The Beginning of a Happy Ending
Chapter 10
Dearka and Yzak didn't notice anything odd about Athrun's behavior yesterday nor this morning, when they were having breakfast. So, imagine their surprise when Athrun announced that they would be going back to Plants that day.
"Tell me you're joking." Dearka was frowning. 'If this was a joke, it's definitely not funny.'
"As I've said, we'll be boarding the shuttle two hours from now, so pack up your things." Athrun repeated, with a grim expression on his face. There's no way that he was joking.
"What happened? Why did you suddenly decide to leave Orb." Yzak inquired after drinking his orange juice.
Athrun stared at his now empty plate. For a few minutes he remained silent. It was as if he hadn't heard the question at all.
He doesn't want to remember what he'd heard Cagalli say, let alone talk about it. But her words, saying that she loves someone else, was etched in his memory. How could he act normal around Yzak and Dearka yesterday and this morning was a mystery to him, when all he felt doing was scream and cry to release some of the pain that he was feeling. But Athrun needs to tell his friends why he reached his decision because he owe them this much. Isn't he the one who asked them to accompany him to Orb? Isn't the reason why he asked them in the first place was so that he could get advice or support?
He looked up at his friends and recounted what he'd heard. "That's the reason why I give up…There's no sense in winning her back for she now loves someone else."
Dearka and Yzak didn't know what to say.
'Should I tell him to keep on fighting for her or should I just say that he was doing the right thing?' Dearka thought.
'What encouraging words can you say to a man in despair because of love?' Yzak was having a hard time thinking of something appropriate so he asked instead, "Did you inform Kira of your decision?"
"Not yet , but I'll call him later." Athrun replied.
"And what about Cagalli? Aren't you going to properly bid her farewell?" Yzak continued.
"I'm sure Kira will inform her and besides, what good will it do? Excuse me, I'll go ahead and pack my things." Athrun stood up but before he could leave, Yzak spoke again.
"I really think you should talk to her before we leave Orb."
Athrun can't believe what he'd just heard. "And what am I supposed to tell her?! That I hope she'll be happy and I'll do my best to move on with my life?!" Athrun could barely control his anger. He didn't wait for Yzak's reply and just left.
"That's a smart thing to say." Dearka said sarcastically.
"I just think that properly saying goodbye to Cagalli will help him move on quickly. I know it won't be easy for him but still, it's better than running away. It's really unlike him to do something like this." Yzak reasoned out.
"I'm impressed. But we can't blame him for his actions…So how can we help him?"
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Cagalli and the Orb Council members were having a meeting when a knock interrupted them. Slightly raising her eyebrow, she told the intruder to come in. She made it clear to Athena, Diana and Kisaka that they were not to be disturbed unless it was really important. She even left her phone to Athena to take any calls.
Kisaka appeared looking very worried. He approached Cagalli and whispered, "Cagalli, Kira got into an accident when he was about to go to work. He's in the hospital now. But, I'll drive you there, once you decided to go."
Despite learning that her beloved brother was fine, she was still worried. She needed to see for herself that Kira was indeed okay. "Give me a minute, then we'll leave."
Kisaka then went ahead and told her that he'll wait in the car.
Without hesitating, Cagalli informed the council members that there was an emergency and asked them to continue the meeting even without her. Thus, Cagalli hurriedly left. She got inside the car not instantly noticing that the one occupying the driver's seat wasn't Kisaka. It was Kira, who was definitely fine and who definitely didn't look like he had an accident.
"Damn it Kira! I thought you were in the hospital! I was really worried! I even left an important meeting just to see you!" She was grateful that Kira was well, but she's really angry that he made her worry and for what?
"I'm sorry. But it's the only reason I can come up with so you will leave that meeting… Listen, Athrun is leaving today. Dearka and Yzak asked me if I could persuade you to meet with Athrun before they leave. They wouldn't tell me what happened and Athrun wouldn't answer my calls. I just decided that I'd ask you instead. So what happened between you two?"
Cagalli was surprised. 'Didn't I ask him to give me some time to think about 'us' and he agreed? Why is he suddenly leaving?'
"Nothing happened, Kira. I also don't know why he's leaving."
"Haven't you met yesterday 'cause he was supposed to meet me but said something came up and he'll just make up for it?"
"I haven't even seen him yesterday….I'm sorry, but I'll go back to the meeting." Cagalli opened the door but Kira caught her wrist.
"Cagalli, do you really love Maxwell? I heard you were trying on a wedding gown, but I decided not to confront you. I was really hoping that you'll soon realize that Maxwell isn't meant for you."
Cagalli didn't reply so Kira continued, "If you really love Maxwell, hope you'll at least still see Athrun off. "
'If I didn't speak with him today, when will I have the time?' Cagalli asked herself. She then closed the car door. "Let's go then."
Kira drove, though he wasn't sure if he was supposed to be happy or sad that his sister decided to come with him.
-shshshsh-
Meanwhile, the taxi that Athrun, Dearka and Yzak were riding suddenly came to a stop.
"I think there's something wrong with the engine. Don't worry, I'll be able to fix it real soon." With that said, the driver came out of his car.
Five minutes. Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes passed, but there was still no sign that the driver was able to fix the engine.
"What's taking him so long? I'm going to see if I can help him." Athrun said to Dearka and Yzak and was about to leave the car when Dearka replied, "There's no need to check up on him." Dearka was smiling sheepishly and before he can make up an excuse any further, they saw a black car, park behind their taxi. Dearka felt relieved while Yzak remained calm. 'Right on time.' They both thought.
Cagalli emerged from the car. Kira insisted that he'll stay in the car and speak with Athrun later.
"What's the meaning of this?" Athrun was surprised to see the person he least wanted to see as of this moment.
"Just talk to her." Yzak commanded. Athrun indeed doesn't have any other choice but speak with Cagalli who was currently walking towards their vehicle.
Cagalli and Athrun walked further so they will be able to talk privately. The driver, who noticed the two, got inside his taxi.
Athrun noticed this. 'Seems like they tricked me.'
Indeed, there was nothing wrong with the engine. The driver was Kisaka's friend. He was asked by Kisaka to do a small favor which he readily and happily accepted.
("Anything for the representative.")
-shshshsh-
"It's obvious that Kira and the others really wanted us to meet before you leave. So tell me Athrun, why are you suddenly leaving?" Cagalli went straight to the point.
Athrun doesn't need or want Cagalli's sympathy. He doesn't want Cagalli to worry about him. He wants her to be happy. And he wants her to think that he'll be perfectly fine without her, because he now knew that Cagalli will be perfectly fine without him.
"I just got tired." He simply stated.
"What do you mean? Didn't I ask you to give me time before I give you an answer?" Cagalli was really confused.
"I got tired of playing this game. You see…I only wanted to get even and 'cause you a lot of pain. My plan was to let you fall in love with me again. I want you to think that I still love you when in reality I don't. After making sure that I gained your trust and love once again, I'll just leave without any word. I want you to experience the same betrayal that you 'caused when you nearly got married to Yuuna. But, what do you know, I just got tired and bored of proceeding…"He wasn't able to continue what he was about to say for he saw that Cagalli swung her fist. He didn't try to avoid it, but just closed his eyes. Cagalli's fist was just an inch away from Athrun's handsome face when she stopped herself from punching him. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She couldn't believe that the Athrun she knew could do something like that. People indeed change.
She put her arm back to her side. But she was trembling with anger and hate for Athrun.
"Well, you certainly succeeded Athrun."
Athrun couldn't believe that he could lie like that. And he couldn't believe what he'd just heard Cagalli say.
"I really feel betrayed that you could do something like that. Funny, I even agreed on being your friend once more. I feel so stupid. And to think that I was willing to give 'us' another chance!" Cagalli' s eyes were filled with despair and bitterness. "Because I just realized that I still love you Athrun. At first, I tried to ignore it and let myself believe that we're better off just friends. I don't want to hurt and be hurt again. But, being hurt and experiencing pain is part of loving someone and I was willing to go through with that again...I hope you're happy now." She turned her back towards Athrun and started to walk away.
"You're lying!" Athrun yelled. Cagalli stopped in her tracks. Without facing him she asked, "Why would I lie?"
'I don't know.' Instead of answering, Athrun decided to ask her another question. "What about Maxwell? I heard you yesterday telling him that you love him." This time, Cagalli faced him.
"Did you leave after hearing that?"
"Of course, I don't need to hear Maxwell telling you that he loves you too."
"Tell me, were you telling the truth when you said that you don't love me?" She looked straight into his eyes. He stood there, not knowing whether to continue lying or just tell her the truth.
'You were accusing her of lying when you're the guilty party.' He met her eyes. "No."
-shshshsh-
Cagalli and Athrun were now on their way to Maxwell's mansion, while Kira, Dearka and Yzak were on their way to the Attha mansion.
Cagalli and Athrun were ushered in the library by one of the maids. They were told to wait there. The library was not only filled with different books and magazines. There was also a shelf filled with stuffed toys. There was even a lion stuffed animal in the shelf, just like the one Maxwell gave to Cagalli.
The door opened and Athrun as if on instinct held Cagalli's hand. He wanted Maxwell to get the right idea that they were back together. Cagalli in turn squeezed Athrun's hand. Athrun was usually observant, but he didn't notice the mischievous glint in Cagalli's eyes this time, for he was very anxious on how Maxwell will react to their news.
Maxwell indeed noticed their hands and was frowning. He was looking at Athrun with an unreadable expression on his face. He walked towards them.
'Is he going to put up a fight? But, I don't want to hurt him for he's Cagalli's friend.' Cagalli made it clear that she loves Maxwell but only as a friend. But Athrun wasn't sure if Maxwell felt the same way.
But nothing prepared Athrun for Maxwell's next action for Maxwell-giggled.
"I'm soooo happy for you Cagalli! And I'm really jealous, you know! Oh! If only Kira would fall for me."
Athrun, once again, couldn't believe his ears. 'Seriously, Maxwell couldn't be…'
As if reading his thoughts, Maxwell turned his attention to Athrun, "Yes, I'm gay. And I trust that you're not going to tell anyone about this, especially my beloved Kira."
-shshshsh-
Cagalli and Maxwell explained to Athrun that apart from them, Kisaka also knew abou his 'secret.' Maxwell apologized for making Athrun jealous stating that he needed to do it for Cagalli and for himself. Apparently, Cagalli agreed on being one of Maxwell's models for his upcoming first fashion show, as long as Max will help her drive Athrun away. Cagalli would be wearing the beautiful wedding gown. The fashion show would also be the time where Max would come out of his closet and announce to the world of what he truly is. As for the ring, Maxwell just asked Cagalli if she could just wear a simple ring during the fitting of the gown. Maxwell wanted Cagalli to think and feel that she's really a bride.
"Kira is truly great for finding ways to make you two meet! I think I'm falling in love with him more!" Maxwell said after learning of the drama that had just taken place.
-shshshsh-
Meanwhile, Dearka and Yzak noticed that it's been a while since Kira started sneezing.
"Someone might be talking about you." Dearka said.
"Achoo….Excuse me. Cagalli and Athrun might be talking about me and telling each other how lucky they are to have me as a brother and friend." He beamed.
If only Kira knew who was talking about him and why, he wouldn't be very proud of himself.
-shshshsh-
Athrun and Cagalli were already heading for the car when Cagalli teased, "You know, if Max was only straight, I might have fallen in love with him."
But Athrun wasn't in the mood for teasing and instead, surprised Cagalli by embracing her right then and there. "I really thought that I lost you."
And before Cagalli could say anything, Athrun cupped her face gently, closed his eyes and kissed her.
Their faces were flushed when they parted.
"Come on Athrun." Cagalli took Athrun's hand in hers. Athrun can't help but look at Cagalli's hand. This time, no silver ring was present in her finger. Besides, even if there was still a silver ring, it wasn't offending anymore. His thoughts went to the ring that he once gave her, which was safely hidden in his luggage.
'It definitely belongs to her.' He would indeed give it to her, but he would make sure that the moment was perfect, unforgettable and wonderful. And during that time, he would ask her to be by his side forever.
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AN:Thanks for reading! Hope you were entertained.(hehehehe) Please review!