I could feel his hand on my cheek. He ran it softly down my face, as if tracing it to remember. I could see his smile; it was that special smile. It said so much in just one expression. He radiated warmth looking over me. "This is a dream, I know." I told the Athrun that was with me. "You're not real, are you?" He smiled, but never spoke. Instead, he lowered his face to mine. Placing a kiss on my lips, I could feel his breath. If this was a dream, it sure was strong.
"Of course I'm real," he said, parting from me. "Just open your eyes." I awoke from the perfect dream into the perfect reality. Athrun was real, and sitting beside my bed, just how I dreamt him. I would've spoken, but I didn't want to kill the moment. I just wanted another kiss, but I didn't know how to ask. My eyes pleaded a little. He brought his face closer. Yes, please? Just as he set his lips on mine, he jerked his head away.
"What?" I asked, completely confused.
"Kira's coming," he pushed himself back. It was then that noticed that he was seated in a wheelchair. Geez, isn't anyone allowed to walk in here! Sure enough, Kira and Lacus soon appeared in the doorway.
"Nice to see you both awake. Did you get down here all by yourself, Athrun?" Lacus smiled as she came in.
"I had some help finding the chair," he admitted, slightly embarrassed, but too strong to blush.
"Good. Cagalli, I've scheduled a meeting with the Chairman." Lacus offered. "Monday at two."
"Thank you, Lacus."
"And no one came in from the lab last night, so it would appear that all is well." Kira added. Yup, it's just waiting now.
"Kira, can I meet you in my room in a moment?" Athrun asked. Kira nodded, and our company left. "Cagalli, we both will need our strength."
"I know."
"I talked to Kisaka, and Orb is well taken care of." He looked down and pushed himself away. "I've also called Terminal, and asked that they send the Eternal to us."
"Why? Why would you do that?"
"Because, the Chairman isn't going to give up that easily. We both know that." He smiled and brought himself closer again. "We might need to show some force, though I hope not." Always being optimistic, aren't you? I guess you're right though. I nodded in consent. If our mobile suits were already on the way, there was no stopping them. Besides, I'd like to fly again. "Now, you need you're rest."
"Athrun, I'm fine!" I sat up. "Look, I can walk!" I turned to the edge of the bed to prove that I could stand. I was too eager to wait.
"Cagalli, sit down!" I heard him call behind me. However, I was going to stand, and walk around the room. I knew I could, I had the strength. I pushed myself until my feet touched the floor. I was going to do this. That was, until I tried to pull myself up.
I guess not walking for a few days will weaken your leg muscles. And I know that now. At the time, however, I wasn't as lucky. I pushed down on the bed to raise myself, and my feet genuinely tried to accept the weight. My knees quickly buckled and my sorry butt was back on the bed in a flash. Now sooner had I tried to get up, I was back on the bed: helpless.
Athrun did his best to stifle a laugh as I fell. How rude! Laughing at me, when I can't help it. I tried again. This time my knees didn't buckle. I stood for a moment. I felt tall, and somewhat powerful. Standing for the first time in a few days will give you that feeling. "Cagalli," Athrun started, aghast. I turned around, and as I did, I felt my hospital gown twirl a little.
Athrun's faced was in a look of shock. "What? You didn't think I could do it did you?" I asked, mockingly. He shook his head, mouth still gaping open in disbelief. "Well, I can." I smiled and took a step alongside my bed. My steps were planned and deliberate; I wasn't about to fall and prove myself wrong. Step by step, I rounded the end of my bed and came closer to where Athrun sat in his chair. "So there." I said upon stopping in front of him.
"Well, I guess I was wrong. You can leave with Kira and Lacus and spend the weekend at Dearka's now." He let a sly smile slide across his face.
"Oh, so you want me gone?" I turned my back to him. "I guess that's how it is isn't it?" He didn't want me to leave, and I knew it, but I wanted him to say it. Just tell me that you want me to stay, Athrun.
"No, Cagalli," he reached a hand and set it on my side. I turned when I felt it on my waist. When I faced him, he sent his other hand to my shoulder. He leveled his hand on my shoulders and his eyes on mine. Slowly he rose to meet me. Before I knew it, he was standing as well, pulling me into him. "I want you to check out, but-," he brought me closer, almost leaning on me for support. I knew he was still too weak to be standing like this. "I want you to stay with me."
That's all I wanted to hear. I savored the moment, basking in his glow. That was until I felt someone's gaze on us. "Athrun, don't you have to be getting to Kira?" I asked.
I felt Athrun push his face down into my shoulder as he nodded. When he pulled away, I lowered him slowly back into his chair. Sure enough, when I turned around, I saw Shinn standing in the doorway.
"Is she asleep?" Shinn asked as he stepped inside.
"They keep her out most of the time. The nurses are afraid of her when she's awake." Athrun told him once he had reset himself in his chair.
"I just came from Meyrin's room. She's paranoid of everyone, still ducking in the corner when someone comes into the room." Shinn explained as he crossed the room to Luna's side. He knelt down and stroked her hand. I found it sweet, the way he cared for her. It was nice to see him with someone he loved. I pitied him though. Luna didn't know that he was there. I overheard a nurse questioning her chance for recovery. It would kill Shinn to know that Luna may never come back. The doctors had done all they could, draining her system of the drug. Now, they only gave her time, and poppy milk to let her sleep and ensure she wasn't in pain.
Athrun asked me to move and wheeled himself to the door. He nodded as he left to go meet up with Kira. I think he also left to make sure he gave Shinn plenty of room. They were never exactly on the best of terms after the war, so Athrun always tried to respect Shinn's space.
"He's running away again, isn't he?" Shinn asked, still stroking Luna's hand, with his back turned to me.
"I don't know what you mean." I walked back around and sat on my bed.
"He's afraid of me. It's sickening."
"He's only giving you time and space out of respect."
"Like he respects me."
"He does, and he knows that sitting there powerless when your lover may be dieing hurts like hell." I lowered my head at the thought. "I know that too." I knew it hurt.
"I don't-," Shinn sniffed, "I don't need you to tell me that." He was crying. I looked over to watch his heaving shoulders as he sat: a helpless bystander in a war he couldn't fight. "I don't need your pity, or your stories, Athha," he spat through his tears.
"It's times like these when we remember you're human, Shinn."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"During the war, you fought like a demon. You wrestled with an insatiable hunger for blood and vengeance."
"I know why I fought. The war is over now, Princess." Why does everyone call me that? I would've yelled in retaliation, however the image of him crying over Luna invoked too much of my need for compassion.
"You hurt," I knew it stung, "as I've hurt."
"You could never know my pain, Athha." He resigned to his tears. There was nothing I could say that would calm him. Lacus could do that, but she was with Kira and Athrun. So Shinn sat and drowned in his sorrow, there was nothing I could do. So, I sat in silence, resting.
I know Shinn kind of seems like a wuss, but it fits. At least it does to me. Until tomorrow.