JC: Chapter 18 up! Thank you for the reviews! What's in store here? Read and find out and after that please don't forget to review.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed.

Will Fllay finally have the chance to apologize?

High School Life

Phase 18: Just another day

Cagalli was busy studying for the Mid-term exam tomorrow. She has just finished Science and now she's off to Math. As expected she's having a hard time as usual and it was driving her crazy.

"I hate MATH!" screamed Cagalli.

Her voice was so loud that it even reached outside. At that time Athrun was standing in front of her house. He giggled a bit. He could tell that Cagalli was having trouble. He walked up to the door and knocked. Soon Mrs. Athha opened the door and greeted Athrun. He greeted her properly and went in. He climbed up the stairs and brought himself to Cagalli's door. He slowly turned the door knob and entered. When he saw the room, it was a mess! Papers were all over the floor, the bed was filled with notebooks and textbooks, and the bed side table was tipped over. It felt like a tornado came to the room. He directed his sight at the blonde who was busy studying at her desk. It seemed like that Cagalli has yet to notice that he was there. Cagalli was really losing her patience. She was steaming up because she couldn't answer some equations. She kept mumbling to herself and scratching her head in frustration. Suddenly a pair of hands covered her eyes- it startled her.

"Hey! Get you hands off of me!" Cagalli demanded.

"Guess who?" Athrun said playfully.

By the sound of his voice, Cagalli knew right away who it was... That calm and warm voice could only belong to one person. She smiled. She quickly stood and turned around. In an instant she pounced on Athrun, bringing him to the floor.

"Athrun, I'm so glad you're here!" Cagalli told him.

"Yeah me too," said Athrun, "Could you get off of me now?"

Realizing their current position, Cagalli blushed furiously and removed herself on top oh him. She apologized for her sudden outburst. Athrun laughed lightly. He placed his hand on top of her head. Cagalli turned at him and smiled.

"You're having trouble in MATH again huh?" Athrun asked.

Cagalli simply nodded her head, "Can you help me?"

Athrun smiled mischievously, "under one condition..." Athrun placed his finger on her lips. "You have to kiss me first."

She grabbed his hand and removed it from her lips. She leaned forward and kissed him sweetly. After a while they parted and stared at each other.

"Are you satisfied now?" Cagalli asked.

"Yeah, I am." Athrun replied.

Dominion High

Shinn was walking to his room until Kai grabbed him and gave rubbed his head. By time he was released, his black hair was totally messed up. He glared at Kai with those fierce red eyes. But Kai just laughed out. He was prepared to run away but Shinn seemed to have no intention of chasing him this time. Instead Shinn just stared at him confusingly.

"What's the matter with you Shinn?" Kai asked.

"You look so happy now," replied Shinn, "That's good."

"Well I'm over with my crush with Cagalli. I know she will never learn to love me." Kai said. "Besides I'm in love with someone else now."

"Eh? Who is the girl? Is it somebody I know?" Shinn questioned.

"It's a secret." Kai said.

Shinn immediately gave him a headlock. He seriously want to know who his best friend was falling for now. But Kai wouldn't spill the beans so Shinn tightened his grip around his neck.

"I... can't breathe..." Kai murmured.

"Tell me!" Shinn demanded.

"It's Jean... Jean Corda!" Kai admitted.

Kai was released. He gasped for air. Shinn was going to murder him if he didn't talk. Sheesh, a guy can't a secret now can't he? But Shinn had the right to know since he was after all his best friend so be it. Shinn patted him hard on the back which made Kai coughed.

"Stop that Shinn!" Kai told him.

"Sorry," said Shinn, "I just can't believe it. You're in love with Jean. She looks like a nice girl."

"Are you kidding me? She's totally kind and sweet!" Kai added.

Shinn felt relief that Kai was back to his old but annoying self again. Kai glanced at his watch and realized that it was almost time for class.

"Let's go now Shinn or we'll be late. We still have a test." Kai said.

Kai started walking away and Shinn followed afterwards.

Minerva High

Cagalli stretched out her hands up high and sighed in relief. The Mid-terms exams were finally over. She swore that the tests were going to make her head pop! English was a piece of cake, Science was easy to deal with and surprisingly she didn't have a hard time in Math. She had Athrun to thank. If it wasn't for him, then she could've failed. She glanced momentarily at Athrun who was busying himself by scribbling something on his notebook. Unknown to her, he was writing Cagalli's name all over the page.

The blonde approached her boyfriend. First she thanked him for tutoring her and then she invited him to eat ice cream with her, of course her treat. Athrun immediately agreed. He packed up this stuff into his bag. He stood and gently took Cagalli hand. He lifted it up and placed a light kiss on it. Cagalli blushed suddenly in the process. He brought her hand close to his heart as he gazed upon her golden brown orbs. Cagalli stood in silence yet she felt amazed on how romantic and sweet Athrun could be. He's the almost-perfect guy and Cagalli felt so lucky to love him.

Suddenly, Cagalli just remembered the ice cream shop, "Oh shoot! I was supposed to treat you! Come one let's go!", so she instantly pulled Athrun and took off.

Kira sighed seeing the two left, "It was getting interesting," said Kira.

"Those two are so sweet," added Lacus who seated herself beside Kira. "They're just perfect for each other."

Kira glanced at his pink haired girlfriend, "You know we're perfect for each other too."

Lacus nodded her head in agreement, "Of course we are."

Room 1-B

It was already 5 PM. Jean was still in her classroom, cleaning since it was her turn to do it. She felt kind of bored being there all alone with no one to talk to. She wished that she could be joining Cagalli and the others right now but it was her responsibility to clean so be it. When she was done mopping the floors, she grabbed the rag and started cleaning the windows. She took notice of the students from below. Some of them were chatting, some were playing and some were even dating. The couple caught her attention the most. She pictured herself back at the beach with Kai. Where she held him in his arms to comfort him in his time of sadness... Kai plagued her mind from that day forward. She admired him oh so much. Sure, he could be annoying sometimes but he's really a very nice and kind-hearted guy. His personality is mostly likable. Jean wanted to see him again, to see if he's all right now but mostly she just wants to be near him.

"Kai... I... love you..." Jean muttered.

Suddenly the door slid wide open. Jean got startled a bit but she didn't scream. She slowly turned to the door and saw a familiar figure. She thought it was Fllay at first but as she walked closer she recognized it to be Meyrin.

The Fllay look alike let out a warm and friend smile, "Hi Jean!" greeted Meyrin.

"Miss Meyrin, what are you doing here?" Jean asked.

Okay the word Miss bothered the pigtailed girl. She put on a pissed face and glared at Jean. "Just call me Meyrin okay? We're just the same age and you're not lower than me."

Jean nodded, "I'm sorry it's just that I'm use to calling people like that to show respect."

"Meyrin sounds fine to me okay and don't try to call me by my last name either." Mey added.

"Yes, I got it!" Jean replied. "So what brings you here?"

Meyrin seated herself on top of the teacher's table. She glanced around the room. She noticed that it was so clean. Jean really did a good job. She turned back at Jean. She crossed her arms and said, "I just wanted to see you." Jean was a bit surprised at this. Meyrin wanted to see her for what reason? Jean looked puzzled. Meyrin let out a small laugh, "I never did get the chance to say this before but can you be friend?" Jean's jaw dropped. She heard it right. Meyrin wanted to be friends with her but aren't they already friends? Jean blinked several times. She started turning her head, looking sideways, up and down- okay beginning to feel dizzy here. Meyrin laughed some more. She got off the table and walked towards Jean. She placed a hand on her shoulder and showed a kind expression on her face. "What I really meant was to be more than friends... as in best of friends." Meyrin told her hoping that Jean would comply. Jean could see the sincerity in Meyrin's eyes so with a grin, she nodded her head. Meyrin jumped for joy like a little girl who got a new doll.

Still, Jean wondered why this all of a sudden? Meyrin just told her that she could see Jean as a very kind person. She could feel a good aura surrounding the green-eyed girl. Meyrin had a knack for making friends with people whom she was comfortable with and Jean was one of them.

Music Room

In this quiet night,

I'm waiting for you

Forgetting the past,

And dreaming of you

Time passes by,

And memories fade

But time can't erase

The love that we made

The stars in the sky

That I wish upon

To bring you

Back to my side

Though you're not here with me

I dream of the day

We'll meet again

Hold me close...

So deep in your heart

I will find you

No matter...

"Your voice is always so angelic..."

Lacus stopped singing the minute she heard a familiar voice that came from the doorway. She turned to see Fllay Alster leaned on the wall with arms crossed in front of her. A smile was on her face and her eyes were locked on the pink princess. Lacus stood from her seat and approached the red headed girl. With a kind smile she greeted Fllay, "Hi Fllay so what are you doing here?"

Fllay let out a deep sigh. She seemed troubled. She turned away from Lacus' clear blue eyes. She set her eyes on the floor. As expected she didn't feel comfortable making eye contact with the songstress. Lacus was like the angel and she's not worthy to even stand there in the presence of such innocence. Suddenly, Lacus grabbed her hands and lifted it up. Fllay was surprised at this. Her eyes once again met Lacus' blue eyes. Lacus looked at her with sincerity. She smiled at her. Her smile was just enough to melt her heart.

"Lacus, I really hope my plans go well." Fllay said. "I don't want only to apologize to Cagalli but to Kira and Athrun too."

"That's not like you," started Lacus, "the Fllay I know has lots of confidence. Where did all you self-esteem go?"

Fllay stared at Lacus for a moment. She had to admit that Lacus was right. Fllay Alster was the girl who never doubted herself. She always believes in what she can do. Her face turned calm as a smile crept up... "Thanks Lacus..." said Fllay.

"You should be going now." Lacus said.

"Right and thanks so much," Fllay said who just ran out the door.

Ice Cream Shop

Cagalli giggled as she tasted her favorite Ice Cream. Sweets were always her weakness but she wondered how she retained her figure. She took another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. "Hmmm... It's so delicious," said Cagalli.

Athrun felt relaxed watching the blonde at her cheerful state. He noticed a speck of ice cream on her cheek. He slowly leaned forward and licked it from her face (It's like he kissed). Cagalli's face instantly turned bright red. She touched her cheek and backed away a little from Athrun that in the process she fell from her seat. She almost hit the floor- luckily he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back up. Cagalli sighed in relief. She turned to her blue-haired boyfriend and thanked him. Athrun ran his hand through her blonde locks with his emerald eyes locked onto her golden orbs. Cagalli could feel the loud beat of her heart. Athrun's face was so close to her. Slowly, Athrun pressed his lips against hers. Cagalli again felt his warmness. His aura was so soothing. From the way he kissed was heaven in her midst. Athrun also felt the same way as her.

Stellar watched them from a certain distance. They reminded her of Shinn and herself. "They're so sweet. Oh... I wish Shinn was here. But wait he may not like this sappy stuff. He may end up teasing them," Stellar thought silently.

Park

After the ice cream shop, Athrun and Cagalli went to the park. They sat on a bench under a tree. It was already 6 PM so it was quite dark already. The air was cool and the scent of the fresh cut grass was so calming.

Athrun placed his arm around Cagalli pulling her closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder. Her eyes felt heavy. She yawned a little, "I'm feeling a little sleepy."

"You did sleep late last night while studying for the test." Athrun said.

"It had to be done for the sake of passing." Cagalli said sarcastically.

"I see," Athrun replied, "You're always so carefree, cheerful, and outgoing. That's what I like about you Cagalli."

"Lacus used to tell me that," Added Cagalli.

"I'm sure Lacus told you that she loves you." Athrun said.

"Of course," replied Cagalli, "but when you say it, it comes out differently."

Athrun placed a kiss her forehead which cause her to open her eyes widely in surprise. He glanced at the blonde so intensely. "Athrun?" his name came out of her mouth. Athrun yet again pulled her into a deep hug. "I love you so much," said Athrun. They parted until they met each other's eyes. Cagalli smiled, "I love you too."

"You two seemed to be enjoying too much..." Kira said who just popped out of nowhere to intrude their moment. Cagalli quickly stood and stared at her twin in rage. She clenched a fist which intimidated the brunette boy a little. He raised his arms in surrender so he could calm the blonde down. "Just don't hit me okay," told Kira.

"Don't tell me you followed us here, Kira?" Athrun asked his best friend.

"No, I just happened to pass by." Kira replied.

"Where's Lacus?" Cagalli questioned who noticed that her best friend wasn't there.

"Gone home already," answered Kira, "why don't you two do the same?"

"What? Is Kira feeling a little jealous?" Cagalli said while poking his chest.

"No it's not like that," countered Kira, "it's getting late and you should be home now, sis!"

"Don't tell me what to do, bro and besides I'm older than you." Cagalli defended.

"But it seems like Kira is the older one." Athrun said.

"Why are you siding with him?" Cagalli angrily asked.

"No I'm not. It's just a hunch." Athrun said.

Okay, now the three of them were arguing but they ended up laughing. But their smiles disappeared when they say Fllay approaching them. Kira and Athrun went in front of Cagalli, as if protecting her from the red head girl. The boys glared at Fllay. "What do you want Alster!" asked Athrun. Fllay stopped at a certain distance from them for she was afraid that if she would get closer Athrun and Kira might kill her. She tried to avoid their stares but whenever she tried to look at Cagalli she could see a pair of purple and emerald green eyes glaring.

Fllay had to apologize. It was now or never. She faced them with full confidence and eagerness. "I want to apologize," said Fllay. Kira and Athrun just laughed at that remark. "You are apologizing? We're not going to believe you!" yelled Kira. The boy she once loves was seriously angry at her. She can't blame him for not trusting her words. But Fllay wasn't taken back at this- even though they could just kill her at that spot, she has to make them listen to what she will say.

"Go away Alster and I mean it," demanded Athrun who just showed his fist at her.

"No!" said Fllay, "I won't go until you guys listen to me!

"Do I have to fo..." muttered Kira who got cut off by Cagalli, "No Kira," She then glanced towards Athrun. "You too Athrun, we have to give her a chance to speak out," said Cagalli with a calm expression on her face. She walked towards Fllay and told, "Go ahead, my ears are listening." Fllay smiled at the blonde. She briskly nodded her head and unexpectedly she kneeled down before Cagalli. The blonde was quite surprised at this, even Kira and Athrun too.

"Fllay?" asked Cagalli. "What are you doing?"

"I'm so sorry Athha!" started Fllay as tears appeared in her eyes. "I really didn't mean to push you. I got carried away. I felt so guilty from that day on. I couldn't even sleep or eat properly because you haunted my mind every single day. I want to release the guilt in my heart so I'm begging for your forgiveness!" Fllay burst out with tears. She buried her face in her hands as she sobbed. "I'm sorry," continued Fllay, "I'm really am sorry."

For the first time in her life Cagalli has never seen this side of Fllay before. The red head girl that she hates more than anyone was crying and saying sorry. That really took guts and Fllay had many. Cagalli felt really sorry. She sighed deeply. She bent down to her level and placed both hands on her shoulder's. Fllay slowly removed her hands from her face. Her eyes met Cagalli's golden brown ones. She could see the sincerity and kindness Cagalli had in her eyes. It was similar to Lacus but it felt differently.

"Athha?" asked Fllay who was still crying. "I can see that you really meant it. Seeing you like this, it's just like your not being yourself. This isn't really the Fllay I knew who was bossy, rude, and selfish." Cagalli told her. Fllay turned her sights to the ground. More tears came out and stained her pink dress that she was wearing. She narrowed her eyes as she hugged herself. "So will you forgive me?" asked Fllay with a bit of hesitation. Cagalli patted her shoulder and said, "Yeah I will, so stop crying and go back to your normal self." Fllay turned to Cagalli as her tear stained eyes widened in surprise- Cagalli forgave her so a smile came to her face. Overjoyed by this, she hugged the blonde without even thinking. "Thanks so much!" yelled Fllay. "Uh... No problem," replied Cagalli.

"Wait," said Kira, "hold it right there." The two girls face Kira who was seriously glaring at Fllay. "You just forgave her and that's it! I mean Fllay almost killed you Cagalli. Doesn't that concern you one bit!" Kira told his blonde twin.

Cagalli stood and approached her brother. "I know that but she said that she was sorry. It's just a matter of forgive and forget." She explained.

"But Cagalli," stated Athrun, "What if she's just acting?"

"No she's not! I can see it in her eyes that she's telling the truth." Cagalli said.

Athrun and Kira looked at each other then back at Fllay. "Okay, since my sister has forgiven you then I should forgive you as well," told Kira who just crossed his arms. "It's fine with me too," added Athrun.

Fllay rose from the ground in an instant. She clasped her hands and smiled. "Thank you very much Kira and Zala! I'm so glad." Fllay said. She pulled something from her pocket. It was tickets to an Onsen bath. She handed three of them to Cagalli. The three stared curiously at the tickets that Cagalli was now holding in her palm.

"In case you're wondering, I'm offering you free tickets to the Alster Onsen bath. I also gave one to Lacus as well. Consider it as a gift to all of you." Fllay explained.

"What!" the boys shouted all of a sudden.

"You're giving this," said Cagalli, "to us for free?"

"Of course," replied Fllay, "I have to make it up to you guys for all the mean things that I've done."

"Are you serious about this?" asked Athrun who still couldn't believe it.

Fllay nodded her head at them. "Let's see Kira and Lacus, and Cagalli and Athrun- all right this is a double date! I'll make sure that it goes perfectly!" Fllay raised her hand in the air. "Don't worry the staff there will take good care of you... I just need to tell them to make your day a memorable one." Fllay giggled a bit.

"Hold up! You're not going to be with us?" asked Cagalli who was feeling a little anxious. "Nope, I have some better things to do than just be in your way! Like I said this is a form of a double date so there!"

Fllay started running off but she stopped momentarily to wave goodbye. "Later guys!" she said and she took off.

"Wow!" said Cagalli, "that happened so fast."

"I agree with you." Kira added.

"Same here but about the onsen, I think it's going to be great for the four of us to be together." Athrun said.

"You're right! I'm pretty excited as well." Cagalli said.

To be continued...

JC: Fllay apologizing nicely- I know she's totally out of character here but bear with me. She's going back to her old self in the next chapter but she's not up to her dirty tricks again. Anyway I want reviews and I don't need Flames.

A day in the onsen bath... What will happen there?

Kai and Jean moments next chapter.