Sugarcarly: Oh weddings! Wedding bells will be ringing soon!

FushionAC: I know right! Considering they are part of the main cast and it would've been just a nice touch to see them get married in the anime! Natural and Coordinator marriage of the century! Oh well, I guess I can just write about, eh?

Cutie66: Aww, I'm sorry! Haha, I had a bit of writer's block. I try not to post until I've worked at least half of the next chapter. XD Well, most couples tend to be that way, and when I was watching Destiny…they sure acted that way all the damn time…all those glances. Even when he was arguing with her on the cliff it was like he forgot that Kira and Miriallia were there.

Kitty: Here is what's next!

KiraYamato20102: Haha, sorry about that happens when I get stuck.

TJR: aww shucks, thanks!

AN: To all that sent me PMs for story requests, sorry that I haven't replied to you individually…but I do consider all of them. If they are possible for me to work on them without skewing too much from the characters I do write them. My flash drive is filled with a lot of rough drafts from the many requests I've received. I also know that I haven't finished another GS/GSD story about Yzak/Shiho…that one I really did get stuck and can no longer find the original…but I will try to finish that as well. XD so hang tight!

I Never Should Have Left

Disclaimers: I do not own Gundam SEED/Gundam SEED Destiny, because if I did there would be LOTS of changes. This is based off of the ending of the special edition IV and some images I saw. Takes place after the ending as Lacus Clyne and Cagalli Yula Athha going into their meetings.

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Chapter Twelve

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Cagalli slowly woke from her sleep. Her curtains were wide opened letting sun light shine through windows. She turned her head to the side and noticed the empty spot next to her. She slowly sat up and looked around for her fiancé. She then heard the door to the bathroom open and saw an already dressed Athrun. Cagalli frowned, today was the day that Athrun was supposed to be at the parliament with her. She groaned she knew what this was about. She knew that they were going to push the issue of marriage and try to get Athrun to side with them. She was pretty sure that Athrun also was aware why they invited him to a meeting that didn't have anything to do with military issues. Cagalli pouted as Athrun sat down next to her on the bed and kissed her softly.

"You're awake, sleepy head," Athrun teased and Cagalli grumbled. "You should get ready; we don't want the other emirs to think we're purposely skipping the meeting."

"Oh shut up, you know what they are going to talk about," Cagalli sighed and slipped away from Athrun.

"Even so, we still need to go to the meeting," Athrun told her with a smile. "Besides, there might actually be a good reason for them calling me to the meeting."

"Athrun," Cagalli sighed and began walking to the bathroom. "Fine, I'll get ready."

"That's my girl," Athrun had a smirk on his face and Cagalli stuck out her tongue at him. She then walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. He was sure they were going to press the issue of the wedding between them. He knew since he was considered the level headed one of the two, they were going to try to persuade him to agree with the majority. He chuckled; it was funny how everyone used him to get to Cagalli. He closed his eyes for a moment and heard a soft knock at his door. He stood up and opened the door to see Myrna handing him Cagalli's clothes.

"Make sure you two aren't late for the meeting," Myrna said with a bright smile.

"I'll try but you know how Cagalli can be," Athrun chuckled.

"She is a stubborn girl, that she is," Myrna smiled. "She's in good hands."

"Huh," Athrun was taken back as Myrna hugged him. "Miss Myrna…"

"After her father's death I was sure she wouldn't have been the same, you saved her from sadness and kept her the same Cagalli we all know and love," Myrna sniffed a bit. "It was only when you left Lady Cagalli she lost that part of her…and when you returned all was well again."

"Miss Myrna…I'm sorry," Athrun said sadly. "If I had known at the time what my decision would have caused I would've never left. Maybe then Cagalli wouldn't have caved into the emirs and refused the marriage."

"Even if you were here Master Athrun," Myrna pulled back from the hug. "They would've still tried to force her to agree with the treaty and the marriage. She just would've been able to fight it longer but then would you have found out about that scoundrel of a chairman if you did not rejoin the ZAFT forces?"

Athrun sighed, "Even so…I almost lost the one person that I hold most dear. I have no family left and Cagalli gave me a home. She granted me a new identity when I asked her to and gave me a roof over my head."

"She would've done it for you regardless of her feelings but because she fell in love with you she couldn't just let you suffer," Myrna smiled at the young admiral. "The type of love you two share is truly a rare gift; make sure to cherish it always."

"I will, Miss Myrna…I will," Athrun smiled at her warmly. "I owe Kira a lot for taking care of her in my absence granted he is her brother after all…"

"I think you and Master Kira both know very well, who Lady Cagalli likes to take care of her."

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"So far we are failing in creating a being in this artificial womb."

"We shouldn't have tried to do this from the beginning; we should've done it the way it was done before."

"Yes, we should impregnate the woman and remove the child into the artificial womb."

"Are you crazy? We would have to attack Orb right out and kidnap her? Do you realize how much security surrounds the head representative?"

"It's been two months and we have yet to succeed in getting a child to grow in the artificial womb."

"Gentleman," Ulen spoke up first. "It would seem we do have to go about this in the same manner that was taken almost nineteen years ago. We will just need to find an opportune moment to kidnap the head representative of the Orb Union."

"Are you insane?"

Ulen shook his head, "There will be times she will be poorly guarded. We just need to observe her a little more…and that coordinator of hers."

"We can send out surveillance teams."

"Has it been enough time since our last endeavor?"

Ulen nodded, "We will send out surveillance teams and see how they are doing. They have to be busy in looking for us, so all we need to do is wait for a good window of opportunity."

"Are you serious?"

"You are really going to do this?"

"Yes, observe her for at least a week," Ulen said confidently. "See how often she is with Zala…and if anything we could always use the media…"

"The Orb Union is very well aware who Athrun Zala is."

"Well, just observe them for now. We can't afford to many any mistakes. After a week I want a full report on her," Ulen stated. "We will strike at the moment we see an opening."

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"We think it will be beneficial to Orb to see you two married…"

"I agree, after all think what it would do for our morale…think of the country's morale?"

"Indeed, Admiral Zala, what is your opinion on this?"

All eyes were on Athrun as he watched Cagalli's fuming face. It was yet another meeting about her marriage and he was of course invited to attend, but both he and Cagalli knew why before stepping into the room. He knew they were going to try to get them both in the room to push for them to marry. Amber eyes were burning, she was not happy about this recent turn of events.

"We understand that Lady Cagalli is hesitant due to the Clyne-Yamato wedding…"

"Even so, this is for Orb…you two obviously are planning to get married, so why not sooner?"

"It's not like we are asking for Heirs to the Athha line but at least a marriage."

Athrun shifted a bit in his chair, Cagalli was against the idea completely only because she didn't like being pushed around. She had gotten enough of it when he had left to go to the PLANTS. Athrun was getting a taste of the pressure that she had while he was gone. "If Representative Athha believes it to be a good idea, I will consent."

Cagalli glared at him, she hated it when he turned the tables on her. She growled in frustration, "What would this wedding exactly do for our country?"

"It would boost the morale…"

"Think of it history in the making, it's no secret who Admiral Zala is…and who is father was. This would just be something to show our nation's beliefs to the rest of the world."

"So you're making this look like some political marriage," Cagalli narrowed her eyes.

"Do not get us wrong Lady Cagalli, we understand the feelings between the two of you are genuine however it would yes prove politically where we stand but also that a relationship between a natural and coordinator are possible."

"I agree! It doesn't hurt that you both are fine looking young people either. You two do make a very handsome couple."

"Is that why you asked Admiral Zala to be in this meeting today," Cagalli stood up from her seat. "That you wanted to corner the both of us…or maybe that you could get Admiral Zala to concede to your requests?"

"Admiral Zala is a noble man but we also know he wouldn't go against your wishes."

Athrun blushed, when did they get to know him so well? Athrun sighed and stood up from his seat. He walked over to stand next to Cagalli. He placed an arm around her waist, "Let the head representative and I discuss the matter for a while. At the end of the week we will give you our decision."

"Athrun…" Cagalli looked up at him, "Wh…what…"

Athrun looked down at her with a smile, "I understand what you are all saying gentlemen, however this engagement is not out of political reasons and I would hate to be viewed as such." Athrun then turned to look at the other emirs, "I understand the reason you are asking us to marry quickly and I do understand that due to the fact I am coordinator and Representative Athha is a natural would make an impact on the world." Athrun paused for a moment, "But the last thing I would want is for the representative to feel uncomfortable with such a rushed marriage after all it hasn't even been a year since the end of the second war."

"When you give us your answer at the end of the week, we would like a wedding date…"

"Or at least a projected date if you choose to wait."

"I can agree to that if need be."

"Will that satisfy you, Representative Athha?"

Cagalli kept her eyes on Athrun and he just smiled down at her. "That is fine; we will give you our answer in a week."

"Then let us proceed with our meeting."

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"Was that Cagalli just now," Kira asked removing his ZAFT coat. Lacus nodded, "What did she need?"

Lacus giggled, "Apparently the emirs are pushing for her and Athrun to be married."

Kira arched his brow, "Why are they rushing them?"

"History in the making, political views," Lacus shrugged with a bright smile. "Cagalli didn't seem too happy about it but she said that Athrun told them they would decide in a week's time."

Kira chuckled, "So Cagalli is fuming? She's probably pacing the floor with anger right about now."

"I think she doesn't want to take away from our wedding but also because they have kept their relationship quiet for the most part," Lacus had made her way to Kira and hugged him. "I don't think she's quite ready to show the world her relationship with Athrun."

"I don't blame her," Kira returned the hug he was receiving from his fiancée. "She won't be able to go around Orb with Athrun without the media at every turn."

Lacus nodded, "Yes, but Athrun seems to be handling the media quite well. I've seen some of his public speeches and how he interacts with them…I believe Cagalli is in good hands."

"You know, it's still kind of strange to me," Kira smiled down at his pink haired princess. "That my best friend is going to marry my twin sister. I mean sure I knew how close they were after the first war and all but he's going to be my brother-in-law…"

Lacus giggled, "But you two have been friends since you were children…so he was much like a brother to you, wasn't he?"

"I guess you're right," Kira kissed her gently. "Athrun is a good man and he really does love Cagalli. I remember when he rejoined ZAFT and we met briefly on that cliff…one look at Cagalli and the ring, you saw something in his eyes. When he told Cagalli he couldn't come back with her because he was in the military again, he had such a hurt expression on his face."

"It's not easy to be away from the one you love," Lacus smiled. "For Athrun it was painful to fight against her, to be away from her like that…knowing the chances of being with her again were small."

"I remembered how long she cried once we got back to the Archangel and staring at the ring," Kira chuckled at the memory. "You could tell they were both hurting but being with Cagalli made me realize how close they really were. Then you went up to space and for a moment I could understand what Cagalli was feeling."

"Yes, but I did make a promise to come back to you," Lacus' smile faded for a moment. "Athrun didn't even promise that to her…from what you told me, he turned his back to her."

"Yes but when he left with us in the Archangel to go back to space," Kira said looking at his fiancée. "He said he it was alright, they didn't need to rush. They still had the same dream and when he put on that Admiral's uniform before I saw you…I knew he was going to go back to Cagalli."

"I'm glad you stayed with me," Lacus snuggled into his chest.

"I'm glad as well," Kira held her closer. "I think we should encourage them to marry as well."

"What do you mean," Lacus asked looking into his deep violet eyes.

"Well, if you think about it…it won't take away from our wedding at all," Kira smiled. "If anything it will just be a huge event for the media to cover two high profile weddings."

"Oh I see, so that way Cagalli wouldn't feel guilty," Lacus nodded.

"Yes and she always claims she's the oldest, so why shouldn't the oldest twin marry first," Kira chuckled and Lacus joined in.

"I think you're right, it will be nice to see them marry first mostly because it will only strengthen the resolve that coordinators and naturals can truly live in peace," Lacus smiled brightly. "That is until you actually know Athrun and Cagalli."

"Even then, they are still going to be the face of a natural and coordinator relations," Kira nodded. "I'll call Athrun right now and see how he is dealing with it."

"Maybe you should talk to Cagalli first," Lacus insisted. "She is the one that is the most upset about this."

"Alright," Kira kissed her gently and went over to video monitor. He quickly dialed the number and Cagalli's face appeared before him. "Hey Cagalli…"

"Kira?" Cagalli looked at him confused, "what are you doing calling me at a time like this?"

"Just wanted to talk to my little sister," Kira teased and saw Cagalli's face turn red.

"I'm older!"

"Ok, ok," Kira chuckled at his sister fuming in the video screen. "Anyway, Lacus just told me about what's going on down there. I think you should do as they ask…"

"WHAT! WHAT THE HELL KIRA! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" Cagalli shouted.

Kira shook his head, "I think it would be good for you and Athrun not just the nation of Orb."

"What," Cagalli growled and felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to look and Kira then saw Athrun come into view. "My idiot brother is telling me that we should agree with the emirs."

"Is that so," Athrun looked over at Kira. "What's up, Kira?"

"I was telling your fiancée should hurry up and just get married," Kira shrugged as if it was nothing. "I think it would be a good idea."

"Kira…"

"Athrun, there haven't been any attempts on Cagalli for a good time now, so why not," Kira suggested with a smile on his face. "It would make it easier on the both of you."

"What about your wedding," Cagalli asked with her arms crossed.

"Cagalli, you don't need to worry about us," Kira looked at his sister. "We are still going to have our wedding but it would be nice to watch my baby sister get married and without me having to kidnap you."

"Oh shut it!"

Athrun chuckled, "I will discuss with the princess and see what she thinks of it."

"Make sure to take real good care of her, Athrun," Kira said with a smile. "She is quite stubborn…"

"You don't have to tell me twice…"

"HEY!"

Athrun kissed her cheek as Kira chuckled, "I have no problems in marrying the head strong princess but it's the princess that is having doubts I believe…"

"What, you think I am the one with cold feet," Cagalli glared at Athrun.

"Well you were the one that got kidnapped from her first wedding," Athrun teased and Cagalli glared. She stood up and Athrun looked at her in surprise, "Ca…Cagalli…"

"I'll tell the emirs we are getting married at the end of the month," Cagalli glared up into his face. Athrun actually felt a bit frightened by the fire burning in her eyes. "And we will see who gets cold feet!" She stormed out of the room living a baffled Athrun and a laughing Kira.

Athrun turned his attention to Kira, "You did that on purpose."

"You know this would be good not only for Orb but the rest of the world." Kira smiled at his friend, "It will also be good for you two and it will be a real new beginning." Athrun looked at him surprised, "Athrun, it would really be the moment you and Cagalli have let go of the past and moved on. I know you two still harbor some doubt but what better way to join your lives together."

"You're starting to sound like Lacus," Athrun chuckled and then sighed. "We will see if she tells the emirs tomorrow about her announcement…we did say a week's time we would answer them."

"Well, let us know the exact date and we'll be down there," Lacus said as she sat down next to Kira.

Athrun smiled, "Yeah, I will."

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"So what did you find out?"

"They've started planning for a wedding."

"Oh a wedding," Ulen looked at his men with curious eyes. "Between Representative Athha and Admiral Zala?"

"That is correct, they have made no formal announcement as of yet but…that is what our informants have told us."

"When is the wedding to be held?"

"At the end of the month, security will probably be doubled since the last time she tried to get married she was kidnapped."

"Yes but a war was also stirring up," Ulen chuckled. "How lovely…I'm sure security will die down once the wedding over, they do need to have a honey moon…or better yet they will be coming up for her brother's wedding will she not?"

"More than likely…"

"So all we have to do is be patient for her arrival in PLANTS," Ulen said smoothly. "It will be the lowest amount of security around the Orb Princess."

"We have a deadline to meet…"

"They can wait…if we try anything foolish now, everything will be in ruin!" Ulen shouted, "If we are going to make this work we need to play our cards correctly. If we screw this up we have no chance of making the ultimate coordinator."

"It might have been easier to clone the boy…"

"But no guarantee that it could work," Ulen stood up. "It would be easier to start from the beginning then trying to clone him."

"What are you saying?"

"He might be current ultimate coordinator, but I'm sure we could push the envelope a little further, don't you think?" Ulen showed him some of his research. "I went as far as looking over the bio-human projects. I am most interested in this memory replacement technique they developed."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying why not combine the best of two worlds," Ulen pointed to something else. "What is the point of making the ultimate coordinator if we can't control him or her?"

"I see your point."

"Yes, I agree. Why make an army we can't control."

"Yes, brilliant."

"If we all agree, I suggest we continue to figure out this mystery of this artificial womb and prepare it for our soon to be weapon."

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Cagalli sighed, she was reviewing more documents that had to be covered but lately the meetings had become less frequent. The world was slowly becoming peaceful and there were fewer worries to be burdened with. With Athrun as the high admiral he had most of the military back in top shape and the chain of command was flawless. Cagalli looked at her engagement ring on her finger and smiled, they were to go ring shopping today for their wedding bands. The whole nation of Orb was in a happy uproar with the announcement of a wedding at the end of the month. She had told the Emirs to prepare for a wedding at the end of the month and they were ecstatic to say the least. Orb would have a grand wedding that hopefully will happen without a problem or a runaway bride.

Dearka had called after he and Yzak had gone back to PLANTs about giving Athrun a bachelor party. Athrun point blank refused saying it was not a good idea especially if Dearka was hosting it. They were going to have a traditional Orb wedding much like the one she was trying to have with Yuna but this time around…he was the groom. Cagalli smiled as she remembered Athrun's flustered face when Dearka had called, she encouraged him to have the party but Athrun shook his head. Athrun was still the ever kind and noble gentleman. He would be coming to pick her up soon as it was almost dinner time. She stood up from her desk and quickly put things away. She enjoyed their dinners together; it was just the two of them always sitting together. They had promised each other no talk of work at dinner…it could wait till breakfast.

So no official business would be discussed over dinner…they could talk about their day just no details till breakfast. Cagalli smiled as she watched her mint green Haro bouncing around her office. She had turned it back on for a little bit needing a distraction. The wedding planning was driving her crazy but she let Myrna handle it for her. She trusted her judgment on a dress as long as it didn't look like the one she wore for Yuna Roma. Myrna promised a lovely simple gown that would reflect her personality but also make Athrun the luckiest man alive. Athrun would be wearing his formal Orb Uniform and Cagalli couldn't wait. Athrun has always been a sharp dressed man and in that uniform he looks quite tempting. She blushed remembering the last time he wore it they were quite intimate.

"Cagalli," Cagalli was broken out of her thoughts as Athrun's baritone voice called to her. She looked over at the door to see the man she was daydreaming about just moments before. The small green haro jumped at him. He chuckled as he caught it, "I see you been letting the little guy play in your office."

"He's a good distraction," Cagalli smiled and walked up to her fiancée. She kissed him gently and he returned the kiss. "So where we eating for dinner tonight?"

"Somewhere in town, we need to shop for our rings first," Athrun told her. "I promised Myrna we would decide on them today."

Cagalli rolled her eyes, "I think everyone is more excited than us."

"Trust me princess I am very excited," Athrun told her as they walked out of her office hand in hand. "I can't wait till you're my wife and I can rightfully call you so."

Cagalli blushed, "Athrun…"

Athrun just kissed her cheek; he had become a little more public with his display of affection. In public it was mostly just kisses on cheek, he told her once that if he kissed her on the lips in public there was a chance he wouldn't be able to contain himself. Cagalli smiled at the memory as they made their way to downtown part of the city. They were going to one of the most expensive jewelry shops in Orb but Athurn and her both make quite a bit of money. Cagalli hardly ever spent money to begin with but Athrun was able to get some of his father's assets under control and of course his current income as the high admiral. She didn't know what she did in life to deserve such a man but she was happy. Personality wise they didn't always match at least not at the beginning but that's what sparked the initial attraction. Now with age she had tamed most of her temper but he was still the same Athrun. There was one chance, he was more open and carefree when he was with her…but this was the side he would only show her. He didn't even really show Kira, his best friend that side.

Cagalli had once told Kira about it only to have her brother not believe her. Cagalli rolled her eyes at the memory, her brother saying that was not an Athrun type of behavior. No matter how many times Cagalli told him otherwise, Kira did not believe her. She looked over at Athrun who was paying attention to the road while driving took a glance at her. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Cagalli smiled back as Athrun changed the gears in his car.

"Really, then why were you staring?"

"Oh shut up," Cagalli giggled. "You are so paranoid."

"Me? Paranoid? I think not princess," Athrun chuckled as they pulled up to the jewelry story. "However, they did say a picture does last longer."

"Shut up," Cagalli grumbled as she got out of the car. Athrun had gone to the other side and helped her out. "I can get out myself…"

"Yes, but are you going to deny your future husband the right to help you out of the car," Athrun teased getting a blush from Cagalli. He had been having too much fun using the word Husband around her. They were going to be nineteen this year and to be married. They had seen more battles than most adults and here they were at the jewelry store ready to buy their wedding bands. Cagalli's blush deepened in color, she had argued they were still young but even though she was young…it felt so right. She wanted to marry Athrun Zala, the red knight that captured her heart not too long ago. She smiled up at him as they walked into the jewelry store as the sales clerks all looked up in glee.

"Do we have to," Cagalli pouted.

"Yes, princess…" Athrun smiled, "I would hate to be without a ring on our wedding day."

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Athrun and Cagalli's wedding next chappie! XD but what is bad Ulen planning? Oh well, see you next chapter!