Chapter Seven: Previous Valentine's Celebration, Athrun Point of View
9th February, Sunday (Last Two Years Ago)
Najwa Reserve Forest, Dawn
Athrun and Cagalli walks through very thick forest, but none of them complain. They both enjoy the scenery of nature, where not human around just the nature that surrounding them. Athrun wanted capture the beauty of the lake that located outskirt of forest, where the sunrise as his light to capture the moment. For him, nature light more real than using the normal light that was created by human. He has no problem to wake up early morning to fulfil his hobby as long his princess tag along that is all he need. They both walked nonstop for one hour or more.
Athrun the one lead the way, since he the one know where the place is. He accidentally read an article from one his classmate's magazine top ten most awesome place that must visit by people who loves capturing of nature. He took a glance at the blonde who's amuse by the nature of forest, with tall trees that have a shape of the canopy which shelter the habitats that live there from any harm. The blonde smile brightly, she also enjoys the nature, nothing can beat the nature. Unknown to the blonde, her companion steal glances at her every seconds then and now, his smile never one fade from his handsome feature. It's never a mistake asked the blonde to tag along, he knows the blonde loves the nature as much as he does or maybe more.
Suddenly he felt a hand grab his left arm and bring his body closer to when the blonde is, "Athrun look that." Said very excited Cagalli while point at the top of the tree, Athrun slightly blushes see how close her and his face are but keep his calm. He looks at the direction that Cagalli pointed at, and the blonde continues, "can you see that my majestic?" Asked Cagalli while turning her face to face Athrun, her smile brightly at him, which Athrun response the same smile as she.
"Yes my princess, I see where you point at. The mother bird flies away to feed her little birds, am I right?" Asked Athrun while looking at his princess, which he received a nod as a response.
"You can see that the mother bird fly high up through that very big trees with a little light from almost sun or moon. Who cares about that, what I saw earlier is priceless, it's so beautiful." Said very excited Cagalli while twisting around with open arms.
Athrun softly chuckles at her childish, "Yes, that's nice of you princess to notice a little things that most of the population tends to forget. Anyway, my dear princess, if you keep on shouting, you will startle the little birds, then they will cries of their mother. What will you do if they cry for their mother, in which their mother can't hear and fly back to comfort her child?" Which he frown when he see Cagalli gasped and hold her breath with both of her hands on her mouth. He chuckled at her behavior, so unpredictable. "When I said that, it does not mean hold your breath princess, but simply mean to keep down your level of volume." Said Athrun while removed both of her hands out from her mouth, so that she can free to breath.
Cagalli enjoy the nature oxygen then chuckled, "Let's go my majestic, if we late you might not be able to capture the nature. Since last time you complained that the light of the sun is a little bit too west or east, I can't remember, but I do remember that you make me feel guilty about it, so come on. More walking, less talking." Cagalli said while pushing Athrun to walk fast.
Athrun stops his tracks without any warning, which cause the blonde whose push him from his back, stumble and end up bump at his back, she rubs her nose from the impact and before she can go berserk Athrun get hold of her right hand and run to the place that they both aim to. Cagalli look at the hand that hold her while thinking how many girls will die on the spot if they can ever hold his hand. His hand slowly grows into the man's hand, even his just barely thirteen, she amazes how big is his hand is.
Cagalli trail of thoughts disturbs when she feels the guy who drag her stop his tracks yet again. Before she can ask, the guy turns his head and bring his index finger of his free hand in front his nose with his mouth to 'shuuu', as a signal to the blonde to keep quiet.
He whispers into her right ear, "We're here, princess." Which cause Cagalli ticklish with his hot breath, all she can do is giggle as response.
"Okay, my majestic. Can you stop whispering in my ear, your breath ticklish. You do know that is one of my weaknesses." Said Cagalli while pushing him far away from her ear, then her amber shift to the lake that Athrun dying to capture. She smiles at it, it's so beautiful, the sun going to rise any moment. It can be seen the surface of the lake, that the sun going to take its turn for creatures to do their daily routine. It's like the sun had been sleeping inside the lake.
Before Athrun set up his equipment, he snaps a picture of the blonde. His smile when he knows that the blonde did not notice that he's quietly taking her picture.
"Do you need any help with your toys my majestic?" Asked Cagalli while running toward Athrun who's now busy setting up his equipment.
Athrun look at her with a smile, "it's okay princess, I am almost done with it. So how are you thinking of the place? It's nice right." Athrun asked the blonde who is now standing beside him while he knelt down to take something from his bag.
Cagalli take deep fresh air, "you're right about it, it's not such a waste to come along with you. Thanks again to bring me here, I am rather being here with you than help my uncle with his host club stuff." Replied Cagalli, her amber still on the beauty of nature.
"Princess come here." Athrun said while standing up straight and signal the blonde to come closer.
"What's wrong Athrun?" Confused Cagalli and come closer to Athrun.
Athrun smile at her, "look at the camera lens, once you look into it you will understand why I am so dying to capture the moment here, at the lake, when there have so many magnified places that I can capture. Go on try it out. Don't be shy." Smirked Athrun when the blonde show hesitated with his kind offered.
"You Zala! I'm not shy, for your information." Yelled Cagalli, but not too loud, but it's enough to scare Athrun off which is not.
Cagalli bent down to meet the camera lens height, she murmured 'wow'. It breathes, taking, the scenery, it's not like any pictures that she see in the magazines. This one is so real, she just can feel it with her bare hands. She stands up and smile brightly to her companion.
"What I tell you? Am I ever lie to you, princess?" Athrun asked while taking the photo of nature.
Cagalli still amaze with the beauty of nature, she really can't believe with her own eyes that nature can be this beautiful without trying too hard. Everything that makes them stand out from the crown is within themselves. They need sun to reflect the beauty, the carbon dioxide generates oxygen for human to breathe in. They need one and another, that's what we call circles of life. If one of the circles, death then we all will eventually die. We can't move on without one of it in the picture.
Cagalli turn her head to the side, she sees that midnight hair dude taking pictures of her. Athrun knows that he goes to pay with what he had done, he already prepares mental and physical with any attack that she might do to him.
"What is that?" Asked Cagalli which cause Athrun dumb fool with her question. He ready to receive any sarcasm, but instead he received an odd reply.
"What? This thing?" Asked Athrun while gesture the item in his hand, which the blonde response nodes.
Athrun smile at her and walks close while taking a picture of her which cause the blonde pout of his reaction.
"Isn't you beautiful princess." Said Athrun while shows her a picture that he just took a minute ago. Cagalli amber widened with amazement and snatch a photo from his hand.
"How can you print the picture on the spot? Don't you need black room to process it?" Asked Cagalli while looking at her picture that Athrun took.
"Yea, you still need black room to have better and good quality. But with this Polaroid, you will have an instant photo, but not really good quality, but still its good." Explained Athrun.
"Oh. So that thing is called Polaroid. It's awesome, can I have it? I want to try it out if you don't mind my majestic." Said Cagalli with puppy dog eyes, which make Athrun chuckle.
"Here you go princess." Said Athrun while handed the thing toward Cagalli which Cagalli happily accepted like a kid that get a new toy from their parents.
Cagalli snap Athrun picture first, "that for taking my picture without permission." Said Cagalli with her tongue out.
Athrun observes the blonde, every single thing that Polaroid do amaze her. She happily shakes the photo that ejected from Polaroid mouth. "Look Athrun! It's you! Wow, this thing really amazing. I already found my love." Exclaimed very excited Cagalli.
Athrun took the photo from her hand and look at it. He smiles at her masterpiece, "you became better at taking photos. The last time you took a picture, it all upside down." Laughs Athrun at the memories which cause the blonde elbow him.
"Come on princess. I only speak the truth. Don't be mad." Plead Athrun, when he received no response he went to her and snatch the Polaroid from her hold while his free hand grab her shoulder to close the gap between them.
"Smile princess." Before Cagalli can say anything Athrun already press the button.
"Look princess. It's us. It looks good. Don't you think so?" Asked Athrun while show the photo to the blonde.
Cagalli went to him and look at it. She smiles at it, "may I keep it?" Cagalli asked while taking the picture from Athrun.
"Of course you may princess. You can pin it in your collage that you hang in your room." Replied Athrun while packing his stuff into his bag.
Athrun steals a glance at the blonde while packing. He sees that Cagalli nonstop, taking picture with a new toy.
"Princess, look here." Said Athrun, Cagalli turn her head toward the voice, then she smile.
"That nice smile you got there." Compliment Athrun to the blonde and then…
SNAP
"For your information Mr Zala. I do have a nice smile, it's just you whose did not notice it. How is my performance my majestic?" Asked Cagalli while showing him the pictures that she had taken.
Athrun look at it and give her a thumb up, "soon you will beat me to photograph, since you have skills."
"I don't think so my majestic. You still the best photograph in whole world. I don't want that title, it suits you the best."
Athrun smile at her exclaimed about him is the best, but he knows that he is far way better. Hearing the blonde saying those words is enough.
"Let's go princess. It's already noon, we better get going before bad happen to us." Said Athrun while put his bag on his shoulder.
"Athrun. Will we come here again?" Asked Cagalli while looking into the lake.
Athrun went to her standing, "do you want to come here?"
Cagalli turn her head to the side and nod happily, "then what about we come again, let said when we both graduated high school?"
"That sound good, but promise me that you will bring me anywhere if you somehow feel snap of beauty nature. I don't care where it is, but you must bring me with you." Said Cagalli while glance dangerously.
Athrun chuckled, "picky promise then." Said Athrun while brings his picky to meet her.
Cagalli happily meet her picky with his to seal the promise.
10th February, Monday
Minerva Junior High Swimming Team Changing Room, Evening
Yo Athrun,
I'm really am sorry that today I can't see you practice my majestic. My uncle rings me up, saying that he need me to help him out with the 'stuff'. You know what its mean right? Anyway, you can go home without me and today I also can't sleep over at your place, but hey I will see you tomorrow at school. So take care of yourself until then, and sleep early okay?
Athrun who just finished his practice read his text that Cagalli send to him an hour ago. He knows that Cagalli up for something when he dint see the blonde during the practice. She always there to cheer for him, heck she always by his side since the first day they introduced themselves.
Athrun let a short sigh of bored, even he goes home, there no one to greet him except his house employees. He rather be at Cagalli and help her out with the 'stuff' at her uncle host club. He chuckles when he remembers what the 'stuff' that she mean in her message. The chuckles turn to frown when he remembers his father warned him to not spend his time at that kind of place, it's not good if people see 'the future Zala hire' fool around that disgusting place in his definition. For started his father, never one like Cagalli when he brings her to meet his parents when she kind enough bring him to meet her lovely father, he like Mr Uzumi. He nothing like his father, he never feels fatherly love when he around him. His own father, how could you never feel comfort of love, but with Cagalli father he does feel it. All he could remember about when he introduced Cagalli at his parents, his mother glad that her son make a friend and willing bring her home, on the other side, his father show contempt by Athrun bold, to be friend with that kind of people. For him, Cagalli is a parasite that wanted to suck Zala fortune. Like hell Cagalli wanted all that, she never one asking anything from him. She knows who he is, but still she never one asking anything that can ruin their friendship. She one told him that, true friendship can't be measured with how much fortune we earned, the number of stars in the sky, it simply priceless that you can't tag with any prince even you wanted. His smile when he remembers that, Cagalli really something that can't explain in simple word.
Athrun emeralds spot on something when he gets up from his seated, he went closer to the item that he had spotted on. He take that said item and seat back, he read the title:
'Still Doubt About Your Heart? Your True Love? Is She The One, How Should I Be responsive?'
Don't be doubt anymore, all you need to do is take this simple quiz and you will free from doubt.
Athrun chuckles when he read the title. Its love quiz! He never knew that his team member's will read something like that or have time to check on it, but his curious kick in since he have time to spare at, and why not he try out. There's no harm done, right? Without any further, he read the first question:
Question 1
What is your relationship with "THE ONE"?
A. The childhood Friend that you has been friends more or less than 5 years
B. Your secret crush that you has been in love when you first meet
C. Your friend, brother or sister
D. You still don't know what type relationship you have with "THE ONE"
Athrun smile and happily ticks an A as his answer, after all he and Cagalli has been friends more than 5 years and he knows that his heart beat faster whatever she near him. His emeralds move to the second question of the quiz.
Question 2
If you ever spot "THE ONE" that you care is going to cry, what is your first move to soothe the situation?
A. Get close to "THE ONE" and hug while lets "THE ONE" cry on your shoulder
B. Kiss "THE ONE" on the lip then saying you love and will protect
C. Just let "THE ONE" cry, once "THE ONE" calm down said one of your useless jokes, just to make "THE ONE" smile
D. Just say that you always been in love with "THE ONE" and ask "THE ONE" to be part of "THE ONE" life
Athrun remembers when Cagalli received the news about Mr Uzumi die in plane crash. She was devastated, she don't want talk to him, eat or even go out from the house to get fresh air to start a new leaf. All she does, lock herself in her room and keep on crying. He can't let her keep on life like that, she will die if she does keep on. So he phone the lock man and ask him to unlock her room, when the room unlock he went inside and forcibly grab her arm and drag her outside the room and go to the park, even she protest but she too weak against his strength. One they in the park, Athrun said to her that he loves her and he will always be her side no matter what happen in the future, he will always be with her. The only thing that she manages to say is, "you better keep your promise Zala!" and hit him on his head.
To answer the question, he ends up tick D as his answer. His shift to question three.
Question 3
If you can describe your current relationship with "THE ONE" into the song, what it will be?
A. Siam Shade - 1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
Even if my love reaches the breaking point, 1/3 of it won't reach
My true feelings are just spinning on air, my heart isn't even saying "I love you"
B. High and Mighty Color - Enrai ~Tooku Ni Aru Akari~
Even though everything about the past melts into this love that I'm embracing
I want to throw my sadness off right now, to where you are
C. DEEN - Kimi Sae Ireba
As long as you are here, I can always win any matches
Like cutting through the darkness, I need your love
D. Field of View - Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku
Bit by bit My heart is charmed
With that dazzling smile
Athrun smiles at the question because he knows the best answer to answer to tick. He ticks D, the most part of her that charmed his heart is her smile. It's so beautiful like a goddess in his definition. He moves on to the next question.
Question 4
If someday in the future you want to express your feeling toward "THE ONE" what it could be?
A. Even if I spend the whole day with you, I miss you the second you leave
B. A future without you means nothing to me
C. Without you I'm nothing. With you, I was something. Together we're everything.
D. My heart was stolen as soon as I saw your beautiful eyes.
Athrun smile at the question, he ticks D as his answer. It's the truth that her amber captures his heartless soul, he never smiles as much before he met her. After him know and get close to her, he will smile even in his bad day once he sees her amber.
Question 5
Usually on special occasion how "THE ONE" buy or get you the present?
A. "THE ONE" will work to earn some money, then buy you the special present only you will remember from whom it was from
B. "THE ONE" will make the present with full of creativity
C. "THE ONE" will hold a surprise party for you
D. "THE ONE" forgot about the occasion and when you remind "THE ONE" about the occasion, "THE ONE" just buy any simple present for you
Athrun daydreaming about how Cagalli get his present for his birthday, Christmas or even friendship day. She will always work at her uncle host club and earned some money just enough for her to buy anything that mean to world for him to remember. With that, he ticks A as his answer.
Question 6
If you know that you only have a few days to live, what kind of song that can describe how regret you're to not let "THE ONE" know about your true feeling?
A. SCANDAL – Namida no Regret
Instead of saying goodbye, we exchange small nods
And we start to move on
B. Tamaki Nami – Reason
I can see with my eyes closed,
I know you are here without our hands touching.
C. Anna Tsuchiya – Kuroi Namida
I can't even count the number of nights I wished tomorrow wouldn't come.
Without love or dreams, beaten by the rain
D. Ayumi Hamasaki – Together When…
I couldn't say "Thank you"
Because it's like "Goodbye forever"
Athrun face becoming sad, what if he really goes first without telling the blonde how much she mean in his life? Athrun roughly shook his head, and tell himself that he will not let that happen, but what if? He simply ticks D as his answer, he remembers when Cagalli hear that song for the first. She tells him that, never sing that song for her ever again. She doesn't like it, it's like him saying goodbye to her when he promised her that he will be by her side always.
Question 7
What kind of Japanese folktales that you wish to live with "THE ONE"?
A. The tale of peony lantern (Botan Dōrō)
Where at the end of the story, you and "THE ONE" lying side by side with body entwined in a hug with "THE ONE" skeleton, with a smile all over your face, a smile that reflect perfect bliss. At last you and "THE ONE" can be together, even not in living world, but hereafter, it's enough for you to be happy.
B. The tale of the crane wife (Tsuru Nyōbō)
Where the end of the story you live all alone because of your stubbornness for not listen to "THE ONE" that you should not see what "THE ONE" were doing. One wise man has told that, relationships based on trust. Just have faith on "THE ONE" and be happy together.
C. The tale of the white butterfly
When your "THE ONE" was still alive, you promised that you will take care of "THE ONE" always. Even when "THE ONE" dead you will good care of the grave and voted yourself that you will never be loved again.
D. The legend of Yuki-Onna
At the end you live all alone because you can't keep one promise that you had made a long time ago.
Athrun facial became confused why all the choices to have very bad ending, none one of it he will choose. He made his mind and tick with answer A, at least he will be happy even he need to die to be with her.
Question 8
What kind of ideal first date in your definition that you will bring "THE ONE"?
A. You will bring her to the most romantic dinner, then stroll on the beach while carrying her on your back.
B. Make home meal after that snuggle on each other, arm while watching scary movie.
C. Bring "THE ONE" to the rock concert, after that go for dinner where both of you can chatter about the concert. Just two of you to enjoy the moment.
D. Bring "THE ONE" to the place that you both first meet, and say "THE ONE" that you're the happiest person on earth to have "THE ONE" in your life.
With confidence, Athrun ticks D as his answer. He really wants to bring her to where they both introduced themselves and exchange laughter that he will never forget.
Question 9
If someone else confesses their feeling before you toward "THE ONE", what will you react?
A. You scream on top of your lung while saying embarrassing incident that "THE ONE" ever involve, just enough to see "THE ONE" furious facial. Then you know that "THE ONE" will chase you, then you get hold "THE ONE" and saying that you love her more than that person. That person didn't deserve to have "THE ONE" innocent heart.
B. You grab "THE ONE" hand and drag to somewhere that you know will be just two of you guys. Then hug her while whispers into "THE ONE" ear saying you loves "THE ONE" always. Your heart only for "THE ONE".
C. You punch the person while saying that "THE ONE" is yours, all yours not that person.
D. You make most evil plan to destroy their relationship, so that you will be the good one and steal "THE ONE" from that person.
Athrun is not the type will make any evil plan, he just can't. But if he ever sees another guy confess their feeling toward the blonde, he definitely does part B. With that, he ticks B as his final answer.
Question 10
You and "THE ONE" playing a video game, and "THE ONE" going to lose the game. What will you do?
A. You let "THE ONE" win the game and see her doing the victory dance.
B. You shut down the game and kiss "THE ONE" on the lip, then saying that you rather spend time with her outside then playing video games.
C. You purposely tense "THE ONE" until "THE ONE" face to turn crimson which later you will hear yelling or other kind of punishment. But it's just enough for you to distract "THE ONE" from the game.
D. You will not let "THE ONE" win, which end up you winning the game, "THE ONE" facial show sadness in which you proudly say to "THE ONE" that you rather seeing "THE ONE" lose the game than you. Because you want show to "THE ONE" that you be able to protect and give the strength when "THE ONE" can't find the light to the future.
Athrun smile at the question, he never one let Cagalli win when they are playing any kind of games. Because he knows if he does that the blind will never play with him again, she will say that he purposely let her win. With that, he ticks D as his answer.
Question 11
If you wanted to kiss "THE ONE" and "THE ONE" close the eyes really tight with trembling body, what you will your reaction to the situation?
A. Gently kiss on her lip, then hug her while saying that you love "THE ONE" dearly
B. Whisper into "THE ONE" ear and saying that "THE ONE" at that moment, breath taking that you could not help to stare at
C. Put your thumb on her chin and bring "THE ONE" face up and gently ask "THE ONE" to open eyes, while saying that "THE ONE" eyes is the most beautiful that you admire the most
D. Smile at "THE ONE" reaction and kiss on the forehead, then saying that you the luckiest person to meet someone like "THE ONE"
Athrun like the idea answer D, so he ticks answer D as his final decision, and also make a mental note that if that situation happen in the future he knows how to react to it at the same time.
That was the last question, Athrun further on reading what will his heart will be based on answer that he has answered.
Now count, which alphabet that you answer the most and see how your heart react at the current situation with "THE ONE"
A. SLEEPING BEAUTY – you the type of person that wait the situation, but at the same time without you knowing your heart react based on the situation. Don't be surprise if one of these day you confess your feeling toward "THE ONE" without your intention. It like sleep walking, without you realize that you be walking around the house. Advise here, it better you confess now or later when you unexpected.
B. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – your relationship is not more than caring sibling toward each other's. If you really think that "THE ONE" is your destiny, don't be surprise that your relationship end up as best friend. Advise here, better be friends than be a main actor of "I ATTEND MY BEST FRIEND WEDDING" in which your relationship end up in ugly divorce.
C. CINDRELLA – you feel toward "THE ONE" is like a wave, up and down. One moment you in love, then next thing you know your heart no longer with "THE ONE" but with some other people. It may cause of your broken family that make you insecure about love. The advice here, you better make up your heart, the heart is a place that you can break then glue it back. It's not easy, first don't compare yourself with your parents. You need to keep telling yourself that you much better than them and you can believe in love and keep good care of "THE ONE" heart like your life depend on it.
D. ROMEO AND JULIET – you feel toward "THE ONE" is pure and secure, there no doubt that your heart only belongs toward "THE ONE". What will happen in the future your heart will never shake, your heart will grow into much love. But at the same time, you were scares if it one sided love. Well the advice here is that, never give up on "THE ONE" just yet, if it is one sided love, make "THE ONE" fall in love with you. There's nothing you will loss, like Romeo and Juliet said once upon a time, 'To death do us apart'. Never give up, keep on trying. You will know what is happy is, unless you don't try it.
Athrun re-read the result, he can't believe with his own eye. That he really in love with the blonde. He feels that the world spinning upside down. Even he happy about the result, but what if he give up and not keep on trying to win her heart? What if he not strong enough to handle the rejection? He close the magazine and put where he found it. While saying to himself that it's still too early to confess. He still young, maybe when he mature enough and understand the meaning of love, only then he will think about it. For now just let it be.
11th February, Tuesday
Minerva High School, Morning
Athrun face full of annoyed. Can't blame him to show such facial, since he were nonstop be bug with the flies that he wish it were flies, so that he can rid it away with flies poison. For this a living person that he wishes have something better to do than talking with loud in front of him while showing her cleavage. He took a glance at the blonde, who is peaceful sleep on her table at his left side. She must be tired with all the 'stuff' that she had been helping out at her uncle host club. Working at that place will make anyone exhausted, but one thing that he always admires her is that she never one complain with that 'stuff' she have to do. She told Athrun once that, whatever help that her uncle ask, she will try her best to help out without complaining, after all he is the only family left. Make Athrun feel sad when he remembers old stuff. Why can't he be happy, when he has both of his parents and a little sister by his side? Athrun let short sigh.
"Athrun-Kun!" Shrieked Mia with high pitch, which make Cagalli stirred a little bit, only for a second.
"You know what is the day in three days?" Asked Mia in such spoiled brat voice.
"It's Friday. What else it could be?" Simply replied Athrun while put his hand on his chin while his free hand tap on the table to show how annoying he is to Mia stupid question.
"No silly. Its Valentine day." Replied Mia while playfully punch his shoulder, and continue "I planning to bake you something special from my heart, to let you know that I always love you Athrun-kun. And no one can pull us apart." Giggled Mia which Athrun frowns as a response.
Every Valentine day, Cagalli will buy chocolate from him. How he wishes that the blonde will make something rather than buy. It's not like he dislikes it, but he really wants homemade chocolate then buy outside. He let short sigh, then a bunch of people came into their class.
"Hello students!" Greeted a very excited girl who has black short hair, but have French twists on her right side.
"As you girls know, this Friday is Valentine Day." Shirked another girl with long light blue hair that she just let it down.
"We all from Creativities Club, hereby offer any kinds of help that you girls need to give to a special someone on that day." Said another girl with short dark brown hair while jumping up and down.
"Don't be shy to come visit us after school. We will be in school from today until early morning Friday. We promise you that we will try to help you girls with any difficulties and spread your love toward him." Said the first girl who has French twists on right side.
Every single girl in the class jump from excited included Mia. At last she not near Athrun to miserable his life. He let a short sigh of relief.
'Valentine day in three days. Wonder what will Cagalli give me this year.' Thought Athrun while looking at the sleeping blonde with her both arms on the table and her head on top of her arms. His face turn into joy just looks at her sleeping form can make him happy.
After School, Evening
"My majestic!" Yelled Cagalli while putting her stuff into her bag in a hurry.
"You don't have to yell princess, when I can hear you perfectly fine. What's up?" Asked Athrun as he also put his stuff into his bag, then go for his swimming practice.
"I need to go home now. So I catch you tomorrow. I'm so sorry. Bye Athrun!" With that, she runs towards the exit door and little by little her steps vanish into the thin air, which make Athrun leave with confusion. That's two days already that they dint go back together, which make an Athrun trail of thought to somewhere that their friendship is over.
With heavy steps, he went to his swimming practice. On his way to his practice, he sees a lot of girls from different year in Creativities Club. So the walk in advertised is working after all, just look how many responses that came and seek for help to win the loves one heart or stomach in Athrun definition.
12th February, Wednesday
Lunch Hour, Rooftop
"You know what Friday is right princess?" Asked Athrun after a long silence.
Cagalli face him, then simply reply, "Of course I know what day it is, since practically all school cover with a brochure of Valentine Day. Why you asked me that my majestic?" Looking at him with narrow.
"Nothing, I just want to ask you in case you forgot. That's all." Shrugged Athrun.
Cagalli giggle at his response which brought him to face her with confuse.
"It's nothing Athrun. Really its nothing. Don't you worry my majestic this year I will give you something special." Said Cagalli while showing him a thumb up.
"I don't worry anything, I know you will always give me Valentine Chocolate." Smile Athrun.
"Yea, for a person who hate sweet can't wait me to give you Valentine Chocolate which make me confuse you know my majestic." Said Cagalli while standing up from where she and Athrun seated. She put both of her arms on the railing and enjoy the breeze that go pass through her blonde hair. Her hair dancing with the wind directions without her notice. Athrun took a picture of her with his blue cell phone.
"You know the truth behind of Valentine Day Celebration, Athrun?" Asked Cagalli while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, when the hair block her view of school from top of the school building.
Athrun stands up and walks to where Cagalli standing at, "Well, I read from somewhere long time ago, that saying that is the celebration of a person's name Saint Valentine of Rome. He has been imprisoned for disobeying the rules that were set out, that no soldiers allow to be married. He secretly builds a small chapel underground, so that some young soldiers that wanted performance small weddings and seal their vows with the loves one without knowing of high racking. But his own people betray the trust that Saint Valentine of Rome hold. Why their own people broke their promised? All because of greed of wealth, for them the value of trust can be tagged with any price. With that Saint Valentine of Rome sends into the dungeon and the next time he will be executed by cutting his head off in front of citizen as a warning to not be a hero, if anyone dare break any laws they will face the consequences. Before Saint Valentine of Rome die, he says that in the future people will celebrate under his name on the day his die as a memorial. That love know no bordering, forever his name will be remembered and that is what a hero does. Their name will always be whisper from one generation to another generation. That's what I know about the meaning of the celebration Valentine Day. Does it have another version of it?" Finished Athrun then face at the blonde who is turning her body and leading to the railing and began her side of the story of what the meaning of the Valentine Day celebration.
"It all begins with a God of Love, that you know as Cupid. At first the God of Love never one believes in love when himself God of Love. How can that possible, the one who submits the power of love around people down on earth. So one day he go see the highest God, and tell his own dilemma. He tells him that he doesn't feel the title of the God Love suit him at all. He asks God to remove the title and make him to become the other kind of God. The highest God got another solution rather than remove the title from him. He sends the God Love down to earth and feel the love that humans spread to one and another. Which the God Love feels it such wastes of time when he never believe in love how this will change his mind, but he just play along. While he explores the small town, he bumps with one young lady that carry a basket full of bread that she wanted to sell. Unfortunately the breads fall down on the ground, which the young lady could not sell. He expects the young lady to be furious at him, but it turns out she just smile at him and say that she sorry for her clumsiness. She clears up the mess that she had made and get up. The Gods Love just stares at her, like she different kind of species. The girl held out her hand to help him stand up. He just pushes her hand and get up angrily and walks away from the scene with his heart beat faster than his normal beat. He doesn't understand why his heart beats such way. The next day, he doesn't know why he goes to that same place that he meet the young lady for the first time. He heart asks him to go that but it still not explain why his heart wanted to see that young lady. When his eye spot the said girl, his heart again rapidly beat. The said girl saw him and waved at him and run toward him.
From that day onward, they exchange story and little by little he understand the meaning of love, in which he fall for the young lady. One day the young lady fall into unknown disease. He tries all the cures that he is known off, but day by day she getting worse. Only one solution that he knows will make her getting better, so he fly up to heaven when he belongs and see the Highest God. The Highest God tell him that he break the golden rule, that is never falling in love with any human. That is why He makes her sick so that he will come back when he belong. God Love protects it, and said that he quit become any kinds of God, just make him a normal human instead. That makes the Highest God very angry and send him to heaven dungeon. Whereas down to earth the young girl becoming better, but she dint see God Love anywhere, so she asks around. She devastated, why he goes without saying Goodbye. Slowly the girl dies, because she misses him so much. The Highest God knows the news about the death of the young lady and bring the news of the God Love. The God Love heart chatters into pieces, and he no longer himself. He turns into dark spirit God and try to kill the Highest God, but fail. He said to Highest God, that he the one whom want him to know the meaning of love, when he know the true meaning of love why he split them? With that he kills himself, which make the Highest realize his mistake, and make that day as the day to remember the death of God Love." Finished Cagalli.
"Princess you sure that the true story behind the celebration of Valentine Day?" Asked Athrun while chuckled at her story.
Cagalli just shrugged and reply, "I don't know which version is telling the truth. The western or eastern. But one thing I know is that, Valentine Day is the day that will make any girls devoted into it, and spend their time toward the guy that they love. With busy schedule life, people intend to forget what the most important in their life until it's gone, then only we will realize it, and that's too late for them to make up. Even that only day they will passionate about it, but it's better than nothing right?" Smile Cagalli at Athrun who is standing next to her.
"Come on, my majestic, don't frown. It will wrinkle your handsome forehead." Laughed Cagalli and exit the rooftop.
"Wait up Cagalli!" Yelled Athrun while runs after the blonde.
13th February, Thursday
Aoki Street, Evening
Athrun who just finished swimming practice, wandering around on his way home street. He can't believe that his princess ditch him yet again. This will be four days in the row that they dint went back together. He feels that their friendships are going to fall apart. He let short sigh. Then he realize that today the street full of people, he wonders why. Then his mind click on him, which tomorrow is the special day for girls to express their undying love to their crush, boyfriend, husband or friend. Then his jade spot on the girl that he secretly in love with.
He follows the blonde close, but not that close to let her know that he has been followed. He saw that she enters the high grand expensive chocolate store. He wonders why in hell that she will enter into that store, he don't need any kind expensive chocolate for her to spend on. All he need that is her. Without any further, he also went inside the store. He almost dies cause suffocated. Girls everywhere, that make the store become narrow. Its like living inside a sardine can. Without his command, his feet drag him outside the store. He can't believe the girls can be so desperate. He just let relief sigh, but then he frowns at himself that he loses the blonde. He stares into the store, and tell him that he will ask her tomorrow at school. With that he went home.
Zala Resident, Evening
Mana the head maid of Zala, see her young master eat his dinner less than he usually had.
"Young Master, is there something wrong?" Asked very concerned Mana toward her young master that she considers as her own son.
Athrun looks up to meet his worries maid, all he does is flash a sad smile at her, "is nothing wrong Mana."
"Don't you lie to me, I might be an old lady, but I'm sharp with your behavior. So just let your worries out young master?" Replied Mana in such caring tone of her.
When Mana dint received any response from the boy in front of her, she takes the matter in her hand, "is it about your princess?" Shrieked Mana with a smirk on her face, which Athrun shade red cherry.
"Mana, don't say that out loud." Shushed Athrun at his maid.
"I had poked the bear." Smile Mana at her young master reaction.
" So tell old lady here, what's wrong with both of you. Are two fight?" Asked Mana, her eyes still on the young master.
When she received a shock from young master, she continues, "so you two not fight. Then what's the problem?" Think Mana desperately find the cause why her young master has a bad day. Then her mind click, "is it about tomorrow. Valentine Day? That she still buy you the chocolate when you look forward that she will do it with her own sweat?" Asked Mana while clapping her hands.
Athrun nods as a response, "the worst part is that I saw her walking in LINDT. You know the luxury Swiss chocolate company."
"Oh, I see." All Mana can uttered.
"You know Mana, I don't expect any expensive chocolate from her, but why she makes herself the trouble." Sighed Athrun.
"Then why not you also give something special to her?" Smile Mana.
Athrun face full of confusion, in which Mana saw it, "Young Master, even Valentine Day is for a girl to express their undying feeling toward guy, but don't you think that you can make something as appreciation for her hardworking?" Smile Mana.
Which Athrun response with his bright smile that Mana looks forward.
"That's no bad idea. I sure I can make something that can make her happy. Thank you Mana. I have to go." Said Athrun while give the old lady a peck on her right cheek.
14th February, Friday
Minerva Junior High, Evening
Athrun walks aimlessly around the school. He already finished his practice, and he thought thatCagalli will give him chocolate during the class. But he was wrong, all she did during the lesson was sleep. She sleeps all day, which make our hero here were annoyed. The worst part of Valentine day is he fan club girls, nonstop showers him with chocolate that he never one asks for. As always our hero here decline their chocolate, and said politely that he hate sweet thing which is the truth. His sore throat feels pain from all the talks that he makes. He sighs when he will not see the blonde around school, his feet drag him to the school gate. He thought himself that all that he was doing last night such a waste, he really wants to express his appreciation toward the blonde but now he can't do it anymore. Maybe some other time.
"Yo Athrun!" Scream Cagalli who is suddenly appearing in front his face, which Athrun jump from the startle that Cagalli had a cause.
"I scare you, am I?" Laughing Cagalli at her friend's reaction.
"For God sake, Cagalli don't do that ever again." Warned Athrun while clutched his head from the impact that Cagalli had caused his heart.
"Chill Athrun. You look so glooming my majestic, so I just cheer you up." Said very happy Cagalli.
"Come on, my majestic, let's go back together." Cagalli said while walking toward the school gate.
Athrun just stares at her, when his mind registers what she had said, he runs toward the blonde.
'Has she forgotten that today is Valentine Day? Should I remind her?' thought Athrun, but he shook the thought. Even she forgot, he will proceed the plan that he had planned last night.
"Here. Happy Valentine Day my majestic. Sorry for the delayed." Sheepish Cagalli while she handed a nice decorated blue box with a yellow ribbon on top of it.
"Really?" Asked Athrun who is dumb fool by her sudden move.
Cagalli just nod as response, without any further Athrun accept the box and open it.
"I'm sorry that the result is disaster. I tried many times already, but still it looks no pleasure to eat. You can throw it away if you want to. I will never blame you." Said Cagalli who her face a shade of embarrassment once Athrun opens the box that contain slightly burn cookies.
His jade just staring at the box that contain of her hard work and love, he just smile and his hand, take out one cookie and plop into his mouth, which Cagalli saw the move, she waits patient what Athrun thinks of her burn cookies that she made for the first time.
"It's delicious princess. I love it so much! It's not too sweet, I think its because the burn that cover the sweetness, I guess so. It's not chocolate cookies right, but it's mint chocolate cookies, which are my favorite. But one thing that blundering me, why cookies not a chocolate princess?" Asked Athrun while much his treat happily.
Cagalli smile at his feedback, "thank you my majestic, it's my honor to bake you something that you like." Replied Cagalli while bow as thank you gesture.
"To answer your question, I want to do something different. Chocolate too obvious, but you never expect cookies as your Valentine give, right? Wish I still can amaze you with my unordinary behavior." Said Cagalli with full of pride.
"Where you learnt to make something so delicious?" Asked Athrun while walking home with the blonde beside him.
"Well, I asked my uncle for help, but he said he have not the time to help me with those girly thingy. Then I asked what about Chef Iwao, he just gives me a look. Then he just brings me to those high standard chocolate companies, you know that LINDT store right? There where I learned to make the cookies for four long days while helping the store, you know I don't like to ask for help while doing nothing as return." Finished Cagalli while remembering the event.
'That's explain why she was there yesterday.' Thought Athrun with the same smile on his face.
"Thanks again princess, for your hard work." Said Athrun after a long silence.
Cagalli flash her bright smile at Athrun, "well you are welcome, after all it's nothing. I just want to make something special for you this year. Don't worry, I will become much better in the future, so you don't eat any burn cookies." Cagalli said with determination while laughing.
Zala Resident, Evening
Athrun drags Cagalli toward his secret hideout once they enter the mansion. Which his action surprise Cagalli, but she just let Athrun drag her to where he wanted to go. Mana saw the couple and smile at the sight.
Cagalli enter the room that she has never been before, it's full, with old collection stuff that she don't know how to put in her mind.
"You know, my father like vintage record which I fall in love with." Said Athrun while he put a big black cd on the unknown player to Cagalli.
"May I have the dance with you my princess?" Asked Athrun while bow and extended his hand toward her like a prince does, which Cagalli smile with narrowed on her face.
"You do remember." Replied Cagalli which accepted his offered.
"Of course I do remember that you wanted to learn how to dance waltz, but I don't always have time to do so. So why not I took today as opportunity and teach you how to dance waltz. It also as my appreciation for your hard works for bake the cookies for me." Said Athrun while brings her to the center of the room. He put one of his hands on her waist and another on her shoulder, while Cagalli put her hands on his shoulders.
"Don't look down, just follow my lead. You will be fine. Don't worry if you step on my foot." Instructed Athrun while dancing with the melody of music.
Cagalli purposely step on his foot and smirk at him, which Athrun just narrowed as a response. Cagalli giggled at his reaction. She put her head on his chest and murmured thank you.
They both dance to the melody of the slow music and loss in their own world.
Present Day, Morning
Athrun snaps from his daydream when Nicol shakes his shoulder.
"Athrun! Are you okay?" Asked worries Nicol while looking at him with concerned.
Athrun flash a smile at him, "No, I'm fine, why you asking?" Replied Athrun while looking at his blue wristwatch.
"Nothing just that you had been in your own world. Which makes me worry." Response Nicol. Before Athrun can say more, he hears the fast footsteps that coming to their way, the boys turn their heads in the direction.
"Yo! Sorry that I'm late." Said the Blonde who is gasping for air. Athrun just smile at her and standing up, "its okay princess, you only 30 minutes late." Assured Athrun.
"That's right Cagalli." Smile Nicol at the blonde and continue, "Shall we get going? You guys will surely enjoy the performance of jazz, I personally 100% guarantee it." Uttered Nicol with full of excitement.
With that the trio walks together to the place that Nicol wanted share with his new found friends.
TBC…