Chapter Eleven: Switchblade Infidelity

Cagalli pouted as she sat in her room with Athrun standing next to her. After they had gotten back to the castle, she was put under strict surveillance for running off. Two guards stayed at her door to make sure she wasn't going to try and go. Serene had the day off but remained at the castle never the less. Cagalli was wearing a light, soft, pink dress that showed her upper chest. She remained barefoot for a change since she wouldn't be able to go anywhere without being followed. So she had decided not to leave her room. She didn't mind that Athrun was told to stay with her. It only gave her more alone time with him.

"Are you just going to sit in here all day?" Athrun whined playfully.

"Yes I am," Cagalli said firmly.

"Don't you want to do something?" he asked.

"Well... what do you suggest?"

Athrun shrugged and sat down. Cagalli smiled and went over to the door to make sure it was locked. Athrun watched as she walked towards him backwards. He stood up, knowing she was going to try and play a joke on him. He came up behind her and kept one step ahead of her's. She turned around quicker than he expected and collided into him. He lost his balance and fell back onto the floor after tripping. Cagalli giggled quietly while laying on top of him, not wanting the other guards to suspect anything. Cagalli teased him with kisses all along his face, wanting him to need more of her. She gave him a long passionate kiss and then got up. Athrun picked her up in his arms and tossed her onto her bed. She gasped and almost got away, but Athrun held her down with a smile and his body. She giggled again when Athrun attacked her neck with his lips. Suddenly though, she heard someone knocking. Cagalli jumped off the bed and pushed Athrun along the way. He straightened his vest and watched Cagalli rush to the door. One of the guards stared at her strangely and glanced over at Athrun.

"Er, Cagalli, your lunch is ready," he said.

"Fine, please bring it."

The guard eyed Athrun suspiciously and then left. Cagalli looked back at Athrun with a smile and shut the door. That was a close one. However, Athrun didn't seem to think it was that funny. He knew things like that would happen. They had to be extra cautious. Cagalli walked to him and placed her arms behind his neck. She gazed deep into his eyes, seeing his fears return to him once more. She wished she knew a way to make him be less caring of the ones around them. She understood how he felt because of what had just happened, but she didn't think that those guards mattered. It was only about her and Athrun. Nothing else existed. So Cagalli reassured him him with a kiss and smiled again.

"Its okay," she said.

"That didn't bother you?" Athrun asked confusedly.

"No, it was actually a little exciting."

"You think so?"

"Mhm, it feels like we're doing something dangerous."

"But we are," he replied with a small smile.

"Thats why its so fun," she giggled.

"It won't be fun when we get caught."

"Then lets not get caught," she whispered to him.

Kira stood to the side as he watched the soldiers cheering with victory. They had won. After all these months, he would be able to return home. Being in the war was extremely difficult, but he had gotten through it. King Attha came up beside him and patted him on the shoulder. He had a scar going down along the side of his face that had not been there when they left home. Kira nodded his head at his father and left the large room full of people. The noises followed him until at last, he made it outside. He winced and held his side painfully. A couple of days ago, he had been stabbed by an enemy soldier. The wound was still fresh and ached incredibly. He could handle it. He had been lucky that his wound wasn't as serious as others.

He had a few things on his mind that were more important to him. One of those things was Lacus. He had been thinking of her constantly while away. And he knew he had to see her immediantly. He hadn't ever been so disconnected from her, even though he had written a few times. Kira had really missed her. The other woman on his mind was Cagalli. She sounded like she was doing fine in her letters, but was there anything she had left out? Athrun sounded lik he was a good guy and Kira knew it. Athrun was a caring and loyal person. That's why he had been chosen as Cagalli's knight. If Cagalli was getting along with him, then she probably wasn't running off like usual. But, Kira knew their father would send Athrun away if he noticed Cagalli behaving nicely. The only reason she was given a knight was so she would be watched while they were gone. Otherwise, Athrun was pretty useless to the king. King Attha would appreciate Athrun's dedication, but that was as far as it would go. He needed to keep his mind on more important things. If Athran was unnecessary to have around, then he would be let go of.

Kira took in a deep breath of cool air and returned to the party. For the remainder of the night he was quiet until he was given permission to go up to his room. Tomorrow would be the journey back home. It didn't seem like this was happening. Although they hadn't even been gone a year, it felt like longer. Kira changed into clean clothes and laid down in bed. He could hear the halls echoing with laughter as people made it to their designated room. He couldn't imagine how relieved the soldiers were for an end. No longer would they have to constantly worry about their lives. They could go home. And what would that be like? Would they be given a special fest? Kira's heart was pounding hard in his chest. He knew he had to do one thing before going. While he was at war, he had to time to think of what it was he really wanted and needed in life. And there was only one thing that could satisfy him. Lacus. He was sure of how much he really loved her. He would visit her at the Clyne Kingdom and then ask her to marry him. He was sure that he wanted to be with her forever. Kira's heart again began to beat quickly. Was he really going to do this? He would have to discuss this over with his father. But after that, then the hard part would come. But he had to get her a ring first. He couldn't just show up empty handed. He wouldn't accept doing that. Even though Kira knew Lacus would gladly take him as he was, he was going to go all the way with her.

Cagalli gazed intensely at the woman who was instructing the man of how to prepare for a dinner. Apparently the soldiers would be back within a few days and they were planning something spectacular. The woman giving instruction was Lady Ruri, King Attha's sister. She was a very sophisticated woman and demanded much to be done. Cagalli was surprised by how fast Lady Ruri moved and merely admired. She had to admit, Lady Ruri was a bit headstrong but she was taking care of business wonderfully. Cagalli was anxious to see Kira and her father. It had been at least five months since grasping either of them in her arms. But with their return brought the reality she would have to face. Getting Athrun to stay.

"Cagalli, dear, are you listening?!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Lady Ruri. What was it you said?"

"Nevermind, I'd like you to pick out two of your most elegant and professional dresses," Lady Ruri said.

Cagalli looked at her confusedly but was rushed off. Professional? Why would she ask for that? Cagalli didn't question her too much, knowing she needed to trust her. Cagalli made it into her dressing room and looked around. She had dresses hanging up all around the room. Professional was boring. Elegant was beautiful. How could she have something that was both? She didn't want Lady Ruri to look down on her though. Professional. Cagalli repeated it in her head as she searched through the gowns, focusing extremely hard. She didn't even notice two bright emerald green eyes watching her until she turned around and gasped.

"Er, busy?" Athrun asked.

"I... I have to find the perfect dress!" Cagalli exclaimed.

"Huh? Why?" he questioned cluelessly.

"For Lady Ruri, I can't fail her," Cagalli said.

Athrun saw Cagalli's full determination come forth at that moment. He smiled and nodded, letting her continue on her search. She frowned at some of the dresses and then tossed them aside carelessly. Professional. She feared that she didn't have anything that fit Lady Ruri's wishes. Cagalli got her hands upon a seafoam green dress and gazed at it longingly. This one was one she had never worn. It was meant to fit her slim figure, complimenting every curve. Cagalli hung it up carefully and then went on past it. She felt like she was searching for something she could never find. Cagalli bit her lip and grabbed at a dark purple dress. The top half was a corset that was strapless. The lace that tied across from the sides of the corset hung loosely for tightening. A silk layer spread out from the corset with another thin layer beneath. Cagalli ran her hand along the edge and placed it with the seafoam colored dress. Those two were the most appealing for her. For the sake of it, she reexamined every last dress before sighing. Lady Ruri entered suddenly without being noticed and was there a few minutes before Athrun realized it. He bowed politely and left the room. Lady Ruri shut the door and wen to the two dresses. She picked up the purple one and smiled. She saw the other but was more interested in the one in her hands.

"This one will do fine," she smiled.

"But, Lady Ruri, its not very prof-"

"Not professional is right, gorgeous more like it."

"Are you sure?" Cagalli asked hesitantly.

"Yes, yes! This will do. Now who was that boy?"

"Oh, thats Athrun. He's my knight," Cagalli replied.

"Is that so? But, there's something more than that..."

"What? Why would you say that?"

"Well, if there wasn't, he wouldn't have been in here. And then ther was the way he was looking at you."

"Lady Ruri-"

"Between you and I, we are not that different. I was once in love with one of my bodyguards too and I didn't hide it well. Alas, I was married and never allowed to see him anymore. Now, there is something between you two isn't there?"

"...Yes," Cagalli said.

"Splendid, then," Lady Ruri smiled happily.

"Your not going to-"

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more preparations to make."

Cagalli smiled and nodded. That was something surprising to hear about Lady Ruri. She never would have expected to find herself in the same situation as her. But Lady Ruri's story had a sad ending. Her love affair had been revealed and as punishment she was forced to marry, never allowed to see the one she truly loved again. Cagalli didn't want her love to die like that. Lady Ruri's story gave her strength to keep going and have a greater amount of courage. She would handle every obstacle thrown her way.

Yay new chapter! This was an okay chapter I guess, not that great in my opinion. Well read and review!