[wedding from hell] Title: Wedding from Hell [part three]
Author: ralphiere
Pairing: Heero/Duo
Fandom: Gundam Wing
Warning: language, AU, tweaking ages, sap
Disclaimer: I don't own them, thank you!

Thanks to bleedtoblue for looking it right after getting back from vacation! You totally rock!


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"Hold still!" Mrs. Maxwell tugged on Duo's tie with a scowl before she tried once again to get it straight. "I swear you never could stop fidgeting."

"You've been messing with my tie for 15 minutes, Ma, it's straight," Duo said with a hint of petulance. "I'm not the one getting hitched."

"You're Solo's best man, you need to look the part." She smoothed her hands over his shirt, making sure all the buttons were properly fastened.

"I look perfect in jeans and a t-shirt." Duo grinned at her when she rolled her eyes. Before she could move away, he kissed her cheek fondly. "Thanks, Ma."

Mrs. Maxwell rolled her eyes again, but the pleased gleam was obvious. "Go check on Solo and make sure he doesn't need a hand."

"He's been getting himself dressed for a while now, I don't think he needs my help." Duo examined his reflection in the bathroom mirror, running his hand over his jaw to check for rogue stubble.

"Stop being difficult and go see if your brother needs help," she said as she walked out, her attention already on the next task.

Grabbing the jacket off the hanger, he slipped it on and mounted the stairs to Solo's bedroom. As he turned the knob, not bothering to knock, it dawned on him that this wasn't going to be Solo's room anymore. The reality of the situation made his stomach drop. "Ma sent me up to see if you need help tying your shoes or something."

Solo turned towards Duo, unable to hide his nervousness. "Hey, you look good."

"Yeah, I clean up purty." Duo smiled and sat on Solo's bed. "Everything's going to be great, you shouldn't worry about it."

"Yeah," Solo said, frowning slightly before sitting near Duo. "Listen, I wanted to talk to you before we left."

"About?" Duo had been waiting for Solo to bring up Heero since the night before and readied himself. He still wasn't sure what he could say on the situation, it was still so uncertain in his mind.

"I just wanted to say that nothing's going to change just because I won't be living here anymore."

The statement surprised him, making his chest tight. "I know," Duo confirmed after a long pause, his voice choked. He looked at his hands, surprised at how close he was to tears, just like that.

"I meant to say something to you about this before now, but I kept avoiding it I guess. I mean, it's been you, me and Ma for so long ... it's not like I'm leaving really." Solo shrugged, "It actually feels pretty weird."

"You're just moving across town," Duo said, leaning sideways and resting his head on Solo's shoulder. How many times had he done the same thing after a rough day, or a fight at school? "It's not like you won't be here all the time anyway ... what are the odds that you can go over 48 hours without pissing Roxy off."

"Thanks, I can always count on you to find the silver lining." Solo wrapped his arm around Duo's shoulder and kissed the top of his head. "Come on, we need to pick Heero up and get over to the church before Ma has a fit." He stood, reached for his jacket and put it on. "And don't think you're getting away with not telling me about Heero, but I'll play nice and wait. For today."

"Mighty nice of you. When I know what's going on with Heero I'll make sure to let you know." What if nothing's going on with Heero? What if I'm making something out of nothing? Duo had lost a fair amount of sleep the night before thinking of the kiss he'd shared with his brother's best friend, wanting so badly to think it meant something. And what if it did mean something? What then?

Solo smiled and offered Duo a hand up. "Try not to worry about it, okay?"

"What, Heero? I'm more worried that Father Fitzpatrick will get us mixed up and marry me to Roxy by mistake." Duo laughed, dodging Solo's hand and running towards the stairs. God I'm going to miss this.

For pretty much the first time in their lives the Maxwell boys were on time as they thundered down the stairs. Mrs. Maxwell was waiting for them at the bottom with a camera in hand and tears shimmering in her eyes as she looked at her sons. "I never thought I'd live to see this day." She opened her arms and motioned them in, hugging them both together. "So handsome ... " She took a deep breath, regaining her composure before it slipped. "Come now, stand together so I can take a picture of my boys."

Duo didn't manage to get out of the house without getting a serious lump in his throat. He'd never thought getting married could be such an emotional thing, but by the time his mother took pictures and started going on about how handsome they were, and how proud she was of them he didn't have a chance. He noticed Solo was just as misty eyed by the time they got in the car.

"Get him there on time, Duo! I'd hate to have to take my spatula out of retirement." They laughed as they drove away, even thought they knew it wasn't an empty threat - Mrs. Maxwell wielded a mean spatula.

"What time is it?" Solo was flipping through a stack of Duo's CDs in attempts to find something he wanted to listen to.

"Just past nine, we have plenty of time. Nervous?"

"A little," Solo admitted, holding up a CD with a grin. "You have Saturday Night Fever?"

Duo shot him a 'duh' look before nodding towards the stereo. "Pop it in and play Stayin' Alive, it's just what you need to get yourself pumped."

"Yeah, the Bee Gees always get my blood pumping," Solo teased, hugging the door when Duo swung out to smack his arm. "All right, all right, I'm putting it in."

They'd barely traveled a mile before they were singing at the top of their lungs along with the stereo, laughing like loons. They were belting out the last bit of Night Fever as they pulled into the hotel parking lot, Solo's nerves soothed away by the sweet sounds of the 70's. Duo parked the car and let it idle while Solo pulled out his cell phone and tried to call Heero to announce their arrival. Solo let the phone ring until it went to voicemail before disconnecting with a shrug.

"Maybe his cell died. Do you mind going up to get him? I know I'm not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony and all that, but there are no rules about talking to her."

"Sure." Duo shut off the engine and got out of the car, straightening his jacket as he stood. He'd been going between nervous and excited about seeing Heero today, and as soon as he shut the car door behind him his insides were a mess. He'd really tried not to obsess about Heero, about the possibilities with the guy, but he'd barely slept and it wasn't the wedding that had been on his mind. It had been a long time since his stomach had been filled with butterflies over a guy, and with Heero living so far away he refused to let himself get his hopes up ... too much anyway.

Willing an air of confidence, he navigated his way easily to Heero's room, and knocked on the door. He waited a minute, listening, before he knocked again. "Heero?"

"Sorry, I'll be right there." Heero's voice sounded harried, and he was starting to worry when the door swung open. Duo was greeted with an "I overslept" as Heero turned back towards the bathroom.

"And I thought I was the irresponsible one," he joked, following Heero in and leaning against the doorjamb to the bathroom. Heero's hair was in disarray as he struggled to tie his tie, blatantly ignoring the barb. "Want me to help you with that?"

"Yeah." Heero threw his hands down in frustration and turned towards Duo.

Trying not to notice the blue of his eyes, or the fullness of his lips, Duo tied Heero's tie with nimble fingers. "You're lucky Ma's not helping you, she'd have you here for ten minutes while she fussed with it." With one last tug, he stepped back and looked at his handiwork before meeting Heero's eyes. The man looked tired. "Did you have trouble sleeping?"

"Some," Heero admitted with a shrug. He looked at Duo in a way that made him feel responsible. "Are we late now?"

"Nope, we have plenty of time to make the church. You're the only one we're picking up, the rest of the guys are meeting us there." He couldn't resist the urge, and brushed Heero's hair out of his eyes. "Everything okay?"

At first he couldn't read Heero's expression and his stomach dropped to his feet. He lied ... about everything. As soon as the thought flitted across his mind, Heero's lips quirked in a small smile. "Everything's fine." He took hold of Duo's hand to stop him from fixing his hair and kissed his fingertips lightly. "We should go."

"We should," Duo agreed, his brain frantically trying to remember where they were going. Just as he remembered the wedding and Solo in the car, Heero hand reeled him in by the hand and was pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. The kiss was far too short, but he wasn't going to complain.

"Come on, we can finish this ... talk after the wedding."

"After the wedding," Duo agreed again, wondering when he'd lost so many I.Q. points.

Heero looked amused as he let go and went to grab his jacket from its hanger on the back of the door. Duo watched as he put it on, impressed at how gorgeous the guy looked in a tux. The look suited Heero much more than it suited him, and he wondered briefly if Heero'd had many chances to wear a tux. It only took Heero another minute to gather his wallet and keycard and head towards the door. They didn't talk as they made their way down through the lobby and to the car, but the silence wasn't the least bit uncomfortable. Filled with anticipation, but not uncomfortable.

"I was getting ready to send out a search party." Solo had switched CDs and was currently listening to Cake, which stuttered momentarily when Duo started the car.

"Sorry, I overslept." Heero offered a sheepish grin as he slid into the backseat. "And then I couldn't get the damned tie right."

"It's okay, I talked to Roxy and the photographer just got there. I have a feeling we'll be waiting a while anyway." Solo turned in his seat to see Heero better. "You look snazzy."

"You too." Heero leaned back in the seat, crossing his arms behind his head.

Duo looked into the rear view mirror as he backed out of the space, and couldn't help but notice Heero looking at him. He wasn't a man to blush, but he did feel warmth that hadn't been there before. It was going to be a long day if he had to look and wasn't able to touch. A very long day.

--

By the time they arrived the other guys were soaking up morning sunshine on the front steps of the church and talking. Mrs. Maxwell was busy straightening ties and making sure they had their ushering duties down pat. Duo couldn't remember the last time he'd ever seen her so nervous, and could see some of his own mannerisms in her movements. She turned when she heard Solo's voice, her smile widening at their arrival.

"Heero, don't you look handsome!" Mrs. Maxwell greeted Heero with a hug before looking at his tie. "And you did a wonderful job on the tie."

"Thanks, Ma," Duo piped up over her shoulder. "I told you I could do it myself."

"Stop being smart, Duo," She turned to smile at both her sons. "People are going to be arriving soon so we better get ready. Solo and Duo, Father Fitzpatrick wanted a word with you before the ceremony."

"She wants you to go to confession, Solo," Duo said with a grin.

"Don't get started boys," Mrs. Maxwell said in exasperation as she walked into the church. "And it wouldn't be Solo needing the confession."

"Ma!" Duo's voice was filled with mock shock, the laughter from the other men following him into the church. Glancing over his shoulder he swore he saw a devilish glint in Heero's eyes at the thought.

The church really was beautifully decorated. It didn't take long before the ushers started escorting people to their seats and the pews quickly filled up. Duo was standing next to Solo at the front and trying to keep him from jumping out of his skin. Every now and again he'd catch a glimpse of Heero with a guest on his arm and try with all his might not to drool over the way he looked in his tux. The last thing he needed was to be caught looking like that in church.

The music changed, notifying them of the bride's arrival. Duo gave Solo a brief hug before skirting down a side aisle towards the rear of the church. He saw Heero escorting his mother to her seat, and found himself smiling.

"What do you find so amusing?" Roxy raised an eyebrow at Duo through her veil.

"Wouldn't you like to know." Duo turned towards Roxy with a grin. "Wow, you look gorgeous." He thought he should do something more to greet her, but didn't want to get too close for fear of messing something up.

"Bet you didn't think I had it in me? You don't look too bad yourself." She laughed, looking Duo over. "How's he doing?"

"He's okay," Duo said, moving to stand with the Maid of Honor. "But one look at you and he might forget where he is."

"He better not, this gig is costing a fortune." Roxy's smile faltered when the music started anew. "I guess this is it."

"It's going to be great," Duo assured her before turning and linking his arm with the Maid of Honor.

Slowly the procession started up the aisle in the slow and measured steps they'd practiced during the rehearsal. Heero was ahead of Duo and he couldn't help but notice the ease to his stance as he said something low to the bridesmaid on his arm that elicited a small laugh. Heero looked like he was in his element, and Duo couldn't help but be a little awed by how easily Heero did it. There was so much about the man that he didn't know and he wasn't sure how that little epiphany made him feel.

Keeping his focus on his steps and the girl he was escorting instead of Heero's backside took a little work, but Duo managed to get them both down the aisle and to their proper places without issue. He stood at Solo's side, watching the love on his brother's face as he watched the bride move gracefully down the aisle with her long train trailing behind her. Duo had to swallow hard around the lump in his throat when Roxy's father gave his daughter's hand to Solo, the older man hastily wiping moisture from under his eyes.

Once they were poised in front of the priest, Duo felt the anticipation rolling off them in waves. He couldn't stop watching the way they looked at each other, and could barely keep up with what Father Fitzpatrick was saying as the ceremony was underway. He managed to go through the motions of what he had to do on autopilot because all he kept thinking of was how happy Solo looked, and how happy his mother looked and in turn how happy he was for them. Will I ever be able to find something like that without breaking my mother's heart? The day was so surreal.

An elbow to the ribs brought him out of his thoughts as he looked up to find Father Fitzpatrick staring at him. "Your reading?" Solo whispered.

"Ah, sorry," Duo muttered, getting up and walking to the podium as if no lapse had occurred. He cleared his throat and started reading, his voice clear and confident. "A reading from Ecclesiastes, Chapter four. Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to his that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone. And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him: and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." He finished reading, smiling brightly at Solo and Roxy before letting his gaze drift to Heero, who was looking at him with intensity. He didn't let his eyes drop as he returned to his place at Solo's side. Two are indeed better than one.

Before he knew it there was kissing and cheering as the wedding party started their retreat from the church. Solo and Roxy had decided against a receiving line, instead leading them all towards the waiting limo parked out front. Duo sprinted, jumping on his brother's back and kissing him wetly on the cheek before landing on his feet and greeting Roxy.

"You did it, you made an honest man out of him," Duo laughed, hugging Roxy against him. "It was beautiful."

"It was, wasn't it?" She looked up at him and smiled, wiping a smudge of lipstick off his cheek.

"Absolutely. And now comes the best part, the party!"

"No, now come the pictures." Roxy laughed at Duo's exaggerated groan. "Don't worry, there's champagne in the limo."

"I knew I liked you for a reason." Duo grinned, climbing in to join the rest of the wedding party. He slid in and ended up across from Heero, trying his damnedest to keep his expression from betraying the thrill he felt when their knees brushed against each other. He accepted the glass of champagne handed to him and raised it. "To Solo and Roxy, may you survive the throngs of relatives unscathed!"

--

Four hours later found Duo sitting at the bar surrounded by various guests and random relatives. He felt like he'd hugged at least 200 people by now, kissed almost as many cheeks, and slow danced more than he had in his entire life. The most memorable of the dances had been with Roxy's four-year-old niece who was as cute as she was precocious, and insisted that Duo spin her around as fast as he could. Now that had cleared the dance floor.

There had been pictures, there had been dances, and there had been cake. Through it all Duo tried not to notice Heero's body moving as he danced, or the way his face looked when he laughed and talked to people. The reception was slowly winding down and as it did Duo found himself getting nervous. He was just picking up the cocktail the bartender set before him when it was plucked from his hand. Before he could even turn to see who the thief was, Heero's voice sounded low in his ear.

"I don't want you drunk tonight."

"Oh, really?" Duo turned with a smirk, finding himself face to face with Heero. "And why's that?"

"Because I want you to remember it. Every. Last. Detail."

Duo's smirk faded and he couldn't help looking stunned. Of anything that Heero could've said, that was the last thing he expected. He watched Heero knock back the drink he ordered and set the empty glass on the bar. "They're getting ready to leave. Let's go see them off and get the hell out of here." He leaned in, whispering in Duo's ear, "If I have to look without touching much more I'm going to lose my mind."

No. Fucking. Way. Swallowing hard, Duo found his voice and wasn't the least bit surprised at how tight it sounded. "I wouldn't want to be responsible for that, now would I?" Heero was full of surprises.

He licked his lips, now extremely aware of how Heero was looking at him, and slid off the barstool. He could hear the DJ announcing the bride and groom's departure, and walked out of the bar towards the ballroom keeping his focus ahead of him and not to the man walking with him.

Solo motioned him over when he saw Duo come in, pulling him into a tight hug as soon as he moved close enough. "Thanks. I couldn't have made it through today without you."

"You couldn't have made it through the last 21 years without me." Duo joked, patting Solo's cheek. "Have a great time in Hawaii."

He turned and embraced Roxy, trying not to notice that Solo was saying something in Heero's ear. "He's not used to being all independent and shit, so take care of him."

"Will do." She smiled, kissing his nose. "Thanks, Duo, for everything."

"Anything for you," Duo said with a grin, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Before he could start to retreat, his mother came up behind him and put her hand on his shoulder.

"One more picture, of my new and improved family." Mrs. Maxwell held up her camera and motioned for them to stand together. When Heero tried to step back, she shook her head at him. "You're family too, Heero, stay right where you are."

Duo could see Heero trying to cover his surprise, knowing the man was touched by the gesture. I'd like for you to be family, Heero, but not in the way Ma means. Wrapping his arm around Roxy's shoulder, Duo watched Heero do the same to Solo and they all smiled for the camera.

"Perfect!" Mrs. Maxwell announced, "God saw fit to reward me with a daughter and a third son. I'm a lucky woman." She pointed a finger at Roxy and Solo and motioned towards the door. "Now off with the two of you before you miss your flight."

After a flurry of activity the bride and groom were forced into a limo and sent to the airport. Duo stayed by his mother, making sure everything was wrapped up as she said good-bye to the remaining guests. After one final sweep of the room, Duo and Heero carried out boxes of abandoned centerpieces and favors and put them in Mrs. Maxwell's car.

"Are you all set, Ma?" Duo closed her trunk and brushed his hands off.

"Should be. Aunt Mary and Uncle Russ are meeting me at the house. Are you taking Heero back to the hotel?"

"Yeah." Suddenly Duo felt a twinge of guilt for what he was hoping for. Here he was, talking to his Ma, who had just called Heero her third son, and he was thinking about getting the man out of his tux. "We might hang out for a while, I don't know when I'll be home."

"Try to convince Heero not to be a stranger." Mrs. Maxwell looked pointedly at Heero as she said this, opening her car door and getting inside. "I need to go, I don't want to keep your Aunt and Uncle waiting."

"See you later, Ma." She started her car and pulled out of her space with a wave, leaving Duo and Heero behind.

Duo must've been zoning out, because Heero was tugging at his sleeve and saying his name. "Huh?"

"Are you still here with me?" Heero took Duo's hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "It's like a cloud just moved over the sun."

"Sorry." Duo forced a smile, walking towards his parked car without letting go of Heero's hand. "I just can't help feeling bad for being such a disappointment to my mother."

"You're far from a disappointment." Heero tugged on his hand to stop him, but Duo refused to stop until he reached his door and slid the key into the lock.

"She wants me to find what Solo has ... and I can't." Duo looked at Heero with a shrug.

"Why can't you?" Heero moved closer, leaving only a couple of inches between them to keep Duo from escaping.

He looked at Heero like he just sprouted two heads. "I can't even get it up for a girl, let alone get one to marry me."

"That's not what I mean," Heero said patiently. "What does Solo really have?"

"He has a wife." Duo frowned. "He was married in a church."

"No, he found someone to share his life with." Heero moved closer, stroking Duo's cheek. "I'm sure that finding something like that shouldn't be too hard."

"Do you think that will be enough to make my mother happy?" Duo was trying to read Heero's eyes. Stop playing with me.

"It would be enough to make you happy, Duo. You underestimate your mother; I think your happiness would be enough for her. She loves you unconditionally." Heero didn't seem to care if they were alone in the parking lot or not as he leaned in and brushed a kiss over Duo's lips. "Your happiness would be enough for me."

Duo couldn't think like this, with Heero so close. He wanted to believe what Heero had said, yet we wasn't even sure what that was exactly. "Is my happiness enough to keep you here with me?"

Heero's expression looked pained as he kissed Duo once more before stepping back. "I never wanted to come back, but you ... you'd make me seriously think about it." He smiled in such a way that made Duo's stomach flutter. "Let's go?"

"Sure," Duo muttered, not caring if he looked as confused as he felt. "Let's go."

--

This was the last way he wanted to feel after a day of lust filled longing. He'd wanted to go back to the hotel, have incredible sex with Heero and try to not read into it. He'd wished for the ease of a one-night stand, but the awareness that such a thing was impossible scared him. They'd ridden to the hotel in silence, but at one point Heero had rested his hand lightly on Duo's thigh and Duo had held it. They'd walked into the hotel with their hands still linked, not caring what anyone thought. Had Heero always been this confident?

Both men kicked off their dress shoes as soon as they walked in, sighing in unison at getting rid of the uncomfortable things. Duo laughed at the sound, walking over to the bed and throwing himself onto it. "Man, it's been a long couple of days."

"It has," Heero agreed, tossing aside his suit jacket and unfastening his tie. "But it's been good."

"Yeah." Duo propped himself up on his elbows, watching Heero unbutton his dress shirt. "I don't have any complaints." His heart sped up as Heero's body was slowly exposed, from his smooth chest to the light trail of hair beneath his navel. Before Duo could think of anything else to say, Heero was stretching out next to him, rolling to his side and propping his head up with his hand.

"I think its time for us to finish our talk," Heero said softly, reaching over and untying Duo's tie.

Just having Heero close was enough to make him run hot. Did he care if Heero left and didn't come back? Yes, he knew he cared, and cared a lot. But would that change the fact that Duo wanted to touch every inch of Heero's bare skin? Not so much. Duo rolled to face Heero, and draped an arm over his side. "I don't need promises of anything to want you, Heero. I may be younger than you, but I'm not na•ve."

"You are na•ve," Heero growled, moving quickly to blanket Duo with his body. "I want you and I want promises. I don't want this to be a one time thing." He kissed Duo roughly, making it so incredibly hard for Duo to think. "Promise me that you'll consider more than tonight and I'll be a happy man."

Duo wrapped his arms around Heero's neck, feeling Heero's body responding to their closeness. "I want more than tonight." I want someone to share my life with.

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