❛ It's always been just him and me, together. So, I bet all I have on that furrowed brow and at least in this lifetime we're sticking together. ❜

SEASON 5, EPISODE 2
strangers

CAL AND BIANCA WERE asked by Rick to stay behind with Carl, Judith, and Tyreese. Rick claimed he didn't trust anyone else to stay with his kids but them. Cal was thankful they were given some time to rest and for his plan to be set in motion.

⠀⠀⠀When coming across a priest in the middle of the woods, Cal took the opportunity to do something that might not be able to happen for some time. Before the prison fell, Cal had started thinking about proposing to Bianca. It seemed kind of silly to do something as traditional as get married when the world was burning around them. But then, how often did they get the opportunity to do something normal for a change. Cal believed that tradition should be carried on into their new world however people wanted to take it. He just hoped Bianca would also like to take that step with him.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca, Cal, and Carl sat inside the church when Rick stopped by to say goodbye to his son. It gave Cal the perfect opportunity to excuse himself and head outside.

⠀⠀⠀"Daryl!" Cal shouted, catching the man's attention, and nodded for him to join him away from the group.

⠀⠀⠀Daryl's brows furrowed as he cautiously walked over. He asked hesitantly, "Everything alright?"

⠀⠀⠀"Everything's—Yeah, everything's fine," Cal said, slightly out of breath despite hardly exerting himself. God, he was nervous.

⠀⠀⠀"Doesn't look like it," Daryl commented with a slight quirk on his lips. "What's up?"

⠀⠀⠀"I want to ask Bianca to marry me," Cal said quickly before it dried up like sand on his tongue.

⠀⠀⠀Both of Daryl's brows raised, and his eyes widened in shock. He stared and stared, not saying anything, and Cal wanted to crumble under the weight.

⠀⠀⠀"Alright," Daryl said, watching Cal warily with nothing else to say.

⠀⠀⠀"I want your blessing," Cal continued.

⠀⠀⠀Daryl rolled his eyes and started to chew on a hangnail.

⠀⠀⠀"You don't need my blessing," Daryl muttered.

⠀⠀⠀"You're the closest thing to a father she has... she's ever had. So, yes, I do need your blessing," Cal told him with a wary smile.

⠀⠀⠀Daryl stared at Cal for a long moment. He had an expression that Cal could now read as apprehension and unease after spending so much time with him lost in the woods. Daryl wasn't sure what to say. Maybe he never realized the bond he and Bianca shared or never wanted to admit it to himself. But everyone knew it. Even Cal, the first time he showed up in the prison, could see it on his face. He cared for Bianca like nothing he ever had and vice versa.

⠀⠀⠀"Yeah, sure, whatever," Daryl muttered. There was a shine to his eyes that Cal noticed while Daryl waved him off. Cal smirked but didn't push it.

AFTER EVERYONE LEFT, THE church was quiet. Carl held Judith as he sat in the pews while Tyreese found a Bible and read it to kill time. Bianca was lying on her back in the pews towards the back, watching Cal pace the small room. He checked the windows, then the rooms, and finally stopped by Carl. He bent down and whispered quietly to him. Bianca raised a brow at the sudden conversation.

⠀⠀⠀A wide smile crossed Carl's face and caught Bianca's gaze. Quickly, he looked away as if Bianca wouldn't notice. Then, Carl nodded to Cal and whispered that he and Tyreese could handle it.

⠀⠀⠀Cal stood, his hand resting on Carl's shoulder, and squeezed it. Then, he glanced at Bianca with a thin, almost hidden smile and nodded for her to follow.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca did, her eyes narrowing as she passed Carl, who could not look at her, and Tyreese, who watched them curiously. She heard Carl stand as soon as they walked into Gabriel's office and whispered loudly to Tyreese. She looked out at them, still unable to make out what Carl said before the door closed behind her.

⠀⠀⠀"What's the matter—?"

⠀⠀⠀Bianca turned to find Cal on one knee. Her heart stopped beating altogether, and she nearly fainted at the sight of him. This was something she never expected. Not now. Not when the world was shit.

⠀⠀⠀"Cal?" Bianca asked, her throat closing as his name barely clawed its way out of her throat. He held an imaginary ring between them, and she was already beginning to cry.

⠀⠀⠀"Bianca," he said with a crack in his voice. He cleared his throat, smiled, and took her hand. He pulled her closer so she was staring down her nose at him. "Since the day I first saw you—"

⠀⠀⠀"Yes!" she exclaimed, unable to hold it in as she tackled him into a hug.

⠀⠀⠀Cal laughed loudly. He wiped his eyes before she pulled back and dragged him in for a wet kiss. His lips were electric, and for a moment, she could envision their loving life ahead. He wiped the tears from her cheeks before resting his palms along them, his fingers gripping her jaw. He pulled back slightly, close enough that their noses brushed.

⠀⠀⠀"We can get married tonight. I already talked to Gabriel."

⠀⠀⠀"You had this all planned out," Bianca realized, kissing his skin.

⠀⠀⠀"Well, when I realized... yeah," Cal mumbled as Bianca's lips dragged further down his skin and planted lovingly at his neck.

⠀⠀⠀It'd been a long time since they were alone. Alone and with a door. The separation between them and the rest of the church made them all the more needy. Her fingers played with the nape of his neck as his fingers dragged along her thighs. Her lips were like Heaven against his skin, his heart pulsing with tender love, and he felt right at home as they fell out of order on their wedding day.

BIANCA DIDN'T HAVE A white dress or months of planning and anticipation for a beautiful wedding. She was given a church still standing, her found family, and most importantly, Cal.

⠀⠀⠀She stood outside the church, the wooden doors closed, but murmuring filtered from inside. The trees waved with the breeze, and birds chirped. Their songs gave Bianca a little bit of peace, as if their presence meant there was no danger to worry about. Terminus was miles away, their stomachs were satiated, and tradition still came to pass.

⠀⠀⠀Maggie appeared from behind the church with the biggest smile Bianca had ever seen. The setting sun caught her hair in golden threads as she carried a small bundle of wildflowers. They were weak, mostly white, and drooped slightly. Bianca's heart warmed at the sight of them.

⠀⠀⠀"The florist was closed, so I hope these'll do okay," Maggie said, her smile never fading, as she handed the bouquet over. Bianca stared at the flowers fondly, noticing speckles of blue and pink flowers interspersed with white.

⠀⠀⠀"I think they fit the theme. Rustic," Bianca mused, returning Maggie's smile.

⠀⠀⠀"Very rustic," Maggie agreed. Her grin softened into an earnest smile as she pushed Bianca's hair behind her ears. "I think it's important for us to keep up these traditions for the sake of ourselves. What is the point of surviving if we don't celebrate the little things?"

⠀⠀⠀Bianca nodded. Her eyes drifted to the doors, imagining Cal beyond them. She didn't think of the reality. Cal was in the same dirty white button-up and blue jeans he had been in that morning. She imagined him in a slim suit, the church something more like a dance hall, and her friends and family were there. On one side were Daryl, Glenn, Carl, Rick, and the others, while on the other were faces she missed. Elena would be her bridesmaid alongside Maggie, Eugene Cal's best man alongside Michonne. It would be beautiful, but it wasn't real. She knew this wasn't her before. But it felt like her now.

⠀⠀⠀"I don't think I would've gotten married in my past life," Bianca said, slimming her lips into a thoughtful line. Her fingers clung to the flowers as if they'd shrivel up at her words. "I would stay with Cal for as long as he let me, but I didn't really believe in all this stuff before."

⠀⠀⠀"Why now?"

⠀⠀⠀"It feels real, sacred, important. Especially now."

⠀⠀⠀"You're right," Maggie agreed. Her hand rested on the side of Bianca's cheek.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca's eyes grew watery, so full of love and heartache. She was so full of happiness that she wished it could last forever. Their retreat into false security wouldn't last, but they could suffer in it for now.

⠀⠀⠀"I'm gonna go in," Maggie whispered.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca nodded, and Maggie hugged her tight and kissed her hair before she slipped inside.

⠀⠀⠀Even with the last-minute wedding, things were still getting prepared inside. Bianca sat alone on the church's steps, looking out into the overgrown woods. Bianca never imagined being married or having a family outside of her mom and brother. If Cal wanted to in their last life, she might've considered it for him. But it was never something she dreamed about.

⠀⠀⠀If there was one thing Bianca wished, it was that her brother, Eugene, was there to walk her down the aisle. She didn't feel alone often anymore, but the dread of walking down the aisle by herself felt terrifying and sad.

⠀⠀⠀A tear slipped down her face. She wished all the people she knew were there. But on the other hand, if they had, they would have come to know her in this world. The angry woman who didn't hesitate to kill Tomas or the people around her who did worse for survival.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca bowed, her hands steepled into a silent prayer as she spoke to them. She hoped they were proud of even just this moment.

⠀⠀⠀The doors behind Bianca opened and then shut again. Before she could turn around, Daryl cleared his throat and sat beside her. They waited together in companionable silence, unwilling to break the silence. If someone happened past, they would have never known a wedding was happening inside. They were covered in dirt and grime after weeks on end of being on the road, and nothing loud was happening inside.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca smiled as she reached beside her and took Daryl's hand. He squeezed almost too tight.

⠀⠀⠀"Cold feet?" he asked.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Never."

⠀⠀⠀There was a pause, an opportunity to leave it at that, but Bianca needed to let herself feel.

⠀⠀⠀"I wish my family could be here," she muttered, peeling her hand back to wipe a tear away quickly, then picked at a hangnail.

⠀⠀⠀"They are," Daryl assured her quietly. He pressed his index finger into her heart.

⠀⠀⠀A sad smile spread across Bianca's cheeks. "Thank you," she whispered.

⠀⠀⠀Daryl stood, shadowing her, as he said, "I know I'm not your father, but I would be honored to walk you down the aisle. If you'd let me."

⠀⠀⠀"You're more than that to me," Bianca whispered.

⠀⠀⠀Daryl extended his hand, and she took it. They walked together, arm in arm, towards the door where the murmuring stopped and Maggie's piano came through.

⠀⠀⠀"Bianca," Daryl said hoarsely.

⠀⠀⠀"Yeah," she whispered.

⠀⠀⠀He couldn't look at her. These sappy emotions weren't his thing, and neither were they hers.

⠀⠀⠀"You've made me a better man since I met you. You cared about me more than my own blood ever did, and at times, I ignore that. I... I care about you. Like my sister or my kid."

⠀⠀⠀Bianca laughed. It burst from her stomach and erupted with such amusement that Daryl couldn't help but chuckled a little.

⠀⠀⠀"I love you, too," she said between her uneven breathing.

⠀⠀⠀His hand smoothed down her hair as he smiled like a father should at his daughter.

⠀⠀⠀The door propped open, indicating the ceremony was almost ready. The deep tones of the wedding chorus filtered through the crack. The door opened slowly to reveal Glenn and Rick with broad smiles. Rick even looked a little glassy-eyed as if he was seeing her in her elegant wedding dress for the first time and not the dingy clothes she'd been wearing for two weeks.

⠀⠀⠀Pinpricks hit the backs of Bianca's eyes, cursing Glenn and Rick for getting her emotional already as she followed the wedding march. Her eyes scanned the crowd of (mostly) happy faces. Abraham and Rosita seemed slightly over their antics, but Bianca couldn't blame them. It was weird to be getting married when all they were doing was surviving. But Maggie was right. This was important to keep their humanity.

⠀⠀⠀Then, her gaze fell on Cal, and it was like the first day they had met all over again. His golden hair was wild and curly, his blue eyes were piercing but warm, and tears stained his cheeks. She could see big, wet tears halfway down the aisle. His broad, goofy grin made her giddy, and his tears made her sob.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca and Cal had been through so much to get to this moment. She believed for a long time that she would find her way back to him, but there was never a guarantee. She could've found him dead, mad, bit, or sane, and she'd still love him all the same. Yet, she found him—maybe a little traumatized—but all in all, in one piece. That was all she could ever ask for.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca and Daryl came to the end of the aisle and paused. Bianca turned to Daryl. His eyes were red, but overall, he kept himself together. He lifted his thumb to her cheeks and wiped away the fresh tears. A watery smile passed her lips as she leaned up and kissed his cheek.

⠀⠀⠀"Thank you," she whispered.

⠀⠀⠀Daryl smiled, a tear slipping, as he nodded and let her take the next few steps to Cal alone. She took Cal's hands when she stood on the altar with him. His hands were warm, and callouses rubbed along her own hard-worked hands. He squeezed hers with rushes of love every so often. They smiled, cheek to cheek, as Gabriel asked for everyone to be seated.

⠀⠀⠀"Dearly beloved, we have come here today in the presence of God and the church to join Caliburn and Bianca in the holy sacred bonds of matrimony, which is consecrated by God and to be held in honor among all of God's people.

⠀⠀⠀"The bond of marriage was established by God during creation. Therefore, I want to remind you that marriage is a binding covenant and is not to be taken lightly but with reverence and holy faithfulness.

⠀⠀⠀"I ask that if anyone here can show just cause why they should not be lawfully married in the presence of God today, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

⠀⠀⠀Silence filled the room as the couple turned out to the crowd to see their friends and family, watching over them with gentle expressions. In the haze, Bianca could make out wisps of those who couldn't attend. Her parents, her brother, Elena and Peter, Lori, Jacqui, Amy, Andrea... Bianca imagined their spirits filling the room, watching over them, as even in Hell, they could make the most of what they had.

⠀⠀⠀Gabriel continued when there were no objections.

⠀⠀⠀"I ask you both in the presence of God and the church that if either of you know of any reason why you should not be united in marriage lawfully and in accordance with God's holy word, please confess it publicly now."

⠀⠀⠀Bianca and Cal's attention shifted back to one another. She could read his sneaking smirk as he silently teased at objecting. She raised her brows, egging him on to say something, but their taunts died in the silence.

⠀⠀⠀Neither was willing to step on Gabriel's very spiritual and very Christian script. Bianca was certain this ceremony was making Gabriel happier than either of them. He had been rewriting scripture into books for the past year and a half. Getting the chance to practice with a crowd was likely exhilarating for him, and she could hear with the passion he spoke.

⠀⠀⠀"Caliburn and Bianca, you will now be making your verbal commitment to each other. With your words, I require that you promise, with the help of God, to fulfill the obligations which Christian marriage requires."

⠀⠀⠀Cal subtly rolled his eyes at the mention of 'Christian marriage' but didn't interrupt Gabriel.

⠀⠀⠀"Therefore, I ask you, Caliburn Jaden Foster, do you take Bianca Darwin Downs to be your wife, to live in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

⠀⠀⠀Cal's smile was sure to break as he stared deep into Bianca's soul. He removed his hand from her to wipe a tear from her cheek, holding her firmly as he said, "I do."

⠀⠀⠀"And do you, Bianca Darwin Downs, take Caliburn Jaden Foster to be your husband, to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

⠀⠀⠀Bianca rested her hand on Cal's, breathing in the pine and sweat that had become him.

⠀⠀⠀"I do."

⠀⠀⠀"Family and friends, as you have witnessed the verbal commitment of Caliburn and Bianca, I will ask for your blessings on their marriage.

⠀⠀⠀"As Caliburn and Bianca exchange vows of love and fidelity today, in the presence of God and the people of the church, they become bound to one another in a sacred lifelong covenant. Will all of you gathered here give your pledge to honor and uphold them, and to recognize them as family in this community, to guide and pray for them in times of trouble, to celebrate with them in times of joy, to respect the bonds of their covenant, and seek to discern the continuing presence of Christ within them?

⠀⠀⠀There were a few scattered 'we wills' from Carol, Tyreese, and Sasha, but otherwise, the room was silent.

⠀⠀⠀"It's not a rhetorical question," Gabriel told the audience with a laugh. "One more time?"

⠀⠀⠀"We will," they said with a forceful echo.

⠀⠀⠀"God grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows will find their lives and their commitment to each other strengthened.

⠀⠀⠀"Everyone, please bow your heads as I say a prayer for Caliburn and Bianca."

⠀⠀⠀Despite the soft groans at the blatant religious ask, they all bowed their heads. Bianca understood their disapproval. Most, if not all of them, had lost any faith they had a long time ago.

⠀⠀⠀"Today, I ask you, gracious God, creator of life, author of salvation, and giver of grace, look with favor upon Caliburn and Bianca. Make their life together a beacon of your love in this broken world and unity that overcomes all. Give them the bonds of mutual affection that will always encourage them to reach out in love to each other. Give them desires to be knit together in your will and their spirit in your Spirit. Help them to grow in love and peace with you and one another for all the days of their lives. Amen.

⠀⠀⠀"Caliburn and Bianca, may the Lord be with you as you go forth in marriage and create a home of which to live and create a life to celebrate. I want to remind everyone here that we are given the Bible to direct our path while on this earth. So today, I will read Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, which is an example of how we should act in love towards one another.

⠀⠀⠀"I encourage everyone here to remember this verse as they live their lives and encounter others daily. Love is the greatest gift God gave us. Just as He loved us. So shall we love others.

⠀⠀⠀"Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow, but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat, but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

⠀⠀⠀"Caliburn and Bianca, as you hold the hand of your dearest friend and companion, you will now make those promises which God will witness and bless, to weave your hearts, and two lives into one. Caliburn, you may proceed."

⠀⠀⠀Cal's hands held Bianca's harder like she was his lifeline. There was a tension in his forehead and a nervousness in his eyes that wasn't there before. He took in a sharp breath before beginning.

⠀⠀⠀"Bianca, I never believed in love at first sight, but then, I had never seen you. When I look at the sky, I see you. I see your freckles and the fresh-cut grass from campus. I see a life we could've had and the one that we did. I would take every life with you because anyone that I don't isn't living. I know you regret calling me that night and asking me to come to you. It eats you up inside because it put us apart. But I don't see it like that. If I had never left that house, I would've never found you again. Everything has led us here, and no matter how many terrible moments I have to live, it is all worth an eternity with you."

⠀⠀⠀Bianca's heart had plummeted into her stomach. His words made her lose every thought, and now she was clinging to his hands, trying to find space to stand. How could she top that? Or at least match the amount of love he put into his words. Cal smiled fondly at her, taking a deep breath, and she followed. The fog in her head cleared slightly, and she could take the time to think of what she wanted to say.

⠀⠀⠀"Caliburn, I lost everything. My friends, my family, even you. But the universe decided to give me hope in this burning world. I was given a chance to survive, a family behind it, and most importantly, I was given you. I never would've thought that after all the awful men in my life, I'd be granted someone better. Someone who listens to me when I ramble, who asks me to do better, and who understands me better than anyone. Even up here, as Gabriel preaches, I know exactly what's on your mind. I love you more than life itself, and if I had to tear the world apart to keep you safe, I would."

⠀⠀⠀Cal's expression was wide-eyed, his mouth dropped open, and he looked incredibly moved by her words. There was so much love in him. She could sense he wanted to kiss her already, but Gabriel had more to say before they could. Cal squeezed her hands instead.

⠀⠀⠀"Thank you both," Gabriel said kindly.

⠀⠀⠀He motioned for Carl, their ring-bearer, to bring up the rings. Bianca was surprised to see two silver rings passed between the two. She glanced at Cal, who smiled proudly. He likely found them on his supply runs and never told her.

⠀⠀⠀"As I hold these rings in my hand. I ask you, O Lord, to bless them as they represent an unbroken circle of fidelity. Just as your faithfulness and love to us is never ending, so shall their love for each other. Give them strength to remember the commitment the rings represent to you and to the Saints.

⠀⠀⠀"Please, repeat after me and place the ring on your partner's hand."

⠀⠀⠀Gabriel looked at Bianca, indicating she went first.

⠀⠀⠀"Caliburn, I give this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you," Gabriel said the liturgy to her in short parts and Bianca repeated them.

⠀⠀⠀Bianca's hands shook slightly as she held Cal's hand in hers and slipped the ring onto Cal's finger. Her finger brushed over the metal. It looked familiar, but she couldn't place where she'd seen it. If only she could ask him now, but she'd wait until after.

⠀⠀⠀Gabriel looked to Cal and nodded to indicate it was his turn.

⠀⠀⠀"Bianca, I give this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you."

⠀⠀⠀Cal's hands shook, too. Bianca let out a breathy laugh, realizing she wasn't the only one.

⠀⠀⠀"Marriage is a covenant between you, made here in the eyes of God. I encourage you to commit yourselves, steadfastly, with God's help, asking daily for his mercy, tenderness, and grace. I also encourage you to live by the principles of this covenant and to lead your family toward Godly goals and do not focus on earthly things. So from all of us here present today to witness this ceremony we send you forth on your journey of life together in marriage with blessings and love.

⠀⠀⠀"Here in God's presence and in the presence of these guests, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

⠀⠀⠀Cal swooped in close, holding Bianca by the waist, before tipping her back and dramatically kissing her. The sound of applause and cheers blurred together as she pulled him closer. Her body felt like it was on fire, and his hands burned cold against her. She wanted him forever like this, but they had to split apart for the sake of everyone else in the room.

⠀⠀⠀"I formally present Mr. And Mrs. Foster!"

AUTHOR'S NOTE —

:3

Bianca and Cal deserve the world so this chapter is in honor of how many times I've put them through painful situations (and all the rest to come). I'm really excited for this season, especially Alexandria ;). And I think this is the perfect kick-off to it. We're starting on a real high, I don't think it could possibly go downhill.

Bianca's middle name is Darwin... yeah. I know it's weird but the explanation is that Bianca and Eugene were originally Doctor Who OCs in the year of our Lord 2012. Not just that but River x the Doctor kids OCs. Since then they've grown a lot. But her middle name has stuck because it just wouldn't be Bianca to me if her middle name were anything else. Anyway she's named after Charles Darwin because that's what the Doctor picked from history.

Also sorry for all the church liturgy. I really hope it wasn't too much!

Also, I wonder where Cal got those rings 🤔🤔🤔 any guesses?

Also, also, do you guys have any songs that you associate with Bianca and Cal? I asked this on my profile but I know some people might not have seen it. I'm just so curious and nosey. polaroized and cn1090 gave me some great suggestions hee hee

Hopefully, I'll be back to posting next Friday but it is getting closer to Christmas so I might have to take a week off. So, if I do, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Happy Holidays to everyone. And I hope this is a good early gift for everyone who has read this far. I love you guys so much <3

SONG: Me and My Husband by Mitski

Thank you for reading! Please leave a comment if you'd like. However, this is an all kind of reader safe space. So even if you ghost read or comment every chapter, I hope you know it means the world to me that you've come into this fic ♡ I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and until the next one.