Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 13 ( Chapter 13 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the G Boys, I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I do own the plot line and any other characters that appear here that are not in the Gundam Wing Universe; please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

 

Warnings: Angst, sap, fluff, violence, Mpreg.

 

Rating: NC 17

 

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3, 5xS, HxOC

 

Summary: Sequel to Chimaera. Life in the Yuy-Maxwell household has undergone some big changes when Duo brings Keitaro home from the hospital. Hilde's wedding is approaching and the guys find there's more to this baby business than they thought. Struggling to raise a child, work at Preventer and keep the home happy is certainly a trial for both guys. Add an assassin's threats to prominent government officials' lives and both men find their lives are suddenly changed. Just how far will one go to protect the ones he loves?

 

Dedication: To all my lovely readers out there who enjoyed Chimaera and have since begged, threatened, pleaded, bribed and blackmailed me for a sequel. ^_^

 

 

"Family Ties"

 

January. 2007 ShenLong

 

Chapter 13

 

Mark stood between the pews and the altar, Heero beside him and Father Reilly to his right in front of the altar. The pews were filled with family and friends, all smiling, all eager and happy to be there and witness the couple take their vows.

 

Glancing over the assembled crowd, Heero noted Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, Sally, Nurse Brown and Keitaro all sitting in the front pew across from him. He gave a soft smile when he observed his son. Keitaro looked gorgeous dressed in a pale blue shirt and pants, pale blue socks on his little feet and his little bit of hair neatly brushed while blue - violet eyes gazed all around him.

 

The organ began to play and Heero's attention was switched abruptly to the main doors at the end of the aisle. He felt Mark stiffen and then relax beside him as the rest of the wedding party entered the church.

 

"Ready?" Duo whispered to Hilde as the usher gave the signal and the organist commenced playing.

 

"Ready as I'm ever going to be," Hilde replied and took a deep breath.

 

Sasha smiled, fluffed her hair and did a double check over Hilde and her dress. Satisfied that everything was perfect, she began to walk into the church and down the aisle.

 

"Here we go," Duo said softly. "No running away now."

 

Hilde laughed lightly and on shaking legs, began her walk down the aisle.

 

Inside the church the gathered people all turned as Sasha entered, murmurs of appreciation flitted around as the tall, dark haired woman walked slowly between the pews. She looked lovely in her three quarter length, peach colored dress, the bouquet, a mix of cream roses and peach carnations held in front.

 

If everyone thought Sasha looked lovely, that gasped when Hilde walked in.

 

Duo held his head high, heart thumping in his chest with pride as he escorted his sister down the aisle. He already knew Hilde looked stunning, the gasps and murmurs around him only confirmed that fact. Hilde's dress was snow white, early Victorian in basic design with a high collar and small ruffle around her slender throat. Full length sleeves with tear drop imitation diamonds sewn in encased her arms and the bodice drew in at the waist accentuating her slimness. The skirt fell full from the waist, soft satin covered with organza, again with tear drop imitation diamonds sewn in. The thin veil, kept in place by a simple tiara, covered her face, but still allowed her to be seen through the sheerness of the material. A bouquet of cream and peach roses with carnations to match topped the entire ensemble.

 

Beginning her walk, Hilde searched for Mark and Heero waiting at the altar. A soft sigh of relief escaped her lips when she spotted them both there.

 

"Didn't think he was going to stand you up, now did you?" Duo whispered, teasing her.

 

"Never crossed my mind," Hilde replied. "At least I know he's here willingly, I don't see a gun in Heero's hand pointing at his back."

 

Duo snorted softly. "I should hope not. Chang's the only one that brought a firearm with him that I know of. If Heero does have his gun, I'd like to know where he hid it to get through customs."

 

Hilde laughed quietly and continued to walk. She smiled at Heero and then fixed her complete attention on Mark.

 

Watching the entry to the church and seeing his sister walk in, Mark tensed up again. Seconds later, Hilde entered on Duo's arm and he felt as if all the air had been sucked out of his lungs.

 

She was simply breathtaking - and all his.

 

His eyes never left her for a moment, drinking in the sight as she drew closer to him. He could see the smile in her eyes, the way it lit up her entire face and he felt his own lips curl in appreciation.

 

Duo looked for and found Heero's eyes, his husband giving him a loving smile before turning to glance at where their friends and family sat. Duo followed the gaze and his eyes lit up when he spotted their son. Sitting happily in Nurse Brown's arms, the child was busy looking all around, taking in all the sights and sounds and gurgling quietly to himself.

 

Hilde was happy when she finally made it to the altar without tripping. Turning to look at Mark, she mouthed 'I love you' and then turned her attention back to Father Reilly.

 

With a warm smile to the couple before him, Father Reilly opened his prayer book. The organist stopped playing and silence took over until Father Reilly's clear voice echoed through the church. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."

 

The ceremony was short, Hilde had chosen a traditional wedding, still popular from pre-colony days. The words were suited to what she felt and wanted and Mark had agreed. The ceremony proceeded with minimal fuss until Father Reilly got to the part where he asked 'who was giving this woman away?'

 

Duo had been switching his attention from the priest to Heero and was currently fixated on his husband.

 

"Duo!" Hilde hissed. "That's your line."

 

"Ah. Oh shit. Umm, what was the question again?"

 

Several people in the first couple of rows heard the small slip and chuckled. Heero had to bite his lip to stop from laughing.

 

Patiently, Father Reilly repeated the question. "Who giveth this woman away?"

 

"Ah, that would be me," Duo said clearly and proudly. For a moment he'd toyed with saying something along the lines of, "Give her away? Geeze, you'd have to pay someone to take her," but thought he'd better not, those roses looked like they still had their thorns and he really didn't fancy joining the savior wearing a crown of thorns himself.

 

"Thank you," Father Reilly whispered to Duo. "You may step away."

 

Duo gave Hilde a cheeky grin, resisted the urge to wave and stepped back to sit in a spare space in the front pew, next to Nurse Brown with Quatre on his other side.

 

The ceremony progressed and finally Father Reilly came to the part where the couple exchanged their vows. Hilde's clear 'I do' rang through the church, Mark's was a little more subdued but no less sincere.

 

"Now for the rings."

 

All eyes turned to the best man. Heero felt like he was going to wilt under the stares. He broke out in a nervous sweat and reached for the pocket in his suit jacket.

 

"You better have them," Hilde whispered, the threat of a slow, torturous death in both her eyes and tone.

 

Heero swallowed, his fingers turning to jelly as he fumbled with the small boxes trapped inside the suit pocket.

 

"Ten bucks says he's forgotten them," Trowa whispered to Quatre.

 

"I'll take that bet. Ten bucks says he's not as dumb as you were to misplace them," Quatre whispered back from the corner of his mouth.

 

Trowa blinked. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

 

With Hilde's eyes boring holes through him, Heero managed to grasp the ring boxes and pull them from his jacket pocket. With a triumphant smile, he handed the boxes over to Father Reilly who removed the rings from inside them.

 

"You owe me ten bucks," Quatre hissed.

 

"You'll get it," Trowa huffed.

 

"I'd better."

 

"Or what? You'll send out the debt collectors?"

 

"Worse."

 

Trowa paled. "You wouldn't?"

 

"I would."

 

"I swear, you'll have it when we get back to the hotel."

 

"Good." Quatre turned his attention back to the ceremony.

 

Trowa went silent again, brooding over his close shave with nearly losing his kitchen privileges.

 

"With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship..." Hilde repeated the words that Father Reilly spoke as she slid the ring along Mark's finger. Mark repeated the same words moments later as he too slipped the wedding band onto Hilde's finger.

 

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

 

Mark grasped the edges of Hilde's veil and raised it, lifting it carefully and laying it over the back of Hilde's head. He smiled warmly at Hilde and leaned in close. Lips met and a soft kiss was exchanged. Cheers rang out along with applause and a rather loud wolf whistle that could only have come from Duo.

 

When the kiss broke, Father Reilly led the couple through to the vestry to sign the necessary paperwork leaving the guests to enjoy the sounds of the organ whilst they waited. Duo took advantage of the 'free time' and took his son from Nurse Brown, cuddling the infant close to his chest and murmuring endearments into the child's ear. Nurse Brown took the quiet moments to settle herself. She fetched a fresh tissue from her hand bag and began to dab at her eyes, mopping up the moisture that had formed during the last part of the ceremony.

 

"Why is it that women always seem to cry at weddings?" Duo asked in a teasing tone. Sally was sniffling and using Wufei's handkerchief to mop up her own tears.

 

"Probably because they are the weaker sex," Wufei offered. "You don't see men crying at weddings." Wufei folded his arms across his chest and looked quite smug, until Duo poked him in the ribs and nodded in Quatre's direction.

 

The blonde was a weeping mess. Tears flooding from his eyes as Trowa sat helplessly beside him, offering fresh tissues as previous ones became water logged.

 

"Ah. Let me re-phrase that. Real men don't cry at weddings."

 

"Unless they are the groom and don't want to be there," Duo quipped with a grin.

 

"If I may remind you, Yuy-Maxwell; you put on a good show of the water works at your wedding."

 

"Maybe, but it was all happiness. Besides, Heero's a real man and he cried at his wedding too," Duo countered.

 

"Probably because he knew there was no way out, that he was stuck with you for the rest of his days," Wufei quipped.

 

"Ohhh, low blow there, Wuffy."

 

"Gentlemen, if you please. The bride and groom are returning," Nurse Brown interrupted the pair.

 

Leaving the bantering for now, Duo and Wufei returned their attention to the bridal party.

 

Father Reilly once again took center stage and spoke clearly. "Congratulations," he said as he shook Mark's hand and passed over the wedding certificate. With that done, he turned to the waiting guests. "May I present to you all, Mr and Mrs Mark Watson."

 

Hilde and Mark positively beamed at the crowd and hand in hand they made their way from the altar and along the aisle to the outside. Heero and Sasha linked arms and fell into step behind them, Heero giving his husband a smile as they passed.

 

Once the bridal party had made it outside, the rest of the guests all filed out after them to congratulate the happy couple and share in the photos. Several group shots were taken along with many of just the bride and groom with some of their guests. Heero, Duo and Keitaro got their chance as well, Keitaro behaving perfectly and even smiling. After a short while, the couple left along with Heero and Sasha to have a few more photos taken in the botanical gardens that L2 had recently finished and opened to the public. The rest of the guests began heading for their own cars and the following reception.

 

* * *

 

Arriving at the hotel where the reception was being held, Duo made a beeline for the parenting room to change Keitaro. The baby had been as good as gold throughout the ceremony and following photos, now though he was starting to voice his displeasure at having a wet diaper and empty stomach. Whilst Duo changed his son, Nurse Brown went in search of a staff member so she could have the baby's bottle warmed. It didn't take her long and when she stepped back into the cocktail bar area of the hotel that had been set aside for the guests to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, she met Duo just coming out of the parenting room. Passing him the bottle she took Duo by the elbow and steered him through the crowd to an empty chair. Duo gratefully sat down in it and began to feed his son. Keitaro latched on and sucked for all he was worth. While Duo fed the infant, Nurse Brown grabbed a cloth diaper from the baby bag and held it ready. Duo quirked an eyebrow.

 

"For when you burp him," the nurse explained. "Put the diaper over your shoulder to protect your suit, if he brings up anything else besides the wind at least your clothes won't be soiled."

 

"Ah, thanks." With Keitaro fed, Duo burped the child and then sat with Keitaro in his arms, watching the rest of the people. Nurse Brown stayed close to relieve him if necessary. Several people stopped to chat, many of them knowing him as Hilde's 'brother'. Some he had met before, others were complete strangers to him, but with Duo's personality, he got on with everyone.

 

Everyone was mesmerized by Keitaro though. Many were the compliments Duo got regarding his son's good behavior and all the women seemed to want to fuss over the baby. Keitaro was simply happy with all the new faces around him and eagerly took it all in. He gurgled and squealed when people cooed at him, his little face lighting up with a toothless grin.

 

"Come on, everyone is starting to head inside," Trowa said as he approached Duo and Nurse Brown.

 

"Anyone know where we're sitting?" the nurse asked as she picked up the baby bag.

 

"There's a floor plan by the door and place cards on the tables," Trowa replied as they made their way over to the double doors that had been opened to permit the guests entry into the reception room.

 

They paused at the door, glancing at the floor plan and noting where they were sitting. Duo was on the bridal table along with Heero, Mark's parents and the rest of the bridal party. Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, Sally and Nurse Brown were sitting on table two. With that knowledge in mind, they walked into the reception room.

 

They found table two easily enough and Duo smiled when he spotted the high chair that had been provided for Keitaro placed between Nurse Brown and Sally. He gave an internal grin, knowing the two women would be spoiling his son rotten throughout the meal. With Keitaro safely strapped in, Duo left his friends to take his own place at the bridal table. He was sitting at one end, Heero next to him, then Sasha, Hilde, Mark and Mark's parents. Duo gave a nod of recognition to Mark's parents and took his place.

 

Silence descended over the room as Mark's cousin, Peter, who was the emcee for the reception, announced the imminent arrival of the bridal party. Everyone stood up as Hilde and Mark entered, Heero and Sasha right behind them and took their places. Once the applause had died down, everyone sat and the wait staff began to bring around drinks.

 

With the drinks served, the first course was brought out, the bridal table being the first one to receive their food. It was a spring vegetable soup with warm bread rolls. Duo dug into his with enthusiasm - he loved vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables had been scarce during his childhood and Duo took every chance he got to savor them.

 

During the first course, people began to chat amongst themselves, Duo asked Heero about the photo shoot, Heero relaying all that had occurred. The topic changed to the moments preceding the wedding, how both Mark and Hilde had suffered from attacks of the nerves, how Heero nearly had to stop on the way to the church for Mark to be sick. From time to time, both men's eyes would dart over to the table that their friends and son sat at, not that they were worried about Keitaro. Their son had both Nurse Brown and Sally wrapped around his little finger.

 

With the first course finished, the wait staff cleared the tables and checked with each guest what they would like for their main meal. Hilde had chosen the menu wisely, knowing not everyone's tastes in food were like her own and Mark's. The main course consisted of a choice of chicken, fish or beef. There was also a vegetarian option available if anyone wanted it. Duo chose the beef, Heero the fish.

 

The allocated time between courses let Hilde and Mark circulate amongst their guests, it also gave Heero and Duo the chance to check on Keitaro and the rest of their friends. The banter was light, everyone in high spirits and enjoying themselves.

 

Duo sat himself down next to Quatre and chatted for a while about the wedding and ceremony. After a few minutes discussing the vegetable soup with Trowa, Duo focused back on Quatre and asked about what had been bothering him since his trip to the shuttle port with Hilde the previous day.

 

Explaining what he'd seen in the cargo bay, describing the boxes and the logo, along with a description of the shuttle and the clerk's information, Duo asked Quatre if he know anything about it.

 

"The boxes had a logo on them?"

 

"Yeah. It was two scimitars, side by side, top of their blades touching, also their handles at the base; there was also a star in the middle," Duo said as he recalled the logo from his memory. He grabbed a pen and napkin, quickly sketching the logo for Quatre.

 

Quatre studied it for a second. "That's 'Sandrock Construction', a subsidiary company of Winner Enterprises. It deals mainly with building materials and such."

 

"The clerk said it was materials for the reconstruction of the colony," Duo replied absently.

 

"But?" Quatre prompted.

 

"I dunno, Quat. Something doesn't quite add up. I can't put my finger on it."

 

"How so? I can double check with the company director when I get back home, get him to send me the inventory of the stuff they're sending and such if you wish?"

 

"Would you mind?"

 

"Of course not. Were there many crates?"

 

"Quite a few from what I saw being unloaded. Look, it's probably nothing but I'd feel a lot better if you don't mind me just checking on what's being imported in."

 

"No problem at all. I'll get onto it as soon as I return home."

 

"Thanks, Quat."

 

"My pleasure." Quatre could clearly tell that something was niggling at Duo, but until the man had checked out whatever it was that was causing his unease, they would have to wait for him to tell them of his suspicions. Quatre was well aware that Sandrock Construction was supplying necessary building materials to the colony for the re-building projects that were going on; they usually sent a shuttle load once a week and he had no doubts to the legitimacy of the items in the crates. He'd check though and send Duo the information as requested. If for any reason his company wasn't doing what it was supposed to be doing, then Quatre wanted to know about it!

 

Duo left them then as the main course was being served.

 

* * *

 

During the break between the main course and dessert, Peter got up again and started the speeches. As emcee he thanked all the guests for attending, spun a couple of tales about Mark in his younger days and then after a toast to the bride and groom, handed the floor over to Mark to reciprocate. Mark's speech was simple. He thanked everyone again for attending, especially Heero for being his best man, Duo for giving Hilde away and his sister for playing bridesmaid. Then he paid tribute to Hilde, stating he was the luckiest man alive for having found her and for Hilde to have accepted him as her husband.

 

Cheers and whistles broke out as he toasted his new wife. Hilde was in tears.

 

Heero made his speech, thanking Sasha for her assistance with Hilde and even spilling a tale of his own, letting everyone know how she was the one to give him a kick in the butt when it mattered most. "If she hadn't been on my case, I would have let the one thing that is dearer to me than life itself, slip through my fingers. Hilde is a warm, caring person and Mark has gotten himself a true treasure; just don't get on her bad side!"

 

Everyone laughed, Duo joined Hilde in the tears department.

 

The wedding cake was next to be cut, a magnificent piece of culinary creation. Three tiers of snow white icing, encircled with peach colored roses hiding the rich fruit cake beneath. Atop sat the figures of a bride and groom.

 

"No offense to anyone, but I think your wedding cake for Duo and Heero's wedding was better," Quatre whispered to his husband.

 

Trowa smiled.

 

With the cake cut, the desserts were served followed by a piece of wedding cake. Once the dishes were cleared away it was time for the traditional bridal waltz. Mark led his bride by her hand and the couple took the floor. Heero followed with Sasha a moment later, then Duo joined them with Mark's mother. Soon most of the guests were dancing too. Once the bridal waltz was completed, Heero danced with Hilde, Duo found himself with Sasha and much to Duo's amusement, Mark was dancing with Nurse Brown.

 

The reception wore on, the dancing continuing along with more drinking. Cheese and crackers were served and even Duo found himself stuffed to the gills and unable to eat much more. Eventually the celebrations had to come to an end and Peter called everyone to form a circle to bid the couple good evening.

 

Hilde and Mark passed around the circle, thanking people for coming, sharing a couple of words and then moving to the next person. When Hilde got to Heero, she was fighting tears.

 

"Thank you for being Mark's best man,' she said softly.

 

"My pleasure, Hilde. He's a good man and a loyal friend. You take care now."

 

"I will." Hilde gave Heero a peck to the cheek and a squeeze. Releasing him, she moved on to Duo.

 

Duo's eyes were misted with tears of happiness for his 'sister'. He enveloped her slender frame in a bear hug, holding her close as he whispered into her ear. "I'm so proud of you, Hil."

 

"Thanks, Duo, not only for giving me away, but for everything. You're the best brother a girl could have."

 

"Aww, don't go getting all sappy on me."

 

"I'll get sappy if I want to," Hilde replied but hugged Duo closer. "Thanks," she repeated and gave Duo's cheek a kiss.

 

Mark had shaken hands with Heero, thanking the man for being there for him. Heero reciprocated the handshake, stating it had been an honor and privilege, and if Mark didn't take care of Hilde, then he would have Heero to answer to.

 

Mark laughed and vowed he would never do anything to hurt Hilde, he didn't need a former Gundam pilot on his case. Correction, two former Gundam pilots as Duo made it quite clear that he would also be looking for blood if Mark hurt his sister in any way.

 

The one thing that remained was for Hilde to throw her bouquet. All the single females lined up and Hilde turned her back. On the count of three, Hilde tossed the bouquet over her shoulder. All the women dived frantically for the flowers, Sasha emerging the victor.

 

With the good byes finished, the couple made their way to the front of the hotel where Mark's car waited - and stopped. The once pristine red duco was completely covered in shaving cream and streamers. Inside the car wasn't much better, rice, balloons and toilet paper were everywhere and some balloons slipped out as Hilde tried to get in. She glanced at Duo and growled at him. Duo held his hands up in defense.

 

"Hey! It's tradition," he called out. Beside him, Quatre waved an empty shaving cream can, Trowa carried an almost empty packet of rice whilst Wufei hung onto a toilet roll.

 

Was that a balloon Hilde spotted hanging out of Sally's pocket? And what was Heero doing trying to stuff a steamer down his shirt? "You'll keep, Duo!" Hilde called as she got inside the car.

 

"Thank god for the automatic car washes," Mark muttered. "I'll be taking this baby through one on the way to the hotel." Starting the car, Mark drove off, everyone waving furiously, Hilde hanging out the window and waving back. Behind them the rattle of empty cans followed along the streets.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...