This is a Christmas present to all my faithful and new readers! A new chapter within a week of the last! O.K. so I had most of it written already, but it still counts. The surprise I mentioned in the AN of the last chapter actually occurs near the end, not the beginning, of this chapter. No real plot development. Just a big ole bowl of steaming sap to tide you over until after the Holidays. If you have a sensitive stomach, I’d suggest skipping this part and waiting for the next "real" chapter. If you’re like me and just need a little mush occasionally, this is for you! Enjoy!

Still Grows the Lilac

The Lilac Princess Book II

By Lady Dante

Chapter 6

Lady Une sat at the small dressing table in her temporary quarters, fussing over her hair and lamenting His Excellency’s penchant for parties. She expertly applied another layer of plum lipstick and surveyed her face. How did she manage to get herself into this? Une sighed, knowing very well that she couldn’t blame Mr. Treize. He had asked her opinion and she said it was a wonderful idea. Oh, how she wished she could go back in time six months and change her answer to that question. Too late now.

Une’s aunt, the baroness Letitia Von Klemper, swept into the room wearing an elaborate gown. The young officer surveyed the woman who raised her. Letitia was an attractive woman of about fifty years, possessed of all the qualities one wished in a noblewoman. Her appearance never failed to evoke an image of ancient courts and balls of centuries past. If nothing else, Treize’s social gathering provided Une the opportunity to spend time with her only living relative. She adored her aunt. Her mother, Letitia’s younger sister, was little more than a faded image to Une, only occasionally replaced with a true recollection. It was her aunt who raised her, cared for her and saw to her education. They were not without their disagreements. Letitia had not really approved of Une’s commission into the military branch of Romefellar, but with no male heir to serve in OZ, there seemed little choice. If her dear aunt had her way, Une would be in the marriage market right now, scouting for a suitable husband to advance her social position.

"I absolutely adore the dress you’ve chosen, libeling," Une stopped pinning her hair up, waiting patiently for the "but" that was certain to follow, "But do you not think it a bit plain? It is to be a grand ball indeed, you should adorn yourself accordingly."

"I hardly think there is time for that now, Aunt. Besides, I prefer understated to grandiose."

Letitia smiled and stepped up behind her niece, catching her eye in the mirror. "And so you always have…just like my beloved sister." She leaned forward and kissed the top of the younger woman’s head. Une smiled and continued dressing her hair. The baroness looked on for a moment, then frowned.

"What?" Une sighed. Letitia was a wonderful woman, but had very different ideas about proper dress.

"You have such lovely hair, just like your mother’s…must you always bind it so? You look so much better with your hair down."

As she spoke, the baroness began removing the pins and undoing the tight braids. Une relinquished control of her hair, knowing full well nothing she could say would dissuade her aunt’s insistence. She didn’t really mind. It had been quite a long time since she had shared a family moment with her aunt. Une was determined not to spoil the mood. As she sat obediently, Une allowed her thoughts to wander. This was not something she indulged in often as it had a troublesome affect on her. The young woman often found her strong military demeanor giving way to a more pliable manner. It was the lack of control that disturbed her the most, the feeling that someone else was in control of her body. She sensed that feeling now, slowly washing over her as a vague memory drifted forward. A courtyard in a winter’s mist…she was remembering her mother again.

"There we are! You are the living image of your dearest mother," Letitia’s voice broke slightly as she gazed at Une, "so very much like her…"

Une reached back over her shoulder and took her aunt’s hand, "Thank you, Aunt. It’s lovely."

"Shall we go then? I’m anxious to finally meet this duke of yours."

"He’s not my duke, Aunt, and I beg you do not suggest such a thing to him."

"Of course not," Letitia smiled with mock innocence, "I wouldn’t dream of suggesting anything of the kind…"

Downstairs in the elaborate ball room, Treize Kushrenada glided through the crowd with as much ease as possible considering his situation. The gracious young duke was stopped every other moment to be introduced to someone’s daughter, granddaughter, or niece. It was uncommonly tedious this evening, but his façade of charm and grace did not betray the boredom that hung over him. His Excellency had hoped the gathering would lighten his mood, but found instead that the festivities and formalities only succeeded in amplifying his troubles. Treize’s thoughts continually turned to the photograph tucked into his tuxedo pocket. Leia and Marimeia. He should be sharing a quiet evening home with them, not entertaining the elitists of Romefellar.

For the first time that evening, the young man frowned. He shook off the useless daydreams and grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter. The last thing he needed was to allow himself to dwell on the family he could never acknowledge. He needed to forget about them and focus on his plans. This party was as much to secure his position within Romefeller as to introduce its newest members to society. His advancement in OZ and ultimately assuming leadership of Romefeller itself were his chief concerns. Indeed, he could allow no other concerns to take precedence. He was willing to risk the mental health of his own brother to achieve those goals, how could ignoring his child be any worse than that? In the end, Treize was certain his schemes would bring about the world he so desperately wanted for those he loved. A world free of the destruction of war.

Treize drained the last of his wine and traded the empty glass for a full one. His mood was suddenly dark and cross. He couldn’t allow himself to dwell on such things. He had to move on. He needed a diversion. Treize raised the crystal goblet to his lips and let his eyes wander to the entrance. Just as the sweet liquid entered his mouth, he caught sight of a young lady and an older woman enter the ballroom. The suave and refined duke almost choked on his wine when he realized the identity of the young woman.

"Baroness Von Klemper and her niece, Lady Une."

The attendant announced the pair in the formal tone preferred by the older members of Romefeller and the elegant ladies proceeded into the room. Treize recovered himself just in time to greet the two. He bowed gracefully, kissing the baroness’s hand and complimenting her gown. They spoke for quite some time about trivial matters only ever discussed at parties. Treize made certain to praise Une’s work with the Specials to the young woman’s aunt, wanting very much to win that lady’s approval. The baroness was suitably charmed by the young man, smiling broadly every time she caught His Excellency staring at her beloved niece. Letitia expertly guided the conversation into matters that seemed to intrigue both young people and at length excused herself to greet an acquaintance, leaving Une and Treize alone together just as the dancing started.

The couple found themselves in the middle of the dance floor, suddenly surrounded by couples preparing to take a turn. Treize smiled and requested the pleasure of the next dance. Lady Une accepted with equal grace and they took their places among the twirling couples. They did not attempt conversation, instead losing themselves in the steps. They danced two more dances together before Treize found himself being pulled away to greet more daughters, granddaughters, and nieces. He kept an eye on Une’s whereabouts at all times, occasionally sending Zechs to rescue the young woman from some obnoxious young lord or boring old duke. After what Treize deemed a sufficient amount of mingling, he decided to take a bit of a break and sought out Une. They danced once again, this time chatting amiably. As they glided towards the glass doors leading to the back lawn and freedom, Treize asked if the lady would care to accompany him on a short walk. To his delight, she graciously agreed and they started for the door. Zechs ambushed them just as they reached the exit and a highly distracted Treize gave the boy leave to go. Offering the lady his arm, His Excellency escorted Une out into the crisp night air.

At the other end of the grand hall, two very bored observers sat making snide remarks about the other guests.

"Oh look at that one!"

Noin inclined her head slightly towards a young duchess in a particularly bouffant gown. It consisted of what had to be miles of tulle bound up with pink and green bows. Her companion almost choked on his drink.

"Good grief, how did she fit that thing through the door?" Johnny gaped at the woman, shaking his head in amazement.

"Maybe it deflates?" Noin suggested with a surprisingly straight face.

"Must have a built in air pump."

The two chuckled softly, trying desperately not to draw attention to themselves. Neither was inclined to enjoy such formal occasions and found solace in each other’s company between bouts of formal introductions and waltzes. Johnny had more practice in enduring such events and passed on his knowledge to a very grateful Noin. Tonight in particular, Johnny wished himself far away from every impeccable person there. It had been months now since he last attempted to pilot the mysterious crimson suit, but his obsession was as strong as ever. He hoped to have another crack at it once he was declared recovered by the base doctors, but discovered that his meddlesome brother had hidden the damned thing on the pretense that Johnny was needed elsewhere. His mood was growing dark and the young man angrily called to a waiter for another drink. Noin glanced at him in surprise, never having witnessed the instructor behave so erratically. Spotting Zechs nearby, the young woman waved him over, hoping he could brighten Johnny’s mood. Zechs eagerly joined them, but just as he arrived Johnny stood and made a somewhat angry-sounding excuse and left.

"What’s with him?" Zechs inquired, puzzled.

"I don’t know. He was fine a minute ago."

Zechs frowned and stared after his friend’s rapidly retreating back. "Has he been drinking?"

"A little, but he always drinks at parties, doesn’t he?"

"Yeah…" Zechs was about to add that he drank whether or not he was at a party, but decided against it and fell silent.

"So, when do you think we can leave?" All of Ingrid’s etiquette lessons had paid off that night, but Noin was still anxious to be rid of the suffocating crowd.

"I’m not sure. Treize wants us to meet all of the Romefeller VIPs tonight," noticing Noin’s scowl he insisted, "both of us. He says it’s important to our careers in OZ to make contacts now."

"So we have to make nice with all these stuffy old men?"

"They’re not all old."

"Yes, well, the young ones are just annoying."

Zechs agreed with that comment as he reentered the crowd. He had more experience with this type of gathering, but knowing how to survive grand balls and the unwanted attentions of the young female guests did not make it any easier to bear. He spent most of the night kindly fending off teenaged duchesses and much to his chagrin, Noin seemed to be having the same problem with the male cadets. He and Noin had not been given the opportunity to spend any time together that evening. It seemed every time he found a moment to approach her, Treize would commandeer him for an introduction and a few minutes of pointless chatter. He finally gave up trying to dislodge himself from the foray and took comfort in the fact that Treize was becoming increasingly preoccupied with his assistant, Lady Une. Zechs watched the two carefully, waiting for an opening. When his mentor seemed most distracted by Lady’s charms, Zechs took a chance and asked the question. After a short exchange, the young count rejoined Noin.

"We off the hook?"

"Treize says I’ve met enough ‘insipid social climbers’ and I can sneak out as long as I’m not noticed."

"Good. Let’s get out of here before another silly cadet asks me for the pleasure of stepping on my toes."

"Well, if you’d let them lead, I’m sure they wouldn’t step on your toes."

"Ha. Ha…Zechs," Noin interrupted herself and elbowed her cohort, "It’s him."

"You go right, I’ll go left."

The two made their way through the crowd towards the buffet table and the object of their current mission, the head cook. Though the affair was catered, the head cook insisted on supervising and took up station by the kitchens early in the evening. If they wanted to celebrate their birthday in private they needed to bump into that man. And so they did, literally. Noin gently brushed passed the man as Zechs jostled him a bit more severely. During the profuse apologies that ensued, Zechs expertly lifted the man’s keys and excused himself. The two cadets snuck around to the furthest kitchen and let themselves in, snickering.

"Well, it’s nice to know you haven’t lost your touch."

"I knew picking pockets would come in handy later in life."

The invaders carefully surveyed the area and, when they were certain the small sub-kitchen was empty, closed the doors and set about preparing a private birthday celebration. They had discussed the timing of the ball a few weeks before, annoyed that they would not be able to have dinner at the homestead, and decided on making themselves a chocolate cake to compensate, ingredients and oven courtesy Lake Victoria Academy. It was the least the Specials could do, considering they had to endure a tedious Romefeller ball on their fifteenth birthday. They set about collecting all of the necessary ingredients and Noin pulled out a folded piece of paper. She had managed to find a recipe very similar to Nana Ingrid’s. She and Zechs began to assemble the items, occasionally arguing but ultimately producing a luscious batter. The cake was placed in the oven and the timer set. They managed to find a can of ready mixed frosting in one of the cabinets and opened it up in preparation for the cake’s decoration. Naturally they sampled the confection to make certain it was edible.

"Now what?" Zechs licked the last bit of chocolate frosting from his finger and sighed.

Noin finished off her taste and consulted the recipe. "This says to bake for forty-five minutes…ugh…we have to wait that long?"

The music started up again, this time playing a familiar waltz. Zechs reached over and tugged Noin’s sleeve, "Come on."

"Pardon me?" Noin replied haughtily, "Is that any way to ask a lady to dance?"

Zechs mouth curved slightly as he executed a perfectly formal bow and held out his hand, "Will you honor me, Miss Noin?"

Noin curtseyed and took his hand in consent. "I would be delighted, Count Marquise."

"You do understand that I will be leading?"

"If you must…but I still don’t think it’s fair."

Noin twirled herself into his arms and the pair paused a moment to pick up the beat. They glided as easily over the linoleum as they would on a hardwood ballroom floor, turning gracefully at the corner of the large counter and continuing down the other side. Faint strains of music floated into the room gently, lulling the couple into a comfortable silence as they took another turn. Only the slight clack and slide of boot heels disrupted the perfect quiet. Noin smiled up at her partner and for the first time allowed herself to admire him. He was turning out to be a very handsome young man. It was not a new thought, but one she usually pushed away rather quickly. After all, this was Zechs. Her best friend and most annoying rival. The boy she used to share a cot with when they were eight. Of course, Noin had thought of him as a brother then. Now, she felt…well, whatever it was she felt for the tall young man, it certainly had nothing to do with sisterly affection. Admitting that to herself caused a blush to rise to the young woman’s cheeks and she looked down.

Noin suddenly became acutely aware of her partner’s touch. The feeling of his palm pressed gently into her back, fingers splayed wide, the delicate way he held her hand. She realized that it had been a very long time since anyone had held her, years in fact. Not since she left the convent. Noin was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. Zechs was close enough that she could smell the faintly pleasant scent of shampoo and cologne. Or was it aftershave lotion? When did Zechs start shaving? That was a stupid thought, she decided. They were fifteen today and set to graduate in a few months. As the top two cadets, both she and Zechs were already being offered posts in elite mobile suit divisions. They were practically grown.

"Watching your feet won’t help."

Noin looked up to find Zechs smirking. Actually, it was a "Zechs smirk," which meant simply that his eyes sparkled and one side of his mouth curved slightly.

"Well…your feet are bigger than they used to be, so I thought I’d better be on my guard."

"Trust me, remember? I won’t lead you astray."

Noin smiled up at her partner softly, recalling Ingrid’s many lessons. Always allow the gentleman to lead. She always had a tough time with that one. She never liked the idea of letting someone else be in charge. Except Zechs. She might not always agree with him, but Noin was willing to follow his lead. Even now, as they waltzed gracefully around the darkened kitchen, Noin did not hesitate to accept the subtle guidance of his hand on the small of her back. She continued to hold his gaze as the dance continued, oblivious to the light smile on her lips until she saw a similar expression on the face of Zechs. Gradually their movements slowed and ceased as the music evaporated. The couple remained as they were, still holding each other as though waiting for the music to start up again and stared into each other’s eyes. Zechs shifted slightly, almost uncomfortably, and leaned forward. Noin felt her heart skip a beat and stopped breathing. Noting the now irritating height difference, she began to raise herself up on her toes.

Both cadets jumped at the sound of the kitchen timer buzzing obnoxiously. They quickly separated, both blushing profusely as one rushed to silence the offending alarm and the other pulled the cake out of the oven. Noin nervously dislodged the cake from the pan and set it on a dish to cool. The frosting would melt if they put it on the cake too soon, so they once again had to wait. The music had not resumed and neither would have been comfortable dancing again in any case, so Noin suggested they take a walk outside. The young friends stepped out into the cool night air and started walking aimlessly across the lawn towards a small grove. They walked in silence for sometime, weaving in between the hedge bushes and young trees to a small path that cut through the brush.

Zechs put his hand on Noin’s arm to stop her progress along the path. "Did you hear that?" Zechs whispered with a frown. Someone else was out there. Noin nodded silently and took a cautious step forward. They stopped short upon realizing the others were Treize and Une. The cadets looked around hurriedly, attempting to find a means of escape without alerting the officers to their presence. None to be found, they glanced at each other and silently agreed just to stand perfectly still and hope His Excellency would just walk past. To their annoyance, the couple stopped a few feet away and began talking.

"It’s a nice evening. The sky is so clear one can almost reach out and collect the stars."

"Yes," Une murmured as she looked up, "incredibly beautiful…"

"Beautiful," Treize repeated, gazing at the lady on his arm.

Une looked over and was startled to find His Excellency staring at her. She made some innocuous comment, meant to steer the conversation to some safe topic, but Mr. Treize continued to stare at her in the most extraordinary way. She recognized the look, she had seen it enough in other men’s eyes, but Une was unsure how to react to her superior’s scrutiny. He had been particularly attentive that evening, a truly gracious host. The young woman had to admit, his attentions were quite welcome, but they had at some point passed the point of social nicety and moved into something else altogether. Even now, as they discussed the ball, the guests and a host of other mundane topics, his body language hinted at his motives.

Treize took both of Une’s hands in his own, stroking her knuckles with his thumbs as he complimented the quartet’s fine performance. He lifted one hand to his lips and paused to lightly kiss it before continuing with his statement about the caterer’s choice of wines. Every dull comment was accompanied by a physical gesture implying something very different. Une accepted each gesture while replying with equally dull comments. It was a perfect night. The air was clean, the sky exquisite, and Treize Kushrenada was making subtle romantic overtures. It wasn’t as though the thought never occurred to Une. She had on many occasions, in fact, caught herself pondering His Excellency in just such a way. Those thoughts were always dismissed as impossible. Either she convinced herself of his disinterest or reminded herself of the certain evils inherent in becoming involved with a superior officer. Now however, Treize’s affections seemed to be within her grasp. What would it be like, Une wondered, if she allowed herself a romance with one of the most powerful men in OZ? More importantly, how would it affect her career?

As much as she respected Treize’s ideals and leadership, his personal life left quite a bit to be desired. Was it possible to have a romantic relationship with His Excellency and still continue to serve by his side? As much as she sometimes wished otherwise, her heart did not work that way. She could not divide her feelings in such a manner, splitting herself between love and duty. Love. It wasn’t something she ever sought, believing her commitment to OZ and Romefellar more important, but now she found herself faced with the possibility of …what? It suddenly occurred to Une that His Excellency was not likely to take this affair as seriously as she. What was he truly offering her? Temporary pleasure balanced against her lifetime duty.

And so, it would seem, she must choose. Share the warmth of his bed for a few months or remain the faithful assistant. One option would render her obsolete all too quickly, the other would assure her ability to fight at his side and see the objectives of OZ come to fruition. It was a surprisingly difficult decision for Une, but ultimately she decided on the latter. The proposition of a more intimate relationship with Treize was intriguing, to be certain, but Lady Une had no intention of being one of scores of women admitted to His Excellency’s bedchamber…one of a sea of faces whose names blended and blurred into obscurity. No way in hell she was going to be one of the many. Une placed a hand on his chest, firmly halting his advance.

"I don’t think this is a good idea, Mr. Treize."

Treize stopped and stared. It was a rare thing to be turned down, he wasn’t certain how to take it. Une was perfectly correct, of course. They worked together, she was a subordinate, the list of reasons was long. Also, and more importantly, he truly respected Lady Une. Using her to quash the lingering memory of Leia Barton was not fair to either of them. Une was worth too much to him, as an officer and a person, to play this little game, a game he knew all too well. She was not one of the hothouse flowers or painted predators His Excellency usually dallied with. This woman was strong and forthright. A little misguided in some of her opinions, but a faithful member of OZ. He saw a fleeting look of concern mar the young woman’s lovely face and realized Une was worried she had offended him.

"Quite right, Lady." Treize took hold of her hand and kissed it with a gentleman’s formality. "I hope I have not caused offense."

"No, sir."

"Then shall we return to the party?"

His Excellency offered his arm and smiled as Lady Une took it. As the pair slowly strolled back to the ballroom, they did not notice two sets of eyes watching them from the shadows. Zechs and Noin had witnessed the entire scene with deep embarrassment. They remained rooted to their hiding place for several minutes after the older couple departed, too self-conscious to speak. Zechs shifted uncomfortably. Seeing Treize attempt his classic pick-up had planted a thought or two in the young count’s head, thoughts about the girl by his side. Since the day he sketched Noin while she slept, Zechs had become increasingly aware of the girl’s beauty and grace. Once or twice, he had caught himself staring at her during training exercises. Sometimes, when he was standing close to Noin, he felt as clumsy and awkward as Eliot Walker. She was the only person that ever made Zechs feel anything but confident and self-assured. Those stray thoughts made him feel strange. After all, it was Noin for pity’s sake. They had known each other for ten years now, watched each other grow up. Once upon a time he thought of her as a sister. He ventured a glance at her now. He certainly didn’t consider her a sister any longer. She was much more than that.

"I can’t believe that was old Lady Uney Buns…" Noin breathed in shock.

"I can’t believe someone actually turned down…" Zechs stopped short and looked down at his friend, "Uney Buns?"

"Uh…you didn’t hear that."

They both snickered at the awful nickname for a few moments. The sound died down, once more leaving them in an uncomfortable silence. Noin looked up at Zechs and, despite a sudden shyness, studied his face. It was dark out, but the night was clear and the moon shone bright enough to highlight every fine detail of the boy’s face. No, not a boy anymore, she corrected. Her thoughts bent towards the party they had luckily managed to escape. All evening, she watched Zechs dancing with scores of young ladies. Cadets from their class, young noblewomen, even some of the older ladies. He was charming and attentive to all of them. Every last one. She suddenly felt a little irked. It was foolish of her, she knew. Zechs had been attending parties such as this since he was twelve. He knew how to work a room almost as well as His Excellency, but that didn’t signify Zechs meant any of it. Or did he?
"Zechs have you ever done that?" Noin blurted out the question so suddenly, she managed to startle herself as much as Zechs.

"Done what?"

Noin closed her eyes briefly, feeling mortified by her lack of reserve. Oh well. Too late now. Might as well ask. "Kissed anyone."

"Oh." Zechs looked at his feet and quietly responded. "No."

"Really?" Noin hadn’t meant to sound so incredulous at the thought, but it was too late to play it cool now.

"Really," Zechs chuckled softly, "but thank you for being surprised." He looked over at her and asked, "Have you?"

Noin paused a moment before answering, her thoughts resting on the day in Livorno when Paolo kissed her goodbye. She was trying to decide if that counted. After all, it was only a peck on the cheek and she didn’t return the gesture. "No…and you had better be surprised, too."

"Absolutely astounded."

Noin smiled at him, quite relieved that they could joke their way out of a potentially awkward conversation. Her mind, however, lingered on the question she had posed. Zechs had never been kissed and neither had she. Noin had to admit that her curiosity had gotten the better of her over the past few months. She had always rolled her eyes at the silly girls who gushed over their first kisses. It seemed so juvenile to her at the time. They were there to become soldiers, not get dates. A soldier’s life had nothing to do with romantic entanglements. As she progressed through adolescence, though, Noin found herself wondering what it was like. Any time she had such a thought, the next was sure to be of Zechs. There were plenty of boys her age at the academy who would have eagerly offered to be her first kiss, but Noin barely noticed any of them outside of classes. Zechs on the other hand…

"Do you want to try it?" Once again she spoke more quickly than she should have, but Noin courageously looked up at Zechs and held his somewhat surprised gaze. After a moment or two of silence, she felt her courage slipping and almost turned away.

"Yes," Zechs replied quietly, turning to face her, "if you’ll allow."

Noin smiled at his formality and stood in front of him. They looked at each other blankly. "Now what?"

"How should I know?"

"You’ve had the opportunity to observe Treize and Johnny…I assumed you learned something."

"Well…here," he picked up Noin’s hands and placed them on his shoulders, resting his own at her waist. "Now close your eyes."

"Why?"

"I don’t know. That is just how it’s done."

Noin looked dubious, but obeyed. Zechs followed suit and leaned forward, but a little too quickly. They both tilted their heads in the same direction and managed to painfully bump noses. They both exclaimed and pulled back, hands over noses. Noin broke into nervous giggles which seemed to annoy an embarrassed Zechs. His angry scowl prompted the poor girl to laugh harder. She wasn’t really amused, just nervous and embarrassed. The harder she tried to stop, the more she giggled.

"Will you stop that?"

Zechs was beginning to sound mad, but Noin couldn’t help herself. This was all so weird. She was about to share her first kiss with a boy whose clothes she once wore, her best friend… a prince. Her life was beginning to sound like one of the fairy tales Zechs used to make up for her when they shared that cot in the refugee camps. They were both far different from the open-hearted children they had been. Neither was inclined to storytelling or such open affection anymore. Life and OZ had slowly beaten that out of them. Noin knew that indulging in this kiss would change things between them as well. Not that she was likely to melt into a swooning pool of silliness like those other girls or that she and Zechs couldn’t continue being friends, but something would be different. The last bit of their child hood would evaporate. Noin wasn’t certain she was ready for that. She finally managed to sober herself and apologized with a blush. Zechs’ aggravation softened somewhat and he smiled.

"Want to try that again, Miss Noin?"

"Certainly…go left."

"Roger."

Noin kept her eyes open briefly as they leaned towards each other until she was sure they wouldn’t bump into one another again. She allowed her eyelids to settle shut as she raised herself up on her toes and met Zechs halfway, pressing her lips delicately to his. They remained like that several moments before Zechs finally slid his hands around to Noin’s back and pulled her closer. Noin allowed her instincts to take over and began to gently move her lips against his, pleased to feel the young man’s eager response. As the kiss continued, she moved her hands from Zechs’ shoulders to his face, timidly stroking soft skin and passing her fingers through his flaxen hair. Her mind blanked of any conscious thought. All that remained were sensations...smell, touch, taste. Spicy cologne, warm lips with a hint of sweetness remaining from their earlier indulgence in frosting. Zechs’ hands flat against her back, pulling her forward. The softness of his hair. She combed her fingers through the silken locks and met with the band Zechs used to keep his now shoulder-length hair tied back. Noin boldly tugged the band out and ran her fingers through the strands. With the other hand, she cradled the back of his neck, pulling him down to her.

It seemed like hours before the kiss was finally broken and when they did part, the couple remained close. Their faces were an inch apart, their breath mingling. Neither wanted to let go just yet and so lingered in each other’s arms for a few more precious moments. Noin tried to steady her breathing and slowly lowered herself from tiptoes, keeping her eyes closed. She looked up a moment later when she felt Zechs gently press his lips to her forehead. They looked at each other a few moments, surprisingly without awkwardness.

"Thank you, Noin."

"Thank you, Zechs." Noin grinned. "Let’s go eat that cake before someone else find it."

The walked lightly back to the kitchen chatting about all manner of things as they heaped creamy chocolate frosting on the warm cake. They cut into it immediately and poured themselves two large glasses of milk. The ate most of delicious desert, leaving only one slice with a note and the keys for the head cook. Finishing off the last of their birthday cake, Noin raised her glass of milk.

"Happy Birthday, Zechs."

Zechs tapped his glass to hers. "Happy Birthday, Noin."

Seven months later…

"Geez, I’m so happy to get rid of that organ grinder’s hat!"

Noin watched her uniform cap land in a pile of other caps and grinned as she ran her fingers through her hair. Graduation. She and Zechs were both officers now. Out of each class, the top 10 students were generally commissioned into OZ as full lieutenants, skipping the lower rankings in order to put their command talents to better use. Two days from that moment, Noin and Zechs were to assume positions in Johnny’s elite mobile suit division. Front line, the first into battle. The idea of being in combat once more was a bit daunting to Noin, but exciting as well. She and Zechs would finally have the opportunity to fight the Alliance. As welcome as the opportunity was, she couldn’t help feel a little melancholy over the prospect of leaving the Academy life behind.

"That’s it then." She sounded relieved and a little sad.

"We’re officers." Zechs looked down as he considered their new responsibilities.

"Yes, we are."

"Lieutenants."

"With all the perks."

"Better pay."

"Better quarters."

"Better uniforms."

"Yeah, for you. This lowly commoner is stuck with the green bellhop’s uniform."

"Yes, but you get to add a cape."

"Oh, yeaaah. I forgot…now I get to look like a bellhop with a cape."

They laughed at their silliness and walked back towards the main complex. As they arrived at the women’s dorms, Zechs turned to his companion.

"Congratulations Noin." He held out his hand to his friend. Noin looked from his hand back to his face and smirked. Zechs narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You’re going to hug me, aren’t you?"

"Well, I think I pretty much have to, yes. It’s in the rule book somewhere."

Zechs braced himself bravely. "Well, if you must."

Noin smiled and put her arms around the young man’s neck, squeezing gently. After a moment’s hesitation, Zechs returned the embrace, laying his cheek against Noin’s soft hair. The scent of her lilac shampoo gently drifted over him and the young officer closed his eyes. Noin nuzzled against his neck, showing no indication of pulling away. Zechs smiled and held her tighter. He rarely allowed moments such as this, but he was glad to acquiesce in this case. Soon they would report for duty with Johnny’s mobile suit division, become real soldiers of OZ, well on their way to exacting a bloody revenge upon the Alliance. They would adopt the ambiguous relationship forced upon them by their ranks and relative social positions. Today, in that moment’s embrace, they could be what their hearts dictated…best friends.

===================== End Chapter 6 =====================

How was that scene with Treize and Une? I like Une, so I see her as being spunky and independent enough not to give in to lust, even if it means rejecting Treize.

Credits/Acknowledgements:

1. Thanks to her Evilness--that Une-wannabe, OZ recruiter and future Queen of the World--the Evil Chibi, for pulling out the GW tapes on a day when I didn’t feel like writing and generally making a nuisance of herself. I love you, you little pest.

2. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for reading my story as well as Preventer Storm for hosting and promoting it on her site. I like getting feedback and I appreciate every thing you’ve all said in your reviews and emails. I’ve never let so many people read one of my stories before. Before FFN, I let maybe five or six people actually read my stuff (not counting bedtime stories for EC).You have no idea how much your support has helped my confidence! Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Wing. Sprrt! Bite my toenails lawyerman! It’s Christmas!!!!