Another week, Another chapter. This thing is pretty long, and feels a bit rushed, but I think I'm happy with how it came out. Last time I left off with Athrun with a date for the gala, and Cagalli with… no one? Uh oh. A lot of you had some great guesses, as to who her date would be. Alas, no one got it! (Although a few people were one step ahead of me…) Confused? What to know what the heck I'm talking about? (I assure you that I AM in my right mind)

Read on!

Lacus and Kira pounded on the door to Cagalli's apartment. After another good 10 minutes, frustrated, Kira began kicking the door as Lacus stood by patiently. They'd been doing this for a good half hour now, all to no avail. They knew Cagalli was in there, they knew she could hear them, she just wouldn't open the damned door!

"Dammit Cagalli, open the door or I'll break it down!" Kira threatened.

Nothing. Lacus sighed and walked over to a potted plan at the end of the hallway. Kneeling down, she parted a few leafy branches and thrust her hand into the pot. Kira stared at her.

"What are you-?" He was cut off when he saw her produce a key. The key to Cagalli's apartment to be precise. "How long have you known that thing was there?" he asked, his eyebrow twitching with annoyance.

"The whole time. I just wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. For future reference, she always keeps a key in that plant, in case she forgets hers." Lacus explained calmly, inserting the key into the lock and opening the reluctant door. Stepping into her apartment, Cagalli was nowhere in sight. "Maybe she really isn't here..." Lacus pondered, tapping her chin in thought.

"No chance." Making a beeline for Cagalli bedroom, Kira flung open the door and attacked the lump on the bed, hidden by covers, blankets and a well anchored pillow.

"ARGH dammit guys! Why can't you leave me alone for 2 seconds!" Cagalli howled, shoving Kira off the bed.

"Because we know you're not sleeping! Cagalli why aren't you going to the Gala tonight!" Kira demanded. Lacus stood at the doorway quietly absorbing the situation. About an hour ago, they'd received a call from an unusually quiet Cagalli, mumbling a weak excuse for skipping her first gala.

"I don't feel like it!" Cagalli hollered back.

"Cagalli, it's going to be your first gala since you're gotten onto the Dean's list. You can't miss THIS ONE!" Kira protested.

"Why can't I!"

"Why SHOULD you!"

"That's enough." Lacus interrupted. "You guys are arguing like 3 year olds. Granted it's rather amusing, but still un-necessary. Now Cagalli, you need a date, yes?"

Kira blinked in confusion, and turned towards Cagalli, who was shuffling her feet rather nervously and keeping her head down.

"I don't NEED one..."

"But you don't have one?"

"No..." She admitted reluctantly.

"That's fine." Lacus insisted. "It's not like bringing someone is a requirement. If anything it's a relief! One less person to dodge in the crowd, one less person for the cooks to cater to, one less coat to take up closet space, everyone wins! It's NO BIG DEAL. And just because Athrun has one and you don't, doesn't mean he's one up on you."

Cagalli cringed at the mention of how Athrun had a date "He's just going to rub it in my face. But hell I don't think I ever want to date again after meeting Max! I'm surprised he's recovered from Taylor!"

"He barely has." Kira laughed. "But that's besides the point. So what if he has a date now, huh? It's not like you can't find one. Besides, the gala's more important then the bet now, right?"

Cagalli gave another reluctant nod.

"Then it's settled!" Lacus smiled. "You can get a ride with me and Kira. And you won't go with anyone." Lifted her head, Cagalli looked at Lacus, then Kira.

"Yeah... thanks guys."

Athrun stared at the phone number, clearly written on the box in what appeared to be a Sharpie marker... To call or not to call?

On the one hand, he told everyone he would call.

On the other hand, he didn't know if he wanted to... but if he kept dodging the idea of dating, he'd lose the bet for sure. Plucking the cordless phone off its base, he punched in the numbers.

"Hello?" A familiar voice answered.

"H-Hello?" Athrun questioned testily. "Lu-Lunamaria? From the pharmacy?"

"Yes... Oh! Athrun, right! Haha I guess you found my number after all!" She laughed happily. "I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me. Spur of the moment, I guess. What's up?"

"I need a date." Athrun blurted out.

Silence...

"Eh!" Luna replied incredulously. "Wow you sure cut to the chase huh?..."

Athrun laughed nervously. "It's... a gala. Tonight actually. If you have plans, I'd totally understand. I'm sorry about the short notice but..." He trailed off. He was sorry, really for causing her trouble. But something inside him had stopped him from calling... until today, when he'd heard that Cagalli wasn't going after all.

"Sure." Luna replied. "Formal wear?"

"Yeah." Athrun replied quickly, snapping out of his thoughts. "Thanks a lot Luna. I don't know you well at all, but... I'd like to get to know you." Somehow, Athrun got the idea what Luna was smiling.

"Same here. I'll see you later then." She replied softly.

"Ye-Yeah. Seven at your house... uh... what's your address?" He asked, jotting it down quickly. "Okay. Later then."

Replacing the phone back to it's base, he looked at the clock. He had a few hours... what he was going to do with those few hours he had no idea. Fingering the first speed dial button on his phone for a moment, he frowned.

"Maybe... I should... not. It'll probably be better this way." He sighed, then stood up to get a drink.

Cagalli sat in the backseat of Kira's car, leaning forward to talk to Lacus and Kira. True to their word, it wasn't awkward. Tonight was about the gala. About her being a successful student. Not the bet. So who cares about dates?

She'd almost convinced herself. She really had. She's gotten there fine, and walked into the building fine, and sat down at her table with Kira and Lacus fine too, until...

Athrun showed up. With his date... Rising to shake hands and introduce herself, his date beat her to it.

"Hi, I'm Luna. It's good to meet you." She smiled. Cagalli blinked. Something about this girl... was really nice. She seemed very friendly and easy to be around.

"I'm Cagalli. How's it going?" Cagalli smiled back, forgetting the slight twist in her gut that she felt, when she initially saw her and Athrun together. Settling down, she continued the conversation.

Athrun twisted his hands nervously. He thought she wasn't coming. He thought she said she wasn't coming. But well... it's fine that she's here too. Just... unexpected. He'd been worried she wouldn't like Luna. But she does. They're getting along pretty well...

So why am I somehow... disappointed?

Just then, a teacher tapped Athrun on the shoulder and motioned him to come and start walking around, and talking to people. Athrun nodded. Taking one last look at the two happily chatting girls, he walked away.

Luna watched Athrun leave with a look of utter bewilderment.

"Where's he going?" She wondered aloud.

"Oh, he has to walk around and talk to important people from important places." Cagalli joked.

"It's the same with Lacus." Kira added, returning to his seat. "I got tired of walking around with her everywhere, so she told me to sit down. She'll be back in a second."

"Oh..." Luna commented thoughtfully, more as a sound than actual speech. "I'll... um.. I guess I'll go, join him?" She asked, not sure of what to do.

"If you want." Cagalli shrugged. Luna nodded and stood up to follow Athrun. Kira watched her integrate into the massive crowd and turned to Cagalli.

"How you doing?" He inquired caringly.

"Hm? I'm fine." Cagalli responded. "She's nice... but honestly I thought we'd be more busy."

Kira laughed. "Well yeah, same. But Lacus explained that as first-timers, we're really not expected to do much except show up. Which you almost didn't do..." He teased. Cagalli frowned.

"I didn't want to!" She insisted, stubbornly.

"Well do you regret it now?"

"I'm bored out of my mind. I don't regret free food. I regret not bringing something to entertain myself with. Because as weird as you are Kira, you can only keep me entertained for so long, and this is going to be a long night." Cagalli sighed, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms.

Kira laughed again. "Really. The more we come to these, the more stuff we'll have to do. Enjoy the peace while you can." He turned at the sound of his name. "Oh, that's Lacus. Be right back Cagalli."

She nodded and watched him leave as well. Sighed, she was about to stand up and wander out to the gardens, when someone approached her...

Athrun smiled politely, and nodded like a robot programmed to respond to the same inane and dull questions by the same faces over and over and OVER again. Luna was following him, but he still felt ridiculously bored. His only momentary fun was when he bumped into Yzak and Dearka again, who once more, commented on his date, who he had to admit was a date. Yet something had bugged him when they bid farewell again. Dearka and turned to him and raised a curious eyebrow.

"What happened to the blonde?"

"Huh? Cagalli? She's here." Athrun responded, careful to make sure Luna was out of earshot.

"Oh... not with you?" He clarified. Athrun nodded.

"Wow, you lost her pretty fast. Too bad... you looked cuter with her." He noted, more to himself then to Athrun. Athrun stood, speechless.

"Dearka..." He began threateningly.

"Just commenting!" He threw up his hands in defense. "See you later Athrun."

And that was the last thing Dearka said to him. Athrun threw a curious glace towards their table, and spotted Kira leaving... and some other guy approaching the table.

Luna frowned slightly, taking a sip from her drink. She'd been following Athrun around the whole time, but really she hadn't talked to him, and in general, had done very little.

Stealing another glance at Athrun, she noticed that he seemed to be starting intently at something. Following his gaze, she found that it was directed towards their table, where a young man she didn't recognize was approaching Cagalli.

"Hello. You're looking pretty bored." The young man replied. Dressed formally, and relatively direct he was smiling at the half seated Cagalli, who has just started to rise.

"You have NO IDEA..." Cagalli mumbled, averting her gaze to the floor.

"Actually I do. We've all been here before. I mean, we've all had the first boring party. And I've been watching you for a while now. Bet you wish you brought something."

Cagalli turned in surprise. "Ye-Yeah. I was just saying that to my brother..."

He laughed and extended his hand. "I'm Ahmed. You are?..."

She stared at his hand for a while, then took in and stood up. "Cagalli. Pleased to meet you."

Kira jogged over to Lacus, who in the course of about 10 seconds had gone from smiling and waving him over, to her mouth dropping open and staring at something behind him. He slowed to a stop as he neared her.

"Lacus? Lacus! Something wrong?"

"Kira... do you know him?" Lacus questioned, her face still bearing a look of horrid confusion. Kira turned slowly.

"That guy with Cagalli? No. Do you?" he responded. Lacus shook her head, then slowly started nodding.

"Oh my g-... that's-"

"You're the editor of the school newspaper?" Cagalli repeated doubtfully. Ahmed nodded.

"And your father is the editor of the city's newspaper?" She continued in the same tone. Another nod.

"Get real. I'm not falling for that one. The city's newspaper is one of the most well-known newspapers in the country, maybe the world. And the school newspaper is the largest extra-curricular activity in the school with over 30 percent of the student bodyinvolved. The chances that you being involved in either are-"

"Slim to none?" Ahmed finished.

"No. Just... none." Cagalli insisted.

"Is that so?" He raised a curious eyebrow. "Okay then, check the newspaper tomorrow. Both of them. I'll prove it."

Cagalli grinned. "Fine then. Just try it. And make it obvious. It can't be some dinky little fine print in the last page of the classifieds."

"Oh don't worry." He assured. "It'll be good."

Athrun held back the urge to stroll over, casually, break into the conversation, casually, and lead Cagalli away from the random guy. Casually. Suddenly, he felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down at a smiling Luna.

"Something wrong?" She inquired politely. But hell, she was far from blind... or deaf. She knew what was wrong, and what he was staring at. She'd heard what Dearka had said, and the way Athrun looked at Cagalli. She hadn't talked with Cagalli enough to know how she felt... but watching Athrun was enough. Even if Athrun was horribly confused, it didn't take a telescope to see what was going on.

And as much as she liked him... far be it for her to interfere...

"Athrun?" She called again. He turned.

"Hm? What's up?"

"I'm going to go now. I just feel... out of place." She spoke hesitantly, noting the look of surprise on his face.

"Wait... Luna. I thought we were going to get to know each other..." He trailed off.

"I think I know you well enough. Go get her Athrun." She smiled encouragingly, then with a pat on the back, turned to go. "If you ever need more aspirin, or just some advice, you have my number! I'll take a taxi!"

And with a brief wave, she was gone. Athrun blinked in confusion. Go get who? What?...

Suddenly, he blinked a few times rapidly and turned in the direction of where Cagalli and that guy were: but they had already moved somewhere else...

Luna grabbed her coat from the coat check room and headed outside. Signaling for a taxi, she turned to her left at the sound of her name.

"Luna? Leaving so soon?"

It was Kira, probably out for a walk with Lacus. Luna nodded.

"I can see it too guys. It's not really my business, since I don't know them that well... but Athrun's going to need some help."

Lacus laughed, amused by how blunt this girl was. "We know. We're working on it. Thank you though."

Luna nodded and climbed into her taxi.

"so then it's settled then?" Kira smiled.

"Yes. Of course." Lacus nodded. "We'll continue with the plan." She started walking back towards the building when suddenly Kira lagged behind. "Kira?"

"Hey Lacus..." He began.

"Yeah?"

"I think I'm nuts for saying this... these galas. Man I swear they just make me feel like I should..." he began mumbling again, his hand fiddling with his pockets and eyes poring into the ground. Lacus stood patiently.

"Quick and painless Kira. Is something wrong?"

He looked up at her with a determination and confidence that startled her at first. "Want to live together?"

Lacus blinked and stepped back in surprise. "Live... together?"

Kira nodded. "After all this is done... We can move in together somewhere."

Slowly a smiled swept across Lacus' face, which was then reflected onto Kira's.

"That sounds... wonderful."

Athrun stared at Cagalli and the still to him, random guy. Half the night has passed and she still had made no movement to bid this guy farewell. Nor had she shown any signs of discomfort. Did she... like this guy?

Nervously looking at his watch again, he walked forward and tapped Cagalli's right shoulder.

"Dance?"

Cagalli looked at him in surprise, then looked behind him.

"Luna?"

"Gone."

Cagalli nodded, then smiled and gave Ahmed a brief wave, before stepping away with Athrun.

"Short date." Cagalli commented. Athrun shrugged.

"She just said some stuff and left. Too bad... she was really nice."

Cagalli stiffened and for some odd reason, this made Athrun smile a little.

"What about your date?" Athrun asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Ahmed? He's not my date... I just met him here. But he's a cool guy, considering I haven't driven him insane yet." She laughed.

"You're not that bad Cagalli." He smiled, looking at her. "You're... you."

Cagalli looked up at Athrun and blinked. "Weirdo… hey anyone ever tell you that you have green eyes? Emerald green..."

Athrun raised an eyebrow. "And why are you looking at my eyes?" He grinned. Cagalli's eyes widened.

"Just... just s-saying." She stammered, hiding a blush. Awkward silence...

"Amber." Athrun spoke with finality. Cagalli looked at him curiously.

"Your eyes. They're amber."

The night had waned on... By the end of the night, Athrun ended up driving Cagalli home and Kira drove Lacus. Ahmed was... well gone. He seemed to have left early or something, because at some point, he had stopped by their table to say goodbye to Cagalli, and remind her to check the newspaper.

After dropped off Cagalli, Athrun however, couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. Returning to his and Kira's dorm, Athrun found a message on the answering machine, from Kira, telling him that he was going to be spending the night at Lacus'. Too preoccupied to think much of it, Athrun plopped down on the sofa and immediately resumed brooding.

Cagalli and Ahmed. They looked happy today. Watching them, one might even say they looked.. ugh... cute.

Athrun's eyes grew dark, his mind clouded with thoughts. What was going on? Why was there this... feeling all of a sudden. Cagalli was... his friend. His very good friend. So the watching her be happy... he should be happy. He usually was. But this time around, it was different. Because...she's happy with Ahmed? But there's nothing wrong with him. Except that he was with Cagalli, and he..

He's not me...

Athrun jerked his head up, shaking his head in disbelief. He wasn't this type of person. And think about the situation. It just wasn't logical. He couldn't allow himself to be like this... at a time like this. On the other hand: he didn't know how to change it. Glancing at the phone, he hesitated for a moment then quickly snatched it up, entering a familiar number.

"Hello?" Kira answered the phone casually.

"Kira... I think... I think there's a problem."

Kira's eyes widened a bit, nodding his head sympathetically to Athrun's words, as if Athrun could see him. Lacus sat beside him calmly, fully aware of the situation. But Athrun couldn't exactly speak.

His sentences were broken, half finished or devoid of any logical thought. Athrun was... confused. And there was nothing he could do about it. In the end, the only coherent sentence Athrun had spoken was "The bet's off. I can't do this."

"Then you forfeit?" Kira questioned.

"Sure. That's fine. Anything's fine. I don't...don't care. There's no... reason... drive... Nothing... important. ...not... matters. Cagalli. She's...I think I. I think I..." Athrun reverted back to rambling, but Kira knew full well what he meant.

"Athrun? As your judge and coach, I'm going to advise you to hold out for a little. There's still no guarantee that Cagalli can do this either."

Silence on the other end of the line. Kira continued.

"The least you can do is go for a tie in the bet. Right?"

There was a long pause. Finally, Athrun's gentle voice simply spoke one word.

"Okay." and he hung up. Kira carefully dropped the phone back into its base and turned to Lacus.

"We can still do this."

Ooooooooo Athrun's realized his feelings. (I think half of you are probably thinking "About bloody time...") Though he started a step ahead of Cagalli, it appears that his lead is lost and Cagalli has something good going for her. But what plans do Kira and Lacus have? And is Ahmed really connected to the newspaper?

Next chapter: Deliberate Daring. The bet comes to a conclusion. Who's the winner? And just what have Lacus and Kira been planning? With Athrun frozen in his feelings, can he pull this off? What will Cagalli do? Will she do it on time?

I'm actually just about done with this fic. For those of you with amazing memories, I think in the first chapter I mentioned how I had written the first two chapters, and the very last chapter together. So really I know exactly how this puppy's ending. stupid evil grin. Anyway, I think have about 3 or so chapters left, before this off.

In the meantime, I've been working on ideas for my next one. At first, I was thinking about continuing this fic, but then again, I know if I stretch this, sooner or later I'll be fresh out of ideas. And I've also got a relatively good idea for a new one too, so I'm thinking I'll do that, though nothing's set in stone yet.

Took the time to fill out one of those author quiz/interview thingys. It's currently posted on my user profile.

Now, the oh so very omni-important acknowledgements! All my reviewers:

Smoke-Angel, mariad, ninofchaos, animemistress419, jenniferseedlover, stuntsheep, KiraFreedom, Digital-Dragon-Master, dark conspiracy, Crazy-Destiny, ANONYMOUS, thunder sister, mattthemoonprincess, Susan, Two Wings to Fly, cotton-angel, Serenity, FormerAurora, MissKT, Angee, Cagalli Yula Athha, RoGuE-WhItE-DrAgOn, tha lil' angel, kura52, gseedlover, MyouseiSeed, Michiyo Hikari, Infinite Freedom, chidori-san, Ivory Nightshade, laku, koali alolao, clumsy kelli, peachy, Flyinangel777, asga, GaIa12GSD

Reviewers are loved immensely! Readers are very much appreciated!

Until next week, bye!