In Love and War

By Lady Une-chan

Chapter Ten

January 11, UC 0080

London, England, The United Kingdom of Great Britain, Earth

The Noah Residence

Bright slowly opened the door to his bedroom (well, the one that Mirai was staying in). The sun filtered through the blinds on the window, leaving trails of lights across the room. Mirai was sleeping soundly as he tip-toed across the floor. He slid open the closet, trying not to wake her. Unfortunately, it was then that the door decided to get stuck in it's track, producing a loud thud. Bright wheeled around, and sure enough, Mirai was awake, sitting up in bed and rubbing her eyes.

"Sorry! I just was trying to get--"

"Your uniform," Mirai finished before he could. "It's okay. I really shouldn't be sleeping in here anyway; it's your bedroom."

"You can go ahead and go back to sleep. It's only six o'clock. You don't have to take Sayla to the airport until about nine," Bright said, taking the outfit from the closet.

But Mirai had already stood up and was starting to make the bed. "But I have to make you breakfast."

Bright gave a chuckle. "You don't think that I can live on bread?"

"No," she said, smoothing out the sheets and placing the pillows on top.

"Very well then. I'll see downstairs," said Bright, as he exited the room.

Mirai cracked a smile as she watched him leave. He was so different on White Base, yet very much the same. He was a lot more open now that he wasn't commanding the ship that held the Federation's best weapon, and was acting more like his age. However, he was as stubborn as ever. Mirai couldn't help but wonder if Bright thought that she had changed. Well, she definitely had changed during the end of the war, and she knew that Bright didn't like that change. She went the opposite direction-- she was much more distant. But Mirai wanted to know if she had changed after the war. Was she still distant, or had she gone back to being her normal self?

After changing into a pink blouse and skirt, Mirai went downstairs to find Bright and Sayla sitting at the kitchen table. He was reading the newspaper, whereas Sayla just sat there, drumming her fingers and looking completely bored.

"Didn't get a good night's rest, eh, Sayla?" Mirai asked, opening the refrigerator.

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep," Sayla replied, yawning.

"Nightmares?"

"Yeah," Sayla responded. Bright took this a "Newtype moment". Mirai was basically reading Sayla's mind because she knew the answers to her questions before she asked them. Once again, Bright felt a little out of the loop. He was a "Oldtype", and had no psychic powers whatsoever. He could only guess that Sayla's nightmares were about her brother.

"That's too bad. Maybe you can nap on the plane," said Mirai, pulling out a carton of eggs.

Bright set aside his newspaper. "Just make sure you don't sit next to someone who is talkative."

Sayla smirked. "I'll try not to."

"Sit down next to some attractive guy," Mirai advised, as she fried the eggs in a skillet. (Something Bright never attempted.)

"Yeah, sit down next to a guy that looks just like me," added Bright. Sayla gave him a death glare, while Mirai broke out into giggles. "See, Mirai suggests it too!"

"Well, make sure he doesn't look exactly like Bright. I want to be able to tell them apart!" Mirai set down plates of food in front of them, and seated herself at the table.

"Oh, I'm sure you'd be able to tell us apart," Bright assured Mirai.

"Well, gag me with a spoon!" Sayla said imitating a "valley girl".

"Gladly," replied Bright, reaching for the utensil, only to be stopped by Mirai.

"Hey, let's not be violent," she said, patting his arm.

They ate their meal in silence, and Mirai took the opportunity to study Bright's new military uniform. Besides the fact that the lieutenant insignia was changed to one of a captain, it wasn't like the uniform he had worn during the war. This uniform resembled the one worn by General Revil and the other soldiers that didn't actually go on the battlefield. In other words, it was not meant for combat.

"Is something wrong, Mirai?" asked Bright.

"Oh no, it's just..." she trailed off, "Why did Cameron call you 'Lieutenant Noah' instead of 'captain'?"

"He probably was too stupid to figure it out," answered Sayla.

"No, he probably just didn't know," said Bright in Cameron's defense.

Sayla raised an eyebrow. Even though he didn't like Cameron, Bright always was nice to him. They had two things in common: a love for Mirai, and a hate for Sleggar. Now, Sayla knew that Bright thought that Sleggar was the scum of the Earth, and that he hated him even more than Cameron. Sayla herself was not fond of Sleggar. He flirted constantly with both her and Mirai, and when Sayla dismissed him, he focused all of his attention on the Asian. Bright was stung real bad by this, more than the whole Cameron ordeal.

"You're right. How could he have know that you got promoted?" Mirai agreed with Bright.

Sayla just shook her head as got up and placed her plate in the sink. Not wanting to do the dishes for the thrid time, she wandered into the living room. Spying framed photographs on the fireplace mantel, she walked over and began to study them.

Moments later she was joined by Bright and Mirai, who were laughing and giggling over something probably silly.

"Is this your parents' wedding picture, Bright?" Sayla asked, pointing to a photo.

Bright nodded. "Yeah."

"How did they meet?" asked Mirai, as the group sat down on the couch.

"My father was an escort for his cousin at a debutante ball. My mum had also arrived with a cousin-- her original escort had the flu. Both my parents were too embarrassed to dance with their cousins, so the ended dancing with each other."

"How cute!" exclaimed Mirai. Meanwhile, Sayla was rolling her eyes and mouthing the words, "Gag me with a spoon!"

"How did your parents meet?" Bright asked Mirai, ignoring the blonde.

"Let's just say it's a long story involving the Loch Ness Monster and the Five Eyed God Emperor of Japan named Fudo Myo."

A confused look passed though Bright face. "W-what?"

"She's kidding," Sayla whispered in his ear.

Bright gave both women a puzzled look as they broke out in a giggle fit.

"Dude, five eyes," said Sayla, between the bouts of laughter.

"But, seriously, Bright, it has to do it! Both my Otou-san and Okaa-san--" started Mirai.

"Your what?" asked Bright.

"My father and mother. Anyway, they were both at the library, looking up legends, and Otou-san--Father--was looking for a book on Fudo Myo, and my Okaa-san--Mother-- was looking for a book on the Loch Ness Monster!"

"Oh," said Bright, "I was thinking of something else."

"Bright! Get your mind out of the gutter!" Mirai smacked him on the shoulder.

"Oww!" faked Bright, as he rubbed where she hit him.

"Gag--"

"Don't, Sayla," Mirai cut her off.

"I have to go brush my teeth," announced Bright, as he got up and headed for the stairs.

Mirai nodded and followed him.

"You guys care a little too much about hygiene," Sayla called after them.

"And you wanted to be a doctor," Mirai replied, sarcastically.

"Okay, okay," said Sayla, following in suite.

So they all went upstairs, only to go back down five minutes later.

"I have to go to work now," Bright said, "Don't forget to go to the airport nine. So, Sayla, I'll seen you soon, and Mirai, I'll be back at around five-thirty. There's something I want to talk about with you." He kissed Mirai on the cheek and left for the army base.

"So what are we going to do?" asked Sayla as soon as Bright left.

"Clean," answered Mirai.

"Clean? God, Mirai, you are nuts. The house looks clean enough to me."

"Oh well, I was just trying to help Bright."

"You've proving my point."

"What?" asked Mirai, a little puzzled.

"You're doing Bright's housework for him," said Sayla.

"I'm living here too now," defended Mirai.

Sayla just sighed and sat down on the couch.

So Mirai went around cleaning the house while Sayla watched TV. And they did this until nine o'clock. Then Mirai grabbed the rental car keys, and they headed to the airport.

They sat in silence as Mirai drove. Then she suddenly spoke.

"It's hard being part Newtype, ne? I don't always know what I want to know."

"I know where this is leading," replied Sayla, "But I'm sorry, Mirai, but this is something that you'll just have to figure out for yourself."

"But, Sayla--"

"No, Mirai. I'm not going to tell you."

The Asian pouted and concentrated on driving. Sayla gazed idly out the window until they arrived at the airport-shuttleport.

"You can just drop me off here," said Sayla.

"I assume I'll be seeing you soon," replied Mirai, as she coasted the car to a stop.

Sayla opened the car door. "You assume correctly." There was a slight pause. "You'll know why soon enough."

"Well then, 'bye," Mirai said. Sayla shut the car door and waved good-bye as the vehicle pulled away.

Mirai returned home and realized that there wasn't really a need to clean. Bright kept the house tip-top condition, but Mirai wanted to help anyway. So she flopped down in front of the television and began to channel surf. All that was on was soap operas and talk shows. Mirai wasn't ever one for soap operas; someone was always having an affair, someone was dying, someone was pregnant, and someone had amnesia. She found them a bit too repetitive. There wasn't anyone good on the talk shows, so Mirai switched off the TV and decided to go upstairs to the study and choose a book to read.

Although the Noahs had an extensive collection of books, there were few that Mirai hadn't read. She would finally find one, but after reading the back cover, she would sit it back on the self in it's proper place, not interested in the story it had to offer. Now, there were plenty of books Mirai would have liked to reread, but she couldn't decide which one.

Then that voice inside of her suddenly told her to look in one of the drawers on the desk. She sat down in the swivel chair and opened the top drawer. Inside was pencils, pens, paper clips, and all the other usual office supplies. Not satisfied with its contents, Mirai closed that drawer and opened the next, which contained paper and folders. So she opened that bottom drawer, in which was what looked like a stationery box. This was little peculiar, because the rest of the stationery was in the paper drawer. Curiously, Mirai took the box out and lifted off the lid. It was filled with pieces of binder paper. Each piece was folded into a square, just the right size to fit into a pocket. She unfolded the one on top, revealing what appeared to be letter, written in Bright's neat handwriting. Then she noticed the letter was to her.

November 5, UC 0079

Mirai--

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for trying your best to command White Base while I was ill. I know that you felt that you weren't fit for the job, but there is something extraordinary about you. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. Just keep trying to do your best. That's all I can ask. I did the right thing, making you second-in-command.

I also would like to thank you for taking care of me. You were kind enough to come and check on me between your duties.

-- Bright

Mirai stared at the little note. Why didn't Bright give this her? Was he embarrassed or something? She refolded the first letter and picked up the second one.

December 1, UC 0079

Mirai--

I am sorry that I was rude to you yesterday. I just was a little more than surprised to find out that you had a fiancé. I didn't mean to yell at you. It's truly only your own business, however, I can't help but feel that this was something that I should have know about.

I just wanted to let you know that I consider you my closest friend. If there is any thing that you need to talk about, I am more than willing to listen. I will always respect your opinion.

Bright

Mirai gave a half-hearted smile. That was Bright for you. However, she still thought that it was strange that he never gave these notes to her.

December 25, UC 0079

Dear Mirai,

It's quite obvious that you are not having a merry christmas. This has been a tough time of all of the crew, but especially you. First you broke up with Cameron and then Sleggar died. You've been acting very depressed and sad. I wish that I could say or do something that would make you feel better. Unfortunately, I don't think that I'm capable of that.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I will be here for you. I care deeply for you, and it troubles me to see you like this. You mean a lot to me. I find myself constantly worrying about you, rather than the war. I wonder if this makes me a bad soldier, a bad commander. Instead of concentrating on how to win battles, I concentrate on you. Is this foolish me, Mirai?

I know what you'd say. "Oh, don't worry about me, Bright. I'm fine." That's how you always answer. Why won't you tell me the truth? Why do you have to lie? Do think that if you lie, that I won't worry about you?

I will always worry about you. I will always care for you, even if you never do. I will always be here if you need a shoulder to cry on.

Bright

She felt a couple of tears run down her cheek. At the time, she knew that Bright had feelings for her, but never this strong. Mirai folded the note and opened the last one.

December 28, UC 0079

Dearest Mirai,

I don't even know if I'll give you this letter. I've written you notes before, but I never gave them to you.

Why won't you talk to me, Mirai? You seem so distant. Whatever happened to the Mirai I knew? I know that the war's been hard on you, but it's been hard on me, too.

But do you know what has been harder on me than war? Love. Sure, the war's made me mature a lot faster, but love has changed me in more ways.

Do you know how I felt when I found out that you had a fiancé?Hurt. Betrayed. Jealous. You surprised me when you broke up with him. I felt like I might have a chance to be with you.

And then there was Sleggar. I really don't understand what happened between you two. But you weeped when he died. I could help but wonder if you would cry like that if I was to die.

Am I selfish to want you, Mirai? I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy. I care about you more than you know. I just wish I could make you feel better. You have been very depressed lately.

So why won't you talk to me? I don't care if you hurt my feelings; just as long as you are happy. I am sick of hearing you say for me to stop worrying about you. I am sick of you lying and saying that you are fine. Just tell me the truth, Mirai. I will never stop worrying about you. I love you too much. I fear that I am perhaps I little too overprotective, but I don't care.

Please consider talking with me, Mirai.

Affectionately,

Bright

Mirai managed to stop crying and put the last letter back in it's rightful place. This was something that she needed to talk about tonight with Bright. So she took the stationery box downstairs with her, where she sat it down on the counter and made herself lunch.

Meanwhile, Bright was too nervous to do any work. His assistant, Herbert Longfellow, noticed this, and inquired. "Is something troubling you, sir?"

Bright looked at the short, brunet, young man. Herbert was always too eager to help him. He had been assigned to be assist Bright only a week ago. Unfortunately, Herbert hadn't had much to do, especially since Bright had been on leave. Not to mention, there was barely any work to be done anyway. "Well, I'm going to do something very important tonight." Bright choose his words carefully.

"Does it have something to do with Miss Yashima?" Herbert asked.

Bright turned away from Herbert and blushed deep red.

"It does, doesn't it?"

"Well, yes," Bright mumbled, shuffling through papers on his desk.

"She lives with you, right, Captain Noah?"

"How do you know that?"

"Everyone knows that, sir," Herbert answered.

A cross expression came across Bright's face. "They do, do they?"

Herbert nodded. "Yes, sir."

Bright sighed and continued to shuffle through papers.

"You're going to ask her to marry you, aren't you?"

The Brit's face got redder. "I'm not exactly sure that's any of your business."

"Ha! You are!"

"Are you a Newtype?" Bright asked.

"No, why?"

Bright lowered his voice. "How else would you know?"

"Ah, deductive reasoning, sir. I just drew the conclusion from the facts. You are doing something important tonight; your whole world revolves around Miss Yashima; she lives with you. No, I'm not a Newtype, sir," Herbert answered.

Bright looked at his watch. "Well, it's time to take lunch break. I've got something that I need to do."

"Are you going to the jewelery store?" Herbert asked.

"And you say you're not a Newtype?"

"I am not a Newtype, sir," Herbert answered.

"Well, you sure could pass for one," Bright replied.

"I just used deductive reasoning again. With Miss Yashima living with you now, it would be hard to go out and buy her an engagement ring without her noticing. Buying it during you're lunch hour is a clever idea."

"Well, you are one smart man, Herbert," said Bright as he started to leave the office.

"Thank you, sir!" Herbert called after him.

* * *

"I'm home!" Bright called as he entered the house.

Mirai came into the living room from the kitchen. "How was work?"

"The usual," he answered, avoiding eye contact. Mirai had hoped that this could help figure out what he wanted to talk about tonight since Sayla had refused to tell her.

"Well, I've got dinner almost already." She went back to into the kitchen, Bright following her.

"So what did you do--" he started, but cut himself off when he saw the stationery box on the counter. "Where did you get this?"

"I found it in your desk drawer," Mirai said, as she put the plates of steaming food on the table and then sat down.

"Why?" Bright asked, sitting down in his spot.

"I had a hunch that there was something in the desk that we needed to talk about," answered Mirai.

Bright decided to use deductive reasoning. "Do you want to know why I didn't give the letters?"

"Yes," Mirai replied, twirling her fork idly in her food.

"Well, the reason I didn't give you the first couple of letters was because I was a little embarrassed about them," Bright admitted. "As for the others, I didn't give them to you because they said things that I needed to say out loud to you. I guess that wrote them to help work out my feelings." He shoveled the food into his mouth.

"Why didn't you tell me out loud then?" Mirai asked.

"Two reasons: one, we were fighting a war. As a commander, I needed to put the entire crew before my own personal feelings. Two, I was afraid that if I told you I loved you right after Sleggar died that you would latch on me because I said it. I wanted to you to work out your feelings before I told you mine."

Mirai sighed. "Yes, I suppose it was the right thing to do." She watched Bright get up from the table and put his empty plate in the sink, already done with his dinner. He turned back to Mirai and noticed that she hadn't even taken a bite of her food.

"Don't like your own cooking?" Bright asked, kiddingly.

"Oh, well, it's just..." Mirai trailed off.

He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I don't mean to sound like Frau, but you need to eat."

She nodded and obeyed, and Bright rinsed off his dishes and placed in the dishwasher. "I'll be in the living room. There's something I want to talk to you about."

"I know," Mirai said in-between bites.

A worried look crossed his face. Newtypes always ruined his element of surprise. "You do?" he asked, softly.

"You told me this morning. However, I honestly do not know what you want to talk about," she answered.

That lifted Bright's spirits. "Well, then. I'll see you in the living room," he said and left the kitchen.

Mirai hurried to finish her dinner and wash her plate. She basically ran out of the room and hopped down on the couch beside Bright.

"So what do you want to talk about?" she asked.

"You seriously don't know?" Even if her Newtype abilities didn't allow to see the future, he was sure that Mirai would at least be able to guess.

She shook her head "no". This unfortunately made Bright more nervous. If she'd already known what he was about to do, it would make things a lot more easier.

"Oh," was his answer.

Meanwhile, Mirai was racking her brain to give her some clue as to what this was all about. "Does this have something to do with our living situation?"

"Actually, it does."

"Does it have something to do with how we define our relationship?"

"It does very much."

Mirai's hand flew to do her mouth in shock. "Are you asking--" she started, tears beginning to flow. "Are you asking me to--" she tried again.

Bright couldn't contain himself anymore. "Yes, Mirai, I am asking you to marry me." She threw herself into his arms and the two kissed passionately. When they broke away, Bright asked, "Don't you want to have your engagment ring? You didn't give me the chance to give it to you." He pulled a small box out of his pocket and handed it to her.

Mirai opened the box and stared at the ring.

"Do you like it?" Bright ventured.

"Of course!" she exclaimed, putting it on her finger.

They kissed once more, until Mirai pulled away.

"Is something wrong?" asked Bright.

"Well, I was hoping that we could talk some more," she answered.

"About what?"

"About our future. Like how many children we want to have, and that kind of thing.

So they spent entire night dicussing these things.

And that is where this chapter ends.

Hee hee!! Be sure to read and review! Chapter 11 is coming soon!! ~ Lady Une-chan

Back to Mobile Suit Gundam Fanfiction