Written by: KLMeri
Disclaimer: Well, I don't own Gundam Wing. I do own this fanfiction. It is
made for the enjoyment of Gundam Wing fans everywhere.
I did it! I finished! Party! Here's to all you dear, wonderful readers for
encouraging me to complete the story. I hope it was worth the wait.
No matter how far she traveled, Noin still felt lonely. Until now, she
never really understand how much of her life revolved around Zechs. She felt
so lost, so helpless without someone beside her. The wind blew past
temptingly, as if begging her to turn around and go home. Home. Yes, she
thought, that is what it has always been, hasn't it? Being with him is home.
These past few weeks of searching have given Noin greater insight into
what was important, things she could never leave behind. All of the time
spent looking for something was not really in vain. She discovered an
important thing about her life, her dependence on Zechs. Everything she did
was for him. She acted like a child begging for love from its parent. Noin
wanted so much to be loved. Having her parents taken at such an early age
left her alone and uncared for. There was no one to say what she need to
hear...no one to offer a shoulder to cry on. No one until Zechs.
Noin had been surprised at first. She had been so used to loneliness
that a comforting presence was almost like food to a starving person. It was
a promise of love to her starving soul. She would do anything for him, all
he needed to do was ask.
Noin sighed in resignation. She turned around, facing the sunset, and
started heading back the way she had come. I'm coming home, Zechs.
****
He watched the day go by from inside his office. He couldn't concentrate
on his work anymore. This was how he spent his time, working or sitting
staring aimlessly into nothing.
Lady Une watched Zechs from a distance. No one could really deal with
him but Noin. Now that she was gone, it was like all hope left with her.
She worried slightly, but had confidence that Zechs would come to his senses
and stop muddling around in a daze. She sighed to herself, and turned back
to her work. Some things can wait, she decided. Yes, he can wait. I have to
keep the world from chaos. Other things are just more important. He will
just have to get over it.
****
Traveling for days without end was taking its toll on Noin's body. Her
muscles screamed in pain as she was walking. Her mind tempted her to stop
with visions of long, steamy baths and nice, fluffy beds. Noin gritted her
teeth in irritation. I must keep going. It's not that far. He is not far
away.
****
He glanced at his papers, the far away look momentarily vanishing. Work.
This is what your life is about, his conscience said. It has always been
about what you want, the things you need. You're greedy, it taunted him.
Never once did you stop to consider her. And look what's happened now. She
figured it out, got smart, and left you all to yourself. Basically, Zechs,
it is all your fault. You did this to yourself. Live with it.
He slammed his fist down in frustration. "Shut up! Just shut the hell
up!"
A clerk passing by his office at the moment, turned and stared at the
closed door. He raised an eyebrow, shrugged, and continued towards Lady
Une's office. "Damn people. Think they know everything," he muttered under
his breath.
****
She took a deep breath. Okay. Be calm. It's just Zechs. Her hand
reached for the doorknob, but retreated. Bad idea, Noin, she scolded
herself. Hesitantly, she raised her hand and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came a muffled, but gruff reply.
She slowly opened the door, many emotions colliding within her. Noin
prayed that she wasn't visibly trembling. Zechs sat at his desk, hunched
over reading some papers. So, she thought, he hasn't missed me. Disappoint
spread throughout her.
"What is it?" he asked, not bothering to look up.
Her throat started to close up. "Zechs." The word came out as a
strangled whisper.
He stiffened, immediately recognizing the voice. Then his head flew
upwards sharply. "Noin!" Zechs shot out from behind the desk, and embraced
her fiercely. Noin was taken by surprise. This was not the reaction she had
expected, but she was too happy to think at the moment. She glad returned
the hug.
Zechs pulled away to face her. "Where have you been?! Why didn't you
call? Why didn't you talk to me? Why did you leave?!"
She put a finger to his lips to silence him. "Whoa there. One question
at a time, Zechs."
He nodded. "Okay. Why did you leave?"
She studied him for a moment. "I needed to sort some things out." She
looked him directly in the eyes. "Alone."
Zechs sighed. "Understood. I am just glad you're back. You are
staying, right?"
"If you want me to."
He brushed his fingers across her face gently. "Always."
She gave him her most beautiful smile in return, as she echoed, "Always."
END OF PART FOUR
END OF AT ANY COST
How was it? Is this fanfiction any good?
