Hey guys I am back, I am still a kinda sad over losing her the way we did, but I am getting better thanks to the rest of my family and friends. I hope you guys like this chapter.
Chapter 73
It was a little over a half hour after, Murrue, Kira and Cagalli had been told by Miriallia to met Kisaka at the Archangel's side entrance.
And to say that Cagalli was running kinda low on patient, waiting for the large man, was a serious understatement. The blond's wrath was practically boiling right now.
"Where the hell is he?! Don't he think I got anything better to do than to stand around here wasting my time, waiting for him!" Cagalli screamed at the top of her lungs.
Thereby making Murrue and Kira take a small glance over at each other. Each of them mentally asking the other, if they should say anything to Cagalli about her 'delightful attitude'.
Yet it was only once the cranky blonde kicked the wall next to her, and made a tiny barely visible dent in the metal, that Murrue Ramius finally reach the point where she had had enough of Cagalli's half crazy behavior.
"Will you please take a deep breath, and calm down Cagalli!We already got a plenty long list of things that needs repairs on this ship. We certainly do not need you MISS to add even more things, to that list!" The Archangel Captain said in a tone, which quite frankly reminded Kira of the one Murrue would usually use to scold Mayu, when the girl had done something really bad. But to tell the truth Kira was actually a bit happy, that another woman was finally telling Cagalli to take it easy, with her hissy fits.
No matter how happy Kira was, about becoming an uncle, he was seriously starting to get a little tired of being one of Cagalli's main target, for her to vent out her anger and frustration, on the male kind. And it wasn't really all that difficult to figure out, that Dearka felt almost exactly the same way about the matter.
Unfortunately neither one of the two men could say anything about it to Cagalli without fear of getting hit or being told to shut the hell up and mind their own business.
So now that somebody who Cagalli wouldn't hit, or yell at, was at long last telling his somewhat nutty sister, to at least try, and control her temper. Kira was kinda hoping that this would put a bit of a damper, on Cagalli's tendency to hit and yell at him every time she was in a bad mood.
Somewhat taken back at being scolded by Miss Murrue, like she was a small ill-mannered child, Cagalli blinked rapidly a few times, as she slowly turned her slightly low spirit gaze away from the Archangel Captain, and looked over at Kira in the hopes, that he would say something to defend her.
Instantly knowing, what Cagalli was expecting him to do, Kira hurried looked upwards at the ceiling, doing his best to pretend like he had not heard a word of what Murrue had said to his sister, just now. And when Birdy appear from out of nowhere, and landed on his left shoulder, Kira immediately start talking to the small robotic bird, asking it where it had been all morning.
Quietly watching Kira talk and play with Birdy for a few short seconds, Cagalli rolled each one of her eyes a single time, as she briefly considered giving Kira a good smack or two on the head, for not helping her out.
Yet seeing as Murrue had been scolding her just now, for not being able to control her temper. Cagalli quickly decide, not to go through with that idea. She really didn't want to give Murrue, any reasons to start yelling at her again.
And so with that decision made, the pregnant blonde let out a long tired breath, before swallowing what was left inside the soda can in her hand.
After that, nothing else was said between them, as they stood there far away in their own thoughts.
Yet after a few minutes of total silence, Murrue took a short glance down at her wrist watch. She really, really didn't like standing around here pretending to be a statue, while the rest of the crew was hard at work on everything that needed to be done, around the Archangel. Even her own daughter, was helping out, while she herself was doing nothing.
And since it was quite frankly far from entertaining watching the small black second hand move around inside her good old watch, Murrue soon let out a small sigh, as she slowly lowed her hand.
"I think I'll head up to the bridge, and ask Amagi how things are going. Will the two of you please contact me? Whenever Kisaka shows u..." that was all Murrue got out, before she was interrupt by loud, yet brief hissing sound from the door, which served as a pretty obvious sign, that it had not been opened in a very long time.
And as Murrue and the twins looked over at the door, it made yet another weird slightly disturbing sound, before finally sliding open.
And even before seeing Kisaka, Cagalli mentally reminded herself to remain calm, and not yell at him for being late. Yet once she saw Kisaka stepped on board the Archangel, pushing a medical bed, with a very pale looking red haired girl on. The pregnant blonde, felt her anger disappear immediately, as she narrowed both of her eyes thoughtfully. Trying hard to figure out why, this girl seemed so familiar, and just where exactly it was she seen her before.
Yet with Cagalli momentarily distract, by trying to figure out who the heck this girl was. She did not pay the least bit attention, to anything else that was presently going on around her.
Kira on the other hand, only stared at the redhead long enough to determined that she was still breathing.
And once the male Yamato had assured himself, that the girl was still alive. He let out a soft relieved sigh, Kira might not have the faintest idea about who this girl was. But she looked like a generally nice person, who most certainly did NOT deserve to lose her life.
Yet even as he was standing there thinking about, how much this unknown girl deserved to live, Kira heard the unmistakable sound of another hospital bed being roll aboard the Archangel. Which immediately made the brown haired man, move his worried gaze away from the sound asleep redhead, and look over in the direction of the entrance to the Archangel. Sincerely wondering, if the next patient Kisaka had brought there, was another one they didn't know.
Yet once Kira spotted the familiar face of his best friend, both of his eyes widen in pure shock and surprise. "Athrun!"
Hearing Kira shout out the name of the one Cagalli loved so dearly, the person who she had been so unbelievable worried about, these last few months, since she had last seen him at Crete. And once Cagalli's eyes found their way to her pale faced fiancé, laying on the second medical bed. She instantaneously forget all about trying to figure out who the red haired girl was, as she practically leaped away from her position by the wall, and over beside the bed Athrun was resting on.
"Athrun! Athrun!" The blonde sobbed out loudly, already with a great deal of tears running down, both of her cheeks. As she tightly squeezed Athrun's left hand. "Is he ok Kisaka?! Please tell me he is OK!"
Having not seen Cagalli act so utterly disconsolate and heartbroken, since her father had gotten killed, in the last Bloody Valentine war. Ledonir Kisaka hurried moved over, and gently placed a hand on Cagalli's right shoulder in an attempt to comfort the loudly weeping girl.
"Please calm down Cagalli. The Doctor assured me just minutes after we pull Athrun and that young woman out of the GOUF, they used to get away from Gibraltar, that both of them, are going to be fine. Athrun have a few scratchs here and there. And the girl has a pretty high fever" the man explained, truly doing his uttermost to calm the girl down as much as he could.
Yet with her crying so loudly, Cagalli simply put, did not understand a word of what Kisaka had just told her. And so while still sobbing louder than she had ever done before, the blonde rapidly tore herself away from the gentle hold Kisaka had on her shoulder. Then fell to her knees beside the bed where she somewhat hesitantly reach up and slowly ran her fingers through Athrun's blue hair.
Quickly realizing from his sister's almost hysterical behavior, that it was very unlikely that that Kisaka's reassurance about Athrun being all right, had gotten through to her.
And seriously despising seeing Cagalli behave so utterly crush and devastate. Kira quickly moved over, and kneeled down beside her, carefully wrapping each one of his arms around her, hugging her tightly, as she cried loudly in to his shoulder.
"It's alright Cagalli, it's alright. Kisaka has already told us that Athrun is going to be just fine. He is NOT in any danger, so there is not need for you to cry like this" Kira whispered in to his sister's ear, while rubbing her back.
Letting out another loud sob, Cagalli snuggle a bit closer into the embrace. "I know what Kisaka said, Kira. But...But I...really hate...hate seeing Athrun like this...whoever it was who did this to him, could have taken him away from me..."
Narrowing his eyes slightly, at the large amount of pain in his sister's voice. Kira moved his hand away from her back, and ran it slowly through her short blond hair. "But they didn't Cagalli, they DIDN'T. He is right there. He is not going to leave you, or the kid ever again. If he does, I am going to hunt him down, and drag him right back to you, Cagalli" Kira promised, with a hint of bantering in his voice.
Finding herself imagining Kira actually doing that, Cagalli let out what sounded a bit like a short, half choked chuckle, that quickly ended, when yet another deep sob ran through her entire body.
"I'll be holding you to that promise...Kira! Now that he is finally back here, I don't think I would be able to handle it...if he left again!" The girl weeped, trying hard to stop the many tears, from leaving her now bloodshot eyes.
Yet with Cagalli being so utterly frustrate over, not being able to do anything about the Seirans, here and now. And seeing Athrun, laying there on the medical bed, even with that somewhat peaceful expression, on his handsome face. Made it impossible for Cagalli, to do that right now, the tears just kept on coming, much to her deep irritation.
Feeling a hint of a smile ran over her lips, as she watched Kira comfort his sister, Murrue turned and gave Kisaka a more serious look. "So any idea about who the girl is?"
"Nope not one" Kisaka answered with a small shake of the head. "I have never seen her before Miss Murrue. She could be a hostage Athrun had to take to get away from Gibraltar. She could be a friend that choose to help him out. Heck for all I know, she might even be a hitchhiker he picked up at some point, while trying to escape" the large man said, making certain to add just a hint of sarcasm, to the last part.
With it being so unbelievable rare, that Kisaka said anything that could even be considered humorist, Cagalli simply could not help but let out another half choked chuckle, at Kisaka's hitchhiker comment. As she slowly backed away from Kira, and got up on to her slightly rickety feet, where she quickly used her right sleeve, to dry away some of the tears on her face. Before she once more looked over at the sleeping redhead, with a deep thoughtful vein on her forehead.
"I don't know why, but I have a feeling that I have seen this girl before. I just don't remember, where that was" the young blonde said. Then took one last glance at Athrun's handsome face, before stepping over to the other medical bed, to get a more thorough look, at the sound asleep red haired girl.
Watching the pregnant girl do that, Murrue quickly decide to stay quiet for a bit to give Cagalli a little time to think. Yet after almost three whole minutes of total silence.
Murrue sighed loudly, as she asked Cagalli if she thought, the girl was a threat to them in anyway, already half expecting, what Cagalli's response was going to be to that question. It wasn't really like the sleeping redhead, looked all that intimidating and dangerous. Far from it actually.
"Emm no Murrue, I don't believe she is a threat. But even so, maybe it would be wise to keep a bit of an eye on her until I am able remember who she is, or Athrun wakes up, and tell us who she is" the young woman said. Obviously a bit annoyed by the fact, that she just could not remember remember this girl.
It was at that point, Kira decide to cut in to the conversation. "I agree with you, Cagalli. Perhaps we should put her in the empty room, beside the med-bay and have Mayu, and her handheld console, keep the girl company for a few hours. With all the running around Mayu has done since we got here, she is probably starting to get tired, from helping out so much" the male Yamato said, frankly a bit concerned about the health of the prankster-loving girl, that was like a younger sister to him.
Thinking briefly about Kira's suggestion, to have Mayu look after the young redhead, Murrue nodded slowly a couple of times. "That sounds like a good idea Kira. I'll go find Mayu right away. Why don't you guys bring Athrun and the redhead, down to the med-bay" the Archangel Captain said, then turned around, and headed off in the direction of the hangar. If Mayu was still helping bringing the supplies on board, that really was the most logical place to look for the girl.
Watching Murrue disappear slowly down the long hallway, Cagalli turned and looked at her brother and Kisaka. "It's a bit cold here by the entrance. So lets hurry up, and do what Murrue said" the short temper blonde said in a slightly bossy tone, then grab on to the foot of the bed Athrun was resting on, and began pushing it down the hallway. Being extremely careful not to disturb her sleeping fiancé.
Taking a short glance over at each other, Kira and Kisaka hurried went after Cagalli. Kisaka carefully pushing the second medical bed, while Kira walked a couple of steps behind the large man.
"By the way Kisaka, why did it take so long for you to get here?" Kira asked after a few short seconds of absolute silence, where the only thing that could be heard, was the slightly bothersome squeaking sound from one of the small wheels on the redhead's bed. Which amazingly enough didn't seem to disturb either of the two sleeping teenagers.
Mentally reminding himself to get somebody to take a look at that noisy wheel, Kisaka turned his head and looked back at Kira, with a hint of a smile on his face.
"We would have gotten here on time Kira, if it was not because Mina insist on being allowed to leave, the very instant we enter Orb territory. If I had known Mina was so unbelievable eager, to get off the transport plane. I would of course not have contact you guys, as early as I did. I would have waited a bit longer" Kisaka explained. Knowing fully well that the reason why Rondo Mina Sahaku, had wait till the very last second, to tell the crew of the transport plane, that she want to get off, was simply because she had found it amusing to mess around with them, in such a manner.
Almost tripping over her own feet, Cagalli hastily swirled around and stared at Kisaka with a totally shocked expression on her young face. "Mina? Please tell me that you are NOT talking about Rondo Mina Sahaku, Kisaka" Cagalli practically begged.
The blonde didn't really know why, but for some reason she had always found it quite frustrating to deal with, Rondo Mina Sahaku. That woman was always so unbelievable difficult, to figure out, and as much as Cagalli truly wanted to deny it, she always felt kinda on edge, whenever she had something she need to discuss with Mina.
"I am sorry Cagalli. But yes, that is the Mina I am talking about" Kisaka said.
"Ohh why the heck did you have to ask her, of all people for help couldn't you have found somebody else? Mina is just so weird, Kisaka" Cagalli said displeased, having a difficult time not raising her voice over this. Actually the only reason why she hadn't started yelling already, was because she did not want to wake up Athrun.
'Weird, hmmm yeah that's one way of putting it. A bit of an understatement if you ask me' Kira thought, as he listened quietly to their conversation.
"The reason why we decided to ask for her help, Cagalli. Is because we want to take a look at Gibraltar, and see what's going on there. You know as well as I just how well suited the Amatsu is, for spy missions. Besides if it wasn't for her Cagalli, I don't think we would have been able to save Athrun and that girl from the two gundams chasing them" Kisaka said.
Looking down at the floor for a few long moments, Cagalli finally nod slowly a single time. "Emmmm I see...I'll make sure to thank her, the next time I see her" Cagalli said in a low displeased tone, that would have made it clear to even the most dense person in the world, that she really didn't want to do that. And that the only reason why, she was actually going to thank Mina for saving Athrun, was because she felt obligated to do so.
Yet before either Kisaka or Kira could comment on that, Cagalli turned her back towards the two of them, and once more continued pushing Athrun's bed in the direction of the med-bay.
000000
At the exact same time down in the ship's med-bay.
Neo was busy zapping through all the TV's canals, for the third time in the last hour. "Holy crap I am bored right now. Why the can't there be anything good on? Why does it have to be either a kid shows, or one of those God awful shows about making once garden, the most 'wonderful' place on earth" he complained softly under his breath, as he kept on changing the cannel again and again. Seriously hoping to find either a sitcom or some stand-up comedy to watch.
Yet just when Neo was about to start going through the many channels a fourth time. The door to the room suddenly flew open, and in raced the blond teenage girl, who had already brought him quite a few DVDs. And just the mere sight of her, was enough to kinda make him hope that her purpose for being there was to lend him some new DVDs.
"Hello Mu! I see you are keeping yourself busy. Couldn't you find something a bit more mature to watch?" Cagalli asked, with a tiny hint of wonder in each of her eyes. Which instantly made Neo turn his head and look back at the screen, where he saw that he had stopped on a cannel, that was presently showing SpongeBob SquarePants of all things.
"I was just zapping around when you barged in here girl. You didn't bring me some new entertainment did you?" He asked hopefully. While zapping away from the cartoon.
"No sorry Mu, that's not the reason why I am here" Cagalli answered, as she hurried began changing the sheets, on the other bed. Cursing softly when she accidentally dropped the pillow on the floor.
Finding the cranky girl's problems with the linen somewhat amusing, Neo smirked slightly, as he kept on watching her. Briefly considering telling her that his name wasn't Mu, but Neo.
Yet seeing as everybody on the Archangel insist on calling him, Mu. He figured that it was a total waste of time, yelling at the girl, about that. Besides he could not deny, that there was small part of himself, that had kinda accept that Mu, might just be his real name.
"So what's up with you changing the sheets all of a sudden? I thought Kira went back to sleeping in his own room. Not that I would mind getting some company in here, girl" Neo said, not doing a thing to hide, that he was bored out of his mind.
Feeling slightly annoyed by the fact that he was calling her, girl. Cagalli took a quick glance away from what she was doing, and glared a few seconds at the blonde man, who on the other hand just looked right back at her, with a none caring look on his stupid face.
Which quite frankly served, to make Cagalli sigh loudly in frustration, and roll her eyes a single time. No matter how many times, Cagalli twist and turn it in her head, she just didn't understand why, even with all of his memories gone, Mu still had that annoying habit of referring to her by her gender. Why the hell did that have to be one of the few things, that HADN'T disappear from the idiot's mind? Just why the heck did he have to remember THAT of all things.
"It's Cagalli. And NO I am not changing the sheets for, Kira. I am changing them for somebody else" she angrily informed him, as she threw the fluffy pillow down on the bed, then started working on the cover next, which she had an even harder time with, than the pillow.
Thinking briefly back to how well Cagalli had fought in the Duel Rouge during the battle at, Jachin Due, Neo found it totally hilarious that the girl was having so much trouble, doing such a simple task, as changing the sheets on a bed. And since there was nothing good on TV, Neo quickly decide, that he was far from done rattling up Cagalli.
"By the way girly, since you obviously are on a roll right now, do you mind changing my bed sheets, too? 'You seem to be quite good at it'" Neo teased sarcastically. Knowing that with Cagalli's short temper, this was bound to get her to yell at him even more.
And thankfully she did not disappoint him. "Ahhh will shut up already, Mu! If you want fresh sheets, then get of your ass and change them yourself" Cagalli growled annoyed.
Glancing down at his tied up hands, Neo wasn't really sure if that was suppose to be a joke, while he might be the guy who could make the impossible, possible. Seeing if he could actually change bed sheets with his hands tied together like this, wasn't really a challenge the blond haired man found all that intriguing. If he really did want to waste his time, on something totally pointless, the TV, with all of it's 'interesting programmers', was right beside him.
"I would do it myself if I could, girl. But I don't know where the fresh once are. And, there is also the small matter of me not being allowed to leave this room. But if I am getting a new roommate, I do at least have somebody to talk with now. Trust me, being stuck in this room for such a long time, is kinda boring" he said, before laying down on the bed, resting his head on his soft pillow.
Taking a glance over at him, Cagalli could not help but feel, as much as she hate to admit it, slightly sorry for him. Mu had after all been locked up in this room, for quite awhile now. So it was really no wonder, that he was starting to complain about being bored. If she had been the one forced to stay in the same room, for such an unbelievable long time, she would probably be ready to go insane of sheer boredom.
"I know Kira asked me to bring you some new DVDs. But I guess I kinda forget all about that. I am sorry, Mu" she told him, as place the now fresh change cover on the bed.
Quickly fighting down the temptation, to make yet another witty remake, Neo smile slightly at the pregnant girl. "It's alright. But if you do get by your room at some point today, could please grab a few new movies for me?"
Nodding slowly at that a single time. "I will, but you have to be patient, Mu. I don't know when I'll get back there" the girl said, just as the door to the small room flew open, and in step Kira with Athrun's medical bed.
"Why did you leave him out in the hall, Cagalli?" Kira asked.
"Because I want to change the bed sheets Kira, so he can be as comfortable as possible" the Orb leader answered, as the two siblings began working on getting Athrun over on the other bed.
Yet while Kira and Cagalli was doing that, Neo was trying hard to get ride of the many images, that was rapidly flashing through his head of the blue haired young man.
'Ahh damn! I really hate when this happen. Do I really have to go through this crap every time I see somebody I only kinda remember. But who is he I know I have seen him before...his name is Ath...Ath...or something. He was the pilot of the one called...Justice wasn't he...?' Neo questioned himself. Honestly a bit pissed off, that he could not remember if that was correct, or if that red mobile suit with the backpack, had some other name.
"Are you alright there, Mu? You look a bit pale" Kira's voice said just beside Neo's bed.
Jumping slightly at that question, Neo looked up at the brown haired teenager with a nausea expression, covering his entire face. "Em it's...It's nothing you should worry about kid, I'm just fine"
"You remember him, don't you?" Kira asked in a whisper, being extremely careful about Cagalli not hear, what he and Mu was talking about. Yet with her busy fussing over Athrun, it was very unlikely, that she was paying any attention to the two of them.
Taking another glance over at the blue haired youngster, another round of images instantly flash painfully, through Neo's mess up mind. "Yeah...a few bits and piece...I can't recall his name, and was Justice really the name of that red gundam of his?" The blonde man growled out, then asked Kira if he could get him a couple of aspirins.
Quickly making sure, that Cagalli was still totally occupied with taking care of Athrun, Kira went over to the medical closet, and hurried found what Mu had asked for.
"Here you go. His name is Athrun, Mu. And yes the Justice was the name of that red mobile suit, you are most likely thinking about, it was the one he use when he join up with us in the last war" Kira said, quickly deciding against mentioning the Aegis gundam, and the Saviour gundam, Mu had clearly more than enough, on his mind right now.
Yet before either of them could say anything else. Their low conversation was brought to an abrupt end, by Cagalli's loud bossy voice. "What are you two idiots trying so hard to hide over there?" She asked, giving each one of them a deeply stern look, which was meant to tell them that they better give her an answer, or else.
"It's nothing Cagalli. I was just telling Mu who Athrun is" Kira said, with a low sigh, honestly a bit disappoint to discover, that Cagalli had apparently already forgotten everything Murrue had said to her, not that long ago about controlling her temper. If one where to judge, from the severely threatening glare she had been sending them, she had been more then willing to start screaming at the two of them, had Kira not given her a response.
Finding it to be a bit of a let down, that the things her brother and Mu had been whispering about, hadn't been something a bit more interesting. Cagalli mutter something about them being totally useless, then went back to tending to Athrun.
Glaring silently a brief moment at the pregnant blonde, for being call useless, Neo slowly turn his head, and looked back at Kira. "If I am not mistaken, he is the father of the kid, ain't he?"
"Yeah...that's right. Athrun Zala is the guy responsible, for getting my sister pregnant" Kira answered in a whisper, before sending his sound asleep friend a small displeased glare.
"Uhhh I feel kinda sorry for the poor guy. That girl has quite a foul mouth on her" Neo said back, in a likewise low tone, seriously relieved, that he was not the one being bossed around by Cagalli.
Thinking briefly about Mu's words, Kira slowly reach up and rub his chin in a thoughtful manner. "Hmmm weeeeell, I completely agree with you about foul mouth thing, Mu. Buuuut, I don't really feel that sorry for Athrun, since I am the one Cagalli has been yelling at, these last few months, when she is unhappy about something. Truth is I kinda look forward to see what she is going to do to him. Once she finally stops being happy about him being back here and return back to her usually self" Kira said, wanting a little payback for everything Cagalli had put him through.
Chuckling softly at that. "Heh that's pretty mean, kid. If you weren't usually such a nice guy. You really should consider getting a career, as a comic book super villain, or maybe there is an evil genius out there somewhere, that needs your assistance" Neo suggest playfully.
Not finding any of those career choices all that appealing. "Not to burst your bubble, Mu. But I don't think either of those 'jobs' sounds that great. Besides if I change job so suddenly, without at least talking with my dear wife about it first, she will probably get pretty mad at me. And since I really do love seeing Lacus, with a smile on her pretty face. I think I'll just keep the job, I have" the younger one of the two men said back, in a likewise playful tone.
Finding the Kira's witty response, to his bantering quite humorous, Neo was just about make a comment about Kira being whipped, since he could not change career, without talking to the Pink Princess first.
Yet before the blond haired man, could get out even one word. The door to the room flew open, and Mayu Ramius practically leap in there as fast as her small legs could carry her.
"Where is he!? Where is big brother Athrun?!" The eleven-year-old girl asked so loudly, that she could probably be heard all over the Archangel.
And even as both of Neo's hands, immediately flew up to his still immensely aching head, Cagalli gave the girl, a stern disapproved look. Honestly quiet a bit surprised that Athrun's only reaction to Mayu's shouting, was turning over on to his right side.
"Will you please lower your voice, Mayu? We do not want Gilbert Durandal or somebody else associate with Zaft, to realize that we are still alive. As for the answer to your question, Athrun is right over here, sleeping" Cagalli said. Ending the sentence in a much more gentle tone, than the more harsh one she had used in the beginning. It was after all pretty easy to tell that the only reason why, Mayu had been shouting so loudly, was because she was worried about one of the people, that was like family to her.
Quickly making her way over to the bed, Mayu slowly kneeled down, and study Athrun's face, for a few short seconds. Yet seeing no clear sign that indicate that her blue haired big brother, was in any kind of pain, the girl forced her concerned gaze away from Athrun's sleeping face, and looked up at big sister Cagalli, who was standing beside her.
"So...emm...How...How is he? Is he going to be all right, big sis?" Mayu asked worried, sounding very much like, she was ready to start crying at any moment now.
Sitting down on the floor beside the girl, Cagalli gently ran her hand through Mayu's long uncombed hair. "Well...according to Kisaka, he should be just all right after getting some sleep, I just wished I knew Mayu when he is going to wake up...I really want to talk with him" Cagalli said in a low tone, that was just barely loud enough, for Mayu to hear it.
Instantly noticing, that big sister Cagalli, was also on the verge of tears. The smaller Ramius, hurried stood back up again, and wrapped both of her arms around her blond haired sister. Embracing her tightly in an attempt to stop her big sister from crying.
"It's all right big sis. I am certain that Athrun is going to wake up very soon now, and since he haven't seen you for such a long time sis. I for one believes, that he is probably looking forward to talk with you even more, than you are with him" the eleven-year-old old girl said. Truly doing her utmost, to comfort the nearly crying Cagalli.
Finding Mayu's soothing words to be of great comfort, the young blonde slowly raised her arms, and hugged the sweet girl back. "Thank you, Mayu. I am ok now" Cagalli softly reassured the girl.
And while still smiling slightly at the smaller Ramius, Cagalli slowly broke the embrace, and after quickly messing up Mayu's hair even more than it already was. The young blonde, slowly step over to the small sink in there, where she began washing her face.
Yet the brief moment of silence in there was broken, when they all heard Mu snoring softly over on his bed.
Turning off the water, Cagalli turn and looked with narrowed eyes at the now sound asleep Hawk of Endymion. She had kinda hoped that it was somehow possible to move Mu, to another room. So she could spend some alone time with Athrun.
Yet with him sleeping so soundly, that was simply impossible. As much as Mu La Flaga bother Cagalli, from time to time. She just couldn't, bring herself to wake him up.
"Guess he can stay" Cagalli mumbled under breath, then looked directly at Kira and Mayu.
"If the two of you don't mind, I would kinda like to be alone with Athrun for a little bit. I promise to call you guys, once he wakes up" she told the two of them, while pulling the white curtain around Mu's bed.
Watching as his sister did that, Kira had no trouble whatsoever understanding why, Cagalli was asking for Mayu and him to leave. Had it been Lacus, and not Athrun laying there in that bed right now, Kira knew for sure, that he too would also be asking for everybody else to leave. So he could spend some time alone with his wife, even if she was sound asleep.
"We will see you later then. If you need anything Cagalli, Mayu and I will be in the next room, keeping an eye on our red haired visitor. Please do call me once Athrun wakes up. I have quite a few things I would like to talk with him about" Kira said, in a kind tone, as he took a hold on Mayu's hand, and lead her out of the room, before the eleven-year-old had a chance to protest about having to leave.
Watching the door fly back shut, after Mayu and Kira, Cagalli once again looked back at her sleeping fiancé. Then down at her light blue shoes, which she finally kick off, with a bit of hesitation. And while still feeling a bit unsure if this was the right thing to do. She raised the cover, Athrun was sleeping so calmly under, and crawl in to the bed beside him.
Yet as she laid there, staring silently up at Athrun's handsome face, Cagalli could not help but feel kinda nervous, for some weird reason. It was almost like this was the very first time, she share a bed together with the man, she loved. And she felt somewhat unsure, if it really was all right for her to be so intimate with him, without at least talking with Athrun first.
Yet as the young woman continued debating with herself, if she should leave the bed or not, Athrun suddenly much to her pleasant surprise, moved closer to her, and wrapped his right arm around her, holding her tightly.
"Emm Cagalli" he mumbled, with a small happy smile.
Which made it clear to Cagalli, that Athrun had miss her, just as much as she had miss him. And knowing that, all of her uncertain feelings immediately left her as she close her eyes, and slowly drift of to sleep beside her fiancé. Truly happy to once more be together with him like this.
000000
It was a little over two hours later.
Kira was sitting on the opposite bed of the red haired girl, Kisaka had brought there, reading in one of his old comic books, while Mayu was sitting not that far beside him playing on her favorite handheld game console, with a frown of concentration on her small forehead.
Yet what neither one of the two Archangel crew members realized, was that their guest was at this very moment, slowly regaining consciousness for the very first time, since she and Athrun had been shoot down, by the Destiny gundam.
'Where...am I? What is this place?' Meyrin asked herself, as she slowly turned her head a bit to the side, to take a look around the small unfamiliar room she was in. Yet the very instant she noticed the two strangers sitting over on the other bed, the redhead immediately closed both of her eyes again tightly, acting very much like she was afraid, that the two unknown people, where actually going to jump up at any moment, and scratch her eyes out, once they realized that she was awake.
Yet after laying there a few long slightly tense seconds, pretending to be asleep, Meyrin Hawke had gathered together enough courage, to take another peek over the girl and the young man, and after studying each of their faces for a short moment, she decide that neither one of them looked mean enough to actually hurt her in any way. Truth be told they both looked very nice.
But even though younger Hawke sister was relatively certain, that she wasn't in any danger, she still had a great deal of questions, rummaging through her confused mind. Most specific, who were these people? Where was she? And most importantly, where was ATHRUN? Had he survived Shinn's last attack on them?.
But as much as Meyrin, had managed to calm her fears down considerably, she still felt severely nervous about revealing to the two unfamiliar people, that she was awake. Yet before she had a chance to decide, if she should keep on pretending to be asleep or not, her stomach kinda made the decision for her, by growling louder than it had ever done before.
Hearing the unmistakable sound, of someone being hungry, Kira lowered the comic book, and looked over at Mayu, who with her earpods on, was still totally caught up in playing her video game, which served as a pretty obvious sign to Kira, that it wasn't her stomach that wanted food.
And since it wasn't very long since he had eaten a couple of chocolate bars, it was not his stomach either. So the sound could only come from one other person.
"I guess someone is hungry over there. So how do you feel?" Kira asked in a gentle tone, and with a friendly smile on his lips.
Having always been kinda shy when meeting new people, Meyrin had no idea about to react, or how to response, to the friendly looking guy's question. So in the end, she just laid there, stiff as a board, staring with wide insecure eyes up at the friendly looking, yet still unknown guy.
Seeing the way the girl was reacting, and the totally freaked out expression on her face, Kira had little to no trouble figuring out, what was bothering the girl. Being freaked out was after all a pretty understandable reaction, to waking up some unknown place with a total stranger watching over you.
"You don't have to be so scared. I promise you, that we are not going to hurt you" Kira promised reassuringly.
Still feeling more than a little nervous, about all of this, Meyrin practically had to force her unbelievable dry lips apart. "Emmm who are you? And where am I?" She asked, while again taking a look around the small room.
"You are on board the Archangel" Kira answered kindly. Yet before he could even start answering her other question. She cut him off with a loud surprised gasp, which immediately made it clear to Kira, that she had not expected him to say that.
"The Archangel! But I thought...I thought that it blow up when it got hit by the Minerva's Tannhauser. We did see something explode, back then" Meyrin mumbled confused, no matter how hard she tried, the girl just couldn't figure out how, the crew of the Archangel had made it seem like their ship, had been destroyed back then.
Yet all of Meyrin's deeply confused thoughts, about how exactly the Archangel had survived the last battle, immediately disappeared. When she suddenly without warning, began coughing violently. It was so unbelievable bad and painful, that it actually felt like her entire throat, was filled completely with sandpaper. And it served to remind the redhead, that she could not even remember, the last time she had gotten anything to drink.
Of course quickly realizing what the problem was, Kira immediately stepped over to the small sink in there, and filled a glass with water, which he hurried handed to the girl, who swallowed the refreshing liquid gratefully.
"I have no idea about what the heck a Tannhauser is. But if I had to guess, I would say that it is the name of the Minerva's, giant positron cannon. I figured that you were one of Athrun's friends from the Minerva, why else would you have helped him out. I really had my doubts, that you were actually a hostage Athrun had taken, at some point, to get away from Gibraltar. Taking hostages is not really something Athrun would do. He is simply to nice a person, to do something like that" Kira said, while refilling the glass with water and handing it back to the girl.
Again feeling somewhat nervous, since the still unknown guy now knew what Zaft ship, she had been station on, Meyrin slowly brought the glass up to her mouth, and took a small ship of the cold water, while trying hard to decide if she should reveal to this guy, what her post had been on the Minerva.
Yet it was only after studying the guy's friendly looking face, for a short moment or two, and after mentally and reminding herself, that this man had already promised her, that nobody on the Archangel was going to hurt her. And seeing as it had not been that long since, Shinn and Rey, two people she had consider to be her friends, had tried to kill Athrun and her, Meyrin quickly decided to spill the beans, about what exactly her job had been on the Minerva. Besides, the way he had talked about Athrun just now, made it clear to her, that this guy was one of Athrun's, close friends, which in her eyes meant that she could trust him.
"My name is Meyrin Hawke, and I am the Minerva's CIC...No wait what I meant to say is, that I use to be the Minerva's, CIC. But when soldiers start chasing Athrun around, the Gibraltar base. I just couldn't help but wanting to help him out. I really didn't think Athrun deserved to die, for questioning the Chairman's insane orders. And if that man really is trying to become dictator, of the whole world, like Athrun said he was. Then I want to stop him" Meyrin said, having a difficult time sounding as determined, as she want, since she was quite frankly feeling like crap right now.
Smiling slightly at her words, the male Yamato nodded slowly a single time in understanding. "I am relieved that you where there to help him out Meyrin. Thank you very much for that. By the way, my name is Kira Yamato. But you probably know me better, as the Freedom's pilot. I am sure that the Impulse brat, have complained about me quite a few times" the brown haired teenager said, still with that kind smile on his face.
Honestly more than a little surprised, to hear who she had been talking to all of this time, Meyrin stared with widen eyes up at the friendly looking guy. The young woman really didn't know, what kind of person she had expect to have piloted the Freedom. But she had frankly never expect him, to be so nice. From the way Shinn had bellyached about the pilot of the Freedom. One would half expect him to be some twist looking devil. Who's main purpose in life, was to bother Shinn, as much as possible.
'Why the heck, do I even listen to Shinn in the first place?! He is just SUCH an immature idiot!' The young redhead thought angrily, far from ready to forgive the Impulse BRAT, as Kira had called him. For trying to kill Athrun and her.
"Yeah now that you mention it, Kira. Shinn did complain about you quite a few times, but to be completely fair, Shinn complains practically none stop about everything" Meyrin sighed softly, just as her belly loudly reminded Kira and her, that it would still very much like to get some food.
Chuckling softly over what Meyrin had just told him. "Heh heh, I'm not really that surprise to hear, that he complains so much, Meyrin. From the few times I have talk to him during our battles, the Impulse brat, really does seem like that type of person, that complains an awful lot. But never mind him. Why don't I go down the mess hall, and find you something to eat. I am sure that Mayu wouldn't mind talking with you, until I get back" the brown haired man offer kindly.
Yet as Kira turned his head, and looked back at, Mayu. He was surprised to discover, that the eleven-year-old girl, was still totally cut up in playing her video game, which could only mean, that Mayu was totally oblivious to the fact, that their red haired guest was awake, and that he had been talking to her for some time now.
Finding it kinda amazing, that Mayu had been able to focus all of her attention on that small screen, for so long, Kira shook his head in utter amazement, as he step over and pull the earpods out of the girl's ears.
"I am sorry to interrupt you Mayu, when you are so busy with that game, but could you please keep Meyrin company, for a little while? While I go find her something to eat" Kira asked.
Letting out a small yet surprised wail, at the sudden interruption, Mayu swiftly teleport her female red mage back to her small home in the game, where there was no monsters nearby to hurt her.
And once Mayu had made absolutely certain that her character was not in any danger, she glare angrily up at Kira.
"So, what is it you interrupt my game for? Whatever it is, it have better be important big bro! I was just about to go into combat, with one of the more difficult boss', in this game, he has already beaten me twice now!" The girl said loudly, as she took a glance down, at the handheld consoles. Obviously quite eager to get back to playing her game.
Rolling his eyes a single time, at the girl's overall bossy behavior. "Mayu it is not going to completely ruin your game if you take a small break. Lacus and I are over a hundred hours into that game, and the two of us, are nowhere near the ending. Both of us loved playing, and working together in that game" Kira said in a low tone, that made it clear that, that was just one of the many things the young husband, sincerely miss doing with together with his wife. The two of them, had even gotten married in the game at some point.
Seeing the deep far away expression on his face, was more than enough to make Mayu realize, that Kira was thinking about Lacus, right now. And knowing that, the anger from Mayu's eyes slowly disappeared, and was replaced by a more gentle one.
"I am really sorry about bitting your head off big bro. It's just that fighting this boss, is so damn frustrating, I just can't get past him" the girl said in a apologetic tone.
Smiling slightly at the girl, Kira reach out, and gentle rub her uncombed hair a bit. "It's all right Mayu. Believe me, I know how tough some of the enemies in game can be. Especially when you are going up against them, on your own. Once things calms down, and Lacus finally gets back here, she and I can help you out" Kira promised. not even realizing that he was playing around with the ring, Lacus had given him during the last war, just before the finally battle at Jachin Due.
It was at that point Meyrin cut in to the conversation. "Emmm you guys of are talking about Galactic Star, ain't you? I am pretty good at that game. So if you want me to I could lean you a hand" the young redhead offer kindly.
Hearing the sweet unfamiliar voice, the smaller Ramius, immediately turn her attention from Kira, and look over at their guest. "Ohhhh I did not know you were awake. Did I wake you up, with all of my shouting? I am sorry if I did. So what kind character are you in Galactic Star?" Mayu asked with a great deal of curiosity in her voice.
"Well I actually got two, but my strongest one, is a female dragoon" Meyrin answered, knowing that while she might only, have start talking with this girl a few short seconds ago, Meyrin kinda had this feeling that she was going to like this girl, she was cute and very easy to talk with.
Maybe a bit on the loud side.
'I wonder if everybody else on board the Archangel is as nice as Mayu and Kira?' The younger Hawke sister asked herself, just as Mayu's voice interrupt her thoughts and brought her back to reality, by asking her if she want to start playing the game once she had gotten something to eat.
As much as Meyrin truly want to say yes to that question, the redhead found herself unable to deny just how unbelievable exhaust she felt right now. It was almost felt like every single part of her immensely fatigue and sore body, was screaming for her, to go back to sleep, as soon as gotten some food down in to her empty belly.
Beside now that she thought about it, Meyrin sadly realized that the last time she had play on her handheld consoles, was back shortly before the Minerva had arrive at Gibraltar, which of course made it quite difficult for her to play that game right now together with, Mayu. Even though she honestly did think that it was a good way for her to get to know Mayu better.
"I would love to Mayu. But I do not have my consoles with me, it's back on the Minerva" Meyrin said.
Yet what disappointment the two girls felt, did however quickly disappear, when Kira started talking, over from the door. "You can borrow my consoles Meyrin. As long as you remember your own password, you can always play as your own characters in that game"
Hearing him say that, Meyrin instantly realized that he was right. One could do that, in Galactic Star. "Oh that's right, I completely forget all about that. That means, that we can start playing the game, once I have gotten a little more rest, Mayu. I can barely keep my eyes open right now" the redhead said in a apologetic tone.
Yet Mayu quickly reassured her that it was all right, and that she should not feel guilty about being sleepy. And that they could always play the game once Meyrin woke up again, and was feeling better, which made a small grateful smile run over the redhead's lips.
Watching the two girls talk for a couple of seconds, Kira could easily tell what a snuggle Meyrin was having, keeping herself awake. "Just try and stay awake a bit longer, Meyrin. I'll be back with your meal shortly" he said, then reach out and opend the door.
Yet before he could take even one step outside the room, Meyrin called out after him. "Wait Kira! Athrun! How is Athrun doing?!" She asked anxiously. Having wanting to ask Kira that question, ever since she had first open her eyes. But she had been too terrified to do so, since she was worried, that Kira was going to tell her, that Athrun was seriously injured.
"He does not have any major injuries, Meyrin. He should be back to his usual self, after getting plenty of rest" Kira reassured her.
Letting out a deep relieved breath, that she did not even know that she was holding, Meyrin moved around a bit on the bed, pressing her tired face into the soft pillow. Clearly getting ready to go back to sleep, now that she knew that Athrun was all right.
"Ohh thank God, I was so worried about him" the redhead mumbled softly.
Seeing each of Meyrin's eyes fell shut, Kira immediately turned his head and looked over at Mayu with a urgent look on his face. "Please try and keep her awake Mayu, until I can get back here with the food. She needs to eat, before going back to sleep".
With that said. Kira hurried left the room, without waiting for Mayu to give him a response.
Watching the metal door slide shut, after Kira, Mayu once again turned her attention back towards Meyrin, who was obviously, just about to fall asleep again.
And knowing that, that would be bad, the smaller Ramius, immediately took a quick breath, then began talking loudly about, what Meyrin's other character was, in Galactic Star.
000000
Meanwhile not that far away from the room Mayu and Meyrin was in, Kira was hastily making his way down the Archangel's long hallway. He did however not get very far. The exact moment, he was about to walk past Miriallia and Dearka's room, his second best friend leaped out from inside the room, and yelled loudly in a obvious attempt, to scare the living daylight out of him.
Yet Kira's only reaction to that, was to take a quick step backwards and raise his right eyebrow slightly. "I assume, your reason for trying to scare me, is because you are bored, Dearka" Kira stated, as he walked past the former Buster pilot, and continued down the hall with Dearka now walking a couple of steps behind him.
"How in the world did you know that, Kira? What gave it away?!" The blond haired man asked in a loud very childish tone.
Rolling each of his purple eyes a single time at his friend's childish behavior, Kira took a look back at him, and grinned slightly. "Well I don't know, Dearka. It could be because you are presently wearing a Dr Doom helmet, and holding a Stormtrooper blaster"
Taking a glance down at the fake weapon in his hands, Dearka let out a thoughtful sound, thereby making it seem like he was actually giving Kira's words a great deal of thought.
"Yeah ok if you look at it that way, it's pretty easy to tell that I am bored. But there has to be more to it. You had to have found out some other way. You are not a telepath are you, Kira. You didn't read my mind did you?" The childish man asked wary, making it sound very much like, he was just about ready to panic.
"There isn't really a whole lot to read, up there Dearka. Besides doesn't Dr Doom, have some special technology in his helmet, that prevent telepaths from reading his mind?" Kira asked, as the two friends continued down the long hallway.
"Hmmm now that you mention it Kira, it would kinda make sense if he had something like that in his helmet. It's not like he is on friendly foot, with any of the X-men telepaths" Dearka said back, clearly thinking quite hard about what technology, Dr Doom had inside his helmet.
"So where exactly did you get those things from anyway, Dearka? I through we lost all of our collectibles, when our house got destroyed by those ASSH type mobile suits" Kira growled in a displeased tone.
Just as he took the Imperial blaster from Dearka's hands, to take a more thorough look at the expensive piece of toy, which Miriallia and Dearka had given him, for his very first birthday, in their new home.
Kira was truthfully more than just a little happy about seeing this thing again. He really had thought that this was just one of the many things he had lost for good, when their home had been reduced to a pile of rubble. Gathering collectibles from science-fiction and comic books, had been one of Kira's hobbies for many years. He had actually been doing that, ever since he was ten years old.
Unfortunately Kira had lost his first collection, when Heliopolis had been destroyed. And once he just so happened to mention that to Dearka, the former pilot of the Buster, had immediately used that as an excuse, to help him gather together a new collection. And it hadn't really taken very, long before Athrun was in on it too. It had kinda been a hobby the three friends had share together. One of them buying a new thing for the collection, every month.
Yet before Kira could think all that long about, their many loud debates about what collectible they should buy next, he was pulled back to reality by Dearka's loud voice.
"Well apparently Erica went there and took a more thorough look around rubble, shortly after we left Orb. And she found a few things here and there that had somehow survived the destruction. Like some of our more sturdy collectibles, and some of Mayu's toys. And a few other things, like pictures. I for one think that Andy, is going to be really happy, getting that huge picture of Aisha back" Dearka said thoughtfully, then reach up and adjusted the helmet a bit, so he could better see out of the eyes.
Narrowing his purple eyes sadly at those words, Kira found himself thinking back to the one time, where he had met Aisha Waltfeld. She was such a nice woman, who most certainly had not deserved to die, the way she did.
And while Andy was doing a good job of hiding it, from everybody. It was obvious, that from time to time, that the Desert Tiger was still deeply, deeply sadden about what had happened to his wife. Not that anybody could blame him for that.
"Yeah...You are right Dearka, I think he will appreciate, getting that picture back" Kira said in a low tone, as the two of them, continued silently towards the mess hall.
The silence did however, only last for a short moment or two. When Dearka decide to ask about how Athrun was doing.
"He seemed to be doing just fine, when I took a peek in there, after leaving Mayu and Meyrin. He was sleeping like a log, with my sister cuddling up all nice and cosy, in his arms" Kira answer, with a hint of a smile on his lips, that made it clear, that he was generally happy, that Cagalli and Athrun had at long last finally been reunite with each other again.
And as Dearka asked a few more questions about Athrun's condition, the two of them finally arrive at their destination, where Kira immediately went over and asked, the lead chef for a large portion of stew for their guest, and a few other things, he was sure that Meyrin would like. Still answering what he could of Dearka's questions.
And once all the food for Meyrin, had been placed on a tray. It did not take very long, before Kira and Dearka left the mess hall again, now walking in a fast pace, back in the same direction they had came from.
000000
Meanwhile back with Mayu and Meyrin. The eleven-year-old was finding it more and more difficult, keeping Meyrin away from Dreamland. It was quite obvious, that she was fighting a losing battle right now.
If big brother Kira didn't get back here soon, there was nothing Mayu could do to prevent Meyrin from falling asleep. 'Ahh damn she is not responding to my questions any longer. I have to do something, she can NOT fall asleep now!' The girl through determinedly, then hurried reach out, and picked up the remote control, and turned on the small TV, in there, Making certain, that it was as loud as it could get.
And as Meyrin sat up straight at the sudden noise, Mayu immediately began talking loudly again. "I really like, your flaming red hair, Meyrin. I kinda wish I could get my hair colored in the same way!"
Smiling tiredly at the girl, Meyrin simply ignore the noise from the TV, as she laid back down on the bed. "This is my natural hair color, Mayu. But if you want me to, I can help you color it this way, someday" the redhead offered kindly, before closing her eyes.
Seeing Meyrin do that, Mayu instantly knew, that if she did not do something fast, Meyrin would soon be sound asleep and not wake up again anytime soon, and so with a determined look in each one of her eyes, Mayu took a quick look around the room, for anything she could use to make sure that Meyrin did not fall asleep.
Yet there was nothing in there, actually the only thing Mayu could think of at the moment to keep Meyrin awake, was to pour some water on her. And that was seriously not a good idea.
So after just standing there a few seconds thinking about what to do, the girl hurried took a deep breath. "Hey Meyrin, wake up you can't sleep now!" She practically screamed into the redhead's face.
And while that did make Meyrin open her eyes briefly, it only took less then a second before they fell back shut again.
"Humph ok that's it, I give up! If Kira want her to stay awake, he could have stay here, while I went to get the food" the girl mumbled softly under her breath.
Yet before Mayu had the chance to pick up her handheld consoles, and make herself comfortable on the other bed in there, the door to the room suddenly flew open, and in stepped Kira carrying a large tray of different types of food.
"I am back!" He call out loudly.
Amazingly enough, those three simply words, was all that was needed to make Meyrin sit up slightly on her bed, and look directly at the tray in Kira's hands with a deep hungry expression on her tired face.
Yet the very instant Meyrin spotted the person following Kira into the room, she momentarily forgot all about just how immensely tired and hungry she was.
The mere sight of this weird person wearing the Dr Doom helmet, was enough to make a short frightened scream leave her lips, and also pulled the thick cover all the way up to her chin, clearly prepared to seek shelter underneath the cover incase this individual was dangerous.
If somebody had been walking around with a E-11 blaster rifle and a Dr Doom helmet back on the Minerva, they would without a doubt have been thrown in the brick a long time ago, until it could somehow be determined if he or she was mentally unstable. It seriously did seem like something only a crazy person would do.
Yet after noticing, that neither Kira nor Mayu, seemed all that concern about this weird guy, Meyrin did manage to calm down a bit, but not much.
Seeing Meyrin's half freaked out reaction to big brother Dearka's appearance, Mayu immediately rushed over, and gave Dearka's left arm a hard slap. "Take that dumb thing of and stop scaring big sister Meyrin, you weirdo" the brown haired girl ordered in a bossy tone.
Letting out a small whistle, when he heard Mayu call the redhead that, Dearka slowly reach up and pull of the spooky helmet. "Ok I am kinda impressed over here. That has got to be the first time, somebody have gotten one of Mayu's special titles, so fast. By the way, I am Dearka Elsman, welcome on board the Archangel" he said, smiling brightly at the young redhead, while at the same time placing the two collectibles, on the empty bed.
Still somewhat weirded out, by this strange guy, Meyrin honestly had no idea about what to say, or how to behave around this man. When he had first step foot inside the room, he had scared her shitless, yet once she had heard him talk, there was no simply put no denying, that he sounded just as friendly and kind as Kira and Mayu.
"Umm I am Meyrin Hawke...It...It is nice to met you..." Meyrin said back in a low tone.
"There is no need for you to be scare of Dearka, Meyrin. He is just one of those people who has the habit of acting a bit like a goofball, whenever he is bored" Kira explained, as he handed the tray of food to Meyrin.
"Hey that's totally uncalled for, Kira. I am most certainly NOT a goofball. I am a screeeewbaaaall!" The blond haired man stated loudly.
Chuckling softly at that, Kira apologized for the mispronouncing.
"Yeah you should be sorry, Kira. What wouldn't Miriallia say, if she thought she was going out with a goofball, instead screwball" Dearka said, as he sat down on the bed, beside the collectibles.
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm I see what you mean, Dearke. Miriallia is pretty fortunate, to be dating a screwball, instead of a goofball" Kira said, then smile a bit at Meyrin, when he heard her chuckling softly at their totally silly conversation.
Seeing Kira do that, Meyrin smiled back. "I'm glad that everybody I met here on the Archangel, are so nice. I think I am starting to understand why, Athrun cares so much about you guys" the young redhead said, then start eating the food on the tray, like it was the first meal she had gotten years.
"That's the Archangel for you. This ship have always been bit special. If you become a part of this ship's crew, Meyrin, it's kinda like becoming a part of one big happy family. There is NOBODY on the Archangel, who I would not fight tooth and nail to protect" Dearka guaranteed the girl.
Thinking a brief moment or two, about everything the blond haired man had just said to her, Meyrin could easily tell, that it would not take her many days to get settle in here on the Archangel.
"Em if it's not to much to ask, could one of you tell me a bit about the rest of the crew? Like the Captain for example" Meyrin requested softly.
Pretty much instantaneously after that question had left Meyrin's mouth. Mayu smiled brightly, like she had just found out that she would be given twice as many presents for Christmas this year.
And it took even less than a second for Mayu to start telling Meyrin about, how wonderful and great a person, her mother was. The girl was especially eager to make sure that everybody, not just Meyrin understood, how deeply she loved and cared about her mother.
Mayu, Kira and Dearka, kept on holding Meyrin company, until she was done eating, and had fallen back to sleep soon afterwards.
After that both Kira and Dearka quietly left the small room, each of them determined to go see if there was anything they could help out with, down in the hangar, while Mayu stayed behind to play Galactic Star again.
000000
It was about seven hours later, when a certain individual slowly opened his dark green orbs. Yet seeing as it was totally dark around him, and he could not see anything.
Athrun feared a short moment, that he had lost his sight, when Shinn had destroyed the upper part of the GOUF, Meyrin and him had ran off in. Yet once his confused mind told him, that he could see somebody laying beside him, he let out a light relieved sigh, as he moved a bit closer to the unknown person to see who it was.
Yet it it was only once his nose picked up the unmistakable scent of a certain well-known shampoo, that Athrun at long last finally realized who exactly this person was.
"Cagalli...th...this is Cagalli" the young man reassured himself, with a couple of happy tears sliding both of his cheeks.
And after just laying there a brief second staring at her sleeping face, Athrun slowly reach out, and carefully place his right hand on Cagalli's slightly round pregnant belly. "My child...my child is ok too" he whispered out through a small sob.
Yet as much as Athrun would have loved, to keep on gently rubbing Cagalli's stomach, for the rest of the night, once he heard the blond, mumbled something about not wanting to get up yet, and that she want to sleep a bit longer, Athrun reluctantly pulled his hand away, then just laid there watching her for a bit.
'If this is the Archangel then I have to get up...I can't sleep before I know if Kira is all right...' the blue haired teenager thought, as he yet again saw the terrible images of the Freedom blowing up.
And with that in mind, Athrun forced himself to sit up straight. Yet that simple action alone, was enough to make him hiss slightly, from the large amount of pain, coming from his chest area, which served as a pretty clear sign to him, that he had at least two or more broken ribs.
'Aahh damn it! That hurts like hell...' Athrun mentally cursed, while slowly sliding downwards, on the bed. That way he could get out of the bed without having to actually crawl over Cagalli, and possibly wake her up. If she caught him leaving this room in his current condition, she would without a doubt get more than a little mad at him.
Thankful he succeed in reaching the end of the bed, and leaving it without disturbing Cagalli, at all. And while forcing himself to ignore all of the pain he was feeling, Athrun practically stumbled over to the exit, where he felt around a few seconds for the button to open the door.
Once outside the room, Athrun took a look around, the mostly dark hallway. Then began making his way, towards Kira's room, using the wall to support himself, so he did not fall over.
Unfortunately thanks to all the pain he was presently in, Athrun didn't manage to get very far, before he accidently trip over his own feet. And knowing that it was totally pointless trying to resist gravity, he hurried slammed both of his eyes shut, sincerely hoping that this was not going to hurt too badly.
Yet before Athrun could hit the floor. A strong arm suddenly took a hold on him from behind, and carefully got him back up on to his feet. "Careful there buddy" A male voice said with a hint of concern.
While the voice was definitely one Athrun had heard before, it still took him a couple of seconds, to figure out who exactly it belonged to.
"Mr...Mr Murdoch?"
"Yeah it's me, Athrun. Now tell me, what the heeeck are you doing wandering around the ship, in your condition? It's obvious, that you can barely walk in a straight line, buddy. You seeeeeriously do look like crap, right now" the chief engineer said. Still supporting the boy so he wouldn't fall over.
Quickly taking a couple of deep breaths, Athrun turned his head and looked back, at the Archangel's chief mechanic. While the blue haired man could not even begin to describe, how much of a relieve it had been for him to discover that Cagalli was alive and well, Athrun was also a bit relieved to discover, that Murdoch was doing all right. While the large man, could be severely bossy at times, Athrun had long since figure out, that Murdoch cared about everybody on the Archangel.
"It's Kira. I need to know if Kira is all right before I can go back to sleep"
"He is. Other than few scratches here and there, I believe what hurt him most in that battle against the Impulse, was losing the Freedom. He really cared about that mobile suit, Athrun. According to what Dearka told me, the kid felt kinda like he had let the Pink Princess down by losing the Freedom" Murdoch explained.
Sincerely relieved to hear, that his best friend was all right, after Shinn had destroyed his mobile suit, Athrun let out a deep relieved sigh. "I'm just so glad...That he did not end up dying alongside, the Freedom. That would surely have broken Lacus' heart"
Nodding slowly a single time in agreement, Murdoch change his hold a bit on Athrun, then carefully began leading the blue haired man, back in the direction he had came from.
"Yeah you are right about that, I can't even begin to image how sad the Pink Princess would have been, had Kira gotten kill, by the Impulse. Now, since you now got the answer to your question, Athrun! Lets get you back to the sick-bay" Murdoch said in a tone, that was meant to tell Athrun that he better not disagree with him.
Not that Athrun had any reason to complain now that he knew, that Kira had survived, the Freedom's destruction. So he wisely kept his trap shut, as Murdoch helped, or to be more exact half drag him down the long empty hallway, with Athrun being so out of whack, he did not pay much attention to where they were going, he just kept on taking one small wobbly step after another. The only reason why, he was somehow able to stay on his feet, and not fall over again, was because Murdoch was there to support him.
To be continued.