#moonrat

"Do you wanna get married?"

"What?"

"Do you wanna get married?"

"To you?"

"Yeah."

"No."

"Ha! Didn't think so."

"There is no way you are being serious."

"I am."

"Hmmm… Why?"

"Because there's a law, an old law... pre-Golden Age, pre-everything, but still on the books in the Last City... and therefore still law in the eyes of the Vanguard… and humanity as a whole for reasons I can't explain. Human culture is fucked up."

"What is this law?"

"That when a person is legally married they cannot be compelled in a court of law, to testify, or otherwise bear witness, against the person that they are married to."

"You think that I will... rat you out?"

"Actually, it's more protection for you, they can't make you tell... and therefore you'd be safe if you did know the details of any... questionably legal things I may or may not be involved in... including some of the more serious ones that uh... could get someone executed."

"You actually are serious."

"Yeah, but you said no, which is what I expected. And that's totally fine, neither one of us is marriage material."

"I see... very well… I accept."

"What?" "I accept."

"You said no."

"I have changed my mind. I will marry you."

"The fuck?"

"That can be negotiated later. But for the current... engagement... do we... choose a date? I am assuming there is some form of documentation. Shall we... wear rings?"

"You're not actually saying yes, are you?"

"I am. Why? Were you not prepared for this answer?"

"Damn straight I was not prepared for this answer. You're a Hunter. You don't do tied down."

"And you call yourself the Drifter. I suppose we shall just be… tied to each other then and… drift together… However, regardless of the logistics, yes… I accept your offer. Unless… of course, you wish to change your mind and withdraw it."

"What?"

"Do you wish to withdraw your offer? It's easy enough for you to get out of it. But… then you will be the one declining… not I. So, tell me, Rat… do you wish to withdraw?"

"I-"

"Hmmm?"

"Moondust, I-"

"Yes?"

"That's… Eris, that's…Uhmm..."

"It is a yes or no question. Do you... wish to withdraw... your offer?"

"Fuck."

"That activity does not require matrimony and is a separate discussion."

"Hahahah! Look… I uh… Oh hell..."

"Yes or no. Do you withdraw your offer? Speak."

"No."

"Hmmm… Well then… I suppose we shall proceed. Will you… wear a dress?"

"Uh… I'd prefer not if that's ok with you.  Drifter don't look good in white.  Just not my colour."

"I feel the same. Good. We are in agreement then."

"I'm still not sure if you're serious."

"You asked me flippantly expecting me to say no, but... this is something you actually want. It radiates off of you in waves... You desire me intensely at the same time you seek security and safety... The thought of formalizing our relationship is comforting to you. It also terrifies you but… you want this."

"I do. Holy shit... I do."

“Yes?”

“I'm bringing you dinner tonight. Whatcha want?”

“You do not need to…”

“You're right, I don't need to, but I am. So what you want?”

“I don't want anything.”

“Oh, come on, you love my cookin’. Pick something or I'll surprise you.”

“Surprise me.”

“Ok then.”

“No, wait.”

“Yes?”

“Noodles.”

“Noodles? Sure, I can do that. What kinda noodles? Ramen, udon, spaghetti…”

“Udon… with meat, and… cabbage.”

“Udon with meat and cabbage. I'll call you when it's on its way.”

“I have Ikora here.”

“Two udon with meat and cabbage. Gotcha. Three if you count me.”

“I do not know what form I will be in when you arrive."

“I'll call first and you can tell me to wait if you're feeling modest. I ain't complainin’ about your forms though. It's all you to me. Udon's probably easier to eat if you have lips, mind you. But if not, we can figure something out. See you later, many mouthed hunger!”

“Take care, Rat.”