I am sooo Sooorrrryyyyy for the late update... I have been so busy with school...last quarter was a hard one for me...but I am happy that it's over and now into a new quarter again...sad face...

But I am extremely undoubtedly happy because of you guys...no matter how many times I thank you guys it will never amount to the happiness you gave me for reading, reviewing, and encouraging me...thank you...

and I am proud to present two new reviewers who made my day by reading and reviewing my story:

sakurabliss and Liverpool-GK-Hayabusa thank you for giving my story a chance...

and to all my readers and reviewers who have been with me the first day it all happened:

InOcEnT-schoolgirl... AsuCaga01... gseedlover... nii-blueberryfreak... and lit-sweet-angel... without your continuous support...I would not have made it this far...Thank You!!

and now I present to your chapter 7 of Broken Love...enjoy!


Chapter 7: "I see the past living."

A week has passed since the meeting. Not even half of Plants council member stayed in Orb to help developed the EOPW program; Athrun, Kira, Lacus, and Yzak were the ones volunteer to stay behind. Shiho stayed behind with Yzak because she's the secretary for him. Dearka, working in the same department, just remained behind without any one telling him to. He figures that since Yzak's the big boss, it will be okay for him not to go back. Mir is a photographer, so she could stay where ever she wants to; Mir allowed Dearka 'sweet talk' her into staying at Orb. As for the rest of the group: Shinn, Luna, and Meryin, were sent back to Plants.

It sure will be quieter now with the others gone…but wait, Dearka is here too…well there goes some peace and quiet.Athrun was still musing about it when his peace and quiet got disturbed. Surprisingly it's not Dearka, but Kira, who walked through the door.

"Hey, Athrun," Kira greeted as Athrun turn to look at him.

"Hey," Athrun repeated the greeting. Kira walked over and sat on the couch next to Athrun. Kira put his feet on the coffee table as his hands went behind his head. "Ah, it feels nice."

Athrun smirked at Kira. "Long day?"

"You have no idea. This EOPW Program is already giving me a headache and it's not even a month yet."

"Really?" Athrun raised one of his eyebrows.

Kira nodded his head sadly. "Yep."

"I wonder…is it still too late to go back to Plant?" Athrun asked with a straight face.

Kira, surprised, put his hands down and turned to look at Athrun. "What? You can't go bac-"

Athrun smiled wryly at his expression. "I'm just joking, Kira."

Kira smiled sheepishly. "Of course you are." Athrun just shook his head at Kira, even though he was smiling. A comfortable silence enveloped between them two as they stared out of the big window. A moment passed before Kira tentatively brought up the subject he wanted to discuss. "Athrun…"

"Hm?" asked Athrun.

"I just got back from seeing Cagalli."

Athrun continue to look out the window. He saw a white bird flew by, flapping its wings.

Kira glanced at Athrun. Kira sighed and forced himself to continue. "Cagalli is still overworking herself when I left her."

The same white bird flew past the window again, making Athrun wish he has wings.

"Athrun…don't you think how fast time has flown by?"

Athrun could see the white bird landing on a tree branch, cocking its head to the side as if he's looking for something. Probably something to eat Athrun mused, not bothering to reply to Kira's question.

"I still can't believe that a year has passed."

The white bird flew away from its perch, circling around in the sky.

"But…"

Suddenly a few black birds flew past the white bird.

"But when I look at Cagalli…"

The white bird was about to follow them but it changes its mind and flew back to the tree.

"….I see the past living."

The white bird cocked his head to the side then he once again flew away from his perch.

"I see you…"

Just as the white bird is gone another white bird, soaring from the opposite direction, flew to the empty perch.

"….and Cagalli…"

The new bird just stood still on the branch, even as other birds flew by.

"…holding onto the past."

The new bird cocked its head then suddenly took off.

"I think it's time to put the past away…"

Athrun stared at the now empty branch.

"….and start over."

Athrun looked away from the tree when he caught something in the corner of his eyes. He was surprised by what he saw.

"I think you and Cagalli should start over from the past."

The two same white birds were flying towards each other.

"I don't want you guys to forget the past…but just rebuild a new relationship from it. Right, Athrun?" Kira asked.

The two white birds circled each other as if they were dancing to the songs of the wind. And suddenly the two white birds flew away together, leaving an empty blue space in the sky.

Athrun smiled at the clear blue sky. "You want me to speak with Cagalli?" Athrun finally asked an over nervous Kira.

"Uhhh…."

Athrun stood up and slowly walked toward the window to look outside. "It doesn't matter to me whether I talk to her not." Kira mentally flinched at Athrun's harsh statement. Athrun turned to look at Kira. "But you are right. I think Cagalli and I have about enough of carrying our past like shields to each other."

Kira was surprised he'll meet with Cagalli after what he just said. "So you are willing to meet her?" Kira asked. Athrun nodded his head. Whew, first part is done Kira thought. But now it's Cagalli…Kira's face fell at that.

Athrun noticed the quick change of Kira's expression and knew right away what the problem was. "From your expression…I'm guessing it has something to do with Cagalli?"

Kira slowly nodded his head. "Uhh…"

"Don't worry about it. I'll ask Cagalli for dinner." Athrun said confidently. Kira gave him a doubting look. "She won't be able to back out of it, if I ask her in front of the other council members. And if I told her it has something to do with the EOPW Program."

Kira thought about that for a moment. It has a 49.99 chance of working, but they are talking about Cagalli here. So who knows what she'll say. "Well, good luck. You might just need it," Kira said as he stood up. "I'll see you then." Athrun nodded his head goodbye as Kira walked out.

Athrun glanced outside one more time, looking at the direction the two white birds has disappeared to, before also exiting the room.


Three weeks later…

"Okay, now that we have a rough idea on how EOPW Program is going to be, all we need is the system to work with it. But will continue that tomorrow with the technician specialists. So, we're done for the day," said Cagalli.

The council members, who stayed behind, were more than happy to leave after a long tiring day. Everyone's papers were shuffling as they put them away. Others were talking, while the rest bid their good evenings and left.

"I think today meetings went pretty well," commented Lacus to her companions.

"Yeah right," Yzak sarcastically said, "if you don't consider all those arguments from the Earth alliance. Then yeah, it went pretty well."

"Compared to the last meetings, we made progress," Kira putted in.

"Hmph…if those fools would just stop yapp'n around each time someone proposes something, then we would have been done a lot sooner."

"Yzak here does have a point," Athrun said. "Thanks to those minor delays, we are now just starting with the technician."

"Talking about late….aren't you late for something?" Kira asked Athrun. Athrun gave him a blank stare. "Late for a long over due dinner?"

Athrun looked at Kira, knowing exactly what he was referring to. Athrun sighs remembering the attempt he tried to approach Cagalli within the last three weeks. The first attempt was right after the meeting. Somehow, while he was walking over to Cagalli, someone spilled his drinks all over her. So Athrun turned back because Cagalli excused herself and left. The second attempt didn't work either; someone beat him to it and asks her to a business dinner already. The third attempt was a poor attempt. Cagalli was surrounded by the other members; he couldn't even see her head. So he didn't bother at all. As for the others, Athrun didn't even want to think about it. If he doesn't know any better, he would have thought Cagalli was avoiding him these last three weeks.

"Thanks for reminding me…but…" Athrun glanced over to Cagalli, who was surrounded by Mr. Astushi and his guys, "but…I don't think right now is the time."

Kira also glanced back to Cagalli. "Yeah, you're right."

Lacus looked at them two and smiled secretly. She touched Kira's sleeve to get his attention. When he turned to look at her, she said, "Come one, Kira, let's go."

"Oh…alright. Well, see you guys tomorrow." Kira said as he stood up and pull out Lacus chair.

"Have a good night you guys," Lacus cheerfully said as she and Kira left.

As soon as they left, Athrun saw Mr. Astushi and his guys leaving Cagalli. I'll give this a shot again."Yzak, I'll catch you later," Athrun said as he got up and quickly left before someone could get Cagalli's attention. Yzak decided to stay and see what will throttle Athrun's way to her.

Cagalli sighed as she watched Mr. Astushi retreating back. She shook her head and grabbed her files and stuffs them in her portfolio, hoping to make a quick exit.

"Ms. Attha…"

Cagalli heard someone called her name. Here we go again…She glanced up and her eyes meet emerald. A heart beat later, she heard herself calmly replied, "Yes, Mr. Zala?"

Athrun was not surprised by her cool voice. So I guess she's not avoiding me then Athrun wryly thought before saying, "I was wondering if you have time, I would like to take you to dinner tonight."

Cagalli amber eyes widen by his request. What is he doing? Cagalli mind screamed even as she nervously glanced around, noticing that some people were smirking at her. Ahhh!! Please let there be a giant hole to swallow me up. Cagalli waited and nothing happened, she was still standing there in front of Athrun, who was still waiting for her reply. "Huh…"

Athrun quickly said, "I have some questions regarding the proposal you did today. So I thought we could grab dinner while I go over my questions with you."

Cagalli suspects that it's more than business. If it was just business between them, then there were probably be no 'them' to begin with; they would just have been enemies instead of what they are now. "I can't," Cagalli blurted out.

Athrun raised one of his eyebrows, surprised that she would say no, considering they are in front of some council members. And he did state his purpose as business, not personal.

Cagalli was also shocked by her harsh rejection. "I mean…I can't because…because…I already have plans for tonight," Cagalli hurriedly explained. Athrun didn't believe her at all. "But if your questions could wait until tomorrow, I'll be more than happy to answer your questions then."

Athrun couldn't really say no when she already explain she had other plans for tonight. And if he did said no, then that will just make him look like a jerk. Shrugging his shoulder, Athrun replied, "Of course. My questions can wait until tomorrow. Well, have a good night." Athrun made a slight bow and existed. Scratch that, she is avoiding me Athrun thought as he left.

Cagalli was relived that she got away from speaking to Athrun, but a small part of her was sad that he left. Cagalli shook her head at her silly thought. Sad? Why should I be sad? There's nothing to be sad about…Cagalli knew that she was lying to herself but she ignored it like she ignored everything when it concerns a certain bluenette coordinator.

Yzak, meanwhile, was still sitting down intrigue by their conversation. Ha, that fool is just asking for trouble…he just can't let it be… Yzak thought as he watched Athrun leave. He turned to look at Cagalli, who is looking at the empty spot where Athrun was standing a moment ago. Hmph…talking about Athrun …she's a fool also.Yzak sighed as he got up and left.


Later that evening…

"Non-smoking side, sir?" asked the waiter.

"Yes, please," Athrun replied as the waiter lead him to a table next to the window.

As Athrun took a seat, the waiter gave him a menu. Athrun browsed through the menu. "Would you like to order now or wait for your companion, sir?" asked the waiter after a minute has passed.

Athrun glanced from the menu and looked at the waiter. On the waiter's shirt was his name tag. "I'll order the drinks first, Isshin. And when she's here, we'll order."

"Okay, sir. What drinks would you prefer?"

"Red wine will be fine. Thank you."

"It will just be a moment, sir," Isshin said as he took the menu and left to get Athrun's order.

Athrun didn't notice when the waiter left. He looked out the window. It was already getting dark. The sky was tinged with orange and red even as the street lamp flickered on. Athrun looked at his watch, it was already 8 pm. Hmmm…she's late…

"Excuse me sir, your drink is ready," Isshin said as he took out the wine bottle for Athrun to inspect.

Athrun glanced away from his watch and looked down at the bottle. "It's fine," Athrun said.

Isshin nodded his head and cork opened the wine bottle. Once the bottle was open, Isshin poured the red luscious wine into the glass. He set the wine bottle into the ice bucket. "Anything else, sir?"

"No, thank you."

"Enjoy your drink, sir," Isshin said as he bowed and left Athrun alone for the second time.

Athrun didn't bother to reply, instead he picked up the glass and swirled the red wine around. He took a sip. Hmmm…not too bad… Athrun thought as he put the drink back down. He glanced out the window; it was pitch black outside. I wonder what is keeping her.


Cagalli pulled a stop at the restaurant entrance. Before she could open her doors, someone came running down the steps to open it for her. Cagalli got out and thanked the young man as he took the keys from Cagalli. He gave Cagalli a piece of paper in exchange for her keys. He got in her car and drove away to park her car. Cagalli put the paper in her purse. Cagalli was dressed in black slacks with a light green blouse. She looked at the entrance as she ran her fingers through her disheveled hair to straighten it as best as she could. She rushed over to the restaurant as soon as it was possible because she was running late due to some problems with a document.

She quickly walked to the entrance of the restaurant. Someone opened the door for her as she entered. She was greeted by a man at the desk. "Hello, Ms. Attha. I'm glad to see you this evening. How may I help you?"

"I'm here to meet Lacus Clyne," Cagalli answered.

"Give me a moment, while I check on the system," he said as he quickly typed on the keyboard. He looked at the screen and saw Lacus Clyne reservation for two. "It looks like your other party is here already. I will call someone to direct your way to the table." Saying so, he picked up a phone and asked for a waiter.

Cagalli only nodded her head as she waited for the waiter to come. A few seconds later, a young man with blond spiky hair came through the doorway. He slightly bowed to Cagalli. "Hello, ma'am. Please follow me and I'll take you to your table," saying so he led Cagalli into the non-smoker side.

Cagalli quietly followed him, not bothering to pay attention to her surroundings. I hope Lacus is not too mad at me for being late Cagalli thought as they rounded a corner. Cagalli casually looked over the waiter's shoulder as she finally took notice of the room. It was brightly lit. Each table was far enough from the other table for privacy. She noticed some table was set at the window. Oh, I hope Lacus's table is at the window. I just love to loo-

Suddenly her eyes caught a familiar face ahead. Her heart stopped as times seems to slow. A few seconds later, Cagalli could her hear beat much faster than before. The room was getting warmer than a second ago as Cagalli felt her face heating up. What is he doing here? Is he meeting someone?...could it be the woman from the newspap- Suddenly her eyes widen as she realized that his bright green eyes were looking straight at her. Oh my gosh, he saw me. Please tell me we are not heading over there Cagalli desperately thought. Instead of turning to the left or to the right, the waiter kept on walking straight to his table by the window. Any minute now, we are going to turn… Ten feet away from reaching the table. Nine…eight...seven...six... fine…we are going to pass by his table…five...four...three...okay, we are not tur-…two...one…

The waiter finally made a stop in front of the table by the window. The guy, who was currently sitting at the table, looked at Cagalli, shocked reflecting in his emerald eyes. Cagalli own eyes were filled with dismay as she realized what Lacus has done.


weeellll...there it is Chapter 7...I hope you guys enjoy reading it...and once again sorry about the late update...and I know it's a short chapter too...but the next chapter is where the climax begins...just kidding...but just a little hint...next chapter is where Cagalli and Athrun finally talk to each other...I hope thier dinner will not be ruined...wink

I hope to see you guys in the following chapters to follow...and thank you so much for everything!!

Lots of love,

BeHan