Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing.
The morning of the funeral was overcast, as though the sun, itself, was mourning the loss of an angel. Amongst the fabric river of mourners donned in charcoal grey and black, Dorothy stood out with a large princess cut engagement ring, its corners as sharp and demanding as her personality. Relena's plain black dress was only kissed with a feminine sweetheart neckline, her hair pulled up into a severe bun, with a birdcage veil emptily promising to hide her tears. She could feel herself shaking slightly under the weight of her broken heart, as she felt Heero's hands steady her. Looking up into his eyes, she felt him give her his strength. Today, they would see a small bit of her powerful emotions, but he would be there to catch her if she fell.
With her left hand, Relena reached up and brushed a loose strand of hair form her own face. Her friends' mouth seemed to drop open in unison, as the jewels caught their eyes. On her left ring finger, she wore a diamond, secured to each side by pear cut sapphires. The teardrops, matching the color of her lovers' eyes, were perfectly placed amongst the delicate white gold designs of the ring, as if to symbolize the tears that brought the beautiful Dove of Peace her family's realized dream. Even in the overcast light, the jewels Heero chose for her glistened brighter than the sea on a cloudless day. Her ring passively owned the spotlight, the way the girl who wore it had captured the world's heart in the war.
Now Hilde was livid. She pinched Duo, jealously, as the congregation took their seats. Still oblivious to the relationship change, he was the only one who hadn't thought anything of the ring, and was totally confused by the assault.
Relena stood, quietly, taking the podium as she was asked to give the eulogy. She paused, for several seconds, listening to herself breathe as she looked down at her old friend's casket. She cleared her throat, one last time, ready to say goodbye.
"Pagan has been part of my life for as far back as I can remember. He came to work for my family when he was just a boy, and has never let us down or betrayed our trust. He took our family as his own. He adopted our ideals and dreams, and paid as much for them as any member of my lineage.
"Pagan kept my secrets, respected my wishes and stood by my side, while still guarding my brother and my late family's good name. I remember him teaching me to ride a bike, picking me up from grade school, and assisting me throughout the war.
"He was there the day I met the love of my life, the day I came home without my father, the day I was given back my birthright, the day I was crowned queen and the day I was relieved to reunite my family.
"Pagan," she softened her tone, turning back to the casket. "Thank you. Thank you for looking out for me. You always knew what you were doing.
"I can cook my own meals. I can do my own laundry. I can even brew my own coffee, just like you wanted. He refuses to teach me to drive, but you know," she looked back to Heero for confidence. "He loves me, Pagan, just like you said. And he's not leaving, just like you wanted."
Duo scratched his head, finally letting the reality of the confession sink in.
A single tear trickled down Relena's face as she looked to the casket, again. "My dear old friend, thank you for everything. You've been my shoulder, my strength and my safe place. You've been a friend and a father. A helper and a guardian. I love you so much, Pagan." Another tear escaped and she took another deep breath, steeling herself. "I miss you." Now she was shaking, clinging to the podium for dear life. "Goodbye, my sweet."
After a moment of silence, Relena slowly nodded to the minister and made her way down to Heero, who leaned forward, openly embracing her, to keep her from tripping. He smiled compassionately, wiping the tears from her face and kissed her, in front of all their family and friends. She was no longer his secret. She needed him, and he was there for her, from now until forever.
:::
After the ceremony, the couple hosted the reception at the manor. Relena took some time to cool off in her room, before her fiancé escorted a stronger Relena back into the large group of family and friends. She had touched up her makeup and backed up her mask. The depth of her mourning was her secret, a secret she would only truly share with her soul mate. Heero.
Being the princess that she was, she was swarmed by girls pushing and pulling to get a look at the ring. Hilde approached the masculine group with a bitter look on her face. Duo paled.
"Baby, I thought I was gonna propose first, I swear!" He pulled the ring frantically out of his pocket, desperately trying to earn her forgiveness. "I didn't even know Heero and Relena were dating! It's not fair." He pouted, sweating under her harsh stare.
Trowa cleared his throat, level headed as always. "Do it right, Duo," he said, as he put his hand on Duo's shoulder, shoving him to his knees.
Duo's head drooped before he raised his puppy eyes to meet her. "Hilde Schbeiker," he said gently. "Will you marry me?"
:::
Several months later at another reception, Quatre found his way through the crowded room, to the shadows where Heero was quietly watching. Leaning against the wall, with crossed arms, he observed the festivities as the girls danced in a group around the bride, basking in her glory. The two men stood quietly, dressed in full tuxedos, each waiting for the other to bring up the inevitable subject.
"So," Heero finally said in a cold tone. "What do I win?"
"First one to the altar," Quatre remembered saying. He smiled.