Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed Or Gundam Seed Destiny

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Two hours. That had been the time it took the sky to completely turn from blue to grey. It was also during that period of time that a certain blue haired guy got the opportunity to reflect on his recent actions.

Athrun sighed as he heard the clock strike ten o'clock. Ten o'clock; usually, it was about when she'd arrive. But he had told her to leave only a few hours ago… Had he made a mistake? No. That was a certainty. He had done that for their best, both his and hers. Others were better off not getting involved with him…

Then, why was he feeling so miserable? She had done nothing wrong, nothing to be treated in such a way. Still, he had acted like a complete jerk, so unlike the real him. He was certain that his late mother would have been disappointed in his behaviour. Where was the gentleman she had brought up?

He felt pathetic. Regret had been a feeling he had decided to erase from his heart, ever since he had been betrayed by her. Yet, at that particular moment that feeling was overwhelming. He frowned as he wondered if that had all been part of Lacus' plan, using Cagalli as a puppet to bring his old compassionate self back. Maybe, but then, he was unwilling to admit that it had worked.

He had wanted to be alone after all. So there was no point in depressing now that she was gone, no point in envisaging what could have happened if he had decided to accept her help and no point in lamenting over the fact that she now thought of him as a cold hearted bastard.

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Closing his eyes, segments of the conversation he had with Lacus came back to his mind.

"It's for an assignment, Athrun. Please, allow her to take care of you. She hasn't been able to find anyone else and if you refuse, she'll definitely be failing in my subject!"

Now that he thought about it, he was sure that Lacus had made all that up. The blonde girl had never appeared to him as the distressed type. But he had actually accepted, not for that white lie of Lacus but out of curiosity.

"Don't worry, she doesn't know about you Athrun."

He had been surprised at that. How was that even possible? He had no private life and had been used to having his every move publicized. Magazines talked about him, paparazzi stalked him and the web was full of pages dedicated to him. He even had fan clubs in remote countries he had never heard about. Then, how could someone living in the same town as him not know about his existence?

"How that's possible? Well, if you were to ask her, she'd tell you that she holds no interest for the world of finance or for idols' news! Right, persons like her do exist, Athrun. She has her own life and has no time to gossip or read about celebrities…"

That's what had picked his curiosity. He had always wondered what it'd be like to meet someone who knew nothing about him, his wealth or his status. Much to Lacus' thrill, he had therefore accepted and within three days, though he spent most of his time in his room, he had already become accustomed to her; that young and fiery blonde who never seemed to flinch at his cold façade, who never complained when he tried to keep her back, who had shown him what it was to be treated like everyone else but who had ended up leaving due to his stubbornness.

All of a sudden, his confidence about having made the right decision seemed to have weakened. But he knew that it was too late in any case. He had pushed her away and she was not coming back.

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Cagalli felt bored… and still slightly irritated but mostly bored. She had reached home a little more than two hours ago, and after taking a quick shower and a copious breakfast, she had soon realized that she had nothing to do.

Meyrin was busy with her assignment, plus her other classmates were also at the home. So, she definitely could not go there and just when she had thought of going to the restaurant to help, Kisaka had called to tell her that she was not needed there. In the end, she was left with only two options, either staying at home and getting bored to death or going out and getting drenched. Yes, it had started raining and though the second option was very alluring, she had finally opted for the first one.

So, there she was, alone in her apartment silently regretting the decision she had made. But, truth be told, that was not her only regret for that day. Thoughts of what had happened earlier that morning raced through her mind as she glanced at the envelope lying on her kitchen table.

She had opened it as soon as she had left Kira's apartment and had been surprised at its content. Some kind of letter telling her she was no longer needed was what she had been expecting, but instead she had found herself reading a very touching report.

One month's already over? It seems like I did not see the time pass thanks to Cagalli. When she first introduced herself to me and told me about the assignment, I must admit that I was a little reluctant. After all, who would trust a rebellious looking teenager?

However, looks can be deceiving and I now thank God for having accepted her help. Her presence was enough in helping to enlighten my mood. Sure, that report may be short, but she already knows that my gratitude has no end. I'll surely be missing her as well as her cooking skills. If I were to grade her, I would definitely give her an A. She deserves it.

A. Dino

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That had left her wondering why he had written such kind words about her. Maybe he was not half as bad as she had thought. Sure, she had understood the fake report was synonym to a 'goodbye-I-don't-want-to-see-you-again' note. Indeed, that guy was ingenious. Giving her that note meant that she no longer had a reason to take care of him. However, the truth was that she was not only doing this for the assignment. She had promised Lacus that she would do it.

She was now confused. Maybe she should not have left. After all, he was just acting as his usual cold self. But then, she could not have stayed either. He had made it clear that he did not want her there. She could not possibly help him if he did not want her help, right? But then -

"Stop it!" her own voice surprised her out of her thoughts. Right, it's pointless to think about all this now… She had the report written and would have a vacation free of assignment, so she should be happy.Happy? Then why am I feeling so frustrated?

Rubbing her temples, she decided to go out. Taking a stroll would probably help her to clear the mess in her head.

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Cagalli had been walking around aimlessly only to find out that her feet had brought her to the park. As expected with such weather, no one was in sight. Smiling, she lied down on a bench and breathed in. As strange as this may sound, such an atmosphere was actually relaxing for her. She closed her eyes as she allowed the rain drops to soak her completely and wash away all of her troubles…

Rain. It had always had some kind of soothing effect upon her. Hence, it was not really surprising when the lulling hums of the falling drops started to make her drift towards a peaceful nap. She would certainly have fallen asleep if not for the muffled steps she suddenly heard by her side.

"Are you alright?"

Her eyes snapped open at the sound of that voice. It couldn't be…She blinked to make sure that her eyes were not playing tricks with her mind.

"Sh-Shinn Asuka?" she stuttered.

Yes it was him. Shinn Asuka, her crush in his entire splendor. He was leaning over her and with water dripping all over his body, she could not stop herself from staring. His white t-shirt was clinging to him like a second skin, giving her a perfect view of his well toned chest. Am I dreaming?

Squatting next to her, he repeated his question and gave her the chance to notice his ruby eyes gleaming with concern. Concern? She had only been taking a nap, in the park under the rain. Okay, for a normal person that should sound weird.

"Hm, yeah, I'm fine. S-Sorry for worrying you. I was just resting a little bit," she decided to answer, while sitting up.

Seems like what she said also sounded weird for he soon sat next to her and cocking an eyebrow he finally spoke, "In the pouring rain?"

"Yes… I know, I'm pretty weird," she said, scratching her head.

She could not believe her luck. Her crush was sitting next to her and was actually worrying about her. Oh my God! If that was a dream, she did not want to wake up, ever.

"For sure, you are. And me who had thought coming to the rescue of some damsel in distress…" he grinned and she could have melted right then.

She tried to find something intelligent to say back, but it seems that her mind had stopped working. Thus, what she dreaded the most at that particular moment came true. An awkward silence came in between the both of them and she swears she could have cried when she saw him getting up. But her smile came back when he turned around and softly asked her to wait for him.

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It had started out when she had first met him, about two years ago. That had been infatuation at first sight. At that time they had both been in the same Mathematics class and she could still recall the difficulty she had had to concentrate in that class. Each time she would see him, butterflies would fill her stomach, her palms would become sweaty and her knees would turn to jelly. Still, she had never dared to confess her feelings. So, for the following year, she had contented herself with frequent glances at him, leaving him totally oblivious of the effect he had on her.

Fortunately for her, she had noticed that the other students held no interest in him. Sure, he had a hot body, awesome black hair and beautiful eyes. But surprisingly, he had been categorized as the school Loner. And since labels followed you until you completed your high school years, it seems like all the other students had definitely decided to leave him alone.

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The rain had stopped when he came back a few minutes later, with two plastic cups of coffee in his hands. Taking back the free seat next to her, he handed her one cup which she gratefully accepted.

"So, Cagalli… It's Cagalli, right? Do you do that often?"

She loved the way her name had escaped his lips… It had sounded so special. Still, she could not believe he actually knew it. Sure they had been in the same class, but that had been two years ago and they had had no contact since then. Plus, apart from him and Meyrin, she honestly could not recall any of the other students' names from that class.

"Hm, actually I'm not used to do such crazy things but I had some things on my mind and – Can I ask you about something?"

The black haired guy looked puzzled but eventually nodded, prompting her to continue.

"How do you know my name?"

Although she didn't notice it, he had stiffened at that question.

"Well, if you don't remember, we used to be in the same class," then brushing away the subject, he went on, "Anyway, can I ask what those things on your mind were?"

Though his answer was not very convincing, she had decided to let it pass.

"Hm, it's about the assignment…"

"Mrs Yamato's?"

She nodded. Never had she imagined that her first conversation ever with Shinn would have been about that stupid assignment. Still, it was better than nothing, right? Better than nothing? She could already think about what Meyrin would say when she would tell her about her lucky encounter."What? You had the opportunity to talk to him about anything and you ended up talking about the assignment?" She shuddered at the thought. She was certain of receiving a smack on her head later on.

"Yeah, I, kind of, got fired by the one I was taking care of…"

"Really?"

She was relieved to see that he looked interested in whatever she was saying, and even more so to realize that she was actually feeling comfortable around him.

"He clearly told me to go away," was her reply, with a little more confidence in her voice.

"Do you want to know a secret?" he leaned closer to her and she had to fight not to squeal. "When a guy asks you to go away, he usually wants you stay. It's like a test to see whether you'd do it or not."

She gulped. Oh my God! He was so close that she could even feel his breath on her skin. Okay, you need to calm down. Breathe in and out, in and out…It was only then that his words hit her. Wait! Had it all been a test? Remembering Dino's expression when he had told her to go away, she was certain that it had been for real. But what if-

"Are you sure of what you're saying?" she asked roughly.

"I think you gave up too soon, but that's only my opinion."

Her smile was quickly replaced by a solemn expression. She had overreacted that morning, saying things she shouldn't have and she had probably ended up hurting Dino too.

"I'm terrible," and getting up, she continued, "Thanks for the coffee, and for everything, but I've got to go and mend some things up."

"I was happy to help," he said giving her another one of his killer grins.

Allowing her gaze to linger a few more seconds on him, she silently cursed that damn assignment, as she turned around and took a sprint towards her apartment.

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Choosing between giving up on her sense of responsibility or on her pride was what Cagalli had been trying to do for the past few hours. After reaching her apartment and getting a change of clothes, she had eventually made her way to the now familiar residential complex. But though she had made up her mind to go back to him and apologize after the talk with Shinn, she was now having doubts. Dino also had his share of responsibility in that argument. Why should she be the one to make the first move?

That had left her wondering whether to enter or not. She still had the keys but she could not possibly go in and make as if nothing had happened… Argh! To hell with my pride! Turning the door knob, she got in the apartment.

Phew! The coast was clear. Alright! Now, she'd just have to prepare something for him to eat, clean up here and there, and leave without him ever noticing her presence. This way, she would not have to apologize and would not have to feel guilty either. Perfect!

She was about to do what she had planned when she suddenly heard the creaking sound of a door. Apparently, Dino had just left his room, for when she turned round, she came face to face with him. Oh no! My plan should have worked. Why did he come out of his room?

"I – "

"What are you doing here?"

As expected! Being cut by him was something she had grown familiar with. Still, she noticed that his voice was unnaturally un-cold… Weird!

"Hm, I came to prepare dinner."

Right, she'd only have to make as if nothing had happened and hopefully, that plan would be better than the first!

He said nothing, but stared at her for half a minute or so before turning back and wheeling himself to his room. However, unnoticed by her had been the huge smile he was wearing on his usual stoic face as he had turned back…

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"Do you want to stay?"

She could not have heard that right. No, that would definitely make no sense…

"I'm sorry?" It was safer for her to ask him to repeat what he had just said.

At that, he looked flustered and she wondered why. Clearing his throat, he asked the question once again, adding a little more information for her to understand clearly what he had meant.

"Hm, do you want to stay and share the meal with me? You always prepare dinner in excess and I don't like food to go to waste."

He doesn't like food to go to waste? What the hell? Was that his way of acting kind? Though she would have loved to refuse, it seems like her tongue slipped, making a yes escape her lips. Damn.

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Alex had got out of his room just as she had been leaving and had called for her to wait.Sigh. I should just have ignored him! But no, she had unfortunately turned back and to her surprised, had been invited to join him for dinner. And to say that she was now feeling ill at ease would be an understatement.

Sure, having someone staring at her while eating could not possibly make her comfortable. But the worst was that he had not even attempted to start a conversation with her. He only kept staring at her as if she had something on her face. Maybe I really have something on my face!She suddenly felt all self conscious and would have asked him when he suddenly spoke.

"Why did you come back?"

For once, she noticed that his voice was filled with something else than coldness; curiosity.

"What if I told you that I was missing you?" she decided to answer.

"Seems like you're pretty sarcastic today."

"And it seems like you're pretty talkative today!"

At that, he had to chuckle. Oh my God! He's laughed? Whoa! Yet another thing she could not bring herself to believe that day. The ice prince had actually laughed at her joke and hearing that sound was actually enjoyable to her ears, well, far more than his constant 'go aways'. Plus, he looked damn hot when he was not acting as his cold self.

"Hm, I'd like to… Well, I'm s-sorry for this morning…"

Yet another miracle! Maybe she was still in a dream. Had he really just apologized? That day which had started out all crappy was becoming more and more pleasant. But she was not going to accept his apology that easily.Hehe!

"I'm going to consider whether or not I'll accept your apology after tomorrow… But you'll have to do some things for me…"

Was she pushing it a little too far? Maybe, but she had declared that day as her lucky day and surely her luck would not be running out before midnight!

Confusion was written all over his face, but he still nodded. Yes!

"Okay, then, I'll be seeing you tomorrow," she said while getting up.

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She actually left the apartment some fifteen minutes later, after having cleared the table and washed the dishes and though she ended up getting home a little later than usual, the juice had been worth the squeeze. Maybe it came from her meeting with Shinn, or from Dino's apology, or from the sweet revenge she'd have the next day, but she was happy, like, in extremely happy.

Hence, she was smiling all goofily when she got in bed that night, expecting to be dreaming of her prince charming, Shinn Asuka. Yet, that night, her dreams were all occupied by another one; the blue haired ice prince who had shockingly got a little warmer that day.

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Chapter 4 up after two long weeks! I'd like to apologize to all my readers who've been waiting for me to update. Sorry, Désolé, Gomen!! I've been super busy and I had really wanted to update earlier.

Anyway, i'd also like to thank all those who've read or/and reviewed the last chapter! You rock guys!!

dinah: thank you for the review and sorry for the wait!

Well then, I hope you enjoyed that chapter. If you found it boring or rushed or you actually thought that it sucked, please tell me. Truth may hurt, but i'll be happy to know.