Third Gesture:

Embrace

It was raining. The thunderclouds hovered above and threatened to spill further the heavy waters. As it was, it had been like this for the past few days now. It signified that of gloom and loneliness that even the children's laughter little by little died out.

And a particular pink-haired didn't like it.

She was by the kitchen washing the dishes. The others were by themselves in the fireplace – trying to gather enough warmth as the wooden structure of the house couldn't fight off the coldness.

Her hands may be doing the plates and the utensils, but her thoughts laid adrift somewhere else. Her eyes gazed momentarily on the outside – as the window was just above the sink, giving her enough view of that place.

She sighed. She didn't like rainy days either, as it brought with it tremendous memories of the past which were thought as locked beneath the heart. And she found this invasion of thought a trespass…she never wanted to feel cold…never wanted to feel alone.

She had just finished the said set as she dried her hands and left the dishes on the clearing. She then went to check up on the little ones as she made way to where they were. Peeking slowly from the tiny gap of the unclosed door, she took sight of those kids…all snuggled close to each other while hearing out a story being told by Reverend Malchio. This person had been her father since his death…wait…was she just thinking about him? Somehow…she remembered how her father would do that to her as a child. Unknown to her, she still was a child herself – searching for the warmth of hug.

Before fully losing herself to the fragments of her memories and the sudden surge of emotion, she took a step back and went to the balcony to think things over. The weather's done this to her numerous times, and it was best that if ever she did become emotional (as she always had in times like these), she didn't want them to see, especially the children.

She had been their hope. Her shoulders bore the burden.

Once outside, the immediate cool welcomed her. The wind's blows whispering a familiar to her ears. Great. Just great. She forgot to bring her jacket along. She intended to go back inside but then thought of "feeling" the environment further.

It was in times that you feel the bleakness, that you'll realize the importance of the warmth. And times such as this, would one day pass…and perhaps, she thought, she might even miss this chance to let go of the burden and the sadness her heart hid from their eyes.

So, as it turned out, she stayed put with both hands on the railings while the strong winds threatened to shatter the wooden frames. It would appear feeble to the eyes but what she admired about it the most was the fact that it stood such agitation – if she may so put.

Finally feeling the cold rush up to her mind and the uncontrollable shivers she felt, she realized it was just about time to head inside. She had been done with her thinking…and right now, worried that if she stayed too long out, they would come searching for her.

While she was on her way to do so, she saw a familiar figure by the shorelines…it was him. And she wondered…what was he doing there, in the middle of the raging storm? And at this hour of the night when a shelter was provided for them?

She thought for a moment, and hesitated. If she went up to him, she was afraid she would invade his privacy…like her, this was also the only time when he could reflect on different matters. But then, if she let him by himself, he might catch a cold or worse than it.

Besides, she felt he needed her, or much so she needed him…at this particular moment…mostly, at this moment.

She neared him…cautious in her steps. He may have felt her presence, because once she was a few inches away, he stood up and dusted the sand off him. He didn't turn around, however, but instead, kept his gaze on the horizon. On the dark and wide horizon.

What would she say? She stopped her steps…barely a few more from his figure. His unruly locks being led by the winds.

She wanted to say "Kira, I'm here" or anything like it. But when she saw his shoulder lay low and heard his deep sigh, she knew words weren't needed right now. So she did the only thing she knew she could do.

She embraced him…

She embraced him…from behind. Her arms slid around his waist as she rested her head on his back. She held him as close as she could and she could tell, like her, he was also shivering from the cold. She direly wished that the warmth she had would be sufficient enough for them both. She hoped that he would somehow feel the words she so wanted to say. "I'm here, Kira…I'm here…" – those words.

And perhaps, he may have felt it, for she felt another warmth gracing her arms…and realized it was his, holding hers gently and tightly. His breathing steadied as his head lowered. Was he thinking about something? Whatever it was that was on his mind, she was just glad that he took the gesture warmly.

He broke away from the embrace, and turned around to look at her. His eyes stared down on hers while his hands held hers delicately.

He had a smile on his face – one which she knew was unfeigned. And she too, had the same on her lips as she stared up at him and admired his face.

"Let's go back." Finally finding the words, she offered as he nodded his head. They walked back hand in hand towards that shelter not far.

As soon as they reached the door, when Lacus just opened it and was about to enter, he pulled her and hugged her tight.

"Kira?"

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

And as he whispered those in her ears, as she felt his breath hot against her skin, though the rain soaked them both wet and never dared to stop its fall, she felt undeniably good and contented inside - closing her eyes and letting the moment fill her.

For right here in his arms, she knew she was safe from the world that surrounded them.

end

A/N: Hope you guys liked this one. I was particularly inspired to do this since it was raining hard outside. Also, I don't think I could update in the next few days…'cause of school stuff and I don't want to fail. (Please pray that I make it - thanks!) Know this, you guys bring the warmth I needed to carry on in this stormy weather. For that, I'm thankful and grateful.