Thanks for the reviews guys. A review has something on Kira's over protectiveness. Here's the rebuttal I guess and thanks for the review. I think Kira being overprotective is not sick. It's just natural. He may not be projected like that at all but all siblings pass this stage of protectiveness even if they don't mean it to be that way. After all, this is the first time Kira and Cagalli will get to spend their time together on their own… And thinking about somebody (Bestfriend or not) hogging his sisters attention can make him quite a bit protective.;
To Asucaga30- akalain mo nga naman o. nagtatagalog ka pala! Astig. Thanks for reading my fic. It made me really happy.
Ascelon – Thanks for the review and your time in reading this. It's very much appreciated
Kitty-Kat90013820 – Yes, The AC goodness begins.
The Angel's Princess – I think Athrun would be okay dating his bestfriend's sister. well, he'd better be. I'm not wasting my time pairing them up if he won't hehehe ; it's just so cute. And thanks for reading!
Meow meow – for your reading pleasure, here's an update.
Extra: I apologize for the late update…. I had to literally yell and threaten the telephone company for the loss of phone lines in our place. Darn them. I had to endure days without internet and updates.
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The art of Love – chapter 11
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Recap:
Just confess to me Kira. You're actually throwing to Athrun your frustrations of not being able to confront cagalli of the incident am I right?" Lacus looked at her brown-haired boyfriend. Kira sighed, he hated it when Lacus can read his mind. "Yes. I can't help it you know; one minute she was a stranger to him, the next BOOM! Hi kira, the one I've been seeing is your sister." Kira exasperated. Lacus giggled.
"What?" Kira looked at her and smiled. "I think you're a very cute-and-overprotective-afraid-of-being-clobbered-by-his-sister brother." Lacus pecked him on the lips.
"I'm not trying to meddle or anything.. I just want to help them out a bit on being acquainted. You might not notice it Kira, but your sister and Athrun are feeling kind of awkward towards what has happened. Maybe perhaps that they knew each other as nameless strangers and all of these seem a bit too fast for them. I do this not because I want them to get over it and be an item or anything. It's up to them." Lacus explained.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. I guess I should give them some time." Kira beamed. "But I still don't like the idea of Athrun flirting with my sister much."
"Kira!" Lacus placed her hands over her waist. "But before anything, you wouldn't want Cagalli to know that we know how she feels for Athrun right?" Lacus giggled and Kira's face paled.
Sure, they would just let things go on and see what happens. And maybe when things mellow down, Kira won't have to resort into telling Cagalli he actually saw her inner feelings (courtesy of sketchpad and notebook) right?
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The Date Paint
Athrun stood up from his bed. It was already 7:30 in the morning and he was running late. Well, not that someone will actually scold him for being one. (After all he is part owner of the company) But he just didn't like the idea of getting to work late.
He quickly dressed himself and decided to just grab a bite from a drive thru on the way. As he made a quick turn from his parking space, his phone rang. He turned on the speaker and asked who was on the other line.
"Hey, Athrun it's me Kira… Are you still on your way to work?" Kira asked. "Um… Kind of. I just got out of my building why?" Athrun asked back. "Well.. I kind of left my papers back at home. Could you be kind enough to drop by and pick it up for me? I can't leave the building right now. I'm talking to one of our sponsors, who apparently want to widen their share at the concert." Kira scoffed.
"That's fine with me. But how am I supposed to get in your apartment?" Athrun asked. Kira coughed a bit and then spoke again. "Uhm… Cagalli's still there. I called her a few minutes ago. I was supposed to ask her to bring it but she's also running late for school. So…"
Athrun smiled. "I get it. Okay, I'll get your papers. You're not in a hurry to get this aren't you?"
"No. not at all. Just need it for today. Thanks pal." Kira shut his phone. "Cagalli's there… I see. I just hope I won't make a fool of myself." Athrun whispered and sped up a bit towards Kira's apartment.
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"Okay… I think that's about it, things all done and ready." Cagalli beamed. She carefully grabbed her bag and sketch book as she made her way to the door when suddenly, someone knocked. "Ookay… that was unexpected." She raised an eyebrow and opened the door.
"Kira, did you forget something again? I swear if it's your underwear I'll…" Cagalli looked at the man in front of her. She gaped at him in shock, it wasn't Kira.
Athrun looked at her confused. "Er… Kira did forget something… but I don't think it has anything do to with underwear. And oh, I'm not Kira." He chuckled. "Athrun!" Cagalli jumped as soon as her mind finally finished processing who he was.
"C-come in.. what did Kira forget this time?" Cagalli stepped a bit to give Athrun some space so he can enter the large apartment. "He left his papers he said…" Athrun looked around. "Ah, Must be this. He's been carrying it around before he left. That idiot must have left it when he went for some coffee." Cagalli handed him the papers.
"Thanks." Athrun looked at her. "Now, if you don't mind… I guess we should be leaving this place. I have to lock up and go to school." She grinned at him, tugging his arm and headed towards the door. "Want me to take you to school… Again?" Athrun stiffened but tried to act normally nonetheless. Cagalli looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I can handle myself very much. And besides, I think you have some papers to deliver and a job to attend to."
"Oh. Right… I was just. At least let me drive you to the bus stop." Athrun scratched the back of his head. "You are quite insistent aren't you? Alright, I think I'll take that one offer… even if the bus stop is only 2 blocks away." Cagalli chuckled. It was either this guy is really helpful or just wanted to be close to her like his brother. But Cagalli can't help but blush at the thought of Athrun actually making some effort to get close with her that is what she hoped for anyway, she wasn't really sure.
After dropping Cagalli off the bus stop, both bid their goodbye and went about their own ways.
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"Yes, you want at least 30 posters in one cubicle right? I think that can be arranged. Yes, thank you very much." Kira placed down the phone and gave out a huge sigh. All day long he had been negotiating with other sponsors who want to cut in Lacus' concert. They were a pain in the neck really, coming in at the last minute… But Kira can't argue since they will be giving the company a reasonable amount for it so, he nods and shuts his trap.
"Hey. Wanna go and get something to bite?" Athrun came. He too was quite busy all day talking to the advertisement group on where and what stations will they place Lacus' concert. But Lacus itself is enough publicity, he thought. And even if they don't advertise the thing, people will still flock at her concert. She is after all, a very famous actress/ pop star. However, sponsors do have the right to be publicized too, they paid one heck of an amount for it, and so it's only to be fair.
"Sure. But then again, I'm thinking of getting off early. I'm done here so I thought of treating Lacus for dinner tonight." Kira spun around in his easy chair. "That'll be good." Athrun sat down on a available chair. Kira stopped his spinning and turned to face Athrun. "What about you? Any plans for tonight?"
Athrun thought for awhile and glanced at the window. "I don't know, I haven't thought of anything to do…" He looked back at Kira. "Perhaps just watch some movies at home I guess… After all, I have stocked some choco pops at home…"
"So it's choco movie night huh?" Kira smiled. "Yeah. That's about it I guess. Don't mind me; just enjoy your night out with Lacus." Athrun stood up and waved goodbye to his friend. "I think I'll be off early too. I have to pick something from an old friend."
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Lacus and Kira waved goodbye to him as they drove off for their date. After that, Athrun carefully picked up his phone and looked at his messages: Mr. Edwards: Mr. Zala, I'm afraid I can't meet you at the place we were supposed to meet. I'm still not done here. Could you be so kind as to pay a visit instead here in my office and pick up what you wanted to borrow? You can do a little strolling afterwards. "Eh? Now I have to go there?" He sighed and replied to the one who sent the message: Sure. I'll be there in 20 minutes.
He carefully boarded his car and drove off to his destination: The Local University.
Yep, no doubt about it, perhaps he will bump into Cagalli there. He hoped he would, he actually wished he would.
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"Ah, Mr. Zala. Thank you for the visit. Come in, come in." A middle-aged man came as he gave Athrun a hug. "It's been quite a long time but look at you now, still as handsome as ever but very successful nonetheless." The man chuckled. "Aw, knock it off Mr. Edwards. I wasn't exactly your favorite so I don't know if I will believe that part." Athrun joked back. "Nonsense, I know you lack drawing skills but you have passion! And that is what it's all about." Mr. Edwards came again as he sat back to his desk and took a rather huge book from one of the drawers.
"I believe you wanted this. Got it straight from Europe, it's got all the wonderful sights in the world." The man chuckled as he handed the said book to Athrun. "Thank you very much Mr. Edwards. How much do I owe you?" Athrun beamed as he carefully reached for his wallet. "Now, now my boy… Like they say, it's on the house. I have few students who appreciate such beauty and they should be given that for free as they deserve it." The man pats his back.
"Really, I don't think I should…" Athrun's eyes widened. "Now my boy, either you take that or I take it from you." Mr. Edwards mockingly raised an eyebrow. Athrun gave up and smiled at the man. "Thank you very much."
"So, how's life?" Mr. Edwards asked. "Oh, same old, same old." Athrun shrugged. "I see you haven't found yourself some girl yet." Mr Edwards laughed as Athrun choked a bit. "Uh,.. I don't think I have time for that thank you." Athrun blushed; Mr. Edwards is one funny man.
"Now, now Athrun… your best friend Kira finally snagged a girl… and not just any girl but Lacus. I never even thought of it before. Kira was always so timid but yet so bold when it comes to pursuing a goal… namely a girl. And you…I guess you are the opposite, quite bold yet so timid in girls. And to think back in college they literally throw themselves at you"
That's it. Mr. Edwards just hit Athrun's reality spot. He is how do you say it? SHY towards girls. But then again maybe to the girls he only liked… But that rarely happens. Last he remembers being timid towards a girl he likes was in kindergarten. Sucks big time.
Athrun felt like he was in hot water. Who knew that a man like Mr. Edwards could know so much about him? The world must be going crazy, or he just isn't giving much attention to his own life. And maybe that's why Cagalli said that he was boring.
Suddenly, a knock was heard from Mr. Edwards' door. "Come in." The man turned. The door opened a bit and a voice came. "Mr. Edwards, I finished what you asked me to do..." The voice came, Athrun's head jolted up to see the person, he swore that voice seems familiar.
Finally, the figure came out from the corner, and it was Cagalli, no wonder the voice sounded familiar. "Cagalli!" Athrun shot up from his seat, dropping the book that was on his lap. "Athrun!" Cagalli gaped at him and her eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Mr. Edwards smirked at the two's reaction and butt in. "I see you know each other already… Saved me the hassle of introduction" The man chuckled and the two looked at him and blushed. "But for more info, Cagalli is my student in masters Athrun, she is a very talented and wonderful young lady… And Cagalli, Athrun is my ever so passionate and intelligent former student."
"He took the same course as mine?" Cagalli looked at Mr. Edwards while trying to hide her blushing face with some papers. "No, he taught me in one of my subjects." Athrun smiled at her which made her blush more and him back.
'Ahem… Thank you Ms. Cagalli your help is very much appreciated. As for me, I guess I should be off to my work now." Mr. Edwards chuckled and Athrun can't help but notice that sinister glint in his eyes. He's planning something.
"It's getting quite dark. Athrun, I insist that you take Ms. Cagalli home." Mr. Edwards tried hard not to laugh. "I knew it." Athrun murmured. But, Mr. Edwards saved him from an embarrassing quest. He did plan to ask Cagalli to take her home when he bumps into her, he just didn't know the exact words to say to her in case it happens.
"Uhm… Mr. Edwards, Athrun really… I can go home on my own. Thanks for the offer anyway." Cagalli moved backward a bit. Mr. Edwards smirked again. Athrun rolled his eyes in defeat, he is planning something again, better make yourself ready Cagalli.
"Before you leave Ms. Cagalli, can you place this over there at the table? Here, catch." Mr. Edwards threw a semi-opened jar of oil paint that he himself concocted. Cagalli cursed inside, that caught her unguarded. She tried to catch it with her semi-late reflexes, she did but the paint spilled on her. "KYA!!!!" She screamed in horror as the paint mercilessly splashed on her.
Athrun looked shocked; Mr. Edwards is an evil, evil man. "Oh my, I am so sorry dear, really I am." The man came with a tone of remorse in his voice. He could win a Grammy for this. Athrun looked at Mr. Edwards and pulled him away for awhile.
"Sir, what in God's name are you trying to do?" Athrun wanted to die right there and then. "I'm giving you your big break." The man chuckled and pushed Athrun.
Okay, so he is evil, bloody evil to the point of being a genius. What's up with these people selling him out anyway? First it was Lacus and now his former professor? Is he that desperately single-looking?
Don't they even know how attracted yet awkward he feels towards the girl?!
Cagalli wanted to cry and at the same time throw a fit, but she hasn't recovered much from the paint spilling trauma. "Cagalli dear, I am so sorry… But do not fret, that's an oil paint I specially made… And Athrun has some remover for it. I gave it to him back then." Mr. Edwards came again. Cagalli looked at the man and then at Athrun.
"Okay Athrun… take me to that remover." Cagalli ordered and grabbed his wrist. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow Mr. Edwards. It's okay… I'm not mad." Cagalli smiled and headed towards the door.
"Here. You'll need this." Mr. Edwards placed a small container on Athrun's trench coat pocket and pushed him to the door. As he closed it, a smile of satisfaction crept up on his face.
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"I can't believe this." Cagalli sighed as she leaned on Athrun's car chair. "Don't worry, I have the remover.. We can fix that in a jiffy." Athrun smiled at him. He realized that the thing the professor shoved up in his pocket was the remover, crazy old goat. "Guess it was my fault. If I caught that container correctly, it wouldn't have spilled on me like that." Cagalli smiled a bit back. "Nah, it wasn't your fault, it was an accident." Athrun turned his attention to the street.
Sure as heck it wasn't her fault; it was that silly Professor of his. And it wasn't an accident at all, it was deliberate. He swore he'll get back at them for this.
They soon got into his unit and gave her the remover as he pointed to her the bathroom.
"Uhm.. Athrun… do you have like a spare shirt and pants or something? I mean… Even if it doesn't fit a bit I think I can make adjustments. I can't actually go home wearing this again you know…" Cagalli blushed. Athrun did the same but quickly turned so she won't see it.
"I think I have…" He quickly made his way to his room to scavenge something for her.
After a few minutes, Cagalli emerged from the bathroom wearing Athrun's old clothes. "This thing actually fits." Cagalli smiled at him. Athrun blushed. "Well, I wore that in my college days… I guess I did grow up a bit."
Cagalli eyed him. "Oh, you sure did." "Pardon?" Athrun came. "Nothing. What's that?" Cagalli pointed at the food container in front of the young man.
"Oh this? Choco pops and some other chips. I plan on having a movie night tonight." Athrun chuckled. "Sounds cool. On your own?" Cagalli asked, Athrun nodded. Cagalli eyed the chips and the large screen TV. "Cool." She whispered. She haven't had a single movie night ever since she went to work and stayed with her brother. She got an idea.
"Can I join?" She bravely asked. "What?" Athrun stammered. "I said can I watch movies with you?" Cagalli took the remote. Athrun could not believe what he was hearing, Cagalli, actually asking him if she could watch some movies with him. Of course he would say yes.
"Sure. Why not? It'll be fun." Athrun smiled. "Great!" Cagalli sat down and turned on the TV. Athrun sat down as well and opened the choco pop package. This will be one heck of a night.
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Yay! What do you think? Again, I had fun doing this. Please Review and tell me what you think? Thanks! AC rules!