Thank you to all those who reviewed/favourite/followed!
Enjoy: Chapter 13
Stellar smiled as she checked her reflection in the mirror one last time. Her stomach tingled with nervous anticipation; today she had to look just a little better than perfect. Shinn Asuka asked her out for lunch a few days ago. Stellar wore a blue and white sun dress with a pair of white heels, her eyelids were dusted lightly with eye shadow. She paired it off with her favourite pair of sapphire earrings.
'Finally!' she beamed back at her reflection 'It's show time Stellar!' she cheered as exited the bathroom. With quick steps Stellar tried to hide her excitement and appear normal and nonchalant, but the grin on her face and the twinkle in her eyes said otherwise.
As Stellar approached the reception area she heard two voices.
"Oh how nice!"
"Lacus" she heard Shinn groan.
Stellar stifled her laughter, Shinn sounded embarrassed. When Shinn had asked her out, after work Stellar raced to tell Lacus all about it. For an hour both girls camped out in Lacus' office giggling and discussing possible outfits and reasons as to why Shinn took so long to ask Stellar out.
"Sorry" Lacus apologized, but didn't sound that apologetic.
Shinn snorted "Seriously you sound like a mother excited to see her son go on his first date."
"But I am excited to see you and Stellar finally going out on a date" she said innocently with a giggle.
Deciding not to hide out anymore the blonde crept quietly behind Lacus. Stellar slowly inched towards the pink haired girl.
"Nice try" Lacus called out just as the blonde was going to jump on her.
"Ready to go Stellar?" Shinn asked noticing Stellar enter the reception.
"Yup!" turning to Lacus she pouted "Aw how'd you know I was there?"
Lacus smiled mystifyingly "I just know" she shrugged.
Clearing his throat the raven haired boy got the girls attention "Shall we get going?"
Stellar nodded "Yes."
"Have fun you two!" Lacus cheered as she waved "I still expect you back on time!"
"Okay" Shinn waved and rolled his eyes, sending Lacus a wink he escorted Stellar to the elevators. Double checking to see if the coast was clear Lacus giggled and walked back to the desk.
"You can come out now" the CEO of Terminal grinned and turned to Lady Law who was hidden behind the front desk. Moving herself from under the desk the girl sat on the chair with legs crossed and arms folded.
"Shinn that sly dog" Cagalli laughed then paused thoughtfully, "Or rather I should say shy dog!"
With a laugh Lacus headed back to her office to prepare for a conference call with Eileen Canaver. Last night had been some night, the girl yawned tiredly. Lacus had decided to follow through and press charges on the men who attacked her that night. After handing them over to the police, she called Auel and told him about what had happened. Soon the sky haired boy had arrived and began talks with the police and investigators there, while Lacus and Kira were given the 'OK' to go home.
Glancing at her calendar she saw a huge red circle around a Friday which was two weeks from now. 'Do not forget! Charity Ball' was written in all caps with many exclamation points.
'The charity ball?' the pink haired girl blinked, a dumb look on her face.
"Oh!" Lacus tapped her forehead lightly "I totally forgot about it!"
"So, where are we going?" Stellar asked curiously as she followed him down the street.
Glancing at the blonde Shinn smirked "It's a secret."
"Aw! Tell me!" Stellar pouted.
"No way" Shinn shook his head, then paused.
Stopping beside him Stellar frowned "Shinn? Is something the matter?" she asked looking around, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Since it was lunch the street was bustling with people and cars.
"No, it's nothing" he said vaguely, keeping his eyes trained on one spot. His eyes took inventory of his surrounding, he saw nothing weird. However, it felt as if someone was watching him. A shiver crawled down his spine and he couldn't shake the feeling. Blinking Shinn snapped out of his glare and turned to Stellar, "Let's get going, Lacus will kill us if we're back too late."
"Huh? Too late? What's that supposed to mean?" Stellar laughed playing along, if Shinn didn't want to talk about it then she wasn't going to ask.
Sending her a mischievous look Shinn grinned "You'll see."
"Huh? The charity ball?"
"Yeah the one held every year by the Cancer Society" Athrun answered, packing up his laptop. The two CEO's had just finished a meeting discussing market channels into Asia, "So are you going?" he asked.
Kira blew out a tired breath "I don't know" he drawled wearily. He was leaning towards not going, however his friend's next words make him stiffen.
"I heard Lacus Clyne is going this year in person" Athrun smirked "I can't wait to meet her."
"Is that so?" Kira replied coolly, hiding his agitation by toying with a pen.
"Yeah" Athrun nodded oblivious to his friend's sudden mood change "Plus her head lawyer will be going as well."
Kira mentally groaned 'And Cagalli's going too?' He had hoped due to all of the latest events that they would stay down low.
"Kira? You alright?" Athrun questioned sending him a sceptical look.
Smiling weakly the brunet nodded "Yeah, just tired."
Athrun eyed his friend. Kira looked different and the boy started to wonder where Kira's sudden anti-socialness had come from. Athrun's eyes widened "You jerk! You weren't planning on going were you?"
Kira sat up straight "Well, I, you see, er…"
"What is wrong with you man? You've turned into a hermit since Fllay left!"
The brunet closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose sighing nosily "Athrun."
"You haven't been getting laid have you?" the man questioned, his mind racking up plausible ideas for his friend's recent withdrawals from society.
"Athrun" Kira called his name out again with irritation.
"You're sexually frustrated!"
"Athrun! Holy fuck calm down will you" Kira exclaimed jumping up.
Leaning back Athrun crossed his arms over his chest and smirked "You so are sexually frustrated."
"Not the time" Kira growled lowly "But to answer your question, I am going to charity ball. Geez! Going out night after night and getting smashed is not that fun if it's habitual. Once in a while is cool but—"
Athrun's smirk dropped and was replaced with a look of horror "Oh no."
Kira raised an eyebrow "What now?"
"You're coming to that age."
"Excuse me?" the brunet exclaimed puzzled.
"That age! Where you'll want to get married, settle down and get kids! Oh my god little versions of you running around" the President of Infinite shuddered "One of you in my life is bad enough, thank you very much."
Kira folded his arms a droll look on his face "Athrun there's one little thing wrong with your deranged theory: I don't have a girlfriend or a fiancée."
Athrun sent Kira a deadpanned look "Kira, you never want to go out! There must be some chick you must be hiding. Or at least I hope it is a chick."
"Fuck you! Get out of my office!" Kira bellowed.
Eyeing the pen still in the brunet's hand Athrun made a dash for the door and laughed. Before he ran out he turned to Kira "Mission accomplish. First I made you promise to come to the charity ball and second I woke you up. See you're not tired anymore."
"Athrun!"
"Fuck, I'm leaving already! Don't get your panties in a twist." he chuckled just as a pen flew by his head. Riling up Kira was hilarious, though his encounter with Kira reminded him of a certain blonde he loved to rile. Their reactions were similar. Shaking his head Athrun decided to get a cup of coffee before heading to the office.
When Athrun left Kira quickly dialed Cagalli's number.
"Cagalli here." Came her voice.
"I'm going to escort you to the charity ball. No objections" Kira growled.
"Okay" she answered distractedly.
Well that was simple. Wait a minute.
"Who are you and what have you done to my sister?" he had expected a fight of some sort.
Cagalli coughed and cleared her throat "What?" she croaked angrily.
"How come you're going? Why aren't you putting up a fight?" he wondered, then paused "Are you taking the medications correctly?"
"Kira!"
"Why are you going?"
"Why does it matter?" Lady Law countered.
"Because if you go, then I have to go" Kira said simply.
"BS, try again. I'm going because Lacus is going."
"It's a matter of my manhood and honour."
Cagalli laughed "What are you smoking? Your honour? What are you talking about Kira?"
Kira waved tiredly "Anyway, I have to go because I wanted to use you as an excuse not to go. I was planning on saying something along the lines of my sister was sick or something."
"How wonderful, I always love being used as an excuse" the blonde retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Okay, this has got to be the second best pasta I've ever eaten!" Stellar moaned, happily bringing the fork to her mouth again. There were in a quaint Italian restaurant, Cagalli had recommended this place for Shinn. The raven haired boy made a mental note to thank his cousin.
"Second? What's first?" Shinn asked.
"Lacus' food duh" Stellar rolled her eyes "How could you forget?" she clucked her tongue playfully.
Conversations were easy and simple with Stellar, and it never got boring. She was a great listener, Shinn saw how she changed when he would launch into stories about his misadventures with Cagalli and Kira.
"Oh my god! You guys are hilarious!" the blonde laughed "Your family is so amusing."
"Say, Stellar, how come you never talk about your family? Your mother? How about your father? Do you have any siblings?"
"I don't know" Stellar looked down crestfallen "A mother? Father? I don't have any."
"Stellar" Shinn trailed a flash of pain reflected upon his face.
The blonde brightened up "But, I'm not alone. I have Lacus and Cagalli, and Sting and Auel, and Miguel" looking up at Shinn she smiled "And I have you Shinn" she said softly "I may not have any family but that doesn't mean I don't have anyone."
Shinn reached out and gripped her hand "Yeah, you always got me" he grinned.
'Okay, I'll be fine!' Lacus tried to assure herself as she stepped out of her car and gave it to the valet. Of all the times to fall ill, she sulked but then perked up. But it's for a good cause and spending an hour or two wouldn't hurt.
'Besides' she reasoned mentally 'I took some medicine and I'm armed with enough cough drops for a small army!' she smile humorously.
Walking into the dazzling convention centre lobby, Lacus made her way to the hosts who lounged in the lobby ready to greet their guests. After exchanging pleasantries, Terminal's head found her way to the first floor where the cocktail was being held.
"And I thought they said angels didn't exist."
Turning around Lacus saw the person whom she first dubbed destructive demon. Dress cleanly and sleekly right now, the only thing he could possibly destroy was the remaining bits of the pink haired girl's sanity. Lacus blushed hotly as she caught him openly checking her out. Kira Yamato looked to be what dreams were made of. Lacus shook her head slightly. Maybe the medicine was making her delusional.
"Kira! How dare you flirt with another lady in my presence! I thought you were my date" Cagalli joked punching him lightly in the arm.
"Cagalli!" Lacus gave her a quick hug momentarily forgetting the blonde's companion, pulling away she smiled "You look gorgeous."
Lady Law was dressed in a mermaid style, sleeveless forest green dress. There was a jeweled headband that decorated her hair and a diamond bracelet on her right wrist.
"You do too" Cagalli nodded at her friend. Lacus wore a strapless royal blue evening dress, with a mid-thigh high slit on the left side and silver embroidery that went across the chest and down to the opening of the slit.
"Oh, there's the President of IME. If you'll please excuse me ladies" Kira nodded towards Cagalli. Turning to Lacus he flashed her a breathtaking smile as he walked passed her to his destination he whispered quietly to her "No words could do you any justice to how beautiful you look."
Lacus felt her face turn scarlet as her heart fought against her chest, with her heart beating this fast the girl feared she'd get a heart attack or faint.
"Hey Lacus are you alright?" Cagalli asked stepping closer to Lacus.
"Oh yes! I'm fine!" Lacus squeaked, she took in a breath "I'm fine, it's just a bit hot in here" she smiled "Uh, how about we get some food!" she suggested, linking arms with the blonde in an attempt to change the topic.
Instantly Cagalli's face lit up "I hope they have some good stuff."
"You know I still find you creepy" Cagalli said folding her arms over her chest.
Athrun chuckled and took a sip of his whiskey choosing not to comment. Cagalli had slipped away for some fresh air, apparently she wasn't the only one who wanted air.
"You know you're looking sexy tonight" Athrun whispered leaning in close "In fact more sexy then usual" he winked.
With a roll of her eyes Cagalli pushed him back desperately trying to control her thundering heart. The bastard. She narrowed her eyes "That comment doesn't help you win any favours with me."
"Who said I wanted favours" Athrun smiled cheekily, Cagalli sighed rolling her eyes again then noticed Athrun's change in demeanour. He now sported a neutral look, however his hold on the glass told her he wasn't very happy.
"Athrun?" she called breaking him from his stance.
"Sorry, did you say something?" he asked looking down at her. Cagalli sent him a skeptical look, "What was that all about?" she asked.
Athrun lowered his head and sighed "Nothing."
"Zala—hey! What are you doing?" Cagalli whispered harshly as she was pulled up against Athrun's body. One hand wrapped around her waist keeping her close to him.
The blue haired boy smiled boyishly "I'm playing the part of a knight, my princess."
Cagalli blushed 'Again with that blasted nickname!'
"What are you talkin—"
A voice interrupted Cagalli's cutting her off mid-rant "Well if it isn't Athrun Zala! My old pal!"
Athrun glared as a man with light purple hair approached them.
"Yuna" he nodded his head in greeting. The last person Athrun wanted to see. He cursed his luck, just as he got some time with Cagalli this joker had to show up! Looking up at the starry sky Athrun prayed for a miracle.
"Hey Athrun—Oh, Mr. Seiran" Kira walked up to the trio. Out of instinct Cagalli stepped forward and looped her arm around her brother's "Kira!" she beamed.
"Oh so she's yours" Yuna said sniffed.
"Damn straight" Cagalli said narrowing her eyes.
"And don't forget it" Kira murmured menacingly, matching Cagalli's look.
Athrun sent Kira a puzzled yet frightened look. 'Wasn't this chick with that other dude? No wait' Athrun relaxed visibly 'she's his twin sister! Who knew Kira was protective' he mused.
With Yuna gone the group could breathe a little more easily.
"Well that certainly was a lovely conversation" Cagalli rolled her eyes. That guy was a hundred times creepier than Zala, she decided.
Kira turned to Cagalli "It's getting colder out here, we should go back inside, you are still recovering from that cold" he said.
Looking to Athrun, Lady Law bit her lip "Nah, I think I'll stay out here a little longer, I'll catch up with you later."
Opening his mouth to protest, Athrun spoke up catching the twin's attention.
"Hey have you noticed that magenta haired chick has been following Lacus Clyne all evening. Is she an employee or personal assistant?" Athrun asked nodding in the direction where Terminal's CEO was.
"That doesn't look good" Kira mumbled and sped off in the direction his friend had pointed out, his eyes narrowed on the suspicious looking female shadowing Lacus.
Athrun and Cagalli shared a puzzled looked "What was that all about?" Infinite's president asked his eyebrows creasing.
Lady Law shrugged "I don't know."
Somehow during the night Lacus had separated from Cagalli as they both made their rounds to greet current and potential clients and business partners. Checking her watch Lacus realized that she had been there for almost two and a half hours. She began to feel tired and her throat felt like sandpaper. Popping another cough drop Lacus mulled over her current options. Currently she didn't feel like staying for dinner but it would be rude if she had just up and disappeared. However if she told the host that she was not feeling well before she left then it wouldn't look too bad.
"Oops! I'm so sorry!" the woman gasped in mock surprise and apology as she tipped her drink in Lacus' way.
Snapping out of her thoughts Lacus quickly evaded the beverage "No worries" she smiled calmly.
The lady almost frowned when she saw that the drink hadn't even touched Lacus Clyne. Damn and double damn. The magenta haired girl bit her lip in frustration.
"Is something the matter?" a third voice interrupted.
Lacus turned and saw who it was "Kira?"
"Kira Yamato?" the magenta girl exclaimed in awe. Biting her lip she nearly screamed, this certainly wasn't there in the mission description. 'I thought he was on our team!' she cried.
"Lacus" he stepped closer to her with an easy smile on his face "Did something happen?"
"Oh no, her drink accidently fell as I was walking by" Lacus explained "I'm lucky to have not gotten any on me" she said with relief, looking down at her dress.
The brunet frowned "I see."
"Well aren't you quite the player" came an annoying snippy voice.
Kira resisted the urge to groan "Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Seiran?" he asked politely, acting as a wall between Lacus and Yuna.
"No just passing by when these two lovely ladies just happened to catch my attention." Kira and the lady looked peeved while Lacus wiped all emotions from her face. She knew of Yuna Roma Seiran and his shady background. He gave her the chills and she always felt unsafe around him.
Rolling her eyes in disgust the magenta haired girl marched away, with the intent to go home.
Satisfied that the lady was gone, Kira placed a hand on Lacus' waist and excused the both of them. He had, had enough of that monkey for tonight. 'Hell I think for a lifetime' he thought sourly.
As he pulled Lacus to the lobby Kira reached for her arm "Hey Lacus you have a fever, are you alright?"
"Oh my," Lacus placed her hand on her face, 'the medicine must be wearing out!' she thought, sending Kira an anxious look. Her fears had been confirmed by his serious look.
"Let's go find Cagalli and then I'm taking you both home" Kira said firmly.
Wrestling her wrist from his grip Lacus pulled her limb back to her body "Kira, I drove here myself and I was just about to leave."
"You have a fever, I don't think you're in any condition to drive" he argued.
Lacus looked up at him, "I'm alright, honestly."
"Lacus."
She just looked at him with a patient smile, the flicker of concern for her that she found in his eyes warmed her heart "Kira" she said quietly. None of them said a word, they just stared at each other.
Without saying anything Lacus spun around and called a valet to bring her car, then collected her coat and walked out to the front all the while Kira followed her. Handing her, her car keys Lacus tipped the valet and sent him a smile.
Turning to glance at Kira she grinned "Feeling any better?"
Gritting his teeth Kira blew out an aggravated breath "Call me when you get home, and I mean it" he held out his hand. Lacus eyed his outstretched palm in confusion, did he want to shake her hand?
"Your cellphone, let me put my number there so you can call me when you're home" he explained.
"Oh" Lacus flushed embarrassedly and hurriedly handed over her phone.
"I'm still not happy—"
"I'll be fine" she reassured him jingling her keys to annoy him.
"Lacus" he growled darkly.
With a giggle the girl stepped into her car, rolling down the window she leaned over "Expect a call in about an hour, maybe two. Who knows I might see a hitchhiker and help him out."
Kira sent her a disbelieving look, as he opened his mouth to voice his dissent on her driving by herself, Lacus pulled off eyes twinkling with mischief.
Forty-five minutes later Kira received a text. I'm home. Safe and sound. "I said to call me you brat" he mumbled as his lips twisted into a smile.
Alright, it's about oh two in the morning…but I just had to post this! (Finally!) The next chapter is way more action packed I promise! Ah! Better head to bed got school in the morning!
Good night! Day! Afternoon!
~Lacus Yamato