12
Jack had worked fast, with his little accomplice formerly known as Toshiko.
Code name 'Gatekeeper'.
"So, my sweet Gatekeeper" Jack said with furtive looks to rival Homer Simpson stalking a donut, "Did you get it?"
"Yes" she giggled, enjoying his playfulness.
The mating ritual was about to start and Jack was eager to get it underway as he offered his arm to Leia and she smiled as she accepted.
He walked her to Andy, waiting with Ford and Jack knew his face was showing his adoration but he couldn't stop smiling as he handed her over without taking his eyes off his beloved mate.
There was more than one giggle at the display and Ford's blush delightful to see.
"Stop it ya Twypsn" Ford whispered, his glee also obvious as Jack leered and winked before finally facing the Mother.
She smiled at her son's display of attraction and then cleared her throat as she began to speak.
"Furry and free skinned, we are here today to witness the knotting and bonding of a couple who are truly blessed" she took a breath as Andy grinned and Leia stepped even closer to him. "As in the rising of the moon, as in the setting of the sun, we must turn."
Jack looked nervously at Ford as Ford's face shone with pride.
"I today call on you all present to witness the joining of blood between my grandson Andrew and his intended Ashleia. Andy and Leia would like you all to stay and celebrate in the traditional manner here, in the safety of the den."
"Andy, sweetling, you intend to love, honor, protect and respect this future queen?" she asked and Andy said yes with a loud bark that had some giggling.
Leia's answer was softer, demure as was her smile.
Ford was surprised when his son reached for him and stepped forward thinking he wanted to have a kiss and as their faces touched Andy swung his Taddy forward.
Ford blinked and then politely looked to his Mother who reached out and took his hand.
"Mama?" he said softly, his confusion making him speak as he once did and she felt her heart twist as she once again regretted the betrayals against him.
Jack had stepped forward and motioned excitedly for her to go for it.
"My son, do you carry the blood of another in your veins?"
Ford blinked and then reared back as he swung to look at Jack. He took a moment, then addressed the room.
"I carry the flesh of my love in my belly, his blood in my veins, his love in my heart."
Jack knew he was grinning so wide his gums were showing as he reached out and snagged Ford's hands.
"You carry my flesh in your body, my love in your heart and have my protection until the last star burns out" Jack said as calmly as he could, shaking with excitement.
"Oh Cariad" Ford whispered.
"I love you" Jack responded, then nodded as Tosh it the music and Jack started to sing.
"When it gets real, Just know that I'll be there
I got your back, like it's just you and me here
I'll go to war for you, let them bring it
I'll take on the world for you, better believe it
So if you need me, just holler my name
We ain't ever scared, no we're not afraid
Whenever, whatever, know I'm down for life
I'm your ride or die"
Ford gaped as several others watching sighed with delight.
"When the night gets cold
And the lights go out
The sun is gone behind the clouds
When you feel lost, then I'll reach out
To guide you home with my lighthouse
Wo-oh, wo-oh
I'll guide you home with my lighthouse
Wo-oh, wo-oh
I'll guide you home"
Jack was overcome and looked down, signaling to Ford that he couldn't sing anymore as he struggled to hold back tears.
It was the most natural thing in the world to support his beloved and Ford opened his throat to the words.
"Whenever you're down, I'll lift you up
People gon' hate, let them hate on us
I move in too strong, I click too deep
'Cause I got you, and you got me
So if you need me, just holler my name
We ain't never scared, no we're not afraid
Whenever, whatever, know I'm down for life
I'm your ride or die"
Jack grinned as even Ford's mother was gasping now, the soft voices joined to harmonize in the way the bonding ceremony for Holmesinian kind always did.
When the night gets cold
And the lights go out
The sun is gone behind the clouds
When you feel lost, then I'll reach out
To guide you home with my lighthouse
Wo-oh, wo-oh
I'll guide you home with my lighthouse
Wo-oh, wo-oh
I'll guide you home
If you ever need me
Know I'll be there (know I'll be there)
Don't you ever be afraid to call (fraid to call)
I'll be waiting over the horizon (the horizon)
Don't you worry I'm not very far (very far)
I'll light it up, show you the way
I'll light it up, show you the way
I'll light it up, show you the way
I'll light it up, don't be afraid
When the night gets cold
And the lights go out
Both men slammed together, kissing passionately as the last of the song played without them and Tosh was shocked when a voice quietly sang into her ear, "The sun is gone behind the clouds. When you feel lost, then I'll reach out. To guide you home with my lighthouse"
She turned to find Owen embracing her, his own kiss soft and warm.
"Owen" she giggled and he kissed her again as he held her tight.
Everyone had a lighthouse tonight.