Gundam Seed Destiny Fan Fiction / Gundam SEED Fan Fiction ❯ Eternal Destiny ❯ Chapter 2

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Gundam Seed Fanfiction

Chapter Two

Started April 23, 2006

Words: 17,250

Note: While writing this, I found I could not be unbiased towards Jona. I apologize in advance, but, then... does anyone really like Jona?

82 CE, a private island off of ORB's coast, near the Marshall Islands

"In celebrity news for this evening, rumors continue to buzz that there might soon be the sounds of baby rattles coming from Orb Union's Chief Representative's office in the near future. Spokesmen for Representative Athha have yet to make a statement--"

Kira turned off the screen with a sigh, and finished shutting down the house for the night. The house seemed almost empty with many of the older children gone, but he didn't blame them any. If given the choice to stay home or go off and study abroad through scholarships, he would have gone, too. He did go, he reminded himself as he quietly slipped into the bedroom he shared with his wife.

For a long moment, he simply stood next to the bed staring down at her. She was still lovely, despite the recent trauma. Still, she was slowly regaining her appetite, and she was beginning to sleep more regularly again. If she wasn't quite up to full health just yet, she was gradually getting there. One doctor had suggested medical alternatives, but Lacus was adamantly against mood enhancers, and so the only thing Kira could do was continue to watch over her and be there for her as she struggled to pull herself back together.

He hated feeling so hopeless in this mess.

"Kira?"

"I thought you were sleeping," he whispered back through the night as she shifted on the bed, turning to face him with heavily shadowed eyes.

"Just resting," Lacus responded, holding out a heavy hand for him. He took it readily and slid into bed beside her. She brushed away the signs of worry that clouded his face and pulled him closer for a kiss, pressing her body to his in unspoken invitation.

"Lacus," he breathed against her, turning his cheek to kiss her temple. His hand was warm against her hip, but unassuming.

Lacus found his mouth with hers and called for him. "Please, Kira," but he was still reluctant.

"I don't want to hurt you," he murmured, pressing his face against her throat and holding her loosely.

"It hurts me when you hold yourself away from me," she replied tearfully. "Please don't hold yourself away, Kira."

"Lacus... It's still too soon," he answered, skimming his hand up along her side with forced casualness. "You haven't--"

"Don't tell me what I have or haven't done," she cut him off coolly. "It's one thing if you don't want to be with me, but don't try and use my weaknesses against me," she added, starting to turn away from him.

"Lacus," he whispered, pulling her closer and holding her to him until she relaxed against him. "I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry. I wish that I could--"

"Shh," she soothed. "I know you're worried, about me, and about Cagalli and Athrun."

"I feel helpless to help any of you," he admitted, afraid to raise his voice above a whisper, as if by speaking the words out loud, some force would snatch them up and make them truth.

"You help us all simply by being here, Kira," Lacus returned, turning in his arms to face him. "By being willing to sit with us and support us. You help us all so much by just being yourself, Kira."

"Lacus..."

"Please, Kira," she breathed, pressing closer. "Stop holding yourself apart from me."

He kissed her, gently at first, and then slowly, ever so slowly, the kiss deepened until they were both flushed and breathing heavily.

"If you're sure," he hedged, pulled away hesitantly. When she nodded, he stood, nerves fluttering about his stomach most uncomfortably, and undressed. It was something so simple and yet so intimate--an act they'd preformed a million times--but when he joined their bodies together as gently as possible, Kira was washed in the struggling sense of first time anxiety.

"Are you all right?" he asked, balancing his weight from crushing her, but she pulled him down, whispering, "Don't hold back."

Slowly, so traitorously slowly, he began to move. In the midst of tiny, delicate kisses and soft whispered names they joined, together but separate. In the aftermath of the act, Lacus cried, hot tears rolling down her cheeks as she stared blindly up at their ceiling. Feeling more helpless than ever, Kira rolled away, another small, sad "I'm sorry," passing his lips as he moved to get up.

Lacus's breath became ragged, and she clutched at his hand tightly, holding him back. "Don't leave me," she requested, sounding so lost and broken it hurt him all the more.

"Lacus..."

"I can't feel you, Kira. You're right here, but I can't feel you. Why are you keeping yourself separate from me? I--"

She broke off, turning her face away as more tears began to fall.

"Lacus..."

He gathered her up to him, gently stroking her hair, her arms, her hips.... until finally his hands settled over her stomach. Her small, flat, empty stomach where only three short weeks ago a tiny life had been struggling to survive... and failed.

"It hurts so much to see you hurting; to know that I'm partially the cause of your pain," Kira answered, lips brushing her hair.

"You're wrong."

"Lacus... why is it so important for us to have a baby naturally?" he queried as she continued to shake in his arms. "I love you, and I love raising the kids with you--whether they're of our bodies or not, doesn't matter, because, in my heart, they're already ours."

"Kira--"

"There are other ways of making babies, Lacus. You don't need to keep doing this to your body. I-- We both know I wouldn't even be here if there weren't other ways, and... I'm afraid, Lacus. I'm afraid you will get pregnant again, and that this might happen all over again."

"Kira, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I wanted to-- so badly..."

"Does it really matter that much?" he asked again, laying her back onto the bed. "How we make a baby? Does it matter so much that you're willing to keep hurting yourself like this, Lacus? What if the next time, they're not able to stop the bleeding? What if next time... Lacus, does it really matter so much that you're willing to risk your life like this?"

"Kira--"

"Because, I'm sorry, Lacus. I love you, and I want to have children with you, but not at the risk of losing you. I--I could live without you, but I can't imagine why I would want to."

"Kira, I..."

"Everyone... we're all so worried about you. We want to help you, but we don't know how, and... And Cagalli's worried that you'll hate her now--"

"No!"

"It's only logical for her to worry about it when she sees how much you've been pressing yourself to have a baby."

"I don't hate her..." Lacus breathed.

"I know..."Kira soothed, kissing her temple.

"But I can't help but be a little jealous of them," Lacus admitted quietly, burying her face against Kira's shoulder. "Even though I know what trouble this will cause for them, I..."

"I know," Kira repeated again, kissing her hair.

"Kira... does it really not bother you that we might not be able to conceive naturally?"

"Really."

"But you do want children?" She needed that confirmation.

"I would like to have a child with you, someone who is you and me all rolled up into one, but..." He paused and shook his head. "It's not something I need to be happy, Lacus. That something is you, and if it came down to a choice, I'd rather not have children than lose you." He dropped several sweet kisses along her face, wherever they could fall.

"Kira--! I--I just wanted... and you, to give you--" Lacus cried, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and breaking down again.

"You don't have to do or give me anything, Lacus," he soothed, holding her and loving her gently. "You already gave me everything I ever needed when you gave me your love."

71 CE, on the Eternal, near Jachin Due Airspace

The three ships crept through the disconsolate battle remains, following Strike Rouge's signal, to find the disjointed skeleton of Freedom and the three mobile suit pilots dangling out from the open hatch of Rouge, latched onto each other, crying.

They were alive.

They were safe.

It was over.

"Quickly. Bring them in," Lacus ordered, whirling around and flying off the bridge to go down to the docking bay and meet them. She didn't even realize she was crying, too.

"You heard the lady," Waltfeild barked as the doors hissed shut behind her.

It was over.

The war was finally over.

But at such a price.

Crews were already scrambling to assemble teams for suit retrieval. She didn't know if there would be anything left salvageable of the Justice--most likely not if what she suspected was true, and Athrun would be able to confirm her suspicions of having used the nuclear reactor within the Justice to destroy GENISIS--but the Freedom's core was still intact, and that was something that could not be left floating freely in space.

And bodies. Survivors and others. They all needed to be retrieved. The clean-up job for this war would not be a pretty one. Or an easy one.

The bay doors sealed shut behind the battered Rouge suit, and the area screamed with depressurization, the small artificial magnetic gravity this area offered humming to life. Lacus kicked away from the floor, flying straight for the open cockpit, and dissolved into tears as she collide with the other three sobbing teens. They remained there, huddled together, until the medic teams arrived few minutes later.

"Ma'am, you need to let go so we can take him to the medical bay," a young man spoke, tugging gently at them.

"NO!" Cagalli shouted, tightening her hold on both Athrun and Kira.

"Can't we all go together?" Lacus suggested.

"It doesn't matter," shouted another, older medic. "Just do your initial check here," she instructed the younger man. "If they're not concussed or bleeding to death, get them out of here! We have more wounded in-coming!"

The young medic flushed, but quickly followed orders so that in less than ten minutes, all four of them were told to clear out of the area and check back with a medic sometime within the following days.

They stayed where they were; as if not to break the delicate moment they found themselves in.

"It's over?" Kira finally breathed wonderingly.

"Yes. Plant has called for a truce."

"It's over," he repeated, sagging further against Athrun.

There seemed to be no other words to say. Other casualties began to arrive, but the three were oblivious to their surroundings; numb and exhausted from the long fight and the cathartic release afterwards. It was Lacus, then, who started them in motion, guiding them with an-almost herd-like mentality from the bay area and into the living quarters. And so it was by habit that they all arrived in Lacus's quarters.

The situation had all the elements for a strange and awkward affair, but they were all too damn exhausted to care, and so, when they tumbled onto the bed together, it was in a tangle of limbs still encased in pilot suits and dampened with fear-induced perspiration. They dove into sleep, cocooned in the belief that their struggle was finally over. That they were alive and, at least for this moment, they were not alone.

The moment didn't last nearly long enough.

It was his fortune as being second-in-command that had elected Waltfeld the lucky privilege of delivering reality back to the young warriors. In truth, he would have liked to have held off a bit longer, but life waits for no man or woman, coordinator or not, and there were too many decisions to be made, things to be done, to allow the younger ones more than the hour or two of much needed rest.

The door alert could have been a level one alarm for all the good it did at rousing the sleeping fighters, and he pass coded himself into the quarters wondering what he would find. Although not sure exactly of what he had expected, he wondered if he wasn't becoming jaded by being most surprised by the fact that all four bodies on the bed were still completely dressed. He remembered post-battle moments with Aisha that were---ah, but then, he and his lover were both older than these cubs.

Not surprisingly, someone quietly entering their space was able to accomplish what repeatedly leaning on the door alert had not, and the four bodies roused to consciousness--two reaching for weapons that were, thankfully, not there before reality and recognition began to filter through the gummy blanket of fatigue.

Blinking dazedly, Lacus tried to sit up, but ending up having to proper herself against the two boys instead. "What is it?"

"Decisions to be made," Waltfeld answered shortly, grinning at the embarrassed flushing just beginning to crowd the other three's cheeks. Not his pink-haired princess, though. She was not so easily embarrassed, he knew. "We've moved the ships from the immediate area, but we're still close to Jachin Due territory. Things are starting to get a little more organized out there--and they've set a date and time for the initial truce talks. Both sides are retreating now to go lick their wounds. It's probably a good idea for us to do the same. The Archangel is pretty beat up, but she's salvageable; she'll need help, though."

"The Archangel and its crew are to be considered as a special force team of the Orb fleet," Cagalli announced quickly, shoving strangled clumps of hair away from her face and wiggling over to the edge of the bed. "We will be responsible for her from now on. How about the Kusanagi?"

"She fared the best out of the three," Waltfield answered gruffly. "And don't worry; that commander of yours knows you're here and safe."

"I need to get back there and--"

"Yes, you do. Orb will need to present itself well in these upcoming days. It's going to be tricky."

"We'll need to remove the Eternal from sight as well," Lacus spoke calmly. "Have all the parts of Freedom been located?"

"Yes. But Justice--"

"I didn't expect there to be anything," she shook her head sadly. "The Archangel can disappear with the Eternal. There's already been a safe place prepared for the Eternal to rest and be repaired, undisturbed by those who would use it unjustly. The Archangel can be returned to Orb as discretely as possible once it's secure for reentry."

"Thank you," Cagalli nodded.

"Not at all," Lacus smiled and shook her head gently. "In return, may I ask to have use of the Kusanagi as a temporary home? I'm afraid it's not safe or advisable for me to return to Plant right now. It maybe never again... "

"Lacus..." Athrun spoke for the first time, looking shocked and stricken.

"Our involvement in this will be called before the grand council," Waltfeld predicted. "The boy and I will probably be looking at court martial. At best, dishonorable discharge from ZAFT. I guess we'll all be looking for a new place to call home."

"Orb is a small country," Cagalli began, not daring to look anywhere but at the sheets fisted between her yellow-white fingers. "And we're not in the best of shape right now--"

"Cagalli--"

"In fact, I'm sure that there will be plenty of reconstruction work... for someone... who's looking for a place to start over..."

"You're a good lady. Don't lose that spirit," Waltfeld said solemnly. "I best get back to the bridge and get those preparations started while you cubs finish up in here," he added, turning away and striding out with a chuckle.

"Cubs--!" Cagalli sputtered once the door slid shut. "Did he just call us--" She bristled.

"Cagalli," Kira interrupted. "What will you do now?"

Her jaw snapped shut, and her posture stiffed. "I need to get back to the Kusanagi and find out what's happening in Orb."

"That's a good idea," he agreed, climbing out of bed behind her. "I want to check on the Archangel, too. Athrun? Lacus?" He turned a questioning look onto the remaining two.

Athrun looked away. Cagalli stepped forward, but Kira reached out and pulled back the hand she'd extended towards the dark-haired pilot. He threaded his fingers with hers and squeezed in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. "We'll catch up with you both later, then. For sure," he added, tugging Cagalli out with him.

Lacus smiled after him, and Athrun nodded, once, before the door slid shut behind the siblings, leaving the two alone.

"Athrun..." Lacus began gently as the younger boy struggled with the sheets.

"He's dead," he announced; his voice, already weak and unsure, cracked. "On GENISIS. Someone tried to stop him, and they shot him, and he's dead. Just like my mother."

"Athrun, I'm so sorry for your loss."

"I didn't even know him anymore, Lacus. That man--" He shot confused eyes up to her face, searching for... something. "I didn't know him. He wasn't the same person who I used to respect and look up to. I--he--"

"War changes people," she answered his question calmly, stroking his cheek.

"I know, but--" He tore his gaze away and squeezed his eyes shut. The tears threatened to choke him. "Why, Lacus?" he asked brokenly.

She pulled him to her and held him as he cried for the man he remembered as his father... and the monster war had made of that man. Lacus cried, too, for her own loss; Her father, shot down for doing what he believed in, for protecting her. Her kind, sweet, wonderful father who abhorred violence in general and this war in particular. War was such a cruel beast, uncaring of who or what it devoured in its rage.

"What now?" Athrun asked after a small eternity. He sounded so empty and lost. What would it take to see this kind and generous young man smile and laugh again she wondered. "What am I supposed to do now?"

"What is it you want to do?" she asked in reply. "No one can make that decision but you, Athrun. You must decide for yourself what it is you want."

"What I want... I want..." He looked away, whispering, "I'm sorry, Lacus."

"Shall I tell you what I would like?" she asked cheerfully. "I would like to visit Earth. Perhaps I could even live there. What do you think? A quiet, comfortable life in a happy home? Reverend Malchio could probably use a woman's hand with his orphans. I think it would be lovely to help care for the children. And it's near the ocean. Don't you think it would be wonderful to live near the ocean, Athrun? A real ocean? I imagine it must be very peaceful and calm there, don't you think?"

"Lacus...."

"And Kira loves the water," she continued gaily. "He would spend hours out on the terrace overlooking the lake. Do you think he would be happy to live in a house near the sea and help care for orphans with me?" she asked slyly, watching him carefully.

Athrun smiled. He smiled truly for the first time in what felt like years as relief and gratitude flooded over him. "Kira loves the sea," he agreed. "And he's good with children. I think he would love it there." He squeezed her hand and added, "With you."

She smiled back at him, laying her head to rest against his shoulder. "I think, maybe, if things had been different, I would have been happy and content as your wife, Athrun Zala."

"Anyone would be honored to be your husband, Lacus, most of all me," he answered. "If things... things had been different, I, too, would have been happy to live out my life with you."

"Athrun is very kind and understanding," she said gently, smiling before sitting up under her own strength and turning to face him formally. "I, Lacus Klein hereby withdraw my claim upon Athrun Zala and release him from the promise of marriage." She leaned forward and gently pressed her lips to his. "You will make a wonderful husband and life companion one day, Athrun. That woman is lucky to be recipient of your feelings."

"You, too, Lacus. Thank you, for... everything."

"There is nothing you need to thank me for, Athrun," she replied, getting up from the bed and adjusting her costume.

"Yes, there is," he returned, getting up and pulling her back for a quick but meaningful embrace. "There's plenty."

She was still for a moment before melting into the embrace and holding him tighter. "Then it has been my pleasure..."

"Not entirely." He squeezed her gently once more and then released her. "Lacus, in case I don't get a chance to say it later, Kira--he's a real special guy."

"I know. Kira and Athrun are alike in many ways."

"I hope you can find happiness together."

"We will," she replied, and Athrun thought she glowed from within. "I can feel his heart, in motion with mine, and our dreams are the same."

"Lacus?" he asked, confused.

She turned to look at him, in the moment and serious once again. "Do you know what it is you want now, Athrun?"

"I... I know what I don't want," he answered, looking away frowning.

She reached out and brushed his cheek again. "It is important to start somewhere. We all must make the first step before we can reach our dreams."

"Lacus... how will you handle ZAFT?"

"I am not a soldier, Athrun, as you and Captain Waltfeld are. They cannot court-marshal or dismiss me. I have instigated no acts of terrorism upon Plant or Earth. I have no fear of ZAFT."

"But Freedom, and the Eternal--?"

"Were funded and built with support from the Klein Faction. They were built with the intended purpose of aiding the end of this terrible war, and they have fulfilled that purpose."

"Will you really go down to Earth, then, and start a new life?"

"Won't you?" she returned. "In less than a few hours, this ship will withdraw from this battlefield, and hopefully it will never be needed again. Whether you are still here or not when it leaves, Athrun, that is your choice. Just as is whether you'll return to Orb or go on to someplace else. Even if you choose to return to ZAFT, to remain in Plant, the choice, Athrun, remains yours to make. No one else can make it for you."

She touched his shoulder. "Shall I use the shower first then?" she asked, chipper as she floated off towards the water closet.

***

"You're wrong!" Cagalli was arguing when Lacus and Athrun entered the Kusanagi's bridge. "Orb is--Athrun!" she broke off suddenly. "You're... still here."

She stared at him wonderingly, with hungry eyes before she was finally able to force her gaze away. "I thought... you would choose to leave with the Eternal and Archangel."

"I'm staying," he said simply.

"I... I see." She forced a more confident smile onto her face and responded with a more welcoming, "I'm glad," before turning to face the pink haired woman who was still potential-ally, potential-foe. It was only to be expected that there would be some tension between these two women. Lacus, after all, posed a threat to Cagalli upon the two young men dearest to the blonde--her brother... and Athrun.

"Lacus," she greeted cordially.

"Cagalli," Lacus replied in kind, her head dipping politely. "Thank you for your generous hospitality."

"Thank you for your aid in bringing an end to the war." Cagalli turned back to face her commanding officer. "But there's still a lot work left to be done. We were just discussing what Orb's next move will be."

"Cagalli," Lacus hesitated, unsure. "Kira is--?"

Cagalli looked away, frowning, before forcing herself to look at the other woman squarely. "He chose to remain with the Archangel for now. He'll return to Orb, and his parents. He... there are many things he wants to talk with them about. Lacus, I--"

"It's all right, Cagalli," the pink haired woman smiled. "I understand. We will meet again. Right now, though we walk separate paths, our dreams remain the same. That is why I know we'll meet again, surely."

"Lacus," Athrun spoke, coming up beside her.

"Relationships are difficult and oftentimes fragile things," she said gently, smiling at him. "They must be handled with care and nurtured with time. It will be all right." She turned back towards the Kusanagi's bridge, more serious than before. "What will Orb's next step be?"

Cagalli nodded, offering a small smile before returning to business as well. "Right now Orb is still officially a conquered territory of the Earth Alliance, but our government is still intact and Prime Minister Saran is leading the people into the beginning stages of reconstruction..."

82 CE, the Orphanage, Marshall Islands

"Ah, Kisaka," Lacus greeted upon seeing the older man walk onto the terrace. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Lacus-san, Kira," Ledonir Kisaka offered both bow and apology to the couple. "I apologize for stopping in unannounced."

"Not at all," Lacus smiled gaily. "Won't you please come in? We were just about to have some tea."

"Thank you. I'll try not to be long."

"How was yesterday's council meeting?" Kira wasted little time in asking, offering Kisaka a ready made cup of tea as Lacus fixed a third.

"That is part of my reason for coming here today," the veteran soldier admitted. "I believe you understand the situation already.

Lacus's and Kira's pleasant expressions melted into one more serious. "Some," Kira answered, both he and Lacus nodding understandingly. "And what was the council's reaction?"

"About as much as I'm sure Cagalli expected, which is why I assume they chose to keep the affair secret?"

Kira nodded. "At first I didn't agree, either, but they had their reasons, and even if I didn't like them, I could understand them."

"Which is why you helped them. Did they even stop to think what problems this will cause?" Kisaka finally exploded angrily. It was a frustration that had been building since rumor began that the young Orb representative might be pregnant, and it had only grown worse when the true depth of the matter was revealed.

"Of course," Lacus answered calmly. "Why else do you think they chose to keep such a momentous and important occasion so private?" The sea breeze caught at her hair, and the sun added a rosier glow to her cheeks. "Cagalli worries constantly for the well-being of Orb."

"I know that, which is why I can't understand how she could consent to marry someone, even in secret!"

"Consent?" Kira smiled. "From what I understand, it was Athrun who did the consenting, Cagalli the insisting."

"What?"

"I wonder, Kisaka-san, do you know how long they have been married?" Lacus queried curiously. "Did she tell the council for exactly how long she and Athrun have been in a relationship?"

"I knew, no, I suspected that there was still..." He shook his head. "During the war, it was impossible not to be aware of their feelings, but when he left and didn't come back... I'd hoped she would move on," he confessed.

"They did move on," Kira told him. "But their dreams remained the same; that is why they found each other again."

Atop the table, Lacus's and Kira's hands entwined.

"No one stays the same, Kisaka-san. Whether living apart or living together, Life changes people. Athrun and Cagalli, they needed that time apart to help build who they are, what they are. And what they are is stronger and better together than apart."

"How long," Kisaka questioned quietly.

"They'll have been married three years this summer," Kira answered. "They knew they wouldn't be able to keep it secret indefinitely, but they wanted to offer Orb more time."

"To what?" the elder man growled, finding it difficult to repress his aggravation over the scenario now that he was with people he trusted to speak openly of the matter with. "Get used to the idea?"

"To grow and strengthen and be able to stand on its own once again, without Cagalli's constant support and attention," Lacus returned. "She is only one person, Kisaka-san, but Orb places so much upon her. I think you sometimes forget she is also a woman."

Kisaka frowned solemnly, but he had no response for that. He had known from before that there was something between the Coordinator and the princess, no matter how much the pair pretended otherwise. He knew better than to take Cagalli blindly at her word, especially when she said it with a careless smile. He knew her to be a passionate person, who never did things half-way, strongly devoted to the wellbeing of her country to the point where she'd exclude her own needs. It had been something he'd commented on and worried about before.

And now, here he was, having to come to terms with something she had finally done for herself, not for Orb.

"Zandus will be making the announcement tonight."

Kira looked away. "I see. And... are you releasing Athrun's name, too?"

Kisaka shook his head. "Not at this time, no, but we are mentioning her husband. That alone will cause... a stir. It will only become more agitated when we tell them who and what her husband is." Kira tensed in response, but Kisaka went on. "At best, the people will feel cheated out of a royal wedding. At worse..."

"Security will need to be increased," Kira predicted with no lack of gloominess.

A disposition shared by the older man. "I know, but she won't stand for much more of what she sees as our interference or over protectiveness."

"Cagalli must not think only of her own safety now," Lacus intercepted their dire predictions. "You may find she's more willing to accept your... 'interference' if it is a matter of safety for her child."

"Somehow the image of Cagalli graciously accepting extra security just doesn't compute," Kira quipped at his wife who shot an amused smile back at him.

"Oh, I never said she would be gracious about it."

"Graciousness was never one of her stronger traits," Kisaka agreed solemnly, exhaling wearily.

72 CE, March Festival, Orb

"Why do I have to wear a dress?" she complained loudly, wincing as the brush came down mercilessly upon her scalp.

"How could you say such a horrible thing!" Mana cried. "This is your very own inauguration, and I suppose you would like to just waltz out there in those awful boys' clothes if you could, wouldn't you? But I won't allow it! Oh, no, never will I allow your poor, dear mother's child to be presented so disgracefully before her people! I would rather be shot to death, fed poison, and have my body excavated than see--"

"I could wear my dress uniform, though!" the blonde protested--and then promptly cried out, tears stinging her large golden eyes as her hair was yanked on once again.

Soft laughter floated up from the back of the room and a vision in softly floating white and pastels stepped forward. "Mana-san," Lacus spoke genially. "I'm afraid Kira needs some assistance in the other room, and my skills just aren't as capable as yours. Would you please...?"

"Oh, heavens help that boy!" the matronly woman cried, throwing her hands up and rushing off. "He's more helpless than this one!"

"At least he doesn't have to wear a dress!" Cagalli shouted after the retreating form.

Lacus chuckled again and stepped forward, picking up the hair brush Mana had left behind. Cagalli winced in anticipation, but the soft bristle brush merely soothed over her abused scalp.

"No," Lacus agreed. "But I doubt he would look anywhere near as lovely in one, either," she complimented, gently stroking the brush through sun-kissed hair. "He's both terribly nervous and pleased about today. Thank you for including him."

"He's my brother," Cagalli grumbled, relaxing into the soft-handed handling. "Of course he's included.... He's... he's the only family I have left, now."

Lacus set the brush down and squeezed Cagalli's shoulders. "Orb has such wonderful, traditional styles," she sighed, running her hands along the jewels and multi-colored beads laid bare on the vanity.

"Most of them are annoying."

"They're more dear and precious for the trouble one must go through to complete and honor them," Lacus replied, selecting the long rope of pearls questioningly. At Cagalli's brisk nod, she began weaving the beads through the blonde's hair.

"I hate dresses," Cagalli grumbled.

"And yet you look so lovely in them."

"There's no place to hide a gun, even."

"Are you expecting the need to arise for use of one?"

"There's always hope."

"Yes, there is," Lacus agreed. "And I hope the need should never arise that you should ever need to aim a weapon at anyone ever again. There! You're done," she announced, and Cagalli looked up, startled.

On some level of comprehension, Cagalli understood that the beautiful young woman she saw in the reflection glass was herself, but it was in such a detached manner that she raised her hand to her hair wonderingly, eyes exploring the image before her. Her normally unruly mane of hair had been streaked and slicked with creams and oils until it shined and managed some semblance of style. The pearls glistened like iridescent drops of moonlight, weaved in and about and then left draped down and around over her shoulders, spilling onto the golden sheen of her costume.

She stood up wonderingly and turned to the full length reflection glass to take in the full effect. She held her arms up and out, studying the cascade of the yellow-gold material of her inauguration dress, amazed at the image she saw before her. Her arms fell back to her sides, and she turned, slowly, to face the other woman.

"Lacus, Orb's military uniform is not that complicated to wear."

"No, it isn't," Lacus agreed, smiling amicably as she straighten a twist of fabric in Cagalli's ensemble. "Kira thought you might be nervous."

Head bowed, Cagalli turned back to the mirror. Nerves twisted in her belly, prompting her to ask, "And Athrun?"

"Cagalli," Lacus began gently and then sighed, sitting down on the bench the blonde had vacated only moments before. "It was... quite a surprise, for everyone," she answered delicately. "You never mentioned a betrothal before."

The blond swallowed a contemptuous snort. "I try not to remember it," she returned, turning away from the mirror in favor for the large window that looked out over the grounds of her family home. "I don't even know what he's doing here! He's supposed to be attending some fancy school in the North Atlantic!"

And all the grace of a princess she seemed to possess just moments ago vanished as she began to pace the room agitatedly, like a caged lioness. "Ugh! I can't believe he just---he just--kissed me like that!" she growled. "Like he had the right!"

Lacus, half-concerned for the young dignitary's appearance and half-concerned for the girl, stood swiftly and grabbed her hands, forcing Cagalli into a stand-still. "Cagalli, it's true that I don't know this Jona very well, but, if he's not someone you can be happy with... is a betrothal really something you want to maintain?"

"No, it's not," Cagalli bit out. "And if the choice was mine and just about me, there wouldn't even be a choice."

"Cagalli--"

"But it's not just about me," the blonde continued, turning away more calmly. "That's what today is all about, you know. When I officially accept the title of Orb, I cease to be just Cagalli anymore."

She stood before the window now, bathed in the weak sunlight of the winter's day, and to Lacus's eyes, she looked like a proud but cold goddess.

"Orb's Lioness, the Supreme Commander," Cagalli whispered. "The leader of Orb can not think only for herself. She must constantly think of her people, and what's best for them."

"But what of yourself?" Lacus queried. "It's wonderful to be so dedicated to your country and people, but you mustn't lose yourself in the process. Who you are is what makes you a capable leader."

"Lacus..." Cagalli looked over her shoulder, questioningly. "Did you ever enjoy being an idol?"

The pink-haired woman frowned and took her time answering. "I love singing, and I enjoy singing for others to enjoy, but... no. I didn't care much for being idolized, even if it did allow me the means to pass my father's message on to the people of Plant. I never cared for the attention it focused on me."

Cagalli nodded and turned back to the window. "That's why you want to disappear," she thought aloud. "Will you and Kira leave for the Marshall Islands right after the reception then?"

"It would probably be best," Lacus answered, and the melancholy she felt shaded the normal cheerfulness of her voice. "We do not want to invite more questions than necessary. You're welcome to come visit us, at any time."

"I'll probably be busy, but thank you," Cagalli responded, turning back to face the room with a fixed smile. "What about... do you think... Athrun...?"

"I'm sorry. I don't know," Lacus sighed. "I'm not sure even he knows yet."

"I see." Cagalli sighed and went to sit back at her vanity. "Do you think... is he angry with me? About Jona? Because I didn't tell him?"

"I think he's more hurt and confused than angry," the pink-haired woman supplied. "But that is something Cagalli should discuss with Athrun, not me."

A quiet rap preceded the door cracking open and a voice asking, "Is everything all right here?"

Lacus's smile radiated. "Come in and see," she offered, stepping back to leave the princess in plain view.

Kira poked his head in, and upon seeing Cagalli, opened the door wider and walked in, a stunned expression on his face. "Wow..." he began.

"If you say I look like a girl, I'll hit you," his sister threatened, gaining her feet and turning on him.

For a moment, he was puzzled, but he quickly regained his smile. "Sometimes it's hard to remember that you are a girl, but... I was just going to say that you look gorgeous in that dress."

She turned back to the reflection glass self-consciously---and then caught sight of her brother's grinning image. "You look good, too," she told him, turning around. "Orb's military uniform suits you."

"You think so?" he asked, tugging at the heavily starched material. He stopped suddenly and became serious. "Are you ready for this, Cagalli?"

"This makes everything final," she answered, breathing with forced calmness. "Everything's changed so much..."

Warm hands came to rest on her shoulders, and Cagalli looked up into her brother's face. "Cagalli... if you don't want to-"

"Orb is my responsibility," she cut him off, her face filling with proud determination. "It might be sooner than I'd expected, but I always knew that one day, it would be my destiny to lead Orb."

"I know," Kira answered calmly, kissing her cheek. "Cagalli is a good leader, and I know she will do her best for Orb."

"Kira..."

"And her brother will be here to make sure she stays out of trouble," he added, laughing and ducking away to avoid the swing she sent aiming at his shoulder.

"Why you--! Kira--!"

"Excuse me," Athrun popped his head in, catching the siblings in mid-act. "They're almost ready--" he began and then quickly trailed off as he caught sight of Cagalli.

Startled in mid-swing, Cagalli's fingers just barely skimmed through Kira's fringe as he darted away. She pulled up, staring transfixed at the ex-ZAFT soldier who stood just inside the door. Athrun was too busy staring at her to notice, though.

"We'll go on ahead then, shall we?" Lacus chirped cheerfully, tugging on Kira's hand and smiling as they ducked around Athrun and pulled the door shut behind them.

"Athrun," Cagalli began nervously, fussing with a fold in her dress.

"Cagalli," he returned, mouth dry and palms sweaty. He wanted to go over to her, touch her, and ascertain that she was real, but he was terrified of ruining the vision before him. "You look.... beautiful," he breathed.

"So do you," she replied, and then flustered, tried, "I mean, you look really, really good."

And he did. Kira had looked good in Orb's military uniform, but that same uniform on one Athrun Zala... was devastating.

Before she could say more, though, her door burst open and a third person came strutting in self-importantly.

"Cagalli!" Jona crowed. "My darling, my dear! You look radiant! Are you ready for your big day? I certainly am!"

The newcomer brushed past Athrun without a glance, striding directly up to Cagalli and leaning in to kiss her. Quick reflexes were the only thing that prevented his lips from touching hers, but he still managed to slobber over her cheek and crush her body against his.

"Jona!" she cried, trying to squirm free from the unwanted embrace. "Please," she tried again.

"Of course, of course, you must be nervous," he prompted. "It is a very important day, after all. But who would have thought you would be inaugurated so soon!" He laughed, as if he had just told a delightful joke, and Cagalli found herself hard-pressed not to be ill.

"Yes, who would have thought," she repeated weakly.

"Ms. Athha," Athrun spoke up formally, calling upon his best military persona. "If you're ready...?"

Jona shot his a disdainful glance, quickly masking it when he turned back to Cagalli. "Yes, Cagalli, my dearest, we mustn't keep the people waiting now. Father has already ordered the car and it's here waiting for us."

"'Us'?" she started, eyes widening with panic.

"Of course," Jona enthused. "As your fiancé, it's only fitting that I should be there with you," he continued, grabbing her by the arm, and wrapping his arms purposefully around her he began escorting her out.

Panicked, Cagalli reached out and grasped at Athrun as they passed. Jona stopped, turned, and directed Athrun with what should have been a chilling look but somehow came off making him look like an ugly, petulant brat.

"You're Cagalli's brother's friend, aren't you?" he asked, barely keeping his sneer from being obvious. "What was your name again? Adam? Aslam? Alex?"

"Sir," Athrun answered sharply. The seeming display of respect for command seemed to appease the older man, and Jona relaxed.

"I didn't realize you were also part of Orb's military. Here to watch over our dear, sweet Cagalli, are you?" Jona crooned. "Well, keep up the good work. I can take care of her now. You're dismissed."

Jona turned to leave with Cagalli again, unaware of the bristling state of the woman in his arms, when Athrun's voice stopped them both.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you don't have the authority to dismiss me."

Jona whirled around again, face splotched with indignation. "What! Do you know who I am? I'm the Prime Minister's son. I'm her fiancé!"

He jabbed a finger in Cagalli's direction, and was lucky that Athrun didn't break it for him.

"That may be, but that still does not give you the authority to dismiss me," he returned, theoretically dismissing Jona and turning his focus back to Cagalli. "Your car is waiting, Ms. Athha, when you're ready."

"Thank you," Cagalli answered simply, but her eyes spoke volumes. She turned to the door and walked out under her own violation, Athrun following close behind. He could feel the weight of Kira's and Lacus's questioning eyes upon them as they passed and the heated glare of Cagalli's fiancé as he slinked along behind them.

82 CE, ORB's Foreign Ambassador's Quarters, Aprilius-1 (PLANT)

"In a brief but startling statement today, Orb's Representative Spokeswoman, Rumi Zandus, announced that Orb's Supreme Commander, Cagalli Yula Athha, is pregnant, and that's not all," the news announcer spoke excitedly, and the scene on the view screen switched to an image of Cagalli's PR looking cool, calm, and in control. Athrun envied the woman her perfected acting skills because he knew she could be experiencing none of the above. "' Athha-sama would like to thank the public for their concern in her health. Her doctor has confirmed that she is currently fourteen weeks pregnant, and her recent travels have had no adverse effects on her health. Both Athha-sama and her husband are excited and eagerly anticipating the development and birth of their first child. Thank you.'"

Athrun would have laughed if he wasn't so nervous. As Zandus tried to extract herself from the salivating throng of reporters the news announcer came back on and engaged in a rather fanciful debate with her co-anchor. He watched eagerly as the debate continued to unravel. When they finally threw his name into the list of possibles, he couldn't help but feel a flash of relief that they hadn't automatically ruled him out.

"Rumors of a secret relationship between Athrun Zala, formally of ZAFT and now Orb's representative in Plant, and Cagalli have been around for years," the second news announcer expounded. "Personally, if I had the chance to get with Athrun, I would have done so already!"

"Rumors that both Cagalli and Athrun have disclaimed," the first announcer reminded the second with a grin. "It is possible that the two are just the friends they claim to be."

"And it's possible that they've been living a secret life without telling anyone," the second announcer mocked a fanciful swoon.

"More importantly, if it was true, and Athrun Zala was the father of Cagalli's baby, think of what that would mean," a third announcer, the Earth Sphere news anchor, broke in, grimacing.

"Someone's getting lucky," the second announcer answered, trying to repress her mirth. The first announcer was not so lucky and had to turn away. Her mic still picked up her response, however, and Athrun thought he managed well in repressing his natural inclination to blush.

"I think you're both forgetting that Representative Zala, while currently a member of Orb's government, was previously of ZAFT," the Earth Sphere anchor reminded his co-anchors forcibly. "Athrun Zala is a Coordinator--"

He held his breath---

"And that means, if he is the father of Cagalli-sama's baby, Orb's heir will also be a coordinator!"

--and released it.

There. It was out, he thought forcing himself to relax his tense limbs. A banging on his suite door chased away any sense of relaxation he might have achieved as he nearly jumped right out of his skin, his heart hammering in his throat. Surely it was too soon for the reporters to have hunted him down, and reason dictated that even if they had, the security of this building wouldn't have allowed them access. Then... who...?

"Open the damn door, dammit!"

Athrun half smiled, half grimaced as he rose to his feet, switching off the view screen and wiping his palms on his pants as he went. He was caught in a headlock before he got more than a flash of two familiar faces.

"Why, you little--" Deakka gruffed, ruffling up Athrun's hair before the younger man could stop him.

His partner stalked into the room and whirled on them. "Well!" Yzak barked. "What do you have to say for yourself?" he demanded impressively as Deakka released a still reeling Athrun and flung himself onto the sofa-couch, propping his feet up on the table casually.

"We were out on routine drills," the blond offered in explanation, "When we heard about Cagalli being knocked up." Yzak huffed; Deakka grinned.

Athrun sighed. "You know, those were just rumors," he began, watching the mixture of doubt and disappointment wash over them. "But," he reached over and turned the video screen back on. There were four news announcers arguing now. "I just found out a couple days ago myself."

"So it's true?" Deakka crowed delightedly. "Ha ha! I just knew it! This calls for a celebration!" he cried, jumping up and rushing the bar. "Where do you keep the schnags?"

"You know what this means, don't you?" Yzak groused, petulant and gloomy.

"It means a lot of things," Athrun replied, scooting Deakka out of the way to retrieve the requested bottle and three glasses.

"So I guess you guys won't be keeping your marriage a big secret anymore, huh?" Deakka put in, snatching two glasses and handing one to Yzak.

"Good! You had no business marrying someone in secret," Yzak snapped. "If she didn't want to marry a coordinator, she shouldn't've married one!"

"We had our reasons for keeping it secret," Athrun grimaced.

"Probably all messed up reasons for a pair of messed up people!"

"Yes, yes," Deakka interrupted blithely. "Drink your drink, Yzak."

"Shut up!" the pale-haired man ordered before tipping back the drink in one fiery sweet swallow and holding the glass out to Deakka, who promptly exchanged it for the full glass.

"It means," Yzak began, picking up his previous train of thought, "That you'll be the first natural-born fourth-generation."

Athrun exhaled, sipping his own drink much more moderately. "I know. I'd hoped Lacus would be, but...."

"We heard about the miscarriage," Deakka confirmed more gently than he was normally want to be. "Tough luck that."

"It... wasn't a good scenario," Athrun admitted. "Kira said that for a while afterwards, they thought they might actually lose her, too."

The others shared his pained grimace, each having their own personal ties to the pink-haired former-idol.

"He mentioned it was bad," Yzak whispered, "But he wouldn't say how bad. Just that she was getting better."

"And now you and the princess are having a kid," Deakka broke into the solemn moment. "My, how time flies. Seems like only yesterday she was threatening to shoot you for some thing or another."

"I believe that's two months ago you're remembering," Athrun quipped wryly, getting up to retrieve the bottle of schnags and pouring them all another tumbler-full. "Although, knowing how fond she is of her firearms, it probably could've been yesterday."

"You know, once the scientists get wind that you're the father, they're going to want to run all sorts of annoying tests on you both," Yzak predicted.

"Does Cagalli realize what a big deal this is, really?" Deakka asked.

"'Big deal'?" Athrun repeated weakly, fighting off a nervous laugh. "Let's see, it means that a coordinator child will be the next legitimate heir to the Orb Union, which means the first coordinator in a ruling position on the Earth. It means the first fourth-generation coordinator to be born by natural conception when our scientists are trying to discover why the third generation has become practically sterile. It means..." He huffed out a laugh. "It means I'm going to be a father."

"Damn straight!" Deakka cried, holding up his glass. "A toast to the father to be! Cheers!"

79 EC, August 18, Marshall Islands

Kira and Lacus were waiting at the dock when Cagalli and Athrun arrived in a small private boat. Her brother was there to catch her hand and help her off first before turning towards his childhood friend.

"Kira," Athrun greeted, waiting expectantly.

"Athrun," Kira returned.

The two young men stood on the deck, facing each other for a tense moment, and then Kira grinned. "So she's finally making an honest man of you, huh?"

"I guess so," Athrun grinned back, reaching for Kira's hand and accepting the other man's embrace. "Thank you," he whispered before pulling away.

"I wish you were able to be more open about it," Kira replied somewhat sadly, "But I'm glad you two are finally here. I'd hope you would be, eventually, one day."

"It's better late than never," Athrun quipped, a small ironic smile playing about his lips.

"It won't be easy to keep it hidden from the public," Kira warned.

Athrun shrugged away the warning. "Nothing about our relationship has ever been easy," he reminded his old friend.

And Kira laughed. "That's true."

"Malchio-san is waiting for us up at the house," Lacus interrupted gaily, smiling at them both as she gestured them all forward. "There are details to be attended to. Have you thought about where you would like to say your vows? The weather is very nice today, and the beach would make for a beautiful image. And then there are the bands to be written and signed, and the rings--did you have a chance to find which rings you'd like to use--"

"Yes," Athrun spoke up, chasing away the increasing panic Cagalli was feeling. "Or, at least, I have a ring I would like to use," he added sheepishly, withdrawing a ring box from his pocket as Cagalli watched him, dumbfounded. "And I've been thinking about what to include in the bands," he continued. "Although I would appreciate going over it with someone who has more of a professional experience with such things."

"You've really given this some thought," Cagalli accused as Lacus smiled at them both.

"Lovely," the pink-haired woman exclaimed. "Then let's go inside and have a cup of tea while the details are settled, shall we?" she suggested, taking Athrun's arm and forcibly escorting him ahead as Kira tugged Cagalli into a slower pace.

"Cagalli," her brother began carefully. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"Kira," she warned.

"I know you and Athrun love each other," he pressed on regardless, "and I'm happy that you both want to get married. Really, I am," he insisted. "I've always thought you two were good together, and that hasn't changed at all."

Cagalli shook her head, looking over at him in confusion. "Then why are you--"

"Why must you hide it," Kira interrupted forcibly. "That's what I still don't understand. You love each other, so why are you working so hard to hide it from everyone?"

"Kira," Cagalli began and then sighed. She walked over to the stone railing that looked out over the ocean and leaned her folded arms over it. "It's been four years since the last war. Despite that, old habits and fears are hard to erase. You've seen the reports, the reactions to the idea of Athrun and myself in a relationship anything more than platonic. How much worse would it get if they found out that not only were we really romantically involved, but that we wanted to be married, too?"

She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. "It wouldn't be about me and Athrun," she said, turning around to face him. "The fact that we love each other wouldn't even be considered. Hell," she exclaimed, throwing her arm out. "They wouldn't even see Athrun Zala or Cagalli Athha. All they'd focus on is a coordinator marrying the Orb Representative. What do you think would happen then, Kira? Orb alone would be thrown into debate; but then you have the rest of the world, Kira. How do you think they'll respond?"

He frowned down at the path beneath their feet. "It shouldn't matter," he began to insist.

"But it does," she responded quietly standing in front of him, forcing him to see her, see the point she was making.

He couldn't refute it, because it was true. It shouldn't matter, but it did.

"Eventually, one day," he replied, equally as quiet, "you're going to have to stop living a lie just to protect Orb."

She shot him a dirty look before answering, "One day Orb won't need my protection. It'll be strong enough to stand on its own again." She squared her shoulders and tilted her chin. "But that day is not today, and until that day comes, I'm going to keep doing my job."

Kira shook his head sadly, watching her. "When do you think that day's going to be, Cagalli? All this lying... it isn't fair to anyone. Least of all you and Athrun."

"It's the only way I could think of to make this work, Kira," she whispered, shoulders slumping as she stared back out at the ocean. "And I want this to work. I want this a lot."

"I just want you to be happy," Kira insisted gently, touching her shoulder. "Athrun's my friend, and I care about his happiness, but you're my sister, and I love you..."

"Kira..." She turned to him, but couldn't find the words to express her feelings properly.

"If you say this will make you happy then I'll believe you," Kira answered, smiling and brushing back her lengthening hair. "And, well, you already know Lacus and I will support you."

"Thank you," she answered simply, leaning in just that little bit into his touch.

"You're welcome." He placed another kiss at her cheek before pulling away with a determined air. "Now let's hurry before those two start making some crazy, elaborate plans," he said, tugging at her hand.

Reverend Malchio greeted them warmly as the two couples entered the terrace, and soon all were seated around the table with tea cups and light snacks before them.

"Where are the kids?" Cagalli wondered aloud, looking around at the quiet, peaceful, and most importantly, child-free surroundings.

"Waltfeld-san took them into town today," Kira answered, smiling, remember the children's excitement over the trip.

"We thought, if you were both serious about marrying in secret, that it might be best if they weren't here," Lacus added.

"Thank you," Athrun replied. "I hadn't thought that they might provide a problem."

"Shall we precede then?" the reverend asked, smiling genially at both parties. "Am I correct in assuming you would like to be married in Orb's traditional ceremonial form?"

"Yes, if possible," Cagalli answered quickly, shooting a questioning look for confirmation from Athrun.

"Athrun, are you familiar with this form?" Malchio queried, seeming to sense the question.

"I--no, I'm not sure," he admitted, somewhat embarrassed, but the reverend nodded with understanding patience.

"It's a simple rite," he explained. "Very similar to the one Lacus and Kira chose to use. You state and confirm your names and intentions, denounce any doubts or negative emotions, thereby cleansing your spirits to be joined in matrimony. The exchange of the rings is optional, followed by the signing of the bands."

"It sounds... easy," Athrun replied hesitantly.

The reverend smiled. "Getting married is easy. It's the caring for and maintenance of a marriage that many find too difficult to endure." He sipped his tea before setting the cup aside, out of the way. "Do you have rings you wish to use?"

"Yes," Athrun said, holding out the box he'd brought with him, but the reverend shook his head.

"Hold onto them for now. Or, if you would like, you can give them to Lacus for safe keeping."

The pinked haired woman held out her hands eagerly for the velvety box. "Oh my, Athrun," Lacus breathed, unable to resist the temptation of opening and looking at the delicately woven silver bands. "They're lovely."

"They belonged to my maternal grandparents," he answered the unspoken question, watching Cagalli carefully as she leaned over to catch a glimpse of the suggested rings.

"They look like..." Cagalli began, studying the two silver bands eagerly before scrambling for the necklace around her throat.

"It's a matching set," Athrun confirmed, smiling shyly as she compared the ring he'd given her years before to the pair nestled against black velvet.

"I think I can still find the ring pillow we used," Lacus offered.

"That would be a nice touch," Kira agreed, watching his friend and sister closely.

"Thank you," Cagalli said, not looking away from Athrun, and so it couldn't be sure whether she was answering Lacus's suggested offer or speaking to Athrun.

"If the rings are taken care of, then, the bands must be attended to," Reverend Malchio reminded them.

"They should clearly state that my husband has equal executive authority in all decisions," Cagalli announced definitely. The moment of stunned silence that followed her statement couldn't, and didn't, last.

"Absolutely not," Athrun responded forcibly, his palm smacking against the table top with enough emphasis to set the dishes dancing nervously. "That's just what I don't want."

"I won't change my mind," Cagalli returned.

"Cagalli, think about what you're suggesting--" he began, but she shook her head.

"I have. It's one of the reasons I want us to be married," she replied, shocking him.

"Wha--?"

"There is no one person I love and trust more than you, Athrun," Cagalli said, turning to look at him fully. "I trust you with myself, with my safety, and with my country. And when I realized that, I also realized I wanted to be joined with you. I've always wanted you for myself, but I thought I couldn't because of Orb. But I know I can trust you with my country, so what's there really to stop me from having what I already wanted?"

She reached her hand out across the table in offer for his and waited until he took it before continuing. "Right now, if something were to happen to me, Kira is stated as my successor. I made sure of that myself after the end of the second war. It's not common knowledge, but it's his right as my brother and my blood."

Her fingers threaded to his and she squeezed them lightly, ignoring the surprise radiating from her brother. "Orb isn't really his responsibility, though, and I'd always hoped it would never have to be.

"Athrun, you were right when you said you can't separate me from Orb. If you really are serious about wanting to marrying me," she spoke, pausing to make sure he was really listening to what she was saying, "You have to understand that you'll be marrying Orb as well. My responsibility will become yours. It will become our responsibility; Shared as equals."

"Cagalli... I don't want Orb," he tried. "I just want--"

Again, she shook her head, forcing him to stop.

"It can't be one or the other, Athrun," she told him. "I'm sorry," she added sincerely. "I'm sorry because I'm asking you to marry me but keep it a secret, and yet I'm still asking you to share my responsibility to a country that's not even your own--"

"I've lived in Orb these past years now," he cut her off, torn between anger and exasperation. "This is where you live, Cagalli; it's your home. And that makes Orb more my home than Plant ever was; because this is where you are. "

"Athrun..."

He lifted their joined hands to his lips, brushing her knuckles lightly with a kiss. And then, with a sigh, let their hands fall back to the table top. "I will share your responsibility then," he announced, squeezing her hand, "but you're still the Supreme Commander. I don't think I'd make a very good lion, anyway."

"Then shall the bands state that you enter this union as separate persons, consenting to merge your responsibilities and commitments?" the reverend asked. "As such, Athrun will be Cagalli's second and successor to the lion's chair until such a time as an appropriate heir is named and of age," he clarified. "In this way, Athrun agrees to share Cagalli's responsibilities and commitments to Cagalli's country, the Orb Union."

Reverend Malchio looked towards each party questioningly. "What else would you like to include in the bands?"

"If something should happen to both Athrun and me," Cagalli said slowly, turning to fix her brother with a 'look'. "Then Orb once again will fall to Kira's shoulders." A thought flashed through Cagalli's mind and she thought to ask, turning towards Athrun, "Or was there someone else?"

"No, that's fine," he sighed, releasing her hand and reaching into his pocket. "Since we're maintaining this secrecy, we should continue to keep our assets separate for now, but they should be mentioned. While not quite as grandiose as owning my own country, I'm not empty-handed, either," he continued, retrieving a disc and handing it over for Kira. "That contains a list of all my assets, spread between Plant, the Moon, and Earth."

Kira slid the disc into the table's halo-feed port and the list began to scroll over the tea pot. The young man whistled and shot his friend an impressed look.

"If something should happen to me," Athrun went on, "I already have a will in place to disperse all this accordingly; however, as my wife--"

"That's fine, Athrun," Cagalli cut him off, shaking her head. "I don't need your money or your assets. They're meaningless to me if I don't have you, so keep your will as it is, or change it as you see fit."

"Cagalli."

"All I ask of you, Athrun, is you," she said simply. "Your love, your support, and your promise to help me protect Orb."

"Understood." He nodded. "Fine, then. Is there anything else we should think to include?"

"Cagalli has agreed to name you as her successor and has called for equal rights with the understanding that Athrun's will is to be honored in separate,'" the reverend paraphrased. "No, that should be fine. We'll just write up a draft and then proceed with the ceremony, shall we?"

***

Athrun and Cagalli retrieved the overnight bags they'd brought with them and then retired to separate guest rooms with a nervous flutter.

"Ah! I'd wondered if you'd brought a dress or not," Lacus murmured pleasantly amused as she slipped inside the room while Cagalli was shaking the garment out.

Cagalli shot her sister-in-law a semi-amused look. "Even I know a woman doesn't get married in a pants suit, although Athrun did agree to wear his uniform."

"I told Kira to put his own on, too," Lacus confessed.

"Eventually we'll have to do this all over again, and it will be some big, over dramatized production," Cagalli sighed, holding the dress up against her and turning towards the mirror. "And that will be okay, I guess, because it'll be for Orb. But today?" She turned away and smiled towards Lacus. "Today's just for us, and we want it to be as simple as possible."

She worked the fastenings loose enough to allow her room to wiggled and squirmed into the pleated material, twisting and adjusting until it settled properly. Lacus was there to manipulate the fastenings close in easy maneuverings before Cagalli could even ask.

"Shall I brush your hair?" Lacus offered, run her fingers through the wind-swept mane.

"Thank you," the blonde accepted, turning to sit on the bed as directed.

"The last time I wore this dress," Cagalli shared, "I thought, 'What would Athrun think if he saw me in this?' At that time, all I could think about was how I really wished it was Athrun I was marrying and not Jona. I really wanted to find a way to make it happened, but I couldn't. I wasn't sure if we'd ever be able to get here, together, but we have."

"Yes, you have," Lacus agreed warmly. "And you should be happy this dress still fits. We're neither of us eighteen anymore."

Cagalli wanted to look in the mirror again, but Lacus stopped her. "Do I look like I've gained that much weight?" she asked self-consciously.

"Have you?" Lacus returned flippantly. "You look too radiantly happy to notice if you have. See, look for yourself," she suggested, releasing her hold on the blonde.

Cagalli turned immediately for the mirror.

In her mind, she remembered what she'd looked like six years earlier on her first wedding day. Cagalli wondered how it was so possible for the same woman, wearing the same dress, to look so radically different. True there was no trimmed veil this time, but the woman looking back at her in the mirror seemed to glow.

She was getting married. She was marrying Athrun. They would finally be husband and wife, not just lovers. He would be her husband; she would be his wife.

"If we time it just right," Lacus said softly, "we'll have a sunset wedding on the beach. Isn't that lovely?"

Cagalli couldn't find the words to comment. Today was her wedding day. She was really going to finally marry Athrun.

"Are you nervous?" Lacus wondered curiously, touching her shoulder.

Cagalli started, surprised. "Nervous?" she repeated, examining her emotions. "No," she said, shaking her head and smiling. "Excited," she said slowly. "Eager. Unbelievable happy. Relieved, even, that it's really finally happening, but not nervous. This is right."

"Yes, it is," Lacus agreed, squeezing her shoulder. "Now, shall we go out and meet the boys?"

"Yes. Let's have a wedding."

82 CE, Aprilius One, PLANT

"In political news today, Orb Union Representative, Athrun Zala, has announced that he is resigning his commission as Foreign Ambassador in Plant to return to Orb. Many have questioned his seemingly sudden decision, especially on the heels of Orb's stunning announcement of Orb leader Cagalli Athha's pregnancy. Speculators suggest that the father might just be Zala himself. In other news..."

Athrun sighed and turned off the view screen. His car would be arriving in less than an hour, and he still had a few last minute things to pack. The cleaning service would be in tomorrow, so he was grateful to not have to worry about cleaning, but he still preferred to pack his own things himself.

He was just finishing folding the last of his wardrobe when his communicator signaled.

"Zala-sama? A Meyrin Lowe is here to see you. Shall I send her up?"

"Yes," he answered automatically, surprised. But then he quickly thought of something, and grinning he counteracted, "No, wait. Ask her who's the best pilot she knows."

There was a moment of silence before the comm. crackled to life. "Sir, someone named Lunamaria, sir, but she says you might make a close second, sir."

Athrun couldn't stop the laugh of amusement that bubbled up over the answer.

"Sir? Should I send her up?"

"Yes, yes, send her up," Athrun answered. "And please inform me when my transport is ready."

"Of course, sir."

He closed his main suitcase, securing it and taking it out to the entrance in time to greet the short-haired spit-fire computer wiz before she could start leaning on his door chime.

"Hey there, stranger," she greeted, offering him up a patented pout. "You weren't going to sneak out off this hunk of floating metal without saying goodbye, were you?"

"Sporting a new look, I see, Meyrin," Athrun returned, flipping the shortened locks, and she ran a hand self consciously through her hair. "It looks good."

"Yeah, well, maybe one day you'll want a new do, too," she groused, nodding to his still familiar shoulder-length style. "Besides, babies just love to grab and tug on things. Hair not excluded."

Athrun continued to smiled, turning back into the almost bare apartment. "How is your little one? He must be what? Three years now?"

"He'll be four in April, right in time to start kindergarten, but who's keeping track of such things?" she replied flippantly. "So, you're really going to go back there, huh?" she said, taking in the sparse rooms. "I mean, to Orb?"

"Yes. I'm just finishing packing now. My shuttle leaves in a few hours."

She followed him through, weighing her next statement carefully. "They're saying Orb's leader is pregnant."

"Yes, I know," he answered.

She frowned, but then, she'd known before coming here that he wouldn't be exactly forthcoming with the details. But he wouldn't lie to her. "They're also saying she's married," she continued. "Except she didn't tell anyone, and no one knows who the guy is."

"Yes, they are," Athrun agree, heading back into his sleeping quarters to finish packing his few remaining personal items.

"Pretty sneaky," she commented lightly. "To go and get married without telling anyone." Athrun made a noise of agreement, but he didn't say anything else. "So, I thought I'd do some poking around." She shrugged. "You know, see what I could see."

"Noisy little cat that you are, why am I not surprised?" he returned, flipping her across the nose before setting his personal bag on the bed and double checking the room. "So, is that what brought you around so suddenly, Mey? You went digging through the records but couldn't find anything? It's been quite a while."

"It has," she agreed, "but, no. Call this more like finally turning the page on a chapter that supposedly ended many years ago."

"Huh?"

She shook her head, and decided to just come right out and ask directly. "Athrun...are you the father of Athha's baby?"

"Yes." He didn't even skip a beat in answering.

She let out a long breath. "I... see. Well, then," she tried. "Congratulations are in order, then, I guess."

"I'd offer you some schnags," he said, apologetically, "but I'm afraid I went through my last bottle a few days ago."

"That's all right," Meyrin waved off. "So, you and that princess got married on the sly, huh? I guess that really does make you a prince, now."

"More like second-in-command, actually," he corrected with a wry smile.

"Athrun... why did you come back to Plant again if you knew you were just going to leave again?"

"Meyrin...?" He turned to look at her, really look at her, and then he relaxed. "I came because I had a responsibility, to ensure that Orb was as safe and protected as possible, and part of it was to ensure that relations between Plant and Orb remain steady and strong, especially after the second war." He shrugged and went to add something else to his bag.

"The previous ambassador," Athrun continued, "didn't understand Plant at all and was making a mess representing Orb because of his lack of understanding. That's why I came. Because Orb is important to me. It's where my wife and family are. It's where I will raise my children. Because it's my home."

"I see," Meyrin replied slowly. "Well, I guess, good luck then, huh? Will you two be having a big wedding when you get back, or are you going to wait until after the baby's born?"

"We're actually going to wait until our fifth year anniversary to reaffirm our vows before all of Orb."

"Oh." She licked her lips nervously, suddenly wishing she'd never come here today. "So it's true then that you really did get married secretly?'

"Yes. Two years ago. Here," he said, reaching into his bag and withdrawing a photofolio.

~Eternal Destiny~ was inscribed in gold over the black casing, and inside were two photographs. The first was of Kira, Lacus, Cagalli, and Athrun on the first pair's wedding day; the second taken three years later when Cagalli and Athrun married.

Their wedding picture. It was the only blatantly incriminating evidence Athrun kept. Any other photographs on display were casual ones that could be excused away as being snapshots of friends. Those had already been packed safely away in his main suitcase. All but this one, which would travel with him in his personal bag.

"You look... happy," Meyrin decided finally.

Athrun smiled, remembering the day in question. "It was one of the happiest days of my life."

"Good. I'm glad." She nodded determinedly. "You finally got to have your princess, right? You finally found what you wanted."

"Yes, I guess I did," he agreed taking the photofolio back from her and tucking it safely, reverently back in his personal bag.

"Zala-sama, you vehicle has arrived," the comm. unit announced.

"Thank you. I'm on my way down now," he called before turning to his guest. "Meyrin, take care of yourself, huh?"

"Sure. You, too," she commented watching him go.

72 CE, June, a private island near the Marshall Islands

He looked lost, sitting out near the waterline on one of the larger chunks of drift wood, staring out into the ocean. He'd been like that for several days now, and Kira was beginning to worry about his friend. Physically, they were all recovered from the last battle, but Kira wondered if they would ever heal mentally. Looking over at his companion, his soul lightened and he thought, 'yes, it is possible'.

Lacus returned his smile as warmly as he returned her love. "Why don't you and Athrun go for a walk along the beach?" she suggested. "It would do you both some good, I think, and while you're gone, I'll prepare us some tea, hmmm?"

No words or actions could ever portray the depths of his feelings for this woman, he thought, eternally grateful for her kind and loving presence in his life. She just seemed to know and understand what he needed without him ever having to try and explain. He squeezed the delicate hand he was holding and offered a soft 'thank you' and a kiss brushed along her cheek, before slipping away towards the beach path.

"Athrun," he called out as he neared his friend.

The dark head turned towards him, but the green eyes were dazed and distant, as if the person sitting there was really several thousand kilometers away from this place and time. With all they had been through in the last year alone, it wasn't a hard concept to understand or believe. He remembered the solemn but fun-loving boy who had been his closest friend, and he wondered if he'd ever see that boy again.

"Kira."

"Let's walk," he suggested, turning towards the southern stretch of beach, the direction of the main island of Orb, and waiting. Without commenting, Athrun stood and the two friends began to walk the distance, the sand shifting beneath their feet, the breeze spraying sea foam about them and whipping their hair. For uncounted minutes, they were comfortable just walking in the quiet offered by nature, but eventually, the words began to unfurl between them.

"She shot me, the first time we met," Athrun announced, half a laugh, half a broken whisper. Kira shot his friend a look but said nothing, remember one of his own reunions with his sister--the time in the desert when she'd hit him. She seemed to have the kind of violent impression on people.

Finally speaking some of his thoughts aloud seemed to help, and Athrun continued, not looking at Kira, as if not really aware his friend was there, walking beside him.

"She attacked my transport first, and then she attacked me. I... I almost killed her, before I realized she was a girl. Then," he huffed out another laugh. "Then she yelled at me for not killing her. She was... brash and brazen, and so passionate."

Athrun shook his head. "And she was so crazy and mixed up and... sad. I... I thought, maybe, she was Earth Alliance, even when she said she wasn't. I didn't believe her; I kept telling myself I was crazy for just letting her go, but I didn't want to kill her, even if she did shoot at me, she didn't kill me. And... I.... but I never suspected that she was a princess."

"I'm surprised myself, every time I see Cagalli in a dress," Kira admitted a little sheepishly.

Athrun exhaled loudly, turning his face up to look up at the sky. It was painted a spectacular array of colors as the sunset approached. "Kira," he asked finally. "Do you know, really know, what it is you want?"

"Athrun..." Kira signed and stared at his feet. Finding a shell, he picked it up and hurled it into the approaching waves. "I don't want to have to fight anyone, ever again," he answered slowly. "I don't want to have to get in that suit and have to hurt somebody's child or parent or sibling."

"Now that the war is over..." Athrun began, and Kira nodded.

"Yes. I hope we can make this peace last."

"I didn't like it," he admitted quietly, as if it were a shameful secret. "I... didn't want to do it. I hated it, but it needed to be done. Someone needed to fight."

"Did they?" Kira couldn't prevent himself from asking.

"We had to protect ourselves," Athrun insisted quietly. "Protect our home."

"'Kill because somebody killed. Be killed...'" Kira quoted, shaking his head. "It's not the answer."

"No, but it's the only answer we could grasp with our hands and understand," Athrun replied. "Now we've been given a new answer, and a better chance at coexisting, coordinator and natural. Chairman Dullindul is a very devoted man. He wants peace, and I'm sure Plant will be able to find a way so that war won't ever have to happen again."

"If it does happen, though," Kira asked quietly, "what will you do then, Athrun?"

"I don't know." He looked away. "Do you?"

Kira turned back to look towards the orphanage. "I will continue to protect those who are important to me."

"I promised to protect her," Athrun recalled.

"You did."

"Did I?" he wondered.

He wanted to know, and so Kira asked, "What are you thinking, Athrun?"

"I'm thinking..." Athrun began, wondering how exactly to fit all his thoughts that were bashing about inside his head into neat, precise words. "I'm thinking that I don't know what I should be doing now. That I would really like to go up to that guy and punch him, but I can't because he's the prime minister's son and her fiancé, and she respects the prime minister. I'm thinking that every day I spend away from her all I do is think about her and wonder.... am I going insane? Is it really crazy to think..." He broke off, shaking his head.

"If you really want to be with Cagalli," Kira began, frowning, but he didn't get a chance to continue.

"Kira! Athrun! Cagalli was---!" Murrue Ramius was running up the beach towards them.

"Captain Ramius!" Kira called, surprised. "What is it?"

"What happened?" Athrun demanded, tense.

"Someone," she gasped, "tried to assassinate... rushed to the hospital," she managed to impart before the two boys were moving.

Athrun ran, Kira fast on his heels. They burst into the house with the velocity of a cyclone.

"Kira!" Lacus cried, rushing him with watery eyes.

"I figured you'd be wanting to get there," Andrew Waltfeld said with a grimace as he hobbled out from the kitchen, "So I left the shuttle plane warming up. She'll be ready when you are."

"Now," Athrun gasped. "We're ready now."

"Athrun, wait," Kira stopped him, turning to the woman at his side. "Lacus? Are they saying anything at all about it on the news?"

She shook her head. "Only that she was rushed to the hospital."

"Kira, are you coming or staying?" Athrun demanded.

"Coming," he confirmed shortly. "Lacus?"

"I'll stay here with the children," she said, stepping back and clasping her hands together to prevent their shaking from being evident. "I'll call if they say anything else."

"I'll call, too, once we have news," Kira promised, turning on heel and racing back out the door after Athrun.

No one spoke in the jet; the roar of the engines filled their ears, a fitting soundtrack for their chaotic thoughts. Waltfeld had called ahead or else someone had anticipated their coming because there was a car ready and waiting for them when they landed at the military base on Onogoro Island.

"Sirs, this way, please," a young ensign called, motioning them over. "Commander Kisaka has requested that you call him once you've arrived."

"Thank you," Kira replied, smiling at the young woman as Athrun practically dove into the waiting vehicle. "Is there any news about Cagalli? Is she alright?"

"I'm sorry, sir," the young woman answered, honestly regretful. "We haven't been informed yet."

"Hurry up, Kira!" Athrun shouted. "The sooner we get there, the sooner we can find out!"

"Athrun, try and stay calm," Kira admonished once the car started away. "We can't prevent what's already happened, and being frustrated and angry about it won't help anyone."

"Kira, your sister had been shot."

"It's something you didn't think could happen simply because the war is over?" Kira questioned, his voice calm. "Don't misunderstand, Athrun. I'm concerned about Cagalli, too. But there is a reason she has bodyguards."

"Obviously they can't be trusted to do their duty," the dark-haired young man snapped.

"Athrun..." Kira began, but then stopped. "Do you know how to reach Kisaka-san?"

Athrun stared at Kira for a moment in disbelief; and then he reached over and snatched the car phone from Kira's hands, punching in a number and scowling out the window as he waited for his call to be answered.

"Yes. This is Athr--" His jaw locked and then he continued, "Kira. Kira Yamato. Please connect me with Commander Kisaka. He's expecting my call."

"Athrun--?" Kira frowned

"The Zala name isn't very popular at the moment," the dark haired boy explained briefly, not looking at his friend. "It's less complicated this way. Yes! Kisaka-san! This is Athrun. What can you tell me? Wha--yes, he is." Athrun did his best not to growl as he handed over the phone.

"Hello Kisaka-san. No. No, that's quite all right. Yes. Ah, I see. No, we can meet you there. Yes, yes, of course, I understand. No, we won't. Yes. Thank you. Yes."

Kira leaned forward, replaced the phone, calling up to their driver as he did so. "Excuse me. Could you please take us to the Athha Estate Home."

"Kira! What about Cagalli!"

"She's there, and she'll be fine," Kira replied evenly. "They caught the person who did it; he's in custody, and Cagalli is home resting."

"But what happened?" Athrun wanted to know.

"Someone shot at her."

"Kira..."

"I'm sorry, Athrun," Kira said. "I really don't know more than that. Kisaka said she was shot but wasn't in critical condition. She's been removed to the Athha Home to recuperate in privacy. Maybe now she'll actually take a break. She's been running nonstop since GENISIS was destroyed, before then, even. I hate that she was hurt, but if this will force her to slow down..."

Athrun turned to frown out the window, and Kira sighed heavily.

"She's all right, Athrun."

"She mightn't have been..."

"But she is."

"I promised to protect her," he said weakly.

"And you kept that promise," Kira told him firmly. "It's not your job or responsibility to protect her all the time, Athrun. You can't."

Athrun's fists tightened against his thighs, and he rode out the rest of the trip in silence. Kira made a brief phone call to Lacus, reiterating the same few small facts to her that he'd told Athrun, adding the promise to call with more news later.

He wanted to rail at the private who wasn't driving fast enough; at Kira who didn't seem to care at all that his sister was injured; at the man who had aimed his gun at Cagalli and pulled the trigger...

Athrun was out of the car before it had fully stopped and was racing up to the entrance in his quickest, most gait-eating strides. The doors opened before he could even begin to pound them down.

"Athrun," Kisaka greeted. "Kira. Thank you for coming."

"Not at all," Kira returned while Athrun demanded, "How is she?"

"Sleeping," Kisaka answered, nodding to the extra security that was in place. "We were finally able to convince her to take some pain blockers about an hour ago. I'll take you to her."

The young woman lying in Cagalli's bed looked frightfully doll-like and fragile. The white bandages carefully wrapped about her head and arm only added to the sense of delicacy. Athrun reached out to touch her--her hair, her face, any bit of her that could confirm that she was alive, breathing, real flesh and blood--but then hastily withdrew, balling the hand into a fist at his side.

"Where is he?" he asked, voice low and threatening. "The person who did this?"

"We have him in custody," Kisaka answered steadily. "It's late now. I made arrangements for you both to stay the night. There's little sense in you returning--"

"I want to see him."

"No," Kisaka replied firmly.

"Wha--"

"What would you do, Athrun?" Kira asked gently.

"We have laws and procedures for how to handle an event such as this," Kisaka continued. "Those procedures have already been implemented. Even if I were to allow you to see the prisoner, then what? Do you think she would even want that? For you to interrupt the system she's working hard to maintain and improve?"

"Athrun..." Kira said again.

"Then what do you expect me to do?" Athrun asked, feeling close to desperate.

"Rest for tonight," Kisaka answered. "Tomorrow, when she's awake, you can see for yourself that she is well."

"Athrun," Kira suggested, "let it go."

Athrun turned back to be bed, gazing at the sleeping young woman one last time, feeling like he had somehow failed her, and then he turned and stalked out of the room. Kisaka showed them to separate rooms down another hallway, but though Kira seemed content to turn in, Athrun just couldn't relax enough to sleep. His mind refused to turn off.

Images from the past came swimming to the surface crowding his mind with thoughts and memories of things that had been, things he wished had been---his father and mother, one winter holiday, laughing as they exchanged presents. Times at school, on the moon, trying to keep Kira out of trouble and ending up getting dragged into trouble himself because of it. The announcement of the betrothal between him and Lacus--meeting the pink haired girl for the first time. His mother kissing him goodbye before her fateful trip to Junius 7... The announcement of the attack and realizing that his mother was dead, gone... murdered. Meeting Kira again in the confusing battle of Heliopolis. Meeting Cagalli, screaming and shouting and fighting each other. Losing Nicol and then self-destructing Aegis, believing he'd killed Kira. Crying against a raging young woman and starting to actually think about his purpose in the war. Lacus, questioning his motives for fighting in the war. Cagalli fighting beside him... for him.

He remembered his shock when they'd finally returned to Orb, two months earlier, shortly after signing the peace treaty at Junius 7, and some stranger accosted her upon their disembarkment; Cagalli had just stood there, stunned. The cold icy feeling of hate and jealousy when he'd discovered the stranger was her fiancé. How he'd wanted to punch that man, pull his gun and end the man's life. He remembered her inauguration, seeing her in her dress---it had been stunning.

He had never seen her look so amazingly beautiful or tempting... or so out of his reach. He had really wanted to go to her then, pull her against him and kiss her. Maybe do more than just kiss her. It was partial stubbornness and partial pride that had him talking back to Jona at that time. He might not be exactly sure what Cagalli's intentions were, but he didn't want to be brushed aside by the likes of that man. He couldn't make up Cagalli's mind for her, but he wasn't just going to let her forget about him either.

So he had tried to stay around while not getting in her way, but that was an exercise in frustration, and he'd ended up heading over to stay with Kira and Lacus for a while just to escape, to get out of the way. Except, when he did, something like this happened.

The idea that someone would intentionally hurt Cagalli.... Could he have prevented it if he'd been here?

Frustrated with his ceaseless thoughts, he decided he needed to get out of his room. He had no real destination in mind, which is probably why he ended up standing in front of her door. He hesitated knocking even though the light was on--what if she was sleeping and he woke her? What if her lady's maid was sitting up with her? What if he knocked and no one answered at all?

He was saved from indecision by the door opening for him.

They stood in the doorway, staring at one another, too surprised by the other's appearance to say anything right away. Then, Kira looked away.

"I, ah, was just about to go make a cup of tea," he explained, looking over his shoulder briefly. "She's still sleeping easily and... I could use the company," he offered tentatively.

Company, yes, he could use that, too, Athrun thought, nodding and shooting a quick confirmative look inside the room as Kira slipped out and closed the door. They turned as one towards the kitchens. It was late enough for all the attendants to be away--Athrun hadn't realized it was already past midnight, but he didn't mind. Unlike Kira, he had spent enough time in this house to feel fairly familiar with his surroundings, and he set to making a pot of tea with ease unencumbered by not knowing where things were kept.

"I couldn't sleep," Kira admitted when Athrun set two steaming tea cups on the work table. "Thought I might just sit with her a while."

"You were worried."

"Yes. It... It was a close miss," Kira sighed and slumped over the table. "Too close. If she hadn't've..." He broke off and took a hasty sip of his tea, wincing as the hot liquid touched his tongue. "There have been a couple of threats recently," he continued. "But they've all amounted to nothing. We've been able to intercept them before they reached or could harm her. Until now."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Athrun asked, annoyed and exasperated and confused.

"What would you have done, Athrun?" Kira wondered. "You're not really a member of Orb or her military. You're still battling with who and what you are--You don't even know what it is you want for yourself, so how could you possibly help Cagalli right now?"

"How dare you pass judgment on me?" Athrun asked softly.

"I'm not judging you, Athrun," Kira shook his head, hoping for his friend to understand. "It's merely the truth. Struggling through life will only succeed in hurting yourself and those around you if you're not sure of yourself and what you want. Didn't we learn that during the war? Right now Cagalli's struggling to put Orb back to the way it used to be before the war came here. She won't tell me everything that's happening, but I know she's having a difficult time in those Parliament meetings. And she continues to refuse additional security for herself, no matter how much Kisaka or I try and..."

"But why?"

"The man that was with her, guarding her today? He's in the hospital right now," Kira said, seemingly from nowhere. "He pushed Cagalli out of the way, and he took the bullet himself. He'll recover, but it will still be some time before he can resume normal duties, let alone return to protecting Cagalli. This one's the only one who's lasted longer than two weeks. Right now, we have to find another suitable person who can protect her whether she wants to be or not, and last longer than a week."

"How do you know all this, Kira?"

"I'm her brother," he answered simply. "And, although not active, I am an enlisted member of Orb's military."

"You...?"

"This is Cagalli's country," Kira spoke slowly. "This is where my parents live now. It's not like we have very many choices to turn to. We can't turn to the Earth Alliance territories, and I'd feel strange trying to live in Plant now after everything's that happened. And I find, I rather like living on Earth. I guess, like you, I want to be able to do something to protect my home if the need should ever arise again."

"Kira..." Athrun began, testing the idea out in his head before allowing it to roll past his lips. "Let me do it."

"What?" Kira asked, honestly confused.

"I can protect her," Athrun insisted. "No, I want to protect her. Appointment as her bodyguard."

"Athrun, it's..." Kira shook his head again. "Are you sure that's something you would really want to do?"

"Yes."

"It means--"

"I know what it means, Kira," he cut him off. "Orb might not be exactly like Zaft, but I've pulled guard duty before. Plus, I know Cagalli, she knows me. And you know me," he added, looking directly at Kira. "I will do everything I can to protect her."

"Athrun..."

"I want to help protect her, Kira."

Kira processed the idea rather quickly. He rather thought it was a good scenario, really, but he didn't really have authority over assigning who would play bodyguard for his sister. "If you're sure, then I'll talk to Kisaka in the morning."

"Thank you."

"Somehow," Kira hedged, "I feel as if I should be the one thanking you. Cagalli isn't an easy person to get along with under the best of circumstances. I have told you she's been through five guards in the last two months alone, right?"

"It'll be all right, Kira," Athrun smiled, and Kira smiled, too.

"I know."

82 CE, Aprilius-1, PLANT

Considering this was Aprilius-1, the spaceport really wasn't all that crowded. He was actually going to be taking several shuttle trips before arriving home in Orb. First he would travel to the December City where he would transfer to another shuttle that would take him to Heliopolis II. From there, he would take another shuttle down to Orb. The entire trip was scheduled to take almost twenty hours, and if it weren't for the rewards at the end of the trip, Athrun might be reluctant to do it.

Still, he was on his way home, and the excitement that sang along his nerves was one hard to resist.

Even if the media did manage to track him down once he reached December-10. They swarmed around him before he could reach his next shuttle.

"Zala-sama, a few words, please? Can you tell us what motivated your decision to leave Plant?"

"Why are you returning to Orb so suddenly? Does it have anything to do with Cagalli Athha's pregnancy? Are you the father?"

"Do you know who her husband is?"

"When will you return to Plant again?"

"Will you be the father of my baby?"

Security rushed forward to try and hold the throng back, but they were unsuccessful until Athrun turned to face them, the last question having succeeded in stopping him in his tracks.

"As flattered as I am, I'm afraid I must decline the offer," he said the young and overly eager would-be journalist. "I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen. I thank you for your concern for me and for Orb, but I really am under a time constraint."

"Just a few questions, Zala-sama!"

He shot a questioning look towards the young flight attendant standing near the entrance to his next shuttle, waiting patiently. She smiled and nodded at him, and he turned back to the press, smile on place.

"Only a quick statement then," he agreed. "To answer your first question, when I accepted the commission as Orb's foreign ambassador to Plant, it was with the knowledge that I would only be here for a short term. In truth, I confess I was here longer than I'd expected to be. When I returned to Plant two years ago, it was with the goal of bridging the gap between two nations that I have been privileged enough to call home. It is my sincere hope that Orb and Plant will continue to be amicable towards one another. But for now, my services are no longer needed here in Plant, and I am eager to return home."

"Zala-sama, you consider Orb to be your home now?"

"Yes," he answered firmly. "Orb is where the people dearest to me, my family and friends, are."

"Zala-san, what can you tell us about Orb's pregnancy?"

"I'm sorry; I can't tell you much at this time. The truth is, I honestly don't know much more than you do right now, though I was made to understand, the last time I spoke with Orb's Parliament, that Athha herself will be addressing the press shortly within the coming week."

"Will you share with us your thoughts and impressions about the pregnancy?"

"I was extremely surprised when I heard the news, as was everyone, I'm sure; but I am also extremely happy for Cagalli. I have known her, of course, for many years now, and I think she'll take to motherhood with the same fierce passion and determination that she gives to everything she sets her mind to."

"Athrun-sama, what of the rumors of you and NeoEuro-model, Chastity?"

"Rumors? I'm not aware of any rumors, anymore than I'm aware of this model, I'm sorry. But I would think, with a name like Chastity, the relationship would be rather uneventful."

"Zala-san, you didn't attend the Junius-7 Memorial Service again this year. Can you tell us why?"

"Junius-7 is... not a happy place, and it represents many bad memories for me. While it is important to remember and honor our past, I feel it is also equally important to tend to the present and look to the future. We cannot change the past. We can only work hard to insure that those mistakes and tragedies of yesterday do not find a way to repeat themselves in our tomorrow."

"Zala-san--"

"I'm sorry. I can't stay any longer and answer more of your questions. My shuttle is ready, and you know what sticklers the controllers are for departure times."

"Zala-san, will you tell us why you're leaving Plant on the Athha Royal Family Shuttle instead of a normal commercial shuttle?"

Athrun paused, honestly surprised. "Am I?" he asked. "Really? Well then, it looks like I'll have a very enjoyable flight home," he said, nodding and bidding Plant and its media personnel farewell.

"Good day, Zala-sama," the attendant greeted cordially, as he slid into one of the plush seats.

"Good day. Um, you wouldn't happen to know why we're using Athha's personal shuttle today, would you?" he asked as she set a drink down for him.

"Sir, as Athha-sama's husband--"

"Ah, I see," he cut her off, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I shouldn't be surprised; she never listens..."

"Sir?"

"It's nothing," he said tiredly, leaning back in his seat and smiling at the young woman. "Thank you," he added, reaching for his drink.

"Of course, sir. We'll be departing in just a moment. Please take this time to relax."

She turned to leave the cabin, but then she hesitated. "...And, sir... May I say, congratulations, about the baby."

"Thank you," he managed to say before she disappeared quickly into the front of the shuttle. And then, Athrun closed his eyes and relaxed, smiling as the shuttle's engines prepared for its homeward departure.

finished May 3, 2006