She was still asleep, curled so far into the blankets that only a few tufts of auburn hair were visible and never stirred when he brushed a kiss to the back of her neck, but when he attempted to unwind his arm from around her waist she grumbled, snuggling back into his embrace. Chuckling softly he lay back down, nuzzling his face into her hair. "C'mon, honey. I have to go on shift.."

"Nn."

He grinned. "Are you even asleep?"
"Mmm.."

"I have to get in the shower."

"Stay here." She shuffled around in his arms and placed her chin on his chest, amber eyes still sleepy. "Don't wanna get up yet.."

"We do kind of have to go on duty, sweetheart. I'd love to stay here for longer - I'd stay here with you all day if I could - but I think people might get mad at us."

"M'the captain. If I said you were helping me no-one would say anything.."

"Aren't we docking at Copernicus today? And meeting up with the captains from the rest of the fleet? Archangel's the newest addition - I think they're going to notice if we don't show up.."

Murrue sighed, flopping down to rest her head on his chest and he smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately....until something made him frown. "Look at me a moment."

"Hmm?"

"Just for a moment." Clearly confused she nonetheless did as he asked, and he reached out to place a hand on her forehead. "I thought it was weird that you wanted to stay in bed.."

"S'weird?"

He smiled despite his concerns. "For you, it is. But you're sick."

"Not sick. Just tired."

"Murrue, you're running a fever. You're sick."

She shook her head. "I've been working too hard, that's all. I'll be fine." Stretching out with another little sigh she made as if to get up, grumbling softly when it apparently made her dizzy. "Help me up?"

"Until I said you were sick you were happy to stay here. What changed, exactly?"

"I hate being ill."

"Who doesn't? But sensible people tend to stay in bed and behave themselves when they're ill. Is there any chance of that happening?"

Murrue shook her head.

"Didn't think so." He sighed himself, lying back on the pillows. "What am I going to do with you?"

She smiled and leaned down to kiss him gently. "Don't tell anyone I'm sick, okay? After I've met the other captains I'll come right back here. Promise."

"Really?"

"You sound sceptical."

He reached up to tangle fingers in her hair. "Cause I know you pretty well by now. You'd rather do anything than relax."

Another little smile. "Right now, relaxing sounds really tempting. And I will after we've met the others."

"Why after?"

She pinked. "I'd rather you were here with me."

Mwu chuckled. "What, so we can slack off together? Or do you just want someone to hug?"

"Both."

"Fair enough." Managing to wriggle out from underneath her he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the tiny bathroom. In the light it was easy to see how ill she was, face paper white under the fevered flush. She managed a smile.

"How bad?"

"Not that bad."

She shook her head. "You know I can always tell when you're trying to hide things from me."

"I know."

"So how bad? Will make-up hide it?"

"As long as people don't look too close, it should. But after we're done out there, we come back here and you get some more sleep. Okay?"

Murrue kissed the tip of his nose. "I promised, didn't I?"

It didn't make him feel any better about it. She stood there on the bridge between him and Kira, smiling cheerfully and acting as though nothing were wrong. She shook hands and chatted amiably with the other captains, laughing at jokes and expertly fielding questions about where she and the ship had come from - to outsiders she might look a little tired, but none would have guessed she was ill. One of the other captains, to his (hidden) irritation seemed to have taken quite a shine to her, constantly staring and winking at her. Murrue gave no outward sign that this bothered her however, being politeness itself to the other man. Only the briefest flicker of her eyes back to him betrayed any sign of discomfort.

"Is Murrue-san alright?" Beside him, Kira had clearly noticed something amiss.

"No," he whispered back. "Running a fever."

The kid nodded. "I'll sort this out." Stepping forward he introduced himself, the other captains reacting with surprise as they realised such a young man was a general, then with respect. The kid didn't give them any orders, didn't throw his weight around, and they obviously appreciated that, giving Murrue the much needed opportunity to slip away. She was definitely flagging, the fever and violet shadows under her eyes visible even under the carefully applied make-up, and once they were out in the empty corridor she turned to him and held out her arms.

"C'mon, princess.." Lifting her up he was surprised at how light she was, and how cold. His own warmth seemed to provide comfort, she snuggling close with a contented sigh, and before he reached the elevator at the end of the corridor she was asleep. As carefully as he could he carried her back to their room, settling her in bed and covering her with several blankets after removing her boots. She never stirred once.

"I could have handled it," he scolded gently, brushing back sweat-soaked hair from her forehead. "You don't have to do everything yourself."

Then again, that's what makes her who she is. A stubborn workaholic, and the best person I've ever met. Moving to the bathroom he ran cold water into a bowl, taking it and a washcloth back to her bedside. He had a nasty suspicion that her fever had gotten worse, one that was confirmed when the heat from her skin almost burned his fingers.

"Why'd you have to push yourself like that? If something happened to you, what would I do?" He'd never been able to tell her just how much she meant to him....she was the closest thing to family he had. It's why I hoped she'd agree to marry me. I don't deserve to have someone like her, but I think that we could be happy. Even if she can't learn to take it easy... Dipping the cloth into the cool water he placed it on her forehead, smiling a little when her pained expression immediately disappeared. "There we go.."

He stayed with her like he'd said, resoaking the cloth when it was necessary. He'd made a promise, both to the Director and to himself, to take care of her. He'd look after her today and whenever she got sick, keep her from working too hard (risking being either scolded soundly or completely ignored for at least an hour) and in return he got to spend a forever with her. No matter how you looked at it, that was a good deal. And maybe she can take care of me, too..

"Mmmm..."

How long had she been asleep? She vaguely remembered talking to the other Orb captains - and being leered at - and being in the corridor, but after that, nothing. She'd known on waking up that morning that she'd been ill but had done her best to hide it, not just because she hated having to stay in bed but because she hated to see him worry. Glancing to the side she smiled a little. He was sleeping, soft breaths tickling her cheek, and he twitched scarred nose when she brushed a stray lock of hair from his face.

"Thank you." She meant it for more than just today, and knew he understood. The things he'd done for her she'd never be able to repay him for, but she wanted to try. And the best way to do that, she figured, was to give him the kind of life he'd never been able to have. He had a taste of it back at Erica's and he loved it - I've never seen him so settled. So that's what we'll do. Settling herself closer she kissed him, her smile growing when he stirred, blue eyes blinking a few times before he focused on her. "Hey.."

He smiled himself rather drowsily. "Hi. Feeling better?"

"Much. Thank you."

Mwu inclined his head to rest it against hers. "You're still kinda warm. Best you stay here for today."

"Will you stay here with me?"

"Course I will." Winding an arm around her waist he rolled onto his back, taking her with him. "Someone has to keep an eye on you."

She grinned, reaching up to ruffle his hair. "You make me sound like a kid."

"You act like one sometimes."

"No I don't."

He chuckled. "You do. But that's alright. Wouldn't have it any other way."

Murrue made a face but didn't complain further, instead settling down to pillow her head on his chest. She'd loved just lying with him and listening to his breathing and heartbeat - it had always soothed her knowing that someone was here with her. Comforting. Closing her eyes she idly traced a pattern on his stomach, lips curving in a smile when she felt him shiver.

"You're still ticklish.."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"It's nice knowing some things are still the same.."

He murmured a reply, one hand stroking her hair. Right now it felt like it was just the two of them in the world, with no crew waiting, no war left to fight....it was all she'd ever wanted.

"You think the Director will mind us getting married?"

She poked his midriff. "Mind? She'll be thrilled. The only reason she might be annoyed is 'cause you asked when she wasn't around."

"I'd decided already that if I got brave enough to ask you I'd ask with no-one around. Didn't really want to share the moment with anyone.."

"That's very sweet of you."

He grinned rather shyly, rubbing his nose. "I think it'll be fun."

"I think so too."

"Can we go out tomorrow? To Copernicus? I'd like to buy you a ring."

She smiled. "Don't need one. Just knowing I was asked is enough."

"Not for me, though. Please? We can make a day of it."

"You're asking me out? We didn't date enough back in Orb?"

He laughed. "How could I ever date you enough? How much did we miss out on?"

He has a point. I'd have given anything for the chance to date him before....why am I turning him down now? "All right. No ring, though."

Mwu sighed but nodded, infectious grin quickly returning. "Ma'am."

"Why do I let you talk me into these things?"

"C'mon, crosspatch. It's beautiful out here."

"But it's not real.." True, it was pretty enough, sun shining from a cloudless blue sky - but the sky was make-believe. Not even the wind was enough to make her forget that there was a roof over their heads. "Feels weird."

"Does it?" He looked up, the blue of the artificial sky reflecting in his eyes. "It doesn't feel like outdoors, but it isn't bad. It reminds me of Orb. Peaceful."

"Yeah.." It did feel a little like Orb. In Orb with a roof over their heads. With a smile she leaned into him, threading fingers through his. "Where to first?"

"Don't know. Let's just walk and see what we find."

"Sounds like a good plan."

And as they walked, her opinion of the place began to change. With each step it became easier to forget they were in a glass-domed building - it felt more and more as though they were in a real city. Which of course, they were. Taking a shortcut through a park they sat together on a bench, his arm wound around her shoulders. He looked happy, tanned face wearing a content smile, and chuckled when she kissed his cheek. "What was that for?"

"I need a reason?"

"No, I just.." He grinned. "You're really affectionate these days. Not that I mind it - it's cute, but I just wondered what I'd done to deserve it."

"I just feel good, that's all."

"I'm glad to hear it. Is it 'cause of me?"

Murrue smiled. "You'd love it if it was."

"Course I would. Is it?"

"Maybe."

"Good." Reaching out he tugged her close to sit on his lap, resting his chin on her shoulder as they gazed out over the vista of the landscaped park and city. "Pretty good date so far?"

"Mmm-hmm. Though I'm dating my fiance."

"Nothing wrong with that. We can date even when we're married."

"Would it really be 'dating' then?"

"We can call it whatever we want."

"That's true." Unconventional, but then again so was he. Stretching out with a little sigh she peeked back up at him. "So now what?"

"Today, or in general?"

"Both."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "In general, we do our best to get through this and go home so we can have what we should have had two years ago. Today, we enjoy ourselves. I think we should get ice-cream."

"Before lunch?"

"Live dangerously." Helping to her feet he took her hand. "A sundae big enough for three people. With syrup and sprinkles."

"Only if we can look at the flowers first."

She looked much better. The fresh air and sunlight had brought the colour back to her face she'd lost since leaving Earth and getting sick - being on board ship did her no good at all. Kneeling down beside one of the flowerbeds she closed her eyes as she breathed in the scent of the blossoms and he grinned fondly. He'd known she loved flowers - she'd spoken about the garden she and her mother had created in California, and the Director had told him that she'd helped out with her garden too.

"You want one of these?"

She nodded without opening her eyes.

"Then we'll have one. Whatever kind of place we get, we'll get one with the biggest garden we can." Hearing a buzzing by his ear he froze, seeing black and yellow out of the corner of his eye. "Even if it has bugs."

"Hmm?"

"There's a bug in my ear."

Murrue glanced up, then smiled. "It's only a bee. It won't hurt you. Just keep still."

Squeezing his eyes closed he did as he was told, breathing a sigh of relief when the buzzing gradually faded to be replaced by the sound of someone trying very hard not to laugh.

"You're mean.."

"Sorry." She took one of his hands between both of hers and kissed it gently. "I didn't mean it. Shall we go and find some ice-cream now?"

"When I've gotten you a ring."

"Mwu.."

"No complaining. You're getting one."

She rolled her eyes. "Fine, if you insist. You choose it, and I don't want anything involving a diamond, or anything expensive. Just something simple."

"You're going to be a really bossy wife."

"Yep."

She was watching him. She'd been watching him all afternoon. They'd found an ice-cream parlour (with soda fountain stools and silvered glasses and everything) and had bought the biggest sundae they made, with a scoop of every flavour drenched in syrup and chocolate sprinkles. And they'd managed to eat it. Murrue had evidently enjoyed it - she'd actually scolded him for eating more of it than she had. Her appetite isn't usually that big, but it's a nice change. Whistling softly as they walked back to the park he hid a smile at her expression. She'd waited outside when he'd gone into the large jewellery store to pick the ring, and had feigned indifference when he'd reappeared, but he knew very well that she badly wanted to know what he'd gotten.

"Want to look at the flowers again? See if you can see any you want for your garden?"

"Sure." She barely glanced at them though, instead sitting on the grass and staring out over the park. Trying hard not to laugh Mwu laid down beside her.

"How come you're grumpy now? You were all happy earlier."

"M'not grumpy."

"Sure you are. Am I bad company?"

"Of course not."

"Well, you have been watching me.."

She screwed up her nose. "You know why."

"I thought you didn't want one."

"Well....I'd like to see it.."

"If milady insists." Digging in his pocket he tugged out the velvet box he'd bought earlier, flicking open the catch with his thumb. "What do you think?"

For a moment she was quiet, taking the box from him and studying the item of jewellery. He watched her himself, and wasn't surprised when a single tear escaped to roll down her cheek. I knew. I knew she wanted a fuss, wanted an engagement ring.....wanted to know she was loved. "Would you like me to give it to you properly?"

Murrue nodded silently.

"Alright then." Sitting up he carefully took the ring from the box and slid it onto her left hand. He'd taken his time choosing one that was just right, a silver band topped with a tiny amber, and as he'd hoped, she liked it.

"Thank you." Moving close she hugged him tightly, her tears soaking into his shirt. And he just held her. Thank me? I'm the one who should be thanking her. I had nothing before I met her - she's given me a life.

"Any time."

( whee lol. Murrue's reaction to Copernicus borrowed from Alto in Macross Frontier, Copernicus loosely based on Von Braun from Stardust Memory.

please read and review! )