category: Gundam SEED

disclaimer: I don't own it.

TWENTY-EIGHT.

He lived on the PLANTs, nestled into a corner of peaceful November City with his maternal grandparents. Murrue found herself making the trip into space alone, because Mu tied his loose threads together on his own and so she did too.

The grandfather looked at her suspiciously as she stood unflinching on their doorstep. "Who are you?"

"My name is Murrue Ramius," she pronounced clearly. "I knew Talia Gladys during the war." She breathed in deeply. "I'm here to meet her son."

The man closed the large front door firmly behind him. "Ordinarily any comrade of my daughter would be well welcome in my household, but your request to see Alexander seems unusual."

"Commander Gladys and I were not comrades," Murrue clarified suddenly. "But it was one of her last wishes that I meet her son." Her gaze softened. "Alexander, was it? Please let me talk to him, just this once."

They entered the house together. Murrue was seated in the formal living room while Alexander was called. After a few minutes, a young boy walked in hesitantly.

"Hello, Alexander." The child sat down across from Murrue in an armchair. "My name is Murrue."

"It's very nice to meet you, Ms. Murrue." Alexander answered respectfully. He said no more, simply sat and waited to be spoken to.

"Alexander, I'm very sorry about your mother," Murrue started slowly. "I know it's not any comfort, but I'm sure she loved you very much."

"Did you know her?" Alexander leaned forward slightly. "Were you friends with her?"

"Yes," Murrue fixed her gaze on the pattern of the carpet. "Yes, I knew her. Your mother was strong and smart and resilient." She took Alexander by the hand. "She was one of the bravest women I ever met. You should be very proud."

The boy didn't say anything, but just studied Murrue with familiar blue-gray eyes. Murrue felt a sharp stinging behind her nose and fought to keep down unexpected tears.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save her, Alexander," she gasped. "I'm sorry."

He patted her hand uncomfortably. "It's okay. I don't think she would want you to cry and be sad."

Murrue swiped the back of her hand across her eyes and sat up. "No? You think so?"

Alexander drew himself to his tallest height. "My mother told me that the reason she couldn't stay at home with me was because she was fighting to keep me and everyone we know safe. I'm sure what would make her happiest is knowing that we are. You shouldn't cry," he added graciously, in a tone that made Murrue think of world-weary old men. "It's no use to cry anymore."

Murrue let slip a few loud sobs anyway. She didn't like to remember Talia too much because the entire situation always reminded her too painfully of possible friendships never tapped and good people who died for nothing. She and Talia, the Archangel and the Minerva, hadn't fought for different things at all. One of them had only needed a reassuring hand to lead the way.

Murrue had missed her chance to be that guide.

Alexander sat still in front of her. He was so blindingly bright and optimistic. Murrue didn't think Talia could have left any better a mark.

"I'll see you again soon." Murrue stood up hastily and stumbled to the door before the tears made a reappearance.

notes: Good night!

NEXT PHASE: Yzak reflects about his scar.