No Better Version of Me Than When I'm With You

Chapter 1

Newt nodded, fingers fiddling with the hem of his tux jacket. Thomas took the moment to appraise him; he had done his hair so it laid nicely, only a few stray pieces flopping over his forehead, and he had to admit Newt looked incredible in the tuxedo he had picked out. They had both rented one because neither of them had had the pleasure of attending any weddings yet, nor did they think they'd need one again any time soon. He had picked out a burgundy so dark it almost read as black but not quite, and Thomas had coordinated by wearing a red lapel with his traditional black tux.

"Can't believe your mum is coming to take pictures. It's not like this is that important." Newt said quietly, conscious of the other couples that surrounded them.

Thomas laughed lightly, "I agree, but you know my mom. She likes to go overboard with these things. Plus, won't it help to have some sort of documentation- "

"You mean other than the marriage certificate?"

"Besides that, duh. And I meant for your green card application, they're going to want proof, you know."

"Let's worry about that later, hm?" Newt rolled his eyes, but Thomas knew he agreed with him. He was right in a sense, though. One thing at a time. Focus on getting the marriage certificate, then worry about everything else.

"Thomas Greene and Newton Isaacs?"

Thomas startled when their names were called, turning his head to see the officiant standing in a now-open doorway. Just behind him he could see several rows of seats, a few of which were filled with the most familiar and comfortable of people. His friends and family. Even his younger brother Chuck had insisted on coming, despite it being wholly unnecessary. He looked back at Newt and held out his hand. Newt took it and they stood as one, Thomas suddenly flooded with self-doubt.

Was what they were about to do absolutely insane? Being legally bound to his best friend was a big deal, but then again, they'd shared everything in each other's lives for the better part of four years, so realistically not much would change. Still, the ring burned a hole in his pocket. He'd be relieved when the ceremony was over.

Pressure on his hand dragged him back to center, and Newt nudged his shoulder. A comforting smile bloomed on his face and everything was okay in the world again. "We got this, Tommy."

Thomas nodded, "Yeah, we got this."

The room was silent as they walked in, and suddenly all eyes were on them. As they walked up to the front, Thomas saw the glint of a camera lens aimed at them. He hoped he didn't look too fraught with tension, and forced himself to relax.

He let go of Newt's hand as they stepped up to the officiant and turned to face him. Newt did the same, and the officiant began a small speech about the joining of two people and what it meant, before asking them if they'd like to say their vows.

Thomas' heart beat rapidly as Newt cleared his throat, preparing to begin.

"I, Newt, take you, my best friend, as my lawfully wedded husband. Honestly, I never thought we'd be here, but here we are. You're stuck with me, whether you want to be or not. And I'm stuck with you, for the good days and the bad days and every one in between. So here's to hoping this works the way we want it to. I love you, Tommy." His voice was steady, and his gaze held Thomas' so intensely, until he looked down to take his hand and slide the simple gold band onto his finger. Their fingers stayed intertwined as Thomas took a deep breath and began his own vows.

"I, Thomas, take you, the man I knew would be important to me the moment I met you, as my lawfully wedded husband. You have since proven time and time again you'll let me drag you into all of my crazy plans at the drop of a hat, and I'm forever grateful for your steadying presence by my side. I couldn't do this without you."