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
Some of you thought that Athrun got off real easy. Well, he would have if the story ended there. Unfortunately, this story is far from over. I think.
Prepare yourselves for some fluff as people try to work on their problems and couples try to get closer. I'm working on setting up the next round of conflict and will need a break soon, so the next update might be the last for a while. Fluff is how I've been dealing with the writer's block that I smell coming.
A/N End
Chapter 33
"Actually, I was just about to contact you. Rest assured, the PLANTs hope for continued trade and travel between out two countries. I'll be headed up to space tomorrow morning. Dearka and friends should come visit us in a week or so. Have them bring little Minerva along. I'm looking forward to seeing her." He spoke of her as a child.
Cagalli nodded. This was a diplomatic communication, and one that could be overheard, so it was best to pretend this was just chitchat. Asuka, as always, was by Yzak's side.
"There is the matter of Mr. Asuka to consider," Cagalli told them.
"He is a citizen of Orb, is he not?" Yzak cocked an eyebrow. He really didn't care if Shinn wanted to stay. His mission was to keep that enemy pilot under constant supervision. Nothing more, nothing less.
"He is, and he seems to enjoy being back home after all these months. He may not wish to depart so soon."
"That's fine. Mr. Asuka knows his duty and will perform it admirably, whether he says or goes." Yzak had a feeling Shinn would take to Stellar. The idiot did lock himself in the brig with her.
"I'll let him know the good news, then."
"If that is all, then it's best we end this discussion before too long."
"Feel free to visit us any time. As a diplomatic envoy, of course." Cagalli smiled as Yzak smirked. That concluded the transmission.
"Looks like you'll be going home soon," Athrun told Dearka. They were the only others in the room. "And Miriallia is going with you?"
"Yes," Dearka answered.
"Take good care of each other."
Cagalli laughed, "I don't think he needs any more motivation."
"Probably not," Dearka grinned. "Well, I'm off to tell Mir. See you two later." Dearka left them alone in her study.
"Will the Minerva be ready for launch in a week?" asked Athrun. He wouldn't know, since he couldn't really leave the grounds.
"Yes. Everything is finished but the final preparations. Of course, it won't be combat ready for some time."
"I imagine it'll need a lot of adjustments before then."
"Yes. The Archangel didn't need them because it's design was so close to the Kusanagi."
"I see. How is the Kusanagi these days?"
"It's just fine. Why?"
"Didn't you build that thing to stay in touch with Heliopolis?"
"Yeah. I guess we should start thinking about rebuilding that too." Cagalli sunk into her chair. "So much still to do." Things were just starting to get back to normal in Orb. The economy was still a little weak but churning along. Even the capital exchanges were on the rise. Orb had won a lot of aid from the Atlantic Federation in the ceasefire treaty as well, though it was trickling through.
"Time for a foot rub?"
"Get to work." She put her feet up on the desk, letting Athrun have the honors of removing her boots.
"I hear and obey," he smiled.
I wonder how long he'll let me get away with this? In the back of her mind she still had doubts about his fidelity. Would things like this just drive him further away? She didn't know, but she did enjoy the pampering.
"I love you," he reminded her. He was wondering how long this penance would last as well.
Two
"Good morning angel."
"Hi," Stellar greeted him with a good morning kiss.
"I suppose I should do that laundry." Shinn tried to sit up.
She wouldn't let him. Not yet. "Just a few more minutes," she snuggled up close to him.
"Okay, but you know you can come with me." Shinn returned her tight hug. "It's only two rooms away."
"In a few . . ."
They were interrupted by the doorbell. "Why now of all times?" Now Shinn had no choice but to get up. And find some pants.
Stellar stayed in the bed, showing him her pout face.
"You might want to put some clothes on too," he tossed her the pajama top and bottom he had flung in the night.
"I suppose it wouldn't do to show guests your girlfriend in her underwear," she sighed.
Shinn answered the door. It was Luna.
"I'm so sorry. I'm interrupting something," Luna turned bright red, seeing Shinn without a shirt. And he obviously put on his jeans in a hurry.
"It's alright. What is it?" Shinn ushered her into the living room.
"I see the place is clean. Not at all like the bachelor pad I expected it to be. Must be Stellar's influence." Luna took the offered seat on the sofa.
"Actually, Shinn is less messy than I am." Stellar came out to join them in full pajamas. "It looks like my dresser threw up in there," she pointed with her thumb at the master bedroom.
Luna noted her disappointed look, but at least Stellar didn't seem angry. "I'm really sorry, but I was sent to give you a message."
"You don't look happy about it," Shinn observed.
"Meyrin and I drew straws. I lost," Luna admitted.
"What's the message?"
"The Minerva will be shipping out in a week. You can stay or you can go."
"I haven't even met the captain yet," Shinn sighed.
"Dearka and Miriallia will be on board, headed for the PLANTs."
"You and Meyrin will go too, right?" asked Stellar.
"Yes," Luna answered. "We must go."
"Why am I given special treatment?" asked Shinn.
Luna sighed. "Because you're mission is to look after Stellar. Commander Joule knew from the beginning that piloting and guarding her might be mutually exclusive goals. Keeping Stellar away from the Earth Forces takes top priority."
"I'm not going to run away," Stellar said.
"I believe you, but how would you feel tagging around the solar system with Shinn?"
"Like a trophy," Stellar admitted. "But if Shinn wishes to go, then I will be glad to go as well."
"Well, the message is delivered. I'll let you two get back to . . . well, whatever it was," Luna smiled. "See you later."
Once Luna was gone Stellar asked, "You want to go?" Stellar sat on his lap facing him, wrapping her legs around his back to trap him.
"I want to be with you."
"I'll go too if you leave."
"It'll be hard to look after you and perform my duties as well."
"Maybe in a few months I can serve with you." She was looking forward to the day when the pain would stop. Then maybe she could fly again. She would love to fly with Shinn.
Shinn shook his head. "No, my first duty is to look after you and that's what I'm going to do."
"You've done a great job so far," she said with a kiss. "Woo!"
Shinn lifted her just as she was and proceeded to handle the laundry. "You don't have to squeeze so tightly. I'm not going to drop you."
"Alright." Stellar loosened her leg grip a little. She was quite amused that he could manage to flick all the clothes lying about into a laundry basket with just one foot. Then went the whites and towels into another basket. "How are you going to manage the rest?" Stellar nibbled at his ear to see if she could distract him.
Gently, carefully, he slid her around so she was riding on his back. "This is how." Now he could bend over without falling. Whites and towels went in first.
"Don't forget the fabric softener." She reached over his head to pull the bottle down off the shelf.
"Thanks."
She began nibbling again as he carried her back to the bedroom. This time she managed to make him lose his balance.
Not so much that she would get hurt, though. Shinn maneuvered mid fall so that he would be under her when they hit the bed.
"How about I cook you breakfast?" Stellar bit her lip again, knowing it would drive Shinn wild.
"How about you get dressed while I cook us breakfast?" It took all his self control, but he managed to pull himself away from her.
"Alright," Stellar acquiesced.
Three
"Hey, Kira!"
It had been a moderately enjoyable day, followed by a moderately enjoyable evening. Cagalli had Athrun performing all sorts of menial tasks to win her favor, but right now she was done with him. Lacus was entertaining the Hawke sisters, of which Meyrin had decided to cool it a bit with Sai. He was nice and all, but she didn't want to overstay her welcome by being pushy with the poor guy. It would be better to take it easy for now and hope for something more serious later.
Thus it fell to Cagalli to find her wayward little brother. He had disappeared around 8:30 pm. He wasn't in the house and no one had left through the front gate so where could he be?
It took a while to dig through the flashlights to find one that worked. There were several scattered around the estate but most had dead batteries. If the power ever went out, they would have a problem. Cagalli made a mental note to have Athrun work on that in the morning.
Searching the grounds was fun. Mosquitoes and other lovely creatures moved in swarms in the humid night air. Temper. Must control my temper. This is my little brother and I love him, she had to remind herself.
She found him in front of Murrue's favorite water fountain. It wasn't anything cheesy like Cupid peeing into a birdbath, but a real fountain. Jets of water shot up at rhythmic intervals giving the illusion of a dance. Two tiers of birdbaths caught the water, with a sizable pool at ground level catching all the overflow.
"Kira?" Cagalli didn't like the looks of this.
Kira was sitting on the bench. She could tell he was depressed. Heck, he looked like a deflated balloon.
Cagalli poked him in the shoulder with a stick to make sure he wasn't dead or something. No reaction. She poked harder. Nothing. Mosquito on her face. Time to snap. "Damn it Kira, wake up!"
"Hmm?" Kira turned to look at her. His eyes indicated that he was very out of it. It took a couple of blinks to recognize the intruder. "Cagalli? What are you doing out here?"
"I could ask you the same thing. If you're going to sulk, it would be a lot easier on us if you did it inside." Cagalli swatted at an unidentifiable bug.
"I'd rather not," Kira was firm.
"What's the matter with you?" Now Cagalli had lost all patience. She hadn't seen him like this in a long time and didn't care to see it now. "Did you and Lacus have a fight or something?"
"No, nothing like that." Kira took a deep breath. The swarms of insects didn't bother him at all. It's like they had all agreed beforehand to ignore each other's existence. The bugs didn't bother him, he didn't bother the bugs.
Cagalli, on the other hand, felt like she was being eaten alive. "Then what is it?" She moved to sit next to her brother hoping whatever magic he had would rub off on her. Sitting down, she realized what it was. Kira had the foresight to put on bug repellent.
"I'm trying to remember their faces, but I can't."
"Who's faces?" Must resist urge to hit him with the only working flashlight in the house . . .
"Those guys I killed in Tassel. Aisha. Tolle. Mu. A little girl who gave me an origami flower. I can't remember what they looked like, but their absence permeates me."
"Oh, Kira." Cagalli gave her brother a hug, not knowing what else to do.
"Those that have died, whether by my hand or my weakness, deserve to be remembered. I feel like I should honor their memory, but something holds me back. I try to feel sad but it's so hard." Kira just shook his head. He knew exactly what his problem was. There was a red-headed dead girl running around inside him that kept him from destroying himself. That's what he would have done in the past; lock himself away and cried until the world ended. Sometimes Kira wondered whether his love for Lacus would have kept him from it. His feelings for her hadn't had time to develop properly by the time Fllay died. Kira couldn't help but wonder if he would have just killed himself anyway after watching Fllay die. Hers was the one death Kira knew he would never be able to handle. "Do you still think of Lord Uzumi?"
"Yes," Cagalli whispered. "When he died, just thinking of him made me sad and I tried to forget. Now, after all this time, I realize that I think of him less and less. And then that makes me sad. He'll always be my father and I'll always love him. Come to think of it, I'm having a hard time picturing his smile." Kira's melancholy thoughts were now invading her. "I hope I never forget his kind face."
"You have pictures, right?"
"Yeah. Lots of them." That seemed to lift her up slightly.
"That's good."
"But you need to cheer up, Kira. There's a girl in there who needs you, though she would never say it."
A brief smile crossed his lips. "This doesn't happen when I'm with Lacus. I came out here alone so I could think about things."
"She's worried about you," Cagalli informed him.
"She also knows that I must face this at some point." Kira stood up, ready to head back to the house. "But this is enough for now. Let's go back." The thought of Lacus embracing him was all that kept him going at times. This was one of those times. Her warmth always flowed through him; through his body and his mind. He had lost Fllay, but if he ever lost Lacus too . . .
Chapter 34
Cooking, laundry, cleaning. They were menial tasks but they enjoyed them just the same. They enjoyed them because they were together, and for the moment that was all that mattered.
"You're not going to space, are you?" asked Stellar. She asked him that every morning.
"No. I'm going to stay right here until I know you're better."
"That's a shame. I always wanted to go to space." Stellar wrapped her arms around him from behind. "What's it like?"
"You'd love it. We'll go soon. I promise."
"Why not now? There won't be any fighting, right?"
"We don't know that for sure."
"But the ship will be taking Dearka straight to the PLANTs. Can't we just go with them that far and stay in the PLANTs a while?"
Shinn sighed. "What if something happens? I . . ." He turned around in her embrace.
"I'll be fine. I have you to protect me, right?"
"I lost everything once." Losing her would just be that much worse.
"You're not going to lose me, Shinn." Placing her hands on his cheeks, she drew him in for a tender kiss. "I promise. Please think about it, okay?"
"Alright." Three days to think about it. He wanted to go, to do his part. But he wanted to be with her more than anything.
"Thank you so much. I'm going to call Miriallia later. We can stick together. Two Naturals in hostile territory," Stellar made it sound like a joke.
But Shinn knew it was anything but a joke. If Stellar fell into the wrong hands . . . Even in the PLANTs there may be people who wish to exploit her. Yzak may not be able to protect them. If Dearka got elected too then that would give them added protection. Still, Shinn didn't think this was such a good idea. Stellar still had those painful spells. They were almost like seizures at times.
Stellar asked, "What would you like to do today?"
She had come and gone while he was washing the dishes. "I thought we might go to the park and walk around. Then maybe go out to eat."
"I'd like to take a jog," Stellar announced.
"No." Shinn tried to sound firm.
"Please? I don't want to get all flabby with this soft living." Stellar made a puffy cheek face, like she was getting fat.
"Alright," he gave in. "But you have to promise to take it easy."
"I promise," she disappeared again.
As Shinn finished the dishes she returned in a very nice jogging outfit. "Are you sure that's appropriate?"
"What? You don't like it?" She examined herself. A sports bra and very short shorts. They were comfortable and she thought Shinn would enjoy seeing her in them.
"It's not that I don't like them, it's that I think everyone else will like them too."
Stellar cocked an eye. "Oh, I see. So do I need to wear a sign that says 'Property of Shinn Asuka'?"
"I, um . . ."
She smiled. "Because I am property of Shinn Asuka," she patted his cheek. "I'll go put on a loose t-shirt over this, okay?"
"Sure," he smiled to match hers. They were getting really close, and he loved every minute of it. Even the fights. She could get violent when angry and he had to watch her carefully. He didn't want to cause any strain on her. And the best part of every fight was the make up.
"I'm ready now," she returned. "You going to go in those jeans?"
"No, I'll go put on some shorts too." He wasn't gone long.
"Let's make this a little contest," Stellar suggested. "Around the block three times with ten push-ups at each corner."
The residential block was shaped like an odd triangle. Basically, she was asking to compete in a mile run with 90 push-ups.
"I don't know about this," Shinn said.
"Well, you'll just have to keep up if you want to keep an eye on me." She was feeling really good this morning. She was always energetic, but even more so today.
"Fine, but I'm keeping an eye on you."
Stellar laughed as they went out the door together. "I hope you like the view," she patted her backside, "because you're going to see a lot of it on this run."
They lined up right in front of his house. "You know, it'd be worth losing to see more of that view."
"I'm glad you like it. Who gets the honors?"
"You do."
"Alright. Ready, set . . . GO!"
He gave her a two step head start. First corner, he got a small lead from the push-ups. "Hope you like the view," he called back. Second corner she caught up. They managed to stay together until the final stretch.
"You jerk. You let me win, didn't you?"
"Of course I didn't," he lied. Shinn slumped to the ground beside her. They were almost exhausted. "Now what?"
Stellar held her nose and pointed, "You need a shower."
"You're one to talk. You're drenched." He enjoyed the view, drinking it in. Her t-shirt clung to her the way she always clung to him: tightly.
"Come on. We better get cleaned up before going to the park."
Shinn helped her up. "That was fun. We should do it again sometime."
"Sure," she smiled. "Anytime."
With two bathrooms, they could shower simultaneously. Of course, there was a bit of competition for the hot water. Shinn wondered if she was following her normal routine of shower, blow dry, teeth, clothes. She probably was.
Being a guy, Shinn finished first. When Stellar finished, Shinn was waiting for her on the couch. "Need a few minutes to rest?" he asked.
"Nope. You?"
"Not at all."
The young couple had a long and uneventful stroll to the park, where other couples were lying in the grass on blankets. Some were having picnics, others just having conversation. Stellar made a mental note to bring a blanket next time. This time, however, they had to take a park bench.
"I wonder how your friend Luna is doing." Stellar smiled, though she was a little jealous when she found out that Shinn and Luna used to date.
"That's a good question. We haven't seen her since last Tuesday." Shinn put his arm around her. "You're not still jealous, are you?"
"No."
"Good. I was worried there for a minute. I thought you might go postal."
"If you cheated on me, then I'd go postal," Stellar scowled.
"Never," Shinn promised. "Luna and I are just friends."
"Good friends?"
"Is that a problem?"
"No, I suppose not."
"Stellar, don't be like this. Please," he whined.
"Alright," she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Shinn."
"And I you, Stellar."
"I hope Luna and I can be good friends someday. She seems like a nice girl."
"I hope so too." Shinn wasn't going to fall into that trap. Stellar was baiting him, trying to get him to say nice things about her. Then she would hammer away at each detail. How good a friend is she, how nice is she, etc.
"Shinn . . ."
"Hmm?"
"What are you thinking about?"
"Our daughter."
"She's going to have your hair and my eyes."
"Perhaps so," Shinn smiled. "But aren't we getting ahead of ourselves?"
"How so?"
"We're already discussing kids names and eye colors, yet we haven't even thought about marriage or . . . other necessary activities." He blushed at the thought of making love to her.
"Well, let's talk about that. When are you going to propose to me?"
"Let's do it in the PLANTs."
"I guess I'll have to wait, then." Stellar feigned disappointment.
Shinn didn't buy it. "It should only take a couple of weeks until we get there."
It took a moment for that to sink in. "You mean we can go!" She pounced on him, hugging his neck.
"Yes, we can go. But you have to promise me to take it easy and not leave my sight."
"Oh, Shinn I promise. I promise. Thank you so much." Stellar began kissing his neck, running her fingers through his hair.
"Stellar," he whispered, "you're making a scene."
"Okay," she sighed. "But tonight, you're mine. Meow." She pawed at him like a cat.
Shinn laughed so hard he almost fell out off the bench. Luckily Stellar caught him. After a few seconds to settle down, he asked "You hungry yet?" It was early afternoon.
"Sure. What'll it be today?"
"How about that nice Italian restaurant down the street?"
"Yeah. It looked nice and romantic." Stellar snuggled up close as they walked out of the park together. "Shinn?"
"Hmm?"
"Let's go to the beach this afternoon. We haven't been yet."
"That's right. You love to watch the sunset over the ocean." He hadn't thought of it since they left Carpenteria. But then, he was busy looking at her most of the time, not the sunset or the ocean.
"We can invite some friends. It'll be nice," she beamed.
"Alright, but I thought you might want to be alone."
"We've got all night to be alone. It's nice to visit friends once in a while, though."
"Yes it is. I'll call the Athha residence after lunch and see who's interested."
In the end, it was a great lunch and very romantic. Of those at the Athha residence the ones to accept included Kira, Lacus, Luna, Dearka and Meyrin. Miriallia and Sai had to be called by their significant others, so their participation wasn't confirmed.
"I'm surprised you would invite us for an afternoon at the beach," Kira greeted Shinn with a handshake.
"Why is everyone so surprised that I'm not a jerk all the time?" Shinn scratched his head as Stellar laughed.
"Don't worry about it, Shinn." Lacus smiled. "It is a lovely afternoon. Summer is almost upon us."
It was warm, but not hot. The sun was out. The beach wasn't crowded and everyone brought something to do.
Dearka convinced Kira to help set up a volleyball net, which they borrowed from Cagalli. The polls were already there, but Cagalli let them know they'd have to bring their own net and ball. Shinn agreed to play, though they waited to see if Sai was coming before they started. They wanted a game of two on two.
The girls were more interested in laying out in the sun for starters, though Stellar and Luna wanted to take on some of the boys in volleyball later.
Sai and Mir did show up, much to the relief of Meyrin and Dearka, respectively.
Sai immediately agreed to get in on the volleyball thinking he might impress Meyrin a little. Teams were Kira and Sai versus Dearka and Shinn. A little unfair considering Sai was a Natural, but Dearka promised not to humiliate him. At least, not too much.
They all had fun, with the girls cheering them on. Kira and Sai lost, but only by two points.
"Okay, now it's your turn." Shinn handed Stellar the ball.
"You can't be serious," Lacus rolled her eyes.
"Why not?" Sai asked. "You enjoyed seeing us, so why don't you girls give it a try? It'll be fun."
"Oh, come on. You just want to see us jumping up and down in our bathing suits." Miriallia put her hands to her hips and gave Dearka the meanest scowl he had ever seen.
"Hey, don't look at me. I have nothing to do with this," Dearka insisted.
"I say we do it," Stellar volunteered. She would definitely give Shinn something to look at.
"I refuse," Miriallia stated.
"What about you girls?" Stellar turned to the Hawke sisters.
"I'm fine with it," Luna volunteered.
"Yeah, it can be Luna and I against Stellar and Lacus," Meyrin smiled. She knew Sai would get a kick out of it. This was probably his idea anyway.
"I don't know . . ." Lacus had some doubts. She looked to Kira.
"Only do it if you want to," Kira told her.
Lacus came close to whisper, "Would you like to see me jump up and down?"
Kira whispered back, "Yes, but you don't have to do it here if you don't want to." The beach was nearly deserted, so he had no qualms about others seeing it. They were among friends.
"Very well, I accept," Lacus announced.
The game began well. Stellar was aggressive enough to compensate for Lacus's inexperience, so they held their own. Shinn watched his love very attentively, and not just because she was in a string bikini. Eventually Shinn's fears proved well founded. Stellar became too aggressive. She spiked the ball on Meyrin's head, almost knocking her out in the process.
"Meyrin!" Sai flew to her side as Luna tried to make her little sister comfortable.
Stellar started shaking, clutching her left shoulder. As Shinn enveloped her in a tight embrace she slumped to the ground. "Oh God, Shinn. What happened?"
"What the hell's the matter with you!" screamed Sai.
"Take it easy, Sai. I'm alright." Meyrin reached up to place a hand on Sai's cheek.
Luna knew the danger to Stellar was much worse than to Meyrin. Other than Shinn, she was perhaps the only one to know. "Shinn, have Stellar lie down."
Luna, with Lacus not far behind immediately began to check Stellar over. Shinn let her lie with her head on his lap. "You're going to be alright," he said.
"Shinn," Stellar whimpered.
"I think she may have had a small heart attack," Luna whispered. "I can't be sure though. Do you feel like throwing up?"
"No," Stellar said.
"That's good. Somebody call an ambulance," Luna ordered.
"Kira's already gone," Lacus informed them.
They didn't have long to wait. Orb's emergency infrastructure was one of the world's best. An ambulance was there within ten minutes of Kira's return.
They ran her through all the tests they could think of in the back of the ambulance. "She's fine," the paramedic informed them. "Would you like to stay the night in the hospital, just in case?"
Stellar shook her head vigorously.
"Alright then. We'll be on our way," the paramedic helped Stellar out before leaving. "Take it easy from now on," she called out the driver's window.
"Shinn, let's watch the sunset then go home."
"Sure." Shinn carried her back to their beach towels where they would have an unobstructed view.
The others had all gone back to their appointed spots as well. Luna wasn't sure what to do with herself, being the odd girl out, so Stellar motioned her to come over with them.
"You sure?" asked Luna.
"Of course," Stellar answered. She started shaking again, her breathing became labored.
Shinn held her from behind tightly, which he knew was the only thing that would help her. He whispered in her ear, "I love you, Stellar."
The sunset was breathtaking, as always. The glowing ball of fire sank to be quenched by the sea. Each couple snuggled through the event. The sky was streaked orange, then violet, then blue. And finally the stars peeked through the veil to shine down.
"Let's go home," Shinn suggested.
"Sure," Stellar agreed.
Walking home under the stars was perhaps the perfect end to a wonderful day together. But the night was young and Stellar had plans.
"You sure about this?" asked Shinn. "I mean, you scared me to death back there. I thought . . ." I thought I was going to lose you.
"I'm positive," Stellar insisted. "This is something I really want to do." Stellar took off her shirt and shorts, exposing that revealing string bikini. "And I want to do it now."
"Alright." He didn't need that much convincing.
"Now come with me," she took him by the hand and led him to their bedroom. Once there, she gave him a look.
"Um . . ."
"Now, mister."
"Alright." Shinn removed his shirt and shorts also, leaving him in nothing but swim trunks. Are we really going to do this?
She sat him in a chair on one side of a small table while she took the seat on the opposite side. Shinn had his back to the bed. Stellar asked, "Arm wrestle?"
"Ah ha ha ha ha!" Shinn laughed so hard he couldn't see straight. She got him good with that one. "I thought that . . ."
"You thought what?" Stellar grinned. "Oh, you mean that. I would like to shower first. And so would you." Stellar took a flying leap at him. Their bodies sailed through the air to land flat on the bed. Placing her head on his chest, she told him "I love you so much, Shinn."
"Thanks," he kissed the top of her head.
"When I'm in your arms, I wish that you'd never let go." She looked up into his eyes, about to cry. "Never ever let me go, Shinn. Promise me."
"I promise." He kissed her forehead this time. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Don't let me go." She watched him nod.
"How are we going to get cleaned up if I don't let go of you?"
"I think you know the answer to that." Stellar laughed as he turned bright red. "Don't tell me you don't want to. Because I know you do."
"Very true."
"Well, too bad 'cause you're not getting in the shower with me."
"You enjoy taunting me, don't you?"
"Is that a problem?"
"It might be," he gave her a stern look. He was faking, of course.
"You can go in with me if you want." She took over his lips with hers before he could answer.
"Plenty of time for that later," he finally managed to get out. He wasn't comfortable with that just yet, and he really didn't think she would be either. Let's hope there'll be plenty of time.
Chapter 35
"So this is Mr. Shinn Asuka?" The lady looked him over carefully. From his orders, she gathered that she wouldn't like him very much. He basically got a free ride to do or not do as he pleased. At least, when it came to the choice of piloting or babysitting that is. And his orders allowed him to disembark freely with Dearka Elsman in the PLANTs if he so wished.
"Sir!" Shinn saluted. Stellar was close by, of course. Also present were Dearka, Miriallia and the Hawke sisters. All were in uniform but Mir and Stellar.
"Nice to finally meet the pilot-babysitter. I am Captain Talia Gladys." The female stuck out a hand in greeting.
"I will perform my duties to the best of my abilities, sir." Shinn chaffed under this lady's scrutiny. He always did under figures of authority, though he did have a certain amount of respect for Commander Joule. Probably because Yzak shot his enemies in the knees.
"I'm sure you will," the captain looked over Stellar. "And this is your charge?"
"Pleasure to meet you, captain." Stellar bowed slightly, but did not offer her hand.
"Same here," the captain smiled. Turning back to Shinn, "So, will you participate in the piloting exercises with the others?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. I'd hate for you to go soft. We need good pilots more than we do guards." The captain left the others in the corridor.
They were in Morgenroete, just down the hall from the docks. Everyone wanted to get a good look at the ship before leaving tomorrow morning.
Miriallia asked Stellar, "How are you feeling today?" She knew very little about Stellar and her condition, though she did feel sorry for her. At least she seemed to be taking her captivity well.
"I'm good, Miriallia. Shinn takes very good care of me." Stellar patted Shinn's arm.
"Just call me Mir. Looks like we'll be roommates on this pleasure cruise," Mir stuck out a hand. She had never been properly introduced to Stellar and since they would be bunking together now would be the perfect time to try and make friends.
"Roommates?" Stellar hadn't thought about room assignments or anything of that nature.
"Yeah. Looks like the honeymoon's over," Dearka gave Shinn a stiff clap on the back as he left to check out the Minerva.
Stellar turned bright red.
"Don't worry about it," Mir smiled. "He's just being a guy. Dumb." She left to follow her boyfriend.
Shinn tried to comfort his girlfriend. "Hey, I'll still be with you as much as possible. Okay?"
"Alright," she smiled.
"Perhaps a little separation will be good for you two," Meyrin suggested. "They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder."
"That may be what they say, but still . . ." Stellar had her doubts.
"You'll be fine," Luna gave her one of her famous smiles. "And you'll be with Shinn every day, I'm sure."
That seemed to comfort Stellar a bit. "Right. Shall we go see the ship?"
"Let's do it," Shinn took her hand. The Hawke sisters followed.
Two
"Do you think she'll come to say goodbye?"
Sai shook his head. "We said our goodbyes yesterday."
"Is that so." Kira took a sip from his tea. He was sharing some at a table out in one of the gardens with Sai and Lacus.
"How long, do you think?" asked Lacus.
"Six months," Sai answered. "Maybe more."
"I hope you'll get to see her again some day," Kira gave him a smile.
"So do I. Isn't Cagalli coming down? I thought she was going to join us."
"She's probably having another fight with Athrun," Kira sighed.
"They're having problems?" Sai had no clue, but then he was always with Meyrin when he visited the Athha residence.
"You could say that." Lacus put on her best smile.
Sai took a sip. Lacus had some very handy tea making skills. "It must be quite a strain living with them. Your smiles are very polite, but they're also very fake."
"Actually, Cagalli does most of the fighting while Athrun takes it. It's his punishment for something he did to her a while back," Kira explained.
"It's a private matter," Lacus said.
"I see. Do they still plan on getting married?" inquired Sai.
"They insist on it. Four weeks to go. I've already helped Cagalli pick out tuxedos." Kira let the fake smile drop.
"Do you think this is going to work? With all the fighting, I mean." Sai scratched his head. It sounded like things were really bad and Kira was obviously trying to downplay things, which made Sai think it was only that much worse than they were letting on.
"I don't know," Kira shook his head. "Cagalli always was hard on him, but now . . . things are more complicated."
"I see." Actually, Sai didn't.
"They love each other very much. We must believe that this will all work out in the end." Lacus kept up her smile. Until she heard something break, that is. She wouldn't have heard it at all, had the window not been open and she not had sensitive Coordinator hearing. Cagalli must have thrown something at Athrun. "Oh dear."
"Please excuse me." Kira got up.
Three
"Miss her already?"
"It's over. You were there." Athrun didn't look up or even acknowledge Cagalli's anger. He just continued reading in his favorite chair. Stock quotes, the latest in marketing, who's shaping today's business world, etc. Boring as hell, but at least it was an excuse from looking her in the eye.
"Well, I'm sure you said your passionate goodbyes already," Cagalli huffed. She would never have agreed to share him if there wasn't so many other things going on. Now that Yuna was out of the way and Luna was going back to ZAFT, Cagalli couldn't help taking out her anguish on Athrun. A bit delayed perhaps, but she felt fully justified.
And Athrun knew he deserved every bit of it. He had broken her heart. "Still want to get married?"
"To a total bastard like you? I'll have to think about it."
He got up. They had been going through this a lot in the past week. Next she would throw something. She ran out of soft things a long time ago. This time it was a nearby glass of water. She threw it so hard it broke on his shoulder, cutting his face and neck in several places. Blood was ruining his shirt. A nice one that Cagalli had given him in Tassel. It seemed so long ago. A lifetime away from where they were now.
After watching him stand there and bleed, Cagalli came to her senses. "I'm sorry, Athrun."
"No you're not. You're not a bit sorry."
The rage rekindled within her. "No. I'm not sorry." This time she threw a punch, but not at his arm like usual. This time she went for his nose.
Normally, he would take it. This time, however, he had had enough. He caught the fist in midair and twisted her wrist, spraining it. "Serves you right," he said. He said it without venom or anger. Just in a matter-of-fact kind of way.
She slumped to the ground, crying at his feet. He watched her, unsure of whether to comfort her or just leave.
This was the scene Kira walked in on. "What the hell are you two morons doing?"
They said in unison, "None of your damn business, Kira!"
"We do have guests here, in case you forgot. And aren't you two supposed to be making nice? Planning for your wedding?"
"The wedding is off," Athrun stormed out. "I've had more than enough of this."
"Cagalli, talk to me. Tell me what's going on." Kira sat next to her on the floor, hugging his weeping sister.
"I'm being horrible to him. It's my fault."
"He cheated on you. In your own home."
"I let him and forgave him. Now that she's gone it's like I'm not scared anymore. I can just cut loose and hate him like I wanted to from the beginning."
"Because you think he won't leave? Because he chose to be with you over her?" Kira stroked her head, letting her cry on his shoulder. "You know, you're pushing him away. He might really leave you now."
"I know, I'm being stupid."
"You're being a total bitch." Kira added, "Not that he doesn't deserve it, of course."
Cagalli was shocked that he would say such a thing, but Kira knew how to be blunt when necessary. He smacked the crap out of her in the desert one time when she was being totally irrational. "You're right," she admitted. "I'll go apologize."
"It might be too late. I've seen him like this before."
"What do you mean?" Cagalli looked up into her 'little' brother's violet eyes questioningly.
"When we swore to show each other no mercy on the battle field he looked just like that. Angry, but bottling it inside."
"Will you talk to him for me?"
"Yes, but that may only make matters worse."
"Guess this is something I should do myself, huh?"
"Yeah." Kira noticed how she cradled her wrist. "Does it hurt?"
"Very much," Cagalli arose with determination. "I'm going to go, Kira. Leave us alone, please."
"Try not to kill each other," Kira requested. He decided to wait in the study for their return, reading Athrun's newspaper. It really was boring.
Cagalli wandered the halls aimlessly thinking about things. I love him, but I also want to strangle him. Can I go through with this? Should I just tell him to go? What would I do without him?
When she wound up at his door she filled with doubt again. Swallowing her fear and pride, she knocked.
No answer.
She opened the door.
He wasn't in there. He was in the bathroom
"Athrun?"
"Get out."
"Please, let's talk."
"There's nothing to talk about. You want me gone, so I'm leaving."
She opened the bathroom door to see him trying to tend to his wounds. He was bleeding profusely from one of the cuts on his neck. His shirt was completely ruined and he couldn't tend the wound by himself.
"Let me help you."
"Get out," he turned on her like a wounded animal baring its fangs. "I don't need your help, I don't want your help, and I sure as hell don't want to even look at you right now."
"I came here to say I'm sorry and try to offer you help, and this is how you treat me?" she screamed. She began weeping bitter tears again. "Damn you, Athrun."
He calmed down seeing her cry like that. "But that's just it, Cagalli. You're not the slightest bit sorry and you'll just do this again."
"Maybe so." Against his protests, Cagalli helped him bandage his neck and face. "But I . . ."
"You don't want it enough to work at it. That's why I should go. The longer I say, the harder it'll be when we finally decide to call it quits."
"I can work hard. I want this, Athrun."
"Then why the hell won't you just drop it?"
"I'm trying to. I'm trying very hard."
"It's not good enough." The steel gaze returned to his eyes. "I know I deserve every bit of this and more, but you don't. Maybe I should just leave so you won't have to put yourself through this anymore."
She almost thought she could see a fire burning in the emerald sea of his pupils. "I love you Athrun."
"You also hate me. Don't bother trying to deny it."
"Are you going to go back to her?" On the way in Cagalli couldn't help but notice that he already had his meager belongings packed. He didn't have time to do it before she came in, so he must have done it well before their latest fight.
"I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm sure Dearka and Yzak could use my help. Perhaps I should start there."
"Don't go," she begged.
"Give me a reason to stay."
"Aren't I reason enough?" She moved to embrace him, but his response stopped her cold.
"Are you?" he asked.
"I wish I were." Cagalli looked down at her wrist. She could barely move her fingers, it hurt so much. The way she had been acting lately she didn't give him any reason to stay, only reasons to leave. And Athrun had been trying so hard to make up for what he had done.
"So do I." This time he embraced her. "So do I."
"What can I do to make you stay?" Cagalli cried and cried, hugging him, clinging to the back of his ruined shirt with her one good hand.
"You can forgive me for what I did to you. You can stop hating me for what you think I might do to you in the future. You can just love me for the flawed man that I am and help me become a better man." He desperately wanted to be the kind of man she deserved. To be honest, he felt less than human these days. Unworthy to even breathe the air near Cagalli, let alone serve her.
"I can do that."
"Why haven't you done it already?" Athrun took her by the shoulders and separated her from him by about a foot. "I expect an answer."
"Perhaps it was my way of getting revenge on you for breaking my heart."
"Are you done? Have I suffered enough to suit you?" He kept her locked in his gaze.
"Yes. Please stay with me."
"I'm not making any promises," he went to put up his things. He didn't unpack, he just put the two duffel bags in the closet. He had about twelve hours to board the Minerva if he was going to leave with Luna, but there would be other ways to space if he missed the Minerva.
"Let's have dinner tonight. Just the two of us. Please let me try and make things right."
"Alright," he acquiesced. He didn't turn around to look at her, though.
"Thank you, Athrun." Cagalli hugged him from behind.
"Let me look at that." Athrun took hold of her hurt arm. Leading her to the bathroom, he bandaged it the best he knew how. "You'll be alright in a day or two."
"Good." She let him wipe away her tears. "Do you still love me, Athrun?"
"I'll never stop. Whether I stay or go, no matter where I might be or what I might be doing, I'll always care deeply for you."
"Thank you. I feel the same way."
Chapter 36
"How are they?"
Kira shook his head. "I'm not sure. Their relationship managed to survive this fight. That's all I know."
Sai had gone by mid afternoon. Now it was just Kira and Lacus, sharing a nice romantic dinner together. They were hoping that Athrun and Cagalli were doing so as well.
"I don't hear any screams yet, so maybe they'll be alright for the evening," Kira smiled.
"Kira, don't talk about them that way. Let's change the subject."
"Sure."
The kitchen staff had prepared them a nice dish of roast duck, which Lacus remembered enjoying in the PLANTs. She requested this meal just for that reason, planning every detail hoping Kira would enjoy it too.
"Can we sleep in my room tonight?" asked Lacus.
"Of course."
"I want to see what the Haros will do when you try and make out with me," she laughed.
Kira thought it funny too. "I hope they don't think I'm attacking you. They might set off every alarm in the palace."
"I can't wait until our wedding."
"Neither can I." Kira took a sip of wine. It was a white wine, chilled. It suited the lighter texture of the duck. Lacus really knew her stuff. "There's just one thing that bothers me."
"What's that?"
"Well, we chose midsummer's day right?"
She nodded.
"At sunset, right?"
Lacus nodded again. "Your point being?"
"I was just thinking. That's the longest day of the year."
"Oh my. That means you'll have the longest wait possible."
"It gets worse. Midsummer's night is the shortest of the year."
"That could be a problem," Lacus admitted. "Perhaps we should take an extra long honeymoon to make up for it."
"I was hoping you would say that," Kira laughed. It was all a joke, which she well knew. But it was something that they were both very interested in making sure went right. Their first time had to be special, though they felt sure that every time would be special.
Their chatter turned to aimless things, like some of the things they wanted to do and sights they wanted to see while still in Onogoro. They planned to settle down at Rev. Malchio's place and help take care of the orphans. It seemed the perfect place for them. They would get little privacy, but they felt that taking care of the kids would be the best use of their time and energy. Lacus wanted to cook and clean, Kira wanted to teach and tend the flower and vegetable gardens. They had it all planned out. Until they had kids of their own the orphans would be enough. Probably more than enough.
They had no illusions about their future. They knew it would be hard. Fights, monotony, stress and boredom would take their toll on the relationship. Some their age thought true love would be perfect. Well, it never is what you originally think it will be. The earth doesn't move everyday by it, nor does it move the heavens. Kira and Lacus had a deeper understanding of each other, and they were not deceived in how difficult their lives would be. Even without war and death taking a toll of another kind.
As they settled into bed they, the perfect couple, had their first real fight. Not out of circumstances as in Carpenteria. This time it was about feelings and prior intimacy.
"Kira, may I ask you something?" Lacus was again wearing her favorite t-shirt and panties.
"Anything." Kira again wore his pajama bottoms.
"It's about a very sensitive subject." Lacus shied away from him. This had been on her mind. She had to know.
"Since it's bothering you so much, why don't you just be blunt?" Kira wanted to get this over with. Hormones were calling. He recently turned seventeen and guys at that age have a more difficult time controlling those things than girls. Well, he thought he was seventeen. Now that his mysterious origins had been revealed, he couldn't really be sure when his birthday was as he and his twin sister had always celebrated on different days.
"Very well," Lacus blushed. "I wish to know what all you did with Miss Fllay."
Kira turned bright red. "I um . . . I have to answer that now, don't I?"
"Please. It's been on my mind."
"You're not going to like the answers."
"I knew that before I asked." Lacus knew he was intentionally avoiding it. She only had the vaguest ideas of such things, so she really didn't know what Kira and Fllay had done. She was virginal of mind as well as body. All she had ever done, she had done with Kira. Little did she know that there was a whole depth of knowledge beyond what they had done together.
"Okay." He came close to whisper. "We, um . . ."
Lacus interrupted, "No one is listening, Kira. I turned the Haros off."
"Right." Kira's face turned a couple shades darker. "Well, um . . . we did a lot of things that I didn't even think were possible."
"Describe them," she ordered.
He did. All of it, and there was a lot. Fllay was an aggressive girl and moved quickly with Kira. She experimented with him, teaching him things his young mind would have never thought of on his own. What's more surprising, Fllay was a year younger than Kira!
"Oh my God! Kira Yamato, that is some of the sickest things I have ever heard of!" Lacus jumped out of bed, afraid to go near him. It was like he was tainted.
And Kira could sense her disdain. "I told you that you wouldn't like it." Kira turned away from her, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"You let her do that to you?" Lacus was confused, scared, and very angry. This sick little girl is what I have to live up to?
"Yes," Kira admitted.
"And you enjoyed it?"
He knew he had to answer. He hung his head in shame. "Yes. I did." He had enjoyed it very much, which Lacus was beginning to realize.
"Get out of my room!" Lacus grabbed one of her pillows to throw it at him. "Get out, get out, GET OUT!"
"Yes, Lacus." Kira obeyed her command. He didn't bother gathering his clothes, he just walked out in utter humiliation. "I'm sorry."
"OUT!" When he was gone, Lacus laid in the bed and cried.
Kira didn't make it back to his room. Instead, he detoured to the end of the hallway to sit in a bay window seat. Opening the window, he sat to look out at the stars. "Oh, Fllay."
"Yes, Kira?"
We had a fight.
"Over me? I'm sorry, Kira."
It's alright. We did have fun together, and I loved you so much.
"I know, Kira. It'll be alright. She will come for you."
She is frightened. Afraid that she has to live up to your memory.
"You were always too good, Kira. You would never do that to someone. You couldn't even bring yourself to hate me after all I had done. Kira, you're the kindest soul I have ever met."
Thank you Fllay. That means a lot to me.
"Kira, may I?"
Yes.
As she had so many times before, Fllay's figure approached Kira to take a kiss before she disappeared. When she was gone, Kira felt a shaky hand on his shoulder.
"Kira?"
"I'm sorry, Lacus."
"Don't be. I asked you to tell me the truth and you did. I apologize for reacting that way."
"I think I would freak out too if I knew you had done those things with Athrun."
That made Lacus smile. "Well, you have nothing to worry about there."
"You don't have to worry about living up to her."
"I should know that, but it doesn't always set my mind at ease." Lacus sat in his lap, leaning back on him. She rested her head on his shoulder, letting him wrap his arms around her torso. "I want to do those things with you someday. It's just that I'm disappointed knowing that I won't be the first."
"I thought you said some of those things were sick."
"They are. But at least you enjoyed them. Perhaps they will be fun." Lacus's voice betrayed her. She didn't think that stuff would be fun at all.
"It's okay, Lacus. Don't think about it."
Two
"Are we good now?"
"Yeah," Cagalli smiled. "Let's put all this behind us."
"That's what I've been hoping for," Athrun matched her smile.
They shared a nice dinner together, though it was a little quiet. At least the silence was a comfortable one. They avoided prolonged eye contact, like they were on a first date or something.
Now they were sharing one of their favorite intimate activities: a bath. She didn't ask him for a foot massage or a back rub. He didn't receive any punches. Most importantly, they didn't argue.
They sat opposite each other, each enjoying the view. The water was a light purple and fragrant. Cagalli brought out some of her favorite bath salts for this event.
"I love you," Athrun said.
"Same here," Cagalli floated across to hug him. "I'm so glad you're going to stay."
"I'm glad you asked me to. Are we still on for June 6th?"
"Yeah. June 6th." Cagalli backed away a bit. She didn't want to be too pushy. "I . . . I don't want to fight with you. I know I'm mean, but . . ."
Athrun kept her from continuing by gently pressing his lips to hers. "Let's not talk about it."
She was about to object, but thought better of it. "Right. May I?"
He nodded.
She curled up at his side so they could embrace. "I hope we can keep this up."
"Me too, Cagalli. Me too."
Three
"Looks like this is it." Stellar was a little hesitant.
"Yeah. Will you be alright?" Shinn set down her luggage in front of the door.
"I'll be fine. See you tomorrow?"
"Bright and early. My room is right over there," Shinn pointed. "If you need anything, just stop by." He was sharing the room with Dearka. Though Dearka was a VIP, he also asked to be treated like a temporary pilot just like Shinn.
"Will do," Stellar laughed. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into her room.
Miriallia was already there unpacking. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
"Am I late? Did I miss the party?" Stellar didn't know this girl, had no reason to like her. This would be interesting.
It's a good thing Stellar's sense of humor matched that of Miriallia. "That's a good one. I'll have to remember that."
"I was just saying goodnight to Shinn."
Mir thought it time to let her in on a girl's secret. "You know, you don't have to be so clingy. I think he's head over heels for you already."
"Huh?"
"Make him work for it. Don't just give yourself to him." Mir watched Stellar turn bright red. "I don't mean 'give yourself' like that. I mean string him along a little. Make him chase you."
"Oh, I see. Is that why you seem to toy with Dearka?" Stellar didn't say so, but she thought it was a bit cruel at times.
"It is. And it's also a little bit of payback."
Stellar was about as confused as she could be. She knew nothing about her new roommate or her private life.
"He said some very hurtful things when we first met," Mir explained.
"And you're still punishing him?"
"No. I'm done now, so it's all just a little game we play."
"I hope he knows that."
"So do I."
"Perhaps you should cut him a little slack," Stellar suggested.
"I will. It's just that he's taking me away from home and family. I want to come, but I'm also a little frightened."
"Stepping out into the unknown can be scary. I do it every day." Stellar frowned.
"Hmm?"
"I have no memory before meeting Shinn. At least, no memory to speak of."
Mir dropped her suitcase.
"Something wrong?" asked Stellar.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. You want to talk about it?"
"Sure. Well, I don't remember much before waking up in the brig with Shinn. We had met before, as I knew his name, but I don't how we met or anything like that. He handed me a data pad that said I was a second generation human CPU for experimental mobile suits. Until Shinn found me I was just another piece of equipment. My name is probably fake too."
"That's kind of sad." Miriallia went over to hug Stellar. Oddly enough, this revelation bothered Mir more than it did Stellar.
"Yes, but Shinn has been very kind to me. More kind than anyone I've ever met, and I never want to be separated from him."
"Alright. Forget my advice, then. Just don't be over eager. The harder they have to work for it, the more they'll appreciate it in the end."
"I know at least that much. I haven't exactly thrown myself at him." Not yet, anyway.
"Good," Mir smiled. "Maybe we can do all sorts of fun things in the PLANTs together. Like shopping and double dates and stuff."
Stellar smiled too. "That does sound fun. We'll probably have to get an apartment together."
Miriallia laughed, "Yeah. I may be following Dearka all over space, but there's no way I'm moving in with him this soon."
"I'm kind of used to living with Shinn, though. This will be a big adjustment."
"You'll be with him a lot. Don't worry about it." Mir resumed unpacking.
Stellar did so as well. "What I'm really worried about is the seizures."
"Hmm?"
"I'm going through withdrawal of some drug they had me on. That's why I freaked out the other day, though that was the first time I remember getting violent."
"Hey, nothing bad will happen. I'm here and Shinn won't be far away." Mir had forgotten that Stellar nearly killed Athrun. If this girl snapped, Mir wouldn't stand a chance.
Stellar smiled. "You're right." Above all else, she had faith in Shinn.
Four
"Think she'll be alright?"
"Stellar? She's a trooper. She'll be fine." I hope, Shinn thought.
Dearka and Shinn were getting to know each other, much as Miriallia and Stellar were doing down the hall.
"So, what suits do you think we'll be flying? I haven't seen any on board." Shinn was wondering why Captain Gladys was so concerned with keeping her pilots in shape when there was nothing on board for them to fly.
"We'll rendezvous with Yzak in orbit to pick up some. We didn't discuss it in detail, so I don't know what kind. Could be anything."
"Since this is a fancy new ship, you think they'll be any prototypes?"
"Maybe, though I wouldn't expect anything too out of the ordinary. If it was something super top secret we'd be picking it up in the PLANTs, not out here."
"Yeah. Probably mass produced models, though I hope it's not a bunch of broken down old GINNs."
Dearka laughed. As a cadet, it's likely all Shinn ever flew in person was some old GINN about to be decommissioned for scrap. "Me too."
"You piloted the X-series codenamed Buster, correct?"
"Yes."
"I hope to pilot a prototype someday."
"With your skills, I'm sure you will."
End Part Nine
A/N
Thanks for reading and reviewing.
As a reminder, I don't want to be bothered with OOCness complaints from the Destiny characters. I haven't seen Destiny and likely won't for some time (if ever). This is all AU after Jachine Diue anyway.
End A/N