Summary: When hearing about Athrun's fiancée from Athrun's mouth, Cagalli is having a hard time moving on. She still couldn't believe that he is getting married but what happens when Cagalli finds out that his bride was indeed her childhood friend? How will she be able to cope with the situation now?

Disclaimer: All the Gundam Seed and Destiny characters belong to their creators. I do not own any of them and I am simply a fan who loves to write stories.

Note 1: Please pardon my English. I know I suck at it because English isn't my first language.

Note 2: I apologize if some parts don't make sense; if u do please just send an email and I would gladly explain it to you.

Note 3: Sorry if I have some English grammar problem and spelling.

Note 3 ½: .+…+ means thoughts of the character

italic sentences…-means song

"…" saying

"CAPITAL LETTERS" character yelling.

(a/n: Author's note)

In this story, the characters don't act like their character in the series.

Note 4:And Enjoy the show :) midi music for this chapter you can listen to is in my site. EDIT: my music files has been accidentally deleted by my host so pretty much I lost all my midi files for you guys to listen too while reading this story. Sorry about that!

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Love that Transcends Time

Chapter Twenty-five: When love is a factor..

There was silence in Lacus car ever since they got into the road. Cagalli endlessly stared at her car window while Lacus was very focused on the road. But Cagalli decides to break the silence between them by turning on her radio.

"This song is brand new from Fllay's 2nd debut album, Moonlight and will arrive in stores in 2 weeks. I hope you guys like the preview and don't forget to buy the CD when it comes out! Fllay Allster- Yuki no Hana (Snowflakes)"

nobita kage wo hodou ni narabe/ yuuyami no naka wo kimi to aruiteru/ te wo tsunaide itsumademo zutto/ soba ni ireta nara/ nakechau kurai (Walking with you by the sunset, the figures stretching out along the pavement. Holding hands, I wish we could stay like this forever.)

Fllay Allster? Kira's ex?+ Cagalli looked at the radio then to Lacus who did not seem to show any emotions toward Fllay's name being called out.

kaze ga tsumetaku natte fuyu no nioi ga shita/ sorosoro kono machi ni/ kimi to chikazukeru kisetsu ga kuru (The wind grows so cold, I feel like I'm gonna cry. I can smell the Winter on its way./ Pretty soon the season when I can get closest to you/ will visit this city.)

"She's back here in Orb" Lacus said in somewhat of a sad tone.

"Who is back?" Cagalli asked curiously and slow turned the volume down.

"Fllay Allster" Lacus said. "Kira told me that day when he stumbled across her when he was helping out a friend moving in"

"Lacus…" Cagalli said.

kotoshi, saisho no yuki no hana wo/ futari yorisotte/ nagameteiru kono toki ni/ shiawase ga afuredasu (The moment we saw/ the first snow flower of the year/ huddled close together, the happiness was overwhelming.)

"I know that Kira chose me but why do I keep having these feelings that I'll lose him? Plus, since our wedding won't be in for the next 3 weeks, things can happen. There is a possibility that I will"

amae toka yowasa jyanai/ tada, kimi wo aishiteru kokoro kara sou omotta (It's not that I'm weak or I need to be coddled to. It's just that I love you, I believe it from the bottom of my heart.)

"Don't think like that! My brother isn't like that Lacus. You should know that!"

kimi ga iru to donna koto demo/ norikireru you na kimochi ni natteru/ konna hibi ga itsumademo kitto/ tsuzuiteku koto wo inotteiru yo (When I'm with you, I get the feeling that I could make it through anything. I'm praying for these days to go on for always. )

"I know, but…I can't help the way he feels about her. They had a history together and I know for the fact that Kira still loves her even though he denies it. It's funny how women know these things just by looking at the man's eyes"

kaze ga mado wo yurashita yoru ha yuriokoshite/ donna kanashii koto mo/ boku ga egao he to kaeteageru/ maiochitekita yuki no hana ga/ mado no soto zutto/ furiyamu koto wo shirazu ni/ bokura no machi wo someru/ dareka no tame ni nanika wo shitai to omoeru no ga/ ai to iu koto wo shitta (when the wind rattles the window in the night,
shake me awake. I'll change any sadness into smiles. The fluttering snow flowers outside the window, fall endlessly coloring out the city. I realized that the thought of doing something for someone else was love.)

"Women are complex beings and no wonder guys have trouble understanding us" Cagalli giggled. Lacus looked at her and it's been a while since she heard Cagalli laugh. So she giggled as well. "I guess so" From that moment, Lacus worries slowly drifted from her mind.

moshi kimi wo ushinatta to shita nara/ hoshi ni natte kimi wo terasu darou/ egao mo namida ni nureteru yoru mo/ itsumo itsudemo soba ni iru yo/ kotoshi, saisho no yuki no hana wo/ futari yorisotte/ nagameteiru kono toki ni/ shiawase ga afuredasu…. (If I were to lose you, I would become a star and shine upon you.On those nights when even your smile is wet by tears. I'll always be there, forever by your side. The moment we saw the first snow flower of the year, huddled close together, the happiness was overwhelming…...)

Few minutes later…

Lacus found a parking space near the Orb's Favourite Coffee store. They both got out of the car holding their purses and decided to make a little stop.

"Hey Lacus, you want to get some coffee?"

"Sure, I'm thirsty anyways" She said smiling. They headed towards the coffee store.

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"Wow, I can't believe that Orb changed this much after all these years" Mia said as she puts her arm around Athrun's. They slowly walked down the streets of Downtown Orb.

"All these years?" He asked curiously.

"Yep, oh did I not tell you that I used to live here?"

"Nope, you missed that point"

"Oh is that right? I'm sorry for not letting you know."

"Is that why our wedding is being held here?"

"Yeah, I love Orb so much. Speaking of Orb, I still have to meet my friend here."

"Friend?"

"You haven't met her before but I hope you will. She's the best!"

"What's her name?"

"Ca..…. Oh look! It's my favourite coffee store!" Mia pulled Athrun towards the store. "I know you will like this store as much as I do!"

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Lacus found a spot for them to drink their coffees outside while Cagalli lined up to buy their drinks. Today was a busy day than usual since it was almost December (1 week away from it). The weather has been very cold compared last year. The whole store was packed with unfamiliar faces from couples to writers and business woman/man. Cagalli stared at the painting (while waiting) on one of the walls which said, "There is always a place where everyone belongs to". It's an unusual sentence to have in a coffee store out of all the places in Orb. But that didn't bother Cagalli at all since she was bored anyways and have nothing better to do.

Athrun enters the store unaware that Cagalli was there and lined up. On the other hand, Mia was enjoying her time at Orb while staring at the tall buildings she has never seen before. She then took at her cell phone and began looking at her pictures with Athrun. She softly smiled when she saw that one picture of Athrun looking at the cherry blossoms. This was taken on their first date in PLANTS.

After 10 minutes of waiting, It was now Cagalli's turn to order.

"Can I please have 1 medium French Vanilla and 1 medium Caramel Macchiato please"

"Is that all?"

"Yes, thank you" She smiled at the person taking her orders. She then waits for the coffees at the pick-up counter. Since it did not take that long, Cagalli held both the coffees with her hand and headed out. Athrun was looking around until he felt a familiar presence passed him. By the time he realized it, the woman who was wearing a summer hat, was already outside. He stared at her walking to a table but when he was about to see the other person she was going to sit with…

The person asked, "Sir, what do you want to order?" Athrun snapped out and focused to this man in front of him.

"umm.. yeah I want 2 medium French Vanilla"

"Is that it?"

"Yes" Athrun kept looking back but he lost track of the woman that caught his eyes. There were too many people moving around the store and it was impossible to see through the windows.

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"Sorry about that" Cagalli said and Lacus looked up.

"No worries. This store is very busy today"

"Yeah I know. So, what were you doing while I was ordering for our drinks?"

"I just text messaged Kira to see how he is doing"

Cagalli smiled and said, "Awww, you missed him already"

Lacus blushed and put her phone away. "Well... I guess you can say that" She said smiling.

"That is so cute" Cagalli said softly while looking at her cup. She took a sip from it. While Lacus was talking about her upcoming wedding, Cagalli couldn't help but notice the girl sitting by herself 2 tables away from them. It reminded her of her childhood friend but she convinced herself that she wouldn't be here. So she stopped staring at the girl and began to listen to Lacus.

Mia took a deep breath and stared at Athrun who stood patiently at the pick-up counter. She began to look around and her eyes caught someone as well. That someone was the blonde girl sitting beside the pink-hair woman. She resembles a lot of her childhood friend. Mia stood up and walked towards their table. She was unsure whether or not it was her but asking would not harm her anyways.

"Cagalli? Is that you?" Mia asked as she looked at the blonde woman. She looked up and her eyes widen. Lacus, who was enjoying her French vanilla, has no clue on what is happening.

"Mia? OMG! What are you doing here?!" Cagalli stood up excitedly and gave her friend a hug. "Wow, it's been sooo long!"

"I know, it's been 6 years huh?" Their hug was broken and Cagalli looked at her friend's happy face. Cagalli was very happy. Now, Lacus was puzzled because she thinks she saw this woman before but don't exactly where. And then.. it struck her, this woman was the woman Shinn introduced to Stellar and her. This woman was indeed Athrun's bride-to-be.

"Cagalli, do you know her?" Lacus was shock.

Cagalli looked at her and said, "Yep, ever since we were in elementary school. She was my best friend". Cagalli smiled. Cagalli sat back on her chair while Mia sat between her and Lacus.

Mia noticed the girl sitting beside her. She took a quick glance.

"You look familiar" Mia told Lacus. "Have we met before?"

Lacus laugh uncomfortably. "Yeah, accidentally actually"

Cagalli endlessly blinked. "You guys know each other?"

"Not really" Lacus said.

"Oh I remember now! I met you at my fiancee's friend's bridal shop"

"Yep" Lacus said looking at her drink. +This will turn badly+ Lacus deeply sighs.

"Fiancee?" Cagalli asked curiously.

"Yes my fiancée" Mia showed her the engagement ring.

"Wow, that's gorgeous!" Cagalli exclaimed. "Are you getting married here? When?"

"Yes, I'm going to get married here in the next 4 weeks".

"Congratulations! So who is the lucky man?" Cagalli smiled.

As Athrun pass through the doors of the store, he tried to look for his fiancée but couldn't seem to find her. He looked around and finally saw her sitting with 2 other girls. One was Lacus.

Why is she suddenly sitting with Lacus? Who is that girl sitting beside Mia?+ he asked himself. He slowly walked up to them. He came up behind Cagalli.

"Here you go Mia" Athrun said.

Cagalli's eyes widen. +I heard of that voice before.. can it be? Athrun?+ She turned around and covered her mouth. Mia stood up and gently took the coffee she ordered from a young, blue-haired man. She gave him a small kiss on his right cheek and said, "Thank you darling"

"Cagalli… this is my fiancée, Athrun Zala" She smiled at Cagalli while holding Athrun's hand. Cagalli removed her hand from her mouth and looked at Lacus then back to the couple. She suddenly stood up from her sit.

Athrun was also in shock to know that his fiancée happened to know his ex-girlfriend, Cagalli. "You know each other?" Athrun asked while looking at Cagalli's eyes. Cagalli looked away.

"Yep, she's been my best friend all this time" Mia smiled even more. "Do you guys know each other?"

Cagalli slowly tapped her head using her hand and said in a laughing-nervous tone, "Nope not at all" +Get a grip Cagalli, he is gone! He won't come back to you+ She thought to herself.

Cagalli stuck his hand to him and said, "Pardon my rudeness, nice to meet you Mr. Zala. I'm Cagalli Yula Athha" He shook her hand and said, "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Athha". Cagalli still tried to avoid his eye contact. She quickly removed her hand from the handshake.

Cagalli…+ He looked at her worriedly.

Lacus stood up from her seat. "We should go now Cagalli. We have many things to do for my wedding" Cagalli looked at her confusedly.

"We do?"

Lacus quickly grab hold of her hand. "Yes we do." She looked at Cagalli weirdly. "I'm sorry for not having us stay longer but I remember I have to pick up my wedding dress from my friend's store. Mia, nice to meet you and Athrun, I'm glad to see you… again" She gave Athrun and Mia a quick handshake.

"Yeah it was nice to meet you again" Mia said. "I guess we will see you guys soon?"

Lacus said in a cheerful tone, "Yep"

Lacus dragged Cagalli's hand gently towards her car.

"What was that about Lacus?" Cagalli stopped few blocks from the store and asked. Lacus looked back at the couple and waved goodbye. She then focused her attention to Cagalli's question.

"You seemed like you wanted to get out of there so I did. Are you not glad that I did so?" Lacus said in a sad tone.

Cagalli softly smiled and shook her head. "Thank you Lacus. That meant a lot to me. It's hard for me to suddenly see him without having some time for me to think of the things that have happened. To make matter things worst, he is getting married to my childhood friend." She looked down and tears began to fall down her eyes.

Lacus hugged her and whispered to her ears, "I'm sorry. Everything will be alright, I promised"

Cagalli wiped her tears and put a faint smile on her face. "I hope so."

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Mia and Athrun enter the music store. They both separated since Athrun and Mia had a different taste in music. As he wandered around the aisle, he thought he saw someone who reminded him of someone he once knew back in high school. He slowly approaches her.

"Fllay?" he said to the red-haired girl.

Fllay turns around slowly. "Athrun?"

"Yep! That's me!" He said smiling.

"ATHRUN!" He hugged him quickly. "It's been sooo long!"

"I know it has. I saw that you have a new album coming out in 3 weeks" He said as their embrace was cut short.

"Yeah, It took me a while to complete it. What are you doing here?"

"Oh nothing. I'm just looking around while my fiancée buys your first CD"

Fllay blushes. "Oh my, I guess Cagalli is one of my fans." She giggled.

"Oh, she's not Cagalli" He said in a somewhat of a sad tone. Fllay stopped her giggling and looked at him in shock.

"Not Cagalli? Wow, I thought you guys were going to get married in the future since that was both of you guys were planning"

"We were naive back then. We don't know what we want" He looked down to the ground. +Those times are now just memories+

"Do you really know what you want now?" Fllay asked. He looked at her. In that moment, he couldn't find the right words to tell her what he really wants. Is he sure he wants to marry Mia instead of Cagalli?

"I thought so" Fllay proceed. She whispered something in his ears, "You should listen to your heart because it tells you want you should do. It knows who you truly love and who you don't love". His eyes widen while hers soften. When she said that, she thought of Kira and his decision.

"Fllay.. what do you.." Athrun got interrupted by a brunette girl behind him. It was indeed her fiancée Mia. Mia's eyes widen and grabbed hold of Fllay's hands.

"OMG! I can't believe it's you! Fllay Allster!" Mia yelled and Fllay nervously laughed.

"I guess so." Fllay had a feeling she is being watched by everyone in the music store so she slightly turns. She was right. She knows that they will approach her any minute now. +Is this a price of being a super star?+ Fllay deeply sighs.

"I should go now. I have to meet someone" Fllay smiles at them and approaches Athrun. She grabbed hold of his hands and said, "I wish you the best in your future and think of what I said. Your heart knows what is best for you". Athrun nodded, "I'll think about what you said"

"Good and now I have to go now." She lets go of Athrun's hand. "Ciao!". They watched her leave the music store by means of running since she was being chased by paparazzi and screaming fans.

"That was my fault huh?" Mia said in a guilty tone but Athrun was not paying attention. He was still thinking of what she said about how his heart knows what's best for him. What is best for him anyway? All these questions started to roam around his head until Mia interrupted.

"Athrun?" Mia said worried over and over again. He snapped out. "Huh?" he looks at her.

"You seemed like you were lost in thought" Mia said.

"Yeah I was. I'm sorry" He hugs her. +How can I choose between two good friends? Why did it have to end this way?+

(a/n: Please read Cindy's Note at the bottom of this chapter. It may be long but it is very important to me! Thank you my readers!)

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Next chapter: Under the Moonlight

"The moon is as empty as I am. It just shows the outside beauty so everyone doesn't have to understand how it truly feels inside. It's funny how both it and I are the same."

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Music used

Yuki no Hana (Snowflakes) by Mika Nakashima

Cindy's NoteOkay, I changed this chapter a little bit. If I added the Fllay and Kira scenes, it would confuse everyone so I decided to move it to the next chapter. My original piece of this story did not have any Fllay and Kira moments at all so I decided to just put one (so the Fllay and Kira fans are satisfied). Anyways, speaking of this chapter, I hope you guys like it! I know there was nothing that happened in this chapter but I still hope you guys do! About the translator, I tried my best trying to get them into the groups. Since I don't speak Japanese and understand a little, there are some that does not match the ones I put on (since it is tied to another piece of that song). I'm sorry!

Also since many people have asked me this in the past, "When is this story going to end?" To tell you the truth, I don't know (it truly depends on when I have time online). I have been adding and removing many scenes so it will be shorter. I will do my best to end this story before this Christmas so please, bear with me!

Furthermore, I noticed that this story has 3000+ hits yet lesser comments. I would appreciate if everyone comments. Feel free to feedback (good and bad---- but there is also a limit that you should know about bad feedbacks. Please, don't start bashing my story if you don't like it. If you disagree with certain things that you don't think that is fine, please tell me so I could make small changes in the future).Other than that, PLEASE REVIEW! It helps me complete this story faster. You may think it is not true but it truly is to me!