The Yellow Brick Road
Chapter 1: PROMISE – Athrun leaves Cagalli with a promise
April, C.E. 74
There have never been a lot of words between them. And Cagalli has yet to figure if it's because they have nothing to talk about or if they are simply content in each other's presence. Nevertheless, the silence has always been comforting.
But then, she once again finds herself at her doorstep, standing in front of Athrun who is saying goodbye. So, she's not entirely sure if the universe is telling her to move on already - they never had anything to talk about anyway.
"Where are you going?" Cagalli asks.
"I don't know."
Cagalli frowns; he can't even give her a proper answer. So, they really had nothing to talk about after all. "I see."
Athrun puts his luggage down and takes Cagalli's hands in his. "I don't know myself. That's why I have to go. I want to see everything; do everything. I want to find myself first because you don't deserve to be with someone who doesn't know himself."
Cagalli scoffs, although she does not intend to mock him - well, maybe she wanted to a little bit. "That's a classic break-up line, Athrun."
Athrun is startled, as if he hasn't realized that til that moment. Then he laughs out loud. "You're right. It is."
Cagalli laughs with him, and she remembers now that although they never talked much, there was still much laughter between them. Playful banters, inside jokes, fun adventures - despite their burdens, she and Athrun truly enjoyed each other's company.
When the laughter dies, Cagalli tightens her grip on his hand. "Athrun, I can't wait for you."
"And I'm not expecting you to," was his response. "But the way we are now, we can't be together either."
"So, is this goodbye?"
Athrun gives her a small smile. "I don't know. But when I do find myself back to you, and you find it in your heart to welcome me back, then I promise we will know and love each other properly, the way we should have all those years ago."
Cagalli lets him leave her at her doorstep. And she watches again as his transport flies him off to wherever he needs to be. But at least her questions have been answered.
And as she closes the door to her home, she thinks that maybe they never had to say much, after all.
