Goodbye

"Well, I need to be going now."

"I don't want you to," she said sadly.

"I'm sorry, but I can't stay any longer."

Cagalli stared at her brother, tears coming to her eyes. She didn't want him to leave, she had no idea when she might see him again. He smiled at her and gave her a tight hug. He placed a kiss on her forehead and looked at her one last time. Cagalli sighed and tried to pull herself together. She had to be strong, she knew ti was only a matter of time before she would have to say goodbye. Kira walked out towards his horse and then looked back at his sister.

"Don't worry, I'll see you again," he assured.

"I love you, Kira. Be careful," Cagalli replied.

"You too, send my regards to Athrun."

Cagalli nodded and watched as he raced off on his horse. She bit her lip and lowered her eyes to the ground. Her heart was beating heavily in her chest from sorrow. She had to let her brother go for now and soon she would be having to leave her aunt. In no time, Stella would be coming for her. Time seemed to have flown by while she was spending time with the two. She had felt so comfortable with them, like they hadn't been away from each other at all. Cagalli didn't want to imagine missing them again.

"Are you all packed up?" Lady Ruri asked.

"Yes, I am."

"Don't look so gloomy, Cagalli."

Cagalli turned away and headed back inside the cottage. She brought her bags to the front room and sat down. She didn't want to be gloomy, not at all. Lady Ruri went in and got some tea ready for the two. Cagallicould only be happy again when she was with Athrun. He could comfort her. She hadn't even realized that she missed him since she was so preoccupied with Kira and Lady Ruri. If only he could have come to be a part of everything. Still, she now had so much that she wanted to tell him. She was going to let him know everything that he had missed out on. Then, maybe next time he'd come along with her.

"It has been nice having you here," Lady Ruri said.

"Yes, and its been nice being here.

"Do you think that, after this, you will stop being so concerne with trouble that doesn't exist?"

"Oh," Cagalli smiled. "I believe my mind is at ease."

"Good, now you see you were worried over nothing."

"I'm sorry. It was just hard since I was disconnected from everyone."

"We can still write to each other."

"You're right, don't leave any details out."

"I never do. Everything is going to be fine."

"I hope so," Cagalli replied.

"Trust me. You have Athrun's love, that alone is strong enough to protect you."


Athrun sat under a tree, watching Elida with a smile. She was running with Delilah chasing her. Their connection was so deep, it was unlike any other. Even though Delilah was just an animal, she adored her human companion. Athrun leaned his head back and listened to the waterfall, along with the sound of Elida giggling. Everything felt so right, so relaxed. This was the second day he and Elida took a ride out to her secret refuge. He couldn't think of a more comfortable place that he wanted to be. But, Cagalli would also be coming home soon. He would have to make his way back home and have something nice prepared for her.

"Hey, Athrun! What 'cha doing?" Elida asked.

Athrun looked up to see her coming towards him.

"Don't you want to do something?"

"Like what?" Athrun asked.

"I don't know... let's do something spontaneous. It has been awhile since I've done something crazy."

She turned around, then looked up at the waterfall. She took off her socks and shoes and walked over to the water. Athrun watched as she dipped her foot in, wondering what she was going to do. She went back to him and suddenly grabbed his hands. She yanked him up to his feet and took him towards the water. He pulled back, now feeling a bit doubtful. He didn't want to go in the water.

"Let's take a swim," Elida said.

"No thanks," he said.

"Why not?"

"Because I have no interest in getting my clothes wet."

"Won't you jump out of your little life and do something fun?"

"I have to be ready to greet Cagalli."

Elida let go of Athrun and again looked into the water. Athrun sighed, not wanting to disappoint her. The young woman shrugged and walked away silently. Before Athrun could get a word in, Elida jumped up onto Delilah. He stared at her, feeling as if he had somehow hurt her feelings. She, however, paid him no mind. An adventurous smile rose to her face and she bursted off with her horse into the forest again.

"Hey!" Athrun exclaimed. "Where are you going?!"

Athrun stared after them, not sure what to think. Leaving her for Cagalli hadn't bothered her, had it? Elida appeared, suddenly, now running on her feet. Delilah came behind her minutes later, obviously following her master once more. Elida shoved past Athrun and went straight for the water. While Athrun had turned to watch her dive in the water, Delilah came up directly and head-butted him in the back. Within seconds, he had fallen into the water. He had been caught off guard, not prepared for a stunt like that. But, he had to smile. It was a good trick.

"That didn't take long," he said when he resurfaced.

"I doubt Cagalli will be too upset if your wet. Besides, you can easily change clothes."

"Yeah, true enough."

"Now come on. I want to show you something special."

Just when he looked at her cluelessly, she disappeared under water. He quickly followed her down further into the water, though not sure what to expect. He could hear the sound of the waterfall above them, but he realized they were deeper than expected. Soon, Athrun found himself going into a dark hole behind Elida. Once indside, they started up and up and up until reaching the surface. There, they were at the opening of a hidden cave. He didn't know how this could even exist, but it was nicely lit and looked comfortable.

"See? What did I tell you," Elida said while climbing out.

"I'm... honestly amazed."

"And you almost missed out."

Athrun saw that the cave was actually larger than appeared. Elida ventured in and ended up with two large blankets. She tossed one at Athrun and then moved into darkness to undress. Athrun cleared his throat and although slightly taken aback, began to take off his own wet clothes. Once he was wrapped up, Elida reappeared. Her hair was shining brightly from the water and her face seemed to glisten.

"Well, now what?" Athrun asked.

"We could talk, I rather like how quiet this place is. I'm absolutely positive no one will ever find this cave."

"I agree. So, have you received any letter from your husband?"

"No," Elida said. "I'm believing that something might have happened to him."

"Don't say that, you need to remain positive about this."

"Its just... my friend had a husband in the same war and he came back already..."

"He might have been reassigned or given higher rank. In those situations, a person is forced to stay longer than intended."

"I hope so. But, wouldn't he have sent word?"

"A lot of times there is no time to. Please, don't worry."

Athrun looked up at her and for the first time ever, he saw the sight of tears forming in her eyes. Her hands were shaking slightly and she tried desperately to remain strong. But, Athrun knew she shouldn't hold it in. Keeping your feelings buried was never good. The blanket he wore was tied securely around his waist, allowing him to take Elida in his arms and comfort her. In a matter of moments, he felt warm tears, but he didn't mind. She pressed her head against his chest and took a few more minutes to stop crying. Wehn she looked at him, her nose was nearly touching his, causing a jump in Athrun's heart rate. And then...


woaaahhh waht a cliffy right? sorry it took awhile to post. read and review! the good stuff is coming up soooon.