Chapter Six: Moonlit Confessions

Chapter Six: Moonlit Confessions

Naryn found Mrs. Laning waiting for her later when she returned to her room in the evening. She cocked her head to the side as the elderly woman pulled out a formal dress from the closet.

"What's this for," she asked.
"Mister Yuy is holding a dinner tonight to welcome the people newly arrived from Sierra 4. He asked that you wear this."
"Oh. All right then. I didn't get too many chances to dress up, so this should be fun."

She got ready quickly. Mrs. Laning couldn't believe it was the same young lady when she was finished. Her ribs were still taped underneath, but no one would ever know to look at her. She was beautiful, with her slender figure and graceful walk. Naryn headed downstairs to the verandah in the back of the mansion. Attendants opened the double doors and she was in awe. Party lights set the night aglow as an unusually warm breeze wafted through the air. She stepped into view and the guy couldn't believe their eyes either.

"Hey, she cleans up pretty nice, huh? I told ya," Duo smiled brightly as he elbowed Heero.
"Naryn is very beautiful," Wufei agreed.
"Well, go say hello, Heero! She's waiting," Quatre replied gently.

He said nothing to them as he left their company. Once she caught sight of him headed her way, her attention was for him alone. Duo laughed as he leaned against the railing behind him, watching the scene play out.

"Proud of yourself," Trowa asked dryly.
"Yeah, pretty much."
"Hello. We meet again," Heero said and kissed the back of her hand.
"Promise to leave me standing this time," Naryn teased back and he grinned.
"Yeah, I promise. Come see the guys."

He offered his arm which she gently placed her hand upon, not sure of the gesture. He showed her the right way, tucking her arm under his and wrapping her hand in front of his elbow. They headed back to the group, making a very attractive couple in their formalwear. Heero seemed a little nervous and Duo gave him a wink.

"Good evening, Naryn," Quatre greeted her.
"You look stunning," Wufei added softly with a bow, trying not to show that he was blushing slightly.
"Thank you. Its a nice evening for a party," she replied.
"Crazy weather! Perfect for dating, huh," Duo threw out and Trowa elbowed him again.
"Its great compared to the weather I'm used to. We had sandstorms at night and had to travel by tunnel."
"Bummer. No moonlight walks then?"
"We didn't have a moon either."
"What did a guy do to be romantic! Geez!"
"If you'll excuse us," Heero responded quickly before leading Naryn away. The other guys scowled at Duo.
"What! Just trying to help him in the right direction!"
"I don't think he needs much help. She's already quite taken with him," Quatre said.
"Lucky guy. He gets all the girls. Surprising too, with his deathwish tendencies and all."
"This from the God of Death."

Naryn wandered with Heero into the gardens down a torch-lit path. She seemed in awe of the beauty around her, but he was admiring her beauty in the meantime. She was soft and gentle, yet she also piloted a highly advanced machine. Could she be the best of both worlds for him?

"It really is wonderful here. I'm beginning to feel that I missed out by not being born here," she took a seat on a stone bench while he remained standing a few feet away.
"Yeah, but Sierra 4 made you the person you are today. Why change that?"
"Sounds like a man who knows from experience."
"I was born on the L1 colony to parents I'll never know, much like yourself. Our circumstances shape who we become."
"Did Doctor J teach you that too?"
"How much do you really know that you aren't telling?"
"That you were raised to be the perfect, unfeeling soldier by Doctor J. Thoughtless of your own actions, and life for that matter. As long as your mission is seen through. That's all Relena wrote."
"Relena, of course."
"She's a specter for you, isn't she?"
"She was very important, if that's what you mean?"
"I want to know if she'll let you love someone else, Heero."

He looked to her then and came over to sit alongside. Her blue eyes were so light and the breeze moved her short-cropped black hair when it passed. The moonlight made her skin a pale shade of silver so that she looked like an ivory statue. He woke from his musing to find her leaning in closer until her head was resting on his shoulder.

"Naryn, I..."
"Zechs told me you were a complete mystery; cold and emotionless. I don't think that's true at all though. I read something in your eyes, even in the simple picture that said otherwise. I think beneath that tough exterior beats a wounded heart that wants to love as much as to be loved in return. Question is, will you let it?"

He found his arms around her, holding her hesitantly. It did feel good when she brushed her cheek against his. She smelled wonderful, like flowers. Heero startled when her hand moved to his neck, her breath racing past his ear.

"I won't hurt you, Heero," she whispered.
"I know, but I'm afraid of..."
"Me?"
"No. Myself."

She gazed into his eyes then and they quavered with anticipation and nervousness. He reached a hand up to cradle the back of her head as he pulled her lips to his own. The kiss was passion-packed and heated, igniting an instant fire within. He gathered her up closer to his body as she slid her arms around his shoulders. Their lips parted to reveal a smile on her's. She brushed aside his wild, dark bangs to see his whole face, long fingers finding soft skin beneath.

"See. It wasn't so bad," she spoke softly.
"One step at a time," he replied with a sigh.
"I won't push you. I want you to come to me freely and unafraid. So I'll wait."

He nodded at that and Naryn felt like she should leave him, but he continued to hold her. Finally, she gave in and nestled there in his embrace, drowning in bliss. She licked her lips to taste what was there, a secret smile playing across them. Soon, he released her so they could return to the party and dine with the rest of the guests.