*DISCLAIMER: I don't own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed Destiny. I don't own anything. Credits to the owners.

Chapter 4

I just woke up, I looked at the clock it was already 1:30 pm, thank goodness it's Saturday. I better wash up first, so I went to my bathroom, wiped my face with a towel and gargled. I slept early last night, and even skipped dinner and yet I still woke up late, maybe because I was too tired from my short kind-of-date with Athrun yesterday. I saw the big panda and smiled to myself. Speaking of which, I think Athrun had something to say last night, I wonder what's it about? Well, I could just always ask him on Monday. I wonder what I should do today. I think better study, nah too lazy, I'll just do it tomorrow, anyways it's just Sunday tomorrow. I guess I'll just do the usual.

So, I went down, to eat late lunch. So, when I was about to go to the kitchen, the doorbell rang. I wonder who could it be? There doesn't seem to be anyone other than me, so because it would be rude to ignore I opened the door and then opened the gate.

"Uhm, hi Cagalli." It was Athrun

"What is he doing here?" I thought

"Is Kira there?" He asked

"Kira? I think he is." I replied with an eyebrow arched up "Do you wanna come in?"

He just nodded, "Is it alright?"

"Sure, just place your shoes in this rack, and get any pair of slippers there." I instructed him

"Did you just woke up?" He asked while taking off his shoes

"Yeah, why?" I yawned

"Well, you still seem to be sleepy and in your pjs. And…." He paused and said "You, still have bed hair." He smirked

I felt my cheeks feel hot. This is so embarrassing. "So, what? It's not like it's not normal. You get bed hairs too you know!"

Just then Kira arrived "Hey, Athrun, come in"

"Sure." Athrun replied

I combed my hair using my fingers, and asked "Where's mom?"

"She went grocery shopping, and dad he has work as usual." He replied

"What did you guys have for lunch?" I asked Kira

"We had meatloaf. Mom, saved you some and said that if you want you could re-heat it using the microwave." Kira said

"Okay." I said

"Oh yeah Athrun, what game do you want to play first?" Kira asked

"Well, I brought Call of Duty with me." He replied

"So, that's why you're here." I told them

"Yeah, I asked Athrun to come by and play xbox with me, do you wanna join sis?" Kira asked me

"I don't know, but I might. Oh, yeah Athrun what did you wanna say yesterday?" I looked at Athrun

"Well I was about to say, that we would still see each other today, but you suddenly ran." He told me

"I see." So, I went to the kitchen ate my food, I was too lazy to re-heat plus I was really hungry, cause I skipped both breakfast this morning and dinner last night. After, eating I went upstairs and took a shower and changed to my normal clothes, a loose shirt and shorts. I got my laptop and surfed the net as usual, I opened my Facebook and saw I got lots of notifications. I opened it and it was just a bunch of game request, some likes for my facebook profile, pictures I was tagged in, and people who liked my status. I scrolled down my newsfeed, just to look at random stuff people posts. It's so boring, so I logged out and opened a website to read manga or fan fiction. So, that's what I did for hours, it was already 4:45 when I closed my laptop and went down stairs.

I saw that both of them are still playing, and mom was still out. What took her so long? I want a snack, so I went to the two and sat on the couch. Both of them were on the floor in both legs crossed and both still playing games. I watched them play for a few minutes, they still haven't noticed me. So, I stood up and asked "Do you guys want anything? I'm going to the convenience store for a while, to buy some snacks."

"No, thanks" Both of them said harmoniously still focused on their game

"Okay, don't ever ask me if you guys get hungry." I smirked, and went outside.

After a few minutes, I got back and I bought meat buns. When I got back, mom was back and the two guys were eating cake.

"I home." I greeted

"Welcome back, I bought you guys cake, do you want some?" Mom asked

"No, thanks, I'll just have some later for dinner." I replied and went to sit down at dining table, and ate my meat buns. Both of them were talking about their game

"Dude, I totally beat you in the game." Athrun gloated

"No, I was the one who beat you." Kira defended

"Nope, it was clearly me." Athrun denied

"Wanna, play again?" Kira challenged

"Sure, whoever loses has to treat the other burgers." Athrun added

"Challenge accepted." Kira agreed and both ate their cakes

"You were playing Tekken right?" I asked

Both of them said yes in unison

"Can I join?" I asked

"Sure." Athrun said

"Oh, yeah Athrun why didn't you bring Lacus with you?" I asked

"Well, Lacus can't come today she had to visit someone today with her dad." Kira explained

"Who's she gonna visit?" I asked again curiously

"Well, it's her mom." Kira answered back

"Her mom?" I raised an eyebrow

"Well, you see….."Kira was cut off by Athrun

Athrun first took a deep sigh, he suddenly had a sad face "Lacus' mom is dead, and today is her birthday."

I was shocked, I didn't know. I can't find the right words, but I never knew. Lacus never really talked about it so I thought she still had a mom, it must be sad. I turned silent for a moment. I know I shouldn't ask this but "Since when?" I disturbed the silence, it took a while before Athrun answered "Her mom, passed away when we were five. It was an accident." Athrun's face suddenly turned guilty. I wonder why?

Kira suddenly faked coughed "Well, let's just play our game. Anyways Cagalli it's all in the past and Lacus seems to be okay right?"

"Yeah" I just nodded

Athrun suddenly stood up "I got to go, I still have stuff to do at home, and my mom asked me to buy stuff so I better go." He said

"Why so suddenly?" I asked

"Mrs. Hibiki thanks for the cake. And Cagalli sorry I can't play today maybe next time we can battle." He said as he ruffled my hair, after that he went home

I looked at him, as he went on his to the door, why is he always like this when it involves Lacus?

After eating me and Kira played Tekken and I beat him in all rounds he wasn't even able to win in just one round. I guess the only thing I could beat Kira in, is games.

…

Monday

It was another start of the week, there are just two weeks left before finals then vacation. This coming vacation I was planning on going home to my Aunt's home in the province, I miss it there. Kira is absent today, he had a sudden stomachache, so my mom takes care of him. He asked me to tell Athrun, that take both me and Lacus home today. Lacus has practice today though she said it will be the last practice so it might take longer than the usual. Mr. La Flaga said that as Kira's sister I should be his temporary replacement as class representative alongside Rey, who is the other class representative. Well, Kira said that what class representative's do is take care of leading class and making sure they don't do anything stupid and to make sure the class is well-behaved. They also do the conveying of messages from the student council, and help in making class decisions. It's also the class representative's duty to make sure class janitors of the day clean the classroom, that's the reason why Kira usually goes home late, to wait for classmates to clean, though they sometimes finish early depending on how much is needed to be cleaned. Oh, yeah they also need to keep in track of student's/teacher's log book, to know how many numbers of late and absences students and teacher have. Lastly, class representative sometimes have weekly meetings and stuff.

So for first period we had our homeroom, I went to the station alone but Athrun and Lacus was there already, I told them Kira can't come and Lacus was concerned and wanted to visit him but unfortunately can't. Sir La Flaga, had special announcements today, but he took attendance first.

"So, I know you guys are looking forward to what the announcement is so I'll say it now, Principal Gladys told all homeroom teachers that exams are going to be moved next week, as to the reason why the sudden change of schedule it was because it was found out yesterday that almost all subjects are already done with their topics, and so for the rest of the week, all your teachers will use this week to discuss, and review all lessons that will be part of the exams. As, for subjects such as P.E., arts, music and livelihood education, this will be the last week so it is up to your corresponding teachers on subjects to decide what the last activity for the term would be. And for those who have club activities, I think of your club moderators or facilitators have announced it but if not, here it is for today it will be the last day of club activities for the term that is why club hours would be longer compared to usual. As for the class representatives, Ms. Hibiki and Mr. Za Burrel, as for today there is no meeting today, but there are still class janitors until Friday, so please do make sure whoever is assigned today will do their part. That is all for the announcements. So, please do make this sure that if there is anything that is needed to be submitted, make sure to submit it by the end of this week and use this week to prepare for finals next week." Sir. La Flaga reminded us

And, so the day started after homeroom, and just like Sir. Announced the only thing we did for the whole day was just review for finals, teachers all gave us pointers to study and made us answer exercises. Some just made us do self-study. Though there are those who were still discussing about some lessons that need to be discussed and are part of exams. I ate lunch with Miri and the others. So, that was basically what we did, the whole day.

It was now the end of class. Athrun didn't have anything to do so I told him that I'll just text him once I was done with class representative duties with Rey. He told me that he'll just sleep in the library or something. Me and Rey we were checking if everyone signed the log book and then was watching over the class janitors perform their duties. Today's janitors were Rusty and Shinn. It was boring watching over them. After 30 minutes or so they were finally done.

"Cagalli, are going home now?" Rey asked

"No, I still have to wait for Lacus with Athrun." I answered

"Okay." Rey said

"Well will be going home now, take care." Rey said then left

Shinn and Rusty left afterwards and both bid me goodbye, I better text Athrun I'm done. After 15 minutes Athrun finally replied, saying okay and he is on his way, but it might take a bit longer. He said he was sleeping, so he wasn't able to reply faster.

"Sleephyhead." I thought then laughed by myself, I was seating on my chair just looking at the window.

Athrun arrived after 10 minutes "Sorry, did you wait long?"

"A bit but it it's okay. " I said with a smile

"So, do you just want to stay here or what?" He asked

"Is it okay to watch Lacus' practice?" I asked

"I guess, I think it's in the auditorium." He answered

I grabbed my bag and said "Let's go then, I'm always curious how Lacus' voice is when she sings."

"You've never heard her sing?" He said with an eyebrow up

"Yeah." I said and so we went to auditorium

We sat in the middle row of chairs. We didn't want to be seen and at the same time we still wanted a clear view of the stage and Lacus. Lacus was wearing a white shirt, leggings and rubber shoes. Her hair was in a ponytail. They were having vocal practice, I think they also do some dance while singing, cause they were dancing also. After a while, Lacus was in the center I think she's going to do a solo.

Mizu no naka ni yoru ga yureteru

Kanashii hodo shizuka ni tatazumu

Midorinasu kishibe

Utsukushii yoake wo

Tada matte iraretara

Kirei na kokoro de

Lacus' voice the first time she sang and I heard it gave me shivers in my spine, she really had an angelic voice, a voice that befits her image. Not, only is she pretty, smart and nice, she also had a nice voice. She really is the epitome of a goddess. I was staring at her with amazement. No wonder she has so many admirers and got Kira's heart.

"She really is perfect, right Athrun." I said

"Yeah." He just said

Athrun was looking at Lacus with eyes of devotion. He was looking at her with such loving eyes, staring at her. We kept on watching them. It was already 7:30 when rehearsals were finish. After practice we called out Lacus.

"Lacus!" I shouted, she was wiping some sweat with a towel, when I called her.

"Oh, Cagalli were you guys watching us?" She asked

I just nodded, " You were really good." I complimented her

"Thanks, I'm flattered. Since when were you guys here, well we were here around 4:50." I told her

"It was her, who wanted to watch your practice, but yeah you were really good, as always, you still have it that beautiful voice of yours." Athrun said

"Thanks Athrun, but you guys could've called me so that we could leave earlier." She told us

"Well we didn't want to disturb your guys practice. Plus, me and Athrun we enjoyed it." I explained

After that Lacus, told us she was just gonna change to her uniform, and wait for her at the gate. And that's what we did.

After a few minutes, Lacus arrived and we went on our way to the station. Because it was already, 7:50 when we arrived it was already time for the rush hour. There were as usual lots of people riding the trains. There was a huge sea of people. The three of us safely got inside the train together. I was holding Athrun's left hand and Lacus his right. However, something happened in the next station, because of the people riding. I accidentally let go of Athrun's hand.

"Athrun!" I shouted, I was being pushed farther from them, I kept on shouting their names, hopefully they would notice it. I can still see them, I can see Athrun searching for me, while pinning Lacus in the walls with both of his arms in against the wall. Their faces, almost near each other to kiss. Pang. It hurts again, why now? It hurts, to the point I want to cry why? I still kept shouting his name hoping he would hear.

"Cagalli!" He shouted "Where are you?"

"I'm here" I shouted louder, seeing that from where he is he can't see I raised one arm, my hands in thumbs up meaning I'm okay. Even though I'm being crushed I'm still okay. I think he noticed my sign. Thank goodness, he noticed. I can survive this, I'm used to being alone and I'm strong. I kept on murmuring those words to myself throughout the whole train ride.

Once I reached my stop, I went home ahead the two. I know Lacus is safe especially, because Athrun's with her. I was walking all by myself, why is the walk longer? Did something change, ah I see it's not that the road is long it's just that I was used to going home with someone, maybe that's why I never noticed the long walk home. Maybe because it was always fun, my walks him with Athrun, well not only him but with the people from school, Kira, Lacus and everyone, but, most specially Athrun. It's because I was used to having fun walks home, that's maybe why I'm feeling lonely, but before at my old school it was okay and the walks were longer than this, I was used to walking alone, before but why it is It different now? Such thoughts kept on going on my mind. I then suddenly remembered, the scene I saw inside the train, Lacus and Athrun about to kiss, because of the really close distance between. Pang. It hurts again, why does it hurt everytime I see them together?

Once I reached home, went straight inside my room. I took a bath. I skipped dinner because I don't feel like eating.

I was inside my bathtub, sulking all of a sudden. Why am I crying? This is so weird, why does my heart keep on hurting? Maybe I need to see doctor or something.

After my bath, I just lay down on my bed. I went to Athrun the panda.

"Athrun do you know why this is happening?" I asked

"I guess you won't cause you don't have a heart. Literally." I laughed but still the pain won't go away. It was a good thing I texted mom that I'm going to go home late, I also told Kira the announcement and the things we did at school today. So, they didn't panic that much compared to before. I looked outside my window, and saw a guy with midnight blue hair standing at our gate.

"Why isn't he ringing the doorbell?" I asked myself

So, I went out my room and went to the gate. I opened it.

"Athrun?" I asked

"Cagalli!" He suddenly hugged me

I was feeling so hot, I'm so embarrassed. I can feel my heart beating fast and load. He might hear it.

He finally let go of the hug, " I was so worried so I came here to check if you got home."

"Uhm, okay but you know you could've just texted me." I told him

"Well yeah but I was so worried that I just ran here." He said

"What about Lacus? Is she alright?" I asked

"Yeah, I just walked her home before going here." He told me

"Oh, okay." I said

"We were both worried about you, you just left the station without waiting for us. We waited for you thinking maybe you got left behind or can't go down or something. We waited until all passengers got out, and when we saw you weren't there, that's when we thought you got caught up until the next station or last station. So we waited for another 30 minutes before going home." He told me

"I'm sorry I made you guys worry. I was actually planning to text you or Lacus that I got home, but I thought maybe it's not needed. Plus I can totally handle myself, I 'm strong you know. And Lacus needs you more than I do, cause she's weaker than me." I said to him

"Well, I'm sorry for being worrywart. But, you're right but don't say you don't need me because no matter how strong you are you're still a girl and you need someone to protect you." He ruffled my hair

"Hey, don't mess my hair." I said, what he said struck me and made me blush again.

He just laughed, I also laughed. After a while he bid goodbye and goodnight.

….

After class the following day Kira was okay now, so he went to school today. Lacus invited me, Miri and Shiho to go to her house and hang out and also study for the upcoming exam. So, I didn't go home with neither Kira nor Athrun, same with Lacus.

It was my first time coming to Lacus' house. Her house was big, but not too big like mansion big. Beside it Lacus said was Athrun's house, it was almost the same size as Lacus' house. You can see two veranda's near each other, from the outside. She said the other veranda was Athrun's. We went inside, it was really elegant just like those from rich houses. The three of us were amazed.

"Lacus, what does your dad do?" Shiho asked

"My dad's a doctor." She said

"No, wonder your house is big and beautiful." Miri said

"Well, were not really rich, we still belong in the middle class." Lacus told us "You guys go ahead and go up to my room. You guys would know which one is mine cause I placed a sign there saying Lacus." She told us and that's what we did.

Inside Lacus' room, everything was pink, just like Athrun said before. Pink really is her favorite color. She had a canopy bed, that was pink. The room gives a very girly feel. She had her own flat screen tv, hanging on the wall. In the side, was the sliding door to the veranda. The door was made from glass so you can see right through there Athrun's room, though there was a curtain so you can't see the inside. Lacus then arrived with a tray of tea and cookies.

"Do you guys want some?" She asked us as she placed the tray on the table.

We all nodded and then she started pouring teas on the cups.

"So, Lacus let's forget about studying for a while." Miri smirked "We want to ask you about stuff."

"Like what?" Lacus looked curiously

"Tell me I mean you said your room has a veranda that connects to Athrun's right? And both doors leading to the veranda are both sliding glass doors, so obviously you can see clearly what the other is doing." Shiho asked

"Well, that's true." Lacus nodded

"Then have you seen each other while both changing clothes or something, or maybe doing something really private?" Shiho asked

"Well, we usually close the curtains so that we can't see such things. But there was one time I was changing and forgot to close the curtains…."

"And he saw you?!" Both Miri and Shiho said in unison

Lacus just nodded "But I was wearing underwear but still. He said he just saw a glimpse of it and turned back a closed his curtain, when he saw."

"Where's your mom?" Miri asked

"She passed away, oh speaking of we just celebrated her birthday this Saturday." She said with a smile

The three of us looked at each other and felt sad.

"Oh there's no need to be sad. I'm sure my mom is happy up there, and is guiding me." She grabbed a picture frame and showed to us her mom, she looked exactly like Lacus.

"When did she pass?" Shiho asked

"She passed away when I was five. It was an accident." She told us

"What kind of accident?" I asked

"A car accident, well I was there when the accident happened. You, see it was when me and Athrun were playing in the nearby park. We were playing catch the ball, it was my mom who looking out for us while we were playing. Well the ball bounced in the road and Athrun said he would get it so he went to the road to catch it, when…" She started crying

"Don't tell me?!" I gasped

"Your mom saved Athrun from being bumped by a car, so it was her who was bumped." Shiho said

Lacus simply nodded "She was ran down by the driver, I went there, I saw my mom lifeless and soaked in her own blood. I sometimes remember the scene, and cry. It gives me nightmares sometimes. I saw Athrun's face he was also shocked and in trauma."

I suddenly remembered Saturday, so that's why he had a guilty face on. He feels guilty for Lacus' mom's death. He might feel responsible for it.

"How did Athrun feel about it?" I asked her

"He feels guilty about it. He said at that time that it should've been him who died and not mom. I know that up until now he stills feel that way. That's why we made a promise when we were younger that whenever I have nightmares or I feel lonely or sad or remember my mom's death and misses her I would call him, or wake him up in his room." She told us

"So he is like your knight?" Miri asked

"I guess." She said

"So you go to his room and what?" Shiho asked

"Well I usually sleep in there, and we sleep together. We used to do that often when were younger and innocent but we don't do that now cause it would be awkward and kind of like cheating with Kira, though I still call him at times. He even gave me this." She showed to us a pink round stuff toy she said it was a Haro, and it was called Pinky.

"I usually hug Pinky when I'm scared." She told us

"Lacus, tell me honestly you were childhood friends with the Prince and yet you never came to like him?" Shiho asked

"To be honest, yeah I used to like him." She answered

"Like him as a friend?" I asked with an arched eyebrow

"Nope, I mean like like. I saw him more as a friend I used to like him the way I like Kira." She said

Used to like meaning she felt the same way he is feeling for her? Though I'm just assuming but still, if their feelings were mutual then why aren't they together?

"Do you still like him?" Miri asked

"Of course I still like him, but now just as a friend or brother." She answered

He is such an idiot, maybe they're the type of people who are so naïve that even though they were so close they still didn't notice their feelings kind of person.

"Did you ever confess to him?" I asked

"I did confess to him, but he rejected me." She replied

"WHAT?!" We all said in unison

"But why? Doesn't he feel the same?" Shiho asked

"Unfortunately, yes when I confessed he said he doesn't see me that way. He said to him I'm just like a sister. I was basically sisterzoned. I really thought he felt the same way, because up until now he still hasn't dated anyone, considering the fact even way before a lot confessed to him. Plus he's handsome so I thought maybe he likes me too. But no, he doesn't." She joked

"How did you feel when rejected you?" I asked

"Of course it was hard, and awkward, at first but he suddenly went to my veranda and knocked my door. He said that even if he doesn't see me that way it doesn't mean he won't be there anymore. He said that he will be there for me just like before, he made another promise and that is he will be there to make me happy, and in return that if I ever fall in love again, in which I did with Kira, I'll tell him and he'll support me with all he has. He said he just wanted me to be happy and that would make him happy." She told us

So was I just assuming that Athrun likes Lacus? But why? How can this be when she confessed? I suddenly felt somehow relieved but I don't know why. If he doesn't like her how can he make such painful looking eyes whenever he sees her with Kira.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Please do review, and rate. Thanks btw for those who reviewed for the last chapter. I might update tomorrow, but I still have to update my other two stories so I don't know. But do look forward to the many chapters that will come in the future.

Credits to animelyrics cause I just pasted the some parts of Mizu no Akashi. I don't not own anything.