The sky was shaded orange and pink. Though he'd seen dozens of sunsets in the last two years, the ones in this country and from this balcony seemed particularly beautiful. Maybe it was due to the weather, or the location of the house, or maybe it was due more to the circumstances he watched them in. Stretching out, he leaned forward, resting his arms on the balcony railing. The light evening breeze blew through his long blonde hair, and fluttered the hem of the white shirt he wore. Closing his eyes, he smiled at the feel of the wind. It was an odd feeling but a very nice one, and something he could easily get used to, even if it might take a while. We're starting over, but things aren't as awkward as I expected them to be.

The sound of soft footsteps approaching caused him to smile, and he glanced up at the one who had come out onto the balcony to join him. Murrue returned his smile, the breeze threading through her auburn hair, and the two of them stayed there for a while, watching the sun sink slowly over the horizon. Ever since they had come back to Earth a little over three weeks ago he'd been staying here in this house the Director lady and the young miss had found for her, in a room they'd decorated together. He'd been prepared to stay on Archangel until he'd found a place of his own, but she wouldn't hear of it and had practically dragged him here. Not that he was really complaining. This peace business would be much easier to get used to with company, especially company he cared about.

"Penny for them."

His smile grew. "Not worth that much. Just going over stuff."

"I think everyone's doing that right now."

"Probably. Are you?"

"Mmm-hmm."

Moving closer she sat on the stone edge of the balcony, trying to not make it obvious she was watching him. Mwu's eyes were focused on the sunset, gaze faraway, though a smile still tugged at his lips. He seemed happy enough despite the change in circumstances, and seemed to be gradually adjusting to life here. He was a little different to the person she'd known before, had become quieter and a little more serious, but that wasn't so bad. No-one can stay the same forever..

"Dinner's nearly ready."

He glanced up, smile growing. "Thanks. I'll be there in a moment..."

With a nod, she walked back into the house after pausing to gaze at him for a minute. He seemed lost in his own thoughts, which she was able to understand a little. He had been through so much in the last two years, things that he wouldn't talk about yet, and sometimes looked so lost and sad it made her heart ache. But whatever it is, I'll be here for him. And when he's ready to talk about it, I'll be here to listen... Smiling a little, she hummed to herself as she finished preparing dinner, her gaze flicking to the framed photograph that hung on the wall just outside the kitchen - the photograph of Archangel's crew that had been taken the day the ship had returned to Earth. All her crew had gone back home, back to the lives they'd had before they'd gone to fight, which was just what she'd hoped for. Just a memory now, and hopefully it'll stay that way.

They hadn't had much chance to add personal touches to their new home yet. Almost all there was was that photograph, as well as a small glass cylinder filled with water, in which a toy fish floated. Mwu had bought that a few days ago, she remembered, when they had gone out on a shopping trip into the city. His blue eyes had been filled with an odd light as he'd gazed at the toy, and even now, he seemed sad when he looked at it. He hadn't told her why, but she knew there must be some reason he had bought it, some reason the toy was special.

Spooning the spaghetti and sauce she had made onto two plates, she set the small wooden table on the balcony with cutlery as well as two glasses of water. Mwu wandered over to join her, dipping a finger in the sauce.

"Tastes great."

She blushed a little, rubbing at her nose. "Thank you.." Though she'd always liked cooking, somehow it meant more when it was for him, as he so clearly enjoyed his food. And even though she'd been complimented often for it, again it just seemed more important coming from him. "Don't let it get cold."

He crinkled his nose. "Not much chance of that out here."

"There you go again. It's not that hot tonight."

"Isn't it?"

"Not to me." Coming from a cold climate as he did, as well as living on air-conditioned ships for years, it would probably take him quite a while to get used to the heat of an equatorial country like Orb. She'd given him the coolest room in the house, facing the sunrise and he seemed to appreciate that, as well as the ceiling fan. I think he'll be all right. It took me a while to acclimatise too.

"You like it out here, don't you?"

He nodded. "It helps me think.." he replied through a mouthful of pasta. "It clears my head. Does that sound weird?"

"No. The place I lived in before had a balcony, and I used to go out there to think all the time. It's not weird at all."

He smiled slightly, staring down at his meal. Though Minerva's positron cannon had given him back a handful of memories the rest were proving slow to return, just fragments of images and sound in dreams, and he had no idea when or if he'd ever get everything back. He'd told her this and she'd accepted it without a problem, which both relieved him and caused a certain amount of guilt. She shouldn't have to wait anymore for him.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"That things aren't...you know, like they were."

Murrue smiled. "How can I expect them to be?"

"It's just.."

"Don't worry about it."

He scratched at the scar on his nose. "I guess I just need more time. Stuff's all mixed up in there still."

"I don't doubt it. Take all the time you need."

More guilt. "That's not fair on you, though."

She laughed. "Mwu, you're here. That's all that matters."

"Really?"

Reaching across the table she took his hand. "Of course, really. Don't worry."

He managed a small smile. "Is that why you wouldn't let me stay on the ship?"

"Maybe."

And though it didn't make much sense to him, it did feel pretty good. That even though he had barely any memories, didn't really know who he was yet, it didn't matter to her. She was just glad he was here.

"You think we'll be okay?"

She squeezed his hand. "I think we will be."

( Rehashed 'cause I never did like the original xD )