AN: This is my first story so I don't know if it will be good or not. We'll see I guess.

Disclaimer: If I owned Gundam SEED/GS Destiny, Athrun and Cagalli would be married but they aren't so that should say something for you. If that wasn't clear enough, I DO NOT OWN THE CHARACTERS OF GS! THEY BELONG TO THE WHOEVER CREATED THEM!

Her fingers skimmed gracefully over the worn out yellow keys producing sweet sounds. They were sweet, pure sounds that nobody else could make with the same old wooden piano crammed into a stuffy closet padded with egg cartons and bubble wrap. Despite living in a dingy old apartment, she kept her place reasonably well kept and even grew a few flowers to brighten the drab atmosphere. When her father passed away, he had told her to never give up on her dreams and so that was how she ended up dropping out of University and used most of the money which she had saved over the years to buy a terrible sounding, if reasonably cheap piano. She began composing pieces and songs and so she became one of the many musicians in this world who, despite their talent, receive no recognition and so they have to get by somehow on an incredibly low income. But she was a dreamer back then as she still is a dreamer now. Four years of poverty haven't dimmed the glow nor the spark in her mesmerizing and captivatingly beautiful amber coloured eyes.

Over time, she became rather attached to her little humble abode and she was really quite satisfied with her life. After her first week of settling in, there were already numerous complaints of the "noise" she made on the piano so she was left to be content with playing piano in a small closet which she made soundproof by covering the walls with layers and layers of bubble wrap and egg cartons.

Weirdly enough, she was feeling quite restless today. Today was her friend's birthday. Well, to specify, it was her ex-best friend's birthday. Despite her amiable and cheerful nature, she had no friends at all. Perhaps it was the way she dressed so that people almost always mistake her for a boy. Maybe it was because throughout all her years in school, she was always deemed as the "tomboy" therefore, a loser.

However, one fateful day, she met Lacus Clyne when she heard the pink princess singing to herself in the music room. Cagalli being Cagalli took it upon herself to personally compliment her on her exceedingly lovely voice and so that was how she, the social outcast, because best friends with pretty and perfect Lacus Clyne. They were inseparable for a while until their argument.

Flashback

"Look at this!" Cagalli nudged her friend, "Meer Campbell won the best album of the year! Can you believe that!

Lacus widened her eyes at the magazine cover Cagalli pointed to. "Honestly, if she wins an award as big as that, I bet none of the prize winners all put together have enough to talent to fill this teacup!" Lacus shook the miniature pink teacup she was holding for emphasis.

Cagalli was shocked at her best friend's statement. She never knew Lacus would take her joke seriously. In fact, she was sure that many of the prize winners worked really hard for the recognition, even someone like Meer. She knew what it was like for a musician nowadays. It was hard. Simply put but every musician knew that. "How do you know that the other people don't have any talent?" She retorted back a little harshly than intentioned.

Lacus shook her head, "Meer Campbell, Cagalli, Meer Campbell!"

End of Flashback

That was all Cagalli remembered. Well, that was all she wanted to remember. She recalled that the two of them had exchanged harsh words back and forth for a while. She had instantly regretted her too-sharp-for-good tongue but she was Cagalli Yula Athha and Cagalli Yula Athha always stood up for her own opinions. Usually, a petty fight like that one wouldn't break apart a friendship but it just so happened that the next day, Lacus received a call from her agent and was off to London, England. Cagalli had tried her hardest to get in touch with Lacus again but Lacus had left no note whatsoever on her whereabouts. Cagalli never changed her email or her cell phone number. Lacus never called again.

Cagalli sighed deeply and stepped out of the closet for a breath of fresh air. There were times when the loneliness got to her so she decided to go out and take a walk to clear her brain. It was drizzling a bit but Cagalli didn't mind. She wandered aimlessly lost in her own mind where all her compositions lived. She hardly noticed when the rain started pouring. The rain felt good and she stuck her tongue out relishing the feel of the heavy rain drops splattering against her face. She giggled when an especially large drop splashed right over her nose. The steady beating of the rain on the pavement made the sidewalk glow as Cagalli danced around unaware that someone was watching her.

Meanwhile, an owner of a shop nearby was watching the blond-haired girl with amusement as she skipped around in the puddles forming on the street. A small smile tugged on the corner of his lips.

Without a warning, streaks of light slashed open the dark sky, over shining all the stars. A second later, thunder followed; dark and ominous, it travelled slowly as if coming from the grey-painted clouds that loomed dangerously close over the small city.

Cagalli gasped, just realizing that she was thoroughly soaked. As the sound of thunder rolled across the landscape again, Cagalli ducked into the nearest store she could find. Chimes rang through the shop and she was immediately surrounded by a warm, musky smell. She inhaled deeply, it was so soothing and comforting. She then tried in vain to dry herself with an already soaked handkerchief.

"Here," came a lovely smooth and deep voice.

Cagalli looked up surprised and her eyes met with the owner of the voice. He smiled warmly at her and handed her a handkerchief. "Th-thanks!" Cagalli stammered, shocked at how friendly this stranger was. She dabbed her soaked hair lightly and looked up to meet the stranger's dazzling emerald eyes. Unexpectedly, Cagalli stuck out her hand and said in a sweet cheerful voice, "Hi! I'm Cagalli!"

The shop owner smiled at her bluntness and shook her hand warmly. "Athrun," he replied in his deep melodious voice.

Cagalli's eyes began to take in her surroundings and she remarked, "Do you own this shop?" Her eyes twinkled and without giving him a chance to answer she remarked again, "That's amazing!" She eyed the ornate little dolls on display appreciatively.

Athrun smiled wider and chuckled warmly at how quickly Cagalli changed topics. "Why didn't I ever come here before?" Cagalli wondered out loud with dawning wonder in her voice as her fingers gently traced a porcelain tea set.

Athrun rested his hand on an antique armchair and replied softly, "Nobody really ever comes here I guess. You're the first one in months."

Cagalli nodded thoughtfully before asking, "Does it ever get lonely?"

Athrun smiled (Ya, he smiles a lot!). "Not really," he motioned to all the little trinkets which lined the mahogany shelves, "I mean, how could you be lonely with all of these treasures around?" He looked fondly at the items in display.

Cagalli turned her gaze upon another shelf full of crystal carvings. "These are so beautiful…" she murmured with sparkling eyes, "I could look at these forever."

Athrun chuckled and motioned for her to sit down. "Wait just a minute, I'll be right back," he said.

Cagalli rested her hand on her cheek and smiled contentedly. Her day turned out to be better than she thought. She looked up to see Athrun holding a steaming cup of tea before her.

"Drink this," he said gently as he sat down. "I'd hate for you to get a cold so I hope this helps."

Cagalli sniffed the drink tentatively. Athrun reassured her jokingly, "Don't worry, I didn't poison it."

Cagalli threw a mock glare at Athrun. "You wouldn't dare," she replied in a cross voice but her sparkling eyes showed him that she was only kidding. As she took a sip, she smiled dreamily, "This is heaven, what tea is this?"

Athrun thought for a moment and grinned sheepishly, "Well, my mother sort of invented this recipe. She always knew exactly which herbs and flowers to put in. Hers was always better than mine." Athrun seemed lost in thought for a while. "I must say, you have impeccable taste," he added teasingly a few moments later.

Cagalli giggled and hummed softly as she sipped her tea. She loved the soothing nuances of his voice. It was always so gentle and warm as was his soft gaze.

"You know," he said softly, "Even if nobody comes here, I don't have heart to close this store. I mean, I really wouldn't have this place any other way. Whenever I get frustrated, I think of why I first opened this store. It was because I wanted to, because I loved making things like these." He then motioned to some painted wooden figures. "I'm certainly not making them for anyone's approval. When I remember how I love what I'm doing, I feel happy. I'm lucky, really, because nowadays, not many people get to do what they love."

Listening attentively, Cagalli wondered how Athrun managed to put to words the edifice of complicated emotions she felt about music. "I couldn't have said it better myself," she replied softly, "I think that whatever happens, I won't regret choosing the path that I love best."

Athrun's eyes softened and he smiled at her, "You're a musician right?"

Cagalli raised her eyebrows in shock. "How did you know?" Her voice came out higher than intentioned.

Athrun shrugged his shoulders and gave her that charming relaxed expression of his. "Lucky guess? I don't know really, its just that most musicians have that point of view. I mean, only good musicians that is." His eyes sparkled with delight at her adorable expression.

Cagalli blushed. "Who said I was good?" She muttered.

Athrun's mouth twitched, "Never mind that, you must be amazing then!" He looked at Cagalli who flushed even redder. He pushed down the temptation to pinch her cheeks and settled for gazing into her wide amber eyes. Sensing her discomfort, he decided to change the topic. "It is generally accepted that a person needs three things to be happy: Something to do, someone to love and something to hope for. Two out of three is not bad at all I suppose."

Cagalli cocked her head to the side slightly. "You don't have a significant other?"

Athrun chucked at her cute expression. "I'm married but lately we're having some communication problems. We sort of have conflicting opinions."

Cagalli nodded and decided not to pry further but she was genuinely shocked. Athrun seemed like such a gentlemen. She expected him to be the type that had smooth relationships. She was still curious so she chose her words carefully before adding, "Really? You seem to have no problem with getting along with people seeing as we're talking as if we've known each other forever." She used a slightly teasing tone to lighten the mood.

Athrun watched her carefully. Only with you, he wanted to say but thought better of it.

"I'm sorry, I don't want you to be offended." Cagalli quickly added mistaking his silence for anger.

"No no, don't worry," Athrun replied hastily.

He opened his mouth to say something else but Cagalli beat him to it. "Look, the storm stopped! I guess I have to go now… I'm sorry for disturbing you!"

Athrun sighed softly. He felt a sinking in his chest but dismissed it. "Wait!" He cried and grabbed an ornate music box from the shelf and handed it to her. "My gift to you," he smiled at her. "Thanks for giving me company," he added after seeing her shocked expression.

"You don't have to give this to me. It's fine really!" Cagalli stammered.

Athrun smiled at her, "I want to. I might not know you that well but from I know, I picked that out for you. I hope you like it."

Cagalli clutched the beautifully carved music against her chest and marvelled at its charm and beauty. Her eyes softened. "I love it, thanks. I hope that I can return the favour one day," she replied while smiling. A blush was threatening to creep across her cheek any moment. "It was nice meeting you Athrun, see you around maybe?" Her voice came out hopefully.

"I will count on it," He said solemnly and took her hand in his and gave it a hearty shake. "A pleasure meeting you too miss," he joked.

Cagalli giggled and waved as she walked out the door. Halfway out, she turned around. "Wait! Your handkerchief!" she cried.

Athrun shook his head and smiled once more. "You can keep it with you and return it to me some other time."

Cagalli nodded. "Thanks once again!" She yelled as she closed the door behind her.

Cagalli skipped home in great spirits. If it was not three in the morning, people would edge away from her thinking she was crazy as she kept giggling to herself while glancing at her hand which Athrun shook. She hugged the music box protectively and stroked the cherry wood lovingly. Her walk home took much longer than usual. When she finally arrived, she plopped onto her bed and the sound of tinkling chimes from the box slowly lulled her to sleep.

After Cagalli left, Athrun sank in his chair with a huge smile stretched across his face. He glanced at the clock. It was already three in the morning! Had they really been talking for that long? He didn't feel tired at all though. He closed his eyes and his mind filled with Cagalli's giggle, smile and cheerful, bright voice.

Subconsciously he knew that his already wet handkerchief he had told her to hold on to would do her no good.

Subconsciously, he just wanted to see her again.

Cagalli groaned and rubbed her eyes sleepily. She thrashed her arm blindly past her bedside searching for her ringing phone. Damn she thought, for the first time in two whole months my phone decides to ring, it has to be in the morning! She grasped hold of her phone and sleepily murmured, "Hello?" She climbed out of bed and opened the curtains. She was momentarily blinded by the incoming rays of sunlight. As she shielded her eyes and gazed out towards the unfolding scenery before her, she failed to hear what the person on the other line said. "Huh? I'm sorry, what did you say?" She said still a bit groggily.

"Cagalli? Is that you?" A timid voice on the other voice spoke.

Cagalli froze. She was sure it was her. It has to be. Nobody else had that sweet angelic voice except for one person. She opened her mouth but she didn't know what to say to her ex-best friend.

"Hello? Is anybody here?" The person, presumably Lacus asked tentatively again.

Cagalli's first reaction was to demand why she hadn't called or emailed Cagalli for 4 frickin' years! Her second reaction was to dismiss this call as a prank and hang up. Sadly, Cagalli didn't do any of those and instead, she stupidly said the only stupid thing that she could possibly stupidly say.

"Lacus... Lacus Clyne?"

Thanks for reading! I know, my grammar is atrocious. If you see any errors, please notify me by PM or review and I will fix it ASAP. If you read this, please review even if you find this horrible. I appreciate any comments to make my writing better!

Good? Bad? Horrible?

Love, Flame, Criticize,

I'm all ready

~AngelfishXD