Disclaimer – Don't ask cause I don't own it.
A/N well here we go, onward
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed
Starlight
Chapter 6
RGX-00X0
CE 71
Archangel
Debris Belt
Flay Allster stood next to one of the windows of the Archangel's officer's lounge looking out at the mass remains of Junius 7, looking out at what may as well have been 243,721 graves. For so long as she could remember it had been drilled into her that Coordinators were responsible with everything that was wrong with the world, that they didn't have the right to exist because of their modified genes.
But if that were true what of those who could commit an atrocity like this.
What did that say of her own father who was a member of the organization that did this, could he have even been responsible for this? She leaned forward against the glass, remembering the few children that had been rescued with her. How many children had died out there? She began to cry softly. How could anyone, Natural or Coordinator, do something like this?
"Flay?"
Surprised, she turned to see Kira standing in the door to the lounge wearing his blue volunteer's uniform. He floated up to the girl and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Are you ok"
"I guess"
She turned back to the window.
"How could someone do this?"
Kira shook his head.
"I don't know"
The pair stood in silence for a moment until Flay turned back to Kira.
"So what's it like having a princess for a sister and your brother marrying a pop star"
Kira sighed.
"Nothing's changed really; at least it doesn't feel like it right now. I just wish mom and dad would have told me the truth instead of finding out like this"
Kira placed his hand onto the glass window.
"Are they even my parents?"
She could see that this was really bothering him. Kira stiffened a bit when he felt a soft weight lay onto his shoulder. He looked over to see a mop of red hair lying against his shoulder and tickling his neck. Flay scooted a bit closer to him wanting to be comforted as much as she wanted to comfort him. She was pleasantly surprised when he gently slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her a bit closer. She returned the gesture by wrapping her arms around him and the pair just floated in front of the window, taking mutual comfort in one another.
Cagalli just watched the scene from the doorway and smiled. She hated to break this up but she had to. She and Kira were heading back over to Olympus to see Richard. This would also be her first chance to talk to Lacus one on one, she hadn't much of a chance the day before.
"Kira"
The brown hired boy and red haired girl turned around to see Cagalli standing behind them, both of them sporting rather deep blushes.
"Come on, time to go"
Kira nodded and started to follow his sister but was stopped by Flay.
"Where are you going?"
"Were going over to Olympus, I wanted to talk to Richard and Athrun and Cagalli wants to talk with Lacus"
Flay was quiet for a moment.
"Can I go?"
Kira wasn't sure, but Flay's puppy dog eyes broke him in seconds. Cagalli watched the pair; she could see that Kira had fallen hard for this red haired girl. And if what she saw only a few moments ago were any indication Kira's friend Sai was going to get his heart broken because it looked like she was falling for him as well.
Olympus
Richard's quarters
Lacus had never had such a peaceful night sleep, well maybe once or twice before. She found herself in Richard's bed, wrapped snuggly in his arms and the bed sheet, their cloths floating around the room. This wasn't the first time she had made love with the young man next to her. The first time had been the night he had returned from Nova after its capture. It had become sort of a ritual for them, when ever they would reunite when he would return from battle. She remembered the vow she had made to him the day he left PLANT. She had vowed to him that day, that when they met again they would never be parted, and she fully intended to hold to that. They had of course, used protection as always.
She felt her lover stir next to her and watched with her head on his shoulder as his purplish eyes blinked open and meet with her blue.
"Good morning"
Richard smiled and brought his hand to her cheek.
"Good morning sweetheart, love you"
"I love you too"
Lacus leaned up and gently kissed him. Richard returned the kiss and began to comb his fingers through her hair. Lacus couldn't help but cooing softly as his finger brushed through her hair; she always loved it when he did that. Finally the pair broke the kiss and Richard rested his forehead against hers.
"I'll see if Sara has anything spare for you to ware"
"Thank you, I'd like to take a shower if that's ok"
"That's fine, guys and girls have separate showers and each on has its own enclosed stall. I have to warn you about Sara though; she's a fan of yours"
Lacus smiled.
"That's fine, as long as she's not…overzealous"
"She's not; she's the kind of person that it's easy to get to know. She tries to get to know a person so you won't have any problems. I doubt anyone but the most hardcore Blue Cosmos flunky could not like you Lacus"
Lacus gave a cute giggle and Richard kissed her on the forehead.
"You can ware some of my cloths until I can talk to Sara ok"
Lacus nodded.
"That's fine; I've worn your cloths before"
As Richard leaned in to kiss her again the pair was interrupted.
Lacus we got problem
Richard sighed and Lacus giggled as her pink Haro floated by flapping its covers. Richard looked at the floating pink ball and was reminded of one of its different color siblings that Lacus had given to him.
"I guess I should go and get Green out of storage"
Lacus smiled, placed her hands on his cheeks and kissed him, deeply, the kind of kiss that usually makes one late in the morning. The kiss then dissolved into a short make out session. After a little while the pair parted for air. Lacus moved to sit up keeping the sheet wrapped around her as Richard snatched his boxers from the air and slid them on beneath the sheet. He then got up and gathered their floating cloths and placed them into his hamper to wash later. He fished around in his cloths and found a pair of pants and shirt that would fit Lacus, took a quick look at his clock, and handed them to her.
"Lets get dressed; Cagalli and Kira should be here soon. Then later we'll talk to Sara and see if she had anything spare for you"
Lacus accepted the shirt and pants and gave him a quick kiss.
"Thank you sweetie"
Richard went back to his cabinet to gather his own cloths, dressing in one of his ZAFT Black Knight color uniforms while Lacus dressed. Not that she was embarrassed to dress in front of him, she'd done it before. It was just to prevent him from having a nose bleed.
Debris Belt
Junius 7
Flay held on tight as the Strike and Astraea launched from Archangel for the short journey over to Olympus. She was situated behind Kira's seat using the back wall of the cockpit for support. She was dressed in a pink pilots normal suit watching as Kira maneuvered the Strike on a landing vector with the Olympus's port side catapult while Cagalli went in for the Starboard.
Once the two Mobile Suits were secured aboard the deck the three left the hangar deck and headed for the galley where they were to meet up with Richard and Lacus.
Debris Belt
Junius 7
Olympus Mess Hall
Athrun Zala sat in the galley aboard the Olympus talking with Sara and Kale. He had been surprised to learn that Kale himself had been a Red Coat with ZAFT, and a member of the Black Knights to boot, but had left sighting family reasons. At least that was the explanation he gave him. On occasion Sara would ask him questions about life on PLANT or other things. Their conversation was derailed when Sara suddenly stiffened seeing the galley door open.
Athrun almost sprayed his drink when a familiar voice broke through.
"Oh, hello Athrun"
Athrun spun in his seat. There in the doorway stood Lacus Cline, Pink Princess of PLANT and his friend since childhood. Behind her stood Richard, the pilot of the Nemesis and as Athrun had learned earlier that morning was Kira's identical brother. It had also floored him to learn his friend's triplet sister was Cagalli Yula Athha, The Lioness of Orb.
Talk about family in high places.
As Athrun was about to speak 14 year old coordinator Max Clark floated up to Richard, in addition to the ships Sensor operator he also doubled as the communications officer.
"Richard, we just received a message from the Hellespont from Matt Ajax, he needs you to contact him"
Richard nodded.
"I'll take it on the bridge"
Max floated off as Richard turned to Lacus.
"Be right back"
He gave her a quick kiss and floated off. Lacus then turned her attention to the group sitting at the table. She floated over and sat down.
"Hello Athrun it's been a while"
The Zaft Red Coat pilot nodded.
"Yeah it has, Lacus, what was that. I thought you said you'd only be with Commander Conrad"
"Yes, I did, and I hold that vow"
"But what about…."
"That was James"
"Huh?"
Lacus gave a soft giggle.
"Richard Arin and James Conrad are one and the same"
Kira, Flay and Cagalli arrived about that time and joined the group at the table. The tension between Athrun and Kira was so thick it could almost be cut with a knife. Sara and Kale chose then to excuse themselves. After another tense moment Athrun found his voice first.
"Its, been a while, Kira"
The teen coordinator nodded.
"Yeah, it has been. At least this time the circumstances are better"
Athrun nodded. The last time he and Kira had met face to face it was in a firefight. Athrun decided to change the subject.
"Well, at least you're doing alright. So Commander Conrad is your brother"
Kira nodded.
"Yeah, the first time we met was right after our last battle. The captain, Lt La Flaga and I came over and we meet everyone in the hanger. When Richard took off his helmet I was so shocked I passed out"
Cagalli chuckled remembering the event.
"Then Lt La Flaga and Richard had to carry him to Richards's quarters, he didn't wake up for almost an hour"
Flay, who had remained quiet till now, looked up at Athrun.
"So how long have you know Kira"
Athrun looked up at the red head who sat next to Kira.
"We went to school together at Copernicus a few years a go. We were roommates"
Kira looked from Flay back to Athrun and nearly smacked himself.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce you. Athrun this is Flay, Flay this is my friend Athrun"
"Nice to meet you"
"Hello"
Everyone sat in silence for a moment till Cagalli spoke.
"So, Lacus, how long have you been seeing my brother?"
Lacus smiled at them memory.
Flashback
CE 69 February 5
PLANT Junius 1
Central Administration Complex Ballroom
The evening following the battle at Junius 1 Richard stood in his ZAFT commanders "White Coat" uniform, milling among other dignitaries of the PLANT central government and Junius officials. He also wore the black visor like mask which had worn since arriving on PLANT and had become so common a site. It was only enough to conceal his eyes and break up his features but did not impair his vision. All 12 members of the PLANT Supreme Council were present along with the 9 members of the Junius Council and their respective others. To be honest he felt as though he was being suffocated, the room was absolutely packed to the brim and the constant chatter was almost overwhelming.
He made his way though the crowd to one of the doors which led to an outside balcony and made his way outside. Once the door closed the noise from the inside was closed off. There were one or two others on the balcony already, probably escaping the crowd like he was.
He made his way to the left side of the large balcony and leaned against the rail. Spread out before him was a small lake ringed with farming fields. It was peaceful for now, but like everyone else he knew the Alliance fleet would return soon enough. He closed his eyes and sighed, his team hadn't lost a single pilot though others were not so lucky. He had lost a few friends yesterday. His thoughts were broken by a sweet voice from his right.
"Oh I'm sorry; I didn't realize any one was over here. I hope I'm not intruding"
He turned to face the speaker and his jaw met the floor. Before him stood the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She wore a red evening dress with white frills around the bottom with 2 inch wide shoulder straps and her pink hair, which would normal reach her waist, pulled back. Everyone knew who she was, Lacus Cline, daughter of Spiegel Cline the PLANT Supreme Chairman. He barely maintained his composure as he shook his head.
"Of course not lady Cline, I was just thinking on what's to come and admiring the lake view. Would you care to join me?"
Lacus giggled a sound which to him sounded like sweet music. If it was possible to fall in love at first sight, he considered that he just had.
"Thank you commander"
She stepped up beside of him and gazed out at the lake. After talking for a few moments Lacus convinced Richard to allow her to remove his visor. As she reached up and slipped the black object from his eyes purple meet blue for the first time. The pair talked for a few hours before she had to depart. Before she left Richard spontaneously asked if she would like to go out to dinner. Having enjoyed her time with him she agreed, leaving him with her contact information. He called her after returning from duty the next day. Their first date was a week later. Their first "I love you" a month after. Their simple meeting on the balcony spawned a love which stood through trials, battles and the anguish of lost friends and brothers. Even through the hell that was the Battle of Endymion and the loss of over half of the Knights. Their love would last even though the strain of separation following the disbanding of the Black Knights, and his return to his home on the Orb space colony Heliopolis.
End Flashback
Lacus gave a pleasant sigh.
"We met at a celebration dinner following the breaking of the blockade at Junius City"
Athrun nodded.
"That was in February of 69 almost a year before the Bloody Valentine"
Lacus also nodded, remembering that even all to well.
"Yes, there was a celebration dinner a few days afterward and Richard had been invited. I remember everyone began to call him the Angel of Junius that night. I had gone out to the balcony rotunda for some fresh air and found him already there. We talked for some time and I convinced him to allow me to remove his visor. We spoke at length about many things, for almost 2 hours in fact. And then out of the blue he asked me to go on a date with him. I had enjoyed my time with him very much and found him to be a kind and gentle person so I said yes"
Flay smiled.
"That sounds romantic"
Lacus smiled as well.
"Quite so, it became the norm quite quickly for Richard try and spoil me as much as he could. After a while rumors began to circulate about us being together so I…laid them to rest"
Cagalli looked over to the pink haired songstress.
"How'd you do that?"
It was a chuckling Athrun that answered.
"At her concert on Junius 5 after the Battle at Jachin Due, she brought him out on stage in uniform. He sang one song solo and then sang a duet with her. Once it was done she kissed him on stage and introduced him as her boyfriend. I was there that night, everyone went nuts"
Everyone laughed a bit, Athrun and Lacus at the memory of the event and everyone else at the mental image of it. Conversation devolved into light chatter for a while. With everyone trading stories, specifically Kira and Athrun of their time apart after his father had called him back to the PLANTs.
Richard sat at the Sensors/Com station with his face in his hands. How could Jonas be so stupid as to build that thing? If either side got a hold of it, it would tip the balance of power. His sigh drew Laura's attention.
"What's wrong?"
"Noting much just the guys at Hellespont being idiots, dad told them not to build that thing"
Laura shook her head.
"What did Jonas do now?"
Richard rose up.
"He's having the damn Starlight built"
Laura stared at him with a blank expression.
"Please tell me you're joking"
"Afraid not"
Richard moved toward the door as Max retook his seat. Laura stat back and turned to the departing pilot.
"Should we set course"
"Yeah, contact the Archangel and, I guess, just tell them were heading to a friendly port for re-supply"
"You know they'll ask where were going, and should we really disclose Hellespont like this"
Richard shrugged.
"I don't see why not, were evacuating it for Sylias Station anyway. Just make sure Lacus gets to do the memorial ceremony she asked about alright"
Laura nodded.
"Defiantly"
"Cool, let me know when everything is worked out. I have to head back down; I promised Lacus I wouldn't be long"
Richard slipped from the bridge as Laura began to give out orders, once the memorial was complete they would set course for Hellespont station to retrieve one of the most advanced mobile suits ever designed, the RGX-00X0 Starlight.
A/n ok this one did have a major addition, the flashback scene for Richard and Lacus' first meeting. Other than that there was some correcting of some lines that sounded off. Now on to chapter 7