The Star, the Sky & the Sea (2/?)
Happy Birthday to Mu la Flaga, Here is a random ficlet, well, just because, lol
Timeline be years after SEED Freedom. OOC and everything is all on me as always.Tread lightly please.
---
Mu is going to be upset. That was Murrue's first thought as she carries their daughter into her arms.Their sweet girl now babbling away happily at her favourite rabbit plush while haro bounced around on the ground. Both mother and daughter spending quality together in their quaint home after a quiet lunch and a short conference with Erica regarding work.
With Mu and Murrue pulled back from COMPS and the frontlines, they are finally able to settle down with their daughter and just be a family back home in ORB. The downtime giving them time to rest and plan for their (very, very late) wedding.
Yet duty calls as the ORB National Defense Forces had came by, while indirectly and not so very subtly requested for Mu's presence at a commemoration event. Much to the new father's displeasure. However, it was a request that he was unable to turndown when it was directly from Cagalli who had helped them so much. Murrue also thought its best for him to make an appearance, its their duty afterall. So off Senior Colonel Mu la Flaga went. The man with a duffle bag in hand, leaving his dear partner and child behind tearfully for sometime. Although he calls back often to check in on them with the occasional AA crew dropping by as well. Their ever protective hawk.
"Uh!" "Mhm, I miss papa too, Astella." Murrue sighs. Everything is peaceful.But its just not the same without Mu around.
It was then, an idea struck. "Shall we give your papa a surprise? I know! Let's go on a mission together with mama?" The mother turns to her baby eagerly.Her body has recovered and everything is well since her confinement was over.To be honest, Murrue is getting rather restless until she is cleared for work again.
Well, the doctors did say that exercise and fresh air would do them good. A mother and daughter outing sounds fun, no?
Astella babbles happily back with bright eyes the colour of the dazzling sky.
---
"Oh...its really crowded, isn't it?" Murrue blinks. It was rare for her to be in a visitor's perspective rather than an officer afterall.
Autumn is dreadfully warm this year, so Murrue has a simple flowing white one piece one and comfortable leggings. Their precious star dressed in a lavender dress (a present from Kira nii-san) while tucked safely in her carrier in front. Haro just keeps rolling carefully beside them quietly.
Astella blows a bubble in response as she takes in all the sights around her. Before pointing up at some Murasame units flying over head and started babbling excitedly, absolutely unbothered by the noise.
"Eh! Eh!"
"Yes! Astella is so smart! Those are Murasame units." Murrue laughs, giving her daughter's cheek a kiss as they headed into the ORB military's event venue. They slowly made their way to the entrance for the security check. Where the guards nearly had an aneurysm once they looked up from the baggage check to see Captain Ramius smiling sweetly back. A swift finger to her lips, trying to prevent a commotion.
They are here to give a surprise afterall.
With some casual talk and a quick thanks to the young soldiers for working hard. The officers swapped out the standard visitor pass for a special one and handed the tag to the Captain instead, after she declined kindly for an escort to accompany her.
The two soon headed inside, but not before the little girl gave the amused guards on duty a toothless smile and wave. ---
Just a little longer. Grin and bear with it. Its all almost over now.
At least, Mu hoped so. The veteran pilot freshened up and out of his pilot suit, tossing his bottle back into the locker. With ORB's national day and the Defense Forces military academy's founding day all in the same time frame, things have been hectic. It would not have been an issue considering he is technically not a soldier on active duty.
But nope! The brass had the amazingly bright idea of showcasing the special ops team Mu had a hand in, as well as some pilots for their military recruitment showcase and open house event. Which meant that Mu unfortunately had to be called in from his leave.
"Commander, its almost time." Shikishima pops his head inside the locker room and calls out, breaking up his old superior's inner grumblings.
"Yeah, I got it!"
The man adjusts the last of his medals and sighs, tidying his appearance and resists the urge to tug at his sleeves. He misses Murrue. He misses his little starlight.
Better get it all over and done with soon. The Mobile Suits showcase is over now. All that is left is the meet and greet and his duties for the most part is done.
Mu and the pilots leave the restricted area to one of the hangars open to public where a few Murasame and Astray units are stationed for viewing. Akatsuki however, have already been moved back to a secured hangar away from public.
There were initial concerns using Akatsuki for the aerial showcase earlier, since ORB's flagship gundam is still considered classified. However, Cagalli thought it would be good for citizens and morale after the terrorist attack awhile ago for the golden gundam to make an appearence. So with this rare opportunity in line with the country's national day, hopefully this will create some good PR too.
The Colonel is not personally keen as he looked at the gathering of excited civilians out there wearily. He loves flying, he loves operating MA and MS, and accepts his duty as a career soldier. But these publicity stunts?
Tedious.Tiring.Troublesome.
Its more so without Murrue by his side.
Which reminds him, there had been a strange feeling bugging at him for a while since the showcase, but it did not seem to be something to worry about.
Mu pulls himself back from his thoughts as he leads the pilots to the greeting area. Half hoping that the younger and eager pilots would help make the crowd easier to handle too. A hopeless thought of course, especially when its his name is slapped on the marketing brochures as a special appearance, leading to such a huge turnout.
Oh, that long chat he had with the army's PR and marketing bureau was fun alright. With a deep breath, Mu la Flaga puts on his best diplomatic mien, and carries out his role. Either with enthusiasts or casual visitors. Yet it was those with little eager kids and boys full of wonder in their eyes that makes the event less stressful.Afterall, he remembers how he was like those kids, watching the boundless sky.
As the event starts to wrap up and radio announcement of the closure of the area is underway. Mu watches the families leave as the sun begins to set, and starts to feel himself missing his own keenly. There it was that little spark again. He had felt it since earlier, but it started fairly faint... Now its bigger and near- "Mu!"
Mu turns towards that voice he knows. His senses alert but instantly drops it as he feels his heart lighten by the sight of that figure before him.
Murrue!
"Captain!"
"Captain Ramius!"
The pilots starts to get rowdy and gather around the beloved Captain. While some of the NCOs and staff have gotten bold and gathered around to greet their superior and the rumoured little one.
Haro rolls, avoiding the stampede of curious military personnel.
"Murrue! What ar-" Mu starts and approaches Murrue but is stopped when he sees his beloved quickly putting up a hand A small gesture urging him to stay where he is at. Only confusing the man more just as his child tries to reach a chubby hand for him from her spot on Murrue's chest. "- Pwa!" Mu blinks, baffled. Still trying to process seeing his Murrue and daughter before him that he almost missed that little sound amongst the racket the pilot squad is making.
It almost sounded like Astella is trying to call him? Murrue is smiling as she takes the little one out of her carrier, letting Astella's bunny sneakers touch the ground. Her gentle palms supporting those tiny warm hands, before letting the chubby fingers slip out gently.Those tiny feet are standing shakily but strong, as his child takes the first few shaky steps towards him.
No way. Mu is speechless as he kneels down, while the peanut gallery grows quiet, supporting eagerly by the sides. The father ignores them and focuses straight ahead, keeping a sharp eye watching over the little one toddle her way over towards him.
Two hands reaches out, scarred and calloused but always protecting the light of those he loves with every bit of his strength in him. Ever whispering encouragements to the child. Another strong figure follows closely behind those determined tiny feet, guiding hands ready to grab the innocent star from falling too far. A scrunch of a button nose, and just a few more steps! But the unsteady feet stumbles over themselves, as the onlookers gasps.
It did not matter, Mu's combat reflexes grabs Astella safely and the man laughs brightly. Strong arms hugging his child tight, kissing the chubby pink cheeks and praising her for her first steps. Before he turns and pulls his lover and partner in as well, giving Murrue a sweet kiss on those soft lips that he had dearly missed. Letting the familiar scent of this strong woman envelop his senses as he holds them close.
"Surprise." Murrue then whispers into his neck.
"Thank you." Mu smiles back, pressing his lips once more onto her forehead.
A younger pilot in that white EA uniform ever wandering aimlessly in those skies would never have dared to imagine the life he has now. However, Mu knows this is what his heart had long yearned for.
The two figures here in his arms are his sky now.
---
Omake:
"Ah!Ah!"
"Yes, that one is Akatsuki! Papa pilots that big mobile suit!" Mu grins proudly back at his daughter in his arms, who is absolutely fascinated by the large shiny unit. All bright and sparkly under the hangar lights.
Murrue stays at the side as she talks to the NCOs, but keeps an eye on her husband-to-be and their daughter. A sense of warmth and bliss filling her heart watching her love ones together and full of joy. Under that shining mobile suit that have kept him safe and helped them bring peace-
"-So does Astella wanna touch Akatsuki?"
"Mu- COLONEL FLAGA, NO!"














