Where Are You Athrun?

The road towards the coast was long, bumpy and somber. Shinn was trying to get there, riding a century-old car that his friend gave him.

Vintage but still hanging.

His hair was obviously windswept and his eyes were growing tired due to lack of sleep.

Thinking.

He met with Athrun about three weeks ago. Told him about the plan.

"You are a complete fool Athrun."

Those were his last words. It was his reaction for Athrun's decision of sacrifice, and for another favor that was asked of him.

"I know, that you love her. I've noticed how deeply concerned you are when she almost drowned, and even before that."

Shinn looked away from his friend as he said these words.

"It's because… I remember Stellar. She was like her in a lot of ways."

"Then this is your chance. Be with her when I'm gone."

Shinn raised his eyebrows.

"You're a complete fool."

"Yes I am," Athrun replied.

The house was already visible and it's already past six. He parked the car at the nearby coconut tree and went there by foot. He was holding a bouquet of roses-

Red.

It's been a week after the transplant, and Cagalli was still unable to see.

Temporary blindness.

He knocked at the wooden door. It took a while for it to open.

"Oh, hi…" It was Lacus on the other side.

"May I come in?"

"Sure…"

The house was a bit out of style. It looked like ages since this place was inhabited. The curtains and draping were peach and chrome yellow- safe shades.

Lacus lead him to the receiving area- a lot smaller than the Athha's mansion.

There were three wooden chairs, arranged right in front of each other, and a couch near the TV. The partly opened window permitted the salty air from the sea to rush through. The air was indeed salty, as seen by the salt deposits that cling on the wooden framework of the house.

"You can sit wherever you want, I'll get some tea…"

"No, I'm fine. Don't bother."

"Then I'll get Cagalli. Wait here okay."

Lacus went to the small room adjacent to the place where she left Shinn.

Shinn held the roses. Closed his eyes and waited.

"I didn't expect a guest for today." A voice near the dining area came approaching. It was Kira.

" Just came from PLANT. I've decided to drop by…"

"Good," Kira replied.

He sat in front of Shinn.

"Dinner's already prepared. We'll appreciate if you join us," Kira said.

"Thank you. How's Cagalli."

"She's doing fine, aside from the temporary blindness…"

"What I mean is…" Shinn suddenly reminded Kira about the secret- that shouldn't be revealed 'till the right time.

But when is the right time?

Kira shook his head. His eyes turned misty once more.

Shinn felt sadness all over the place.

Why hasn't anything changed?

"I haven't told her."

"When will you? Did she look for him? Mentioned him perhaps?"

"A quite few times."

"How did you respond?"

Kira took a deep breath. Didn't answer.

"That's how you do it," Shinn said.

Lacus came with Cagalli on a wheelchair. Her eyes were sill blindfolded.

"Shinn's here…" Lacus told Cagalli.

"Thanks Lacus," Cagalli answered.

Kira stood from where he's settling. He gestured something at Lacus, then they both excused themselves.

"How are you?" Shinn asked.

"Getting by… but I'm tired of this darkness. I wish I could see soon."

"Kira said that it'd only take a week before you regain your eyesight."

"Yeah. But I feel restless. It's like I wanted to go out and see the world- you people."

"You've missed living," Shinn concluded.

Cagalli smiled.

"Shinn, have you ever seen… Athrun… by chance?"

Shinn blinked twice.

"Why do you ask?"

"Nothing. It's just that… I haven't heard anything about him. Kira never mention him when we talk…"

"He… is happy right now… I know," Shinn said meaningfully.

On the window, a butterfly settled. It had been a victim of the harsh wind- broken its wings. It didn't take long before it died.

The last breath of an insignificant creation. The universe felt it.

For some unknown reason, Cagalli felt odd. Sadness. Longing.

Where are you Athrun?

A few chapters left, and this fic will come to an end. I feel bad because of the things that had been going on in my head, but I'm somehow enjoying it. This is a fast update because I've nothing else to do, and my finger's itch- wanted to do this follow up. This is enough. Thanks for reading, and for the reviews…