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\"

April 2003 ShenLong

Chapter 8

\"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.\"

Wufei stepped forwards and lifted Sally\'s veil, the lace soft and light in his finger tips as he placed it to fall over the back of Sally\'s hair. He gazed into her blue/gray eyes, reading the love shining there and slowly their lips gravitated together for a sweet tender kiss.

Duo watched, a little envious of his friends happiness. Not that he begrudged Wufei and Sally their marriage. He was happy for them both. He was glad that the former Shenlong pilot had at last been able to lay the ghost of his first wife to rest and move on with his life. Finding Sally and marrying her being the last part of the saga in his eyes, and paving the way for a new future. While he was happy and content with his own life he couldn\'t help but wish for the same security for himself as Wufei now had.

Oh he knew Heero loved him back just as much as he loved the blue eyed man and he didn\'t need a piece of paper to tell him that they were joined for eternity. Heero let him know that every day in the subtle way he did things for him. Giving himself a mental shake he forced the thoughts to the back of his mind. This was Wufei and Sally\'s day and no time for him to be dwelling on his own silly thoughts and notions.

Heero sensed there was something up with his partner. Duo wasn\'t usually this quiet. He took a moment to study the man he loved and noted the slightly wistful gaze as those violet eyes watched Wufei as he kissed Sally. As thes brs broke so he saw the clouds in those eyes banished and a grin slipped into place. He noted the reaction and filed it away in his mind, he would speak to Duo about it later.

With the main formalities of the ceremony over with all that remained was to sign the various pieces of paper and then move on to enjoy the reception. The bridal party moved into the vestry to sign and then returned to the altar with the priest. Father Reynolds handed Wufei the marriage certificate and turned the bride and groom to face the assembled guests. He cleared his throat and spoke in a clear voice.

\"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr and Mrs. Chang.\"

Wufei offered his arm to Sally who linked her own through it and with a beaming smile the pair began their walk back down the aisle to the outside of the church where their many guests would follow to congratulate them. The rest of the groomsmen and bridesmaids paired up to follow. Heero with Noin, Duo with Relena, Trowa with Une and Quatre escorting Dorothy. As they passed by the pew where Toby and Benny were sitting with Paul, Shane and Fayah, Quatre couldn\'t help but overhear Toby\'s question and smiled to himself.

\"How comes Quatre and Trowa ain\'t holdin hands? Why they wiv them girls? They ain\'t marryin them is they?\" Toby stared as his \'fathers\' passed him, confusion was evident in his little face along with a touch of fear.

Fayah laughed. \"No Toby, yer got it all wrong. It\'s part of the ceremony, them bein groomsmen hafta escort the bridesmaids, it don\'t mean they is married ta them or anythin like that.\"

\"Oh.\"

\"I fink it\'s ta do wiv traditions Tob.\" Benny said in his wise voice. \"Summat like even though they is together they hafta look afta the girls and stuff cause they might gets lost or somefin.\"

Shane snickered as he ruffled Benny\'s hair. \"I think yer might be right in a way there Benny. These females need us strong men ta look out fer them.\"

Fayah put her hands on her hips and glared at Shane. \"I\'ll have yer knows we so called weak women are more than capable of takin care of ourselves.\"

\"Now I knows why Quatre and Trowa is tagether and not wiv a girl.\" Benny muttered as he watched the friendly argument between Shane and Fayah.

\"How\'s that Benny?\" Paul asked as they prepared to leave the church.

\"Girls, they always finds somefin ta fight about or pick on yer for.\" Benny replied solemnly.

Fayah caught the end of the conversation as they walked down the aisle behind the rest of the guests. \"Really Benny? I didn\'t think yer was all that clued up on the girls, I mean bein just ten and a half and all.\"

Benny\'s eyes darkened. \"I knows what girls is all about, we got one at school who never leaves me or Tob alone.\"

\"Yeah, she\'s a real menace.\" Toby added. \"Don\'t matter where we goes or what we does she manages ta spoil our fun.\"

Shane laughed. \"I think from that description yer might have a secret admirer.\"

Toby growled. \"I don\'t like girls. I\'m gonna be like Quatre and Trowa and jus stick wiv Benny.\"
As if to enforce his point Toby moved closer to Benny and took his friends hand.

Benny smiled at the younger boy. \"Same goes fer me.\" he said quietly. \"We don\'t needs no girls ta ruin our fun.\"

Fayah grinned and shook her head, really the pair of them were so cute together. She hoped within her heart that their friendship would last and strengthen over the years and that they would find happiness together, but for now they were just little boys and needed to enjoy their lives. Speaking of little boys, she turned to find Shane standing to the side of the church doors with a soft smile playing on his lips. She followed his line of vision and her own face lit up as she spied Paul.

Paul had moved slightly ahead of the rest of the group. Leith should be outside with the limo and Paul wanted a chance to talk to him before he was needed to drive the limo with the bridal party to the reception. His eyes scanned over the crowd of well wishers that surrounded Wufei and Sally and finally located the limo and Leith. His face visibly brightened and he made his way through the crowd to appear beside Leith.

\"Hey Leith.\"

Leith\'s eyes had been busy scanning around trying to find Paul among the throng of people. There were too many of them and he felt his frustration increasing, he didn\'t have long and he really wanted to see Paul before he had to drive again. A voice to the side of him caused him to jump and whirl around, he smiled as he recognized Paul stopping beside him. \"Hey Paul.\" Leith restrained himself from wrapping his arms around Paul, they were after all in a very public place, plus he wasn\'t sure how Paul would react to a show of affection like that, not to mention he was *on duty* as well.

Paul longed to hug Leith and kiss those sensuous lips but now wasn\'t either the time or the place for that and so he had to content himself with standing close to his boyfriend and secretly holding hands.

\"How did the ceremony go?\" Leith asked as he squeezed Paul\'s hand lightly, pleased that the dark haired beauty wanted to share a little of himself with Leith, even if it was discreet.

\"Fine. All that runnin around and madness this mornin and all fer what? Twenty minutes and it was all over and done wiv.\" Paul rolled his eyes.

\"So where are they going to for their honeymoon?\"

\"I dunno. I never thought ta ask. I guess Wufei told me but I forget.\"

\"So I take it you\'re not going along with them.\" Leith teased.

Paul turned to face Leith fully and his eyes narrowed. \"No damn way! Yer thinks I wants ta tag along with a newly married couple? Yeech! No thanks.\" Paul pulled a face.

Leith laughed. \"So where are you going to be staying then? I can\'t see Wufei or Sally leaving you at home all by yourself, especially with the big bad Leith hanging around and ready to violate your innocent body at the first given chance.\"

Paul stiffened for a brief moment, Leith\'s words triggering bad memories of his times spent whoring himself. He wasn\'t as innocent as Leith believed him to be and that sent a stab of pain through his heart. He knew he would have to come clean and tell Leith all about his sordid past if he wanted the relationship to develop and continue, after all honesty was a major part. He just hoped that Leith\'s interest in him would be able to with stand his tarnished past and continue to extended into something more.

\"You okay Paul?\" Leith drew closer to Paul as the other boy remained unusually silent. He noticed the far away look in those blue eyes and became a little more concerned. Had he said something wrong? \"Paul?... Paul? Talk to me.\"

Leith\'s voice managed to penetrate through the thoughts and Paul shook himself. \"Sorry Leith, I guess I got locked in a memory fer a moment there.\" He squeezed Leith\'s hand by way of apology. \"I\'m gonna be stayin wiv Duo and Heero while Sally and Wufei are away, I\'ll give yer the \'phone number and yer can call me there any time yer wants.\"

Leith smiled. \"Sure they won\'t mind me taking you out on a date?\"

Paul moaned softly at Leith\'s quiet words. \"They\'re pretty good so there shouldn\'t be a problem.\"

\"What shouldn\'t be a problem Paul?\" Shane poked fri friend in the ribs and snickered. \"Aren\'t yer gonna introduce us to yer friend?\"

Paul turned around and met Shane\'s clear brown gaze, Shane wasn\'t mocking him, his eyes told of a curiosity and nothing more. Fayah\'s blue eyes also looked curious as she took in Leith\'s tall form.

Paul blushed slightly. \"This is Leith, my ummm....\"

\"Boyfriend?\" offered Leith with a smile.

\"Yeah, boyfriend.\" Paul echoed, relieved that Leith had said what he had wanted to but had hesitated in case Leith wasn\'t comfortable with the admission. \"Leith this is Shane, Fayah, Benny and Toby. They\'re sorta like my first family.\"

Leith raised an eyebrow in question but didn\'t press the confession. He figured they could discuss that at a later time, when they were alone and only if Paul was ready to talk about it. He had guessed correctly then that there was more to Paul than the teen had divulged so far and he hoped that Paul would soon feel comfortable enough to share his past with him. \"Hi guy\'s, pleasure to meet you all.\" Leith said quietly as he extended his hand in greeting.

Shane took the offered hand and discreetly looked Leith up and down. He seemed okay on the surface but Shane knew from experience that looks could often be deceiving. He would reserve his full evaluation until later when he had gotten to know the man a bit better.

Fayah smiled warmly at Leith and shook his hand. She liked the look of the tall man, his green eyes sparkling with fun. She guessed he could be like Duo in many ways. She stepped back and took Shane\'s hand in hers and then looked at Shane as his grip seemed a little looser than usual. She noted a look of distrust in his eyes and wondered what was up. She would have to ask him about that later.

Benny and Toby stepped forwards. \"I\'m Benny and this is Toby. So yer Paul\'s boyfriend are yer? \'Bout time he found someone. Do yer like vid games?\" Benny began to rattle off a series of questions as he studied Leith.

Toby opted to stay quiet for the moment. He was usually a little shy when first meeting new people, street instinct he guessed, it never really left you.

\"Benny leave Leith alone will yer...\" Paul growled as Benny continued to pepper Leith with questions.

\"It\'s okay Paul, I really don\'t mind but I\'m afraid I\'m going to have to get going as I have a certain bridal party to drive to a reception.\" Leith smiled apologetically. \"Maybe we can talk again some more soon Benny.\"

\"Sure thing.\" Benny beamed and then stepped back alongside Toby and took the smaller boy\'s hand in his.

\"Nice meeting you everyone.\" Leith said as he turned to move to the front of the limo as the bridal party approached.

Shane, Fayah, Benny and Toby stepped back to allow Paul his privacy in saying good-bye to his boyfriend. Once Paul was finished they walked back a little way to wave the bride and groom off to the reception before finding Rashid and their own transport to the hotel and awaiting feast.

~ * ~

The bridal party stood on the steps as people gathered around to offer their congratulations to the bride and groom. Duo had already offered his and stood to one side, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched the proceedings.

\"He\'ya kid, how\'s it going?\" A slap to the back accompanied the words and Duo spun around.

\"Howie!\" he yelled and enveloped the older man in a bear hug.

\"Hey now kid, just watch out for the ribs there, I\'m not as young as I used to be.\" Howard laughed as he hugged Duo back.

\"I wasn\'t sure if yer was gonna make it or not.\" Duo\'s face fairly glowed as he continued to stare at the man who had been like a father to him throughout the wars.

\"I wasn\'t sure myself son, business and all that you know, but I managed to swing a contract that brought us by this way and so here I am.\" Howard smiled behind his sunglasses. \"I didn\'t recognize you for a minute there, all dressed up fancy like, but the hair was the dead give away.\" he chuckled.

Duo gave him a friendly punch to the shoulder. \"I hate these penguin suits, rather be in me jeans and shirt but I didn\'t think Wuffy would appreciate it not ta mention Sally so I thought I\'d better do the right thing. \'Sides Heero said if he\'s gotta wear one then I gotta suffer too.\" Duo grinned. \"Yer stayin fer the reception?\"

\"Wouldn\'t miss it for the world kid.\"

\"Great! We got a lot ta catch up on Howie.\"

\"I\'m going to be here for a few days kid, the ship needs a bit of maintenance and the contract is supposed to take three weeks but we can do it in two so I thought I\'d get the ship done and attend the wedding at the same time.\" Howard replied. \"I\'m staying at a hotel so I\'ll be popping around to catch up on old times in-between working on the ship.\"

\"I look forward to it Howie.\" Duo continued to beam.

Heero walked over to them. \"Howard, it\'s nice to see you again. How aou?\ou?\" he said as he extended his hand in greeting.

Howard took the hand and then yanked a surprised Heero into a bear hug. \"That\'s no way to greet an old friend now is it Heero?\" he said before releasing the now blushing Japanese man.

Heero shook his head and tried to hide his embarrassment. Duo laughed. \"Howie\'s in town fer a week so I\'ve invited him ta come over and catch up. That\'s okay aint it Heero?\"

\"That\'s fine Duo, Howard is always welcome.\" Heero smiled.

\"Well there\'s something new.\" Howard said as he stared at Heero. \"Looks like I got a *lot* of catching up to do, you actually smiled.\"

\"He does a lot of that Howie.\" Duo grinned as he wrapped an arm around Heero\'s waist and pressed a kiss to Heero\'s cheek.

Howard laughed as Heero blushed again. \"I\'ll catch up with you both at the reception. I think they are requiring your presence in the limos.\"

\"Oh shit! C\'mon Hee-chan or they\'ll go without us.\" Duo grabbed Heero\'s hand and began to drag his lover towards the cars where the rest of the bridal party was getting ready to leave.

\"You\'re just afraid they will begin to eat without you Duo.\" Heero growled as he was dragged off. \"See you later Howard.\"

Howard waved as the pair disappeared into the limo\'s interior. He smiled to himself, it was good to see Duo happy. He noted the interaction between Heero and his *son* and was pleased that the pair of them werviouviously very much in love and contented. With a sigh he went to find the rental car and make his way to the hotel and ensuing reception.

~ * ~

Bob Martins continued to stare as his mind scrambled to order itself. \"W...w.. what... H.. how... But you\'re...\"

\"Dead?\"

Bob nodded.

\"Sorry to disappoint you, but I\'m very much alive.\"

The room began to swim and Bob swayed on his feet a little, the man who had escorted him here took his elbow and steadied him. He turned to meet the steely gaze of the man he had thought long ago dead. \"I don\'t understand. I saw the building collapse, the explosions, there was no way anyone could have survived all that.\"

\"I did survive.\" The figure stood up and walked around the desk. \"I survived, and now I want my revenge.\"

Bob Martins swallowed, his headache intensified and his mouth felt like cotton. He longed for a cold drink and a couple of aspirins, waking up from this nightmare was also on top of his list of things to do. \"Revenge?\"

\"Yes. I want my revenge against those bastards that flattened my base, I want revenge against those pricks that nearly killed me, and you are going to help me.\"

Martins stared into the cold dark eyes of his former commanding officer, noting the slight hint of insanity there along with a scar that ran from below his right eye, across his nose to stop at the end of the left side of the jaw. \"I am?\"

\"Yes you are.\" The man turned and walked back behind his desk and then spun around. \"Of course you have the privilege of refusing my offer.\" he purred, \"But I wouldn\'t advise it. Space can be very cold you know.\"

\"I would rather face the void of space than help you.\" Martins spat. \"I finished with all that shit when the war ended. I have a life now and a comfortable one at that. I have no intentions of ruining what I have worked so hard to build, for you or any other low life that simply wants to get back at those responsible for something that happened a long time ago.\"

\"Really?\" The man sat down and steepled his fingers under his chin. \"Then I guess something stronger is needed to persuade you. Maybe your son would enjoy a trip to the stars, without a space suit.\"

\"You wouldn\'t!\" "Try"Try me.\"

The dangerous glint in the eyes told Martins the threat was a very real one. He felt the sweat break out and cursed himself. He thought he had managed to put all of this shit behind him after the war. Seems he was never destined to be freed from his past. He eyed the man nervously. \"If I cooperate you will leave Leith alone?\"

\"The boy will not be harmed. However... If you fail to uphold your end of the bargain then you will leave me with no choice. I already have men stationed to watch him. One word from me and he will be taken out. Understand?\"

Martins lowered his head in defeat. \"I\'ll cooperate, just don\'t hurt my son.\"

\"Good. I\'m glad to see you haven\'t lost your sense of reason. Davis will show you to the room. I will join you there shortly and explain what it is I wish you to do.\" The man turned back to his seat and sat down, the gesture informing Martins that the discussion was over.

The big man that had been waiting patiently in the shadows came forwards. \"This way.\" he said gruffly.

Bob Martins turned and with a lowered head followed the burly one from the room. He had no choice but to do as requested, there was no way he wanted to put his son at risk. So much for wiping his past, somehow it always caught up with you. Idly he wondered if Leith had missed him yet. He knew he wasn\'t the best father in the world, always letting his work take priority; but he did try to make some time for his son. He could only hope that Leith would notice him missing soon and call the appropriate authorities, in the meantime he had to do as he was told, but that didn\'t mean he had to like it.

~ * ~

The hotel was a very plush one and right in the middle of the city. The reception room was beautifully decorated. The bridal table sat at the head with smaller more intimate tables arranged in a horseshoe shape around them. The wedding cake sat proudly upon its own table in the center of the horseshoe, a white island amongst the ocean of cream and dusky pink.

The reception was about to get underway, the photographs having been dealt with at the local botanical gardens and the guests were enjoying cocktails in the smaller room that adjoined the larger one while they awaited the arrival of the entourage.

Fayah, Shane and Paul had their work cut out for them trying to keep tabs on Benny and Toby. The pair were like a couple of ferrets. Everything around them screamed to be investigated and who were they to deny their instincts? It wouldn\'t have been so bad in Fayah\'s opinion if they were content to just look, but they were young boys and youngsters tended to touch as well as look. With a shake of her head Fayah realized that Toby was missing yet again. She grit her teeth and went in search of the little rascal.

Shane was beginning to wish that Trowa had brought the handcuffs, along with a straight jacket or two. Never had Benny and Toby been so energetic. At least not as far as Shane could remember. Then again they really hadn\'t had that much of a chance to be just *kids*. Growing up the way they had on the streets of L2 fun was hard to find, you were too caught up in wondering where your next meal was coming from or how the hell were you going to force yourself through another freezing night and still be alive in the morning. With a jolt Shane discovered that Benny was missing. He looked around and finally laid eyes on a small blonde head... near the punch bowl.... in fact it looked like Benny was nearly *in* the punch bowl.

\"Oh fuck!\" Shane muttered under his breath and took off across the room to rescue the punch from Benny.

Fayah in the meantime was still trying to locate Toby. She enlisted the help of Paul but they couldn\'t find the little devil. He seemed to have completely disappeared.

\"Where the hell could he be?\" Paul growled.

\"Uh oh....\" Fayah pointed in the direction of the reception room.

\"Shit! He wouldn\'t?\"

\"Looks like he\'s gonna try.\" Fayah and Paul immediately took off into the large room where Toby stood by the three tier wedding cake.

Toby gazed in awe at the large cake. He had seen some cakes in his time, and sampled a few too, but nothing compared to this beauty. His eyes were as wide as saucers as he took in the sight of the thick white icing, the sugary pink roses that adorned each tier and the delicate lace work that graced the sides of the cake. He could see the two figures perched on the top and he stood on tip toes to try and get a glimpse of what they were.

Fayah motioned to Paul to stop his forward charge, the wrong move now and disaster could strike. She racked her brains to try to come up with a way to let Toby know they were there but not frighten him into slipping and destroying the masterpiece. She advanced slowly, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on Toby.

Toby was unaware of Paul and Fayah\'s presence, he was too caught up admiring the sugar wonder before him. He still couldn\'t see the top of the cake and wasn\'t game to try to get too much closer to it, if he accidentally fell then he was sure that Trowa and Quatre would be doing more than just grounding him. He sank back onto his heels with a small sigh. He still gazed at the sugary pink roses though. Surely no one would miss just one? Okay, maybe two as Benny deserved one as well. He sneaked his hand forwards.

\"Don\'t you dare!\" Paul\'s voice echoed in his ear and he jumped a mile. Unfortunately he lost his balance as well.

To Fayah it was as if time slowed. Toby lost his balance and fell, brushing the corner of the table as he tried to twist himself and miss hitting it. Paul lunged forwards in an attempt to steady the table but the cake was wobbling. Fayah found herself beside the table and steadying the cake before she was even aware that she had moved. Between herself and Paul they were able to prevent the disaster from happening.

With the cake secure once more the pair turned to see a white faced Toby standing to the side watching the drama. They both faced him. Toby shrank back a little. \"I just wann\'ed ta see.\" he said in a small voice.

Fayah tried to look annoyed but she couldn\'t. The little boy\'s face was full of shock at what could have happened. Paul however wasn\'t as quick to forgive.

\"What the hell did yer think yer was doin Tob? Yer coulda ruined the cake.\"

\"I didn\'t means any harm.\" Toby\'s bottom lip was beginning to quiver.

\"I thoughts that yer woulda had a bit more respect in yer Tob. I means this is my foster parents big day. Yer might not care about your foster parents enough ta stay outta trouble but I\'m grateful ta mine fer givin me a chance at a decent life and I don\'t needs you and Benny ruining it fer me or fer them.\" Paul was really angry. He couldn\'t help the words that came out of his mouth, it was as if all the stress of the past few weeks, the wedding plans, school work and his budding relationship with Leith all came to the fore and he took it out on the little boy. He regretted the words as soon as they left his throat. This was Toby, one of the kids he had shared his hardships with, grown up with and tried to protect as much as possible from the hungry pimps and johns of L2.

Toby\'s breath hitched and a tear ran down his face. Instantly Fayah was beside him, sweeping him into her arms and hugging him close. \"It\'s okay Toby, no harm done. Don\'t cry, Paul didn\'t mean what he said it\'s just the shock of what could\'a happened.\" Fayah soothed.

Paul besibeside them in a moment. \"Tob, I\'m sorry. I shouldn\'t have said that. I was wrong. I knows yer loves yer foster parents, I\'m just a bit worried yer know. I wants this day ta be perfect fer mine, they done a lot fer me and I just .. well...\" Paul trailed off, unsure of what to say next.

Toby turned his head from where it rested in the crook of Fayah\'s neck. \"I\'m sorry too Paul. I guess I jus wasn\'t thinkin. I promise ta try and be good fer the rest of the time.\"

\"Okay then Tob. I\'ll forget this happened. I won\'t rat on yer as long as yer tries ta be good fer the rest of the day.\" Paul smiled softly.

\"I thinks we should be gettin back out there wiv the others, the bridal party will be here soon and we don\'t want Quatre or Trowa ta come lookin fer us.\" Fayah said as she pulled Toby away from her to wipe his tears.

\"Okays.\" Toby said as he allowed himself to be cleaned up.

The three stood and went back out into the smaller room to join the other guests, Fayah immediately looking for Shane. She spotted his grim face across the room and wondered what the heck was wrong now. With a sigh she placed Toby\'s small hand into Paul\'s. \"Here watch \'im, I think Shane needs a little help.\"

Paul took Toby\'s hand and watched Fayah head across the room towards Shane. \"Let\'s go get a soda short stuff.\" he said to Toby who readily agreed.

Fayah approached Shane, the grim expression still on his face. \"What\'s up?\"

Shane shook his head. \"Benny was playing with the punch.\"

\"Oh?\"

\"He drank some.\"

\"Well I hardly think that\'s any reason fer the sour look.\"

\"It\'s alcoholic punch.\"

~ * ~

The reception was in full swing, plenty of food, wine and good company. In-between courses the various members of the bridal party mingled with the crowd, greeting friends not seen for a while and making new ones. Duo found his slightly melancholy mood still with him but managed to keep it at bay and slipped on his mask of fun. It didn\'t fool Heero though.

The youngsters were all sat at a table of their own and Trowa noticed a slightly subdued Toby, frazzled Shane, long suffering Fayah, exasperated Paul and a happy, flushed Benny. He wondered just what his two sons had been up to. While awaiting the dessert course to be brought out he made his way to the table and crouched between Shane and Fayah. \"How\'s it going guys? The terrible twosome behaving themselves or are they living up to their reputation?\"

Fayah gave him a smile. \"They\'re not too bad. Jus the usual inquisitive nature gettin the better of \'em at times.\"

Shane rolled his eyes. \"I dunno how we ta ta get by when we was back on L2. I don\'t ever remember them bein this nosy.\"

Trowa laughed and placed his hand on Shane\'s arm. \"They are growing up Shane, also they aren\'t underfed or in squalor anymore. I don\'t mean any disrespect to you for that, I realize that you did the best you could given the life you were forced to lead and I admire you for the strength and courage you showed. But now they are eating properly and regularly so their bodies and minds are like any normal child\'s for their age.\"

\"I guess they\'s makin up fer lost time then.\" Shane grinned ruefully.

\"I\'ll have a word with them both.\" Trowa responded. \"Quatre and I both appreciate you keeping an eye on them for us.\" Trowa smiled again and then the smile faded a little as he looked at Benny who was madly giggling away. He quirked an eyebrow in question.

Shane went red. \"Ummm... Benny found the punch and before I could get ta him he managed ta drink a bit.\"

\"I see. How much?\"

\"Errrr... a couple of glasses.\"

Surprisingly Trowa chuckled. \"Let me guess, it\'s alcoholic punch?\"

Shane nodded.

\"Then I think the hangover he\'s going to have later will suffice as punishment enough for that, but I will also make sure he receives other suitable reprimand for misbehaving, both him and Toby as I know for a fact that they always end up in mischief together.\"

\"Don\'t be too hard on \'em, they\'s jus little boys Mr Trowa.\" Fayah interjected. She couldn\'t bear to think of the pair being punished.

\"I won\'t be, just enough though to let them know that this sort of behavior is not acceptable.\" Trowa winked at the girl and then stood. He saw Quatre beckoning him. \"I\'m needed back at the table. I\'ll return later.\"

\"If I ever says I wants kids in the future Fayah, remind me of these pair and what we\'ve suffered through today.\" Shane said with a grin.

Fayah punched his arm lightly. \"Yer will change yer mind Shane.\"

~ * ~

The speeches were over, the meal finished, the cake cut and the dancing underway with only one mishap. Duo chuckled to himself as he recalled Wufei getting up to go and dance the bridal waltz and promptly falling flat on his face. Benny had managed to evade his *baby-sitters* and snuck under the table unnoticed where he proceeded to tie Wufei\'s shoelaces together. Much apologizing and soothing on both Quatre\'s and Sally\'s sides had managed to calm the Chinese man down... eventually. Benny had been swiftly removed and threatened with a lifetime ban on ice-cream and loss of his vid games if he didn\'t behave. Duo looked up into sparkling cobalt and smiled.

\"Penny for them?\" Heero asked as he sat next to his love.

\"I was just thinkin about the evenin in general.\" Duo replied as he took Heero\'s hand in his and ran his thumb over the back of it.

\"There\'s something more though, isn\'t there Duo? There\'s something you\'re not telling me.\" Heero probed.

Duo sighed. \"Never could keep anythin from yer now could I? I promise I\'ll tell yer when we\'re back home. Now isn\'t the time or the place.\"

\"Okay.\" Heero raised their joined hands to his lips and kissed Duo\'s knuckles. \"I love you Duo Maxwell. Will you dance with me?\"

A broad grin lit up Duo\'s features. \"I\'d love ta koi.\" Duo reached forwards and captured Heero\'s lips in a tender kiss and then stood. They went to the dance floor where they soon lost themselves to the rhythm of the music.

Trowa was slow dancing with Quatre, their arms wrapped around each other with Quatre\'s head resting against Trowa\'s firm chest. Paul had been coerced into dancing with Sally and by the look on his face he wasn\'t enjoying it all that much. Wufei was sitting with Zechs and Noin, Zechs having indulged a little too much was busy trying to give Wufei advice on his marriage and what to do on his wedding night. Wufei for his part was remaining very restrained, a tinge of red on his skin the only sign of his discomfort. Noin meanwhile was trying to shut her husband up and help the poor Chinese man out of a uncomfortable position, a fact that Wufei was grateful for.

Benny had finally succumbed to the alcohol he had consumed in the punch and was sleeping it off. Toby meanwhile had been happy to find he got two pink sugary roses on his slice of cake. The evening was setting in and Wufei cut into the dance that Paul was sharing with Sally, much to Paul\'s relief. Paul sat down with Toby and watched as Fayah and Shane did their best to dance together without stepping on each others toes.

\"I think we should get going.\" Wufei whispered in Sally\'s ear as they moved slowly around the floor.

A small shiver passed along Sally\'s spine. \"I agree.\" she murmured.

They finished the dance and went back to the table. Wufei informed Heero that they were about to depart and Heero let the emcee know. The music was stilled and the guests assembled in a large circle, the bride and groom in the middle. Wufei and Sally began their journey around the circle of friends, accepting congratulations and cheeky advice as they made their farewells and thanks. Finally they were back near the starting point where Trowa, Quatre, Heero, Duo and Paul awaited them.

Trowa and Quatre both hugged Sally tight. \"You take care now.\" Trowa said in his quiet tone.

Sally nodded, there was a lump forming in her throat.

\"Welcome to the family Sal, it\'s wonderful to have you as part of our group in an official sense.\" Quatre smiled.

\"Thanks guys.\"

Sally turned to Heero and was slightly stunned when the stoic man pulled her to him in a steel embrace. Breaking the hug she stared into his deep blue eyes. \"Hn. He will treat you with honor and respect, just show him the same in return and you will always be happy.\"

Sally smiled, she understood what Heero was saying. \"I know he will Heero, and I will do no less by him.\" She turned to face Duo who was grinning broadly at her and found herself again hugged warmly.

\"Don\'t let him start calling yer an onna all the time, if he does then jus remind him we still have the tutu, and the photos.\" Duo snickered.

Sally laughed and shook her head. \"Thanks Duo.\" She turned to Paul and hugged him close. \"You behave yourself for Heero and Duo you hear?\"

\"I will.\"

\"Do as you\'re told and no staying out late. Oh, if you\'re seeing Leith at all while we\'re away make sure you respect both yourself and him as well as Heero and Duo.\" She hugged him fiercely to her. \"I\'m going to miss you.\"

Paul returned the hug and only just managed to hold his tears. After all it wasn\'t as if they were going to be away for long. The honeymoon was only for a week! \"I\'ll miss yer too.\" he whispered.

Trowa shook Wufei\'s hand. \"I\'m glad you finally did it Wufei. You deserve to be happy.\"

\"Thank you Barton.\" Wufei bowed slightly.

Quatre took him in a hug. \"She\'s a great person Wufei, but I\'m sure I don\'t have to tell you that. Look after each other okay.\"

Again Wufei bowed. \"We will Winner, and thank you for your assistance with all the planning.\"

Wufei turned to Heero, a smile tugged at his mouth as he was enveloped in a hug. \"Thank you for being my best man Yuy, your support has been invaluable.\"

\"Hn. Happy to be there for you Chang. You go enjoy your honeymoon, you\'ve earned it. Don\'t worry about Paul, we will look after him for you.\"

\"Thank you. I appreciate it.\" Wufei caught the bouncing form of Duo out the corner of his eye and faced the braided terror. \"Maxwell.\"

Duo glomped onto Wufei, nearly strangling him in the process. \"Yer sure yer knows what it is yer gotta do on yer honeymoon Wuffers? I mean I can give yer some advice if ya want seeing as how yer not all that experienced in the bedroom department. Ow! Fuck! Heero! How many times I gotta tell ya, not the hair buddy.\" Duo yelped as Heero tugged firmly on his braid in an attempt to get his lover to stop babbling.

\"Thank you Yuy.\"

\"No problem Chang.\"

\"I still got the tutu if yer wanna borrow it Wuffie.\" Duo winked. \"Could make the honeymoon that bit more interesting yanno.\"

\"Not half as interesting as your French maids outfit from what I\'ve heard.\" Wufei shot back with a smirk.

Duo did a lovely imitation of a goldfish for a moment before narrowing his eyes. \"Heero, you been flappin yer gums again?\"

Heero did his best to look innocent, Wufei took the chance and moved past to speak with Paul. \"I should not have to say this but I will. You will be on your best behavior while we are away, I know Maxwell is like a large child but that does not mean you can join him in his infantile pursuits. I expect you to show the same level of courtesy and manners as you do at home.\"

Paul fixed his foster father with his serious blue eyes. \"Don\'t worry Wufei, I promise I won\'t do anythin that would bring disgrace on either you or Sally.\" Then he reached forth and hugged the Chinese man. \"Have a great time Wufei, you and Sally deserve it.\"

Wufei pulled back and read the sincerity in Paul\'s eyes. His chest swelled with pride, he knew Paul wouldn\'t let him down. He turned to find Sally standing at his elbow and he took her hand. \"Let\'s go my love.\"

They walked to the doorway where they paused for a moment. \"I nearly forgot.\" Sally said as she waved her bouquet in the air. She turned around and with a count of three tossed the floral arrangement over her shoulder and into the eager crowd.

Duo saw something flying through the air and with his sharp reflexes he automatically reached out and snagged it. His face colored bright red as he realized he was now the proud owner of one bridal bouquet. The women in the crowd mumbled their disapproval, Sally roared with laughter and Shane took the opportunity to get in a quick dig. \"Yanno what they say Duo, the one that catches the bouquet is the next one ta get hitched.\"

Duo looked suitably embarrassed and quickly shoved the bouquet into Fayah\'s arms. \"Now complain smart arse.\" he snickered at Shane.

Heero watched as Duo caught the flowers, the blush that spread over his face was cute, especially with Shane\'s teasing but he couldn\'t help but notice the look of wistfulness that passed through those violet orbs as Shane\'s words were spoken. It only lasted a brief moment but it had told Heero volumes.

The guests all filed outside where Wufei and Sally stopped to stare at the car that had obviously been decorated by their friends, Wufei shook his head as he made sure Sally was comfortable before sliding behind the wheel. The engine roared into life and Wufei engaged the gears, piloting the car out of the car park and away to the hotel they were staying at before departing to the small island of Tahiti for their honeymoon. The guests all waved and cheered as they went, the sound of cans rattling along behind and the usual sign in place.

Heero looked at the sign, blinked and looked again. He didn\'t remember that bit. Underneath the words \'Just Married\' had been scrawled \'Shit Happens\'. He turned to look at Duo who gave him that innocent loeforefore diving off into the cr

~ * ~

Leith parked his car and entered the apartment building, his mind was still on the wedding and Paul. He had the phone number of where Paul was staying safely tucked inside his wallet. He would give Paul a call tomorrow and see if they could meet up in the afternoon.

He entered the silent apartment and dropped his keys to the table. Hanging up his jacket he called out to his father. \"Hey dad, I\'m back.\" His eyebrows knittogetogether in a frown when no answer was forthcoming. \"Dad? Hey dad? You home?\" He approached his fathers study and knocked on the door. No answer. Leith turned the knob and stuck his head around the jamb. There was no sign of his father.

Leith puzzled over it for a moment, he had left early this morning to get the limo ready and hadn\'t thought to check on his father, he\'d gone with his dad still presumably sleeping. Come to think of it he didn\'t recall his father being home when he got back from Paul\'s last night either but then his dad did say he was going to be working back late.

Leith went to the kitchen and made himself a sandwich and cup of coffee. He sat on the sofa and switched on the television. He\'d watch a little bit of tv while he waited for his father to come home.

~ oOo ~