The Songstress of the Enemy Forces

"I gotta hand it to you kid, you sure like picking up strays."

"Well, I couldn't just leave this pod out there, Mr. Murdock! Who knows how many survivors are holed up inside."

"Yea yea, I'm just bustin your balls. You're a good lad, Kira."

After gathering water and other supplies from the wreckage of Junius Seven, Kira Yamato had brought back to the Archangel yet another refugee escape pod. While this singular pod was significantly smaller than the last one he had brought back, certain crew members were less than pleased that yet another mouth to feed had come aboard. However, no one could really blame the poor boy when he was the one protecting them in the Strike.

"Oy! Hurry up with getting that thing open!" Murdock yelled at his workers.

"We're trying, boss!"

Kira fidgeted a little also nervous about seeing who was inside the escape pod. A strong and firm hand slapped his shoulder startling him a bit. He turned to find the cocky smile of one Mu La Flaga. Unsurprisingly Captain Ramius and Natarle were standing right beside the cheeky Lieutenant. Ms. Murrue ever the kinder soul simple sent Kira and understanding look. Nartarle remained stoic and all business as usual.

"Why so tense, kid?"

"Uhhh I dunno. I'm just really anxious about who's inside I guess."

"Really? You think a beautiful princess is gonna hop right out and thank her knight in shining armor?"

"W-well I didn't uh I mean…"

*BEEP BEEP*

"We got it open!" one of the workers yelled out.

As a precaution, several Archangel soldiers stood at the ready with their rifles. The pod door opened with a hiss while everyone stood by tense.

"HARO HARO!"

"What the?" a soldier exclaimed.

Floating out of the pod was a small pink spherical….toy? The little loud noise maker flew out without a care in the world flapping its tiny little wings.

"HARO HARO LACUS HARO"

"Oh my. Thank you so much for your kind help!" an angelic voice called out.

Everyone turned to see strands of silky shining pink hair emerge from the pod. Pushing off from the door, a young girl in a poofy white and purple dress soared out into the hanger. Her smile beamed brightly across the room giving off a youthful and cheerful vibe. The innocence and joy on her face made it seem like war hadn't touched this girl one bit.

"Ara? Ara ara ara!" she started to slightly worry and flail her arms around.

Seeing her lose control and drift away, Kira immediately grabbed her hand and pulled the girl down to the ground. To steady herself, she rested her free hand onto his shoulder. Her blues eyes were locked with his amethyst ones and neither wanted to pull away. Kira couldn't tear himself away from her alabaster skin, her round face, her button nose. She was beautiful. Lacus meanwhile unconsciously committed each and every feature of Kira's face to memory. His soft but defined jaw. His unkempt yet stylish hair. And most importantly, his kind eyes. He was handsome.

"Thank you for your help," Lacus cheerfully broke the ice.

"Uh. You're welcome," Kira replied blushing profusely.

"I kinda wish I made a bet with someone on my pretty girl prediction," Mu commented offhandedly.

Though he tried to mumble quietly, Mu's comment was definitely heard by most in the hanger, Lacus included. Upon hearing the complement, Lacus finally tore her eyes away from Kira and down to his uniform. Slight shock and confusion rippled through her body at this new realization.

"Oh my! This isn't a ZAFT ship?"

Moments later, Captain Ramius, Mu, and Natarle gathered around an empty bunk room to properly question Lacus.

"Alright, why don't we start from the beginning. Who are you?" Murrue asked.

"My name is Lacus Clyne."

"HARO HARO!'

"Oh! And this is my friend Haro!" she giggled holding up her toy.

"Uhhh r-right," Murrue looked on quizzically.

"Wait. Clyne? As in Siegel Clyne?" Mu realized.

"Why yes! He is my father!"

"Wait hold on," Murrue stood up, "You're the daughter of the Chairman of the Plants!?"

"Um yes! I'm also a pop star singer," she smiled gleefully.

Murrue and Mu shared confused glances while Natarle buried her face in her hands. Just outside the door, however, many of the young blue coat ensigns huddled closely trying their best to eavesdrop. Though Kira did not partake, he still stood against the nearby wall with mild curiosity.

"What are they saying?"

"Shut up I can't hear!"

"Maybe if you moved your fat ass, we'd get something!"

*WHOOSH*

The door suddenly opened revealing a very irritated Natarle glaring at the boys who fell at her feet.

"Don't you boys have more loading duties to tend too?!" she growled.

Hurriedly, all the ensigns scattered and fled from the glaring eyes of the ship's second in command. Kira still stood around awkwardly staring at the whole exchange. However, from the corner of her eye, Lacus spotted the young pilot and couldn't help but send a friendly smile and wave. Blushing once again, Kira waved back before walking off to help with the loading of supplies. Back inside the bunk room, Lacus looked back at the authoritative figures with a newfound eagerness.

"Who's that boy?" she asked a little too cheerfully.

"Huh?"

"The one who caught me. With brown hair and purple eyes."

"Oh. That's Kira. He's our mobile suit pilot! OW!" Mu answered receiving an elbow bump from Captain Ramius.

"Hmmm Kira. He seems nice," Lacus mused.

"Anyway, Ms. Clyne, for the moment this will be your quarters until further notice. We'll have to discuss amongst ourselves err what do to with you exactly."

"I understand Captain Ramius. Please understand that I mean no harm. I was on my way to Junius Seven to participate in the memorial for the fallen. But bandits attacked my ship. For my protection, I was shoved into the escape pod you found me in. I guess it's safe to assume I am the only survivor of my ship."

"Uh that is unfortunately the case."

"I see," Lacus whispered while looking downtrodden, "Then I wish all those wonderful people safe passage to their next life."

All three officers glanced at each other with puzzled looks sending understood wordless messages.

Natarle and Mu left first leaving just the Captain in Lacus's quarters.

"For the moment, please try not to wander around the ship too much," Murrue instructed.

"Of course, Captain."

After updating the Strike, Kira wandered the halls in deep contemplation. He looked at his hand in deep remorse remembering that scout GINN he had to shoot down. Did the pilot have a family? Was he loved by someone? Was it really necessary to shoot him down like that? His eyes caught sight of Kuzzey walking into the mess hall. He wouldn't be here had he not shot down the GINN.

"I WILL DO NO SUCH THING!" a loud voice shouted from the mess hall breaking Kira's train of thought.

Worried, Kira jogged up to find out what the commotion was all about.

"Come on Flay! It's a simple task! You're just bringing her some food!" Miriallia fired back.

"I don't want to go near her! I'm too afraid of coordinators," Flay stated harshly causing Kira to tense up.

"Flay!" Milly scolded noticing Kira's uncomfortableness.

"Uhhh but but it's different with you Kira! I mean you're one of the good ones," Flay stuttered trying to correct her mistake, "Besides, that girl is with ZAFT, right? She's practically the enemy! Coordinators have enhanced reactions and reflexes! And they're smart and cunning! What if she attacks me!"

"Flay! You're being rude!"

"I'm just asking a simple question Miriallia!"

"Honestly, I don't see a sweet girl like that getting up and attacking you," Kuzzey now chimed in.

"How would you know? Coordinators probably have like hidden superpowers or something. What if she's like really really strong? Huh, Kira?"

Irritated and downtrodden, Kira didn't want to answer. His teeth were clenched, and his eyes wandered the room trying to find something to focus on. He knew being the only coordinator of the group was going to be challenging, but he at least had hoped Flay would be nicer about it.

"My my, who's this really strong person you all are talking about?" a sweet voice filled the cafeteria.

Everyone turned to find the subject of the conflict floating about towards the entrance with little Haro bouncing all over the place.

"HARO HARO!"

Once again, Kira was starstruck. Unconsciously his eyes drank in the beautiful sight before him. The poof purple dress and white corset fit Lacus's curves nicely. Her gold hairclip shined under the light. Her innocent smile full of kindness and curiosity beamed almost like it was solely reserved for Kira. Lacus on her end also did her fair share of gazing. Kira's slender frame was hugged nicely by the blue Earth Alliance uniform. His chest exuded strength and his hands looked tired and worn. But his eyes, oh his wonderful eyes were as gentle and kind as ever.

"I apologize if I caused any commotion. But I'm really thirsty. And please don't laugh, but I'm also very hungry. Is this the dining room?" Lacus began walking around not once breaking eye contact with Kira, "May I have something to eat?"

"Uh w-wait hold on," Kira stammered.

"Didn't they lock her room?" Kuzzey asked.

"Why-why would they let someone from ZAFT wander around this ship?!" Flay frantically asked.

"Oh! I didn't mean to leave without permission. I tried calling out from my room. I shouted quite loudly. But no one answered. Also, I hope to clarify that I am not part of ZAFT. ZAFT is the military. It stands for Zodiac Alliance of Freedom-"

"I don't care! You're still a coordinator!" Flay argued.

"It is different," Lacus answered with her tone changing slightly, "I am a coordinator, but I don't belong to the military. Based on your attire, you don't belong to the military either, do you? Then you and I are the same. We're just civilians."

Lacus stepped forward extending her hand. As if by instinct, Flay took a small step back.

"Excuse me for not introducing myself. I'm-"

"I don't give a damn! Why would you ever think I'd shake hands with the likes of you!?"

"I was hoping we could be friends," Lacus answered innocently.

"Well you thought wrong! I would never allow any coordinator to be my friend!"

Silence fell upon the group at such a damning statement. Everyone held a different yet conflicting expression over what Flay had just said. Milly looked disappointed and annoyed. How could Flay say such a thing when Kira had been such a dear from to them all at Heliopolis. He was doing his best to protect the ship. He didn't deserve such discrimination. Kuzzey looked puzzled and awkward. While he completely disagreed with what Flay had said, he wasn't sure if he should speak up. Kira felt despair. He had harbored a small crush on Flay, but to hear her say such vile things shook him to his core. Not wanting to stand around in this awkward air anymore, Kira quickly grabbed the prepared lunch tray and headed out the door.

"Come this way, Miss. I'll take your food back to your room."

Lacus gave him a brief smile and nod before following him out the mess hall. They walked in complete silence down the hall save for the occasional 'HARO' from the bouncing ball. Despite still feeling a bit stung by the whole ordeal, Kira felt really comfortable walking with Lacus. Likewise, she felt much safer near Kira as many of the other civilian passengers sent her mean knowing glares. No doubt news of her arrival and her genetics spread across the ship. Feeling nervous, she stepped a little closer to Kira. Not enough for him to notice, but just enough for Lacus to feel safer. Finally, they reached her assigned room. He placed her food tray on the desk as she sat down on the bed.

"Must I stay here again?" she asked with a pout.

"Uhhh sorry. It's probably best that you do," Kira sadly replied.

"DAMN IT!"

"Haro! Language!" Lacus scolded her bouncing ball of energy.

"Haha well I should be going."

"Wait! Can you stay and chat a bit? It gets so lonely in here. It's not very fun being cooped up in this room by myself."

"HARO!"

"Ok there's Haro, but still."

"I-I guess I could stay for a bit."

"Perfect! I prefer my meals with someone to talk with!"

Slowly, Kira sat down on one of the desk chairs. Lacus leaned back on the bed letting her legs swing a bit while Kira awkwardly twiddled his thumbs.

"I've heard your name is Kira."

"Huh? Oh uh yea. Kira Yamato."

"Hehe, it's nice to meet you Mr. Yamato. I'm Lacus Clyne."

"Um it's nice to meet you too. And please, just call me Kira."

"Only if you call me Lacus!"

"Right. Lacus."

"Kira, could you tell me why all those people looked so angry with me out there?"

"Ah uh, well this is an Earth Alliance ship. And all those civilians are naturals. They don't take kindly to ZAFT and coordinators. In their eyes, the two are enemies."

"Hmmm that's a shame."

"Yea…"

"But what about you? You're very kind."

"Oh t-thank you," Kira blushed, "But I'm also a coordinator."

"So?"

"Huh?"

"Does being a coordinator make you less kind?"

"N-no…"

"You are kind because you are you. That's who you are."

"I-uh well…"

"I hope we can be great friends!" she beamed.

"I-I hope so too," Kira smiled back.

"I know you have duties and obligations so I won't keep you, but may we see each other again? Please?"

"Uhhh s-sure. I guess I could make time to visit."

"Excellent! I made one new friend today!"

"HARO! KIRA FRIENDO!"

"Haha. I'm glad a made a new friend as well. I guess I'll be leaving then. Enjoy your lunch."

"Wait! If I'm not allowed outside, what shall I do with the tray?"

"Uhhh," Kira pondered as his eyes quickly darted around the room, "Oh how about this. There's a built-in intercom on the wall here. Uhh I can't let you have access to the bridge comms or any of the officer quarters. But I can at least connect you to my room. So if you ever need anything, just give me a ping!"

"Oh perfect! Thank you, Kira."

"Of course. Again, have a good meal."

"Thank you kindly."

Kira stepped out of Lacus's room honestly with a bewildered face. Could someone so kind and gentle actually exist in this world of war? Lacus seemed so carefree and innocent. Why would she want to be his friend? She barely knew him. Although, her kindness was a much-needed breath of fresh air after what Flay said in the cafeteria.

"In this quiet night, I'm waiting for you, so come take back the smile you forgot back then…"

Kira was stunned as he heard Lacus's angelic voice through the door. It sounded so soft and relaxing. He couldn't help but feel so warm and fuzzy and at peace on the inside. This girl was truly someone quite special.

"She's just full of surprises, isn't she," Kira wondered to himself.

"I want to send my feelings to you, to the place where the stars fall, I will always be at your side, to embrace you when you're cold. And though we're far apart now, we'll surely meet again, in this quiet night…"

AN: Heyo everyone! A big deviation from my usual Nightwing and Spider-Man content. I took a visit to the life-sized Gundam in Yokohama, Japan and was just flooded with all my nostalgic memories of Gundam Seed. Me wanting more Kira/Lacus content is actually what got me started reading fanfiction in the first place. So, after nearly 10 years of reading fanfics, I finally decided to make good on my username and start my own Kira/Lacus fanfic. I'll still be updating How to Be Chalant and Everyday is an Adventure with You , but in the meantime I hope you all enjoy the read!