A/N: Hello all! I have updated with my longest chapter yet! Now, I have to answer a few reviewers before I continue with my usual summary of this chapter:
Crazy-Destiny: Your reviews are always short and sweet, so yeah! lol, keep reviewing my story!
RobinAmon: Thank you for your review. lol can't say much more.
ZGMF X-19A Infinite Justice: Your reviews are always good. And just to answer your length question, yes I will be maintaining this length. Hopefully, that is good ((frowns)) I think so. And I'm glad you've stuck with me.
Koala Alolao: Lol, love how you just kinda gave up on guessing ((sweat drop)) jk jk. Anywho, hope you like this next chapter, as I made it long and, hopefully, to answer enough questions.
Digital-Dragon-Master: I thank you for continually giving me positive and upbeat reviews. I love the emotion packed into them. And also, Shinn is extremely traumatized now, yet he comes back in future chapters, getting his revenge. You did get the one guess you had correct, so I thank you for trying! Lol.
TotalAnimeGirl: Stellar has been killed. I hate to tell you that, but Shinn comes back in a later chapter, and you'll see the significance to Stellar's death. Small hint: it has something to do with what he said in chapter 7, about Cagalli looking happy. ((winks)) See if you can figure it out. And yes, I agree with you about Yuuna and Meer. (I prefer to call her that, as in my opinion, it means 'Mirror Image' which she is, sadly) Yuuna died in ep 43? ((eyes bug out of head)) Ack! Really? Damn, I need to see that ep. He gets crushed by a mobile suit, eh? Hahahaha! I can sooo picture that! ((points and laughs at him)) Whose mobile suit was it? Or was it shot down and just 'happened' to land on him. ((bursts out laughing)) Thank you for that little piece of info! Very amusing. ((wipes tears from corner of eye))Continue to review!
Susan: Still totally love your reviews. Personally, I hate the fact of age gap love, because somehow, it scares me. I won't go into details, because everyone has their different opinion. Anywho, you cannot blame Shinn, and I felt horrible when I was typing that part. I really like his character, and I didn't want him to be too traumitized, but if you didn't catch the one area, where I said that Shinn had felt that same happiness with Stellar, then you know that they had had a healthy relationship thus far. And you are the only one who actually tried to guess on what the people said thus far! And: you got the first wrong (answer: cagalli) second correct, third correct, fourth wrong (answer: cagalli, and skipping the fifth) sixth correct, seventh correct, eight correct, ninth correct. So all in all, you did very well; 6/9. Thnx for the review once again.
Melissa: Thank you for your review, did you just start to review my story? ((frowns)) I think so...lol. I try to keep track of the people that keep reviewing, and it's hard sometimes! Anywho, continuing reviewing, because I love it when people give me their feedback! And yes, you got the one you guessed correct. ((grins))
Cagalli Yula Attha Fangirl: I really hate saying this, but yes Stellar has died. I know you probably all hate me for killing her off so soon, yet I had to, for the sake of my story! Don't hurt me! ((hides)) I think everyone wishes Dearka had pulled the trigger, but that wouldn't have been much fun, now would it? Kira being the Chairman rose a little problem in the plot, yet I've worked it out, so it should be all right. Thank you for you reviews and continue reviewing plz!
Sorelliena: Awsome reviews. Love how they are short :P. You also reviewed every chapter in one day, and that was interesting. Well, I'm glad you tried; you and Susan, (and a few other people who wrote down maybe one or two) are the only ones who actually tried to guess who said what! lol. Well, let's see. You got: first correct, second correct, third correct, fourth was cagalli, so yeah it's correct, fifth...didn't I say leave that out? Lol, anywho, it's incorrect. sixth, correct, seventh incorrect, eighth correct, ninth correct. All in all, you got 7/9, one more than Susan! Good job! Keep reviewing.
xxravenwingxx: Thank you! I'm glad you like my story; I thought maybe the plot was original, and I hoped dearly that no one else had thought it up. But it was stuck inside my head forever, since I started watching Gundam Seed and was driving me insane. And the whole twisting the stuff from the series; never thought to call it that! Lol. That's a good idea though. I never thought it as 'twisting' as much as 'adding my own personal touch'. Also, thank you for all the compliments! And also, I thank you for saying I have good grammer and spelling. Tell that to my English teacher; she thinks I don't know what a period and a comma are ((weird face)). Continue to review my story, because it is much appreciated!
Thank you all for reviewing my story and constantly being with me throughout it all. Your reviews are greatly appreciated and I hope you continue to stick with it, as the story becomes more heated now. ((grins)) Now, for my usual summary.
In this chapter, you get to mainly hear about the Wedding, and probably much to your displeasure, how Yuuna gets his way. I will not tell you the significance of that statement, I will let you figure it out by yourselves. lol. Now, Cagalli and Athrun grow extremely close, finally bringing their relationship to the next level, if you know what I mean. Also, many different things are thrown about, many people become confused, and Cagalli sorta loses it somewhat in here. Well, hope you guyz like it! Read on!
Chapter 8
Wedding Disaster
Cagalli flopped down on the bed, eyes closed. They had gone to a meeting earlier, and she had experienced the headache that came with talking too much. Athrun had given her some pointers afterwards, telling her that she had done well, and that she was nearer to bringing peace.
Cagalli rolled over and eyed Athrun, who was leaning against the wall, shades discarded and eyes closed.
"Am I lost?" she asked softly.
"What?" questioned Athrun, eyes fluttering open.
Cagalli stood and walked over to him. She looked him straight in the eye and thought about what he made her feel.
"Do you feel anything when you look at me?" she asked.
Athrun thought about this for a little while and looked deep into her golden orbs. "I always feel something when I look at you."
"Tell me about it," she said, moving away. He followed her and sat down beside her on the bed. He was then silent as he thought about the best way to respond.
"Well, when you are this close to me, it seems like I can do anything. My fear seems to disappear and my soul comes awake and notices things it didn't before. I can be myself around you without having you criticizing my every move, without worrying if you will hate who I am. You are yourself around me, so I can be myself around you. I don't realize that I am a Coordinator and you are a Natural. I see us as the same two people, just lost in the world, hoping to find something we need, something we wish to protect." Athrun shrugged. "I guess you make me feel like I am needed, in other places besides the office."
She smiled at him and put her hand over his. He looked down at it, at the ring he had placed on her finger.
"What do you feel?"
Cagalli looked away, staring blankly at the wall. She caught sight of the wedding dress hanging in the closet, and she wished, deeply and truly, that it were Athrun she was marrying instead of Yuuna. She wondered if he thought the same thing; that he wanted to be with her and only her, protecting her from harm. She didn't want to marry Yuuna, but when she had returned, she had found her father, waiting for her in her chambers. He had explained every detail, Athrun present, and had forced Cagalli to agree.
"I wish it was you," she said softly. Athrun looked at the back of her head and she looked back at him, a slight smile tugging on her lips.
"What do you wish was me?" asked Athrun.
"That is was you who had asked me, not Yuuna. That it was you my father had chosen instead of that purple haired freak. I wish it with all my heart, that when I walk down that aisle, it will be you who is at the end, smiling at me and saying the two words that are so dear to a woman." Cagalli seemed to blink, realizing that she had just spilled her hearts desire to the one man that she didn't want to know. Her face heated up and she looked away again.
"You do?"
"Every time I think about it now, yes," she replied looking back into his eyes. He put his hand under her chin and kissed her softly, relishing the fact that she was his; that her heart belonged to him, and his to her.
"You aren't exactly engaged are you?" asked Athrun, standing.
"No…" replied Cagalli, watching him walk to the door.
"Then, let us have one last night before the wedding is officially declared," he said, grinning and locking the door. He then turned back to his princess and wrapped her in his arms, kissing her deeply, before beginning his fun.
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(A/N: Use your imaginations people! Mwha! Yes, I have decided that it is time that they have fun with their relationship, and Athrun feels he needs to, so there. And no, I will not be writing a lemon for this section, so please don't ask. I might in the future, so look forward to that one ((looks content)) So yes, use your imaginations and guess what type of 'fun' they are talking about.)
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Cagalli woke, eyes blurred and a heavy weight on her hips. She yawned and stretched, moving slightly. She turned her head and smiled at the blue haired Coordinator lying beside her. She touched his hair softly, brushing it away from his eyes. He wrinkled his nose, showing his annoyance at being disturbed. Cagalli kissed his forehead and got up, sliding out from under his arm. She walked to the bathroom; eyes still blurred and splashed water on her face.
She looked at herself in the mirror, her skin practically glowing. Sleeping with the one you love does that to you, she thought. Well, if Kisaka called now, then she couldn't deny the deflowering part. She couldn't really believe it had happened. Everything happened in the span of only two weeks. She had been at the PLANTs for only a week, met the love of her life, had come back to Orb, was about to get married to some blubbering idiot who only wanted power, and had slept with the man of her dreams. It seemed too fast for reason, too fast for reality. What would make this the perfect two weeks would be if she didn't marry Yuuna and married Athrun instead.
She sighed and stepped into the shower, letting the water flow over her skin. She washed her hair, her body, and her face before getting out and towelling off. She then walked back into the room where Athrun was still sleeping, his face peaceful. She wondered if it was always like this, if the men always slept in.
She picked up her organizer and flipped through it, fingering the belt of her robe. She found that she had a meeting in four hours, and another right after. She was about to turn around when she felt powerful hands grasp the belt of her robe and pull. She gasped and pulled it shut as something kissed her neck gently.
"Don't think you can get away from me that fast, princess," Athrun whispered gruffly. She smiled and smacked him lightly on the cheek, which received a pinch on the bottom and a yelp.
"I have a meeting in four hours, Athrun," replied Cagalli, struggling only a little from his insistent hand inside her robe.
"I can be done in four hours," he replied, twirling her.
"You might be, but by then, you would be so worn out that you wouldn't be able to protect me!" she laughed, wiggling against him.
"Hm, we shall see who lasts longer. I bet I can make you squirm, princess, and demand much more from me than you think," purred Athrun, pinching her again.
"And I bet if we get caught, it will be posted all over the news," she replied, sadly. She wanted to spend time with Athrun, hell; she would cancel all her meetings just to be with him.
Athrun sighed and released her. She was right after all; he was just her bodyguard. But now, if Yuuna ever asked if he was more than a bodyguard, he would be able to tell him straight, and laugh in that stupid Natural's face. That one little fact made his face break into a grin.
Athrun hurried around the room, gathering his clothing that had been shed the night before. He glanced at the clock and found it to be only six in the morning.
He watched her finger the belt of her robe softly, a thoughtful expression on her face as he slipped on his pants. He was searching for his shirt when he asked, "When is the meeting? I wasn't paying attention."
"It's at ten," she replied, laughing slightly and tugging on her usual representative outfit. She pulled her wet hair from the towel and sighed. Athrun's broad back was facing her and she walked over, kissing his shoulder. Just as he turned, a knock came at the door.
"Hide," she hissed, and walked out of the room and over to the broad doors. Athrun slid under the bed, pulling his clothes with him.
Cagalli opened the door and felt her spirits die as Yuuna stood there, eyes narrowed.
"I thought I heard voices," he said.
"Just me," she replied, not letting him past.
"May I come in?"
"No."
"Why not?" he demanded, voice strangled.
"Because Alex isn't here. I won't have you in my room without him here."
"You worthless little bitch," snarled Yuuna, lunging forward. He grabbed Cagalli by the neck and pushed her back, until her back hit the wall.
Cagalli struggled against his hands, clawing at them furiously and trying to force words from her mouth.
"Athrun!" she screamed, firmly calling his name. She saw him swiftly moving towards them, eyes intent on Yuuna, fogged with rage.
"What did you just say? Did you just call your Coordinator boyfriend? How can you be with someone like him, when he has been altered? I swear, if you even think his name again, I will personally kill you before the wedding," hissed Yuuna, tightening his fingers.
"She said 'Athrun', asswipe, and she can be with me no matter what I am. And what did I tell you yesterday about touching her?" snapped Athrun, grabbing Yuuna's hand and twirling him, flipping him on his back. Yuuna landed hard, air rushing out of his lungs. Athrun glared at him, shirt still nowhere to be seen.
Cagalli slumped to the floor, holding her throat. She massaged it and gasped for breath, tears in her eyes.
"You almost killed her, you bastard. Now I am going to have to kill you," snarled Athrun, hand reaching to the belt of his pants. He brought forth his gun and tipped off the safety.
"Athrun," gasped Cagalli, spots still in front of her eyes. She struggled to her feet, and walked over to him, falling into his arms. "Don't kill him…you told him you would hurt him…but not kill him until the third touch," she managed, trying to smile.
"But he hurt you badly, my princess. I can't let that go unpunished," whispered Athrun.
" 'My princess'? What is going on here?" shouted Yuuna, hands still covering his head.
Athrun felt his fury bubble over. This sad excuse for a Natural had hurt her, had pushed her against the wall and had tried to choke the life from her body. He could never forgive that and he wished desperately that Cagalli wasn't hanging onto his arm, just so he could break this man's soul and shoot him over and over until he no longer haunted her thoughts. His reply came out sharp; promises of an early demise underlying his words, "She's never going to be yours, Yuuna. You may marry her, but she will remain free. She will always be with someone else, in heart and in soul. Don't think you can get away with marrying her when she doesn't love you. She never will, so I see no point in doing so."
"It will get her away from you," he muttered, standing. He then staggered to the door and slammed it shut, leaving the two, Athrun breathing hard, Cagalli massaging her throat.
"How badly did he hurt you?" demanded Athrun, pulling her to the bed. He sat her down and pulled her hair back, examining her neck. An ugly purple bruise was forming and the handprints were evident.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there in time," he whispered, pulling her into his embrace. She rested her head on his shoulder, eyes closed.
"He…hurt me again," she mumbled, nails digging into his back. "I swore I wouldn't let him do that again. Am I truly that weak?"
"You are never weak. You bested me last night, for God's sake! If that isn't strong, then I don't know what is."
"You were just letting me have fun," she laughed, kissing his nose.
"No, I was fighting my damn hardest not let you get the best of me, but you did," he replied, a pout on his lips, but his eyes danced with emerald amusement.
"Liar," she stated before crawling off of his lap. He watched her walk to the bathroom and clenched his hands in pure rage. He had let Yuuna hurt her, after he had sworn to himself that he would never let that type of harm come to her again.
"I'm sorry, Cagalli. I failed you once again. I hope you can forgive me, because when you do, that bastard is going down, one way or another," he promised, and this time he swore that if Yuuna even touched her, he would have the gun out in an instant and the bullet in that purple haired freaks body before he even had a chance to do anything.
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"Imagine, if you will, all the people, living together in peace, with no problems, or worries," said Cagalli, looking at everyone at the table. Athrun stood behind her, eyes narrowed at Yuuna, who sat near the front. "Imagine all the people living for today, living for the future, not in the past. The war is over; there is no longer anything to kill or die for, so we should stop and think." She sighed, standing up taller. She glanced at her knight, who stood in the corner. He nodded to her and she continued, "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'll bet you I'm not the only one. I say, join us, in this world of the future, where we can live in peace and prosperity; where there are no wives crying over lost loved ones, or children without parents. Coordinators are not our enemy; our enemies are the ones that decide to hurt, who decided that others that are different don't deserve to live. We might as well be killing off religion then."
"How can you say that, Miss Attha, when the man standing behind you has hurt countless others?" stated Yuuna, staring at his future wife. He saw her stiffen and held back a grin.
"This man behind me, he proves my point well. He lives here on the Earth, here where people would kill him at a glance if they knew who he really was, but he chooses to protect someone like me, a Natural. How can you say that Coordinators care nothing for us when this one here, Alex, protects me from harm? How can you say that he has hurt countless others when he chooses to defend those he believes need it the most?" Cagalli stared into Yuuna's eyes, challenging him. She flipped back her hair silently, letting him gaze at the bruise on her neck. "How can you say this, Mr Seiran, when you have hurt more people than this man?"
Everyone seemed to gasp at this accusation and Yuuna's eyes grew wide. Athrun stiffened, thinking this a bold move. He wondered if he would need to fend off the council, but then something happened.
"Miss Attha, do you have proof of this accusation," said one of the men, standing. Cagalli turned her cold gaze on him.
"I would not make this accusation unless I had experienced it first hand," stated Cagalli, her eyes returning to Yuuna's. She saw his mouth open in silent fury and couldn't help but smirk.
"You mean to tell us that Mr Seiran has hurt you in the past?" rationalized one man, standing.
"Have you not noted the bruise upon my neck? Do not say you haven't; I have talked to Alex and he has seen many of you stare. This appeared because Mr Seiran found my association with Coordinators to be upsetting. I would have died this morning–" She let that sink in. "If not for Ath – I mean Alex. He feared for my safety, experiencing first hand the temper Mr Seiran possesses on the shuttle home. He fended him off, tended to me, and even now, he wonders whether or not he should be killing him for hurting a woman."
The eyes of the council turned to Athrun and he nodded slightly, eyes still focused on Yuuna, hand touching the gun at his side. Many of the council members wondered if he was as experienced as what Cagalli had said. He did seem distant, all his concentration pinpointed on Yuuna.
"Since secrets seem to be spilling out now, Miss Attha, then let me reveal something to the council," snapped Yuuna, standing. All eyes were drawn to him, and they were no longer friendly. They were cold, almost murderous. Yuuna didn't notice however. Athrun stiffened, knowing what Yuuna was about to say. "Her bodyguard – the man you know as Alex Dino – is actually someone we are all well aware of. His father has made quite some damaging decisions, some threaten-some towards the PLANTs. This man is none other than Chairman Athrun Zala, Patrick Zala's son."
All hell broke loose then. Every man on the council stood, talking at once and turning his eyes on Cagalli, who was now standing beside Athrun. Her hand was on his shoulder, and he was looking at her, eyes visible above the shades.
"Show them. They deserve to know," she whispered.
Athrun nodded and turned towards the council. He pulled down the shades that hid his emerald eyes and pulled off the wig that hid his midnight blue hair. He glanced at them all and opened his mouth to speak.
"It is true that I am Chairman Zala, but I did not come here to harm any of you. Kira Yamato – as you all know as Cagalli's half-brother – has taken my spot for the time being. I came down to Earth to accompany Miss Attha because I was concerned for her safety. Among you is a traitor, seeking to assassinate Miss Attha and pit war against our already fragile kind. What she says is true – I have hurt many, but I have never, under any circumstances, hurt a woman, like some men I know." Athrun turned his vicious glare on Yuuna. "I warned you before, Yuuna, and my offer still stands. Back out and stay away, as Dearka has said, and you won't get hurt. Touch her again, and I'll make sure you don't live." He then turned on his heel, hand grabbing Cagalli's wrist and pulled her out.
"What have you done, Mr Seiran? You have abused a woman, not to mention the representative from Orb! What has gone through your head?" said one man, eyes glued on Yuuna.
"Not only that, he has angered the Chairman of the PLANTs! Did you not see the protective stance that he held, or the look of defence in his eyes? He cares for her; a Coordinator actually cares for a Natural! This will make headlines!"
"But isn't Miss Attha to be married to him?" asked one man, eyeing Yuuna.
All eyes turned to Yuuna, who didn't say anything. "I say she call off the wedding and marry the Coordinator. That would definitely unite the worlds and bring about the peace she claims to want."
"Can a Coordinator and a Natural love each other?" asked another.
"He is the Chairman of the PLANTs! What will that tell people? He has betrayed his own kind to be with a Natural! That might also spark another war!" said yet another.
Yuuna wasn't paying attention. He was shaking with rage, raw, powerful rage, and all he saw in his minds eye was pulling out a gun and shooting the bitch that had accused him, in front of the eyes of her Coordinator boyfriend.
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"Now you've done it," said Athrun, pulling her into her chambers. He sighed and tossed the black wig on the floor.
"I'm sorry. It was not my fault. Yuuna challenged me and I was not about to back down, especially after what he did to me," replied Cagalli, rubbing absently at her throat.
"Does it still hurt?" he asked, coming up behind her and massaging her shoulders. She sighed with pure bliss and leaned her head back on his shoulder as he worked out the knots in her back and shoulders.
"Not anymore. That salve you had helped wash away the pain," she replied.
"Lie down and remove the top part of your top," said Athrun. She looked back at him, eyebrows raised. "I'm not going to do anything now, I just want to give you a massage."
"I can't see you doing anything now, not while everyone knows who you are," said Cagalli, removing her top and lying down. Athrun unhooked her bra and began to massage her back, carefully kneading her velvet like skin.
"I still can't believe my cover has been blown, and only after a day on Earth!" sighed Athrun, carefully massaging her neck. He could feel the knots manifesting in her shoulders and neck, and was extremely careful, not wishing to cause her pain.
"If you ask me, I think the wedding is off now. No one in their right mind would want me to marry a man who abuses me," said Cagalli.
"You know what surprises me?" said Athrun. Cagalli lifted her head slightly and he continued, "Yuuna could have said I had done it, yet he kept quiet and listened to your accusations. Not once did he deny them. It just makes me wonder."
Cagalli thought about this, while Athrun massaged the knots away. She then heard a knock on the door and got up, replacing her top. Athrun followed her, not wanting a repeat of last time.
One of the council members stood in front of them, eyeing Athrun and then Cagalli.
"We hate to inform you of this, Miss Attha, but you are still inclined to marry Yuuna, even though we wish to pull you away from him. Your father is the only one who has rights to stop this marriage, but he hasn't come out of his chambers since he last talked to you," The young man glanced at Athrun. "We still do not understand your true intentions Chairman Zala, but we do wish you the best of luck."
Cagalli closed the door softly and then slammed her fist into the wood. It didn't break, nor did it dent, but she was still furious. Athrun wrapped his arms around her and she ranted into his shoulder, teeth clenched, eyes tightly closed in rage.
Outside the door, Yuuna looked at the council member. "How did she take it? And don't look so unhappy."
"You were the one who threatened me, Mr Seiran. I do not see what you will get out of marrying Miss Attha, but Chairman Zala doesn't look like a man to be trifled with. You should be careful, and heed his warning. He cares for her too much to let her go; you can see it in his eyes."
"I will not have my future wife associating with Coordinators. It's enough that I have to deal with her Coordinator half-brother; I will not deal with the Chairman."
"The council will not like this when it happens. They have already ruled that she will not be married to you!"
"I don't give a damn. I will have her, one way or another."
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The day of the wedding made Cagalli wake crying. Athrun was beside her, arms tight around her waist, chest against her back. His breathing was even, hot on her neck and she touched the bruise there lightly. He had been gentle with her last night, not wishing to harm her. She glanced at the clock and saw it to be nine fifteen and yawned, stretched, and untangled herself from his arms. She began her way to the bathroom, but stopped to look at the wedding gown hanging in the closet.
"I still wish it was you," she said, taking a kimono from the closet and going into the washroom.
Athrun's eyes snapped open and he moved slightly, brushing the hair from his eyes. He had felt the sobs rack Cagalli's body and wanted to comfort her, wanted to hold her and tell her everything was going to be all right.
Athrun stood, wrapping the sheet around his waist and walked over to her wedding dress. He heard the shower come on, the scream of fury come from her throat. He winced and touched the silken material. Maybe he could call off the wedding. Maybe he could shoot Yuuna and tell everyone he had planned on assassinating Cagalli. Maybe he could bring her back to the PLANTs with him. Maybe… Too many maybes, Athrun grimaced and picked up his pants and boxers, sliding them on. He then found his shirt and put that on as well.
An insistent knock on the door drew his attention and he glanced at the bathroom door, where Cagalli was showering. Well, he might as well.
He opened the door and was only mildly surprised to see Dearka, with Miriallia behind him. Dearka pushed past him and walked in, fury in his amethyst eyes. Miriallia followed, looking around for Cagalli.
"She's in the washroom," directed Athrun. Miriallia glanced at him and walked away. The shower had ceased the minute Athrun had opened the door.
"What the hell is going on here, Zala? Why are people all of a sudden asking if I know the Chairman? And why do they know who you are? And what is up with Miss Cagalli marrying that purple haired freak!" shouted Dearka. Cagalli walked over to them, hair up, and kimono on. Dearka caught site of the purple-yellow bruise on her neck. "And what the hell is that?"
"Too many questions, Dearka. First of all, I'm protecting her like I said I would. Second, people are asking if you know the Chairman because Yuuna let slip that that is who I am and they know you are a Coordinator. Thirdly, I don't know why Cagalli is marrying him," said Athrun, clenching his fist. It should be me! "And finally, Yuuna did that. He was pissed because she is associating with me."
"Come on Cagalli," said Miriallia, pulling her away.
"She looks different somehow," mused Dearka, eyeing her as she walked. "And it's not because of the whole marrying thing." Dearka turned to Athrun. "And so do you. Let me guess, you, not me, got a girl in bed."
"Dearka," hissed Athrun warningly. He heard the girls laugh from inside the bedroom chambers and looked back at his friend, who was grinning like a fool.
"Sure, you get her into bed within two weeks, and I'm stuck with Ice Princess who, if I'm lucky, will let me give her a peck on the cheek," said Dearka, rolling his eyes. He then smiled genuinely. "I'm glad for you, man. It's easier to be around you since she's been in your life. She seems to make you different; not in a bad way, but a really good one."
"I think I love her, Dearka," said Athrun absently, listening to the girls laughter. That took Dearka aback and he stared at his Chairman.
"You love her? Did I hear you right? You know that's forbidden, Athrun. You cannot, and I repeat, cannot love a Natural."
"And who decided that rule?" he snapped, emerald eyes ablaze.
"Your father."
Athrun grunted. "My father was a fool. I love her, and I will not let her go."
"Does she feel the same way?"
Athrun went silent and again listened to the chatter and laughter of his love. "I don't know, Dearka. I really don't."
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"I can't believe that bastard would do that to you!" exclaimed Miriallia, taken aback by the colour of the bruise on her neck.
"And he would have killed me if Athrun hadn't been here with me," Cagalli replied, letting her hair fall back into place.
"When did you say Yuuna attacked you, exactly?" asked Miriallia, a twinkle in her eyes.
"When? Around six in the morning…maybe a little later."
"Why was Athrun in your room at six in the morning?"
Miriallia burst out laughing at the look on her friends face; one of pure shock and panic. She had caught her!
"You were in bed with him, I am guessing?" asked Miriallia.
"No…" said Cagalli only half-heartedly.
"I can't believe you would sleep with him! You've only known him for, what, two weeks?"
"Yes, but it seems right. We should be together," explained Cagalli.
"Hm, your skin is almost glowing so I have to guess it was good," mused Miriallia, grinning.
"Milly! Stop!" blushed Cagalli and the two girls succumbed to a fit of giggles.
"I feel sort of bad though. Poor Dearka has been trying so hard to be gentleman like, so I will sleep with him. I've let him kiss me once, but only light kisses since then. I'm beginning to think Coordinators are a real catch," laughed Miriallia.
"You say one more thing related to that topic, and I'll hurt you," warned Cagalli.
Miriallia sobered quickly and looked over at the wedding dress. Her eyes turned sad.
"I can't believe you still have to marry that bastard. He should be burning in hell right now. How is Athrun taking this?" asked Miriallia.
"Not well. He's trying to keep up a tough front, but I think if he sees Yuuna place that ring on my finger, he will shoot him," Cagalli sighed. This wasn't right. "For the last few days, I have been wondering. I have the power over my own decisions, so why marry someone I don't care for?"
"Call it off," said Miriallia simply.
"I would love to, but it's in two hours. I can't just call it off."
"Why not? You love another so why should you marry Yuuna when your heart is with someone else, namely, an emerald eyed Coordinator?" replied Miriallia, watching her friends' eyes.
"I do love him…" Cagalli whispered softly. Her eyes grew distant.
Miriallia smiled and looked at her friend, wondering what it felt like. She cared for Dearka; she knew that. But he just wasn't like Tolle. Tolle had been kind, sweet, and caring towards her. Dearka was always joking, and dropping pickup lines like bait. She didn't know if he was just joking, or if he was serious at times. But she did see the care in his eyes when he looked at her, and she wondered if it would still be there, when and if, she made a decision. It was still hard for her to talk to Athrun, knowing he was the one that killed Tolle. But she was slowly getting over it and moving on, like she knew Tolle would want her to. Dearka seemed to want to move on with her, but she wasn't sure if she could handle him.
Miriallia studied her friend, wondering if love was what had given her friend a different look. She seemed lighter, and her skin was vibrant. Her eyes had a soft look behind them; one that Miriallia recognized all too well. She was also smiling more, and her eyes softened considerably when she looked at Athrun. Miriallia wanted to experience that type of love once more, but it seemed to have died with Tolle.
"You should give Dearka a chance," Cagalli said suddenly, bringing Miriallia out of her thoughts.
"What?"
"He cares for you; he's cared for you since the war. I don't see why you don't notice it. He's been wooing you, asking me about you, and for the past while, been living with you," Cagalli turned her golden gaze on her friend. "Love can be found in unexpected places, you just need to know where to look. Right now, I think you're being blind. You need to let go of Tolle and move on; he would have wanted it. Dearka is waiting there for you, at the end of the road. You just need to run into his arms."
"Love has also given you wisdom," grinned Miriallia. Cagalli smiled slightly and went back to thinking.
She's right, you know, said the voice in her head.
I can't just all of a sudden show an interest in him!
And why not?
Because it's Dearka. I've been cold towards him for the past two weeks.
Well, defrost and throw yourself at him. Take him by surprise.
Why am I listening to you?
Because I am your mind and I am right. Now, do as your friend says and do as Tolle would want you to do. You know he would be happy that you found love again.
Love is a strong word…
You don't have to use it yet, but you do care for that blonde haired dummy. Now, do it!
Miriallia sighed, wondering where that conversation in her head had come from. She had only done that once, and that had been during the war, when Dearka had asked if she had wanted to eat lunch with him. She had thought about it for a good long time, receiving an odd look from Dearka, but she had finally sat down with him.
"The wedding is soon. I…have to ask Athrun to leave," said Cagalli, biting her lip. Once again Miriallia was brought out of her thoughts and she jumped at Cagalli's sudden words.
"You're still going to marry him?"
"If my father wishes it, then yes," said Cagalli, turning away.
She's making a mistake.
I know that, but does she?
She should take what she has got and run with it, as fast and as far as she can. Why throw away something like that if only to suffer?
Point well taken. Now, go away and don't come back until I need a decent conversation with myself.
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Athrun walked silently down the hallway, brooding. Cagalli was really going to go through with this! He couldn't believe it; it just wasn't possible.
Dearka sighed and opened the door, Athrun following him. Miriallia had stayed behind, as she was to be the maid of honour. Dearka closed the door and went to sit down on the couch, running his hand through his unruly blonde locks.
"I still can't believe she's going to go through with this!" snapped Athrun.
"She's doing what she thinks is right," began Dearka.
"How can it be right if it's not me?" interrupted Athrun, eyes ablaze.
"Why don't you tell her then?" asked Dearka.
Athrun shook his head, mind racing. He needed to do something to get her to see how much he cared. Wait… "That's it. I can ask her how she feels about me. I can ask her about her feelings at the wedding."
"You really think that'll work?"
"Why not? It's the perfect plan!"
"Have you thought of all the possibilities?"
Athrun stopped and looked at his friend. "All the possibilities?"
"Yes. Have you thought about her response? And how Yuuna will respond for that matter?" asked Dearka softly.
Athrun went silent, eyes wide. He turned away, not wanting Dearka to see the tears that filled his eyes. What if she didn't feel the same way?
Athrun walked towards the door, ignoring Dearka's call. He opened it and slammed the door, walking down the hallway. He quickly donned his sunglasses and walked outside, shadows from the clouds covering the sky playing with his vision. He walked over to the small bench in the middle of the park, the area where his love and that purple freak where to be married. He didn't know what to do. It was too surreal, like something from a horror book.
"Athrun?" called someone from behind him. He turned slightly and was shocked to seem Cagalli walking towards him, her wedding gown on. He gasped and covered his eyes. It was bad luck for someone other than the maid of honour to see the bride…or something like that.
"Cagalli, you're supposed to be getting changed! And why are you out here in your wedding gown?" asked Athrun.
"Stop shielding your eyes, idiot, and look at me," said Cagalli. Athrun brought down his hand and stared openly at her. The gown was elegant, strapless and beautiful. It clung to her in all the right places, and was long enough to hide her feet, but short enough that it didn't drag. Her hair was up and gelled, making it look soft, yet simple. Her makeup made her look flawless and Athrun walked forward, lifting the veil that covered her face.
"You look beautiful," he whispered, staring into the depths of her eyes. She smiled slightly and leaned into his palm as it caressed her cheek.
"Why can it not be you?" asked Cagalli.
"I don't know. Have you talked to your father?"
Cagalli shook her head. "I've knocked on the door, I've called to him, and I've even threatened him, yet he doesn't answer." She looked up at him. "What do I do? I don't want to marry Yuuna."
"How long until the wedding?" asked Athrun.
"An hour. They're setting up over there now," Cagalli pointed to the secluded spot scheduled for the wedding. Athrun sighed.
"You should be getting ready."
"Athrun?"
"I'm sorry." He turned and walked away, not wishing for her to see him cry, or letting her see his sorrow.
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Cagalli sat in her room, eyes downcast and fingering the ring Athrun had given her. She wondered if he was still with her and sighed as she thought about why she was doing this.
She stood slowly and walked over to the door. Opening it, she stepped out and made her way down the hallway, to her fathers' room. She knocked softly on the door, yet no answer was given. She pulled a key from the bodice of her gown and inserted it into the lock. Turning it, she opened the door.
"Father?" she called. Still no answer. She walked inside and flipped on the light. Someone sat near the window, their back to her. She walked over and touched their shoulder, and stared into the dark eyes of Yuuna.
"What – what are you doing here?" she stuttered, stepping back.
"I knew you would come here, hoping to call off the wedding," said Yuuna coldly. "Your father is safe; don't worry about him. I suggest you worry about yourself."
Yuuna stepped forward and grasped her hand, pulling at the ring on her index finger. She fought against him, and he brought back his hand, slapping her cheek. She went limp and he slipped the ring off.
"You will not associate with Coordinators if you are to be my wife," said Yuuna, walking back to the window. Cagalli put her hand to her cheek and stared as he opened the window and tossed the ring out.
"You know it is not good for the groom to see the bride before the wedding," whispered Yuuna, looking back at her. Cagalli turned on her heel and ran, trying her damn hardest not to cry.
It's not fair! Cagalli rushed down the hallway, back to the room. She collapsed onto the bed and stared into her pillow, remembering the memories it carried.
"I will not marry you, Yuuna. Instead, I shall kill you," growled Cagalli, sitting up.
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Athrun walked towards the ceremony, where he could see Yuuna standing, a grin plastered on his sickening face. Athrun fingered the gun at his waist, wondering if his plan would work. He had found Cagalli's ring and wondered why she had thrown it away. After his talk with Miriallia, however, everything seemed to change.
-Flashback-
"I don't want her to marry Yuuna, but I have no choice. She has decided this," said Athrun, pacing. He held the ring he had given Cagalli and was staring at it, wondering.
"You know the truth, I presume?" asked Miriallia, combing her auburn hair. She was wearing a teal dress, with strips of red across the bodice. She looked stunning, really.
"The truth? You mean; the truth that she wishes it was I? Yes, I know about that," said Athrun, stopping.
"That's not what I mean," sighed Miriallia, standing. She walked over to the blue haired Coordinator and put her hand on his shoulder. "You have something precious, Athrun, don't throw it away. You should be running with it, as far and as fast as you can. Don't throw something as precious as Cagalli away; it only leads to suffering."
Athrun looked up at Miriallia, emerald meeting crystal blue. She smiled at him and moved away, glancing at the radio. "You have heard Lacus's song, 'In The Quiet Night' I assume? Do you not find it appropriate for this situation? Radio on."
Lacus's voice rang through the room and Athrun listened to the soothing words, thinking back to his first meeting with Cagalli. It seemed like Fate, and Fate always had a way of getting what it wanted.
"Thank you, Miriallia," he said, kissing her forehead before turning and leaving.
"Maybe I should follow my own advice," she said softly as the door closed.
-End of Flashback-
She was right after all. He needed to clear things up, and what better way then to humiliate a pitiful Natural as well?
He stood in the back row, eyes darting from behind the glasses he wore. Yuuna was standing with his back to him, and he saw Miriallia at the entrance to the aisle. She looked at Athrun and then waved to someone behind him. Dearka smiled and waved slightly, then walked over to Athrun.
"What's the plan?" he whispered as everyone stood to greet the bride.
"Take down the bodyguards while I ask Cagalli the question. Then, get the Destiny ready; I want out of here as soon as I am done," explained Athrun. "Oh, and take Miriallia with you. She wants to come, I know that much."
The music started and Cagalli walked out, eyes stone cold. Athrun watched her walk by, and slowly made his way forward, wandering through the people that crowded the small space. Dearka was on the side, softly taking down the bodyguards one at a time. He reached the platform and moved behind it, shielding himself with people. He then proceeded to take down the other side of bodyguards. He gave Athrun a thumbs up and slipped out the door.
"We are gathered here today, to join this two people in matrimony," said the pastor, smiling. The heavens, however, threatened the wedding with a clash of thunder. Athrun winced and pushed farther forward.
The pastor turned to Yuuna, "Do you, Yuuna Roma Seiran, take this woman, Cagalli Yula Attha, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad forsaking all other to love, honour, and cherish for as long as you both shall live, till death do you part?"
"I do," said Yuuna without hesitation.
"And do you, Cagalli Yula, take this man, Yuuna Roma Seiran, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad forsaking all other to love, honour, and cherish for as long as you both shall live, till death do you part?"
Cagalli looked at Yuuna, at his dark eyes and pitiful face. She then saw the crowd part as Athrun stepped forward, eyes pleading.
She sighed and felt Yuuna's piercing gaze travel over her skin.
No.
I will not marry you, Yuuna!
You will not take me away from what I truly want!
You instead will suffer what you so deserve!
"Miss Attha?"
"No," she said shortly, looking directly at Athrun.
"What?" hissed Yuuna.
"I will not marry you, Yuuna. Not now, not ever," she said, tossing the flowers she held at him.
Thunder clashed and lightning raced across the heavens, and Cagalli remembered the night Athrun and she had met. It was on a night just like this that she had saved him from the three men.
"You cannot call off the wedding! You are obligated to marry me!" snapped Yuuna, grabbing her wrist.
A loud bang was heard and people screamed. Athrun stood, glasses discarded and gun held at eye level. Yuuna jumped back, hand covering the hole the bullet had ripped in the sleeve.
"I told you if you touched her a second time, I would shoot you," said Athrun coldly.
Cagalli looked down at him and then looked at Yuuna. Yuuna struggled to his feet and looked around for his bodyguards. They were all gone, either on the ground or leaning against the wall, unconscious.
"A new development has arisen at this calm wedding. It seems the bodyguard of Miss Attha has shot Mr Seiran!" said one news reporter, the camera focusing on Athrun and Cagalli.
"What are you doing?" she whispered. Yuuna moved forward, eyes focused on Athrun. Cagalli turned her head to look at Yuuna and Athrun saw the bruise on her cheek and his fist clenched.
"Did I not warn you, Yuuna? I told you, if I found one bruise on her, I wouldn't hesitate to kill you," exclaimed Athrun, gun aiming higher on Yuuna. He froze.
"Athrun," she said, looking at him. "Why are you here? I thought you didn't care."
"I need to know something, before you make the biggest mistake of your life," replied Athrun.
"You will not have her, Zala. You know it is forbidden, so I don't understand why you are doing this," said Yuuna.
"Cagalli, answer me this," said Athrun, drawing her eyes. He still held the gun pointed at Yuuna, but it lowered slightly. "Do you love me?"
Cagalli's eyes widened and so did Yuuna's. "A-athrun?"
"Please, I must know. If you do love me, like I love you, then leave this ass behind and come back with me to the PLANTs. If you don't," Athrun looked away, "then I will leave you with him."
Cagalli bit her lip, thinking back to her conversation with Miriallia. She turned to Athrun, and whispered, "It must have been Fate that threw us together. Yes, Athrun Zala, I do love you."
Yuuna, furious and confused, spoke up then, eyes ablaze with fury.
"This is just rich! A Coordinator, confessing his love for a Natural! And the Natural turns around and does the same!" barked Yuuna, pulling a gun from one of the men that had fallen. He easily fired, and the gun flew from Athrun's hand. His eyes grew wide and he backed up.
"Don't think I haven't seen what you two have been doing. I ignored it, hoping it would just go away. You kept at it though, becoming her bodyguard. I saw the possessiveness in your eyes at the party two weeks ago and it still hasn't left, it's just grown stronger. I want you dead, Chairman, even if I have to do it myself." Yuuna raised the gun and smiled, a slow smile. "I know what you two have been doing these past two days as well. Don't think me for an idiot; anyone who has ears can tell. I don't like my woman being deflowered by a Coordinator, much less when she belongs to me." Yuuna smirked at the look that crossed past Athrun's face; one of pure hate and disgust. "You will pay, Chairman, for taking her from me and I can only think of shooting you, over and over, in front of your beloved Cagalli as fit punishment." The resentment in Yuuna's eyes; the pure hatred, brought tears to Cagalli's eyes as he raised the gun and his finger began to pull the trigger.
Not again! Not this time!
"No!" screamed Cagalli, dropping and flinging out one leg, catching Yuuna on the thighs. He buckled and fell backwards, gun going off. It grazed Athrun's right shoulder and he fell hard. Cagalli jumped up and stomped hard on Yuuna's wrist with her heels, pinning his hand while she picked up the gun.
"This is all your fault," snarled Cagalli, picking up the gun. Yuuna pulled his hand to his chest and began to cradle it, a whimper in his voice. "First, you try to marry me when I am half your age. Second, you beat me because I have a Coordinator half-brother. Then, you think it's your civic duty to pull me away from those I love and purposefully take away my ring, which is dear to me." Cagalli pointed the gun at Yuuna, eyes ablaze. "Finally, you try and shoot Athrun, the only one who has actually cared for my well-being, the only one who finds it in his busy life to pull me along with him."
"Cagalli!" said Athrun, scrambling to his feet. He rushed forward.
"I won't let you get away with this anymore! You have already ruined my life, scarred my soul! I will not take it anymore, I will not!" she screamed and pulled the trigger.
To Be Continued...
Next update:
26/08/05
A/N: And again this concludes another chappy! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I did. Yes, Athrun and Cagalli had extreme intimate moments, yet I thought it was time. Above, I told you Yuuna got what he wanted, and he did. He said he wanted another wedding, and he got one, yet at his expense. He's been yelled at by Cagalli, threatened by Athrun, and soon, he might even be dead. Yeah! Hopefully, though, you caught my little 'might' thing. Rest assured, he will die, but I have yet to decided when...if now, or maybe later? Now, you might be questioning what Athrun meant by 'Destiny' when he told Dearka to go get it prepared. One, it is not the mobile suit as in GS Destiny. It is a different thing all together, the 'New Technology' they had been working on. I shall not tell you what it is though. Hehe. Evilness, I know.
Now, the next chapter is six days from now, on the same day school starts ((gags)) Save me! So, my updates may be a little spaced out after that, just so you all know. School is a bitch, and I heard grade ten is a drag ((sigh)).
So! Onto the previews! You didn't think I would forget those, did you? Lol. Well, the next chapter is called Destiny and is actually a very interesting chapter. ((winks)) I'll make it just shy of this one, maybe about fourteen pages on word? Or maybe seventeen, like the one I posted before. Anywho, here are the previews:
"He cannot die like this! Bring him back to life, Athrun! I want to kill him again!"
"You want me, yet you hate me. Is that why you erected the barrier? To protect against what you are afraid of?"
"You've made a weapon like this
"They followed us on my command and finished preparations down on Earth. I wanted to test its compatibility on Earth and so far it has proved useful."
"I think it would be amusing to see you in a skirt."
"What the hell is the matter with you?"
"Well, I'll just leave you two to go at it - er - I mean to find some decent clothing."
"She must be Lord Uzumi's daughter. I heard she has a wicked temper."
"Do you not realize we are not in private? These people have yet to see the news, so stop pushing it Cagalli, or, by God, I will leave you out here in a life pod!"
And so there are the previews. Now, since lack of guessing ((sad look)) took place on the last chapter, you don't have to send me your answers to who says what. But if you want to try; go right ahead.
So, that is all I must say! Just so you know, there are four more chapters, including the epilogue, to come, and I will be asking all of you an important question soon, so be ready! And do read the A/N for it, because I will need to know the answer. More details will come later. Now, review, ponder, do anything, while you wait for the next update!