Wicked Temptation

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Chapter 8: Like an Anesthetic

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As soon as I had calmed down, Mr. Zala had made me sit down. My eyes were puffy, that was for sure, and I was so tired.

"Have you calmed down?"

I stiffly nodded. God, how embarrassing, here I was, crying my eyes out in front of the guy I was crushing on. Could I be anymore pathetic?

He sighed as he sat down at the desk next to mine. "Cagalli, I think, I think you should report this."

I shook my head as I wiped my nose. "No, I can't do that."

"Why not? He's not going to hurt you if that's what you're afraid of,"—he paused as he looked away—"I'll make sure of that."

"It's not that I'm afraid," I muttered," It's the fact that even if I do report him, his father will cover it up. Just like he covered up a previous rape Yuna committed."

I saw Mr. Zala's jaw tighten at this.

"He's raped a girl before?"

Oh yeah, there was no doubt now that he was irked as hell.

"Yeah, and the funny thing is,"—I leaned back in the desk and chuckled weakly—"That I was warned about it earlier today but I chose not to listen…Because, I'm stubborn; too stubborn for my own good unfortunately."

I tersely wiped away the new tears that started to appear. Damn tear ducts. I wish I could just have some sort of plug to stop them from leaking; friggin annoying things.

I flinched slightly as I felt him wipe away my tears. He, he was touching me.

"Don't cry anymore Cagalli, what will your family think when you get home?"

My eyes widened at that. Kira! Stellar! Lacus! Oh jeez…I was going to get scolded for being late. I wiped away the tears roughly, but he grabbed my wrist. I turned my head to look at him.

"Don't do that, it'll leave redness." He stood up, letting go of my wrist, and walked to the front of his desk. He grabbed three tissues from the Kleenex box and handed them to me. "Here, use these."

I looked at him then at his outstretched hand. I grabbed the tissues and started to wipe my eyes. "Thanks," I sniffled.

"No problem."

I sat there, biting the inside of my cheek. It was awkward. He saw me at my worst, hell! He saw me crying and going through hysterics! Why did I always end up embarrassing myself in front of him? First there was the flashing. Then it was the Shinn-and-me-walking-into-class-holding-hands. And then it was the making out after class thing and now this? What the hell was I? Some sort of embarrassing-accidents-waiting-to- happen-magnet?

I lifted my head up at the sound of his sigh.

"It's getting late. It's almost seven, I should take you home."

"Take me home?"

He looked at me incredulously. "What? You didn't honestly think that I was going to let you go home alone did you? After what happened? I don't think so."

I blinked as I stared at him, bewildered. "Uh…."

He grabbed his black jacket. "Here, put this on,"—I looked up and he threw it at me—"Wear it, since you don't have a sweater anymore and your shirt is…Well…Er…"

I blushed furiously as I looked down; clutching my ripped shirt and holding it closed with my left hand.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"No, no; it's alight. I know."

He nodded. "Alright then, let me just grab my stuff and we'll leave."

"Okay."

Truth be told, I was curious to see his car. In fact, I was all giddy and comfortable to be spending more one-on-one time with him. That whole ordeal with Yuna seemed very insignificant right now (but I could bet that when I'm at home again or here at school tomorrow, it won't seem so insignificant).

"So…Which one's your car?"

He glanced back at me; an amused smirk on his face. He held up his keys and pressed on the alarm. A car, not too far away from us, made a noise as the taillights and headlights flashed twice.

Oh, wow. A Lexus 15 300, a black one too; cool.

He opened the passenger door for me and waited until I got in.

As soon as I did get in, he closed the door and walked to the driver's door. I took the time to adjust the sleeves of the jacket. But damnit, it smelled nice. Like some sort of cologne that had a nice sweet smell mixed in with a twist of hard smelling scent. It was kind of hard to describe…Hmm…It was kind of like Axe or Curve or Bod….

I looked up as I heard the door open. I quickly dropped my hands to my stomach and looked out the window. I adjusted my feet so that my bag was under my legs instead of in front of my feet.

He sighed as he got in and adjusted himself right in the seat. He turned on the ignition and waited for the car to warm up.

"So…"

I looked at him.

"What were you doing out so late?"

I looked down at my hands (it was way too embarrassing to look him straight in the eyes). "I was at the library since two; I was doing my Chemistry homework and getting tutorial on math when the librarian told me it was time to close."

"Ah, I see," he glanced behind him as he pulled out of the parking lot. He then turned the wheel and sped out of the parking lot.

I bit the inside of my cheek as I looked outside the window. I was inside Mr. Zala's car. Wow. And my legs were slightly trembling. Wow, can they not? It's such a buzz kill. I wanted to ask him questions….Like….How come you kissed me? And how come you offered to drive me home? Do you have a girlfriend? But no, I'm too shy at times. And this is one of those times.

"You're lucky."

"Hmm?"

"You're lucky that I was there, or else…."—his grip tightened on the steering wheel—"Well, that punk would've had his way."

"Oh…."—I looked down at my lap—"What were you doing at school so late anyways?"

Oops. I just blurted out my thoughts. Nice.

"Well, I was grading papers. I really didn't want to take them home and have to deal with them all there—I'd get easily distracted. So I decided to grade them in the classroom."

"Lucky for me then eh?" I gave a small short lived laugh.

"Which reminds me…" he shot me an amused look.

"Yes?"

"Why did you come to my classroom?"

I blinked. Good question; why had I come to his classroom first? Why didn't I pound on nearby classrooms to see if they were still open? Why his?

The answer was plain for me to see, but not for him (And I wouldn't let it be seen by him). So I lied.

"Well, because…The other classrooms were empty. And the B building area had lights on. And since yours was the only one with the lights on on the bottom floor, I decided to head to yours first since….Well…They were on my trail."

"I see," he stepped on the brakes and we stopped in front of a red light.

I glanced at him and then out the window; it was already dark. I gave a small subtle sigh. I wonder what Kira would say when I got home. Would he lecture and patronize me? And then scold me? Or will he shoot off questions as to why I'm wearing someone else's jacket instead of my own gray hoodie?

I touched my left cheek and winced. It still stung.

"What's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, um, nothing's wrong."

"Did he slap you?"

I looked away from him and said nothing. Yeah, Yuna had slapped me, and I could be sure as hell that it'll still be red by the time I get home(or maybe not, but then again, that's just wishful thinking…And a little wishful thinking doesn't hurt anyone, right?).

"Cagalli, did he slap you?" he repeated.

Silence answered him for me.

The car started to move and instead of heading down the road like we should have, he instead drove into the parking lot of Longs-Drugs. He parked perfectly into place and turned off the car.

I looked at him, my eyes narrowed in confusion.

He unbuckled his seatbelt and turned on the lights. Just what the hell was he doing?

"Let me see."

I blinked as he leaned over, his face close to mine, and his hands turning my head to the side a little bit. I heard him curse under his breath.

"Um, is something wrong?"

"Yeah, something's wrong," he scoffed.

I turned my head to look at him. "Well? What is it? Is it that bad?"

He frowned. "Well, not bad per se, but really red. It looks like it has a slight possibility of swelling up." His hand gently brushed over it, examining it.

I averted my eyes from his face. God he was so hot, and so close. I could smell his cologne strongly now. Aw great! My mind's starting to get into the gutter now.

"Well…"

I looked up at him. Our eyes met. I stared at him for what seemed like forever when in actuality, it was only a couple of seconds.

He cleared his throat as he looked away, his hands leaving my slapped cheek, and adjusted himself in the seat. He buckled his seat belt and turned on the ignition.

I looked down, my face was hot. That was somewhat intense….

And then, my stomach growled. Ugh. Great. I forgot that I hadn't eaten anything since this morning, and with the whatnot with Shinn, and then the whole Yuna thing...I had forgot that I was extremely hungry when I was walking home. I wrapped my arms around my stomach, hoping that maybe it'd shut the hell up. But to my dismay, he had heard it.

I looked up at the sound of his laughter. I narrowed my eyes at him in the darkness. "What's so funny?"

He continued to chuckle as he pulled out of the store's parking lot. "Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm not hungry." But my stupid stomach proved me wrong. Oh yeah, I could feel myself blushing (again).

He chuckled again. "You're hungry aren't you? Did you eat anything at break or something?"

I shook my head. "No, I only ate breakfast."

"Hmm, that's not much. I'll tell you what, you call home and tell them that you're okay and that you'll be home soon. And I'll take you out to dinner, deal?"

My eyes widened. "Uwah, um, no! That's okay! I mean, you don't have to bother yourself or anything!"

"Nonsense, I want to take you out to dinner."

"But, but I don't have any money on me."

"It's my treat then."

"But I don't want to be a bother…"

"It's not a bother. I'm hungry too, so it's like killing two birds with one stone right?"

I thought about it. Hmmm, I was hungry…Extremely so….I guess it wouldn't hurt. What were the chances of us being seen by someone from school? None. Zero. Zip.

"Alright."

He grinned. "Where do you want to go? It's your choice."

I mused about it. "How about….."

"Hello, welcome to Carrows, will it be a table for two?"

Mr. Zala nodded at the waitress wordlessly. She nodded, grabbed two menus, and led us to the back side of the restaurant where it wasn't as crowded as the front side.

I pulled the sleeves over my fingers; self-conscious was very evident in my little move. I looked around me while I followed the waitress and Mr. Zala. Oh boy. Here I was. In a public place. With him. Just me…And him. Me and him. Him and me. Alone. Just the two of us. Yep. Oh my effigin god. It's just the two of us, like….Like if we were on a d—

"Cagalli?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked down; he was sitting inside of the booth. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I quickly sat down (So embarrassing).

"Here you are,"—the waitress placed the menus in front of us—"I'll be back momentarily to take your orders." She flashed a warm smile at Mr. Zala, something that she probably didn't know I caught. I scowled at her as she walked away.

Apparently, I wasn't sly enough to scowl at her without getting caught. Oi.

"Why the scowl Cagalli?"

I blinked as I looked up, surprised (for the millionth time that night) that I had been caught. "Scowling? I wasn't scowling. Who said anything about scowling?"

He shook his head as he silently chuckled. "You're not a very good liar Cagalli."

I frowned. "Whatever." I looked away and avoided eye contact throughout the whole dinner.

I excused myself (before we left) to the bathroom. I had to call Kira. I dialed his number and waited for him to pick up.

On the forth ring, he picked up.

"Cagalli?! Jesus, where the hell are you?! Do you know what time it is?!"

I cringed slightly. Kira never swore or scolded me (almost rarely) and if he did, it wasn't pretty.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry okay? It's just that I went out with a friend of mine and she invited me to go to dinner with her to a restaurant."

I heard him exhale. "What restaurant?"

"Um, Carrows?"

"Carrows? But it's half an hour away from here! Are you sure that you're with a friend?! You're not lying to me are you?!"

"No! No, I'm not lying Kira! I'm telling the truth, honest." I lowered my voice because someone had stepped into the bathroom. "Seriously, I did meet up with a friend of mine and she invited me to eat with her. Honest."

"…….."

"Kira?"

He sighed deeply. "It's eight-thirty Cagalli. You should've been home three hours ago. Lacus was just about to call the police because you hadn't come home. Do you know even remotely, how much worry you've caused?"

See what I meant? He always knew how to hit a person hard, like real deep. "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. I should've called sooner but I forgot."

"Cagalli…."

"Kira, please? I called okay? And I'm safe and sound with my friend at a restaurant. In fact, she's going to drive me home. Happy?"

"…….."

"Kira…."

"Alright, but, you can't go out anymore without telling me where and who you're going out with, understood?"

I groaned. "Kira, I'm seventeen. Don't you think I'm a little bit old for groundings and such?"

"As long as you live with me—me who pays the bills and provides for you and Stellar—you will do as I say. Besides, you're still a minor. I don't care if you're seventeen or not. Got it? Now come home—now."

I rolled my eyes. Damn he knew how to piss me off. "Whatever, bye." I snapped my phone shut harshly, opened the bathroom stall, and stalked out of the bathroom.

Mr. Zala was already standing up, paying for the bill. He looked up and gave me an amused grin. Shit. What the hell was I? An open book?

"Someone seems mad."

"I do not."

"Then why are your eyes narrowed? And why do you have a deep set frown?"

I snapped my head up at him, my mouth ready to shoot off a counter-attack, but the words died, and my eyes widened. M-Meyrin? Oh just what I fucking needed, me jinxing myself; just excellent Cagalli, nice, real smooth.

Mr. Zala seemed to notice my expression because he looked at me rather funny. "Are you okay? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

I gasped as Meyrin turned her head my way. I froze right in the spot. If she saw me, then I'd be so screwed. Without thinking (acting more on impulse than anything else) I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door hastily.

"Cagalli, what on earth are you—"

I ignored him and pulled him out of the dining restaurant quickly, praying that Meyrin hadn't seen us. Once I was sure that we were out of sight, I let out a puff of breathe. That was ridiculously close. If she had seen us, together, as in a teacher and student out in a public place together, then the shit would hit the fan.

It would heave its self up onto my list of horrendous things waiting me to resolve.

"Uh, er, Cagalli?"

"Hm?"

"You're still holding onto my hand…"

I blinked as I looked down slowly. Sure enough, I was holding his hand. I immediately let go of it and looked away, the blush spanning across my face. "S-Sorry," I muttered.

"Uh, it's okay. I should take you home now anyways. Judging by the look on your face before you hastily pulled me out of the diner, I'd say that the call home wasn't very good."

I shook my head, still cautious in meeting his gaze. "Nope, not even remotely close."

He chuckled. "Alright then, let's go."

The drive to the house was pretty quiet (with the exception of the humming of the car and me giving him directions). It took exactly thirty-nine minutes to get to the house because one: he got lost along the way (stupid misunderstandings) and 2: there was late traffic.

"Well, I guess this is it." I unbuckled my belt and started to open the door when—

"Cagalli, are you sure you're alright?"

I looked back at him, settling back into the seat. "Yeah, I'm okay. I mean, yeah, okay, sure, I was shaken up a couple of hours ago by what would've happened...But spending time with you eased it a little bit."

He stared at me. I could feel the tension emanating from him in the still darkness. Or was it coming from me?

"Seriously, everything's fine. I'm all good. My mentality is still intact. No damage psychologically speaking, but psychically on the other hand…"

"Let me see your cheek before you go in. I don't want you getting into trouble."

I sighed. "Honestly, I'm fine Mr. Zala, I'm all good. I'm not delicate you know, or fragile. I'm a tough girl who can handle things."

I could see the amused smirk on his face even in the darkness. I frowned. "You're getting all amused again, aren't you?"

He gave a quiet and whole-heartedly laugh. "Maybe,"—I felt his hand rest on my left cheek lightly, it felt oddly soothing—"Hmm, there's no swelling. It's just a little warm. Let me take a better look." He turned on the front light, dimly, and leaned his face close to mine to examine it. "That's good."

"What is?"

"There's no swelling and the redness is barley visible."

I smiled. "Good? That's excellent. Now I won't get pounded with a lot of questions."

"That's good to hear," he whispered.

We stayed still, just looking at each other in the eyes. I thought I was staying still, but it wasn't until I found myself unconsciously leaning in to his face that I realized I wasn't—and neither was he. The tension was so thick between us that I could've cut it with a knife or something.

And then the inevitable happened. He secured my face in between his hands as he kissed me back vigorously and I reciprocated the action back. I gripped his shoulders as I was starting to get a little light-headed. It was so wonderful, like, like nothing I have ever imagined. It was just like the first kiss we shared in the classroom, only more passionate and full of need or want. I couldn't quite place, but then again I couldn't quite place anything at the moment.

I moaned into his mouth as his hands dropped from my face to my back, pulling me more to him. My body molded into his perfectly. I placed my hands on his chest, tilting my head a little to the side.

"I'm sorry. This shouldn't have…God…."

I opened my eyes to see him pull away from me, his hands leaving my back. He shook his head as he placed his left hand to his forehead. I was speechless and dazed. I didn't know what to say because, well, to be honest…I wasn't sorry. Really, I really, really wasn't.

I just sat there in the passenger seat, my left leg resting on the seat and tucked behind my right one and my body fully turned to him. I stared at him as he looked down, his left hand still to his forehead. He apparently thought he was the bad guy. But he wasn't—not at all.

I decided it was best to just leave; I didn't want to make things any worse than they already were. I sighed as I pulled on the door handle and pushed open the door. It wasn't long before I put my right foot out that I felt a tug at my right wrist which forced me to turn around.

Once again, I was met with an apologetic face. But I didn't know if he was apologizing to me, or to himself.

"Cagalli…I…"

"You know what? It's cool. It's alright. Honest." I pried my wrist away from his hold and started to unzip his jacket. "Here, I don't want to take it without—"

He shook his head, cutting me off. "It's okay. Keep it. You can return it to me tomorrow after school. I don't want you getting into anymore trouble than you already are."

I stared at him, my lips pressed into a thin line. "Alright, I'll stop by tomorrow and drop it off." I got out of the car and bent over, looking in. "Thanks for everything Mr. Zala; I guess I owe you or something. But, thanks though, honestly. I don't know what I would've done if you weren't in the classroom."

He gave me a half smile. "It's alright. I'm glad I could help."

I could still see the struggle in his eyes. Hate versus wanting and needing. Goddamnit, I just wish he would've given himself over to the wanting and the needing instead of responsibility and self-hate. I smiled at him as I waved.

He nodded, avoiding my eyes. I closed the door and watched him speed off. What a freaking tease. But yet….My right hand found its way to my lips. I could still feel the pressure from his lips against mine, and his hot breath.

I snapped out of my daze as I saw a light turn on abruptly. Oh shit. I jogged up the steps to the front door and opened it. I adjusted my bag and skirt as I walked in. Stellar was in the living room (probably watching her trashy surreal life shows or something), but I couldn't find Kira or Lacus.

"Hey, Stellar, where are Kira and Lacus?"

She looked up from the television screen and eyed the jacket I was wearing. A spark of curiosity appeared in her magenta eyes immediately.

"They're in the kitchen, why? And what's with that jacket Cagalli? Were you fooling around with some guy eh?"

I glared at her. "Shut up Stellar."

"Aw, come one Cagalli! Tell me! Please?"

"No!"

"Why not?"

"Because it's none of your business that's why."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Well then, that must surely mean that you're most certainly hiding something right?"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Fine,"—I glared daggers at her—"If you most know little miss gossiper, I was out with a friend of mine and I left my grey hoodie at school hence that jacket."

"But it looks like a guy's jacket."

I inwardly flinched. Damn her for choosing today to be so observant. "Well, you see…"

"Cagalli?!" I heart Kira for saving me.

"Yeah, where are you?"

"In the kitchen, get in here, now."

Oh boy. I walked over to the kitchen, gripping the strap of my handbag. I looked up and he and Lacus were sitting on the stools. They were apparently talking about something, me perhaps?

"Grab a stool and take a seat."

I looked at him and then glanced at Lacus—she gave me an apologetic look for whatever was about to come. I narrowed my eyes. What the hell was she apologizing for?

"Cagalli, are you having sex?"

My cheeks turned a bright red. "What?" Talk about being blunt!

He looked every bit as uncomfortable as I felt. God, holy friggin hell. No way. Was he…He was giving me the sex talk?

Lacus placed a hand over Kira's. "Kira, maybe I should do this."

He looked up at her and exhaled. "Yeah, maybe you should. I'm not very good at this…"

Words couldn't explain the relief I felt when Lacus suggested what she just suggested. I would rather have the talk with her then with Kira. I shuddered just at the thought of it all.

He looked at me, his face pretty beet red. "Um, right, so, er….I'll leave you two alone."

As soon as he left, Lacus turned to look at me. She had a sheepish smile gracing her lips. "Sorry about the bluntness in Kira's approach to this…Topic."

I closed my eyes. Oh dear god. Kill me now.

"Now Cagalli, Kira's starting to get suspicious that you're starting to…Well…That you're being 'active' already. And needless to say, he's worried…."

I gulped.

"Alright, look, if you guys think I'm having….Sex," my mouth formed around the horrendous bringer of all time embarrassment. "I am not. Seriously! I. Am. Not. Having. Sex."

She looked at me, her baby blue eyes contemplative.

"Lacus, honestly, I'm not having sex! You'd be the first one that I would come up to and say: I'm having sex." Psh, yeah right. Even if I was (which I am not) I wouldn't tell her, it's private. Hell, it's bloody embarrassing beyond belief.

"Then why are you wearing a man's jacket?"

I flinched. What? I looked down at my clothing. Fuck. I was so wound up in my own embarrassment that I completely forgot that I still had Mr. Zala's jacket on. I bit the inside of my cheek as I racked my brain for a believable lie.

"Well Cagalli? I mean, that's the only reason why we asked you: because you came in with someone else's jacket other than your own."

I inhaled before I spoke. "Well, you see, my friend's brother lent it to me because I forgot my sweater at school in my locker."

Her lips were still set in a straight line.

"Really, remember when I wasn't home yet? Yeah, well, I was walking and I bumped into a friend from my Chemistry class. We started talking and she invited me to the diner not too far away from here. And well, I was so caught up in our conversation that I completely forgot that my sweater was still in my locker until we were already on the road."

I looked at her. Did she believe me?

She sighed as she looked at me; a smile was gracing her lips. "Alright, that's good to know."

Score on my behalf! "So…What are you going to tell Kira?"

She giggled. "He's so tensed up about you and Stellar, it's pretty cute. He's stressing out over nothing really. Maybe it's just because you two are at that age in which you'll have boyfriends and stuff."

I laughed along with her. "Probably, but, that's just so like him."

She nodded. "Mmm, true. Without it, it wouldn't really make him Kira now would it?"

"No, it wouldn't."

"I guess you can go now. You're free."

I grinned at her. I so loved her. She was like a role model or something; nah, more like a friend, very wise and always able to help me. "Thanks Lacus, I owe you lots."

"Sure, sure Cagalli. Now get going before Kira comes back into the kitchen to check up on our progress."

I nodded as I quickly made my way out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

An hour later I found myself in my room sprawled on my bed, my hair freshly wet (due to the shower). I looked up at the ceiling and thought of nothing in particular. That talk with Lacus was mortifying, but in the end, I guess it ended okay. Kira didn't question me about the jacket—probably because he was so into worrying that he overlooked. I only hoped Stellar wouldn't make a big deal out of it tomorrow.

And then my mind came to Yuna, that fucking shameless piece of crap.

Odd, I thought that what happened with Yuna would seem much more significant right now. But it doesn't. It just feels like so long ago, like it happened years ago. All I felt at this instant was complete and utter ease. I felt mellow. I felt calm. I felt sure. And the only rational explanation I could come up with was the kiss with Mr. Zala.

I was sure that I liked him now more than ever. I was calm because he eased my pain and fear. I was mellow because I was still half dazed out from the kiss. Yes, I liked him, and call it delusional or not, but I get the feeling he might like me too. Would that explain the apologetic look in his eyes? That perhaps the apology wasn't meant for me but for him? For him because he couldn't give in to his desires because he was my teacher and I was his student?

Hmm, that had to be it. But who would tell? I sure as hell wouldn't. And I know for a damn well fact that he wouldn't either. I laughed at myself. Look at me, suggesting a student-teacher affair. Was I really that reckless?

I sighed as I rolled over to my side and closed my eyes, my hand resting on my lips. He was like an anesthetic; he made everything negative go away.

But, just how long would it last?


Okay, okay; another filler I know. Hehehehehe. But on the next chapter is when it really starts to kick in. I would've written it in here, but for the sake of your eyeballs and pretty much entertainment, I decided not too (also, it being one in the morning also tends to factor in). So I promise to have the next chapter up ASAP.

And note that the replies to reviews idea, yeah, I just followed the example from another author (doesn't have an account here). So know that it's not my idea at all. I'm just following it.

Replies to Reviews:

CagalliRules: Lol. Yeah, I didn't think of it either, but then it popped into my head to make Shinn kiss Cagalli and tell her how he felt.

Shiloah18: Um, I kinda like green peas (but only if they're mixed with corn!). Lol. Yes, Miriallia is very audacious in my story. Cagalli hugging Auel reminded you of GS? Hmm, well now that I look at it….Yeah. lol. Well, Stellar called him and told him that Cagalli wasn't at home yet. Lol. Nice. Um, well he thinks he's in love with her, but he's really not. Oh, trust me, in the next chapter (or two) somebody will castrate Yuna's ass. Well, Milly does have Tolle…For now. And I hope I answered your questions about Cagalli's appearance with this chapter, and what Athrun did, and why she ran to him first. Lol. And I'm glad you liked Auel in the previous chapter.

Sundowners: Yes, Cagalli has to have too many complications. But she'll pull through.

The Ravaja of Dejeneration: I know, I've got some insanely wicked situations for Cags, but she'll pull through. Bit by bit with the help of people of course. Glad you liked the chapter!

AsuCagafan: Well, technically, Shinn's not in love per se…But you'll see.

Sweetsimplcity: Thanks! It's fun writing the story lol. So I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Hades.Throne.Heiress: Happy 2008 now. I know, it was kind of disturbing about Cags almost being raped by Yuna, but it had to happen. And don't worry; he'll get his nice big chunk of karma soon.

Cara410: Thank you! I'm glad you like the fic.

ACysDMkl: Lol, yes, I probably would've made Athrun kick their asses if only he wasn't an adult ( nice name by the way! GS couples…Nice).

Sasorin101: I know huh? Cags got her share of boys. Yes, Yuna should die. I'm so good at making people hate him lol. And you know, you kinda gave me an idea for what I have planned for him. Thanks!

grEeNtEnshi911: I hope this chapter quenched your thirst of AsuCaga moments lol.

Evilace: Hmm, good question. Well, they weren't people or cars there because you know how in some neighborhoods it's like really quiet to the point that you think it's not occupied by any living humans? Yeah, well her school is located around a neighborhood like that, so that's why there were hardly any people or cars.

athrunXcagalli4evr: Hahahaha. Yeah, if I did let the rape happen, then I'm sure people would've been rioting against me for it. Oh, what gave you the hint that Yuna would attempt to get at Cagalli? Well, on the Shinn and Cagalli issue….Um…I'm not sure they're going to go out. But I don't know. I'm fickle so I could change my mind while typing.

Midnight blue08: Yes'm, Shinn and Stellar is completely permanent. Nothing can make me not put them together. Hmm, I think I'll have something better for Yuna, like make him lose something he'll surely miss. That would be wickedly cruel. And thank you for the compliment about Shinn/Cags kiss.

Cagalliyulaattha4ever: Hahahaha. Not too many people seem to be a big fan of him: which is awesome because it means I'm good at making people hate certain characters! You're playing Kingdom Hearts too?! Oh what part are you on? I'm not a very big fan of Riku, I like Sora! Tee hee!

Cagalliyulathha: Lol, yeah, I wrote this with writer's block. Shame on me I know (but at least it turned out awesome!). Yeah, it kinda is weird cause you don't know what you're writing half the way. Haha! A lot of people want Shinn/Cagalli to go out. But yeah, it's all hardcore Ath/Caga.

And that's pretty much it for now. I would've written more, but tomorrow I have school, ugh. So I'll post the next chapter by this upcoming weekend.