A/N: Well a little romancing here first, to add to the tension of course :)
Chapter 4: A twist of luck
The day was long, they still had morning and afternoon classes before they were released for preparation of the ball in the evening. The atmosphere was constant throughout the class, no one was paying any attention to what the teacher was saying and many teachers, noticing, gave up teaching and let the students did whatever they wanted to do.
Athrun's was completely lost in his own world. He was picturing Cagalli in a long, silk evening gown which captivated everyone. He, Athrun, would be the one would be walking alongside the gorgeous Cagalli, and the very thought of this had kept his spirits up for the past few days. He had been the apple of envy of his classmates and he felt that it was as they had described to be, "a twist of luck".
"Hey Athrun, what's with the dumb smile?" muttered Andy from the corner of his lips so as he would not be spotted for talking in class.
"Oh… nothing, I was just…" replied Athrun blushingly. It was after all the best thing in his life that had ever happened and he had every reason to rejoice. Thoughts immediately engulfed his mind, as this time, he recalled the encounter with Kira the day before at the dormitory basement.
"Hey Athrun," Kira shouted after him, "I heard Cagalli's asked you to REPLACE me to go to the ball with her," placing particular emphasis on the word replace.
"Yeah, " mumbled Athrun weakly as he could not think of anything else to say.
"Yeah, you better know your limits and not try to do anything funny! She's mine, YOU should know," Kira warned in an undertone as he swept off.
Athrun's gaze followed Kira's back as he walked off. Anger raged in his eyes, as he felt a strong urge to shout back at Kira, to punch him in the stomach till he could not get up, ever. He, Athrun, was never going to lose…
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"Cagalli!" Fllay called out. "Which dress do you think I should wear this evening for the ball?" she said as she pointed to the three dresses, red, violet and black, lying on the bed.
"Just pick anyone," replied Cagalli casually. She never had a problem with dressing as all her clothes fitted her slender figure flawlessly. She slid the comb through her hair smoothly, as she thought about the evening to come. Her heart was beating very quickly, the reason however, she did not know. Maybe… she thought, but left that thought trailing there as Fllay turned to sought her opinion again, this time about which necklace to pick.
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"Dearka! Where are you going, the ball's starting in an hour's time," Andy called after him.
"I am going to visit Miriallia. I promised her I'll be there tonight," Dearka replied as he headed in the direction of the hospital wing.
"What do you mean, aren't you going to the ball, what's going to happen to –"
"Just accompany her. I'm sure she won't mind, she has enough friends to get going with," Dearka cut him off as he skipped off, leaving Andy standing alone, as he made his way back to his dormitory, thinking of what to say to the presumably fuming Lacus later that evening.
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Athrun arrived at the main hall fifteen minutes before seven. He was eager not to be late on their first appointment and had been very punctual. Dressed in long black pants, and a stunning deep blue vest over his white shirt, he drew the gazes of many as he peered around anxiously, waiting for the arrival of his beloved Cagalli.
It was not long before she arrived alongside with Fllay. Athrun easily spotted her as she looked absolutely stunning in her deep purple, bare-back, evening gown which hugged her slim figure perfectly. The small diamond necklace around her neck laid daintily on her well proportioned cleavage.
"Hi Athrun," greeted Cagalli warmly, as she walked towards him, forcing Athrun to tear his gaze off her gown to greet her.
"Hi Cagalli, you look ravishing," Athrun complimented, greeting her with a warm smile.
"Thanks. I wonder if they've started, shall we go in and take a look?"
"Yeah sure," Athrun replied as they walked alongside and made their way along the grand aisle towards the ballroom. The pair turned the heads of everyone as they walked past, with clear admiration and envy of the splendid-looking pair. Athrun's heart pumped furiously as his gaze now shifted to Cagalli's dainty hand beside him.
Should I take it? Athrun debated furiously in his mind. He lifted his hand slightly as the two hands came into dangerously close distance. He was just about to take it when he withdrew it suddenly. He had remembered Kira's warning and could not muster the courage to fulfill what his mind wanted to do.
They reached the grand entrance as the sight that appeared that in front of them swept their breaths away. There was only one word to describe it – grand. The glass chandeliers hung over them, sparkling like crystals as they passed under them. The whole place was decorated elegantly with the appropriate ornaments and the atmosphere was perfect.
"Wow!" exclaimed Cagalli. She had never seen the ballroom decorated like this before.
"Yeah, its absolutely ravishing. Let's stand over there first, shall we?" Athrun said, as he gestured politely towards an unoccupied corner."
"Sure," Cagalli replied as the pair walked off elegantly.
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"Milly, I heard that you can will be discharging next week. Is that true?" Dearka asked with concern as he sat gently beside Miriallia's bed.
"Yes Dearka, I can't wait," she replied as she gave Dearka a hearty smile. However, deep in her heart, she knew she was lying. She did not want to be discharged. In fact, she had enjoyed everyday of her stay in the hospital as Dearka had not only kept his promise of visiting her daily, but also brought fruits and comics everytime he came. She looked forward to his visits as they would be able to chat non-stop for a few hours before the nurse had to chase him out. The very fact that she was going to be discharged meant that all these would be taken away from her.
"Would you like a pear?" Dearka asked, pulling out a fresh green pear from the fruit basket.
"Sure, I wouldn't –", but her thoughts were cut off at that moment. Isn't tonight the winter ball? she thought. Yeah, it IS tonight but why is Dearka here?
"Dearka, the winter ball's this evening ain't it?" questioned Miriallia.
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Don't you have an appointment?"
"Yeah, I do. But I figured out that you needed more care and after all, I did promise to come and visit you every evening, right?"
"But—", but she could not think of anything to say. Dearka had shown great concern for her, but she doubted that it was anything besides repentance but now, placing her as his top priority…does he…?
"Dearka…." Miriallia uttered weakly, as her eyes began to fill with tears.
Dearka put a finger onto her lip, cutting her off. Miriallia could see Dearka clearly as he inched towards her nearer and nearer. She could see every line on his face now as she closed her eyes in vivid anticipation.
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"And now let us all dance and celebrate in the ambience of this pale night," the headmaster declared. Melodious music sounded gently as young couples around them started to drift into gentle dancing. Athrun glanced at Cagalli, as though he was waiting for some sort of acknowledgement. But Cagalli seemed to read his mind as she smiled at him and the pair made their way to the dance floor.
"Well then, shall we?" Cagalli said elegantly.
Athrun could feel his veins threatening to burst, as his heart pumped blood to his brain at ultra speed. He steadied himself as he gently lifted his left arm, moving it to place on Cagalli's bare shoulder. His fingertips inched gradually, closer and closer…….
The sensation was overpowering, as waves of pleasure shot through his arm when he finally touched her skin. Her skin was smooth, tender and virtually flawless as Athrun gently fitted his palm into position. Cagalli was surprised at the touch too. It did not feel strange at all but was on the contrary warm and somewhat familiar. They reassured each other with a smile as they swirled gently to the harmony of the melancholic piece.
Athrun gazed with love, so pure and tender, into Cagalli's deep blue eyes. The pair maintained the intent gaze throughout the dance, as Athrun sought to enjoy what was to him, the best night of his life. Cagalli did not know why, as there was just a strange feeling inside her towards Athrun. She too, indulged in the mutual passion as Kira was at that moment, left at the back of her mind.
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A/N: Alrighty, then chapter 4 done. Ah, I had so much fun doing it. It is my longest chapter so far and I really feel a sense of satisfaction. How about you all, what do you ppl think? Please tell me about it….