Chapter Text
August 8th, 2025
Five blinked rapidly, wiping his palms on his pants, feeling the rush of nerves surge through him. Viktor chuckled, adjusting his bowtie and fluffing out his pocket square, exuding an air of calm confidence.
“You good, Five? You look constipated,” Klaus teased, slapping him on the shoulder while rolling a lint roller across his own suit.
“Breathe, Five. You’re turning pale,” Luther said, squinting at him in the mirror as he smoothed his own jacket.
“Jesus, it’s not like she’s going to run away or something,” Diego muttered, laughing slightly as he combed back his hair with a quick flick of his fingers.
“How’s the PI business going, Diego?” Viktor interjected, shifting the focus and giving Five a moment to breathe. Five clutched Viktor’s elbow, giving him a grateful look as he stepped away. He turned sharply toward the mirror, smoothing out his vest and adjusting the flowers pinned to his lapel.
“It’s going well. Patch and I always made a good team, you know that. We’re really picking up momentum now,” Diego replied, nodding as Klaus furiously rolled lint off his suit jacket. Diego stepped back, glaring at Klaus as he snatched the roller away and rolled Klaus instead, their playful rivalry palpable.
“We all good for the reception? Is The Umbrella all set up?” Luther asked, nodding to Viktor’s reflection still by the mirror.
“Yeah, the bar is all prepared for after. I just need to call Sarah to confirm,” Viktor replied, pulling out his phone and stepping away from the large group.
“Klaus, what happened to that audition? Are we still doing that tomorrow?” Luther continued, finally turning away from the mirror with a broad grin.
“Yep. I think we have a shot at the lead. But we’ll see,” Klaus shrugged, snatching the roller back from Diego with a mischievous grin.
“Guys. I’m really nervous,” Five admitted, shaking his hands out and pushing his hair back, a flurry of anxiety bubbling within him.
“Five, you’ll be fine. Just walk down the aisle, and Lila will follow you soon,” Klaus reassured him, trying to catch his gaze, but Five’s eyes darted back and forth in a frenzy.
Viktor returned, striding purposefully, sighing as he went to fix Five’s hair once again. “Stop touching your hair, Five!”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” Five fumbled with the buttons instead. “Are we all good for the reception?”
“Yeah, Sarah is coming back now,” Viktor confirmed.
“Woah, Five! I see you! Looking sharp!” Allison burst through the door, whistling and nodding at his clean suit. “Lila is almost done, too. People are starting to get drunk already, so we’ve got to speed this up.” She circled her fingers rapidly, urging them forward.
“How? It’s only 1 PM!” Five scrunched his face in confusion.
“It’s a wedding, Five. Time is irrelevant,” Allison grinned, fixing his flowers and hair along with Viktor.
As the soft music from the quartet began to fill the air, the first of the procession entered. Luther walked down the aisle with his date, a bright smile lighting up his face as he waved at friendly faces. The Sun glinted off his custom black suit, making him look sharp as he approached the front rows where Reginald and Abigail sat. Abigail was already a teary mess, her emotions spilling over in the front row.
Next came Diego, walking hand in hand with Patch. They exchanged soft kisses before beginning their slow walk down the aisle. Diego waved at Ben and Jennifer from afar, who cheered for them, while the serene sounds of the lake surrounded them. Eudora beamed up at him, her pride evident.
Following them was Klaus, linking arms with Allison, the maid of honor. As they strolled down the aisle, she winked at Talia, who was watching from the crowd. Klaus had been holding the bouquet, but Allison snatched it from him at the end of the aisle, prompting laughter from the guests. The wind picked up, causing the inside of his suit jacket to sway and burst with vibrant color, creating a stunning contrast against Klaus's sleek black suit. Allison's dress cascaded elegantly down her body, accentuating her tall figure, while her curly hair bounced playfully to the rhythm of her steps.
Then came Viktor, beaming and excited, arms linked with Sarah, stepping in as the man of honor. He beamed brightly at Dr. Gold, who was already standing and sniffling at the sight of the ceremony unfolding.
Five was shaking his hands in an attempt to expel some of the adrenaline coursing through him. He was slightly panicking at the realization of the large group of people they had carefully chosen to invite. Some were witnesses to their entire journey, while others were friends of friends he had grown to love, all representing a family that had saved him countless times.
It’ll be fine. Lila will meet you there. You just need to walk first…
Yet Five felt fully panicked now, his heart racing and his palms slick with sweat, refusing to step forward even as everyone else had already made their way down the aisle. The laughter and chatter of their friends faded into a distant hum, replaced by the pounding of his own pulse in his ears. He stood rooted in place, his mind a chaotic swirl of doubts and fears. What if he stumbled? What if he forgot his vows? The weight of the moment pressed down on him, and he felt a heavy knot form in his stomach.
But then he saw her. Lila was next to him, and for the first time since that morning, she looked like a different person. Gone was the familiar woman he had spent countless apocalypses with; in her place stood a vision of grace and beauty that made his breath hitch. Her hair was slicked back into a loose bun, with delicate wisps framing her face, and a veil attached at the base cascaded down like a soft waterfall, matching her long, lace-adorned dress that flowed elegantly with every subtle movement. The intricate patterns of the lace caught the light, accentuating her silhouette and transforming her into something ethereal.
Five blinked, momentarily stunned, unsure how to react to the radiance she exuded. Each time he saw her, it took his breath away, but this was different—a magnetic force drawing him in, grounding him amidst his spiraling thoughts. He felt as though the world around them had blurred, leaving only her sharp and vivid presence in focus.
Lila slid her shaking hands into his, her touch both warm and reassuring, a balm to his frayed nerves. She nodded with confidence, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and love. Leaning in, she pressed her lips against his temple, a gentle gesture that felt like a promise—a reminder that they were in this together. Her breath tickled his skin, igniting a flicker of calm within him.
Gently, she pulled him toward the entrance, their bodies moving in sync as if choreographed by the very fabric of their shared history. Each step brought them closer to a new beginning, and in that moment, the suffocating panic began to fade, replaced by a deep-rooted sense of purpose. With her by his side, he felt a burgeoning strength, a certainty that together they could face anything that lay ahead.
“You want to do this together?” she asked, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and reassurance.
“Always,” Five whispered, still awestruck, his voice breaking under the weight of her confidence in him—and in them. The warmth of her presence enveloped him, a cocoon of hope that made him believe in the possibility of their future.
Ahead of them, Grace danced down the aisle, her youthful exuberance infectious, with Claire following closely behind. The two of them giggled softly as Grace began playfully tossing the flowers at the guests and scattering petals across the floor, her laughter ringing out like a melody that echoed through the crowd. It was a joyful chaos, a celebration of love and the journey that had led them here.
Lila waved brightly at her family, twins in her brother's and mom's arms, dad quietly crying. She blew a kiss, smiling so brightly it hurt her cheeks. Five nodded at his family ahead, lined up and looking sharp, knowing how much they loved him.
When they reached the end of the aisle, Ben stepped forward to officiate, a broad grin lighting up his face.
“Welcome, everyone. We are gathered here today to get these suckers married!” Ben announced, pumping his hands in the air as the crowd erupted in cheers. The joyous uproar washed over Five and Lila, filling the air with energy and anticipation.
A bright laugh bubbled up from Lila's stomach as she threw her head back, scrunching her nose in delight. Five couldn’t help but join her, his laughter mingling with hers, their hands still tightly clasped, anchoring them in the shared joy of the moment.
Ben's expression shifted, his voice taking on a deeper tone as he continued, “These two have fought, clawed, and survived to get to this moment. Their love is one of the strongest I’ve ever had the privilege to witness, and I am… forever grateful for that. It has shown me how I should love, inspired me to continuously give, and reminded me that if we have each other, genuinely nothing could stop us.” He nodded reassuringly at both of them, his gaze brimming with warmth, affirming the depth of their bond.
“Now, Five, please say your vows.”
Five straightened his bowtie nervously, his fingers twitching as he tried to smooth his hair. But Viktor, standing just behind him, playfully slapped his hand away, causing the group to erupt in laughter. Despite the lightheartedness, Five took a deep breath, letting the laughter fade as he locked eyes with Lila, his anchor in the storm of nerves swirling inside him.
“Lila. My love, standing here with you feels surreal. I still can’t believe we’ve finally made it to this moment,” Five said, his voice quivering with emotion as he took a steadying breath. “I cannot promise you that I will outlive you or that we’ll escape every danger that comes our way. I can’t guarantee safety or the perfect life we’ve dreamed of because the world we live in is anything but predictable. But,” he paused, searching her eyes, “I can promise you that my love for you will echo through every heartbeat, every timeline, even beyond my many deaths.
I vow to stand beside you, fiercely and unwaveringly, through every joy and every storm. I will be your protector, your partner, the one who comforts you in your tears and stands with you in your rage. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way, united against the world and the relentless march of time.
You are my Sun, illuminating the darkest corners of my soul, and in your light, I find my strength. If you are the Sun, then I am the Moon, forever reflecting your brilliance and sharing in your glow. Our connection transcends the boundaries of this world, weaving through every timeline and every lifetime.
With every fiber of my being, I am profoundly and irrevocably grateful for what we have, for the love we’ve nurtured against all odds. I vow to ensure that, no matter what happens, we will always be the ones who make it. Together, now and for all time.”
Lila stared at him, tears streaming down her face, each drop a testament to the depth of her emotions. Five reached over and gently wiped one away, his gaze shifting nervously to Ben. “Was that bad? Why is everyone so quiet?”
“No, Five. That was good. You did really well,” Ben replied, clearing his throat, his own tears glistening as he fought to maintain his composure. It struck Five then that the stillness in the hall was laden with shared vulnerability, everyone captivated by his vow. He blinked, trying to grasp the significance of his simple truth.
Lila leaned in, wanting to kiss Five despite her tears and the tightness in her chest. But Ben playfully interrupted, “Hey, slow down. That’s not until the end!” His lighthearted tone was enough to break the tension, laughter rippling through the crowd and lifting the weight of their tears.
“Lila… try to top that, I guess,” Ben said, raising his eyebrows and wiping another tear from his cheek, his playful challenge inviting warmth from the guests.
“Mine is definitely not as good as that, so everyone be prepared,” Lila began, her voice steadying as she wiped tears away with trembling hands. Allison, ever prepared, handed her a tissue, offering silent support. Lila pulled out a small sheet of paper from her chest, wedged securely within the fabric of her dress, and took a deep breath to calm her racing heart.
“Five, love.” She wiped away another tear, her voice thick with emotion. “First, I need to tell you how much I love you. It’s an inconceivable amount—something that I don’t think is even legally supposed to exist in one person. I hope you know how much easier it is to breathe, sleep, think, eat, and live when I’m next to you. I know you’re aware of the great lengths I’ll go to keep you safe, warm, and by my side. But one thing you don’t fully grasp is how much there is of you that I cherish.
I love it when you wake me up in the morning with that sleepy smile. I treasure every kiss you’ve given me throughout our many timelines together. I adore each version of you that emerges, and the vibrant colors of who you are. I love the joy and life you bring to our kids, the way you nurture them with love. I love the way you sleep, the way you love fiercely, and the way you protect those you hold dear with unwavering devotion. I like to believe that I’m the only one who truly sees you through every timeline.
This… is something I know I can do better than you.” Lila paused, her tears momentarily stilled, her eyes glued to the page as she glanced at Five, a flicker of worry crossing her features as she laid bare her heart.
"My dear love, I hope you know that I love you with everything I’ve ever had.
I vow to be with you through every pain and sorrow we may face.
I vow to laugh with you through all the challenges and fears.
I vow to stand beside you as we die together because I refuse to outlive you.
I vow to be the best partner I can be, growing and changing alongside you.
I vow to be beside you in every timeline, even if destiny pulls us apart.
I vow to find you through every wreckage, carnage, and hell.
I vow my love for you transcends time and space, and everything in between.”
Finally looking up, Lila saw Five already stepping towards her, and pulling her into a kiss. He dipped her back, her veil falling under her, the Sun radiantly shining above them, the water calm, ducks flying off as the guests clapped, and a singular willow tree, swaying by the water.
“We’re still not there…” Ben muttered, but both Five and Lila pointed a middle finger at them still deep in their kiss.
“Okay! By the power invested in me, by me, and solely by me, I pronounce you married! You may continue kissing the bride!” Ben nodded as Five laughed through their kiss. Straightening up, Five leaned his forehead against her, laughing.
“We’re married now!” Five chuckled, pressing another kiss on her.
She grabbed his face and kissed him harder and deeper, staggering Five off balance.
“Lila. Lila… slow down. You can do that after.” Ben tried to steady them, and Lila pulled back, still laughing.
Five pulled her back in for three short kisses, and she returned them all back.
The Umbrella was the perfect venue for an intimate reception. Rather than spending a fortune on catering, the immediate family gathered at Viktor’s bar, where the atmosphere was laid-back, with drinks flowing and plates filled with delicious food ranging from finger sandwiches to decadent pastries.
Abigail and Reginald swayed to the music, moving with grace. Abigail’s laughter, light and genuine, filled the room, while Reginald—usually composed—appeared softened, captivated by the moment. Their eyes sparkled with shared memories, reflecting the joy of being surrounded by family.
In one corner, Klaus and Luther were deep in conversation, with Klaus's animated hand gestures contrasting with the serious expression on Luther’s face. Their discussion carried the weight of years of shared experiences, but Klaus's charm broke through, drawing occasional smiles from Luther. Despite it all, their brotherly bond was undeniable.
Behind the bar, Viktor mixed drinks with precision, his movements fluid and confident. Sarah stood by his side, matching his energy as they exchanged lighthearted banter, sharing playful nudges and laughter while they worked. Viktor’s natural ease in the role of bartender shone brightly, his skill evident as he entertained both Sarah and the guests with witty remarks and expertly crafted cocktails that delighted the palate.
Nearby, Ben and Jennifer joined the duo, engaging in animated conversation. They took turns explaining parts of their lengthy history to Sarah, who was still acclimating to the intricacies of their intertwined lives. Jennifer, in particular, radiated a newfound sense of belonging; she looked as though she had finally found her place in the world.
Since moving back into the city with them, Ben and Jennifer had played pivotal roles in ensuring the wedding ran smoothly. Now, relieved of previous responsibilities, they embraced the joy of normalcy, settling comfortably back into society together. Their camaraderie felt effortless, a testament to the bonds that had weathered countless storms and emerged stronger than ever.
At the bar stools, Allison and Talia shared a flirtatious exchange, their laughter blending with the background music. Allison’s radiant smile lit up the room, while Talia’s quick wit kept the playful back-and-forth going. Their connection was magnetic, easily drawing others into their orbit as they reveled in the lighthearted fun.
Diego and Eudora, meanwhile, entertained Claire and Grace with animated stories and playful teasing. Diego, as always, excited to tell his hero moments, while Eudora added her own dry humor to the mix. Claire and Grace hung on their every word, giggling at the tales, fully absorbed in the lively conversation. It was a picture of easy familial warmth, the kind of togetherness that felt natural and strong.
Across the room, Dr. Gold was steadily working his way through a drink, surrounded by a small group of techs who had been instrumental in saving Five’s life. Their laughter punctuated the air as they recounted shared challenges. Dr. Gold, often serious, was now relaxed, his laughter louder than usual as he basked in the camaraderie of the group, grateful for the second chance they had all fought for.
As the first dance began, the gentle strains of their song filled the room. Five leaned in close to Lila, his voice soft as he sang in her ear, Our love is here to stay… for ever and a day… They swayed together, eyes closed, savoring the intimacy of the moment. In each other’s arms, the rest of the world seemed to fall away, their new life already unfolding in that quiet, shared space.
After their dance, Five swept Grace into his arms, holding her tightly as they shared whispered words. Grace’s joy radiated, her smile lighting up their private exchange. The bond between them was unmistakable, their love unspoken yet deeply felt. When Claire danced with Five next, she stretched out her arms, giggling as he twirled her around, the playful teasing between them making everyone smile.
Lila danced with Diego, their connection evident as they moved together. Both of them radiated genuine happiness for one another, their smiles brightening the room. Their whispered conversation flowed seamlessly, filled with shared memories and inside jokes that only years of friendship could foster. Each laugh echoed with the weight of their history, reflecting a bond built on mutual respect and unwavering support. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, allowing them to bask in the joy of each other’s company, a testament to the deep understanding they had cultivated over the years.
When Five finally reclaimed Lila for their dance, he leaned down, his voice soft and filled with longing. “I wish we could invite Doc. And Sloane. And Grace,” he murmured, a hint of nostalgia threading through his words.
“Me too,” Lila replied, her chin resting comfortably on his shoulder. “I was thinking about them earlier.” A chuckle escaped her lips, blending seamlessly with the warm atmosphere around them.
Five’s grin was palpable, even against her skin. “You are my wife now,” he declared, his tone light but brimming with affection.
“And you are my husband, holy shit,” Lila laughed back, shaking with delight at the weight of their new titles. The laughter between them was infectious, a bright spark that ignited their hearts. Five instinctively pulled her closer, as if wanting to shield their happiness from the world.
“Wow. If I told my past self that we’d actually get married, he’d stroke out and die,” Five mumbled against her neck, his breath warm and tender. The image of his younger self collapsing in disbelief brought a smile to Lila’s face.
“If I told my past self, she’d probably agree right away, like it was the most obvious thing in the world,” Lila replied, gently smoothing the back of his neck with her fingertips, grounding them both in the reality of their love.
“God, I love you so much,” Five breathed in deep, the words laced with sincerity.
“I love you more,” Lila grinned, her heart swelling as she pulled him in for a kiss. Their lips met, sealing their vows in the warmth of the moment, each heartbeat echoing the promises they had made to one another.
August 8th, 2036
“Jesus Christ, guys. You don’t have to walk me all the way in. I’ll be fine,” Grace said, gently pushing everyone back.
“But you need help with unpacking and everything. What if you need to move the fridge?” Diego murmured, already inching forward, but Grace firmly pushed him back again.
“We can help you with registration, too,” Five chimed in, attempting to push forward alongside Diego, but Grace shot them both a stern look, prompting them to back away.
“Five, not you too,” Grace whined, and Five saw the familiar glint of childhood mischief in her brown eyes. “I am an adult now, remember? I’m going to meet Claire later, and she’ll help me with all of that.”
“But you are our little Gracy,” Lila interjected, stepping between them and pulling Grace into a hug. Grace was now the same height as Lila, and with each passing year, their resemblance grew strikingly similar, their shared features even more apparent.
“I was your little Gracy,” Grace protested, attempting to pull away from the suffocating embrace. “Guys, I really have to go.”
“Jesus, when did you grow up so fast, kid?” Five said, shoving his hair back as he stuffed his hands in his pockets, quickly wiping away a few unshed tears.
“Five, no, no. Don’t start crying. Because if you cry, Mom’s gonna cry, then it’s gonna make Dad cry…” Grace was abruptly swept into Diego’s embrace, who peeled Lila away, burying his face in her shirt.
“Our little baby is going to be a freshman! In university! At MIT! What the hell happened? You were just a baby yesterday!” Diego sobbed, his voice thick with emotion. When he finally let go, Grace was already losing her battle against tears, her brown eyes shimmering with unshed emotion.
“Guys… stop. You are going to make me cry, and it’ll all be a mess,” Grace said, desperately trying to wipe her face.
Five opened his arms wide, waiting for his turn.
“Thanks, Uncle Five, for always coming to save me,” Grace muttered into his shirt. “I love you.”
“Love you too, kid.” Five sniffled against her shoulder, tilting his head back to stave off the tears that threatened to spill over. “You know, it’s all because of me that you could write a banger college essay.”
Grace laughed heartily, throwing her head back, her nose scrunching up just like Lila’s.
“You are not wrong,” she said between giggles, her tears nearly dried.
“Good luck, babes. Call me anytime. And if you run out of food, you call me,” Lila said, brushing Grace's hair down, her lips trembling again. “Oh… Jesus. Stop growing!” She shook Grace’s shoulders playfully.
“I refuse!” Grace grinned back, pressing her forehead against Lila’s. Then, with a quick wave and a bright smile, she dashed back inside her dorm house.
Lila reached out to grab Five’s hand—warm, familiar, and always there. She squeezed it three times, and he returned them all back with a small grin.