Edited- 7th September, 2018

Chapter 4

The Next Day

PLANTS

'Yzak, has there been any word from Lacus or Kira lately?' Athrun asked, closing the door behind him. He walked over towards the desk where Yzak sat with his usual scowl across his face. He was staring at a computer screen but turned and glared at Athrun before turning back to the screen.

'No not one. It's weird though. There hasn't been a word coming from anyone in ORB lately.'

'What about the news?'

'Nope.'

'That's odd.'

'You don't think I know that dumb ass! Not even that sad excuse of a best friend has contacted me.'

'Dearka? Hasn't… that can't be good.' Athrun said, in a state of shock. His eyes were wide and he felt a bead of sweat run down his spine. 'It's been what… two months. What the hell's going on?'

'If I knew that idiot we wouldn't be having this conversation. He hasn't picked up his phone since he left that stupid voicemail message the day he left.'

'Calm down Yzak. Let me know if you hear anything.'

'Yeah yeah, whatever.'

Athrun suppressed a smile and turned away from Yzak and walked towards the door. His hand turned the knob but before he could get it open Yzak spoke up.

'I'm sure they're fine Athrun. All of them.'

He looked over his shoulder in shock at him and noticed Yzak's face had softened ever so slightly, almost as if he was upset. He turned back to the door and exited, pressing the door shut behind him. He leaned back against the door and closed his eyes.

'Cagalli, what's happening? Why are you shutting me out?' He mumbled to himself out loud. His heart was aching badly and he couldn't figure out why. He rubbed his face in his hands and took deep breathes, stopping months of tears from coming out. When he felt in control of his emotions he pushed off the door and walked towards a set of oak doors. Two soldiers who guarded the door saluted then opened the door for him and closed the doors behind him.

'Good morning Chairman Zala.'

'Good morning sir.'

'Chairman Zala, how are you today?'

'I'm fine, thank you. How did the press conference go?' Athrun replied, smiling at the throng of people in front of him.

'Many questions were about the threats against the PLANT's. People are starting to get suspicious.'

'About what?'

'Their starting to think that the threats are coming from ORB.'

'That's ludicrous!' Athrun roared, his anger really boiling over the edge.

'That's just some superstition. It doesn't mean anything, sir.'

'Well as long as that's all it is. If it gets worse ORB will be the least of your problems.' Athrun said menacingly, his eyes giving off daggers to emphasise his point. He turned away and took a step forward but stopped and buttoned up his overcoat.

'I'm going to head home. You men better get home to your wives.'

'Yes, sir.' Athrun started walking away and made his way back down the corridor. He turned to his left and followed the sign that read car park. The corridor was brightly lit with the fluorescent lights hanging above and cast straight off the white walls around him. The windows let in the last rays of light before the designated sunset time kicked in and turned the sky into darkness.

He pushed the door open that was at the end of the hallway and stepped out into the car park. He could see his black car, parked not even ten feet away from him and shuffled over to it. He grabbed the keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door, chucking his briefcase onto the passenger's seat. As soon as he stepped into the car, he could feel his tense muscles start to relax against the softness of the seat. He started the car and swerved out of the car park and tore out of the complex.

It was lucky that no one else was around on the streets cause Athrun turned out of the car park and straight onto the street without even looking. Athrun revved the car hard and changed gears quickly, once forgetting to use the clutch and the gears screeched. He didn't live far away from where he worked, but he was trying to take all his anger out on something before he reached home.

Athrun quickly turned the corner of his street and started to slow the car down. He pulled into the parking space out the front of the house and turned the car off. He jumped out and slammed the door, locking it after him and walked up the driveway to the front door. He opened the door and was suddenly met by the aroma of cooking. He kicked off his shoes and dropped the briefcase to the floor.

'Welcome home Athrun.' Came the cheerful voice of Meyrin. He looked down the hall and saw her standing in the doorway of the kitchen, smiling brightly.

'Hi Meyrin, How was your day?' Athrun asked, heading into the kitchen after her.

'I met up with Luna and we went shopping.'

'Ok, well I'm going to take a shower. What's for dinner?'

'Nothing fancy. Just some noodles and chicken.' She took the lid off the pot and slowly stirred the contents.

'Ok, I'll have some when I get out.' He said heading down the hallway. When she heard the bathroom door close Meyrin closed her eyes and sighed sadly. She heard the water turn on and sighed deeply, knowing how close it was. Meyrin felt safe to turn the TV back on and when she did it was still the report of Cagalli's car crash.

"There still has been no report concerning Representative Athha's health at this time. Her brother, Kira Yamato, was blunt when saying his sister was making a slow recovery and would make a statement when he had more information."

'Hey Meyrin, is my blue shirt in my dresser or closet?'

'It's in the closet.'

'Would you mind grabbing it for me?'

'Sure.'

"Cagalli-sama, please please be ok." Meyrin thought to herself, as she grabbed the coat hanger with the shirt hanging on it. She removed the hanger and threw it on the bed.

'Found it.' She called out exiting Athrun's room. She walked towards the bathroom and gave Athrun the shirt. He took it gratefully and stepped back into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. "Why do I get the feeling you'll never know Athrun?" Meyrin thought to herself shaking her head in the process.

"No, they will tell him."

'Won't they?'

'Won't they what?' Athrun said suddenly appearing behind Meyrin.

'Won't they… lower the price of a pair of shoes I've been eyeing off. Their so expensive I can't afford them.' Meyrin scrambled to answer, hoping Athrun was tired enough to buy it.

'Oh. Ok.' He turned and entered his bedroom, closing the door behind him. She let out the breath she was holding; glad she didn't spill the news. She was so deep in thought when she smelled something burning.

'Ahh! The chicken!' She exclaimed racing back into the kitchen.

ORB

Cagalli's POV

I think it must be well on into the morning from the noises outside. Have I slept longer than usual? I'm still really groggy from the drugs and my mouth feels all sticky. Every so often I can feel my legs start to tingle as if they're trying to wake up or something. But then the nurse came in and told me it's normal. What a way to spoil the hope.

Then there's the weird sensation in my neck. It's not sore or anything. I guess like me it's sick of being stuck in the same position for so long.

"Home." I think to myself. It seems so distant. Kira said I'll be staying with him for a while, just until I get back on my feet, metaphorically speaking. He said Lacus has been dealing with contractors to remodel the house so I can get around.

"Neon jeongmal jaesueobseo

Neol mannal iyu eobseo

Neo gateun namjan isesange kkallyeosseo"

'That would be even more beautiful if you didn't sound like a frog while singing it.' Came a voice from the door. I knew immediately it was Kira.

'Ha ha ha very funny Kira.' I say sarcastically.

'How are you feeling sis?'

'Uhh let's see. My neck feels funny, my back feels a little sore and my legs were tingling before but the dumb nurse had to come in and say, "don't worry dear that's perfectly normal." What a way to burst my bubble huh?'

'Well, I'll be taking you home soon enough so don't worry too much. You must be sick of this traction by now.' He said smiling down at me.

'Yeah well, I try not to think about it much. Really doesn't get you far.' I noticed the expression on Kira's face; he was having such a hard time with all this.

'Hey did Mir come by to see you today?' Kira asked smiling gently.

'Not yet. Hopefully, she comes by soon. Unless she doesn't want to. Do you think she hates me?'

'I don't think so. Why would you think that?' Kira said, shaking his head in response.

'Because look at me. My wounds are not as bad as this stupid piece of metal makes it look, kind of. She has been in pain and I know it.'

'Yeah but I don't think that would be a reason she might hate you.'

'I miss her. She's my best friend and I don't want some stupid accident to change that. I feel like she's blaming herself and I don't want that.'

'What do you mean?' Curiosity taking over him.

'Like she thinks it's her fault we crashed and that I'm like this. It's not her fault and I don't blame her or hate her at all. I just want her to know that. '

'I'm glad you feel that way. I think that's very…'

'Mature.'

'Mature? One word I never thought would be used about me.' Cagalli said smiling.

'Well look, tomorrow I'll go to Mir's ward and being her down her for a while. That way you two can talk about everything and clear the air.'

'That would be really nice. I'd go to her but I'm literally stuck here. So even if it's really early and you have to wake me, bring her in please.' Cagalli said, giving her brother the pout and puppy dog eyes combo. She knew he couldn't say no to the face.

'Of course Cag's.' He said without thinking about it. 'It was my idea in the first place.' He mumbled to himself but he would let her have this one.

'So how's Lacus?'

"She's good. She gets the blood tests back tomorrow so we'll see if she's pregnant or not.' Kira said his voice sounded slightly tense. Almost like tomorrow wasn't soon enough for him.

'Well, I hope you're going with her. Wouldn't make her go alone would you?'

'Of course not. I would never. Unless something comes up.'

'Like?'

'Like my sisters getting a roommate tomorrow and…'

'And if that sentence finishes with a I-need-to-be-overprotective-and-inspect-my-sisters-other-paralysed-roommate, I will find a way off this bed and beat you up.'

Kira didn't reply, he just averted his eyes away from Cagalli.

'Kira, this is a spinal unit. Not going to find many people that could physically hurt, attack or kill me. Please don't blow Lacus off for something as petty as that.'

'I don't find you petty, sis. I find you anything but petty.' He said, rubbing her arm with his hand. She smiled fondly at him and then turned her attention back to the ceiling.

'Everything's going to be great.' Cagalli said smiling. Kira looked at her like she was slightly crazy.

'You'll see.' She said, looking back at him. Kira smiled down at her, feeling a little better at her reassurance.

"How can you be so sure with this metal thing on you?" Kira thought, looking to where the halo was connected to her head and the weights behind the bed.

When a knock came from the door Kira called out to tell them to come in but didn't look to see who it was until he noticed an IV stand. He looked up and came face to face with Mir.

'Hey, Mir.' "Speak of the devil." Kira thought, happy to see that Mir came on her own.

'Hey, Kira.' She greeted with a small smile.

'Hey, Cagalli.' Kira could tell that she was nervous so he excused himself and quickly exited the room, slowly closing the door behind him.

'It's about time you came to see me.' Cagalli announced, trying to sound angry but the smile on her face gave it away.

'Yeah, it's been what…?'

'Since the accident. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.' Mir was silent, knowing that was part of the reason. She slowly moved around the bed and came to stand in front of the window, watching as the small flakes of snow fell outside. The pair remained silent for a little while till Mir spoke.

'I'm sorry.'

'Don't.' Mir shut her mouth, not daring to argue just yet.

'This was not your fault. So don't even.' Cagalli warned.

'But Cagalli…'

'No! Come here. Look at me.' Mir hesitated for a second then shuffled over to the edge of the bed stood where she and Cagalli could look each other in the face.

'It was an accident.'

'I've missed you.' Mir said, her voice cracking.

'Me too.' Mir carefully reached down and took Cagalli's hand in hers.

'What do the doctors say about your injuries?'

'I should be fine. I have a scan this afternoon to make sure the pins are holding properly.'

'Looks like we're both trapped here for Christmas.'

'Yeah. But it's not all bad.'

'Oh yeah. I look like a sideshow attraction, you're full of pins and plates and we miss out on being with our families for Christmas.'

'We won't have to attend that annual Christmas Eve ball you were complaining about for two solid weeks.' Mir pointed out.

'You know this may not be such a bad place to spend Christmas.' Cagalli said, suddenly changing her mind.

Miriallia laughed at the wondering expression on Cagalli's face.

'Dope.' Mir muttered. Cagalli just smiled at her, enjoying the company of her best friend.

'Dearka finally left the hospital?'

'Yeah, I convinced him he needed a shower and sleep in a bed. He's stayed here every night since Kira called him and he got here that next morning. So he needed a break.'

'He loooovves you.' Cagalli said, emphasizing the word love.

'Shut up.' Mir said through her giggling. When she stopped she turned serious and looked over her friend's limp body.

'Hows Kira dealing with this?'

'He's putting on a brave face but I can tell he's scared.'

'And you?'

'I think… I'm ok you know. I'm starting to realize being afraid won't help me right now. I need to be strong for what's to come.'

'The nurse told me I need to accept my condition or else ill be stuck and won't be able to move forward.'

'I think she's right. My doctor said the same thing to me.'

'Why what's wrong?'

'There was some nerve and muscle damage that couldn't be repaired. He told me I won't ever have full mobility of my arm.'

'I tried to be stubborn and say I'll get it back. If I work for it then it will come back.'

'But you just know. They're telling us the truth.'

'Yeah. As hard as it is, they told us the truth. So now we can adjust and figure out how to live now.'

'Hey have you told-?'

'No.'

'Are you…?'

'No.' Cagalli answered immediately.

'Ok then. But you know…'

'Hmm?'

'He will find out. Eventually.'

'I know.' That's what Cagalli was most afraid of.

The End