infinitejustice | Seventy-Second Launch

[Action; Goldenrod City]

[Another day, another repetition of the routine that Athrun has let himself fall into. He's been focusing on his job and his training, while waiting for the Elite Four to declare that they are accepting challengers.

However, as Athrun walks, dressed in the clothes he got for Christmas, something red catches his eye in a nearby window display. He looks over at it.

Hearts.]

Valentine's Day...

[That's right, he had forgotten. In the pursuit of more funds and more strength, he'd lost track of the date.

But unlike some people, Athrun felt a wave of melancholy wash over him as he realized that Valentine's Day was only two weeks away. It wasn't because of his lack of a girlfriend; though he wanted one, he wasn't letting that get him down. No, Valentine's Day held an important significance to not only Athrun, but everyone from his world. It was the anniversary of the third-most deadly attack against civilians in the history of his world, and one that affected him personally.

Athrun continued to walk, but he was unable to escape the Valentine's Day decorations and merchandise that was now popping up in stores all over the two regions. He just tried to focus on what he wanted to get done today and move on.]

[Video]

Sorry, but out of mild curiosity...what sorts of plans do people have for Valentine's Day so far? Or, what would you like to do for the holiday?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Valentine's Day.

[ Kyrie repeats it for emphasis and to buy a bit of time, currently occupying herself with a purring Meowth babby in her lap. After a moment though, she'll give a radiant smile. ]

Something wonderful I'm sure. Although I doubt it'll be anything out of the ordinary. I rather show my love every day than just a single one.

So, then, every day is Valentine's Day to you? If you can keep that up, you're a far better person than I.

Every day my love only strengthens. [ A laugh follows that. ] I think of Johto as an extended honeymoon for a wedding we've yet to have.

Then you must make the one you love feel incredibly lucky. I'm jealous of him.

I can only hope. [ 'Purreowth!' goes the annoying Pokemon who's obviously fending for his trainer's affection. ] If not, then I'll just continue to try harder until my best isn't good enough.

[For once, Athrun smiles genuinely. She reminds him of Lacus and her love for Kira.]

Then I wish you nothing but the best. Don't let anything break the happiness that the two of you have.

I'll remain strong and hope he follows through just as well. Maybe you've met him already in this place. His name is Nero.

[Athrun can't hide the surprise on his face. Was it the infamous emperor of Rome? If not, who in their right mind would name their son after him?]

...No, I haven't. I can't say I know anybody by that name.

Oh. [ An untainted mind without any prejudice towards her beloved. Now is the time to plant the seed of goodness that Nero isn't all that bad, that he's just a boy with a temper. ] Well, he's a good man.

[ She was a bit too quick on announcing that. ]

We take good care of each other here. I'm actually quite happy that he allows me to work.. most men wouldn't tolerate it. [ Admittedly, Kyrie's probably the bread winner with her pleasant demeanor and ability to keep a job. ] It's really nice. There's not a lot of volunteer work to be found here sadly.

Most men wouldn't tolerate it? I think that's more of a cultural thing. Where I'm from there's no stigma on working women.

I don't mind working, but between you and I--[ Her voice drops significantly. ]--I bring in a bit more money than he does.

...Oh.

[That explains her point.]

I get it now. Even in my world, men who are okay with that are few and far between.

I believe I'm just luckier when it comes to certain things. [ That and her cheerful demeanor leads to easier work. ] Maybe I should just ask to be paid less..

What? You shouldn't have to do that! Why would you consider it?

A small compromise to make another feel more comfortable is something I should consider.

But does it really make him feel uncomfortable?

It might. [ Nero makes it a bit difficult to determine his feelings if he's not punching or screaming about it. ] I suppose it'd be rude of me to assume it does without clarifying it for myself.

Yeah, you should do that first. Sometimes all it takes to solve issues is a few simple words.

[ Or in Nero's case, a few acts of violence. ]

What if the words don't come easily?

Then be patient with yourself. You'll figure out what to say eventually.

[There is way too much firsthand experience talking here.]

Right. How could I forget something so basic as that?

Sometimes it's easy to overlook basic facts.

Well, thank you for reminding me about it then.

Seventy-Second Launch

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