HotaruZala here with chappie 10 for everyone! Sorry for the late update...England took a lot outta me and I came back with a cold. Lol. Anyways...lots of AsuCaga happiness in this. It's starts with present time action and then fades into a flashback...wait...I'm not going to say anymore or else I'll spoil the fun. Hope u all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own GS,GSD, or the total and complete Athrunliciousness you are about to witness.

cries...But I totally wish I did!

The Zala Files – Chapter 10: Love Fools part I -

-The Country of Orb, Athha Estate, March 2nd, 1:45am. Location: Kitchen -

A startled Meyrin dropped her glass on the tiles of the kitchen floor in shock. Kira and Lacus broke apart quickly.

From around the corner in the hallway, Athrun and Cagalli were whispering amongst each other.

Athrun whispered to Cagalli as he smiled: "I knew something was culminating between the two of them."

Cagalli nodded in agreement and sighed with relief: "All I can say is thank god."

Athrun sighed heavily: "But what are we going to do if they see me over here practically groping you?...Kira will kill me for sure."

Cagalli turned bright red and hissed: "You need to get your mind outta the gutter!"

Athrun glanced down and noticed that she was practically plastered to him. He blushed furiously as he responded: "Umm...that's kind of hard for me to do given our present position."

She pulled away from him quickly, blushing bright red as she did so: "S-shut up."

Athrun chuckled a bit.

Cagalli hissed: "What's so funny?"

Athrun smiled sweetly at her: "Nothing...I just like watching you get angry."

Cagalli eyed him and joked: "Why?"..."Does it turn you on?

Athrun's eyes widened, he exclaimed in a flustered whisper: "I- I'd rather not talk about this right now."

Cagalli grinned mischievously: "Is it turning you on right now?"

Athrun felt his face growing red hot, he stammered softly: "C-Cagalli..please...not now...I'm...I'm..trying to watch Kira and Lady Lacus explain to Meyrin."

Cagalli shook her head and punched his arm: "So am I."..."You're in my way and i thought that'd get you to move faster."

Athrun smirked: "Well...I'll have to remember that for the next time I want you to get out of my way.

Cagalli simply blushed as they both turned their attention back towards the drama in front of them.

Kira wiped some traces of rose colored lipstick off his mouth nervously: "M-Miss Meyrin...I was just...I..."

Meyrin simply shook her head and held up her hands, offering a warm smile as she did so: "N-No!...It's alright."... "Actually, I've been waiting to see this ever since we arrived here. The way you two would look at each other from across a room...I honestly don't know why this startled me the way it did."

Lacus grabbed a broom from the kitchen closet and swept up the glass, her face red as an apple.

Kira blushed bright red and pleaded: "Please don't tell Fllay alright?"... "I need to have a long talk with her later on about where I stand in our relationship...and where she stands."

Meyrin shook her head, her pigtails bouncing: "Don't worry. I don't think she likes me that much anyway...besides..." she giggled: "You look cute together."

Kira blushed and stammered embarrassed: "T-Thank you Miss Meyrin."

Meryin's tone turned curious: "Actually...I was looking for Lord Zala...have you seen him?"

Athrun cringed from around the corner. He begged silently to his friend: "Please Kira...don't crack."

Kira responded to Meyrin in a calm tone: "He went up to bed about an hour ago."

Athrun sighed with relief. Cagalli snickered at his nervousness.

Meyrin sighed heavily then asked: "Oh well...then can I follow you back to your room Lord Kira...I need to speak to him."

Athrun slapped his forehead and prayed silently: "C'mon Kira...you can make it...you can do it."

Kira chuckled nervously and scratched his head: "Ummm...well...Fllay's the only other person in my room. Athrun is down the hall...in my sister's room."

Athrun banged his head softly against the wall while Cagalli snickered.

Meyrin, slightly puzzled, asked: "Oh?"... "But where's Lady Cagalli going to sleep?"

From around the corner, Athrun and Cagalli glanced at each other and blushed.

Cagalli turned away and hissed: "Don't even think about it Zala."

Athrun blushed and stammered: "I-I wasn't..I..."

Cagalli put her finer to his lips and shushed him. Athrun turned beet red again at the gesture, then turned back to Kira talking to Meyrin in the kitchen.

Kira blushed and laughed nervously: "W-well...she requested a separate room...but I felt she'd be safer with Athrun there."

Athrun sighed with relief again and whispered: "Good job Kira."

Meyrin blushed embarrassed: "I-In the same room over night?"

From around the corner, Athrun cursed in a whisper: "Damn."

Cagalli sighed and shook her head.

Lacus smiled sweetly and responded: "Lady Cagalli has been really depressed lately. I think Lord Kira just wanted his sister to have someone other than himself and Lord Seran to talk to."

Athrun smiled to himself and silently cheered: "Yes!".. "Yes!"... "Thank you Lady Clyne!"

Cagalli chuckled at his happy face.

Meyrin sighed with relief: "Oh...well...that's alright then." She turned and headed back to her room. "Goodnight Lord Kira. Lady Lacus."

As soon as she was out of earshot, Kira turned to Lacus and smiled: "Nice save."

Lacus simply nodded and smiled warmly back at him.

- Meanwhile, Athrun and Cagalli had given up on the cocoa and retreated back into the long hallway that lead to the stairs. -

Cagalli eyed her blue-haired companion: "What's with that smile on your face?"

Athrun blushed, embarrassed that she'd seen right through him. He paused in front of one of the large bay windows and gazed outside at the rain gently hitting the window panes. "I was just thinking that...our first kiss was nothing like that." He turned to face her, a blush staining his face, his emerald eyes seeking out the glow of her amber's in the darkness.

Cagalli felt a shiver run down her spine from his intense stare, she hissed in a flustered fashion: "I-I know that!"... "You just told me before that I kissed you when I was drunk!"

Athrun blushed heavily and shook his head: "N-No...I didn't count that...although it left me very curious." He thought to himself as she blushed: "Very, very curious." He then spoke aloud again: "Anyway...it was about a month after Miriallia's party..."

-Flashback to March 12th, CE 73. White Day. Main Zala Estate, December City. -

It was a sunny warm day and Athrun Zala was clad in red swim trunks and one of his ratty black tee shirts. He laughed at himself thinking he looked like a beach bum, and headed outside. As he passed the couch, he suddenly pictured a half naked miss Yula laying there. The dream Cagalli coaxed him over with a hot whisper: "You have such beautiful eyes...come to me...Athrun..." Just as he embraced his delightful illusion, a tapping on his shoulder jolted him back to reality: "I don't know about you...but I don't swing that way Zala."

Athrun jumped back in surprise, an embarrassed blush on his face: "D-Dearkka!"... "What are you doing here!"

Dearkka laughed at his flustered state: "You asked me over remember?"... "That car wash of yours is today right?"..."Don't you want your own wheels?"

Athrun nodded: "Oh...yeah...I almost forgot about that."

A curious look crossed Dearkka's tan features: "Something on your mind?"... he smirked as he rephrased his question: "Or...someone?"

Athrun blushed embarrassed and hissed: "Knock it off!"... "I told you. I'm not..I mean.. she hasn't caress...I mean kiss...damn it!"... "I mean..crossed my mind!"

Dearkka smirked mischievously: "Yeah...sure...of course not." He rested his hand on Athrun's tense shoulder: "You are always rich when Athrun is your friend."

Athrun eyed him curiously: "Okay...what do you want?"

Dearkka smiled: "Now, now...why do I always have to want something?"... "Can't I just say something nice about my best friend?" He stressed the words "best friend."

Athrun rolled his eyes: "You'd better not ever let Yzak hear you say that." he sighed heavily: "Now...what do you want from me?"

Dearkka scratched his head and laughed nervously: "Well...you see...I wanna take Miri to this nice Italian restaurant inside the mall for our six month anniversary and for White Day...but..." He fished around for his empty wallet. "I seem to be lacking the funds." He grinned sheepishly at Athrun.

Athrun cut him off by shaking his head firmly: "You spent the money on clothes again...didn't you?"

Dearkka exclaimed in his defense: "No!"... "You see...I saw these really nice sheep skin seat covers for my car and..."

Athrun sighed and shook his head in disappointment. He stated: "Non che' pensare."

A puzzled look crossed Dearkka's face: "Hey!"... "I didn't know you spoke French."

Athrun sighed in frustration: "It's Italian for don't even think about it."

Dearkka snickered: "I knew you might say that, so guess who I invited along tonight?"

Athrun eyed his friend: "You play dirty Dearkka."

-Two hours later at Lenore Zala's country Estate just outside of Orb...-

The irate silver haired captain,Yzak Joule was beginning to get on Athrun's last nerve. Athrun muttered under his breath: "I was not daydreaming!"... "Why does everyone keep saying that!" He turned to Yzak and exclaimed: "Damn it Yzak!"... "How'd your car get so dirty!"

Yzak hissed at his superior officer: "What does it matter you bastard!"... "You're still getting paid!"

Dearkka sighed heavily: "It normally only takes one man per car...and I have to wash this abomination too, so I believe Zala deserves an answer...he is commander after all."

Yzak growled: "Whatever!"... "What can I say...I drive hard."

Athrun sighed heavily to himself and thought: "I really wish everyone would stop calling me commander too...it's very nerve wracking." He spoke out loud: "Yzak...go find something to do...it doesn't matter how long you stand there looking over my shoulder...it's not gonna make me work any faster."

Yzak huffed: "Fine!"... "I don't care. I have some errands to run. I'll be back in an hour...if that's alright with you...Commander Zala."

Athrun watched the angry silver haired boy stomp away and shook his head: "Was he born this angry?"

Dearkka laughed: "No...wait...actually...on the other hand...maybe." He laughed out loud and then turned to Athrun again: "But he was right about you spacing out before."

Athrun growled, his emerald eyes flashing in anger: "I was not!"... "I was just...!"

Dearkka held up his hand and shook his head: "Don't give me that I was just resting my eyes hooey. You were standing there with a faraway look on your face, getting water all over Yzak's seats, and muttering something about beautiful eyes..."

Athrun cursed to himself: "Crap!" ... "What's wrong with me!" He turned to Dearkka, his face flushed from embarrassment and apologized: "I'm sorry."

Dearkka shook his head and laughed as he noticed Miriallia drive up in her silver Saturn convertible...Cagalli in her passenger seat. He nudged Athrun: "Don't apologize just yet."

Athrun turned at the sound of a car door opening, which was where Dearkka was pointing. There, clad in a red tank top and khaki cargos stood Miss Yula. His inquisitive eyes watched her carefully as she slowly dabbed at the perspiration on the back and front of her neck. Every action, every movement of hers seemed to be playing in slow motion for the curious Coordinator. He suddenly felt Dearkka slap him hard on the back, causing him to blurt out: "M-Miss Yula!"... "Hi!" Athrun's inner self cursed: "Damn it!"... "Did that lame voice just come out of me?"

Cagalli mumbled an exhausted: "Hey."

Dearkka smirked at Athrun and waved the girls over: "Hey there ladies!"... "What can we fine gentleman do for you?"

Miriallia questioned her flirty Coordinator boyfriend: "I thought Rusty and Miguel were helping?"

Dearkka nodded: "They were here already. We gave them a lunch break." ... "Why do you ask?"

Miriallia stated: "Because Cagalli wanted to talk to Rusty." She winked at Dearkka to see if he caught her hint.

Dearkka smirked. He could see Athrun begin to shift uncomfortably from foot to foot. He nodded at Miriallia to indicate that he understood. He turned to Cagalli and asked in a teasing tone: "Really?"

Cagalli blushed embarrassed and growled at Miriallia: "Miri!"... "That was supposed to be between us only!"

Athrun asked himself in a puzzled tone: "Why is she blushing?"

Miriallia giggled: "Sorry Cagalli." She turned back to Dearkka: "We're still on for tonight... right?"

Dearkka smiled sweetly: "Of course my dear. I wouldn't dream of canceling." He could see Athrun was on the verge of another inner battle, so he nudged him: "Athrun may meet us there too...right?"

Catching Athrun staring at her, Cagalli's eyes widened and she lowered her head to avoid his gaze.

Athrun thought to himself: "Is it just me...or did she look disappointed?"...He smiled weakly and responded to Dearkka's declaration with a soft: "Ummm...I don't know."

Cagalli eyed the blue-haired Coordinator in front of her carefully: "Something bothering you?"... "You look pale." She gently placed her soft, warm hand on his forehead.

Athrun's eyes widened and a slight blush dusted his face. Inner Athrun screamed: "Why does she have to stand so..." He glanced down and noticed that her chest was practically pressed against his. His inner battle continued: "Why does she have to stand so...so...close." He backed away from her hand quickly and stammered: "I-It's nothing!"... "I'm fine!"

Cagalli shrugged and look obviously confused.

Miriallia nudged Cagalli: "You're coming too right?"... "I mean...we're bound to run into..."

Cagalli covered Mirialiia's mouth and hissed: "Yes!"... "I already told you I was going!"

Dearkka turned to Miriallia and smiled: "So...Miri...stop by for a car wash?"

Miriallia chuckled: "Maybe. How much are you charging?"

Dearkka grinned: "Twelve dollars for everything...wax included...but since it's you...only six dollars."

Miriallia shrugged and smiled: "Can't argue with that. It's usually more expensive at gas stations...right Cagalli?"... "Cagalli?" She glanced over at Cagalli and giggled. Her blonde friend seemed to be watching the green eyed Coordinator intently as he sprayed down Yzak's car.

Cagalli noticed Athrun keep tugging at his shirt collar. It was really hot that day. After that, everything began to move in slow motion for the amber eyed "Goddess of Victory." She watched intently as Athrun slowly pulled the tee shirt over his head and threw it aside, revealing his gorgeous, well toned, upper body. He then proceeded to take the hose and spray himself all over, water droplets clinging to his eyelashes and face as he shook out his neck length blue hair. He turned around and his eyes widened as he caught the blonde mid stare...he blushed furiously and went back to work.

Miriallia giggled and waved her hands in front of Cagalli's face: "Earth to Cagalli!"... "Come in Cagalli!"

Cagalli blushed in embarrassment at being caught: "L-Let's get going!"... "It's too hot out here!" Cagalli turned abruptly on her heels and quickly dashed into the ice cream parlor across the street.

Miriallia chuckled: "Oh well."... "We'll see you guys later." ... "I'll be back in an hour to pick up my car." She turned to Athrun: "You're coming tonight...right?"

Athrun sighed heavily and muttered under his breath: "Why don't you ask Rusty?"

Miriallia and Dearkka exchanged worried looks, but Dearkka gave a friendly slap on the back to Athrun and turned back to Miriallia with a smile on his face: "Of course he is." ... "See you later!"

He blew Miriallia a kiss as she crossed the street. She just blushed and rolled her eyes at the spectacle he was making of himself.

Dearkka sighed heavily and yawned: "I'm going to take my lunch break." With a small smile, he whispered: "Be there at 5 pm. I'll take care of the rest."

Athrun sighed heavily: "Yeah."... "That's what I'm worried about."

Dearkka shook his head and sighed: "Chill Zala." ... "Everything'll be fine." ... "So, do you want me to pick you up?"

Athrun eyed his friend skeptically and shook his head: "I'm not riding in a car that has a license plate that reads: L'SMAN on it and a bumper sticker that says Honk if you're a Hottie."

Dearkka pretended to pout: "Don't trash the L-mobile!"... "It was supposed to say LADIESMAN, but they screwed up." ... "And I"ll have you know...that bumper sticker is very effective!"

Athrun rolled his eyes to stifle a chuckle: "No offense...but I think I'll feel safer in a cab."

Dearkka shrugged: "Whatever." ... "Just meet us at Cosimo's Restaurant at 5pm...and just remember...nobody can catch all those green lights like I can."

-That same day, 5:30pm. Cosimo's Restaurant -

Athrun had been roaming around the restaurant for about 30 minutes now. He had decided to take a seat over by the bar to relax his feet. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Dearkka and Miriallia entering and bickering about him taking all the back roads. His jaw nearly hit the floor as Cagalli appeared behind the arguing pair wearing a black satin tank top, a red plaid mini skirt that came just above her knees, and a pair of black dressy sandals. She wore her hair the same as always and had a little bit of makeup on. He chuckled at her pouty face as she pulled and tugged at her skirt in a desperate attempt to cover her knees.

Dearkka noticed Athrun staring from across the room. He grinned and motioned for the two girls to sit down. As he pulled out a chair for Miriallia, he waved at Athrun: "Hey there!"... "Well if it isn't Commander Zala!"... "Fancy meeting you here!"... "Come join us!"

Athrun rolled his eyes and muttered sarcastically: "Very subtle Dearkka." He took a deep breath and walked casually towards their table.

Cagalli turned her head at the mention of the name Zala, and found her eyes stuck to the figure approaching their table. This couldn't be the same Athrun Zala as earlier. Dressed in a black Chinese style jacket, a maroon dress shirt under it, black pants and shoes and with a hint of Aramis cologne on. ( A/N: See Final Plus outfit for better description)

Athrun paused behind Cagalli and politely greeted everyone: "Good evening Dearkka, Miriallia...Miss Yul...I mean...Cagalli." He blushed slightly as he corrected himself.

Cagalli, finally finding her voice, returned the handsome Coordinator's greeting: "You too Za...I mean...Athrun." She noticed him begin to chuckle, so she looked away to hide her own blush. She asked curiously: "What are you doing here?"

Athrun nonchalantly replied: "I was supposed to meet Commander Waltfeld...but he just called my cell and canceled."

Cagalli looked him up and down, examining the young Coordinator's dapper attire: "You're pretty dressed up for just a meeting."

Before Cagalli could interrogate him any further, Athrun asked curiously...a slight smirk on his face: "Where's Rusty?"... "Wasn't he supposed to be coming with you guys?"

Cagalli glanced at Miriallia for support, who just shrugged. Then the blonde struggled for an explanation: "Uh...He...He couldn't make it. He had to babysit today."

Athrun grinned: "Really?"... "That's odd since his brother's thirteen years old."

Cagalli stammered: "W-Well...Rusty said that his brother was sick and his mom asked him to stay with him."

Athrun chuckled and nodded: "I see." He politely pulled Cagalli's chair out for her and smiled: "May I?"

Cagalli, a bit taken aback by the kind gesture at first, then nodded quietly and sat down.

Athrun smiled and pushed her chair in. He casually took a seat next to her. He turned to Dearkka and asked teasingly: "So...Dearkka...hit all the green lights?"

Dearkka sighed heavily: "I don't wanna talk about it."

Athrun chuckled at Dearkka's tired face: "Alright then...so...what's good here?"

Dearkka scanned the menu carefully: "Have the gocci with meat sauce." His misreading of the menu made Athrun snicker.

Athrun laughed at his friend: "Gnocchi...It's pronounced gnocchi Dearkka...and it may be too heavy a food for you."

Dearkka shrugged: "Whatever...I dare to be different. Like they say... Carpe Dime...seize the day."

Athrun, Cagalli, and Miriallia all laughed out loud at that statement.

Athrun, through his laughter, managed to get out: "It's Carpe Diem Dearkka."

Dearkka scratched his head in a puzzled manner: "So...what's Carpe Dime mean?"

Athrun snickered: "Nothing...it's just stupid." Cagalli and Miriallia both laughed out loud.

Dearkka blushed, embarrassed at his own stupidity. Seeking revenge, he turned to Cagalli and asked: "So...did you do anything else fun after Miri's party last month Miss Yula?"

Athrun felt his pulse began to quicken in nervousness as he shot Dearkka a death glare from across the table.

Cagalli raised a golden eyebrow in curiosity: "Why?"..."Are you still tweaked because you lost that contest?... "You want best two outta three?"

Miriallia and Athrun covered Dearkka's mouth before he could respond and exclaimed in unison: "NO!"

Dearkka pushed their hands away from his mouth and chuckled: "Relax. I was just kidding around."

Cagalli smirked as she took a small sip of her water: "You're just mad because you lost to a girl."

Dearkka declared loudly: "You get your digs in while you can. Someday I will be victorious!"

Cagalli shook her head and stated confidently: "The key word there is "Someday"...which usually means never."

Athrun chuckled at Dearkka's pouty face.

-7:00pm that same night. Location: Cosimo's Italian Restaurant -

Dinner went off without a hitch...with the exception of a brief awkward moment during dessert when Dearkka asked Athrun if he liked tasting sweet things. However, Athrun had nipped that problem in the bud when he kicked his friend's leg hard under the table. He then smiled casually as he quickly changed the subject. It was five minutes later when Miriallia and Dearkka stood up to leave.

Dearkka explained: "Miri and I are gonna go pick up our tickets for the next showing of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 : Dead Man's Chest...it's at 7:30pm. If we're lucky, we'll catch a lull and their won't be a huge crowd like last time."

Athrun raised an eyebrow curiously: "What about the check?"

Dearkka grinned happily: "I paid it." ... "Yzak paid me extra to wash his car a second time and not get his seats wet."

Athrun sighed heavily: "As long as it's paid."... "So...do you want me to go pick up the tickets?"

Dearkka shook his head and smiled: "Why should everyone have to go?" He motioned for Athrun and Cagalli to sit back down and continued: "You two stay here. I have something for Miri that I want to give her in private." He received odd looks and blushes from Athrun, Cagalli, and even Miriallia herself. He sighed heavily and shook his head: "You guys seriously need to get your minds out of the gutter." He whipped out a long rectangular jewelery box: "It's this."

Miriallia, Athrun, and Cagalli all heaved heavy sighs of relief.

Dearkka put an arm around Miriallia: "Let's head out Miri." He and Miriallia were halfway to the door when he called over his shoulder: "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

Athrun turned bright red in embarrassment. The inner Athrun cursed: "I swear...I'll get you later Dearkka."

There was an awkward silence between the pair for about five minutes before one of them decided to speak.

Athrun broke the silence first: "So...I hear you're taking some classes with Miriallia."

Cagalli nodded: "Yeah...I just enrolled two weeks ago...just part time though since my cash is limited these days." She eyed him curiously: "What's going on with you?"

Athrun shook his head and chuckled lightly: "Nothing new here."

Cagalli shook her head firmly: "That's not what I mean. I mean...what's going on with you today?... and for the past four weeks for that matter?"

Athrun sighed heavily: "I just have a lot on my mind...that's all."

Cagalli gave him a worried look: "You've been acting weird all day."

Athrun raised an eyebrow: "Weird?"... "What do you mean?"

Cagalli boldly stated: "I don't think you really had a meeting with Commander Waltfeld tonight."

Athrun exclaimed frustratedly: "I did!"... "I told you he canceled!" He eyed her curiously: "What about Rusty?"... "Was he really supposed to be here tonight?"

Cagalli blushed embarrassed and growled in response: "That's none of your damn business!"

Athrun shot back: "And my reason for being here is none of yours!"

The two glared at each other for a bit..fiery amber meeting flashing emerald.

Athrun sighed heavily and apologized: "I-I'm sorry."... "I didn't mean to snap at you."

Cagalli nodded and muttered embarrassed: "Yeah...me too." ... "I'm sorry too."... "It's just...I thought you might be mad at me or something."

Athrun's eyes widened in surprise and then went soft again as he smiled: "Now...why should I have anything to be mad at you about?"

Cagalli looked him square in the eyes: "For the times that I shot you." ... "I always seem to get you injured or in trouble whenever we're hanging out together."

Athrun shook his head firmly: "No. Those were my fault for not paying attention to the little hints and signs that were practically throwing themselves at me that night." He met her smoldering gaze with his own: "Don't ever think that I was mad at you for even one second...okay?"..."When I'm mad about something...you'll be the first to know."

Cagalli's eyes widened at his heartfelt statement, she nodded quietly in response. She then began to pick at what was left of her dessert: "I've been having these really weird dreams lately."

Athrun gave her a small nod and asked curiously: "What were they about?"... "If you don't mind my asking."

Athrun noticed a slight blush appear on Cagalli's face as she nodded and continued: "Well...you see...all I remember is...someone helping me inside a house...i think I was drunk...anyway...the person helps me inside the house and carries me to the couch..."

Athrun's eyes widened. He knew what was really happening. She was starting to remember little traces of what happened the night of Miri's party.

Cagalli, not noticing Athrun's awkward behavior, continued on with her story: "It's really weird...but all I remember after that is us dancing , some subtle flirting, and then..." Her face suddenly turned bright red as she finished: "And then...we kissed...and after that everything was a complete blur except for his beautiful eyes...and the feeling of hands all over my body...but they were gentle hands...they held me lovingly and possessively as if they never wanted to let me go." She glanced over at Athrun and saw his face turning as red as the carpet: "Damn..this is making you uncomfortable...I'm sorry...I just...I needed to tell someone."

Athrun whispered under his breath: "Beautiful eyes huh?"

Cagalli glanced over at the faraway look on his face: "Hey?"... "Are you alright?"

Athrun shook himself back into reality and responded: "Y-Yes...I'm fine..."

Cagalli eyed him worriedly: "I'm sorry if that made you feel uncomfortable."

Athrun shook his head: "No...it's alright...I understand what you mean...I've had some like that myself." He blushed a bit after saying that and then continued: "Actually...there's something else I wanted to say." The blush slowly crept its way back up to his face once again.

Cagalli eyed him curiously: "What?"

Athrun felt his face growing hotter by the second as he stammered: "You...You ...You look..."

Cagalli raised a golden eyebrow: "I look?"... "I look what?"

Athrun's face was as red as a tomato now as he struggled to get his answer out: "You...You look..."

Cagalli, beginning to grow frustrated, growled: "I look what!"

Athrun closed his eyes and blurted out: "You look gorgeous tonight!" His face burned bright red as he looked away, embarrassed at his outburst of emotion.

Cagalli's eyes widened in shock and blushes, both embarrassed and flattered at the same time, she mumbled: "T-Thanks...umm..." She played with her drink straw and mumbled again softly: "So do you."

Athrun's eyes widened in surprise, then grew soft again as he smiled in her direction: "It's a special day. I only dress up for special occasions."

Cagalli grumbled: "I hate dressing up."

Athrun chuckled lightly: "I can see that." He smirked: "But you did it tonight, so you must have a reason...c'mon...I told you mine."

Cagalli felt those warm emerald eyes resting on her, searching for an answer. She felt a slight blush dust her face before she blurted out: "I did it for Miri!"

Athrun began to laugh loudly.

Cagalli hissed angrily at the blue haired Coordinator, her amber eyes flashing: "What's so funny!"

Athrun chuckled: "You are. The way you just shouted that...and now everyone's staring at you."

Cagalli blushed embarrassed, amber eyes still flashing angrily: "It's not that funny!"

Athrun smiled. His laughter dying down to a small chuckle. He pointed to her red face: "You're blushing."

Cagalli, still blushing, snatched his hand and growled: "Zala...I swear I'll!..." She suddenly heard his laughter stop.

Athrun face tinted a slight red as he stammered: "Umm...C-Cagalli...your...your hand..."

Cagalli glanced down at where he was pointing and found her hand covering his. She turned candy apple red and began to retract it. She apologized: "S-Sorry about that."... "My hands are still rough from the desert."

Athrun...his heart almost jumping into his throat from the contact, managed to get out: "I know..I mean...it's okay...really...I don't mind." His emerald eyes locked on hers, and his voice dropped to just above a whisper as he pulled her hand back: " I didn't say stop."

Cagalli's eyes widened and she felt a shiver run up her spine from his intense gaze and gentle touch. She trailed one of her fingers across his hand trying to slowly retract it.

Athrun gasping at the touch, took a deep breath to calm his nerves...then...just above a whisper, he spoke in a small voice: "Don't stop."

Cagalli felt the tingle again. Her eyes widened as she started to blush again when she noticed him starting to move closer to her, she gulped nervously: "Athrun?..." She noticed his lips quivering slightly.

Athrun breathed her name softly: "Cagalli...I..." He moved closer so that their noses were almost touching. He noticed Cagalli's eyes widen in surprise and then slowly close. She began to inch close...closer...closer...and then just as her lips were inches away from his own... "Hey there!"... "Did I interrupt anything good!"... "Did you like your...dessert!" Athrun slowly turned and delivered a murderous glare at the voice in question...a voice from one Dearkka Elsman coming to retrieve his friends. Athrun muttered a few incoherent curses under his breath at his friend's rotten timing.

Cagalli stood up quickly, her face beet red, her pulse racing. She stammered: "I-I'm...I need to use the bathroom." She dashed quickly away from them and out the door into the mall.

Dearkka appeared to be a bit confused by the whole scene in front of him: "What's the problem?"... "Why are you looking at me like that?"... "Oh my god !... "Do I have something stuck in my teeth!" He looked at his reflection in the mirror and whipped out a flavored toothpick.

Athrun sighed heavily, his face still bright red, his heart still beating what seemed to be about a million times a minute. He thought to himself: "Did I actually say...don't stop!" He slid down into his chair and blushed embarrassed. He held his forehead with his clammy hand and heaved a heavy sigh: "I'm such an idiot."

Dearkka stopped checking the mirror and turned towards Athrun: "Relax."... "It's not like you felt her up or anything...and it's not like you haven't kissed befo..."

Athrun covered Dearkka's mouth and hissed: "Shut up!"... "She doesn't know about that."

Dearkka's eyes widened: "You never told her!"

Athrun eyed his friend: "Are you kidding!"... "Do you know how she gets when she's pissed!"... "I'd be a dead man walking!"... "I mean...she's already shot me twice, and I'd rather not add a third time to that list."

Dearkka sighed heavily: "Relax Zala. The night isn't over yet...you still have time."

Athrun felt around inside his jacket and under his shirt until he felt the presence of Cagalli's Haumea amulet. He smiled softly as he fingered it: "I know. I just hope she'll wait for me."

- Dun Dun Dun!...lol...well...that's Chappie 10! How will Athrun and Cagalli's first date turn out? Will Dearkka ever give them some alone time? Remember the person with the Chanel perfume Athrun mentioned in Chappie 9?... Well, you'll meet them in Chappie 11! lol...That's all I'm gonna say for now! Lol..I'll see you all next chapter!