Hi! This is definitely a longer chapter (super accidental), but I am sure you all won't mind. Don't worry, I won't count this as a long chapter. I do plan on having 2 more of those.
Chapter 29: Girl Talk
Cagalli's hand rested on the balcony's railing as she looked up at the night sky, watching the stars be drowned out by the city lights. The cold breeze made the hem of her long, lime green dress sway. She shivered; a sign that it was time to go back in.
"Just a little longer," she said under her breath. Not too long after, her mind began to wander and her gaze was once again captured by the night sky.
"Miss Cagalli?"
Too soon her peace was interrupted. She turned around to find Lacus, clad in a layered, pink dress and a fur shawl, standing at the balcony's entryway.
"I wondered where you drifted to," Lacus said, making her way beside Cagalli. She smiled. Cagalli smiled back, but still turned her gaze. "It's quite chilly," Lacus continued, "won't you come inside?"
"I'm alright," Cagalli said. "I was about to go back in but decided to stay out here longer. It's peaceful."
"Are you not enjoying yourself?"
Cagalli looked at Lacus, who was leaning over the railing, staring down at the nearly empty streets.
"Th-that's not it!" Cagalli waved her hands. "I truly wanted fresh air. I am grateful that you invited me. Who wouldn't be? You're Lacus Clyne."
Lacus giggled. "You make it seem as if I am famous," she laughed again.
Cagalli raised a brow. "You're well on your way. I don't know anyone who doesn't know who you are." Cagalli leaned against the railing as well. "To celebrate Lacus' birthday with her...oh how the girls would scream and the guys would melt."
Lacus giggled, but soon her expression fell.
"I'd only want one guy to melt."
Cagalli looked at her, raising another brow. Lacus' face started to match her dress, and her usual serene, controlled manner faltered for a more anxious one.
"Athrun, of course," she said with a toothed grin that Cagalli found unconvincing.
Cagalli frowned. "You didn't mean Athrun." The words rolled off her tongue more sour than she would have liked.
Lacus, not surprisingly, was taken aback by Cagalli's statement.
"You meant Kira."
Again, total astonishment. She looked away from Cagalli completely, leaving Cagalli to stare at the back of her head.
"You don't have to feel ashamed, I won't tell anyone. I understand. Trust me, I do," she sighed.
Lacus slowly faced her. "You seem to know more than I imagined," she said.
"Just something I noticed, that's all. Poor Athrun doesn't have a clue."
"Is that why you won't tell? To spare Athrun's feelings?"
A pause.
"Yes, but not entirely," Cagalli said. "I hope you don't mind, but he told me that your engagement was on the rocks. It was arranged," she shrugged. "I know that game. But, no matter who you're supposed to marry, you can't help who you actually catch feelings for. I know that very well."
"From experience, right? You're an Atha. You must be promised to someone."
Cagalli looked away, her face twisting with shame.
"You're engaged like I am," Lacus said. "And, yet, you like someone else...just like I do."
Cagalli hung her head. "But you and Athrun are much different. I don't even have to see Yuna, but you two have made an effort to be together. Now—"
"Now what?"
"You only do it out of duty now."
"Wasn't it always our duty?"
Cagalli shrugged.
"Athrun and I do care about one another—things between us were going well— but I don't think we care about each other the way we would like. Things started to change because of our parents and after befriending you and Kira."
"What do I have to do with this?"
"I think you know," Lacus smiled, innocently.
"I don't," Cagalli said. "I think Kira could actually like you back— I hope for it, but— "
"You like Athrun."
It was Cagalli's turn to be shocked. Her mouth hung open while Lacus kept her composure.
"I—"
"He seems fond of you, too."
"I don't know." Cagalli could feel her face turning colors.
"I think you should let him know how you feel."
Cagalli's heart and eyes nearly popped out of her body. She thought Lacus was crazy. Bold, but crazy. Maybe a masochist, no a sadist. Because Cagalli couldn't wrap her head around what she just heard. Tell Athrun? Tell Athrun that her heart rate goes up when she's near him, or that she can't stare at his face too long or else she'd get weak-kneed. How do you tell your friend that? How do you tell your engaged friend that?
How embarrassing would that be? Cagalli thought.
"Is this how you get your kicks?" she spat. "Have me embarrass myself in front of your fiance. Is it punishment for liking him?"
"You have the wrong idea. I invited you here because I see you as a friend— at least a potential one. Athrun is a friend. I want him to be happy. I think telling him could bring you both joy."
Cagalli didn't know what to say.
Then they heard the door slide open. Lacus' face immediately beamed.
"There you two are," Kira said. "Aren't you cold?"
In a matter of seconds, Lacus was by Kira's side, conversing happily. It was as if she forgot Cagalli was there. As they talked, Lacus' words replayed in her head.
"Are you coming, Cagalli?" Kira asked.
She snapped out of her thoughts. "I'm right behind you."
"I really hope you take my suggestion, Miss Cagalli," Lacus said. "It won't hurt."
Kira gave a questioning look, but Cagalli only responded with a shrug. The two then made their way back inside the dining hall. When they were out of sight, Cagalli heaved the heaviest sigh of the night.
Do you have a favorite chapter so far? I would love to know which!