Zechs Merquise idly wondered yet again how he had ended up in his current situation. After years of hard work, he was so close. He would join the Specials, and eventually reclaim the home that had been so brutally taken from him. And yet, here he was at the Lake Victoria Academy Graduates' Dance. In all actuality, he would have skipped the event, except that, as the highest scoring student, it would be expected he would be there. That, and Lucrezia Noin had convinced him to attend the dance with her. It made perfect sense to her, that the top two students at the Academy attend the farewell dance as a couple. Like the prom queen and king, in a fashion.

    The soon-to-be Lightning Count sipped at his punch (noting instantly the taste of the vodka someone had spiked it with) and looked around the room. The lights were low, so he had eschewed the dark sunglasses he hid behind for a slightly lighter pair. He had to be able to see where he was going, after all. His gaze wandered over to Lucrezia, who looked absolutely stunning in a cream colored dress that fit her perfectly. He was wearing his formal uniform, which apparently had pleased his date no end. All in all, the evening, while not exactly a wild night of fun, was far from unpleasant. Lucrezia smiled up at him as a slow song started to play.

    "Come on, Zechs. We haven't danced yet." Lucrezia encouraged her date. "Let's go!"

    Reluctantly, Zechs set his glass down and allowed Lucrezia to direct him toward the dance floor. The song was a slow one, perfect for a couple to simply sway to, basking in each other's embrace. It was really a shame Zechs found himself so nervous to be that close to Lucrezia that he couldn't fully enjoy the moment.

    "Don't be so tense, Zechs." Lucrezia whispered in his ear. "After all, it's just me, my prince."

    Zechs looked at her in surprise. She was the only other person besides Treize that knew his secret, knew of his mission in life. She had been relentless in her quest to get close to him, and her persistence had eventually paid off when she had found him in the process of getting himself thoroughly plastered one night. She had helped him from the bar, and in his state of distress, he had spilled everything to her. He only vaguely recalled waking up in the mostly empty medical station at the Academy, with Lucrezia keeping an eye on him. It had been the beginning of their friendship.

    Smiling softly, she leaned against him, and Zechs, not having much choice, gently wrapped his arms around her. "You're right, Lucrezia." He agreed quietly. It felt right, the feel of her against him.

    "This could be our last time together, you know." Lucrezia noted. "We may get different assignments."

    "Hn..." Zechs nodded slightly, his thoughts drifting aimlessly. That is, until Lucrezia took the chance to remind him where he was.

    Zechs found himself suddenly jolted back to the present by Lucrezia's sudden kiss. He certainly had not been expecting it.

    It felt so right, so natural. But he couldn't afford to get tied down... he still had to take his revenge... but...

    ...there she was, so close, and the gentle touch of her lips to his... Lucrezia was certainly desirable...

    It was so startling, a jolt to his slightly inebriated mind. She was as dedicated to him as Juliet was to Romeo.

    "Lucrezia..." he managed to whisper before she shushed him.

    "Just this once, Zechs. Just this once."

    In an instant, all the other graduates seemed to vanish, leaving the pair lost in the moment. Lucrezia's feelings for him had to be more than just friendship. And he'd never seemed to notice.

    Cautiously, Lucrezia kissed him again, gently, hoping for a response. The other graduates had cleared most of the dance floor, watching the famous high-scoring pair sway slowly to the music.

    "Lucrezia... we can't-" Zechs began again.

    "I know, Zechs. But let's enjoy it while we can." Lucrezia whispered.

    Did she really feel so strongly for him? Would she wait for him to complete his vengeance against the Alliance?

    True, it was the general opinion that he and Lucrezia would make the cutest couple. She obviously enjoyed the notion as well. But he couldn't let it go that far... not yet, not with so much he still had to hide...

    "Lucrezia... you know we can't..." Zechs whispered, hugging her close.

    "I know, Zechs..." she replied quietly.

    "But... I..." Zechs faltered. "...I wish.... that we could..."

    "Just remember, Zechs..." she said softly. "If it's within my power, I'll never leave your side."
    So she did feel that way...

    Zechs let himself momentarily forget all about his mission, his secrets. All that mattered right now was her, and the feelings they shared.

    It was really pleasant. It was a shame that it couldn't last...

    The dance floor was entirely deserted but for the unofficial king and queen, whom hadn't bothered to notice.

    As the song came to its peak, Lucrezia, apparently emboldened by the fact Zechs hadn't pulled away, kissed him once more, inviting him to deepen it.

    Just this once....