The Epilogue

The door swung inward, bumping against the wall from the force. Sighing, he swung around. He had been expecting this. He impassively watched her stride toward him.

"Enough already, we're running behind. Someone has to go get her."

He shrugged, "Then send someone up there to get her."

She stared at him compassionately, "Won’t you go?"

He turned back and stared across the manicured lawns. "She doesn't need me babying her. She's made that perfectly clear."

"How long are you going to keep this wall of silence between the two of you?"

She moved closer, stroking her hand soothingly up and down his back. "You're the only one being stubborn about this, you'll regret it later. She'll need you today more than ever."

His head dropped a sheath of silken hair, hiding his expression before he abruptly straightened, making his choice. Dropping a kiss on her forehead, he turned and left the room.

"Well?" she jumped and turned to the double doors at the other end of the room. She took in his stylish suit, braided hair and impish grin with a smile of approval. "What was that?"

He smirked again knowingly, "Is the iceman thawing?"

Her lips twitched, but she forced a frown to hide the twinkle in her eye. "Behave, please. Don't antagonize him today of all days. This is difficult enough for him." Duo smiled and held up two fingers to signal peace. "I'm not promising anything afterwards, though." She rolled her eyes heavenward. Men. "That will have to do."


Zechs pushed the door open and then closed it, but it might as well been a slam for all the notice she gave. He could hear her humming as the morning the light poured into the room and, for a second, it almost seemed like a halo blazed above her hair. He smiled wryly. He knew more than any just how misleading that assumption was. He shoved his hands in his pockets and moved close enough to see. "You're good." She jumped. Swinging around, a smile blossomed across her face before comprehension turned it into panic.

"I'm late." He shrugged, "Cutting it close. They sent in reinforcements." Relena stared at him, silently taking in his troubled face before turning back to the painting. "You think so?"

He frowned a second, trying to make the switch before the realization set in on what she meant. Staring at the canvas objectively, he had to admit she caught her subject with sensitivity and perception that made it better than good, but an excellent likeness as much as it galled him to admit it.

"Yes."

"I was just putting a few finishing touches on it." She nibbled her lip nervously. He smiled the first genuine smile since this fiasco was announced. "I really think so. It's truly incredible. It's him." She started cleaning her brush then set it aside, packing up as best as she could.

"Are you sure about this, Relena?" She paused, then continued wiping her hands on a towel. She pulled off her work shirt before she turned to meet his worried eyes. She smiled, "I love you." She moved close enough to hug him. "Thank you for caring."

"I just think that…"

She leaned back and smiled, and when she smiled like that, it would take a stronger man than him to ruin it. "Please don't worry."

He sighed, surrendering. He jerked his head. "Go get ready. I'll have a servant place the painting in the reception hall."

She smiled squeezing his waist once more before turning to hurry across the room. "O, tell them, too."

"I know. I'll tell them to be careful. Hurry, I'll send that horde up to help you first. Winner, now you, maybe Schibecker will get that baka Maxwell to the alter as well." He smirked at the image.

"Milliardo," she chided.

"What? I haven't broken my promise yet."

She shook her head and smiled.



The music swelled and she could barely contain herself. Clenching her hand on his arm, he looked down at her before covering her hand with his. Relena looked up and smiled. Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek before leaning in to press her cheek against his. "I will always need you in my life. I love you my beloved brother. Never forget that," she whispered as she pulled back. Smoothing his hair back, she smiled at him tremulously. "Be happy for me."

Zechs took her hand and kissed her knuckles gently, "You look beautiful. Mother and father would be so proud. Be happy Relena, that's all I've ever wanted for you, a happy life." He tilted his head toward the closed doors as the music swelled. "It's time." He helped her arrange her veil before they turned and moved as one through the doors.

"Are you all right?" She slipped her arm through his as they watched Relena turn and wave energetically.

He smiled ruefully, "How could I stand against that smile?" He frowned at the mish mash of decorations trailing behind the limo. "I see Maxwell managed to make a menace of himself after all. I thought Schibecker was going to keep him under control."

Lucrezia laughed, "Well, she kept him away from you."

He frowned, "He's a menace,” he muttered.

She squeezed his arm. "Cheer up. It could be worse. He could be your brother in law."

He glared, "Don't joke."

She laughed. He turned staring at the direction Relena and Trowa had departed.

"Zechs?" She frowned. "We should go. The reception will be starting, they'll be looking for us." He clasped her hand silently, still staring in the distance.

"Zechs, she'll be fine."

"Yes."

She smiled softly. "We're not losing her."

He finally glanced at her and smiled. Bending down, he kissed her. "I guess it took me a while to realize those we love make the journey through life bearable and no one would willingly leave that behind, especially her." He smiled ruefully, "Forgive me for being so stubborn?"

"Hmm, maybe we could negotiate that later."

Zechs laughed, "I look forward to it."







Author note: This got away from me and started writing itself I confess I'm not sure how I feel about that. Some may feel the characters are OOC well if so my apologies this is what came out and well I confess it's different enough that I like it.