Title: Yasashii
Rating: K+
Warnings: YzakxCaga ship, unbeta-ed, some OOC-ness
Genre: General, Fluff
Main Character(s): Yzak, Cagalli
Ship(s): YzaxCaga
Summary: Cagalli wonders about why she is love in with Yzak. One shot.
Disclaimer: Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed, Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed Destiny, characters and places are copyright to Hajime Yate, Yoshiyuki Tomino, Sotsu Agency and Sunrise.
Author's Notes: I love this non-canon pairing ever since my friend mentioned that Yzak sort of saved Cagalli from Calamity. It brewed into an idea for a fic and here it is.

She had wondered about it. Whether it had been the gratitude left over from the first war when he saved her from her impending demise. They had been enemies, fighting against each other for a side they believe was right. In the end, it was truth that brought them together to fight side by side against the enemy in their midst.

They hardly ever said more than three words to each other. Hardly even give each other second looks. So, how, she mused, did they end up together? Athrun, she had been attracted to. She didn't deny that fact. He was like forbidden fruit to her that time, like the poison apple held out temptingly to her, its colour so bright and red. Funny, how Athrun always seemed to end up piloting scarlet mobiles suits. She almost laughed at the thought before she sobered.

The truth was, she didn't even know where this attraction came from, how or when. It frightened her, and yet, it excite her as well. It fuelled the growing emotions within her, sending them into conflicting directions, some of which she couldn't understand herself. One was very clear; she was deeply attracted to him to a degree that she can't seem to even look away or bury that feeling. She didn't want to deny it, didn't want to put it aside. Couldn't put it aside.

He was still short-tempered, quick to flare up like fireworks if Athrun was so much as near him or ribbed him. The resentment he held inside towards the other boy was still there, but not as intense as before. It had faded over time, as he grew up. He had matured in the past few years, more wiser, more responsible. You have to be, to be the commander of your own team with the lives and safety of your men at the palm of your hands.

She saw him for the kindness inside that he rarely exhibit to others, for the fear of being labelled as weak. The compassion he'd let slip when he thought no one was looking. His sharp words, sharper than a double-edged sword, were used to hide the insecurities inside. He never let his uncertainties falter him in his goal, always putting up that collected facade to everyone. She saw through him. That one deed he'd done when he saved her from Calamity. It might have been anything to the others but it was something to her.

Perhaps, that was where she had really opened her eyes and saw him for the first time. Realized the feelings she had for him, feelings she had dismissed as impractical and brushed aside as she had been very much attracted to Athrun then. She can admit that she no longer can put those feelings off anymore. They were here, and they were not going anywhere anytime.

It was just the oddest thing ever. Everyone had said so or privately thought so. She knew it was odd, strange even but she had no explanation for it herself. It was like the sailors answering the call of the Siren, unable to pull away from the alluring song but kept moving forward to their fate. That was the most appropriate description for her, she supposed. Just kept on falling head over heels deeper into the unknown. Maybe it was odd to them but she remembered something he had said to her once.

It was days after the war had ended. Everyone was still recovering from the aftermath, trying to regroup themselves, salvage whatever was left of their lives, trying to recover. She had found him, on the cliff overlooking the sparkling sea; the sun had been rising over the horizon then, lighting the skies with tendrils of pink and orange. She watched as he stood there, arms crossed over his chest, his silver hair buffeted by the wind.

"Sometimes," he had said, slowly turning around, dropping his arms to his sides, "you can't help who you love." He faced her, a tentative, tiny smile on his face as his eyes softened.

She had known then. She was never going to turn back or look back. She took the step forward, plunging off the cliff into the unknown, only certain that he was going to be there with her, every step of the way. She had thrown herself at him, overwhelmed by an emotion she couldn't name then and when his arms wrapped around hers, it was right. Perfect.

You can't help who you love, she thought wryly. Just like Lacus and Kira can't help falling for each other. Her falling for him as well. And everyone thought she and Athrun were going to be happily ever after. Fate had different ideas on who she ended up with.

Cagalli tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear as she watched the sunset. The sunsets and sunrises on Earth was so much more beautiful. It painted the skies in soft hues of crimson, lavender and gold. A reminder of letting your worries and fears rest for the night before facing the new dawn once more with courage and faith. She was getting sentimental, most probably thanks to Lacus.

Down by the beach, Kira was chasing Lacus along the water, splashing up droplets in the air as they laughed. Athrun, Mirialla, Dearka, Rey and Lunamaria were seated on the blanket, four of them playing a card game, using candies as chips. Meyrin watched them play, having declined to join in, saying she was bad at cards. Shinn and Stellar had taken a stroll further down the beach, away from them, spending some time alone. Auel and Sting were no where to be found, most probably still at the house, glued to the TV and the dozens of games. Yzak was...

He was standing on a boulder jutting out from the sand, watching the sunset like her. As if sensing she was looking at him, he turned his head, tilting it one side and gave her a smirk. She mock glared at him in return, watching as he laughed, turning back to the brilliant colours of gold, crimson and lavender in the sky.

It was just plain and simple.

Sometimes, you can't help who you love.

Owari.