A/N:
Sorry that this took longer to update, I just had to write that oneshot, because it kept bugging me:P And my god damn HDD burned down 2 days ago (I wonder if bastion the legend has anything to do with this….hm… :P )
So I had to redo the whole god damn chapter, which was already ¾ complete. Don't be amazed if this chapter hasn't turned out as good as it should have been, I was kinda pissed when I wrote this (for the second time). Ok, enough of my useless ranting, here's chapter 9
Special thanks to The-Dark-Spirit182 for proof-reading the chapter
DISCLAIMER : I don't own anything from GS/GSD
XOXOXOXOX
The doorknob slowly turned and the door opened with a light creak. Shinn entered the house and slowly looked around, eyeing every corner and item of the room. Memories flooded his head, as his gaze flew over many familiar objects. He slowly took of his shoes and proceeded to the next room, shutting the door behind him.
The next room looked like it was the living room, because of the large TV that was located near the wall, and the sofa that was placed in front of it. The same sofa he and his sister sat on that day and listened to Lord Uzumi's patriotic speech. Shinn's red eyes slowly slid across the room, examining every object in it, stopping at anything interesting.
My…home. It sure hasn't changed, everything is in place, just how we left everything that day. Shinn lowered his head a bit, his black hair covering his eyes, as he remembered the chaos and hurry, in which they had left the house.
Flashback
"Shinn, Mayu, take only what's really needed, don't take anything useless! Dear, are we ready to go? We must hurry!"
"Yes, I'm ready, how are the kids?"
"They are fine, let's go!"
Mayu clung to her mother's arm and looked up at her, almost looking like she is about to cry. "But mom, I still need to take my CDs and…"
"Forget about them, it's not needed. Let's go!" The woman took her daughter by the hand and almost dragged her towards the exit, her husband already waiting there. She looked over her shoulder at the red haired boy that was almost finished packing.
"Shinn, come on, lets go!"
Shinn nodded and dropped one of the bags he was not finished packing and ran towards his family, locking the door behind him.
End Flashback
Shinn slowly went over to the sofa and sat down, looking lost in thoughts. He coughed, because of the small cloud of dust that emerged from the sofa as he sat down, and he quickly stood up again. It sure hasn't changed. I'm even surprised it is still here after almost three years. He slowly reached out his hand and smacked the sofa lightly, causing another layer of dust escaping from it.
He took a step back and waved his hand in front of him, trying to chase away the cloud of dust, without much of a success and coughed again. It sure is going to need some cleaning… He frowned at the thought of him cleaning something. He usually didn't even clean his own room, and in the ZAFT there was not much to clean anyway, but now he had a whole house to clean. Shinn Asuka, elite pilot of ZAFT, sitting home and washing floors… god, Athrun would probably laugh at me right now.
Well, its not like something is going to change if I just stand here, might as well unpack, and… the black haired boy froze at that thought and stood still for a few moments. Unpack…its not like he had anything to unpack. One backpack was enough to store his belongings once he left ZAFT and decided to come back to ORB. ZAFT… why did I return even after the war?
Shinn sighed and slowly proceeded to the second floor, thinking about ZAFT. Well… I guess I went back because Luna wished to go at that time…Luna… the thought of her forced a sad expression on Shinn's face. He knew back then that their relationship wouldn't last. After all they were just lost children in the flames of war, their friends dying around them, and they had just found comfort in each others arms.
And, I can't forget about Stellar. Shinn slowly walked down the corridor, head bowed down,feeling mist in his red eyes. Memories of the blond haired angel flooded his mind and he leaned against a door and placed a hand on his face. Stellar I missed you… It has been more than half a year since she died, but memories of her still haunted Shinn. He was not able to forget her, but then again, he didn't try much either.
A tear rolled down Shinn's face, and he wiped it away with his hand. He was a merciless killer during the war, he killed anyone who crossed his path, and he was proud of his strength. Not the case now, not after all that has happened, not after talking with Athrun for a while. Now the raven haired boy was ashamed of himself, of the actions he took during the war. After all, he had long forgotten how it felt to actually feel anything, to care for anyone.
Until he met her... her wavy blond hair, her magenta eyes, her childlike personality… it was Stellar who caused him to feel again, to care for someone. But he had failed her… he couldn't protect his angel, no matter how strong he was then.
"Shinn said he would…protect Stellar."
"Stellar! Stellar!"
"Shinn…I love you"
With a loud growl Shinn punched the door with all his strength, causing it to open. He could no longer hold back his tears. He had joined ZAFT after his family had died, so that he would have the power to protect the ones he cares about. But once again, his power was not enough to save the one life he valued above his. And once again he had strived to gain more power.
Ironic, wasn't it? He obtained even more power…Destiny… but now he had no one to protect. He finally had the most power he could gather, but there was no one left to protect that would matter to his heart, so he had just continued to kill, hoping that it all would end one day. But it didn't. The one he deemed to be weak had easily beaten him, but instead of finishing Shinn off Athrun had tried to help him to get over his past and to get on his feet.
Friend…is that what a true friend is? Shinn sighed and wiped the tears from his face and entered the room, whose door he had just punched open. A friend…only 'friend' he had during the war was Rey, but that man could not be considered a friend. Not now, when Shinn knew the truth. Rey… the thought of his former comrade caused him to wince in anger. If only I had listened to Athrun back then…
But I didn't… I shot him down along with Meyrin… just because Rey told me that would be right…I almost destroyed ORB! I was a god damn fool! I still am. Shinn lifted his sight and slid it across the room. A bed in the corner, green curtains, a stack of comics near the bed, a pile of clothes in the corner, a desk with computer on it. My old room…
"Come on! It's my turn to play that new game!"
"Mayu, leave me alone, this is my room. Stop pulling my arm!"
Shinn quickly vacated the room, breathing heavily. He needed to do something, otherwise these memories would get the best of him, and he would spend the rest of the day sulking in a corner, Shinn knew that all too well. He entered the guestroom again and looked up, looking somewhat relaxed. But still…my home…I'm glad that its still here… maybe it was not such a bad idea to come back here…after all there is nothing for me in ZAFT.
Shinn sighed and walked around the house for a while, examining all rooms, trying not to think too much about the memories that popped up in his head. After a while he sighed again and sat down, annoyed look on his face. The house sure was dirty, as was expected since it was abandoned for almost three years, and he sure did not enjoy the thought of cleaning this all up. Maybe I should go visit Athrun…I think I still remember where his house is…I bet he will be surprised.
Shinn rolled eyes at himself. He could not believe how much he had changed during these few months. He no longer was the angst hothead of ZAFT, always rude to his superiors and considering himself right in all situations. Though he still had a fast temper, it was far from what it used to be. Visit Athrun…why did he want to visit him?
Shinn sighed and stood up. He knew the answer to that question he had just asked himself. Athrun always seemed to have some advice for him when he needed it, after all Athrun had went through a lot of grief and pain during the two wars, and he seemed to have the ability to keep his head cool in any situation, something Shinn wished he had during the war.
Now that Rey was no longer there, Shinn realized just how one sided his beliefs and justice was while talking to Athrun a few times. Justice…Shinn smirked. I think it's no accident his Gundam was called Justice…In all honesty he enjoyed talking to Athrun. The blue haired coordinator always seemed to know the answers to his questions and his calmness, which used to irritate Shinn a lot during the war, and now seemed to affect Shinn as well in a positive way.
Shinn stood up and slid his gaze around the room once again. Nope, he didn't want to start cleaning, and going to say 'hi' to Athrun seemed like a good excuse to delay this annoying work. The fact that Athrun's house was pretty far away didn't bother him. An hour long walk in the fresh air seemed like a good idea after the house's dusty air. He put on his shoes and walked outside, locking the door behind him. After walking a few meters Shinn turned back and looked at his house, feeling somewhat nostalgic. This time I won't take three years to come home. I'm glad I still have one.
XOXOXOXOX
The young woman stopped running and leaned down, placing her hands on her knees and panting heavily. When she had caught her breath she stood up and slid her hand through her short magenta hair and enjoyed the sudden breeze that had risen. Luna shot a glare at her watch and pouted. 10:25 am. After sighing unhappily she started to walk towards. After all she didn't want to end up at Athrun's place exhausted from the running.
She felt angry at herself. Not to mention very guilty and depressed. I AM a terrible sister. The reason Luna was feeling guilty was because she hadn't congratulated Meyrin with her birthday yet, and it had already been 5 days. Well she couldn't help it – her job had requested her that she leaves ORB and head to PLANTs right that night, after she had helped Athrun with shopping for presents.
The owner of the company she was working for had suddenly announced that she has to leave for a meeting immediately, since he himself had just broken a leg, and that it's her duty as manager to replace him. It was an important meeting, so Luna had no choice. She had just gotten back yesterday and had to leave again in one hour, she barely had time to rush over to Athrun's place to greet Meyrin.
Luna almost growled under her nose, as she continued to walk towards Athrun's house. She was still about 5 minute walk away and seeing that her shuttle is leaving in one hour she probably didn't have more than 10 minutes to spend there. And I even didn't have time to get her a proper present, sheesh. I hope she won't be too angry with me. Luna stopped and straightened her skirt and turned her head to look at the sun, covering her eyes with her hand.
She liked the sun, a lot more than the artificial ones up in the Plants. But she had to go there and stay there for a few months 'because it's in the best interests for the company'. Luna sighed again and resumed her walk towards Athrun's house; she didn't have time to stare at sun. I'm sorry I couldn't come to see you, Meyrin, in the short time I had, but I was too busy with staring at sun didn't seem like a good excuse to her. I just hope Meyrin isn't sleeping.
Athrun was lying back in the bed, various thoughts running through his head. He slowly turned his head towards the window and smiled a bit. The curtains were doing their job well, and sun was not disturbing the inhabitants of the room this morning. But curtains were the least of his concerns now. He slowly turned his head again and looked at the red haired girl lying beside him, her right hand resting on his chest.
He slowly stroked Meyrin's red hair with his hand and smile appeared on his face, as he watched the young girl. He sure felt a bit awkwardly. Ok, a bit would probably be an understatement. A lot of things had suddenly happened during the last days, but this one was probably the most unexpected. Not that he minded the new experiences he had last night, nor did he regret it.
His concern was how Meyrin felt about this. Last night she had fallen asleep without saying anything, and Athrun was worried about her reaction this morning, and he sincerely hoped she didn't regret it either. Obviously this was her first time as well, and he truly hoped he hadn't done anything to upset her or hurt her. Athrun knew he wouldn't be able to live with that thought.
She had gone through a lot recently, and the blue haired coordinator sure didn't want to be added as another one of those bad experiences in her life. And he was not about to wake her, although a thought of preparing breakfast had crossed his mind. But that would risk waking Meyrin, and Athrun much rather wanted to be by her side when she wakes up.
Then the doorbell rang. Athrun cast an annoyed look towards the clock. Who could it be this early. The doorbell rang again; this sure was annoying. If he would try to stand up now he might wake Meyrin. But then again – if he wouldn't the ringing would surely wake her anyway.
He gently took her arm and moved it away from his chest, causing Meyrin to move a bit, but she was still asleep. Athrun carefully slid out from under the blanket and quickly scanned the room for his pants. Answering the door butt naked was certainly not a good idea. He quickly put on his pants and scrambled towards the door without looking for his shirt, wincing again when the doorbell rang for the third time.
He quickly cast his last gaze upon Meyrin before exiting the room, and she still seemed asleep. After almost breaking his neck and falling down the stairs because of his sleepiness Athrun quickly moved towards the door, massaging his aching neck, feeling angry at the unwelcome visitor. Grumbling quietly he started to unlock the door.
Once he opened the door he quickly lifted his hand to protect his eyes from the morning sun, which was shining brightly outside. He blinked few times while his eyes adjusted to the bright light and looked at the person standing just outside, his vision still a bit foggy. A short, pink miniskirt and magenta colored hair were the first things he could make out. The anger he felt a moment ago was gone, people he didn't mind seeing anytime were his old friends, and Meyrin's older sister was one of them.
"Lunamaria?"
"Good morning, Athrun," the girl happily answered in her usual, cheerful voice.
"Good morning, Luna. What are you doing here?" Athrun rubbed his left eye and yawned, stepping aside from the door. "Want to come in?"
Luna nodded and stepped inside, closing the door behind her, her eyes traveling across the room. She had never been in to Athrun's house, despite the fact that she knew where he lived. She had to admit it looked rather cozy, something she didn't expect from Athrun's house. Her observations were cut short by Athrun's words.
"Luna, you can sit down while I go get some tea." Luna looked at the blue haired coordinator and shook her head.
"No, Athrun, thank you. I just ran in for a couple of minutes, I have to go real soon."
Athrun raised an eyebrow and sat on the couch, signaling Luna to sit down as well. She sat down beside Athrun and looked at him. He was obviously waiting for what she has to say, and she sure didn't feel easy about this. She looked in to his emerald eyes and asked in a voice that had a small tint of sadness in it. "Athrun, is Meyrin here? I…I need to talk to her".
Athrun turned slightly red at her question, but not enough for Luna to notice it. "Y…yes, but she is still sleeping. Is anything wrong, Luna?".
Luna lowered her head and sat like that for a few seconds, her conversation with Athrun in the restaurant popping up in her head. "Athrun, do you…do you still think that I'm not a horrible sister?"
Athrun was surprised seeing Luna sad and down, when she seemed her usual cheerful self just moments ago. "Wha…Luna, what are you…"
Luna slowly lifted her head and looked at the obviously confused Athrun and smiled sadly. "It has been five days since her birthday, and I didn't even call, because I didn't have time. She…she must hate me." Athrun stared at Luna for a few seconds, then a small smile found its way on his face and he looked back in to Luna's eyes. "Luna, she is not angry at all, so don't…I'm sure you had a good reason."
She is definitely not mad…she probably wants to forget that day. After few seconds of silence Luna nodded and the sad expression left her face. The tone in which Athrun spoke made her believe his words, and she wanted to believe them as well. Meyrin was the only family she had left, so she couldn't help but feel extremely bad about forgetting her birthday. Ok, its not like she forgot but the result was still the same.
"Thank you, Athrun. I…I just came to greet her before I leave for PLANTs again, but it seems I cant do even that, I have to go in five minutes." Luna sighed unhappily and pulled a small box wrapped in a red paper and a small, green card attached to it, and placed it on the table in front of her. She looked up at Athrun and smiled meekly. "Could you please give this to her? And tell her…tell her that I'm sorry."
Athrun looked at the small box and then nodded at Luna. "I will. I'm sure she will be happy."
Luna nodded her head and stood up. "Thank you, Athrun. I…I should go now. My shuttle to PLANTs is leaving in 45 minutes, and my boss is going to kill me if I'm late." She stood up and straightened her pink miniskirt, then shot a glare at Athrun and smirked. "Looks like I'm not the only one who answers the door when not properly dressed."
The blue haired boy turned his head aside, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I…um…it's just that…"
Luna let out a small laugh and started to walk towards the door, while waving her hand at Athrun. "Thank you, Athrun. I better go now." Athrun hurried over to the door and held it open while Luna stepped outside. She turned around and smiled at Athrun. "Take care of my little sis, i…" she was interrupted by a familiar voice coming from inside the house.
"Athrun?"
Both Luna and Athrun turned their heads towards the voice. Meyrin was coming down the stairs, her head bowed down. "A…Athrun, i…" she raised her eyes and froze on the spot. Her eyes widened at the sight of her sister looking at her. "N…Nee-chan ?" After standing still for some moments Meyrin turned around and quickly retreated back to the second floor, red all over her face.
Luna stood there in evident shock, her grey eyes widened and mouth slightly opened, as she watched her sister, wrapped only in a blanket, run back to the second floor. She slowly turned her gaze towards severally blushing Athrun, who looked like he would rather fall through the ground, then back to the now empty stairs. Her eyes traveled few times from Athrun, who was wearing only his pants, to the stairs where her sister was moments ago, with only a blanket covering her.
After a while her surprised expression was slowly replaced by a large grin, and she turned to Athrun, who stood there speechless. She raised her hand and patted Athrun on the shoulder a few times, her grin growing wider. "You know, Athrun…I was going to tell you to take care of my sis, but I see I won't have to say that."
The blue haired coordinator turned redder, if that was even possible. "Lu…Luna! It's…it's not…" He stopped there, his mouth opened halfway. He was about to say 'it's not what you think', but then again – it pretty much was what Luna was thinking judging from her expression. Athrun's silence seemed to only confirm her thoughts and she patted him on the shoulder again.
"Well…I think I should get going, I don't want to disturb you two." Luna was laughing in her head - she enjoyed the sight of embarrassed Athrun. "Just be nice to her, you better take her to that celebration tonight, she likes to dance". Embarrassment in Athrun's red face was replaced with confusion.
"Celebration?" he blankly repeated, staring at Luna. Luna raised an eyebrow.
"Don't tell me you don't know? Afterall today is the day ORB Union celebrates its foundation – I think its 75 years since ORB Union was founded. Don't tell me you didn't know that?"
Athrun felt like an idiot. Of course he knew that, but he had completely forgotten about it because of the happenings during the last few days. There was a large celebration planned in the Central park, which was supposed to include various activities and a banquet, and as Luna had stated – a large dance floor.
Athrun nodded his head at Luna, who was still eyeing him with suspicion "I…I knew, it's just that…I had forgotten about it." Luna seemed even more surprised.
"Forgotten? How can you forget something like this? I mean even the news have it all the time, don't you watch them Athrun?" Athrun turned his head aside, slightly embarrassed. He watched the news. Or rather for the past few days – sat in front of the television without paying any attention to it, his thoughts traveling elsewhere. Luna grinned again "Or did you have more interesting things to do?"
"Luna!" Athrun was red all over his face again and Luna was starting to irritate him a bit.
"Fine, fine, I'm going." She exclaimed, her hands in the air, her face literally shining. Luna turned around and started to walk away, waving at Athrun. "I have to hurry or I will be late, just be nice to my little sis, ok? Bye, Athrun."
Athrun watched how Luna hurried down the road and closed the door, leaning against it and letting out a loud sigh. He was glad this little torture was over. Yes, he had completely forgotten about the celebration, but that was not important right now, unlike some other things. With that thought he hurried towards Meyrin's room, grabbing Luna's present from the table and placing it in to his pocket.
He knocked on the door and waited for a few seconds. "Meyrin? Can I come in?" silence was the only response he got. After a bit of hesitation Athrun slowly turned the door knob and slowly stepped inside. Meyrin was sitting on the bed, her back towards the door, still wrapped in the blanket. "Mey…?" he silently asked, and seeing that she didn't react, slowly stepped closer to her.
Athrun slowly sat on the bed behind her and hesitantly lifted his hand, but stopped before touching her. What…what if she doesn't want me to touch her at all, maybe I should…
"Athrun, I…I'm sorry"
Athrun was struck dumb by her silent words. "Meyrin, what…what are you saying?"
"I'm sorry about…last night, I didn't mean to… I …I didn't mean to do anything you might regret, I…"
Athrun sighed and lowered his head, but he felt somewhat relieved. That's Meyrin for you. He was worried he might have hurt her, that she wouldn't want to see him again, but she was acting just like she used to around him – always thinking she has done something wrong. Luckily Athrun had already somewhat gotten used to this. At least she is ok. I don't regret anything, why would she think I would?
He lifted his green eyes and looked at Meyrin, who was still talking and smiled. "I'm sorry, Athrun"
She felt two hands wrapping around her, and she turned her head in surprise. "Athrun?" The blue haired coordinator smiled warmly at her and kissed her lightly on her cheek.
"I'm not"
Meyrin looked in to his green eyes with confusion. Athrun smiled at her and stroked her red hair with his hand. "I…I'm not sorry, Meyrin" he said, his cheeks turning a tad red. "I'm not sorry, I…i was worried if you were sorry, if you are not, then… I'm glad.
Meyrin was looking over her shoulder at Athrun, and she felt that happiness is beginning to fill her heart. The worried expression in her salty-blue eyes was slowly fading. He…he doesn't regret what we did? He…he really likes to be with me…? He…he is worried if I don't regret it? Meyrin didn't regret it, although she had never thought of that to happen. She had never hoped that much on a relationship with Athrun in the first place. Well she had, but she didn't hope much that he would feel the same.
She had never even thought about a serious relationship with him, although she would be happy about it. But she didn't think Athrun would want much to do with her, so she couldn't help but feel guilty that she might be the cause of something the blue haired coordinator might regret. But he had come to her, embraced her and told her he doesn't regret anything, and this made the young red-head very happy. The thought that maybe she can have a serious relationship with Athrun caused a small smile on her face, as she looked back at Athrun's green eyes.
"Athrun…thank you" she said in a soft voice, cuddling closer to Athrun, resting her head on his chest and closing her eyes, feeling safe in his arms.
"For what?" Athrun asked with a tint of confusion in his voice, although he felt relieved to see that she no longer seemed sad. Meyrin only shook her head slowly and remained silent. She smiled softly when she felt Athrun's hand tenderly stroking her scarlet locks. After few silent moments Athrun remembered of something lying in his pocket.
"Meyrin, Luna had come to visit". The red haired girl lifted her head and looked at Athrun with a bit of surprise in her eyes. She had completely forgotten that she had seen her sister a few minutes ago, despite the fact that she had been completely stunned from seeing her sister here. And she hadn't spoken with her sister for quite a while.
"Luna told me to give you this". Athrun pulled the small box out of his pocket and held it towards Meyrin, who seemed surprised. "She…she also said that she's sorry…for not calling on your birthday".
Meyrin took the small box with both hands and held it close, while smiling slightly. Nee-chan… she was happy that her sister hadn't forgotten about her, despite the fact that their relationship was never that great…especially ever since they both had fallen for Athrun when he had joined the Minerva. She smiled inwardly at that thought. So many girls had longed for Athrun's attention.
Her own sister, the fake Lacus named Meer, princess of ORB…and herself… the shy, little and unnoticeable girl who had served as CIC onboard Minerva, who didn't even have the courage to step forward and say something to Athrun at that time, unlike her sister. And yet – it was her who was sitting here in front of Athrun in his embrace after all that has happened.
"Mey ?" Athrun's voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she looked towards Athrun, who was looking away somewhat. "I…um, there is a celebration held at the Central park this evening to celebrate ORB's foundation, and i…I thought that maybe…would you like to go there?"
Meyrin watched Athrun for a few moments, surprised at his question. He…he wants to go out with me? He doesn't mind that people would see us together?" Smile foundits way on Meyrin's beautiful face and she clasped her hands in excitement. "Yes! I would love to!" It had been quite a while since she had been out somewhere to celebrate something. Her birthday didn't really count. In all honesty she didn't care that much where she would go if it would be with Athrun.
Athrun smiled seeing excitement in her salty-blue eyes. He was worried what to say if she wouldn't want to go, but he was glad he didn't have to figure that out. The celebration was supposed to start at 7pm and there was plenty of time till then. Athrun placed a small peck on Meyrin's soft lips and stood up. "I will go prepare breakfast, so you don't have to worry about it, ok?"
Meyrin was about to object, she felt that Athrun is making the breakfast far too often in the past few days – something she considered her 'job'. But seeing that Athrun looked happy when he was looking at her with his emerald eyes, she decided not to. She did not want to argue with Athrun, especially if he was in a good mood like now, so she only nodded her head. Her eye spotted something green lying on ground, near Athrun.
"Um…Athrun…your shirt" she extended her finger, pointing near the said boy. Athrun turned his gaze down and eyed his shirt lying on the ground. He quickly reached down and picked it up and quickly left the room, heat gathering in his cheeks. He sighed and put on his shirt while proceeding downstairs to make breakfast, thinking of some red-haired girl, which caused a smile on his face.
Meyrin giggled a bit at the sight of blushing Athrun quickly leaving the room. She was happy about how this day had started. Athrun had washed away the doubts she had a while ago, and her young heart was racing in happiness. After all this time her life seemed to be gaining some bright colors. She remembered the small box from Luna, which was lying on bed now.
She picked it up and started to unwrap it, then she noticed the green card attached to it and started to read it. Smile found its way on her face as she was reading the card, and she looked at the small box again. Without opening it she placed it in the drawer of the cupboard located near her bed, joy all over her face. Thank you, Nee-chan, but I won't need it.
XOXOXOXOX
Luna sighed as she sat back in the chair of the shuttle, as it was taking its place on the mass-driver, preparing for launch. She didn't want to lave for PLANTs. In the short while she had stayed in ORB she had grown fond of it, especially the sun. She smiled meekly as she remembered the card she had wrote to Meyrin.
"Happy Birthday, Meyrin!
I'm truly sorry that I couldn't congratulate you faster, but I just didn't have the time. I know you must think that I'm a terrible sister. I just hope you can forgive me.
The gift is really nothing special – just a small good luck charm. I know that you like Athrun a lot, so I hope that this little thing will help him to notice your feelings. I know it sounds stupid, but I really couldn't think of anything else. I'm sorry I won't have the time to talk to you, but I must leave for PLANTs for a while. Good luck, Mey.
-Lunamaria"
It seems my gift is a bit too late. Luna's smile grew wider, and she placed her hands behind her head and tilted it backwards, looking up, happiness in her eyes. She was glad for her sister. Judging from this morning Athrun indeed seemed to have noticed her feelings. Even more than that. Luna was happy for Meyrin. In all honesty she had always worried about Meyrin living alone, due to her shy and quiet nature.
But if Athrun was really going out with her sister, Luna was assured Meyrin would be alright. After all, Athrun was not one to break relationships easily from what she had learned, and wouldn't do anything to hurt Meyrin. Of that Luna was sure. Luna sighed unhappily, closing her eyes, deciding to get some sleep. She was glad her sister had found happiness. Something Luna was not able to find herself. Luna yawned a bit and turned in the seat, to get in to more comfortable position. As much as she hated it, she couldn't worry about her personal life right now – she had job to do.
Shinn was walking through the park, slowly eyeing his surroundings, recalling his childhood days in ORB. His red eyes were filled with sadness. He liked it here, in ORB. More than PLANTs, despite the fact that he had claimed he hated ORB. That he tried to destroy it. If ORB is going to be defeated, I will be the one to do it. He frowned at that memory – his thoughts before launching to attack ORB.
Some activity caught his eye in the middle of the park. People were running around, placing decorations all over the place, and were setting up what seemed to be a large dance floor. What he found weird that amongst the people setting up the decorations were children and elder people. He made his way to some man that seemed like the one who was observing all this.
"Excuse me."
The man turned around and eyed the black haired boy with a smile on his face. "Yes, how can I help you" he asked in a cheerful voice.
"Could you please tell me what is going on here?" Shinn waved his hand towards the noisy area. The man raised an eyebrow.
"You don't know?" Then his features softened again "Oh, you must be a tourist. We are setting up the place where the celebration of ORB's declaration will take place. Today, 75 years pass since the foundation of ORB Union. Didn't you know that?"
Shinn turned his head away slightly, feeling embarrassed. "Um…no not really." He winced as one kid stepped on his foot while running around and laughing excitedly. "What's with all these kids?"
The man smiled again "Any one who wants can help in preparations for the celebration. Quite a lot of people are helping actually. It makes them feel like they are doing something for their country I guess."
"Doing something for your country…" Shinn slowly murmured, sad expression on his face, head bowed down. His hand gripped around the pink cell phone in his pocket. Shinn was lost in thoughts for a second. Visiting Athrun could wait, it's not like he was expecting him to come anyway. Shinn lifted his head and looked over to the dance floor, enjoying the small breeze that was blowing through his messy raven hair. He turned back to the man, feeling a bit better. "Can I help with something?"
XOXOXOXOX
"Lacus. Lacus. Lacus!"
"Mhm?" The pink haired princess lifted her head and turned her head in the direction of the voice. Cagali eyed her for a moment then sighed.
"Cagali, I'm sorry…I was just lost in thoughts" she smiled meekly at the princess of ORB, looking in to her amber eyes.
I could notice that. Cagali put down her fork besides her plate and leaned back in the chair and sighed again. "Lacus, you haven't eaten anything, and you have been gloomy ever since you came back from the hospital yesterday. What happened? Did my little bro say something to you? Should I go and get him to his senses?"
Lacus lowered her blue eyes and stared at the table, looking as miserable and unhappy as one can get. And it had something to do with Kira's words, but that was not the only reason. Cagali looked at Lacus with worry – she had never seen Lacus like this. "Lacus…what's wrong?"
Lacus slowly lifted her head and smiled at Cagali, hearing the worry in her voice. She didn't want to upset other people because of her feelings, and she didn't want Cagali to worry about her, but she couldn't help it. "It's Kira…his operation is tomorrow and… I'm just worried if he will be alright."
Cagali shook her head and sighed at Lacus. "Don't worry, he will be fine, he's tougher than that. Besides, I didn't let him not to be ok, so he better watch it!" The blonde exclaimed with stern voice, putting on a serious face and shaking her fist in a joking manner.
Lacus even giggled a bit at Cagali's actions. Maybe I am worried too much. After all Cagali is right – Kira is tougher than that. I'm sure he will be fine. Lacus nodded, shadow of unhappiness leaving her face. Cagali felt relieved to see that Lacus had cheered up a bit, she had been like that all evening and this morning.
"Lacus, you will be coming to the celebration, right?"
Lacus sighed and looked down at the table again. "I…I don't know, I'm not sure if I want to."
"Oh, come on" Cagali almost whined "I have to be there because I'm the representative, and I want some company. And besides, maybe it will help to lighten your mood."
Lacus didn't feel like celebrating anything at the moment. But seeing the almost pleading look in Cagali's face, which is something you don't see every day, made her change her mind. "Ok, Cagali, I will come if you want."
Cagali smiled at Lacus "Yes! Thank you, Lacus. I can't stand being alone with a bunch of politicians. It drives me crazy." And I'm sure it will help you to put your mind off my brother for a while.
Lacus smiled at the sight of cheering Cagali and stood up from the table. "Well then, I will go and pick what to wear." The real reason is she wanted to be alone for a while and to think a bit. I just hope I won't ruin the party for anyone.
XOXOXOXOX
A/N:
Bah, I'm quite displeased how this turned out in the end. Like I said – I was quite pissed when writing this for the second time. This chapter was intended to be lighter in the mood compared to the previous ones, but its not that easy to write that when you are feeling pissed :P (and I got only three reviews on my oneshot…but oh well, at least I didn't get flamed :P) (too bad this wasn't supposed to be an angsty chap – I bet I would have had loads of inspiration: P) Anyways, time to shut up, I'm ranting again.
R&R please, hope it's not too horrible.