Ring

[electrumicity.livejournal.com]

Title: Ring
Fandom: Gundam 00
Pairing: Lockon/Allelujah
Rating: PG
Notes: Inspired by a Perfect Dodge doujin.



He stood outside of the younger Meister's door, chewing on his lip. "Get a hold of yourself, Neil," he muttered under his breath. "What's the worst that can happen?" Maybe awkwardness that would eventually fade in time. Or maybe Allelujah would be so bothered by it that he'd draw away and stop talking to him. It was difficult to judge what reactions Allelujah might have to particular things.

It was strange. He'd never have this problem before with anyone else, always been confident; he wasn't entirely inexperienced in matters like these, so why were his palms sweating so damn much? Lockon wiped his hands on his pants, trying to clear his mind. If this worked out, wonderful. If not, life would go on, even though there'd be a deep disappointment.

Knocking on the door, he waited for an answer. What felt like longer than it actually was passed before he heard the voice from the inside calling out "Come in." The door slid open an d he walked in, spotting Allelujah laying on his bed with a book in his hand. He took a seat next to him, giving him a wide smile.

"Happy birthday, Allelujah!" he said happily, chuckling as he saw the younger man's eyes widen in surprise. "I bothered Sumeragi until she told me," he explained, knowing what Allelujah was about to ask. "Sorry for the breach in confidentiality, but hey, it's not the worst thing that can be leaked."

Allelujah's puzzled expression faded into a smile as he put down his book on the nightstand next to the bed. 'Thanks, Lockon," he said. "To be honest, I almost forgot about it. I don't put too much mind to it, but I'm not really complaining about someone wishing me a happy birthday."

"It's the least I can do," Lockon replied. Some time passed, a semi-awkward silence, before Lockon reached into the pocket of his vest and pulled out a small box. He handed it to Allelujah with a sheepish smile. "I got you a little something. You'll probably find it strange, but..."

Allelujah took the box, confused again "You didn't have to, Lockon," he murmured as he turned the box over. "I don't want you to be wasting your money on me—"

"I wanted to," the brunette cut him off. "No complaining, just open it."

The box was opened, then, Allelujah reaching in and pulling out a small ring. "A ring...?" he asked curiously as he examined it. "Interesting design." He ran a thumb against the smooth metal. The center of the ring had two hands holding a heart, a crown situated on top of it.

"It's called a Claddagh ring," Lockon explained. "It's a special ring from my home country. There's a certain tradition behind it..." He trailed off when Allelujah glanced up at him. Clearing his throat, he continued. "How you wear the ring is a sign of your relationship status. If you put it on so the heart's pointing outwards, it means that you're single. But if you put it on so the heart's pointing inwards, it basically means that you have a lover."

Allelujah raised an eyebrow. "I really appreciate the gift, but don't you think it's a little silly for someone like me? I mean, look at me. You don't really need a ring to tell."

Another period of silence passed. Lockon's gaze couldn't seem to stay still, darting between Allelujah, the ring, the wall—that feeling of nervousness was back full force. He still wanted to laugh at himself for being so damn scared of the worst case scenario.

Now or never, Neil.

Quickly so as not to give Allelujah a chance to move away, he leaned in and pressed their lips together. He felt the other man immediately tense up, but he wasn't shoving him away—that was a good sign. Lockon lingered there for a little while, only breaking off the kiss several moments later.

Allelujah's expression was almost comical. Wide eyes, mouth hanging open, redness quickly creeping up his cheeks. He looked as if he was trying to say something, but nothing was coming out.

"Uh..." Whatever Lockon had been planning to say had since flown out the window, and he was speechless himself. Finally, he cleared his throat and managed some words. "I'm not expecting a response right away. Give it some time and think it over." He gave Allelujah a smile and a squeeze on the shoulder before making his way out of the room.

The door sliding closed behind him, Lockon pressed himself against the wall and took a deep breath. There, it was done. Now all he had to do was wait for an answer...though already, he was realizing how difficult the waiting period was going to be.

- - -

March 3rd. He wondered vaguely if anyone on the ship had any knowledge of his own birthday, though he wasn't expecting anything; he didn't really mind, though, as he hadn't properly celebrated his birthday in years. Maybe he'd visit Ireland when he got back to the surface and treat himself to a nice potato dish somewhere.

The Meisters were having a meeting in one of the rooms on the Ptolemaios to discuss the next mission, which would be taking place in a few days from then. His gaze immediately moved to Allelujah—the younger man hadn't been avoiding him the past few days, but he hadn't said much to him either. Lockon had been forcing himself not to think the worst, even if he hadn't spotted the ring on Allelujah yet.

It was in one of his many glances at him that Allelujah made eye contact with him. He didn't say anything—Sumeragi was still speaking—but his lips curved up into a smile.

'Happy birthday.' Lockon saw the words silently mouthed to him. His initial surprise turned into happiness, but it was only moments later that it had jumped back to shock.

Allelujah had raised his hand slightly, giving Lockon a view of the ring now situated on his ring finger. Though several feet away, he could see the piece of jewelry fairly easily.

The heart was pointing inwards.

He met Allelujah's smile, returning it widely.