Sadness in Joy

by Catherine Bloom

Noin woke with a startled gasp as she jerked up in bed.

It was the same nightmare again. She never could quite remember it, but she could feel it was the same one over and over again for the past week. The scary thing was it had a strong feeling of déjà vu to it, like it was a memory, not a dream. Though she supposed she’d had more than enough experiences during the war to give her nightmares.

 Stretching and ruffling her hair she looked over and gave the vacant pillow beside her a hard solid punch. Zechs wasn’t home again. Of course she hadn’t expected him to be. He was at another of the zillion boring social functions that his sister asked him to attend. Sure he could have said no, but he felt he owed Relena for the years of her life he’d missed.

“Honorable idiot,” Noin smiled affectionately as she got out of bed and pulled on her bathrobe. She was always invited to the social functions, and she went more than she cared to admit, but she just hadn’t felt like it tonight. Besides, if she heard one more Duke, Duchess, Baron or anyone ask Zechs if this ‘pretty little thing’ was his wife she was going to loose it. She was beginning to think she got more credit for being his ‘pretty little thing’ than she did for her work as a Preventer. That and having to get between Zechs and all the other ‘pretty little things’ that were just getting too close was just trying. They made her a little self-conscious, and she knew Zechs would never cheat on her.

Glancing out the bedroom window she smiled. It was snowing. Walking over to the window she leaned against the cold glass and watched the individual silver flakes fall. It was almost like a ballet of little white dancers all for her or like pillow feathers falling in slow motion. Beautiful.

She smiled. The snow always made her reminisce. It had snowed on their wedding day. It had been a virtual blizzard outside. But it had been warm and kind inside. The ceremony had gone off without a hitch, except her hyperventilating at the alter. At the time it had been so hard for her to believe her dream was actually coming true. That and her mother and Relena had cinched the dress too tight.

The reception had been even more interesting. At one point Heero had been standing on a chair, yelling, and swinging a glass of punch before he promptly passed out. This mystery had been solved when Helan, Duo and Hilde’s daughter, had pulled on her mother’s sleeve and asked, ‘what’s daddy been pouring in the punch?’ Hilde had been less than pleased.

Noin had actually found it rather amusing, but she was with Zechs, finally. The earth could have opened up and swallowed everyone and it would have taken her about a week to notice. It had all been lovely, and the wedding night even lovelier. Noin felt herself blush as the alarm clock sounded, breaking her reverie. Walking back to the bed she turned it off and went to take a shower.

She and Zechs had been married for slightly over two years now. There was very little they kept from one another. Noin knew there were a few things he had yet to tell her, but she had faith he would. She told him everything after all. Well, except that.

She felt a pinch of pain, sorrow, regret, and anger from behind her eyes. It still hurt, and she did not know how to tell him. It wasn’t as if the subject came up in conversation. She laid her head on the tile of the shower as the warm water washed over her body. She felt such guilt from not telling him, but she couldn’t make herself do it either.  “I’ll do it soon,” she promised the air as she turned off the water and got dressed before heading off to Preventers Headquarters.

She was working the early morning shift again, as she always when did Zechs was going to be out late or early. It gave her something to do. Besides she liked working there. Though at times she felt like a third wheel since Sally had a new partner. Wufei and Sally worked well together, both total professionals. It was actually very cute.

Noin ran her passkey through the slot and the door slid open. The hallways were near silent this early in the morning. There were a few signs of life, though the most prominent was the intern snoring away at the security desk. Noin gave him a tap as she passed by. When the boy didn’t wake she gave a small tug on his collar and he jerked into awareness. She shook her head and continued on. It wasn’t the first time and if he didn’t shape up soon he was going on report.

“Treize, what am I doing wrong?” Lady Une’s voice sighed and Noin shook her head as she looked in to her office. Lady Une had her arms behind her back and was staring out the large bay windows, looking up at the stars. Noin shook her head. The woman was talking to the dead OZ commander. No one had ever been sure how physical their relationship had been, but it had definitely been deep. She talked to his ghost, his spirit quite often. It disturbed a lot of people, even to the point where some cited that she was not mentally competent enough to hold her position. But that was bull as far as Noin was concerned; knowing she would be the same way, maybe worse, if Zechs ever died. Still, she wished that Lady Une would continue on with her life, if only for Mariemeia.

Noin and sighed as she walked off down the hall. It was a personal matter and she shouldn’t have been eavesdropping. Making her way to her office she settled down for a long boring day of paperwork and surveillance. Her only hope of reprieve would be a terrorist attack, and even she wasn’t that bored for action.

Noin rubbed at her shoulders as she walked down the hall toward her bedroom. The day hadn’t been too uneventful. Some kids had caused a bomb scare at a local school high school. It turned out to be nothing more than a gang that disagreed with one of the clubs being implemented that year. The part that had made Noin a bit angry was that the parents had condoned, even suggested, the action. It was just aggravating. (1)

She looked up and smiled as she saw a sliver of light being cast forth from the workroom door. Pushing it opened she shook her head at her husband’s turned back. He was working again. Not that it was surprising; they’d both come to the conclusion early on that they were workaholics.

Quietly she stepped in the room, wondering how many steps it would take before Zechs noticed her.

One, two, three, four, five, six, sev…

“Hello Lucrezia,” Zechs’ calm voice greeted.

“Six and a half steps,” Noin shook her head as she took the last five steps and perched on the edge of the desk. “Getting old on me already?” she smiled affectionately, reaching out to stroke his long platinum hair.

Zechs smiled as he leaned back in his chair. “You look tired,” he said, petting her hand and frowning a bit. “And your hands are cold.”

“Forgot my gloves,” Noin explained, trying to rub heat back into her fingers. Zechs’ reached up and took her hands into his own to warm them.

“You should take care of yourself,” Zechs advised, blowing on her fingers.

Noin smirked jokingly. “That’s your job,” she informed him, freeing one of her hands and swatting at his bangs. “It drives me nuts when I can’t see your eyes. One of these days I’m going to take the scissors and cut them while you sleep.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Zechs said, reaching up and knocking her dark hair out of her dark eyes. “Besides if you did I’d have to retaliate.”

“You do not mess with a woman’s hair,” Noin warned him, reflexively knocking her long bangs out of her eyes. “Anyway, before this gets ugly, you look pretty tired too. Have you slept?”

Zechs shook his head with a sigh as he looked down at the papers spread across the desk. Noin immediately put her hand down on the largest stack, implying that he was not working anymore tonight. “I haven’t had a chance to sleep. The gathering went on a little longer than I expected,” he said, and Noin could almost feel her eyes rolling. They always did. “Relena sends her regards, by the way,” Zechs said as he stubbornly tried to pull some of the papers out from under Noin’s hand. “I’ve been working on these reports since I got back. They’re for new security measures at my sister’s mansion as well as around Preventers Headquarters, and you’re not going to let me get to them tonight, are you?”

“No,” Noin shook her head simply. “You’re coming to bed with me for some well needed rest.” With that Noin hopped off the desk and pulled Zechs toward the door. She gave him the ‘come on honey, for me’ look and he melted to her will, following her to the bedroom.

Shoving him inside she closed the door. “You are getting a good night sleep,” she informed him as she threw her jacket over the back of a nearby chair and began fumbling with the clasp on the back of her blouse. “They always make it so blasted hard to get these clasps undone,” she mumbled, wincing as she caught her thumb.

“Let me help,” Zechs offered as Noin lolled her head forward so he could have access. He easily unclasped it as his hands moved to her shoulders and began to rub out the tension. Noin’s head rolled backwards as he worked out the worst of the kinks.

“That feels great,” Noin sighed, stifling a giggle as she felt Zechs’ lips brushing the base of her neck and lay a line of kisses along her shoulders. “That tickles.”

“And I haven’t even started yet,” he whispered in her ear, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling them both down onto the bed.

“Zechs!” Noin laughed and he rolled on top of her. “I thought we were going to sleep.”

“We’ll get there,” he assured her, “but I have to wear you out so you can sleep better.”

“You’re an idiot,” she giggled, leaning up and kissing Zechs, making sure to explore his mouth before she pulled away and brushed his hair back over his shoulders. “But I love you anyway.”

“And here I thought you were just in this marriage for the sex,” he smiled, nuzzling her nose, pausing only to pull the blouse over her head.

“Nah, would have married someone else if I was,” Noin teases as she pulled at his shirt. “You’re terrible in bed.”

“You’ll pay for that,” Zechs growled, nipping at her neck and tickling her mercilessly.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Noin squealed between giggles as Zechs’ fingers played her ribs. “Cut it out,” she giggled, gasping for breath.

“Fine,” Zechs said, letting out a fake mournful sigh as he rolled over and made like he was going to sleep.

“You’re mean,” Noin squeaked her eyes alight with laughter as she sat up, grabbed a pillow and began hitting Zechs with it. “I oughta smother you!”

Zechs chuckled as he finally got the pillow away from her and pulled Noin in for a calming kiss. “Are you saying I should finish what I start?” he asked, kissing her nose for good measure.

“When it comes to me most definitely,” Noin replied, wrapping her arms around Zechs’ neck and kissing him as he pulled the coverlet up around them.

Skip a random six weeks.

Sally looked up as Noin stumbled into the Preventers medical center. She cocked an eyebrow as the Italian woman near collapsed into the chair beside the wall. “Are you okay? You look terrible,” Sally stated, setting down her paperwork and walking toward her disheveled friend.

“I feel worse,” Noin assured her with a smile as she brushed her bangs back. “I have been throwing up all morning and for the last couple mornings too.”

“That’s not good,” Sally said, feeling Noin’s forehead. “Have you had any other symptoms?”

“Headaches,” Noin admitted, reaching up to rub at her temples. “Killer ones.”

“Anything else?” Sally asked, as if pushing for Noin to say something that confirmed her suspicions.

“Not that I can think of,” Noin shook her head.

“Let me get a blood sample and do some tests,” Sally hmmmed like the doctor she was as she picked up a needle. “This’ll only pinch a bit.”

“Are all doctors trained to say that? I swear this all has such a sense of déjà vu. Ouch!” Noin yelped as the needle sunk in the skin of her arm. “I hate needles.”

“Very few people like them,” Sally smiled as she pulled it out and set the vial in a rack. “I can have the results for you by tomorrow.”

“Thanks,” Noin smiled, getting up.

“You know I was going over your medical record,” Sally continued with a small frown as she picked up a file. “Did you know you’re missing about two months of history? I can’t find any records of you, at least medically, between when you left the Victoria Academy and two months into your first assignment.”

“How odd,” Noin said flatly, avoiding Sally’s eyes. Sally’s frown deepened minutely. For whatever reason the files were missing Noin knew and didn’t want to tell. Sally looked down at the current part of the file as Noin began to go for the door. 

“Well, either way you are overdue for a physical,” Sally smirked, taking a step in front of the exit. “And since you’re here we might as well do it.” She tossed a gown over at Noin. “Now strip.”

“Should have run for it while I could,” Noin sighed, shaking her head as she changed.

Noin rotated her shoulder as she leaned back in her chair. She was feeling a lot better today. Though she’d still been very sick in the morning, but at least she felt good now.

“Noin?” someone called, as there was a knock on the door.

Noin looked up and smiled at Sally, leaning in the doorway and brandishing a file folder. “Come in,” Noin said with a nod of her head.

“I got the results back,” Sally said, tapping the file folder as she took a seat in the chair Noin motioned to. “Have you missed your period lately?”

Noin shrugged. “I’ve always been so irregular because of all the physical activity I do so I didn…” Noin trailed off as her mind latched on to what Sally was implying. She looked at the grinning blond woman. “It can’t be what I’m thinking.”

“It is,” Sally smiled. “Congratulations! You’re pregnant.”

“Oh my god, oh my god,” Noin repeated, covering her mouth to hide the forming smile. “I don’t believe it. Oh wow!”

“Believe it,” Sally laughed as the Italian woman jumped toward the commlink before stomping her foot and sitting back down. “Damn. Zechs is in a meeting right now.”

“So interrupt it,” Sally admonished. “This is big news.”

“I couldn’t do that,” Noin shook her head, still smiling like a fool and trying to hide it behind her hands. “Besides I think I’d rather tell him in person anyway.”

“Suit yourself,” Sally laughed before her smile faded and she looked down at the folder. “I don’t want to ruin your mood, but there’s something I have to ask.”

Noin’s smile immediately died on her lips. Sally didn’t know about…

“Noin, have you been pregnant before?” Sally asked, her eyes conveying sympathy.

Noin looked away instinctively, her hands clenching into fists as the wall became intensely fascinating. Her former state of joy fading instantly to dread and pain she’d tried to kill long ago. “What would you do if I said no?”

“I’d know you were lying, but I wouldn’t push it,” Sally replied with a sad frown.

“Yeah, I was pregnant sometime ago,” Noin admitted, wrapping her arms over her chest as she tucked her chin down.

“That’s why you’re missing those two months, isn’t it?” Sally asked, feeling guilty for even bringing the subject up, but it had to be done.

“Yeah,” Noin managed to choke out.

“Who was the father?” Sally asked.

Noin nearly laughed, even as she felt the tears at the corners of her eyes, which she quickly banished. “Sally, be real. Who do you think?”

“Zechs, I thought so,” Sally nodded. “Does…does he know?”

“How do you bring something like that up?” Noin snapped, unable to control herself.

“Why don’t you just tell me the whole story,” Sally suggested calmly. “You might feel better.”

“I doubt it,” Noin half growled as she began her account.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Noin let out a sigh as she watched the carrier take off. She had no idea when she’d be able to see Zechs again, but she hoped it was sooner than later. Why couldn’t they have had the same assignment? Turning around the made her way back to the base that was her own assignment. As she walked she put her fingers to her temples to ease the pain captured between them.

She’d felt groggy the past few days and she didn’t know why. It’d started a couple days after she and Zechs had… Noin coughed and a hot blush crossed her face as she looked out over the runway. It had been an interesting experience, but it had been with Zechs and as far as she was concerned that was all that mattered. Still, she supposed she should head directly to the bases medical center. It wouldn’t do to have something physically wrong with her, especially on her first assignment.

Walking into the medical center she let out a sigh as her eyes found the dark haired, sloe eyed woman in charge. She’d met Doctor Maalek during basic training; a truly interesting individual, and Noin considered her a friend.

“Morning Noiny dear,” the doctor said, not looking up from her charts as she tacked on the keyboard. “Can I help you?”

“I’m not feeling well,” Noin admitted, her eyes surveying the room for any other personnel. “I’ve been getting really bad headaches and feeling a bit nauseous.”

“Really?” Dr. Maalek said, looking up from her charts as she pulled up a file on the computer. “Hmmm, well it doesn’t say you have any latent illnesses or a family history of problems. I can do a blood test and give you quadruple strength Tylenol for the mean time. That work?”

“Thanks,” Noin smiled, pulling up her sleeve as the doctor got out a needle.

“This will pinch a little bit,” Maalek warned as she pushed the needle in. Noin winced and clenched her fist. She really didn’t like needles. “That’s all I can do for now,” Maalek said rubbing the small puncture wound with cotton. “Hopefully I’ll have this done by tomorrow, but with my workload if I get it done in a week it’ll be a miracle. Call me if it gets worse.”

Noin nodded as she pulled her sleeve back down. “I will,” she nodded as she left to rest in her room and wish Zechs were with her.

Noin moaned as the placed her fingers to her clammy forehead. She felt absolutely terrible and Maalek still hadn’t been able to find time to do her blood test.  She was just glad that she had a month and a half of time to get to know that base. If she didn’t have the time they would have sent her packing, and she hadn’t seen space by herself yet.

“Noin,” someone called in a singsong voice as they knocked on the door.

“Come it,” Noin called, straightening up and brushing her dark bang out of her eyes. She did her best to look professional, calm, and collected; but she knew she was failing miserably. “Maalek,” she said with surprise as the doctor walked in letting the door swish behind her.

“Sit down,” the doctor ordered Noin. “I have BIG news. Oh, you are sitting down. Girl, you’re pregnant.”

“What,” Noin blinked, trying to understand what Maalek was saying. It wasn’t possible, was it? She blushed as her mind flashed to Zechs. Yes, it was possible, but did it happen? Apparently so. “Are you sure?”

“Blood tests don’t lie,” Maalek said, waving a file folder. “Well, not usually anyway. Congratulations! Who’s the dad? And will you be contacting him? If not, are you keeping the child?”

“Am I keeping the child?” Noin repeated, cocking an eyebrow. “Of course, why wouldn’t I?”

“A lot of career women don’t want kids to, I quote, mess up their careers. Asking is just procedure,” Maalek shrugged. “But from your reaction I’m guessing you’re keeping the little boy or girl. Now, is there a father?”

“Yes,” Noin nodded, wondering how Zechs would take it. He was so focused on his goals how would he react to fathering a child? Would he even help? Noin felt her shoulders slump. Zechs was a good man, but he tended to get so focused nothing else would penetrate his mental range. “But I don’t know how to get in touch with him.”

“Well, you have nine, more like eight, months to do it,” Maalek shrugged, as she shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t want to worry you, but there was a little… blip on the test. I don’t think it’s anything, but I don’t know for sure.”

Noin looked alarmed as the doctor waved her hands dismissively. “You did some training in space, I presume,” Maalek waited for Noin to nod before going on. “Well then, it’s probably just that. Don’t worry about it.” The doctor looked down at her watch and jumped. “I have to run. Just take care of yourself and come down for a check up in a few days. If there’s anything wrong come sooner.”

Noin nodded as the Maalek left.

“I’m pregnant,” Noin repeated to the air, as if to make it real. “Amazing…” She shook her head as she fell back on the bed. “And it’s Zechs baby,” she covered her face with her hands to hide the smile forming. She was sad that her career was ended before she got to space, but to leave fighting to bring life into the world was so much better. And, she assured herself, she’d see space someday. Now, if she could only find a way to get a hold of Zechs, even if he wouldn’t help her raise it he needed to know.

“Dammit all to hell,” Noin cursed as she pulled her knees up to her chest. ‘Well,’ she thought, ‘at least I never did get in contact with Zechs.’

It had been days of cramps and bleeding. Finally it seemed to be done with. Noin ran her fingers through her hair. Done or not she didn’t feel better. She felt empty and alone and guilty.

“You can cry,” Maalek said, stepping backwards as Noin’s dark eyes fixed her with an almost accusing glare. “Noin-hon, I know it’s no help, but these things to happen. A lot, I’m sorry to say. The hurt will go away.”

“Why don’t I believe you,” Noin breathed, keeping herself from crying. “How am I going to explain this?”

“It’s no ones business if you don’t want it to be,” Maalek assured her as the doctor kneeled in front of the Italian woman.

“It’s on my record,” Noin bit, driving her nails into her arm. She was not going to cry, she told herself. She was to numb to cry anyway.

“I’ll take it off,” Maalek offered quietly. “If you think that will help you, I’ll take it off your medical record. But you need to talk to someone.”

“No,” Noin shook her head. “I don’t.”

“What about the father,” Maalek tried. “Doesn’t he deserve to know?”

Noin shut her eyes. “I’ll tell him someday,” she promised to the air more than the doctor. “When I want him to resent and hate me.”

“It’s not your fault,” Maalek repeated as Noin staggered to her feet and made her way to the door. “He’s not worth it if he hates you for something you had no control over.”

“I had a miscarriage,” Noin said in a cold voice so unlike herself. “It’s my body. I should have had control, because if I had…” she trailed off and left the room to be alone in her pain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“…And Maalek deleted all the records,” Noin finished, her arms still wrapped tightly over her chest. “That’s all.”

“I’m sorry,” Sally said, reaching over the desk and stroking the back of Noin’s neck for comfort. “Your friend was right. It wasn’t your fault,” Sallly assured, as Noin refused to look at the blond woman. “The only thing I can assure you is that having a miscarriage doesn’t make it any less likely that this child will be born. I’m sure the little one will come out just fine.”

Noin nodded her head, though Sally doubted she was really listening.

“I have no right or reason to ask this other than personal curiosity,” Sally sighed. “Have you ever told Zechs?”

“He married me didn’t he,” Noin bit off. “So obviously not.”

“I think you underestimate his compassion, especially for you of all people,” Sally said. “He love you, you love him. He’ll understand.”

“Can’t I just tell him I’m pregnant and leave the other part out,” Noin said quietly. “It’s the past.”

“You can,” Sally nodded. “But I think you know that you need to tell him. You’ve already guilt tripped yourself for the past years. It’s time to let go, and there is only one way to do that. Tell him.”

Noin close her eyes. Both options just plain sucked.

Noin lay on her stomach across the bed. Her head buried in the pillow and her hands under her belly. She tensed as she heard the door open, and the slight creak of the floor. Zechs was home.

“Lucrezia?” he called, and she heard the shuffle of his coat being draped over a chair. “Are you alright?”

Noin said nothing. She changed her mind; maybe he’d go away. Strong, yet gentle, hands lifted her into a sitting position beside him on the bed. “Lucrezia?” he asked again, turning her head to look into his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she looked away, and stood up, half-pacing across the room and back. “It’s just that… well, I…” She turned her back to Zechs; she couldn’t do it. Her hands clenched and unclenched before her. She knew she had to, but…

“Lucrezia, what is it?” Zechs’ voice asked again, and she heard the shift of the bed as he stood. “Is there something you want me to do?”

Understand, Noin pleaded internally. With one last deep breath she turned. “There’s something I have to tell you,” she breathed, barely able to keep from shaking. “I know you’ll hate me for this, but I have to tell you.”

Zechs blissfully remained silent and Noin thanked him for it.

“When… back…” Noin shook her head. Enough with tact, it was time to just tell him. “After we left the Academy for our first assignments,” Noin began, wincing as she realized it was too late to turn back now. “I found out I was pregnant and I miscarried,” her voice carried off as she took a ragged breath. “I miscarried our baby.”

Crystalline drops soaked into the fabric of her jacket as she realized she was crying. She hadn’t cried when it happened, but she was now. Sniffing, she suddenly realized that Zechs was holding her as she sobbed, speaking to her soothingly as he rubbed circles into her back. “It’s okay, it’s okay,” he repeated in her ear, his own voice catching just slightly. “It’s not your fault.”

“It is,” Noin choked, holding onto Zechs like a lifeline. “It just has to be…”

“It’s not,” Zechs assured her as his grip became tighter. “You should have told me sooner.”

“I couldn’t,” Noin replied, pulling herself closer so she couldn’t see his face. “I thought you’d hate me.”

“I could never hate you,” Zechs said, forcing her back and tilting her head up to look in his eyes. “I love you, no matter what. It was a terrible thing that happened, and you shouldn’t have suffered alone, but it doesn’t change my feelings for you. I feel guilty for not being there for you, but is all I can do to make it up is be here now.”

Noin wiped at her tears, forcing them from her face. “You forgive me?”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Zechs told her. “But if you insist… I’ll forgive you if you forgive me for not being there.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Noin shook her head as Zechs placed his hand on her cheeks.

“It wasn’t yours either,” he said as Noin nodded and sniffed. “I just wish that it hadn’t happened,” he sighed. “But I would have probably been a bad father anyway.”

“You’ll be a great father,” Noin told him, pulling him in for a hug.

“Would have been,” Zechs corrected, feeling a twinge of guilt at doing it.

“Will be,” Noin said, a smile working its way to her lips. At least she had some equally good news. “I’m pregnant again.”

“What?” Zechs said, his blue eyes lighting in shock.

“I…we get another chance,” Noin smiled, pursing her lips as the last tear trailed down her face. She knew she probably should have waited until later to tell him, but she couldn’t wait anymore. “We get another chance.”

“You’re a miracle,” Zechs smiled, leaning down and kissing Noin before enveloping her in a hug of reassurance as her own arms pulled him close. “I love you, Lucrezia.”

“I love you too.”

“I hate you! I hate you so much!”

Relena looked up in shock at Noin’s screams. She had only been called a half-hour before by her brother, informing her that Noin had gone into labor. Relena had rushed over immediately, dragging the Maxwell’s and Dorothy, whom she’d been having lunch with, along.

“Is that normal?” Relena asked, worried by Noin’s declaration of hate.

“Oh yeah,” Duo nodded. “You shoulda seen Hilde. I thought my blood was going to be on the walls, she nearly broke my hand.”

Hilde gave her husband a small glare. “I was not that bad,” she said, denying the accusations.

“You gave me a black eye,” Duo yelped as their daughter looked up at sandy blond diplomat.

“It’s not my fault they’re nuts,” Helan said, taking hold of Relena’s hand. “Why’s Aunt Noin saying she hates people?”

“You did this to me you bastard!” Noin’s voice echoed and Relena looked down the hall in complete shock as Dorothy chuckled into her hand.

“I’m not sure,” Relena replied to the girl slowly. “We’ll just have to wait and find out.”

“I hate waiting,” Helan half-pouted.

“Me too,” Duo agreed as Hilde rolled her eyes.

“Is she still in there?” Sally’s voice rang out as she, Wufei, and Lady Une run up behind them.

“Yes,” Relena nodded, smiling as Quatre finally arrived. “They said she’d already started delivery by the time we got here.”

“You push!” Noin yelled. (3)

“I’m guessing she’s still delivering,” Lady Une said, cocking an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Hilde nodded.

The group talked amongst themselves, a bit worried when they heard no more screams. Finally Zechs emerged, shaking his hand which had actual imprint marks in it. “It’s a girl,” Zechs announced with pride to his sister and quickly multiplying group.

“That’s wonderful,” Relena cheered, hugging her brother. “My deepest congratulations to you and Noin!”

“Can I play with her?” Helan asked.

“Maybe later,” Hilde smiled.

“Congratulations,” Quatre smiled.

“Way to go, man!” Duo cheered.

“Is Noin okay?” Sally asked.

“Just exhausted,” Zechs nodded.

“Are you okay?” Dorothy asked, raising an eyebrow as she pointed at his bruised hand.

“I’m fine. Noin just needed something to hold onto,” he said, shaking the hand to get the blood flowing.

“Can we see the baby?” Relena asked eagerly.

“Probably against some hospital procedure, but come,” Zechs said with a nod of his head. He was showing the typical proud father facade.

The group tripped down the hall into a small room. A middle-aged woman in a nurse’s outfit opened her mouth to protest when she recognized several famous people, and let them by. In the room Noin lay on the bed holding a wrapped bundle. Zechs proudly leaned next to her as she gave him a shoulder nudge.

“I look terrible,” she said, smiling at her friends and shifting so they could see the little red thing she held.

“It’s adorable,” Relena cooed, clasping her hands in front of her. “My niece is adorable.”

“Obviously takes after Noin’s side of the family,” someone said, but they were out of Relena’s glaring range.

“What are you going to name her?” Lady Une asked, daring to take a step closer.

“Karri,” Zechs said, just as Noin replied. “Regina.” The both gave each other a small loving glare. “We haven’t decided.”

“I’m afraid you’ll all have to come back during regular visiting hours,” a voice piped up from the door. The crowd gave an ‘aw’ as they said their goodbyes and left chatting about the baby’s name and what it should be.

“I’m so tired,” Noin said with a little sigh as she leaned her head on Zechs’ thigh. “And I look terrible.”

Zechs bent over and kissed her sweat drenched forehead. “I love you anyway.”

“You better,” Noin smiled. “I’d hate to have to raise little Regina by myself.”

“Karri,” Zechs corrected.

“Regina,” Noin shook her head.

“Karri.”

“Regina.”

“Karri.”

As her parents play argued the little baby girl curled into her mother’s chest, knowing instinctively she was with the two people that would always keep her safe. Even if they couldn’t decide what to call her.

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(1)     Yes, this did happen at my school a couple years ago. Very upsetting.

(2)     Someone asked me what a miscarriage was a couple days ago. So if you don’t know, it’s when a person looses the baby they’re carrying, usually due to a genetic abnormality, like the sperm and the egg did not fuse properly. It happens in about 1 in 4 pregnancies. Sad, huh.

(3)     Noin’s and Hilde’s reactions are tame compared to the stories I have heard about what women do to their husbands during childbirth!