A/N: Ahoy all! Currently, I am majorly angry because I just happened to catch ep 45 of GSD and I still can't believe that Cagalli would give up on Athrun like that! Makes me want to strangle her! Gah! And then she just tells Meyrin to watch over Athrun. Again, I wanted to strangle her. Why would she do this? Why, why, why? Actually, why would the director do this? How could they let this happen! ((threatens director with knife)) They better hope that they keep Athrun and Cagalli together at the end or some serious riots will ensure ((grumbles)).

Anywho...Thank you for the reviews! I made it over a hundred! Goal achieved! ((pumps fist in victory)) Now, I would like to answer a few reviews, some that amused me.

ZGMF X-19A Infinite Justice: The last chapter was a little...odd. I just couldn't put it all together! Ack! But, don't worry, they don't use the Destiny, Infinity and Fate anymore (seems the technicians made a few errors and they blew up when they got shot in Mobile Suit mode :P) Lol. Sorry. So yes, actually, I just figured out that I'm adding another chapter, and an epilogue to this one (so it should be around...12? Better I hope :P) Keep on reviewing!

Omi: LOL. I never thought anyone would actually think about my explanation. Yes, I know the whole Destiny chapter was a little messed, but I liked it none the less. This was what I thought about when I was explaining Destiny; the metal used for the room could be like that, if it were found on another planet. Thus, I thought it was an interesting hypothesis. Anywho, I hope that didn't turn down your hunger to read my story! (that sounded odd to me...?((odd look at what I just wrote)) oh well!) Please keep reviewing! Adios!

Susan: Ah yes, Susan, one of my favourite reviewers. Lol. Well, it was kinda odd that you didn't want a sequel, and I promise you that it would be just as good as the original! Truth be told, I have it all planned out perfectly, so it will be interesting! Yes, yes it will. Keep on sticking with my story! Pwease!

So, I think I have answered the reviews I found interesting, not that everyone elses reviews weren't! ((looks around for people throwing knives. Finds none)) Anywho, continuing on! I hope you would all like a sequel, because...well I've already planned it all out, the plot, the characters, everything! So...if you all do want a sequel, then I shall make one! Yes!

Onto my summary of this chappy: Well, the title says it all. Meer is becoming frantic after seeing the video tape (did anyone catch that in my last chapter?) and decides to take some drastic measures. Thus, she thinks she needs to bring Athrun under reign. Oh yeah, and everyone knows she is a Lacus fake. And for some unknown reason, I made it so they don't really care ((shrugs)) How does she do it? Mwha, you will have to find out! There are some funny moments with Cagalli in this chapter (actually, the part that I wrote about the alarm clock, happened to me this morning, so I added it in!) and Athrun, I think, goes a little insane with crazy ideas ((smacks Athrun over the head)) Well, read on!

Chapter 10
Meer's Hasty Decision

He knew someone was following him; he could hear their breath in the quiet night, and note their footsteps falling gently behind him. And when he stopped, they did.

"Is anyone there?" he called, eyes wandering over the street. No one answered, but he hadn't expected anyone to.

The footfalls continued suddenly, this time more rushed. He didn't glance back, knowing his pursuer would just hide.

No street lights showed the path on which he travelled; no stars or moonlight shone on the pavement beneath his shoes. But he knew where he was going; he knew what he must do. And he needed to do it soon, or something precious to him, more precious than his own life, would be lost to him forever.

Suddenly, he heard the footfalls cease and paused, curiosity overcoming his common sense. Looking back, he noticed nothing but darkness. Darkness that seemed to swallow the little light that came from the windows farther into town. He felt fear slid up his back, and make his breathing ragged, as he turned, eyes widening.

Something ahead made him quicken his steps and soon he was full out running. His strides brought him deeper into the darkness he so despised; yet he knew he was almost there. He could hear the screams; hear the ragged breath. Just a little farther.

Bursting from the fog, the light that shone directly on his face blinded him. He shielded his eyes and gazed in horror at the sight in front of him. Two women stood, one with cold eyes and a gun pointed at the temple of the other. The other looked frightened and her eyes widened in relief as she saw him.

The young woman with the gun turned to him, eyes wild, teeth bared in a snarl. She pushed off the safety and made the other walk forward, toward him. She then made her kneel and stare into his eyes. She chuckled, drawing his furious gaze to hers and he saw her smile.

"I wanted to be yours, yet you turned me away! I did everything for you, but now it's too late. Too late for you, too late for your little Natural girlfriend. Say goodbye!"

The trigger was pulled.

The gunshot echoed throughout his mind and he felt a scream erupt from his throat as his heart shattered.

"Cagalli!"

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"Cagalli!" he screamed, jolting up in bed, panting. His body was coated with a thick sheen of sweat and his knuckles were white from clenching the bed sheets so tight. He stared straight ahead, eyes wide, breath still ragged. The image played over and over in his mind. Again and again he saw the trigger being pulled.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath – and swallowing – he managed to swing his legs over the side of the bed. Athrun was about to stand when he felt a heavy weight beside him and looked, wide eyed, into a pair of tawny eyes.

"Bad dream?" Cagalli asked softly, touching his forehead. He pulled back in surprise and saw her eyebrows furrow.

"I know it was about me, dolt, so don't try to act like it wasn't. You wouldn't just call my name for nothing," she said, again reaching for his face. Athrun let her hand caress his cheek softly, letting her fingers glide over his skin. He needed reassurance, anything to tell him that she was really. His eyes slowly closed as he felt her fingers trace his mouth, eyes, nose and then glide down his throat.

"Cagalli?" Athrun asked hesitantly, fear gripping his gut. He hoped to God that he wasn't dreaming again. He hoped she wouldn't disappear, or shatter into a million pieces, like his heart had in that dream.

"Calm down, Athrun. I'm here, I'm real," Cagalli said, smiling softly. She leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his. "Nothing can hurt you while I'm here."

He nodded and wrapped her in his arms, holding her close as she kissed his closed eyelids. Gently, she pushed him back down onto the bed and kissed his forehead.

"I'm here. Go to sleep. You need it more than I do, Athrun. Don't wear yourself out," said Cagalli softly, wrapping her arms around his neck and listening to his heartbeat. It seemed to be going a mile a minute, and she wanted to calm him, like he had calmed her that night not so long ago.

"Cagalli?" Athrun asked, his voice wobbling. She looked up at him. "Will you stay with me for the night?"

"Of course," she whispered and he turned over on his side, pulling her to him. She nestled her head against his chest and listened as his breathing began to even out.

"Just like you protected me, I shall protect you," Cagalli said softly, pulling the sheet up to cover their bodies. "We will protect each other, as long as need be."

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Cagalli knew he was having another nightmare. Athrun's body tensed suddenly and his grip on her tightened. She wrapped her arms around him and he let out a guttural sound from his throat, like he was suffocating. He then began to pull on her arms, trying to get them away from his neck. She obliged and pushed away from him, deciding she needed to approach the situation differently.

She crawled over him to his opposite side and he suddenly thrashed wildly, causing her to flinch. She reached out, her hand lightly tracing his jaw and face, and felt him stiffen.

"Hush," she said reassuringly, moving closer.

"They're…all dead. I killed them all…never see their loved ones…never happy…children…crying!" he screamed, and Cagalli jumped on him as he seemed to arch in pain and in anger.

"Athrun!" she called out. Athrun seemed to settle under the weight of her body against his and relaxed. His eyelids fluttered and he seemed to focus on something behind her.

"I've killed them all…just like before," he said softly, horrified. His emerald eyes filled with tears and Cagalli felt her eyes widen.

"Who did you kill?"

"All those men that were piloting the mobile suits. I killed them off like it didn't matter," Athrun clenched the sheet between them. "I made their wives widows, their children fatherless, their loved ones mourning." Tears blurred his vision. "I did that. I hurt them. I changed their lives for the worst."

Cagalli didn't know what to say, how to comfort him. She had known Kira to cry many times after the war, his memories haunting him and following him like lost puppies. He had never gotten rid of them, only buried them in a part of his mind that had been locked away. Lacus had also helped soothe away the memories, had helped her brother through the bitter times that he had mourned.

She reached out to him and held him. He buried his face against her chest and closed his eyes tight.

"It's all right to cry Athrun. You're haunted by the memories of everything you do; it's just like with Kira. You need to stop bottling up your feelings," she said soothingly, smoothing his hair. He nodded, yet he didn't sob, or let any tears escape his tightly clenched eyes.

He looked up at her, and she smiled at him warmly, yet she didn't feel warm inside. She, too, had been inside that cockpit, had witnessed the feeling of horror as they sliced the men down, one by one. She still felt cold, almost like ice and an unwanted shiver travelled up her spine.

"Your freezing," he said softly, and she shook her head. He then cocked his head to the side, catching her eyes with his piercing emerald orbs. "And I thought you said I would have to sleep on my own for the nights to come."

"I couldn't let you," she whispered, again feeling an involuntary shiver travel through her. "You were fidgeting in your sleep, moaning and saying words that were hardly considered such. The pills you gave me wore off two hours before I came to see you." She unconsciously wrapped her arms around her shoulders, ruffling the undershirt she had on. "I…wanted to apologize for how I acted before hand…a-and," The shivering was getting worse.

"Cagalli."

"What?" she asked.

He pulled her into his arms and hugged her close, rubbing her back through the thin shirt she wore. She leaned against him, taking in his warmth.

"Why did you dream of them?" asked Cagalli against his neck.

Athrun looked away, eyes watering. He didn't want to kill them, yet they had stood in his way, had tried so desperately to fight against him.

"Their faces…I can only picture the pain, the horror of the last few minutes that they live," he clenched his fist. "I couldn't imagine the pain they felt at never being able to see the loved one they left behind, or the child that they know that has their features. I just…"

"Hush…Sleep now, and dream of nothing," she said softly, putting her finger over his lips. He looked at her and Cagalli smiled. "I'll still be here when you wake, don't worry. Sleep now, my Athrun, and dream of nothing."

And he did sleep. Cagalli woke before him, and stared down at his peaceful face, at the way one strand of hair fluttered with the exhale and inhale of his breath. He looked so content, so at peace. She brushed the small piece of hair from his face and sat up.

She couldn't help going to him last night. She had had a feeling that he needed her, more than anything in this world or the next. And when she had heard him scream her name, in horror and in lost pain, she had immediately rushed to his side, ignoring the burning pain in her calf.

Athrun stirred when he felt his fingers brush down her leg as she moved away. He opened his eyes and saw her leaning over him, staring at him. He smiled softly and then motioned her to get off of him.

Just as Athrun sat up, the alarm bell above them gave a shrill shriek and Athrun was out of bed. Cagalli hurriedly grabbed her stuff and threw it on, ignoring her hat. They both rushed out, side by side as they ran for the bridge.

"Wha…?" asked Athrun, gasping for breath as he opened the door.

"We're nearing the PLANTs. I wanted everyone to know," said Miriallia sheepishly as Dearka came into the room, clothing askew, and hair wild.

"Damn woman! You woke me up from my extremely awesome dream to tell me that?" snapped Dearka, rubbing his eyes. Miriallia glowered at him.

"I would do it again, Elsman, if I wasn't so happy to see the PLANTs right now," she retorted.

Athrun ignored the bickering two and stared at the PLANTs. All hourglass shaped, they blended perfectly into the darkness that surrounded them. Athrun sat down in his seat and picked up the communications phone.

"This is Athrun Zala, Chairman of PLANTs. Please, lower your weapons and let us come to port," he said.

"Chairman Zala? Are you not at home?"

"I was testing the new machine. Please, lower your weapons," said Athrun forcefully. He then pressed a button and popped up on the screen.

"Terribly sorry, Your Excellency! Of course we shall lower our – Men do as your commander tells you to do!" came the voice from the other end. Athrun sighed, flicked off the screen and ran his hands through his hair. He looked up and saw Cagalli, staring at the PLANTs with a longing look in her eyes.

"Home?" she asked softly.

"Home," he replied, nodding.

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"Your Excellency, there are two people here to see you. They say they know you?" said Lunamaria into the microphone. She glanced up at the two of them and noted the blonde fidgeting and casting looks at the one beside her. He wore black sunglasses and his red hair was cast over his face. He looked mildly familiar, yet she couldn't place him.

"Send them in, Luna," he replied and she blushed. Kira was always kind to her, just like Athrun had been before he became ill. Kira had even called her new outfit 'cute' on her. Her face flushed more as she thought about it, and then remembered that Kira was in love with Lacus Clyne, not Lunamaria Hawke. But Luna's affections were transferring from Athrun to Kira pretty quick.

"He'll see you now," she said softly, and the red haired man nodded, looking at her questionably, like she should have recognized him. He then shrugged, put a possessive arm around the fidgeting blonde, and led her in.

Luna sighed heavily, and waited until the door closed. She felt horrible for going live with the confession of Athrun's feelings on television, but she had been so hurt when he had said that. He knew the girl for, what, a day? And he was already saying he loved her?

Luna leaned her head on her desk, resisting the urge to bang it thoroughly against it. He would probably fire her when he returned, and if not, then she was going to get shit from him. He always did that, no matter how cheerful he acted, he was still cold and insensitive at times.

She closed her eyes and remembered the look of pure shock on Athrun's face when he had come out of that office with the young blonde following him. He was furious, rage blinding him and then he stopped when the blonde had asked him if something was true. Luna felt her heart break when she saw his eyes soften and he answered her question. Too much was going on for her liking. Too much indeed.

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"Athrun! Cagalli!" shouted Kira, standing, a grin plastered on his face. Athrun had tossed the wig to the floor with a look of disgust and had discarded his glass. "Thank God you two are back! I don't see how you manage to do all this, or how you can listen to the babbling of that stupid idiot, Yzak Joule. He's driving me slowly insane."

Athrun laughed. Cagalli just grinned weakly and Kira came around, looking at her.

"What's wrong, Cagalli? You're not usually this quiet," he said, standing in front of her.

She glanced at Athrun and he noted the pain in her face. Athrun nodded and picked her up, carrying her over to the desk. He put her on the edge and then knelt, looking at her calf.

"Still hurt?"

"Yeah. And don't you dare give me anymore of those sleeping pills!" she snapped at him as he tapped it lightly. She grimaced and he pulled out a vial. Placing a few drops on her leg, he looked up at her. She sighed heavily and nodded to him, letting him stand and face Kira.

"Please tell me you haven't watched the news," said Athrun softly. Kira eyed him and then turned towards the TV that was positioned above the office fireplace.

"Kira, don't–" began Athrun, but Kira flipped it on.

"Once again, we shall show all of the disturbing footage that we have received from the Earth news broadcast. It seems our Chairman has completely lost all thought and has decided to pit a war against the Earth!"

"What?" shouted Kira at the TV.

"Just watch," muttered Athrun, eyes darkening.

"Here is the video tape on which a young woman – Orb's lead representative, Cagalli Yula Attha – and the man – Yuuna Roma Seiran – are to be married. However, it seems someone wishes to stop this from happening."

The TV screen flickered to the image of the wedding, on which Cagalli was walking down the aisle. The fleeting images of a tanned man in the background, taking down bodyguards were seen before it refocused on Cagalli. She stepped up to alter, hesitantly, and turned to face the purple haired man.

"Yuuna, that bastard," hissed Kira, eyes focused on the television.

The pastor said his words softly and Yuuna responded, without hesitation. The pastor turned to Cagalli and repeated the words. She seemed to freeze, eyes focused elsewhere and then her answer rang throughout the whole room.

"No."

Kira's eyes widened and he couldn't help but grin. Cagalli looked away when Kira's eyes sought her out and he turned back to the television.

Yuuna reached to grab Cagalli's arm and a shot was fired. Kira winced when the camera focused on Athrun, his arm outstretched, glasses gone. Yuuna had fallen backwards, hand covering the hole on the suit. He then said something to Athrun, and Kira felt his eyes narrow. Athrun looked away at the next part and Kira felt his ears ring at his statement.

"Do you love me?"

Kira swallowed and turned the volume up more on the television screen. He saw Cagalli's shocked face, and waited for her answer, his gut wrenching as he watched the screen move. But Athrun said something more and Kira couldn't help but glance at his friend. He had said he loved her? This…wasn't happening. Kira turned back to the screen and watched once more. Cagalli's answer shocked him enough to make him nearly faint.

"It must have been Fate that threw us together. Yes, Athrun Zala, I do love you."

This…just wasn't happening. It couldn't be! His sister, in love with Chairman Athrun Zala, his best friend? Not happening, not happening. He chanted it over and over as he continued to watch the screen and felt his stomach heave when Yuuna shot at Athrun, flinging away his gun.

Cagalli had dropped to her knees and flung out her leg, taking down Yuuna. The gun, however, had gone off. Grazing Athrun's shoulder, he fell hard and the camera turned back to Cagalli, where she had Yuuna's hand pinned under her heel. She reached down and picked up the gun.

Athrun cried her name then, rushing forward after her speech. Her words rang through Kira's mind, reminding him of her pain, of her suffering, from this man.

"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!"

The gun fired and Kira jumped, shocked. Cagalli had fallen to the ground, eyes brimming with tears as Athrun rushed to her. Yuuna whispered something and then Cagalli screamed, "You bastard!" and Athrun reached her. Touching her shoulder softly, she flung him away and tried to stand. He picked her up, bridal style – no pun intended – and carried her away, past a couple that stood under the archway, watching them. The camera focused on the two, and Kira knew it was Dearka and Miriallia. Miriallia was crying, her eyes wide, and was clinging to Dearka.

The videotape ended and someone new came onto the screen. Kira felt his stomach turn and knew Athrun was trying not to gag. Meer Campbell had just appeared.

"Is this justice? Having our Chairman fall for the representative of a neutral nation? Is this where our Chairman was when he was allegedly sick?" said Meer, her eyes burning with anger. Athrun winced. "How could he do this to us? He has sworn an oath to protect the PLANTs and uphold his fathers' wishes. Why now does he leave, and for a blonde Natural? We must bring him under reign!"

Kira flicked off the television and turned towards the two, pale faced.

"So," he gulped, "this is what you two have been doing."

"Kira–" began Athrun.

Kira then grinned, and his grin turned into a laugh. Cagalli raised an eyebrow and watched her brother. "My God, Athrun, it's about time!"

"Wha…?" asked Athrun, confused.

Kira wiped the tears from his eyes before continuing, "Meer, what a hoot. She doesn't know what she's talking about! Ah, this will be interesting when they try and interview the two of you. Just set her straight for me, all right Athrun?"

"Thanks Kira.," Athrun grinned at his friend and Kira nodded. "Can you keep an eye on the office for a little while longer?" asked Athrun. Kira nodded once more. "Cagalli and I need to talk to a little someone about this fiasco."

"You go man," laughed Kira. Athrun nodded and turned. Cagalli hugged her brother before following him out.

"Who would've thought? Chairman Athrun Zala actually has feelings," he said, smiling.

"He's always had feelings, Kira," said Lacus from the shadows. She stepped out and smiled at him. "He's just now realizing them."

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Athrun quietly slipped into his Lamborghini, Cagalli next to him. She buckled in and couldn't help but smile.

"I thought Kira would take that a lot…well, differently," said Cagalli suddenly. Athrun chuckled and nodded.

Driving in silence, he dreaded the thought of returning to his home. He knew he would have to face the press when he returned, but he didn't want to comment of the videotape. The tape couldn't be truer, yet the press would find a way to warp his words around once he told them about it. And what about how Cagalli would take it? Would she even be able to?

He glanced at her and found her studying her fingers, turning them this way and that, staring blankly. She then looked up and grinned at him, a soft spark in her eyes. She then focused back to the road.

Athrun slowed as they neared the turn off to his home. He glanced at Cagalli and saw her watching the trees that swayed gently beside the reflector pole.

"Ready?"

"No. I don't think I can face all the questions, all the accusations. They caught the whole thing on tape, Athrun! What will they say? What will they think?"

He stared at her, eyes wide, as he noted the tears in her eyes.

"Why do you cry?"

"Why? Why? Because I don't want them to think me weak, to think me a coward! I shot him, Athrun, I shot him and I'm glad. He hurt me, yet I took the easy way out."

The car had completely stopped and pulled to the side of the road. Athrun unbuckled his seat belt and turned to her. Unbuckling her seat belt, he pulled her into his arms.

"Your not weak. I don't know how many times I have to tell you that. You didn't take the easy way out; you took the only way that was given. You were living a life that no one should have had to live; in fear of a man that had punished you for your beliefs, the people you associated with. Don't let the reporters get to you, Cagalli. I know your strong, we all do. Stand up for that and make them pay for humiliating you."

She nodded into his chest and ceased her tears. None had run down her cheeks, yet she felt as if she were drowning in them. She had cried so much in the last while, so much that she thought she could fill an entire pool with the liquid that had sprung from her eyes.

"Okay," she whispered and sighed. He pulled away from her and started up the engine.

Turning the corner carefully, he pulled into the driveway. Shock was evident on both Athrun and Cagalli's faces. There wasn't a single reporter in the yard. No cars were in sight. Nothing.

"No ones here?" Cagalli made it a question.

"Come on," said Athrun, bringing her towards the house. He put his key in the lock and turned it, opening the door as he walked in. Silence greeted them and he let out a sigh of relief. Walking back outside, he picked up their luggage and threw it in the house.

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Athrun woke, yawning, to the annoying sound of his alarm clock. He felt something crawl over him and heard an angry groan. He then grunted as the force above him launched slightly off of him and a sound of toppling and the alarm ceasing was heard.

Athrun leaned over the bed and found Cagalli, eyes spitting flames at a broken alarm clock. She had successfully pounced on it, and when it did not cease its relentless beeping, had fallen to the floor to pound it against the carpet, thus, ceasing the beeping.

She looked up at him and then crawled back up on the bed, flopping over him and falling back down on her back. She closed her eyes but they snapped open again when she heard the phone ring. Growling, she ignored the phone (even though it was on her side of the bed), scrunched her eyes but then cracked open one eye to see Athrun glaring at her. She grinned and he flopped over, hand landing on the other side of her.

"Get the damn phone," he muttered angrily.

"It's your house, and it's most likely for you," she grinned.

"You're mean." He slid over her and picked up the phone. Leaning down, her stared at her through narrowed eyes. "Hello? Oh hi. Yeah, she's here."

"So much for it being for me," he snapped, dropping the phone beside her.

"Hello?"

"Cagalli? Hi, it's Lacus. I wanted to know if you've seen the news, or read the newspaper yet?" asked Lacus.

"What? No, I haven't even got up yet," replied Cagalli.

Athrun yawned and let his weight fall onto her. She stifled a gasp and pushed at him, but he ignored her and moved to get more comfortable.

"Really? Well, when you do see it, don't freak out too much," said Lacus.

Cagalli only muttered a small yes. She was trying her damndest to ignore Athrun, but he was making it hard. He moved off of her and began to kiss her ear.

"Stop it," she muttered, covering the earpiece.

"Make me," he replied, rubbing her stomach. She glowered at him and he grinned. Then he had a little fun with her.

"Lacus? Uh, can I call you back? I can't do this right now," she said quickly, grabbing his hand again. She didn't know whom she was referring to; talking to Lacus, or keeping her mind off of what Athrun's thought-destroying hand was doing.

"Yes, you can," whispered Athrun into the earpiece.

"Oh God. Was that…? Oh, Cagalli, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to! I didn't know that…I'm so sorry!"

Lacus hung up quickly and Cagalli stared at the phone, a light blush tinting her cheeks.

"She now knows…She thinks we were…! Athrun!" she yelped in fury as he pinched her and tried to get away from him. She jumped off the bed and was about to pump her fist in victory when Athrun's arm snaked around her waist and he dragged her back down on the bed, straddling her waist.

Cagalli glowered at him and reached out to place the phone back on the cradle, but she was cut short because Athrun was on top of her.

"Here, let me," he said, a devilish smile on his face.

Cagalli had only a second to react when he reached to grab the phone. She struggled with him and managed to flip him over. She then sat on him, smiling at him as she replaced the phone.

"I win!" she said smugly.

"Doubt it," he grabbed her hips, but she was ready. He tried to turn her so he could get some leverage, but she brought her weight the other way. Instead, they both crashed to the floor, Athrun leaning over Cagalli and she laughed.

"Not fair!"

"I see you two are getting along well," came a voice from the door and Cagalli jumped, covering herself. She then realized that she wore her undergarments and Athrun wore his boxers and relaxed.

Athrun stood hurriedly and smiled sheepishly at Kira, who was leaning against the doorframe.

"How the hell did you get inside?" snapped Cagalli, sitting up.

"Extra key. I stayed at Athrun's house while I was the Chairman. But now it's back to him," Kira eyed the two and turned to Athrun. "You're going to have to marry her now, you know that right?"

"I am?"

"Of course. You can't tell me you planned on sleeping with her then dumping her!" snapped Kira, moving forward.

"Whoa. Hold up Kira, I didn't mean it that way!" said Athrun, waving his hands in front of him.

"Oh. Well, good then," said Kira. He looked down at his hands and saw the newspaper disk he had clutched in them. "By the way, you made the front page."

Athrun snatched the paper disk from him and inserted it into his computer. A hologram came up and he stared, wild eyed, at the front-page image. It showed him and Cagalli, coming out of the shuttle, his arm around her shoulder as he steered her away. Dearka and Miriallia were shown farther, but Dearka was hands off.

"Shit, piss, damn and all those other words," grumbled Athrun, turning away from the paper to glower at the wall. Cagalli shrugged and then looked at the title.

"Did you by chance look at the title?" she inquired, waving her hand in front of his nose.

"Wha…?" he asked, dumbfounded as he whirled. The title read, in bold letters, Chairman Athrun Zala, to be married to Meer Campbell, yet still waltzing around with other woman. What will his fiancé say?

"What the hell!" he shouted, using his finger to turn the holographic page. On the next page showed an almost full portrait of Meer, her eyes stained with tears, cheeks red.

It read below the portrait, 'Meer demands to know who the blonde is in the picture, and hopes for her future husband to confess his love to her in public.' Athrun, still not believing what he was reading, read on, 'Tomorrow, the Chairman has agreed to meet with the public about this matter, and hopefully settle the matter of the unsettling video that has hit the PLANTs full throttle. The next paper will be out tomorrow evening, after His Excellency has given us his opinions, and, hopefully, his answers.

"That bitch!" snapped Athrun, turning. He stalked back a few steps and then turned, furious, to face Kira and Cagalli.

"Actually, this could work to our advantage," mused Cagalli, as she slipped on a sweater and some shorts. She stood by the two and Athrun eyed her.

"Well? Spill," barked Athrun.

"Grump head," she snapped, and turned to Kira. "You see, if Athrun can state the true matters of the incident, giving them an even juicer story, than it will get Meer of his back, as well as give the people something else to bark about."

"You could propose to Cagalli," suggested Kira. Both Cagalli and Athrun whirled on him and he winced. "Just a suggestion."

"Actually, that's not a bad idea," murmured Athrun under his breath. He glanced at the blonde beside him, who was restraining herself from causing her brother harm. He had to admit, she had made these last weeks eventful. Why not add in a little twist?

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Cagalli grinned as Athrun stepped into his vehicle the next morning, eyes smouldering and tie straight. She had told him – no, wait, forced him – to go to the conference that Meer had decided so nicely to put together for him.

As he turned on the engine, she felt a pang of guilt. This would never had happened if she had cancelled the wedding anyways, but she didn't want to see her father hurt, or anyone else for that matter.

Before she had utterly convinced Athrun to go the conference, they had had a huge talk, with Kira suggesting, over and over, that Athrun proclaim that the two of them were to be married. Athrun had blanched at the idea, disregarding it and Kira finally sighed in defeat.

The seed had been planted though, and now Cagalli was having thoughts. She could picture the wedding, though she wouldn't be forced to wear such a revealing gown as she did on her last two weddings. But maybe…she shook her head and grumbled to herself, waving at Athrun as he turned out of the driveway.

Cagalli turned back inside and put her hand to her forehead, checking her temperature. She was having ideas about getting married again, for the third time. So far, the two times she didn't even want to, but this third time was looking more delightful by the minute…

Walking into the kitchen, she looked around with her hands on her hips. Athrun sure didn't keep a tidy house. Well, he did, but it wasn't tidy when he left in the morning, or the afternoon, she corrected, smiling.

Taking one look at the bedroom, she decided to start there. And so she cleaned, like she did whenever she was bored and wanted to show someone she could do things for herself. But now, for some unknown reason, she was doing it to impress Athrun.

"Damn mind, making me think I'm doing this all for him. I'm not – I'm doing it for me! Right? Right? Say right, damnit!"

Cagalli sighed and flopped down on Athrun's couch, curling her feet beneath her. She grabbed the remote – or tried to. It slipped from her fingers and she nearly fell off the couch trying to get to it.

"Duh!" she snapped at herself. Turning to the television, she said sourly, "Television, on."

The TV flickered on and Cagalli flicked through the stations. Sure, she could have just said that, but then she would have had to use the remote anyway, to look through the channels. Finally, she found the program on which Athrun's speech was to be presented. Sitting back, she grinned. They even had a count down set up so the viewers would know when he would be there!

"Oh, this so calls for popcorn. And maybe I should record it," laughed Cagalli. She stood and walked to the kitchen, taking out the instant popcorn and sticking it in the microwave for five seconds. Spilling its contents into a bowl, she trekked back to the living room and curled up on the sofa, awaiting the program.

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

"Why the hell am I doing this again?" grumbled Athrun, straightening his tie – the one Cagalli so nicely fitted on him that morning. He then walked – no wait, stalked sounded better – up the stairs and ripped open the door.

As he approached the elevator, he noticed Dearka, back turned towards him, arguing with someone. Athrun wandered over to the pair and sighed at Dearka's choice of a companion.

"I'm on the front page of the goddamn Times, and you still want to put me on suspension?" shouted Dearka.

Yzak glowered at him. "Yes. You shouldn't have gone to Earth! The least you could have done was stop what Athrun had done. Now everyone thinks he's a lunatic!"

"Thank you for that rather pleasant comment, Yzak," snapped Athrun, glowering at the two of them. Yzak jumped and stared, wide eyed at Athrun. However, shock soon turned to rage.

"What the hell are you doing back here? Shouldn't you be with your Natural girlfriend?" snapped Yzak.

"Fiancé," he corrected softly, and watched, in slight amusement, as Yzak's temper rose.

"What did you just say?"

"I'm proclaiming my new status to head representative Attha tomorrow, at the second conference. Did you not read the news?"

"Right on, man," said Dearka, clapping Athrun on the shoulder. Yzak shot a cold glare at him and Dearka backed away, still grinning.

"But-"

"Don't start Yzak. After the conference, I want you both in my office," said Athrun. He then turned to Dearka. "I also need you to pick up my fiancé and Miriallia."

With that, Athrun turned away, his mood only slightly lifted. As he walked past his secretary – who was a scared looking Luna – and slammed the door, he leaned against the frame and couldn't help but smile.

He was going to marry Cagalli.

This sure was a delightful little twist.

To Be Continued...
Next Update:
05/09/05

A/N: Whatcha think? Purdy? Funny? Interesting? Ack! Must know! Sorry, just had a cup of coffee...working at Timmy's does that to you... ((glowers at coffee cup)) Anywho, I must know what you think!

Now, like I said above with one of my reviewers, there is ANOTHER chapter, as well as an epilogue...who knows, I just might write ANOTHER chapter BEFORE the epilogue AGAIN! Ack! Anywho, I cannot so much as bring up a preview because my stupid computer is being stupid and not letting me type on Word. So yes, I either make something off the top of my head, or not, and let you all suffer ((weighs possibilites)) Hmm, maybe I will give you insight to an interesting part, where Cagalli shows of her Super-Natural strength! Yeah!

This chapter is called, No More Pain, by the way. Hehe, guess why it's called that! Anywho, here's that preview I promised.

The door seemed to slam open and Yzak walked in, an aura of pure anger radiating off him. Athrun noticed Cagalli's smile turn to a frown.

"Well, well, what have we here? Another Mr. Grump head?" asked Cagalli casually.

"Shut up, stupid Natural," barked Yzak.

Yzak didn't see it coming, nor did Athrun or Dearka. One minute the petite blonde was a few feet away from him, next she was in front of him, death glare on her face and bowl of popcorn discarded.

"What did you say?" she asked through clenched teeth.

"I said, 'Shut up, stupid Natural'," repeated Yzak. He rolled his eyes as if to say 'What else did I expect?' and glared at her.

"You asshole!" screamed Cagalli, and before Yzak had time to react, she had slammed him in the gut, kicked him in the face, and had promptly dropped him on his butt with a swift kick to the calves. She then nodded at him, as if in satisfaction and walked back over to her bowl of popcorn - which she had placed carefully on the ground - and sat down in Athrun's chair.

Athrun and Dearka were howling with laughter, tears streaming down their faces.

"Dude! You got whopped but not only a Natural, but also a-a girl!" howled Dearka, wiping the tears from his eyes. Athrun clutched his stomach, the laughter too much for him. Cagalli just shrugged, but she couldn't hide the grin that twitched at her lips.

There is your preview. I loved that part, it was so evil! Lol, give me your opinions on it!

Now, I want you all to review and crap while I finish up 'Influence of the Fates' and work on the sequel.Anyone have any good names for titles? Give em to me please! Well, Adios for now!