Lost Love

Chapter 9

2 days later

"So, you're really going to the city?"

"Yeah, sure," Cagalli said, lifting Carina. "Carina wanted to see the sights."

"Damn credit card limits," Milly cursed.

Cagalli laughed. "Come on, Lacus is coming. It'll be fun."

"Can't," Milly made a face. "The urge is too much. I'm really at my limit."

"Ok then," Cagalli sighed. "You can keep Shiho company…by the way, what's she going to do today?"

"One, I doubt I can even keep her company because two, she's going to check some military stuff," Milly pouted. "I'm all alone."

Then Carina giggled. "Mommy, I saw Auntie Milly and Uncle Dearkka kissing!"

Cagalli arched an eyebrow and grinned evilly, "See, you won't be that lonely!"

Milly blushed and yelled, "Oh, you're such a bad mother! I can't believe you'd let your daughter see people make out!"

But Cagalli rolled her eyes and just laughed. "So, so, sorry."

"Whatever," Milly huffed. "Have fun, I guess."

"So, are you girls ready?" Kira asked.

"Yes," Lacus nodded, donning a brown wig and sunglasses.

Kira frowned slightly. "I like your natural look better."

Cagalli rolled her eyes. "This is for her safety, brother."

"I know, I know," Kira said, a bit impatient. "So, to the December City Square?"

"Yes," Lacus said. "Cagalli and I need to go shopping."

"Me?" Cagalli arched an eyebrow. "I only came along because Carina wanted to look around."

Lacus sighed and shook her head. "Some things never change."

They reached a place with malls and stores surrounding a large lawn. It was two in the afternoon so the lampposts weren't lit yet. Noise and laughter filled the air and there seemed to be a joyous atmosphere.

Carina looked at the place in awe and wonder.

"Do you like the city square, Carina?" Lacus asked tenderly.

"Yes," the little girl nodded.

"So, where are we heading to first?" Cagalli asked, taking in the beauty of the place, carrying her daughter in her arms as she got out of the car.

"Well," Lacus pondered for a while. "We could go to this boutique I heard about that just opened. They say it's famous."

"So, we'll be shopping," Cagalli said and grinned. "While Kira here will be the bag boy. Again."

"Exactly!" Lacus agreed and giggled while Kira made a face at his sister.

They entered a boutique named "Josephine" and Cagalli was surprised at the sight. The grand chandelier shone brightly and there were mirrors everywhere. The glossy white counter was in front of a sophisticated-looking young woman. The clothes were either neatly folded or in racks, organized by color. Sales clerks roamed around the large store, assisting the customers. A soft and calm melody could be heard around the room.

"May I help you, Sir, Madams?" A sales clerk came near the four.

"Oh, it's alright," Lacus answered. "We'll just be looking."

"Of course," the sales clerk gave a bow and proceeded to another person who came in the shop.

"The clothes are nice and very sophisticated." Lacus approached a rack and took out a salmon colored blouse with ruffles. "What do you think, Cagalli?"

"They're…ok…I guess," Cagalli shrugged.

"Hey," Lacus said. "This one suits you."

She held a forest green cocktail dress lined with sequins and a few ruffles. "Why don't you try it on?"

"Lacus," Cagalli said. "Why don't you try it on yourself? I don't like shopping; you know that, especially if it includes trying on something."

Lacus rolled her eyes. Yes, Lacus did just that. "Come on, it'll be fun and Carina wants you to do it too. Isn't that right, Dear?"

"Yes!" Carina giggled. "Mommy will look very pretty."

"See?" Lacus gave Cagalli an I-told-you-so look. "Go on. Kira, please take Carina from her mother."

"Go on, sis," Kira said as he took his niece from her mother. "It wouldn't hurt to try."

"Fine, I'll do it," Cagalli sighed.

Two hours of shopping and trying on stuff later, much to Cagalli's dismay and Lacus' joy, they went to a café and rested there for a while. The café, in all actuality was very sophisticated as well. With contemporary chairs and a chandelier with the aroma of coffee in the air, the ambiance was terrific.

"Athrun?" Lacus said while sipping tea.

"What?" the siblings looked up.

"Isn't that Athrun?" Lacus pointed to a blue-haired man walking by.

"Why's he here?" Kira asked and his wife helplessly shrugged. "I'll meet with him."

And soon, Athrun was joined by Kira who seemed to invite the blue-head to join the four of them.

"Athrun!" Lacus stood up. "What are you doing here?"

"Meyrin asked me to pick up something," Athrun grinned, showing a midnight amethyst carrier. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Shopping," Cagalli said the word disgustingly.

Athrun laughed, "Same as ever. Hi, Carina."

"Hi, Uncle Athrun," Carina waved her hand that was holding a cookie. "Are you joining us?"

The others looked at Athrun expectedly and he smiled, "Sure, why not?" and took a seat.

"You know," Kira started. "This is just like old times."

"Yeah, I know what you mean," Cagalli agreed. "Just the four of us."

"Well," Lacus pointed out. "Carina's with us…"

"Might as well," Athrun shrugged. "We always had a child or two with us from Reverend Malchio's place."

And everyone laughed.

Then Lacus' phone started ringing, "Please excuse me, I'll take this outside."

"I wonder what that's about," Cagalli said, looking at her friend who just walked outside, talking to the phone.

"I hope it's not some politics thing," Kira sighed. "She's been working pretty hard."

"Oh, bad news!" Lacus rushed in. "The council sent some papers to the city hall here in December City and I need to see them through immediately. Kira?"

Cagalli looked at her brother sympathetically. "You spoke too soon, Kira."

"Come on," Kira got up from his seat. "How long will it take?"

"Not that long, I hope," Lacus said. "You guys will be ok, right? I'm so sorry!"

"Don't worry," Cagalli waved a hand.

"It's no big deal," Athrun said. "You guys go ahead. We'll meet up later, then, I suppose?"

"Sure," Kira said and took Lacus' hand.

"Bye bye Uncle Kira, Auntie Lacus!" Carina waved.

"Bye, Carina!" Lacus called and out they went.

"She's cute," Athrun said suddenly, tilting his head.

"Thanks," Cagalli smiled.

"Why have you never told any of us that you adopted a child?" Athrun caressed Carina's cheek.

"Sorry," Cagalli smiled apologetically. "I wanted to protect her…from the media and paparazzi, especially with everything that's going on."

"I see," Athrun said. "Cagalli."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry," Athrun sighed.

"Huh?" Cagalli said, confused. "What are you sorry for?"

"I'm just sorry…sorry for hurting you," Athrun smiled sadly.

"You-." Cagalli's breath hitched. "You've got nothing to be sorry for. You didn't hurt me…I hurt you."

"Yeah," Athrun nodded. "But…I shouldn't have treated you like the way I did."

"No," Cagalli shook her head, cleaning Carina's chin with a napkin. "I deserved it after all."

"I don't think so," Athrun said, capturing her gaze. "You deserve more than that."

Cagalli smiled genuinely. "Thanks."

"What are the papers about?" Kira asked while getting into the car.

"Nothing," Lacus replied blankly.

"What?" Kira looked shocked. "What did you mean 'nothing'?"

"Oh, I just made that up," Lacus gave a quick smile.

"Then, what was that phone call about?" Kira asked.

"That was Milly," Lacus explained. "I texted her to call me."

"Why?" Kira narrowed his eyes.

"To give Athrun and Cagalli alone time, of course!" Lacus said defiantly.

"Um…Honey, are you trying to cancel Athrun and Meyrin's wedding?" Kira held her hand.

Lacus bowed her head. "Maybe…?"

"Lacus," Kira said exasperatedly. "I know you want to get Athrun and Cagalli back together- I mean, I do too- but I think it's too late."

"It's not," Lacus said in a small voice. "It's not. Nobody said 'I do' yet."

"I know," Kira sighed. "But a wedding is supposed to be a happy occasion and not a day when somebody gets hurt."

"I know," Lacus bit her lip. "Did I do the wrong thing, Kira?"

"No," Kira shook his head and smiled. "You didn't. It's not like they'll be kissing at the end of the day…they're just friends who are spending some time together."

"I guess…" Lacus leaned back.

"Ok, so what do we do now?" Kira tilted his head to face his wife.

Lacus looked thoughtful for a moment and grinned. "Let's spy on them!"

"What?"

Ok, I said that Kent will be appearing in this chapter but I don't have time to write the part when he appears so I'll just write him in the next chapter.

My updates might be awfully slow for the next chapters...but thanks for understanding the dilemma I'm sure all writers experience if they are still in school.

Again, please review!