Chapter Text
Narrator: Welcome to tonight’s episode of Married at First Sight. Our couples have finally met, and tonight we’ll get to see how they handle getting some alone time together. After the wedding night, they’ll have brunch with their families before checking in with the experts before they’ll be free to head off on their honeymoon.
The screen shows Mace speaking directly to the camera. He is sitting in a gray room and wearing a purple long sleeved sweater.
Mace: “At a regular wedding, couples typically expect to have sex on their wedding night. It can be incredibly romantic, and the sex is an intimate consummation of their commitment to each other. On Married at First Sight , our couples have only known each other for a few hours before their wedding night. Many aren’t ready for the intimacy of sex yet, and instead will focus on getting to know their new spouse. Of course, sometimes the sexual chemistry is there immediately, and in those cases we encourage our couples to take a responsible approach to sex. However our couples decide to spend their first night together, it is important for them to make memories with their spouse and build their connection.”
The setting shifts to show Quinlan and Hondo walking into their hotel suite together. Both are a little glassy eyed from alcohol, but they are still walking straight. Quinlan has his arm wrapped around Hondo’s waist, holding him close as they follow a path of rose petals from the door to the bed. On the bed, the rose petals are arranged in a heart around a selection of chocolates. Upon seeing the heart, Hondo clutches his heart and swoons even closer towards Quinlan.
Hondo has his eyes closed as he snuggles into Quinlan: “Oh the roses! Darling do you feel the romance in the air tonight?”
Quinlan gives a small chuckle as he shifts Hondo around so that they are standing face to face. His hand splays wide at the small of Hondo’s back and his other hand comes up to clutch Hondo’s cheek: “I feel something,” he pauses, his eyes searching Hondo’s face before his voice drops to a whisper, “Husband.”
Quinlan leans forward to kiss Hondo for a long moment before stepping back. He shrugs out of his velvet jacket and lays it neatly on a side table. Hondo flops backwards onto the bed, sending rose petals flying and reaching for the box of chocolates. He pops one in his mouth and watches Quinlan with dark eyes, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Quinlan smirks when he sees Hondo watching him, then turns and shoos the camera out, shutting the bedroom door loudly.
The view shifts to Quinlan speaking directly to the camera. He is sitting alone in the suite and wearing a black shirt and gray sweatpants; a big smile cracks his face as he recounts his wedding night.
Quinlan has a soft expression on his face and he keeps running his hands through his locs as he talks: “Hondo is very sweet, I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this process -- but I am very drawn to him. Physically, he ticks all my boxes and I can’t wait to learn more about him to find how else we fit together.” His hand stills and then he smirks slightly, “we did consummate our marriage last night, and things were great... Lots of... chemistry. Probably the best first time I’ve ever had with someone.”
The view shifts to show Plo and Shaak in their suite. They have both switched into comfortable pajamas. Plo’s in a full length blue and black checked set and Shaak is in a pair of light blue leggings and a gray crop top. They are sitting cross legged on their bed, rose petals in disarray around them. They’re both eating chocolates and drinking mugs of tea.
Shaak takes a long drink of her tea and relaxes back into the pillows: “Honestly, this is so delightful. Who would have guessed we’d have the same taste in tea?”
Plo huffs a small laugh as he reaches over to hold her free hand, cradling his mug close to his chest with the other: “I didn’t even mention my tea habits to the experts, so it must be fate.”
They continue to hold hands and talk for a while before Shaak leans over and they start kissing. Shaak twines her hands in his hair and tugs him close as the camera slowly backs out of the room and the screen fades to black.
Plo comes on screen for an individual interview. He is still in his black and blue pajamas and he is sitting in his suite alone as he discusses his first night as a married man.
Plo is holding a cup of tea and he blushes slightly as he speaks: “Shaak is very lovely. We decided we are not ready for sex yet; we both wanted some time to get to know each other before taking that next step. I can see why we were matched, we have very similar values and ambitions. Plus, she is totally gorgeous. I’m so lucky the experts matched us.” He takes a sip of his tea, his blush deepens as he continues. “We did kiss some last night, I am really looking forward to the honeymoon.”
The scene changes to show Barriss and Ahsoka in their suite. Both are still in their wedding outfits, but they are standing in the large bathroom together. Ahsoka is trying to help Barriss unzip her wedding dress.
Barriss holds her black curls off her shoulder and her shoulders keep jerking with repressed laughter: “Did you find it yet?”
Ahsoka is leaned forward at an awkward angle, she keeps squinting at the dress and clutching at the zipper: “Not yet.” She gives a wordless grumble, “why on earth are these zippers so small? There is no way you’d be able to get out of this without help.”
Barriss’s shoulders shake yet again and she turns an incredulous look at Ahsoka over her shoulder: “I rather think that is the point! The designers assume I’ll have a spouse to undress me.”
Ahsoka ducks her head and refocuses on the zipper: “Well, I can’t say that struggling with a zipper is really putting me in the mood.” Her fingers finally find the zipper and she pulls it down with a cry of success. “I told you to trust me! I knew I could free you from this trap!”
Ahsoka lets go of the now unzipped dress and does an exaggerated spin and bow at Barriss. Barriss laughs loudly, holding her dress to keep it from slipping off her shoulders. Ahsoka pulls her into a hug, and then starts dancing, pulling her in circles around the bathroom and throughout the suite. They end their dance, both breaking into loud giggles before dropping to the couch. Barriss leans her head on Ahsoka’s shoulder and they cuddle closely.
Ahsoka comes on screen for an interview. She is wearing a cute set of matching pink tie-dye pajamas. She is sipping a cup of tea and looks pleased as she talks about their wedding night.
Ahsoka: “Barriss is so sweet, I normally have a difficult time when meeting new people, but I already feel so comfortable with her. We both agreed it was too early for sex; we want to know each other better before we take that next step. But, we did cuddle and it just felt right, you know?” Ahsoka smiles and tilts her head to the side, “Obviously it's still very early, but I’m feeling really optimistic about my marriage. Some of my friends were so confused about why I would go on a reality tv show to find love, but right now it feels like I made the right choice. I don’t know how I could have met Barriss otherwise.”
The scene changes to Jango and Obi-Wan in their suite. Jango is in his trousers, facing away from the camera as he pulls his dress shirt off his shoulders, revealing the white shirt pulled tight across his shoulders underneath. Dark tattoos wrap around his biceps, barely visible below his short sleeves. Obi-Wan is standing in the middle of the room, distractedly unbuttoning his black shirt. At the sight of Jango’s flexing arms he stops, transfixed by the sight and makes a strangled gasp just barely picked up by the mic. The noise catches Jango’s attention and he turns to see Obi-Wan staring at him.
Jango smirks and then subtly adjusts his position to pull the shirt even tighter across his chest: “See something you like professor?”
Obi-Wan blushes, bright red running from his cheeks all the way down his chest, visible due to his half open shirt: “ah yes, I apologize for staring.” He looks down and hurries to continue taking off his shirt.
Jango steps forward, with a soft look on his face: “No need to apologize, I like that my husband is attracted to me.”
Obi-Wan shyly looks back up at Jango through his eyelashes before he visibly gathers his nerves and his head moves slightly as he looks Jango up and down. While still looking slightly nervous, it doesn’t stop a playful smile from spreading across his face: “You don’t have to worry about that dear one, you are very handsome.”
Jango smiles as he reaches out to help slide Obi-Wan’s shirt off his shoulders: “That’s good… I also find my new husband to be very handsome.”
Obi-Wan starts to neatly fold his shirt, turning from Jango and taking a deep breath. He seems nervous, his hands shake slightly as he focuses on putting his shirt back in his bag. “Jango, I had no intention of talking about past relationships quite this soon, but I want to build healthy communication habits.” He continues to focus on his bag, not looking at Jango as he pulls out a red shirt and cotton l pajama pants. He pulls the pants up under his kilt, before unbuttoning and stepping out of it then gently hanging it up in the closet. “My last relationship ended a few years ago when my girlfriend was running for City Council and I wasn’t able to commit to the life of a politician’s husband.” Obi-Wan pulls the red shirt on, mussing his hair, before slowly turning around to look at Jango. “It was an amicable break-up. But, I just learned my ex is your cousin, Satine.”
Jango’s eyes go wide at the news and he looks startled. He opens and closes his mouth before giving a loud laugh: “I did not expect that.” He walks over and pours two glasses of champagne. “Was she at the wedding? I know her parents were.” He takes a big gulp of his champagne before refiling his glass and handing the second off to Obi-Wan who has followed him across the suite.
Obi-Wan accepts the glass, and grimaces slightly: “I guess she attended the ceremony but left before the reception.”
Jango shrugs, then holds his glass out to clink with Obi-Wan’s: “Huh. Well, the life of a firefighter’s husband has much fewer commitments than a politician’s husband. Her loss is apparently my gain.” He takes a slower sip of his drink. “If we’re talking about our relationship history, I haven’t been in a serious relationship since college.”
Obi-Wan grabs Jango’s free hand and leads him over to the couch. They sit together, close, legs pressed together from thigh down. Obi-Wan looks soft in his oversized pajamas, especially compared to Jango who is still in his wedding trousers and tight white shirt. They continue talking and drinking their champagne.
Obi-Wan comes on screen for an interview. He is alone in the suite and wearing a large tan bathrobe. It is cotton, oversized and wrapped around him, hiding his shape. He keeps running his hand through his hair during the interview.
Obi-Wan: “Last night with Jango went really well. We didn’t technically consummate the marriage, but I can’t get over how attractive he is. The honeymoon should be a lot of fun. I was worried about his connection to Satine -- it's just so awkward -- but he was so mature about the situation, relieving my concerns and showing how much of a standup guy he is. He even opened up about his relationship history which I didn’t expect this early in our marriage.”
The producer’s voice can be heard from off screen: “Can you tell us more about your relationship with Satine?”
Obi-Wan shrugs and shrinks into his robe, making himself smaller: “Ah, sure. We met in college and dated for several years after graduating. I never met most of her extended family due to my time working with Engineers without Borders, I travelled so much that when I was in DC I spent most of my time with my family. We broke up amicably, mostly because I wasn’t ready to give up travelling at that time and she wanted a spouse to support her political career. That was my last serious relationship.” Obi-Wan sits up and gives a good natured grin, “Before getting married at first sight of course to my lovely husband.”
B-roll camera footage of the National Mall scrolls across the screen as the words “ Day 1 of Marriage ” appear in large white letters.
Narrator: It is the first day of marriage for our couples. They’re waking up next to their spouse, and then they’ll head to brunch with their new in-laws for the first time. The morning after can be awkward, especially with a total stranger!
The scene changes to a slightly grainy view of Ahsoka and Barriss laying in bed together. The light streaming across their faces shows that it is morning. They are both still wearing their pajamas and their faces look soft from sleep. Ahsoka has her braids tied back in a silk scarf, but Barriss’s black curls spread in a wild tangle across the pillows. The camera shakes slightly, it is being held by Ahsoka.
Ahsoka snuggles into the large white comforter and gives Barriss a big grin and asks in a loud and chipper voice: “Good morning wife! How did you sleep?”
Barriss rolls slightly and squints at the light and then groans into the pillow: “It’s so early. How are you so happy?”
Ahsoka laughs, her amusement causing the camera to shake: “I get to look at your beautiful face. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”
Barriss blushes, then rolls to hide her face in Ahsoka’s shoulder: “Are you always so sweet?”
Ahsoka presses a quick kiss to the top of Barriss head: “Only with you.”
The scene changes to a fuzzy view of Jango and Obi-Wan laying in bed together. They’re both in pajamas, but propped up with many pillows. They’re laying on their backs, and Jango is holding the camera with the hand furthest from Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan has creases on his cheeks from the pillow and his red hair is sticking straight up off his forehead.
Jango yawns and covers his mouth before looking over at Obi-Wan: “Did you sleep well?”
Obi-Wan turns his head slightly and smiles softly at Jango, running fingers through sleep mussed hair and speaks frankly: “I did, it was nice to have someone to cuddle.”
Jango blushes and looks away from Obi-Wan, focusing instead on the camera: “I enjoyed cuddling with you as well.” He stumbles over his next few words, “ah, I didn’t snore? Or, well, not too loudly at least?”
Obi-Wan’s smile turns playful, and he rolls to the side so he is facing Jango instead of the camera: “I couldn’t hear anything over my own snoring!”
The screen changes to show Plo and Shaak getting ready together in their bathroom. Both are still in pajamas as they stand at their individual sinks. Plo is brushing his teeth, while Shaak explains her skin care routine.
Shaak is holding a small bottle of toner and a cotton round. She is using the cotton round to apply the toner to her face as she points at the rest of the bottles on her side of the vanity: “So, toner goes on right washing my face. Then I use my morning serums — peptides and antioxidants this week — before applying a light lotion. I then will apply sunscreen; which is perhaps the most important part of my morning routine. After that, I use a primer and apply my makeup.
Plo has been nodding along, his eyes getting progressively larger with each additional bottle Shaak holds up. He finishes brushing his teeth and rinses his mouth before responding: “I don’t know how you keep them all straight. I just use my regular body wash on my face in the shower.”
Shaak turns to look at him, her eyebrows drawn down in displeasure, frowning: “You what? Body wash is not good for your face!”
Plos shrugs, and starts to work some wax into his hair: “It's pretty quick though. Acne products always dried out my face in high school, so I just stopped using anything.”
Shaak has abandoned her facial products and is still looking at Plo, confused: “That’s, no. Not all face washes will dry you out. Also, that’s what lotions for!”
Plo smiles and washes his hands clean of the hair wax: “Don’t worry, I do use lotion on my face pretty regularly! See?” He pulls out a large tub of body lotion.
Shaak looks at it with horror, then starts shaking her head vehemently: “Nope! You definitely shouldn’t be putting that on your face. It’s much too heavy.” She goes and grabs her bottle of face lotion and squirts a pump into Plo’s hand. “Try this instead.”
Plo shrugs and then vigorously pats the lotion into his face like aftershave. Shaak pinches her nose then shows Plo how to gently rub it in instead before returning to her skin care routine. They continue to get ready for the day.
The scene shifts to Hondo and Quinlan as they get ready. They’re both drinking large cups of coffee as they slowly shuffle for clean clothes. Both of them are more focused on drinking as much as possible then they are on getting dressed.
Hondo is sitting on the floor next to an overflowing suitcase. He’s absently digging through it: “How long until brunch?”
Quinlan is laying on the bed, propped up just high enough to drink his coffee without spilling. He is wearing jeans and has a crumpled t-shirt laying on the bed next to him. At Honda’s question, he looks at his watch and grimaces: “We need to leave in thirty minutes.”
Hondo nods absently, before holding up a tan shirt and eyeing it critically: “Ok. I can be ready.” He sighs and thrusts the tan shirt back into the suitcase and keeps looking, “Uh, who do you have coming to brunch?”
Quinlan rubs his closed eyes before answering: “My mom and dad will be there. Along with my cousin Aayla. What about you?”
Hondo pulls out a pair of black skinny jeans and puts them to the side. He takes a big gulp of coffee: “Ah, well, I don’t have any family coming. My mother couldn’t get time off work to make it to DC.” His voice waivers, but he gives a sunny smile. “Instead my best buddy Melch will be joining us.”
Quinlan turns to look at Hondo, frowning when he says his only family won’t be at brunch: “Well, as my husband, get ready to share my family. They’re going to love you.”
Hondo turns and hides his face in his suitcase, but his voice is steady when he finally speaks: “That sounds really nice.”
Yoda comes on screen. He is sitting in a soft gray chair in a messy office. He speaks directly to the camera.
Yoda: “The first day of marriage can be overwhelming for our couples. They have to share space with a complete stranger for the first time, meet their in-laws in a more intimate setting, check in with the experts before they’ll be able to leave for their honeymoon later in the day. Brunch with the in-laws allows our couples to focus more on their new family. They all met at the reception yesterday, but there were people and distractions all around. Brunch gives them a quieter setting to bond with their new families. It can still be nerve wracking, especially since they want to make a good impression. But, being accepted by their new families will help solidify these marriages.
There is a montage of all of the couples arriving at brunch. Each family is set in a private dining room around well set tables. There are fresh flowers in the centerpieces and pastries and fruit set out on the tables. Overall, the introductions are awkward. The participants are self conscious about impressing their new families and the families take the opportunity to ask the participants difficult questions. However, everyone seems to be genuinely trying to be welcome.
Jango and Obi-Wan are sitting next to each other, with their families sitting around the table. Jaster and Shmi are sitting together, and Anakin is hitting it off with Myles and Mij after he pulls out his iPad and starts playing games with them.
Colt takes a sip of his mimosa: “So, Obi-Wan, are you going to change your last name to Fett?”
Jango inhales his coffee wrong and starts coughing. Alpha laughs and slaps him on the back a few times until he can get his breathing under control.
Obi-Wan’s eyes tighten slightly, but his tone is light as he replies: “Probably not, I was named Obi-Wan Kenobi after my great-grandfather. He immigrated to Scotland from Japan, and gave up much of his culture except for his name upon meeting his wife. Nana was the last of her clan and her parents weren’t very enthusiastic with her marrying a foreigner - it was the 1920s after all. So he did his best to embrace the culture and ways of the community he’d joined; giving me his name was how my parents chose to acknowledge the people he came from.”
Shmi gives a small smile and a shrug: “I never changed my last name after marrying Qui-Gon. We always knew we wanted two children, and we decided early on that we would each get to name one.”
Anakin chimes in, never looking away from the game he is playing with Mij on his iPad: “I’ve never minded being named after mom’s side of the family. Plus, there was less of a reputation to live up to at school when teachers couldn’t make the connection that I was Obi’s younger brother.”
Jango finally catches his breath enough to join the conversation: “That sounds like a nice way to acknowledge your ancestors.” He turns a glare on Colt, who is already looking sheepish for bringing up the topic. “I’ve never particularly minded if my spouse changed their last name. I don’t have any intention of giving up the Fett name, and wouldn’t expect them to give up their name either.”
Jaster smiles proudly, looking at Jango: “Atta boy. Names are an important connection to family.”
The brunch continues, after that awkward conversation is out of the way they all relax. Shmi and Jaster really hit it off, commiserating over raising active boys, and their pride in their eldest children. Obi-Wan and Alpha bicker good naturedly about the best brunch restaurant in DC, while Jango smiles and looks content at their families getting along.
Barriss and Ahsoka’s family brunch goes well. Barriss’s mothers, Reena and Quissaa seem quite taken with Ahsoka, asking her all sorts of questions. Ahsoka’s grandmother, Alarnaa, keeps sneaking Tiik butterscotch candies from her purse while his mother, Teela, is distracted by Barriss.
Quinlan’s family is very welcoming with Hondo. Aayla is happy to interrogate him about which clubs he works as a promoter for, and getting her name on the list for several upcoming parties. Melch and Quinlan hit it off, talking about their respective DC Fray kickball teams. It turns out their teams played each other several times last season.
Plo and Shaak’s brunch also seems to go over well. Their many siblings all hit it off and take turns teasing the couple. They have a long discussion about the logistics of Shaak’s work with the foster system, and how she isn’t accepting any placements during the show for obvious reasons. The brunch ends with everyone laughing at stories of Plo’s kindergartners - the children’s names and identifying details tactfully omitted by Plo for confidentiality.
There is a final montage of the couples each checking in with the experts. The experts seem thrilled that all of the couples had a nice first day, and that they all are feeling chemistry in their relationships. The experts advise the couples to continue talking, and to take advantage of their honeymoon to build on the good beginnings of their marriage.
Narrator: Now that our couples have had some time to get to know each other and their new families, they will head out on their honeymoons. This year the couples will all be heading to the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort in Montego Bay Jamaica! They’ll have a week to focus on getting to know their new spouse and relax with the other couples.