Ninth Gesture:

Roses

He wondered if she would notice where he stood, or if she would recognize him at all. His nervousness could not be hidden as his forehead began to sweat cold. His eyes looked straightforward on constantly opening sliding glass doors not far from where he was.

He insisted on coming...for it had been a long time - a very long time.

He momentarily shifted his gaze on the side and saw how numerous media men gathered around, forming their tiny socialization circles by way of affiliation. He was competing against a whole pack of hungry wolves - these kinds would do everything to get a glimpse of her. Some were even scattered around, finding their own corresponding spots - locations where they deem fit for their cameras...just the right angles and the like.

Among them, it would very well seem that he was the least prepared.

Just then, a man not far shouted clearly, "She's here!" and as though a breeze passed his startled figure. It was as if a whole herd rummaged about the direction of the doors. It was all swift and fast that he remained still standing there, the only one whose feet appeared glued to the ground.

Before realizing what just happened, he motioned towards the commotion. He managed to make it to the outer circle, regretting that he did so for these people got broad shoulders and way built bodies than his that passing through would entail some bone-breaking on his part. All their arms were raised up with their gadgets in anticipation.

"Excuse me..." he tried to speak up to no use. It wasn't his loudest for he feared he would get much unnecessary attention to himself. Why did he have to bother himself with this knowing of her fame?

Then, a few more minutes passed when the commotion turned a little more rowdy. Clicking sounds echoed as lights flashed here and there. He was blinded by them and everywhere he looked, either he would see someone anchoring for the camera or someone getting some pictures of the one who just arrived. It was all monotonous and…chaotic.

Words were thrown everywhere near the suffocating circle they've formed around her. He was certain it was her as he caught sight of pink moving amidst the crowd. He tried to battle it out with the others but unfortunately, even the trained pilot that he was, he couldn't manage to break through. It was as if hitting a cemented wall without causing it the slightest mark. In fact, as he tried to push himself in (or squeeze his lean body, if that's the rightful term), the only thing he injured was himself.

As they hurdled about her, he found himself ejected out of their way with much ease. His coat was creased as his hair really messed up. Unbelieving, his gaze followed the trail of reporters moving in the same pace as her. She had some bodyguards in, and he reckoned even that could not handle such pressy people.

Catching his breath, he simply stood there, holding the bouquet of roses - thinking of how early he had to get up to fix himself and how hard the children picked them for him to bring along. And when they turned into the corner, to where his gaze could not follow, he looked back at the same sliding door...staring at the mess they made. As he caught sight of his figure from one glass, he knew how terrible he really looked.

He sighed as he raised a hand to his face, caressing and feeling the nerves on his forehead.

Why did he have to bother himself with this knowing of her fame? That question which lingered on his mind all the while, was finally given the most sensible and truthful answer...it was fairly simple really and nothing mind-wrecking of some sorts.

It's because she was dear to him...

…she was missed by him...

…and…

…she was loved and longed for by him.

Laying down his hand to his side, he took a look at the corner where he last saw her and walked away, back to his car.

- - - - - - - - - -

"...Ms. Lacus Clyne will be staying the evening at the nearby five-star hotel in..."

The frequency was cut as he turned the engine off. Funny, all the radios had were updates on her. He initially wanted to listen for some good music to soothe his seemingly dampened day. He was looking forward on seeing her again and words would fail if used to describe that feeling. And, to put simply, he failed.

While holding the pain of failure in and closing his eyes, he momentarily took a deep breath before leaving the vehicle.

As he opened the door of their residence, he slid the keys off to the nearby table and retreated to his room. He didn't bother to open the lights, he was afraid to wake up anyone else and tell them of his disappointing day. What he was concerned more at the moment was how to explain things to the children who anticipated Lacus' arrival that evening - they who couldn't wait for the sun to rise to see her again in their home.

He tried to call her, contact her in any means possible, even go to her hotel to some extent. But he was always answered with the infamous "sorry sir, she's busy…" or if not, the line "her schedule's tight" kept his sane mind stressed out.

He sighed. Then, finally reaching his room, he turned the knob - not even wondering why it was unlocked.

The moonlight entered softly inside...and laid smoothly on her sitting figure by his bed. She stood up and smiled at him.

Words did fail him as he gazed at the one he longed to see.

"I assume those roses are for me."

He was speechless, as he looked at what he held by his palm.

"It was really sweet of you to take some time off, Kira."

How he missed the way she mentioned his name but then, upon taking in her statement fully, his brows creased as his expression was replaced with that of pure wonder and inquiry. "Time off?"

She giggled softly at that as her eyes lighted up and in a calm manner, as if knowing he would ask her that question, she replied.

"I saw you...just in case you didn't know."

Somehow, something in her stopped her in her steps. She glanced to her side...it was as though she missed something there - - something which tells her was important to her. Continuously these reporters took their share of her momentary stillness. She then turned around and walked back towards the area where those sliding doors were located. Turning to the very same corner, from the tiny gaps left by those people's coats, she saw a retreating figure far from where she stood but whose outline she can clearly make something out of. It was a familiar feel to her as she gazed on his back. Removing the glasses she wore, she tiptoed and focused on the said person - - - his built, especially his hairstyle and color...she was certain it was him. And as her gaze shifted on what he held, an unfeigned smile crossed her lips. He was there after all, and he even brought flowers for her. The mere thought gave her that pleasant feeling within.

"Miss Clyne, we should get moving." a security personnel whispered, noticing that the longer they stayed, the more uncontrollable the situation had been. She simply nodded her head in understanding, wearing her glasses once more.

Looking back at her, he couldn't help but unconsciously give a smile. Nodding his head, he spoke.

"Who would have thought...won't your manager or those people involved in your arrival be rattled by your disappearance?"

She walked towards him and stopped inches away.

"I don't know, but what I know is that there's still tomorrow to figure the answer out."

As it turned out, he didn't have to worry about the kids after all.

end

A/N: Now, ain't Lacus the "escaping supervision" type or what? Haha. I apologize for the long while it took me to update. Say, I got a little bit too busy these days. Thanks!