JC: Chapter 3 is up! Thank you for the reviews!! It's much appreciated. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter. You'll find out about Athrun's sister here.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed.

Love Fulfilled

Phase 03: Friend

Orb Parliament House

The head representative dragged his blonde twin sister to her room. He pulled a chair and made Cagalli sit down. Kira glared down at her with those purple eyes. He crossed his arms in front of him as he sighed in frustration.

"You already know what I'm going to say to you, right?" Kira started.

Cagalli turned away to avoid his glance. Of course, she knew what he was going to say. She heard it over a million times already. She's sick of it!

"I'm talking to you, Cagalli," Kira told her. He grabbed her shoulders, hoping that Cagalli would look at him, but she kept her eyes away from him. "Cagalli..." Kira spoke softly this time. "Look, I'm sorry for being like this but I'm only worried."

The blonde slowly turned her head. Her golden-brown eyes got caught in his purple eyes that were filled with concern and kindness. At that moment, she felt guilty for troubling her only brother all the time.

"I'm sorry, Kira..." she stated. "It's just that... I don't like being locked up in this mansion. It's so boring." She sounded pissed.

Kira understood her very well. His sister wasn't the home-type of a girl. She was more of the spunky and out-going type. But the problem was, she was the princess of ORB. She can't go out in public like an ordinary civilian. That was one of Kira's reasons why he has been protective of her. He promised that he'll protect Cagalli. He can't risk his sister out in the city. Kira tried to remind her of that, but she wouldn't listen.

The prince groaned as he raised his hands in a form of surrender. "You're stubborn as a mule," he told her.

Cagalli immediately raised an eyebrow. "Well, you're the one who's treating me like I'm some three-year old kid. You're not my father!" She glared furiously at him while holding a fist up.

"You're one furious blonde. Just calm down, Cagalli..." Kira told her.

"I would, if you would just give me enough freedom," Cagalli countered.

She quickly stood from her chair and walked to the door. She reached for the knob, but before she turned it, Kira grabbed her wrist. Cagalli glanced at her brother and yelled, "Leave me alone!" She brushed away Kira's hand and turned the knob right away. Once the door was opened, she hurriedly ran out.

"Cagalli!" shouted Kira, but his voice didn't reach her. He leaned himself on the wall and deeply sighed. "What should I do?" he asked himself. He looked around the place, hoping he would find an answer and unfortunately he found none. He placed his right hand on his forehead as he looked up at the ceiling. Suddenly, a smile came to his face. "Maybe she can help me..." He mumbled.

Athrun was in the living room. His eyes were focused at the garden that was clearly seen through the window. He admired how beautiful the flowers looked bathed in sunlight. The sweet aroma of the fresh cut grass, together with the fragrance of the flowers, was heavenly. It reminded him so much of his mother. His mother was fond of plants and flowers, which was why Athrun felt so relaxed around them. A smile came to his face as the memories of his mother passed through his mind, but it was shortly replaced with a frown. His mother no longer existed. He almost cried at this, but he held back his tears. He promised his mother that he will be strong for her and for his sister.

Cagalli walked into the room and saw Athrun by the window. She noticed the calm expression on his face. "He looks so happy," she thought silently. She approached him step by step, hoping that she could surprise him, but Athrun sensed her presence.

The bodyguard turned to her with a smile. "Are you done talking with Representative Yamato?" he asked her.

Her eyes turned away from his as she slowly nodded her head.

He noticed how sad Cagalli looked. He wanted to cheer her up, but he didn't know how. "Princess... darn... I hate seeing her like this," Athrun said to himself. He looked around while thinking of something to make her happy.

"I hate my life..." stated Cagalli all of the sudden.

Athrun immediately glanced back at her. To his surprise, he saw that Cagalli has already broken into tears.

"Princess... you're crying... Why?" Athrun asked, but she didn't reply.

She lowered her head to avoid his emerald-green eyes. Her hands were clasped together as she trembled.

Athrun felt like a total idiot. His heart felt like it was going to break as he gazed upon the crying princess. But what can he do for her? Unexpectedly, Cagalli leaned her head on his chest. His eyes widened in surprise and his cheeks turned crimson. He could tell that his heart was pounding like crazy. He stared at the blonde, who was still crying miserably. His eyes softened as his arms cuddled her securely.

Cagalli was a bit surprised by his actions. She glanced up at her bodyguard, who was smiling at her. Athrun had a warm and kind smile, which gave Cagalli a great feeling.

"Athrun..." she muttered.

"Stop crying, Princess..." said Athrun. He neatly wiped her tears away with his thumb.

Once again, Cagalli broke into tears and then she instantly hugged Athrun. "Thank you, Athrun!" she told him. "I know you're cheering me up and I really appreciate it."

"Princess..." he murmured.

He tightened his grip around her, bringing her body closer to him. He didn't care if she felt the loud pounding his heart. All he wanted was to comfort Cagalli.

He released Cagalli, and as their faces met, Athrun saw her smile. Cagalli, once again, had the cheerful look on her face. Her tears were completely gone and her golden-brown eyes were clearer. Although she could still feel a slight burden in her heart, she couldn't let Athrun see her in such a sad state.

"Thank you, Athrun..." she told him. "Oh yeah... One more thing..."

She placed a hand on his shoulder. Athrun stared briefly at her hand and then at her. The blonde narrowed her eyes on him, which made him rather nervous.

"What's the matter, princess?" Athrun asked.

"You've forgotten something." Cagalli replied.

"What is it?" he asked curiously.

"I told you not to call me princess!" she yelled.

She yelled directly at Athrun's ear, which caused his eardrums to shake. He rubbed his ear, in order to soothe the pain a little. "I think I'm deaf." Athrun joked.

"Whatever... don't call me by the p-name again, k?" Cagalli reminded.

Athrun nodded. "Okay... um... Can I call you Cagalli?" he asked her.

"Cagalli sounds much better to me," replied Cagalli. "Sure you can call me that."

A loud knock came from the main door, catching both of their attention. "Who could that be?" Cagalli silently asked herself. She turned to Athrun and said, "I'll go answer it." She walked towards the door and opened it. A girl about her age, with honey-brown hair and blue-green eyes, was standing by the door way. Cagalli smiled widely at the girl, who was none other than her good friend, Miriallia Hawe. She immediately hugged her in her excitement.

"I'm so glad to see you again, Miriallia!" Cagalli exclaimed.

She released Miriallia from her hug and she faced her with a warm and friendly smile. "Please come in..." Cagalli gently pulled her inside before she could reply.

She immediately brought her friend to the living room where Athrun was. Miriallia briefly paused when she saw the blue-haired bodyguard.

"Athrun Zala?" Miriallia spoke as her eyes widened in curiosity.

Athrun smiled at her. "It is me, Hawe..." he told her.

Miriallia blinked several times before she realized that it was really Athrun. "What are you doing here?" She pointed a finger at him. "Aren't you supposed to be at HQ?"

He shook his head in reply. He then turned his head to the blonde princess, who seemed confused by them.

"You two..." said Cagalli, "know each other?"

"Yes," replied Athrun. "We met during our training in the ORB Military Academy." He looked at Miriallia and smiled.

"That's right..." Miriallia added. "But wait, you haven't answer my question yet, Zala." She suddenly remembered.

Athrun chuckled lightly as he pointed at the princess. "You see, I was assigned by Representative Yamato to be her bodyguard." He explained to her.

Miriallia gasped in surprise. "You're Cagalli's new bodyguard?!" she yelled out loud. "I can't believe it." She narrowed her eyes at Athrun while she let out a mischievous smile. "So he gets to spend time with Cagalli now..." she silently thought.

When he saw the way she eyed him, Athrun felt a bit nervous. He gave out a light laugh to help him remove his anxiety, but Milly was a bit stingy. He knew that Miriallia knows his secret well. He trusted her with that secret and she promised him that she will never tell anyone. But he wasn't assured of that, since Miriallia can sometimes put him in a tight spot. Nevertheless, she was a friend that could be trusted.

For a moment, there was silence in the room. Cagalli, of all people, hated solitude so she suddenly started asking Miriallia some questions.

"What brings you here, Miriallia?" Cagalli directed her attention to her best friend.

"Kira called me and told me to come here," Miriallia replied. "He said he wanted to talk to me about something."

"I see..." Cagalli sighed. Hearing her brother's name made her a little furious.

"I'm going to his office now..." Milly said. She was about to leave when Cagalli grabbed her hand. Milly stared peculiarly at her blonde friend. "What's the matter, Cagalli?"

"Can you do me a favor?" asked Cagalli as she directed her eyes on the floor.

Miriallia smiled. She knew what her friend was going to say. She tilted he head upwards, so she could gaze into her golden-brown eyes. "Don't worry, just leave it to me." She assured her.

"Thank you," Cagalli told Milly.

On the other hand, Athrun wondered what that was all about. He noticed how seriously Cagalli looked when she asked Milly a favor. He could only guess that it might have something to do with Kira. He didn't dare to ask her, so he stayed quiet. He did kind of admire how close Miriallia and Cagalli were. He never knew that Milly was friends with Cagalli and Kira. He did become acquainted. He had come to know her secrets, her likes and dislikes, and even her personality. He considered Milly as an important friend.

Miriallia placed her hand on Athrun's shoulder. She pulled him by the ear and whispered something to him. "I'll help you with Cagalli, k?" She faced him and winked. She turned to Cagalli with her hand slightly raised. "I better go now. See you later Cagalli." At once, she left the two in the living room.

"What was that all about?" Cagalli asked Athrun. "What did she tell you?" She eyed Athrun curiously.

His cheeks flushed up in an instant as he shook his head in all directions. He scratched the back of his head. He was feeling rather stupid acting like that in front of the princess, but it couldn't be helped. He can't tell her what Miriallia just told him, so he made up an excuse, and he hoped the Cagalli would buy it.

"Well, she just told me to meet her later..." said Athrun. "Yeah, that's it!"

"Okay," replied Cagalli, looking at him suspiciously.

Athrun sighed in relief. "I'm really bad at making excuses, but she believed me. That's good..." He glanced back at the blonde princess. "What do you want to do now?"

"I don't know." She suddenly yawned. "I'm getting sleepy. I better go rest for a while." She told him.

"Okay, have a nice rest," said Athrun.

"Thanks," replied Cagalli. "See you later, Athrun."

She left the living room and went straight to her room. She locked the door behind her and she leaned her back on it. She heaved a big sigh before she walked up to her bed. There, she immediately rested her tired body. She grabbed a pillow and cuddled it in her arms. She closed her eyes, and after a while, she finally went to sleep.

Kira's office

Miriallia and Kira were having a rather pleasant conversation. They were, of course, close friends since childhood. They always enjoyed each other's company.

Kira has always been grateful to Miriallia. As a child, Kira was a loner, meaning he didn't have much friends and he was shy. He was a bit clumsy, but he was always kind to others. He met Miriallia in the 3rd grade, and they've been friends ever since.

Miriallia was always there to cheer him up. No matter what problem Kira faced, he always managed to pull through with her help.

Kira gazed upon her with great admiration. He was overjoyed to see her again. On the other hand, Miriallia was talking about her days in the military. Kira listened to every word she spilled. Listening to her talk made him feel the old days.

Her conversation suddenly shifted to Cagalli. Kira quickly turned his head away from her.

He asked, "What about Cagalli?"

"You shouldn't treat Cagalli like a caged bird, Kira," started Miriallia, "She's already 18-years old and you're still very protective." She reminded him.

Kira glared back at Miriallia. "So what?" Kira countered. "Let me remind you that she's a princess and she can't have the freedom to roam around the streets like any ordinary person."

Miriallia's eyes softened for she could see Kira's great concern for his twin sister. Her hand reached for his shoulder. She looked straight at his purple eyes and said, "I understand."

He felt glad after hearing that. But he had to admit, he has been a little tight over Cagalli these days. "Okay, I'm strict but is that a crime?" he said sarcastically.

Milly chucked a bit. "No," replied Miriallia, "but may I suggest that you should go talk to her?"

"Why do you always sound right?" questioned Kira.

"I don't know." She laughed again.

Kira stood from his chair and went over to his desk. Then he opened a drawer and took out a picture. A smile came to his face as he gazed upon the album-sized picture.

Curious about it, Miriallia approached Kira and looked at the picture to. To her surprise, it was a picture of a 14-year old Kira with Cagalli.

"You two look cute," Miriallia said, giggling sweetly.

The representative nodded his head in agreement. "Actually, Cagalli is the cute one here," he told her.

He stared back at the picture, but his eyes were locked onto Cagalli's image. Cagalli had a wide grin on her face while she gave Kira a big hug. He always kept that picture close to him, because he doesn't want to forget the precious time he had shared with his twin. Then, he placed the picture on his left chest, where he could feel his heart pounding softly. After that, he hid the picture back in the drawer and closed it slowly. When he closed it, he turned to his friend who was smiling at him.

"You really love her..." Miriallia said. "But you shouldn't worry so much about her, Kira." She further added.

"I'll try to keep that in mind and," Kira replied. "Thank you, Miriallia."

"No problem," Milly said.

ORB Military Defense HQ

A red-head girl with emerald green eyes wearing an ORB Military Uniform was scanning through various files about certain soldiers in the ORB Military through the computer. She was quite interested in them, but her favorite was Cagalli Yula Athha. She practically knew everything about the princess, including her height, weight, and favorites. She was considered to be a fan girl by the other soldiers- of course she truly admitted that.

RING!!! RING!!! Her light blue-colored cell phone just rang. She quickly pulled it out of her pocket. She noticed on the screen that it was a call from her brother, Athrun Zala. She pressed a button, and then she placed it beside her ear.

"Jean here," Jean said. "What's up Nii-san?" She addressed Athrun by that name considering that he was her older brother. "How was your day with Princess Cagalli?" She got excited all of the sudden.

"Well, I had fun with her," started Athrun. Then he continued telling her about his day with Cagalli in the city. Somehow, Jean felt jealous since Athrun gets to spend so much time with the princess, while she's stuck working at HQ.

"How about you Jean?" asked Athrun. "Is everything all right there?"

"It's okay," Jean replied, half-lying. "But it's very dull here without your presence, Nii-san."

"Just be good, Jean... Well, I'll call you again, k?" he said and then he hung up.

"Nii-san," murmured Jean. "You're so lucky." She placed the cell phone on the table and let out a deep sigh. She stood from her chair and dropped herself on the bed. Then, she stared at a portrait located beside her bed- it was a portrait her mother. She smiled at this. "Mother, I want to meet Princess Cagalli too but it seems impossible for me." Again, she sighed and then she buried her face in her pillow as she clenched the blanket tightly.

To be continued...

JC: End of chapter 3. Jean is Athrun's sister, while Miriallia is a close friend to the twins and Kai? – Well, check him out in the next chapter. Please give me your comments or reviews. I don't want any flames, so forget about it!