Title/theme: TRUST
Genre: general
Approx time line: Phase 24-5 of GS
Summary: She saw that he seemed to breath a sigh of relief. "So then, you have faith in my abilities?"

--

"I can't believe she actually said that," Murrue heard someone say as she walked past the cafeteria.

"Yeah, the Captain sure has guts, standing up to the Lieutenant like that. I sure wouldn't have," someone relied.

Murrue sighed and shook her head. Let them talk about what they wanted, she didn't care. She was too tired to care.

"They're right, you know," came a familiar voice from behind her. She sighed and simply kept going.

"I heard about what you said to the Lieutenant, and I have to say, I'm quite impressed," the voice persisted when she didn't answer.

"I suppose I should feel flattered?" she mumbled without turning around.

He chuckled, "Well, I am trying to compliment you."

She rolled her eyes, he didn't see of course, "In that case, thank you."

They walked in silence. She still didn't turn around, but she knew he was there, following her.

"You know, you shouldn't let her harass you like that," he said softly, breaking the silence.

She sighed, "She's just doing her job Commander."

"Oh?" Mwu raised an eyebrow, "Since when is it the job of the Vice-Captain to harass the Captain?"

Silence.

"No, that's your job, isn't it Commander," she finally replied.

Mwu blinked in surprise. It took him a moment to realise she was just joking. She couldn't keep the slight twitch of her lips as he laughed nervously.

"Oh come on, why are you being so mean to me?" he protested with feigned offence.

She laughed on the inside, "Because you were asking for it."

They stopped outside her office as she punched the code to open the door.

"Can I come in for a bit?" he asked as she entered. She glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. Even though he was asking for permission, he was already halfway into her room.

"Sure, I guess," she waved her hand and sat at her chair. He followed and sat down on the edge of her desk.

"You look tired," he observed as she massaged her temples.

"You try being the Captain," she retorted as she leaned on her arms.

He chuckled. "I'd love to give it a try," he leaned closer and stared into her eyes, "As soon as I find someone to replace me in the Skygrasper." There was a look of challenge in his blue eyes.

She humphed and looked away. "You know I can't pilot that thing." Then she grinned, "And I doubt you know how to command this ship."

He opened his mouth to retort, but she cut him off.

"Let's stick to our jobs Commander, especially now."

He smiled softly. "Aye aye Captain!" before patting her shoulder, "Just don't work yourself too hard."

"I'll remember that. Thank you Commander."

She looked back to him, "Did you want something specifically?"

He looked surprised for a moment, but caught himself. He smiled gently; there was something in his blue eyes, something that Murrue couldn't quite place.

"I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" she was taken aback, "For what?"

He shook his head, "I'll tell you someday, but not right now."

She knitted her brow, "Commander, if you have something to say, say it now, because 'someday' may not…" her voice trailed off.

But he still shook his head. "Now's not the right time. You'll know one day," he told her firmly.

Silence passed between them. It was broken by the gentle clearing of her throat.

"Commander?"

"Yes?"

"Could you please not sit on my desk?"

Mwu was speechless for once. He quickly stood up and walked to the other side of the room.

"Actually, there's something else I wanted to ask you," he started.

"Yes?"

"Why did you want to search for that girl so badly?" he turned to her, "I mean, from a strategic point of view, it's not the smartest thing to do."

"I know," she answered softly, not looking at him, "Natarle made sure to let me know that quite clearly."

"No, I didn't mean it like that!" he said quickly, "It's just that, well, it's not something that is done. I mean, sending out the Strike to search for one person when we're in ZAFT territory, when we didn't even know if we'd find her or not." Then at her troubled look, his tone softened, "Look, I'm not trying to chastise you or question you, I'm just curious."

"I just want to take care of my crew," she answered softly, "Everyone's been so kind to me, even though I know I'm not the best of captains."

"I know your intensions are good Captain," he said softly, "But you could've endangered everyone else by sending out the Strike like that. We could've been attacked, and without Kira—"

"I know that!" she cut him off, surprising him with her tone. It softened as she realised she was almost yelling. "I know that. But Cagalli-san helped us in the desert. She's just a girl, not even in the military, yet she's lending us her strength by helping us fight. It's the least that I could do in return. Besides," she mumbled, as if not wanting him to hear, "I wasn't worried. Even if Kira-kun was out, you were still here if they'd attacked."

"You really are too soft," he whispered.

"So I've heard," she sighed.

He smiled, "But, that's probably just what we need for this ship."

"Eh?" she looked up in surprise.

"One more question before I leave you alone," he walked to her desk and leaned closer, "If it'd been me in that girl's place, would you do the same for me?"

She looked at him square in the eye. "No."

Mwu straightened up in surprise. Once again, he was speechless. That was not the answer he was expecting.

"W-Why not?"

She couldn't hide the smile at his surprise and disappointment. "Because you're so mean to me." She giggled at his confused look, as if not sure how to react. She took a deep breath to calm herself down.

"But seriously Commander," she smiled, "I wouldn't do that for you because I know you'd never get yourself into that kind of situation in the first place. I trust you to take care of yourself."

She saw that he seemed to breath a sigh of relief. "So then, you have faith in my abilities?"

She shrugged and smiled, "I've got no other choice, now do I?"

He grinned from ear to ear. "Then I'll trust in your decisions as well," he told her softly and patted her shoulder.

"Get some rest Captain," he said as he headed for the door, "Don't worry, I'll hold down the fort for ya. You can trust me with the ship!"

"Hey wait! I said I trust in your abilities as a pilot, not—"

But he was already out the door.

She sighed as she headed for her bed. Yes, it was true that she trusted him during a battle, which was why she couldn't help but feel so safe with him out there, but what she didn't tell him was that if it ever came down to it that he needed help, she'd be the first to assist him, even if she had to go against everyone to do it.

What can I say? I really am too soft of a captain…

AN: I dunno, randomness... just noticed that most of these are set either late or after SEED, just wanted to write something earlier, and with Murrue teasing Mwu for once... and that they may not always agree on everything. I think Mwu's more of a soldier than Murrue, so he may not understand everything she does... but I really do think they trust in each other's abilities...