The sun shone brightly in the midday sky. A cool breeze blew in from the ocean, but not strongly enough to deter the sun-worshippers that lined the beaches of the island nation. Along the promenade that lined this beach, crowds walked, milling around the small stalls set up near the edges of the walkway, gossiping, or simply just enjoying the day. Children chased around the colourful stalls, laughing and playing games only they knew the names of.

And in the midst of all this, a couple strolled together, the man's hand curled protectively around that of his companion's. He had asked her earlier in the week if she would come out with him today, to just walk and have fun, and she had readily agreed. He turned to watch her as they made their way through the bustling crowds. Her dark hair was bundled up under a broad-brimmed sunhat, and she wore a light pink T-shirt and denim shorts - very unlike what he was used to, but the effect was stunning.

"Everyone's looking at you, you know," he murmured, letting go of her hand to wrap an arm around her slender waist. She laughed at that, half-heartedly trying to push him away. "No they aren't. Don't be silly," she scolded gently, faint pink to her cheeks. But she giggled, amber eyes dancing in the sunlight. He shrugged. "I thought they were. Or maybe it was just me?"

"Probably," she agreed, arching an eyebrow.

Mwu had to suppress a grin at how unself-conscious she was. Because everyone was staring at her, and she never noticed them. Murrue simply carried on walking, slipping her thin hand into his again, tipping her head back to get some sun to her face. And he, like everyone else, could only stare. He had wanted to see her like this for so long, to see what a civilian Murrue, shed of her responsibilities as captain, would be like. The stress and the constant pressure had lifted from her shoulders, and she seemed to stand much taller, which he was very glad about.

"Do you want an ice cream?" he asked, and she gave him that sunny smile. "Please.."

Sitting on a bench, Murrue looked out to sea, watching a small fishing boat sail past. The tang of salt lingered in the air, the fresh breeze lifting everyone's spirits. She had always loved it here, ever since this country had become her home, but now...things seemed even more beautiful. More alive. Because the war was finally, truly over, and she and the people here could live in peace. And...she had a future to look forward to.

"Here ya go," his cheerful voice broke through her thoughts, and she smiled up at him, accepting the chocolate ice-cream he offered her. Sitting down on the bench beside her, Mwu slipped an arm around her, pulling her close. His blue eyes perfectly reflected the sea and sky, and his scarred face wore a broad grin. "You like it here, don't you?" she asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I always did," he replied. "Ever since we came here that first time. Never thought I'd get to live here, though..with you.."

Murrue sighed contentedly, nibbing her ice-cream. The sea air and sunshine were making her more relaxed than she had felt in quite a few weeks, and she closed her eyes. Mwu noticed, and chuckled. "Don't you go falling asleep on me now.."

"I won't.." she grumbled, sitting up and finishing her treat. "Where do you want to go now?" In reply, he stood up, offering her his hand, and together they walked onto the beach. The white sand was packed with sunbathers, but the couple were still able to walk together by the water's edge, the surf wetting their shoes.

"So, what's this place like at night?" Mwu asked, and Murrue smiled, slipping off her flip-flops and sinking her feet into the soft sand. "It's nice. Just as busy as the daytime, really, with lots of food stalls and open-air markets. That sort of thing. There are a lot of good places to eat and drink, too. I used to go out with Erica and the others from work quite a bit.."

"Oh?" was his answer. "Well, which one was your favourite? Maybe you could show me?" She spun round to face him, amused. "That's a very roundabout way of asking for a date, Mwu La Fllaga.." The blonde man grinned. "Yep. But did it work?"

In reply, she kissed him, winding her arms around his neck.

"This is fancy.." he muttered, sounding nervous. The restaurant was small, in an out-of-the-way street near the beach. But the decor was beautiful, quiet music being piped through the small room, the tables laid with shining crockery and snowy-white linen. Murrue smiled, squeezing his hand. "There's no need to be so nervous. Everyone here is very nice. And the food is amazing.." Without another word, she pulled her reluctant boyfriend inside the restaurant.

There weren't many other diners, which Mwu was grateful for. The owner seemed pleased to see them however, a large smile spreading across his florid face as he saw Murrue. "Ah, Miss Maria! It's nice to see you back here again!"

Mwu raised an eyebrow, looking down at the auburn-haired woman by his side. She gave him a sweet smile, but didn't say anything.

She was right. The food was great. He watched her quietly as she ate the plate of pasta she had ordered, the candlelight shining in marigold eyes. "How did that guy know you?" he asked as he ate his own food. Murrue smiled again, taking a sip from her glass of wine. "I told you. I used to come here with Erica and the others all the time..."

"How come this place is your favourite?" he wanted to know, and her smile faded somewhat. "Well, it's quiet here, and the food is good. And this place has something special, too..."

"Which is?"

"Finish your dinner, and I'll show you.."

The restaurant had a large stone balcony, hidden behind billowy red drapes. On a night like this, the view over the ocean was spectacular, the moon hanging in the sky like a lantern. Stars sprinkled across the sky like frosted sugar, and the sea was still and calm, reflecting the light back up. Mwu whistled. "Awesome..." Wrapping his arms around Murrue's waist, he kissed her cheek. "This is what you wanted to show me?"

She nodded, tears sliding down her face to disappear into the fabric of the red dress she wore. She was smiling, but the tears kept falling. "Hey, hey.." he said, dismayed. "What's wrong?" Turning her around in his arms, he leaned down to brush the tears from her eyes. "Are you all right?"

"Oh yes.." she replied, laughing slightly. "It's just..ever since the first time I saw this view, I always wanted to show you it." She hiccupped a little, and looked down at the ground. "Silly, huh?"

"Course it isn't," Mwu reassured her, bringing her close for a hug. A waiter, moving to their table to pick up their empty plates, smiled at the sight of the couple. "You know, Miss Maria used to spend hours looking out from that balcony when she came here with her friends. But she was always so sad. Everyone here wanted to see her smile, and I think some of our guests wished they could be the ones to make her smile.."

Murrue flushed at that, hiding her face in Mwu's shirt. He smiled, closing his eyes and resting his head on hers, breathing in the scent of her hair.

"So, did you enjoy tonight?"

On their way home, the couple had stopped at the beach again, the whole world seeming to have been turned silver by the moonlight. Murrue leaned back against her companion, enjoying the warmth of his arms. "Yes, very much." Her eyes were closed, the peaceful surroundings and the feel of his embrace lulling her.

"You look sleepy.." he said, his deep voice only a murmur. "Not really." she replied, turning around in his hold. "Just happy."

"Is that so?" Mwu asked, impish grin on his lips. "Well then, what would you like to do next?"

In reply, she stood on her tiptoes, brushing her own lips against his cheek. "I'd like to go home.." she whispered in his ear. "After that...it's up to you.."

His only response was a kiss.

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( This story is for my big sister :hugs her: since she helped me think of ideas. I made it as fluffy as I could, just for her :D

Please read and review! )