Note: Hello all! I'm back! Thanks a bunch for the reviews! I'm glad that there is some positive feedback! Please read and review! I appreciate it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Destiny!
"Hey Cagalli!"
Cagalli looked up from the dining table, where she was engrossed in a document and didn't notice people enter. Shinn, who had said the greeting, seated himself along with Rey, both wearing their Zaft uniforms. The only modification on it was a white pin in the shape of two intertwined vines, with a sun in the background, which served to represent peace between the countries. Rey nodded at her and said a quiet hello.
Cagalli smiled and was about to respond, but Kira, Lacus, and Athrun entered. She guessed that Kira found time in between his classes to come back for lunch, just like how Shinn and Rey had gotten away from their work at the Zaft quarters.
"I guess our three college girls didn't make it?" Cagalli asked as she put her documents away because it was time to eat.
Rey nodded and said, "Luna called and said she couldn't make it because she has to study, and Meyrin and Stellar decided to have a light lunch on campus. They're all sorry they couldn't make it."
Cagalli shrugged and didn't miss the worried tone of voice when Rey said his girlfriend had declined yet another meal in favor of studying.
"We'll see them when the get back then. But for now, let's eat. I'm starving!" Shinn said as he reached out and loaded his plate up.
The others smiled at how childish he could be and helped themselves to the food.
They ate in content, with light conversation. Cagalli glanced at Athrun, who was talking with Kira about the modifications for the project he was working on. She couldn't help but smile sadly. When will I get the guts to tell you how I feel?
After star-gazing on the roof, Athrun had told Cagalli that they should go inside because it was getting cold. She had a feeling that that wasn't the only reason. When they got inside, he thanked her for the meal and smiled a bit before saying goodnight and leaving her. Cagalli wanted to chase after him and tell him that he was stupid for being sad and there was no reason because she loved him…but being the stubborn girl she was, she just sighed and went to her room. What was she going to do?
Athrun looked up from his conversation with Kira, sensing that he was being watched, and made eye contact with Cagalli. He raised an eyebrow in question and she just shook her head and smiled. He smiled back and was about to say something, but then, the sound of heels walking towards them could be heard.
In walked Isabel, clad in a designer business suit, her hair curled and pinned up. "Hello everyone!" she said in an arrogant voice.
Cagalli frowned. Looks like my lunch is ruined.
She sat right next to Athrun, who nervously scooted his chair a bit closer to Kira. The purple haired representative smiled widely and turned to him.
"Hello Mr. Zala! I was looking for you this morning, but you seem to have vanished. I hope Miss Cagalli isn't working you too hard. If that is the case, I would be happy to have you as my advisor."
Cagalli narrowed her eyes and the others felt like rolling theirs. Shinn started muttering about annoying purple pests.
"No thank you, Miss Chapa. I am very happy with my current position...I was just…er…busy this morning working reading over something." Athrun said politely. In truth, he had been avoiding her and even ran into a closet when he saw her approaching.
"Ohh, well maybe we can go out together this afternoon! I think we would have a wonderful time." she said as she spooned some food onto her plate. It was from a lidded plate, which she ordered the kitchen staff to make just for her.
"…actually….um…"
"He's busy." Cagalli cut in. Athrun sent her a grateful look.
"Aww! But I'm sure Mr. Yamato or even Mr. Za Barrel can handle it for him!" Isabel pouted while Kira and Rey looked at her skeptically. Shinn snorted and continued to eat.
Isabel continued with a pout. "Well…I guess I could always go shopping on my own then…after all I finished all my duties in the morning..." Isabel looked at the documents that were placed near Cagalli and smirked. "…which I'm sure others haven't with theirs…"
Cagalli wanted to throw her baked potato at her but resisted the temptation.
"Anyways…I hope you don't mind, Miss Athha…what with me being the only one here representing Rutherland, if I send for company. I am very homesick and would like to have a familiar face around. I hope that they can stay here." Isabel, picked up her fork and scooped up some food…which had a suspiciously yellow shade to it…not that she noticed.
Eh! Another one! Geez…whoever can keep her company must be a brave soul…Wait a minute...keep her company…yes! This person can keep her busy so she won't annoy us.
"I don't mind. There is plenty of room." Cagalli said politely and the others looked at her in surprise. They expected the blonde princess to reject the idea.
"Not really." Isabel mumbled but covered it up with fake laughter. "Thank you, Miss Athha." She said mockingly. "Even if you weren't going to give me permission, that person would have come anyways…they should arrive within the week."
The others tensed as they waited for Cagalli's reaction to the implied insult. But, much to their surprise, none came.
Isabel smiled triumphantly, thinking that she won at their little game. She wanted payback for being degraded in the meeting. Deciding that she wasted enough time talking to lower people, she took a big mouthful of the food…
…and turned a deathly shade of white. The others looked on curiously while Cagalli just sat back with a secretive smiled on her face.
Isabel spit out the food into a napkin and took a big drink from her glass.
"What was that!" She demanded between coughing. She turned paler and stood up. "It tasted awful! I think I'm going to be sick…" And without another word, she ran out of the room faster than anyone could blink.
The others just sat in silence.
"What just happened?" Shinn asked, eyeing the Representative's plate warily.
"Let's just say…I decided to be nice and let Miss Chapa have a taste of my hospitality." Cagalli said.
She and Athrun made eye contact and seconds later, both burst out laughing, an unspoken understanding between them.
"Did I miss something?" Lacus asked. The others just shrugged.
Scene Change
In the kitchen…the cook saw that the left-overs that were in the refrigerator the night before, were apparently gone. He thought that someone must have thrown them away because it was emitting a very unattractive smell of rotten bananas and sour milk.
Scene Change
Meyrin and Stellar sat in the outdoor café while eating sandwiches. Both had tried to get Luna to eat with them, but she had refused and rushed off to the library saying she would get some chips on the way.
"Man! It's been so boring lately. Last night was so tiring and annoying. I can't believe that representative dragged us around. I'm never doing that again." Meyrin said with an annoyed look on her face. She took a big bite of her sandwich.
Stellar nodded in agreement. "Yeah…my feet are still hurting…I wore tennis shoes today, but I'm going to have to dance later and I don't know if I'm up for it."
Both girls kept eating in silence.
"Say…Stellar?" Meyrin asked after a while. She looked at her blonde haired friend with an uncomfortable look on her face.
"Hmm?"
"W-what's it like to be in love?" Meyrin asked shyly.
Stellar smiled knowingly and had a bright expression. It was no doubt that the blonde dancer was thinking of her messy-haired boyfriend.
"It's…it's like a wonderful waltz…" came the serene reply.
"Eh? Waltz!" Meyrin asked giving her friend a weird look.
"When you're in love…you feel like the other person swept you off your feet…It's like you're gracefully living life together and there's no one else but you and you're partner. Even if you stumble, he is there to help you back up and you can keep dancing to the music that only you two hear…" Stellar sighed. She had a far away look on her face.
Meyrin smiled gently. "That's a nice way to put it..." Her gentle smile turned into a grin. "Although…with Shinn dancing, I think there'd be a lot more stumbling and a lot less dancing."
Stellar giggled and nodded. "I still love him either way so it doesn't matter."
Meyrin sighed. "You're so lucky."
Stellar put a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "Don't worry…you'll find someone. He's probably out there waiting for you."
Meyrin winked. "He better be!"
Both girls laughed and got up to walk around the campus. Meyrin's attention was caught when she heard the distinct sound of a motor. Turning, she saw that across the street, was motorcycle which just parked itself. The owner, who was wearing baggy jeans with chains hanging from it, and a black unbuttoned shirt with a brown undershirt, took off his helmet, and Meyrin could have sworn she lost her breathe. Standing there was a boy who looked about a few years older that her, with long, dark purple spiky hair, which messily framed his face.
Meyrin paused as she watched him walk across the street while examining a piece of paper, not really noticing his surroundings. Stellar paused as well and looked curiously at her frozen friend.
"Meyrin…?" she asked slowly.
Meyrin wasn't paying attention. She was too busy looking at the stranger's handsome and boyish face. She didn't realize that he was coming closer, until he walked right into her, causing the pig-tailed girl to stumble back.
"Gah!" Meyrin braced herself for the impact of the sidewalk, but it never came. A hand had reached out and grabbed her wrist before she could do so.
"Sorry about that. I wasn't watching where I was going." Came a voice.
Meyrin looked up and a cute blush found its way on her face.
"Er…it's ok…" she mumbled.
"Anyways…do you know where I can pick up my schedule? I'm new here…" he said while letting go of her arm and stepping back.
"Um….it….at…er…" Meyrin couldn't form a sentence. She just kept staring and stuttering. The stranger started looking at her like she grew two heads.
Stellar, being the good friend that she was, stepped in to save the day.
"Schedule pick-ups are at the library…that's to the right and into that building." She said while pointing in the direction.
He nodded his thanks and without a further look at either of them, proceeded to go to the library.
Meyrin just stood there speechless.
"Hey…are you ok? Your brain seems to have turned to mush." Stellar said as she poked Meyrin in the arm.
"…I think I found my dance partner…" Was the only reply that Stellar got.
Scene Change
"Almost there…."
At the moment, Cagalli was standing on a ladder, trying to replace a burned out light in her study. Everyone had left to do their own things after lunch with Shinn and Rey returning to work, Lacus contacting the council in the PLANTs for a conference, and Kira driving back to the university to teach. Athrun had said something about going out and Cagalli had the suspicion that he wasn't telling her something. Oh well, I'll get it out of him later. Now, my priority is to get this stupid light bulb screwed into the stupid….er…light bulb holder thing…
Cagalli tried to reach higher, but she was too short. Damn…who designed this ceiling to be so high anyways!
Growling in frustration, she attempted to stretch her arm as far as she could but it proved useless.
"Need some help?"
"Gah!" the sudden sentence had shocked her, causing her to almost lose her balance. Flailing her arms around frantically, our surprised princess would have fallen if she didn't grab onto the top step and hold on for dear life.
"I thought I told you not to do that!" she said after her heart rate returned to normal. She was amazed at how many times he was able to catch her off guard.
Athrun just laughed and came up to her. Gently, he pried her arms away from her death grip on the ladder and helped her down.
"Let me do it." He got up on the ladder and screwed in the bulb without a problem.
Cagalli grumbled about taller people from her place sitting cross-legged on the carpet.
Athrun sat down next to her and leaned back until he was lying on the floor. "So…what are you going to do now?" he asked while staring at the ceiling.
"Actually…Lacus says she wants to take me out…I'm not sure for what though…"
Athrun smiled. "That should be fun." Good…It gives me time to get what I need…
At the same time, Cagalli thought…
I'm actually scared for my life…I don't want to know what Lacus has planned.
"Er..yeah…fun…"
Cagalli looked at Athrun curiously. "What do you have planned today?"
He, answered her with a grin. "That's for me to know and you to find out." He winked while Cagalli pouted.
"Don't play games with me, Athrun Zala!" she said while crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"But if I tell you, it ruins the surprise." he said while standing up.
"Surprise! I get a surprise!" Cagalli's face brightened at the thought causing Athrun's heart to warm. He was happy that he could make the princess so happy.
"Yup…so don't go trying to figure out what it is…" he said as he got ready to leave.
"Fine…but it better be good…or else!" she jokingly shook her fist in the air.
Athrun nodded. "It will be." He waved a bit and left.
Cagalli sat back down and looked at her ring. I get a surprise! Wonder what it'll be…
Scene Change
Luna sighed for the fifth time in a row. She was so tired but refused to give in and stop studying. Looking down at the very thick book on laws and government, she highlighted and took notes. I need to pass my exams! It'll all be worth it in the end. Maybe after I can go see Rey…I think he gives some piano lessons nearby…
She smiled happily at the thought and worked harder.
"This seat taken?" Came a voice.
Looking up from her work, she saw a guy with dark-purple spiky hair. He had a stack of books in his hand.
"No." She said and returned to her work, not really affected by the interruption.
She kept thinking about spending time with Rey and an idiotic smile came on her face.
"Is studying really that interesting cuz you're smiling a lot…"
Luna jumped in surprise. She had forgotten that there was someone at her table.
She smiled politely. "Actually…no…but I've been stuck here all day and I need some motivation to keep it up, so I think of happy things."
He studied her intently, and finally nodded after a while. "Say…are you studying to become a lawyer?"
Luna looked up at him with her big violet eyes, her highlighted poised in mid-air because she was about to get back to studying.
"Yeah I am…my exams are next month."
"Really…I'm studying law too."
Luna had to raise an eyebrow at this. They stranger wore sunglasses on top of his head and what looked like motorcycle gloves. She could see that he had on a metal beaded necklace and chains on his jeans.
"I know I know I don't look like the type." He smiled when he saw that she was staring.
Luna laughed slightly and apologized for staring. Being the friendly person that she was, she got along with most people and didn't feel uncomfortable around this stranger.
Luna returned to her work and after a while was engrossed once again into the text.
"Tai…Tai Isuki."
Luna looked up confused.
"That's my name…not that it's important or anything…I just said it to get your name." he winked at her jokingly.
"Oh…I'm Lunamaria Hawke…"
"Nice to meet you Lunamaria Hawke." He said while reaching across the table to shake her hand.
Luna laughed slightly. He seemed like a person who joked a lot. Always happy to have friends, she shook his hand.
Luna got back to reading. Looking at the very complicated sentence, a confused look crossed her face.
"Need help?" Tai asked. Luna was startled yet again. Is he just looking at me or something…why does he keep asking me questions?
"I've studied law for the past three years…even during the war, I found time to study." He added after as an explanation.
"Er…yeah actually I do." She showed him the passage and asked him to interpret it. He did and she gratefully took notes.
"Thank you." She said as she got up to leave. "It's already four o'clock and I need to meet someone."
"No problem." He said easily, getting up as well. "I'm always willing to help a pretty girl." He winked again.
Luna laughed and brushed off the thought that he might have been flirting with her. Not that she cared anyways.
They went outside together and Luna turned to him and smiled. "Nice meeting you…bye!" she turned to leave. She wanted to get out of the campus quickly to see Rey. Tai called out to her.
"See you in class! I think we have the same professor."
Luna waved a bit and proceeded to take the bus to the piano studio where Rey taught. I guess I made a new friend.
Scene Change
Kira waited on the park bench. Glancing at his watch, he saw that he was early in meeting Athrun. Suddenly, his cell phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey there." Came the familiar voice of Lacus.
Kira smiled brightly. "What's up?"
"Well…I'm out with Cagalli right now…she's in the restroom. But I need to know what kind of present Athrun would like."
"What are you planning, Miss Lacus?" He asked jokingly.
"Me? Ohh…I'm just helping your stubborn sister pick out something nice for the love of her life. He deserves a present…I mean he's been able to handle her for some time now." She said jokingly.
"Hey! I heard that!" Cagalli's offended voice was heard in the background. Apparently she came back from the restroom.
Kira laughed and thought a bit. "Well…I think anything Cagalli gets will make Athrun happy. He isn't stuck up or shallow and he'll understand that Cagalli went to get him something because she cared. He'll appreciate it either way. Plus, Cagalli should know what to get him. Have faith in her…she can think of something great."
Lacus was silent for a moment. "You're right, Mr. Yamato." She said jokingly. "Why do I have such a smart fiancé?"
"Because that fiancé is lucky to have someone like you to love him." he said back sweetly.
Lacus laughed in her melodious voice. "I have to go now...Cagalli looks like she's getting frustrated because she can't think of anything. Love you…bye!"
"I love you too." Kira said.
"I'm guessing that was Lacus?" Athrun said, startling the brown-haired boy. He stood a few feet away. Jokingly he raised an eyebrow. "Unless you're having some sort of affair…then I'd have to tie you up and let Cagalli beat you."
"How long were you standing there?" Kira asked afraid of how much Athrun heard. He didn't want to ruin Cagalli's surprise.
"I just heard the last part of your conversation. Is there something I'm not supposed to know?" he asked casually as Kira got up to walk with him toward Athrun's car.
"N-no." Kira laughed nervously. "It was just Lacus checking up on me. She's with Cagalli."
Athrun nodded in understanding. "Well the reason why I asked you here is because I got Cagalli a present. I want to show it to you and see what you think of it
Athrun took out from the back seat a 12-inch by 5-inch glass case.
They both sat and Athrun gave it to his friend to see. Looking in, he saw that it was a delicately crafted crystal rose. The stem reflected a green light and the rose reflected different shades of red. There was silver and gold lining. It rested in a velvet pillow inside the case.
"Wow….it looks really nice." Kira said as he took it out gently to examine it. "This must have cost you a fortune…the light reflected off makes it look like a mirage."
Athrun smiled and gently placed it back into the case. He then put in a bag lined with tissue paper.
"You think Cagalli will like it?" he asked.
"Of course. She may not act girly, but we all know she has a soft spot." Kira said.
Athrun smiled…an excited feeling in his stomach at the thought of giving Cagalli such a nice present. She's like a precious rose…
Scene Change
Rey sat in small piano studio next to the piano as a little boy, who was seven years old, played a simple song. The owner of the place was an elderly man who used to play the piano for an orchestra. He decided to retire and set up a place where people could get lessons and buy pianos. The man, Mr. Jennings, took a liking to Rey and let him use the place to give lessons. Rey respected the older man greatly and got along well with him. Mr. Jennings trusted Rey to look after the place and left for the evening.
"Good…now repeat the parts that you have trouble with…this section right here." Rey said as he pointed out what needed improvement.
The boy nodded and flashed him a childish smile. "I'm getting better, aren't I, Rey?" he asked excitedly.
Rey nodded proudly and returned the smile. "With practice, you'll be able to finish this song and go onto harder ones."
"I want to play that really hard one that you play! I want to be as good as you!" he said happily.
"I'm sure you will…but let's focus on this song first." (AN: This is so OCC…but hey! The war's over! Let Rey relax a little. ).
As little Timothy (AN hahahaha such a cute name for a kid!) played his song, Rey sensed someone had been watching. Turning, he smiled at the sight of Luna, still in her uniform, leaning against that wall and observing the scene with a relaxed expression.
She waved and put her heavy looking books and bag down onto the table. Rey frowned when he saw that she looked really tired and even a bit thinner than normal.
Luna closed her eyes and listened for another 15 minutes as Rey finished up the lesson and handed Timothy a chocolate bar as reward for concentrating so hard.
"Thanks Rey! See ya next week! Bye Luna!" Timothy yelled as his mother picked him up.
Rey and Luna stood side by side at the entrance of the store and waved as the car drove off.
"He's a cute kid." Luna said as she leaned against her boyfriend's shoulder and closed her eyes.
Rey made a noise of agreement and took Luna back into the store. She sat down on a chair and watched as he packed up all his belongings to go.
"How was your day?" Rey asked while turning off the lights in the back room.
"Just like any other day…tiring and filled with lots of reading and note taking." Luna yawned.
"You should go to sleep early today. You look really exhausted. Rest and study when you're more refreshed."
"…no…I have to study tonight too…" came the sleepy and stubborn reply.
"Luna…" Rey said sternly as he placed his music books into a drawer. "You need to stop trying to study so much and take care of yourself…did you even eat today? When I say eat I don't mean a snack…I mean a full meal."
"Uh….no…." Luna said looking away from her boyfriend's stare in guilt. She had promised him earlier that day that she would eat something. I'm in trouble…geez how did he know that I didn't eat!
"Lunamaria Hawke…when we go back you are going to eat two servings and sleep right after. I won't let you do anything other than that. It wouldn't be good if you just fainted in the middle of your test. Just space yourself out…you can't keep doing this to yourself." Rey said as he grabbed his briefcase.
He was met with silence.
"Luna?" he asked curiously as he went up to his unusually quiet girlfriend.
Bending down to her level, where she sat, he peered into her face and saw that she had dozed off when he was lecturing her. He sighed affectionately in exasperation.
If you won't take care of yourself, then I will…
Rey picked up Luna and walked to his car, intending to take her back to the mansion and let her sleep comfortably in her bed.
Scene Change
Cagalli sat on the bench which was outside a clothes store and ruffled her hair in frustration. Lacus sat next to her and sighed.
"Still haven't thought of anything yet?" she asked the blonde princess, whose hair was sticking out at odd angles due to the constant ruffling.
"I don't know what would be the perfect gift! I can't seem to think! I want to get him something that just isn't store bought…I want to get him something special!" Cagalli said while banging her head with her fist to think.
Lacus smiled knowingly and looked up at the now setting sun. It was about five in the evening and they had to get back soon.
"At least the sky is beautiful." The pink-haired girl mumbled and was startled when her friend jumped up from the bench.
"That's it!" Cagalli screamed, startling her friend, as well as the passing shoppers. Some threw her weird looks.
"What's it?"
"Remember when we visited the memorial a few days ago?" Cagalli asked eagerly.
Lacus nodded slowly, her eyes wide, waiting for Cagalli's idea.
"Well…I remember Athrun commenting on how nice the sky was!" Cagalli said as Lacus got up. "I have an idea of what to get him…Come on! There's no time to waste. It's getting late."
Lacus stood up along with Cagalli. "Are you going to tell me what it is?"
"You'll see! Come on…I don't want to get there after it closes."
30 minutes later…
Cagalli and Lacus emerged from the store, talking happily. It was already dusk and everything had a shadow cast over it from the rapidly setting sun. Cagalli held a wrapped package. She was feeling very confident that she thought of the perfect gift.
"It looked very nice." Lacus said and Cagalli nodded in agreement.
She was about to say more, but she sensed something. A nagging feeling had been bothering the princess all afternoon but she forgot it when she got her inspiration for the gift.
Lacus was busy chatting happily to Cagalli, oblivious to the fact that she had suddenly gotten quiet.
Cagalli tugged on her friend's sleeve slightly, causing her to stop talking.
"Lacus…I don't want you to panic…but I think we're being followed." Cagalli said quietly as they walked down the street. There weren't many people present and if there were, they were hurrying home.
Lacus gasped and looked at Cagalli in fear.
"What do you mean?" she whispered back.
"…Call Kira now." Is all the princess said as they kept walking. They noticed that they were now walking in an unusually deserted street. Lacus quickly took out her phone and dialed Kira's number.
"Hello?" came his voice. Lacus immediately felt relieved.
"Kira? Cagalli and I are at the shopping plaza at downtown near tenth street. Can you pick us up?"
"Sure, Athrun and I will be there."
"Ok thanks…it's just that-"
Lacus was cut off when Cagalli abruptly grabbed her hand and pulled on it, hard.
"Run Lacus!" screamed the blonde as they heard approaching footsteps about half a block behind them.
"Lacus! Lacus?" Kira yelled worriedly into the phone, which Lacus dropped when Cagalli pulled her.
Cagalli and Lacus ran as fast as they could.
"What do we do!" Lacus asked frantically as they tried to find a safe place to hide.
"I don't know! I don't even know what they want!" Cagalli said back. This wasn't good. Lacus wouldn't be able to defend herself if they got caught. Cagalli would have to protect both of them, not that it would be that big of a problem…but still she didn't want to take any risks. What if the attacker was trained in combat?
They quickly ran around the street corner and their pursuers lost sight of them.
"Let's hide in that alley!" Cagalli said pointing. She quickened her pace to get to the destination.
She didn't notice an uneven part of the pavement and went crashing down to the ground.
"Cagalli! Are you ok!" Lacus asked in concern as she rushed up to her.
Cagalli cursed as a pain shot through her ankle. This isn't good…
"I think I sprained it…" she said while trying to get up. Oh God…how will I hold them off if we get caught!
"Quick…into the alley!" Lacus helped Cagalli, who was limping, hide.
Cagalli stood with her back against the wall and a piece of wood in her hand which Lacus found in the dumpster nearby. Her pink-haired friend stood next to her, eyes wide in fear. Both were breathing hard.
They tensed as they heard approaching footsteps.
Cagalli measured the distance and pace that the person was approaching. Now!
When she heard that they were close enough, she stepped out a bit from the ally and swung the piece of wood as hard as she could into the attacker's legs, causing him to grunt in pain and fall over.
Cagalli was about to hit him again, but he was faster than she expected, ducking away from the weapon, and knocking it out of her hands. This caused Cagalli to stumble back painfully on her ankle.
Lacus hurried to Cagalli's side and kneeled down next to her. "Are you ok?" she asked, eyes filled with worry. Cagalli nodded.
"What do you want?" she demanded to the stranger as Lacus helped support her.
The attacker said nothing. His face was covered with a cloth across his mouth and nose. He was dressed completely in black with a black hat to hide his hair. He looked like some sort of modern ninja.
Cagalli braced herself as the he advanced toward them. She shoved Lacus behind her and slowly stepped back, until they were backed against the dead end of the alley.
"We can scream, you know." Lacus said from behind Cagalli.
The man kept advancing, not even responding to what they were saying.
Cagalli narrowed her eyes. She held onto her present for Athrun tightly.
The man lunged at them with impressive speed. But Cagalli ducked out of the way, while Lacus threw herself in the other direction to avoid being caught.
Acting fast, Cagalli spun around and brought her elbow down onto the attacker's shoulder. His hat fell off in the process to reveal wavy brown hair.
He grunted in pain but still didn't say anything.
"Lacus run!" Cagalli screamed taking the opportunity to get at least one of them to safety, but she seemed to be frozen, still sitting in the place she had lunged to.
Cagalli's eyes widened when she saw that Lacus's arm was covered in blood. The nasty scrape started from her upper arm and ended at her elbow. She must have skidded along the pavement…
The man, deciding that Cagalli was more of a threat, charged at her, with his fist raised ready to strike…Cagalli tensed. Her ankle was throbbing with the strain put on it.
Before his fist could find its way to her face, she lifted her precious gift for Athrun and blocked the blow. It cracked under the pressure and Cagalli fell, landing on her bad ankle.
Hissing in pain, she saw Lacus pick up a heavy looking rock and with concentration threw it at the attacker. It hit him in the head, and he touched the offended spot. Cagalli could see blood on his fingers. He turned to Lacus, who stood about three feet away, clutching her injured arm.
Cagalli groaned. Why did she stay! Now he's going after her!
Cagalli tried to get up as the attacker advanced on Lacus, who backed away while looking around for an escape.
He was a foot away from her and Cagalli felt her heart beat faster in fear for her friend.
She tried to stop the attacker, but it wasn't necessary. Two shadows emerged from the entrance of the alley.
One grabbed Lacus out of the way, while the other tackled the attacker to the ground.
In the light of the street lamp, Cagalli saw that it was Kira who had gotten Lacus out of harms way. That must mean that Athrun is fighting with the guy right now!
Cagalli watched the pair struggle on the ground. Obviously she wasn't giving this guy enough credit because Athrun wasn't able to detain him so easily. She guessed that he was going easy on her and Lacus because they were girls.
Athrun, who had gotten the upper hand, was about to punch the attacker, but, he surprised the blue-haired coordinator but kicking him off and putting his hands on the ground, and back flipping back into a standing position. He looked at Athrun and Kira and decided that it was too hard for him to finish so he reached into his pocket, threw what looked like a smoke bomb, causing Athrun to shield his face. They could hear footsteps echoing away and when the smoke cleared, there was no one in sight. What is this guy! A Ninja!
Athrun got up quickly and went over to Cagalli, who was still shocked by what had happened.
"Are you ok?" he asked with concern. He gently examined her ankle when he saw that she held onto it tightly.
Cagalli sighed and nodded. She was so scared that they wouldn't be saved.
"I think I sprained it." Cagalli said as she tried to get up. She hissed in pain and stumbled a bit into Athrun, who held her steady. Cagalli saw an unknown expression cross his face. It looked almost like…guilt…
Not far from them, they heard Kira freaking out and asking Lacus about her arm. Cagalli saw Lacus smile gently and say it wasn't life threatening. Kira seemed to go into over protective mode when he saw that his fiancé was bleeding.
"Let's talk about this when we get back. We shouldn't stay here long." Athrun said. Cagalli picked up the ruined present for Athrun, which looked dented, while the others weren't looking and wrapped her arms around Athrun's neck, leaning against his shoulder, as he lifted her up
Kira nodded and put his arm around Lacus's waist. The pink-haired singer just leaned into him. The four of them went back to Athrun's car and drove back.
What a day…
Scene Change
Cagalli groaned and opened her eyes. Blinking a couple of times, all her friends came into view. I must have fallen asleep during the car ride home…
Athrun, who sat next to her on the bed handed her a glass of water. She gratefully drank it while observing her surroundings. Sitting on the end of her bed, she saw Lacus, with a bandaged arm, and Kira who held her close, still somewhat fretting over her injury.
Stellar, Shinn, and Meyrin sat on the carpeted floor, looking up at them with neutral expressions. Rey leaned against the wall and hugged Luna from behind. She leaned back against him but watched Cagalli with a concerned look on her face.
Cagalli looked at Athrun in question and he smiled slightly. "They all know what happened. Lacus told us." Cagalli nodded in understanding and looked at her ankle, which was wrapped in a stiff bandage.
"The doctor stopped by while you were sleeping." Kira offered as an explanation.
"I see…" Cagalli sat up straighter and then looked serious. "This wasn't any random attack."
The others tensed as they waited for her explanation. "The attacker was dressed in black and he was following us all afternoon. I could sense that someone was watching."
Lacus's eyes widened in realization. She had no idea they were being followed.
"Why didn't you go home then?" Shinn demanded, for once not joking. He seemed just as worried as the others about his two friends' safety.
Cagalli sighed. "There was something important I needed to get done."
She and Lacus exchanged glances.
"I'll ask Kisaka to get some people to investigate it…but it was too dark to see who attacked you." Athrun said.
"It sounded really scary…I hope you're ok." Meyrin said.
Cagalli smiled at her friend and nodded. "It's over with. Good thing Athrun and Kira made it on time. I don't know how much longer we could have held him off."
"The important thing is that both of you weren't seriously harmed." Stellar said quietly and the others had to agree.
"But…it was strange…I don't think he wanted to hurt us…more like kidnap." Cagalli said to the others.
"You see…" she continued while thinking hard. "…he was obviously skilled enough to get away and fend off Athrun, but he let Lacus and I put up a fight. I'm sure, with the disadvantage of my ankle, he could have easily hurt us more that we already are…I think there was a bigger reason behind it."
"It must be because you are the leader of Orb and Lacus is very influential in the political world. Both of you are famous and easy targets." Rey said logically and the others took into account what he said.
Luna got out of Rey's embrace and stretched. With a careless smile, she said, "Well…for now, there's nothing we can do, can we? It's not like we have any leads to who would attack you. Although I'm sure there are a few…what with the protests and all…but the range of suspects is too wide…I think I'm going to sleep now. Good night everyone."
Everyone got the meaning behind the magenta-haired girl's words that they should leave Cagalli and Athrun alone to talk.
Once the door was closed and only the two remained, the room fell into an uneasy silence.
"So…." Cagalli said, trying to get him to talk. For some reason, he was quiet.
"Cagalli…" he said seriously which stopped the princess from talking. "I…I was so afraid that you were hurt. I was scared to see what I would find while we were driving towards the plaza. If we didn't make it in time…I don't want to know what would have happened.
Cagalli looked at his face intently and noticed that he looked very stressed. It showed the worry that he felt.
"Athrun…it's ok. I'm safe now…" she said touched by his concern.
"Why do I have to be so stupid!" he yelled out, fists clenched at his sides.
Cagalli's eyes widened in surprise. Athrun had never seemed this angry. What's going on?
"Y-you were in danger and I was almost too slow! If I didn't come in time…What if next time I can't protect you!" By now, Athrun had raised his voice. Cagalli was momentarily shocked by his outburst. Usually Athrun was very calm.
"I didn't think that anything would happen as long as we were in a public place…I needed to get something done." Cagalli replied after a while. She realized that he had yelled at her because he cared for her. "It's no one's fault…if anything, it was mine for staying out even though I knew…"
"I-I'm sorry Cagalli…You would have never been hurt if…" Athrun's voice cracked with emotion. He ignored her last words.
"Don't be stupid!"
Is he for real? The stupid idiot saved me and now he's blaming himself!
Athrun didn't look her in eye, as the annoyed princess glared at him.
"How can you say that Athrun! You've always protected me in the past, and I know that you'll keep on protecting me! Don't kick yourself over this…you didn't do anything wrong!"
Athrun shook his head. "If anything…it's you who has been protecting me…" He touched his chest, and Cagalli knew he was talking about the pendant she had given him during the war. Athrun continued sadly. "You've always helped me…you let me stay in Orb when even despite my actions in the war…you saved me…"
Cagalli grabbed Athrun by the arm and tugged on it.
"It's a mutual relationship, you big idiot! You protect me and I protect you! You think that you haven't done anything for me! You've helped me everyday that we've been together! I don't think I could run this country without you! Who else do I get advice from by someone I trust! On top of that, I know that you would protect me with your life! I would do the same, but I know you'll never let me…So stop blaming yourself!"
Cagalli took a deep breath and attempted to calm herself. Athrun remained quiet.
"You don't know how oblivious you are!" she said and reached onto the nightstand and grabbed her present for Athrun. Apparently, someone had left it there, she guessed it was Lacus.
Thrusting the thin and dented package into the blue-haired coordinators arms, she continued with her rant. "Do you want to know the reason why I was out there today and refused to come home until I was finished! It's because I needed to get this!"
Athrun looked at Cagalli with an unknown emotion. He kept his mouth shut and looked at her…cheeks red in anger and frustration.
Slowly, he opened the package. In it was a simple but elegant picture frame, with platinum and gold lining. The frame had decorative carvings and on the bottom right corner, were two roses with intertwined stems. Of course, the glass was cracked, but it didn't matter. The picture itself and the engraved note on the bottom of the frame was what caught Athrun's attention.
It was a picture of the day they went to the memorial. After they had eaten, the others had insisted on taking one of the pair. Cagalli leaned on Athrun's shoulder, with a cute blush on her face, while he put his arm around her. They smiled happily and it looked like they had no worries in the world and nothing could stop them as long as they were together. Athrun gently picked away the broken glass pieces to get a better look at the picture, still somewhat speechless by the present.
He then looked lower and saw the message that Cagalli had engraved on the frame.
…We can always lean on each other…
"It was taken that day…at the memorial…I…I wanted to get in framed and give it to you…to let you know that no matter what, I'll always care about you…" Cagalli said quietly.
Athrun looked up and was shocked to see tears running down her beautiful face.
Cagalli shook her head forcefully, and tried wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. "But…now it's ruined! I wanted to give it to you tonight! I wanted to tell you that I loved you then, I love you now, and I always will love you! I never wanted to hurt you, Athrun…"
Cagalli couldn't stop the tears now. Stop crying! He'll think you're weak!
"It's just that…I was scared before…I was scared of the affect you had on me… It feels like you have a hold on my heart, as cheesy as that sounds." Cagalli sniffed...her eyes watery.
Athrun had been quiet a long time. Cagalli started to get worried. She knew something was wrong. Maybe he doesn't love me back! I mean…I've rejected him before…what if he rejects me now?
Cagalli turned her head and looked at the carpeted floor to avoid his gaze. "I'm sorry…" she whispered softly. "I understand if…if you don't feel the same."
"Cagalli look at me." Athrun said seriously and this made the princess want to run out of the room. He's going to tell me why we can't be together.
Cagalli lifted her head and was shocked when Athrun leaned forward and kissed her right on the lips. Cagalli's eyes widened but the feel of Athrun's lips on hers made her close her eyes and kiss him back. She felt very warm now. Being with Athrun always made her feel this way. But this kiss was unlike the other ones that they had experienced together. This one promised that they had a future together. Cagalli couldn't be more happy. In fact, she wanted to jump around in joy, but then that would mean that she would have to stop kissing Athrun and she obviously didn't want that.
Athrun slowly let go of her shoulders and stopped the kiss. He stared into her golden eyes and wiped away her tears with his hand. She was still blushing from the kiss.
"You asked me how I could be so stupid…well I'm wondering why you are as well. I've waited for you to be ready this whole time and you think that I don't care anymore? That would be pretty hard, considering that I love you." Athrun said gently as he pulled her towards him and hugged her.
Cagalli looked shocked. "Athrun...I-"
He let go of her, which stopped her from talking. "I'll be right back." was all he said as he ran out of the room.
Cagalli just sat there, blinking. Soon after, Athrun returned with white bag and Cagalli sat up straighter, curious with what it was.
He handed it to her and smiled. "To my princess."
Cagalli laughed and wiped her eyes. They were still somewhat teary.
"Don't call me princess." She said and smiled up at him.
Athrun brushed her bangs from her face. "But can I still call you mine?" he asked with a teasing wink.
Cagalli blushed, her eyes wide. She hit him in the arm playfully and returned her attention to the package.
Pulling it out of the bag, she gasped when she saw a glass case, inside looked like a crystal rose. Her fingers ran over the smooth glass. Quickly, she opened the case and gently took out the rose, which reflected against the light. It looked beautiful. Cagalli smiled and placed it back into the case. Setting the box aside, she looked up at Athrun.
"What do you think?" he asked her. She had put the present away rather quickly and he wondered if she liked it.
His answer was given when Cagalli threw her weight on him in a hug, causing him to fall over onto the bed.
"I love it." is all she said.
Athrun smiled. "I'm glad you do…I love the gift you got me too."
Cagalli looked at him in confusion. "But it's broken! That jerk tried to punch me and I needed it to block the blow."
Athrun just looked at her in amusement. "It doesn't matter. I love it because you gave it to me. That's all that matters."
Cagalli nodded and rested her head on his chest. "I'm sorry." She said suddenly.
"For what?" Athrun was genuinely confused by this statement.
"For rejecting you before. I must have hurt you, huh?"
Athrun laughed quietly.
"I was hurt, yes. But I knew you would come around." Athrun said jokingly.
Cagalli stuck her tongue out. "I'm serious Athrun….I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize. Like I said before, I understood. I was willing to wait for you. It's not your fault. So stop feeling bad. I would take the pain so that in the end I could be with you." Athrun smiled.
Cagalli smiled back and yawned a bit. Today had been a stressing day. First, running around shopping, then being attacked by some person in black, and finally pouring out her feelings to Athrun. I finally stopped being stubborn and told him…
Cagalli couldn't be happier. She and Athrun were going to be together. Yawning again, she leaned onto Athrun and started to drift off to sleep.
"I love you, Athrun." She mumbled before completely blacking out.
Athrun smiled and kissed her forehead.
"You don't know how long I've been waiting to hear that." He whispered even though he knew she was asleep. He took her left and looked at the ring he had given her.
I'm glad I waited, Cagalli…
…End of Chapter…
Note: WOW! That was a LONG chapter…and I had a hard time trying to type what I wanted. Athrun and Cagalli are finally together! This should satisfy some reviewers! YAY! But…don't think this story is done! Actually…it's far from it! I still have more to the plot. But I hope that everyone liked how I made Athrun and Cagalli admit their feelings…hope it wasn't too cheesy.
O yeah...and Tai Isuki…hum…new character! You'll find out more about him later…
Look forward to Isabel's reaction when she finds out about out favorite princess and prince being together! Fun stuff! Well until then…bye!
And sorry if there wasn't much humor…I used it all up in the last chapter