I have returned!! So I have learned that just because my beta has the completed chapter doesn't mean that I will be able to post it sooner! But before you start chasing after her with the proverbial torches and pitchforks, her muse had finally come back from a long vacation and I was loath to disturb their creative process! So many thanks to clnv (aka Chandy-chan..lol..love you hun!) for helping smooth this chapter over and making it better than I ever anticipated!!!

Oh, and I'd like to welcome Dvocalista to the FMP fandom as well… yes, this is another story for clnv to torment you with. My deepest apologies!! And thank you for noming this fic at the IYFG…. The thought is greatly appreciated! I wonder if they would consider branching into another fandom…..

Without further delay, here is the next installment!

Disclaimer: (think I forgot to do this last time…) I don't make any profit off of FMP…. Tho along with many other animes, it tops my wish list for dear St. Nick!!

Chapter 4:

The Aftermath

Attempting to enter without disturbing the other occupants, Sousuke carefully unlocked the front door of his apartment and silently slipped inside. He bent to unlace his boots and froze, staring in shock at his cloth covered feet. Had he really walked all the way home in his socks without noticing? A sudden thought made his heart rate increase and he held his breath as he lightly patted his chest and back. It seemed he had forgotten his weapons as well. Damn… I'm a Specialist! How could I have made such amateurish mistakes?!

Releasing a soft sigh, he gently rubbed his forehead in frustration. He'd entered Kaname's residence by the interior door, yet left by way of the balcony. He had been so focused on thoughts of Kaname and the encounter they had just shared that he hadn't even thought about grabbing his boots or weapons. Though he was content to let images of his beloved Chidori consume every conscious thought, he would need to remember to be more cautious in the future. A lapse such as the one that had occurred could have cost him both his own life and Kaname's as well. It was simply unacceptable. With a shake of his head, he dismissed the small, uncharacteristic behavior flaw and strolled into the living room. His mood instantly lightened and he chuckled at the sight that greeted him.

The room was completely dark except for the flickering glow of the television screen. Mao was fast asleep, curled intimately against Kurz's side with her arm wrapped around his waist while the sniper's arm was draped familiarly over her shoulders. The blonde man looked up from the movie he'd been watching to smile sheepishly at Sousuke. "I didn't have the heart to wake her," he said.

"Probably the wisest course," Sousuke commented as he grabbed a can of juice from the fridge. "She'd probably knock you on your ass again."

Kurz blinked at the man. "Did you just joke with me, Sousuke?" When the soldier just smirked at him, the sniper nearly choked. "Holy shit! You got laid!" Sousuke's face turned a deep crimson shade, causing the blonde to laugh out loud. "Sousuke, you dog!! Well? C'mon buddy, don't leave me hanging!"

Sousuke glanced down nervously at his sleeping superior to ensure that she was indeed, asleep. Sensing the sergeant's hesitation, Kurz grinned and nodded his understanding. He knew that Sousuke would never breathe a word if he thought Mao would hear him. Besides, she would most likely tell Kaname about the conversation and that might not go over too well with the harisen-wielding teen.

Kurz carefully moved the Sergeant Major until she was propped against the arm of the couch. He stood and with surprising gentleness, lifted Mao into his arms and cradled her against his chest. "Be right back," he told Sousuke before moving off down the hall and disappearing through the bedroom door. Upon his return, Kurz grabbed another beer from the small cooler beside the couch and settled down comfortably to hear the sergeant's confession. "Alright, spill it."

Sousuke glared dangerously at his comrade. In a harsh, no-nonsense tone he informed Kurz, "Everything - and I mean everything - we discuss here is to be treated as Level One Classified information. If I hear of one whisper from anyone in Mithril that this information has been leaked....." He left the remainder of the obvious threat hang menacingly in the air.

Kurz held up his hands in surrender. "Gotcha, Sousuke! I care too much about our Angel to spread stories like this!"

"Understood," Sousuke said with a nod. "I need to make a report to the De Danaan first thing in the morning."

The sniper frowned. "You mean bout Tessa's brother?"

"Affirmative, Kaname told-" Kurz's words hit him like a brick. "Wait, how did you know about that?"

It was Kurz's turn to blush slightly. "Sis and I decided to check the taps you set up in Kaname's apartment," he told the soldier sheepishly. Seeing the fulminating glare from those grey eyes he hastily assured, "But we turned them off after we heard what that bastard did and Kaname started crying! I swear!"

Somewhat mollified, but still suspicious, Sousuke continued. "Well, the captain needs to be informed of his role in Amalgam and the mini ASes that they have developed. With any luck, I'll be able to face off against that son of a bitch one of these days! I swear I'll make him pay for what he did." He tightened his hand around the can causing dents to form from the increased pressure of his fingers.

Kurz simply stared at him in awe. Ever since meeting Kaname, everyone in the SRT-- and quite a few outside of their team-- had noticed the subtle changes in Sousuke. But this blatant show of primal rage was new and so far out of character for Sgt. Somber that even he was taken aback. Deciding to veer his friend away from this volatile topic for now, he asked, "So, was the mission a success?"

The change in Sousuke's demeanor was instantaneous. His thoughts of revenge were quickly replaced with the image of Kaname's face in that instant before he kissed her for the first time. "Affirmative," he replied with a stoic expression. "It was an experience…I mean, it felt much like…" With a quiet chuckle, Sousuke gave up trying to express himself and allowed his features to slide into a lopsided grin. "I've never felt anything like it, Kurz!"

"Like pleasure and pain all at once?"

"Yes! That's exactly it! I couldn't get close enough to her! It was -- how can I describe it...? The feeling was intoxicating!"

Kurz smiled against the lip of his beer can before taking a long pull of the brew. "Better than any drug out there and ten times more addicting."

"I had no clue what I was doing," he murmured despondently. "I've never… The training videos are inadequate tools when it comes down to actually experiencing the act! I was so afraid that I was doing something wrong or that I'd disappoint her! I half expected her to whack me with that damn harisen!"

Sensing the serious vein in Sousuke's tone, Kurz leaned his elbows on his knees and twirled the can between his hands. "Listen, Sousuke, there is no 'wrong way' if you love someone," he stated quietly. Seeing the other open his mouth to retort, he interrupted. "For all my big talk about women, the truth is, I haven't nailed a girl in over two years. My heart's just not in it." The blonde smiled ruefully. "I guess you could say I'm saving myself for that special someone."

Sudden realization dawned on Sousuke as he took in his comrade's rare flush. "Mao," he whispered in astonishment. Kurz's derisive chuckle was all the confirmation he needed. "How long?"

"Since I laid eyes on her at the training camp," he replied with a defeated sigh.

"Have you told her?"

Kurz's bright blue eyes widened with astonishment at the sheer stupidity of that question. "Do I look suicidal? Of course I haven't told her! Besides, there are other complications involved." He chugged the remainder of his beer, tossed the can with perfect aim at the trash bin and pulled another from the cooler. Standing, he released a heavy hearted sigh and walked to the window. "The point is, pal, I really do know what it's like to be in love. Along with all the pain and pleasure that goes with it."

Sousuke noticed the slight slump of his shoulders, seeing for the first time the vulnerability beneath the carefree, flirtatious persona he usually presented to the world. "Kurz, can I ask you a question? As a-" he hesitated a moment, still as yet uncomfortable with the term, "-a friend?"

"That's what I'm here for," Kurz said as he looked over his shoulder with an affectionate grin. "What's up?"

"I'm not sure how to proceed with Chidori," he said quietly. "I always thought that telling her how I felt would be the hardest thing I would ever have to do, but now I think that it was the easiest part of the mission. I have to admit that I was at a complete loss when she lifted those misty eyes to mine and the way my body reacted to her touch was-"

"Whoa, whoa!" Kurz chuckled and gave his friend his full attention. "First of all, you need to stop thinking of this as a mission, Sousuke! Second, as much as I'd love to hear all of the juicy details, it's not polite to kiss and tell. If Angel ever found out we were having this little talk, she's likely kill us both. I have no desire to experience that lethal harisen of hers first hand." He leaned back against the window and took a short pull from his beer while carefully choosing his next words. "Here's the deal; you and Kaname have moved on to the next level. There is no sure-fire way to advance from here, pal." At Sousuke's fearful expression, he quickly continued. "Listen, every relationship is different, because no two people are alike."

When the soldier frowned in confusion, Kurz sighed and put it in terms the poor fool would understand. "Think of it this way: every time you engage an enemy you have to adjust your strategy, because the rules of engagement are constantly changing and no two missions ever follow the exact same parameters."

Sousuke nodded in agreement. "So I should approach this situation the same as I would a new mission?"

"NO!" he shouted in frustration. "You have to think like a civilian!"

"I don't know how! That's the problem!"

"Relax; I'm trying to help you with that! Kaname's a pretty special girl, Whispered abilities not withstanding. All I'm saying is it's going to take some time for you two to be comfortable with each other."

"I'm already comfortable with her," he protested.

"Sure, when it's just you two alone. But I bet it's still a bit awkward when it comes to really talking about things. You guys haven't exactly had a normal 'getting to know you' phase. It seems like the only time you can be honest with your feelings for each other is when one or both of you are in danger!"

Sousuke pondered this. It was true. Since his second day on this assignment, the only time they really talked to each other was after he thought the danger had passed. He sighed in defeat. "So what do you suggest?"

Kurz looked at the slump of Sousuke's shoulders. Kaname certainly has her work cut out for her with this guy! Sousuke was one of the most competent soldiers he knew. In the heat of battle, no one possessed a cooler head or displayed such incredible skill and confidence as Sgt. Sagara. When it came to social skills, however, he had the self-esteem of a walnut! "Just relax, Sousuke. Hold her hand, go for walks and just hang out together. Do whatever feels natural."

"That's just it," he growled in frustration. "What feels natural to me is far beyond what I should probably do! I doubt Kaname wants to go to the gun range, or debate the schematics of the M-6 versus the M-9. Whenever I try to do something that is 'normal' I usually get it horribly wrong and out comes the harisen!"

Kurz actually felt sorry for the poor guy. Almost all his life he'd lived and trained in one form of militant group or another. He'd been raised to be a living, breathing weapon. Because of that harsh upbringing, Sousuke was completely clueless about love and affection, not to mention everyday social interactions with the opposite sex. "My advice to you would be to follow Kaname's lead. Tomorrow's your day off, so just ask her what she wants to do." Kurz finished the rest of his beer and tossed the can into the trash. "I'm hitting the sack, buddy," he said with a wide yawn. Pausing beside Sousuke, who sat still as a stone on the couch, Kurz patted his comrade's shoulder comfortingly. "It'll work out, I promise."

"Thanks, Kurz," he murmured.

"That's what friends are for, pal. 'Night."

Sousuke sat for a long time in the same position, thinking about everything that had transpired that evening. Over and over he came to the same conclusion. He wanted to be with Kaname more than anything else. Suddenly restless, he rose and strode to the window that looked down upon Kaname's apartment. His conversation with Kurz churned in his mind. Relax, he says! Do what feels natural! Sousuke snorted derisively. "How?" he whispered into the darkness.

Suddenly his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. Distractedly, he flipped the device open and held it to his ear. "Sagara," was the curt greeting he gave.

"If I were an assassin, you'd have been dead, Sergeant."

"Chidori?" he asked in amazement.

"I see you," she taunted in a sing song voice. "You know, Sousuke, you really should put some curtains up."

"Negative," he replied. "That would only impede my view." Sousuke turned to see if the other two occupants of the apartment were listening in on his conversation. He paused briefly, waiting until the light in Kurz's room was finally extinguished before slipping out the balcony door and into the chilly night air. "Why aren't you in bed?" he finally asked, leaning against the rail.

Kaname smiled as she watched him through a crack in the draperies. Following his lead, she unlocked the door and stepped cautiously out into the night. Leaning back against the door, she remained partially hidden in the shadows of the balcony. "I can't sleep," she replied with a sigh. She hated being so weak but she couldn't deny how safe she had felt while wrapped in Sousuke's arms. "I tried, really I did, but…" the hesitation in her voice came through clearly over the connection.

Long accustomed to watching the shadows, he knew exactly when she had left the safety of her apartment; taking in her every movement as well as the area around her to assess any possible threat. "What is it, Kaname?" he asked as sudden anxiety raced through him. "Do you feel like you're in danger!?" Where the hell is Wraith?

"No," she hedged, "nothing like that. It's just, well…" Brushing a stray tear from her cheek with the cuff of her sleeve, Kaname mentally cringed as she thought about her next words. It wasn't too hard to anticipate exactly how the somber young man was going take her next statement. She didn't want to worry him or give him any reason to be more protective of her than he already was, but she couldn't stop the cold shiver of fear that skipped along her spine. "It's these damn nightmares…" she whispered.

Sousuke froze at the sound of her delicate sniffle. "Don't move," he told her firmly. "I'm on my way."

"Don't hang up, Sousuke!" she cried, wincing at the desperation in her voice. He was the last person she wanted to admit weakness to! Ah, to hell with it! I want my bodyguard! "Just keep talking to me."

"Roger," he assured her as he dashed through the apartment. He paused briefly to pound on Kurz's door and order, "Keep watch! I'm heading over to Chidori's." He heard the sniper groan about his sleep being disturbed before the distinct thump of bare feet hitting the hardwood floor.

Kurz poked his disheveled head out the door just as Sousuke had reached the front door. "Something wrong?"

"Nightmares," Sousuke mouthed. After Kurz's nod of understanding, he walked through the door and let it close with a soft click. "I'm on my way, Kaname," he told her as he sprinted down the stairs. "Go back inside until I get there. ETA: three minutes."

"I feel like such an idiot," she told him as another shiver of dread overtook her. "I can't believe I'm letting it get to me like this."

"You aren't an idiot," he assured her as he barreled through the complex's entrance doors. "You are one of the smartest people I've ever known."

"Yeah, well, good grades don't matter so much in the real world. I'm usually stronger than this, Sousuke! It's just a silly nightmare!" Her tone was a mixture of fear and frustration and Sousuke felt his heart clench.

"Kaname, PTS isn't something you can just shake off overnight. I've seen it destroy some of the strongest men I've known!"

"PTS?"

He raced up the outer stairs of her building, taking them two at a time. "Post Traumatic Stress. It doesn't matter how weak or strong you are," he told her softly as he rounded the corner of her floor. "Believe me, I know. Open the door, Kaname." He stood before the portal, panting lightly from his exertion. When the door finally opened, Kaname dropped her phone and launched herself into his arms. Sousuke held her tight against him and let her cry into his chest. He stroked his fingers through the long, luxurious tendrils of her hair in a soothing fashion. When she began to tremble from the cool air, he scooped her into his arms and carried her back inside, pausing briefly to kick the door shut with his heel.

Kaname wept like a child as he settled on the couch. "I ha-hate being weak!" she sobbed.

"I know," he soothed, pulling her tighter against him. "You'd rather fight than let the situation control you."

"How do I fight a dream?" she cried brokenly.

"I don't know, Kaname. But rest assured I will help you in any way I can."

Kaname lifted watery eyes to his. "Can I..." A blush crept into her cheeks but with fierce determination, she forced herself to continue. "Can I stay with you tonight?"

Sousuke felt the sheen of sweat across his forehead. "Uhm...." He swallowed past the lump in his throat. "I, uhm..."

"If it's a problem, I understand."

"It's not a problem," he replied automatically, though the anxious look on his face told her otherwise. "It's just that Kurz and Mao are there...."

"Oh, so you don't want them to know..."she whispered dejectedly.

"No! They already know, so that's not it at all," he cried.

Kaname narrowed her eyes after that statement. "What do you mean 'they already know'?"

Sousuke's anxiety turned to outright fear. "The taps, they were checking the frequencies and -"

Mortification swamped her. "You mean they heard everything we-"

"NO!" Sousuke knew he had to tread carefully here or else suffer the dreaded harisen attack. "They turned it off long before we …" he swallowed hard, "uh, we..."

Kaname watched him with an assessing glare. "So can I stay at your place or not?" she finally ground out. "I just feel so alone here. And knowing that Wraith is still watching me just creeps me out even more." She was unsuccessful at suppressing the shudder that made its way down her spine.

That was all it took for Sousuke to agree. "Where's your bag?" He knew that she kept a small pack with extra clothes stashed if ever there was a need for them to just pick up and run.

"Hall closet by the front door," she replied woodenly. He left her sitting on the couch while he retrieved the black canvas backpack. Slinging it over one shoulder, he reached back in to grab a light jacket for Kaname before scooping up his black combat boots. After depositing the items beside her, he moved into the bedroom to collect the shoulder harness and pistol he had so carelessly forgotten earlier. As he turned to leave, he noticed the stun gun he had given her lying on the nightstand. He paused a moment before picking it up. She's more affected by this than she's letting on…

Striding back into the living room, he collected the other pistol from the end table, returned it to it's position at the small of his back and sat long enough to hurriedly slip on his boots and tuck the long laces into them. Once again he slung the pack, along with the harness over his shoulder. He turned to drape the light blanket from the back of the couch over her shoulders before bending to scoop her back into his arms. Sousuke set her down while he pulled the keys out of his pocket and set the alarm system. Once the apartment was secure, he picked Kaname back up and walked resolutely toward the balcony stairs.

"I can walk on my own," she chided half heartedly. Secretly, Kaname was enjoying the unexpected chivalry he was displaying.

"Negative. Your feet are not sufficiently covered for this weather," he informed her in his military tone.

She sent him a sly smile and teased, "At least I have my slippers on, unlike you when you left earlier."

Sousuke blushed and cleared his throat. "I was a bit distracted at the time."

Kaname giggled at his reaction before snuggling further into his warmth. "You weren't the only one...."

For some reason, her sultry tone caused the part of his brain that controlled gross motor skills to shut down and he stumbled. Quickly recovering before he dropped her, Sousuke hurried across the deserted street to his own complex.

Kurz opened the door before they had even reached it. "Evening, Angel," he greeted with a warm smile and the long barreled sniper rifle propped on one naked shoulder.

"Hey Kurz," she called over Sousuke's shoulder as he marched purposely down the hall into the living room. She blushed at seeing the flirtatious sergeant in nothing but his boxers and quickly averted her eyes. Not seeing the female Sergeant Major anywhere she asked, "Where's Melissa?"

Kurz chuckled. "Sleeping like a baby," he explained while pointing toward the other closed door. He turned toward the bedroom he was sharing with Sousuke and released a wide yawn. "See you two in the morning."

Sousuke carefully set Kaname on the couch, deposited the pack and weapon on the floor and adjusted the blanket around her. "I'll make you some tea to help settle your nerves," he told her softly. "Make yourself comfortable."

Tucking her feet under her, Kaname let her eyes wander around the unfamiliar decor of the room and commented, "This place looks so different, Sousuke! It actually looks very homey!"

"Commander Kalinin insisted that since this would now be my permanent Base of Operations, it should appear like I'm a regular civilian," he explained while waiting for the water to boil. "That's why Kurz and Mao are here. They set this up while I was at school."

"I'm impressed," she told him with pride. "I always thought the place was a bit too sparse before. It kind of reminded me of one of those interrogation rooms you see in police dramas."

"I had all that was required for the mission," was his stiff reply. "This is too frivolous for me." He poured each of them a cup of the relaxing brew and walked to the couch.

Kaname scooted over to allow room for him to sit before accepting the steaming mug. When he was settled beside her, she snuggled against his side, comforted by the heavy weight of his arm around her shoulders. "Look at it this way, Sousuke. This," she waved her hand to indicate the room at large, "is normal! It's an apartment that will make people who come here feel comfortable. It may seem frivolous to you, but to everyone else, it feels like a home!"

Home... That single word rocketed through him. "I've never had a real home," he whispered without realizing.

"Oh, Sousuke," Kaname said in a soft voice. "Home isn't a place, it's a feeling. It's where you feel safe, loved and wanted. There's an old saying: Home is where the heart is."

"Then where ever you are, that is my home." There was no deceit, no hidden meaning behind Sousuke's soft words. They were delivered from the purest part of his heart.

Kaname gave him a brilliant smile. She knew that, unlike a lot of other guys, his simple declaration wasn't a line. He meant every word of it. "Well, in that case, I guess that you would be my safe house. Nothing makes me feel safer than when you are with me." She leaned up to gently place her lips against his for a brief moment. When she pulled away, she laid her head on his shoulder.

The couple sat in a comfortable silence, sipping the tea and letting the soothing, aromatic blend do its work. Slipping the now empty mug from Kaname's nearly lax fingers, Sousuke placed both cups on the end table before wrapping his arms around Kaname. "You should rest now," he told her in a low tone.

"I'm not really tired," she replied while trying to smother a yawn.

"Sleep, Kaname. Nothing can harm you here." Warmth spread through him when she softly kissed his cheek before shifting to lay her head on his lap. While her breathing evened out, he idly sifted his fingers through her thick mane of hair as he let his thoughts wander.

Never in his life had he thought that this feeling of absolute contentment would belong to him. He was a hardened soldier, raised to be a weapon against his enemies, of which there never seemed to be a lack of. It was a life he had accepted and come to terms with. Every mission was executed with calculated precision, regardless of the danger to himself. At least that's what he had thought up until six months ago.

Then Kaname Chidori had entered his life. At first, guarding this girl had been just another mission, albeit a difficult one at the best of times. Sousuke's lips twitched at that thought. She had been far more abusive - not to mention short tempered - than Mao was on Kurz. Yet through it all, Kaname had watched out for him, tried to help him adjust to civilian life. Then there was the incident in Khanka. That had been the night that everything had changed for him.

It was the first time in his life he had disobeyed any order from his superiors. Sousuke had been amazed that Mithril hadn't fired him after that. Although, he imagined the success with which he had piloting the Arbalest might have had something to do with that.

"Palladium Reactor output would be increased by point zero zero five percent....." Kaname continued to mumble indistinct phrases in her sleep. Sousuke ran the back of his knuckles along her jaw and she calmed instantly. Oft time's he would forget that she was a Whispered, due to the fact that she suppressed the ability so well. It was in moments like this, however, that brought the importance of his objective- and the determination to carry it out regardless of his orders to the contrary- into sharp focus. Yet at the same time, his heart clenched at the thought that she would be forever hunted for her rare and unwanted ability.

Releasing a long, slow breath, Sousuke shifted to remove the gun from the small of his back and settle into a more comfortable position without disturbing the young beauty that was using him for a pillow. He returned to his recollection of the early days of their bizarre relationship. Back then, he really had been completely clueless in regards to Kaname's complex personality. When he would feel pride at thinking he had successfully averted any threats from harming her, she would produce that damned harisen - sometimes from thin air it seemed - and assault his person viciously. At times, it had felt like Kaname was training him in ways similar to an obstinate puppy. But during the times when she really had been in danger, she had deferred to his experience without question. That is unless she had thought he was sacrificing his own life to ensure her safety.

Her strength of character and courageous heart had pulled him through many potentially fatal situations. He admired her spirit and, above all, was truly grateful for her aid both on and off the battlefield. If it wasn't for her saint-like patience, he would have been removed from school for his poor grades and thus failing his original mission objective.

Shifting again to lay his head against the back of the couch, Sousuke yawned, but was not yet ready to let his exhausted body rest.

He had meant what he said to her the night she had cut his hair. He trusts her. Kaname was the first civilian he had ever trusted implicitly.

More importantly, Kaname was the only person he had enough faith in to share such a special bond with. Sousuke trusted her not only with his life, but with his heart; something that, until recently, he wasn't even sure he'd had. Again, it had been Kaname alone that had shown him that he not only had a heart, but that it could feel such intense emotions toward another human being.

His lips tilted slightly at the corners into that not quite there smile that he reserved just for her. She never ceases to amaze me… Sousuke let his eyes drift closed, finally allowing the pull of sleep to claim him.

"Will you look at that," Mao commented to a bleary eyed Kurz after she had adjusted the blanket to cover the still sleeping couple. "Where's a camera when you need one?"

Some time during the night Sousuke had managed to stretch his body out alongside Kaname with her wedged safely between him and the plush cushions. His back was to the room, one arm draped protectively over her waist while her head was tucked beneath his chin. On the end table above his head lay the stun gun while his Glock balanced within easy reach on the sleeping girl's hip.

Kurz propped his elbow on his squad leader's shoulder and chuckled quietly. "Forget the camera! Where's Mardukas' bull horn!"

Melissa shoved the blonde away, although she couldn't help but join in his quiet mirth. "You really are a fucker, Weber!"

"You have no idea, babe," he responded with a leer. "But I'd be more than happy to give you a demonstration!"

The dark haired woman leveled a death glare on her subordinate. When he merely continued to give her that lecherous grin, she groaned. "Coffee before beatings," she mumbled in a defeated tone. "I simply don't have the ambition to deal with you right now!"

"My lady's request will be fulfilled post-haste!" Kurz informed her with a sharp salute before moving to the small kitchen area. "How do omelets sound, Sis?"

"Like heaven after nothing but galley food and MRE's for the past six weeks!" Mao called softly from the four-seater table. Moving her gaze to the windows, the Sergeant Major let her thoughts wander for a moment before noticing the grey, overcast sky that threatened rain. "Looks like there won't be any shopping trips today," she grumbled.

"Weather satellite showed only light cloud cover," he told her as he began preparing the eggs. "I think it's just gonna be an occasional shower off and on today."

"You know, I'm kinda glad Tessa decided to give us these few days R&R while the de Danaan docked for repairs."

"You and me both, Sis," he replied with a smile. "It's been far too long since we had any down time! Though I'm sure when we go back for combat training, Grouseaux is gonna put us through the wringers."

"You're probably right," she said with a moan before thanking him for the coffee he set before her. "But after that last battle with the Chordals, I think we need it. We have to find a way to beat those damn things just in case Sousuke isn't there to save our asses."

The soldier under discussion drifted slowly from the haze of sleep. He became fully alert once his squad mates began discussing the upcoming training scheduled for later in the week. Careful not to wake Kaname, Sousuke rose from the couch and joined his Urzu teammates in the kitchen. Nodding his appreciation when Kurz placed a steaming mug of coffee in front of him, he turned to Mao and asked, "Are they installing the Lambda Driver into the M-9's?"

Melissa smiled warmly at the Sergeant and quipped, "And a 'good morning' to you, too, Sousuke! No, not yet," she answered with a frown. "Tessa and Kalinin both agree that it's too soon for that, but it can't be avoided for much longer if we're to stand any chance against these new ASes. For now they are just upgrading the AIs to meet the ARX-7's."

"Good luck," was his grim reply. "AL's uncooperative at the best of times! The damn thing has developed sarcasm and a sense of humor!"

"You're kidding!" Kurz exclaimed from the stove, where the delicious aroma of steak omelets permeated the air. "It's that advanced?"

"Affirmative. I just don't understand how I'm supposed to relate to it during combat!"

Mao nudged the boy with her elbow. "Seems to me like you did just fine in Hong Kong."

"The Lambda Driver System is unreliable," Sousuke insisted petulantly.

"No, it's not," came Kaname's groggy voice from the couch. "I told you that before, Sousuke. You're just too thick headed to understand it, that's all."

Kurz beamed at the girl as she shuffled to the table. "Good morning, Angel! Want some coffee?"

She nodded sleepily before plopping down in the chair beside Sousuke. "You have to find a way to connect with the system on a subconscious level; AL will take care of the rest." Kaname smiled gratefully at the mug Kurz gave her before looking around for the cream and sugar. She fairly beamed when the blonde sniper placed the containers before her. "The Arbalest is actually more advanced than the Venom type AS," she explained to the avid soldiers. "The Muscle Package can handle substantially more damage, plus the Palladium Driver and volumetric efficiency are far more advanced, giving you a greater power to weight ratio."

"And that means what, exactly?" Melissa commented. As an Arm Slave pilot, she understood the components and weaknesses of just about any given Arm Slave, but when it came down to the actual workings, the Sgt. Major was at a loss, especially when it came to these third generation Arm Slaves like the Arbalest and Venom types.

Kaname sent her a weak smile before sipping her coffee. "In short, it's what gives Sousuke's machine such amazing agility. The advanced Palladium Driver has a greater output, hence more power."

Kurz set down the plates before each of them. They halted the conversation for a quick "Thanks for the food". He had to ask, "How do you know all this, Kaname? I don't see Mithril handing over top secret AS specs to a civilian."

Releasing a dreamy sigh after the first bite of the overstuffed omelet, Kaname then smiled brilliantly at the chef in gratitude. The girl continued to chew her food while tapping her index finger to the side of her head. After swallowing, Kaname explained, "It's all scrambled together in my brain. While I was linked up with Dana, the specs of the Arbalest flooded through and got stuck in there. While I was hooked up to that damn computer in Khanka, most of the Chardol's systems were mixed in with all the other crap they were cramming in my head."

"So you can access all this information at anytime?" Melissa asked, curious about the young girl's ability.

Kaname shook her head. "Not really. Most of the time I don't understand any of it and I usually wind up with a massive headache. I guess you guys talking about it while I was still half asleep triggered something in my subconscious."

"So," Kurz said in a serious tone, "how feasible is it for me and Sis to operate a Lambda Driver?"

"Most likely, about ninety percent feasible," she answered. "The thing is, it's a pretty sensitive system and very draining on the pilot. That's why Amalgam was using the drug cocktails on their Chardol pilots. Unfortunately, you all know what the side effects to that are."

The group ate in silence after that depressing statement. Each of them had seen what happened to the people who were injected with the drug. They were all driven to insanity. That was the main reason Tessa was against using that method. The cost simply didn't justify the means for ensuring victory. "So what are the alternatives?" Melissa finally broke through their collective introspection.

"I don't know," Kaname replied honestly. "That's the million dollar question that Tessa is probably trying to answer." She smiled sadly at Sousuke when he reached out to take her hand. "As to you and AL, you have to adjust you're mind-set, Sousuke. You have to stop thinking of it as a separate system. The Arbalest has to become an extension of you, instead of a tool that you use."

"How?" he asked quietly. "Urzu 1 told me basically the same thing after my assessment. I don't understand anything about the Lambda Driver systems, or how to access it at will. It defies everything I've ever been trained to know about the AS!"

"That's something you have to work out with AL," she told him. "I know you'll figure it out, Sousuke. I have faith in you." She squeezed his hand in reassurance and then quickly finished her breakfast. "That was amazing, Kurz!" she told the blonde with a smile. "Anyone mind if I hop in the shower?"

"Not unless I get to guard the door," Kurz answered with a broad smile. The next thing he knew, he was sprawled on the floor after receiving a powerful jab to the side of his head from Mao.

"Thanks, Melissa," Kaname laughed as she scooped up her bag and headed to the bathroom.

Once the water began running, Mao turned serious eyes to Sousuke. "Fess up, Soldier. What's with you two all of a sudden?"

Sousuke blushed as he gathered the empty plates from the table and took them to the sink. Before he could sort out a sufficient response, Kurz spoke up. "Sousuke's mission was a success," the blonde supplied.

Mao's eyes widened and a warm smile spread across her features. "How successful?"

Sousuke's blush deepened and he mumbled, "It exceeded the initial mission parameters."

Slanting a look at Kurz as he slid back into his chair she asked, "Is he saying what I think he's saying?"

Kurz grinned ear to ear. "He hit the ball out of the park!"

"Well it's about damn time!" Mao chuckled into her coffee. "Honestly, Sousuke, I was beginning to wonder if you would die a virgin."

"Since it didn't seem to affect my performance, I don't see why that would worry you," Sousuke commented stiffly as he furiously scrubbed the dishes.

"Oh, aren't we touchy," she teased. Then in a more serious tone, Mao said, "You're a healthy young guy, Sousuke. There's nothing wrong with you having sex with Kaname."

Sousuke's shoulders sagged in defeat. "I really hadn't planned on any of this! I don't know what to do next, which is twice as frustrating as when I was denying I had feelings for her in the first place!"

Kurz and Mao shared a look of pity for their young squad mate. They both knew that self doubt was eating him alive. Finally, Kurz informed him, "Tessa sent us a communication last night. We officially have three days R & R, so why don't we all go out and paint the town red today?"

Sousuke frowned in confusion. "I fail to see how painting the city is going to help develop my relationship with Kaname."

Kurz dropped his head to the table and Melissa groaned in frustration. "It's an expression, Sousuke! What he means is the four of us should just hang out today. Go shopping, take in the sites, etc."

Realization dawned on him finally. "Oh, like a date!" He paused as another thought came to mind. "Aren't those usually meant to be shared between two people?"

"Well, yes, but sometimes people go on 'group dates'," she explained patiently.

Kurz's head snapped up at the possibility. "We're going on a double date?" The hope shining in his bright blue eyes was quickly extinguished, however, with Mao's retort.

"Keep dreaming, asshole. We're only going along to help Sgt. Sagara," she ground out between clenched teeth.

Just then, Kaname emerged from the bathroom. She looked awake and refreshed in a pair of loose black cargo pants that hung low on her hips and a long sleeved form fitting grey top. She ran the brush through her long still-wet tresses as she crossed the room.

The vision stole Sousuke's breath.

Kaname noticed the intensity in his eyes and smiled shyly at Sousuke. She stuffed the brush back into her pack and set it back down beside the couch. "So, what's the plan for today?"

Ok, I know it wasn't what you were expecting, but come on folks… You can't really expect things to just become instantly smooth for them? And what's FMP without a bit of Sousuke's usually military attitude toward EVERYTHING!? And the thought of Mao and Kurz getting their two cents worth on the situation was just too much fun…

So let me know what you thought, and I'll try to get everything on a more dramatic yet humorous keel in the next chapter…which I will be sending off to my beta later tonite…

REVIEW!!! Lol…

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