Haruka: OK kids! Think of this as a Christmas present. Except it's not really Christmas yet. But work with me here people! Anyways, there's a slight lemon in there. I don't know if I should change the rating though. Kids these days knows everything. But eh...give a couple of suggests in the review? So I was going through this person's story the other day, and this particular term stroke my interest. Now come to think of it, I never really learned what the term 'Mary Sue' meant. Anyone care to explain?

Chapter Seven

Betrayal

Cagalli made her way towards the locker room. She was, as usual, expecting a good scolding from Athrun the moment she steps onto the studio floor. It's been that way ever since they were partnered up. He would always be half an hour early, and she would always be running ten to fifteen minutes behind. Then he would scold her for being careless with the time. Evidence had it that she wasn't ever going to be on time, so she wondered how he could remain so persistent on scolding her. However, that morning, things were different.

She distinctively remembered the anger she felt when she was there, and he was nowhere to be found. It was so unlike Athrun to be late, let along not show up at all. It would finally be her turn to scold him, assuming he would show up later on. That, however, was not the case. For he did not show up for the rest of the day, and she waited in the studio for four hours, her expression growing more deadly with each passing minute. What's even worse was every time she thought of leaving, her mind would always assume that he would show up the next moment, and she wasn't about to pass up on a chance to scold the famous Athrun Zala. So quite naturally, Cagalli was planning his death sentence when he took the liberty to not show up at all. She could hear the other girls whispering behind her back about how his superior skill had finally gotten tired of her inability to measure up. In fact, when Athrun didn't show up for the rest of the week, it only proved them right.

Not only did Athrun start to cut class, he also made an effort to avoid Cagalli as much as possible. Which caused Cagalli to think that it really was her lack of skills that caused him to grow tired of her. One misunderstanding led to another. It didn't get any better from there. For Patrick Zala demanded that Athrun should take as much time as possible to learn the basic steps of running a company, which caused his school time to lessen a significant amount.

Athrun gave a long sigh behind a mountain of books. He gets statistics; in fact he rocked at it. It wasn't the work that troubled him; it was just that he wasn't particularly interested in running a company. The long business trips, the talks with company bosses, having to face all those people that only wanted to suck up to him because he was his father's son, these were the things that annoyed him. In the real world, nine out of ten people out there were fakes. They suck up to you when they need a favour, once they realize you are all washed up, they wouldn't take the time to take a second look at you. And that's what Athrun hated. Fakes; people who would only smile at you when they wanted a share of your power.

He gave another long sigh and stood up from behind his table. It's been two days since the last time he attended school. It wouldn't be long before his father transfers the family business under his name. Athrun would have to make him proud, because he was the only child of the Zala household. He hated himself for it.

From time to time he would wonder what it would be like to be normal, to go out and roll in the mud with his friends when he was young, to be able to go to a movie with when he was a teenager, and to be able to achieve his own dreams when he becomes an adult. These things seemed simple to an average person, but to him, they were out of reach. He didn't quite understand the reason why so many people wanted to be in his shoes. It was like sitting in jail without the cell bars. To put it into simpler terms, those who would give anything to be who he was didn't have a clue as to the responsibility behind it all. One wrong move from the chairman of the Zala Corp. could cause thousands of job losses, and it scared him to death every time he thought about the responsibilities.

He glanced at the servants standing on either side of his study and snorted in disgust. These people had it easy for them. He would give anything to be in their shoes, to be anything but Athrun Zala. It was impossible. You can't choose your parents.

Shinn sat there that day beside Ayame, wondering what would cause her to be so upset. He couldn't help but notice the almost insane look in her eyes, as if something terrible had occurred. All he could do was to hold her close. He hated to see her hurt, but at the same time, that was his objective: to hurt her for hurting him.

"What happened?" He finally allowed the words to escape his lips, having carefully observed her all this time, he thought it was finally safe to ask.

"Shinn…" She wrapped her arms around his waist. She was cold to his touch. "You won't leave me, right?" Her actions almost seemed as though she was a child asking for protection.

He held her. It was the only thing he could do. "No." It was a lie; he had lied to her for the very first time. It would be impossible for him to keep this relationship with her, he would break it to her later, but for now, he would play along.

To his surprise, she began to kiss him. Ayame didn't seem the type that would be making the first move, but he was wrong, like he was about a lot of things. What's more surprising to him was that he was reacting to her movements. It almost seemed as though his body had a mind of its own. He caressed her face as he kissed her back, for a moment, allowing his passion to take control instead of his mind. Their tongues entangled with each other's. He felt himself moving forward, gently pushing her down with his body. His lips travelled from her lips to her neck, where he sucked gently, being careful not to hurt her. His hands moved to the back of her shirt, where he found the clip and quickly unhooked her bra.

She had an arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to her. Ayame could feel the heat travel from his body to hers. She allowed a pleasured moan to escape her throat. She was completely his to have, if he wanted her, he would have her. His lips continued to travel downwards. Like any other male, Shinn lusted for her. Taking one of her nipples into his mouth, he gently nibbled on it, causing her to moan.

"I love you."

Shinn jolted suddenly, having heard her confession; he was unable to go on. Her words stroke him like a bus in the street, and he realized what he was doing was wrong. They were supposed to be enemies, not lovers. He stopped. A sudden surge of emotion rushed over him. He hadn't realized what he was doing up until that point. All he knew was he lusted for her. During that moment, enemies or not, he wanted to be with her. But he had to stop himself before he makes the biggest mistake of his life.

She was taken aback by his sudden actions. "Is something the matter?"

He looked at her, then sighed and sat up. He quickly found an excuse. "It's just going too fast."

It was wrong; he knew it was wrong. No matter how much he desired her, it was still a mistake. Enemies aren't supposed to sleep together. He wished she would leave him before he attempts something foolish again. But she didn't, Ayame needed someone with her right now, and she chose him.

"I'm sorry." He apologized half heartedly, turning his back on her.

She sat up and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm just glad you are always there for me."

It was Friday morning, and Athrun had finally made an effort to come to school. He didn't wish to fall too far behind from the rest of the class, though he knew it didn't matter, for he was guaranteed to graduate. The hallways were, as usual, busy. It seemed as though the gossip doubled during the time he was gone. In his left hand, he clenched a letter of resignation for the teachers of his department. He knew they would be disappointed in him, but it can't be helped.

"Athrun Zala!"

He heard his name loud and clear, and knew exactly who it was. He had been so busy with the C.E.O lessons lately that he completely forgot about Cagalli. The original plan was to call and tell her the situation, and later perhaps find a way to apologize, but that plan was put on hold when he became overwhelmed with the amount of work that his father has assigned him. Now, he was forced to face a Cagalli that looked like she had walked straight out of Saw II. Equip her with a chainsaw, and she won't even have to audition for the part.

"Where have you been?" She demanded. Half the hallway stopped to see what the commotion was about. Cagalli, though, didn't seem to notice.

"Good morning to you too." He said flatly.

"Don't you good morning me!" She bellowed. "You better have a good reason for not showing up! Because while you were off doing god-knows-what, I was stuck in the studio all by myself without a partner!" Cagalli didn't seem to notice Athrun's change of expression. For his face was beginning to show annoyance. Normally, emotion sensitive people would shut up right about now, but she went on. "Honestly, I don't even know why we're partnered up."

Athrun frowned. The last thing he needed was an eight AM scold. "Frankly, neither do I." His words came out harsher than he intended, and he saw the sudden change of expression on Cagalli's face.

He felt his heart clutch for an instant, and then the guilt was gone. It was better this way. Though they weren't from different worlds, they were still in different situations. Kira was entrusted with the family fortune; Cagalli was free to do whatever she wanted. Sometimes Athrun found himself at bitter ends with Cagalli's complains.

Truth be told, he didn't think anybody understood him. Even though his best friend Kira was in the same shoes as him, Kira for one, wasn't against the idea of running the family business. Which was the exact same reason why he always thought that he was more selfish than his violet eyed friend. But was an attempt to achieve his dreams really an act of self-centeredness? He could care less right now. All he wanted was to get away from her hurt filled eyes. Not another word was to be said as Athrun walked past her, his shoulder brushing hers lightly as he went.

It took Cagalli a couple of minutes to react. She thought it was Athrun's dream to dance, and he himself had reflected on how much he loved the way people's stares seemed to follow him around the dance floor, so why the sudden change of attitude?

"Athrun!" She called out after him, stopping him dead in his tracks. She didn't turn around to face him, she was afraid another glance into his eyes would cause her to loose control. "Why?" Her voice shook.

He stopped, but gave no answer. For the longest time, he had been asking himself the same question. Why did things turn out the way it did? How could he have let this happen? And most important of all, why did he not protest? Then he remembered, because he was Athrun Zala. He could run from his fate, but at what cost? He wanted to say, "Because I'm scared." But when he attempted to give his speech, no sound came to his voice. Instead, he just kept going.

She whirled around quickly, taking a hold of his wrist before he had the chance to get away. "Why are you throwing away your dream?" She couldn't contain herself any longer. Cagalli allowed the emotion to flow through her. She felt tears sliding down her cheeks. Her frustration got the best of her, and she began to loose control over herself. "You said you wanted to perform, and perhaps open your own studio one day! Was that all a lie?"

By now a couple of by passers had stopped dead in their tracks to see what was going on. Whispers were heard amongst the student body. The two, however, were unaware of their surroundings. Her words stabbed at him. He realized then and there that he was letting go of his dreams. A sudden rush of anger surged through his mind. Being the only son of the Zala household, it was certain that he was entrusted upon with great power, and with that power, came great responsibilities. Though he wanted nothing to do with what was given to him, he knew that if he acted selfishly, it would be the workers that would be the sacrifice for his decision. He assumed that she couldn't understand that, because she wasn't in his position.

He pulled his arm free from her grip. "Don't pretend like you know me." Athrun started to leave again.

"If you want something bad enough, then you should go after it Athrun Zala!" Cagalli screamed after him. Little did she know; her words were cutting him up inside. "You are making a mistake Athrun! Please!" No matter how hard she begged that day, he did not stop. Not because he didn't want to, but because the load he was carrying was too heavy.

"Shinn!"

He stopped at the sound of his name. He had been thinking about all the things that had happened during his time together with Ayame. After much decision, he had come to the conclusion that he had to end the relationship. "Lunamaria."

"Man, you walk fast." She had to catch her breath once she caught up to him.

"Yea, eh." He smiled sheepishly, "What's up?"

"Well, since you met your girlfriend, we haven't really had much time to spent with each other. So…I have a proposal." She pulled two movies out from her school bag. "It's Friday night, and your place is free. Rey's working late today, so we can sneak in some time together, right?" She winked, watching for his reactions.

He shrugged. "Fine with me."

They had reached his apartment within ten minutes' time, and had popped in the movie right after they got there. It had been a while since they spent one on one time together like this, so it was a good relief for Shinn. However, when the party date was almost drawing to an end, Lunamaria had other things in mind.

"It's getting pretty late." Shinn stated, looking out the window. "Come on Luna, I'll walk you home."

"I don't want to." Lunamaria answered, looking down. "Can I stay here tonight?"

Shinn paused for a moment. "Don't you think it's a little bit inappropriate?" He stated, heading for the door. "Even if we are best friends, you are still a girl, and I'm a-" He stopped, feeling her arms around him.

Lunamaria buried her face into his back. "It's not fair." Her voice filled with a childish whining. "It's not fair Shinn. We've know each other for at least five years, then she comes, and suddenly she becomes the center of your universe."

"Luna…"

"I hate this Shinn! I hate it!" Tears began to form in her eyes. "I liked you for the longest time! But I was afraid, I was afraid that we couldn't be friends anymore after." She went on, her eyes now wet. "I know it's selfish of me to ask of you Shinn, but please, just for one night…even if it's pretend!"

He turned around, breaking her hold. Why did it have to be like this? "Please Luna…listen."

She didn't allow him to finish, couldn'tallow him to finish. It pained her to see him defend her.But tonight, she was going to have him for her own. Without holding anything back, she kissed him with all of the passion she felt towards her friend. She lusted for him for the longest time, which was exactly the reason why she got so angry when her best friend started to date someone out of their world. She hated Ayame for that, hated the girl for taking all that she owned. Now, Lunamaria was taking him back.

Shinn fought back initially, but stopped, knowing it was no use. All he felt that night was confusion. How could he have let this happen? Why hadn't he noticed? And most important of all, why wasn't he doing anything to stop this? Everything happened so fast; the next half an hour seemed a total blur. All he remembered of that night was Lunamaria undressing him, then the sensation he felt when her lips made contact with his manhood. Before he knew it, he was on the couch, half naked with his best friend on top of him. To him, it was a form of relief. All the while what his uncle said to him repeated over and over again in his head. The death of his family, the relationship between his enemy and the one he loved. Why was it all happening at once? Why did things have to turn out the way it did?

He doesn't remember feeling anything towards her; all that he didremember was her satisfying his lust for the female body. When the business was over with, she fell against him, panting, trying to catch her breath. Then, dread washed over him when he noticed someone at the door, watching all this time.

Ayame.

She looked as though she was in a daze. A hand was covering her mouth in disbelief. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. Her eyes; hurt. "I'm sorry." Her voice trembled. "I just thought I'd drop by after practice…I'm sorry."

She ran.

Shinn's heart sunk. 'She saw.' Perhaps that's what he intended for to happen. He wanted it to end, to end this pain. It was impossible for them to be together. It was wrong. So then, if it was wrong, why did he feel his heart shattering when he saw her run? Without knowing it, he pushed Lunamaria off of him; his body seemed to have a mind of its own as he start to move forward.

A hand stopped him. "Let her go."

For some reason, her words angered him. "I'm sorry Luna…" He shoved her hands off of him. And at that exact moment, she realized, no matter how much she loved him, he wasn't hers to have.

Picking up his shirt off the floor, Shinn rushed after her. He didn't know why. Maybe this was the ideal break up, to hurt her as much as possible. To cause her so much pain that she would eventually forget about him. It was the same way her family caused him pain. It was logical, it was right. If it was right, then why does it feel so wrong? He saw her go into the elevator. He heard himself call her name, but she didn't stop, she kept going. The doors shut, and he had the dreadful feeling that this was going to be the last time that he sees her. He rushed towards the entrance of the elevator, pressing on the down button with frustration. One second seemed like an hour. The elevator failed to satisfy his needs. He took the stairs.

When he had finally succeeded in reaching the main floor, he found that she had already left the front door. He ran after her and found her rushing through the streets. He called again. She continued to ignore him. He caught a hold of her wrist, stopping her in her track. She was trembling. Shinn wanted hold her, to tell her he was sorry, to beg for forgiveness. But he didn't. He couldn't.

It had to end.

"Why?" Her voice was pleading. She wanted him to comfort her, wanted him to tell her it was all right. As long as he says it was a mistake, she was willing to forgive him, even if it was a lie. "Why Shinn?"

"Because I am tired of you." He finally found his voice. He had to end it.

Please leave me before I break.

He loosened his grip, knowing she wouldn't try and escape anymore. He was lying; he knew he wasn't telling the truth. His mind screamed at him to stop, but it was already too late. "I hate the way people look at us." He began, his voice hardening. "I hate always being second best to you." He watched her expression change.

Please leave me. I don't want to see you hurt.

"Did you really think I would fall for somebody like you? Being with you only proved my theory. Rich bastards such as yourself know nothing but to rely on others." Shinn's left hand clenched into fists.'If I'm going to loose you, I'll hurt you so bad that you won't be able to look at me again.'

Please forget me. I love you.

"Shinn…what are you saying…?" Her eyes were blank, as if she didn't believe his words. Memories flashed before her mind. The night her mother slept with another man was much like the image in front of her. It was the same scene, the exact same thing her mother had said to her father that night.

'I want a divorce.'

"I want to break up." Shinn's actions mirrored her mother's.

It was like a replayed nightmare. She stared at him, horror stricken. The memory of that night repeated itself over and over again in her mind. She held her hands to her ears, as if trying to block out a horrible noise. Her expression turned showed insanity, as if she was seeing ghosts everywhere. "No!" She screamed.

He frowned. Something was wrong. "Ayame."

"No!" Her actions mirrored her father's. She took quick steps backwards, as if trying to run from her past.

Right into the open streets.

"Ayame!" His voice was on alert. He was too late.

All she saw was the headlights of a speeding convertible, then…darkness.

Haruka: Dum dum dum!!! Yes, I know, I'm evil. Buwaahahahahahaahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha!!!! It seems as though my beta reader died...since he/she never got back to me. YES! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! GRRRRRR!!!! Ok, I'm done being an idiot. Review! It'll be YOUR Christmas present to me! Except, well, like I said, it's not really Christmas. Want to know what I REALLY want for Christmas? JJ Lin! If you guys kidnap him for me, I bet it'll help me update faster! -hint hint- He is currently my prime marrying target right now. I'm creepy, I know.