I wasn't satisfied with the sudden disappearance of the DearkaXMiriallia pairing in GS Destiny, so I'm making this fic. I love that pairing. This is for all those out there that feel the same.
This fic has two parts: After GSeed and After GS Destiny.
Pls. read and review!
Part One post-Gundam Seed: Ch. 1
The young redhead stepped out of the ship and inhaled the fresh air. It was a great relief to be back on solid ground after months of being stuck in space. She stole glances around for any sign of her family but she saw none. Miriallia Haww shifted awkwardly.
When she had boarded that ship in panic a few months ago, she in the company of three of her best friends, a girl from school she hardly knew and of course, her boyfriend. Today, she was lucky to leave space alive. Two of her former companions weren't as fortunate. When she looked around for any sign of those said friends, she found that Sai and Kuzzey had already found their parents. Kira was still aboard the Eternal which was who knows where. Milly looked around for anyone who she could find company in but everyone was either reuniting with their families or she didn't know them well enough to go up and talk to them. She was alone.
Milly sighed and took a seat in the waiting area at the dock. She passed the time by watching her fellow crew members laugh and cry with their mothers, fathers and siblings. She herself missed her mother's warm hug and even the stern voice of her father. The young natural wondered what was taking them so long.
In the distance, by the ship, she spotted a familiar face that looked almost as lost as she was. The word 'familiar' being used very lightly because the only reason she even knew this guy was because she had attempted to drive a knife through his head on an occasion. Being that as it may, she wasn't sure if it would be alright to approach him so she stayed where she was. She knew why he seemed lost through. It was because he didn't belong down here in Orb. He was a coordinator.
oO
The tanned young man didn't bother look around for anybody. He knew there was no one for him there. Instead he watched families come and go, picking up the children they had missed for many months. He wondered if his father felt the same, or maybe he was simply to busy up in the PLANT. It must be a state of Chaos there right now. Suddenly he realized he wasn't too eager to go back home. Probably because of the responsibilities or worse, the reprimanding he would receive when he got there. Dearka grumbled as he wondered what would become of him now. He was only sixteen and already branded a traitor. What more of a future could that kind of person have? The blonde sighed.
When the crowds had cleared and there were only a few people left at the dock, Dearka spotted the young natural girl he'd never forget. She was sitting by herself on the benches, apparently waiting for someone. Though his first impression of the girl wasn't exactly all that pleasant, he always found a certain sweet innocence in her or maybe it was just because half the time she saw her, she was crying.
He decided he had nothing to lose. He was felt like a loner anyway so he might as well talk to her. Chances were, if he ran fast enough, he'd be able to escape her lest she suddenly pull a knife out of nowhere.
OoMilly looked up when she heard light footsteps. The boy was coming towards her! He smiled casually and made a nodding gesture to acknowledge her. She smiled back politely.
"All unauthorized personnel: please clear the docking bay. ZAFTS's rouge Eternal is arriving."
A mechanical voice echoed throughout the entire dock.
The two suddenly looked away and turned their attention to the massive red ship that had come to dock beside the Archangel.
Crew members and attendants started flocking out by the dozen, making Dearka lose sight of Miriallia in the fuss. He disappeared from her view as well.
Finally familiar faces started to disembark. First was Kira with Lacus Clyne by the arm. The pair were all smiles. She seemed to float down the dock in her grace. Next they saw Cagalli aid an injured Athrun out of the ship. He had an arm thrown over her shoulder and her arm was around his waist. Last but not the least was an apparently sea-sick (excuse me, space-sick), pissed off Yzak
Dearka immediately took Athrun from Cagalli when they set foot off the dock, relieving the young princes of a hundred and thirty pound burden. Kira came over to hug Milly. She greeted Lacus with an embrace as well.
"We won! …all of us!" The songstress cheered.
"Yes we did."
The redhead looked around at the crowded area and then at her friend. She wasn't alone anymore.
"Milly, aren't your folks here yet?" Kira asked her.
"No. Actually, I have no idea what's taking them so long."
"Why don't you come home with us first? My mother can phone your parents where you are."
"Thanks Kira."
"In fact, why don't we all go? MY mom's a great cook." The brunette offered.
"A warm home cooked meal after ages surviving on processed junk? I'm there." Dearka chuckled, pointing at his thought and making gag noises.
"Well it's not like we have anywhere else to go, does it?" grumbled Yzak. His stomach seemed to growl with him.
"A casual dinner would be nice." Lacus said sweetly.
"I'm not in a hurry to go back to space anytime soon. So Sure." Athrun accepted.
Kira's natural sister didn't give her answer right away. She was busy pleaded with her impeccably buff bodyguard, Kisaka. When he nodded, her smile reached her ears. "I'll be there."
"Then it's settled then. Dinner at my house. "
The group filled into the Yamato's minivan when Kira's parents arrived. They pulled up to not-at-all modest beach house.
Dearka hooted. "Nice place."
The lavender eyed boy blushed.
"Now I know where all my father's personal funds went." Cagalli gawked. "It's as big as my house!"
Mrs. Yamato smiled at the people in awe. "Part of the deal was that Mr. Uzumi would support us. We're very thankful he kept his end." She explained.
Milly kept silent. It wasn't here first time at the Yamato residence. Truth be told she came here often when they were still in school. Hers and Kira's parents were close and this house was a favorite meeting place of their group for school activities. She would gladly confirm that the interiors were just as impressive as the façade. But they'd find that out for themselves soon enough.
They were led into a huge living room which was next to the similarly large dining area before dinner. Even if he didn't say a word, one could swear Yzak was considering that he'd be better off living on earth in a place like this than in a three bedroom condo in the PLANT with his mother.
"Supper won't be awhile. I took the liberty being prepared for company and a fair feast." Kira's mother told them sweetly. It was no wonder Kira was attracted to Lacus Clyne. She had the same angelic voice and heart-melting smile his mother had.
Before she left the room, Milly called out to Mrs. Yamato.
"Auntie! Could I borrow the phone to call my parents? They might worry where I've gone."
"Oh…" The gracefully aged woman shrugged. "You can use the phone as much as you want, dear but I'm afraid you won't find your parents home." He informed her hesitantly.
"Wh—Why is that?"
"I'm afraid…I'm afraid there was an attack near your house a few weeks ago. Your father's in the hospital and your dear mother's by his side. They asked me to take care of you while they were there. She had all that was left of your things brought here."
"A—All that was left?" Milly stammered, her knees going weak,
"I'm sorry Miriallia but your house is in quite a mess from the attack." It pained Mrs. Yamato to that bearer of bad news. She saw the young girl almost collapse on the couch.
"Papa… How's my dad?" She choked.
"He's recovering, so I've heard. You're mother advised you not to worry. She left a note." The older woman handed Milly a note that she had fished out of her coat pocket. "I'll do my very best to make you feel at home in the meantime." She promised.
"TH-Thank you." The redhead said, fighting back a wave of tears.
The woman was barely out of the room when Milly broke out in tears. She sobbed uncontrollable on the sofa's arm.
Kira kneeled next her on the floor. "You heard mom, Milly." He assured her as he patted her back. "They'll be alright. If you want we can go to them. As soon as possible even, tomorrow!" He promised.
The weeping girl nodded weakly, trying to convince herself her friend was right, that her parents would be fine. The songstress kneeled down next to Kira and stared to stroke Miriallia's hair, humming a soft relaxing tune. "It'll be alright." She assured.
The rest of the party just watched her cry with silent sympathy. None more concerned than a certain blonde tanned boy. He had watched her mourn for a lost love one before, he didn't enjoy seeing her sob like that again. Yet he didn't feel as if he really had the right go over there and start whispering words of comfort to here, being where they stood at the moment.
The simple casual dinner that everyone was looking forward to was so awkwardly quiet. The usual comic relief, being either Cagalli or Dearka, weren't in the mood and the spirits of one young girl was hopelessly down.
Kira had attempted to start small talk several times but it always ended rather quickly. Soon dinner was over as well. Mrs. Yamato cleared the table and Miriallia retired to the guestroom. The rest of them went to the terrace to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and the stunning view. Though they were all but only meters from each other, each kept to their own private conversations.
Kira sat with Lacus on a bench. She told of how she wasn't needed in space anymore, her father being dead and the other officials having things under control. The brunette offered her to stay with him then. She pleasantly refused, telling him he wished to take care of war orphans. He agreed good naturedly but made her promise she'd visit often.
Athrun and Cagalli were by the door. Countless worries bothered her about her upcoming role as chief representative of Orb. The blue haired boy was trying to assure her. She was so anxious that finally Athrun thought of a plan. What if he stay and helped her? That way they didn't have to be light years apart.
Yzak and Dearka leaned by the railing.
"So you're going back up?" Dearka assumed.
"Duh." Yzak snorted. "My mother wants me to take a position."
"Good for you."
"What about you?" He turned to his friend.
"I have no idea. I haven't heard from my dad."
"You don't want to go back, do you?" The silver haired boy guessed.
"You know me. Responsibilities aren't my thing." Dearka chuckled.
Yzak nodded before taking another sip of the wine he had. Then he noticed his friend shifting and glancing back at the open door quite often.
"Oh for Pete's sake, Dearka! If she interests you that much, then just go court her. You've done it before." The Duel pilot rolled his eyes. "…many times before…"
Dearka didn't look at his friend. He didn't even seem fazed by the his tone. He just kept looking back at the door, waiting for her to pass it. "She's different." He said simply.
"How so?"
"She doesn't interest me…"
Yzak's eyebrow went up higher than it was naturally supposed to go.
"She stumps me. I don't get her." He finished.
Yzak grumbled. "In that case, is she really worth all you're slaving over? Back home you got anyone you wanted. How, with your repulsive manners, I am yet to understand."
"Yes. She's definitely worth it, every bit."
"Then go." The silver haired boy hissed impatiently.
"…"
Miriallia studied her reflection in the mirror. She had changed from the standard EAF uniform to a light frill white tank dress that ended just bellow her knees. She was second guessing whether to go back down where everybody was or just fall in bed and pass out. She decided on the former but instead of going where it was crowded, she opted for taking a walk on the beach instead.
It wasn't very dark. Tiki torches lit the shore and the moon was full tonight. It was the perfect condition for a stroll on the beach. She stayed just by the edge of the water, letting the small waves splash at her feet.
Miriallia lost herself in thoughts and memories. First Tolle…
Tolle…
He didn't deserve that. She was sure it wasn't his time. And in was in vain to. What did his death achieve? NOTHING! It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.
Then Flay.
She had to admit that the happening shocked her but didn't pain her as much as it should have. She and Flay weren't very close and on top of that, Milly had always felt the girl was only using Kira to get her revenge. Her death did bring a lot of pain to two of her friends.
Now…Possibly her father…
She kept praying he was okay. No one even told her how exactly he was hurt. Was it a bomb? A gunshot? The neighborhood maybe became the unfortunate target of a rouge laser. She shuddered at the thought and tried to brush the horrible images to the back of her head.
Tears started to fall down her cheek. She just kept walking the shore aimlessly, kicking the sand as she went. She had almost the reached the other side from where she started when, as she was kicking the sand under her feet, she suddenly stubbed her toe on something hard.
She instantly drew back her swelling toe and looked at the culprit. She found it was a large rock, one of many that lined a small pool. The pool was about the size of a small coffee table. The full moon reflected on the surface of its water. The water rippled and she realized hat there were tiny fish in the pool. The sight of them sheered her up a little. Quietly she watched them play around in their little pond, so carefree. It was getting later and darker, so she leaned farther over the pool to get a better view of the fish. She enjoyed watching the jump and hurry away when she poked her finger in the water. Occasionally one brave one would come tickle her finger.
Milly was so engrossed in the fish that she didn't realize she was leaning in farther and farther until she leaned the wrong way and lost her balance. Frantically trying to avoid hitting her head on the rocks, she held out her hand to attempt to catch herself. What she didn't count on were the stones being mossy and slippery. When she tried to hold on to them, her hand slipped. She lost her footing and instead of falling head first into a small rocky pool, she landed with her bottom fitting squarely in the pool, drenched.
Well at least she didn't hit her head, right?
Poor fish though.
'This just isn't my day.'
To an onlooker—luckily there weren't any—this would be a rather funny sight. Here was a girl with her butt stuck in a pool and her legs and arms sprawled like a crab's around her.
Sore and frustrated she tried to push against the rocks lining the pull to help lift herself. The tactic seemed to be working fine, until when she already halfway out, she heard a long tearing sound.
'Oh God, Please no…'
Reluctantly she looked down at her dress. She found that a sharp rock had teard through it and ripped away most of the lower half. From the dress once being below her knees, they now rested just above her thighs.
Miriallia gave a resigning moan.
'This is really not my day.'
Given up on the fact that her dress was ruined, she went on pulling herself out of the pool.
When she thought she was stable, she let go of the rocks to regain her footing, only to fall back down on sprawled on the sand. She felt a sharp pain run up and down her leg. Upon a closer look, she found that when she was so caught up in the rock tearing of part of her dress, it had also scratched the length of her leg as well.
There was a long gash from calf up to her mid-thigh and it was bleeding. Though she was sure it didn't cut through any artery or that it wouldn't kill here, it was still pretty deep. The pain prevented her from getting up and walking back to the house or even going to find help. Miriallia Haww was stuck at the edge of the beach, at night, with a deep wound and a ruined dress.
'I hate this day.'
Sand and water from the pool and the crashing waves had started to seep into the wound and it stung. She was about to howl in pain when she realized she might as well howl for help instead.
"ANYONE! CAN ANYONE HEAR ME! I NEED HELP! PLEASE! KIRA?! ANYONE?!"
The balcony was in a hush. Lacus had fallen asleep on Kira's shoulder while they sat on the bench. Cagalli had gone with Kira's mother after she insisted that the princess meet her husband. Since Uzumi Nala Attha's untimely demise, Mrs. Yamato was heart bent on being her parent as well. Naturally, when Athrun was left alone, he had nowhere else to go but to his co-ZAFT pilots.
"You've got a great girl there, Athrun. You really do." Said the Buster pilot.
"I know." The blue haired boy smiled.
"…but do really want to stay?" Yzak added.
"Yeah. I do. There's nothing more up there for me. Besides, if I show my face, the people might rally and who's to know if it'll be in my favor?"
"Fine. Do what you want with your life." The silver haired boy grunted.
"—and you mind yours." Athrun snidely finished for him.
"Give him a break. He's smart enough." Dearka tried to break the two off when he heard a faint sort of whistle.
"What was that?"
The two feuding pilots stopped to stare at him.
"Huh?"
"What was what?"
He heard the shrill noise again but this time, longer and louder.
"That."
"I don't hear anything, Dearka." Yzak snapped.
"It's a cry… or a yell. I know it."
"It's probably a cat." Athrun suggested.
"No. It's coming from down there." He said, pointing to the beach. "Cats hate water."
"Well then that must be why it's screeching." Yzak smirked, taking up his wine glass and taking another sip before taking a seat nearby.
Dearka put on his coat. "I'm going to check it out." He declared.
"Fine. Suit yourself and go out on a night ghost hunt. See ya!" Yzak waved.
Her leg felt as if it were on fire now. Little bits of sand were getting in it. The wind was blowing hard, attracting even more with waves to accompany them. She could walk and she could hardly crawl a few inches. She kept yelling out for help but it seemed no one could hear here.
'Maybe they've all gone home or to sleep. No one knows I'm still out here after all. Crap. I'll be stuck here 'till morning.'
Desperately trying to call out to anybody at all, she screamed her lungs out until her throat was sore. The pain was excruciating. It made more tears fall down her already stained face. She was cold, wet and injured and almost out of hope.
Then she saw him.
Well she didn't really know it was him until she recognized his unmistakable blonde hair. He headed straight for her!
Of all the people who could have heard…it just had to be Dearka Elthman. What luck, but luck none the less.
Finally he reached the frost bit bleeding Miriallia. At first he just stood there, starring at her with a flushed expression. She didn't really understand why. Since it was dark, not even the moonlight could show…
…that he was blushing.
Then she figured it out.
After falling into a pool and being crashed by numerous waves, her pure white cotton dress had turned translucent. The fabric had clung to her body, clearly realizing that she was no Ugly Betty.
After all, if she was able to the infamous PLANT playboy Dearka Elthman blush, she couldn't have been so bad, right?
"Did you just come to stare at me or are you going to do something?" She snapped him out of it.
"I…uh…I heard screaming."
"I'm glad someone did."
"What's wrong?"
Milly tried to move her injured leg to show him, but it hurt too much. Luckily her little yelp of pain made him see it immediately. He quickly bent over to examine the wound. Seeing that it was fairly deep, he remembered from all those first aid workshops that it should be cleaned before treating but since there was no freshwater in sight, he quickly took off his jacket and wrapped it over the leg for pressure.
After makeshift bandaging her leg, Dearka turned to look at her. She looked at him with the same desperate look.
'How the hell am I supposed to bring you back to the house if you can't walk?'
He didn't have to ask it, the answer was plain and simple. Hesitantly he put and arm around her shoulders and his other one under her knees and lifted her. He staggered a bit because of the loose sand but soon realized she wasn't heavy at all.
Her dress was slippery so the more Dearka walked, the closer she slipped nearer to him. She found herself resting her head on his shoulder as he brought her back to the beach house.
It hadn't been awhile since Dearka had gone after whatever howling noises he claimed to hear. Cagalli had returned to the terrace and the Athrun and Yzak were now sitting across each other at a table near the rails. Kira and Lacus hadn't moved from the bench where she was sleeping.
The evening had started out calm and quiet and they all expected it to end that way as well.
Imagine they're surprise when a half wet Dearka appeared carrying a drenched bleading Miriallia bridal style.
Cagalli wasn't sure whether to scream in horror or drop on the floor laughing.
Yzak, seeing Milly's almost transparent ripped dress with part of it stained red, raised an eyebrow.
"When I said make your move, I didn't mean it that way."
Lacus woke up with a start and put her hand to her mouth as she gasped.