"Are you sure you're alright with this?" Erica asked, concerned for her friend. She wasn't sure if she could take being around someone who didn't remember her, much less work with them. "I can send him to one of the satellite facilities."
"It's fine. And you are running low on test pilots."
"I know, but I don't want it to make things difficult for you."
"I'm a big girl," Murrue rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'm sad he doesn't remember. But I am happy he survived. And he's still the same here," she placed her hand over her heart.
"Does he have a place to stay yet?"
"He found a small apartment a few blocks away."
"And not far from your house, either," Erica pointed out. "He'll probably want to walk you home every day," she snickered, amused when her friend blushed. "How did he survive?"
"Terminal found him and took him to Scandinavia. I'll have to thank them. I just wish we had found him. Especially since it's my fault he….," she sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"It isn't your fault. And he wouldn't want to hear that," Erica gently patted her friend's hand.
"Thanks."
"Are you going to see him again soon?"
"Saturday. I told him I would show him around."
"I bet he liked that idea," Erica snickered.
"He needs to know where things are since he'll be staying."
"That's not it. I bet he just wants to spend time with you."
"Maybe," Murrue shrugged. It was a nice thought, she admitted only to herself. That even though he didn't remember her, he might still be attracted to her.
"What will you do if he never remembers?"
"I don't know yet," she sighed.
"I'm sure you'll figure something out," the older woman smiled. "You don't need to rush into anything."
"Why can't things ever be easy?"
"That's life," Erica pointed out. "Though I have a feeling you'll be okay."
"I hope you're right."
She knocked on the door. Oddly nervous, she tried to calm her racing heart. She would just be showing him some of the sights and places that might be useful. That was all. Things would be much easier that way.
"Just a minute!" He called out from behind the door. Quickly opening it, he greeted her with a wide smile. "Good morning."
She could only stare. He was wearing nothing but a towel. She was mesmerized by the drops of water rolling down his still chiseled chest. Feeling her cheeks grow warm, she managed to look away.
"Sorry 'bout that," he apologized, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "Overslept a bit. Not used to this heat yet."
"I can go wait outside if you want," she stammered, doing her best to keep her eyes focused on the floor.
"Nah. It won't take long. Do you want anything to drink?"
"I'm fine, thanks."
"Have a seat. I won't be long," he turned to go back to the small bathroom, but stopped when he heard a gasp. She fought back tears when she saw the angry scars that crossed his back. "Murrue? Are you okay?"
"I had no idea….," she looked away. "It's my fault."
"What's your fault?"
"Your scars. You got them because I wasn't a good enough captain. Because I underestimated a friend."
"These things?" He tried to look over his shoulder at the old injuries. "They're fine now. And knowing I got them saving you and your crew is worth more than a little discomfort," he sat down beside her, taking her hand in his. "Don't blame yourself. I'm alright now. Really."
"You always did know just what to say," she managed a small smile as she wiped away her tears.
"I'm glad," he smiled. "I had wondered if I had been a completely different person."
"Don't worry. You aren't." She noticed he was still holding her hand, but made no move to pull away. Maybe things really would be alright after all, even if he never remembered.
"Erica said you can start Monday," she mentioned as she relaxed in her chair, enjoying the cool evening breeze from the little restaurant's outdoor patio. It had been a long day, and she was glad to finally have the chance to sit down and relax.
"That's great, but what will I do?" He asked between bites of his burger.
"Test pilot," she answered, laughing when his eyes widened. "We lost several during the war."
"But I don't remember how," he pointed out.
"Don't worry. I'm sure it'll come back to you. She'll start you off in the simulator, so you'll have a chance to get used to things before you pilot a real one."
"But I wanted to work with you," he whined a little, which made her smile. It was nice to know that hadn't changed either.
"You still can sometimes. I help design mobile suits, too. In fact, there's one we made with you in mind."
"Really?" His scarred face lit up in a huge smile. "You're pretty amazing."
"So I've been told," she laughed for what felt like the first time in weeks.
"Can I ask you something?" He asked, sipping his beer.
"Sure."
"How did we get together?"
She took a deep breath. She knew this was coming. Had dreaded it, actually. But he deserved to know. "It was gradual," she began, taking a swig of her beer for courage. "I ended up captain after I was the highest ranking officer left when the ship was attacked, and you were someone I could depend on."
He smiled. He was glad he had been able to help her. "Did I chase you?"
"Not at first. We were friends. I was afraid. I had lost someone before. A pilot. But things changed around the time we got to Alaska. I realized how I felt when they sent you away."
"How long was I gone?" He frowned. He didn't really know why, but he hated the idea of having to leave her.
"Not long. You defied orders and came were on your way back to the ship and found out they had left us to die. You saved us, and after that we came here. You kissed me the evening before the Alliance attacked."
"Proves I have good taste," he laughed. "How long were we together?"
"About three months. I wish I had realized sooner. Then we could have...," she looked away. It had been one of her biggest regrets. They could have spent more time together here. Maybe they could've even gone on a real date.
He smiled. "We still can. If that's alright with you. I know I don't remember, but I do know you're important here," he tapped his chest.
Her eyes widening, she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. It was something she had thought about since the day she saw him at the memorial. Yes, it hurt he didn't remember, but she could remember for both of them. And that didn't mean they couldn't make new memories, right? "I'd like that."
"Really?" His scarred face lit up in a huge grin.
She nodded. She had a second chance, and she wasn't about to waste it.
"Shot down again," he sighed in frustration. He had been in the simulator for what felt like hours, and he had barely made any progress. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.
"You're thinking too much," she smiled, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. "It's all up here," she tapped her head. "You just have to unlock it."
"How do I do that? I can't even shoot down one," he grumbled.
"Just take a deep breath and let your instincts take over."
"If you say so," he did as she said, closing his eyes as he tried to clear his mind. For a split second, he could see himself in what looked like a cockpit, expertly operating the controls. He could do this. Opening his eyes, he began another round, this time shooting down several enemy mobile suits before his time was up. "That was fun," he grinned proudly.
"Told you so," she teased. "Erica will be pleased."
"Can I try the one you designed now?"
She laughed. "Easy there. First you have to get the hang of the Astray."
"I will," he vowed, getting ready for another round when his stomach growled loudly. "Though I guess I could use some lunch first," he chuckled.
"Your appetite hasn't changed, either," she rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but laugh too.
"Can we go to that amusement park this weekend?" He asked between bites of his sandwich.
"Sure. I hear they have some good roller coasters."
"You haven't been there?"
She shook her head. "It didn't feel right. Having fun, I mean," she admitted.
"You can now. We both can," he reached across the table to gently squeeze her hand. Neither of them had to miss out anymore.
"Did you have a good time?" He asked as they walked along the beach. The sun was just beginning to set, painting the sky a dazzling array of colors. He had taken her hand a few minutes ago, and she had made no move to let go. That had to be a good sign.
"I did. Haven't been to one of those since I was a kid," she looked out over the ocean, enjoying the scenery and his company. The day had gone better than she had thought. There had still been some slight reservations that she couldn't get past him not remembering her, but they had evaporated as the day wore on. They had talked and laughed over ice cream and spent hours riding the tallest and fastest roller coasters. She could see more than ever he was still the same on the inside.
"We'll have to go again."
"We will," she agreed. "Which ride did you like best?"
"The one based on a fighter plane."
"I thought so," she giggled.
"Which one did you like best?"
"The race car one."
"That one knocked my breath out," he chuckled.
"I think I might know something else that will," she stopped before pulling him close for a kiss. He was surprised at first, blue eyes widening, but he wasted no time returning it. It was everything he had hoped it would be. He had wanted this, probably since the day he first saw her, but didn't want to rush her. He had decided to wait, no matter how long it took. He knew it would be worth it. What he got was even better.
"That was definitely better than the rides," he smiled, gently tracing her cheek with his fingertips.
"It was," she agreed, tugging him down by the collar for another kiss, this one more intense than the first.
"What brought that on?" He asked, pulling her down to sit on the sand beside him.
"I don't want to waste any more time," she moved closer when he put his arm around her shoulder. "I'm sorry if it seemed like I was pushing you away. I wasn't sure…,"
"If my lack of memories was too much," he finished for her. "You don't have anything to apologize for. It would be hard for anyone. If the situation was reversed, I'm not sure I could handle it," he admitted. "You're pretty amazing."
"I try," she laughed, snuggling against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Was it as good as that time on the bridge you told me about?"
She nodded, watching as the sun finally sank below the horizon. "Maybe even better. Since I thought I had lost you."
"Well you found me now, and I'm not going anywhere," he kissed the top of her head. This was where he belonged. Right here by her side.