It wasn't meant to be…I huffed about as I exited the bar. He's crazy, I thought. But now that I think about it…perhaps, just maybe, this "craziness" was something meant for me after all.

Summer

The sun rose high up on his head. It was scourging – the heat, as perspiration rolled from his forehead. This was too much to take and he had to drink once in a while in order to keep him cool.

But it was perhaps due to the same condition that his patience started to waver. And sitting by his lonesome on a bench helped make the matters worse.

Glancing at his watch, he swore that the past hour had been the longest he had to endure. Her arrival's supposedly due thirty minutes earlier…however due to some reasons he did not know of, he had to remain and wait for another thirty minutes…or so as the advisory put it.

"Lacus Clyne, huh. Athrun owes me a lot…" he muttered as he tried to calm himself.

"Just think of it as doing me a favor for a change. Remember all those things we've been through and all I ask is this. Would you let me down?" the blue-haired, after taking a straight gulp of his drink, then faced his partner, tugging a bit his shoulder in the process.

He should've known, deciding when you're a bit drunk, no matter the amount, would lead to a very unthought-of decision. Add to that that the heat was up. Usually he wasn't the grudging type nor was he the impatient one, however, when the summer season arrives, so does his unexplainable temper.

Reeling from the headache caused by drinking with the same blue-haired the previous night, he combed through his hair, ruffling it about with his fingers.

The train finally arrived. He was keen on standing up as the vehicle started to halt. He wasn't even sure if he could push through with this. People started to exit the train as soon as its doors opened. And he, well, he chose to sit still – observing the passengers and taking a guess on who this woman is.

Just then, as he turned to his side, a figure approached. She was…it was someone he'd never seen before. Regal. Sophisticated in a casual manner. If he were to assess her clothing, those words were simply not enough to the effect gazing at her brought about in him. His eyes can't stop looking, as though captivated by her.

He had never felt this way…whatever the term "way" may imply or mean for that matter.

He quickly turned away, noticing that she faced his direction. He was caught staring at her, he knew and he could tell. Whether she was approaching still his direction or not, he couldn't tell.

At that high noon…a figure overshadowed him…and thus, as he stared up, his violet orbs were looking straight at her azure's.

"And you must be…Athrun?" her voice – it was cheerful and a bit hesitant. However, it had a timber to it that rang uniquely as the words were uttered.

Ridding of these thoughts, he shook his head and stood up, standing tall against her as she was forced to look up to him.

"What made you say that I am?" in a calm manner, bordering sarcasm, he spoke.

She looked around at her surrounding before fully stopping at his figure. Smiling, and obviously ignoring the tone in his voice, she replied.

"Red shirt…and with the way you are looking straight at me earlier, I thought you know who I am by then."

"Red…?"

"Kira…what will you be wearing when you fetch her?"

He was still half-asleep then as he spoke through the phone…eyes a little low, begging to be closed once more.

"I don't know…the usual, I suppose…"

"Seriously, any color in mind?"

"…r…red…that…could be…ni…ce…" and before he could hear what the other had to say…he dozed off to sleep.

Closing his eyes, he then opened them once more. The thought simply strode through his memory as he fixed himself up.

"Am I the only one in red today?"

"No…but I have a feeling."

- - - - - -

They were then crossing the streets, with Kira holding her luggage. She was closely following him, but often the view of the wide horizon distracted her and slowed her walking. She would have to catch up with his fast pace but that wasn't a hindrance for she was used to walking long distances in short times anyway.

They first stopped in a nearby park, as Kira noticed that she was starting to breathe hard…sign of possible dehydration and weariness. He wasn't cold-hearted or insensitive. Even his body begged him to take a break.

"We should stay here for a while." He whispered audible enough for her to hear. She didn't utter a word, as she nodded her head.

They sat on a bench, hovering above it was a sturdy tree whose leaves were broad enough to cover them from the sun's light.

Closing her eyes, she allowed the passing breeze to soothe her momentarily. It was too hot…it seemed summer was at its peak. Kira, who sat silently beside her, took hold of his bottle and drank. But upon fixing his eyes on her seemingly waery figure, he then paused and offered the same to her. By this time, she had her eyes opened, and was at first, unable to understand what to make of the gesture.

"I'm sorry. This is my fault…I parked my car at the mall two streets away…" He spoke, trying as hard as he could not to show his concern or guilt. He was sincere, but there was something about this lady beside him that he couldn't understand himself or why was he acting strangely around her…doing things he never did for anyone, especially on the first day of their meeting.

"…anyhow, there's no nearby store so…I hope this is enough for the long walk again…"

When she still did not move, he then faced her.

"…unless you aren't into drinking into a stranger's bottle…I know, I think I have a tissue or something in my pocket…" and as he rummaged about his pants, she quickly took the same.

Smiling and acknowledging his intentions, she assured him. "This is fine with me. My father…he taught me to adapt well to whatever situation I am in. Don't worry, I do this often…"

"Often?"

"Yes, drinking from another's cup…" she bowed low, seemingly embarassed. And quite freankly, he thought she was the very neat type…this was a revelation to him.

"So, may I ask what you do?"

"Not much…" he stole a glance at her, before continuing their conversation. "…and you?"

"Not much as well…you know…"

She then stood up as she placed both hands on her back.

"…you are a kind-hearted person. Our parents may be pushing us too much on each other, however I think everything would go smoothly between us, Athrun."

And with that, she then took hold of his arm and helped him stand up. He was still thinking about correcting his name, however, it seemed that would have to be explained later.

- - - - - -

They have been walking for quite some time now, thus, Kira, upon entering the said mall thought about taking another break. As he diverted his gaze towards an establishment, he glanced back at his watch, taking note of the time, before fully facing her.

"Take her out to eat…" he remembered him telling him – a reminder which plagued his mind just now.

"We could take an early dinner if you want." He started as he pointed at a nearby restaurant. It was a bit fancy but Kira thought this would be better, considering all the things he heard about the girl. He did his research after all – well, he just didn't know what she looked like exactly.

Simply nodding, they then proceeded towards the said establishment, with the attendant escorting them to a seat adjacent to the window. Once seated and having been given their menu, the two browsed at them.

"You can order whatever you want…don't worry much about the food here, with the ambiance, I am inclined to believe it's at par with what you're usually accustomed with."

"We could have eaten at a fast food. Like I said, I am able to adapt well." She took note as she pointed at the seemingly escalating prices of every dish.

"If that's the case, I think we'll have that some other time."

"Where would we go after?" she then asked.

"After getting your luggage in the car, perhaps I'll take you to the hotel where you'll be staying."

"There's no need for that."

Stealing a glance at her direction, he then took his order as he spoke once more, deciding to ponder on her statement later.

- - - - - -

As they stood there, his eyes wandered to every corner of his mansion. Zala's mansion. He glanced at her, eyes inquiring and a bit amused.

"So, this is where you'll stay?"

"Both our fathers agreed on this…nothing's really on our hands." He noted that her tone contained that of somber, one which completely clouded the correction about his identity. She took a moment to look at his face, as he placed the sketch back on his pocket. Both then entered the house.

No one was home. The usual busy corridors were now undisturbed.

"Now where are the maids?" he wondered out loud. Usually they were at Athrun's service whenever he's around. Perhaps, it was their day off? He shrugged at the thought.

"Um…"

"Yes?"

"…do you know where the kitchen is, I'm kind of…thirsty." She did appear too shy to ask about it. However, not forgetting his manners, he quickly replied.

"It's right…" but as he spoke, he unconsciously dragged her luggage around, which was to note, a bit heavy to his own liking. A bit embarrassed at his struggle, he apologized.

"I'm sorry, my things have been weighing you down…I suppose we could leave them by the side." She suggested which Kira dismissed almost immediately.

"The maids aren't around for some reason, and for that, I don't think it's wise that we leave your things anywhere for that matter. I'll just carry this along as I lead you to the kitchen."

"No. I have bothered you enough. I think I can go there by myself. Of course, with your directions."

"Very well…" amused at her response, he then ruffled his hair. "…it's to the right. Once there, you'll be in a corridor, take the second door to your left. That's where the kitchen is. I'll be right here."

"Thank you." With a smile, she then went on her way.

- - - - - -

It was as he had described it. Once finding the right door, she then turned the knob without knocking – which was not quite the right thing to do at a foreign house. For as she pushed the same open, a resounding "bump" followed by a feminine "ouch" echoed through.

"Sorry!" she was quick to respond as she assisted the person back to her feet, though her hand was still hovering about her butt which took the weight from her sudden fall.

"Hey, it's all right. I get that often…" the other spoke, trying to calm the pink-haired, who was obviously worried for her welfare.

Wincing a bit at the pain, the blonde dusted off her clothing as she hopped about and stretched her legs.

"I should say it's the first time I got knocked out by a door." Laughing, she then gave a cheery smile. This girl, Lacus thought, was definitely a unique character.

"And you are?" examining her from head to toe, the blonde spoke once more, an eyebrow up.

- - - - - -

Kira stood there, his back leaning against the wall as he waited for her return.

"What's taking her…"

Just then, a maid walked through the corridor, a bit apologetic upon seeing him.

"And where have you and the others been? Athrun has a guest…" he didn't mean to sound harsh, but technically, someone should've been in the front door, welcoming guests or something.

"Sorry, sir. Ma'am Cagalli asked us to accompany her to the garden, we simply couldn't refuse."

"Cagalli? Cagalli's here?" astonished upon the knowledge, he then face her properly. The sudden reprimand in his voice long gone.

"Where is my sister?"

- - - - - -

He was led towards the outdoors, and there he found his twin. She was in a hurry then, her things with her before he bumped into her.

"Kira? What are you doing here?"

"I'm supposed to ask that to you."

They then proceeded walking about, as the blonde seemed to be in haste.

"Well, Athrun called up and asked that I do the gardening for him."

"Now you're a gardener?" he did sound a bit sarcastic, which Cagalli playfully dismissed.

"Let's just say I'm an all-around now. And you? What are you doing here?" not keen on letting him off the hook, she stared him down.

"I came to accompany his guest. That's all."

"By the way, there's going to be a fireworks festival tonight. Care to invite his guest along?"

"I'm serious. I did accompany Athrun's guest." Somehow, with the tone she used, Kira sensed she's a bit doubtful.

"I am serious as well. So, what do you say?" She paused. By then, they were standing at the front door, her hand on the knob.

"No."

"Then at least invite his guest to come."

"It's been a long trip. Both of us are tired."

"Killjoy." She muttered as the door fluttered open.

"Anyhow, I'll be leaving then. Got lots of things left to be done at the office."

"At this hour? Overtime?"

"Funny, Kira. Aren't you coming with me?"

He did want to come along. After all, he's done here, right? But then, as he remembered her, he felt as though it wasn't right to simply leave without saying goodbye.

If that was his intention at all.

He then shook his head as he held the door for her.

"I have to do something." Was his simple reply.

"Fine. You should know, you rejected me twice today. And if you're not my little brother, I would have beaten you up by now." With a wink, she then waved him goodbye as he bade her "take care".

- - - - - -

Lacus wandered off towards the second floor. She intended to find Kira, but then when she came back, he was nowhere in sight. He's no longer standing on the very spot she left him. Athrun's maids already helped her with her luggage, it seemed Kira left already. And somehow, the thought saddened her in a way she never knew how. Perhaps, it was because she never really got the chance to apologize for all the troubles she caused him, to think, he wasn't even Athrun to begin with.

"You're Lacus Clyne?"

"Yes."

"The Lacus Clyne? Wow, it's an honor. Your father's works really are profound and admirable."

"Thank you. And…you must be…?"

"Oh, I'm Cagalli…Cagalli Yula Attha. Nice to meet you." She then shook her hand as they shared a hearty laugh.

"I'm really sorry for earlier. I didn't know what I was thinking, not knocking and all that."

"Don't worry about it. So, what brings you here?"

"I am a bit thirsty…" She then took hold of a glass and filled it with water, after which handing the same over to the pink-haired.

"You don't have to bother…"

"Hey, you worry too much. I insisted to give you that glass, didn't I?"

Nodding her head, she then took her fill of it as she thanked the blonde. She scanned the area, and finally took notice at the refrigerator door. It had some pictures on it, and this intrigued her.

Walking towards the same, she pointed at each person, landing her finger to a familiar face.

"This is you…" she spoke as Cagalli focused her attention as well.

"Yes, and the other two are my brother and Athrun."

"Athrun? Is he…this one?" pointing at a brunette, Cagalli had to lean further to see clearly.

"That's my brother, Kira. This is Athrun." She then corrected, pointing a finger to the blue-haired standing right behind her in the picture.

"Is that so…" it was barely audible, but somehow, she felt a cringe of disappointment upon realizing her mistake.

Athrun may have his own personal reasons but she was hoping that they could meet in time…though it was not in the implication that Kira here did too bad. He actually gave her a good impression. Had he been really Athrun, she could very well attest to the words her father spoke of him.

She then turned to her side, and there, at the terrace, she saw him, leaning against the railings – the hair ruffling about his hair.

"May I join you?" her voice was soft, almost like the passing breeze, he noted, as he simply nodded his head. He didn't dare look at her – keeping his gaze on the horizon.

She glanced at him every now and then. She still was thinking about the misunderstanding. What was certain was that though it was really not Athrun who came to her at the station, he was not far from him – Kira was his friend after all.

Kira was busy sending a message to the blue-haired as she took in the evening air. It was a long, hot day and the evenings, though usually shorter during this season, brought about a positive atmosphere.

'Athrun, we're here at your house, you didn't tell me she'd be staying over…text when you receive this message…'

It was her who first broke the seeming silence.

"I thought you already left." She started.

He glanced at her as he simply held his phone in his grasp.

"What made you think that?"

"Because…Cagalli is your sister, after all."

He had to admit, he was a bit taken aback by her statement. He didn't expect the two to know each other before he introduced them. He sighed. How silly could he be? Cagalli was his sister after all. He should have known better that this would happen the moment he saw his sister there. What are the odds they won't meet?

With much pondering and thinking, he took in a breath.

"About that…I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize. It was…honestly my mistake to assume you're him." She spoke calmly, her tone friendly rather than accusing…and to think, he noticed that she was a bit embarrassed at what happened.

"I even called you Athrun all this while." She added as a light tint of pink sprayed across her cheeks. She couldn't face him properly, he could tell.

"It's as good as mine…it's my fault for not correcting."

"After all that happened…what then should I call you?"

Without much thought, he spoke clearly.

"Kira. Kira Yamato. Call me whatever suits you."

"That's a good name. I think I'll call you Kira."

He took a moment to glance at her.

"And…" he hesitated, but after much thinking, he then continued. "…and what should I call you?"

Her response was quick as though it came naturally, as though she was expecting the same question to be thrown back at her.

"I don't know. I mean, you – sir - have known I am Lacus the whole time, I think I'm used to that."

And then she smiled.

At that moment, their eyes were filled with many colors as the fireworks strayed across the evening, and the sound of tropical music filled the surroundings. She was in awe as she stared back at the then fire lit skies.

It was the same smile she had kept on her face that had him. Her eyes were sparkling with each hue on the skyline that he couldn't much protest when he held out his phone.

'Click.'

For there was only one thing on his mind…

…if he were to capture a moment, it would be her smile that he would gladly take. Put into words, it was simply…breathtaking.

To be continued…

A/N: Sorry for the long wait…and for the long chapter. I intended to make the chapter longer since a season would be tackled with only a single event, and it would be a shame if I did so without divulging into the details. Yeah, and this could be plagued with numerous grammatical errors. Also, I'm doing a flashback method, if you know the usual order of the seasons...they meet at summer, and part at winter - that's basically the gist. Anyhow, thanks for reading!