srwug_alpha_rp | Wraping up the "Mineva's Missing" plot that didn't go off as planned

[ Markus' was the last room Char checked. So imagine his surprise when he found the future-queen asleep in some strange guy's lap. He's not going to say anything, yet; just motion to the armed guards outside to hold position. ]

What is she doing here?

[ He asked, keeping his voice down, as not to wake or panic the sleeping princess. ]

We're watching Kamen Rider. I was doin research when she happened in. Said something about never having watched TV before.

Dunno who she is so, I've been lookin after her since.

There a problem, Mister Red-Comet-Dude?

[ Char just stares at the two for a moment. Then, he dismisses the other guards, after ordering them to go find Haman. ]

No, there isn't. I just wish you would have told us a few hours ago. Haman is about ready to crawl out of her skin with worry.

We've been here the whole time... Except to go get sammiches, but... good is a given...

So then... who's the kid?

[ Is this guy serious? ]

The girl in your lap is Mineva Lao Zabi, crown princess to the throne of the Principality of Zeon.

Oooooooh... [[Peeks down. He's not scared. He's yelled at Haman and LIVED.]]

Yeah, I guess I can see the Space Queen flipping out over that. Well, I took good care of her anyway. We watched Kamen Rider, and had sammiches. That's not going to start some kind of international incident, is it?

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=425142-1.jpg)

"Char! Where did you go?" Haman's voice drifted down the hall, as she hurried to catch up with him. "I just cleared the whole left side of the hallwa- " As she entered the room, and saw the scene set before her, Haman stopped.
Part of her was ecstatic to finally have found Mineva, and that she was completely unharmed.
But the fierceness of strange maternal instinct over rode those feelings entirely. For a moment you could almost see her rage boiling, Char could certainly feel it.
You took my baby!

And of course, MarKus being MarKus, he just greets her with a smile. "Sup, Haman. Might wanna keep it down. Your lil Princess is asleep."

He gives her a little pat on the head while she naps in his lap. "She's been watching TV with me the whole time I guess she was missing. SHe just wandered in, and I let her hang out. I took good care of her, even not knowing she was the future Queen of Zeon." Of course, it's not like he could offer her any more condolence. The only thing saving him was having her in his lap, and not being a NewbType!

Oh, Char could feel it. He could feel Haman's rage mounting. Of course, when MarKus at least attempted to explain himself, Char remained silent; only shot a look at Haman that said 'Try to be gentle.'

He knew Haman's maternal instinct was on overdrive right now, but he was going to sit and wait. Hopefully, MarKus wouldn't get hurt too badly by this.

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=21.jpg)

Haman held herself in check long enough to cross the room, and with out a word, gingerly picked up Mineva out of Markus's lap, cradling the child's head in her hands. With an air of rarely seen gentleness she held the sleeping child to her tightly, gripping her as if to let her go would be to loose her forever.
Mineva mumbled a little but went on sleeping limply against Haman's body.

Haman just looked down at her for a moment, as if taking inventory. Fingers, toes, everything in tact?
When she was sure, she went and pressed the princess to Char's arms. with a tip of her head, she motioned for him to take the tot out in the hall for a moment.

Someone was about to learn why you never come between a lion and her cub (even an adopted one).

Haman turned back now to Markus with a look in her dark eyes that would bring a newtype to his knees.
"I'm glad that Mineva got to spend sometime being a normal child but..." The aura of anger was almost palatable in the air. "If you ever run off with her again with out telling me immediately, I will ship you back to Axis in a crate and find some never heard of form torture for you!!" Haman held a finger out before her, taking a deep breath.

"I like you, Markus." The words came out through gritted teeth, so it sounded a bit strange. "You're a good kid, but Mineva is my life. I would destroy anyone who tried to harm her, without discretion. Don't ever put yourself between me and her again. I'm happy to let you two hang out, as long as I know where she is. Do you understand?"

You know, one of these days, MarKus will know that parenting thing, but, we're a good few years off from that. For now, it's that 'kid sister' thing that he was so denied. He took good care of her, but, it's nice to have her off his lap.

"Hey now, don't take it out on me. I didn't go anywhere with her. She came in on her own, door was wide open. She came and sat down, and... since I had no damn clue who she was, I just let her sit. How was I supposed to know who she was, lady?" MarKus could only defend himself so much really, since, most of it was out of his hands, on top of the fact that he never got it out of Kamille and Cynthia who the girl was.

"But... whatever... if that's your daughter then... I guess I get you flipping out. She wasn't ever in any danger. And I even fed her. But why would I just take some kid? And she's fine now. Calm down before you wake her up. Or just... I dunno... watch TV with us. "

Mineva stirred in Char's arms as he held the child, apparently hearing the tone of Haman's voice even through the closed door. Char shushed the young princess, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "It's alright..." he cooed, Mineva still stirring a bit, but her eyes remaining closed.

When he heard MarKus talking back to Haman, he almost wanted to come back in and tell him to just stay quiet and take it, for his sake. Char knew full well how Haman was when she got angry. The mother of his unborn child was dead because of it. Funny how insane things turned out, wasn't it? At the back of his mind, he wondered what Haman thought of Lalah's ghost. He knew Newtypes would be able to see her and perhaps even hear her better than Oldtypes on the ship was, and he felt Lalah's presence at his side every moment while he was in the hospital. A nuke going off at her final resting place and killing what had to be hundreds of thousands of Titans all in one instant made her spirit restless, and caused her to haunt him even more in some way to calm herself.

It still fascinated him. She was such a powerful Newtype that her consciousness transcended death itself. He only hoped Haman wasn't too mean to her.

When the back and forth lulled for a bit, Char stroked Mineva's hair, trying to keep her calm. He only hoped it didn't escalate, or Mineva wouldn't sleep tonight. She always acted strangely whenever she heard Haman get angry.

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_luicllupFF1qmksf4o1_500.jpg)

"The lovely Burgundy and Gold Zeon uniform she was wearing didn't give you a hint!?" Part of Haman just wanted to smack him in the back of the head, and if he had been Zeon, she likely would have.

And then all at once the fire went out, extinguished, and left to smolder with in her.
"Well, now you know. Just let someone know next time alright?"
It was funny to hear anyone say it out loud, the word 'daughter'.
And though there was still irritation in her voice, the rage has slipped away, replaced with a strangely overwhelming need to be with Mineva and Char.
"If I lost her I don't know what I would do. For two hours I was certain I had. Don't do that to me again."
And then finally a deep sigh of relief.
Now if you'll excuse me while I pull my stomach out of my throat.

Haman turned, and left Markus to his show, slipping back into the hallway. In an instant, she had her arms wrapped around them both, Char, and Mineva.
Haman didn't say anything got a long moment, what could she say? Right now the warmth of this touch soothed down the bristled spines of her anger. Everything was alright, after all.

"Yeah, I guess I did kinda, yanno, fuck up not paying attention and all that. See, I ran into this...

Meh, you probably don't care. But, now you know too, if she goes missing... check in here. She might slip off and watch this stuff without me." MarKus did his best to salute... He's not military, but when you date a military chick, knowing these things help.

"Everything good now, Miss Queen of Space?" Even if Haman was all kinds of top-tier figurehead to Zeon, she was still his equal in person.

And who else could fix her Quebely soo goooood. "I'll let you know next time she wanders in to watch TV. Or I'll come pick her up next time or somethin. If you don't have any problem with her watching staged, Super Hero TV violence?"

Char remained silent during the thankfully short-lived argument. It seemed like an eternity to him, trying to keep Mineva from waking up to the sound of Haman's angry voice.

Thankfully, though, Haman came out, and embraced both of them, sandwiching Mineva's small body between the two of them. Mineva made a sleepy, yet pleased sound at the closeness, and Char let out a sigh of his own; though it was mostly out of relief, than pleasure.

Mineva had been through more than enough lately to have to deal with an angry Haman, as well.

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=50.png)

"I don't think a little superhero action is going to do anyone any harm at this point. It's alright." She paused on her way to the door. "And yes, everything is alright now. Enjoy your television Markus, I'll see you around the hanger."
It was strange how someone so crass could survive acting the way he did. To stand toe to toe with the Regent over and over, well the kid had courage, and his skill with a wrench was unmatched. As it turned out, he knew when to pick a fight a fight, and when to back down. If it had been anyone else Haman might have tore them apart, but it was hard to stay angry at Markus.

---

Haman was unaware of Char's worries about the effects of her anger on Mineva, she felt justified in actions. Anyone would have done the same if they where in her shoes... wouldn't they?

She stepped back now, and stroked Mineva's cheek ever so softly with the back of her finger, her eyes glue to the child for a moment. Checking again that everything was as it should be.
Then she looked up at Char, with a questioning look in her eyes, one eyebrow raised in query. What?

Char didn't answer her look. Holding Mineva against him, he made a motion with his head, signalling that they really should just go back to her room and lay Mineva down properly. Zeon uniforms definitely weren't comfortable for sleeping in, after all.

"You don't mind changing her into her pajamas, do you?"

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lhfkrwn2Hm1qhcv2uo1_400.jpg)

Haman nodded and walked silently beside him, taking a moment to drink in the sweetness of the scene. Mineva's head flopped on his shoulder, her lips parted, her small feet bouncing a little with each step Char took. It was so lovely, and warming, melting away the remnants of her fear fueled raged.

Once they got back to her quarters, Haman coaxed the sleepy child out of her uniform and into a night shirt, she was really zonked out it seemed. Maybe spending time with the other kids was a good idea but still...
Haman put Mineva's to sleep in her own bed, kissing her forehead, and posting her handmaid just outside the door.

When finally she was tucked away where she belong Haman left the room again, she knew Char had something to say. He always did.

Char really only had one thing to say. He was still in his uniform when Haman returned, and he was seated on her bed, leaning back on his arms when she finally entered the room, Mineva already asleep.

"Haman," Char began, his voice low, but his tone serious. "Do you remember the first thing you told me when I asked why you brought Mineva here?"

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lzhujxkWqk1qdyupno1_500.jpg)

Haman leaned on the door when it closed behind her, and let out a deep sigh, even as he spoke.

"Of course." It was the same old song and dance, Haman was starting to get good at this. "I said I wanted her to have a chance to a like other kids... I know what you're going to say." Haman crossed the small room i a few easy steps, her high heels ringing on the hard floor. "But... I've never felt so afraid of any thing, as I was when I couldn't find her. She's not even my child Char but... something came over me, I can't even explain..."

"I understand that," Char answered calmly, his tone still serious, but not entirely chastising. "I was merely going to suggest that you arrange a playdate that you'll supervise yourself. The 501st would be perfect. Particularly Lucchini."

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=khs.jpg)

Wait, that's not at all what she expected to say. I guess you can think you know what someone will say, but people will always surprise you.
"Well, I'm not against the idea in the slightest, but... Char none of those girls wear any pants! I'm not sure that really sends the right message..."

"I've been accused of wearing skirts, Haman," Char responds, referring to typical Zeon stereotypes. "The difference is that they have a legitimate reason not to wear pants. Their Striker units require direct contact with their legs."

Honestly, he has to live one of them, even if he doesn't spend much time in his assigned room anymore. He got over that awkwardness a while ago.

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lqrujsVGjF1r2ukhso1_500.jpg)

"Yes I understand, but why can't they wear pants when they're not piloting? I just don't know if I'm comfortable with Mineva hanging around a bunch of jail bait floosys. I understand they're great fighters, but it's a shame they all have no sense of modesty." Haman crossed her arms. "She may be a child, but Mineva is more refined than that. How would I explain to her that it's alright for them, but not alright for her to run around in her panties?" Though she disagreed, and her choice of words where a bit harsh, she wasn't angry, and in fact her voice was calm, and warm.
If the relationship they shared was going to grow, Haman knew she would have to give as well as take, and she would give him this one, if he could convince her with a logical argument. Modesty was a virtue Mineva would have to have to protect herself later in life from the slings and arrows of the harsh world she would have to enter someday, Haman wanted to be sure that such virtues where installed strongly at such a malleable age.

"You'll have to ask them," Char answered calmly. he was very much surprised to see a pantless teen in his room, too, especially when at the time, he was dating the other. "I don't think Mineva would learn it's acceptable for someone like her. I think she knows enough to know that it's a matter of necessity for the Witches."

But he sighs, and thinks. "I suppose we could ask Allesandra, or Nonoha."

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lvsi57ALgp1qmksf4o1_500.jpg)

" And you may be right, maybe I don't give her enough credit. " Haman smiled a little despite herself, and perched on the edge of the bed beside him. " Maybe I'm just being over protective."

She shook her head a little bit, and smirked over her shoulder at him as an epiphany hit her..
"Are we really having a conversation on parenting?"

She was, and she seemed to acknowledge it; there was no point in answering her implied question.

Though her actual questioned earned her a look from him, which quickly turned into a smile. "We are, aren't we?" he asked.

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lzbb5qDYvx1qa2su2o1_500.jpg)

Haman let her worry about pants and modesty fall away, it wasn't worth fighting over after all, not when Char was smiling at her so.

"When did this happen?" Haman put her hands on the edge of the bed and leaned forward a bit, smirking to herself warmly. "I'm not complaining, I'm just surprised... how easily it happened." She turned at looked at him, a look of wonder in her endlessly deep eyes. " But the real question is... how long can we do this for?"

Edited 2012-08-15 23:44 (UTC)

"Well, that's up to you, isn't it, Haman?" Char asked, folding his hands in his lap. "This was your idea, to bring her here. You know I love Mineva, but this has been your idea since the beginning."

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lhcfutJ11L1qakcj6o1_500.jpg)

"I never thought.... things would go well." Haman had to admit all of this had been a whim, a wild gamble on fate that she should never have taken, and yet everyday, things seemed to get better.
" I was certain none of this would last as long as it has, and now... I'm starting to like it to much to want to stop. I also..." Haman paused, picking her next words carefully. "... I don't want to give her a false sense of security. It's hard on her, having just me, and we all know I'm not going to win any 'mother-figure of the year' awards."

Char listened patiently, and didn't speak until she was finished. "You are her legal guardian, Haman, that's your choice. But I'll likely be obligated to go with her. I did swear an oath to protect her with my life, after all."

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lhfksksXJk1qhcv2uo1_500.jpg)

"I'm only her legal guardian because it was your idea. The only reason anyone went with that crazy idea was because of your confidence in me, their belief that you have always had Zeon's best interest in mind."
Confidence that Haman was still sure was misplaced. A lesser woman would have been ground to dust under the heel of political power, and the weight of dying faction of psudo-nazis.
"If you think Mineva can hang around with a bunch of young women with out pants, I'll swallow my pride and go along with it."

He sudden air of calm was broken where her eyes darted left, Haman seemed to be looking at something, but there was nothing at all there.

Say it. The only frightened child here... is you.

She flinched visibility when she heard the whisper in the back of her mind, and quickly looked away from the empty place she was staring at.

"I... I know there's a lot of terrible things between us Char, many wounds we've inflicted on each other that will never really heal. But..."

"If you know any other young ladies for Mineva to play with, by all means, let's hear your suggestion," Char answered flatly. He was getting rather tired of this game, Haman was being unreasonable. It's not like there were a bunch of children Mineva's age on the ship, much less children they knew for sure they could trust.

He sighed at what she said next. He then smiled sadly, bring a hand up to her side, laying it on her hip. "Enough, Haman," he said quietly. "We've had that conservation five times now, and my answer is the same. It's alright."

(http://s861.photobucket.com/albums/ab173/GreybillGirls/Haman%20Icons/?action=view&current=tumblr_lxv6f2BJ261qbj9bko1_500.jpg)

"I said it was alright!" She rebuked slightly, pulling away from his touch. "Why do you always have to act like that? It's not as if there is anyone else I can talk to about this kind of thing. When I try and be a mature adult you just... ahhh!" Haman go to her feet, an angry looks sweeping over her features.

That's right. Get mad. That always fixes everything...

Haman put her hand to her head as she took a few steps away from him.
"You think you're so calm and confident all the time, but it's only because I have to clean up the messes you make! A job which, thanks to you, robbed me as anything I even dreamed of doing with my life!" Where was this coming from all the sudden? Even Haman wasn't entirely sure, this whole day had been one long string of emotionally charged moments, so why stop now? The anger had already risen, making her hot under the unyielding latex of her tunic.

Go ahead... tell him how you really feel. Tell him he's a horrible person. Tell him this is all his fault. A person of your stature doesn't need to take the blame for anything...

"I didn't ask for this, for any of it! Maybe I just wanted to be a normal girl, did anyone every bother ask me? What 14 year old girl wants to raise a child that's not her own and run a government? And now everything is so fucked up I don't know if any of it can be saved. Mineva! Zeon! ... Me! Any of it!" Her voice grew louder as she went out, anger only breeding more anger. She was to far in it to back down now, and all the while these tiny whispered echoed in the back of her mind.

"Then step down, Haman," Char responded after she finished her rant. "If that is how you feel, that this responsibility is too much for you, step down and let someone else take over."

Of course, he had a point to make with this. "Let one of the extremists in the Council take over, so we can go back to Colony Drops and gassing, and then lose the support of the Colonists and anti-Federals on Earth. Let Aiguille Delaz claim he was right all along. Let someone else take care of Mineva so she can turn out just like her father."

This whole time, Char's voice was quiet, but his tone was stern. "Do you ask yourself why I chose you, Haman? Why I didn't just reveal my true name and take over myself? You were the only one who could unite Zeon and lead it back to greatness. You're the only one who can silence the warmongering dissidents and keep the people of Zeon loyal to you. Regardless of what my real name is, I'll only ever be the Red Comet to them, nothing more than a pilot. You're the inspiring figure here, Haman. Not me."

Wraping up the "Mineva's Missing" plot that didn't go off as planned

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