[Flashback]
"Kira Yamato," Boomed the voice from behind the conference chair, "Ulen was a great man. It's a shame that he could not fully envision the Ultimate Coordinator Project." The boy stared blankly at Unato Ema Seiran. "The sarcasm is amusing to me," Kira replied.
The older man chuckled. "If he were not affiliated with ZAFT, maybe he and your mother would have lived." Unato stood up from his chair and slowly began to pace his office from left to right, glancing at the boy sitting before him occasionally. "You're an interesting individual; you know that?"
"Your father dreamt of creating an individual so strong that they'd bring peace to the galaxy," the older man smirked. "Little did he know that he was playing right into ZAFTs hands. He gave them what they wanted, a superweapon. A weapon that ZAFT would use against us naturals! To oppress us, to make us think that we're an inferior species". Slamming his hand onto the desk, Unato glared at the boy. "You are the result of ZAFTs 'Superior Race,' the embodiment of what a Coordinator is and should be, and I despise you."
Sitting back down onto the chair, the Orb Prime Minister gave Kira another long stare. "I do not want a superweapon falling into the hands of the enemy; I want you to join the Orb Military."
"And if I refuse?"
A maniacal laugh escaped from the older man. "Then your loved ones will experience the same fate as your parents."
Kira looked up in shock as he locked eyes with Unato. "What do you mean?"
"My hatred for these so-called 'Coordinators' runs deep. When I heard all those years ago that Ulen was working on this Ultimate Coordinator Project, I couldn't just stand by and watch now, could I? So instead, I gave a tip to Blue Cosmos / LOGOS, and the rest is history, or so I thought" The man leaned over his desk and smiled wickedly at the boy. "You understand what I'm getting at? Enlist, or I'll make sure all your loved ones parish."
"It's wonderful, after all. Since you're friends with Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala, I assume you would like to keep them and their families safe, don't you? If you're on our side, we would have a deterrent against any ZAFT invasion. Of course, it'll also mean the safety of those you hold dear". Unato Ema Seiran held out his hand. "So what do you say, boy?"
"You made an offer I simply cannot refuse," Kira said, standing up. Then, staring at the outstretched hand, Kira could only muster a quiet sigh. "I have no choice now, do I? I don't know if anything he's said is true, but the unknown scares me". The boy grabbed the hand and shook it tightly.
What do I do now?
[End Flashback]
"Kira? Kirrrraaa?" not getting a response from her spaced-out boyfriend, Lacus gave Kira a subtle shove "Kira!"
The brunette smiled back at her. "Hey."
"How are you already a Commander if you only just enlisted?" The girl asked, staring at the rank on Kira's uniform. The boy just continued to smile.
"I guess you're not going to tell me?"
"We're at a mall Lacus; no use in telling you here."
"You're the one who decided to wear your Orb uniform today."
"That's because I have to go to the Defense Headquarters in an hour or two" Standing up from the bench the boy sat on, Kira dusted himself off and extended his hand. "Enough window shopping; allow me to bring you home," the boy said, grabbing Lacus' hand with his own.
"But I don't want to go home," Lacus whispered as she talked hand-in-hand with her boyfriend. "Father has been trying to arrange a date with one of his business partner's sons, but he knows I'm dating you. But he still insists. I don't know what's gotten into him!"
"Maybe it's for-"
"Don't even say it," Lacus whispered in frustration.
"Sorry."
"Can we just hang out a little bit longer?"
Pulling his significant other into a gentle hug, the boy replied, "We can, just not today." The two stood in each other's embrace amongst the crowd for some time before Kira begrudgingly broke away from the hug. "Come," he whispered, "I'll drive you home."
A feeling of loneliness and sadness fell over the couple on the drive to Lacus' house. It was almost suffocating. Kira knew there wasn't much he could do to lighten up the situation. Two weeks from graduation also meant there were only two weeks left before Kira left for the military. The brunette could always make his partner smile, but this time, he couldn't. Every time Kira stared at Lacus, it looked as though her mind was elsewhere. It was as though Lacus' thoughts were up in the clouds. Her usually bright and vibrant cerulean eyes were pale, and a frown stuck onto her lips.
"There she is, off in her thoughts again," the boy thought, glancing over at Lacus, whose gazes were locked on the views outside the car window. As they drew closer to Lacus' home, Kira reached for Lacus' hand and gently squeezed it. The pink hair girl immediately returned the gesture. She pulled Kira's arm into an embrace as they got closer to Lacus' home.
"Looks like you have visitors," Kira said, noticing a line of cars that filled the driveway as he pulled up to Lacus' front door.
Lifting her head up to get a better view outside the window. Immediately, Lacus knew who it was.
She turned towards Kira with an uneasy look written on Lacus' face. "Come with me."
The boy nodded. "Okay," he said, pulling into the driveway. Once parked, the two exited the car, one faster than the other. Looking up as he slowly got out of the car stood Lacus, who was immediately by Kira's side, waiting for him to get out entirely. "I thought you were going to help me out for a second," Kira said, trying to make light of the situation as he closed the door behind him.
The pink-haired girl quickly clung to Kira's arm while also ensuring to intertwine her fingers with his "You must not like this guy, huh?" Lacus quietly shook her head.
Slowly the two walked towards the door of Lacus' large home. As the two walked hand in hand, Kira couldn't help but notice a slight tugging motion on his arm. Almost as if Lacus was quietly saying she didn't want to go inside. Then, finally, the boy stopped just before the door and embraced his partner from behind. "You're okay," Kira whispered. "Worst case scenario is that we say no, and you stay at my house for a day or something." The boy kissed the top of Lacus' head before letting go. "Alright, let's go," Kira said, reaching for the door handle, only to pull away and reach for his keys. "I forgot you guys lock the doors."
"You forgot something."
"Forgot what?" the boy asked, placing the key into the slot.
Wrapping her arms loosely around Kira's neck, and pulled him close. "My kiss," Lacus whispered before pulling Kira into a kiss. The two stood there as a war for supremacy raged on.
"I presume you saw him in the window, too?" Kira said, chuckling as he pulled himself away from the kiss.
Pushing the door open, the couple came face to face with an older individual looking back at them. "Long time no see, Kira."
The boy smiled. "Hi, Malchio"
"Your uniform fits you well," the man carefully surveyed the boy. "Commander rank as well? Quite unexpected, congratulations nonetheless."
"Thank you," the boy replied.
"Young lady, you have visitors."
"Kira will be meeting them as well," Lacus replied.
"I'm afraid your father may now allow that."
The pink-haired girl shook her head in disapproval. "Father will allow it. He's Kira. It is not like I am letting in some stranger".
Malchio could only muster a sigh. He knew it would've come to this and cautioned Siegel of the possibility of such happening.
They understood that any meeting between the Clyne household and Siegel's associates wouldn't go as planned. Especially ones where Siegel used Lacus as leverage in negotiations despite his love for his daughter. Malchio nodded. "Very well," he said calmly, waving them into the home.
The couple slowly made their way to the living room, where they met face-to-face with the people of the hour. Lacus' father and someone who looked to be his business partner. "Long time no see, Kira," said Siegel smiling at the boy. "You look good in your uniform."
Kira quickly bowed his head towards the older gentleman. "Thank you for having me over." Then, moving over to one side of the coach, Seigel tapped the place beside him, gesturing for the couple to sit beside him, which they duly did.
What came next was an eerie silence that filled the room. Which was something that Lacus had intended to happen. She understood her father's intentions, proposing an arranged marriage that would be the basis for a merger, and that's what she hated. Lacus didn't want to be seen as a pawn in her father's plans. She assumed that her father wanted what was best for her - but now this was in doubt. Above all else, however, Lacus was scared. She knew that her time with Kira there was coming to an end.
What was going to happen once he had left? Would she be backed into a corner? Forced to do something she didn't want to do? No, that wouldn't have made any sense because she was her own woman. Lacus was the maker of her own destiny.
While Lacus was stuck in her head, everyone stared at her quietly. The troubled look on her face was so apparent that no one wanted to say a word. Then, reaching forward with his hand, Kira gave Lacus' hand a little squeeze snapping her out of her trance. "Hey," he whispered.
The pink-haired girl turned to him and smiled brightly. "Hey," she whispered, returning the kind gesture.
"Let's go," replied the boy as he stood up, never letting go of Lacus' hand once.
Without a second thought, Lacus quickly abided by Kira's request. Lacus didn't want to be there anyway; she didn't even say "bye" to her father or the person sitting beside him. Instead, Lacus wanted to follow Kira.
The three elderly men watched quietly as the two swiftly got up and left without saying a word. "My apologies Derrick, that's the boy my daughter is with. They have been friends since birth, and she isn't taking my proposal too well. His name is-"
"His name is Kira Yamato. He's someone I've wanted to see firsthand for a long time," Derrick said with a sly look. Standing up from his position, the man dusted off his pants. "We shouldn't force things your daughter is opposed to. Everything will happen in due time." Extending his hand, the two men exchanged a firm handshake. "Let us stay in touch."
"Of course," the elderly man said, nodding in approval.
Smiling again, Derrick quickly bowed before making his way for the door.
"Kira Yamato…" Derrick whispered as he pulled open the door. "The boy lives."
"Who would have thought that you were underneath my nose this whole time?"
"Let us return home," the man said, getting into the car. "Yes, sir," replied the chauffeur.
"Found what you were looking for?"
A maniacal laugh filled the car as they rolled down the road. "I sure did."
Let the games begin, Kira Yamato.
####
"You don't need to carry me," Lacus whispered, her face flushed with embarrassment as Kira escorted her to his apartment.
"Given how tense you were half an hour ago, I figured you'd be exhausted," he replied, kissing the top of his partner's head.
"You're going to stay the night?"
The girl nodded.
"I'll be a while, though, don't stay up waiting for me."
"Stay with me."
The boy chuckled. "I already told you I've got to head in tonight." pushing open the door to his apartment, Kira swiftly closed the door behind him and made his way to the bedroom. Where he gently placed Lacus down. "Now then, get comfortable, get changed etc. I'll be back in a bit," he said, trying to shake free from Lacus' grasp.
"I'm… I'm scared," whispered Lacus.
I'm scared of what the future holds.
"You'll be okay."
I won't be.
Raising his head, Kira looked into Lacus' blue eyes as the waterworks began to flow. "Hey now," he said, wiping the tears away from her peachy cheeks.
"Tell you what," he said softly. "I'll see if I can pull some strings."
"Hang tight here, and I'll come back, okay?" he asked, lightly stroking Lacus' long pink locks.
Lacus captured Kira's lips without saying a word as they shared a soft flurry of kisses.
"I'll take this as a yes," Kira said, pulling away, a soft smile shining brightly on his lips.
"It means no."
[Flashback]
Outside the classroom windows, nothing but a curtain of dark clouds and streams of water falling from the sky could be seen for miles. Coating the courtyard and the surrounding areas in water. It was a miserable day to be learning. No one could deny that. Lacus let out a sigh "A miserable day," she thought to herself as the clock slowly ticked away.
"Miss Lacus Clyne," said a voice.
Turning toward the voice, Lacus came to rest her gaze on Mr. La Flaga. "Do you know where Mr. Yamato is?"
"I don't know, ask Cagalli."
"Okay, Cagalli, do you know where your brother is?"
"What's next? Will you ask Athrun, too, since we're close to him?" Cagalli muttered, not impressed with their homeroom teacher.
"He's probably being the loner he is," said a student at the back of the class.
"I cannot believe we're here now as fourth years, and you're still picking on him," Cagalli cried out, angrily turning around in her chair. "You're part of why he doesn't show up in the first place. Now shut up".
"Alright, that's enough."
"If you knew this was the reaction you would get, why did you even ask in the first place?" Cagalli asked, even more annoyed, knowing that their teacher was the cause of this debacle.
Pushing open the door, there stood Kira, drenched from head to toe, "It's wet out there."
"Oh hey, look at that. The man of the hour, are you done being alone?"
The boy couldn't help but smirk. "Do you want to go, buddy? Last time we fought, it didn't end well for you," Kira replied, turning in the direction of the voice.
####
Lacus couldn't fall asleep; she lay in bed, hidden underneath the bedsheets. Something was eating at her, and she couldn't tell what it was. But something felt off. Blinded by the bright screen of her phone, she casually scrolled past all the 'missed calls' notifications left by her father. "I don't want to talk to you," she thought to herself, still seething from her father's behaviour.
"How dare he try that on me? He knows I'm with Kira," she said out loud.
In truth, Lacus despised what her father had attempted to do, knowing full well why the events occurred. The possibility that a rift occurring between the two sweethearts was something that could happen. After all, in a matter of weeks, Kira would be completely immersed in his work, and she would be going to school in the PLANTS. The fact of the matter was that soon they would spend very little time with one another.
With more time apart, the distance between them will ultimately grow until, one day, there will be no relationship to be had. There could be a time when the moments they shared together, the memories they created, vanish, never to be found or experienced again. What then? Will the feelings they share fade until there's nothing left? Was this really something they wanted to happen? Is their connection, their admiration for one another, enough to keep this relationship from falling before their very eyes?
A single tear rolled down her cheek as dark thoughts began to fill Lacus' mind. "I'm scared," she whispered, whimpering at the thought.
This love cannot last forever, right? What happens if our love fades away? Will I end up losing a friend forever?
Shaking her head as Lacus tried to expel those thoughts from her mind, she dialled Cagalli's number in the hope that she would pick up. "Please pick up," Lacus thought to herself as he let the phone ring.
"What do you want" muttered a groggy voice.
"Can we talk?"
"It's 3 in the morning."
"Please?" Lacus asked pleadingly.
A long silence fell over the phone. "Fine. But if I don't reply, I went back to bed."
"Do you think Kira really loves me?"
"Oh my goodness, Lacus. You called me to talk about whether or not Kira loves you?"
"Please, just listen to me."
"I'm scared I'll lose him."
"Why?"
"Because our relationship is going to end up being long-distance, right? Kira will fully commit in a week, and I'm going to school in the PLANTS. What happens if the time apart affects this? What if he finds someone else? My dad is already trying to hook me up with one of his business associates. I don't want to lose–"
"Wait, your dad is trying to hook you up even though you're with Kira?"
"Yeah. That's why I'm at Kira's," whispered Lacus.
"What a scummy thing to do, honestly."
"Look, nothing last forever, Lacus. You could very well end up losing your relationship with Kira. I mean, not every long-distance relationship works out. That's just life. But what I know is this, Kira is stubborn to a fault, and you're stubborn to a fault. I'm sure you'll find a way to make it work".
"And if that doesn't end up happening, then I guess it wasn't meant to be, and that's okay."
But these are not the words I want to hear. I want it to work out. I want Kira to be the one.
"But I can't lose him."
"Between you and me, I like him better when Kira's with you. So if anything happens, I expect you to do everything you can to win him back. Look, I know these are not the words you want to hear when you're about to go through something that will be very challenging, but it takes two to make it work. As long as you and Kira do your best, that's all you can ask for, right?"
"Now, if you'll excuse me, Princess Lacus, I have work tomorrow morning and would like to be somewhat awake for them."
"Goodnight"
"Night"
Dropping her phone on the side of the bed, Lacus looked back up at the ceiling. "She's right," Lacus muttered to herself. "As long as we do our best, then we'll be okay," Lacus uttered the same line repeatedly until she quietly dosed off.
Will our best be enough?
[Flashback]
** See "Chapter 5: Helplessness" for context **.
It was hectic in the Yamato household. It took several minutes for the fight in the hallway to stop, with Cagalli hitting everything that moved and a devilish Kira showing no remorse to his abusers. Everyone involved continued to throw punches until the teachers came running out of the staffroom to stop it. Even then, the darkness in Kira's eyes was too much for the teachers to handle. Without a second thought, any recordings of the fight were removed and erased, and everyone involved was suspended until further notice.
"Why didn't you tell me that this stuff was happening to you, Kira!?" cried Caridad as she gently cleaned Kira's bloodied face. "Why didn't you tell me you were getting bullied?!"
"Don't worry about it," the boy muttered, his eyes still darkened after the affair. "I'm okay."
"Don't lie to me. I'm your mother!"
A depressed chuckle fell from his lips, "You mean 'Aunt'" Kira lifted his head and locked eyes with Caridad. "My parents are the ones who turned me into this."
"Don't say that," whispered Caridad. "Your parents, especially your mother, she loved you very much," she replied as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Now stay here, okay? I'll take of you, " Caridad said, hugging the broken boy.
####
"Just leave me alone."
Those words echoed through Lacus' head. Since she was not involved in the fight, she was not suspended. Lacus had the awful honour of hearing about the fight and what transpired.
Can you believe Kira did that?
He truly is a monster.
They're both dumb for fighting over nothing.
Did you watch Kira get beat the fuck up?
Cagalli isn't much better, either.
Who would have thought you'd need your sister to fight your battles for you.
Unable to withstand the relentless hate, Lacus had no choice but to leave school early. But again, above all else, Lacus couldn't shake the image of her broken friend uttering the words "Just leave me alone" to her.
As the hateful words reverberated through the school halls, Lacus felt her heart sink deeper into despair. The weight of the accusations against Kira felt unbearable as if the entire world had turned against him. The whispers of betrayal and monstrous acts echoed in her ears, threatening to shatter her resolve.
A familiar figure approached her as she sat there, lost in her thoughts. It was Malchio. He quietly sat beside her, his presence a comforting balm amid her turmoil.
"It looks like you've had an eventful day at school," Malchio remarked gently, sensing the heaviness in Lacus' heart.
She managed a small smile, grateful for his understanding. "It was far from ideal," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.
Malchio's concern deepened as he noticed Lacus' phone vibrating on the couch beside her. Sensing the urgency, she picked it up. She answered, her voice trembling with worry, "Hello?"
"Lacus, is Kira there?!" a panicked voice exclaimed on the other end.
Lacus' heart skipped a beat. "No, why? What's wrong?" she asked, her anxiety heightening.
"Kira left the house, and he's nowhere to be seen. He's not in his room, and his window is open," the voice explained, filled with desperation. "Cagalli is searching for him, but she can't find him. Athrun is also looking everywhere. We're all worried sick."
A mix of fear and determination coursed through Lacus' veins. The realization that Kira was missing added another layer of urgency to their tumultuous situation. Without hesitation, she stood up, a newfound resolve shining in her eyes.
"I'll find him," Lacus declared firmly, her voice filled with determination. "Tell Cagalli and Athrun to keep searching. I won't rest until we bring him back safely."
Lacus pocketed her phone and turned to Malchio, her gaze unwavering. "I need your help," she said, her voice resolute.
The desperation that gripped Lacus, Cagalli, and the others grew with each passing moment, their hearts heavy with worry and their minds filled with dark possibilities. Time was slipping away, and the weight of the unknown pressed upon them like an oppressive fog. It was as if Kira had vanished into thin air, leaving them with nothing but unanswered questions and a deep sense of dread.
Amidst the growing despair, Lacus's mind flickered with a distant memory—a cliffside that she and Kira would often visit during their moments of solace. It was a place where they would sit together, gaze at the stars, and find comfort in the vastness of the universe. A surge of hope coursed through her veins as she remembered their shared moments of serenity in that very spot.
"There's a cliffside," she explained, her words carrying a glimmer of hope. "Maybe, just maybe, he's there."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Lacus rushed towards the cliffside, her footsteps echoing with anticipation and trepidation. The journey felt longer than ever, the tension in the air palpable. Each passing second seemed to mock their efforts, reminding them that time was slipping away.
The night sky above them was adorned with stars; their twinkling lights mocked their desperate search while the moon cast a soft glow over the world below. Lacus soon found herself at a familiar spot—a cliffside overlooking the vast expanse of shimmering stars. It was a place where she and Kira had shared countless nights, their souls entwined with the beauty of the universe.
Heart heavy with worry, Lacus made her way through the darkened trails, her footsteps guided by memory. The air was crisp and filled with anticipation, as if the universe held its breath. And there, standing on the edge of the cliffside beyond the guardrail, was Kira.
Her heart skipped a beat as she saw him silhouetted against the starlit sky, his figure poised precariously close to the edge. A mix of fear and urgency surged through her veins, propelling her forward. "Kira!" she called out, her voice filled with a desperate plea.
"Kira, don't you dare!" Lacus said. As she approached him cautiously, her voice trembled with concern. "Kira, what are you doing? Please, step away from the edge," she pleaded, her words laced with the depths of her worry.
The brunette quickly held his hand out. "Didn't you listen to me!" the boy yelled. "Please, just… just leave me alone."
"Please don't do this, please, please!" she begged as the tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can't lose you!"
"Please! I will help you get through this."
"I don't need help!" the boy cried out, finally bringing himself to look at her. His eyes were dark and reddened by the tears that flowed from them. "Don't you get it?" He said, whimpering, "I don't want help! Not even you know what I feel. How do you know what to do?! Huh!? You don't even know what to do to help me!" Kira locked eyes with the girl of his dreams as he, too, began to sob, "I'm tired."
"I wake up every day feeling tired. Do you know what it's like to live a life where you're always being watched just because you're different from everyone? Every day I walk this earth, everyone is quick to remind me of who I am and what I will ultimately become. No matter what I do, these voices… these voices get louder and louder, and I cannot get them out of my head."
"They're screaming at me. I cannot think, I cannot move, I cannot feel. Everything hurts"
"See this," the boy replied, pointing towards the city skyline below him. "This world will keep turning no matter what."
"I just want to be free. I don't want to live in this prison anymore. It's suffocating me."
"Think about us, Kira! Cagalli, Athrun, all the fun we'd had. We'll get through this together."
"Enough!" Kira cried out in anger. "There you go again, trying to put a positive spin on things." Never in a million years would Kira have imagined that he would be yelling at Lacus. Someone who he tried so desperately to keep safe. Something within him broke, knowing that he was putting the person he loved most through the hell he found himself in. "I hurt her," he thought as Kira watched the person he loved for so long cry in front of him because of what he was doing.
That's right, this is my doing. I'm a shitty person.
Kira turned back towards the cityscape.
"No, Kira, please!" Lacus cried, lunging forward grabbing hold of the tip of Kira's shirt. "I… I love you!"
The boy chuckled. "And now you say this? As I want to be freed, you say this to me? You're trying to keep me in this hell, and I won't have any of this!"
"Please believe me, Kira," Lacus cried. "I love you so much it hurts, please… please."
Kira forcibly removed his shirt from Lacus' grasp. "I'm okay, Lacus," he whispered softly.
"No, you're not!" Lacus yelled, reaching for his hand.
"It's okay," he replied, squeezing her hand. "I know I'm a shitty person, but at least… at least you're free now." He said, looking up at the night sky. Kira felt a wave of calmness sweep over his body for the first time in a long time. It was euphoric. "I… I love you too, Lacus," he whispered before jumping.
It felt like an eternity for Kira as he plummeted toward the ground. It felt as though he was living in a stop-motion film. Images and memories of his life flashed as he approached the ground below. "I wonder if it'll hurt," he said to himself. Closing his eyes, the boy let out one long sigh has felt his body relax. "I guess this is it."
####
Several months had gone by since the incident, and throughout that time, Lacus never once left Kira's hospital bedside. Thanks to Lacus' quick thinking on that fateful day, Kira received the timely medical aid he desperately needed. Sitting close to his bed, her dishevelled hair falling gently around her face, Lacus appeared almost ethereal in the dimly lit room. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now carried a haunting shade of darkened cerulean as she gazed unwaveringly at the boy before her. It seemed as though she had made it her sole purpose to be there for him, to never waver in her support, just as she had done since that life-altering incident unfolded.
Lacus was angry at herself. She blamed herself for what had happened to Kira. The memory of that day played over and over in her mind, tormenting her with its vivid details. "When you wake up…" she muttered as tears rolled down Lacus' swollen cheeks. "I promise I'll protect you," she whispered as Lacus clung to Kira's hand.
As the sun rose, its gentle rays pierced through the curtains and illuminated the room. That's when Lacus saw it—the faint twitch of Kira's finger. Her heart started to race. "Am I dreaming?" Lacus thought to herself as she looked on with great intent. Gradually, Kira's eyes fluttered open to meet Lacus' gaze. The cerulean shade that had haunted her for so long was now replaced by a glimmer of life.
"Hi," Lacus said softly as a wave of emotions rolled over her, "I missed you."
Lacus wiped away a single tear that rolled down Kira's cheek. "It's okay," she said, placing her forehead against his "I'm sorry… It's my fault for not protecting you." whispered Lacus pulling Kira into a hug. "I thought I lost you forever."
"I… I love … you," whispered the boy through his broken voice.
Brushing the tears away from her eyes, Lacus smiled brightly at the boy. "I love you too," before kissing his lips.
[End Flashback]
Waking up in a cold sweat, Lacus was immediately greeted by the warm embrace of Kira's arms. "Maybe I should have kept a tissue handy if I knew you'd cry so much in your sleep," Kira said, trying to lighten the mood. Lacus found solace in his presence, leaning into his embrace. "It's because of you," she replied, her face buried in the comfort of his chest.
"Did you dream about it?" Kira asked softly.
Lacus simply nodded, her emotions still raw.
"I'm sorry," Kira whispered, holding her tighter.
"Please don't apologize," Lacus pleaded, feeling the weight of his empathy.
As Kira gently wiped away Lacus' tears, she whispered, her voice filled with conviction, "No matter what challenges we face, I always find my way back to you."
A smile curved on Kira's lips. "And I will, too," he responded, capturing Lacus' lips with his own. Their kiss held a mixture of tenderness and longing, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. Their eyes locked, their hearts racing in unison.
"Say, Lacus," Kira whispered, his voice filled with desire as he peppered kisses along her neck, "I've needed this for a while. Would you share this night with me?" His words came in gasps as desire consumed him.
Without hesitation, Lacus threw her arms around Kira's neck, surrendering to the passion that ignited between them. In that intimate dance, their desires entwined, their souls merging as one. Their love burned bright, transcending words as their bodies became a canvas for their shared longing.
I wish we could stay like this forever.
Author's note:
Why hello there, it's been a year and a bit. Nice to see you all, heck, I don't even know if the Gundam SEED fanfic is a live and well but I'm doing this for me; so I don't care. This chapter has been a LONG time coming. The reason why it has taken me so long to write anything with regards to my fanfics is because I wanted this chapter to be emotional, I wanted it to feel meaningful, I wanted this chapter to carry weight. I didn't know how I wanted to do that, nor did I know the words I wanted to use.
I had most of this chapter already done, but I wanted the end of this chapter to be really worth something. I also wanted to start connecting all the flashbacks and reincorporating them into the wider story. I put in these flashbacks for a reason because they influence the story, its direction and the decisions made by the characters. So you're going to be seeing more of that as time goes on as I begin to wrap up the "Prequel" chapters and finally get into the present day stuff, which I'm excited about.
Given how long it's taken me, I suspect that it'll be about the same length of time before I update this fanfic again. But hey, I'm doing this for me.
Hopefully you enjoy!
- Alex.