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

[ Maybe she catches onto some part of it now, with the way she frowns lightly. ]

Uu-.. Is something wrong, Athrun? Doesn't Athrun like Valentine's Day?

Well... It isn't that I don't like it. It's just...

...You see, Valentine's Day...is the anniversary of my mother's death.

[ ... oh. ... oh. ]

Athrun's Mama died on Valentine's Day..? [ Maria becomes a lot more quiet. And a little wibbly, maybe. ]

Maria didn't know that at all..

[Athrun sees that, and lowers his hand to pat Maria on the head.]

Yeah. If we count the time I've spent here, this will mark six years. I haven't told many people, so don't feel bad about that. It's not something I like to bring up.

Uu-, it's still sad. To think Athrun doesn't have a Mama like Maria does.. isn't that very sad and lonely..?

[ Maria is rather close with her own mother - despite everything - after all. ]

I'm okay. I have some wonderful friends back home. I miss my mother, but I don't think she'd want me to spend all my time feeling sorry for myself for losing her. And those friends of mine make life worth living for me.

That's true, but.. [ pout, it's just sad, okay? ]

As long as Athrun is happy, Maria guesses it doesn't matter, huh..

Yeah. Sometimes I just need a person to bear with me. Like around this time of year.

Don't worry! [ she shakes her head, her sadness suddenly replaced by some strange sort of kiddy determination. ] Uu-, Maria will bear with Athrun for sure! Maria will be the most bearing of them all!

Just hear Maria's bear growl! [ deep breath. ] Gaaoooo--!

[Athrun laughs. He can't help it.]

Then I'm counting on you to help me these next two weeks.

Don't worry! [ she goes right back to giggling. ] Maria will be the most ferocious bear just for Athrun!

Seventy-Second Launch

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