Whats in a Name

by SeungLee

She had lost everything including her will to speak. He saw her as a puzzle needing to be solved, a mystery he wanted to unravel. He was a duke, she was his quiet secretary with a past he wanted to uncover. He is determined to help her find her voice.

3. Chapter Two

Asga: haha, I try to be fast. Yeah, this story because it's got a historical feel…they are going to be longer chapters. XD so more reading!

FushionAC: teehee, ok I'll harder next time!

Cagallifan: Well, I get ideas from my crazy brain? Lol! You'll just have to wait and see what happened to Cagalli!

Lendibends: haha, they might recognize his face but doesn't mean he is who they think he is! I know random people always ask me if I 'm someone and I'm like who the heck are you? So yeah! Also Kira is older so it will take them a little while to figure it out! But the question is if they figure out, will they do something? DUN DUN DUN! XD

Fate Camiswhil: You know my brother read through it for me and he missed it too. SO thanks for catching it! Haha, I went back and changed it. Lol! But now that I'm aware of it I'll make sure to do a search thing before posting. XD

What's In a Name

Disclaimers: I do not own Gundam SEED/Gundam SEED Destiny.

Story Facts—
Heine Westenfluss-Duke of November City-Age 28
Duke Yuri Amalfi, Duchess Romina Amalfi, Duke Nicol Amalfi-Maius City-Nicol is Age 21
Duke Tad Elsman, Duke Dearka Elsman-Febuarius City-Dearka is Age 24
Duchess Ezalia Joule, Duke Yzak Joule, Duchess Shiho Joule(Formerly Hahnenfuss)-Quintilis City-Yzak is Age 24, Shiho is Age 23
Duke Siegel Clyne, Duchess Lacus Clyne, Meer Campbell-Aprilius City-Meer is Age 21, Lacus is Age 18

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…Chapter Two…

Mu began to wonder about his small conversation with Siegel Clyne that he had before coming to the sitting room. He had mentioned that Kira had looked familiar to him as if he had seen or met him prior today. He was standing in the waiting room with Kira and Aisha serving the families while waiting for Athrun to call for them. All of the nobles were in different areas of the large sitting room. Most of them were talking and catching up on the latest events in each other's lives. Mu always found these gatherings to be quite a bore and would rather be spending doing trivial things, only because he was a fun loving kind of guy and needed to be kept busy. The Plants have been quite prosperous since their last royal family had been done away with well rather more like just up and left. No one knew if Gilbert Durandal, the last king of the Plants just vanished without a trace or was killed. However, thanks to the Dukes of the remaining cities, Plants have been thriving greatly but it didn't mean that these meeting weren't boring at least to Mu La Flagga they were boring him to tears.

Kira was starting to feel uncomfortable, from his younger years he could remember some of their faces. He knew for sure that he had met Duke Siegel Clyne before but he hoped that he would not recognize him. It had been difficult in changing his appearance but even if he had changed his appearance there was still a chance someone might recognize him. If any word got out that he and Cagalli were indeed alive the current leader of the Federation would probably chase them down again. Kira shuddered at the memories and not wanting to bring them up to the surface since he and Cagalli finally were able to settle down with no questions asked of their past, at least for the time being they were able to settle down. He knew sooner or later they would need to be on the move again. He was still grateful these past few weeks that Mu and the rest of the staff never pushed for information of who they were before coming to the Zala Estate. He was also glad that just in a week's time that Athrun was able to make progress with Cagalli. He knew that travelling had worn out his twin sister and he knew for sure that it had worn him out as well. Living from town to town hoping that no one would recognize them as the surviving monarchy of Orb was like constantly living in fear.

"So Yzak, how's the married life treating you," Dearka asked as he stepped back into the room adjusting this tie. He was showing no shame that he probably just done having a steamy rendezvous with his favorite seamstress.

"Do you have no shame you poor excuse for a noble," Yzak glared at Dearka.

Dearka shrugged as he stood next to his father, "So when I'm a going to be an uncle?" Shiho blushed at Dearka's comment and Ezalia perked up at the sound of children.

"Yes, Yzak…when are you and Shiho going to produce me a grandchild," Ezalia said looking at her son. Yzak had a twinge of pink on his cheeks and coughed. Shiho placed her hands in her lap, "Please tell me after six months of being married you've bedded your wife!"

"Mother," Yzak shouted clearly embarrassed and Kira was taken back. He was not accustomed to this kind of speech among noble class, commoners in the towns yes but nobles no. Apparently with this group, it was no holds bar anything went as far as topic of conversation.

Tad chuckled, "Yzak, there is no shame in what your mother just asked. After all, Shiho is a stunning woman after all."

"Imagine my delight when I heard he was courting this young lady," Ezalia said with a huge smile on her lips. "I almost feared that my son had a fancy towards men."

"Mother," Yzak growled as he went from embarrassment to frustration. He could not believe his mother at that moment and Kira was now finding himself quite amused. "Dearka there should've already married Zala's seamstress."

Tad chuckled as Dearka glared at his childhood friend, "My son has asked for the woman's hand in marriage several times but it would seem she is quite content in remaining in the Zala Estate."

"And I am not likely to give up the best seamstress in all of Plants," Athrun said as he stood in the doorway. "Gentlemen, if you are ready we can began our meeting."

The men that were to follow Athrun stood up and made their way to the meeting room. Nicol stood up and looked at Mu, "Would it be alright Mister La Flagga if I played on the piano in the ballroom?"

"But of course Lord Nicol," Mu said with a huge smile. "If it needs to be tuned…"

"I'm sure it's fine, I made sure to send a message to Mister Murdoch last week to see if it needed any adjusting," Nicol said with a bright smile. He then bowed to the other nobles and took his leave. Meer stood up happily and followed after him. She stopped and came back in. She grabbed Lacus and pulled her into the ballroom.

Mu looked over at Kira who was confused, "Lord Nicol is an accomplished pianist and the Ladies of Aprilius City are wonderful singers." Kira nodded in understanding, "Don't worry Murrue and the others will take care of them, Murrue should be in there right about now anyway."

"Well, if they're in the meeting, I think I'm going to find Miriallia again," Dearka quickly whisked out the sitting room. Mu chuckled; the young blonde duke had no shame in displaying his relationship with Miriallia to the world. It was not uncommon that noblemen nowadays married under their social status but they were extra careful in who they would marry. It still wouldn't be proper to marry someone too below their status or some loose woman.

"Mister La Flagga," Ezalia said standing up. "Would it be alright if the rest of us ladies go visit the gardens?"

"Not at all my lady," Mu said with a bow and proceeded to lead them to the garden but not before telling Kira to help Aisha clean up the sitting room.

Meanwhile in the meeting room, the gentlemen slowly began to take their seats. However all eyes were on Cagalli as she stood at her secretary's desk waiting for all the men to take a seat. She was starting to feel nervous with their eyes all on her but she calmed down a bit once she saw Athrun arrive in the room. He stood at the head of table where he would take his spot. He turned to see Cagalli waiting for them all to sit down but he went to her and pulled out her chair. Cagalli sat down and prepared her pen to begin writing.

"Are you not going to introduce us to your new secretary, she is much more pleasant to look at than your pervious one," Heine said smiling at the blonde woman. "She is quite stunning compared to…oh what was his name?"

"Lord Westenfluss, if you would please keep your thoughts on today's meeting instead of Zala's secretary," Yzak grumbled.

Siegel, Tad, and Yuri chuckled at the younger dukes in the room. Heine was known to be quite the charmer of the younger Dukes. Dearka was quite the flirt but they all knew of his open interest in Miriallia Haww who gave Dearka quite a difficult time initially but fell to his charm. Yzak was married and it amazed them how he was even able to court such a lovely woman like Shiho. She had to have charmed him over somehow instead of Yzak being the one charming her but no one knew quite how Yzak managed to get married.

"Introductions can be done after this meeting, gentlemen," Athrun said as he took his seat.

"Always business first," Yuri chuckled. "You really do take after your late father, Athrun."

"I have to agree," Siegel chuckled. "However, Athrun is right. Let us begin." Siegel stopped for a moment as he paused to look over the documents, "Is this the work of your secretary?" All the men looked down at their documents.

"Yes, it is Lord Siegel," Athrun answered.

"What extraordinary penmanship," Yuri said gasping, "Absolutely splendid."

"I must agree," Tad said nodding while Heine and Yzak were gaping. Cagalli kept her head down with a blush creeping on her cheeks with the compliments about her penmanship. "I say, Athrun…you found a wonderful new secretary. This is beyond amazing."

"If we could continue with the meeting," Athrun trying to conduct the meeting as the other dukes were still gaping at Cagalli's handwriting. "As you can see in the documents, those were the topics we covered in the previous meeting. There were no issues that needed to be addressed just only the proposals of new roads and reconstruction of buildings that were destroyed when the war reached our borders."

"Yes, the crime rate is still relatively low in all of Plants," Tad said nodding. "The current law enforcement that we have established seems to be working."

"Agriculture seems to be doing well," Yuri added in. "We seem to be having no trouble as far as cultivating the different crops throughout the seasons."

"The capital is thriving more than ever, and we've gotten quite a bit of visitors since the latest invention of photography has been given to the public," Siegel said placing the documents down on the table. "However now that we are all in here, I do wish to discuss my daughter and niece."

Athrun arched his brow and sat back in his chair, "Is this more a personal matter or actual matter concerning the Plants?"

"Combination of both I believe," Siegel said as the other dukes watched him carefully. "As you know, Lacus is now of age and Meer has been of age for quite some time. I am not getting any younger and seeing that Yzak is already married and Dearka is occupied…I was curious to know if Athrun or Heine would be interested in courting one of my girls, or perhaps Nicol would also consider this…Lord Yuri."

Heine looked over at Siegel after placing an arm on the table and turned his body to face the older man. "What is bringing this subject to light?"

"I just would like to see them in good hands before I die," Siegel said simply. "After all, I am well aware that both of them are capable of taking care of themselves however…as a father it would sit easier with me knowing they were being taken care of."

Yuri looked over at Siegel carefully, "What are you not telling us, Lord Siegel?"

Siegel sighed, "It is no secret that the current leader of the Federation, Muruta Azrael, is quite the dictator."

"A greedy bastard if you ask me," Yzak commented.

"Even so, it's rumored that he is still searching for the lost prince and princess of Orb," Cagalli froze at the sound of Siegel's words. "On top of all that, he is targeting all the families that might have been in contact with them in the past before the destruction of Orb."

"There has been no sign of them for six years, Lord Siegel," Heine sighed. "You would think that madman would've given up by now. What use is it to go chasing after ghosts?"

"Are you saying he is going to target you, Lord Siegel," Tad asked cautiously. "The king did visit Aprilius City even after we did our own damage to some of the smaller islands that belonged to Orb."

"It is true I have met with King Uzumi after we signed a treaty that we would not invade them," Siegel stated. "Out of everyone in this room, I'm the only living Duke to have met them. Patrick Zala is the only other nobleman to have met the royal family of Orb."

Athrun nodded, "I do recall my father visiting Aprilius City for a long period of time in my childhood."

"If anything were to happen to me, I would feel at ease if my life were to end at this very moment because of my ties with Orb that my daughter and niece were looked after," Siegel stated.

"I can understand your concern," Yuri said with a sigh. "This is now going to be the most important issue to discuss now. What can we do to stop Azrael from invading Plants? We are doing all that we can with our military to keep them away from our borders and keep the fighting in Orb."

Siegel nodded, "Athrun, if you could ask your secretary to leave for a moment. I do not wish to discuss such terrible details in front of a lady."

Athrun stood up and Catherine nodded. She quickly got up before Athrun made his way to her and left the room closing the door quietly behind her. She would just retire up to the library and work on restoring some old documents Athrun had found for her to work on. Siegel sighed and looked at them all seriously, "My fellow noblemen the story is that six years ago King Uzumi was able to escape with his two children here to the Plants. Two years ago the federation found the King and brutally beat him to his death."

"Is there proof," Tad asked hesitantly.

"They were living in Junius City," Siegel said showing them some old photographs from his pocket. They all gasped when it was a photo of the king in commoner clothes. "He was living as a simple carpenter in Junius City. The king was very careful of keeping his children a secret. "

"To think he was living here in the Plants," Heine muttered to himself.

"That's not unusual considering we took in all of the Orb survivors, it does not surprise me that the king would be among them," Yuri said looking at the photo.

"I was aware of King Uzumi living in the Plants but he had requested that no one else be aware that he was living here," Siegel added in showing some documents from his breast pocket inside of his jacket. "I offered him sanctuary in Aprilius City but he refused. He didn't want to live as a king any longer but as a simple man with his children."

"Did you find his body," Tad asked cautiously almost afraid to hear the answer.

"I received word that a man was brutally murdered and I made haste to Junius City," Siegel answered. "When I approached the small house that he was living in with his children, there was nothing but blood painted on the ground and the house. The late king was beaten almost beyond the recognition but it was apparent who he was since the necklace that bears his crest was still around his neck. However, the only mystery we were never able to solve was the men that apparently came to kill the king were also dead…suffered from stab wounds of a sword. The sword was found embedded deep in one of the men inside of the house but there were no signs of the prince and princess."

"So they may very well be alive," Tad said gasping.

"What good would it do them," Yzak asked looking at the older men. "It's not like they have a home to return to? What would we offer for them here in the Plants?"

"There is probably nothing we could offer them," Heine said sadly. "If they were there to witness their father's murder, I doubt they feel like we can truly offer them sanctuary in our borders. Even though Junuis City is a port city that we did eventually lose, we couldn't provide them protection from the federation."

"It's not so much protection from the federation, its protection from Azrael," Athrun stated looking up at Siegel. "The issue at hand is how many spies have been stationed within our borders. Also, if the prince and princess are still alive…where are they now?"

"More than likely running," Heine said. "I'm assuming you've laid the king to rest, Lord Siegel?"

"Yes, he rests in our family cemetery in Aprilius City," Siegel answered. "It is my hope that if they prince and princess are alive, that they may visit him…if not…if we could find their remains and rest them with their father."

"But to marry your daughter and niece off for a sense of security," Yzak asked looking over at the older man. "Don't you think you are being quite rash with your decision, Lord Siegel?"

"I wonder, Yzak," Yuri paused with a smirk. "If being married has changed you into a wiser man or has it calmed you down quite a bit."

"You are reading too much in it, Lord Yuri," Yzak snapped.

Heine chuckled, "Well, so what actions should we take in regards to Azrael, he will not stop until he knows for a fact that the prince and princess are no more. There is no proof they are still alive."

"He is convinced they are," Siegel answered. "He was seen at the king's grave and one of my men said that he told them he would find the prince and princess no matter the cost. He knows they escaped and are alive, that his men make no mistakes."

"So he believes the reason his men were dead was because of the prince and princess," Athrun asked.

"It has been two years," Siegel said with a heavy sigh. "No one can be for certain if the children did survive this attack."

"It is rumored that the prince and princess were excellent in wielding a sword," Heine said and the others looked at him. "So I can understand this madman's suspicions of the royal children killing the same men that killed their father, it would only seem natural that one would want revenge for taking the life of their loved one."

"But to go as far as trying to murder you, Siegel," Tad asked concerned. "Do you think it is still safe for you to stay in Aprilius City? You could easily stay with one of us until this matter is settled. There is no reason you need to travel back and forth…or at least have your daughter and niece stay at one of our homes."

"Thank you, I will consider your offer," Siegel said with a small smile. "However, I would like it still be considered that one of the eligible young dukes also think of the first offer as well."

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After the meeting Heine rode off back to his home. The others retired or were elsewhere for the evening most of the staff stayed clear of their quarters knowing full well Dearka would be spending the evening with Miriallia. They often wondered what it was that Dearka had done to finally be able to convince the seamstress to have a relationship with him. It was no secret that Miriallia had lost her first love to the war however, Dearka wanted to heal her heart in his own kind of way. It eventually worked; all of his endless flirting got them to be friends. They laughed a lot and one day it turned into something more. Since then, Dearka would make frequent visits beyond the Duke meetings that would happen in the estate. Dearka was also childhood friend with Athrun as well, so he would use that excuse to barge in on Athrun so he could meet with Miriallia.

Ezalia and Romina were in a sitting room laughing and drinking tea. The two women were talking about the good old days and about their sons while Siegel, Tad, and Yuri were in one of the studies drinking some brandy or whiskey and smoking cigars. Nicol was playing on the piano still as Meer sang the different songs he would play for her. Yzak and Shiho had retired for the evening and Ezalia was hoping they were trying to make her a grandchild. Lacus had also retired for the evening saying she wanted to be rested for her travel in the morning with her family.

Athrun was sitting in his personal study and sighed. Siegel had pulled him aside and asked him to seriously consider marrying his daughter or niece. Athrun closed his eyes for a moment and pondered. It wasn't really beneficial right now for him to be married, he thought of both Meer and Lacus as nice girls, like sisters, but nothing more. Lacus was almost too sweet for her own good and Meer…she was a bit aloof at times. If he were to marry he wanted a strong willed woman that could carry on if something ever happened to him. He didn't doubt that both strawberry colored haired women could but they just weren't what he was looking for. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as his thoughts all the sudden landed on a certain blonde secretary.

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes; something about her seemed vaguely familiar but odd at the same time. It was as if he should know her but it was only by her physical appearance. Her personality was not of the person he remembered, if he was going to find out if she was the same person in his memory he would need to help pull her from this lingering shock that was in her system. He wanted to see more emotions in her actions and reactions…he wanted to see the range of emotions she could feel…and he wanted to hear her voice. He had grown curious in the week alone spending so many hours with her and seeing her face. She wasn't what most men consider beautiful but in his opinion she was. She was quite lovely and he was curious to know if her true personality reflected what he saw.

He wanted to help her, he wanted her to trust him, and he didn't know why he felt this urge. Was it because she reminded him of someone he once knew? Was it because he suspected her to be this person engraved in his memory? He couldn't be so sure and he was certain that Catherine was not her real name…at least not her given name. It was more like a feeling he had due to his feeling that he felt something vaguely familiar with the blonde woman that was his secretary. He knew it would take time and he was willing to take the time to bring her out of the shell. He was going to make the effort for her and her brother to feel as comfortable as possible in his estate. He wanted them to remain there because if she was the girl in his memory there were a few key things he knew what to look for. However before he could pursue that path he would first need her talking.

Athrun knew it would not be easy to get his secretary to talk but…it would set his mind at ease if he knew. If he could find the answers to his questions that continue to form in his mind. He stood up and decided he would have a small chat with his secretary's brother. He left his study and walked down the stairs to hear Nicol playing on the piano, he smiled slightly. He could also hear Meer singing in the background and again he smiled. Meer and Lacus could pass off as twins however Meer was older and the cousins had beautiful voices. They would often perform together when they would have extravagant balls at one of their estates. In a couple months they would have a Christmas ball here in the Zala Estate. It would only be natural considering the city he resides in was named after the very month of December.

Athrun didn't have to look too far for Kira as he heard chatter in the kitchen. He made his way over to the kitchen and saw Andy laughing at something or rather someone. He walked in and saw at the small round table members of his staff. Andy was relaxing in his chair drinking some ale with Mu. Murrue and Aisha were talking in their own conversation while sipping at tea. He noticed Miriallia wasn't there which only meant she was occupied with Dearka. Newmann and Chandra were not present either, so they were probably checking the stables since they had their visitors' horses there as well before retiring for the evening. He saw Kira sitting at the table eating away while nodding when Andy or Mu asked him something.

He cleared his throat and everyone turned to look at him. "I would like to thank everyone for today's performance. You all did well, however I would like to ask for a moment of Mister Kyle's time."

"Of course, my lord," Kira stood up and followed Athrun out of the kitchen.

"I wonder what he wants to talk to him about," Mu asked watching the pair go up the stairs.

"Who knows," Andy shrugged.

The pair made it to Athrun's personal study and he motioned for Kira to sit in a chair. Kira was nervous on why Athrun would ask him up to his personal study but he figured he would just listen to what he would have to say. Athrun took a seat in the chair facing him, "My lord, what is it that you needed to speak with me about?"

"I wanted to ask you what Miss Catherine was like before she went into this traumatic shock," Athrun requested casually as if he wasn't asking for too much.

Kira gulped and then took in a deep breath, "I would say she was the complete opposite of what she is now, my lord. My sister was full of life and an abundance of energy. She was quite short tempered and didn't give up until she could have her way especially when she saw something she wanted."

"A short temper you say," Athrun asked while taking a sip of his tea that was at the side table.

"Yes my lord," Kira chuckled. "It's hard to imagine considering how she behaves now but every now and then you will see a hint of in her eyes. She extremely opposes dresses, I mean she will wear a skirt as you can see but she somehow reasoned when we were younger that a skirt was more practical than a dress."

"That would explain the look of distaste she was giving you prior to the dinner last week," Athrun said as he motioned for Kira to continue.

"If she is allowed to wear pants, she will," Kira shook his head with a smile. "Mother and father always use to say that my sister should've been born a boy. Maybe it was partially my fault, I would always ask her to join my friends and I in our games when we were small children."

"There is no harm in that," Athrun said with small chuckle. "I would imagine it would only be natural for siblings to include each other in such things."

"I suppose so, my lord," Kira said with a sad smile. "My lord, forgive me for asking…but why are you asking me about my sister?"

"I simply would like to know you both better," Athrun said. "Since Miss Catherine at this time is unable to find her voice I knew that I could ask you on how she once was. I also too would like to see if there is anything I can do to help Miss Catherine."

"You've done so much already my lord," Kira said with a brighter smile.

"How so," Athrun asked.

"By letting us stay here on your staff, you've given not only my sister but myself as well a home in a very long time and family." Kira said thinking of everyone that worked at the estate. "It was almost an immediate reaction on how my sister took to your staff, many of them reminded us of those we have lost and left behind."

"I do have a very lively staff," Athrun said chuckling.

"But you my lord," Kira said getting Athrun's full attention, "She has a brighter smile around you. I do not know what went on while she was helping with the preparations for the meeting but…she seems to trust you."

Athrun placed his tea on the side table and looked at Kira curiously, "I can only assume the men that harmed her were not as lively as Mister La Flagga and Mister Waltfeld, correct?"

"I cannot answer the question, my lord, for I do not know the answer," Kira said sadly. "However I do feel there is some truth behind your words but…"

"I am aware that I can come off abrasive and cold," Athrun interrupted Kira. "Mister Kyle, if you were to allow me, I would like to help your sister and also to get to know the both of you better as I have already stated previously. I could probably tell you some insightful facts of my staff because I have spent some time with them."

Kira smiled, "That sounds like a plan, my lord. All I ask is that you are patient with my sister, I know she is still quite fragile…"

"There is no need to concern yourself with that," Athrun held up his hand to stop Kira from continuing his small speech. "I am well aware that, however…when I said I wanted to help Mister Kyle, I sincerely meant it…and I, just like you wish for your sister to be well again. I understand that trauma like the one you and your sister suffer take time to heal."

"Thank you, my lord," Kira said with a smile.

"Tell me more about your hobbies along with your sister's, Mister Kyle," Athrun asked as he placed his hands on his stomach.

"I do not have too many hobbies my lord, I'm often usually found reading," Kira said a bit sheepishly. "My mother once said when my sister and I began to write that I had the penmanship of a scholar and Catherine of an artist. I enjoy reading about things I have not come across and discovering them as well."

"And Miss Catherine?"

"Just as my mother predicted by our penmanship, my sister loves to sketch," Kira said with a huge smile. "My sister use to say there was an art in being able to sketch people and the things around us was more powerful than a photograph."

"She is good at sketching people then," Athrun inquired.

"She is good at sketching anything she sees, my lord," Kira said with a bright smile. "You just have point at what you wish for her to sketch and she will. She is quite accurate and quick in her sketching."

"Is that so," Athrun pondered for a moment.

"She used to keep a sketch book on her at all times, my lord," Kira said with a hint of sorrow. "She hasn't sketched anything in two years I am afraid."

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Cagalli was sitting in the library doing her daily routine of working on documents that needed to be touched up. She was so wrapped up in working on the document she did not hear the library door open, the guests were still staying at the Zala estate but no one came into the library. She didn't think much of it since all she would hear was the piano playing off in the distance and every so often a soprano voice or two singing. She was so lost in her work that the person that entered the library had to knock on her desk. Cagalli jumped in surprise and looked up to meet Athrun's green eyes looking down at her. He had one hand on the desk and the other was behind his back. She looked at him like a curious child. She tried to turn her head to see what was behind him but he turned his body so she couldn't' see. She tried to peak on the other side but he turned his body away again. She gave him an expression that showed irritation but it wasn't as expressive as Athrun hoped but he would take it.

"I have a surprise for you Miss Catherine," Athrun told her and Cagalli looked at him confused. He brought his arm from around his back and showed her a relatively medium sized sketch book. Her eyes grew in wonder, "I spoke with your brother and he informed me that you are a wonderful sketcher."

Cagalli's eyes were bright as a child at Christmas been given permission to open their first present. She took the sketch book and flipped through the blank pages. Athrun then pulled out a thin tin pencil case from his side pocket and Cagalli looked at him in disbelief. "I was hoping you could sketch something for me." Cagalli pointed at the documents, "Those can wait. All you are doing is saving some old documents that can wait another day."

Athrun motioned for her to follow holding out the pencil case to her. She stood up from her desk and followed after Athrun. Kira was on his way to the kitchen to eat his lunch when he saw Cagalli following behind Athrun with a book of sort; he couldn't tell what it was because she was hugging to her body. They made their way to the ballroom and Kira followed behind curiously. Athrun opened the double doors to the ballroom and Cagalli followed. Kira stood in the open door way as Athrun and Cagalli descended only a few steps so they weren't all the way down on the main ballroom floor. Athrun sat down on a step and patted the spot next to him. Cagalli sat down and Athrun handed her the pencil case. He pointed over to Nicol playing the piano, "Could you sketch Nicol playing the piano?"

Cagalli nodded with a small smile and opened her sketch book. She opened the pencil case and admired the different pencils in her tin case. Also there were a few erasers in small section for the tin case and she happily picked a pencil. She then looked over at the scene he asked her to sketch. Kira smiled watching how the duke was interacting with his sister; his intentions were indeed to help his sister for that he was really grateful. He was at first suspicious when the duke asked him questions about his sister last night but…seeing how he was interacting with his twin made his heart at ease. He smiled and went to the kitchen to eat his lunch before Murrue, Aisha, Andy, or Mu jumped on his case about eating lunch too late.

Athrun however was hypnotized on how Cagalli was transforming a blank piece of paper into a work of art. She was pretty accurate in her proportions and her shading made it look just like a photograph. Kira was correct in saying she was quick to sketch but nothing could've prepared him for how beautifully she drew. He would see that little habit of hers of biting her lip while she was concentrating and he found it almost tempting. If she was a woman in her right sense, he would have kissed her senseless for doing such a thing. He probably figured she didn't even know she was doing by biting her lip the way she did. After a few more strokes on the paper with her pencil she lifted her head and showed Athrun her sketch.

To say Athrun was impressed was an understatement. He wasn't even sure how she did it so quickly but also she made it look like a photograph. He was speechless and amazed, "Come Miss Catherine, I have another sketching assignment for you." Cagalli closed her tin pencil case and followed after Athrun who was carrying the sketch book. Nicol stopped playing for a moment to watch Athrun lead Cagalli to the terrace outside before resuming his playing. Athrun pointed over to where Murdoch was attending to something and noticed they had walked out without their autumn coats. Cagalli however took the sketch book from Athrun and happily began sketching again.

He smiled and took off his jacket and placed it over Cagalli's shoulders. She stopped for a second and looked at him, "I don't wish for you to catch a cold, Miss Catherine."

Cagalli blushed and nodded as he went back to sketching Murdoch off in the distance. Once she was done with that they quickly made their way back into the estate. He would find other members of his staff for her to sketch and some of their guests. He marveled at how wonderfully she drew and how quick she managed to draw. It stunned him and he had met many artists in his life time but…she was something else. She was amazingly talented and he was taken in by it. Every time she finished a sketch she would show him and he just smile then take her to another place to sketch.

"ATHRUN," Athrun turned at the sound of his name and Cagalli stopped her sketching. Athrun was engulfed in tight hug. "This is where you been hiding!"

"I haven't been hiding Lady Meer," Athrun said as kept his arms at his side. Cagalli arched her eyebrow on their interaction. She found it interesting that Athrun didn't return her embrace. She didn't think anything of it as she returned to sketching the three duchesses, Ezalia, Romina, and Shiho, in the open area sitting room in the west wing.

"Athrun, where is your coat, surely you will catch a cold," Meer said and then she noticed the sketching blonde. She noticed over her shoulders hung a rather large jacket…definitely not meant for someone her size. "You should return that jacket at once!"

Cagalli turned her head to look at the pink duchess and returned to her task Athrun had given her. Once she was done she showed Athrun and he smiled with a nod.

"How dare you ignore me," Cagalli arched her brow at the woman but of course said nothing. She closed her sketch book and slipped the jacket off her shoulders and handed it to Athrun. Athrun smiled and slipped it back on. "You should at least answer me!" Meer glared at the blonde and immediately Cagalli felt uncomfortable.

"Lady Meer, Miss Catherine is my concern not yours," Athrun stood in front Cagalli to block Meer's gaze. "Miss Catherine, why don't you see if our lunch is ready? I'll meet with you shortly in the library to review some of the documents with you." He heard Cagalli's foot steps behind him and then saw her walking away towards the kitchen. He sighed in relief and then looked at Meer who was glaring daggers at the poor girl. "Lady Meer, is there something I can help you with?"

"I was hoping to spend some time with you," Meer said clutching onto his arm. "After all, we are leaving tomorrow. It's a shame that Heine has already parted…we could've had a party."

"Lady Meer, I hardly think now is an appropriate time for a party," Athrun told her as he began walking towards the ballroom where Nicol was still playing.

Meer was still clinging to his arm, "It wouldn't hurt would it? After all, you and the other dukes have been working so diligently on keeping the peace in the Plants. Besides, isn't your birthday approaching?"

Athrun stopped for a moment, it would be his first birthday celebration without his family and he certainly didn't want to celebrate it. He wasn't ready to celebrate quite yet. Meer noticed his pause in his motions and the saddened look in his eyes, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to throw you a grand party!"

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See you next time!
Living with the Enemy will be posted later today! XD