Hello, you all! Sorry for the late update. Thanks to everyone who did review for the previous chapter. And millions of thanks I want to say to my beta-reader, Lily. Please enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 6
Knock, knock...
It was 11 o'clock in the morning, a bright and nice Saturday morning. Cagalli was playing on her Gameboy Advance when someone banged on the door. She frowned. It was probably Kira, who wanted to tease her with the newest contraption he got. He always did things that.
Sometimes he would put insects in her fresh laundry or hang them on her door. She didn't know what it was now. Reluctantly, she dragged her feet to open the door with a sour face.
"What, Kira?"
Kira grinned as he entered the room. "Nothing. Just want to tell you something. Lacus invited us to go to her house this evening. What do you say?" He asked, sitting on Cagalli's bed.
Cagalli's expression changed at once. Lacus' home meant Athrun's home and Athrun was the least person she wanted to see. She closed the door and sat beside Kira who was still waiting for an answer.
Then she muttered, staring at her own lap, "...I don't think I want to go. You go alone, Kira."
Her twin stared at her frowning face before frowning too. He noticed Cagalli was avoiding Athrun lately. She spent most of her times at school away from him and avoiding Kira and Lacus as well. She even changed her seat and sat beside Auel instead of Athrun.
At home she acted normal but Kira knew there was something wrong with her but didn't know what. He was very worried.
"Cagalli, what's wrong with you? Lacus, Athrun and I are worried! Athrun told me he always sees you with Auel and the rumours about you two are getting worse! That's what Athrun said anyway."
" Athrun, Athrun, Athrun...! Can't you talk about someone else? And he's worried about me? Don't kid around with me, I know he wouldn't be. Yeah, I hang out with Auel, Sting, Shani and Clotho. You are my brother, Kira, so you know me better than anyone else in this world. You know what happened between me and Auel. Don't listen to rumours. And besides, I'm perfectly alright and nothing is wrong with me." Cagalli stopped.
"...So Lacus was right. It has something to do with Athrun, hasn't it? Tell me what happened when he asked to speak alone with you? Lacus said she asked him about that over and over but he refused to tell anyone. But he looked very worried.
"Yeah, I know I'm your brother and I know you better than anyone else so please, please, and please, Cagalli, tell me your problems. Don't you remember what I told you before? Your problem is mine. If you want me to keep it secret, I will. I won't tell anyone, including Mom, Dad and Lacus. Just tell me what it is."
Kira said solemnly as he took Cagalli's hand in his and held it tightly. He tried to catch Cagalli's eyes but she turned away from his gaze.
The girl bit her lips, her amber eyes brimmed with tears but she tried her best to hold it. But it was hard. She never kept secrets from Kira and she knew she couldn't. And suddenly, without warning, her tears burst out and she collapsed in Kira's arms, crying uncontrollably.
"...Think, Kira, if someone you love kissed you suddenly and then she said she meant nothing with it...How would you feel?" She asked between her sobs.
The brunette caressed Cagalli's hair softly even though he was actually furious. He swore the first thing he would do when arriving at Lacus' house was kill Athrun for kissing his sister. "Athrun kissed you? When? And he said it meant nothing?"
Nodding, Cagalli's tears fell harder.
"...That Monday, remember? When we left both of you to talk. And the next day, when we talked alone, he said it was just a friendly kiss...Funny, right, Kira? Athrun is not my type of guy and I just knew him for two weeks or so...but now, I'm crying because of him...It's just a kiss on the cheek but it feels so meaningful for me...I'm stupid, aren't I?"
"...No, you are not. Athrun is stupid, not you...You like him, right, Cagalli? I know, it's quite obvious...You and Athrun...Lacus always said there's something between you two but honestly now I don't want someone that stupid to be my brother-in-law.
"So, that's your problem, then? If you told me earlier, I would have spent more time at school with you. I mean, we can eat lunch alone, Lacus can eat with her twin..."
The blonde let go of Kira's arm at once, her face looked stern even though her eyes were swollen. "No! I know about what happened between you and Lacus; you can't hide it from me. Don't hurt Lacus because of me, alright? I won't forgive you if you do. I'm alright on my own and I have my friends with me. Don't mind me, okay? And promise me you won't tell anyone about this, Lacus as well." She said.
Kira smiled and nodded. He leaned closer and kissed his sister on the forehead. "Okay but if you need help, just tell me. For me, you are more important than anyone in this world, Cagalli..."
"Ehh?!"
Athrun turned around to look at Lacus, who sat beside him, with narrowed eyes. They were doing their usual weekend morning revision in their study. Lacus' shout shocked Athrun. They were always very serious when revising.
"What's wrong, Lacus? Don't scream like that suddenly; you gave me such a fright!"
Lacus chuckled. "...Sorry but look at this, I can't get the right answer no matter how many times I try! I think I've done it right!" She complained.
"Let me take a look at it." Athrun mumbled as he snatched the book from Lacus' hand. He stared at it for a while before hitting her head with it.
The pink-haired girl muttered an 'ouch' and rubbed her head childishly as she pouted at her twin. "What was that for!" She wailed.
Her twin slammed the book on her face. "Look at it carefully! Twelve times two is twenty-four, not thirty-six, you idiot! Geez...how can you do such a stupid mistake? So unlike you!" He grumbled, staring back at his book.
Grinning sheepishly, Lacus scratched her nose using the tip of her pen.
"Sorry...Can't we just skip today's session, Athrun? I can't concentrate...keep thinking about what I should wear this evening or what I cook should...let's skip, ne, Athrun? There's no use to do revisions if I can't concentrate, right?"
"Try telling Mom about that. I'll agree if she says so. And what the hell is happening this evening?" Athrun asked coldly, still not taking his eyes off of his thick Math book.
"Well, I invited Kira and Cagalli to come here this evening! We've gone to their house so it's their turn to visit ours. Mom allowed me to invite them but I must do my morning revision like always. I don't think she will agree even if I beg her to skip revision. But maybe she will, Athrun...if you ask her. Oh, come on, Athrun... you must get prepared too. It's hard to meet Cagalli lately...You must want to impress her, don't you, Athrun?"
Cagalli's name stunned Athrun for a while. He stopped writing and stared at his book blankly, muttering "Yeah...it's hard to meet her now..."
"I know, you miss her, right?" Lacus teased. She ignored her book completely.
Athrun shrugged and tried to hide his frown as he returned to his books. "Why should I? We know the rumours about her and Neider are true. I saw them myself, Lacus, so I won't be stupid enough to keep feelings towards someone else's girlfriend."
Lacus sighed. She tried to make Athrun confess he loved Cagalli but he was too clever to fall into her traps. But Lacus wasn't stupid either. She noticed Athrun would frown every time Auel and Cagalli were mentioned.
"...Whatever you say, it won't change the fact you like Cagalli more than a friend. Rumours are just rumours. But I'm afraid she will fall in love with Auel for real if you keep being ignorant like this. Can't you see how worried I am about you?"
"Lacus..." Athrun said slowly as he turned and stared at Lacus solemnly. "I don't care about Cagalli, got it? Even if I do, it's just because she's my friend. Her relationship with Neider isn't my business. You don't need to worry about me. I'm the one who should worry about you. I know Kira is a good guy but I'll have a talk with him later. And now, tell me...how did it happen? I don't know anything about it...suddenly; you tell me and Mom you already have a boyfriend. Tell me the story."
"Okay, it started like this..."
-flashback-
"Kira?"
Kira blinked at Lacus. He seemed to have just woken up from a deep slumber. "Ah, yes, Lacus?"
Lacus sighed and closed her book. They were at the school library, doing some research for their class project. But Lacus noticed that Kira was staring at the same page since he started reading and his face looked troubled. So she thought she ought to ask.
"Are you alright? You are not actually reading, are you? You are staring at the same page."
"Oh...yeah...?" Kira muttered, blushing slightly as he looked at his book. He never thought Lacus was staring at him.
"...I'm sorry, it's just...I can't concentrate on reading right now. Could we just...borrow the books and read them at home? You can ask for Athrun's help and we'll share the information tomorrow. What do you say, Lacus?"
The pink-haired girl thought for a while. To be honest, she was reluctant to accept Kira's suggestion since it was very hard for them to spend time alone like this. They were alone right now because Athrun had his soccer practice. She enjoyed the moments with Kira very much even though lately he didn't talk a lot like he was used to. Just being with him made her feel very happy but now, he wanted to leave very early.
Unwillingly, Lacus drew a smile. "...Okay if you say so. But you must take me home, okay? Let's go."
The two walked out from the library after borrowing the books. Kira was still wearing his expressionless face while Lacus kept glancing at him secretly. She didn't know what was wrong with him actually. Usually, they would talk about a lot of things. Unable to stand it any longer, Lacus decided to open her mouth.
"Kira...maybe this is none of my business but it really bothers me, you know...um...why, is there something wrong?" She asked with concern.
"Ah?" Kira blinked and blushed. Again, Lacus caught him day-dreaming. "Ah, well...um, Lacus can we...can we go to a quiet place? Like a park or somewhere like that? I have something to share with you...it's my problem but...you seem to want to know..."
"Of course I want to! You are my friend!" Lacus said rather angrily but was very happy; finally Kira wanted to share his problem with her.
"There is a park around here if I'm not mistaken. The park is called Odagiri Park. Let's go, we can talk in private there; it's getting late so I don't think kids are there right now!"
Lacus pulled Kira's hand and walked cheerfully. Kira followed, staring at her at the same time. He wondered how Lacus could be that happy after knowing he had problems. She was supposed to feel sad. She didn't feel happy because he had problems, did she?
When they arrived at Odagiri Park, Kira realized what Lacus said was true. There was no one there but them. They chose a bench nearby and sat. Soon as they were seated, Lacus turned her head to look at Kira's face, no longer smiling. She asked slowly,
"So what is the problem?"
The male brunette sighed and took a deep breath. "Well...this is about Cagalli. I think you noticed it too...she is avoiding us. I'm so worried... she never been like this before. I tried to ask her about it but she kept saying she was alright. And the rumours about her and Auel are getting worse. I wish I can help her, Lacus...no matter what is her problem is...She is my only sister, my only sibling..." He said solemnly.
Lacus didn't say anything for a while. Suddenly she said, "I understand your feelings, Kira...it's normal if you are worried about your twin...I read an article saying twins always have some close bond between them...I'll feel like that too if Athrun acted like that...But I'm sure Cagalli is alright, I mean, she doesn't look sick. And I don't think she avoids us. She only avoids Athrun."
"Athrun?" Kira blinked. "She only avoids Athrun? I don't understand. What do you mean?"
The pink-haired girl sighed softly and gazed at the scenery in front of her.
"Well...I think you didn't notice it because Athrun acts very normal at school. But at home, he's different. He looks very troubled. Sometimes he seems like wanting to say something but nothing comes out. I ask if it's about Cagalli, but he doesn't answer me. I think they are keeping something from us Kira, or else, they wouldn't be acting this weird. Athrun never cared about girls before but he's different now. You saw how he reacted when Cagalli moved to sit beside Auel."
Of course he did. Kira couldn't forget Athrun's widened eyes, staring at Cagalli after she told him she got the teacher's permission to change her seat. Athrun looked very frustrated. Even though he said it was alright, Kira knew it wasn't. Now, he sat beside Miguel but obviously didn't like him.
"So..." Kira said, looking at Lacus. "Something happened at that time when Athrun talked to Cagalli alone? Yeah, it must be like that...But isn't it funny, Lacus?"
"Funny?"
The brunette chuckled and stretched his hands. "Yeah, it's funny, Even though our twins are um...not friendly to each other anymore but we still as friendly as before. And if you didn't notice, Lacus, we are getting closer and closer as the days pass..."
A blush appeared on Lacus' face. She immediately looked down and then glanced at Kira shyly. "Are you...um...Kira are you...are you seeing me as your friend? I mean...have you...other feelings towards me?" She asked with her voice quiet enough to make Kira strain his ears.
There wasn't an answer from Kira. He looked at Lacus as he never saw her before. Lacus frowned. She expected the situation to be like that.
"It's...It's okay if you don't, you know, Kira. Flay...I know you like Flay, she's very kind and pretty. Don't worry, I don't mind it. Just forget what I said just now."
"Flay?" Kira muttered and frowned. "Flay? What are you talking about, Lacus? I like Flay? Flay is just a friend! But you...you..." His stopped as he looked for the right words to say.
"You...You're different, Lacus I...I like you, no, I love you, Lacus!"
The time seemed to freeze.
Lacus' mouth and eyes were widened in shock. She realized it after five minutes. Covering her gaping mouth with trembling hands, tears fell down her cheeks. Kira leaned closer and pulled her into a deep hug. He caressed her pink hair.
"Please, will you be my girlfriend?"
"S-Sure."
A word for an answer was enough for Kira. He suddenly felt very happy; finally he had a girlfriend. All this time he only dreamed to have one. Even though he had a lot of girl friends at his school, none of them attracted him. Now he realized how lucky he was when Cagalli bumped with Athrun earlier.
He broke the hug after a while and stared deep into Lacus' baby blue eyes. He blushed slightly as he found out how close their faces were. Closing his eyes, he brushed his lips on Lacus', kissing a girl for the first time in his life...
-end flashback-
"...So that's the story…He kissed you..." Athrun muttered darkly. "...He kissed you..."
His sister gulped. She crawled closer to Athrun and held his hand.
"Oh, Athrun, don't be like that, please. Kira just...well, he is my boyfriend now, what's wrong if he kisses me? Honestly, I think this is the right time for you to stop being so childish. I mean...just find yourself a girlfriend so you don't feel so bad about me."
Athrun frowned at Lacus' words. But he knew she was right. He wouldn't feel bad if he himself had a girlfriend. An image of Cagalli appeared in his mind suddenly, making him to blush. "Yeah, if only Cagalli and I also can be like that..."
"AHA! I heard that! You love Cagalli, you said it yourself!" Lacus exclaimed as she clapped her hands happily. "Athrun loves Cagalli, Athrun loves Cagalli!" She taunted.
But Athrun didn't find it funny. Glaring at Lacus, he banged the table with a thick book, killing Lacus' chant at once.
"I'm just saying if only we could be as friendly as before! You know I'm not stupid enough to love someone who obviously loves someone else. If you don't continue with your revision, I'll tell mom to do something with your date with Kira this evening!"
Lacus pouted, saying something under her breath and opened her books again. The room fell into silence again with only the sound of writing could be heard.
Auel was reading Hot Gimmick, one of his favourite mangas, by Aihara Miki, when someone knocked the door.
"Auel, may I come in?" His mother's voice could be heard from behind the door.
"Yeah." Auel answered while wondering what happened. He rarely met his mother during weekends and couldn't remember when she last time entered his room.
The door was opened slowly to reveal Mrs. Neider's pretty face. She entered the room and closed the door.
"Am I disturbing you?" She asked softly, sitting on Auel's bed at the front of him.
"Nope, no at all. What's the matter, Mom?"Auel asked her in return, closing the manga .
Mrs. Neider took a deep breath and stared at her one and only son. "I've been transferred."
The three words didn't have an effect on Auel at first. He narrowed his eyes lazily and continued reading his manga.
"Oh, congrats, where do..." He froze and suddenly, his mouth and eyes widened in shock. "We're moving? WE'RE MOVING?"
Mrs. Neider nodded. "To Lodonia."
Her son opened his mouth but no sound came out. He was shocked beyond words. This was not his first time moving to another place and leaving all his friends behind but now it was hard to leave. He didn't want to leave Cagalli.
"Auel?" Mrs Neider called softly. She took Auel's hand in hers and held it tightly. "I know how you feel but..."
"I got it; we're moving to Lodonia, where I can't contact my friends at all. Tomorrow will be my last day at Eternal High, then? Fine, I'll tell my teacher tomorrow." Auel cut off abruptly.
Mrs Neider didn't let go of Auel's hand. "I hope you understand, Auel." She said, patting Auel's hand softly. Then she stood up and walked to the door.
"I'll leave you to pack your things." She walked out before closing the door.
As soon as the door closed, Auel sighed heavily. He had only known Cagalli for a few weeks and now, he had to leave her. He wondered how she would take the news.
Since he comforted Cagalli that day, he realized unknown feeling towards her. He noticed how cute she was and how adorable she could be. He secretly admitted to himself he had fallen in love with her. He never told her or anyone else about it. And now, he had to leave.
Hugging his knees, Auel rested his head on them. If only he could stay...
"Cagalli..."
Ding Dong...
"Coming!"
Mrs. Zala walked towards the door and opened it. A handsome brunette was revealed. Mrs Zala drew a smile. "Hello, you must be Kira, right? Lacus' boyfriend? I'm her mother, Lenore Zala."
Kira bowed politely, smiling. He was wearing a pair of black jeans with a dark purple shirt and was holding something behind his back. "Yes, my name is Kira Hibiki, Lacus' boyfriend. Nice to meet you, Mrs Zala."
"Nice to meet you too, Kira. Please come in. Lacus is still in her room, I think. Let me call her." She said, still wearing her sweet smile. She walked upstairs and knocked the door with the door.
"Lacus dear, Kira is downstairs."
"What? Okay, I'll come down in a moment..." Lacus replied from inside.
While waiting for Lacus, Kira glanced around the house. The house was bigger than his and the furniture looked expensive. It was very neat and clean. In short, it was a very beautiful house.
"Kira?"
A male voice called out to him. Kira turned and found Athrun standing in front of him.
"Athrun? Where did you come from? I didn't see you enter." Kira asked curiously. He was very sure he didn't see any sign of Athrun when he entered the room.
Athrun smiled at his best friend. "I was in the kitchen. Um...so you came alone? Lacus said she invited you and...Cagalli."
Suddenly Kira was reminded of what Cagalli told him this morning; about what Athrun did to her. His teeth gritted and he tried very hard to not destroy the flower in his hands. But he couldn't help but give Athrun a glare for the first time.
"She said she didn't want to come." He answered coldly.
"I see..." Athrun said, looking slightly disappointed. "Guess she wants to give you two privacy. Oh yeah, talking about that...I want to tell you, I approve you two but remember two things, Kira Hibiki. First, I want you to swear that you will never make out with her before you two are married. And second, don't you ever break her heart or you will suffer."
"Yeah, yeah...I swear I won't. Lacus is safe in my hand, don't worry. At least, I'm not someone who breaks someone else's heart after giving her hope." Kira replied sarcastically.
The blue haired teen looked at Kira with a shocked. Kira's tone made him feel weird. It sounded very cold and he seemed like hating him. He didn't understand why. "Kira? What are you..."
"Kira!"
Lacus suddenly appeared from upstairs. She was wearing a white tank top with a pink skirt. Her long hair was tied in a baby blue ribbon. She looked very pretty.
Kira immediately smiled. "Hi, Lacus. You look very pretty today. This is for you."
He took out a bouquet of roses from behind his back and kissed Lacus on the cheek.
Kira took the flower and blushed at the compliment and kiss. She had spent a long time to choose what she should wear and now thought it was worthwhile. "Thank you, Kira. You look handsome too. Um...where's Cagalli?"
"Um...I'm sorry, Lacus but Cagalli didn't want to come. I've tried my best to persuade her but she insisted on staying home. She sent her regards ."
Kira said, feeling slightly guilty. It was his first lie to his girlfriend. Actually he really wanted to tell Lacus the truth but a promise was a promise and he would never break it. Even now, Cagalli still kept his best interest at heart.
Just like her twin, Lacus looked disappointed. She really wanted Cagalli to come. Glancing at Athrun, she said slowly,
" Oh, I see...It's okay, then."
Athrun knew it was the best for him to leave the two alone. He didn't know why but he felt very hurt seeing Lacus and Kira so happy. He knew he couldn't envy his own twin sister but...it was hard to control.
He walked slowly towards the door, trying his best to go without Lacus' knowing. He was about to open the door when...
"Athrun, where are you going?" Lacus asked him.
"Nowhere, I just want to walk around. I'll be back in no time, don't worry. Enjoy your date, okay?" Athrun answered with reassurance as he continued his steps.
Lacus didn't feel satisfied at all with Athrun's answer but at the same time, she didn't want to force him to stay home. She understood his feelings. But now, she had two hearts to take care of. Athrun's and Kira's.
"Lacus, are you alright?" Kira asked with concern when feeling Lacus' gloom.
The pink-haired girl smiled as she looked at her boyfriend. "I'm alright, Kira. Come on, I'll show you my room."
-Athrun's P.O.V-
I walked slowly, aimlessly. The only places I know around here were school and Hibiki's House. There was no reason for me to school now and I really didn't want to go to Hibiki residence so I just kept walking and walking.
It felt kind of weird. I felt very relieved as soon as I left the house. I was happy that Lacus finally had a boyfriend. I knew she always want one. And Kira was my best friend so nothing was wrong. I'd said I approved them. What was wrong with me, I have no idea.
Envy. Maybe it was the most suitable word to describe my feelings. I envied Lacus. It was very strange. I was not an envious person. And Lacus was my sister. We lived together since birth. We spent most of the time together. We knew each other too well. So why must she, out of all people in this world, to be envious of?
I decided that I didn't want a girlfriend. I didn't need one. Lacus always said I would change my mind someday when I fell in love with someone. I never believed it. Never would my mind change...or did it?
All the things I said earlier were before I moved to here, before I attended Eternal High and before I met Cagalli. I couldn't deny that she changed me a bit. She was the first girl who made me blush, made me feel jealous, made me hurt, who made my heart beat faster and above all, the first girl I ever kissed, except for my mom and Lacus, of course.
I didn't know what was wrong with her either. I thought we could be perfectly friendly after I told her the truth. Well, I wasn't sure the truth was true or not but I assumed it as true. She didn't have any feelings towards me, it kind of obvious. She never really cared about me. All she cared about was that Neider.
It didn't matter if she really went out with that Neider. Um...I didn't mind much...Okay, I was hurt by the fact but when she ignored me, it hurt me even more. We went to school together with Kira and Lacus like usual but she was very quiet.
She only talked when Kira and Lacus asked her something. And whenever I tried to start a conversation with her, she would pretend she couldn't hear me. Sometimes I wondered, was I invisible to her?
And what I didn't understand was how she would be extremely cheerful when that Neider was around. I saw them once during recess; they were talking alone on an empty street. She looked very happy. Why couldn't she be like that when she was with me? She even changed her seat so she wouldn't have to sit beside me anymore. Was I that bad?
Maybe it was my fault at the first place. I shouldn't have kissed her that day. If I didn't, maybe our friendship wouldn't have been like this. I didn't know whether she still saw me as her friend. But that day, I really couldn't control myself. If only she could understand...if only she knew how much I miss the old Cagalli, the one who always made me smile...
My thought stopped when I noticed a figure in front of me. She was holding her head as she was in pain and looked like she was about to faint. There was something about her that seemed familiar to me but I had no time to think what it was. I ran towards her and shouted,
"Hey, there, watch out!"
-end of Athrun's POV-
Athrun managed to get hold of the figure before she fell. The girl tried to stand up properly but failed. Her legs looked shaky. Athrun helped her to stand up and that was when he realized who it was.
"Cagalli!"
The blonde looked up. Amber eyes met emerald. "Athrun, it's you..."
"Cagalli, what's wrong? You look pale...Are you alright?" Athrun asked with concern. He pulled Cagalli closer and examined her. "You look thinner than before, Cagalli..."
She tried to release her arms from Athrun's grip but once again, she collapsed. Luckily Athrun managed to catch her for the second time. She looked down, feeling embarrassed. "I'm sorry..."
Athrun shook his head. "It's okay. I think we better let you sit for a while. There's a park, let's sit there. Can you walk? Um...I have no problem if you need to be carried."
Cagalli chuckled. "I know but I think I can walk. With your help, of course."
"Sure. Just walk slowly, okay? Come on."
"Your room is very pretty, Lacus. And very neat too, unlike Cagalli's room, hers is messy all the time." Kira said as he looked around Lacus' room.
The room walls were painted pink. Most of Lacus' possessions were pink in colour. Even the bed Kira was sitting on was pink. It seemed like Lacus really loved pink. There was a photo on Lacus' study desk, showing the picture of the Zala family. Another photo was hung on the wall; it was the picture of Lacus and Athrun smiling so cheerfully. They looked cute in their elementary school uniform.
"Thank you, Kira. Sorry if you don't like pink. I'm just too fond with it, that's all. At my old school, my friends called me Miss Pinky." Lacus replied, blushing slightly.
Kira chuckled. "I'll make sure no one calls you that at Eternal High. It's okay, I don't hate pink. It's nice to see some since there isn't any at all in Cagalli's room. No at all! She doesn't like pink much. She said it'd just too feminine for her."
Lacus raised her eyebrows. "She doesn't like pink? How come? I thought all girls liked pink. Maybe not as much as me but…anyway, talking about Cagalli, why she didn't want to come today? Come on; tell me...it's not nice to hide something from your own girlfriend."
The feeling of guilt attacked Kira again. He really wanted to tell Lacus the truth. But at the same time he didn't want to betray Cagalli's trust. He was really angry with Athrun. Since they were kids, Kira never let anyone make Cagalli cry. Until now, even their parents said he was too protective towards her. But he did it because he didn't want to see Cagalli hurt.
"Kira, come on. Tell me what's wrong with Cagalli?"
And now who should he choose, his girlfriend or his sister? He could see eagerness on Lacus' face. He wondered how she would feel if she knew it was Athrun who changed Cagalli.
Finally he chose his sister. He would choose his sister over everything.
"Well, she asked me to keep it secret but actually...she is not feeling well because of...that woman thing, you know...um...I bet you know what I mean, right? I didn't want to tell you in front of Athrun..." Kira explained in difficulty.
Lacus blushed a little as she nodded. The issue was always a sensitive issue for girls. "Um...I see, Kira, do you want to try my cooking?"
"Feeling better now, Cagalli?" asked Athrun.
Cagalli nodded as she stared at the takoyaki on her laps. Athrun bought them for her just now and she finished half of it. Only five left now. She was really hungry and felt like finishing the rest. She was glad that there was a takoyaki stall at the park.
"What's wrong? Why don't you finish them all?"Athrun asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Can I?" Cagalli asked.
Athrun chuckled. "Of course you can. I bought them for you."
The blonde finished the takoyaki in two minutes. She threw the empty container into the nearest trash can. Then she remembered something; she hadn't thanked Athrun for the takoyaki.
"Thanks, Athrun." She said, smiling.
"No problem." Athrun answered, smiling as well. It was nice to see her smile again. He hadn't seen it for quite some time. But then he turned serious. "Are you on diet or something, Cagalli? You fainted because you were hungry, right?"
Cagalli stared at her lap before nodding. "Yeah..."
"Why? You are already fit now. You don't have to be on a diet!"
"Huh, everyone says that! Auel, Kira, Mom, Dad, everyone...I know you all lied though." Cagalli said accusingly. She was bored with what everyone was telling her.
Auel's name made Athrun frown slightly but he tried to ignore his jealousy. "Well, I must say that they all are right. Why do you want to diet? I believe with your body now, Neider wouldn't dare to find another girlfriend."
It was Cagalli's turn to frown. "Auel is only my best friend. I don't care if he has a girlfriend as long as he still has time for me. Anyway, maybe you're all right. I'm gonna stop this diet right away. It tortures me."
A smile appeared on Athrun's lips. He ruffled Cagalli's hair in friendly way. "That's the Cagalli I know. Oh yeah, Caggy...I know you've been avoiding me lately. May I know why?"
"Don't call me that! Hey, Athy, tell me how many girls felt your 'friendly' kiss?" Cagalli retorted.
Athrun's face turned as red as blood. "Just one and that's you. Hey, come one, don't say it like that, it sounds like I've kissed you on the lips. Well, what Neider saod when he knew I kissed you?"
"Well, he didn't say anything much..."
"He must be angry, right? I noticed how he looked at me recently...It looked like he wanted to kill me..." Athrun cut off.
Cagalli glanced around uncomfortably. Auel was indeed angry with Athrun but she didn't want Athrun to know why. It wasn't because Athrun kissed her. She was glad that now she could finally talk to Athrun normally.
"Um...maybe. Hey, you know that Lacus and Kira are dating now, right? Don't you want to find a girlfriend, then? You don't want to lose to Lacus, do you?"
'Then, will you be my girlfriend?'
The question only echoed in Athrun's mind. He wanted to say it but something stopped him. "Um...well, I'm still searching...What about you? You also don't want to lose to Kira, right?"
The blonde pouted. "I don't care, I'm not in hurry. But Athrun, do you approve of them?" She asked.
"Of course I do. Why shouldn't I? Or...you have something to tell me about Kira?" Athrun's eyes narrowed suspiciously. He began to switch into his over-protective mode.
Cagalli shook her head quickly. "No, Kira's a nice guy, really. He would never hurt Lacus. You can trust him for sure."
Laughing, Athrun ruffled Cagalli's hair again. Cagalli's earnest face looked really funny for him. "I know. You really love Kira, don't you? Won't you feel uncomfortable now he has a girlfriend? That means he can't look after you anymore, right?"
Cagalli folded her arms as she rolled her eyes towards Athrun. "Who said he won't look after me anymore? He won't change! I don't want him to change, either. I love him being an over-protective brother. I don't mind him going out with Lacus. He is still my twin brother, no matter what. That can't be changed." She said sternly.
"You two are really close..." Athrun said softly. He stared at Cagalli, smiling. "Kira is very lucky to have you as his twin sister, just like me having Lacus. No wonder he is very protective. I understand now; he doesn't want to lose his little sister."
And suddenly, without realizing, Athrun outstretched his hand, touching Cagalli's cheek and caressed it lovingly. His emerald eyes stared deep into Cagalli's amber ones. He withdrew seconds later, blushing madly.
"Sorry, I got carried away."
The blonde blushed too. She never thought Athrun would do that but couldn't deny she liked it. His hand was so soft and tender, she didn't wish him to let go her cheek. And she felt exactly the same when he touched her cheek was as same as when he kissed her cheek.
"Nah, it's okay..."
There was an awkward silence after that. Cagalli stared at her lap while Athrun examined his fingers. Both of them were speechless until...
""So...""
They looked at each other and laughed. They always watched the situation in movies but never thought they would experience it. Athrun smiled as his laughter faded. "That's funny. It's getting late, Cagalli. Let me walk you home."
"Sure, why not. It's dangerous to walk home alone now. Come on." replied Cagalli as she stood up.
They walked, leaving Odagiri Park. The sky turned from blue to orange and everywhere there were kids walking home in groups.
"Hey, Cagalli," Athrun said suddenly.
"Yes?"
You said you are good at tricking the teachers. Why don't you do some tricks tomorrow? I challenge you." Athrun said.
Cagalli thought for a while before agreeing. "Well, no problem. I think I want to try Miss Galdys. I'll tell you all about the plan tomorrow."
Athrun chuckled. "Oh, I'm waiting. Make sure it's funny."
"Of course it is! I won't let you stop laughing tomorrow, just you wait and see!"
The evening was filled with joyous laughter as the two teens walked down the street.
That's it. I hope you all enjoy it. Please review!