Forever Has Now Begun
By, Kenobi
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This is a “what-if?” story for those who are hopeful for a Zechs & Noin romance, like me. It takes place after the third battle between Heero and Zechs (the one in Antarctica). WARNING: Citrus Alert! This is a lemon, just so you know!
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When the visions around you
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surrounds you
Are secrets and lies
I’ll be your strength
I’ll be your hope
Keeping your faith when it’s gone
The one you should call
Was standing here all along...
I’ve loved you forever
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never
Will you hurt anymore
I give you my word
I give you my heart
This is a battle we’ve won
And with this vow
Forever has now begun...
--from “This I Promise You,”
written by Richard Marx
and sung by *NSYNC
“O.K., Zechs, you know I’ll do anything for you, but this is just plain sucks,” Noin said to herself as she paced back and forth in front of a large, ornate window. “Why can’t this sister of yours be more like you: calm and collected. She’s absolutely unmanageable, pursuing that gundam pilot ceaselessly,” she continued as she succumbed to her exhaustion and fell into a large armchair. “I don’t know why you thought I would be a good person to look after her. I’m an officer, not a baby-sitter.”
Noin sat, quietly taking in the brilliant orange and purple hues of the setting sun through one of the colossal windows in the Peacecraft Palace. “I got her to safety, as you wished. But at what cost?” Noin said, staring down at her gloved hands. The material suddenly felt incredibly confining. Sliding the regulation cotton gloves from her slender fingers, she sighed miserably. “Where are you Zechs? It’s been so long since I last spoke with you. Too long. Oh, Zechs, please... please be all right.”
The last time she’d seen him, he’d ordered her to save Relena and leave him to deal with the Romafeller Foundation search party on his own. Stupid! Why couldn’t you let me stay and help you! Dumbass! Now you’ve probably been caught... or worse, killed, Noin thought, fearfully. How could he do this to her. She couldn’t live knowing that she’d left him there to die. It’s what he wanted, Noin. You couldn’t ask him to compromise his honor. No matter how much you wanted to stay. She fought to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill from her lower eyelids, to no avail. The tough facade she’d managed to hold throughout this entire ordeal faltered as the tears poured down her flushed cheeks, silently exclaiming her agony.
“Lieutenant,” called a quiet, elderly voice. Noin wiped her face and turned to see Relena’s butler. “Miss, I think you should come with me.”
“Oh, I’m fine, Pargan. You don’t have to worry about me,” Noin said, looking back out the window.
“That’s good, Miss Noin, but I thought you’d like to know that Master Peacecraft has arrived here.”
“What?!” Noin cried out, jumping up. “Zechs is here? Now?”
The butler smiled knowingly at her, “Yes, he is in one of the rooms, cleaning up.”
“Thank you, Pargan. Could you show me to his room?” she said, pausing with an embarrassed expression on her face. Why don’t you just announce to the world that your in love with him, Noin! Stupid! “Uh, I need to know how the mission turned out and what his plans are,” Noin explained, trying to cover her earlier statement.
Again, the butler smiled and nodded, “As you wish, Lieutenant.”
Moments later, Noin was staring at a large, oak door, unable to bring her hand up to knock on it. She was about to change her mind when Pargan walked up, dutifully, and knocked softly.
“Yes,” came the low, familiar voice Noin knew only too well.
“Master,” the butler said opening the door a little, “Lieutenant Noin is here to see you.”
She heard a rustling behind the thick wood door. I wonder if he’s still undressed? At that, Noin saw a flash of blonde hair and fair skin walk past the door. Oh...my...GOD! He didn’t have a shirt on! Noin thought lustily, with a short, naughty smile across her face.
After a few seconds, Zechs responded. “You may show her in now, Pargan.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, turning to Noin, smiling, “You may see him, now.”
She blushed furiously at the butler’s slightly suggestive smile. “Um, thanks.” Slowly, she pushed the door open. As she entered, Noin was shocked to see what seemed like a tall, beautiful angel standing before her, radiating in absolute sublimity. She froze in awe as she took in the marvelous features of the divine being. He was clothed in a gold-accented white suit and his platinum hair flowed down his back and hung slightly over an unfamiliar pair of azure eyes. The setting sun shone behind him, giving him an ethereal glow. Her throat went dry and she was unable to speak. Zechs?! Is that Zechs? He’s not wearing his mask! What’s happened?
“Hello, Noin,” Zechs said, approaching her. He smiled slightly as he neared his paralyzed friend.
It was a small grin, but to Noin, who had never seen so much of his gorgeous face, it was as though Zechs were beaming. “Zechs?”
“No,” he replied, looking down at her. “My name is Milliardo, now, Noin.”
She surprised him, completely, by wrapping her arms around him. “Oh, gods, I’m so glad you’re are all right!” He blinked twice, unaccustomed to being this close to anyone else. It had been so long since he’d allowed anyone to. He was about to return her embrace when she suddenly let go and backed away. “Oh, I’m sorry, sir,” Noin said turning several shades of red, “Please forgive my insubordination.”
Instead of answering, Zechs took her in his arms, squeezing his old friend, gently. “Thank you, Noin.” Her eyes went wide as his muscles flexed, bringing her against him. She buried her face in his chest, taking in his purely masculine fragrance. This was absolutely unreal. This can’t be the same Zechs...Milliardo I used to know... Oh, Zechs... gods, I love you, Noin mused as she melted into his arms. He slowly released her and moved to the desk in the other room of his suite. “I’m leaving for space in the morning.”
“What?” Noin asked, following him. “May I ask why, sir?”
“Don’t call me ‘sir,’ Noin. I am no longer an officer of OZ,” Zechs said looking down at his laptop. Noin stared, unable to think of any appropriate words. “I am going to the colonies as an ambassador of the Sanq Kingdom.” He walked to the window and looked down at his expansive mobile suit. “I’ll be taking the Tallgeese. It has been rigged with new rockets that will launch it through the earth’s atmosphere.” Noin joined him by the window, observing the mobile suit’s alterations. “Noin, how is Relena?”
“Relena?” Noin said, dazedly staring into his cerulean eyes. “Oh! Relena, she’s fine. You haven’t been to see her?”
“No,” Zechs replied, turning away from Noin.
“Why, Z... Milliardo?” she asked, troubled by his response. “She knows... I mean... about you.”
“I know,” Zechs said quietly. “I... I don’t...” He stopped, as he felt Noin’s small hand clutch his shoulder tightly.
“Oh, Milliardo. It’s always complicated for you, isn’t it? Your whole life, you’ve been shrouded in secrets and surrounded by destruction. Getting beyond that is going to be hard, I know.” Noin said without any thought of reservation. He turned to her, a confused look in his eyes that made her own eyes go wide. That’s just great, Noin! You should think before you talk, stupid! “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have. It’s not my place,” she said, looking down at the shiny wood floor.
“You really do understand me, don’t you, Noin?” Zechs said bringing his hand to her chin. She lifted her face and stared into his intense eyes. Noin gasped as Zechs brought his lips down to hers in a gentle kiss.
Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod! Am I hallucinating, is he really kissing me?! As the reality of the situation sunk in, Noin quickly returned his kiss, running her hands around his neck. Zechs sighed as her long fingers lightly ran through the fine hairs at the base of his neck. Why are you kissing her? Noin? She’s your friend, nothing more. Isn’t she? Zechs’ mind raced as she clung to him.
Slowly, he released her willing lips. She opened her deep purple eyes, smiling at him. “Oh, Milliardo,” Noin said, looking away with a blush, “Why did you... why did you do that?”
“Noin...” Zechs stopped, unable to answer her question. He quickly walked past her and into the other room, leaving Noin standing alone and confused.
She stood, unmoving as she felt a lump rise in her throat. Her eyes began watering uncontrollably. Again, Noin found herself fighting back her emotions. Her lower lip trembled as she felt a hot tear roll down her cheek. She didn’t know what to think or how to feel. That kiss was wonderful, but his quick abandonment had left her feeling completely rejected.
Zechs sat on his bed, facing the wall, his head in his hands. What had he done? He’d kissed Noin, that’s what he’d done. But why? Because you need her, Zechs’ mind told him. Why? he wondered, rubbing his temples. Because you love her. No he didn’t, he couldn’t. He couldn’t love her, no matter how much she seemed to want him to. He didn’t deserve her, just like he didn’t deserve to be Relena’s brother or even a Peacecraft at that. A sniffling sound brought Zechs out of his self-criticizing. Noin, Zechs realized, Look what you’ve done. You’ve hurt your best friend, you idiot. Slowly, he stood and went back into the other room.
Noin stood, slumped over, her back heaving as she cried softly. Her left hand was clasped tightly over her mouth as she tried to stifle the sounds of her weeping. The sight made Zechs feel as though he’d been shot in the chest by Zero-One’s beam cannon. He’d never seen Noin so upset. Even the loss of her pilots at the Lake Victoria base hadn’t evoked such an emotional response from her. She was crying because of him; it was his fault. Sighing, he walked up behind her. “Lucrezia...”
She couldn’t say anything. The only response Noin could give to his tender use of her first name was to sob even harder. She felt his warm hands slide over her arms and turn her around. But, Noin couldn’t look him in the eyes; she was too humiliated to. Wonderful Noin, he kisses you once and you turn into a blubbering, female mess! Straighten up! He’s looking at you!
Zechs pulled her against him and buried his face in her fragrant, dark hair. “I’m sorry, Lucrezia. Please, stop crying.”
“Mi... Milliardo...” Noin said between sniffles, “I’m sorry, I must seem foolish.”
“No,” Zechs replied, “you don’t.”
“Yes, I do,” Noin said pulling away and turning her back on him. “I mean, it was only a kiss. I shouldn’t have read so much into it,” she continued, coolly. “I understand, it was a mistake. I think I should go,” Noin said quietly, heading for the door.
“It wasn’t a mistake, Noin,” Zechs said softly.
The reply had been so quiet, Noin wasn’t sure she’d actually heard it. She stopped and turned around. “What?”
Zechs approached her, staring intently into her tear-stained face. “It wasn’t a mistake. I meant to kiss you, Lucrezia.”
Her breath caught in her throat and her mouth went dry. What is he saying? It is what I think (hope, wish) he’s saying! Noin stared back anxiously as he brushed his hair from his face and leaned down to her. This time, she needed no encouragement, she wrapped her arms around his muscular waist and kissed him intensely.
Zechs was caught slightly off-guard by Noin’s confident action, but made no move to back away. Instead he gave himself over to his heart and took her in his arms once again. He needed this... he needed her. As her lips passed down to his neck, nuzzling gently behind his ear, Zechs felt a new need rise within him. Her name uncontrollably escaped his lips as she continued kissing at his neck, “Noin...”
“Yes?” she replied, breathless. She gazed up at him, smiling seductively. Her eyes, while soft and affectionate, also burned with the same look she saw in his eyes.
“Noin, I...” Zechs started, but couldn’t seem to be able to say. You love her... Say it, Milliardo, say it. You love her!
Noin couldn’t believe it: Zechs was at a loss. He didn’t know what to do. As long as she’d known him, Zechs had always known exactly how to handle every situation he was in. But now, he seemed like a kid who didn’t know how to tell his mom he’d broken her favorite vase. Say something, Noin! Tell him! Noin sighed, she’d never have another chance like this. It was now or never. “Milliardo... I love you,” Noin said, her face burning as she blushed a deeper red than Zechs knew was physically possible. “I’ve been in love with you since we first met in school.”
Of course, Zechs had suspected that she had feelings for him. She couldn’t have been more obvious, always doing what he wished and never taking the credit for her efforts. But, now it was confirmed. “Lucrezia, there’s something I have to tell you.” She gazed back at him, her face filled with intense fear, fear of his rejection. He smiled at the young woman’s apprehension and tightened his grip around her waist. “I’m honored that you have chosen me to bestow your affections upon.”
“But... you don’t love me,” Noin replied looking away, tearful.
“No,” Zechs answered. She pushed away, shattered by his denial. But, Zechs refused to release his hold on her. “Wait, you misunderstood me, Lucrezia,” Zechs said with a small chuckle, “I am in love with you.”
Shaking, Noin turned back to him tears streaming down her cheeks. This time, though, her tears fell in utter elation. “Please,” Zechs said, wiping her glistening face, “Don’t cry. I don’t want you to cry because of me anymore. If this is what will come of my loving you, then please, leave now. I cannot bear the thought of causing you more pain, Noin.”
Oh gods, he is the most wonderful man in the universe! How can he think that he would cause me pain? The mere sound of his voice makes me swoon! Smiling, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her mouth to Zechs’. Her ardent acceptance was an incredible relief to Zechs. He smiled and returned her kiss, passionately.
Again, Noin found herself needing to remind herself that this was all real. Here, in her arms, was the man of her dreams. But this wasn’t one of her many late-night fantasies. This was even better. Zechs had not only kissed her, but had confessed his love to her. What more could she want? Well, there is one more thing you want, Noin. You know you do, she thought, bringing her hands to the buttons of his Ambassador’s vest.
Zechs felt her hands wandering and smirked as she continued kissing him. Noin was never one to beat around the bush. When she knew she had the upper hand, she took action. That’s one of the things you love about her most, though, isn’t it. By then, she’d opened his shirt as well and her hands were moving beneath its soft fabric to his milky, satin skin. Zechs exhaled, her fingers elicited feelings within him that he had not allowed himself to experience in a long time. And there was no denying it, he’d missed it. But, despite how much he wanted her to continue, he gently pushed Noin away. “Noin, you are rushing into this. We shouldn’t move this quickly.”
The young woman giggled and leaned against his bared chest. Nuzzling at Zechs’ neck, she whispered, “Down soldier, this is a battle you’ve won.” Then moving back she smiled and winked, “To the victor goes the spoils.”
If she doesn’t feel the need to wait, then don’t argue, Milliardo, Zechs mind told him as he gazed down at the suddenly seductive Noin. You know that you want her and she wants you, stop holding yourself back. Let go. Zechs pulled Noin into an intense embrace, looking firmly into her crystalline, violet eyes. “I want you, Lucrezia. I have for so long,” he whispered before capturing her lips with his. He lifted her lean, graceful figure from the floor, carrying Noin to his large, wooden four-poster.
“Oh, Milliardo...” Noin sighed as he laid her flat on the bed. “I’ve wanted this for so long, too.”
Her words only inflamed Zechs more. He ripped at her Sanq uniform, in an almost frantic manner (or as close as Zechs can get to a frantic manner). Noins hands continued their quest, pushing the jacket, vest, then shirt off of Zechs’ torso. She stared in admiration as he bent over her. He had the most perfect body, flawlessly formed in a combination of rock-solid musculature and smooth, silken skin.
“Gods you’re beautiful, Noin,” Zechs said, the comment bringing Noin out of her awed reverie. She blushed and smiled as he leaned down to seize her mouth in another passionate kiss, his long hair falling around her face.
Noin noted the sensation of bare skin against bare skin. When did I lose my top, not to mention my bra? Noin thought with a smirk across her face. Very suave, Zechs! Suddenly his weight shifted and she found herself atop Zechs, straddling his hips. Oh gods... he’s REALLY hard, Noin thought, feeling his arousal against her. Then she got an idea as she looked down at the hazy, desire-filled eyes that stared back at her. Noin slowly spread her legs further, bringing her body down even closer to him.
Zechs released a loan groan as her body pressed against him tightly. His hands clenched into the velvet bedspread as Noin’s hips moved forward, then back, torturing him in a most enticing way. “Ohhh... Noin,” Zechs sighed as his own hips thrust upward.
Noin smiled at the beautiful man beneath her, his eyes were clamped shut as they continued rubbing against one another. She was going to take full advantage of this opportunity. I have to see all of you, Zechs.
His eyes flew open as he felt her moving down his legs. Zechs watched, his chest heaving, as her fingers pulled his zipper down. Noin slid her fingertips under the woolen fabric of his pants and tugged the form-fitting garment from him. Noin, yes!
Oh... my... GOD! No underwear! Noin thought as she stared down at Zechs’ exposed manhood. I NEVER figured Zechs for the type! She glanced back up at Zechs, who stared down at her with a need she’d never seen in his eyes. Noin gave him a naughty smile and ran her hands up his legs, her fingers grazing over the tiny, course hairs along the insides of his thighs. I’ve got to taste him! Though it should be quite a trick, he’s so huge!
Noin seems so different. I never knew she could be like this! Zechs mind raced as he watched Noin’s mouth move right above him. All at once he was encased in her warm, hot, wet mouth. Zechs moaned and threw his head back, his platinum hair falling all over the silk pillows. She moved her tongue up and down his length, while her lips sucked lightly around him. Her hands made their way up his washboard abdomen to his chest, toying with his already erect nipples. Oh gods, If I don’t stop her, I’ll come right now!
Noin was relishing taking Zechs like this. He’d always been in control as her superior officer, but now she had him right where she wanted. His moans only persuaded her to continue. She wasn’t prepared for what Zechs did next. He abruptly yanked Noin away and threw her on her back. She looked up a Zechs with startled eyes. “What’s wrong Zechs? You didn’t like it.”
He smiled with a wild, animalistic look in his eyes, “Not at all, Noin. But now, it is my turn to torment you.” She stared at him, wide-eyed as his kissed down from her neck to her collarbone, over the swell of her breast. His hair skimmed over her pale skin as he moved down, tickling the heated flesh. Noin giggled lightly at the sensation of his long blonde hair on her chest. But as he took her soft, pink nipple into his mouth, her giggles turned to whimpers of pleasure. Meanwhile, his long, agile fingers worked at removing the rest of her clothing.
His mouth seared her flesh, lighting her on fire. “Ohhhh yes! Milliardo, yesss!” Noin hissed as he suckled at her breast, running his tongue back and forth over the hard nub. He moved to her other breast, teasing her other nipple till it was as hard as the other.
Her pants had long since been removed and Zechs had plans for that. I will experience you fully before I take you, my love! His hands massaged her strong thighs, gradually moving higher and higher.
Noin gasped as she felt his fingers move between her legs. They searched her until they’d found what they had come for. Noin groaned huskily as Zechs stroked her jewel slowly. “Ohhhh...”
Zechs looked up from her breast to her face, which was contorted in pleasure. So beautiful. Gods I want you, Lucrezia. He was having an extremely difficult time ignoring the throb between his legs, but Zechs wasn’t going to rush this. He wanted it to last as long as he could make it. He smiled as she gasped again, her head tossing from side to side. Sliding down her body, he ran his tongue lightly down her muscled stomach.
Noin had almost lost her grip on reality as Zechs touched her, but suddenly his wonderful hands were gone. Why’d he stop? She thought, unprepared for what she was about to experience. OHHHHH SHIT! YESSSSS!
Zechs slowly moved his tongue over her jewel, feeling her wetness on his mouth. He slid his finger inside her warm depths, penetrating her body and pleasuring her with painstaking accuracy. In the back of his head, he registered the fact that his own body was crying out in agonizing desire.
“Milliardo! Ple...please! Take me, take me now!!” Noin screamed, feeling her body’s approaching climax. “I want to come with you!”
Zechs looked up at her sweat-glistened face and smiled sexily. “Very well. As you wish, Lucrezia.” He moved up her body, his chest grazing over her belly, coming to rest against her heaving breasts. His hands pushed her legs apart as he guided his hips between her thighs. Then he suddenly realized something, What if she gets pregnant, Milliardo? Damn. Zechs sighed into her hair and said, “Gods, I want you Noin, but I don’t have anything to protect you with.”
Noin let out a short, breathy laugh, “Zechs, I mean, Milliardo, I’m on the pill. There’s nothing to worry about. So, umm... why don’t we get to it.”
Zechs laughed heartily at her unabashed readiness. “All right,” he said taking her mouth in his, plundering it with his skillful tongue. He held on to her hips as she wrapped her long legs around his strong waist.
Noin quivered in anticipation as she felt him pressing against her. “Take me, I am yours and only yours, Milliardo.”
“I love you Lucrezia,” Zechs whispered as he entered her slowly, revelling in the feel of her body.
“Ohhh...” Noin moaned back. He was so big, filling her entirely. “I love you, too. You feel sooo good.”
“Mmmm, you feel incredible as well, my love,” Zechs said, beginning to thrust. Noin met each of his thrusts with her own, grinding their slim hips together. So tight, so wet, so warm. Oh gods, yes! Zechs thought as he slid in and out of her willing body.
This thought made something primal snap in Zechs and he could no longer hold himself back. He pounded into Noin with reckless abandon, moaning her name with each thrust. “Noin, Noin, yes!”
Noin had long since dropped her desire to make it last. Right then she just wanted him to drive into her as hard as he could. “Oh Zechs, harder, yes! Oh, deeper, deeper, yesss! Oh, I love you!” Noin screamed, not caring if Pargan or Relena or the entire world heard her. Her fingers dug into his back, as if holding on for dear life.
Zechs was losing his stamina quickly as Noin propelled her body against his enthusiastically. Suddenly he felt her body clamp down around him as she screamed his name and raked her nails down his back. Just a little longer Milliardo, make sure enjoys this to the fullest, Zechs told himself as he continued to ignore the aching need within his own body. He continued thrusting into her as she spasmed passionately beneath him.
Noin’s world erupted around her as she completely lost control of her body. Stars shot through her blurred vision making the intense pleasure seem almost like a dream. Somewhere in her lost wits, she realized Zechs was still thrusting into her. Why didn’t he come with me? Seconds later she knew, as his speed and force increased pushing her over the edge again.
This time Zechs couldn’t stop himself. He moaned loudly as he felt her second orgasm squeeze his painfully eager erection like a vise. Zechs thrust once more and spilled his hot seed into her body, moaning, “Oh... yes!” His climax hit hard, pulling him away from reality as his muscles clenched and unclenched erotically.
Moments later, the two of them lay, tangled in each other’s limbs and gasping for air. Zechs knew he should move his weight off her, but couldn’t seem to find the energy. Noin also knew she should move, but couldn’t seem to muster the strength to do so. Eventually, Zechs slid his body off hers and moved to the other side of the bed, pulling the covers up around them. As he did, he heard Noin gasp. He turned back to face her, alarmed. Her eyes were filled with tears and her face looked horrified. “What is it, Lucrezia? What’s wrong?” Zechs said, pulling her under the covers, next to him.
“Oh, Milliardo, I’m... I’m sorry,” Noin whimpered.
“For what? What happened?” he asked, worriedly. Zechs got his answer as Noin’s fingers slid around to his back. He felt the familiar sting of raw flesh as her hands touched the scratchmarks gently. I didn’t even notice. Was I that good? Zechs thought, radiating with male pride. He chuckled and kissed her lightly. “Thank you, Noin. That was quite a compliment.”
Noin looked up into his beautiful teal eyes and smiled, knowing what he was implying. “Now don’t let it go to that beautiful head of yours, soldier,” Noin responded as she ran her index finger playfully over the tip of his nose.
“I never go into combat with an attitude of superiority. It would interfere with my ability to clearly remember my purpose in the battle,” Zechs replied, tucking her head below his chin. “This time my competitor was equally apt in the art of dueling. I had a difficult time keeping up.”
Noin laughed quietly and yawned, “That’s right, it was a draw. I’d say we are a perfect match, Milliardo.”
“Indeed,” Zechs replied, stroking her hair as sleep overtook her, “we are a match, Noin.”
He lay quietly thinking as he listened to her even breathing. This woman loved him for everything he was and everything he wasn’t. For the good things he had done as well as the bad things. Noin loved him as the man he pretended to be and the man he truly was. She accepted every aspect of his self and his life. No one, not even his mentor, Treize, had been loyal to him the way Noin had. That was why he needed her so, why she was the only one he would love. The only love he would need for the rest of his life. “Though we may not always be together, I will love you to death and beyond, Lucrezia,” Zechs said, holding her near. Forever has now begun...
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Well, this is my first GW fic. I’ve had it sitting around for a while, now! I couldn’t resist writing a Noin-Zechs story! Anyway, I hope you like (I realize the cheese-factor is high, but it’s a lemon. What do you expect?!)
--Kenobi
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The same, old, usual disclaimer: I do NOT own Gundam Wing or any of its characters (wish I did!), they belong to Sunrise, etc. I also don’t claim any rights to “This I promise you,” it belongs to *NSYNC and they belong to Jive Records. I meant no disrespect in using both the charas and lyrics (quite the opposite, actually). Don’t bother suing me because I have nothing of any real, monetary value.