Hello and happy Valentine's Day, everyone. Welcome to my celebratory Valentine's Day fic, for which I've chosen to write for Gundam SEED, one of my first and favorite Gundam entries. Having done Athrun and Cagalli, I'm finally doing Kira and Lacus. Suppose this story is also my way of celebrating SEED Freedom's two-year anniversary. Like another movie, I'm glad it had Kira and Lacus' relationship at the forefront, forcing them to grow and come together as a couple stronger than they were before. Heh, and of course, there was the ending-hell of a way to end a movie and upgrade a couple from chastity to intimate. So, I hope you all enjoy the story!
I do not own anything (including the song used).
All I Need is You
Kira awoke a few seconds before the alarm went off. His arm stretched out to silence it, then returned to their previous position, wrapped around the warm body beside him before she could even notice he'd moved. Evidentially, she hadn't. Lacus didn't even stir, much to his delight. He wanted her to have the quietest, happiest slumber she could. Of course, he got something out of that as well, being able to cuddle with her for a few moments longer. It was a pleasure he'd truly learned to enjoy over the past year. To say it'd been eventful would be an understatement. Matter of fact, looking at the pink veil that was Lacus' hair, he almost found it hard to believe it'd even happened at all.
On the contrary, he realized that was a testament to how impactful the events of the last year had been, both on him and her. On them. On their relationship.
Closing his eyes and falling forward, he smelt the faint aroma of her shampoo, still clinging onto her after a night's sleep. He'd noticed it whenever they had a moment to one another in the morning, but over the past few weeks Kira had taken more notice of it. Perhaps helping things was his input on what brands she used, as well as his opinion. He knew she valued his opinion, and at times hungered for it.
Chuckling, he remembered that shopping trip to Copernicus and the lesson he'd learned. Even if whatever she was wearing looked great, it wouldn't hurt to be a little more detailed. Nowadays, he'd taken that lesson to heart more so than he did before.
I wonder what she'll be wearing come Friday. Came a fluttering thought. His eyes slightly widened as he remembered what awaited at the end of the week, Valentine's Day. The sense of joy he felt was dragged down by a steel ball called anxiety. Kira wouldn't quite call it dread as he was trying to be optimistic. He was sure not just Lacus but all of his friends and coworkers, everyone on Earth and in the PLANTs, were trying to be the same. The pain of the Bloody Valentine Tragedy hadn't gone away, it never would in its entirety, but Kira earnestly wanted to believe its shadow wouldn't be as all-consuming as it had been years ago. If it was, well…he, Lacus, and the others had made it their life's mission to stop repeat tragedies.
Kira had to admit, he genuinely wondered how different the world would have been if the Junius Seven hadn't been hit by that nuke. He often wanted to believe life would have been better, not perfect, but at least better than it'd turned out. Maybe no war, hostilities perhaps, but no full-scale war. Then again, maybe Junius Seven survival would have just been a delaying of the inevitable, or it could have been another colony. There were so many possibilities, which Kira was sure hundreds if not thousands of people had contemplated just as he did.
It was easy to lose himself down that rabbit hole; Kira had done so going down plenty of others, and he regrated the time he spent lost down there. That was time he couldn't get back, but he wasn't going to waste any more thinking about what-ifs, especially what else he could have done regarding what was already past.
That resolve silently moved his hand upward, his fingers gently sliding through the pink hair of the woman beside him. Lacus was his present and his future, and he was the same thing to her.
One way or another, he wanted to do something special for her to show her that. He'd consider it fortunate if he could do exactly on Valentine's Day, but if not, well, he knew Lacus would appreciate the gesture none the same. Still, staring at her, he found he really wanted to do something special for her on Valentine's Day specifically.
No doubt it was because of her pink hair, her most iconic physical feature. There were many reasons he loved her, but that bright pink color that was unique to her was something that always caught his eye. That went for as far back as their first meeting during the First Bloody Valentine War. Amidst the whirlwind of events that'd been the last several days, suddenly meeting a girl with flowing pink hair (and a talkative pink robot) definitely hadn't been something he'd expected to happen. He'd been hoping there was someone alive in the life pod he brought back. Lacus had been the opposite of Flay in every way. Looking back at that, Kira couldn't help but laugh at how massive their differences would turn out to be, or how his relationship with both girls would evolve.
Kira knew he wouldn't be who he was without either woman, for better…and worse. Lacus was the former and Flay was…complicated.
Pink and red. He internally mused. Those were the colors of Valentine's Day, along with brown, thanks to the prevalence of chocolate. Kira knew he could go the tried and true route of getting Lacus some of those-she certainly liked chocolate. Chocolate and flowers, the old classic. Ever since he was a kid, he remembered those being exchanged between couples on Valentine's Day; that included his parents, those memories brought him relief as he learned the simple act of giving them could be a worthwhile gift. His father would absolutely tell him to at least get those as a basic gift for the woman beside him, the woman he loved with all his heart. Kira wanted to see her face light up with joy-it was the most beautiful thing in the world to him.
That face stirred for a split second. Kira ceased his stroking to simply wrap Lacus up in his arms again. She immediately snuggled into his embrace, still seemingly asleep. On one hand, Kira was pleased as he was able to continuously marvel at her sleeping beauty, yet he would have loved to see her blue eyes open and sparkle at the sight of him.
Eventually. Besides, she's earned this rest. Hmm, and maybe a nice breakfast, too. The thought quickly took root within him, filling him with strength that made it all but impossible to go back to sleep, or even feint it. Most importantly, he thought of how happy Lacus would be to have him cook for her. She was the primary chef in their relationship, and an utterly phenomenal one at that. Kira knew he'd need years of practice to reach the level she was at, but she still appreciated his culinary ventures on her behalf. She was a big reason why he'd even taken a step toward learning how to cook; helping was that he'd seen cooking up close over the past three years.
Sitting up, he more fully took in the view of her before leaving the bed as quietly as he could. Despite her previous stirring, it seemed Lacus was still deep in slumber; it aided him in his quiet exit from the bedroom. He maintained his silence throughout the short journey toward the kitchen. Once he was there, he set about getting breakfast ready.
There were times he'd gone the full mile and made a five-star breakfast for her, or at least his attempt at such. Again, what he knew he'd learned from her, and his mother. His father, too. He'd told him as nice as it was to be cooked for, a man should try to cook for the woman in his life just as much as she did him. When he shared that wisdom with some of his compatriots, they'd laughed and told him something like that would come naturally to him. As for some of them, it'd be a struggle.
Beginning the first steps in preparing the strawberry-flavored pancakes he knew she loved, Kira wondered if Derka had done regarding himself on that front. Remembering the last time he'd caught word of his and Mirella's relationship, he smiled deeming the answer a yes. His mind shifted to Yzak; cooking didn't seem like it was the platinum-haired pilot's strong suit, but he was optimistic he'd make that change for Shiho. Either that, or she'd cover for him enough it wouldn't be an issue.
It was a peaceful morning in the PLANTs, and on Earth, although both were abuzz with Valentine's Day coming up. The holiday had gone from one of romance to one of bitter remembrance, sometimes overriding the former feeling. Still, people seemed to be optimistic that this year it'd be peaceful, and people could focus on spending time with their significant other. Or as the news anchors joked, maybe finding a significant other. Kira watched the broadcast with a thin smile, he remembered times when he'd spent the day with nothing but friends. That was good enough for him, and yet times had changed. They'd all grown up, and they'd all been to war, and they'd all realized how precious life was. How much it mattered to value the people close to you.
"Valentine's Day Special! Valentine's Day special!"
Kira wasn't as surprised as he should have been, at least not enough to drop the frying pan. Looking to his left, he saw the only "pets" the Yamato household had-Haros.
When asked if it ever got annoying living with the talkative robots, Kira would answer no, not most of the time. That hadn't changed, especially after they'd gone from cute little robots to valuable parts in helping him rescue the love of his life. "Mornin', Mr. Green, Mr. Red." He warmly greeted before refocusing on breakfast.
"Good morning! Good morning! Good morning!" The pair chanted in unison then continuing to bounce around the kitchen. Kira was fairly confident they wouldn't get in the way while he was cooking. They were programmed to recognize when someone was doing such and didn't interfere, although that didn't exclude them making some suggestions. Or carrying on a conversation they might have already had.
"Valentine's Day special!" Mr. Red repeated.
"Still five days away." Kira called. He paused as a memory returned to him, and with it a realization that led him to looking at the bouncing red robot. Reaching forward, he caught it and gently placed it on the counter. "Valentine's Day special, huh?"
"Yes! Yes! Valentine's Day special! Big performance! Big performance!" The Haro continued, seemingly bursting with great excitement.
Kira stepped back and leaned against the counter with his head bowed in contemplative thought. As well as reminiscence. It wasn't often that you found yourself looking at a woman who had the name and voice of the woman you loved. He always felt like a meeting, or perhaps a showdown, between Lacus and her double, Meer Campbell, would happen. It hadn't been something he was looking forward to, especially as the second war escalated to similar levels as the first. That worry didn't quite manifest when Lacus finally met Meer. He was once more amazed by her compassion…although he genuinely wished that the meeting had gone differently. He wished he'd noticed the assassins faster.
I wonder who you'd have spent it with. You deserved someone who would love you for who you were, someone who saw only you.
The sizzle of the pancakes filled the kitchen alongside the chatter of the TV. To Kira, both were distant noise. "She did special Valentine's Day concerts, didn't she? Or at least, she was planning on doing so, right?" he asked. Fully understanding him, Red Haro flapped its ears while affirming it. "I figured that. She might have…" Even after hearing her audio diary, there was still so much about Meer he didn't know, so much a part of him wanted to know. What he did know as she'd been infatuated with his best friend. That'd only made Athrun's guilt at not being able to save her hit all the harder; Kira knew exactly what that felt like.
"Kira! Kira, sad! Sad!" Beeped the scarlet-colored robot.
He shot it a sad smile. "Yeah, I am. It happens, but…I'm not going to let it get to me." He was half honest about that. His mind subconsciously drifted back at the sight of the color red. It'd always struck Kira as…particular that Meer's Haro was red. The same color as his first crush. Athrun had theorized that Meer had chosen the color out of personal preference; that was a difference between her and Lacus. She loved pink, the same color as her hair. And her dresses. And her piloting suits. And her underwear. His cheeks flushed red at that last one. It wasn't really necessary, but his mind drifted to those times he'd found out just how deep her love of pink went. He wouldn't deny that pink bras and underwear looked really good on her. Maybe she'll be wearing pink again if we're able to… He felt his blush deepen as his mind ran wild in the lewdest direction possible.
"Kira's blushing! Kira's blushing! Kira and Lacus are lovey-dovey!"
Blinking at the red robot, he laughed. "Heh, yeah, I suppose you're right, Red Haro. We're…lovey-dovey, or at least I'm thinking about it." If robots could laugh, he was certain Red Haro would be laughing, and maybe Orange Haro, too; he spied it still bouncing around at the edge of the kitchen and at the boundary of the living room. Kira fancied himself lucky Athrun hadn't installed that function in them, nor had he. Granted whenever Halloween came around, he felt the temptation, which Lacus strengthened with her wistful musings on how funny a prank it could be. "Since it's Valentine's Day, you're going to be seeing a lot of that, or at least I hope you will, Red Haro."
"Yes! Valentine's Day! Lovey-dovey!" It was like talking with a child, which was part of what made interacting with the Haros fun, and even relaxing sometimes.
Kira was happy his parents had spared him and Lacus the question every couple dreaded hearing from one's parents. Granted, he was sure both his mom and dad had been thinking it, especially his mother, who was always eager for him and Lacus to solidify their relationship. Having gotten that wish fulfilled, Kira was certain she was now wondering when they'd take their relationship to the next level. There were whispers on when Cagalli and Athrun would be tying the knot; Kira and Lacus welcomed the news the day they heard it. Or more precisely, the day they made it official. Kira knew his sister and best friend practically were already married. And then there's us. Sounded off his subconscious. His eyes widened at the emotional slipup. It didn't go unnoticed by the red robot in his hands.
"Red! Red! Kira's face is all red! Kira loves Lacus!" A string of obvious statements punctuated by the most obvious statement of them all.
Sometimes, Kira still felt like an idiot for not realizing that last one, at least not until he almost lost her. It was comical, yet he supposed it was inline with how it usually happened in fiction, a villainous admirer that makes the hero realize his true feelings. He never would have thought that'd be him, even though he had long since accepted he was Lacus' "knight" just as Athrun was Cagalli's. Then again, he'd gone through something similar, one of the many personal conversations they'd had when they were finally back on the same side.
"The same side, my side." The musing vanished in the sizzling of the frying pan, which brought Kira's attention back to the pancakes. He placed Red Haro on the counter and reattuned himself to the art of cooking. Maybe his Valentine's Day gift he could give homemade chocolates a go. "Heh, no, this is too important for me to try something as reckless as that."
"Reckless? Reckless?" Red Haro inquired.
"Yeah, I do want this to be special. Not to mention I do know what sort of chocolates she likes; I just have to order them in advance. Along with something else, or maybe just do my best on the chocolate front alongside being there for her. I know that's what she'd want most, but…I still feel like I should do more for her. Any ideas, Red Haro?" His breakfast companion flapped his ears, signaling he too was thinking about it. He may have been "adopted" but he was just as devoted to Lacus as the rest of the original batch.
His nose whiffed at the sweet smell of strawberries that filled the kitchen. It was soon followed by the smell of eggs, the other portion of their breakfast meal, alongside the sausage. The kitchen once silence was now filled completely with the sound of sizzling and the constant smell of food that made Kira's stomach rubble. Kira spared passing glances at Red and Orange Haro; they reminded him of the orphans he and Lacus had looked after at Reverand Malchio's orphanage. They'd constantly be chopping at the bit for breakfast, that was when they weren't helping out as simply as setting the table. Lacus telling them helping out would get them their food faster, and more often than not it worked. He sometimes wondered if he could try that same trick, if he would…if he ever had children.
Spying Red Haro over on his right, he reached over, tenderly stroking the robot. "It'd definitely work with her. I'm sure no matter how rambunctious they get, she'd be able to quiet them down. That said, as a father, I'd have to give it my best shot, too."
"Rambunctious? Rambunctious, Haro! What does that mean?"
"It means rowdy, wild, uncontrollable. You and the others can be pretty rambunctious yourselves, you know that." Kira answered. This was the moment he was sure Red Haro would make a pouty face at that accusation. Truth be told, he was one of the quieter Haros, or at least he was quiet compared to Mr. Pink, Lacus' undisputed favorite, and Kira's favorite as well. It was perhaps inevitable that after living with a girl who adored the color, it'd become a favorite of his as well. He had a gut feeling when he and Lacus had kids, the trend would continue. The thought caused his mouth to drop and his eyes to widen, a reaction that was as brief as a raindrop. His shock was replaced with a gentle smile. It wasn't like he wanted to take the statement back, his shock was more from how comfortable he realized the idea was once it passed through his mind.
It wasn't like there was any other woman he believed he'd want to start a family with. Maybe if he searched all of Earth and space, but he had no intention of doing that. There was no need to search for something that'd already been found. He just had to be smart enough to appreciate what he had.
The sizzling of the pan masked her footsteps, almost enough that he didn't notice her. Almost.
"Good morning," he called feeling her wrapping her arms around him.
"Good morning to you, too, Kira." Returned Lacus' loving voice. "You wanted to surprise me with breakfast?"
"It's only about seventy-percent complete, so I didn't quite succeed." Kira humorously responded.
"Just waking up and smelling all the food was more than enough." She affirmed.
"Lacus! Lacus! Lacus is blushing!"
"Mr. Red!" She cried.
He supposed he owed the red robot for that one. Putting the spatula down, he turned around and faced the woman who'd been the first sight he woke up to. Her blue eyes stared into his with glittering affection, what embarrassment she felt from the Haro already fading. Her blushing cheeks, on the other hand, retained their color. Even her bed hair didn't take away from her beauty, in a way, he found it added to it. Kira returned her smile for several seconds, then he swept his arms around her waist and brought his lips down upon hers. Lacus gave a muffled gasp while immediately wrapping her arms around his neck. Absolutely no hesitation on either of their parts, just passion. Passion that erupted like a volcano, albeit Kira was careful to make sure it didn't spill out to the rest of the kitchen.
The flaming aftermath remained when they broke apart, staring into one another's eyes. Kira saw it in her eyes, still smoldering, still calling to him.
Kissing Lacus was different than with Flay, that was something he'd quietly come to terms with as far back as their first kiss following the battle against the Foundation. The addiction that came with intimacy of any sort with her was different. Amongst those differences, Kira would say it was stronger. Ironically, there were times he felt like he was in better control of that hunger.
"Thank you, Kira." She giggled following the quick kiss he pecked on her lips.
The most obvious explanation he came up with for her gratitude was breakfast, which he was very keen on not ruining. That said, with her presence, he considered how much of his conversation and aloud thinking she'd heard, specifically his conversation with Mr. Red on children. Kira could ask her what she meant later, after breakfast, and maybe after a couple more kisses.
When she left for the dining table, the Haros followed her, happily bouncing about around her before wondering off on their own. Kira didn't mind since he wouldn't have to worry about them accidentally bumping into something on the table. It'd been a while since that happened, and Kira wanted that record to keep on growing. Additionally, maybe he wanted some alone time with Lacus. A single glance at her face confirmed that she'd been wanting the same, albeit she was too respectful to say it in front of the Haros.
It was only once they were both seated did she speak, although what she said threw him for a loop. "I think you'd be a wonderful father, Kira. Honestly, the kids listened to you almost as much as me."
For a moment, he was genuinely surprised, in that short time an incredibly warm feeling blossomed in his stomach. It immediately spread through the rest of his body, leaving him feeling light-headed even as he sat down. "I…well, you said almost." That was the first time he said, and to a degree, it was the only thing he was able to say. "Thank you for considering it. There's…no one else I'd rather have kids with than you. Heh, or maybe more kids." She laughed at the rich memory of their time together at the orphanage. That was their first foray into parenthood, albeit with a lot of help.
"And I feel the same about you, Kira. Although I do worry about our children inherited your messiness."
"You told me you like that about me." He chirped.
"Oh, I do, but I shudder to imagine it manifest in children."
"I've gotten better, partially thanks to you and the others." Kira always believed entering the workforce would help him iron out some of his less than stellar traits, namely his habit of laziness when it came to work. That'd happened in a way he never could have imagined, but it stuck; on the topic of potentially passing such traits onto his kids, Kira hoped not. Or at least he hoped his lazy habits combined with childish impulses wouldn't create too toxic a mix. "It was just a passing thought I had." He offered in a half-hearted attempt to distract her, although Kira couldn't deny a part of him was curious to what Lacus' reaction would be.
Her blush remained as she dived into her pancakes, the sweet expressions she made telling him he'd succeeded in his goal of making a decent breakfast for her. "To be honest, it's something I've thought about myself. Kira, I…even went to see a doctor to check to see if I was fertile." His eyes widened at the statement; it was news to him. Lacus shyly looked away, the aura of light around her dimming. "I'm sorry, I should have told you. It's just…something I did on a sudden impulse."
"Lacus, I'm not mad, and regardless of what the results were…I'd still want to start a family with you." Without breaking eye contact, he reached over and took her hand in his.
"I can, Kira. We can, when we're ready." She proclaimed with a smile. Kira didn't realize how much he'd been bracing himself for her findings until she gave it to him, and it was the best possible news he could hope for. "Although I'm no longer on the Supreme Council, I've had people come to me on the birthrate issue, and all I've been able to tell them is more advanced science may not be the answer, nor will these arranged marriages."
While he was still happily digesting the news about her fertility status, Kira spoke in response to her statement. "You've been pretty vocal about that. I've also heard about the rising tide against it, even in the face of the fertility crisis. I know it's something people are taking seriously, but I'm glad that people are also considering making their own choices, especially in regard to their love lives."
"…You know, I don't want to tout our own horn, but we might have had a hand in that." Kira immediately knew what she was referring to. It was a memory that brought a smile to both their faces, as well as a
The moment he saw Lacus, he simply followed his impulses, and she'd done the same. While public displays of affection weren't entirely unheard of, it was still a first for a ZAFT soldier (surprisingly, him) embrace the Supreme Council Chairman, or Chairwoman, with naked romantic intent. Neither of them had been looking to make history, they were just happy to see each other. Ranks, positions, and even their respective compatriots, all disappeared in a flash. All there was were each other, and those blissful seconds in which they were in each other's arms proved to be the highlight of their day. As they learned, it even managed to make news amongst those who'd been watching. Kira and Lacus certainly hadn't expected to set off a small trend of being physically affectionate with one another amongst the top brass of ZAFT, but as seemed common, people seemed to follow their lead. The fact they didn't hide their relationship probably hadn't helped things, or maybe it had. Lacus had made no denial that she'd openly embraced Kira when questioned about it in interviews-she wanted the world to know he was hers.
People didn't quite know the full story of their meeting, but they knew they'd met by chance, and they'd chosen to stay together. Their choice, no one else's. No arrangements between their parents or tests to determine genetic compatibility. It was just love. Although it wasn't like dating and marrying in the PLANTs were ignorant of the concept, having its new Chairwoman and her stalwart champion embracing it did get people to start taking their personal feeling into consideration in planning their lives.
The irony of what came next was nothing short of comical to Kira, but he'd stopped letting it weigh him down. Sometimes it brought a stiff laugh to his lips, but nothing more than that.
"So," he broached. "When do you think we'll be ready?"
Her relieved and even excited smile was accented by the strawberry stains around her lips, an adorable sight that made he felt lucky to witness. "Maybe…sometime this year? Maybe after we officially marry one another?" Lacus' mischievous smile triggered a laugh from him, and she quickly joined him. As much as he thought of when Athrun and Cagalli would make their relationship official and cemented, they weren't much better. In their defense, they were still recovering from the Foundation's personal intrusion into their lives.
Or were they?
Here they were, almost a year later, nightmares having been reduced, lessons learned and adhered to, and the feeling of joy never ending despite what challenges they faced as members of Compass.
Not to mention we tossed out that old tradition of marriage before sex. The thought brough back the memory, making his heart stir with a restless heat that spread through the rest of his body. It was always like that, and Kira doubted the feeling would ever fade. That afternoon had been magical in every sense of the word. The hardest battle of his life and Lacus', yet the moment when they well and truly affirmed what they meant to one another.
There'd been times over the last year when he'd thought of the similarities between his battle with Orphee and his battle with Le Creuset. Kira found it a stranger coincidence that both men happened to be blondes and their mobiles wielded some of the most advanced DRAGOONs of the current era. And he'd even defeated both via impalement with a bladed weapon. However, what was the most striking was what'd fueled him in each battle, that was where the key difference lay. With Le Creuset, it'd been rage born from a loss he wondered if he'd ever recover from. A loss that'd dragged him down for two years, a loss that kept him from embracing the woman in front of him. Lacus had been involved in the battle with Orphee as well, but not as a helpless bystander he was trying to save but as his partner. Instead of rage that'd fueled him, it was love-love for her. Love that she shared with him. Love that gave him the strength to continue living.
They were differences between the battles, differences between Lacus and Flay, that Kira had quietly examined and whose conclusions he'd sometimes shared with her.
"When I think about you two, I realize you're my present…and my future. A future that I want to fight for and spend with you, no matter what."
She already knew how he felt, but it was hearing it that mattered. Hearing the commitment he put into it was just as important, if not more so. It was a lesson Athrun had beaten into him, and he was grateful to his best friend for doing so. He was equally grateful to Lacus for being so patient and forgiving with him. Kira sometimes wondered how many girls would be willing to put up with a boy who'd slept with a friend's girlfriend. It wasn't something he'd been proud of and had kept to himself, partially out of fear for how Lacus would react.
Her reaction had been acceptance and kindness, both to him…and Flay. Flowers she'd picked out herself and placed on her grave alongside those of the rest of the Archangel crew.
"Lacus," he called. Her hand was still clasped in his, the heat generated by her fast-beating heart flowing into him, and him into hers. Kira saw the twinkle in her eyes as if she were reading his mind; she might as well have been. He was conscious of the short distance his feet carried him around the table to her. She turned to face him, her hands reaching out to grasp his. "How's about…after Valentine's Day? Hopefully when things have quieted down?" A part of him wished they could just have it on Valentine's Day exactly. He'd be perfectly happy with a small ceremony, and he knew she would be as well. Neither of them had a taste for the extravagant, and that'd certainly include them marrying one another. All they'd need would be their close friends, oh, and of course a minister. Reverend Malchio immediately came to mind. Those are all they'd need, but Kira knew there'd be others who'd want to be there, her peers from the Supreme Council, practically the entire Clyne Faction, who'd supported their union for years.
He gripped his hands. "I'd want that, Kira." With a gentle tug, he leaned upward, and she covered the rest of the way. Whenever she initiated kisses, she never held back, something about her that he found pleasantly surprising. She truly did give him her all, and he could only ever respond in kind. Nothing less would do for her. That was why he moved his arms around her waist, and she in turn raised them up around his neck. He tasted the strawberries on her lips, a delicious sensation he savored via the long and thick lashes of his tongue in her moan. A smoldering moan rose from their shared lips, rolling across the kitchen while their hearts continued to race in ecstasy. Kira felt that euphoria scratching and clawing at his insides, violently tugging at his brain for obedience. Through stray glances into Lacus' eyes, he saw her wrestling with the same yearning.
It made it a miracle when they broke apart, panting with lips redder than the strawberries he'd added to their breakfast. The longer they stared at each other, the more luckily it came that their lips would reconnect.
"After breakfast." Lacus offered, albeit with a sneaky smile. Kira really loved those little looks of hers.
"Right." He affirmed, although he wondered if they'd be able to hold true to that promise. Kira honestly didn't mind making a mess of the dinner table in favor of serving Lacus a more delicious meal, one that he knew she'd absolutely enjoy. The hunger for it danced in her eyes as his own did as well. It only seemed to grow as they sat across from each other, smiling and laughing as they talked about how their day could go and what they'd do for the evening, provided they had the free time to.
They'd make time for each other, one way or another.
"Cagalli, that's wonderful!"
"You know, you don't' sound too surprised."
"Oh, I can't say I am. Nor will anyone else when they hear the news." Lacus knew the reactions of the rest of their friends would be the same as her, pure joy. She'd hug Cagalli if it wasn't a video call-she supposed she'd have to do so the next time they were face-to-face. Perhaps Kira would be with her, and when he was, he'd absolutely take the chance to hug her. Athrun would follow, the news of his impeding fatherhood would probably be enough to break his normally cool demeanor. Even so, Lacus knew he'd be exuberant over the news. "Valentine's Day?" she guessed eying Cagalli's blushing smile. Her question was met with a silent nod. "That'd be the perfect gift for him."
"I was thinking so." She whispered back. It was a known fact whenever it came to Athrun and anything romantic, the normally fiery and brash Lioness of Orb could become bashful and even shy. It was a sigh Lacus always loved seeing and teasing her about. This time though, there was no teasing to be had. "It's really just a happy coincidence more than anything, but hey, things have turned out well. Really well. Suppose all we have to do is just set a date for the wedding to get the cabinet to pipe down."
"How's about spring? It's coming up in less than a month's time, so it should be warm enough for an outdoor wedding."
"Yeah, but the weather's not really what I'm worried about. And it's not a certain brother of mine swooping in to voice his objection to the wedding." They shared a mutual laugh at the famous, or infamous, event that was the highlight of the blonde's last attempted wedding. Lacus had heard it'd actually become a popular tale in Orb, even taking on some wild transformations; when Kira heard of them, he sheepishly brushed them off simply stating he did what he felt he had to do. On Cagalli's agreed, although the less she had to think about her near marriage to a man she loathed, the better. "Speaking of said brother, when are you two going to tie the knot?" Now she was leaning forward with an eager grin. "Come on, you know Athrun and I aren't the only ones considering marriage. Murrue and Mu got married last year and they're already expecting."
Truth be told, when she walked in on Kira musing on the prospects of parenthood, she'd ended up thinking about the brunette and blond that had been excellent parental figures to them all during the first war. It was no surprise to all of them that they were the first to marry and the first ones to have kids. Mu had enthusiastically told the rest of them not to hurry up in following their lead. Given the news she'd just received, Cagalli and Athrun seemed to be doing so, meanwhile, she and Kira were readying to follow in their collective footsteps.
Lacing her fingers together, she regaled her future sister-in-law with news of their breakfast two days ago. Cagalli listened with a smile that never left her face.
"Heh, what is it with our men being complete horndogs at breakfast?" She questioned with a grin. "So, come Valentine's Day do you plan on starting out your day like that, or ending it?"
"I don't know. Honestly, Cagalli, I'm still trying to figure out what to get Kira. I know I'm running out of time and I want it to be something special for him."
Cagalli's smile had taken on an almost predatory glint. It was all Lacus needed to see to know what her next question was going to be. "Are we talking something PG or something a little more on the wild side?" It didn't stop her cheeks from turning red. "Ah, you know, so, are you looking at a beach again or someplace new?" The question was dripping with erotic interest.
Lacus paused remembering the knowing looks the Orb pair had shot them when they all reunited after the battle against the Foundation. She and Kira were grateful Athrun and Cagalli had stayed quiet for their sake, but they definitely didn't let the opportunity for some teasing pass them by. Not that she nor Kira blamed them.
"Two days ago, I received a message from the Hommel Performing Arts Institute about possibly performing on Valentine's Day. I told them I'd consider it since I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it." Lacus confessed.
Cagalli nodded in immediate understanding. "It's just my opinion, but I'd go for it. Not just for all those people who'd want to see you perform, but for Kira. You know he's never seen you perform live."
That was because she'd all but retired. Her career as a singer had been quietly ended as she moved into the theater of politics, an area she was just as, if not more passionate about. That said, Lacus wouldn't say she'd lost her passion for singing and performing. "It'd be a little sudden, with all three days until Valentine's Day." She offered.
"Those will be three days when people will be tripping over themselves to get tickets. If not that, then clearing their schedule. Kira sure as hell will. He'll be there, Lacus." Her smile became more heartfelt, supportive as she pushed her to go down this road. Lacus already felt herself drawing closer toward it, she had been for the past two days as they juggled work and their personal lives. "Even if it's full of a crowd of hundreds, if not thousands of other people, he'll be there and know you're singing for him most of all."
She'd sung for him before, several times, but those had all been in private. With this, it'd be different, in front of dozens of other people…all of whom knew she was in a loving relationship. A spark ignited within her, turning into a fire that swept through her at the speed of lightning. Lacus saw an audience, but amongst them one stood out, one whose details she could make out and focused on.
"Go for it, Lacus, and make sure you show my little brother a happy Valentine's Day." Cagalli called with a beaming smile.
"I will, just do the same for Athrun. Oh, and don't be afraid to tease him a little." She added with a wink.
"Oh, I won't. It's so damn fun to!"
The call ended leaving Lacus alone in the quiet cocoon of her office. As they built up to the sixth anniversary of the Bloody Valentine Tragedy, things had been peaceful all around. Alternatively, no one had seen keen to mark the anniversary with an act of murderous hatred. Lacus knew better than to breath out in relief too early, they still had three days left, and that was more than enough time for something diabolical to form, or reach completion. Compass was working around the clock with Earth and PLANT intelligence to ensure neither of those things happened. Based on what she found awaiting her when she came to work and what'd crossed her desk, it seemed like they didn't have anything to worry about. But Lacus knew all too quickly how things could change.
That's how the Blood Valentine Tragedy had affected humanity. Although the war had already begun, Junius Seven's destruction was an act that left everyone speechless, Naturals and Coordinators. Amongst the latter, the already simmering cries for independence became an outcry for vengeance. For Naturals, the loss of life, even for the dreaded "space monsters" was still enough to warrant a moment of stunned silence. Those sympathetic to Coordinators had simply been completely horrified by the act. Fears rolled in that another such attack would transpire, but fortunately, they never did. At least not until almost one year later.
Thankfully, the great blaze of hatred had shrunk to a few embers, but those embers could be fanned into a flame. All it took was a spark or a sudden gale and all of humanity would be brought before the fire once more.
"But that's why we're here. That's why we'll do what we have to do."
Lacus reached out and felt around the framed photo, one of many that she kept on her desk. Whenever she felt the weight of her responsibilities bearing down on her, she always looked to them for comfort. Reminders of happier days, as well as reminders that she wasn't alone in the fight.
She and Kira had stood in front of their new home for the picture, something for them to look back on as she was doing. It was also something for them to draw strength from. Her leaning into Kira's shoulder while he had his arm wrapped around her, the two of them smiling into the camera he'd set up. It became one of the most treasured photos they'd taken. They'd taken it with them during their temporary move to Cagalli's villa. If, or perhaps when, they moved back, they'd no doubt take it with them as a reminder of their home in the PLANTs.
It'd join one of the many that served as a testament to an unbreakable truth, they were at their best, their happiest, when they were together, wherever that may be.
There was always a feeling of nervousness just before a performance. Lacus had learned that several years ago when she first started singing in public. Her seniors in the profession had told her the feeling never really went away, but that wasn't something to despair over, yet one couldn't let it overwhelm them. That'd been somewhat difficult during her first performances, but the anxiety had lessened after the fifth one. Since then, Lacus hadn't looked back. Now, she was remembering that feeling in vivid detail for the first time in years.
Years since her last public performance, contrary to what most people thought. There was still some confusion over her and Meer, even now after the truth had come out. Or at least some of it. There were some parts of Durandal's deception the general public were still unaware of, and that was for the best. What they did know was that he'd "created" his own Lacus Clyne to serve his own ends, a woman he manipulated to coax people into eventual agreement with his Destiny Plan.
Anyone who was expecting as a bombastic performance as Meer gave was going to be disappointed. While she held no dislike for such things, Lacus had long since realized they simply weren't her style. That said, it'd been easy to simply explain that away as her experiencing a shift in musical and performative tastes. Lacus never denied that people seemed to enjoy Meer's more extravagant concerts just as much as they liked her quieter ones. She was confident someone had wondered if she'd go for that here at this one.
Director Lémery had been quite clear which style she preferred, the style that'd been part of the premise of the offer.
This really was going to be a return to form for her, and Lacus was feeling the needle of nervousness gently pressing against the back of her neck. With each passing second, she felt it attempting to push deeper into her skin, but she was tough enough that the job was proving difficult. Deep breaths in and out steeled her and made her ever more ready to head out onto stage when the time came. The prior performances leading up to hers helped her prepare as well. Especially the couples performing together.
People had wondered if her eventual partner would be a fellow singer or perhaps a musician. That would have been something, although those hopes were put to rest with the announcement of her marriage to Athrun, a soldier. Some people had actually mourned, something Lacus found a bit funny. Particularly when she remembered the commentary of those reacting to the mourning-they were far more crass than she would have been.
In the end, she supposed she did end up falling for a soldier, albeit a reluctant one.
Kira's face had been a constant in her mind; every song, romantic in nature, made her think of him. Several had her picturing dancing with him, their bodies entwined in a slow and tender dance. A contrast to the dance they'd have once they were back home.
The countdown ended and her introduction was made. Her heels clacked against the floor as she made her way out onto the stage bathed in light. It was both inviting and slightly intimidating, yet Lacus walked on. Once the lights faded, she saw the packed audience, hundreds of faces having enjoyed prior sings, but quietly, patiently, waiting for her to arrive. Here she was, and the applause was immediate and thunderous. She smiled even as her ears rung from the sound, loud enough to practically shake the entire theater. Trying to speak would probably just cause them to chant even louder. Oddly enough, it was relaxing to wait for them to die down so she could speak.
"Thank you all for coming here tonight, words cannot express how much it means to me. I hope that all of you here have had a lovely Valentine's Day, both with friends, family, and hopefully lovers." A murmur of approval, and laughter, rolled through the audience. Lacus was sure there was some hugging, kissing, and perhaps even crying amongst them. She placed her hand over her heart, currently beating at a rhythm that could outpaced all the drumming prior. "I too came here with someone, a man whom I dedicate this song to. He's a man that I met five years ago, I've found I'm at my happiest and my best when beside him. That's what love is, what that person inspires in you, as well as what you inspire in them. Feelings of joy, feelings of tranquility, and the strength to meet each new day. Loving someone can ignite these things in you, be that love romantic, familial, or platonic. It is something we all can feel and should strive for, Natural and Coordinator alike. There is no difference between any of us on that front, nor ever will there be. Everyone, every life, is deserving of love, can possesses the potential to love." She paused to allow those words to sink in, she hoped they sunk in. The heavy silence yet lack of denial gave her hope they were. Not just in the theater, but hopefully across the wider audience watching through the broadcasting. "The man whom I dedicate this song to makes me a happier person, just as I'm sure those whom you love do the same for you, and you to them. Never take that for granted and never underestimate how important their presence is. Enjoy every day with them to its fullest. That is what I will do with you…Kira. I always have, and I vow I always will, my dear Kira."
Lacus,
Quiet yet heartfelt, filled with a yearning that she felt hit her like a spring breeze. She wanted to run into his arms just as he wanted to push through the crowd to get to her. They could wait, they would wait, until after the performance was over. That wait was extended thanks to yet another thunderous applause from the audience. Lacus hoped her speech would reach their hearts, just as her words would.
She'd studied various types of music, finding out what she liked and what she disliked, and which audiences preferred what. On a day, or night, like this one, it was undoubtedly going to be something romantic.
The piano began playing, and with it the audience went entirely silent. Lacus felt herself fully drift back into her own place of serenity. With it, the words flowed from her lips as easily as they normally did, and carrying all the emotion she could muster.
Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live, just to play the game
Some people think
That the physical things define what's within
And I've been here before, but that life's a bore
So full of the superficial
Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you, baby, if I ain't got you baby,
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you
Yeah
Some people search for a fountain
Promises forever young
Some people need, three dozen roses
And that's the only way to prove you love them
Hand me the world on a silver plater
And what good would it be?
With no one to share?
Who truly cares for me?
Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you
If I ain't got you, baby
Some people diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, you, you
Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you, baby
If I ain't got you, baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah
If I ain't got you with me, baby
Say, nothing in this whole world mean a thing
If I ain't got you with me
She never would have imagined the boy who rescued her would be the one she couldn't live her life without. That confused, yet cute boy who'd rescued her life pod-said boy being an Alliance soldier, yet a Coordinator like her.
He may have been conscripted, but at heart he wasn't a soldier, not of the Alliance. He had no desire to be a soldier of ZAFT, either. All he wanted to be was Kira Yamato, and that's all Lacus chose to see him as. That's what she wanted him to see himself as first and foremost.
That's who was waiting for her backstage when her performance was done with. Her bow overshadowed by another round of applause, not simply loud enough to shake the theater, but perhaps the whole block. It was quite a return to the stage. She'd read about the reviews, good and bad, some other time.
He swept her up in her arms and spun her around, burying himself in her pink hair just as she buried her head in his shoulders. She took in the lingering scent of his cologne while he no doubt did the same for her perfume, readded just before her performance.
It felt like ages before she felt her feet touching the floor; Lacus heard the applause of those around them, along with the cat calls. Someone called for them to clear out to leave the love birds alone. Rather they left or not, Lacus didn't care. All that mattered to her was the man holding her in his arms, the man whom she'd just sang her heart out to.
"I always have you, Lacus, and you'll always have me. Always." Kira whispered with glistening eyes. Those purple eyes had been quietly mystifying to her. Over their time together across meetings and partings, she'd seen them go through various emotions. She'd seen them full of sadness too often, leading her to strive to make them shine with happiness; they did so now, shining as brightly as they had the moment he returned to save her and the Eternal. The moment he came to rescue her, and in the aftermath where they confessed their love for each other.
"And I you, Kira." Her hands slipped to his cheeks, pink as her hair, yet warmer than fire.
Not for the first time this Valentine's Day, their lips met in a kiss as fiery as the sun. Perhaps someone snapped a photo, which they'd likely be seeing by the time they woke up the next morning. Lacus didn't care and neither did Kira. In fact, a small part of her looked forward to the possibility of people talking about their relationship. After all, she had called him out by name as the inspiration for her first song.
More kisses followed, some on her lips and several on her cheeks, each making her feel giddy with excitement, and arousal.
"So, ready to spend the rest of Valentine's Day back home, Lacus?" His tone more than conveyed his true intentions, but he just had to keep their foreheads connected. That amorous light in his eyes was quite familiar to her, and she always delighted in seeing it.
"Why yes, Kira, I do believe I am." She answered.
They came to the theater separately, but as she knew they would, they left together. His hand in hers, held tight and secure. Although there as a temporary separation when they reached their car, their hands would quickly find each other again when they returned home. And they would roam the rest of their bodies as clothes were discarded amidst the candlelight that illuminated their home. Kira had decorated their bed with rose petals to further add to the atmosphere; it was a lovely touch, even as they scattered them to the wayside upon crashing onto it like a meteor. The roses joined the rest of their clothes on the floor.
It really was a lovely combination, red, pink, and white, three colors the two of them would come to associate with Valentine's Day for years to come. Along with joy instead of pain, and hopefully humanity would follow suit, as it seemed to be doing this year.
Fin
A bit late, but my fluff piece for Valentine's Day. Again, after years of shipping them, SEED Freedom was practically a love letter to Kira and Lacus as a couple, sorting out their issues and coming out stronger than ever with a mutual confession, and more.
I tried to write Kira as having done a lot of introspection since this story is set roughly one year after the movie's events. In addition to looking back on the battle with the Foundation, I wanted him to think a bit about Flay since during Valentine's Day you'll see a lot of red. Being a Gundam protagonist, red kind of represents several things dangerous in regards to Kira, Athrun being a very unique exception. Something I debated on was how intensely I wanted to dive into him looking back on his relationship with her versus his relationship with Lacus; it's always been kind of fascinating how different they are and the effects they have on Kira, but it's clear his messy relationship with Flay affected him for years. I read over the last week it's implied he realized she was just using him, yet never found out she actually developed genuine feelings for him. It always seemed like that was a barrier between him and Lacus moving forward in their relationship until the movie, which forced Kira to face several of his old demons. SEED being one of my first Gundam series, it's fun going back and watching it, seeing all the things I missed before or what changed.
I'll try to write something else Kira/Lacus-focused in the future, most likely a lemon, but for now, I was glad I was finally able to write something for one of my favorite Gundam couples. I hope you all enjoyed it!