category: Gundam SEED

disclaimer: I don't own it.

FORTY-THREE.

Meyrin was used to being overlooked by others. Next to Lunamaria, it was quite easy to do. Lunamaria was pretty, smart, sociable, and bright. Meyrin was shy and reserved, and she thought she was unremarkable in most aspects. And that was how the dynamic between the Hawke sisters had always been. From their childhood, through their schooling on Januarius, and finally to the battlefield, Lunamaria led and Meyrin followed unquestioningly. Lunamaria was fearless and unbreakable. Meyrin was never scared as long as her sister was there.

Still, it was hard for Meyrin not to be resentful when they walked together and everyone instantly paid more attention to Lunamaria. She got more salutes because of the color of the uniform she wore, more hellos because she was continuously cheerful, more smiles because she simply drew out that quality in other people.

Meyrin glanced in the mirror and caught sight of Lunamaria hurrying around in the background, fixing their bouquets and searching for something through the mess on the dressing tables. She hadn't been surprised, so very long ago, when Lunamaria was granted permission to wear a non-regulation, short skirt in place of the regular uniform of redcoats. She always got what she wanted, in the same way she knew exactly what to say to diffuse tense situations and how to make friends with the right people. Things came easily to her.

But today was different. The attention, for once, wasn't all on Lunamaria. Meyrin twisted her hands in her lap and tried to keep from feeling nervous. For one of the first times that she could remember, her sister wasn't dominating the spotlight. Today was about her. Today, no one was going to forget about her or take her for granted.

"Not getting cold feet, are you?" Lunamaria teased, and leaned into the mirror to dab at her makeup.

Meyrin bit her lip. "No, I'm just a little anxious. I hope everything goes well."

Lunamaria wrapped her arms around her Meyrin's shoulders closely. "Don't worry, I'm sure it will. Everything's taken care of." Meyrin still looked distracted, so Lunamaria continued. "It's your special day, stop agonizing! Besides, I'm the one with the short end of the stick. I keep hoping Shinn won't accidentally start an argument at the reception with dad, like the last time he came to dinner. We probably should have had him sit at a different table than us today."

Meyrin laughed softly. "You'll just have to keep him in check then. Don't ruin this for me."

Lunamaria continued rambling. "And did I tell you about how I went outside earlier to make sure everyone was being led to their seats properly? Well, on my way back old Aunt Edith stopped me to ask if it made me angry that my younger sister was getting married before me. I nearly screamed!"

Meyrin laughed again, but it was louder and genuine. "Well, does it make you frustrated?"

"Not at all." Lunamaria sobered and squeezed Meyrin's hand affectionately. "You can't imagine how happy I am for you."

Their father knocked on the door sharply. "Meyrin, they're cuing the music soon. Lunamaria, everyone's already in place for the entrance."

Lunamaria jumped. "Oh, I didn't realize it was time already!" She handed Meyrin her flowers, and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Smile! You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Meyrin felt a warm feeling spread through her at the compliment and embraced Lunamaria tightly in a sudden wave of emotion. Despite their differences, she looked up to her fearless, unbreakable sister still, because she was there when it counted. "So do you."

notes: Someone told me the other day that they just realized my chapter names organized the characters alphabetically. For example, in the title for this chapter, Lunamaria's name is before Meyrin's not because she plays the larger part but because L comes before M in the alphabet. Glad to know you all have been paying attention so far, haha.

I hope you all are well! Gosh, it's incredible to think that we're on chapter 43 already. SPTW seems to be coming to a close. The last four chapters are something really special, and I can't wait for everyone to read them! Thank you so much for sticking around so far.

NEXT PHASE: It's only a word, but as soon as it's said, Cagalli thinks the whole night becomes better.