To analis- thanks a lot for the review. I never realized that about the change in structure and I'm glad that you think I've pegged the characters well =D…as for your last comment-please do continue reading to find out. (winks)

To those kind people who reviewed- you made updating more enjoyable. Thanks again =)

Flicker of Hope

Chapter 11

She was sitting on the bed trying hard to decipher what exactly she was feeling while she was in her ward's arms a few hours ago.

She felt safe and loved. That's it…Athrun somehow became like family. He reminded her of her father, Kira, Manna, Miriallia and her other friends who would definitely help her in times of trouble or would be there for her, whenever she needed someone.

At the back of her mind, something was telling her that was not all. But, she tried to push those thought to the deepest farthest part of her mind.

-shshshsh-

Days passed with Athrun Zala overworking himself to death.

He had finally accepted the fact that he was in love with Cagalli Yula Attha, his guardian ghost. Denying it would not help at tall, he finally realized. But, accepting that he was in love does not mean that he's going to do anything about it. He didn't want to add to Cagalli's burdens after all.

What good would it do if he told her about it? Nothing at all, but just confusion and probably problems for the blonde. Besides, it's not like Cagalli loves him too. Oh how he wished that was the case.

-shshshsh-

He had also been thinking about Cagalli's mission these past days. She was supposed to help him find love, right? She did succeed…partly. But, he assumed that in order for Cagalli's mission to be a real success, the other person should also love him back. Accomplishing this mission was getting harder.

"Athrun, how about your neighbor, Shiho? She's really nice and smart."

"I'm still busy with work." He did not even remove his eyes from the laptop.

Cagalli slightly raised her eyebrow. "Well, you can go on a date when you're free."

Athrun sighed and looked at her, "She's not my type."

"Seriously, why are you being picky nowadays? First, you rejected the idea of dating Kaoru then Shiho."

'They're not you.' He wanted to say but replied instead, "I just don't think that we have chemistry."

"Argh…Think? You should date them to know!"

"Come on Cagalli…I think I need a break from this dating thing." There was a tired look on his face and Cagalli felt guilty.

"Oh, ok…I'm sorry for rushing you. And you really should get some sleep tonight or you'll end up looking like a zombie."

-shshshsh-

Athrun wasn't able to finish his dinner that night.

"Is there something wrong with the food?"

Cagalli found it odd that Athrun didn't even get a second helping of the food.

"Actually, I really can't taste it."

The guardian ghost stared intently at her ward. "Tell me honestly, are you sick?" She narrowed her eyes at him.

He wanted to tell her otherwise, but he knew that it would do him no good.

He sighed. "I'm not feeling well."

"Aha! That's what you get from working yourself to death. Now, where is your medicine kit?"

"It's in the drawer in my room. It's not from overworking. Maybe, I got this from Dearka." He tried to argue. His head was aching, which was a symptom of an impending cold.

"Well, if you didn't overwork then your immune system would've prevented you from getting sick." She reprimanded him.

-shshshsh-

He was asleep and a towel was placed on his forehead since his fever hadn't gone down yet. He had taken the medicine a few hours ago.

Cagalli decided to check on her ward and decided to wet the towel again and carefully placed it on his forehead.

She was about to leave the room and come back later when Athrun grabbed her wrist.

"Please…stay." He said groggily.

He wanted her to be near. He knew that he shouldn't be asking that from her. He didn't know if he should blame his reckless action on his sleepiness or sickness. But, he wanted to be selfish even for just that moment.

Cagalli was a bit surprised of Athrun's request. "Ok…go back to sleep now…"

He did not release her wrist and Cagalli sat on the floor and waited until Athrun fell asleep.

The blonde promised herself that she would truly take care of him as long as she can. He was a kind person and a good friend. She knew she was lucky that Athrun was her ward. Of course, at first she thought that it was unfortunate; but knowing Athrun through the days they spent together, proved otherwise.

She fell asleep in that sitting position as well.

-shshshsh-

It had been a while since Cagalli was staring at her sleeping ward's face. She took in his appearance…the long lashes that can be the envy of most women. She gently placed her hand on his cheek, and her eyes continued to roam down on Athrun's lips. She really thought that it really looked soft and inviting.

She quickly removed her hand and violently shook her head. 'Where the heck did that come from?' To say that she was flabbergasted was an understatement.

She hurriedly left the room and kept on mumbling. "Porridge. Porridge. I need to cook some porridge.

-shshshsh-

What was happening to her? Why did she felt captivated by Athrun's appearance earlier? And to think that she was captivated in his sick state! Something is definitely wrong with her. Can a ghost get sick? Maybe, she was just like any normal woman who would take notice of his pretty face. But why was she affected in such a way now, unlike before? Unless she was developing romantic feelings for him.

"No freaking way!" She blurted her thoughts loudly.

-shshshsh-

She had a bit of difficulty regaining her composure, but she knew that Athrun needed to eat soon. She then proceeded to the blue-haired man's room.

Cagalli gently woke up Athrun and gave him the thermometer

"You still have a slight fever." She placed the thermometer on the table. "Eat first then take your medicine."

She offered the porridge that she had cooked; and he obediently ate.

She was staring at the window while he ate, trying her best to avoid looking at his lips…err face.

'You've got to be kidding me…' She was frowning. 'I should act normal and not like some high school girl having a crush on a heartthrob…Oh crap! Did I just think of crush and heartthrob?'

"Thanks for taking care of me." Athrun's words pulled her out of her reverie.

She forced herself to look at him. "You're welcome." There was deep concentration on her face as she stared at his eyes and nowhere else.

"I'm feeling better now, I should be preparing for work." He had finished eating and had taken the medicine.

And that comment removed the awkwardness that Cagalli was feeling.

"No! You still have a fever. You're going to stay here and rest."

He tried to stand up to head for the bathroom. "I had enough rest last night and it's not like I'm going to faint or something."

She stood up and tried to push Athrun with all her might, back to the bed.

But, Athrun was able to grab Cagalli's arm, and dragged Cagalli with him on the bed.

Emerald eyes stared at amber eyes.

His heart was thumping loudly while Cagalli felt embarrassed with their position, since she was on top of him and their faces were mere inches from each other. If only one of them would lean closer, their lips would definitely meet.

She tried to get up frantically.

Athrun's face was red and Cagalli stammered. "See, you're still weak and I think your fever had gone up."

She knew that Athrun was embarrassed as well, and just made his fever as an excuse to make things less awkward.

Athrun didn't dare argue with her anymore. Both made a silent promise to themselves never to talk about that instance.

-shshshsh-

Athrun was able to go back to work the next day and Cagalli pestered him to take it easy. She wouldn't allow him to go on overtime and persuaded him to go home as soon as possible.

He decided to have dinner in Red's Grill though.

"Why don't you just let me cook dinner again?"

"I just want to eat something different." The truth was he didn't want to get too much used to her cooking. It was really bad for his…heart, since he loves everything that she cooks for him.

Athrun was about to sit down.

"Mr. Zala?"

He turned around and saw the redhead that Cagalli and him once helped.

"Ms. Hawke." He smiled at her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again. Thanks again for helping me." She shyly smiled at him.

"You don't have to thank me every time we meet."

"Ummm. Sorry."

"Are you meeting with your sister?"

She shook her head, "I'm eating out alone since Luna is still at work."

She kept staring shyly at Athrun.

"Would you like to join me?" Athrun offered.

The redhead was surprised. She couldn't believe her luck. "Are you sure I wouldn't be a bother?"

"Not at all."

Cagalli was glad to see the redhead and thought that she was a nice person. But, there was somewhat a queasy feeling in her stomach, despite being a ghost.

-shshshsh-

"You shouldn't have paid for my meal Mr. Zala."

"Just think of it as a 'thank you' for keeping me company."

"Mr. Zala…is it okay…if I ask you out this weekend? Ummm…I really want to show my gratitude by treating you."

"You don't have to treat me. I'm sure any good citizen would help a person in need."

Meyrin Hawke tried to muster her courage. "Please Mr. Zala, just let me treat you once." She grabbed his arm and looked at him pleadingly.

Cagalli's eyes widened for a fraction of a second. The blonde had been silent throughout dinner.

Athrun looked momentarily at his ward.

Cagalli caught his eye and she nodded. 'Maybe, Meyrin was the one for Athrun', she thought.

Athrun really didn't know if he was making the right decision but he reminded himself that it was not really a date. But, why did he feel like he was betraying Cagalli? It's not as if they were in a relationship or something. And then it occurred to him that maybe going out with the redhead was really for the best.

"Where do you want to meet?" He answered and Meyrin was ecstatic.

Meyrin Hawke had fallen in love with Athrun Zala the moment he had rescued her from those thugs. He was her prince and she was keen on making him notice her, now that they've met for the second time.

And as Cagalli looked at the redhead, it felt as if a knife was stabbed at her chest.

-shshshsh-

The guardian ghost was now lying on her bed. She was staring blankly at the ceiling while her hand was on her forehead.

She was jealous and hurt.

She was in love with her ward…with her good friend.

She was in love with Athrun Zala.

She's still having a hard time comprehending that she had actually fallen in love with him, considering the short amount of time that they've known each other. But is the length of time of knowing the other person that important? She knew the answer to her question…it was not that important. What really matters is the depth of knowing that person and being able to love that person wholly.

She was supposed to help Athrun find love; but she ended up finding it herself.

Her vision became a bit blurry and she then let her tears fall. There was no point in wishing that she and Athrun could end up together. She will keep on fighting and praying that she'll live. But, everything was still up to God. What if her time on earth was really up? She really hated thinking about it, but it was a fact that cannot be ignored.

Besides, she decided that Athrun Zala deserves someone better…definitely someone better than her.

-shshshsh-

AN: Thanks for still reading! (5/15/12)