I don't own anything, not then, not now, not ever. But it would be really cool if I could own Athrun Zala
CHAPTER 7
The blonde princess's first week of school was pretty much enjoyable. Well, besides the constant annoying and rude remarks from the Yzak Jule, the famous son of PLANT councilmember itself (which Cagalli managed to counter-attack successfully every time he made a rude remark on her), life had been pretty good.
She had a nice and caring family, a gentle mother who cooks meals fit for a king, a sporting father, and a handsome yet sometimes annoying little brother. Yes, little brother, she was sure of it.
She loved Kira dearly, he's the only biological family she had in this world, yet his constant teasing made her took matters into her own hands. Last Friday, she finally unleashed her ultimate secret weapon that stopped Kira's teasing once and for all (at least it does for now). Her ultimate weapon? The one, the only, Tease-Me-And-I'll-Tell-Lacus-You-Have-A-Crush-On-Her line. Don't get her wrong, she'll never tell her new friend a single word, and she never had the intention to embarrass her sweet and innocent brother in front of the angelic songstress. The words just slipped out of her mouth due to her instinct to defend herself.
Moving on, she was lucky to have a group of nice and lovely friends. One who accepted her for who she was, not because she's the princess of ORB. Friends who cherish her even though she doesn't wear designer skirts (or any skirts for that matter, except the school uniform miniskirt), doesn't carry a Prada handbag which costs fortunes, and still treat her indifferently even though she act a bit stubborn and totally unladylike.
Life was certainly beautiful for Cagalli Yula Attha, however if one sees her right now, sitting all alone in an empty classroom, her high-heels killing her, her miniskirt torturing her silently, and most shockingly, the thought of the princess muttering curses would make one wonder, what is wrong with her.
I'll get him for these. What did I ever do to him to deserve this torture?
The blonde beauty sighed.
All I did was warn him not to tease me anymore or I'll tell Lacus he has a crush on her. It just slipped out of my tongue. I blurted it without even thinking. It's only a defense mechanism for god's sake!
Cagalli took a quick glance at her wristwatch.
5.00 pm!
Why am I here anyway?
Oh, that's right! Maybe it's because that traitor decided to open his big mouth and mentioned my name in the Student Council's meeting this morning!
I thought families were supposed to stick to each other! I was not even present at the meeting for goodness sake! And he still had to mention my name. Must be his way of getting revenge.
The classroom door suddenly slid open, stopping Cagalli's train of thoughts. A midnight-blue haired boy with a mature and professional look entered the classroom.
"Hello there Your Highness." He greeted.
Usually, if Cagalli was not too preoccupied with ways to make her twin suffer and cursing Kira, she would explode violently, shattering the whole school ground, like the great volcano Krakatao once did.
"You're late," Cagalli stated.
Athrun Zala smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry Your Highness. I had to meet Mr. Bartfeld to discuss certain matters. Please forgive me," he bowed.
"Stop that," Cagalli said in an exasperated voice.
"Huh? Stop what Princess?" Athrun asked innocently.
"That," Cagalli said matter-of-factly, pointing a finger towards Athrun.
The princess seemed unusually different today, too quiet and passive if I must say.
Athrun smirked.
Must be because of this morning.
"What's with the smirking?"
"Forgive me Your Highness,"
Cagalli sighed, "I said stop that."
Athrun walked toward Cagalli, took a chair from nearby and sat opposite of Cagalli. He studied her for a few moments, a knowing smile plastered on his lips.
"And what are you looking at, if I may ask?" Cagalli frowned.
"Nothing."
"Yeah, right. As if I believe that. Spill it Zala!"
"I wouldn't dare stare at Her Excellency without Her permission." Athrun teased.
"Don't start Athrun." Cagalli warned.
Cagalli slumped, and leaned back on her chair. "I'm not really in a good mood today, so if you don't have anything else to do, please leave me alone."
Athrun, again smiled knowingly, which made Cagalli slightly annoyed.
I pray that Kira will survive her tonight. God knows what she'll do to him, seeing her in this mood.
" I'm afraid I can't do that Cagalli," Athrun said matter-of-factly, and searched her golden orbs.
Cagalli felt uneasy under his gaze, felt a sudden flip in her stomach and shifted slightly in her seat.
Why is he looking at me like that?
" Cagalli," Athrun said patiently.
"You do know why we are here in the first place right?"
"Yeah," Cagalli muttered.
I don't even want to be here in the first place.
"Now then, let's get straight to business," Athrun began, flipping through some papers.
Cagalli straighten up and took a deep breath.
I must tell him now. It's now or never.
"Well…you see Athrun,"
Athrun looked up and arched an eyebrow, "Is there anything wrong Cagalli?"
Cagalli looked straight into his deep emerald eyes and said, "Of course something is wrong! You know perfectly well that THIS is wrong!"
Athrun leaned back into his chair and crossed his arms. His expression unreadable.
"I don't think I understand what you mean Cagalli,"
"Of course you do! You are the President of The Student Council!"
Athrun chuckled, "Indeed I am. But I'm no psychic Cagalli.'
"Of course I know that you're not psychic! I'm not stupid! But you MUST see this. It's so obvious!"
Athrun shook his head, "Um, no"
Cagalli took a deep breath, an effort to calm herself which failed miserably.
"You must understand what I'm trying to say, right? Athrun?"
Athrun looked back at her without a clear expression.
Cagalli felt her patience slipping away, and immediately, she stood up furiously and slammed her hands on the table between them.
"What I meant was, I am not going to be the hostess for the school festival! End of story."
"Why not?" Athrun asked calmly.
Cagalli was taken aback by this simple question.
"Why not! What do you mean why not!"
"Cagalli," Athrun began patiently.
"I don't see what the problem is. You know Kira did do the right thing when he suggested your name."
Cagalli snorted, "Yeah, right."
"Cagalli, you are the Princess of ORB. You've attended dozens of social gatherings, and I'm sure you've developed good social skills during those experiences."
Cagalli wanted to laughed, but she restrained. Well, she could not blame him for thinking that way. She IS the Princess of ORB. But good social skills? That made her wanted to laugh uncontrobally.
Maybe I should tell him that in most of the social gatherings I've attended, I've actually STAYED AWAY from people.
"If you ask me, I think you're the perfect person for this job,"
What!
"Let me assure you one thing Athrun. Kira only suggested my name purely out of revenge, nothing more."
"But I agreed on him because I know you're the perfect person for this."
That made Cagalli mouth shut, unable to think of any word. She blushed at Athrun honest comment, however, that doesn't mean that she'll accept the job. She wanted out!
"But what about Lacus? She's a really famous public figure. I'm sure she'll make a splendid hostess." Cagalli said.
"I agree that Lacus will make a splendid hostess,"Athrun said and eyed the blonde sitting in front of him.
Cagalli flinched under his gaze, and she felt as if thousands of genetically enhanced butterflies are flying in her stomach.
"However, she is busy with the preparations for her performance. Plus, we are now in ORB. So, it is wiser to have ORB's public figure as the hostess.
He had a point there. How I hate him and his Einstein brain of his!
"But- Cagalli tried to protest.
"No buts Cagalli."
"But Athrun!"
Athrun gave Cagalli a stern look before smiling warmly at her. "Cagalli, don't worry too much. You can do it."
Cagalli stomach did another flip. She felt touched with Athrun's words. She felt like crying, but she didn't want to show him that she's weak. She didn't want anyone to know that she's weak. She tried to control herself, but she felt her control slipping away.
Cagalli's body began to shook, and Athrun who noticed this looked at her with concern. "Cagalli? What's wrong? Did I said anything that offend you? If I did, please forgive me."
Cagalli shook her head. "You did nothing wrong Athrun," her voice trembled.
"It's just- what if I make a fool of myself?"
Athrun smiled reassuringly, "You won't."
Cagalli was now on the verge of tears. How could a person who barely knew her have so much trust in her? I don't deserve his kindness.
"What if they hate me? I act unladylike, I'm not pretty.What if because of me, the festival will be a complete failure? I'll burden everyone around me."
"I'll only be a burden for you…" she sobbed.
Athrun held Cagalli's shoulder, "Princess, look at me." He instructed.
Cagalli looked up, her golden orbs drowned in Athrun emerald orbs. Tears flowed on her porcelain pink cheeks.
" You'll be fine Cagalli. Everything will be fine." Athrun assured her.
Athrun was tempted to wipe away her tears, but he knew his actions would make things more complicated.
"Believe in yourself. And if you can't do that-" Athrun stopped.
"Just trust me," he continued.
Trust you?
Athrun smiled gently at her, " Don't worry Cagalli. It'll all work out fine."
Cagalli can't explain how or why, but Athrun words seemed to sooth her. She never showed her weakness to anyone. She hated to be vulnerable. But, with Athrun…she can't even explained it herself.
For a moment, they remained staring into each other's orbs.
"Uh, well, now that that's settled, let's get to work shall we?" Athrun said, turning away from Cagalli to hide the blush on his cheeks.
'Oh. Um, okay." Cagalli stammered.
After several minutes working in awkward silence, Cagalli finally regained her usual fiery spirit.
"You told me to trust you Zala, and I'm willing to take that gamble. If you ever break the trust, I assure you'll be six-feet under by the end of the festival." Cagalli warned.
Athrun chuckled, "I'll keep that in mind Your Highness."
"And, don't mention to another soul that I've nearly cried today," Cagalli warned.
Nearly cried? She was crying like a helpless child just a minute ago!
Cagalli gave Athrun a glare, and Athrun laughed heartily.
'Don't worry Cagalli, this will be our little secret."
END CHAPTER
I promised there will be lots AsuCaga interractions in this chapter, so how was it?Do give comments and ideas, it really inspired me to write more. And thank you so much for those who reviewed.
You guys are the coolest!
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