The Feeling

Cagalli jumped on Athrun's back and giggled as he quickly grabbed her legs under his arms. He made sure she was secured and began to run. She shut her eyes as he went and waited until he stopped. When she opened her eyes, they were near the spring. Cagalli jumped down and smiled. It was nice to be back home in the calm environment. Athrun was still worried about her behavior after the play, but she was trying to get him to forget it.

"You need to talk to me about it," Athrun said.

"It was nothing," Cagalli sighed.

"I think I know you better than that. Tell me."

"I just... thought that girl and boy could easily have been us. I might have been taken away and you-"

"Cagalli, there were many risks when you left. But, you came to me with no trouble. You have been safe here for two years. You don't need to worry about what might have happened to us," Athrun said.

Cagalli smiled and leaned into him. He put his arm around her and kissed her head softly. Cagalli remembered why she loved him, he could always assure her of anything. He knew exactly what to say to keep her content. She listened to the birds and the water that flowed peacefully through the stream. Nothing to worry about. No one was going to take their happy life apart. Cagalli's faith in her life could always be restored.

"I love you," Athrun said. "That's all that matters."

"I know, and I love you too."

"You have been keeping in touch with Lady Ruri, she would have told you if there was any trouble."

Cagalli nodded and stood up. He was right. Lady Ruri always sent her letter through a messenger that she knew could be trusted. It was always one messenger and he would deliver them straight to Cagalli or Athrun. He was a young silent boy who didn't seem to recognize the fact that Cagalli had once been a princess. Still, his ignorance was a lucky thing.

The latest letter Cagalli had received was only a week old. Lady Ruri spoke of Kira and Lacus, who had moved into their own home by now and were expecting a child. They were never happier, but they thought of Cagalli. Her father was alone with his army and many servants at his kingdom, but a bitter man. Ever since his one and only daughter left, he had turned quite dark. He knew she had gone to Athrun and he had vowed to find them. But, Lady Ruri explained that there was no reason for panic. He was preoccupied with his enemies and allies. Lady Ruri promised to send word if anything changed.

"I suppose all is well," Cagalli said at last.

"Yes. So, will you stop imagining terrible things? It bothers me," Athrun replied.

"Sorry," Cagalli smiled.

She held up the bottom of her dress and sat in his lap. She breathed in quietly and placed her head against his chest. There was no reason to be worried about anything. Their lives had been nothing less than perfect. Cagalli had, at first, struggled with living with Athrun. She was willing to throw away her princess status, but she had wanted to see her family. She hadn't been able to talk to Kira or Lacus, but Lady Ruri was always the constant in her life. Ruri was able to tell her about what her brother and his wife were doing and that had comforted her. She knew that they would take care of themselves.

Cagalli snuggled into Athrun and decided to put all her troubles away. She felt her husband's hold on her and she eased even more. He would keep her safe, he would never let anything happen to her. He was strong and he was warm. His love never failed her and she had no doubt that they would have each other forever. When she was with him, they were the only ones that existed in the world. No one ever dared to try and harm their love.

After having a few more minutes to themselves, Cagalli and Athrun headed into town. While Athrun went to talk to a couple of men, Cagalli found Stella. The two of them went with three little girls into a meadow and watched as they played. Stella was still the same livid girl, but she was a great help as well. Being a messenger helped Cagalli to see past her small country life and catch a glimpse of news from her father.

"You ever think about going back?" Stella asked.

"Back to the life as an Attha?"

"Well, yes. Just so that you can see your brother."

"Yes, I suppose I do think about it. But, I wouldn't know how my father would react..."

"Is he that bad?" Stella asked.

"No, he is a good father. But, he rules as a king, and that is much different from being a father. The letter I left him told him I was tired of everything. I'm not sure what his mental state will be..."

"Then, you're just scared?"

"Yes."

"I think you should at least see your aunt. I will help you with that," Stella said cheerfully.

"How can you help?" Cagalli laughed.

"I will go to her and speak to her."

"Stella," Cagalli breathed. "You don't have to do that."

"Of course I don't, silly! But, I want to. And I didn't ask."

Cagalli looked over at her and saw the dazed expression on her face. She smiled at her and then rushed off to play with the children. Cagalli smiled and kept her eye on them. Stella was always a brave heart and a free spirit. She didn't care about what anyone thought as long as she was happy. She was a loyal friend, even during rough times. Cagalli was thankful for her. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to keep in touch with Lady Ruri if it were not for Stella.

The day went by wonderfully without any stormy weather or unwelcomed arrivals. Eventually, Cagalli retreated home for some peace and quiet. She settled in her bed and laid over it comfortably. She still had so much on her mind and more than anything, she wanted to forget it. She had decided to let herself move on from her paranoia's about her father, but she had so many thoughts. Up until now, she had not ever had any worries. In fact, her new world had always been stabilized quite nicely. Of course, things could always come up to shake things.

It wasn't long before Cagalli heard Athrun arrive, bringing a delightful feeling in her stomach. As long as they had been together, Cagalli still found herself feeling like a young girl in love. Her heart was pure and her adoration was true. She stood up and went to meet him happily. He looked up at her and smiled kindly. She went to his side and wrapped her arms around his waist for a tight hug. He was her refuge.

"Did you miss me?" Athrun chuckled.

"Very much," she replied.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm alright."

"You aren't troubling yourself again are you?"

"No, I'm staying positive."

"Good, how about we go have that picnic you wanted?"

"Sure," Cagalli smiled.

"Great, I have everything ready."

Athrun took her hand in his and led her out and away from their home. Cagalli giggled to herself, glad to be treated so sweetly. In his other hand, Athrun had a nicely prepared basket of food for them. He was going to take care of her so that some of the pressure she had would slip away. He knew when something troubled her and he never liked seeing her distraught. He didn't want pain or heartache to ever touch her again.

He had picked a lovely spot for them, sitting directly under two beautiful cherry blossom trees. The peddles were spread lightly around them, offering a pink scatter across green grass. Cagalli looked around, capturing the essence of the relaxed setting. She sat down on a soft blanket and picked up a blossom while Athrun began to arrange their meal. The amazing sights in the forest were always breathtaking, no matter how many times you witnessed them.

Cagalli was fed a tasteful combination of bread, ham, rice, and a cool drink. Her interest wasn't in the food as much as it was in the scenery. She loved the blossoms and the scent they gave off. She gazed over at Athrun a moment later and saw him staring out into the tress with a contemplative look in his eyes. Cagalli leaned over and rested her hand lightly on his knee. His eyes went to her immediately and saw her own curiosity.

"What are you thinking of?" Cagalli asked.

"You," Athrun smiled.

"What about me?"

"When I first met you."

"Oh, great. I was a mess back then..."

"Actually, you were very fascinating."

"How so? I was terrible."

"You were a normal girl. And for the first time, I was getting to know one."

"You had never been with a girl before?"

"I didn't say that," he laughed. "I just mean that you were someone that was different and unpredictable. Even your temper was completely your own."

"But, I was a broken person. I'm not sure how appealing that was to you," she answered.

"You just needed help, there's nothing wrong with that."

"Yes, you were intriguing, but I wanted to hate you."

"No luck with that huh?" Athrun asked jokingly.

"None whatsoever. I'm glad though, I would have never been able to see a life like this for myself."

"It was always possible for you, especially since you are so rebellious."

"One of my better qualities," she giggled.

"Oh, yes. You are exceptionally skilled at it."

"It made your job much more fun."

"Very much so, the chase was always good. But it was even better when you let me catch you."

Cagalli couldn't help but smile at her husbands words. It was true, the chase was very much entertaining, but the rest was greater. The memories they had together were filled with joy and pain, yet never did she have to face her struggles alone. Athrun had been her support right from the beginning. Even when she was trying to escape him, he never failed to comfort her. It was that reliability that caused her to open her eyes and see him. Now, she couldn't imagine her life with anyone else.

Once they finished their meal, Athrun laid down with his head in Cagalli's lap. She brushed his hair from his face with her hand and turned her head up to the cherry blossoms. She loved the serenity that her life brought her. She was free to do what ever she pleased and not be restricted by any rules. She enjoyed being the wife of a man with his own land. Athrun allowed her to be who she wanted and do what she wished. Most of the time, he would have all the work done before she woke so that she didn't have to do anything. But, Cagalli enjoyed helping him. She had no problem with working.

Athrun couldn't stand to have her doing his job outside. She was a lady and wanted her to remember that. His intentions were to keep her from anything stressful or harmful. He wanted to be a proper husband and provide for her every need. He didn't want her to overdo herself. She was wild and wanted to be a part of everything, but he was going to treat her like a queen.

About an hour later, Cagalli and Athrun began to make their way back home. The mood was definitely a pleasant one and both of them were ready for bed. The sun was only beginning to set, but the placid environment had caused the two to fall into a nap. Sleepily, Cagalli glanced out towards the town and saw plenty of people still walking along busily. She stopped for a moment and watched, seeing a black carriage moving along with two large golden flags waving. She squinted her eyes as they made their way along.

"Who is that?" she wondered aloud.

"Who?" Athrun asked.

Cagalli pointed and saw his face turn serious. He stepped in front of her, carefully examining the occupants surrounding the chariot. He was alert instantly, knowing this could be someone that might easily threaten their security. Once Athrun had a better view, he sighed in relief and urged Cagalli to go on inside. Indeed, it was an official, however no one that could recognize or even know them. They were from the Western Kingdom. Athrun waited a little longer, then headed on in after his wife.

"Are you sure we're safe?" Cagalli asked.

"Yes, I don't think they know your father and you weren't seen, anyway."

"Yeah, you're right. I just got nervous."

"Hey, I'll protect you. They won't ever get near you, Cagalli. I promise, you're my wife."

Cagalli breathed out heavily and suddenly felt Athrun pull her into his arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and placed his chair in her hair. She smiled and her mind was instantly eased. She had no doubts about Athrun, she was fully aware that he would fight with all his might to keep her. And he did have that right, since she was his. No one else could have any authority over her. If she ever had to, she would stand by her marriage completely until death took her. And that was a promise.

There you go read and review. hope you guysz enjoyed it!