Disclaimer: Kidou Senshi (Mobile Suit) Gundam SEED and its characters are copyright 2000-2004 Sotsu Agency, Sunrise, and MBS. English language adaptation produced under license by Bandai Entertainment.
In other words, I don't own the original intellectual property.
A/N
I updated part one, so you may or may not want to check it out. There's a comment on the picture toward the bottom.
Part two. Enjoy.
A/N End
It was the one year anniversary. Not of their relationship, but of Flay's death. Lacus decided to let him be. She didn't want to interfere with his grieving. To do so may only hamper his ability to cope with the loss.
And it broke her heart. She cried. Not for the departed, but for the one the departed had left behind. The man she loved: Kira Yamato.
"Do you think he will be alright?"
"Oh, Rev. Malchio. You startled me." Lacus took his hand and placed it on her forearm in case he needed her to lead him somewhere.
"I can tell that you are worried."
"I am, but I believe that this is something he must do on his own. I may make matters worse if I try and help." Lacus still let the tears fall unrestrained.
"You know, he may actually want you out there."
"Then again, he may not." A part of Lacus wanted to go, but what could she do for him?
The clergyman sighed, "I suppose you are right, Lacus."
"I hope so."
"Tell me how you two are doing. I believe that Kira is very happy most of the time."
"As am I, reverend. We are now an official couple." That brought a brief smile to her face. It was a small victory, but a landmark one.
"The next step is engagement."
Lacus saw the grin on her friend's face. "You enjoy this, don't you?"
"Yes. I haven't performed a wedding in some time." The reverend followed with a whisper, "And I'm afraid my orphans are too young."
Lacus couldn't help but giggle. "I don't know what I can do about that, Rev. Malchio."
"It is not for you to do. It is for Kira. He is not ready, but one day he will be. Will you still wait for him?"
"Yes. I am content to wait."
"He appreciates that more than you know," the clergyman informed her.
Oh, Flay. Forgive me. He wondered if she would have. Please forgive me. I'll always cherish the memories we made together. Please forgive me for loving again.
Flay had a lot of bad qualities. She was petty, jealous, vindictive, cruel. She was also very passionate. When she loved someone, it was with everything she could give. She was 100 percent all the time. Flay never did anything halfway.
And she did grow into a better person in the time that they were together. Or rather, she grew after fate had separated them from each other. When she thought he was dead, she finally learned a lot about life and how one should live. He was devastated that he couldn't be there to see it, but for a moment he did see.
As she died, he saw her. She told him so many kind things. Loving things. She asked that he not cry anymore. Though he couldn't stop completely, he was much less of a crybaby than he remembered being. The last time he wept was when Lacus sang for him the first time.
Flay. She said that her true feelings would protect him. She really did love him in the end. Despite all the hurtful things she had said and done, she really did love him with all her heart.
And that's how he had loved her from the beginning.
But now he loved Lacus. Perhaps as much as he once loved Flay. Maybe even more. And here he was. Alone on the beach. Grieving for his murdered lover.
"Flay," he whispered.
The light had gone out of his eyes the moment he set foot on this beach at sunrise. He had knelt in the sand, taking his appointed position. He was trying desperately to relive that moment where he spoke with Flay that one last time. He wanted every instant etched into his memory. Then it would be like she wasn't really gone, but still in his mind.
There were several times when it almost happened. He felt so far away from her now, and perhaps that was for the best. Kira had to move on with his life. He did so in many ways, but not today. Today Kira had set aside to honor her memory. Her life. His inability to prevent her death.
It always came back to that. Le Creuset killed her just for this purpose: To torture him. If Kira survived the war, he would still suffer for the rest of his life knowing that he was unable to save the person he cared for the most.
And now there was Lacus. She was such a blessing to him and he loved her more than he thought possible. His fragile heart had mended enough for this. He improved daily, noticeably, and just for the pink-haired beauty that was now his girlfriend.
One day, he hoped that she would be more than that. Much more. But not right now. He had yet to work up the courage to kiss her passionately more than once in a while. Actually, only twice so far. His sister laughed at him for being a slow mover, but Kira couldn't help it. He was still being held back. His heart was still under construction.
"You'll always be in here," he placed a hand over his heart. As the sun set, Kira placed a bouquet of flowers into the sea. He watched as the tide carried it away.
"How are you this morning?" He brought her breakfast in bed again. It was his way of apologizing for honoring Flay yesterday.
"I am only as well as you," Lacus smiled. This was the first time she had seen him since he left the orphanage the prior morning.
"Then you must be doing very well." Kira kissed her forehead. It was also a gesture of apology.
"Kira, I missed you." Lacus immediately regretted bringing it up, but it was too late to take it back once said.
Kira just smiled. "I know. Sorry."
"I've been thinking, we haven't seen Cagalli and Athrun lately. Perhaps we should go see them. I have a feeling Athrun will be going back to space soon."
"That's right," Kira frowned. It would be St. Valentine's Day soon. The third anniversary of the Bloody Valentine. Three years since Athrun lost his mother. "We'll go tomorrow, alright?"
"Alright." Lacus began eating as Kira sat in the chair by her bed. I love you so much, Kira.
Kira smiled to match his girlfriend. "Your table manners are much more reminiscent of a princess than Cagalli's. Don't tell her I said it, though."
Lacus giggled at his little joke. "Thanks, Kira. Thank you for staying with me this time." She motioned him to come give her a hug.
Which he did, after first removing the breakfast tray. "Not a problem."
She took the initiative this time. Inching forward she gave him a brief kiss. Opening her eyes afterward, she became lost in the deep sea of his violet irises.
Forgive me. Kira pressed her body to his and gave her a passionate kiss. Very passionate, very deep. He hadn't done that since . . . since well before he parted with Flay. Forgive me for loving again.
One of the children had to separate them before the kids all starved. Kira had yet to prepare their morning meal.
"Kira!" True to form, Cagalli took a flying leap at her 'little' brother.
Athrun extended a hand to help Kira up. "It's good to see you again. If you had given us more of a warning, maybe Cagalli wouldn't be so excited about it."
Lacus apologized. "It was my suggestion."
"It's alright, guys. Really." Kira gave his sister another hug once he was on his feet again.
"How are things on the island?" Athrun hadn't been there in quite some time. Cagalli usually went by herself, if anyone went to visit them at all.
"Things are good," Kira smiled. "The kids miss you two."
"I'll bet," Cagalli laughed. "Especially that little girl who likes to track you down for me. How is she?"
"She has been ill," Lacus stated. "Flu, I believe. Thankfully she is the only one so far."
"Well, I'll have to send you guys back with a 'get-well' present. That'll cheer her up." Cagalli always brought a special gift for her when she came. Well, each of the gifts were special. Cagalli took a little time trying to find the perfect gift for each one.
"I bet she would like that," the pink-haired girl smiled.
"So tell me how things have been in Orb?" Kira didn't get much in the way of real news on the island. Everything was always a bit sugar coated and nonspecific now that the war was over. People wanted to get their lives back to normal, which meant hiding a bit from the stark realities of the devastation mankind had wrought upon itself.
"Things have been good, Kira." Cagalli took her brother's arm and headed out toward the palace grounds. Athrun and Lacus would have to keep each other company inside. It was brother-sister time.
"Have they really?" Kira knew something was bothering her, but then that was only natural considering the circumstances.
"As far as running a country, no. Things never go well with that, but I've come to expect it. I've got a lot of good people helping me. And we can only worry so much about things we can't control, right?"
"Right. And in your personal life?"
"Athrun and I are doing well. We set aside an hour or two every day. Sometimes every other day when things get too busy. He treats me well and I try to do the same for him." Cagalli had a bit of a temper at times, but she always apologized profusely for yelling or hitting or whatever she did while overreacting.
"I see. Good for you," Kira patted her on the head like a small child.
"Kira Yamato, don't push my buttons." After a moment to calm herself, she asked "How are you and Lacus doing?"
That was always a question he dreaded. "I don't know. I'm very happy when I'm with her and I tell her so often. I'm not sure how she really feels though. Sometimes I can tell she doesn't mean it when she smiles. And sometimes I see a certain sadness in her eyes that doesn't quite belong."
"You know why, don't you?"
"Yes. I know. It's because I'm a fool. Because I'm having a hard time letting go."
"At least you don't need anyone to tell you your problem. When will you get over that girl?" Cagalli never did understand Kira's attraction to Flay. Flay always seemed like a terrible girl. One who felt no remorse about using people for her own purposes.
"I could retort by asking when you'll get over the death of Lord Uzumi. Or when Miriallia gets over Tolle. Or when Murrue gets over Mu. Or when . . ."
"Okay, Kira. I get it." Cagalli sighed, "I guess it is hard to get over the death of any loved one. Even if she is an evil, manipulative . . . Sorry."
"Don't be. Everything you said was true. But she did change. She was never a truly bad person. She was frightened and didn't understand what was going on around her. She had to lash out at something to keep her sanity. And in the end she really did learn how to be kind and loving." Kira had to believe in that. He wanted to believe that she died a better person.
"And what of Lacus?"
"I love her very much. Perhaps more than I ever loved Flay. I would do anything for Lacus. Anything to make her smile or laugh." Kira smiled at the memory of the last time he heard her laugh. It was just yesterday, but it seemed so long ago. Her happiness was like a drug that he desperately needed for survival. And he would do anything to get another dose.
"I think she knows that," Cagalli pointed at an open window about thirty meters away. Lacus was inside watching them, smiling to match her boyfriend.
Kira waved.
"You will be leaving, then?" Lacus had made tea for the four of them. They were sitting in a drawing room around a small table. It was the perfect place for private conversations.
"Yes. I want to spread flowers over the ruins." Athrun showed no signs of bitterness anymore, though it was obvious he still felt the pangs of loss. He wanted to honor his mother every year by either placing flowers over her grave or over Junius 7 itself. Last year he was too busy with the Treaty of Junius. The year before, his then-fiancée Lacus had to do it for him as he was off fighting. Athrun wouldn't feel right if he didn't get it done this year.
"Please take good care of Cagalli while you're gone." Kira knew that Athrun didn't need the reminder, but he felt like he needed to say something. He was terrible at these situations.
"I'll do that," Athrun smiled. "Not that Cagalli would ever let me forget my responsibilities, though."
"Athrun!" Cagalli huffed like she was angry, and perhaps she was. Just a little bit.
Lacus let out a tee-hee.
Cagalli decided to take control of this conversation and get it away from her and Athrun. Turning to Lacus, she commented "Kira tells me that you two are getting along well." Both Kira and Lacus blushed, much to Cagalli's satisfaction.
"Yes, I believe we are doing very well." Lacus glanced at Kira to get a confirmation.
"Very well," Kira confirmed.
"So when is the big day?" Cagalli would enjoy this.
"Big day?" Lacus turned bright red, as did Kira. She knew exactly what Cagalli was talking about.
"You know, the wedding. I want one niece and one nephew." Cagalli made it sound like she was placing an order at a fast-food restaurant.
Athrun chuckled, "Aren't half a dozen orphans enough for you to spoil?"
"Athrun Zala, don't start with me!"
Kira and Lacus both breathed a sigh of relief. Athrun was saving them by endangering himself.
"Start what?" asked Athrun. "All I'm saying is that you've got enough kids to spoil. The last thing you need is to have nieces and nephews bankrupting the Athha coffers." He was totally calm and nonchalant about it, which he knew would only make matters worse. It's not so much what he said, but the way he said it. Like a game, he knew exactly what would push her over the edge: Sarcasm.
"Grrr!" It took a moment for Cagalli to find her voice again. "Athrun Zala, don't you dare . . ."
Athrun started whistling like he was ignoring her.
That did it. "ATHRUN ZALA," she exploded.
The chase was on. Dropping her cup, Cagalli ran after him and out the door.
Kira's quick reflexes kept the fine china cup from shattering on the table. "Whew. Think he did that on purpose?"
Lacus took a moment to recover. "Yes. I think he saved us."
Their eyes met and both sets of cheeks turned bright pink. Engagement. Marriage. Children of their own. "Someday," Kira whispered.
"Yes," Lacus bit her lip in a way that made Kira almost pass out. "Someday for sure."
Kira was out wandering the halls their first night visiting Cagalli. He couldn't sleep. Too many things were on his mind. Flay, naturally. But also his budding relationship with Lacus. Cagalli's relationship with Athrun as well. Kira was glad that Athrun seemed to make his sister happy.
Athrun knew just how far to take things with Cagalli. Often times, it seemed that it was his way of helping take her mind off of whatever was troubling her. It certainly worked. And Cagalli always did seem happier whenever she had something unimportant to fuss about.
Wow, this is a big place. Cagalli's home was indeed very large, which was only fit for the sovereign of a wealthy nation. It was also very empty. One can imagine Kira's surprise when he overheard whispering from around the corner.
It was Lacus kneeling in front of an open window. She was looking out at the stars with her hands clasped together around her locket. She always wore it, always touched it to reassure herself that it was still there. Kira often wondered if she really liked it that much. Lacus always said it was the most precious gift she had ever received. In addition to the picture of Kira inside it, she also placed a loch of his hair. This way, I will always carry a part of you with me wherever I go. That's what she had told him.
"Lacus?" Kira knew he was intruding when she turned to look at him.
She had tears in her eyes. "I was just praying, Kira. You may stay if you'd like." Her eyes said, Please do not go.
Kira stayed as she continued her prayers in silence. It took several minutes. Kira had never figured her to be a religious person, but living with a reverend for a year can do that to you. He had never really given much thought to heaven or hell or other divine matters before then. And these days he too found himself praying on occasion. For peace of heart. For the happiness of his friends. For a life without suffering. For forgiveness.
Lacus was the answer to all his prayers and more. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed she was a gift from God. She gave him a reason for living, a purpose for being. Kira only hoped that he could return the favor, both to Lacus and to the Almighty.
In some small way, helping with the orphanage took care of the God part. Kira was giving all his time and energy in service to the kids and helping Rev. Malchio.
Now if he could only repay Lacus.
She turned to face him wearing her best smile. "Thank you for waiting, Kira."
"It's not a problem." Kira opened his arms as she walked into them. "I just wish you weren't so sad. One of us is bad enough."
Lacus let out a weak giggle.
"You know that I love you, right?"
Lacus nodded.
"And that you make me very happy."
Again, she nodded.
"Even when I seem sad, I'm really much happier than I would be without you."
"I know that, Kira." She still wore that fake smile. Her heart was troubled.
And Kira could tell, because she had been praying for him. "I'd like to spend the rest of my life with you, if it wouldn't make you too sad."
"Oh, Kira." She hid her face in his shirt. "Thank you."
"I should be the one thanking you. You've saved me every day." Kira held her close as she wept. "I hope that one day I can make you as happy as you deserve to be."
"I've never been more happy than I am right now." Her face didn't look it, as she was still crying her heart out. But she really was happy. "Of course I'll be with you for all of my life." She stood on the tips of her toes to kiss him.
Kira was so startled by her sudden advance that he fell backward. Have some practice at this with Cagalli, Kira made sure that Lacus wouldn't get hurt. Of course, Kira cracked his head on the polished hardwood floor.
"I'm so sorry," Lacus grimaced.
Kira just pulled her close and picked up where she had left off. Their lip-locked expression of passion continued uninterrupted for several minutes. Until they noticed that they had company, that is.
"Don't stop on our account," Cagalli insisted.
Athrun wore a smirk. He never got Lacus to do that with him, and they had been engaged. "You go, Kira."
"Oh, my." About to die of terminal embarrassment, Lacus hid her face in Kira's shirt. But that presented another problem. If she stayed like this, she wouldn't be able to run back to her room.
"You two really know how to ruin a moment," Kira muttered.
"Sorry about last night," Cagalli apologized. The four of them were having breakfast together before she had to go attend some official bull crap, as she liked to call it.
Lacus still wore a bit of unnatural pink on her cheeks, like the blood still hadn't receded from the events of last night.
"Come on, I said I'm sorry. Don't hold it against me. Please?" Cagalli was trying really hard to keep a straight face through this, but it was difficult.
"I forgive you, Cagalli." Lacus put on a smile. Her smile that said I'm obviously faking this smile so you will notice just how fake it really is.
"Perhaps it would be best if we change the subject," Athrun suggested.
"Good idea," Kira agreed. He and Lacus didn't do that often, so he was a little upset that his sister killed it for them. But Kira never was one to hold a grudge for very long.
"I've got an idea. Why don't you two guys go buy some presents for us girls later? When Athrun and I get back, that is." Cagalli wanted to have a girl-to-girl talk about some things, and hopefully mend some fences in the process.
"Very well. Kira likes to shop for me," Lacus lied. She knew just how hard a time he had trying to buy a simple Christmas present for her.
"Lacus, I really am sorry about last night." Now Cagalli was begging.
"Please do not worry. I was just upset because we don't often get the chance to do that. We're always so busy with the children. Moments alone are few and far between." Lacus was walking the halls with Cagalli. Their conversation was very private in nature, but there was no one to overhear so it would be alright.
"Is Kira getting any better?" Cagalli never asked her brother. Mostly because she didn't think she'd get a straight answer.
"He improves every day. Except on the anniversary of her death. Just for that day, he went right back to square one." Lacus bent down to pick up a stray piece of dust that had settled next to an area rug. Lacus liked to be neat and tidy whenever possible.
"I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do."
"He will be fine someday. I just hope that someday comes sooner rather than later."
Cagalli decided to change the subject. "What do you think Kira will get for you?"
"I'm not sure. He had great difficulty getting me a gift last time. It took him all day and if he hadn't run into a friend, I don't think he would have found anything at all."
Cagalli laughed, "I have Athrun get me stuff all the time, but then I've had to train him."
"You know, that might make things a bit easier for Kira." Lacus still wore a sad smile. She knew Kira was out there stressing over what to buy.
"I suppose you could always send him with a list of things you want."
Lacus shook her head. "No, there is nothing that I really want."
"Nothing at all?"
"Only Kira's happiness. I pray for it every day." Lacus did pray, and with all her heart.
That stopped Cagalli dead in her tracks. "You're really hung up on my little brother, aren't you?"
"Yes. Very much so," Lacus admitted. "He means the world to me."
"That's what he said about you."
"When did he say that?"
"Nearly every time I ask him about how you two are doing."
"How have you been, Kira?" Athrun didn't get much time to talk to his best friend these days. Cagalli often monopolized Kira's time whenever the four of them were together.
"Good. And busy. After helping Rev. Malchio and Lacus take care of the orphans, there's not a lot of free time." Just as Lacus had suspected, Kira was having a terrible time picking out a gift.
"You know, you can get her just about anything. Lacus isn't very particular," Athrun informed him.
"I don't want to get her just anything. I want it to be special."
Athrun laughed, "I know what you mean. Cagalli gets on my case all the time about not being thoughtful enough. But it's hard, you know?"
"Yeah."
"How about this?" Athrun held up a music box. Opening it, there was a ballerina in pink spinning in time to the twinkle twinkle of the music.
"I don't know . . . Maybe if I can't find something else."
"So you two are serious?" Athrun never bothered to pry until today. After last night he thought it might be time to ask.
"I'd like to spend the rest of my life with her, if she'll let me."
"I think she will," Athrun grinned.
"How well are you treating my sister?" Kira put on a scowl, but one Athrun would know wasn't all that threatening.
"I think that question should be rephrased a bit. You should really be more concerned about how she treats me."
"Ha! I guess that's true, but you do bring a lot of it on yourself."
"It's just too easy to pass up sometimes," Athrun admitted. "And she does secretly enjoy letting off some steam that way. You know, we played tag the other day on the estate grounds. She ran and ran until she was so exhausted I had to carry her back inside. She needs a physical outlet for all that stress she builds playing politics." Athrun sighed, "It's not easy when people you thought were friends stab you in the back on a daily basis."
"I suppose not." Kira eyed his friend closely. Athrun was taking on a big responsibility as Cagalli's confidant. He was closest to her, almost like an adviser. But there was really no advice for him to give. All he could do is make sure the stress didn't get to her.
"Well, she's doing as good a job as one could under the circumstances. And I'm glad she keeps me around to help out every now and then." A brief smile passed across his lips. Athrun really did care for Cagalli a lot.
"What will you get for Cagalli?" Kira thought maybe that would give him some ideas.
Athrun smiled, knowing what Kira was up to. "I'll probably just pick something at random."
"Oh," Kira couldn't disguise his disappointment. He still remembered Murrue's advice. Simple, but with a sense of elegance to it. "This will have to do."
Athrun's jaw dropped as he saw what Kira had picked up. "A promise ring? You two really are serious."
"Is that what this is?" Kira really didn't know. All he knew was that this ring fit the description. It was 24 karat gold with a heart-shaped stone inset over the circlet. The stone was a pink diamond. Just pink enough to match her hair. It was beautiful, simple and elegant all at the same time. And it was relatively inexpensive, so it fit within Kira's limited budget. Diamonds are among the cheapest precious stones in the world, and the most plentiful by far. (1)
"I think she'll love it," Athrun encouraged him.
"I hope so."
"It'll be sad to see you go." Cagalli gave her brother a hug.
"You know where to find us when you get back." Kira ruffled her hair like a kid. Without another word, Kira turned and got on the boat. There was nothing more to say.
Lacus gave Cagalli a brief hug as well before joining her boyfriend. Cagalli and Athrun waved from the docks as Kira took the boat out. It would be a couple of hours by sea before they reached Rev. Malchio's little island. Cagalli always came by plane, which reduced the travel time to half an hour. Kira liked to take his time and get a little quiet time with his girlfriend.
Lacus appeared to like her gift. Well, she cried again but at least she said she liked it.
Kira cut the engine when their home was barely in view.
"Kira?"
"I really want to know, Lacus. How do you feel? Please be honest." Kira stayed at the wheel and didn't turn to look at his passenger.
She hugged him from behind. "I'm happy. More happy than I ever remember being in my entire life."
"But why do you look so sad? Why do you cry whenever I give you something?"
Lacus took a deep breath before answering. "I look sad because I see that you are sad. I cry because you are trying to make me happy, and it works. I am very happy and it seems wrong when you are not happy as well. Even though I seem sad, I'm not. And I'm scared that you won't always be happy with me. I'm afraid that his happiness I've found will disappear someday."
Kira turned to cradle her in his arms. "If it is within my power, I'll make you happy for the rest of our lives. When I picked out that ring, I didn't know it was a promise ring. All I knew was that it would look good on your finger. But now that I know, I'm glad. I promise to always be with you for as long as you'll have me."
"Forever wouldn't be long enough." Lacus went to kiss him again, but unlike last night he didn't fall down. And they were not interrupted. "I love you so much, Kira."
"Then stay with me forever." Kira tilted his forehead to touch hers. Their eyes locked.
"Are you proposing?" Lacus bit her lip in that special way again.
"Yeah. I think I am, but I don't have a ring or anything."
Lacus fingered her latest gift. "This is enough."
"Cagalli will be jealous."
She giggled, "Probably so. Her slow moving younger brother getting engaged before she. I'm sure it will be quite comical when we break the news to her."
"Are you alright with this?"
"Yes sir." It had been three months since his proposal.
"You're ready?"
"I believe so, reverend." Kira wore a smile more and more often these days. Everyone took notice. Lacus, the children, and even the sightless Rev. Malchio.
But the private talks the reverend had with Kira continued. "That is good. I hope that you are not moving too quickly, but I will not judge you. I believe your heart is in the right place and that's what matters. Just be careful with her feelings. And yours."
"I'll do that, sir."
"Lacus tells me that you still disappear."
"Yes sir, but not as often. I think I'm learning to live with the things that I've done. And all the regrets." Kira's smile faded. He often wondered if the blind clergyman could sense Kira's expressions, his moods.
Sometimes he could. "It is a shame that someone as young as you should have lived a life full of regret. At least I can take comfort in the fact that you have most of your life ahead of you. That's plenty of time to put the lessons you've learned into practice."
"That's true," Kira admitted. "I've learned a lot of things. Endured a lot of things. And Lacus has taught me how to be happy in spite of all that."
The reverend smiled. "I know. I look forward to performing the ceremony. Will you live here afterward?"
"Yes sir. Lacus and I have already discussed that. I feel like I should live the rest of my life in service and she supports me in this." Kira wanted to help others, perhaps in an effort to make up for all he had done.
"You know, one day all the orphans will be gone. And you may have children of your own."
"Then I guess we'll have to find someplace else to do what we can."
"Your sister would like for you to live in Onogoro with her, I'm sure. She speaks to me of it on occasion."
"To me as well." Kira smiled. Rev. Malchio knew that she had asked Kira or he would never have brought it up. The clergyman never revealed the details of his private conversations.
"You should go there when the time is right. It is good for families to be close whenever they can."
"Yes sir, I believe you're right."
"One last question. When do you want to have it done? The wedding, I mean."
Kira had often thought about it, but he and Lacus never discussed it. "I'm not sure when the appropriate time would be. I should really talk with Lacus about it, but . . ."
"Are you doubting so soon?"
"No sir. I never know what to say or how to bring it up. It would be a lot easier if she would be the one to bring it up, but I know she's waiting on me. Waiting to see if I'm really ready."
"Are you?"
"Yes sir. I'll let you know the date in the morning."
"That will be soon enough, Kira. Good luck." The reverend gave him a pat on the back before he left.
"May I speak with you a moment?"
"Of course, Kira." Lacus had just finished tucking the children into bed.
Kira took a brief walk with her in silence. They ended up on the beach, where they often found themselves.
Under the stars, Lacus asked "What can I do for you?"
"I think we should discuss a date."
"Very well." Lacus folded her dress and sat on the beach. Her smile was fake again. It said something like, It took you long enough.
Kira knelt beside her and let her lean against him. "I'm sorry it took so long. I've been told I'm a slow mover."
Lacus let out a giggle despite herself.
"I'd like it to be soon, but I also want to take our time to do it right."
"It sounds like you haven't given it much thought."
"With 365 days to choose from, it's a little hard to pick one."
"366 on leap year," she reminded him.
Kira kissed the top of her head. "Very true. I was hoping that you could help me narrow it down."
"I'm not impatient. Please don't think that of me."
"I don't, but you shouldn't be made to wait." Kira took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the sweet scent of her perfume. "I can't think of any important dates that would be relevant."
Lacus thought it time to toy with him a little. She had never teased him before, so now would be the perfect time. "Well, there's my birthday and Christmas. But if you picked one of those, I might think that you were just trying to minimize the number of present giving days you would have to remember."
Kira gulped. "Then those days are out." Of course, Valentine's was out as well. Nobody wanted to treat that as a special day of romance. Not after Junius 7.
"Perhaps we should just pick a nice sunny Saturday afternoon," Lacus suggested.
"It would need to be a couple of months away so some of our friends could work it into their schedules. Cagalli will be really mad if she has to miss it."
"That sounds reasonable."
"June 16th. Or maybe the 23rd or 30th."
"Pick one." It wasn't a demand. She took his arms and wrapped them around herself.
"The 16th, then."
They sat under the stars for another hour. Hugging. Kissing. Laughing together.
Lacus had no trouble picking out her dress. It was one she had been saving for a long time. It was white, of course, but it almost shimmered pink in the right lighting. Kira had never seen it, but Lacus just knew that he would love it. He loved everything she wore and told her so with some regularity.
And Lacus had little trouble in picking out what she wanted Kira to wear. It was one of those newer styled suits, one with strap accents on the arms like the shirts Kira seemed to be so fond of wearing.
Lacus had even taken care of the wedding rings well in advance. The ring she gave Kira was her father's wedding band. Lacus kept her mother's ever since she passed away.
The children were all excited, which was only natural. Even the little girl who loved Kira so dearly was willing to give him up, but only to Lacus. Kira made a big show of asking Kaname's permission to marry another girl. Lacus was pleased to know that the Kaname begrudgingly gave her consent. Kaname had said something to the effect that if Kira just had to marry someone else, then it might as well be Lacus.
Cagalli had promised to come and she would naturally bring Athrun. No one else had responded just yet. Kira and Lacus had led very private lives since the war ended, so perhaps their friends were feeling left out and didn't want to intrude. But then, there was still two months to go. Plenty of time for their friends to send word that they would come.
And yet with all this happiness that they had managed to find, Kira still wandered off from time to time. Lacus always joined him and never disturbed him.
And his hand always managed to find hers as they sat on the beach.
"May I ask you something, Kira?"
"You can ask me anything." He often said that.
"Why do you still do this?"
"Because I still feel guilt."
"Do you feel guilty for loving me?" Lacus had always wanted to know.
"No, Lacus. I feel guilty for letting so many die. And for killing so many others. I've made my peace with Flay." Kira and Lacus both knew that was only partially true.
And this time Lacus called him on it. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. If I believe that she died a good person, then I must also believe that she would want me to be happy even if she wasn't here. Though I still feel very guilty for not being able to save her. That was what le Creuset wanted. He wanted me to suffer for the rest of my life and maybe I'll always carry this guilt. This regret." Kira reached out to hug his fiancée, "But I will fight this. I want to overcome it."
"I believe you, Kira. You've never lied to me." Lacus let him wipe away the silent tears she was shedding.
Kira decided it was time to let Lacus know the whole truth of the matter. "I come out here because her death was the one I knew I'd never be able to accept. And yet somehow I did. Of all that I lost, she was the most important. By moving on, the pain is somewhat lessened. But you know what?"
"What?" Lacus couldn't bare to look at him, so she kept her head against his shoulder.
"Now I feel a little guilty about being able to move on."
"I understand how that feels," Lacus admitted. "My father's passing was very hard as well. And I also feel bad when I realize that I think of him less and less."
"I'm glad I'm not alone." Kira lifted her chin to look into those beautiful blue eyes. "But the most difficult thing for me to deal with is the fact that my suffering has affected you."
"Kira, let me share the burden with you. That is what I want. That is what I've always wanted. If we are to wed and become one of flesh and spirit, we must share many burdens together. You do not need to carry this weight by yourself."
"I love you so much. You're too good." Kira could no longer resist the urge to kiss her.
"Let me comfort you. Let me be there for you. Let me love you with all of my heart and I will take care of you."
"I'd like that a lot."
Nearly a year and a half after moving to the island, Rev. Malchio finally got to perform that wedding.
Cagalli got to come and serve as the maid of honor. Likewise Athrun, but as best man. Murrue and Andrew came. Miriallia, Sai, and Kuzzey too. There was Chief Murdoch and a few of the mechanics and bridge officers. That was about it.
Oh, and we can't forget the flower girl Kaname. She performed admirably.
The wedding was very simple, as was the reception that followed.
"So, when can I expect that niece and nephew?" They had only been married an hour, but Cagalli couldn't wait to start teasing them.
"Now Cagalli, don't embarrass them too much." Athrun knew he was skating on thin ice, but such was his life.
"All I did was ask," she muttered.
Of course, Kira and Lacus were still blushing from the wedding kiss. Thoughts of making little ones . . . well, that was a bit much. Kira had to support his wife before she swooned. It wouldn't do to have her pass out at her own wedding reception.
Cagalli couldn't help but laugh at the two. "You know, you're going to have to get over that real quick. You're married now and I bet you never even got to second base." As usual, Cagalli was dead on. And she knew it.
"Well, I just hope you two know what wedding nights are for." Having had enough of helping out, Athrun decided to leave with a parting shot. "Good luck, Kira."
Once all their friends had gone, the blood slowly receded from their cheeks. Returning to her natural color, Lacus's first comment was "What now?"
"Oh dear." Kira knew the answer, of course. He knew exactly what to do, but this was Lacus. Sweet, innocent, inexperienced Lacus.
"I want to," Lacus took the initiative. A complete rarity. "I'm just more than a little nervous."
"That's only natural," Kira smiled.
A/N
1. That bit about diamonds is 100 percent real. The diamond is intrinsically worthless on its own. It took De Beers doing some dirty business to make engagement ring prices skyrocket. There were places in Africa where diamonds are nearly as plentiful as the sand. There were once fields where one could just pick them up off the ground. So many, in fact, that one wouldn't be able to take a step without touching at least ten. Becoming a virtual monopoly in the 1880s, De Beers stockpiled most of those stones in the fields and kept them in warehouses. It was all in an effort to corner the market though simple supply and demand economic effects. And by manipulating the market thus, they artificially inflated the price of engagement rings and such.
Now, a lot of you are probably thinking "Isn't that illegal?" Depends on which country you're in. In the US, it's definitely illegal to manipulate markets. Not so much in some other places. In 2000, the company announced it would end to its policy of controlling diamond prices through hoarding, while shifting its focus to increasing sales.
Check it out at Answers (dot) com.
End A/N