Good Morning, My Groom!
Chapter Four: Like A Rollercoaster
"Hey, Cagalli?"
Cagalli diverted her attention from her half-eaten sandwich to her seatmate. She looked at him with inquiring eyes. "What is it, Athrun?"
"Uhm...ah..." Athrun fidgeted in his spot. To say that he was nervous was an understatement. He looked back at Cagalli and then turned red at the proximity of their faces. Cagalli's eyebrow rose impatiently, so Athrun stuttered whatever he had in mind with the best of his ability.
"A-are you free...uh... th-this Saturday?" Athrun bowed his head to hide his growing blush. He felt Cagalli leaving his personal space, he glanced at her sideways. She was now leaning at the backrest of the bench, sporting a cute pout on her pink lips. Athrun fought the urge to kiss her senseless and berated himself for the thought.
"I think I'm free. Why?"
Of all the times, she needed to be dense now! Someone probably hates me. Athrun groaned inwardly. It was his first time to do this and he badly needed the courage to do so. He gulped and in one single breath he said, "LETSGOOUTONSATURDAY!"
Athrun looked at Cagalli. She was just frozen on her spot, her mouth agape. She blinked and then blushed as red as a ripe tomato. "You mean like a...a...d-date?"
Athrun flushed and smiled sheepishly. He nodded, "I mean... it's alright if you don't want to. I'm not forcing you or anything..." A small frown etched its way on his lips. Amidst the sound of the ringing bell signaling the end of lunch hour, he heard Cagalli's soft chuckle and he looked up. Cagalli was already standing, stretching her arms upwards. She turned around and faced him with a beaming smile.
"I thought you'd never ask."
***
Cagalli looked at herself in the mirror and grunted. She tugged on her clothes and took it off then threw it on the growing pile of clothes on her bedroom floor. She stomped to her closet again and looked murderously at the remaining clothes in there. She groaned. It was her first date and her closet is not cooperating.
"Come on! There's got to be something in here!" She rummaged mercilessly through the drawers, eyeing each piece carefully then discarding it afterwards with an accompanying groan. After harassing each drawer, she turned onto the hanged clothes and started tugging every piece with such passion, "OH GOD. WHY IS EVERYTHING SO...SO... FRILLY?!" Cagalli groaned and fell into a heap on the carpeted floor. "Why the hell did I even allow Lacus to shop for me? This..." She eyed her humungous cabinet again, "This is hopeless." She sighed.
Cagalli was in the middle of sulking when she heard her door open. She looked up and saw Mana's motherly face.
"Oh, dear! What are you doing there on the floor, my lady?" Mana immediately went to her side and hauled her up. "And what happened here?" The older lady scanned her room. Cagalli's frown deepened when Mana looked at her squarely in the eyes.
"I..." Cagalli groaned as the blush crept through her puffed cheeks, "I can't find anything to wear."
"Oh!" Mana's hands found their way to her chest in surprise, and then smiled happily afterwards. "I see. Trying to impress Master Athrun, are you?"
Cagalli's eyes widened at Mana's thought, "N-NO, NO, NO! I-It's not like that!" She said defensively while waving her hands frantically in front of her flushed face.
"Aww. My little darling is growing up! Don't worry, I will help you with all my might!" Mana started to scan Cagalli's dresser while humming happily. "I'm sure you have something here..."
"I've looked in there two times already and I swear, I can't find anything decent, Mana." Cagalli huffed and then laid on her bed angrily. She sighed when she still saw Mana rummaging through the rack, "It's okay, Mana. I can wear a comfy shirt and jeans or something..."
"What do you mean "a comfy shirt and jeans"?! Master Athrun deserves something more than that!"
Cagalli cringed as Mana flared up but she can't help but agree. She has been burrowing through her closet for more than an hour trying to find something special to wear. Athrun deserves that much for their date at least, however, her closet was not helping. "I know, Mana, but—"
"AH, THERE YOU ARE!"
Cagalli immediately stood up from her bed and her eyes widened at the piece that Mana is currently holding. Her face broke into a smile and she said, "MANA! THAT'S PERFECT!"
***
I'm not that early, am I? Athrun Zala thought inwardly when he pulled up to the curb of the Attha Manor. He looked at his dashboard, 9:50, it read. Ten minutes earlier than the time he was supposed to pick Cagalli up. Well, it's better to be early than to be late.
He went to the front door and straightened his clothes. He also carefully rearranged the bright yellow tulips that he is going to give to Cagalli. I hope she likes them. He sighed.
He was about to press the door bell when the door opened.
"Good morning, Master Athrun!" Mana's warm smile greeted a slightly surprised Athrun.
He cleared his throat to hide his shock and then smiled back, "Good morning, Mrs. Mana."
"I-Is Cagalli ready?" Athrun managed to stutter while being led inside the house by Mana. The older woman looked back at him while walking on the long receiving hall of the Attha Manor, "I'm sorry but Lady Cagalli is not yet ready. She told me that you can wait by the living room if ever you arrive early."
Athrun was led into the grand living room of the manor and was given a tray of cookies and a cup of tea while waiting. He can't help but look around the huge hall. There was a huge window illuminating the whole room, there was a cosy-looking fire place by the wall, in front of it was an expensive chair set that was distinctly Rococo in style, there was a huge plush carpet on the floor, and there were lots of little things decorating the room such as colorful artistic trinkets. However, there was one piece inside the room that kept his eyes from wandering—a painting of a little blonde girl sitting on an older man's lap. The man was wearing a Victorian get-up, and the little girl was wearing a pink frilly dress, her hair adorned with an elegant pink head dress. Both the older man and the little girl were smiling, but they didn't look alike even a bit. The man has dark brown hair peppered with white strands signifying old age and also has dark brown eyes, and the little girl has blonde hair and golden eyes, and quite frankly, it reminded him of Cagalli. Thoughts about Cagalli suddenly flooded his mind and he can't help but blush and smile as his mind automatically reinforced some distinct memories.
Athrun found himself lying beside Cagalli after the fateful, blood-drinking incident. Cagalli's hands were bunched up on his white shirt while her sleeping head rested on his chest. Athrun smiled involuntarily, Cagalli had that effect on him at least. He chuckled silently at the thought. He yawned afterwards and decided to join Cagalli in the land of sleep.
Days after that have been more productive but confusing, in Athrun's opinion. During their daily lunches, there were these urges to kiss her when their faces meet, and he submitted to his urges. He was guilty for indulgence, yes he was, however, he can't help but smile in satisfaction whenever he pulls back and sees Cagalli—dazed and blushing.
Every night, Athrun berated himself for his actions but he couldn't help but do it again the next day. Every time that he is with Cagalli, he feels light-headed, he feels warm, he feels so alive that he could do anything. He actually arrived to a conclusion one night that he liked Cagalli more than a friend. He wanted to ask Dearka or Yzak about his current situation but he's more than sure that both of them would just tease him endlessly and will give a measly, unsignificant advice to his problem, so asking them is out of the question.
He, even though lacking in experience in such area of concern, decided that he should move a step forward. They have been kissing and sharing fond times, and Athrun can't be any happier, however he needs to clear something up. Today, Athrun decided that he will ask Cagalli to be his girlfriend. No more hiding. The thought produced a bigger smile on his already beaming face.
"What are you smiling about?"
Athrun's head turned to his side like a reflex when he heard Cagalli's voice. His face flushed partly because of the thoughts that were currently on his mind and partly because of the proximity of their faces. He cleared his throat and stuttered at the best as he could, "H-Hey Cagalli."
Cagalli's lifted brow returned back to its level position and then her face softened as she smiled back, "You're kind of early today."
Athrun's mind went blank when his eyes landed on Cagalli's angelic head—her soft blonde locks, her almond shaped eyes, her golden irises, her slightly red cheeks, her small nose, and her pink lips. She looks so beautiful and... and... so kissable—GAAAAH! Athrun found the carpet interesting and decided to focus on its intricate detail while trying to suppress his heartbeat.
While Athrun felt that he was calming down, his eyes wandered and it landed on Cagalli's sandal-clad feet. Cagalli's wearing sandals? I thought she was a sneakers and boots type of girl... Due to his growing curiosity, his eyes travelled upwards and saw Cagalli's slender legs in its naked glory. She's not wearing pants?! His minimal inference caught him off-guard and he unconsciously moved two steps back. God help me if Cagalli's wearing a short dress. I don't think my heart can't take it. With this, he looked up and found something that made his heart skip a beat.
"C-Ca-Cagalli...You...You're wearing a dress!" Athrun's face contorted in a horrified-amused sort of way that looked kind of offending when paired with his shaky hands pointing towards Cagalli's dress.
Cagalli's face turned red—partly because of embarrassment but mostly because of anger. How dare he look at me like that! Didn't he appreciate the effort I put into...into wearing this dress?! Her lips formed a tight line and said gravely, "EXCUSE ME FOR A MINUTE, MR. ZALA. I'M GONNA GO CHANGE."
Cagalli was on the middle of pushing the double doors of the living room when she felt a slight tug on her bare arms.
"DON'T! Don't do that... don't change." Those words were stuttered in between pants by a very familiar voice that made Cagalli's heart beat faster. He ran?
The faint hold on Cagalli's arm loosened and then, amidst the subtle huffs of air, she heard the distinct clack of shoes against the marble floors—he took a step forward. She sighed. Fine. So he did notice it after all. Cagalli smiled inwardly. Stop being paranoid, Cagalli. You're doing this for him. Cagalli mentally reminded herself. Yes. It's all for him. For Athrun. With this, she turned around and found a red-faced Athrun, a bit sweaty too because of the sudden physical exertion.
"I never thought running after a vampire would be so exhausting." He chuckled in between huffs while her face twisted into concern and guilt when she heard Athrun's heart rate.
"Don't do that again," they said in unison. Athrun's chuckles became louder while Cagalli's face broke into a grin.
Athrun cleared his throat and repeated what he said earlier, "Don't change, Cagalli."
Cagalli smirked, "You looked so horrified when you saw me, I thought you didn't like it."
"...I... Well, I...uh..."
"Yes, Athrun?"
"I..." Athrun's face turned red, Cagalli thought he looked quite cute, "...I was just, uh, surprised. I never expected you'd wear something like this...um...you look so beautiful."
"Oh..." Cagalli gasped faintly when she heard Athrun's words. She flushed, even more than Athrun. "Th-Thanks..." She smiled genuinely. Her efforts have not been fruitless!
"These are for you." Athrun handed Cagalli the bouquet of yellow tulips and she accepted it with a smile. "Thank you..."
Cagalli sniffed the tulips and couldn't help but smile wider. Even though receiving flowers from anonymous people through her locker has been a daily thing in which she has been sick of, for some reasons, she couldn't help but accept Athrun's offering. Athrun's tulips are different... way different. She gave Athrun one of her megawatt smiles and asked him, "Shall we go then?"
***
After a few minutes, Cagalli found herself strapped on the passenger seat of Athrun's car, looking interestingly on the surroundings that they kept passing through. She actually didn't have any idea where Athrun's taking her—they didn't exactly talk about the details of their date. After a few more seconds of thinking, she finally asked Athrun, "Where are we going anyways?"
"Um... Zeta Theme Park..." Cagalli's eyes widened, Athrun panicked, "If you don't like it then, uh, we can watch the movies—"
"ZETA THEME PARK?! You mean the new theme park opening today?!" Cagalli bellowed excitedly, her smile reached her ears if possible.
"Yeah. That's it." Athrun smiled, "I got two free tickets. Is that okay?"
Cagalli can only nod with her sudden luck. She tried calling the ticketing office of the said theme park last week but unfortunately, because of its long-awaited reveal, all 8000 opening tickets were sold out. She also asked Yzak if he's got any free tickets, since Shiho told her that he was friends with the owner, but unfortunately, he only got two and the other one is for Shiho. And now, here is Athrun, coming to her like a knight in shining armour, carrying tickets to happiness that is Zeta Theme Park. Cagalli couldn't be any happier.
"AWESOME!"
***
As soon as they step foot on Zeta Theme Park, Cagalli dragged him to the rides, fighting through the sea of people also with the same intent. Athrun could only helplessly follow and listen while Cagalli chattered with child-like excitement. He sighed; maybe going to a theme park for a date was a bad idea. He can't voice out whatever he really wanted to say since by the time he had the will to say it, Cagalli would drag him to another ride or to another booth. He sighed again; he will resign to his fate for now, but lunch time would be his time. He finally smiled.
***
They were on their way to another wild ride that Cagalli chose when they heard something grumble. They stopped walking then Athrun looked at Cagalli. She was clutching her stomach through the thin fabric of her dress; she was also blushing while she gawked at her offending stomach. Athrun smiled amusedly at her when she looked up embarrassingly at him. She chuckled nervously.
"Let's go have lunch." Athrun grinned and held Cagalli's hand. It was finally his time to do his thing and he won't let Cagalli rule it out of him again.
They walked for a few minutes in circles, looking for a not so full restaurant. Everywhere they went, people were either waiting in lines outside the restaurant for their turn inside or there would be a sign outside the restaurant saying "Full House".
"Ah! I'm so tired and hungry!" Cagalli moaned as she sat down on a bench, and as if on cue, her stomach grumbled. She sighed. Though there are so many restaurants around, Zeta Theme Park is so big that they are scattered all around, and truthfully, her feet are killing her. Why did she wear sandals anyways? Oh yeah, right. Mana did not allow her to wear her sneakers with her dress. She sighed again.
"Hey, Athrun." She looked at the person beside her only to be surprised that he is gone. She stood up and looked around the throng of people surrounding her, scanning the huge variation of heads for blue hair, "What the hell... where did he go?"
Cagalli walked a bit, trying carefully not to put more pressure on her strained feet. There were lots of people inside the theme park and even standing on a particular spot made her feel dizzy as she was engulfed by a mass of colors. Once again, her stomach grumbled. She grimaced at her luck, hungry and lost in a huge theme park. Athrun, where are you?
"CAGALLI!" A sturdy hand found its way to her bare shoulder, and then she whipped her head back automatically, regretting it afterwards because she did it so fast that it induced a sudden dizzying spell. She lost her footing and was about to fall butt-first toward the cobblestone if not for the strong arms that wrapped around her shoulders.
"Oh, hey... Sorry about that." Cagalli looked up and saw Athrun's concerned face. She blushed. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine... just a bit dizzy, that's all. No biggie." She tried reassuring Athrun by smiling and steadying herself. She also tried suppressing the stupid blush that invaded her cheeks.
Athrun sighed. "I'm sorry, I lost you." He gently nudged Cagalli and they started walking to the bench that Cagalli previously occupied. "I thought you were still holding on to me. I got caught up with a food stand somewhere here."
"It's okay. I thought I lost you too." Cagalli chuckled nervously. It finally dawned on her that she lost herself. It was her fault that she let go of her hold on Athrun to soothe her sore legs. The incident was ironic that it was almost funny.
They both sat down on the bench and Cagalli noticed an item on Athrun's grasp. He waved a brown paper bag in front of Cagalli, "Lunch."
"Really?!" Cagalli looked at Athrun with wide, happy eyes. Her hunger would be satiated at last!
"Yeah... the food stand earlier was selling some delicious-looking burgers, and they're quite huge so I bought a couple of their best sellers and drinks too." Athrun smiled and opened the paper bag. Soon after, they were indulging on their simple but hearty lunch.
***
After a few minutes of munching, talking and laughing, Athrun and Cagalli found themselves eating the last pieces of their lunch and resting their full stomachs.
Cagalli sipped on her drink and smiled afterwards, "That's one of the best lunches I've ever had so far!" She patted her slightly bulging stomach for added emphasis, "I'm so full I can go around Zeta Theme Park three times!"
Athrun chuckled, "We can do that a bit later...let's rest first." He and Cagalli have been going around the theme park for about four hours, going on rides, and in fact, it is really exhausting. But his tiredness aside, he had other things to do. It is his time now.
"Cagalli..."
"Yes?"
"I... uh..." Athrun swallowed, he can do this, he reassured himself. "It's almost a month since we first met, and I thought—"
"ATHRUN!"
The voice interrupted Athrun's supposed confession of sorts. His hands balled into fists when he saw Dearka and Nicol walking up to them, with the former waving like an excited monkey. I swear I'm gonna kill him... Damn it, Dearka!
"Aww, man! You actually came at the opening, with a beautiful girl too!" Dearka slapped him on his back, while he remained unmoving. He glared at Dearka and greeted him with suppressed rage, "It's very nice to meet you here too, Dearka."
"Hi there, miss! I'm Dearka Elthsman! I own Zeta Theme Park! Nice to meet you!" Dearka turned her attention to the girl beside Athrun and introduced himself albeit braggingly. Nevertheless, Cagalli's eyes widened with excitement as she took his hand and shook it. "Oh my God... No way!"
"Yes way!" Dearka huffed proudly. "What's your name?"'
"Oh, I'm sorry." She chuckled, "I'm Cagalli Yula Attha!"
"Attha?! You mean the girl that most of the boys in our division are all crazy about?!"
Cagalli could only chuckle nervously on Dearka's comment. She doesn't know what to say. Of course, she knew what Dearka was talking about seeing that her locker is always full with letters, flowers, and other gifts of admiration, the most portion hailing from the boy's division, however, she can't help but deny it, "M-maybe you're mistaking me for another person, Dearka..."
"I'm sure it's you!" Dearka insisted and leaned forward therefore invading Cagalli's personal space.
"Hmm. Come to think of it, she does look like the one on the pictures I've seen being sold around the division." The green-haired teen said thoughfully. Cagalli threw him an incredulous look, her face all flustered. "Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to introduce myself." He smiled, "I'm Nicol Amalfi, one of Athrun's friends. I also study at Orb International."
Cagalli also shook his hands. He seems a lot nicer than Dearka at first glance. "Nice to meet you, Nicol."
"So, Cagalli, being one of the hottest commodities at Orb International, why'd you hang out with our little, goody shoes Athrun here?" Dearka asked teasingly. Athrun groaned inwardly.
"Excuse me!" Athrun and Cagalli hollered at unison. Dearka looked a bit scared. Nicol laughed amusedly at the situation.
"Commodity?! You think of me of some sort of... product?! Is that it?!"
"I asked her out Dearka and she agreed! At least I know that women aren't scared of me!"
The couple seethed helplessly at poor Dearka who was already hiding behind an amused Nicol. Dearka looked like he was about to cry. Nicol decided to put an end to the cat fight, "Come on, guys, stop it. People are already looking."
"Fine." The couple huffed at the same time, but still glowered at Dearka.
"Okay, fine, fine." Dearka stepped out of Nicol's back, "Geez... I'm sorry. I was just... lightening up the mood."
"...Lightening up the mood?" Athrun asked grimly.
Dearka nodded, "Yeah, totally. You two looked so serious a while ago so..." He scratched his turned head, avoiding the couple's deadly glares.
"Everything was fine until you came." I was about to confess to her, damn it! Athrun added mentally. He sighed afterwards, "As if I can do anything about it now."
"Aww, come on Athrun I said sorry!" A puppy-faced Dearka proceeded to sit down between him and Cagalli. Athrun groaned inwardly. Dearka is blowing up our date. I think a killing spree is really due soon. He is a person of great patience, however, what Dearka did earlier was something unforgivable. He started counting one to ten.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven.
"Come on Athrun, just, ugh... forgive him." Cagalli said thoughtfully. "He just wanted to drop by anyways. Right, Dearka?"
Athrun sighed, "I forgive you..." he glared at Dearka afterwards, "But don't get the idea that you can do that to me again."
"Thanks, man! Thanks, Cagalli!" Dearka, in between the couple, wound his tanned arms around the span of their shoulders and gave them both a half-hug of sorts. Both didn't like it but decided to let it pass.
"So, where are you guys heading to next?" Nicol asked Athrun and Cagalli.
"I don't know. We just finished lunch." Athrun said however Cagalli decided to voice something out. "Well, we covered most of the awesome rides anyways, and I'm a bit tired already..."
Athrun threw a concerned look at Cagalli, however, the latter smiled reassuringly at the former as if saying that she's okay.
"Oh, I know!" Dearka perked up, "Come with us to the ferris wheel!"
"Ferris wheel? Don't you think were a bit old for that?" Cagalli asked frankly.
Dearka's eyes widened in feigned shock, "Didn't you know that Zeta's ferries wheel is currently the largest in the world? And, the view is one of the most spectacular things you will see!"
Athrun and Cagalli seemed a bit encouraged as they listened to Dearka's blabber. Nicol smiled and added, "Besides, Yzak and his girlfriend are already waiting for us there."
***
Nicol and Dearka were leading the way to the ferris wheel while Athrun and Cagalli followed a few steps back. From the moment the name of Yzak was said, Cagalli became a bit more fidgety as Athrun observed. They didn't have a past relationship, right? Athrun became nervous at the thought. Yzak and Cagalli... no, it's not possible. It's like putting two active volcanoes in one island. Ugh...
Athrun tried clearing his mind of his previous thoughts and diverted his attention back to Cagalli.
"Cagalli... Are you okay?"
She looked up at him, and nodded albeit reluctantly, "Uh, yeah... I'm fine."
He sighed, Cagalli was distracted. The reason, he didn't know. However, he will know, hopefully soon, as they approached the massive ferris wheel in front of them.
"HEY, MAMA'S BOY! WE'RE HERE!" Dearka, once again, waved like an excited monkey as he approached the white-haired figure near the base of the ride while dragging poor Nicol with him. Athrun held Cagalli's hand and squeezed it reassuringly as they walked followed.
***
Awkward and confused, that was what Athrun felt as soon as he saw Yzak's girlfriend. He trusted his clear memory of this girl—long brown hair, piercing brown eyes, super strength, vampire, Cagalli's friend—Shiho. He gulped. She's Yzak's girlfriend? Oh my God...
"Hey, Cagalli!" Shiho patted Cagalli on the head, smiling as she did so.
Cagalli beamed back, "Fancy meeting you here with Yzak..."
Does Yzak know that Shiho's a vampire?... Athrun looked at his white-haired friend that is currently bickering with Dearka.
"Hey, Athrun! How are you?" Shiho asked Athrun amiably while throwing him a knowing look.
"Ah... I'm fine, Shiho." He answered automatically. "I... I didn't know you're Yzak's girlfriend." He weighed his words carefully and tried blocking out the vampire thoughts for now, "It's nice to finally meet you." He gave her a smile, a nervous one nonetheless.
Shiho took a step forward towards him and asked him quietly, "You're feeding Cagalli properly, right?"
Suddenly, all vampire-related thoughts concerning Yzak and Shiho's relationship, as well as his and Cagalli's, started flooding back in his mind because of Shiho's pun. He gulped and nodded.
"Good." Shiho took a step back. Athrun sighed in relief.
"Shiho! Stop bullying him!" Cagalli berated Shiho's actions. She didn't want to put Athrun in more pressure than he is now. He probably didn't know that Yzak is also a vampire.
"I'm just reminding him, Cagalli." Shiho smiled harmlessly. Cagalli sighed and smiled back.
"HEY GUYS, COME OVER HERE! WE'RE RIDING THE NEXT GONDOLA!" Dearka hollered animatedly from afar. Nicol was trying to calm Dearka a bit, while Yzak was approaching them, shaking his head in disapproval towards the tan boy's actions.
"Can you please move your asses there already? Not for Dearka, but for the sake of Nicol's dignity?" Yzak fumed at them.
"Wow, that's very nice of you, Yzak." Shiho intertwined her fingers with Yzak's and leaned her head to his shoulder a bit. "Shut up, woman!"
Yzak dragged Shiho to the place where Dearka and Nicol were waiting, and Cagalli followed them but stopped mid step when he noticed that Athrun wasn't following.
"Athrun, aren't you coming?" Cagalli asked.
Athrun blinked. It seems that he had spaced out yet again due to too much thinking. "...Yeah..." He answered blandly.
Within a fraction of a second, he found Cagalli beside him, peering curiously at him. "If it's about Yzak and Shiho..."
He looked at her with surprised eyes as if he had been caught red-handed. "I'm just... uh... curious. Does Yzak know?" He asked with inquiring eyes. He was hoping that Cagalli can answer his question.
Cagalli smiled, however there was a hint of sadness in her eyes that went unnoticed by Athrun, "I think you should ask Yzak or Shiho about that."
"B-but Cagalli..." Athrun frowned. He didn't want to ask Yzak and he especially didn't want to ask Shiho either. That girl can wring my neck in no time. He shuddered involuntarily.
"Just... just drop it, Athrun." She smiled and grasped his jacket's sleeve, "Come on! If your brilliant mind forgot, we're currently having a date."
With this, all thoughts about Yzak and Shiho flew out of Athrun's mind. Yes, they're currently on their date. He remembered his mission, to confess to Cagalli. He smiled as another plan clicked in his brain and allowed himself to be dragged by a cheery Cagalli to the majestic ferris wheel a few meters away.
***
Athrun's eyebrow twitched in irritation. Why the hell are we all in the same gondola? He looked at Dearka and then glared when he saw him being all cozy with Cagalli. She was busy ogling the fantastic view from the clear gondola case while Dearka chattered endlessly about himself. Damn it, Dearka. He was standing beside Nicol while the latter admired the surroundings, Yzak and Shiho were near them, and surprisingly, Yzak was holding Shiho in the process, being the lovey-dovey couple they can be, while Dearka and Cagalli were on the other side, across of him. He hated the view.
"You know Athrun, just take Cagalli away from Dearka and all will be well." Nicol's gentle voice flooded his murderous thoughts. His green-haired friend looked at him amusedly. He smiled in realization, "Maybe you're right. Thanks, Nicol."
Nicol smiled back and concentrated back to the view, "You're welcome... and good luck."
In a few hurried strides, Athrun was standing besides Cagalli. She seemed to notice him and said hi. Dearka's babble stopped, it seemed that he had noticed him too. He threw a knowing glance at him and smirked, "Well, I think my best buddy Yzak misses me. Excuse me, Cagalli, Athrun."
Athrun and Cagalli both nodded. Athrun sighed inwardly. Great! At least Dearka has an ounce of self-preservation left... he's being cooperative.
"So..." Athrun gulped, he didn't know how to start. Sure, he had the plan made up in his mind, however, he didn't know how to start. He asked her a rather mundane question "Where do you want to ride next?"
"Mmm..." Cagalli sported a humble pout while thinking. So... cute... Athrun leaned a bit forward but caught himself when Cagalli perked up, "Oh, I know! Let's ride the roller coaster again!"
She looked at him excitedly but blushed afterwards when she noticed the proximity of their faces. Athrun blushed too. Both looked away the same time.
Even though stuck in an awkward situation, Athrun thought that this would be an appropriate time to do his mission. He can do this; he just needed to blurt out the words he has been dying to say since lunch time. Athrun took a deep breath. "Cagalli..."
"Yes, Athrun?" Cagalli looked at him although a bit shyly.
"Well, uh... you see... I..." Athrun gulped. Cagalli was too close, looking at him with those tawny eyes of hers. He felt pressured all of a sudden. "It's been a month since... since we met and, uh... I think..." He averted his eyes from Cagalli's stare. He can't breathe. I think I'm developing asthma. Ugh. Come on, Athrun. A little bit more. He looked back at Cagalli. Her eyes were full of anticipation and her cheeks were tinged with a redder hue. She looks so beautiful. He swallowed inwardly and took a deep breath.
"Wh-what I want to say is that I... I really like—"
An abrupt shake stopped Athrun's words. He couldn't believe it. The clear door of the gondola opened and their companions—Dearka, Nicol, Yzak and Shiho—started walking towards the exit. Damn it... He frowned. He looked at Cagalli, she was looking at the exit, eyes widening. She looked back at him, a glint of disappointment in her eyes. She tried to smile, "Let's go, Athrun."
***
Athrun could not believe that his confess-to-Cagalli-at-the-ferris-wheel-ride plan failed. By the time they exited the gondola, Athrun just wanted the ground to swallow him whole. He wanted to cry. Only a few more words and I should have done it! Argh! He remembered Cagalli's face. He was sure he saw disappointment in her eyes. He grimaced at the mental picture that his brain produced.
He looked at Cagalli now. She was a few paces ahead of him, chattering with Nicol about the view from the gondola. Athrun was taken aback when she looked back at him, her ochre eyes penetrating his own emerald ones with an unknown question. He smiled back weakly and with a few steps, he was beside Cagalli.
"How did you find the ferris wheel ride, Athrun?" Nicol asked him thoughtfully as soon as he came into view.
Athrun badly wanted to scream all his pent up frustration with regards to the said ride and his failed plan, but of course, he answered the question politely with a smile. "It was okay. I liked the view very much."
A comfortable silence grew between the three of them while they followed the bickering Yzak and Dearka and an amused Shiho. Athrun threw short glances at Cagalli while they walked. He sighed. At least he's the only one awkward with the situation.
"Oh, hey look! It's a vending machine!" Cagalli suddenly twittered, pointing towards a colorful rectangular contraption a few meters away. With this, Athrun perked up and smiled involuntarily. It's nice to hear her voice again...
"I'm gonna get us some drinks. Do you want anything?" She asked Nicol and Athrun.
"No, I'm still fine." Nicol said politely.
Athrun nodded, "I'm coming with you."
"Okay... I'm gonna ask Shiho and the others." Cagalli caught up with the trio in front and asked them the same questions. Dearka and Shiho nodded, while Yzak just scowled at her.
"Let's go, Athrun. They said they'll wait by the bench over there." She pointed to the unoccupied bench where Dearka was running frantically to.
***
"Woaaaah! It has my favourite soda!" Cagalli chirped excitedly as she ogled the colorful machine in front of her. Athrun chuckled at Cagalli. She looked so cute... almost like a child.
She dropped some coins by the coin slot and she punched in her drink. After a faint whirring sound, an audible pop was heard. Cagalli excitedly bent down towards the slot and retrieved a can of root beer. She turned around and beamed at Athrun, "Your turn, Ath—"
Her mouth hung open. She can't believe what's in front of her.
Athrun was hugging a girl while the girl showered him with kisses.
***
"...Meyrin?"
"Athrun! Oh my gosh!" The red-haired girl named Meyrin threw her arms around Athrun and jumped up and down excitedly. Athrun just had to put his arms on Meyrin's sides to support both of them or else they might fall, and falling on the floor, in a public place no less, is very, very embarrassing. When Meyrin stopped her movements, she held Athrun by his face and kissed him on both cheeks.
Athrun didn't know what struck him a few seconds earlier. He suddenly found himself in the arms of a very excited redhead which he then discovered as Meyrin, a very close childhood friend of his. It has been years since he last saw Meyrin but they still kept in touch through e-mail and their parents.
"I can't believe I'll see you here of all places, Athrun!" Meyrin said with the familiar pitch he missed.
"Yeah. I can't believe it too, Meyrin. Why are you here anyways? Taking a vacation perhaps?" Athrun was all smiles. He missed her so much.
"Kind of. My parents and I were scouting for some high schools along the way. I'm getting tired of being home schooled, you know." She said with a pout. "Also, Dearka sent me some tickets here so I decided to drop by."
"Ah, I see." He nodded in understanding. "But seriously, Meyrin. I'm so happy to see you."
"Me too, Athrun, me too!" Meyrin chirped happily. "Let's have dinner together, Athrun! I missed you so much!"
"Ah..." Athrun suddenly felt that he forgot something very, very important. A split second passed by and he felt as if someone threw a bucket of ice-cold water onto his entire being. CAGALLI!
His eyes widened as he turned around.
A brown liquid was leaking out of an open soda can, staining the cobblestone beneath it.
Cagalli...
***
Cagalli ran to the nearest transport station, while tears blurred her vision. No, I won't cry, damn it! She wiped the tears that fell on her face. Who was that girl anyway?... Who was that, Athrun?
She didn't want to admit it but all the signs lead to the despised word. She was jealous. She was also angry. She clenched her fist as Zeta Theme Park disappeared from her view from the cab window.
As soon as that girl came into her view, her breathing hitched, her heart suddenly raged—pounding relentlessly against her chest, and worst of all, her fangs unexpectedly grew out. There was a sudden rush of adrenalin that pumped up her fury. She felt threatened and she didn't know why.
Inhale, exhale... Inhale, exhale.... Inhale, exhale...
Her cell phone vibrated in sync with her breathing. She looked at the screen and grimaced at the display.
Athrun calling...
***
After five minutes of calling Cagalli's cell phone, Athrun almost lost it. Why doesn't she answer her phone?! What if she's missing... or worse, kidnapped! Oh no...
"Guys! She's not answering her cell phone!" Athrun said despairingly.
"I tried calling their manor but no one's answering..." Shiho said anxiously. What's happening, Cagalli?... She was worried too. "I'll try again later."
"Calm down, Athrun... Maybe she just went to the comfort room." Meyrin placed her hand reassuringly on Athrun's shoulder. "She'll come back, eventually."
Meyrin's assumption was highly probable, however, there was a nagging feeling that gnawed Athrun's mind. Cagalli might have run off after seeing him and Meyrin together. He frowned at the thought. Hopefully not.
A sudden vibration jolted him out of his thoughts. He received a message. FROM CAGALLI! He hit the open button frantically and read the contents.
I'm very sorry. An emergency came up at the manor, I had to go home.
Thank you very much for the date, Athrun.
Good night.
***
Cagalli didn't want to end the day like that with a cold-hearted lie, but she did as soon as she hit the send button. I hope he stops calling me now...
She sighed. She looked outside the window, it was already dusk. She also noticed that they were nearing the manor. She stopped crying a few minutes ago, however, she still wiped her face clean. She also rearranged her dishevelled hair.
The gate of the Attha Manor opened up, allowing the cab to enter the estate. The cab pulled up by the front porch of the mansion and Cagalli got out. For some reasons, she stood there until she made sure that the cab was completely out of the gates.
She turned around and trudged towards the door. She was about to open it but she froze in her position when she came face to face with the flaring violet orbs of her twin brother.
"Kira..."
End of Chapter Four
Author's Note: Athrun and Cagalli are both a bit OOC here, I'm sorry but I just had to do it. I'm sorry for the late update, dear readers. I hope this chapter is enough to compensate for my inactivity. Anyways, trouble appears! There's bound to be a conflict somewhere, right? Please tell me what you think! Reviews are greatly appreciated! :D