A/N: Okay, I know it's been forever, but here it is, a Happy New Year's update! Thank you so so much for your patience, to anyone who is still reading this. I won't be doing the weekly updates anymore but I'm certainly hoping not to keep you waiting for months on end for the next installment. I hope you enjoy!
Dorothy, surprisingly, was waiting outside the flower shop for Relena and Catherine. Relena had expected her to be inside, already making the order. Instead she was tapping her foot impatiently under the sign reading "His Excellency's Flowers" in golden script. As soon as they caught up, she turned and entered.
A bell chimed as they opened the door, and they were met with the tantalizing perfume of dozens of different flowers. They were arranged tastefully, some in ready-made bouquets, and others by variety for customers to select individually.
"Welcome. How may I help you?" asked a tall man with golden-brown hair. He was wearing a sharp navy blue suit, with a golden tie and pocket square, and a red rose as a boutonniere. It was rather over the top, Relena thought, but he managed to pull it off.
"We need bouquets and boutonnieres for a wedding," Dorothy replied before Relena had a chance.
"Wonderful. Do you know which flowers you want, or which colors?"
"Pink roses, and a purple flower as well, but I'm not sure what type," Relena said, surprised Dorothy let her answer first.
"Well then, let me show you a few options. Right this way."
The number and variety of flowers was certainly impressive, though Relena noticed a predominance of roses, particularly red ones. She supposed they would be popular on a cruise that was sure to attract plenty of couples.
"What do you think of these lilacs?"
Relena deliberated. They were beautiful, of course, but not quite right. "I'm looking for a deeper shade. Closer to amethyst."
"In that case, these purple lisianthus would be perfect, I think."
He was right, they were perfect. They were just the shade of Duo's eyes, and they looked similar to roses, so the two would complement each other in the bouquet.
"Oh yes, those ones please."
"Of course. How many bouquets will you be needing? And which flowers for the boutonnieres?"
"Three total, two smaller ones for the bridesmaids. Roses for the boutonnieres."
"Very good. I think a little bit of baby's breath and a pink ribbon?"
"That sounds perfect. We'll need them by tomorrow afternoon, say around four? Can you do that?"
"It would be my pleasure. Congratulations on your nuptials."
"Thank you," Relena said as she turned. "What do you think, ladies?"
They both smiled at her, and Catherine managed to reply before Dorothy put her two cents. "I think it'll be lovely, and the purple lisianthus are just the color of Duo's eyes. They couldn't be more perfect."
"What she said," Dorothy said, smiling. "Now, let's go back to the room so we can figure out which updo you like best. Catherine, how are you with doing hair?"
"I don't have a ton of practice, but I do know makeup. Circus performer, remember?"
"Don't performers apply really heavy amounts of makeup though?" Dorothy asked.
"For most performances, yes. However, we sometimes get booked for small, private gigs, and the lighting is different enough that a subtle approach is necessary. Don't worry, I'm a pro at natural-looking makeup too."
"I can do my own makeup, you know," Relena interjected, annoyed.
"Of course you can," Dorothy replied, "but part of being a bride is being pampered. Honestly, with all the weddings you've helped out with for Quatre's sisters, I'd think you'd know this by now."
"Fine. Have it your way. But can't we get something to eat before we try out hairstyles? I'm famished."
"Not a bad idea," Dorothy agreed, eyes sparkling. She was clearly pleased to have gotten her way, which seemed happen most of the time, somehow. "One of the restaurants on the lower deck is doing a shrimp special for lunch. You're not allergic to shellfish, are you Catherine?"
"Nope! I love shellfish, especially shrimp. Does that work for you, Relena?"
Happy to be included in the decision this time, Relena smiled. "It sure does. Shall we?"
"Wait. You're friends with the Captain?!" Duo had figured that Quatre had connections - he was a Winner, after all - but he hadn't been expecting this.
Quatre blushed. "Yes. You see, he used to run the marina where my family's boats are kept. He's actually the one who taught me how to sail; he's like an uncle to me. So I booked a private lunch with him to discuss the wedding plans. As a captain, he has the authority to marry people."
"Thanks, Quatre. That's a real help."
"What are friends for?" The blond replied with a wink.
Duo was taken aback. Friends? They hardly knew each other. But then, he was marrying someone he barely knew, so why not? He smiled back. "I suppose they do."
Quatre turned toward Trowa, looking hopeful. "I assumed you'd be coming with, since you're the best man. I told him there would be three of us anyway. Unless you're performing?"
"My performance isn't until tonight; I can come with. Besides, as the Captain, he should be able to convince my boss to give Cathy and I tomorrow night off. Kind of hard to be the best man if you're not even at the wedding."
"I'm sure he can make that happen." Quatre looked at his watch. "We should head over there now, it's in about 15 minutes."
Duo looked down at what he was wearing. Quatre was dressed in a nice button down, vest and slacks, while he was wearing board shorts and a t-shirt.
"Shouldn't I change first?"
"Nonsense. This is a cruise, you're supposed to wear casual clothing. Besides, Rashid is really laid back. You'll see, you're fine as you are. You too, Trowa."
"Good, because I wasn't planning on changing either way," Trowa snarked.
"And what you're wearing is casual?" Duo asked.
Quatre laughed. "Trust me, for me, this is casual."
"Captain Rashid! Thank you for taking the time to see us," Quatre said, holding out his hand to the large bearded man.
The captain ignored the hand and pulled the blonde into a bear hug, patting his back several times. Stepping back, he beamed down at the shorter man.
"I always have time for old friends, Master Quatre. And for new ones!" he said, turning toward Duo and Trowa.
Duo put out his hand, wondering if he'd be pulled into a hug as well, but the Captain just shook it. "Duo Maxwell. Good to meet you."
"Ah, the groom to be. The pleasure is all mine. And you must be Trowa Barton."
"At your service," Trowa replied, holding out his hand in turn.
"I didn't recognize you without your mask. You and your sister put on an amazing act, I must say."
Trowa blinked, then smiled in response. "I didn't realize you'd come to the show. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Of course I saw the show! The guests have been raving about it; I had to see it for myself. It more than lived up to the hype."
"Thank you," Trowa replied. Duo refrained from snickering at his friend's expense as he saw the blush creeping up his neck. For all of his years performing, he still had difficulty accepting praise from admirers.
"I don't know about you three, but I'm starving," the captain said. "Please, have a seat." He gestured to a cloth-covered table with four elegant chairs and what looked like silver cutlery and crystal glasses.
They all took their seats, and a server came out to hand out menus, pour water, and take drink orders. Duo decided to stick to soda, even though day drinking was more than common on a cruise. The last thing he wanted to do was give the captain a bad impression. He needn't have bothered. Captain Rashid ordered an IPA, and Quatre went for some red wine.
"So, I understand there's going to be a wedding," the captain began after they ordered their food.
"That's the plan," Duo replied, suddenly nervous. "We're hoping to do the ceremony tomorrow night, at sunset. Would that be possible?"
"Certainly! I think the upper deck would be well suited to the ceremony, and would have space for the reception as well. Unless you're going to have very many guests?"
"No, it'll be just a few of us. Two bridesmaids, two groomsmen, and the parents of the bride."
"Small indeed. Trowa, are you supposed to be one of the groomsmen?"
"Yes, I am. Best man, in fact. Which is why I could use your help. My sister and I are scheduled to perform tomorrow night, which would make us unable to attend. Any chance you could get the schedule changed around so another act is performing?"
"For the sake of true love? Absolutely! There's an illusionist who's been clamoring for more performances, and I'm sure he'd be amenable."
"Thank you," Trowa responded.
Duo shifted uncomfortably in his chair. This was hardly true love. Far from it, in fact. It was certainly useful for the captain to think it was, but he didn't like the deception. Trowa's sidelong look told him his friend was more than aware of his discomfort.
"Captain Rashid, I don't believe we've told you who the bride is," Quatre interjected. "Do you remember Relena Darlian?"
"Do I remember her? How could I forget the darling daughter of the Vice Foreign Minister? Though I haven't seen her since she was about twelve." Rashid turned to Duo. "I imagine she's grown into a lovely young woman?"
Duo smiled. This he could be entirely honest about. "More than lovely. She's wonderful. Kind, compassionate, funny. And of course, very beautiful." And an amazing kisser, he didn't mention.
Quatre was giving him a considering look that he didn't particularly like, so he took a bite of his food to cover any reaction. So he could appreciate what a wonderful person his fiance was? Didn't mean he was falling for her or anything, which seemed to be what the blond was wondering. He couldn't afford to fall for her, not when she felt nothing for him beyond friendship.
The conversation continued without him, and he was uncharacteristically quiet for the rest of the meal. What was he getting himself into?
Comments? Questions? I'd love to hear from you! Please do let me know what you think.
