Engagement of Friendship

By, Mikia

Part 3: Sacrifices Must Be Made

Chapter 1

" Zechs, I wanted to tell you is that, Katsy isn't what you think she is. I know you may heard that a million times from the others, but what I'm trying to say is, I don't want you to marry her, choose me instead, please Zechs-"

Noin stopped and looked herself in the mirror and breathed out. She has been at least repeating the same thing 10 times per hour, but to her, it was pathetic.

" Noin, what are you thinking, you must be a fool to think that he'll listen to you," she mumbled and slapped her forehead.

" I'm such a stupid fool!" she screamed and fell backwards onto her bed and looked up onto the ceiling. Soon, she was lost in complete thought and fell asleep.

" Huh? Where am I?" she asked as she looked around.

" Noin."

" Heero? Is that you?"

" Noin."

"Quatre? Trowa? Duo! If that's you I'm gonna wring you neck!"

" Lucrezia Noin."

" …Wu- wu-Wufei?"

" Instructor Lucrezia Noin!"

Noin turned around to be face to face with a mask figure, or otherwise, Zechs Marquise. She looked at his cold blue eyes and her face became pure confusion.

" Zechs?"

" That's Lieutenant Zechs to you!"

" W-w-What?"

" You heard me, if you call me that again instructor I'll have you court-marshaled!"

Noin stepped back in fear in confusion. Surely this wasn't the real Zechs, but she hadn't realized it yet. So he wouldn't get angry, she decided to go along with this little " game."

" Yes sir?"

" I want you to meet someone."

" Sir?"

Noin watched as he stepped to the side and disappeared into the darkness. Then, a black figure rose up from the ground and stood about up to 15 feet tall. Then the figure started to shape-shift a bit, into it looked like Katsy.

" My name is Katsy Marquise-Peacecraft, it's not much of a pleasure to meet an under-ranked soldier."

Noins jaw dropped as Zechs came into view and started to laugh with the evil creature. Then he took something out of his jacket and pointed it at her. Noins eyes widened as he gave a cruel wicked smile, and fired.

Noin screamed as she flew upward nearly hitting her head on the ceiling.

" What kind of dream was that?" she yelled as she gasped for air. She stared at herself in the mirror for awhile and sighed and nearly jumped up again when there was a knock on the door.

" Uh-e-Come in!"

" Morning sunshine, just seeing if you wanted breakfast," the person said coming into view. It was Zechs. ' Better tell him now Lu before it's too late,' she thought and looked down at the ground shamefully.

" Do you love her?" Noin whispered looking up to meet his eyes. She knew it was hopeless once his eyes went from concerned, to a cold distant gaze.

" What?"

" What am I speaking Chinese or something? Do you love her?" Noin said nearly screaming out the words.

Zechs kept silent and tore his gaze from her. Noin waited for awhile for his answer but it never came.

" Then why are you marrying her!" Noin yelled getting up from her seated position.

More silence. ' Lucrezia Noin! Tell him now!"

" Zechs, she's going to kill you," Noin replied taking a step towards him.

Then it happened, he looked up his cold eyes burning in it's blue.

" I never expected to hear this crap from you Noin! First I have to hear it from Sally, then the others, now you? Some friend you are!" Zechs hollered pointing a blaming finger at her.

" Zechs, do you think I want to wake up in the morning and find out that you've been murdered? What kind of friend do you expect me to be? A lazy pig who doesn't care about anything?" Noin questioned coming face to face with him.

" I care about you," she whispered taking his hand into hers. But instead, Zechs pulled his hand away and slapped Noin hard across the face making her fall to the ground. She touched her cheek and looked up at Zechs, her lips quivering with anger and fear. Then, she started to cry. Sympathy didn't even come near Zechs as he walked away. Then, Noin suddenly rose to her feet and screamed after him.

" Fine! Marry that pig and die! See if I care! You'll surely regret it Milliardo Peacecraft! For you exchanged friendship, with a worthless engagement! I hate you!" Noin screamed slamming the door, hoping and fearing that he heard her.

Chapter 2

What was once the old Noin, died. She became sour and quiet, she didn't care for anything, and she didn't care about the purple mark on her cheek, where her so called best friend slapped her. The others knew it, and they knew whom to blame, and it made them mad. Noin once again fell into despair and depression and was heard crying in the bathroom and screaming his name. To Noin, Katsy was the pig, Zechs was the jerk-off, and she was the fool. More like the joker. Yeah, the joker of hearts. At times, Noin would try suicide, but either Sally, Heero, or Relena was there to stop her. It was depressing. Like, normal days, the group would spend time in the living room, and Noin was able to attend, thanks to Sally who nearly screamed her head off at Noin about the bruise and she should stop being anti-social. So little miss social butterfly, otherwise known as the queen formally known as Relena, couldn't help but ask.

" So, when is the wedding?"

" Can it Relena," Noin snapped back.

" Noin."

" I said shut up!"

" No! Go ahead brother."

" 2 days from now," Zechs answered giving a quick glance over to Noin.

" I'm going to bed, I can't take more of this," Noin replied angrily rising from her seat and going upstairs. No one dared to stop her. Soon, everyone else followed, except for Zechs.

" Zechs, aren't you going to come?" Heero questioned.

" Later, I need to do some research," Zechs answered moving towards the computer.

" Alright be sure to get some rest though," Heero advised entering his room and shutting the door. All was clear; Zechs immediately turned on the computer and clicked the Internet service icon. There, he typed in the search, New Oz, and there popped out a screen wanting a pass code. As a former Oz officer, he got in easily. Then, he saw it. On the first page of the web site, was a scanned picture of a group of soldiers. It was dated about 2 months ago, right when he met Katsy, and she was in the group. Zechs eyes watered as he exited out of the program and slouched over in his chair.

" Noin, I'm sorry, please forgive me, I'm such a fool," Zechs whispered as he started to cry. Then, he's crying ended. He heard a rumble, coming from the outside. Zechs looked up and raced to the window. He couldn't believe his eyes! There before him, were about 30 mobile suits heading for the house! His jaw dropped and his eyes filled with anger as he raced upstairs and kicked open Katsy's bedroom door. Sure enough there she was, holding a pair of binoculars talking through a walkie-talkie. She looked up and her eyes were filled with horror.

Chapter 3

" Eh-uh-Zechs honey, what are you doing up so late?" she asked innocently through grinded teeth.

" Sorry honey, I couldn't wait to see you," Zechs replied sarcastically.

" Well, here I am!" she yelled cheerfully.

" No."

" Huh?"

Zechs just walked up to her casually, picked her up, and threw her out the window. She landed on her behind to Zechs' pleasure.

" I meant I couldn't wait to see you out of this house," Zechs replied laughing like crazy.

" You-you-"

" Sorry cupcake, but, your just to " special " for me, plus, that perfume you wear, takes up 50% of the earth's oxygen! Go take a bath!" Zechs laughed and shut the window leaving behind a screaming Katsy outside.

" On to more important things," Zechs mumbled and raced back down stairs to the kitchen where the red alarm box was. He pulled the lever making the sound echo through the halls.

Noin, however, didn't take it well to the sudden screeching sound and screamed. She raced out of her bedroom, only in boxers, socks, and a tank top to the kitchen where Zechs was.

" What's wrong?" she screamed sliding on the tile on her socks.

" There's about 30 mobile suits heading this direction," Zechs informed trying not to laugh at Noins pajamas. But, he didn't get the chance to, because once he finished the sentence, Noin was out like a bullet.

" Noin! Get back here!" Zechs commanded racing after her. He finally caught up with her inside her hangar and grabbed her wrist pulling her to face him.

" What? Zechs!"

" Noin, let me fight, please, I don't want you to get hurt," Zechs replied his voice shaking.

" Zechs, all my life, I wanted you to be number one, but, right now, I want to prove to you, that I'm not second best. Please?" Noin whispered stroking his cheek with her other hand.

" Noin, I-"

" I'll come back, I'll come back to you," Noin whispered freeing her hand of his grasp and ran off heading for her faithful Taurus suit.

" Noin."

He watched her enter the cockpit and close it and he watched as the suit came to life. The ceiling hatch opened and he saw the boosters' fire and she was off at the speed of light.

" Milliardo!"

Surely enough, there was Relena and the others at the hangar doorway. The ran towards him with worried faces.

" Was that Noin?" Sally asked nearly screaming it out.

" Yeah."

" Why aren't you with her then?" Wufei demanded raising an angry fist in Zechs' face.

" She, wanted to prove that she isn't second best," Zechs replied shamefully putting his head downwards in despair. The others fell quiet and looked at one another. Then a crackle came from the main controls.

" G-g-Guys! I-t-It's me, Noin-n! I'm-m e-entering-g the-e bat-t-t-le z-zz-zone!" the voice cried.

" Noin!" Quatre yelled racing to the controls. He immediately lowered the static and sure enough, was Noins face. Quatre didn't have time to speak, because Zechs so happened to shove him out of the way.

" Noin! Get back here! You can't do this by yourself!" Zechs bellowed. Noin just smiled.

" No Zechs, if I need your help, I'll ask," Noin replied calmly. Then all of a sudden, she gasped, and the static returned followed by a scream on the other side.

" Noin!"

The static ended and there was Noin, slouched over to seem as if she was barely alive.

" I didn't expect them to be this strong, I've destroyed 5 of them, and I'm pretty much damaged, I guess I have one choice left," she replied.

" No! I'm coming Noin! Hang on, I'm on my way!" Zechs screamed as he rose from his slouched over position.

" Don't! It's a waste! There isn't enough time!" Noin screamed.

" I'll make it possible," Zechs replied sternly and ran down the steps to another Taurus suit.

" Zechs! You won't make it!" Duo shouted.

Zechs just ignored him. Time was holding him back, so was his heart. He felt a pressure in his legs and chest and felt like he was slowing down. Finally, reality caught up with him when he was on the battle zone, next to Noin. He immediately turned on the com-link between them and Noin looked terrible.

" Noin! You okay?" Zechs replied.

" Yeah, just a bit banged up, nothing that I can't handle. Now let's get to work!" Noin replied smiling.

So it started. Shots were exchanged but the inseparable pair ended up on the winning side.

" Zechs! We're going to make it!" Noin shouted happily as she fired more shots.

" Seems like it Noin," Zechs replied proudly.

Then, a sudden gasp escaped from Noins lips. Zechs looked at her questioningly and she pointed not so far away. His eyes widened to see, back up troops.

" Zechs! We don't have enough fire power left to destroy that many!" Noin shouted.

" We'll think of something Noin," Zechs replied reassuringly.

" Wait, I got an idea, let them get a bit closer, then we'll open fire. We'll have a better chance to destroy more then to waste shots when missing them in a distant," Noin advised and smiled as her partner nodded.

They waited for about 3 minutes when the mobile suits were in firing range. And the dynamic duo opened fire. They were able to destroy an estimated 10 mobile dolls, but there were many more left.

" Zechs, I don't think we could hold this up forever," Noin replied through gritted teeth.

" I know that Noin, but we have to try," Zechs replied back taking a hit from the behind.

Noin kept silent, and destroyed the mobile suit that dared to destroy the Lightening Count. Then, at a sudden reaction she flew off into the middle of the surrounding opposite forces.

" Noin! What are you doing?" Zechs shouted.

" Zechs, I admit, I was jealous."

" What?"

" Don't act stupid. I was jealous. That you would confine your feelings in her, and not me. I felt so worthless when I realized, I had no body to keep me warm at night, to kiss me when I'm sad, and to be with me for life. I thought I lost that. Zechs I-I-"

" Noin, why are you talking like this, what are you planning?"

Then he saw it. He watched Noin in the com-screen reach over somewhere to the side where he couldn't see. Then he saw her take out a small control with a red button on the top.

" Get out of here Zechs, I don't want you to get caught in the explosion."

" Lucrezia Noin! Why would you think I would leave your side? I'm not leaving!"

" Zechs, I've been meaning to tell you, but I never had the courage to say it."

" Noin?"

" Zechs, I-I-"

" Noin."

" I love you!"

Then she pressed the button. Zechs found his mental self fall backwards into darkness. Memories flooded his mind. Noin standing there in her mobile suit guarding Peacemillion, him nearly destroying his best friend, Noin battling with him during the Barton Foundation dictatorship, and her, the most understanding person he knew, was with him in outer space on a project. And now, he saw her faithful mobile suit, explode into oblivion.

Chapter 4

He tumbled out of the Taurus suit. But he felt like he was going to fall forever. He lost his best friend. He found himself crying his eyes out on the ground near the once Taurus suit which Noin, his best friend, was piloting. He cried and cried, to him he felt like a child who couldn't find their favorite toy, but he didn't care, he lost his friend, he lost his life. He looked up in time to see the others surrounding him. Relena was kneeling next to him, crying as well, while Heero, was not showing any emotion, but looking the rubble. Cathy, who had been crying on Trowa's shoulder looked up and stared at Heero.

" H-Heero, what are you doing?" Cathy questioned followed by a sniff.

" I'm looking for her," Heero replied non-emotionally.

" Heero! That's really rude!" Cathy scolded.

" Hold on a sec Cathy, try to be quiet," Sally replied calmly. And the group fell silent. Then they heard it. It was a quiet moaning coming from underneath the wreckage. The search was on. Every one of them was on their hands and knees' getting cuts and bruises from picking up scrap pieces of metal. Then a shout came from one of them. It was Dorothy.

" Guys! She's over here!" she cried pointing at a pacific spot in the rubble.

Surely enough, there was a hand, a lady's hand sticking out from underneath a huge slab of metal. Zechs was first on the scene trying to lift the metal, but he couldn't do it. So he got the gundam pilots to help them. After they got rid of it, there laid a pale, violet hair woman, lifeless. They watched her then a gasp came from Hilde.

" Oh my God, she's still breathing! Hurry up and get her to the house and call a doctor!" she ordered and watched her commands go to work.

It nearly took 2 hours for the doctor to operate on Noin. It was a 2 hours full of anger, confusion, and sadness. Zechs kept quiet staring into a wall, expecting for Noin to go through and tell him that she's okay. But it never came, but only instead, the news from the doctor.

" She broke her right leg, and 2 upper ribs, plus she had damage in the skull, but nothing serious that would traumatize her for life. But, I'm sorry to say; she's in a coma. The damage in the skull did some great damage to her brain, so it'll only be patience that bring her back," the doctor mournfully explained. Zechs' head dropped downwards as he began to cry.

" It would be best to try and talk to her tomorrow, hopefully, she won't slip away in the night, I'll be back in the morning to check on her, meanwhile, please get some rest, " the doctor advised and left. The others sighed and headed off to bed their heads downcast. Zechs followed after them hoping that morning would come soon.

Chapter 5

Morning did came and each person had their turn to visit Noin, except for Sally and Zechs, who were spending the morning talking to each other, sharing despairs, and comforting each other. Finally, it was Sally's turn and she entered the bedroom.

There was Noin, her eyes closed, pale, bandaged, and peaceful. Sally sat on the chair next to the bed and started to speak.

" Hey there girly, you look like crap. You did a brave thing last night. You saved us, you saved Zechs. You should be proud of yourself. You're a hero. But, the only explanation of why you survived that whole explosion is that, you've been hanging around Heero too much. It's pretty logical. You know, Zechs misses you, he wants you to wake up, and soon. Bless you Noin," Sally replied and patted Noins hand and rose from her seat. She opened the door and there was Zechs waiting for his turn. Sally smiled, and nodded and left, leaving Zechs with Noin.

He gently reached out his hands and took her lifeless one and cupped it gently. He slowly closed his eyes and pressed his lips against her fist and squeezed it tightly. The memories came back, and he cried. He faced the floor putting her hand on his forehead and cried enough to make stains on the bed sheets. Then he slowly prayed to God not to take this woman, this beautiful woman who lightened his life, the woman whom he devoutly l-.

' No, I won't do this. Not after how much I hurt her being with such a girl like Katsy. She would never accept. But, Noin was always the one to forgive and forget," he thought bringing his eyes up and to stare at the pale face of the raven woman.

" Noin, I'm so sorry," he cried the tears streaming down his face. " Please forgive me! How could I've been so selfish, to stare at another woman, when my true love was staring at me. Noin, I've been so reckless and foolish. But please! Wake up!" he shouted, letting go of her hand and resting his head on the edge of the bed, crying. The one and only Lightening Count had burned his mask of pride, and now, before a pure, unconscious, woman, he was pouring his heart out.

Then, the hand moved. It slowly lifted itself and landed on his head, stroking the silver strands. Zechs raised his head in shock and stared at her. Then her eyes opened! The beautiful violet eyes shimmering as if reflecting the moon, was staring at him.

" I've, been waiting so long for you to realize that, " she teased putting her hand on his cheek and stroking it gently. Zechs' jaw dropped and he cried happy tears.

" Noin I-"

" Ssshh, don't speak, I heard you, and I forgive you," she whispered and smiled.

" Noin, that wasn't what I was about to say," Zechs replied practically surprised.

" It wasn't? Heh, there must be something wrong with my head then," she joked laughing but stopped from the pain in her chest.

" Lucrezia Noin," Zechs whispered and leaned over further over the bed till his face was inches from Noins.

" Zechs?"

" Noin, I don't know what made me fall in love with Katsy, but it was a mistake. Because, the only person I love and want is-is-you. I love you Lucrezia Noin, and I don't know what I'd do without you, my dear best friend," Zechs admitted his heart becoming lighter as her eyes widened with happiness.

" Oh my God, oh Zechs, I've loved you for so long!" she cried and lifted her head to meet his lips with her own. When she pulled away, Zechs eyes were wide and he was grinning like mad. He laughed and pulled her up so she was in a sitting position and took a kneeling position on the floor, her left hand in his palm.

" Lucrezia Noin, my dear best friend and partner. No longer will I hide from you with a shadowed mask, but live up to a pure potential and dedication. Noin, this is no longer an engagement of friendship, but an engagement of pure love. I would take us to the moon and back if you would become my life, by marrying me," Zechs pronounced kissing her hand.

Noin couldn't speak. Her throat went dry and her eyes went soft. Then her lips began to move.

" Duh! Of course I'll marry you!" she screamed and embraced him.

" Whoo hoo!" a voice shouted coming from behind the door.

" What on earth?" she blinked looking at the door and looking at Zechs.

" Bloody Braided Maxwell!" Zechs hollered seeing a violet eye peeking from the crack in the door.

" Oops."

Then, in a slight motion the door opened and out tumbled everyone! Noin couldn't help but blush and hide her face with her pillow while Zechs started yelling at the group about how he never gets privacy and crap like that.

" So, are we going to have an actual wedding or what?" Sally exclaimed getting up.

" Noin?" Zechs replied turning the attention to his lovely new fiancé.

" Of course, and this time, it's going to be right," she announced pulling Zechs into another deep kiss, while the others whistled, shouted congratulations, and jumped in enthusiasm. And it was a kiss, which made them break an engagement of friendship, turning into an engagement of bonding.

Epilogue

Dear Relena,

Zechs and I just heard the wonderful news about the near arrival of your child. Course, my dear temperamental husband didn't take it so well when he found out who the father was, but I'm going to be keeping him busy once ours arrive. Yes, I will be having a child. I was a bit sad when you couldn't stay for the wedding, but let me inform you. Zechs took me home. He brought me back to Italy, my dear home, and decided it would be best for us to marry there. It was so beautiful. He found a wonderful cathedral near the ocean and we married beneath jasmine flowers. Zechs was wearing a white tuxedo while my wedding dress covered my feet with spaghetti-straps. It carried a shawl over my arms and my hair was decorated with beautiful lilies. Zechs said I looked like a child of flowers, but I'll leave that place to you and Quatre. The reception was wonderful, with a beautiful cake, but it was a bit spoiled when Duo put a Taurus and Tallgeese action figures on the top of it. I couldn't stop laughing and neither could Zechs. It was quite a sight! So I leave you the pictures of Zechs and me on the wedding day. One is of the cake, of course, while the other 5 are of Zechs and me taking the wedding picture. It was on a bridge where I was so called " walking down the aisle" and as you can see, I was barefoot. I found it very lovely the way it turned out. I'm finally happy and complete, and be sure to be expecting a nephew or a niece!

Love,

Lucrezia Noin-Peacecraft * your new sister-in-law! *

Milliardo Peacecraft * the so called " happiest man alive."

P.S. Be sure to be getting invitation for the following weddings:

Sally and Wufei * crazy huh? *

Hilde and Duo * God help us all! *

Dorothy and Quatre * didn't see that one coming *

Trowa and Cathy * now that's scary *

God bless you girly! And we can't wait to see the baby! Course, Zechs would want to give Heero a " lecture."

The End