TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
BY: KIM FITZSIMMONS

    The assembled group of Joes watched Hawk retire the colors in a ceremony symbolizing the end of their lives together. The team was being disbanded and everyone was getting ready to move on with their lives. They may never see each other again after they left here. As Hawk was just about to dismiss the group to return to packing, Snake Eyes left Scarlett's side and approached Hawk, signaling to him. Hawk began smiling and announced to everyone, "Snake Eyes says we all go our separate ways we should throw one last party, and he's going to give us the perfect reason for one."

    As soon as Hawk finished, Snake Eyes turned to face Scarlett, and amidst an incredible roar of cheers, he pulled a small box out of a pouch on his belt and went down on one knee. Scarlett brought her right hand to her mouth and her blue eyes widened and filled with tears.

    He took off his mask, he wasn't going to ask this question with his hands. He took hold of her left hand, which was trembling wildly and his intense silver eyes stared into the blue eyes that could see straight through his heart. He then mouthed the question silently, "Will you marry me?"

    The silence of the crowd surrounding them was deafening as everyone waited for an answer. With tears of joy streaming down her lovely face she gave her answer, "Of course I will."

    The cheers erupted as Snake Eyes slid the simple solitaire ring on the third finger of her left hand and then shot to his feet and lifted her up in a very enthusiastic hug. Hawk's voice boomed over the din, "All right Joes, we have a wedding to put on! Let's get started!"

* * * * * * * *

    The Pitt had never seen such bustle. Everyone was running around, cleaning, decorating, and working in the kitchen. Roadblock was preparing a fantastic wedding feast and could be heard yelling at Gung Ho, "Get out of here with those Cajun spices. If you think I'm going to let you poison the bride, you're nuts!"

    Wild Bill was helping with the decorations and his face lit up in a smile as he saw the beaming bride to be coming towards him. " What can I do for you, little lady?"

    Scarlett asked, "Wild Bill, can I ask a favor of you?"

    "Name it." he replied with a grin.

    "There are a few people we'd like here for the wedding, and we need someone to bring them here." she asked him.

    "I'm guessing that includes your father, grandmother, and brothers." Wild Bill said.

    Scarlett grinned, "That's right. We'd also like Jinx here."

    "I'd be honored to bring them all back here for you, darlin."

    Wild Bill tipped his hat and Scarlett smiled and gave him a little peck on the cheek and said, "Thanks, you are the best."

    "You tell Snake Eyes he is a lucky man! I'm real happy for both of you."

    His voice broke a little and Scarlett hugged him and said, "Oh don't start crying, you'll get me started again!"

* * * * * * * *

    Snake Eyes came into the main hall to see everyone busy with various jobs. He heard Stalker come up behind him, "You enjoying the chaos you created man?"

    Snake Eyes nodded and winked at him. Then he signed a request, "Will you be my best man?"

    Stalker smiled and accepted, "This means a lot man, I know if Tommy were here it would be him, but..."

    He trailed off as he saw Snake Eyes shaking his head no. Snake Eyes signed again, "I would have asked you anyway. I once discussed this with Tommy, and he agreed you should be the best man."

    Stalker was stunned, "But Tommy's your best friend."

    "Yes", Snake Eyes replied, "But so are you. And if it weren't for you, I never would have met her. You supported and nurtured our relationship from the beginning. If not for you, we may have never gotten to this point. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have at my side when I marry Shana."

    Stalker grasped his long time friend's forearm and smiled warmly. "Thank you, it will be my greatest pleasure to stand by you."

* * * * * * * *

    Cover Girl knocked on the door to Scarlett's room. Scarlett opened it and smiled at her friend, "Hi Courtney, come in."

    "I've brought make up, hairspray, mousse, a curling iron, etc..."

    "Well I appreciate the help with my hair, and you know how often I use make up." Scarlett thanked her friend.

    "No problem, doll. Say what are you going to wear? Do you have a dress?"

    Scarlett grinned, "As a matter of fact I do." She then pulled a large box out from under her bed, "I've never let Snake Eyes see it because I wanted it to be a surprise. It'll be really special now. With the short notice he's probably expecting to see me in a regular dress. I can't wait to see the look on his face when I appear in this!" As she finished her last statement she lifted the beautiful garment out of the box.

    "Oh wow!" Cover Girl exclaimed as she looked at the gown.

    It was made of matte satin overlaid with French chiffon, with a fitted bodice and slightly drop waist that flared into a long full skirt. Chiffon draped softly in the front. The neckline sat just at the shoulder. The sleeves were chiffon and stopped just above the elbow, that spot adorned with tiny satin roses and chiffon draped at the elbow cuff in a white froth. The back was beautiful as well. There were satin roses at the small of the back, from there a romantic gathering of chiffon draped down the back of the skirt. In the box there was also a long veil that was adorned with the same satin roses that graced the dress.

    "Oh Scarlett, it's absolutely beautiful. When did you buy this?"

    "Actually, it was my mother's wedding gown. I've been keeping it for years, preserving it religiously. I have looked at other wedding gowns, but nothing ever compared to this."

    "Does it fit?" Cover Girl asked.

    "I don't know, I've never found the nerve to try it on." Scarlett admitted with a blush, "But I guess it's now or never."

    Several minutes later, another knock sounded at Scarlett's door and Jinx walked in. As she saw her best friend all she could say was a quiet, "Oh my."

* * * * * * * *

    Snake Eyes was helping set up chairs in the main hall when he heard his name being called. He had no sooner turned around when three red headed men dog piled him.

    "Leave off the poor boy, you ruffians!" Came the no nonsense voice of Scarlett's grandmother.

    As the trio of Sean, Frank and Mike O'Hara let their brother-in-law-to-be up, Scarlett's grandmother stepped forward to hug him. "Oh me darlin' boy, I am so happy for ye and my darlin' Shana."

    "A little more notice would have been nice though." Scarlett's father, Patrick O'Hara, gently chastised his future son-in-law. Then he broke into a grin and hugged Snake Eyes as well.

    Snake Eyes used his hands to explain the short notice, mentally thanking his fiancée for teaching her family to read sign language. "I understand you wanting to be joined in front of your friends, but you sure threw our house into a dither!" Patrick exclaimed, laughing.

    Mike looked at the flurry of activity around them and joked, "Looks like you threw this place into a dither too."

    Scarlett's grandmother looked around too, "Where's Tommy?"

    The smiles on the surrounding faces disappeared in a wave of sadness. Patrick placed a hand on Snake Eyes' shoulder, "I'm sorry, son. I haven't told her what happened to him yet."

    Scarlett had sent her father a letter explaining Storm Shadow's capture and brainwashing by Cobra. Patrick now related the events to his mother. Maureen O'Hara's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she heard the tale.

    When it was over she said to Snake Eyes, "I'm sorry, love. I know ye were close to him and would want him here. Keep the faith, ye'll get him back."

    "Well, I assume these are some of our esteemed guests." Came Hawk's voice as he entered the room, stalker and Beachhead tailing him.

    Snake Eyes nodded and made the introductions. "Hawk, Stalker, my daughter has told me she served with you both since the beginning. She's told me a lot about you both, she respects you a great deal." Patrick said as he shook Hawk and Stalker's hands. He then turned to Beachhead, "She also told me that you, sir, had some rather antiquated ideas when you joined the team. But she also said that you are a loyal and reliable member of the team, and that you are damn good at what you do. She holds a good deal of respect for you as well."

    "As I respect her." Beachhead admitted, causing a stunned look on the faces of the Joes surrounding him. He continued, "After working with Scarlett, I've had to re-think my antiquated ideas. She is a courageous, resourceful and intelligent soldier and I'm proud to have served with her."

    You could have knocked every Joe in the room over with a feather, they were all shocked beyond the capability of speech. Hawk finally found his voice, "On that note, it's about time we had some dinner and then turn in for the night. We have a long day tomorrow."

* * * * * * * *

    While everyone else ate together in the mess hall, the engaged couple opted for a quiet dinner with each other. Because of his scarred face, in the past, Snake Eyes had avoided eating in front of others, even Scarlett. But tonight nothing could drag him from her side. He caught himself staring at Scarlett, and he realized he didn't care. Nothing gave him as much pleasure as seeing her smile, eat, breathe, etc. The only thing they were missing to make tomorrow perfect was the friends that couldn't be here. His parents, his sister Terry, The Hard Master, The Soft Master, The Blind Master, Kwinn, Tommy.

    Scarlett caught his pensive look and reached over to take his hand, she knew what he was thinking, "I wish he were here too." she said softly.

    He looked into her eyes and signed to her, "It's not just Tommy. It's the people who never got to meet you. My parents, Terry, the Hard Master, they all would have loved you."

    As she smiled at him he continued speaking with his hands. "Then there were those that did know you. The Blind Master asked me when we left Grenada how long I'd been in love with you. The question startled me, but he just laughed and said that even though he was blind, there were things he didn't need eyes to see. The Soft Master was quite enchanted with you, he came to see me after he'd met you. He told me if I ever let you slip through my fingers he'd personally beat me senseless."

    Scarlett giggled at that, but Snake Eyes wasn't finished, "Then there was Kwinn. He saw me write that note to you on the postcard. All he said was, 'So there is a light in the Shadow Man's darkness'. He was right, you are my light."

    Eyes sparkling, Scarlett looked at him, "I wish you could have met my mother. She was the reason I didn't date much. She always told me not to go looking for love, cause love finds you. She was right, I knew that when I met you."

    They finished their dinner and Snake Eyes walked her back to her room. She kissed his cheek and quietly said, "See you tomorrow."

* * * * * * * *

    The next morning, Snake Eyes answered a knock on his door to find Patrick O'Hara standing there. "I intercepted my sons and your friend Stalker on their way to wake you up. I'm not sure what they had planned, but it involved a bucket of ice water."

    Snake Eyes shuddered and thanked hid father-in-law-to-be for the rescue. Patrick smiled, "If you don't mind, I'd like to give you some advice."

    Snake Eyes signalled him to go ahead. "The best advice I can give you about life is take nothing for granted. Treat every smile, hug ,word, kiss like it could be the last. I never re-married after Shana's mother died. No other woman could ever come close to what I felt for my Darling Kathleen. I treasure every moment I had with her, and I'm sure you'll do the same."

    He then reached down to his left hand and removed his wedding band handing it to Snake Eyes, " Kathleen's father gave me this the day I married her, and now I'd like you to have it. You can pass it on to your children one day."

    Snake Eyes was incredibly touched by the gesture, and told Patrick he would be honored to carry on the tradition. Then Patrick helped him start preparing for the day.

* * * * * * * *

    Scarlett's room was a beehive of feminine activity. Cover Girl and Jinx primped and preened their friend for the big day. Scarlett's grandmother entered the room and laughed, 'My darlin', ye look beautiful, even if ye are still in a bathrobe." After everybody giggled she said, "May I speak to my granddaughter for a moment?"

    As her friends exited, Maureen sat down in front of Scarlett. "Will you take some advice from an old woman on your wedding night?" At Scarlett's blush and uncertain look, her grandmother smiled, "I take it ye two haven't been intimate yet?"

    "No Grandma, we haven't. I'm kind of nervous he'll be disappointed in me. I'm uncertain of how to go about the whole intimacy thing." Scarlett confessed.

    "Oh darlin', I doubt you could do anything to disappoint him. Ye saved yourself for him. In this day and age, that is a rare and special gift you'll be giving him. As for knowing what to do, just let your heart and instincts guide you. I want you to know I love ye very much, and I'm very proud of you."

    She hugged her granddaughter fiercely and then let Jinx and Cover Girl back in. They dressed Scarlett in her gown and put her veil on.

    Then she ran over some last minute details, "Okay, something old is my gown, something new is my ring, something blue is my garter,...Darn! I don't have anything borrowed."

    Jinx spoke up, "Yes, you do." She produced a perfect string of pearls, "my uncle the Hard Master gave me these for my eighth birthday. I know he'd be pleased if you wore them to marry the man he loved like a son."

    "Oh, Joan. I'd be honored to wear them." Scarlett told her friend, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Just as the pearls were clasped around her neck, Scarlett's father knocked and then entered the room. His eyes filled with tears at the sight of his youngest child in her mother's wedding gown, "You look so like your mother." He then held out his arm, "It's time."

* * * * * * * *

    Hawk stood at the front of the main assembly hall, looking over the people he'd spent the last several years with. They'd become like a family, and now they were meeting for one last time to join together two of their own. He felt like a proud father as he looked at everyone, decked out in their best for this event. Clutch, Rock N'Roll, Flash and Wild Bill looked a little regretful.

    Hawk understood and couldn't blame them. He expected at least half of the men in this outfit were in love with Scarlett. Not that any of them had a prayer at winning her. Her devotion to Snake Eyes was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

    Hawk shook his head in wonder. When he formed this team Snake Eyes was the LAST man Hawk thought he'd see married. He'd found Snakes downright spooky. Cold, emotionless,... who'd have thought he'd fall head over heels in love? Then he saw the man of the hour enter with Stalker. It was time.

* * * * * * * *

    The music started and Stalker saw a muscle twitch in Snake Eyes' jaw and his hands clench into fists, betraying his nervousness. Stalker suspected his old pal would be less nervous facing a legion of Cobras blindfolded and unarmed than he was right now.

    Cover Girl came up the aisle first. She gave him a big smile, he was too terrified to reciprocate. Jinz came next. As she got close to him she said, "It's a good thing you can't speak. "When he gave her a confused look she answered, "With the sight you're about to see if you could talk you'd just end up babbling like an idiot."

    If he wasn't sure what she meant he understood very quickly. A hush fell over the crowd, which was soon broken by the sound of awed gasps as the bride appeared. The loudest noise came from the groom as he sucked in his breath loudly. His first thought was, "Somebody pinch me, I have to be dreaming."

    She was simply too beautiful to be real. She walked down the aisle, her arm linked with her father's, wearing a smile so warm it put the sun to shame. Stalker looked from Scarlett to Snake Eyes, who seemed to be in a catatonic state. Then he finally saw a sign of life from his friend as a single tear rolled down snake Eyes' cheek.

    Scarlett's father lifted the veil from over Scarlett's face and moved it to the back of her head and spoke to her, "You are marryin' a wonderful man. Take care of each other." He then placed his daughter's hands into those of the man she loved and went to join his mother in their seats.

    Silver eyes stared in to blue, Snake Eyes still in awe of the vision before him. Hawk spoke up, "Joes, we have gathered in this hall for many reasons. Mission briefings, holidays, and even memorials. This hall has seen anger, tears, and laughter, and it is now witnessing a celebration of love. When I first put this team together I got to know a very diverse group of people. No two were more different than a mysterious commando with a look that could chill your bones and a red headed counter intelligence expert with a smile that could light up a room."

    "Snake Eyes came from a checkered past full of tragedy, he seemed determined to keep everyone at arm's length. It seemed like he lost everyone he ever cared about. So he shut himself away from others. He would just do his job and keep to himself and for the most part everyone left him alone, even me. But there was one thing he didn't count on." Hawk finished that statement with a pointed look at Scarlett. Laughter rippled through the crowd as the bride blushed and the groom smiled.

    "Scarlett was an intelligent, skilled, resourceful soldier when she joined the team. Thanks to her warm nature, she was liked by everyone. But of all the friendships she made, there was one person she was determined to win over. It wasn't easy, but as hard as Snake Eyes tried to push her away, she pushed back even harder. He tried ignoring her, dismissing her. But to no avail. Stubborn as a mule, she stuck by him, pushing her way into his heart, bringing together two people who seemed to belong with each other."

    "When asked to describe you two, one can think of a few phrases. Fire and Ice. Light and Darkness. You two temper and balance each other. You strengthen and soften each other. There is no Snake Eyes without Scarlett, no Scarlett without Snake Eyes. I have been hoping for this day for a long time and I am very proud to perform this duty for you. It's time for your vows. "

    Snake Eyes handed Hawk a piece of paper. Hawk said to the crowd, "These are Snake Eyes' words. I never thought I would meet someone like you. When I met you, I was taken totally off guard by your warmth, generosity and inner strength. I tried so hard not to love you, because I knew I couldn't bear to lose you. I was afraid to love you, because if I did, you would get hurt just like everyone else I cared about. But I couldn't help myself, you took over my heart. I thank God every day that you were too stubborn and obstinate to listen when I tried to push you away and I thank God you had the courage to love me. I swear I will love you, comfort and honor you. I will laugh with you, cry with you and enjoy every moment of life with you. You are my light, my heart, my happiness and now you will be my wife."

    The whole time Hawk spoke the words of his heart, Snake Eyes locked into Scarlett's eyes, telling her each word with his expression as he squeezed her hands.

    As Hawk finished, Scarlett's eyes were full of tears and she had to take a couple of deep breaths to compose herself before she could speak. "Snake Eyes, when I first met you there was something about you that called out to my soul. Where you seemed to want everyone to see a cold killing machine, I saw a gentle caring man that was lonely. Despite your protests I knew you needed someone. But I needed you too. You captures my heart so very quickly, and I knew you were 'the One'. You have been through so much for me, and I can never repay the suffering you've gone through for me. It was about the sacrifices you've made for me making the love I already felt grow. That you were willing to risk your life, give your face and your voice to save me, filled my heart more than I thought possible. I will get the greatest joy out of living with you, loving you, having your children and growing old with you. You are my hope, my love and my destiny and I will be proud to call you my husband." Scarlett's voice broke a little and a couple of tears escaped her eyes.

    Tears in his own eyes, Hawk spoke again, "You have both spoken from the heart, now let's make it official. Shana, do you take this man to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health? And forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him, as long as you both shall live?"

    Scarlett stared straight into those beautiful silver eyes and answered, "I do."

    Hawk turned to Snake Eyes, "Jonathan, do you take this woman to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health? And forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her as long as you both shall live?"

    Hawk watched for him to nod, but Snake Eyes had a surprise in store as he stared into his love's eyes ans SPOKE, "I do."

    His voice was whisper quiet and incredibly raspy, but it was the most beautiful sound Scarlett had ever heard, and she let out a small sob, echoing the shocked sounds coming from her teammates.

    Hawk spoke aloud again, "Having proclaimed your vows in front of God and these witnesses, it now gives me the greatest pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. Now kiss your bride, That's an order!"

    Snake Eyes took his wife in his arms and his lips descended on hers in a passionate, soul-shattering kiss. As the applause erupted, the newlyweds turned to look at their friends. Roadblock, Leatherneck and Gung Ho were blubbering like babies. Falcon was the first on his feet, cheering and whistling.

    Then Bazooka's voice boomed over the din, "Time to PARTY!!"

* * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * *

    After the meal was over, the dance floor was surrounded as Snake Eyes and Scarlett took the floor and danced to the strains of "The Power Of Love". After the first dance was over, Scarlett's father claimed the next one and through almost every dance after that the bride was twirled about the floor by several teammates. Even beachhead and Lowlight each claimed a dance.

    It was getting quite late when the couple was approached by Hawk. "Your belongings have been loaded into your car so you can head out whenever you're ready."

    "Thanks Hawk, and not just for this. If it weren't for you taking a chance on both of us, we'd never have gotten this far. You brought us together, Hawk. You have been a leader, a mentor, a father, and a friend to us all. We want you to know how much we appreciate all you've done for us. We're really going to miss you."

    Scarlett hugged Hawk as she finished and Hawk said, "I'm going to miss you two as well."

    Snake Eyes stepped forward and hugged him as well.

    Hawk said to the both of them, "You two take care of each other, all right?"

    Snake Eyes gave him one of his classic thumbs up signals. The couple then announced their departure and were blessed with a bittersweet send off from their teammates.

* * * * * * * *

    The long ride to the cabin was mostly a silent one. Scarlett had fallen asleep with her head on her husband's shoulder as he drove. He glanced down at his wife and a rush of warmth flooded his heart.

    His wife.

    Who'd have believed it? He still couldn't believe it. He kept expecting to wake up and realize it had all been a wonderful dream. He inhaled Scarlett's fragrance, sunshine and lilies. That faint scent always clung to her, even after a major battle amidst the odors of blood, gun powder, sweat and fear she still smells like sunshine and lilies.

    God I must be in love, marveling over the way she smells. He thought.

* * * * * * * *

    Some time later he pulled up to the cabin and turned the ignition off. He woke his wife with a kiss on the forehead and gentle touch on her cheek. Scarlett smiles as she opened her eyes, "We're home."

    They headed into their humble little home and set their luggage down to light a couple of lamps and started a fire in the fireplace. The anticipation in the air was tangible. This is the night they would consummate their love. They moved towards one another and met in a passionate kiss, one that seemed to have been building for years. Slowly they began to remove each other's clothing, their movements at the end almost frantic to remove the offending cloth that separated them. Laid bare to each other's eyes for the first time, Scarlett laid back on the bed stretching her arms up to welcome her love.

    His silver eyes smoldering with pure heat, Snake Eyes slowly lowered himself in to Scarlett's arms. They began to pay homage to each other's bodies. Kissing each other all over, trying to memorize every inch of one another. Their coming together was a beautiful thing. Pure, gentle and deeply meaningful, it was perfect. They peaked together and then laid there just quietly stroking each other.

    Scarlett murmured against her husband's bare chest, "What a perfect beautiful day." Then she lifted her chin so she could look into his eyes, "It must have hurt horribly when you spoke."

    Her look was a mixture of love and concern and he smiled at her warmly before signing, "I would have gone through any amount of pain to have seen that look on your face." They were both quiet for a few moments before he signed again, 'You saved yourself for me. Thank you."

    As he finished he placed his hand on her cheek. "I would have waited a thousand years for what we just experienced together."

    He got a mischievous twinkle in his eye before he signed back, "Feel up to experiencing it again?"

    She gave him a mock shocked gasp, "Who'd have thought you'd be so insatiable?"

    He replied with his hands "I will never get enough of you, my love." As he finished he bent his head to his wife's lips again.

~End~

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