Decision

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It was an old building from centuries past that stood through numerous natural disasters and countless cultural revolutions. Several stained glass windows still stood tall in their sills, but the church certainly has that reminiscing situation to it. The place certainly wasn't a sophisticated space colony or PLANT that have advanced technology just beyond their reach.

Lacus didn't know how long she needed to stay up that night to convince herself the day Kira was found safe and sound in the outer space. With the Peace Treaty signed and agreed, the post-war restoration would take even more effort to settle. Chairman Dullindal had even taken the time to call her personally, telling her about the plans of PLANT for the future generation, and the request for the support of Lacus Clyne to help her people restore their faith in humanity. A message from PLANT's council inside her cell phone's inbox has been ignored for days, her hesitation lingering on every tip of her fingers every time she reached for the keypads. Looking through the kitchen's window, she saw the children running along the coast line. Kira was laughing along with them, and she was glad to not miss it. She never saw his most sincere and carefree smile before, and was afraid of not able to see it at all after everything that's happened. No matter how many times you wash your hands, the stench of blood would always be there.

That night, Lacus lost track of how long she sat in front of the church, lingering her eyes at the stars. Only one person stopped her to fly back there, and she wasn't perfectly sure of him, his feelings, or his reasons to stay.

"Are you sure you're not coming back with us?"

Lacus turned back to look for the source of the voice and saw Kira's mother, Caridad Yamato, her back facing Lacus, talking to someone blocked by a tree on the side of the church. Worrying that she might overhear something she's not supposed to, Lacus got up and dusted her dress, preparing to leave until she heard another voice replying to Caridad's.

"I'm sure." It was Kira's voice. She would recognize him anywhere.

"I don't get it," Caridad shook her head gently. "You still have us, Kira. Your father and I were worried sick when we heard that you've enlisted in the army, and now that you're back you decided to stay so far away from us. And that girl...I heard of rumors that she used to be your best friend's fiancée. Well, now he's become your sister's bodyguard, but still..."

"Mom, she needs me. And I need her."

"Why her?"

"I...don't really know," Kira replied, his voice a soft murmur. "Lacus, she...taught me to love myself when I've forgotten to do so. She told me that it's all right to cry."

"...You sounded like you're in love, Kira. Are you?" The woman asked playfully.

The only thing Lacus could hear was her own heart drumming wildly in her ears as stillness crept in between the mother and son, and Caridad's soft chuckle finally filled the silence. "I'll take those burned cheeks as a yes."