Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed.

Yes, I'm back now :) I's much better. Sorry about my rather dramatic exit there, kind of unnecessary, I guess. I'm sorry if you haven't received a reply and cookie for your review, I can't really do that at the moment because I have no idea where I left off. ^^; I will send you cookies if you review this time! And if you really desperately want one and you didn't get one, take one of these (holds out tray of chocolate chip cookies). Alright, I present to you, chapter seven!

Chapter 7: Distracted Determination

It was done.

The pages, although smudged and slightly torn, were lined with cascades of notes and cords; coming together to make a melancholic piece that fit his mood perfectly. Nicol wiped away the remnants of tears as he carefully set the pages down, folding the corners neatly so that the pages would stick together somewhat. His pencil was just a tiny stump now, and the eraser was worn to almost nothing. Closing his eyes, Nicol placed his hands on imaginary keys, slowly starting to play.

In his mind, he could see his beautiful ebony piano, the keys sparkling white. The top had been freshly polished, and the pages before him were flat and unwrinkled. Sunlight drifted through wide glass windows, and a rose garden swayed in a gentle breeze. He was home. Each key he pressed was perfect, each note was in tune, every sound stopped at the right moment, every phrase was flawless. He sighed. It was a piano player's dream, to play like this. Faultless, calm, and uncontrolled. Perfect.

A hand reached down, resting on the surface of his piano. Startled, Nicol stopped playing and looked up. Athrun was standing there, a smile gently gracing his lips, sun falling across his face. "You play beautifully, Nicol." Athrun reached his hand down and placed it on Nicol's shoulder, unnatural light dancing in his emerald eyes. Nicol felt his eyes well up with tears.

"Athrun..."

Nicol opened his eyes. He was back on in his room. He sniffed and wiped the tears off his face. After writing all of that, he had to admit that he did feel better. Habitually, he stood and smoothed out his bedspread, tidying up the eraser crumbles and fluffing his single pillow. Sighing, he ran his hands through his now stringy green hair. He could almost accept it now, he knew that he would just have to think this through logically. Athrun is gone. Athrun is dead. Athrun is never coming back. I can't do anything about it.

Turning towards the door, Nicol readied himself to go out. He placed a single hand on the code lock.

But just because you are dead, doesn't mean that I will forget you.

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Kira picked at his food, uninterested in what the plate had to offer. They were starting to get down to the last bits of the freeze dried meals, which meant that the ones that no one wanted to eat before were now the only ones that you could choose from. He poked at a bit of oatmeal with his spoon, watching it bounce back with a rubbery consistency. Disgusting. Drinking the rest of his water in quick gulps, Kira dumped the half eaten food into the trash. He paused, looking towards the entrance of the cafeteria. It was early in the morning, and it looked like he was the only one awake so far. I wonder if Athrun is awake. Kira shook his head with these thoughts. He couldn't go back in there. He felt his guts wrench with just the thought of Athrun's mourning eyes.

I don't want to be your enemy.

Sitting down in one of the metal chairs, Kira studied his hands. He couldn't leave Athrun here. He was certain that Athrun would end up executed if he stayed. But, he also couldn't leave, the people on this ship relied on him for protection. Mu could not handle three G-weapons by himself. In addition to all of that, Athrun would be unable to walk. How do I get him out of here?! How do I keep him safe?! Maybe it would be better if he waited until they were just about to hand Athrun over. Then the civilians would, logically, be able to get off the ship and wouldn't need him anymore. But that might be to risky. Maybe, if he shoved Athrun into a life pod on the ship and hoped the Zaft ship would pick him up. But that was also risky. Maybe if he...

"Kira?"

Kira started and stood as someone tapped him lightly on the shoulder. He turned. Fllay Allster was standing there, pink dress slightly crumpled and hair hanging down in loose red curls. She must have just woken up. "Oh, hello Fllay. Did you just wake up?"

Fllay nodded, her lips curving into a girlish pout. "Yes, I did, but when I woke up, no one was awake. I tried to wake Sai up but all he did was wave me away and roll over." She sat next to Kira, looking him over. "Hmm... Miriallia's right, the ZAFT uniforms are cooler." She giggled. "Not that you don't look good in it, of course."

Kira blushed and cleared his throat. He really couldn't help but enjoy her compliment. Although he would never really admit it to himself, he loved the fact that her beautiful sky blues eyes were resting on him right now. Everything about Fllay was just so cute and attractive. Her body had wonderful curves, her skin was clear, her eyes were wide and innocent. Just so lovely. He found himself just staring into her eyes, as she just stared right back at him. For a moment, he even forgot that she was already engaged to Sai. She moved a bit closer.

"Hey, Kira."

He blinked, brought out of his trance. "Yeah?"

Fllay reached out a finger and traced the edge of his arm, pulling at the sleeve. "Kuzzey told me that you were a Coordinator. Is that true?"

Kira frowned slightly. "Yes, I am."

Her eyes flashed with something that Kira couldn't decipher. "So, you're stronger? Smarter?"

Kira shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, I guess. Why do you ask?"

Fllay sighed and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. Kira felt his cheeks turn bright crimson. Fllay curved her head so that she could whisper into his ear.

"That just makes me feel so much safer. I'm so frightened about this whole thing."

Kira felt a bit of warmth spread through him. Resting his hands lightly on her shoulders, he smiled. "I'm glad that I make you feel safer Fllay, and I promise that I will continue to keep you and the rest of the ship safe."

Fllay nodded, releasing him from her hug. She stood.

"Kira, would you like to come for a walk with me? At least until the others wake up?"

Kira nodded. He wanted nothing more in the world. "Of course."

Momentarily, he had forgotten his plans to save Athrun.

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Athrun concentrated, putting all of his will power into moving his legs. He had to experiment with this before one of the doctors came into check on him. A hesistant twitch seemed to spread through them, causing his toes to move slightly. He smiled in triumph. He was finally starting to heal.

Dear dear, I did didn't I. What will Kira do with such an interesting (and annoying, yes I know, I get it) distraction. waaiit and seeeee