Twentieth Gesture:

letting the chips fall

It was loud….deafening…and somewhat the atmosphere was exuberant. Everyone – every single one of them – was in high moods, smiles painted across their faces.

And as my eyes traveled towards to where theirs were, I was dazzled. Suddenly, I lost track of time. I lost consciousness of where I was or what it was I was supposed to do.

For there where many eyes could see, where many dreams were built upon, there, she stood – graced by the clear light.

And I…

…I was here, looking up to her.

- - - - -

"Are you sure you wanted to do this?" a familiar hand reached for his shoulder. He simply closed his eyes and let the water trickle down his face.

Weird. He didn't even bother to turn the faucet off. Somehow, the sound of the rushing liquid produced a somewhat calming effect on him.

Then, it stopped. His eyes opened a bit, only to see the reflection of his blue-haired friend on the mirror, the latter's hand on the metal.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked yet again.

The brunette simply shrugged his shoulder, grabbed a towel hanging loosely by the stool and wiped his face dry. Somehow, it woke him up though the obvious signs of weariness still expressed itself prominently.

"What are you so worried about? It's not like you didn't know this would happen." He joked to which the blue-haired sighed.

He straightened his back and let the towel hang on his neck. With both hands on his friend's shoulders, he looked him in the eye. Velvet and green.

"Athrun, I am certain and have never been more certain about this. I need you to help me, all right?"

For a moment or so, he remained silent, seemingly in contemplation. But then, with a little more prying from his long-time friend, he nodded his head in compliance.

"You're hopeless, Kira." he added.

"I know."

Stepping out of the bathroom, Kira immediately changed his clothes. He chose to wear a formal suit this time, his necktie in the same hue. And for what has been the longest while, he groomed his then newly-cut hair, adding a thin layer of gel to keep some stray locks in place. His shoes were jet black as he made final fitting of his clothing. Fixing some creases, he then faced the mirror, fully taking in his appearance for the evening.

Athrun meanwhile simply stood by the door, eyes closed, as he waited for his friend to finish up. He didn't groom much but was rather satisfied with his normal jeans and shirt with a coat over the top.

"I'm ready." He spoke to which the blue-haired coughed a bit as he eyed him from top to bottom.

"Don't you think that's pretty obvious? You're not attending a funeral, you know."

"Well, I am dressed to kill after all."

"Literally." He then gestured his friend to come along to which the latter happily complied, grateful for the assistance that was given to him.

- - - - -

And there, he stood at the backmost row. From where he was, it was though the people appeared as little ants, filling up whatever space that was left in between.

The news wasn't lying. This was one sold-out concert.

The performance hasn't even started yet and they were already there in high spirits. Perhaps they were anxious and pretty excited. It had been a long time since she had a concert after all.

"Breathe in, Kira. Just breathe in. Stay calm, stay focused…" he whispered as his eyes moved from one spot to another. His knees were a bit trembling then as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

He knew of the stares that were thrown his way. Who would blame them? He was there in the concert venue with this very formal attire on. And the expression on his face was unexplainable as well.

His phone rang all of a sudden, shaking him from the forming uneasiness in his being.

"Yeah?"

"Hey buddy, still alive?"

Relieved to hear a familiar voice, he smiled…though it was a pretty nervous one. His hand lay on top of his forehead, wiping the sweat off.

"I think I am. Still."

"You don't sound well. Nervous?"

"Tell me about it. Where are you?"

"On the deck, everything's ready here, I just called to check up on you."

"Good. That's good."

"Yeah, we're ready here, but unfortunately, you don't seem like it. This is your idea, after all, don't forget that."

"I know. You don't have to remind me."

"Would you please relax, Kira? I can feel your tension up here…"

Just then, his eyes searched and saw a certain blue-haired waving at him not far.

"Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks, Athrun. This…this is really important to me. Thank you."

"Don't give me your farewell speech. Just do what it is that you're supposed to do. Everything will be fine."

Nodding his head, he too waved a hand as he ended the call. Just as he placed his phone on his pocket, the lights turned off as the area was filled with shouts of joy.

It was time.

Everyone's attention centered on the stage which was outlined by clear neon blue lights on the sides. And then, music started playing which caused more deafening noise. Right in the middle, grayish white smoke emanated as a hazy figure lay visible.

Then, her voice echoed…as wild cheers were voiced.

Donning a flowing pink dress, her figure cleared. Sparkling was her make-up and her hair – never could he have imagined her locks to be arranged in such a delicate manner.

She was…beautiful…in all respects.

Breathtaking even.

And everyone could agree without a doubt. It was as though she cast a spell which mesmerized every single person amongst the crowd.

Definitely, he wasn't an exception…never would be an exception.

He couldn't believe that the woman he loved was there, right before his very eyes. He didn't understand what to feel. It was the first time he saw her perform on stage, be admired by all.

The next thing he knew, everyone was up on their feet. Either they were clapping their hands or swaying their raised arms. Everything seemed to be a blur for as every number ended, his heart raced faster and faster.

He should not forget why he was there in the first place. His presence even she didn't know of.

It was almost time.

Lacus stood there on the stage, simply catching her breath after one of her performances.

It was that time when she was supposed to say a few lines to liven up her audience more but as she was about to speak, the rest of the lights turned off. The only one that remained was the one on her.

This was not part of the program for the evening. She wasn't advised of any changes or deviations from it either. These thoughts plagued her mind as her eyes searched backstage for whatever explanation was behind this. But as the person there shrugged his shoulder, she had no other choice but to continue what was initially planed…until…

Another light opened focusing on another - to someone amongst the crowd.

Her eyes darted his way as they widened in recognition. Her heart skipped a bit. Though far, she knew who it was.

She was sure of it for never would she forget his features.

But, why was he there? She wondered.

Everyone fell silent, eyes focused on the unfolding event. Disbelief, wonder and awe – a mixture of emotions - painted across her face as he made his way towards the stage.

The crowd gave way to his approaching figure, cutting across enough room for him to walk on as though they were part of whatever plan he had in mind. His eyes remained on her.

Then, he ascended the stairs and was, in no second, finally on the same stage with her.

"Kira…?"

He then offered her the single rose he held. A gesture she accepted graciously as her cheeks grew a bit redder.

He looked different tonight, she mused as she gazed at him and how fine he appeared that evening, also, taking note of how his hair cut and style fit his features astoundingly well.

He then held her hand and caressed it softly.

She could feel his was cold and was in a certain point, a bit shaky. He was nervous, she could tell and she smiled at this inwardly.

"Lacus.." he began. "What I am about to say…" he paused as he gathered his thoughts. And when he opened them once more, he stared at hers.

"…what I am about to say is something that has been on my mind every time I think of you. Lacus, I love you with all that is me. This love that I feel for you is so strong that sometimes I feel it overpowering my being…."

She was speechless. Here he was, saying everything to his heart's content, oblivious that they were in the presence of watchful eyes. And at that moment as he was pouring out his feelings, she admired him more than anything, and loved him even more.

"…I have been more than thankful for having you with me – more than deserving for being by my side. I do not wish that we part. And for that…"

And right then, he knelt down on one knee. Taking out a small box from his coat, he opened the same and lifted it towards her, for only her to see.

"Lacus Clyne…" he breathed in. "…will you marry me?"

Her eyes widened.

He waited patiently for her response, eyes eager.

She then turned towards her crew, who by then had gathered towards the nearest side, looking anxiously at them both. And then, she gazed at the crowd who seemingly caught their tongues. She looked down on him once more, whose eyes were trying to find the answer in hers.

Raising a hand to his cheek, she knelt down in level with him.

"I'm sorry…"

Did he hear her right? For as the words left her lips, he couldn't understand the then surging feeling of doubt that raced his heart.

"You're…? So, does this mean that you…that you…" this was not what he expected.

Just then, tears escaped her eyes as she caressed his cheek, her other hand still held by his.

"…I'm sorry I never said I love you before." She then hugged him tightly, as his eyes widened in shock.

When he had time to process everything, he returned the gesture and took her in his arms, embracing her.

"So, are you going to marry me?" he asked yet again, his tone different – pleasantly different.

"You should have known what my answer is."

"I just thought you might change your mind. You could still say no." He spoke with humor in his tone.

She tightened her hold on him. With eyes firmly closed and touch in feel of his presence, she whispered softly… "Never."

And perhaps they were so involved in this world they had created that they didn't notice how everyone else heard their conversation. Cheers emanated as applause followed through yet their ears were deaf of all the commotion.

That moment, that single moment, was the most memorable one. Her concert could never have been better and full of surprises.

- - - - -

The next day, as I find her lying next to me, the media created quite a frenzy and work no longer enthused me, expecting them to be right there in the office. Being there is incomparable to being here - definitely incomparable to the beauty that's with me.

end

A/N:I'm sorry for the somewhat long delay. I got very busy and I had to straighten up my priorities.This somehow felt a bit rushed (to me) but I did try my very best to give justice to the scene no matter how redundant the words and/or the thoughts may seem...and now, this brings us to the main question - so, is this the final gesture? I think so. But who knows? Anyhow, my gratitude to all those who read and/or reviewed.