Title/theme: GIFT
Summary: She kissed him gently and smiled, face content. "It's okay. The fact that you came was the best gift I could've ever asked for."

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October 12.

It was a joyous occasion, with the war ended, and everyone gathered at the little seaside house to celebrate the birthday of one special person.

"Happy birthday Murrue-san!" the young Coordinator boy shouted as he raised his glass to the former warship captain.

Murrue smiled and blushed in embarrassment. "Oh come on, Kira-kun, aren't I getting too old for this?"

"Oh come now Captain Ramius," Andrew Waltfeld gave her a nudge and a wink, "You're never too old to party!"

She shook her head and let them have their way. It was after all, just another excuse for friends to get together and celebrate the peace that they've been having for the past year. She was glad to see the smiles on everyone's faces, especially Kira's, that she allowed herself to be talked into having a party like this.

But despite her smiles, she seemed a little sad, as she looked around for the one person that she wanted to, but wasn't, seeing.

"Are you sure you don't need any help?" Lacus asked as she stood in the doorway with Kira. The party was over, and guests were leaving one by one.

"Yes, thank you for the offer Lacus-san, but I can clean up by myself."

She closed the door behind the last of her guests and sighed. As she turned to go back to the kitchen, she almost jumped at the blond figure standing before her, a familiar grin on his handsome face.

"Hey there!" he said, smile growing.

"Don't do that! You scared me," she grumbled as she made her way back to the kitchen.

"I'm sorry," he laughed as he followed her.

"You should be," she scolded. "And you're late too!" she complained as she took two plates and headed for the sink, pretending to be angry.

"Aww, I'm sorry," he tried to peer at her face. When she wouldn't let him see, he sighed and resorted to wrapping his arms tightly around her, nearly making her drop the plates out of surprise.

"Mwu!" she protested, but the protest turned to laughter as he nuzzled her neck, tickling her with his gentle breath. She could never stay angry at him.

"You're late," she whispered, a bit sadly, "I thought you'd forgotten."

"Me? Forget!" he protested with feigned offence, "I'd never forget your special day Murrue."

She smiled. She didn't think he'd forget. "But you missed the party."

"Hmm, I know," he answered, kissing her cheek. "I came late on purpose, 'cause I want to have you all to myself."

She giggled and poked him on the nose. "You're so selfish, you know that?"

"I know," he whispered in her ear, his breath a soft breeze, before releasing her and stealing some leftover cake.

"Stop that!" she grabbed the cake from him and put it in the fridge, despite his childish whine. "You didn't make it on time for the party, so you can't have any cake."

"Aww, no cake…" he looked at her in disappointment, and she couldn't help but giggle slightly at his childishness.

"Oh yeah," he came up to her, as if remembering something important. "I haven't told you yet, have I?"

"What?" she looked up and found herself staring into his blue eyes shining with laughter.

"Happy birthday Murrue."

She closed her eyes as he kissed her on the lips, the brush of his lips reminding her of a playful summer breeze.

"Thank you." She smiled, a genuine smile that reflected her happiness.

"So, shall we take a walk outside?" Before she could protest, he grabbed her hand and led her outside onto the beach and stepping into the shallow water. She watched as the sun reflected off his golden hair and smiled. He was just how she remembered.

"So, how have things been for you?" he asked as they watched the waves gently lap at her sandaled feet.

She looked into the horizon. "I'm managing," she answered softly.

He looked wistful. "I'm sorry," he whispered as he took her in his arms.

"It's alright Mwu, I'm fine." She leaned her head on his shoulder, "I just wish we could stay like this, forever."

He didn't say anything, but Murrue thought she felt him nod.

"Maybe we should go back," he whispered as he felt her shiver slightly due to the wind starting to pick up.

She shook her head. "Please, let's stay like this, just for a while longer."

There they stayed, watching the sun dye the sky and the ocean with its colours as it slowly sank towards the horizon.

"I-I have to go, soon," he whispered, eyes on the setting sun.

She gasped softly as she looked at him in dismay, but nodded in understanding as she turned her gaze back to the horizon. "I know."

"Oh yeah, I, um," he looked down, slightly embarrassed, "I forgot to get you a present."

She kissed him gently and smiled, face content. "It's okay. The fact that you came was the best gift I could've ever asked for."

The wind picked up, tossing her dark hair. The sun was just a glimmer of light above the ocean now, and they both knew what it meant.

"I have to go now Murrue," he told her as he caressed her face, his touch like that of the wind. She nodded, but pulled him closer, as if wanting to keep his fleeting presence there with her.

"I'm sorry, but I can't stay, you know that," he looked sad as he gently brushed away the tear trailing down her cheek.

She smiled sadly and nodded again. "I know. But promise you'll come again."

"I promise. I'll visit you in your dreams."

With a final kiss that was soft and gentle like the spring wind, he melted away into the ocean breeze.

Happy birthday! she heard it whisper and smiled.

Thank you Mwu, for giving me the best gift ever…

AN: that wasn't what you expected, was it? another piece inspired by the OVA scene (I really do like that scene...), kinda companion piece to "Birthday".