Somewhere Out There
A Kira and Lacus FanFic
Chapter 8: After all This Time
She brushed away his brown bangs from his face and observed his peaceful form. The bandage around his forehead and around the other parts of his body only made her feel pain inside. She caressed his cheek, enjoying the feeling of his warm and smooth skin against her palm.
It wasn't long when he fluttered his eyes. Lacus felt her heart skip a beat as she saw his eyes open and the shade of amethyst that she adored so much after all this time. He shrieked in discomfort and his fists were clenched- he was in pain. His eyes shut once again and his breathing increased into a harsh and destroyed car engine. She held his hands to smoothen it and to make him calm but his body had turned hard and close.
"Kira..."
She held his hand tightly to ease his displeasure as her other free hand rested on his pale, handsome face. Kira's breathing calmed and his face was no longer in the look of pain. She smiled faintly and gasped when Kira's hand grabbed hers. "Kira..." He was holding in tightly in his grasp, planning not to let go and securing himself in his unconsciousness that she'll stay beside him. Until now, he was still the doubtful Kira; the Kira that was always scared and afraid. His grip lightened a bit then his eyes calmly opened.
He roamed his eyes all over the ceiling and then rested his gaze upon the girl beside his bedside. "Am I in the hospital?" he asked rather weakly. Lacus nodded with eyes so teary but courageously she fought them back for him just like old times. A small smile graced his lips and his eyes grew teary themselves. "I'm glad you're alright." She told him before holding his hand with hers. Kira nodded slowly. "Where's Daniel?" he asked. Lacus smiled. He was still the selfless person though- the person who loved others more than himself. "He's alright...he just got up from the hospital a few days ago."
Kira held her hand tightly, savoring the warmth that arose in between their fingertips. "I'm glad he's alright..." Kira felt a tingle of pain on his back but pushed it aside just to look at her. "That was really stupid of you Kira."
Kira stunned and saw her face sadden. "You almost died out there!" she exclaimed. Her eyes couldn't hide anymore of the tears as she brought his hand to her face. He chuckled which brought her to a surprise. "I wish...I could turn back time." 'Then maybe I could've loved you instead.' He thought to himself.
"And what? Die in that ship?" she scolded. Kira laughed, "No...I'd rather stay here if that was an option!" Lacus grinned and the both of them were laughing weakly.
The door shot open and Kira's eyes widened in shock at the sight of her angry sister. "I'm busted..." Kira said to himself. "You idiot!" Cagalli shouted as she approached Kira and encircled her arms around his neck while her other free hand played roughly with his hair.
"Argh Cagalli can't you se I'm in bed!" Kira struggled. "You could've died out there fool!" Lacus smiled at the twins and was brought to laughter. "Lacus help me out here!" Kira pleaded as Cagalli continued to shout at her brother. Athrun, meanwhile, sighed heavily. "What an uncivilized manner my wife has..." Athrun mumbled to himself as he continued to watch Cagalli strangle her own brother in the hospital with Lacus watching in the sidelines, laughing and admiring the brotherly sisterly love both Kira and Cagalli shared.
"Huh?"
Athrun looked near the door and saw Daniel peeking from outside. When the kid saw Athrun looking at him, he quickly ran away from the door. "Daniel..." Athrun called out which brought Lacus' attention towards the blue-haired. Lacus reluctantly left the room and looked around the hallway- there was no sign of her son. She sighed then continued to walk along. When she noticed a shadowed figure of a child in one corner she smiled.
"You can come out Daniel I'm sure Kira'd be glad to see you're alright" his mother said. She stopped when she figured she was near to his shadow. Without hesitation Daniel appeared from the corner with his arms crossed and he was pouting.
"It's awkward." The child told his mother. Lacus smiled. "It's only a little thank you. It'll be alright Daniel." Lacus cheered. Daniel averted his gaze towards his mother; his sad eyes depicted that of Kira's, though she was supposed to see her husband inside the boy's eyes... instead, she saw someone else...the man she loved after all this time. "It's really awkward Lynette..." the boy mumbled. Lacus bent down to reach his level and tapped the boy's head. "c'mon...you'll get used to this awkwardness Daniel"
Lacus gently grabbed the boy's hand and led her inside Kira's room.
Athrun rolled his eyes when the twins continued to, Cagalli as the suppressor, 'quarrel'.
"Look, Cagalli I said I'm sorry for my recklessness..."
"Shut up and don't you dare get me all worried about you stupid butt!"
"Look...I promise-
"Thank you..." a tiny voice interrupted. Kira and Cagalli stopped their assault on eachother and turned towards the location of the voice. A small smile graced Kira's lips as he saw Daniel- still with his arms crossed. "Thank you for saving me Kira..." the boy sternly said to the adult. Cagalli removed his enrage arms from her brother and looked adorably at the child. Kira swore he was about to laugh when a shade of red appeared on the child's cheeks.
Daniel looked back at her mother. "Go on Daniel."
Daniel rolled his eyes and approached Kira. "And I'm sorry for all the bad things I did...urgh...this sucks!" the child stated. Athrun tried to control his laughter and Cagalli let out a sigh. Kira felt a ticklish sensation run through his stomach, 'Now this is a good scene of reconciliation." Kira playfully thought to himself.
"Daniel, apologize properly..." his mother told him.
"Alright already, I'm sorry for...for...urgh!"
"For what?" Kira interrupted.
Daniel averted his gaze from the brown-haired adult. "You don't have to apologize...I can see you don't have the guts to swallow your pride."
Daniel snorted then looked at Kira with rage. "Look, I'm trying to apologize to you don't you see that?" the kid defended. Kira sneered. "Well, do it properly okay Daniel?" Kira told the child with the last part a bit soft and sincere. Daniel straitened his arms and looked at Kira with teary eyes. Kira was a bit surprised with that look in his eyes.
"Please forgive me Kira for everything I have done and for insulting you..." the child said softly. Kira smiled happily this time. He struggled to sit up with the help of Cagalli and tried to stand up. When he did, he bent down so that he was in Daniel level. Kira placed his hand on his blonde hair and played with it. A huge smile escaped Kira's lips which somehow enlightened the child. "Of course I'll forgive you. You're still a child and there is still a lot for you to learn Daniel."
Daniel gasped lightly at the words Kira released from his mouth.
"Don't worry Daniel...you'll get better. I believe in you because there is till a lot you can learn." His father said softly as he played with his son's hair.
Daniel turned his gaze away from Kira as he felt tears threatening to fall but courageously he fought them back- and so he did. Kira stood straight and stretched his body. "Well, I'm recovering fast than I thought...so guys I see were reunited once again."
Athrun smiled, Cagalli chuckled and Lacus giggled at the idea. "I believe so"
The sunset was perfect with the seagulls flying all over the shore of the beach. The fancy huge rocks were still there and of course the kids- the orphans. Kira turned to look at the playing children. Some he didn't recognize, since maybe they were new commerce, while some he did recognize but a few of their faces have changed as the years gone by. Some are now even in their early teens and some are now really thinking like they are adults.
Kira could also see the happy expression of Daniel face as he played with the orphans. The teenage orphans were gathered on one side maybe talking about girls and usually love life and maybe they could be thinking of living outside the orphanage...but it didn't matter. Kira was back and so was Lacus.
He walked inside the cottage only to find a few of his old comrades. Murrue, Sai, Murdoch, DaCosta, Mir and the others he failed to know personally. Lacus was in the kitchen surrounded by a few new orphans probably asking her questions about who she is or where she's been. Cagalli was on one side, playing with her son while Athrun was with Andy, helping to post the reunion banner at the entrance of the cottage. It was great...everything was perfect and everyone close to them was all here. Except for one person though and he wished she'd never have to come. "Everything is like the way it used to be..." Kira said to himself and a small smile of contentment graced his lips.
He turned back and exited the house to look at the beautiful sunset. He could still remember the moment and the memories of the war...memories of her were still inside his head too and the betrayal. "I'm glad...everything's back to normal."
Kira turned back to see who it was and saw Lacus smiling faintly at him. "You seem to be lonely Kira." Kira grinned, "As always" Lacus stood beside him and together they watched the sunset. "I didn't know this day would come that I'd be able to see all of them...I'm really thankful we were bale to see eachother Kira."
Kira turned his gaze towards her. "I'm thankful too Lacus..." he said, with his words having a reason of their own. "You seem regretful about some things Kira." Kira's eyes saddened- she was right. "Maybe so...but then we can never turn back time and correct the things we have done wrong. You once said to me that if we do turn back time we can never be sure that we will not be able to repeat the same mistakes again." His words were confident yet still very unsure in a different sense but it made her happy though. "That's true Kira."
Their gazes locked sooner and they were reading each other's mind. It will mend soon enough. There was still hope and they will remain hopeful through and through- they were...after all this time.
Laughing and cheering everywhere. The sight of their friends happily seeing eachother once again was a happy view. Though Murrue lost the one she loved ten years ago, looks like it was mending- she was mending. The kids were having such a great time and the teens played their own game: trip to Jerusalem, the old news paper dance, egg catching, pie eating contest where Athrun desperately wanted to win. Daniel and Nathaniel were having a good time of their own talking and playing with eachother. Sai had particularly moved on with his life. He invited his girlfriend along who was chatting with Cagalli and the other girls. The old guys, basically Andy and the others were drinking beer. What do you expect of old me?
Kira took a sip of his juice and laughed when Cagalli deliberately placed pie all over her husbands face. Everyone was laughing and cheering at the sight of the couple. Lacus herself was enjoying this moment and Kira was spoiling himself by staring at the pink-haired girl not to far from him. The kids now took the floor and the game was egg catching. Daniel and Nathaniel were partners and they were really doing a great job! Before Kira even noticed Lacus was already standing beside the chair he was sitting on, laughing as she observed her son play and enjoy himself. Finally, the game was over with Nathaniel and Daniel as the winner team. Everything felt so right now and he was sure- it was time to start a new life now. The games and now it required pairs. The crowd pulled Kira out of his chair and pushed Lacus to him. They blushed when their noses touched.
Other pairs involved Cagalli and Athrun, Murrue and Andy and so on. The game was newspaper dance. They gave out there news papers to each one of them and the game began. Kira and Lacus were a bit awkward since the game would involve a bit of intimacy. The song kept playing and when it stopped both Kira and Lacus stepped on the newspaper, they blushed when their faces were so close to eachother. Daniel looked at his mom as she played the game with Kira. He noticed the blush on her cheeks whenever their faces would inch closer. The other fell off the newspaper and was out. Daniel just seemed to watch and let them be.
The newspaper was now ΒΌ in size. Surely 2 pairs of feet wouldn't fit so there was a need to carry the other partner. Kira blushed like mad at the idea and Lacus became more awkward towards Kira. The crowd was cheering and it was an advantage for Athrun and Cagalli since they were married! The music finally stopped and with all his strength carried Lacus bridal style as he stood on the newspaper with one foot. Athrun did the same too while the others fell off balance. Nathaniel was playing a ball and accidentally threw it near the foot of his father which made him fall of balance. "I'm dead..." Athrun mumbled to himself as they fell on the floor.
The crowd cheered for Lacus and Kira for they were the winners. The both of them bushed madly at the position they were in and not for long, Kira placed Lacus down from his arms. The both of them couldn't find the courage to look at eachother. It was no big deal to be that intimate with only the both of them together but having to be in each others arms in front of dozens of people?! That is embarrassing.
Cagalli was scolding Athrun for not standing still while Athrun kept on apologizing to his wife. "It's just a game Cagalli..."
"I know but at least be competitive Athrun dear!"
The party went on and now they were dancing to a slow beat. Most of the people were couples. Kira and Lacus couldn't seem to recover from the incident because they were standing in the center floor, looking at eachother. He smiled sweetly at her and for once in their lives they needed to talk about a few things by themselves. He approached her who was a bit stunned. Gently, Kira grabbed her hand and led the both of them outside the cabin and out into the cold night breeze. She shivered when the air clashed against her skin and it made her jerk right into his side.
They were walking now alone in the sand. There was silence as they walked along. His hands held hers in a touch so mystifying. They could here the song "Listen to Your Heart" being played inside the cabin. They kept on walking and finally stopped at the sight of a huge wrecked battleship stuck in between two rocks in the ocean. "I guess they never had time to remove that thing..." Kira said, breaking the silence between them. Lacus looked at him and just nodded. He was curious- so curious. Her back found to rest on a coconut tree with Kira resting his back on the other side. "Lacus..." he called out.
She replied with a soft hum. "I was just wondering why you left years ago." the subject was starting to break her. He waited for her answer but heard her sighed heavily. He turned around to look at her and found her sad and teary. "Did you take me here just to talk about that? Because I don't really wanna talk about it..." with those words she walked away slowly.
Kira quickly grabbed her wrist. He was unfulfilled. There was this inner desire inside him to finally listen to his heart and to hers even for just this moment- can they please be true to eachother because it's hurting him and even her. "Don't go please...I need to know..."he pleaded her. The reaction of their skin was getting the best of her. She dared not to look back...but she did and his eyes found their way inside of her. He approached her slowly as she was unable to move. The wind was blowing the edge of her simple but elegant dress- a sign of her simplicity. She backed away a bit until his hand touched her face. She was scared he might know- scared he might do it. She moved back even more while he followed her. She gasped lightly when her back was resting on another coconut tree. He stopped too and looked at her worriedly. He was right.
The song was getting the best of her too. Well what else can he say? "Listen to your heart..." Kira whispered. He pulled her arm gently and embraced her shivering body. His warmth started to fill her body and once again found herself melting in his arms. She couldn't resist- she'd never resist. Her head was resting in his shoulder while he tried so much to embrace her fully. She closed her eyes and wondered if this fight was worth while. The song was really getting to her!
"I don't know why... all I know is that I'm sorry..." he gently whispered into her ear. Tears started to fall from her beautiful eyes. He pulled her closer planning never to let go. She found the courage to face him and so gently parted from his warmth. "I...I...didn't know why...I...I...decided to leave..." she stammered before looking away. Now, the song they heard from the cabin was titled "I Still Believe". 'Why does the music have to be that one?' Lacus thought.
"I want to know..." Kira provoked which brought her to surprise. She could see that he was hurt too and was getting impatient and desperate for contact with her skin once again. He was sucking the truth out of her because he knew he could, he had the power. He turned his gaze to her pale and sweet face. "Why Lacus?" he inched nearer to Lacus which scared her. When he touched her face she shivered and denied his touch. He felt terrible with himself and so moved back a bit. He was forcing her out of her limitations to control her emotions.
He sighed deeply, loosing the will to know and be curious. Instead, he moved closer to her, gathered her body and embraced her once again. This time, his warmth was the real thing she knew. She felt herself calm in his touch; he ran his hand up and down her silky hair. "Because I..." Lacus started. Kira stopped moving, waiting patiently for her next words. She pulled herself away from his arms and looked at him straight in the eye. "I guess you deserve to know..." she told him as she moved back to create a distance between her world and his.
"I always wondered why...I...I did it" Lacus breathed in deeply then looked at Kira. "Why you ran away?" Kira interrupted. To his surprise she shook her head. "Every time I see you with her I feel different..." she choked. Kira's heart softened like jelly and slowly approached her. "I tried to hold it back but it ended up differently. I didn't expect it to happen...I promise I didn't." She was crying now...with all the tears she couldn't show him a few years before. She let his hands caress her cheek. "What is it?" he whispered. She hesitated but his hands held her shoulders gently. He made her face him and inside his eyes he was pleading her to say those words...he was pleading her to give him the signal.
"Kira...I..."
"What...what is it?" he asked desperately, bringing himself to tears like her. It was hurting him. He wanted too be set free from all the thoughts at the back of his mind. "Tell me Lacus...please..."
"I couldn't be brave enough to tell you before Kira..."
Kira was beginning to be so desperate himself that he didn't notice that he was squeezing her shoulders. It was hurting her, not physically but in a way unexplainable. "Kira I..."
He rested his forehead against hers. She flinched at the feel of his breath against hers. The song they could hear now was titled "After all This Time"
'I love him still...' Lacus thought to herself.
'I want to know if you still...' he thought.
He tilted her head so that their noses could touch eachother and their lips only inches away. The feel of his breath was so mesmerizing but she had to control her desires. She bit her lip so as to not give in to his soothing touches but he left no other choice for her to do.
"I want to know if you still..." he whispered into her ear.
She's loving him still
For the rest of life
Lacus gasped lightly when she felt his upper lip rub against hers. "Kira..."
She's loving him still
For the last of many miles
She closed her eyes to finally give herself to him for just this moment. He grinned then slowly he inched forward to place his lips on hers.
She's loving him still
After all this time
"How lovely you too look together..." a dark and shallow voice said from behind them.
Lacus' eyes widened in shock. The voice sounded so familiar- too familiar. She parted from him and looked back- to her horror it was...
"Albert?"
End Here
Okay guys I need reviews okay? If you review then you're cool! Thanks in advance and oh yeah...HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS! LOVE YA! I'll be updating in the next two days...or more.