Main Pairing: Kira Yamato and Lacus Clyne

Summary: Kira has never been able to commit himself to any serious relationship, refusing to fall in love his aloof habits are threatened when he meets a young dance student, Lacus Clyne. Determined not to be another girl forgotten, Lacus sets out on a quest of love and perhaps unrealistic fantasy's, while Kira struggles with is own heart and desire to know what true happiness really is.

Warning: This fic contains both heterosexual relationships and homosexual relationships; this includes non-graphic sex, if this makes you uncomfortable in any way, DO NOT READ. Do not flame because of certain aspects or all that you do not like, if you do not enjoy my writing, do not read it, simple as that. All characters are of the adult age 19- and older.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed/ Destiny; they belong to Sunrise Bandai, and Sotsu Agency. No trademark infringement intended and no money was made from this fan fiction. Any similarity to names or events to any individual or other works is coincidental.

Authors Note: This is my first piece of fan fiction and my first attempt at writing for the general public, English is not my mother tongue, and I apologize for any inconvenience. Please be kind.

Special Thanks: To all my readers who are willing to put up with me, thank you again for your constant support and constructive criticism

A Kiss is an Autograph of Love

Chapter Seven: Friendship

The awkwardness Lacus felt could not be described. Across from her sat Kira Yamato in all his glory, and Lacus could not help but feeling a little irritated as she watched the author. With his perfect posture and polite words, it was enough to make her uncharacteristically annoyed with the beautiful man.

Nicol was to her right making pleasant conversation. Talking on and on about the nights events and bragging about her to his mother. One could mistake them as a love drunk couple but Lacus knew that Nicols pleasantries were completely platonic.

"Lacus is going to be the next big thing on Broadway, just you wait."

The complement from Nicol had made her blush and laugh, especially when Kira looked her way with a raised eyebrow and crooked smile. And with that single stare Lacus felt her heart speed up, as much as she was upset with the man she still felt like she needed his approval…or rather be, she wanted his approval and itched to ask him if he enjoyed her performance.

However asking was not as simple as one would might think. Lacus felt intimidated slightly when she looked across the large wooden table at the fine restaurant. Kira was seated between two of the most attractive woman she had ever seen, the lovelier of the two being a blonde woman with large eyes. Who was altering between conversing with Kira and glaring at her date- a whiney man with purple hair-whenever he interrupted.

"Lacus is a big fan of your books, Kira."

Nicols voice startled Lacus and she immediately looked up with a worried expression. Nicol, he wouldn't embarrass her would he?

A finely arched brow rose with amusement. "Is that so?" Kira voice was clear and Lacus narrowed her eyes at the man when he looked at her. Was he making fun of her?

Nicol nudged the pink haired girl in the arm and continued. "Oh yes, she's probably read your books at least five times over."

Lacus couldn't help but frown at the comment. She had only read one book over, and that was 'Tale of the Heart'. Her frown only increased when Kira Yamato had the nerve of smiling at her in what Lacus considered cheeky.

"I see, well it's always a pleasure to meet someone who appreciates my work." The statement was bland, most likely from being spewed out a million times. Kira, Lacus knew was in no short supply of complements about his work, which made her wonder why Nicol would bring up the topic…surely he knew this?

A woman Lacus did not know the name of glared at her from across the table and clutched the author's arm tightly causing said male to flinch and stare at her curiously.

Lacus simply looked away; she would not fight over Kira. The red-head could have him.

"Lacus…"

Turning her head Lacus found the blonde woman smiling at her.

"You were splendid, are you considering perusing a career in dancing?" The blonde asked cheerfully between sips of her wine.

Hesitating, Lacus remained silent.

The older woman smiled. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry. We weren't properly introduced. I'm Cagalli Yula Attha, I'm Kiras sister."

This was shocking, Lacus looked from Kira to the Cagalli, and at first glance she thought the woman must be joking. Kira was far to dark- in her opinion -to be directly related to Cagallis fair skin and hair. But on closer inspection Lacus could see the similarities. The same mouth and strong jaw line, their eye shape was also similar, though Kiras were slightly larger. But it was there, similar traits, which made Lacus ponder if Kira was actually naturally so tan.

Both siblings laughed at Lacus obvious surprise.

"We look nothing alike, we know." Cagalli managed after a small fit of giggles. "Even though we are twins its seems like Kira and I got different ends of the gene pool."

Lacus bit her lip and gave a tight smile. "I see, I would have never have guessed. But you two do have similar facial structures." Lacus smiled feeling a bit better knowing that the topic had changed its course.

However the relief was short lived as the red haired woman across from her glared and pointed a long nail tipped finger in her direction. "I bet you spend lots of time looking at him!"

The outburst was sudden and it startled Lacus.

"I'm sorry?" Lacus asked utterly confused before she witnessed yet again the girl tightening her hands around Kiras bicep.

"You heard me." The girl snapped nastily. Kira turned and gave a stern look.

"Flay! That's enough." Kira voice was calm but firm and the girl looked worried at Kiras scolding of her and pouted.

"But Kira-

"I said that's enough. Lacus was only making an observation." Kira said gently looking back at Lacus with an apologetic look.

Lacus smiled at Kira, grateful for his support.

"I'm sorry Miss…"

"Allster." Again the tone was not friendly but not as aggressive as Flay watched as Kira paid close attention to her behaviour.

Lacus was not sure where she had heard that name before, but her intuition told her that it held some sort of significance.

"Miss Flay Allster then, I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you." Lacus said quietly and looked to Nicol who seemed to be just as shocked as she was.

The girl merely huffed and once again attempted into pulling Kira into their own private conversation. The author however didn't return her advances and settled for making small talk with Nicol.

"Are you all ready to order?" A petite woman with a kind smile stood before them, dressed in a waitress uniform and a notebook along side a pen in her hands.

Lacus watched as everyone gave their order swiftly and was a bit surprised when she heard Kiras order for his own glass of wine, and frowned disapprovingly.

Kira caught her gaze and smiled. "Is there a problem Lacus?"

Lacus looked at Kira with a disapproving look. "You shouldn't be drinking; don't you have to drive home tonight?"

The entire table had a quick laugh before watching silently for Kiras answer.

"You are right; but I never finish a glass and such a small amount will have hardly an effect on me, I mainly drink for the taste not the alcohol." Kira said casually.

"Are you sure?" Lacus questioned not fully believing.

Kira gave a crooked smile and shifted his eyes to Cagalli. "I'll be fine Lacus. In fact if I drink anymore than half my glass I give you permission to take the glass away... along with my car keys."

The blonde gave a smug smile while eying her brother and then Lacus. "It's a bet you'll loose Lacus. I've never ever, in all my life seen him drink more than half a glass of wine."

Lacus smiled but placed her hand across the table and shook Kiras hand in agreement. Blushing when their finger tips brushed together as Kira pulled away.

"Kira…perhaps you could sign a book for Lacus sometime."

Groaning inwardly Lacus felt like banging her head off the table, tonight was going to be a long night…

After a long evening of conversation and ridiculously priced food Lacus was more than a little relieved when it came for goodbyes. However she was kind of disappointed that she wasn't able to take Kiras car keys away, the man had barely touched his wine, taking small sips before his meal and after, a good three quarters of the wine was left.

"I hope that we can see each other again soon." Nicols mother said warmly looking at Kira and Cagalli. "I just wish that you two would come see us more often."

Cagalli and Kira both hugged the emotional woman and promised to meet with her again soon. Yuna and Flay who had been particularly annoying throughout the entire night simply watched as their dates said their fare wells.

"How are you getting home Lacus?" Nicols asked as she watched his friend hold a mobile phone to her ear with mild annoyance.

Lacus gave Nicol a weary look.

Trust Athrun not to pick up his phone…

"Umm, I was planning on Athrun picking me up…but…" Lacus trailed off not having to explain herself further.

Nicol bit his lip in thought. "Perhaps, we can give you a ride?"

Lacus looked at her friend shocked. "Oh, Nicol no, I couldn't ask that of you or your parents. You live on the other side of the city; it's too far a ways to commute."

"But…" Nicol didn't look to happy about leaving Lacus but the ride would be a bit too much of a hassle, especially considering they weren't even that close.

Lacus shook her head and smiled. "I'll call a cab, we live in New York after all…none stop service." Lacus tried to make a joke but the fear in her voice ruined it. Truth was Lacus was terrified at taking a cab so late at night by herself.

"I'll drive her" A baritone voice cut in.

The pair looked up to see Kira pulling on his jacket getting ready to leave along with Flay and Cagalli and her date. Suddenly Lacus found something more terrifying than a taxi ride home. "Oh, no that's not necessary."

"Oh, don't be so polite and accept a favor." Nicol chided enthusiastically.

Lacus looked up to see Nicol who was watching her with bright eyes and Lacus groaned inwardly. Could this night get any more awkward?

The car ride with Kira and Flay was uneventful; not counting the nasty looks Lacus caught the red-head giving her in the mirrors. Other than that the car was completely silent, especially now that Lacus was the only one remaining in the car, which was parked outside an apartment building. Sighing as she lent against the cool glass windows as she waited for Kira to return to the car, and to pass the time Lacus began to count the minutes as they pasted.

The 21 year old had left to 'walk' Flay to her apartment door over a half hour ago and Lacus was considering calling a taxi cab after all.

Did he forget that I'm still waiting down here?

It wasn't totally impossible. After all it couldn't be possible take over thirty minutes to drop some off at their home. Scowling Lacus leaded back into the soft leather of the car seats. Kira had not been kind enough to leave the heat on and Lacus found she was getting more and more, cold as the minutes ticked away.

"Where is he?" Lacus muttered under her breath and looked up at the posh apartment building. They were in a particularly wealthy part of the city and Lacus was amazed at the large buildings and beautiful architecture.

While admiring the building Lacus was startled out of her gaze when her door opened suddenly, almost sending her tumbling out onto the freezing concrete. Lacus looked up at the culprit with startled eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't think it would take that long…the ah, elevator was broken." The explanation was weak and Lacus narrowed her eyes up at Kira who stood before her utterly ruffled.

His hair was messier than it had been when he left the car and his shirt had some wrinkles and the top buttons were undone where they shouldn't be.

Lacus frowned…this was more than a little disturbing.

"Enjoyed your goodbye I see." Lacus was surprised at how calm that came out and silently patted herself on the back for making the author cringe in embarrassment. He was cute with his cheeks flushed and eyes downcast.

Lacus shook her head at the odd thought.

That's not right…

"Ah, I apologize, we weren't…" Kira trailed off when Lacus sent him a curious glance.

"You weren't what?" Lacus asked her face innocent and her tone teasing.

Kira seemed to be debating on what words to use. "We did not engage in intimate actions that are better left private."

Lacus deadpanned and caste Kira an amused looks. "That as got to be the most polite, and conservative way, for someone to deny having sex." Lacus said placing a hand against the door and another on her hip for effect.

Kira smirked. "It's a gift, and we didn't have sex."

Lacus climbed out of the car. "Cleary."

Opening the front passenger door for Lacus Kira waited for the girl to be seated before returning to the driver's seat and starting up the car. A long silence over took them.

"So…" Lacus started casting the author a look once they were at a red light.

"Yes?" Kira asked simply keeping his eyes on the road.

Lacus took a deep breath. "I'm…sorry."

Kiras eyes shifted.

"I mean… I was very rude to you the last time we met and…I apologize I had no right to judge you in anyway." Lacus spoke sincerely while fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

"Apology accepted. You wouldn't be the first to criticize me…I am in the business." Kira said his tone light.

Lacus moved her eyes to the car floor. "I know that. But…it still wasn't very nice. I hope you don't think less of me for it."

Kira smiled and turned to look at Lacus at another red light. "I don't. If any thing I think more of you for having the courage to do so. Most women I meet are full of compliments and more than half have never bothered to read more than the first chapter of my books."

Lacus smiled but the gesture faded at a bitter thought. "Like Flay?"

The young mans eyes closed in exasperation. "Now you are stepping over boundaries."

Rolling her eyes, Lacus looked away once the car started to move again. "It was just a question."

Kiras hands tightened on the wheel. "A very personal one. Not something that can be shared between strangers."

"Is that what we are?" Lacus couldn't help sounding sour, somehow strangers was too formal a word, true they weren't close but still, didn't an outing together count for anything?

The car began to slow down before Kira pulled over to the side of the road. "What? Do you have a better term for our relationship?" The annoyance was there but it wasn't harsh.

Lacus folded her arms. "I don't- but I would think we aren't completely strangers by now."

Kira quirked an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Yes, really."

The brunet male lent back in his seat. "Ok, what do you know about me then? Not what you've learned from the media but personally. Name one thing that you know about me that isn't broadcasted all over the city."

Lacus sat puzzled, before she turned to the author stone faced.

"You smoke."

"Argh!" Kira howled and rested his head further back against the seat.

"It's true." Lacus said triumphantly. "And that's another thing, you shouldn't do that it's a…"

"Filthy, disgusting, habit that will turn my teeth and skin yellow, as well take years off my life and no doubted be the eventual cause of my inescapable demise." Kira recited tiredly, his eyes were closed as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Lacus paused. "Well…yes. If you know all that why do you do it?"

"Habit."

"That's not a…"

"Can we please get back on topic? I've had enough down spiraling conversations tonight to last me a life time." Kira said rudely, Lacus was taken back slightly but decided to blame it on his obvious exhaustion.

"I don't like running into you and not knowing how to act." Lacus explained confidently.

"Tonight was a fluke." Kira said quickly.

Lacus countered. "Or a twist of fate."

To this Kira opened his eyes and sat up, his gaze questioning as he watched the pink haired girl.

Lacus met the gaze and blushed. "I mean, if we share a mutual friend then maybe…we can be friends."

"Friends?" Kira asked confused. Rarely did a woman ever ask to be 'friends' with him. Besides a chosen few, when Kira usually on ran into singles the woman was usually looking for a date and vise versa.

"Yes, friends. You know, we share each others company for mutual enjoyment and participate in various activities of a non-sexual nature." Lacus added the last part to tease but it only made her cheeks redden even more.

Kira placed a hand on the steering wheel his bangs shadowing over his eyes. "You want to be my friend?"

Lacus blinked and bit her lip nervously. "Umm, yes? Why wouldn't I?"

Kira chuckled before beaming at the girl, showing off two rows of perfect white teeth. "Alright, then we are friends."

Lacus smiled but look out her window shyly. "Just like that?" Kira's change of attitude was more than a little odd.

"Just like that." Kira said with a smile, he seemed to genually like the idea of friendship.

Lacus held a hand to her mouth as she giggled. "You must have lots of friends if all it takes is to ask."

Kira looked forlorn. "I don't have many friends. I trust you Lacus, I don't know why. But somehow I feel like I know your nature. You seem so kind and…innocent. Please don't prove me wrong about that."

Lacus was taken back by those words. Looking at Kira now she saw something she had missed before. His eyes were lonely in the night, but were soon covered up by another breath taking smile.

"So…where too? You only gave be directions to this intersection." Kira reminded her casually as he looked out the window into the dark streets.

"Oh…" Lacus said looking around, trying to remember what street they were on, but in the dark it was difficult. "Turn left, and its just another two blocks north." Lacus said pointing in the direction Kira needed to go.

Nodding Kira pulled away from the road side and started down the dark streets.

Lacus tip- toed into her shared apartment and tired to close the front door as quietly as possible, so as not to wake her sleeping roommate. The door however gave a loud creek and Lacus paused to look down the hallways, nothing seemed to stir.

Letting out a breath Lacus closed the door, and toed her boots of just as gingerly before hanging her coat up on the rack. Not bother to turn on a light Lacus made her way to the kitchen to make herself some tea before bed.

Flicking the rooms light Lacus jumped about half a meter when green eyes glared at her sourly.

"Athrun!" Lacus shrieked, while clutching at her chest. "You frightened me."

Athrun only glared. "Why didn't you call me?"

Lacus blinked, now she knew why Athrun looked so upset. He was always protective of her, ever since they were young. "I did, you didn't pick up so I assumed you had your phone off."

"You could have called the house." Athrun countered standing up to follow Lacus around the kitchen as she prepared her tea.

"I was going to…but I was offered a ride home so I didn't think it was worth the trouble." Lacus knew the excuse was lame, but she was an adult after all…she could take care of herself.

Frowning Athrun started to pace the length of the small space. "I was so worried. But I guess if you were with Nicol and his parents…it's not such a big deal. They seem like good people."

Lacus paused mixing her tea, wondering if she should tell Athrun that it was Kira in fact who drove her, not Nicol. "Umm…yeah, well they live on the other side of the city."

"Oh, well that was nice of them." Athrun said sincerely looking a little apologetic, for the family.

Lacus smiled. "Yes, well since it would be such a hassle. Kira offered me a ride instead." Lacus said quickly and held her breath.

Athrun turned pink with anger. "What!?"

Lacus hushed him and pointed upwards, mouthing the word 'neighbors'.

"You got into a car with someone guy you don't even know!" Athrun ranted, clearing appalled by the very idea.

Setting her cup down Lacus frowned. "I do know him. Not that well, and I dont even know Nicols that well and -Athrun…I'm 19 you don't have treat me like a child."

"How can you be so stupid? You could have been hurt or worse, you could be dead." Athrun stated dramatically, his hands coming down to hit the table in frustration.

Lacus bit her bottom lip; she knew Athrun had every right to be upset. "I'm sorry, but look at me. I'm fine, safe and sound, so there's no need to worry."

Athrun clenched his fists but said nothing. Huffing the man headed out of the kitchen.

"Where are you going?" Lacus called after her friend, watching him leave down the dark hallways.

"Bed…" Athrun said tartly, causing Lacus to frown. Trust Athrun to have a tantrum, the man could be very bossy. "I have a lab tomorrow, well today actually in another six hours." Athrun mumbled and Lacus could hear his bedroom door shutting.

Glancing at the clock curiously Lacus saw the time, it was well pass midnight. Sighing Lacus poured her tea down the sink, no point in drinking something that was going to keep her awake now. Turning off the lights Lacus headed for bed, smiling as she thought about her new quirky friendship with a certain author.

Authors Note: Feeling irritated….

1) Ok, I know I've been out of the writing circuit for some time now... but it is not entirely my fault if you believe in excuses. I had written a History paper for my final task and my Teacher promptly handed it back to me with a nice red zero on the front. Naturally I questioned it considering I spent weeks researching, writing, and proofing. I slaved over this paper... literally. Anyways he tells me he gave me a zero because he does not believe I wrote it on my own, that I plagiarized! Furious I brought to him more than enough evidence, proving that I did in fact cite all my sources and write everything on my own. And I write all my rough drafts by hand! Refusing to look at my rough work he simply said that the grade was staying, that I was too young to have such a 'well rounded' understanding of the topic! My one saving grace was another teacher of mine, who happens to be his wife. Thanks to her I was give another change…but I had to write a completely new paper! So two weeks of more research and 1050 words later I just didn't have the stigma to write again.

2) Enough of my complaining, I made this chapter longer to hopefully make up for my absence. The next chapter will deal more with Kira and hopefully I can throw some much needed romance in. Don't worry this isn't a Kira and Lacus fic for nothing and I will start picking up the pace soon.