A/N: I apologize in advance for all the annoying breaks but word and the site wont let me space things out.

Bright rays of sun pierced through the open window and danced across Sumeragi's face. She savored their warmth, wanting to hang on to the sweet sensation of peace before she remembered the mess she was still in. Finally relenting, Sumeragi opened her eyes only to be greeted by the sight of a peacefully sleeping Lockon next to her. At first she thought it was a dream, and so she was content to just lay there and watch the man of her affections sleep on. But every time he took a breath she felt it tingle on her skin, not to mention the warmth of his body so near had the same affect. She sat up slowly and noticed that she was completely naked; drawing a sheet around herself she looked around their unfamiliar surroundings and realized she had no clue as to where they were.

"L-Lockon? What- you- me-... do you remember anything?" She asked slightly panicked now while nudging his shoulder as he too awoke.

"Woah… what happened?"

"You tell me... well, or maybe its a bit plain to see..." she added while self consciously tightening the sheet around herself.

Lockon located his pants on the floor and managed to put them on before walking to the window. Outside the brilliant sun spilled onto the boardwalk heating all the busy people below. Right across from them was his uncle's pub with a "come in were open" sign already in position.

Images of being in the pub last night flooded Lockon's mind as he turned to Sumeragi with a smile.

"I can see the bar from here. Looks like we didn't make it to the cabin last night" He smiled as he noted the embarrassed look that took her features when she started to vaguely remember.

"Oh my god…the bar…last night…" She didn't finish as she raised a palm to her forehead and flopped down into the covers, still trying to process what recently took place.

"How did we get here?... I don't-"

"Remember" He finished for her "neither do I, at least not that part." He grinned as Sumeragi shot him a look of warning that put him at bay. "Look let's not make an…interesting situation worse. Lets get dressed, have some breakfast and then we'll ask the concierge downstairs what happened."

She nodded in agreement "Yes, and look whatever happened let's just keep it to ourselves for now."

More memories of kissing her at the boardwalk came flooding back to him, did last night mean nothing? he wondered as he agreed, although slightly disappointed in her response.

Break

Aboard Ptolemy Feldt monitored the perimeter, as Mileina debugged the operating systems software. The job was getting pretty boring, and Feldt soon started missing the mindless banter of her late colleague Christina. She also missed the small chemistry her friend had shared with the late helmsman, Lichty. It was always interesting to watch Lichty's attempts get flagged down by Christy. Feldt sighed missing her friends, people who she now realized were to thank for letting her open up to the crew.

Mileina had heard the sigh and turned to Feldt. Since Sumeragi was not here Feldt took to monitoring things on the bridge. Now the strain of the job was clearly catching up with her collegue.

"Feldt, I'll be fine on my own, you should go rest while you still can."

"Mileina, are you sure."

"Yes" The cheerful girl replied smiling.

"Thanks"

On the way to her room Feldt stopped by the hangar. The gundams were in their designated docking bays standing vigil over rows of walkways. Feldt walked over to Cherudim which at the moment was unoccupied and powered down like the other suits. It was amazing how strikingly similar the suit was to Dynames, it's almost as if Ian anticipated Lockon was coming back, she thought.

As she stood mesmerized by the Gundam, Setsuna floated up beside her.

"Gundam Cherudim…" He stated simply, taking Feldt by surprise.

"Setsuna! Didn't hear you come up." She turned back to Cherudim. "Yes, Lyle's new suit. I was just thinking about how it reminds me of Dynames."

A moment passed as they both stood in silence before Feldt spoke up again.

"I hope Lockon comes back soon."

"Lockon is a Gundam Meister, he will be back."

Feldt smiled at his words but before she could reply Setsuna was already drifting off towards 00. Some men are always in a hurry, she thought as she shook her head and headed back towards her room.

Break

Lockon and Sumeragi had barely approached the front desk when the clerk lit up at the sight of them.

"Oh, no… what's with that smile?"

Her question was answered promptly when the short joyous man in his mid 20's squealed at the top of his lungs.

"OMG IT'S THE LOVEBIRDS!"

Everyone in the lobby stopped and stared at the two people who caused the man so much excitement. Sumeragi sighed and turned towards the exit.

"Lockon, let's go, I think that's indication enough."

"Look we can't just let him blow his top…besides I'm actually curious."

The young man looked ready to starting dancing with joy as they finally came to a stop in front of him.

"Alright so obviously you know who we are...and what we did last night mind filling us in?"

"Of course of course, you two came in at 2 am. Both hammered yet you couldn't pry your lips off each other long enough for me to ask questions." He giggled as Lockon turned bright red and looked away.

"And after that?"

"He was such a darling," the man pointed at Lockon as he continued, "whispering I love you, every two seconds-"

"Get to the point, please," Sumeragi now annoyed, urged him on. But the clerk was having none of that at his front desk.

"Oooh, , you should be proud that your husband is such a romantic."

Seeing how this was going nowhere fast Sumeragi turned to Lockon in defeat.

"Lockon... I think THAT's indication enough..."

"You said it." He agreed before turning back to the clerk. "Look thanks for the help, we're gonna get going now, bye"

"Until next time, lovebirds" The clerk replied dreamily. Sumeragi shot him an annoyed look over her shoulder.

"Lockon, I'm sorry"

"I'm not." he smiled and winked as he pushed the door open with his back.

Sumeragi was totally unprepared for that and fumbled for words once they were outside.

"Lockon! But... we're in the middle of a war! I'm... your superior... this is...", she was beginning to run out of words "…not good?"

"Look, bits and pieces of last night are coming back to me, and I really did mean what I said."

They stood face to face in the middle of a moderate crowd discussing their feelings openly; she was definitely not prepared for this.

"What did I say last night?"

Lockon remembered, but seeing the mixed feelings upon her features he spared her the details and shrugged it off.

"Look let's just drop it for now and head back to the cabin, now is not the time. Besides I need to check on Ptolemy." Maybe it was nothing more than a one night stand he thought to himself as he swallowed the bitter feeling of regret and turned to walk away from her.

Yet Sumeragi surprised him by grabbing his arm.

"Actually, let's settle this right now. Do you like me, Lockon?"

He heard the faint note of uncertainty in her voice and the words tumbled out of his mouth before he could think.

"I love you" for a moment she was speechless, and so he tried to compensate "…I mean ah…" but she took a deep breath and finally put her feelings on the line.

"And I, despite the fact that I shouldn't, have feelings for you too. But you do realize how this will complicate things, I mean we're still fighting a war."

He was more than happy at the fact that she still thought of herself as a part of Celestial Being, yet he didn't understand her concern.

"Actually I don't," He led them both to sit on a bench before asking, "please explain."

"Because, as I admit this, I won't be able to let you out of my sight on that battlefield. I don't even know if I can put you on another dangerous mission."

Lockon nodded in understanding, happy to have finally found the root of her concerns. With that he took her hand and looked her straight in the eyes.

"You know me; I can take care of myself. Besides, somebody is going to have to watch Setsuna on missions."

"Logically yes, but is love ever logical?"

"Was that what I think it was Leesa?" Lockon smiled as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Lockon, be serious, please?"

Her defenses were up and she had reverted to calling him by his codename, yet it still amused him to know he was having such an effect on her.

"We joined Celestial Being to stop world conflicts; I don't see how our relationship could possibly hinder that goal. We'll be fine, please just trust me." He nearly pleaded.

"Prove it to me."

"Your going to have to put me on a mission and trust me for yourself. Come back with me to Celestial Being, and I can show you that nothing will hinder our goal."

Sumeragi sighed in defeat. There was no way she was ready to fight again, but she knew that for Lockon's sake they were going to have to go back to Ptolemy, his health and his eye depended on it, and she did not want to be the one person who hindered him.

"Promise me one thing then."

"What's that?" he asked.

"On the battlefield, never, ever mess up."

Lockon laughed at that, "You know I wouldn't let you down."

"And protect yourself above all else."

"I can't do that" He replied thinking of his comrades. He, as the unofficial leader, was just as responsible for them as she was.

"I knew it." She accused

Lockon shook his head as he realized her ploy.

"But you'll have to put me out there anyways, the others need me."

"You know I can't win this war without you, and putting you out there is like stepping onto the gallows wondering if the person will press the switch."

"Well then it's a good thing I'm trusting you with that switch" He said smiling, as she laughed.

"If only I could have your view on things."

Meeting her gaze once again he asked the question that has been on his mind since they woke up.

"So what do you say, could we try to make this work?"

"What would we tell the others on Ptolemy?"

Relief flooded his heart as she clearly gave the idea a chance.

"We don't have to tell them anything, not if you don't want to." He replied now caressing her palm.

"I think its better that we let them know." She said, smiling as she looked down at their entwined hands, "Although I can't seem to find the words."

"Don't worry about words," he smiled as he leaned in closer, "Not when actions speak so much better." With that he kissed her.

"Lockon..." She managed in between giggling and kissing him back, "Are you sure?"

"More than anything."

The two were so busy with each other they didn't notice the clerk that just came off duty come up to their bench.

"OMG lovebirds, you didn't even make it across the street…" The clerk didn't get to finish because the second Sumeragi heard his voice she grabbed Lockon's hand and both were halfway down the street before he could utter another word.

Break

Feldt awoke to the sound of her phone beeping. Rolling over she flipped the screen to the image of Lasse.

"Feldt! Come to the bridge we've found Allelujah."

"Allelujah!" Her eyes widened, "Where is he?"

"Intel from Wang Lieu Mei says he's in an HRL detention center. That's why we couldn't reach him."

"I'll be right there." She whipped on her uniform and was out the door in seconds."

Everyone was already at the bridge when she walked in. A holoprojection of the HRL detention center was in the middle of the room.

"We can't just simply overpower them, their defenses are too tight." Ian remarked.

"Could we set up a diversion?" Lyle spoke up.

"Not without the risk of getting caught." Tieria Interjected.

"We need Sumeragi-san." Feldt said, "If anyone can break him out it would be her."

The team wordlessly agreed as Mileina turned to send out a signal.

Break

Lockon and Sumeragi were back at the cabin after an eventful day. First they hid from the clerk all morning then took a long walk down the busy pier during lunch, before watching a sandcastle contest on the beach. All the walking was starting to wear on the space inhabitants and so they both flopped down on the bed to rest.

"Man, I need to start exercising again." Lockon exclaimed as he massaged his sore legs.

"That's the affects of space for you. I feel like we've run a mile." She exclaimed fished in the bag beside them and pulled out his cream. "It's been 48 hours you need another application."

"You just can't wait to get my shirt off can you." He teased

"Shut up, I'm just looking out for your health." She smiled

He obliged by taking off his shirt and laying back to accept her ministrations. He noticed that his chest was again starting to turn blue and was glad she had reminded him of his need.

"You know to be honest, yesterday I pieced together 3 of your strategies before coming up with my own. So you're the real hero for saving Ptolemy." She said while gliding her hands gently over his healing abdominal muscles.

"That's not true" He chuckled, "The kids never stood a chance with me."

"I'm serious, I came up with the same results as you. You even had Ptolemy's retreating coordinates down perfectly. It was all a good plan all I had to change were Seravee and Cherudim's tactics." She finished up and put the canister away.

"Hmm…well what can I say, I guess planning Setsuna's missions paid off." He replied in retrospect.

"About those missions, what did you both do? And where did you learn tactics from?"

She was propped up on her elbow and watched as he closed his eyes and began to recount the aftermath of that fateful battle against Al-Saachez.

"When I woke up in Fershette's med bay…they told me Ptolemy was blown up. I was so angry that they had to cuff me to the bed so that I wouldn't run out there."

He opened his eye once he felt her fingers lightly trace the twin scars on his neck.

"When I was recovering, a man named Fon Spaak brought me tactical books. So I learned from them."

She pictured Lockon helpless aboard the spy shuttle with only books and a stranger to keep him company. A pang of guilt hit her hard as she ran a hand down his jaw.

Seeing her worry he clasped that same hand in his own and looked into her eyes.

"Leesa, I'm okay…that's all in the past now. I'm right here."

She nodded and saw the urge to hold her bright in his eyes, but she knew those arms were not yet ready to do so. Instead she lay down beside him and he turned to face her.

"How was it aboard Fershette?" She asked to break the somber tone.

"Pretty quiet compared to Ptolemy, the alarms never blared and besides Fon, I've never really talked to anyone else. He was a prisoner pilot; I couldn't believe that Celestial Being would do that to people."

He was surprised to see regret on her face when he spoke of Fon.

"You knew about him didn't you?"

"It was one of Celestial Being's ideals that I did not agree with. But I was outnumbered in the vote to force him into fighting." She scooted closer to him and trailed a hand down to his chest. "He was a terrorist you know, he was working for a mercenary unit before we recruited him. Once he was caught I agreed to his detainment but not to his forced combat."

"It's not your fault," he said apologetically for getting too carried away, "I know that would never happen aboard Ptolemy." He smiled and put an arm around her waist.

"I'm thankful that they took care of you, and I'm glad that your back." She said before kissing him lightly at first before they both deepened it to new heights.

Both were still trying to control their urge make out in public, but alone with just the two of them love was ignited by the smallest of things.

The feeling of his lips upon hers was amazing, she never wanted it to end. She felt him shift on top of her before a trail of kisses came down her neck while his hands slid up her shirt and came up to unclasp her bra. Seeing what was going to happen Sumeragi reluctantly broke the kiss and slightly pushed him back, he was now leaning over her looking down into her eyes with confusion etched in his.

"Neil…as much as I want to we can't right now…" she ran a hand lightly over his chest and saw him wince slightly, even though the blue had disappeared he was still healing up. "I don't want to hurt you, your chest is still sore, I can see it."

"I'm fine" he assured but as he leaned down to her again, the light pressure of her hands on his chest really hurt and he stopped in his tracks before doubling over to lay beside her.

"Are you okay?" She asked worried as she ran a hand down his cheek.

"I'll be okay." He rolled onto his back as he squeezed his eye shut and took another wave of pain.

Sumeragi administered the cream again and within moments the waves of pain stopped. After a few minutes he lay content as she stayed propped on an elbow beside him.

"How do you feel?"

"Better…" He turned to her, "I'm sorry, I don't know why that happened."

"Don't apologize it's not your fault." She said stroking his hair, "I'm worried, they seem to be getting more frequent. We need to get you treated at Ptolemy."

As if on cue his phone started ringing on the table beside him. He sat up under her protests and swung his legs to the floor as he flipped open his phone. The image of the crew gathered at the bridge popped up on his display. Sumeragi came over to sit beside him, when she saw the worried faces of her team.

"Sumeragi-san, Lockon, we've found Allelujah." Ian announced, as Feldt relayed the data to the both of them.

Relief flooded her at those words, but she went cold as the data Feldt had sent finally revealed what they wanted.

Allelujah was held in a state-of-the-art detention center heavily guarded by A-laws forces as well as the regular army. Automatic cannons and 30 squads of land armor would make an attack very tricky if not impossible.

"So you need a plan." Sumeragi stated a bit nervously.

"Please Sumeragi-san," Feldt spoke up, "he's been imprisoned for 4 years."

Sure enough her crew spoke up in agreement, as everyone urged her on.

"STOP IT!" she yelled taking everyone by surprise. "Stop imposing your expectations on me, my plans will put you all in danger." With that she made a beeline for the door, but Setsuna's words stopped her in her tracks.

"Sumeragi-san, you are the only one capable of planning such a mission and nobody will blame you if we loose. Please lend us your strategies, we need to get Allelujah, our comrade and Gundam meister out of there, and we would die trying if that's what it takes."

She stood still, with her back to all of them. Lockon processed what just took place and turned back to the crew.

"Setsuna, don't pressure her. I'm com-"

"Lockon, save the data. I'll need to review it for the mission plan." With that she left without another word.

Lockon stared after her with a mixture of joy and surprise, so it was Mileina that brought him out of his thoughts.

"Yay! Does this mean she's coming back?" Mileina asked with joy as everyone else stood in happiness.

"We'll call you when she's ready." Lockon replied before bidding his friends farewell and walking out after her.

HRL Detention center

Darkness was all that awaited him when he opened his eyes. He had grown used to it, the cloth covering his mouth, the searing pain of his throbbing arms as they stayed bound behind him. The first days he was here there was much torture, many of the higher ranked bigwigs thought they could break him with just one more punch, but even they couldn't crack a super soldier, and so growing tired of their fruitless game they tied him up and sent him to this dark cell.

The only thing that kept Allelujah from completely giving up was the days he would get to see Marie. He noticed the regular routine of the A-Laws to come question him sometimes Marie would be accompanying them, other times she would do the questioning. Either way Allelujah tried to get through to Marie Parfacy, but it seemed like the dominant Soma personality would have none of that. He spent days praying for a miracle, for a small chance that Marie would resurface but now he believed that if he ever wanted to see Marie, his Marie, again it would have to be away from this place.

So he sat in the darkness, biding his time, waiting for the right moment and the right people to be in the room, before he can pull off some attempt at escape. Even if it just ends up being an attempt, Allelujah would gladly risk his life just to see Marie again.

Break

Lockon knocked softly before entering her room. Sumeragi stood silently gazing out the window as the rain began to fall. Lockon sighed, relieved to find that she had not run off this time. He quietly came up and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Are you okay?" He asked as he kissed her shoulder.

She nodded, before turning around to face him.

"We need to get him out of there. I'm going back to Ptolemy tomorrow."

"I'm coming with you" He smiled

"Yes, then they can heal you." She smiled mischievously, tracing his shoulder. "And you can give me a repeat performance of last night, one I will remember."

"That I'd love to do," He whispered into her ear. "But I'd also like to help break Allelujah out."

She frowned slightly at that, but without a word wrapped her arms around his neck in an intimate hug. All the while wondering how she could keep him from harms way.

The next day Sumeragi sat opposite Lockon. Both watched the news while enjoying a cup of coffee as the orbital elevator started to ascend.

"How did your meeting with Ian go?" he asked about the conference she requested with the ship's engineer just before they left this morning.

"He relayed the ships new logistics to me." She replied carefully.

Lockon knew something was up, she had all of the new data on the laptop in front of her. Yet he let it drop for now and took in the orbital scenery, surely she would tell him in time.

"Any orders for the Almagest?" He asked, once they reached low orbit.

"We'll cover it in the mission briefing." She stated blandly without looking up.

Once the seatbelt sign went off, Lockon floated over to sit beside her.

"Leesa, did I do something wrong?"

"Neil…" She closed her eyes, "I'm sorry, it's just there's a lot to process here and its stressing me out."

"Hey, if you need help I'm right here." He nodded, thinking he understood.

"Thanks," she reached up to stroke his cheek "but I'll be fine. Just need time."

He shook his head, "What you need is a break." Before reaching over and closing the lid of her laptop.

She smiled and without protest leaned into his shoulder as he wrapped and arm around her. Little did he know that it was Almagest that was bothering her. Ever since Ian had given her a complete and unabridged report on the machine as well as who would be piloting it she was more than a little worried. The machine's true capabilities were very unstable, so she and the engineer made a pact to keep that part of the Almagest hidden from Lockon, at least for now.

Hours after the elevator ride, Lockon docked the personnel carrier with Ptolemy and they boarded the lift into the ship. As they ascended, Sumeragi's agitation was getting the best of her as she started pacing the tight quarters.

"Everything's gonna be okay" He said as he wrapped an arm around her waist to stop her pacing.

But Sumeragi knew what was going to happen once this lift stopped, and she prayed that he wouldn't hate her for it later. With 2 levels to go she pecked his cheek and whispered a hushed 'I'm sorry' just before the doors opened to reveal the crew on the other side.

Everyone cheered as Sumeragi stepped out and followed a very happy Feldt and Mileina to the bridge. Lockon stepped out to follow her, curious about the note of fear he picked up in her last words. But before he could take more than 2 steps Ian, Lasse and Tieria greeted him and led him another way.

"You're a sight for sore eyes, Lockon." Tieria said over his shoulder as he led the way.

"Agreed, it was starting to get boring without your usual irish humor around." Ian remarked on his right flank.

"Thanks guys. It's good to be back."

It was not until the last door opened and revealed behind it did Lockon find the situation quite strange.

"Lockon, good to see you again."

"Likewise, doc. Guys what are we doing in the med bay? I should be prepping Almagest."

"I'm sorry Lockon but you'll be sitting this one out. You're not going near that machine until you're healed." Ian replied as he stepped forward.

"Old man you were the one who told me one eye is good enough."

Ian shook his head, "Not the eye Lockon, we'll fix that later on when we rendezvous with our 2 surgical specialists. I'm talking about the Argyria."

Lockon chuckled, "If my eye is good enough then I can handle the Argyria for now." He replied knowing full well the unbearable pain his symptoms now brought him. "I'm off to the hanger?"

As soon as his back was turned Lasse pulled out a tranq. gun and within seconds a dart released it's drug into his system. Lockon was on his knees fast, Tieria and Ian rushed forward to catch him.

"I'm sorry Lockon, but these are Sumeragi's orders."

Lasse's last words were all he registered as the drug took him into the blackness.

"I feel like a scumbag for doing that." Lasse admitted once they put Lockon inside the pod.

"It was the best way to do it; otherwise we would have risked hurting him, had we used force." Tieria replied as they walked with to the observation bay.

Feldt came running towards them from around the corner.

"Sumeragi-san told me what happened, is he going to be okay?"

"He will be just fine Feldt, I expect a full recovery within a week." Dr. Moreno reassured as he stepped into the observation room.

"Where is Sumeragi-san now?" Lasse asked the tech

"After giving us the mission plan she locked herself in her room." Feldt replied, remembering the look of pain that crossed her mentor's face when she explained Lockon's situation.

"I guess she's not completely hell bent on coming back." Ian remarked as he changed course for the gun pods while Lasse and Feldt headed for the bridge leaving Tieria to head for his gundam.

A/N: My computer is still being repaired, so next chapter will be a while. Now Reviews, you got em, I need em, please review.