Heeey guys! :D
Wow. I finally updated. Haha! :D Well, at least it's only been a month (I know that's still bad T.T), unlike last time when I left this story hanging for three.
falconrukichi, TheRedSin, darkangel, gundamalchemist01, tetetkh, trulyanimelover06, & thextell33: Thanks! And here is the chapter you've all been waiting for! :D
Freyris: Hm... Probably. But when you find out who Meyrin's spy is, you'll be shocked for sure! And you'll never believe it was actually him/her! :D
Saika Haww Elsman: Thanks again for the cover photo! :) It's still under maintenance, so I won't be using it YET.
elgnis berserker: Athrun will see them in... SECRET. Read it fiiirst! :D And you think Meyrin's spy is a HE? Hm... Do tell :)
Lilith59: Well, apparently, everyone's OOC here :) I didn't do it on purpose, it just happened. But I do appreciate everything you've said. Like I said before, I right what pops outta my mind and I guess that's about it. As of now, I'm still not sure how many chapters this story will take, but it's definitely not about to end at this point. Not YET. Thanks again! :)
Dedicated To: foreverbass. Because he/she (Sorry. I don't know your gender ._.) reminded me to continue this fic.
Again, you guys are free to suggest what happens next. Oh, and if you notice, Chapter 12 didn't reach a hundred reviews... I am sad T.T
Disclaimer: I doughnut own Gundam SEED or any of the characters in this story except for my OC's.
You and Me
Beach Promises
Hiding a mask of emotions wasn't really easy for Cagalli, but she was used to it.
Every day of her life, everyone was hard on her. From the time she was a kid, to the time when she was forced into war without her knowing it. Though the events in the war were hard for her, like losing her father and her best friend, it still had its advantages to now in the present. Meeting her brother, someone whom she was actually related to, was the best thing that ever happened to her, but meeting the love of her life was a different story.
Athrun Zala was the son of Patrick Zala, the man who brought a whole new meaning to the word 'war'. She never thought she would be friends with him, let alone fall for him, and would have a bond that would connect them forever.
Alex and Ally weren't mistakes, they were love; his and her love.
From the day Lacus asked her to do something before everything was too late, Cagalli decided that she wasn't going to do this for herself.
It's a known fact that Athrun might not love her back after everything that happened and how it is now, but she just wanted him to know that she was still there. She still wanted to be something in his life; may it be the ruler of Orb, his best friend's sister, his friend, but definitely not his lover. Well, not anymore.
So the reason why she was doing this is not for her, not for the sake of the world, not for Athrun to love her back, but for Alex and Ally.
oOo
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK "Room service!"
"Room service? But I didn't order room service." Getting back from her lost train of thought, Cagalli sat up and turned to her kids, who were playing Rock Paper Scissors on the other bed. "Did you two order room service?"
The twins shook their heads and continued playing their game.
"This guy must've got the wrong room or something." Cagalli got up and opened the door halfway, only to reveal a familiar face. A really familiar face. "A-Athrun? What are you doing here?"
In fact, what was he doing here? And why was he holding a tray of food? As it ridiculous as it sounded, Cagalli started to consider that Athrun might be secretly working for the resort, but like I said, it was ridiculous. He was the Chairman of freakin' PLANTS!
In this situation, panicking was not an option, so Cagalli composed herself as quickly as possible and tried to act normal. Tried. "I thought you were room service?"
"That's no fair, Alex!" Ally suddenly shouted, her voice heard from even outside of the room because of the door half open. "I used rock, not paper!"
Cagalli went out and shut the door behind her. "Uh-"
"I am." Athrun said, giving her a weird look. "Is there- uh…" He thought for a while, organizing the words he wanted to ask into a sentence. "something wrong?"
"A-Actually… no, but Athrun, there's something I need to talk to you about, and-"
And just as Cagalli was about to explain everything, Athrun's phone rang.
Perfect.
"I'm sorry, I have to take this." Athrun sighed and handed her the tray. "I just wanted to drop this off since you weren't with us during lunch. We'll talk later, so I'll see you at the beach?"
Cagalli opened her mouth, but no words came out, so she just nodded.
Athrun smiled. "Great. See you later!" And he was gone.
"See you later, I guess." Cagalli sighed and opened the door, only to be greeted by a pair of amber and emerald staring at her. "Ahh!"
"What's wrong, Mommy?" Alex asked. "I thought you didn't order room service?"
"What's in the tray? What's in the tray?" Ally asked, jumping to get a peek at the food.
Cagalli closed the door with her foot and put the tray on the table near the terrace. "Nothing's wrong, honey. It was just that your Aunt Lacus sent this up for us. Now eat up, you don't want to be late to go swimming at the beach."
"Aren't you going to eat with us, Mommy?" The two asked in unison.
"Just one bite." Cagalli replied as she helped the two sit on their chairs. "This was especially for you."
oOo
"WOOT!" Dearka howled like an idiot. Though his friends were so used to him being like this, particularly Yzak, it was never so often that he was this happy. Moments of such were like when he got to ride his first gundam, married Miriallia, and found out he was going to be a father- plus this! "This is the best resort ever!"
"Dearka, stop acting like a child." Yzak snapped, his bad mood probably causing this. "I've been to better."
"Yeah. It's like every other resort I've been to, except this one's classier." Kira added.
"Did I mention they had a huge waterslide?" Dearka grinned mischievously. "Which you've never tried before? Ever?"
"Did you say huge waterslide?" Now that one got Kira. "where?!"
Suddenly Miriallia, Lunamaria, and Shiho came into view with Lala and the kids trailing behind them.
Shiho was wearing a white T-shirt, but was wearing a two-piece black bikini in it. Her hair was free and falling, and that caught Yzak's eye. He knew that she never really liked it like that.
Lunamaria was wearing a purple tank top and black shorts. She preferred to keep it simple and not gain too much attention, or else a certain raven-haired man might get jealous.
Miriallia was wearing a dress kind of swimsuit, yellow in color. It was because she was pregnant and, well, she didn't want her skin to be exposed too much. "Calm down, Kira. The pool's only a few steps away from the beach."
"I knew the swimsuit would look great on you, Milly." Dearka said and gave his wife a kiss on her cheek.
"But I look fat." Miriallia pouted.
"Mommy looks great, doesn't she, Daddy?" Liana said.
"Great indeed." Shinn nodded. "I'm glad you kept it simple."
"I don't want you to blow up again like last time." Lunamaria smirked. "Now come 'on, Liana. Let's swim!"
"I-I'll come with you on that then!" Shinn said rather nervously and carried her daughter to the water. (1) Remember the last time Liana (accidentally) went swimming? Well, it really didn't end well.
"Hey, where's Lacus and Cagalli?" Kira asked.
"They're already at the pool with Kiara and A- uh, a lot of people." Mirialla replied, laughing nervously. "Shit. I almost slipped!"
"You mean they're already trying the waterslide without me?!" Kira stood up and ran like there was no tomorrow. "Nooo!"
"Hey Kira!" Athrun stood up as well and followed his best friend. "Wait up!"
"Come 'on, Shiho, or you'll miss out all the fun!" Mirialla smiled, trying to brighten up the brunette's mood.
Unfortunately, it didn't work.
"Thanks Miriallia, but maybe later." Shiho sighed and went to look for the perfect place to sit, preferably a little far away from the group. There, she watched Seth and Yzzie play In the water with their uncles.
"I need to fix this soon." Yzak thought.
oOo
"… Then suddenly, I hear a knock on my door and voila, there he is!" Cagalli rolled her eyes as she said this. She really still couldn't believe that just happened. "The next thing I know, he's holding a tray of food in front me! I mean, where did that come from? And what if he saw Alex and Ally?"
"I see." Lacus laughed nervously. Of course, she knew the reason for what Cagalli just told her. "Then what?"
"Then…" Cagalli sighed. "Then I thought that the opportunity was perfect, but when I was just about to explain everything, his phone rang."
Lacus frowned. "Well that ruined the moment."
"I know right?" Cagalli scoffed. "But get this, he told me that we should probably talk again later at the beach."
"Do you not think that Athrun was referring to the pool instead of the beach when he said that?" Lacus asked.
"I was pretty sure he said 'beach'." Cagalli cocked a brow at her. "Why?"
"Because he's on his way here right now." Lacus said, pointing at the bluenette that was running behind the brunette. Brunette? "Kira?"
"How could you?! Both of you!" Kira said as soon as he was in front of the two ladies. He was facing down and his hands were balled into fists.
"Kira, honey, what are you talking about?" Lacus asked her husband, concerned.
"Kira, you're overreacting." Athrun said, panting.
"I am not!" Kira shot, then turned back to face Lacus and Cagalli. "You two didn't go to the beach on time as planned, because-"
"Because of the situa-" Cagalli said, but was cut off by Kira.
"Because you tried the waterslide without me!" He snapped. "I bet you were just waiting for me here to rub it in my face, huh?"
"Actually Kira, we have not tried the waterslide yet." Lacus said. "Kiara wanted to try it with you."
Kira was about to whine more, but then heard what Lacus said. "You mean you were waiting for me?"
Lacus nodded and smiled. "I know how much you have always wanted to try a waterslide, and Kiara would be upset if you were not with her."
"Yeah, so shut up and stop acting like a kid." Cagalli said, her arms crossed.
"Yzak just told Dearka that." Athrun grinned.
"Then this is the same thing." Cagalli face-palmed. "Kira, do me a favor and don't be the Dearka in my life? One's enough, but two is too much."
Athrun chuckled.
Lacus giggled.
"Not helping." Kira said through clenched teeth and sighed. "But fine. I'm sorry I overreacted."
"Why don't we all try the waterslide now?" Athrun suggested. "So Kira here can stop whining."
"That sounds like a great idea, Athrun." Lacus agreed. "Shall we, Cagalli?"
"As fun as that sounds, I'll have to pass." Cagalli said, standing up. "I'll head to the beach and meet you guys there when you're done. See you." And she started walking away.
"Uh, Cagalli?"
"Hm?"
"The beach is that way." Athrun said, pointing to the opposite direction.
"Oh, I just need to pick something up first." Cagalli chuckled and left.
Kira shrugged and grabbed Lacus' hand. "To the waterslide!"
oOo
"Shinn, I don't get why you still have to hold Liana all the way out here." Lunamaria told her husband. They were already in the water and were a bit far away from the others. "It's not like she's going to drown."
"But what if she does?" Shinn said worriedly. "If I let her go-"
"You have nothing to worry about. She's wearing her floaters."
"Yeah Daddy." Liana pouted. "Can't you just leave me at the shore with Auntie Milly? I want to play with her and Uncle Dearka.."
"That is a great idea!" Shin grinned and started swimming away. "I'll be back for you, Luna!"
(2) "Hey there, baby." Dearka cooed, rubbing his wife's stomach. "Do you want to go swimming? Don't worry, Daddy's got you."
Miriallia giggled. "Can't you wait until after he's born?"
"You meant she." Dearka grinned. "Because when she is born, she's going to be as beautiful as her mother."
"You mean when he is born." Miriallia shook her head. "Because when he is, he's going to be as sweet and handsome as his father. But I hope he's not too cocky and arrogant like so."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Dearka pouted, crossing his arms.
"What? I'm just stating a fact." Miriallia grinned.
"Aunt Milly! Aunt Milly!" The twins shouted, running to their aunt. Cagalli was slowly trailing behind them and then sat beside Miriallia.
"Alex! Ally!" Miriallia smiled and hugged the two. "Where were you two?"
"We were swimming with Kiara at the kiddie pool, but then Mommy picked us up and told us to just swim here 'cause Kiara was going to try the waterslide with Uncle Kira and Aunt Lacus." Ally said. "We were about to go with them, but then I remembered that I was scared of heights."
"But it's okay, Ally." Alex said, wrapping an arm around his sister. "I've got you."
"You guys are so sweet!" Miriallia squealed. "Oh, here comes Liana."
"Do me a favor and watch over her for a while, Dearka." Shinn said when he and his daughter reached the shore. "You don't want that to happen again, now would you?"
"Sure." Dearka said, and his friend swam away.
"Do you guys want to pick up shells?" Liana asked, smiling. "Whoever finds the prettiest shell wins a banana split from Uncle Dearka!"
"I'm in!" The twins said in unison.
Dearka frowned. "Since when did I say that- whoa!" And Liana pulled him and Alex away.
Before Ally could start her search, her mother called her. "Yes Mommy?"
"Why don't you ask Seth and Yzzie if they want to join you? They look kind of bored over there.
"Okay." And Ally walked away to the two kids building a sand castle by their father.
"So how's Shiho?" Cagalli asked.
"Dearka and I have talked to her, but it's no use." Miriallia sighed. "And knowing Yzak, I believe this is worst fight they've had yet."
"What do you mean?"
"Their fights are usually about food, money, a little bit of failure, and the sort. But this time it's different. This time it's about Seth and Yzzie." Miriallia explained. "They usually make up right after the fight, but this time they're not talking to each other! Plus, I have never seen Shiho this gloomy and she's acting like she doesn't care about Seth and Yzzie at all! You should've seen her a while ago during lunch."
"What happened?"
"She practically ignored Yzzie, her daughter."
"Maybe we should go talk to her?"
"Been there, done that." Miriallia said, then her brows furrowed. "But I wouldn't mind trying again."
Cagalli sighed. "What if this would be the outcome when I tell Athrun?"
oOo
"Yzzie! Yzzie!" Ally ran to her friend, who was currently building a sand castle, and tapped her.
"Oh! It's you, Ally." Yzzie said, smiling. "Do you want to help me with my sandy castle?"
"Actually, I was going to ask you if you wanted to join us pick up some seashells."
"Hmm…" Yzzie thought for a while, then she had a major brain storm (A/N.: LOL I got that from Barbie). "Ooh! Then maybe when we have enough, we can put it on my sandy castle!"
"That's a great idea, Yzzie! Plus, Uncle Dearka's going to buy a banana split to the one who gets the prettiest shell."
"Then I'm on my waaay!" And Yzzie took off, leaving Ally and her brother behind.
"Do you want to come with us, too, Seth?" Ally asked.
"No thanks." He replied with a hint of boredom on his voice. "I'll just stay here."
"You look sad." Ally frowned. "Is there a problem?"
Seth sighed and sat up. "I don't wanna talk about it."
Ally walked over and sat beside him. "You know, my Mommy always said that if I had a problem I should tell someone about it so that someone could help me with it. So I told her, and she helped me with it."
Seth narrowed his eyes. "At least you get to talk to your Mommy."
Then it hit Ally. "This is about that misunderstanding with your parents, isn't it?"
"Ally, I know what a misunderstanding is." Seth sighed. "What I saw a while ago wasn't a misunderstanding. It was a fight."
"But it'll all be better soon." Ally said reassuringly. "It's only been a while, and-"
"A while is a long time, Ally!" Seth snapped. "They always make up after a fight, but this time it's different!"
"Oh, come on, sweetie." Cagalli caressed her daughter's blue hair. "You can always tell Mommy anything, right?"
"Yeah, but Mommy can't tell me anything."
Cagalli was a bit shocked from her daughter's answer. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Ally sat up and faced her mother, her eyes full of tears. "What happened to you and Daddy? Why aren't the two of you together anymore? How come Alex and I have never met him before?"
Cagalli was expecting this day to come, but not this soon. It was a good thing she was prepared for it. "Sweetie, it's complicated. And haven't I told you already? Daddy just left for a while-"
"A while is a long time, Mommy!"
Cagalli sighed. "Ally, your father and I had to do our duties. Because of what happened in the war, we didn't get to have the life we dreamed of. I had to take care of Orb and your Daddy had to do something back here in PLANTS. I'm sorry if things are really messed up right now. If I could go back to the past and change everything, I would, but that's not the way it goes, Ally. It's adult stuff and... it's complicated."
Ally gasped and looked down, trying to stop the tears coming. That flashback meant so much to her, and she knew she hurt her mother by asking that. "At least they're not separated, Seth."
Realizing what he had just done, Seth put an arm around Ally, frowning "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way and… it wasn't right for me to shout at you like that."
"It's okay." Ally said, wiping her tears away. "It's not supposed to mean anything, anyway."
"You'll find your Daddy soon, I just know it!" Seth smiled. "In fact, I'll help you look for him!"
Ally smiled. "You really mean it?"
"Pinky promise!" And the two entwined their pinkies together. "And then we'll all be happy again."
Ally giggled and kissed Seth's cheek. "I'll see you when I win!" And she ran off.
Left alone under the umbrella, Seth touched his red, heated cheek. "Whoa."
oOo
"And the winner is…" There was a moment of silence as the kids waited for their Uncle Dearka's announcement. It's been about thirty minutes since they left the beach and fixed themselves. Now Dearka, Miriallia, and the kids were in front of an ice cream stall near it. "Yzzie!"
"Yay!" Yzzie jumped in joy and stuck her tongue out to her brother. "I told you I would win, Seth!"
The boy turned away and crossed his arms. "Hmph!"
Kiara frowned. "I'm still sad that I didn't get to join your game, guys."
"It's okay, Kiara." Ally said. "At least you had fun with your Mommy and Daddy."
"It's not fair!" Liana said, pouting. "I want ice cream, too."
"Oh, don't worry, sweetie." Miriallia patted her head. "Uncle Dearka's buying ice cream for everyone."
"But I-"
"No but's, honey." Miriallia said. "Now buy me a strawberry flavored one."
Dearka sighed and took out a few bills. "Fine."
The kids laughed. (3) Times like these must always be enjoyed to the fullest.
After they ate their ice cream, Kiara, since she didn't get to play with the others a while ago, decided to play tag. "Uncle Dearka's it!" She screamed, and they all started running.
Miriallia laughed. "Just do it."
"Fine." Dearka groaned and ran after them.
The kids went in different directions. Kiara, who was currently being chased, went near the beach so she could splash water on her Uncle if ever. Seth was still in the oundary near his Aunt Milly, who was laughing at her husband. Yzzie was with Liana, running ahead of Kiara.
Alex and Ally, on the other hand, went the opposite direction of everyone. Little did they know that after a while, they were already really far away from the others.
"Ouch!" Ally fell down and bruised her knee.
Alex ran back to her and asked, "Are you okay, Ally?"
"It's hurts, Alex." Ally cried. "And it's bleeding!"
"I'll get some help." Alex ran back, but he was just too far away from the others. He didn't even know where he was! "I can't find them."
"It hurts Alex."
"Don't cry, Ally." Alex said and then gave her sister a piggy-back ride. "We'll go find some help… I hope."
oOo
"Meyrin, I'm happy with whatever color you want for your dress… No, not black… Ponies?" Athrun sighed. "Look, just do what you want and call me again when you've finally decided, okay? Goodbye." And he hung up.
Athrun massaged his temples. Sometimes, he thought that Meyrin was just too much. She wanted this and that, and that and this. He doesn't even get why she has to ask him about his opinion wherein in the end, her decision would win. "Just calm down, Athrun. You have to, that why you're here."
Then he heard someone sobbing.
He looked to his right and then to his left. There, he saw a two kids; a boy carrying a crying girl.
He went over to them and kneeled to their height. "What's wrong?"
"My sister fell down and got a bruise." said the boy, frowning.
"Let me check." Athrun said. The boy put her sister down on the sand and sat beside her. "It doesn't look so bad, but it needs to be healed right away. It's bleeding."
"It hurts." The girl cried.
"Hey, don't cry." Athrun said reassured her. "We'll get that fixed in no time. Now come with-"
"Wait." The boy cut him off. "My Mommy always told us never to talk to strangers."
Athrun smiled. "Then I guess your mom was right, but I'm no stranger. I'm here to help you right?"
From the looks of it, the boy wasn't convinced.
"You can trust me."
"… Are you sure?"
"Hey, I'd do the same if someone I love was hurt." Then Athun held out his pinky. "Pinky promise?"
The boy seemed to hesitate for a while, but entwined his pinky with the man in the end. "Will you take us back to our Mommy right after? We kinda got lost."
And at that moment, Athrun got a good look at the two. A sense of familiarity hit him. "You have my word."
Sooo how was it? Bad? Good? AWESOME?! :D
(1) It was when Liana drowned, remember? It can be found on Chapter 9: Of Serious Talks and Childish Games.
(2) Dearka is the sweetiest guy evaaah! ^^
(3) Don't you just love it when you're all together with your playmates and the adults buy you whatever you want? Haha! :D
Again, I am VERY sorry for not updating. I admit that I... have preoccupying myself with other things ._. One: School. Two: Winx Club. Three: Avatar: The Last Airbender. Four: Barbie. Five: Bratz. LOL I am suuuch a kid! XDA
And REALLY SORRY for the cliffie! Looove you all! ^^
Don't forget to leave a review! :)