JC: Chapter 25! I don't know if I'll ever finish this story. But then again, I'm having fun plotting and writing it. Oh, there's an AsuCaga moment here.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed.

Gundam Seed: Mythical Legends

Phase 25: Like a Dream

Library (After Class)

"I knew I would find you here," Stellar said, walking up to Athrun who was currently scanning the shelves for a book. "So, what kind of book are you looking for?"

Athrun got the desired book from the top shelf and started flipping through its pages. "A Norse Mythology book," he replied finally.

"You're really into this thing," she said, taking away the book from his hand. "You better give it a rest sometimes, Athrun-san."

"Stellar, I just want to know more about the Norse Gods, to know more about you and Cagalli, and to learn about the history of Asgard," Athrun explained, attempting to grab the book. But Stellar backed away and placed the book behind her back. To Athrun's dismay, he pleaded her to give him the book.

Stellar shook her head, grinning. "Instead of wasting your time here, why don't you visit the garden?" She winked a playful eye at him.

"Huh?"

"I'm sure Cagalli-san will love to have some company."

"Cagalli's there?"

"Yes… I actually brought her there and then I left her to look for you."

"And why?" Athrun raised an eyebrow.

"Let's just say I want to play matchmaker right now." Stellar giggled teasingly.

"You don't have to. I think I should—" He stuttered and paused for a moment. He always liked the idea of matchmaking, but it can be a hassle. Nevertheless, he couldn't possibly turn down Stellar's once-in-a-life-time offer. He had to take every available opportunity into account. "I better go see her." Athrun made his exit, looking focused yet excited, as he trudged along the school hallway.

Stellar smiled contentedly. It would only be a matter of time for Athrun and Cagalli, she thought silently. As Athrun told her about his feelings for Cagalli, Stellar felt the urge to help him in anyway possible. She was totally fine pairing Cagalli with a nice guy like Athrun.

Hallways

Hard to say, she was still pretty confused. From what she had heard earlier, it was almost too good to be true. Gods? Odin? Tyr? What is going on? Meyrin stooped her head low as she sighed in frustration. She didn't know whether or not to tell someone about this. But she thought of the possibility of being called crazy. "Oh, what should I do?" she murmured, folding her arms.

For a while, she was silently walking towards her classroom, with her eyes focused on the floor. Then suddenly a pair of hands covered her eyes. "Hey, what the?!" she gasped.

"Guess who?" a familiar voice asked her. Meyrin didn't even have to think twice to guess whose voice it was. "Onee-chan, I know it's you," she answered coldly. She stepped forward, removed her sister's hands, and faced her seriously.

Lunamaria was shocked to see Meyrin's expression and maybe a little intimidated. "Mey, what's wrong? You seem a bit tight," muttered Lunamaria.

"Oh… it nothing…" Meyrin replied, turning her head away.

"Don't tell it's nothing. I can see there's something wrong."

"Ugh! Just leave me alone."

Meyrin was giving Lunamaria one serious attitude, which was starting to be very annoying. Honestly, Lunamaria had never seen her sister act so coldly towards her. Yes, Meyrin can be very moody but not to the point that she would actually be rude. It wasn't like Meyrin at all.

Or maybe Meyrin's mad at me for what I said this morning… That must be it, she thought. What other explanation could there? "Okay, I'm sorry for calling you a regular bookworm," Lunamaria said, bowing her head.

"Huh?" Meyrin looked up at Lunamaria. "Why are saying sorry? It's not like you hurt my feelings."

"What did you say?" Lunamaria said as she lifted her head. "Then why are you acting so rudely?" She placed her hands on her waist.

"Onee-chan…" Meyrin placed her hand on her temple as she sighed deeply. "There are a lot of things in my head and I don't feel like talking to anyone right now, especially you." She pointed a finger at Lunamaria.

"Oh, okay…" Lunamaria narrowed her gaze at Meyrin. "Then mind telling me what—"

Meyrin quickly cut her off. "I told you I don't feel like talking! Is it so hard to understand that?!" she shouted, clenching her fists. "Some nerve…" She spun on her heels and walked away.

Lunamaria didn't bother to run after her, because she was too shocked to move. "Meyrin, why are being like this?" Her hands dropped as her eyes flinched in frustration. "Why?"

Garden

Cagalli rose from the bench and stretched out her arms. She looked around to see if Stellar had come back. Stellar told Cagalli she was just going to buy a sandwich from the cafeteria. But Cagalli noticed that Stellar was taking a lot of time. She wondered if Stellar would still come back or not.

"Maybe I should go to the cafeteria," Cagalli said, putting one foot forward. "But what if she's on her way here?" She decided to sit down again and wait. As she looked around, she saw Athrun walked into the garden.

"Cagalli," Athrun called, waving his hand at her. Smiling, he approached Cagalli and sat down beside her. "What are you doing here all by yourself?" His eyes looked straight into amber orbs as if he was trying to reach into her.

Cagalli felt a little nervous but she didn't react to this. "I'm waiting for Stellar. She went to the cafeteria and she said she won't take long," she muttered, grumbling. "But she's not back yet. It's been 7 minutes already!"

Athrun was surprised that Cagalli counted the minutes. Some people, he thought, wouldn't even bother to check the time. So, Stellar made her wait here while she went off to fetch me… I think its one slick move, but it made Cagalli aggravated. Cagalli isn't the type of girl with patience. Though he wanted to tell Cagalli about Stellar's real intentions, he decided to keep quiet for Stellar's sake.

"Hey, what brings you here?" Cagalli asked Athrun, with her earnest look.

"Me? I was just passing by when I saw you here." He made a pretty good excuse.

"Oh? I see… Um…" Cagalli bent her head as she clasped her hands together on her lap. Her blonde hair almost covered her face as her eyes appeared worried. "Athrun, with all the girls chasing you around, don't you have plans on getting yourself a girlfriend?" she asked, stuttering.

Athrun found it hard to believe for Cagalli to be asking such thing to him. However, Athrun wanted to express his feelings for her. To be sought after girls, annoying or not, was giving him a bad case of dizziness. He was just sick and tired of girls tailing him all around in school and even in public places like the mall. But the goddesses, especially Cagalli, were different from the girls he usually runs away from. For him, the only girl who ever caught his attention was Cagalli Yula Athha, who was also known as Freya.

"To tell you the truth," Athrun started, "I am planning to get one."

Cagalli's face fell as she closed her eyes. "I see… Which one of the girls is it? Is it Meer Campbell?" she said, her voice cracking.

Athrun could sense something different from Cagalli through her questions. It was like she was questioning him with a profound reason. "No, it's not Campbell. I can't tolerate her," he replied, looking worriedly at Cagalli.

"Then who is it?" Cagalli lifted her head and glanced at him.

It's you! He wanted to say this so badly. But the question is how should he tell her? Adrenaline pumping, Athrun urged himself to tell Cagalli his feelings. It was a now or never situation and, he could not choose 'never'. I've got to…

"You don't want to tell me then that's fine…" Cagalli sounded irritated as she turned her head away.

"Cagalli, you're the one I want…" He spoke out clearly and sincerely.

Cagalli gasped. "What did you say?" She slowly turned back at Athrun, with eyes widening. "Are you serious?" She wasn't about to believe him until she'll hear his explanation.

"I'm serious, Cagalli." Athrun placed his hand on top of hers as he locked his eyes into hers. With emerald meeting amber, the both of them were engaged into a world where their hearts were crossed. "I… I-I love you, Cagalli," he admitted it. Touching her cheek, he smiled sincerely.

Like a dream, she muttered in her mind. Truly it was like a dream for her to be able to experience something wonderful. Yes, it was wonderful to have someone express their true feelings for you, especially if that someone is the one you also love. Cagalli smiled in return and hugged Athrun. "I'm so glad to hear that!"

"Ah… Cagalli…?" He uttered with a questionable expression.

Cagalli pulled herself away and faced him. There was a hint of redness on her cheeks. Her head pounded as loud as a drum and her hands were growing cold as ice. Though she showed a tiny smile, she felt nervous inside as she gazed deeply into Athrun's emerald green eyes. "Athrun," she said, "I also feel the same way… I love you too…" Her face turned even redder. Feeling a bit shy, she lowered her head.

"Cagalli…" Athrun said, his lips curving into a smile. "I can't believe it… No joke, right? Are you for real?"

Cagalli suddenly glared at Athrun and said, "Of course! I wouldn't joke about this kind of matter!" She blurted with a rolled fist.

"No, it's just that… I feel like I'm dreaming. The girl I love actually loves me back. This is too good to be true."

"Look Athrun, you're not dreaming and it's true, so stop contemplating."

"Sorry…" Athrun grabbed her shoulders and gently forced her to face him. Leaning forward, he lightly kissed Cagalli's temple and backed away. "I'm just happy that's all," said Athrun, his cheeks burning up.

Cagalli felt like her heart wanted to jump out. She had never experience such a tender kiss before. It made her warm and comfortable. Her nervousness was diminishing. "Well, I understand. I feel the same way," she replied, smiling.

To be continued…

JC: End of chapter 25. Meyrin was a bit OOC here but it was necessary. Sorry about that… Anyway, Stellar really did a big favor for Athrun and Cagalli. Because of her, the two finally told each other about their feelings. Wonder what will happen from now on.