Taion

"Tell me, where you with Meer yesterday?" He was half expecting her to be mad if not be in a teary state, just like how his past girlfriends would be when he did something. But in her case, she sounded so nonchalant about the matter, it was like she didn't care that he was with another girl.

Then again, she was the one who encouraged it. In fact, it was because of her why he decided to go out with Meer. Whenever she sees a girl who likes him, she'll be so quick in encouraging that girl to go out with him. The girl would of course, be hesitant at first, since after all, asking the most popular guy in campus has some looming consequences. And that includes a girlfriend. Which is her. The person who's encouraging the infatuated girl. But she would blatantly lie about it, claiming that he doesn't have a girlfriend at all. And that irritates him so much.

He can bear the fact that she wants their relationship to be kept secret. He's fine with her being all awkward when he's trying to be all sweet with her. But to come this far…

That's why he decided to go out with Meer, without telling her. After all, she doesn't mind if other girls flirt around him. But in Meer's case, she knows about his relationship with her, and she's more daring compared to her or to any of the girls he's been out with it. She's got a great body, a really interesting personality, very outgoing and knows how to party. The ideal girlfriend he always wanted. Which is the exact opposite of his girlfriend. Sometimes it makes him think why the hell did he fell in love with this girl?

"Yeah. You don't mind right?"

"Nope. It's cool. Do you like her?" He watched her back cautiously, as she climbed the steep stairs to the side walk. It's been a week since he's been going out with Meer, and he purposely cut all his connections to her. He didn't call her at home, or check on her in class. He didn't even bother to ask how she's doing. And today, it's just one of those obligatory days where he had to take her to the clinic for her weekly check up. And he didn't even bother to ask her or her doctor about her results. He wants her to be the one to take the initiative this time. He's tired of taking the first step all the time.

"Well, she's cool. Got a really hot body, interesting personality and all. So I guess yeah?"

"That's cool then. At least I know you found some one to replace me." The last sentence didn't clearly register in his mind. It wasn't until the cold rain drops began pouring down, and the revving of the black sedan made him realized what she said. She turned slowly to face him, wearing that blank smile of hers, as the black sedan pulled in.

"What are you talking about?" The cold autumn rain didn't bother him at all. It was the bitter chill from the tone of her voice that began to numb his senses.

"She's my replacement. After all, we wont be together for so long, and I'm just a burden to you. That's why I let you flirt around with other girls, so you cold find a new girl. And now that you did, I'm breaking up with you. I'm happy for you. You finally found your dream girl." His whole body froze as she turned her back. He stood there frozen, watching in mute silence as the sedan started its engine and left. His whole mind was left blank, and his entire body shaking in anxiety and the cold embrace of the autumn rain.

Later that night, he tried calling her, but her number was disconnected. Then he tried going to her house. The black sedan wasn't in the parking lot or in the garage. The light in her room was also off. He tried calling Kira, but he cant get hold of him too. The minutes tick by, and the events from earlier haunted his mind.

How can he be stupid? He always knew she was suffering from inferiority complex. She was always going about how weak she is, how flat chested or how fragile she is. Her usual rants about being her hating her special treatment, just because she is part of the great family. How she hated being so insignificant, compared to him. How she was so undeserving of someone like him.

But she was wrong. It was him who didn't deserve her. He never understood her. And he even dared to question why he was in love with her in the first place.

The next day, he broke up with Meer. Then he went straight to her classroom to find her, only to learn that she had been absent for almost a week, and she might drop out because of her recent hospitalization. Apparently going to class everyday has taken its toll on her body, and had to be admitted. The cold weather has also played a factor in her absence. Her condition might take its turn for the worst, and as a precaution, she had to withdraw from class.

As the instructor continued to explain the situation, his chest suddenly felt heavy and that image of her blank smile began to fill his mind. It was as if he was being suffocated by that image, draining him all of his might. And when the words, ' condition might take its turn for the worst' registered in, his well known 'self composed image shattered and he began crying so hard, bawling his eyes in utter disbelief and shock. Even the instructors who also admire him for his perfect standing in campus were shocked when they saw him trembling and crying.

From that day on, their relationship became known. Everybody was surprised at first, but they were able to accept their relationship easily. But she never came back to campus.

It has been a week since the filming for his new movie was cancelled. The script had to be rewritten all over again, after it failed the criteria the producers had in mind. It was too cliché and cheesy, according to the producers. And he agrees with that. The plot was just too common. A Romeo and Juliet styled love triangle set during the time of the 'Battle of Jachin Due'. Lately, there has been a great deal of love stories set around that era flooding the theaters, that it has become way too boring. He was really thankful to the producers for that, but he's still pissed. Why did those moronic producer had to wait until the filming started to have the script changed? Did they not read the script before agreeing to support it? How pathetic is that? Now he has to study a new fat ass script all over again, those bastards. And they only gave the staff 3 weeks to prepare for the filming! Assholes!

Well, he's over it now. What matters to him the most is that finally he can co-star with Stellar. Plus, according to Heine, who was behind the new script, there will be lots of kissing scenes and a possible bed scene if Stellar agrees to it. Now that's worth risking his hide.

The script arrived yesterday. Yet he was only able to give a quick look at it today. He gave it a quick scan, and so far the story's had been well improved. This time, it was about two lovers who were facing a dim future together. And it actually made him tear a little as he went over the lines, some of which were really emotional and heart breaking.

The story goes as,

'A girl meets a boy on a beach. He became interested with her as he watched her throw all the starfishes that were swept ashore by the waves. He grows more interested with her after he learns of her condition, and decided to find a cure for her, to protect the smile he liked. And in the process, he fell in love with her. He made a promise that he'll be always to protect her, that he'll never forget her, because the girl was more afraid in being forgotten that in death itself. Yet after few years, the guy got into an accident and lost all his memories, including of the girl. She lost contact with him and decided to look for him despite her condition. When she found him, she was in shock to find out of his condition. She tried to remind him of their past, but miserably failed. Feeling defeated, she decided to undergo a risky experimental surgery. But beforehand, she informed the guy about her decision, and the guy nonchalantly ignored her. As the girl was about to admit herself to the hospital, she found out about the affair of the guy's girlfriend, and decided to warn him, thus she cancelled her admittance. The guy didn't believe her; instead she was yelled at and was told never to see him again. The girl was so devastated; she had a heart attack, and was taken to the hospital. A week later, the guy found out that his girlfriend was indeed cheating on him. So he dumps his girlfriend, and decides to look for the girl. But he couldn't find her. He was informed that she was in a hospital. He went to see her only to be shocked by her current condition. She was hardly living, as the surgery had failed, and had to be intubated. She was dependent on the machines that keep her breathing and alive. When the guy saw her in this condition, he began to remember the girl and his promise. But by the time he had completely remembered it all, the girl passed away.'

Knowing it was Heine's idea, it had to be really good. That guy really has quite an awesome talent despite his weird taste for things. And this time, Heine did a really good job. Now he can be assured that this movie will top the charts.

--

It was already past four, when he realized Cagalli wasn't back yet from her etiquette school. From what he remembered, it's suppose to start at 10 am and end at 3 pm. But lately, she's been leaving quite early and gets back quite late. And the fact that she doesn't whine about having him drive her to the campus bothers him more. The school is located at the border end of Aprilius, and it'll take at least 40 minutes without traffic to get there. Commuting by the either bus or taxi will take at least an hour or so. But now, she doesn't pester him about giving her rides. At first, he thought she had found herself a carpool, which is good. But after she got back at 10 pm, he started to get suspicious. It wouldn't take her that long to get back, even if she did used the bus. And lately, she has been receiving calls more often than usual, and has been ignoring him during breakfast. This should be a good thing for him, but for some reasons, he feels bothered by it. He feels anxious every time she comes home late, and feels irritated when she talks on the phone too much. He wanted to ask her about her carpool body, but he fears that is he did, she might come up with weird conclusions. That's why tonight; he'll figure it himself. By now, he has established her pattern, and he's confident that she'll be back sometime around 8 or 9. Until then, he'll need to tend to the boxes in his study room.

It's been well off six months since they moved in the new house, and until now he hasn't had the time to organize the boxes in his study. And now that he's got the free time, he intends to deal with that matter.

Going through the boxes, he found his old records, books, and newspaper clippings of his concerts and shows. He also found some magazines that featured him on the cover and some cheap photo book of some of his outtakes. Everything seems insignificant and deemed fit to be forever stuck in the attic to gather dust. Until he found the little shoebox wrapped in rolls of tape and tied with a red string. He had to get a heavy-duty scissors to open the box because of the thick layers of tape used on the box. It was as If it wasn't supposed to be opened.

After long grueling minutes of trying to open the box, he finally breaks through. Inside the box where pictures of him and his old friends, Kira, Dearka, Heine, Lacus and the others. There were also keepsakes, such as movie and concert tickets, candy wrappers, and convention badges. And there were a peculiar little bundle of photographs tied with a red woven bracelet. It was a weird bundle of pictures, as there was holes cut through the face of one individual.

And this individual seems to be a close friend of his for in all these pictures, it was just him and this person, often posed in an embrace or were holding hands. Curiosity began to set in as he digs further, in hopes of finding this person's identity. But he found none. All of the pictures this person was in had holes on the face. All he was able to find out was this person was a girl, and had a long blonde hair, and that the red bracelet used to tie the bundle was something he and this girl both had. Could this be one of his girlfriends?

But then, how come he doesn't remember her?

And why are her pictures all had holes in them?

What happened to her?

Who is she?

He emptied the contents of the box to search for answers. And under the pile of junk, he found a handwritten letter, ripped. It was missing the top portion, and the name of the writer was ripped off too. All he could say about the letter is that a girl who had previous relationship with him wrote it.

'I've always wondered why of all people you chose to be with me. I'm not cute. I don't have big boobs like those girls you loved to ogle at. I'm weak and I might not live that long. I'm annoying and impulsive. Plus I always tried to deny our relationship and gave you a lot of trouble. I felt like I didn't deserve you. You were so perfect. Everybody looked up to you because of your accomplishments, while with me, people looks up to me because of my family, and not for who I am. I feel really insignificant.

That's why I tried to push you away. I wanted you to hate me. I wanted you to leave me and be happy with someone else. I know that I can't make you happy and that I'll just bring you problems. That's why I did what I did. But you still loved me despite all the horrible things I've done. You were still there, holding my hand. You were still there, standing by my side, assuring me that everything will be fine. And you know what, just by hearing your voice, I feel like I could believe in anything, even in the impossible. And you know what, when you said you'd never ever leave me, or forget about me, I feel like I could die from too much happiness. Just by knowing that you'll never leave me made me feel at peace. I know you don't like me talking about death, but I cant help it. I am so happy. Even though I know promises aren't suppose to be kept, I was so happy. Your promises of not ever letting go of my hand, was just too much for me….

I am so happy to be loved by you. And you know what, I could care less if I die tomorrow. As long as I know you love me, nothing else matters to me anymore. I love you so much.'

As he was nearing the end of the letter, he realized he was crying. But why? He doesn't even remember receiving this letter, much less it's writer. So why is he crying? And why does his chest hurts so much? Did this person died? Where is she now? Is she the same person in the pictures? Who is she?

The sudden rustle from downstairs interrupted his train of thoughts. Wiping his tears with his sleeve, he dashes off to check. And what he saw added to the weight inside his chest.

It was Cagalli, wrapped in the arms of Rey Za Burrel, son of Talia Gladys, the owner of the Etiquette school he enrolled her in.

"Ah, Athrun." She pushed Rey's arms off her and smiled nonchalantly at him. "Have you eaten your dinner? I brought you some baked mahi mahi from the marina restaurant Rey took me to. I know you liked fish so…Athrun?"

He walked past her, and without any warning, threw a heavy punch across Rey's face. Without giving Rey a time to recoil, he pulled Cagalli in and slammed the door close. Then he dragged her upstairs to him room and pushed her to the bed. His wrists, arm and face were full of scratches and bruise from Cagalli's efforts of freeing herself.

"Damn it Athrun, what's your problem! This isn't funny anymore! Rey's—" She tried to stand up but Athrun push her back down.

"How dare you let that swine lay his filthy hands on you?" His voice was harsh and heavy. His eyes were burning of that dangerous emotion called jealousy.

"He's not a swine! He was just comforting me! What's so --" This time he pushed her down hard, pinning her wrists with a tight grip of his hands.

"Comforting you? Why not let him inside, have him comfort you too in the bed. Am I not enough?"

"What the fuck are you talking about?? NOOOO!" A loud rip echoed through the corners of the room, as pieces of clothing fell on the floor, along with the remaining sanity that existed between them.

A/N: My Birthday treat to you guys! Yes, today is my birthday. If you live in Pacific time, it's 7/20/1513, if not then it was yesterday. And yeash! Its in 20th day of the month of July, of the year of 1513. I'm that old…XDDD

Also, I've been pretty swamped with schoolwork lately. But have no fear! Summer Sem is almost over! Regular updating will resume maybe later this August.

Ah and yes, the first part of each chapter tells about their past. The lower part talks about their present.

And lastly, Airen Maid will be put on temporary Hiatus. Why? Well, that flame suddenly shook my plot. I've forgotten about the original plot. So now I have to restart my Airen Maid brain cells and have them work their asses for a new plot. It may take a while, since they're working overtime for schoolwork so…AIREN MAID is stamped HIATUS!

To those who like my work, this is for you. And hopefully you guys will like this installment. Show me your love by review this fic! The more the merrier!

Thankies!