Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters mentioned in this story except for those made up by me( Val, Adina, Melina), okie dokie?

Chapter 3

"What a beautiful reception hall!" exclaimed Noin, entering in holding Zech's hand. The sight was a sight to behold. Amazing how simplicity can still be quite elegant, as was the case at this wedding. Candles and roses were arranged in the center of each table while a string band played. Guests arrived, each admiring the room's décor in one way or another. Finally the new couple arrived a few minutes later, getting a round of applause as they did so. Naturally Quatre blushed while Dorothy had a big smile on her face. Soon they went and took their place at their private table facing everyone. Near their table were three tables reserved for the former pilots and their families. Heero sat alone at a table watching the guests, trying to let himself enjoy each moment of the day. 'To live in every God given moment' was something his good friend Duo taught him. His braided friend had changed throughout the last couple of years, but not as much as Ms. Peacecraft had. His change was a good one while Relena's had ruined her life from the inside out. Silently, he watched her from across the room engaged in conversation with two of Quatre's sisters. Both he and Relena had come to the reception together but soon split up on arrival. He watched how she looked over to him with a slight smile on her lips only to turn her attention to the person she was talking with.

During all the small talk Relena felt someone's eyes following her. Causally her eyes would skim over the guests to see who it was. Every time she would end up looking at Heero who sat alone sipping a glass of wine. Only once did she catch his gaze, returning it with a smile. * Heero's acting a little odd. Maybe it's the wedding. These events are known to make people act oddly. * Something deep down was telling her that she was in some way connected, the wedding having nothing to do with his behavior. Excusing herself from the people she was talking to, she decided to sit with him. Heero had a slight smile at seeing her; something Relena learned was a new part of the ever-changing Perfect Solider. Heero closed his eyes for a couple of seconds and sighed softly, yet loud enough causing Relena to give him her attention. Not wanting to waste any more time he decided to finally tell her. * Only way to handle this is in a straightforward manner * thought Heero.

" Relena," he started, placing his hand upon her hand. He felt her tense up at the touch but he went on, his voice unusually soft." There's something I need to tell you." His eyes were locked with her eyes, but something he saw in them made him stop from continuing. He saw what looked like a moment of hope that lasted only for a second until darkness over took them. Her eyes left his, looking sadly at where his hand lay on hers. Slowly she pulled it from under his only to say,

"Yes Heero, I'm listening. Go on." Her voice was so formal as if she were addressing a committee of bureaucrats. No joy or spark could be found in her words, just like the cold that replaced the spark that was once held in her eyes.

Heero shook his head slightly as to get his train of thought back in order to finish was he set out to do.

"Over the years, I've noticed something very disturbing, and I wanted to confront you about it." Her eyes were now on him, a slight look of curiosity in them. * Please let this work* Heero silently prayed. " Relena, be honest with me. What has caused you to change so much?" Her statement then turned to a defensive one, as if she had been insulted.

"What do you mean by that? And why would you care anyway Heero?" She got up to leave but Heero caught hold of her wrist. She looked at him with a disgusted glance." Let me go Heero." Right then she heard Dorothy calling her.

"Ms. Relena, it's time for me to throw the bouquet."

Relena turned to look at Heero, a hint of hidden pain behind her words. "There's nothing to discuss, especially not with you. Now if you would excuse me."

Heero let her go and watched her walk over to where a small crowd of women were waiting. He couldn't believe what Relena had told him. * She believes I don't care about her. Doesn't she know how I feel? * These among many other thoughts were running at top speeds in his mind. *Then again, how do I feel about her? Is she a just a friend or do I long for more? * All he knew was that he had to re-evaluate how he viewed their relationship before it was too late. Along with these thoughts came a surge of new and yet familiar emotions. He had felt a little hurt as to what Relena's implications had suggested about him, but soon recovered by realizing how this must have been the first time someone had confronted her about her changes. His eyes went back to where everyone was gathering to watch. Relena stood in the middle of the crowd of women, her head downcast, while all the others around her were bubbling with excitement on how they wanted to be the one to catch the flowers.

Relena was glad for a distraction from that awkward situation she was having with Heero just a moment ago, but she still saw no point in this silly tradition she was taking part of right now. This was made to offer hope to whoever catches the flowers was the next to be wed. She thought it cruel how she was standing among all these women who had better chances at happiness then her even though she was the princess of her own kingdom. * That must be why Heero seemed interested in my well being. He's worrying about how it may affect the Earth and Outer Space. Yes, with my luck it's just that and nothing else. * The count was on three and soon the bouquet was airborne. Some of the girls in front ran forward to get to it but missed. Somehow it ended up on the floor at Relena's feet. Casually she bent down and picked it up, holding it out for someone to take. No one wanted it since it was now the Vice foreign Minister's bouquet, her being the first to pick it up. Everyone applauded and before she knew it Dorothy was giving her a big hug.

"Congratulations, Ms. Relena. I'm very happy you're the one to get it. I can't wait to see who gets my garter."

"Actually, I didn't really catch it so…" Relena started trying to convince Dorothy it wasn't hers. Besides, it only made her feel depressed at what it implied. In her mind nothing would go her way ever again.

"Don't worry Relena, we'll make sure you end up with a good looking guy, okay?" Dorothy said with a wink. Before Relena could say anything in return, Dorothy was making her way to a chair set up in the middle of the floor where Quatre was standing. Quatre just stood there, his face glowing a shade of pink because of what was coming up next. Slyly, Dorothy went and pecked him quick on the lips before taking her seat.

"Don't be so shy, Quatre." Duo commented earning him a playful nudge in the ribs from Melina.

Dorothy was looking up at her very embarrassed bridegroom waiting for him to take off her garter. She made sure it wasn't too high up on her leg so that Quatre's face wouldn't become even redder. Slowly she lifted her skirt enough for him to go under and slide it off easily. The garter was a dark red with white lace lining. Quatre motioned for the bachelors to gather around for the garter toss. Heero sat where he had before without one thought of joining in, but soon there was someone grabbing him by the arm and helping him up. He was greeted by the ever-cheerful smile of Duo Maxwell.

"Hey man, come and join the rest of the bachelors. Trowa's being dragged into it by Quatre and you might as well join in too. Besides, you know who caught the bouquet, right?" Duo was right, Quatre was seen talking with Trowa about the same thing. "Have fun for me, okay buddy? I got Mel so I can't participate."

Heero knew who got the bouquet and wasn't sure he wanted to be the one with the garter. He didn't want to be there, but he would humor his friends with his participation. He settled himself next to Trowa who was in the back of the crowd of bachelors who would do almost anything to be along side the gorgeous Ms. Peacecraft. Quatre decided that tossing the garter backwards was too boring so he shot it like a rubber band instead. It flew through the air, going over the crowd's head toward the back where it landed on the Perfect Soldier's head. Trowa began to laugh a little at what had happened while Heero just picked it off his head looking down at it. The other guys gave him dirty looks that he returned with his good 'ol 'Yuy Death Glare' making them look away nervously. Heero glanced at his friends who were very happy on how this could have happened.

Heero watched as Relena made eye contact with him for a couple of seconds. For some reason he felt an ache inside when she broke her gaze away from him over to the flowers she held. * What is with that feeling I have when I see her. Can it be love? Am I even capable of loving? How do I find out? * His head started to hurt from the flood of unanswered questions running ramped in his mind. * I guess Relena can't avoid me any longer. She is the one who caught the bouquet. * He concluded, looking at the garter he held in his hand when he started walking over to the lonely princess.

Relena couldn't take the looks Heero was giving her, looks containing some concern that would disappear just as quick as they appeared. She sighed, staring at the pale cream roses that lay in her hands, thinking how in the past she actually had a dream of her own wedding day. * I can't be naïve enough to think Heero's intentions are more than friendly. The chance of something more disappeared along with the credulous person I used to be. Love, it'll never be mine. * She was shaken out of her thoughts just as someone came to her side. She was immersed in her thoughts that she hadn't notice Heero came to stand next to her.

"Hello Heero. Come to interrogate me some more on my life?" Relena said low enough for only him to hear her.

"I'm here because I happened to get the garter. I won't question you any more if that's what you want." Heero answered in the same volume. Quatre then walked over to them with Dorothy.

"Come you two, it's time for pictures." From the way neither Heero nor Relena were smiling, Quatre wanted to ask what was the matter but decided against it after noticing the tension between the two of them.

Pictures were taken with everyone, each time Relena placing her mask of empty joy that fooled everyone, even though she now knew Heero could see right through it. The cake was cut and after some time people started leaving wishing the newly weds their final congrats. Some how Relena found herself one of the last to leave. Getting up and picking up her things she was about ready to leave when she remembered her car was left back at the chapel. She had come with a certain former pilot that made her think more this day about her behavior then any other day. Relena just shrugged, not caring much about her transportation predicament, and walked out into the little garden out in front of the hotel.

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