As promised, this is the start of something new! And someone does start dating… Hmm I wonder who?
Kira and Lacus froze, too stunned to even blink. Did they... Did they really just do that?
"Ho-hold it guys. You're gotta be kidding me." Kira interrupted. Athrun and Cagalli who were still shooting each other arrogant glares, turned to him.
"Oh no Kira. I'm dead serious." Cagalli frowned.
"Same here. It seems to me that someone needs to learn a lesson in head deflation." Athrun added.
"But... guys. You can't seriously mean that." Lacus urged. Athrun and Cagalli both nodded in finality.
Lacus sighed sadly, along with Kira. "Well, it's a pretty vague bet then. Let's at least make some rules, okay?" Kira suggested. If they were going to try to tear each other's pride to shreds, they may as well have some limits.
"Sounds fine. Let's a piece of paper so we can write these down." Cagalli said, reaching for her notebook. All four of them sat on the floor.
"Okay, first of all, time limits." Kira started. "You guys can't string this along forever."
"But that's not fair." Athrun protested. "I take more classes then her. I'll have less time to meet people."
Cagalli snorted. "Please. If anything, you'll see more people that you're familiar with. It makes things EASIER for you. I'll be seeing complete strangers."
"Fine." Lacus interrupted. "Forget that for now. Set a time length."
Athrun and Cagalli spoke simultaneously…. Only very different amounts of time. Athrun had said "two months" and Cagalli had said "a week"
"We'll pass on that too…" Kira sighed, noting down to come back to it. "Next, how are we going to monitor this?"
The conversation continued for a good hour, with suggestions, interruptions, protests, demands, compromises and finally, disgruntled give-ins. The end product was something that all were able to say they were satisfied with: proof in the fact that all four names had signed the piece of paper at the bottom. Directly above their names, written in Kira's careful handwriting, were the terms that had been set:
The following rules will apply for the two week duration, for which Athrun and Cagalli's wager will be valid.
OBJECTIVE: The person that can secure a steady relationship, or at least appear to be embarking upon what could be a promising relationship, in the shortest time possible will be declared the winner.
1) The winner must be determined, within two weeks. NO EXCEPTIONS! (The "two weeks" was written on top, after a number of scribbles, cross-outs and arguments)
2) If by the end of two weeks, neither person has succeeded, or the judges determine that they are equal, then they are both considered losers. In such a circumstance, the judges will be allowed to dare their respective person. (Kira and Lacus have draw smiley faces.)
3) The judges will be Kira and Lacus, for Athrun and Cagalli, respectively. (More smiley faces)
4) The judges may not exchange information secretly to each other, regarding the person they are monitoring. ("Even if they are dating!" had been hastily added in Cagalli's handwriting and underlined several times by Athrun.)
5) Judges are free to advise their respective person. ("In fact... they are encouraged" Had been added by a somewhat desperate Athrun, and Cagalli who though rolled her eyes, secretly supported this rule zealously)
6) The contestants may not tell anyone about this bet, and may only speak of it to others involved. If either contestant violates this rule, they immediately forfeit the bet and consequently, lose. ("Of course this rule is no concern for the great Cagalli Yula Attha" had been scribbled beside this rule. A "Nor for Athrun Zala!" had also been tacked on)
7) Participants may refuse a date at any time; however they may not walk out in the middle of a date.
8) Participants are not permitted to fake their feelings for the sake of winning this bet. They must genuinely have some feeling for the person with whom they are in a relationship, in order for it to count as a relationship. In other words, if you hate the person and are only sticking with them because you want to win... no dice. ("The judges can tell.. so don't try hiding it" had been added in Lacus' neat and flowery handwriting. "THAT'S RIGHT!" had been added by Kira, in capital letters.)
9) NO SABOTAGE! (Cagalli drew a frowny face)
10) If any person who signs this paper violates any of the rules (another frowny face), with the exception of rule number 6 (which has a separate penalty) they are punishable by a dare from each of the three other people who sign this paper.
11) Finally, for each date that a contestant goes on, they are required to report it to their judge, for analysis. Following this, they may or may not be requested to report the date to the rest of the group. (There are marks around the last sentence, as both Cagalli and Athrun had struggled to cross it out.)
12) The contest will begin at the start of Spring break, which lasts 2 weeks exactly. Preparations may be made prior to the start... however no dating or action may be taken until Spring break begins.
We hereby certify that we agree to these rules and are susceptible to the full extent of the punishments specified.
Mr.Kira Yamato and Mr.Athrun Zala as well as Ms.Cagalli Yula Attha and Ms.Lacus Clyne.
Cagalli stood up and stretched. "Sounds good to me. Personally I think the game would be a bit more fun WITH the sabotage, but whatever."
The three on the floor smiled lightly at her.
"So we all agree to these, right guys?" Kira checked.
"We signed the paper didn't we?" Cagalli retorted sarcastically. "Well I'm spent and need sleep, so get out of my house. Night guys!" She then proceeded to march off to her room, fully expecting them to show themselves out.
Athrun and Lacus blinked and stared. Kira chuckled and started to gather his stuff.
"What a productive study session this was..." Lacus joked lightly. "I can't wait for Spring break now!"
Suddenly Cagalli poked her head out of her room. "Hey! I expect you guys to have cleared out in an hour! And if I find ANY of you in my bed tomorrow with ANYONE's else's clothes on, I'll wring your neck!"
Athrun blinked, holding his briefcase in mid-air. Lacus stopped gathering plates. Kira stopped, just about to shove another binder into his bag. Then turned their head slowly, eyes locking as if secretly passing messages to one another.
And they made a mad dash for the door.
Athrun flopped back on the sofa. He and Kira had returned to their dorm, just after dropping off Lacus. Burying his head in his hands... he let out a tortured moan. Kira went to the fridge and took out a cup of yogurt, immediately starting to eat it.
"Kira, what the hell have I done! I can't do this!" He cried.
"Would you rather be at the mercy of Cagalli and her dare?" Kira questioned mirthfully. He wore a sloppy amused grin on his face. Athrun looked up with a glare.
"Don't mess around with me Kira. I'm completely screwed! I've never been on a date before!"
"Neither has she."
"What!" Athrun exclaimed in surprise.
"She hasn't really either. She's had offers... but she's too shy." Kira continued, with a spoon in his mouth. Taking a moment to swallow, he thought for a moment. "If anything, you've got the advantage."
Athrun raised a curious eyebrow. "Explain."
Chucking the now empty yogurt cup into the trash and tossing the spoon into the sink, he motioned for Athrun to follow him. Leading Athrun into his bedroom, he sat down in front of his computer and brought up a search window. Then, he typed in "Athrun Zala"
Athrun blinked. "What the hell? How is this supposed to help me?"
"Hold on." Kira mumbled. "Ah! Here it is!"
He clicked on a link, and suddenly a webpage popped up, titled "Athrun Zala fans!"
Athrun almost fainted and Kira got up to allow him to sit down. "You... you're kidding me!" Athrun stared at the screen.
"Nope. Your fans made you a website. How nice, huh?" Kira teased. "Now... over there. Under members. Yeah click that. That's a list of all the current members. All of them would gladly go out with you. So... take your pick!"
Athrun turned his head and glared at Kira. "Are you insane? I don't know these people! I CAN'T JUST ASK THEM OUT!"
"But all of them like you. There's bound to be one that's somewhat sane." Kira encouraged. "Go on! Pick one! That one there! The newest member!" He grinned, slapping Athrun on the back.
Athrun stared weakly at the screen. "All right man... if you say so."
The last days before spring break progressed quickly. Despite not having a fanclub, Cagalli did also secure a date. Athrun was set to go out the first day of spring break, and Cagalli shortly after. Initially thinking he had the upper hand, Athrun approached the situation calmly... however soon discovered that it wasn't half as easy as he thought it would be.
Lacus picked up her cell phone. "Hello?" She could hear nothing but muffled noises and someone laughing hysterically. Frowning, she moved to hang up when suddenly...
"No! No.. it- it's me. Kira" He struggled out, between gasps and fits of laughter. In the background she could hear Athrun pleading with Kira to hang up. "c-Call the meeting. All four of us... Cagalli's house. Ath-Athrun's date.. we-we're sharing!"
"Umm... Okay sure." She answered uneasily. Something about what she had just heard... certainly sounded suspicious. Hanging up, she dialed Cagalli's number.
Cagalli taped the couch impatiently, while Lacus checked the clock. Suddenly the door burst open to reveal a Kira who, was apparently still laughing to hard to walk or function properly, and a very tired Athrun.
Well, how was it?" Lacus urged eagarly, pressing for details.
"A NIGHTMARE." Athrun moaned, collapsing onto the sofa. "I need aspirin. And a lot of drugs."
"You ARE too picky. She couldn't be THAT bad." Cagalli frowned. Athrun opened an eye and gave her a tired look.
"Kira... tell her." He motioned to Cagalli with his head.
"No way man." Kira was still laughing hysterically. "You tell it soo much better then I do."
Athrun frowned. "All right then. Long story short? Within 10 minutes she was putting our NAMES together."
"WHAT!" Lacus and Cagalli both exclaimed in surprise.
"Yeah..."
A Few Hours Ago…
"Hi!" The girl greeted cheerfully, waving at Athrun with a bright smile on her face.
"She doesn't seem so bad." Athrun though... "Rather perky..."
"I'm Taylor!" She cheered. It seemed like this girl was permanently happy.
"Cool. I'm Athrun." He offered his hand and shook hers. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Uh huh. I know. I've seen you around campus, soooo I joined your fanclub! What's your last name?" She smiled.
"Huh?" Athrun blinked.
"What's your last name?" She repeated.
"Umm... Zala." He smiled, apprehensively.
"Zala... wow that's an interesting one huh? A lot more exotic then Taylor."
"Taylor?" Athrun blinked. "I'm sorry, I must have misunderstood. I thought Taylor was your first name."
"It is." She nodded happily.
"But you just said-"
"My name is Taylor Taylor." She explained.
"Taylor is your... first AND last name?" Athrun asked... unsure whether or not this girl was joking.
"Not exactly." She replied. Athrun breathed a sigh of relief. So he did just get it wrong.
"Taylor's my middle name too." She added. Athrun's froze.
"P-Pardon?"
"I got my middle name from my grandma and her name was Taylor too."
"So your full name... is-"
"Taylor Taylor Taylor! Pleased to meet ya!" She smiled, saying it with more spirit than Athrun would think possible. "But... if we were to get married...I'd be Taylor Taylor Zala." She winked.
Athrun's eyes widened in horror. What on earth had he gotten himself into!
"And THEN... because of rule #7, I wasn't allowed to run for my life, as I spent another 5 hours with her. By the first hour I knew her family tree. By the next, she had added me and our potential "children" to it. This includes names." Athrun moaned, still collapsed on Cagalli's couch. Meanwhile, Cagalli and Lacus were rolling with laughter on the couch. Kira was convulsing with laughter on the floor.
"So then, "Lacus began, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm assuming that she's not going to be your steady relationship?"
Cagalli and Kira began laughing again promptly. Athrun glared at them weakly.
"I'd rather preserve my sanity, then win a bet. Even if Kira approved her, I'm not dating her again." He frowned. Kira stood up, thoroughly exhausted from laughing.
"But I DO approve her! I want you to go on a second date! Maybe she'll start suggesting names for the grandchildren." He joked, nudging Athrun's shoulder. Athrun, tired of the wise cracks, didn't respond. Kira sighed and moved on. "Okay, so Athrun's first date is a flop. Cagalli, how's it going with you?"
Cagalli eased out of her laughter slowly. "Haven't started yet. But I've got a date tomorrow."
Athrun's furrowed eyebrows were blocked from view by his hand. However Kira still shot him a quick glance.
"Okay. Maybe we'll be meeting tomorrow then?" He suggested.
"We'll see." Lacus answered.
"We'll see..."
That's it for this week folks! I actually have written a one-shot that I plan to upload within a day or two, but for now… enjoy this!
Mmm this chapter was more or less just to pick on poor Athrun. But don't worry. Next chapter, Cagalli'll get her turn. I'm thinking I actually will start using actual characters from the series, to make it more interesting. Besides I can't think of too many "Taylor Taylor Taylor"s…
Thank you for reading this. Also, special thanks to my lovely reviewers from last chapter, and their awesome feedback:
Dinkus, Angee, RoGuE-WhItE-DrAgOn, XxBeyndTheCloudSxX, White Scribe, leann, theravenx, Digital-Dragon-Master, KiraFreedom, blackcyra, clumsy kelli, ANONYMOUS, daisukechibi, MyouseiSeed, jenniferseedlover, chidori-san, Crazy-Destiny, Susan, RabidRabbit, animemistress419, LastImpression20, misfit270, koalialolao, gseedlover, lulu, strawberriez, peachy, mariad, stuntsheep, asga, xoxoanimeluber, and kura52 (Who I send my deepest apologies to, for typing your name incorrectly in my last chapter's acknowledgements). Really, really sorry about that one. I was rushing to get the chapter up.)
So… until next week… or my one-shot if for some odd reason you want to read that. IT IS an Athrun&Cagalli fic and it has nothing to do with this story though. But check it out anyways!
Thanks again readers!