Just

By: White Rain

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED.

Pairing: Athrun/Laucs, Athrun/Cagalli, Athrun/Cagalli/Kira/Lacus

Summary: Their first kiss was awkward, but this hug wasn't. Some things aren't natural, and you have to work for it, but maybe that make it all the more precious.

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i

Their first kiss was impulsive on his part.

He leaned over and pressed his lips on hers, thinking he should have done this sooner, and trying to ignore to shocked look on her face.

It ended as quickly as it started.

ii

"Thank you for Pink-chan!" Lacus said, grinning, holding up the pink haro.

"It's no problem," Athrun said, taking a step backwards from her.

"Pink-chan thank you too," Lacus said and then leaned over to peck him on the cheek.

Athrun's palms were sweating and he felt a flush rise up on his face. Her lips were soft, as was the hand that was on his shoulder.

He was relieved when she pulled away.

iii

"What is it you believe in? What is it you're fighting for now? Is it for that medal you received? Or your father's orders?"

Athrun was startled, and it suddenly felt as if he was looking at her for the first time.

iv

"Here," Lacus said, setting a plate down in front of a small child, who was sniffling. "There's no need to cry, we have plenty."

"Athrun?" Cagalli said, setting her hand on Athrun's shoulder, "Is something wrong?"

Athrun hadn't even been aware that he'd been staring at Lacus until he felt a tap on her shoulder.

"You look sad," Cagalli continued.

Athrun gave her a wary smile, "Lacus is happy here, doing this with Kira. I know I wouldn't be."

Cagalli understood quickly, "I wouldn't either. There's too much to do - "

"Too much to fix," Athrun finished for her. "Still I sometimes wish it had been different."

Cagalli took a few steps toward him, and Athrun quickly grew aware of the fact that their hips were touching and that he wished they were closer together. "It's probably not best to think like that."

v

"It would just the four of us!" Lacus finished, holding up a pamphlet of the hotel she wanted them to vacation in with Kira, Cagalli, and Athrun. "You can take some time off for that, couldn't you?"

He really couldn't, there was a lot of work he had to do. Rebuilding was just as difficult as war in some aspects, and a lot of people were counting on him.

But, he was realizing, he couldn't do it all alone anyway. So he said, "I'll make the time if I have to."

Lacus hugged him, and it was the first time he remembered that he was disappointed when it was over, instead of relieved.