. Everyone could see how much the junior couple wound her up, which could not be explained.
But everyone had learned which Stakar was easier going, the same could not be said for his wife. No matter how stunning she was. Aleta had made it clear to the couple, asserting her authority as if it meant anything to them.
It was a few weeks after, their latest refusal for a wedding, which they had suggested to the captain, stating that there, and their own words "Bond's would be stronger if they could"".
But all they got was a flat "No", even though on paperwork, they were each other's Heirs, but for some reason, the Ravagers and their stupid rules were against them.
Until the one night, which coincided with the six of them, having a few days off together, which was when they normally indulged in some gambling, or just getting wasted, when Hoag came to all of them and spoke.
"Tomorrow at shift end, be at my M-Ship, just be casual and have something nice in a bag. No Ravager leathers or anything like this, be casual. Smart causal if you have it."
Yondu who was at his small table in their shared quarters wondered what the hell was that all about, but the next morning he, with Kraglin, Iztel, Horuz, Regellen and of course Hoag, were setting off, with the Star Hawk far behind them.
Heading to a small Xandarian outpost, the coupled Ravagers were almost giddy with excitement, with big grins on their faces, as they passed around beers, and both in their seats announced to the group.
"We're getting married…right now."
The others looked at the smiling couple, and then at each other. With Iztel finally finding his words "Are you both fucking crazy? Stakar will go mad when he finds out. What about the rules".
"And we're sick of them" counted Hoag since this was clearly a conversation they could have had prior to this moment. "We want to get married, and we are. Found a priest and everything. It's happening soon, we wanted you to come as our witness and friends".
Kraglin shook his head, even though by Ravager standards he was the greenest of the group. "This is pure insanity, you know the Clans won't stand for it", which caused Regellen to make his feelings clear.
"Which is why when we are done, in a few weeks, we're scheduled for some missions. We're both leaving the Ravagers, found a place, earned some good money, we can…find something else to do. We're done, the both of us. It's been fun and all. But it's time."
People only left the Ravagers by force, or by death, and these two were so in good humour about it, it caused Yondu who was just sitting there to wonder about a life outside the Clans for a moment.
Yondu, felt like he had to say something as he raised his bottle and said it in an almost sincere tone since Yondu wasn't known for being sentimental or even cheerful.
"Well, congratulation to you both." And for some reason, that had the desired effect once everything was normally done with the Ravagers and this was a middle finger to the lot of them.
However, it was Iztel, who took control and stood up straight. "Well screw this, if you guys are getting married, we're doing it right. For a start, neither of you should be in the same room, but here we are. So, we're going to make ourselves look presentable, and all that shit".
The berserker declared, as he took control, and pulled the couple apart. "Yondu you're with me and Regellen. Kraglin and Horuz, take Hoag, and clean yourselves up, shave, and all of that".
With that, the soon-to-be-married couple laughed, since this was a change up, as they were separated and taken into other rooms with a quick "I'll meet you at the alter".
Iztel took charge as he set about making the Xandarian look more presentable for his wedding, even down to a shave, which Yondu, rejected Iztel's suggestion that he could do it because Yondu declared no one was coming near his throat with a sharp blade.
Yondu cleaned quickly and manages to look even under his black bandana, more presentable as someone like him could be as in the other room, Regellen was getting ready. And talking animatedly, about what was going to happen.
"You know it's been years since I've been to a proper Xandarian Wedding". Which prompted Yondu to state. "This is my first", but in reply from Regellen, who just looked at his friend in understanding, "Well we best make it a good one then".
And with all of them looking good, Yondu in a black leather jacket which was almost new, and a dash of aftershave he had "borrowed" on the side. The M-Ship docked, and they gave a few minutes before the event.
Hearing Horuz, Kraglin and Hoag leave first, singing "I'm getting married in a minute", off-key which even made Yondu snicker for a moment before Regellen stood up and in but also a touch of seriousness. In his fresh smart up clothes, which were just leather trousers and a shirt, but managed to look respectable, and said out loud.
"Ok, let's get us married".
With that the trio left the ship, and make their way to the location, with Regellen, standing in the middle. "We have to escort him" stated Iztel. Since it was about that moment that everyone remembered that Yondu had never been to a Xandarian Wedding, and he was giving a crash course in it.
When they reached the sacred chambers, which were lit by candles, giving the atmosphere a soft touch of shadows. With the Preacher standing there, who would marry anyone as long as a few units crossed his path.
However, even the man of faith, couldn't stop the smile on his face when the group walked in with Hoag already at the alter but staring straight ahead, as slowly with the weight of what this all meant Regellen took a deep breath, to steady his emotions.
Which surprised Yondu since the Ravager was so carefree, most of the time, but all three of them walked down to reach where the three men were already standing.
Yondu noted that all of them had scrubbed up well, with Kraglin's now trademark Mohawk being cleaned through, along with his face. However, no one missed the lingering look he gave Yondu, aside from the man himself.
Since Yondu had never been to a Xandarian wedding, he was clueless when the Preacher cleared his throat.
"Who here stands as witness and to give these men to each other in family and friendship", in perfect Xandarian, and then three of them said "I do" followed a second by Yondu.
Yondu now realised he wasn't there as a witness but to give someone away, something he recalled as sacred in his tribal culture, and he hadn't realised that was him until this moment.
With that Regellen and Hoag turned to each other, since this ceremony was basic according to Xandarian which had more colour and a lot more people, but this moment was all about them.
As the two Ravagers, put their heads together, held hands and said the most sacred words, affirming their level in a tone that was so tender and serious, that both Horuz and Kraglin sniffed back a tear., but not even Yondu or Iztel rolled their eyes and the pair said in unison.
"No matter how we live, or as long as our lives last, I promise to love you every moment of my life, until we are separated by death"
The preacher said the solum words, reconfirming this. Before declaring in a loud voice for the total seven in the room.
"Congratulation you are legally married, work out your last name, it's the thing with same couples, and your certificate will be at the door"
The other Xandarian began to clap followed by Yondu, whilst the couple leant into a tender kiss, Regellen whispering "Finally" to his now husband, and they grinned before turning back to the Ravagers present.
"Ok let's get that certificate, and let's get drunk". Regellen, stated to a cheer by the rest, whilst everyone filed out the doors grabbing the certificate before Hoag declared that he wanted a photograph of the event.
To be continued
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