War And Peace
Chapter 7
Noin yawned and wiped the sleep from her eyes. She sat up and looked at the small clock beside her bed; it was seven o'clock. She started to fall back against her pillows when she remembered that today was the day that she would leave with Zechs. “Zechs,” she sighed as she leaned back against her pillows. Noin rolled to her stomach nuzzled her face against one of the pillows. It still smelled of him from the night before and Noin breathed in his unique scent before sitting back up and heading towards the shower. She stopped however as her phone rang. She picked it up, wondering who could be calling her at this hour. “Good you're awake,” a deep voice greeted her and Noin smiled. “Good morning Zechs,” she said warmly, “I trust you slept well.” She waited patiently for his reply and was surprised when he chuckled softly, “Not as well as the other night.” Noin blushed and said teasingly, “Was that a compliment Zechs?” She was greeted by one of his rare laughs, “Yes it was Noin. Tell me how soon can you be ready, I want you to see something.” She looked at the clock and said, “I can be ready in fifteen minutes.” “Good,” he said, “I'll meet you there.” Noin started to reply but was greeted with a dial tone. She peeled her nightclothes off and stepped into the shower. She had just finished buttoning the last button of her uniform when she heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” she called out and smiled as Zechs walked into her room. He was in dress uniform as well and carried a white bag in his right hand. “Breakfast,” he said softly as he sat the bag on her table. Noin smiled at him, “Thank you Zechs.” She ran her fingers through her hair as she sat down. “Are you not going to eat?” She asked when he rested his back against the wall. “I already ate Noin,” he answered and Noin smiled as she opened the bag. He had brought her croissants with butter and cinnamon, her favorite. She savored the taste of the food but ate quickly. It was almost eight o'clock by the time they left her room and Noin was anxious to see what Zechs wanted to show her.
Zechs led the way, looking back at her to make sure she was keeping up with him. He had spoken to Lt. Otto earlier that morning, who assured him that they would have his mobile suit up and running in no time. Zechs wanted to show off his suit to Noin and even though he wouldn't admit it, he needed her approval. He stopped at the door to the mobile suit factory and turned to face her, “I want your opinion on this Tallgeese suit Noin.” He stepped aside and held the door open for her. He smiled slightly as she gasped, “This suit is huge. Are you sure you can handle it?” Zechs frowned at her apparent doubt of his abilities but said nothing. He led her up the ramp and listened as Otto recounted the history behind the huge suit. Zechs stood beside her on the platform and watched as the various technicians worked on his suit. Noin was silent beside him for the longest time before speaking, “Are you sure something designed more than twenty years ago is still usable?” Zechs turned toward her in surprise and answered, “This mobile suit is probably better than any of Oz's newest models.” He watched as she arched an elegant eyebrow, “I see… could it really be.” Zechs couldn't help but smile at her skepticism for it was the same he had felt when Walker had told him. “The Taurus is the prototype for all today's mobile suits. Even the gundams are derivatives of this machine,” he said smugly and looked over at her. Noin's face had clouded over and Zechs heard the word “gundam” escape her slack lips and he knew that she was remembering her sound defeat. He reached over and gripped her shoulder, “We had better be going Noin.” Her eyes closed briefly and she turned and made her way back down the platform. Zechs noticed Otto watching them closely, “Thank you Otto; I'll be keeping in touch ok.” Otto saluted sharply and went back to looking at the papers he held in his hand. Zechs hurried to catch up with Noin. They were supposed to be in Cairo at noon and they needed to leave the base soon. He caught up with her just as she opened the door to the officers' quarters. “Are you packed yet Noin?” He asked and smiled when she rolled her eyes, “Of course.” Zechs leaned back against the wall and stretched, “Well I'll see you at the runways Noin.” He watched as a small smile curved her full lips. He wondered what she was doing as she glanced over his shoulder down the hall but soon found out when she stepped forward and kissed him gently on the lips. “I'll see you later Zechs.” Zechs smiled back at her and started to leave. Her voice stopped him and he turned around to see what she wanted, “Why are we going to Cairo Zechs?” “I'm not entirely sure Noin, Colonel Treize has ordered me there. I'll try to contact him before we go.” She nodded and closed the door. Zechs smiled and made his way back to his room. He had also wondered why Treize was sending him to Cairo but if he had to make an educated guess he would say that it had something to do with the recent Gundam attacks. Zechs closed his eyes as he contemplated sharing a room with Noin even if for just one night. Of course the record would indicate two rooms. He grabbed his overnight bag and headed toward the runways.
Noin was surprised to find Zechs' huge aircraft carrier re-fueled and ready for flight when she got there. If there was one thing Zech knew how to do it was motivate people. One look from him and the soldiers scurried to fulfill his wishes; he was a lot like Treize in that regard, only Treize's approach was deciding more subtle. Noin climbed aboard the plane and looked around. This was the first time she had seen the inside of his carrier and she had to admit that it was far nicer than any she had at the base. A voice interrupted her thoughts and Noin looked up to see Zechs approaching her, “It is the Special's newest model, it even had laser capabilities as well as the standard machine guns.” She looked around and assessed the space, “It holds three of four mobile suits?” “Four suits depending on their size. With the Tallgeese it will just be able to hold two other suits, a small price to pay for the added capabilities I'm sure it will have.” Noin smiled at the excited look on his handsome face; he was like a little boy who had just received a new toy. She wasn't complaining though, it was a rarity to see him happy about anything and Noin was relishing the smiles and looks he bestowed upon her. She followed him as he gave her the grand tour and was surprised when he grabbed her bag and loaded it for her. Noin jumped when the huge door creaked and began to close. “Where is the pilot Zechs?” She asked and looked up as she heard his deep voice chuckle. “You're looking at him. I thought perhaps you would prefer a break from the intrusion of others during our flight Noin,” he said softly as he took off his mask. “Besides I grow tired of this metal headpiece,” he joked as he sat it into one of the luggage compartments. Noin laughed as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, “I also thought we would like the privacy; I know I live for these rare moments with you.” She smiled against his lips as he kissed her gently, “Did I mention that this aircraft can practically fly itself.” Noin backed away, “Oh really Zechs, well I guess we will have to find something else to occupy our time with.” She pressed forward and kissed him again only to be interrupted by the sound of the tower wanting to know if they were ready for lift-off. Noin blushed as Zechs gave a wicked smile and grabbed the radio and reported that they were ready to go. She followed him to the cockpit and sat down in the co-pilot's chair. She watched as he took the controls and laughed when he sternly ordered her to strap herself in. Noin felt the huge craft rumbling beneath her as Zechs increased its power. In no time they were airborne and on their way to Cairo. She watched Zechs as he activated the autopilot and leaned back in his chair.
Zechs sighed contently as he felt her eyes on him. He turned and gave her a smile, “Well Noin, we are on course and the auto pilot has been activated. What did you have in mind when you said we needed to find something to occupy our time with?” His heart throbbed with anticipation of her answer. She was silent for a moment before answering, “Well there is a lot of things we could do; we could talk, play chess, sleep, or…” Her voice trailed off and Zechs pressed her to finish her sentence. He leaned forward and nuzzled his face against her cheek, “What else did you have in mind Lucrezia?” He turned his face and his lips met hers in a sweet kiss. Zechs was breathless when he pulled away and pulled her closer to him. “I've always wanted to make love in a plane,” he whispered hotly to her as he planted gentle kisses on her bare neck and tried to release the buttons of her uniform. A loud groan escaped his lips when she moved away. “What's wrong Noin? Don't you want me?” He whispered softly as he pulled her on to his lap and resumed his gentle ministrations. Her low moan told him all he needed to know as he picked her up and carried her towards the plane's rest area..
Noin woke up to the sound of the radio asking their position and scurried to find her clothes. Dammit, she thought as she pulled her clothing on, she still couldn't resist him. Noin walked toward the cockpit and looked at the instruments. They were right on schedule and she radioed the tower to give them their estimated arrival time. She jumped when she felt strong arms wrap themselves around her waist and a husky voice whisper in her ear, “Thank you Lu.” Noin turned around and blushed when she realized that Zechs wasn't wearing any clothes. “Zechs get dressed, we are scheduled to arrive in ten minutes and I don't think that Colonel Treize would appreciate one of his representatives arriving at the conference naked.” She smiled smugly at the look of surprise on his face, “How did you know that we were going to attend a conference Noin?” Noin leaned forward and kissed his cheek, “You aren't the only one who receives those reports you know.” She smiled up at him as he chuckled and pulled her tighter against him, “You never cease to amaze me Noin.” Noin pushed him away playfully, “Go get dressed silly,” she said as she slipped into the pilot's seat. She felt his lips on her cheek a few minutes later and turned to see him sitting in the co-pilot's seat. The landing was just as rough as the take-off had been and Noin was surprised that the plane was the best the Specials had to offer. She winced as the door opened and bright light flooded into the carrier. Zechs was at her side as she exited the plane and Noin was surprised to see a car waiting for them. They traveled in silence towards the base and Noin wondered once again what the mysterious conference was about.
Zechs looked at her out of the corner of his eye and wondered what her reaction would be when she found out that they were sharing a room. He was somewhat disappointed in his inability to resist the feelings he felt for her. He knew keeping her near him was dangerous but neither his heart nor his hormones were ready to be away from her for an extended period of time. Zechs was surprised at the speed in which they had arrived at the base and he stretched his cramped body as he stood away from the car. He grabbed Noin's bag as well as his own, ignoring her protest, and followed the soldier, who had greeted them, to their room. He sat the bags down when they had reached their destination and reached into his pocket. He shook the soldier's hand making sure to leave a generous enough tip to ensure the young man's silence. Zechs turned and smiled at Noin, who returned his smile with a look of suspicion. He opened the lavish room and took their bags inside. He turned and looked at Noin, “Are you going to come in or are you just going to stand outside all day?” She arched an eyebrow at him and replied coldly, “We can't share a room Lt. Zechs you know that. It will appear on the records and your career will be over.” He smiled at her clever attempted to throw his ranking in his face and walked over to her, “Noin it isn't going to show on the records. The room beside us is unoccupied and it will appear that we slept in separate quarters. As for my career being over, Treize would never punish me for something like this; he needs me too much.” She still glared at him and Zechs was at a loss of what to say. He hadn't anticipated her reacting this way. Sure he knew she would protest some but he had figured that she would agree with him in the end. He was interrupted from his thoughts when he felt her small hands on his face, pulling his mask away. For a moment Zechs panicked and glanced around nervously. Her soft lips against his brought his thoughts back to focus and he tried to pull her inside the room.
Noin pulled away and studied the handsome face that stared down at her. “What is your definition of “something like this” Zechs?” She asked softly and looked away. The thought had been burning in her mind for some time and the words he had spoken moments before begged for the question to be asked. He looked at her, his eyes hazy with desire, “What do you mean Noin?” Noin sighed and pushed him back into the room, closing the door behind her. “I meant what I said Zechs. What did you mean when you said, “Treize would never punish me for something like this”?” He was silent for a moment before answering her, “I meant our relationship Noin. Why do you ask?” She sat down on the large couch, turning away from him when he sat down beside her. “And what is our relationship Zechs?” She asked softly, not sure if she wanted to know the answer. She felt his hands on her shoulders and turned to face him. “Lucrezia, you're my best friend.” Noin jerked away, “Do you fuck all your best friends Zechs?” She could tell her outburst had surprised him and for a second she wanted to take the words back.
Zechs stared at her in shock. He hadn't meant it like that; she knew him too well to believe that, that was what he had meant. He sighed before replying, “Noin I didn't mean it like that.” She glared at him, “Then tell me Milliardo what is our relationship to you? Am I just a friend that you screw whenever the urge hits you, or am I something more? Tell me please because I can't continue to do this Zechs; I can't keep playing these games with you.” Zechs was silent as he thought about what she was saying. He could hear the uncertainty and hurt in her voice. He had hurt her when he had referred to their relationship so casually. Zechs thought about what she meant to him. She was the one constant in his pathetic life and she needed to know that. He pulled her close and hugged her as he answered her question. “Lucrezia do you remember that first night together at the base? It is one of the most beautiful memories I have. Do you have any idea how many times I've thought of those times we had together? You are not and never will be just a “screw” for me. I care about you more than I thought I ever could. Our relationship is complicated to say the least and I can't express the way I feel about you very often.” He paused briefly and took a deep breath when she said nothing. He sighed and continued, “Please Lucrezia, understand that when I call you my best friend I am not undermining the fact that we are also lovers. While I can live without your love, I can't live without our friendship. Noin you are one of the only friends I have and the only one that has stood behind me in everything that I have done. I need that and I'm sorry I don't tell you that often enough.” He stopped when he felt her slim finger against his lips, “Do you mean that Zechs?” He looked at her sharply and whispered, “Every word.” Zechs grunted in surprise when she pushed him back against the couch and pressed her lips to his. He moaned against her lips as she straddled his waist and ripped at the buttons on his uniform.
Noin was desperate to feel his naked skin against her own. He had never said so much in all the time she had known him; and never had he talked of his feelings with her before. She smiled against his lips when he groaned again. She could feel the bulge in his pants getting harder as she pressed closer to him. Noin finally managed to pull his uniform jacket away from him and ran her hands over his thinly clothed chest. She moaned in pleasure as his hands wandered up her body to her breasts and cried out when he roughly pulled at the buttons on her uniform. He was rarely violent and Noin was ashamed to admit that she enjoyed those rare encounters the most. In minutes her uniform jacket was hanging loosely around her shoulders and Zechs had managed to rise to a sitting position. Noin pushed the cumbersome military jacket from his broad shoulders and smiled when he lifted his arms up, allowing her to pull the silky black muscle shirt from him. With his chest finally bared to her, she leaned forward and placed hot kisses against his heated flesh. She took one of his small nipples in her mouth and swirled her tongue around it, smiling when a loud groan escaped his lips. Noin used her teeth and tongue to drive him wild and groaned in disappoint when he pushed her away. She shook the heavy uniform jacket off and threw it to the floor. Noin felt his hands on her waist and in seconds the white t-shirt she wore beneath her uniform was being pulled off of her. She moaned as Zechs pushed her back against the large couch, undid her bra and gave her chest the same attentions she had earlier bestowed upon him.
Zechs couldn't get enough of her and groaned as her legs spread beneath him. He pressed his body against hers and rocked gently. He lowered his mouth and nibbled at the smooth skin of her stomach. He undid the snap on her pants, gripped the sides and yanked downward, his mouth touching every inch of bared flesh. Zechs rose up and attacked her lips. He thrust his tongue deeply into her mouth and grunted when he felt her hands against the straining cloth of his pants. He pulled away and looked down at her. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips were swollen from the force of his kisses. It was then that he noticed the silky lace panties she wore. “Beautiful,” he whispered reverently before ripping the cloth from her body. Zechs lowered his head and sucked hard at the base of Noin's throat. She moaned and Zechs could feel her body as it arched up against his. He couldn't wait anymore. He freed himself from the confinement of his pants and spread her thighs with his hands. Zechs leaned forward and kisses her gently, “Are you ready for me Lu?” He watched as she blushed and nodded her head. He smiled as she rose up and locked her lips against his. Zechs groaned and placed her legs over his shoulders.
Noin moaned and arched her neck as she felt his large erection pressing against her. “Zechs,” she cried out as he entered her slowly and gripped the thick material of the couch as he rocked inside her slowly. Noin was surprised when he stopped and looked up to see his face tight with the strain of holding back. She reached up and cupped his face in her hand, “Make love to me Milliardo.” Noin gasped when she felt his hands cupping her buttocks. “Oh shit,” she screamed as he drove into her again and again, his hands pulling her up to meet each and everyone of his deep thrusts. Within minutes Noin felt her body tighten and she screamed out her pleasure as her orgasm shook through her body. She felt Zechs long hair as it brushed against her chest as he leaned forward and groaned loudly. Noin arched her body in pleasure as she felt his warm essence fill her and grunted when he collapsed against her. She ran her fingers through his long hair as they caught their breath. She felt Zechs' warm breath against her as whispered her name over and over again. Noin smiled at him when he lifted his weight off of her, “Sorry Noin.” She sighed as he pulled her up against her and kissed her sweaty temple. She looked at the clock and groaned; they had an hour before the conference was scheduled to begin. “Is there any way we can skip the conference Zechs?” She asked sleepily and twisted around to look at him. His eyes were half closed and she smiled at the expression on his beautiful face. She chuckled when he groaned and buried his face against her shoulder. “Dammit Noin I wish we could but our absence would be noticed and no doubt commented on.” Noin sighed and leaned her head against his, “Well I guess we should just get ready then.” She stretched and stood up. She smile when Zechs looked up at her and grinned, “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are Noin?” Noin smiled down at him, “I believe the last time you told me that I was beautiful was that night in the hotel room.” He looked surprised and with a wicked smile he pulled her down on to his lap. “That long huh,” he whispered as he hugged her to him, “I truly am the world's biggest fool.” “Noin,” he breathed against her cheek as he turned her around to face him, “ you are so beautiful.” Noin closed her eyes as he inched towards her face and kissed her.
Zechs was breathless when they pulled away and somewhat disappointed in his self. To him the words, “you're beautiful” didn't come close to the true beauty she possessed and the very phrase sounded trite even to his ears. He stood and carried her towards the bathroom. Noin laughed and tried to get him to put her down. “Remember after that first night and how we took a shower together?” He asked her huskily as memories flooded his brain. She rested her head against his shoulder and whispered, “I can't take a shower without remembering that morning.” Zechs smiled and kissed the top of her head, “Neither can I Noin.” He sat her down on the counter as he reached over and turned the water on. “Let's make some more memories Lucrezia,” he whispered as he pulled her against him and kissed her. She chuckled against his lips and followed him into the spacious shower.
