Are We Still Best Friends?

"Isn't it a beautiful sunset?" It was Zechs' voice and Noin hardly heard it. She was to busy looking at the beach and the sun going down. 'I wish that when Zechs and I get married, we would look at the beautiful sunset here at the beach. Yeah right, like it's ever going to happen. But I wish, someday.' "Noin, hello? Noin are you ok?" Zechs was wondering what happened to his bestfriend. But he couldn't stop staring at her. 'Boy, she looks so beautiful when she's daydreaming especially here at the beach. The water matches her eyes and hair in one way or another.' Zechs thought. "Huh? Oh, sorry Zechs if I kept you waiting. It's just…" Zechs stopped her from continuing her sentence. "I know, it's beautiful. And there will be more time to admire this beauty tomorrow, It's getting late, we have to go home." "Ok, see you at the park tomorrow. Bye."

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"So, what are we gonna do?" Noin started. "Zechs, why don’t we have a stroll near the lagoon. We haven't gone there yet." "Sure Noin, they say it's beautiful there." While they were on their way to the lagoon, Zechs bumped into someone, and she was a girl. Noin thought that Zechs was still behind her so she continued strolling. "I'm sorry Miss. I didn't mean to bump into you. I'm really sorry." Zechs apologized to the girl. She was about Noin's age. And she has blue eyes and marine-blue hair. "That's ok. I'm fine anyway. I'm not hurt, how about you?" Zechs being a gentleman, offered his hand to help the girl stand up. "I'm ok. By the way my name is Millard Peacecraft. But I'm known to the name of Zechs." Meanwhile, Noin noticed that it was a bit quieter than usual. Usually, Zechs do the talking and the blabbing. So she turned around and saw Zechs with another girl. "Poor Zechs, just because you're my best friend doesn't mean I can't tear you to pieces until you look like your gundam when Heero defeated you." Noin muttered to herself, while she clenched her fist.

"Hi Zechs! Who's your new friend?" Noin said. But when the new girl turned around, Noin was shocked. "Marina? Is that really you?" Noin said in surprise. "Noin? Wow, I haven't seen you in years." Marina answered. "Um, do you guys know each other?" Zechs asked the two. "Of course we do. Marina was my neighbor when I was about ten to thirteen." Noin explained to Zechs. "It's been a long time Noin, how are you?" Marina said. "Oh, I'm ok. By the way, this is Zechs. He's my best friend." Marina looked at Zechs who just smiled. "I already know him, actually, we bumped into each other just a while ago." While the two are talking to catch up with each other, Zechs was deep in thought, it was the first time he encountered one of Noin's past friends, a beautiful one actually. Not as pretty as Noin, maybe even prettier, but each one is unique. 'What's this? Am I having a crush on Marina? But I just met her, maybe Noin could set Marina and I a dinner date. There I could know more about her also more about Noin's past' Noin interrupted Zechs' deep thinking by dragging Zechs out of the park. "What are you doing to me Noin?" "I'm dragging you out of the park. You see, it's getting dark and we should go home now, so should Marina. That's why I told her I'll be seeing her around and said goodbye." Noin told Zechs. "But I didn't get to say goodbye to her. Noin, why are you doing this to me? Come on Noin; let's invite her to your place. And talk about…things. You know Noin, I think I like her." Zechs said. Noin eyes stared at Zechs like daggers that are about to kill somebody. "Excuse me? What did you say?" "Nothing Noin, some words just slipped out of my mouth, come on let's go." Noin was relieved that Zechs agreed with her to getting out of the park but, that left her with so much to think about 'He's paying too much attention on Marina than me. What's happening to me? Am I jealous of Marina? But how come? And he thinks he likes her, the nerve! They don't have any relationship, yet. Well I hope that they'll only stick to friend's relationship and nothing more' Noin thought.

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"Why are boys so hard to understand?" Noin shouted when she and Zechs got to her apartment. Zechs kept asking Noin about Marina and this is annoying Noin. "I don't know. But why are girls so pretty, especially Marina?" Zechs answered back. Then he continued. "Noin, will you do me a favor? Um, well, you see, I, I, I want to have a date with Marina and I want to know her more." This sentence got Noin's attention. "You want me to help you get a date with Marina? You have a crush on her?" Zechs nodded "And you are expecting me to do so." Zechs nodded again. "No. I don't want to. I would look like I'm being used. I would look like a bridge you would be using just to get Marina to notice you and get a date with her. No, I wouldn't do it." Zechs was shocked. He wanted to bang his head on the wall because of Noin's answer but he said to her. "Noin, you're right. I should do things myself. I should not depend on you or anyone else just to get what I want." Noin nodded in agreement. "And Noin, I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I'm good-looking and you're jealous because I'll be dating Marina not you." Zechs said while he stroked his bangs upward which makes him really cute. "I'm not jealous." Noin shouted at Zechs while she's blushing really red. "Well how do you explain yourself being mad when you found out that I was talking to another girl." Zechs shouted back. "I was alone, you left me! And you know I always want some attention!" Noin shouted again. "Whatever Noin. So are you going to help me?" Zechs held Noin's shoulder and stared at her with desperate eyes. This position made Noin's heart melt so there's no reason for her to say no. So she agreed even if she doesn't like to. All she wants is for Zechs to be happy.

"Yes! Thank you Noin!" Zechs screamed with happiness. "Ok, Zechs I already said yes so would you please get out of my apartment already?" Noin said teary-eyed. "What? Noin, is something wrong. Is something bothering you?" Zechs voice was concerned and Noin could feel this. But she shook her head and closed the door. When she heard Zechs' footsteps go down the stairs, she went to her bed and cried like a baby. "Why? Why do I love him, why do I even care for him? And now Marina, my childhood friend is going to separate Zechs from me. Maybe not separate but he'll have more time with her than me" Then she cried even more. 'At least I can still have him as a best friend, and he can still depend on me.' She thought. Then she fell asleep, not forgetting her promise to Zechs that she will help him get a date with Marina

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"Hi Zechs!" Marina said with a smile when she saw Zechs waiting for her in a restaurant. "Hi Marina!" Zechs stood and helped her sit down. After they settled down and ordered their meal. Zechs asked Marina about Noin's reaction or facial expression when she told Marina about the dinner-date. "Well actually, her face was pale and sad but her voice was calm." Then Zechs wondered 'Why is Noin acting so strange? Is she really jealous of Marina? I have to find this out for myself.' "Zechs? Zechs? Are you okey?" Marina was worried, Noin told her that Zechs is a cheerful person but sometimes serious. "Oh, I'm sorry Marina. It's just Noin's acting so strange. Is she like that before? I want to know more about her. I also want to know more about you." Marina blushed, she never thought that Zechs would be so sweet. The food came and they ate. At the end of the night, both of them agreed that the food was great and had a wonderful evening. They also agreed to help Noin with whatever is making her feel depressed.

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"So, how was the dinner with Marina?" Noin asked. "It went okey. We talked about ourselves and I think there are just a few things we have in common. Not like us."

Noin blushed "Really? What else did she tell you?" Zechs thought for a second, trying to remember. "She told me that you won in a swimsuit contest. Um, you sang in one of UN's banquets. Also, you danced in a Ballet Recital and in some TV shows. And, Marina and you often fight who's prettier and which guy is the cutest." Then he added. "Why haven't you told me about any of these?" Noin answered. "Well because, I wouldn't look good piloting a mobile suit if any of these secrets gets out of me. It is kinda embarrassing, you know." "I get it. Wait, oh Noin I'm sorry." Noin was confused. "Why? What's wrong Zechs?" "I have to meet Marina today. I'm sorry." With that, Zechs ran off really fast. "Does this mean you won't watch the sunset at the beach with me today." Noin whispered to herself with her head bowed. "I guess not." Then Noin went to the beach by herself.

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This week was not so good for Noin. She hasn't seen Zechs or has even talked to him. All his attention was on Marina. So Noin went to Une to talk to her about her problem.

"Marina, Marina, Marina. Why is it all Marina? I thought Zechs would thank me for what I have done. I don't mind if he goes out with Marina but I haven't seen him for about a week now. Une what will I do?" Noin asked Une who was listening very carefully at her friend. "Well, maybe you could put Zechs and Marina out of your mind. Try to forget about them and move on with your life. I know about your enduring loyalty to him, but sometimes it doesn't work that way." Une answered while taking a sip from her tea. "I don't get it Une. I can't forget Zechs because he is my best friend and you know I love him with all my heart. And Marina, she was my friend since I was ten, I can't just forget about her." Noin said and waits for Une's answer. "Okey then, why won't you invite Zechs on Sunday without Marina of course. Master Treize will hold a Grand Ball and he said I could invite anyone I desire. Talk to Zechs. Tell him what you really feel and maybe, just maybe, he would change his mind and go back to you." Une took another sip from her tea. Noin watched the tea from her cup and replied. "You're right Une, I'll give it another try. But if it doesn't work, on that day, I will say goodbye to him." Une suddenly stood up, looked at her friend, and smiled. Noin also stood up and smiled back at Une. "Thank you Une."

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"So you want me to go to Treize's Ball. And you don't want me to bring Marina with me. Why? Are you jealous of Marina?" Zechs asked Noin when they got to see each other again. They were eating a picnic near the beach. The beach is where Zechs and Noin often spend time with each other. "Yes, I want you to go without Marina ok? It's just, well, you know I want some of your attention and there's something I have to say to you." Noin said looking deeply in Zechs' eyes. Zechs' couldn't help but blush. 'I've never seen Noin's eyes like this before. I think something's bothering her.' Zechs thought to himself. Then he answered Noin's request. "Ok, then. As you wish" "Do you promise?" Noin wants to be sure of Zechs' answer. "Yes, I promise Noin. Now, let's clean this place up, it's getting dark." The two cleaned up the place where they were eating and went on their way home.

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Sunday, time for Trieze's Grand Ball…

"Where is he? Did you invite him?" Une was getting impatient. Une also want to talk to Zechs about some things other than Noin's problem. "I don't know where he is, but he promised he will come and without Marina." Noin herself was getting impatient. 'Where are you Zechs?' Noin thought. "Noin?" Noin turned around and saw Treize. "Oh Treize, I thought you were Zechs." "That's okey." Treize said. Then he continued. "Why are you here? You should be dancing. Your beauty will be wasted if you just sit here and drink champagne. I mean, your dress looks good on you and you should be exposed to people." Then Une walked beside Treize and said. "You know Noin, he's right. I have a great plan, why won't you dance with us?" Noin gave a fake smile to Treize and Une. "That's okey. You two lovebirds go ahead. I'll just be here." After that, Treize and Une left and headed towards the dance floor.

"Noin! There you are!" Noin knew this voice, it was Zechs' voice. She turned around with a big smile on her face, a real smile. But then, her smile faded from her face. It's because her best friend broke his promise. Zechs brought Marina with him! Noin's heart beated faster. Not because she was in love, but because she was very angry. She never thought that her very own best friend would break a promise, her promise! Tears slowly ran down her cheek and she almost fainted. But she regained control of herself and ran out of the ballroom. She went to where her car was parked and was about to leave the place. But Zechs blocked her path. "Hey Noin, why did you leave, I just came here. Come on, lets go back to the ballroom and have some fun." "Move over!" Noin shouted, not minding the tears that kept flowing from her eyes. "Stay away from me! You broke your promise! I thought you were my best friend. I trusted you with all my life. I almost died saving you! And this is what you're going repay me!" Tears still flowed from Noin's eyes and waited for Zech's answer. She thought that Zechs would apologize to her but instead Zechs just shouted at her more. "Well who told you to save me! What is wrong with you Noin! You have been acting so strange! Is it because I brought Marina? I brought her with me because I want to tell you that she's already my girlfriend; I want you to be happy for us. Tell me what's wrong, you can trust me." Noin couldn't hold on her feelings, her anger, her jealousy and her love. She couldn't accept that her very own best friend, the one who inspired her to move on and be a good leader to her soldier trainees. The one to whom she gave her life to save his, the one to whom she gave her precious love. But still, she shouted back at Zechs. "I'll tell you what's wrong with me. Do want to know what my biggest mistake ever was? The biggest mistake I have done in the whole world was falling in love with my very own best friend! And that means you Zechs! All I wanted from you is to love me the way that I do to you. But you didn't accept my love, you still recognized me as one of your friends, as one of the many people who saved you. And now that you know, leave me alone and I don't want to see your face ever again!" With that, Noin went inside her car and left the place.

"Noin! Noin come back!" Zechs screamed the name of his best friend. Then he whispered to himself. "I never knew you felt the same way I felt for you. I was just too scared to blurt it out of my mouth. And now I've lost you, I was so stubborn not to notice you of what you really care for me." Marina approached Zechs after she heard the news that two people were yelling at each other near the parking lot. Marina knew it was Zechs and Noin for they were outside the ballroom and she saw Noin crying. "Zechs is everything alright?" Marina was getting worried of what was happening. She was getting confused.

"Zechs, what happened?" Zechs lifted up his face and just said. "Nothing. I have to go now. I'm sorry Marina, I just don't feel well." Zechs slowly then, walked away.

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Zechs couldn't stand any longer, it's been a week since him and Noin fought. He couldn't take it any longer. They haven't seen or talked to each other. He really felt sorry for himself so he decided that if he visits her and say he's sorry. Maybe she would understand how he feels.

*Knock, knock*

"Yes? Who is it?" A little boy answered the door. "Huh? Who are you? I thought Noin lives here." Zechs noticed the questioned look on the little boy's face. "You know, Lucrezia Noin. Are you one of her family members or friends?" Zechs asked. "Oh, you're talking about Miss Lucrezia. And no, I'm not one of her family members. But I think my mom knows her. Well, she doesn't live here anymore. We rented her apartment yesterday and we just moved in this morning. Are you looking for her?" Zechs nodded. "I remember my mom and Ms. Lucrezia talk yesterday. And as I recall, when my mom asked Ms. Lucrezia if it's okay to rent her apartment for a year or so she said it's okay because she wants to solve a problem and by doing that she wants to pick up the pieces and turn over a new leaf. Are you her friend?" The asked after telling Zechs why Noin was not there "I'm her best friend, and I did something that hurt her. And I came her to say I'm sorry." Zechs said as he shuffled the boy's hair. "Then why didn't you say sorry when you had the chance?" "What do you mean by that?" The boy then replied. "She's planning to leave today I think she's going out of the country or maybe she's going to space or to the moon, I don't know but she's leaving today." After hearing this, Zechs thanked the little boy and went to his car as fast as he can. He has to find Noin before she leaves. And what's worse is, he doesn't know where she is now or where she's going to. They might not see each other again for a long time.

On his way there, he bumped into someone. It was Marina. "Marina, I'm really sorry I have to go now. I have to look for Noin" Zechs said in a hurry. "Wait Zechs, I just want to tell you that we're off. I don't want to be stuck in the middle of a fight. And when we're out on dates this past week, it's like you're not yourself. If you really love her, go for it. I know she loves you too." Marina said to Zechs and Zechs knows that Marina is trying to help him. "How did you know that?" "Zechs if you have to know, Noin was also my friend since childhood. But let's not talk about that right now, you have to go and catch her before she leaves." "How did you know she's leaving? Do you know where she's going? Please tell me Marina, please." "She went by my house and said goodbye, she said she's leaving and she wanted you to know that she love's you. But unfortunately she didn't tell me where she's going to but I do know she's going to stop by to the beach before she leaves. Go on catch up with her, you might not have another chance." He nodded and thanked Marina then he waved to her goodbye then head towards the beach.

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When Zechs reached the beach, he looked for Noin in all the places where he and Noin used to go to. And when he about to give up, he saw someone. And he was very sure it was Noin. She wore a blue dress that matches the waves before her. He always thought that Noin would look best in blue. And then he saw that Noin was crying. Zechs felt bad for himself. Not only did he make his best friend cry but also broke her heart. Noin noticed someone was watching her whom she assure was Zechs so she turned around the opposite way, and walked back to her car. 'Oh no, she's leaving.' Zechs thought. He wanted to go after her but he just couldn't. 'How could I tell her what I really feel. If only I…...no, it won't work anyway. But it's now or never. I have to do it.' Zechs quietly walked towards Noin, but she just ignored him and continued on heading towards her car.

"Noin, I'm sorry. Look, I need to talk to you. Even for just a minute." Zechs was desperate to talk to Noin. Noin wanted to ignore him but there was pleading in his voice. "Okay then, make it quick before I change my mind." Noin answered without even looking at him. She still has some grudge in herself after what happened the past week "Well, first of all, I want to apologize for my stubbornness, for making you jealous and for making you cry. Second, I want you to know that Marina and I are already off. Third, I want you to know that I care for you and I love you, with all my heart. I hope you understand what I feel for you." Noin was about to cry once more but Zechs suddenly hugged her back tightly, never letting her go. "I'm really sorry Noin. I don't want your heart to suffer more, please stop crying. I don't want you to leave me, not now, not ever. You promised me before you'll always stay with me no matter what, so stay, please. I need you Noin. I love you." Noin realized that Zechs was crying and then she had the sudden urge to smile. She fixed her position so that she faces Zechs and she smiled at him. "You know Zechs, I was waiting for you to say that to me a long time ago. But I guess you wanted me to go tell you that 'I love you', first. Come now, stop crying. It's going to be okay. I'm not going to leave you anymore. Stop crying you're making me cry too." Noin took out handkerchief and wiped away Zechs' tears. Zechs hugged Noin again. "I'm sorry Noin. I'm very sorry." "Zechs, don't start crying again I said it was okay. Besides if you continued crying, I'll tell the whole gang you've been crying and that includes the pilots. I wonder what they'll think of you after I break the news?" Zechs looked at Noin's face. "You wouldn't dare" "Try me Millard Peacecraft. You have to catch me first if you want your secret to be saved" Then Noin laughed as she ran around the beach. Zechs laughed too and went after Noin so she won't tell everybody that he had cried. It's not wrong to cry, but his reputation will be ruined. After a few minutes, Zechs caught Noin and the two were sitting on their favorite spot at the beach, lost in each other's embrace and watching the sun go down.

"Isn't the view of sunset very beautiful?" Noin asked Zechs. "Yes, Noin it is beautiful. But you know, my view is more beautiful." Zechs told Noin while he was looking at her. Noin blushed at Zechs' compliment. "Noin." Zechs said in a soft voice but loud enough for Noin to hear. "I have been keeping this gift since the first day I saw you. Well not really the first day but I've kept this gift since we were at the Academy." Zechs reached for his pocket then smiled. In his right hand, there lay a small box. He carefully opened it and Noin saw a diamond ring. Zechs placed the ring on Noin's left hand and said. "I, Millard Peacecraft asks you, Lucrezia Noin to be with me forever. Noin, would you marry me?" After Zechs said his confession of love, there was silence. Zechs waited for Noin's reply. "Zechs, you kept this ring since we were at the Academy? And it took you some long years before you could give it me. Okay, yes Zechs, I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I accept your confession of love to me." Noin replied. "Noin, I want to know, are we still best friends?" "Best friends? I think we're more than that." Then their faces came closer and their lips met. It took a while before their lips parted. They laughed at each other and held one another again. They continued to watch the sunset until it was dark. Zechs invited Noin to stay at his house. After all, they are going to be married.

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By: Dancer

E-mail: lara_cl@hotmail.com