Summary: Cagalli gets caught in the rain. Guess who comes along to save the day?
A low rumble growled threateningly from above. Without another warning, sheets of rainfall came pelting down, blanketing an unsuspecting Cagalli.
She lifted her head to scowl at the sky before ducking under the shade of the nearest shop. "I should have watched the weather channel," she grumbled bitterly, leaning against the wall and folding her arms around herself to provide some insulation. "Or someone could've warned me that it was going to rain." But of course no one would. Seeking some reprieve from the ocean of papers that awaited her on her desk, Cagalli had changed out of her uniform and threw on some civilian clothing, and then she'd snuck out for some fresh air. No sooner had she gone out when the deluge caught up with her.
Wind tore mercilessly at her, lashing her with more water, and leaving her feeling colder than ever. She shivered, still muttering sullenly to herself. She was beginning to regret ever going out now, wishing that she'd informed someone about her plans before gallivanting off.
But nooo, she just had to go out, perfectly unaware of the impending meteorological peril that lay in advent.
Cagalli hated the cold, preferring the desert heat to... to this. Admittedly, the nights were cold, but at least she was safe and dry...
Images of her misadventures with Ahmed two years ago reeled in her head. In her distraction, she didn't notice that a shadow had fallen over her, and that the rain wasn't hitting her as much anymore.
"You really shouldn't go out by yourself, Representative Attha. It's dangerous."
Amber eyes flicked up to glower at the newcomer--a young man with dark hair that framed a face that was lit in mellow amusement. His hand was curled around the handle of an umbrella that hovered above both of them.
"You're late," Cagalli chided through chattering teeth. "What are you doing here, anyway? I told you to take the rest of the night off."
He shrugged self-consciously, a slight flush tinting his cheeks subtly. "I'm your bodyguard, remember? It's my job. Here, hold this for a moment."
She puzzled over his expression, but took the umbrella. Her fingers had become a little numb, and she was still trembling, much to her agitation. She was willing her body to still itself when she felt a warm weight thrown over her shoulders, after which the umbrella was gently tugged off her grasp.
"You need it more than I do," he explained when she looked questioningly at him.
She seized the black fabric of Athrun's jacket, and pulled it tighter around herself. "Thanks," she mumbled.
And then an arm swung about her waist. The sudden movement made her teeter off-balance, and her face collided with his green shirt with a muffled "oof!".
"Let's go."
Cagalli nodded, letting him steer her. Squishing noises accompanied her every step. Water had sloshed into her shoes, and her socks were hopelessly soaked. She winced at the uncomfortable feeling of her clothes clinging heavily to her skin. Trying to ignore her discomfort, she pressed herself closer to Athrun, sighing as she buried her nose in the veil of green cotton, and the warmth that radiated beneath it. And then she heard it--his heartbeat. Strong and steady... Like the rainfall. Like... Like...
Like Athrun. She mused tiredly, losing herself in its rhythm. It was beginning to pound faster, faster, faster still. Distantly, she heard someone calling her name. But why?
"--galli!" Athrun's voice shuttered in her ear, his voice taking an urgent tone. "Are you alright? Hey! Caga--"
She felt her limbs weaken. And then the calls, the rhythms were gone, replaced by the echoes of silence.
A/N: Endings are so troublesome. Here's to hoping my attention doesn't die out and I put up a next chapter. Criticisms? Open-fire away. XD