Last Exile – If I turn you away

Disclaimer: Ne ne I, enIIgma-chan do not own the anime Last Exile, the characters or anything that's affiliated to it. So ummm... don't sue me dammit!

A/N: Ok, first of all. I'm a fan of Lavie x Claus x Tatiana and a little of Alistia. After completely watching the entire 26 episodes twice eons ago, it's safe to say that Lavie and Tatiana both have a thing for Claus right? So this fic is just about that, and I'm not gonna say who. You're just going to have to read, and so it begins.

The 4 star letter

A soft cool breeze blew in from the northeast, and a dying rainbow could be seen to the northwest, as it ever so slightly; began to slowly fade away. A decent sized rainstorm had past through just recently, leaving behind it was a new and refreshed land that reached far an eye could see. Claus Valca stood in the wet grassy fields, looking up at the clouds, quietly admiring them as they rapidly passed by. He took a deep breath, taking in the fresh scent of the wonderful rain air. It was good; he always did this after it rained. It was so refreshing that it seemed to cleanse the body and put the mind at ease.

Not too long ago, he and Lavie Head, he's navi were embarked on their greatest adventure yet, getting themselves caught right smack down in the middle of a war, between two countries. Both, Claus and Lavie didn't have any other choice, but to help intervene. After it was all said and done, it seemed to have turn out for the best. There was peace once again; no more meaningless wars, no more Guild, no more...

Claus stopped himself for a moment, when he heard someone calling him from a distance. He looked to the direction where the sound was coming from and saw Al waving at him. He smiled and started walking towards her as she waited for him there, looking quite cheery as always. "Yes, Al?" said Claus casually. Al went up to him and grabbed his right arm, "Claus, Lavie made lunch, come eat."

He gently stopped her, "I'll be there in a few minutes ok?" Al peeked up at him, somewhat of a puzzled look, "Ok, but please don't be late. The food will get cold." Claus placed his right hand on Al's shoulder, "I won't, I promise." She nodded back happily and started running back to the house, thinking she'd help Lavie set up the table.

Claus looked on as Al ran back into the house. He glanced up at the clouds once again and made a soft sigh. It wasn't that long ago, when he, as vanship pilot wasn't quite that experienced yet and was still green. Sure, he and Lavie had a share of jobs doing 1 or 2 star runs, or even participated in vanship races from time to time.

He was a van pilot then, yes. But he wasn't as skilled or top-notch yet. Since he and Lavie became involve in the Silvana and the battles with the Guild, he was able to polish his skills; he's potential was limitless and was getting even better day by day. He wouldn't have gotten this good without the help of Silvana's ace pilot, the one who flew the red vanship.

He reached into the pocket of his flight attire, and took out an envelope with a seal that was already broken. He had received it the other day. It was a 4 star letter, and was sent from Tatiana Wisla. He had read it a couple times before, but he had kept it with him and wondered if he'd do what she requested of him.

Claus looked at the letter once more,

Dear Claus,

I'm writing to you because I have something that I want to discuss with you personally. I know this may sound somewhat peculiar and sudden, but please just do this for me ok? As you may already know, it's a 4 star letter. Please don't be alarm, thinking that it's life threatening or anything foolish like that. It's not, but what it is, is important, especially for me. If you do decide to do that I ask of you, I will be very grateful. Again, if you want too, you know where to find me. That's Silvana, in case you don't have clue. There will be a heavy cargo ship coming to Norkia to pick you up. That is if you decide you want too. Bye Claus, I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely, Tatiana

Claus put the letter back in his pocket and made his way back to the house. He stopped at the entrance of the house and cleaned the mud off his shoes and went inside. "Gang way!" yelled Lavie, as she hurriedly put the vegetable stew on the table. Al rushed out from the kitchen with the bread tailing her, a few steps behind. "Woo!" Lavie yelled again, "That sure was a close one, I almost spilled it."

Lavie then shot a look at Claus and winked, "Well, eat up Claus, there's lots." He made a fidgety smile and sat, knowing her, she meant that half of it was for him to eat. "Umm... Lavie, you're forgetting the most important thing." Claus said, looking at the table, searching for something. "Eh?" replied Lavie, as she unknowingly scanned the table also. Then it suddenly hit her, "Water!" she shouted out aloud, startling Al in the process.

"I'll be back in a sec." Lavie ran back in the kitchen, pots and pans could be heard as she desperately searched for the water pitcher. "Woo-hoo!" she hollered from the back and came running back in with the water. "It isn't grade A water, but any would do right?" Lavie put water in the three cups that was on the table. "Now, let's stuff our face everyone!" she said quite confidently.

Al and Claus both glanced at one another, thinking the same exact thought 'You've got to be kidding, if you think we'll be able too finish this?' Al and Claus both sighed silently and began eating. "So, Claus, I see you received a letter yesterday with 4 stars on it. Who's it from?" she took a sip of the water, and waited for his reply.

"Well?" Lavie said again, looking at Claus, blinking time to time. "It's from Tatiana." Claus answered softly, just enough for her to hear it. "Oh" she said, looking on to his direction. "I assume it's an important one, because it's a 4 star letter." She continued, then started eating again. Claus nodded, and saw Al glancing his way, with a hint of concern on her face.

Lavie got her bread and took a big bite, "When you leaving for Silvana?" Claus took out the letter, "I'm assuming it's right away, she did say it's very important." Lavie leaned backward against the chair, "I take it, it's just you, huh?" Claus looked right back at her, "I believe so." Claus finished his meal quickly and abruptly stood up; "I'm not sure what it is that she wants, and that is the reason why I got to go there and find out ok?" She nodded hesitantly and made a broad smile, but for some reason, it seemed harder to do this time.

Claus went in the kitchen, and washed the dishes he used. 'I wonder how she found out about the letter?' he thought, then it gradually occurred to him, 'I guess it was Al, who told her about it. It was she that she gave it to him.' He dried his hands with the dry wash cloth, and went back to the dining area. "Lavie, I... "Claus said, interrupting her as she was cleaning the table. "Yes, Claus?" she responded, peering up at him, unsure what he was going to say.

He stood for a moment, feeling a bit awkward about the situation at hand, "I'm not sure how long it's going to take, but I'll try to come back as quick as possible ok?" Lavie tilted her head side ways, and started laughing, "Don't worry, it's ok. Have fun all right?" Then added, "But not too much fun, if you know what I mean." Lavie said, grinning at him mischievously. "Aww, it's nothing like that!" he curtly protested, waving his hands in front of him.

"Hmm? Then why you blushing?" she countered playfully, then made a face and stick her tongue out. "Lavie, it isn't funny." Claus chided and stomped off to his room, to get ready. "Hai hai" replied Lavie, with a wryly expression on her face. Claus heard himself stomped down the hallway and immediately put it to a halt. He looked back down the hallway and smiled. He felted relieved that Lavie was taking it nicely, with the letter that is.

So everyone, how was the 1st chappy hmm? Was it good? Interesting? So- so? Lemme know wouldcha! I love reviews, gimme reviews please! Well, until next time. Laters! EnIIgma-chan :3