#ahsdlask i had to write this with sceaming kids int he background and it probably shows

[freemase]

❛ instead of parting ways, what would you say to remaining together as an actual married couple for both our sakes? ❜ (dont mind my sobbing)

Isaac dropped the datapad to the surface of his desk with a clatter. He looked tired, the top buttons of his uniform undone and his hair messed from running his hands through it. Mason wished he could have been the reason for it, instead they were back on the Berlin, once again taking orders from the top brass and none of them good.

Mason didn’t know where this left them.

“I was thinking,” Isaac started, leaning back against the edge of his desk. “Instead of parting ways, what would you say to remaining together. As… as an actual married couple for both our sakes?”

Mason’s hearing was better than good but for a brief moment, he wondered if he needed to see the team about a diagnostic.

Isaac couldn’t be saying what he thought he was saying… was he?

“What? Was that a proposal?”

Isaac regarded him calmly, his tone measured. Unflappable. “I told you from the start, Mason. I’m not interested in just… a fling.”

Mason’s eyes narrowed. “And I told you I wasn’t either. I was playing for keeps, Zac.”

“Then keep me. Marry me, Mason. Fuck, this… So wasn’t exactly how I had planned to ask you.”

Mason was acutely aware of the room they were in, back on the Berlin, surrounded by the weight of Isaac’s Alliance commitments. Their planet side interlude had been sheer magic and Mason had thrown himself head first over the cliff only to land securely in Isaac’s arms. They’d built on whatever simmering attraction had been there from the beginning – and Mason could admit that now, that it had always been there, masquerading as respect and admiration for the Captain’s capable leadership but in reality so much more. But now, called back to duty, the cold touch of the Alliance had left him frozen in time and unsure of his place.

The war was over, Isaac had been promoted for Admiral and the phoenix rehabilitation program to be scaled back and disbanded.

Mason wasn’t sure where that left him.  He was a relic now, of the world before, and while the Alliance had been willing to overlook his past affiliations with the Cerberus organization, he was expecting them to call in their chips now.

In all likelihood, they would rip him far away from Isaac and he’d been trying to prepare himself for that.

“Marry you,” Mason breathed, closing his eyes to savour the thought – just for a moment. The possibility hadn’t been one he could let himself think about. His last marriage had been a shambles. “Isaac…”

Isaac glanced away, as though knowing where mason’s thoughts had gone. His mouth pursed but then he turned back and offered Mason the smallest, saddest smile.

“I’ve only ever asked one other person this question, Mase. I meant it then but she died. And for a long time, for a really long time, I didn’t let myself think I could ever ask it again. But with you… I want it. I want you to marry me and stay beside me. Make all the things we talked about on the farm a reality.”

“But the Alliance-“

“I’ll protect you. They want to make me an Admiral? Fine, but that means they’re not going to fucking touch my husband- phoenix or not.”

Mason’s breath hitched in spite of himself. “Say that again.”

The curve of Isaac’s mouth was beautiful as he straightened. His hand found Mason’s jaw. He held him in place and tilted Mason’s chin up, forcing their eyes to meet and Mason… Mason saw their future there in those brown eyes.

“Husband,” Isaac said firmly. “If you’ll have me.”

Mason curled his fingers around Isaac’s wrist, squeezing gently. He felt dampness prick at the corners of his eyes and he wondered how he could be so lucky. How did he deserve this? Isaac was everything. “I love you,” he said hoarsely. “I love you, Isaac. I love you with every fibre of my being. I’m saying yes because I want a life with you. Not because I’m afraid to face anything the Alliance wants to throw at me.”

Isaac’s thumb brushed over his cheek, smiling. There were galaxies in his eyes Mason wanted to lose himself in. “I know. And whatever happens, we’ll face it together. I’m not letting you go.”

Mason slid his hands around Isaac’s hips and drew him in close. He breathed Isaac in, the scent of his aftershave and the hint of his hair gel he only bothered with on duty familiar and comforting now that he knew they would be together. The Alliance could try taking Isaac on, but they would lose.

“You and me?”

“You and me,” Isaac murmured. Then he kissed him.