You and I were Us

Author: pratz

Notes: written after watching the Final Plus Episode.

It all comes to this day.

Your gaze does not falter as you step closer to him. You see him beyond his determined gaze, and you know that he feels what you feel right now.

Releasing your brother, you hear him whisper softly on your right ear. "I believe in you."

You smile and try to find a tad of strength from his affection. "I know, Kira," you whisper back. "It's the best."

You are wrong when you think that you will not be able to stand Lacus' sad eyes only. His eyes, too, indeed. What you see in his eyes makes you want to throw yourself into his arms, to let him comfort you like he always does, to let him know that you are still with him.

But you know you cannot.

Smiling lightly, you hesitate to take the first action, but he never lets go of your eyes. You want to hug him, to assure him that you are alright, that he is alright, and that you two are still alright, too.

Gently, his arms come around you. His breath feels warm against your neck, and his hair tickles your cheek.

For a while, you are taken aback by him, like usual—and you wish you have the ability to stop the time right now. He always knows how to surprise you; from a good morning kiss on your birthday to a small treat of fast food during your break. He gives you a taste of happiness, and with him you can do what you cannot do in front of others. With him, you are yourself, and this time, at the very least, you want to give him something in return.

"I'm glad we're here today," he murmurs against your jacket.

Raising your arms, you hug him back. You close your eyes and inhale his scent—maybe for the last time because you do not really know when you can be this close to him again.

His jacket smells of comfort and understanding. Just so him, you realize.

"Me too," you say.

His eyelids flutter close. "Take care of yourself, Cagalli, and I promise I will take care of myself, too."

You still yourself; you will not cry. You cannot. Everything will be in vain if you do, and he will be worried.

From the corner of your eyes, you can see your brother smile, his eyes saying that this is not the end for you both. You want to believe that it is not like this person, your most precious person, has really let you go.

You have decided that this is the best for you both, but you know you can never forget him.