HotaruZala here with chappie 11 of The Zala Files!...I'm sorry it took me this long to update..college papers are stressing me out. Lol...Anyways..this chappie is the continuation of Athrun and Cagalli's first date, so it starts in flashback mode. This is where all the romantic/awkward happiness happens, so I hope u all enjoy. This chappie and the following two are dedicated especially to my best friend Thingperson who is a huge AsuCaga fan..To Thingperson: Here is the beginning of what I like to call the "extreme" AsuCaga happiness that is going to last for many chapters after this...especially the following two. (smiles mischeivously) Okay..enough from me...I now bring you all to the next chappie.
Disclaimer: I don't own GS, GSD, or the total and complete hotness that is Athrun Zala..especially in this chapter... but I totally wish I did! Lol
The Zala Files – Chapter 11: Love Fools part II -
-March 12th, CE 73, 8:30 pm. Athrun, Cagalli, Dearkka, and Miriallia are all sitting in the movie theater watching Pirates of the Carribbean 2. -
Athrun had noticed when Dearkka picked up the movie tickets that he strategically placed Miriallia next to himself two rows ahead of the awkward silence that now reigned between the Goddess of Victory and the blue haired Coordinator. It was now halfway through the movie and he found himself unable to concentrate on it. He glanced next to him at the blonde watching intently as Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom were having a discussion on the screen. She was shoveling popcorn into her mouth with such speed that Athrun had not seen such movements even on the battlefield. This was most likely the way she calmed herself when she was tense or nervous, and he knew this because he had been taking large gulps of his giant soda every two minutes, which is what he usually did when he was nervous. If there was a drink in front of him, it would instantly disappear in an instant, which is also why he rarely consumed any alcohol. He had never been drunk in his life, and he made a promise to himself that he never would be because he had no idea what kind of drunk he would be, and if he ended up hurting someone close to him, he would never be able to forgive himself. He sighed heavily and quietly reached for the large tub of popcorn he and Cagalli were sharing. It was now nearly gone, so he had to dig down into the tub in order to salvage what was left. As fate would have it, the amber eyed girl had already had her hand in there digging for kernels. Athrun felt her fingers brush against his hand as she continued her search , and then he suddenly felt her hand clasp his, but by mistake as she thought she'd found more popcorn. He felt a shiver run up his spine at the gentle touch from her hand, but Cagalli simply picked up a few kernels and started loudly munching once again as if nothing had just happened.
Athrun was blushing heavily as his inner voice was screaming: "W-What was that!"... "I'm confused!"... "What just happened!"... "Doesn't she have any idea what that just did to me!" He gulped and eyed her hand that now rested idley on the arm of the chair. Her voice echoed in his head from their conversation at the restaurant when she'd told him about her dream: ... "and then we kissed...and after that, everything was a complete blur except for his beautiful eyes and the feeling of hands all over my body...but they were gentle hands...they held me lovingly and possessively as if they never wanted to let me go."
He sighed heavily at the thought of that moment that beautiful moment in the resataurant between himself and Cagalli was inturrupted by his chattering friend. He wanted desperately to tell Cagalli that it wasn't a dream, that it actually happened; and that he, in fact; did want it to happen again. He could see it now...it would be just like a movie. She would be taken prisoner and he'd come to her rescue. He would steal into her cell in the middle of the night and whisper: "I promised I'd come back..don't worry..I'll have you out soon." Then Cagalli would reply from behind the steel bars of the jail cell while holding his hands through the gaps: " If it weren't for these bars...I'd have you...right now." Next he knew, he'd picked the lock and stood in the cells doorway with a small devilish smile on his face, and say: " That can be arranged." He would then pull her out into the hallway where he stood, and holding her close, he'd whisper: "You don't know how long I've waited for this moment...Cagalli." Cagalli would cradle his face in her hands so she could look deeply into his eyes, her mouth inches from his, while she replied: "Yes I do Athrun...more than you can imagine." ... and just as they were about to kiss...an annoyingly familiar voice awoke him from his daydream.
Dearkka shouted: "Athrun!"... "Yo...Athrun!"... "Wake up...the movie's over!"
Athrun's eyes flew open: "It is!"... "Damn!"... "How much did I miss!"
Dearkka shook his head and heaved a heavy sigh: "The last half hour...the whole ending to be exact. Do you want me to tell you what happened to Captain Jack Sparrow?"
Athrun sighed heavily and shook his head in response: "No."... "I'll get it when it comes out on dvd." He glanced over at the empty seat next to him and asked: "Where's Cagalli?"
Dearkka pointed to the exit: "She went to the restroom with Miri...too much soda I guess. I'm amazed she held it for that long."
Athrun sighed heavily again. His first chance to truly be alone with her and he just had to fall asleep. He cursed himself out undre his breath as Dearkka continued to chatter: "I can't believe I fell asleep!"... "She must think I'm the lamest guy on the planet."
Dearkka chuckled a bit: "She was glaring at you."
Athrun: lowered his head in shame and embarrassment and muttered: "Damn."
Dearkka smiled and laughed a little as he declared: "Relax...for I have come to deliver thee from the dragon of ignorance."
Athrun rolled his eyes at that statement: " Really?"... "Please explain how you intend to do that after I just royally screwed myself over?"
Dearkka grinned: "There is one final stop on this glorious night...and I guarantee you'll come through there."
Athrun raised a curious blue eyebrow: "Why?"... "Where are we going?"
Dearkka chuckled: "It's a surprise...just trust me on this okay?"... "I won't let you down...I promise."
-9:30 pm -
Dearkka pulls up to what appears to be a carnival of some sort. Various colorful lights shown and fireworks decorated the clear night sky. He smiled: "I remember that you liked carnivals Mirir...so I got us tickets for one."
Miriallia smiled happily at him and then at the braclet he'd given her ealrier.
Athrun, who had ultimatley given in and decided to ride in Dearkka's car; raised a curious eyebrow and joked: "Where are you getting all this money from?" "You didn't rob a bank did you?"
Dearkka laughed mockingly: "Ha ha ha...very funny...actually...I looked under my bed this afternoon and found an extra fifty dollars under all my papers."
Athrun shook his head: "I don't know. I really think you took from Yzak's wallet again."
Dearkka pulled into a parking spot, parked, and held up his hands in his own defense: "Hey...I only did that once. I had nothing left and I needed to buy dinner for myself since he's out all the time. It's not my fault he leaves it wide open on his dresser."
Athrun shook his head and sighed heavily. He glanced at the blonde next to him who was busying herself by staring up at the full moon. They hadn't spoken since the restaurant and he was beginning to feel like he wanted to vanish from sight. Stil..he felt a blush slowly creep up his face as the moonlight shined upon her face. He gulped as he felt his pulse quicken again. He scanned for Miriallia and Dearkka, but they'd gone to make sure their tickets went through...so...he and Cagalli were left alone...again. He suddenly heard a clicking noise and noticed that she was having a hard time getting her seatbelt off. He chuckled: "Need some help?"
Cagalli eyed him and replied sarcastically: "That would be great...unless you just plan on sitting there and watching since you're so good at resting your eyes."
Athrun couldn't resist smirking at her angry face..in fact, it intrigued him. He reached over and jiggled the buckle a bit. "I always get stuck with a defective seatbelt. Just jiggle it a little and It'll come loose...like this." He noticed Cagalli's face tinted slightly red at their closeness. He unclasped the belt buckle quickly, his hand brushing over the satin fabric of her tank top. He then quickly turned away...a blush staining his face. He mustered up the best apology he could: "I'm sorry about...sleeping in the theater. I...I haven't slept much these days." He opened the car door for her and let her out first.
Cagalli shook her head: "Ehh..forget about it. You didn't snore that loud."
They exited the car and began to walk towards the carnival lights.
Athrun laughed a bit and asked in a slightly nervous tone: "Cagalli?"... "C-Can I?..."
Cagalli raised a golden eyebrow in curiousity: "Can you what?"
Athrun, in the same nervous tone stred to slowly formulate the answer on his lips: "I..want..to.." Before he could finish, Dearkka came up behind him and slapped him on the back: "Hey there!"... "You comin' or what?"
Athrun flashed his friend one of his pateneted "I'll kill you later" glares before sighing heavily and nodding in defeat. They aprroached the merry go round and Dearkka clapped and jumped up and down like a little child. Athrun couldn't help but smile at that...at how carefree his friend always was.
Dearkka jumped up and down excitedly: "Wheee!"... "Horsie ride!"... "I never got to ride this when I was a kid. C'mon Miri!" He grabbed his laughing girlfriend's hand and helped her up the steps and onto one of the colorful plastic horses/ he then climbed onto another one directly behind her and motioned for Athrun and Cagalli to join them.
The person in charge of the ride opened his mouth to explain that it was nearly full and there was only room for one more person. He noticed Athrun was next in line and recognized him instantly: "Oh wow!"... "It's Chairman Zala's son!"... "Oh what an honor to meet the Ace of the Justice!" ... "please..go ahead."
Athrun, embarrassed beyond belief; sighed jeavily once again as he started up the steps. It was then that he looked over his shoulder and noticed the man close the gate after him and declare to a frustrated Cagalli that it was full till next turn. Athrun abruptly turned around and tapped the man's shoulder: "Hey...it's alright...she can have my spot...I'll wait." The man shook his head and politely explained that since he already took Athrun's ticket it was too late. Athrun was beginning to grow frustrated, and his emerald eyes flashed angrily as he proceeded to trip the lock on the gate and opened it. He forgot his nervousness in the heat of the moment and reached his hand out to Cagalli, his tone determined: "C'mon...let's go."
Cagalli's eyes widened a bit at the serious tone of his voice. She looked at his hand, then at his soft eyes which both appeared to be waiting for a response from her. A determined look on her face, she nodded and firmly took a hold of his outstretched hand.
The man in charge of the ride frantically, yet still somewhat politlely; tried to explain that there was no more room.
Athrun whirled around quickly as he was helping Cagalli up the steps, his emerald eyes glowing angrily, he hissed : "She's with me."
The man nervously studdered: "Y-Yes sir Commander Zala-sama."
Cagalli snickered a bit as she climbed up and sat on the plastic pony: "Yes...thank you ...Zala-sama."
Athrun sighed heavily and then chuckled: "I hate all those formalities..but there are a few advantages to being the son of the Chairman."
The ride started moving while Athrun stood next to Cagalli on hre horse and clasped the pole for stability. He noticed her giving him a look: "What?"... "Is something wrong?"
Cagalli adressed him with a commanding voice: "Get on."
Athrun raised an eyebrow, then shook his head and laughed: "Oh no...it's alright...I'm fine with standing."
Cagalli declared loudly: "Standing at attention like that..you're not in a military line up. You look like an idiot. Get up here!" She snatched his hand and pulled him up to sit with her, placing his arms around her waist. She commanded: Now hold on tight and sit still."
Athrun felt his pulse racing at that dangerous speed once again. His face noticably red at the fact that his arms were wrapped around her, and that her back was right up against his chest. He could smell a trace of her cherry blossom shampoo as her short, blonde hair blew in the breeze.
Cagalli smiled awkwardly: "Ummm...thanks for back there. I was about to punch that guy in the face. But...why did you...?"
Athrun cut her off with a warm smile: "Because I wanted to."
Cagalli and Athrun continued the rest of their ride in silence at first. Athrun smiled at Cagalli's laughing face. He loved how innocent she was.
Cagalli, hearing laughter behind her, turned her head around to notice Athrun standing with his feet balanced on the rear foot holsters of the plastic pony, spreading his arms out wide as if he were flying. His eyes closed as he let the wind hit him, his neck length, navy blue hair blowing in the light breeze. She smiled at the innocent Coordinator behind her. Being the son of the Chairman, his childhood was probably full of obligations, responsibility, and following orders. She then came to the conclusion that this was Athrun Zala's first time jusr letting loose, the first time he could have fun just being a kid. She placed her feet on the front holsters and shakily stood up to join him, spreading her arms out wide the way he did and catching the same wave of euphoria that had managed to touch Athrun. She noticed him smile at her from the ride's center mirrors. She smiled back and waved, causing him to laugh. The two could hear Dearkka and Miriallia laughing on the other side of the ride as Dearkka declared as he stood on the holsters: "I'm king of the world!" Once the ride came to a stop, Dearkka and Miriallia hopped off. Athrun and Cagalli followed, but Cagalli's foot caught on something in the process and she found herself slipping.
Athrun turned at the sound of her gasp and with his lightening fast relflexes, caught her in his arms right before she fell: "Whoa!"... "Are you okay?" His emerald eyes gazed worriedly at her.
Cagalli blinked her eyes, amazed at how fast he'd just caught her. She blushed embarrassed as she realized that she was being carried bridal style down the steps by her blue haired savior, and stammered: "Y-Yes...I'm fine...um...you can let go now." She noticed him turn slightly red before placing her back down on solid ground.
Athrun's face turned a slight shade of pink as he stammered an apology: "S-Sorry."
The next ride they got on was called "The Scrambler." Athrun learned two important things about this ride very quickly...1: It's a two person to a seat ride, and 2: If your seatbelts don't work, you keep sliding smack into the person next to you...oh..and did he mention...it's two people to a seat? About 2 minutes into the ride is when Athrun noticed their seatbelts weren't working. He gripped the side of the seat tightly so as to not be hurled violently out of his seat.
Cagalli, noticing the malfunctioning seatbelts around the same time, had been gripping her side of the seat tightly...determined not to let go and go flying. She looked over next to her and noticed the "Ace of the Justice's" grip begin to slowly fail him. He ended up slamming directly into her at full force, his side now pressed tightly against hers, drawn together by the forces of gravity. Cagalli felt her pulse quicken slightly at the feel of his body so close to hers.
Athrun, his mind reeling, his heartbeat nearly at that dangerous level yet again, shook naughty thoughts out of his head and tried to move away, only to find himself once again thrown smack against Cagalli's side. He sighed heavily and apologized, an embarrassed smile crossing his face: "Sorry."
Cagalli, still slightly blushing from their closeness before; shook her head: "It's fine...you don't have to apolo..." Before she could finish her sentence, the ride sped up a bit, causing it to jump.
Athrun closed his eyes and grabbed the nearest solid object. He slowly opened his emerald eyes only to find his arms around Cagalli's middle, her petite body pressed tightly against his. His face turned bright red as he noticed that his lips were now somehow inches from hers.
Cagalli's eyes widened, her face just as red as Athrun's, she finally managed to finish her sentence as the ride now came to a stop, although she still found it hard to speak with those hypnotic eyes gazing into hers: "...gize..." She whispered the last part of the sentence she hadn't finished before.
Athrun gulped and his face flushed a brilliant shade of red. His pulse began to quicken yet again as he started to stammer: "C-Cagalli...listen...I...I..."
Dearkka's voice suddenly shouted: "C'mon you two!"... "It's ferris wheel time!"
Athrun sighed in defeat and backed away. He and Cagalli exited the ride in awkward silence.
Dearkka came and took his friend aside: "I saw you back there...so...how did it go?"
Athrun, emearld eyes flashing in contempt, hissed at Dearkka: "How do you think ?"... "Tell me...do you see a smile on my face?"
Dearkka backed away slightly, afraid for his life for a minute and then chuckled: "Okay...Okay...I get it...but this ride guarantees romance...if you're lucky...you'll get stuck on top that way you can make out with Miss Cagalli all you want."
Athrun's face turned red in embarrassment: "Dearkka!"
Dearkka chuckled: "Fine...whatever approach you feel like taking is up to you, but I'm hoping to get stuck on the top of the wheel as well, so it's going to be a competition in my eyes. Whoever can get a kiss faster..the "Elsman" or the "Ace of the Justice" Athrun Zala...the Chairman's son. If I win...you buy me new hubcaps for the L mobile...all four tires...and if you win...I'l..." He thought for a minute and then replied: "If you win...I'll buy you a car."
Athrun's eyes widened and then he shook his head: "You can't afford a car...and besides..." He glanced behind him at Cagalli who was in the middle fo trying to win a prize at the shooting gallery, a focused look on her face as she managed to hit all the targets dead on. He smiled: "I don't care how long it takes. I enjoy spending time with her...as long as she's happy, then I'm happy."
Dearkka shook his head and smirked: "You so wanna make out with her it's not even funny."
Athrun turned bright red and avoided the comment by turning his back to his friend.
Cagalli came running up to Athrun with a large stuffed panda bear: "I won the target practice!"
Athrun smiled and chuckled: "I know." ... "You're a pretty good sharpshooter."
Cagalli's lips turned up in a small smile: "Hey...I've seen you shoot...you're not so bad yourself Zala." She handed the stuffed prize to him: "Here."... "I have too many of these already...you take it." She flashed a quick smile and headed to the snack stand with Miriallia close behind her.
Athrun clutched the stuffed bear in his arms and smiled after her retreating form.
Ten minutes later, as they took their seats on the ferris wheel, Athrun noticed Cagalli begin to shiver a little.
Athrun turned to her, his voice full of worry and concern. He took off his black jacket and draped it around her shoulders as the ride started up: "Here." ... "Take my jacket." ... "I have that nice one from dinner back in the car..I can always go back for it if I need it."
Cagalli eyed him, slightly taken aback by his kind gesture: "What about you?"... "Aren't you gonna get cold?"
Athrun chuckled: "I'll be fine." He glanced over at her again, her legs noticably shivering..she was still cold...and that...skirt...wasn't helping. "You're still shivering."
Cagalli growled: "I'm fine!"... "Don't worry about me!" The higher up the wheel went, the more she found herself shivering against the cold wind.
Athrun, being the gentleman that he was, let his basic survival instincts take over as he draped an arm around Cagalli's middle and drew her closer next to him so their hips were touching. A slight rosy tint dusted his face as he smiled awkwardly and murmured: "I-Is this okay?"... "Are you feeling warmer now?"
Cagalli's eyes widened as she managed to mumble: "Yes."
Athrun smiled and chuckled at that quiet tone in her voice that he'd never heard before: "Well...that's good."... "I'm glad I could help."
Cagalli blushed slightly at his comment and proceeded to cuddle up closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Athrun could feel himself trembling in excitement and nervousness as she snuggled closer to him for warmth. He stammered: "M-Miss Yu..I mean...Cagalli...there's something I have to tell you."
Cagalli raised a golden eyebrow as she looked up at him: "Hmmm?" ... "What?"
Athrun's face slightly flushed again, he managed: " About that dream you were telling me about.."
Cagalli turned red in embarrassment: "O-Oh yeah...what about it?
Athrun stammered: "I...um...I've...I've sort of had the same type of dream."
Cagalli's amber eyes widened a bit in surprise: "Huh?"... "Really?"... "That's weird."
Athrun shook his head: "Not really." ... "It wasn't exactly the same as yours."
Cagalli snickered: "Well...thank god for that. I thought you were gonna tell me that you were dreaming about hot guys too."
Athrun blushed in embarrassment: "N-No!"... "No way." His inner self screamed: "Hot guys?"... "Hey?"... "Hello!"... "Earth to Athrun!" ... "Didn't you hear!" "She just called us hot!"
Cagalli laughed loudly and then eyed him curiously: "So...you gonna tell me or what?"
Athrun was caught off guard at first, then chuckled: "Okay...Okay." He paused and looked away before Cagalli could catch the blush on his face: "Well...in the dream ...I was just sitting at home, the house was quiet and empty. I was reading and then, all of the sudden...I look up, and there was this..." he gulped... " beautiful girl reaching her hand out to me, and she says to me... "has anyone ever told you...you've got beautiful eyes?... c'mon...how's about we have a dance?" ... I'm surprised at first and shake my head, but one look into her eyes and I find myself on my feet. She held me close in our dance, running her fingers through my hair. Halfway through she asked... "So...how come you don't have a girlfriend?" I laugh a bit and reply: "I don't know...nobody's ever really been interested in me." She then leaned close to my ear and whispered: "It's okay...don't be sad...I'll be your girlfriend...Athrun." My face turned bright red and before I know it...she had me on the couch...and then..." Athrun's face turned red as he started to explain this part to Cagalli: ... "And then...she kissed me...she...she tasted so sweet...and her touch soothed and comforted me to the point of complete serenity. I..I wanted more..to touch her more...to..kiss her more...I..I've never experienced that feeling before, so it was just my luck that my conscience...I mean...my alram clock woke me up." His face was so red now that he could feel it from head to toe.
Cagalli eyed him: "W-Wow...she really got to you huh?"
Athrun sighed heavily: "You have no idea how much."
Cagalli raised a golden eyebrow: "She kinda sounds nutty to me."... "Who shows up at someone's house that late and does stuff like that?"
Athrun chuckled: "That's why it's called "a dream" Cagalli."
Cagalli shrugged: "Whatever...I still say she sounds like a nutbar."
Athrun laughed: "Yeah...I suppose she does...but I don't care. She had a nice smile, and she was fun to be with."
Cagalli snickered: "Yeah...and I'll bet I know why she was so "fun."
Athrun turned beet red.
Cagalli laughed loudly: "Ah ha!"... "I knew it!"... "I was right wasn't I!" "Is that what you were trying to say to me in the car before?"
Athrun shook his head: "No." ... "I actually wanted to say something else." He began to grow nervous again, his face a little red. He stared into the amber orbs that were waiting for his reply: "Cagalli...listen...I...I want..."
Suddenly he felt the jolt of the bucket seat behind them rocking back and forth. Athrun heard Dearkka scream: "If the bucket's a rockin' don't come kn-kn-knockin'!"
Athrun glanced behind him and glared at his grinning friend and then a small smirk crossed his own face as he snuggled closer to Cagalli and glanced over his shoulder at a frustrated Dearkka and laughed as he mouthed silently: "Look who's stuck at the top of the ferris wheel."
Dearkka made a pouty face and then began to laugh at Athrun's discouraged face as the ride started moving again as quick as it had stopped. He smirked and shouted at the top of his lungs as he rocked his and Miriallia's bucket seat again: "Commander Zala rocks my world!"
Athrun blushed and shook his head. His inner self screamed: "That's it!"... "I can't take this anymore!" Once the ride came to a stop and they were getting off before Miriallia and Dearkka, Athrun impulsively took Cagalli by the hand and with a determined tone in his voice said: "Come with me."
Cagalli's eyes widened and her face turned slightly rosy as she asked loudly: "What!"... "Come where!"... "Where are we going?" She glanced at Athrun who said nothing as he ran top speed to the parking lot, dragging her behind him. Once they got to Dearkka's car, Athrun noticed that his friend had managed to not secure his keys in his pockets as they were now resting on the ground. Athrun picked them up off the ground and opened the door for her. Cagalli asked again: "You never answered me!"... "Where are we going!" She took a reluctant seat in the car as he climbed into the driver's seat.
Athrun started the car and falshed a small smile: "Someplace I spend a lot of time at. I need to get away from all the noise." Out of the corner of his cunning eyes, Athrun noticed Dearkka and Miriallia fast approaching. Miriallia was yelling at Dearkka as he was running for the car. Acting quickly, Athrun put the car in gear and tore off, leaving a cloud of dust behind him.
Dearkka just stood there dumbfounded at what had just happened. He turned to Miriallia, who was catching her breath and laughed from shock as he smacked himself in the head: "He stole my car...can you believe it!" He reached for his keys and sighed heavily: "I dropped my keys again didn't I?"
Miriallia nodded: "Yup...it looks like it."... "So...how do we get home now?"
Dearkka sighed heavily and took out his cell phone: "I'll have to call Yzak...and he's been in a bad mood lately...probably not getting any from Shiho...oh well...at least we'll have a ride."
Meanwhile:
Athrun and Cagalli drove along the road that took them just outside December City and into a back road that led to what appeared to be a large contry estate.
Cagalli smirked a bit as she joked: "You do realize you have just committed a felony?"... "Are you going for medals in car theft and kidnapping too ...Commander Zala?"
Athrun chuckled and shook his head: "I don't intend on making a career out of stealing cars and kidnapping pretty girls." Athrun, realizing what he'd just said; looked away from her and focused back on the road in a desperate attempt to hide his blush. His inner voice scolded him: "Damn it!"... "She's gonna think I'm an idiot."
Cagalli, realizing her kidnapper had just inadvertantly called her "pretty," blushed in an embarrassed fashion and changed the subject quickly: "I-It's really nice here."... "Is all of this your house?"
Athrun nodded and smiled: "One of them." ... "My father bought this place for my mom since she loved to look at flowers and little streams. It was our quiet place...just her and me."
Athrun parked the stolen vehicle in the large circular drive and opened the door for a shocked Cagalli who seemed to be in awe of such a large house in the middle of all this scenery. Athrun chuckled a bit and led her through the house's large enrtyway. A giant portrait of his father, mother, and a younger Athrun hung on the wall...his mother's arm draped around him protectively.
Athrun pointed at the portrait and smiled: "That's my mother...her name was Lenore."
Cagalli smiled at the picture: "She was very pretty." ... She then turned back to Athrun and eyed him: "You look like her." When she received an odd look from him she realized that she didn't explain herself properly: "N-Not like that!...I mean...your hair and eyes are the same." She blushed embarrassed at how lame she must've just sounded.
Athrun smiled warmly at her and chuckled as he looked back at the photo: "Yeah...you're right."
Cagalli asked with a curious tone in her voice: "You must miss her a lot."
Athrun nodded: "Not a day goes by that I don't. But she always used to tell me that if something were to ever happen to her, to remember that she would always be...here..." He pointed his index finger to his head and then finished his reply by saying: "...and...here." He then took his hand and placed it over his heart and smiled.
Cagalli returned his smile with one of her own.
Athrun lead her through the rest of the house, showing her all the rooms. When he got to his, he blushed a bit and closed the door, saying that he haden't made the bed from last night when he stayed here. He then lead her down the steps and out onto the terrace...from there, she saw a beautiful Japanese garden...flowers of all kinds everywhere...ponds and streams filled with lily pads and colorful koi fish and fountains galore. Cagalli's eyes widened at the site as Athrun led her over a little bridge that went over the small pond and onto a tiny island with a gazebo on it. Athrun stood thee with her and pointed out all the flowers and there significances. He then picked up a small stone and skipped it across the water.
Cagalli rubbed her eyes in awe: "Wow!"... "This is so beautiful." ... "It's so peaceful here...especially at night."
Athrun smiled: "Yeah...this is a nice spot...but not my favorite." He held out his hand: "Come with me...it's kind of a steep hill to walk and it's easy to get lost...so...you'll have to hold my hand for a bit." He blushed slightly, his expression nervous.
Cagalli shrugged and placed her hand in his: "Chill Zala...It's not like I'll shoot you for holding my hand."
Athrun chuckled: "Alright...Alright...point taken...Yula."
Athrun led her across the small bridge again, through the garden, and into some secluded woods behind all the flowers. They carefully made their way over the tree stumps and rocks till finally, Athrun was where he wanted to be. He pushed back some rose bushes for Cagalli and let her go through first...and the sight she saw was nothing short of breathtaking. Behind the trees and rose bushes, Athrun Zala had pushed away was a beautiful waterfall. The water was so crystal clear and blue in the moonlight. Cagalli could feel the refreshing mist against her skin as they slowly approached it.
Athrun held out his hand again as he hopped across the two rocks ahead of her: "It's a bit slippery."
Cagalli raised a curious eyebrow: "Is it really okay to get that close?"
Athrun smirked playfully: "Don't tell me you're afraid miss "Goddess of Victory."
Cagalli blushed embarrassed and growled: "I'm not afraid of anything Zala!"
Athrun, a playful smirk still plastered on his face: "No..huh?"... "How about me?"... "Are you afraid of me?"
Cagalli blushed embarrassed and hissed: "Why should I be!"... "Spiders scare me more than you!"
Athrun smirked: "Spiders?"... "But didn't you just get finished telling me that you fear nothing?"
Cagalli growled in response: "Shut up!"
Athrun chuckled: "Really?"... "Then why are you still standing over there?"... "If you're as tough as you say, then...prove it." He reached his hand out for her, waiting patiently for her to take it.
Cagalli glared at his smug smile and snatched his hand, accepting his challenge.
Athrun chuckled to himself as he led her to his favorite spot..where there was a small entry way into a willow covered cave that led behind the waterfall. As they walked inside, he took Dearkka's keys out of his pocket and turned on the small mobile flashlight ataached to them. Once he was where he needed to be, he lifted up a small rock, pulled out a pack of matches, and lit a candle that sat up on a little manmade ledge: "Well...this is it."... "My mother showed this place to me, but it was always my own personal thinking spot."
Cagalli's eyes widened in awe as they now stood directly behind the falls. She looked out through the cave and noticed the water spilling out in front of them, yet not drenching them. She reached out and touched the flowing water, letting it spill over her fingers: "Wow...so beautiful."
Athrun nodded and smiled at his blonde companion who continued to trail her fingers through the water: "Beautiful."
Cagalli walked away from the water and began to look around, taking notice of all the flowers and lush grass that appeared to be growing in this hidden alcove. She took a seat on a small rock to rest her feet and asked him with a tone of curiosity in her voice: "Why are you showing all this to me?"
Athrun blinked in confusion: "Huh?"... "What do you mean?"
Cagalli eyed him: "Exactly what I asked." ... "Why show this to me?"... "Isn't this something personal and private?"... "Aren't you afraid I'll spill the secret?"
Athrun laughed a bit, then shook his head and smiled: "That thought never crossed my mind."... He glanced over his shoulder to stare out at the water spilling out in front of them and continued: "This may sound crazy...but ...I trust you...in fact...I trust you more than anyone at this point."
Cagalli's felt her face suddenly heat up a little: "H-Huh?"... "You...you do?"
Athrun, feeling his face slowly begin to heat up; took a deep breath and walked towards her, the moonlight capturing every highlight of her curious face. His heart began to pound against his ribs at so dangerous a rate that it scared him: "Cagalli...I..." He paused to calm himself, but to no avail: He said softly: "I...I think about you a lot."
Cagalli's eyes widened again and she blushed heavily: "H-Huh!"... "A-Athrun?"... "What are you...!"
Athrun's tone grew even more nervous as his stomach was doing flipflops: "I-I also wanted to tell you...that dream of mine...I mean...that girl was..."
Cagalli's eyes narrowed as she stred at him curiously: "That girl was what?"
Athrun reached for something around his neck that was hidden by his shirt collar, and pulled out the necklace she'd given him months ago.
Cagalli stood up quickly, he eyes widening in shock and amazement: "You still have that!"... "I thought maybe..."
Athrun was now only a few feet away, he smiled as he finished her sentence: "...That I threw it away?" He shook his head: "I've always kept it close by...actually..." He fingered the necklace, as he looked down at it, then he slowly let his eyes slowly glance back up at her: "I've never taken it off."
Cagalli felt her face begin to grow warm as she stammered: "A-Athrun."
Athrun's breath caught in his throat at the tender way she said his name, he blushed slightly: "Listen."... "My dream...it was..."
Cagalli's face reddened a bit as she interrupted him: "The...the guy in my dream had gorgeous green eyes!"
Athrun's eyes widened at first and then softened as he gulped and quietly spoke through a small smile: "I know."
Cagalli blinked in confusion: "Huh?"... "How could yo...?"
Athrun now stood within an arms length of Cagalli, his face reddening every second: "D-Do you remember what his kiss was like?" He shook his head and apologized quickly: "N-Nevermind...I'm sorry..just forget it."
Cagalli blushed heavily as she blurted out: "N-No!"... "I..I mean...I'll answer!" "H-His lips were so inviting...so soft and warm...I don't think there's any guy alive out there who could kiss a girl the same way this guy kissed me...with such abandon, such fire, such...sweetness...he..he tasted so sweet...like strawberries."
Athrun gulped, his face getting redder by the second, his self control was teetering on the edge as his eyes darted instantly to rest on her lips. He took a step closer to her and asked softly: "A-And what about the way he..." Athrun gulped before finishing his thought: "The way he touched you?"
Cagalli's face tinted red, nervously rubbing her arms that were still covered by his jacket: "I-I already told you!"... "And...actually...that dream was such a blur...I may have botched up a few things when I told you about it before..and I...!"
Athrun's self control finally shattered into a million pieces as he snatched her arm and pulled her to him in a warm hug...his hands around her waist holding her tight. He whispered through trembling lips: "W-Was it...like this?"
Cagalli's face burned red hot, she couldn't seem to speak, but she somehow finally managed a small, whispered: "Yes."
Athrun let her go after a few moments and apologized frantically: "I-I'm sorry!...I..I don't know what I...I mean...I couldn't stop myself."
Cagalli blushed a bit and laughed nervously: "I-It's okay."
Athrun, still blushing...a tone of anxiety evident in his voice: "So...do you know who the dream guy was?"... "He...He made you feel that good when he kissed you?"... "Are you sure there's no other guy out there who can make you feel that way?"
Cagalli's eyes widened, and then she noticed the water droplets from the mist of the waterfall clinging to Athrun's gorgeous blue hair and lashes as he looked up at her innocently through them, she frantically replied: "I-I just told you!"... "There's no way there's any guy out there who could kiss a girl and leave her feeling the things he left me feeling!"... "And for the thousandth time...it was all a blur and I...!" Before she knew it, Athrun had snatched her arm again and pulled her by the waist so close that she could feel his heart pounding... his lips trembling.
Athrun felt his pulse racing..his face burning bright red..this rush of feelings he was getting were making him dizzy...everything was moving so fast...but he didn't care anymore. The mist from the falls clung to Cagalli's hair and a droplet ran down her cheek. Athrun couldn't take it anymore. He murmured next to her ear: "I'm sorry...please...forgive me...Cagalli."
Cagalli's eyes widened and her pulse quickened: "W-What!"... "I...you...e-everything was such a blur...I told you...and I...you...!"
Athrun, his pulse racing like mad, closed his eyes and kissed her sweetly, yet hungrily, interrupting her mid sentence...the same way she'd kissed him when she was drunk that last time, only deeper...and sweeter..his hands moving up and down the curves of her body as he was remembering what it was like to touch her.
Cagalli's eyes widened at first, then slowly closed as she succumbed to Athrun Zala's exquisite touch...his sweet and firey kiss. She bagan to feel warm all over like in her dream. She ran one ahnd through his hair and the other she let trail down his neck till it reached the necklace she'd given him. She fingered it tenderly as he continued to kiss her with reckless abandon...not seeming to care if the whole world saw them or not.
Athrun pulled away first, gasping for breath...his face flused a brilliant red as he blurted out: "Cagalli...I think about you all the time...from the moment I get up till the time I put my head down on my pillow...and ...and even in my dreams..you are still there. Everytime I close my eyes..I see you..at work..at home...everywhere." He clasped her hand in his tightly, and whispered: "It drives me crazy when I don't see you."
Cagalli breathed: "Athrun..."
Athrun, his hands trembling, looked her square in the eyes, his tone determined: "I'm going to come right out and say it. I can't stop thinking about you Cagalli...and I don't want to. I don't give a damn if the ZAFT council or my father think I'm making a mistake. I know what I want..and that's you." He blushed heavily and blurted out: "I've been trying to get up the courage all night to say that I...I think I'm falling for you Cagalli!"... "I tried not to, I tried really hard...but ..I..I fell...I fell hard."
Cagalli's eyes widened as she blushed heavily and stammered: "H-Huh!"... "A-Athrun!"... "I!"... "We!..." Her voice grew soft as she muttered through that pouty face that he'd secretly loved: "I-I've been thinking about you a lot too...Athrun."
Athrun's eyes widened in surprise, he then blushed and whispered: "The girl in my dream..." He brushed her blonde bangs away from her eyes so he could see them, he smiled: "The girl was always...you." Athrun's inner voice screamed: "did all of that just come outta me!"... "Oh no..oh no...what if she...!"
Cagalli found her own fingers absentmindedly trailing across cheek, and then his lips as she murmured: "Athrun..just...just ...shut up." She brought his lips back to hers in a sweet kiss and then mumbled against them: "You...you taste like strawberries..." Her eyes widened a bit at her own statement. Could it be that Athrun was..?... "Oh my god...the guy in my dream...I think it was..."
She cupped his chin in her hands and kissed him again, this time longer and more deeply.
Athrun's eyes widened in shock, his pulse racing again, he blushed beet red as she pulled away wiping her mouth with the back of her hand: "Cagalli...listen...I..."
Cagalli touched her own lips, her eyes wideneing as she whispered in shock: "It...It was you."
Athrun blushed heavily and nodded.
Cagalli rested her head on his shoulder as he hugged her: "I've been thinking about you a lot too..everyplace I go...you always seem to wind up there."
Athrun joked as he stroked her hair: "That's true..hmmm..I think you're stalking me."
Cagalli playfully punched his arm: "No way!"... "If anything, it's you who stalks me..you and those wandering eyes of yours."
Athrun laughed: "It appears we're both guilty then."
Cagalli nodded: "I guess so." ... "You, me, and..." She blushed as she finished: "Those sexy eyes of yours."
Athrun teased her: "So...you did like it when I stared at you?" He suddenly blushed cutely: "You think my eyes are sexy?"
Cagalli mumbles into his shoulder as they continued to hold each other: "The rest of you ain't so bad either."
Athrun blushed and chuckled and felt his heart skip a beat. He smiled one of his seductive, sexy smiles at her as he tilted up her chin: "I think you're sexy too. In this outfit tonight, in a tee shirt..anything you put on... and especially when you pout.." He brushed lock of her hair out of her eyes and smiled: "You're beautiful Cagalli."
Cagalli's face burned crimson as she stammered: "A-Athrun..."
Athrun murmured next to her ear: "Cagalli...is it okay...that I fell for you?" When he received a blush and a silent nod from her, he claimed her lips again in a gentle kiss.
Cagalli felt his grip around her waist tighten as he held her protectively and lovingly caressed her. Her eyes widened, she blushed heavily, then smiled in his kiss and murmured next to his lips: "You have beautiful eyes."
Athrun smiled and resumed kissing her, the only sounds aroung them were the rushing of the waterfall around them and the crickets chirping in the night.
-End of Flashback – We are now back to March 2nd, CE 75. Athha Estate. Time: 200am. Location: Hallway on the way back to Cagalli's room. -
Athrun and Cagalli now stood in the long hallway of the Athha's Orb Estate.
Cagalli blushed as he ended his story: "I forgot how many times we kissed...we kissed for a while."
Athrun turned to face her, his face red; he smiled and laughed embarrassed: "What can I say...I was curious." He flashed another smile at her: "That was the perfect ending to an interesting day."
Cagalli blused and stated: "That was my first kiss you know."
Athrun laughed: "Actually, make that you're first "sober" kiss."
Cagalli blushed heavily and growled: "Don't ever tell anyone about that...I'm warning you Zala."
Athrun laughed again: "I never have. I only just told you."... "Why?" He pretended to pout as he asked: "Did you like that drunken kiss better than our sober kiss?"
Cagalli's face burend bright red as she hissed: "How could I!" I was so drunk I had no clue how I ended up back in my bed that night!"
Athrun smirked: "I carried you."
Cagalli's eyes widened: "What!"... "You couldn't have...!"
Athrun laughed: "I woke up the next morning and you were still out cold on my couch, co I picked you up with the blanket still draped around you, and carried you back to Miri's and to your bed upstairs."
Cagalli nodded: "I do faintly remember the feeling of someone's hand on my forehead."
Athrun smiled: "I just wanted to make sure you weren't running a fever." He then chuckled: "Hey!"... "You haven't answered my question...drunk kiss or sober kiss?..." ... "Which was better?"
Cagalli blushed and stammered: "I-I told you..I don't remember!"... "What!"... "Why are you looking at me like that!"
Athrun blused slightly, his emerald eyes seeking out hers in the darkness: "It's been three years since I kissed those lips...since I tasted their sweetness..." He threw his arms around her in a hug, drawing her body close to his. He whispered in her ear: "I could say that I've hungered for you...but that wouldn't even come close to how I really feel."
Cagalli's amber eyes widened as she began to feel her pulse race: "Athrun."
Athrun hugged her tighter , his voice as shaky as it was when they'd first kissed. His mouth inches away from hers now as he murmured the same thing he murmured three years ago: "I'm sorry...please forgive me...Cagalli." He claimed her lips in a firey passionate, yet sweet kiss, her tongue accepting his as they battled for dominance in the kiss. Cagalli's right hand ran through his neck length blue hair and then proceeded to work its way down his neck to rest on his chest, while in the meantime, Athrun was caressing her back, running his hands up and down the familiar curves of her body. Cagalli shivered at the touch that was so achingly familiar and both began to lose themselves to the heat of the moment.
Suddenly, a loud crash was heard and the two broke apart at the sound of a girl exclaiming in shock: "A-Athrun!"
Athrun whirled around to face the voice and his eyes widened as he saw a pink haired girl in a maid's uniform staring at him in shock: "Meer?" Before he could utter another word, she took off down the hall at top speed. He turned to Cagalli and asked curiously: When did!..." ... "Why is she here!"
Cagalli, still stunned and blushing from their kiss; explained: "She's the new maid Kisaka san was talking about..Eileen I think he said her name was." She raised a golden eyebrow: "You called her Meer?"... "What's going on?"... "Do you know her Athrun?"
Athrun, in thinking position; nodded: "I guess you could say that."... "As soon as I smelled that perfume on that mug of your father's, I knew it was familiar." He took Cagalli's hand in his, his tone serious: "Stay close to me. I don't know what she is doing here, but I don't like the feeling I'm getting about all of it. Just stick close to me ..I have an idea."
Cagalli nodded and then raised an eyebrow: "An idea?"..."About what?"... "Who is this girl?"... "Was she the one with the Chanel perfume?"... "what are we going to do now?"
Athrun smirked cunningly: "We're going to play a game of Clue and catch Miss Scarlett red handed...or should I say...Miss Scarlett's."
Okay people..that's the end of chappie 11. I hope you enjoyed all the AsuCagaa happiness. I know I did. Lol..If anyone has any questions feel free to ask since there was a lot to take in during this whole chappie. All hail the Athrun hotness! Lol. See you next chappie!