Eternal Flame

Disclaimer: I don\'t own the G Boys, I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier ne? :) I do however own Shane, Paul, Colin, Mickey, Benny, Toby, Fayah and any other unfamiliar characters that crop up. I also own the plot if you can call it that.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Sap, angst, OC, Lemon, Lime, abuse, violence, language.

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3, 5xS, OC x OC and maybe some more... check each part to be sure ;)

Archive: http://gundam-wing-diaries.150m.com
http://sweetlysour.net
http://www.adult-fanfiction.org
http://www.theforsakenwk.com/

Status: Work in progress.

Beta: DBZVelena... *huggles*

Author: ShenLong

Authors notes: *sigh* Well here I am again caving into pressure. I know it has taken a while to get to this and for that I apologize but I could not come up with a plot I deemed worthy enough.... until now. This is yet another sequel... this time to United Hearts. I did promise I would write the wedding for you all and I intend to do that. For those that haven\'t read United or Lost Souls I recommend that you do, otherwise this sequel will not make much sense. All of your favorite characters are back and up to as much mischief as possible.
This is set fourteen months after the end of United and all the children are older now. The Gundam Pilots are all 20yrs, Shane and Fayah are 16, Paul is 15, Colin is 14, Mickey is 12, Benny is 10 1/2 and not forgetting that little rascal Toby who is 10.
Thank you to all those who supported me through the writing of United, I hope you enjoy this just as much.


\"Eternal Flame\"

Started April 2003 ShenLong.

Chapter 7

Leith arrived at Paul\'s home just as Wufei was leaving. They exchanged a few pleasantries and then Wufei was gone, leaving Leith with Paul and Sally.

\"I brought a couple of discs to watch if that\'s still okay.\" Leith stated as Paul took the pizza box from Leith\'s other hand.

\"Sure. Pop \'em on the table in the lounge while we gets this pizza sorted out.\" Paul replied as he wandered through to the kitchen, pizza box in hand.

Leith did as requested and followed Paul into the kitchen. Sally appeared moments later. \"I smell pizza.\" she said as she entered the kitchen to join the boys.

\"Leith brought it.\" Paul\'s voice came from inside the cupboard where he was fetching plates.

\"You\'re welcome to join us Sally.\" Leith said as he sat at the table watching Paul putting down the plates.

\"Maybe just one slice then.\" Sally replied. \"I really must get into the tub and have a good soak.\"

\"Ahh all the preparations for the big day hey?\"

\"Yes. I\'m afraid I still have several little things left to do but a nice long soak in the tub is the main priority.\" Sally helped herself to a slice of the pizza and then busied herself with getting a drink. \"Don\'t have the sound up too loud will you guys?\" Sally said as she left for the bathroom, drink and half eaten pizza in hand.

\"We wont. If yer needs anything Sal just holler okay?\" Paul watched his foster mother leave.

\"I will, thanks.\" Sally called over her shoulder.

Paul grinned at Leith. \"So, how was yer week?\"

\"Not too bad. Mainly maintenance and stuff like that. What about yours?\"

Paul groaned. \"Stacks of homework. I swear them teachers don\'t believe in a person having an existence outside a school.\"

Leith laughed.

Paul grumbled. \"It\'s okay fer you, yer gots yerself a job and aint gotta worry about homework and exams an stuff.\"

Leith reached over and took Paul\'s hand in his. \"You\'re better off studying Paul. Get a good education and then you can get a really good job, not wind up as a grease monkey like me.\"

Paul looked up. \"Yer sounds just like Wufei when yer talks like that Leith.\"

Leith just laughed and helped himself to pizza.

They ate the rest of the pizza and adjourned to the lounge room to watch the discs that Leith had brought. Not sure of what Paul would like, Leith brought both aedy edy and an action movie. They sat together and snuggled closely on the couch, Leith\'s arm sneaking around Paul\'s shoulders and Paul dropping his head to rest against Leith\'s warm chest. Both were aware of Sally\'s presence but neither wished to break the comfortable embrace. Besides, Paul knew that Sally had a lot to do so he didn\'t think she would be disturbing them anytime soon.

The sounds of Sally finishing in the bathroom greeted their ears and Leith was about to remove his arm when Sally wandered through. She chuckled. \"Don\'t worry boys, I\'m not about to scold you over a little cuddling.\"

Leith and Paul both blushed bright red.

\"Just be sure to keep it clean okay?\" Sally teased as she found her bottle of nail polish. \"I\'ll be in my room, I need to get through this agonizing beauty treatment for tomorrow.\" She rolled her eyes in emphasis.

\"You\'re beautiful enough, you don\'t need any treatments Miss Sally.\" Leith said in all honesty as he looked at the woman.

Sally passed a hand over her eyes. \"You hang on to him Paul, I like his comments.\" she teased and then disappeared into her room, Paul watching speechless as she went.

\"Mmmm... You heard what the lady said.\" Leith murmured. \"We can do whatever we like as long as we keep it clean.\" His lips nuzzled into the crook of Paul\'s neck.

Paul moaned softly as soft lips attacked his sensitive throat. He tilted his head to allow Leith better access, all thoughts of the movie disc gone from his mind.

Leith began to lick along the column of flesh. \"I think I need to clean you.\" he whispered.

\"Well Sally did say ta keep it clean so I guess yer can.\" Paul breathed out.

Leith\'s arms wrapped tighter around Paul and drew him close. His lips worked their way up the throat and along Paul\'s jaw line. He paused and looked longingly at Paul\'s lips beforewly wly lowering his own to brush tenderly across them.

Paul\'s breath hitched slightly and his body flushed warm as Leith kissed him softly. His eyes fluttered shut and he savored the feeling.

Leith dipped forth again and this time put more into the kiss. He moved his mouth over Paul\'s, gently caressing with his tongue and asking permission. The pliant lips parted and Leith\'s tongue eased forwards and began to explore the interior of Paul\'s sweet mouth. He stroked over teeth and gums, drifted across soft palette and sought out the sensitive areas. Paul\'s tongue pushed shyly forwards and danced with the invader, mapping out the slick muscle.

They broke for air and Paul stared deep into the soft green eyes of Leith, eyes that were clouded with passion. He whimpered with need as he felt his body react to the gentle kiss.

Leith wasn\'t immune to Paul\'s sensuality either, he felt his groin swelling with need but chose to ignore it. While sex was an important part of a relationship he wasn\'t ready for that step with Paul yet. They needed to get to know each other, explore each others hearts and minds, discover their likes and dislikes and become good friends before the relationship could traverse to the next step. Leith wanted to get to know Paul in all his ways and not just for the physical side of the relationship. He had guessedt Pat Paul held secrets within, secrets he hoped that one day Paul would share with him. There was a wizend maturity beyond Paul\'s 15 years and behind those compelling blue eyes a hint of something dark, something that shouldn\'t be there.

Paul found it hard to control his hormones. He was a red blooded teenager who\'s body was awakening from childhood to catch up with his mind that had long ago been forced into adulthood. He knew all to well the surges in his groin, and yet the sensations were different this time around. Where\'as in the past he had been forced to use his body as a means to feed himself he had never experienced the true joys of sex. It had been more of a case of giving rather than receiving. His pants yanked quickly to his ankles, more often than not the prep pushed aside in favour of getting the johns cock inside his tender passage as quickly as possible and fucking him ruthlessly. The only thing Paul had been grateful for was that they always came pretty quickly and so the pain, while bad enough in itself, was over with before it could truly settle in his mind and thus the damage was pretty minimal as well.

With Leith kissing him so tenderly he ached to know what proper lovemaking could, and would be like. The man awakened a passion within that he hadn\'t known existed and so his hand dropped to Leith\'s thigh and he unconsciously began to rub at the hard muscle beneath the denim.

Leith felt the touch and shivered. While he wanted so badly to feel more he couldn\'t let this progress any further. He gently lay his own hand over Paul\'s and stilled the movement, looking into confused blue at the same time. \"No Paul.\" he whispered softly.

Paul felt tears begin to well. Leith didn\'t want him? Leith sensed Paul\'s dilemma and gently kissed him. \"It\'s not that I don\'t want you Paul, god knows I do, but.... I don\'t just want you for sex. I want to get to know you properly, discover the enigma that is you and take my time doing so. Then, when the time is right, we can take this further.\"

Paul knew Leith\'s words made sense and his heart warmed in the knowledge that Leith cared enough for him to want a proper relationship. \"I understand.\" he said softly and returned the kiss with a sweet one of his own.

\"Besides, we\'re both under legal age and I don\'t think I could handle your foster dad coming after me for violating his son.\" Leith chuckled lightly against Paul\'s neck.

\"Yer got a point there.\" Paul giggled. \"He keeps a pretty impressive collection of swords in his room.\"

Leith visibly shuddered. \"Castration by katana, now that\'s not a pleasant way to spend the evening is it?\" he teased.

\"Nope. Nor is beheading.\" Paul snickered.

\"I do believe you need to get your mind above your navel Paul.\" Leith gently chastised.

\"I\'d prefer somethin else below me navel.\" Paul sniggered in reply.

Leith gave him a sultry look and dropped his hand to Paul\'s groin. \"I guess we can still fool around a little.\" He pressed his palm firmly against the bulge he could feel underneath the denim of Paul\'s jeans, causing Paul to gasp. Really the boy was such a delight to tease.

Paul\'s hips pushed against the touch craving more but knowing it wouldn\'t be forthcoming. He leaned forwards and nibbled along Leith\'s ear lobe. \"Tease.\" he muttered.

\"Talk about the kettle calling the pot black.\" Leith retorted as he gave the lump a quick squeeze and removed his hand.

Paul sighed and leant into his boyfriend. Life sucked sometimes.

\"I guess I had better be going.\" Leith said as he stretched himself out and glanced at the clock. \"I got a lot to do tomorrow and so do you gorgeous.\"

Paul sighed again. \"Yeah I guess I should be makin tracks ta bed. So what yer doing tomorra?\"

Leith gave him a mischievous grin. \"I gotta drive a bride to a wedding.\"

Paul sat bolt upright. \"Yer mean yer driving Sally?\"

\"Yup. Fred the usual driver is sick so I\'m going to be filling in for him.\" Leith grinned.

\"Then I\'ll get ta see yer tommora then.\" Paul couldn\'t believe his luck.

\"Yes you will my sweet but I really have to go now so I\'ll say my farewells and let you get some rest.\" Leith stood up pulling Paul with him. They strode to the door and kissed again before Leith left. Paul shut the door softly and wandered back to the lounge to turn off the television.

He knocked lightly on Sally\'s door. \"Leith\'s gone Sally so I\'m going ta go ta bed.\"

\"Okay Paul. I\'ll see you in the morning then.\"

\"Night Sally.\"

\"Good night Paul.\"

Paul wandered into his room and shut the door, images of Leith passing through his mind as he stripped down to his boxers and slid between the cool sheets. He could still taste Leith on his lips and in his mouth, feel that teasing touch to his aching flesh, flesh that swelled as he thought more about the man he found himself beginning to fall for. He slipped his hand down his stomach and inside the flap to finish what the heated moment had started earlier.

~ * ~

Leith arrived home to find the house in darkness. He was still on a high from his earlier encounter with Paul and didn\'t take too much notice. He guessed his father was either still at work or had gone to bed. Given the lateness of the hour he thought it would be more the latter and so he kept his movements quiet as he quickly went about his business of cleaning his teeth, visiting the bathroom and undressing before climbing into bed. His mind drifted back to Paul and the lust he had read in those compelling eyes. His hand still tingled from the all too brief touch of Paul\'s hardened desire against his palm. From what he had felt, Paul certainly had an impressive package for his age. With a groan Leith reached down and tugged his briefs off, freeing his hardened cock and wrapping a hand around the shaft. Visions of Paul\'s kiss swollen lips assaulted his mind as he sought to relieve himself of the passion that burned within him.

~ * ~

The alarm buzzed and a pale hand shot out to knock it to the floor where it continued to buzz in indignation. \"Fucking alarm!\" A disheveled chestnut head appeared from underneath the blankets and sleepy violet eyes peeked open as an arm was distended to seek out the annoying alarm. Locating the small object, fingers fumbled for a moment until they found the switch and turned it off. Task complete the arm and head snuck once more into the cocoon of the bed clothes.

\"Duo... Come on, it\'s time to get up.\" Heero shook his partners shoulder.

\"No fucking way! It\'s still dark.\"

\"It\'s daylight lover.\" Heero walked over to the curtains and pulled them open letting the warm sunlight penetrate the room.

\"Not getting up.\" came the muffled voice from under the blankets.

Heero sighed and strode back to the bed. With a smirk he grabbed the edge of the blankets and pulled them back to reveal his partner huddled in a heap. \"Get up Duo.\"

\"Fuck off Yuy!\" Duo reached for the bed clothes but Heero yanked them out of the way.

\"I told you not to stay up so late.\"

\"I couldn\'t let Shane beat me.\" came the response as Duo buried his head under the pillow.

Heero chuckled. \"I\'ll get you a coffee.\" He dumped the blankets back on the bed and laughed as Duo scurried under them again. He went to the kitchen and made the promised coffee, returning to the bedroom minutes later with the beverage in hand.

Heero placed the cup on the side table and pulled the blankets back a little. He located Duo\'s ear and began to nibble on it. He knew Duo couldn\'t resist and so he pressed forwards, sucking and nibbling lightly.

\"Okay, okay. Yer can stop now Hee-chan. I\'m awake already.\" Duo groused as he pulled himself up to a sitting position. He rubbed at his tired eyes and reached for the cup of coffee.

Heero smiled as he sat next to his lover and drank his own coffee. \"So, was it worth staying up late for?\"

\"Yup. I beat the little upstart.\" Duo grinned.

Heero rolled his eyes. He knew just how competitive Duo got when he and Shane started on one of their many vid games. Usually Fayah and himself retreated to the kitchen and consoled each other with hot chocolate and a packet of biscuits, each bemoaning their respective partners competitive streak.

\"Are the others up yet?\" Duo asked as he sipped at his coffee.

\"Hai. Wufei\'s in the shower, Fayah\'s brushing her hair and Shane is still a huddled heap.

Duo snickered and reached for a kiss. \"Guess I\'m not the only one sufferin from lack of sleep then.\"

Heero shook his head. \"Big kids.\" he muttered before stealing his own kiss and standing up. \"I\'m going to go and start breakfast. We have a lot to get through this morning.\"

Duo watched his lover leave the room and sank back against the pillows again. He sighed softly as he thought about the wedding that lay ahead. He couldn\'t help the little twinge of jealousy he felt whenever he thought of Wufei and Sally sealing their love, surrounded by their many friends. With another sigh, and mentally chastising himself for his thoughts, he got up and slipped on a pair of shorts before heading out to the kitchen and food.

~ * ~

\"Hold still Toby.\" Trowa growled as he tried yet again to perform the intricate art of tying a tie. He had been doing this for what seemed like hours now but still couldn\'t get the offending item to sit right.

\"Ain\'t yer done yet?\" Toby whined.

\"It\'s not as easy as it looks now hold still or it will take even longer.\"

Quatre chose that moment to walk in, completely dressed and as immaculate as ever. He spotted his partner on bended knee trying vainly to tame the errant tie. Quatre snickered. \"Having fun?\" he asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

\"Sheesh, we\'s been ready fer ages.\" Benny piped up as he followed Quatre into the room.

Trowa opted to grunt by way of reply and wrestled with the tie again.

Quatre couldn\'t stand watching the painful display any longer and walked over to his lover. \"Here, let me.\" he said quietly.

Trowa gladly moved aside and within seconds Quatre had the tie done and tucked neatly inside Toby\'s waistcoat. \"There.\" Quatre said in satisfaction.

\"Thanks Quatre.\" Toby grinned and then looked at Trowa. \"How comes when yer wears one of these fangled things ta work every day yer can\'t gets mine ta tie properly?\"

\"That\'s because he gets me to tie it for him.\" Quatre winked.

\"But that\'s cheatin!\"

\"I won\'t tell if you won\'t.\" Trowa whispered.

Toby considered the request for a moment. \"Okay but it\'s gonna cost yer.\"

\"Oh?\"

\"Extra desserts fer me and Benny fer the week and that new vid game.\"

Trowa cocked his head in mock thought. \"Extra desserts for one night and we can hire the game.\"

\"Make it two nights and yer got a deal.\"

\"Done. Now I suggest we hurry up as we have Paul to pick up on the way.\"

The small family left the mansion on their way to get Paul and meet with the others at the church.

~ * ~

Paul hid in his room. He wasn\'t game to go over the threshold anymore. He had managed to get five minutes in the bathroom for a quick shower before being ousted by a hoard of women. The venture into the kitchen had been a life threatening experience. All he had wanted was a glass of orange juice and a couple of slices of toast but even that simple task took on mammoth proportions when he saw the kitchen.

Every available surface was covered. If it wasn\'t makeup containers it was jars of cream, combs and brushes. Heated hair rollers had commandeered the power point and he had found himself scolded for unplugging them to plug in the toaster. He had managed to get his breakfast though and traversing the obstacle course that was once the lounge room he decided the safest place to be was back in his room.

Noin, Relena, Une and Dorothy had descended upon them and eight that morning and Paul wondered where sanity had gone. The usually calm well organized women were suddenly transformed and Paul found himself confronted with a group of unpredictable she devils, all running around like headless chickens. He hoped that Trowa and Quatre would be early and deliver him from this torture called pre wedding jitters.

~ * ~

Duo whistled as Wufei appeared. \"I hafta say I\'ve never seen yer look so good Wuffie.\"

\"Thank you and the name is Wufei!\" Wufei growled.

\"Yer sure do look nice Wufei.\" Fayah smiled.

The group had collected in the lounge room of the Yuy/Maxwell home and were putting the last minute touches to their outfits. Duo and Heero were dressed in charcoal black three piece suits with pale blue silk button down shirts underneath. A dark blue tie rested at the collar and Fayah was busy pinning the buttonhole into place on Heero\'s lapel as Wufei entered the room.

Wufei was also in a three piece suit but his was black with a white silk shirt underneath and a black tie. It highlighted his golden skin and matched his dark brooding eyes perfectly. He had left his hair loose and it fell in soft waves around his face giving him an even more exotic appearance.

Wufei walked over to Fayah who had now finished attaching Heero\'s button hole and had picked up Wufei\'s. He stopped in front of the young woman. \"You look stunning yourself Fayah.\" he smiled.

\"Hey, just remember she\'s taken.\" Shane teased.

Wufei gave Shane a *look* and then stood still for Fayah to secure the cream colored rose to his lapel. Rose attached, she stood back to admire the group. They all looked stunning in their suits, even Shane had been bullied into wearing one but his wasn\'t quite a suit, more a pair of soft gray slacks with matching jacket and ivory shirt. Fayah herself had opted for something simple yet elegant. She wore a dress of sky blue, the neckline plunging low with three quarter length sleeves. The bodice was simple in the way it followed her natural outline to gather at the waist and then flow into a full skirt that stopped at mid calf. Her feet were encased in cream sandals which had a small heel to them and she had arranged her hair to give herself a more chic appearance, most of it piling up onto the top of her head with a couple of strands twisting down either side of her sweet face.

Wufei looked at his watch. \"We need to be going.\" he said quietly.

\"Yer sure yer okay Wuffles? I can give yer a quick shot ta calm the nerves.\"

\"I do not require any form of alcohol Maxwell.\" Wufei glowered. He would never touch the stuff again if he had his way.

\"Let\'s get going shall we?\" Heero picked up his keys and made his way to the front door, Duo, Shane, Fayah and Wufei followed.

~ * ~

Paul heard the knock at the door and checking that the coast was clear he managed to fight his way through the war zone of the lounge to open it. Zechs stood on the other side, a wide smile plastered to his face. \"I see you are still alive.\" he said as Paul bade him enter.

\"Only just. What is it wiv women and weddin\'s?\" Paul replied as he led Zechs through to the kitchen.

\"Crazy isn\'t it how normally rational women can suddenly become maniacal witches. It\'s like someone has thrown a switch or something.\" Zechs replied as he surveyed the scene of total disarray and confusion in the normally pristine home.

\"I can\'t fer the life of me see why anyone would want ta put themselves through all this torture just ta get a piece of paper that say\'s they can legally lives tagether.\"

Zechs laughed. \"You\'ll change your mind one day son.\"

Paul shook his head in denial. \"No way.\"

They both looked up as a half dressed Noin shot into the kitchen, rollers still in her hair, makeup in place and the white camisole covering enough of her form to keep her decency, but Paul still blushed bright red and turned away. Zechs however appreciated the view.

\"Shit! Is that the time already?\" Noin asked as she grabbed a couple of items from the table. \"Oh hi dear.\" Noin bent to give Zechs a quick peck on the cheek.

\"Nice to see you again too my sweet.\" Zechs replied. \"I take it the entourage is nearly ready?\" He quirked an eyebrow in question knowing full well what the answer was going to be.

\"Nearly.\" Noin replied as she rummaged through more items in a bag she had collard from the kitchen bench. \"Won\'t be too much longer.\" she called over her shoulder as she left the pair and went back to the bedroom to finish getting ready.

Zechs sighed. \"Paul, a little word of advice. Don\'t get married like this.\"

Paul\'s face took on a puzzled expression.

\"Elope instead.\"

Paul laughed. \"I\'ll try ta remember that.\" and hearing the doorbell being rung he went to answer it. Trowa was standing on the other side, looking handsome in his charcoal suit.

\"Ready to escape?\" he asked in his quiet voice.

\"I\'ve been ready since I got up this morning.\" Paul sighed. \"I\'ll just grabs my jacket and bag.\" Paul went back to his room to get the items.

Zechs appeared from the kitchen and went to speak with Trowa while Paul was gone. \"Welcome to the mad house.\"

\"I can see that.\" Trowa replied as he took in the sight.

Paul reappeared at that moment. \"Can yer let Sally know I\'ve gone please Zechs?\"

\"Sure thing. We will see you at the church then.\"

\"Try not to be too late.\" Trowa said with a smirk as he stepped aside to allow Paul to pass.

\"At this rate I think we might make it there for next week.\" Zechs groaned.

\"See you later then.\" and Trowa was gone, Paul with him. Zechs returned to the battleground to await the bride and her attendants.

~ * ~

\"Sheesh, will yer sit down Wuffie, it\'s worse that watchin a game of tennis.\" Duo complained as Wufei paced up and down the floor of the small vestry. \"Anyone would think yer was awaiting the birth of yer kid and not waitin ta get married!\"

\"Maxwell.... Shut up!\" Wufei growled.

Duo fiddled with his braid again as his attention tried to focus on something other than the pacing of the Chinese man. The door opened up and Duo\'s face split into a grin. \"Quat, Trowa, about time yer got here.\" he said as he bounced over to the two men.

\"Duo, you\'re looking quite... neat.\" Quatre laughed as he was enveloped in a bear hug. True, Duo did look different, his usual attire of t shirt and jeans didn\'t do a lot for his slender frame, but the cut of the suit gave him an air of elegance.

Heero stood up and approached the pair to shake hands. Trowa took him to one side. \"How is Wufei?\" he asked in his quiet tone.

\"Nervous.\"

\"I thought as much.\" Trowa raked a careful eye over his friend and took in the slightly flushed features and light sheen of sweat. He turned his attention back to Heero. \"Most of the guests are here.\"

\"Did you bring Toby and Benny?\"

\"Yes. They are sitting with Paul, Shane and F. I . I forgot the handcuffs though.\"

Heero\'s lips quirked into a smile. \"I\'m sure that Fayah will keep them under control.\"

\"I only hope they don\'t decide to raid the collection box.\" Trowa said with an evil glint in his eye.

\"Well that would certainly liven up the proceedings.\" Heero was about to continue when the door opened and Father Reynolds entered.

\"We are ready gentlemen. If you would care to follow me.\" He turned and began to exit the room.

Duo sidled up to Wufei as they passed through the doorway. \"This is it Wuffy, yer last chance to make a run fer it.\" he teased.

Wufei sent him a scowl by way of reply and holding his head up high he proudly walked behind the priest and into the church.

Heero followed behind Wufei and Duo behind him. Trowa and Quatre brought up the rear. The priest waved them to sit on the front pew while awaiting the brides arrival. The gathered guests watched the little parade as they came from the side and sat at the front of the church. All five men were simply stunning, dressed in their suits and ties they complimented each other perfectly.

Wufei twisted his hands nervously, Heero felt in his pocket for the tenth time to check that the small box that contained the ring was still nestled there. If he forgot it or lost it he had no doubts he would be enjoying an up close and personal interaction with Wufei\'s katana.

Trowa watched the busyings of the priest as he checked the last minute details. Duo looked over his shoulder into the crowd trying to pick out Shane and Fayah. He spotted them about a third of the way back and waved to them. Shane gave him the thumbs up.

Quatre\'s eyes were also scanning the guests as he attempted to locate Toby and Benny. He finally found them sitting with Fayah and Shane. He could see Fayah bend her head every now and then, obviously answering a question and he smiled. All ouldould do was hope that the talk he and Trowa had had with them last night had sunk in. By the looks of it most of it had, either that or the threat of no vid games for a month had done the trick.

The altar boy approached the priest and spoke softly, the priest raised his eyes briefly to the door and nodded to the boy who then walked quietly back up the aisle. Father Reynolds approached the waiting men. \"The bride has arrived.\" he said quietly. \"Please stand and take youacesaces.\"

The group got up and walked to stand sideways at the head of the aisle just in front of the altar, All heads turned to the doorway as the organist started to play. Duo leaned forwards to whisper in Wufei\'s ear. \"Too late now man, she\'s got yer by the short and curlies.\" he snickered.

\"Thanks to you Maxwell I don\'t have any short and curlies left.\" Wufei growled and resisted the urge to scratch himself. He would never admit to it but the re growth was a bitch!

Heero couldn\'t help but overhear the whispered exchange and grabbing Duo\'s braid he gave it a tug. \"Behave baka! Or else.\"

\"Or else what?\" Duo snickered.

\"You\'ll be sleeping by yourself tonight.\" Heero smirked.

Duo promptly shut up and fixed his gaze back on the doorway that was beginning to shadow as the bridal party made their way into the foyer.

The rest of the guests took their cue as the organist began to play the traditional bridal march and stood, turning also to face the foyer.

The five men stilled as the first of the bridesmaids began to walk down the aisle. Dorothy and Une stepped quietly from the foyer and onto the carpet that would lead them to the waiting groom and groomsmen. They smiled as they walked slowly. Relena appeared next and then Noin behind her. The women looked stunning in pale pink gowns. They were all long sleeved with sweetheart necklines and gathered slightly at the waist. The skirts fell to the floor in an A shape, neither loose and flowing nor tight either. Each carried a small posy of slightly darker pink and cream rose buds intertwined with baby\'s breath.

The groomsmen all stared, the women looked radiant as they proceeded slowly in their direction. Heero smiled as he watched and his gaze flickered momentarily to Wufei. He noted though, that while Wufei\'s eyes skimmed appreciatively over the bridesmaids, his attention was firmly fixed on the door.

Sally breathed deeply and tried to calm her nerves. She felt a squeeze to her arm and smiled at Zechs.

\"You okay?\" Zechs asked in his low husky voice.

\"Just a little nervous.\" she replied with a tight smile.

Zechs straightened her veil and then linked her arm through his. \"Time to go.\" he smiled.

\"This was it.\" Sally thought and closed her eyes for a moment. Her heart rate settled and with another deep breath she opened her eyes and stepped forwards with Zechs. They entered the church and she looked up to see Wufei staring at her. She smiled and began the walk tow the the man she loved.

Wufei\'s eyes opened wider as Sally stepped into the building and his face softened as his heart was filled with love. Sally was simply stunning. Her gown was made of satin, the neck line scooping to stop just above her cleavage. The sleeves were puffy at the top and tapered off to three quarter length. The bodice was adorned with tiny dimantes and cinched at the waist. The skirt was full and dipped to the floor, a thin covering of date ate lace lay over the top of the shimmering material. A tiara adorned her head and served to hold the fine laced veil in place.

Put simply, she was spectacular.

To Wufei she was everything he had ever dreamed of and more. His eyes filled with tears as he watched her walk towards him, she was beautiful, she was breathtaking and she was soon to be all his.

Zechs brought them to a halt in front of the priest and stepped back slightly, releasing her from his arm and turned to sit in the pew behind the bridal party. Wufei took Sally\'s hand in his and squeezed it lightly. The priest cleared his throat and they switched their attention back to his melodious voice.

~ * ~

Bob Martins found his consciousness returning and then wished it wasn\'t. His head ached and his vision was blurred. He felt sick. He managed to open his eyes, he was in some sort of room but where he didn\'t have a clue. The floor which he was currently sprawled upon was cold and hard so he attempted to stand. His legs were a little wobbly at first and his head screamed in protest but he managed to stand at last. His eyes began to adjust to the dimness that surrounded him and he slowly looked around. The room was small, about ten feet by fifteen feet and was completely bare. A small window was set high up but not much light filtered in.

He sat back down again and leaned against the cold wall drawing his knees close and resting his head in his hands. Just what the hell had happened? Where was he? And more importantly, what was he doing here?

Judging by the slightly stale taste to the air and the lighter feeling in his limbs he wasn\'t on earth anymore. He tried to see the hands on his watch to make out how much time had passed since his last conscious thought but when he looked he found the glass cracked and the hands stuck on five past ten. Damn! He tried to remember what had happened. He remembered leaving the building and walking towards his car. Someone had jumped him from behind and then... nothing.

The door opened and he blinked rapidly as more light permeated the tiny room. He could just make out the figure of a man standing in the doorway. \"Mr Martins?\"

\"Who are you? Where am I and what am I doing here?\" he demanded.

\"All in good time Mr Martins. Now please, will you follow me?\"

Bob Martins was left with no other choice but to follow, if he wanted answers to his questions he sure as hell wasn\'t going to get them sitting here. He managed to stand again and follow the man out into a long corridor. They walked in silence, passing a few other doors, the only sound coming from their feet on the cold metallic floor. At the end of the corridor they paused for a moment while man man unlocked the door and they passed through. Several more corridors followed and as they drew closer to their goal so Martins felt the air temperature rise a little.

The escort suddenly stopped outside one door and knocked. A gruff, \"Enter.\" was heard and the man pushed the door open and indicated for Martins to step inside.

Bob Martins looked around, there was thick carpet on the floor and warmth surrounded his cold body. The lighting was bright but the furnature sparse. A large desk sat opposite him and a curl of smoke rose from the chair who\'s back he was currently staring at.

The chair swiveled around. \"Long time no see Martins.\"

Bob Martins jaw hit the floor.

~ * ~

\"Do you, Wufei Chang, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, to honor and obey and forsaking all others keep yourself only unto her till death do you part?\" [1]

Duo couldn\'t hold the snicker. \"Wuffie obey an Onna?\" he whispered.

Heero elbowed him discreetly in the ribs.

\"I do.\" Wufei responded, oblivious to Duo\'s little comment.

The priest repeated the vows to Sally who echoed Wufei\'s \"I do\" with her own. Father Reynolds then looked up at the gathered crowd and spoke softly. \"If there is anyone here who has reason for this couple not to be joined in holy matrimony may he speak now or forever hold his peace.\" [1]

Sally bit her bottom lip nervously as the silence became deafening. Wufei broke out in a cold sweat as he eyed Maxwell. Heero clasped his lovers hand in his own and squeezed... tightly.... very tightly.

Duo took the hint and kept his mouth shut, although the wicked gleam remained in his eyes.

\"With the power vested in me by the earth sphere and its colonies, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.\"

~ oOo ~

tbc.......

[1] Short of frightening the living daylights out of my local priest by asking for a copy of the wedding vows & ceremony, which I didn\'t think he would appreciate, I have constructed the wording from what I can remember of the actual ceremony. I apologise now for any inconsistencies. ^_^