Chapter 12: James Rosco

Disclaimer: Uhhh, me no own.

Shinn: NOONEOWNSME!!!! Ha! In your face Yamato!!! WAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Kira: I never should've given him that Smirnoff…

Shinn: (rolling around and laughing) SOMEONE $# ME!

Everyone: O.O;;;;;;;

Kira: (sweat drop)….oh boy…

Okay, I'm sorry for not updating in a really long time; I've just been really busy. Ugh, school, the Torture Building of DOOM, and not the cool kind of DOOM either…

Athrun woke up feeling a bit happier than before; as if some weight had been lifted. He grinned broadly as he rummaged through his closet and saw the disguise he planned on using to trick Cagalli.

He resisted the urge to laugh and took it out, an idea popped in his head. Now would be the perfect time to take action, when the girls are so confused and frantic about the recent events; it was the perfect time to catch them with their guard down.

He laid it on his bed and took a nice long shower before going to talk with Kira. However, he stopped by Nicol's room to make sure he was okay first.

"Nicol? It's me, Athrun, are you alright?" he said as he poked his head inside. Nicol was listening to some Mozart and had his eyes closed. Athrun knew that it was his way of dealing with something that would otherwise break someone else.

He went over and lightly tapped him on the leg. Nicol's eyes shot open but he relaxed when he saw it was Athrun. He took off his headphones and stopped the music.

"What is it, Athrun?" he asked politely.

"Are you alright? I know yesterday was…weird, to say the least, but I just wanna make sure you're not still freaking out." Athrun replied.

"I'm fine now, Athrun. I guess I was just…caught off guard. How are things going with Shinn and Kira?" he asked cautiously.

"I'm assuming well, I haven't been in to see them yet. I wonder what will happen now…" Athrun said with a curious look.

"Hopefully nothing too crazy for a while, I think I've had enough skeletons thrown at me from the Gang Closet." Nicol remarked and Athrun chuckled.

A lot of secrets have been revealed sine the beginning of the Gang Wars, and so Nicol dubbed them Skeletons from the Gang Closet; with everything that occurred, he was sure that there weren't many secret left to hide.

"Good, I'm glad. This has been real crazy. I'll make breakfast in a little while after I talk with Kira about something." Athrun said. Nicol nodded and returned to his music and Athrun walked down the hall.

Before he could get there, however, he caught up with Yzak and Dearka talking with each other; or actually, Yzak yelling at Dearka while the blonde ignored him as usual.

"Jeez Yzak, do you ever shut-up?" Athrun teased. Yzak turned a furious glare his way. "Don't you start Zala! I may not be able to hurt Shinn without getting my ass handed to me by Kira, but I sure as Hell won't hesitate from wiping that smirk off your face!" he yelled.

"I'm actually surprised you admitted that, Yzak." Athrun commented and Yzak's face went redder than it was. "Damn you Zala!" he yelled and lunged toward him.

Dearka sighed and flipped a page in his Playboy magazine as Athrun laughed and stepped aside. Yzak came at him again and again Athrun evaded as if dancing, laughing the whole time.

"I'd really like to continue this, Yzak, but I have to discuss something with Kira." The bluenette finally said and side-stepped him again.

Yzak growled but smirked. "That's right Zala, just walk away, you know I could kick your ass!" he called after him.

"In your dreams Yzak!" Athrun called back.

"One of these days he's not going to just laugh and dodge your punches, you know." Dearka commented.

"Yeah, he'll be on the ground crying for his mommy." Yzak snorted. "That's not what I meant and you know it. You've pushed Shinn enough, and you're always pushing Athrun, what will you do if they gang up on you?" Dearka asked, finally looking up from the magazine.

"Whoop their asses, of course." Yzak said as if it were common knowledge. Dearka sighed again. "I highly doubt that Yzak." He said.

"Yeah right, the only person here that could pose a threat to me is Kira, and he'd never do anything and you know it. We all know it." Yzak replied bitterly.

"Shut-up Yzak. He would if you pushed him enough; or even Shinn and Athrun. He may not be a cold-blooded killer like you, but he can kill if he ahs to, even if he doesn't like it. Besides, he's our Godfather and we really shouldn't even be having this conversation." Dearka said.

"Exactly, so shut-up and keep reading your disgusting fake porn." Yzak said and smirked.

"You're just mad 'cause I won't be your Playmate of the Month." Dearka said and jumped out of his chair when Yzak went to tackle him.

"Shut-up you perverted little freak! How many times do I have to tell you that I just don't like women as much as you do!?" he shrieked with his red face as Dearka this time laughed and dodged.

"Jee Yzak, you're getting sloppy if I can dodge your punches." He commented and then was socked right in the face. This time Yzak laughed as Dearka scowled and rubbed his sore face.

"And of course the moment I say that something goes awry. You're just lucky I take your anger issues." He muttered and sat back down.

"You mean because you're a pansy." Yzak said and smirked. "Whatever you say Yzak Joule, whatever you say." Dearka said and went back to his magazine.

Rey was watching and listening and shook his head, rolling his eyes. He wasn't necessarily mad at Shinn for killing his father; he hardly cared for the man anyways, he was just mad that Shinn and Kira were closer than they should be. (Hey, if he can't hit that why should Kira be able to? You know what I'm sayin'? ...I'll shut up…)

He stalked back to his dark room and took out his book on the Many Ways to Torture Someone…

Athrun knocked on Kira's bedroom and heard some rustling before saw Kira himself at the door. Athrun smiled at him and the Godfather smiled back and invited him in.

Shinn was sleeping soundly on the bed, and Athrun saw that Kira must have been reading something because a book was lying on the bed beside him.

"What's up?" Kira asked, going back to his place on the bed while Athrun sat on his chair.

"Remember a day or so ago when I told you about my disguise?" Athrun asked, the beginnings of a chuckle already tugging at his lips.

Kira grinned. "Yeah. James Rosco, right?" he asked. "The one and only." Athrun replied and they chuckled softly. "Do you really think it's too cheesy? I'm sure Cagalli will see through my disguise, she's a lot smarter than I ever gave her credit for. Especially for being a blonde." He asked.

"Maybe. Depends on the circumstances and what mood she's in, really. A few more tweaks will make it perfect." Kira replied.

"I thought so…hey, can I try it on Shinn?" Athrun asked. "Uh, sure." Kira said and turned to the younger boy sleeping beside him. He put his hand out to shake him, but then stopped and bit his lip. He turned back to Athrun with a sheepish look.

"He looks too cute though…" he said and Athrun fell out of his chair while laughing.

"Shhhh! I don't wanna wake him yet." Kira whispered furiously and turned back to Shinn with a warm smile, stroking his cheek.

Athrun resisted the urge to laugh again and muttered, "Are you sure you're not completely in love with him, Kira? You sure act like it." He said.

Kira blushed and took his hand away. "I'm just protective, just like I am with you." Kira said with a defiant gleam in his eyes.

"Kira, I'm pretty sure you don't caress me the way you caress Shinn, and I'm pretty sure I'd be freaking out if you somehow ended up in my bed with me." The bluenette told him.

Kira frowned and then sighed. "I dunno how I feel, honestly. The fact that he killed Rau…for me…after all I did to him, it just amazes me. And he said he'd never leave me, and yet he's been wanting out of this gang for as long as I can remember. It just threw me off balance I guess, ever since the exchange I've been out of it." He said.

"Yeah, this is pretty crazy. Well, you'll just have to talk with him about it, I guess. Until then though…" Athrun said and gave Kira a knowing look.

"Right, the disguise. Maybe you should try it on the others, go ahead and put it on. If it doesn't work on them it'll at least freak Shinn out." Kira said and chuckled.

"You truly are mean, aren't you?" Athrun teased. Kira frowned. "Relax, I was kidding." Athrun said and left to change into his costume.

Kira sighed and lay down next to Shinn, stroking his cheek again. The boy was lying on his stomach with his head turned toward Kira, breathing evenly, his eyes moved and opened moments later and he went to sit up but Kira held him down.

"Shh, go back to sleep." He whispered in his ear. Shinn shuddered but obeyed, closing his eyes and returning to sleep.

Kira smiled at that and moved his hand along his back. Shinn moaned in pleasure and Kira started to really rub his back.

When Shinn brought Lacus back she somehow managed to get their stuff back without being noticed, however, as Shinn was driving away Cagalli approached her arms crossed over her chest and looking expectant.

"So I'm wondering why you just gave Shinn his and Dearka's stuff back without asking me first, and even more surprised that he brought you here in the first place. What happened with Rau?" Cagalli asked dangerously.

"It's sort of a long story, please, just let me explain everything to you." Lacus pleaded. Cagalli sighed. "Come on then, and I expect you to tell me everything about what's been going on with you, Lacus Clyne." She said and went into her office.

So Lacus told her what happened with Rau and what Shinn told her, making her promise not to tell any of the other girls. She expressed how she felt about telling them Kira's secret, how horrible and guilty she felt, and said that she didn't know what to do from there.

Cagalli sat quietly, taking all of it in. After Lacus finished explaining everything, she was silent for an extremely long time, too long for Lacus's sake.

"Cagalli?" she asked warily.

"I knew it." Cagalli responded in a small voice. She looked at Lacus; at her blue eyes, straight into her soul.

"I had a feeling it was Rau all along. Something about the last time I saw him and Kira together, and how Kira reacted to everything from then on. I just can't believe it…Kira." She was almost crying by now.

Despite being enemies, she couldn't help but feel terrible for what had happened to her twin brother. They didn't truly hate each other, they were just doing their jobs that were set before them by their parents, and it relived her to know that he wasn't a real monster because of her decision.

"I know. When Shinn told me…I fell apart. He seemed so sad too, I know he really cares for Kira, and after everything that's happened to him…I just think this whole war is a mistake, Cagalli. No offense, but I think we're doing this all wrong. Why are we fighting each other? For what purpose? Territory? We can share it; or even band together to prevent other foreign gangs from stealing it. It just doesn't make sense anymore, Cags." Lacus told her truthfully.

"I know, but like I told Luna and Shinn, it just doesn't work that way. Maybe I'll talk with him, but then again, this could all be a trap. Just because Shinn looked and sounded sincere doesn't mean he was being truthful. I hate to say it, but we have to look at it from all angles. You know how cunning they are, and I'm pretty sure Shinn was lying when he said they were going to plant a bomb in the base. First of all, we didn't' find any bombs, second of all, Fllay and Meyrin captured Dearka, either they're extremely good actors, or they're lying, one way or the other, that definitely wasn't their true intentions." Cagalli said.

"I know what you mean. But I don't think he was lying about Rau, no one can be that good of an actor, and like you said, they were clearly lying the other night. I'm just sorry I was so easily captured. If it weren't for me and Milly this would've been so easy." Lacus said.

"Not necessarily Lacus. You didn't hear what Kira said, he was just about to let me kill Dearka and Shinn just so he wouldn't have to give up. I have to admit, I truly wasn't expecting that from him. That's why we have to be careful, we can't just believe everything they say, and we can't assume anything either." Cags told her.

"I understand." Lacus said quietly.

There was a pause while Lacus looked down at her hands folded in her lap and Cagalli observed her with a sad yet knowing look.

"You truly love him, don't you?" Cagalli asked softly. Lacus snapped her head up and then sighed, looking off in the distance with a forlorn look in her eyes.

"Yes, I do. I'm sorry Cagalli. I know I shouldn't, but I just can't help it." She said sadly.

"It's okay Lacus. Maybe we can use that in our favor. We all know that girls are mostly useful to get a guy's attention. Maybe we might as well revert to Plan B." Cagalli told her. 'And I also know how you feel…Athrun…no, I shouldn't think of him, Lacus can love Kira if she wants, she'll know how to deal with it, but…no, I can't allow myself to fall in love with Athrun Zala.' She thought sadly.

Lacus looked surprised. "You mean…?" she asked cautiously. Cagalli nodded.

"Operation: Broken Heart."

Shinn slowly drew back to the world of consciousness, regretfully so; his dreams were for once filled with happiness and no wars or nightmares, something that would only be in his dreams.

He sighed after realizing he couldn't sleep any longer, nor pretend to. He opened his eyes and looked around…

…Coming face to face with "James Rosco".

"What the –freak-?" he asked and sat up quickly, glaring at Kira as he and Athrun laughed.

"Good morning, Shinn Asuka, or should I say, good afternoon. My name is James Rosco; I came from Italy to…assist you and your Godfather." Athrun said in his Italian accent.

Shinn gave him a weird look, raising his eyebrows; Kira resisted the urge to laugh, and Athrun waited patiently.

"Athrun, why the hell are you dressed up in that ridiculous costume? I don't remember it being October just yet." Shinn said after a moment.

Athrun pouted and slumped his shoulders. "I was hoping you wouldn't recognize me. This is the disguise I was going to use on Cagalli." He said.

"Well, hate to tell ya, but it wouldn't have worked. Why would you want to use a disguise on Cagalli anyway?" Shinn asked, looking confused.

"So I could slip her a few beers and get her to confess her gang's secrets and plans. But obviously that will only work in the best of my dreams." Athrun said and sighed.

Shinn's mouth twitched, as if he were trying not to smile, and he glanced at Kira. There was an awkward silence as no one knew what to do or say next.

"Uh, so, what should we do today, then?" Kira asked. "You're the Godfather, it's up to you." Athrun replied.

"Hmm, well, why don't we take the day to try to come up with some ideas and approaches to Operation: Lust. We need to know what we're doing instead of just rushing in blindly and hoping it'll work." Kira said.

"Okay, I'll tell the others." Athrun said and stood. "Wait, how is Nicol? I meant to ask you before." Kira asked.

"He's fine, I spoke with him this morning, and Yzak and Dearka are back to normal, I haven't seen Rey though." Athrun told him.

"Oh, okay, when you see Rey or Nicol tell them I wish to speak with them." Kira told him.

"I will." He said and glanced at Shinn and winked at him. Shinn gave him a sly look and watched him leave.

Kira narrowed his eyes at this but didn't say anything, and then cleared his throat after Athrun left.

"So…did you sleep well? You weren't tossing and turning or cussing at me, so I assumed you weren't having any nightmares." Kira asked him.

"Yeah, I slept well. How about you?" Shinn asked in return.

"Good, I guess." Kira replied and it got quiet again. That is, until Kira smirked and turned to Shinn, looking sly.

"You know, I never really got to finish what I started yesterday morning. It seems you were somehow able to distract me long enough to get out of it." He said.

Shinn blushed just a little bit and looked away, not saying anything. He no longer looked intimidating or serious like before, he looked…small, vulnerable; breakable.

"Shinn." Kira said softly. The younger boy turned to look at him, himself looking slightly…afraid. Why?

Kira's eyebrows furrowed. "What's wrong?" he asked and crawled onto the bed next to him, taking his face into his hands.

Shinn sighed. "It's not that I don't want to, it's just…" he began and bit his lip. "Just what?" Kira asked quietly, although knowing the answer.

"Just, I wanted to start over, be friends, and…doing that would only get us to where we just were. But I still want to. I guess I'm just confused." Shinn finished and looked at Kira.

"This coming from the same Shinn that just killed one of The Reapers, so sure and confident. What happened to him?" Kira asked, semi-rhetorically.

Shinn grinned sheepishly. "You'd rather have me cold and merciless? I thought you liked me as submissive and shy." He said.

"I like you any way I can get you, frankly." Kira said and nuzzled his cheek and neck.

Shinn took a shuddered breath and closed his eyes.

"Kira…"

"What?"

"What are we?" Shinn asked. Kira stopped what he was doing and looked at him in the eyes.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I mean…how do you feel about me? We've had this conversation so many times before, but we never got down to the truth. I never got a real answer from you." Shinn told him.

"Can't we talk about this after?" Kira whined. Shinn half-smirked. "No, that defeats the purpose and will make things worse. We have to talk about it now before we do anything." He told him.

"But we already did something…" Kira said slyly. Shinn blushed again. "But we're trying to start over, aren't we?" he asked.

"Shinn, we've tried to start over two times already, let's just…be who we are and not try to erase the past. I know this isn't a normal relationship, but until I marry someone else, or me and Lacus get serious; or even you and Luna get serious, I…I want to be with you." The older coordinator said.

Shinn didn't reply but closed his eyes as Kira nuzzled him more and started a trail of kisses down his neck. Shinn lay down slowly and Kira kissed him on the lips passionately, trying to do things right and not totally go berserk.

After a long while of this, Shinn smiled and said, "I know what we are, Kira."

"What, Shinn?"

"We're friends with benefits."

They chuckled and looked into each other's eyes, not noticing the pair of emotionless eyes watching them through a slit in the door…

"Alright girls, Operation: Broken Heart has now officially begun. I want to stress not to get too deeply involved, and be careful, they could be pulling the same tricks and lies for the same reasons. Don't entertain any rash impulses, or I'm positive you'll regret it, one way or the other. Good luck and be strong." Cagalli told the girls in her office.

"Pokitknives!" they shouted and put their fists in the air before departing to do what they do best.

-Author's Note: You know you liked that, I mean come on; the whole Athrun-dressing-up-like-that-hot-Italian-model was funny, right? Please tell em what you think, don't expect another update for a while, unfortunately, unless I get hooked on this. Either way, I will update, just not as soon as you might want. Again, sorry.-