Title: Something in Mind
Fandom: The Expanse
Pairing: Implied Naomi/Jim.
Rating: PG-13
Length: 505
Content notes: spoilers up until chapter 39 of Caliban's War. Discussions of marriage as a sort of friendship/business collective thing-y.
Author notes: written for Amnesty #57 - Challenge: Cake. Holden made a marriage joke so I had to, your honor.
Summary: Holden had been joking when he suggested they get married.




Holden had been joking when he suggested they get married. Sure, he brought up the initial idea thinking of his parents and their collective partnership: non-sexual, except for the relationships that had already been formed, and financially sound. He meant something a little more like incorporation and a little less til death do us part. Yet that idea had somehow turned into… this.

“I never thought I would get married,” Amos said as he stared at them with a considering look on his face as they got back to the Roci. “Definitely not to three other people at the same time.”

Naomi still looked half horrified at the entire concept of marriage despite them having signed and submitted all the necessary documentation in Europa, but she nodded. “I never thought half the things that happened to us since the Canterburry would happen to anyone. Ever.”

Holden tried not to let it show that his feelings were hurt. He didn’t think the prospect of marrying Naomi was ever as terrifying as the protomolecule and everything that had happened in Ganymede. Still, marrying Naomi and Amos and Alex did fit into the weird and bizarre sort of life they’ve been living ever since the Cant exploded.

They hadn’t even let him get the words out after he said the words “I think we get married.” He had been looking at Naomi’s reaction—sheer terror—so he had missed Amos nodding and Alex scratching at his chin like what Holden said was a good idea. It wasn’t until Amos clapped him on the shoulder a second later with an “Alright, Cap, we’ll get married” that Holden realized what he had done.

Before Holden could open his mouth to tell them he was joking, Naomi agreed.

The rest was a long trip to Europa, marriage contracts, and getting drunk.

At least they had Prax as their witness.

“At least we have cake,” Alex said with a flourish as he set down a small tray with something that looked like chocolate cake but that might have something else on the table between them.

“Nice.” Amos grinned. “Haven’t had that in a while. I’ll grab plates.”

“Congratulations,” Prax told them, lips curled up in the ghost of a smile. He hadn’t complained when they made the wedding stop here despite his missing little girl.

Holden nodded at him. He was going to find that child.

“Are you okay?” Naomi asked as she leaned pressed her leg to his under the table. In front of them, Alex was cutting the cake into slices while Amos served them into the plates.

Holden looked at her. There was not a trace of fear on her face this time. “Yeah,” he said. “I’m okay.”

Surprised, sure. Still a little shocked, but okay. His parents had been happy in a similar arrangement. Plus, there were no babies involved this time. And he knew, without question, that these people would do anything for him.

Just like he would do anything for them.

Now it was time for cake.