Gundam Seed:

Love On The Battlefield

By Eagle_Alchemist

Chapter 6

ORB was once again gearing up for a monumental occasion, that was the talk of the country. From shore to shore, all anyone could talk about was the wedding.

The Marriage of Cagalli Yula Athha, Princess of ORB to Kazuhiko Kei Ottada.

There was talk from those whom had witnessed the previously arranged wedding for the princess. They were holding bets as to whether or not she would go through with it. If this time, would be like before and she were to be taken. Again. Of course the people who believed it would go ahead, pointed out that the princess's brother was attending this time. Unlike before. And that this time, she was not being pushed into it. Having allowed her heart to guide her. The streets that would carry the wedding procession had been roped off, with guards placed along the route. Still with hours to go, the path was lined with people wanting to see the bride and groom go by.

Back at the Athha mansion, however, there was a little panic.

Kazuhiko was pacing back and forth in the study. Nervously mumbling things. A list of the final last second things he prayed were in place. The men had gathered with him, their eyes doing what Tennis match audiences did, flitting left to right. As the groom paced. Kira was sat on the longer couch, with his best friend beside him. Athrun was beginning to feel dizzy watching Kazuhiko going back and forth. Mu on the other hand, was perched on the couch arm. He understood entirely what the poor man was feeling. Having gone through it himself two years earlier. The day was partly to celebrate the love between a couple, but more over, it was the day for the bride to shine like a diamond.

"Kazu, if you keep this up your going to give yourself an aneurysm." Mu told him, sighing after "Man oh man, your such a worrier. Everything is gonna be fine."

"I honestly can't help it Mu. I just want this day to be the best it can be." He stopped, turned to the men "After all that Cagalli has seen, been through and had to cope with, I want today to be a precious and wonderful memory for her."

"We understand that Kazu, but if you stress out too much, she'll notice and then get worried herself and what you didn't want to happen, will." Kira explained, calmly with a hint of sympathy.

"I know, I know." Kazuhiko covered half his face with his hand "You have no idea how nervous I am. Not for the marriage part, that I want more than anything. It's the finer details, that is what worries me."

"Ah, so your not nervous about getting hitched?" Mu chuckled "Your a braver man than I pal. I was scared stiff on the big day."

"Come on Mu, your joking. Your so in love with Murrue." He looked at the roguish grin "I don't buy it."

"I'm serious!" Mu stood and wrapped a friendly arm around the grooms shoulders "Love is no match for pre wedding jitters my friend."

Kira chuckled at the banter. He already had it in mind to propose to Lacus. But she was an awfully busy lady lately, with the upheaval in the Equatorial Union. But sometime soon, he was absolutely going to do it. He just hoped he didn't have this kind of reaction on the day. Athrun even chuckled a little. He couldn't help it. It was rather amusing. Plus, he already knew that Cagalli was probably grumbling about having to wear a dress and get make-up done along with her hair. She was much more comfortable in a pants suit. She simply wasn't the most girly or girls. But that was one reason why she succeeded at ruling ORB. She was a strong woman and Kazuhiko complimented her perfectly. In a way Athrun never could.

The door creaked open and two more men walked in, dressed in Tuxedos of the darkest blue, matching Athrun, Kira, Mu and Kazuhiko. All the men, save for Kazuhiko, wore black bow ties. The groom wore a gold bow tie. And all of them, wore the same flower button on their lapels. Japanese pale pink Lilies. The national flower of the country. Also used in the Athha family crest. Yzak and Dearka strolled in and greeted the men. The talk turned to Dearka and Yzak teasing Kazuhiko about the wedding. The usual stuff about balls and chains and such. All the laughter, helped the groom to relax some and stopped his pacing. If only they knew, what was happening with the women.

Cagalli, was having a total meltdown. Because of the dress.

It was long, very long. It was heavy on the waist, very heavy. And the train was prone to getting in the way. Which resulted in a number of tugs to Cagalli's hair. Which in turn, annoyed her greatly. Myrna did what she could to remedy the faults. Murrue tried to sooth with supportive suggestions. Lacus meanwhile, tried her best to get Cagalli to calm down. Mina heard a knock at the door and went to get it. She had been charged with door duty. She was told not to permit any men into the room, especially not the groom. She opened it, to see two women standing there smiling. Shiho and Kayla, Dearka's current girlfriend. At least, that was what she had been told. She had seen pictures of the two, so knew them on sight. As they entered, it was clear...someone was very unhappy.

"Argh!" Cagalli fisted her hands "Why? Why the hell did I let you talk me into this dress Myrna? This is totally ridiculous!"

"Lady Cagalli please." Myrna tried to have patience "You need only wear this dress for one day. It isn't as bad as you make it out to be."

"Easy for you to say." She grouched "This thing is unbelievably heavy. And the weight of the train is pulling at my head!"

"Oh Cagalli, you have to think more positively about this." Lacus cooed "Kazuhiko will not be able to take his eyes off you when he finally sees you."

"That's not the point Lacus..."

"Be that as it may..." Murrue interjected "...Lacus makes a valid point, as does Myrna. You only wear this for this one day."

"Indeed. You look so very beautiful in it." Lacus added, smiling "Just imagine it, walking down the isle to marry the man you love."

"Yes, such a wonderful feeling." Murrue agreed, then noticing the two new comers "Well hello there ladies."

"Hello, sorry if we are a little later than planned." Shiho replied, taking the offered glass of champagne from Mina "Yzak and Dearka were in charge of directions...and you know how men are."

"I can't believe they wouldn't even stop to ask for help from a local." Kayla continued "They just kept at each other, yelling and giving us both headaches."

"I cannot understand how men get things done, if they refuse to ask for help most of the time." That thought spoken aloud by Lacus, had all the women laughing.

"Men are simply men." Murrue commented "We can never fully understand them, but we know them better than they know us."

The women all laughed. A toast was given, glasses clinking together. Cagalli was still stressing out, but with all the ladies on her side and doing their best to convince her everything would be wonderful, she could not stay mad for long. With Cagalli ready to go, the ladies all pitched in for the last minute fussing with hair and so on. Lacus was maid of honour, wearing a long sheer silk gown that was off the shoulders and in the same pale pink shade as the flowers in the bouquet. Murrue, Shiho and Mina all wore the same style of dress, Shiho and Murrue in white and Mina in the pale pink. A quick once over with lipsticks, mascara and a few strategic fluffs of the hair later the ladies were ready to go. They made their way to the car outside. On the way, Kayla was tasked with getting the men on the move.

Piling into the white limousine, Cagalli, her maid of honour Lacus along with her three bridesmaids Murrue, Shiho and Mina, they waited for Kayla to catch up. Just as she hopped in, the men filed out of the house too. All of them were looking dapper and handsome. Kazuhiko was kept from spying into the girls car by Mu. The second car, a black limousine, waited for them. The groom got in first, followed by his best man Kira, and then Mu, Yzak and Athrun. Dearka finished the group. A few short moments later and the cars pulled away. The black one overtaking the white, to make certain the groom was there to await his bride. In the car a bottle of Champagne was popped and shared around, with a toast to the groom on his big leap into marital bliss. Crowds cheered as they cruised by. The same being done to the brides car, not far behind.

Upon Arriving at the venue, the men had all filed out and taken their places by the alter, where the priest stood ready. There were a lot of people here, sat in rows of chairs laid out carefully. All the floral arrangements were neatly placed around the seating areas and at the start and finish of the carpet the bride was to walk down. Right up in front, just in front of the priest, was a very large pot. It was around two feet tall, with an abundance of white and pale pink lilies in it. The color of the pot, was akin to the inside of a shell. Soft hints of pink over off pearly white. It was the one Mina had made. She had been allowed to arrange the flowers in it also. Athrun had been the first of the group of friends to see it once completed. He had to admit, she had made something very lovely. Suddenly, the wedding march began to play and Kazuhiko turned his gaze down the isle.

First came Shiho, in her pearly white dress, hair sleek and long just like the outfit itself. Yzak blinked. Having never truly seen his girlfriend all dolled up that way. Next was Mina in pale pink, smiling brightly with her purple locks dripping onto her bare shoulders. Athrun appeared as stunned as Yzak was. Both could do little more than stare. Up next was Murrue in that pearly white and Mu just barely suppressed the urge to wolf whistle. She was a stunner no matter how he looked at her. Finally came Lacus, in pink that matched her hair. Kira smiled, he honestly wasn't the type to notice her outfits, as he only saw what was within her heart. And then, as the ladies took up their places opposite the men, the bride made her way down the carpeted isle. Her hair was longer today, due to extensions, so it reached her waist. And her face was delicately painted with make-up.

Kazuhiko stopped breathing a moment. A sly elbow to the ribs from Kira woke him up again. He just couldn't believe how utterly enchanting she was. The woman he loved. Walking so gracefully toward him, in that floor length off the shoulders ivory gown. The bodice was lightly embroidered. The hem glittered with diamanté, the train swept along behind her, glistening from the silvery thread woven into it. She would always be his princess, no matter how often she remarked about being called one. But today, right at that exact moment in time, he would never forget how she looked to him then...Cagalli, the woman he was going to marry, with whom he was going to share his life...on this day, she was a goddess to him.

And that he would remember for the rest of his life.

The ceremony was beautiful. The sun shone, butterflies hovered at the flowers. There were sniffles in the crowd, from women who were so happy to see their beloved princess marry on this glorious day. The most elaborate and extravagant thing there, was the bride herself. Or at least, her dress anyway. After being declared husband and wife, Cagalli Yula Athha-Ottada, she had chosen to hyphenate, they made their way down the isle, to the white limousine that waited for them. Just before getting in, Cagalli turned and called for all the unmarried ladies to gather a few feet behind her. With a backward toss, her bouquet flew through the air, toward the waiting ladies. There was a scuffle, a few squeals and an ultimate winner...whom nobody expected.

Shiho had caught the bouquet. Yzak gulped. Dearka snickered. Athrun, Kira and Mu, just chuckled.

At the reception venue, they had gone for a very relaxed feel. There was a dance floor, with a DJ and lights shinning moving patterns on the wooden floor. There was a line of tables, loaded with food and one that served the drinks. A seating area was set up, where people could eat and chat. The music had been very low at first, but then came the couples first dance as husband and wife. The second the music began to play, Athrun recognized the tune. It had been one that Nicol used to play. One that his old friend had wrote. It hurt him, but he knew they were doing it partly as a tribute to his fallen friend. With the first dance out of the way, everyone else was invited to dance and the music shifted to a more up tempo feel. With people dancing, chatting and just generally being merry, it was turning out to be one heck of a party.

Cagalli was glad that she didn't still have to wear the train from her veil. Of course that did nothing to diminish the weight of the dress itself. Though to be fair, she was enjoying herself too much to really care. Mu showed off some hidden moves as he danced Murrue about the floor. Myrna was sat with some of the other ladies in waiting, gossiping. Cagalli and Kazuhiko were sitting after a good round of dancing, sipping Champagne together. Kira and Lacus were at the food tables selecting some sweet treats. Yzak, not one for dancing, was sat at the best man/bridesmaid table with Shiho, trying to talk over the music. Dearka was trying to out do Mu on the dance floor with Kayla. But it was all in good fun. The tempo of the song quickened again, as Athrun was returning to his seat. He noted who was dancing and who wasn't.

Smiling, he watched his best friend with Lacus, being cute and feeding each other little titbits. Yzak even seemed relaxed with Shiho. Though everyone figured he was still concerned about the fact she caught the bouquet. Mu, Murrue, Dearka and Kayla were having a whale of a time on the dance floor. It was then Athrun realised Mina was not at the table. He scanned the room for her. As if sensing he was looking for her, she appeared. Dancing across the floor, close to the stage. All on her own. Resting his chin on his palm, he just watched her with a soft smile on his face. She twirled, the best she could in the dress, seemingly loosing herself into the beat and not caring about the fact she was dance partner-less. Of course that changed, when the music slowed way down and the DJ announced the tune was for all the couples in the room.

She headed for the seating, intent on sitting this one out. It stunned a few people who knew Yzak well, that he would get on the dance floor with Shiho and sway to the tune with her close against him. But it seemed the move was catching. As Kira led Lacus to the dance floor, to join Yzak and Shiho, Mu and Murrue, Dearka and Kayla, Cagalli and Kazuhiko. Among all the other couples that also joined them. Athrun felt it wasn't fair on Mina to be left out. So before she could sit down, he stood and took her hand. He didn't say a word, just led her to the dance area and placed her left hand onto his shoulder, her right in his left and placing his right hand onto her waist. It took a few moments of uncertain steps, but Mina soon got the hang of just the basic moves.

And so, they danced. The six couples. In the dimmed, sparkling lights. With the softest of love songs playing. It was incredibly romantic. Mina felt that fluttery sensation in her stomach again. It was far stronger this time. Even Athrun felt something. It simply felt right, to be here like this with her. Swaying slowly. As the tune changed again, many of the couples went back to their seats. It wasn't a fast song per se, but the beat was stronger in this one. Athrun wasn't too sure about this one and was about to lead Mina back to sit down, when she pressed herself close to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Hesitantly, Athrun held her waist with both hands and they moved together almost as one entity.

It felt like they were dancing all alone under the still dimmed lights. Mina lifted her head a little, her Garnet gaze meeting Athrun's Viridian pools. Within them both at the moment their eyes met, something clicked into place. Athrun and Mina seemed to know without saying a word, that they liked each other...as more than friends. Though to all their friends, it had been very obvious from the start. As they swayed, Athrun drew her closer to him. Mina rested her forehead against his cheek and there they stayed for some time, both of them closing their eyes and just feeling the music surrounding them. And, as the night wore on with the party slowing down as people filtered away, they seemed inseparable just sitting together and talking with each other, as well as everyone else. The later it got, the closer it came to when they would see Cagalli and Kazuhiko off for the honeymoon.

With all but their core group, having left and the newly-weds well on their way to the few days break on the luxury yacht, Mu and Murrue headed home for the night, in one of the cars laid on by the bride to ensure everyone had a good time without the risk of driving while intoxicated. Yzak, Dearka, Shiho and Kayla piled into another and waved as the car drove off. Myrna and the other staff were organizing the clean up that couldn't wait till morning. Athrun and Mina were the only ones left to head home. Though Mina was unsure about staying in the big house with Cagalli and Kazuhiko gone and Myrna due to sleep in the servants quarters at the hall. Though not far from the main house, it still unnerved her. She had no idea, that Cagalli had asked Athrun to stay while they were gone, so Mina wasn't alone. Getting out of the car, she thought he was walking her to the door. Stopping just as her hand touched the handle, she turned to him.

"Um Athrun?" She asked nervously.

"Yes Mina?" He could tell what she was feeling.

"Would you...um, I mean will you...uh, could you stay?" Mina looked at him "I'm a little bit...scared, to be here alone."

"Actually Mina, I am staying here. Cagalli and Kazu were worried about you, so I am staying here till they get back." He smiled at her, then took her hand "I know it must be odd, being here without them around. But, we can do plenty of interesting things. Okay?"

"Oh yes, that sounds wonderful." She squeezed his hand and smiled "I'm glad your staying Athrun. I feel...safe with you."

Her blush, made him blush and they both looked at each other. Noticing the coloring on the others cheeks, only made their own darken.

"We should get inside." Athrun said suddenly "I don't know about you, but personally, I'm exhausted. Today was quite a day."

"Yes it was. And your right, I'm pretty tired too." Mina let him lead her inside.

Walking together, Athrun still holding her hand, they made their way up the stairs and down the hall to their rooms. Athrun went so far as to walk her right up to her door. There was an awkward moment where he wasn't sure what to do and neither was Mina. She looked him in the eyes. Suddenly, she moved and was hugging him again. But this time, she added a new element to things. By way of the kiss she pressed upon his cheek.

"Thank you for today Athrun and for staying." Mina said, before slipping into her room, giving him a wave before she shut the door.

"Your welcome Mina. Goodnight." He replied, waiting till the door was closed before walking the couple of feet to his own room, his cheek still tingling from her kiss.

The following few days, were going to be very interesting indeed, he thought. He wondered just how quickly he should move or how far he should push so early on. As he undressed and climbed into bed, he let his mind turn it over for a bit. Meanwhile Mina, now tucked in bed herself, couldn't stop the huge girly grin that claimed her pretty face. She was so happy and excited to get to spend a few days with Athrun. Just the two of them. Without even knowing it, both Athrun and Mina fell asleep thinking about the other.

~~~X~~~