Here's my feedback list. If I missed anyone, I probably uploaded this after I have seen your review. I promise I'll put you in the next chapter of my feedback list.
Minerva's cradle – It is obvious or rather a fact that Athrun's cellphone is indeed expensive. A very one at that! Yes, no lemons for now… hehe Cagalli doesn't know anything at the span of 5am. And Athrun didn't do anything to her… well, he let her hug him anyway. The elevator thing? I kinda got lazy detailing the opening, closing, going up and going down of the elevator. Kira can get away with murder for sharing the bed with Lacus... he's her girlfriend/soon-to-be fiancé. (Oh god, I just gave out a future detail) thanks for reading and reviewing!
Kitty-Kat90013820 – Yes.. the over protectiveness galore begins! Thanks, glad you loved the AC fluff… Although some are now demanding some kiss parts! Haha!
Cara410 – Thank you for reading and I am so glad you enjoyed it. We will get to see more Dearka and Yzak… don't worry. It's just not the same without them. Meyrin has a bit of evil plans… yep. Kira would still be in over protective mode.. cause I love it when he does that. heehee.
Tacit.lady – They will be together… or not. Hehe thanks for reading and reviewing!
Steph – Yes, I give you this chapter… Cagalli's point of view! Yay! The scared thing was a smash really. Even I loved that idea. Hoho We will be seeing Yzak and co don't worry. The drawing? Read on to find out. This is where it will all begin. Thanks.
Celle666 – Kira just gave his approval.. but he won't go admitting that hehe. Yes, Athrun is a big fat pervert! Hoho! But gets away with murder since he's so darn hot.
KiralacuS4ever – Thank you. Hope you will like this Christmas update
Akidarchangelprincess – Hey, hello. ; I'm sorry up to now, there is still no kiss. But things are going fine for them anyway. Thanks for reading ;
3fi-pina3 – Thanks! I'm glad you liked the chapter. Hopefully, this one will also satisfy you.
Meowmeow- Athrun is a pervert deep inside. Hoho! I'm sorry I updated late. Yes, Kira will be doing something scary again since… the overprotective thing is in his genes.
Risingsundynasty – Hello risingsun-chan! (here I go again, making up nicknames). I'm sorry if I updated late. I hope you would enjoy this one. Btw, what's and O-levels exam? And.. I so loved your story.
There. My feedback list is all done. If I missed out on anyone.. sorry… I probably updated this after I saw your review. I'll make sure I'll put you on the next chapter.
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This is the first time I am now putting a disclaimer for this story. For security and well, disclaiming purposes. ;
I do not in any way own Gundam seed / seed destiny. I wished I did but I don't. If any of the situations in this story is similar to other stories… I am not liable for it… Probably out of coincidence. If it's copied word per word, then that's the time you can only sue me. Hehe Thank you guys for the support.
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The Art of Love – chapter 18
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Recap:
"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…
(this time, you deserve a shorter recap because of my ramblings up there.
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Black + White Gray Moods
It has been a week after the road trip incident that Athrun and Cagalli initiated and participated in. Cagalli decided to meet up with Miriallia and her cousin Nick since this time had been one of the slowest times of the day for her, and a hectic one for her brother, her brother's girlfriend and a certain attractive blue haired young man.
It's 2 weeks before Lacus' concert and instead of thinking about other people's business (for now) she decided to face her own.
"Hey." Miriallia came. Cagalli jolted a bit from where she was sitting and carefully turned to see who the culprit is. She let out a small "Hey" as soon as she recognized Mir and her cousin Nick. "You seem quite down today. You okay?" Nick carefully sat down beside her after offering his cousin the other chair beside Cagalli, making the blond sandwiched between them.
Cagalli heaved a sigh. "Yes… Although I would be lying if I said I'm okay all over." Miriallia looked back at her worriedly. "Why, Something going on? Is it because you haven't been seeing Mr. Hunka Zala for awhile?" The brunette smirked. Cagalli and Nick both splattered their coffees from their mouths. "Milly!!!" Cagalli blushed beet red. "CUZ!" Nick shot back. "What? As if there's something to be surprised about that." Miriallia raised her hands and shook her head.
"It's not that, okay? I'm… just… I have been doing a lot of thinking the past few days." Cagalli wiped her lips. "Yeah.. about HIM." Miriallia snickered. She sure has her way in teasing and annoying Cagalli. "Milly, lay off for awhile okay? We all know Cagalli's into some frustrating and stressful time. I don't think mentioning Athrun would help." Nick sipped some of his coffee. Cagalli looked at Nick and so did his cousin. "Are you actually turning into an over protective kind of friend? I have that already… it's called 'brother'."
"No." Nick shot back at Cagalli. "Can't you realize that I'm actually in favor of you in this argument? Ha, let's see what you would do if I start teasing you like what Milly is doing." He finished off by shrugging his shoulders and signaling to the waitress to give him another cup of coffee. "So… Enough about that, what have you been up to? You look dry and tired…." Milly placed her elbows on the table. Cagalli sighed again. "It's the exhibit I have been planning."
Milly looked up at her. "You still haven't saved up for that?" Cagalli shook her head. "No. Aside that… I still haven't thought of what to put up in the exhibit in case I get a place to rent for that. I have been coping up at my brother's balcony starting up things and then ending up with nothing… again." Cagalli pulled her hair in frustration. "Why don't you relax first?" Milly asked and then placed an arm over Cagalli's shoulder, comforting her.
"Milly…." Cagalli stared at her. Miriallia nodded. "I knew it… Spill."
"Milly… I don't know what to do anymore. I.. I'm so stressed out… and then… Athrun… I have not been seeing him since he's busy… and… I…" Cagalli stammered. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"You love him." Miriallia and Nick both blurted out. Cagalli looked back at then in a daze. "I…"
"I don't want to be this way." She sighed and placed her head over the table. "Cagalli…" Miriallia pat her head. "I… I don't want to feel this way about him. Because… It won't ever work out." Cagalli almost sobbed but bit her lip so she won't do so.
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Athrun typed furiously on his laptop. He's at the end of his nerves by now. And darn it, if another sponsor comes up to him and rants about last minute changes, he will so snap and bring forth hell right in his office. Preparations by now are much more hectic than before. 2 weeks before the concert and here they go running back and forth for last minute changes within the company and the sponsors… plus the reprinting of more tickets. Lacus is an amazingly popular woman.
Everyday, he goes off to the Lacus' rehearsal to consult Kira. The brunette had been spending his time there since his girlfriend remained there working for 10 hours a day. Athrun scoffed. He should just build an office there, instead of him having to go back and forth the studio then to the company just so he could show Kira what he had accomplished for the day. Maybe, he should stop consulting the guy; all he does is nod in agreement at whatever he does. It's either he's doing a good job or he's not really paying attention to him but instead to a certain pink haired songstress.
If he did that, he could save up some time and gas money. And he could even go and visit Cagalli.
Cagalli… Come to think of it, the two of them hadn't seen each other for a week now. The road trip incident got him hanging on the edge. It was as if it was a good thing and the same time bad. He still felt giddy because of it.
He shut his laptop down and went to down the parking lot. He's gonna have to talk to Kira today. And perhaps tell him sideways how uncomfortable it was to do the 'miles routine' everyday just so Kira could dumbly nod his head in agreement at whatever 'progress' he does.
He soon made it to the studio where Kira sat comfortably on one of the seats as he watched Lacus dance and sing on the stage.
"Athrun." Lacus stopped and waved her hand. Kira turned to look behind him as the blue-haired young man made his way down the aisle. Athrun raised his hand in acknowledgement. A few young girls in the staff stopped a bit and glanced at him, while whispering giggles to each other.
"How are things in the office?" Kira asked as soon as Athrun sat himself beside him. "Good, just dandy… I wished about 50 times already to drop dead." Athrun answered back sarcastically. Lacus giggled and sat herself beside Kira also as she carefully wiped her brow. "I told you it's hard for Athrun. You're not being fair Kira." She chirped.
"Got that right." Athrun rested on the padded chair. Kira smiled at him. "Don't worry… everything will soon be over. So… How are you?"
Athrun looked back at his best friend with narrow eyes. "I already told you guys didn't I?" Kira and Lacus shook their heads. "Not that… We meant, HOW ARE YOU in a emotionally kind of way." The couple said in unison. Athrun sighed and tilted his head a bit. "You guys should separate a bit. You're thinking and talking alike." He gently ran his hand through his silky blue hair. "I'm not saying its one hell of a fun show."
Kira and Lacus smirked. "Why?" They asked again. Athrun closed his eyes and slouched a bit again. "It's hell I tell you… Things are hectic, busy this, busy that… No time anymore… And to top it all off, I haven't seen Cagalli for a week now." He sighed and then stopped. He quickly opened his eyes and looked at the couple beside him in wide eyes. "I just said that out loud didn't I?" He asked.
The two nodded. "That's your problem. It's you not being able to see her." Lacus sipped on to some of her fruit juice. "No." Athrun lied. "Come on Athrun… Before, you didn't really mind if things around in the company are hectic as it is. You've faced far more stressful things than this. How come it is only now that you complain about it?" Kira chuckled. As much as he still doesn't dig the idea of his best friend and his sister, (heck, he even halfway agreed) he found it quite entertaining to tease this usually calm, reserved and collected emerald-eyed man.
"I complain because I'm fed up with it." Athrun reasoned out. "Yeah right. Call me when you think of something more convincing." Kira chuckled again. A couple of tears were now evident from the sides of his eyes, due to laughing. 'Kira is an evil, evil man!' Athrun thought and coughed a bit.
"Have you given her THAT yet?" Lacus asked. Kira looked at Lacus then at Athrun. "What's THAT? You're not planning on anything are you now?" The brunette eyed Athrun. "What?!" Athrun stood up. "Look, we're not here to talk about my life and what progress has happened on it. Here." Athrun shoved some papers and statistics at Kira's hands. Kira took it and placed it on a desk in front of him. "What is that… THAT?" Kira persistently asked. Lacus smiled. "Why don't you just show it to him?"
"Fine." Athrun sighed and gently took out his briefcase. "Oh." Was all Kira could say.
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"Cagalli…" Miriallia and his cousin stepped out the café to follow the blonde. Cagalli looked back at Miriallia. "Come on.. don't be like this. You know you like him… Things aren't as complicated as before… so you have a chance." The brunette held her on her shoulders.
"Yeah… And when I burst out my feelings to them they go telling me that they don't feel the same and then avoid me. Same old, same old.. Why bother?" Cagalli sighed. Nick shook his head. "How would you know it's the same with him if you don't try? I mean… Cagalli, you're headstrong… What is it with this Athrun guy that makes you go limp and scared?"
Cagalli stood there silent. "I don't know." She thought again. "Maybe… It's because he's the only person that I felt I don't want to lose. That it's hard for me to fall for him nor tell him how I feel… Because he might leave. And I don't want that."
"So you decide to deny, deny and stick to the martyr motto of the century: 'It's much better if were just friends'" Miriallia sighed. "Milly! It's not that. We're of different worlds… And Oh I don't know." Cagalli took her sketchpad. "Hell with boys!" She declared.
"Hey! In case you haven't noticed… I'm a boy and I'm here. Don't go cursing us around." Nick frowned. "Oh.. sorry." Cagalli blushed. "Okay.. to end this, I think you should go and tell him." Miriallia declared. "Regardless of what the outcome." She added.
"I'll think about it." Cagalli sighed. "While at it, I should also think of what to put in that darn exhibit."
"What about your rendition of the sights around the world?" Nick asked.
"Yeah… You always wanted to travel." Miriallia beamed.
"That would be good idea. But I can't make my own version if I haven't seen any sights." Cagalli frowned.
Inside her mind, she wanted to post her drawings of Athrun there. But that would be major embarrassing. And those were just sketches that only she and Athrun know about. If only she knew about Kira and Lacus that is. And if she did just that, she would be declaring to the world that she's in love with THE Athrun Zala, a business partner and best friend of her one and only twin brother.
What has she gotten herself into?
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Athrun stood up. "You leaving already?" Kira sked him as he stopped scribbling at his notebook. "Yeah… I think I'll retire early today. Had too much of business talk. Plus, those girls keep staring at me… It's been sending chills down my spine for the past 20 minutes or so." Athrun whispered.
"Oh well… See you tomorrow then… or maybe even later if Lacus decides to go out or something." Kira waved. "Sure." Athrun went towards the door. "Tell Lacus I said goodbye."
He walked to his car and thought of something. Perhaps, it won't hurt if he pays a visit at Cagalli's University. Who knows, she may be there.
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"So Cagalli, that was a swell time. Where are you off to now?" Nick asked. "I was thinking of going to the University first… I would like to take a look for references and stuff… something that would give me and idea on what to put in the exhibit." Cagalli gripped on her sketchpad tighter. "That's good. Think of that first rather than Athrun. You can settle with him later." Miriallia beamed and went to open her car.
"Milly…" Cagalli sighed. "You'll be the first to know if I thought of something new."
"Luck is always by your side Cagalli. If you come up with anything, be sure to tell Athrun how you feel after" Miriallia gave her a hug. Cagalli laughed. "Sure I will… when pigs fly.. Oh wait, no… when he decides to draw and using me as a subject… Then I will tell him."
The two then soon waved goodbye to her and Cagalli went on her way to the University.
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Athrun is a nice young gentleman with such fine features one would die to have. He is a gifted fellow who's so polite and refined; every woman would definitely swoon around him. He was perfect any way you look at it. But for Cagalli, every blunder or mistake he makes was the thing that made him perfect, because, that is the Athrun zala that she knew. That is the Athrun Zala that he shows… to her.
But is it only to her?
What if, he acts that way to other girls? Of course she doesn't know, she has never seen her with another woman other that Lacus… but Lacus' is different. And that's what made her skeptical about him. Sure, he acts nice and sweet around her… But she won't go thinking that Athrun has feelings for her. Because for such a perfect guy, he may be raised to act that way to almost anybody!
Cagalli held on to her forehead. This thing is worst than eating a bag of coal… But who would want to eat coal anyway?
That's why she didn't want to push through these feelings. She isn't sure and she's not willing to get hurt by it. It may be okay with some other guy, but Athrun is different. She didn't want to lose him even as a friend… just a friend. She snickered as she remembered what she said to Milly:
'Sure I will… when pigs fly.. Oh wait, no… when he decides to draw and using me as a subject… Then I will tell him."
She knows Athrun doesn't draw... nor take time to learn it… As expected, she chose a sign that is almost impossible as pigs learning how to fly. Evidently saying that she has no interest whatsoever in bursting out what she feels for him.
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Athrun arrived at Mr. Edward's office. He gently knocked and then slowly opened the door when he found out that nobody seems to be answering. He was surprised to see a magenta haired girl standing on top of a ladder carefully balancing. Then to his horror, she fell.
He immediately ran up to catch her. Meyrin yelped in surprise as soon as she realized who was holding her. "Thank you" She let out. Athrun placed her down and muttered a "you're welcome."
"Uhm… Is Mr. Edwards around?" He finally asked as he helped Meyrin pick up the books that fell. "He just went out for awhile… Would you like some tea?" Meyrin offered and blushed hard. This was it, Athrun zala is here with her in this room alone. She had been harboring a crush on him for weeks now and was quite disappointed when Athrun only comes to the University to pick up Cagalli. She didn't want to lose to her.
"Thank you. I'll wait for him." Athrun sat down and carefully picked up an art book. "So… you're Meyrin right?" Athrun inquired, not taking off his eyes on the book. Meyrin hummed in response as she carefully placed the cup on the table.
"Do you draw also? I mean… You are an apprentice of Mr. Edwards' right?" He continued as he sipped on some tea.
"Well… Actually… no… I just came to learn a few basics because I plan on becoming an Art History teacher… And it does not pretty much require you learning how to draw or paint. You just learn how to appreciate art." Meyrin chirped as her pigtails bounced around. "Oh… In short, you're training to be an art critique in some point." Athrun closed the book and looked at her. Meyrin nodded.
"So tell me.. You do know Cagalli right? Ms. Athha?" Athrun spoke of her name with sheer delight, and this didn't go unnoticed by the magenta haired girl. "Yeah…" Meyrin barely spoke. "What do you think of her Art?" Athrun's eyes danced in delight as soon as he entered Cagalli in their conversation.
Meyrin frowned. This was the only time she gets to talk with him and all he does is talk about the blonde temperamental girl. She quickly thought of something to divert their conversation away from the amber-eyed woman.
In frustration, she quickly took Athrun's cup and offered him another cup, avoiding his question in the process. As she did so, she practically tripped at the carpet floor and landing herself beside Athrun and almost on top of him if only he hadn't moved back.
Athrun jumped a bit at the girl as their faces were an inch apart. "Uhm…" He awkwardly said. He was then thinking of a way on how to shove off Meyrin without sounding too rude for the girl had then stared at his emerald orbs.
"Athrun-san… You have such nice eyes. Tell me, are my eyes beautiful too?" Meyrin whispered. Athrun looked back at her in shock. Not another one. He sighed.
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Cagalli made a turn down the hallway and almost ramming herself inside Mr. Edwards' office. She decided to drop by here first before going to the library. She stopped midway when she noticed the door slightly open and two people conversing inside, a boy and a girl. Strangely enough it sounded like Meyrin… and the other one… Athrun.
She peeked in.
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"Uhm.. Yes… They are beautiful… You have beautiful eyes." Athrun coughed. He didn't really pay much attention to her eyes, for he was trying hard to think of a way to snap her out of it. And perhaps, with that answer… she may (He hoped) move a bit.
Meyrin's eyes widened. "Really? OH!" She wanted to hug him in delight but Cagalli made her way inside.
"Cagalli!" Athrun stood up and walked towards her. Meyrin stood up as well and took the cup. "Ms. Cagalli." She whispered.
"Oh… don't mind me. I just came here to drop some things and I'll be off to the library." She walked past Athrun, her face stoic. "No.. I… look, can we talk for a second?" Athrun grabbed her on the wrist. Cagalli looked back at him with eyes telling him to let go or she'll kill him. But he didn't care, he dragged her outside anyway.
Meyrin just stood there with the cup while slowly circling its sides with her finger.
"What do you want? I have still have work to do… and don't you too?" Cagalli shrugged and sat down on the grass. It was almost nearing sunset.
"I retired early. What's wrong with that?" Athrun sat down beside her. "Nothing. You shouldn't go wasting your time here. I'm not the one you really came for. Mr. Edwards must be waiting." She scoffed. 'or perhaps Meyrin'
Cagalli took out her sketch pad. 'What am I so upset about anyway? We're not together! His business is not mine.' She thought as she scribbled heavily on the paper.
"Actually… I really did come to see you today… And the same goes for the past days when I always come here." Athrun looked back at her. Cagalli frowned at him and continued scribbling hard.
'There he goes again. Telling sweet things as if it was only meant for me. HA! Fat chance playboy… I heard what you said awhile ago to Meyrin.' Cagalli mentally shouted. She wanted to poke him in the eye with her pencil but resisted since she didn't want to go looking as if she's jealous. Liar, she is jealous… and upset.
"You have such beautiful eyes don't you know that? The way they fire up when you're upset." Athrun chuckled. Cagalli turned her head furiously at him only to gaze at his wonderful eyes that seem to sparkle. "What the hell do you want anyway?" She spat out.
'Uh oh. Here comes the profanities. So much for a good impression' She thought to herself.
"Nothing. What are you so upset about?" Athrun leaned back a bit. "Everything. And you won't know it because you don't know what I feel anyway… or about what I feel with what I do." Cagalli grumbled and continued scribbling. Athrun suddenly took her pencil and her paper.
"Hey wha— give that back!" She yelled. "I guess I should learn to draw to know how you feel or think." Athrun smiled and tried scribbling on another page of her pad. "Fat chance, even if you do learn, you still don't have the heart for it." Cagalli crossed her arms. "Maybe I won't… But at least I'll get to know you better." He turned to her.
"What are you doing?" She asked him. "I'm drawing." Athrun chuckled. "I know that dingbat… I mean, why are you facing me?" She spat out.
"My first drawing would be very special… So I want it to be you. I want to draw you… The same as you did for me back then. You will be my model. My inspiration for this." Athrun gently smiled as he struggled to scribble Cagalli's features.
Cagalli blushed and stared at him.
"Sure I will… when pigs fly.. Oh wait, no… when he decides to draw and using me as a subject… Then I will tell him."
Athrun looked back at Cagalli and saw her sad face. He stopped whatever he is doing and approached her. "Cagalli… what's wrong?" Athrun asked as he gently placed his hands over her shoulders.
She was shivering, Athrun became more worried. "Cagalli… are you okay?" He inquired again. Cagalli then raised her head to face him.
Athrun was surprised at what he saw.
She was crying.
"Please… Please Athrun… don't do this to me anymore. I… I don't…" She sobbed and then stood up. She ran as fast as she can away from him. Athrun was stunned to move. He looked down and saw her sketchpad and pencil scattered on the floor. "What just happened?" He thought.
He took her things and tried to follow her.
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End of chappie. Belated Merry Christmas and advanced happy new year! I'm sorry this came in late. I did promise I'll post this up on the eve of dec 25… but things got a bit complicated. So here… it's late, but it's still here. Thanks for all the support. Please Review! I'll try to post the next chapter as soon as possible but I'm not promising anything. This was quite a sad chapter for Christmas.. I can't help it… This is all about Cagalli's POV and revelations… on why she denies things. And in the end… she cried because her supposed to be impossible sign happened. And that she is even more confused whether she will tell or not. Hoho! Thanks guys. Please review again! If there are any grammar probs, I'm sorry again, no time to proof read. sigh