Hey! Long time no read. Sorry about the wait...this was supposed to be a long chapter, but I was taking so long to write (and didn't want to make you all wait any longer) I decided to split it. Enjoy.
Chapter 35: The Twins (Pt 1.)
Cagalli had her back against her locker while Athrun stood in front of her, his hand resting by her head. The two were so immersed in their conversation that the bustling hall seemed to phase them none. Cagalli giggled as Athrun whispered something before stroking her cheek with his finger. Others stared, but they didn't notice.
The two hadn't even noticed Kira approaching. He watched them for a moment, taking in the image of the two flushed, euphoric looking teens before coming closer. Cagalli turned and stared at him, her expression shifting to a more serious one. Athrun had taken a step back.
"Sorry to interrupt," Kira said. "Cagalli, you want to talk now?"
"Yes."
She looked at Athrun with an apologetic smile. He smiled back, gently rubbing her arm before waving bye. Kira watched Athrun vanish from over his shoulder.
"You two are getting real cozy," he said, turning his attention back to Cagalli.
Cagalli held her books to her chest, her face reddening. "Whatever," she puffed her cheeks out, causing Kira to chuckle. "You and Lacus seem to be cozy, too."
It was his turn to become red.
"You think so?" his gaze shifted to his sneakers.
Cagalli smirked. "Definitely. We're in the midst of creating more rumors."
Kira laughed again. "Yeah," he said. "Even though those two say there no longer is an engagement between them, I wonder how many others know that?"
Cagalli paused to think. Athrun and Lacus never made their relationship front page news; their engagement was just common knowledge among the elite children of the Northern region. It just so happened to spread among the Juniors, and some others, in the school, so it's likely no one truly knows about their end.
But if people see how Athrun and I are interacting, or how Kira and Lacus are interacting, they may catch on, she thought.
"I don't think we should concern ourselves with what others know," Cagalli said. "Besides, it may change their minds about us."
Kira gave a mock shutter. "Imagine if they knew the truth about us and the rumor still continued."
Cagalli frowned. "That isn't something I wanna imagine. We don't even know the truth," she said that part more quietly.
"I know," he placed a hand on her shoulder. "But, that's why you wanted to talk, right?" he pulled his cell out of his pocket, looking at the message she had sent him that morning. His brows furrowed. "We may have to miss our next class for this."
Cagalli nodded.
…
Cagalli pulled her jean jacket to her. The weather was an improvement from the previous week, but she still wished Spring would hurry. Kira didn't seem to mind. His jacket was much lighter than hers and he had it open, revealing his white button-up shirt. He looked relaxed sitting on the bench.
The park they decided to go to — the one not too far from the school, the one nearing the municipal district— was mostly unoccupied. The only other person there was an elderly man who was tossing seeds at a flock of birds. Yet, Cagalli still gave the area a glance over, hoping no one recognizable was around. Then, she finally sat down.
"It's not getting any better," she said.
Kira looked at her.
"I don't think he is going to get better and I am afraid," Cagalli continued. She took a deep breath. "I came to our school because I knew my father was sick, and I needed to find you. He insisted. Said I needed to know, needed to know my real family before…"
She buried her hands in her palms, taking even deeper breaths as the corner of her eyes became wet. Kira leaned forward, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Time is running out. We need to know the truth...and I...I can't even face him about it right now, so…" she paused. "I want to face your mom."
Kira removed his arm. "You want to talk to her?" his eyes widened.
Cagalli slowly sat up, a determined look now gracing her face. She turned to look at Kira, her gaze resolved, his wavering. She stood, towering over him. Just a moment ago, she was on the verge of breaking down, but now she emitted fierceness. Kira did not know what to make of it and she could tell. But it was time to end the stalling, to face the fear. Time to know the truth. And, she needed to start with Caridad Yamato.
"So...when can I come over?"