Heero sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Relena came in, two cups in her hands. "Coffee, Heero?"
"Mmm. Arigatou." He pulled her down beside him on the couch and wrapped his arms around her. Relena had dropped by his apartment and they had a very leisurely breakfast.
"You make good coffee, koishii."
"Aa, so you think that it's the only thing I'm good at?"
Heero twirled a silken strand of honey-colored hair. "Iie�you're good at�" he kissed her lips, threading his fingers through her hair.
"Mmhmm? What am I good at?"
He kissed her again. "Let me think, koishii."
Relena kissed him back and laughed. "You're not doing much thinking, Heero-kun."
He grinned at her mocking tone. "Aa, sou da ne. Demo, I'm in heaven right now."
"Aha! That explains everything."
"Maa, maa�give me a chance."
"Well?"
"Aa�you are definitely good at kissing, koishii."
She poked his ribs playfully. "Mou! That's all you ever think about."
He held up his hands. "Can I help it if you're too good at that?"
Heero ducked the pillow that she had thrown and laughed along with his lover. It felt so good to laugh again. He had thought he would never be able to smile, but finding Relena once more had proved him wrong. His friends were right. Life was beautiful and not even war could alter anything.
His past as a Gundam pilot seemed almost non-existent but there was always the ever-present guilt in his conscience. He had killed too many people.
"Heero, it's never too late for change. There is a song that says so. 'Life is a constant change like the clouds that move across the sky.' You will find peace in her, Heero Yuy." Wufei had spoke to him the day after his engagement to Relena had been announced in a not-too complaisant manner courtesy of Duo Maxwell.
He had called for a celebration, pounded on the table in a drunken haze and hiccuped all the way through his speech, trying to congratulate his buddy. "Y'see, Heero�*hic*� if she hadn't�*hic*� been so into you, I would've�*hic*�had her for dessert. Y'all agree that�*hic*�Mr. Shuishide Bhoy�*hic*�is one lucky dog! Heh�*hic hic*� let's sing for them!"
"Heero, I haven't been able to go on that vacation I planned. Should I wait until the honeymoon?" Relena's inquisitive voice broke him out of his trance and he nodded thoughtfully.
"Hai. I think that best wait until after the wedding. That way, koishii, I can guard you and still have fun."
She brushed back a stubborn lock that fell over his brow and kissed the tip of his nose. "You are still every bit as alert as before. Lighten up! You're not my bodyguard anymore, you're my fianc�e."
Heero frowned slightly. "You can never tell, love. I don't want to lose you anymore. I almost lost you once." He hugged her fiercely, trying to hide his fear, but his eyes betrayed him. Relena could see the anxiety in his eyes. He was giving in to his emotions now, his true soul revealed with no pretense. Yes, the perfect soldier was afraid.
Relena kissed him, a reassurance that nothing would ever happen again. "Heero, let's finish what we started, ne?"
And so, they went back to discussing their wedding plans.
"Of course she is, Hilde. Every bride is unstable on her wedding day. I was like that when I married Milliard and so was Cathrine."
It was the big day. There were mixed emotions among the people. Excitement, restlessness, extreme happiness mingled with yawns and Duo's continuous ranting. The gentlemen were in another room, trying to encourage a very distraught Heero into fixing himself up.
"I cannot do this! I am absolutely petrified! What if I forget the ring? What if I forget to put on a belt and my pants slip?! What if I discover that I don't have it in me? I'll ruin my chances at making Relena happy!"
Heero frantically paced the room, Quatre at his heels and trying to adjust his friend's tuxedo.
Trowa shook his head, amusement and sympathy threaded in his voice. "Wedding bell jitters. That's what they call it. I went through it during mine."
Duo smirked. "If I remember correctly, you almost jumped off a building and you were shouting, 'Let this last performance of mine be my best! Aishiteru, Cathrine!' Man, that was hell!" He slapped his thigh, laughing like a hyena.
Wufei nodded, the beginnings of a wry smile working up his face. " I actually had to call the priest to calm you down. Imagine, the injustice of it all�"
Trowa blushed beet red and his hands balled into fists. "Will you shut up already!? That private joke was not for publication, if you know what I'm implying."
Duo stopped laughing. "Yeah, let's get back to the task at hand." And they all pounced on Heero, trying to get him to stand on his already trembling legs.
Duo shook Heero's shoulders. "Oi! Heero! Look at me. You should consider yourself the luckiest guy on the planet~"
Quatre nodded his head vigorously, the gel in his hair threatening to wear off. "The luckiest in the universe, even."
A Maganac scrambled up to him, comb in hand. "Master Quatre, please don't shake your head too much. Rasid had trouble styling it." (A.N: Quatre is that pampered! I wish I had a band of slaves. *sigh* =_=�)
Duo hastily continued. "Look! You are marrying an enchantress, you're gonna be living a really swell life and you'll be happy. We're behind you all the way. All you'll be worrying about in the future is trying to impress her brother, the Abominable Snowman. Now get your ass out there, ahou!"
Trowa spoke up. "We can't afford to let the singers wait. They've got loads of other appointments."
The Japanese youth swallowed, apprehensive for a split-second. "Demo�"
"Heero, you the man! Get your big ass out there! You won't regret it once you see your bride. You will never forget how she looks today. Not for the rest of your life." A complacent smile surfaced and Heero patted the American on the shoulder.
"Domo arigatou, Duo. Thank you. I'm fine, just a little nervous."
"Aa, Heero no baka! You're doing the right thing."
"Relena, I want you to be happy. Heero seems to be the right man for the job. Get over your nervousness."
The princess looked down at the bouquet of roses and lilacs that she clutched. Everyone agreed that she looked radiant and majestic in her gown. It was immaculately white.
A strapless gown with a full skirt that flowed as she moved. Perfect for ballroom dancing. The opera-length gloves, the tiara, the veil, the simple solitaire diamond necklace and earrings, and the open-toed white shoes. Yes, she looked every bit the faultless bride.
"Relena�"
"Doushite� Noin?"
The Italian woman had tears in her eyes and she embraced Relena. "Let me embrace Relena Peacecraft one last time. Tomorrow, she will no longer be here to hug me or my children."
Relena beamed. "Iie. Demo, Relena Peacecraft-Yuy will be there for you all. That is my promise."
Milliard held out his arm to Relena. "Imouto, it's time." Relena looked back at her friends, silently thanking them for all they had done for her. She smiled, filled with new hope and she turned her head to her oniisan.
There was a tearful expression in his eyes but he was weeping out of extreme happiness for Relena. 'He will make her happy. I know it. I can see it, feel it. Heero knows what to do.'
He guided her down the aisle, watching the faces of the crowd assembled to witness the second biggest wedding of the century. Milliard listened to the opening bars of the most beautiful song he had ever heard. And there was his soon-to-be brother-in-law, every bit as nervous and as happy as his sister, dressed in a white tux, the usual errant strands falling over his brow.
"Psst. Hey, Aunt Relena."
Relena and Zechs' heads snapped up in attention. "Over here." In one corner sat Lee Noel and Lillias Marie, smiling amiably.
"N-nani?"
"Aunt Relena, make sure you can kiss him properly."
A hot blush stained her cheeks and Zechs chuckled. Lily elbowed her older brother and they both grinned. Hilde had to cover Duo's mouth to keep him from whooping out in gut-wrenching laughter. He had heard what the kids had said and he was more than just amused at the hilarity in their words.
"Duo, I'm warning you!" Hilde rasped through gritted teeth.
Duo's shoulder's shook even harder. "Aw, Hilde that was priceless. Next thing we know, those kids will be telling poor Heero to be careful on the wedding night. How're they gonna enjoy the sex? Christ! Heero won't even be able to consummate it without having to~"
"Duo! SHUT UP!"
"WHAT?"
"Not here!"
Everyone smiled at the couple's antics.
The choir started singing:
"Maybe it's intuition. Some things you just don't question. Like in your eyes, I see the future in an instant.
And there it goes, I think I found my bestfriend. I know that it might sound more than a little crazy but I believe�"
"I knew I loved you before I met you, I think I dreamed you into life. I think I loved you before I met you, I have been waiting all my life�"
Trowa gave a jerk of surprise. "Heero�" he whispered, "you know how to sing?"
An enigmatic smile was all he got.
"Hai, I love that song. Trowa, do me a favor and stay for the reception. Relena and I have a surprise for you and everyone else."
The green-eyed youth smiled. 'Heero was never like this. It's glad to see the change in him.'
"There's just no rhyme or reason. Only a sense of completion. Like in your eyes, I see the missing pieces I'm searching for. I think I found my way home. I know that it might sound more than a little crazy but I believe, I knew I loved you before I met you, I think I dreamed you into life. I knew I loved you before I met you, I have been waiting all my life�"
Relena approached the altar and looked up to find a tear streaming down her brother's cheek. "Goodbye, imouto� Be happy always and think of us. We will always be there for you."
Almost on the verge of crying, she hugged her brother and kissed his cheek.
"You were more like a father to me than an older brother. Arigatou, oniisan. Remember that I love you, Lucrezia, and your kids very dearly. Thank you for your sacrifice. I will remember you for it."
"A thousand angels dance around you�I am complete now that I found you� I knew I loved you before I met you. I think I dreamed you into life. I knew I loved you before I met you. I have been waiting all my life�"
Zechs looked at Heero, silently placing her hand in his. Both men regarded each other in reticence; ice blue eyes met ocean blue.
His eyes: "Take care of my imouto. I trust you know what to do."
Heero's: "You can bet on it, Lightning Baron. I promise to treasure her always."
With a slight smile on his face, Heero led Relena to the altar and the ceremony began.
In one corner, Noin and Lady Une wiped their eyes. Sally sniffed into her handkerchief as Wufei rolled his eyes.
"Women�sheesh. How typical of them to be so sentimental."
"Wufei! Shut up and don't mind us."
The paparazzi gathered there began to take pictures of the twosome at the altar as Father Donaldson began the opening rites.
He was an elderly man, looking very fatherly in his pontifical garments and he cleared his throat. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of two very special people. Before we proceed, anyone who objects to their joining, let yourselves be heard."
Duo waved his hand at his old friend. "Forget that, Father. Just proceed because no one's gonna object even after they're married. I saw to it that~"
"Uh� ahem. Okay Duo, you're right. No one objects." A wave of snickers rose and fell through congregation and Heero made a mental note to gag the American pilot afterwards.
Father Donaldson's clear voice echoed through the cathedral. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two souls as they celebrate the consecration of their union. And now, let the ribbon be tied around their wrists as a symbol of their commitment to one another. The couple shall fit the rings as I recite the pledges that they prepared before the ceremony�"
Trowa and Cathrine came forward to tie the ribbon meant for the two. Before they took their seats, Trowa whispered, "Love her always, Heero. She is yours to honor and protect."
Cathrine smiled at Relena. "He is yours, Relena-sama. Remember that nothing can separate you." The Barton couple sat down and waited for Lee Noel and Lillias Marie to hand over the rings.
The two siblings walked over to the altar and silently gave the rings to Heero and Relena.
Zechs swallowed the lump forming in his throat and blinked back the tears building up in his eyes.
"Hon, are you alright?"
Noin looked up at him with concern and he smiled. "I just can't believe it, angel. Has she really grown? I don't seem to remember my imouto like that."
"Well, you have done a good job taking care of her, hon. Let her go."
"Hai, I should accept that she's no longer a young girl but a responsible woman."
Heero reached for Relena's hand as Father Donaldson recited the vows he had composed. "Through every dark space, let me walk with you into the light. Through every pain you experience, let me be your support. Through all the tears you cry, let me be there to hold you. Through the laughter, let me be there to make you smile even more. Through every danger, let me be there to protect you. Through the rest of your life, let me be there to love you and honor you." He slipped the ring on her finger and caressed her delicate hand as she prepared to place in his ring.
As she gripped his hand, the priest uttered the promise she had made, days before the wedding. "The life we will share, may it be without end. May your smile brighten up our tearful days and sleepless nights. May this chance to love last for all eternity. Never will I leave you and forever, forever will I love you. Be not fearful of the days to come, when we seem to be at our lowest, for I will be your strength and I will esteem all of what you are. I love you for who and what you are, not for the things that you do."
As soon as the vows were finished, Father Donaldson looked with fondness at the couple. "The ribbon may now be removed. And now, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. Heero, you may kiss the bride."
Heero smirked and mumbled something incoherent.
"What was that, Heero?"
"I said 'I've been waiting for this part.' "
Relena giggled and hesitated. Heero pulled her close and whispered, "C'mon, koishii. Don't jilt me at the altar."
"Okay, but it had better be a good k~" The rest of her sentence was cut off as his mouth closed on hers and both were lost in the heat of the kiss.
The first one to start the "Hooray's" was Duo and the one with the loudest applause, surprisingly, was Zechs, the Lightning Baron.
As the happy newlyweds marched down the aisle with everyone throwing rice, flowers, and popping champagne, Zechs sighed and looked to Father Donaldson. "Bless them, Father. They both deserve it."
"Oi, Heero! Where's the surprise that you and Relena planned? I'm getting a little bored," Duo railed, pouring a little too much wine in his glass.
Hilde reached out and conked him on the head with her clutch bag. "Duo! Enough!"
"Aw, c'moooonnnn! We gotta get this party warmed up!"
"Damn you! You're gonna reek when we get home! Try drinking one more time and I'll shove that bottle way up your hairy ass!"
Everybody at the reception began to stare at the odd pair and Hilde blushed from the roots of her hair to the tip of her toes.
'Shit! I'm really gonna sign this fucker up for Alcoholics Anonymous,' she silently swore.
Wufei grabbed the wine bottle from the semi-tipsy youth and replaced his glass with a cup of the blackest, strongest coffee he had mixed. "I believe Miss Hilde has a point. Booze and cars are not a good combination."
"Booze and cars aren't a good combination," Duo mimicked, sticking his tongue out, "Ha! Big deal, Mr. Dick!"
He received a death glare from Wufei. "Duo, a sober person armed with a gun is an even more deadly combination. I'm warning you."
"Oh, yeah? I think booze and guns are even worse, Justice Boy! Lemme alone, SOB!"
Sally sighed and patted Wufei's hand. "Some things never change, Fei. I suggest you get some fresh air."
"Ryoukai, woman. After the reception."
Zechs stood up and motioned for silence. When all was quiet, he looked to where the newlyweds were seated.
"Heero and Relena, this has been one hell of a memorable day for everyone. As you are about to start off an a life of your own, together, my only advice is this: "Dance as though no one is watching, Love as though you've never been hurt, Sing as though no one is listening, Live as though heaven is on earth." May you always be happy."
All applauded his speech and Relena stood up. She strode over to the microphones and took one. "Ladies and gentlemen, first of all, thank you for coming. Oniisan, I was really touched by your speech and I promise to follow your advice. Speaking of your advice about singing, my husband and I decided to prepare something for all of you. I hope you like it. Music please."
"I would give up everything before I separate myself from you
After so much suffering, I finally found unvarnished truth
I was all by myself for the longest time, so cold inside
And the hurt from the heartache would not subside
I felt like dying, until you saved my life�."
Duo, Quatre, Trowa and Wufei backed her up with Hilde, Dorothy, and Sally with very astonished looks on their faces.
"Thank God I found you, I was lost without you
My every wish and every dream somehow became reality
When you brought the sunlight, completed my whole life
I'm overwhelmed with gratitude
Cause baby, I'm so thankful I found you�"
Heero came over to his bride and grasped her hand, unaware of the Maganacs' boisterous catcalls and the stunned looks on his friends' faces as they nearly face-faulted in the background. He draped an arm around her waist and began.
"I would give you everything
There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do
To ensure your happiness, I'll cherish every part of you
Cause without you beside me, I can't survive
Don't wanna try
If you're keeping me warm each and every night, I'll be all right
Cause I need you in my life�"
Zechs stood up again and grabbed a microphone. His baritone voice joined in with the 16-year-olds' lighter tenor voices and he gestured to the audience. "If you people know this song, stand up and join us."
With that, everyone around stood up, voices blending with the others, the Maganacs', the loudest of all.
"Thank God I found you, I was lost without you
My every wish and every dream somehow became reality
When you brought the sunlight, completed my whole life
I'm overwhelmed with gratitude
Cause baby, I'm so thankful I found you�"
All the people seemed to float on Cloud Nine and even the few media men gathered there were aphonic, trying to describe the emotions they felt with the couple.
"See I was so desolate before you came to me
Looking back, I guess it shows that we were destined
To shine after the rain, to appreciate the gift of what we have
And I'd go through it all over again to be able to feel this way�"
Some of the witnesses had tears in their eyes. They seemed to understand what the latter two had encountered. Need, longing, and finding each other after so many years of separation. It was simply wonderful.
"Thank God I found you, I was lost without you
My every wish and every dream somehow became reality
When you brought the sunlight, completed my whole life
I'm overwhelmed with gratitude
Cause baby, I'm so thankful I found you�"
Relena rested her head on Heero's shoulder as the music slowly died down. "I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. My baby, I'm so thankful I found you."
Heero pulled her close and kissed her, the microphones falling from their hands and rolling away on the carpeted floor. Loud applause erupted from everywhere and Duo whooped.
"Ahou! That was your surprise? How�uh�um�"
"At a loss, Duo? I think it's quite romantic. And Heero has a much better voice than you," Hilde teased.
The American had never been so quiet in the span of time that people had known him. He looked like a landed fish, if put in simple English.
"Thanks to the couple for their beautiful song. And now, the part you've all been waiting for: the tossing of the bouquet and garter. All single people step right up, left foot first!" the emcee drawled. A frantic scraping of chairs followed and all unwedded couples stood up.
Relena gave one final warning before tossing the bouquet in the air. "No pushing, no shoving, no fighting. Here goes!"
The bouquet went flying and when Relena turned around, she grew a big sweatdrop upon seeing her friends engage in an out-of-their-minds brawl.
After what seemed like forever, a jubilant Sally emerged, holding the flowers in one hand and flashing the victory sign with another.
"HEY! No fair! She's bigger than the rest of us!" wailed Dorothy. Sally grinned.
"Well, I'm so sorry, honey. All's fair in love, war, and bouquet tossing."
Everyone laughed good-naturedly at their banter and the girls shuffled back to their seats.
The emcee coughed and continued, "Alrighty, then. Now, it's the groom's turn. All bachelors, please line up!"
Heero strode over to Relena and lifted up her skirt to reveal her slender legs and a frilly garter. Grinning devilishly, he caught the band between his teeth and pulled it down her leg.
Relena blushed pink as Duo called out, "Wahoo! Nice move, Yuy!"
Heero straightened up and headed to where the still-single pilots were getting ready. He smirked watching the display of emotions on his pals' faces. Wufei growled at Duo and the loudmouthed American bared his teeth and stuck out his tongue in mockery. Quatre glared at the both of them and readied himself.
"One thing, guys. Fight fair. No bombs, grenades, or guns, okay? Oh, and NO TANTO BLADES," Heero said as he twirled the garter around his index finger.
Quatre glared in a very un-Quatre way. "Just get it the hell over with and toss the damned thing, Yuy!"
"Whatever you say, pretty boy!" With that, he flung the garter in the air and watched bemusedly as his friends struggled to get it.
"Yeah! I win!" Wufei yelled, pumping a fist in the air.
"NOT FAIR, Fei! You slugged me!" Duo ranted, rubbing his throbbing jaw.
"As if! You wouldn't think I'd give you the chance to slip this on 'Ms. Marauder' now, would you guys?" Wufei taunted.
Heero grabbed the microphone and laughed. "Alright, fun's over, Fei! This is the most difficult part. You gotta slip that on 'Ms. Marauder' and do what we tell you. Sal's right here, and she's waiting. Go to it."
Wufei mouthed a few words that looked like "Omae wa korosu" but the Wing Zero pilot ignored him.
Sally smiled sweetly at the Chinese boy, as a faint blush appeared on his neck. Wufei felt hot as he hiked up Sally's skirt to expose her legs.
"This is obscene!" he muttered, as he slowly slipped the garter up to her knee.
This proved to be unsatisfying for all and they started chanting, "Higher! Higher!" Wufei's neck grew hot as he slipped it past her knee. Still, the crowd chanted, "Higher! HIGHER!"
He finally slipped it up to half of her thigh and his ears burned.
He thought it was over, but it was far from that, because everyone started clinking their glasses with forks and knives and hollered, "KISS THE GIRL! KISS THE GIRL!"
Wufei's blush seemed to rival the color of an overripe tomato as he put his arms around Sally.
"You owe me big time, woman," he grunted.
Sally giggled softly and whispered back, "Ryoukai, Chang Wufei."
And they kissed, along with all the other couples in the room. It had been one hell of a day for everyone, and they were all very tired and happy.
After hours of hearing "Congratulations!" and "Best wishes!," the husband and wife decided to have a little privacy. (A.N: No lemon here, I can promise you that! I'm not yet eighteen� =_^ )
Relena brushed back her long hair and frowned. Heero was taking long in the bathroom and she itched with curiosity to find out why. The soft closing of the door brought her back to reality and she turned to see Heero coming out of the bathroom wearing a navy blue bathrobe, a little of his strong chest exposed. If her guess was correct, he wasn't wearing anything else underneath.
She licked her lips, uncertain of what would happen next, knowing that they would be crossing the point of no turning back.
As soon as he emerged from the bathroom, Heero felt his blood surge through his veins at the sight of Relena. Dressed in a lacey nightgown, the silhouette of her slender body visible in the dim lamplight, her cheeks flushed slightly and her aquamarine eyes flashing, she was a vision to behold.
"Kirei�," his voice a caress as he stepped towards her. "You have no idea what you're doing to me, koishii." He kissed her sweet lips, giving in to the temptation that she unwittingly offered.
"Heero?"
"Mmmm."
"Are you ready for me?"
He grinned, stroking her shoulders. "Well, turn off the lights and we'll find out."
