Hello Everyone!

It's nice to be back after quite some time ^_^ Sorry! School has been so busy! I just recently finished my first year of University and finally have some time! (Yay) Anyway while "studying" for finals this idea of a new story popped into my head so I thought I might run with it and see what happens.

In other news: Tomorrow I will be updating "Never Mess With Me!" and continue editing the previous chapters!

Thank you so much dear readers for sticking around! Now on to the story!

Signed and Sealed

Summary: Voltaire once said "Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game" but he forgot to mention that in this game, love and lies intertwine and vengeance is always looming. Who to believe? AU

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Destiny or the characters! Any references made shall be cited at the end of the chapters!

Chapter 1

Enjoy!

It was loud, the atmosphere was boisterous and Athrun Zala was soaking up every moment of it. Ah, life was good for the twenty eight year old CEO of Infinite Productions, a Fortune 500 Company. He started out dwelling in the software market and then grew after graduating University. After combining his business with his father's company, his empire grew as well as did his connections and reputation. It was also well known that Athrun Zala was quite ruthless in the boardroom and—scandalous in the bedroom. What with his soft blue hair and striking emerald eyes, it was suffice to say that he was extremely easy on the eyes.

"Athrun!" a friendly voice called over the excitement of the club.

Turning, Athrun saw as his best friend approached the private booth of the club that he had occupied.

"Geez, took you a long time Kira" Athrun laughed standing up to clap his friend on the back "The others are waiting for us down by the bar. Ready to party?"

Kira grinned "You know it."

Kira Yamato, just like Athrun Zala was quite the ladies man. Deep amethyst eyes and silky soft hair, he also had his fair share of tryst and women coming after him. He was also the CEO of Archangel Systems, a medical engineering firm. He owned everything from hospitals to major shares in pharmaceutical companies.

Ordering the first round of drinks Kira and Athrun clinked their glasses in a toast "To a successful deal!" Athrun cheered "Now all that's waiting is for it to be signed and sealed!"

"I'll drink to that!"

"Ah," Athrun sighed happily "I'm so getting plastered tonight!"

The two had successfully convince Eileen Canavar of PLANTS Corp., to join them in an alliance. PLANTS Corp., was a big dealer in resources, this had been the golden deal for the two boys. In their eyes it was a win-win situation, Kira would gain a partner for materials needed for his hospitals and pharmacy labs, Athrun would gain distribution channels and a way into the markets in Asia, while PLANTS would be guaranteed financial support.

There was no way anyone would pass up this deal and there was no way anyone could lose.

"It's a deal made in corporate heaven" Kira dubbed, throwing back another drink.

Athrun grinned eyeing a cute blonde on the other side "Exactly, nothing can go wrong."

"The fuck you say?" Athrun bellowed, slamming both hands hard on the table. Kira held and impassive face but the other occupants in the room could tell he was fuming by watching the dangerous flicker in his eyes.

Well that news certainly sobered them up, after a night of partying and alcohol and lack of sleep this news couldn't come at a worse time.

"What do they want? More money? We already had offered them a highly generous amount" Kira said, his voice flat, devoid of any emotion "And on top of all that she would be in an alliance with both Infinite Productions and Archangel Systems."

Dearka Elsman sighed loudly and rubbed his forehead, he hadn't had much sleep last night and now to find out this mess. "Look" he said tiredly "All I know is that the PLANTS deal is off, with President Canaver stating that she had found a better last minute offer."

"A better deal?" Athrun choked out, disbelief colouring his voice "What the hell do you mean by a better deal? Do you know how many nights we spent trying to iron out this freaking perfect, godly deal and she has the nerve to say that she found a better deal?"

Kira sighed closing his eyes for a second "Athrun, calm down" opening his eyes he looked at his friend "I'm as angry as you are but getting hyper and upset like this won't solve anything."

Taking in a deep breath the young CEO knew this friend was right, a high blood pressure was the last thing he needed.

"Who could it be?" Nicol Amalfi—the head accountant—wondered aloud "That last minute offer, who could have offered a better deal than ours" he clarified.

Athrun felt a searing heat of anger flow through his veins again as he thought of possible companies capable of doing this "Was it Alliance Limited? Or ORB Corporations?"

Kira frowned "Not possible. The Alliance is nearing bankrupt and a change of management, a deal like this would be simply too risky and above all really stupid at the moment for them."

"Then what about ORB?" Athrun asked.

The brunet hesitated for a second "While it's not highly impossible, there's a good chance it's improbable—"

The door swung open revealing a pretty brunette and a silver haired man; urgency reflected with every step "I've got news boys" Murrue said grimly "And you're not going to like it."

"If it's about the deal being called off we already know that Yzak" Dearka said lazily, leaning back.

The silver haired man, glared at him "Fuck off Dearka this is no time for your jokes or foolishness."

"In a foul mood as ever I see."

Ignoring both of them Murrue placed a bottle of Advil on the table and watched the boys fight for the bottle.

'That must be some hangover' she thought. Clearing her throat she spoke "I have a report from our investigative team, they've found out who put in the offer to PLANTS."

"Well?" Athrun asked impatiently.

"It was Terminal Incorporated" Yzak said.

The room descended upon silence, shock mirrored on everyone's face.

Dun dun duuuun! :D Wonder what's going to happen next…

Thank you for reading!

~Lacus Yamato