Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of Gundam Seed or Gundam Seed Destiny. Some other character names are just randomly thought of and have no relevance to real life.

A/N: Anyone who's interested in beta reading this story.. Please just PM me.. I'm really looking for one.. I would really appreciate the big help..:)

xxx

Crumbling Resolution..

xxx

The Athha Palace:

She's standing on the veranda, it's already 10 in the evening but she can't sleep.. Kira and Lacus had already made their way to their room. When she was left alone, she went straight to the shower and freshens up only to cringe in dismay when she saw that Lacus made her borrow a flimsy nightie. She dives on the bed to get some sleep but a lot of things keep her awake so she decided to take the robe and get out of her room bringing a glass and a bottle of brandy she saw on the counter. She seldom drinks before, but in the past years.. she had learned how to appreciate its bitter taste as it soothes the turmoil of her emotions. She'd been there for half an hour and had consumed half of the bottle when she realized that someone had invited himself to join her. She's thinking how, and realized that the veranda actually surrounds the entirety of that side of the palace and being shared with other rooms, with french doors on each room, and thus, making it accessible to anyone who occupies the rooms in that area.

"It seems like you're thinking deeply.." the voice said.

"It's nothing.. I'm just thinking of some things.." she did not bother to look back and continue to drink on her glass.

"You haven't told anyone from the embassy or to that person you considered as cousin anything about our assessment with you, have you..?" he asked.

".. I don't see any need to do that.. Besides.. if I do.. It will just make that man worried sick and for sure.. I'll be recalled back to my country in no time.." she said matter of factly. "Besides, I don't even know what to say to him.. It is true that there are things that are uncertain to me, but it's just a matter of decision right..? That is why we continue to live for tomorrow even if things are uncertain.." she then thought.. "That is why I should decide which one is certain for me.."

"Are we pressuring you too much?"

"What do you mean by that..?" she played innocent.. "Please don't say it.. please don't force me to remember things.." she silently hoped, when she suddenly felt his arms around her from behind. He's so warm, and smells so good.. "What are you –"

"I would wait.. no matter how long it takes.." he said softly on her ears, his breath tickled her senses and her heart started beating erratically.

"I don't know what are you talking ab – " she was unable to finish her sentence when he suddenly turn her to face him.

"Cagalli.." He looked at her straight to the eyes. "Stopit.. stop staring me with that look.. Stop calling me by that name..!" she then saw him lowering his head to hers so she immediately dodged it by walking to the nearest table only to wobble and trip when she had felt the effect of the alcohol in her system. He immediately caught her by the waist.

"Hey.. Are you alright?" he asked before he glanced on the bottle, it's already less than half. "Did you by any chance mistake the brandy for water..?" his worried voice reverberated though her ears, making her feel warm.

"Ath – run.." she called for his name. She saw him froze as her hand made its way to his cheeks. She loves how the changes of his emotion reflected on his face as she softly caress him.. "You're so beautiful.. your hair, your eyes, your nose, your lips.. It's almost unfair.." she whispered and leaned towards him.. she saw him gulped, then feel that his arms tightened more around her.

"Cagalli.." He said breathlessly.. then felt his hand on her small back as it runs back and forth, she shuddered at the sensation. His chest is so warm.. making her feel very secured. She then leaned her head on his neck and let sleep claim her..

xxx

She was awakened by the passionate kisses of her lover. Before she can complain about his sudden intrusion, she was already consumed by the fire he ignited on her being.. so she did not bother to open her eyes and feel his warm and loving embrace.

"You're so mean... Cagalli.. teasing me like that.. then leaving me halfway when.. I miss you so much.." He began to trail kisses on her jaw down to her neck. With each spot his lips passes, his tongue will linger.

"Athrun.. I miss you too.." she answered while caressing his soft hair.

"Hmnn.. That's good enough to hear. Let me love you more." She then felt his expert hands undo the ribbons of her nightie.. then each exposed skin is followed by his lips and tongue. She tried reaching for his robe, and he willingly submitted to her and let her undo his pajama bottom too. She wanted to see her lover's face clearly but he was against the soft light from the corner of the room, and so she traced his face with her fingers, memorizing each contour again and planting it to her memories so she won't forget. Then, she suddenly feel cold, it's when she noticed that he had already discarded her nightie completely.

"Beautiful.." He stopped his onslaught of kisses and looked at her intently before his hands move to untie each side of her panties and tossed it also to the side. He then caressed her inner thighs, and then it travelled below her navel, up to her breast and kneed one proud and aroused nipple.

"You're very beautiful.." She felt empty with his separation from her and when she looked at him, she took a breath as she saw him about to discard his boxers'.

"Let me.." she volunteered and earned a smile and a nod from him. She got up from the bed and put her hands on his hips as she pulled it downwards until her face is on the same level of his pulsing manhood.

"How magnificent.. He's so big.. it's even bigger than I remember.." She held it with her hand then softly caressed it and said.

"Let me make you happy.." She then planted soft kisses on it and just when she's about to take him in, she felt his hands stopping her, she then looked at him depraved. He just smiled and scooped her up and carried her back to the bed while explaining.

"I'm glad you wanted to do it for me, but I won't be able to last long if you continue that naughty princess.. I miss you so much, I can't possibly wait any longer" He gently laid her on the bed but she didn't have to wait as he soon followed and resume his onslaught of kisses on her breasts, while his hands travel downward to caress her womanhood. His wet kisses then travelled further below, to her navel, to her inner thighs.. His tongue then skipped through her knee and back below her navel. Her hands are on his soft tresses caressing it lovingly while feeling the pleasure of being loved by this beautiful man. Just when she thought he'll continue upwards, she felt him spread her legs, blow a hot and moist breath followed by his mouth.

"Ah... Oh..." She can't quite comprehend what just happened aside from the intense pleasure that she feels as his tongue is swirling and licking her folds, then after a while she can feel the gentle suction from his mouth. She's totally lost as she let go of his hair to grip tightly on the sheets, just when she thought she had lost a lot of energy. She felt him spread her legs wider and his lips travelled back to her breast, neck and finally to her lips. His kisses are passionate and demanding, asking her to love his tongue in the same fervour to which she willingly obliged.

"Let me love you now.. I want you already.." he whispered when they separated for a while to catch air and felt his manhood being guided at the entrance of her being. She kissed him hard on the lips before answering.

"..I want you too.." He teased her first by sliding his manhood through her folds, and smiled when he earned a sexy "ooh.." from her, he then entered her slowly. She then instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips and felt like she's coming home in his embrace..

"Hmnn.." she moaned as she can feel him thrusting slowly and thoroughly, he felt so hot and hard.. "Ath – run..uh.." she lustfully called for him, she can feel him slowly inching inside her.

"I'm here Cagalli.. I'm here.." he then covered her lips with his, muffling her moans and gasps as he increased his tempo and went deeper. She embraced him tightly while continued caressing his back as they are busy with each others' lips. Just when she thought that he's entire length had been fully accommodated by her, she felt him withdraw completely, and before she can voice any complaint.. He thrusts again in full force while clutching her hips, which she responded haughtily by bucking her hips to meet his thrusts.

"Ah.. ah.." After a while of haughty exchanges of thrusts coupled with muffled gasps and groans, she's starting to feel something warm burning ache inside her, the pleasure is getting higher and more intense. Her grip on his shoulders becomes tighter. With one long thrust, she moaned in pleasure.. then finally felt a warm liquid spilled inside her womb.. as orgasm claimed both of them .

"Hmmnn.. Ath – run.. I love you.." she felt him rest his face in between her breast and together savour the sensation.

"I know.. I love you too.. and I miss you so much..." he planted a soft kiss on her neck followed by a very passionate suction. She was too glad to hear the words and opened up her eyes.

"Cagalli... I will never let go of you this time..no matter what.." she blinked –

xxx

The sun is about to rise soon.. Then she feels something very warm in her womb and something heavy on top of her. She looked down and saw the familiar dark tresses of a naked man. Not only naked, to her embarrassment, they are very connected, then, she saw him looked at her with a smile so sweet and happy.

"Aren't you going back to sleep Cagalli..? There's still plenty of time before sunrise.." he push a teasing thrust as he tried to kiss her again. She gasped at the intense pleasure but stopped his lips with her hands.

"Athrun Zala..? What on earth are you doing? How did you manage to come inside the room?" Athrun was surprised by her sudden change of mood.

"Cagalli..?" she was shocked as realization dawned at her..

"It wasn't a dream?.. How did you –" Before she can finish her sentence, a cold gust of wind brushed against her and remembered that she got drunk last night and he was the last person she can remember.

"Don't tell me you –" Athrun followed her gaze and supplied.

"I carried you here when you slept on me.. I thought you might need some help since you're very drunk.." he explained nonchalantly.

"I did not intend to do this, but.. I just missed you so much.. I – I just can't help it, you left me wanting when you suddenly slept on my arms." He said the last words in a small voice while caressing her cheek.

"I've never been happy like this for a long time.. Please.. don't disappear again.." He continued as he looked deeply in her eyes. She was startled when she met his gaze. "There goes those eyes again.." she knew that she had been gazed by those eyes for countless times, been embraced by this man many times over, being loved by him just like earlier.. but... it's not something that she is certain.. there is only the sense of familiarity. She then remember Charles..

"Get off me.." She commanded.

"Pardon..?" Athrun did not catch it quiet well.

"I said.. "GET OFF ME.." She looked at him firmly.

"But Cagalli –" He protested.

"It's Victoria Stuart, Athrun Zala.. Not Cagalli Yula Athha.." She cringe at her own doing when she denied the name.. But she has to do this..

"DID YOU HEAR ME..? GET. OFF. ME.!" She struggled but she can't move as she was tackled by him.

"Are we going back to square one Cagalli? Why do you insist to be someone else? There's no doubt, you are Cagalli Yula Athha.. And what about you said earlier..?" he did not budge an inch causing her to blush.

"I –I don't.. anyway.. I don't intend to clarify things with you in this manner. So please, GET OFF.. or do I –" he met her eyes to see if she's serious, he just sighed..

"I'm very tired.. I have no more energy left to argue with you.." She cocks an eyebrow.

"Really..?" she challenged him.

"Really.. and that's what I've decided." He said plainly. But felt him gently withdrawing from her, leaving her feeling depraved that she silently cursed herself. However, he did not get off the bed, he just reversed their position that she's now leaning on him.

"Go to sleep.. You were drunk earlier.. you need rest.." his voice is too kind and soothing, his warm hand running down her back.. so she just throw away her resolve earlier and let herself be drowned on this man's warmth.. "Just like before.." she smiled at the memory and lay a hand on his chest as she followed his advise and let sleep claim her again.

xxx

Athrun lied.. He remained awake after the woman in his arms had gone to sleep again. He's been contemplating if ever sleep will claim him too.. He just felt very alive.. "Why would you not idiot? After years of suffering, floodgates were opened big time.."

When she suddenly sleep on his arms after her teasing caresses, he felt like a boiling water that was suddenly removed from fire when the owner decided to have cold water instead. The frustration is too much to bear.. but he decided to calm down himself as he carried her to bed and tuck her underneath the blanket after removing her robe. At first, he was contented on staring at her sleeping form.

"She must have been really tired from thinking about the happenings since she came to Orb.." But when she moved, the blanket was also removed revealing a more mature version of the goddess he had loved many times over before. Trying to control his urge, he painfully swallowed an imaginary lump on his throat and covered her with the blanket again only to be removed later on. "You're still the same misbehaving woman while asleep I remembered." He's been swallowing so hard as his burning gaze never left her, and then his eyes focused on her inviting lips.. the urge to taste them took him over.. and the rest is –

He sighed as he continued to caress her hair and back.. Things are indeed uncertain.. Who would have thought that he'll still be able to find himself this happy, when just some weeks ago, he'd just been thinking on those memories? "Those times when you were gone.. they seemed so distant all of a sudden.. That I'm afraid I could've been inside a long dream again.. and wake up again to find that you aren't there anymore.." he secured his other arm around her tightly and places a gentle kiss on her hair.. then finally followed her to dreamland.

xxx

The rays of the sun shining brightly outside made her wake up.. Feeling blinded by the light, she sleepily snuggled back to the body of the man beneath her. So warm.. and so strong.. she smiled while listening to the sound of his heart thumping as he breathes. Then all of her sleepiness went flying when she remembered what happened last night and early this dawn. She looked at him and there he is.. sleeping so peacefully with his arms around her. She blushed when she had felt his naked body on her skin.. She then looks at his sleeping face. The man is really beautifully handsome.. His chiselled features will make the statue of the god Apollo pale in comparison.. His strong arms and well defined body.. The way he carries himself elegantly and proudly, the warm and sincere smile that he seldom flashes, and the very passionate and hungry look in his eyes every time they are together in private or intimate.. How lucky she is to be loved by this man.. she stared at his lips quite longer and remembered the delights that it had given her.. How they would travel around her and how soft they were for a man.. then she shakes her head.. "This is not good.. I remember them little by little.."

She took a glance on the digital clock on the bedside table, it says 10:45 A.M. her eyes widened.

"Crap!I am late!" She tried to get up but she was suddenly pinned down on the bed when he shifted position. She's now covered by him with his arm snaked around her waist and his leg on her thighs.

"Stop being noisy Cagalli.. It's still early in the morning.." he mumbled and she went pale in shock. The incorrigible man! she looked at him and saw him looking intently at her.

"What made you whine? If you're worried about your duty today then forget it.. I've called the office to assign someone to substitute you.." he adjusted and comfortably rested his cheek on her breast. "Ahh... this feels better.." he muttered as if in bliss. She tentatively touched his cheek which worked as he looked like a cat and leans on her palm, she took advantage on his lack of focus and used all her strength to push him off the bed. A loud "thud" can be heard as the man lost balance and falls off the bed, she can hear his loud "DAMN!" when she quickly picks up the bed sheet and wrapped it around her nudity.

"Idiot!" she scanned for her clothes "Just what do you think you're doing?" she grimaced when she sees that her nightie was on his side of the bed. Athrun just looked at her lazily before answering.

"Wasn't it obvious since early this dawn? We're loving each other.. what else? You couldn't have possibly forgotten it that quick, could you?" The way his eyes are locked on her is very suggestive that she can't help blushing thinking just what sort of things are playing on the man's mind.

"Can you stop reminding me of what happened early this dawn? I'm asking why on earth are you still inside the room? Putting my circumstance aside, shouldn't you have gone to your office or whatever? You couldn't possibly linger around somewhere doing nothing while your country's safety is in danger, could you?" it seems that reminding him of his duty brought the man to reality, his face hardened and he thoughtfully nodded.

"Indeed, I mustn't make my work suffer.." she's starting to feel a little relieved when she thought that Athrun is already following a different line of thinking.. "That's why I asked Kisaka – san to look after my duties for today. We've been separated for a long time and even if you have removed this from your ring finger before.." He removed the ring from his necklace, leaving only the Haumea pendant on it and walks towards her. "I haven't given up on you so that makes us still affianced and considering that fact, it's only natural to be in each other's arms after a long separation." He took her hand and slips in the familiar ring. "You're still mine so proposing again isn't applicable and I won't allow you to give me a different answer either." His calm expression was belied by his profuse blushing. Since she can't find herself to contradict his actions and words, she just silently pulled back her hand and walks towards the bathroom.

"Do me a favour and get dressed.." She earned a raised a brow from him.

"Now is not the time to be prudent don't you think? You were so eager to remove it from me earlier." He said matter of factly which caused her cheeks to heat up even more.

"Bastard.. Jerk!" She wants to shout it on his face but couldn't as what he said were real.

"I – Idiot! Just hurry and get dressed.. I don't want someone to come and see us." As she herself was also reminded, she immediately closed the bathroom's door – trying to forget how his prying eyes are following her every move. Once the door is closed, she slides slowly to the floor. She puts her hand on her mouth and stifled her cry as tears flowed down her cheeks. Just as Athrun said, what happened between them felt so natural that she wanted to drown on to the happiness that his presence brings. She looked at her ring finger and stares at the familiar ring.. If she is indeed Victoria Stuart, then she will forever feel very envious to the woman named Cagalli Yula Athha who Athrun loves with all his being. If she is Cagalli Yula Athha, then she.. She violently shakes her head and wards off the idea.

"Besides, feeling of familiarity is just natural when a person is attracted to another.. That must be it.." she nodded in agreement to her own assessment. She then proceeded to getting dressed, she remember that Charles will be arriving today at 12 noon so she decided to wear a mint green turtle – necked sleeveless and a dark green mini skirt. She went out of the bathroom and found Athrun leaning, waiting for her by the door, arms folded in front, fully dressed with white long sleeve polo folded to the elbow with the first two buttons open and black jeans.

"I thought.. you drowned inside the shower.." he smirked and surveyed her head to foot, his gaze went back to her mini skirt that only covers half of her thighs, before he added.

"Won't you be catching cold in that attire? It shows too much skin.." he commented..

"Just who asked for your opinion? What do you care even if I bloody walk naked?" she grudgingly said but only receives a small laugh from the man.

"You sure didn't change Cagalli.. Princess or a Lady, you never fail to unshut that unladylike mouth of yours.. But of course, that's a charm.. Only I was able to tolerate you being that way.. And no I don't mind you walking around naked, but only with me.." then smiled sweetly, much to her fury.

"You are a hopeless idiot.. I've never met a man as depraved as you.." she decided to surrender in getting him to a fight. "Moreover, don't get too used on calling me with another person's name.." his expression changed.

"No.. You are Cagalli.. No matter how many times you will deny, there's no doubt that you are Cagalli.. and if it is indeed true that you have forgotten that fact, then, I'll do all my best to make you come back to us.." he never left his gaze while saying those words.

"Then.. good luck to your upcoming disappointment, because I am me.. Do excuse me.." She walks past him then proceed to get her gladiator sandals.

"Going somewhere?" He's towering in front of her.

"I'm picking up my cousin at the airport. His flight arrives at twelve, I still have 30 minutes to make it on time.. I'm on vacation till the official take – off, so.."

xxx

Athrun's expression suddenly changed when he heard the word "cousin" from her mouth. There could only be one person and that is Charles Stuart, the man who they suspected as the author of all these. He wanted to meet him, he will once more meet the person who could be holding the key to this troublesome situation.

"I'll go with you.." he suddenly said and earned a surprised look from Cagalli.

"Come on Athrun.. If you want to bring the topic to my cousin then forge – "

"I just want to meet him.. I won't mention of anything else." He cuts her off to give an assurance. After some thinking, he saw her nods hesitantly. "Thank you.." He immediately followed her walking towards the door. While walking at the corridor, they were welcomed by a maid and asked if they are to have late breakfast. "Thank you.. but we're in a hurry.. I will appreciate if you'll prepare an early dinner for us instead." They then proceeded to the stairs. As they are walking down the stairs, he marvelled at the sight of the woman walking ahead of him. Maturity suited her the most, she's no longer as skinny as before and gone were the rough and boyish actions of the then young Chief Representative which most of the time will put the royal entourage at the pits of their anxiety and frustrations whenever there's a formal gathering. He laughs at the memory, there was an incident when Cagalli had been invited to a dance while wearing the council uniform and stepped on the foot of the poor marquis who was her dance partner. She complained to him all night saying that she had purposely wore the three piece purple suit to avoid that embarrassing situation only to be dragged by that loathsome middle – aged man on the floor. Not that he did not like the way she was before, just that, he also liked the Cagalli of today, he then thought.. "No matter what becomes of you.. I'll still love you the same.." With that in mind, he cheerfully walks by her side and assisted her to the waiting car. No matter what, he will not allow to let her slip between his fingertips the second time around. He will hold on to her even if it's the last thing he has to do.

xxx

Inside a plane bound for Orb:

He's been restless since the moment he sets a foot on the plane, it has been almost a month since he last saw her and a lot of things happened in that span of time. Needless to say, he missed her already. There are things in the Plants that are bothering him, as well as the frequent headache that Victoria is experiencing as what he'd learned from Anne, but for now.. he decided to put those things aside. He let out a small smile when he heard the stewardess announced their arrival at the Orb International Airport. He blended himself at the surge of the passengers and walks straight to the waiting area as he's not the type of person to bring heavy luggages, his smile became wider when he saw the familiar rich blonde tresses and amber pair of eyes happily looking his way.

"Charles!" he opened his arms wide and welcomed her in tight embrace. "I miss you so much! I'm very glad you came in here!" he affectionately caress her now shorter hair which he's going to ask her later on when he saw a prying look coming from a blue haired man behind her. He scanned his memories trying to remember when did he meet him when –

"Athrun Zala.." he muttered and Victoria turned to him too as if remembering something.

"It is my honour to welcome you here, Lord Charles of the Stuart house. I don't think there's a need to further introduce myself though, after all, you were one of our respectable trainers back at the academy.." The man's polite greeting is the opposite of his gaze which is not welcoming at all, his eyes narrowed at the realization..

xxx

Gosh! I've finally made Charles and Athrun meet.. It was pretty difficult to find the right timing.. ^_^

I actually contemplated as to putting this chapter up, after I saw the OVA version of Princess Lover and realized that it was Ishida Akira who voiced the err... ve – ry passionate male lead.. I was rather disillusioned and kept on seeing Athrun in a perverted manner..^^'

Read and please review.. Criticisms are again, very much welcome..:)