The small room was dim, just a single light illuminating the office. A brunette leaned her back against the teal chair, a stack of papers sitting on the smooth blue desk. She closed her eyes, covering her mouth as she yawned. A half full cup of lukewarm coffee sat off to the side, the beverage seemingly forgotten by the one who sat there. Her lips curved downward in a small frown as she glanced at the papers again.The Archangel was due to be deployed to the lunar city Copernicus, where they would attempt to gather what intelligence they could on the activities of ZAFT Chairman Dullindal and meet with the Orb forces stationed in the neutral city.
We just got back here, and now we have to leave again, the young captain sighed heavily, resting her head on the table. When is all of this going to end? We've been fighting battle after battle, yet this war seems no closer to ending than when it began. But if we don't do something, I'm sure things will only get worse. If we have the power to make a difference, we have to put it too good use, she smiled at his words, her head pillowed on her forearms. Dozing off, she was startled by the sound of the metal door hissing open.
"You look tired," the tall blonde remarked, one eyebrow cocked. "Seems someone's been working pretty hard," he sat down on the desk, tapping the white sheets.
"I'm just making sure everything is in order before we leave," she took a sip of the now cold coffee. "We only have two more days before we go," she reminded him. Yawning, she stretched her arms above her head. She winced, feeling ligaments pop, her muscles protesting from being stuck in the chair for hours on end.
"Looks like you've been sitting here too long," Neo frowned at the pained expression on the brunette's pretty face. "I think I know just what you need," his scarred face lit up in a happy grin. Standing up, he pulled her up by the hand, leading her out the door to her room. He looked back, amused by the confused expression she wore.
"Where...where are we going?" Her voice squeaked, her topaz eyes wide.
"Follow me," he led her down the long, quiet corridors, making their way to the exit. "Here we are," the stopped by the main entrance. "Some fresh air will do ya good," he grinned, the large doors sliding open.
"But...but I still have work to do," Murrue stammered, attempting to protest, but finding herself unsuccessful. Even without his memories, the blonde was still as stubborn as ever. You really haven't changed, have you? She rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance.
"The work can wait. Remember you said that we still have two days left?" He pulled her outside, leading her down the gantry stairs. "I bet you haven't had a break in a long time, have you?"
"Not really," she sighed. "Not since before all this started. Before, we were in the ocean in Scandinavia. Not exactly the best place to get some fresh air. After that, with all the fighting, there wasn't really a chance."
"See. A break will do ya some good," he chuckled, the two reaching the bottom of the stairs. "I haven't had a break in a long time either," he turned his head, his eyes suddenly downcast.
"I'm sorry. But things are different now. And hopefully, we won't have to worry about fighting anymore." She looked out to the coastline, the sun beginning to sink low on the western horizon, illuminating the vast sky in a fiery display.
"I think we would all like that," he squeezed her hand, smiling down at her. The sunset bathed him in a golden aura, his blonde hair appearing copper in the dying daylight.
Crimson spread across her face as she looked down at their interlocked hands, warmth spreading throughout her body. Her pulse quickened as they stood on the fine sand.
"Oh...I'm sorry," the colonel. "I didn't mean...," he looked down at her, his azure orbs apologetic.
"It's okay," she smiled, gently squeezing his hand. "So where to?" She looked up at him, her soft voice just above a whisper.
"Don't know," he laughed, the two walking along the cooling sand. Gentle waves broke against the shore, the air cool and crisp, a gentle breeze rustling their hair. "You hungry? I bet you haven't eaten. Am I right?"
"That sounds nice," she giggled, surprised by how well he seemed to know her, despite only being here a few days. He's still in there. I know he is..., they continued down the long shore, making their way to a quiet street lined with small shops and restaurants.
A small eatery with a covered patio caught his eye, lively music filling the early evening air. Patrons sat outside, enjoying the cool ocean breeze, chatting away about their days. "How 'bout this one?" Neo pointed at the tiny building, tiki lamps lighting the busy patio.
"Anywhere is fine," she agreed. "I guess I'm hungrier than I thought," she giggled, his hand pulling her towards the entrance.
"Is this what peace is like?" The scarred man leaned back in his chair, his face cooled by the calm wind. His eyes stared out over the calm sea, millions of tiny stars dotting the now black sky.
"Yes," she nodded, taking a sip of her cola. She looked over at him, her heart aching from his saddened expression.
"It's funny. Even though there was no fighting for the past two years...I don't even know what peace feels like," he sighed, gaze still focused on the gentle waves crashing against the silvery sand.
"I'm sorry," a single tear rolled down her cheek, her heart breaking. Wiping away the tiny drop, she turned her head, taking his hand in her own. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that." She squeezed his hand. "I hope that you'll be able to find peace. That we all will."
"I hope so too. And until that time comes, as long as we have the power to make a difference, we have to put it to good use, right?" He smiled at the young captain, the moon bathing her in its silver aura. She looked beautiful...ethereal even.
"I...," her eyes widened, shocked from the familiar words. His words. Those words that had such an impact on so many lives. "Right," she agreed.
"I didn't thank you properly," he turned his head, deep voice quiet.
"Thank me? For what?" Murrue tilted her head in confusion, finishing the last of her ice cold beverage.
"For letting me stay on Archangel...with you," he leaned down, his lips lightly brushing against the smooth skin of her cheek, electricity pulsing throughout their bodies from the simple gesture.
"I...uh...you don't have to thank me," the brunette stammered, attempting to hide her obvious embarrassment.
"Don't be silly. You gave me a place to stay," he smiled, his fingertips softly caressing her cheek. "You're cute when you're embarrassed," he teased, amused by her reaction.
"I should be the one thanking you," the auburn haired woman looked up, thankful for the relief the cool breeze brought to her burning skin. "For helping us...for coming back."
"I did that...because I wanted to. I didn't want to see you get hurt. Something about being here...being with you feels right. Like it's where I'm supposed to be." He looked at the clock hanging on the restaurant's wall. "Looks like we should head back," he left money on the table, pulling his companion to her feet.
"Thank you...for this. I think I needed this more than I thought," she smiled, the two walking along the cool sand.
"Any time," he grinned, intertwining his fingers with hers, the moon hanging high in the night sky.
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A/N: More fluff. XD Hope you all enjoyed, and please review.