I AM BACK! After so long a time as this I have decided to dedicate myself to getting this story written. Really writers block just vanished so yeah, there's that! Enjoy this new installment!


"In other shocking news," the woman on the news station began with her typical lines, "we've just received word about the assassination of Senator James Brant, last night at his family home. He was scheduled to depart for Gibraltar on Monday to do the routine inspection. He is the third senator assassinated in what looks like another hit toward Chairman Amalfi. Recently the chairman has been facing criticisms of his handling of the Gibraltar terror threats, and the threat grows with each assassination." Cagalli looked up from her breakfast, there was an uneasy feeling in her with this news. The trouble in the plants and ZAFT made her nervous as to their current trajectory in achieving a peaceful world.

"Here to discuss the recent terror threats is young vice chairwoman Lacus Clyne," the camera switched to show Lacus with the woman. Athrun walked into the room as the screen changed, neither of them had seen Lacus or Kira for a year, it was odd that they were so distant but life was busy. Athrun had started out protecting Cagalli as she worked to rebuild ORB but as things were they decided they were better off together. They had married three months after the war and it was a wonderful time for them. Recently Cagalli had her first child, Uzumi. Both of them had been so excited about the event, the only thing that they wished was that Kira and Lacus would get a chance to meet the child before he grew too much. He was 3 months old and already Cagalli was amazed at how fast he grew. She looked back to the bassinet when he slept while she watched the current news, he was the most precious thing in her life.

She turned back to the TV as Athrun sat beside her wordlessly. They had discussed at length whether they should visit the PLANTs to make it clear the PLANT's had ORB's alliance and to see Kira and Lacus. It just seemed just such a dangerous time to do so. No one knew what was coming next with the growing threats and Cagalli knew her place was at the forefront of her nation, making sure they were ready for anything.

"Lacus, you've been working closely with the Chairman on drafting different plans for the defense of the PLANTs and our bases on earth," the reporter began her questions. "What can you tell us about the senator's assassination and how the Chariman will respond."

"When we received word of this assassination we were shocked," Lacus said her face remained neutral, "I knew James personally, he was dedicated to the cause of peace which the Chairman has championed so passionately throughout his term. In the face of all the war we have experienced in the PLANT's it is tragic to have this happen here where we were safe. The government is investigating it and I am going to meet with Senator Brant's family tomorrow to offer my personal attention to whatever they may need in this difficult time. I know what it is like to loose a father so my heart goes out to his children at this time. As to what Chairman Amalfi has planned in the face of these threats and terrorist actions, we are taking steps to investigate the matter and of course bolster defenses. The truth is we have no idea why the threats are happening or what these people hope to accomplish. It is difficult to speak much on the matter until we really know what is going on with all this."

Cagalli smile at Lacus's answer, she had always been passionate and good at delivering speeches but she handled the issue at hand expertly. Cagalli knew that they were training Lacus to be the Chairwoman in a few more years, and Lacus would perfectly fit the part. She was passionate about pursuing a solution to bring about a perfectly peaceful world and with all that had happened the people of the PLANT's loved her. The one thing that her team seemed to worry about was Kira, his association with the Earth Alliance during the first war was not well known, he was not known as the pilot of the Strike but the pilot of the Freedom. People simply didn't know much about him and Cagalli knew it was a point of contention between Lacus and her team

"But is there a plan in place at all that you can tells about?" The interviewer pressed her question, "after three assassinations we would think there would be more than routine investigation. The investigations began after the first one, and still no leads." The woman's questions made sense, the people would be asking the same ones.

"You have to understand what we are dealing with to understand this," Lacus replied. "The assassinations did not use and signs to give us a clue as to the motive. We have investigators looking the methods used, the weapon used, and the situations that led to these assassinations. They all took place in heavily guarded areas, it is as concerning to us as it is to you. It is very unfortunate that the investigations have yielded no results but I am not lying to you when I say we have not calculated a response to this as of yet."

"Have you at least worked to figure out who might be next on this list of people being taken out?" The woman questioned.

"Yes, the people being taken out is as the public knows," Lacus replied, "senators or leaders who have been asked to check on the state of the Gibraltar base. Whatever is going on it centers there and it is vital we find out who these people are and why they are targeting Gibraltar. The other link seems to be senators who have been instrumental in helping Chairman Amalfi and his administration. I mean, we'll see how these investigations turn out. I like the rest of you hope we can end this pattern."

Cagalli wanted to watch more but she heard the cry of Uzumi and stood up to go to him. She reached where he slept, so small and so fragile. She reached down and lifted him into her arms, she blocked out the sound of the television out now. Her whole world was centered around the small child, her future. She knew she would give anything to protect him from the heartache and dangers of the world around him. As she held onto him, his tears ceased, he was content to simply be in her arms. She had never thought about having kids when she was young, she had never known what these moments would bring to her. She looked to where Athrun was as he turned off the tv and got up to come see her and his son. Cagalli smiled at him, as he came over and reached his arms out. Cagalli placed Uzumi in her husband's arms, knowing that Athrun felt the same as her. That he would protect this child with his life if need be. They belonged here now, with their son facing the world together.

"He looks so much like you," Cagalli repeated a sentiment she felt often about her child, She leaned against him still staring at her child.

"You know I think he looks like you," Athrun responded with a bit of a chuckle, "he's amazing." Cagalli could feel his smile as he spoke. "Look at the life we have made." Athrun spoke the last sentiment with admiration of the child. Cagalli understood what he was saying. She had never known before what love could be, until she held her child. She knew instantly she would do anything for him.

"We've had our up's and downs," Cagalli responded slyly, "he is one of the ups for sure." Athrun laughed at her, he knew too well she could say things just to try and get him to respond. Athrun moved Uzumi in his arms to position him in one, so he could wrap the other around his wife. He gently kissed her head as he did. He was unsure about what was going on in the world around them but he knew he had everything he needed right here in his arms.


There was a crash as the crane holding up the parts to the mobile suit dropped them into place. Kira didn't jump, he was very much used to what happened in the workshop as they worked to build each machine. Ever since he had joined ZAFT he had found himself more drawn to designing mobile suits software than the business of commanding troops. He hand't exactly wanted to do anything militaristically but the position gave him the ability to be on the front lines of protecting the peace, enacting change and being near Lacus as she took her journey to being chairwoman. He was by her side without being so openly. It wasn't always easy but he knew the reason it had to be this way.

He typed away at his computer as he was working out a problem between certain parts of each of the new mobile suit models. He had never imagined he would be working on military production while hoping that wars were all over. The two years that it had been since the destiny battle, and those two years had been relatively quiet. Somehow Kira knew that wasn't going to keep happening. With the recent unrest he had a feeling in his gut that it was only going to get worse. He hadn't had to fight, and he knew he didn't want to but he also knew he may not have a choice. There world was so fragile, it was worth it to do something to protect it. He also knew if he didn't someone may who was willing to take lives, not to disable. It had been two years since he and Athrun had asked Shinn to fight with them. That fight may soon begin.

For his part he hadn't seen Shinn and Athrun in a very long time. Athrun was busy helping Cagalli in ORB while Shinn was actually on the ground at Gibraltar working with the defenses and trying to apprehend who was causing all the problems on the ground. Kira had paid attention to the reports coming from Gibraltar. The area was filled with unrest and the base as obviously in a precarious situation. No one knew what was coming and no politicians had made it to the ground. Their enemy as biding their time and waiting for their opportunity. Kira knew he was one of those in ZAFT who was responsible for stopping those enemies from harming any more of the peace than they had. The problem was you couldn't stop a force you couldn't see coming.

Wearing the white uniform was a responsibility as much as it was an honor. He felt the weight of that responsibility the moment Lacus had told him where they were placing him. The battlefield was never a home for him, it was never something he had wanted. What had changed for him, is that he had the power to make a difference and he knew he had to use it. He couldn't stop it from coming again and again and taking him back into it. Lacus understood the pain it brought him, she knew it more than anyone else. She had told him he didn't have to, she had done what she could to make sure he knew that. She had meant well but he knew he had to, because the world had fallen into unrest a second time on his watch before. He wouldn't stand back and watch things crumble, never again would he wait to effect change. Lacus was the same, she was right in the middle of the politics on the PLANTs, though it cause her some pain taking her fathers place. She wouldn't let things get bad again, not when she could change them.

They had removed themselves from the peaceful lives they had found on ORB to stand up against Chairman Durandal, and there as no going back now. They would see a lasting peace. Their own relationship was on the back-burner, out of the public eye in an effort to make this happen. It was not easy each time, even now it had been a few days since he had seen her last. He didn't know how much longer it would take for the press to eventually catch on when they did he knew he would be scrutinized by the public. Would they accept him if they knew what he had done against ZAFT before. Chairman Amalfi knew what he had done, and he knew that Kira had killed his son in the battles. The Chairman had forgiven him, but he also was wary about him.

Kira knew that Amalfi didn't like him, and thought he would be bad for Lacus. He knew all too well that Kira's fate would be forever tied to the battlefield, and that one day it may claim his life or worse his mind. There was only so much one person could take, ultimate coordinator or not, Kira was not invincible. After the close scrapes he had experienced, he knew all to well how easily a day in one battle could end him. In the end he often wondered if he was good enough for Lacus. He made peace with the blood on his hands in the past, and he resolved to always be the best he could be but he was not perfect. As a person he knew what it was like to break down, and to loose those closest to him. He didn't know how much he could handle if things got really bad again. Lacus centered him but that didn't mean that he was good for her.

He sighed as he put his hand on his forehead, the answers weren't always easy. He leaned back in his chair and looked at the code, this came easy. He knew exactly what needed to change in his function and he changed it. He knew his time here was almost up and he would have to move on to the next task on his list of things to accomplish today. He wondered if it was best to stay at the base again for the night, but it had been a couple days since he had gone home. He also knew he had to be wary of reporters scouting around the house. He couldn't do anything that might accidentally reveal their secret relationship. He had missed the military function in an effort to maintain some distance. There was another one coming up, he couldn't remember when but he knew he couldn't avoid them forever. The politicians had this morbid way of getting the military leaders to talk more openly. Big elaborate dinners that always involved alcohol, Kira wasn't a fan of how it worked. Everyone knew what the politicians wanted, a way to show a public face to the world that echoed the peace they wanted to feel. Everyone knew underneath it was cracking again.

"Kira!" he heard a familiar voice and stood up to see Dearka entering the workshop.

"What is it now?" he knew all to well when Dearka was sent down to the workshop one of the top brass was wondering about progress on the new system. They didn't read his status updates, or the would know.

"Don't be like that, I could be coming down on a social visit," Dearka spoke, his upbeat personality was a contrast to Kira's noramlly dour persona.

"Not likely," Kira replied. Dearka was his only friend on base, but they worked in completely different areas, and their busy schedules meant there wasn't time for social visits. Dearka was also one of the only people who knew Kira's full record. Sometimes it was strange knowing how much they had fought against each other.

"Yeah I know," Dearka responded, "but this time it is a little different, apparently the Chairman sent a personal message that he want's you at the leadership dinner tonight. They were going to send a message down to with one of the reds, but I thought it might be fun to come down and say hi." Kira sighed, he had a feeling the Chairman would want to talk about the plan to eventually release the information on his relationship with Lacus, and how they planned on cleaning his record and presenting him. He knew it would eventually come, but then again this could be a different call.

"I knew I couldn't keep avoiding them," Kira responded, he still felt young in the world of military and politics. He thought he could get away with not being involved as much but it seemed each month they asked him to teach a class on fighting in a mobile suit or ask him to present something to the council.

"Well the last one was pretty interesting," Dearka stated, "it was just a dinner, no dancing or anything. Just people sitting around a table talking. You missed Lacus putting one of the generals in their place for suggesting that more military spending was the automatic answer to ending the threats on Gibralter. She's been doing good work lately." Kira nodded.

"I know I caught the afternoon news show she was on," Kira replied, "she's been studying a lot about the recent uptake of military spending bills."

"She asked me how you were doing," Dearka spoke, Kira heard the cautious approach in his tone. He wouldn't fault Dearka for using it, it was always difficult to tread between a couple of people in a busy situation.

"I've been so busy on this mobile suit operating system that we haven't had much time to speak the past few days," Kira gave his friend the straight answer to what was going on. It was the truth.

"Well tonight would be a good opportunity to see her then," Dearka replied. He knew very well the situation that Kira and Lacus were in and Kira knew he wanted the Chairman to agree to let the relationship go public. He thought it was best that people learn to support Lacus's choices now, without all the political handwaving. That was the way it was. The politicians danced around issues while those in the military held nothing back.

"I guess I have to go if that is what the Chairman wants," Kira said as he wondered what this was really going to lead to. "I the meantime do you know if there has been another senator appointed on the Gibraltar summit?"

"There hasn't been so far," Dearka replied, "with all the assassinations, no one would agree to go." That made a lot of sense. What worried Kira was that they had done a lot to try and fake out their enemies as to what route James Brant was taking to get down to earth. Their enemy had been one step ahead of them, and there was no way to get a step ahead of their enemy.

"If anything changes on that front let me know," Kira stated, "Gibraltar is concerning. I am going to try and get in contact with Shinn to see what is really going on down there." He knew the political spin was leaving something out and he wanted to get to the bottom of it.

"Sure thing," Dearka responded, "and don't worry about tonight, I'll be there making sure you don't end up in any awkward conversations." Kira was grateful to his friend. His first time at one of the functions, Lacus had been too busy to introduce him and people were asking too many questions. Dearka had come to the rescue and expertly maneuvered Kira through the conversations. Being an introvert had its huge downsides at times. Tonight would be different for sure.


The traffic was dreary outside, and the route to get from the film studio back to the capitol building was pretty long. She had long wondered how many hours of her life were spent in traffic. She was being driven everywhere which meant it was a time to work, but still it seemed strange to do so here. She watched out the darkened windows at the people passing by on the sidewalks. The children were getting off school at this time. They had no idea she was in the darkened limo driving by them. She knew they would wave. What inspired her most when she had returned was the admiration the children of the PLANT's had for her. She had fought for them, and they had their peace.

She smiled as she turned away from the scene back to Meyrin who was furiously typing something on the laptop she held. This was common, running from one thing to the next. They were going to meet with the Chairman next, he had apparently called for her to start making it to every council meeting. After the evening session there was a dinner for the military offices and politicians. It was never ending.

"Okay, I got it!" Meyrin declared turning the computer screen to face Lacus. She saw a the scheduling chart that Meyrin had showed her a week before. Apparently the red head thought it would be useful to keep the schedule written now that it had grown significantly. Lacus looked at the chart in shock. Her days were filled for the rest of the month and it was not mild. The Chairman had her scheduled out to all sorts of different charities and political groups. Did he think she had the ability to keep up with such a schedule? Was it a test?

"That's it?" Lacus questioned, "this schedule would require 5 people to fulfill. He wants me on 4 different colonies next week!" Meyrin shrugged, Lacus knew it was not Meyrin's fault in any way.

"It is quite a bit of work for one person," Meyrin responded, "I don't understand why they are doing this to you. Some of these are just for publicity, not about helping you to have the skills to be a chairwoman." Lacus shook her head, it was getting to be a little much, she would definitely have to talk to the Chairman about getting the schedule reduced.

"The worst part is there is no time for normality in there," Lacus stated as she thought out lout, "there no time to spend with Kira as it is and if this keeps happening…" She stopped herself, maybe she should think through it more logically. She would be faced with rough schedules if she did become Chairwoman, and it wasn't unreasonable that she had to experience them now. Still something had to give eventually. She looked at the schedule again thinking of how difficult the past few days had been. Every news station wanted an exclusive, every journalist wanted a quote. Every university wanted a speech, every charity wanted an endorsement and every politician wanted special attention. It was crazy but it was also true to what the job would be, the Chairman was giving her an opportunity to feel the weight of the responsibility. Still it seemed a bit over the top.

"You could always talk to him about dropping a few of these," Meyrin replied, "after all you deserve a bit more time to rest."

"His schedule never looks this packed," Lacus let the remark slip before she could stop herself. She meant no disrespect. It was just… She knew what it was that was bothering her, how little time she had spent with Kira in months. He was becoming more and more attached to his work at the base while her schedule kept piling up. The distance was becoming difficult and she knew underneath it all that the Chairman and his team never approved of Kira in the first place.

"Well like I said, the best you can do is ask him to change it." Meyrin was being the level headed one of them both. Lacus had no idea what had gotten into her lately, she normally took these kinds of things in stride. Everything was messing with her lately, she felt a bit emotionally off and blamed it on the difficult schedule. She wasn't normally this stressed.

"You're right Mey," Lacus replied leaning back in her seat. "After all I did choose this for a reason." She hadn't ever questioned that reason before, why should now be different. A little voice in her head whispered that she knew why, because of Kira. They had been through so much together, being so close and yet distant had not been what she had wanted. Someday they would have it all, she really did believe that yet there was also a fear in her heart that they wouldn't. The strange dreams were becoming more frequent, she tried to ignore them but she couldn't help but fear that something was going to happen. She put the thoughts out of her head and tried to focus on the proposals that would be brought up at the council but her brain wouldn't focus.

After the car ride had ended she knew she hadn't absorbed nearly enough of the information, she was too scatterbrained to do so. She sighed as she stepped out of the limo and headed up the steps of the building, Meyrin shuffled to follow her. They walked in silence, it was better not to speak openly outside the Chairman's office, there were too many listening ears around her. She knew that many of the people in this building had worked for a long time for their own power, and her rise threatened that power.

She was careful to keep her mind set on her purpose of getting to the Chairman's office without interruption. People would see the determination on her face and leave her alone, that was her hope. If someone did approach her Meyrin was ready to deal with them as well. Lacus was grateful for how much help Meyrin had been the past year, and Lacus didn't look forward to the day Meyrin found a suitable assistant for her. In her mind Meyrin was perfect. They reached the Chairman's office and he had another official in the main office with him so Lacus and Meyrin were forced to wait outside. Each minute of waiting reminded Lacus that this would be her life, that politicians would look to her to make decisions. That was something she knew she was ready for. Her father had been the greatest chairman they had ever had in the PLANTs, she knew that people would expect her to meet up to the standard he set. She also knew what he would say now if he heard and doubts, he would believe in her.

She looked up from where she sat towards the pictures on Chairman Amalfi's wall. There was one of him with her father, it was an important one to both of them. Then there was one she didn't look at often, it was the one of the Chairman's son that he had lost. She put the thought out of her head, it was too unpleasant. It was just then that the door opened and the Chairman walked out with the man that had been visiting him. Lacus stiffened. It was Kira's commanding officer, General Gaurid, he wasn't the most pleasant person but Lacus knew he had done a lot for the PLANTs.

"It was good to see you again General," Amalfi said shaking the man's hand.

"Yes, we should talk more often," the man responded before turning to Lacus, "it's good to see you again as well."

"Hello General," Lacus responded respectfully standing. "I trust that things at the base are going well."

"Very well," the general declared, "we've got a new mobile suit in production and the designs have been working out very well so far. We're hoping to get them on the ground in Gibraltar very soon!" More weapons was just what the world needed, she thought as she observed the irony.

"I'm glad to hear things are going well," Lacus replied politely. She knew she couldn't speak much about the military operations. The nuclear power cores were increasingly popular, and the people liked feeling safe behind their military. Lacus knew why, after so much war against the PLANTs the weapons made them feel safe. She just wished she knew that they would be used responsibly.

"Well I must take my leave," the general replied, "I hope we will see you at the dinner tonight."

"We'll both be there," the Chairman responded, "take care." With that the general left and Lacus sunk back down to the couch, her mind was once again racing through the papers she had read about the dangers of the nuclear powered mobile suits. Kira was working on them, she knew that. There was a silence in the room as the Chairman took a seat across from her. She eyed him for a second before looking at the stack of papers Meyrin had placed in front of her.

"I saw the interview of course," the Chairman finally spoke up, "you handled her questions very well. The people were satisfied that we are moving to fix the problem we are having." Lacus nodded, that had been her job after all. To pacify those who were afraid of the violence.

"I just wish I could tell them more of what is really going on," she replied, "that Gibraltar isn't just experiencing unrest but direct threats. We don't know how much longer they can last and the council won't move until someone investigates. That no one has made it down there is frightening." She knew that Shinn Asuka was on the ground and trying to get reports through but the council wanted more eyes on the ground to return to the PLANTs. Shinn wasn't going to come back anytime soon, he was down there to help strengthen the base's defenses.

"I will soon rectify that situation," the Chairman spoke about something she hadn't heard yet. "The details haven't been worked out yet but we are going to get someone on the ground soon that the council will take the word of. Everything just has to be done delicately, we can't have anyone finding out we're actually taking the step to send someone else." Lacus hadn't know that the Chairman could come up with a contingency that fast, she certainly hadn't thought of a solution. She found herself wondering what his solution was.

"With all due respect sir," she replied, "I would rather go down there than endanger another life needlessly. I can call Andrew Waltfelt and fire up the Eternal and head down there under heavy guard. There are people I trust, it would be done delicately." The Chairman shook his head.

"We aren't risking you my dear," he replied, "we don't know what these terrorists want. I understand your faction could protect you on the way down, but could they guarantee your safety on the ground." She frowned, she knew he had a point. But they didn't know what these terrorist were after. They hadn't made any moves aginast Lacus yet, maybe she didn't factor into their plans.

"Who are you planning on sending?" She asked the more important question that was playing at the back of her mind. The Chairman shook his head.

"The circle must remain small on that one," he replied, "we're taking a risk in trying something this soon. I won't have another one fail." He was just being careful but Lacus found herself more and more curious as to what he was planning.


She heard her name announced as the doors opened and the lights were in front of her. Her eyes adjusted quickly to the ballroom. She heard cheering for her name as she walked in with a smile on her face, she saw the officers and politicians spread out around the room and knew this was meant to be a way to help everyone relax after all that had happened. It looked like they had gone all out to make this more than just a dinner. The room was packed, everyone had come and Lacus knew it was because at this moment the function was the safest place for everyone with ZAFT military hiding it's location and protecting it. Why be outside of that?

She looked down at her carefully chosen dark purple dress. Her stylist had worked to present her maturity in each of these functions. They didn't want anyone doubting her ability to work at this level. She still wished she could wear more pastels then the dark colors that had been chosen for her. Her hair was done elaborately in an up-do that kept with the mature air the dress put off.

She nodded and the festivities continued, she was approached by several politicians and had to be rescued by Amalfi who led her to speak to some of his cabinet members. They all were commending her on maneuvering through the broadcast with no problems at all. Amalfi's approval ratings had gone up and the public continued to adore her. That was all that seemed to matter to some of the politicians. Lacus knew when she took power those ones would be weeded out but now they were needed so that the balance of power could remain peaceful. After a few more conversations she walked to the refreshment table to get some water. As she was filling it up she heard a voice from the other side of the table.

"Nice entrance," she looked up to see Kira scooping some fruit on his plate, he then came around to stand next to her. She was overjoyed to see him but she hid it under the mask that was hardest to display. She knew it was difficult for him as well. They both turned to face the ballroom.

"It's good to finally see you," Lacus said sipping her water, "I've had politicians trying to get me to endorse things and trying to get me on their side for the past 35 minutes." Kira laughed a little. She knew he empathized with the life she had chosen. He thought she was amazing for getting through it without going crazy.

"Well I actually came here to ask you to endorse a bill to increase military spending," Kira replied with a cheeky grin, "cause in peacetime we keep the peace through storing up arms." She lightly punched his arm with a fake frown at his joke.

"Very funny," she said. She looked at him now, careful not to look to meaningfully. "Where have you been?" She asked gently, they hadn't spoken in a few days.

"Mostly writing a mobile suit operating system," Kira replied taking another bite of his fruit.

"I've missed you coming home," she said softly. She was going to elaborate when she looked up and saw a group of politicians looking in her direction with purpose and she turned to Kira with an idea in her head. "You know what I don't think I have had one dance since entering this ball room." Kira saw what she was trying to avoid and wondered what exactly he should do. The two did all they could to seem like friendly acquaintances, people were well aware that they had fought together in both wars. They worked to never put their relationship in any sort of spotlight, to never do anything that may invite questions but if Lacus was asking.

"But Lacus I thought you wanted to talk to the politicians," he spoke, she then grabbed the plate from his hand and set it on the table. Then she grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the dance floor. "Hey, I was eating that," he protested.

"Well now you're not," she replied in her political tone of voice, "your getting me away from another boring push to endorse something I don't believe in." They reached the dance-floor and it was all he could do to keep from kissing her. As they danced together, he knew that they had to remain dedicated to their mission fo finding true peace. That was why they had to wait to make things more transparent. But being in this situation was never going to be easy. He had missed spending much time with her for months, it was getting hard for him be without her. She had such important duties, the world depended on her. He was nobody compared to her.

"I wish we could be more open," she spoke softly as they danced, "this is nice." He laughed a little looking around at the fact that so many people seemed to stop and focus on them. He knew all eyes were on her, but that people would wonder more about him each time they were in each others company but the answers they had were satisfactory as long as Kira and Lacus stayed under the radar.

"Well if we keep doing things like this there may be no point in keeping it secret," he responded, "it's not like there's much that they can't see right now." She shook her head, she was beginning to wonder if the secret was worth it any longer. She couldn't remember a happier time than in ORB and in that time her and Kira were open with everyone they were around. Their lives had been simple, there was no weight of the world on their shoulders then. In the end it had to be worth it, this time that they were facing.

"Maybe soon," Lacus said as the music ended, people clapped and before leaving him she shocked many of them by reaching up and kissing his cheek before leaving the floor. He was a bit shocked but took her leave and walked in the opposite direction she was going. He knew exactly what she was doing, they had played this game before.

He walked to a door out to a balcony that very few people knew how to get to. When he got there Lacus was already up there. He saw there were slight hints of tears in her eyes as she looked to be a little out of sorts. Why was she acting like this? She was the stronger one of the two.

"What's wrong," Kira asked taking her in his arms for a moment. He knew they still had to remain careful up here. It was a private place, but no place was perfect.

"It's just knowing about what Athrun and Cagalli have," she responded, "and how they get to have their relationship. They had a public wedding and a child. I just often wonder if we made the right decision to put off this until after I'm elected. That could be years from now. I don't want to wait years. I'm getting tired of us being pulled in two different directions." Why was this just coming out now?

"You know why it has to be this way," Kira replied, "and revisiting this topic does not change that. Your team is working very hard to get you where you need to be. You have to trust that they have your best interests in mind." Lacus shook her head in his arms.

"But what if things change in that time?" Lacus questioned. He sighed, he knew what she was saying. The lives they had chosen were never going to be perfectly in sync. No one could know who he was, it would hurt her too much. People would pass snap judgements, they would call for her dismissal from the life she had been born for. Until they could properly erase the path he had walked from the prying public they couldn't do anything stupid. He let go of her and stepped back, placing distance between them and willing her to keep the path.

"Don't give up so easily," he spoke softly now, "you belong here. If you did anything to compromise that now you would regret it." He could tell by the look in her eyes she was wavering in her resolve. He was about to speak more when a voice interrupted them.

"Lacus," the strong voice of the Chairman spoke, "get back downstairs now, they are looking for you." She looked at Kira for a second before nodding and heading down the stairs. Kira turned to the Chairman, he could see the look in the man's eyes that he had something to say. Kira wasn't sure if it was a lecture about discretion or something more. The Chairman had asked him to come to this dinner after all.

"I have been meaning to make time to go down to the base and speak with you," the older man finally spoke, "it's been a difficult time we are facing here in the PLANTs and at our bases on earth." Kira nodded.

"I have been keeping up with the reports," Kira replied.

"I'm glad," the Chairman replied. "I know you are aware about how I feel about your relationship with Lacus. You two should be more careful about what you do at events like this." There it was.

"Well it is clear you have her under a lot of stress," Kira couldn't stop the remark as he spoke without thinking. It was a little too snarky, especially for the man who had worked so hard to give Lacus everything he could.

"She's been a little too distracted of late," the Chairman said eyeing Kira, "but that is not why I wanted to speak to you. Lacus deserves the right to make her own decisions in life, even if they could be mistakes." Kira did not miss his meaning at all. "Recently we have been hard pressed to get someone down to Gibraltar who could bring back a full report of what is going on down there. As you know communications have been spotty of late. While the council has been debating a new course of action, a small circle of us have come up with a plan that could work." Kira knew instantly what he was getting at.

"You want me to go to Gibraltar?" Kira questioned.

"We want you to secretly go to Gibraltar," the Chairman countered. Of all the things Kira had thought were going to happen when he woke up this morning, this was the last thing he had expected.


So that is the first chapter of my grand return to the Gibralter incident!

Please leave me a REVIEW and let me know what you think! This story is important to me and I would love to hear your feedback.

Thanks,

AWinterChill