Chapter Text
The cliche yet romantic song "A Thousand Years" began to play as the wedding started. First came Raphael's groomsman, each pair off with one of Simon's before Raphael himself came down the aisle with a surprise guest, his mother. Though a woman decades old she was determined to give her son away no matter what, she wanted to send her little boy off to his true love. Once they reached the altar they kissed each others cheek before he helped her sit down in her seat then went to stand by Magnus.
The whole room suddenly stood up and faced the door, their "bride" was coming. Seconds later the doors opened to the sight of Simon being walked down the aisle by none other than Jocelyn Fairchild. Some people gasped in shock while others shared worried glances at the presence of another Shadowhunter, especially the mother of "She Who Shall Not Be Named". But what the clan didn't know is that they ran into her on their way out of the trial. Of course Raphael was wary, concerned and angry that she'd be like her daughter but he was pleasantly surprised when her reaction was the opposite of what he expected. She cried for Simon and was furious that her child would do something like this to her best friend just because of who he loved. Simon was so happy to hear this that he asked her to give him away, Jocelyn was honored but worried about what others would think but Raphael said it was no trouble and she agreed.
When they reached the altar too Jocelyn kissed Simon's forehead and sat down next to Raphael's mother in the front row. The two grooms turned to each other and forget themselves for a moment, just taking in how beautiful their partner looked and that this was really happening. A forced cough pulled them out of their dazes and to the man standing next to them, the clan's eldest vampire and their minister Artemis.
"If you two are done I'd like to begin"
A small wave of laughter filled the room and if they could blush the boys would be pink right now. They apologized quietly and joined hands, which was Artemis's cue to start.
"Today we do not just celebrate the joining of Simon Lewis and Raphael Santiago, today we celebrate their victories and triumphs against those who have caused them harm. Today we celebrate a unity amongst the Downworlds that their relationship has brought us. Simon has given us the support of the Werewolves and two of the Clave's finest Shadowhunters and Raphael has brought all of us Vampires together as a powerful and fearless leader along with the High Warlock of Brooklyn. Today we celebrate peace, today we celebrate life!"
The crowd burst into brief applause but quickly died down so the ceremony could continue.
"Before we begin I have to ask: does anyone object to this union? Speak now or forever hold your peace"
Raphael looked sternly at everyone in the room, telling them with his eyes that if they dare say anything it wouldn't end well for them.
"If Clary jumps out I swear I'm going to kill her" Simon mumbled angry and annoyed to himself but everyone heard so they all shared another laugh. With no objections and no surprise visits from unwelcomed guests they were able to move forward.
"The grooms have written their own vows, Raphael you may go first"
Raphael stared into Simon’s eyes and for a moment he forgot everything he was going to say, how could any words describe how much he loved this man? He came back to himself when Simon squeezed his hand and gave him a nervous smile. So Raphael took a deep yet unnecessary breath and began:
“Simon, when you came into my life you turned it upside down and it was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I was in a dark place, serving a darker evil then you came along and brought the light with you. And I know that me being in your life has changed it and I am so sorry for the things you’ve lost and I will spend the rest of our lives filling that void as best as I can. And I will also spend the rest of our days making up for what an asshole I can be. You are the love of my life Simon Lewis, dead or undead and I can’t wait to spend eternity loving you”
The room was in tears when Raphael finished and out of the corner of his eye he could see Miss Fairchild passing his mother a tissue and that made him smile slightly.
“Simon you may begin your vows”
Simon gave himself a moment to compose himself after hearing Raphael’s vows before he started to recite his vows.
“Raphael, you are everything I never knew I wanted till I met you. When we met for the first time you were hanging me upside down and using me as a bargaining chip but it changed my entire perspective for the better. For years I believed I was in love with someone who was only bringing me down but you bring out the best in me, even if I annoy you half the time. If I hadn’t been thrown into this world you’d be the thing missing in my life and I can’t even imagine what my life would have been like without you in it. I love you Raphael Santiago and I’m going to spend forever showing you just how much”
The room was in tears again and Raphael himself wiped away a few and he wanted nothing more than to kiss Simon, in this moment it felt like it had been centuries since they kissed.
“Can we have the rings please?” Artemis spoke out through the tears. The grooms turned to their best man/maid of honor and took the rings.
“With this ring I give you forever”
“With this ring I give you forever”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure and pride to pronounce Simon Lewis and Raphael Santiago husbands and partners for life. Now let’s have a kiss!”
The room erupted with cheers as their leaders were too happy to oblige and gave each other a long and passionate kiss. When they pulled apart they found themselves in the middle of a group hug with their entire wedding party and all of their guests.
“Now let’s party!” Magnus shouted and everyone shared a laugh.
A Few Hours Later
Simon and Raphael lay on their bed, just taking it all in. They were officially married, together forever in every way. And as they imagined their future Simon was sporting a goofy grin while Raphael wore a pleased smiled.
“We’re married; we’re actually married” Simon whispered to himself.
“Backing out on me already are you?” Raphael joked as he turned to face his husband.
“Never, you’re stuck with me forever”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way”
“Good, now kiss me”
Raphael placed a soft hand on Simon’s cheek and pulled him in for a sweet kiss that after a few moments turned into a fiery passion. Simon wrapped his arms around Raphael’s shoulders while Raphael went for Simon’s waist. Their wedding night (or day) had begun.
Tonight was the first day of the rest of their lives, and they couldn’t wait.