Hello! Thank you so much for reviewing! I hope I can pull this story off and not disappoint you! I'll try my best to update as soon as possible and make it longer too. Please continue reviewing! Thank you!

Dedications: Byron Lancaster, Dhevz.

Disclaimer: I do not own gundam seed.

Note: The words in italics here are flashbacks.

Chapter 3

Many weeks had passed since Ashley became Athrun's assistant and Athrun grew really fond of her. He had an unexplainable bond with her, which was nothing he had ever experienced before. To Athrun, Ashley was like a daughter he never had (he completely had no idea).

Going to Athrun's apartment now became a norm for Ashley. She would go over for meals, to borrow books, or sometimes just to annoy the hell out of Athrun as she was really bored.

Ashley's presence also helped sooth the uneasiness Athrun felt whenever Meyrin came over. To Meyrin's dismay, Athrun would always invite Ashley over whenever Meyrin decides to drop by.

So far, there was no progress between him and Cagalli. Fortunately, Kira and Lacus were coming over from the Plants next week for a visit. Kira, the over-protective brother, was getting restless, not seeing his dear twin for so long. You see, Kira would never had gone with Lacus to the Plants had Cagalli not kicked him out of Orb.

Athrun wanted to use that opportunity to patch things up with Cagalli. He had only one obstacle though, and that was Meyrin. He was afraid of Meyrin ruining everything, just as she did the last time.

Flashback:

"Athrun, is everything okay? You can't fool me you know… " the pink candy floss coloured hair girl asked the frowning Athrun.

"Sigh, what can I say Lacus. I don't understand Cagalli. She's been giving me the cold shoulder recently. I thought everything was fine between us, but now I'm not so sure anymore…"

"Are you playing dumb Athrun? Or are you really that stupid?" Kira suddenly appeared and cut him off.

"Kira," Lacus spoke up.

Ignoring her, Kira continued, "If you haven't noticed, you have been frequently hanging around Meyrin recently."

"What does Meyrin have to do with this? She and I are just friends!"

"Is that so? Do you really think she feels the same way towards you? Geez Athrun! Even a blind man can see that she harbours feelings for you!"

"W…what, I… I… I didn't know," Athrun stammered, obviously shocked.

"Of course you didn't know!" Kira snapped back, his face was flushed from anger. "Damn it Athrun! She's my only sister! I can't stand by and watch you hurt her! YOU of all people! And YOU are my best friend! I'm really disappointed in you Athrun."

"I'm sorry Kira. But I love her very much. You know that."

"What are you going to do about it now then huh?"

"Don't worry. I'm going to win her back. And I will not hurt her again. I promise you," Athrun said determinedly.

"You better stick to your promise. If I see her cry again because of you, I swear, I will not hesitate to take your life. That, I promise you too," Kira warned him.

End of flashback

Athrun shuddered at that memory. He had not seen that murderous side of Kira ever since the First Bloody Valentine War, following Tolle's death. Thinking of the rough journey ahead, Athrun frowned even more.

As if sensing his dilemma, Ashley walked over and said, "Don't worry! I'll keep her occupied! Just enjoy your time with mum… Miss Cagalli!" Ashley bit her lip, cursing herself for being so careless and hoping that he did not hear her slip.

Fortunately for her, Athrun's mind was on another matter.

"H…how did you know about Ca…cagalli a…a…and meeeeeeee?" Athrun stammered, deeply alarmed.

Rolling her eyes, Ashley replied, "Oh please! Even a retard can tell you two love each other. Both of you are just too stubborn to do something about it, much less admit it! Besides, you ALWAYS talk about Cagalli. Cagalli this… Cagalli that…"

If it was possible to measure how much people blush, Athrun would have been in the Guinness World of Records.

Forcing out a cough, Athrun said, "Kira and Lacus are coming over next week. They're going to have a dinner party. I assume you'll be coming with me then?"

"Of course, you don't even have to ask! I would have probably self-invited myself anyway!" Ashley smiled back.

A few days later...

"Ding dong!" the bell chimed through the hallway of Athrun's apartment.

"Kira! Lacus! What are you doing here? I thought you guys are due only on the day after tomorrow!"

"Well, we decided to drop in earlier to find out what you've been up to lately," Kira said in a warning tone.

Athrun gulped. Apparently, Kira had not fully forgiven Athrun yet for what he had done.

"And of course, to catch up with you too, old friend!" Lacus interrupted. "Aren't you going to invite us in?"

"Umm yeah, sure. Come in," Athrun said.

A while later…

The two guys were in the study, engrossed in doing maintenance work on the troop of Haros. Just then, Lacus came in and asked, "Athrun, you ran out of potatoes. Where can I get some?" Lacus had insisted on making dinner.

"The super market is quite a distance from here. I'll call Ashley, my assistant. She lives on the opposite apartment. I'm sure she has some to spare," Athrun replied, reaching out for the phone.

Within a few minutes, Ashley arrived. Being Lacus, she invited Ashley to stay for dinner.

"There's something about this girl I just can't put my finger on. She some how feels very familiar, and looks familiar too. Have we possibly met before? I doubt so. She's too young. I must be thinking too much," Kira thought.

Kira was observing Ashley the whole time. There was something about her which he felt he couldn't ignore. He had to find out about her. There is more to this girl then meets the eye.

To be continued…

Note: The flashback where Meyrin was frequently hanging out with Athrun is actually the Final Plus part, at the Orb Memorial.

Please review! I want to know how many people are actually interested in my story. I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up as I haven't even started on it yet. Hopefully in a week's time? Thanks anyway for reading and reviewing!