Heh, forgot disclaimer last time, sorryz,...

I do not in anyway own any characters form Gundam Seed nor Destiny...aww...

Athrun woke up on the bed, again. He groaned. Obviously, he had fallen asleep again. Damn, he thought, he was going to have to be more dependable and stronger if he was to be with Cagalli. He's a guy for god's sakes!

He looked at his wound and touched it gently; it didn't hurt as much anymore and he wasn't tired either.

Cagalli…

She had dressed the wound with caution to the most of her abilities; he smiled. She probably really cared about him.

But…

If so, then how come she didn't tell him. You'd think she would after seeing him all this time, and what about yesterday? It looked like she was about to kiss him after she changed his bandages, but she didn't.

Athrun's eyes widened.

Did she even like him anymore?

What if she didn't feel the same way as him anymore? What if every sign that pointed to that she cared for him turned out to be false? Perhaps he had just imagined them, and they were just acts of friendship?

Friends…

But, he argued with himself, she showed way too much signs of wanting to be more than friends than any normal person.

He shook his head. It wasn't good to do much thinking after sustaining a minor injury. Instead, he got up and dressed. He wondered where his shirt was, but found a clean t-shirt folded on a nearby chair. Athrun took it and tugged it over his head. He then slid his shoes on and exited through the door to find a bland hallway facing him.

God, where is Cagalli, he thought blankly. I don't know anyone here. I have no identification either…

As though his questions answered miraculously, Cagalli came walking down the hallway.

"Cagalli!" called Athrun.

"Athrun? You shouldn't be up! Go back to bed!" chided Cagalli as she started pushing Athrun back.

"Stop, I'm alright, the wound's almost healed. Besides, I'm a Coordinator, come on…"

"Fine," said Cagalli dismissively. "Don't come crying to me when you bleed to death, jeez."

"I won't," said Athrun happily, feeling light-hearted because Cagalli just worried about him.

"What are you so happy about?" asked Cagalli, seeing the look on Athrun's face.

"Nothing."

"You keep grinning these days without any reason, is there something you're happy about?"

"No, of course not, what makes you think that?"

Cagalli gave Athrun a "You're weird" look and turned the other way. She walked away from Athrun, leaving with a surprised look. He decided to follow her, unsure of what the silence meant. Little did he know, Cagalli was hiding a smile on her lips as she turned around to walk away from him.

Athrun caught up to Cagalli and asked where they were going.

"I'm reporting you, not anything bad of course, but to tell the officials that you're here, you know? Cause technically, you're not supposed to be here. Also, I think some people want to thank you for saving me."

"Okay…" Athrun wisely said nothing more. He could tell that Cagalli wasn't in the talking mood right now. On the other hand, he was having a birthday party inside him; if he managed to get on the Orb officials' good side, that could mean no trouble when he and Cagalli…

They continued walking in silence for what seemed like and hour until they reached a metallic-looking door in an empty hallway. Cagalli leaned forwards to the lock and entered the combination. The door slid open instantly to reveal a briefing room with Colonel Kisaka and his assistant in there, along with several important looking men and women

"Hello Cagalli," said Kisaka quietly. "Is he the one?"

"Yes, he's the one that saved me in the restaurant," replied Cagalli.

"None of this happened would have happened if not for your foolishness Cagalli. You knew that you weren't supposed to leave parameters without proper protection," said a fierce-looking woman severely. Athrun thought privately that this woman reminded him a lot of Yzak's mother, Councilwomen Joule.

"Yes, that's right; I hope you realize this Cagalli. You still have to serve your nation," said another man. "Your father wouldn't have wanted you to live foolishly."

"I realize that, and I know that I am at fault," said Cagalli slowly, looking straight at them, never once wavering her stare.

"Let us forget about this matter. Now Cagalli, who is this young man?"

Athrun suddenly realized that the man was addressing him and blinked stupidly.

"This is Athrun," said Cagalli as she gestured her right hand towards Athrun.

Athrun was nervous. Everyone in the room had their attention on him. He could feel the stares of every one of them on him and didn't like it.

"Kindly state your full name, your position, and what you were doing with Cagalli," said the woman who reminded him of Yzak's mother.

"My position?" Athrun blurted out, surprised such information would be needed.

"Yes. Cagalli informed the colonel that you served in the last war?"

Athrun shot a look at Cagalli for a second but replied quickly.

"Athrun Zala. Pilot of the mobile suit Justice for the Zaft army, but later for the Archangel class alongside the Freedom. I was with Cagalli yesterday visiting her. We became good friends during the war," stated Athrun.

"And you guys decided to go to lunch?"

"Yes," replied Athrun as polite as he could; for it wasn't good to piss off important people.

"Wait," said a man suddenly. "You piloted the gundam Justice during the last war?"

"Yes, that is correct."

As soon as Athrun said this, many of them started murmuring discussions with each other. Cagalli gave him a nervous a look, as if he probably shouldn't have informed them that he took on such a heavy role in the war.

"But, I heard the pilot of the Justice piloted one of the ones that destroyed Heliopolis!" cried a man suddenly.

"Yes, that's what I heard too. The Aegis wasn't it called?"

"Well, Mr. Zala, did you pilot the Aegis also?" asked the stern woman again.

"…yes," replied Athrun, looking down. He was ashamed of that past memory and he'd rather not talk about it. He had destroyed so much and killed so many lives that were innocent, and now, these people that obviously weren't going to like him were bringing up the subject again.

"And killed those of Heliopolis?" asked the stern woman again, eyeing him with an intense look.

Why is she the only one questioning me now?

Athrun was feeling one of his worst now. He said a small "yes" again, but firmer this time; he didn't want to think that he was weak or scared. It didn't help that situation that every one in the room was still staring at him. They didn't welcome him and haven't even asked him to sit down, or even offer him a drink for that matter. Didn't he know that this creepy place made a guy his age feel nervous? Out of place? Perhaps they don't consider him an equal because he was a Coordinator?

In truth though, he was a little afraid. He didn't like admitting this fact, I mean, what guy in their right mind would? But he didn't like these people that worked with Cagalli, especially that stern brown headed woman who kept bombarding him with questions. She kept treating him like an enemy even though the war was over. Besides, isn't she an Orb representative? She supposed to uphold the ideals of Orb and not take sides…

"Ma'me, with all due respect, Athrun is not of the enemy! He reconsidered what he was doing for Zaft in the middle of the war and joined forces with the Archangel and the Clyne Faction, proving that he had wanted the war to end peacefully for the two opposing sides," argued Cagalli.

Athrun looked up at Cagalli to see her face with a fierce look, the kind that was seen only on the battlefield. His heart warmed up at the thought that Cagalli was defending him in front of her own people; it felt good.

"Has he been involved with any recent Zaft activity since?"

"No! And can we stop treating him like an enemy? He's my friend!"

"But Cagalli," said another man with reddish hair, "Be reasonable, this is only for you're safety."

"Everyone was worried about you yesterday! I don't see Lord Uzumi being too pleased if his daughter got killed just because she was out with a friend!" shouted another man.

"But I'm not dead!" said Cagalli now. She was almost shouting actually, which, for some reason, turned Athrun on even more.

"Look, Athrun's had plenty of chances to kill me. Even during the war, when I tried shooting him on sight, he didn't kill me when he had me down, but spared my life and shared food with me instead!"

Athrun blushed slightly. Cagalli was referring to the time on the island. They were both stranded and she did shoot him on sight, his shoulder first and later his arm (man! someone give Athrun's shoulder a break!), but when he found out that she was a girl, he spared her life, and became "friends."

It's not my fault she looks like a guy, even Kira thinks so…Thank god I didn't kill her though…Man…If I had killed the princess of Orb…

Plus he got to see her out of her shirt and cargo pants….man, was she hot…

A thought suddenly struck Athrun. What if he had killed Cagalli right there and then? What if he was feeling hatred towards the other side and killed Cagalli without ever talking to her? If he had killed her then, he wouldn't be where he was now, and he certainly wouldn't have this friendship…or relationship with her…

He wouldn't have even known her, met her, gotten to know her, and fell in love with her…

"— plus, he didn't kill me when the Orb military found him lying on a beach! He could've killed me then too, but he didn't even try, right Kisaka?" asked Cagalli, staring at the colonel expecting an answer she wanted, because he was there at the time too.

"In no way did Mr. Zala try to harm Cagalli," replied Kisaka right away.

"May I speak?" requested Athrun suddenly, tired of everyone speaking for him.

"Certainly," said the stern woman, folding her hands and supporting her chin with them.

"I would never hurt Cagalli because she's one of my closest friends. I value her friendship and would never do anything to destroy or falter it," said Athrun with the most serious voice he could muster with everyone staring at him. However, at that moment, he kept his eyes away from Cagalli. This was not the time for her to see him blush.

However, Cagalli was blushing herself a little too. Athrun's powerful words meant a lot to her, especially the "one of my closest friends" part.

"If your suspicion about me still wavers, I hope that our friendship is proof enough for you." Athrun kept the proof part at "friendship" and not "relationship" because he didn't think that springing the fact that he was practically her boyfriend now was a good idea.

The stern woman that kept questioning Athrun spoke.

"Well, it seems that you are one of Cagalli's true friends. We must apologize for suspecting you, but you must realize that there are many who would want to hurt Cagalli out there."

"Yes," said Athrun firmly.

The woman smiled now. "Please excuse the council of Orb, Mr. Zala."

Athrun was surprised, for he had thought that woman was the strictest of the council, but now, she was the first to acknowledge their acceptance of him. This reminded her more of Yzak's mother…

The rest of the council all clapped in approval. Suddenly, the room didn't seem so bad to Athrun, who was smiling widely. In what seemed like an instant, the whole room accepted him as if he was from Orb. He made a mental note to never do anything to lose their trust.

Cagalli walked up to him and grabbed his hand to lead him out of the room through the same doors they came through. She kept tugging at his hand until they were in a whole other room far away, probably in another sector of the base, but never once looking at him.

"Athrun! You did great!" said Cagalli, turning around to face him, showing a hint of pride through her expression.

"I – did?" stuttered Athrun. "—but I thought they hated me."

"They never hated you; they just didn't trust you at first. Eventually you managed to convince them though. Thank goodness though; I thought they were never going to get off your back."

Cagalli walked to the only table in the room and sat down in a nearby chair. She plopped her hands and head on the desk immediately.

"Cagalli?" asked Athrun, worried that something was wrong.

She yawned and looked up with dreary eyes. "Sorry Athrun, but I'm so tired…haven't slept much…"

Athrun realized that moment that Cagalli haven't slept since he arrived at the base, dealing with the council and tending to his wound. He felt guilty about sleeping all this time while she was working her ass off. She looked so exhausted there on the table, with barely recognizable bags under her eyes.

Being the nice guy he was, Athrun went over to her and placed his left arm under her arms, and his right hand under her where her knees bent. He lifted her up and carried her bridal style.

"Athrun!—What are you—" panicked Cagalli, in a distress at being picked up so quickly, and in this way too! She blushed and started to protest, but Athrun held her firmly in his arms.

"—stop it! Lemme off! I can walk myself!—"

"I'll carry you. You're tired, and don't try to hide it. Besides, I owe you for letting me stay here, and patching me up yesterday," replied Athrun softly, staring straight into Cagalli's blushing face. She's so cute when she blushes, completely unlike that tomboy character she has up all the time.

"I'm not tired…" said Cagalli with a little pout as she broke away from his look. Inside her, she was having a raging battle with herself.

What are you doing Cagalli? You're in a guy's arms! Get off!

But you like him…is that so wrong? You do deserve a break after all you've done these past months…a lover's break…

WAT! Panic panic…This isn't like you at all!

Athrun's a good guy, and he's your brother's best friend! Kira would be so glad if you guys got together.

The council accepts him too! Isn't that good enough?

He likes you…Wanna kiss him?

Get a grip Cagalli!

But…

Argh! Don't kiss him! It would drive him away; you know he's shy! Go with the subtle approach.

What if he wants me to kiss him? Hm?

Oh I know! Maybe…

Oh my god, just wait till he sets you down in bed and take off your clothes, duh.

What? You don't want him to think you sluttish!

Approach him directly! Confrontation; show him you're not afraid. Best idea you've had today.

But what to say?

"I love you."

Er…no…

"Thank you Athrun."

Is that direct enough? Give him a kiss, come on, it's not as if you haven't done it before!

Tell him to sit on your bed and corner him. Start undressing him and say "Athrun, I've always liked you…" and you know what to do next! Go Cagalli!

What da hell, no! That's not like you. Remember, he fell in love with the REAL you, your personality, not some slut with a big chest!

Does he even like me?

Yes of course, duh. He kissed you remember?

But…that was two years ago…maybe he likes someone else?

Then why did he come all this way from the Plant's to see you? Don't believe that "friends" thing he said. He wants you!

Hmm..got a point there…but what about his reaction to everything that happened. You've got to admit– he had way too much chance to kiss me…

Argh! Stop thinking about this!

Hm…If you date Athrun, you're going to have problems with Orb…What about Yuuna? I think he wants to marry you…

Hell with him! He's ugly, stupid, and doesn't care about me! He only cares about himself, and marrying me would raise his political career.

Athrun cares about you more!

...he loves you Cagalli…

"Cagalli?"

"Huh?" said Cagalli drowsily. She was snapped back to reality by Athrun's gentle voice and opened her eyes.

"Sorry to wake you, but I don't know where your room is," he said with embarrassment.

Cagalli looked around abruptly. Where were they? Somehow during her little walk in "Cagalli World" (the world of different Cagalli), Athrun had wandered into another sector. She had to hand it to him: he really knew how to mess things up.

"Oh great, we're in another sector…My room's so far away."

They were in a hallway where doors were the only thing interesting. Athrun went towards an open one and kicked it open, and inside was a bed just for one person with a bedside table and lamp.

"You're in luck Cagalli, I just found a bed," said Athrun brightly as he walked towards bed at a fast pace.

He set her down gently on the mattress and pulled the covers over her slowly, not wanting to disturb her before her slumber. She laid on the bed and moved around a little, adjusting herself to a comfortable position, on her side with her arms together in front of her. To Athrun, it was the cutest sight in the world. The usually-could-beat-up-his-ass Cagalli wasn't here right now; it was as if the ordinary Cagalli didn't existed. Right now, Cagalli was exposed and unprotected in front of him. Her skin was so tender-looking with a streak of happiness running through her cheeks.

Athrun studied her for a moment, then set himself down on a chair and closed his eyes; he should get some sleep too, in case Cagalli wanted to do something tomorrow; go crazy maybe? A sudden voice woke him out of his thought though.

"Athrun, aren't you tired?" muttered Cagalli as she sat up from her bed slowly, looking at Athrun with distinct eyes.

"I'll rest on the chair. You sleep princess."

"Don't call me princess, you know I hate that. Don't be stupid either, you know as well as I do that it's uncomfortable to sleep on a chair, so go find a bed in another room or something, just get on a bed," said Cagalli. She would've been frowning if not for her fatigue.

"But I don't' want to leave you alone. Remember that other day you got assassinated?"

"We're in an Orb base, who's going to attack me?"

"I'm still worried," said Athrun, unable to believe that he just said that, but now, seeing Cagalli's blush, gave him encouragement to move forward with no hesitation. He walked towards her bed and bent down so his mouth was right beside her right ear.

"Can I sleep in your bed tonight then, Princess?" he asked softly.

Cagalli could feel her whole body shivering. Her face was blushing like crazy now and her heart was pounding faster and faster. When did Athrun know how to make her feel this way? It was scary and exciting at the same time, and since when did the room get so hot? She gulped and replied.

"Don't call me that Athrun…"and she flopped back down onto the bed with no answer for him. Honestly though, she had no answer for him; she didn't know what to say! Sharing a bed with Athrun…

"I'll take that as a yes," said Athrun as he moved onto her right on the bed, pulling the covers over them.

It was very comfortable and he could feel her body heat beside him; he could even feel and hear her breathing because he squish in with her due to the fact that the bed was too small. Nevertheless, Athrun was smiling and feeling like the luckiest man in the world. He was sleeping with the girl he liked!

Not that kind of sleeping…but still, he was thrilled. The position they were in was awkward though, so he turned around to face Cagalli's back. He knew that she wouldn't face him because she didn't want him to see that hint of red across her cheeks; she would never admit to him that she blushed. Still, this position she was in was causing him to "almost" fall off the bed…

"Cagalli," he whispered softly to her ear.

Cagalli's eyes shot open once again.

"What?" she asked.

"Can you turn around? The position you're in is causing me to fall off the bed," stated Athrun truthfully.

"Then fall off the bed, do I care?"

Athrun thought this quite funny of her to say. He knew she cared if he fell off. In response to her retaliation, he grabbed around the waist and turned her around. It was almost effortless; she was as heavy to him as a feather-filled pillow.

"—Athrun?—" Cagalli cried out. She had not expected that, and now, she was facing him directly. Suddenly aware of how close they were, she blushed helplessly.

Damn…he's going to see me blush…Stop blushing! Get a hold of yourself!

No matter how much she tried, Cagalli just couldn't stop blushing. It was just inevitable when she was staring straight at Athrun's neck at such a close range.

Athrun saw her blush, meaning that she did like him. Hesitation all gone, he wrapped his arms around her and felt her ease into his embrace.

Cagalli could feel his arms around her, as if protecting her from all those in the world. She was panicking inside, but enjoying it all the same. She wanted to wriggle out of those strong arms, in case some officials found them hugging—in bed! But she stayed there just the same, feeling his breathing on her, one after another.

…she likes you Athrun…

Athrun grinned and fell asleep. Wait until he told Dearka and Yzak about this.

R&R thx