And I'm back. Thanks for being patient on the update guys. I had a lot to do and think about the past few days and more in the future. Thanks for the reviews also! If you're wondering why the font has changed, don't mind it... It's still the same story.
Here is the feedback list:
Kitty-Kat90013820 – yess. Asucaga cuteness galore for this one also!
Yourstrully – Why thank you. I'm really glad you see it that way. hugs
zXia0RayZz – I wouldn't want them to skid off a cliff I guess. For now, this is what I want to happen. We wouldn't want Athrun and Cagalli confessing just because they are dying. So much for the aftermath. Hehe
Minerva's cradle – Thanks for the good luck again. I hope I do fine in my thesis. If I don't I won't be able to write an asucaga fic for a year out of depression. ACk. We wouldn't want that. Yes.. a day… but because FATE loves to play around those two.. they might not stay for a day. I also loved the Kira-Athrun-Cagalli conversation! Yesss! No probs in grammar! Thank you!
Genny-chan – Thanks. I'm really gald you liked the Asucaga moments in the last chap!
Meowmeowtheblackcat – Easy.. I wouldn't want you going crazy… ; I won't get a review from you if you did. Hehe. You are so longing for a kiss aren't you? (Athrun and Cagalli blushes at your idea)
3fi-pina3 – Hmm... There will be something going on in that room. But nothing perverted I promise. Haha! Each and every one of us wishes that were Cagalli hoho! But I sometimes wish I was Athrun too. (Weird) Heat will definitely come from the room!
Steph – Ohh.. yeah I really resisted myself a hug back then in the chapter. I just wanted to establish a somewhat romantic feeling between the two inside a room on one bed. Then the hug would come in later. Yes.. Athrun is 100 gentleman. It's a pity they don't have more of those these days. They usually come in brute and vain packages.
kirAlacuS4ever – sigh. I wish I'm in the same predicament as you. I would kill to be at home and doing nothing but fanfics. Hoho. I'll try my best in updating fast! Thanks for understanding! Everyone… (well not really) likes Kira in overprotective mode. It's just, I don't know. Cute?
Celle666 - Well.. contrary to what I said up there.. you got a bit tad annoyed with Kira. Hehe. He is sometimes annoying. But I like the way he fits the part of being the villain in AC relationship and not making it look like one.
Hagumi – It's okay. I got late alerts often times too. It makes us realize not all things in the net are fast and accurate. I got all my reviews in the mail late too. And when I finally checked here, I got loads! Hmm.. the needle thing? I would explain that here. I knew that question will soon come forth. You're so observant, and a psychic at times. Are you sure you're not reading my mind? Thank you for the nice complement. I'm really glad everyone liked the room scenes and the conversation between THE 'overprotective' brother.
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The Art of Love – chapter 17
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Recap:
Then the lights went out.
"What now?" Cagalli growled. "I'll go check." Athrun stood up and was pulled back by Cagalli. "I-I'll go with you." She stood up and Athrun intertwined his fingers into hers. "Okay. Hold on tight so you won't bump into—Ow!" Athrun backed down. "You were saying?' Cagalli teased.
"I'm very sorry for the inconvenience… We will try to have the power back soon.." The manager came. "How soon?" Athrun asked as both of them stood from the doorway. "I'm afraid about 5-6 hours… The rain isn't letting out soon." The manager answered back. Cagalli sighed and pulled Athrun back inside the room. "So much for that. I don't want to sit around that long doing nothing."
Athrun chuckled. "Well… We might as well sleep it off for awhile. That way, we can rest and continue when the power's back." He slid his hand on her waist. Cagalli felt her heart tap dance. "Uhm… I guess you're right.. But with one bed?" She looked at his intoxicating eyes.
"We'll just have to do with it I guess… I never really expected this to happen. I'm so sorry. Maybe I can sleep on the cou-" He was cut off when Cagalli placed a finger on his lips. He felt the softness of her finger on his and made him want to kiss her hands more, but he resisted, he might get kicked out of the room for that. "It's not your fault okay? It'll be just for today.. Besides, this is a resort… Enjoy its luxuries… and that includes the bed." She smiled and made her way to the bed. Athrun soon joined.
They lay there for awhile looking up at the ceiling, and listening to the raindrops outside. "This is nice." Athrun came. "Yeah." Cagalli said in a soft voice. It was evident that she soon falling into sleep. "Cagalli…" Athrun looked at her amidst the darkness. "Hmm?" She hummed in response.
"Thanks." He gently leaned over her and gave her a peck on the cheeks. Cagalli felt the sudden brush and gave out a blush. She was too tired to react anything more than that. She just took Athrun's hand and intertwined her fingers in his. "Welcome. And yeah, me too… Thanks for everything." She sighed and closed her eyes.
Athrun smiled and gripped on to her hand tightly. He wanted to hug her, but now is not the time, plus he was happy that way for now. "Cagalli?" He came again. No response was heard and he concluded that the young blonde was already asleep. He slowly closed his eyes.
"Athrun…" Cagalli groaned. Athrun's eyes opened and turned his head towards her. Her eyes were still closed. Was she sleep- talking? "Hmm?" He hummed in response testing if she was really sleeping or awake.
"Athrun… You are my inspiration." She slowly smiled and continued sleeping. Athrun froze, she was asleep… was she thinking about him? A smile crept up on his face and closed his eyes again. "So are you." He mentally whispered.
The two finally entered the world of slumber, their hands joined together in a peaceful connection that would eventually bloom, and this, is the start.
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Hell Hath no fury than a Kira scorned.
"Cagalli…" Athrun moaned. The golden-haired girl lay on top of him, gently caressing his bare chest. He closed his eyes in pleasure, trying to control himself as he carefully caressed Cagalli's bare legs also. Cagalli giggled at the contact and slowly made her way near Athrun's face.
"You have such beautiful eyes Athrun." Cagalli purred. "Cagalli…." Athrun gulped and cupped her face. "I Love you so much." He sighed and soon claimed her pink and soft lips. They both moaned with such pleasure surfacing them. Soon, they began to undress each other, little by little. Athrun could feel his heart beat as well as hers.
"Athrun…" She whispered as he nibbled on her neck. "Cagalli… do you love me?" He looked at her intently. Cagalli smiled and looked back at him saying: "The time is, 5:00 am."
"What?" Athrun looked at her confused. And then she slapped him.
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Athrun jolt up from the bed, and held on to his stinging cheek. "What was that all about?" He looked up at the side table, where the digital clock kept on saying the exact words Cagalli told him: 'The time is 5:00 am'. He sighed and looked at his other side where Cagalli lay sound asleep and her hand flying around as she tossed and turned in the process.
Now he knows how he got that sting on his face.
He sat up and ruffled his hair. He can't believe that he's been dreaming about her and him in a somewhat sexual situation. This hotel thing and being stranded is getting to him. He looked around, it was still pitch black and the storm outside did not seem to stop either.
He stood up and tied his bathrobe tightly. It had come undone probably when he was lying down. He checked his cellphone, still no signal. Damn. He had to think of a way on how to explain all of these to Kira.
He went back to bed and was surprised at what he saw.
Cagalli was still sleeping, and boy was she ever so beautiful in that angelic-innocent look of hers. Athrun can't help but blush that he was actually sleeping on one bed with her. He can't blame himself for dreaming such a scandalous dream awhile ago. What made him blush more was the fact that Cagalli's bathrobe had come undone since she's tossing and turning on the bed, revealing her green undies at his innocent eyes.
And Hot Damn, she looks so sexy with his shirt on.
Athrun tried to snap out of it, he can't go and tie her bathrobe back, since well she might wake up and think of him as a rapist or something… He decided to just put a blanket on top of her.
And off he goes to sleep, calming himself in the process.
Soon, he was entering the world of slumber again, when Cagalli's hands snaked its way to his waist. He let out a small yelp at the sudden contact as Cagalli pulled herself closer to him, pressing against his body. "Athrun…" She purred and snuggled on to his chest.
Athrun was stunned! He didn't know what to do; he looked at her to see if she's awake. Okay, she's not. Is she dreaming? ABOUT ME? Athrun flushed hard and tried not to move around much as to not wake her up. She snuggled again to him and smiled. "You smell like flowers… I like it." She whispered as he hugged her tighter and drifted to sleep. Athrun smiled at the figure grasping him. He buried his face on to her golden locks and smelled it. "You too." He hugged her, and also drifted to sleep.
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"The number you dialed is out of coverage area."
Kira cursed as he slammed his cell phone on the side table of his bed. Lacus stirred as she slowly sat up too see who woke her up. "Kira… you're still awake?" She inquired as she carefully rubbed her baby blue eyes. KIra looked at her apologetically.
"I'm sorry if I woke you up honey. Go back to sleep…." He gently rubbed her cheek. Lacus looked at him intently and sighed as soon as she saw the abused cellphone on top of the table. "You're trying to call them weren't you?" She came.
Kira tilted his head to the side and nodded. "I'm a bit worried. They said it's only for a day.. It's already 5 in the morning and they haven't come home… Plus, they didn't even bother to call." Kira tried to calm himself down as to not put up a hysterical show in front of his girlfriend. Lacus smiled. "Kira… you heard what's on the news. It's quite a storm out there. I'm sure they got stranded somewhere."
Kira's eyes widened. "Oh God. Something terrible must have happened." Lacus shook her head. "Kira… please stop thinking about negative things. Athrun's with Cagalli… I'm sure she's safe with him. Athrun would do anything to protect her. Now, please stop doubting the both of them!"
Kira looked down at his trembling hands and gave out a huge sigh. He looked back at the calm woman in front of him ans smiled. "You're right. I trust them… I wish… no, I know they are safe. But I swear if…" Lacus hit him gently with a pillow. "There you go again. They are safe. I promise. Now let's go back to sleep." She laid her head on top of the pillow. Kira followed.
Lacus' prayed hard that night for those two would be safe and sound.
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Cagalli opened her right eye lazily. It was a good sleep really, and the bright sun welcomed her to a new day. Wait a minute… A new day? Does this mean it's the next day already? Oh God, what happened to the supposed to be 'day road trip'?
She panicked and slowly stood up only to find herself tangled with a certain blue-haired hunk. Her eyes widened at their position. She quickly assessed or rather, tried to recall if something happened to them.
But she wasn't drunk that night… And as far as she remembers, they did go to sleep without 'touching' each other. Inside she wanted to scream bloody murder, but her conscience decided to not jump to conclusions. So she carefully took off Athrun's arm on her waist and stood up to breathe in and out.
"Okay…. It's just an accident. And by the time he wakes up, he won't know any of these. I better go freshen up." She fidgeted and made her way to the comfort room, flushing all over from head to toe.
However, accident or not… She will make sure he pays.
Athrun slowly stirred and woke up from his slumber. He found out that it was morning already. And like Cagalli, he went into a fit of panic. Images of Kira rambled on to him lecturing them about their little 'day out' that turned out to be a night together, due to some unavoidable circumstances.
"Hey." Cagalli came. "Glad you're awake. So, storm is over… The clothes have been delivered. It's your turn to have the car fixed so we can get out of here." She greeted. Athrun grumbled. "So much for a morning greeting."
Cagalli snickered at his reaction. "Alright, let's get something to eat before we leave then." She sat down beside him and dried her damp hair. She was now wearing the clothes that they had had cleaned yesterday and had finished taking a bath. "Uhm… Athrun…." She blushed, remembering the 'tangled' incident that he and she had been to awhile ago.
"Yes?" Athrun stood up and took a towel. "About last night…." She mumbled. Athrun almost jumped back in surprise. "W-what about it?' He stammered, remembering what happened when he woke up at 5 am… He dreaming about her, she sleep-talking and pushing herself against him, and the rest is history.
Cagalli blushed again. "N-Nothing! Nothing at all… just… thank you, I guess." Cagalli turned away. She shouldn't bring it up; it would create awkwardness and total chaos for the both of them. He doesn't seem to know anything about it. She should just remain quiet.
"Oh God, does she know what she did last night? Or what I did? Wait a minute.. I didn't do anything!" Athrun rambled inside his head. He straightened himself up and looked at Cagalli. "Thanks too... and I'm sorry if we got into this mess." He continued and left to take a shower.
"Whatever. You owe me a lot." She snickered; well at least she got to feel him. And boy, does it feel good hugging him.
"You and your brother." Athrun chuckled.
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"There. It's all done." The mechanic announced. Athrun paid him after. "That was one mighty needle that got stuck in your wheel." The man grinned back at him as he showed the blunette one huge rusty needle. "That's the needle?!" Athrun looked at it in awe. The man nodded. "No wonder the damned thing blew up so much!" He slapped his forehead. "Anyway, thanks for fixing it…" He smiled and went inside the car where Cagalli sat impatiently.
"You're late." She snapped as soon as he came in. "Sorry about that." He grinned sweetly. "No… I mean… You're late, for work." She shook her head and pointed at the digital clock on Athrun's dashboard. "Oh.. right… It's okay." He started the engine and picked up his phone. "Here. Call Kira. Tell him we're going home."
Cagalli hesitated before taking the phone from him. "Why me?" She gritted her teeth. "I think the possibility of Kira forgiving us would be bigger if you are the one to explain rather than me." He smirked, but can't help but feel worried about what's going to happen.
"It's going to be the same! You're just going to put me in hot water!" She protested, Athrun sighed. "Cagalli, look… I'm not trying to put you in hot water or any water of some sort… Just start and I'll finish. That way, we have equal parts in explaining." He steered the car. "What?! How would I know that you're really going to support me in this?" The amber-eyed girl retorted. Athrun shook his head again. "I thought you're not afraid of him? Now go on and dial the phone."
Cagalli pouted and slammed the phone back at him. Athrun coughed a bit at the sudden violent reaction. "Are you trying to kill me?" He coughed again, not taking his eyes off at the road. "So what if I did? Look, I won't and I repeat… I won't be the first victim of Kira Yamato's brotherly rage!" She bellowed. Athrun chuckled.
"What the hell is so funny?" She flared. Athrun looked at her and stopped the car as soon as they reached the stoplight. "You.. Ms. Cagalli Yula Attha… just admitted to me that your brother is one overprotective being… And that you seemed to be quite affected by it. Or rather… scared." Cagalli blushed. "Yeah.. so.. he acts like one…. It gets on my nerves too you know. But I'm not scared!"
Athrun's cellphone rang.
Both looked at the LCD and their face paled. It was KIRA.
"Athrun…." Cagalli whimpered. "Cagalli…" Athrun whimpered back. Cagalli pushed the cellphone at Athrun's chest. "Answer it!" She demanded. "I thought you weren't scared?" Athrun looked back. "Just answer it!" She threatened.
Athrun breathed in and out, and then pressed the button. "h-hello?" He came.
"Where in God's name are you?!!" Kira bellowed. It was loud enough for Cagalli to also hear. Athrun panicked, and absentmindedly threw his cellphone out the window. "What was that about?" Cagalli looked at him stunned. "I-I… Oh shit!" He got out of the car and took his cellphone from the ground. Kira was gone now and his cellphone was a bit broken.. Okay so it is broken a lot!
"Cagalli… Let's just go home." He sighed and drove away.
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"Where were you?" Kira bellowed inside his office. Athrun and Cagalli stood there in front of him looking like they wanted to die. "Kira.. please not so loud." Athrun sighed. "You, shut up!" He flared. Lacus slapped her forehead. "There he goes again. "Look, I am not some over crazed protective somewhat okay? I'm just worried!" He snapped. Cagalli snickered a bit. "You're just worried? Whoa… then I hate to see the overprotective mode." Kira glared at her, she shut up and pretended to zip her mouth.
"Kira, you must understand what happened to them, a storm came… They got stranded. It's good enough that they were able to stay someplace safe… and there's no signal there so they can't contact us and vice versa." Lacus interrupted. Athrun and Cagalli looked at her like she was some angel out to save them from this hellish lecture. It was as if they aren't 22 years old! Come on now, Kira.
"Don't you trust me Kira?" Athrun and Cagalli said in unison. Kira looked at them. Okay, that hit a spot. What the heck was he rambling for? Of course he trusts them both. Must be the brotherly genes kicking in. He sighed, getting ready to surrender. Athrun and Cagalli sensed this and both made a victory sign at each other, hoping Kira wouldn't notice that they planned this 'trust' thing against him.
"You guys should rest.. I think. And for gosh sakes, promise me that you won't go on having some unplanned road trips ever again!" He sat down. "Lacus' concert will be 3 weeks from now. So, you guys get ready for it."
Both waved off and Kira played with his pen. Lacus sat down on his desk. "How long are you going to keep this barrier up?" She chirped. "What do you mean?" Kira asked, confused. "You know what I mean Kira.. You're not really like that. Why are you so strict with them?" Lacus massaged his shoulders.
Kira relaxed in her touch. "I don't know." He mumbled. "You know how Athrun feels for her… And the same goes for Cagalli. They both like each other. They just don't know it. Why are you making this hard for them?" The songstress came again and buried her face in Kira's hair.
"I'm not making it hard…. I just want them… to be sure… and to get on with it. Athrun and Cagalli are alike really in some ways. They are stubborn and like to blame themselves when something goes wrong." Kira twirled around to face her. "I'm being this way so they would soon realize that they should tell each other their feelings before something else get in the way."
"You mean you." Lacus pecked his lips. Kira nodded. "But I still don't believe that much… I still think you have that overprotective thing inside of you… and that you want Athrun to suffer first your wrath before getting to your sister." She chuckled, her voice bring life to Kira's office.
"Wel.. that too. I tell you, it's must be hereditary or something!" He chuckled as he placed her on his lap.
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Athrun sighed, does Kira hate the idea of him being with his sister? He frowned, does he not trust him?
"Hey Athrun… I'm sorry about Kira." Cagalli held on to his shoulder, momentarily stopping him in his tracks. Athrun looked back at her intently. "It's okay Cagalli. No need to apologize."
"No… I think I should. I mean, he's really like that. The overprotective one… but he's the weak one sometimes. Don't think that he doesn't like you hanging around with me. He does… I can feel it. I'm his twin!" She beamed. Athrun felt butterflies in his stomach. "Do you like hanging around with me?" Athrun can't believe he blurted that one out.
Cagalli blushed, and looked at his emerald orbs. "Of course! Why wouldn't I? You're a really nice guy." She smiled at him and patted his back. He chuckled. "I think I better go… I can't help but feel that majority of the staff here… girl staff actually, are glaring at me." She chuckled, and Athrun laughed too.
"Would you believe it, they're my fans?" He whispered to her ear as he led her away. "No Way!" She looked back at him in disbelief. Athrun nodded. "How could you stay in such a place where the hungry wolves are outside your office?" She snickered. "Hungry wolves? Good one. They are tamed, I can assure that.. or else it'll be their job to pay." Athrun held on to her shoulders as he pushed her lightly inside the elevator.
"Well… You are good looking…" She mumbled. "Excuse me?" Athrun looked back at her. "Nothing." Cagalli stammered as she waved her hand on defense. "Did I just hear you say that I'm good looking?" He smirked. "Aw shut it. So what if I did? At least I complimented you… Don't think anything else about it." Cagalli crossed her arms.
"Sure. A compliment coming from you makes me feel like I'm the luckiest guy on earth." He gingerly tucked her hair behind her air. Cagalli blushed and then scoffed. "Sure. Whatever." She tried hard to avoid his gaze and went on her way towards the door. "I'll see you tomorrow then?" Athrun waved.
"Whatever makes you happy?" She answered sarcastically. "I guess that'll be a yes." He beamed, and then she waved goodbye.
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"So, you are seeing her tomorrow?" Kira asked as soon as the elevator door opened. Athrun almost jumped in surprise. "Yes, my ever-so-trusting friend, Kira." He sarcastically answered back. "Athrun… I trust you… I really do…" Kira held on to his shoulder.
"I know you do you scumbag." Athrun chuckled and ruffled the amethyst guy's hair. "Hey!" Kira chuckled back and tried hard to break free from Athrun's grasp.
"You know, you actually look cute together." Kira snickered and quickly went inside his office cubicle. "What?" Athrun followed him.
"Athrun… the gift has been given.. All you have to do is receive it." Kira looked back again. "Kira.. are you actually telling me that you agree…" Athrun was cut off. "You didn't hear anything from me." Kira shot back.
Athrun smiled. Sure, Kira may be a little exaggerated when it comes to Cagalli… But he can't believe that Kira is actually giving him a hint that he somewhat approves of him. It was as if the gods have heard him and granted him happiness for the day. He beamed as he went to his office. Everything seemed to be going quite well…
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Yay! I so finally finished it! I'm sorry for updating late. Sigh. I hope you like this one guys. Not much Asucaga fluff… But at least things are moving. This mostly focused on Athrun's side. Next will be Cagalli's. I focused on Kira's somewhat approval with Athrun and Cagalli being together. Only he didn't tell that Cagalli also feels the same thing what his friend feels. Of course, everyone would want AC to tell it to each other personally. But just because Kira approves, doesn't mean that the brotherly genes would stop. PLEASE REVIEW AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!! THANK YOU!!! Oh, again.. If there are grammar probs, spelling or whatsoever, I Apologize.. no time to proof read again.