Never Again 7

Distressed azure eyes were still locked on the closed doors as Noin came to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder. The rest of his face was as calm and warm as always, but his eyes displayed a sort of frustrated pain that nothing else could echo.

"Zechs? Zechs, what--"

"I'm not sure, Noin," Zechs answered, cutting her off. He knew very well what had just happened, though. It had simply been too much, for him, too fast, a shock. Damn. I just wasn't expecting him to… He'd already resolved in his own mind that Treize would be hard to approach, and the fact that Treize had approached him… Not only approached him, but kissed him quiet literally senseless. I can taste blood. He must have opened the cut on his lip… His mind went into a flurry. "I'll see you at the banquet, Noin. I need to talk with him." Carefully, Zechs pushed past her, walking the same path Treize had taken scarcely moments before.

Noin watched him leave, and then cast her eyes over the rest of the organization. There'll be no more dancing tonight. They're got a new piece of juicy gossip to worry at, she thought, looking for Une. 'Talking' with a few noblewomen, looking as if she had been pulled into their viscous, cyclic conversations.

"…He was such a nice young lad, but I always expected something like this to happen…"

"…you expect, with him being so self-possessed? I'm amazed it hasn't come to the fore before…"

"…Gladys, just take a look at him. It has to be a phase. He's too handsome to…"

"…heard he did the same thing to a lieutenant a month back…"

Oh, yes. Une had been in her own personal hell all evening to start with, and then to be surrounded… I suppose I'll bail her out…

She appeared at Une's side, smiling and interrupting the gossips. "Excuse me, ladies, but I have to speak with Lady Une alone. Military matter."

There was a small wave of 'oh, of courses' and the gossips pulled away to find their next victim.

Une turned to Noin, the smile on her face one of relief, and she managed to say "Do you know what's going on?!"

Noin nodded. "It was a joke, I think. Treize… apparently didn't at all like what you did to him." Une nodded, hand absently going up to her mouth -- the bruise Treize's punch left had been skillfully covered with makeup, but still faintly visible. "He'll probably be fine in a few days, I'd bet."

Une nodded again, not as sure of that as Noin was. With Treize, it normally took another more powerful event to displace resentment. Of course, he'd never admit to feeling anger, but it happened. "Was Zechs in on it?"

For a moment, Noin took pause. She would have liked to say 'yes' to Une's question, however… The shock on Zechs' face had been genuine, that was for sure. "No. Lord Treize probably didn't want there to be a chance of things going wrong." And it certainly does seem like some precaution he'd take -- his plans staying a secret until they were too late to be stopped. But why do I think this was more spur of the moment than usual? Maybe it was that he seemed… Irresolute. "Well… there'll be a chance to talk to him at the banquet. Zechs went to find him."

Une nodded, and began to walk away.

Noin made her way to one of her other suitors. The man smiled brightly when he saw her coming toward him.

Why do I think I'm missing something?

~~~~

The hall was dimly lit, unprepared for habitation that evening. Zechs hadn't had the slightest idea of how he was going to find Treize until he heard the sound -- music, piano, playing softly, the melody slow and disheartening.

Slowly, he pushed the door to the room open; it was a drawing room. Treize was sitting on the piano's bench, concentrating wholly on the keys beneath his fingers. A frown lingered on his aquiline face, and he grimaced every time his bandaged hand mistruck a key. The white glove which he had pulled over it was thin enough for Zechs to see the lines of the wrappings that covered the gash.

For what could have been minutes, Zechs stood in the doorway between the dim hallway and the warmly lit parlor, entranced by the sound. The music seemed so much more fitting for Treize than what had been played at the concert. Refined, enrapturing, beautiful… Zechs was no longer sure if he described the man or the music -- both blended together so well that it was impossible to tell. Carefully, he turned a bit to close the door; the click it made when the frame latched was too loud. Treize stopped playing abruptly, broken from his trance-like state. He didn't look up, able to easily guess who it was that chose to disturb him.

I see, Treize mused, taking his hands from their positions over the keys. He wanted privacy to berate me in. Well, I must give my friend points for tact. He began to pull the teak cover over the well worn ivory. No need for blood on the keys… With that thought, expressions still icy, he prepared himself for the expected blow to his face -- It is the least I deserve for what I have done. Anyone else would have hit me right there, in the ballroom, in front of everyone. But it isn't like I'm not being mocked right now. He mentally grimaced. And I've never been well liked by those jealous of my position. They'll just take this as a way to knock me down a notch in the minds of others…

The violet-blue eyes betrayed none of the anger that Treize had been expecting. "No," Zechs started, sitting on the edge of the bench, facing the older man. "Don't. Please, if it doesn't hurt your hand too much, do continue. You play beautifully." Zechs voice was soothing to Treize's ears, the sudden nearness reassuring to his apprehensive subconscious.

If he wants me to play, I will do so. It is… the least which I can do for him. The cover was tucked back into the large instrument, and after stretching his fingers he began to play the piece from the beginning.

As Treize allowed himself to become lost in the mournful melody, the mistrikes came less and less. The forepart of his mind was wholly concentrating on the distractingly complicated piece. And in the back of his mind, he noticed that Zechs was sitting close at his side, but not so close as to interfere with his playing. Considerate. Very ironic.

Zechs watched as the heavy lidded sapphire eyes lost focus. For the first time all evening, he studied Treize's face. The cut Une had left that ran from eye to ear had a few butterflies covering it. Aside from that, Zechs noted with some relief, he's left the other cuts I can see open. That's good. Really doesn't look too bad… A week or two and it won't be possible to tell it ever happened.

The first few stanzas of melody was quiet sombre; the way the music told a story all its own was intoxicating to him. Time lost all purpose, as the music caught Zechs in its sway. Finally he dragged himself from the music's pull, remembering one of the reasons why he had asked Treize to keep playing -- as a way to buy time to think. Gods… He's convinced himself that I have no interest in him; that he's ruined our friendship. Dammit. There's no way to get him to believe me. Anything I say, he'll take as me patronising him… but there has to be something… Now that Zechs was absolutely sure of Treize's feelings toward him, he wasn't going to give up easily.

He kept his eyes trained on Treize's face, searching for any emotion. It's frightening how he can file away what he's feeling… He's better at it than I am. At least I do it to protect others… He… I can't see the sense to it. There was a wince, very slight and quickly hidden, but Zechs could tell what it was -- and why. He captured Treize's left hand lightly within his right. Treize came once more out of the haze of music that he had created, and looked at Zechs heavily, icy blue eyes muted and unthawed. "Treize," Zechs murmured, turning the hand palm up within his own, thumb stroking over the white material. "There is no need for this to continue."

The statement was simple -- even if it did skirt the topic -- and punctuated with the enfolding of Treize within Zechs' arms. Movements achingly slow, so as not to catch Treize off-guard like Treize had startled Zechs earlier, he captured the older man's mouth in his own.

For a long moment, it was a battle; mouth against mouth, tongue against tongue, heat and flavour and…

Treize jerked back abruptly, breaking the kiss; but his body still remained within Zechs' grasp, his forehead resting against Zechs' as he pulled himself under control. Out of reflex, Zechs reached up a hand and tenderly brushed the few specks of blood off Treize's lower lip; Treize hissed, tone somewhat of a warning, but didn't stop him.

"There is no need for you to sacrifice your virtue because of my daft impulse, Zechs. Pretend the ballroom never happened. Your friendship is enough for me; you need not pretend that you feel otherwise to me, simply for my sake," Treize said, voice weary, that of a man resigned. He gracefully pulled free of Zechs' hold, raising to his feet. A moment's thought, and he extended a gloved hand to Zechs. "The banquet is starting soon, Mirialdo."

A small sigh escaped him as they left the room, Zechs flanking Treize out of habit. "This is going to be a banquet from the depths of hell."

~~~~

'Dinner' -- that was what the meal was called, though it was extremely late when it started -- had been going on for at least an hour. And part of Treize's opening toast still rang clearly in Zechs' ears.

"There are two truths I am sure of: Great men do not have interesting love lives, because they are too busy doing other things, and that pranks come shrouded in the strangest appearances."

There had been laughter among the nobles, as if this were an explanation for Treize's actions earlier. Indeed, it sounded like it was, and the flying slander quieted. But Zechs knew how Treize felt, and the words stung; all he needed was a way to assure his superior officer that the feelings were truly shared. Then they could both stop suffering… right?

He took a small sip off his wineglass, watching Treize over the gold edged rim. Why does today feel like it's been going on for weeks?

Treize was painfully aware of Zechs' intense violet-blue eyes on him. He was also painfully aware of the poor quality of both the liquor and the other company at the table.

Why cannot they get better alcohol for these gatherings? It's going to take me forever to get drunk at this rate… A saddening sigh escaped him, and he drained his wineglass with an easy flick of his wrist.

Another thing he was painfully aware of -- the looks he was getting from the others. They _knew_ it wasn't wine he was drinking from that delicate crystal glass; not wine that he was drinking like water, with a grim resolve. Pathetic. Utterly pathetic. Why am I ignoring my gut feelings that he wants me as much as I want him? Am I afraid? Fear was alien to him. Not that he was perfect but… Normal things people worry about -- death, pain… I don't. So why am I afraid of losing him? He shouldn't have this much control over me. No one should. I may do something stupid someday concerning him. Something else worried at his mind.

"Sir…" came Zechs' voice, quiet and concerned, which amused Treize to no end. "Why are you drin--"

"I deemed it appropriate," Treize interrupted curtly, before Zechs could even finish his question. It stung that anyone cared that so for his health. But at least his question discontinued Une's banter. I think she has finally realized that I haven't listened a thing she's said all evening. Not a sound came from the woman who sat at his left.

It took a concentrated effort to ignore the disappointed look in Zechs' eyes as one of the circulating servants poured another glass for him. Eighth one, and I'm not even slightly fazed. The burning in his throat was the only testament to Treize that he was still alive. I don't feel alive. Soul dead… heart… Body still ticking. Pleasant.

Looking nearly disgusted at Treize's unwavering determination to drink himself into oblivion, the servant left the bottle of scotch on the table. Treize smirked slightly, ignoring the glances he was receiving from the other guests, and went back to his musings, eyes closing. Now he didn't have to see how he was frustrating his only friend. If he even wishes to remain my friend. I was right. This has indeed been the evening from hell.

"Sir…" He caught Noin's concerned whisper from Zechs' right side. "Do you want us to cover for you so you can leave?"

His eyes flickered open briefly, and he managed a weak -- but sincere -- smile of gratitude in her direction. "No, I am fine," was the placating response. "And this will be over soon, at any rate."

Noin thinned her lips, and pulled Zechs back into conversation. Treize watched, seeing how comfortable with each other the two were, Noin's presence nearly pulling Zechs from his shield. Is that a twinge of envy, Treize? A moment to find the answer. Yes. We're friends, but… never that comfortable in public. We both have a façade to maintain -- so hard to deter from that set manner…

Gott, why do these banquets always go awry? he asked himself, stretching his long legs out in front of him. Always feel suffocated, or cramped… Something brushed against his right leg, and he darted a glance to Zechs, tracking the movement. Warm… strong… is that his hand on my leg?

"Sir," Zechs said, breaking Treize from his speculations. I'm glad the table is smaller than normal so we have to sit closer… "I think that you've had enough to drink for one evening."

Setting his glass down, Treize nodded mutely. I think I have too… He subtly dropped his right hand beneath the table.

Zechs felt the slim hand settle over his own -- which was resting on Treize's knee -- as if testing to see that he was real. Sapphire eyes caught his, and Zechs nodded slightly, the gesture unnoticeable to anyone but them. Suddenly, the rate at which people were pulled into conversations was a god send, since everyone else was engaged in other things; the slight gestures that passed between the two men, in their attempt to communicate a somewhat convoluted plan, went unnoticed.

Treize's brows drew together briefly, but the crease on his forehead disappeared when Zechs tentatively feathered a touch across his lap. Then as Treize inhaled sharply, the hand returned the rest within Treize's. Treize was clearing his throat slightly as he pulled a bit away from Zechs, and the captain respectfully took back his hand.

Gott… I hope this goes right… "If all of you would excuse me, there is a serious matter to be attended to," --More serious than you can imagine-- "one which I can not longer put to the way side." Unless I wish to go stark raving mad. "So, I will bid all of you a good evening." Cheerfully, at that. But even through his thoughts, he managed to keep his tone and demeanor slightly apologetic, but amused. In a fluid motion, he rose to his feet, and pushed the chair under the table.

"Do you need my help, sir?" Lady Une asked. "If it involves paperwork, I'm always happy to help…"

Treize sighed. No matter how much the look on your face would be worth… "No, I do not think you would be willing to deal with this," he murmured, eyes catching Zechs' briefly. The general seemed to be about to say something to his subordinate officer, but he simply turned on his heel and left the hall.

Zechs followed Treize's movements with heated eyes, trying to not look suspicious when Noin suggested he follow.

"He looks a little unsteady… I think the alcohol is affecting his worse than he wants to let on," Noin whispered.

Zechs nodded, pushing down his elation. "I'll go after him." He noted Noin's disappointment, and before he really thought. "Look, Noin… After the banquet, come up to my apartment. I think we need to talk."

Noin watched Zechs leave, smiling broadly.

Got him.

~~~~

The only thing that had gotten communicated very well was their mutual feelings. Where they were to meet had been a little hard to define. However, Zechs found that Treize wasn't so hard to find; at the last banquet Treize had fled, Zechs had found him out on the balconies. Of course, then Zechs had been concerned, and asked Treize why he was out there.

~"Why ask why, Mirialdo? It is… peaceful out here. Moreso than in there." A small grin.

"Just look to the clear sky, bright stars, the gardens…" A slight shrug. "It is perfect…"~

The memory was fond to Zechs. That's where he'll be.

He found Treize at the far end of the large balconies, around a corner and well away from the doors and windows; there was a niche in the wall near where he stood, a large stone bench beside him. The high railing was also masonry, and Treize leaned heavily on it, looking out onto the darkened compound lawns. The autumn wind played gently through his golden brown locks, still cold but light. A small sigh -- not one of discontent -- reached Zechs' ears, and he watched Treize push a hand back through his hair.

"Sir," Zechs said, trying hard to not startle the older man.

Treize turned slightly, nodded, and went back to looking outward. "I heard you approaching." A pause. "Please, Mirialdo, do not call me 'sir' when there is no need for you to do so," came the cultured tenor, so quiet that Zechs wouldn't have heard it if he wasn't so familiar with Treize's voice.

Zechs paced a bit closer, studying Treize's mien. There was a weary bleakness in the aquiline features, cool eyes barely focused. Another weak sigh escaped Treize, and he began to speak, voice sounding as if he were still unsure of his actions. "I'm glad to see that one message to pass between us did so without being misinterpreted."

Quickly, Zechs closed the space between them, standing beside Treize with a hand on his shoulder. "Treize… At the banquet… Did you mean what you said before the toast?"

"I spoke two truths," Treize said, straightening both back and jacket, smoothing out any creases that may have formed. "Never did I say they applied to me. I am not a great man, and neither do I delight in such pranks."

Before Zechs could speak, the other continued, "I'm sorry about all this. It is just that… between my dreams, your gloves, the note, before the concert… And then when you froze… I've been getting the most contrasting signals from you, Mirialdo."

Zechs' grip on that muscled shoulder tightened, and he turned Treize around. "I did not mean to confuse you. What I said -- did -- in the drawing room is what I meant." Treize raised a golden brow, a slightly pleased smirk hovering at the edges of his lips. "I would like to try again…" came the soft murmur, while he leaned toward Treize.

Treize's eyes didn't move from Zechs' as he was pushed back down onto the stone bench, hands held above his head, fingers intertwined with Treize's. He was straining a little but it was really a matter of a façade for the sake of his pride; the corners of his lips were steadily twitching upward into a pleased smile.

"This may be the first game of 'mercy' I've ever lost," Treize mused aloud, voice suddenly thick and hard to find. "What will happen when I lose?"

Smiling sharply, Zechs put his full strength into the game; Treize found his back pressed flat onto the bench. "Well," Zechs husked, breath warm against Treize's cheek. "We'll find out now, won't we?" He levered himself back, still keeping the gloved hands pinned to the stone, but not uncomfortably so. "Now, to clarify -- I have no interest in Noin; only you."

"Ah," Treize managed to say, frustrated by the fact that Zechs had moved too far away to make any sort of contact. He licked suddenly dry lips. Well, that's cleared up. Now, if only he would let me do something… A predatory gleam entered Zechs' darkened eyes as he watched the strangely self-conscious gesture.

Slowly, Zechs bent down and captured the velvet mouth in his. Soft lips parted, followed by a mutual groan as their mouths molded, tongues moving together in slow luxurious strokes. Delicious sensations assailed and overwhelmed Zechs, causing his mind to shut down to a pleasant buzz.

A pleasant buzz that chose to ignore Treize's futile attempts to free his hands from where they were pinned. Their fingers were interlocked so tightly that all feeling had fled Zechs' hands, but he couldn't let go -- not after waiting so long.

Finally, Treize broke away, jerking his head to the side. Why… Did I… Maybe I hurt his lip… Zechs' mind trailed off as the sound of harsh breathing reached his ears; it took a moment to register that it was coming from both of them. Breathing. Yes, air is good. Dying now would be very inconvenient, he thought, then startled when Treize surged up against his grasp, initiating the next kiss.

Zechs was not about to protest.

~~~~

The banquet was starting to break up, and a few dignitaries showed an interest in speaking with the General. However, neither he, nor his second in command, could be found. Lady Une stalled while Noin went to find either of them.

~~~~

Zechs was carefully controlling the muscles of his face, trying his best to keep the insuppressible maniacal grin low key as he looked up at the General.

If only he looked so happy more often. Truly happy, instead of simply putting on airs. The expression held in the warm eyes was gentle, and he seemed lost in his thoughts; one ungloved hand played through long strands of platinum silk, while the other rested palm down on Zechs' tuxedo jacket, over where his heart would be.

Stroking a hand up the smoothly muscled back of his superior officer, Zechs sighed contentedly. In the process of opening Treize's jacket he'd broken quiet a few clasps, but the slight damage done to the dress uniform was worth the effort. Smooth, silk coated iron… Zechs mussed, feeling the muscles. Treize didn't make an effort to build his form like some of the officers -- it simply came from fencing practice and fighting -- but it would have been hard to convince anyone who didn't know him of that. The tone was natural and sleek, like that of a dancer or an athlete. It's so good to be able to touch without worrying.

A slight smirk came onto his face as he realized how strange they must look. The Great General Treize Khushrenada, out on the balconies, resting on a stone bench, legs haphazardly stretched out in front of him with the head and upper torso of his second-in-command resting in his lap; the rest of Zechs was stretched out on the bench, one arm behind Treize's back, the other trailing down a long leg.

After a moment of musing, Zechs reached his left hand forward and stroking it down the well defined abdomen. Beneath his hand he felt Treize's sharply drawn breath. "Gods, Treize. You're tense…"

Treize chuckled slightly, sagging back against the stone railing that was at his back. "Tense. Yes, I suppose I am… Just waiting for someone to come out here and ruin this perfect moment."

"Do you want to leave?" Zechs questioned, starting to sit up.

A shake of the head, and Treize's hand insistently pushing him back down answered the inquiry. "We'll have to pass through the banquet halls. And I'll be nabbed by someone painfully boring. And then I'll likely have to explain why my jacket needs to be fixed." There a small chuckle after that, and Zechs smiled, realizing that Treize seemed to be trying to tease him. "Simply a little while longer, Mirialdo… this is… enjoyable." He felt his subordinate officer's grasp shift, and…

Not expecting that, Treize thought, taking in his new surroundings. To his right, the bench; left, the wall of the niche; straight ahead the darkened night sky and Zechs' grinning face. Flat on my back on the ground. Wonderful.

"How--"

Zechs removed the hand that was cushioning the back of Treize's head and slid it down along the side of his face. "If you weren't so tense, I wouldn't have been able to do that." He stroked a thumb briefly over the young officer's cheek, before moving his hand down. An enchanting touch… Treize mused, closing his eyes. It took so much control to not arch into the warm hands, to simply stay still. "I think you've undone all my hard work from earlier, Treize…" A shudder ran through the General, but whether it was the touch at the side of his neck or the way his friend said his name, Treize couldn't tell. Thought was beyond his grasp as the tightness in his neck began to unwind beneath Zechs' hands. Then the movement was abandoned, and Treize moaned softly. So good… "I'll go back to that later, I promise…"

A slight smile overtook the face of the blonde man. No one would ever believe that the supposedly cold, cruel and mocking officer could be so… Approachable. Any contact is almost too much for him… It was pretty amusing to see Treize arching into the small touches that were pressed to his smooth skin. Zechs frowned as he studied the bandages that marred the lean torso. No one else will ever touch him again… not now that he's mine… Slowly, he lowered himself, pressing a kiss to the noble brow before sliding the caress along the sharp line of the older man's jaw.

Control was quickly fleeing Treize; he was accustomed to pleasure, but not being on the receiving end of so much. I just want… But I… the barely coherent thoughts stopped as he managed to move his arms from where Zechs had them pinned.

Something was pressing hard against Zechs' chest. Insistent, accompanied by ragged breaths. "Treize?" The confusion in his voice was evident, as he looked down at Treize. "What's wrong?" Doesn't seem to be anything…

"Mirialdo, I… You're not letting me…" Zechs wondered why Treize was having such a hard time finding words. The lazy eyes closed briefly as the officer regathered himself. "Please friend, this is new to me. Let me learn." There. I said it. A slight flush of discomfiture rose into the aquiline features.

"You're cute when you're embarrassed," Zechs murmured, unable to suppress the relief from his expression. "Doesn't happen often, sir." With his reputation, I wouldn't expect… He's not experienced in this…! A rush of joy hit Zechs in the knowledge that he would be able to -- for once -- be more experienced in something than his superior officer. They'd always been equals in all but rank, however… Just once, I'm better than him in something. But no gloating. He relaxed his grip on Treize's shoulders and dropped over to lounge at his side. "Here," he said while tugging the other man over him with gentle insistence. "You set the pace."

A appreciative look crossed Treize's face briefly and he settled over Zechs' waist. Smiling, he pushed open the tuxedo jacket and began to undo the white shirt that lay beneath it. Small buttons were undone with an almost ceremonial reverence, causing Zechs to feel almost a little sheepish for the damage he had done to Treize's clothes.

Well, almost.

After noting the heated look in Treize's heavy-lidded eyes, Zechs let his own fall shut. How can he look so attractive doing something so simple…? came the disjointed thought. It was impossible to tell if the times long fingers skimmed his chest were accidental or not, but Zechs had a gut feeling they weren't. Cool air met his neck, then upper chest and stomach. The only noises on the balconies were the small noises of encouragement Zechs was making while Treize explored his torso. Oh gods… that feels… A thin moan escaped him, and he arched up to the touch.

Lifting his mouth from the hard nub of flesh that tasted so delicious to him, Treize chuckled softly. "Good?" he asked, answering the thoughts his friend hadn't known he'd spoken aloud. Slowly, he slid down the powerful body beneath him, hands caressing the taut muscles. Not deserving of a pedestal… A shrine perhaps, but not a pedestal… It would be heresy for one such as this to be so disgraced… Perfection… Sexy, too… Oh, if Lady Une could see inside my mind right now she'd pass out…

There were mutual sounds of surprise when their groins ground together. Zechs pushed up against the delicious pressure, hands slipping down to pulled Treize closer, grasping his hips. A thin groan escaped the general, and he ground down harder. Gott this feels good… What had started out as restful quickly turned aggressive, a battle of sorts, the movements of both desperate in their want.

Zechs felt trembling hands stroking his chest as he reached completion. He arched up against his superior officer's body, Treize's name heavy in the cool autumn air.

~~~~

Noin tilted her head to one side as she opened the doors that led onto the balconies, straining to hear.

Sounds like someone fighting… She closed the door behind her, wrapping the jacket that matched her dress tighter around her frame. But which direction? The balconies went two ways and she knew it'd be a pain to search the full stretch, but…

The guard said he saw Zechs come out here… Well, I'll just find him, then Lord Treize, and then go back…

~~~~

Zechs sighed as the after shocks tingled through his body, and he spared a moment of regret for his ruined tuxedo pants. He forced his eyes to open, looking up at Treize. The general was still sitting astride Zechs' hips, head thrown back, eyes closed tightly, his hands pressed against the broad chest below him.

"Sir?" Zechs whispered, voice thick, concern evident while he pulled his friend down into his arms. Treize buried his face against his friend's neck, going limp against his new lover. "Are you all right?"

Treize sighed, nuzzling the cords of muscle. "Haven't felt better in years, friend…" He trailed off, the moniker sounding odd at that moment. But he didn't have a chance to come up with anything else.

"Zechs? Lord Treize? Are either of you out here?"

Noin, Treize noted sourly. All I want to do is just lie here with him, and I can't even do that without someone interrupting… As soon as the war is over, I'm retiring, receding from the spotlight, and living on one of my private estates… no interruptions there…

Zechs arms tightened around him briefly, then he released the young officer, rising to his feet. With unsteady hands, he began to button up his shirt and jacket; Treize started doing the same, but Zechs gestured for him to stop, as they heard Noin approaching closer.

~~~~

Noin startled when Zechs stepped out of the darkness of the niche, looking more than a little disheveled. She'd heard the noises, but didn't think there was a possibility of two lovers being out on the balconies. Though, it was a beautiful evening, and she had wanted to drag Zechs out there, she hadn't expected to find lovers… And certainly not Zechs.

But it was unmistakable. From his azure eyes, which had darkened to violet, to his clothes and the expression on his face, there was no way Noin could deny what Zechs had been doing out here. Probably right up until she came out there.

"Zechs…" Gods, what do I say to him? 'I didn't mean to find out you're involved with someone' or 'Who is it? Who do I kill?' "I've come to get you and the General. Do you know where he is?"

"I'll… bring him. I know where he is," Zechs managed to say, taking in the anger on Noin's face. "Noin… I… I can explain, please…"

"I don't want to know the name of the bitch you were with. You want a one night stand, fine, have it," she hissed, turning away. I want to just kill that woman… But she managed to stay that urge, walking calmly away.

"Noin, wait! You don't understand…"

"I think I understand well enough, Zechs. Good evening."

"Noin, please…" She stopped walking and turned finally. "After the banquet, come up to my apartments. I'll explain there. It isn't what you think…"

She sighed, nodding. Why do I even bother? But maybe he does have an excuse… A walking hormone, that's the only excuse he has…