Archerygurl:

Hey there! Here's my first, published fanfic. I hope you like reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Please be sure to leave me comments throughout the story so that I have an idea of what you guys think.

Enjoy =)

.:*:. Disclaimer- Yes, it's hard to believe, but I don't own Gundam Seed. The story's plot is mine though! .:*:.

.::. Chemical Equilibrium .::.

Chapter 1: Detour

The chemistry project.

Yeah, that had been the original plan, but it was far from accomplished.

Just that morning, Cagalli had told Kira that she was going to Lacus' house to work on the project and Kira hadn't objected. When it came to anything with Lacus, Kira was all for it. Cagalli couldn't help but take advantage of that. Her intentions were good, after all. She planned to study part of time, but that was to be expected, right?

Wrong.

As soon as Cagalli had walked into Lacus' house, any thoughts of the project had flown out the window.

"I brought our notes from class. We decided last time that we would focus our project on the acidity of various food items and see which were good pH indicators," Cagalli summarized while skimming through her notebook. "I went ahead and looked up what fruits would act as good pH indicators. We already tried cabbage juice, but apparently blueberries and red apple skins will work too," she added before closing her book.

"We should test those, then. But I'm afraid I don't have blueberries or red apple skins," Lacus replied after a moment of thought.

"Really? I can understand blueberries because those are pretty gross. But I thought everyone had apples…" Cagalli said, slightly surprised.

"Yes, usually we have all types of fruit, but I believe my father took them to work," the young girl replied, resting her chin on her hand.

"All of them?" The seriousness mixed with confusion in Cagalli's voice caused Lacus to giggle.

"My family's company is to be holding a meeting with guests from several countries. However, my father hadn't realized that a majority of the guests happen to be vegetarian and, unfortunately, catered mostly meat dishes. He was rather desperate and had our wide selection of fruits and vegetables shipped to the office earlier this morning," Lacus said nodding as though it made complete sense.

Cagalli just stared at the girl in front of her.

"I suppose we should go and buy the necessary items," Lacus said as she stood up and reached for her purse, which was placed on the table. "Shall I ask Vonswa to take us or would you like to take your car?" she asked looking over at her friend.

"Ah, I don't mind driving," Cagalli said. Although she knew Vonswa, the Clyne butler, was a nice guy, she felt more comfortable taking her own car. She just felt awkward with someone unfamiliar in the car.

While on the road, Lacus was suddenly hit with an idea.

"Cagalli!" she exclaimed, a little louder than necessary. The said girl swerved momentarily before directing her attention to Lacus.

"Whaat!"

"Ah, sorry. It's just that, the grocery store is close to the mall, isn't it?" Lacus said. Cagalli could see her eyes light up.

"Um… yes," she answered. She didn't like where this conversation was going.

It registered as: Lacus + shopping = spending lots of time and money

"I've never had a chance to go to the mall! I'm always escorted by someone in the house to a mall much farther away. Do you think we could just stop by there before picking up the fruits? Just for a little while!" Lacus pleaded with big puppy dog eyes.

Cagalli hated those eyes. They always worked on her. She cursed Kira, who must have been the one to tell Lacus of her weakness.

Just don't look at her. We have to get this project done. But be nice, maybe 'How about another time?' or 'I'm not really in the mood'

"Sure," Cagalli said as she pulled into the parking lot. She then bit her lower lip. Great.

Lacus beamed with joy. "Thank you!" she exclaimed.

As much of a distraction as the mall would be, Cagalli was glad she had brought her friend. It was true that Lacus rarely had a chance to go out. Her parents were rather overprotective. She remembered what happened when Kira first met them. Lacus and Kira weren't even a couple, but they wanted to interrogate him none the less. It had been at the previous year's science fair, when Lacus walked over to say 'hi' and congratulate Kira and Athrun for winning first prize. Athrun was spared as his parents were good friends of the Clyne's. Cagalli smiled at the memory.

"Cagalli, Cagalli," Lacus said tapping the blonde on the shoulder.

"Ah, sorry, what was that?" Cagalli said slightly embarrassed that she had completely zoned out.

"There's a girl waving at you," Lacus said pointing over to a girl with brown hair.

"Oh?" Cagalli said as she followed Lacus's finger. "Ah, Miriallia! Let's go meet up with her. I'll introduce you," Cagalli said as Lacus nodded and followed.

"Cagalli at the mall… didn't think I'd see that. Please tell me you're dress shopping and my day will be made," Miriallia teased.

"Be quiet," Cagalli said scowling. "Oh, this is my friend, Lacus," Cagalli said introducing the girl next to her.

"The Lacus!" Miriallia exclaimed.

Lacus and Cagalli blinked.

"Um, I guess?" Cagalli said as she looked over to Lacus who was just as confused.

"She really does look like a princess," Miriallia said looking at Lacus. "Guess that's to be expected of Kira, though. He's done well." She said nodding.

"Miri!" Cagalli yelled. Lacus simply blushed.

"What? Anyway, what are you guys doing here?" Miriallia asked completely missing the effect of her words on the now flustered girl.

"Just window shopping, really," Cagalli answered.

"Oh! I have the perfect store! Come on!" Miriallia exclaimed as she grabbed Cagalli and Lacus' hands and pulled them over to an overly decorated entranceway.

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"Dreaming Star" Cagalli said in disbelief. "Since when is that a store?"

"Don't question it. Let's just go in!" Miri snapped, as she walked in.

"I like this store," Lacus said as she admired the dresses hanging on the wall.

"I'm so glad one of you has good taste!" Miri said sticking her tongue out at Cagalli.

"This stuff is so girly!" Cagalli complained. "You know I don't dress like this," she said as she picked something up from the rack. "Is this a shirt or a dress?"

"Do people really wear dresses that small?" Lacus asked as her eyes widened.

Miri couldn't help but laugh at the reactions of the two girls.

"Oh, Lacus! Look at this skirt. It's so you!" Miri exclaimed as she picked out a cute frilly white skirt.

"So me?" Lacus echoed.

"Yes! Try it on," Miri said as she dragged Lacus over to the dressing room.

Cagalli followed, curious as to how the girl would look in the skirt. Pretty, of course.

"And you," Miri said, pointing an accusing finger at Cagalli.

"What?"

"Try this on!" Miri said, tossing something over to Cagalli.

"No thanks," Cagalli calmly replied as she was about to hang it back on the rack.

"Cagalli Yula Athha, you better try that on!"

"Or what?" Cagalli asked looking back at her friend and raising an eyebrow.

"Or… I tell Lacus about your sweetheart," Miri said smirking.

After she saw Cagalli's eyes widen, she handed her the outfit again. "This one's open," she casually mentioned, as though nothing had happened.

When Lacus walked out of the stand, Miri whistled causing the girl's cheeks to tint a light shade of pink.
"It looks really good on you! Especially with that shirt you picked out," Miri said nodding.

"Thank you. Where is Cagalli?" Lacus asked.

Cagalli was cursing under her breath.

"Come on out," Miri said rolling her eyes.

Cagalli hesitantly stepped out of the fitting room. Lacus was absolutely shocked to see what Cagalli was wearing. A light blue sun dress with flowers imprinted on it.

Before Miriallia could say anything, Lacus cut her off.

"Cagalli! You look absolutely adorable," she exclaimed.

Cagalli scoffed. 'Adorable' was not something she liked being called.

"Thanks…" she managed to say as she walked back to the fitting room to get back into her regular jeans and t-shirt.

"You're going to buy it, right?" Miri asked.

"No."

"Then, I'm going to buy it for you!" Lacus exclaimed, obviously excited.

"No!" Cagalli yelled.

"Why not?" Lacus asked tilting her head.

"Um… I'll just buy it myself," Cagalli said.

Miriallia knew exactly what was going on. Cagalli would buy the dress to keep Lacus from buying it and would then come back later and return it.

"Hey Lacus, you know Cagalli's birthday is coming up?" Miri said.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Cagalli asked, irritated.

"Ah! Then I have to buy you this dress! It will be a birthday present from me! How could I forget, your birthday was coming up. It's the same day as Kira's," Lacus scolded herself.

"Ah, no, you don't have to…" Cagalli tried to come up with another excuse, but was stuck. She just glared at Miriallia who smiled back.

After they—well Lacus—had finished paying they headed out of the store. Cagalli checked her cell phone and was shocked to see what time it was.

"Eight?" She cried as both girls turned to look at her.

"Oh yeah, I'm hungry!" Miri complained.

"Forget you, we have a project to work on!" Cagalli exclaimed looking at Lacus.

"I'm a bit hungry as well," Lacus admitted.

"No! We have to go—" but before Cagalli could finish her stomach growled, rather loud.

Everyone stared at Cagalli's stomach, including herself.

"Okay…" Miriallia smiled. "So, where are we eating?"

"It says the food court is around the corner," Lacus said pointing at the sign hanging on the ceiling.

"Food court it is!" Miriallia exclaimed as she led the way with Lacus and Cagalli, who was hiding her face, close behind.

When the girls had arrived at the food court Lacus stood in awe.

"There are so many choices," Lacus said as she looked from one store to another.

"Yeah, it's because people are so indecisive," Cagalli said with both sarcasm and seriousness.

"But it's wonderful! I wish I had the opportunity to come here more often," Lacus said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

Cagalli looked over to her usually cheery friend.

"This isn't the last time you're going to be here though!" Miri said trying to cheer the girl up. Cagalli nodded in agreement.

"You'll really bring me here again?" Lacus asked as her eyes lit up again.

"Of course," Cagalli replied. "Okay, I'm getting a turkey sandwich. What about you guys?"

"Pizza!" Miriallia said. "What about you, Lacus?"

"Um, I'm not sure. What do you suggest?" She asked still looking at the many menus.

"Hmm, I think you should try their Chinese food. The lo-mien is to die for!" Miriallia said pointing to a little boy who was carrying a plate.

The little boy looked at Miriallia for a second and then ran off to his mom.

"Way to scare the kid," Cagalli teased. "Anyway, I think their fried rice is better."

"Psh, their fried rice doesn't even compare," Miriallia said waving her hand around.

"What are you talking about? Their lo-mien is way too salty," Cagalli criticized.

"And their fried rice has eggs in it," Miriallia argued.

"If she doesn't like eggs she can just ask for it without them," Cagalli countered.

"Girls?" Lacus tried to interrupt.

"Why would they put eggs in it to begin with? That's just weird. I mean, have you ever heard of anyone asking if your grilled cheese needed lettuce?" Miriallia said rolling her eyes.

"That's completely different! Eggs actually make sense," Cagalli said unsure of why anyone would want lettuce with their grilled cheese. "You make the weirdest arguments, you know that?"

"Hmph, whatever. So, what are you going to get, Lacus?" Miriallia said turning to face the girl. But she was no longer standing there.

"Girls, I ended up getting a burrito. I've never actually eaten one, so I thought it would be fun. I didn't want to interrupt your conversation, so I just went ahead and bought it. I'm sure both the lo-mien and fried rice are delicious, though. Shall we find a place to sit?" Lacus said smiling.

Cagalli and Miriallia felt silly. They had been putting on quite a show for other people sitting and eating at the food court. The little boy with the plate of lo-mien tugged at his mother's skirt and pointed at Miriallia saying she was the one who tried to steal his food.

"Um, yeah sure. I'll just get my food and join you," Cagalli said as she went off to order her sandwich.
"Same here," Miriallia said as she went off in the opposite direction.

Lacus just smiled. She had no idea that she would have so much fun at the mall. Sure it wasn't as big as the one she usually went too, but she was having a much better time here. It must have been the company she was with.

She was thankful for having such great friends.

Archerygurl:

And there you have it.
Chapter 1 complete.

More characters are on the way!

.:*:. Updated 8/2010 .:*:.