Note: Hello! Wow…it's been almost a month since I last updated! I'm sorry for the delay…I just had trouble trying to see how I wanted to write the next chapter! Thank you all soooooooooo much for the reviews! I am forever grateful! Please take the time to review this chapter too!
O yeah…I'm also sorry to all the ReyxLuna fans! Ahah but it had to be done. Please don't hate Rey either! All will work out in due time!
Oh…a few of you asked whether I will add other characters from Seed and Destiny…for now I don't think so. It would be weird and rushed if I just suddenly put them in the story…although I might have some visit for a short period. I doubt it though. Ten main characters is plenty to write about. Haha
Anyways…thank you all once again for the much appreciated reviews!
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Destiny.
Cagalli stood outside the Athha estate, dressed up and impatient with worry. She wore a pair of formal black pants with a pretty light green blouse with a dark green jacket. The princess noted that she wasn't forced to wear a skirt this time…but that was the last thing on her mind.
As Cagalli waited for her friends to get ready and meet outside, she thought about the events that happened that afternoon.
Rey and Luna broke up…
Just the thought of it seemed unreal. Cagalli frowned when she thought of the intense argument which resulted in Luna walking off and crying in the car while Rey stood on the hill and stared off into space. The blonde princess hated it when her friends fought. It tore her apart. It was like Luna forgot how to smile and Rey didn't want to talk to anyone.
She started pacing around the drive way and thought about what happened after Rey broke off the relationship.
…flashback…
Luna walked off towards the car with a wounded look, desperately trying to hold back her tears. Rey stared at her retreating back with a grim expression. He thought about what she said earlier.
"If you would get over your insecurities, you would realize my true feelings."
Rey closed his eyes in thought. What did she mean by that? I don't understand…I…I thought that she would be ok with this…I'm not in her way anymore…
Rey's thoughts were broken when he felt a sharp pain on his cheek. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see that Cagalli had slapped him.
"C-Cagalli!" Athrun's eyes widened and he pulled on her arm, ready to scold her for her impulsiveness.
"You're lucky I didn't punch you."
Cagalli let herself be pulled back but didn't break eye contact with Rey, who had a hand on his cheek and a startled look on his face. Lacus wore a concerned expression and looked back and forth between Rey and the direction that Luna walked off too. She grabbed Kira's hand to get his attention and kissed his cheek before taking off after the magenta-haired coordinator. Meyrin and Stellar followed suit, while Tai, Shinn, and Kira decided to stay.
Before Meyrin left, she glanced at Tai and saw that he looked troubled. His face was set at a frown. He looked sad and she was sure there was a hint of guilt. She was pulled out of her thoughts when Stellar nudged her arm to make her walk.
Back on the strawberry field, Cagalli looked at the blonde coordinator seriously.
"I'm sorry for hitting you, but I think you deserved it. You and Luna are both my friends and I've always respected you…but today you were just so insensitive that someone needs to smack some sense into you. Now…I'll admit, I'm not an expert in relationships and I've made some mistakes in the past as well, but that doesn't mean that you had the right to be so...harsh." Rey flinched when she said that word.
Athrun put a hand on Cagalli's shoulder. He knew that when she mentioned mistakes, she was talking about when she rejected him. She looked back at him and smiled slightly.
Shinn decided to speak up. "Guys…give Rey a break. It's not completely his fault. I mean…Cagalli…you know what it's like to be jealous. It's not a happy feeling. Rey acted on his emotions. I know what it's like to do that…sometimes people do things without thinking when they're stressed. But Rey…you didn't need to break up with her. You two could have worked things out."
Athrun spoke up. "I agree with Shinn. Breaking up was unnecessary. And now, Luna's hurt and I'm sure you are too."
Rey stayed silent and looked at the ground while absorbing what they were saying.
"No…I think Rey was right to break up." Everyone looked up in shock at Kira's words.
He sighed and walked up to Rey while putting a hand on his shoulder.
"How could you say that?" Cagalli demanded.
Her brother just offered a small smile. Then he returned his attention back to Rey. "It was obvious that things weren't going well. You should take this time to sort out your feelings and think things over. Like Luna said…you need to get over your insecurities. Once you do that, you will understand her and your connection will be stronger."
Rey thought for a bit until he finally nodded to Kira. He then turned to Cagalli. "Thank you. You're right…I did deserve that slap. But I still think I needed to break up with Luna. It…just…wasn't meant to be. I can't…understand her and I don't think she really understands me either. Until we do…we can't be together." The blonde coordinator sighed and walked off in the opposite direction that Luna ran off to with his head bowed and a sad frown on his face.
Cagalli sighed. She understood that what Kira said made sense, but she really didn't like the idea of Rey and Luna not together.
She glanced back at the others. "I'm going to go find Luna." Before she ran off, Athrun grabbed her hand making her stumble back into him.
He lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, "Don't let your temper get the better of you, ok? It's a delicate situation…but I trust that you can cheer Luna up."
Cagalli only registered half of what he was saying. She was too busy blushing when his warm breath brushed over her ear.
"Er…y-yeah ok…no temper…got it." It took all her will power to break out of the embrace to go to Luna and the others.
………………
Cagalli found Luna crying while surrounded by Lacus, Stellar, and Meyrin in the car.
Lacus was patting the girl's back in an attempt to comfort her. "It's ok, Luna. Don't worry…things will work out. You both just need time to cool off."
The magenta haired coordinator said nothing. She stared out the window as her tears ran down her cheeks.
Stellar handed the girl a tissue and offered a sad smile. Meyrin looked at a loss, unsure of how to approach the situation. She gingerly reached out and patted her sister's hand.
"Lacus is right. You both just need some time off."
Cagalli started to say something but stopped when Luna looked up at them with the saddest expression she had ever seen on the usually cheerful girl.
"W-was I a b-bad girlfriend?" She asked in a quiet voice, hoarse from the yelling she did earlier. "…did I flirt unintentionally? Did I ignore him? Am I not good enough? I…I'm not like any of you…he said he wished I was like you all….I guess I'm not loyal or modest or shy…"
Cagalli frowned at this assumption. Luna's heart broken voice showed how much Rey's words affected her. I should have punched him…
"No…Luna, don't believe those words." Cagalli said loudly. "He was just angry at the time. He didn't mean it."
Luna shook her head sadly. "When people act on their emotions, they say what they truly feel. He must have has these thoughts before."
Meyrin felt like crying when she saw the state her sister was in. Luna had always seemed so assured of herself before. Now, her usually confident demeanor vanished and left her acting like a lost child. She really does love Rey, doesn't she? Even if Tai likes her, she would have never left Rey for him…I should have seen it before. Why was I so jealous when I knew that Luna never returned his feelings? Now her heart is broken because Rey failed to see the same thing. Argh! Stupid jealousy!
Luna continued to stare out the window. She watched as Athrun and Kira carried a few crates of strawberries towards the car after paying for them.
"Luna…Rey loves you. I have no doubt in my mind. He was jealous and that shows that he cares." Lacus tried to reason with the girl.
Luna snapped her head to face the singer, her voice filled with confusion. "Lacus…tell me then…when you love someone, do you disregard everything they say and accuse them! Do you hurt them in the worst possible way! Do you say the harshest things and wish that their personality was different! Do you break up with them after refusing to listen!" By now, Luna was half yelling and half sobbing. Athrun and Kira had put the strawberries in the trunk and rushed up to the open door when they heard her yelling.
Stellar stopped them from asking questions by putting her hand up to shush them. Lacus grabbed more tissues and handed them to Luna.
Cagalli sat next to the crying girl and hugged her. "…I don't know. Love is strange. In a way…you're right. I hate to say it… if Rey trusted you; he wouldn't have jumped to conclusions. But Rey wasn't completely wrong…he acted that way because you never had time for him. It hurts when someone you love pushes you away."
Luna leaned into the blonde princess's shoulder and cried. The last thing she mumbled before she fell asleep from exhaustion was,
"I…don't think I can forgive him…it hurts too much…"
When Rey came back, twenty minutes later, the sleeping girl missed his look of confusion and regret before they all boarded the car and drove back to the Athha estate.
…end of flashback…
Cagalli kept pacing back and forth, her mind filled with those thoughts of sadness that her friends felt. She really didn't like this. Luna and Rey always helped me when I needed it. Luna's one of my best friends and Rey is also a good friend. They both were so deserving of each other…at least that's what it seemed like…until recently.
Caught up in her thoughts, the blonde princess failed to hear someone calling her. She felt herself run into something…or rather someone.
"Gah!"
"Cagalli!" Athrun steadied his pacing girlfriend when she ran into him. He honestly thought she would notice, considering he had called out to her multiple times.
The blonde princess smiled sheepishly and scratched her hair. "Er…sorry Athrun…I guess I kinda tuned everything out."
"No kidding." Athrun sighed when Cagalli resumed her pacing. "You know…worrying like this won't help a bit."
Cagalli stopped pacing and bit her thumb in worry. "What am I supposed to do then?"
Athrun sighed. "You let things work out for themselves. If it's meant to be then Rey and Luna will get back together, if not then they won't."
Cagalli looked offended and emphasized it by placing her hands on her hips. "So you're saying that if they don't get back together, then it's ok! Geez Athrun Zala…I didn't know you were so insensitive!"
Athrun smiled at her lively personality. "Cagalli...that's not what I meant. You just have to trust that things will work out and they will be happy together or apart."
"I guess so…"
Cagalli relaxed her expression and looked up at the sky, which was splashed with orange and pink because of the sunset. Every now and then she snuck a glance at her boyfriend who was enjoying the sunset as well. I'm really lucky that Athrun's so understanding and patient. I'm glad he doesn't get frustrated or angry whenever I'm stubborn or throwing a tantrum. He's always there for me too…Geez…I never thought I'd love someone so much…
"You know…staring is considered rude."
Cagalli blushed as Athrun looked at her in amusement. Damn him for always catching me off guard.
The blonde princess covered her embarrassment with anger and narrowed her eyes.
"You purposely like to embarrass me, don't you?"
Athrun laughed and held his hands up in defense. "I was just kidding, princess. I'm actually glad you like to check me out." He said the last sentence teasingly and winked at the flustered princess.
Cagalli gaped at him. "W-what! Check you out! I can't believe you just said that! I do not check people out!"
Athrun grinned. "Are you sure about that? You were staring at me for an awful long time."
The blonde princess turned a nice shade of red. She screamed in frustration and lunged at her laughing boyfriend, who anticipated the move and easily dodged. This started the game of chase.
"I swear Athrun! You can be so immature! When I get my hands on you…"
Athrun ran towards the estate and saw Kira and Lacus come out. Both looked puzzled at the scene before them.
Kira looked at his best friend. "Athrun? What did you do this time?"
The said boy ducked from Cagalli's punch. "All I did was tease her!" He then proceeded to run behind Kira and use him as a sort of shield. Lacus had wisely stepped to the side.
Kira's eye's widened as he saw Cagalli rushing towards them.
"You idiot! Don't use me as a shield! What kind of friend are you!"
"You're one to talk! A good friend would help me out! And if being a shield helps me out, then yes, that's what a good friend does!"
By now, Cagalli had gotten over her annoyance but was enjoying their little game. She rushed up to Kira and Athrun, who were both still bickering about the value of their friendship.
"Out of my way, Kira!" Cagalli yelled as she roughly shoved her startled brother aside while laughing at his wide-eyed expression. She then turned her head to see Athrun running away towards Shinn and Stellar who had just emerged from the front door.
The blue-haired coordinator ignored their curious looks.
"Help me!"
Shinn had a humorous look that said 'what the hell?' while Stellar giggled at their behavior.
Athrun dodged another attempt by Cagalli to clobber him and ran behind Shinn who looked completely confused.
The blonde princess grinned at her boyfriend as if accepting his challenge of trying to beat him. He, in turn, raised an eyebrow as if saying that she couldn't reach him because Shinn was in the way.
Cagalli moved left. Athrun, upon seeing that she was attempting to run around the messy-haired coordinator, moved right.
Cagalli moved right…Athrun moved left. She moved left and he moved right. This went on for a few minutes until Shinn started to get dizzy.
The blonde princess finally got fed up and tried to punch Athrun from the side, but the boy moved causing her to hit Shinn on the shoulder.
"Ouch! What was that for!"
"Sorry! I was aiming for Athrun!"
"Well…you're aim is pretty off! Next time- ouch!"
Shinn was silenced when Cagalli socked him in the arm. "Your aim is really off!"
Cagalli laughed. "No…I did that on purpose."
The poor boy looked scandalized.
Athrun, realizing that the princess was occupied, dashed around the pair and ran back towards Kira, thinking that he could get away. His best friend's eyes widened and tried to warn him, but it was too late. Athrun made a startled noise when he felt something heavy land on his back, thus causing him to trip and fall on the grass near the side of the estate.
Apparently Cagalli had noticed her retreating boyfriend and sprinted after him. When she was close enough, she jumped on his back resulting in both of them falling. She ended up sitting on Athrun's back. Not a very comfortable position for the blue-haired coordinator, if you ask me.
Athrun groaned and spit out some grass that made its way into his mouth. He tried to get up, but Cagalli forced all her weight on him.
"Cagalli, I surrender! Now let me up…"
The blonde princess grinned triumphantly and shifted her weight a bit.
"No I think I like my new chair. This'll teach you to embarrass me." Cagalli started humming as she picked out pieces of grass that found its way into his blue hair.
Athrun was starting to fee very uncomfortable. (Hey, you would too if someone was sitting on you!)
"Er… can you please get off of me?"
"No…I don't feel like it."
Athrun sighed, reached back and grabbed her legs. With one fluid motion, he pulled making her fall back so that her weight was off of him. (AN: Is anyone confused? I am too so don't worry).
Cagalli screamed as she landed on the grass with a thump. How had Athrun gotten out of that hold so easily? Stupid soldier training.
She blinked when Athrun's face came into view. He was kneeling beside her while peering down at her face.
She found herself laughing. "Ok…you win."
Athrun helped her stand while smiling widely. "No…I think it was a draw."
"Ok…it was a draw."
They shook hands jokingly and smiled at each other.
"You two sure know how to act like kids." Both turned their heads to see their friends who were smiling in amusement.
Tai, who was the one that spoke, shook his head in exasperation. The blonde princess and blue-haired prince both scratched their heads in embarrassment.
Lacus giggled softly. "You two will never change, will you?"
The group made their way to the cars. Cagalli, upon noticing that Rey and Luna were missing, asked Meyrin quietly where they were.
The red head whispered back to the princess. "Shinn told me that Rey's sorry but he needs to clear his mind so he's staying home. He said he hoped you didn't mind. And Luna was still sleeping so…" She trailed off.
Cagalli nodded. "I understand. Both of them probably have too much on their minds to go out. They have a lot of thinking to do…"
Scene Change
Rey stared at the ceiling in his room. At the moment, he was lying on his bed with a blank expression on his face. A million thoughts were running through his head.
Flashback to the days at the Zaft Academy…
Rey set his tray of food down at the table and sat down. The sounds of the crowded cafeteria didn't bother him because he sat in the corner where no one else would sit. Sighing, Rey picked up his fork and started to eat. Today was very tiring…they had trained hard and did lots of physical exercises to get into better shape. Although the school (it's not really school…is it? oh well!) year just started, it didn't stop the instructors from making them train until they were literally falling over in exhaustion. Now all he wanted to do was relax and be left alone.
Rey was somewhat startled when he heard a voice that was clearly feminine.
"Is this seat taken?"
The blonde coordinator looked up and his blue eyes met lavender ones. It was a girl, with a friendly smile and short magenta hair. When Rey didn't reply, she shrugged good- naturally and placed her tray down while pulling out the chair.
"I'm Lunamaria Hawke. Since we're in the same class I thought I'd introduce myself. I mean…we're going to be seeing each other a lot so we mine as well get to be friends, right?" She said this with such ease that Rey could only stare.
She took a sip of her drink and looked back up at him. "So, stranger…you gotta name?"
Rey broke eye contact and continued to eat. "I didn't come here to make friends."
She raised an eyebrow. "Really now…well aren't you Mr. Anti-social. Ok…if you won't tell me your name…I'll just call you Stranger."
Rey was starting to get annoyed. No one had ever approached him in this fashion before and he didn't like not knowing what to expect.
"Look…why are you even here? Don't you have some other friends that you can eat with?"
The magenta haired girl shrugged as she took a bit of her food. "Yeah…what's your point? …I'll invite them over. We could use more company."
Rey felt very irritated. What was wrong with this girl? Didn't she know that he didn't want to be around anyone!
Luna turned around and waved towards someone. "Meyrin! Shinn! Over here!"
A shorter girl with red hair tied in pig tails and gray eyes along with a boy about their age, with messy black hair and red eyes came, each holding their own trays of food.
"Hey sis!" The girl with pig tails said happily. The boy just sat down and nodded at the girl in greeting.
Rey heard the pig tailed girl whisper to Luna. "Who's that?"
Luna cleared her throat. "Stranger, this is my younger sister Meyrin and my other friend, Shinn Asuka. I'm sure you've seen him around…he has the same classes as us."
Indeed, Rey had seen the quiet teen that always seemed to be in a dark mood, except when he was around that Luna girl and her sister.
Meyrin looked confused. "Er…nice to meet you, Stranger…what an odd name." Her eyes widened when she realized how rude she was. "Ohh! I'm sorry…I mean...it's a unique name…yeah…" The girl finished lamely.
Luna giggled at her sister's flustered face. Rey felt that he really liked the sound. Wait a minute…who cares if she giggles! Why would he like it?
"No, Mey…It's not his real name. He won't tell me, so I'm calling him Stranger."
Meyrin blushed in embarrassment and started to eat. After a couple minutes of silence, Luna spoke up again in a joking tone.
"I guess I have a knack for making friends with quiet and 'troubled' people huh?" She looked at Rey with a grin. "You see, Shinn's pretty quiet too…not to mention a trouble maker. He always goes against authority. That's why I'm always looking out for him."
Shinn rolled his eyes at his friend. "You wouldn't leave me alone. So in a way…I was forced to be your friend." His words weren't harsh, but held some sort of brotherly affection.
Luna stuck her tongue out and threw a piece of carrot at him, which he caught and popped in his mouth.
"Is that a nice way to talk to your elder?"
Shinn snorted. "You're only a year older." He pointed out. Luna was about to reply but Meyrin interrupted.
"Both of you stop. Swear…I'm younger than both of you and I still act older."
"You do not!"
"You liar!"
Rey watched the three interact with interest. He had never seen people act so comfortable around each other. Luna looked across the table and caught his eye while Shinn and Meyrin were arguing about who was wiser.
She smiled and winked, startling the blonde coordinator. Her behavior was so eccentric. One moment, she was cheery, and the next, she was sly and cunning. This girl puzzled him to no end.
When they finished eating, all four got up to put their trays away.
"I'll see you later, sis. I have a computer class soon." Meyrin said. "Er…nice meeting you, Stranger. We should all have lunch together more often." Rey nodded as the younger girl ran out of the room to catch up with a group of other people who were walking towards the computer labs.
"See ya Luna. I'm going to the shooting range for a bit." Shinn placed a hand on her shoulder. He then looked at Rey. "I warn you…she can be annoying sometimes. Save yourself before she dubs you her friend."
Luna yelled in mock anger and slapped the boy on the back of the head. Rey saw him grin, something that he rarely did, and walk out of the room.
The magenta haired girl turned back to him and blew her cheeks out in anger. Rey found it to be an extremely cute expression.
"Well, Stranger. I gotta go get ready for class. I'll see ya around." She turned to walk, but then whirled around to face him again. "Oh…and about what you said…about you not coming here to make friends? Well…tough…you already have one. Actually…you have three now. So deal with it." She grinned and walked towards the door, but stopped when a voice called out.
"Rey….my name's Rey Za Burrel."
The magenta haired girl nodded. "It suits you…better than being called Stranger. Well, Rey…I'm glad to know that you accept my friendship. You can never go wrong with making friends."
Rey watched as she left the room. He let himself smile slightly. Such a strange girl…
…End of flashback…
Rey sighed at the memory. From then on, he had eaten with the three and gotten to know them. They all became his friends. Friends…something that he never thought he would bother to have.
As time went on, Rey learned that Meyrin was a very happy and childish person who loved to shop. Shinn was distant and quiet, but once he trusted you, he was loyal and even liked to joke around. Luna….she was the one who first went up to him. Rey couldn't describe the feelings he felt around her. She was so outgoing and easy to talk to. He loved her because she was the person that he felt most comfortable around. Luna was the one person that Rey felt like he had to protect. But now…he had no one to protect…no one to look after…
Was this what I really wanted? Are things better now? Why do things have to be so…confusing!
I broke things off despite the fact that I still love her…
Scene Change
The group rushed out of the cars with umbrellas. Apparently, the weather forecast had predicted rain and Lacus, being the responsible person that she was, brought umbrellas.
"Cagalli, dear!" A woman around the age of sixty with warm brown eyes smiled at the blonde princess like a grandmother would. "My…you look even more beautiful than I last saw you! Maybe a little on the skinny side…have they been feeding you?"
Cagalli laughed as she hugged the somewhat plump older woman. "Mona! You say this every time I see you! I've been eating well…it's good to see you."
Mona Warrington smiled happily at the blonde girl. "Cagalli…We've missed you. Thomas always mentions how he misses you're company. It's such a shame that you've been so busy!" She then noticed the group of people that had been observing the reunion with interest. "Oh my! Please forgive me for making you all stand out in the rain like this…why don't you all come in and introduce yourselves! My husband, Thomas, is waiting inside."
Cagalli felt herself smile at the woman's loving personality as they all stepped in to the nicely furnished house. In a chair next to the fireplace sat a man around the same age as Mona. He had a head of white hair and looked like a typical grandpa. He smiled widely when he saw Cagalli and stood while taking off his glasses.
"Is it who I think it is?"
Cagalli laughed and gave the man a hug. "Tom! I've missed you!"
He in turn ruffled her hair affectionately. "You've turned into a beautiful young lady…so tall and sophisticated! But I know you'll always be a child at heart." Mona rolled her eyes at her husband and went to stand next to him.
"Please do sit, my dears! We can't have you standing around all day." The group complied. Cagalli sat next to Athrun who grabbed her hand.
"Let me introduce everyone. This is my boyfriend, Athrun…my brother Kira and his fiancé Lacus." She gestured towards her brown haired twin and the pink haired singer who said their greetings in return. "This is Shinn and his girlfriend Stellar." The pair smiled at the elderly couple. "And the red head is Meyrin and sitting next to her is Tai." Meyrin waved a bit and Tai saluted jokingly. Tom laughed and saluted back.
"Everyone…this is Tom and Mona Warrington…close friends of my father."
Lacus gave a warm smile. "You have a lovely house, Mr. and Mrs. Warrington. It seems so calm and inviting."
The plump woman laughed happily. "Oh please, call us Mona and Tom. Warrington seems so formal."
"Plus, it makes us sound old." Tom added jokingly.
Cagalli gestured to the table where a box of delicious looking strawberries sat. "We picked them today for you so they're pretty fresh. It'll be good for dessert."
Mona clapped her hands together. "Thank you very much! They do look very tasty. But first of all I need to finish preparing dinner. It's Cagalli's favorite…Spaghetti with garlic bread and fresh salad. It won't take long. Please just make yourselves at home."
Stellar started to get up. "Would you like some help?" Lacus and Meyrin also asked.
Mona grinned. "Sure! A kitchen is a ladies domain after all. Come now, you too Cagalli. Last time I checked there was some girly attributes in you. But then again…you can't cook to save your life."
Cagalli mock protested. "I cook okay."
This caused the others in the room to burst out laughing.
Shinn grinned at the indignant princess. "The day Cagalli can cook a decent meal is the day that Meyrin picks up dancing, Stellar starts singing, and Lacus learns computer programming."
Meyrin's eye's narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying I can't dance, Stellar can't sing, and Lacus can't work with computers?"
Stellar raised an eyebrow at her flustered boyfriend. "Is this really what you think, Shinn?"
Shinn's eyes widened, realizing his predicament when all three girls pinned him down with their stares. Cagalli could only smirk while Kira, Athrun, and Tai shook their heads at his stupid move. The poor boy was cornered.
"You set yourself up for this one."
Shinn scratched his head and laughed nervously. "Er…no! I never said that…I just…uh…um...heh…"
Tom chuckled at the boy's obvious discomfort. "Just keep quiet while you can. Talking never helps. Women always find ways to get you in trouble no matter what." Mona shook her head and playfully slapped at her husband.
"That's not true. Men usually are the ones who act foolish. Like Cagalli said…they bring it upon themselves." Mona stood and gestured for the girls to follow. "Let's go get dinner ready and let the gentlemen talk amongst themselves."
Lacus gave Kira a small kiss on the cheek before leaving. Stellar mimicked the gesture and giggled at Shinn's look of embarrassment from before. Cagalli turned at Athrun with her eyebrow raised.
"I guess we don't wanna be left out, huh?" She then leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek before pulling away. She suppressed the urge to blush as he stared at her silently. "I'll…er…see you at dinner." And with that, Cagalli scrambled up and ran after the girls. Tom and Mona didn't miss this interaction and smiled knowingly.
So…the princess is in love…interesting…
Scene Change
Luna slowly woke from her nap and found herself in the room that she shared with Meyrin. She looked over to the side and found her sister's bed empty. Outside, she heard rain pattering against the roof and windows.
Memories of what happened earlier that afternoon came back in a rush and she felt an ache in her heart.
Sighing, the girl got up and decided to find the others. If she spent time with her friends then she wouldn't have to think about anything. They could take her mind off of Rey…
Stupid Rey! Why couldn't he understand! That stubborn idiot!
Luna gripped the door knob tightly in her anger, her face tense. But slowly her grip loosened and her face softened to one of sadness.
Yeah…too bad I love the idiot…
Luna slumped against the door with her back resting on it. She then leaned back and closed her eyes in thought.
Maybe I shouldn't have gotten so mad…I mean…I was spending a lot of time with Tai. …wouldn't I get jealous if Rey did that with some girl?
She smiled bitterly.
But Rey's not as outgoing as I am…I would have known that he wasn't interested by his demeanor. I can tell that he cared a lot about me. He was always trying to take care of me…What have I done for him? …Nothing really…All I've done was be myself.
She lifted her right wrist and looked intently at the bracelet that clasped around it. The piece of jewelry was simple but elegant and made of platinum. A ruby stone in the shape of a small heart dangled from it. It glistened in from the light of the moon that shown through the window.
The bracelet that Rey gave me when he asked me to be with him…
Flashback…
It was lightly raining as Luna walked down a busy street in Orb. The war had been over for a few months and everyone was finally starting to settle down. Luna, Meyrin, and Stellar recently started attending the university which was the reason why the magenta haired girl was in her uniform. The rain kept falling and unfortunately, she forgot her umbrella. Short skirts and thin blouses didn't help much either. The girl cursed under her breath as she shivered. She asked herself for the hundredth time that day why she decided to stay late and study, thus causing her to miss the bus. Meyrin was probably already at home all nice and warm while cooking a delicious meal. Lucky her.
Suddenly, it started to rain heavily. She needed to get out of the rain or she would catch a cold. The magenta-haired coordinator ran as fast as she could to the nearest place that would shelter her from the rain.
Luna quickly pulled open the door to a store and ran in. A gush of warm air greeted her and she sighed in relief. I guess I'll just have to wait out the rain in here…
Looking down, she saw that her whole body was soaked and her clothes clung to her figure. Luna grimaced as she felt her dripping wet hair cling to her face. Boy did that feel uncomfortable. Looking around, she noticed that she had run into a music store. There were all sorts of instruments along the walls.
The girl was driven out of her thoughts when he heard a soft and sweet melody sound throughout the room. A piano…it's so nice sounding…
As if in a trance, Luna took a step towards the sound, intent on finding who could create such a wonderful tune.
As she walked around a guitar stand, she gasped. It was a small area cleared out with couches and coffee tables. In the middle was a beautiful black concert piano and sitting there was Rey Za Burrel.
The music stopped.
"Luna?"
The said girl jumped and stepped forward. She looked guiltily at the puddle of water that she stood in.
"Er…Rey! Uh…yeah it was raining really hard outside so I kinda tried to find a shelter. Sorry for making everything wet." She then fished out her hanker chief and kneeled down trying to wipe the floor dry. It proved to be rather useless considering that the cloth was already soaked because of the rain. All she was doing was moving the water around.
Luna heard the scrap of the piano bench against the floor and quick footsteps. Rey kneeled in front of her and stopped her from wiping by grabbing her hand. Luna felt herself blush. Why was she blushing? This was Rey…she knew him since their days in the Zaft Academy. They had fought together in the war. He was a treasured friend whom she knew for a long time…so why was she blushing like a school girl?
…ok maybe it was because she really liked him, but that was besides the point! Yes…the magenta haired coordinator found her developing deep feelings for her blonde friend. She didn't even know when she started but all she knew was that she felt so happy around him.
Rey helped Luna stand. "You need to get dry and warm or you'll catch a cold."
Luna rolled her eyes. "Geez Rey…you act like a mom. I know that…why else do you think I ran in here?" She then playfully shook her head, causing droplets of water to hit him. She laughed as Rey grinned at her behavior.
"Lighten up, would you? You don't need to be so serious all the time. It's me you're dealing with. You don't need to hide your true self behind that stiff façade. Cuz I can see right through you Rey Za Burrel!" She winked at him jokingly as he shook his head in exasperation.
He then looked at her in the eyes causing the girl to feel self conscious. There was a brief silence in which they stared at each other until finally he spoke.
"You're right…I don't have to be serious all the time…especially around you."
Luna felt herself hold her breath. He smiled at her and brushed away her wet bangs.
"You're the one who brought me out of my shell…gave me a reason to live…For some strange reason…I can act completely relaxed around you."
The magenta-haired girl's eyes widened. "…Rey?"
The blonde coordinator laughed quietly at her cute expression and reached over to his bag where he kept his sheet music. He pulled out a long velvet box and held it out to Luna, who took it hesitantly.
"I was planning on asking you out to the fanciest restaurant in town…bringing you a dozen red roses…and then giving this to you. But I figure that all that materialistic stuff doesn't matter. Just as long as I get my point across."
Luna slowly opened the box and gasped when she saw a beautiful bracelet inside. Rey found himself smiling at her. He waited for her to hug him and give her thanks…hell even a kiss on the cheek would be rewarding. What Rey didn't expect was a sudden pain on his cheek.
"Rey! Are you crazy! This thing must have cost a fortune! I don't deserve this! How could you waste your money on me!"
Rey touched his cheek and looked at the frantic girl. He could tell that she was flustered to no end and chuckled at her outburst.
"You know…you didn't have to slap me. Here I was…trying to say that I love you by giving you a gift …Boy…love hurts."
"We are going to go right back to the jewelry store and-" Luna stopped her ranting and stared. "You…love me?"
"You're slow today, aren't you?"
The girl narrowed her eyes at him.
"You know…sometimes I wonder why I'm the only person that you tease."
"I would think that it was obvious." Rey grinned uncharacteristically. He reached over and put the bracelet on her wrist.
As the reason dawned on Luna, she smiled brightly and lunged at the blonde coordinator, giving him little time to react.
"I can't believe it! Rey loves me!" She let go of him and started to dance around happily.
Rey watched in amusement. "I'm still here you know."
Luna mock glared at him. "Oh shut up and let me enjoy the moment. The guy I love loves me back!"
Rey laughed loudly. "Ok...enough celebrating. I'll take you back to your apartment so you can change for tonight."
The magenta haired girl paused and looked at him utterly confused. "What do I need to change for?"
"Can't a guy take his girlfriend out for dinner?"
Rey grabbed her hand and moved towards the door.
Luna grinned. "Sure he can! As long as the food's good!"
The newly formed couple walked out into the rain happy with each others company.
End of flashback…
Luna sadly fingered the bracelet. She was still sitting against the door with the lights off. Those were good times…we were so carefree and happy. Too bad good things never last…
The girl sighed as she watched the rain mesmerized by the fact that the best and worst days of her life was when it rained.
Stellar nodded and grabbed four and handed them t
Scene Change
"Alright ladies! Let's get down to work! There are some more aprons in that drawer over there." Mona said this as she tied her own apron.
Lacus nodded and took out four more aprons, handing three out to her friends.
"Ok…I'll work on the sauce. Lacus, dear, can you cut these mushrooms?"
The pink haired singer nodded and giggled. "It would be an honor, Mona."
The elder woman smiled in approval. "Now…Stellar…why don't you work on the salad? Just cut and wash the lettuce. Meyrin I want you to work on the garlic bread. Put the slices in the oven after putting the garlic spread on."
Meyrin saluted jokingly as the three girls got to work. "Ok captain!"
Cagalli grinned at her friends' silly behavior. "What do I do, Mona?"
She blanched a bit. "Hum…good question…let's see…can't trust you with the meat…or the noodles…don't wanna let you near the stove…heaven knows you can't work it…"
"Hey! I can hear you, you know!" Cagalli placed her hands on her hips while the others laughed.
Mona suddenly brightened. "Why don't you take out the drinks? Then after, you can work on the sauce while I watch. All you have to do is stir."
Cagalli shrugged as she moved towards the fridge. "Sounds easy enough."
The kitchen was soon filled with giggling girls and laughter as they talked about…well…everything.
"It's so wonderful how you all have boyfriends!" Mona said happily as she handed Cagalli a spoon to stir. "Ah…to be young and in love again."
"Er…I don't have a boyfriend." Meyrin mumbled while blushing slightly.
The elderly woman raised an eyebrow. "Really…you mean you aren't in a relationship with that purple haired young man?"
Meyrin sighed sadly as she cut the bread. "I wish…"
Stellar tried to comfort her friend. "Don't worry, Meyrin. I'm sure Tai will like you once he gets to know you."
"I dono…what with all that's been going on…I doubt he even thinks about me."
Cagalli watched as the younger girl looked down sadly…but then she shook her head as if trying to snap out of a trance. "But it's not a big deal. I mean…there are more important things going on."
Mona looked at the girl and smiled. "Just don't give up. Love is a tricky game…but if you never attempt to play, you'll never know if you can win or not."
Meyrin smiled slightly.
"Let's talk about other things." Lacus said trying to change the subject.
Mona nodded and then turned to Cagalli with a glint in her eye. The blonde princess shrank back in defense. She didn't like that look.
"So Cagalli…you have a loving boyfriend now? You must tell me all about him! My goodness…our young princess is growing up!"
Cagalli groaned as the other three girls giggled.
"You seem to…glow with happiness…there is a distinct change since the last time I saw you. It must be because of …Athrun is his name right?"
Cagalli nodded in embarrassment. "Yeah…that's his name…"
"Spare me no details Cagalli! I want to know all about your relationship with him! As your grandmotherly figure I think I have a right." Mona said this with an amused expression on her face as she watched the blonde princess stutter about her relationship not needing to be discussed.
It was going to be a long night…
Scene Change
As Cagalli was being flustered from embarrassment in the kitchen, Athrun found himself in a similar predicament. He sat on the couch along with Kira, Shinn, and Tai as they faced Tom Warrington. Kira opened his mouth to strike up a conversation but was cut off by the elderly man.
He adjusted his glasses and looked at them warily…no wait…he looked at Athrun warily.
"Let's just skip to the point. Athrun, is it? Now…as you know, I care for Cagalli like a grandfather would. She is considered family. That is why I feel it as my duty to make sure she is happy and treated with respect."
Athrun shifted uncomfortable. He didn't like where this was going. He saw that Shinn was uncharacteristically quiet. Kira scratched his head lightly as Tai coughed into his hand. Yep…they were all uncomfortable.
Tom startled them by changing the topic. "So do you boys like hunting? I enjoy the sport very much… I have a few guns stacked away. It's been my hobby for thirty years and although I'm not one to brag…I'm pretty good at it."
Athrun scrunched his face in confusion. He didn't like where this was going. Although the elderly man posed no threat to him, he still gave off an air of…authority and intimidation. Somehow Athrun didn't want to get on his bad side.
"Anyways…I'm going to ask you a few questions. Nothing serious…I'm just trying to make sure that you are good enough for Cagalli. She's a very sweet girl and I don't want her troubled."
Athrun felt a drop of sweat run down his neck. Although he knew that Tom was a nice and good guy…this talk was still bound to be awkward and very traumatizing. The older man could stare longer than anyone he knew and Athrun found himself avoiding eye contact.
Tom cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes. "What are your intentions with Cagalli?"
Athrun tried not to choke as he coughed into his hand. The others give him sympathetic looks as they tried to offer help but found that they couldn't.
Oh boy…
…End of Chapter…
Note: Well! There you go! I tried to give some ReyxLuna to make up for the last chapter! Sorry for the numerous flashbacks! Haha O yeah..poor poor Athrun and Cagalli. I felt like torturing them! I hope you all liked this chapter! I tried to add humor and drama…I'm not sure if it worked. scratches head
Anyways…I have a slight idea of where I wanna go with this fic. Once I finish with the ReyxLuna drama…I might move onto a different couple before I go back into the whole plot with the missing money and Isabel. No I haven't forgot about her. haha she's just…pushed to the side for a bit.
Please review! It helps motivate me to write! Until next time…bye!