JC: I'm very sorry for the late update. Thanks for the reviews. They mean so much to me. Now I present you all Chapter 14.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed.

Will Athrun reveal his true feelings to Cagalli?

High School Life

Phase 14: Valentine Day's Mayhem

The alarm clock rang. It was already 6:30 AM, time for someone to get out of bed to go to school. But Cagalli was just too lazy to wake up since it was the day she hated the most. It was Valentine Day. The name Valentine just sickened her. For Cagalli it was a day of chaos. The alarm clock kept ringing which really started to get on her nerves. She lifted her head. She suddenly banged her fist on the alarm clock and it almost broke if not for her controllable strength. She jumped out of bed and sighed. She opened the curtains and viewed the bright blue sky. It was such a nice day but she was sure trouble has yet to come.

"I wish I was sick today so I won't go to school." Cagalli complained.

A knock came to her bedroom door. She opened the door that revealed her mother. Her mother gave her a fierce glare. Cagalli backed away a little. The glare intimidated her a little. Her mother was giving her the "You're going to school whether you like it or not" stare. She knew Cagalli too well.

"Don't try to pretend you're sick today like you did last year."

"No! Don't worry mother I'll go to school."

It seemed like Cagalli had no chance of escaping. She totally doesn't want to go. Well... life must go on... so she took a quick shower and got dressed. As she put on her wristbands her eyes caught sight of the picture frame beside her bed. It was the picture of the twins being held by her real mother. A small smile was made on her face.

"Mother... I finally found my brother. He got your eyes and maybe the personality too." Cagalli murmured.

Cagalli hurried out of the room since she noticed that she was running late. She ran down the stair like a stomping giant. Her mother heard the loud thuds. She stepped out of the kitchen and managed to grab Cagalli's wrist. Cagalli turned to her mother.

"What now!"

"Breakfast now!"

"But mom I'm going to be..."

"Eat!"

Defeated by her own mother, she marched right to the dining table and sat down. When the food was set on the table Cagalli quickly gobbled it up as if she hasn't eaten in days. For a sporty girl like her she sure can eat fast.

Minerva High

Fllay opened her locker. She peeped inside and saw so many Valentine cards, chocolates, and letters. Her friend just felt envious about it. Of course...Fllay is really popular plus she's into cheerleading so the boys would just drool watching her perform. Fllay was used to getting so many gifts for Valentine. It seemed like the half of the boys in school gave her the gifts.

"Wow Fllay can I have one of the chocolates?"

"Of course you can Mica... There's plenty."

Kira just happened to pass by which made Fllay giggly all over.

"Hi there!"

She greeted but Kira ignored her. Okay that was just plain rude to ignore a girl like that but for Kira's case it's acceptable since it was just Fllay. He still hasn't forget how mean Fllay was to Lacus, to his girlfriend. Fllay couldn't just stand being ignored especially not by a cute guy so she walked right in front of him.

"Is Kira still mad at me?"

"Fllay please... Lacus is waiting for me."

Kira had a serious expression on his face. He walked pass her without saying another word. Ouch! She felt like her heart been shattered into tiny pieces. Her eyes narrowed as her fists were clenched tightly. Lacus came into her mind. The more she thought about the pink princess and her beloved Kira together, the more it angered her. Yes it was jealousy.

Dominion High

Valentine Day is not really Shinn's favorite day but for Stellar he's willing to make an exception. He was currently walking towards his room holding a box of chocolates in his right hand. For the first time in his entire life, he was actually giving a gift to someone on Valentine Day. Stellar was very special to him. She's Shinn's dream girl for crying out loud. She's the only one who can make him clumsy... blushed like crazy... and act so nice to... others. Finally he arrived at his destination. He felt so nervous at the moment. With head high and heart up, he opened the door and entered. He saw Stellar, quietly reading a book about a love story. He began to tremble as if he felt a ghost passed by.

"There she is... Gulp Okay Shinn you can do this." He thought.

He slowly approached Stellar. He opened his mouth but no words came out. Just looking at her made him soften like a jelly. He almost dropped his box which caught Stellar's attention.

"Hi Shinn! Happy Valentine Day!" Stellar said.

"Ha...ppy... Valentine... Stellar..." Shinn replied tensely.

Shinn lightly blushed... curses himself again for blushing in front of Stellar. He couldn't help it. Stellar is just so... cute! He almost forgot about the chocolates. He handed it to her.

"Wow I love chocolates! Is this really for me?"

Shinn nodded his head. Stellar opened the box and ate one. The luscious taste of the sweet caramel chocolate enlightened her so much. She turned to Shinn with pleased look on her face.

"Thank you Shinn."

"Um... Yeah... Stellar I wanted to ask you something..."

"What is it?"

"Would like to go..."

Before Shinn could finish, Kai startled him from behind. He almost jumped out of the window. Kai up to his tricks again couldn't help but laugh at his red-eyed friend. You know what happens when Kai pulls a fast one on Shinn... Of course he got angry and started chasing Kai around the classroom.

"I'm going to murder you this time!"

"I would like to see you try."

Stellar started laughing. It was quite entertaining to watch the two friends fight. Even though they were like that, deep down, they would still care for each other.

Minerva High

"Not again!" Cagalli yelled.

"Wow! Your locker is full of letters." Kira pointed out.

"Mine is stocked too." Lacus added.

"You girls are really popular." Athrun said.

"It sometimes pains to be popular. Just look at all these letters." Cagalli told him.

One of the many reasons Cagalli hates Valentine it's because of the tons of letter her admirers give her.

"I think its sweet..." Lacus said.

"Well I think these letters are just a bunch of thrash to me." Cagalli added.

Cagalli loudly closed her locker door. She crossed her arms and leaned her back on the locker. She made a frustrating look on her face. Who wouldn't be piss? She had to read all those letters later and if she could she would throw them all in the waste bin. On the other hand, the pink princess enjoyed getting gifts as much as Fllay does. She started reading a letter from anonymous. But she was stopped by Kira who had something to give her.

"Here you go Lacus." Kira said.

He handed a small velvet box to her. Lacus wondered what was inside the box. Hopefully it's not a proposal ring since they were too young to get married. Lacus opened the box. It revealed a golden curve hairpin. Lacus gasped in surprise to see such a shiny thing. She turned to Kira with an appreciated look. Kira smiled back at her. She took the hairpin and placed it on her pink hair.

"It looks good on you Lacus." Kira said.

"Thank you very much Kira." Lacus answered.

Cagalli couldn't help feel a little envious towards her twin brother. Who wouldn't be? Your girlfriend is the most beautiful and kindest girl in the whole school so Kira's so lucky to have her. Still she was quite satisfied seeing the two of them act so sweetly.

Athrun also wanted to give something to Cagalli but because of his darn shyness he hesitated. He glanced at the gift in his hand which was a ring. He was a bit afraid that Cagalli wouldn't like it since she has been complaining about Valentine. She was just standing right beside him so he convinced himself to give it try.

"Cagalli... I" Athrun spoke.

But before he said anything a group of boys rushed in on them. They were all holding love letters. They quickly surrounded Cagalli and Lacus like a bunch of bumblebees.

"I was expecting this." Cagalli murmured.

"Stop complaining and let's just enjoy this. Valentine only lasts a day." Lacus whispered.

Gosh, the boys were persistent. Most of them were trying to ask them out on a date. They were getting on Cagalli's last nerves. She could just chase them away for all she cared but Lacus pulled her back. Left with no other choice, the blonde deeply sighed.

"This day couldn't get any worse." Cagalli thought.

Kira and Athrun watched the two girls handle the group of boys with ease. They were sort of use to all that attention so it was no big deal for them. They knew how popular Cagalli and Lacus were but they really didn't think that they can really make boys go gaga for them. Any boy can fall for the pink-princess, Lacus Clyne since she's like the perfect girl in the eyes of men and especially for Kira. In Cagalli's case, boys admire her for her overwhelming cuteness and her talent in sports. Even though Cagalli had a tomboyish personality the boys were attracted to her.

Athrun hid the ring seeing that Cagalli was still busy handling the boys. He decided to give it later when they're alone. Jean arrived and greeted the two best friends. She wore a smile on her face meaning that she's in a very good mood.

"Hi Zala! Hi Yamato! Happy Valentine Day!" Jean said.

"Good morning Jean." Athrun and Kira said at the same time.

Jean noticed the pack of wolves surrounding her two popular friends.

"As expected... Every one of those single boys is trying to ask your girls out. Make sure they won't go with neither of them." Jean told them.

"Don't worry Lacus promised me yesterday to a date after class." Kira said.

" A date! That's so sweet. I hope you two will have a good time." Jean then turned to Athrun.

He was a bit spaced out as he sets eyes on the blonde girl. Jean nudged his elbow to call his attention. Athrun glanced at Jean.

"So did you give it already? Did you tell her that you love her so much?" Jean asked.

She was persistent. He couldn't blame her for being anxious for him and Cagalli. She's like a match maker and according to her Cagalli is the best girl for Athrun. Of course he highly believed that... Cagalli meant so much to him. But right now his beloved blonde girl is being annoyed by those giggling admirers and it made him feel a little jealous. What more if it were Kai? Athrun shudder the mere thought of him.

"Hey I'm asking you Zala!" Jean yelled.

Athrun has yet to answer her question so Jean got pissed. Athrun apologized for the hold up. He pulled out the ring from his pocket and showed it to Jean.

"Wow! It's great! I know that kind of ring. It's a promise ring right?" Jean told him.

He silently nodded his head.

"Give it to her this instant." Jean demanded.

"What! As in right now! No way! She's a little busy at the moment." Athrun replied.

He glanced back at Cagalli who seemed to be running out of patience. He wanted to charge into the crowd and take her away but if he does that he may get in trouble.

Jean realized that Athrun was too timid even to move so a plan came into her mind.

"Zala please head out to the gym."

"What? Why?"

"I'll tell Athha to meet you there."

"Eh... Okay then." Athrun took off immediately.

She called Lacus' attention by waving her hand. Lacus turned her head at Jean. Jean started moving her lips as if she were talking only no sounds came out. She was telling her that Athrun wanted some time alone with Cagalli and that he's waiting at the gym. Lacus knew how to read lips a little so she got the message.

"Cagalli, didn't you tell me that you still have some work to do?" Lacus said.

"Huh!" said Cagalli. "What are you talking about?"

Lacus pulled Cagalli a little closer so she could whisper in her ear.

"Athrun wants to talk to you. He's in the gym. I'm trying to make an excuse so you can get out this crowd." Lacus explained.

"Okay." Cagalli replied. "Yes I still have some research work."

"But Ms. Cagalli we still didn't give you our letters?" one guy from the middle of the line told her.

"Just slip them in my locker. Well I better go now!" Cagalli said.

"Ms. Cagalli!" Her admirers yelled.

Okay that sounded so annoying for her but she tried her best to control her patience. She turned to the boys with a false smile on her face.

"I'm really grateful for all the letters and I promise to read them later. I really have to go now!" Cagalli said.

She started running away. What a relief! Finally she got away from those boys and it's all thanks to Lacus' help.

Meanwhile Kira sneaked Lacus away from them while they turned their heads a second ago. He couldn't stand so many boys so close to his pink-haired girlfriend. Of course as her boyfriend, he was a bit protective.

Gym

Her heart pounded so loudly. Her hands turned cold. She felt little edgy. She kept thinking why Athrun wanted to talk to her alone and of all places in the Gym. A sweet memory from that place was planted in her head. The time that Athrun and her accidentally kissed. Her cheeks burned in crimson red. Her right hand reached for the door. She was a bit hesitant to enter but Athrun was waiting for her. She slowly slid the door wide open. She took a deep breathe to help her calm down a bit. She walked into the gym.

"Are you here?" Cagalli asked.

Suddenly someone sneaked up on her. He gave her quite a surprise that she almost broke down with a heart attack.

"I'm sorry about that."

That voice... It belonged to Athrun. Her head slowly turned to the blue-haired guy. She raised a hand and waved at him.

"Hi... Athrun... You wanted to talk to me?"

Athrun looked away. His cheeks burned in redness. Silence surrounded them. With the feeling of awkwardness inside of them, they hesitated to even utter a word.

Cagalli decided to break the silence between them. She glared at Athrun. She was a bit irritated for telling her to meet him and do nothing. With an eyebrow raised and arms crossed, she questioned Athrun.

"Okay what is this all about?"

"I... well um..."

"Athrun, what's the heck is wrong with you? You're acting so strange all of the sudden."

"I'm sorry it's just that I..."

"What is it?"

His heart was telling him to go for it but his mind said the opposite. He was confused to whether to follow his heart or his mind. He couldn't decide. But then Jean just popped into his head. She reminded him to be confident. Now his all set, he was ready to give it to Cagalli. He glanced at the blonde with great determination. His emerald green eyes were locked into her golden orbs. Sudden feelings of love and passion overwhelmed him. He gently lifted Cagalli's hand and placed a small peck on it.

"Athrun..."

She was blushing madly now. Her face was redder than a red traffic light... if she wanted she could pose one already. She knew Athrun could be so sweet sometimes but she would never have guessed that he was so much like a knight. She just felt like a real princess at that moment.

Athrun ran his hands through her golden locks to her smooth and silky face. He giggled at the sight of those burning red cheeks. He removed his hand from her. It made its way to his pocket where the ring was. He pulled it out and slipped it on Cagalli's ring finger.

"Huh!" gasped Cagalli. "Hold on a sec! Is this a proposal but Athrun were too young..."

He expected for her to say that. It really looked like a proposal but Athrun assured her it was not.

"But what's with the ring?" Cagalli asked.

"It's a promise ring." Athrun briefly replied.

Cagalli stared at him oddly. A promise ring he said... it came to her mind that it was his valentine present for her but she felt a little different about Athrun. Unexpectedly she was pulled into warm embrace, his arms wrapped securely around her. Her eyes widened in surprise... Not knowing how to react, not knowing what to say, Cagalli just enjoyed the moment.

"I love you..."

Three simple words were released from his mouth. He uttered it so softly... she couldn't believe it... Athrun loves her... That's what she heard... I love you...

"That ring is the symbol of my promise to love you forever."

She hugged him back. She faced Athrun as tears of joy fell from her golden orbs. He smiled and wiped the tears with his thumb. He leaned forward and kissed her so passionately. They broke for air, still not taking eyes off of each other. Cagalli grinned...

"You really know how to charm a girl..." laughed Cagalli. "I love you too Athrun..."

Without having second thoughts they kissed each other again but this time Cagalli was prepared for it.

"Yes!" Someone shouted.

Athrun and Cagalli heard the voice which sounded very familiar. They peeked outside and found Jean. It seemed like that she was spying on them. Jean was rather prepared for their scolding but instead she received compliments from them.

"Thank you Jean! If it weren't for you I wouldn't have the guts to tell Cagalli how I feel." Athrun said.

"Um... Well you were so slow and I really had to do something." Jean scratched her head feeling tongue-tied at the moment.

"You knew all along that Athrun was crushing on me." Cagalli pointed out.

"Sorry... It was a secret and Zala would kill me if I told you," exclaimed Jean. "Even so I'm happy for the both of you. Athha you must feel pretty good right now."

"Well yeah of course..." said Cagalli. "Do me a favor will you, stop calling us by our last names."

"Eh... Um... Well I'm..."

"Jean you're our friend so please..."

The red-headed girl faced them with a smile. She nodded her head and swore that from now on she'll call them by their first names.

Dominion High

Only a few minutes left until class is dismissed. Shinn was getting excited since he's going on a date with Stellar. He managed to tell her even Kai kept butting in. Shinn took a quick glimpse at Stellar. He could feel his heart being swallowed by his emotions for her.

"Stellar... I'm going to say it for sure." Shinn thought.

On the other hand Kai was anxious himself. He was planning to see Cagalli and asked her out on a date. The bell finally rang. Kai grabbed his bag pack and left in a hurry. He ran as fast as he could to reach to Minerva High in time.

"Wait for me Cagalli..." He thought.

Minerva High

He leaned at the nearby wall trying to catch his breathe. He was exhausted from all that running considering the long distance from his school. But he could careless of the place if it's to see Cagalli then he would do anything.

"I wish Cagalli would show up... I want to see her real bad." Kai murmured.

It was taking longer than he thought. He glanced around to see any signs of Cagalli but not even her shadow could be seen. Tired of standing around, he went into the school. Luckily, he remembered where Cagalli's classroom was.

"Okay time to find her." He said.

He climbed up the stairs, trying not to get distracted by the cute girls passing by. He reached the 2nd floor where the 1st year's rooms were. The place had a similar structure to his school. He looked around a bit and continued down the hallways. Finally, he reached room 1-d. A smile appeared on his face- at last he will see his lovely blonde crush.

He reached for the door and in a flash he slid the door open. Instead of seeing Cagalli's cheerful face, he saw something else which left him in quite a shock. At that moment he witnessed Athrun and Cagalli hugging each other. A heavy but painful sting came to his heart. It was like his heart was being pricked by thousands of needles. He slowly backed away pretending that he saw nothing. But it was just nothing for it was now printed on his mind- a memory he wanted to forget. A tear fell out from his eye, and then he ran as fast as he could.

"Cagalli... I," he murmured, "Dammed!"

"See you tomorrow, Athrun!" Cagalli said.

"Take care Cagalli." Athrun replied.

Athrun waved his hand. He took one last glimpse at his new girlfriend. He smiled and uttered "I love you..." in the end. He started walking away.

Cagalli watched him as she walked farther until he disappeared from sight. She leaned her back on the wall. She let out a deep sigh. Well... she had to admit that it was the best valentine that she ever had. Her previous ones were just too chaotic, like being chase by boys, finding mountains of letter in her locker, and sniggering girls asking her for some advice. Ack! Imagine her giving out pointers on love life... No way! Lacus would be more suitable for that kind of thing but her... no!

"Hi there Cagalli!"

"That voice," mumbled Cagalli, "Don't tell me it's..."

She turned around hoping that it wasn't the person who she though it was... but apparently it was. It was none other than Fllay Alster.

"What do you want?" Cagalli shrugged.

"You know I've received a lot of Valentine gifts today from the boys," said Fllay, "I'm sure you have lots too."

"As if you care, Alster... If you want to pick a fight with me then I'm not in the mood for it."

"No, it's not like that. I want to be friends with you."

"What!"

To be continued...

JC: Next chapter will be updated soon... I apologize again if it's late... I have little time to write this. Oh yeah... Please don't forget to review and no flaming! Arigato in advance!

Next on Gundam Seed: High school life, Tragedy.