Never alone
Freyris
A/n: Finally, I apologize for the month delay. My drafts for this story was accidentally thrown out by yours truly. I was sorting out old papers and I kinda forgot I wrote them in a used bond paper and side from that I was busy with school so. Yep, this fic got delayed. T_T SORRY. I also learned that had this sort of wikipage and I was amused when I searched my name there and poof! It appeared! Lol I think every author has their own wiki page. Pretty neat. I found out that I've been around for almost 8 years already sdlfjg... Holy crap it's been THAT long already :O
Anyway enough of that, Here's today's installment!
Disclaimer: I do not own GUNDAM SEED/DESTINY, Sunrise, Bandai.
Scorching heat, crashing waves, people wearing their best swimsuits, giggling children on the shore as they build their sand castles, groups playing beach volley ball and ice shaves. Cagalli sighed and fixed her hat, hiding her growing blonde tresses underneath it from the bright summer sun as they arrived at the beach resort.
"We're heree!" Her seven year old child jumped up and down and dashed out towards the crashing waves.
"Aiden!" Cagalli called as she watch her son laugh and run after the waves and fall back.
"He looks very happy doesn't he?"
Cagalli turned her head and nodded her head silently as her sister-in-law and her brother stand beside her. "He hasn't been on the beach for 4 years" She explained.
"Well, that makes sense" Kira chuckled and watch his nephew wave at him
"Papa Kira! Mommy! Mama Lacus!" He lifted up a drifted seaweed up and showed it to them.
"Shall we find Meyrin and her family then?" Lacus clapped her hands together and smiled at them.
The blonde could only sigh and nod her head. "Aiden, lets go!"
2 weeks earlier, Meyrin informed Cagalli that she was able to reserve a villa for both of their families. Cagalli was so speechless and didn't know what to do. She could have rejected the offer but Aiden suddenly got excited upon hearing about the beach and it was a post birthday celebration for Meyrin.
As she and her family walked towards their villa, Cagalli started to drown herself deep in her thoughts again. Either way she was going to find out about everything. About Athrun and Cathleen that is. If Athrun hadn't told her about Cathleen then perhaps this was the day she would have learned everything and it wouldn't be the best reunion. Somehow she was thankful Athrun had told her about Cathleen prior, at least she was able to prepare herself mentally and emotionally. Sort of.
"Ah! Aiden!"
Cagalli lifted her head and saw a young child at the balcony of their villa, waving at them with a huge smile plastered on her face. Aiden pulled out his hands from his mother's hold and dashed towards Cathleen who was jumping up and down excitedly.
Aiden and Cathleen hugged each other and laughed. "You're late!" Cathleen said
The blonde watch her two children laugh and start talking about the shells by the shore. They were just too precious not to watch.
"Cathleen, what's the noise all abou-OH!" Cathleen's mother, Meyrin smiled at her guests. "You guys made it!" She exclaimed happily and gave Cagalli a quick hug.
"Couldn't miss it" Cagalli lied and smiled at her.
Meyrin giggled and nodded her head. "Let's go in and make yourselves comfortable."She ushered.
Within minutes, everyone was settled down and gathered in the living room of their beach villa. Cagalli introduced her twin brother Kira and her expecting wife Lacus to Meyrin and said that they wanted to tag along their mini vacation.
"It's nice to meet you" Lacus giggled and patted Kira's knees urging him to say the same thing.
"Sorry we crashed your vacation" He chuckled
The red head giggled and shook her head. "It's okay. As they say the more the merrier and It's really a pleasure to meet the two of you" Meyrin smiled warmly at Kira and Lacus.
"Ms. Meyrin where's Mr Athrun?" Aiden asked as he stuffed his face with cookies.
"Hmm, he's out by the shore or something"Meyrin replied and clapped her hands as an idea popped in her mind "Oh yeah! Why don't we all go to the beach and look for him"
Internally, Cagalli groaned and rolled her eyes. That was the last thing she'd want to do on the beach. Look for your ex who obviously was trying to avoid her.
Athrun shove his hands inside the pocket of his board shorts and inhaled the fresh ocean breeze. This was what he feared for. Meyrin and Cagalli getting along together to the point that they wanted to have their vacation spent together. It was going to be hard for him to act normally especially when Cagalli's there practically a room away from them. He didn't want to throw any suspicions about his and Cagalli's past. He knew how sensitive Meyrin was about his past even though she doesn't say it. She was an open book and was always easy to read.
"Daddyyy"
He looked back to find his little princess joggig towards him dressed up in a one piece green swimsuit with frills on the body and behind her was Aiden wearing a board shorts with waves printed on them and a unzipped short sleeved towel jacket on top.
"Up for a swim kids?" He asked bent a little, messing their hair up and smiled at them. The two children nodded their head and ran back to Meyrin to gather their life jacket and swimming board. He noticed that they set up a Beach umbrella and blankets to rest on not too far from him.
Sitting underneath the beach umbrella was a scowling blonde who had her knees brought up to her chest and was hugging them. Cagalli looked very pissed. She, as well, was always easy to read. She was obviously wearing her swim wear against her will and whoever made her wear it did a very good job. She looked so young and pretty in her black and white two piece. So pretty that she attracts the men without knowing.
He grumbled something incoherent and scared the two young men who were attempting to approach her from behind with a mean glare."So you wear swim suit now" Athrun asked as he dropped the towel hung over his shoulder over Cagalli's head and walked away. "Just cover up a bit. You attract to much attention"
Cagalli looked up and her scowled deepened. True, she didn't like wearing swimsuit. It was Lacus and Aiden who were both persistent.
"Lacus I didn't bring any swim suit along with me." She said
His sister-in-law giggled and dug through her luggage. "You're lucky I brought some along with me. I know this was going to happen"
"Lacus...give me a break" She sighed and stared at the piece Lacus showed her. It was a black and white two piece where the top piece had a string that was tied on the neck. "Oh no I won't wear that!"
In the end, Lacus wouldn't take no for an answer and Meyrin had to barge in and say she should wear those and even teased her that might even get herself a boyfriend.
"Boyfriend huh" Cagalli mentally groaned and wrapped the towel around her body hiding her assets before anyone else sees them. She wrapped the blanket around her tightly and wondered how Athrun still remembered what were her likes and dislikes. He still knew her personality despite the 7 years.
"I want you to know I love you, I still do"
She shook her head and rested it on her knees. Thinking about what Athrun said that time was not a good idea. Afterall, she has no plans on getting back together with him. She didn't want his relationship with Meyrin to get ruined because of her nor does she want Meyrin to get hurt and more importantly her children to get hurt.
"Sorry, I had to leave you alone here Cagalli" Meyrin apologized and sat down beside her.
"It's okay. Did the kids get their inflatables?" Cagalli asked and Meyrin nodded. She pointed at the two children who were playing by the shore and laughing.
Suddenly, Meyrin laughed and watch Aiden tumble down the sand and pull Cathleen."The two get along so well. It's really cute"
Cagalli gulped and nodded her head. By the shore she watch Aiden and Cathleen wade and splash water at each other. Their laughters were music to her ears. "Where's Kira and Lacus?" She asked changing the subject.
"Oh, your brother's still at the villa waiting for Ms. Lacus" Meyrin replied as she grabbed her sunblock and applied it on to her arms.
Soon, the adults were all resting on the beach blanket. Lacus went out to the beach wearing a tankini and despite being pregnant she looked very pretty. Kira had a shirt and board shorts on and they were both talking about their baby. Athrun was lying pretending to be asleep while Meyrin sat beside him and was busy talking to Cagalli while they watch over their children when..
"Aiden!" Lacus gasped.
Cagalli's eye immedietely flew to where Aiden and Cathleen were swimming upon hearing her little boy's name. The young girl was screaming and looking around while she held Aiden's swimming board.
Before Cagalli could even run towards the water, Athrun had already threw away his shirt off and started swimming towards Cathleen and Aiden.
"Daddy!" Cathleen cried as she grasp tightly on the board.
Athrun looked around for any signs of Aiden and mumbled a curse. "Cathleen, listen to daddy. I want you to hold tight on the board and keep kicking towards the shore. I'm going to find Aiden."
Cathleen sniffed and nodded her head.
"Hold onto it tightly. Don't let go" He whispered and hugged his daughter before he submerged under water.
"Aiden!" Cagalli cried as Kira and Lacus held her. Meyrin caught Cathleen by the shore and pulled her into a hug. She slowly led the child back to their blanket and wrapped a towel around her before rushing beside the screaming blonde.
After a few minutes, Athrun was back on shore with the young boy gathered in his immediately rushed towards Athrun and Aiden and collapsed on her knees as Athrun laid the boy on the sand. "Aiden! Aiden" She gently shook him by the shoulder.
"I-I'm going to call the medics!" Meyrin stared in horror as she stared at the motionless Aiden. Athrun looked up at her and nodded his head.
"Please"
"Stay here Lacus. I'll just get some more towels. Cagalli needs someone to calm her down" Kira softly said as he rushed towards their villa.
The blonde sobbed as Aiden remained motionless despite her constant shaking. Athrun held her hand and looked at her. "Calm down" He softly said and he started performing resucitation on his son. A few more seconds Aiden began coughing and he slowly opened his eyes. His bright emerald eyes meeting Athruns.
Athrun sighed in relief and hugged Aiden. "Thank goodness your safe" he whispered. "I thought I was going to lose you"
"M-mommy" Aiden coughed and turned his head at the stunned Cagalli.
Athrun's sudden actions startled Cagalli. She was frozen in place. Athrun had showed so much affection towards Aiden that it breaks her heart. She watched Aiden cough as Athrun helped him to sit up. He clung to Athrun tightly and suddenly cried.
"Mommy" Aiden reached for his mother and she welcomed him openly in he arms as he began sobbing. Cagalli hugged Aiden and soothed his back. "It's okay baby. It's alright now...Big boys don't cry right?"she whispered as she rested her cheeks on his wet hair.
"Aideeeen!" Cathleen ran to Aiden and hugged him as she cried. "I thought I was gonna lose my best friend" She sobbed.
Aiden sniffed and patted Cathleen's back. "I'm okay. Your daddy saved me!" He said as he finally grinned his little goofy smile.
The rest of the day passed by like a blur for Cagalli. After Cathleen and Aiden's nerve wrecking accident, they all remained by the shore and chat among themselves. Cagalli hadn't removed her eyes away from Aiden as he and Cathleen build their sand castles not too far away from them. Every time Aiden rushes towards the sea to gather sea water with his beach bucket her heart races. Every time Aiden rushes towards the sea she felt like Aiden was going to drown again. Losing her son was what she feared the most and earlier she thought she was going to loose her most prized possession. Nearly half of her died as Aiden lay motionless on the sand.
Soon, the sun set and everyone else retreated back to their Villa. Meyrin and Lacus started preparing their dinner while Cagalli made sure Aiden took a bath and changed into a more comfortable clothing.
"From now on, you're not going to swim on the beach" Cagalli said as she slipped Aiden's favorite shirt one. "You really scared me back there" Aiden's mother sighed.
"Whaat?"Aiden groaned "How about the pool?"he asked as he struggled to wear his white shirt. "If I can't swim why did we go to the beach for Mommy?"
Cagalli sighed. There was no stopping Aiden with questions if she didn't allow him to do anything he liked. "Alright Alright. You can swim in the pool instead baby"
Aiden held the collar of his shirt and popped his head out and grinned. His midnight blue hair all messed up and sticking out everywhere. "Really?!" He said looking up at his mother.
"Yes" Cagalli smiled and brushed his hair. "I don't want to loose you, baby" she softly whispered and kissed his forehead. "Okay, go play with Cathleen now. You're all done"
"Yey! Cathleen, I can swim in the pool insteaaaaaaad"He ran screaming along the hallway.
Athrun Zala didn't know what kicked in when he saw his children panicking earlier. Seeing Cathleen screaming calling Aiden repeatedly immediately sent him dashing towards them. Probably that's what they meant about paternal's instinct. He knew something was wrong. he had the sense to protect his children despite the years they missed out. From the very start he already swore to himself he would do anything to protect his children. Even at the cost of his life.
The first time Cagalli broke the news about getting pregnant, He didn't even think twice about it and immediately hugged her. He was happy, very happy. Cagalli, his girlfriend at that time was carrying something that was already part of him. It might have been too early for them to start a family but he wanted to have a family...with her someday.
Athrun closed his eyes as he stood by the shore. The memories he had with Cagalli played in his mind.
"How long are you going to stand like that?"
Athrun turned his head and saw a blonde walking towards him with a shawl wrapped around her body. She had her hair tied up into a messy bun and she had impassive expression painted all over her face.
"I could ask the same to you. What are you doing here?"He asked back with a small smile.
Cagalli sighed and stood beside Athrun. She stared out at the vast body of water before them and clasped her hands behind her back. "I..just want to thank you..." She softly mumbled and turned to look at him. "for saving my son"
Athrun shook his head and faced her. "Our son" He whispered, correcting her. "He is my son too, Cagalli. Please don't deny that.
She bit her lip and tried to avoid eye contact when she saw something shine on his chest. Carefully, she reached for the small object hung around Athrun's neck. It was barely seen but the moonlight made it go unnoticed.
"This.."Her eyes grew wide and flew immediately to his. "A-Athrun this is..."
He silently nodded his head and held her hands that was fingering the ring hung around his neck on a sliver chain. "It is."He softly said confirming her unfinished statement.
"I, Athrun Zala promise and swear to be the best partner in life, to protect not only you but" Athrun smiled and touched her protruding stomach "our children with all my life and give you more than happiness you all deserve .I promise to stay by your side, to be the joy of your heart, the best person I can be for you. I promise to laugh with you when times are good, and to suffer with you when they are bad; I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses and to hold you sweetly and gladly until our days on earth are over" He vowed as he slipped a silver band on her slender fingers and kissed it.
"I, Cagalli Hibiki promise and swear to be the best partner in life, to give you all the love I can give, share with you these blessings "Cagalli touching her stomach "our children. I promise to stay by your side, to be the joy of your heart and the best person I can be for you. I promise to laugh with you when times are good, and to suffer with you when they are bad; I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses and to hold you sweetly and gladly until our days on earth are over" She finished her vow and slipped the ring on his ring finger.
"And I can kiss the bride" Athrun chuckled and lifted Cagalli's chin up before kissing her softly on the lips. "Congratulations Mrs. Zala"
Cagalli smiled and punched him lightly on the chest. "That doesn't sound bad after all. Mr. Zala" she winked and kissed him back again.
"I..." Cagalli slipped her hands from his hold and looked down. "...w-why do you still have that?"
"I promise to stay by your side" Athrun said repeating the vows they swore in front of each other 7 years back. They weren't really officially married. Athrun had set up their apartment to a candle light dinner and there they exchanged vows and ring. He slowly lifted her chin up to meet her gaze. She had tears welling up the corners of her eyes "I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses" he whispered looking at her and wiped the tears that had rolled down her cheeks with his thumb.
"A-Athrun..don't" Cagalli managed to squeak. All those memories with him only made her heart clench. All those promises and dreams with him were gone the moment he disappeared in her life. All those memories she tried to repressed at the back of her mind
Athrun Zala didn't break his gaze at her"I meant what I said back then"
"I want you to know I love you, I still do"
"Athrun please...don't..."Cagalli bit her lower lip and tried to gaze down but it was impossible. Athrun had her where he wanted her. He was always good at maintaining her in eye contact. Probably, because despite the years, Athrun still had his spot in her heart. Deep inside regardless of all the hate and grudge against him. He was still special.
Without any words Athrun lowered his head down onto hers. Their proximity getting smaller and smaller. Their lips only a few centimeters apart.
"Daddy!"
Immediately, Cagalli withdrew herself from Athrun and turned her back from him. From the villla Cathleen, jogged towards them and stared at them curiously. "Hmmm?"
"W-what is it Princess" Athrun scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
Cathleen stared at her father and saw Cagalli retreat back to their villa silently. "Uh, Mama Meyrin said it's almost dinner time. Daddy should go back inside"
Of course, Meyrin. How can he forget about her. She was only meters away from him and Cagalli. "O-oh, Okay" Athrun nodded his head and looked down on his daughter. "Why are you all smiling" He asked bending down and brush her fringes.
His daughter laughed "Daddy likes Ms. Cagalli"It wasn't a question. It was a fact.
Athrun eyes widened. His daughter saw them. Is she going to tell Meyrin. "Cathleen I..."He rambled through his mind to say something. "I was..uh..blowing Ms. Cagalli's eyes because..."
Cathleen suddenly giggled and turned around "I won't tell Mama Meyrin. Daddy almost kissed Ms. Cagalli," with that she ran back to the villa. "Hurry up, Daddy!"
The midnight haired father began chuckling and shook his head. Cathleen was just unbelievable sometimes but she was always the best daughter. "Alright," He said as he jogged towards the villa and lifted Cathleen up.
D'aww, Cathleen can keep secrets. Speaking of secrets, yes another one has been solved XD Athrun and Cagalli were uhmm.. sort of married. LOL And why is Cathleen so laid back about Athrun and Cagalli? HMMM... Aside from that Cagalli's struggling with her feelings. :O More to come next chapter! Classes resume tomorrow but I'll still update!. And THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the reviews. They really really make me happy and more motivated.
BTW have you guys seen ASUCAGA's KISSING SCENE IN GS Remastered?! SKDJFHG IT WAS TOTALLY REDRAWN! And talk about aggressive Athrun / OMG I loved it!
Tell me what do you think of today's chapter guys. So please do drop a comment just below this note.I'll be waiting.
Freyris