Reviews:
Genny-chan: Thank you so much. Sweet is nice.
Asga: Thank you. I didn't really think it was that sweet. But thank you.
Ritachi: How can you tell that I watch it in English? Hehehe…oh well. I'm happy to have portrayed Kira and Cagalli so well in your opinion, but I'm not sure if I could do Athrun and Lacus all that well. Lacus (in my opinion) is too perky and Athrun is way too quiet. So, it's hard to really understand how they would really act in certain situations. (For me that is…) So, if my characters are OOC, then I apologize but I can't really help it. (I'm pretty positive that there will be a ton of OOCness.) And thank you for your advice. I considered it for a long time, I'm not going to do it exactly how you said it but you should read on to see what I mean.
Mimichan: You printed it? Uhm…okay. O.O
I didn't think it was that good. Hope your friends enjoyed it. And I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
A/N: Sorry for the long update, but I really needed the time to think about this one plus I was updating my two other fanfics as well. I didn't really think that people would like this one so well that they wanted another chapter. I honestly was going to keep this as a one-shot. Hope this chapter satisfies your needs.
Cagalli sighed as she walked up the stairs to her room. Foiled again, and this time in the hands of her brother, Kira. Kira…
She thought about what just happened and wished that she wasn't caught on the verge of kissing Athrun when they walked in, especially not in front of Lacus. Or at least they could have taken more time before coming in. But why oh why did that embarrassing moment had to happen? Why?
Cagalli sighed as she turned the knob to her door and walked in closing the door behind her. It was dark with its only light source coming from the twinkling stars from outside. She walked over to the balcony that lay wide opened. "Did I leave this open?" She said this to no one in particular. She continued to gaze out her balcony, but as the breeze caught on, she began to shiver and thought it best to close the doors. With the click of the lock and the pulling of the drapes to seal the starlight, she made a mental note to check on Athrun's drapes. She glided over to her closet without realizing that someone had their eyes on her for the time being.
"Cagalli?"
She tensed. Why don't those damn doors squeak when someone opens them?
Thinking that it was Kira who came to see her she began replying with an annoyed expression in her voice.
"Look, this is not the-"
As Cagalli turned around she noticed that it wasn't Kira that came to check up on her, instead it was Athrun.
"Sorry. I can see that this is a bad time."
What is he doing here?
Athrun turned to walk away when Cagalli chose to stop him from leaving.
"Wait!"
He turned his head to her.
"W-what is it that you want from me?"
Athrun's eyebrow was raised in amusement.
"Why, nothing really. I just wanted to apologize."
Cagalli blinked.
"Apologize? For what?"
"For what happened downstairs. That was out of line."
"The kiss or my brother?"
Athrun stared.
Cagalli was beginning to feel uncomfortable under his gaze once more.
"I was only kidding. But you don't need to apologize for what happened."
"Yes, I do."
They stood there in silence. Neither one wanted to make the next move fearing if they would make the wrong one themselves. Unfortunately, patience was not one of Cagalli's best qualities.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Aren't you going to apologize?"
Athrun blushed.
"Oh, yeah. Well, I'm really sorry for what happened."
Cagalli blushed as well. "Apology accepted."
Athrun smiled at her and her heart skipped a beat.
-
Kira glanced over at the clock ticking away on the wall.
"11 o'clock."
It's been ten minutes since Cagalli and Athrun fled upstairs.
"Is something the matter Kira?"
"No, nothing." He glanced at the stairs and then down at his now empty cup.
"You're worried about something. Please tell me what it is Kira?" Lacus looked him sternly in the eyes.
"I just hope that Athrun doesn't do anything stupid." He looks back to the stairs and starts tracing his thumb around the cup opening. "Do you think he went after her?"
"Of course, why wouldn't he?" Does he really think that Athrun will take advantage of Cagalli?
Kira sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of."
-
"Can I ask you something?" After another five minutes of silence, Cagalli's once more broke it with a question.
"Go ahead."
Cagalli lowered her eyes. She was unsure if she should be asking such a question. "Well, uhm…is-is it true that you…and Lacus are no longer engaged?"
Athrun didn't say anything.
Cagalli quickly turned her back on him in response to his silence. "Sorry. That's really none of my business."
"No, that's okay. Its just-Kira told you didn't he?" Athrun could only stare at her now exposed back.
"Yes." She slowly turned around. "How come you didn't tell me this before?"
Athrun raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious?"
Confusion was written all over Cagalli's face.
"Kira and Lacus? They wouldn't be this close if we were still engaged."
"Oh, well I guess that's true." She turned back around and walked to her bed to sit down.
Athrun watched her as she walked across the room. He's been doing that a lot lately. Watching her.
"Cagalli?"
"Hmmm?" Cagalli raised her head at the mention of her name.
He looked her over once more. "You're beautiful."
"Eh?"
Athrun blushed. Cagalli blushed an even darker shade of red.
"I think you're beautiful." He walked towards her and sat next to her on her bed without looking at her. "And, I think that I may be falling for you."
-
"Does Athrun really have feelings for her?"
Lacus looked up towards the ceiling and smiled. "I believe so."
"What makes you so certain?"
"Well, I can't help but notice how he smiles every time he's around her."
Kira looked at her. "Oh?"
Lacus giggled. "Especially whenever I mention her name, he always seems so much happier."
"Really?"
Lacus looked over at Kira who was now looking once more at his cup.
"Don't worry Kira. Athrun would never do anything to hurt her."
-
"What?" Cagalli nearly fell off the bed after Athrun's confession of his feelings for her. And she stared. She stared really, really hard at him wondering if she was really dreaming.
"I'm falling for you. I think I may even love you." This time he was looking her straight in the eyes…
…and she just stared.
"Sorry." Athrun turned from her seeing that she wasn't going to respond to him at all. Maybe she doesn't feel the same after all. He stood up from the bed. "I didn't mean to offend you." And he began walking towards the door.
"Wait!" Cagalli practically jumped from the bed and grabbed his arm.
Athrun turned around to look at her and glanced down at his arm where she was holding him and back at her again.
"Sorry." She let go.
She sighed.
"Please don't go. You don't need to apologize; you didn't offend me in any way. I was just…surprised."
Athrun watched her as she looked to the side with a blush appearing on her face. In his eyes she was the most beautiful thing he ever saw and he wanted more than anything to be with her. He knew that he was falling for her way back when the war was almost over, but certain events kept them apart for a long period of time. And this was his chance to make up for lost time.
"Cagalli…" He lifted his hand to her right cheek. "Tell me…how do you feel about me?"
"I…" Cagalli's heart was beating ten times it's normal speed. "Athrun, I…" She wanted to tell him so much about how she really cares for him and how she too was falling in love with him. But the words wouldn't come out.
Athrun smiled. She didn't need to tell him. He could tell how she really felt for him with the look in her eyes. He placed his free arm around her waist and drew her close to him…
…Cagalli gasped under the pressure…
…and Athrun leaned in for the kiss.
-
"It's 11:20."
"Kira, just relax."
"I am relaxed."
"Then why must you check the time every five minutes?"
Kira blushed. "No reason."
Lacus sighed. "If you're that worried, then why don't you just go up and check on Cagalli."
"Athrun might be there." He glanced over to the stairs for the billionth time.
"And that is what's worrying you."
"No, that's not it."
"Kira…" Lacus side glanced at him.
"Sorry." Kira mumbled.
Lacus smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. Kira blushed.
"Just like a brother to worry over his little sister." Lacus giggled and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Who said I'm worried?"
-
Cagalli's grip on Athrun's hair tightened as they continued on with their passionate kissing session. As Athrun caressed the lower part of her back a small moan escaped through Cagalli's lips. He began motioning her to her bed and once Cagalli realized it her heart was beating to no end for fear of what may happen next.
She moved her hands to his chest and pushed him away from her.
"Wait." Without looking him in the eyes, she continued.. "I think we might be moving a bit too fast."
Athrun was puzzled and a bit hurt. "What's the matter?"
"If-if Kira were to find us like this, then he might not like it."
Athrun dropped his hands from her side. "Kira? What does he have to do with this?"
Cagalli bowed her head and rubbed her left arm with her right hand.
"He is my brother after all."
"Hardly. It's not like you two grew up together."
"But he's the only family I have." She mumbled.
"Well, at least you have one." He stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"Sorry."
"Don't be."
They stood there in silence. The atmosphere was getting really uncomfortable for Cagalli and she was really trying her best not to look Athrun straight in the eye.
"I really am sorry, it's just-"
"What? Just what Cagalli?" He gave her a stern look.
Cagalli finally looked up at him. "It's just that-"
Athrun didn't let her finish.
"It's just that you're the princess of ORB and I'm with ZAFT. Is that it? You're worried about what your people might think. You're worried about your politics and your reputation. You care more for your country than you do for our feelings for one another." Athrun never once raised his voice or lost eye contact with her as he said this.
Cagalli felt stunned. Is that true? But she didn't dwell on it. Her reputation for having a short temper was proving itself. She was half hurt and half angry and wasn't going to stand for it.
"So, you're saying I'm a cold-hearted person aren't you?"
Athrun just stared. He didn't respond nor did he change his expression.
And this ticked Cagalli even more.
"How dare you say something like that to me? Who do you think you are coming here and insulting me about my status in politics and getting it involved in my personal life." She paused. And Athrun still didn't say anything. "If that's how you really feel then I suggest that you leave right now."
It finally hit Athrun that he said something really insulting to her. "But-"
"LEAVE!" Cagalli couldn't control her anger any longer so she reached over to her bedside table and grabbed a picture frame throwing it at Athrun. It missed him and hit the wall behind him causing a loud sound as the glass shattered and the frame fell to the floor.
Athrun fled from the room and closed the door behind him.
Cagalli sighed thinking over what just happened. She felt really hurt and a tear streaked down her cheek. She walked over to where she threw the photo and glanced down at it.
It was a picture not taken too long ago. Judging from the background, it was taken while aboard the Eternal. Cagalli, dressed in white pants and a red jacket had her head leaning on Athrun's shoulder, who was dressed in his combat attire. They looked so content with each other. And staring at it, Cagalli asked herself why on Earth she even still had that picture.
Thinking back to what just happened, she sighed.
"How could I ever fall for someone like him?" She whispered to herself.
-
"Who said I'm worried?"
"You're always worried."
Kira smiled. "Any reason why I shouldn't be?"
"Well-"
Before Lacus could finish, a loud thud was heard from up stairs followed by a door slightly being slam shut.
Kira and Lacus stared at each other. Then without hesitation, Kira jumped from the stool and ran upstairs finding Athrun standing outside of Cagalli's bedroom door.
"What happened?"
Athrun slightly jumped when he heard Kira's voice. He looked him over carefully and thought better of it. "Nothing." He turned his head away.
Kira was taken aback by his response. "Nothing? What do you mean by nothing? I heard a loud thud. That means something was thrown. So, what happened?" Kira was glaring now.
"None of your business." Athrun stated coolly.
Kira was insulted. "None of my business? Did you do something Cagalli? I swear if you did-"
"Then what?" Athrun raised his eyebrows at Kira. He never knew that Kira could be so overactive when it comes to Cagalli. I guess he really is trying to be the over-protective brother type. He turned around and walked away leaving a stunned and very much angered Kira.
Kira tried to go after him. "What? Athrun, where do you think you're-"
He stopped. He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw that it was Lacus.
"Kira, leave him alone."
"And allow him to get away with what he's done?"
Lacus gave him a stern look. "Kira, we don't know what he's done. So, relax. This is between him and Cagalli."
He eyed her. As much as he hated to admit it, it really wasn't any of his business and he should leave it between his sister and his best friend. "Alright."
Lacus smiled. "Good. I think it's best if we turn in for tonight."
"Yeah, you're right."
Lacus led him to his room and once he stepped into his room she reached up and kissed him on his cheek.
Kira blushed. "Uhm, Lacus don't you think that I should be the one to walk you to your room? Not the other way around?"
"Then how would I know if you actually went to bed, silly?"
He blinked.
"Goodnight." She beamed and closed his door for him.
Sighing to herself, she began walking down the hall towards her room. But she didn't stop there. She crossed over and knocked on the door close to opposite of her's. She stood patiently with a silent Haro tucked away in her hands.
The door opened revealing a confused looking Athrun. "Lacus?"
"May I come in?"
He stepped aside allowing her to enter his dark room. After closing the door he flipped the switch in order to brighten it up.
"Is there something you want?"
Lacus walked over to his bed and sat. She patted the spot next to her motioning for him to sit there. He obeyed.
"What happened with Cagalli?"
Athrun looked away. "Nothing."
"I know that, but something did happen."
"We just had an argument that's all."
"Oh my, I hope you didn't hurt her?"
Athrun raised both his eyebrows. "What makes you say that?"
"Well, there was a thud."
"She threw a picture frame at me. It hit the wall instead."
"Then you did hurt her." Lacus looked highly displeased.
Athrun stared at her. "What are you talking about? I just said-"
"No Athrun not physically, I meant emotionally."
"Oh." He looked away from her.
"I hope you will apologize to her."
Athrun sighed. "I guess so."
"Or you could deal with a very angered, over-protective brother."
Athrun smiled a bit. The thought of Kira acting so brotherly like was quite amusing to him. It wasn't something normal to see since Kira grew up as an only child.
"You do care for her don't you?"
He looked at her. "Lacus…"
"You care for her just as I care for Kira. Isn't that funny? I've fallen for your best friend and you've fallen for his sister." Lacus smile had returned.
Athrun frowned. "There's still the engagement."
"Athrun, didn't we already agree on this?"
"I know. But that's just it. We settled the matter, but the people of PLANT and the councilmen in ZAFT will not go with it. I'm sure they'll see to it that this engagement will follow through."
Lacus smile slightly faded. She stood up and walked towards the door.
"Well, I guess we just can't let that happen can we?"
She opened the door and turned back to Athrun will a full smile.
"Now, if I were you I'd find a way to apologize to Cagalli." She closed the door.
Athrun sighed.
-
Kira stretched his arms as he walked down the stairs. He turned to walk into the kitchen and spotted Cagalli sitting at the table eating her scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. He glanced over at the clock and noticed that it was 8:30 in the morning. She's up this early?
"Morning." Cagalli finally noticed Kira's presence and greeted him.
"Uhm, is there a reason why you're up this early?"
"Can't I be?"
"It's not natural."
"Funny Kira, funny." She continued eating her breakfast.
Kira went to the stove and noticed that there was still food left over in the pan. "May I?"
"Help yourself."
After gathering the food onto a plate he walked to the table and sat across from Cagalli.
"So…" He took his time. Waiting to swallow his first bite he continued. "What happen last night between you and Athrun?"
Cagalli blinked. He knows? But she wasn't going to give in too easily. "What do you mean?"
"I heard a loud sound and found Athrun outside your room. He told me nothing happened, but I know something happened. So, spill it."
"Oh." She took another bite of her eggs. "I just lost my temper that's all."
"That explains some."
Cagalli eyed him. "Nothing happened Kira. He just insulted me a bit."
Kira didn't respond to that. He was too busy thinking. He knew that Cagalli at often times tends to lose her temper at the most smallest things, but this was Athrun. He doubted that she would ever lose it like that in front of Athrun. There must be something else.
"Okay that's one Cagalli. I know something else had to happen." He tried to pry even further.
"Kira Yamato!"
Kira almost choked on his eggs. He looked in the direction the voice came from and saw Lacus coming down the stairs.
"Kira, what have I told you about meddling in their affairs?"
Kira blushed. "Sorry Lacus."
"Thank you." Cagalli whispered her thanks to Lacus. She felt really relieved and happy that Lacus was keeping Kira from getting involved.
Lacus sat next to Kira without getting anything to eat. "So, what are your plans for today?"
Kira swallowed his food. "Well, unfortunately I have business to take care of."
"Can I come?"
"It's probably best if you didn't."
"Don't worry Lacus it's just office work." Cagalli added after seeing Lacus pout.
"I see. I guess I'll just find something else to do." Lacus then smiled. "What about you Cagalli? Do you think we can hang out together today?"
"Sorry Lacus, but I also have some paperwork to do as well."
"Oh."
"I'm sure we can find something to do together Lacus."
Everyone looked up as Athrun made his way to the kitchen.
"We could just go site seeing and maybe eat out."
Lacus smiled again. "That sounds great Athrun." Then she turned to Kira for approval.
"Yeah, I guess that sounds great." He soon finished his breakfast and stood to put away the plate. "If you all would excuse me." He smiled at them and left.
Lacus soon got up herself. "We could leave in an hour or so." She was addressing to Athrun. "I think I may want to spend a bit of time admiring the garden." Then she left as well.
Cagalli stared. Was that done on purpose?
Athrun sat across from her and cleared his throat.
"Yes?" She raised her eyebrow.
"About last night." He sighed. "I'm sorry."
"And I'm sorry for trying to throw my picture at you."
"It missed anyway."
"Yeah. Too bad." She whispered the last part.
"I heard that."
"Oh." She slightly blushed. "Are you going to leave here?"
"Not unless I'm not welcomed."
"I assure you, you're welcomed."
"Glad to hear it."
They stopped talking for a bit.
"I really did mean it you know?" Athrun was the first to break the silence this time. "I really am falling for you."
Cagalli stopped eating. She really wasn't in the mood to discuss it.
"And the last thing I want is for politics to get in between us."
"Us?" Cagalli watched as Athrun slightly blushed. "Athrun that was never the question at hand."
"Huh?"
"I only asked you to stop because I felt that we were moving a bit too fast." She blushed at the thought of what might have happened if she didn't interfere.
"Oh. Than I'm sorry about that too." Athrun lowered his head a bit.
They sat there in silence once more. Then it came to her. A question that kept ebbing her in the back of her mind.
"Uh, Athrun?"
"Yes." He looked up.
"About Kira and Lacus."
"What about them?"
"Well, it's just that I noticed how close they are and-and…" It was difficult for her to continue. "I was wondering if you were-"
"Jealous?"
"Yeah."
Athrun blinked "You do know that Lacus and I are not together right?"
"Well…"
"I wouldn't have done what I did if I were still engaged to her. You know I wouldn't do something as low as that."
"I know but-"
"What?"
Cagalli was looking to the side. "Aren't you moving a bit too fast?"
Athrun didn't say anything.
"You must be some kind of player if you can just move from one girl to the next just like that."
"What…"
"And you call me cold-hearted."
Athrun stared at her emotionless. He stood up and looked away from her.
"If that's how you feel, then I guess I'll be making my leave sooner than expected."
He walked out of the kitchen leaving Cagalli behind.
She blinked. What just happened?
A/N: I hope you liked this chapter. I think it's a bit corny, but I tried. It may take me even longer to update this story compared to my other one's, but I hope you people are patient.
Again sorry for any OOCness. Odd moments, odd thoughts.
Huh?
Nothing.
Please R&R. I love to know people actually read this.