Chapter Six: Ballroom Romances

Athrun felt awkward as the taylor measured him. He held his arms out so she could measure them and then moved down to his legs. Cagalli walked into the room and saw his cheeks red. She giggled and sat down to watch. Athrun noticed her and averted his gaze quickly. The women moved away and went over to Cagalli who whispered something in her ear. The taylor smiled and left the room. Athrun lowered himself from the stool, still embaressed that he had to go through with that. The lady entered again with something in her arms and yanked Athrun behind the curtain. She heard him yelp and scrambled out with his shirt half off. The taylor frowned and came out with arms crossed. Athrun pulled his shirt down and saw Cagalli with an amused look, making him growl.

"Er, Athrun, she's trying to fit you," Cagalli said.

"I-I can dress myself," he stammered.

"Okay, can you give him his clothes please?"

The taylor smiled and threw them at him carelessly. Cagalli pushed him behind the curtain and turned to the women. She bowed to her politely and left without a word. Cagalli sat back down and waited for Athrun to change. She could hear him complaining to himself and giggled quietly. Athrun suddenly became quiet and walked out. He had on a pair of maroon slacks with a white collared shirt and a maroon overcoat. Cagalli stood up and smiled. She walked over to him and touched the lining of his coat and then flattened his collar neatly. It looked good on him. She wasn't sure since she had the taylor fix it up at last minute.

"Its perfect," Cagalli replied."But I'm glad she took your measurements anyway."

"Hey, so she violated me for no reason?!"

"It wasn't violating you, Athrun. Don't be such a baby."

"I'm not a baby," he pouted.

"You can change out of this for now, you won't need it for a couple of hours," Cagalli replied.

"Is that lady going to try and help me undress too?"

Cagalli rolled her eyes and laughed. She walked out of the room and headed to her's. She had the perfect dress that she planned on wearing tonight. Her taylor had been working on it for her for nearly a month. Luckily, it was ready. The time was nearing before the ball would start and as every minute passed, she grew more anxious. She was just nervous about being with Athrun at such a fancy scene. She hoped no one would treat him rudely. People liked to behave that way. Cagalli looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. She looked over to her side and saw the dress hanging up in the corner. Her heart thudded against her chest excitedly. Athrun showed himself at the door and knocked. She looked at him and smiled. He didn't see her dress as he entered the room and sat down in her chair. She brushed her hair and stared into her golden eyes. Athrun watched as she beautified herself with make-up and jewelry. The layers of make-up were put on so carefully, like a ritual. It was as if even the slightest mistake could ruin everything. When she put the last of her products down, she turned to him and smiled. She was fascinating.

Cagalli glanced nervously outside the window when she realized she was running late. Athrun stood outside by the large double doors and watched as a chariot pulled up. Lacus came out of it and walked up to him, impressed by his look. She clapped softly with a smile and went inside. She headed up the stairs and knocked on Cagalli's door. A maid opened it and let her inside. Cagalli was barely having her corset tied when she peeked out. Lacus tapped her foot and smiled at her patiently. Cagalli frowned, cursing herself for slowing everyone down.

"Lacus, you and Athrun should go on. I can't have you late to your own party."

"He can stay here to wait for you."

"No, tell him I want him to go iwth you. I'll try to hurry," Cagalli said.

"Are you sure?" Lacus hesitated.

"Of course, go on."

Lacus smiled again and went downstairs. She found Athrun still standing outside and tugged on his sleeve. He looked at her confused and then went on with her once seeing the look she had, calm and sweet. When they rode off, Athrun looked back and saw a shadow at Cagalli's window. It was strange leaving her behind even though he knew she was coming later. They rode in silence for what seemed like an hour before reaching the kingdom. Athrun gazed out his window and stared at it. Lacus climbed out of the chariot with a knight at her side. Athrun came out next and went after her into the castle. He wasn't too surprised at how big it was, he had seen many kingdoms. Lacus stopped and turned to him with a friendly smile.

"There's just a few more preparations I need to make. Can you wait in the ballroom?"

"Sure, is Cagalli coming soon?"

Lacus smiled. "Don't worry, she won't take too long."

Athrun watched as she walked away and then entered the next room. It was enormous and had bright lights shining in every direction. Guests were pouring in from a pair of opposite doors eloquently, arm in arm. Athrun stood near the wall and saw a flight of stairs opening to a second floor. A balcony stretched over onto each wall with a door at the end. It took thirty minutes before he saw Lacus coming down those stairs. The guests turned and clapped at her sight. She made a welcome speech and invited everyone to start dancing when the music started. Athrun walked over to her, seeing as she was the only familiar face he spotted. She smiled warmly and hugged him.

"Its good that you came, Cagalli is probably grateful for that."

"I haven't been to a lot of these events, usually I stay in my room."

"Well its about time that you get out of your shell then."

"I suppose," Athrun said half heartedly.

"You were expecting to come with Cagalli?"

"You could say that."

"She's so silly, always late," Lacus giggled.

Athrun smiled and imagined Cagalli examining herself relentlessly in her mirror. Most likely trying to find flaws so she could perfect herself even more. He didn't know how that was even possible though, he never saw anything wrong with her. So how was it that she did? Lacus glanced over at him, seeing the thoughtful expression. She smiled to herself and watched her guest move rhythmically. She knew that look, the look when you finally fall in love.

Meanwhile, Cagalli was still being pushed into her dress. She felt her stomach being tightened into the corset even more. The second layer of her dress was carefully pulled over her head and down to her ankles. The petticoat made it fluff out from her waist down and did the same with the other layers that were pulled over it. Cagalli slipped on her heels and went over to the mirror. She was in a midnight blue strapless dress that pulled tightly around her back. The bottom half was made of silk and had diamonds encrested into it. A diamond necklace was placed around her and she was given diamond earrings. Cagalli reapplied her make-up and looked outside at the night sky. She was really late now. Cagalli stood at the window for a few more minutes before seeing a chariot coming up. She pulled a thin silk scarf over her shoulders and proceeded downstairs alone. She headed outside where a man helped her into the chariot and then climbed up front to go to the Clyne's kingdom.

Cagalli played with her hands nervously as they left. Athrun hadn't ever seen her this nice. Had he? Hopefully he would like what she had on. And hopefully Lacus wouldn't be too upset that she had a late start. But if anything, she should be used to having to wait for her. Cagalli always caused extra delays to balls, seeing as she never wanted to go. Mostly because the events were for her father's sake and not for enjoyment. Parties were for introductions and impressions. But since Lacus was hosting the party, she was sure she would have a good time. She felt a stab of guilt though. How were her father and brother doing? Would they be relaxing that night like she planned on? Cagalli repeated Athrun's encouraging words and left behind her worries. This was her first party without Kira or her father and she intended on being happy.

Cagalli had her head pressed against the door when she saw the castle in her sight. She sat up quickly and waited as the driver opened it. Cagalli smiled and stepped out onto the grovel. She looked up towards the door and headed inside. Cagalli could hear the sound of music and different voices. She turned down a long hallway and made her way up some stairs. There were two doors opened widely, letting a burst of sounds swarm her. Cagalli walked through the doors and saw people dancing on the floor below. Cagalli ran her hand along the white painted rail and stood at the top of the stairs. Athrun was at the bottom with his back to her and was gazing at the musicians. Then he noticed glances being passed in his direction but he knew they weren't on him. He didn't care much until he saw Lacus smiling. Athrun turned around and froze as he watched Cagalli making her way down. She lifted off the stairs her dress a little until she stood on the last step in front of Athrun. He bowed with a smile and kissed her hand like when they first met.

"You look beautiful," Athrun replied.

"Thank you," she said.

"I'm gald you finally came!" Lacus exclaimed.

"Sorry I took so long," Cagalli apologized.

"Its fine, it was well worth the wait," Lacus said, directing it toward Athrun.

He looked at her but she was looking at Cagalli. He cleared his throat uneasily and averted his eyes around the room. Lacus winked at Cagalli and nodded to him. Cagalli gave her a warning glare but couldn't help smile. Lacus excused herself from them and walked away to some of her other guests. Athrun paused awkwardly and looked up at Cagalli. She looked back at him and smiled. Athrun heard the sound of music rushing back to him and offered his hand out to her.

"What are you doing?" Cagalli asked.

"I'm asking you to dance with me."

"I thought you didn't like to dance," she smiled.

"Change of heart, how about it?"

Cagalli looked at his blushing face and smiled. She was glad that he had stepped up and asked her. She took his hand and was taken out to the dancefloor. She placed her arms around his neck and he moved his hands down to her waist smoothly. Athrun started moving a lot more cleaner than before and was the one leading their steps. Cagalli saw Lacus smiling at her as she watched them dance. She moved closer to Athrun when a slow song was played by the musicians. As the song settled on them, Athrun started to get the feeling he had when they first danced. The feeling of being lost in a world where only he and Cagalli existed. And just like that same night, he didn't pay attention to anyone around them. Cagalli loosened her arms on him and pulled back slightly, bringing him back to the party.

"Were you waiting a long time?" Cagalli asked.

"Its okay, I was alright."'

"I was rude, you and I were supposed to come together."

"You weren't rude," Athrun said. "I'm glad you took so long."

Cagalli blushed. "Okay..."

"Because I learned how to dance better."

"Really? Who helped you?"

"Lacus did," Athrun said.

"Oh, she's good," Cagalli smiled.

"Could you tell?"

"Yes, you really improved."

Athrun smiled and nodded. Cagalli could hear the relief in his breath while knowing she had noticed. After he had seen Lacus nearly two hours ago in the ballroom, she offered him a chance at dance lessons. He had been a bit shy about it, not wanting to have to admit that he didn't dance well. She hadn't minded and was even more willing to help him. He didn't understand and why she cared so much but he had wanted to impress Cagalli so he didn't ask questions. Lacus could tell from the moment she saw him that they were perfect for each other. So she wanted to assist as best as she could. And she knew if it was that obvious to her, then Cagalli and Athrun were most definately aware of their emotions.

After about an hour more, Cagalli and Athrun walked off of the dancefloor. While he went to get them some drinks, she stood by a pair of doors. Cagalli curiously pushed one open slightly and saw a large courtyard. Cagalli slipped out the door quickly and could see more clearly. The area was cleared and a water fountain sat in the middle. Cagalli walked over to it and watched as the water tumbled over the rim and back into another pool. Cagalli saw a stony bench a few feet away under two trees and rose bushes close by. Inside, Athrun turned around with two cups and searched for Cagalli. He could only see a blur of people moving, not once spotting her. Athrun then saw Lacus pointing towards the door with a smile on her face. Athrun walked outside and saw Cagalli sitting down. He handed Cagalli her drink and looked up at the sky.

"Its a nice night," he said.

"Yes it is, are you having a good time so far?"

"Yeah, I am. And you?" he asked.

"Mhm, I actually got to dance with someone I like this time."

"You don't get to dance when you go to balls?"

"I do, but only with jerks that are too confident," Cagalli said.

"The prince's act like jerks? All of them?"

"Most of the one's I've been introduced to."

"Is that why you aren't married yet?" Athrun asked.

"Maybe, I tell my father what I think but he makes the choice."

"So if you liked one of those guy's, you'd be married."

"Probably, I also wouldn't be living with my father," Cagalli replied.

"And we would have never met..."

Cagalli looked at Athrun but he had his back to her. She set her glass down and walked over to him. She could see him thinking about something that confused him but couldn't tell what it was. Why was he asking about that? Was he questioning his role in her life? How they were somehow fated to change each other's lives? Was there some solace she could provide him with? Cagalli quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed it in hers. He looked at her surprised. "I'm glad that I met you," she said. Athrun could feel himself growing redder and looked down at her hand. She smiled and glanced towards the doors that stood a few feet away. She took notice of the stars once more, let go of his hand, and headed to the door. Now was the chance. Athrun grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into him. She gasped, taken aback by him. Athrun pressed his lips to hers, stopping any words from escaping past them. Cagalli brought her hands to his shoulder's and leaned up into his kiss. After a few seconds, she moved away from him. She could still see light colors of red placed along his cheeks. Cagalli smiled and giggled.

"Who said you could kiss me?"

"You kissed me back," he smiled.

She giggled again. "Let's go back inside," she said.

Athrun went in after her and then headed back onto the dancefloor. Lacus was standing with some guests and saw the two dancing again. She smiled and went back to her conversation with the woman. Minutes quickly flew by and soon the ball had started to end. Athrun went out to the chariot while Cagalli said goodbye to Lacus. She hugged her and then went outside. Athrun helped her into the chariot and then shut the door behind him. He sat in the seat across from her and glanced out the window. As they grew further from Lacus' home, the lights also dimmed until they were in darkness, except for a small lantern the driver had and the one hanging inside.

When they got back to the castle, Athrun was ready to help Cagalli out of the chariot. He reached his hand out for hers but she didn't give it to him. He looked over at her and saw her asleep. He shook her gently until she finally opened her eyes. Cagalli sat up quickly, realizing they had arrived. She picked up the bottom of her dress in one hand and took Athrun's in her other. He took her up to her room and made sure she found her way to bed before leaving. Cagalli kicked off her heels and went back down the hall to her dressing room. She peeled off the dress and layers under it carefully, then placed it to the side. She changed into her night clothes and went back down the hall. She laid down in bed and stared up at the ceiling. It had been a good night. She was having a better time than she expected she owuld. It was nice though. She liked to smile, to laugh, and have fun. She also really liked Athrun. Cagalli smiled and closed her eyes. Her handsome knight.

I really liked this chapter and I hope you guys did too. Read and Review!