| Opening her eyes, Noin saw a pajama pants clad Heero touching her face gently. �Wh-what?� she muttered and then came to her senses all at once. �Heero, what are you doing?� �I just wanted to see if you were alright, mistress Noin,� Heero said, letting his hand fall on the small space of couch next to her. Noin shook her head and sighed. �I�m fine Heero, just fine,� the young woman said and sat up. Heero still looked at her curiously from his cobalt blue eyes. �Why do you call me Heero, mistress Noin?� he asked, confused. �Oh man, now I�m probably going to have to explain to him who he really was and I don�t think he can comprehend it just yet,� Noin thought before taking a deep breath. �Well, that is your name,� she choose carefully and Heero�s look became even more puzzled. �I don�t have a name,� he said softly looking away and closing his eyes. Noin couldn�t resist and placed a comforting hand on Heero�s shoulder. �His skin is so soft and warm despite all the scars�� she thought but blinked to force that thought away. �Stop letting your hormones cloud your judgment, Noin.� �Everybody has a name Heero�Including you. Don�t you remember anything about your past?� The teenager shook his head. �I only remember a boy�I think his name was Duo,� Heero said, studying her face. �But every time I think about him, my heart hurts�then I can�t remember anymore.� Noin ran a hand through her shortly cropped hair and sighed. �Probably his best friend, or perhaps even more, who knows?� �I know, I feel that way about someone too,� she replied softly before she could stop herself. �But nothing can ever come from that.� �Why?� A simple question�so many answers. �Because he prefers men for partners rather than women,� Noin simply said and Heero nodded. �Do you prefer women to men?� he bluntly asked and Noin felt her face grow hot. �No�not to my knowledge� she said before shifting uncomfortably. �But other women like other women; it�s not unheard of.� �I know, it happened at the place back there all the time,� Heero said placidly as if he was talking about the weather. �Do you not find me attractive?� Noin blinked, taken by surprise. �Heero, you�re a very beautiful person-� she manage to stammer but Heero cut her off. �Then why won�t you let me do my job?� Noin was at a loss and it showed plainly on her small features. �Did you ever stop to think that he might like what he does? Maybe he gets some pleasure out of it. But then again, I don�t think so; he doesn�t seem the type.� �What is your job?� Noin asked, feeling like she was skating on thin ice. Heero�s eyes darkened and he took a deep breath. �Giving you anything you want,� he said simply but the OZ soldier raised an eyebrow. �You have, you�ve done everything that I�ve asked.� Heero crawled onto the couch next to Noin and folded his muscular legs under him. �But you haven�t asked that much of me.� Swallowing, Noin looked at the former Gundam pilot sitting next to her. �Because I don�t need that much�I�m used to being alone, self sufficient,� she said, a touch of sadness in her voice. �Ever think of settling down, Noin?� she thought ruefully. �The military has ruled your life; what about what you want for a change?� �No one can be alone forever,� Heero said, still considering his new �owner�. �Yes, that�s true,� Noin replied and slipped into silence. The younger of the two broke the tension by asking, �Mistress Noin?� �Yes?� �Were you one of us? I mean I know it might be impossible for someone like you to be a slave but-� Heero stopped his self and looked at the floor. �I�m sorry for stepping out of line again, mistress.� Noin extended a hand to him gently. �I�ve told you; talk when you feel like it. Now why would it be impossible for me to be a slave?� The confused teen looked Noin in the eye and considered for a moment. �Because you are well off�you have a home, a job, and there�s a slave code: If you�re freed, you never own a slave your self.� Noin closed her eyes, remembering that code with a sickening feeling. �Yes, that�s true. But I was a slave and I didn�t buy you for my own entertainment,� she said softly before taking a deep breath. �Do you want to hear my story?� �Yes. Yes I do.� Next |