Chapter 01 - A fraction of .0001 per cent

It had been a long, tiring day for Cagalli. As the chief representative, she was responsible for addressing all internal and external matters of the country, and today was one of those days where tasks piled on top of each other incessantly. Even past 22:00, she found herself still immersed in work. Alone in her office, save for the guards stationed outside, personally assigned to her by Athrun.

Tonight marked the eve of her birthday, yet she remained trapped in her office, grappling with seemingly endless tasks. As she gazed around the spacious room, it felt almost as though the room gazed back at her. Why did she feel so lonely, especially tonight? She couldn't pinpoint the source of this unease. She had grown accustomed to spending her birthday without her loved ones for the past two years.

Kira would likely be celebrating their birthday with Lacus by his side, enjoying his favourite dishes and ensuring he had a special day.

And for her? In her case, it will be a grand celebration, the Orb nation commemorating the birth of their resolute leader. It will be a celebration meant to inspire the people.

Standing up, she approached the window, a habit she'd developed, always hoping for a visit from her loved ones - friends, family, lover. She closed his eyes. She missed so many people in her life right now.

If only the departed could simply appear at will, wouldn't that be something, father?

Then she remembered why she often found herself at the window. She wanted to see him.

Who was she kidding?

She chastised herself. Wasn't she the one who sent her lover away? Athrun Zala, son of Chairman Patrick Zala of PLANTs, an elite soldier of ZAFT, a Gundam pilot, and a former adversary turned lover. More than a lover, he was devoted, a comrade-in-arms, someone willing to walk beside her on her journey.

Her hand instinctively reached for her collar, where an Orb emblem pin was neatly tucked. Caressing the pin, she recalled their conversation from last year during one of Athrun's official visits. Whenever she knew he would share his report, she made sure to clear her schedule for a few hours. Amidst the responsibilities of her role, these moments with him became her sanctuary, like an oasis in the desert. She fondly remembered his complaints about her workaholic tendencies.

"Colonel Zala reporting," Athrun's voice filled the room as he saluted.

Cagalli nodded, "Welcome, Colonel Zala," she smiled, gesturing for the guards to leave them.

These personal guards have known this drill. Whenever Colonel Zala appeared, they would be relegated outside the door.

Alone in her office, she motioned for him to sit on the sofa. She didn't want her desk to create a barrier between them every time he visited.

Athrun understood and settled onto the sofa, though his opening statement wasn't overly gentle, "Cagalli, are you okay? You look tired. I'm a soldier myself, and I understand the weight of the responsibilities we're tasked with. I can tell when the workload becomes too much."

Sitting beside him, Cagalli offered a brief smile. "No need to worry Colonel Zala," she said, smiling.

"Colonel?" Athrun's brows raised.

Cagalli toyed with his expression. "Chill."

Athrun looked at her, amazed. "It's one thing for you to call me Colonel, but then to tell me to chill," he said, a hint of seriousness in his tone.

Cagalli touched his brows, trying to relax his look. "Don't worry, although sometimes I wish the days were longer, considering all that needs to be done."

"There will always be tasks. Nation-building and pursuing peace are burdens that shouldn't be carried by one person alone," he replied, looking at her.

Leaning towards Athrun, Cagalli said, "I know, which is why I'm grateful for your support," closing her eyes and inhaling his scent. He felt sturdy to lean on, and his pleasant scent filled her senses.

Athrun looked at her, wanting to say more, but it seemed Cagalli had drifted off to sleep. He gazed at her lovingly, careful not to disturb her. He thought, See, you dozed off just like that.

In truth, his report could have easily been submitted in written format, but since returning from his six-month mission, he had insisted on delivering it in person, wanting to see her. He smiled a little sadly, using work as an excuse to see his lover.

Was he behaving like a teenager?

Regardless, their circumstances allowed for only this, meeting in their official capacities as chief representative and colonel. Otherwise, it would be like stealing her from the millions of people who relied on her.

An 18-year-old woman carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.

When he's away, he wonders how Cagalli manages to do all the work. She has to meet with the Orb Council and world leaders most of the time. He promised he would support her and help her build her world.

But at night, he desired her as a woman. In the solitude of darkness, his thoughts often drifted to her, conjuring her image in his mind's eye. He had pictured her a thousand times, even when his testosterone surged through his veins, urging him towards primal instincts. He snapped at the thought, attempting to banish it from his mind. Not now, he thought, yet the more he tried to shove it away, the more it persisted, a persistent ache in his chest.

He reached out and caressed her face, rousing Cagalli from her sleep. He regretted it the moment Cagalli woke.

Cagalli felt surprised; she was able to take a nap just like that. It's usually impossible for her, the weight of her responsibilities often keeping her restless. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief and relief, as if she had stumbled upon a rare moment of respite.

Athrun smiled, "No, I should apologize. I didn't mean to wake you up."

Cagalli continued to lean on him.

"Are you getting enough sleep?" he asked and placed his hands on hers.

She shook her head. "I can't sleep well recently," she admitted.

"Your eyes have dark circles. What's keeping you up? I know I'm only in your thoughts 20% of the time, but I'm always thinking of you," he replied in a worried tone.

Cagalli stared at him, then playfully pinched his chin. "Hey, I should be the one complaining," she chuckled. "20%... probably more like 2%," she teased, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

Athrun chuckled, the sound carrying a warmth that wrapped around them like a cozy blanket. "You're too harsh. Just 2 per cent? But, even if it's a fraction of .0001 per cent, I will definitely stick with you," he replied, his tone affectionate and reassuring.

Cagalli's lips curled into a sheepish smile, her eyes sparkling with affection as she met his gaze. "You managed to turn things around," she said, her voice soft.

Then he handed her a small box. "Your birthday is coming up soon. Before Orb sweeps you away again, can you celebrate your birthday with me?" he suggested.

Cagalli looked at the box, realizing it was almost her birthday. "My birthday huh... Can I open this?" she asked.

"Whatever you wish," Athrun replied, his excitement unmistakable.

Cagalli opened the box to find a small object inside, resembling a vivid red rose pin. "A rose pin?" she questioned, noticing that he wore a similar one on his uniform.

"Did one of the departments make you wear this? Are you their messenger now?" she teased.

Athrun burst into laughter at her words, still carefree despite her powerful position. "I realized that we only communicate through screens most of the time. So, I thought, why not invent a communicator just for us?" Athrun explained.

He pressed a side button on the pin, causing it to vibrate before transforming into the emblem of Orb. He did the same on his own rose pin, and it changed into the Orb emblem too.

"Wow!" Cagalli exclaimed in surprise, her eyes widening with astonishment. She gently traced the intricate design of the Orb emblem, marvelling at its craftsmanship. The pin consisted of a lion's, its mouth holding a pink Casablanca lily.

"In this form, it always stays by my side, just like you are always on my side, all the time. Just the thought of having the pleasure to talk to you truly makes me happy," Athrun explained.

Cagalli looked at it in wonder. "How do I know if you are trying to talk to me?" she asked.

"It will vibrate and change colours," he replied. "You would definitely be able to tell that I am trying to communicate with you. And if you are in meetings, you could turn it off; it transforms into a rose. That way, you can wear it on your collar all the time."

Athrun took the pin and placed it in her collar, "shall we test them?"

Cagalli nodded.

He walked to the farthest corner of the room. He touched his pin then he started to whisper.

On the sofa, Cagalli blushed as she heard his words but managed to reply. Ensuring that the pins were working, he returned to her side.

"The pin was made so we can talk anytime, anywhere," he replied. "It's more powerful than a mobile phone and effective for long-range communication. Even in space, I bet it could work perfectly well. I wanted to add a camera, but I didn't manage to integrate it in time for your birthday."

Cagalli smiled at him. It was indeed a very thoughtful gift. "Athrun, I didn't know you had time to create this?"

"Well, I only occupy 2% of my lover's mind, so naturally, I have time to create things to get closer to her," Athrun teased her.

Cagalli didn't know how to react. This was both sad and heartwarming at the same time. "I'm sorry for not giving you enough time. I know it's my fault, but..."

Athrun stopped her from speaking with a gentle kiss. "No 'buts.' All I can do is try hard to make our relationship work. I wanted to do all I could, so please accept this gift," he said.

Cagalli stared back as she tried to hold back her tears, her emotions swirling within her like a tempest. How did Athrun always seem to understand her? Being in this position always made her feel lonely, a solitary figure navigating the tumultuous waters of leadership. The circumstances were a part of it, but she was glad to have him by her side.

Athrun reached out to tenderly wipe the tears at the edge of her eyes, his touch gentle yet reassuring. "Now, now, I don't want you greeting your birthday with this face," he said, his voice a soothing relief to her troubled heart.

Cagalli nodded, she embraced him, tightening it around him as if seeking refuge in his warmth. Athrun reciprocated, enfolding her in his arms with equal vigour, his presence a comforting anchor in the stormy sea of her emotions. How he missed her, every fiber of his being yearning for her.

Since receiving the gift, the pin has become more than just a piece of technology. The ring and the pin were tangible connections to Athrun in moments of uncertainty. Whenever she felt anxious, especially when dealing with difficult matters, she relied on it for strength. Sometimes, she could only hear dead ends, a silence that echoed with the weight of his absence. During these times, she felt more anxious, her heart heavy with the knowledge that he was on a dangerous mission. Still, most of the time, they found consolation in each other's words, carving out moments of intimacy amidst the chaos, like normal lovers do when time allows it.

Normal, but there was nothing ordinary about their relationship.

Meanwhile, Athrun, who continued to observe her from a distance, smiled to himself. The pin never seemed to leave her side, just as his own pin remained a constant presence. Most of the time, he could see it in its rose form, so he didn't bother to contact her directly. As he touched the Huamea stone, a silent prayer formed in his mind. "Please continue to protect her," he whispered softly.

Cagalli had just finished her paperwork and returned to the Athha residence. After a quick shower, she headed to her bedroom, where she transferred the pin from her uniform to her pyjamas. Tonight, she had time to talk to him. She hoped he wasn't on a mission. Pressing the pin as she lay down, it transformed into the Orb emblem. After a few minutes, she whispered, "Athrun, are you there?"

Back in his room, Athrun stared at the Orb pin on his palm. He tried to contact her many times today but got no answer. But as soon as he lay down, the pin vibrated. He got up and answered, "I'm here. I thought I wouldn't hear your voice today."

Cagalli smiled as she replied, "Yeah, a bit late. I hope I didn't disturb you."

"No, definitely not. It's past midnight. Don't tell me you're still at the office?" Athrun asked.

"I just got back home. How did you know that I was working late though?"

"I was watching the broadcast earlier. I noticed that the pin was in its rose form. I imagined you had to attend several meetings and probably read reports one after another," Athrun explained.

"Wow, you're always so on top of things," she said, impressed.

"Cagalli, Happy birthday! I'm happy you called," Athrun replied, his voice warm. "Uhm…I'd like to see you,…to have some alone time with you during your birthday," he added, hesitating to ask. He felt selfish.

"Thanks! Unless you're going to kidnap me from Orb," Cagalli teased, her tone turning a little weary. "I'm that would be next to impossible. They have a big day planned for me. They wanted me to visit Orb's major islands, and celebrate with the people to uplift their spirits, which reminds me, I need to sleep now" she finished.

Athrun remained in stoic silence, lost in thought, a silent contemplation brewing in his mind.#

A/N: This fic is a part of Cagalli's birthday bash. Still contemplating what to do. Originally thought of doing one-shot per week for the entire month of May for her birthday. Anyhow, leave a comment if you like it. See you next week. Ciao! 2 May 2024 - ShadowClite