Title: Wedding Bell Blues: Do You Take

Author: S J Smith

Rating: K+

Summary: Roy fills in for someone important.

Disclaimer: Arakawa absolutely owns all.


Happy birthday, D.M.!


The sun rose on a beautiful morning, one where the clouds were stained in shades of purple and gold. Roy didn't have a lot of time to spare, but he did take a look up at the sky, waiting for a time as brilliant colors changed to a pure blue that reminded him of his lost lover's eyes.

Shaking it off, Roy dusted off his uniform, making sure that the braids hung correctly, that the buttons and stars both glittered. His shoes had been polished to a mirror shine, and his hat was carefully cleaned. After dressing, Roy combed his hair, using some gel to slick it down. Part of his bangsfell forward, contrary, and he sighed, fingercombing them back into place before settling his hat on his head. He could just see the grey at his temples now, though the rest of it was hidden by the hat.

A driver collected him and took him to the building where he had to wait, though he didn't have to cool his heels long before he was beckoned into the inner sanctum. A young woman flung herself at him, shouting, "Uncle Roy!"

He hugged Elicia tight against his chest, kissing the crown of her curling hair, then gently pushing her back so he could get a good look at her. "You look beautiful, Elicia." He hated the lump in his throat.

"Thanks, Uncle Roy." She beamed at him, her green eyes so like her mother's, though that quirky smile was almost all from her dad. "Are you going to be up for this?"

The question cut through him, as easily as a Xingese blade. "I am," Roy told her, solemnly, "I made you a promise, didn't I? Besides,", he met Gracia's eyes, "your mom needs someone to walk with, too."