The hangar bay was a hive of activity, technicians and other crewmembers running back and forth. It had been two days since the end of the war, but the excitement and new-found hope still fairly crackled in the air. It was the same everywhere, not just on the Orb and Clyne Faction ships, but on the PLANT colonies, who's inhabitants still didn't really understand the causes of the war, and the people of Earth. It would be a long time before true reconciliation was could happen, but such was the optimism in the air, it felt as though anything were possible. Two people walked through this busy crowd of humanity, smiling at the delighted chatter. "It's so nice to see everyone like this..." the smaller of the two, light blue eyes dancing with her smile. Her companion nodded, gazing all around the hangar. "You think that people can find happiness now?" Lacus laughed softly at those words. "Happiness is a funny thing.." was her reply. "It means different things to different people. For some, peace itself might be enough. For others, it could be a place, or a song, or something even simpler." Looking up, her gentle smile broadened. "And for some...happiness might be a person.."

Kira followed her gaze, and grinned. Up above was Akatsuki, the golden armour of the suit shining brightly in the hangar lights. On the open cockpit hatch sat two people, totally unconcerned with the bustle of the people below...in fact, it seemed as though they hadn't even noticed them. All they were concerned with was each other. He was smiling, the expression returning the old sunny, boyish expression to his scarred face, blue eyes alight with happiness. Reaching out, he brushed the back of his hand lightly against his companion's cheek, who blushed prettily, smiling back. She in turn looked happier than the two below had seen her in a long time, her amber eyes shining. She took his other hand between both of hers, and the two of them sat together, not saying or doing anything but enjoying the other's company.

Down below, the two young people watched, not saying anything lest it spoil the moment. Their friends had been reunited the day the fighting stopped, and perhaps those two events combined spoke volumes about 'true happiness'. Murrue had waited so patiently for the one she loved, believing that heaven would be the next place she'd see him. But by a twist of fate, or perhaps a miracle, he'd been given back to her, eventually remembering all they had previously shared. No-one was really sure what kind of things Mwu had seen and done in the last two years with the Alliance, but before he'd recovered his memories, the only time the blonde man had ever smiled, or even said much at all, was when he'd been with Murrue, as though somehow instinctively knowing that she was important to him. He had spoken briefly to Kira, mentioning that he felt more at peace, happier, when he was around her, but no more than that. And even now, although they were together again, the couple never spoke much about their rekindled relationship. Moments like the one Kira and Lacus had just witnessed were that much more special because they were so rarely seen, and all the young people did was walk away and leave them be, not wanting to intrude on the moment.

"Mmmmmm..." Stifling a yawn, she stretched out, causing him to chuckle. "Tired, huh?" Opening her eyes, she pretended to huff, poking his scarred nose. "Well, what do you expect? We haven't exactly gotten a lot of sleep the last couple of nights, have we?" Laughing, he slipped an arm around her waist. "Maybe not. But I didn't hear you complaining.." Blushing again, she glanced away, knowing that she wasn't able to deny his words. Ever since he had been given back to her, the two of them had been almost inseparable. That first night, they hadn't slept at all...even after their rather passionate reunion, they had lain awake in each other's arms talking for hours. Catching up on things they had missed, and, for the first time, beginning to make plans for a possible future together. She'd still been nervous about that, even though the war was over now, but he had reassured her, as he always did. "There's no need to worry anymore, sweetheart. It's all over now. We can go home.."

That was what he wanted most, as his words to her after recovering his memories had proved. He wanted to go home. Home for him was the same place as it was for her - in fact, home for him was wherever she was. He'd made himself a promise that he'd never leave her alone again, and he intended to keep it. He'd been given another chance with her, and was determined to do things right this time. He smiled as she leaned against him, her eyes closed, and breathed in the rose scent from her hair. She was tired, he knew that, and it wasn't just because of the nights they had spent together. The last couple of days had been pretty hectic, what with the ceasefire negotiations and all. Lifting the drowsy woman onto his lap, he floated backwards into Akatsuki's cockpit, settling into the seat.

"Hmm? Mwu?" Stirring, she rubbed her dark eyes. "Did I fall asleep?" He smiled, kissing her cheek. "Sort of. But that's okay..." Moving her a little in his lap so that she was resting against him, head on his shoulder, he closed the cockpit hatch halfway, giving them some privacy. She smiled drowsily at the gesture, and the way he was stroking her hair, and snuggled closer to him with a tiny sigh of contentment. "I love you.." she whispered, her breathing becoming even as she fell asleep in his arms. He closed his own eyes, holding her close to him. Just to be here like this, with the woman he loved in his arms, knowing that there was peace now, and nothing could ever take him away from her again - at that moment, he felt as though he could never be happier..

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( I've hit a new level of randomness. This is what happens when you wing things..

Please read and review! )