Author's Note:
I don't own Xenoblade Chronicles and all characters belong to their rightful owners.
Spoiler free! Read on without fear!
Dunban reclined back in his chair letting the warmth of the sun wash over him. It was a peaceful day in Colony Nine. The hero of the Homs sat at one of the many tables crowded around the Ether Light. People bustled about at the merchants' stalls. A familiar face appeared from the crowd. A shopping bag hung upon her arm. She approached one of the tables in preparation to sit down.
"Sharla," Dunban raised his left hand and waved her over. The medic from Colony Six smiled and went over to him. Dunban motioned to the seat across from him. Sharla graciously accepted it. She fell into the seat and dropped her bag onto the ground next to her. The two exchanged pleasantries and began to chat.
"What brings you to Colony Nine?" Dunban asked. Sharla shrugged.
"Just a little shopping trip and I thought I would visit with everyone while I was here."
"How's Gadolt? It's not often to see you two apart." Dunban glanced away from Sharla for a moment. The sound of his sister's voice had caught his attention.
"He had a meeting with Othoron." Sharla followed his gaze. She grinned when she saw Fiora standing at a merchant's stall with Shulk at her side. "They'd make a cute pair." She noted. Dunban nodded.
"They're perfect for each other. Fiora's had a crush on him for as long as I can remember."
Fiora talked animatedly to Shulk. She smiled at him and her eyes shone brightly.
"Too bad Shulk doesn't feel the same way," Sharla sighed slightly.
"Hmm?" Dunban turned to look at her. "Do you know something?" Sharla shook her head.
"No. I just noticed the way Fiora looks at him; it isn't the same way Shulk looks at her. He looks at Fiora the same way you do, as family. Shulk cares for her deeply; just not in the way Fiora would want." Sharla explained.
Dunban looked back at the couple they were discussing. Shulk smiled back at Fiora but, Sharla was correct, he lacked a certain spark in his eyes.
"I…I had never noticed. I was so focused on what was best for Fiora that I never considered what Shulk desired." Duban admitted.
The two sat in quiet thought for a moment.
"What about Melia? For Shulk, I mean." Sharla suggested.
"Shulk is very friendly towards her but I feel that's the extent of their relationship." Dunban replied. Dunban's gaze lingered on the blonde. "I wonder if he's even thought about a relationship. Shulk isn't acute with those types of things."
"I'm sure he's thought about it…" Sharla watched as Reyn joined Shulk and Fiora. The Defence Force Soldier said a few things to Fiora and her smile faltered. Shulk intervened and shortly after he left with Reyn. Fiora watched them walked away before her eyes found Dunban and Sharla. She started over to them.
"…and maybe he's already found someone." Sharla smiled knowingly. Dunban was just about to question her when Fiora reached them.
"Hey you two! On a date?" She teased.
"Don't tell Gadolt," Sharla winked as she stood. She scooped her bag from the table. She motioned toward her seat. "I was just leaving. Nice seeing you, Fiora." Fiora waved to Sharla as she disappeared into the crowd. Dunban didn't get a chance to stop the medic. Her words still puzzled him.
"What's with the face?" Fiora laughed as she sat down, noticing her brother's vexation.
"It's nothing." He waved the thought away.
As Sharla left the colony she saw Reyn and Shulk walking side by side on their way to Outlook Park. Reyn reached over and took Shulk's hand in his. Shulk intertwined his fingers with Reyn's. The two moved closer and Shulk rested his head on Reyn's shoulder.