Chapter 4:

These days…

- - - - - - - - -

She looked up at the clear sky. The heat was extraordinary and she found it all ironic. Yesterday, it was raining as if the whole world was intended to be flooded and now, the scourging heat took its place.

She had her things packed then. It was a Friday afternoon…and the bell just rang. Frankly, they just had a long quiz on chemistry that her mind still stood reminiscent of the bloody ordeal. She vaguely remembered her answers but was certain she'd somehow suffice with an easy A on it. Any lower than that would only mean one thing: grounded. Being the daughter of a businessman proved exhausting. She had to get straight A's on all her tests…all of those.

"Ms. Vocals…." Came a voice of teasing.

Unaware of the eyes that stared at her for a while, she almost lost her balance on her seat as she quickly hit the table with an opened palm to hold her ground…well, with a resounding THUG in the process.

"Sher! What do you think you're doing?" she reprimanded as she instantly arranged her creased uniform. She then stood up from her seat and grabbed her bag, walking out of the room right after. Sher would eventually follow her lead as what she usually does in the end of their classes.

"Now my image is tainted…" the pink-haired whispered after the unlikely "hitting-the-desk" scene which very well caught the attention of those left in the room.

"Sorry about that. You're spacing out a while ago…so I just thought of waking you up from your reverie. You should thank me even, I deserve it and you know it." Still into the same mood, the other girl grinned, finding her way just beside Lacus.

"Thank you then…"

"You're welcome."

Sher really acted the way she was known to…obviously a hint of sarcasm was in Lacus' tone yet the auburn haired simply ignored it. Quite a friend she was.

The weekend sound promising. This was the only time all students really got the knack to relax. But then, once out the vicinity of the school, the two were welcomed by a waiting car…a familiar waiting car.

The driver's door opened as a blue-haired man stepped out, standing tall once outside as he wore his favorite eyeglass.

The two weren't alone then as other students walking in the same direction – well, it was the entrance and exit of the entire high school – saw him and his Benz. He took his glasses off and clipped it on his shirt…wearing a jacket over it matched with cocky black pants, he walked towards the two girls.

"Athrun Zala of Destiny's here?" squirmed a student as the others formed a somewhat barricade of a fuss over him. And this was no wonder, he was a celebrity after all…and who doesn't love celebrities?

Once standing next to them, Athrun took hold of both Lacus' and Sher's things with a hand as the other lay idly on his side.

"Mr. Zala…" came Lacus' somewhat hesitant voice with some others coming from the students around them in the background. Sher really was blushing hard at this unexpected scene he put up.

"Ready for your first day?" he asked.

"Don't I get to rest this weekend?"

Different eyes stared at them as if they were heroes of their favorite television shows. The three noticed this as Athrun raised an arm towards his car.

"Let's talk about this inside."

With a nod from both girls, they then walked towards the car…of course, with the bystanders crowding them, mostly ladies – making it hard to reach the said vehicle.

"Sorry ladies…I got to get going now." Came Athrun's calming voice as the two entered the car already, leaving him alone outside.

"I love you Destiny!" shouted a daring fan as a posters of their band were suddenly put up for all eyes to see. All the other students came in tow as they too shouted and professed their dire admiration for the said band.

With both hands up in level of his shoulders, he smiled at everyone as he slowly took steps backward.

"Well, thank you and please keep on supporting Destiny. On behalf of the band, I'd say this won't be the last time you'll see our members here…"

Quickly, he opened his side of the door as he immediately stepped inside. Once there, slowly he sped off, careful not to bump in any obsessed fan of theirs.

"Whew…that was close." He sighed in relief as he wore his shades once more. Lacus sat beside him and Sher found her way on the back seat.

"And as for your question earlier, I don't think you should be relaxing right now or over this weekend."

"And why is that?" came the unanimous tune of both Lacus and Sher as he slightly chuckled.

"Simply because you'd meet the executives on Monday afternoon. And you don't want to fail on that one."

- - - - - - - - -

"Kira, you have to cooperate!"

The said man had his back on them with his still wet hair being dried. Rye stood by the door, staring at the outside though fully aware of what was taking place. Cagalli had both her palms flat on his desk with her slumped figure. Her brows were creased as her eyes looked the fierier.

"Why are you so stubborn!" she again shouted as the redhead cleared his ear with a finger, obviously not wanting any more of the shouts in that small of a room.

"Hey Cagalli…would you mind lowering it down? It's getting a little disturbing." Said Rye as he looked on at her back.

"Well, I'd love to but this is the only way this brother of mine would listen to me." Darting her eyes on him, the red haired swallowed hard as he quickly turned away whispering a "do your best" line. There was something about Cagalli that was quite acceptable as sweet and caring but then, it was an ultimately different thing if it was an angry and obviously infuriated Cagalli.

"…if stares could kill, I swore I'd be dead the minute our eyes met…" thought Rye as he kept his mouth shut all throughout.

Focusing her attention once more on the brown-haired, she continued on her clamoring…all with a high pitched, eardrum-breaking tone.

"All I ask of you is that you agree on having Lacus in the band for formality's sake. Come Monday, she'd be scrutinized hard by all managers with all their labels, not to mention our publicists, producers, and close-call advertisers. So please, I ask you one thing…speak well of her if you're asked anything about her."

He then stood up and moved towards the door.

"If she fails, we fail. You know that, don't you?" in a somewhat calmer tune, she again spoke.

Rye blocked his way as he stood there, waiting to be allowed to pass through.

"Kira, she's dead!" she then blurted out in a seemingly desperate attempt to convince him. His eyes widened as Rye flinched a little.

And in a somewhat bitter tone, with eyes that were subtle, he looked at Cagalli who by then had turned to face him.

"I know."

He then forced his way as Rye gave in…letting him out. The only sound heard after was the soft clicking of the then-closed door.

- - - - - - - - -

He initially thought of simply dashing to his destination by foot but then, even with that, the pain all those memories brought and the clash with reality both were hard to bear that even walking would prove ineffective and irrational.

By the time he reached the ground floor, he went through the back door and towards the uneasy and heated atmosphere of the parking spaces.

And it was at that time that he caught sight of Athrun's figure, waving back from his car as two girls stepped out.

He didn't know why or how it happened…he simply stood there – looking at her…she who donned a long pink hair.

She turned and saw him. Her face was expressionless then as their eyes met. His heart…it somehow skipped a beat as he decided to go…walking towards his ride.

Sher turned too and looked oddly at her friend. Lacus somehow had her gaze affixed on something…or was it someone as Sher's gaze caught a glimpse of a certain brown-haired.

"Lacus?" she said, putting a hand on the said girl's shoulder.

"Are you okay?" she inquired further.

The pink-haired then looked at her friend.

"A while ago…no…don't mind me, I'm all right." She replied as she took a step forward.

She initially thought of saying what she really wanted. That moment, when their eyes locked on each other, she felt something. His eyes…his purple eyes looked somewhat sad. And that – that somehow affected her in a way she didn't quite understand.

- - - - - - - - -

Verdant.

The wide expanse looked somewhat enticing to relax as the warm breeze became cool to the touch. The orange hues from the fading horizon proved a worthy sight for the wearied eyes.

The once blue sky turned grayish and pale as the sun's radiance slowly disappeared…along with the untainted white clouds.

But then, the scene itself was somewhat intoxicating and the mood seemingly adrift and shifting from gay to saddening.

It was always like this yet it was more felt in a place where he laid his body against the grass…with structures of stones which stood still.

Soft rustles of footsteps came softly…then loudly as it neared his solitary figure. His then closed eyes fluttered open as he took a look at the person whose shadow strayed to his direction. His eyes momentarily shifted on the silver object that lay on his neck.

The said "unwelcomed" visitor took a seat next to him…a considerable number of steps away. In all this, the brown-haired kept his gaze on him.

"I didn't expect you to be here." Came the voice of the newly-entered man as he set his eyes off towards the expanse.

- - - - - - - - -

Huffing and obviously weary with her knees somewhat trembling, she straightened her back and looked on opposite directions. She had just then received information that a certain motorcycle sped off from the building but towards where she was not given any further information on.

It was already late afternoon and there she stood seemingly aghast from the long run on the stairs. Many people passed her by in this side street as she stood right in front of the building's entrance.

Her blonde hair swaying softly with the wind, she then walked towards the lined border of the road and the sidewalk as she waved a hand signaling for a public vehicle to halt. Unfortunately for her, she didn't get much luck in catching a cab this particular day…which eventually turned her already frustrated day more…frustrating.

Just then, a dark colored Benz pulled up right next to her. A car whose owner was all too familiar to her.

The window pane slowly pulled down as the figure of a man came in view. His green eyes then turned to look at her.

"Hey…need a ride?"

- - - - - - - - -

His purple eyes momentarily shifted towards the then setting sun as his hands lay on both his side. His stance was like that of someone taking a nap.

"Why are you here? Does this mean you're ready to let go?" his red hair was then caressed by the same knowing wind.

"I won't go to that place." His voice was certain as his brown tresses followed the direction of the wind. His hands were clasped and his eyes – determined.

"What are you saying? That's the least we could do for her…visit her." Argued a blue haired but the said man was quick in his response, as he turned and went towards the door.

Kira then straightened his back as he sat up and looked at the tombstone that lay before them.

"I remember you vowing not to come here. What made you change your mind?" Rye then looked at the same sight.

"To say farewell..." came the other's voice as he stood up and approached it.

Then, inches away, he knelt before it as he lifted a hand and touched the rough stone…allowing his fingers to linger on the smoothened engravings.

After paying his final respects, he stood up once more but remained as he was…simply gazing at that structure.

"Rika…" his voice was soft, his eyes – tender. He spoke some more words but those which would be left unheard by any other ear as he kept his eyes closed all throughout.

In all these, Rye simply looked on. Kira then turned and stared at him for a while. He started to walk towards the uphill, passing Rye as silently as he lay on the grass before he came.

And as he rode on his bike and held his helmet by the hand, he looked once more at the redhead.

"Not that it matters, still, let me ask you one thing…"

Rye faced him. His eyes on the object around the said redhead's neck.

"Did you love her…as much as she did you?"

- - - - - - - - -

The car drove smoothly against the cemented road as the view of the continuously darkening sky came in. Cagalli gazed on the outside, her ears being entertained by the faint sounds of chords from the radio.

"Tell me again…"

She then looked at the one seated beside her, whose eyes remained on the road.

"…why are we looking for Kira?"

"We…earlier we had an argument and he walked out." Came her swift answer as if she was rushing and avoiding the topic.

She then returned her eyes on her side.

"Oh, is that so? It's not like Kira to simply walk out. It must be something that really pissed him off."

She then stole a glance at the side of his face. And as she returned her sight on the same view, she noticed that his car began to turn on a corner…which of course, surprised her.

"Hey!" she then blurted out as she faced him again. Athrun simply smiled as he continued to steer the vehicle.

"You won't mind if we stop our search for a while?" he then said as the vehicle slowly turned to a stop.

"What?"

Athrun then pulled up and parked the car. And as soon as the engine silenced, he turned to his side and looked at a still questioning, and possibly objecting, Cagalli.

"I'm hungry…it's all right to grab a snack, right?"

He wore this expression on his face that either teases or was just stating a fact.

She sighed heavily as she opened the door on her side but as she was about to stand up, the blue-haired caught a grip on her wrist.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Where else? There's nothing I can do about your grumbling stomach now, is there?"

She then stepped out.

- - - - - - - - - -

A wind passed…the silver chains dangled on Rye's neck as his eyes widened and his heart beat.

"I'll probably give this to the one I'll love. To make sure he'll be safe at all times…" Rika then gazed lovingly at the necklace she wore as Kira sat beside her, thinking of something as he too had his gaze on the same object.

A smile graced his lips as his red hair stood still.

"Almost two years now…I've been dead…that long." His response echoed clear as Kira looked on at the now-dark sky.

Kira then wore his helmet and started his bike.

"And Kira…"

The said man then turned to look at him.

"Sometimes, we sacrifice and let the thing before us pass. Other times, we take the risk and take the step forward. But then, there will come a rare time when we risk and sacrifice at the same time. Still, we'll never know lest we try, won't we?"

His words were serious as Kira smiled at the statement. He then sped off with the evening wind caressing his being.

"As promised…" Rye went near the same tombstone.

"…I kept my word."

- - - - - - - - -

Athrun placed the tray over the table and took a seat opposite her. Once there, he then served his order for them as he removed the same tray and placed it over another emptied table nearby.

"Let's eat." He then said as he took his burger and bit it with much enthusiasm. He really appeared hungry as what he claimed. Cagalli on the other hand didn't touch her food as she simply stared at the window – gazing on the outside.

The blue-haired noticed this as he too took a glance on the same sight.

"You're not enjoying yourself…" gripping the soda, he drank as he shifted his gaze on the one before him.

Her amber eyes turned at him while he continued to grumble on his serving.

"I'm not as hungry as you are."

"Still…"

"What?" with her voice slightly increasing its pitch, she eyed him more.

"…still, you're hungry. So I suggest you finish it up. There're lots of starving people outside and who'd die to take a bite of your food."

Ignoring his remark, she once more turned her attention on her side. She could hear him sip from his drink and make all those noises while he ate. And it was somewhat irritating considering that they should be out searching for her brother.

A few more minutes passed. She then turned to look at her companion who by then had just been finishing his drink.

"You're done…good. Then let's go." She then spoke not as a question but more as a command. She stood up from her seat and motioned her body towards the door. By that time, no one else was around.

"It's rare…" his voice turned serious as he too stood up and grabbed the untouched burger and soda, placing both on a bag. He walked towards her. She stopped.

"…it's been so long since we've done this. And I was hoping it would be of importance to you as it had been to me." Whispering, he then walked on…passing her somewhat frozen figure by the door.

She watched as he entered his car and started it up. She stood there watching him inside. It struck her…his words. He was right. It was now unlikely that they'd spend time together and though eating in a fast food and not some classy restaurant, still, she was there with him. It may have been harsh but she did ignore this occasion. And she new she was insensitive at that, blinded by her causes and goals.

"Hey Cagalli…I thought you're in a hurry? Come on…we haven't got all day." He then called out with the window pane down. He was his usual self then as the traces of his seriousness faded.

- - - - - - - - -

He took off his helmet as soon as he parked his bike by the space. He then placed it over and locked it behind as he alighted the vehicle. Once standing on foot, he ruffled his hair and took a breather. It was almost past six then and it took him a full hour to get back.

Somehow, he knew Cagalli was worried about him and his well-being. Staking off like that would more than likely get her on her feet and dash to his possible whereabouts. Still, he was hoping to find her in the place where he left her.

He then took with him a brown bag of burger and fries. He had earlier eaten his meal and so, he figured Cagalli might be too hungry to function well. A take-out would do…it must if he still wished to be in speaking terms with his twin.

He waited patiently as all numbers ascended in the screen. Standing still with his back against the wall, he couldn't help but rethink his actions all over. Particularly the proposal of his sister about a certain pink-haired. A bell rang as both doors fluttered open. He then walked forward with the same elevator doors closing behind.

Carrying the bag in one hand, he walked along the familiar hallway. But as soon as he got into his office, he saw no one. Funny. Rye was there with her that time when he left, but he didn't even ask him about the matter.

And as he scratched the back of his head, he turned to leave the room. Now, where would he go next?

He was about to take a step further when a faint sound of voice echoed…

His eyes momentarily widened as he turned towards the place where it came from.

That voice…

Images of a dark haired girl with clear brown eyes came in mind.

He then motioned his feet towards the other hallways and corridors, keeping his ears open and his senses keen. Not far from where his office stood was their practice studio. And from there, the voice came pouring forth. It was a beautiful melody…one which he thought was like that from someone he knew.

Softly and cautiously, the door slid open with his fingers on its side. His velvet eyes looked further and as soon as the door made a thumping sound, the same voice stopped its singing.

There, in the middle she stood. The microphone amidst her grasp as her blue eyes looked on at his figure.

No words poured from either the two's mouths as they stood their grounds, each looking at one another's still figures.

- - - - - - - - -

They were currently traversing through the side road overlooking the wide ocean expanse. Barely an hours drive led the two here as they kept their search for the said man.

And perhaps it was also an uneventful day as slowly, the vehicle turned to a halt. A beeping sound echoed loudly in its monotonous tone as an orange light accompanied the visual representation of such an ominous weird sound.

"What's that? Why did we stop?" came Cagalli's voice whose focus turned on the blue-haired.

The said man sighed as he never left his gaze on the monitor.

"Darn it…" cursed him as he looked at Cagalli.

"What?"

"I guess I forgot to fuel up…" with all honesty and in obvious sweaty stance, he spoke as he swallowed hard.

"What did you say?!"

Her shout resounded throughout the area.

- - - - - - - - -

Lacus came to her senses as she bowed her head, paying her respect to someone older. She would want to say something but as soon as her eyes locked on with his, she found herself speechless. His face wore that of momentary shock and nothing more. He wasn't even moving an inch since he came in.

"Mr. Yamato?" came her inquiring voice, taking the initiative to speak and break the seemingly spell bound man.

With her call, he blinked. A if not knowing how he got there, he scratched the back of his head. His eyes nonchalantly staring at anything else other than the lady.

She took the step forward and cautiously approached him. Until this day, the memory of how they clashed remained fresh in her memory. This Yamato was the impulsive one whose words could pierce right through anyone. And admittedly, she feared what he might be there to tell her. There must be a reason why he stood there at that door.

"Is there…" gathering up her courage, she breathed hard.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Yamato?" she was able to say as she stood a couple of steps away.

He then looked at her, his hand down on his side.

"That song…"

"What?"

"What's the title?"

"What was the title of the song you were singing?" she then asked, as if conversing with a long time friend.

She didn't understand but as he asked, the scene when she first met Cagalli raced through her mind.

She still felt the intense heat created by his stares. He might not know how uncomfortable it was for her to be stared upon like that.

"Wind's Bliss." She replied with her eyes darted away.

As if sparing her from further tension, he then walked towards the audience seats and took one for himself. As he sat, he placed the brown bag on an adjacent seat with his gaze never leaving her figure.

She turned at once and in time, caught sight of him. They were alone then as Sher bought some fast food which would very well provide for their dinner.

Still, she had no idea of his intentions. Why was he there in the first place when everyone seemed to leave her by herself?

"On Monday…"

Shaking her thoughts, she again had her eyes on his calm figure.

"At least twenty people will come here by invitation to formally test your skills." His eyes shut as his voice unwavered.

"It had been a tradition – a practice – a custom, whatever you call it. Out of respect for the elders and those who've helped a band start up, these strangers ought to know every single detail this band has." Slowly his eyes opened, revealing his violet irises.

"I told you once to fully get into the band, you'll need the consent of those concerned. These people who'll come on Monday also are among those whose consent you needed."

"Why are you saying these to me?" she then spoke after his litany of information which frankly did somehow shake her thoughts.

He then lifted a leg and laid it over another…seemingly in a cross-legged stance by the chair.

"Desire, dream, destiny. All those words seemed attractive and promising. You're lucky you got here in the first place. But…" in a sharp note, he looked at her.

"…you'll have to show them truly how far you can go to stay where you are now."

Lacus looked down on the ground she stood.

"What do you mean?" she asked in a tone slightly above a whisper.

"I like the song you just sang. With that piece, you might just win their favor."

"Mr. Yamato…"

"Ms. Clyne, let me ask you one thing…"

"Huh?"

He then jolted up his seat as he approached her whose feet seemed to be glued to where she stood.

"Do you really want to be this band's vocalist?"

Standing a few inches from her, he had his head in level with hers. She could feel his breathing in such a close proximity.

She couldn't speak but managed to say her answer with a nod.

"Then, you'll have to follow all that I say now on." He then straightened his back and took a couple of steps away, his destination being the stage. Once there, he turned the microphone on as an echo sounded. With a little tap on it, it appeared that the one thing missing was a singer.

It was at this moment that he looked at her direction.

"Show me."

Her gaze remained affixed on his.

"Sing me a song as if it contained your desire to prove your worth."

- - - - - - - - -

Laying his phone down, he then leaned against the side of his car's door. His head resting on its roof as a girl his age stood beside him.

"Kira's at the building. The staff there called me just now."

He had his eyes on her then as she had hers on the ocean right below the cliff where the road lay.

The sidelights of the car kept on blinking as the soft sound of music strands from the radio played on.

"I also called for help. A cab would be here and get us out. Similarly, a tow truck is headed this way for my Benz." He said, appearing as though he's been conversing with himself as Cagalli didn't look interested in each word he spoke.

He sighed. His blue tresses being caressed by a gentle breeze. The post light nearby was the only source of light and warmth in such a cool part of the day.

"What made you think Kira would be here in the first place?"

"Because…" finally, she spoke but her eyes never left the sight before.

"…every time he's down and ganged upon, he'd come to the sea and cry his heart out. The crashing waves being his sole guardian. That's why I thought he would've been here."

His eyes momentarily shifted on her figure as instantly as they returned to the sky above.

"You care about him a lot, don't you?" he then replied, as though everything was a fact.

She turned to look at him.

"Of course. He's the only brother I got."

"And what could've caused him to get pissed off at you like that?"

"Things…just things."

He sighed.

"It's about Lacus isn't it?"

She immediately looked at him and the expression he wore. The subject being her was not the one she would love to delve into as of this moment.

"You really want her in the band, don't you?" he asked as though the matter should be taken lightly.

"I do…don't you?" it was her turn to throw him the same question.

The fondness he showed every time Lacus was around…it was different. His stares, his genuine care, his smiles…all seemed distant from what he usually shows everyone.

"As much as you do. Cagalli…may I ask you why you want her in so badly?"

It won't be considered a harm to tell him of what she truly felt about the matter. He was, after all, still a part of her life.

Breathing hard, she recalled the first time she met the pink-haired.

"I was just passing by the street yesterday afternoon. I actually intended to cross at once but then, I heard a sweet voice."

"Her voice…"

"It sounded familiar yet it was different at the same time."

He then shifted his gaze and let it on the overlooking scene.

"The first time I saw her sitting by the bench in her lone as she sang that truly unique song, I knew she was the one. I knew it in my heart. Though at first, she sounded much like…"

"Rika. I noticed it too when we first lay her in the practice studio. Is that why you got her in then?"

"Not really." Shaking her head, a slight smile graced her lips.

"Perhaps, I desperately voted to get her in because I felt she would be the one who'd help him out…." She continued with her eyes dreamy yet full of hope.

"And you're still thinking about that monkey-faced brother of yours 'til the last minute." He smirked as he stole a glance on the side of her face. She caught him in the act and even saw the funny expression he made. And then, just then, she laughed as he too shared her joy.

Silly.

They really looked silly laughing at nothing. Being held up in the middle of nowhere where no vehicle came to pass, with only the sole pole lamp as their companion, they shared a gleesome disposition like mad people…crazy yet full of genuine sheerness.

And when all these died down, the lingering silence occupied the place as both remained still, their gazes anywhere but on each other.

"So what's your reason then, Athrun? Why do you want to get her in so badly yourself?" she didn't dare look at him as she threw the same inquiry. She'd rather stare at the stoned cemented road than see him express his response.

He was about to speak himself when a taxi cab came in view. Its headlights lighting up the seemingly darkened area.

Cagalli expected an answer at least but maybe, this was not the right time to hear it. The said car pulled up next to their stranded figures as an older looking man moved the window pane down.

"Mr. Athrun Zala?" he asked as he looked at his girl companion, "And company, I assume?"

Athrun simply nodded as he opened the door for Cagalli. The said girl entered the vehicle, as Athrun first took his keys off his Benz. Another vehicle came from the opposite direction…the much-expected and waited-for truck.

- - - - - - - - - -

"It would need a little polishing but then, it would suffice for now." Kira then stood up from his seat, as he took a look at his watch. 7:30 pm, and there's still no Cagalli around. Lacus just finished doing a repeated performance of Wind's Bliss as she herself felt the weariness her body's been enduring for the longest time now.

Perhaps school and extra-curricular activities such as singing can't be mixed after all. It seemed too demanding for her frail body.

"Let's call this a day. You've done enough. " he then spoke all of a sudden, disrupting her reverie.

"But, Sher's still not here…"

Just then, a beeping sound echoed as both eyes turned to look from where it came from. Lacus rushed to her bag and took out her phone…pressing some buttons as soon as it came in view.

"So, what's that about?" inquired the brown haired as he took a brown bag which lay on a chair.

"Sher sent a message…apologizing for she had to go to an emergency…attend to an urgent matter."

"She left you." He spoke with not much sympathy in his voice.

"What?" turning her head, she caught sight of the brown-haired wearing his jacket.

"Your friend, she left you didn't she?"

"No, she didn't. You sound as though she's a culprit or something. Surely it was an urgent matter as she said so. She's my friend…and…" she began to object but Kira silenced her by placing her coat over her shoulders.

"I'll take you home. Athrun's not here to pick you up and when he's not around, expect I'll fetch you every now and then."

Without waiting for her response, he then walked out the room. There's nothing she can do about it then, as she followed soon.

- - - - - - - - - -

Reaching the basement, she looked on and searched for his car.

"What are you doing there? My bike's over here." The brown-haired called out.

"Bike?" she mumbled as she turned to where he was. True, it was a motorcycle. A black colored motorcycle with two silver exhaust pipe-looking objects on its farther end. Of course Lacus did not know much about motorcycle specifications. She's been used to the life of luxury and cars…but now, never had he ridden in a bike before or even got close to the actual thing.

"What's wrong?" asked him again as he noticed she wasn't moving an inch from where she stood. She simply swallowed hard and pretended the matter was nothing as she practically ran towards where he was.

"Wear this, and hold tight." He instructed, giving her a helmet as he rode first. Lacus did as she was told as she took a seat with legs apart on the rear.

But once there, another problem arose. She momentarily took a second to look at his back. He told her to hold tight…but hold where? She looked at her sides, hoping to see some screwed up loosened iron where she could hold onto but to her dismay, his bike had been well-crafted and manufactured with no such specifications.

She then returned her gaze on his back, thinking of the previous movies she watched not long ago. During those bike scenes, the back sitter usually holds onto the driver on his waist…and puts both his arms around the other's stomach area. But the whole thought of it made her tremble. It would appear like "hugging" the person, won't it?

And as though her worries were far from over, he then started to slowly gather some speed, which caught her pretty surprised as she desperately and immediately took hold of his jacket…both hands' fingers gripping tightly on its material.

Kira might have felt it as his bike suddenly but slowly turned to a halt. With a foot on the ground, he turned to his side and stole a glance back at him.

He sighed as he grabbed her wrist from behind and placed her arm over his waist. He then took hold of the other and did the same thing.

Once both her arms where around his body, and in place, he then looked forward. Lacus's words seemed caught behind her tongue as she simply complied and not objected to his actions.

"Now, hold on tight." He whispered as he started revving his bike again.

She had been traversing the familiar routes back and forth riding in luxurious rides yet she must admit that this was something different. And as she tightened her hold on his body, leaning hers against his, she allowed herself to be graced by the same evening air in an unlikely way.

This was her first ride on a motorcycle. The first one she spent with him.

- - - - - - - - - -

Stepping out, she removed the helmet she wore as she handed it towards Kira. He then secured it and placed it on the rear where she once sat earlier as he fixed other things.

"Come to the building tomorrow at six am. You need to rest well tonight…both your body and your voice." not clearly understood as a plead but rather a task she needed to do involuntarily, he spoke as a parting remark.

He then looked at her and somehow saw the slight gleam of questioning in her face.

"Is there anything you want to ask?"

She looked hesitant at first but when he threatened to gesture his leave, she suddenly spoke up, uncovering what's been bothering her all this while.

"Mr. Yamato…"

The said man turned and looked at her with the side of his face. His eyes on her figure.

"You still haven't told me your reason. Why are you helping me get through this? It seemed so…wrong considering that you…you didn't harbor much liking to my singing the first time. So, why?" her eyes could either look pleading or just teary as she looked on at him with all possible sincerity. Her words created a full force in them as they were uttered clearly.

He then darted his head up letting his eyes wander through the starry sky. Lifting an opened palm towards the horizon, he looked on, as if trying to grab one of those sparkling heavenly bodies.

He laid his hand by his side once more yet his eyes remained on those things above them.

"I visited an old friend today and told her about an interesting girl I met." He then shifted his gaze on the pink-haired.

"I told her this girl challenged me and told me she'd be the best vocalist our band will ever have."

"What did she say?" as if contemplating on the same matter, her voice resounded fully with the cool air taking space.

"She didn't say much…but told me not to let that girl go."

Her eyes widened as Kira locked his eyes on hers.

"But still, even if she didn't say those things, I wouldn't have it any other way either."

His bike sped off…leaving a trail of smoke as she stood by the black gates.

To be continued…

A/N: Now, this chapter's long…really long. I've decided and finally made up my mind. This will be seven chapters long, not six as what I've announced earlier. Whew! Thanks for the support on this story.