When Wedding Bells Toll

By DragonMage

"You really are marrying him, aren't you?" Quatre Raberba Winner asked softly as he helped his friend, Chang Wufei, dress.

Wufei nodded as he slid his arms into the white jacket. He smoothed down the material and turned around to smile at Quatre. "Are you happy for me?"

"Of course I am," Quatre said, looking sincere. But there was also a hint of sadness in his sea blue eyes. Once, he had always hoped it would be him and Trowa walking down the aisle but it just didn't work out that way. They had drifted apart after the war and things were never the same again. They broke up after a while of trying to hold up the charade. Quatre had been upset but he knew it was for the best. And now, Trowa was marrying Wufei. Who knew those two would fall in love?

To put it mildly, Quatre had been heartbroken to hear the announcement. He had to admit to himself that he had hoped he and Trowa would make up someday on a happy, wonderful day. Guess fanciful dreams like that never come true.

"Quatre, I know--"

Quatre placed his hand on Wufei's mouth to cut off whatever the Chinese man was about to say. "Wufei, I *am* happy for you. Don't ever doubt that. Yes, I loved Trowa once...But that's in the past. I've gotten over it. Don't feel sorry for me."

Wufei smiled and suddenly embraced Quatre.

Stunned, Quatre took a moment before hugging back. He was still unused to this man who was like the shy scholar Trowa had told him about one day when they accidentally bumped into each other and had coffee. It had been a strange conversation that had taken a sudden turn to Wufei. Trowa had actually laughed while he told Quatre how they were doing. He laughed! Without any restraints, he laughed. He was happy and Quatre knew then he wouldn't--couldn't--do anything to ruin his friend's happiness.

Wufei pulled back and blushed slightly. "Do all parties of the marriage get all mushy before the wedding?"

Quatre laughed. "Maybe. Come on, let's get your hair combed out and tied up."

"No flowers!"

"No flowers," Quatre swore.

Wufei nodded and sat down on a chair. He had allowed his hair to grow out and now it came down to his elbows. Quatre combed through the silky stuff, and without wanting to, imagined Trowa running his fingers through it. He pushed back on the pain and continued to comb Wufei's hair before gently pulling it back and tying it into a simple ponytail.

"Come on, people!!! The groom is getting impatient!" Duo Maxwell shouted as he exploded into the room, his braid swinging dangerously and his violet eyes dancing. "What are you people doing, sitting around? We gotta get this show on the road!"

"Shut up, Maxwell," Wufei laughed as he stood up and faced him. "So? Am I worthy?"

"More than worthy. Damn, Trowa's not gonna be able to concentrate on the ceremony," Duo said with a wink.

"Let's go," Wufei said, looking shy as he walked out of the room with Duo.

Quatre stood there for a moment. He looked around the room for a moment, taking in everything that was an obvious sign of a wedding. Then he sighed softly and left the room to catch up with Duo and Wufei.

~*~

Duo watched happily as Wufei hooked his arm with Heero Yuy and started walking down the aisle. Everyone had been surprised when Wufei asked Heero to walk him down the aisle. Everyone expected Duo or maybe Zechs to do it, but Wufei asked Heero to do it. Without any complaint, Heero agreed and everyone wondered what it was between those two.

Looking over to his right, Duo caught Quatre sighing a bit sadly. <Quatre...I know you probably still love him. But can't you give him up for another love?> Duo wondered before turning his attention back to the ceremony. Heero had just given Wufei away and now the Chinese man was standing before the alter with his soon-to-be husband.

He watched as the priest spoke, it was really more of a mutter as he was old and had to talk into a microphone. Where had they found this guy?? Duo shrugged mentally and continued to watch as Wufei and Trowa listened almost seemingly intent on the words the priest spoke but Duo could see a sparkle of mischief in Trowa's emerald green eyes so he could guess what they were *really* thinking about.

Quatre shifted beside Duo and he gave the Arabian man a quick glance. Ah, there was the sadness and longing.

<I hafta to talk to him after this,> Duo thought before putting his full attention on the wedding ceremony.

~*~

Trowa Barton stared at his soon-to-be husband and smiled faintly. Wufei looked absolutely beautiful today dressed in the white suit with his hair pulled back in a ponytail. He loved Wufei's hair; who wouldn't? It was so silky and it smelled absolutely wonderful. He loved burying his face in Wufei's hair when they were alone or in bed. And soon, he could touch the hair as much as he wanted to. Wufei was going to become his husband!

Sneaking a quick glance out into the audience, Trowa caught sight of Catherine. His sister. She saw him look out and smiled warmly at him. She had been in total agreement with the wedding, already planning it before either Trowa or Wufei could come up with a date. She cared only for her brother's happiness, and Trowa was very thankful to her. Without her, he didn't know how he could have gotten through everything he had experienced the last few years.

Before Trowa even realized it, it was time to say the vows. He smiled at Wufei, who smiled back, and repeated everything the priest said. When he was finished, Wufei did so as well. Then the rings were exchanged.

Quatre smiled as he pulled out the rings and handed them to Trowa.

Trowa pulled the ring out of the small box and slid it on to Wufei's ring finger. He brought the hand up to his lips and gave it a quick kiss before dropping it and holding out his own hand. Wufei smiled, a slight flush on his cheeks, as he slid the ring on.

They were married.

"Now, you may kiss the groom," the priest managed to mutter. He looked ready to fall asleep.

Wufei rolled his eyes at the priest and was unprepared for Trowa to suddenly grab him and plant a big one on him. He gasped and flushed deeply before losing himself into the kiss. The warmth and security that surrounded him, melted his heart with love as he slid his arms around his husband's neck and kissed him back with all the love he knew he had for the other man.

Cheering brought Wufei out of his little world where Trowa was the only other person with him. Trowa broke the kiss and they turned to face the audience just as the wedding bells began to toll loudly to announce their union.

Looking at each other, Wufei and Trowa burst out laughing before walking down the aisle to meet with people and talk with the guests. The day was yet to be over.

~*~

Trowa, Wufei, Zechs and Heero stood at the front door of the reception party, greeting all of the guests coming to the party. They smiled and shook hands, sometimes holding a short conversation with friends. The party was held at a restuarant since they didn't want to burden Quatre with the plans of making a party at his place. Besides, both newlyweds agreed they would do this by themselves--no matter how insistent Quatre was.

The two newlyweds could barely stop touching each other as they greeted each of the guests. They were always brushing each other or stealing a kiss before continuing their work of being good hosts.

Gifts were piled on a long table and some were on the floor. All of the circus, Quatre's men, and so many other people were coming to the party. It was amazing, really, how many people they knew. And of course the Preventers came.

"I can't believe you two are married now," Sally Po remarked as she smiled warmly at Wufei, whom she had always considered to be her little brother. "Look at you two! You're so happy!"

"I think anyone would be when they're married to someone they love," Lucrezia Noin laughed as she walked over to them and shook hands with Heero, Zechs, Wufei and then Trowa. She was carrying a small box. "Where do I put the presents?"

"Over there," Zechs said, pointing at the table.

"Jeez, look at all of that!" Noin exclaimed, then she laughed. "Wow..."

"And we have to carry it all back to the apartment," Wufei said dryly as he stared at the mountain of presents as well. "Why couldn't they be like traditional Chinese people and just give red envelopes? They're easier to carry."

"Because you married an European, Wufei," Sally joked. "You have to get used to their traditions!"

Wufei rolled his eyes and Heero smiled.

"Why don't you two go inside and indulge on the food?" the Japanese man suggested.

"Fine, fine. Come on, Sally, they're getting rid of us," Noin said, waving her hand as she grabbed Sally's with her other.

"They're impossible," Wufei laughed.

"No, just Noin," Trowa said, smiling.

"Come on, there's more guests," Zechs reminded them. "While you two were conversing with them, more came. Now, help us out here!"

"Mission accepted, Zechsy," Wufei said, smirking.

Heero snickered. "Let's just get all these guests inside and start eating. I'm hungry."

"Hmph," was all Wufei said to that.

Trowa smiled affectionately at his husband before he helped with the guests. Soon, they would be alone and he could do all he wanted to do to his little love.

~*~

"Why so gloomy, Quatre?" Duo asked as he sat down at the same table with the Arabian man.

Quatre looked up and smiled slightly. "I'm not gloomy."

"Yeah, sure. Tell that to the dark cloud over your head," Duo said dryly. He leaned against the table and looked at Quatre. "Do you still love him?"

Quatre started. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me, Quatre. Do you still love him?" Duo asked insistently.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Quatre said, turning away.

"He's married now, Quatre," Duo said softly. "Can't you let go?"

"It's hard to let go to your first love," Quatre murmured.

"Why did you two break up in the first place?" Duo asked.

Quatre sighed and looked down at his hands for a moment. Then he looked back up at Duo. "We just drifted apart. We couldn't...we weren't the same anymore. We couldn't talk like we could once. It was just different."

"So you two broke it off?"

"Yes."

"...Do you regret it?"

Quatre looked thoughtful. "I don't know. I mean...I know we wouldn't have been happy if we stayed together but part of me wishes that we did stay as a couple. Maybe...maybe this could have been *my* wedding."

Duo sighed. "You gotta let go of him, Quatre. He's in love with Wufei, and Wufei loves him. Hell, they got married!"

"Do you think I don't know that?" Quatre said tightly.

"Let go, Quatre. You can't hold on to this forever. You gotta give love a second chance. Trowa moved on and now he's happy. You gotta try that too," Duo said seriously before he stood up and wandered off.

Quatre sat there for a long time, just staring at his drink. Strange enough, Duo Maxwell's words made sense.

~*~

"I am NOT wearing a garter!" Wufei exclaimed as he stood in the dressing room of the restuarant with Trowa behind him.

"Come on, Wufei," Trowa pleaded. He wanted so badly to take the garter off of Wufei's leg, but first he had to get his husband to agree with it.

"No! It's bad enough that I'm going to have to throw a bouquet like an onna." Wufei said the last word with a bit of disgust. "But I am NOT wearing a garter! Besides, I'm not wearing a dress!"

Trowa reached out and fingered the silky material of Wufei's Chinese robes. "Hmm..."

"Oh, no you don't!" Wufei nearly shouted as he backed away from Trowa. "You and your...fantasies, Trowa!" He was blushing as he tried to get away from Trowa.

"Please, Wufei," Trowa begged as he stalked Wufei until the Chinese man was cornered. He moved quickly and soon pinned his husband against the wall. He pressed his forehead against Wufei's and smiled seductively. "For me?"

"I am not an onna," Wufei managed as he tried to control himself. He would not give in! He would not! No matter how pleading Trowa's eyes are or how husky his voice was...

"I know you're not a woman, Wufei," Trowa murmured as he reached down and cupped his husband. "It's kinda obvious, don't you think?"

Wufei felt all his resolve melt. <I'm so weak.> He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. "Anything for you, Trowa."

Trowa smiled triumphantly and kissed Wufei deeply. "Thank you."

"Hmph. Like I said: you and your fantasies!" Wufei said, pushing Trowa away.

"Ah, but they all star you," Trowa said, grinning wickedly.

Wufei blushed scarlet red.

~*~

"Whoa, who's that?" Duo asked Heero as he stared at the girl who just came out of the dressing room with Trowa behind her.

Heero frowned and stared intently. "I have no idea...Wufei!"

"What? Are you joking?" Duo demanded incrediously.

"It's Wufei," Zechs agreed.

"No way...Right??" Duo looked back at the girl who was walking towards the stage of the restuarant and his jaw dropped in shock. "Gods...it *is* him."

"What's he doing in a dress?" Heero wondered.

"Hmm...He looks nice though. Damn, look at those legs," Zechs said, raising an eyebrow as he took in every single curve of Wufei's body. Suddenly an elbow connected with his stomach. "Oof!" He looked at Heero and laughed nervously. "But I still love you, Heero."

"Hmph," was all Heero said as he gave his lover a dangerous look before turning his attention back to the stage.

Trowa and the new...Wufei, stood at the front, trying to get everyone's attention. Trowa was grinning for all he was worth and Wufei was flushed a delicate red. He was dressed in a white Chinese style dress with dragons all over the place and his hair was braided down his back. First off, Heero wondered how that dress got into the dressing room but he didn't want to ask in fear of the answer. What Wufei or Trowa do in their free time is none of his business.

"It's time to throw the bouquet and garter," Trowa said loudly, smiling.

Wufei muttered something underneath his breath and sat down on a chair.

Heero watched in amusement as Trowa's hands disappeared underneath his husband's skirt. There were plenty of catcalls and laughter as the Latin/French man slowly pulled out the garter and down Wufei's leg. He then stood up with the prize and all the men and some women cheered for all they were worth.

Zechs grinned and stepped up onto the stage to help out Trowa who looked a little lost for a moment. He opened his arms wide and grinned charmingly at everyone. "All right! Men please gather in the front for a chance to catch this!"

All the men clamoured to the front and Duo found himself standing next to Quatre. The Arabian looked a little irked. Obviously, someone had pushed him there. He looked behind Quatre and saw a smirking Heero. Hmm...he could guess who.

Trowa turned his back and threw the garter over his shoulder.

Men shouted and jumped for it but they all missed. The black garter flew through the air and landed on--

Quatre's head.

Quatre blinked and pulled the garter off his blond locks. He stared at it and blushed while people laughed and congratulated him on his catch. He nodded at them while still flushed pink.

"Hmm...I think you should take that as an omen," Duo remarked before wandering off.

Quatre stared at the black lacy thing in his hands and looked up at Duo's retreating back...Maybe.

~*~

3:00am...

"I am so tired," Wufei groaned as he leaned against Trowa. He had changed again and now was dressed in the Chinese robes he had worn before Trowa asked him to change into the Chinese dress that had appeared out of nowhere. He swore his husband had been planning it all this time.

"Why don't you two just go back to the apartment? We can clean up here," Heero said, nodding at them. "It's not hard."

"Are you sure?" Trowa asked, hoping for a yes. All he wanted to do was sweep Wufei off back to their home. Maybe they could start the honeymoon early.

"Of course," Heero said.

"Thank you," Wufei said gratefully. "I swear, I'm going to fall asleep on my feet."

Trowa smiled and slid his arm around Wufei's waist. Then he turned to Heero. "All right. We'll see you tomorrow."

"I think it already is tomorrow," Zechs said as he walked over to them. "Going home?"

"Wufei's exhausted," Trowa said, nodding.

"All right. Have fun," Zechs said, smiling.

Wufei rolled his eyes.

"Let's go home," Trowa whispered in Wufei's ear. He smiled as he pulled his husband close, and they left the restuarant.

Duo watched as they left. "Where are they going for the honeymoon again?"

"I don't know. They never told us in fear of Une tracking them down with a mission or something like that," Zechs chuckled.

Duo laughed and searched the room for Quatre. The blonde was getting up to leave. He decided to talk to him really quick before he left.

Quatre looked up when he saw Duo approaching and he smiled. "Hey, Duo. Good party, huh?"

"Yeah. Although, I would have thrown a better one. So, where are you going?" he asked casually.

"Home. I'm tired," Quatre said, fighting back a yawn.

"Me too. Hey, think about what I said. I hate to see a friend sad, Quatre, and you have the choice whether or not to be happy," Duo said solemnly. Then, without any warning, he leaned in and gave Quatre a chaste kiss on the lips.

Before Quatre could even react, he was gone.

Quatre touched his lips in wonder as a warm feeling suddenly made itself known in his heart. He smiled slightly as he looked up and caught the edge of Duo's coat leaving the door. <Duo...> Duo was right. He should move on and love again.

Taking a deep breath, Quatre decided to go after the American. They needed to talk.

~*~

Trowa dropped Wufei unceremoniously on the bed and landed on top of his husband.

"Oof!" Wufei gasped as he felt Trowa's weight on his body. He lifted his head and stared into dancing emerald green ones. "What was that for?"

"I just felt like it," Trowa said, smirking as he leaned up and kissed Wufei on the lips. He sat up on his hands, his knees locked on the sides of Wufei's hips and thighs. He urged his husband's lips to part for him and soon was exploring the sweet, moist cavern of Wufei's mouth. He smiled as Wufei responded with just as much enthusiasm.

Soon they were both warm and panting for breath. Wufei kissed Trowa again before falling back on the soft pillows and smiling dreamily up at his husband. He reached up and touched Trowa's face with his fingers.

"I love you, you know that right?" he breathed.

"Of course," Trowa whispered as he lifted Wufei's face for another kiss. "I love you, Wufei. I'm going to cherish and love you forever."

"That's all I ask," Wufei murmured.

Trowa smiled happily and rolled over onto his side. He pulled Wufei close and pressed a kiss to his husband's forehead. "Let's get some sleep. We can have some fun in the morning."

"Mmm... I totally agree," Wufei breathed against Trowa's neck. He threw his leg over around the other man's legs and snuggled closer to Trowa.

Soon, both men were asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ah-ha! Another one! *grin* I am doing good!

Started and Finished: March 18, 2001