Thanks for the reviews and the sympathies. Hehe here goes.. to the specific persons who reviewed.

Hagumi and Kitty-kat90013820- thanks for the symphaties, it made me cheer up after that.

ZXiaRayZz – Yeah, Cags has really fallen for sure now.. and denial is still a common thing for them.

Meowmeowtheblackcat – Quite the saddist I have been for not letting them meet again.

Asucagafreak- Yeah, if Kira would stop trying to make them meet, maybe things will go fine eventually. Haha

Let's move on.

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The art of love chapter 8

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Recap:

"You're hiding something from me aren't you?" Kira smirked evilly and kept on attempting to snatch Cagalli's drawing. "NO! I'm not! This thing is top secret… okay?" Cagalli yelled back, her grip on the paper tightened. "That must be a boy you're drawing!" Kira laughed.

"NO! QUIT IT OR I'LL PERSONALLY DECAPITATE YOU!" Cagalli yelled again as she finally stood up. However, she was caught off guard when Kira poked her at the sides and she let go of the paper. Kira instantly snatched it and looked at it with such pleasure in his eyes.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Cagalli yelled in horror as she reached for her paper. "GIVE THAT BACK!!"

Kira eyed the paper. It was not easily recognizable since it only had light lines and strokes on it, thus why it was called a sketch. Cagalli was just starting to draw it anyway. But a certain part in the sketch was detailed, the eyes and the illuminated hair. Kira examined it a bit and then it was suddenly grabbed back by Cagalli. "I HATE YOU!!!" She yelled at him. "Wha… I was just kidding." Kira looked back. "KID THIS!!" Cagalli smacked him on the face with a slipper and retreated to her room with a loud bang as she closed the door forcefully.

"oops.." Kira smiled as he held on to his aching face where the slipper left its mark.

Now, something about that sketch seemed awfully familiar. That and also the fact that Cagalli seemed to be…. In love.

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Unpredictable Fate

Athrun stretched from his seat. The day had been hectic enough as it is, but that won't stop him from grinning silly like the usual.

"So, you met with her again today right?" Kira entered. Athrun jumped in surprise, he wasn't expecting that. "Uhm.. well yeah.. but nothing special really." Athrun scratched the back of his head.

"Oh.. I beg to differ. Is it me, or it seems like the lovesick virus is the trendiest thing today?" Kira sat on Athrun's desk and he gave out a slight smirk at his azure-haired best friend who was now fidgeting in his seat. "What the heck are you talking about?" Athrun raised an eyebrow but tried hard to suppress his blush.

"You know what I'm talking about, Mr. I-pretend-that-I-have-no-idea-what-the-heck-Kira's-talking-about" Kira played with Athrun's electric sharpener, slowly making the tall pencil reach its petite look. "Shut it Kira, if there is someone who always looked love sick between the two of us, I'd bet all my money and pride that it is you." Athrun let out a laugh which made the chocolate-haired boy blush and pout.

"I have a right. Lacus is my girlfriend and that is enough reason for me to go on living everyday in lovesick mode." KIra shot back. This guy was actually proud of such silliness. Athrun should get some pointers from him… but then again, maybe not. "Unless someone I know who has his emotions written all over his smug face but still force himself into denial mode."

"I am absolutely not in denial!" Athrun snapped a pencil when Kira mentioned that part. He really isn't a good liar, much more in hiding things. He was usually composed, but he was always fidgety nowadays, and it made him as Lacus' and Kira's main feature in entertainment. Or as Kira would say, 'it's much better than watching movies.'

"Quit it Kira, there are much more important things in hand than oogling at stuff not significant to my job." Athrun spat out, grabbing the electric sharpener from Kira's grasp before the guy makes a complete set of 'Hobbit pencils.' "And besides, Ms. Amber and I are really good friends. She's fun and okay, but I don't go seeing her as something more than that."

The Ultimate Lie of the century! Of course, he wouldn't go saying to Kira how sometimes he thinks of the said blonde haired girl as his girl or something like that.

"Oh, so you finally got her name." Kira smiled, took out his cellphone and dialed Lacus number. This was definitely newsworthy. "Well, sort of.." Athrun whispered, and was glad Kira wasn't able to hear it, or he would be bombarded with questions. And he strictly made it a point that he won't go telling Kira or Lacus that 'amber' was just a name he concocted for Cagalli since, he can't always address her as 'mystery girl'.

"Lacus has a lot of things to do, but she said that she would want us to meet her later and that you spill the beans to her personally. And she was serious about that.. so no skipping okay?" Kira grinned and finally hopped out of Athrun's desk and waved goodbye to his friend.

Athrun sighed. There were a lot of interesting people around for them to pry on and label as their entertainment, why does it always have to be him? It was not only Kira and Lacus, even the whole company is somewhat monitoring his life as if he was the star of a 'the Truman show' thingy. And he can't help but frown and curse his 'The Zala fanclub' for actually calling 'amber' names such as slut and so on since they know he was seeing her and they are quite jealous about it.

He reached for his 'partially deduced to a hobbit-like form pencil' and started scribbling at a blank sheet of paper. He sighed and prayed everything will go well for him.

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"KIRA!!! I GOT IN!!! I FINALLY GOT IN!! I'M GOING TO START MY MASTERS!!" Cagalli yelled through the receiver. Kira had to inch away from it to save him from being permanently deaf courtesy of his sister. Realizing that she has finished her bellow of excitement, he decided to talk. "That's great! When do you start?"

"Tomorrow, although I still have to apply for some units since I didn't get to pay for full.." Cagalli's voice lowered. "Well, how much do you need? I could lend you some." Kira butt in. "Tsk, tsk Kira.. Thanks for the offer but I think this is something that I should handle myself.. And besides, if I get used to you lending me money and stuff, I have the tendencies to abuse that…" Cagalli chuckled. Kira respected her decision and smiled.

"Okay.. But of you really need anything, just don't hesitate to ask.. I'm still your brother; I have the responsibility of taking care of you" Kira finally said as he hanged up the phone.

Cagalli beamed as she went to work again, flipping patties around. Nick then approached her. "So, you finally got in.. So, that means you'll soon be leaving the diner."

Cagalli looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "I don't know.. I still need some money for half of my tuition…. But then again, I promised my brother I would be leaving as soon as I get in the University." Cagalli rubbed her chin. "So.. yeah, I'm afraid I will soon be leaving."

Nick gave out a sad face. "Milly and I will miss you." Cagalli chuckled and gave nick a light punch on the shoulder. "Oh cut the crap Nick, as if I won't be visiting or hanging out with you guys. I'm just going to a University… Not in some other state!" Nick beamed and then laughed at his stupidity.

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"He called her 'amber'." Kira smiled at Lacus. Athrun sank from where he was sitting. He felt utterly embarrassed now. But then again, why would he? These two people do not have a slightest idea that it was just a name he made up for 'her'. "Such a nice name, what's her family name?" Lacus chirped.

Athrun slapped his head mentally. Can't they just be satisfied with just a name? Now, they also want him to make up a family name for gosh sakes! "I..I'm getting to that." Was all that he could say. "Well you better. Sheesh." Kira drank some of his tea and then looked at Lacus. "Um, if you'll excuse me, I need to use the comfort room." Athrun stood up and left.

"Hey Lacus, Cagalli is finally going to start in the University isn't that great?" Kira smiled. "Really? That's great news. Aren't we going to throw a celebration for her or something?" Lacus clapped her hands in delight; she just loved organizing surprise parties. "That's an idea. There's also something that is bothering me with that sister of mine.." Kira stated and Lacus leaned closer to him. "What is it?"

"I don't know.. she seems to be hiding something from me. Last night, she was sketching something and I think it was some boy… she might be seeing you know.." Kira placed his hand over Lacus. "Maybe it was some random person she just wanted to draw." Lacus looked back at him with a raised eyebrow. "I don't know. She seemed flustered when I teased her about it. And get this, she always leaves in the early morning nowadays and she doesn't even do that before at all. She always wakes up late." Kira chomped off some cookie and waved his hands in the air emphasizing the strangeness his sister is projecting.

"What's wrong with seeing someone Kira? I mean, she's a girl… She has a lot of opportunity to meet other guys.." Lacus chuckled at her boyfriend's overprotective brother mode. "I know.. but I don't even know this guy! What if he does something unbearable to her?" Kira grumbled. "I think you're over reacting Kira.. And besides, with the kind of girl Cagalli is, I know she can take care of herself." Lacus patted Kira's back and assured him that everything is okay and he does not need to worry about it.

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It was already past five in the afternoon and Athrun was still sitting on his desk fiddling with his newly sharpened and somewhat midget pencils, courtesy of Kira Yamato, his best friend. He had been thinking about a lot of things for the past hour and decided to stay for awhile excusing himself to Lacus and Kira and telling them he can't possibly go and join them with their celebration for Kira's sister.

He chuckled; he just refused an offer to meet Kira's sister again. But based from past experiences, it was somehow bound to end up with them not meeting again. Call it weird, but things happen and he thought that somehow fate does not really permit them to meet. He cast it aside and thought of the next subject on his list: 'Amber". Now, why in who-knows-name would he give her the codename Amber?

"Oh right, it was because of her beautiful wide amber eyes that always seem to sparkle with joy and hope that makes his heart melt, do a somersault, fly a trapeze, walk through fire and shout for joy." Okay, so that was exaggerating but perfect description nonetheless. He sighed again, he can't wait to see her again tomorrow morning, when she goes and sketch him again, especially his eyes (Which he soon noticed) that made him think that the girl seem to have a liking with eyes. But soon, he felt mortified when an image of Kira and Lacus nagging him about her family name surfaced, and soon he guessed they would definitely ask him to introduce them to her.

He got out of his seat after realizing that all this thinking, regretting and day dreaming will get him nowhere.

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Cagalli strolled around the park where 'Zala' and she usually spend their morning jogging, chatting and the likes. Tomorrow, she would finally quit the diner and focus on her masters. And then, make his brother happy by actually looking for another job 'suited for her talents'. She sighed, the week will be a long and hectic one but who is she to complain? She wanted this anyway. And now, she wished she had some choco pops with her.

"Hey." A voice came. "What's a nice young lady like you doing here all alone?"

Cagalli frowned and decided to face the man. If this were another guy trying to use lame and often times perverted pick-up lines on her, there would definitely be a blood shedding tonight. She grumbled in between her turns and faced the young man who:

Is such a hottie, she almost fainted.

Okay, so it was Zala. Sure scared the hell out of her! "Zala, what the hell are you doing? I thought you were some… never mind. What brings you here?" She spat out. "Just came home from work. And boy, am I glad to see you." Athrun beamed, Cagalli thought she was going to burst from blushing. "Wha.."

"Here. I was thinking of giving this to you tomorrow.. but then again, you're here. Lucky me." Athrun handed her a box of Choco pops. Cagalli chuckled and reached out for it, perfect timing, she thought. "Thanks. Funny, a few months ago I was like tearing your head off for this and now here, were actually sharing some of it to each other."

"Yeah.. really funny. So, Can I walk you home?" Athrun asked. "No car today?" Cagalli asked back. "I decided not to use it, such beautiful night really, and imagine my luck bumping into you here. I guess I should start walking home more often." Athrun chuckled. He couldn't really believe what was coming out from his mouth, but whenever she was near him, he can't help but blurt out what he really feels and thinks inside. Cagalli raised an eyebrow and placed her hand on her waist. "Very funny Zala.. Flattery won't get you anywhere." Sure it did, it got into her head and smacked right in to her heart. Whatever his words did, it sure got her to blush hard.

A sudden silence came.

"Uhm.. so… about tomorrow, I was wondering." Athrun decided to cut the silence. Cagalli's face dropped, and then she looked at the man beside her. "Oh that.. you see Zala, I don't think we would be able to meet each other during mornings in the future."

Athrun looked at her in shock. "Why? I mean.. not that I'm meddling or anything.. Is there something wrong?" Cagalli shook her head. "no… Nothing is wrong.. I'm just starting school that's all.. And I'll be busy and stuff.. I'm sorry."

Athrun looked surprised and disappointed but then shook it off to consider her. "No, it's okay. You don't have to apologize…"

The rest of the walk was somewhat awkward.

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"She is taking a long time don't you think?" Lacus asked Kira as she placed some fork and spoons on the dining table. There were a couple of balloons around the place and a stapled paper with a rough scribble of: 'Congratulations Cagalli' was placed on the wall. "Yeah.. must be rush hour. Too bad,athrun can't be here with us." Kira tidied up the place. "Kira, do you have a match or something?" Lacus asked as she placed a candle on top of Cagalli's cake. "UHm.. let me check… I remember Cagalli borrowing it saying she needed it. It must be in her room." Kira headed towards Cagalli's room.

"Ooh.. KIra, it's not invasion or anything, but can I take a peek inside her room?" Lacus squealed. She was always excited about looking inside Cagalli's room and seeing the wonderful pieces she has done. Only, she didn't have the courage to ask Cagalli herself since she was a bit shy about it. "Well sure.. But it's quite a mess in there." Kira smiled. Lacus jumped and followed Kira.

Kira opened the door and Lacus was overjoyed by what she saw. There were lots of canvass in different sizes lying about in her room. Some were not yet painted and some had masterpieces on it. Cagalli seemed to have a liking with colors, more of like an abstract impressionism type since most of her works were like that way. But she does do still life and sculpture along the way. The room smelled a bit of linseed oil but not the one that reeks so much. Lacus' eyes gleamed at the fantastic sight around her. Kira chuckled at her actions.

Kira went on to look for the match as Lacus scanned Cagalli's stuff lying about. She poked on a wooden dummy and accidentally making a stack of books and magazines fall. She quickly picked it up and caught sight of a little notebook and a seemingly opened sketchpad. Her eyes widened at what she had read and saw. A little gasp came out of her mouth and Kira couldn't help but glance over to her and wonder what she was up to.

"What's wrong?" Kira asked. "You were right. Cagalli is somewhat in love." Lacus blurted out. "Pardon?" Kira went closer and also caught sight of what made Lacus gasp. "What in the…" He took the notebook.

08-06

My brother made another arrangement for me and his friend to meet again. The guy was practically late and I just had to leave for awhile. And here, zala came up to me. I was surprised really.. and I arranged his tie. I don't' know what came to me but I just did and he let me. I feel like I wanted to burst and melt. As expected, things didn't turn out exactly as it is with my brother's friend. I decided to leave after when the restaurant's light went out. As I was walking out, Zala came up to me again. I was shocked and then I was flustered again. To see him come up to me like an angel smiling, his face, hair and emerald eyes illuminated by the light of the moon was enough to make me stiff. I wanted to draw him. I made sure I remember his features after that. I am still so shy to ask for his name, maybe sometime in the future.

-cagalli

"Zala? What does she mean Zala?" Kira's eyebrow twitched a bit. Lacus looked at Kira worriedly and nodded to him. "This Zala." She raised Cagalli's sketchpad and showed Kira Athrun's face, sketched on the paper. Not only that, the whole pad was filled with Athrun in all kinds of expressions and positions. (By positions I mean, sitting position, standing position, etc. not the perverted position hehe)

"Oh God… Then Amber is…" Kira's jaw dropped as he remembered his sister's wide AMBER eyes and Athrun's love sick face.

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I admit, I enjoyed doing this. Haha! Please review! Thanks guys. I'll be looking forward to it. And finally, them meeting each other as themselves is coming soon!