A/N: I would first like to thank all my reviewers! I love them all! And an extra thanx to all of you who keep asking if they can help me in anyway, it is greatly appreciated. Now...

This is the last chapter I will be putting on here until I return from my vacation. This chapter was as long as I could make it (around 17 pages or so on Word). And I hope it's good and long enough! I spent a whole three days (not including writing at work) on this and it should answer some questions. Now, to begin with. Some things in this story didn't actually happen in the series, especially when concerning Yuuna. I had to put it in for future chapters, and to show you what had happened before (but did not happen in the series) to Cagalli. Please don't hate me ((hides from things being thrown)) Also, Athrun begins to understand Cagalli more and a week passes by for them. Enjoy!

Chapter 6
Pain, Longing and Redemption

"What is taking them so long!" sighed Miriallia, pacing. Dearka yawned, watching as she walked back and forth.

"Aw, come on Milly, it's not like you haven't been alone with me before," purred Dearka, coming up behind her.

"What did I tell you about touching me?" asked Miriallia.

"That I can do it whenever I want because I know you want me," replied Dearka, grinning. He wrapped his arms around her and she glared at him.

"Elsman! What are you doing!" shouted a voice from inside the opposing room.

Dearka jumped back, eyes wide and Miriallia grinned. She was beginning to like this Yzak character. He had a fair amount of control on Dearka and made him jump whenever he said his name.

Yzak stormed out of the office, eyes furious, and his usual scowl looking like a snarl. "Do you not remember why you were put on suspension? Or must I remind you!"

"Dude! I just want to get some alone time with her! It's not like I'm doing anything wrong!" whined Dearka. Miriallia raised an eyebrow, wondering why Dearka was put on suspension.

"Don't you dare whine at me, Dearka. You're lucky they even let you back into the building! It's enough with Zala being spotted, but you had to be too!" shouted Yzak.

"It wasn't my fault. Athrun was careless, but I wasn't!" exclaimed Dearka.

"I wasn't careless, Dearka, and Yzak, leave him alone. You're no better," said Athrun, opening the door. Miriallia's eyes narrowed when she saw him holding Cagalli's elbow in an iron grip.

"Where have you been?" asked Miriallia, directing her question at Cagalli. Cagalli pulled her elbow free from Athrun's hand and glared at him.

"Again, I was threatened. Again, he took the precautions to 'protect me'. And now my brother thinks I'm living with the jerk and that we have some type of relationship," explained Cagalli, arms crossed. She then caught site of Yzak and her teeth clenched.

"Good morning, Miss Attha. I trust you've been well?" said Yzak. Dearka winced and so did Athrun when Cagalli turned her furious gaze on him.

"This is your way of protecting me? By telling people who I really am? You want me to get assassinated, don't you!" she shouted, slamming her index finger against his chest.

"I would never want you to get assassinated. Why do you think they threatened me as well?" asked Athrun.

"They only threatened you because you are taking precautions. Just give me the stupid information I came here to get and we can both get on with our lives, individually."

"No."

"What?"

"I won't give you the information because I don't want you to leave. Not yet, anyway. I need to know who this figure is and if that means keeping you here on the PLANT, then I will."

"You bastard! You cannot, and I repeat, cannot do this to the princess of Orb!"

"You have yet to know what I can and can not do, Miss Attha. I will use you to your full extent and when I no longer need your help, I'll send you back to Orb."

Dearka, Miriallia and Yzak watched this exchange and were extremely surprised when Cagalli slapped him.

Athrun put his hand to his cheek at the force of the slap and glared at her. She glared right back.

"You think you can say things, then tell me your not sure? You think you can toy with people like that? Just because you are the goddamn Chairman doesn't mean you hold authority over someone like me. Just because you told Meer some things that make me think, doesn't mean you can backtrack and pretend it didn't happen. Don't you dare toy with me, Athrun Zala, or you will regret the day you ever met me," said Cagalli, tears once more in her eyes. Her breathing was ragged and short; rage and sorrow seethed from her. She was furious with herself; she believed in all the lies that spewed from his mouth, when all he wanted was to find out who the assassin was. He didn't care. He never did care. She was even more furious when she found she was crying again. He did that to her. He made her cry more than she had ever before.

Athrun watched the pain in her eyes, the sadness and regret that registered there. He had put it there. Now, his cheek stung even more, like she had slapped him with a hot iron. He had hurt her. Just like that, he had pushed her away like so many others, had erected the barrier that kept all out and only let certain people in.

He looked away, thinking. He needed to think where people couldn't watch him. He needed to think about everything. But every time he tried to think, a young, tomboyish, blonde girl, who ruled everything he did out of order, bombarded his thoughts and turned everything on its head. He didn't know what to do, or how to handle the emotions raging on inside him.

"Did she just…?" began Yzak, too stunned for words. Dearka, with his mouth wide open and eyes wide, nodded. Miriallia on the other hand, gave a satisfied smirk. Cagalli should never take anything like that from a man, especially if he was toying with her emotions.

Athrun looked back at her and she saw the rage in his eyes, the pain of his thoughts. She didn't stand down though. She had a feeling too many people had stood down to him, that too many people hadn't battled toe to toe with him. Well, this girl wasn't one of them.

"You will never, never, toy with me again, Zala. I am not something here for your personal amusement. I will not stand down to someone who thinks that they can rule me like a country. I am a Natural, who, when pissed, can do anything I put my mind to. And right now, I don't want to talk to you. Not now, maybe not ever. You have pissed me off, Zala, and I hold grudges for a good, long time," said Cagalli, turning on her heel and marching out the door. Athrun still stood on the spot, rooted to the floor. He did turn his head, though, when she walked by and whispered her name softly.

"She…hit me…" he whispered, putting his hand back to his cheek. He then felt the corners of his mouth twitch. "Someone…actually stood up to me…and it was a Natural."

"Athrun?" asked Dearka. He couldn't believe his eyes; Athrun was smiling!

Athrun looked at the three and shook his head before exiting. He rushed down the halls, following the bewildered looks of all the people he crossed. He even found the two men that had catcalled Cagalli earlier, new bruises on their bodies. He heard the elevator door open and made it just as it closed. He saw her petite form sitting in the elevator, the door closed, but not moving. Now he was scared. Would she hurt herself? Or was she just being stupid?

He then saw the dial move down and rushed down the stairs, keeping an eye on the elevator every time he passed. He then landed on the ground floor and waited. She stepped out and gasped at seeing him.

"Get. Away. From. Me."

"No."

"Why the hell not!" she screamed, still furious.

"Because you're the first person to stand up to me in three years. I need to thank you for that much. You've…really opened my eyes. I have been cold and insensitive and I'm sorry." He had never apologized in his life, not including the night when he had her pressed against the wall to hide from Meer, but he was making an effort.

Cagalli looked up at him, and he saw her fury, her raw rage echoing in her eyes. "You were going to use me. You were going to give me up as live bait so you could find out who the idiot that sent you that letter was!"

"At least let me drive you home."

"I'd rather let Dearka have me," she snapped. He shook his head and gabbed her elbow, dragging her to his car. She sat down with a 'humph' but let him take her back to his house.

"I thought you said you were taking me home?" she asked, still not looking at him.

"You live here now, remember?"

"I don't want to live with you anymore, Zala. You are a tactless jerk who was going to use me for your own personal gain! Why the hell would I want to live here!"

She didn't move when he opened her side of the door so he reached across, unbuckled her seat belt, and pulled her out. He then put one arm under her legs and picked her up bridal style, carrying her bag in one hand. She smacked his chest, his arms, anything she could reach, but he wouldn't let her go. She howled with rage, and bit him, but he only winced as he opened the door.

Then he put her down. "I will not, I repeat, will not, be living here!"

"Kira already knows you're here with me! Don't fight me anymore, Cagalli. I have you and I intend to keep you until I know you are safe," shouted Athrun, blood boiling.

"You are just cold, you know that? Not once, when I look in your eyes, do I see a spark of warmth," said Cagalli suddenly. Athrun looked confused. "A spark can lead to an inferno, and if you do not show some emotion, then you'll burst into flames." He voice softened. "My father would always tell me, 'A walk can become a journey, a spark can become a flame and a look can become a kiss.' I understand what it means now, I just didn't expect to compare it to you."

She then turned on her heal, grabbed her bag and went upstairs. Athrun stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking up until he was sure she was in her room. He then slammed his fist into the wall, all his fury put into that one punch. The wall dented, yet he felt no pain. No pain could match the feeling in his heart when he had looked into her eyes. They were stone cold, like his own.

------------------------------

Cagalli sat on her bed, looking at the stuff she had packed. She picked up the radio on the side of the bed and turned it on. Lacus's voice rang through the room, her song soothing Cagalli's boiling blood and raging nerves.

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.

And the stars in the sky,

That I wish upon,

Can't bring you back to my side,

Though you're not here,

I dream of the day,

We'll meet again.

Hold me close,

So deep in your heart,

I will find you

No matter where I have to go, and…

Dream of you,

For I will be there,

Follow the stars that lead, ooh

Into the quiet night…

The music soothed her and she felt tears return to her eyes. She had sworn that she wouldn't cry, but the song brought back the memory of his face, the memory of his lips nearing hers. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

-----------------------

Three days passed and Cagalli still hadn't come out of her room unless she needed food or the washroom. Athrun tried talking to her, but she would just look at him with emotionless eyes and walk away, leaving him feeling empty.

It was the evening of the fourth day that she had actually said something to him. She was thinner; her eating habits had waned since their argument.

"Lacus has a beautiful voice," she said softly, looking out the window in the living room. Athrun was with her, sitting in his armchair. He stood and walked over to her, wanting to say something, but he couldn't think of the right thing.

"I want to apologize, Athrun. I have been a fool lately, holding onto a grudge I know is stupid," she turned to him. Her eyes still had no emotion. "I just don't want to get hurt. After what Yuuna had done to me before the wedding…"

"What did Yuuna do to you?" he asked, anger in his voice.

Cagalli looked up at him. "He…hit me for associating with a Coordinator. That is why I am afraid of him. You may not notice, but I am still only a woman, someone who seeks protection, yet never finds it. Yuuna hurt me, physically, and mentally. Kira wanted to know where the bruises were from, but I lied and told him I didn't know." She was almost in tears again, remembering the pain that had come from his lashings.

"He hurt you?" asked Athrun, trailing his finger down her arm. She shivered at his touch and pulled away.

"Yes. He said that if I didn't marry him, he would continue to hurt me until I couldn't take it anymore and handed Orb over to him." Cagalli bit her bottom lip. "That is why I slapped you before. I thought you were going to use me, hurt me, like Yuuna did. I…was just protecting myself."

"Cagalli…" he said softly. She looked up at him, her eyes no longer cold. The barrier she had set up had disappeared, leaving her open for him to examine. He didn't want to hurt her again, not like he had before.

"I really must go to bed," she said, pushing past him.

"Why?" he asked, watching as she left. She didn't answer as she climbed the stairs. "No wonder you wouldn't trust me. I'm sorry, Cagalli. Never again will that happen to you, not while I live."

---------------------------------

That night, she experienced the worst of the nightmares that had plagued her sleep in the past three days. She tossed, turned, did everything she could to get away from the image of Yuuna striking her.

"They don't care for you Cagalli; why would Coordinators care for you?" He had said, striking her across the cheek. She fell to the ground, holding her bruised cheek and arm.

Athrun came up from behind Yuuna, eyes cold. Kira was with him. Yuuna looked back at the two Coordinators and pointed at Cagalli. That was when the guns were pulled out. She screamed at Kira, demanding that he stop, that she was his sister! But he wouldn't listen.

"You're just a pathetic Natural. Why would I care what happens to you?"

She then turned her gaze on Athrun, who said nothing.

"Now, Cagalli, why do you think they don't love you?" asked Yuuna, laughing. He then pulled out his own gun. Cagalli began to cry.

And they fired.

-------------------------------

A bloodcurdling scream made Athrun jolt out of bed. He quickly slipped on his boxers and ran to Cagalli's room, where the scream was coming from. He ripped open the door and found her, back arching off the bed, mouth open in a never-ending scream.

"Cagalli!" he cried, jumping on the bed. She fought against his arms as he pulled her close to him, trying to calm the pain that gripped her body. He firmly crushed her against his chest, and she fought wildly against him, clawing at his shoulders, his chest, anything she could scratch.

"Cagalli, calm down. It's a nightmare. Nothing can hurt you while I'm here. Hush," soothed Athrun, arms tight around her, his hand stroking her bare back and hair.

His smell drifted into her nose and snapped her back to reality. He was holding her, not harming her. Her screams eventually turned to hiccups and she pulled him closer, burying her head into his chest. She needed comfort, anything to drive away the pain that she had felt at that moment. Athrun cradled her against him, shrouding her with a protective blanket.

She looked up at him, eyes watery and scared. Athrun trailed a finger down her cheek, calming her and she smiled at him. Then, she lifted her lips to his and his eyes went wide as they touched. Though he didn't want to hurt her, he welcomed the kiss and was gentle, until she pushed harder on him, demanding him to make the kiss deeper. He obliged, tilting his mouth and letting her taste fill his mouth. Cagalli whimpered against his mouth and when they pulled apart, her cheeks were flushed. She smiled at him again; a genuine, warm smile that touched her eyes and planted a light kiss on his lips again.

"Thank you, Athrun," she whispered, snuggling against him. His warmth and comfort soothed the nightmares away; cast the pain into the shadows that disappeared. She could hear his heart beating and carefully placed her lips against that wild beating drum and fell asleep once more.

Athrun rocked her back and forth, holding her close to him and keeping the nightmares at bay. He had felt her lips press against his chest, but he had ignored it. The feel of her lips against his own still lingered in his memory, but he didn't think about it at the moment, only wishing to keep her safe. The moonlight shinning from the window cast a haunting glow on the two and Athrun stayed with her until a few minutes before dawn. He then pulled away from her, afraid that if she woke up, she would scream when finding him holding her.

He made his way back to his bedroom, at first watching her sleeping form. That was the first time he had noticed that she was naked, and he hadn't had any thoughts that whole time, his complete concentration on keeping her safe.

He chuckled softly as he crawled into bed, staring at the ceiling. She was beautiful, that much was for certain, and he was glad he could help her in some way, especially if it concerned keeping her demons at bay.

----------------------------

Athrun finally left for work again. He hadn't been to the office in the five days since Cagalli had withdrawn from him. He didn't want to leave her, for fear that she might hurt herself, or worse, leave him and go back to Earth.

She was up before him and served him his breakfast. She then sat down and stared at her plate, eyes blank, void of all emotion. She then looked up at him, wondering if he remembered what he had done for her last night, and the kiss they had shared. Athrun, on the other hand, wondered what he could do to bring that wall down once more, to get her to trust him again. She began to eat her food, but, in no more than three bites, did she stop. He stood up and came around the side of the table, kneeling down beside her.

"You need to eat," he said softly, picking up the fork and lifting it to her mouth. She obediently opened her mouth and swallowed. He fed her like that, watching her eyes for any emotion, but none came. He then told her to take a shower and relax. She nodded, and walked off to the bathroom. Athrun watched her go. She was like a human shell, with no soul inside.

Cagalli watched him leave from the bathroom window and sat down on the tiled floor. She curled her arms around her legs and cried. He had been so kind to her, trying to help her regain her emotions. But everything he did couldn't keep the pain away. She always thought about the pain Yuuna had inflicted upon her, night after night. She had ever so slowly regained her emotions after that, with the help of Kira and her father. But soon, her father disappeared and Kira was charged with keeping Lacus safe. Then she met Athrun.

Everything seemed to change in that one little instant. Everything. Her emotions came back, fully intact and she desperately wanted him to open up to her. Then, she had seen Yuuna and her fear had been rekindled. She had clung to Athrun, hoping he would protect her, and he had, until he talked about using her. That was when she felt the pain she had experienced come back full swing, with the words Athrun had said engraving another wound on her already damaged soul.

Cagalli stood and had a quick shower. She then changed into a loose fitting green shirt and Athrun's grey sweats. Then she busied herself with cleaning.

As she cleaned, she thought about the last five days. He had helped her eat, had tried to comfort her. He had even taken her into his arms, hoping that his warmth and comfort would ease the pain in her soul. Nothing had worked. Until last night, that is. She couldn't stand it anymore. He had ripped down the barrier between himself and her the minute she had slapped him, and he had been showing his emotions more and more as the days progressed. She couldn't ignore him anymore. She wanted him to love her, wanted him to care for her and comfort her. She needed human contact more than anything else at the moment and that kiss had sent her over the edge. He had been gentle, trying not to hurt her, but she had wanted something more. Everything was centered on Athrun at the moment, and everything would continue that way until she found what she was longing for.

--------------------------

Athrun sighed as he entered the building. It was too much for him. He had tried to get her to respond, but she was almost like a drone now, leaving him in the dark as she experienced her own nightmares. What made matters worse was the fact that Athrun wanted to personally decapitate Yuuna for doing that to Cagalli. Every time he thought that name, he would find himself clenching his fists and rage would pound through his veins. Yuuna had beaten Cagalli because of her Coordinator half-brother, and it wasn't even her fault. Athrun felt his fist tighten on his briefcase handle, and was surprised when he managed to snap it in half.

"Damn," he muttered, looking at the ruined handle. He shrugged and carried it inside. He was waiting for the elevator when Dearka came inside.

"So, I see you have returned," said Dearka, entering the elevator with Athrun. "Milly and I were getting worried."

"So, I see you and Miriallia are getting along better. Has she let you sleep with her yet?" asked Athrun.

Dearka shrugged. "No, but she let me kiss her goodbye today, which is a start. I think she's finally warming up to me. I sorta found what was making her so cold. You know, you killed her Natural boyfriend during the war. She still hasn't gotten over it."

"I could've told you that! We've settled that though, and are actually becoming more than just acquaintances," explained Athrun. They stepped out of the elevator and Athrun beckoned Dearka to follow him.

"So, what's the deal with you and the princess?" asked Dearka, once the door was closed. Athrun sighed and sat down.

"I can't baby her forever. She's hurt, Dearka, a wound deeper than I thought could have existed. Right now, she needs love and care, gentle care. I'm surprised, really, that she has trusted me thus far." He then explained what he knew and saw Dearka's eyebrows furrow and anger flash in his eyes.

"So, it's as bad as Milly and me thought," said Dearka. "You need to get her out, man. She needs to experience happiness once more. Right now, letting her just hide in the shadows and live with her own fears is the worst thing you can be doing. Go home to her, comfort her, show her a good time. She'll warm up eventually. But you are right, you cannot baby her forever."

-----------------------------

She finished cleaning the house around four and went back into her bedroom. It was her sanctuary, her one true place of safety. Tonight, however, she would show Athrun that she could open up to his kindness, that she was regaining some emotion.

She chose an outfit that she thought would flatter him and put it on. It was a light apple green dress, clinging to her in all the right places. She despised dresses and cursed the person who came up with them. But for Athrun, she would make an exception, just to see how he would respond to her.

She then sat down and pulled her hair up into an elegant bun. Finishing out the pendant she had gotten for her twentieth birthday – a red gemstone surrounded by gold – she clipped it on. She was just deciding what make up to put on when she heard the familiar sound of a car engine.

She heard his car pull into the driveway and ran down the stairs, eyes firmly replaced with rock hard determination. She opened the door, and smiled as he walked towards her.

"Now, this is different," he said, looking her up and down. She smirked at him and held the door open.

"I-I wanted to thank you for sticking by me for so long. I know I mustn't have been the most decent person. So, maybe we could go out for dinner?" she asked, timidly. Athrun grinned and a blush formed on her cheeks.

"You weren't that bad, besides ignoring me, slapping me, and totally trashing my home when you were mad," Athrun laughed as Cagalli turned a brighter red. "But dinner does sound good," he added.

Cagalli grinned and waited by the door as he went and changed. He came back out wearing tan pants and a navy blue sweater. He smiled at her and led her out, glad that he had finally sparked something inside of her to make her talk.

"So, where do you have in mind?" asked Athrun, as the silence seemed too awkward.

"I don't care. Anywhere, if only to get away from the house. I've been cooped up in there too long, and you want to know whose fault that is?" asked Cagalli, turning to him. She then smacked him over the head. "Yours. You didn't take me outside! I wanted to go outside, dolt!"

Athrun was laughing at the delight in her eyes and was glad that he had definitely sparked something inside her.

"'A spark can become a flame,'" quoted Athrun and Cagalli cocked her head. "That is what I see in your eyes now. They are no longer cold and void, but full of life once again. I'm glad I helped you, Cagalli, and I want you to know that you can trust me."

Cagalli watched him with questioning eyes as he pulled into the parking lot of a restaurant. He then got out and walked around, opening her door and giving her his hand. They walked into the diner, Athrun putting a protective arm around her waist. She blushed at the contact, but said nothing.

"Ah! Chairman Zala!" said the man at the counter.

Athrun shook his head, "I'm just another customer today, Razish. I just want to have dinner with a friend."

Razish eyed Cagalli from head to toe. Athrun pulled her closer to his side. "A private booth, if you don't mind."

"Of course!" he said, beckoning them to follow him.

As they sat down, Athrun turned to Razish. "I also want a different waiter. I don't like it when waiters eye my friend and make her feel uncomfortable."

Razish blushed and stormed away, muttering something about, '…thought he would end up being gay.' Cagalli laughed and studied her menu. She was starving.

"So, you and I are friends?" she asked causally.

"Of course! Why wouldn't we be?" questioned Athrun, putting down his menu. He wondered if she remembered the kiss they shared, or the feeling of his arms around her in her bed. He shook his head at a thought that surfaced in his mind and glanced at her.

"Well, I thought maybe you hated me after I talked to you like that. I mean; it was very rude of me, and I…I didn't know how I would respond. And then me being so withdrawn during the past few days," Cagalli sighed. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, will you forgive me and have my friendship?"

Athrun smiled, a genuine smile that touched his eyes and nodded. Cagalli blushed and looked at her menu, thinking of a drink she could possibly order. She didn't think she could handle any alcohol at the moment, so she decided on ice tea.

A young woman approached the table, her eyes a beautiful shade of aqua. She blushed as Athrun talked and thanked Cagalli many times before retreating. Cagalli looked over at Athrun and he shrugged, not sure of her behaviour. She brought back their drinks and, once again thanking Athrun and Cagalli both, wandered away to take someone else's order.

Athrun was becoming worried by her behaviour when he saw something on the TV screen that immediately drew his attention and made his jaw drop. Cagalli turned to see what he was looking at and stiffened. Pictures…of the night her and Athrun had been dancing. Oh no.

"'Our top news story today is whether or not our Chairman has gone insane. Pictures and other items, as well as a reliable source, tell us that our Chairman has begun to associate with Naturals, particularly a young blonde. Who is this mystery woman? We cornered her half-brother, who is the guardian of Miss Lacus Clyne, Siegal Clyne's daughter. He seemed angry and confused of the sort. He had this to say.'"

The picture turned to Kira, who was standing protectively in front of Lacus. Athrun winced at the look on his friends face, one of pure confusion and anger.

"Athrun would never hurt my sister, nor would he do anything to harm anyone. He may seem cold, but he isn't. Don't jump to conclusions when you don't have any facts."

The camera then switched to someone Athrun was surprised to see on the news. Lunamaria Hawke was holding up a tape recorder and Athrun's eyes widened.

"We have to leave now," said Athrun, standing. He had only caught a bit of the conversation on the tape recorder, and it was his conversation with Meer. Damn. They had proof of his feelings for Cagalli. Double damn. This was not good.

"What? Why?" asked Cagalli.

"We need to go talk to Kira and Lacus. Now," replied Athrun, eyes wandering over the many people in the room. They all had their eyes glued on the television set that hovered just above the bar. Even the bartender was staring. Then, one yelled out, 'Chairman Zala!' and the whole room erupted in confusion.

"Out! Now!" roared Athrun, throwing himself out the door, Cagalli trailing.

Athrun turned on the engine and was roaring down the road even before people swarmed out of the restaurant, demanding to know what was going on.

"That…that was us on the news. Oh, God, someone is going to recognize me and know that I'm the princess. Kisaka is going to kill me!" howled Cagalli. Just as she finished, her cell phone rang.

"What the hell is going on here, Cagalli!" shouted Kisaka, infuriated. Cagalli winced, as did Athrun and she held the phone at arms length, afraid of the voice on the other end.

"Kisaka, it's not what you think," began Cagalli.

"Not what I think? How do you know what I am thinking?" snapped Kisaka. "Right now I am thinking that our fair princess of Orb has gone and deflowered herself with the Chairman of the PLANTs!"

"Kisaka!" shouted Cagalli, blushing. Athrun had a tint of red on his cheeks as well. Sure, he had considered sleeping with Cagalli, but not until she wished it, and not until he was sure of his feelings for her.

"Well, explain then!"

"I can't! I'm going to Kira's house, so meet me there," said Cagalli.

"You mean you haven't been there all along?" asked Kisaka, his voice rising again.

"No, I've been at–" she never finished her sentence.

The sound of wheels screeching, the crunch of metal on metal and a scream coming from Cagalli's throat made Kisaka's heart go into a wild gallop as the phone went dead.

To Be Continued...
Next Update:
17/08/05

A/N: Oooh, bad Kereyi. She left a cliffy for everyone to ponder. Mwhaha! And you know what? You all will not know how it ends up until later, when I return from my beautiful vacation! (which is in a week and some days if you cannot calculate that date). Sorry, I felt like being evil. But, no, I will not be informing you of what happens to Athrun and Cagalli until I return. For all of you wondering (ignoring the cliffy) Cagalli had a nightmare, so I put it in italics to make it more...what's the word...presentable. Yes, that works. There was a little bit of fluff in here, not much, but I hope you are satisfied with it. I love the idea of Athrun being able to keep Cagalli's inner demons at bay ((grins)). Also, I had to add in the fact about Yuuna beating her. It seemed right, seeing as how he hated Coordinators so much. But, no, this does not happen in the series (Thank God!) and no, Cagalli hasn't been 'deflowered' as Kisaka so nicely thinks. Also, I love their first kiss, so cute. ((giggles and then looks scared)) wow, I giggled. Lol. And if any of you are wondering the name of the song used in this chapter, it's called 'In The Quiet Night'. Lacus sings it somewhere in the beginning episodes of Gundam Seed, at least I'm pretty sure she does.

Now, seeing as how the next update is like forever away, I shall grace you with some dialogue from the next chapter, Journey To Earth; Hardships

"You bastard! You could've kill the Chairman and me! Were you not watching were you were going, dumbass? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Shinn. Shinn Asuka."

"You better be. If I wasn't in a dress and trying to act ladylike, I would've kicked your ass by now."

"I know that she is the princess of Orb, Lord Uzumi's daughter."

"How is it possible for a Natural to be happy with a Coordinator? How is it possible that she is happy on the PLANTs? How?"

"No, Kira, I would never do that to your sister. Not even if she said it was all right. The only way I would do anything of the sort was if the feelings I have for your sister are mutual."

"I would never mean to hurt her, Kira! I care for her too damn much to let her wallow in that type of grief!"

"So do you, but I just can't place you, even though something inside of me is telling me to kill you."

"Your damn lucky. You know I wouldn't have hesitated."

"Touch her once, I'll hurt you. Touch her twice, I'll shoot you. Touch her a third time, and you won't have a head."

Once again, try and guess who is saying what; have fun with it!

Mwha. Anywho, review, ask questions, do anything! But, ponder over what happens and I shall update the minute I return from my vacation! Adios!