OMG last chapter RAWRRRR... sorry for the lateness. School killed me a bit more then I thought it would. Then after that I ended up in alot of pain to the point I couldn't sit or even concentrate enough to write. Soo yea... took a while. Anyway's without further a due. Le finale! Enjoy!

Torment

Chapter Eleven Finale

The door closed behind Athrun with a loud click as he continued to walk straight to his bedroom. He immediately flopped down on the bed, still wearing his outside shoes. The walking dead was exactly how he felt at the moment. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd been in his own bed. Work was brutal right now. They had a shortage of staff. Making the hospital his temporary home, usually sleeping there whenever he could.

It was months now since he'd move out and all was going smoothly. Of course the blonde stopped by on the odd occasion, whenever she was out for a meeting. His feelings were manageable. Cagalli was the same as ever, if not better. Slowly becoming less reliant him, handling the change fairly well. He would continue to give her the space she needed.

He rolled over onto his back, tugging off his shirt in the process. Kicking off his shoes soon after, before crawling under his covers. That was as close as he was getting ready for bed as he was going to get. Tiredness tugged on the corners of his eyes, trying there hardest to pull him into the darkness. Between all the work, he had little time to mull over his feelings. There was hope. He sighed, not even the bothersome emotions of possible rejection could keep him from being drawn into the slumber.

Hours later, a loud knocking stirred him from his deep sleep. He opened one eye, glancing at the digital clock glowing on the table beside him.

2:43AM

Who in world was here at this hour? He pulled a pillow over his head, ignoring the constant banging. There was no way he was getting up at this hour. Another knock was heard, louder and more frantic then the one previous. Why were they so persistent, couldn't they just come back in the morning? He groaned in annoyance as he pushed himself upright. Groggily making his way to feet as he switched on his table side lamp. Of all the days, why now for Pete's sake? Twisting the lock, he cracked the door. Rubbing the tiredness from his eyes with the other hand. Looking forward, there was nothing there. Go figure. Attempting to close the door, it stopped halfway. Something blocking it.

"What...takes.. you so long... to answer... the damn door" Cagalli panted between breathes. She was doubled over, trying her best to get the much needed oxygen into her lungs.

"What happened, did you run here?" he said in pure amazement. "You do know what time it is right?" yawning at the thought.

"I... don't go. I mean..You. I want" the blonde fumbled through her words, trying to make sense of it all. She straightened out her posture, now looking at him. "I don't know how to say this at all" Athrun stood there for a moment in disbelief. He had to be dreaming.

"Cag...galli" he said, his mouth hanging as he tried to think.

"Athrun, I'm saying yes" she said, her words were filled with confidence. A look of utter determination showing in her eyes. There wasn't a single doubt in her mind. A sudden draft sent a shiver down his spine. It hit him them that he was far from dressed, currently shirtless. In the veil of sleep he could hardly grasp anything that was going on around him. He must have looked like a complete idiot as he stood there with his jaw hanging.

"Where am I going?" Athrun he managed at last. It seemed like everything was happening in slow motion.

"Don't go, don't leave" the blonde said, wrapping her arms around him as if to prevent him. Just what was she talking about? The contact once again sent shivers running down his back. He wrapped his arms unknowingly around her in return. Did she think he'd change his mind about her?

"I'm not going ... anywhere?" he said in utter confusion. His brain grasping at the straws one at a time. Unable to shake the sleep that was still ever so much drawing him in. "Come in, it's chilly out here" Ushering them both inside. It was silly to have conversation in a hallway where everyone could hear. Even if it was the middle of the night.

He took a quick moment to run and grab himself a shirt. Digging through the last remainders of clean clothes he had, not having much time to do laundry. He pulled it on in a matter of mere seconds before quickly heading out to join the blonde in the living room. He didn't make it far when there was a soft buzzing noise. He immediately sighed. He hoped it wasn't what he thought it was. Grabbing his bag he sifted through the contents until he extracted his pager. The must have of all doctors to ensure he's reachable at all times. Of all the times, it just had to be now. He glared at the small object wishing it to take back its call.

"Have to go?" came the blonde's voice. He looked back towards the doorway finding her crossed arm, leaning against it. A look of pure guilt couldn't be help. He frowned at the situation, hopefully she'd understand.

"One of my patients coded and he needs to go back in for surgery soon as possible" he said with a sigh. The predicament at hand was waking him up now, anger forcing the blood to pump furiously.

"Shouldn't you be heading out then? You're wasting time" she said bluntly Jerking her head towards the door as if to say get moving. Time was of the essence right now, and he was standing here dumbfounded. He loved that the most about her. She was understandable of everything, rational to the very end. It was quite the rare trait. Without anymore wasted time, he slung on his shoes and jacket. Sticking his bag back together before shouldering it.

"I'm really sorry about this..." he said pausing in front of her."Feel free to stay here, I'll be back as soon as possible. Shouldn't be more than a few hours" The blonde watched him curiously, not angry in the slightest. There was an unknown tension between the both of them, something that'd always been there for as long as he could remember. The occasional glance at one another, it was almost soothing for both of them. Always there for one another. "Thank you" he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. A warm smile followed. The news was slowly beginning to sink in now. Giving an almost bubbly sense of happiness.

"We'll talk about this after" she said, returning the small smile. Cagalli could tell from his gestures he was disappointed. In fact, it was surprising how little needed to be said to understand. She followed him to the door, giving a quick wave as he disappeared down the hall. Hopefully things would be quick. Excitement was slowly getting the better of him. He got his chance.

XXX

Athrun sighed as he shouldered his bag. No matter how much coffee he drank, the tiredness was coming increasingly persistent. The front doors of the hospital opened with a mechanical hiss as he approached them. The outside cool air hitting him like a gentle caress after a hard day's work. By now the sun was warming up the sky, causing various hues of yellows and orange to melt away at the darkness. His eyes landed on the blonde who was patiently sitting on a bench a small distance away. She sat there, gazing up at the sky, not even aware he was there.

"Waiting long?" he said, approaching ever so slowly. Careful not to startle her.

"Not long" she said softly, continuing to watch the colors melt and swirl above her. So at peace with everything around her.

"You hungry? We can go grab something to eat if you want" Athrun said. It was early morning now, breakfast wouldn't be a bad idea. She didn't respond, merely continuing to take in her surroundings. "Or we can stay here" he chuckled at her peculiar behavior.

"Nah, let's go" she said, suddenly jumping to her feet. Cagalli took the lead, leaving him to follow. Always staying a few paces ahead. He could tell she was deep in thought as he trailed along behind her. They hadn't made it far when raindrops begin to fall one by one. It didn't take long before it was a full out downpour, soaking everything in seconds. The blonde stopped abruptly in her steps. He stopped soon after, silently questioning the behavior. Did rain still provoke her?

"Cagalli?" he said, taking a step forward. Reaching to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. He withdrew it as she spun around, facing him. Athrun couldn't understand the expression. She stared silently into his eyes as if something was bugging her. She took a step forward, now within breathes range of him. In the blink of an eye, she had both hands cupping his cheeks, pulling him closer. Their lips met with an electrifying zap. It took Athrun a second to realize what had happened, merely stunned to the very spot. When things finally clicked, his arms found their way around the blonde, pulling her closer. Deepening the kiss. When they broke apart there was only the pitter patter of rain of the background. Both didn't know what to say. Nurturing warmth pulsing within both of them.

"I thought you didn't like the rain" Athrun managed to say, still in a dazed from the unexpected. Here they stood in it for what seemed to be forever, time passing by ever so slowly. She laughed at the comment.

"I think I've decided to like it now" she said, brushing her soaking wet fair from her face. She was smiling and that fact made him smile in return.

"And why's that" it seemed like such an odd thing to change. It was understandable to dislike after what she'd been through but now like it? It was odd.

"Because it gave me back so much more then my brother. It gave me someone I don't want to be without" Cagalli said, tilting her head to look at the ground. "I don't know how everything ended up this way but... you. I don't want to be without you" said softly, unknowingly clinging to his arms as if to prevent his escape. He pulled her closer, embracing her tightly.
"It's okay, I'm not going anywhere" Athrun said, continuing to hold her close. He felt the same way. Crazy as it sounded, he was happy at where it ended up.

XXX

Athrun sighed as he looked up at the ceiling. His head was splitting in agonizing pain. He sat upright, causing the bed to squeak under the shifted weight as he heard the front door creak open.

"Cagalli?" he called as he jumped to his feet.

"Your home early today... I brought dinner home" she yelled back.

"What did you tell Kira?" he said, hiding behind the doorway, he couldn't face her right now.

"Why do you ask" she said, walking towards the sound of his voice.

"Because he showed up at work" he frowned as she entered the room. Her mouth dropping at the sight of him.

"What happened?" she said, rushing to his side.

"Compliments from your brother" he said, reaching to shield the shiner (blackeye).

"You're kidding me" she said in disbelief, raising a hand to tend to it.

"You couldn't give me a warning?" He pouted as he flopped back onto the bed.

"I didn't expect- I mean …he shouldn't of, I'm sorry" she stuttered, running into the washroom to get a cool wet cloth for it.

"Oh, I'm not saying he shouldn't of, he had all right to"

"Whats that suppose to mean" she said, cutting him off mid sentence.

"I mean, I kind of kidnapped you" he said, pressing the cloth to his eye.

"So" Cagalli said stubbornly, taking a seat beside him.

"Okay, so if I were to kidnap him there wouldn't be a problem" Athrun said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'd kill you" she said with a serious face. Bursting out in laughter shortly after. "I'm sorry" the blonde said as she leaned over him, planting a light kiss on his forehead. He smiled at the touch, feeling the pain melt away.

"Thank you for giving me a chance" he said, using and arm to pull her just a bit lower for a proper kiss."You're the best"

Tah done! For those of you confused about the ending Cagalli went and told Kira they were together. Kira got mad :X Hahaha.

I hoped you enjoyed, much thanks for reading! I had alot of fun writing this fic.

Another thanks for those reviewing and offering idea's along the way. It means so much to me. Until next time! Seeya