Title/theme: ASSURANCE
Genre: Romance (mush XD)
Approx time line: Phase 41 of GS
Summary: "You know what, you're not alone. There's always someone in the world that cares about you and gives you the strength to fight."

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Murrue Ramius stared out into the blanket of outer space, deep in thought. They had just come back from a meeting on the Kusanagi, and she finally had some down time to think about all that has happened so far. She was still in semi-shock that Uzumi-sama had destroyed Kaguya after sending the Archangel and the Kusanagi into space. Even though she understood what Uzumi-sama was saying, she didn't know how she and her comrades would achieve their goal.

Pieces of debris from past battles floated by, reminding her of the task at hand.

What should we be fighting for, and how?

She was suddenly brought out of her reverie when she felt herself being enfolded from behind by strong arms. Gentle breaths tickled her dark hair back as she felt soft kisses being placed on her neck.

"Mwu…" she sighed and closed her eyes in content, leaning back into the embrace.

"A penny for your thoughts Captain?" his deep voice whispered playfully in her ear.

She turned slightly, looking into his deep blue eyes. "Only a penny?" she teased, pretending to be hurt.

He chuckled. "Okay then, how about a kiss?"

She sighed, turning her gaze to the window, at the hazy blue of the Earth.

"It's just that, I'm a little sick of war. I can't believe how powerful the Earth Alliance has gotten. Orb was the last stand against them, and now…" she trailed off, not sure how to continue. He was silent, waiting for her to gather herself.

"I know we promised Uzumi-sama to carry the light, and I understand what we want to fight for. But we're just two ships, how are we ever going to achieve our goal?" she bit her lip, "Looking into space, I feel so small, so insignificant. Can we really pull this off?"

She felt him take her small hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

"I know," he answered softly. "We are but a few people in the universe. And the endlessness of space really can make you seem small, especially when you're out there in a mobile suit, alone in the cockpit. It can really make you feel lost and scared, believe me. But you know what, you're not alone—you're never alone. There's always someone in the world that cares about you and gives you the strength to fight. We'll be there for you," he paused for emphasis, "I will be there for you. And even though it's just the few of us, we can't let this world disappear. We have to try to bring about a future that we all desire."

She turned around in his arms and hugged him back. "Thank you."

He gently brushed a stray strand of her hair back. "I know it's hard, but please hold on for just a while longer."

Thinking about the battles ahead, she suddenly shuddered. He noticed, but didn't know whether it was from excitement or fear. Either way, he held her tighter, hoping to calm her nerves.

"I, I don't want you to go out there," she suddenly said in a low voice, so low that he had to strain to hear her. Her eyes were lowered, and her voice trembled slightly, "Please stay in here, with me. You can sit at the CIC." She turned to him with pleading eyes.

He smiled softly. "You know I can't. I have to go out there to fight Murrue, you know that." Unable to look at the intenseness in his eyes, she hid her face in his uniform. He cupped a hand under her chin, making her marigold eyes meet his. "Since there's only a few of us, every person has to do their best. You have your duties, and I have mine. If I have the ability to make a difference, I have to put it to good use. The same goes for Kira, for Athrun-kun, and for you too."

She understood what he was getting at, but still, the thought of him out there alone…

"Don't worry, I'll be fine," he assured her at her worried look. "I can make the impossible possible, remember?" She couldn't help but giggle a bit at his cocky tone.

"Okay," she sighed. Then she looked up, eyes serious, "But please, don't get too overconfident out there."

"I won't," he smiled. "Besides," he winked, the seriousness gone and his usual spark back in his eyes, "I'm looking forward for this to be over. Then we'll have all the time in the world."

She smiled and shivered in excitement at the thought of finally being able to spend time with him. She quickly looked down to hide the blush she knew was creeping onto her cheeks. Then looking up, her eyes held the same mischievousness in his eyes, she grinned. "So, now you know my thoughts, where's my kiss?"

He looked surprised at her audacity for a second, but quickly regained his humour. "All right, I guess I do owe you a kiss don't I," he winked.

Murrue closed her eyes and waited for him. But to her surprise, he gently placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. She opened her eyes and pouted.

"Hey! No fair!" she protested as he released her.

"Sorry Cap'n, but you didn't say where. Maybe next time, you'll be more specific!" with a cheerful laugh and a wave, he floated down the corridor towards the hanger to tend to his duties.

She knotted her brows before she too started giggling. She sighed and shook her head, that Mwu La Fllaga, he was such a puzzle. But she felt better knowing that she wasn't alone, that he would there for her.

With a content smile, she headed to the bridge, ready for the next battle. After all, she had something to look forward to after the war.

AN: Yay for senseless fluff and mushiness! XD. Inspiration came from what Murrue told Kira in Phase 32 of GSDestiny (More on those words can be found in my other story "The Chosen Path"). Also, I've been thinking about the vastness of space, and wondering if they were ever scared of being alone in such a huge place. This idea was originally going to be set earlier in the series (before they descended on Earth), and it was what I was trying to write when I started the first chapter "Sleep" (but that changed directions and turned into something else). So I decided to combine the space/lonely idea with the inspiration from GSD. The fluff and playfulness was thrown in there to counter the seriousness (you know, Mwu can be serious when he wants to be... that's what I love about him :). This also kinda counter-balances "Worry".

Aww, Murrue never did get her kiss on the lips :D, maybe next time ;P