Shattered Peace of Mind
Chapter 2 - Finale
Cagalli sat on the ground staring at her surroundings in disbelief. It was like she had been dropped into the middle of a war zone, explosions pounding the earth constantly in the distance. There was a loud snap and crackle of nearby flames, refusing to heed to the current downpour.
That was quickly confirmed when waves of heat began to lap at her, much too hot for comfort. They encroached quickly, incinerating everything in their path. Not being slowed by the rain by the smallest bit.
Was ORB under attack again? Or was she in the present waking up from an amazing dream...
"Athrun?" Slowly the blonde attempted to push herself up. She would have to haul ass if she didn't want to be burned to death, but heavy limbs prevented her. Suddenly feeling exceptionally tired and sapped of all her strength, no doubt succumbing to shock. Her limbs felt like they were made of solid lead. The sudden thought of being left completely alone made her yearn for her other half.
The heat continued to rise to scorching temperatures. Her heart raced in her chest, trying desperately to get her body to move. Frustration beginning to burn through the confusion of everything, but it did little to ease her blurring vision and heavy eyes.
Crimson reds, burnt oranges, and dark greys swirled above her in the sky, almost hypnotically. Slowly, Cagalli's eyes fluttered shut and what little strength she had failed her as she collapsed to the ground.
Cagalli pressed her forehead against the cool glass window, finding relief. Blue summer skies and blooming flowers zipped by.
"You feeling okay?" Athrun glanced over at the blonde briefly before returning his focus back to the road ahead. A small smile formed on her lips as scenery zoomed by in a blur.
"Yea... mostly" sure she was still a bit weak and on the feverish side, but it was a huge improvement over the prior day. What a terrifying day that was. Athrun's free hand found hers in her lap and soothingly stroked over her fingers. He too had quite a scare when she suddenly collapsed and the floor, burning up in a sudden fever that was dangerously high. He wasted no time calling an ambulance and rushing her to the hospital.
The blonde chuckled at the mere thought. She thought for sure she was going to get some horrible diagnosis when she woke up, but instead, got a scolding. As the doctor had explained it, she had contracted a simple infection that went unattended for quite some time. Like a dam that had burst, everything came to surface all at once, hence the dramatic decline. How did the leader of the country miss something so vital? How was she to care for a country when she couldn't care for herself?
It was such an odd timing too. It was like it was lurking in the background just waiting for the perfect time to strike. It was quite a contrast as the world started its new chapter of peace that she would happen upon such misfortune. At least she would make a full recovery, promising to take it easy from work for a bit. As much as she hated the thought of it, she'd get to spend some time with Athrun.
"What's so funny?" Worry tugged at the corner of Athrun's eyes. He was no doubt worried over the whole situation, having not slept the night prior. He felt partially to blame, knowing she had started getting hallucinations quite a while ago. Most likely the first sign that something was very wrong. Although as smart as he was, he had simply chalked it up to PTSD from the war. A common problem issue among those that fought. Hell, even he dealt with night terrors for quite some time. Often waking up in a pool of sweat, yelling at ghosts. Those were the nights the blonde would often stay up comforting him when he refused to sleep. Even with her insane workload.
"Sometimes I can be so dense" she sighed as she looked over at Athrun, his face still tense. Her other hand found his and calmed it as it anxiously danced over hers, hoping to soothe him. She knew he was worried about her and she too felt bad having let it get to such a point.
"Sometimes?" the tension suddenly cracked and he smiled. "I'm kidding" A soft ringtone jingled in the background. "Don't you dare answer that" Athrun challenged. He knew it was Cagalli's work phone.
"But it could be important" the blonde was impossible to separate from her work. It was no wonder she hadn't realized she so sick, no doubt pushing through it to attend to her duties. Putting everyone else above her own needs. It was one of a plethora of things he loved about her.
"Nico can handle it. You heard that doctor. You could go home and rest, but no work for a few days. If not, I'll drag you right back" he said sternly. Cagalli pouted, she hated hospitals. She much rather her quiet and private home. Besides, Athrun would see to it himself that she got better. Nico would be more then capable to fill in as there wasn't much to do now with the last bits of legislation finished up now.
Cagalli laughed, she wouldn't win this. Not that she minded. When it came to her wellbeing, Athrun could out-stubborn her as impossible as it sounded. It was one of the many things she loved about him.
The car came to a smooth stop as they reached home. A wave of tiredness overcoming the blonde. Before she could swing open the door, the bluenette had already made it around to her side.
"Want me to carry you?" The blonde turned bright red of embarrassment.
"N-no!" She puffed as she rallied her strength and pushed herself out of the vehicle. She made it up all of three stairs when she realized there was no way she'd make it, suddenly feeling very heavy.
Athrun smirked as he watched, staying an arm's length away in case she stumbled. The blonde turned to face him, losing her balance. Luckily she caught his shoulder and steadied herself. The blonde could feel her face heat up once again from embarrassment. She hated people seeing her in such a weak state. It wasn't becoming of a leader.
"So what did you say?" Athrun teased, raising an eyebrow questionably. Cagalli let out a long breathe of defeat. In one smooth movement, she was swept off her feet as Athrun carried her up the remaining stairs, swinging open the front door with ease.
He spun and dropped back on to the sofa a bit harder than intended. Wincing as the blondes weight also landed on top of him.
"Sheesh, you're heavy!" he said lightheartedly noticing the blondes worried expression, no doubt seeing the pained expression. Cagalli swatted at him playfully. He was always teasing her any chance he had. Athrun grabbed her hand gently and brushed his lips over it before kissing it tenderly. He too suddenly felt a wall of exhaustion hit him, having slept minimally the night before.
The blonde felt her stomach split into a hundred butterflies. Even after so many years she still got them. She used her free hand to use what little strength she had to pull his head towards her.
They kissed, passionately and intensely as the last day's stress and events faded away. Only the two of them existing in that very moment. They broke apart breathlessly.
Athrun wrapped his arms around her protectively, cradling her across his lap. They didn't need any words, honestly, there weren't any to explain what they had together. They just both knew what they had and that didn't need words or justification.
Vibrant reds, warm oranges and golden yellows flooded through the window as the sunset in the background behind them. Almost reflecting the mood within the cozy apartment.
The blonde watched as he nodded off, finally succumbing to his own fatigue. He hadn't relinquished his grip on her in the slightest on her, keeping her close. Amber eyes lingered over his handsome features as he dozed quietly, knowing just how lucky she was to have him by her side all these years. Cagalli smiled at him affectionately, feeling tiredness tug at her own eyes. She curled towards him, taking in his warmth and smell, quickly falling to her own exhaustion.
The end.
Sooo I should have planned this better and just made it a one-shot. Got greedy with the cliffhanger I guess... Anyway I hope you all enjoy it! - Tas PS. Funfact Nico short for Nicol cause who else is that angelic haha. He was such a lovable lil guy.