Author's note: I do not own Gundam Wing or its characters. This is set before Relena's birth. Both Zechs and Noin are about five years old. Some of these chapters have been posted before as part of This Kiss.

The Sneeze in the Cathedral

Katrina Peacecraft watched with a smile as her future daughter-in-law made faces at her son while his nanny fussed over his suit. The little Italian girl was perched on a window seat, looking adorable in a white dress embroidered with violets. The sunlight was streaming in the window behind her, creating almost a halo effect with her raven hair. The only thing that marred the scene was the silly faces she was making.

Neither of the children practically liked getting dressed up, but as this morning was Relena’s christening, they didn’t have a choice in the matter. They would be at the cathedral in their formal clothes whether they liked it or not. To prevent a battle over the formal clothes, though, the children had been told they could have a slumber party out in the garden if they would behave the next morning. The bribe had worked quite well. Both her son and Lucrezia loved to play in the maze garden more than any other activity save for their fencing lessons.

“There. You’re all done, Master Milliardo.” The nanny flicked one last hair into place. “You sit right there with your contessa while I help you mother with the little princess.”

Katrina burped Relena then handed the baby over to the nanny with a smile. All of the servants had taken to referring to Lucrezia as ‘the prince’s contessa’. Shortly after Lucrezia’s introduction to the Sanc court, a young lord had condescendingly addressed her as ‘Miss Noin’. Milliardo had firmly corrected him.

“She’s the Contessa of Livorno. You may address her as Contessa Noin, Lady Noin, my lady.”

The servants had all been charmed the prince’s defense of his little fiancée had referred to her as ‘the prince’s contessa’ ever since. They all were universally fond of the Italian girl which simply proved to Katrina once again that the child had been a good choice. Lucrezia and Milliardo had immediately taken to one another, and Katrina had no concerns about the match they would make in the future. She and Stefan had chosen well when arranging this marriage, and she was looking forward to watching the children grow up together.

“Now, you two will be on your best behavior, I trust.” The nanny continued, deftly dressing Relena in her christening gown. “It would be a sin to cause trouble in the house of God.”

Katrina shook her head. She didn’t think either of the children would cause any trouble today. Both of them had been thrilled at being considered old enough to be part of the ceremony. Relena seemed to have charmed them both. Milliardo adored his baby sister, and Lucrezia was just as enchanted. The queen made a mental note to make sure they got a portrait of the three children together.

Everything went fine up until the middle of ceremony. Milliardo and Lucrezia stood on the chancel with the rest of the family, neither fidgeting nor making any sort of fuss. The cardinal held Relena in his arms. “What name have you chosen for this child?”

“Relena Anchoret Cytheria Irina Peacecraft.”

“Relena Anchoret Cytheria Irina Peacecraft, I baptize thee in the name of--”

Lucrezia sneezed. Not a delicate little sneeze, but one that resounded through out the cathedral. The cardinal blinked. Silence descended on the church. The poor little girl looked horrified. Nobody seemed to know what to do either. With great dignity, Milliardo produced a handkerchief and handed it to his contessa. The prince kissed the back of her hand and then spoke to the cardinal. “You may continue, your eminence.”

Katrina bit the inside of her mouth to keep from giggling. That was her son all right. He was going to be such a good big brother. And a good husband.