Disclaimer: Yeah, so I, uhm, I don't own anything in this subcategory…not even the tiniest bit of detail in the characters (except maybe for their clothing in this one, which is not a problem since I don't intend to mention any of those).

Summary: Lacus Clyne has other "needs" too, aside from the all-too familiar stares of care he has been giving her. And he finds this out little by little as the series progresses.

First Gesture:

Holding Hands…

She had gone through the market, eagerly searching for the right mixture of ingredients in her list. As she walked about the seemingly narrow streets, she found just the perfect store where she could buy them. Hurriedly, she fastened her pace and in doing so, accidentally collided with a young man of her age.

"Sorry…" she felt the words slip out her mouth almost as instantly as the contact was made. The other simply bowed his head and he too, apologized while carefully assisting another who stood beside him. This other person uttered a simple "what's wrong" line, all the while looking at her direction – which he willingly replied and explained with much gusto, and in an affectionate manner to add.

It was the first time she saw "it".

As they parted ways, she noticed how he held her hand in a somewhat tight fashion. She had her focus in their intertwined fingers that she barely noticed she was starting to space out.

What's with the gesture that bugged her so much?

Then again, she was too naïve to find out but too persistent to understand the somehow trivial thought.

- - - - - -

It happened fairly a few days back and she didn't understand quite well why the sudden recollection of the event took place. It may be attributed to the fact that people these days hold hands almost every other second. Rarely would she encounter a couple not doing so.

And right now, she was starting to theoretically explain the reason as to why. That's what a particular pink-haired was doing for a couple of minutes now. She had been sitting idly by the window for quite some time and needless to say, was also procrastinating on different things.

Her eyes of clear cerulean stared blankly in the expanse outside, not really knowing where to focus her attention to. And just then, came a loud thud which emanated from her surroundings. Quickly jolting her body up, she stood and walked towards the source. She was quick in her steps as she found a few minutes time wasted crucial to whatever it was the matter.

Worry took her as she neared the said destination, only to find out a certain brown-haired had his back against the ground with a couple of midgets flooding him literally.

Sheer laughter then echoed through as she found herself dumbfounded at the sight. Everyone else started giggling and the moment she took a look at a nearby mirror, she kind of figured out why. She had this straight face with mixed worry and relief painted…and somehow, it did look funny that she herself, couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks.

"Easy on her, kids…" spoke he who then had his feet on the ground. He gathered the children close to him and somewhat reprimanded their behavior.

"Now, now, I don't want you guys to do that again…you know she'll get worried. That was bad of you to do." Sternly, he spoke complete with his serious expression. Now, Lacus didn't know how to react whether to agree with, or for that matter, even butt in their conversation. Perhaps she found herself too preoccupied to process things further in her mind.

After a minute of menacing silence, he clapped his hand with joy.

"All right kids! By the shore!" he shouted with much enthusiasm as it was already that time of the day when they would gather by the said place.

Every single soul leaped and ran out the door until it was only them who were left standing…oh, them and another one.

"Kira, Kira, you would come play with us, right?" said a little voice as she reached for his hand and held it pleadingly.

There it was again, the same touch of the hand…she mused.

He had to stoop his body to fully be in level with her as he reassured her of his presence. The said child then had a wide smile on her face all too graciously as she joined the others in their rampant commotion.

She never knew this, but she felt a little bit strange with the way he held that child's hand that it opened up a surge of emotion throughout her body. What was it really that made such a mere touch feel so good that those who had their hands clasped tightly are sure to leave with a smile on their faces?

"Let's go?"

She heard him offer as he looked at her with such delicate care, completely shaking her from her reverie. She nodded her head and went outside before him - - having him trail right behind her.

And perhaps he had a glimpse of the longing that was reflected in her orbs that without her knowing, as she followed through the children, he took her hand with his and held it tightly.

It was surprising…for this was the first time he ever did that – the very same thing that she had been thinking about all day.

The foreign feel instantly felt familiar as she relaxed with this simple gesture. She then fully recounted the first time she ever saw a couple hold hands by the marketplace.

It was only then that she understood…how lovely it was to actually hold your loved one's hand - - no wonder a smile graced her lips as she too, tightened her hold on his.

end

A/N: Pretty crappy, right? Anyway, sorry for that and as for my other story, "O.R.T.", I'm still trying to find enough time to finish it…and am still stuck with the final chapter. Where has my muse gone to? Haayz…