Shin

It was surreal. Cagalli didn't understand what was going on. As she and Stella continued riding, she could hear the faint sound of shouting. She knew they were no where near them, but she couldn't help feeling an eerie chill. If something was going to happen, she wanted to know about it. She couldn't stand being clueless. Stella remained silent, appearing more serious than she had ever been. She checked on Cagalli a couple of times, but she would then refocus on making it to Shin's house. Cagalli didn't want to add to the issues, therefore she was careful to always be paying attention to their surroundings.

"Cagalli," Stella called out.

"Yes?" she answered.

"We should be arriving at Shin's any moment now. The sun is already up, so you won't be able to leave his home at all. I don't think there will be any complications..."

"Does he know you're bringing me?" Cagalli asked.

"We had discussed things in case something happened."

Cagalli listened to her, now realizing how carefully prepared Stella was for any mishaps. She had obviously been very aware of possible problems that might have intervened. Although she was thankful to have Stella watching out for her, Cagalli didn't want to be left. She wanted to see her husband. She wanted to be the one to see that he was safe. She wanted to cooperate with Stella, but she had no interest in having to wait. What kind of wife would she be if she wasn't the one to go looking for her husband?

It truly hadn't taken much longer before Cagalli saw a small cottage. The structure was very simple, yet firm. A gray horse stood nearby, grazing peacefully. Cagalli pulled the reigns back and came to a stop. Stella jumped down from Savior and began walking to the front door. She knocked on the door twice, then waited. After a short minute, the door opened. Stella smiled and greeted the man. His eyes immediately showed concern as they fell upon her. He hugged her gently and then glanced towards Cagalli.

"Ah, you must be the special one," he said.

Cagalli smiled lightly and got down from her horse. She touched the sword at her waist and walked forward.

"I'm Shin. You'll be fine here," he assured.

"I sure hope so," Cagalli answered.

"Stella will show you the bedroom, I'll tie up the horses."

Cagalli nodded and went inside after Stella tugged on her hand. The room they entered was small and occupied by a table with chairs. To the side of that was an oven and wooden counter. Cagalli followed Stella out of there and into a short dark hallway. To the left, there was a work room and on the right side of the hall further down there was another small room for washing. At the end of the hall, there was a set of stairs.

"Um, are you sure this is a good idea?" Cagalli asked.

Stella stopped and turned. "Why? Whats wrong?"

"It just doesn't seem like there is room here."

"Of course there is. Shin has no problem with you being here. Besides, you won't be staying very long."

Cagalli still had her doubts, but Stella was so sure of the plans. So, she decided to continue after her. Once she reached the top of the stairs, Cagalli looked around. It was dark up there, except for a single candle with a burning flame. There was a bed in the corner with dark bed sheets. Shin's possessions were scattered across the room neatly, ranging from weopons to art. One window sat in one of the walls, closed off by a tiny door over it.

"Its not much, but its enough," Shin suddenly said.

"Thank you for letting me stay here."

"Anyone this important to Stella is important to me."

"Listen to this big talker," Stella giggled.

"I mean it," Shin said.

"Cagalli would you like a bath?" Stella asked, ignoring the comment from him.

"Well, I don't have a change of clothes. Remember?"

"I have some here," Stella said.

"Oh really?" Cagalli asked suspiciously.

"While you ladies do this, I'll go get some food from town. I'm sure you're both starving."

Once Shin left, Cagalli immediately looked at Stella for an explanation. Instead, she just giggled and walked out. Cagalli went behind her, planning on persuing the matter even more. Did Shin and Stella have a romance going on? That's exactly what it seemed like, but Cagalli wanted to be positive. She remained quiet on the way down, noticing Stella watching Shin leave. Cagalli crossed her arms and waited as Stella began to pour hot water into the wooden buckets.

"Soo... you and Shin, hm?"

"What do you mean?" Stella asked innocently.

"You don't need to hide it," Cagalli replied.

"Well, I don't get to see him very often."

"Do you love him?"

"Yeah, I think I do."

"I'm glad you have someone," Cagalli said sweetly.

"Between my free time and deliviries, I come to see him."

"How long have you been knowing him?

"Two or three years."

"Wow, thats pretty long."

"I guess so, but I enjoy it."

"What do you think about marriage?"

"Marriage?! That's huge!"

"Well, I think you would make a good wife."

Stella gave her a quick look and smiled. She picked up two of the water filled buckets and handed the third to Cagalli. The two re-entered Shin's home and went directly to the wash room. Stella poured her buckets into the tub and left Cagalli alone. Cagalli undressed quickly and then dipped herself into the warm water. Her skin tingled instantly and she eagerly soaked up the feelings. She lowered her head into the water and brushed her hair back with her hands.

Cagalli couldn't help feeling slightly guilty for relaxing. The whole point of this trip to Shin's was so Stella could check on Athrun. He would be expecting her to come. Still, she had been so tired lately because of the constant worry of being seen. She knew Stella must have been just as tired. Cagalli didn't know what she had done to deserve such a good friend. Someone that was so loyal to her was a true friend indeed. Cagalli knew she'd never last on her own. Stella had turned out to be one of the most reliable people she ever met.

Then, she thought of Lacus. She had been her bestfriend. She had no doubt that Lacus would have helped her as much as Stella. Cagalli couldn't deny that she had left a piece of her heart with her and Kira. Afterall, they were a huge part of her life. And, of course, she remembered her father. He was someone she was afraid to even think of. From what she heard, his former self was now a shadow of the person he had become. It was hard to turn her back on him as well, but she had to do it to be with her love. It had been her sacrifice.

"Cagalli, I've left the change of clothes right outside the door."

"Oh, okay. Thank you, Stella."

"Just call me if you need me anymore."

Cagalli sat up and grapped the soap to start bathing. She cleaned her sking thoroughly, making sure to cover every inch of her body. She felt as if it had been days since she was last comfortable. The bath she now was taking had instantly put her in a better state of mind and at ease. Cagalli finished by the time the water turned cold and redressed. The clothes Stella had provided her with were quite different, aside from the undergarments. She was now wearing a pair of brown pants fitting against her figure with a white long sleeve blouse and a brown corset that laced up through the front. Once she was done, she found Stella.

"How are the threads?" Stella smiled.

"Well... I'm not sure I've ever worn pants, only when working."

"You look very nice. You mind helping me take the water out?"

"Not at all, you must be dying for a bath."

"I could definitely use one, but I've gone longer without."

"Because of your work?"

"Yes, I might be out riding for days at a time."

"Do you bring food for yourself?"

"Some, but I focus on delivering the message. When I'm sent to do something important, I make sure to do it."

Cagalli liked how dedicated Stella was to her job. It made her feel all the more comfortable. While she helped empty the tub out, seh thought of how she admired her friend. She felt like she should learn to be more like her. Maybe if she focused on Athrun more, she could have been home with him by now. Still, Cagalli knew she loved him and that was one thing she never second guessed. She would see him soon.

When Stella was in the bath, Cagalli went outside with Famous and Savior. She sat between them and looked up at the sky thoughtfully. All she could do was think of now was Athrun. He had been on her ind for days. Now, it was taking forever just to get back home. She didn't know it was going to be so much trouble to see her aunt. If she had known, she would have thought harder about her decision. She never wanted anyone else to be inconvenienced.

It felt like it had been so long since she had last seen her husband. She had missed him so much everyday. At first, she had only focused on seeing Lady Ruri, but now she wanted to see him. She hoped he wasn't too lonely. She knew he was friends with many people in the town, maybe he had had a chance to go out and visit them. Cagalli wanted the best for Athrun since he had always done so much for her. He constantly took care of her, even when she didn't need it. Athrun had done everything he could to keep her happy. ANd although she had been grateful to see her aunt, she wished it hadn't been so much work.

The time went by quickly between Stella getting out of the bath and Shin returning with food. They all ate a delicious meal and Stella went upstairs with Shin soon after to sleep. Cagalli rested on a couch downstairs, trying to get some rest as well. After a few more hours, Stella reappeared. She said a few last words to Cagalli, then departed. Shin waited for her to leave, then went back inside with Cagalli.

"Well, she's off."

"I hope things go okay," Cagalli said.

"Don't worry," Shin replied. "Things will go back to normal soon."

"I probably should have gone too."

"Cagalli, she has things under control."

"I know... thanks again for letting me stay here."

"How could I deny a princess?" he smiled.

"I'm not a princess anymore."

"You say that, but the truth is that royal blood still runs through your veins. Don't be ashamed of who you are."

"I guess you're right..."

"All we can do it wait."

That was what Cagalli could never stand doing. Waiting.

finally an update! ;D sorry it took so lonq. im tryinq to show the anticipation that cagalli is qoinq throuqh and what is happeninq on her side. read and review