Disclaimer: Most characters in this fiction are not mine unless stated otherwise. Every effort is made to keep this fiction satisfactory; hence, the chapters published are subjected to minor changes without prior notice. I do NOT own Mobile Suite Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. SUNRISE produced it and it was directed by Mitsuo Fukuda.
AN: This story took place FOUR YEARS AFTER the Second Bloody Valentine War.
PS: To identify their present age, just add four years from their GSEED Destiny age.
HER LITTLE WARRIOR
Chapter One: Four Years
oooooo
PRESENT Timeline
PLANTs: Aprilius City
"...Kisaka and Myrna are taking good care of me so you don't have to worry, my brother dear. I really, really miss you! I hope to see you and Lacus soon. Please give my regards to Lacus, Yzak, Dearka, Shiho, Captain Waltfeld, and...Athrun. Take care of yourself and I love you little brother!" ―Beep!
Kira Yamato turned off his computer after viewing his sister's video message for the third time today, since he received it this afternoon. It had been four years since he last saw his sister face to face. He missed her terribly. Despite of him, being busy in PLANTs and she being busy as Chief Representative of Orb, they find time to video call or send email weekly to update each other's life. Aside from her updates, he had secretly asked Kisaka to send him monthly reports about Cagalli's physical and emotional status. God knew how secretive Cagalli could be when it comes to bad and harmful news. And as her twin brother, he had the right to worry and be protective of her if someone or something harms her.
Kira glanced at the digital clock on his office table. It read 17:45.
'Almost dinner. Lacus should be done by now,' he thought.
He arranged the documents scattered on his table, and then went out of his office to give his secretary some reminders.
"Miss Blanche, please forward any important phone call to my private line as soon as possible, and fax the urgent documents to my office at Clyne Mansion."
"Noted, General Yamato."
"Thank you."
Kira strolled his way to where the Supreme Council Chairwoman's office is located, while playing Cagalli's video in his head. He had this feeling that something is amiss with his sister. He had started feeling this on his second month at PLANTs four years ago. Granted, he knew he becomes an over-protective brother when it comes to his sister's welfare, whether the matter on hand is as big as GENESIS or as small as a microscopic organism. The unsettling feeling was worst on the first two years he was away from her. Lacus appeased him that he was just experiencing a separation anxiety from his sister. While it comforted him a bit, it was Kisaka's assurance that Cagalli was doing fine that helped him to tame his anxiety, though he was not totally 100% assured.
He arrived at his destination and inquired the secretary if Lacus is done with her work.
"Good afternoon, General Yamato. Chairwoman Clyne is waiting for you. You may enter anytime."
"Thank you, Miss Leila."
Kira softly knocked on the office door, before entering the room. Before he could enter his whole body in the office door, a loud mechanical pink ball jumped on his arms.
"Kira! Kira! Kira!"
Kira grinned at the energetic and loud Haro. Good thing, he had very good coordinator reflexes to catch the speeding Haro or else he would be knocked-out of his breath due to force. An angelic giggle disturbed him from his musing at the far right corner of the office. He saw his beloved Pink Princess drinking her tea on one of the settees, as she smiled happily at him.
"Mr. Pink is really fond of you, Kira. How was your day?" Lacus smiled serenely. Kira kissed her forehead in greeting, and then sat beside her as she poured some tea in his cup.
"Nothing eventful, I assure you. All I did was signing some papers for approval and review some security strategies, how about you?"
"I am doing fine. I had a meeting this morning with the Supreme Council regarding the upcoming 3rd Anniversary of the Peace Treaty. We were discussing some suggested activities for the celebration."
"I see. Four years since the war and almost three years of official peace." Kira smiled. "How were Athrun, Yzak, and Dearka during the meeting?" he inquired.
This time Lacus giggled softly. "The three of them are fine. Despite of being three of the youngest council members up to date, they are doing wonderfully as representatives of their people. Athrun is still the reserved, intelligent, gentleman that he is. Dearka is still the relaxed and humorous guy since you met him, although he toned it down a bit, or the elder council members will reprimand him again and again," Kira and Lacus chuckled as they remembered their blonde-haired and tanned-skinned friend, "...and of course, Yzak is still serious and competitive and...uhmm...according to Dearka he is still the same 'grumpy and hotheaded' friend of his." Lacus finished with a slight blush on her rosy cheeks.
This time, Kira chuckled loudly on how cute his blushing Pink Princess is when she quoted and unquoted Dearka's description of Yzak. The two lovers were silent for a while, drinking their tea. Lacus was observing Mr. Pink as it jumps from one seat to another. Kira remained silent as he was lost in his own thought.
Lacus drained her cup of tea as she faced her beloved. Kira had matured both physically and mentally for the past four years. If he was a cute young man during their teenage years, now, he became one of the most respected figures in both PLANTs and Earth. He grew up from his cute and shy self and became the charming and handsome man he is today. And she loved him more each day.
Lacus looked at him knowingly and asked, "Is something bothering you, Kira...?"
Kira remained silent.
"...or is it someone?" she continued her inquiry.
Kira sighed and gave a small smile to his fiancé of one year. "I'm worried about Cagalli."
"Why? Is she having problems at Orb? As far as I know, Orb is progressing beautifully, since the end of the second war. And she seems alright and relaxed during our video call 2 months ago."
"That's the problem. Her last live video call was 2 months ago. After that, she updated us weekly via sending an email. This afternoon, I received a pre-recorded video from her, which is not enough for a protective brother such as me." Kira almost pouted.
Lacus giggled softly. Times like this made her fall in love more and more of him. Even though he is a man now, Kira's cuteness unconsciously appears when he was stressed out about something.
"Kira, relax. Maybe, Cagalli is just busy, since the anniversary of the Peace Treaty will be four months from now. As Chief Representative of a neutral nation, she has the burden in maintaining the peace between Coordinators and Naturals."
"I know. I'm just worried for my sister. The first six months after the 2nd war, we had our weekly live video calls, but when the 7th month came, I only received weekly emails or pre-recorded videos from her. You saw me at that time. It was driving me a bit crazy. If she did not live video-called me after the 5th month of receiving only emails and recorded videos, I would have flown with my Freedom and talk to her face to face myself, and demand an explanation."
"Are you really that worried of her?" inquired the Pink Princess, waiting for her beloved's answer.
"Of course. If I can go back to Orb and visit her today without the bulk of responsibilities here in PLANTs hindering me, I will gladly do it," Kira answered firmly.
Lacus smiled with a twinkle on her sky-blue orbs. "If that is the case, then I have no right to keep you waiting until dinner."
Kira was confused when Lacus stood up and retrieved a long brown envelope from her desk drawer. When she handed it to him, there was this unexplainable mischievous glint on her eyes that said i-know-something-that-you-don't.
"What is this?" Kira asked.
"Open it," was her only response as she sat back beside him.
Mr. Pink was bouncing around them screaming, "Open! Open! Kira! Open!"
The Ultimate Coordinator narrowed his amethyst eyes on his beloved. Lacus only shrugged her petite shoulders, and motioned for him to open and read what was inside the envelope.
Kira sighed and opened the envelope. Before he read the written document, the first thing he saw was the seal of approval from the PLANTs Supreme Council and twelve distinct signatures of the representatives of PLANTs. Seeing this, he immediately read the content of the paper. As he read silently, Lacus could see myriad of emotions from her beloved's handsome face. There was surprise, eagerness, impatience, happiness, and excitement.
After reading the document, Kira shook his head from side to side in disbelief. At first he chuckled softly, and then laughed out loud as he tightly embraced his beloved Pink Princess.
"Lacus! This is fantastic!" he said as he released his beloved from his tight embrace.
"I know you'll be delighted of this news."
"Of course, I am delighted. Ecstatic even! When was this approved?"
Lacus smiled happily. "That was our meeting this morning all about. We have been debating for two weeks now on who will be the hosting nation for this year's Peace Treaty Anniversary. It was decided that Orb will be the main hosting nation. Aside from that, appointed nations are tasked to assist the Orb Council in preparing for the celebration. In this case, representatives from Kingdom of Scandinavia, Eurasian Federation, and PLANTs are requested to arrive at least a month before the celebration to review and approve some last minute details for the week long celebration."
Kira was happy. After four years, three months from now, he could see his sister and finally calm his worrying heart. "Thank you for telling me about this, Lacus. Thank you very much. Even if it is only for 1 month, I am happy that we can visit Cagalli."
Before he could insert back the documents in the envelope, Lacus softly cleared her throat to get back his attention. "There is more."
"Huh?"
"I said there is more." Lacus once again had this mischievous glint on her eyes, coupled with a cute grin on her sweet and pink mouth.
"Huh?"
Lacus giggled softly. "Remember what I said a while ago? Representatives from PLANTs are required to go down to Earth a month before the celebration. The council decided to send 3 council members to board Eternal and travel to Orb." Lacus handed Kira the lower-most part of the documents on his hands and allowed him to scan its content as she continued her narration.
"The Supreme Council picked High Commander Athrun Zala of December City, Captain Yzak Joule of Martius City, and Commander Dearka Elsman of Februarius City to go down to Earth, with Hahnenfuss-Team for security purposes. And since the Eternal is the chosen vessel of the council, Captain Andrew Waltfeld and his crew will be present as well." Lacus sipped from her cup, before she continued her explanation. "Now this will be the great news. Some elder Supreme Council Members pointed out in our meeting that the new and youngest council members, including myself, had been working diligently for four years now without a break. They think it is time for us to take our long over-due vacation, and decided to schedule our leave of absence months prior to the Peace Treaty Anniversary. They thought we deserve the long vacation for our hard work."
Kira was listening intently at Lacus, waiting for her to confirm what were in his thoughts.
Lacus continued, "As of the 1st day of next month, Athrun, Yzak, and Dearka are on 2 months vacation leave, while I'll be having my 2 months and 2 weeks vacation. After our vacation, the four of us will immediately proceed to Orb to help for the celebration. And since you are my Head of Elite Security, your team will be joining me whenever and wherever I go," she chirped.
Kira stared at her for a moment. He blinked once. He blinked twice. He asked in hesitation, "So...?"
"So...I wanted to visit Cagalli at Orb, and stay there for my whole vacation period. If you agree, of course," she stated nonchalantly.
Kira's eye's grew big, then embraced his beloved tightly, almost suffocating her, if not for her Coordinator genes.
"God, love! You're incredible! Thank you so much!" Kira released his tight hold and captured his beloved's sweet lips in a passionate kiss. They kissed for a few more seconds until they were out of breath. They gazed at each other lovingly, before Kira softly kissed his Pink Princess one more time.
"I love so much," Kira murmured, as he touched her forehead with his, while circling his arms around her petite waist.
"I love you, too," Lacus softly pecked her beloved's lips once again, and then hugged him lovingly.
oooooooo
The quiet ambiance of the spacious, black and white, penthouse suite possessed a relaxing aura for the 22 year-old handsome man living in there. His emerald orbs swept around his empty suite passively. He just finished his shower, wearing a white, long-sleeved dress shirt and fitted jeans. He loved living alone. It gave him some peace of mind, with minimal worries about being a member of the Supreme Council and as a High Commander of ZAFT. For four years, this penthouse suite became his refuge.
Barefooted, Athrun strolled to his mini wine bar and poured some red wine in a glass with ice to calm his nerves. He rolled his long sleeves up to his elbows as he sat on one of the bar stools. He started working on some documents that he brought from his office. After reading for an hour, he filed the documents back inside his brief case. As he was about to close it, a small white envelope fluttered on his carpeted floor. Brief case completely forgotten, Athrun picked the envelope and the glass of red wine on his other hand, and then padded softly to his living room, and sat on one of his recliners facing the City of December.
Recognizing the envelope and its content, memories from this morning's Supreme Council meeting, and thoughts and feelings that he tried to suppress for the past months that were hidden in his aching heart resurfaced once again.
Thoughts and deep feelings of regret, longing, and love.
Thoughts and deep feelings for HER.
It had been four years since the last time he saw HER face to face. Four years since the day that he left HER, brokenhearted and in tears.
During that time, he was still confused and hurting. Confused about the war. Confused about what he really wanted―no, not wanted but needed―to do to clear his late father's crime. Confused on how he was going to clean his family name. Confused between his ambition and dream. Confused between his obligation to PLANTs and what his heart really wishes him to do. Confused about his feelings for HER.
Was it really true love or just an imaginary comfort during a chaotic war? He needed someone to comfort him from his loneliness and grief. He wanted to feel needed and not helpless. He wanted to protect someone, and to assure him that he was needed and important, too. He wanted someone who understands his pain. He wanted acceptance. He wanted to be recognized as Athrun. Not Patrick Zala's son. Not the Prince of ZAFT. Not the Red Knight. Not Commander Zala. And definitely not Alex Dino. Just Athrun. And she was there. She was always there, embracing and accepting him―Athrun.
Did he loved HER because he loved the idea of loving HER, or did he really fell in love with HER, with no holds barred and not expecting anything in return?
He was very jealous when he heard that she was engaged to him, the damn manipulative prick Yuna Roma Seiran. He wanted to beat the hell out of that bastard. He wanted to break and pulverize all his bones for even inhaling the same air that she breathes. When he heard the news from Lunamaria that she got herself almost married to that asshole, he was terribly hurt. He felt betrayed. He felt his heart break into pieces, scarred, and inconsolable. At that time, he wanted to annihilate the whole country of Orb with his Gundam for taking HER away from him. He wanted to destroy the most important thing to HER. He wanted to hurt HER for hurting him so much. He wanted HER to suffer for choosing HER country and not him.
He wanted to hurt HER for removing his ring. The ring that symbolized their love. The ring that symbolized that he will come back to HER and she will always be his beloved.
Was he really angry because she was supposed to be only his, a constant property in his slowly mending life, or was he really angry because she was the love of his life, the sunshine in his dull life, the air that continues to give life to his mortal body, but deprived him of that air and left him breathless and lifeless?
That time, he thought, maybe they were not meant to be together. Maybe, they were not meant for each other. Maybe they were not really in love, but a product of a young and naive infatuation.
With that resolve, he decided to go back to PLANTs to start a new chapter of his life. To find his true self. To heal and accept. To find love when the time is right.
He was ready to go home to his home country without saying a proper goodbye, and without giving an explanation regarding his decisions. By doing this, no painful words would be spoken, and no hearts would be broken. But alas! Fate decided to meddle again on his crazy life.
ooo
Flashback: Four years ago: A week after the Second Bloody Valentine War
On his last night in Orb, she went to him and asked if they could talk for a while. He wanted to refuse but he couldn't say 'no'. Despite of their conflicts and misunderstandings, she was still an important part of his life. They went to a secluded area in the Athha Garden for privacy. They talked civilly for a while, and then later on, screamed on each other's faces. They blamed each other for destroying their relationship, as harsh words and curses were spoken with an intention to hurt the other. Accusations were said. And at last, long explanations and realizations were concluded.
She was crying and sobbing the whole time. He was crying, too, in frustration and agitation. He wanted to hold HER tightly and never let go. He wanted to console HER and promise to not let go. He wanted to say sorry for leaving and disappointing HER. He wanted to love HER and only HER for eternity.
But he would not do that. Not now that he had decided to leave HER and let go...for good.
When they calmed down, they were silent for a while. Until she asked him the words that pained him to hear.
"W-Will...will you still continue to protect me, Athrun?" she asked softly.
For others, it might be a simple question. But for the two of them, it would make or break them completely. Those were the first words that made them together as One. Not him. Not Her. But together as One. That was the first promise that started it all. That whatever happens, they would always protect each other.
And there he was, standing beside HER, ready to break the promise that he first uttered.
"Sorry. I can't do it anymore."
He might look emotionless and heartless when he said that, but he felt miserable and broken inside when he said those words. But he convinced himself that it was the right thing to do. To end things now before they could fall deeply and unable to let go.
She tried to suppress HER tears from falling, but there were still some that were traitors and kept streaming on HER rosy cheeks. She tried to control her sobbing by covering HER mouth with HER dainty fingers, but soft gasps still escaped.
He was silent. Not looking at HER at all. She was still crying for a few minutes, until HER eyes were dried out of tears...for now.
She nodded HER head in acceptance. She said she understands. She said it hurts, but she knew she will heal, maybe not soon but someday. She said before she says goodbye, she had a request. A request for closure.
He asked what it was.
"Will you kiss for the last time? Just one short kiss. The same as the kisses we shared when we were still happy and contented. After that, I'll be ready to say goodbye," she whispered meekly.
He was silent, contemplating if he should grant HER request or deny HER of it. With his decision made, he snaked his left arm around HER petite waist and crushed HER softly against his hard chest, as he captured HER cold and sweet lips on his. HER hands were positioned against his chest, while his right hand gently cradled the back of HER head.
He was suppose to give HER a short, sweet kiss. It was a short sweet kiss. A short 8-second sweet kiss. They slowly pulled apart, both eyes were still closed. When they calmed their nerves, they slowly opened their eyes simultaneously. What he saw on HER glassy eyes overwhelmed his beating heart. Myriad of emotions were reflected on HER amber orbs. There were guilt, regret, sorrow, heartbreak, forgiveness, determination, love, and finally...acceptance. As she started to pull out from his embrace, a dam of overwhelming emotions erupted inside him like a switch unexpectedly turned on.
Before she could completely pull away from him, he snaked both of his arms around HER petite waist and roughly crushed HER body against his hard chest. She was about to open HER mouth and say something when he aggressively captured HER now warm and still sweet lips. His kisses were filled with passion and hunger. He was like a starving man who craved HER lips since the day he breathe his first breath of air. She tried to push him, but with no avail. He trapped HER fragile arms between his arms, never wanting to let go. She tried to protest, but he silenced HER with his hungry mouth and his deprived tongue. He tasted HER sweet and intoxicating cavern with vigor until she gave in. He kissed, tasted, licked, and nipped all the corners of HER sweet mouth until she gave in to his demand.
And she did give in...one last time.
From passionate and hungry kisses, to sensual and arousing caresses, to teasing and pleasuring each other with no care at all. With no care on what might happen tomorrow. For now, they were together in their temporary blissful dream. They were One, making love to the only person they could never have. That night, they made love again and again, and again, until they could move no more. They slept on each other's arms one last time, before they say goodbye.
On the following day, they woke-up at the same time, still in each other's arms, gazing and memorizing their soon-to-be-ex-lover's face. That morning, they silently did everything together. They showered together. They ate breakfast together. They silently walked hand in hand, until the last minute that they were allowed to do it. Away from prying eyes, they sweetly kissed each other goodbye, then slowly let go of each other's hand.
She was suppressing HER tears, trying to be brave. Showing him how strong the Goddess of Victory is.
"Do you want your ring back?" she asked.
"No. It's yours. I was thinking of you when I chose it," he replied.
"Will you not ask me why I'm not wearing it?"' she asked once again.
"I don't think it will benefit us both if we will discuss about it," he replied.
She nodded her head in acceptance.
He slowly stepped one step back while still facing HER. Then another. Then another. And another. Until there was a good distance between them. Before he could completely turn his back on HER, she called his name and asked, "Someday, when we meet again, we will be good friends again, right?"
He nodded his head in affirmation.
This time, she smiled. A small genuine smile on HER pink lips.
"Goodbye, Athrun."
He wanted to say goodbye but his mouth refused to say it. It's like saying 'goodbye' meant they will never see each other again. He decided a nod would be enough, then slowly walked away from HER life.
End of Flashback
ooo
Since the day he silently said goodbye, he promised himself that he will forget HER, and the feelings that he had for HER. And when the day comes that they meet again, they would be able to start anew...as good friends.
On his first year in PLANTs, he busied himself with office work, military training, and fixing everything that tainted his name. There were times when he thought of HER during his solitary time, so he made sure that he was busy or hanging out with his friends. He refused to listen or ask Kira or Lacus about HER. He avoided watching HER worldwide State of the Nation Address or HER broadcasted conferences. He had a glimpse of a number of magazines where in she was the cover feature or the main gossip topic, but never lingered more than 3 seconds to look or read it.
He did not want to see HER face, or his slowly suppressed feelings might resurface.
He did not want to know all of HER achievements, or he might start to stalk HER by collecting every magazine she was featured in.
He did not want to hear HER voice, or it might play in his mind over and over again.
He did not want to read any gossip column about HER, or he might do something drastic if he read something about HER personal life and deemed it unacceptable.
On his second year in PLANTs, aside from managing his time and schedule as the Representative of December City and Commander of ZAFT, he started dating a variety of women. Every month, people would see him with different women clinging on his arm. As the month ends, he changed his women like discarding a soiled tissue paper in the garbage. Gossip tabloids would feature him every month with different women. His friends were a bit disappointed, but they still supported him. For the whole year, he had 12 casual flings. They hugged, kissed, teased each other, made-out fully-clothed or in their underwear only, but they never proceeded beyond that. He did not have the passion to do it with them.
On his third and fourth year in PLANTs, he continued his work in the Supreme Council, trained some soldiers in ZAFT, hanging-out most of the time with his friends, and totally stopped dating. Because he thought that all the feelings he had for HER were already gone. He thought he had completely moved on. He thought he had erased his 'love' for HER in his heart. He thought he did not need to date anymore to divert his attention and feelings because he had none of it now, until SHE approached him.
ooo
Flashback: 8 months ago.
SHE said SHE wanted to tell him something.
When he asked what SHE wanted to tell him, SHE hesitated, then took a deep breath and blurted her confession.
"I love you, Athrun Zala. Will you be my boyfriend?"
He was shocked. He knew about her feeling for him, but he thought it was only a silly puppy crush. He was silent for a moment. Hesitant to answer her question.
'I know I've moved-on. There are no lingering feelings left for HER. It is time to take the next step and start a new serious relationship,' he thought.
SHE anxiously waited for his answer, until he opened his mouth and said one word.
"Yes."
End of Flashback
ooo
They were exclusively dating for four months, with tight hugs, sweet kisses, making-out once in a while, but never made love with each other. SHE asked why. He told her he wanted to wait because he respects her, and the only one who had the sole right to take her purity away from her is her future husband.
SHE said SHE understands. They were contented for another month, until SHE popped out her question.
"Athrun Zala, will you do the honor of marrying me and staying by my side forever?"
He thought it was a joke, but the seriousness and anxiety were evident on her eyes. At that time, he thought it was alright. They were adults. They were exclusively committed to each other. He had nothing to worry because he likes her. He accepted the proposal.
"If that is what you want."
SHE chose her ring, while he only paid for it. His friends were shocked about his abrupt engagement. They tried to persuade him to change his decision, but they failed. They accepted after he guilt-tripped them and congratulated him half-heartedly.
He thought everything will be alright from then on. He had a successful career as a politician and a high-ranking officer. He was wealthy in both material things and close friends. He had a fiancé that loved him. He thought he was ready to face HER now. The new and improved Athrun Zala. He could now face HER as a good friend.
Everything crashed down a month after his engagement.
That day, the PLANTs Supreme Council had a year-end meeting with all the representatives present. They were having a discussion for two hours already when Lacus' secretary interrupted their meeting because of an urgent video call.
Without further questions on who was calling, Chairwoman Clyne asked to patch in the video call for all representatives to see.
And that was the time when all his assumptions went down the drain.
She was in front of the Supreme Council Representatives via video call. Only HER upper body was seen on the screen because she was seating behind HER office desk. She was wearing HER white and blue military uniform, with elegance and an aura that speaks power. HER blonde hair was fixed in a loose low bun. She was boldly looking at them with HER fiery amber orbs. A confident smile plastered on HER pink lips, before she spoke a simple greeting to the Supreme Council, using her confident and seductive voice.
"Good Morning, Chairwoman Clyne and to all the Representatives present, as well as the other employees who are in attendance. Pardon my intrusion to your year-end meeting..."
Looking at HER beautiful face and hearing HER voice for the first time in four years were a gigantic slap to his in denial mind and longing heart.
He assumed that he already moved on.
He assumed that he was now contented.
He assumed that he was ready to face HER anytime.
He assumed that he was willing to be HER good friend.
He assumed that he did not have any feelings for HER.
All were assumptions. Stupid assumptions. His stupid assumptions.
Because three months ago, during the Supreme Council year-end meeting, he realized the absolute TRUTH.
The truth of the matter that he, Commander Athrun Zala of December City and ZAFT, was, and still is, truly, madly, and deeply in love...with HER.
HER...who was the Chief Representative and Commander in Chief of Orb Union.
HER…who was called the Princess of Orb and Goddess of Victory.
HER...who was his first and only beloved princess.
HER...who he hurt the most.
After all these years, he was still in love with HER...Cagalli Yula Athha.
And now, it pained him to know that they might never be together. That he might not have the chance to redeem himself and get HER back in his arms and life. Because another TRUTH might hinder him to be with his princess. He was an engaged man now. He promised to marry her and to stay with her forever. He might not love her, but he cared for her. He might not have a chance to be with his Cagalli forever because...
Ring Ring. 'Hello. This is Athrun Zala. I can't attend to your phone call right now, so please leave a message after the beep.'
Beep!― "Hi, my soon-to-be-husband! Call me immediately once you hear my message. I'll be visiting your penthouse at around 22:00. I have to ask you something. See you later, darling! I love you!" ―Beep!
...SHE was there. Meyrin Hawke, his fiancé.
Athrun drained his red wine in one gulp. He was frustrated. All he wanted was to be happy and it might be impossible for it to happen. He placed the unopened envelope on the coffee table, then stood-up to refill his glass in the mini wine bar. He was about to tilt the bottle when his door buzzer rang. He checked his digital clock. It was 20:00.
"Isn't Meyrin supposed to be here at 22:00? Why is she early?" Athrun muttered to his self.
He checked his home security system screen to view his visitors outside, and saw two of his best friends. He opened his door and invited them in.
"Good evening, Athrun," Kira greeted as Athrun gave him a glass of red wine, "Thanks."
"Yo, Athrun! Aren't you happy to see us?" asked Dearka as he bee-lined to his wine bar to pour some scotch for himself.
Athrun raised an eyebrow. "I am happy to see Kira, but I don't know about you," he answered sarcastically.
Dearka laughed at his friend. "What got your boxers in a knot―wait, or is it briefs?
Kira chuckled at the blonde's antics.
"Funny, Elsman," Athrun deadpanned.
"You've became grumpier than Yzak since early this year, man. Relax! Chill out!"
"Shut-up, Elsman."
"Okay! Okay! Fine." Dearka raised both of his hands in mock surrender. "No need to bite my head off."
Athrun rubbed his eyes in tiredness. "Sorry. I'm just stressed out lately," he sighed.
"Stressed-out?" Kira inquired, "Shouldn't you be relaxed soon because in a month you're free from work for 2 months, right?"
"I know. That is why I'm stressed-out. I need to finish every paper works before my vacation, so that when I come back, I will not be bombarded with stacks of paper on my desk. Another is the Peace Treaty three months from now. God! I'm still 22 and I feel like I'm 42 years old already."
Dearka hooked his right arm on Athrun's back, as he patted his shoulder in mock sympathy. "I feel you, man. Really, I feel you. Those paper works made me crazy most of the time. So I can't wait for my vacation to start. This vacation is long over due already. Woohoo!"
Athrun and Kira just grinned in agreement. They couldn't agree more.
"Speaking of vacation," Kira started, "What are your plans for your 2 months vacation, Athrun?"
"I don't have plans yet. I did not even open my envelope, yet. How about the two of you, what are your plans?"
Kira and Dearka looked at each other, asking who will talk first. Dearka nodded to Kira to start.
Kira cleared his throat. "Well, that is our reason why we are here. We wanted to ask you if you want to join us for vacation. We asked Yzak to join us, but he have to ask Shiho first. Lacus, Dearka, and I planned to spend our whole vacation until the Peace Treaty month at Earth, specifically at...Orb."
The three of them were silent for a moment.
Dearka cleared his throat to continue. "You see, we haven't been to Earth for more than 2 days since the conclusion of the Second Bloody Valentine War. You know, we miss the place, the scenery, the natural things like beaches and rain, and so on..." he trailed off, signaling to Kira to continue.
"Yeah, we want to see everyone who stayed on Earth like Miss Murrue, Commander Mu, Miriallia, Kisaka, Nana Myrna, my mother, Reverend Malchio and the kids...uhmm... the Archangel crew...uhmm...the Kusanagi crew..." Kira signaled to Dearka to continue.
Athrun remained silent.
"We want to see the...the...the Morgenroete, Inc. employees, too! Like Ms. Erica Simmons. Yes, right, Ms. Simmons!" added Dearka as he scratched his head sheepishly.
Athrun remained silent.
Kira became frustrated. He had enough of his best friend's lack of response.
"Fine!" Kira blurted out. "I want to see my sister badly! I want to hug her and hold her! I miss my twin sister damn much! It had been four years since the last time I talked to her face to face. The only reason why I want to go to Orb is to see MY ONLY SISTER, CAGALLI YULA ATHHA!"
Kira was slightly heaving from his outburst. He was frustrated and irritated at Athrun for the past four years when it comes to the issue about his sister. Hell! Everybody in the gang is frustrated and irritated at him. They had to avoid and be careful in even uttering the 1st syllable of Cagalli's name so that Athrun will not be in a foul mood for a whole day. Now that he was engaged to another woman, isn't it high time to see his past again?
'I mean, he loves Meyrin, right? That is why he is marrying her? So it means there is no stopping him from seeing Cagalli again as friends,' Kira thought in frustration.
Dearka wanted to laugh at loud at Kira's lack of tact.
'Sigh. Nothing can stop Kira Yamato, the Ultimate Over-protective Brother to do and say anything just to see his beloved sister,' Dearka thought.
Athrun drank his red wine in one gulp before slamming his glass on the wine counter. Kira and Dearka slightly jumped in surprise.
"I will not come."
Kira and Dearka gaped at Athrun in disbelief. The stubborn git!
"And why not?" Dearka inquired, almost whining like a child.
"Because I don't want to."
"Athrun! Stop being stubborn! C'mon! Join us at Orb," Dearka tried to persuade his blue-haired friend.
"I said No! And that's final."
"Athrun! Join us, you stubborn git."
"No!" Athrun insisted, then refilled his glass with wine and drank it moderately in one gulp.
"Athrun Za―"
"Are you still in love with her?" Kira asked his best friend after interrupting Dearka's words.
Kira was silently observing his two friends arguing about going back to Orb. He was confused on why Athrun was adamant in not going back to Orb. As far as he knows, Athrun had nothing to worry about because he had moved-on already, not unless...he was, and still is, in love with his sister.
Athrun was half-way done in drinking his wine when his tactless best friend threw him THAT question.
"Cough. Cough. K-Kira―cough―are you try―cough―trying to kill me? wha―cough―wha...WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"
Dearka patted Athrun's back to relieve his coughing fit. He was trying to muffle his laughter with constant clearing of throat as he listened to the best friends.
"I asked if you are still in love with her, my sister, Cagalli Yula Athha," Kira once again asked calmly, observing his best friend's reaction.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm engaged to Meyrin for God's sake! Damn, Kira. What a load of shit!" Athrun tried to be nonchalant about it. Really, he tried to act unaffected about it.
"I am not talking nonsense, Athrun. And you haven't answered my question yet." Kira was still as calm as ever. He was as cool as a cucumber.
"GOD! N-NO!" Athrun bellowed defensively.
Dearka peered on his friend's emerald orbs. "Are you telling the truth?"
"YES!"
"Geez, Athrun! No need to shout. We're not deaf, ya' know," Dearka complained while holding his right ear, "If I didn't know any better, I think your defensive," he slyly teased.
"I'm not defensive!"
Dearka raised his hands in surrender. "Fine! Fine! You're not defensive. You're not in love with the princess. And you're telling the truth...sooo...does this mean that you are joining us at Orb?"
Athrun opened his mouth to protest but nothing came out. He was about to speak again when Kira interrupted him.
"Look, Athrun. Listen carefully and don't interrupt me. Whether you are still in love with Cagalli or not, the best course of action is to go spend your vacation at Orb. It had been four years since you had a decent talk with her. If you really want to marry Meyrin, then you have to face Cagalli the sooner the better. You can only be with Meyrin contentedly, if you are really sure that you are no longer in love with my sister. And the only way to be sure is to see her in the flesh. After talking to Cagalli and you still want to marry Meyrin, then we will be happy for the both of you. If, and only if, you realize that you are still in love with my sister, and wanted to pursue her again, then we will discuss the next course of action. But then again, it depends if she is still in love with you, or if she moved-on already. Did you get my point?"
Athrun was debating with himself whether to go see Cagalli or not. Because as far as he knows, he did not need to see her just to confirm his feelings. He already knew his true feeling since months ago.
He was, and still is, in love with Cagalli.
He was just biding his time, so that he could think properly and decide when and how will he do things without hurting somebody too much.
Athrun sighed in defeat. "Alright, I'll come with you, but how about, Meyrin? Wherever I go, she goes, too."
"Then bring her, too, if she wants to." Kira shrugged his shoulders. "We may not be close with Meyrin, but she is still a friend. And besides, she's your secretary. You need her for the Peace Treaty preparation 2 months from now."
"Fine. You win, you two."
"Booyeah!" Dearka pumped one of his fists upward. "Damn, Zala! You're a one big stubborn ass! It took us an hour to convince you. Now that you confirmed that you'll be coming, I need to go because I have some last minute paper works to be read."
"Me, too. I need to go. Lacus is waiting for me. See you tomorrow, Athrun!" Kira said while the three of them walked their way to the front door.
"Say 'hello' for me to Lacus."
Kira nodded in affirmative.
Athrun softly closed his front door. He was leaning his forehead against the door, trying to remember what transpired a while ago. He turned around and leaned his broad back against the door, while gazing at his ceiling.
Now that he had a couple of minutes of silence, he realized that the idea of returning to Orb was not that bad.
At first, he was against the idea of going back to Orb because he was caught of guard at that moment. Now that he had calmed down, he was quite excited in going back to his second home.
He smiled his first genuine smile for the past four years.
oooooooo
It was exactly 22:00 when Meyrin Hawke arrived at his penthouse.
"Hi, darling! I brought you a chocolate cake. I know it's your favorite," Meyrin said as she entered Athrun's penthouse, carrying a box of cake.
Athrun was silent as he went to the kitchen to get a knife, two forks and saucers. When he was about to open the box, Meyrin held his hand to stop what he was doing.
Athrun raised an eyebrow. "Do you need anything?"
"You forgot something, mister." Meyrin pouted, still holding his hand.
"Huh?"
"You forgot to do something!" Meyrin whined.
Athrun wrinkled his forehead in confusion.
"You did not kiss me when I arrived, darling."
"Oh? Alright." Athrun kissed Meyrin's forehead then continued slicing the chocolate cake.
"Athrun Zala!"
"What is it now, Meyrin?" he asked in exasperation.
"Shouldn't you be kissing me on the lips? Athrun, I'm your fiancé," she whined again.
Athrun sighed in surrender as he gave her a sweet kiss on her lips. Meyrin was about to deepen the kiss when Athrun pulled-away from her and continued preparing the cake.
Meyrin huffed in silent irritation as she went out of the kitchen to freshen-up in the washroom. As she pass the living room, she saw a familiar unopened white envelope on the coffee table. It was the envelope containing Athrun's approval letter for vacation. She took it and placed it inside her skirt pocket, before walking happily to the washroom.
They ate the chocolate cake together, though Meyrin ate more than Athrun. They were in the living room, talking about random things. Athrun was seating in a single recliner, while Meyrin was on the two-seater recliner.
The digital clock read 23:00. Almost midnight. And for Athrun, it was time for Meyrin to go home. Good thing her and Lunamaria's condominium unit was 10 floors down from his penthouse suite. He was about to tell her that she should go home, when Meyrin stood-up from her perch and flopped herself side-ways on his lap as she snaked her arms around his neck. Athrun was caught of guard. He held her back with his right hand to prevent her from falling.
"Meyrin!"
"What?" she coyly asked, playing with ends of his blue hair.
"What are you doing? It's almost midnight. You have to go home now, or Lunamaria will be worried."
"It's alright, darling. I called her before I came here that I'll be late," she purred as she softly bit his right ear.
Athrun cringed when she did that. He never liked it when someone bit his ear.
"Meyrin, stop it. You really need to go home. C'mon, I'll bring you to your unit." Athrun was about to gently push Meyrin to stand-up when a white envelope obstructed his view.
Meyrin did not want to go home, yet. She wanted more quality time with her fiancé, but Athrun was persistent in taking her home. She was about to protest when she remembered the white unopened envelope. She fished it from her skirt pocket and shoved it in front of Athrun.
"When will you discuss this with me?" she asked, waving the envelope in front of me.
"Sorry. I was about to discuss it with you, but we were busy eating the cake so..." Athrun trailed off, wincing internally. 'Damn! I forgot to tell her about my plan to spend my vacation at Orb!' he thought.
"Why don't we discuss about it now?" she chirped, arranging herself back on Athrun's lap. "I was thinking, since this will be our first vacation together, why don't we go at Copernicus City? I heard there are newly built luxury resorts there. Ooh! It will be relaxing and romantic to go there―"
"Uhmm...Meyrin."
"―Good thing I bought a new sexy bikini last week. I know you'll be surprised when you see me on it, since you haven't seen me on anything skimpy before...well, except for my underwear―"
"Wait, Meyrin."
"―Gosh! I'm so excited, darling. This will greatly help our relationship, especially on the intimate aspect since we will be spending it together―"
"I'm going to Orb!"
"―Maybe this time we can, you know, proceed to the next level―Wait, WHAT?"
Athrun sighed while he gently massaged his head. "I will be spending my whole 2 months vacation at Orb with my friends."
Meyrin sputtered in surprise. "What? Why Orb? When did I agree that we will go to Orb? Athrun, I want to spend our vacation at Copernicus City!" she whined.
"I'm sorry, Meyrin. Kira and Dearka asked me to join them for two months in Orb. Lacus will be there, too. And I think Yzak and Shiho, too, if Shiho will agree. Everyone in the gang will be spending their vacation there. Since I did not plan anything, yet, when they invited me, I agreed to come with them." Athrun tried to explain to the scowling red-headed woman on his lap.
"Then why did you not consult me first before deciding? And of all places, why Orb? Don't tell me you'll leave me here? I won't allow it. I'll go to Orb, too!" she demanded.
Athrun was slowly loosing his patience. His ears were ringing due to Meyrin's loud whining. "I did not consult you because I really wanted to spend my free time with all of my friends, since we weren't able to do it for a long time. Even if they did not pick Orb, I will still join them to wherever they decided to go. And why not Orb? You know that most of us considers Orb as our 2nd home. And lastly, I was not planning to leave you here. You did not gave me the chance to ask you to come with us because you started yelling at me without letting me explain first."
Meyrin was ashamed of her outburst. It's not like she did not want to go to Orb. The country of Orb was one of the most beautiful places on Earth. She was willing to go there if not because of...HER.
"I'm sorry, Athrun. I did not mean to yell at you. I was just caught of guard that is why I reacted like that. But...are you sure that the only reason you will go to Orb is because your friends invited you...?" she asked hesitantly.
"Of course."
"Uhmm...are we going to stay at a hotel?"
Athrun shrugged his shoulders. "I don't no yet. Maybe, we'll be staying at the Yamato Mansion. Kira did not give me any details about the lodging."
"Hmm..." Meyrin was silent, thinking of the chances that they will probably stay at the Athha Estate. She almost scowled in irritation. 'Anywhere is fine as long as we will not stay at HER estate,' she thought.
Athrun immediately stood-up as he carried Meyrin to his front door, then along the hallway, up to his private elevator.
"W-Wha―? Athrun! Where are you bringing me? Put me down! I want to stay here a little bit. Put. Me. Down. I want to stay!" Meyrin flailed her arms in protest.
"It's almost midnight. You have to go home," Athrun explained patiently.
"Let me stay for a little bit. We can eat more of the cake. C'mon Athrun, let's go back to your suite," she pleaded, to the point of almost whining.
"We've talked about this. I won't let any woman staying over-night in my house except for my wife. Even if you are my fiancé, the fact is, we are not yet married. So you have to go home."
Athrun gently released his hold on her as he pressed the door buzzer of the Hawke Sisters unit. After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing Lunamaria Hawke.
"Oh! Hi Commander! I thought Meyrin will be staying at your suite?" Lunamaria asked in confusion as she stared back and forth at her ex-Commander and her sister.
"Oh, no, no, Luna! You know I won't allow it. I just brought Meyrin back safely." Athrun smiled.
"Oh! Well, goodnight. Get inside, Meyrin."
Meyrin was still scowling, and then sighed in surrender. "Get inside, first, nee-chan. I'll say goodnight to Athrun in private."
Lunamaria nodded as she went back inside her room to sleep.
"So...see you tomorrow, darling," Meyrin smiled, playing with the ends of her pig-tail.
"See you. Goodnight."
Meyrin attempted to kiss Athrun on his lips when he slightly turned his head side-ways, making her kiss his left cheek.
Athrun said his final goodbye and started walking back to his penthouse suite.
Meyrin was still standing outside their unit, huffing in irritation.
'I won't allow Athrun to fall in love again with Miss Cagalli. I won't allow it,' she thought, vowing to never let go her fiancé.
oooooooo
oooooooo
Orb Union: Onogoro Island
"Yamato!" Yzak hissed. "Will you stop fidgeting? You're worse than a snotty brat who is deprived of his toy. For God's sake! You're a 22 year-old high-ranking military officer, so you act like one."
"I'm not fidgeting like a snotty brat!" Kira denied vehemently.
"You could have fooled me," Yzak muttered.
Kira cleared his throat and sighed. "Look, please bare with me for a while, Yzak. Until I finally hold my sister in my arms, I can't calm down and relax. Four years of not seeing and talking to her, can build-up a dangerous level of separation anxiety that will burst-out anytime if this separation will be prolonged more. It's a twin thing."
Kira, Lacus, Athrun, Dearka, Yzak, Shiho, Meyrin, and Lunamaria boarded the Eternal Ship of ZAFT with Captain Andrew Waltfeld and his crew for their three months stays in Orb. Along them were the members of the Elite Security, Hahnenfuss-Team, and 6 mobile suits.
As of the moment, all high-ranking officials were told to stand-by near the ship's entrance because the Eternal will dock on Onogoro Island docking port with in 15 minutes.
Since Kira, Lacus, Athrun, Yzak, Dearka, Shiho, Meyrin, and Lunamaria were visiting Orb for vacation and not for official and political reason, they did not need to wear their military uniform.
"Twin thing, my ass. Don't deny it! You really are a cry-baby and over-protective brother to your sister."
"Yo! Yzak, I can hear you screeching from the other wing of this ship. Pipe down, will you?" Dearka snickered as he approached Kira, Lacus, and Yzak, with Shiho and Lunamaria trailing behind him.
"Shut-up, Elsman!"
"Dearka's right. You're so noisy, Yzak. Even Captain Waltfeld could hear your voice inside his cabin," Shiho reprimanded her fiancé as she stood beside him."
"Are you reprimanding me, woman?" Yzak scowled, crossing his arms against his chest.
"Yes." Shiho grinned.
Lacus, Dearka, and Lunamaria snickered at their friends, while Kira remained restless. Lunamaria noticed that Athrun and her sister were nowhere in sight.
"Excuse me. But where are High Commander Zala and Meyrin?" Lunamaria asked her superiors.
"Oh my, they need to be here! We are almost near from the docking port," Lacus said worriedly, moving her eyes and head, trying to locate her friend and his secretary.
"Where is that Zala?" Yzak's voice boomed. "Don't tell me he's frolicking somewhere with his girlfriend?"
"Watch your tongue, Yzak Joule," Athrun sneered playfully behind his platinum-haired friend, "Don't give accusations that you are guilty of."
"What are you implying, Zala?"
"Nothing."
Before Yzak could scream more, Shiho covered his mouth with her hand to silence her hot-headed fiancé. Meyrin, who was silent beside Athrun, softly called Yzak's attention.
"Uhmm...Sir Yzak. I'm not Athrun's girlfriend anymore. I'm his fiancé of 5 months," Meyrin corrected the irritated captain.
"As if I care." Yzak muttered.
Shiho elbowed her fiancé for being rude. Among Athrun's friends, Kira and Yzak were totally against his engagement to Meyrin. For Kira, he thought that Meyrin might cause grief to Cagalli when she finds out that Athrun is already engaged to another woman. For Yzak, he thought there might be something wrong with the red-headed woman. He had this feeling that she might do something terrible someday. Another reason why he disliked the engagement was because he prefers Cagalli for his friend. He might always clash and argue with the blonde-princess because of their personalities, but she was a close and trusted friend and ally.
Before another argument will start, Dearka asked Lacus and Kira about where they will stay.
Lacus smiled apologetically at her friends. "I'm sorry but I don't know, too Dearka. We tried to contact Cagalli or Sir Kisaka and inform them of our arrival but they were very busy in preparation as the host for the Peace Treaty celebration. We called Auntie Caridad if we could stay at the Yamato Mansion, but she said the mansion is under renovation. She told us that she will personally inform Sir Kisaka about our arrival."
"Since everyone is busy, does that mean no one will welcome us at the docking port?" Dearka asked. His eyebrows rose in wonder.
"We don't know, yet." This time Kira answered the question. "We tried contacting them again, before we departed from PLANTs, but the connection was busy. Hopefully, mom was able to inform Cagalli or Kisaka about our arrival."
Athrun was standing silently behind Kira. His heart was beating so fast, he was afraid it my burst. He was very nervous in seeing her again. He put his right palm above his chest, feeling the hidden Haumea pendant against the fabric of his shirt. He never removed it away from him. It was always around his neck, hidden beneath his clothes. He never allowed anyone to touch it but him. Not even Kira could touch it. The Haumea pendant was a sacred thing for him and Cagalli. Before he lost himself in his thoughts, Captain Waltfeld announced his arrival.
"Don't fret, kids! I received a message 5 minutes ago from Orb Command Center. Someone will welcome you at the docking bay," Captain Waltfeld announced. "Now get ready! We will open the gate in a minute."
Captain Waltfeld was in front of them. Lacus looped her arm around her beloved's arm. Kira was smiling lovingly at his love. He was excited to go out of the ship. Athrun was standing stiffly, nervous of seeing again his princess after four years. Meyrin frowned disapprovingly at her fiancé. She did not like his facial and body reaction at all. She tightly hooked her arms around Athrun's left arm, pressing her body against him to get a reaction, but Athrun remained oblivious of her. Dearka was grinning from ear to ear. He would be able to see his Miri again. Then he raised his eyebrows in disapproval when he saw Meyrin, latching at Athrun like a leech. He shook his head in pity for Athrun. From the day that he met Meyrin, he knew that she will cause trouble. Shiho was standing beside her fiancé, Yzak, trying tone down his impatience.
Blue sky and the bright shade of the sun greeted the Eternal crew and its passengers. Captain Waltfeld walked forward, followed by the passengers of the ship. In front of the visitors from PLANTs were a number of Orb Military Officers and soldiers in their crisp blue and white uniforms, saluting them in welcome. Standing ahead of them were three people who became their comrade and friend for the past two wars. As they got near the three Orb high-ranking officers, the delegates and visitors from PLANTs were greeted with smiles plastered on their delighted faces.
Admiral Ledonir Kisaka, Captain Murrue Ramius, and Commander Mu La Flaga received them with open arms.
"Long time no see and welcome back to Orb, friends from PLANTs," Admiral Kisaka greeted his long time comrades.
oooooooo
AN: Long chapter, huh? Don't you think I deserve a REVIEW for this chapter? Comments and violent reactions, people!
REVIEWS are appreciated. I need your REVIEWS for inspiration and for the will to continue this fiction with vigor. THANK YOU!
THANKS to my Reviewers: sassy. blondeprincessa. YellowLego. Kitty. orb90. asucagafan. alyceinchocoland. vavoom. Arkangel87. popcaga. elgnis rekresreb. CapitalD. Azetta.
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15 Mar. 2012
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NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter Two: Good Friends