CHAPTER 7
The four returned to the Athha mansion after dusk.
"So how was your day?" Dearka asked, grinning
"Go to hell" Yzak said as he passed him, he trudged along to his room
"What's his problem?"
"Besides being chased by crazy fan girls and losing to me in an argument, Oh I don't know" Shiho said sarcastically, smiling back.
"So Athrun, how was the fan girls?" he asked as they all made themselves comfortable in the sofa set.
"Annoying as ever. I have one in PLANT, another here. Do they not know how hard it is to run?" he played along
"My, my Athrun, I guess you also receive tons of fan mail and even have stalkers." Cagalli mocked
"You have no idea." He grinned as he winked at her.
"Anyway, how did you out run the fans?" Cagalli asked Dearka and Miriallia
"Well…uh…Dearka…you tell." She nudged him
"I confessed my love in front of all of them!!!" he kneeled in front of Miriallia
"Dearka! Stop it."
"Oh, so that happened. Why didn't Yzak and Shiho do that?"
"Actually they did, they kissed but no one believes them…" Kira laughed
"Oh…"
Shiho was walking upstairs towards her room, when she felt a pair of hands hold her from behind. His hand slithered to her neck while the other one to her waist. She felt trapped, nobody ever dared to touch her. She froze when he started holding her passionately. She was about to defend herself when she felt a tip of a knife poke her from behind.
"Don't even think about it." He whispered huskily. "I've been watching you, Shiho-san. I was so happy when you first came and smiled at me. But this morning, you didn't even smile at me, when we bumped into each other."
"Wha…what are you…talking about?" she stammered.
"Shiho-san I love you, yet you always stay with that despicable Jule."
Shiho was freaking out, he sounded so much like a stalker. She was used to defend herself, yet she was never caught this way.
"I'm sorry…please let go and we can talk about this calmly, please put down the knife" she said slowly trying to take charge
"No, this is the only time I can have you." He kissed her neck, causing her hairs to stand. "Come now."
Yzak was on his way down when he heard the conversation.
"Don't even think about it. I've been watching you, Shiho-san. I was so happy when you first came and smiled at me. But this morning, you didn't even smile at me, when we bumped into each other."
'Wha…what are you…talking about?' he could hear her stutter out. 'Why do you smile at stranger anyway?'
"Shiho-san I love you, yet you always stay with that despicable Jule."
'Despicable? I don't like you.' Yzak thought
He could feel Shiho freak out. 'It was only a matter of time that she would take charge' he thought. He decided to listen more but let her handle her own things.
"I'm sorry…please let go and we can talk about this calmly, please put down the knife."
Yzak panicked, 'he has a knife? Shiho left her gun under her pillow today, Damn!' This was the time he decided to intervene and take charge when he saw him holding Shiho with a knife at her back and he said "No, this is the only time I can have you." He kissed her neck, "Come now."
Yzak felt himself boil. He stomped behind him and slapped his hand causing him to drop the knife. Yzak took him by the shoulder and turned him around to meet his fist. He pushed Shiho behind him and he punched the guy again until he fell down the stairs.
Shiho gripped his arm, she was frightened of course. The guy tried to take advantage of her. She could feel tears blinding her vision. 'I can't cry, I'm not a sissy' she tried her best to hold back, yet she was shaking. She's been to war, battle…yet this one was something she has never experienced, it scared the hell out of her.
Yzak could feel her fright. He turned around to hug her, "It's alright, Shiho, I'm here." He whispered as he stroked her hair.
Shiho couldn't hold it in any longer. She cried on his chest. She felt safe with him.
The guys in the living room heard a rumble. They rushed to see what was happening. They saw a passed out staff at the foot of the stairs, Yzak and Shiho were on top of the stairs.
"What happened here?" Cagalli asked bewildered to see Shiho actually crying. She knew Shiho would not cry for small things.
Yzak looked at her and shook his head, smiling a little to assure them that everything was fine. 'talk to you, later' he mouthed.
They nodded as Yzak took Shiho back to the room. They saw the man stirring, he mumbled, "Shiho-san, I love you. I know all about you. I just wanna have kids with you." They heard this and they understood what had happened. Dearka knocked him out again.
"That felt great! Wanna try?" he asked Athrun and Cagalli
"I wanna do that!" Cagalli answered as she kicked his unconscious body, "You are so fired." She said.
Yzak made Shiho sit down on the bed, he kneeled in front of her, "You okay?" he asked concerned as he brushed aside her bangs which fell back to the same place.
She nodded, not wanting to look at him. Afraid that when she looks at him she would cry again
"I'll let you change first." He said getting up to leave the room. Her hand shot out, not wanting him to leave
"Don't, please…stay…" her voice quivered.
He stayed beside her, until she spoke up, "I'm fine now, thank you Yzak." She took a deep breath.
"I freaked it was the first time someone did that to me," she opened up, "I cried, I'm so stupid!" she hit her head with her hands. Yzak stopped her with just a small touch.
"I'm sorry for worrying you, I'm stupid, I know. I'm such a burden, not only to you but to everyone. I'm an ass." She said
Yzak felt his blood boil. He whirled her around and pushed her to the bed, looking deep into her eyes with him hovering over her.
"Yzak…what…" she looked shock
"How could you say that?!" he demanded
"What?" she was really confused, her face flushing. She wanted to look elsewhere but with their position, Yzak demanded her full attention.
"How could you say that?! It was alright for you to cry, he tried to take advantage of you! Even the toughest girl would cry!" he shouted.
"It was just…"
"You think you're a burden to me? Let me tell you, I wouldn't have married you if I thought you WERE a burden." He stared at her eyes, "You have no idea what you do to me." He said softly as he buried his head on her neck. "I was worried for you, Damn it!"
"Yzak…"
He hugged her tight as he kissed her jaw slowly making his way to her mouth. When she felt his lips on hers, she couldn't help but respond to him. His hands roamed around the curves of her body. Her arms made their way to his neck. They rolled around on the bed. In the end, Yzak was still on top.
Yzak looked up to see her, disheveled. She glanced away as she blushed bright red. He turned her face to face him again.
"I want you." He said simple as that.
Shiho's eyes widened in shock. She focused her eyes on his neck to avoid him looking at his eyes. Yzak smiled at her reaction. He lifted up her chin and claimed her lips in a sweet lingering kiss.
She moaned in their kiss, he smiled at her reaction. Obviously she was new to this.
"What do you think they are doing?" Athrun asked as all of them were in front of Yzak and Shiho's room
"Too bad the room is soundproof. Is all the room soundproof here?" Dearka asked Cagalli
"Yes, now get your head out of the gutter. Let's all retire for the night, let's ask them tomorrow. And then you can get the juicy details personally from Yzak." Cagalli said as she started walking off.
"Aww…" Dearka sighed. 'Guess I really have to wait till tomorrow.'
'Warm, heat, body heat', she awoke with a start. She was lying on Yzak's chest as his arm around her shoulder. Yzak was awake, he was looking at down at Shiho.
"Morning." He said as he leaned down to kiss her. Shiho kept her mouth shut as she flushed from head to toe. What she didn't notice was that Yzak was also blushing. She buried her head in his chest. She drew lazy circles in his chest. When she realized what she was doing, she leaned back on her pillow, blushing furiously. As his blush faded, he felt a smile tug his mouth. 'She was so predictable. She's easy to make fun of.' He thought as he smirked
He got on top of Shiho, "Yzak! What are you doing?" Shiho said alarmed
"Now you're talking," he said as he claimed her lips in a kiss again, pressing their bodies together. Like what they did yester night, she moaned in the kiss, making Yzak smile in their kiss. They pulled back for air.
"Yzak…" she gasped out.
"What?" he was in the mood to make fun of Shiho.
"It's just…" she said uncomfortable
"What? Can't hear you…" he teased
"Stop this okay? I'm…"
"What is it, Shiho?" she whispered something in his ear
"What? I can't hear you. Speak louder."
"I'm still SORE okay?!" she shouted in his ear.
"You could have just said that…" he said smirked again, slightly red.
Shiho glanced away, her cheeks obviously red.
They heard a click from the room door. They both sat up straight
"Stay," Yzak said as he wore his boxers and pants, just to check who was there.
Yzak walked out of their bedroom, to see Dearka. "What are you doing here?" Yzak demanded
"I forgot some stuff…just finished taking a bath? Put some shirt on will ya?" Dearka walked to the bedroom
"Don't!" Yzak shouted but too late
Dearka was frozen at the door, in the bedroom, he could see Shiho sitting on the bed, only in a sheet.
"Oh."
Shiho's eyes narrowed "What 'Oh'?" she got her gun from under her pillow and cocked it.
"Get ready to run, Dearka." She aimed her gun at him and started shooting.
Dearka ran out of the bedroom, passed Yzak on the way gave him a thumbs-up. Running out the door and slamming door after him.
Yzak returned to the room, "…sorry…"
"Its fine, I guess…" she stood up and made her way to the bathroom with the sheets around her.
Yzak went to her, and snaked his arms around her
"Yzak…?"
""Let's start all over, Morning." he greeted as he pecked her in the cheek.
"Morning"
"What happened?" Cagalli asked the others as they heard shots.
"It came from Yzak and Shiho's room. It was quite loud, I thought the rooms are soundproof?" Sai asked
"It is if all openings are closed but the soundproof doesn't work when a window or a door is opened." Kira explained
A few minutes later, Dearka ran to the room, panting hard.
"What happened?"
"I…uh…saw something, I shouldn't have…" he said looking sheepishly
"What is it?"
"You really want to know?" he asked the people around
"We wouldn't be asking if we weren't interested."
"Okay…saw Yzak and Shiho…"
"So what?" they pressed
"They did it." He grinned
"They did what?"
"It. Days of planning paid off" he grinned again
"So Dearka, you really are a gossip"
Dearka froze up, he knew that voice to well. He slowly turned around. Yzak…
"Morning?" his smile frozen on his face
Yzak was smiling…
Not a good sign…I am so dead
"It wasn't my fault…" he answered with a pout
"Yzak is a softie when it comes to pouts, but I'm not." Another voice said
He froze up again…Shiho…now she was also smiling…
"Sorry?"
"Run…."
A scream could be heard from the Athha mansion
"I still look bad" Dearka whined
"Yeah…" Miriallia glance up to see Dearka's bruised face, "You shouldn't have walked in like that…"
"I guess so…I am sorry…but its been a few weeks, my face!!!"
"I know…"
Dearka looked forward. They were all walking around the streets, observing the lifestyles of the people from Orb…observing? Wrong word, they were absorbed in their own worlds.
Shinn was staring at Cagalli, 'I need to speak to her…later…I'll do it later'
"Lacus, have you noticed that Shinn seems to be staring at Cagalli a lot now? He didn't like her before now he looks like a stalker" Kira whispered
"Kira! I have noticed, but we agreed to leave it to them"
"It's not that I don't like Shinn, he's just creepy…"
"Kira!" she sclded in a whisper
"…and how would Luna feel? I'm sorry, Lacus but I don't like the idea. I am quite fond of Luna, she's like Cagalli…bouncy and fiery, she's like a younger sister…I don't like close friends to get hurt"
"We'll see what we can do, right now, let's catch up with Cagalli and Athrun."
Cagalli and Athrun were far, far away…they were on their own worlds. They were chatting happily. Well, Cagalli was chatting happily, Athrun was being punched, kicked, pulled away…whatever you like…
"When are you going back to PLANT?"
"Well, we're going back next week I think or earlier. It depends on their schedules." He answered back
"Schedules? Aren't you the one who has schedules? You are the soon-to-be Chairman,"
"And my schedule, then…happy?"
"Come on, since you guys are going back in a week, let's have fun, while we still can" she pulled Athrun along as she waved to the others to signal them to hurry up
They entered the Carnival. Orb's own entertainment. "Come on!!! You guys are slow!!!" Cagalli shouted across the crowd
"Let's start with the roller coaster!!!"
"I think I'm gonna pass on that" Lacus said with an innocent smile
"No way! We're all going!" Dearka declared
"Meyrin, Sai! Come on!" Athrun called
"We're going to pass, we'll go to another ride" Sai said as they walked off
"Noticed any development in them?" Miriallia asked all
"I was right, they are good for each other" Luna replied, smiling, 'My sister is finally over Athrun, now she can find happiness'
"Sai-san, what do to want to ride?"
"Call me Sai, Meyrin-san"
"Then call me Meyrin"
"You wanna eat? My treat"
"Sure" she blushed. 'Sai is not a bad guy, he makes me feel…free…'
"Meyrin, I…uh…" he took a deep breath, "I haven't done this in a while" he mumbled under his breath
"hmm?" she smiled at him, waiting for his question
"I…uh…I…feellikeIwannaknowyoummorecanI?" He said in a breath
"Come again, Sai, don't be nervous, we are friends"
"I feel like I wanna know you more, you're not someone I've met before…You're kind and I feel happy with you." He confessed
"I want to know you more, too Sai" she smiled sincerely
"Really?"
"Yes, you've helped me get over my silly child crush on Athrun"
"Athrun?"
"You didn't notice? Everybody tells me I show it that much."
"I didn't I guess, Athrun is a friend, I wouldn't like to think of him badly."
"I always wanted Athrun, he is attractive, physically, that was what I saw, but it was a mere infatuation. I've only met you for about a week, but I feel open, free with you" she confessed, she had a tint of red on her cheeks
"Same here," he smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"You saw that?!" Cagalli shouted
"I can hear you fine, no need to shout, what?"
"Meyrin and Sai were like that."
"What that?"
"That, that"
"That?"
"Yeah that."
"Oh okay, good for her." He smiled really happy for Meyrin
"Can't believe you guys can communicate with only those words" Shiho said in disbelief
"They have a thing, telepathy or something" Dearka said, feeling smart
"Telepathy thing happens with twins, dummy. They have a thing for each other" Miriallia contradicted
"Oh, is that right?" he gave a small laugh
"Yeah, I'm always right."
"I know"
They were all enjoying the rides. Laughter could be heard from their group, a real laughter not some fake, try-hard laughter. They enjoyed all their company. They had some arguments on what rides to go first, but it all ended up with a smile.
"The last ride, the Ferris wheel!!!"
"Let's go!"
From the top, you can glance down and see the whole of Orb, the small island full of happiness and peace
"You have a great place, Cagalli" Athrun complimented as he looked down from the Ferris wheel
"I know. Even a great leader." She complimented herself
"You?"
"Got a problem with that?" he eyes narrowed
"No, I'm also a great leader"
"You?"
"Got a problem with that?"
"Oh, you copy cat, stop it. I know you will be a great leader."
"I know that too"
"It was a sentimental moment, dude, you just destroyed it."
Athrun smirked in reply.
Cagalli looked at the scenery instead. She treated Athrun as her best friend the past week. He was fun to be with and he knew so much about her. She wanted to know more, she constantly searched though her memory but he just doesn't show up, she remembers small things such as his taste, smell and some of the actions, but she doesn't remember him wholly.
His smirk
His laugh
His smile
His humor
There's something about him.
They went back to the mansion, when Shinn pulled Cagalli out to the garden by the hand. Luna saw all these, everyone saw all. They could hear Cagalli's protests but nothing happened.
"What are you doing, Shinn?" Cagalli demanded
"Listen, I can't help it anymore, I've seen you Athrun a lot of times and it is sickening me."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Can't you feel it? I like you a lot."
"The hell, you have Luna, what would Luna feel?"
"Screw her…I don't care all I want is you."
"Shinn you're clouded by your worthless thoughts. I am the same girl you hated, the Athha who you accused of murdering your family."
"You've changed." He reasoned as he leaned closer to her
They waited for awhile. They couldn't take it anymore, Shinn and Cagalli were taking their time.
"Athrun, could you go with me to fetch Cagalli and Shinn back?"
Athrun looked at her strangely, "Uh…sure…" he said hesitantly.
As they stepped out, they spotted Cagalli shouting at Shinn. Luna sighed in relief as she was happy that what she suspected was wrong until she saw Shinn leaned in. She could hear Athrun gasped as the scene played before them. Athrun wanted to take back the gasp, he could see that it has much effect as there was with him. Luna was being crushed inside, even though she hid it well, Athrun could read her like the palm of his hand.
"Let's go back." Luna said quietly, her gaze dropped to the floor
"Let's" Athrun led Luna inside not bothering to see what was happening.
"Nee-chan, you alright?" Meyrin asked concerned for her crestfallen sister
Luna forced a smile, "I'm fine. I'll be upstairs"
They all looked at Athrun for some explanation but he just shook his head.
"The hell are you doing Shinn?!" Cagalli screamed at him as she held his mouth with her palm, pushing him away
"Huh?" Shinn's reply was muffled by Cagalli's hand
"I have no idea what you're doing. I am a girl and you're taking advantage of me. I mean I'm older than you, do you like older women? No I don't think so. You said I've changed, no I haven't. I don't think so. I think that's what you think. I really haven't change. I haven't, I still have my ideals, my father's ideals. To make a better world, it may seem nonsense to you but all I need is time and my ideals will work. I really am clueless at what you were going to do," Cagalli blabbering on and on, not paying attention to Shinn who was struggling with her hold.
"Mm-m-mmi!!!"
"what? I can't hear you"
"Mm-m-mmi!!!" This finally got her attention.
"Ha? Oh! Oops!" Cagalli released her hold on him.
"You've changed" he insisted as he recovered
"I haven't Shinn"
"Yes, you have!"
"Nope."
"I really like you, Cagalli."
Cagalli raised her eyebrows at him, when it suddenly changed into a confused look. "I remember you, all of it. How much you despise me."
"NO, I don't!"
"Yes you do, Shinn. I remember. We met during the attack, the beginning of the second war. You hated me for my ideals, you wanted to kill me. After the war, you made friends with Kira. You still hated me but not that much, since you didn't throw a knife my way when we met. Anyway, I remember you. Yes! A part of my memory is back!" Cagalli exclaimed
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
"I remember, my memory of you is back." From her happy expression, it became serious, "I've seen you act, Shinn. You're just jealous, there's nothing between Athrun and me, we're friends. You always wanted what Athrun had, I know that. You're blinded by your own competitive nature. But don't you think this is unfair on Luna's part?" she smiled
"L-luna? What? H-how?" he stuttered
"Come on, no use trying to fool me. I've seen you and Luna before, you love her too much, she loves you back. Yet you never show your love towards her, making her doubt your love. You are naturally competitive, but this is too much, Luna's waiting for you."
"huh?"
"I know you're confused right now, but look into yourself and you will understand what is happening. Close your eyes, listen me."
Shinn did as he was told
"Luna was your best friend, wasn't she?"
She was in the bleachers cheering for his first stimulation in the academy
"Luna was always there for you"
Luna standing beside him and Rey, she was cheering them on
"She graduated together with you"
They were in a group hug, Luna, Rey and him
"She always sided with you."
Luna standing behind him in his every decision
"She has an understanding and forgiving nature"
Luna crying in his arms as soon as he apologized for shooting down Athrun and Meyrin
"She showed you love"
Luna smiling, Luna crying, She was happy with him, and so was he.
"Luna!" Shinn shouted in startle
"See, I told you, you love Luna a lot, you were just confused…But don't shout again it was…freaky…" she chuckled
"I…I…uh…"
"Don't worry, nothing happened, we'll keep this to ourselves, huh?"
"Thank you."
"Welcome" she walked towards him and had his head in a headlock as she gave him a noogie.
"St—stop it!!!" he struggled in her hold.
"Come on!" she dragged him inside.
'She's like an older sister, fun and loving, She may seem, bad tempered and fiery but she has a kind heart, Athrun you are lucky to have her' Shinn thought
"Shinn!!! What are you doing?! Come on!!"
"Coming!"
"Luna!" Shinn shouted as he entered the room causing everyone to jump
"I told you not to shout, Shinn" Cagalli said as she went inside
"Oh…right…where's Luna?"
"Hell Shinn, she's not with us."
Meyrin went in front of him and gave him a hard slap on the cheek. All of them were surprised at her bold action. "Shinn, you asshole!" she screamed at his face as tears dropped from her eyes. "How could you do this to her? She's not some rebound or reserve." Meyrin started to sob, "She cares for you a lot. She loves…you…so much" her shoulders were shaking as she dropped to the floor.
Shinn recovered from all that happened and kneeled beside her and pulled her into a brotherly hug as he stroked her hair. "I'm sorry Meyrin for what I did. I was a stupid fool. My eyes are now opened thanks to Cagalli," as he smiled gratefully at Cagalli who smiled back
"I can't take back what I've done though…"
Meyrin hearing this cried more, thinking that Shinn really had a change of heart
"I will make a future with her, I love her too." He whispered in her ear.
Meyrin stopped crying from shock, "You mean…?"
Shinn nodded in reply with a warm smile.
"Baka! baka! baka Shinn!" she said all over again, hitting her small fists in his chest.
Shinn smiled down at her.
"Hey, Shinn" Sai called out, "keep your hands off my woman" Shinn then immediately released her
"Sai!!!" Meyrin blushed as everyone laughed at her, completely changing the awkward atmosphere earlier.
Cagalli looked at Athrun and gave him a wink causing him to smile.
"Luna?" the door opened with a squeak
"What is it? I'm sleepy right now." She answered without looking at the door.
She felt the person's presence just standing at the doorway, "What is it?!" she glared at the person only to find it to be…
…Athrun.
Her eyes were still red and puffy from crying. "Athrun?"
"Now don't need to be all hot-headed," he made his way towards her bed and sat down on the edge.
"What is it?"
"I want to know how you feel about Shinn."
"…"
"Luna, you knew that Shinn was drifting away from you, why didn't you stop it?"
"Shinn was never mine, I know that he loved Stellar, and I was the rebound. If he drifted away because of me, I should just accept it." Luna said in a sad tone but she was firm.
"Is that what you think?"
"Uh…yeah…would you explain this to him after he comes back with," she took a deep breath, "Cagalli."
"Then I think you have to explain it yourself."
"Athrun, please…" she pleaded
He scratched his head as if considering the plea, "Uhmm…I'm thinking…NO"
Luna gave him a glare.
"Aww…come on…don't do that you look cute…red and puffy eyes together with that glare and pout"
"Athrunn!!!"
"fine, fine…Shinn!!!"
Luna's eyes widened as she saw Shinn enter the room sheepishly gazing at his feet.
"What's the meaning of this?!" she demanded an answer from Shinn and Athrun, who looked at her innocently
While Athrun and Luna were talking, Shinn was with Cagalli whispering just outside her bedroom door.
"Damn Athrun, what's taking him so long?"
"Shut Up!"
"he's flirting with her!" he exclaimed in a whisper
"Shut it Shinn! He's helping you," Cagalli hissed, "It's your turn!" she said as she gave him a push inside
He took a deep breath as he stepped inside.
"I'm leaving now," Athrun cleared his throat as the two was busy staring at each other.
"How was it?" Cagalli asked as soon as he stepped out.
"It's gonna go well"
"How do you know that?"
"I know things like these…Hey! Do you think I can pass as a psychiatrist? Counselor?"
"Whatever" she rolled her eyes
"So."
"So."
"So."
"So."
"So."
"So."
"What is it Shinn?!" she shouted losing her cool.
"You've been crying" he said quietly
"Not over you!" she defended putting out her tough girl act.
Shinn smiled, she was always trying to hide stuff that would destroy their relationship. Making him believe everything was okay.
"You don't believe me? I was crying because I had something in my eye…I watched a soap…then Athrun was teasing me…No way am I gonna cry for you!" she was ranting
'tough girl my ass, my excuse is so pathetic…' she screamed in her mind
"I know…" he made his way towards the bed
"What are you doing Shinn?"
Shinn pulled Luna in for a hug. He buried his head at the crook of her neck.
"Shinn?"
"…sorry…"
Luna hugged him back tightly
"I guess you were right" Cagalli admitted in defeat as soon as they were finished spying.
"See? Now we're going out."
"why?"
"You said we were gonna eat if what I said was right which I was, Shinn and Luna are going back together, easily."
"Eat in the kitchen"
"No way! You're treating me out to an Orb dinner…its been awhile since I've ate out."
"NO"
"Yes!"
"You're loud, you're disturbing them, a kebab then."
"kebab?"
"with chili sauce"
"the hell is that?" he pouted like a kid
"Food. Come on" she pulled him out of the room.
"Where are you guys going? How's Shinn and Luna?" Kira asked
"Out. Fine" Cagalli replied heading towards the door.
"What? Huh?"
"We're going out. Shinn and Luna are fine." Athrun explained as he followed her out.
"Told you they were going to be together." Lacus smiled
"They're friends" Kira insisted.
"Believe what you like then, but what I say is true."
"So where's this kebab?"
"stalls"
"Stalls? We're not going to some fancy restaurant?"
"Yup, why? Doesn't suit your taste, Zala?" she slanted her gaze
She was mocking him, he knew it…he wasn't gonna make her win this round…
"Its fine…Let's eat…I'm starved…make sure you pay…" he smirked, his eyes gleaming
"Where do kebabs come from anyway?"
"How should I know…I just liked it when I ate it in the desert."
"Desert?"
"Yeah…I was there a few years ago."
'Right. I know.'
They sat down and ordered their kebabs. After awhile, it came.
"This is it?"
"Yup," she took a bite out of hers. "Its better id you eat it with chili sauce."
Her memory of eating kebab with Kira and Andy flashed through her mind. She chuckled at the thought.
"What's so funny?" Athrun cocked his head to the side as he watched Cagalli eat her's with chili sauce.
"Nothing…I ate this with Kira and Andy before." She gave a hearted laugh, "Here try the chili its good, it can't compare to the one in the desert but it's good."
"Uh…no thanks…is there any other sauce? I'm not a fan of chili…I'll try the yogurt sauce."
"No! put this." Cagalli squirted chili sauce of the tube on Athrun's kebab at the same time Athrun put his sauce.
"Cagalli" he said in a low voice
"Hey, it looks like Kira's kebab before. I wanted to put chili sauce on Kira's kebab but Andy wanted to yogurt sauce so in the end Kira's kebab had both sauces. But it was dumped on me after we were attacked." She still smiled like crazy at that thought. "So I had to wear a stupid dress after that."
Athrun smiled at her laughter, 'Even without me, she's still happy…good for her.' He thought sadly.
"Let's go, Kira must be worried for his baby sister."
"I'm older!" Cagalli slapped his arm
"Okay, okay, fine…"
Athrun was walking ahead of Cagalli that he didn't notice a group of drunk teenagers cut Cagalli off.
"What do you want?" Cagalli growled as she glanced around for an escape route.
"Well, miss, I want to show you a good time."
"Don't take her all for yourself, I want a part" another said
"She's feisty, my type of girl" A another gripped her wrist. Hard.
"Let me go!!!" Cagalli struggled, fighting off the man, she was able to fight this man off, she smirked at his crippled form. But because of her gloating, she didn't notice two of them grabbed both her wrists.
"Damn it, shit heads!"
"I like women who curse." He kissed Cagalli's neck causing her to gag in disgust as she smelled his breath heavy with alcohol.
A hand swung the he guy around and his fistcame in contact with his nose causing a sickening 'crunch'
"Athrun!"
Athrun fought all of them, with his coordinator skills, he won in no time. He took Cagalli by the hand, walking away furious, dragging Cagalli behind.
"Athrun…"
"…"
"Athrun!"
"…"
"Athrun!!!" she shouted at him as she stood still
"What!?" he whirled around, his eyes blazing
"…I'm sorry…"
"You better be, you're stupid you know that?!"
All of a sudden, Cagalli could see a scene playing in her head.
--------
"Cagalli, you're so clumsy, you do know you're an important person right? You can't just wander off" the shadowed man pulled her by the hand.
"I'm fine! I can handle myself! Leave me alone" she shook off his grip
He stared at her, "Fine. I'll leave you alone" he started walking away
'Cagalli, you stupid girl, he didn't do anything wrong to piss you off, he was actually siding with you, stupid girl' she scolded herself
"Hey! I'm sorry." She tugged him by the sleeve.
He turned around and smiled at her, a smile that melted her heart, "You better be, you're stupid you know that?"
Cagalli was suppose to talk back when she was cut off by a hug.
--------
Cagalli was staring into space
'Maybe I was too harsh' Athrun waved a hand in front of her face, "Cagalli…Cagalli, Cagalli!"
"huh? Oh yeah, I'm stupid."
"I know, I told you that remember?"
"Yeah, yeah…hey! I'm not stu–" she was startled as Athrun pulled her into a hug.
"Eh? Ath…Athrun?!" a blush rising on her cheeks
"Don't scare me like that again."
'Again?'
"I won't"
'Athrun—is he? No, its impossible. He acts like him, but in some way he's different'
"…if Kira knew about this, he would have my head…just like the last time." He muttered the last part
"What did you say?" she cocked her head to the side questioningly
"Uh nothing…" he said quickly, too quickly
"Athrun…"
"Nothing," he walked ahead
"Athrun!!!" she yelled as she chased after him.
For awhile they walked in silence, Athrun looked to the side to see Cagalli rubbing her eyes
'She's tired, obviously'
"Cagalli"
"huh?" she looked at Athrun with droopy eyes
"Get on"
"huh?" Athrun kneeled in front of her, motioning his back.
"no, I'll walk."
"Your sleepy, its better I carry you than you walk into a drain."
"If you insist" She got on Athrun's back. In the inside she was thankful for Athrun.
He hoisted her up to his waist. She leaned against his back and started falling into a deep slumber
Wide. So wide
And Warm
So familiar