He couldn't believe his ears…

But they weren't lying.

Words were cryptic but they were true to their meaning.

Beads of sweat began flowing on Shinn's forehead.

He turned around and met Athrun's accusing gaze.

Athrun however, was too discreet about his feelings. He could smash his fist on Shinn's face and start a brawl if he wanted to… but he remained still.

Cagalli on the other hand was looking at Athrun's expression. Blinked twice, then pulled his sleeve to say something.

"You… mad… at me?"

"No," Athrun replied.

Shortly, Mir appeared and said to Athrun if she could take Cagalli with her in the kitchen.

"I'd like her to help me in making some strawberry pies… If it's okay with you."

Athrun asked Cagalli if she wanted to make some strawberry pies and she reluctantly agreed. She took Mir's hand and left.

So it was Shinn and Athrun- … still facing each other.

"I thought you didn't do anything?" Athrun said sarcastically.

"Don't be such and idiot… I did not kiss her," Shinn fired back. " I… gave her some …air… because she's barely breathing. If that appeared to her as a kiss… then so be it."

Athrun went silent.

"Sorry…"

"I know it's been difficult for you," Shinn said meaningfully. He gazed at the sun as it hides behind the clouds.

"She doesn't remember anything about you… what you really mean to her. I know how that feels like."

Athrun sat by the couch. Looking at the same sight as Shinn.

"I'm beginning to accept that. All that matters to me is to see her- alive. If I have to sacrifice everything that I have- I'll gladly do so…I just don't want her to…"

Shinn interrupts him by asking a shattering question- one that Athrun wasn't able to explain- or understand even for himself.

"Then why did you let her go… when she was yours? Why did you break up with her?"

No answer.

If he hadn't left her, would anything change? Could she be the same Cagalli as everyone had known? He couldn't turn back time. He remembered their last conversation.

For us, this will just be a memory…

Now, even that painful memory of their breakup was nothing but dust… unseen and forgotten.

(End of scene)

"Okay, so this is how you do it. First we have to make the crust for the pie, then we'll do the strawberry filling."

Mir instructed Cagalli on how to make the dough.

She immediately learned how to do it, and it wasn't long before they make the strawberry paste.

Mir brought a basket of strawberries.

Surprised when Cagalli took one and ate it.

"So you like strawberries," Mir said.

Cagalli nodded.

"It'll taste better with some cream or milk. But don't eat them all, we still have to make the pie."

Mir felt as if she was beginning to enjoy this. She felt like having an instant 'daughter'.

The dough was made and it's lunchtime.

Everyone gathered on the dining area to feast on the food that they themselves prepared- barbecue, spaghetti and some risotto.

The day has slowly turned to dusk. Luna said she wanted to have some afternoon swimming. She was joined with the others except Athrun, Cagalli and Mir.

Mir was of course- still doing the pie with Cagalli and Athrun's with them, as always.

But Yzak insisted that Athrun come with them.

"Don't worry about her. She'll be fine with Mir!"

"C'mon man, loosen up for a while," Dearka added.

"She wont run away…"

"Just go ahead Athrun. She will be okay with me. She's enjoying herself. You should too…"

Luna grabbed Athrun's hand (to his surprise) and said that old men like him should not be so stiff all the time.

Meyrin laughed and followed them.

Cagalli was left in the kitchen. She was thinking- staring at the piles of strawberries, the golden-brown crust placed on individual serving cups, the eggs and cream.

She smiled.

(End of scene)

The car pulls to a stop in front of the rest house.

He went inside and was surprised to notice that everyone's missing.

"Miriallia?" called out as he walks towards the kitchen. Not long after, Mir appeared on the kitchen's doorway.

"Kira…you're a bit early."

"Yeah, been worried, that's all. Where is she?"

Mir pointed at the kitchen, and made a giggle.

Kira went closer to see.

He saw her. Her face was covered with flour dust- like a Japanese doll, and her hair wasn't an exception. She wore an apron and her hair was joined together into a little knot at the back of her head. She was sniffing as she stirs the large bowl containing the paste.

"She's just like a child," Mir said. "Anyway, I've run out for some ingredients. I'll go and buy some."

"I'll look after her," Kira answered.

He entered the kitchen, smiling at the sight.

"I thought I saw a beautiful fairy…but her face was so white," he said.

Cagalli's eyes went bigger as Kira's figure began to realize.

"Kira!" she exclaimed. She dropped the spoon and immediately got rid of the bowl as she rushed towards him. Gave him a fierce embrace. Kira was hugging her tightly, and tears starts to follow.

"I thought something bad has happened." He said under her ear.

She was crying.

"Y…you…left…me alone."

He wiped off the flour on her forehead.

"I've come back now." He was so happy that she doing fine.

Then he remembered something. He reached for his pocket to look for it.

A small box inside. A ring.

He pulled it out and held Cagalli's hand.

"I've gone away because I bought this." He placed the ring on her finger.

Cagalli felt some odd sensation… as if this had happened before but she couldn't remember.

Couldn't remember that it was Athrun who gave her the ring that she had long wanted.

"There," Kira said as the ring falls into place. The stone was colored blue… a sapphire.

She smiled and embraced him. But the odd feeling didn't go away.

Mir was on the doorway… a little shocked upon seeing the two of them.

Kira saw Mir's reaction. He began to pull away from his sister.

"I… I have made one for you…" Cagalli said to Kira. She searched for the table. The first pie that she created was there, and she brought it to him. He got a spoon and tasted it. A little bit sour, but then he smiled. He truly appreciated it regardless of the taste.

He joined them as they finished their baking.

Just as everyone returned to the house. It's already six-thirty- time for dinner.

"How are the pies?" Dreaka asked. He was surprised to see Kira.

"Man, you're early…"

Same dialogue as Mir's.

Athrun came from behind. He saw Kira and Cagalli, sitting on a bench, while she continues to fill the crust with the paste.

He went forward to greet her but something held him back. The sight of her finger- wearing a ring.

He turned to Kira. He was also staring at him. No words.

Just a painful look.