Note: In the original story I completely forgot about Howard aka The Old Hippie Dude. After re-watching the series I decided that not only did I want him in my fic, but also I wanted him to have a prominent role for future chapters. I also gave the woman characters some lines so that they aren’t totally left out.
Quatre’s Mansion
Dinner Table
Everyone looked at the man with a shocked look on their face, except for Duo who sporting a huge grin.
“Everyone I present to you, Howard.”
Howard smiled and took off his glasses, “The one and only.”
Everyone got up from the table and rushed to greet him.
“Howard you don’t know how much seeing you makes my day,” said Zechs.
Quatre shook his hand and gave him a brief hug, “My god it’s been so long, last time we saw you was during the Great War.”
“It’s been that long? Man it really has been a while.”
Duo patted him on the back, “I know we all have a lot of stuff to say, but how about we go back to the table so we can eat too.”
The others agreed and everyone went back to their seats. Shortly afterwards the food was served and everyone stood up as Quatre held up his glass of wine.
“When I look around this table, I realize that we are truly blessed. We started out as nothing more than soldiers, but now, we are family. I know we have been through a lot, but I feel it has made the relationships between us stronger,” He raised his glass in the air, and everyone did the same, “To all our good fortunes, and may it last for many more years to come.”
They all cheered in unison and took a drink. Afterwards they all began eating their meals while talking with one another.
“So Howard, what have you been doing this whole time?” asked Relena.
“I’ve run one of Duo’s salvage shops on earth. It’s not as fun as fixing the Gundams, but at least I actually get paid for it,” said Howard with a smile.
The others chuckled at the comment.
“So where is your shop located exactly?” asked Sally.
“In Japan, we operate in a small town near the coast. Originally I thought Duo was crazy when he picked out the location, but as it turns out, it’s been a prime spot, who knew?”
“It’s one of our most successful shops; he gets business from all over Japan and beyond” said Hilde.
Duo grinned, “Yeah at this rate, I’ll be as rich as Quatre in no time.”
“Keep dreaming Duo, you’d have a heart attack if you knew how much I made a year,” said Quatre with a smile.
Howard looked over at Trowa who was conversing with Zechs.
“So how’s the circus treating you Trowa?”
“It’s pretty good, I never really saw myself as a side act but as it turns out, it’s been very profitable.”
“It really is a lot of fun, we should be having a show in Tokyo soon, you should come by and check it out.” chimed in Catherine.
Howard smiled, “I might have to do that, as long as you let me in for free.”
The others laughed and the dinner continued. Afterwards everyone migrated to the living room where they had a few drinks and reminisced about the old days. Zechs saw Heero walk into the kitchen for another drink and followed him in there. Heero pulled a bottle of wine out of the fridge and saw Zechs approaching him.
“Hey Zechs.”
“Hey Heero you got a minute?”
“Sure what do you need?” said Heero as he poured himself a glass and took a drink.
Zechs smiled, “You know it never ceases to amaze me how much you changed Heero. I know I say it a lot, but when I look at you, it’s like looking at a whole new person.”
Heero shrugged his shoulders and took another drink, “I guess I have your sister to thank for it.”
Zechs smiled, “I guess you do, anyway the real reason I came over here is because I have an important question to ask you.”
“What is it?”
Zechs cleared his throat, “I want you to be the best man at my wedding.”
Heero looked Zechs dumbfounded, “Zechs… I’m honored, I really am, but why me?”
“Because you and Relena are the only family I have left. It’s true that since you’re married to my sister, we’re technically brothers. But even before you married Relena, I always felt like we had a common bond, it’s like we’ve been family all along. And that has never changed, we may not have always liked each other, but I’ve always respected you. You’ve done more for me than anyone else alive, you helped me realize my misdeeds long ago, and for that, I’ll be forever be in your debt. I wouldn’t have the life I have today if it weren’t for you. So that’s why I’m asking you not just as a friend, but as true brother, will you do it?”
Heero looked at him and took a deep breath, “Ok I’ll do it.”
Zechs smiled and gave him a brief hug, “Thank you Heero, This really mean a lot to me.”
Heero and Zechs both clicked there glasses together and took a drink. They then walked back inside to tell the others.
End Ch 4