"Wed Me" - write about a character under the subject of wedlock

"Today's the day, big guy. Nervous yet? It's natural to have cold feet. I won't stop you if you want to run."

"Baird, shut the hell up," Marcus growled. He stood in front of a mirror trying to straighten his bow tie. Surely he wore one as a kid, Baird thought, watching with growing amusement. But Marcus wasn't born for high society; it was always his place to be a soldier, even Baird could see that.

Not that much soldiering had to be done now. The Locust War was almost ten years ago. Baird never expected to live this long, but he was glad he did; they wouldn't have rebuilt nearly as fast without him. There was still a lot of work to do, but today it seemed like half of the population had cleared their schedule for this event. It had enraged Marcus when he received random well wishes from the public; he wanted a quiet ceremony, but had made the mistake of telling Baird.

Yeah, fuck that. We all need this.

"I'm just saying, it's never too late to back out," Baird continued. "Come on, married life is some scary shit. You'll be all 'Yes, dear' to everything and in bed by five—and for the love of God, let me do that."

Baird pushed Marcus's hands away and undid the bow tie; after all the fidgeting and pulling, it had to be retied. Apparently years of drills had made the great Marcus Fenix forget, but Baird never forgot even the most trivial amount of information.

"Why do you even need the ceremony? It's not like you guys try to hide it anymore. Everyone knew back on Azura."

"It's important to her," Marcus replied, lips stiff as Baird worked. "She wants something more than words and the half-assed attention I offered during the war. We've been living together for three years. Marriage isn't going to change what we have, but she insisted."

"Withholding sex?" Baird guessed, grinning.

Marcus grunted.

The blond finished his work with a chuckle and stepped back. "You damn dog. We're still trying to get the world back on its feet and all you care about is your sex life."

"It's not like that and you know it. I just … want to show her I love her," Marcus finished with a mumble.

Ten years and he's still emotionally constipated. "And we're all ready to see something normal. No one thought the war was over even with Myrrah's death—but this?" Baird shook his head. "It's symbolic in more ways than one."

"The great 'war hero' marries and peace is achieved? What the hell do you call the last ten years?"

"A dream. This makes it real, Marcus. It's going to be like a new era after this."

The men were quiet for a few short moments. Baird could hardly tell, but Marcus did look scared. The ceremony wasn't going to change anything on the outside; inside, well, Baird would be conflicted even if he was sure who he was marrying. He could imagine what the other man might be feeling but it was time for change. Marcus and Anya had tiptoed around each other for years, far longer than Baird knew them. It was time they officially put it out there and took some time for themselves. From the news broadcasts, Kaia looked beautiful this time of year. A perfect honeymoon location.

"Well," Baird said, breaking the silence, "I gotta go take my seat. You know, I thought someone would offer me the position of Best Man—"

"Baird."

"I know. I'm joking." Baird patted the other man's back in a familiar gesture, twenty years ago, he would have laughed at. "You know he's been looking out for you. He's got his kids, Maria, his parents—he's happy. He wants you to be happy too."

"And Carlos," Marcus said softly. "He better damn well have found Carlos."

Baird didn't know a Carlos and thought better of it to ask. This was Marcus's day; the past could be dug up any other time. A lot of Gears still suffered from PTSD, Baird included, but he wouldn't let anything ruin the wedding. He'd even tackle a crying baby if he had to. Today would be perfect.

Unless he forgot to deliver the groom.

Music began to play from down the hall. Baird checked his watch; guests were probably still being seated, but Marcus was supposed to be standing upfront five minutes ago.

"Ah shit." Baird grabbed his suit jacket from the chair he threw it on and slipped into it. "Just remember—deep breaths, don't touch your tie, and the words are 'I do.' In that order. Oh, and it's a beautiful day, so try to smile."

Marcus snapped out of his past and offered a lopsided smirk. "You've gone soft, Baird."

"And you're a fucking pansy, Fenix. Now go get hitched and live happily ever after. You've earned it."