Hi all!
Sorry for the delay. Between Thanksgiving, trying to make Christmas gifts, and work, I have just been ridiculously busy. But don't worry, I'll make sure you get your doses of fluffy fun in this story :) And thanks for the great reviews.
Enjoy,
Failte
"When is Tristan's family getting here?" Sky asked as Hilla walked around her, adjusting the dress she wore.
Cady lay across her friend's bed, flipping through her wedding binder. "They're supposed to leave tomorrow morning, so they should all be here Monday morning."
"This is going to be a very full castle."
"Yeah, there's going to be a lot of doubling up. Owen is going to move in with Tristan while he's here."
"Is he upset that more of his friends couldn't make it?"
"No, we're going to have a reception on Terra at his parent's country club so they can all get together."
"Sounds like a good idea."
"There you go," Hill said, stepping back to examine her handiwork.
"Oh, Hilla, it's beautiful!" Cady sat up and set her binder aside. "Sky, you look amazing!"
Sky turned in front of her mirror, studying her image. The dress was made of a shimmering material that hovered somewhere between pale lavender and smoky grey. It had a fitted, strapless bodice and a full skirt that brushed the top of matching strappy, high-heeled sandals that were not made for winter weddings. There was a matching wrap she wore around her shoulders.
"It's a gorgeous dress," Sky agreed.
Cady stood behind her friend. "You'll have to wear your hair swept up, it'll be perfect. Oh, all four of you are going to look amazing!"
Sky was going to be her maid of honor, with Tess, Charlotte, and Cady's cousin, Delora, her bridesmaids. Owen was going to stand as Tristan's best man and Erik, Declan, and Gideon were going to be groomsmen. Nicky had agreed to be the ring bearer, he just wanted a part in the wedding, and Tori was going to be the flower girl.
"Okay, as long as you're comfortable, I believe this dress is ready," Hill said.
Sky ran her hand over the front of the dress, "Well, this fits comfortably, so as long as I don't gain any weight in the next week it's perfect."
"Good, good. Take it off and I'll put it away."
After changing back into her jeans and sweatshirt, Sky flopped back on the bed beside Cady. "So, you guys are getting your own house?"
Cady grinned. "Yup, can you believe it? I was totally shocked, I didn't think Dad would let us move out the castle."
"Yeah, but if I know your father, there is going to be so much protection your house will be like a mini-castle."
"Yeah, that's what I figured. But I don't care. Tristan and I will have a home of our own. I can't wait."
"How's it going Tristan?"
He looked up from the book he was reading to see Keith entering the Observation Deck. Folding down the top corner of the page, he closed the book and stood. "Just fine, sir."
"Come with me, I want to show you something." Keith turned and left the room, waiting in the hallway for Tristan to join him. "Have you heard from your family?"
"Uh, yes, sir. I spoke with my father this morning, they are heading out early tomorrow morning and will contact the castle as soon as they take-off."
"Good, good. Allura and I are looking forward to seeing your parents again."
Tristan smiled, knowing that wasn't entirely true. He adored his parents, but his mother could be a bit over the top. "I know they're looking forward to seeing you all again as well."
Keith nodded. "You know, I was thinking back to the week before my wedding. I was a nervous wreck, but then we still had Lotor and Doom to worry about and Allura had been kidnapped when she had gone for her dress fitting. But other than that, I was pretty much a wreck."
Tristan smiled. He wasn't sure what Keith was expecting him to say as they walked through the castle hallways.
"I can only imagine how you're feeling," he continued. "I didn't even have to deal with her parents, let alone five nosy, overprotective siblings."
"It's no problem, sir, I never had any brothers or sisters of my own."
"Well, the fact that the twins haven't chased you off is a good sign."
"Every time they start to annoy me, I just remind myself that they're only looking out for Cady."
Keith chuckled. "You're a good man, Tristan."
"Where are we going?"
"I wanted to show you something. I know you guys were surprised with our gift."
"Overwhelmed is the word that comes to mind."
"When Allura and I married, we moved into the North Tower. It was enough room for us and the family we would have while it sort of cut us off from the rest of the Force as well as Nanny and Koran, giving us the illusion of privacy. I was thankful for it. When you first get married, you want to just be together, without the interruptions of nosy siblings."
"We both really appreciate it, sir, more than you could ever know."
"It's going to be a lot of hard work, and as you know, Allura and I don't believe in just handing anything over to our children. We expect you both to take a part in the designing and building of the house."
"Of course, sir, I know I would love to and I'm sure Cady wants to do as much as she can to help."
Keith nodded. "She is a hard worker and, well, let's say opinionated."
"She certainly knows what she wants."
"Yes she does. She is also the next in line to rule Arus and a very beautiful woman."
"Yes sir."
"Maybe I am being a bit overprotective, for the most part the last twenty years have been clear. We had the problems with Vinn and his followers, but the Force has done an amazing job fighting them off and defeating them. The drug problem has been under control since the rehab center has opened and Allura has put the new importing and exporting restrictions in effect. However, the last several years have been mostly serene. But, I have to tell you, that I am not feeling too good about having Cady out of the castle. I know you'll look out for her and I know you guys are close by, but it just isn't the same. Giving the two of you land of your own, allowing her to move from the castle, has been one of the hardest things Allura and I have ever had to do."
Tristan nodded.
"We're taking every precaution," Keith continued. "I plan on using blaster proof glass in the windows and installing a state-of-the-art alarm system that will be connected to the castle alarms. If they go off at your house, they will simultaneously go off at the castle, and vice versa. You will not move in until a tunnel is built that connects you to Blue in case there is a late night attack or emergency. And a direct road from the castle will lead to your house."
"Yes sir."
"And I'm about to show you one of the reasons we picked that plot of land." Keith had led him up to an observation tower in the west wing. He opened the door and they walked out into the bitter cold night. "The guards on duty will be given a new route for making their rounds that include coming out here."
Tristan looked around and noticed that they had a perfectly clear view of the plot of land where the house was going to be built.
"They will be looking for any signs of danger or anything out of the ordinary. Don't worry, they'll just be checking the land around the house, you'll still have complete privacy within the house, but it will act as an added security measure. At least twenty-four times a day, a guard will be up here, checking to make sure everything is clear."
"That's great, sir, thank you."
Keith stepped back in to the warmth of the castle. "We're depending on you to make sure nothing happens to Cady."
"I promise to make sure she's safe, sir."
"I know you will, Tristan, thank you."
Sky knocked on the closed door to Allura's study the next afternoon.
"Come in!" The Queen called out.
The door slid open and Red's pilot walked in. Music played softly from a small stereo on the bookshelves that held more framed photos than books. The petite Queen sat behind a massive desk, her hands racing over the keyboard of her computer. Hanging in a frame behind her desk was a family portrait Nicky had made in his kindergarten class the year before.
"Hi, Schuyler, what's up?" Allura asked, turning from her computer screen.
"I hope I'm not bothering you."
"Of course not, sweetheart."
"I won't stay long, I just wanted to let you know that everything is ready for Cady's shower."
"Oh, wonderful, you've done such a great job, Sky. I know Cady is going to love it."
"I hope so, there will be enough pink and roses and cake."
"Cheesecake?"
"Of course."
Allura smiled, "Have a seat, Sky, we haven't talked in a while. How're you doing?"
"I'm fine, Ma'am."
"How's school going?"
"Great."
"And everything's all right with you and Erik?"
"Yes, well, I mean, things aren't the same." Sky lowered herself into the chair across the desk from her 'aunt'. "I don't think things will ever really be exactly the same, but then different isn't always bad."
"No, it isn't."
"He's a lot better and I think these difficulties we've had have only strengthened our relationship."
"That's good."
"We, uh, we were thinking about taking a trip to Pollux after the wedding, if we can get some time off."
Allura winked at her, "I bet we can come up with something. Things have been quiet lately."
"Thank you, Aunt Allura."
"You have been such a help with the planning of the shower and being there for Cady as she freaked out about the wedding plans, you deserve a bit of a break."
"It's not a problem, she's my best friend and I'm glad I could help. Besides, just wait until my wedding and all the work she'll have to do."
Allura smiled, "Oh, are you planning a wedding for yourself now?"
"What? Oh, no, not yet, I mean, we haven't decided on anything yet, we're trying to take it slow, you know?"
"I know and that's a great. The way the two of you have been taking your time to rebuild what you had, it seems to me it's a stronger relationship."
"That's what I thought too."
"Well, I will talk to Keith about getting time off for the two of you. As long as it stays clear, I don't think there will be a problem."
"Thanks, Aunt Allura, we really appreciate that." Sky stood. "I'll let you get back to work, I just wanted to let you know about the shower. The cake will be delivered Wednesday morning and Tess, Charlotte, Brina, and Lynnai are all going to help decorate."
"Sounds great, your mother and I went into town with Becca yesterday and picked up the party favors, so I think we're all set."
"Any idea what the guys have planned for Tristan?"
Allura shook her head, "No, but Erik told me he's been plotting with Owen and he promised they would behave."
Sky rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it."
"As long as it's legal, I don't want to hear about it."
Sky laughed. "I guess in this instance, ignorance is bliss. I'll talk to you later."
"See you later. Stay out of trouble."
"I'll try." Sky left the Queen's study and went in search of her boyfriend. After checking the rec room, the observation deck, and Castle Contol, she made her way to his room.
"Who is it?" He called when she knocked.
"It's me."
There were some shuffling noises and voices that she recognized to be the twins before the door slid open and she found herself face to face with an overly innocent looking Erik.
"What are you plotting?" She asked.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Sky stood on her toes and looked over his shoulder to see Declan sitting on the desk chair and Gideon standing by the window. "Erik."
"Its guy stuff," Gideon said as she walked into the room.
"You're going to behave yourselves, right?"
Declan snorted.
"We're just planning to see our good buddy Tristan off to marriage in style," Erik told her. "Tasteful style."
Gideon poked his brother in the shoulder, "Come on, if Erik's going to lie to Sky we shouldn't be here when she finds out and kicks his butt."
Erik rolled his eyes, "I'm not lying. Why don't you get out of here before I kick your butt."
"He still thinks he's our commander," Declan muttered to his brother.
Erik gave them each a shove toward the door, "Get out."
"That's all right," Sky said as he shut the door. "I don't think I want to know what you guys are planning."
"It'll be more fun than the quilting bee you're planning for Cady."
"Quilting bee?" She gasped.
"Oh, come on, Sunny, Allura will be there as well as Becca and Darcy and Romelle. You guys have to behave."
"So? My father, Keith, Pidge, Sven, and Hunk will all be at your party."
"You think your father won't party with the best of us?"
The corner of Sky's mouth twitched as she tried not to smile. "Okay, so it's not like either one of us is going to have a party of booze and strippers."
Erik slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close, "Speak for yourself, Sunny."
"I talked to Aunt Allura, she said that as long as things stay clear, we can take a trip to Pollux after the wedding."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Sky tightened her arms around his neck when he tried to step away. "What is it, Erik?"
"Nothing, really Sky. There have been some rumblings, but if Keith thought there was any trouble, he would have brought it up to you guys."
"What kind of rumblings?"
"The kind of rumblings that Keith doesn't seem to be putting much stock in. How'd the dress fitting go?"
"Smooth change of subject, babe. It went fine."
"My tux should be ready the day after tomorrow."
"I bet you look really hot in it."
"Of course."
Sky grinned at him, "Nice to see your ego is almost back to full force."
"So, tell me, Sunny," Erik began innocently. "Does all this talk of weddings give you any idea?"
She gently pushed the dark glasses he wore up until they rested on top his head. "Whatever are you talking about?"
"Oh, nothing, no pressure."
"I don't feel pressured."
"Good. Wanna make out?"
"Well, now I do feel pressure."
He slid a hand up to the small of her back and pressed her tightly against him, "That's kinda the point."
Sky nuzzled his neck, gently kissing the scar that ran down the length of it. "I guess it's good to be pressured some times."
"Absolutely. Don't answer it."
"I have to," she replied, unclipping her communicator from her belt. "Collier."
"Sky, are you busy?" Cady asked.
"Very," she sighed as Erik slid his hand under the back of her shirt.
"When will you be free?"
"What's up, Cady?"
"I want to go in to town and pick up some house plan magazines."
"You just found out about the house yesterday."
"Why wait? I'll be in my room whenever you're ready to go."
"I didn't say I was going."
"I'll take you to the bakery."
"I'll meet you at the front door in ten minutes." Sky snapped her communicator shut. "I have to go."
"You're letting her bribe you with baked goods?" Erik asked.
"Yes, I am."
"You're too easy."
She cocked an eyebrow, "That is not something a girl likes to hear from her boyfriend."
"But it's something a boy likes to think about his girlfriend," he teased.
Sky punched him in the arm. "Jerk."
"I'll come with you, maybe she'll buy me a cookie."
"I don't remember you being invited."
"Of course I was. My invitation is always implied when you're invited somewhere."
"Does the same go for me when you're invited somewhere."
"Uh, sure."
Sky smiled, "I'm going to hold you to that. I have to go grab my coat, meet you downstairs in ten."
"Hey." Erik grabbed her hand before she could get too far away. "I love you."
She stood on her toes and kissed him quickly. "Love you too. But you still can't have strippers at Tristan's bachelor party."
