Chapter 21: The Night Before Part 2

Kira glanced around the teenager-filled room, searching for the familiar amber eyes that he wanted to talk to, but they were nowhere to be found. He turned to Lacus.

"Where's Cagalli?" he asked.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "I didn't see her go anywhere." As Athrun came down the stairs, Kira stopped him.

"Hey, do you know where Cagalli is?" asked Kira. Athrun nodded.

"Yeah, she went up to her room," he answered simply.

"Oh, okay," said Kira. "Thanks."

"No problem," said Athrun with a smile.

Kira trotted his way up the stairs and opened the door to Cagalli's room. The moonlight danced on the walls and floors, giving the dark room a source of light. He walked towards the bed closest to the balcony, which was Cagalli's, and stood still for a moment. Sprawled out on the emerald sheets was Cagalli, her shaggy blonde hair fanned out around her head. She was still wearing the bright orange sundress from earlier. Kira smiled at the fact that she still hadn't changed out of it, despite the fact she hated it so much. He quietly made his way over to her and sat beside her small frame.

"It's the big day tomorrow," he whispered under his breath.

"I know," answered Cagalli quietly.

"Nervous?" he asked. Cagalli was silent for a minute before answering.

"Yes…"

"Why?" asked Kira He stroked a piece of her blonde hair away from her cheek. He smiled gently. "I thought we solved all of this when you flipped out last time." Cagalli groaned as she pushed her face into her pillow. He rubbed her back gently with his hand.

"It's not about stuff like that this time," she answered, her voice muffled by the pillow. Kira waited for her to answer, but she didn't.

"Then what is it about this time?" he prodded.

"It's stupid," she sighed. "Really, it is."

"Cagalli, just tell me what it is," he pleaded. "I'm sure if I knew what you're so worried about, I'd be able to help you out." Silence. Cagalli took a deep breath.

"You're going to laugh," she said in a low voice.

"No, I won't," he assured her. "I promise." She took another deep breath.

"Well," she began. She stopped herself.

"Come on, Cagalli."

"What if I trip and fall over my dress?" she blurted out. "I'm definitely not used to walking in heels! What if I forget to say 'I do?'! What if I forget to breathe and I die? What if-?" Kira interrupted her with giggles that he failed to conceal. She frowned, her cheeks red with embarrassment.

"You promised…"

"I'm sorry," apologized Kira. He regained his composure. "But seriously, Cagalli. You shouldn't worry about what you can't control." He wrapped his arms around her thin frame. "Your wedding will, by far, be the happiest day of your life. And the happiest day of Athrun's. Even if you trip over your dress or forget to breathe." Cagalli shot a glare at him.

"Sorry," he snickered. "I had to slip that in there. Honestly though, tomorrow will be perfect if you don't beat yourself up thinking about how bad it could possibly be."

"I guess you're right," she agreed. Kira hugged her tightly.

"So, are you ready to go back down to your party?" he asked with a grin.

"Yeah, I am," she answered. He turned to walk out of her room. "Oh…Kira?"

"Yes?"

"Um, who's giving me away?" she asked nervously. "Our parents are gone." He patted her cheek gently with his hand.

"You'll find out tomorrow," he assured her. "Don't fret about that, little sister." He held out his hand to her. "Ready to go downstairs now?" he asked. "It is your party, you know."

"Yeah, let's go," she replied as she slipped her hand in his. "Thanks, Kira."

The party was still running smoothly, to Cagalli's content. Everyone turned around from what they were doing to look at Cagalli coming down the stairs with the help of Kira, a smile plastered on her face.

"Are you all right, dear?" asked Athrun, somewhat worried.

"I'm fine, don't worry," she beamed. Athrun cupped her face in his hand and kissed her forehead gently.

"That's great," said Athrun with a smile. A camera flashed brightly.

"What was that for?" shouted Cagalli as she rubbed at her eyes. "Are you trying to blind me or something on the night before my wedding?" Lacus giggled.

"Of course not, dear," said Lacus, showing Cagalli her camera. "We need a pre-wedding picture of the two lovers!" Cagalli growled through clenched teeth. The rest of the company laughed.

"Okay, but only that one…" said Cagalli, giving in to her best friend.

"Where would you be without me?" asked Lacus jokingly as she hugged Cagalli,

"God only knows…' said Cagalli as she hugged her back.

"Wow, it's really getting late," noted Miriallia. "It's 1 AM."

"Is that really late, or really early?" asked Sai. Flay elbowed him in the stomach.

"Let's not get technical now, Sai," she said with a smile. "The point is tomorrow's a big day, and the bride and groom need all the sleep they can get for their big day."

"Good point," said Stellar. "No one wants a bride with bags under her eyes!" Everyone laughed except for Cagalli, who looked worried.

"Oh, don't worry about that," said Kira, remembering the conversation he had with her earlier. "You won't have bags under your eyes if you go to sleep now anyways…"

"Even if you did have bags under your eyes, you'd still make a beautiful bride," said Athrun as he laced his fingers through hers. A soft blush spread across Cagalli's cheeks.

"Well, let's get going to bed now, shall we?" asked Meer. She yawned and stretched her arms. "I'm exhausted." Everyone nodded in agreement. Nicol flipped off the lights, and everyone walked upstairs with the exception of Athrun and Cagalli. Lacus turned around at the top of the stairwell.

"Now don't stay up too late, you two," she said with a smile.

"We won't, Lacus," promised Athrun. With a final smile, she turned on her heel and walked towards the room where the girls were getting ready for bed.

"So," said Athrun, looking down into Cagalli's eyes. The room was dark, but her amber eyes shone like liquid Topaz in the moonlight. "Tomorrow's the day…"

"I know," said Cagalli, not taking her eyes away from his.

"Are you still sure this is what you want?" he asked, his tone gentle.

"Of course I am!" she answered hastily. "I've never wanted anything more in my life, Athrun." He smiled at her.

"Only a few more hours of being Cagalli Yula Athha," he whispered against her ear which made her tremble. "And a lifetime of being Cagalli Zala." She almost forgot to breathe as he pressed his lips softly against her neck. He gingerly slid his hands around her waist and pulled her closer, a smile spread across his lips. He rested his chin in her golden hair as she rested her head against his chest. She was still weak in the knees from his last action, and now this? He laughed quietly.

"What is it?" she asked, somewhat annoyed.

"It's just that," he whispered. "If that's your reaction to me kissing you on the neck, what's going to be your reaction when we kiss on the lips?" She blushed furiously. She was thankful for the room being dark, Athrun couldn't tell how red her cheeks were.

"No jokes, Zala," she retorted.

"Or better yet," he continued. "When we sleep in the same room? In the same bed?" Cagalli felt her face instantly get hot. She said nothing as she pushed him away from her.

"That might not happen, considering the way you're acting," said Cagalli, her arms folded across her chest. "Jerk." He laughed again.

"You're so cute when you're angry." He pulled her in towards him again before she could react. She opened her mouth to retort, but he stopped her with his index finger. He gazed down into her eyes, again fighting the urge to kiss her fully. It was harder than ever now, but he had to keep reminding himself. Just a few more hours…not even a day left. He kissed her on the forehead.

"We better be going upstairs now," he said somewhat sorrowfully. He didn't want to let her go. "Goodnight. I love you."

"I love you, too," said Cagalli. She turned from him and trudged towards her room. "Only a little while longer…"

This Chapter Updated 6/8/11