hehehe...this time i don't need someone to remind me to update again...^__^

and before we began...i do so want to thank all my steady readers out there...and thank you so much for commenting...each little comment helps...^^

VRSanime200009; rebecca369; stice73; athazala thank you for being with me since the beginning...*huggles*

and heck yeah...got some new readers too!!!

Haru no Yo and purpleanime thanks for taking the chance to read my story, well AthrunandCagalli story...^^

and we can now begin.....

Chapter 14: …ripples of a tear drop

"Where are you taking me?" asked a disgruntled Cagalli as she stepped inside the black car.

"You'll see," Ken only replied as he closed the door and quickly walked to get inside in the driver's seat.

"Why so mysterious?" asked Cagalli when Ken merged into the traffic.

"Can't I be mysterious once in a while?"

"Depends."

"On what?"

"If I am going to like it or not."

Ken couldn't help but chuckle. "You will see."

Cagalli didn't say anything else as she looked out the window. Everything outside was beginning to blur together. She felt like she was in a whirlwind, everything seems to be out of her control. She didn't even realize the car stopped not until Ken gently touched her shoulders. Cagalli quickly looked at Ken.

"We're here," Ken said as he gently smiled at Cagalli.

"Oh…"

Ken opened his door as he quickly got out to open hers. Cagalli stepped out and finally looked at her surroundings. They were standing in front of L'amore Restaurant. Ken took Cagalli's left hand and put it into his crooked arms. "Ready?"

Cagalli quirked an eyebrow at him. "Are you?"

"Never better."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

"For you to agree to be my wedded wife."

Cagalli smiled at his lame joke. "If that is the case, then you will have a very long wait." Saying so, Cagalli unlinked her hands from his and walked ahead, leaving a chuckling Ken behind.

"Hey! You're seriously not going to wait for me?" shouted Ken as Cagalli was almost to the door.

Cagalli stopped and turn to look at Ken. "Oh, I didn't realize that you were still down there," Cagalli innocently said.

Ken shook his head as he quickly ran to Cagalli and took her hands in his. "Now, you will never be gone from my side."

Cagalli looked down at their interlaced hands and smiled. "Really? What if I let go?"

"Even if you do, I will still be running after you until I can reach for your hands again and when I do I will never let you go," Ken solemnly promised as he slowly raised her hands and gently kissed the front. "And that is a promise."

Cagalli didn't say anything. Her heart was heavy with Ken's promise echoing in her mind.

"What's the occasion?" asked Cagalli soon as they sat down at their table.

"What do you mean?" Ken innocently asked.

"I mean the romantic restaurant, the lit white candles, these red roses, the champagne, and these violinists playing right next to our table. So, what are we celebrating for?"

"You're a suspicious one, aren't you?"

"And you're avoiding my question."

Ken took Cagalli's hands into his once again. "What am I going to do without you?"

"I'm sure you'll live."

"True. But half of my heart will be missing."

Cagalli shook her head. "Okay. You're just scaring me here. Don't tell me, you're dying? And you only have one week to live?"

Ken burst out laughing. "I think you're the only one who can make me laugh so much."

"I am glad that I am a clown to you."

Ken just shook his head. "Cagalli…."

Hearing the serious tone, Cagalli stopped her teasing. "Hm?"

"You seriously are my laughter and joy. You are my light. When I am down, you always bring me back up with your tough words. And that is what I love about you. You will never back down; you're always on the go, protecting people and the one you love. I wish that I can be one of your loves one too…no, don't say anything," Ken said as Cagalli opened her mouth to refute it, "I don't want me to be a friendly love, but the once in a life time love. But I know that someone else already took your heart away before I came in. I won't try to replace him, but I hope that I can have a piece of your heart someday." Saying so, Ken pulled out a black velvet box. "I will take whatever you can give me now, but I will someday make you fall in love with me." With each word, Ken slowly took out the ring and slipped the ring onto Cagalli's finger.

Cagalli was quiet the whole time. Her heart was breaking for him because she has unknowingly hurt him. But when she saw Ken took out the black box, her heart stopped. Then it resumed beating again as he took out the ring and gently slipped it onto her finger. Her eyes glisten a bit, but no tears fell. She looked intently down at the ring. The gold band was thin and shiny. But the rock diamond was beautiful. It was shaped like a tear and surrounding it was small little sapphire diamonds. And the sapphire diamonds seems to be shimmering as light shine upon it.

"It's beautifully…thank you," Cagalli whispered as she looked up at Ken.

"This one is different from the one I propose to you."

"Huh?"

"I saw this one yesterday. And somehow it just brings you to my mind. I want to be your shoulder when you cry. So when you feel like crying, don't be ashamed and come to me. Okay?"

Cagalli only nodded her head as she looked back down at the ring. It was indeed a beautiful one. It speaks of elegance and yet at the same time fragility. But suddenly instead of the tear drop ring she saw, it was the ruby ring glistening in the light. Her heart clenched a bit as she blinked her eyes and the image was gone.

"Thanks for taking me out tonight. I needed one," a young woman with short hair said to her male companion as they followed a waiter to their table.

He turned to look down at her. He squeezed her hands in an understanding manner. "I know. Everyone needs someone."

She smiled at him. "Not everyone. Not you, Athrun Zala."

Athrun raised one of his eyebrows, questioning her. "I don't?"

She shook her head. "Nope. When I look at you, even when you are surrounded by your friends, I sense a distant from you. You are a part of them and yet at the same time, you are putting a wall. And sometimes that wall makes you look so lonely."

"Catrina, I think you are reading into it too much. But that doesn't mean I don't need someone. I do have someone I need."

"Do you really? Who?"

"No one particuala…" Athrun's voice faded away as he saw something ahead of them.

Noticing Athrun's distracted look, she also stared where Athrun was looking at. She didn't see anything that will prompt Athrun's distraction. It was just the usual setting with couples sitting together. And right now, there was one couple sitting at a table ahead of them. The young black hair man was holding onto the blond woman's hands from what she can see. Nothing unusual about couple holding hands Catrina thought as she looked back at Athrun, who is still mesmerized by something. Maybe he knows them?

Athrun didn't even realize that he stopped in the middle of his words. It seems as if everything just faded away, except what was in front of him. There was no doubt in his mind that couple was Ken and Cagalli. He saw Ken talking intently and yet judging from his expressions, Ken was gentle. Athrun couldn't tell what Cagalli was thinking about because her back was facing him. And soon all he can see was Cagalli sitting there only. His heart seems to skip a beat. He has no idea why he feels this way about Cagalli. He should be happy that Cagalli will soon be getting a happy ever ending that she deserves and not the one that was the reality. But somehow his heart hurts each time he saw Cagalli and Ken together. And it is driving him nuts. He has no right to feel this way except maybe him. And that is what scares him the most.

Athrun suddenly felt like his world is going to crumble if he doesn't leave there soon. He was about to turn away when he realized that Ken has now spotted him. Recognition sparked in Ken's eyes as their eyes met. Athrun broke the short eye contact and looked down. He widens his eyes as he just realized that Catrina was with him all this time.

Catrina looked up at Athrun with a worry expression. She was not sure what was happening but she sensed Athrun's agitated state. She smiled at Athrun, hoping that will calm him down a bit. Calm him from what, she does not know. But the calm collected Athrun was not here now. "Athrun…" Catrina said his name.

Athrun heard Catrina whispering his name. And as if a life line was thrown down, Athrun once again came back to usual self. "Ahem….sorry about that Catrina. What were we talking about?"

Catrina searched his emerald eyes, not seeing anything that indicates the panicked Athrun a while ago. She wasn't sure if she should be relived or not. She shook her head. "It was nothing important. Just the usual randomness from me." Athrun smiled, not disagreeing with her statement. "But have you ever been here before?"

"No. This is my first time here in Orb."

"First time? I thought you were here during the wars?"

Athrun coolly smiled. "Remember, it was during war time when I was here. So of course I couldn't come enjoy the beauty of Orb."

"That's right, I keep forgetting about that. Maybe I should show you my favorite place…" Catrina continued to talk.

Athrun smiled and nodded his head, but his heart was pounding when they got closer to Ken and Cagalli. Ken is now smiling at him and Catrina. Cagalli back is still facing him so he can't tell what Cagalli is doing. Athrun prayed that Ken will not call out to him. But Ken is a gentlemen, so like any gentlemen, Ken shouted Athrun's name. Athrun suppressed a groan as he pretended to be occupied with Catrina, who is still talking.

Cagalli jerked up from her musing as she heard Ken shouted Athrun's name. Her heart pounding, she looked up at Ken questioningly. Ken noticed Cagalli looking at him. "Athrun's walking towards us right now. And he is not alone. Maybe his soon to be bride?" Ken teasingly asked.

Cagalli forced herself not to turn around. She looked at Ken instead and coolly said, "I think you're too much. And Athrun doesn't know anyone here in Orb."

Ken smiled devilishly. "Which means more opportunities to meet new people."

Cagalli shook her head in reply, although she was not so calm inside.

"Athurn!" Ken said again. "Athrun!!"

Cagalli looked at Ken threateningly. "Ken! Don't do that! Don't call him over."

"Why?"

"What if he is on a date?" asked Cagalli although that is not the reason why she is protesting so much.

"Can't we say hello?" Ken asked in return.

But before Cagalli could say anything, Athrun was already at their table with his date and the waiter.

"So anyways, you should definitely visit there someday Athrun," Catrina said. "It's a very gorgeous place."

"I am sure it is, Catrina," Athrun replied.

"Hey, are you making fun of me?"

"No, why should-"

"Athrun!" someone shouted. "Athrun!!"

Catrina looked up and saw the young man ahead of them shouting Athrun's name. "Do you know them?"

Athrun refrained from glaring at Ken. "In some sorts."

"I think he wants you to come over."

"Ah, really? And here I thought he only wants to shout my name for fun."

Catrina looked back at Athrun. "Hmmm, a rival of some sorts?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Just that you're usually not like this."

"Hmmm…"

"Come on, let's go over so you can introduce me to your rival."

"This is your night, do whatever you want."

"Okay! Finally someone is listening to my wants," Catrina said cheerfully as she more or less lead a semi reluctant Athrun to Ken and Cagalli's table.

Athrun was tempted to dig his heels to the floor but since he rather not embarrasses himself, he decided might as well go with the flow. How bad can it get? He sees Cagalli and Ken at the office. So what is the difference between here and the office? Not much of a difference. That is what Athrun kept on repeating to himself.

"Ken," Athrun finally said as they reached their table.

The waiter stopped and turned around when he realize the couple was not behind him any more. He looked back and saw his customers talking to another couple at a table. This is going to take a while….he thought as he slowly turned back and walked towards them. Hey, isn't that Cagalli Attha???...he thought as he silently stood to the side. He took a closer look at the blond lady. That is Cagalli Attha…how cool to meet the leader of Orb…She looks much prettier in person…but wait…he turned to look at the short hair woman. She's pretty hot too…hmmm….

"Athrun! I didn't realize you were coming here," Ken exclaimed.

"If I knew you were here, I shouldn't have came."

"Ha ha ha, you're always full of sarcasm."

"Think whatever you may."

Ken laughed as he turned to look at Athrun's companion and said to her, "How can you bear him?"

Catrina smiled and winked at Ken before replying, "Well, his looks are not that half bad for a starter."

"Ahh, a woman with a quick wit. Name is Ken. Nice to meet you…."

"Catrina. Catrina Hishiro. And likewise."

"Pleasure all mine, Cartina."

Cagalli was still frozen in place as Ken and Athrun exchanged a few words. But once she heard Athrun companion's name, a soft gasp escaped. Is she that woman from the ball in the newspaper? Cagalli thought to herself.

To any unsuspecting eyes, they will not have caught that little gasp. But Athrun was intently focusing his attention on Cagalli while Catrina and Ken were introducing each other. His eyebrows rose a bit when he saw Cagalli small gasped. He can't help but wonder what surprised her. "Cagalli, how are you?" Athrun asked as Catrina and Ken were done with their short introductions.

Cagalli finally glanced up as she heard that familiar voice. Her right hand unconsciously touched the ring, twisting it back and forth as she looked into his deep dark green eyes. "Uhh…fine. You?"

Athrun's eyes followed her hands as they played with the ring on her fourth finger. That ring…it wasn't there last night… His hands suddenly clenched tightly at his side but otherwise there was no change of his expression. "Good."

"…." Cagalli didn't know what else to say as she continues to nervously play with the ring.

The waiter raised one of his eyebrows at Athrun and Cagalli's awkward introductions. He noticed that the blue hair guy clenched his fist. Hmmmm…this is interesting. I wonder what is between Cagalli and the blue hair guy?

Catrina looked at Cagalli, finally seeing the Princess of Orb face to face. Catrina was amazed by Cagalli. On tv, she seems so powerful and steady. But now, she seems fragile and yet there was still some hidden strength radiating from her. Catrina glanced down at her hands and saw Cagalli twisting a very gorgeous ring on her fourth finger. She looked at Ken then back at Cagalli. Ahhh, so they are engaged. How weird, there is no media coverage on this yet. Hmmm…Catrina glanced at Athrun. Athrun was being himself still. Catrina looked back at Cagalli. She was looking anywhere but Athrun. Interesting…. I wonder what their relationship is with Athrun. Or hers is the most likely question.

"Hi! I'm Catrina Hishiro. Nice meeting you, Ms. Attha," Catrina said as she held out her hands.

Cagalli looked at Catrina as she took her hands in hers. "Same here, Ms. Hishiro."

"Oh please, call me plain Catrina is fine."

"Thank you. You can call me Cagalli too."

"Thanks. So, are you guys a couple? Or soon to be marry?"

"….." Ken and Cagalli was speechless for while. They both wanted to keep their engagement low key for a while.

The waiter was shocked to hear that question. He quickly glanced at Cagalli's finger. And indeed there was an engagement ring there. He looked back up again with his usual stoic face hiding the juicy news he overheard.

"I just notice that gorgeous engagement ring on your finger. So I am piqued."

"You guys can just ignore her. I do that half of the time," Athrun said carelessly as he saw Cagalli tensed up.

Catrina turned to Athrun. "Hey, that was uncalled for!"

Athrun shrugged his shoulder. "Like your question was not?"

"Okay, fine. Lets just ignore me shall we?"

"It's okay. Cagalli and I are engaged," Ken proudly announced, "But we just want to be low key for a while."

Catrina beamed as she exclaimed, "Congratulations!!...I am thrilled for you guys. And my lips are sealed on this."

"Thank you," Ken and Cagalli said together, both smiling happily.

Ahhhh…I have some juicy news here….I wonder if they even realized that I am here?...The waiter glanced at them. Probably not. No one pays much attention to waiters…

Athrun casually looked down at his watch then to the waiter standing to their side. The waiter quickly straightens up more. "Sorry to cut this chit chat short, but we do have a table waiting for us."

"You guys want to join us?" Ken asked.

Athrun shook his head negative. "No. We don't want to interrupt your date."

And it was really the truth. It wasn't Cagalli's happy smile that is twisting his heart to pieces. Or Ken holding Cagalli that is driving him nuts. Nope it was none of it that makes him want to leave there at once.

"Okay. Have a good dinner then," Ken said.

Athrun nodded his head as he took Catrina's hands in his. Catrina said a quick goodbye as Athrun pulled her away. The waiter once again led their way towards their table in the back. Athrun couldn't help but looked back at Cagalli. Cagalli was now looking down at her ring playing with it again. Ken saw her actions and pulled her hands into his and kissed them. Athrun quickly looked back to the front, not realizing that Catrina has been watching him all this time, his expressions revealed for everyone to see.

You are formally invited to

Kenji Kyoshiro of Scandinavia

And

Cagalli Attha of Orb

Engagement Party

Place: The Palace

Time:6 pm

Athrun closed the invitation card and threw it carelessly on his desk. One would think that he was displeased with the invitation or was disinterest with it. But that was far from the truth that is tearing him apart inside out. And if one was to listen close enough, one can even hear the ripples of a tear drop.

exciting chapter, ne??? ^.^

i hope to see you guys in the next chapter...

^__^ V