Chapter 6: My heart will go on

Charley could believe what she was hearing fall out of Throttle's mouth. She was getting married. Again. And not just to anyone. She was getting married to Throttle...who was already married.

Shaking her head in disbelief, she attempted to fathom the logistics of a polygamous relationship. In her mind and with her upbringing, she was raised to be in a monogamous marriage.

Every night in my dreams

I see you, I feel you

That is how I know you go on

"I know. It's not what you want" Throttle attempted to soothe her frazzled nerves but, he could already see a layer of mist forming in her eyes. He placed a firm albeit compassionate hand on her shoulder.

"No! It's not what I want! Why? Why I am being forced to stay on Mars and get married to a mouse who already has a wife?" she yanked herself away from Throttle and held back the urge to punch him.

"It's our customs. Our laws" Throttle sighed as he watched Charley turn away from him. He knew that she was getting ready to emotionally shut him out.

"But they're not my laws. You knew about this. Didn't you?" Charley growled out as she wrapped her arms around herself to keep from falling apart.

Far across the distance

And spaces between us

You have come to show you go on

"Yes," his voice was barely above a whisper.

"How could you!" Charley didn't know or care if it was hormones talking or not, she was livid and needed to release her pent up frustration.

With both hands balled up into a fist, she swiftly turned and went to punch Throttle. Before she could land one blow, both of his hands grabbed both of hers and pulled her to him. She cried and screamed as she attempted to get loose from his steadfast hold.

"I'm sorry," Throttle said as he felt her body relax and both of them slid down to the ground.

"Why? Why?" she kept repeatedly asking as she felt Throttle lay his head on top of hers and pull her closer to her. She felt the softness of his fur through his open jacket against her cheek. She could hear the steadiness of his heartbeat.

Near, far, wherever you are

I believe that the heart does go on

Once more you open the door

And you're here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on

"The laws were made many years ago. It was deemed necessary, at the time, to protect the females of our species. I'm paraphrasing at this moment but, it states that if a married male passes away whoever was in charge must marry the widow. That's why you and I are being put into this awkward position. It's all about protecting your unborn child. If you hadn't gotten pregnant, I think it wouldn't have been a big issue. But, since you have been here for a few years and visited multiple times, they must have assumed you knew" Throttle murmured into his friend's auburn hair.

Love can touch us one time

And last for a lifetime

And never let go 'til we're gone

"I didn't know and Vinnie wasn't exactly forthcoming with information on Martian law" she wanted to strangle her late husband for not telling her.

I know it's unfair but, I'll do my best to make you happy. Throttle thought.

Huh. Charley thought as she looked up at Throttle.

You heard that!? Throttle mentally inquired.

Yes. She responded.

We better keep this one under wraps until we figure out how it happened. Throttle commented as he slowly looked around, hoping none of the soldiers noticed what was going on between them.

I agree. At least until we figure out what's going on and who killed Vinnie. Charley couldn't believe her thoughts that she was able to telepathically communicate with Throttle.

Love was when I loved you

One true time I hold to

In my life, we'll always go on

"We better get going. The sooner we get this wedding over with the sooner we can get our lives back on track" Throttle stated as calmly as he could as he stood up and assisted Charley.

"I guess me going back to Chicago now is impossible" Charley felt saddened at the prospect of not being able to leave Mars.

"As soon as I get everything settled, you and I will take a vacation back to Earth. Hopefully, without interference" he mentioned as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and ushered her over to his bike.

"Like a honeymoon?" she inquired as Throttle mounted his bike and patted the seat behind him, encouraging her to ride with him.

"Yeah. Whatever you want" he said as he felt her sit down behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. He wrapped his tail securely around her waist before taking off to his house.

Near, far, wherever you are

I believe that the heart does go on

Once more you open the door

And you're here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on

He was completely grateful that his home was designed with three bedrooms or else there would be a fight over who slept on the bed and who took the couch. He knew anything of Charley's would have to be moved into her new home, much to her dismay.

At this moment, Throttle was going to have to play along with whatever and whoever was pulling the strings. At least until he could narrow down on the suspects.

But, for now, as long as Charley was close by, he would sleep better. He also wanted to figure out how in the world Charley gained a special ability.

You're here, there's nothing I fear

And I know that my heart will go on

We'll stay forever this way

You are safe in my heart

And my heart will go on and on