Written by: KLMeri
She flew down the stairs and into the underground garage. Noin leaned against the cold, concrete wall for support. She drew in long, ragged breaths as she tried to wipe her tear-stained face. She brought her right hand away from her, and held it there. Noin stared at it. I...I hit him. She clenched and unclenched her hand in an attempt to stop the stinging sensation from spreading. Slowly sliding downwards, Noin pressed her back roughly into the wall, and bringing her knees to her chest, she huddled there.
Time passed by unnoticed. Noin calmed herself down, pretending she was being comforted by her mother. She closed her eyes and imagined that she was leaning into her mother's soft arms. They gently wrapped around her shoulders and pulled her closer. She could almost hear a soothing voice whispering in her ear, telling her that it was okay. The sound lulled Noin into a quiet sleep.
Zechs couldn't stop thinking about Noin, worrying about her. He
scolded himself for being so harsh. It's my fault. I shouldn't have yelled at her. He did not know why he had yelled at her. Zechs had never done it before. He rubbed his neck irritability. She was going to leave me. She was going to get in the elevator and walk away. Why would she do that? I need her.
He made a decision. Zechs quickly took a look around. The doctor
had left. He strode to the stairwell door, but stopped in front of it. Should I? He straightened his back,and pushed the door open. He carefully put his foot on the top step, and did not pull it away. Well, there is no turning back. Zechs made his way down the stairs.
He came to a halt in front of the level two door. He wondered how far she had run. Zechs shook his head. Noin probably passed this place. His heart hurt at the image of Noin crying. I made her cry. If he had his gun with him, he would shoot himself, but Zechs needed to find Noin first. She is more important than I am.
The doctor looked down the hall in confusion. He was here a minute ago. That man is going to ruin me! He sighed, and turned back towards
the chattering nurse. "Excuse me. I must be going."
She stopped and looked at him. "Alright, Doctor." She gave him her cheerest smile.
The side of his mouth twitched in irritation. The doctor nodded and quickly left towards his office. He slammed the door shut behind him, and locked it. He rubbed his head and thought, I need to transfer. This place is driving me insane!
Zechs reached the door that had "Garage" painted on it in huge, black letters. He sighed. She must be here. He extended his hand and grasped the doorknob, but paused. Maybe...maybe the doctor was right. She might run away again. He gripped the knob tighter in response. Noin. Zechs turned it and pushed open the door.
He stood looking down on the outline of a human figure. It was curled up against the concrete. He took a step forward in hesitation. It did not stir. Zechs grew concerned, and hurriedly closed the distance. He kneeled down quietly at her side and studied her. She's asleep.
He thought for a moment, brushing aside her bangs to get a better look at her face. She looks so peaceful, he thought. Like there has never been a war. He felt a longing in his soul. It wanted to be just like her expression. To wipe away all the memories and start over.
Zechs gently slipped his arms around her body. She stirred and murmered something barely inaudible, but remained in her dreams...as if they were too pleasant to give up. He picked her up, and carried her still form out of the garage.
She shifted, feeling something silky brush against her skin. Her fingers explored further to find she was enveloped in a feathery covering. She sighed in pleasure and slowly opened her eyes. Sunlight met Noin, streaming in from a nearby window. She lay there, basking in its glow. Noin etched this peaceful moment into her memory forever.
Zechs stood in the far corner of the room, masked by the darkness. It had always been his sanctuary. He had not left the room all night. Watching
Noin sleep, he took in every detail of her face, her body. This
was something he never wanted to forget. Whenever he started to think, she would stir and his heart would jump.
This was his angel, his savior. She kept him from going insane. And she forgave him for his sins. Does Noin know how much she means to me? he asked the rising sun.
Noin knew where she was. The feeling of the air, his scent on the pillows
were all so familiar. Zechs is in here too, she thought. She always could tell of his presence because a wonderful feeling grew inside her. It felt like a fine mist, but warm and comforting. And it radiated in a way only matched by the sun.
She rested a hand
on her stomach, letting the heat soak through her skin. Well...here goes nothing. "Zechs," she called out.
He was by her side in a instant. Zechs carefully lowered himself onto the edge of bed. "How are you feeling?" he asked with genuine concern in his voice.
Has he forgotten? She felt a light tingle in the palm of her hand. "Zechs, I...I didn't mean...to hurt you."
He frowned slightly. "Hurt me? You have not hurt...Oh." It struck
him. Instinctively, he raised a hand to his cheek, but quickly lowered it at the look of shame and guilt on Noin's face. She turned her head away from him.
His face softened. "Noin," he whispered as he gently turned her face towards him, "it's okay." Zechs smiled softly. She was the only
one he had ever smiled at. She blinked to hold back the tears. Noin reached upwards and gently placed a hand on his cheek. He did not flinch. She smiled and chuckled.
"What am I going to do with you?" she teased. Zechs lifted an eyebrow and grinned.
