Falling For the Angel

By Chibi Tsuki

Chapter 1

Three youths stood by the window in a chamber, watching with interest the guests who alighted from their recently invented vehicle or the fancy old-fashioned horse carriages the older generations preferred over modern day vehicles. Many guests were gathering at Cinq Kingdom for a social occasion which was held at least once a year to strengthen and make new alliances. During such events, guests from faraway places were invited to vacate at the Peacecrafts' palace for a few weeks. It was another tactic to build a feeling of importance into the hearts of the bordering kingdoms.

The handsome twenty seven year old swished his wine glass once, twice as he spoke in a low smooth voice, "Dorothy is engaged to a young prince from Norren."

Upon hearing such good news, the honey-blonde haired girl gasped. "So she is marrying Quatre! It was only a few months ago that she told me that she had feelings for him and now they're officially engaged." On the other hand, the girl's brother who was equally good looking as the first man shared none of his sister's enthusiasm and simply told his friend to congratulate Dorothy for him. "Milliardo, surely you could show some happiness upon hearing this wonderful news." Milliardo Zechs Peacecraft simply shrugged for he had no particular connection with that girl except for the fact that she was his sister's friend and also his friend's cousin.

"Relena," he uttered, brushing his long platinum blond hair back, "Treize and I have to welcome the guests so we shall see you sometime later." His ice blue eyes were warm with affection for his sister although his features did not show it.

"Alright then," Relena responded. The girl who barely reached her brother's chin watched as they departed from the room, gently closing the door behind them. No sooner had they gone did she pick up the telephone and start to dial.

Once Milliardo, or Zechs the name his friends usually called him, and Treize reached the reception room they found the early comers, mostly guests from faraway places chatting while exploring the art gallery, which had been set up because of Zechs' mother's interest in art. The gallery had become quite convenient to entertain guests while they waited for others to arrive or for their rooms to be organised. Immediately Zechs reported to his parents who happened to be greeting two representatives from the Arne Kingdom. King Stefan Peacecraft, father to Zechs and Relena, held his hand out to the older of the two tall and fine looking gentlemen. "I am honoured that you accepted our invitation and came all the way from Arne," he said with such elegance. The raven haired youth smiled and shook his hand.

"No the honour is mine, King Stefan. I do apologise sincerely that my father couldn't personally come due to his back injury. My name is Noin Yuy and this is my brother Heero Yuy." The young gentleman beside him shook King Stefan's hand firmly and thanked him for allowing them to stay at the palace.

"Meet my wife, Katrina, and my son, Milliardo." Both Noin and Heero kissed the elegant and beautiful wife on the hand and shook Zechs' hand. "Please enjoy yourselves with some refreshments while the maids organise your rooms." Once the introductions had ended they accepted the glass of wine offered by a serving man and allowed the Peacecrafts to excuse themselves as they welcomed other visitors.

"It seems that men in the Cinq Kingdom are considered superior to women," Noin's dark brown headed brother commented. "It is a good thing that you are dressed in men's garments." Noin was in fact a woman and although people would say that a woman in men's clothing was disguise, she preferred to call it normal attire. The Arne Kingdom was a kingdom in which women could also join ranks and fight side-by-side with men and Noin, being an example of a female warrior had gradually found more comfort in men's clothing rather than inconvenient dresses. Besides many people had often mistook her for a man, considering her tall height, charming looks and rough hands from intense training and fighting. But the real reason for such necessity for such attire was the fact that they were there to discuss official matters and a man in the Cinq Kingdom may not listen to a woman as one would in Arne.

"Shall we go and pay interest in the artworks?" Noin suggested, discarding her wine glass after taking two sips on one of the waiter's trays. Heero simply headed towards the gallery with Noin following leisurely behind. The two siblings had a very close bond where even speech could be easily replaced by gestures and movement.

After studying the artworks for a while, the two siblings found themselves being led through the guest quarters of the palace to their rooms where they could rest until the time had come for the ball to commence. They dismissed the maid who had showed them the way and stayed in one of the two rooms. Sitting on the bed, Heero removed his outer coat and laid it neatly on the bed. Noin suddenly broke out in soft laughter and when her brother gave him a puzzled glance she explained, "It seems that the young maid who guided us was highly aware of your fine features dear brother."

"Are you sure that it was not you she was staring at?" Heero said with a slight grin.

"How can that be? I am a woman."

"A woman with features that can either be described as beauty or handsome qualities."

"Why you flatter me." Carefully Noin drew the curtains back and released the latches that held the balcony door closed. She stepped out and absorbed the beautiful scenery below. Her long hair had somehow gotten loose of the hair tie which had held it proudly in a pony tail. It was common for wealthy men to grow their hair and tie it up, thus another benefit to Noin who generally preferred long hair. Retying her hair, she stepped out of the wind and closed the door behind her. Heero had already drifted off into sleep after being exhausted from the ride all the way from Arne which had taken a couple of weeks. Noin smiled and covered her brother with his jacket before leaving the room to return to the gallery.

Zechs had been watching the two brothers from Arne rather closely for it was advised to the king by one of the lords to make alliances with the Arne Kingdom, a powerful and worthy ally with one of the strongest armies. The better way to do this was to have Relena marry the prince, but for all this time Zechs had heard that there was only one prince in Arne and so the appearance of two had surprised him. Of course the marriage hadn't been confirmed yet and so King Hiro Yuy had been invited to attend the annual ball for this reason. But since he was unable to go, the two princes themselves went – the younger most likely a companion to the crown prince. He had to investigate this prince's character and determine whether his beloved sister could ever find happiness with him. As he was about to approach them and strike up a conversation a young maid had curtseyed to them, explaining that their rooms were ready. He sighed and retreated to a corner of the room where his friend was observing the guests that had taken up the invitation. The auburn-brown haired man was dressed rather flamboyantly, although one had to admit that he definitely had great taste him fashion. He wore a fancy jacket with gold buttons that contrasted the dark blue. Seams of black outlined it and made obvious his broad, masculine shoulders. The jacket ended below his waist, with the lengthy material shaped like a triangle at the back except it was slitted in the middle. Moderately tight, cream-coloured pants matched his black soldier-like boots.

Treize smiled at him and commented, "I saw you watching the princes from Arne. What is it about them that holds your interest?" Compared to Treize's attire, Zechs' seemed slightly plain but this did not mean that the white suit piece he had chosen to don didn't make him striking enough. In fact it was quite the opposite for the lighter colour brought out the intensity of his ice blue eyes framed by his silky platinum blond hair. The simple black and gold patterns on the edges of his suit gave an air of elegance.

"Father is planning to arrange an alliance through marriage between the two of the strongest kingdoms, the Laire Kingdom and the Arne Kingdom. But since the young king of Laire has already wedded that leaves the prince from Arne," Zechs explained. "But before that happens, I shall study Prince Noin's character."

Treize chuckled at his friend's over protectiveness. Ice blue eyes turned at him, an eyebrow above one, raised at him. But their conversation was soon interrupted by a dark-haired ambassador and a young lady behind him. The man was somewhere in his early forties while the woman was no older than nineteen or twenty.

"Good day, Prince Milliardo, Duke Kushrenada," he bowed slightly but respectfully.

"Ah, good day to you too Ambassador Po," Zechs greeted in a polite tone he had acquired since he had learnt to talk. The duke took his turn to greet the guest, shaking his hand after the prince. "And can you introduce me to this young maiden?"

With a warm chuckle Ambassador Po replied, "She is my daughter, Salina." Curtseying courteously the girl cast her eyes onto the floor and looked up, a hint of defiance in them. Zechs took her hand and gently kissed her knuckles, Treize repeating the same action after him. Darkish honey-blond hair swept down her back in curls, matching the pale cream-coloured dress with white frills. Her features were those of those of a European except that her eyes were dark and Asian-like, exactly the same as her father's. The girl was probably of mixed backgrounds, Zechs surmised. Suddenly from the corner of his eyes, he noticed a particular person descending the stairs. Before he was able to excuse himself, the ambassador from Asia had done so; taking another quick bow and headed towards the raven-haired prince. Salina, Zechs noticed, seemed eager to leave his company, in search of Noin's instead which made him feel quite rejected. But when he looked twice, he realised that they were already acquainted although that did little to make him feel better. Besides Prince Noin Yuy was possibly going to be Relena's future husband – how dare he go flirting around with other ladies! So that he could hear the conversation better without looking conspicuous, he welcomed the visitors around them.

"Good day, Prince Noin. It has been quite a while, hasn't it?" Ambassador Po greeted, regarding the young 'man' warmly. Although his kingdom did not support gender equality, the ambassador clearly showed his personal attitude of difference by marrying a foreign woman and creating relations with non-Asian kingdoms for the benefit of his own people. But this did not make him hated by the people of his kingdom, but in fact, had gained more respect because he had stepped out of the confinements of the Chinese system.

"It has, hasn't it Ambassador Po," Noin replied with equal passion. "My father sends his regards and apologises that he could greet you personally." Both father and daughter knew of Noin's secret and had simply played along with it, knowing his purpose for it. The Arne Kingdom was one of the first outside kingdoms China had exchanged alliances with and the connection has ever since been strengthened by Ambassador Po. "Lady Salina, I am glad to see you again. It has been two years since I've seen you and you look at beautiful as ever." Ambassador excused himself while the two talked, knowing that they had a lot to catch up on.

"You mock me, Prince Noin," the young woman replied, "for you have known for quite sometime that I prefer the name Sally to Salina."

"Forgive me, but in my current situation it is better that I speak more formally to you, although I do wish it were the old days."

Sally had that 'I understand' smile implanted on her face which instantly gave Noin the support she needed. "So, tell me how is your family?"

As she was about to open her mouth and reply, Noin's eyes caught onto the suspicious-looking Milliardo Peacecraft who appeared to be eavesdropping. A question immediately sprung to her head. How long had he been there watching her? Either way she felt no direct threat from him and after quickly piecing the puzzles together inside her head, concluded with the fact that he was interested in her because of his sister, mistaking her for the possible future husband. It was no big deal really, only a brother's protectiveness that wanted his sister happiness. It was likewise for Noin, being an older sibling and once Milliardo knew that it was Heero who was to be the husband, all would be alright. Surely they knew she was just playing the part of the guardian cousin to the crown prince. Or did they? This meant that things were slightly more complicated.

 Zechs glanced at the Arnian Prince, unexpectedly catching his eyes. The young man gave him a firm but friendly smile, combined with a curt nod. Immediately returning the attention, Zechs started heading towards him, hoping to find out more about Noin, and what better way was there than to personally get acquainted. "Prince Milliardo," Noin greeted, holding his hand out which Zechs took politely.

"Prince Noin, I presume," Zechs responded, knowing perfectly well who this young man before him was. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"It is a pleasure to meet you too." Noin glanced at Sally and gestured for her to join the conversation. "Have you met my friend, Lady Salina Po from China?"

Sally curtseyed once again, "We have already met. My father introduced us." While they were speaking, Zechs had a thorough look at Noin. His height reached up to Zechs' eyes, silky raven hair tied neatly at his neck while a few tresses wrapped around his cheek and hung slightly below his earlobes. Dark blue eyes were long with curled lashes, contrasting his pale creamy skin. His lips were soft and shaded with a pallid pink. He had a long pale neck that many women would crave for. With slender shoulders, Noin looked almost feminine, reminding him of a certain gentleman whose features confused both men and women. If Noin was wearing feminine attire, he could most likely pass for the female species, and perhaps look good in it. Just as he was about to create the image in his head, a waiter accidentally bumped into Noin, spilling water over his head. Almost at once, Zechs expected his rage to burst out at the young waiter who was obviously traumatised. But on the contrary he simply smiled and asked the waiter for his assistance in retrieving a towel. Drops of water had caught onto his eyelashes and hair, creating tiny drops of sparkle. Zechs' hand automatically brought out a handkerchief from his pocket and felt compelled to wipe off the water from his face and neck, but stopped in time to simply hand it to him. Noin accepted it gratefully and patted his face dry. When the waiter returned with a towel, Noin advised him to wipe up the floor, saying that if anyone could easily slip.

During this commotion, everyone had turned their attention to them, including King Stefan who had swiftly walked over. "What has happened here?" he asked, a hint of demand in his tone.

"It was just an accident," Noin replied, "a simple spillage of water. Thank you, young waiter for assisting me. Perhaps you should resume your tasks." The waiter took this advice and instantly disappeared before his king insisted for the whole story. "If you'd excuse me, King Stefan, Prince Milliardo and Lady Salina, I shall change out of these damp garments."

"Please, go ahead."

As he took a step forward he turned around to Milliardo. "I shall return this handkerchief to you once it has been washed. Thank you for it."

Zechs shook his hand and reached for it, "No, I shan't let my guests do such thing. It is only a handkerchief, easily replaceable." He felt how warm Noin's hand was as he retrieved it from him and quickly pulled back, the wet piece of cloth in his hands. "I shall see you later in the day." Noin nodded at him, and he dug his hands into his pockets.

Once Noin closed the door of her room behind her, she breathed out. Heero was still sleeping soundlessly. Instead of taking her intended shower, Noin took off her coat, draped it over a chair and sunk into an old armchair by the window. She took this time to sleep and regain energy that she would need for the rest of the day.

Night came quickly and all the preparations had been finished. In fact the music had started already all most of the guests were already inside the ballroom by the time Noin and Heero entered. If the pair had once thought that they could slip among the other guests without being noticed, they were wrong. The majority of the ladies in the room, ranging from young to old were marvelling the pair as if they were gods from another planet. An immediate welcome came from King Stefan as he approached them. But his greeting was brief and they were left to enjoy themselves. Eyes lingered on them as they made their way to a lounging area. Several ladies from the far side of the room were already making their way over to scrutinise the newcomers. Somebody else had beaten the ladies to them, but it was someone they hadn't expected and were just as excited to see. "Prince Milliardo," Noin and Heero greeted as the platinum blond prince stopped beside them.

"Prince Noin, Prince Heero," he responded with equal courtesy.

"Please, Prince Milliardo, call us by our first names. Such a title is too formal," Heero stated.

"Then I shall, if only you both call me Milliardo. Or perhaps Zechs, my middle name, if you like."

"Zechs it shall be then," Noin uttered as if testing his name on her lips.

A grin slowly swept on Zechs' face, although for what reason he didn't understand. Noin's voice, he noticed, was in the mid-low alto keys. Not low like a gruff man's, or as high-pitched like a child's. It was somewhere in between, sounding something like an angel's except a man would never say that, not out loud anyway. It was rather unacceptable. Men simply did not compliment another in such a way. Homosexuality wasn't well taken, especially not from the noble class. Mentally shrugging away the thought, he heard his name being sounded again. "Zechs," said a distinctive voice which he instantly recognised as Treize's voice. "I don't believe that you have introduced me to your friends." The twenty-two year old considered his friend for a second and then turned back to the two brothers. After introducing his new friends to the duke, Zechs started to subtly dig into Noin's personal information, asking general questions to start off with. He had found out that Noin was actually a year younger than him although he his appearance seemed no older than nineteen or perhaps eighteen. His passions were in all types of combat, horse riding, reading and strangely enough, singing and cooking. He admitted in being average in all of his hobbies, but Zechs believed that he had left out a few interests and was simply being polite when saying that he wasn't very good in one or two particular areas. Once his curiosity rose, he felt that he had to pump more information out of him. But it was harder to be personal with others listening in. But this opportunity came quite timely. Heero had excused himself and Treize was occupied in a conversation with a nobleman.

"So," Zechs began, "did you start singing and cooking when you were young?"

Noin nodded and turned his gaze back onto Zechs before replying. "Yes. My mother had insisted that I learnt some other type of art other than combat. She reasoned that life revolving around fighting isn't life at all, and so I started to attend singing lessons from the age of four. Cooking I learnt later, when I first joined the battle field at fourteen. I didn't do the fighting at first, only help with the meals and tend the wounded." He did not elaborate any more on the topic and Zechs had no intention of scooping out any saddening memories from him. "How about you, Zechs?"

"I too have a liking of combat, especially fencing and archery. But I'm afraid that I don't excel in anything else, although I am fond of art and sculpting."  Noin's eyes kept straying to the side, seeming rather distracted. "Noin, I see you must be popular with the ladies, back in Arne and here in Cinq."

Regaining his companion's attention, he noticed that his face was placid once again. "No, not really. But you're definitely attracting attention from the young ladies surrounding us. I'm sure that they're keen on having a dance with you."

"Please don't mock me so," Zechs pouted jokingly. Beside him, Noin let out a soft chuckle of laughter. "So tell me, do you have a lover waiting for you at home?"

"I have to admit, I don't."

"Neither. I suppose it is hard since we're royalty and our marriages are arranged."

Shifting his weight onto his left foot, Noin stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Zechs please do not be offended, but do you believe in marrying for love?"

Caught off guard by the question, he took some time before replying, being careful in his choice of words. "In a sense, yes and no. I would have no complaints in marriage, if I was acquainted with her."

"I think my answer would be the same."

 Thinking that he knew what was on Noin's mind, Zechs reassured him, "I'm sure that you'll like my sister."

After hearing his words, Noin was immediately certain that Zechs had mistaken her as the crown prince. She could've easily laughed out loud if she were the only one in the room. But before she could make any remark, she noticed her brother dancing on the ballroom floor with a beautiful young lady. Although Heero usually showed his cool demeanour, he had a soft spot, easily found if you knew where to hit and obviously that girl had found it. The girl, Noin noticed wore a lovely frilly blue gown, her long hair was done in a simple style, flying around her as Heero spun her around.

"Relena?" Zechs murmured. Without glancing at Zechs, Noin noticed the resemblance. So this was girl Heero was possibly going to marry. They'd only been there for a day and immediately Heero seemed to be enjoying her company. This was a good sign. At least she didn't have to worry about whether he was going to be friendly with the Princess of the Cinq Kingdom. Although it would still take some time before the two knew each other better, and hopefully two weeks would be sufficient.

Zechs looked at Noin to see his reaction, but contrary to his thoughts, he seemed to be somewhat amused. The corner of his mouth had lifted into a slight smile. Suddenly his thoughts were focussing on Noin's lips. They seemed so inviting, so- Breaking his chain of thoughts, Zechs mentally shook his head vigorously. What was he thinking about?! Why did he have such strange thoughts about Noin? The Arnian turned and looked at him, "Is something the matter?"

"No," he replied, the word coming out blunter than he wanted to.

"Would you mind if I excuse myself?"

"Not at all, please go ahead." His companion left the area, to where Zechs did not know. He had turned away from Noin as soon as he walked away, he had also wanted to turn away from the thoughts invading his mind.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, I just like borrowing the characters.