Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed or any of its characters.

Author's Notes: Since Daniel's real identity has been said last chapter, I wish that the confusion will subside now. Haha. I'll try to put the character backgrounds now for easier reading. Please don't kill me, I have added another twist in this story! Again, reviews are welcome and always make authors happy! For suggestions and or other questions, please email me! My email address is in my profile page. Once again, thank you! Now, on to the story, enjoy!

"…Actually, I adopted him."

Cagalli looked at him for a bit and focused again on the road. Okay, that was unexpected… I thought Daniel really is Cagalli's son, I mean he has blond hair, right? Athrun sighed and played with Daniel's hair.

"You actually thought he's actually my son, right?" Cagalli smiled a bit, her face illuminated by the highway lights as they pass. Before Athrun stares again, he cleared his throat and nodded weakly.

"I mean, it looks natural. You both have the same shade of blond. I'm sure everyone wouldn't miss that."

Cagalli laughed, "I get that a lot. However, when I'm with my boyfriend, people usually that were a family. He also has green eyes, like Daniel and you."

CAGALLI HAS A BOYFRIEND?! OH MY GOD. Athrun wanted to scream, all hopes of getting close to Cagalli went down the drain, as if he met the girl for him and suddenly someone stole her with a reverberating evil laugh accompanied by the fading light. He responded barely, "Ah… I see."

--

The whole ride home was quiet after that, well probably Cagalli wanted to talk more but Athrun looked uninterested. Athrun asked Cagalli to drop him off the subway station and he'll take it from there, he didn't want to bother Cagalli anymore, at least for this night.

While sitting inside the subway train, he thought he gained too much information, too much to make his head swim in confusion. Daniel's adopted, well, that's kind of good to hear, at least he now knows that there's no bastard who took advantage of Cagalli. Another fact, Cagalli has a boyfriend, a boyfriend, a lover! Shit. Why does he suddenly feel jealous all of a sudden? Sure, Cagalli is kind of interesting, different from all the girls who used to throw themselves at him back at PLANTS. Spunky, hard-headed, firm, and sweet at the same time, that's Cagalli for you. Ah yes, first impressions do last. He found himself, his mind, doing playbacks of what happened during the day, all those forcing his lips to curve upwards.

And then, something un-Athrun-like happened, something that woke him up from his indulging trance, he missed his stop. Great.

--

Cagalli woke up from the blaring sound of the alarm clock on her bed side drawer. Ugh… I want more sleep. However, she did open her eyes afterwards, yawning and stretching her arms as she did so. She looked at the other side of the bed and frowned when she saw it empty. Daniel was always the early bird, even for his age.

Fifteen minutes later, Cagalli found herself facing the mirror wearing the usual boring corporate attire when it's work days. She looked at the mirror for the last time and went down to the dining room.

The dining room always heightens up her senses, especially her sense of smell. She loves food but even though how much she tried, food doesn't love her; she gave up on cooking after a few culinary courses, that's a sad fact. Today, even a few meters away from the dining room's threshold, she can smell pancakes and bacon probably courtesy of Mana.

Mana was her father's most trusted and oldest house aide. Even in her mid-forties, Mana is still sharp as a hawk; she is usually in charge of the house when Cagalli is not around. You may say she devoted her life on serving the Atthas since Cagalli's arrival on the mansion, and Cagalli was thankful for that. Mana is like a mother figure to her. Cagalli smiled at the thought.

"Good morning, mom!" Daniel waved his fork in the air and smiled. Mana was beside him, making sure that the little boy doesn't get himself dirty since he's already donning his school uniform. "Good morning, darling." Mana looked at Cagalli with a heart-warming smile.

Darling was the affectionate term Mana calls her, even though she isn't a darling at all, well sometimes. Her smile got wider, "Good morning Daniel, Mana!" Cagalli proceeded to sit on her usual position, in front of Daniel. Her breakfast was prepared beautifully in front of her, stacks of pancakes with bacon and eggs, just how she likes it.

"Here's your coffee, my lady." Another maid placed a steaming hot cup of coffee on her mat, Cagalli recognized the different aroma of the black liquid. "…This is different from the usual brew." She eyed the coffee and threw a questioning look at Mana.

"Well, Mr. Watfield's assistant came here yesterday and brought two packs of his new blend, one for the maids and one for you. He thinks you'll like it." Mana sipped coffee on her own cup, "It doesn't taste half bad at all. The maids loved it."

Mana and the others know Cagalli's love for coffee equaling Mr. Watfield's own. Since the coffee tycoon, Mr. Andrew Watfield, and Cagalli met in his newly opened coffee shop two years ago, let's say that they built a friendship established on their passion for coffee. Cagalli sipped her own cup of coffee and closed her eyes. "Ah, Mr. Watfield is a genius!"

"Mom, can I taste it?" Daniel looked at her hopefully, his eyes begging his mother to agree. Cagalli smiled and said a flat no. "You're too young for this, Daniel. I will ask Mr. Watfield to concoct a hot choco blend for you next time." Cagalli and Mana laughed as Daniel momentarily sulked as he finished his pancakes.

Cagalli finished her scrumptious breakfast and looked at her watch. Six forty-five, she has enough time to drive Daniel to school and not be late on her business meeting by 8:30.

With a simple goodbye to Mana, she and Daniel went on their way, Orb International School.

--

It was 7:20 in the morning and the students were already flocking the hallways talking, some are going into their respective classrooms. Cagalli and Daniel were walking hand in hand in the hallways as were the other parents and their children. As they arrived in front of Daniel's classroom, Cagalli kneeled in front of him and fixed his little red tie and his unruly blond hair like hers. She smiled and kissed Daniel on the cheeks.

"…Mom, not here. Other students are looking!" Daniel fidgeted on his spot and Cagalli raised a brow. "Are you embarrassed of your mother kissing you, Daniel?"

"No, not that… I… err…" Daniel blushed.

"Oh, I see! The girl you like is in here somewhere, right?" Cagalli looked around and chuckled. "Well, anyways, I can't fetch you on your dismissal time, work as usual, and I need to go at Mr. Watfield's later. Anything you want from his shop?"

"Ooh! I want a jar of oatmeal cookies please… and chocolate chip ones too!" Daniel replied happily. Cagalli kissed him on his forehead, "Bye, sweetie. See you later." Cagalli smiled and walked away.

--

Cagalli quickly walked away, partly because she didn't want to be late in her business meeting and partly because she didn't want to see a person who can mess up her thoughts, Athrun Zala. Turning into the corner, she was shocked to see the blue haired chap, along with other teachers, getting out of the faculty room. Now I agree on the saying that when you avoid something, it just goes back to you no matter what. Gah. Well today, Cagalli decided to fight the fates, she turned around and went the other way around. I hope he didn't see me.

--

It was a long day, Cagalli sighed and twirled on her plush office chair. The work just kept piling up, as well as the papers decorating her desk. This happens when your father gives you one of Orb's biggest companies, Orb Transnational Industries, as a gift for your college graduation. Orb Transnational Industries is the leading exporter of Orb goods and manpower all over the world and PLANTS. They also have charitable branches that helps needy people, the fact which Cagalli really liked. After obtaining her Masters in Business Administration on the age of twenty four, Cagalli has been working her ass of for her father's company for two years already, and her father, business tycoon Uzumi Nara Attha, has been going around the world and PLANTS for his quote unquote "well deserved retirement".

Even though she has been slaving herself on the same work for two years as the president of the company, sometimes she just wish that her work was easier, being given the highest position in a well-known company sometimes takes a toll on her like having her work on weekends. Cagalli sighed again.

It was around four in the afternoon when Cagalli decided to leave her office. She wants to relax, and she knows the exact place to go to.

--

The bell rung as the door opened in a cozy shop. The aroma of coffee is dancing in the air along with the subtle music and the occasional chitchats from the customers.

Andrew Watfield, a man in his late thirties wearing a flowery polo shirt, looked up from his counter full of containers and other whatnots to see the person who have arrived. He smiled and started brewing coffee. "Miss Attha, how nice of you to drop by!"

"Shut it, Andy. I need my caffeine." Cagalli glared playfully at Andrew and then smiled a bit when she took a deep breath, relishing the smell of coffee in the air. She sat on a stool in front of the counter waiting for Andrew to finish her favorite coffee blend.

"Long day at work?" Andrew asked as he placed the steaming hot cup of coffee in front of Cagalli along with a slice of chocolate cake.

"As usual. Those old hags don't know when to give up. Seriously, business deals would be easier if they retire already." Cagalli took a bite of her chocolate cake. "By the way, thank you for the coffee yesterday. I think that blend is my new favorite! What beans did you use?"

The two coffee aficionados would usually talk about coffee that can take hours with the occasional throwing of everyday life questions. "Oh my, you're talking about coffee, again?" A black haired woman appeared beside Andrew and gave both of them an incredulous look, "I can't believe you two can talk about the same topic again and again." The woman sighed and then leaned on the counter.

"Aisha, it's not like that. I'm asking him about his new blend. It's my new favorite!" Cagalli said cheerfully, Aisha nodded sarcastically.

Aisha is Andrew's wife. They had the coffee shop built months after their marriage to kind of merge their likes together, coffee and pastries. So far, their business has been blooming and more people came in to taste Andrew's new brews and Aisha's delectable pastries and cakes. Cagalli, and Daniel, became loyal customers.

"Oh by the way, Aisha, Daniel wants a jar of oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip ones too. That boy's beginning to be a sweet tooth like me." Cagalli sighed.

"You're rubbing off on him, Cagalli. I wouldn't be surprised if both of you develop diabetes." Aisha frankly replied, "I'm just going to prepare Daniel's order, okay?" Cagalli nodded and Aisha went back to the kitchen on the back part of the café.

"You know, Cagalli—"Andrew was cut off when they heard the bell rang. Both Cagalli and Andrew looked at the door. Andrew smiled cheerfully seeing that he gained a new customer, while Cagalli was shocked. God, why do you have to do this to me?

"Good afternoon, lad! Anything you want?" Andrew asked happily while the newcomer smiled back at him as he approached the counter. "Actually, I don't know. I'm kind of new here. Surprise me?" Andrew nodded and said a brief "of course," then going back to the coffee machines.

The newcomer sat on a stool in front of the counter, a few seats away from Cagalli. He looked around the cozy café, it feels homey and the aroma of caffeine draws him deeper. He didn't like coffee that much but he accidentally eavesdropped on one of his students earlier saying that this café is one of the best in Orb, that his mother would be there. The latter information perked him up and decided to drop by the café after work, the shop is actually near his place anyways.

He wanted to see her, or at least talk to her even though he knows that she's already taken, he wants to talk to her, as a friend. There is an invisible thing drawing him closer to this particular girl and he doesn't have any idea what it is. Great, Athrun Zala, you've officially become a stalker. Sure enough when he went inside, he immediately saw the blond girl he has been looking for all day.

"Here's your coffee, lad! The best in the house!" Andrew placed the mug filled with the steaming black liquid in front of him and the man said a quick thanks. "Are you new here? I haven't seen you around." Andrew asked the newcomer.

"Yes, actually, I just moved here last week. I've heard that your coffee is one of the best in Orb so I decided to drop by." Ha! Liar! You're here for Cagalli! Athrun looked sideways and spotted the blond girl a few seats away from him, indulging in her own cup of coffee and cake.

"So, lad, where have you come from? I'm sure you're not a local." Andrew said while wiping some of the newly washed coffee mugs. "I'm from PLANTS. I came here to teach."

"Really? You look like an actor or a pop idol or something; you're too handsome to be a teacher." Andrew chuckled and Athrun choked a bit on his coffee. "So, where do you teach, lad?"

"I teach at Orb International School, primary level. Science and Mathematics" Athrun said with a smile. Andrew looked at the other costumer by the other end of the counter, "Hey Cagalli, Daniel goes to Orb International, right?"

It was Cagalli's time to choke on her coffee. She didn't want to be involved in the conversation Andrew and Athrun are having. She planned to go away as quickly as possible when Aisha arrives with Daniel's order. Composing herself, Cagalli nodded.

"Why suddenly so quiet, lass?" Andrew looked at Cagalli looking as if the half-finished cake slice was more interesting. "Anyways, you see, Cagalli here, one of my most loyal customers, has a son who goes to Orb International. If I'm correct, he's already in primary school now."

"Daniel, am I right?" Athrun put on a thinking gesture. "I think he has a class under my supervision. Blond hair, green eyes, right?" Athrun smiled, I'm getting good on saying half-truths, way to go, Athrun, way to go. "He's one bright kid and a thriving heartthrob."

Cagalli looked up from her cake and seemed suddenly interested; of course, she didn't look at the other side of the counter, where both men were located. She flipped out her phone as to look preoccupied but actually, she's listening on the current conversation.

Both men were chuckling when Aisha suddenly appeared with a paper bag in one hand. "Why are you guys laughing?" She noticed the blue haired man laughing with Andrew. "Hello there. First timer, am I right?" Athrun nodded. "Well, you boys enjoy your talk. I need to give this to Cagalli."

Aisha walked to the other side of the counter, Cagalli finishing her cake and coffee. "Cagalli, here's Daniel's order. And please, control both of your sugar intakes, okay?" Aisha said thoughtfully while placing the bulky paper bag in front of Cagalli. "You know where to pay." Aisha smiled and left her alone. The older woman was fixing herself some coffee. Cagalli looked at her cellphone for the time, 5:45 PM. Well, this is it. I don't care why Athrun's here, I'm just going there to pay.

Cagalli sat up from her seat and went to the other side of the counter, where Andrew is. "Hey, Andy, I'm paying now." Athrun was surprised to see Cagalli near him, an arm's length from him. Probably, he was just too distracted by the conversation he and Andrew are having that he didn't recognize Cagalli move.

Andrew and Cagalli moved to the part of the counter where the cash register is and then she handed him a bill. "Are you sure you don't have anything more to buy?" Andrew asked before punching in the items Cagalli bought. The blond shook her head in response. While Andrew was busy manning the cash register, Cagalli's cellphone rang and she looked at it. She got a text message.

Hey Cagalli! I just got back from PLANTS, I want to see you and Daniel, and I'll be going to your mansion later. I missed you.

Cagalli smiled sincerely, she suddenly felt warm. "Hey, Watfield, faster! I need to go home!" Even though a bit demanding there was a different twinkle in her eyes that Andrew caught.

"Why suddenly in a hurry?" Andrew smirked, "Your boyfriend here already?" The older man teased as he gave Cagalli's change and receipt. Cagalli blushed, Andrew laughed, and well, Athrun almost choked again on his coffee.

"Ah. The power of love! Have a nice night, Cagalli. Bring him here again sometime." Andrew ruffled Cagalli's hair. "Go now, Cagalli."

"Bye Andrew, bye Aisha!" Cagalli bade goodbye to them, however, she somewhat forgot that Athrun was there. Well, who cares, he's back.

He is back.

End of Chapter 4