Falling for the Angel

By Chibi Tsuki

There are some parts of this story which I felt could've been written better. This chapter is almost actionless, just a lot of blabbering by the characters. If all goes according to plan, everything in the next chapter should go faster and hopefully more excitement.

Chapter 3

Straightening his coat, Zechs stepped into the dining hall, his eyes following the table leg up to the contents placed on the table for lunch. A waffling scent of a particular type of food caught his senses. It had a spicy aroma, and smelt – fresh but also unidentifiable. His nose traced the scent subtly and realized that it had yet to be served onto the table. He ignored the sounds of the maids placing the cutlery onto the table, paid no heed to the serving men as they filled the glasses up for he was determined to comprehend where the scent originated from. His legs led him into the kitchen, passing the double doors on his way. Had they recently hired a new cook? As a child, Zechs often spent his time in the kitchen, testing the main chefs' new recipes until politics became part of his life.

White tiles spread across the floor while expensive wood-made working benches were shining after a thorough wipe. Main chefs, elegant in their white uniforms with detailed embroidery of the kingdom's colours, commanded the scene, making sure the apprentices were following their instructions correctly. Many people were so immersed with their work that they didn't notice their prince exploring the kitchen. Zechs frowned; he had lost the aroma among all the others in the kitchen. After wandering aimlessly around as if in inspection he once again regained it. His eyes landed on a fresh batch of bread waiting to be cooled down. As he approached it he gestured for one of the cooks to allow him to taste a sample. The cook simply nodded and sliced a piece off a loaf from an earlier batch, his blade deftly cutting through the warm flour mixture. It felt as if the aroma was spilling out of the bread as he sliced it for the scent intoxicated Zechs. Picking up his share he took a well-mannered bite out of it, allowing his tastebuds to crowd around the food in the mouth as if it were heavenly. It tasted spicy and yet not spicy at all. On his second bite, he noticed the herbs in it, subtle and simply irresistible. "Did Baker Marley bake this?" he asked politely, resisting the urge to demand it.

"No Your Highness, t'was not Baker Marley but someone whom I do not know," the cook replied with much respect. But the respect was not towards the prince, but towards someone else; the baker. "If Your Highness wishes to see him, he is over by the far end." With a finger he gave Zechs the direction before bowing and leaving at Zechs' dismissal.

The platinum blond-haired gentleman took care not to disturb the workers as he made his way for the man the cook gestured at. A dark navy coat hanging in the relaxation room caught his attention. It was familiar in all aspects. Catching a few words out of a sentence, he immediately glanced over to the dark-haired man. The coat was definitely familiar and he knew why. "Noin," he muttered, loud enough to catch the man's attention.

"Zechs," the Arnian youth said, in masked surprise. He was wearing an apron over his thin, white, formal shirt with a pale cream cuff-like collar around his neck. His sleeves were rolled up past his elbows, his arms dipped in flour along with a few smudges on his face which he probably wiped onto himself. Black trousers hung onto his waist with support of a dark belt wrapped around him, revealing his thin waist. His hair was coiled up under a dark-coloured little boy's cap as it seemed that they had no available chef's hat available for him. Zechs refused to meet Noin's dark and mysterious eyes as he concentrated on pushing back his thoughts of Noin, but this seemed to make the situation worse for they instantly flooded his mind when he looked back at his companion. Does he know how cute he looks in that? Ah Noin, do you know how much I wish you were a girl, a woman? Such angelic features! How can you not realise the effect you have others? Your gaze, your lips, your every action controls my mind. He shook his head. You're an obsessed fool Zechs! Within the community in which you live, you shall never be able to realise such a farfetched dream!

"Prince Noin," a young maid murmured, "let me help you wipe off the flour off your face." Without waiting for his reply, the young woman reached up to his cheek, and affectionately wiped off the smudge of flour with a damp cloth. That was when Zechs noticed how the young woman was only slightly shorter than Noin, by at most three inches. Perhaps the maid was simply tall, but the prince of the Cinq Kingdom was too distracted by her flirtatious acts towards Noin to think deeply about it.

Noin looked thoughtfully at the woman for a second before thanking her for the deed. His eyes fell back onto Zechs' face in expectation, and was there a subtle admiration or something else?

The dark-headed prince put on a charming voice, "Miss, I believe that this is not a suitable time. I do not wish to trouble you any further with your prince." He smiled at her, immediately highlighting his already stunning features. It was very affective for she smiled at him in adoration, curtseyed and left seeming rather distracted. Releasing a small sigh, Noin apologised sincerely to Zechs.

"I tried your bread," Zechs stated in a light tone. "It was delightful." He hoped that Noin didn't pick up his slightly uncertain tone, and if he did he showed no sign of it.

"Thank you," Noin murmured his eyes casting back down at the dough he was kneading.

Zechs was troubled. Never in his life had he been this stuck with words. Complimenting a lady or an elder was one thing, but complimenting a friend whom you liked was another. Besides Noin did not seem like one who would be easily flattered by compliments nor would he boast. The more Zechs understood about him, the more complex he seemed. "The spice, is it from Arne? I have never tasted it before."

"Not quite, but from the borders of Arne and Laire Kingdom."

"Amazing. Do you often travel to your neighbouring countries?" he inquired, simply wanting to extend their conversation. But Noin on the other hand was suspicious although his expression did not reveal it.

"Only on occasions. Travelling does drain our supplies, especially when travelling with a whole army with wars going on." He added as an afterthought, "But sometimes it is necessary." As he began to shape the bread, he glanced thoughtfully at Zechs. "I shall be finished in a short while. Lunch is already served, perhaps it would be better for us to continue our conversation outside instead of being in the way of the kitchen staff."

Heero lifted his eyes to meet his sister's gaze and with a rare smile he replied, "I find her an intriguing woman. With her skills in political affairs will be a great asset to the kingdom." His sister gave him a steeled glare. "And of course, she is a smart woman with a great sense of individuality. I believe that she will easily adapt to the ways of our kingdom." Suddenly he began to feel the tension within himself when she kept that look on her face. "She's beautiful? I do not understand what else you require of me to express." He cast his eyes onto the ground and pouted his lips like a young boy, a behaviour he seldom revealed to anyone but his sister.

"When I asked you what you thought of Relena, I intended for you to tell me whether you liked her or not," Noin muttered in calm tone. Ever since he was little, Heero was a quiet child, unable to express his feelings until he became attached to his sister. But now it seemed like it was starting all over again.

Hesitantly he replied, "I suppose I like her, but I am still uncertain."

"That is perhaps the beginning of it all."

"What do you mean?" There was no answer to his question, except a fond sisterly gaze. His attention was soon caught on her hair which was flowing down around her waist. "Should you not tie your hair up in case someone knocks at the door and sees you like that?"

She shrugged and gave him a lazy grin. "If they do, I shall retie it. Besides Zechs leaves his hair out the entire time."

"There is a difference. You look feminine with it out," Heero pointed out.

Combing her hair with her fingers, she muttered, "Is that so?" Heero noticed her hands; the rough, calloused hands, toughened by experience in battles and war. It was a hard life for her, and for everyone else. There had been times when he wished all the fighting would stop so that his sister could live a peaceful life and like the young ladies in the other kingdoms with soft elegant hands. Instead of holding swords and fighting, she would play the piano or sing songs. But this was reality – war made this dream impossible.

"I am going to take a shower."

Noin nodded and watched as he left for his own room. The door closed gently behind him, leaving her alone in her spare time. It was already dark, but not quite late. At most it was two hours after sunset. She pulled her chair halfway onto the balcony and sat down to watch the stars, the moon and the lights in the city. Although she could barely see the seas, she could still feel the serenity in the sea. Waves lashed softly onto the beach in a steady motion.

Zechs poured himself a glass of wine, and began swirling it within the glass. "Zechs, what do you think about Noin?" Wufei asked casually as if it were just a topic to fill time. He sat down next the blond-haired man and folded his arms.

Suddenly conscious, Zechs looked at Wufei and searched for some hint of mockery, but found none. "Why do you ask?"

"He is an interesting man, is he not? He would make a great ally, not only for your kingdom but for mine." Lifting a black eyebrow at Zechs, Wufei glanced at his expression wondering whether he was going to take the bait. He had planned to see how much Zechs knew about their raven-haired companion and confirm whether Zechs had any feelings towards him. Often, the Chinese had noticed some sort of mind-drifting in Zechs when it came to Noin. It seemed that he was attracted to Noin's 'feminine' side, especially from his small gestures and expression.

"You think so? Noin is a talented and skilful gentleman. Not only that, but he also has a charming personality and is gifted by his parents, an attractive face." Zechs had spilled some answers, although some still lay unknown.

Prompting him further, Wufei lifted his chin slightly and met Zechs' eyes. "Oh? But do you not think his interest in cooking is rather absurd for a man of his status? Although I do not question his cooking abilities, I believe that there is some mystery in him. Something that he is hiding, and does not want us to know."

"Perhaps he does, but maybe he does not want us to know because he believes that it may affect our friendship." So Zechs did know! But how could he? Many others could not see through Noin's disguise, but Zechs did. This he would have to tell Noin.

"So you also know," Wufei stated, taking a sip from his wineglass. They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the peace between them.

"Noin will make a great partner for Relena," Zechs mumbled into the wind. Nearly choking on his wine, Wufei coughed violently. "Are you alright Wufei?" But Wufei was not even listening to Zechs. He felt stunned. Zechs did not know the truth – they had been talking about different things.

Wufei muttered reassuringly, "I am fine. I just choked."

Unexpectedly they heard a soft voice from one of the lower balconies, singing melodiously. The voice was harmonious and irresistibly beautiful. Zechs could not defy the insisting tug in his body to walk to the balcony and spy from his position. Personally Zechs did not call it spying, instead it was simply observation but even so, it was rather dark to be able to see who was standing below and pouring out her soul. Even Wufei seemed to be subdued by the lulling sound. Catching the words clearly in the wind, Zechs sighed, perhaps a bit too loudly for the woman had stopped singing and looked straight up at him; the outline of her billowing hair illuminated by the moonlight. Although he could not see her features or her garments, but knew that she was a guest from the further kingdoms. Before he could say anything she turned away back into her own room. "Do not blame her, for it was you who spoilt the atmosphere," Wufei observed critically. "Women are easily upset."

"I suppose I was intruding on her privacy although I do believe the balcony is for anyone and everyone," Zechs rebuked and stepped back inside himself. "I wonder who she was, perhaps a young duchess with her father. I would like to be acquainted with her."

"Sure you would, as you would with every beautiful young woman. But you do not have to be concerned for they themselves will show up, is it not their purpose of being here; to catch your attention?"

Laughing the young prince smiled cheerily, "You never change the habit of speaking so bluntly."

With a snort of disdain, Wufei retorted, "Nor does your attraction to mystery in someone whom you would like as a mate." When Zechs looked at him in disbelief, he took it as a cue to explain it. "Your face reveals everything. Would you care to contradict me if I say that you are fond of our new companion? I read you easily, my friend. But your secret is safe with me although I believe you will do better to dispose of such affections."

Nearly instantly, Zechs felt enraged. He summoned all his will to suppress the want to lash at his friend. Wufei was simply telling him the facts. He meant no harm, only to caution him. After a moment of recovery he looked back up at Wufei and muttered, "Is it that obvious?"

His companion nodded firmly, supplementing his actions with words, "To me it is obvious." Zechs breathed out in relief. "I believe that only a few know and Noin… Noin seems to be aware of your affections, but whether he feels the same towards you, I do not know." Wufei realised his mistake in saying the last piece of information. It would have been better left out, that way he would give up his feelings, but now in a sense Wufei was supporting him.

"I cannot help but feel this way. To me he is no less than a heavenly angel whose voice guides my lost soul. His eyes show me warmth and hope, and a sense of self-reassurance. When he told me his secrets, I felt that I had to protect him. From all harm, solitude and grievance! At first I had told myself that Noin was a man, not a woman. He would have no more feelings towards him than a friend and even if it were different, our current positions would increase complications and in the end it would be hard for us to be together. After all that critical searching and questioning, my feelings have not faltered but have blazed even further. I-" The Chinese lifted a hand up to stop him.

In a cool voice he said, "This is a situation I cannot solve for you." His voice turned supportive as he continued on, "But in this I shall give you aid. Only you can piece together your future and you can only succeed if you break through this mystery."

"What mystery?"

"Think about it. Keep your usual calm demeanour Zechs. Breaking down like a woman is not the way." He glanced outside, looking thoughtful and as an afterthought, added, "But not all women are like that, are they." It was a rhetorical question, something he had wanted to express to someone, anyone.

Regaining his composure again, Zechs grinned, "Since when did you believe this?"

"From the moment I understood the feelings of one, and the hardships of another."

"Two women? So you have two women in mind?"

"No, only one. The other is my comrade and friend." Leaving Wufei who was replaying old memories, Zechs headed towards the door, released a smile and was about to close the door behind him when Wufei looked at him and uttered, "You seemed to be interested in the girl before – why do you not seek her seek her? Perhaps she is more than a pretty voice." Giving him one last glance, Zechs left the room.

As he was walking around the guest corridor, a maid stepped to the side and curtseyed to him before moving on. Zechs turned around and called back the maid. "Do you know who is staying in the room two doors from here?" he asked, with a finger pointing at the door he had meant.

The maid looked thoughtfully at the door and nodded. She muttered in a soft, quiet voice, "Prince Noin Yuy from Arne, Your Highness." While he was contemplating, she stood still, trying to read the emotions on his face. Realising that she was still there, Zechs dismissed her. So Noin is staying in this room. Then who was the girl with him? His lover? Despair was written all over his face as stared blankly at the door. But Noin had said that he had no lover… waiting for him in Arne, which could mean that he had one here. Could it also mean that Noin had hired a prostitute? But surely he would go to the brothels instead of having on within their hosts' palace! Then could it mean that the girl was a maid? He could not be that low as to sleep with their maids nor did he mention that he had brought a lover. That must be it! But why would he do that when he was going to marry Relena? He frowned at his thoughts and groped at the wall for support. Before he knew it, he had knocked on Noin's door, tapping it three times. He waited patiently, but the door had not opened yet. As he was about to try again, it the latch on the door was finally released and he could see Noin's face looking back at him.

"Zechs," he muttered in a rushed voice. Zechs noticed that his hair was tied up in a hurry, the ribbon missing. "It is a surprise to see you, please come in." Noin widened the door to allow him to enter. Striding in Zechs suspiciously scanned the room, noting its tidiness. "How can I help you? Would you like a drink?"

He muttered in unexpected harshness, which even surprised himself, "No thank you. I just came to have a chat with you."

"Is that so?" he murmured, sitting down opposite Zechs and looked at him, but his attentions were elsewhere. He seemed to be searching for something, or someone. When it seemed that his search was futile, he turned and held Noin's gaze.

"Did you hear someone singing outside on the balcony, earlier this evening?" Without showing a sign of surprise, Noin lifted his eyebrow and propped his elbow on the table. He frowned, and then as if it had just remembered something, Noin's eyes widened slightly. Noin's chuckle was soft behind his gloved hand. Zechs held a cool expression on his face, refusing to let anything affect him.

The dark-haired gentleman nodded and explained himself. "Yes I did. A young woman if I am correct. I did not see her myself but I believe she was in the next room. She had a beautiful voice, did she not? Although I must admit her song was rather sentimental. Why do you ask?"

Zechs' face softened and he replied, "I saw her from Wufei's room. Unfortunately it was dark and so I could not clearly see which room she stayed at, except I had thought that she had been staying here. I had interrupted her song and so I had wanted to find her and apologise." He revealed to Noin how he asked the maid who had been staying in the room and when he knew he had decided to pay him a visit anyway. They laughed and shared a hearty conversation, and when Heero had returned to Noin's room they continued their discussion over two bottles of Arnian wine.

"Zechs, wake up," Noin uttered, shaking him with moderate strength. "Wake up, it is well past midnight." She looked up hopelessly at Heero and sighed. "I suppose the wine was too strong for him, especially since he drunk nearly as much as we did." As a response Heero shrugged his shoulders and dug his hands into his pockets.

"He should have known his limit and refused when he knew it was up. His pride overcame his senses," he said in a matter-of-factly voice. "Sleep in my room tonight and let him sleep here since we will most likely disturb the other guests if we were to bring him back to his room. We do not know where his room is either."

"There is no other choice is there?" They transferred him to the bed and Noin pulled the covers over him.

A fragrance… was it lilacs or lilies? He could not tell, but whichever it was it smelt nice. When he came to his senses Zechs was wide awake as he realised he was in a foreign bed. How did he get there and why was there a nagging pain in his head? He pushed himself out of the bed and surveyed his surroundings – Noin's room. All his memories returned to him as he remembered the events, the conversations and the drinks. The wine had been good, prime wine. Rich in flavour and to top it all, strong – very strong. Holding his hand against his pounding temples he groaned as he tried to focus his vision again. Last night he had been so happy, even Heero did not seem all that distant. But his vision came back to Noin's faintly reddened cheeks after all that consumption of wine but neither he nor his brother seemed strongly affected by it. What time was it? He glanced out the window, his eyes lifting to a morning sun. It was probably an hour or two after dawn. He had expected himself to doze for a longer period of time. Right now the only thing on his mind was to clear his mouth of the piquant taste and wash his face. The door suddenly opened and Noin strode in, closing it behind him. "I see you are awake," he stated with a cheery smile. "I will get you a cloth for you to wipe your face." He disappeared into the bathroom and the sound of water could be heard. Zechs realised for some reason he was sitting on the bed again, staring intently at the bathroom door as if staring could make it transparent. The Arnian Prince appeared again, holding a towel in one hand which he handed to Zechs. With a half-hearted attempt he wiped his face, still feeling somewhat light-headed. He heard that angelic chuckle as the towel was picked up from his hands and pressed against his face, wiping it thoroughly. Losing his focus again, Zechs felt fingers sliding through his hair, followed by a brush that flowed through his smoothly. The knots in it were handled with extreme care to a point where not even he could feel them being straightened out.

"Noin?" he murmured in a dry croak. Zechs licked his lips and swallowed before speaking again in an almost timid whisper, "I like you." When he heard no reply he turned around and grasped the arm which held the brush. He looked up at the person, his vision showing two, no three heads. "I like you, I cannot help it but I really like you! No, I love you! Please accept my feelings." Suddenly his world turned black again.

"He has gone out again," Noin sighed as Zechs fell back against the bed, asleep. He placed the brush on the bedside table and pushed the young prince's platinum blond locks out of his face. Zechs' face was so serene and calm. Noin's fingers were about to trace his nose and lips when he thought better of it and released Zechs' hold on his arm with a bit of difficulty. Searching through his own possessions, Noin retrieved a small bottle of powder and walked over to the table. He selected a glass before unscrewing the lid to the bottle and sprinkling a bit of powder into it. Water filled the glass and Noin swirled it around to allow it to mix. Approaching his friend he gently placed the glass on the side and from his pocket pulled out a small container of smelling salts. He lifted Zechs' upper body into a sitting position, allowing his head to rest against his shoulder. The smelling salts woke him again and before he slept again, Noin instructed him to drink the solution, explaining as he did that although it could not cancel out the effects of the alcohol; it could make him slightly more sober. After a moment Zechs seemed to be awake again realising that his head was comfortably on someone's shoulder. Reluctantly he lifted his head off and looked at Noin who was sitting so close to him. "Noin," he muttered.

"Are you sure you are awake this time?" he asked in a voice that was so pleasant that it was almost teasing.

"Yes, yes I am. Thank you." He had fallen asleep again just right after he had woken up and Noin had helped him wash his face and brushed his hair and he had confirmed his love for him. Was that all a dream or was it reality? Judging from towel and brush near him he could comfortably say that that part was true, but he could not read from Noin's expression whether he had heard it or not. Maybe it was a dream, all a dream. Should he say it again? Tell him he liked him?

"I think breakfast will be ready soon, perhaps you should change into fresh clothes," Noin suggested as he went to rinse out the glass and towel.

Zechs regained his composure, except that the blush on his face was still there. Luckily Noin was busy and could not see. "I will. Thank you very much," he uttered as he headed towards the door. Just before he closed the door behind him, he whispered in a soft voice, "I love you Noin." He had not expected anyone to hear it and left without looking back for a reply.

As the door closed shut, Noin glanced down at his hands and smiled in what gave the impression as an ironic fashion, "I know."

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing is not the property of me. I repeat, Gundam Wing is not the property of me. Although I wouldn't mind taking ownership!