Note: Hey there! Thanks a bunch for the reviews! Here's another chapter. Have fun reading!

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Destiny.

Cagalli walked out into her vast gardens with Kira and Lacus where the banquet was being held. There were a bunch of round tables set up for the guests. Cagalli felt self conscious and kept looking around nervously.

"Calm down, Cagalli. You look fine." Kira said sensing her apprehension.

"Easy for you to say! You aren't wearing a dress and heels in front of all these important people of Orb!" Cagalli hissed while stumbling a bit. She grabbed only Kira's arm to steady herself. Man! These heels are a pain!

Lacus laughed happily. "Cagalli don't worry. Remember, you're an important person of Orb as well and everyone still knows how tough you are so, don't stress."

She kept mumbling until they reached the table where Luna, Rey, and Meyrin sat. At the moment, Luna was bickering with Rey.

"Stop teasing me! So I accidentally knocked over the pitcher of water sending it all over a guest! I didn't mean it!" She turned away and ignored him with a cute pout on her face. Her face, red with anger, matched her red dress.

Rey sighed and grabbed her arm. "Lunamaria….you know there is no reason to fight over this. All I said was that you are clumsy…" This caused Luna to fume even more.

Cagalli watched the scene with amusement, all her worries about her dress gone. She sat down next to Kira and Lacus.

"Grrrr! Well sorry Mr. Za Burrel!" (AE: is Za a part of his last name? I'm so confused! . ). "Just because I'm not that coordinated! Or shoot that well in target practice! Or run as fast…or-" By now her voice had gotten louder and she kept ranting about what she wasn't good at.

Cagalli took a sip of her drink. I wonder how Rey will calm her this time.

Rey smiled slightly. By now, Luna stood up to march off, but he grabbed her arm and yanked her towards him, causing her to trip. "Gah!" Luna screamed.

She is clumsy… Cagalli thought with a snicker. Luna landed in Rey's arms and was about to scream some more but her words were silences when Rey kissed her right on the lips.

Meyrin and Lacus giggled, while Kira rolled his eyes. Cagalli laughed at Luna's dazed expression when he let her go. Her mouth gapped like a fish and she blushed. Rey laughed quietly and helped her sit down. Luna recovered from her shock, pouted a bit, and leaned on his shoulder.

"Geez Rey, you're so mean." She said in a small voice. She closed her eyes and relaxed as Rey laughed again.

Cagalli smiled and got up to go talk to her guests. She stopped and greeted a few of Orb's councilmen (AE: are they councilmen? I don't really know how Orb's government is set up. Correct me if I'm wrong!). She saw Kisaka and waved. He came up to her.

"My, Cagalli…you truly look like a princess." He mock bowed and Cagalli punched him playfully in the shoulder.

"Have you seen Athrun?" Cagalli asked looking around. Just then she spotted her favorite blue-haired coordinator with his back to her and bid a hasty good-bye to Kisaka. She quickly walked towards him, but stopped short when she saw who was with him.

A girl about her age, with dark purple hair which reached to her mid back, was with Athrun smiling seductively! She wore a sophisticated dark purple and black business suit with a skirt. A very short skirt, might Cagalli add. Sure, she was pretty, even beautiful and she gave an exotic aura. Cagalli felt her jealousy boil up when the girl "innocently" brushed up against Athrun. Who does she think she is?

Letting her temper get the better of her, she stomped over to Athrun, who was scratching his head and looking around. Cagalli recognized this trait in Athrun. He did this whenever he was nervous. At least he looks uncomfortable.

Clearing her throat loudly causing Athrun to whirl around, Cagalli put on a strained smile. "Hello Athrun. May I ask who you are talking with?"

Athrun stared at Cagalli. She was beautiful! She looked like an angel…a very mad angel…but still an angel. He had been looking for her but was cut off when the representative from Rutherland came up to him and introduced herself. He was starting to feel uncomfortable because she kept smiling in a weird way at him. He was going to keep looking for Cagalli but the girl kept talking.

"Cagalli! There you are! I was looking for you. Where have you been?" Athrun was cut off by the girl.

"Hello Representative Attha. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Isabel Chapa, the representative of Rutherland. Pleased to make your acquaintance." The dark purpled haired girl stepped forward to shake hands. She had a glint in her eyes. The tone of voice she used was as if she thought herself better than Cagalli. She thinks she's superior!

Cagalli smiled politely, but it was forced. She shook her hand and noticed that Isabel's grip was rather tight. "How do you like Orb, Miss Chapa?" Cagalli asked remembering what Lacus told her to say to be polite.

"Ohh it is a beautiful place, although I think I prefer Rutherland better. Nevertheless, I think I will enjoy my stay here." She said the last sentence while eyeing Athrun.

Grrr! Why is she looking at him like that! Athrun seemed to notice the tension in the air and laughed nervously.

"Cagalli, do you want to go and get a drink together?" He asked, but Isabel grabbed onto his arm, a small pout on her face.

"But Mr. Zala, I need someone to show me where my room is and also maybe to give me a tour of the grounds." She smiled up at him cattily.

Cagalli felt a pain of jealousy shoot through her at the way Isabel had her arm locked with Athrun's. She felt herself scowl. Putting on a mask of indifference, she turned to the other two and said in a businesslike voice, "Yes, someone will have to show you where you are staying. If you excuse me, I will leave you two alone." And with that she marched off.

Athrun stood there, eyes wide. What did I do?

-

Luna was leaning back in her chair at the table. Why you might ask was she leaning back? Well, it's quite simple really. She was trying to get a better look at Cagalli, Athrun, and the representative's conversation but was blocked by a rather large women sitting at the table next to them. To top it off, the woman had a rather frilly hat on.

She growled in frustration and leaned back on even further. I can see Athrun now! If I just lean back a bit more… I'll be able to see Cagalli too…

"Um...Luna?" Shinn asked uncertainly from his side opposite her of the table.

"Not now Shinn!" she hissed back. She could see Cagalli's arm now…just a little more…

"It's just that…if you lean back anymore…" Shinn continued.

"Shhh! I'm trying to see! Why do you have to bother me so- oooof!" She was cut off when the chair leaned back completely causing her to tip onto the ground.

Rey sighed and squatted down next to his fallen girlfriend. He peered down at her. "You should have listened."

She heard Stellar's giggle and Shinn's exasperated sigh. "Quiet you…" she mumbled, still in the same position on the floor.

-

Meyrin was having a blast. There was good weather, good food, and a good selection of boys. Now, don't get me wrong, Meyrin wasn't some kind of slut or anything, it was just that she didn't have a steady boyfriend, like Luna or Stellar. She just hadn't found the right person yet.

So at the moment, the red head was talking to an Orb councilman. He was only a few years older than her, looked really good, and had a great personality. This is too good to be true!

Smiling brightly, she said, "So, Mr. Daniels, if you aren't busy later, would you like to, you know, spend some time together?" Good choice of words! Now, all he has to say is he would love to!"

"I would love to go." Came the reply. Score! Now everything's perfect. Go me! She felt like cheering in victory, but resisted the temptation.

"I'll ask my girlfriend if she's up to it. Oh look, there she is now."

Meyrin felt her smile fade from her face. She paled a bit and sighed. She felt like whining and throwing a tantrum by the bush in the corner. What? I can't believe this!

Still internally yelling at the unfairness of the world, she left the guy with the excuse that she had to go see someone.

"Why do all the good ones have to be taken." She grumbled.

To her left, she heard a giggle. "Nice try Meyrin."

"Lacus! Don't laugh! I was almost there!"

"It's ok. There are plenty of other guys." Stellar, who was standing next to Lacus said in hopes of cheering the girl up.

"Easy for you two to say! You're engaged! That's practically saying Kira is bound to you for life! And we all know that Shinn can't be without you for more than a couple hours!" Meyrin said while pointing an accusing finger at her friends.

The other two back up slowly from the advancing Meyrin who was looking for something, to take her anger out on. That something being them.

"Now…now Meyrin…don't get mad…I'm sure you'll find that er...special someone." Lacus said nervously while backing away and almost stumbling on a rock. Stellar was looking around for Shinn, who would save her from Meyrin's wrath.

She spotted her messy-haired boyfriend by Luna and Rey. Saying a hasty good-bye to the approaching Meyrin, and a quiet "good luck" to Lacus, the blonde girl proceeded to run like the wind to Shinn. She heard Lacus's yell of protest behind her. "Don't leave me alone!"

Skidding to a stop she quickly ran behind a curious Shinn and peered over his shoulder at the scene which she just left. Good…I'm safe. Her attention is directed towards Lacus.

"What's going on, Stellar?" Shinn asked with a puzzled expression.

Stellar looked at Shinn's unbearably cute expression, giggled, and kissed him on the cheek. "Nothing, now that I'm with you."

Shinn blushed at her words and smiled brightly. Stellar held his hand and smiled back. He looks like a kid! Too cute.

-

Kira was minding his own business, sitting on the grass. He could see the people at the banquet, which were a little ways off. He didn't always like the crowded and social gatherings, so he decided to leave for a bit. He sighed and laid back, closing his eyes, the gentle breeze washing over him. I wonder how the others are doing.

Last time he checked, Cagalli was fuming off somewhere, Athrun was helplessly looking lost being dragged around by the representative, and Meyrin was failing miserably at talking to some guy. Luna, Rey, and Shinn were joking around. Well, more like just Shinn and Luna. Rey was quiet and observant. Stellar was with Lacus talking about the beauty of the gardens.

Lacus…

Kira smiled at the thought of his pink-haired fiancé. I'm so lucky to have her.

He loved her so much. But he sometimes wondered what Lacus ever saw in him. He had rejected her before, when he was still caught up grieving for Fllay, as well has the others killed during the war. She had been patient and understanding. Most importantly…she had been there for him in his time of sadness.

Kira was so grateful that Lacus stilled loved him after it all. He knew he had hurt her before when he told her that he thought about Fllay often. He remembered the red-haired girl from the war. Kira still had a place in his heart for her, but it was only of friendly affection. He had an idea that if Fllay would have survived the war, they could have been good friends, but nothing more. He knew his heart belonged to Lacus and nothing would change that.

Just then, he heard someone running towards him. Sitting up and letting his eyes adjust to the sunlight, he saw that the figure approaching him was Lacus. She ran to where he was, breathing hard, and collapsed next to him.

Lacus huffed and puffed, while mumbling about being out of shape and getting more exercise. She then ignored Kira's curious expression and proceeded to looked around frantically, with a cautious look on her face.

"Lacus?" Kira asked, his head tilted to the side in question.

After Lacus seemed satisfied she looked at him with wide blue eyes and smiled. "I was being chased by an angry Meyrin because Stellar and I teased her. Stellar got away so Meyrin chased me all around the grounds for the past ten minutes. I think I lost her though because she tripped."

Kira just blinked at her. That was an odd explanation…

"So, Kira, what are you doing here by yourself?" She asked while tying her hair up. She had gotten hot after running around so much.

"Just thinking." came his short reply. They sat in contented silence and Kira looked at Lacus. She was so beautiful he asked himself for the hundredth time why she stuck with him. How can she love me so much?

Decided to push away the thought, he put his arm around her waist and looked into her eyes. Lacus stared back at him and closed her eyes and he bent down to kiss her. Smiling into the kiss, Lacus wrapped her arms around his neck. When they broke apart, Kira laid down on the grass with his head in her lap. The rest of the time, they talked and enjoyed each others company.

-

Cagalli angrily sat down on the bench. She was so angry. What does Athrun see in her! She annoying and so full of herself! Grr…I'm going to punch him when I see him!

Cagalli sighed and looked at her ring. This calmed her down a bit. Then again, Athrun didn't exactly flirt back or anything…and he didn't really seem interested either…he was just being polite like he usually is…

This made Cagalli think. Why was she so mad? It wasn't like he did anything wrong. It's not like he was her boyfriend and she didn't have a right to get angry…and at him at least. She decided to stay mad at Isabel.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. When she opened them, she found jade-colored eyes staring back at her.

"GAH!" Screaming in surprise she shoved Athrun back, causing him to land on his behind. He had been peering at her face before.

Clutching her heart, she waited for her heart rate to slow down. "Don't do that!"

Athrun laughed and sat down next to her after getting up and brushing his clothes off. "Sorry Cagalli. I was just seeing if you were awake or not."

Cagalli looked at him and blushed at the way he was staring. "What?" she mumbled.

"You look nice." Athrun said indicating her dress.

"Er…thanks…" she said quietly.

"So why are you here anyways? I was looking for you again but Miss Chapa wouldn't leave me alone! She made me walk around with her but I finally got rid of her because Meyrin ran into her while she was chasing Lacus…for some weird reason."

Cagalli smiled at how confused he looked. "I'm sorry." She said suddenly.

"Eh? What about?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.

"You know...walking off like that. It's just that…I don't know…I don't really like her."

Cagalli said while looking down. Geez, I sound so spoiled. I haven't even gotten to know the girl, but our first encounter wasn't exactly a good one.

"No need to apologize, princess." Athrun said teasingly. He winked when she glared at him. "Miss Chapa does seem a bit…odd…I wonder why she kept trying to cling to me?" He scratched his head and thought hard.

Cagalli stared with a dry expression. "I don't know Athrun…maybe because she likes you?"

Athrun seemed shocked by this. "Her…like me? No… don't think so Cagalli. I think she was being friendly because I was the first person to talk to her. I'm sure if Rey went up to her first, or Kira, she'd act the same. Though…I don't know about Shinn. He'd probably get her mad…" he trailed off.

Cagalli stared at him in disbelief. Was this guy real? She shook her head in exasperation. Athrun wouldn't know if a girl liked her if she hit him upside the head and held big bright signed declaring her love for him while tap dancing…

…best not to mention that to the girls…they might get ideas.

"Plus," Athrun continued, "Even if she did like me…it wouldn't affect me. She doesn't really seem all that interesting."

Cagalli laughed at this statement. "And what kind of girl is interesting to you, Mr. Zala?" She asked jokingly.

"I'd say one who seems like she can't be tamed, and has a fiery spirit, but is still gentle and caring, as she is strong."

Cagalli shyly looked at Athrun. Is he talking about me?

Deciding to stop being shy, she leaned close to Athrun's face, causing him to blush a bit. Smiling and looking at him straight in the eyes, she leaned in and…

…poked him on the forehead, causing him to blink twice. Laughing loudly, she stood up straight and yelled "You're it!" She then proceeded to run like no tomorrow.

It took Athrun a second to recover from his shock. She had been so close that he could smell the sent of the flower in her hair. Shaking his head, he got up quickly and ran after her.

He caught up and was about to tag her back, but Cagalli stumbled, because of those stupid heels, and almost ended up eating a face full of dirt, had it not been for Athrun's who displayed his impressive skills by catching her. He held her waist and looked down at her.

"Are you alright?" He asked with concern.

Cagalli looked back up at him with wide eyes and then nodded. "Yeah…I'm ok….because I know you'll always be there to catch me when I fall."

Athrun smiled at her words. His face went into shock when Cagalli leaned up and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Blushing furiously, she shyly got out of his arms and started walking back to their friends, who were not to far from them, but still hadn't noticed the pair.

Looking back over her shoulder, the blush still on her face, she called out to him saying, "Hurry up, Athrun...it's getting late and the banquet's over."

Athrun watched as Cagalli turned around and kept walking. He touched his cheek where she kissed him. He shook out of his daze and followed her. Are you finally starting to be ready for a relationship?

…End of Chapter…

Note: WOW that was a long chapter…well long for me at least. PLEASE review! Haha oh no, I sound desperate! Oh well. Please don't mind my weirdness. Well look forward to the next chapter…although I still don't know what to write yet. Bye until then!