Disclaimer: Kidou Senshi (Mobile Suit) Gundam SEED and its characters are copyright 2000-2004 Sotsu Agency, Sunrise, and MBS. English language adaptation produced under license by Bandai Entertainment.
In other words, I don't own the original intellectual property.
A/N
Setting is post Jachine Diue, which I'm assuming to be late winter (early CE 72). I'll assume GSD doesn't even happen, both because I haven't seen it and because I don't want to be confined by it's boundaries. I made that mistake in the SEEDs of Hope stories, writing myself into a corner.
By popular demand (and the need for more characters) this will include some characters from GSD. They'll be a little older (so everybody won't be 13 or 14) and I'll deal with them in my own way, so no complaints please. If they're OOC you'll have to forgive me as I have no frame of reference for their personalities or speech patterns. I may do Kamille/Four as a base pattern for Shinn/Stellar, though I'll be going my own direction with it.
I fully intend to explore Kira's potential Newtype awakening. Mostly because Newtypes rock. Also a gradual awakening within Lacus, beginning with her calming effect on Kira.
A/N End
Chapter 1
"So, how long has she been in there?" The 'there' referred to the Kira's quarters aboard the Archangel.
"Since he got back," Athrun answered. "And I don't expect they'll be out anytime soon."
"Can I go in, or are you standing guard or something?" Cagalli wasn't sure what to do. She felt her little brother needed her, and yet . . . what could she really do for him that Lacus could not?
She was answered by Lacus herself as the door slid open. "No, I would prefer it if you did not go in at this time."
Athrun asked, "You heard us?"
Cagalli demanded, "And why can't I?"
"Please, he needs some more time. He hasn't even woken up yet. But I would appreciate it very much if the two of you brought us some juice. I think he likes orange juice. He'll be waking up shortly and I'd like to have some ready for him."
"Sure, Lacus." Athrun took a protesting Cagalli by the waist and made off down the Archangel's cylindrical corridor toward the ship's mess.
Battle weary and exhausted from lack of sleep, Lacus Clyne returned to her charge: Kira Yamato. Her favorite pilot. As she sat by him on his bed stroking his chestnut brown hair, she could feel the tension leave him. It was as if her touch could work miracles on him. Perhaps that's why she felt obligated to stay by his side until he awoke. To take care of him, because in at least some small way she could be of use here. And right now, with the fighting done, what her life needed was just such a purpose.
"Lacus?" The door slid open to reveal Athrun, her former fiancée. "Perhaps you should get some sleep." He handed her the juices.
"No thank you. I will get some rest soon. Perhaps you and Cagalli should rest as well."
"We already have." Athrun let the door slide shut behind him.
Just how long have I been in here? Lacus didn't know the answer to that. It didn't really matter to her. At the moment, only this boy mattered.
True to her prediction, Kira stirred. Shooting upright in bed, he startled his overprotective nurse.
He asked, "What happened?" Looking around, he recognized the place though the lighting was quite dim. A figure held something out to him. Familiar, kind, gentle, loving. He felt warm and at peace in the figure's presence. It wasn't the person that haunted his dreams. "Is that you, Lacus?"
"Yes. It is I." She handed him one of the two orange juice containers. "Please drink something. You've been unconscious for quite a long while." How long she didn't really know.
"Thank you."
They drank together in silence. She looking at him, he looking uncomfortably at anything but her. When he did make eye contact, he almost smiled. It didn't feel quite right to smile now.
She asked, "How do you feel?"
"Terrible," he answered. "I have a splitting headache. And I don't really remember what . . ." The memory came rushing back like a tidal wave. The pain of his thoughts only added another dimension to the pain in his head.
She finished for him, "What happened?" Seeing his distressed look, she placed a gentle hand to his cheek. "Kira, you should really lie back down."
"Yeah." He followed her orders without hesitation.
"Would you like to talk about it?"
Kira never was the talkative type. He was more the type to bottle his feelings inside until the pressure caused an emotional explosion. But with Lacus's hand on his cheek, he felt compelled to do exactly as she wished. Even something so simple as her touch dulled the pain in his head. And in his heart. "I couldn't save her, Lacus. I tried. I tried my hardest, but it wasn't good enough. My best has never been good enough."
"That's not true. You were able to do a great many things. Your efforts helped to end the war."
"But all I wanted was to protect people. All through the war, that's the only reason I fought. At first it was to protect my friends from the GINN that cut them off from the evacuation shelters. Then the refugees from Heliopolis. Then Fllay."
"Think of how many countless lives you saved by stopping the nuclear missiles from destroying the PLANTs. Or the GENESIS from destroying the Earth. Or even how many that will now be saved since the fighting has stopped."
"It's stopped?"
"Yes."
Kira closed his eyes an swallowed hard. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything, Kira." Her face softened from an expression of worry to a gentle smile.
"If you can't protect someone, does it make you just as guilty as the person who killed them?"
"Of course not! Why would you ask such a thing?" Lacus was shocked.
"Fllay."
"Just who is this person that she has such a hold on you?" Lacus vaguely recalled the red-headed girl, but she never got to know her.
"Have you ever had feelings for someone, but never knew if they felt the same way?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact I have." Her gentle smile shifted to one of sadness.
"Who? Athrun?" Kira could see the sudden heartache in her eyes, but he was just dense enough not to know who she was referring to.
"No. Someone else." Boy, you sure are dense Kira Yamato. "Please continue."
"Well, I had a crush on her. And when she was one of the refugees on board, I promised to protect them all. When her father died, she blamed me for not being able to protect him. And then . . ." Tears came, and his gentle protector helped to wipe them away. "And then she seduced me, telling me she understood what was going through my mind, and turned me into her personal killing machine. I had to get stronger so that no one else would die because I couldn't protect them. But through it all I still felt very strongly for her."
"That is very sad," Lacus admitted.
"And the worst part is, I can't blame her for what she did. She was lost and very frightened. In the last battle she was in trouble, she cried out for me in my mind. That's how I knew where she was out there. And when she died I saw her, telling me that she really did love me."
As he cried, she held him to protect him from the demons that still haunted his mind.
She asked, "Kira, would you do something for me?"
He sat back up, looking into her beautiful blue eyes. "Anything you ask."
"Cry with me," she requested.
"Cry?"
"Yes," she answered, tears welling in those tired, sad eyes. "For all the friends we've lost. For all those you were unable to protect. For all those PLANT moderates who died so that I might live. And for all those who we'll never get the chance to know. Let's give them all a good cry, shall we?"
She bade him lay in her lap and cry. How could he refuse? Sitting there a while, crying together. His head in her lap, nose toward her navel as she cradled him. She with her head just above his, raining loving tears down on the target of her affections.
"Lacus?"
"Yes?" She opened her eyes to see him looking up at her.
"Thank you."
"There is no need to thank me, Kira. I . . ." think I love you.
"Yeah, me too" It was his turn to place a hand on her cheek, requesting she lay down and rest also.
Can you read my thoughts? "I will do anything you ask, Kira."
"Please don't leave."
Her heart skipped a beat. "As you wish."
"If you left, then I . . ." The tears started again. "I would be all alone again; alone with the memories."
"I won't leave you, Kira. I'll be right here the whole time."
As they readjusted themselves to rest, he heard a jingle at his chest. "What's this?"
"Hmm?"
"Oh, it's the ring you gave me." It was platinum with fine engraving, dangling from a chain around his neck.
"Yes. It was my father's wedding band. My mother had it specially made, just for him." She curled his hand around the ring. The ring was his now, and she confirmed that fact with a kiss on his curled hand.
"It means a lot, Lacus." He looked unsure of himself. Like he wanted to do something, but didn't know quite how she would take it.
Pushing aside the doubts, he kissed her. Not on the cheek, as they had done before. This was full on the lips, sweetly and tenderly. She had never felt anything so electric, so powerful. So fulfilling. It was worth the wait.
Seeing that she did not disapprove, he continued. "You know," he began, "I still have a lot of things to sort out."
"Yes, I am well aware of that." Her heart began to flutter. What is he trying to say? She tried very hard not to reveal what she expected, what she hoped that he would say.
"All I know is that I do not want to be apart from you. Everything else in my head is a jumbled mess."
"Very well then, you have my permission to stay," she announced. She was playful, flirting. Lacus Clyne, the pink-haired princess, flirting with Kira Yamato. She actually made him laugh. Unbelievable.
Who is this girl, that she could have such an effect on me? After a moment to recover he asked, "Permission? Last I checked this was my quarters."
"If you ask me to stay by your side, wild horses could not drag me away from you, Kira Yamato. And I will wait for you, as long as it takes." She was dead serious this time. It earned her another quick peck on the lips.
Electric.
Two
"Why did you do that?"
"What? Listen to Lacus?" Athrun knew he would always have trouble with this girl.
"Yeah. He's my brother!" She could be so irrational.
"And what exactly could you do for him? Let him sleep if he can."
She would be trouble, but he loved her all the more for it. At the moment, the fledgling couple was sharing hot cocoa in the galley. And Athrun was not having a good time of it.
"I don't know," she whined. "But, I just need something to do. I want to be helpful." Dejected, she slumped forward putting her head on the table.
"There, there," he patted her head.
She suddenly perked up. "Hey, I know. Let's play a game."
"Sure." She had a gleam in her eye that made him feel less than comfortable, but what the heck. They had nothing better to do. "What did you have in mind?"
"I know a card game that you're just going to love!"
He seriously doubted that. "And just where will you find a deck of cards?"
"Surely to goodness there is someone on this battleship with a deck of cards."
True. Card games were almost a standard vice in the military. "And if there's not?"
"Then I'll just have to go to the Kusanagi and get mine."
"Where do you want to start looking?"
"Let's start with the bridge. Come on." Now it was her turn to drag him off.
Sai, Miriallia, Dearka, and Yzak didn't have any. No surprise, as they came aboard with nothing more than the shirts on their backs. Dearka and Yzak with less, actually. They would still be walking around in their flight suits had Erika Simmons not donated some clothing for them: the standard khaki slacks and orange jackets of Morgenroete, Inc. personnel.
Murrue was, shall we say, indisposed. No one dared disturb her. The bridge officers were busy. All the shuttles were already in use, both on the Archangel and the Kusanagi. The Eternal was scuttled where it would be hard to find, as per the orders of Miss Clyne, so no help there. Finally, their last hope pulled through: Chief Murdock. He didn't even ask what they so urgently needed them for.
Walking back to the cylindrical corridor, Athrun asked "Okay, so what now ma'am?"
Cagalli answered, "First I want to peek in on Kira. I promise I won't disturb them."
"Only if you promise."
It was dark, but not impossible to see. They didn't expect what they found. They expected Lacus to be sitting in the chair by Kira's bed. Instead, no Lacus. Cautiously creeping in for closer examination, they found . . .
"Oh, my." Athrun whispered.
"That has got to be the cutest thing I've ever seen." Cagalli fought hard to keep from weeping at the sight.
Kira and Lacus looked like angels, glowing and perfect. Their eyes were no longer puffy from tears, their features no longer marred by grief. Instead, gentle smiles lit their faces. Laying on their sides facing each other with bent knees touching. Kira's hands were clasped tightly around something while Lacus's were clasped around his. Their noses were just a few inches away from each other, like they were just about to kiss.
"I think we better go," Athrun took Cagalli by the waist once again.
"Yeah, I'd hate to disturb them."
In Athrun's temporary quarters, that mischievous gleam returned to his companion's eyes. He asked, "So, what exactly is this game you want to play?"
"Ever play poker?" She sat down on the bed, opposite Athrun; he at the foot of the bed, she at the head. Athrun didn't tell her, but he thought it symbolic.
What self-respecting soldier hasn't? He decided to string her along for a bit, make her think she'd have the upper hand. "Not really. How do you play?"
He listened intently as she explained the rules, just glad to have the chance to spend this time with her. She felt the same way.
"And what will we play for?"
Cagalli proposed, "How about who ever wins the most hands gets to order the other person around for a whole day?"
"Haven't you been doing that anyway?" His sarcasm earned him a punch in the arm. "Ow! You're a violent one, aren't you?"
"Fine, since you're already my servant then I order you to determine the prize."
"I've got it. For each hand, whoever wins has to answer a question. About anything. Deal?" He offered his hand.
She accepted. "Deal."
The first hand went to Athrun. His question: "So, where do we stand? Our relationship?"
She lowered her head. "I haven't really thought about that."
"Oh," he sounded a little hurt.
"We haven't had time," she tried to explain. "But I really like you."
"I like you too, Cagalli."
"Really? How much?" She perked up with a little hope twinkling in her eyes.
"You'll have to win a hand to ask a question."
Her eyes narrowed. "Fine. Then you had better let me win, Athrun Zala."
He did.
She ordered, "Now spill it, Zala."
"A lot." They both blushed a little.
The game continued in much this way for some time, each happy to get this chance to know one another. Their secrets, their fears, and the virtual non-existence of earlier relationships were all fully examined. They settled their standing: they would now be officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Then came the bombshell.
Athrun asked, "Would you like me to kiss you?"
"I suppose I have to answer that."
"You don't want to answer that?"
Her answer came in the form of a tackle. From above, she demanded "As my loyal servant, I order you to kiss me."
"Yes ma'am," he complied. After a moment, he was curious to see what she looked like, what expression she would have on her face.
It was a pleasant one. "I did not give you permission to stop," she smiled back. She enjoyed bossing him around, though she only meant it as being playful. It was her way of flirting. She hoped he knew that.
"Yes ma'am." It seemed they would both enjoy this arrangement.
Three
"Why don't you just go and talk to her?"
"Who?"
"Your Natural girlfriend. Who else?"
"Yzak, she's not my girlfriend."
"Then make her your girlfriend." Yzak eyed his old friend suspiciously. This was not like Dearka at all. Either that blow to the head from the last battle did some damage, or he had it bad for this girl.
"Yes, well in a couple decades you'll wonder why you're still single." Dearka's head was pounding under the bandages. He and his old friend were arguing in the infirmary, waiting on a doctor to finally show up.
"Seriously, man. You're scaring me. You never had girl problems at home."
Miriallia entered. "Who has girl problems?"
Yzak answered, "The hotshot pilot laid up in the bed. I swear, does this ship not have any medical staff on board?"
Dearka moaned, "Yzak, just go away and let me die in peace."
"Fine, I'll leave you two alone." Yzak stormed out.
Dearka asked the new arrival, "Not that I mind, but what exactly are you doing here?"
Miriallia cocked an eye. "I came to check on you. I got worried when my shadow disappeared."
"Ah ha ha ha!" Yzak had been listening in the hall.
"Miriallia, will you please find something heavy to throw at him?"
"My pleasure." She grabbed the nearest chair and tossed it at the offending eavesdropper, who promptly went on his merry way. "Nice friend you have there."
"Not really."
"Here, take some of these. They'll help dull the pain." She held out a bottle of pills and a glass of water.
"I'm grateful."
"So, you want to tell me what that was all about?" Miriallia took a seat next to Dearka's bed. The same seat occupied by Yzak until so recently.
"Not really, no."
They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a short while.
"Here." She reached out for his head.
"What are you doing?"
"You're bleeding again. I should re-bandage that wound."
"Thanks, Miriallia."
"You know, you can call me Mir. All my friends do."
"So does that mean I can be your friend now?"
"I suppose."
"Then please accept my humble thanks, Mir."
Another uncomfortable silence followed. Such was common between these two. They always ran out of things to say, but not the will to say them.
"Is there anything I can help you with, Mir?"
"No. My shift is over and I just don't want to be alone right now." She smiled, "And it might be a good idea to keep that 'friend' of yours away long enough for you to get some rest."
"I'd like that," Dearka smiled.
"So, about these girl problems . . ." She cocked that eye again.
He found it beautiful, just like everything else about her. "Yzak seems to think I should put the moves on you."
"Put the moves?"
"Yeah. Silly, isn't it?"
"I do not appreciate being spoken of as a piece of meat." Her face hardened.
"Don't worry about it. I wouldn't do that," he said hurriedly. "Besides, I live in constant fear of you wielding scalpels. There are too many of them lying about in here."
"Yeah, well you should." Miriallia smiled at the memory of their second encounter. It seemed like such a long time ago now, though it had only been a few weeks since she had tried to kill him.
"Thanks for being such a good friend, Mir." He took her hand and squeezed it before closing his eyes.
"Not a problem." She watched him fall asleep thinking, He must be one tough guy. Those pain killers probably aren't doing a thing.
Four
Yzak made his way to the hangar, still chuckling under his breath at Miriallia's comment. "Shadow was missing. Ha!"
"Hey kid! You wanna help with the repairs?" It was some mechanic. Tanned, long hair, two-day stubble, and wearing dirty coveralls.
Yzak never was one for controlling his temper. Dearka used to do that for him. Yzak was silently boiling with rage at being called a 'kid.' "And who are you?"
"Hey, no offense. I'm Chief Murdock." He stuck out a gloved hand in greeting. "I just thought you'd like to help out, since we're working on your machine."
"Not really. But I guess I could show you old-timers how you're really supposed to take care of mobile suit."
"Ha! Snappy comeback kid. I'm starting to like you already." The chief handed him some gloves. "We thought we'd start at the engines, then work our way out."
"Looks like you old-timers know at least that much."
They worked in silence, since Yzak seemed to prefer it. The Duel's engines needed a tune-up, but that was going to be the easiest part. The rest of the suit was a wreck. At least it was in better shape than the Buster and Freedom, the only other two suits aboard.
"Yzak Joule?"
It was a feminine voice; one he didn't recognize. Her hair was blond and shoulder-length; as gold as his hair was silver. Her eyes were green like emeralds, and almost catlike in their ability to stare through people. Her demeanor . . . well, Yzak thought it infuriatingly polite. He asked, "And just who are you?"
She sighed, "My name is unimportant, seeing as how you don't recall it. If you'll come with me please, I have a package from your mother."
He snarled, "What kind of a joke is this?"
"No joke. It was quite easy sneaking aboard in the confusion. With all the shuttle traffic between these two ships, no one noticed my approach in this flight suit."
Yzak didn't notice the form-fitting suit, only the briefcase she had with her.
She motioned toward the hangar exit. "Please, it contains a private message from Councilwoman Joule."
He followed warily, unsure of this girl and her 'message.' They stopped in the hallway leading toward the gravity block.
She asked, "Which way to your private quarters?"
"I'm surprised you don't already know, Ms. Spy."
"I'm surprised you would know my service branch, but not my name."
"Just a deduction." He turned, "This way." Entering the room, he noticed she didn't follow. "Not coming in?"
"No. It is a private message." She handed him the case and let the door slide shut an inch in front of her petite nose. She already knew the gist of the message anyway.
Opening it, he found a laptop and a few odd nick-knacks of his, among other things. Turning on the laptop a video message began playing on the retractable screen.
"Hello Yzak. I hope this message finds you well. Knowing your impatience, I'll get straight to the point. I have sent one of my most trusted subordinates to carry out an important mission. It is her mission, not yours. You may help as you wish, but in doing so you will be placed under her command. It is my hope that you will provide her whatever assistance she requires. She can fill you in on the details at her discretion. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you didn't remember her, as it has been quite some time since last you saw each other. She asked that I not tell you her name, hoping that you would remember it in time. Take care, my wayward son. I miss you very much. When you return home it will be to a hero's welcome, and likely a seat on the Council."
Her message ended in a salute, which he returned out of habit.
Chapter 2
"No!"
Kira awoke with a start, his heart pounding. The jolt awoke his companion. It seems they changed positions in the night. He was now on his back, she with her head on resting on his chest.
"Kira? Is something the matter?" She placed her hand on his cheek. Again, that calming effect she knew he needed.
"Yeah. Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's okay. I've had trouble sleeping the past hour." Lacus sat up to yawn and stretch. "It seems we shared the same sad dreams."
Taking a deep breath, he arose to sit beside her. "Thanks." He gave her a gentle hug.
"Whatever for?"
"For staying with me. I really appreciate it."
"Think nothing of it." She gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I was glad to do it."
"I'm a little hungry. You want to go get some breakfast?" Actually, he was starving.
So was she. "Sure."
After washing their faces, the couple made their way to the galley. They were met by Athrun and Cagalli.
"Kira Yamato, you sly dog," Athrun poked his friend in the ribs with an elbow. Both Athrun and Cagalli got an inordinate amount of pleasure from watching their friends blush.
"What did I do?"
"Getting Lacus to spend the night with you. And to think I was always worried you were too shy to ever get a girl."
Cagalli interrupted, "That's not a nice thing to say about my little brother."
Kira was a little confused, but joined in anyway. "Just who are you calling little?"
"I was born first!"
Kira lowered his head, "Yeah, well I suppose that's true since I wasn't really born at all." Artificial womb. Ultimate Coordinator. People are not defined by their abilities alone, he reminded himself.
Lacus hugged Kira's arm and decided to veer the subject away from that. "If you must know, Kira was the perfect gentleman."
"So you did stay with him all night?" Cagalli's eyes widened. "We'll have to talk about this later, girl to girl."
"I don't like the sound of that," Kira groaned.
"Me either," Athrun stated.
"If you don't keep your trap shut Mr. Zala, I'll tell Kira what you did last night," Cagalli playfully threw a piece of omelet at her man.
Athrun's eyes widened in fear.
Kira demanded, "Athrun, what did you do?"
"You'll have to ask Cagalli," he answered. Dear Lord, if Kira finds out I made out with his sister he'll kill me. Twice.
"Relax brother. He didn't do anything I didn't order him to. He's just embarrassed."
"Who's embarrassed?" Dearka asked. He entered with Yzak and another.
"Nobody's embarrassed," Athrun stated flatly.
The newcomers joined them for breakfast.
Cagalli was the first to ask, "So who's your friend?"
"Her? I have no idea," Yzak stated coldly.
The strange girl answered, "I'm an old friend of the Joule family. He just doesn't remember me."
"I'm an old friend of the Joule family, and I don't even remember you." Dearka took a seat between Yzak and the mystery girl.
"I'm not the least bit surprised by that," she stated.
"I didn't know Yzak had any friends outside our graduating class." It was Athrun's turn to put the thumb screws on Yzak.
"Hey!" Yzak's face was turning scarlet with anger.
"Yzak, remember your manners." The girl was polite, but firm with him. Much like his mother. "That's better."
"So do we get to know your name?" Cagalli asked.
"That is for Yzak to guess. It's a game we're playing." She smiled at him, which only served to anger him further. "If you must call me something, please call me Asuka. It was my great grandmother's name."
"It's a beautiful name," Lacus commented. "Asian?"
"Yes, my great grandmother was Japanese." She smiled at Yzak again. "There's another hint for you."
"Whatever." Yzak grumpily picked at his breakfast.
"She's with ZAFT special forces. We've managed to get that much out of her," Dearka admitted. "She snuck aboard last night."
No one seemed to question that. Perhaps because it was so early in the day.
"Well, it's good to see you're feeling better. Did someone re-bandage your head?" Athrun's question brought a momentary smile from Dearka.
"Yeah. Mir came by to see me yesterday afternoon."
Hunger grew stronger than curiosity, effectively ending the conversation. After breakfast, the guys went off to the exercise room while the girl's piled up in Kira's quarters to gossip. Asuka was sent to retrieve Miriallia when her shift ended.
Yzak took his frustrations out on the punching bag. Dearka was engaged in bicep curls. Kira was spotting Athrun on the bench-press. The importance of exercise in space cannot be understated. Prolonged exposure to a weightless environment can cause the muscles to weaken. Who would want that?
Kira asked "So, are you going to tell me what happened?"
"Nope." Athrun was determined to concentrate on the weights.
Dearka and Yzak were remaining silent. For the moment.
Kira continued undaunted. "Did you do anything to her?"
Athrun set the bar back in its rest. "If I did anything, I'm sure it was no worse that what you did to my ex-fiancée last night."
It took a lot of self control to keep from interrupting, but Yzak and Dearka bit their tongues. They wanted even more juicy tidbits to spill before pouncing.
Kira was now on the defensive. "We told you. Nothing happened."
"I know. Cagalli and I checked in on you two. Sleeping like little angels." He resumed lifting.
"I'm your best friend and she's my sister. Don't screw this up or one of us is going to kill you."
"Yeah. I know." Athrun placed the bar in its rest one final time. "Look, Kira. We're officially dating now. I'm not going to hurt her. If anything, you should be worried about her beating me to death. Look at this bruise" He lifted his left sleeve to reveal a nice one just below the shoulder. "Besides. If she gets mad at me, she's got a whole army at her disposal. She doesn't need you to be all overprotective."
"I guess your right," Kira admitted. "Can't blame a brother from worrying."
Now it was Athrun's turn. "So where do you and Lacus stand?"
Kira began lifting. "I'm not sure. I like her a lot, but I think we're going to take things slow. You know?" He stopped, as if it just occurred to him this might be the slightest bit awkward. "Are you alright with this? Me going out with your ex-fiancée?"
Athrun nodded. "We were never anything more than friends. Our engagement was purely political."
At this point, Dearka and Yzak burst into laughter. Clearly Kira and Athrun had completely forgotten there were others in the room.
"Oh my God! Is this a riot or what?" Dearka was rolling on the floor, one hand clutching his ribs, the other covering his bandage.
"I know man! It's like a freaking soap opera!" Yzak had to lean against the wall for support.
"Now wait just a minute. Who said the dateless guys get to speak," Athrun spoke over the laughter.
"Yeah, Mr. goo-goo-eyes following Mir around all day," Kira pointed out.
"And what's with Yzak's mystery girl? He doesn't even know her name!" Athrun was enjoying this little tag-team match. Kira and Athrun vs. Dearka and Yzak. At least it got the subject away from me and Cagalli.
"Whatever. Let's just drop it." Dearka was red in the face; partially from laughter, partially from humiliation.
"Yes, this is talk more suited to women." Yzak collected himself quickly.
Kira was curious. "Speaking of the mystery girl, why is she here?"
Yzak answered coolly. "Says she's on some special mission. I'm supposed to help her."
Athrun was suddenly interested, "And this mission is . . ."
"Don't know, but I've got a bad feeling about it. Stop by my room later. I've got some things you guys might need."
Two
After Miriallia and Asuka returned, the girl talk really got going. None of them really knew each other well, but it was so rare for them to have the chance to hang out like this. They were all about the same age, and none of them had anything better to do.
"Were you intentionally trying to embarrass Kira and myself?"
Cagalli apologized, "Sorry Lacus. I know you two didn't do anything . . . or did you?"
"We did not." Lacus was politely indignant. "And why were you checking up on us?"
"Oh, you two were just so cute! Like little angels!" Cagalli let out a 'squee' sound.
"So how long has this been going on? You and Kira, I mean." Miriallia was quite curious. She had been friends with Kira a while, but hadn't been around him enough lately to know what was going on in his life.
"I don't know really. I've liked him for some time, and I hope that he likes me as well. I believe so. He kissed me twice last night." Lacus's cheeks turned a shade of pink that almost matched her hair. "Actually, I think I love him very much."
Asuka wanted to join in and thought this was just as good a point as any. "Why did you stay in here last night?"
"He asked me to." Lacus's face turned a couple of shades darker. "And I will continue to do so until he asks me to leave."
"As his sister, I can confirm that he likes you very much. If he gives you any trouble just tell me and I'll kick him in the rear. Well, enough of that. I made out with Athrun last night!" Cagalli announced.
"Oh, my. Was it fun?" Lacus was a bit envious that Cagalli and Athrun got to make out and she and Kira didn't. But then, it wouldn't have been right under the circumstances. Oh well, maybe soon.
"Oh yeah." Cagalli was proud of it. "We were playing this card game where the winner got to ask a question, and the loser couldn't refuse. It was a lot of fun. And then he asked if I wanted to kiss him. Then things happened so fast."
Lacus repeated, "Oh, my." Perhaps I shall try that with Kira.
"Yeah. I miss times like that." Miriallia had a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Come here," Cagalli gave Mir a big hug, followed by Lacus. Asuka sat in respectful silence.
Lacus asked, "Are you okay with this? If our talk bothers you we can change the subject."
"No. I'm fine, really. It's okay. Maybe I can even give you girls some advice," Miriallia perked up at the thought of it.
"Well, I think Athrun and I are moving too fast," Cagalli admitted.
"That could be a problem," Mir agreed.
"You see, the problem is me. He's such a gentleman that I always take the initiative. I'm not sure I'll know when to draw the line, getting caught up in the moment, you know?" Cagalli blushed at the mere thought of it.
Lacus chimed in, "You should tell him that. That way, you will both be responsible."
"Yes. If you don't tell him and go too far, there will be no turning back. You might both get hurt." Miriallia tried not to sound preachy. "What about you Lacus? Any problems?"
"Kira and I may be moving too slowly, but we've got plenty of time." Lacus smiled at the prospect. "I'm not going to push myself on him. He doesn't need that right now."
Miriallia turned to the mystery girl, "What about you, Asuka? Any boyfriend problems you want to talk about?"
Asuka answered, "I don't have a boyfriend. I have a fiancée."
Mir continued, "Really? What's he like."
"I don't know. I haven't seen him in years." She leaned back against the side of the bed, lacing her fingers behind her head for a cushion. "I remember him well. He gave me a kiss when our parents arranged our marriage. We were very young, but he was sweet then. I don't have the first clue what he's like now."
"That's kind of sad," Cagalli admitted.
"Not really. Now I get the chance to meet him all over again." Asuka sighed.
"Now, I think that's kind of sweet," Lacus beamed.
Asuka giggled. "It is, isn't it. I remember vividly the only time we met. Our families had dinner together discussing our arranged marriage. Before we were even told their decision, he asked his mother permission to marry me."
Mirialli asked, "What's his name?"
"It's a secret."
"We promise not to tell," they begged.
"No." She was polite, but firm. "So, tell me your guy problems Miriallia."
"I'd rather not," she lowered her head.
"It would be best if you talk about it. Talking clears your head. And it wouldn't be fair if we shared and you didn't."
"I don't think you should pressure her like that," Lacus tried to intervene.
"No Lacus, maybe she's right. Maybe it's time I did talk about it." Miriallia took a deep breath before continuing. "My boyfriend died in battle. Now I've grown an extra shadow. He is kind of cute, and it's obvious he likes me too. I'm just not sure I'm ready for that yet."
"You must move forward at your own pace," Lacus said. "I'm sure Dearka understands what you're feeling. That's why he hasn't done anything but be your friend."
"Yeah." Miriallia pulled her knees close to her chest an buried her face behind them. "I want to talk to him about it, but I just don't know where to start."
Asuka stated, "Start at the beginning. That usually works."
Three
Dearka asked Yzak, "So what's this big mystery about?"
"Like I said, I don't know all the details yet. I just know it's big."
"And how do you know it's big?" Athrun was quite curious as well.
"My mother sent a personal message. If she's involved, it's big." Entering the room, he continued.
Kira asked, "And what do you want from us?"
"I want you to stay on your toes, Mr. Ultimate Coordinator. Here." Yzak tossed him an oblong object. "You might need one of these. I assume you know how to use it?"
"Yeah, it's just a knife." Actually, it looked like a large pocket knife. A three and a half inch blade was folded neatly into the handle.
"It's not just a knife. It's made of compressed carbon fibers. Hard as steel, never needs to be sharpened, and virtually undetectable by metal detectors. And if you keep it in that sleeve, X-rays can't detect it very well either."
When offered, Athrun whipped out his own. A satisfying click signaled the blade was locked into place. "These are just ZAFT standard issue. Why did your mother send so many extras?"
"Like I said, something big is going on." He shook his head. "This is probably her way of sending me a warning. Firearms could have set of all the alarms on this ship."
Dearka asked. "And that girl?"
"Either just a messenger, or a babysitter. Possibly something more. I don't know." Yzak passed out enough for everyone to have at least two. "Make sure you give your girl one, Zala."
There was a beep at the door.
"Come." Yzak ordered.
"Pleasure to see you again, Mr. Joule." It was that infuriatingly polite Asuka. "Are you prepared to ask yet?"
"About your name, or your mission?"
"Either will be acceptable. Or neither, if you prefer." Her smile got under his skin like nothing else. So much so that he didn't notice that the room's occupancy had just doubled.
Each of the girls went to their chosen guy, making a loose semi-circle around Yzak and this Asuka.
Cagalli shivered at the sight of those ZAFT knives. Athrun had nearly slit her throat with one when they first met. In all fairness, she shot him in the arm first. Talk about the mother of all bad first meetings.
"If you are passing out extras, may I have another?" she asked. Again with utter politeness.
"Yes. I'm sure you'll need it." Yzak firmly placed one in her outstretched hand. She received it with a slight bow. "Now, will you tell me of your mission?"
"With pleasure." She looked around, "But with so many people?" Asuka shook her head. "Oh, never mind. You're all in danger now anyway."
Asuka began her story. "Your mother's message was not entirely truthful. You are already a interim member of the council until at least the next election." She paused for a moment to let it sink in. It wasn't necessary. "The other council members are in hiding, following a the public disclosure of Siegel Clyne's assassination by Commander-in-Chief Patrick Zala. Some force is after them, possibly the radicals retaliating for Zala's death. Or possibly to prevent further negotiations with the Earth Alliance. It doesn't really matter. To make matters worse, Lady Cagalli is also a prime target of some other group; likely Blue Cosmos. With her out of the way, the other Houses of Orb will have little choice but to side with the Atlantic Federation. You see, Yzak; this ceasefire is not viewed as a prelude to peace by any side. It is viewed as a time to regroup before the next battle."
"I will not allow that to happen." Cagalli's eyes burned with anger at the thought of her home remaining in the hands of the Atlantic Federation.
Yzak pretended Cagalli hadn't spoken. "And your mission is . . . to be a babysitter?" he conjectured with his usual sarcasm.
"Somewhat. I'm sure you are all capable of fending for yourselves, now that you have been warned. My mission is to specifically secure the safety of Councilman Joule. Secondary considerations will go to Lady Cagalli. I have two other mission objectives, but that information is strictly confidential."
"And where do you suggest we hide, Ms. Babysitter?" Yzak refused to call her by an assumed name. Just as he refused to ask for her real one.
"I am going to Onogoro to watch Lady Cagalli's first public appearance as the Sovereign of Orb. Then, I believe Colonel Kisaka will suggest she hide somewhere out of the country until things settle down. Let's make it Libya." She turned to Cagalli, "We can see your old friends, the Desert Dawn. I'm sure they will gladly provide assistance to their beloved Goddess of Victory."
"How did you know . . ." Cagalli began. "Never mind."
Chapter 3
"What's this game you're so excited about?" Not that it mattered. She was here with him, and that's all that mattered. Sitting in the floor, having private time.
"It's poker. Cagalli taught it to me. Are you familiar with it?" Lacus was attempting to learn the shuffling technique she saw Cagalli use. The first couple of times the cards flew everywhere, bringing out Lacus's pout face. Kira thought it was terribly cute, not unlike everything else about her.
"Yeah, though I've never played for money."
"You can play it for money?" Lacus had really never heard of it before.
"Money, matchsticks, the clothes of the other players. You can play for just about anything, but those are usually the top three."
"Kira Yamato, I will not ask about the clothing," Lacus eyed him suspiciously.
He laughed. "You don't have to ask. I've never played strip poker before, only heard about it."
Deciding to get back on topic, Lacus stated "Cagalli said this was a good way to get to know each other better. Last night she and Athrun played for answers. The winner got to ask a question about anything at all."
"I'll tell you anything you want Lacus. We don't need a game for that." That brought out a sad look in her eyes, which Kira couldn't help but notice. "Hey, it does sound like fun though. Let's do it anyway. Okay?"
That brought back the smile he needed. "Yes, let's do," she announced.
Lacus won the first hand with two pairs. "I would very much like to know how you feel about me Kira Yamato."
Kira thought about it for a moment. "I like you a lot, ever since the first time I met you. I might even go so far as to say that I love you."
Lacus beamed with success. "Let's play again, shall we?"
Kira won this round. "What am I to you?"
"You are Kira Yamato. Someone very special to me. And . . . I think I love you too."
They played for hours, talking about everything from love to politics to friends.
Kira asked, "Do you like being with me like this?"
"Yes, very much." Lacus blushed that perfect shade of pink. "I can think of no other place where I would rather be."
"Me too."
She asked, "Would you like to kiss me?" Holding her breath she awaited his answer.
"Aren't you supposed to win a hand before asking a question?"
"You just asked a question also." She lowered her head, letting her loose bangs cover her eyes. She didn't want to show her disappointment. He doesn't want to kiss me?
He lifted her chin back up to make eye contact. "Yes, I would like to kiss you. Would you mind?"
"Not at all," the songstress brushed away a tear before Kira could see it. "I don't want to push you into anything. I want to take it slow, since that's what you need. I just want something to give me hope that one day . . ."
"That one day you won't have to wait anymore," he finished for her. "That day may come sooner than you expect."
"Kira, my heart is racing." She reached out to embrace him.
"Mine too." He wrapped his arms around her.
"Kiss me."
"Yes," he complied.
"Hold me."
"If you ask, I'll never let go."
"Kira?"
"Yes, Lacus?"
"May I stay with you again tonight?"
"I'll never ask you to leave." He got up to leave. "I'll wait outside while you get ready."
He was stopped by her arms around his waist, hugging him from behind. "You don't have to go while I change," she told him.
The 'gulp' was audible. "Okay, I'll stay right here." He faced the door with his eyes closed. He very much wanted to see, but he also wanted to respect her. She was so different from Fllay, the only other girl he had ever been with. The two were like opposite sides of the same coin. Lacus was sweet and shy, almost innocent. Fllay had been bold and aggressive; she took what she wanted from him.
"You can turn around now." She was wearing an oversized t-shirt and pink panties, much like what she was sleeping in that time he had to smuggle her off the Archangel. "Now it's your turn. I promise not to peek."
"Peek?" his voice cracked, drawing a giggle from the girl.
"You have nothing to be ashamed of Kira Yamato," she told him.
He blinked in rapid succession. "And just how do you know that?"
"Who do you think got you out of that flight suit and into your pajamas?"
His eyes widened in a curious mixture of shame and awe. "You did that?"
"Yes I did. There was no one else. Everyone was busy." She bowed deeply, "I apologize."
He lifted her chin again. "It's okay," he said, followed by a kiss. "Since it's nothing you haven't seen before, I guess it doesn't matter if you peek, now does it?"
"I guess not," she giggled.
"But that does leave me at an unfair disadvantage."
"I never told you that you couldn't peek," she waved a finger at him. "That was your mistake. I guess you'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"It'll be worth it." Still a little uncomfortable, he quickly changed and joined Lacus in the bed. Luckily, he didn't have to take off his boxers in the process. "You're beautiful, Lacus Clyne."
"How very sweet of you," she gave him a peck on the lips as a reward. "I find you quite handsome."
"What now? I'm not a bit sleepy and neither are you." It just occurred to him that this was much earlier than he was used to going to bed.
"I would like to make out with you, if that's acceptable." She held her breath while he nodded. "But first we need boundaries."
"Hmm?"
"There is only one thing off limits." She placed his hand on a very delicate, very private spot. "I'm not read for that. Anything else is yours for the night."
His face turned bright red with the realization of where his hand was. "This is a little sudden."
"Take things as slow as you want." She waited for him to come to her before making any moves. "Slow is fine, just so long as we're moving forward."
"Moving forward together." This kiss was passionate. More so than either thought possible.
Neck, shoulders, abdomen. After a while, she momentarily stopped him from probing her. "Kira?"
"You want me to stop?" He hadn't gotten very far, but then he didn't intend to tonight. I'm going to do this slow and right, he thought.
"No, I just have a question. Can you read my mind?"
"Not that I'm aware of. Why?"
"Something you said last night. And just a few minutes ago, it's like you knew what I was thinking. And now . . . and now you're hitting all the right places." Merely thinking of the way his fingers moved brought shivers of excitement.
"Really?" He came nose to nose with his companion. "Let's try an experiment. Think of something. Nod when you're ready."
She nodded.
He concentrated hard for a moment, placing his forehead against hers. "You're thinking of Mr. Pink. Where he's at. He's in the closet." Kira pointed. "When did you put him in the closet?"
She smiled.
"Was I right?"
"How did you do it?"
"I don't know." He sat up, heart pounding, head throbbing. Remembering that moment. Pain. Fear. Pure hatred. And the loss of a loved one. All in one moment, all those emotions mixed. "Le Creuset," he hissed, shaking violently. It was as if a beast from within him began to claw its way out through his skull.
"Kira?" As always, her touch brought him peace. "I'm a little frightened."
"Yeah. Me too."
"Out there, could you sense him too?"
"Yes. Just the way Mu used to." He got up, "I'll be right back. I don't feel well." Kira ran out toward the restroom clutching his stomach.
Lacus apologized upon his return. "I'll never ask you to do that again." She could clearly see that he had vomited.
"It's okay. I'm fine now." He gave her a quick kiss as he rejoined her in the bunk. "Can I just hold you for tonight?"
"Of course. I won't be disappointed." She lay with her head on his chest, just the way they awoke that morning. Contented sleep came from the gentle rhythm of his heart.
Two
"Kira and Lacus seem to be getting along well," Cagalli stated. She was elated that Lacus could now get a little closer to her man, just they way she had done with Athrun the night before. Only problem was, now there was nothing for them to do.
"Really? I was under the impression they hadn't gotten anywhere."
"They had their first kiss last night, and tonight they'll be trying out that card game we did."
"Yeah, that was a pretty good idea you ordered me to have."
"Such an insolent servant you are," she gave him a playful punch on the chest.
In return, he gave her a kiss to the forehead.
"You're too good to me," she admitted.
"Yeah, but don't you like it that way?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact I do." Placing her hands on his cheeks, she drew him in for a reward. The Super Cagalli Kiss-o-Matic 5000. That's what she called it last night, anyway. "Sorry to be so hard on you. It's just my way of being playful."
"I know. When I get tired of it, I'll let you know." That earned him another punch. "Ow."
"Hmpf!" She turned away pretending to be mad, but absolutely melted when he put his arms around her waist from behind. "Mr. Zala. You want to try for second base?"
"Cagalli, are you sure about this? Aren't we moving a bit fast?" He kissed the back of her neck.
"Yeah." She turned around in his hug. "But let's not take this too far. We've got plenty of time to go all the way, right?"
"Right. All the time in the world." They kissed. "Now which base were we talking about?"
Three
"Aren't you going to ask me my name?"
"No." He was irate, but that was not out of the ordinary. What was out of the ordinary was that he actually tolerated her presence. For now.
"I see. Because you think that's what I want." 'Asuka' was looking out at the stars with Yzak.
"No, it's because I'm not interested." Yzak remained defiant.
"Very well. I prefer you guessed it anyway." She sighed, content with knowing she was slowly figuring him out. And a little pleased that she could irritate him so, yet not so much that he left. It was like a game.
"What of your other two objectives?"
"The first is to kill someone I hope to meet on our little journey. The second is to get you to remember."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear the second one."
"That is at your discretion, of course." She gave him that polite smile.
"I take it our final destination isn't Libya."
"Correct. It is only the beginning." She flicked out her pocket knife which made a distinctive click as the blade lock snapped into place. Cheeking the back of the tip, she made sure that it was the dullest part of the blade. "May I ask a favor of you?"
"What?" He turned toward her, only to be horrified by what she was doing.
Covering her right eye with her right hand, she took hold of her knife with the left. She traced the back edge of the tip from her left forehead, across the bridge of her nose, down to the middle of her right cheek. She didn't finch, just kept on smiling as a film of blood covered her left eye. "Thank you, Yzak. I needed a frame of reference."
"What the hell did you do that for?" He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her.
"Now we will match." She checked her reflection in the window. "Yes, I believe we will."
"What kind of reason is that?" He began dragging her down the hallway toward the infirmary. Her answer stopped him in mid stride.
"So maybe they'll mistake me for you on the first shot." That was the first time he saw a crack in her serene veneer. "Then you'll have a chance."
He had no response to that, other than to resume dragging her toward the infirmary.
"Thank you." She was pleased that he seemed to do so well with treating the cut.
"It's not like they ever have any med staff around anyway." He sighed, almost being polite. Well, polite for Yzak. "There's just two flaws in your plan."
"Only two? What are they?"
"One being that you're a girl. And second, that your hair is the wrong color."
"The color can't be helped. Dyes don't stick to my hair very well, especially lighter colors like sliver." She got up off the cot and checked his work in the mirror. "The girl part can be disguised with loose clothing." Tracing her finger down his scar, she said "And I'm quite flattered that you noticed my femininity."
"Don't be."
"If it makes you feel any better, I can find a silver wig."
"Shut up."
"Of course," she smiled.
Four
"Hey Mir, I've come to relieve you."
"Thank's Sai," Miriallia yawned. "I wish we didn't have to do two shifts a day."
"Well, at least we get a shift off in between." He clapped a hand on her shoulder. "And your shadow is outside. You want me to tell him to buzz off?"
She sighed. "No. I wanted to talk to him anyway."
"He seems like a nice enough guy, but if you don't want him hanging around you should tell him."
"It's fine Sai. Leave him alone. I'll handle it." She went out to join her extra shadow.
"I um, thought you might like a bite to eat," Dearka stated. Great, lame opener Dearka.
"That's very thoughtful. I don't like to eat alone." She knew no one else would be in the galley at this time of night. "There's something I wanted to talk with you about anyway."
"I'm being pushy, aren't I." He hung his head.
"A little," she giggled. Seeing him get dejected at her comment didn't lift her spirits any. She wrapped her arm around his and led him down the corridor. "But I appreciate the company."
"I'm glad." He smile down at her.
They ate in silence, just like much of their time together. Each would look away to avoid prolonged eye contact.
Dearka finally asked, "So what did you want to tell me?"
"First, let's go to the crew quarters. I have something I want you to do for me." She took him by the arm once again.
"Anything."
"Have you ever played poker? I borrowed a deck from one of the bridge officers."
"What self-respecting soldier hasn't?"
"Good, then shuffle," she ordered as they sat down in the floor.
"So, what will we play for? I don't have any money. Even the shirt on my back is borrowed." He got some measure of satisfaction from drawing a brief giggle.
"We'll play for answers. Whoever wins gets to ask a question and the loser can't refuse to answer."
"Fair enough. But I should warn you, I'm pretty good." He lost the first hand.
"Let's see. Where to start . . . How about you tell me a secret?"
"Hmm. Can you be a little more specific?"
"Something you're embarrassed to tell others about."
"The most shameful moment of my life is no secret. You were there." Dearka shook his head, "What I wouldn't give to take those words back."
"It really hurt, you know?" Miriallia hung her head too.
"Yeah. There's no excuse for what I did."
"I miss him," she whispered.
"Huh?"
A little louder, "I miss him. I miss his smile, his lame jokes, the way we used to waste time together just like this." She wiped away a tear. "I really miss him."
"Look, you want me to go?"
"No," she shook her head. "I just wanted to tell you all this. I like you, and you've been a good friend. I'm just not ready for another relationship yet. Okay?"
"I know," he reached out to wipe away another tear. "You didn't have to tell me that. All I want is to help, any way I can."
"Thank you Dearka." She gave him a hug. "I hoped you would understand."
"So, who's turn is it to deal?"
Chapter 4
They were in a new position this morning, having turned again in the night. Lacus lay on her back, Kira on his side with an arm draped over her. Kira awoke to see his companion and protector looking deep into his eyes. His guardian angel, looking into his very soul.
"Good morning, Kira," she kissed him on the nose. She seemed extremely happy about something. Almost glowing with joy.
"Hi." He tilted his head forward a little to bring their foreheads together. Then it occurred to him. Something filled his hand. Round. Soft. "Lacus, please tell me that's your shoulder."
"And if it isn't?" She blushed.
He quickly withdrew his hand from her chest, almost falling out of the bed in the process. "Oh God, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that." While he explored her a little last night, he got nowhere near second base. He was a little uncomfortable moving that fast with her. He respected her too much, liked her too much. He wanted to do this right.
She took his hand an returned it to its former position. "It's okay. I put it there. It seemed to help you sleep better by keeping the sad dreams away. Away from you, and from me." Pulling him closer, she gave him a deep kiss.
"Lacus?"
"Yes?"
"There's something about you. It's not your nose and it's not your toes. It's not your hair, or the clothes you wear. It's everything about you that makes me love you, Lacus Clyne."
The poem was a little lame, but it had the desired effect: a giggle. Okay, it was extremely lame.
He followed his poem with a kiss to the nape of her neck, which prompted a sharp inhale. It was just one of those spots she let him discover last night.
He did it again, this time producing a soft moan.
She asked, "Do you really love me?"
"Yes, Lacus. I do." He was quite decisive, quite sincere. Kira continued his gentle work, starting over from last night.
"I don't ever want to be apart from you," she managed to get out between inhales and exhales. It would have been much easier had Kira not been controlling her breathing patterns with his delicate touch.
He came nose to nose for his answer, "Nor I you."
"It's settled then. I accept your proposal. You'll just have to marry me, Kira Yamato." She let out a 'tee hee' as his expression changed to resemble that of a frightened rabbit.
"Are you serious?"
"Quite serious," she continued to giggle. She had the upper hand now.
After thinking about it a moment, he made his proclamation. "Then I guess I'll just have to marry you."
"It's official." She took her father's ring from off its chain. Sliding it on his left ring finger, she gave him another kiss. "You have made me very happy, Kira."
"I'll do my best to keep you happy."
Two
"Marriage!"
During the heated discussion between Kira, Lacus, Athrun and Cagalli, the four of them didn't notice the entrance of their friends. Yzak, Asuka, Dearka and Miriallia all took their trays and sat down silently. Kira had replaced the ring on the chain before coming, asking Lacus to put it back on him during the eventual wedding. Had Cagalli seen him wearing a wedding band, it would have only made matters worse.
"Calm down, Cagalli." Athrun was a bit shocked too. "Yelling about it won't help matters any."
"And I thought we were moving too fast," Cagalli rolled her eyes.
"Take it easy, Cagalli. We're not going to run off and do it tomorrow. But it is our desire to spend the rest of our lives together," Kira tried to explain. Then his sister's words sunk in, "Wait a minute. What do you mean you were moving too fast?" Kira eyed Athrun in a way that made everyone want to take a step back.
"Kira, this war has made us all grow up before our time. Please don't make any hasty decisions based on hormones. It's hard to forget but we are only sixteen, you know?" Miriallia was again trying very hard not to sound preachy.
"We will proceed at our own pace," Kira and Lacus said in unison. It was so perfectly in sync that it sounded like one person with two voices.
"Wow, that was weird," Asuka whispered to Dearka. "Did they practice that?"
"Mm." Kira started rubbing his temples in agony. "I'm sorry. I have to go talk to Murrue. I'll catch up with you guys later." He kissed Lacus's cheek as if to signal her not to follow him.
"Very well. I shall see you soon Kira," Lacus sighed.
Cagalli asked, "Is everything alright?"
"No. He has been having terrible headaches since Jachine Diue." Eager to get the subject away from herself and Kira, Lacus asked "So what exactly happened, Asuka?"
"This?" She pointed at her bandage. It covered nearly a third of her face, much as Yzak's had once done. "I just injured myself. Yzak dressed the wound for me, didn't you? It was quite kind of him."
"Shut up," Yzak snarled.
Dearka asked, "He didn't do that to you, did he? That's just not right, man."
Yzak was furious, both at Dearka's insinuation and at Asuka's smile. "I did nothing to her. She did it to herself."
Asuka spoke up, "That is absolutely correct. I did it myself." She gave the others a look, letting them know further discussion was pointless. Amazingly, she managed to maintain her polite smile while doing so.
Cagalli turned back to her future sister-in-law. "So, tell me about Kira's headaches."
Lacus replied, "I cannot explain it properly, but I believe he has a theory about them. Perhaps he will tell us later."
Three
"Murrue?"
No answer came from the door to the captain's quarters. She had come out to make sure all was well with the bridge, but Andrew promptly relieved her when he returned from breakfast. They had agreed to share the responsibilities aboard the Archangel following the scuttling of the Eternal, but Andy insisted he take the lion's share of the duties. He knew she needed some rest, some time alone with her thoughts of Mu.
"Murrue? I hope your decent because I'm coming in." Kira tried the door. It was securely locked. Luckily he had a backup plan. Switching it on, he ordered "Okay Mr. Pink. Do your stuff."
"Haro! Kira! Haro!" The door slid open.
"Murrue?" He walked in to see her lying on the bed in her uniform, looking at a coffin-shaped locket. Her eyes were puffy from crying.
"What is it, Kira?"
"I need to talk to you. I know it'll be hard," he pulled up a chair next to her bed. "But maybe I can help a little. Do you feel like talking about it?"
"Haro is fine, and so are you!" Kira shushed the pink Haro silent.
"I guess," she sighed.
"Thanks. Tell me what you know of the connection between Mu and le Creuset. I need to know."
"Mu told me what was said at the Mendel Colony research facility. And you were there when Mu told me about how he could sense le Creuset."
"Yeah. See that's what I want to talk about." Kira rubbed his temples as the pain slowly ebbed. "Out there, I could sense him too."
"Really?" She sat up, her interest piqued. "Was that the first time?"
"No. The first time I think was when we were fighting those three new machines. I'm not sure. Then Fllay. Then le Creuset. Weird things have happened since. And now I'm having these strange headaches." He didn't tell her that a part of Fllay was still running around in his mind from time to time.
"Mu used to get weird headaches too. He told me he used to get those when he was learning to use the gun barrels. Come to think of it, he also said that as he learned to control them better, he could also sense le Creuset from longer distances. Do you think there's a connection?"
"I hope so." Kira stood up. "Request permission to take out the Moebius Zero."
"Granted." She arose to follow him to the hangar. They made the journey in silence.
"Chief Murdock!" Murrue summoned the mechanic.
"Captain," he saluted. "Anything I can do for you, ma'am?"
"Have the Moebius Zero prepped for launch. Kira here wants to take her out for a spin."
"You sure about that kid? No body's been able to handle gun barrels but the commander."
Kira shook his head. "You're wrong. Le Creuset used similar gun barrels at Jachine Diue." As the chief went to take the Zero out of storage, Kira turned to Murrue. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
"I don't know why I'm letting you do this. Perhaps it's because Mu always thought of you as a younger brother." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "If he ever wanted anybody else to pilot that thing, I'm sure he would want it to be you, Kira." She turned to go.
"Murrue?"
"Yes, Kira?"
"Hang in there, okay? We're all here for you."
She parted with a sad smile. "I'll be watching you from the bridge. Be careful out there."
"Roger." Kira went off to help with the preparations. He also needed some good target drones. Not trusting the default programming, he quickly rewrote new evasion and attack algorithms to suit his needs. They needed to be difficult targets for this to work. If it would work at all.
"Kira Yamato, Moebius Zero. Ready for launch."
Miriallia's voice came over the communications channel. "Roger that Zero, you're all clear."
Kira took her out, getting a feel for the mobile armor before requesting the release of the drones. "Okay. I'm ready."
Andrew's voice came of the com. "Good luck youngster. Looking at what you wrote for these things, you're going to need it."
As the drones came into range, Kira released the barrels. The drones were shooting special rounds that would jostle the Zero without damaging its armor. Five drones came in the first wave.
Kira struggled at first, taking a few hits to the port-side barrel. It took a while to shoot the first drones down, as they kept him on the defensive the majority of the time. They were quite small and also programmed to act as a team.
As he disposed of the fifth drone, the headache began anew. "I will control this, or it will control me," Kira whispered.
Mir asked, "What was that? Everything alright?"
"Fine. Send seven this time."
"Roger that."
Kira didn't struggle as much this time, though he took a few hits aft. As he dispatched the drones, he felt a tingle through the throbbing headache. It started at the base of the neck, traveling upward to his forehead. Memories of the encounter with Fllay's disembodied mind came to the surface. Don't cry. My true feelings will protect you. Instead of saddening him, the memory made him stronger. And then he sensed another. Kind and loving. Go Kira!
"Lacus?"
Miriallia asked, "What was that, Zero?"
"Lacus. Is she on the bridge?"
"Yes. So are Athrun and Cagalli. Why?"
"Nothing. Just thought I heard her cheering me on. Send ten."
"Roger that."
Ten came and went, more easily than the previous two rounds. Kira returned, in sore need of a break. Breathing heavily and exhausted, Kira had to be helped from the cockpit by Athrun.
Athrun stated, "I think you over did it."
"No, I'm fine. Just a little tired." If the hangar wasn't weightless, Kira would need to lean on someone for support.
"You did quite well out there Kira," Lacus greeted him with a quick kiss on the cheek.
Murrue floated up to them to say, "'Did well' is an understatement. How do you feel? Any headaches?"
Kira answered, "After the first five, yes. Then it subsided."
"Next time you go out, I want to spar with you," Cagalli said. "I can take you on, no problem."
"Sure, sis."
"Tell me," Athrun began, "how did you know Lacus was on the bridge?"
Kira answered, "I thought I heard her say 'go Kira'."
"She did say that, but I don't see how you could have heard it. The com wouldn't have picked up anyone's voice but Miriallia's."
Lacus interjected, "Ears are not the only way to hear, Athrun." She and Athrun helped Kira make toward the exit. "Please save your questions for latter. I think he needs to rest now."
Four
"Come in," Lacus whispered. "Oh, hello Cagalli."
Kira was sleeping on the lap of his love, in their bed.
"Please tell me what's going on." Cagalli pulled the chair close to the bed.
"I'm not really sure," Lacus shook her head.
"Then give it your best guess." Cagalli didn't like being given the runaround, though she didn't Lacus was trying to hide anything from her.
"I believe Kira can sense things about others."
"What do you mean?"
"In the last battle he could sense the presence of Ms. Alster and Mr. le Creuset. He can also tell what I am feeling at times. I believe this is the source of his headaches." A single tear from the songstress landed in the hair of her dearest.
"Why you three? Why not others?"
"Perhaps it has something to do with a strong connection between the individuals. Extreme love or hate, for example. Ms. Ramius once said that similar events happened whenever le Creuset came near Cmdr. la Flagga, and I have never known two men that hated each other more."
"There was a strong connection between Kira and that Fllay girl?" Cagalli's voice showed her disdain. She also felt a bit left out that Kira couldn't sense her. I'm his freaking sister! But then again, he is awfully close to Lacus . . .
"Yes," Lacus began to weep bitter tears. "He loved her very much."
"Hey, don't cry. Kira is with you now, right? He's over her, right?" Cagalli never did like Fllay. Now she liked her even less.
Lacus nodded. "True, she is gone. And I know Kira loves me very much." As he can see into my mind, I can see into his heart.
Cagalli decided to steer the conversation away from Fllay. "So why did he want to take that mobile armor for a joyride?"
Lacus shook her head. "I'm not sure, but he desperately wants to control this ability. Perhaps that is why. It brings him great pain, and you did not see his first reaction. It frightened us both. I could feel the torment within him. And I have experienced his nightmares." Lacus wiped her face clear before her weeping awoke her sleeping hero. "Le Creuset was a very cruel and evil man."
"Thank you for telling me," Cagalli reached out to hug her future sister-in-law.
"You're his sister. You should know these things. But please, do not tell anyone else we had this conversation."
"You have my word," Cagalli got up to leave.
End Part One
A/N
Thanks for reading. Please review, as the more reviews I get the more I'll write. (Actually, I've already written about 300 pages with plenty of story left to go, so maybe I should say the more reviews I see the more I'll post.) This is going to be a very long continuous story, so I was thinking I'd post four chapters per part.
Anyway, the GSD characters come in later. Like, way later.
A/N End