What's In a Name

Disclaimers: I do not own Gundam SEED/Gundam SEED Destiny.

Story fact-
Athrun and Cagalli's favorite pastime is driving each other crazy, Athrun is a little better at it. XD

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…Chapter Nine…

It was only two more days before Athrun would have to travel to the Westenfluss Estate and be rid of Meer for at least a few more months before Siegel decides to send his niece to "spend" time with him. He needed to start visiting his business partners for the summer for their annual reports. He was looking forward to that long break away from Meer even though she was pushing for a June wedding. He cringed did the woman not know how to quit? Obviously not and his staff constantly informing him of what she had been telling them, the only thing he looked forward to in the day was his little battle of wits with Cagalli. He would have to find moments when he was able to escape from Meer to be with her, but it was well worth it. He had always been able to get the upper hand in their little game; maybe it was because they were older and were too old for practical jokes and settled for more of a verbal exchange. That had been good news for Murdoch to not have to clean up their mess afterwards.

Murdoch had spent a lot of time with Cagalli when she would frequently escape from the library and help him. It was her way of defying Athrun for having her do some kind of silly task that didn't need to be done…the young duke was able to push the blonde princess' buttons and in return she was try to "escape" from him. Murdoch found it amusing on how they interacted, he was very grateful there were no practical jokes but he found their new little battle of wits entertaining. After Athrun could pry himself away from Meer so he could playfully scold the blonde princess for ignoring her duties. She would say she was finished and wanted to be outside in the spring air. Murdoch just enjoyed seeing the young duke sincerely happy and smiling. That even the ever composed Athrun was able to let some of his good breeding go to relax and be just a man without all the weight on his shoulders.

Cagalli was currently in the garden helping Murdoch plant some new flowers to help make the garden more colorful by the suggestion of the blonde princess. Cagalli would often sneak off to the gardens to sketch when Athrun was preoccupied with Meer so she didn't have to listen to one of the duchess' ramblings of a wedding. He would come hunting her down after he made his escape from Meer and she would make another quick escape even though she knew the duke would find her. This was the routine for them the past month. If she spotted Athrun coming after her while she was sketching she would close her sketch book and run to find a hiding place in the gardens. Athrun would chase after the princess like he always did. Currently though, Athrun had not made it outside to the garden yet which meant Meer was doing a better job at trapping the young duke.

"So, what trouble did you cause the young lord today," Murdoch asked as he handed Cagalli some flowers to plant.

"I haven't done anything yet," Cagalli said with a bright smile. "Besides, Lady Meer has been her usual annoying self today, so I figure the young duke needed some time with her before she left."

Murdoch chuckled, "You're not playing nice…"

"Play, nice? Me," Cagalli laughed as she continued to plant the flowers.

She patted the dirt with her small shovel and went onto the next set. Murdoch shook his head and stood up to get the next batch of flowers to plant. Cagalli stood up and stretched. She looked around the blooming garden, it had only been a few weeks since the snow had completely melted and yet life was slowly blooming around them. She smiled and walked over to a familiar tree. She stepped on the stones that led up to the tree and touched it gently. That very tree was how she and Athrun first met. She might have gotten a scar from her fall but it was the start of many fond memories while she had been visiting. She noticed the swing still hung on the tree and sat down on it. She slowly began swinging her body in the tree swing.

Murdoch smiled as he watched the carefree blonde swinging, her body had grown up but she was able to keep her childlike innocence. Kira came out looking for her and Murdoch but stopped as he watched his sister playing on the swing. He smiled and made his way over to his sister. She looked up at him and he began pushing her on the swing, "Do you remember the last time we did this?"

Cagalli looked over her shoulder, "Yeah…and I think you told me you weren't going to push me on the swing because people might think I was your girlfriend instead of your sister."

Kira chuckled and continued to gently push his sister, "Then you told me that was ridiculous because we have the same face. If people believed we were a couple at our age they were morons."

Cagalli laughed at the memory, "We were eight."

"And your point is," Kira asked with a bright smile on his face. "It's good to hear you talk again, you know that?"

Cagalli smiled and nodded, "I'm happy to be more or less back…"

"Whenever you are ready to talk about why you felt like you had to stop talking," Kira told her seriously. "You know I will always be ready to listen."

"I know," Cagalli responded. "It might be a while before that happens."

"You're my sister, I'm not going anywhere," Kira replied as he continued to push her on the swing.

Murdoch smiled at the conversation shared between brother and sister. The twins were something else and he admired them. He had heard about the horrors of the war that was going on in Orb and for them to have survived it all…it was amazing. They were a strong family even if it was just them. They had to endure the fall of their home and watch it burn to ruins. They tried to start a new life in the Plants but to lose their father and then spent their life on the run. They were trying to survive and now…they finally can just live. He knew that Athrun kept them in the estate for their protection and he knew for a fact he would not let Cagalli out of anyone's sights. He had become more protective of her now that she was speaking. No one else seemed to have noticed it but Murdoch did.

"Oh! Mister Kyle, Miss Catherine," Lacus said lifting her skirts to get closer to the twins. "There you two are!"

"Lady Lacus," Kira smiled at the duchess.

Cagalli noticed the looks being shared between her brother and the duchess. An idea formed in her head as she stood up, "Lady Lacus…would you like the swing? My brother is an excellent person when it comes to swings!"

Kira looked at his sister if she was crazy, Cagalli winked at her brother. Lacus on the other hand smiled happily and sat down on the swing, "I've been eyeing the swing for days."

Kira chuckled, "Well the weather is nice today."

Lacus placed her hands on the ropes of the swing and Kira began gently pushing the duchess. Cagalli smiled and went to find Murdoch to help him with planting. Kira shook his head and sighed softly. Lacus was giggling in glee, "I haven't been on a swing in quite some time…"

"Do you not have one at your estate, Lady Lacus," Kira asked as he continued to gently push the duchess.

"Oh but we do, but I do not always have company to enjoy it with," Lacus said looking over her shoulder at Kira. "It is much more pleasant with company; don't you think…Mister Kyle?"

Kira chuckled, "I guess you are correct, Lady Lacus. Just about anything would be better with company."

"I agree," Lacus said as she felt the small spring breeze touch her cheeks and the rush of moving on the swing. She enjoyed it, "Say Mister Kyle…"

"Yes my lady," Kira asked as he continued to push the swing.

"You must be overjoyed to hear your sister speaking once again," Lacus said with sincerely playing in her musical voice.

Kira nodded and looked over at his sister laughing with Murdoch, "No words can express my joy, my lady. I am so glad to see her to act in the same way that she used to…"

"It's almost as if she woke up from a bad dream," Lacus said looking over at the blonde she would get a glimpse when she was on either side of the tree.

"I would have to agree," Kira said looking over at the lovely duchess on the swing. "It almost seems like it is too good to be true…I'm also very afraid she will…"

"Mister Kyle, you shouldn't think such things…" Lacus told him, "All you can do is support her and keep that smile on her face. Surely, she is enjoying being in the state she is in now more than the quiet girl she was."

Kira smiled, "I can only hope, my lady…I can only hope."

"Hope is a wonderful thing, Mister Kyle," Lacus said griping the ropes of the swing and her eyes locked with soft violet. Kira was breathless looking at the beautiful duchess on the swing. He stopped it and the two of them locked in their gazes. He was lost in the sea of Lacus' blue grey eyes and she was lost in the swirl of violet. The two of them had been spending a lot of time together the month of April. Lacus had found Kira to be wonderful company and Kira thought the same. In both of their minds they had thought the other person had changed since their first meeting so many summers ago. Lacus knew the chance of him being the prince was relatively high considering he had a twin sister and the way he spoke was almost a giveaway for the singing duchess. She however knew what was going with Azrael as her father made no attempt to hide the truth from her of Azrael's true intentions.

After she had found that Azrael was hunting for the man before her, she decided she would not reveal to him that she knew it was him…or she highly thought it was him. She just couldn't prove it but she wanted to keep him safe. Neither one of them noticed that their faces were closing distance but neither bother to stop it either once they knew something was happening. Murdoch and Cagalli were still in the garden but they were lost in chatter of how to improve the garden to take notice of the pair at the swing. Their eyes were slowly closing as their distance became shorter…shorter…and shorter. Kira's lips had barely met Lacus' when, "LACUS!"

Kira quickly pulled back and Lacus whipped her head to the terrace where her cousin was waving at her madly, Lacus took a few moments to gather her senses. Kira backed away from the swing as Lacus stood up and fixed the skirts of her dress. She then turned over to Kira, "Will you escort me, Mister Kyle?"

"Of course, my lady," Kira then walked to stand on her left side and held his arm to her. She took it as they made their way over to the terrace both caught in a whirl of emotions. Athrun came out to the terrace and saw the flustered looks on both Kira and Lacus. He began to wonder what had happened between them. He did not ask any questions as the pair approached Meer.

"Thank you, Mister Kyle," Lacus said with a warm smile. Kira gave a curt nod and then heard…

"Damn it, ow!"

"Are you alright, missy?"

Kira went running and so did Athrun. Lacus and Meer looked confused but let the men do their business. For once Meer didn't give a jealous look, she was inwardly happy that the blonde might have injured herself however Meer had more important matters to discuss with her younger cousin. They left to return inside while Kira and Athrun made it over to where Cagalli had a finger in her mouth. Murdoch was rubbing the back of his head. Kira knelt down next to his sister as Athrun just watched and waited. "What happened…"

"Nothing mother hen," Cagalli managed to say while sucking on her finger.

Kira gave her a look, "What did you do?"

"Nothing!"

Athrun cleared his throat and Cagalli looked up at him. She then saw he was holding out his hand to her, Cagalli had a bad feeling. She however placed her hand into his as he pulled her up. However in a swift motion as he was helping her up with one hand he quickly used her other to pull her finger out of her mouth. She had long gash on her forefinger. Cagalli was too stunned on how Athrun moved so quickly and Kira stood up to look at her finger.

Murdoch was also watching but he had an amused grin on his face, "I'll go see if I can get some gauze from Murrue." Murdoch turned to walk inside while leaving Cagalli with her protective brother looking at her with a demanding look and Athrun giving her a curious one.

"Care to explain your injury, Miss Catherine," Athrun asked smoothly not letting his grip on her go. Cagalli glared at him and Kira was examining her hand to see if she had any other injuries.

"I wasn't paying attention and I cut myself," Cagalli answered and Kira looked at her with an arched brow.

"With what," Kira asked looking down at where she was working. He spotted the small shovel she was using and picked it up. Sure enough there were traces of blood on it, "You need to be more careful…what if the cut had gotten infected and not only that you had your finger in your mouth…"

"Oh shut up," Cagalli rolled her eyes. "I've gotten worse cuts than this before, so don't treat me like a child!"

"You should be more careful," Kira protested and sighed as his sister gave him the look. How he hated that one look she seemed to have reserved just for him. It was a look saying that she would not give into him no matter what, "You even got Mister Murdoch worried about you…"

"So what if I'm a little clumsy," Cagalli tried pulled her hand and wrist out of Athrun's grasp. "You can let go of me now, my lord."

Athrun looked at the struggling blonde in amusement, "Can I trust you not to put that in your mouth again…"

Cagalli heard the tone and smirked back at him, she moved her injured hand into his face, "Or what my lord?" Kira watched confused, what the hell was going on? Why was Cagalli being so forward with the duke? Kira watched stunned and hoping someone would answer him on this anomaly. Kira's head moved back and forth like a ball as the two would continue to banter in front of him.

Athrun smirked, "Miss Catherine, you heard your brother…you could have an infection. I am just looking out for your best interest."

"Hmph, best interest…you say?" Cagalli waved her arms slightly, "Is that why you are holding me like some kind of prisoner?"

"Not at all, Miss Catherine," Athrun told her. "I just want to make sure my secretary doesn't do anything foolish while I am still here in the estate."

"Arrogant bastard," Cagalli muttered under breath and glared at Athrun. "I am quite capable of handling an injury of this caliber my lord, there is no need to worry."

Murdoch had come up to the scene but was being ignored by Cagalli and Athrun. He chuckled as he watched Kira's expressions. He was quite confused by the interaction, he couldn't blame the poor prince considering it was the first time he had seen the two of them in such an open kind of environment…meaning no Meer to the interrupt the moment. Murdoch had come out with some gauze, small bandage, and cleaning ointment for her cut. He decided he would wait until the bantering had somewhat calmed down.

"I apologize if I made it appear as if I doubt your ability to treat your wound," Athrun held her injured hand up closer to her face. "However the way you were treating it before did bring me great concern."

"Well, well…we should get that cleaned up," Murdoch said seeing Cagalli's glare darkening. He handed the items to Kira, "You can treat your sister, I need to finish some work. Pardon me my lord."

Kira took the items and then looked at his sister. Athrun finally let his grip on her go and Cagalli held up her hand to her brother. She was pouting due to the fact she was being treated like a child. At least she wasn't being mistaken for a boy. Kira poured some ointment on the gauze and pressed it on her cut only to hear Cagalli hiss. She was shocked by the sudden pressure and the ointment trying to kill off any infection. Kira then placed the bandage over her finger and was grateful that Athrun was holding her still. If he hadn't he was sure he would've gotten smacked in his face.

"There," Kira smiled at his handy work and Cagalli rolled her eyes. Athrun slowly let his grip go on her and the blonde let her hands fall to her sides. She didn't meet his gaze but she could tell by the warmth rising to her cheeks, that she enjoyed his hold a little more than she would ever admit aloud. "I should get back inside, I promised Lady Lacus I would join her for some tea this afternoon."

"Uh huh," Cagalli said giving her brother a knowing look. Kira bowed to Athrun and left his sister and the duke alone. Cagalli crossed her arms over her chest, "If he insists that he doesn't like her one more time I'm going to hit him."

Athrun chuckled, "That is not very sisterly of you."

"What would you know," Cagalli said looking at the duke. "You know, why do you address them by their title?"

"It's only proper," Athrun responded stunned by her question.

"Or are you keeping them at a distance," Cagalli asked.

Athrun looked at Cagalli as if had grown a second head. He was taken aback by her question. His parents always taught him to address everyone with respect and by their titles especially if they were older than you. Granted, Lacus and Meer were younger than him…so why did he call them by their titles? Dearka, Heine, Yzak, and Athrun all went to the same academy together…so they were friends. Granted every now and then he called them by their titles. So why was she asking him a question like this now…all of the sudden?

"Well, no…not exactly…"

Cagalli giggled, "Always the prime and proper duke…I think you're parents raised you too well." Cagalli clasped her hands behind her back and began walking over to the gazebo. Athrun watched her curiously and followed after her. Athrun watched her as she stepped inside of the newly decorated gazebo and Athrun had to smile. "What do you think? Mister Murdoch and I debated on quite a few designs…"

Athrun smiled warmly, "You've done a lovely job as always, Cagalli."

"So you're being nice to me now," Cagalli teased and twirled to touch the railing laced with strings of lights.

There were also new hanging plants in the gazebo hanging from the ceiling. She turned to face him with a smile and Athrun forgot what snide remark he was going to say. His eyes drank up the image before him and he gently reached out. Cagalli felt his fingers gently place a stray strand behind her ear and she flushed prettily. Athrun could still hardly believe she was the same little girl that would try to break eggs on his head, raced him either by running or horseback riding, threw mud at him, and the list was endless of all the things she used to do. They had done none of that the past weeks but exchanged words of wit.

No words were exchanged as Athrun took another step closer with his fingertips touching her cheek gently. His eyes were memorizing her face, the way her bangs fell down to her eyes and some of her hair framing her face. The way her cheeks had a small tint of pink on them and he gently put his other hand on her waist. Her amber eyes drowning in his sea of emeralds and her lips slightly parted open as a small gasp escaped them as he pulled her closer. Cagalli swore her heart would leap out of her chest the way it was pounding against her rib cage. She thought her lungs would explode with as many breaths she was taking.

Athrun couldn't lie to himself; he had wanted to kiss the blonde for some time now. Every time she bit her bottom lip it was almost as if she was calling him to kiss her. Ever since she began talking and they began their verbal squabbles…he found her more and more attractive. The way she held herself and didn't let Meer take advantage of her…it amazed him. Everything about her glowed granted she had the most beautiful eyes in his opinion…the warm glowing amber staring up at him. Her golden hair was fairer than anyone he had ever seen even if she had been living as a mere traveler for a few years. She managed to keep some royal air around her despite everything going on around them.

He began brushing the strands of her hair on the side of her face with the hand that had already been by her cheek. Cagalli lifted her hands and placed them on his chest but made no motion to push him away. Her head was tilted up and if she had not been in the moment, she might have made a comment of his height. She didn't however as she closed her eyes taking in the feeling he was giving her. Part of her was telling her this wasn't right…he was a man touching her…just like that one night…however this…this was different the other part of telling her. The way he was holding her was gently and not firm…he wasn't gripping her as if he has some kind of hidden agenda. He was holding her, holding her gently and brushing some strands of hair softly and gently.

She knew somewhere deep inside of her that Athrun knew of what happened to her. He had always been careful in his actions and Cagalli had noticed it since she had come to live in the estate. Everything he did around her was almost as if he carefully planned it out just for her. She didn't understand the why behind it…she wanted to know why he wanted to take care of her. She might be young but she wasn't completely naïve. Sure they were friends but this wasn't how friends were to be embracing. This was how lovers were to embrace…

Surely she and Athrun are NOT lovers…

But right now…

It felt like it...

It felt right…

He wasn't like the man that roughly handled her and hit her. He wasn't the man that forced her down and took advantage of her. He wasn't the man that stole her first kiss forcefully…he wasn't the man that held her forcefully and tried to get her to do things to him. He was Athrun…he had one hand pressed gently on the side of her waist, it felt too perfect. There was no way…he could want a woman like her…she was tainted but before her thoughts could continue any further…his hand on her waist now was gently wrapped around her body. That strong arm had pulled her to his body pressed warmly against his…

Athrun's lips touched hers and she felt as if she had gone to heaven. The hand that had been brushing her hair softly was gently cupping the back of her head. Cagalli's hands went up to his shoulders as his lips gently moved against hers. She felt her heart racing as she mimicked the way he was kissing her and for a moment losing herself in the kiss. Little did she know Athrun had been having his own inner battle, he had wanted to give in and kiss her for quite a long time. He knew she had been hurt…hurt so much that she lost her will to speak. If he had not found out that the men had already been killed, he would hunt them down and take their lives with his own hands. He didn't want her to regress by any means but he was a man after all…in the company of a beautiful woman. A woman that he couldn't help but find himself attracted to her now as a woman…and found it difficult to see her just as a childhood friend.

He acted more like long lost friends with Kira than he did with Cagalli. It was odd how quickly Athrun was managed to get such a warm brotherly like friendship with Kira but he figured he should also get to know Kira considering he knew his sister. He had only seen Kira once before when they had come to pick up Cagalli from the Zala Estate to return back to Orb. He felt a piece of him left with Cagalli that day but he had her again…and this time as a man he found it very difficult to see her as that troublemaking child she once was.

Cagalli pulled away from the kiss as tears began pouring down her eyes, "We…Athrun…we shouldn't be…"

Athrun opened his eyes and saw the tears streaming down her face. Guilt rushed over him, was she going to regress now? Because he wanted to be selfish for just a moment? Athrun took in a deep breath and was about to apologize but she cut him off.

"You don't want me," Cagalli whispered. "I'm…not…I'm…tain…"

"Shh," Athrun placed her head on his shoulder and rubbed her back softly. Cagalli melted into his embrace no matter how many times she told herself not to. "When you're ready…I'll be there to listen…but when I'm done listening you will listen to what I have to say, promise me…"

Cagalli sniffled and she wanted to believe the sincerity in his voice. She wasn't ignorant she knew what people say of woman like her…even though it wasn't her choice of what happened to her. She knew that men didn't want woman that had been tainted. The fact that Athrun was a noble made the situation even worse, what would people say? What would people think? They were better off just being friends…being friends was safe. But why did her heart keep telling her she wanted to feel like this forever. She wanted to be wrapped in his arms…even when she didn't speak…she felt so safe in his arms and even felt jealousy when Meer would take his attention. She had grown to trust him and began to depend on him.

"Promise me, Cagalli….promise me…"

"I…I….promise." Cagalli couldn't deny him even if she tried; he made it difficult to refuse him. He continued to hold her a little longer but their embrace wasn't missed by a certain duchess.

Meer was a good distance away but all she was feeling was anger. She hadn't heard the conversation being whispered between Athrun and Cagalli but she had seen them kiss. She knew that there had been something blooming between Athrun and Cagalli for some time now. She had noticed how much closer they had gotten since she began speaking. She wasn't blind to the fact Athrun would find ways to sneak away from her just to look for the blonde woman. She snapped the fan she was holding in her hand and grinded her teeth. Jealousy was not an emotion Meer was a stranger to but the level of jealousy was overflowing from the duchess that was hell bent on making Athrun her husband. No one will stand in her way…not even some blonde commoner that was Athrun's secretary but what made matters worse her cousin was infatuated with the blonde's brother.

Meer would need to devise a plan in order to get what she wanted.

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"So the federation soldiers that have been found in Aprilius City have been sent back," Heine asked leaning back in his chair. "That is some good news, eh?"

Siegel sighed, "They were spotted in the city hall looking for public records. Some of the noble families of Orb currently reside in Aprilius City…however, Azrael isn't after them."

Athrun looked over at Siegel, "How many noble families do we have in Plants?"

Tad looked over the document on the table, "Well the Asuka family is one of the higher ranking nobles from Orb…They were really the only ones to have registered at their current rank."

"The Asuka family has made it known they hold a grudge against the royal family," Yuri sighed. "Is that how Azrael has been getting into Plants undetected?"

"Possibly," Siegel sighed and his shoulders fell from their normally square position. "There is no way to be sure, Azrael could easily sneak into our country by going through our destroyed port cities."

"Or any line of defense that has a weak point," Yzak grumbled. "If someone how Azrael is getting a free invitation into our country, I want it solved immediately!"

"I couldn't agree more," Heine said looking at the other dukes. "Azrael has crossed a line that he should've never crossed. The safety of our citizens should be top priority. I've had sources inform me they have been seen terrorizing some of the smaller towns."

"Why the smaller towns," Tad asked.

Heine looked at the older duke seriously and disappointed at the question, "Lord Elsman, do you mean to tell me that you are unaware of the rumors that have been recently circulating?"

"Heine, what are you talking about," Athrun asked looking at the orange haired duke.

Heine looked over at him, "I'm not surprised you are not aware Athrun, but the others should be especially Lord Elsman and Lord Clyne."

Yzak looked at Heine with hardened eyes, "What are you trying to get at Westenfluss?"

"In many of the smaller towns," Heine began eyeing the other dukes. "The rumors are that they gave protection to the prince and princess of Orb. The federation soldiers that have managed to get into our country have wreaked havoc on those towns' people. Some of these towns are under the jurisdiction of the Elsman family and the Clyne family."

"Are you saying I am helping the federation," Tad said standing up and glaring at Heine. "That Siegel and I actually mean to help the federation?"

Heine shrugged casually, "It sure looks that way doesn't it? Why weren't the rest of dukes informed?"

Athrun turned to look over at Siegel and Tad, "Is what Heine says true? That there have been attacks on the towns?"

Siegel nodded numbly, "Yes. Aprilius has taken in some of the surviving towns' people however…"

"They were attacking our citizens and you didn't think it was wise to inform us," Yzak shouted. "Have you lost your mind in your age, Lord Clyne?"

"Yzak, calm down," Heine waved down the fuming silver haired duke. Yzak took his seat and grumbled as he did so. Heine sighed and sat up straight, "Gentlemen, we have kept the peace of the Plants for nearly a decade and we are about to lose it now if there is no form of trust between us. However, if you wish to withhold information from us…then all the work we have done becomes meaningless."

Yuri nodded, "It almost sounds as you wanted the federation to find the prince and princess so they would leave Plants? Do you really think that madman will stop after he has gotten what he has wanted?"

Athrun took in a deep breath before he spoke, "Azrael considers himself a hunter, I doubt he will stop the war just because he takes the life of the prince and princess." Tad and Siegel looked down shamefully, "Once he has obtained his prey he will only find another prey or game for him to go after. Who is to say that it won't be us next?"

"Athrun brings up a valid point," Yuri nodded. "Have you two fallen so low these past few months to willingly let the federation disrupt our peace so they can find two ghosts, and that's what they are ghosts. They have no homeland to return to and no family left for them…do you really intend to just let the federation brutally murder them just as they did their father?"

"I think this meeting is over for now," Heine said standing up from his chair. "Gentlemen, it is quite clear that there has been a small rift created between us. I think we should take our time in rebuilding our cities and towns before we reconvene again. If there are important matters to be discussed we can contact each other when necessary. Considering that Yzak's wife is expecting, I would hate to separate him from his beloved wife."

"Congratulations, Yzak," Athrun said looking at the blushing duke. "I'm sure Lady Ezalia is quite pleased to know there will be an heir to the Joule Estate."

"Shut up, Zala," Yzak barked. "At least out of all of that went the academy…I will be continuing my family line. What about you? Have you and Lady Meer decided on a wedding date?"

Athrun stood up with a look of rage, "I do not wish to make this statement again however it would seem I must. I am not going to wed Lady Meer, I am not interested in the notion of marriage at this time. If anything we should be securing our cities and towns from those monsters continually attacking our nation!"

Yzak smirked, "It wouldn't be such a bad thing, Zala…unless you intend on marrying someone else?"

"What are you babbling about, Yzak," Athrun glared at Yzak.

It was no lie that the two shared some kind of unspoken rivalry. Athrun had tended to best Yzak in just about anything when they were children. Athrun and Yzak appeared both equally skilled however Athrun seemed to have the upper hand. Athrun didn't pride himself in being the best, it was just natural to the young duke. Yzak who was also naturally skilled let his temper best him which often made him second after Athrun. So when Yzak can get under that wall of composure that Athrun had built up…it made Yzak quite content knowing he could best him at something.

"Lady Meer was going on and on about how the wedding plans were coming along," Yzak replied casually. "She seems to be quite excited."

Athrun narrowed his eyes, "I have already spoken to Lady Meer numerous times, Yzak that I do not wish to marry. If she does not seem to understand than that…I can only continue to remind you all that I am not interested."

"Are you saying my niece is not worthy of you, Athrun," Siegel asked and Athrun turned to glare at the duke of Aprilius City. "She is quite taken with you."

"I am not saying she is not worthy, Lord Clyne," Athrun began and took in a deep breath. "However, I cannot marry someone when her uncle is trying to save his own life and face by secretly helping the federation."

Siegel looked at Athrun carefully, "I can see why you would assume that I could be helping the federation but I assure you that I am not."

"So then will you casually place blame on the Asuka family," Athrun asked arching his brow. "That seems quite below you, Lord Clyne."

"Athrun," Tad looked at the dark haired duke. Athrun just looked at him with stone cold eyes. "There is nothing wrong in what Siegel and I have done. If anything what is two lives worth all of the citizens of Plants?"

"So by handing over two innocent lives to the very people who made their homeland nothing but rubble is for the sake of the Plants," Yuri was appalled. "Tad when have you and Siegel stooped so low?"

"I think we can say this meeting if officially over," Heine said noticing the tension in the room was thickening. "Gentlemen…"

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Athrun had made it back home only to rush up to his chambers and slamming the door behind. Fortunate enough for him most of the estate should have retired for the evening so no one would follow him up to his room. He began pacing his room, he was beyond angry at the fact that Tad Eslman and Siegel Clyne were just trying to save their own skins. They were going on the rumors that Cagalli and Kira had spent time in the smaller country towns. They even allowed Federation Soldiers to search through them and to see if they could find any trace of the prince and princess. He growled in frustration and stripped himself of his necktie. He tossed his jacket to a nearby chair and removed his vest. He was left only his white shirt and slacks. He leaned against a small cabinet and hung his head low.

This past month alone he had become what he considered good friends with Kira and he was hoping he had made more progress with Cagalli. He had kissed her just a few days before he had to go to the monthly meeting. They had returned to acting the way they were before they had kissed but he could tell something about them was different. He would catch longing in her eyes, the same longing he felt. He knew that he had a deep connection…a deep bond…with Cagalli. He would be damned if someone take that from him. He slammed a fist on his cabinet causing it to tremor under his wrath. Two dukes that were supposed to be help keeping the peace were doing so but only to ensure they were safe?

Athrun was disgusted…granted it was only two dukes…and they were older than he was but it didn't mean their actions were considered moral or for the sake of Plants. He had enough of being in company of those that lack morals. His carriage ride to the Westenfluss Estate was filled with Meer's chatter about how their wedding would be the biggest event to happen in the Plants' history. Athrun wanted to just forget all of his proper upbringing and slap some sense into Meer. Oh no, he was raised to be proper and to never strike a woman. However right now he didn't consider Meer a woman, she was trying to win him over by force? He was unhappy with his performance in dealing with her up until now. He had been forming a plan in how to deal with Meer…and he would have to act upon it soon or she will get her way.

He took in a deep breath; he would get Cagalli to marry him.

Granted there was no guarantee she would agree to marrying him simply because he asked nicely. No, he would have to make her see it was beneficial to her as well. By marrying him, she would be granted a Plants citizenship and would also be granted to her brother. He would find a way to make Kira part of the Zala estate…so that they would both be under Plants protection. Also, they would no longer need to hide their names to the rest of the staff…they would know who they were. Also when a Duke married, a notice is sent to the other nobles announcing the marriage…fortunate enough for him they keep who he married undisclosed. He would have to also tell Cagalli about Azrael and what the federation had been up to lately…so she would agree.

He knows that Cagalli would not just marry him because of that; she was the type of woman that would marry for love. There was no denying they had some kind of chemistry between them…so it wouldn't be such a horrible marriage. However, he would not bed her until she was ready…he would not do anything to her that would make her regress. He made her promise to tell him what had happened and he said he would listen. He knew she would need to talk about it that was also the advice the doctor had told him while he was in a town near Aprilius City. Athrun desperately wanted to heal her of that painful memory but more than anything he wanted to show her what it was like to be loved.

He wouldn't tell her that quite yet; he planned to tell her that it would be for his benefit to be married so Meer would leave him alone. He would be married to keep the dukes from constantly mentioning the idea of marrying Meer…granted for Yzak he just did it to get under his skin and it worked like a charm every time. Athrun growled while mentally cursing his friend. Yzak knew how to get under his skin a little too much lately.

Tomorrow…

He would talk to Cagalli tomorrow…

Tomorrow he would ask her…

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Ok, so Athrun is going to try to convince Cagalli to marry him…good luck Athrun! Oh but Meer saw them kissing…yikes!

Hope you enjoyed the double chapter update! Might be a few days before I update again…so see you then!