Good Morning, My Groom!
Chapter Three: Need
"So, see you on Monday?"
The inquiry replayed in her mind, almost like a Gregorian chant, haunting, reverberating. She is somewhat afraid on the thoughts of the possible things that may and can happen the day, afraid that her feelings, her thoughts, as well as her actions will go awry when she meets him again. She is new to this relationship of sorts with Athrun. Well, it's not really a mutual relationship but more of a biased one, with her being dependent on him. And right now, two days after the fateful encounter between her and him, she felt, albeit reluctantly, that she needed him every single moment. However, she doesn't know if she is just craving for his blood or if she is just craving for him, his attention, and his love.
Cagalli shook her head at the thought. She scolded herself for thinking of such things, especially the last one. She sighed. She needs to ask Shiho about this bride-groom thing since she experienced it first. She looked at her wrist watch, 11:45AM, fifteen more minutes until lunch hour. She frowned and turned back her attention to the teacher's babbling.
***
As soon as the lunch hour bell rang, Cagalli shot out of her seat and rushed out of the room. She was greeted by a swarm of female students walking casually along the hallway. Even with a wide hallway, Cagalli found it hard to walk without stopping since some of the students walked in groups therefore effectively blocking a huge part of the said hall, and add the fact that their classroom is positioned next to the right staircase therefore making most half of the female students in the third floor go in their way. Nevertheless, she is still thankful to those people who give her way.
Reaching the end of the hall where Shiho's room is located, she peeked inside the door and scanned the room. She frowned when she saw Shiho's seat empty. Where did she go now? Knowing Shiho and Yzak, they could be everywhere, either in public or worse, hidden. She grunted.
"Miss Cagalli?" A soft voice interrupted her thoughts. She craned her neck to the side and found a girl standing beside her with long auburn hair and baby blue eyes, she is smiling and there is a weird glint in her big eyes. "May I help you?"
Cagalli shivered inwardly. She now remembered that this girl, one of Shiho's classmates, has a huge crush on her, she used to stalk her even in the comfort room! Cagalli momentarily removed the disturbing thoughts in her head and decided to respond with a small smile, "By any chance, do you know where Shiho go to?"
"I think she is going to have lunch with her boyfriend," the girl twirled a strand of her auburn hair around her finger, probably, an attempt to look cute. Cagalli mentally gagged; however, she managed to nod, signaling her to continue. "In the Boys' Division lunch hall, I've heard."
"Ah, I see. Thank you." Cagalli nodded as to say goodbye and walked away quickly. She shuddered as she still felt the girl's smoldering gaze at her back. She walked faster, while trying to shake off the creepy feeling in the pits of her stomach. After a few moments, Cagalli found herself outside the Girls' Division Building, a bit confused on where she was supposed to be heading. Where again? The Boys' Division Building?
She stopped on her tracks. The Boys' Division Building just screams the name of the person she's trying to avoid since earlier this morning—Athrun Zala. She blushed, and then groaned. She doesn't want to see him right now for she doesn't know what kind of uncontrolled embarrassment she might do in front of him. She sighed as she turned her heel away from the path she was supposed to take. The talk with Shiho can wait until later, but now, she needs to think.
Unconsciously, she started walking through the awfully familiar grounds of the courtyard.
***
The lunch hour bell rung in the air and the students are just simply ecstatic that their hunger would soon be satisfied. A gradual shuffling noise can be heard inside the classroom, the chairs being pulled back, the desks being left in a misaligned mess, the numerous footsteps against the polished floors. In the midst of all the noise, a frustrated sigh was barely heard.
"Hey Athrun, aren't you gonna eat lunch?"
Athrun looked up, his green-haired friend's concerned face peered at him curiously.
"I'm sorry, Nicol but I'm not hungry. You can go ahead." Athrun gave him a small smile.
"Are you sure?" Nicol asked hesitatingly. "Yzak's girlfriend will eat with us, you know."
"Oh," That caught Athrun's attention for a while. Nicol's bribe seemed tempting, they haven't seen Yzak's girlfriend since Yzak admitted he had one, and that was months ago.
Yzak Joule, believe it or not, is Athrun's friend. All of the people in the Boys' Division Building know that Yzak has some anger management problems and has the ability to knock up someone in mere seconds since he's part of the Karate Club, these facts can make the brawniest men in their building to back off in an instant. He's a huge snob and usually starts a small verbal fight with any of them, Athrun, Nicol and most especially, Dearka.
Dearka Elthsman, on the other hand, is their tanned, blonde-haired, perverted friend. He usually hits on any beautiful girl he sees, in their school, in the streets, in bars, anywhere, anytime. He may seem like a playboy but truth be told, he had never experienced a real relationship ever since. When he knew about Yzak having a girlfriend, he was utterly shocked, and then afterwards, he started teasing Yzak more as if their everyday bickering wasn't enough.
"So, are you still going to eat with us, Athrun?" Nicol's face looked hopeful. Athrun groaned inwardly, he never liked disappointing people, however right now, he just needs to. He needs to think and to probably reach a conclusion regarding his messed up thoughts as soon as possible. His left hand went involuntarily to his neck, the spot of flesh above his pulsing carotids, and then thoughts of a familiar blonde-haired girl suddenly invaded his thoughts. He sighed. He needs to deal with this as soon as possible. "I'm sorry, Nicol. I need to do something important. You go ahead, I'm sure they're already waiting. Is it okay if you say my apologies to Yzak's girlfriend for me?"
Nicol still looked hesitant, "…Sure. Well, if you finish early with your errands, a seat would always be available. See you later," His green-haired friend smiled and he smiled back, Nicol then left.
As soon as Nicol stepped out of the room, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Once again, images of a familiar blonde-haired girl flooded his mind, he sighed. He has been like this since yesterday—thoughts of Cagalli haunted him endlessly while his chest felt unreasonably heavy, like what he is feeling now. He grunted and opened his eyes. He needs to reason with himself, alone. And fortunately, he knows just the right place.
***
Athrun walked hastily along the path of the courtyard, only to turn to the grassy path slightly hidden by the bushes. He knew the path well, the path to his favorite bench, hidden among the bushes, isolated from all the noise. He was nearing the said bench when he saw, from afar, a person sitting on it. He groaned; what's with people finding his almost hidden bench?
He continued on his path and then stopped abruptly when he was only a few meters away from his bench. Mixed along the numerous shades of greens and browns of the foliage was the most distinct golden yellow, almost glistening as the sun rays hit it. He took a step forward—the golden yellow thing suddenly got carried effortlessly by the gentle breeze that passed. Another step—the sun rays seemed to be focused on the golden yellow thing, making the individual strands sparkle as it flew with the wind. And then, it hit him—blonde hair.
Could it be possible that that person is… Cagalli?
A sudden wave of memories flooded his mind, a girl with short blonde hair with matching golden eyes and a petite body being the subject. He took an involuntary step backwards. Maybe it wasn't a good thing to spend his lunch hour alone after all. Maybe he should accept Nicol's offer and head straight to the cafeteria. Yes, he mentally nodded and turned around.
He was about to go but paused mid-step.
"…Athrun?"
There is only one person he knows who has that deep feminine, soothing voice, Cagalli.
"Athrun, is that you?"
He took a deep breath and turned around. He walked a few steps and emerged from the shade of the trees. The first thing he saw was Cagalli's smiling face, and then he involuntarily smiled back and waved, "Hey."
He mentally slapped himself; what happened to the avoid-Cagalli-as-much-as-possible plan? He walked forward and took a seat on the unoccupied space of the bench, keeping a healthy distance between him and Cagalli. The wind blew, and then Athrun noticed that neither of them started a conversation since he sat down. He cast a sideways glance at his seatmate—Cagalli was concentrated on the half-empty box of chocolates in her hand, finally choosing a small block of intricately designed chocolate and popping it into her mouth.
"It's rude to stare, you know."
"Uhm… err…" Athrun scratched his head, smiling sheepishly as he did so; he cleared his throat for a bit, "Chocolates for lunch?"
Cagalli chuckled lightly, a blush creeping across her cheeks, "Ah, that," She looked again on the half empty box of chocolates, "You see, I forgot my lunch at home, and my wallet too." She looked at Athrun, embarrassment clearly on her face. "All I have is this."
Cagalli shoved the box a few inches from Athrun's surprised face, "Do you want some?"
"I'm…not hungry." Actually, Athrun is not fond of eating too many sweets, a "health nut" as Dearka teased. He took a deep breath, and regretted it afterwards—he inhaled the sweet, rich scent of the chocolate. It made his stomach churn in disagreement.
"Oh, come on, Athrun! I can hear your stomach grumbling already!" One of Cagalli's eyebrows shot up, "You haven't eaten lunch, haven't you?
"I… uh—" Athrun choked on his words because Cagalli shoved a small piece of chocolate into his slightly open mouth. He coughed, "Why did you do that for?!"
Cagalli laughed, "You wouldn't accept my offer so…" She wiped the tears that managed to escape from her eyes, she smiled apologetically afterwards, "I'm sorry, Athrun… You're not allergic, are you?"
Athrun sighed, Cagalli is just impossible. "No, I'm not. Don't worry."
A pregnant silence ensued before Athrun let out a small cough, "Thank you, by the way."
"You're welcome," Cagalli faced him, her bright face smiling. "It's the least I can do for you. You have given me so much, Athrun."
Her face softened, and then her right hand moved towards his face, then stopped as if hesitating. Athrun's confused eyes landed on hers. His eyes widened as Cagalli's smooth fingertips landed on his neck, on his pulsing carotids, on the wounds as small as pin pricks above it. His own hand shot up on the same spot, covering Cagalli's hand in the process. Cagalli's surprised eyes mirrored Athrun's emerald ones, both teens blushed. With this, Athrun looked away and inched away gingerly, settling himself on the edge of the bench.
"…I'm sorry."
Athrun looked at Cagalli, her face completely guilty. "It's not entirely your fault…" He sighed. He decided that this is probably a good time to tell Cagalli what has been bugging him since last night. "Well, you see, I had trouble sleeping last night."
Cagalli looked at him, her tawny eyes urging him to continue. "Why?"
"I did a little research."
"…Homework?"
"No…" Athrun looked at Cagalli squarely in the eyes, "About vampires."
With that, Cagalli closed her eyes and leaned on the bench's backrest, "Anything interesting?"
"You know, you don't exactly fit the descriptions on the internet, well, except about the blood-drinking part, err… I'm not really sure…"
"What exactly are the descriptions I don't fit in?" Cagalli's voice seemed interested; her eyes are now focused on the blue sky above them.
"Your skin isn't pale, your body temperature seems normal, you walk under direct sunlight…" Athrun trailed off and looked at Cagalli. She was smiling amusedly at him, "Ah, that. You see, we vampires have been around for centuries; the oldest ones I know would be more than a thousand years old. Anyways, since our ancestors have been here that long, they learned to adapt. They say—from the stories that have been passed on from generations to generations—that the elder vampires did a sort of trial and error with the sun exposure thing. I don't exactly remember the details but I do recall that the first trials simply failed, the next ones were successful but painful," Cagalli cringed, "painful in a way that their skin got burnt, and also they smelt of smoke afterwards, nevertheless, those trials started it all. Once in a while, vampires will go out in broad daylight, away from the people of course, which made it easier for them to hunt livestock or wild animals. Then, the next generations of vampires got the immunity they needed from the sun, making it easier for them to mingle with people and to live somewhat normally. Well, I think we are still normal minus our thirst for blood. We eat, sleep, go to work, study…" She shrugged, "I'm not really sure about that pale skin and the body temperature thing. I look pretty much myself before."
"…Before? You mean when you were still human?" Cagalli's lips closed in a tight line, Athrun gulped; maybe it isn't the right time for him to pry about Cagalli's life. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—I just read something about turning into a vampire when you repeatedly get bitten…" He shrugged, "I was just worried..." He looked at Cagalli anxiously, "Would I turn into a… vampire?"
Cagalli's eyes widened, a small gasp escaped her lips, Athrun's question was something uncertain, and she doesn't know what to say. "I…" She tried rummaging her brain for answers but she found nothing, instead, she decided to voice out what she felt was right. "I won't let that happen, Athrun. I promise I won't!"
Cagalli's eyes were just as determined as her voice when she spoke, Athrun couldn't help but be reassured. He sighed in relief as if a massive weight has been lifted from his shoulders. He smiled, "Thank you, Cagalli."
"You're welcome, Athrun." Cagalli gave him a small smile and then looked away. "You know, I had trouble sleeping last night too."
Cagalli's voice was barely above a whisper that Athrun had to scoot nearer, he now sat a good few inches from Cagalli. He looked over at the blonde girl beside him, her head was bent making her face hidden from his view, and her hands were clutching the sides of the box of chocolates. "I know it might sound weird or creepy… uhm… I can't help but think about you."
She looked up and was surprised when she found that her face was only a few inches away from Athrun's, both blushed crimson and looked away at the same time.
"Me too..." Athrun tried to stop the blush threatening to invade his whole face. He cleared his throat and cast a glance at Cagalli. "Do you think its all part of the bride-groom thing?"
Cagalli looked at Athrun once again, "Oh, yeah… Maybe… I'm not really sure." She chuckled sheepishly and then turned her attention back to the chocolate box in her hands, she popped a small piece into her mouth, relishing the rich taste for a few seconds before turning her attention to her companion, "So, tell me more about you, Athrun."
"I guess you already know where I live, right?" She nodded. "Well, for starters, I live alone, that is excluding the butler and the caretakers at Zala Manor. My parents are in PLANTS, they sent me here at ORB International to study high school. They told me that it would be better that I get immersed on different cultures as soon as possible and they thought that ORB International would be the best place. Anyways, my parents visit whenever they can or when they're not busy."
"Don't you get lonely all by yourself?"
"Not really. My mom calls me almost everyday and well, I have some of my friends in PLANTS that got sent here by their parents too." He smiled, "They literally trash the house when they come over. And sometimes, they throw parties at their own houses and we also go out sometimes."
"Go out? You mean like… shopping?" Cagalli raised a teasing brow at Athrun, an accompanying smile adorned her face.
"If buying books and new games something you consider for shopping, then yes."
Both of them laughed at Athrun's conclusion however, their laughter ceased when they heard a bell ring, signaling that lunch hour is almost finished. Athrun looked at his wristwatch 12:57, "Wow. Time sure flies fast. We still have three minutes to get back. I think we should go now."
Cagalli nodded. Both of them stood from their seats and started walking along the beaten path to the courtyard, exchanging various comments as they did so. They saw students already going inside the glass doors as they reached the wide pavement between the Boys' Division and the Girls' Division Buildings.
"Uh… Thanks for the chocolates, Cagalli." Athrun said, "I… I really need to go so… bye?"
"Oh. Uhm… Bye!" Cagalli said awkwardly. Why was it so hard to say a simple goodbye to Athrun anyways? She looked at Athrun's retreating back and then she remembered something, a question that she forgot to ask earlier because her attention got diverted. She called Athrun albeit hesitatingly, "Hey Athrun!"
He looked back at her, his face inquiring.
"By the way, what descriptions do I fit in?"
Athrun smiled. He answered Cagalli with the loudest he can do without shouting.
"You're beautiful."
With a blush on Cagalli's face and a soft smile on Athrun's, they parted ways only to be back again every lunch hour on Athrun's hidden bench discussing their lives and eating lunch together.
***
…Where's Cagalli?
Athrun looked at his wristwatch; it read 12:17, seventeen minutes past the start of the lunch hour. He looked around, and sighed dejectedly. He looked at his wristwatch again, and frowned. The dial ticked continuously, and Athrun heard each tick. He frowned. It is as if his wristwatch is screaming the obvious—Cagalli is late.
Cagalli never missed their unplanned lunch meetings since Monday. In fact, she usually arrives a minute or two before Athrun does, her hefty lunch already laid out beside her.
Athrun looked at his wristwatch again, 12:20. A small grunt escaped his lips. He had been waiting for fifteen minutes already. It's unlike Cagalli to be late—maybe something happened? Athrun gasped when his heart started thumping loudly. What's happening to me?
He shot up from his seat and then hurriedly walked through the clearing, and went straight to the path to the Girls' Division Building. It's as if time stopped when Athrun entered the said building—as soon as he stepped inside, the students in the lobby, all girls of course, looked at him, and then after a few seconds of silence, a lot of mumbling and blushing from the girls engulfed Athrun's senses. Just great, leave it to the Zala charm to make a grand entrance he didn't need. He sighed, and turned back his attention to his mission—find Cagalli. Where's her classroom again? Athrun tried to recall their conversations for the past few days and found his answer. Third floor… first classroom next to the right staircase….
Athrun proceeded to the said classroom; he was walking quite fast, almost running all the way through the staircase. His heart was pounding, not only is he worrying about Cagalli but he also felt something bad happening. His steps quickened when he reached the third floor landing, he went straight to the door of the first classroom. He was surprised when he found the door wide open, but he was more surprised when he saw an empty classroom—an empty, disorganized classroom. His eyebrows furrowed as his heartbeat accelerated, the classroom looks as if someone trashed it. Numerous papers and books decorated the floor, some of the chairs are toppled over and the desks are not in their proper alignment, it's as if the desks were messily set aside to make a relatively spacious way to the door. What happened here?
He was on the midst of thinking, staring intently on the chaotic room as he did so, when someone tapped him on his shoulder. His head whipped sideward to find an old burly man with gentle eyes wearing a gray overall, the word "maintenance" was embroidered in his right chest pocket.
"Excuse me, son." He shot a gentle smile at Athrun when he stepped aside. The maintenance man started picking up the papers and books that were on the floor. He was on the midst of aligning the desks when Athrun's wit returned and he stuttered, "Excuse me… uhm…" The older man looked at him and he continued, "May I know what happened here?"
"Ah. I'm not really sure, I was just sent here but…" The older man scratched his head, "But I heard that someone fainted during the lecture. I think the whole class brought her to the clinic." He smiled sheepishly at Athrun.
Athrun nodded and tried to keep a straight face while he thanked him. His heart beat soared while sudden images of a fainting Cagalli filled his mind. His right hand clutched his raging chest as he leaned his back on the classroom's door. He sighed heavily and tried to flood his mind with optimistic thoughts. Get a grip, Athrun. Cagalli's stronger than that. The thoughts calmed him a bit and decided to go where the rest of the class went—the clinic. He was about to stride out when someone blocked his way.
"Athrun Zala, am I right?" Athrun looked at the brown haired girl before him, her brown eyes piercing through him as she asked. As soon as Athrun nodded, the girl's hand shot out to the front of his overcoat, grasping the black fabric tenaciously.
"Come with me."
A few minutes after being dragged from the third floor of the Girls' Division building, Athrun found himself in the school's parking lot in front of a dark blue sports car that somewhat looks like Yzak's. Before he can even ask the mysterious brown haired girl about his own messed up thoughts, he found himself buckled rather tightly on the passenger's seat. A few seconds after his realization, he crashed somewhat harshly on the seat's backrest. He looked at the girl on the driver's seat, her hands gripping the steering wheel firmly, her eyes focused on the road. His mouth fell open when he saw the surroundings outside the tinted windows of the car, the buildings and the other cars seemed like huge blurs as they passed. The girl was driving like a madman, like Cagalli. With the thought of Cagalli suddenly invading his head, his wit returned at the same time.
"…H-hey!" He stuttered nervously, "Where are you taking me?!"
The girl shot him a sideways glare, Athrun felt a cold shiver run down his spine. After a few minutes, Athrun tried again, "…Uhm, Miss? Where are you taking me?"
Another death glare was thrown at Athrun, nevertheless, the girl answered, "We're here."
Athrun whipped his head back front. A sudden realization settled on Athrun's head when they entered a somewhat familiar gate. His eyes went wider when they pulled onto a more familiar porch. He can't help but gasp, "Cagalli!" He looked at the girl on the driver's seat, "Is there something wrong with Cagalli?!" He asked with urgency. His heart suddenly pumped faster as the girl nodded gravely.
"She needs you."
"What do you—" Athrun got cut off when the girl took hold, once again, of his shirt collar and started dragging him to the front door. The front door opened and a plump woman wearing a maid's outfit welcomed them, worry written all over her face, "Lady Shiho, Master Athrun…"
Athrun looked at the older woman and was about to ask about Cagalli when the brown-haired girl, Shiho, beat him to it. "Manna, where's Cagalli?"
"She's at her room, in bed." They started walking—with an alarmed Athrun being dragged by Shiho rather harshly—through the luxurious hallway of the Attha Manor as Manna spoke, "Mwu's forcing Cagalli to drink from some blood bags but as usual, Cagalli's being stubborn. She says she won't drink blood any—"
"Cagalli needs my blood!" With much force he didn't know where he got, Athrun freed himself from Shiho's tight hold and ran through the rest of the hallway and the grand staircase. He still remembers the way to Cagalli's room even though he had only been there once. He silently thanked his brilliant memory while trying to calm his raging heartbeat. Cagalli needs his blood… No. Cagalli needs him.
"She told me that she would rather die from starvation than to drink from you again, you know."
Athrun stopped in his steps. He turned his head sideways to find Shiho beside him. She smirked, "She decided not to drink from you again. She wouldn't risk turning you into one of us." Athrun's lips formed a tight line. He suddenly remembered a snip of their first conversation during the fateful Monday lunch hour.
"Would I turn into a… vampire?"
"I won't let that happen, Athrun. I promise I won't!"
"Zala?"
Athrun blinked. Was he spacing out too much? He looked at his companion. The girl beside him was now frowning.
"What are you gonna do now?" Shiho was looking at the end of the hallway where Cagalli's room is located.
"I…" He clenched his fist. "I don't really know…" He wants to help Cagalli. They have officially been friends since the start of the week, and as a friend, he feels obliged to help her. Another part of him, his groom side, wants to throw himself to Cagalli and let her drink his blood. However, since Cagalli, as Shiho said, decided not to drink from him anymore, another part sprouted out—a part of him who just wants to walk away, to leave Cagalli suffering. He clenched his fist tighter.
"Cagalli's only option is to drink animal blood, but animals here in the city wouldn't suffice her thirst. Birds, cats and dogs are not worth hunting. Mwu is trying to make her drink from blood bags… but she's too stubborn." Shiho sighed and started walking forward. "It's your choice, Zala. Help her or not, we will try not to let her die."
In an instant, Shiho was at Cagalli's bedroom door. She slid inside, and left the door ajar. Athrun walked forward, his steps getting larger as he closed in the distance between him and Cagalli's door. He stopped directly in front of the door; he can hear Shiho's demanding voice, Cagalli's groans, and another man's requests. If he enters Cagalli's room, he should be subjected to blood loss. He gulped and looked at the door this really what he wanted? His eyebrows furrowed. The past few days have been better, thanks to Cagalli. She is probably the only single girl in school that doesn't have a fangirl complex when it comes to him, or doesn't faint when he comes into view. Wow, that's pretty shallow reasoning, Athrun Zala. He groaned. What should I do?
And then instantly, his mother's calming voice flooded his confused mind. Athrun, just follow your heart.
With that, he pushed the door and entered.
***
"Mwu! Stop shoving that thing on my face! How many times do I have to tell you? I don't want to drink human blood anymore!" With the meager energy she had left, Cagalli managed to push the brawny, blonde man a few meters away from her; she also managed to fall from her bed producing a soft thud as she did so.
"Cagalli! Stop pushing Mwu away! You're already weak…" Shiho suddenly appeared on her side, hoisting her up back on the bed. "You need the blood."
"Shiho, I told you, I won't drink human blood anymore!" She looked Shiho straight in the eyes. "Let me move, Shiho. I will hunt if I need to." Cagalli tried freeing herself from Shiho's hold. The brown haired girl's grip suddenly felt like strong steel cuffs, she groaned. She doesn't want to admit it but they're right, she's already too weak.
Mwu started to approach her again, waving a filled blood bag as he did so, "Cagalli, you need to drink this. Kira will have our head if you die!"
The smell of human blood was too intoxicating, Cagalli moaned loudly. She frowned and then hissed with much venom in her voice, "Don't you dare take one more step, Mwu!"
She smirked inwardly when the older man stopped. She was on the midst of relishing in her small moment of glory when another scent invaded her room, a scent that was all too familiar, the scent that she was craving for.
"Athrun…"
He was standing by her doorway, a determined look in his immaculate face. A cold shiver ran through Cagalli's spine. He wouldn't force her to drink his blood, right? He took a step forward, his determined emerald eyes focused on her surprised golden ones.
"Ah, there you are lad!" Mwu blocked her line of vision of Athrun, and she was thankful for she wouldn't last a minute longer under his intent gaze. She wiggled under Shiho's hold, trying to break free so she could run away.
"Don't even think about it, Cagalli." Shiho was smirking at her. Her eyes widened from realization, "Shiho, you…"
"It's already too late to hunt… You're too weak." Shiho shook her a bit for emphasis. "He's the best shot we have."
Cagalli frowned and closed her eyes dejectedly. "Shiho, I told you—"
"Cagalli…"
Cagalli's eyes snapped open while trying to suppress the tears that are threatening to fall. His voice, as well as his scent, started poking holes into her fortress-like system. Everything about him is intoxicating—his deep masculine voice, his glowing emerald eyes, his immaculate face, his warmth, his scent, his blood. Involuntarily, Cagalli looked up. She is now face to face with Athrun Zala, her intoxicating groom.
"Hey." He smiled softly, one of his hands found its way to her hair, running through it gently.
Cagalli groaned inwardly. She said, barely above a whisper, "Don't do this to me, Athrun… Go away…"
"How are you feeling?" He asked anxiously.
Cagalli frowned; Athrun just ignored her request! Damn it. She bent her head down, the tears fell effortlessly. Damn Shiho for bringing Athrun here. Damn Athrun for being so… so… worried.
She felt him sit beside her, the bed's foam dipping with his weight. Her eyes widened when a pale hand covered one of her clenched fist. She looked at Athrun, frowning disapprovingly as she did so. Her head turned forward when she heard Shiho clear her throat.
"Well, we'll leave you two alone. Let's go, Mwu." Shiho said while hauling Mwu with her. The door closed behind them with a soft click.
"Cagalli…" Cagalli felt him squeeze her hand. "It's my choice. Shiho didn't force me."
Cagalli tried to pull her hand away from Athrun's grasp. She groaned, she couldn't even outdo a mere human force. "Let go of me."
"No." He tightened his grasp on her hand.
Cagalli had enough. Mwu had been using his force on her, Shiho had been using her force on her, and now, Athrun is too. With all her might, she lashed her free hand aiming at Athrun's cheek, but it never landed. She groaned; even her speed is affected, just perfect! Athrun is now holding both her hands in a tight grip, as if he would never let go.
"Cagalli…"
Cagalli's eyes widened when Athrun's face started closing in, the distance between their faces lessening. She leaned back and regretted it afterwards when she found herself falling effortlessly onto the bed, towing a surprised Athrun with her. Cagalli gasped when Athrun's body collided onto her smaller frame. She groaned, "Ugh… Athrun, get off me. You're too heavy."
Athrun moved on top of her, Cagalli was groaning as he did. He let go of Cagalli's hands and used his hands to push himself up. Cagalli sighed when Athrun's weight was lifted off from her. She looked around and blushed crimson when she realized their current position—Athrun was straddling her hips and his lean arms were on both sides of her head. She looked up only to find Athrun looking back at her, his face flushed like hers.
"Brings back memories, don't you think?" Athrun stammered. And then his face flushed even more, "Do I have to kiss you too?"
Cagalli's eyes widened. What the hell is happening? Her eyes widened even more when she realized that Athrun's face was closing onto hers, his eyes focused on the lower half of her face. She stuttered rather breathlessly, "…W-what are you doing?"
He looked back at her, his eyes a bit hazy. He asked, "May I?"
Athrun's face was only a few inches away from hers, and in fact, Cagalli can already feel his breath fanning against her skin. Cagalli used her already limp hands to touch Athrun's face. She felt a wave of energy and warmth course though her fingertips while she caressed his soft, unblemished face. Athrun's head lowered more into hers as if demanding an answer to his earlier question. She met him halfway and closed the gap between them.
It was a simple, innocent kiss that lasted a few seconds. Cagalli whimpered when Athrun's lips left hers, but moaned gladly when Athrun crushed his lips onto hers once again. The kiss grew more fervent as both their lips parted open allowing desired entry. Both invaded the hot cavern of each other's mouths while dancing an unannounced battle of passion. Their hands were everywhere, caressing each other's faces, clutching each other's hair, roaming freely all over each other's bodies. It was in these wandering touches that Cagalli's hands settled on Athrun's slender neck. She felt the heat emanating from his skin, but most especially, she felt the throbbing of the arteries underneath the strong muscles. She pulled away from Athrun's kisses, groaning at the sudden loss of contact.
"A-Athrun…" Cagalli moaned as Athrun placed butterfly kisses across her jaw. Her hands found their way to his midnight blue hair, she yanked it rather harshly.
"Ah! Ouch!" Athrun rubbed his sore head with one of his hands, his other one supporting his body so he wouldn't crush Cagalli underneath him. "What was that for?" He asked a bit irritated. He looked at Cagalli underneath him, blushing like an overripe tomato as he did when he saw her flushed face, her swollen lips, and some red spots on her jaw. "Uh…"
"Get off me. I need to hunt." Cagalli pushed Athrun away, but it was useless, she is still too weak, weaker even after their sudden make out session. Why the hell did Athrun kiss her? She quickly dismissed the thought while trying to stop another wave of imminent blush from coming.
"Shiho said earlier that you were too weak to hunt." Athrun didn't move a bit, the haze from his eyes earlier changed into a more determined glint.
Cagalli's lips formed a tight line. "Shiho's lying." She looked at Athrun squarely in the eyes, and glowered fiercely, "Get off me."
Athrun lifted himself a bit, providing a small space between his and Cagalli's upper bodies. Cagalli's eyes narrowed dangerously, Athrun was ignoring her requests once again! With his free hand, he loosened his black tie, and took it off after he expertly disentangled the knot, throwing it aside.
"What are you doing?" Cagalli asked nervously.
He unfastened the first four buttons of his white dress shirt, "I'm helping you."
Cagalli realized what he said and her eyes widened, "Athrun… don't do this." She bit her lips, when Athrun smiled at her nonchalantly.
"But I want to." With that Athrun sat down and lifted Cagalli up, with much protest coming from the blonde haired girl. He placed Cagalli comfortably on his lap.
"You're treating me like a baby." Cagalli scowled as she tried pushing herself away from Athrun. Her attempts were, once again, fruitless since Athrun locked his arms around her waist. She groaned a warning, "Athrun…"
"Are you ready, Cagalli?" One of Athrun's hands went to the back of Cagalli's head. He pushed her head downwards, directing it towards his neck. Cagalli's head rested on his shoulders, near the arch made by his neck and collarbone, when he felt a hot liquid drench his skin, and he is sure that it's not his blood. He looked down at Cagalli and frowned when he saw her sobbing quietly on his shoulder. He wiped the tears that were falling and asked, "What's wrong?"
She opened her eyes, her golden irises glistening. More tears fell as she spoke, "Athrun, please. Don't do this—"
Athrun crushed his lips against hers. It was the only way to stop Cagalli's whining. It was his choice that he entered this room, it was his choice to not let Cagalli suffer, it was his choice to give his blood to her, it was his choice to follow his heart—and he sure as hell was enjoying it. A moan escaped Athrun's lips after the short kiss. He held Cagalli's head to his neck, "Just do it, Cagalli. It's perfectly fine."
Cagalli sighed softly. Here is Athrun, giving himself to her, and there she is, refusing him. I'm so pathetic. She ran her hands through Athrun's neck, feeling the strong cords of his muscles once again. She placed butterfly kisses along his neck, like what he was doing to hers. She moaned when Athrun's teeth made the briefest contact on her neck's sensitive flesh. She tried dismissing the surge of pleasure running through her body so she can focus on her mission. She ran her lips along the length of Athrun's neck, trying to find a good spot. She went lower and felt the wild thumping of his carotids against his flesh. She kissed the said spot and then pierced the flesh with her elongated fangs. She heard Athrun whimper, but continued with her work. A fresh stream of blood erupted from the pierced flesh, and Cagalli drank it hungrily. She felt the energy course through her body as the blood circulated in her own system. She felt her strength and her senses come back. She smiled inwardly.
When she felt that she already had her fill, she licked the pierced flesh and it closed slowly. She licked off the excess blood and stroked it afterwards. She rested her head on Athrun's shoulder again, for some reasons, she felt tired even after drinking. She looked up, Athrun eyes were closed and he was breathing evenly. "Athrun?"
Athrun's eyes opened, his brilliant emeralds peered tiredly on her own golden ones. He smiled softly, "Hmm?"
"Thank you."
With that, Cagalli pressed her lips to his and closed the gap between them.
End of Chapter Three
Author's Note: BLOODY HELL. Well, that's 14 pages right there, a first for me! I'm so proud! *sparkles* Anyways, I've been out for too long! I was meaning to post Chapter 3 months ago but I reformatted my laptop and I forgot to back up the said document. I lost everything I've written so I felt kinda felt pathetic for a few weeks. School work also piled up so I can't write much. I hope this uber long chapter would be enough to compensate for my sudden inactivity. And as always, lots of grammatical errors here and there which makes me want to commit harakiri. I'm in desperate need of a beta-reader!!! Please do review! It would make me much much much happier!
(Btw, do you think my attempt at erotic writing sucks? Does this fanfic deserve to have a lemon?)