SUMMARY:Never forgetting her amber eyes and how she had given him a life, Athrun sets out on a 'mission' to win the blonde woman's heart, ignoring his best friend's warning and unforeseen obstacles. Shinn, completely enamored with an exotic dancer, must get past her protective guardian first. Auel has a few problems of his own too - torn between an interesting red-head and his protectee. A popular celebrity, an ordinary car mechanic and a simple gangster soon discover that life isn't as easy as it seems. Join them in a world of deceit, dilemmas and heartbreaks - this is what the real life is all about, right?

MAIN PAIRINGs:Athrun x Cagalli, Shinn x Stellar x Auel x Meyrin, various minor pairings

DISCLAIMER: This is a story based on characters from Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny. I don't own them!

WARNING: Text and all related materials are rated PG13/T and there is rather strong and coarse language and mild adult themes. So don't complain about offensive languages! XD Also, there are/might be some grammatical errors and typos, spelling mistakes, even after rereading it many times.

NOTE: 'this an AU story, meaning no reference to the Cosmic Era or Mobile Suits whatsoever'

-

-

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Chapter 6 Breakaway

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

-

Sometimes pressure can be too stifling and one must break free…

-

"Calm down, Auel. The fire's already put out. Let's go to the resting room and I'll ask our manager to look for your friend," Meyrin said gently, tugging his sleeve.

Auel could only nod; he knew if he opened his mouth, only an unmanly squeak would come out. How could he've lost Stellar? He knew better than to trust that Shinn. But deep down inside, Auel knew it was his own fault; he let jealousy get in the way to the extent that he actually forgot she was his protectee, his responsability.

The three moved towards the band member's room, and was greeted by a worried Luna. Auel pratically blanked out any introductions and conversations, too nervous and flighty.

She's definitely alright. It's not the first time she got lost or anything. She's a big girl, she can take care of herself. Auel tried to convince himself without much success, then again, there are so many bastards who would take advantage of her naive nature, not to mention she can't speak...oh my god what if she's hurt or something and she can't call for help?

"Onee-chan, where's Mwu-san? I need to talk to him."

Luna shook her head, "Not now, Mey, he's busy with the firemen. They're investigating the source of fire. Are you alright?" She added, seeing the worried look on her sister's face.

Meyrin glanced at Auel, uncertain how to explain the situation. It was Shinn who did it, staring at Athrun almost pleadingly.

The guitarist had a glum expression, but he and the band members agreed to help them to look for Stellar.

Athrun asked Auel and Meyrin to stay in the room, in case Mwu, their manager, comes back. Auel was rather annoyed that Shinn got to go look for his Stellar, but he didn't really feel like arguing with a celebrity.

Silence was something Auel generally felt comfortable with, but with Meyrin... it was rather stifling. Like they were meant to have conversations or something. He wished she could just talk, anything; hearing her voice might take the tension off his shoulders a bit.

"So, um, is Stellar your sister?" Meyrin finally spoke up, twirling her pigtail nervously.

Auel's eye followed her fingers' motions, feeling a strange ache in his heart. Just what is Stellar to me? "Yea, I suppose. We're not related but I guess we're close enough to be siblings," he sighed, "I can't believe this. I'm supposed to be her protector - I promised myself since the day I met her."

"Hey, it's not your fault. I'm sure she's fine," Meyrin patted his shoulder hesitantly.

"Maybe you're right, but I can't help it, you know? I can't stop worrying about her. What if someone's hurt her and I'm not there?" Auel frowned at that thought. He reached for the dagger in his pocket, the only thing that really belonged to Stellar.

"Wow, what an unusal design for a dagger. May I see that?" Meyrin's eyes sparked with an excited glint.

"Er, sure," Auel watched the redhead examine the dagger's hilt, running her fingers about the complicated patterns. Ever since he washed out the old blood, Auel never really look at the dagger as closely as Meyrin was doing.

"The craftsmanship is really good...you know, I think there might be another...er, dagger. Its 'brother' dagger. The marking here indicated that the patterns are to be continued on another hilt, I think. If Cagalli-san's here, I can ask her... she knows more about designs than I do," Meyrin looked away, embarrassed at her statement.

"Another pair, huh," Auel muttered, intrigued. He never really bothered to look up Stellar's past but now, perhaps this dagger might help him discover something.

"Thanks for helping, Meyrin," Auel smiled at her, feeling cheered up somehow. Don't worry Stellar, I'll find you. Hopefully you're just lost, not kidnapped or something.

What he didn't notice was the slight blush on Meyrin's cheek.


"No! She's not back here yet, and stop coming here to bother us!!" Clotho snarled menacingly, shoving Shinn out of the warehouse and slammed the door in his face.

Shinn sighed, trying to suppress the rage boiling in his chest. It had been three days since the concert, and Stellar was still missing. The band members and Mwu couldn't find a trace of the girl. They had watched the surveillance camera and had seen Stellar disappear within the crowds. It was rather strange, the nature of her disappearance.

Thinking maybe she'd go back to her 'home', Shinn had been coming to the warehouse to see if she'd returned, but sadly, no. The gang members, having learned second-handed stories about Shinn from Auel, were far from friendly towards the car mechanic.

Sting, the more reasonable member, spoke up calmly, "Clotho's right, Asuka. If she returned, we'll let you know. So for now, stop coming here. I can't promise that I'll hold back my gang from pummelling you the next time."

Shinn nodded and gritted his teeth in fury. Why can't those stubborn people see that he cared about Stellar's whereabouts too?

His restlessness earned him several sharp reprimands from Yzak when he went back to the car shop. Even Milly and Dearka steered clear of him, knowing he was in no mood to talk. The two hadn't seen Stellar when they left the concert either; it was impossible to spot a cetain girl amidst all that crowd.

"Hey Shinn, your next client's here," a fellow mechanic said. Shinn groaned exasperatedly as an all-too-familiar car was pulled into the garage.

"You've got to be kidding me, Athha. Another breakdown?" He growled loudly. Maybe this was what he needed - another shouting match with the fiery blond.

"No. I just want to make sure it won't break down again anytime soon," Cagalli said quietly, her usual spirit was nowhere to be seen.

Shinn had to blink twice before confirming it was really Cagalli speaking. He was expecting a "Just shut it" and some other more violent reaction.

"Er, why do you need me to check your car? Are you going somewhere far?" He tried to squeeze as much arrogance and disdain in his words as possible, hoping to rile her up.

"Yes." Nope, she seemed too distracted.

It's none of my business. She's just a customer. Shinn grumbled to himself.

While he was inspecting her car, he glanced at her every now and then, only to find her staring at the ground dejectedly. Did something happen?

"Okay, seriously, what's going on?" Shinn put down his wrench and crossed his arms.

"I told you it's nothing."

"Liar! Sometimes I've told you about my problems. You've helped me before. Now, let me help! I hate seeing a gloomy Athha!" Shinn growled firmly, his ears burned bright red with embarrassment.

Cagalli smiled half-heartedly, blinking as treacherous tears slid down her cheek.

Shinn sighed, eyes softening, "Is it your father?" It must be.

She nodded curtly, unable to stop her tears flowing. "H-he had another heart attack. And...and n-now he's in a coma. They don't know when he's going to wake up...or if he ever would."

"Oh," Shinn felt all his annoyance deflate. He was bad at comforting people, especially crying women.

"Shinn, if you see Athrun...can you tell him that I'm sorry that I didn't go to his concert even though I promised?"

"I'm sure he'll understand, Athha. Wait, you work with that Meyrin girl. Did you not tell her?"

Cagalli shook her head, "No, I don't want to worry her too much. She's been taking care of the Studio in my stead these past few days without even demanding an explanation. I...I'm just going to take a break, and stay by my father."

"Yea, that would be the best." Shinn finished the last round of inspection and stood up, "Well, um, good luck I guess."

"Thanks. So my car won't break down on my way back home?"

"Yup, I installed the newest engine, actually...oh, it's alright, you don't have to pay me right now," Shinn waved his hand hurriedly, knowing she wouldn't be able to pay him, at least not right away.

"Thanks Shinn. You're a good friend."

"Anytime," he grinned. He can be nice if he wanted to. At least he won't feel so useless at being unable to find Stellar.


Even after Shinn told him Cagalli's reason for not attending his concert, Athrun was far from relieved. He had this strange impulse to just abandon his work and fly to her. But, of course, such thing was impossible.

"So kiddos, your next concert is in Eterna City," Mwu announced, glancing at Athrun apologetically.

"Does that mean we have to-" Kira asked, his eyes twitching with obvious reluctance.

"It's fine Kira. We have to face him sooner or later. Besides, we haven't been back home for awhile," Athrun squeezed out a fake smile.

A few months ago, he just went back home to his mother's grave and ..., well, he wasn't that keen to go back again so soon. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Meyrin shuffling uncomfortably. Right, she had to take care of the Studio by herself...

"Are you sure you'll be alright, Meyrin? I mean, you're kind of on your own," Athrun asked worriedly. Cagalli's not in Onogoro anymore...

"Mou, stop worrying, Athrun-san. I'll be fine. Good luck on you guys' concert!"

"We'll put up extra security to make sure there's no more attempted arson," Mwu added.

"Hopefully, Stellar-san can be found," Meyrin muttered. Athrun agreed with her inwardly. An attempted arson, and coincidentally a girl just disappeared without a trace. It was too suspicious to ignore. However, he didn't think its related to the band at all, even though those annoying reporters were making a really big deal out of it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Eterna City xxxxxxxxxxxx

Athrun couldn't help but smile as he watched the familiar scenery went by. His elementary school, his high school, and...

The park.

Yes, maybe this trip isn't so bad after all. Now I just need to face him.

Their limo parked in front of a tall building, and Mwu exhaled tiredly.

"Alright, I'm counting on you, Athrun. Us managers should be doing the negotiations and arrangements but he hates me."

"It's alright Mwu-san, he hates almost everyone."

Athrun led his band members into the elevator, after showing some guards their identificatiosn and pre-scheduled appointment slips. The mayor of Eterna City was not a pleasant man; they'll need to speak to him in order to play in the stadium.

When the elevator reached its destination, Athrun hesitated. Get this over with and you can go to the park. Relax. It's not like he's a total stranger.

They walked towards the room in determined yet nervous strides. The mere atmosphere in the building was giving them the jibbers. Athrun knocked on the door and went in, even when no one replied.

The room was huge, decorated with countless ornaments that spoke of prestige and wealth. The armchair had its back facing them, but Athrun knew the mayor was waiting for him to speak.

"Good afternoon, father," he said evenly. Kira and Lacus glanced at him encouragingly and Luna shuffled uncomfortably. Only Rey stood firm.

"Athrun," came a scratchy yet powerful voice from the armchair. Patrick Zala spun around and his hard eyes glinted with bright disdain at the sight of his son and his band.

-

-

End of Chapter 6

-

A/N: Wow, I'm incredibly proud at myself for updating before the school starts (even though it's a somewhat short chapter). I'll try to update other stories as soon as possible, but seeing it was my last year in high school (shivers)...

The plot will shift towards Asucaga for awhile.

Please review!

Athyra