AN: Yeah, I know. I do think last chapter event is a bit too soon. I used to make fanfic for my own fun, so sometimes I made many mistakes and forgot to check. But for now, would you just accept it? I just like it this way…
And this is Chapter 6!
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam SEED/Destiny
Chapter 6
June 21st 2010
"Hmm, as usual, your illustrations are always good. I don't know which one is the best for this," Sai said, looking at the pictures Cagalli had drawn for the short story. He looked at them closely, remembering the story. After a few minutes he decided which on he would publish in the magazine.
"Okay, then. I think it's—"
"Could I ask you a favor?" Sai cut her.
"Sure, what is it?"
"There are a few articles in need for illustrations. Fllay is not really well, so could you do her part?"
"She's really not well?" Cagalli asked skeptically. Sai would do anything to defend his girlfriend. He treated her like a father who believe that his daughter never do anything wrong.
"Really. She caught a cold. I saw her yesterday. I'll give you bonus, maybe. And the deadline is next Wednesday."
Cagalli sighed. "It can't be helped, can it? Give me the articles."
"Thanks! And remember the deadline," Sai smiled as he gave her the articles.
"I hope I'll get something in return!"
"I'll take you to a lunch. My treat," Sai promised.
"Hmm, you promised?"
"Off course."
"Okay then." Cagalli walked out from the editor's room and went to start her extra chores.
Cagalli pulled her key and opened her house's door. She kicked it closed and locked it. She walked to her kitchen and opened the pizza box she ordered before she went home. She opened her mini pizza and picked a slice. She ate it, and after a few bites she got up to fill a glass with water.
Cagalli sat at the chair in her kitchen and pulled her cell. She opened the phonebook and staring at a number she had saved.
She bite her pizza again, and considering to call the number.
Fifteen minutes later, her pizza was half eaten, and Cagalli decided to call it.
She waited for him to pick it up, and after the third ring, he did.
"Hello?"
"Umm, Kira?"
"Cagalli? Hey!"
"Hey. Uh, I got your number form Lacus... And… Are you busy, by the way?"
"No. What can I do for you?" Kira asked; his tone was friendly.
"Um… I don't know if you… will approve… about what I'm about to ask you now." Cagalli played with the lid of her pizza's box.
"Is it about Athrun?"
"Yes," Cagalli answered after a while. "Will you tell me what's wrong with him?"
"Nothing's wrong with Athrun," Kira answered firmly.
"Okay. Not wrong, but… different… I… I know he's lonely. You're his only friend. But, it's… I don't like it when there is a person alone while there are billions of people in this world. No one deserved to be alone…" Cagalli paused. "I know maybe you think I'm… weird or what. I don't know Athrun very well, but I ask you these and tell you this. I have a friend who was depressed. And when he told me about it, I could feel his pain. And I know it hurts to keep secret like that… I… I want…"
"I'm glad you are concerned for Athrun that deeply," Kira cut her.
"Really?"
"You're right," Kira sighed. "I'm his only friend. Athrun had had many friends before. But since he discovered his ability, he pulled away from society."
"What ability?"
"He called it a curse, though. But I can't tell you; I don't have the right to do it. It's Athrun's."
"But he won't tell me."
"His ability is not one he would be showing off to other people. You might not want to know about it."
"He said it's frightening."
"It is. And he had suffered for 10 years because of this curse."
"What is it? Tell me already please!" Cagalli shouted.
"Are you sure you want to know, Cagalli?"
"Huh?" Cagalli was taken aback with Kira's warning tone.
"This secret is not a joke Cagalli. If you know, you'll do what the others will do if they know. You won't like him again like you do now."
"Are you sure I will do that?" Cagalli asked challenging.
"I don't know. But Cagalli… I know Athrun will like you. He already likes you I think. And I don't want him to be upset because you know his secret and leave him. He'll be more depressed and think bad things about himself. I've been with that Athrun before; I really don't want him to be like that again."
Cagalli was stunned after hearing that. Kira really was cared for his best friend.
And could she hurt Athrun like that? One thing she was sure about, Cagalli cared about him. She even liked him. Seeing him like that was bothering her. But if she added his pain could she bear it? Plus she would be the one who caused it.
"Cagalli?"
"Ah, yes?"
"If you're ready, ask Athrun and convince him to tell you. Only if you know, if you're sure you won't be hurting him. You know I really care about him, right?" Kira asked her.
"I know. Athrun is so lucky to have a friend like you," Cagalli smiled.
"Do you still have something you want to ask me?"
"Not really. I just want a clue about his ability."
"Oh, that…"
"I know. You won't tell me. I understand."
"Tell Lacus I said hi."
"I'll tell her. Thanks for sharing it with me, Kira. Good night!"
"Good night. And, Cagalli?"
"Yes?"
"It's related with death."
"What?" And Kira already disconnected the call.
Death? Could Athrun be a killer? But he shook his head when Cagalli asked him about being a serial killer. But she noticed too, that he shuddered lightly when she mentioned it.
Athrun had said to her that he liked dark paintings. They were full of depressed emotion, unaccepted and hopelessness.
Athrun admitted that he saw a little girl died, and said he should have prevented this since he was there. And then Kira was saying that Athrun had blamed himself again.
What did that mean by 'again'? Had it happened before?
Had he been blaming himself about other people's death? But why?
Cagalli stayed awake until late, thinking about it.
I don't really know how they work for a magazine. My only reference is the magazine club I had joined at High School, and an anime magazine. Hope you don't mind…
Should I continue? Tell me your opinion…
