Aboard the Eternal
In Lacus's Room
After returning, Lacus set Haro aside and sat at the table, adjusting the communication channel before initiating the call.
After a brief, calm wait, the call connected.
Felix's face appeared on the screen, his gentle voice filled with longing resonating through the speaker.
"Lacus."
Hearing his call, Lacus spoke, her voice thick with deep longing and the joy of seeing her beloved.
"Felix."
Responding to his lover's call, Felix smiled tenderly, his voice full of concern as he asked,
"How are things on your end?"
A joyful smile spread across Lacus's face as she replied softly,
"The battle is over, and we've managed to break away from ZAFT's assault."
Felix breathed a sigh of relief and responded,
"That's good."
Gazing at Felix, Lacus thought of the more intense conflict on the Moon and inquired,
"How are things with you?"
Hearing her question, Felix gave a slight smile and said,
"Things are going quite smoothly here for now."
After his reply, Lacus looked at Felix, unable to see his full form, and a trace of worry rose in her heart. Without thinking, her concerned voice slipped out,
"You're not hurt, are you?"
Aboard the Athena
In Felix's Room
Hearing his lover's care and worry, Felix didn't answer directly. Instead, he stood up, adjusted the camera, stepped back, and stretched his body while turning in a circle to show himself.
Seeing Felix safe and sound, Lacus's worries faded, and a smile bloomed on her face.
After a full turn, Felix saw Lacus's smile and mirrored it with one of his own.
Sitting back down and readjusting the camera, he reassured her,
"Lacus, don't worry, I'm fine."
Smiling gently, Lacus replied softly,
"I'm glad you're okay."
Hearing her response, Felix gazed at his lover's beautiful face, the longing in his heart growing even stronger.
His voice heavy with yearning, he said,
"Lacus, I miss you."
Lacus's heart stirred at his words, and her face reflected a matching depth of longing as she replied, her voice full of emotion,
"I miss you too."
As she spoke, Lacus thought of their current situation and her eyes lowered momentarily.
Noticing the shift in her mood, Felix thought for a moment and proposed,
"Lacus, where are you heading next?"
Hearing his question, Lacus gathered her somber feelings and answered with gentle composure,
"To the Moon."
Understanding dawning, Felix smiled joyfully and said,
"Lacus, when the time comes, would you like to come aboard my Athena?"
Lacus was taken aback, murmuring instinctively,
"Come aboard the Athena?"
Snapping back to attention, her eyes lit up with delight and anticipation, though a hint of confusion tinged her voice as she asked,
"How would I get there then?"
"I'll make the arrangements when the time comes."
Seeing the confusion on Lacus's face, Felix smiled mysteriously. After hearing this, Lacus gave Felix a deep look with her beautiful eyes.
After a moment, Lacus nodded gently toward Felix and said expectantly,
"I'll be waiting for you to come get me."
"I will come for you."
Nodding, Felix smiled and made the promise.
...
Over an hour later,
Felix and Lacus's communication was interrupted by an incoming call.
Looking at the notification, Felix apologized slightly to Lacus.
"Lacus, I have some other matters to attend to here. Let's talk again later."
"Mm."
Lacus nodded slightly before ending the communication.
Leaning back in her chair, the expectant and joyful smile never left Lacus's face.
Just then, Haro floated over.
Seeing the approaching Haro, Lacus reached out and gathered it into her hands.
Looking at it, Lacus shared her joy.
"Pinky, in a few days, I'll be able to see Felix."
Hearing Lacus's sharing, Haro seemed to respond with two sounds.
"Haro! Haro!"
Listening to Haro's sounds, Lacus maintained her smile and said,
"Pinky, are you happy for me too?"
As soon as Lacus finished speaking, Haro Pinky's voice sounded by her ear again.
"Haro! Haro!"
Hearing Haro Pinky's response, Lacus reached out to stroke it, then her gaze fell on a photograph on the table.
"Father, I'll be seeing Felix soon."
While sharing her joy, Lacus looked at her father's face. The happiness gradually receded into her heart, replaced by a surge of worry about her father's safety.
Setting Haro Pinky down, Lacus picked up her father's photograph, her fingers gently tracing the image.
Her voice filled with concern, Lacus murmured to herself,
"Father, how are you doing now?"
Aprilius City District 1
PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
Achoo!
A sneeze escaped from Siegel's mouth.
As he reached up to rub his nose, a concerned inquiry sounded.
"Mr. Clyne, are you alright?"
Looking at Hunter, Siegel smiled slightly and replied,
"I'm fine, Hunter."
After hearing this, Hunter continued,
"Mr. Clyne, the Earth Alliance has rejected our invitation for a video conference."
Upon hearing this, Siegel slightly furrowed his brows before speaking.
"Outright refusal?"
"Yes." Hunter nodded in response.
After hearing this, Siegel leaned back in his chair and quietly contemplated before telling Hunter,
"Find ways to continue making contact."
"Understood, Mr. Clyne."
Hunter nodded, responding to Siegel.
In Councilor Joule's office
"How is your progress currently?"
Ezalia looked at Hunter, her expression calm as she inquired.
Hunter placed the report file in his hands on the desk, looked up at Ezalia and said,
"Councilor Joule, the Earth Alliance shows no intention of communicating or even meeting with us."
Hearing the news of the stalled progress, Ezalia mentally scoffed before continuing to question Hunter,
"Hasn't Siegel asked you to lower your standards?"
"Mr. Clyne never mentioned this," Hunter shook his head in response before continuing. "But Mr. Clyne did suggest the idea of using false information to secure a meeting opportunity, though that plan ultimately fell through."
Looking at Hunter, Ezalia nodded lightly and replied.
"Alright, I understand."
After speaking, Ezalia waved her hand toward Hunter.
"You may go back now."
"Very well, Councilor Joule."