Set in Stone
Linna Celestea Black

Chapter 1: Back Together Again

If there were any feeling I felt right now, it was most likely sadness. I was stuck on the side where I had no right, no freedom having the chance to be with her, but as long as I could stare at her everyday, I was fine with it.

With Lacus holding my arm warmly, I watched as Cagalli began walking towards Athrun, a calm looking demanding it's own freedom. She was finally calm, able to control what was left of her emotions.

On the other side were Shinn, Lunamaria and Meyrin standing behind Athrun, alongside other ZAFT soldiers. Beside me was Lacus, Captain Ramius, Commander La Flaga and Miriallia and the rest of the Archangel, waiting for Cagalli to return.

We watched as the two got close enough and then gazed at one another for a few minutes, and a piercing stab of envy forced itself against me, and I held back a twitch. The surroundings felt awkward, but then Athrun spoke.

"It's nice to see you again Cagalli…" He whispered, smiling strangely, which made me not comprehend his emotions, but I still stared at her, waiting to see her reaction.

"You too Athrun…"

Once again, they stared at each other but then this time hugged softly, her head resting against his chest, and his chin against the top of her head. Lacus smiled happily for them, but I smiled unhappily, almost painfully. I for sure was happy to see Cagalli find common ground with Athrun again, but for some reason I had felt a twinge of hope to finally be with her once again, and alas it was broken.

Shinn's eyes seemed to show a twinge of anger as I stared into those bloodshot eyes, large and emotionless, probably pulling back the anger he felt towards Cagalli still piercing through his chest. I doubted he'd ever be able to like her, but he at least found calm with her, but not in the way Athrun did.

Lunamaria seemed to have a pleasant smile on her face, probably pleased to see Athrun finding happiness even after that whole war of sadness and agony for him. He was happy with Cagalli against him, and like the others, he wasn't afraid to prove it.

Meyrin, out of shock, held a calm face, but then smiled herself as she watched with peaceful eyes at the hug, no note of agony in her eyes or expression. I did notice a pang of shock for just a second, but everything went back to her usual, calm expression.

Turning to Miriallia, the captain and the commander, I saw nothing special. Miriallia held soft eyes with a warm smile, while Commander La Flaga had a grin spreading across his face. The captain seemed to have the same smile as Miriallia, and so I turned back to Athrun and Cagalli.

They pulled apart from the brief hug, and then, if I saw correctly, stared at the lips of the other. It seemed awkward, but then they turned off and walked away, Cagalli's face a flushed rose as she began to walk gracefully, the sound of her heels tapping against the floor. She walked right to me, and I hugged her softly, she returning it quietly.

I loved this feeling, to have her close to me, and she stared at me softly and turned back to the other side. The two stared at each other from that 7-metre difference, and I stared at Athrun happily.

The connection broke, and both the sides turned off, Athrun and the rest walking back to the PLANTS ship that brought them here, while we walked off to the Archangel.

As we got in the hallways, I slowly walked away from Lacus, telling her I had to do something, but then found Cagalli close by and I hugged her again, smiling at her awkwardly.

"I'm happy for you Cagalli…" I whispered, holding back that shooting pain piercing through my chest.

Her blonde hair pumped as she hopped up gleefully, and her eyes twinkled with light beauty. I stared at her with total rage, angry that she did not see by pain, but it was pushed aside by my "happiness."

"Thank you…"

I smiled at her graceful smile, and then began to look at her body as we hugged again, staring at every detail, every curve, every muscle, every bone. There was nothing about Cagalli that was unattractive, but I wasn't something that caught her attention. Of course I wasn't anything to her but her brother, her sole family left…

I was Kira…I was never to be more, nor less. That's all I ever was…Kira.

Author's Notes:

My very first Kira x Cagalli & Athrun x Lacus story ever. For this story, Set in Stone, it bases entirely on Kira and Cagalli, with very minimal Athrun and Lacus. That pairing will be in a side story that should begin when I finish chapter 5 or 6. I'm really busy with everything I must do, but I promise I'll try to fit it in my short computer time.

Please note that later on, it won't be as depressing. Also, that last part where Kira found Cagalli attractive as he examined every part, please don't take that the wrong way.

I don't have much more to say, except that I'll be replying to the reviews shortly in the author's notes, and for you to please review with criticism and ideas. Even flames are accepted, except those with flames bashing the pairings, plot or characters. You can bash everything else, the way I portrayed the characters, and the setting, but none of those three things above.

One more note: If anyone has any thoughts on how to help me improve (basically criticism), please send me a PM, since I am looking for a beta reader. Thanks!

Please review!

Sincerely,

Linna Celestea Black