As soon as the sun had risen, Lacus had made her way towards Cagalli's room to wake her up. "Cagalli? Breakfast will be ready in half an hour, be on time if you want to see food left on the table," receiving no reply, Lacus walked away as she smiled knowingly. Inside, Cagalli groaned as she heard Lacus' voice. Remembering she was a guest at someone else's home, she obliged to Lacus' wishes.
After washing up and slipping on some clothes that Lacus had left for her in the bathroom, Cagalli sat down on the bed, deep in thoughts. She pondered whether to tell them the truth or lie her way through, at least till she can confirm that Yuuna wouldn't come round looking for her. Not wanting their pity, Cagalli decides to lie to them. 'It will only be temporary for her to stay here right? Unless a certain man whose room she's inhabiting now would-' a knock on the door abruptly interrupts her train of thoughts.
As Cagalli opened the door, she found none other than the room's owner himself standing at the other side of the door. The blue-haired man looking extremely tired. Suddenly feeling mischievous, Cagalli decided to tease Athrun. "You look tired, didn't you sleep well?" grinned Cagalli. Athrun just gave her a tired glare and pushed past her to enter his room. "With all due respects, miss Cagalli, I had a backache sleeping on that lumpy couch; and then, Kira conveniently forgets to give me some blankets and I almost shivered to death. There's more that I would love to tell you but I'm going to sleep the day away now," With that, Athrun shoved Cagalli out the door and slammed the door behind her.
Cagalli shrugged as she made her way to the dining room. Kira was already seated at the table as Lacus was bringing out the last plate of dishes. Cagalli wasn't the least bit surprised that the table was only set for three. As if reading her mind, Lacus laughed. "Athrun's not a morning person, and I think he just reclaimed his room, right?" Cagalli just nodded as Kira smiled knowingly, silently laughing as his best friend's morning habits. "Well sit down Cagalli, and let's enjoy breakfast," said Kira.
Throughout the whole meal, Cagalli could tell that there were many questions that plagued Kira and Lacus' mind, but they just kept quiet and decided to let Cagalli talk, when she feels like it. Finally, Cagalli broke the serene silence. "I actually ran away from home," blurted Cagalli. "Family problems?" asked Kira softly. "Arranged marriage, and I can't stand the jerk I was betrothed to," answered Cagalli quickly. After that, it seemed that Cagalli had nothing more to say and once again, the room fell silent.
"Cagalli, you're welcomed to stay here if you like. At least until you feel like going home," offered Lacus. Cagalli was tempted to accept Lacus' generous offer, but she couldn't become a burden to these kind people whom she barely knew. "I…" said Cagalli uncertainly. "I agree Cagalli, you should stay," said Kira with a warm smile. "Besides, Athrun would want some company in the morning after he wakes up," continued Kira. Although it was an innocent comment, it made Cagalli blush nonetheless.
"Thank you Lacus, Kira. I really appreciate you having me here. I…is there anyway I could be of any help to you?" asked Cagalli, not wanting to be a freeloader. "Well…there's not really anything for you to do here," said Lacus. "I know!" exclaimed Kira suddenly. Both Lacus and Cagalli looked at him startled. "Maybe you could work for Athrun!" said Kira. "What? Work for him?" spluttered Cagalli. "What does he do for a living anyway?" asked Cagalli, still not convinced that working for the blue-haired was a good idea. She'd pick household chores any day.
"That's a topic for another day, or Athrun could tell you about it, " said Kira cheerfully. Before Cagalli could ask anymore, Kira swept up the dishes and disappeared into the kitchen. Lacus just gave her a small smile and cleared the rest of the cutleries. Puzzled and curious on what Athrun's job might be, Cagalli proceeded to the living room. Soon after, Kira and Lacus exited the kitchen and told Cagalli that they'd be leaving for the orphanage, like they used to do every morning. Cagalli just bade them goodbye as they left the house. As she heard the front door closed shut, only did Cagalli let her tears fall. Not once did she worry about the sleeping man in his room walking in on her.
-
Almost noon only did Athrun Zala wake up. Feeling hungry, he headed to the kitchen to cook himself some brunch. But then, Athrun heard sobbing. Sensing something amidst since there shouldn't be anyone at home except him, he suddenly remembered Cagalli. Wondering and a bit worried why the blonde haired girl would be crying, he headed to the living room where the sobs were coming from, only to find-
Cagalli asleep on the couch, with the television on.
'Soap dramas,' though Athrun dryly. 'No wonder she fell asleep.' With Cagalli lying peacefully there, Athrun couldn't help but stare at her. Although Athrun had only met the blonde only yesterday, he found himself drawn to her. Suddenly, Athrun had this urge to kiss her. As he neared her face though, Cagalli suddenly sneezed as Athrun jumped back with a yelp. Momentarily forgetting what he was about to do. Hearing Athrun yelp, Cagalli's eyes snapped open. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she saw Athrun sitting on the floor. Raising an eyebrow at him, Cagalli asked, "What's so interesting down there?" Athrun then remembered what made him land on the floor and he blushed.
"Hey Athrun…what's your job? I tried asking Kira but he just changed the subject and said that I could ask you…" Cagalli trailed off as she saw that Athrun wasn't paying attention. Noticing that Cagalli became silent, Athrun snapped out of his dazed state. "What's my job? Um well…" started Athrun sheepishly. Before he could say anymore, the doorbell rang. "I'll get that," said Athrun quickly as he made his way to the front door.
Sitting on the couch, Cagalli looked towards the door to see a silver haired man and a dark blonde standing outside. Curious, she listened to their conversation. 'And maybe figure out Athrun's mysterious job,' thought Cagalli. Much to her dismay, Athrun slipped out the door and closed it behind him. Staring at the door, a thought came to Cagalli.
-
"Yzak, Dearka, what brings you guys here?" asked Athrun nervously as he stepped out of the house and closed the door behind him. "Well, thought we could have lunch together before you head out to work," answered Dearka while Yzak stared at Athrun suspiciously. "Oh how thoughtful of you guys. Well lets go," said Athrun as he ushered them away from the house. Both of them just looked at Athrun weirdly. "Fine by me," grunted Yzak finally. Dearka though had other thoughts to save Athrun's skin. "Wait a minute Athrun, you're fine going to lunch in your pajamas?" he snickered. Athrun looked down and noticed that he was indeed still in his pajamas. Athrun blushed in embarrassment. In his haste, he forgot to change his clothes.
"Well excuse me guys, I'll just take awhile. You guys don't mind waiting outside?" asked Athrun. Yzak and Dearka shrugged. As Athrun hurried back into the house, he turned the doorknob, only to find it locked. Turning it again, Athrun figured that Cagalli must have locked him out. Seeing no other way to avoid Yzak and Dearka finding out about him and a girl were alone at home, Athrun decided to parade the streets in his pajamas. When he turned around, he heard a click and the door creaked open slightly. Breathing a sigh of relief, Athrun quickly got in and shut the door swiftly.
Turning around to face the giggling blonde, all his irritation and anger faded as he saw her laughing with a cute expression on her face. Athrun smiled as he ruffled her hair before making his way back to his room. Cagalli though, did not appreciate the sign of affection and punched him on the arm. "Don't do that! My brother used to do that to me when we were younger and FYI, I hated it when he did that!" Cagalli all but growled out. Seeing her expression though, Athrun laughed. And then, the front door opened. Cagalli turned to see Athrun's friends, standing at the door with a bemused look on their faces. Behind her, Athrun's laughter died down as he too noticed the look on his friends' face. 'This is it. I'll never hear the end of this for sure,' thought Athrun as he gulped.
-
Once again, thanks to everyone who reviewed!nn
I'll try to update as fast as I can.
Anyways, what do you think Athrun's job is?XD Any guesses? D