Title/theme: INSOMNIA
Genre: Fluffy
Approx time line: Phase 41-42 of GS
Summary: "I-I can't sleep," she answered softly.

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Murrue Ramius wandered the halls of the Archangel in her nightdress, her uniform coat draped over her shoulders. The halls were mostly empty, save for a few people staying on guard. She didn't know where she was going; all she knew was that she couldn't sleep.

In outer space, there was no night or day to dictate when to sleep and when to wake, but since the Archangel and the Kusanagi had managed to avoid detection by the Earth Alliance and the ZAFT forces, they were finally getting a moment of peace. Not wanting to waste what precious little time they had, it was suggested that the crew get some good sleep, because they'd need strength in case the enemy shows up.

The young captain had retired to her room, and tried to enter slumber. She was exhausted, but her mind wouldn't let her rest. She shivered as she lay alone on the bed, her fear and irritation over the events in Alaska and Orb plagued her. Frustrated, she got up for a walk, hoping to clear her mind.

She stopped in front of a familiar door and hesitated. Maybe talking with him would help set her mind at ease.

Without thinking, she punched the code for the door. She stepped in the doorway as it slid open. The room was dark, and she suddenly realized that he must have been sleeping. He was probably tired too, and she should let him rest.

Just as she was able to turn to leave, she heard a movement from the other side of the room. She looked, and saw him stir slightly. In the dim light from the hallway, she saw his right eye crack open.

"Murrue?" came his mumbled voice.

Not sure what to do, she entered the room and heard the door slide shut behind her.

"What's wrong?" he asked, sounding half-asleep.

She moved closer to his bed and pulled her uniform tighter around her shoulders.

"I-I can't sleep," she answered softly. She felt her cheeks grow hot, and was grateful that the darkness of the room hid her embarrassment.

He grunted in reply. And without saying another word, he lifted the cover with one hand, as if inviting her.

She looked around for a while, as if debating what to do. Then she took a deep breath and slowly approached his bed, letting her uniform slide off her shoulders. She hesitantly climbed onto the bed on the room he made for her, her heart pounding so loudly she was afraid it'd wake him.

Before she could change her mind, she was enveloped by a pair of strong arms and felt herself being pulled close to him. Her cheeks grew hot again as she could feel his gentle breaths tickle her bangs and heard a content sigh from him.

"Mwu!" she protested softly. But her words fell to deaf ears as she realized that he was already asleep.

She sighed. His embrace was so warm and comforting. She felt her doubts and fears melt away, because of the knowledge that he was there.

Murrue shifted to a more comfortable position and snuggled close to him, drawing another happy noise from him.

She was finally able to sleep.

AN: aww, wasn't that sweet? I got the idea when I was trying to fall asleep, imagining it must be nice to snuggle up to Mwu... (yeah, fangirl side of my brain taking over for a moment...)