T-bat, I hope you enjoyed this... 'cause I had fun writing it!
AU, Fantasy, yaoi, OOC, sap, etc.
Quatre drifted awake slowly, incredibly comfortable without knowing why. He opened his eyes, only to find himself nose to nose with Trowa. "Good morning," Trowa said softly.
Quatre smiled at him, realizing they were completely tangled up in each other and the sheets. "Morning," he repeated.
"We're probably late for breakfast."
He laughed. "I don't care... do you?"
"Not really." Trowa traced the line of Quatre's cheek. "You're beautiful. Not what I expected."
"I can say the same, Trowa." Quatre kissed the fingertip that came too close to his lips. "You're amazing."
"Things are going to change today, aren't they?" Trowa asked abruptly, after a few minutes spent just watching each other.
"Yes. Wufei will probably insist Duo return us to Forsynthton immediately, after he rants at me... He and Meiran will probably stay here for a few days, resting from their journey while your family prepares for the trip south, and, if everyone makes good time... we'll see each other in the Eternal City in about a fortnight," Quatre said softly.
"So long... It'll be different in the south, won't it?"
"Between us? No. For us... yes. I won't be able to devote myself to you all day long - as much as I'd like to. And there will be court games played around you..." Quatre's eyes darkened. "I love you, Trowa. Remember that, even when things have changed."
Trowa kissed him in reply.
"Ah, Your Highness, so good of you to join us this morning," Wufei said sarcastically, as Quatre walked into the study where he and Meiran, along with Duo and Heero, were waiting.
Quatre smiled at him. "We're not at court, Wufei, and it's only friends here. You *can* call me by my given name."
Wufei scowled. "For someone in as much trouble as you are, young man, you are in *much* too cocky a mood."
Duo snorted, opening his mouth to comment. Heero elbowed him sharply in the ribs. "Not now, Duo." Duo sighed in disappointment.
Quatre smiled at Wufei. "Let me guess: I was childish, puerile, reckless, impulsive, idiotic, and irresponsible, right?"
"You missed 'immature,' dear," Meiran supplied.
"Thank you. I was all these things, am a disgrace to the royal family, just wait till my father hears about this, and go immediately to Forsynthton. Am I missing anything?"
Wufei glared at him. "I'll have you know I had a *superb* lecture on your lack of maturity all planned out."
"And think of how impressed Father will be when you deliver it to him, verbatim," Quatre replied serenely.
"Insolent bratchild," Wufei sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I can't believe we're going to let you assume the throne someday. Very well, go on, you know what's expected." He waved Quatre away.
"See you back home, Wufei, Meiran." Quatre bowed.
Duo and Heero followed him out of the room. "You're in a good mood this morning," Duo observed neutrally.
"Uh-huh."
"Could it have anything to do with Trowa?" Duo pressed.
Quatre smiled. "Maybe."
"Well, at least some good came of this trip," Heero grunted. "Duo. Let's go make sure the servants packed everything properly."
"But we already did that - oh." They moved off in the direction of their suite. Quatre smiled and turned in the direction of his rooms.
"Your Highness."
He turned. "Lady Cathrine?"
"Well?" she asked impatiently.
"Everything's fine," he said softly. "Everything is wonderful."
She nodded, satisfied. "Good. I'll see you in the south."
He bowed. "Thank you, for everything."
Cathrine smiled. "Just doing my job as Trowa's sister. Take care, Quatre."
"You do the same, Cathrine." He walked away.
Trowa was sitting on the edge of the bed when he came in. "So... are you going?"
Quatre nodded, flopping down beside him. "Probably by mid- afternoon." He leaned his head against Trowa's shoulder. "Too soon. Much too soon."
"Will you miss me?"
"I miss you already, love."
"I don't want you to go."
Quatre slipped his hand into Trowa's. "I know... I know. But it's not for long - and then we'll be together, permanently."
"The servants have already packed your things."
"How generous of them," Quatre muttered. He drew Trowa closer. "I'm going to be waiting and counting down the minutes till we see each other again."
"I love you."
Quatre kissed Trowa. "I know. I love you too."
Duo gave Quatre his best Glare. "Quatre! If you don't stop pacing, I am going to nail your feet to the floor!"
Quatre returned the Glare. "Need I remind you how nervous you were?" he asked acidly.
"I'd deny every bit of it," Duo said promptly. "I've never been nervous in my life."
Heero snorted. "Duo, you lie badly." Quatre resumed pacing. "Don't make me tie you to a chair, Quatre."
"Damn it, it's my wedding day, and I can pace if I please!" Quatre flared.
"He sure gets irritable when he's nervous," Duo muttered.
Wufei opened the door. "It's time, gentlemen."
"Thank God," Heero muttered. "He was beginning to make *me* nervous."
Quatre straightened his collar, biting his lower lip. "All right... I'm ready."
They filed out into the chapel, assembling in their assigned positions as the crowd of aristocrats hushed expectantly. The door to the rear of the chapel opened ponderously as Trowa Barton made his first formal court appearance.
He seemed to hesitate for a moment at the sea of faces, but looked ahead to the figure waiting for him at the altar. With the faintest smile to answer Quatre's, Trowa stepped forward to go meet his waiting lifebond.
~Owari~
<grins> Well, that's that I guess... <marks one fic off her To-be-written list>
Do tell me what you think, please?
Lys ap Adin