A/N: Well, thanks for the positive feedback. On to chapter 3 then.

Chapter 3: Unexpected

"Her wound is deep and she has a minor fracture, thus I am afraid she will have to stay in the hospital for quite a while…" the nurse informed Dearka and gang, her eyes scanning through the medical analysis. Dearka felt his cheeks burning, as he dropped his head in shame. How could I have hurt her? Oh Milly, please don't hate me for this, Dearka prayed silently.

Standing beside Miriallia's bed, guilt penetrated through Dearka's heart like a spear as he saw how badly wounded her arm was. It was bandaged several times and had to be held in a cast. This is all my fault, Dearka thought, clenching his fists. In his heart, Dearka made a silent resolution to visit Miriallia every day till she had fully recovered.

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"Cagalli… Cagalli.., you are my flower and I am your sunshine. You make me drool but I'm sure you find me cool. I like your chest and you like my vest. You are the one for me and I am the guy for thee," Kira recited, adopting the tune of a nursery rhyme.

"How's that? First time writing a romantic poem, not that bad I think, at least some of the lines rhyme. I am sure after Cagalli hears it, she will be moved to tears, don't you all think so?" Kira questioned his friends.

"Yeah right, she sure will, but she will be shedding tears of disgust. Oh man, that completely sucks! Can't you think of something better than that?" Yzak replied sarcastically.

Kira sighed. In fact, he himself had actually not found it to be romantic, but was just hoping that others might have thought differently.

"Argh! I give up! I can't think of anything already. The ball's around the corner and I have to get her touched or else my plan won't work. Argh! My head is throbbing madly, I think I'm gonna be sick," mourned Kira, as he shook his head in

resignation.

"Jeez! Your head is burning hot! I think you better visit the doctor," Shin advised, withdrawing his hand from Kira's burning forehead.

At the school clinic…

"I think you are down with the flu, you will need plenty of rest. I will excuse you from any school activities for a week," the doctor said, removing the stethoscope from his ears. "And that means you are not going to the winter ball unless you have the intention of passing the virus to others," the doctor reminded.

"Oh no, I've already promised Cagalli to go with her, she will be mad when she hears this," Kira said as he let out a deep, long sigh.

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"Hi Kira, what's up?" asked Cagalli, holding the phone to her ear.

"Er… I'm sorry Cagalli dear, I think I can't go to the ball with you this weekend cause I've just been diagnosed with this stinking flu. I'm really sorry…"

Kira apologized.

"Oh, that's really bad. Now I will be the only one who will be going to the ball alone, and no, I'm not blaming you for that…"

"Well, you can get one of your friends to go with you. I am sure they won't mind going out with such a pretty…ppp…Ah….Ah….CHOO!" said Kira, letting out a loud sneeze.

"Jeez, you better take care of yourself, I'll ask around then. See ya," Cagalli answered, putting the phone down. She slumped onto the bed as she thought who she could ask to the ball, what bad luck. Now, who can I ask to go with me? Cagalli thought as she tried brainstorming. However, there was only one name that appeared in her mind … … …

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Dearka sat beside Miriallia, as helped Miriallia, who had just woken up, to sit up.

"Milly, how are you feeling? Does your arm hurt? I am really sorry, will you forgive me?" Dearka pleaded.

Miriallia glanced at Dearka. Tears were trickling down from his eyes. This was in fact the initial time she had seen Dearka cry. She had previously thought that he was an insensitive, unfeeling wart, but her heart began to warm as she saw his genuine concern.

"It's all right," said Miriallia as her face broke into a weak smile. Dearka returned the smile, as he felt a heavy boulder lifted from his heart. Thank god she doesn't blame me, Dearka thought as he held her hand in his.

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Athrun fiddled with his pen, twirling it back and forth. He still had not gotten anyone to go to the ball with him. Thoughts ran through his mind. Do I really have to make up another excuse? If only I could get someone to…

However, his thoughts were disrupted with the sudden ringing of the phone. Who would call at such a late time? he thought as he walked over to pick up the receiver.

"Hello Athrun, " It was Cagalli.

"Er hi, what's the matter,"

"Erm, I was just wondering if you are still available cause Kira's sick, so would you like to go to the ball with me?" Cagalli asked.

This piece of news came as an unexpected shock for Athrun. Did he hear correctly? Cagalli had actually asked him to go with her to the ball.

"Well um. sure, of course. I'll…I'll meet you at the main hall at seven then…see ya!" Athrun said, his hands trembling with excitement at the prospect of going to the ball with Cagalli. It was simply too good to be true. His dream had finally come true, Athrun thought as his face broke into a broad, joyous smile.

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A/N: Well, chapter 3 done then. The next chappie's gonna be about the ball so stay tuned :) Meanwhile, feel free to post your comments and reviews about your thoughts for this chapter. Bye for now then…