WE BELONG TOGETHER

Hi guys, I'm back again. I can't say how sorry I am for the wait but I will finish this story!!!! It took me a while to sort out all of my characters and such, since it's been a while since I wrote.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN GUNDAM SEED AND GUNDAM SEED DESTINY

Chapter 23: Lurking Problems

"Ah, Kira and Athrun, come join me for a while." King Uzumi waved at his future son-in-laws.

Both prince step forth and bowed to the man they will soon call father.

"I'm glad we have a chance to talk before we're officially family." The king replied.

"You Majesty, about the status of our countries…" Kira began, but was soon cut off by the king.

"No no, dear me, I wasn't referring to a political discussion. I was talking about my sweet Lacus and Cagalli."

With that Kira and Athrun started to look a little embarrassed and uncomfortable.

"Listen to me, I know my daughters very well and have seen many things in life. It wasn't difficult to see that there's something strange is going on."

"Your Majesty has sharp eyes." Athrun replied.

"So what's going on, if I may be so bold as to ask…?"

Kira and Athrun looked at each other, deciding which of them would speak first. Athrun sighed and took the initiative.

"Well, to be frank, if Your Majesty remembers the lady I was with when I arrived…"

"Yes, the one who mirrors Lacus…I was quite surprised to see another so close to my child."

"Right, the Lady Campbell, is a childhood friend of mine. She is assisting me in a matter of great importance."

The king tapped his chin and thought it over. "So that is why you seemed so intimate with her, hence Cagalli's outburst? Whatever could the matter be that would invoke my daughter's wrath?"

"I'm afraid I cannot say for now, but please trust me in my respect for the Princess and my intention of marrying her. I…do hold feelings for Cagalli…"

The king smiled kindly and watched the stuttering prince. "Athrun, you must understand Cagalli's feeling. She would not have reacted that way if she did not love you."

"I know, it's just that it's complicated…"

"You needn't explain to me, I trust you will find the way to pacify my hotheaded child. But promise me to never get distracted no matter how difficult things become and lose sight of what is important." The king advised. From his first glance, Uzumi could tell the connection between Cagalli and Athrun, but is Athrun truly blind to Lady Campbell's feeling for him?

Though the king has his concerns, it was not his place to get involved. Now he turns his attention to the other prince.

"What say you, Prince Kira?"

"I…do not know where to start…" Kira held back, unable to layout the problem between him and his betrothed.

"My child, I have never seen Lacus looked so sad. So long has Lacus stood as the mother figure, Cagalli and I tend to forget she is just a young lady who has troubles of her own. While her twin is quite outward about her emotions, Lacus is rather reserved, and it is quite awkward for a father to protrude in his daughter's private life."

"Well…Your Majesty…My problem is quite different than Athrun's, to say the very least. Some time ago, a misunderstanding happened between us. As a result, I lost a best friend and perhaps even my honor." Kira said, reluctant to go into detail. Besides, the whole issue was blown so big, he doubt the king was blind to what he's talking about.

Yet Uzumi kept a straight face, revealing nothing to Kira. "Is this misunderstanding so tremendous that it cannot be recuperated?"

"I cannot say for sure. But right now I'm still feeing the sting of it."

The king chuckled, despite Kira and Athrun's surprise. "But you did say it was a misunderstanding, didn't you? There's no misunderstanding in the world that cannot be dissolved by a little forgiveness and patience. I trust you and Lacus have the ability to get through this?"

Kira hung his head down a little. "I suppose."

"Splendid! I hope this little talk of ours has been quite helpful. I must thank you both for sharing these facts to reveal my girls have matured most definitely in the days of my absence."

After that the king dismissed both princes for other stately matters.

Athrun and Kira walked side by side out of the room. Both felt a little bit better for letting their feelings out. King Uzumi had been a kind listener. Perhaps the stay in Orb is not such a bad idea after all.

"What do you say, Mir?" Tolle asked gaily.

"Huh?" Miriallia snapped out of her thought. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Mir!" Tolle took her hand, "I've been wanting to have a talk with you for a long time. You seem…a bit distracted…since your return from Zaft."

"Oh Tolle, I'm so sorry for worrying you. It's really nothing. I…just have to accustom myself to the lifestyle in Orb again that's all." She lied.

Tolle looked dubious but let the issue drop for now.

"Why don't we go out for a bit of fresh air?" Mir requested. Sitting in the house, contemplating about Dearka is not going to improve her health or her mind. Plus she feels entirely guilty around Tolle. He's been nothing but an angel to her since her return.

"Wonderful! We'll take my open carriage. It's a nice day outside. Perhaps we should visit the beach and catch some nice sunshine."

"Sounds great!" Mir can't help but smile.

"Ah, the sunset is beautiful as always." Mir breathed in the salty sea.

"Yes, the same sunset ever since we were kids." Tolle nodded his agreement, while stealing a look at the lady.

"Thank you Tolle for taking me here. I really appreciate it. Oh my! Look at the time, we have best be getting home for supper." She stood up to brush her dress. Before she could walk away, Tolle grabbed her wrist to turn her to him.

"Tolle?" Mir said surprisingly, seeing Tolle on his knee.

"Lady Miriallia Haww, I know it's sudden. But I've waiting a long time to do this. We've known each other for so long and I've never had a doubt about our future together. Well, what I'm trying to say is that…Will you accept my hand in marriage?"

Mir's eyes widened at Tolle's sudden proposal. She stared at his flushed face, speechless for a moment. Then she slowly sank down besides him and whispered in a low voice, "Tolle, I…I'm sorry…"

He stiffened when he heard her words, but waited patiently for her to finish.

"There's….there's someone else…I just can't….not anymore…."

She wept silently while leaning on his chest.

Tolle put his arms around her. "You met someone else in Zaft?"

"Yes, I'm so sorry it had to end like this…I…"

"Do I know him?"

"…"

"Is it Lord Elthsman?"

She froze and he knew he hit the mark. Miriallia wasn't that surprised Tolle guessed it so quickly. He's always been very perceptive, which made her even guiltier.

After drying her eyes a bit, she stood up to face him.

"Yes, Dearka and I have been seeing each other while I was in Zaft. I have to tell you everything. I owe you that much at the very least."

Miriallia then proceeded to tell Tolle about what happened between her and Dearka in the short time they have come to know each other.

After hearing all of it, Tolle didn't say anything.

"You have every right to be mad at me…"

Suddenly, Tolle held a hand up to stop her.

"I'm not mad at you Mir. I can never be, you know that. But it's true I'm disappointed. It was never in my expectation you would…Regardless, what kind of gentleman would I be if I were to turn against you when you need me the most?"

"So…you truly do not hate me for what I have done?"

Tolle looks at her with sad eyes. "I wish it turned out different. But if that is what your heart is telling you, then we must both abide by its decision."

"Oh Tolle…" Mir couldn't believe how peaceful Tolle had taking in the news. She knew she would always love him for his understanding and compassion, just not in the way he had hope it would be.

He held her closely in his arms and told her gently, "At least allow me to hold you once more as the Mir in my memories. For from tomorrow on, I will have to take on a new role. Miriallia, know that I will always be your protector and friend, and love you as a brother."

"Thank you…" She cried once again in his arms.

After some time, they both sat down at the beach to calm their emotions a little.

"You know what your parents are going to say about it, don't you?" Tolle spoke suddenly.

"I know, I am prepared to face them. No longer will I cower and hide from the truth." She stated boldly.

"Does he love you?"

"I do believe so."

"Think it will be enough?"

"It will have to be. In any case, if he does not, my love will cover the both of us to see this through."

"Let me know if I can help you in any way."

"I will." She finally smiled her brightest, after spending days in gloom.

"Let's go, Cagalli. We mustn't keep the lady in waiting." Lacus said.

"Lacus, how can you be so peaceful about this? Do you really want to get close to the enemy?" The blonde princess fumed.

"Lady Talia is not our enemy." Her sister chided. "We should get to know her, for father's sake. That is why I have asked to meet with her today."

"What? You asked for this meeting? I can't believe it. My days at home just keep getting better and better. First, all my friends disappear to do their own biddings, then Murrue learns about her ex's soon-to-be execution, and sank into melancholy. Worst of all, Athrun's gone to who knows where and doing God knows what….and probably with that unseemly pink creature too!"

Lacus gave an innocent look at her own pink outfit. Cagalli muttered a soft 'not you' and rolled her eyes.

"But sister, I do so look forward in seeing the new additions to our family. Would you not indulge me by accompanying me please?"

"Lacus, you know I don't like it when you turn your charm on me. I'm helpless again it." Cagalli finally laughed. "And don't talk like they are already family. That remains to be seen. Humph!"

Lacus harboured a secret smile and followed her headstrong twin out of the chamber.

"Girls, you are just in time." Lady Talia smiled. Waving her dress maids away, she led the princesses to sit.

"Lady Talia, thank you for receiving us." Lacus curtsied and nudged her twin to follow. Cagalli repeated, much to her annoyance.

"I'm so glad we get to spend time together before the wedding. His Majesty has been missing the both of you terribly since your departure. And Orb has been missing her jewels as well."

"You are too kind." Lacus smiled. "By the way, how are you finding your stay in Orb?"

"Everything is perfect! I could not ask for more. I hope all of you will stay till after the wedding." Talia asked.

"We'll see." Cagalli replied, not taking her seriously. Lacus gave her sister a secret shake, "What my sister meant was we would gladly stay, but we have to consult with our princes before any decision can be made."

"Of course."

Suddenly, knocking at the door and a guard entered.

"Lady Gladys, Lord Za Burrel and Lady Hahnenfuss have arrived."

"Let them in."

Cagalli and Lacus shared a look, wondering why Rey and Shiho are here.

"I'm sorry, girls. I thought it would a good idea to meet my niece and nephew. All of you should get along splendidly. Ah, come here darlings," She waved at them. "Meet Princess Lacus and Cagalli."

Rey bowed deeply and Shiho curtsied to them.

"Let's have some afternoon tea together then." Talia motioned to the maid.

"Oh, this is going to be sweet." Cagalli muttered sarcastically under her breath.

"I have a question, your ladyship. But why do Rey and Shiho have different last names? Are they not from the same family?" Cagalli started off.

"Cagalli, how rude of you…"

Lady Talia merely laughed. "It is quite alright, Lacus. Many people wondered about it. Shiho is my niece by blood. She is my late sister's only child. Rey on the other hand is my nephew not through blood, but the child of my most beloved friend. Unfortunately for both children, their parents have passed and I have taken them in as my wards."

"So that is why…Lady Talia is very kind to have taken so much responsibility onto herself." Lacus replied.

"Yes, but contrary to what people may think, Rey and Shiho are the ones that keep me out of trouble."

"Oh, really?" Cagalli said, searching Rey and Shiho's face, while the latter two revealed nothing.

Knock, Knock –

"Excuse, my lady, His Majesty has requested your presence at once."

"Oh dear, just when we were getting to know each other." Talia sighed. "But the king must come first. Rey, Shiho, please entertain the princesses in my stead. I will be back as soon as I can." She smiled apologetically and left.

"Well, that was short. So much for the little get-together." Cagalli said to her twin.

"Whatever your highnesses wish to know, you can ask them of us." Shiho said shyly.

"Alright." Cagalli scratched her head. She had a load of questions before and was going to be quite demanding to get the answers. But she can't possibly use that attitude on a sweet natured girl such as Shiho. It will just make her feel like a bully. Now Cagalli doesn't know where to begin with her interrogation.

"Princess Lacus, you are looking as radiant as ever." Rey praised to the surprised princess."

"You are too kind, Lord Za Burrel."

"Please call me Rey. There's no need for formality. May I call you Lacus?"

"Of course you may."

"How's life in Alliance?"

"Very comforting. Alliance is a beautiful place. You should pay a visit sometime."

"I would if I have the time. I was hoping to be acquainted with Prince Kira as well. Perhaps an introduction can be made on my behalf?"

Lacus smiled. "It is a simple matter. I will see to it."

Cagalli listened impatiently to their exchange of words till her manners could no longer retain her. She put on a polite smile to address Rey and Shiho.

"You know, why don't the two of you tell us more about you guys? I'm sure you've learned a lot of things about us through the gossips already so why don't we cut the chitchat?"

Rey narrowed his eyes, not at all happy for being interrupted. "Princess, we were not chitchatting. Plus there is really nothing interesting about us. At least not the kind of 'dirt' you are looking for."

"What did you say?" Cagalli jumped up. "Did you just accuse me of snooping?"

"Even a blind man can see you're not happy about the king's engagement to our aunt. Ii doesn't take a genius to guess what your position is on the matter."

"At least I'm being civil about it." She spat.

"So you admit it? You do not accept the king's choice?"

Lacus rubs her head, feeling a headache building up. She and Shiho sat helpless to stop their verbal exchange.

"Don't take your anger out on us just because your boyfriend is with someone else." Rey retaliated harshly.

That does it! To bring up Athrun's name now is like adding fuel to a forest fire. "That's it! You! Me! In the courtyard, NOW!"

Rey simply stood up and was ready to follow Cagalli out the door.

"Enough! Both of you stop where you are!" Lacus commanded firmly, stopping them in their tracks.

"Cagalli, as the host here, you have acted disgracefully to our guest. Remember who you are. You are Princess Cagalli Yula Attha, not a wench out bellowing on the streets!"

Her words snapped Cagalli's temper, and the blonde hung her head shamefully down.

"And Rey, please do not provoke my sister more. I do not know why you can act this way towards her when you have been nothing but kindness towards me. Lady Talia and father would be discouraged to see us fight like this."

"I…understand. I'm sorry, to both Princess Lacus and Cagalli. Please accept my apology. I was not myself."

"Cagalli, please forgive Rey. He acted out of character today. I should very much like to be your friend." Shiho extends her hand toward Cagalli.

Cagalli looks at the beautifully timid girl in front of her, and sighed in defeat. She shook Shiho's hand and gave her a warm smile. "My pleasure, I guess I'm sorry too."

Lacus smiled at all of them. It was clear to her Rey and Cagalli did not get along from the start, but Shiho was a well tempered girl that can handle Cagalli's temper. Perhaps it's better for those to spend more time together to patch thing up.

"Sir Mwu, show me that move once again." A knight called out to Sir Mwu.

"Sure thing!" Mwu took out his sword and performed a swift counterstrike for the young knight. The knight studies Mwu closely and tried it a few times himself.

Mwu laughed at the boy's s clumsiness and give him a few more pointers. Unbeknownst to him, Murrue was watching him in the corner.

She has been there quite some times. Murrue can't understand herself. She used to loath hearing Mwu's endless jest and comments, but lately, she can't seem to be without his presence.

For the past few days, she's been standing in the shadows, watching Mwu and his colleagues train. It was clear he was well respected here. His fellow knights welcomed him back with endless duels and conversations. They weren't the only ones. Many ladies of the court were also eager to pay him a visit at the courtyard, eagerly showing him their secret smiles and showering him with praises, which gave her a sour feeling.

After hearing about Rau's sentence from Athrun, Murrue has lost all energy and will. Sitting and watching Mwu seems like the only thing she can do. While everyone enjoyed themselves in Orb, Murrue felt cold and desperately lonely. Perhaps this is why she seems so attach to Sir Mwu now. That man's energy never seems to falter.

Murrue was so deep in thought that she neglected a figure coming up behind her. A low voice spoke out, "A penny for your thought."

Murrue jumped and looked back. Sir Mwu smiled down at her widened eyes, seemingly happy with himself for catching her off guard.

"My thoughts are not for sale." Murrue said, quickly recollecting herself.

"Alright, then how about as a friend?"

She looked up at him and considered. "I don't think you want to know what I'm thinking." She replied.

"Hmm…" He thought about it. Then unexpectedly, took her hand to lead her away from the courtyard.

"What do you think you are doing? Unhand me at once!" She cried.

"My dear lady, I would advise you to keep your voice down if you do not want to create a scene."

Murrue gritted her teeth but struggled along the way till Mwu lead her to the entrance to the garden maze.

Murrue shook his grip off on her and stood a few paces away, her face slightly flushed from embarrassment and anger.

"What do you want, really?" She asked.

Mwu looked at the amazing woman in front of him. The more he gets closer to her, the more he seems attracted. It's true he used to be a flirt, but Murrue is different. She is a creature of contradictions. Lady Murrue Ramius is strong and frail, seductive yet spiteful, mature but sometimes childish. All that is her fascinated him, which is why it's killing him to see her wither.

He heard from the Prince that Rau Le Creuset is to be executed for what he has done. No doubt this is the reason for her sorrow. Mwu cannot allow himself to sit idly by and do nothing about it, for he has appointed himself to be her knight in shining armours.

"Well dear lady, I have come to request a favour."

"A favour? Of what nature?"

"I'm surprised you didn't turn me down already." Mwu joked.

"I can still rephrase myself if that's your wish." Murrue smirked.

"No, no, no….Please do not!"

"So?"

"Right…The favour to which I would like to ask is of intimate nature." Mwu said slowly.

Murrue cocked her head to one side, "An intimate nature? Perhaps I have misheard you…"

"No lady, you heard me right. I have come to ask your hand in marriage."

For the first time since Rau's news, Murrue felt alive again, with the wild beating of her heart.

So Andrew and Aisha were done a few chapters ago, now i've decided to speed up a few pairing, namely Mwu and Murrue, Dearka and Miriallia. I really like Shinn and Stellar so I'll save them for a bit later. Not sure if i want to put Shiho and Yzak in the story...might be a little too much! I know, there's not much fluff in this chapter. But will will come soon! Next chapter, Mwu reveals more to Murrue on what he meant. Shiho and Rey will dive deeper into the friendship of the heroes. Will they truly be a friend or a hidden foe?