Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed Destiny

Chapter 7

…

It was just in time that as I was on the verge of falling, when someone rescued me by grabbing my arm, I wasn't able to see the face of the person but the warmth I felt while being carried was very familiar.

…

Everything was a blur, my head was aching badly, my body feels heavy, as I woke the scenery has changed into something else, as I opened my eyes and looked around I know for sure that this place isn't the mountains anymore, as there were no more leaves, rocks and trees, rather it was a room with four corners all painted white, and I am currently bed ridden and as I forced myself to sit I saw Lacus, she was making tea, and then I called her attention, "Lacus?"

"Oh, Cagalli good morning." She greeted with a smile plastered in her face

"Where am I?" I asked, though I obviously know where I am.

"The hospital." She replied

"Why?" I asked again

"Well….remember, you said you'd go ahead, when suddenly it started raining hard, and so Ahmed led us to a shelter that was just near thankfully to keep us out from the rain, and when were there because we worried we didn't receive any call or text from you both Ahmed and Athrun suggested to do a search, they both were arguing because Ahmed suggested he can handle it alone and plus he knows the way better than Athrun which is true, however Athrun argued that it would be better if the two of them search for you that way it would be faster. And after a arguing finally Kira interrupted and stopped it and at the end Ahmed finally agreed, and so the two left me and Kira, there to search for you." She told me

"Then what happened after?"

"So from what Athrun told me, as they were both searching they originally wanted to split, but when they heard someone shout help, they hurriedly tried to search for the direction of the sound, when Ahmed found you clinging on the edge, so he grabbed your hand hurriedly." She continued

"But who brought me here?" I asked once again

"It was Athrun, who did, well Ahmed wanted too, but because of his body type, Athrun was the more suitable candidate of course." She said with delight, "Oh, are you hungry? Would you want me to peel you an apple?" She offered

When I heard it was Athrun, I couldn't help but feel my cheeks burn apple red. Gosh, stop it Cagalli it's just being carried, so that's why it felt warm. Now that you mentioned it, Athrun must be super strong to be able to carry me like that, those arms so strong, wait what?! Cagalli stop that! You're such a pervert! Wait Lacus was also carried once, but Lacus after all is lighter than me, cause come on the girl seems like she doesn't gain weight. I was lost with thoughts that I wasn't able to hear Lacus talk.

"Cagalli? Hey! Cagalli! Earth to Cagalli!" She shouted in stern voice

"Huh?" I answered as if I'm out of it.

"Apples, I kept on asking but you weren't answering." She was holding an apple

"Oh, uhm sure." I answed her

And so Lacus started peeling, it seems I have a swollen foot, and I might have a fever, cause my head feels heavy. So, I laid back and stared at the ceilings, while Lacus was happily peeling the apple. After minutes later I suddenly felt sleepy and so I took a quick nap.

…

The second time I woke up Lacus, can't be found.

"Sis, are alright?" He asked eyes wide open

"Yeah, yeah I'm okay." I reassured him

"Are hungry? Do feel pain? Do want anything? Please tell me Cagalli!" He was very worried and like in a panic

"PLEASE CALM DOWN! KIRA!" I shouted geez, this idiot it's not like I seriously injured myself all I had was mild swollen foot.

"Sorry sis, I just care for you." He said

"Okay, but calm down and relax. As you can see I'm still alive." I reassured him

It was silent for a moment, "So, where's Lacus?" I asked

"Oh, Lacus, she and Athrun were here an hour ago." He answered

"Oh….where did they go?" I asked again, so Athrun was here too, dammit too bad I didn't see him.

"I asked Athrun to take her home, I'm sure she's tired anyways, and I think Athrun will come back to look after you for the night, I'll go back later because it would only be Lacus at home." He replied

"What about aunt and uncle? Why wouldn't they be at home?" I asked

"Well uncle has this teacher camp or something which is overnight, so they aren't at home for the night. But don't worry, tomorrow they'll be here, and oh yeah I talked to the doctor and she said you just need the rest for tonight and you'll be okay, just don't put too much pressure on your right foot. So yeah, sorry sis I can't be here for you and Ahmed told me, that he hopes for you to recover soon." He told me

"So, wait it's just gonna be me and Athrun tonight?!" My heart started beating

"Yeah, why do you have a problem with him?" Kira asked curiously

"Ah, no, no, no nothing like that. J-just…." I stuttered, my cheeks started to blush

"Just what?" He had an arched eyebrow

"Just that…I mean would he be okay with taking care of me? I mean he must be tired." I told him

"Well, Athrun volunteered to do it, I didn't ask him to do it, but if you want me to do it, I'll just call him and tell him I'll stay for the night." He said

"No, it's okay I'm pretty sure he might be on his way here already." I said

And I was right just after a few minutes, Athrun opened the door and came inside with backpack.

"Hey." He greeted

"Athrun!" Kira waved

Athrun placed his bag on the table, then sat to the stool next to Kira's. "Hey, Cagalli how are you feeling?" He asked me

"Better than ever!" I said with a huge smile, to show I'm totally fine

"Hey, Kira, you better go now Lacus, is alone right now, you better hurry. She'll be worried if you don't go home by now, I will call her to inform that you're on your way." He mentioned to Kira

"You're right!" Kira remembered

"You better hurry bro or else Lacus will be angry at you." I joked

"Well then Athrun I leave my precious sister to you. Remember to take extra care of her. Sis, contact me immediately if he does something okay?" He reminded both me and Athrun

"Geez, Kira you are such a worrywart! I am not a baby so DON"T TREAT ME LIKE ONE!" I shouted obviously pissed at him, while glaring.

Kira seemed to be scared immediately left, so now it's just me and Athrun. It was really awkward, and it was only then when Kira left that I suddenly felt that the room seemed small. No one spoke a word, all you can hear are the sounds of chatter of people, the air conditioner, footsteps and crying patients and families weeping. It was so silent in the room that I'm sure maybe Athrun can hear the hard and fast beating of my heart. The silence suddenly broke only when my hungry tummy started grumbling. God! Did he hear it? Athrun turned to me, as I was blushing furiously out of embarrassment.

"Hungry?" He asked

I nodded, still can't make direct eye contact I lowered my head. So, Athrun stood up then went to the fridge.

"Well, have you eaten dinner yet?" He asked again

"No, I haven't in fact I haven't eaten anything at all this day." I answered

"WHAT?! You have to eat something heavy then I mean you're still in the process of healing yourself." He was worried " All we have here are rice porridge, onigiri and fruits are you okay with that or do you want something else, I could go the convenience store that's near If you'd like.." He suggested

"I'm fine with whatever is there, I'm okay with porridge, onigiri and bananas." I told him

"Okay, then I'll just re-heat the porridge and onigiri in the microwave then." And so he started preparing the food, and while he was preparing it was once again silent.

Cagalli talk about anything come on think about something! Dammit, what should we talk about. "Oh, uhm say Athrun thanks by the way for carrying me here."

"It's nothing, I'm just glad you're all better now, so uhm how's the foot?" He asked

I tried moving my foot, it hurts a bit but not that much, "Its better now. Just hurts a bit." I told him

"Do you want me to massage it?" He suggested

"No, I'm good." I said

"Are you sure? I'm good at it, I mean both my mom and Lacus tells me I'm really good at massaging, it feels like heaven when I touch them." He chuckled

I suddenly blushed again, what the heck is he talking about! "No, thanks."

"Why are you blushing then? Are you having perverted thoughts? I never knew Kira's precious sister would such a person." He was teasing

"SHUT UP! I'm so not! You're the pervert! Jerk!" I denied

"I'm just kidding princess, but with all seriousness, let me massage your foot, it will help relieve the pain." He said

"First of all DON"T CALL ME PRINCESS! I hate that!" I shouted, and "second, sure massage it, after dinner." I said

"Okay. I understand! Commander" He said with a salute.

I chuckled, and he also chuckled. "Dinner's ready" He told me

As I tried getting out of bed I slowly placed my right foot down but it stings, really bad and when both foot we now down and as I was about to stand, ouch! I was about to collapse but Athrun was just in time to catch me, holding my arm and hugging me close. "Are you alright?" He asked, and as I was about to face him back, we were about to kiss, I turned again my face burning red, Holy crap that was close we were about to accidentally kiss! "Yeah, I'm fine, just that I don't think I can properly stand, can you help me walk?"

"Sure, do you want me to carry you again?" He joked

"Stop that! Idiot! Just help me to walk by aiding me." I suggested

And so Athrun did, and as I was at the table, "Aren't you gonna eat?" I asked

"Nah, I'm fine and I ate dinner already before coming here." He told me

So, started eating, but as I was eating, Athrun was staring.

"Stop staring dammit!" I commanded him

"But you're just so cute." He teased me

"Shut it!" I shouted

"Okay, pri….." He stopped

"Don't you dare say that P word." I glared

"Okay, Cagalli, then would you mind if I turn on the tv?" He asked

I shook my head and continued eating, after eating dinner I brushed my teeth then changed my clothes. Then went to bed with the help of Athrun.

The night seems long, once the lights were off, it just suddenly occurred to me. As my heart was beating so fast, because come on a guy is sleeping in the same room as me, but the weird thing is this is the first time this has happened because this really isn't the first time I'm sleeping with guy. I mean, I always sleep with Kira the same bed even when I was young, with my dad, uncle and even Ahmed, but never did my heart beat so loud that it was nerve wrecking.

"Athrun are you awake?" I asked him

No response was made, he must be asleep. However, after a few seconds.

"Cagalli, you should sleep by now you're sick you need rest." He reminded

"Well I'm just having a hard time sleeping and I don't know why." I told him

"Nightmares?" He asked

"Not really." I told him

"Do you want to sleep beside me? It might not be as comfortable though" He suggested

"Well if it would help me sleep, I guess." I said

And so I went to his side in the futon, placed my pillow beside his, then went to lay me head, he then suddenly faced me. "Better?" He said with a yawn. Crap his face is so close, but the smell of his hair was very calming, so calming that I finally…felt sleepy. And just like that instantly I fell asleep.

…

The next morning

"Good morning sis!" It was Kira who shouted. "Where's Cagalli! Oh my gosh my sister! My sister's missing!" Kira was then in a state of panic.

"Shut up! For Christ sake Kira! People are sleeping!" I suddenly snapped awakened by Kira

And without noticing my current position I saw Athrun's face so close to mine and both of us hugging the other. Kira saw this and once again went back to overprotective brother mode.

"Zala! What did I tell you!" Kira was angry

"Huh? What? Oh, hey Kira Good morning." Athrun still in daze of half-awake and half-asleep. Just like on the bus

"Don't greet me you two-faced jerk what did you do to my sister?" Kira was angry

"Did what?" Athrun asked innocently

"Of course you know what I mean this!" He was pointing as to why Athrun's arm was encircled on my waist.

Only then did Athrun notice we slept beside the other, suddenly letting go and standing, while blushing. "Hey, Kira this is all a misunderstanding okay? Nothing happened. Right?" He looked at me

"Yeah, just calm down. I'll explain." I told him

And so I told Kira what happened that night. And thankfully he listened.

"So, that's why but sis you could have called me if you can't sleep." He said

"But, I didn't want to bother you while sleeping, it was midnight already." I told him

"Well okay, but next time rely on me a little okay?" He said

"Okay." I replied with a smile

"Well, we better start preparing to go." Athrun mentioned

"Oh, right aunt is back with uncle and they said they'll give us a ride back home after lunch, so we have to start packing when we go home." Kira told us

I suddenly felt guilty, it was my fault that we didn't do much. "Uhm, hey guys sorry we weren't able to enjoy the trip and were able to go sightseeing." I apologized

"Silly, it's okay sis it wasn't your fault it was an accident." Kira reassured me

"Were just glad you're safe." Athrun said with a smile

I smiled back.

…

After my discharge, we went back to aunt's house.

"Were back!" I shouted

"Welcome back!" Aunt Caridad shouted back while cooking lunch and Lacus was helping cooking

"Welcome back guys." Lacus greeted

"Where's uncle?" Kira asked

"Your uncle's cleaning the car." Aunt Caridad answered, "How about you guys rest for a bit, especially you Cagalli, and then after you guys start packing your stuff so that after lunch with be ready to go." Aunt Caridad suggested

…

After eating, Ahmed suddenly came to visit

"Ahmed!" I called him

He waved at me, and approached me. "Cagalli can I talk to you for a bit in private, maybe outside if you're not busy." He said

"Uhm, sure." I said

So we went outside, while the others are preparing.

"So what did you want to talk about?" I asked

"Well I heard today is your last day here and you'll go back to the city later, so I decided to tell you this today because I may never have a chance to tell you this in person." Ahmed said seriously

I just blinked my eyes, in disbelief is this really the Ahmed I know he seems tensed and serious.

He breathe then exhaled. "Basically, what I'm trying to say is that Cagalli I like you."

What! WHAT! Ahmed likes me? The me that's like a guy! Since when?! Wait! This is all too fast.

"Judging from your face I can see this shocked you huh? And you're thinking when this started." He said

I just nodded.

"Well ever since we were young I knew you were different from others, I tried hiding it and all, but every time I'm with you my heart beats aloud, I blush so hard, my heart beats fast, I feel my cheeks flush red, and remember when we were young and we used to sleep together, I never told you but I can't sleep because my heart beats so loud, that it's so nerve wrecking, and when you're so close I blush so hard, just so you know." He told me

Wait isn't all of those familiar, I think what Ahmed mentioned I've experienced all of those but when? And then a sudden flashback occurred to me, and all I can see is Athrun and all the times I was with Athrun, my heart beat so fast and my cheeks suddenly beat red not because of Ahmed but just like as if a sudden epiphany in a film, it finally sink in why I felt all those emotions. It was because I like Athrun. I like Athrun! I like Athrun! But since when? All I can think of right now is him.

"So, uhm Cagalli even if you don't answer right now it's okay, I'll wait until you are ready." Ahmed said

And just like that "Ahmed, I'm sorry but I'll think about it for now, because it seems like there's….." I looked back to see that Athrun was there watching us, but since when? Did he hear Ahmed's confession? Gosh what is happening right now!

A/N: So sorry for the late update for I'm currently busy with school, and I was in a state of writer's block so I can't really write anything even if I wanted to. So, I won't promise to update soon, but I'll try to update as fast as possible, but still thanks to those who are waiting and reviewing this story. Please look forward to the next chapters.