A/N: Written for the Diversity Writing Challenge, g2 - write a drabble collection consisting of drabbles 50-500 words. This drabble is also written for the OTP and OT3 Boot-Camp Challenge, #002 - titanium.


in the cell-binds of war
1. their shared coffin

They're trapped in a coffin but the dirt's still spraying around them: dirt that's the waves they slice through and thrash upon. They're completely outclassed and it's not fair. They're outclassed because they've grabbed the first machine they can reach, because they couldn't take the risk for trying for something better, something that would protect them now…

But even though they're wrapped in a cocoon made of paper and their pursuers are armed with scissors and swords that are completely overkill, and they've only got paperclips with which to fight. It's a testament to Athrun's skill and experience that he's holding out with said paperclips…but he can't last forever. Everything burns under the flames of hell eventually and the only paradise is the freedom that comes with death and leaves rage and tears behind –

She can still see Shinn, red and seething after Stella's demise. He can see it in that monster he's wielding now, shutting out Athrun's screaming voice – Athrun, who Shinn has always respected even if he didn't always show it…

And now Shinn's going to hammer the nail in their coffin and the water will swallow them. The cockpit is even more claustrophobic than before because there's no-where to run. The Zaku they're in can't possibly outstrip the new models.

They're dead. They're together, sharing a coffin, but they're still dead.

Athrun lets go of the controls and grasps her hands. She closes her eyes and hangs on. At least…at least there's something to hold on to – before the frame is ripped apart and the sea snatches them both and their coffin and smashes it all apart.