Hi Hi everyone...well..here it is..the last chapter of the murder at Athha Estate! This is the last chapter in the trilogy of the previous two chappies and is dedicated to my bestest friend Thingperson. Lol..This is the chappie where the true murderer is revealed even though I think most of you may already have ideas on who the murderer or murderers may be. Lol..and never fear..this isn't the last chappie of the story altogether..there will be much more to come. Lol..Enough of my blabbing..on with the chapter. Lol

Disclaimer: I do not own GS, GSD, or the AsuCaga and Athrun shirtless happiness that abounds within this story. Lol..But I totally wish I did. Lol

-The Zala Files- Chapter 13: The Coming Out Party-

-March 2nd, CE 75. Athha Estate. Time: 9:30am. Location: Cagalli's Room-

Athrun opened his emerald eyes to the chirping of birds and the rays of sunshine peaking through the shades. He glanced over his shoulder next to him as he felt Cagalli's warm and silky body snuggle closer against his back as she slept. The way the light hit her, she looked even more beautiful then he'd ever thought was physically possible. Her short golden hair, her beautiful amber eyes that were closed in peaceful slumber, her pouty lips, her flushed face, the way her chest rose and fell with her every breath. As he stroked her disheveled hair, he felt that he could go on staring at her like this for hours, but unfortunately; there were other matters to attend to. With Cagalli's arms still wrapped around him, he sat up and took notice of the state of the room. His eyes widened in shock as he thought: "Did we really get that crazy?" He briefly ran his fingers through his hair and blushed slightly at all the clothes that lay strewn about the room, and then glanced down at the sleeping Cagalli that was still clinging to his waist. He then heard her murmur in her sleep: "Mmmm...Athrun..." His face tinted a slight red as he thought: "Is she dreaming about me?" He heard her murmur again: "Mmmm...Athrun...gimme back those cookies." He heaved a heavy sigh and chuckled to himself: "I should've known...I can't expect it to be about me all the time." As he attempted to get up, he felt Cagalli pull him back down and murmur in her sleep in a desperate, pleading tone that immediately caught his attention: "Athrun...save me..." His emerald eyes widened as he turned in her arms so he could face her. He gently brushed her bangs from her closed eyes as he thought to himself: "Save you?"... "Save you from what?" Before he could even open his mouth to ask that question, she murmured again in the same tone: "Athrun...save me...save me from..." As he waited anxiously for her to finish her sentence, he noticed her blink her eyes a few times before it finally seemed that they'd succumbed to the daylight.

The golden haired Lioness gazed up at her blue haired knight as she briefly played with his bangs: "Mmmm...Athrun..." She then smiled as she claimed his lips in a quick kiss.

Athrun returned her smile with one of his own: "Morning sleepy head...time to get up."

Cagalli snuggled closer to him and closed her eyes again: "Mmmm...do we have to?"... "I don't feel like getting up yet. Nobody gets up in this house till at least 10:30am on the weekend." She teasingly ran her fingers through his hair again in an attempt to coerce him to hit the clocks snooze button: "Can't we just stay in till then?"

Athrun snuggled closer to her as well and flashed a small smirk: "Are you lying to me just so you can sleep more?"

Cagalli turned beet red and then turned on him by putting on her best pouty face and sultry tone of voice: "You have beautiful eyes Athrun. I just want to stare into them a little longer." She tenderly brushed his disheveled blue bangs from his eyes.

Athrun shivered at her soft touch as he turned a slight shade of red and stammered: "T-That's not fair...you know how that affects me...especially when it comes out of your..." His hungry eyes wandered to her lips for a minute and then he placed a gentle, teasing kiss on them: "...Sweet..." He paused and kissed her again: "...Scintillating..." He paused again and this time kissed her more passionately than before, only breaking it to catch a glimpse of her flushed face. He flashed a playful smile as he finished his sentence: "...Mouth."

Cagalli blushed slightly at his words and hot kisses as she asked curiously: "S-So...I win?"... "We get to stay in till then?"

Athrun sighed in defeat and chuckled: "Okay...you win...but we get up exactly that time...promise?"

Cagalli rested her head on his stomach and mumbled as she drifted back to sleep: "Mmmm hmmm."

-An hour and a half later downstairs at brunch, only Sai and Meyrin sat at the table. -

Meyrin took a sip of her orange juice and adjusted the straps of her pink tank top before turning to her table companion and asking curiously: "We're the only ones awake?"

Adjusting his glasses, Sai glanced over his newspaper, looked around the large dining room, and nodded: "Looks like it."

Meyrin eyed him, curiosity still visible in her eyes: "Is it like this every day?"

Sai nodded: "Pretty much. Lady Cagalli attends college and her classes are in the afternoon so she sleeps in, plus she has meetings to attend afterwards. Lord Kira attends the earlier meeting so he eats on the run. Everybody has their own business to attend to."

Meyrin exclaimed: "But how can you stand it?!" She blushed at her sudden outburst: "I mean...how can you stand all this quiet?"... "Wouldn't you like someone to greet and talk with you in the morning?"

Placing his newspaper down on the table, Sai chuckled: "Every once in a while, Kira and I sit and have breakfast together...usually on days when he has early meetings." He smiled in her direction as he finished: "And..It's not so often that I get a female companion at the table to chat with at this hour...especially one that's as cheerful as you...well...besides Lady Clyne anyway."

Meyrin blushed in an embarrassed fashion: "O-Oh...I'm sorry. I'm being too bubbly aren't I?" My older sister always tells me that..."

Sai shook his head, a slight blush visible on his face as he waved his hands in protest: "N-No!"... "I mean...it's just nice to have such a refreshing and pleasant conversation with another early bird like me."

Meyrin felt a small tint of red crossing her cheeks before she smiled: "O-oh...well...thank you Lord Argyle."

Sai chuckled: "Just call me Sai Miss Meyrin. Lord Argyle is my father."

Meyrin nodded and smiled in return.

-A voice then interrupted the two: "Oh...I see you two have already met."

Sai and Meyrin looked over and noticed Kira approaching the table...Lady Lacus not too far behind him. Lady Lacus wore a nice, off the shoulder, pink sun dress; while Kira was clad in his Orb military uniform...his stripes indicating that he ranked colonel.

Sai greeted his friends: "Good morning Kira...Lady Clyne."

Meyrin bowed her head and also greeted them: "G-Good morning Lord Kira...Lady Clyne."

Kira chuckled at Meyrin's nervous manner: "Good morning Sai...Miss Meyrin. Remember Miss Meyrin...you can call me Kira also...I don't mind."

Lacus smiled and addressed both Sai and Meyrin: "And you can both call me Lacus."

Sai nodded as Meyrin blushed embarrassed and replied: "Y-Yes...good morning Kira...Lacus."

Kira pulled out a chair for Lacus next to Meyrin and then took a seat on the opposite side next to Sai: "Sorry I'm late. I had a few phone calls to make regarding today's party."

Sai raised an eyebrow curiously: "You mean that's still on?"... "The Emirs didn't call it off?"

Kira sighed and shook his head: "They said with the death of father just being announced, that it would be wise to keep this going. The announcement of Cagalli's and my marriages will raise the people's spirits and hopes for the future."

Sai shook his head: "So...you only get two days to grieve over the death of your father and then they expect you to put on a happy face again just like that?"

Kira heaved another heavy sigh, his violet eyes full of worry: "I know...I know...I don't like it either, but right now I'm too busy to argue with them. It's only been two days since it happened and they're already on top of Cagalli practically every hour to make major decisions."

Lacus eyed him worriedly: "Kira..."

Sai apologized: "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything to cause you more worry."

Kira shook his head: "No...No...it's okay...you didn't know."

Sai asked in a curious tone: "So...how are things going with you and Fllay?"... "Did she cool down since last night?"

Kira shook his head again: "I don't know what's going on anymore. I need to have a little talk with her today about things." He and Lacus exchanged worried glances.

Meyrin, remembering what she'd seen last night; nodded and took a hopeful tone of voice: "I hope everything turns out well...Kira-san."

Kira nodded and flashed her a small smile: "I hope so too. Thank you Miss Meyrin."

Meyrin then asked curiously: "Have you seen Lord Za...I mean...Athrun-san around?"... "I haven't seen him since last night." ... "Did he not get up yet?"

Kira glanced quickly at Lacus for support.

Lacus smiled and responded: "I'm sure he'll be down any minute. He's probably just busy getting ready."

-Meanwhile, upstairs in Cagalli's room -

After a lot of coaxing, Athrun had finally managed to get Cagalli up and out of bed. He now studied his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He'd chosen to wear a nice maroon colored dress shirt, black pants, black shoes, and to top it off...a black, Chinese style jacket. He didn't want the marks on his neck Cagalli had left to be noticeable to anyone...especially Kira...for fear they would jump to conclusions. He dabbed a bit of his cologne on the back of his neck and as he did so, he felt a pair of arms slide and wrap around his waist and a voice whisper: "Hey...you know...if you wanna hide hickeys...all you need is the right concealer...here...hurry up and use this." She casually placed the small bottle of tan liquid in his hands. Athrun blushed and shivered at how her warm breath tickled his ear. He quickly applied a small dab of the concealer on his neck, then turned around in her arms, examining her outfit more closely. She wore her Orb military uniform and all the bars and stripes on it indicated to him that those were the marks of Orb's Supreme commander. He picked her up and sat her down on the sink counter, his face inches from hers and his eyes sparkled with curiosity: "Are you giving me an order Princess Athha...after I had to practically drag you out of bed before?"

Cagalli growled: "Don't call me Princess!"... She then smiled as she apologized: "Aww...I'm sorry...how can I make it up to you?" Before he could answer, she cupped his face in her hands and brought her lips to his in a sweet, lingering kiss. Pulling away, she smirked as she noticed his face turn red: "Is that answer acceptable...Commander Zala?"

Athrun felt his face redden as he nodded and stammered: "Y-Yes."

Cagalli smirked slightly and jumped off the counter, grabbing his arm as she did so: "Good. Now let's go."

Athrun abruptly closed the door to her room before she could drag him out: "Cagalli...wait..." He had her up against the wall, his hands on each side of her as he stared deeply into her amber eyes, and before tilting her chin up as he whispered: "One more thing before we go out there and I'm not allowed to touch you..."

Cagalli's face flushed red as she whispered his name: "Athrun..." She closed her eyes and succumbed to his passionate kiss and found herself disappointed that it was over so soon. She whispered: "You know when I'm dancing with...that..." She grimaced as Athrun chuckled and silenced her with a finger over her lips as he smiled and closed his eyes, pulling her in for one last tight hug, he responded: "I know...I'll be wishing it was me out there with you."

Cagalli hugged him tighter, inhaling his intoxicating scent of aftershave and Aramis as she whispered into his neck: "Me too...god I wish it was you."

Athrun tucked the concealer bottle in his pocket, then released her from his hug and smiled: "You go down there first...I'll follow you..okay?" His hand squeezed hers tightly for reassurance.

Cagalli slowly and reluctantly let her hand slip out of his and nodded: "I'll see you in a few Athrun...I mean...Lord Zala." She then turned to look back at him briefly before finally leaving.

Athrun watched her retreating form as it descended the staircase...Yuuna suddenly appearing next to her chattering away. The blue-haired Coordinator leaned against the door frustratedly ran his fingers through his neck length hair. Suddenly, he heard his cell phone ringing so he sighed heavily one last time before answering it: "Hey there Auel-san. Is the suspect secure?"... "Were there any escape attempts at all?"

Auel sighed heavily on the other end of the phone: "On my part or hers?"

Athrun chuckled a bit at his joke..obviously Auel-san had not had a pleasant night: "On hers Auel-san."

Auel replied: "She's secure. No escape attempts...she hasn't woken up yet."

Athrun shook his head and asked curiously: "How much Chloroform did you put on that rag?" All Athrun heard on the other end was silence before he pressed Auel for an answer: "Auel-san...how much?"

Auel heaved a heavy sigh and explained: "If I didn't use as much as I did she would've struggled a lot more . It's bad enough she kicked my leg...I didn't want another bruise."

Athrun sighed heavily as well: "Bruises or no bruises. She's gonna wake up soon." He patted his pants pocket to make sure his wallet was there, then his jacket pocket where his gun was buckled up safely tucked away in it's holster: "Where are you now?"

Auel whispered into the phone: "Just down the hall from Lady Cagalli's room in Lord Kira's room. That's where all her stuff appears to be."

Athrun smirked as he thought: "As I thought...she's moving right in." He then spoke aloud to Auel: "When she wakes up, tell her you're one of the new security officers here and you've come to make sure she gets to the party safely. Kira has more than one uniform in that closet if I know him...you can use that."

Auel whispered: "Won't she recognize the bars and stripes for the rankings?"

Athrun shook his head: "I've been around girls like her...they're more concerned with how much they can get out of the guy than with their military ranking."... "Trust me...she won't know the difference...she'll just believe you to be someone she hasn't yet sunk her claws into."

Auel chuckled quietly: "I'm not one of those guys so she'll find me a disappointment...so...I take it you and the Lady Cagalli are back together?"

Athrun felt his face turn a slight red: "W-What are you talking about...I never..."

Auel chuckled: "You never had to. You keep her picture in your drawer and I've noticed you go in there, just stare in said drawer, and when I ask you what you're looking at...you always say...a secret treasure." He continued to chuckle some more when he heard silence on Athrun's end of the line: "I think I especially noticed it when I heard you scream out last night: "Conquer me my Goddess Of Victory!"

Athrun turned an even brighter shade of red as he hissed into the phone: "That was way after you...wait...was it...?"

Auel snickered: "Ummm...a piece of advice...close the balcony doors all the way next time."

Athrun blushed embarrassed and hissed: "A-Auel-san!"... "J-Just..." He frustratedly ran his fingers through his hair as he calmed down: "Next time it happens...you'll see it coming because you'll have the day off."

Auel chuckled as he teased: "So...I'll be getting some time off pretty soon then?"

Athrun took a sarcastic tone: "Ha...Ha...Ha...very funny."... "Just remember to do what I said when the suspect wakes up."

Auel nodded: "Can do Red Knight...Blue Knight over and out."

Athrun clicked his phone shut, opened the door, took a deep breath, and began his descent down the stairs. As he made his way towards the table, he noticed Kira stand up to greet him with a smile that both cheered him up and scared him at the same time.

Kira smiled: "Well...well...well...look who's up...so...how did you sleep last night?"

Athrun, catching on to his friends prying; he replied coolly: "Well...to be honest...not so good. I kept hearing things that went crash..I mean...bump in the night."

Kira, blushing slightly; exchanged a brief worried look with Lacus, who was blushing as well: "I-Is that so?"... "I didn't hear that." He then smirked as he turned on Athrun: "I did hear some moaning...did you hear it too?"

Athrun noticed Cagalli flash her brother her signature death glare. However, instead of getting all nervous, Athrun replied coolly: "Why yes I did. I was coming from your room actually."

Kira noticed all eyes on him and nearly choked on one of his biscotti's. He took a quick sip of his tea to wash it down: "Y-You know...come to think of it...it was coming from my room. I hear this estate is rather old."

Athrun finally took a seat across from Cagalli and her loud-mouthed fiancée who was too busy chattering on his cell phone to notice Cagalli's hand slide under the table to rest on Athrun's leg. His face tinted a slight red as he shook suggestive thoughts out of his head. Maintaining his cool demeanor, he smirked at his friend: "So..what are you trying to say Kira?"... "Are you telling me your room is haunted?"

Kira nodded firmly: "Yes...and I also have reason to believe that Cagalli's room has ghosts in it as well since there was a lot of shrieking coming from in there last night."

Cagalli growled: "That was the T.V. You idiot!"

Kira quickly withdrew after hearing her fierce tone: "Y-Yes...that's right. I forgot the T.V. was in there...my mistake."

Meyrin, who had went to get herself another glass of juice; noticed Athrun at the table and plopped back down in her chair by Sai and called out across the large table cheerfully: "Good morning Athrun-san!" She was still getting used to calling him by his first name, she blushed embarrassed.

Athrun blushed a bit as he felt Cagalli playing footsy with him under the table. He smiled politely and responded: "O-Oh...good morning Miss Meyrin." He took a final sip of his coffee to calm his nerves.

Kira finished the last of his tea and then stood up: "I hope everyone's just about finished here cause we have to start getting ready for the party at 2:00pm."

Cagalli nearly choked on the last of her cruller: "What?!"... "Two O'Clock?!"... "You mean I have to dance for eight hours straight?!"

Kira sighed heavily and nodded: "I'm afraid so sis..." He glanced at her outfit: "Also...ummm..." He took a few steps back for his own safety: "You're gonna have to wear a dress."

Athrun felt Cagalli stop playing footsy with him and noticed a complete and total death glare radiating from her amber eyes.

Cagalli hissed at her brother as she nearly leapt over the table at him: "What?!"... "You've got to be kidding me?!"

Kira heaved another heavy sigh: "L-Look...I'm sorry...It's not me...It's just..the heads of state have been bugging me about your image."

Cagalli growled: "I don't care what the hell they think!"... "I'm a big girl now...I don't need people telling me how to dress!"

Yuuna finally clicked his phone shut and put in his two cents: "Cagalli my love...perhaps if you stop screaming like that then the elders wouldn't treat you like a child."

Athrun, now noticing that Cagalli's eyes were burning in anger; felt he had to interject in a calm tone: "I think what Seran-san is trying to say is that it would make you appear more demure and poised to the elders if you wore a dress..and you can do that without completely changing your image."

Kira nodded in agreement: "Yes...that's exactly right."

Cagalli eyed Athrun and Kira: "I don't know about this."

Kira turned to Athrun to get an honest opinion: "Honestly...in your opinion...how would you react to Cagalli in a dress from the standpoint of another head of state?"

Athrun looked Cagalli square in the eyes and smiled: "I'd probably say: "May I have this dance?" He noticed as the ladies at the table, including the maids who were clearing it; blush...but none more noticeable than Cagalli herself.

Cagalli, her face tinted red mumbled: "A-Alright fine...I'll do it."

Kira rolled his eyes and chuckled: "Okay..enough small talk people...we have a party to get ready for."

Lacus took Cagalli aside and smiled: "I'll help you get ready if you like."... "We girls can all get ready together."

Meyrin smiled and nodded: "Oh yes ..yes...me too please."

Cagalli nodded: "Alright." She and the other girls then excused themselves and retreated up the steps...only the gentleman remained.

Yuuna eyed the blue-haired Coordinator: "Would you really ask her that?"

Athrun stood up and adjusted his jacket collar calmly: "I think you already know the answer to that Seran-san."

Yuuna eyed him suspiciously: "I never got your name..I wasn't present when you arrived. All I know is that you are Master Yamato's friend, that you're a detective, and you like to fire your gun recklessly in people's homes."

Athrun, keeping his temper in check; calmly replied: " I believe the hip new term to describe what I do is P.I. Seran-san..and my name is Alex...Alex Dean." Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kira point to his watch: "Now..if you'll excuse me Seran-san...I have a party to get ready for...oh...didn't you hear?"... "I was invited...security reasons...you understand." He then turned his back to Yuuna and left the room with Kira and Sai.

-1:30 pm, Kira's Room-

Athrun found himself once again standing in front of a mirror , this time adjusting the collar on the Orb uniform Kira had lent him.

Kira was pacing back and forth behind Athrun while Sai, who had been ready since before they got up; sat and watched the news: "Where's Fllay?" ... "We're leaving in a few minutes and I haven't seen her yet!" He turned to Athrun: "You said you saw her last night...was she still mad?"... "Are you sure everything'll be okay?"

Athrun couldn't help but chuckle a bit: "Relax. Everything will be alright. I'm sure it will."

Kira took a deep breath to calm herself and nodded. He then noticed Athrun dabbing a light brown colored liquid on a few spots of his neck. He smirked and asked: "So...what's with the makeup?"

Athrun's inner self cursed: "Damn it."... "I forgot...quick...come up with an excuse!" He spoke aloud: "Ummm...It's a skin condition and this is just till I can see a doctor." He quickly shoved the bottle back into his pocket. He then turned to Kira and sniffed his jacket.

Kira eyes his friend strangely: "Ummm...what are you doing?"

Athrun smirked: "How come you smell like gardenias?"... "Isn't that Lady Lacus's perfume?"

Kira blushed bright red for a minute and shot back: "I...well...how come you smell like Japanese cherry blossoms?"

Sai watched the two fight and chuckled as he declared: " Why don't you just tell Lord Zala you slept with Lady Lacus?"

Athrun nearly fell over where he stood, his emerald eyes as wide as saucers as a smile spread across his face: "Oh...so you're room isn't haunted then?"

Kira turned beet red and looked away embarrassed: "N-No...I...I...I'm sorry Sai...the truth is..I don't think I ever loved Fllay I...I love Lady Lacus...I'm sorry..."

Sai shook his head and laughed: "Actually...I was waiting for one of you to finally make a move. It was like watching a soap opera."

Kira blushed and nodded: "Thank you Sai...but ...how do I tell Fllay?"

Athrun smiled and rested a supportive hand on his friend's shoulder: "I'm sure everything will work out."

Sai nodded in agreement: "Yes...I'm sure it will too." He turned to Athrun and grinned: "...And if you want to hide hickeys, you might want to go thicker on the concealer Lord Zala-san."

Athrun turned bright red and gulped as he felt Kira's angry gaze on him: "O-Okay ...shall we go gentleman?" He turned on his heels and darted out the door, Kira practically chasing him as Sai chuckled from behind the both of them. Once downstairs, the handsome young men...and Yuuna...all stood downstairs waiting for the girls to arrive. The only one not in an Orb Uniform was Sai who wore a tuxedo.

Meyrin and Lacus were the first to come down the stairs. Lacus wore a beautiful pink gown that came just above the knee and matching heels...makeup as flawless as usual. Meyrin wore one of her favorite little black dresses with matching heels and also flawless makeup, her magenta pigtails bouncing as she walked. Meyrin took a deep breath and followed Lacus downstairs to where the guys were waiting and she blushed a bit when she noticed Athrun in uniform: "Good afternoon."

Athrun chuckled and smiled: "Good afternoon Miss Meyrin...Lady Lacus...you both look lovely."

Meyrin felt her face heat up at his compliment: "T-Thank you."

Lacus smiled: "Yes...thank you."

Athrun smirked and elbowed Kira: "Don't you think they look lovely?"

Kira blushed bright red at how beautiful Lacus looked and nodded as he managed a nervous sounding: "Y-Yes...very lovely."

Suddenly, the sound of cursing could be heard coming form upstairs as Cagalli had tripped on her high heels from Kisaka shoving her into the hallway. When she appeared at the top of the steps, everyone went quiet and Athrun felt his heart skip a beat. There, approaching them; was Cagalli in a beautiful spaghetti-strapped, Tinker Bell styled, sea foam green dress that came just above her knee showing off her figured and her long, slender legs perfectly. Athrun looked her up and down what seemed like a million times. Around her neck she wore a golden necklace with a ruby in the center, three gold bracelets around her right wrist, and matching gold earrings. She wore her hair pulled back , feathered out, and held in place by two, oval shaped, light green opal hair clips (A/N: See episode 19 of Seed for a better description of her hairstyle. Lol) Her makeup was very light with only some blush, lip gloss, and eyeshadow to highlight her features, and about her lingered the familiar scent of Japanese cherry blossoms. Just as Athrun was about to step forward and open his mouth to compliment her, Yuuna cut in front of him and replied: "Cagalli my honey...my you look pretty...but that color doesn't look too good on you...and..." He reached out to touch her hair: "You'd look prettier with longer hair. I want you to grow it out." In response, Cagalli slapped his hand away, her amber eyes flashing angrily.

Athrun, who was nearly about to go into SEED mode; took a few steps towards the purple-haired menace, but Kira stopped him.

Kira whispered: "Athrun...don't...it'll be okay...just watch."

Cagalli calmly walked up to Yuuna and smiled: "Thank you for your opinion Yuuna...and now I have something for you."

Everyone watched as Yuuna smirked in Athrun's direction and closed his eyes expecting to get a kiss.

Cagalli asked sweetly: "Are you ready?"

Yuuna replied in a gushing tone: "Yes my love I..."

Before Yuuna could finish speaking, Cagalli's fist collided with his ribs and everyone winced as they watched him double over and fall to the floor in pain. Kira, Athrun, and Sai snickered.

Cagalli flashed a smile at the grounded Yuuna: "Was it as good for you as it was for me?"

Kira grinned and whispered to Athrun: "See...I told you." He then addressed everyone else: "Okay...looks like we're going to have to get going." He turned to Athrun: "Would you mind checking on Fllay and bringing her to the party?"

Athrun, who was again glancing at Cagalli; blushed a bit in surprise: "Yes...okay." He turned on his heels and climbed the steps once again.

Cagalli watched him ascend the stairs before responding: "I need to go use the bathroom. You guys go on ahead. I'll leave with Kisaka."

Kira nodded: "Okay."

Yuuna wobbly stood up and hobbled to the door: "Cagalli my love...can't you wait until we get there?"

Cagalli was already up the steps and out of earshot by the time Yuuna got that question out. She ran for her room and closed the door, making it look as if she was really using the restroom. She his by the door until she heard their car pull away. Once the car was gone, she bolted out of her room and ran down the hall searching for the blue-haired Coordinator. She heard someone else running down the hall as well, so she ran towards the noise and abruptly stopped when she saw who it was: "Athrun."

Athrun stopped running and stood there for a minute taking in her beauty as the sun shone through the large bay windows of the estate. He looked into her eyes: "Cagalli."

The two stood there for a moment before they both found themselves running towards each other. Once in his arms, Cagalli pressed a heated, passionate kiss on his lips as she ran her fingers through his hair. His hands wrapped around her waist, bringing her body closer to his as he responded to the intense kiss. He then slowly moved his hands up to her bare shoulders and then up to her hair where he began playing with the gold ribbon ties. As he caressed her face, he broke the kiss to whisper in her ear: " You look beautiful."

Cagalli turned slightly red as she grumbled: "That's not what that asshole said. Grow my hair out...who the hell does he think he is?!"

Athrun shook his head and chuckled: "Forget about that...I loved how you took him down. Did Kisaka teach you that?"

Cagalli shook her head and grinned: "Nope...self taught." They both let each other go and started to walk down the hall and down the steps: "So...aren't you going to go get that bit...I mean...Fllay?"

Draping Cagalli's jacket around her shoulders, he shook his head as he escorted Cagalli to his car and opened the passenger door: "Nope."

Cagalli raised a golden eyebrow and asked curiously: "What are you planning?"

Athrun smirked as he started the car: "You'll see."

-2:30 pm, Party at Orb's Embassy-

The party was already well underway and Kira and Yuuna were busy chatting with all the heads of state. Kira, covering for her; told them that she had some last minute business to attend to concerning tomorrow's meeting...which they bought. When Cagalli finally came in and was announced, Kira noticed her smile and wave briefly and then stare quickly back at the blue-haired Coordinator behind her as they introduced him as hers and Kira's new bodyguard Alex Dean.

-4:30pm-

Throughout the entire dance, Kira could tell that Athrun didn't look too thrilled with the scene in front of him. Watching Yuuna dance with Cagalli, even though it was clumsy and erratic; was still obviously saddening him. He noticed Athrun take a few more sips of punch, sigh heavily, and then walk out of the room altogether. Kira shook his head. This was killing Athrun...he could tell...so he decided to do what any best friend would do...tell Athrun what Yuuna had told him earlier about how he was going to be leaving for a two week long meeting halfway through this party. He followed his friend out into the hallway where he was pacing back and forth and informed him of the news.

Athrun eyed Kira and shook his head in amazement: "Are you kidding me?!"... "This is supposed to be a happy event for this family and he's cutting out early?!"

Kira sighed heavily: "Oh well...to be honest...I'd rather see you dancing with her than him. Something about him just pisses me off." He looked over his shoulder: "Uh-oh...looks like he just told her the good news. We gotta go do some damage control." He snatched Athrun's arm and dragged him out to the dance floor where Cagalli was arguing with Yuuna.

Cagalli growled: "You've got some nerve doing this after what just happened!"... "This is supposed to be a happy occasion!"

Yuuna waved his hands and huffed: "I'm sorry my love, but this is an important meeting and all of your screaming is causing a scene."

Kira noticed Cagalli about to swing her fists and eyed Athrun, silently encouraging him to intervene.

Athrun, coming up from behind the angry Goddess of Victory; snatched her hand.

Cagalli whirled around only to come face to face with the one and only reason she'd decided to come to this party: "A-Alex...what are you...?"

Before she could finish her question, Athrun bowed politely and smiled as he asked: "Lady Cagalli...may I have this dance...that is..." He turned to Yuuna: "If your fiancée doesn't mind."

Yuuna waved his hands as if bored and scoffed: "I'm not bothered by it. I know where her loyalty lies."

Athrun's inner self smirked: "Well...you should be you complete and total asshole." He smiled politely and spoke aloud to Yuuna: "May I...steal your fiancée?"

Yuuna's eyebrows rose in curiosity: "Excuse me...what did you just ask?"

Athrun replied coolly: "I asked...may I steal your fiancée...for a turn on the dance floor?"

Yuuna waved his hands again still obviously bored by the whole conversation: "Oh...well then...by all means go ahead. Anything to calm her down...and if you wouldn't mind keeping an eye on her while I'm gone...I would greatly appreciate it since it's your job to serve and protect is it not?"

Athrun smiled and nodded in agreement: "Yes...that it is." He glanced quickly at a hopeful looking Cagalli, then back at Yuuna, and responded with another nod: "Okay. I'll take the job."

Kira nodded and smiled: "Good...I'm glad that's settled...now...I'll be getting back to La..." Kira blushed at the name he'd almost uttered and then finished: "...I mean...the party." He turned quickly on his heels and left.

Yuuna raised an eyebrow in Athrun's direction: "Really...well...do you realize that this now means that she's your boss. Are you sure you'd be comfortable in a position under a woman?"

Athrun glanced back at Cagalli and smirked at the small blush dusting her face, then turned back to Yuuna and replied coolly: "Actually...I look forward to taking on a new position."

Yuuna sniffed as he continued: "Are you absolutely sure you don't mind working for a woman Alex-san...she can be a little demanding and she's very rough around the edges."

Athrun responded coolly: "Nothing I can't smooth out with a gentle reminder or two as to why I'm here. It will be quite a beneficial experience for me." He glanced back in Cagalli's direction, her face was starting to turn red again, so he continued to speak...all the while glancing back in her direction while Yuuna wasn't looking: "Starting at the bottom..." His innocent emerald eyes gazed briefly, yet hungrily into hers...he noticed her giving him the same look: "...Slowly..." He then eyed her mouth as he finished: "...working my way up to the top."

Yuuna waved his hands dismissively: "Whatever tickles your fancy...just as long as you keep an eye on her. Can I trust her in your hands?"

Athrun nodded and smiled politely: "Yes...of course." He winked at Cagalli, who blushed again.

Yunna, completely oblivious to the flirting that was taking place right next to him; nodded: "Very well. I'm going to take my leave now. Oh...and Cagalli my honey...make sure you give Alex-san an appropriate reward for his services."

Cagalli smiled and nodded: "Of course Yuuna...it would be my pleasure."

The two watched Yuuna turn on his heels and leave the room...yammering on his phone the whole time. Athrun smoothly spun Cagalli into his arms with one hand, resting it on her waist, while the other hand gently laced with hers as they gracefully glided across the dance floor...Athrun applying dips and turns when appropriate, which earned them amazed stares from the party guests. He twirled her again and when she was again facing him, he drew her closer to him.

Cagalli felt a blush dust her face at their closeness and whispered: "Is this what you mean by slowly working your way to the top...Alex-san?"

Athrun smirked and whispered in response: "No. This is just me earning my reward for my services to you." He pulled her closer so that his mouth was now inches from her ear: "Do you trust yourself in my hands Princess?"

Cagalli, shivering at the feeling of his warm body pressed tightly against hers; managed to whisper back: "A-About that...I..." Before she got to finish, she noticed Fllay come strolling into the main room with a sky blue-haired young man in an Orb uniform: "Auel-san?" She then turned back to Athrun and asked curiously in a whisper: "Athrun...what's going on?"... "Why is Auel-san here?"

Athrun, instead of responding; nodded in Auel's direction and excused himself from Cagalli, bowing and kissing her hand as he did so: "Thank you very much for the lovely dance Lady Cagalli." He then whispered to her: "It's time for me to catch Miss Scarlett. Stay close to Kira and Kisaka okay?" He flashed her a small smile: "Wish me luck." Cagalli nodded, but before she could finish her question from before, Athrun had disappeared in a crowd of people.

Auel stood at the entrance with the uptight Fllay in her lavender strapless dress and heaved a heavy sigh: "See Lady Allster...I told you that Lord Kira was here waiting for you."

Fllay nodded and huffed: "Yes...I can see that, but why is she standing next to him?" Fllay pointed to the pink haired songstress standing next to her fiancée.

Auel shrugged as he ran his fingers through his short sky blue hair frustratedly: "Look...my orders were to escort you here as a safety precaution. As for anything else social that's happening here, I have absolutely no idea what is going on and frankly...I could care less...now...if you'll excuse me...I'm on security duty for this party." He took off before she could open her mouth again as his inner self shook it's head: "My God...what an irritating and obnoxious woman." In his hasty retreat...he bumped into Athrun, who whispered: "You got the serviellence discs I asked for from the estates main camera?"

Auel nodded, handed Athrun the two discs, and whispered: "Here you go." He then pointed in Fllay's direction and whispered again: "You owe me ...that was a nightmare I never want to relive."

Athrun chuckled and smirked: "Okay ...Okay... Excellent...now I've been asked by Kira to run the dvd of the happy couples' typical day at home that they'll be showing at this party in a few minutes. How'd your editing come out of the servillence stuff?"

Auel grinned: "So flawless that nobody will be able to tell that it's ripped from a serviellence camera." He then asked curiously: "How are you going to make it look like the movie though...and what about Miss Meyrin...did you tell her about all of this?"

Athrun smirked: "I wasn't named the top student at the ZAFT academy for nothing..just trust me." He glanced over at Meyrin who was laughing and chatting with Lacus and shook his head: "I want her to have fun for a change..so let's not trouble her tonight." The smirk then arrived back onto his face: "Well then...it's show time Auel-san. Let's make this our Miss Scarlett's coming out party."

-It was now 5:30 pm and one of the Emirs stepped up on to the stage in the grand hall to make a toast to the happy couples. Fllay now stood next to a smiling, yet; very worried and nervous looking Kira.-

Fllay whispered: "You look like a wreck and you're all pale. Are you feeling okay?"

Kira eyed her and whispered back: "You know very well why I look and feel this way. Look...I think we need to talk about last night."

Fllay whispered back in a hiss: "There's nothing to talk about. What's past is past."

Kira nodded and sighed: "I understand that but...what I want to talk about is us...listen...I..."

Fllay shook her head and put her finger over his lips to silence him: "Save it for your Pink Princess. I know there's something going on between you...that's why you didn't come back to bed last night."

Kira's violet eyes widened as he began to grow irritated: "You kicked me out remember...it was after you accused my sister and friend of murder."

Fllay hissed in a whisper: "So you think that gives you the right to sleep with her?" She pointed to the pink-haired songstress singing on stage.

Kira glared angrily at Fllay and hissed in response: "You know what Fllay...yes...yes I do think it gives me the right. I was so worried about your feelings, but you don't give a damn about me do you?"... "Did you ever love me?"

Fllay glared back and then smiled a phony smile: "I don't have to love you to know what I want."

Kira's eyes widened in shock and sadness: "Fllay..."

Fllay's gray eyes stared coldly into his as she whispered: "Nobody said marriage is always happy...but when people look at us, they'll think we're picture perfect...and that's exactly what we want."

Kira shook his head firmly: "You mean that's what you want." He turned to leave, but she snatched his arm.

Fllay continued to smile her false smile as she whispered: "Oh no...I mean we. We're going through with this, so just put a smile on your face and look to the future that's standing right in front of you."

Before Kira could open his mouth to argue, he noticed Athrun up on the stage about to introduce the short clips of the couples.

Athrun took a deep breath to prepare himself and then calmly began to speak: "Good evening everyone. My name is Alex Dean and I have been friends with Lord Kira since we were seven years old. So when I was asked to make a small speech and run these clips of him and the lovely Lady Allster and of the beautiful Lady Cagalli..." Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Cagalli blush slightly. He continued: "...and Lord Seran...I was very glad and honored...and I wish them the best of luck and happy futures...so...without any further delay...let's roll the clips shall we?"

For the first five minutes, the guests watched as Cagalli and Yuuna sat chatting at the breakfast table...Cagalli trying her best to smile at all of his jabbering...also another clip of them was shown as they walked through the garden together showing Lady Lacus around the house. As Cagalli watched this footage, she noticed there seemed to be a lot of close ups of her, but she just shrugged it off. The next few clips showed Kira and Fllay hugging and kissing while they thought nobody was looking, then blushing and laughing when they got caught, and also them walking in the garden holding hands and dancing. It was then that the scenes subtly changed and everyone could hear Fllay's argument with Kira from last night. On the screen Fllay stamped her feet and screamed: "If I can't have you then nobody else will!"... "You hear me Kira?!"

Fllay's eyes widened as she eyed the slightly smirking Athrun that stood on stage: "W-What?!"... "What is the meaning of this?!"

Cagalli's amber eyes met Athrun's emerald ones as he simply smiled calmly and winked in her direction. In response, her mouth turned up in a small smirk as she nodded, silently approving his actions.

Kira's eyes widened in shock as well, but at the same time, he felt relief. Finally...now everybody would know what he now knew.

Everyone could see Fllay on the clips now as she appeared to be shown speaking to the new pink-haired maid on the screen as they stood in the kitchen of the estate and hovered over what appeared to be Lord Uzumi's tea. On screen Fllay whispered in a hiss to the maid: "I don't care how you do it...just do it...and make sure you save some for that brute of a girl that Kira calls his sister. I will not be made a fool out of by her ever again." The camera then zoomed in on the two small vials that rested in the nodding maids hands. The next clip showed Fllay in the hall just outside Cagalli's room where she had been flirting with Athrun last night: "You are a Coordinator and an important one." It then showed her tracing her finger across Athrun's lips as she continued: "...It'll stay between us in exchange for just one kiss."

Athrun smirked from the stage as he noticed Fllay begin to grow very nervous and agitated as the people around her began to whisper.

The final clip showed Fllay hovering outside Lady Cagalli's balcony with another small vial in her hands as she smirked and whispered maliciously: "The Athha family secret and the Precious Rose jewel will be mine." Then, just like that; the clips were over.

Fllay growled: "What is going on here?!"

Athrun eyed her: "Oh...you don't know?"... "I think you know more than anyone." As he jumped off the stage and approached her, he noticed an empty vial in her purse. He then quickly looked back at Cagalli who was about to take a sip of her drink. His emerald eyes widened as he ran top speed at her shouting: "Lady Cagalli!"... "Don't drink that!" He knocked the tea filled wine glass to the floor and Cagalli and everyone else stood completely shocked as a greenish colored liquid emerged out of the cover of an earl gray tea bag. He breathed a sigh of relief as he calmly walked up to Fllay and pulled the vial out of her purse: "See this vial...it's the same one from the clips and it's identical to the one that went in Lord Uzumi's tea." He glanced quickly at Cagalli, who nodded. He continued: "You see...Lady Allster thought that by marrying Lord Kira, it would gain her more attention from and an audience with the Earth Alliance higher ups, and that she'd inherit everything if something were to happen to Lady Cagalli and Lord Uzumi, but...there was trouble in paradise. You see...Lord Uzumi was beginning to think that he picked the wrong Lady for his son...am I right Kira?"

Kira nodded solemnly: "Yes. He was concerned about me...he'd said the last time I talked with him that he didn't like how she was running me around. He thought she was taking advantage of me and I..." He paused as a saddened look crossed his face, then he continued: "...I didn't believe him."

Athrun placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder as he continued: "It's okay Kira."... "What I think happened is...she was listening to that conversation between you and your father outside the door...but you and him talked about something else too right?"

Kira nodded: "Yes. He told me that if something ever happened to him...to make sure that his Precious Rose...his precious and loved treasure stays protected."

Athrun nodded: "And did he say anything further?"

Kira once again nodded in agreement: "He said that I would be able to guard, protect, and keep it close to me, but that I could never possess it."

Athrun now turned his attention back to the other people in the room: "What really happened that night then?"... "Well...I can tell you. First off... it came to my attention that Lady Allster seems to hold a deep resentment for Coordinators that most people fail to notice because of her polite manner...so...by marrying the very thing that she despises makes her look like a saint to everyone while she's really on the side making secret deals with the EA's higher ups and Blue Cosmos, which is why she was so quick to say that Lady Clyne was the murderer. The real pink haired girl Lady Allster "claimed" she saw outside is in fact a ZAFT assassin she hired to do the dirty work for her. When Lady Cagalli came to Lady Clyne's defense, Lady Allster jumped on that immediately. She's also jealous of the relationship Lord Kira and Lady Cagalli have as siblings because she feels she's being shut out of her future husband's life...but what Lady Allster failed to figure out was that Lady Cagalli is the first to inherit all of the Athha family's assets and the title of Orb's Supreme Commander."

Fllay shouted: "What are you talking about?!"... "How dare you accuse me of murder!"

Athrun's emerald eyes sparkled mischievously as he smirked: "I never said that...but you just did." He grinned as he watched her gray eyes widen in shock as the Orb guards and Auel took her by the arms to restrain her. He continued: "Also...there's one more thing you don't know Lady Allster...you may think you succeeded in your endeavor to destroy Lady Cagalli's and Lady Clyne's reputations, but you failed."

Fllay hissed: "What do you mean?"... "It looks to me like I succeeded."

Athrun smirked: "Yes...it would look that way to you wouldn't it?"... "But you're wrong...you did fail. You see...there's something you never found out...something Lord Kira never told you." He glanced at Kira, silently urging him to speak.

Lacus put an arm around Kira's shoulder and smiled supportively: "It's okay. You can tell her." Cagalli nodded in support along with Athrun, Sai, and Meyrin.

Kira took a deep breath and confessed: "I am not his legitimate son."

Fllay felt her face drain of it's color: "What?"

Meyrin blocked her from getting to Kira and held up a piece of paper: "He's not Lord Uzumi's legitimate son. I checked his records...he was adopted."

Fllay shouted in shock: "Is this true?!"... "No...No...you're lying!"

Kira shook his head, his violet eyes looking directly into hers: "I'm not lying. It's the truth...and what's also the truth is that...I love Lady Clyne." He glanced back at Lacus, who blushed. He continued with a smirk on his face: "...and the Precious Rose that father and I spoke of is not a jewel."

Fllay exclaimed frustratedly: "Then what is it?!"

Athrun eyed Kira curiously: "Yes...actually...I'm a bit curious about that myself."

Cagalli nodded in agreement: "Me too. Father never said anything to me."

Kira explained: "He said that I could only guard, protect, and keep it close to me, but I could never possess it." He turned to Cagalli and smiled as he placed a hand on her shoulder: "Father's most precious and loved treasure...his "Precious Rose"... "Is you Cagalli."

Cagalli's amber eyes widened before welling up with tears. She threw her arms around her brother and cried as she hugged him.

Athrun's emerald eyes also widened in shock for a minute, then softened as he smiled and thought to himself: "I should have known...it makes all the sense in the world. She is, after all; as precious as a rose." He then spoke aloud to the guards and Auel: "Take her downtown so we can book her and fit her for a nice prison uniform..maybe in a nice orange." He smirked and as he walked by her, he whispered: "Looks like your problems finally caught up with you...Miss Scarlett."

Fllay turned to Sai as the guards and Auel were dragging her away: "Sai...say something!"

Sai shook his head: "You abandoned me a long time ago..why should I help you...you did this to yourself." He then turned his back to her.

Athrun watched Fllay glare at all of them and especially at him as Auel, the guards, and Kisaka dragged her out the door kicking and screaming. Athrun then turned to Kira and Cagalli: "I'm sorry...but I didn't catch the other accomplis...the maid who was the ZAFT assassin...she got away...for now anyway."

Kira shook his head and smiled: "It's okay."... "You saved me from making a very big mistake and you also saved my sister from being poisoned."

Athrun smiled first at Cagalli, then at Kira: "It's all in a day's work." He winked at Cagalli, who blushed slightly.

Cagalli walked over to the blue-haired Coordinator and snatched his arm: "Speaking of work, Yuuna told me to make sure that he receives a proper rewards for his services, which I brought with me. Please...come with me." She dragged Athrun out of the ballroom, down the hall, pulled him into a large walk in closet, and locked it from the inside.

Athrun sat down on a large box that rested on the closet floor and looked up at her, his emerald eyes full of curiosity: "So...what's this reward...I told you I didn't want any money and I..." Before he could finish speaking, he felt her mouth cover his in a fiery and passionate kiss, her hands unbuttoning his uniform collar as she then moved her lips to his neck. He moaned softly as he ran his fingers over her bare shoulders, playing with her dress's thin straps: "Cagalli..."

Cagalli stopped kissing his neck and looked into his eyes as she hugged him close: "You saved Kira, Lacus,...me...and most of all..my father's good name."

Athrun smiled as his arms tightened around her: "Just being able to see your smile is all the reward I need.

Cagalli blushed slightly and kissed him sweetly, yet hungrily...her tongue wrapping sensually around his as she took the kiss deeper. Then, after what seemed like an eternity; she broke it and murmured through gasps of breath: "I want to...see you again." She let her wandering hands slide mischievously under his shirt and caress his back.

Athrun shivered at her soft and gentle touch, then catching his breath, he blushed heavily as his emerald eyes widened, then softened: "What are you asking me Cagalli?"... "Do you want me to...?"

Cagalli in turn blushed bright red and nodded: "I want to see you again...can we..." She awkwardly scuffed her shoes on the carpet floor of the closet: "..Can we be...secret lovers?"

Athrun eyed her for a minute: "A-Are you sure?"... "What about...?"

Cagalli growled through an embarrassed blush: "Of course I'm sure!"... "I love you damn it!" She covered her mouth after her outburst and her face turned even redder.

Athrun smirked as he kissed her cheek sweetly: "Well...Seran did ask me to keep an eye on you, you did "pay" me for my services, and I do look forward to taking on a new position...so...okay...I accept."

Cagalli rolled her eyes and chuckled as she opened the closet and pulled him out with her, straightening out her dress as she did so. She, in turn; helped Athrun to quickly adjust his uniform's collar as Kira, Lacus, Meyrin, and Sai approached.

Athrun smiled innocently at Cagalli: "Thank you for using me as your detective. You have my number. If you should ever require my services again, please don't hesitate to give me a call."

Cagalli smiled coyly and responded: "I'll keep that in mind...Lord Zala...it was a pleasure having you." She watched as Athrun's face turned slightly red.

Kira pulled Athrun aside, eyed him and whispered as he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and stated: "I made a list and I want you to check off everything you did with my sister last night."

Athrun's emerald eyes widened in shock at first, then he smirked as he pretended to contemplate as he looked over the list in his friends' hands: "Does number nineteen count if I was on my back?"

Kira nearly wen into SEED mode: "You did that?!"

Cagalli turned beet red as she growled and turned towards Athrun, approaching him slowly: "You told him?!"

Athrun, seeing that death glare visible in her amber eyes; began to back away slowly from the angry siblings: "I...I...oh damn it...!" He then made a mad dash for his car with the two siblings at his heels, Cagalli gaining on him faster than Kira.

Meyrin stood on the sidelines with Sai and Lacus not knowing what on earth they were all fussing about. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her: "Darn it!"... "This was just like a game of clue and Athrun-san, Dearkka-san, and Auel san were all right again...it was Miss Scarlett!"... "Can somebody tell me why it's always Miss Scarlett?!"

Sai flashed a small smile and he stated while watching Cagalli give Athrun noogies: "That's simple Miss Meyrin...gotta watch out for those sexy women...or they could kill you."

Okies everyone...that's the end of that mystery. I hope you all liked it. Hooray fro Fllay the bitch finally getting arrested..but where did Meer wander off too? Well...we'll find out in the upcoming chappies..and we'll also find out more about the secret love affair that is about to commence with Athrun and Cagalli. Yay AsuCaga happiness! Lol...Poor Meyrin...she's all mixed up right now..but never fear..that's what Sai is here for. Lol...Anyways..I hope you all enjoyed this chappie of The Zala Files and I'll see you in Chappie 14 which will be the start of a whole new mystery. See u all then. lol