Heavenly

Chapter 14: Reunion part 2

They stood there, mouth agape.

The Archangel is making its way to the small island they are in

Shinn grasped Luna's hand tightly, as if telling her to ready herself for something big is about to happen.

Luna, knowing what Shinn meant, smiled softly at him as she put her other hand above his and gently stroked it. Shinn's hold became soft and returned her smile.

They have faced the said warship in the battlefield. And the meeting was not very friendly. They were on the opposite sides when they last faced each other. Now that they have fled away from Zaft, they have no reason to fight the Archangel anymore, right? And the fact that the Destiny, the mobile suit they used to flee from Zaft, is probably swimming in the ocean means that they don't have any means to attack the said ship.

"What does the Archangel want here?" voiced out Shinn, a hint of worry in his voice. He doesn't really know what kind of people are on the Archangel. But Athrun always believed in the Archangel, right? Maybe they came for a good reason.

"Let's go. We won't find the answer if we just stay here" said Luna as she grasped Shinn's hand tightly, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Shinn nodded and lead the way to the port.

What exactly does the Archangel want?

~~~*~~~

When the couple arrived they found the whole Lovino family waiting at the port. They must have been surprised to find a huge warship making its way towards the small island.

"Doctor, what's happening? Do you know them?" asked Shinn, hoping they would get some answers.

Dr. Ivan turned to look at him for a moment then returned his gaze at the warship approaching.

"You'll know soon" he said in his unusual serious tone.

Shinn and Lunamaria stiffened at his sudden change of tone. Dr. Ivan is usually aloof and grumpy, they have never seen this serious side of him before.

Knowing that the doctor won't reveal any answer to them, Lunamaria turned to Norma. Norma shifted her gaze to the sea and into the girl staring at her, hoping to find some answers. But instead of answering her, Norma just gave her a sweet smile. She really didn't want to reveal the answer but she hoped that by that simple gesture, a hint was given.

Shinn wanted to protest and get the answer out of them but decided to let it be for the time being and let the answer reveal itself.

Considering the speed of the ship, it didn't take long for the Archangel to finally arrive at the port. Their hearts began to beat faster from the suspense.

And when the gate finally opened, a very familiar feminine voice broke through the thick silence.

"ONEE-CHAN!!!"

And before Lunamaria could comprehend the familiar voice she heard, she felt someone launch itself to her in a tight hug.

Tears suddenly flowed down her cheeks when realization hit her. Quickly, she put her arms around her little sister in a warm embrace.

Shinn smiled as he watched the two sisters hug each other. It became a familiar site to him since he knew well how close the sisters are to each other. It only makes him wonder if his sister will be like Meyrin, bubbly and cheerful.

"I thought you died!" cried out Luna, still keeping her sister in her arms

"I thought you died too! We were planning on how to get you and Shinn out of Zaft and then this happens" said Meyrin as she let go of her big sister to take a good look at her. Then she backed away, taking notice of her sister's pained expression she had earlier.

"I'm so sorry, onee-chan. I didn't notice that you're still injured" apologized Meyrin as she put her sister's arm around her shoulders to support her since her arm crutch lay forgotten on the ground.

"I'm pleased to know that the two of you made it through alive" said a familiar masculine voice as he emerged from the ship.

Curious heads turned to look at the gate of the ship only to see a familiar blue-haired man who is now wearing an Orb Uniform instead of his usual Zaft red coat uniform.

"ATHRUN!" the suspense that dawned upon them was now replaced by happiness, especially for Shinn. He thought that his blue-haired comrade died in his hands. So seeing him here well and in one piece really made him happy.

Luna suppressed the breath that she didn't know she was holding before at the site of Athrun. Relief shot throught her at seeing her former superior alive. He had been there for her ever since he was re-enlisted to Zaft. He was even there to help her with matters of the heart concerning Shinn. And knowing him, he was probably the reason why her sister is still alive.

Their attention was shifted to brown haired man who came out with Athrun. Luna was clueless as to who that person is but Shinn somewhat knew his face from somewhere he couldn't recall. Obviously, he is Athrun's friend.

Their thoughts ended when the two males were finally in front of them. Luna and Shinn looked curiously at the brown-haired man. Noticing this, Athrun cleared his throat and made the introductions.

"Shinn and Lunamaria, this is Kira Yamato, Freedom's pilot"

The two looked at said pilot with surprise. He's only about a year older than them and yet his piloting skills are incomparable.

Then Shinn finally recalled meeting him. They were in Orb, on the memorial along the sea.

Then Kira held his hand to him with a sincere smile.

Shinn, completely dazed by the older man's actions, just stood frozen there. They were enemies before and there was a point where he nearly killed the Freedom's pilot, how can he forgive someone who almost killed him so easily?

"I guess you don't want to then" said Kira, breaking Shinn out of his thoughts, his hand still there ready to accept Shinn's in a hand shake.

Shinn, realizing what he said, abruptly took Kira's hand, and he placed his other hand on top of the younger man's hand. It was only then that Shinn knew that Kira has completely forgiven him and wants to start anew with him. What did he ever do to receive such a blessing? Didn't he always used to be the bad guy? All of these things, they are just so sudden.

And with that thought, tears unconciously poured from his ruby orbs. The world is going to change, and he did a big part for it.

"No matter how many times they're wiped out, we can always plant the flowers again"

~~~*~~~

Loud sounds of laughing can be heard throughout the whole house. After the Archangel docked at the port, the Lovino family hosted a small party. It was like a farewell party, for they will have to fight the final battle, and a reunion, mostly for Shinn, Lunamaria and the Lovino family.

The boys are outside drinking champagne and other kinds of liquor while the girls are inside, preparing the food for their little party.

"So, this will be the final battle, huh?" asked Dr. Ivan as he gulped down the contents of his glass

"Hopefully, yes" answered Athrun as he took a sip of champagne. It tasted sweet and probably not like the ones he had back at the Plants. But just being here with his comrades makes it more enjoyable.

"Well, you better come back then we'll throw a bigger party. Invite anyone you want!" said Dr. Ivan as he slammed the glass on the wooden table, obviously a little drunk.

Andrew Waltfield took away the bottle of liquor from Ivan who protested. All of the boys laughed at the oldest man's childish behavior.

With the girls…

Lacus and Murrue helped Norma and Kate prepare the food on the kitchen while Meyrin, Miriallia and Lunamaria helped to set the table.

"So, how did you guys know that both Shinn and I are here in this island?" asked Lunamaria, this question has been bugging her ever since the Arcangel arrived at the port.

"It was all thanks to Miriallia" replied Meyrin as she took the plates from her sister and placed it neatly on the table.

"Before I rejoined the Archangel I was a freelance photographer. And I met Dr. Ivan and his family while doing my job" said Miriallia happily as she smiled at Lunamaria

Lunamaria bowed her head in gratitude. Miriallia, noticing that she's still injured and supported by an arm crutch, quickly stopped before she could do more damage to her injured leg.

The three of them laughed slightly then went back to their task.

Lunamaria looked over to her little sister who in turn smiled sweetly at her. It was then that Lunamaria told herself that the people from the Archangel love peace more than anything. She regretted having to fight them when she was still with Zaft. But thinking about the past and regretting it won't do any good.

This time I will stand by my own beliefs

I will help put an end to this seemingly endless war

Back with the boys…

Shinn watched the two older men argue about a simple bottle of liquor. It amazed him how they managed to have fun considering the situation they are in. Well, how will you keep yourself sane in the middle of the war if all you're thinking about is revenge?

Then he saw Athrun take a seat beside him as they watched the two fought, already drunk. A minute has passed by and it was Shinn who broke the silence between them.

"I'm glad that you're alive and well. I'm sorry for what I did back then" he said to the older man sincerely

"You don't need to apologize, Shinn. We were the same, we were being used by the chairman for his evil plans. I'm glad that you and Lunamaria are out of their control now. By the way, where's Rey?"

"He's gone now. He was the one who helped us escape, even it meant that he had to betray the chairman whom he trusted more than anyone else. I just wish that he's here with us, enjoying what we are experiencing now"

"Knowing Rey, he'll probably come out of the blue someday, just wait and see" said Athrun as he smiled curtly at him. He smiled back and thought to himself.

This is my new family

I will do everything in my power to protect them.

~~~*~~~

After two years…

The soft breeze of the sea welcomed their prescence as they stood by the cliff, overlooking the deep ocean. The sun is beginning to set and the sky was of the color of purple and orange.

The couple stared at the ocean before them. The last time they were here was two years ago. And it seems that in those two years a lot has changed. The rocky cliff was now starting to grow some grass and soon the flowers will bloom, making the grave at the middle more pleasant to look at.

Lunamaria put the bouquet of white lilies at the gravestone, staring at the name engraved on it before offering her prayers. Shinn, her lover, followed her actions as he closed his eyes and the image of his bestfriend came to his mind. He was smiling like never before, a sincere smile that he only once saw.

The couple inhaled in the familiar scent of the ocean as they opened their eyes.

"Rey, we finally did it. The war between the Plants and Earth is now over. Though many lives were sacrificed in order to do that, including yours, I promise that I will do everything to keep the peace" said Shinn determinedly

Lunamaria rubbed his arm softly and intertwined her fingers with his. She gave it a soft squeeze as she gave a heart-warming smile. Shinn returned her smile then they stared at the gravestone before them.

If only Rey was here…

"Why are you standing before someone's grave when that person is still alive?" asked a very familiar male voice.

Surprised by the familiarity of the voice, the two turned around and gaped in shock.

"REY!!!!" they both yelled in surprise. Happiness, surprise, shock and gratefulness welcomed them as they lunged forward to give their buddy a long-awaited embrace.

Luna squeezed him tight, not believing that Rey is really here all in one piece. The sadness that she felt after what she thought was Rey's passing is now compeletely forgotten. The Minerva trio is back again. She felt her eyes tearing from happiness and wiped it away quickly.

She stepped back and gave way for Shinn. Shinn gave him a manly hug. Then they let go and he eyed his bestfriend from head to toe.

Rey laughed at their antics, a seldom seen site back when they were still in the Minerva.

"I can't believe you're alive!" said Lunamaria, still not getting over the news that Rey is now standing before them unharmed.

"Yeah, we thought that you were gone. We were so worried about you. How did you survive?" asked Shinn. Just then a beautiful woman with beautiful long and curly black hair appeared beside Rey and clinged to his arm.

"It's because of her" replied Rey as he looked over at her, his love for her obviously seen through the look he's giving her. The woman blushed deep red then turned her attention back to the two strangers before them.

"Meet my wife, Katrina. Katrina, these two are Shinn and Lunamaria, they are my co-pilots back at the Minerva" introduced Rey as they shook hands.

"Luckily before the Legend was completely taken down, I escaped. And she found me floating near the seashore and tended my wounds. By the time I woke up I received the news that both of you joined the Archangel. I wanted to join you but my injuries held me back. It was only after two months that I have completely recovered" explained Rey briefly with a tone he never used back when they were still in the Minerva. It was a carefree tone, not like the usual serious tone he'd gotten used to.

"So, what are your plans now? Everything is peaceful now at the Plants" said Shinn, noticing the small bump on Katrina's tummy.

"Katrina and I decided to stay here on Earth and raise our future children here" replied Rey as he turned to look at his wife who nodded in return.

"What about you? The two of you have been together since our military days at Zaft. I'm surprised that you still haven't asked her to marry you, Shinn" said Rey teasingly

"HA! For once, you're wrong, Rey! I already asked her and you know what? She said yes!!!" said Shinn happily as he grabbed Luna's hand and showed him the engagement ring on her ring finger.

Flashback…

They were on the Archangel and were returning to Orb. The Plants and the Earth declared the war to be officially over just the day before. They were on the lounge along with Athrun, Kira, Lacus, Meyrin, Miriallia and other crew members of the Archangel. They were talking about the stars when their conversation suddenly turned to their future plans. And then Shinn got on his knee and pulled out a small red box from his pocket. Everyone turned their attention to the both of them.

"Lunamaria Hawke, will you marry me?"

That simple question made liters of tears flow from her amethyst eyes. She never thought that a day like this would come. Everything just felt so right and in time.

"Yes"

And with that, Shinn slid the ring to her ring finger and held her tight. He had consulted Athrun, Kira and Mwu about this the night before. He was very nervous then. Good thing he had the right people to make him feel easy, except for some of the jokes Mwu said which made him feel nervous again.

And as they were in each other's arms, they heard loud clapping and cheers from the people around them. Everyone was happy for them, that they will finally be able to seal their love for each other after working so hard for the sake of humanity.

Satisfying everyone's request for more, they kissed. It was a very romantic kiss filled with blooming love. Everyone cheered for them again after they broke the kiss. It was only after that that Lunamaria took hard notice of the engagement ring on her finger. On the center was a shining ruby stone, like the fire of determination she had seen on Shinn. And around it were little studs of amethyst, like the way she expressed herself openly. It was like the ring was telling her Shinn and her story just by staring at it.

Then Shinn held her hand, intertwined his fingers with hers and pressed it gently. After all they've been through, they deserve to be happy.

End of Flashback…

"So… when will the wedding be?" asked Rey as he smiled gingerly at his bestfriend

"Soon" replied Shinn. The truh is that they haven't been able to talk about their wedding plans yet because he just proposed a few days ago.

"Do you want to have dinner with us? I'm going to prepare something special" asked Katrina shyly

"Of course!" replied Luna cheerfully as she smiled at Katrina who returned the smile.

"Okay then. Our house is just at the bottom of this cliff by the sea. I'm sure you'll find it" said Rey as he and his wife turned to leave, excited to prepare a little celebration.

"That Rey…" Shinn began, staring at Rey and Katrina as they left hand in hand. Lunamaria chuckled lightly as snuggled into Shinn's arms. Shinn just smiled at her and put his arm around her waist before looking back at the sun setting.

Lunamaria sighed in content as she closed her eyes and began to count all the blessings she received after fleeing from Zaft. The war is over, everything is peaceful and her loved ones are safe. And most of all, she and Shinn will seal their love for each other for eternity soon. Surely, there is nothing more she can ask for. Oh, the joy of being alive.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Shinn as he stared down at her

"Just thinking about how blessed I am to have you…" she replied as she stared at him, their faces inches away from each other. And without further ado, Luna closed the distance before them in a heavenly kiss.

Everything just felt so right, so heavenly.

And with that, they broke apart and continued to watch as the sun sets. Yesterday they were fighting for the sake of war, now they are in peace and tomorrow they will make their dreams come true.

"Let's go. I'm sure Rey and Katrina are waiting for us" said Lunamaria as she held Shinn's hand with hers.

"Yeah" replied Shinn then leaned down for a quick kiss on her lips. She blushed at his sudden action and Shinn pulled away quickly. He then led his fiancee away from the cliff.

Hand in hand, they will face the future together, never leaving each other's side. Destiny brought them together and only the heavens could separate them.

Knowing that, they walked together towards the heavenly days they are about to share…

Author's Notes: I'm so sorry for updating so late! And it's the last chapter too!!!

I was caught between school and rehearsals for our theatre play so I really had no time to write. And rehearsals are killing me so whenever I have free time I use it to rest my aching body. And since Christmas vacation has just started, I finally found time to write hehehe...

Anyway, this is the last chapter. I hope it's worth the long wait. And I know that Rey is a bit out of character, but everyone needs to change somehow. And have you seen Katrina? Oh... she looks like someone very familiar to me hehehe... If you know what I mean...

I would like to thank my dear readers and reviewers, especially Sony Ninja and YEMINKI for being loyal reviewers. LOVE YOU GUYS!!! ^v^

Thanks for all the support you gave and for the nice reviews. It really lifts the spirit!

And I already have a concept for my next story. But due to school work and rehearsals, it might take about a month before I can finally start with it. You want a hint? Well, okay... Its title is E***********, it's another romance about our favorite characters Luna and Shinn (I still haven't moved on with that pairing) and I hope you will support me until then. This is my parting gift so please read it once I've posted it!

Thanks again for reading! And if you haven't read Endlessly yet, I suggest you do once you've finished with Heavenly. I just realized that Endlessly is like a sequel to Heavenly hehehe... But that was my 1st story so it's really not written well...

Please review! Constructive critisicisms are always welcome!

Advance Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Stay safe!

(*^o^*) Peace out! (*^o^*)

K****** C*** A*** (that's my real name)