Eleventh Gesture:

shadowed

They were noisy…

…chaotic…

…and,

all after her…

…yes, she was the reason…

…she was.

She wanted to yawn so hard almost every second. It wasn't boring her to death. In fact, it seemed natural for her - - habitual and monotonous all the same. But perhaps it was the serene look on his face that she remembered clearly every time her eyelids closed which lulled her back to sleep more.

Turning to her side, she felt an arm on her waist. Surprised, she was, for never had she slept with someone beside her - - technically, not with a man her age before. His face snuggled next to her sprawled hair as her eyes continued to wander off to his easy breathing. Simply gazing at how his chest raised and lowered at a content pace.

Perhaps it was the small smile that dashed across his face that took her breath away mostly…or the chills his own brought on her neck so closely that sent her shivers across her spine.

She was starting to feel uneasy then. She wanted to move back, perhaps to start widening their distance so as not to cause her any more "weird" feelings. Feelings such as her heart's sudden racing or her gaze which was starting to intensify on his unconscious being. But she feared that if she moved even the slightest bit, he would stir more and wake up just in time to catch her in her thoughts.

"Miss Clyne?"

But soon after, she simply accepted it. She welcomed his presence by placing an arm over his chest. She was bold – true – but she felt happy with that simple gesture. Feeling his heart beat on her palm, she realized how slowly hers took the same calm pace.

"Kira…"

Slowly, she closed their gap as she placed a soft kiss on his cheek, then rested her head near his…their noses almost touching.

She smiled…she knew she was content within.

"Lacus…" in a tone above the usual, she heard his voice.

Blinking, she stared at his face and focused on his dark-shaded glasses.

"Are you all right?" he asked at once, a hand on hers.

"Y-Yes…"

"Good, they're asking you something. You better focus."

He then left her sight as he leaned forward on the table, both arms resting on the top, in the process, letting go of his momentary hold on her. As she looked straightforward, the same blinding lights welcomed her newly-awakened senses. She tried her hardest to smile as she acted as though she's interested on the matter itself.

"Miss Clyne is now ready to answer your inquiry…" came the same voice from earlier as he leaned back on his chair. She nodded in agreement when their eyes met, giving him an assurance that this time, she'd pay attention.

"Miss Clyne, as I was saying, would you mind telling us the details of your sudden disappearance? I mean, where had you been all this while?" the said man who sported a lace around his neck scribbled a couple of words on his notebook as he eagerly awaited the songstress' response.

She gave some thought to it but then she preferred the silence more. All that echoed was the clicking sounds of cameras…all she saw was the dazzling flashes of lights. From where she sat, at the very least she smiled at him. By not leaning further towards the microphone, she clearly showed her intent of not answering the question thrown.

Noticing this and knowing her very well, her manager instead took the question as he removed his glasses.

"I think it's a private matter at this moment. We shall disclose any information necessary, don't you worry. For the meantime, I'd like to ask for your unwavering patience and understanding. And that goes for all of you."

"And what about the rumor spreading about?" cried another person from the press.

He turned his attention towards the said man as he glanced back at Lacus, before facing the hungry crowd once more.

"Whatever that rumor is, I must say, Miss Clyne isn't the slightest bit affected. We'll still proceed as planned and I am to attest that we're still on schedule."

"…but this boy is said to be influential in the government, don't you think it's best that he and Lacus get together?" the other continued to press which admittedly took the better half of his patience.

"Well, honestly, influential or not, anyone can get together with Miss Clyne – as long as he purchases her CD."

With that comment, their camp gained a heartfelt laughter. Lacus marveled at how events like these transpire with ease and how her manager handled all situations well.

A young brunette entered the hall – his purple eyes fixed on the one they all had their attention to.

"If there are any more questions, please raise them now before we wrap this up."

"I have a question…" a woman then raised her hand as he nodded, authorizing her to go on

"Miss Clyne, with your popularity still on the rise, as you've established yourself in the industry, is there still any time for you for family, friends, or even a boyfriend?"

The pink-haired then leaned further and gave her a smile.

"For family, as you all know, I am an orphan myself. For friends, well, we get a chance to hang out – not that I have the luxury of having the time and the like. And as for a boyfriend, I hope so."

"You see, she still is single until now, for all the single men out there to know." Added her manager humorously which ended with the same people giggling. But the matter opened up eventually brought more speculations and questions from the crowd that handling them proved more tardisome and wearying to the eye.

"As much as we wanted to answer your questions and clarifications, unfortunately, we have to cut this short. However, we would like to extend our gratitude to all of you for participating in this conference." He then ended as he put on his glasses. Both he and Lacus stood up from their respective seats, after which, gave out a respected bow to the almost then exasperated and anxious crowd.

The statement wasn't heard that clearly for all almost everyone in the room rose to their feet - all wanting to voice out their thoughts and even raise a few more inquiries and reservations.

As the two started to descend the crafted stage, they were hurdled by the same people with cameras lifted above their heads - all wanting to get a photo of her exit.

The same brunette simple looked on at the crammed sight. He wanted to approach her and perhaps say a few words. Besides, they haven't had a formal goodbye.

They just finished their meal as Lacus walked back to the kitchen to do the dishes, as she usually does. It was then that a knock was heard on the front door. Standing up from his seat, Kira excused himself and walked over to the source as he opened it graciously, revealing a formal suited man older than him.

"Where's she?" The visitor spoke as he removed the glasses he wore.

It was fast, as it all took place on the very same day. Before he knew it, he was already right outside the hotel where she stayed. He took whatever courage he had left to face her people - - to face her world.

He finally stepped out of the room where Lacus was in.

"I'm taking her out by the back door. Someone might have followed me here and I, for one, don't want any commotion around this peaceful place." He informed as he wore the same frames back on.

"How did you know she's here?" Kira at the very least managed to ask.

"I'm from the business, I know lots of things, and even if I don't, I have my own network work for me."

Smiling back, he then turned towards the kitchen door.

"One more thing…"

He paused before continuing. Kira could tell he was somewhat scanning the area.

"…I must advise that you, young man, for the moment, lay low. Surely, you don't want press people hounding this place,"

"Not with all the kids you have here and the like." He further added as he finally gave his goodbye and left.

But as he stood there in the very same hall where she was, as he gazed at how people came up to her and even harmed each other to some extent just to have a word with her so badly, he felt a new feeling well up within.

He realized their situation was no longer the same as the late morning he found himself lying next to her.

For amidst her fame and status, his existence was simply shadowed.

end