Happy New Year everyone, and I hope your holidays were great :)
Replies :D
Skunk- Sure thing- btw, cute screenname, I dare not ask :P
Meyrin-X-Zaftgirl – Thank you for your very constructive review- I'm just trying to focus honestly on keeping all my characters in character, lol. I always go OOC, especially with Athrun. Athrun will always be the most confusing-to-write character for me *sigh* lol. And honestly, I think Justice is kinda a awkward name for a dog. "Sit, Justice! Down Justice! Attack, Justice!" XD And thank you, I passed the black belt test :D it's super cool being an instructor now and helping to teach the younger (belt-wise) students. Thank you so much for the support
Sake-hime – I think I'm failing on all fronts to do the 'update soon' well, hopefully not that the holidays are over I'll actually get back on track
ESP – I kinda have a think for marital arts *cough* right, yeah lol, I've always thought that Shiho would be some sorta bad-ass gang leader if they actually gave her more limelight in the show…cuz ya know…they didn't…at all… Yes, in a way the cycle is complete- but don't worry, I still have some surprises up my sleeve…my other sleeve… One thing you gotta learn about me is that in both this and Tangled Fates I always have a couple twists…or at least I try to… -.-
Writingknightmare- Chances are I probably already replied to this a long time ago XD But anyway, you crazy Pill-Popper – I do in fact know you quite well. Cuz we're like…Twins…but not… (okay, now I'm sounding creepy. I did not mean to sound creepy, shut up self) Believe it or not, but I do have friends….somewhere… -.- XD lol Btw, you should update your stories, you should- why haven't you, evil person! :P btw, how's the writing club going? I want to hear about what the club does and stufferz, lol homeschooler, remember?
IgNighted- Well, hopefully going places- sadly, my plot is rather…non-existing… I'm just sorta doing the ol' 'Throw it as hard as you can and see where it lands' thing…. In other words…I'm winging it… -.- But hopefully it will continue to be good read. I just hope the readers will not mind a couple chapters before relationships actually start building. Right now I'm just doing the whole 'introduction' thing
Fate Camiswhil- Omgosh, I feel kinda awesome now cuz I have this really awesome writer (you) reviewing for my last chapter! :D Must…resist…urge…to….get excited… lol
Btw, yeah, I kinda had to think about the worst things imaginable to happen on the first day of school (oh wait…I'm a homeschooler, what the heck am I talking about?) and you have my deepest condolences for falling in a swamp…lol
Meer/Beer…what? Do I dare ask?
And go Mir! Mir's full of awesomesauce :D
And Shiho for the win! And the soccer scene- yeah, I kinda did imagine it movie-slow-mo-like and then I remembered that they're freshmen so it kinda lost the cool-factor -.-
Character bashing isn't something I thrill for when I read- it's kind of stereo typical however, the reason I did mention it at one point in the first chapter about meer was coming from Cagalli's opinion. Cagalli doesn't thrill Meer. Understandable- there's always people who get on our nerves. Doesn't mean they're the villain.
And that's a cute name for a dog! Bakachu! :D I'm going to remember that for our next dog *nod*
Cagallifan – Omgosh, I spent so long debating on how old to make Kira. Cause I wanted them to be twins but at the same time I doubted Athrun would become close guy-friends with a guy who is a couple years younger. Look! I have a grey hair *cries* oh wait… it's just a dog hair, nvm. (my dog sheds through out the year O.o )
XxMeishaxX – And it's still just beginning I'm still pulling in random characters- I printed up this entire character sheet off of wiki …why? So I would know how to spell everyone's names. -.- Everyone being excited is starting to make me excited and then I keep forgetting bits and pieces of the plot- lol hopefully I can keep the story going ;)
*disclaimer, I do not own Gundam Seed
Freshmen (15 yrs):
Cagalli,
Lacus,
Meyrin,
Nicol
Sophomore (16 yrs):
Ahmed
Flay
Shin
Juniors (17 yrs):
Shiho
Meer
Dearka
Seniors (18yrs) :
Athrun
Kira
Yzak
Lunamaria
Mirallia
Warning: As I add characters in, I will also be updating the above list
I apologize for all grammar/spelling errors. I must admit I didn't put a lot of work of editing into this chapter… -.- Sorry….
Chapter 3 : In which the worst lie ever is actually the truth
A few days had passed since the 'swamp incident' and after many arguments, all of them loud, the morning walks had been turned over to Kira which meant Cagalli had the luxury of sleeping in for the first school day in her life since they had gotten Chewie.
"Ahhhhh…" Cagalli sighed happily as she snuggled into her blankets, her eyes still closed as if reveling in a dream. Her internal clock had woken her up early anyway but still she enjoyed the feeling of being all wrapped up in blankets and knowing that she had another fifteen minutes before she really needed to get up. "Best…day…ever." She rolled over with another happy sigh and a crunch.
Cagalli froze and shifted again…carefully.
Crunch. Crunch.
"What in the world?" slowly, tentatively, she blinked her amber eyes open, yawning. Fighting the bleariness she felt around for the light on her nightstand by her bed. Flicking the switch sent light flooding through the shadowed room and Cagalli had to squint for a moment as her eyes adjusted.
Though it was hard for her to tell but it seemed like her bed had turned into a winter wonderland- white bits of something standing out starkly against her dark red comforter. Her eyes widened in horror as she held out trembling fingers to those white bits, praying that it wasn't what it seemed.
But just as she suspected, it was.
"I'm…going…to kill him." Cagalli flopped back into her bed with another rustle and a crunch, her eyes squeezed shut in a childish attempt to deny the truth.
Her life was over.
OOOOOOO
In Algebra class
Cagalli hunkered down in her seat, wishing the linoleum floors below would open up and swallow her whole- or at least provide a worm hole to another class far away from this one.
Because why…why did it have to be this class of all classes? The one class she struggled with- the one class she always managed to never get above a C; the one class with the strictest teacher.
Yes. That's right. Natarle Badgiruel was Cagalli's teacher.
"Hibiki, would you like to explain this?"
Cagalli kept her eyes trained on her desktop while everybody else's eyes became focused on her. "Explain what?" she asked meekly.
"Where is your homework?" demanded the teacher and slowly, ever so slowly, Cagalli's amber eyes slid up to gaze at those purple eyes that were glaring at her.
Gulp.
Cagalli mumbled softly.
"What did you say?" the teacher asked sharply. "Speak up. Louder."
Cagalli took a deep breath, knowing that she would never live this down, no matter how long she lived. "My dog ate my home work."
OOOOOO
"And that's how I ended up out here." Cagalli sighed moodily, leaning back against the cold lockers that lined the hall ways, her hands in her pockets.
Athrun, unable to restrain himself any longer, burst out laughing.
Cagalli's eyes widened. "It's not funny!" she protested furiously. "I'm in huge trouble not to mention my grade."
"Wait, wait." Athrun wagged a finger at her. "Are you being serious? Your dog really ate your homework?"
Cagalli's eyes narrowed to slits. "Do I look like the kind of person who would use such a stupid excuse with out reason?"
Athrun laughed.
Cagalli frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. "It really isn't that funny. I was about ready to kill Chewie." She paused, glancing up at Athrun. "I guess your dog,-Justice, right?- I guess he doesn't go around chewing up your homework, huh?"
"Hm. No. He's well-trained."
Switching gears at the implication Athrun hadn't meant to make, Cagalli shot back. "Chewie is well-trained! He's been to numerous obedience schools, you should know."
Nodding obligingly Athrun quipped with a smirk. "Oh indeed, it's obvious." His green eyes sparkled with amusement down at his shorter friend.
Cagalli nodded. "It takes skill to be kicked out of every obedience school." She frowned. "My mom even went as far as to beg the Dog Whisperer for help."
"Really? Did he come?"
"Yes."
"And?"
Cagalli's eyes closed as if she was trying to suppress a memory. "I don't really want to talk about it…"
Trying to be serious for his friend, Athrun bit his bottom lip, holding in his laughter.
Cagalli opened one gleaming amber eye. "Anyway, what are you doing here?" she asked. She had been sent out of the classroom to 'reflect on your childish behavior' but she hadn't expected to meet Athrun here as well.
Athrun made a slight face and gestured a thumb over his shoulder. "Ah, got into a dispute with my chemistry teacher over something. Nothing…interesting." He chuckled and Cagalli glared at him. "I kinda feel bad actually." He shrugged. "I ditched my chemistry partner in there."
"Who's your partner?" Cagalli asked.
"Shiho Hahnenfuss."
Cagalli gaped for a moment then grinned. "Oh Shiho is pretty awesome. I'm sure she's fine."
The two fell into a peaceful silence for a moment before once again Cagalli sighed.
"Are you alright?" Athrun asked in concern.
The blonde frowned slightly, gazing ahead of her. "Just worried about my math grade." She shrugged. "Let's just say it's not my area of expertise." She sniffed. "Well, too be honest I suck at it. Only subject I fail in."
"Really?" Athrun's eyebrows went up and Cagalli groaned.
"Don't tell me…you love math and you're passing it with all As."
"Well, I don't know about loving math," Athrun chuckled. "But I seem to do acceptingly well here."
"What class?"
"Honors Calculus."
Cagalli rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Never mind."
Athrun smiled. "What about your brother- can't he help you?"
Cagalli's amber eyes stared at Athrun in a look akin to horror. "Kira? Help me? In math? You're kidding right? The only satisfaction I get from failing is knowing that he's doing worse then me."
"What?" Athrun asked in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up. "Does he not understand it?"
Cagalli snorted. "Yeah, if only it was that. No, he finds it 'boring' and chooses to spend his time doing more 'fruitful' things…like sleeping."
"He sleeps in math class?" Athrun said slowly.
"Yeah…with his eyes open." Cagalli rolled her eyes and Athrun shook his head in disbelief.
"How does he pass then?"
"Well that's the funny thing that nobody has been able to figure out. He spends the entire year sleeping through math class and failing every test but still he gets a good grade." Cagallis' brow furrowed. "Every year we have this end-of-the-year math test and somehow, with out fail, Kira has managed to pass with a rather high grade. Nobody understands it." She folded her arms tightly against her chest again. "I just wish I knew how he does it."
Athrun glanced at her, debating mentally before asking. "Would you like me to tutor you?"
Cagalli glanced up at him curiously. The blue-haired senior smiled down at her, his green eyes showed his sincerity. "Tutor me? You would do that, seriously?"
"Sure." Athrun shrugged.
"How much?"
Athrun blinked. "Er." He smiled. "No it would be for free- I don't mind helping."
Cagalli gaped and then grinned. "Well you should be warned- I am world's worst student."
Athrun winked. "I'm a very good teacher, and like you said, I seem to be doing rather well in it so no worries."
"I'm not worried about your teaching, Mr. Conceited, I'm more worried about your patience." She paused and added as an after thought. "Also, you sure you want to be tutoring me? That's like a shortcut to rock-bottom around here in the social circles ."
Athrun looked slightly puzzled. It wasn't like Cagalli was a social leper so what did she mean 'shortcut to rock-bottom'? "Can't be worse then being friends with your brother."
Cagalli's eyes went wide as she considered this. "Very true." She grinned. "Thanks, really. That means a lot though I think you'll be reconsidering this promise you've made."
"I doubt it."
"When do you want to start?"
"Tonight? I can come over anytime."
"Five then; before Chewie has supper." Cagalli's face went pale and Athrun chuckled. Tossing her short blond hair over her shoulders she glanced up at Athrun. "But I feel bad. I mean, you're going to waste time trying to get me to understand something and there's nothing in it for you."
Besides talking to you? I need more reason? Athrun thought, burying his hands into his pockets. "It's no problem, really." He smiled. "My payment will be you passing your classes."
Cagalli hesitated, mulling it over. "If you say so." She sounded doubtful. "How about this. For every grade above a C I get then I have to owe you something?"
"Owe me what?" Athrun shook his head. "I really don't mind."
Cagalli shook her head. "No, no. I would feel horrible if I didn't pay you back some how. It's like this- a favor. For every good grade I get, I owe you a favor." She smiled at him. "Sounds fair, doesn't it?"
Athrun smiled slightly though inwardly he sighed at the oblivious junior. She just doesn't get it…
A bell rang and Cagalli's head snapped around. "Oops, time to go." She grinned back at Athrun. "So I'll see ya later? Five! I owe ya!"
Athrun waved as she sprinted off.
"Was that Kira's little sister I saw?" asked a familiar voice and Athrun turned to see Shiho standing behind him, her arms full of books.
"Yeah." Athrun paused before bursting out hastily. "Listen, Shiho, I'm really sorry about chemistry and ditching you."
The Junior gave him a puzzled look. "I'm ahead of my grade for a reason, Zala." She tucked a lock of brown hair behind her ear and smiled a thin smile. "I'm quite adept at taking care of myself." She shifted her books to one arm and stuck out a note book. "Here are some notes though that I took. You can scan through them if you want so you know what the teacher's talking about tomorrow."
Surprised by her kindness, Athrun took the note book. "Thanks, Shiho." He smiled and then paused, spotting over the brunette's shoulder a familiar pair of silver eyes.
Yzak was watching them from a few feet away, looking slightly irate. Next to him was Kira and Dearka who seemed to be debating something.
"Is everything alright with Yzak?"
Shiho snickered. "How should I know?" She turned her head and shot a pointed glare at the silver haired boy. Turning back to face Athrun she gave a small shrug and a tiny smirk. "Let's just say me and Yzak…don't always get along." Her smile widened slightly and she walked around Athrun. "See ya, Zala."
"Er," feeling slightly baffled, Athrun watched her for a moment before heading over to where his new friends were.
"What did she want?" Yzak asked him sharply when he had come to a stop a few feet away.
"Giving me notes." Athrun waved the note book lightly.
Yzak huffed slightly. "Be careful. That girl is a monster."
"Yeah, whatever that means." Dearka broke conversation with Kira to sling an arm around Yzak's shoulder. "Yzak, my man, you are not a people-person."
Yzak batted his friend away. "And you are too much of one."
Dearka's eyes slid past Yzak to watch someone walking towards them and mumbled quietly. "Nothing wrong with that."
"Hi Kira!" Mirallia came up with a merry skip in her step, her camera swinging from her neck. "Guys, guess what!" with out waiting for a response she chattered on. "Our opposing school is sending over their top journalist in the trade in."
"Trade what?" Dearka repeated.
"It's where schools trade their top news-writers for two weeks." She made a slight face. "I wasn't chosen to be sent over, considering I specialize in photography…but I was chosen to be the new journalist's first official friend!" She grinned. "I'm so excited to meet him." She beamed but her excitement was lost on her friends and she sighed. "It's a very big deal. Like Ash becoming pokemon master big deal." Once again, her logic was lost on her friends.
"Like 'edible cafeteria food' big deal?" Kira asked tentatively and she nodded. All of their eyes widened. "Wow. Big deal indeed." Kira nodded and Athrun laughed.
"Anyway, he's supposed to be here soon." Miriallia sighed. "I can't wait to meet him though."
"Wait," Dearka broke in. "It's a him?" his eyebrows went up slightly and Miriallia nodded.
"Yup. Why? You're expanding your game?" Miriallia teased.
Dearka made a face at her. "Ha. Ha. Very funny, Mir. But why would I do that when I have such lovely ladies like you to keep me company?" And with a wink he threw an arm over both her and Yzak's shoulder, much to the silver-haired man's howls of indignation.
Kira yawned. "Calc class is next- thank God. I need some extra sleep to catch up for what I'm missing."
After wriggling out from under Deark's arm, Mirialla asked. "You're not getting your sleep. Whoa, am I missing something? Kira? Not sleeping?"
Kira glared at her. "Har, har. No, but my sister and me had a stand off and somehow I ended up with morning walk detail."
"I heard about that." Athrun chuckled realizing a moment to late as the groups eyes focused on him.
Kira looked confused. "You heard about that?"
"Er, yeah. Your sister told me."
"You talk to my sister?" The question sounded so innocent… but over Kira's shoulder Miriallia franticly made slashing motions across her throat.
"Well," Athrun said slowly, deciding to get the worst over in public where…murder wouldn't happen. "I am going to be tutoring her?" Shoot, why had he said it like a question? It wasn't like Cagalli wasn't old enough to talk to guys or…be friends with guys or date guys. Not…that…Athrun was looking to date Cagalli, not that he wouldn't mind but, well, he was tutoring her…yeah…
"WHOA!" Dearka laughed as Kira's face went red. "Why didn't I ever think of using that excuse?"
Miriallia winced and Athrun glared at Dearka. "No, I mean it." He put his hands up in a 'stop' gesture to Kira. "I'm just helping her in her math."
Dearka snickered. "Three plus three equals sex."
As one, the entire group except for Kira and Dearka, inhaled slowly and Kira turned to gaze flatly at Dearka. "Dearka, I thought we had this conversation all ready?"
Dearka looked innocently back at Kira. "Kira, friend, buddy, pal, you know I got your back. Just keeping an eye out for your sister, that's all."
Kira sighed, straightening slightly and relaxing. "Sorry. I get tense with out sleep."
Yzak rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that's all." He muttered.
"Anyway, if that's all." Kira smiled at Athrun. "Good luck. She's gone through a lot of tutors."
"That's what he said." Dearka muttered and both he and Yzak slapped a high five.
OOOOOOOO
"Ugh, I hate planning homecoming." Lunamaria sighed, rubbing her forehead. She and Meer were the official homecoming planners- Meer being the head of the cheerleaders and Lunamaria was the captain of the girl's swimteam.
"It's kinda fun." Meer said dryly as the two girls painted a wooden board.
"Yeah, if you're not doing all the work." Lunamaria said sarcastically. The gym they worked in was empty, devoid of any helpers. Until people signed up, it seemed to the two that they would be doing all the work of decorating and planning the homecoming dance.
"There, done another sign." Lunamaria wiped her blue-spattered hand over forehead, not caring that she got more paint on her self.
Meer giggled, sitting up as well. "Good thing you wore that smock-thing. You're covered in paint."
Lunamaria groaned. "Thanks." She sighed, glancing around for a moment before asking. "Mind if I got take a break real quick?"
Meer shrugged. "Go ahead."
Lunamaria nodded and then stood up, working kinks out of her shoulders as she headed to an Exit door to escape the paint fumes. Stepping out into the warm sunshine, the door swinging close behind her, she sighed.
Truthfully she normally loved planning homecoming, but not this year. Her boyfriend, Tolle Koenig, had broken up with her last year at his school's homecoming dance and she had been single since.
She inhaled deeply, her eyes opening slowly to take in that blue sky, only to double over coughing.
"Smoke?" she coughed slightly, her eyes opening again to focus on someone opposite from her who was frozen in mid-breath.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her heart pounding slightly.
The black-haired stranger before her frowned, his crimson red eyes narrowing to slits. "Who am I? Who are you?" He stood up, flicking the cigarette he had been smoking to the ground.
Lunamaria frowned in distaste. "How old are you?" she demanded sharply, though she felt slightly perturbed. The boy screamed 'gang member' in appearance alone. He wore a black leather coat, his hair was unkempt and shaggy and he wore ripped black jeans and black boots.
The boy cocked his head to one side. "None of your business."
That was fine though, Luna had already figured it out. "Wait, I know who you are- you're Shin…Shin, um, Shin Asuka!" Tales of the infamous delinquent were quite popular but until now, Luna had managed to avoid running in with the boy.
"You shouldn't be smoking that." She snapped. "First, smoking is terrible for your lungs-"
"And you care, why?" the boy drawled lazily, pulling out another cigarette from his pocket.
Stepping forward, she snatched it from his fingers and threw it on the ground where she promptly grinded it to 'smush' beneath her shoe. "I'm a swimmer. You need good lungs to swim. Anyway, you're only a sophomore. I should go tell the principle on you." She turned to walk back inside but was jolted to a stop when a hand grabbed the hind collar of her shirt.
"Hey!" she yelped as she was swung around to face the boy's dark eyes.
"Don't." Shin snapped.
"And why not?" Luna raised her chin haughtily.
"Just don't." he let her go and she took a step back, hesitating.
"Wait."
Shin glanced at her.
"I won't say a word…if you come and help me and my friend do some decorations." Luna gestured over her shoulder to the gym.
Shin glanced at the gym door, debating about it before nodding, shoving his hands deep into his coat pockets. "Fine. Lead the way." His voice was low and his expression bored.
Surprised with his easy agreement Luna nodded, opening the door and leading the way into the gym. Meer was gone, probably catching her own break so the gym, dimly lit, was empty except for Luna and Shin.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable, but eager to fill the awkward silence, Luna said. "I would take your coat off- things can get messy."
Shin nodded, throwing his coat next to Luna's on the bleachers before kneeling beside a board where 'homecoming' had been outlined in marker.
Luna smiled in relief that he wasn't be a brat about it, settling down opposite him and handing him a clean brush. "Knock yourself out."
The two got to work, Shin silent while Luna would often spout something random to keep the silence from going on too long. She was so uncomfortably aware of Shin's presence, still radiating that 'bad-boy' complex that sent shivers of fear down her goody-two-shoe spine.
"By the way, my name's Lunamaria."
Shine nodded though he didn't say anything.
Luna paused to watch him for the first time, noticing that his brush strokes were smooth and perfect but the expression on his face looked slightly pained.
"Are you okay?" she asked, bewildered and something flashed in his red eyes.
"I'm fine." Shin glanced up for hardly a second. "Just remembering something…that's all."
OOOOOOOOOO
It was at the end of school that it happened- twin screeching of brakes and then the massive crash as two small cars hit each other solidly. Students filled the hall ways, all of them struggling to get to the parking lot where the sound had come from.
Wriggling through people, Cagalli made her way to the parkinglot, trembling slightly as she remembered that Athrun had left to the parkinglot not five minutes ago to leave. I hope…I hope…I hope…
She didn't know what she hoped but panicking seemed like a good idea as she burst into the parkinglot to view the smoking disaster.
Two cars, one a red sedan and the other so rusted it was hard to tell what color it had been once had hit eachother, the sedan ramming into the driver's side of the rusted car.
"Oh my God." Cagalli whispered in horror before rushing down having recognized who the rusted car belonged to.
She wasn't the first one at the scene as Athrun pulled a limp body from the wreckage of the rusted car.
Shiho, her left arm clutched awkwardly to her chest, blood trickling from her hairline was unconscious as Athrun laid her gently on the concrete.
"Shiho!" Cagalli dropped to her knees beside her injured friend.
"Don't move her." Athrun instructed. "She might have a concussion." He smoothed Shiho's hair from her forehead, feeling lightly around her hairline for bumps.
Cagalli watched him in awe, feeling so young as he helped his friend. "You seem to know what you're doing." She said softly, pulling her cellphone out of her pocket and dialing for help. Teachers were already coming, snapping at the other students to stay back.
Athrun grimly nodded. My mother is a nurse- I've picked up a lot." He glanced at Shiho who seemed to be coming to with a groan. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
Shiho gazed blearily up. "Hmmm…Like that jackass, Yzak, has been annoying me all day." She groaned trying to sit up and Cagalli gently pushed her down.
"Stay still, Shiho."
"What happened?" her friend asked once deciding she should do as Cagalli suggested.
"Carcrash."
Athrun laid a hand on Cagalli's shoulder, gazing at her seriously. "Keep an eye on her, okay? I'm going to go check on Meer."
Cagalli nodded, biting her bottom lip. She watched Athrun go to the gleaming red sedan and begin pulling out another limp body.
"Athrun…" Shiho murmured. "He pulled me out I guess?"
Cagalli nodded.
"Well," she coughed a laugh. "That makes up for giving him my notes I guess." She closed her eyes with another groan and Cagalli clenched her hands in worry.
"You're going to be fine, okay, Shiho?" she babbled nervously and Shiho peeked at her from under one eye.
"Chill, Hibiki. I'm fine. Just going to hit the snooze button for a moment…" she trailed off, falling unconscious just as Yzak and Kira ran up.
"Hahnenfuss." Yzak yelped in surprise, unable to recognize the tough girl who lay limply on the ground, bleeding from numerous scratches. A teacher followed them, barking out commands.
"You kids shouldn't be here." Ramius told them.
"Shiho's my friend." Cagalli protested and Ramius glared at her.
"Go."
And even Yzak was quiet when they walked away.
OO
Meer felt nauseous and she wasn't sure why. Opening her eyes to a bright sunlight that seemed to burn into retinas she felt the overwhelming urge to throw up. But thankfully she didn't as she realized why the world was in motion.
"Ath-Athrun." She mumbled with a groan.
"You're fine." Athrun mumbled as he gently laid her on the warm parkinglot. Sirens were filling the air and he smiled down at her, his green eyes gleaming. "Help is coming."
Meer smiled up at him. "You saved me." She said dazed and Athrun held in a chuckle.
"More like pulled you from a car."
A teacher kneeled beside him and with a nod, Athrun stood up and walked away out of Meer's sight and she sighed wistfully despite herself.
OO
"Oi! Athrun!"
Athrun paused on the way to his car in time to see Cagalli run up. He smiled slightly, raising a hand to shade his eyes from the sunlight. "Cagalli." He dipped his head in greeting.
Panting slightly, Cagalli asked. "What happened? You were there, right?"
Athrun shrugged. "One of them was turning and they hit eachother, that's all."
"I hope Shiho will be alright…And Meer."
"They should be fine- their airbags absorbed most of the impact. Though, Shiho's car looks like it's seen it's last."
Cagalli snorted. "I doubt it, Shiho loves that ol' thing."
Athrun slid into the driver's seat, looking up, hesitating. "Would you like a ride home?"
Cagalli blinked in surprise then shook her head. "Sorry, I'm catching a ride with some friends." Behind her Athrun noticed a boy calling for Cagalli.
"I'll be there in a sec, Ahmed!" she yelled back before turning to face Athrun again with a small smile. "See ya later, right?"
Feeling slightly disappointed but not quite sure why, Athrun nodded, smirking. "Tutoring. Five o'clock. Wouldn't forget it for the world."
Cagalli gave him a funny look. "The things you look forward to." And with a shake of her blonde hair, she sprinted away to the tan boy who greeted her happily.
Athrun shook himself slightly with a sigh. What in the world is wrong with me? He thought as he revved his engine, feeling an odd irritation for the stranger whom Cagalli was talking to.
OOOO
Miriallia raised her camera and took a few snap-shots of the damaged cars infront of her. "Hmmm, should do it in black and white." She murmured to herself, already picturing the pictures on the front page of the school's gazette.
Straightening up, she turned to walk away when she heard a boy calling to her. Curiously, she turned to see a tall boy with dark hair and dark eyes squinting at her.
"Um, can I help you?" she asked, walking closer.
The boy grinned. "Are you Miriallia Hawwe?"
"Uh, yes?" Miriallia felt a small smile cross her face. The boy kinda reminded her of her self in an odd way. Corky, different and proud of it. He had that cute nerd look that Miriallia could never resist. She shifted her weight to her left hip, fiddling with her camera.
"I'm Tolle Koenig- the transfer from the other school."
Miriallia's eyes lit up. "Oh! Pleasure to meet you." She shook his hand excitedly. "And welcome to our highschool."
The two grinned at eachother and then Tolle gestured to the accident. "Are the drivers okay?"
Miriallia nodded. "I already spoke to both of them and they'll be fine and back in school in three days tops." She was bouncing on the toes of her feet.
Tolle glanced at her, grinning slightly. "Now tell me, is it this exciting every day?"
OOOOOO
"Cagaaalli." Kira sighed, looking down at the recent text message from his sister.
"What's wrong, Kira?" Lacus stood at his side, peering up at him curiously.
Glancing at his sister's best friend, Kira grimaced, gesturing at the cellphone. "Cagalli ditched me. I was going to walk home by the dealer ship and look for a new car. Cagalli was going to help me do price comparisons, though seeing as neither of us are good at math…" he rolled his eyes.
Lacus fidgeted slightly before smiling. "I can help you. I know a lot about cars too."
Kira gave her a funny look- "you do?"
Lacus grinned. "Betcha you never would've guessed that." She tossed her pink hair over one shoulder before continuing. "Before my mom married my dad she came from a family of all guys and a long line of car-mechanics. It was kinda against the family law for me to grow up with out learning a lot about cars."
Kira smiled, taken aback but feeling interest for the first time. "So you're into cars too?"
Lacus hesitated, part of her wanting to say yes, thinking that that was what Kira wanted to hear. But as always she was honest. "Well, no. Not really." She laughed softly, glancing shyly up at Kira with azure eyes.
Kira laughed, running a hand through his thick brown hair. "Understandable. And you're welcome to come if you don't feel it will be a waste of time."
Lacus's heart gave a soft pound in her chest and she beamed at Kira. "I would love to help." Cagalli…I hope you don't kill me when you find out…
I know there wasn't a lot of asucaga kinda stuff- but right now I'm just trying to set up the characters, but don't worry- next chapter we'll be focusing on the tutoring lesson ;) Poor Athrun hasn't figured out that Cagalli isn't a Junior – live on in your delusions, Athrun
I'm kinda loving how I have Shin and Lunamaria set up. Captain of the Swimteam, health nut, yoga lover and then Shin, gang-boy and delinquent
I wonder how things are going to sort out for homecoming- especially with Miriallia ;)
And Athrun once he finds out :O
Anyway, Happy New Year, please review :)
Azetta