Disclaimer: Blah, blah. See previous chapters.
I don't own Gundam.
A/N
Due to popular demand here is the epilogue to No Longer Alone. I really didn't want to do it, as I was so burned out on this story it was completely ridiculous. All of this has been written in one form or another for a couple of months at least, but it really needed some heavy editing.
Here goes nothing.
End A/N
She watched helplessly from the bridge as the crumpled mass of the Strike Freedom drifted by the Archangel's bridge. The CIC still picked it up its signal on the friend/foe recognition list, but there were no response to hails. "Oh, Kira."
The ship was still in combat and wouldn't be able to pick up the crippled suit right away. It was up to Lacus.
Throwing her headset, Lacus bolted out the door and down the corridors. She didn't even hear Captain Ramius give the order to let her pass. Lacus had never been reckless, by any means. Until today.
Lacus had to get out there. Kira was in trouble. Luckily the chared hulk of his suit would be passing by an airlock soon. Quickly putting on a space suit, she made it into position. Her Coordinator mind calculated probabilities, distances and trajectories. At the appropriate time she launched herself by pushing off of the Archangel's hull.
She made it. Hoping there was something wrong with the mobile suit's long range transmitter, she tried communication through a secured cable from outside the cockpit.
Kira still didn't respond.
Lacus had to open the cockpit manually from the outside. Inside she found him with a cracked helmet, the air slowly seeping from his suit visor. Lacus had to close the hatch and repressurize the cabin before he died from exposure.
He smiled at her, though he lay in obvious pain. Lacus taped up the cracks in his helmet and took one of the spare oxygen tanks from under the pilot's seat and plugged it into Kira's suit. The Archangel would send someone for them soon. She didn't want him suffocating before then.
Kira couldn't speak. He could barely move. Knowing the spare oxygen tank wouldn't save him, he opened the visor on his helmet. There would be more than enough air in the cockpit for him and what he wanted to do.
Lacus watched with a sad smile as he mouthed the phrase, I love you. And with that, the light in his eyes faded. Lacus cradled his lifeless body in her arms. She didn't even cry. Tears couldn't express the loss she was feeling with Kira's warmth gone from her mind and heart.
"I made you a promise, Kira." Lacus closed his visor and opened the mobile suit's hatch. The Archangel was coming for them, just as Lacus had predicted.
This would be painful but she was going to do it anyway. They always tell children horror stories of what will happen to you if you get exposed to vacuum, just to make sure that you will learn every detail of the safety protocols in the colonies. Your blood will boil and your body will explode, all from the sudden change in pressure. It should be quick; no more than a few seconds.
Holding on to Kira's corpse tightly as possible, she looked over his shoulder to see the ship blinking its lights. They were signaling her. They would arrive in a few minutes. Lacus waved to them, knowing someone would see it. Probably everyone on the bridge would see this.
"This is it, Kira. I'll be with you soon." She released the safety and put her finger over the button on the side of her helmet. Three, two, one. The visor on her helmet lifted, exposing her to the vacuum of space. She awaited the inevitable pain of this gruesome death she had chosen for herself.
Sharply inhaling, she awoke in a cold sweat.
"Lacus? What's wrong?" He had a vague idea from the screams and torment floating in his own dreams.
"Kira?"
"Yes, it's me. Another dream?"
"Hold me." She trembled in his arms, reminded once again that they had made it; that they had survived.
"Shhh. It's okay, princess. I'm here." He cradled her in his arms, stroking her long pink curls.
Sleep was becoming difficult on this voyage. It was the fifth day. It would take another twenty-four hours or so for this fleet to limp back to the PLANTs for minor repairs. Then everyone would go their separate ways once again.
"Is this what you went through?" Lacus had always wondered.
"No. I had plenty of nightmares, but I could always sleep. During the desert campaign, there were times I slept in the cockpit. Seems like I was always on standby." He could still feel her terror. She was on the verge of hyperventilating.
"I can't imagine it. I don't want to imagine it anymore. Promise me that our fighting days are done."
He complied. "At least we can look forward to the party." They would arrive at the PLANTs in a day. Cagalli was already trying to make arrangements for a small party for everyone. It might be the last chance they got to see each other again.
"I do love a good party," she let out a weak giggle.
As much as Cagalli would have liked to throw the party right away, such was an impossibility. There were too many emergency repairs that needed to be taken care of. There were too many wounded. She had to put it off for another two weeks.
"At least this will give everybody time to get their stuff in order. I want everybody to show up." Cagalli was great at being the boss, so she was currently bossing her husband and brother in putting up decorations.
"Are you sure we can even get everybody?" Athrun's question was met with a glare. "Oh, yes. No one would dare go against the wishes of the mighty Cagalli Yula Athha."
Cagalli fumed, "Get back to work, Athrun!"
"Yes dear."
Kira respectfully stayed out of the conversation. Lacus could only giggle, knowing this was the Athha's way of being playful with each other.
But Athrun did have a good point. Stellar and Shiho had just been released from the hospital. Their appearance was somewhat unlikely, but they had yet to state outright that they were not coming. Andy had remained in hiding aboard the Minerva under the protection of Captain Gladys. Murrue and Neo had yet to leave the Archangel. And finally, no one had seen or heard from Rey and Luna since their arrival.
Those that had already accepted the invitations were Dearka and Miriallia. The hotel ball room in which the event was to be held was actually owned by Dearka's father. Sai and Meyrin were planning to come, but at the moment Meyrin was showing Sai the sights. Of course, she was taking great care to see that he wasn't too conspicuous.
"Not there! Over here!" Cagalli was getting a bit hot under the collar.
"Make up your mind," Athrun sighed.
"Big banner in towards the windows, small banner toward the door! How many times to I have to say it?"
Kira unconsciously muttered, "I could have sworn she said the opposite just ten minutes ago."
"What was that, little brother?"
Kira could almost see a vein popping out of her forehead. It went well with his vision of steam coming out of her ears. "Nothing, little sis. Just minding my own business."
"How is my little angel this morning?" Shinn knew the answer he would receive.
"As good as ever," Stellar lied.
Shinn had to do everything for her. Surgery had gone well, as had the early stages of her recovery. But she still couldn't move anything but that one arm with much success. She was an invalid for all practical purposes. Her care fell to Shinn as Stellar refused to let anyone else near her, especially nurses and doctors.
"I think I'm ready for my bath," she giggled. Stellar had been released from the hospital for about a week now and took great delight in how well Shinn was caring for her.
He especially liked the bathing part. "Sure. I'll go draw you a bath."
Taking great care with her support braces, he lifted her into the fragrant water.
"Coming?" She always asked him to join her.
He never refused. Carefully, delicately he washed every inch of her before cleaning himself. This was there routine.
"When I get better you have to promise me that you'll still do this from time to time." Stellar always brought that up as a part of the routine.
"Every day, if that's what you want." Shinn couldn't help but grin. She had him wrapped around her little finger, so to speak.
And Stellar had every intention of making the most of it.
She was one content little girl when it was all over. "Thank you so much."
"Anytime." He took great care in getting her out and drying her off.
"I love you, Shinn." Stellar also took great delight in being dressed by her lover.
"We should think about where we want to settle down now that we've been granted our discharges." Shinn often brought that up, but Stellar was never very willing to help him decide.
She always responded with, "Wherever you'd like, Shinn."
"Come on. It's time for your exercises." Shinn wheeled her into their bedroom. Shinn had once shared this apartment with Rey, but he was now nowhere to be found. Neither was Luna. Sai stayed over in the other bedroom from time to time, and at Meyrin's request.
Sai spent most of his time going out with Meyrin, not wanting to intrude on Shinn and Stellar. He wouldn't be here at all if this place wasn't so close to Meyrin's home. It would be quite a task to travel back and forth from the Archangel and he didn't really want to spring for a hotel room.
"Okay, now wiggle those fingers." Shinn was a good coach for Stellar. He was loving and always gave a reward, but he was also firm. That's just what she needed at times. "Good, now let's see those toes."
The rest was the tricky part. He had to lay her flat on the bed and help her bend her joints a bit. Just a little, then a little more. It would take a while before she regained her full range of motion.
"Careful," he whispered.
Stellar always winced as Shinn helped her with this. He was doing most of the work while she just laid there and watched. "It still hurts, but I think it's getting better."
"A little every day," Shinn smiled. It was true. She was making a quicker recovery than the doctors expected. Though not as fast as a Coordinator, she was improving far beyond what one would expect for a Natural.
She would have to walk in leg braces for a few months and maybe shed her crutches a few months after that. But for a few weeks more she was stuck in the wheelchair and at Shinn's mercy. "Thanks for being so good to me."
"I'm just glad you're not yelling at me for hurting you." Shinn had to do this routine several times a day until she could manage to get on her feet.
"Yzak?" She reached out to touch his knee. He was in a chair next to her bed.
"Hmm?"
"You still awake?"
"I am now. What is it?" His voice wasn't too terribly gruff, though he didn't like being awoken in such a manner.
"You know, I'm not going anywhere. You can go to bed." True enough. Shiho couldn't go anywhere. They had given her some robotic prosthetics to make up for her missing lower legs, but she still couldn't walk. Or stand. Or even sit in a chair without extreme discomfort.
"I'll stay right here," he insisted. "Just in case you need anything."
"What I need is for you to go to sleep. And not in a chair." Shiho frowned at her husband. He refused to get into bed with her thinking he might accidentally touch her new appendages. They were quite sensitive. But then, he didn't want to be far from her side either.
That naturally meant that he wouldn't be sleeping in anything other than the chair he currently occupied.
"Listen to me, Yzak. I want you alert tomorrow so you can help out."
"Fine." Marriage is all about compromise. And in the spirit of compromising, he took the extra pillow from off their bed and laid in the floor. "Is this better?"
Shiho sighed, "Not much, but I guess I'll have to live with it. Goodnight, Yzak."
The two of them had disappeared the moment the ships docked. Without waiting for orders, they just left.
"Think we're considered deserters?" Luna's question fell on deaf ears. "Rey?"
"Does it matter? ZAFT holds nothing for us now."
At the moment, Rey was residing in a safe house. Like so many other things, it was left to him by his mysterious benefactor.
"Where will we go from here?" Luna often asked.
Rey often responded, "Somewhere."
"You're not being very helpful." Luna decided to bring up another topic Rey didn't particularly care for. "Are we going to Cagalli's party? I wouldn't mind seeing everyone one last time."
Rey only gave a noncommittal grunt.
"Talk to me Rey," she placed her arms around his waist. "I want to know what you're thinking."
"I need to do a little research and find out just how long I have." That was perhaps the first time he had been completely honest about his medical state.
"It doesn't matter as long as we've got that time together."
"Hello."
"Same to you, stranger." She greeted him with a kiss. Their first. Well, their first since his resurrection.
Neo still hobbled along with his cane. Murrue still remained at his side to offer support.
"Would you like to go to a little party tonight?"
"Sure. Who's throwing it?" Neo had been out of the loop. He had spent the past thirteen days in the PLANTs with Murrue and no one else. But then, nobody else really wanted to talk to him. It would be too hard for others to carry on a conversation that didn't involve Mu being mentioned.
"You remember Kira? He and his sister."
"He's got a sister?"
"The blond. Lady Cagalli."
Neo blinked in rapid succession. "The Lady Cagalli? Of Orb? You mean that kid's royalty?"
"I guess so," Murrue had never really thought about it. But if Cagalli was once a princess and is now a queen, then that would make Kira a prince. Sort of.
"Are you going?"
"Yes, I'd like to go."
"Then I guess you'll need an escort."
Murrue smiled. That was just the kind of flirty comment Mu would have made. They could be so alike at time, but that was to be expected. His memories were destroyed, not his personality. "I would be honored if you'd take the job."
"I would be my pleasure." This time, Neo kissed her. Their second kiss ever, as far as Neo was concerned.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Murrue took him to her little office for a cup of coffee and one of their regular chats. Today she had something personal on her mind. Well, it was on her mind every day but this time she worked up the courage to actually talk about it. "I'd like to know where we stand."
Neo laughed. "Are we in high school now? You want to know if we're going steady?"
Murrue laughed as well. "That's not what I had in mind."
"You want to know if I really have feelings for you or if I'm just trying to make you feel better. Is that about it?"
"Yes. Though that sounds a little silly as well."
"I like you Murrue. I'm not going to lie and say that I love you because I don't. Not yet. Someday I might. And I know you're thinking the same thing. You don't love me, but you might someday."
"Yes, that's true. I just wanted it out in the open. I never liked keeping secrets. Even open secrets like this." Murrue also didn't like playing the coy maiden. She went over to sit by Neo and rest her head on his shoulder. "I know there's no way of picking up where we left off and it'll be terribly hard to start over from scratch. I'm willing to give it a try if you are."
"I am." In an unexpected move, he put his arms around her. "I am."
In the end, everybody came to the party. Even Andy and Talia, though they arrived late and left early.
Murrue spent most of her time with Kira and Lacus, though she did have a lengthy talk with Andy. They decided to part as close friends and keep in touch whenever possible.
Rey and Luna got a kick out of watching Shinn. "Stellar's got you so whipped," Rey laughed.
"Indeed I do," giggled Stellar.
"I thought you two weren't coming." As glad as he was to see them . . . well, Shinn wasn't very glad to see them at the moment. Not if they were going to humiliate him right off the bat.
Luna took over the wheelchair from Shinn. "Who would miss this? Come on girl. We need to talk."
"I don't think I like the sound of that," muttered Shinn.
"Let them do their girl stuff," Rey blew it off. "You been good?"
"Yeah. You?"
"Yeah. We're done here." Rey had about all the chitchat he could stand. Time to spike the hell out of that punch.
Dearka and Miriallia were having a good time keeping Yzak and Shiho company. The four of them spent most of the night at a table to themselves, though Mir did get up and mingle with everyone more than once.
"Has Dearka been treating you well?" Shiho liked to ask that since the answer was so obvious.
"Of course he is. He'd never hear the end of it if he didn't," laughed Mir. "Lately he's been taking me shopping a lot, though I never really buy much."
"It's fun just to go look sometimes, though." Shiho was in a wheelchair for the time being.
"Will you be able to get up and about anytime soon?" Dearka didn't know much about robotic prosthetics. All he knew was that Andy had full use of his arm in just a couple of weeks. Then again, Andy didn't have to bear his full weight on the arm.
"I'm afraid I'm still learning how to walk," Shiho admitted. "And it hurts something awful just to stand up."
"And is Yzak taking good care of you?" Mir just had to ask. Hey, Shiho just asked the same about her and Dearka so why not?
"Very good care." Shiho reached out to touch his cheek just at the moment Yzak had a bit of a blush. It's a good thing no one outside their cirlce saw it or he would have exploded in rage.
"You two should come visit in a few days," Yzak suggested. "I'm sure you girls will have plenty of embarrassing things to discuss."
"Hold that thought. I should go speak to Kira a moment," Mir got up just as Sai and Meyrin came in. "Sai!"
"Hey Mir. Glad to see you're doing well." Sai gave his old friend a tight hug.
"You been treating him well, Meyrin?"
Meyrin couldn't help but laugh. "Shouldn't that question be 'is he treating me well'?"
"No, I'm sure Sai would go out of his way to do things for you." Mir knew that Sai was just like that. "He's probably tripping over his own feet thinking of ways to impress you."
"That is very true," Meyrin smiled. "I can't thank you enough for setting us up." It was Meyrin's turn to hug Miriallia.
"Things going that well, huh?" Mir had been highly unsuccessful in ever getting details from them.
"Yeah, we're doing pretty good," Sai chuckled.
"Well good. I'm going to congratulate the newlyweds. I'll talk to you later." Mir went on her merry way.
Murrue spoke first, "Hello Mir. It's good to see you again."
"Hey, little lady." Neo waved.
"Mir. It's so good to see you again." Kira didn't get a chance to talk with her in her brief visit to the Archangel a few weeks ago.
"I see you heal as quickly as ever. Last I heard, you were a walking bruise," Mir laughed. "You seem just fine to me."
"I've had a lot of care," Kira put an arm around Lacus.
"What's wrong, Lacus?" Mir could tell something was wrong. Murrue as well, but Lacus was reluctant to go into details. "Is Kira not treating you right?"
Lacus shook her head. "No, Kira's been wonderful. I just had a nightmare the other night. I'm still pretty shaken up about it."
Mir knew something was up. Lacus was rarely troubled about anything. But, Mir knew full well that she wouldn't get any more information than that. "I see. Well, you just keep Kira wrapped around your little finger and you'll be as happy as a lark."
"Good to know," Lacus giggled.
"Where's Cagalli?" Mir had been keeping an eye out for her and Athrun, but they had disappeared not long ago.
"I believe that she and Athrun are making out somewhere," Neo commented.
"Anything the matter?"
Cagalli shook her head.
"This is your party, remember? Don't you want to mingle with the guests?" Athrun was just a little confused.
"I just want to talk first."
Now Athrun was very confused. They had been in a small room next to the larger one where the party was going on. Perhaps it was a large cleaning closet, through there were no supplies like mops or brooms. He had been trying to see what was wrong for the past half hour. The party could go on without them, but Athrun kind of hated to miss it. Especially after Cagalli made him work so hard on it.
Athrun advanced to give her a hug, but she shied away.
"Please tell me what's wrong?"
"I had a nightmare," Cagalli whispered. "And I can't get it out of my mind."
Athrun leaned against the door facing while he let Cagalli take the only chair in the room. "You want to tell me about it?"
Cagalli nodded but she still wasn't very forthcoming. "Lacus had a nightmare, too."
This was news to Athrun. "People do have bad dreams from time to time."
"In hers, Kira died in the last battle and then she killed herself."
Athrun blinked in rapid succession. "I thought the problem was your nightmare, not hers. Are they related?"
"No, I'm just stalling," she admitted. "I don't know where to start." Cagalli sat in silence a few more minutes before beginning her story. "We were in Orb and things were not going well. You had another affair. And you flaunted it in my face."
Athrun could sense the well of bitterness springing forth from within her. "And you're mad at me because of something I did in your dream?"
"No."
"Then what is it?" Athrun wasn't sure if it was safe to go near her, but he tried anyway.
She rewarded him with a smack. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."
"Damn it, Cagalli. What the hell is going on?" Athrun took her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him.
"I think I'm losing my mind," she began to sob. "Every time we're doing something I can't help but wonder if you were hoping I was someone else. When we walk down the street, I wonder if you think a girl that just walked by is prettier than I am. I know I'm a tomboy and that I'm too hard on you, but damn it you're my husband."
Athrun wrapped her in his arms and let her cry. "I'm proud to be your husband. And I know it won't make any difference, but I think you're the most beautiful woman in the solar system."
"I'm sorry." Cagalli got a hold of herself. "I've just been really on edge the past few weeks and that dream just set me off." Actually, there was another problem. A hormonal problem, but she didn't quite know how to tell him. She wasn't too terribly sure of it herself.
"Don't worry about it." Athrun dried her tears. "Ready to see our friends?"
"Yeah. Thanks. For everything. I really appreciate you, though I don't tell you that enough."
Athrun tightened his hug. "I'm not going anywhere, Cagalli. I'll always be by your side."
Rey got a kick out of seeing the results of his handiwork. All those under the age of twenty were now highly intoxicated. With the exception of Rey himself, of course.
Andy and Talia bowed out early, as was previously mentioned. Murrue helped Neo out well before the party was over.
Everyone else had to stumble out. Kira, Athrun, Lacus and Cagalli were all staying in the hotel, so it wasn't too difficult for them to make it back to their appointed sleeping quarters.
Yzak, Shiho, Dearka and Miriallia took advantage of those self-driving cars that everyone in the PLANTs was so fond of.
Shinn and Stellar didn't have much of a problem getting home either. Sai and Meyrin rode with them.
And naturally Rey took charge of Luna.
Of course, Shinn did take advantage of this opportunity for a little revenge. Stellar had difficulty containing her laughter, but it didn't matter much as they stayed a respectful distance away while the events unfolded naturally.
Once back in the apartment, Meyrin was all over Sai. Sai was a nice guy, but he did have a bit of a naughty streak in him. Unfortunately, he passed out on top of her before he got anywhere. The situation was still highly compromising, as they were only partially clothed. The scene was quite similar to when Meyrin caught Shinn and Stellar on a couch in the Athha mansion.
Shinn silently entered the room after their prey were sound asleep and snapped a few pictures. Revenge could be so sweet.
Rey was having a blast when he got her home. He hadn't seen Luna this out of it in a very long time. That last time just happened to be the subject of their current conversation. "Do you miss her?"
"I didn't really know her and that's a shame." Luna slurred the answer, but that was the gist of it.
"I didn't figure you for that type," Rey admitted. He poured Luna another drink to keep her lips moving. It wasn't anything in the hard liquor category, as he didn't want her confession interrupted by vomiting. Or passing out. Not until she had told him everything.
"Well, I didn't figure myself as that type either. It was a lot of fun, though. Poor Sarah." Luna didn't find out until a few days after the battle when she went over the casualty lists with Rey. At the time, Luna took the news of Austin's passing harder than Sarah's.
"Yes. Poor Sarah. It is quite a shame, as you said."
"I might have liked to do that again or at least speak to her," she admitted.
Rey smirked. That's exactly what he wanted to hear. "So you are like that."
"Shut up, Rey." Luna was more than a little miffed. She wanted to get it on with something and Rey was never willing to go all the way. He would pleasure her all she wished, but he never ever allow her to touch him. She hadn't even seen him in less than his t-shirt and boxers, and that was way back in Carpenteria.
"Are you aware of the significance of the lily in some cultures?"
"Nope." Luna lurched toward him and pinned him on the couch.
"It can symbolize the love between two girls. Either platonic or romantic."
"So you're saying I'm a lily." She kissed him. His neck. His shoulders.
This one time, Rey allowed her to fully undress him.
Luna stopped when she came upon the bandages wrapped around his chest. "You hurt?"
"No," he laughed. It was that cold and hollow laugh.
She hadn't heard that in a while. Luna knew he was up to something if he was going to let out his evil villain laugh with no warning. Now with piqued curiosity, she slowly unwrapped his torso. "Oh my God!"
"Surprised?"
"You always did look a bit skinny and feminine for a guy. And I've never seen you in need of a shave." Luna couldn't help but laugh. She would have rolled off the couch if Rey hadn't caught her.
"Are you disappointed?" Rey held a smirk. Rey didn't really care what she thought. Luna wouldn't leave.
"Not at all, though your rack is kind of small. B-cup?" Of course, it wasn't all that small. Luna just had a bit of an inferiority complex, as her younger sister Meyrin was more well endowed than she. Rey's was only slightly smaller than Luna's. Just barely small enough that it could be hidden by wrapping bandages around the torso.
"I wouldn't know. I've never worn a bra. It wouldn't have been appropriate for the clone of a very powerful and rich man to be seen as a woman." That's right. Rey wasn't a he. Rey was a chick.
"You make as beautiful a woman as you do a man. Do you have all the right plumbing down south, too?" Luna grinned as she probed the nether reigons. Rey was 100 percent female. "This is going to be interesting."
"I guess that makes us both lilies." Rey's cheeks turned bright red as Luna's hand kept checking out the lower areas.
"I won't give away your secret. I swear I won't go anywhere."
Rey laughed. "I know, Luna."
"I wonder if you'll still be a girl in the morning or if this is all some crazy dream." Luna felt of Rey one last time before letting out a tired yawn. "It wouldn't matter as long as you stay just like this. With me."
"Good night, Luna." Rey pulled a blanket up over them as Luna settled down on Rey's bare chest. "Sleep well for tomorrow we disappear."
"Mmm."
"Take it easy. You're going to hurt yourself." Yzak could hold his alcohol better than most, as could Shiho. He discovered that the hard way while they were in Libya.
"I'll be fine." By some small miracle, Shiho had convinced her husband to get in bed with her. Before he could come to his senses, she had him pinned. And she wasn't about to let him go.
Yzak warned her, "I don't want to do anything tonight, so don't bother."
"I know. Just let me lay like this."
"Fine." Yzak began to massage the back of her neck the way she loved so dearly.
"Mmm." She insisted on touching him inappropriately, but such was her habit when she was inebriated. Again, it went all the way back to Libya.
"Go to sleep," he ordered. He really wasn't in the mood for this. Well, it's not that he couldn't get in the mood at the drop of a hat. It's more like he didn't want her to get hurt.
"Tomorrow I want to see the doctor about these things."
"Why?"
"He may let me speed up my progress."
"Shiho, why don't you just take it easy? We have nowhere to be and nothing to do for at least a few weeks."
"That's not true. You and Dearka have to take charge of rebuilding."
"It's not for us to do."
"Then who will? Yzak, you can be a light of hope to the PLANTs. Dearka too. Many of the old leaders are gone, as are many of the old prejudices of the past. New leadership is needed to keep peace the norm rather than the exception."
Yzak chuckled. "So you want me to be everyone's hero and save the day?"
"Yes. That's exactly what I want you to do." Shiho added in a whisper, "You were always my hero."
"Athrun?"
"Yeah."
"I'm really sorry about last night." Cagalli had a mild headache from last night's unintentional drinking, but she would be just fine after some aspirin.
"Don't worry about it." Athrun gave her a kiss. From her lips, he could taste the bitterness of the pain killer she just took.
"I mean it. I'm sorry."
"Let's go shopping today. Would that cheer you up?"
"Yeah. Okay." Cagalli needed some cheering up. Now that the fear of imminent death had subsided, matters of state were taking over her mind again. And then there was that trouble she stirred up last night with her husband. To make matters worse, they hadn't been able to receive much in the way of news from Orb. In a few days they would be leaving for the research station over Mars.
"You can bring Lacus and Kira if you'd like."
"Sure. Why not."
"Holy crap, you're still a girl." That was the first thing that Luna said. She jumped at the realization that her face was in someone else's rack as soon as she woke up.
Rey could only laugh. "Are you disappointed?"
Luna blushed. "No."
"Good," Rey sat up beside Luna on the couch.
"Well, maybe a little. Kind of small," Luna chuckled. She got quite a kick out of Rey's expression when she poked Rey's chest.
"Don't even . . ." Rey's eyes narrowed.
"Sorry. They're perfect."
"Whatever." Rey got up and put on a shirt to cover up the secret once more. Without the wrappings, there was naturally a bit of a feminine bulge.
"Rey, don't be like this. I said I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it, Luna." Rey kissed Luna's cheek before going off to take a shower.
Luna needed this time to think anyway. She had fallen for all the wrong guys in her life. Rey had flat out rejected her while in the academy, and now it was kind of obvious why. Rey was a budding pseudo-villain spy, and a girl disguised as a guy. There's no way that would have worked out while they were still in the close quarters of the academy. Then there was Shinn, who was such an ass that he didn't even know how to take care of himself, let alone a girlfriend. Luckily for everyone, Stellar whipped him into shape. Athrun . . . well, Luna was just his fling before he got married. Then there was the completely accidental make out session with Sarah Rosami. And now Luna was back to Rey. He seemed like the perfect guy once Luna had completely fallen under his spell. Only now, she knew that he wasn't a guy. Rey was a woman. And Luna loved her. And now that means that . . .
Luna shook her head. It doesn't matter. I love him. Her. Whatever. This is where I want to be. I'll take care of her and she of me, and we'll live happily in a certain amount of solitude. That's what's important, isn't it? Our happiness?
Luna nodded her agreement with herself. "This is what I want," she whispered.
She should tell Rey that. It was important for Rey to know. Luna found her love exiting the shower.
"What?" Rey still hadn't forgiven Luna for her snide comment. It wasn't enough that Rey revealed her darkest secrets, but now to be made fun of? Even if it was only in jest, it was still a very sensitive subject for Rey. A secret she had carried nearly all her life and revealed to only this one special person. Le Creuset may have known, but if so it wasn't Rey that informed him. Luna was the only person Rey had exposed herself to.
"Rey, I love you." Luna embraced Rey while she was still dripping wet and wearing nothing but a towel. "I want to stay with you and take care of you. Please don't be angry with me. It was a poor joke and in poor taste. I'm so sorry to have offended you."
"I said don't worry about it." Rey would forgive her in time. Probably a lot sooner now that Luna was begging.
"Please." Luna kissed Rey, running her fingers through Rey's long blond hair. "Please forgive me."
"I forgive you." Rey returned Luna's embrace, but by doing so the towel dropped from between them.
Luna blushed again. "Rey . . ." Luna lowered her head, unconsciously setting it against Rey's chest. But unlike all those times Luna had done this before, now there were a perky set of hooters in her face. Luna just had to touch them one more time to see if they were real.
"We need to do some shopping today. Do you mind finding my bandages?" Rey wouldn't be caught dead in public without them.
"Hey Luna, Rey!" It was Cagalli. She didn't know Rey all that well, but now that Rey and Luna seemed to be hitting it off really well perhaps it was time to finally bury that hatchet.
Rey muttered under her breath while giving Luna a warning glance. Luna didn't need it, as she knew quite well how intent Rey was on keeping up appearances.
"Care to join us for a little shopping?" asked Lacus. She was just being friendly, really. Lacus knew full well that Rey and Luna didn't have a high opinion of Kira. That naturally meant that Lacus didn't have that high an opinion of them.
Luna volunteered, "For a little while, sure. But we have some errands of our own we'd like to run later." Luna also was being friendly. She, Lacus and Cagalli had all gotten along reasonably well on that shopping trip they took in Orb, but there had been a lot of happenings since then.
Athrun, Kira and Rey all cringed at the thought of this. It could easly be a disaster in the making.
Their first stop was a clothing store. Luna was quite amused that Cagalli and Lacus immediately picked up where they left off on their comedy routine. Lacus would try to get Cagalli to dress up, while Cagalli would try just as hard to get Lacus to dress down. When they asked their men to get involved, things only got that much worse.
Athrun sighed, "I like my tomboy wife as she is, Lacus."
"Thank you, Athrun." Cagalli patted his cheek.
"It wouldn't kill you to wear a dress or skirt once in a while, Lacus insisted. Isn't that right, Kira?"
Kira groaned, "Do I have to comment on my sister's choice in fashion?"
"Yes, you do." Lacus was quite insistent.
"I love to see you in your dresses, Lacus." Kira was desperate to find a way to appease his wife with out setting off his sister. Cagalli had been on a short fuse lately.
Lacus knew what was up. "My fashion choices are not in question, Kira."
Kira smelled a trap in the making. "Look, I don't want to get caught in the middle of this. You two are just playing around with each other and if I get involved then one, the other, or both of you will take it out on me."
"If you don't answer, it'll be both of us." Cagalli wanted to see Kira squirm just as much as Lacus.
"Oh God, help us all," Athrun whispered.
"What was that, dear?" Cagalli took him by the ear. "You were saying something about how you love these khaki pants I'm wearing?"
"Yes ma'am. They're perfect."
At this point, Rey began to grit her teeth.
"Something wrong, Rey?" asked Lacus.
"Nothing," Rey stated flatly.
"Okay," Lacus gave up. Turning back to Cagalli she begged, "Please try this skirt. Just once. I put on that baseball cap and scrunchy one time for you. Do this for your sister-in-law."
Cagalli had no choice now. "Fine."
Luna just had to see this, so she waited with Rey off to the side. Kira and Lacus waited patiently as well. Athrun was a bit nervous, however.
Cagalli came out in a matching blouse and skirt. It was a light blue with green highlights. Athrun's jaw dropped. Before Cagalli could comment, Lacus turned Cagalli around to look into a mirror.
"See? You look nice," Lacus beamed.
"Better than nice," Kira supported his wife. Lacus had quite an eye for fashion.
Athrun picked his jaw up before he got yelled at. "It looks good on you."
"Fine. I'll get it," Cagalli acquiesced.
Just as Meyrin had caught Shinn and Stellar in Orb, Shinn and Stellar caught Meyrin this morning. As a matter of fact, they had woken up early just so they could catch her. Shinn had wheeled Stellar into Sai's bedroom at about 8 am. It took another hour or so before their prey awoke.
Meyrin stirred first to find Sai's head on her stomach. "Oh God, what did we do?"
Stellar waved. Shinn tried very hard not to laugh, and was quite unsuccessful. They left before Sai woke up. Their job here was done.
"Wake up," Meyrin rolled him off of her. "Come on, Sai."
"Head. Pain." Sai was in pretty bad shape.
Of course, Meyrin only felt a small amount of remorse over disturbing him. Very small, as indicated by the sarcasm in her voice. "Thanks for a wonderful evening."
"Huh?"
"Never mind." She put on her shirt and jeans, then laid back down at his side. Stroking his light brown hair, she kissed his forehead.
"Meyrin."
"Yes, Sai. I'm here."
"Thanks. Sorry about last night. Anything happen?"
"No. You should be very disappointed in yourself," she laughed. Meyrin held her index finger and thumb a centimeter apart. "You were this close to getting lucky."
Sai got a good laugh out of it too, but that only made the throbbing worse.
"Sorry." Meyrin kissed his forehead one last time. "Want me to stay?"
"Sure."
She settled down next to him and rubbed his stomach clockwise. It seemed to help a bit. After a while, she began to feel really sorry for him. This would be one of the last times they had a chance to be together for a long time. And poor Sai was too busy recovering from a hangover to spend quality time with her.
"Thanks," he said.
"It's alright," Meyrin sighed. Only a couple of days before the Archangel was shipping out.
Five days into their journey, months away from Aries Outpost, and Cagalli had been sick.
Everyone else was doing quite well. Murrue and Neo were getting along fabulously. Andy had taken to running the ship while she was off doing other things, though Murrue still took on most of the responsibilities. She no longer had to be reminded that the Archangel was her ship.
Kira and Lacus had been inseparable, but that wasn't unusual. They had tried to do their best to cheer up Sai, who was feeling very lonely without Meyrin and Miriallia around. They were a big help to him, as Sai was quickly learning that long-distance relationships really do suck.
Athrun was spending his time trying to figure out what was wrong with his wife. It took a doctor to fill the young couple in.
She was pregnant.
"That explains the moodiness," Athrun chuckled.
Naturally, Cagalli wasn't amused. "Athrun, you better baby me every minute of every day for the rest of my life."
"I'll do that." He bent down to kiss her as she lay in the bed.
Cagalli had been too queasy to do anything, including get out of the bed for more than a quick bathroom run now and again. "I'm glad we're going to have kids, but man this is terrible."
"Shhh," Athrun wiped her brow with a warm wet cloth. "Just try and relax. You're beautiful. Have I told you that lately?"
"Not in the last five minutes. Tell me again and I might not kill you for knocking me up!" Cagalli huffed for a few seconds before calming down. "Sorry."
"Now we'll have to find you some maternity clothes." Athrun knew that would displease her more than anything. He had a feeling what she would say next.
"I don't like dresses. Especially fat people dresses. I am not fat."
"No, you're pregnant. And you will get bigger over the next seven or eight months and then you'll go right back to your normal, thin, fabulously beautiful self."
"Oh God, I'm going to get fat." Cagalli hid her face in shame.
Athrun gave up and just smiled at her. "I'll love you just the same. I'll be good to you. That's a promise."
She returned his smile. "Thanks. I'll try to do the same."
Athrun informed her, "Kira and Lacus are very excited about being an uncle and aunt."
"I'll bet. We should think about names."
"Lots of time for that later. We both know that I'll have no say-so in this, so you pick a name and I'll just agree."
Cagalli laughed. "Athrun, thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate everything you do for me."
Athrun knew better than to get too comfortable with her sudden gushing of lovingness. "Until you go into labor. Then you'll be looking for a gun."
"Probably so." She pulled him close and kissed him deeply. "But until I kill you, I'm going to love you."
"Yzak still treating you well?" Mir liked asking that. She and Dearka visited every single day, at least once a day. Mir always got the same answer.
"Of course. Just as well as Dearka treats you." Though in obvious pain, Shiho held her polite smile.
"You're doing a lot better." Mir was amazed that Shiho would be on her feet so soon. She wasn't walking. At least, not on her own. She either used crutches or leaned on Yzak. Shiho was just beginning to put her full weight on her robotic appendages. She had been able to move the artificial joints from the beginning, though success was limited for a time.
"Thanks. I try and Yzak keeps me from doing too much at once." Shiho moved about the room on her crutches before sitting down on the couch beside Mir. Now it was time to practice moving her new knee. Then on to the new feet.
"Mind filling me in on what Yzak and Dearka talk about while we spend this time together?"
"I honestly don't know. If it's not politics, then I'm sure it's guy stuff," Shiho laughed. "I'll bet they're discussing how often we put out."
Mir turned bright red. "He better not!"
"I'm just kidding." Shiho chuckled at the mischief she had just caused. Dearka's love life was going to be nonexistent for the next few days at least.
"Well, I'm sure they think we're just having girl talk. Since we're on the subject, how often do you and Yzak . . ?"
"Any time he wants," Shiho admitted. "Of course, that isn't all the time. And there are plenty of times when I initiate the intimacy."
"Let me be a little more clear. How often?"
"Anything from a couple of times a week to a couple of times a day. It all depends." Shiho watched her best friend carefully. "You?"
"Same. Well, a little less. I don't want to give up the goods too often. I still want him to work for it," Mir laughed.
"I think he'd work for it no matter what. You know, he goes out of his way for you all the time."
"I know," Mir admitted. "And I don't tell him how much I appreciate it. But I will."
"When are you just going to break down a marry the poor guy?" This was a subject Shiho often brought up.
"Why do I need to rush it? We're having fun just dating. I enjoy having him come pick me up and how it seems so special when he stays the night. I told him a while back that I don't want to get married for at least two years. We may not wait that long, but I don't want to just yet."
"I see," Shiho lifted an eyebrow.
"Oh, I want to spend the rest of my life with him. That is for certain. Otherwise I wouldn't be here, you know? It's not that I doubt if we'll stay together for the long-term. I just want to take my time with this. We've got the rest of our lives ahead of us. I'm only eighteen for goodness sakes." Mir saw the look Shiho was giving her. "Yes, I've told Dearka that. And he agrees."
Kira held on tightly as they floated by the observation windows on the Archangel. This is where they fist connected over a year and a half ago, though at the time they were talking about Athrun. Kira had rescued his future wife above the ruins of Junius 7.
Lacus tried to reassure him, "I'm alright, Kira."
Kira knew better. She had another nightmare and was scared to death. Every time she thought about it, she shivered in his embrace. "Just enjoy the view, okay?"
"Okay," Lacus whispered.
"Cagalli is having a hard time coming up with names," Kira informed her.
"I'm sure we'll have that problem someday." Lacus shuddered. If I don't lose my mind first.
"Lacus, please be alright." Kira couldn't disguise his worry, so he didn't try.
"Will you take care of me?" Lacus began to weep on his shoulder.
"Of course. I'll always take care of you, so cry all you need to. It's just us here and I won't tell." He could feel her tears seeping through her shirt.
Lacus hadn't told Kira the details of this second nightmare, but then she didn't really need to. It was so prevalent in her mind that he just picked up on it. She had watched helplessly as Kira died a gruesome death, and being the faithful wife she chose an even more gruesome death for herself.
"I love you," he reminded her. Kira's fingers became tangled in her pink lochs.
"I'll be fine, Kira. I just need some time for all this to subside." Lacus adjusted herself to kiss him. "Everything will be fine someday soon. We must trust in that."
"What should we do?"
"Hmm?"
"At Aries Outpost. Should we stay there or go back to Earth with Cagalli? Should we live in Orb or with Rev. Malchio?"
"I am not sure that we are needed anywhere. That makes this decision the most difficult we've faced in a long time," Lacus smiled. "It's good to have the weight of the world off one's shoulders."
"That it is, Lacus."
"I suppose you should let Cagalli in on these discussions. If she's left out of the loop, she may have a fit," Lacus giggled. Cagalli's tantrums were the talk of the ship. Not even the doctor dared be in her presence for long. Only Athrun, Kira and Lacus visited her with any regularity, or for any length of time.
"How is our little princess?" Neo was scared to death of finding out for himself. Most people were.
Murrue smiled. "She's settling down a bit. I still wouldn't go see her if I were you."
"I have no intention of doing so," Neo admitted.
"Picking up on anything out of the ordinary these days?" Murrue noticed that Neo was instantly more amiable once they had gotten pretty far from the PLANTs. They were two weeks into their journey with another week left to go.
"Can't feel a thing," Neo grinned. "I wonder if the kid's gotten himself killed already."
"That's not a nice thing to say," Murrue chided him. Of course, Murrue didn't know anything about Rey. He and Luna seemed to be getting on well at the party. That and the visit Rey paid to Neo in the infirmary was all Murrue had to draw from. It's hard to get a feel for someone when you've only been close to them twice, and then only briefly.
"I suppose not. Maybe he's just settled down with that red-head. Or maybe I'm just too far away to know the difference."
"Very true. We're very far out." Murrue poured herself and Neo some coffee before sitting down at his side.
"Speaking of far out, what's been happening with Lacus? It's very unlike her to be troubled over anything. You'd think she'd be her normal chipper self now that the fighting is over with."
"Maybe that's the problem," Murrue thought aloud.
"Huh?"
"Lacus is most adept at remaining the anchor of calm in the raging seas that have surrounded her life. Maybe now she's having trouble adjusting to things. She had to provide calm, but now it's here on its own."
"I see," Neo put his arm around Murrue. "It is hard to suddenly switch gears like that."
"But Kira is taking good care of her. Funny. When they first got together, it was the other way around."
A couple of insistent rings brought the napping couple out of their peaceful slumber. Shinn had to be the one to answer. "Be right back."
"Tell them to go away before they break the doorbell," Stellar rolled over to hide under her pillow.
It was Meyrin. "Something wrong? You look like you've been crying."
Nearly hysterical, she was still able to put forth some sarcasm. "Oh, genius. Here."
It was a letter.
Meyrin,
I'm sorry about all this, but we think it's best this way. There's no need to come looking for us. We'll be alright. And don't worry about a thing, little sis. Rey and I will see you and the others from time to time. We just need to be away from everything for a while. I'll try to get in touch with you in a few months. Take care of yourself.
Love, Luna
"I see." Truthfully, Shinn didn't.
"Things going well?"
"Yes. You should be able to rejoin us soon," Yzak informed her.
Shiho smiled politely. Yzak didn't necessarily need her at the Council meetings, but she was desperate to get back into the game. She needed to feel useful.
"Dearka and Miriallia will be coming over again tonight. I spoke with them at today's session."
"Excellent." Shiho stood up and walked around a bit. "See? I'm improving."
"Indeed you are." Yzak held out his arms as Shiho walked into his embrace. "Do they still hurt?"
"Not as much, but a little. I've been taking some over-the-counter pain killers when it gets to be too much, but that hasn't happened yet today." Shiho took this moment to run her fingers through his silver hair.
"And I'm afraid I have some troubling news for you." Yzak rubbed the back of her neck.
Now she knew it was big. "Yes?"
"You have been taken off of active duty permanently."
Shiho lifted an eyebrow. "It's not that big a deal. What's really going on?"
"Your latest checkup results came in. You didn't pass your physical because of your new additions. They would have overlooked it if there was a need for pilots, but there isn't at the moment." Yzak took a deep breath before letting her in on the really bad news. "And it appears we're going to have difficulty reproducing."
Shiho held her smile, but tears began to form in her eyes. "I am a third generation. I suppose this isn't entirely unexpected."
"Don't cry. There is still a chance and we have some of the best minds in the solar system working on this. Do not take this as the final word on the subject."
"And I so wanted to give you a child." Shiho hid her face in his overcoat.
"I haven't given up hope. Neither should you."
Shiho nodded as she found her resolve. "On the bright side, we'll have a lot of fun trying."
"Yes," Yzak admitted. "We will."
"How is everyone's favorite mommy today?" Athrun had to put on the happy husband act every waking moment. Of course, it wasn't always an act.
"You don't have to do that, you know. I think I'm past the psychotic episodes." Cagalli really was a lot better. But the tyrades over the past few weeks were still fresh in the minds of many.
"Glad to hear it," Athrun handed her some juice as he joined her in the corridor.
Cagalli insisted on surveying the Aires Outpost today. It was a lot better than doing the administrative matters that she had been tasked with over the past several days.
"Seen Kira or Lacus lately?"
"No," Cagalli answered. "I think they're off trying to get some alone time."
"They're worrying me," Athrun sighed. "Especially Lacus. I've never seen her like this."
"She's just scared. I would be too if I had nightmares like that. She says they're so real that she thinks she's in the middle of dying when she wakes up." Cagalli shivered each time she thought of it.
"I think it's more than that. I think she's cracking."
"Should we stop in on them while we're making the rounds?"
"Sure, just don't over do it. I don't want you getting worn out."
Cagalli rolled her eyes. "I'm only five months pregnant. I'm not going to fall over dead from walking a couple of hours in one-third gravity. And there will be plenty of available chairs along the way."
"You think they're really going to stay here?" Athrun wondered if the solitude would be good for them or just make matters worse.
"Kira wants to be apart of constructing the new colony. We'll at least get to stay with them for a very long time. Can't get back to Earth for several months yet." Cagalli was kind of glad, too. She didn't want to go back. Being too pregnant for reentry was perhaps the best excuse imaginable for shirking her duties. Running this outpost would be enough of a responsibility for now.
Kira was slowly figuring out what was wrong with his wife. Fllay. He knew something was up when Lacus became an animal in the bedroom, but the real give-away was the sudden spike in sheer terror Lacus began to experience from time to time. It was like Fllay's fears had become Lacus's. Fllay never got over watching her father die. And when it seemed that Kira had died, Fllay cracked.
Lacus was beginning to get a handle on it, however. She was strong, or so she liked everyone to believe. And she was determined to overcome the fear and anxiety that had set upon her so suddenly.
Kira was at a loss for what to do. He couldn't turn down her advances without humiliating her, and it seemed one of the few ways that he could comfort her.
Of course, their mind reading exercises were of great benefit. They hadn't done it much since their misadventures in Ireland, but it was quite easy to pick up where they had left off.
Lacus was scared to death of losing Kira, but she was just as scared of losing herself. Their little games helped with the second part.
At the moment, Kira was being soundly beaten in chess. It was one of the few strategic games that they could get a hold of all the way out here. It also happened to be one where mind reading happened to be extremely beneficial.
"I wonder," Lacus muttered.
"Wonder what?" asked Kira.
"I wonder which of us has the upper hand. You always did seem better at this than I," Lacus giggled.
Kira matched her smile. "Who says I'm not letting you win?"
"I also wonder if this will allow us to communicate telepathically one day." Lacus was truly happy at this moment. They hadn't been disturbed in a long while. It was quiet and peaceful. Lacus and Kira were still in their pajamas, having neglected to leave their room for breakfast that morning.
"That would be interesting. Remember, we have done that from time to time."
"The last time I specifically remember was in the Zero," Lacus grinned. She had him in check.
"Want to take her for a spin again? I'm sure it hasn't been dismantled or anything."
"Perhaps later, but only if Neo doesn't object." Lacus had a feeling that Neo wouldn't mind.
"Looks like you've got me." Kira went over the board twice. There was no escape. "Congratulations."
"What is my reward this time?" Lacus asked that every time she won. It was more interesting to have a prize for the winner.
"Name it. Anything you want," Kira smiled.
"Anything at all? Hmm," Lacus thought for a moment. There was really only one thing on her mind. Something newlyweds do.
Lacus was naturally upset when Cagalli and Athrun dropped by, spoiling the moment.
"Are we interrupting something?" asked Cagalli.
"Yes," Lacus stated. "But do come in."
A/N
Sorry if this seems a little half-assed in the editing department but like I said before, I'm really burned out on this story.
And I'm not really happy with Shinn or Rey at this point, so I don't really want to think of nice things to happen to them.
End A/N