Back in his room, Athrun was working on his laptop. The ringing of his handphone caught him by surprise. Cagalli should still be busy at this time, thought the boy as he took the call.

"Athrun?"

"Kira?" Just as the brunette had expected, Athrun didn't expect the call to come so quickly.

"Lacus has agreed to come with us. But, I have a condition."

"What is it?"

"I will pilot the Freedom to the PLANTs." Athrun should have seen that one coming, but he didn't. He thought very hard. Under the peace treaty, all nuclear technology in MSes were outlawed and dismantled. Obviously, that ban included the Freedom. But...

"Kira, could you and Lacus launch in the Freedom and remain in space while I persuade the Chairman to allow the MS to enter PLANT?"

"I guess that could work. So, when do you intend to leave?"

"Tommorrow. I'll notify Cagalli on your decision."

"Athrun, talk to her properly. You may not get another chance after our trip."

"I know. Thanks for the reminder." With that, the blue-haired teen ended the conversation. He took in a deep breath. His friends had trusted him; he would do whatever it takes to honour that trust...

Meanwhile...

"What? You two are heading for the PLANTs?" Murrue Ramius nearly leapt out of her seat when she heard Kira's words; she thought that the teenagers had gone quite mad. Sitting where he was, the Desert Tiger was silent.

"Calm down, Captain Ramius. You seem to forget that we are Coordinators." Although she didn't like anything involving the words "Natural" and "Coordinator", Lacus couldn't help but remind the captain.

Murrue thought for a while. ZAFT seemed to be different now; Talia Gladys, the captain of the Minerva, was a dignified woman who carried herself without any arrogance, even towards "Maria Varnes" (Murrue's identity as she goes about her civilian job). Also, she knew that Athrun Zala was an honourable teen who would never allow his friends to come to harm...

"So, you two are leaving tommorrow," asked Andrew Waltfeld. Lacus nodded. The Tiger already had something in mind to help the couple.

"I'll get my contacts within ZAFT to watch out for the two of you."

"Thank you, Captain Waltfeld."

"The children will miss you, Miss Clyne," added Reverend Malchio. Both Lacus and Kira sighed. The boy himself had become fond of them, but other important matters awaited him and Lacus. Now that the adults had accepted the news, the two wondered how the children would react...

At Athrun's apartment...

The Representative of Orb was apologetic for her busy schedule. For the whole day, it was one meeting after another, and the girl was feeling the strain. Knowing Cagalli's situation, Athrun didn't blame her for coming late. He was a little concerned when the blond mentioned that some of the lords favoured a "partnership" with the Earth Alliance. Still, his plan would remain unchanged.

"Cagalli, may I go to PLANT?"

"Eh?" Athrun stood up and walked towards the window.

"I'm worried about the situation over there, even as I believe that Chairman Durandal would not commit the PLANTs to a war. Also, so long as there are people who are swayed by my father's words..." Cagalli could see that the boy was trying hard to control his emotions.

"I...I would like to help PLANT in any way I can, either as Alex Dino of Orb, or as Athrun Zala." It was a while before Cagalli spoke.

"When are you leaving?"

"Tommorrow afternoon. Also, Kira and Lacus would come along."

"What?!" The thought of her brother leaving her was a little too much for the girl. As it was, Cagalli couldn't imagine a life without "Alex" by her side, protecting and encouraging her...

"Cagalli, I just hope that you would trust me, and Kira, on this one."

"...I do. I'll get someone to prepare the shuttle." Athrun remembered another important point.

"Kira would be piloting the Freedom." Cagalli stared at the teen. He looked at her straight in the eye.

"... I got you." The Representative was visibly drained as she left the room. Whether it was from her work or from his decision, Athrun couldn't tell...

The next day, at a secret hangar...

"Lacus, the key," asked Kira Yamato. Ever since the Freedom was rebuilt, the key to the hangar where it was housed was held by Lacus Clyne, until today. Although the Songstress was still a little reluctant to hand it over, she herself knew that it was necessary. With the key, the doors slid open, revealing Kira's sword. He could still remember the day where he stole the MS from ZAFT, with help from the girl who was now standing next to him.

Today, he was going to return it back to where it belonged.

Meanwhile...

Athrun Zala gave the contents of his briefcase one last check. Cagalli was already outside, waiting to see him off. He felt the little gift in his pocket; he had only gotten it earlier in the morning. Actually, his best friend's advice had been redundant; he just hoped that Cagalli wouldn't mind his "foolish" behaviour.

"Well, I'm off," said the boy.

"..." Cagalli Yula Attha didn't know what to say as the boy walked towards the shuttle. Suddenly, he stopped.

"...Although I understand your relationship with Yuna Roma.." The boy turned around. Cagalli wondered what he was up to.

"I'm still a little unhappy about it, so.." The girl was shocked when Athrun held her hand gently (but firmly) and slipped a ring onto her finger. The boy blushed and his heart raced; it was the second time he had such feelings in front of a girl.

"...No one gives away a ring like that, you know." Cagalli couldn't resist making fun of the boy.

"I'm sorry..." Athrun was just that little bit annoyed when the Representative began to giggle.

"Stop it," said Athrun in a mock serious tone. Not wanting to embarrass the boy further, the girl thought of a proper farewell.

"Thank you, and take care."

"You too." Despite himself, the teen leaned forward and gave Cagalli a gentle peck on the lips. Later, as the shuttle took off with her love inside, the Representative followed it until it disappeared into the blue sky...

Afterthoughts

-Please RnR!