Note: It's said there are no new ideas – and in this case it's because I cribbed extensively from a very funny ReBoot fic. So much love to "Mainframe's Most Memorable Wedding", which I read way back in the day, and which I'm sure you can still find out there on the internets. :)

.

.

.

Bauer is rather pleased, all things considered, to be back aboard the Leviathan. He had enjoyed his time serving aboard the airship – but more to the point, today he's attending a wedding, and weddings are always nice.

The airmen are at their stations, and the bridge has been cleared of everyone but the pilot, Captain Hobbes, the wedding party, and a handful of guests. Bauer counts himself quite lucky to be one of the chosen few. He'd never dreamed, when first approached by Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand (God rest his soul), that protecting the prince would lead to such adventures, such honors.

Captain Hobbes begins the ceremony, and Bauer, despite his best intentions, finds his thoughts wandering. A marriage is a joyous occasion... it's a shame that this one is so scandalous. Apparently the church balked at performing the wedding for that very reason, and thus the shipboard ceremony, with a captain instead of a priest. It makes no sense to Bauer. Yes, it's an unsuitable match, with political and moral objections in abundance, but you don't choose who you fall in love with. You certainly shouldn't be punished for it.

Things like this are why he's glad to be a simple soldier – of course, some soldiers are more simple than others. For instance: Deryn, not Dylan; Bauer doesn't think he'll ever get used to that. Still, she looks quite pretty in her dress.

Bauer smiles, remembering what His Majesty had confided as they arrived – "It would have been easier to persuade the Leviathan itself to wear that dress" – and inwardly shakes his head at the world and all those things in it which remain beyond his understanding.

The ceremony concludes with a decorous kiss, and everyone applauds. Beside Bauer, old Klopp surreptitiously wipes at his eyes, then notices Bauer watching and chuckles.

Bauer leans over and whispers, "A day long in coming, eh?"

Klopp makes a noise of agreement. "I didn't think either of them would ever find this happiness - especially not him."

"Yes," Bauer says, nodding. "The invitation was a pleasant surprise."

Klopp nods as well, a fond smile on his face. "That it was indeed."

There's to be no formal reception, given the circumstances; the newlyweds merely turn around to receive their guests. Bauer sees no need to push for a preeminent position in the line, and as a consequence is rather towards the end. He smiles politely at the English-speaking guests, whose conversation he can't understand, and talks mostly to Hoffman and Klopp as they move forwards.

Of course, Deryn spoils the formality by shaking their hands like a young man and saying, "Bloody hell, it's good to see the three of you!"

"You look wonderful," Klopp says gallantly, and Bauer and Hoffman echo the sentiment.

She rolls her eyes. "Blame His Crownliness there. I would've rather worn my old full-dress uniform – the lady boffin even said I could – but you know Alek. Everything's starched and proper with him."

"Deryn, you can't be a boy and the maid of honor," says His Imperial and Royal Majesty Aleksandar beside her, half-feigning affront.

She only grins. "And how many emperors stand as best man to their old tutors?"

"My point remains," His Majesty says. Suddenly he's smiling too. "Besides – you do look wonderful."

Deryn wrinkles her nose and turns to Bauer, who is holding up the reception line to witness this chat; Klopp and Hoffman have already moved on. "Well?" she demands. "Go wish them the best!"

Bauer salutes (earning a laugh from her and a long-suffering smile from His Majesty) and goes to give his congratulations to Count Volger and Dr. Barlow.