A/N: Sorry for the late update. I'm busy with my school and cosplay stuffs. I'm currently become a cosplayer and attending some anime convention here in our country.
Here's the latest chapter!
Chapter 11: Birthday & Engagement
Cagalli blushed as Athrun kissing her, first was soft and gently and then she felt him trembled as he kissed her deeply. Cagalli gasped through his mouth and pushed him away gently, her face was brightly red and gasping for air. Athrun look at her, shocked. "Umm.... I have to go!" Cagalli said as she hurriedly went out and slam the door behind her.
"H-He kissed me?!" Cagalli thought, look shocked her fingers were trembling as she touches her lips. "It's not only just a kiss but he kiss me deeply!" she arrives to her room and went to her seat, taking deep breaths.
"Cagalli.... calm down... calm down...." Cagalli mutters to herself as she tried herself to calm down. "I'll swear to myself I'm going to kill that perverted-arrogant fool!" Cagalli thought angrily.
School Cafeteria
Athrun went to their usual eating place with smile on his face, he look so very happy than usual. Dearka and Yzak look at him with confusion. "What's with him?" Yzak asked Dearka. "I don't know." Dearka shrugs his shoulders. Kira was quietly drinking his tea as he observes Athrun's behavior.
"You're unusually perky, Athrun." Dearka said as he look at Athrun.
"What do you mean that I'm unusually perky? I'm always perky!" Athrun said grinning at his friends.
"Don't tell me did something happen between you and Cagalli, huh?" Yzak asked as he guesses.
"N-nothing...." Athrun said nervously and tries to ignore his friends. He look around to look for Cagalli.
Cagalli enters the cafeteria and she suddenly felt chill at her back, she felt that the guy that she really hates (also love at the same time) was already there inside the cafeteria. She looks up and saw Athrun with his friends. "Oh... great I knew it... that freaking hentai is here..." she mutters to herself. She was about to go walk towards to the exit when Athrun saw her. "Caga-chan!" Athrun said happily and went to her. "Oh no!" Cagalli said as she hurriedly walks towards to the exit but Athrun grabs her wrist.
"Where are you going?" he asked curiously. Cagalli look at him in a calm anger. "To the roof top to eat my lunch there, I just don't feel like to eat here." She said in controlled angry voice. "Wait! You're coming with me!" Athrun said as he drags Cagalli towards to the eating place of ZAFT. Cagalli keeps struggling to free herself but Athrun's grip was so tight and Cagalli silently flinch in pain.
"Freaking bastard jerk! You're hurting me from your grip! I'm going to give you a very good beating, you'll see!!" Cagalli thought furiously angry.
Soon they arrive at the lounge and Athrun pulls out a chair for her. Cagalli sighs and take a sit, at her right side was Kira. Athrun sits besides her at her left side. Cagalli moves her chairn near to Kira, Athrun look at her, raising his eyebrow to Cagalli and Kira. "Why you move your chair nearly beside to Kira? I'm you're 'BOYFRIEND' not him." Athrun said, irritated.
"Oh.... nothing I just don't feel to be near with you... there's something might happen that you really don't like it." Cagalli said coldly. Athrun look at her curiously. "Honestly! You're such a stubborn girl!" Athrun said as he pulls Cagalli's chair close to his. Cagalli frowns and look away from Athrun. He looks more irritated towards Cagalli's attitude. "What's the matter with you?" he asked angrily as Cagalli gets into his nerves already.
"What's wrong with me? I'm still angry at you for doing that—that..." Cagalli said angrily at the same time blushing as she remembers Athrun's kiss earlier that morning. Dearka and Yzak watching the couple, amused. Kira watching them silently, still drinking his tea as he observes the couple, he seems he already figure out why Cagalli was so angry at Athrun. "Do what?!" Athrun asked irritated. "You freaking foolish jerk! You already know what I mean! If you do that again, I'm not going to hesitate to beat you up, worst than that freaking asshole!" Cagalli said angrily as she opens her lunchbox and started to eat, ignoring Athrun.
"Oh... I see... why Cagalli embarassed?" Athrun said as he recalls their kiss at the fire exist and teases Cagalli, smirking at her. Cagalli darts him with angry glare. "Say that again and I won't buy you a birthday present." Cagalli threatens. Athrun look at her and he start to cry likes a child. "Y—you're buying me a present on my birthday??" he said and sniffs. Cagalli look at him then roll her eyes. "He's acting like a damn stupid child...." She mutters to herself.
"I'm still thinking about it, stupid. I'm saving some money to buy, you know." Cagalli said as she eats her food. Athrun sniffs again and hugs her. "I'm so happy!" he said as he hugs Cagalli so tight that makes Cagalli couldn't breath and almost chokes her food. Athrun lets go of her and smiles at her.
"It's alright even if your gift is cheap as long as you gave it with all your heart!" Athrun said as he look at her seriously. Cagalli sighs then look at Athrun. "You know Athrun, as I said before... I'm STILL thinking about it. So don't be so excited." She said. "Okay.... I'm still looking forward to it." Athrun shrugs his shoulders.
Cagalli resumes eating her lunch. Athrun watches her as she eats. "Hmmmm.... Why don't we date this upcoming Sunday?" he asked as he look at Cagalli, smiling at her. Cagalli look at him, raising her eyebrow. "Oh? Really? How will I suppose to buy a gift if you're asking me to go out?" She asked in a half-mocking tone. "Who said that I'll allow you to spend on our date? I'm the one who's going to pay not you, Caga-chan..." Athrun said huskily. Cagalli's face flushed and looks away from him. "Oh?? How grateful you are..." She said as she rolls her eyes heavenward and eats the last piece of her food. "Do you think that I forgive you for insulting me yesterday on my outfit?" she said in a sarcastic tone.
Athrun sighs. "Oh... I'm sorry! I didn't mean it...." He apologized and looks out the window. "Besides, you really look cute in your outfit yesterday..." Athrun said softly, blushing. Cagalli look at him, look astonished. "W-What did he just said??" Cagalli thought as she gazes at him. Athrun met her gaze as he watches her face. "Well?" he asked. "No, I have to tutor my ignorant little brother fro his exams." Cagalli said as she fixes her lunch box.
"Woah! What kind of Onee-chan are you?" Dearka laughs, Cagalli eyed him with a warning look. "That's what I called to my foolish little brother, sometimes his so ignorant. And please I don't to talk about my private life." She said as she stands up and walks downstairs.
"Where are you going?" Athrun asked. "Baka! Lunch's over and I might be late to my next class!" Cagalli said angrily and walks out the cafeteria. "What a scary girl...." Yzak said amusedly. "You bet..." Dearka smirks. "Our buddy here meets his match..." Kira said for the first time since Cagalli came and sits besides them. Athrun look at his three best friends. "What? Mind your own business." He said scowling at them. "I'm so excited for my birthday! Cagalli give me her present!" Athrun said happily, acting like a child, Dearka and Yzak sweat drops and sighs while Kira shrugs his shoulders.
Cagalli arrives to her classroom, goodthing that she arrives right before the second bell starts. She takes her seat and sighs.
"What should I do?" Cagalli thought. "I know that I can buy a gift for Athrun but how about my outfit? I could guess that it's a formal party." Cagalli sighs and start to takedown notes the lecture, but her mind still focus on her main problem. "I couldn't wear the dress that Lacus-san give to me... who knows some people might recognize it... maybe... I'll ask Milly to help me to look at the second hand stores to buy a cheap one..."
JAPANESE SWEET STORE
Cagalli and Milly were talking about Athrun's upcoming birtdhay.
"Really, Cagalli? Athrun-kun invited you to his birthday party?" Milly asked as she wipes the glass counter.
Cagalli nods. "Yeah... I have a problem... Athrun's father and what should I wear..." Cagalli said and sighs. "Why don't you save some money and look at the second hand stores?" Milly asked. Cagalli sighs. "I thought of that but I think that it will affect my savings for that freaking guy's present! And that's also my problem, Athrun's birthday present!" she said angrily. "Cagalli, calm down." Milly said.
"Why don't you make something special from the bottom of your heart?" Milly suggest. Cagalli blushed. "W-what are you saying?" she said blushing furiously. "You know that I have no enough money or time to think of anything or create one!" Cagalli said panic. "Hey, you're good in cooking especially baking right? Why don't you make one?" Milly suggest. Cagalli think of it carefully then nods silently as she decided that she'll bake something for Athrun's birthday.
"Milly, lets go to the shopping district and look for my dress at the second hand stores." Cagalli said. Milly nods. "Okay." Mily said.
Shopping District
Cagalli and Milly went to the shopping district to look for her dress to buy. They went to the second hand store to look for Cagalli's dress for Athrun's birthday party. "So Cagalli how's your search?" Milly asked. Cagalli shook her head. "I found one but it still expensive.... It cost 680 Yen. I only have 1000 Yen, enough to buy the things for Athrun's birthday.... it's my monthly allowance. I guess I'll go something in closet." Cagalli said and sighs. Milly nods. "Then let's go and buy some ingredients for your birthday present." She said. Cagalli smiles at Milly. "Okay." Both the two girls went out from the secondhand store and went to the supermarket to buy ingredients.
Super Market
"So have you decided what will you bake?" Mily asked. "Hmmm... I'm thinking to bake cookies... that looks like him.... what do you think?" Cagalli said as she thinks for her birthday present. Milly smiles at Cagalli. "That's a good idea! I'm sure he'll be happy about it!" Milly said cheerfully. "I know and he will act as a seven year old kid." Cagalli said as she starts gathering the ingredients." Milly giggled. "I'm wish I could go there too." Milly said dreamly.
"You want to come too, Milly?" Cagalli look at Milly. "Yeah…. I wish Dearka, ask me to come along." Milly said. Cagalli smiles at Milly. "Don't worry I'll ask that foolish arrogant fool." Cagalli said as she gathers the purchase on the counter. Few minutes later Cagalli pays the items. "Let's go." She said as she carries the bag. "Hai." Milly nods. The two girls went out the super market.
"Thank for your help, Milly. Don't worry I'll ask that foolish guy to invite you too." Cagalli said. "No Problem. See you tomorrow." Milly said happily. Cagalli nods, the girls part aways and head home.
Next Day, Destiny Gakuen, Lunch Time
It's already lunch time, and Cagalli went to the cefeteria to eat her lunch.
"Good, I hope that idiot's there and ask him if Milly's allowed to go to his birthday party." Cagalli said as she enters the cafeteria.
"CAGA-CHAN!!" Athrun calls her as she enters the room and makes Cagalli startled. "I got yah! Let's eat together!" Athrun said cheerfully and drags Cagalli to Zaft's private lounge. "Cho-chotto! You don't need to drag me, I can walk you know!" Cagalli said as she tries to free herself. Athrun let go her hand as soon as they reach to the lounge. He pulls out a chair for Cagalli. "Have a seat." He said smiling at Cagalli.
Cagali gulped and look at Athrun unease. "What in the world happened to him? What did he eat this morning to act like a gentleman??!" Cagalli thought as she slowly sits down and look at Athrun carefully. "Eh? I didn't that once in a blue moon you act as a real gentleman...." She said in a half-sarcastic tone. She look at Dearka, Yzak and Kira. "Did he always like this when he's otanjoubi comes?" she asked.
"Nope, this is the first time he act as "REAL" gentleman." Dearka amusedly said. "Yeah... this is the first time, maybe because of you Cagalli." Yzak said as she teases Cagalli, Cagalli pouts. "Besides this is the first time that has a kanojo." Kira said.
"Oh! I didn't know that...." Cagalli said as she starts eating. Athrun wrap his arm around Cagalli's shoulder and smirks at his friends. "You guys were really just jealous at him." He said smugly. Cagalli roll her eyes ceiling ward and look at Athrun. "Hey.... hey.... Don't be so high and mighty because I'm your 'Girlfriend'." She said and resumes eating. Athrun grins at her. "You already admit it that you're my girlfriend." He said. "Yeah.... Yeah.... Just to please you." Cagalli said and drink. Athrun grins more. "Would you please stop grinning like a fool? It gives me creeps."
Cagalli takes a deep breath and look at Athrun. "Athrun, you don't mind if Milly comes with me on your birthday?" She asked. Dearka almost choked as Cagalli mention Milly's name. Cagalli and the rest look at him with curiosity. "It's nothing don't mind me." Dearka said and look at his friends. "Okay." The rest said.
"Well?" Cagali look at Athrun. "Okay with me. But I'm making sure that you'll give me my birthday present, okay?" Athrun said still grinning at Cagalli. Cagalli starts loosing her patience. "Keep that grin and I'll smack your pretty face!" Cagalli said gritting her teeth, she stands up. "I have to go back to my class now. See ya guys." She said and hurriedly went out the room.
"I'm so happy! This is the best birthday of my life!" Athrun said happily. "Yeah.... Yeah whatever..." The rest of the guys said and shook their heads.
Athrun's Birthday, Cagalli Residence
Cagalli was still looking for a dress; she's matching different of clothes. The last things she wears were all over pink. "What is this? Decora Cosplay??" She told to herself as she looks at the mirror. "Waah! I've been spending here for almost one hour; still I couldn't find a right dress!" Cagalli said in frustration. She starts to undress herself and wears a red shirt and brown short pants and sighs. "I guess I have to call that bastard that I can't make it. I'll ask someone to give my birthday present for me." Cagalli mutters to herself.
Shinn knocks on her door. "Nee-chan, Milly's here with some of her friends." He said. "Coming!" Cagalli said as she grabs her gift for Athrun and went out her room. She met Milly, and the rest of Zaft except for Athrun.
"Woah! You haven't dress up?" Dearka asked. "Sadly, I couldn't find the right dress for this kind of occasion..." Cagalli said shrugging her shoulders.
"If I only know that you're going to Athrun's Birthday Party I should save some money and buy you a dress...." Uzumi said. Cagalli sighs and look at Uzumi. "Otou-san... You don't have to. Just save the money for our daily needs. You don't have to buy me something that was not really important in our daily lives. I know you're working hard, but please about my stuffs I could do it by myself." Cagalli begged. "But, Nee-chan how come you didn't buy a dress?" Shinn asked. Cagalli darts him a warning look, Shinn gulped as Cagali darts with a warning look. "Shinn, My salary is only 10,000 Yen, by that I save it for my month's allowance and for our daily needs. So how will I buy a new clothes?" Cagalli said in controlled anger. (A/N: Actually she couldn't buy coz some clothes were really expensive... You know Makino (The real character in the original serie).) "I understand that Onee-chan..." Shinn said tearfully.
Cagalli look at Milly. "By the way Milly, how come you get a goodlooking dress??" Cagalli asked as she looks at Milly up and down. "Umm.. My mother buys it for me last month... I haven't tried this since she gave it to me." Milly said shyly. "Ah.... Good for you that your mom buys you that.... Well for my self... I almost look like cosplaying earlier... As if I'm going to harajuku district.... Before you guys came I look like Decora Cosplayer before that I'm a Gothic and Sweet Loli cosplayer. That's why I'm wearing this right now.... My room is kinda mess..... Now that's my real problem... looking for a dress." Cagalli said.
"You don't have to worry. We' already solve your problem." Dearka said grinning at Cagalli. Cagalli look at Dearka suspiciously. "What's with that look? If you guys planning something bad on me, then you'll be dead." Cagalli said in a calm anger. "Sheesh! Cagalli don't jump into conclusions. Just come with us." Dearka said as he grabs Cagalli wrist and drags her out. "Well then we're going now." Yzak said as he follows Dearka and Cagalli. "We'll be back before 12 midnight." Kira said. "Sayonara...." Milly said as she bows. Uzumi and Shinn nods. Kira and Milly follows Dearka, Cagalli and Yzak.
Inside of Kira's Car
"Where exactly are we going?" Cagalli said look irritated. "To the Zala Hotel, that's were Athrun's birthday party will be held." Dearka said. 'I know that! Don't make me look stupid!" Cagalli said angrily. "Sheesh, just relax. Here!" Dearka said as he hands her a shopping bags. "What will I'm going to do with this?" Cagalli asked. "Don't be so stupid, It's you're dress. Milly told us that you have nothing to wear so before we came to your house, we went shopping. We wish that the dress suits you." Dearka said as he warps his arm on Milly's shoulder. Milly blushed.
"Oh.... Where will I change clothes??" Cagalli asked. "At the hotel, we'll go to the room we reserved then straight to Athrun's party." Yzak said. "I see...." Cagalli nods. "By the way, Dearka-san, hands off to Milly. Don't make her as one of your toys or else I'm going to kill you next to that 'jerk'." Cagalli threatens Dearka, Dearka gulped and look uneasy. "C-Cagalli-chan..." Milly said sweating drops.
Zala Hotel
Cagalli and the rest came to the Zala Hotel. Both Cagalli ands Milly look amazed as they saw the hotel building and the inside look of the building. "Wow! This place is so huge!" Cagalli amazed as she look around. "Yeah... This is the first time I enter such a huge and beautiful hotel!" Milly said as she looks around. The three guys amusedly look at the girls then shrug their shoulders. "Let's go. We'll lead you to the room that we reserve." Dearka said as he led the group.
As they arrive at the room, the two girls were look more amazed. The room was larger than their houses. "Woah! This room was larger than my house!" Milly said look amazed. "I'm sure mt house is look like a bathroom for this room...." Cagalli said in a bored tone. "OK girls we'll leave you here for 30 minutes. Milly-chan why dont you help your best friend?" Dearka said as he winks at her and went out the room with Kira and Yzak. Milly blushed furiously, Cagalli look at Dearka right before he left the room and then look at Milly, scowling.
"Don't be fooled by his looks, Milly. He's a womanizer." Cagalli said scowling. "Let's get start." She continued.
Milly helps Cagalli change into her dress. "You look so good in that dress Cagalli!" Milly said happily. Cagalli blushed and looks away. "Mou... You're embarassing me, Milly." Cagalli said blushing. She woresd a green sleeveless dress (A/N: The one that Manna makes her wear at Gundam Seed) and few locks of her hair was tied up at the side with a green ribbon. "W-well, how do I look?" she asked in a shy tone. "You look like a princess! You're so cute!" Milly said. "You look like cinderella!" she continues.
Cagalli looks away blushing. "Mou, stop calling me that, and as if I have evil step mother and step sister.... I'm not Cinderella, ok?" Cagalli said pouting. She wallks towards to the door and went out the room, Mily followed. The three guys who were waiting for two girls. As Cagalli went out the room, the three guys look at her, amazed.
"Woah! Is that you, Athha?" Yzak said, look at her amazed. Dearka whistles and look amused. While Kira, look at her, smiling at her. "You look cute, Cagalli." He said. Cagalli blushes more in deep red. "T-thanks..." Cagalli said shyly. "Anyway, lets go?" she asked. Kira nods and guides her to the main hall where the venue is. Dearka, escorts Milly while Yzak follows behind them.
Main Hall
Cagalli and the others arrives at the main hall. It's crowded with the rich and famous personalities, both girls look amazed as they look around.
"Wow! There's a lot of famous people here!" Milly exclaimed. "Look, Cagalli. There's Arashi's Jun Matsumoto!" Milly points at the celebrity. Cagalli nods gapping at the famous people that she knows and only sees at the TV and magazines. "There's even Mao Inoe!" Milly continues. Dearka shrugs his shoulders and chuckles, while Yzak looks around looking for the birthday celebrant, Kira smiled at the two girls.
"Have you seen him?" Dearka asked to Yzak. Yzak shook his head. "Nope, not yet." Kira look down at the mini paper bag that Cagalli carries. "Is that Athrun's birthday gift?" he asked. Cagalli look up at Kira, blinking at him. "Hm?" Cagalli looks at Kira. "I said, is that Athrun's birthday gift?" he asked again. Cagalli look down at the mini paper bag that she carries. "Umm... kind of...." she said softly. "What's inside of it?" Kira asked again. "Umm..... It's a secret!" Cagalli said shly.
Athrun look around looking for his friends. He's wearing a three piece suit designed by Armani. He saw Kira and approaches him. "Hey, Kira!" Athrun greets Kira, he look at Kira's side and saw Cagalli. He look at her up and down then smirks. "You look so cute in that dress, Cagalli-chan!" he hugs Cagalli so tight, that makes Cagalli couldn't breath.
"You…. Idiot…! I can't breath! Let me go!" Cagalli hissed. "Oh? Sorry!" Athrun said as he let go Cagalli and look at her. Cagalli pouts. "Mou… Are you trying to kill me? You jerk!" Cagalli said angrily. "I'm not. I'm so happy that you came." Athrun said grinning at her, and then he saw the mini-paper bag that Cagalli carries. "Is that my birthday gift?" he asked. Cagalli hides the paper back behind her, blushing. "Umm… Yeah…" Cagalli said in a small voice.
Athrun's face look so happy and grab his present from Cagalli's hands. "Is this really for me? I'm so happy!!" he said happily and hugs Cagalli so tight. "Mou.... I can't breath!" Cagalli whines. Athrun lets go of her, smiles at her. "You make my birthday so special. Thank you!" Athrun said happily. Cagalli blushed and shyly look down. "I'm glad you like it...." she said shyly.
Yzak taps Athrun's shoulder. "Athrun, it's time." He said. Athrun nods. "Yeah.... my dad will call me and blah blah blah..." Athrun said roll his eyes.
"May I get you're attention, please?" Ray asked to all of the guess gather around the hall. All the people were looking at him. "Thank you for coming tonight. And now, let us commence this birthday party for the next heir to the Zala Group!" he announced.
"I have to go." Athrun said and kiss Cagalli's cheek and went up to the stage. Cagali blushed.
"Thank you for coming and making time in your busy schedules to be here tonight." Athrun said. "Everyone, please have a great time." He continued.
"Actually, tonight we have a speacial surprise for Athrun-sama." Ray said. "Huh?" Athrun said, look curious as he look to Ray.
"And now, the president himself. Please welcome Mr. Zala!" Ray announced. Patrick Zala shows up and went to the stage besides Athrun. Guests' applause as Patrick went to the stage.
"Thank you for being here for my beloved son's birthday." Patrick said as he lifts his glass of wine as a sign of a toast. Everyone claps, while Athrun look at his father. "Athrun is currently studying at Destiny Gakuen, because he is the heir of Zala Group." Patrick continued. "Tonight, I have a very important announcement to make. I would like to announce to all of you that Athrun is to be wed." Athrun look confused and shock. "I would like to introduce his fiancee to all of you."
"What are you saying?" Athrun said in a calm anger. Cagalli look down. "Fiancée, What the heck is happening?!" Cagalli thoughts.
"He always one step ahead of everybody." Dearka said.
"She's here among us tonight." Patrick said.
"Does she mean you, Athha?" Yzak asked Cagalli.
"Eh?" Cagalli said look confused.
"What are doing?" Athrun said angrily.
"Everyone's watching us." Patrick said.
"It's always YOUR way." Athrun said.
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" Patrick smirks. "Well, everyone, let's bring this young lady to the stage." He said.
The lights turn off for a second and then the stage lights turn on and roam around the place. The guests were look so excited as for Cagalli she look nervous as she look at Athrun.
"And that lucky girl is..." Ray said. The light stops at Cagalli and she gasped but it move again and stop at the certain girl somewhere in the crowed.
"It makes my heart stops beating when that light stops at me for the second.... I wonder whose Athrun's Fiancee?!" Cagalli thought.
A/N: Again please bear me if I update so late. ^_- I'm kinda busy these days. Please read & review.
.CagalliYulaAthhaZala.