Morgenroete

April 9th

Murrue took a peek around the corner to see her fiancé lounging by one of the machines, seeming to be in casual conversation with one of the other pilots that he'd been training with earlier. She couldn't help but smile, he looked so at home. She really wasn't the least bit surprised that he had settled in so well over the past few hours, the other pilots already seemed to treat him like family. She was glad to see that he was already cheerful and at home. 'He deserves it...'

He glanced up from the conversation and caught sight of Murrue peeking around the corner, a small smile lighting up her pale face. He burst into a grin and excused himself, practically racing back to her and tugging her right into his arms. "Hiya!"

"Are you going to tackle me every time you see me while we work here?" Murrue asked breathlessly, hugging him back as best she could, considering that her arms were pinned against his chest, his arms wrapped tight around her waist. She didn't exactly mind the embrace, laughing and leaning closer to him.

"Would it bother you?" Mu teased, his chest rumbling with his chuckle as he near lifted her clear off the ground as he gave her an extra squeeze. She squealed in delight, arms flying to wind around his shoulders to cling closer, burying her face in his chest as he laughed and swung her around in a quick circle. He set her down immediately and continued to laugh when she peeked up at him, cheeks dusted pink and marigold eyes sparkling with affection. "Didn't think so."

"Well if you do that in front of Erica, she'll tease me deaf." Murrue remarked, poking him in the chest. He pulled a face, clearly remembering how much the redhead liked to tease and that probably wouldn't work out too well for either of them. Murrue stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips gently against his cheek before adding, "Natarle too, she'd love to tease me."

"You can tease her later, she hasn't shown up for her shift yet, two hours late. How often do you see that?" Mu pointed out smugly, his proud smirk growing even broader when the knowledge shifted Murrue's expression. Concern washed over her at first for Natarle's out of character behaviour, then it shifted to curiosity, realization, glee, and then finally mischief. He chuckled. "I guess you're thinking what I'm thinking."

"I'm hoping what you're thinking because it'd save me a lot of time and give me teasing rights for the next year." Murrue giggled, just imagining what her friend would do if she was ever found out in such a position. She knew enough about the woman that she'd probably hide in her apartment for a year before even considering the idea of peeking out past her door.

"Next year? That's extreme." Mu laughed, finding a seat on the edge of the one of the packing crates that were scattered aimlessly throughout the hanger. He tugged Murrue into his lap, grinning when she squeaked in surprise but didn't try to escape. Instead she curled up and settled as close as she could, her hands resting on his forearms as they wrapped around her middle to hold her close. "You're being evil."

"She'd do the same thing to me, you have no idea how mischievous Natarle really is." Murrue replied with a snicker, wondering how odd that must have sounded out of her mouth. She smiled wryly, knowing that it was something they had all been adjusting to, the woman's real personality was showing bit by bit now. Cuddling a little with him, she changed the subject casually, "How's your first day been?"

"Good, everyone's really nice." Mu answered swiftly, glancing around almost suspiciously to see if anyone was spying on him and her. Murrue giggled in his lap, hiding her face when he glanced back down at her and shot her a winning smile that only had her in another fit of laughter. "Oh c'mon, I just don't want our boss to get us in trouble."

"She's as bad as we are sometimes." Murrue rolled her eyes and tried to keep her smile from becoming too playful for her boss' account. She knew that Erica would never admit to being as flighty and affectionate in public as they had been all day, but she'd be lying. Murrue had caught the redhead trapped in the arms of her husband a few times, so she wouldn't put up with any 'talks' about her behaviour.

"I have a hard time believing that but if you're right then I'll hush." Mu teased, kissing the crown of her hair and giving her a small squeeze before glancing around the hanger speculatively. She peeked up at him again curiously, before likewise glancing around to see what had him averting his attention from her.

Murrue pursed her lips unhappily, not liking that he was focussing on something else while she was there. She snickered a little at herself, wondering when she had become so wrapped up in him while she was working. Normally it wasn't so easy to get herself distracted from work, but he'd simply come along and wrapped her up in his arms like he'd always done and the world just sort of vanished. 'I've really gotten more selfish with him around...'

She smiled weakly, remembering one of the many long talks she'd had with him while they were both aboard the ArchAngel. They had spent a good amount of time together just talking, and somehow those hours they'd spent together in their free time wasn't used for talking after awhile.

"You know it's good thing to be selfish once and awhile, right?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You need to look after yourself more. You work yourself to death, you don't leave much time for you. It's alright to ignore the world for once and just put some time aside for you."

She sighed quietly and smiled a little, leaning back into his chest and relaxing into his arms. Once upon a time she would never have thought of even spending a spare moment from her work to do anything for herself, it was too important to get sidetracked. She'd threw herself into her work to escape the ache that had always been there in her chest, forcing her to ignore it. But ever since he had come back... All she wanted to do was spend time with him, and forget the world. 'Mission accomplished commander...'

You've already won me over,

in spite of me.

And don't be surprised if I fall head over feet.

And don't be surprised if I love you,

for all that you are.

I couldn't help it,

It's all your fault.

She hadn't left the bed all day. Not that she hadn't tried to escape either, she'd spent a good half hour trying to reason with him on why she had to go to work... He'd just made a better argument, that's all. And he hadn't even had to speak either, the man was a genius.

Natarle smiled a little as she thought over the past few hours they'd spent together, she was a little amazed how easy it was to forget the world. He made it easy. She peeked through her eyelashes up at him, and wasn't surprised to meet his tender emerald gaze either. The smile made its way easily to her face, and she kissed his bare chest softly before resting her chin there, his arms tightened a little around her waist to hug her closer.

They'd spent a good hour or two just lying together, trading quiet stories and gentle kisses. She'd forgotten to be awkward, to be nervous, he made it so easy to forget her worries. She barely even cared that Erica would be wondering where she'd be, that Murrue would tease her till she wanted to go deaf if she made the connection. She was happy.

"You do understand that you're not going back to work for awhile, right?" Justin had told her cheerfully after 'persuading' her to listen to his argument. Which had ended up taking all morning, and she'd nearly forgotten why she had wanted to get out of bed and away from him.

He'd proceeded in 'explaining' to her exactly why she wasn't going, and by the end of his demonstration she really couldn't have cared less about work. She'd happily skip the year if this was how she was going to spend all her free time, it was impossible to not be entirely content right now.

He gently brushed his fingers through her hair, adjusting the silky strands and pushing them away from her face so he could see her violet eyes, smiling warmly when she peeked shyly up at him. He was amazed how after what they'd done how she still managed to seem entirely naive to the entire situation, but at the same time it was oddly quite cute, so he didn't push it. He kissed the tip of her nose, enjoying how she'd twist away, crinkling her nose in reply.

She was tired, but quite content. She didn't really remember having felt this way before, not by herself or with anyone else. She smiled wryly, she'd never let anyone get this close, that was why. But it wasn't bad... This closeness. It was strange, but familiar, not in the least bad. With a contented sigh, she snuggled ever closer to him, the warmth of his skin sending a delicious shiver through her body, causing her to curl even closer, the intimacy too much to ignore.

His lips brushed against her hair, the gesture natural, as familiar as the arms that were wound around her body. That was how it seemed between them, despite the few hours they'd had together since he'd come. Everything was as natural as breathing, every gesture so familiar neither of them could make themselves feel awkward. Like they were made to fit together.

"I love you."

The words were a soft whisper, barely spoken but they were close enough for her to hear them clearly. She blinked, the words cut through her sleepy daze and straight into her brain, flooding her body with adrenalin. Her first instinct was to run, but her heart wouldn't let her and she lay frozen for a few moments before she felt the blush stain her face red. She ducked her head, murmuring into the sheets out of embarrassment as she couldn't make herself look up, "I... I love you too."

Justin grinned broadly and lifting her chin with one finger, meeting her dazzling violet eyes. She was still blushing, and he chuckled softly before tugging her closer and pressing a swift kiss to her lips before she had a chance to look away. She muffled a protest but it melted into a soft moan as her arms wound around his shoulders and she pulled herself flush with him.

He almost casually rolled her over, leaning overtop of her as her legs steadily became entwined with his despite the sheets that wrapped around their bodies. He broke the kiss for a shallow gasp of air, but even then he didn't want to quit, moving his mouth gently down her neck and collarbone, muttering her name.

"Justin." She whispered back, closing her eyes and biting her lower lip to suppress another moan that was building in her chest. His hands settled on her sides, effortlessly pushing her into a better fit with him and his mouth travelled everywhere, marking out his territory with gentle nips and kisses.

"I love you." His words were almost as breathless as hers were, and he gave himself over to his instincts, clasping her even tighter and she never complained, instead melted right into him for the better fit, fingers running restlessly through his hair. His search wasn't fruitless though, it didn't take long before his mouth had fixed on hers again, now feverishly undoing the sheets that hid her body from him.

She laughed softly into the kiss, breaking away for a moment to help him remove the sheets, having better luck with the tangled satin than his clumsy fingers. He didn't like her having the one-up on him, and quickly got his advantage back by kissing her full on the mouth once again.

It didn't take long for them to spiral downwards from there, it just seemed to be waiting for them.

She wondered what the hell he was up to, he'd been running back and forth for almost half an hour, appearing and disappearing with forms and then just when he seemed finished with his little task he'd run off again like he'd forgotten something. Murrue huffed quietly and stayed where she was seated, knowing that whatever he was up to was supposed to remain a secret. He'd made an adorable hangdog expression and begged for her to stay there before he raced off to do god knows what.

So she was now waiting, and rather impatiently. She didn't like being kept in the dark, but if he insisted so much she guessed she could spare some of her little patience for him, but it better have been a good one. Suddenly he reappeared, and he was grinning from ear to ear and seemed more like a child in a candy store than the adult he was.

"So what–" Murrue began with a grumble but the words died in her throat as he grabbed her wrist and tugged her along, beaming the entire way. She followed him obediently, though she grumbled a little under her breath, the secrecy was starting to annoy her and she wasn't sure why.

It was easy to recognize where he was taking her, she knew the factory like the back of her hand. He was leading her into the mobile suit area, where the building and reviewing took place, also the entrance to the training arena. She didn't have time to ask him what was going on, though the question was apparent on her face, he was moving too quickly.

She was sure she knew what he was thinking when he made a beeline for 'his' mobile suit that Erica had assigned him, and she felt the urge to stop dead in her tracks. But seeing the bright expression on his face, she had a hard time wanting to be the one responsible for changing the smile. Besides, there would be plenty of time to pester him later if he was planning what she thought he was planning.

She was right, he led her up the stairs towards the cockpit, glancing around hurriedly to make sure they weren't followed. He pressed the hatch release and slid inside, grinning so broadly it could have lit up the entire country. He was bouncing up and down in the seat, now really fulfilling the look of a boy in a candy store. "C'mon!"

"You're serious, aren't you?" Murrue asked with raised eyebrows, glancing around at the empty room with suspicion. She knew the rules as though she had made them, and she was fairly sure this was against plenty of the lot, probably at the top of the list as well. She knew Erica wasn't exactly a hardnose for the rules, but she did like to have some sort of discipline among her workers. Murrue could only wonder how much trouble she would get in for this.

"C'mon Murrue!" Mu urged, pulling a sad face when she stared at him, uncomprehending. He opened his arms in invitation, and she shook her head, weary. His expression fell, azure eyes wide and saddened, and he slumped back into the seat with a quiet sigh.

"Where are we going?" Murrue asked him wearily, raising her eyebrows again and glancing around her. The hanger was still empty, but she couldn't help but wonder. All the running around was suspicious, had he perhaps gotten permission for the flight from Erica already?

Mu shook his head stubbornly, bottom lip jutted out in a surprisingly effective pout. His arms were still open, waiting for her to jump into them but there were still painfully empty. He whined unhappily, "It's supposed to be a surprise. If I tell you now it'll ruin the fun. Aren't you going to come?"

"I'm so losing my job." Murrue muttered under her breath, judging the distance between the open cockpit and the little bridge. She hopped into his lap, his arms caught her and clutched her close to his chest, and she felt his lips press against her hair happily. She rolled her eyes and smothered her giggle, curling as close as she possibly could in the tiny space.

The cockpit door shut with a low hiss, and with a low purr the machine started to tremble as the engines came online. She peeked up at her fiancé, his left arm was still tight around her waist to hold her there, while his right initiated the start-up sequence. She said nothing, just watched him finish up and then take off with a lurch that sent her rocking in his arms.

She peeked out to see where they were heading, but the conversation pretty much had ended the moment they were both inside the cockpit. She didn't really mind the silence, it was comfortable and with the way his arm locked around her, she wasn't feeling too bad either. She was a bit surprised when he left Morgenroete grounds though, casting a curious glance at him but his broad grin and reassuring kiss was enough to calm her down.

He seemed to know where he was going though, flying one-handed didn't seem too difficult for him either. She would have let him let her go but he didn't seem to want to and she didn't exactly want to be released to be honest. He dipped low after a few long minutes of flying, and silence fell over them once the mobile suit powered down.

She peeked around curiously, the sound of rushing water reaching her ears first, and then when the cockpit doors opened she was momentarily blinded by the bright sunshine. Her mouth fell open with a soft pop, and she was pretty sure she could hear Mu grinning proudly behind her.

"It's... Beautiful." Murrue whispered in a daze, only really able to stare and not move from her position on his lap. It was like a tiny little paradise smuggled away on the far end of the island. One of the higher cliffs that made up part of ORB's mountain range simply made a rock wall, creating a beautiful looking waterfall from one of the streams that flowed through the island, pouring into a basin that created what looked like a deep pool, surrounded by fresh long grass and flowers.

"I found it when I did my first fly-by a few days ago, when Erica was testing me out." Mu answered cheerfully, though his voice was low, whispering into Murrue's ear as though worried someone would overhear. He gave her a tiny little squeeze, nodding towards the crystal clear water, "I wanted to show it to you."

"It's like... ORB's own Eden." Murrue managed to murmur, still shell-shocked that such a place could exist on the little country without ever being noticed or touched by man for that matter. She suddenly understood the need for the Astray, she hadn't seen or head anything city-related since they'd left Morgenroete, the little place must have been incredibly secluded. She could see the touches of wildlife for miles, it was perfect.

She was suddenly very aware that she was alone, and when she looked around she got a glimpse of tanned skin that she knew very well before hearing a loud whoop followed by a tremendous splash. She managed a gasp before Mu erupted from the water with a holler of delight, only a few feet out and entirely submerged. "Mu!"

"Hey, hey!" Mu laughed loudly, his deep voice echoing off the trees, the emptiness only seeming to add to the beauty of the little paradise. He ducked under the water, the chilly liquid entirely crystal clear when he opened his eyes for a moment and then popped through the surface. He was treading water already, only a few feet separating him from the shore and a few more form the landed astray and his awestruck fiancee. "C'mon in Murrue, the water's great!"

"You're naked!" Murrue protested with wide eyes, having a hard time adjusting to the entire situation. She hadn't even realized he was undressing behind her, she only had enough time to see him dash the fifteen metres or so before his nudity had registered with her.

"That's the point!" Mu called back gleefully, quite amused by her surprise. He continued to tread water fairly easily, ducking back down before shaking the water out of his eyes. She was still staring at him like he was crazy, and he snickered as an idea hit him. He grinned sweetly, cupped a hand around his mouth and hollered, "Are you too chicken? It's just us!"

"Excuse me?" Murrue's eyes narrowed into slits and her mouth set in a firm line. She had mastered being able to scare the hell out of him and pretty much anyone else around her with a simple glare, not that she liked using it either. Her voice was low and dangerous, but she knew he heard her. "What did you say?"

"Well I could come over and strip you myself, but if you're too scared to jump in by yourself that just ruins the fun." Mu taunted playfully, knowing that she wasn't going to let anyone take shots at her pride without getting some major payback later.

He wasn't disappointed, she leapt gracefully from the Astray, glaring at him the entire time. She kicked off her shoes, and then her socks, but slowly undid her jacket and dropped that to the ground next. He was careful to not let his emotions get to his face, but he watched as she slowly began to unbutton her shirt, knowing just how carefully he was watching.

Murrue forced her devilish grin off her face, she could see his azure eyes darkening with lust and wondered how hard it was for him to keep treading water and acting calm. She made a show of unbutton her shirt, lazily running a hand through the now open flap before her hands drifted down to her jeans and began to undo those next. She knew him well enough to see the impatience in his eyes, she couldn't help it, she smirked broadly at him.

His voice was a low husky growl, and his hands were clenching the rock that he could use to pull himself out of the water, "Don't tease me."

"Come and get it then." She challenged. She knew he was fast, and her expectations were met a moment later, he'd tugged himself out of the water and was in front of her in seconds, arms clasped around her and mouth hard on hers.

She barely remembered falling down onto the grass under the sudden passion but she didn't really care. He made short work of her clothes, never really breaking the kiss the entire time. She didn't really care about being quiet either as her legs wrapped around his waist, fingers curling into his hair. Her body rocked along to his beat, anchoring herself to him and losing herself in the sudden ecstasy. They were alone in paradise, who could hear them?

AN

I feel like I rushed the ending, I probably did XD. I didn't really have it in me to write a whole smut (sweatdrop) But this little place will return in later chapters. How can I not use something like this? I'm horrible. (Grins) Anywhosit, reviews are welcome, and I'd love to hear what you'd like to see next. The song was "Head Over Feet", Alanis Morissette and I love how that song relates to both of the couples in my opinion... I no own! Anywhosit, have a good one, I'll see you soon!

Sky