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

[Don't mind Athrun. He's just going to stare at it in surprise.]

Birdy?!

[ 'Birdy!' Flapping his wings and flew to Athrun's shoulder now. It seemed to have recognized Athrun.

Lacus was smiling --- but she was missing the owner. ]

Surprised?

Er, yeah. I didn't expect you to get something that belonged to someone else. If anything, I expected one of your Haros to end up here.

... to be honest, I had thought the same thing.

I would have loved to see Mister Pink again. [ The mechanical Mister Pink. ] Or Mister Blue ... or Mister Green.

Still, I am happy to see Birdy again too. I think he gets along with my Jigglypuff.

It's too bad you couldn't get the Eternal. That would solve any and all transportation issues right there.

[He's joking. Mostly.]

[ Laughing. It would be wonderfully convenient to have the Eternal there but ... ]

Athrun, I am going to need a crew for that ...

There's plenty of people here. If the Archangel could do it, I'm sure the Eternal could, too.

The Eternal ... I hope we will never have to need it again for war back home though.

[ ... short pause and: ]

There are a lot of people here who care about you, Athrun. Please don't be afraid to open up.

...Yeah. I know. I've already opened up to several people here.

I only wish some of them could have stuck around.

It is never easy to lose your friend or friends so quickly and suddenly.

I wish Johto ... could at least provide a way for us to say goodbye.

As do I. It just makes things so precarious. Anyone could disappear at any time, and we have no way of knowing who's next until it's too late.

Maybe they will come back? After all ... didn't Shinn prove that people who have disappeared can return?

Yes, they can. But will they? It's impossible to know.

Is that why you haven't given your heart to anyone these past few years? Are you afraid that one day you might not even be able to say goodbye?

Huh?

[Athrun looks at Lacus, quite surprised with the direction she's taken this conversation. He'd given his heart to Cagalli, all of it. But the war tore their relationship asunder, and they hadn't gotten back together.]

...No, that's not it. Have you been worried about that all this time?

Athrun, we've been friends for a long time. Of course I would worry about what you are thinking.

[ She teases him about Rise and her other idol friends. But they didn't really talk romantic relationships at all. ]

I want you to find happiness.

...So do I. After all the lives I've taken, the least I can do is live a meaningful life.

And...I do want to find love again. I haven't been single since I was twelve, so the time I've been here has been kind of...well, awkward in that regard. But I do want to find someone.

[ Sorry, Athrun. She just has to laugh. How odd they were talking like this when the two of them were once engaged.

Now that he mentioned it. She hadn't been single since she was twelve either. ]

I hope you do. You're a good person, Athrun.

[Yeah, he's blushing now. This is still a tender subject for him.]

I just have to be patient, I suppose.

Good things come to those who wait ...

[ 'Birdy!' The bird began flapping its wings again and flew off. ]

I am planning to give you a chocolate for Valentines ...

I know what this day means, but I hope you will still accept.

Of course. I'd never turn down a gift from such a precious friend.

Thank you.

[ She gives him a friendly kiss on the cheek. Then smiling an amused smile. ]

I also have a feeling that mine won't be the only chocolates you will be receiving this Valentines.

[ After all, Athrun is quite popular. ]

[Just a little more blush.]

If last year is any indication, you're absolutely right.

Seventy-Second Launch

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