Um, I'm just gonna hide under the computer table until you put down the pitchforks. They down? Right, OK. Look, I'm really sorry bout not updating! My evil little plotbunny ran away, and then refused to work! ARGHHHHH! It's so annoying! Anywayz, I'm finally starting the real relationship with Sai and Athrun, and well, Kira's on his way to getting his redeeming moment. Hope ya enjoy!

Chapter 10: Collison

Kira noted the tension the moment he stepped into the mess hall. Everyone was unnaturaly quiet, their gazes fixed on the door. They all knew Athrun was going to walk in. They all knew Athrun was going to sit amongst them. They all knew he was a member of the ZAFT military.

Kira sighed and wove his way through the tables, heading for the one Sai was sitting at. The blonde boy's eyes were focused on the table and he seemed upset. And Kira knew why instantly. Milly and Athrun were on their way to the mess hall ... together. Sai had just gotten his feelings shoved back in his face ... for a second time. Two times he'd fallen in love, and both those times two of his best friends had stolen the object of his affection. Kira felt his insides squirm guiltily. He needed to say something comforting.

"Hey, Sai," he muttered, trying to sound at least a small bit understanding. The older boy lifted his eyes and turned to focus on Kira's face. The minute he did, though, his eyes widened and then grew angry. The new 'couple' had chosen this moment to walk into the mess hall. Milly glanced around, searching for them. She smiled and offered them a small wave once she'd found them, and then proceeded to lead Athrun over. Several dirty looks were thrown at the young coordinator, which Athrun seemed to be making a point of ignoring. Kira saw Sai clench his fists under the table.

Upon arriving, both teens made to sit next to Sai. Kira caught Milly's wrist. She turned to him, confusion written across her features. He shook his head and gestured to the chair next to him. The girl shrugged and sat down.

"Y'know," she whispered, "I was trying to make him sit next to you. You really need to talk." Kira shook his head.

"Those two need to talk as well. And ... we kinda do too..." Milly's blue eyes widened with confusion.

"Really? Why? I ... well ... Tolle is not something I want to discuss. Not here and not in front of him." She jerked her head at Athrun. Luckly, neither Sai nor Athrun noticed. Kira smiled grimly.

"'Him' is exactly why I want to talk to you. I need to ask you, how do you feel about him?" For some reason, Milly looked angry.

"Is that all?" she spat. "Are you going to accuse me of ruining Sai's relationship with Flay next? Do you honestly think I'd make a move on Athrun, when it's obvious Sai likes him. And, though I've found out he's not all bad, are you forgetting that Athrun just happens to be the one who killed Tolle! I don't know what happened to you after you went MIA, Kira, but things changed a lot around here. People changed. We grew a lot closer! I'd never hurt Sai like that!"

Kira sat frozen in his chair, the part of him not shocked mananging to marvel at the fact that Milly had managed to say all that in a whisper. The rest of him felt somewhat hurt. For one thing, Milly had brought up the subject of Flay, a rather sore spot. And secondly, all he'd done was care about Sai as well. It wasn't her right to jump to such conclusions.

He opened his mouth to retort, when a soft laugh cut through the air. Both he and Milly spun round. Athrun was laughing. Really laughing. Sai looked vaguely stunned, but otherwise thrilled. Kira felt his heart grow lighter. Sai had made Athrun laugh! But another part of him felt jealous. There was a time when he could've done that. When Athrun would've laughed at every funny thing he said. At every funny face he made. A part of him suddenly hated Sai.

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Sai could barely breath when Athrun smiled, and felt his heart almost stop when Athrun had laughed. The sound was wonderful. It was the first time Sai had ever heard him laugh, and he'd done it. He'd made Athrun Zala laugh! But, after about five seconds, he remembered Athrun hugging Milly. The closeness they seemed to have. The fact he'd wanted Milly to talk to, and not him.

Anger flooded back and suddenly he couldn't bare to look at the gleeful spark in Athrun's eyes. He swung his gaze back onto the near empty plate in front of him. He could see Athrun's sudden look of confusion even without looking at him. What he didn't see was the hand reaching out to grip his. The sensation of Athrun's marble skin on his was a jolt and his gaze instantly jerked back to the bluenette's face.

Athrun did look confused, but there was also understanding written across his face.

"You're upset about something," Athrun whispered, and it wasn't a question. Green eyes burned into his blue ones, demanding an answer. Green eyes burning so brightly in the war damaged face. So wild and untamable. Eyes that had reminded Sai of a tiger on their first talk. Eyes that had captivated him, drawn him into their spell, eyes that he had grown to love.

Suddenly, he couldn't stand it. He didn't care about Milly's feelings anymore, he didn't care about how the rest of the room would react. He gripped Athrun's face and pressed their lips together. He could feel Athrun stiffen with shock. He could almost see those green eyes widen. He pulled back without giving the younger boy time to assess the situation. Athrun's eyes looked even more beautiful when shocked. He couldn't stand to look at them. Grabbing Athrun's hand, he pushed the dogtags back into their owners possession.

"Upset? No, I'm not upset, love who you want!" And he ran, before Athrun could respond.

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Athrun stayed where he was, white and confused, gazing after Sai. Every eye in the room was on him. He needed to get out of here, so much attention was suffocating. He pushed past Kira, barely noting the fact that the brunette was on his feet as well, and began the task of getting past the closely packed tables. He didn't get more than two paces before someone stood up to obstruct him.

Two hands landed on his chest and, since he hadn't been expecting it, the harsh shove forced him back a step. Several other people had stood up as well, forming a tight circle around him. He glanced around, trying to force his mind to function. He didn't succeed, and didn't manage to duck the blow aiming for his head.

White spots appeared in front of his eyes, and he couldn't move for a second. He saw Kira struggle through the group, but ignored him. He ignored him because he could also see Sai re-enter the room. Sai hadn't gone that far. Sai wanted to talk to him...

Well? Whatcha think? Please R&R?