The young man smiled down at the person who filled his heart with hope and peace. Noin was curled up on her stomach, arms crossed under her chin like a child. Her uniform was rumpled, there was a bit of dried sleep in her eye and her hair was a hopeless mess…and she was still the most beautiful woman Zechs had ever known. He watched Noin sleep for a long time, enjoying the peaceful expression on her face and the steady sound of her breathing. He idly ran his fingers through her hair, displacing small traces of the Martian dust that covered them both. They had been too tired to change out of their work clothes last evening and only managed to rid them selves of the dirt on their hands and faces before dinner. He leaned over and kissed her pink cheek. At his touch, she shifted slightly. Zechs settled down next to her and feigned sleep just as Noin's eyes fluttered open.

~Meet me in outer space.

I will hold you close,

If you're afraid of heights.~

Noin stifled a groan as she awoke in the middle of the lounge floor. She was definitely going to be stiff today. She moved gingerly, careful of her already sore muscles, and sat up. At least, she sat up as much as possible without waking Zechs. He had an arm casually draped across her and any additional movement was sure to wake him. Noin ran her hands through her hair and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, glad that Zechs had not seen her in such a state. She looked down at the handsome young man next to her and shook her head. It was 5 a.m., he had fallen asleep in the floor, his uniform was a disaster and Zechs Marquise still managed to look as beautiful as the first time she saw him so many years ago. Why do guys always get the good hair?

She brushed his hair away and gazed at his face. He looked so young. He was young, they both were. At the age of 22, their greatest concern should be what to do after college. Instead, they were trying to create a new life out of broken pieces of the old. They were part of an entire generation of young people who had known only the brutality of war and the greed of malevolent leaders. A normal life was a novelty.

It had bee difficult for Noin and Zechs to blend into the new community. At first, they didn't even try. She and Zechs kept to themselves, more interested in working on repairing their own relationship than building new ones. It didn't help matters any that they were the only permanent residents who were single. There were dozens of temporary workers who filtered in and out, staying for a week or so before being rotated out, but the majority of the colony population consisted of young families. The idea was that the colony would take decades to complete and it would be more efficient and better for morale if families were given precedence. The fact that Relena was Zechs' sister and a personal friend of Noin was the only thing that got the two single ex-soldiers added to the roster.

The rest of the colony eventually warmed up to the two quiet outsiders, particularly Noin, who was asked to take on a teaching position in the new school. She took to her additional duties immediately. It was wonderful to be teaching again and, this time, without the worry or guilt associated with sending young people off to battle. Through 'her kids,' Noin got to know most of their families quite well. Zechs was still seen as a little standoffish and Noin endeavored to be a bridge between her best friend and the rest of the community. It took time and patience, but all her efforts eventually paid off. Here they were, well liked by their neighbors, satisfied with their jobs…content. Well, most of the time.

~How do you do it?

Make me feel like I do.~

She shifted slightly and looked down at the incredibly handsome man sleeping peacefully. Sometimes it drove her absolutely insane to be close to him. Close but not touching. They behaved with maturity and decorum not generally expected of young adults. It was the lingering result of a childhood passed in military training. Every day had been about discipline. Now that it was no longer expected, they couldn't seem to break the habit. The kept a respectable distance from each other during working hours or in public, much to the amusement of the other colonists. It was no secret that the two unmarrieds were a couple. If they hadn't been when they arrived, Zechs and Noin would surely have been a couple within a few months simply by default. The other colonists were careful to pair the two young people up whenever possible, making certain that they sat together at community functions and other little none-to-subtle matchmaking tactics. The common lounge, for instance, was usually vacated by 8:00 in the evening to give the couple time alone at the end of the day. Zechs, ironically, had been the first to notice the conspiracy and it endeared his neighbors to him. When Noin finally realized what was going on she was a little embarrassed. Pleased, but embarrassed.

~How do you do it?

It's better than I ever knew.~

It had been two years since they first arrived at their new home. Two years of hard work and long talks, but the couple had finally settled into a comfortable life. Their relationship had been strengthened enough to foster real trust. That trust provided the support for their love. They said it to each other often. Noin smirked. There had been a time when neither would have dreamed of speaking those words. It was their final competition. Who would say "I love you" first.

Noin leaned in closer, gently caressing the sleeping man's cheek. In the end, Zechs said it first. The young woman bowed her head slightly, resting her cheek against his. She never knew what power three words could have over the human heart. Noin turned slightly and pressed her lips to Zechs' smooth cheek. She had lived through hell and this was her reward, her gift from God. The love of an extraordinary man and the ability to return that love with her entire heart. She continued to lightly kiss the young man's skin, finally brushing her warm lips against his.

Noin was startled when Zechs wrapped his arms around her and spun over, quickly but carefully pinning the young woman beneath him.

~ You are stellar.

You are stellar.~

"Good morning," Zechs murmured against Noin's lips before continuing the soft kiss. His hair fell over his shoulders and across them both, spilling onto the carpeted floor around them like a curtain, shielding them from the rest of the world. His lips left hers briefly and traveled lightly over her cheeks and eyelids, down to her smooth neck. Noin sighed in spite of herself. This was what it was all about. All the hardships, heartbreak and arguments…all of it bringing them to this. She lay contentedly in Zechs' arms, their breathing and heartbeats in sync. Noin was finally with the man she loved in a life she enjoyed. No politics, no unattainable ideals, nothing to stand in their way anymore. She nuzzled his cheek and held him tighter. She was safe and free because of Zechs...because he asked her to come with him.  Noin turned her head to meet Zechs in another deep kiss.

~ How do you do it?

Make me feel like I do.~

Lost in the gentle passion of the kiss, the two were oblivious to the amount of time that passed. As dawn gradually approached, Noin unexpectedly flinched. "Ow."

Zechs pulled back, startled. "What?"

"Leg cramp," Noin replied sheepishly.

Concerned, Zechs immediately reached down and began massaging the young woman's leg, kneading the muscles for a few moments before Noin shyly pointed out that they were not in the best position should someone walk in the lounge. They both chuckled nervously and Zechs helped Noin to her feet. He put his arm around her waist as they walked over to the large window overlooking the vast red desert below. The sun was just beginning to make its ascent into the morning sky, its golden rays streaking across the small cluster of environmental domes that made up the burgeoning colony.

~How do you do it?