A/N: Alright, my writing these days has been getting more and more serious lately, and after reading Kiheada.Ray.T's story, I decided to start working on my own. I'll probably have to do some research on this, and believe me when I say that the content of this story is no laughing matter. I am not a very humorous writer, I take my writing very seriously, and this story will be very serious, any light-hearted moments will not have anything to do with the relationship between Gilbert Durandul and Shinn Asuka.

I will give fair warning to all who read this story, if you do not wish to read about then leave. I am in no way condoning this kind of behavior, and in fact, I find it repulsive. I DO NOT CONDONE THIS.

Also: this story deviates quite far from the actual storyline, I've invented things for this sake of this story, but I will try to incorporate as many of the original details as I can. This chapter is unbetaed, I have to wait for my beta for this story to come online so I can send it to them... for now, you guys can make do with this version.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam SEED Destiny, if I did, the series would have turned out a LOT differently. I only own any original characters that make an appearance in this story and the plot itself. So no suing me.

Dedication: This fanfic is dedicated to one of my closest friends, Kate. Thanks for the inspiration and all the times that you've been there for me. This story is for you.

Phase 1: A Fateful Encounter

Shinn first met Kira in Orb, when the Minerva was there after the Break the World incident. He'd wandered quite aimlessly, reacquainting himself with the place that had once been his home, when he'd stumbled onto the war memorial and literally fell head over heels for the attractive Coordinator.

Shinn had quite embarrassed himself when he'd tripped on some of the debris that littered the pathway of the memorial and nearly face planted into the cement walkway when Kira had caught him. The older Coordinator had said nothing about the incident, only quickly asking him if he was okay, tell him to be careful, and then helping him to his feet.

Blushing, Shinn muttered an apology and was about to hurriedly scurry away, when Kira had spoken up, "If you're uncomfortable, I can leave. There's really no reason for you to leave so suddenly after just arriving."

"Ah, no. I was... I was uhh... just leaving!" he'd spluttered, trying to fight down the blush in his cheeks.

"I forgot, I should probably should introduce myself," he held out his hand. "Kira Yamato, and you are?"

"Uhh... Shinn Asuka," Shinn took the hand, noting the smile that didn't quite reach Kira's eyes. His cheeks tinged a slight darker shade of pink despite his best efforts. Realizing the reason for his blush, Shinn tried to convince himself how wrong his attraction was. Even though his mind rallied against it, his body accepted it.

Kira gauged the younger man's reaction closely, worried that the young man just might know his name and take it the wrong way; like so many people he'd met. So many friendships that had never been simply because of his association with the Archangel and the Freedom.

The fact that Shinn refused to meet his eyes worried Kira slightly, but when he noticed the dark pink blush that had smattered itself across Shinn's face, he slightly understood what was causing his obvious discomfort.

Deciding to tease the younger boy, he released his hand and placed it on his forehead, as if checking for a fever, "Are you alright Shinn-san? Do you have a fever?"

"N-no! I-I'm fine!" Shinn stuttered in obvious embarrassment, Kira slid his hand down to his cheek. He didn't jerk away from Kira's touch, in fact he leaned into it slightly. "And please, just call me Shinn..."

"Kira-san! Kira-san!"

The pair immediately jerked out of their positions, Shinn's faces demonstrating a shade of red that would put his uniform to shame. A young woman ran up to them, her heels clacking on the cement of the walkway as she ran up to join them.

Her dress was short, only coming down to her knees and was a pale pink color. A dark red, tie belt accentuated her narrow hips, it had a sort of halter-top like look to it, but no cleavage showed; although her chest looked to be of a decent size, if not a tad small.

"Kira-san!" she repeated, then realized that there was someone else there, she immediately smiled and held her own hand out to the blushing teen, "I'm Harmony Loussier, a friend of Kira-san's."

"Shinn Asuka."

"Good to know you Shinn-san," Harmony replied, she leaned in to whisper into his ear, "Kira-san's really hot, don't you think Shinn-san?" She giggled as he stuttered out a reply.

"Wh-what?! I-I..."

"A real catch wouldn't you say?"

Kira watched the exchange with amusement.

"H-Harmony-san! Th-that wasn't-"

"I'm just kidding Shinn-san!" she stopped giggled, although amusement still lingered on her face. "And no, I'm not Kira-san's girlfriend or anything; we're just friends."

"So what was that for then?!" his blush receded slightly as

"I was just testing you."

"Testing?! For what?!"

Smiling broadly, she linked her arms with both of theirs, slipping between them, "I don't really think this is the place to talk. How about we go down to that little cafe? What do you think Shinn-san? Can I treat you to a cup of coffee?"

Mumbling an affirmative, Shinn's blush returned with a vengeance.

"Oh good! We can all get to know each other a little better then! And I'm sure Kira-san doesn't mind! He doesn't get out enough."

"Harmony!" Kira admonished. "I do get out. I just don't go out on outing like this before."

"Tee hee! Don't worry so much Kira-san! Shinn-san says he doesn't mind getting dragged around, so let's take advantage of that! I'm sure Ramius-san and Waltfeld-san won't notice your extended absence yet!"

Vaguely, Shinn registered the names. They sounded vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place where he'd heard them before. Giving up on placing the names, he allowed Harmony to tug him through the streets, until they finally arrived at their destination.

It was a quaint little cafe at the corner of one of the quieter streets in the city. A wrought-iron, decorative fence surrounded the patio where several dozen table were located, each with an umbrella. A few people lingered in the chairs, Harmony led them to a secluded table in the corner.

Once they were all seated, Harmony spoke, "So what does everyone want? I'll go fetch our drinks, this place has truly divine iced green tea with lemon; and makes a great latte."

"I think I'll stick with iced tea," Shinn murmured, still a little nervous around the outgoing young woman and their more quiet companion.

"I'd like some tea, Harmony."

"Alright then!" She disappeared into the entrance of the cafe.

"She's a little out there, I know," Kira said into the silence. "But she means well." Seeming to read Shinn's expression, "She's a Coordinator, if you're wondering, she emigrated here from the PLANTs several years ago."

"What about you Kira-san?"

"Just Kira, Shinn. Me? I was originally from Heliopolis."

Remembering what had happened to that colony, Shinn responded, "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's alright; it happened a long time ago and my friends and I survived."

Chancing a glance up at Kira, Shinn blushed again, but managed to hold his gaze, "I... I used to live in Orb, until the Earth Alliance attacked... I lost my family in one of the battles... they believed in Orb's ideals and they died because of them!"

His fists tightened, and he felt tears forming at the corners of his eyes. Kira frowned and took the seat beside him, gently, he placed his hand over Shinn's trembling fist. His other hand tilted Shinn's face so he could see it.

"I know it's hard Shinn..." Kira murmured. "But even if you destroy Orb, it won't bring them back. I... I had to learn that the hard way... it was war. Orb refused to bow down to the Earth Alliance, and even though they lost, they fought back. They spawned something that helped to end the war."

"It's all the Athha's fault that they're dead! If they hadn't-"

"Shinn, it's no one's fault but those who insisted on keeping the fighting going-"

"Shinn, nothing is gained by blaming others," came Harmony's soft voice as she placed their drinks on the table and sat down on the other side of him. She placed her hand gently on his back. "If Orb had bowed to the Earth Alliance, they would have persecuted those of us Coordinators who call Orb home. If anyone is to blame, it is Blue Cosmos for pushing for the invasion of Orb and the fighting that ensued.

"I know it's hard to let go of your hatred, but please try. Hatred does nothing but hurt you more, you have to let it go," she paused, as if pondering something. "I know this may seem forward of me, but I would be really happy if you moved on beyond your hatred Shinn-san." She smiled brightly, "I think Kira-san and I both agree that we like you."

Shinn's blush darkened and he stared at the table as he tried to get his raging emotions under control. He hated to admit it, but Harmony had a point. It would just take him time to let go of it; he'd held onto it for so long that it would be difficult to let go of.

"I... I guess so. I'll give it a try."

Moving her seat away from him, she took her drink and sipped it, "Well, let's stop with all the serious talk for now. It's a beautiful evening, let's not waste it. This is a time to spend with friends."

Kira returned her smile and edged slightly away from Shinn, he took a sip from his own drink, "Yes, let's just spend this evening as friends and leave the darker matters to another time."

Feeling slightly awkward, Shinn took his drink and took a swig, the cool liquid swept down his throat, the sugar making him feel slightly giddy. A few moments of silence followed before Harmony made a suggestion, "Oh I know! Let's all exchange our cell phones and put our names and numbers in! That way we can all stay in touch with each other!"

She pulled out her phone, a slim red Razr, she placed it on the table in front of her before sliding it over to Shinn, "Put your name and number in there. I'll do the same with yours, then you and Kira-san can swap!"

Taking Mayu's cell phone out of his pocket, he gave it to Harmony. She input the data before handing it to Kira, who had his own phone lying in front of him. Shinn handed Harmony hers before shyly taking Kira's and putting in his name and number.

"There! Now we can all keep in touch with each other!" she beamed. "Once the world has settled down again, let's all meet at the memorial again. How does that sound?"

The two boys nodded their heads in agreement. The rest of the evening was spent in pleasant conversation and silence. The trio forming a close bond as time wore on. Shinn found himself becoming more and more at ease with the pair, finding that they understood him on a level that no one else had.

He didn't notice the time until Harmony remarked, "Hmm? Oh dear! It's already past eleven!"

"What?!" Shinn exclaimed, he should have been back at the Minerva an hour before! He remembered putting Mayu's phone on silent, he checked his messages. Several from Lunamaria and one from Rey, wondering where he was. "I was supposed to be back at the ship an hour ago! Gladys kanchou will kill me!"

"I didn't know you weren't from Orb Shinn-san," Harmony murmured. "If I had realized that, I wouldn't have kept you out so late..."

"No, it's alright Harmony, I had a really good time."

She brightened a little, "Really?"

"Yeah! I really would like to do it again sometime, but with everything that's going on in the world, I don't know when we'll next meet again."

"Oh, that's alright! Do you know when you're leaving Orb? Maybe you can come for a quick visit before you leave."

"I'd like that."

"That's great! I'll message you if we can!" She hugged him suddenly, her voice low and filled with emotion, "You take care of yourself, okay? Be careful Shinn-san."

"You too, Harmony, Kira. I'll miss you guys."

"Goodbye Shinn-san! We'll see you again!" Harmony waved as they parted ways. Shinn smiled and waved back before racing off to the military base and the Minerva.

"Do you think we should tell him Kira-san? Kira-san?!" she waved her hand in front of Kira's face.

"Huh? Oh... he seems trustworthy enough."

She pouted, "Oh... I see where this is going. You like him!"

"What?!"

"I can tell! You like him, and it's more then a friend. You have just caught the love at first sight bug!"

"You've been reading too many drugstore romances Harmony."

"Maybe, but you like him! Think about it, we have at least a few days before he leaves."

"I'll give it some thought."

Whew! Finished! That's Phase 1 done and completed, now I just have... thirty-one more to go. I've only finished two phases so far, one and seventeen. I'll go work on another one now. I will finish another, I promise! Must... finish... story... must... finish... story...

The only other completed phase is Phase 17: The Appearance of Truth, I'm currently working on Phase 20: Reunion.