A/N: um sorry for the long wait but just as i had promised in my profile, i updated this first week of May (smiles cheekily) and sorry i only replied to your reviews just now since i didnt have enough time last month. but now, i can dutifully continue my work...that is until i got another writer's block. and i also changed the title...for the THIRD time. (sighs) i guess i am not content with the last one. but i guess this one fits the story well...

To Justsome1: wow...i never caught that part. (hehe) yup, good point. thanks for telling me about that.

so everyone, in the last chapter, i added a paragraph to explain how Athrun learn to realize it was Cagalli who's inside the Chicken-Penguin mascot.

and please feel free to review and share your thoughts after reading this chapter. your opinions and criticism (if any) mean a lot and helps the writers to continue on. so enough of my babbling and lets get to the story...

UNDER ONE CEILING

fictionalfact

Task #3: To Find a Job

"That's nice, very nice. Do it again. Yes. Now."

Then the little doll version of the blue-haired Athrun grinned wickedly, his hands wiping, molding and swirling, doing his crazy magic ploy. In a puff of smoke, a large bun suddenly appeared, just as she had commanded him to. Following successively, bowls of hot ramen noodles materialized, making her mouth water than ever. She wanted to engulf all of them in a blink.

But of course this is just a dream and not all wonderful dreams last. The hotshot mister she had welcomed in her place had cooked dinner last night and boy, was he that great in cooking! She couldn't imagine that a stiff looking young man like him could have some talent and to think it would be cooking. Ha. I just can't believe my luck! A household taker and a cook! All in one package! Damn good luck that was!

Then a part of her suddenly dreaded the coming realization that will ensure any minute now. But looking at the delicious foods the little Athrun had miraculously made wanted her to linger more. But of course no one can escape reality. And so—

1…

2…

3...

Here goes.

RIIIIIIINNNNNGG

Her bedside old-aged digital clock blasted off cracking her aching head into two. She reached a hand and flung it down the floor, adding another dent on its side. It instantly shut, she grinned in approval, taking her back to the quietness of the place and under the covers. "Now that's good." She was about to snuggle down the warm cushions when a thought crossed mind. She remembered setting the alarm a little early so as to get her back to the road and find a damn job again. A sigh. Life is a bit cruel indeed.

Pulling the covers, she sat up and gave a big yawn. Her eyes roamed the little space called her room and her mouth immediately fell. The old clothes that blanketed the floor almost like a carpet was nowhere in sight. The papers and books on her study table were placed on the shelves and drawers where they rightfully belong. The shoes scattered under the cabinet was now arrange—no, not only arranged but lined in rows! What the hell is going on in here?

Not minding to change into something that might cover less skin, since she's only wearing skimpy shorts and a black spaghetti strap shirt, she burst out of her room and once again, her mouth fell. She was hit by a terribly HUGE transformation…and only in one night. Yup, ONE freaking night.

The sofa that she remembered pulling out into a sleep-on bed was back to its place. The sink was free from the towering dishes she had constantly reprimanded herself of washing later on. The chairs were moved and placed into a neatly courteous way. Again, thrown things were put aside. The damn table was neat, not a trace of stains. Every corner was swept and every little thing that can't be even seen was cleaned and carefully stacked to its rightful place. Well, in short, the place was so goddamn neat.

Conclusion: No remnants of humanity can be seen.

She wanted to faint.

"Who in the hell did these?" her voice was laced with venom and spite.

Of course she would love to have someone clean her place and all…but not this freaking neat! It looks like human existence had never passed her precious little home.

Then the villain appeared.

The door to the bathroom burst open, revealing a rather too fresh out-of-the-shower looking blue haired man with only a white towel wrapped around, covering his lower parts. His chest firm and strong, glistened from the after shower droplets. His blue hair was wild above him, looking soft and sexy. He looked like one of those seductive jocks in the movies wherein they made their grand entrance. And with his hair covering his eyes, he busily pushed it back with his fingers, completing the move and saving her from total humiliation when a blush crept across her cheeks in seeing his sculpturally defined chest. She had to swallow a gasp along with it. Good heavens.

Then her senses hit. She raised an accusing finger at him. "You. What are you doing?"

Athrun looked up and saw a fuming blonde, her face paling and paling every passing second. An eyebrow rose, "Took a shower."

She felt she's going to have a heart attack anytime soon. "Then stop displaying yourself. Go back to the bathroom and get yourself dress maniac!"

He eyed her quizzically, followed her gaze which rolled up and down from his face then to his feet. He smirked. "Oh. I get it. But your bathroom is too small. I can't move around that well."

"And what do you mean you got it?" Then her paling face took a glow and went red. "Well sorry for being poor but let me remind you, this is your choice buddy. So just get back there and finish up. Wear something and I mean it. I'm next all right?"

Seeing he cannot argue especially to the woman of the house, he shrugged. "If that makes you comfortable," and went back in with his used clothes.

She let out a breath. "Damn jackass." Then suddenly a thought passed her mind. She run to him and blocked his way. "Wait a minute!" She braced herself, ordering her eyes not to look at anything but his face and continued more of a whisper, "Do you have…you know…anything to wear?" Then her eyes traveled down. "I mean besides that."

Those brilliant emeralds swam her face for a second, looking hesitant and thoughtful. "I…don't think…"

"Then what are you planning to do in there without telling me you don't have anything?" she almost screamed. Both of her hands were gripping each side of the door frame, looking like a monster about to swallow his prey in one gulp.

Athrun gaped at her and gave a sigh. "I got uncomfortable wearing this," and both of them looked at the clothes in his hand, a pink pajama with printed smiling hearts all over them. Then she remembered. She had clothed him with that pajama yesterday, the day she found him in the streets. "And so I suddenly got the urge to take a shower. There's no problem in that right."

"Of course there is," she barked and left him there, went to her room, searched for something and came up with a large-enough-for-his-size black t-shirt with a print saying "Holler Me" and the most loosely fit pants she could find. She run back to him and shoved the said items. "There, wear those. It's large enough to fit you."

He glared at it.

"Stop staring at it like that ok. There's no pinky girlie fabric in there," and consequently, shoved him inside.

She leaned on the door and heard the faint rustling of clothing. "I guess big changes have to be made around here," she mumbled, looking around her now thoroughly organized room and sighed. "And I mean BIG changes."

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

He squirmed. These clothes are giving him the creeps! The full length mirror standing on one side of the room clearly told him how disgusting he looked. Plain black shirt with print and street jeans. Yup, he's not going to live long. ARGH! If only I had brought a baggage of clothes with me when I had gladly permitted myself to get drunk then these shouldn't be happening!

Heaving a frustrated sigh, he walked to the sofa and dropped down, the ache on his back he got from sleeping on the oldest sofa he had ever seen made its presence known. He grimaced. Living in luxury all your life sure has its drawbacks I supposed.

The door to her room suddenly burst open. Like the way he had seen her yesterday, she was wearing her usual outfit: shirt and pants. With this attire, she almost looked like a boy to him. Then her gaze traveled to his and smiled slyly. "Wow, looking good in those huh?"

This brought another frown on his face. He said, laced with sarcasm, "Really. But thanks."

She rolled her eyes. "Stop the spoiled brat look all right. Since you're going to live here, then start getting used to anything." She walked beside the sofa, towering above him with her hands on each side of her waist. "Ok, let me set the rules here. Like we had agreed on, first, you will obey my every command. Second, I don't want to hear any complaints. Third, always cover yourself."

His eyes narrowed. "Always cover myself?"

This made her glare. Her fists balled beside her as she hissed, "I mean it lad. I don't want you displaying your oh-my-perfectly-built body around my house and of course around me."

Emerald eyes glinted. He couldn't contain it any longer. This girl is quite something.

"Ooookay."

She frowned. "What?"

And he burst out laughing. "Nothing." This brought a bright crimson on her face. He flung his hands in complete surrender. "I agree, I agree all right. Now let's get going."

And so they left, she trailing behind, glaring ominously at his back.

The houses speed about them in a blur as he uncomfortably huddled and was literally sandwiched against the fast-growing pack of passengers inside the bus. On his right side, Cagalli stood, a hand tightly gripping the bar overhead. Behind her, a guy with wild dreadlocks was discreetly pushing his way through, body pushing and immediately, he could sense the guy's other motive. He nudged her, gripped her arm and swapped places.

As he'd expected, her eyes narrowed. "What's your problem?"

He merely shrugged, now eying the guy who had sensed the change a little intently. He got the message and scrambled to the other side.

Cagalli frowned. "Stop glaring like that."

Huh?

"You're frightening me you know."

Oh. Is that so? I guess the Zala's gene is stronger than I thought. He gave her a smile and settled on staring out the windows as downtown and its soaring buildings came to view. Strange. It looked so different from where I'm standing. Or maybe, I was the one who looked different. Hmm.

As soon as they had bounded out the bus, Cagalli dragged him to the nearest restaurant around. He sat on a chair as she handed the manager her resume. They disappeared inside a room for a full thirty minutes that is until he heard some voices bickering behind the doors. He was about to lunge for the door when Cagalli went out, looking red and irritated. "I will never ever eat in this damn place," and yes, they were off in an instant.

Whatever had occurred behind those doors, he let it pass.

"Hey handsome! What's your number?"A girl wearing a flirty skirt with her throng of friends was eying him deliciously. Her friends giggled beside her. The two stopped in their tracks, Cagalli glaring at her, Athrun looking the ever bewildered handsome boy. "Your t-shirt. It says holler you and I just granted its wish handsome. I'll be around ok?" She gave one final wink and they were off.

Cagalli growled. "What the heck. Flirty bitches. It's just a t-shirt!"

He had to laugh at seeing her fuming face. "That's ok. I felt great anyway."

She glared at him. "Moron."

It was a homey restaurant but with an air of class. Outside, flowers and plants lined its crafty built walls. Cagalli gave a sigh before walking in. They were greeted by a warm atmosphere, with all their waitresses dressed in bright pink blouse, a white apron with fluffy frillings draped over pink skirt. Their hair was neatly fastened by a blob of white and pink plastic flowers. It was a big place and from the looks of it, their customers surely loved the cute feminine attire of its waitresses. It was their 34th restaurant of the day.

Cagalli wrinkled her nose. "Eeew. Who would want to wear a thing like that?"

But of course, despite the "ugliness," as to what her face clearly depicts of the dress, he saw her head straight to a red-haired waitress. She said something and Cagalli walked back. "She's going to call the manager."

So there they were, sitting like two wind-beaten youngsters about to drop their head on the table from exhaustion. It was now 5:35 p.m. and still no progress, no luck. His ears suddenly flipped open and eyes grazed to the far side where he heard the silent commotion—and sighed. From the counter, the pink clothed girls were having girlie chitchat and once in a while would steal a glance their way…or should I say, my way.

"What now," he muttered in disgust.

Cagalli saw this as well. "You know what, next time you come with me, I'll have you wear a mask or something. You're causing a disturbance."

It was now his turn to roll his eyes. "Well sorry for having a very handsome face."

Those amber eyes flashed. She was about to retort when a pretty pink-haired girl dressed in a brilliant flowing green dress stepped to their table. On her right breast was a nameplate that said, "Lacus Clyne, Manager." She gave Cagalli a warm smile, her resume on hand. "I'm sorry Miss Attha, we cannot hire you. This decision was decided not only by me but along with my employees. However, we have a good offer for your friend. We would like to hire him."

And two pairs of eyes, along with the gossiping waitresses, turned to his direction. He sweat dropped. "Me?"

The manager nodded. Cagalli let out a laugh. "No big way. You cannot hire him. I mean all of your waitresses are girls and…"

The manager, named Lacus Clyne, smiled. "Oh really. But we wanted him for this job Miss Attha. We cannot let someone like him pass."

Cagalli's mouth dropped.

But guess what happened right after? Well, she'd commanded me to accept the job.

His forehead fell to his opened palms and sighed.

It's a good thing the manager looked pretty cute.

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

"Damn pink weirdoes," she hissed, arms locked in a tight embrace on her chest. Her eyes were dark, glaring the streets for any "wanted these, wanted that" signs. A passing couple looked at her, saw the ominous sparkle in her eyes and instantly backed away. She was concentrating. If that mister had found a job as easily as that, well, she will. Besides, who wants to work in thatplace anyway?

At the thought of that pink fluffy stuff, her nose wrinkled. "Well, I'm really sorry for him. Ha!" and she smiled; thinking by now Athrun was engaged in a dress up catfight with the girls. She could clearly see them…

"Try this uniform on," the waitress behind the counter nudged the red and pink clothing along with a stylish cap that has feathers in them.

Athrun nearly gagged at the sight.

"No. Let him wear this," and a baby blue coat with orange undergarments and sequins around the hem was next shoved at him.

He was suffocating.

It was Lacus Clyne who top them all of as she flung a pink and white garment at his lap with a sash on top. She smiled charmingly. "This is the perfect one for you Mr. Athrun."

He was dying.

God take me.

Cagalli laughed at this. "Serves him right for taking that job from me," and suddenly, her feet was transfixed on the ground as she came face to face with a children's center. From the outside, she heard the loud laughter of the kids as they went out, lined in two. She felt her heart swell as memories came flashing back. But somewhere not far from where she was, stood a young man who was completely amused ever since she had come walking near the center.

He walked to her. "Hey. You seemed happy for no reason." This caught her attention.

Cagalli felt her face flushed at being caught talking to herself. She let out a chuckle. "Oh. I was just…you know…thinking about something…" and stopped. Wait a minute, why the hell was she explaining herself to a, take note, complete stranger?

The brown haired man had sensed her sudden suspicion. He smiled. "No, I didn't mean to spy on you. I'd just gone out of the center after dropping my little cousin. He's there you know," he said.

I guess he won't bite, she thought and eased back. "Really…"

"So are you by any chance job scouting?" he implied, walking beside her as she continued her search. He took out something from his pocket and handed it over. "I only arrived in this city and starting a new business. Our job interviews are still on going so if you like—"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as Cagalli quickly snatch the card from his grip. She stared at it like a crazed fanatic and beamed. "Really really?"

The young man chuckled. "Really really. I know how it feels since I've been in that same situation when I was looking for a job back in my college days." And his eyes grew a little gentle. "Actually I only came here to see the business and see how my best friend's doing. He's working for the most successful company there is in the country you know."

She blinked. "Wow."

He nodded. "Yeah. Anyway, I really have to go. Got a lot of things to do." He was about to leave her, standing wistfully with that strange glow in her eyes when he turned. "I'm Kira Yamato by the way."

"Cagalli Yula Attha," she replied back. He gave her one final smile and was off.

The card on her hand was glimmering and she was holding it the way a child will hold a Christmas present. Her smile grew wider. "Omigawd. I got a job. I REALLY GOT A FUCKIN DAMN JOB." The passer bys glared as she continued shouting, jumping at the sidewalk in pure joy.

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

"ACCOUNT DENIED."

Athrun kicked the ATM machine and stomped out, receiving brusque glares from the others in line. He glared back. His breath came in ragged whispers as he walked to the street. So he's really serious about the whole thing. Closing my account just like that. Damn.

The night was dark and cold despite the thousand lights the city emanated. He stood beside a post, holding a small package which was his new uniform and an envelop, hiding his advance paycheck. He waved and a taxi stopped. He knew he should ride a bus to save money since he's broke. But the problem is, he doesn't know where the nearest bus-stop is.

And he knew he's dead meat. How was he going to explain this to Cagalli?

As he stepped out of the cab, the light to her apartment was out which only means two things. 1) She's not back yet. And 2) she's already asleep. He heaved as sigh and walked to the silent worn-out building.

He took out his duplicate key and went in. The room was swept into shadows, except for the part near the window where the street light from outside flicker, providing the only light inside. He turned the light switch on and walked to her room which was slightly opened. He peered in and saw the blonde girl sprawled on the mattress with the most unnervingand cunning smile. He frowned.

He walked inside and edged nearer until a small glimpse of a blue card caught his eye. He was about to take it from her hands when she flung her arms away, grinning, "I got a job blockhead! You think you're the only one? Ha! Get a grip!"

His eyes narrowed for a split second and shook his head. "So having fun torturing me even in your sleep?" and smiled down at her childlike face. "But, thank God for that."

He silently crept out of the room, closing the door partially behind him as she began muttering, "Spoiled idiot," with a dreamy smile on her face.

A/N: i would like to say my BIG thank you to you my readers and to those below (points down)

to all of you ever since this story had started: cute.princess, ovp, Cari, Mabura, The Angels' Princess,Tarantada, Star-Moon-Angel, The Jackle, azna-azure, Kageharu Kaco, psychoanalyst, Vigorian-Asakura, Cari-Akira, Sunflower Seeds, KiraTatashi, Justsome1, Zala's Assassin, Maeye. All of you meant everything to me, your reviews and your support, ever since i've started this story. thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with me.

And to Maeye, ovp, wobblytooth, Yukimi noh Daiomoru: thank you for adding this story to your favorites. i never expected that. (sniffs)

to those who added this in their alert list, you know who you are and all i could do but say a very big THANK YOU for adding this story and continuing to read it.

and of course, surprises later on. thanks everyone and have a nice day ahead.

yours babbling,
fictionalfact