Disclaimer: Sunrise

This is a oneshot set one year after my other story, Flicker of Light. If you haven't read that, you might want to read it first, but it could be read separately. Tl;dr its about Athrun trying to approach Cagalli again, and mending their relationship; though they are still not exactly together, this one is set after that. Enjoy!

Leaning to the block of ruins, Cagalli tried to strain her ear, hearing any movement in the silent night. Gripping her handgun tightly, she gulped in anticipation, but quickly remembered what a certain someone had once told her. Don't grip the handle too tight; just hold it steadily.

And then she heard something.

Like there was something hitting the ground.

"Did he make a move? But the sound was too light," she thought. She tried to follow the source of that sound. Unconsciously, she tilted her head more to that side.

Suddenly, there was movement, not a light move again, someone was running toward her from the opposite side. Realizing a bit too late, she ran away, while her opponent already started firing toward her.

Damn it, she cussed inwardly, looking for another place to hide. She gritted her teeth as one of the bullets grazed her right hand. Hiding behind another ruin, she started to fire toward him. But he was faster, already hiding again while occasionally firing at her. Keeping her profile low, Cagalli kept on shooting at him, while trying to move away from her current place.

When she thought he wasn't going to come out and she could run safely, he threw something toward her, again.

Unconsciously, her goggles-covered eyes followed, and she was aiming toward it.

A second later, she could feel the small bullets hitting her wrist which was holding the handgun. Damn him and his deadly precision. It didn't hurt much, but it was enough to make her let go of the handgun.

Suddenly, someone—her opponent—jumped out of his hidden place, aiming straight at her.

With the last coherent thought she could manage, Cagalli reached the pocket knife resting on her vest with her left hand and gripped it tightly. As he pinned her down to the ground, he straddled her, his left hand pinning her right hand while his right one was holding a gun, pointed just below her throat.

From the ground, she stared right back at him, who was above her. Her chest was heaving, but her hand that was holding a knife was still, ready to go anytime, hovering right above his kidney.

For a while, both of them didn't move an inch from their position, not even their eyes. Her amber eyes were like being locked to his emerald ones.

The first to move was her opponent.

"You listened well," her Admiral finally said, releasing his hold on her hand and putting his airsoft handgun to the holster attached to his vest. "At least you didn't scream this time." Athrun added, showing a little smirk.

"Shut up!" Cagalli shouted, as he reminded her of the moment they first met. Copying Athrun's move, she sheathed her pocket knife back to its place. Then, she looked up at him again. He was still on top of her, looking down on her.

"What are you doing? Get off me," Cagalli said, blushing a little bit, embarrassed by their current position.

"A-aah, sorry," Athrun stuttered. Actually he was a bit distracted by the view, maybe a little bit too much. Before any funny thought crossed his mind, he forced himself to stand up, and then held his hand out to help Cagalli stand.

Looking at Cagalli who were dusting her clothes after being pinned down to the ground, he pulled his goggles up above his forehead and said, "Today is your birthday and instead of going out to a fancy dinner, or a drive to the beach, or a movie night, you asked me to accompany you in your mock-skirmish, in this deserted ruin," Athrun shook his head. "You are a strange person, indeed," remembering the impression he got of her on the earlier days he had known her. Yet somehow he never expected Cagalli to do the things most women would do.

"If you are complaining, then why did you agree to it?" Cagalli retorted back at him, dropping her goggles down, letting it hang down on her neck, and started picking up the bb bullets they had used. "And you are scheduled for a visit tomorrow. You should be—"

"I'm not complaining, by any means. Besides, I'm the one who offered my hand to you," he retorted, then followed her to clean up their mess. Originally, Athrun just wanted to ask Cagalli out to dinner, to celebrate her birthday—Cagalli didn't usually do anything fancy for it, so he thought a simple dinner would suffice, since they rarely got time together outside of work. But instead, she had another plan, and so he volunteered to help her. Cagalli was planning on practicing target shooting alone, but since Athrun offered his help and wouldn't let her go, she decided to go all out skirmishing with him. And of course, Athrun wouldn't back down from it. "I won't waste any chance where I get to spend my time with you," he added.

Flustered after hearing his response, Cagalli didn't say anything, though her cheeks went a few shades darker. After their talk last year—after the Memorial Day, Athrun was a little bit more open to her about his feelings. Not like before the second war, but it was as if the wall between them—that was formed after they parted ways in the second war, was thinning a little bit. Cagalli was still feeling guarded, because she still believed that she had to focus more on her duties. But she too, started to open up a bit more to Athrun whenever things were taking tolls on her. Compliantly, Athrun had always been showing her that he respected and followed her pace, and threw himself to support her, whenever she needed it, both as the Admiral of Orb Military force, and as his own self as well.

"Why are we doing this, again?" Athrun asked.

"It just has been a while since I had this kind of training," Cagalli answered, "I don't like feeling rusted like this. I trust all the guards and the SP members who follow me everywhere, every time, but still…" Cagalli paused, lost in thought for a while, "If there is ever a situation where I'm all by myself, I want to be able to defend myself," she stared at Athrun and giving him sour eyes, "I don't want to be defeated and tied up again like back then," she added, pouting.

Athrun chuckled, "I'm sure you won't. I don't even think you'll be in that situation again in the first place," he assured her. Back then, Cagalli had small responsibilities for the nation compared to her father, making her able to run away from home without much care, which also made her end up meeting him on that deserted island, on that fateful day.

But now, she had become a person with the biggest responsibility in Orb, and that meant she would—could—never go anywhere without protection. Though there were times she would be stubborn and went where she pleased, like now. But at least she was with him, Athrun thought, so he could make sure she was safe.

"I know, but I just want to train, you know, just in case. Also for my own physical training," Cagalli shrugged. "I used to do training everyday back then, but now I don't even have time to do it regularly, only a few minutes of small exercise. Not that I'm complaining about my duty, I just want a breather once in a while. And since today is my birthday, I thought I would make some time for myself."

Athrun just stared at her as Cagalli told her all this. "I see" he sighed, smiling at her, though she didn't see him.

"Well, I'm sorry I dragged you into this with your own busy schedule, but no one is willing to spar with me without holding themselves back. Besides, I don't have any doubt regarding your skill; you are the most capable person for a combat like this that I know of. Moreover, we are familiar with each other, so you are the one that I can trust."

Hearing those words, Athrun was touched. After what he had done in the second war, he was sure it would take time to earn her trust back. Even if what she had said was somehow in a different aspect with what he meant, he was still glad that Cagalli still had some trust in him.

No, he thought again. Cagalli had always trusted him, and she still does. Always, whenever someone doubted him, she would be the first one who voiced her trust in him, back then in the Archangel, and when he went back from ZAFT to Orb. She had done nothing but believing in him, when not many people do.

But then, something flashed on his mind. "Who said I'm not holding back?" Athrun said, suppressing a chuckle.

"Did you…" Cagalli stared up at him.

"Only a little though. If I was holding back, I wouldn't pin you to the ground like that," he answered.

But his know-it-all smile irked Cagalli. "Rematch, next time!" she shouted, glaring at him.

Now he just let out a hearty laugh. "Of course, whatever you want," he replied. After calming down, he said again, "Thank you then, for trusting me." Smiling at her, he continued, "Now, I'm afraid it is time for me to take you back home, Princess."

Cagalli gave him a sour face at the endearment; it was something he picked up from Myrna when he was staying at her place back then. He rarely used it and when he did, it was when he felt like teasing her or annoyed at her. "Don't call me princess, you know I hate it," she reprimanded him.

"But today is your birthday. Aren't all girls usually a princess on their birthday?"

"Well, except for me, then," she huffed.

Athrun chuckled, "Sure, sure. Now let's go back to the car, Myrna will scold me if I bring you back home too late."

"Good evening, Myrna."

"Sir Athrun, thank you for bringing Lady Cagalli home safely," Myrna bowed at Athrun when he and Cagalli entered the main hall of her manor. Myrna had been waiting for her lady to come back. "Should I prepare something for you? It must have been a long ride," she said.

"No, it's okay. It wasn't that long of a ride, and I will have to go back immediately since I'll be going tomorrow. I'll just escort Cagalli to her room and take my leave then."

"You don't have to, you have to prepare a lot for tomorrow," Cagalli said.

"I'm done already actually, just can't spend time longer than I want to, so just let me escort you, please?"

"It's too bad that you can stay long. Please visit here again and stay longer, Sir Athrun. Lady Cagalli too, please just let him do it once in a while. Ah, also there was a package being sent for you from Sir Kira earlier this afternoon."

"Really? Kira didn't say anything when I called him earlier. Thank you, I'll check it later. I'll head to my room now. Good night, Mryna," she said and walked toward her room without waiting for any answer from her companions.

"Good night, My Lady," Myrna bowed her head even though Cagalli couldn't see her. Athrun gave her a brief nod, and followed Cagalli's steps.

"Why are you insisting on following me?" Cagalli asked as they were heading for her room.

At her question, Athrun sighed and shook his head. "Nothing. I just wanted to," he answered her. Even though he already said that he would take any chance he could to be with her just a little bit longer. Though, he did have something to do with her, and he couldn't do it in front of Myrna.

"Tomorrow you are heading for the Equatorial Union, right? Are the preparations ready? Is there any problem?"

"No, nothing. Everything is under control. We are to depart tomorrow at 08.00, for 3 days."

"What are the schedules?"

"Meeting with the Chief of the General Staff, pays a courtesy call on the Minister of National Defence, and inspection of units." Athrun listed.

Cagalli nodded. "I don't think there would be any problem for the visit, but be safe there."

"Thank you for the concern, Representative," he said to her formally.

"What are you doing? You have been teasing me all day today," Cagalli scolded him.

"Nothing in particular, I just love seeing your reaction," Athrun chuckled briefly, though inside, he was hiding his nervousness. He did love the way she reacted, as he was going to be away from her again, his time with her was limited. He wanted to make the best of his time together with her. But he decided to keep his feelings all to himself.

As they arrived in front of Cagalli's room, they stopped. Cagalli, who was walking ahead of him, turned on her heels, facing him. "Thanks for today. I hope you are still willing to accompany me for another training session, if we have time."

"Of course, just call me anytime, we still have to have that rematch," Athrun said grinning. Not that he would definitely be available anytime, but for his princess, he would do what he could to be with her; since they rarely have time to be together, with her as the head representative of Orb, and him being the head of Orb Joint Chief of Staff.

"So, I'll see you around, I guess," Cagalli said slowly. She had been with him for quite some time today, bringing back the nostalgic feeling of good old times when they had spent most days together, and that safety feeling she always had whenever he was with her. Now as they were about to say goodbye, she was taken aback with the feeling of loss.

"Ah, before that…'' Athrun fidgeted, "I… um… I don't think you will be too fond of it, but… Well, I already made it so…" Looking away, Athrun held out the small package he had brought from his car. Cagalli's interest was piqued; she didn't realize Athrun was holding something along the way. It was a small red tote bag with ribbon below its handheld.

"Eh…?" was all Cagalli could make out from her lips.

"Birthday present…" Athrun said, shoving it closer to Cagalli, without looking at her.

Darting her eyes from the package to Athrun who was still looking away from her, a few times, she slowly held her hand out, taking the package from his hand.

Peeking inside the bag, Cagalli's eyes widened by what she saw. Slowly, she pulled it out.

"What is this?"

"An alarm clock. I remember once you often stayed up late, and had difficulty waking up sometimes. I don't know if you still had the problem, hopefully not, but… It's been a while since I made this kind of thing again. This is the first thing that came to my mind… If you don't like it you don't have to set it up, or you can throw it away…" he rumbled, blurting what was on his mind.

"Athrun," she softly called.

Stopping his rumbling, Athrun turned his head to Cagalli.

"It's cute, thanks," Cagalli smiled. Somehow, she felt honored to receive Athrun's handmade. She knew Athrun had made haro and birdy for his friends, as his way of showing his affection for people dear to him. Cagalli softly touched the head of the small, golden colored bear on her hand. The bear was in a sitting position, with a small circular black-colored plate. As she felt a small force, like spring on its head, or maybe neck area, so she tried to press it.

Instantly, it bounced a little. Automatically, the dark eyes lit up in a yellow glow. Its small hands flapped in small motion.

"Good work today!" The bear shouted, flapping its hands before the eyes went back to its former color.

"This is…"

"I set it so if you pat the head, it will greet you with those words. If you set the alarm, like this," Athrun fumbled with what he had installed on the plate. Suddenly, the bear's eyes were lighting up again, and started blinking.

"Morning! Rise and shine!" it said, flapping its arms again. It kept repeating the same line until Athrun gave a gentle push on its head, and then the bear's eyes were turned off again.

"This petit guy will be the first to greet you in the morning, and be the last one too, when you go back to your room at night." Athrun passed the bear back to Cagalli, his face was slightly tinted with a faint blush. "Since I can't do it in person, so… I made this for you…" He added, whispering.

He added the feature to greet her morning and night, because he wanted to be the first to greet her in the morning, and the last to greet her in the night after her long day of work.

Flustered, she accepted the bear back, unable to look at him. She was touched that he was giving her a thoughtful present, but it also showed her how much he cared, and how much he longed for her.

"Thanks… this is… a thoughtful gift…" Cagalli said, and checked the plate for the setting like what Athrun showed her. After she reset the alarm to her usual wake up hour, she held it so she was staring at the petit guy's eyes. "And it's cute, so I don't think I'll have the heart to smash it when the alarm goes off, so this guy will be safe with me," she said, and both of them chuckled.

"I just want to give you this. I'll take my leave then," Athrun said.

"Okay," Cagalli said in a low voice, nodding; her eyes were downcast for a moment. "Thanks again, for everything," she looked up again, holding up her new alarm clock, but also thanking him for his time today.

Hesitantly, Athrun leaned down a bit. At that, Cagalli closed her eyes, though her heart skipped a beat.

And then she felt his lips on her cheek.

"Happy birthday."

And then on her forehead.

She felt Athrun straightened up, and she opened her eyes.

Holding his hand out, he caressed her cheek, "And goodnight."

Cagalli nodded; her face a lovely shade of pink, which Athrun has become fond of. He smiled at the sight. "Good night. Take care," she said.

"You too," Athrun replied. Slowly, he turned around, walking away. Cagalli waited in front of her room until he turned the corner, and then went inside her room.

Back from her study room after doing some late work, Cagalli was ready for bed. She had taken a shower after Athrun left, cleaning all the dust and sweat from their skirmish, and after that she decided to check on some issues from work.

Entering from her connecting room, she walked straight to her bed.

Sitting on the edge of the mattress, her eyes trained to the gift she just received from Athrun, sitting proudly on her bedside table, near her bed lamp. Leaning down on her bed, ready to sleep, she reached out her hand, pressing on the petit guy's head.

"Good work today!" the bear said its catch phrase while flapping its hand.

Smiling at the alarm, the face of its creator came to her mind, and she imagined he-himself saying it to her.

"Goodnight," she whispered softly, and closed her eyes.

AN: Petit guy is my first ever gunpla I bought, and when I saw it, this just came to my mind. Maybe its a little too cute for Cagalli, but... yeah. Its cute. That's all.

Sorry I only made birthday fic for Cagalli (I love her more than Kira, sorry.)

If this seems too short, maybe because it's actually not a oneshot, but I decided I'll only publish this one chapter (and its match the occasion). The rest is too absurd and I have zero confidence to post it here. Hope this will do.

Happy birthday Kira & Cagalli

Cheers