Ring

- - - -

My Dearest Cagalli

Those words were written inside a silver ring Cagalli received from her father on her seventh birthday. Councilor Athha had given her the ring on her birthday over a big chocolate cake decorated with seven colorful candles, a celebration that was two weeks late.

Nine years later, Cagalli Yula Athha stared at the over-sized silver band around her left ring finger, and sighed inwardly. "It still didn't fit, father."

By the time this ring fits in your finger, you'll find the only man for you.

Her father had ensured this, even placed the ring in a chain so she could take it with her all the time. Close to your heart, her father had said. During her secret mission period, she had removed the chain from her neck, along with other jewelries and gaudy dresses her nanny begged her incessantly to wear, and place it inside her topmost drawer.

When Kira was found in the outer space, she cried tears of joy, along with a man she considered as her fate. But the ring was long gone from her heart, and she spent days searching the Eternal, Archangel and inside Strike Rouge, cursing the old chain that was easily broken. Cursing her own carelessness and stupidity.

Athrun volunteered to help, as well as Kira and Lacus, but Cagalli rejected their offer with a tired smile, saying that she had given up on it and that she should stop living in the past.

It was a late night when she finally came home from another fruitless searching effort, and Mana greeted her with towels ready. "Milady, you're home so late. Mr. Athrun came this afternoon, looking for you."

"Eh? He should have waited for me."

The old woman went on with her preparations for Cagalli's bath. "It seems he knew that you're still searching for that ring till night. He asked about the ring's specific details, how it looked like, and other things. Milady, you should stop doing such thing. I know the ring's a precious item from your father, but I think he wouldn't want you to endanger yourself searching for that ring."

Cagalli sighed heavily and propped herself on the sofa. "I don't want to think that I've lost that ring...it felt like I've lost father along with it."

Upon hearing this, a knock came to the door, and Mana opened it to reveal none other than Athrun Zala himself.

"Athrun...!" She unconsciously stood up from the sofa. "What brings you here so late?"

The ZAFT pilot smiled and took out a plastic carefully from his pocket, where a silver ring was placed inside it. "I polished it, so it looked brand new."

"My goodness! You found it, Mr. Zala?" Mana exclaimed beside her.

Cagalli couldn't believe her eyes, and stepped forward to reach the ring. The words engraved in the ring's inner part was exactly the same.

My Dearest Cagalli

Clutching the ring close to her, Cagalli couldn't help to fight back her tears of joy. Athrun patted her head, and laughed lightly. "You know, you shouldn't be crying if you want to protect Kira as his big sister."

"Th-thank you...Athrun," she finally managed to choke out between her tears.

"No problem. Anyway, I love to stay and chat, but it's already late, so I should head back." He planted a kiss on Cagalli's forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Watching Athrun's back as he left, Cagalli sighed again, but this time of huge relief. Slowly and gently, she took the ring out of the plastic bag and placed it in her ring finger...it was a perfect fit, unlike before.

Why did it fit so nicely this time? She asked herself in confusion. Did my finger get bigger? Then, she remembered...

He asked about the ring's specific details, how it looked like, and other things.

I polished it, so it looked brand new.

Running hurriedly to the window, she got in time to saw Athrun leaving on a ZAFT jeep. "Athrun!" Her voice didn't reach him, and outside, the rain started dropping gently on her face and finger.

Athrun, you liar...

Once more she kissed the ring gently, and held it close to her heart.

By the time this ring fits in your finger, you'll find the only man for you.

Father, I think I'm finally beginning to understand those words. And I love him so much...

And it was less than one year later, when Athrun Zala gave her another ring she treasured as much as her love for him.