Wicked Temptation
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Chapter 6: Audacity Takes a New Name
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"I'm so stuffed," Miriallia stretched as she walked beside me.
It was the twenty-sixth of November, meaning, that our jolly-olly Thanksgiving break was over. Fucking great. Fanatastic. Fantabulous. (Note the sarcasm?).
"Well, how much did you gorge out on?" I asked as I looked at the ground.
I was pretty mellow after the heated events like, two weeks ago? Yeah, I had to lay low for a while. And speaking of laying low…I was feeling pretty depressed. Depression, depression, depression—it was my oh so lovely companion throughout the break (but it went away only temporarily for six hours during the Paramore concert). Now, I'm not one to get depressed easily, it had to take a lot for me to get depressed. And it so happens that it did on the Thursday before break.
Yes, remember that spectacular Thursday in which I almost got into a fight with Lunamaria and Meyrin on the same day? And then when Shinn and I walked into English class together, holding hands, and then Mr. Zala stared at me? Yeah, a combo like that can get me depressed—which it did.
Thus landing me in the land of confusion and depression—what a crappy combo eh?
"Well, the usual," she shrugged. She seemed a bit off to me…But then again…I was off too. So I shouldn't really judge.
"Oh…" I didn't know what else to say. It was annoyingly awkward. I looked up to see that Miriallia had stopped walking. "Miriallia?"
She looked at me, her expression vehement. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at me.
"What the hell is up with you Cagalli?" uh-oh…She said my full name.
"What? I don't know what you're talking about," I said as I turned around.
"Yes you do! Don't tell me that the excitement from Thursday got to you!"
"Excitement? You think it was exciting?!"
"No! I thought it was beyond exciting!"—she glowered at me—"Of course I don't!"
"Then why the hell are you asking?!"
"Because it makes me angry to see you like that!"
I straightened up, blinking." Like how?"
"Depressed! Agitated! Defeated!"
Oh, I got it now. "Is this what I think it is? A bitch-slap to reality?"
"Thank god! She understands!" she said dramatically. She stood in front of me now. "Yes! This is exactly a bitch-slap to reality! Are you going to let Meyrin and her diluted sister, Lunamaria, get to you?!"
I looked away from her. I really didn't need patronizing right now.
"Well?!"
"It's not them…" I muttered.
"Then who?"
I dropped my gaze to the pavement, avoiding her eyes. It's true; it wasn't because of them that I was depressed. It wasn't even remotely close. It was a wholly different reason why I was like I was right now. And the explanation, or more rather, the knowledge of why I was feeling depressed after Mr. Zala stared at me, escaped my mind every time I thought about it.
I sighed as I looked at her. "It's because of…"—I hesitated. What if she thought I was crazy? Or worse…Diluted?
"Go on….Tell me."
I dropped my gaze to my twiddling fingers. "Well, it's because of Mr.—" and then the bell rang. Talk about being saved by the bell huh?
Miriallia looked out at the quad and then back at me. "Cagalli, I feel like…."—she laughed—"God, I can't believe I'm going to say the corniest line in all my High School years…." A long pause and then…
"Alright, my feelings….I feel like…We're growing apart, per say, no…Like….You're hiding something from me…Like you can't trust me because you'll think I'll judge you in a bad way,"—she looked at me than sighed—"Well, anyways, when you trust me enough…Tell me, because quite frankly, depression doesn't suit you Cags."
My eyes widened as she walked past me to her first period class. Whoa, she's very analytic (and observative). How would one say it? She hit the nail in the head.
I looked behind me, but she was gone, already turning the corner. Fuck. I just knew how to screw things up too well.
I slumped my head on my desk as I listened to Mr. Waltfield go one about politics and his two cents on it.
Why did life have to suck? Why oh why did Mr. Zala have to be my new English teacher? Why couldn't it have been someone else? Because, up until now, I was doing good; hell, I was doing great! But then he came, and after having him for like twelve weeks, everything started to get obscured (my feelings to be more specific).
I sighed as I put my head up and into my hand.
"Hey, Cagalli, are you okay?"
I lazily blinked as I turned to look at the girl next to me—Kat.
"Yeah, I'm okay, why?"
She fidgeted nervously (she was shy, but she still had a butt-load of friends). "Well, because you seem depressed, and well, it doesn't suit you."
I inwardly laughed. That's the same thing Miriallia said to me this morning. What the hell was it today; ban-Cagalli-being-depressed day? Couldn't a girl be depressed and not have to be told it doesn't suit her?
All I did was gave her a small smile. "Oh, well, I'm a little bit down, but not majorily."
"Oh, alright then, because you know…"—she dropped her gaze—"For what it's worth, it helps to talk to people about it. I should know from experience."
"Thanks Kat, I'll take that into consideration…I appreciate it."
She smiled at me as she turned to look back to the front of the classroom.
Jeez, no wonder she had so many friends; she was genuinely nice. I flinched as I felt a light tap on my back. I turned around and saw the same girl with brown hair give me a note. I could bet my life it was Flay (judging by Flay's smug grin).
I sighed as I unfolded it and read it.
Awww, what's the matter Cagalli? You know, 'it helps to talk to people about it. I should know from experience.' Hahaha! Ahhh that was such a refreshing riot (of laughter!). Well anyways you stupid ditzy whore, Lunamaria wanted me to tell you that you better watch your back. Who knows? Maybe you'll 'accidently' or 'randomly' get jumped along with your stupid sister and stupid nerd friend.
Despising you and your family,
Flay.
Un-fucking-believable! She has such an audacity to do this? I crumbled the paper up and turned to glare daggers at her. The bitch only smiled and waved at me, blowing a kiss my way. Ew.
"Miss Hibiki, pay attention! Or must I punish you by making you buy me a hundred dollar's worth of Italian coffee hm?"
I slumped in my desk, pissed off and even more depressed as hell. "No sir, Mr. Waltfield. I'm all good not buying you your hundred dollar's worth of coffee."
"Excellent! Because I already bought some anyways!"—he held up his all too famous coffee mug in the air and drank out of it, then resumed his lecture—"Now, democrats are…"
Today would have to go under my completely shitty list (that's if I had one). It was lunch, and the air couldn't have been anymore thickened with awkwardness.
"So…How was everyone's break?" Auel asked (he was clearly uncomfortable seeing as he was unaffected by this whole ordeal).
"Okay," Miriallia mumbled.
I shrugged.
"Whatever," Shinn muttered.
Auel nervously chuckled. "Wow, you guys seem to be in the dumps huh?"
We all just shrugged and continued with our painful silence.
I looked at the ground and thought about things. I thought about the Hawke sisters and their 'threats'…The most plausible outcome? A showdown between them and me. Then came the issue about my incomprehensible (for lack of a better word) feelings when it came to Mr. Zala—that would probably led to a realization (or an epiphany) to my emotions. And then my friendship with both Miriallia and Shinn (Auel I didn't have to worry about because we were cool).
I suppose—now that I thought about her audacious move and her spilling her feelings—that I could probably tell Miriallia about my confusion, and then I could have an unbiased (well, not a completely unbiased) opinion on the matter and then that would led to the success of someone telling me what the hell is wrong with me.
And then Shinn…Well, I don't know where to start with this. He's ashamed and hates himself for putting me into deep shit with Lunamaria (even though I told him it was voluntary and willing). I just don't know how to make him understand that I wanted to because that's what friends did; they back each other up when they were being pushed against the wall.
I didn't even hear the bell ring until I felt someone shaking me (oh yes, I was so out of it today).
"Come on, we have to go."
I looked up at Miriallia then looked down as I stood up and dusted off my skirt (which reached up to like, five or ten inches of my thighs). That's it, I've decided-I'm going to tell Miriallia. Now.
"Hey, Miriallia?"
She looked at me, her expression impassive. Ouch. "What is it?" she curtly said.
I looked down, playing with the hem of my shirt. "Well, remember what you said about telling you why I was depressed?"
She stiffly nodded.
"Well, you see….The reason why I'm depressed…is because…"—I inhaled and let it out—"Because I have unexplainable feelings when it comes to Mr. Zala but I don't know what exactly it is I'm feeling!"
I looked up at her to see that she stopped walking momentarily and then resumed.
"That's all?"
"Huh?"
"That's what you were hiding from me?" Miriallia started to laugh.
I narrowed my eyes at her and frowned. What. The. Hell. It wasn't funny! It wasn't intended to be funny! I growled as I walked away from her.
"Ah! Oh my god, Cags, wait up!" she managed to say in between laughs.
I glared at her as she grabbed her stomach and tried to calm down.
"Well? Are you done laughing at me? God, I shouldn't have told you anything!"
"Aw, come one Cags! I was just laughing because you take it so serious!"—she straightened her posture and continued to walk—"But I'll tell you my diagnostic after school, see ya!"
I stood there, staring at her retreating form. Wow. Well glad to know that I patched things up with her.
So, after school rolled around and she lied; she didn't give me her diagnostic, instead, she started to shoot off questions like crazy.
I sighed as I headed to English class (the next day)--Miriallia and Shinn in toll. Shinn has started to act like himself more, but he's still not there. Miriallia on the other hand….
"Well, I'm just saying Cags, that you do like him and that your feelings could get stronger."
Ugh. Her diagnostics sucked. "Miriallia, I do hope you don't become a doctor, you're diagnostics suck."
Her mouth hung open. "How rude! And I'm not planning to become a doctor thank you very much! I'm planning to become a professional photographer."
"Photographer eh? Well it does seem to suit you…Seeing as you cling to your camera to dear life," Shinn commented.
"Hey! I had a reason to! Did you see those crazy Neanderthals moshing around like there was no tomorrow? I almost dropped my three-hundred digital camera to the ground where there were millions of feet waiting to destroy it!" she defended.
He gave her a dull look. "That's what concerts are—moshing and crowd-surfing."
All the while of them discussing her obsession for her camera, we had reached English class. I was starting to get nervous all of a sudden and my stomach was jittery with butterflies.
I took deep breathes and told myself to calm down. It was just English class after all. Pft. Yeah right. English class with a really hot teacher who I might be strongly crushing on (along with the dozens upon dozens of other girls who drooled over him).
I didn't have to open the door though; Miriallia gladly did it for me. As I looked up, I saw Mr. Zala look up from his desk; his hand to his face, as if rubbing it out of frustration.
I tore my gaze from him as I quickly made my way to my seat.
"Hey Mr. Zala! How was your break?"
I heard him chuckle, low, and masculine like. God.
"It was alright."
"Did you spend it with anyone? Friends? Family? Significant other?"
My ears perked up at this, unintentionally (Not intentionally!). I could hear the pause and then…
"No, no significant other, and no family or friends; I spent the break by myself."
"Oh how sad! How come?"
"Because I needed it," he laughed.
"Well, I think that's pretty lonely, don't you think Cagalli?"
I looked up. Fucking Miriallia, always dragging me into things I don't want to go into. I swallowed as I looked at Mr. Zala. His gaze was smothering.
"Yeah,"—I cleared my throat—"It sounds lonely."
He looked at me before looking away at his desktop again.
As class started, I couldn't help but notice the conflict in his eyes as he glanced at me ever so often (but he glanced at other people too, including Shinn). And surprisingly enough….Meyrin didn't make a smart-ass comment at all…Maybe…Something was up. Hmm…I'd have to be on my guard now.
"Shinn, can you explain what the character in the play meant?"
Shinn rolled his eyes as he looked at the book (he wasn't looking too happy, I wouldn't either if I was called on for more than once to answer a question).
"Uhh, he basically meant that he wanted to have the forbidden fruit—the King's wife—even though he knew it was wrong. He implies that he'll defy the law and all reason and take her because his carnal desire and passion for her were far stronger than he could've imagined."
Mr. Zala nodded in satisfaction. "Very well said Shinn,"—he looked out at the class—" Now, can anyone tell me, what it shows about the knight hm?" he scanned the room.
"Meyrin? Can you explain his characteristics?"
She blinked as she looked into the book—her face was turning beet red (out of embarrassment or the fact that Mr. Zala was staring at her I couldn't tell). "Uhh, his characteristics are that he's arrogant, naïve, likes to underestimate things, and is sometimes impulsive but sensitive at the same time."
"Good, and can anyone tell me about the King's wife?"
"Cags," Miriallia hissed.
I looked at her. "What?"
"I have to tell you my second part of the diagnostic…"
I rolled my eyes. "Diagnostic my ass! You're just bullshitting it all."
She looked appalled. "Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Fine! You don't want my help? Then whatever, I just know what I'm talking about, unlike you."
"Wha--? I so do know what I'm talking about!" I was caught up in the conversation that I didn't feel all eyes on me, until…
"Cagalli, after class."
I looked up and rolled my eyes. "Whatever," I muttered (damn, no, no, no, no!).
Damn Miriallia for talking to me. But I suppose it was also my fault, but I'm too stubborn to admit it; cause that's just me, stubborn and hard-headed Cagalli Hibiki.
"Oooo, looks like someone got in trouble by the hot English teacher," Miriallia hissed.
I turned to look at her. "Suck it Miriallia!"
"And you're still talking Cagalli?"
I looked up to see Mr. Zala quirk an eyebrow at me. I blushed and sank into my chair even more. I was so mortified.
"Sorry Mr. Zala, I'll shut up now."
I heard the class snicker. Damn them all to hell.
As soon as the bell rung I sighed. I wouldn't be like the rest of my classmates; running out to their freedom.
"Well, call me or text me when you get out hon. Bye!"
"Fucking Miriallia," I muttered as she shot me her smug grin.
Shinn just shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I knew that was his signature well-sucks-for-you move. Ugh.
This is so not fair! Why must I get detained when I wasn't the one who was talking most of the time? Why not her!
I turned my attention back to my scratched up desk; glaring at it even though it was innocent.
Mr. Zala cleared his throat as he walked toward the door and closed it (once everyone was out). Or…Wait…W-was he locking it?!
I blinked rapidly trying to comprehend what I was seeing.
He turned to look at me and walked to my desk. Holy hell, my heart was thudding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. And my stomach was releasing a mad amount of butterflies, and my legs wouldn't stop trembling.
He sighed as he stood in front of me. "Cagalli, we need to talk."
Oh shit.
"Uhm, a-about what?"
His green eyes held a battle within, as if he was tiredly trying to suppress a strong emotion that was trying to control him. He blinked and walked away from my desk. He was shaking his head, as if telling himself no to something, but what?
I slowly stood up and followed him to the front of the class. "Mr. Zala? Is everything alright? Is it my grades? Or is it something more serious?"
"No, no, it's…" he turned his head to look back at me," It's just that…"
I nodded my head, trying to encourage him to continue.
He turned his whole body to fully look at me. "Cagalli, this…What…" he exhaled. "This is beyond reason, forbidden," he muttered.
I blinked. "Forbidden? What's forbidden?"
He looked at me, but his eyes, his eyes startled me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him.
I blinked as his lips crushed against mine. I stood there, my mind trying to compute everything, trying to make sense of everything; the way his lips felt against mine, the way he was holding my body ever so closely to his, the way I fiercely kissed him back—the way our tongues battled against each other sensuously.
So this is what he meant by 'forbidden'; a teacher and student affair. Temptation is such a bitch.
He pushed me to the near by desk where he proceeded in hoisting me up.
I continued to kiss him, I honestly couldn't stop! It was like an insatiable desire that I couldn't quite quench.
I placed my hands on his broad shoulders and he placed his hands on the small of my back.
Somewhere in between the heavy-duty kissing (no joke, it really was heavy) common sense clicked. I pulled away from his lips and pushed him back gently. Holy effigin hell. Did I just make out with the hot twenty-one year old teacher?
I looked up at him; my breath came out in pants. His eyes were glazed over, as if he wasn't really thinking but just acting on impulse. He looked down at me.
"Cagalli, I'm so sorry, it's just that…I…I don't know what came over me…" he let go of me and stepped back. He looked down without giving me another glance.
I couldn't find what to say. What did someone say after they made out with their teacher? Why wasn't there a book on this sort of thing?! So I did what everyone did, a basic instinct--I ran. I jumped off the desk, grabbed my bag, and walked to the door—my face looking down.
"Cagalli, wait…"
But I ignored him. I ran, ran out of his classroom and out of the school area. Not once did I look back, not once.
Yay! Athrun and Cagalli make out. Finally eh? Lol. Well yeah, after writing this, I have unlocked more scenes between the teacher and the student! And not to mention some delicious twists (only like one or maybe two…?) that I've already thought about. So ya!
Also, I thought about it, but I don't think I'll finish the story before New Year's. I'll update, but I don't think I'll be finishing it by then (work and life are going to get in the way). The latest I'll finish it by (estimated guess!) is by mid-January or Late-January (hopefully).
And some of you have been asking about how Athrun got attracted to Cagalli in the first place…Patience. I'm going to have a chapter (New Year's chapter! Or was it x-mas…?) Where they talk and then he spills everything…And this is where I'm going to write a twist in how they met years before now (hehehehe…).
And with that, I'm off. Oh, by the way, did the last scene seem familiar to you guys?
