A/N: Thank you Aixyutin, nequam-tenshi, Rickrolled, princess_shayera, Rinhail, G. Wingsy, FIRE LADY OREN, LittleBlueNayru, Thawn716, Star, Minch THE Mighty, Xx Meisha xX, ayanamiyuy, WestAnimeBrigade, and Big-Babidi for deciding to leave a review.

Rawr! It's 2010. I got sidetracked again. :(

I apologize for bad grammar.

I am hoping this chapter isn't too messed up. Comments and Criticism are highly appreciated. Thanks.

REDEMPTION: To Be Family: Chapter 11: Deep in the Heart


Early Sunday morning. After making a quick pit stop in the bathroom, Yzak found his mobile phone ringing. He placed a huge blue towel on his bed and then with a sigh, sat his freshly showered posterior next it. Athrun was the last person he was expecting to hear from, but there Athrun was on the other end of the line sending him an early invitation to a New Year's party that was still months away.

"You are coming, right?"

Yzak went over to the closet to take out some clothes and a pair of socks. "I'm a little busy. I'll have to think about it."

"Yzak, it's months away. It's New Year. I'm sure you can make adjustments."

"Well. Who sends out God damn party invitations months in advance?"

"Well... Cagalli wanted everyone to make it. Is that so bad?"

"I can't believe you would drop so low as to do that girl's bidding whenever she asks you to. Can't she send out her own invitations?! I'm sure she still has plenty of time for that!"

"Actually, Yzak... I was the one who offered to help her." Athrun explained.

"You're actually groveling now?! Wow. You just never cease to amaze me. You're becoming more pathetic than I thought!" Yzak scoffed.

"Groveling? I was being considerate! Cagalli's really busy at the moment and she's always exhausted from work. The way the representatives and nobles are pressuring her all of the time, doesn't make her job any easier or less stressful. So I'm simply doing whatever I can to help her out."

"Yeah. Yeah. Use any excuse you want. It still doesn't change the fact she doesn't make time for you unless you begged her for it. You're selling yourself short by sticking to her like a stupid lapdog! Why don't you just get your miserable butt back to PLANTs and ZAFT where you are appreciated."

"Yzak, don't change the subject. I'll take your shit but only up to a certain point... Will you be coming to the party or not?!"

"Well. I am right, aren't I? After all you have given up in PLANTs to be with her in ORB. She still takes you for granted! I bet she never even thought to look for you, not once, because you pathetically wait for her hand and foot!" Yzak stated leading Athrun murmur something inaudible in the background. "What was that?!"

"You know what? Do what you want! I don't give a damn whether you show up or not!"

"It's not like I want to see you either!"

"I'm hanging up!"

"Good riddance!"

They hanged-up at the same time.

Yzak shook his head.

Honestly, that Athrun frustrates him most of the time for being an absolute idiot. He was supposed to be his rival wasn't he?! And now, he had allowed himself to sink from a ZAFT Redcoat to taking orders from that opinionated blunt Natural woman!

Athrun is such a dumbass!

Love and stupidity must go hand in hand. And look, what a coincidence, here was another idiot who had fallen head-over-heels for a Natural woman as well! thought Yzak, upon catching a blinking icon on his mobile phone with Dearka's name on it. At least Dearka had enough brains to return and not leave PLANTs too!

Checking the file, Yzak realized, the message was dated a day old. Then it came back to him. He had nearly forgotten that he had instructed Dearka to leave him a message instead... Yzak quickly pressed the accept button and hoped what the easygoing blond wanted to say was nothing of real importance.

Click.

You have one new message. Beeeeppp...

"Hey, Yzak. Guess where I am right now? I'm in the men's room making you this call. How lucky, am I? Your mom's been breathing down my neck ever since she found out you got transferred. So you can stop sending her those phony messages about your everyday life in Aprilius One now.

I end up telling her the same story I told Lacus but I don't think she believes me. She doesn't seem to be as ecstatic as Lacus was when I told her.

Oh, and I thought you should know... Your mom just booked us the next c5 shuttle to Earth. She threatened me not let you know about this but I thought you should... Look, I have to go. Your mom's waiting for me outside.

Oh, wait! Before I forget... Could you do me a favor and act all surprised when you see her 'cause if you don't she'll know that I called... And that's not going to be good for me."

The closing beep trailed off...

And Yzak stared at his phone mindlessly for one whole minute before he could come up with a proper reaction. One thought. Two words. Oh, shit! Yzak bolted from bed. He realized as he ran a hand through his silky silver hair- how deep in trouble he was right now from being found out before he could actually explain.

His mother, Ezalia Joule, wasn't supposed to find out about this. He wasn't ready to tell her everything yet!

Agitated, Yzak quickly speed dialed Dearka's number, trying to get in contact with him several times but failed. The blond's phone seemed to be out of reach; if not turned off. And only God knows where Dearka along with his mother could be right now... Unless he could figure it out.

Now-a-days, it only takes a day to travel from PLANTs to Earth and vice versa.

Shit, what time is it? What time did they leave? Yzak scrambled for his wristwatch and shoes all the while checking the time Dearka had sent him the message. Yzak cursed at what he'd discovered. They're practically off the shuttle by now!

Where will his mother decide to head first?! To a hotel, here, or to Flay's? Yzak raked his brain trying to figure it out. But "Damn it!" He didn't know! What he did know though was he needed to find his mother before she finds out about Kaitlyn.

Wait. Do they even know where Flay lives?

Yzak grabbed his coat from the chair and dialed Flay's number as he rushed out the door. And agonizingly, he was forced listen to her phone ring as he descended the stairs in a hurry.

Damn... Hurry and pick up.

00000

Minutes later, at Allster's residential building,

"Are they here?!" Yzak said first thing in between panting breath as he stormed into Flay's living room without a second thought. And he realized too late that he had rudely let himself in when Flay had jump out from a dining chair from shock.

"Who?" Flay asked.

Yzak scanned the nearly empty living room, except for them, with a sigh of relief.

Apparently, Flay had been alone quietly watching television by herself before he had barged in unexpectedly.

"Yzak, what are you talking about?" Flay asked, walking up to him.

"Why weren't you answering any of my calls?! I was calling you nonstop!" Yzak yelled at Flay, the moment they came three feet apart.

Flay swallowed at Yzak's harsh tone, unaware why he was suddenly so upset and angry. "I- I'm sorry. I left my mobile phone upstairs and I- I hadn't heard it ringing... Why, what's wrong?"

"Where's Kaitlyn?" He asked her urgently, turning his head left and right scanning the living room for the girl with quick sharp eyes.

"Kaitlyn is upstairs..." Flay answered before shaking her head. "Yzak, please tell me what's going on..." she pleaded, eyes reflecting exactly what she was feeling. "You're scaring me."

Yzak turned to Flay when she placed a trembling hand on his sleeve. And he compelled himself to keep a stiff upper lip at the time his chest tightened at her wide eyes and troubled expression.

"My mother... is here on Earth... She found out about us. No! What I meant was- my mother found out that I've been transferred here by ZAFT."

Flay was forced to raise a brow at this, heavily confused. "You... Didn't tell her that you were on earth?"

At this little truth, Yzak bit his lip. "I-... didn't...I couldn't..." Yzak admitted frowning.

To be brutally honest, he was afraid if he had told his mother... Ezalia Joule would come visit him way more often than necessary, which would likely increase the chances of her running into Flay and Kaitlyn. Then again, maybe he should have told her... Yzak cringed, realizing the mistake. At least his mother wouldn't be so highly suspicious of why he had to keep his current location a secret from her, if he had.

Yzak shook his head as to clear it. "The reason doesn't matter now! Dearka had to make up some romantic nonsense about me with some girl here on earth! Mother doesn't seem happy about it. And I'm afraid you might get involved in the mess." Because Dearka just had to tell his mother some stupid story to cover him up. He was so going to have to strangle Dearka!

"Romantic nonsense?" Flay's brow stayed up, still somewhat having a hard time following all of this.

"It's a long story!" Yzak said then paused. He met Flay's eyes once again before looking away. "Look, I'm guessing my mother still doesn't know about Kaitlyn. And I…. want to keep it that way for a little longer." Yzak frowned for being particularly honest with her. "So if by chance she came over, I am asking you to deny everything and lock the doors... She's not hard to recognize..." Yzak went on. "She has th-"

"This is not how I pictured my son would welcome me but it's nice to see you too, Yzak."

At he sound of his name, Yzak felt a small devastating shiver crawled up his back, and he edgily turned his attention towards the door that had been left open. "M-mother!"

"And I see you have been expecting us." Ezalia Joule added causing Dearka who was right behind the woman to slap a hand to his face.

"How... How did you find me?" Yzak asked dumbstruck.

It took Ezalia Joule only three brisk pace to enter the living room.

"We got to your apartment just in time to catch your car making its way to the driveway." Dearka whispered, giving Yzak his answer when Ezalia didn't.

They followed him? Yzak fell speechless. With all his military training and experience, one would think he would be aware that he was being followed. Yzak wanted to hang himself. He led his mother to Flay's house!

Yzak opened his mouth to say something and then closed it again. Three times he repeated the action. Then he saw his mother tilt her head to the side and smirk.

"So you must be the girl Dearka have mentioned." Ezalia lowered her eyes at Flay who, in return, shuttled her eyes back and forth.

Yzak's mind battered then, unsure of what to do. It was like the world shifted around him. And time, being an absolute traitor, decided to abandon him fast, leaving him baffled and physically paralyze, staring at the mess.

From the corner of his eyes, he caught the sight of Dearka letting a pair of bags slide from his shoulders. In front of him, his mother took an advancing step towards Flay, saying something to her, which caused Flay to take a defensive step back. Dearka tried to intervene, but was brushed away by the displeased sophisticated lady.

The next thing Yzak knew, Kaitlyn came up from behind Flay, pulling on her jean shorts.

"Mama, who's the pretty lady?"

Flay looked down and so did everyone else.

Time stopped.

The room went silent as Ezalia went stock still.

She saw her. Yzak's thought exclaimed as he turned to see his mother's reaction.

He saw her blinked once and pressed a hand right above her chest, suddenly heaving quite hard. "Ezalia... Breathe..." He heard his mother trail off before he saw how her eyes alarmingly rolled back and the strengths of her legs gave away.

"Mother!"

"Mrs. Joule!"

00000

In the dark, from behind, an unfamiliar feminine voice said,

"I wonder if your mom's going to be all right."

Those were the exact first words Ezalia Joule had heard just after she had regained consciousness. Ezalia let her bright blue eyes slowly open. She blinked once, twice as the room's features came into focus, and found herself lying on a soft bed, on her left- in a recovery position inside an unfamiliar bedroom.

"Mother is going to be fine. She just fainted from shock."

Again, the voice came from the back. But it was a male who spoke this time. And although she could not see his face, Ezalia recognized that delightful tone anywhere.

Yzak. She smiled gratefully before momentarily closing her eyes again. She breathed in with relief at the thought of her son was well.

"It was a good thing you caught her in time..." said the female.

Seeing that it was time to pay attention to what was in front of her now, soundlessly, Ezalia reopened her eyes again... Interesting enough, on the left side of the room, she saw Dearka on a wingback chair, trying to start up a conversation with a little girl whom, she recognized, was the one from before she had drawn a blank.

Does this mean she's a grandmother?

Having the opportunity to watch the girl more closely now, Ezalia smiled warmly. When it came to appearance, the little girl certainly took after their side of the family. She had the eyes; the hair. Regardless that she wore her hair with two little pigtails, Ezalia could not deny that the little girl came very close to resembling a little Yzak though a lot more cheerful, sweeter, and of having a more radiant bounce.

Watching her like this now, Ezalia was convinced that this little girl was, by far, the most beautiful girl she has ever laid eyes upon.

"Hey Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn, do you remember me?" Dearka leaned in closer to Kaitlyn's seat, pointing at himself, towards his grinning face.

Kaitlyn tipped her head to the side. She stared at Dearka for a little while, and just kept staring at him with a blank face.

Silence. That was all there was between them when Dearka finally decided to break it with his disappointed conclusion.

"You... you don't remember me?" Dearka's eyes went wide at first before it lowered as he frowned. "Oh, now. Now that's just cruel..." He slouched forward in his display of hurt.

By the open window, Yzak sneered. "Serves you right."

Dearka pouted, ignoring him.

"You couldn't have just forgotten about me. I am Uncle Dearka, remember?" Dearka continued persistently. "I was the one who saved your hat and dog at the park, remember?"

Probably half wondering why she was even playing this strange memory game, Kaitlyn responded to this by letting her eye wander the room. Her eyes traveled from the small round flower vase set on the table in front of her; to the open window where Flay and Yzak were standing; to the bed where Ezalia 'was watching her from...

Kaitlyn inhaled with her mouth, part thrilled at her discovery. "Mama! Mama! Uncle Yzak's mama is awake!" the girl announced running towards her mother.

Ezalia's eyes lit up.

Uncle Yzak? Not father, daddy, papa or ...?

Seeing that there was no point in lying around anymore. Ezalia pressed a hand on the mattress to lever herself from bed.

"Mother, you should lie down. You must be tired since you came right over after the flight. Take your time and get some rest." Yzak said upon assisting his mother back into an upright sitting position slowly just because the woman refused to lie back down.

"I'm fine, Yzak. I'm fine."

Watching the two, "Ummm... Is there anything I could get you? Anything you need?" Flay asked from the side.

Ezalia regard Flay warily. "Water, please."

Flay nodded once and headed out for the kitchen.

"Mother, you really should rest for a while." Yzak insisted, spreading out a blanket.

"I said I'm fine, Yzak."

"Here's the water." Flay said, returning with a glass.

Ezalia thanked her for the drink and took a sip.

Flay smiled slightly, her head still tilted to one side. "Will there be anything else?"

"How about a word then?" Ezalia replied causing Yzak to tense up beside his mother.

"Beg your pardon?" Flay eyes widen, unsure whether she had heard the woman right.

"I would like to have a word with you, may I?" Ezalia clarified resulting Yzak's jaw to drop automatically.

"WHAT!?" Yzak gasped causing Kaitlyn who was beside him to jump a little. "Mother, if you need information you can always ask me!" He told her, slapping a hand to his dress shirt.

"Yes. I know that, Yzak. And we will certainly have plenty to talk about later at my hotel suite. But right now..." Ezalia turned to Flay's direction. "I would like to have a talk with the young lady. Of course, if she would allow it." Ezalia smiled one of her smiles. "I won't bite." She told Flay in a cunning tone.

Flay swallowed hard.

Yzak gritted his teeth.

"I suppose… it would be all right..."

00000

Outside the guestroom.

Yzak, being the last one out, closed the door behind them; bewildered and irritated at what had happened just now.

Whipping his head around, "this is all your fault!" Yzak started after he had managed to release the doorknob with a great amount mental of effort.

"My fault? How is this my fault?" Dearka argued after helping Kaitlyn settle down on a fauteuil within the same hallway.

"You brought my mother here!" Yzak pointed to Dearka accusingly.

"Hey. Hey. I'm the victim here. I wasn't the one who was found lying and missing on his birthday yet here I am- borrowed and dragged from the military to escort your mom."

Yzak rolled his eyes. "You just had to tell my mother the same stupid nonsense you told Lacus!"

Kaitlyn's eyes shifted from Yzak to Dearka as the two argued.

"I was trying to maintain one set of lie. What would you have me do? Tell everyone who asked about you a different story?!"

"No. I expected you to use your brain and come up with a more justified explanation! You could have simply told her that I was reassigned by the council to Earth!" This part was true of course. "and refer whatever details you can not answer as classified information!"

"Oh." Dearka frowned at the realization. "Wow... you're right. Why didn't I think of that sooner..." He said monotonously, before throwing himself on the vacant chair found next to Kaitlyn's. Looking rather pissed as well now, Dearka slouched on the chair then used the armrest for his bent arm and hand to hold up his head. "It certainly beats having to call and lie to your own mother everyday thence we would not be here right now."

00000

"I apologize for barging into your house like this. It was quite rude of me." Ezalia began, watching Flay take the seat Kaitlyn had previously occupied.

Once she was settled, Flay shook her head. "No. It's all right." she sighed as well as sweat dropped. "I seem be getting this quite a lot lately..."

Ezalia tucked her hands on her lap. "I don't believe we have been properly introduced yet. As you may already know, I'm Yzak's mother, Ezalia Joule. And you are?" She asked, watching Flay who seemed somewhat uncomfortable stiffed up on her seat.

"Flay. Flay Allster."

"Allster... Allster..." Ezalia was thoughtful for a while. "Could you, by any chance, be related to Atlantic Federation's George Allster?"

"You knew my father?" Flay asked.

Ezalia shook her head. "George Allster was a very influential man in his time."

"Oh, I see..." Flay trailed off, eyeing away.

"Please, be honest with me." Ezalia added soon before the room could come to an awkward silence. "Has my son given you any trouble?"

Flay was forced to glance up at Ezalia again, trying not to be disrespectful as they spoke. "Oh, no. Not at all." She said in her usual quiet calm tone of voice. "Yzak has been nothing but kind lately." She continued.

"Is that so..." Ezalia turned her gaze to her folded hands that made her look like she really had to think about what Flay had just said; a sad smile formed on her lips. "She's beautiful by the way. Kaitlyn."

"Ah. Thank you."

"To tell you the truth, I always wanted a daughter. I wanted a charming girl who I can frequently take shopping. Don't get me wrong, I love Yzak with all my heart but I can't really bring him anywhere." She shared with a light laugh.

00000

Back at the hallway.

Dearka decided to waste the time by heedlessly juggle a pillow over his head while Kaitlyn beside him, who was also in a chair, idly swung her legs back and forth. Yzak, however, being too agitated to sit down, decided to simply pace the hall in front of everyone. That is until he stopped of course.

And Dearka noticed just how Yzak irritably yet confusedly lifted his chin up when a pair of weak feminine laughter escaped from the next room.

"They're laughing!? They're actually laughing?!" Yzak announced in an I-can't-believe-this tone.

"I don't know about you... but it seems to be going well in there." Dearka said as he watched the cotton filled case go up and down again.

"What could possibly go well in there?!" Yzak's eyes darted wildly at Dearka who was too busy playing with the pillow.

"Well... Something must be must be going right with the interview for them to be laughing together like this." Dearka said.

"Interview? What interview?!" Yzak's eyes grew wide in slight panic.

"This set up seems like a marriage interview, don't you think?" Dearka grinned at the male, part teasing him.

Yzak's whole body tense up at the spot; his cheek went pale, for an instant, before they flushed more scarlet than before.

"That is not funny!"

Dearka simply shrugged at this and continued to spin the angular pillow with his fingers. "Well. This is what this scene looks like to me. I'm only being honest." He said, leading Yzak to growl under his breath, baring his teeth.

"You want to be honest?! I'll give you honest!" Yzak crossed the distance between them in three, quick steps and swiftly kicked the footstool away when Yzak caught Dearka about to put his legs up on it, regrettably.

This is going to be a long one, Dearka thought lazily.

Knowing Yzak... He always does have a lot to say. And from his divine experience with the hot tempered Coordinator, Dearka knew better than anyone that Yzak was walking dictionary slash machine gun when it came to shooting insults.

"If it wasn't for your fu-!" Yzak bit his tongue.

And Dearka could not help but raise an eyebrow.

"Cat got your tongue?" Dearka said, watching Yzak, despite the male's obvious tightened fist, take a questioning step back from him; plus a couple more until he spun around.

"Unlike you, I got better things to do!" Yzak declared, making his way to the other direction.

The pillow freely fell down on Dearka's lap.

"And don't you dare follow me!" Yzak shouted after five large steps, forcing Dearka to stay on his seat for a short period of time.

Dearka watched Yzak walk out of the hallway. He could tell from Yzak brisk pace that he was off to throw his anger else where.

And being the good friend he was as well as him being so used to this type of scenario, Dearka placed both hands on each knee ready to go after him, of course, only to be he surprisingly halted once again when his butt had departed a few centimeters away from the cushion.

"I said, don't follow me!" came Yzak's resounding shout from down somewhere.

Kaitlyn stopped swinging her legs at the same time Dearka almost actually stood up.

"Why is Uncle Yzak mad?" Kaitlyn blinked, looking at Dearka, confused.

Then Dearka caught on. If he were to go after Yzak now. Kaitlyn being alone would most likely follow and end up witnessing all of Yzak's pent up fury and colorful vocabulary.

Ohhh... Okay...

Dearka leaned back down on the furniture; placed his legs on top of the matching footstool after he moved it back to place; and threw his hands behind his head in a confident yet relax pose.

"Is mama and uncle Yzak's mama laughing bad?"

Dearka stared at the wall in front of him. "Nah. There's nothing wrong with them laughing." He told her. Tipping his head a little, Dearka glanced at Kaitlyn who he noticed was frowning now. "Uncle Yzak was just overreacting. Everything will be fine so don't worry about it, okay?"

Kaitlyn stared at Dearka; stared at the closed door; then stared at the ground thinking hard.

Although still clearly bothered by the thought, Kaitlyn let out a soft "Hmmm..." before returning her attention to her legs and went back to swinging them back and forth, idly waiting.

00000

Ezalia Joule tucked one ankle behind the other and placed her hands gracefully on the knees, making herself comfortable on the lavish settee of her hotel room.

"How long were you planning to keep her from me?" Ezalia asked calmly, watching her son restlessly pace the room back and forth which only showed how truly anxious he was.

Tired of watching her son move around in circles, Ezalia sighed.

"Yzak, would you please sit down."

"If you don't mind, mother. I'd rather stand." Yzak returned.

Ezalia was forced to shake her head at Yzak's peculiar request but she held a hand out, indicating the male to stop nonetheless. "Fine. I will allow this once. Just stop walking in circles... or I will end up passing out for the second time." She warned causing Yzak to instantly stop on his track; head to the nearest wall, turn his back to it and just stood there leaning with his back against the surface with his eyes downcast.

Ezalia frowned at the sight of Yzak's troubled expression.

"Yzak, I want to let you know that I am not angry. I am ashamed of what you did, yes, but I am not angry at you."

She tipped her head slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of her child's face, amidst his bangs, searching for any kind of reaction but there was none.

"Yzak, I rushed over to Earth thinking you were in some kind of trouble. You have not kept anything from me for a very long time." Ezalia decided to continue with a sigh. "If you are in some difficult situation, you know you can always tell me. Have I ever failed you?"

"No, mother, you haven't." Yzak turned to his mother. "But that's the problem..." He said. "I'm not in some kind of trouble!" Although, originally, Yzak seriously thought he was going to be.

Ezalia lowered her eyes at he son. "Yzak, Don't lie to me. You and I both know that sexual assault is a war crime punishable by International law."

Yzak's forehead scrunch up. Sexual assault was such a harsh word. "I'm aware of that."

"Has she filed against you?" She asked straight to the point.

Through observation, Ezalia could not deny that- Flay Allster seemed like a nice harmless girl. On the outside, she no longer seem to be harboring any ill feelings towards Yzak. Admittedly, they had shared a few laughs together, but Ezalia Joule never was the type who trusted easily.

Yzak's the light of her life; Her only son. If by chance, that girl was using something against him... then that was certainly unacceptable.

"No."

"No?" Ezalia raised a brow while her eyes studied Yzak for any trace of dishonesty.

Yzak shook his head. "No. She hasn't sued."

"Threatened to file a case against you?"

Yzak ran a hand down his face. He was not sure whether he should be relieved that his affectionate mother was taking his side in this because he, undeniably, felt inexplicably, confusingly, frustrated at the same time.

Yzak roughly pushed himself from the wall. A thousand voices and bells were all going off in his head at once. He couldn't take it anymore.

"Mother, would you stop trying to protect me!" He began. "No, Flay hasn't done that either but if she suddenly decides to sue... I'm facing the charges!" Yzak revealed causing his mother to look perplexingly proud at his decisions yet utterly devastated for being aware of the consequence ahead at the same time.

If Flay were suddenly to file a case against him then so be it! It wouldn't be his first trial. He already have several crimes listed under his name. He had been sentenced to execution once. And if it were to happen again then maybe, Yzak thought, it was about time he paid for them.

"Flay is not at fault here. I was the one who decided to keep this issue from you. I wanted to handle the situation on my own. I thought I could fix it. I'm the one responsible for this mess. I'm the bastard in the picture, not Flay."

"Yzak, watch your language." His mother warned him, though still sounding very much disheartened.

Evaluating the situation, going back over every single memory, trying to make sense of it all… Yzak opened his mouth and let out a low groan. "To be honest, Flay didn't even want to see me again. We met by accident. And she asked me not to get involve anymore but I still butted in anyway..." Yzak confessed, trying to catch his mother's eyes. "I wanted to adopt Kaitlyn. That had been my original plan because I felt responsible for her. I was going to let you know about this eventually when everything was done... but then one predicament lead to another... and I find out Kaitlyn doesn't want to be separated from Flay! ... Fuck, -"

"Yzak."

"It's so frustrating to be unable to do anything! I don't want to forcefully take Kaitlyn away! She will hate me! This is all Flay's fault! She wouldn't let me do anything! I'm free to see Kaitlyn yet I can't fund for her! I haven't asked yet, but I'm certain, even in hell, Flay wouldn't let me adopt Kaitlyn either!" Yzak began to agitatedly pace the room again. "Flay pisses me off! Why does she have to make everything so complicated?! And for some God damn reason-"

"Yzak, language!"

"I think being with such a confusing person like Flay is finally messing with my head! Suddenly, I can't stop thinking about her; can't wait to see her! I find even just sitting side-by-side with her, in silence, saying nothing comfortable! And that's barely describing it!" Yzak exclaimed worried.

Because it hurts him whenever Flay's in pain even when it got nothing to do with him. And in contrast, every time she smiles at him, it's like taking a lungful of fresh air and he felt like he could do anything.

He was losing control over himself. It was a frightening thought. It was as if the time he had shared with her was spinning a web around him and he was losing sight of his primary objectives. How could he possibly tell his mother what had happened if he wasn't even sure himself?

"What is she to you? Flay." Ezalia asked out of the blue, catching Yzak by surprise.

'Wha– what do you mean?' Yzak stammered.

Ezalia raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Do you like her, perhaps?"

Yzak felt his face warmth up. He lifted his chin up with purpose and directed his gaze towards the ceiling. "Mother, don't be ridiculous." Yzak frowned. "Like is such a vague word. I am physically attracted to her and, surprisingly, we get along."

"Is that all?"

Yzak crossed his arms. "I'm sure!"

"I see..." Ezalia's eyes softened. "You have been visiting them everyday, am I correct?"

"I have..." Yzak redirected his eyes back down.

"What do you plan on doing once you are retransferred back to PLANTs? You will be seeing much less of them. Will you be fine with that?"

Yzak's forehead scrunched up, looking like he really had to think about what his mother was saying. "I suppose it can't be helped..."

Ezalia sighed. Leaving the couch, she aimed to walk to the foot of the bed where the luggage were; passing Yzak on the way.

"Yzak, do you know what absence does to people?"

Yzak raised an eyebrow. "... Makes the heart grow fonder?"

Ezalia gave a nod. "That first, yes. Then, eventually, people grow apart. They will each meet new people; find new interest; explore new hobbies..." Ezalia went on as she picked up her purse from the pile. She took out her wallet and looked over the credit cards she had in there. "It's not the least surprising- Kaitlyn forgot about Dearka, even I understand that without the need to hear the whole story."

Kaitlyn wasn't stupid; both Yzak and his mother knew that. The little girl's forgetfulness had nothing to do with being either a Natural or a Coordinator. After all, Coordinators only excel in scientific, artistic, and athletic fields; and these specializations won't even be evident unless they reach maturity.

Kaitlyn forgot about Dearka just because they had only met once and after that, he was never there.

Yzak frowned at the thought of Kaitlyn forgetting about him. He would be labeled as the guy who visits once every six to twelve months! He didn't like it.

And what about Flay? Would she still smile at him with such ease like she does? or will she start feeling uncomfortable around him again? He didn't like that either.

His mother must of seen his displeased expression, because...

"Yzak, have you ever considered of marriage?" She said, eyeing at him again, after tucking the cards away once more.

"Mother, you can't be serious!" Yzak brow furrowed, unsure whether his mother was honestly trying to help him or was bring up marriage again for her own intentions. "You promised me you wouldn't rush me into these things!"

"And I am not. I was merely suggesting an option." Ezalia clarified, letting Yzak assist her with the heavy bags she wanted moved to the bed. "Certainly, there is no problem with marriage if you like her."

"I don't!" Yzak lifted up the first bag. He was not going to fall for it. He was not getting married. He was not going to marry Flay or even think of considering it!

"Oh? but you two seems like a good match."

"I doubt it!" Yzak argued.

"She is charming and attractive."

Yzak grunted, moving the first bag to the bed. "So what!?"

"She seems charismatic and caring."

Yzak bend down to retrieve the second one, "A lot of people are!"

"She'll make a fine wife."

"Many show their true colors after marriage!"

"She has a good background."

"Mother, she's a Natural!" Yzak claimed finally.

This conversation was over. He had won or so Yzak had thought as he dropped the last bag on top of the bed with a bounce.

"And this is a problem, why?" Ezalia added taking Yzak completely aback.

"But... but I... thought you hated Naturals?" Yzak stuttered. "You were with Former Chairman Zala wit-"

"Yzak, don't misunderstand." Ezalia cut-in before Yzak could continue. "I do not hate Naturals. I dislike them for disliking us." She explained. "We were at war then. Earth- No. More specifically Blue Cosmos threatened to wipe out Coordinators entirely. It was either us or them. I chose my side. And did what I could to protect PLANTs which I thought was right at that time."

"I didn't mean to upset you..."

"It's all right, Yzak... I am not upset" Ezalia corrected him again with a much softer tone this time. "because I don't regret making that decision." She assured him, going through her bags that were now on bed. "I don't believe there are such things as mistakes; only bad decisions. Whether this had been intentional or by accident, everyone makes them. It is part of life. Whatever decision we decide on, no matter how righteous it may seem at a given time- such as peace. There will... and always be someone, somewhere, who will end up getting hurt one way or another. All we can do is compensate for our actions and we grow stronger from this."

After awhile, Ezalia exhaled and continued in a lower voice, "Did you know what I wished for while I watched the last battle in Jachin Due?"

"No. What did you ask for?"

Yzak looked his mother and she smiled back at him. They were looking eye to eye now.

"Deep in my heart I prayed 'If you'll let Yzak live through this. I will never ask for anything more.' So now there is nothing I ask for..."

"Mother..."

"Whatever you decide, Yzak, I will be fine with it. You don't have you worry about me. But remember, I am still your mother; and of course there's nothing I want more than for you to be happy." Ezalia held out a hand and tapped it lightly on Yzak's cheek. "I will see you at dinner."

Yzak's eyes went wide.

"You're going out?" Yzak asked, watching his mother head for the door.

"Ah, yes." Turning around, Ezalia enthusiastic placed a hand on her cheek and smiled. "I have decided to take the girls out shopping."

00000

A week of excessive shopping spree later.

At SA023 spaceport observation deck.

Ezalia began by taking Flay's hands in hers. "I trust Yzak's in good hands. Please take care of my son for me." Ezalia smiled genuinely.

"Mother, this is humiliating. I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself!" Yzak argued.

"Actually, it sounds more like your mom's giving you away than baby-sit." Dearka who was beside Ezalia grinned correcting him.

And at this, Flay cheeked instantly turned red as she went stock still. Yzak was stark red too but in mere seconds it was more of anger then embarrassment.

Gritting his teeth, Yzak charged up and hauled Dearka by the collar. "Come up with a crazy remark like that again and I will seriously push you off this deck!" Yzak threatened, hustling them both dangerously close to the edge of the floor.

"Huh? why is auntie giving Uncle Yzak away... Auntie don't like Uncle Yzak anymore?" Kaitlyn blinked not understanding.

Ezalia closed her eyes. "Nonsense. Who ever heard of giving the son away." She cleared, causing Yzak to roughly cast loose of Dearka's collar with a shrug.

Ezalia bent over and brushed a finger on the tip of Kaitlyn's nose.

"I'll come and visit you again so don't you forget me, alright?"

Kaitlyn nodded her head before receiving a light peck on the cheek.

Standing up right again, ready to go, "Dearka, carry the bags." She instructed without question.

"Yes, ma'am." Dearka slipped a bag onto his back; lifted up and struggled with two bags on each hand then tucked another one under the his right underarm. A total of six large bags.

Wanting to say goodbye to one last person, Ezalia smiled at Yzak then subsequently... Almost without thinking, Yzak reacted by leaning forward, instantly reducing the one head difference between him and his mother, letting her freely plant a kiss on his cheek.

Ezalia landed the peck. Then, very quietly, she raised head, her cheek touching lightly against his and she whispered before the male could leaned back again. "Remember. All I want is for you to be happy."

When mother and son broke apart. Ezalia glanced at Yzak one last time, and then smiled. Proud of him and the man he had become.

"Have a safe trip." Yzak muttered.

"Take care." Ezalia returned before walking away, her heels clicking softly just as she and Dearka moved far enough from earshot. "He likes her." Ezalia announced to Deaka as they both continued on their way to the designated shuttle.

Looking rather defeated... Yeah. Sure... Dearka, who felt like Ezalia's personal slave on the inside, decided to keep his exhausted mouth shut. Still struggling with bags on both arms, he simply did the best he could to keep up with the authoritative woman- whom he could not disrespect.

Overjoyed. Ezalia held up a hand to her lips and muffled a laugh to herself.

"He definitely likes her."

00000

Once Ezalia and Dearka vanished into the crowd and disappeared from the floor.

Yzak's eyebrows shot up into his bangs when he heard that quiet, tinkling sound escape from behind him.

Turning around, "What?... What's so funny?!"

Ice blue eyes narrowed and accusing, singling Flay out with a flash of temper. Flay had a hand over her mouth. She knew she ought not to have giggled but the sight was just so cute!

"Nothing..." Flay said in between snicker. "It's just... Usually guys get mad or get embarrassed when their mother tries to kiss them in public but in your case- you didn't even flinch."

"Well. I got nothing to be ashamed about! My mother is a beautiful and competent woman. I'm proud to be her son." Yzak planted both hands on his hip, unaware of just how arrogant he sounded.

Once Ezalia Joule and Dearka Elsman reappeared on the lower floors, Kaitlyn ran to the glass barriers and stuck both her hands on the smooth surface.

"Bye-bye!" She yelled, spotting the two through glass window. "Bye-bye!" She yelled again, whether or not the two from below can actually hear her goodbyes.

Moving to the windows also, "you know..." Flay leaned her arms on of the long thin metal railing that extends around the floor. "I like your friend Dearka." She revealed to Yzak honestly, scanning the site down below looking for a trace of the said blond in the crowd.

"Dearka?!" Yzak glanced at her in surprised; inexplicably, he felt a rush of anger and loathe towards the blond Coordinator. He wanted to punch him or smash him against the wall and then beat him over from head to toe until he bleeds. Just because.

Flay nodded and smiled. "He seems like a fun person."

Listening, Yzak leaned his weight on the rails as well and gripped on it real tight; half wishing the cold metal was his best friend. It wasn't long before he spotted his mother and Dearka boarding the shuttle as well.

"I like your mother too. I find her real charming." Flay added, catching a glimpse of Ezalia Joule this time.

Yzak's grip loosened after realizing something... It was that sort of like... and he was mortified at what he had caught himself doing.

Flay muffled a laugh then tucked a strand of her long red hair behind her ear. "By meeting them, I feel like I've gotten to know you a lot better... and after all that we have been through both good and bad... I can honestly say that I like you."

She stole a glance at Yzak, her eyes meeting his surprised one before looking away again to face the glass. She sighed smiling, her finger skimming along the cold metal bars.

"I like how your eyes look wicked but deep down your a good person."

A band of color rouse high on Yzak's cheek and he felt his heart beat a little faster. Unaware of how he was leaning forward, anticipating her every word all the while trying to hold back a natural smile.

"Outwardly, you don't take notice of special occasions like father's day, I kind of expected that, but I would like to think you do remember some of it sometimes ... On the outside, usually you aren't considerate, but, on the inside, you are kind. You are not the one to say something like- 'I like you' but in your heart. You take care of those you hold dear."