Never alone
Freyris
A/n: I finally made an update on time. YEEY! Soo, I just have to say this chapter would probably be like one of the most important chapters in this whole fic. Maybe. To me it is. There's so much in store for this chapter and I hope everyone likes it. I actually have all the chapters drafted already and kept in a better place. OL I won't throw it or loose it soo yes, I'm perfectly back on track for this fic until the end. I hope everyone sticks around til the end X3
Prolly, have about 5 or 6 chapters left. More emotion,more fun,more stuffs to happen! Please look forward to it.
Italicized parts are either thoughts or flashbacks.
FOR THOSE ASKING AND WONDERING ABOUT THE ASUCAGA KISSING SCENE I MENTIONED LAST CHAPTER. Just go to YT and search for Gundam Seed episode 46 Remastered. It really worth the watch. I still feel giddy every time I watch it over and over again LOL Best Scene next to Athrun and Cagalli's rushed and unfashionable proposal (by Athrun) in Destiny. XD
Disclaimer: I do not own GUNDAM SEED/DESTINY, Sunrise, Bandai.
She groaned inwardly and mumbled something incoherent as she heard the sound of waves crashing down every few seconds from her window. The scent of the sea breeze immediately filled her nostrils waking her up to her senses.
"Sea?!" Without warning, she immediately sat up and scanned her surroundings. She was in a unfamiliar room by the sea. It took her a few more seconds before it dawned back to her what transpired that night.
She glanced down at the two lumps cuddled beside her and couldn't help but repress a smile. Beside her was her two children. Aiden was lying peacefully beside her and at the other side of the bed laid Cathleen.
Previously, after their dinner, she saw Meyrin lead Athrun to their room and asked her to look after Cathleen. She was going to collect her daughter later on but Meyrin never did neither did Athrun.
She didn't know what happened between the two of them and she didn't even bother to know. Last night was like a dream. Aiden, Cathleen and herself enjoyed each other's company and did the most natural thing any mother and child would do.
Play around.
At first, the children were watching a movie about a clown fish getting lost in the ocean and his father looking for him. They sat on the floor with their eyes glued onto the screen as she rested on the small couch by the window. Before the movie even ended both child declared they were bored and refused to watch the movie any longer.
"So what do you kids want to do then?" Cagalli asked looking at the almost identical kids.
The two blue heads looked at each other and ran towards the bed grabbing a pillow in their arms. "PILLOW FIIIGHHHT!" They screamed.
Cagalli gasped and laughed and tried to stop them before they got hurt. But all of her attempts failed and ended up getting hit by a pillow square on the face, courtesy of a bright, young boy named Aiden.
He laughed as the pillow fell on his mother's feet and had this indescribable expression all over her face. Cagalli sighed and bent down to pick the pillow up.
If you can't beat them...join them.
The blonde had no way of stopping these two little blue haired monsters. She jump towards them and lightly hit them with the pillow and tackled both of them on the bed. However, Cathleen easily slipped out and so did Aiden. Together, the two children launched themselves at Cagalli, pinning her flat on her stomach laughing. Despite their small body they had so much energy yet she had little despite her own built.
"T-Time out" Cagalli called and slumped on the floor. They had been at it for quite some time and she needed to breath. Keeping up with two kids alone was tiresome. Well...now, she knew.
Cathleen snickered and tucked the pillow underneath her arms. "Miss Cagalli's already tired." She teased reached for her disheveled locks and attempted to tie her hair up but miserable fail.
Cagalli chuckled and thought of an idea. She waved at her and patted the empty spot in front of her. "Let me braid your hair, Cathleen."
Wordlessly, Cathleen nodded her head and walked towards Cagalli. She sat on the carpeted floor with her back facing Cagalli and let her weave through her strands.
Cathleen sat patiently in front of Cagalli as the blonde continued to braid her hair. "Miss Cagalli, can I ask a question?"
"Hmm?"
"What does a kiss taste like?"She asked out of curiosity.
Cagalli's eyes widened at her daughters intrusive query and feel a little distressed at the question. Cathleen slightly turned her head and giggled at Cagalli's expression. It was a genuine and priceless expression. Cagalli looked horrified for a second.
"My classmates says it tastes like lemon, does it?"
"C-cathleen..."Cagalli blinked several times and stopped braiding her hair for a few seconds. For a second the thought of her and Athrun kissing crossed her mind but she tried to shrug it out of her head and try to think of some other stuffs. "that isn't a question seven year old girls should be asking, you know" She said as she continued weaving the child's hair.
"There you go"
The young girl dropped her pillow and ran towards the full length mirror. Cagalli smiled as she watch Cathleen admire her fishtailed braids on the mirror and examine it. "They look so pretty!"
"As you are, sweetheart" Cagalli's eyes softened
Cathleen rushed back to Cagalli and grinned at her. "Miss Cagalli is always good at making things!" She exclaimed "Someday I want to be able to do a lot of things Miss Cagalli can do" She said. "I want to be like Miss Cagalli"
Cagalli felt her heart clench then swell. Her daughter wanted to be like her. Just like her mother. She shook her head and laughed. "You don't have to be like me, Cathleen" She whispered softly and brush her blue fringes. She gently cupped the childs face with both of her hands and looked at her fondly "You can be yourself. You can learn more things and do better than I do. You have to surpass me" She said with sincerity.
These were not the words of simply Cagalli Hibiki rather this was the words of Cathleen's mother.
"Zzzzzz" The perfect mother and child moment was ruined by an odd noise resonating at the other end of the room. Cagalli suddenly chuckled then laughed. At the other end of the room. Aiden laid asleep, snoring away on the couch. His arms and legs splayed on the soft furniture while the pillow rested on his body nearly covering him up.
"I can't believe him" Cathleen yawned. "He fell asleep even if we aren't even done playing"
The blonde adult smiled and slowly led Cathleen to the bed. "Well, it's way past your bedtime, Sweetheart"she said "You should go to sleep as well"
Cathleen yawned again and rubbed her eyes. "I don't wanna" She watched Cagalli gently pick up the pillow on top of Aiden and set it aside. She observed how Cagalli cared for her best friend.
Cagalli brushed his fringes out of habit and gently gathered him in her arms. Slowly she brought him up around her body and carried him. Without a doubt he was a heavy sleeper. He didn't wake up when she transferred him to the bed beside Cathleen who was already about to give in to her drooping eyelids.
She hummed a soft lullaby to the two children and watched them sucumb to sleep. She smiled and leaned forward to kiss each of the little kids on the forehead. "Sleep tight, my babies" she whispered.
"You really are impossible Athrun!"
"I prefer that we refrain from making a scene in front of the guests Meyrin. We can talk about this later" He said quietly.
Meyrin stared at him incredelously. "There you go avoiding the topic again. Just like last night. You always avoid everything!" Meyrin blew a fuse.
Athrun put down his fork and look at Meyrin as if she hit a nerve. "Meyrin, You do know what later means right? Please we don't have to fight here" He said motioning at Lacus and Kira who were both awkwardly sitting beside them on the table.
"Athrun!"
"Good Mo-"
"Meyrin can you please be mature right now and think?!" Athrun hollered and banged his fit on the table startling both Lacus and Meyrin.
"Mama? Daddy?"
Meyrin and Athrun turned their heads towards the familliar sound and found a confused Cathleen standing by the entrance of the room.
"Are you two fighting?" She asked.
"Ye-No! We're not" Meyrin stuttered looking at Cathleen. Did she see them?
Athrun grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth before walking towards Cathleen. He knelt on one knee infront of her and smiled. "We just have a small misunderstanding, Princess"
"But aren't misunderstandings the cause of fighting" She said "Then you guys are fighting!" She cried and ran away.
"Cathleen!"Athrun called.
Cagalli nearly fell over the dashing child when she bumped against her. She was leading the sleepy Aiden to the dining area when Cathleen stormed out from the room looking disappointed and crying. She looked at Athrun who was still frozen in place and she knew something had occurred.
"Aiden, go eat breakfast with Papa Kira alright? " Cagalli kissed Aiden's forehead who mutely nodded and rubbed his eyes. "Mommy's just going to get something" With that she gave Athrun a look and turned a heel.
Cathleen hugged her knees closer to her chest and sniffed. One thing she learned from her Grandmommy Lenore was not to fight. Her grandmother was always gentle and kind and taught her different things about what's good and bad. She may still not grasp the real weight of the words she hears but she knew they wouldn't lead into something good at all.
Silently, she watched the waves come and go and from afar she noticed a dolphin jump gracefully in the sea followed her calf. "Uwaaa" Her saddened eyes suddenly sparkled in amazement at the sight of the sea animal swimming across the sea. This was the first time she had seen a dolphin and she was completely mesmerized by it.
"Beautiful, aren't they?"
Cathleen looked back and found Cagalli smiling down at her. "What are you doing here all alone?" She asked as she slowly took a seat beside her on the sand.
Cagalli observed how Cathleen's facial expression changed into a sullen one and instinctively hug her knees closer. She pursed her lips said nothing. She remained quiet and waited for the child to open up to her and speak.
"Mama and Daddy are having misunderstandings" She said in a quiet voice. "I don't like misunderstandings they lead to fights and fighting. Grandmommy says it's not a good thing."
The blonde gave a small smile and patted Cathleen on the back. The child's logic may be right and at a young age she was able to grasp the idea of it.
But there are always more to it.
"Cathleen not all misunderstandings lead to fights" She said. The young child looked at Cagalli confused and lost at her words. She is still a child and still has a lot to learn. Cagalli thought.
"Not all misunderstandings end up in fights?" She repeated and tilted her head on the side totally unable to comprehend what the blonde adult was trying to say. "How come?"
Cagalli reached for Cathleen's fringes and brush it lightly. "Yes, not all lead to fights or arguments. You see, there are a lot of reasons why people have misunderstandings and misunderstanding can lead into two things. Strengthen or Break. They both have a positive and negative side."
The young girl blinked several times and stared at Cagalli, completely lost.
She chuckled and kissed her forehead. "It may still seem confusing to you right now but someday, sweetheart you'll understand what I'm trying to say. But right now, you don't have to worry about what happened to Athrun and Meyrin. "She said "They're going to be okay."
"Meyrin?"
"Meyrin?!"
"Meyrin!"
The red head snapped out of her own bubble and laughed at the pregnant woman beside her. "Sorry, Miss Lacus" She apologized as she continued on the dish she was soaping.
Lacus sighed "Just Lacus would be fine, Meyrin" She smiled.
Meyrin nodded in acknowledgement and sighed. "I'm sorry you had to witness the two of us arguing"
Lacus shook her head and smiled symphatetically at her. "It's alright. Every couple fight once in a while." She said and placed the newly washed plate on the dish rack. "I think it's only natural and that's what makes them stronger"
Another sigh escape the red head's mouth and continued to wash the dish with a scrub "I don't know about that" she said softly.
"Huh?'
Meyrin shook her head "It's nothing"
Lacus didn't buy that and pressed on. "You know, sometimes it helps to let someone else who you really aren't close to listen to your problem" She said hoping to cheer her up. "Not that I'm prying or something. I mean if you don't want to share it, it's alright but different people have different opinions."
Meyrin laughed and smiled at Lacus."You really are something Lacus"
And they fell quiet again and continued with the dishes silently. "Sometimes I feel like I'm no good for Athrun"
The pregnant Lacus stared at Meyrin shock. "What do you mean?"
"I don't think I can match up with his ex"
"I know..." Cathleen mumbled softly as she and Cagalli sat beside each other on the beach. "Mama's not my really Mama"
Cagalli's eyes instantaneously flew to her daughter. She watched her daughter draw circles on the sand and suddenly she felt numb neck to toe. She was starting to have cold feet. She gulped hard and waited for her to speak again.
"Mama Meyrin has red hair and blue eyes. Daddy has blue hair and green eyes. I have gold brown eyes. " Cathleen looked up at Cagalli and frowned. "I think I'm adopted, Miss Cagalli"
No words came out of the blonde. For a second she thought Athrun had told her about her. "D-don't say that. You're most definetely not adopted, Cathleen" She said pulling the young child into her arms.
"How can Miss Cagall say that"Cathleen said as she started sobbing.
This child. Cagalli had seen Cathleen as a strong, playful,charismatic, smart child. She had no fears. She never cries when she gets physically hurt. However, inside she saw a like lost child who was still emotionally sensitive to the people around her. She was just like her. Somehow, she regretted not being by her side when she was younger. Perhaps she wouldn't be feeling this way.
"I just know it. You're not adopted, sweetheart" She said caressing the poor child back. "You are Athrun's daughter"
and my daughter.
Cathleen wrapped her arms around Cagalli and cried. Cathleen has been bottling up all those thoughts about herself. How and where did she get her eyes from. Why did Meyrin look so different from her if she was her real mother.
She was five when Meyrin stepped into her and her father's life. She was five when she started wondering about her eyes. She remembered how her grandmommy Lenore would adore and tell her she had really pretty eyes but she never told her where she inherited it from. She was five when she first said the word "Mommy" and felt how happy it as to say it.
"Then if I'm daddy's daughter, who is my mother?" She asked as she lifted her gaze to look at Cagalli. Her golden brown orbs clearly searching for answers. Cagalli's heart sank at the question. She wanted to tell her the truth but not right now.
I am. I'm right here. I am your mother.
"I...I don't know" She barely spoke the words. Cagalli inhaled and exhaled and tried to keep herself together. Inside she was already breaking apart. How hard is it to tell the truth to the child you've only been met for about 6 months or so.
Really hard.
As much as she wanted to tell her now she didn't. Instead, Cagalli thought of a question that would put her mind at ease ...for now. "W-What would you do if you find your real Mommy, Cathleen"
"I will give her a big hug"she immediately answered. "But will my mommy like me?" Her eyes fall on the sand and started drawing circles again
Cagalli's lips quivered and pulled a tight smile. "She will.. I'm sure of it. Do you really want to see your mommy even if you haven't seen her for 7 years?"
Cathleen positively nodded and smiled. "My mother is my mother. "She said and sniffed. She flashed a toothy grin at her and sniffed.
The blonde mother chocked back her tears and laughed. She patted Cathleen's head and kissed her on forehead. "You're really incredible for a 7 year old you know that?"
Cathleen wiped her tears and giggled. "Daddy says so too!"
"Huh?"
"Lately, Athrun's been acting distant"Meyrin admitted as she finally finished her last dish and place it on the rack. "I figured it probably had to do with his ex. "
Lacus crossed her arms on her chest and silently listened to her.
"You see, Athrun and I..." Meyrin looked up and glanced at Lacus "...aren't really married"
"But Cathleen's your child right?" Lacus inquired.
Meyrin shook her head and sighed. "No, although Athrun never really openly told me...I figured Cathleen's mother would probably be Athrun's ex. He never really talked about his past relationships when we started seeing each other. He tends to avoid the questions and I don't really know how many girlfriends did he go out with and he spoke little of Cathleen until I met her personally. Cathleen was so sweet yet so quiet when I first met her"
Athrun opened the door gently and let Meyrin in first. Meyrin's eyes scanned the well furnished foyer of her boyfriends humble abode and stared in awe at the interior. By the door was a long side tables with various picture frames standing on it. Several pictures were of Athrun. She slowly approached it and picked up one of the picture frames that showed Athrun cradling a two year old girl with bright golden brown eyes.
"Is this her?"
Athrun smiled and stood beside her. "Yes" He replied looking at the frame in her hands. "That's my daughter, Cathleen"
"She looks adorable!"the red head squealed and carefully placed back the frame on its proper place.
"Do you want to meet her?" He asked smiling a little, he was a little reluctant but it was worth a shot. Ever since he returned home. He had never allowed anyone to meet Cathleen other than a few close friends and his parents.
"I would love to!" Meyrin threw her arms around Athrun and giggled. "I would love to meet and take care of this little angel!"
Athrun nodded and held her hands, leading her upstairs to his little princess' room. "Come"
"-And they lived happily ever after" Curious golden brown eyes blinked at her grandmother. Lenore chuckled and brought her 5 year old granddaughter on her lap. "Why are you suddenly so quiet, little one?"
Little Cathleen shook her head vigorously and grinned. "Grandmama one more time"She pleaded with her sweet voice.
Lenore laughed and hugged her tight. "Cathleen, this is the third time already."She brushed her shoulder length hair and smiled "Aren't you tired of this story yet yet?"
"Mom?"
Cathleen's head immediately turned around and found her father popping his head in from outside her door. Athrun smile grew wider and opened the door further to welcome the rushing Cathleen in his arms. "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" she said bouncing in his arms.
"Daddy's home princess" Athrun laughed and kissed her forehead twice. "I want you to meet someone" He said as he placed her back on her feet.
The young child stared at the young red head who stepped from behind Athrun and kneel in front of her. "Hello, Cathleen. I'm Meyrin Hawke"Meyrin smiled.
"Cathleen, from now on you can call Meyrin, Mommy" Athrun smiled startling Meyrin for a second.
"What?" Meyrin looked at Athrun and couldn't help but tear up. "A-Athrun"
"Mommy?" Cathleen smiled and suddenly hug Meyrin. "Mommy!"
That mark the start of what kind of life Meyrin was currently in right now. Her Motherhood..in a way. The following year Cathleen started her calling Mama instead, she didn't mind. She knew Cathleen recognizes her as her mother and Athrun as her father. They were a family. Even if they weren't blood related.
"Sometimes I wonder what kind of girl did Athrun meet before me. Lacus" A tear suddenly rolled down her cheeks. "What did that girl have that I didn't. How good was she that she wasn't forgotten. Even up to now I can feel Athrun still loves her. I don't know her and I don't know what she looks like and it feels like she still has Athrun. She gave Athrun a daughter who obviously reminds him of her more than me. I tried to remove her from his mind. I tried to...but he wouldn't" Meyrin sobbed
Lacus felt sorry for Meyrin. The poor girl was haunted by Athrun's past. She was feeling inferior towards a person from Athruns past. "Meyrin...you don't have to compare yourself to her. You don't have to be like her. You are you. "Lacus soothed her hair and patted her back. "Remember, that's all just in the past. They can never be change but right now, you have today and you have the future. You can still change a lot of things from here on. Just try a little more" She encouraged her. "Athrun's past can...never return."
"There you are!"
Cagalli and Cathleen turned their heads around and found Athrun jogging towards looking tired. "Athrun?"
"Daddy!" Cathleen smiled and waved at him. All of her feelings earlier had subsided and was now replaced with a smile.
"Looks like I missed a crying fest here?" He teased looking at Cathleen who had puffy red eyes similar to Cagalli. The blonde rolled her eyes at him and turned around, avoiding eye contact with him.
Athrun chuckled lightly and squatted in front of his daughter. "Sorry about what happened earlier princess. Your Mama Meyrin's just in a foul mood but we're not going to fight okay? We'll be alright just like before, I promise."
Cagalli silently listened to them she couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
We'll be alright
Joy suddenly radiated across Cathleen's face and screamed a yes. Athrun smiled and kissed her head. "Why don't we all head back and eat breakfast?"He said as he carefully looked at the blonde who payed no interest in him and found the sea more interesting than his pretty face. "You haven't eaten anything yet" It wasn't meant for Cathleen but for Cagalli as well.
"I'll stay here for a few more minutes. Run along now" She said without looking at Athrun and Cathleen.
Cathleen stared at Cagalli. Earlier, she was so warm and kind to her and suddenly when Athrun arrived she started acting different. The young blue head stomped her way to Cagalli and pulled her hand. "Let's go eat together Miss Cagalli!" She said tugging her hand.
Cagalli looked down at Cathleen. She had this determined face that told you to come. It was hard not to give in but what else can she do. Both her children is her weakness. "Alright, alright. In one condition, Cathleen"
"Huh?"
"You have to eat the vegetables" Cagalli grinned at the child who scowled.
Athrun found it amusing and Cathleen obeyed Cagalli and didn't argue. She nodded her head and pulled Cagalli's hand. "Let's go Miss Cagalli, Let's leave Daddy behind" She giggled as she started running and dragging the poor blonde with her.
"Hey! Wait up!" Athrun yelled.
"Miss Cagalli"
"Hmm?"
"Let's keep everything a secret?" She giggled and Cagalli nodded
"Alright."
"Aiden, you have to eat your veggies" Cagalli lightly scolded as she forked the lettuce in her seven year old sons plate. Apparently, both children dissected their sandwich and tried to remove all the vegetables and kept the bread, ham and cheese intact.
"Nooo!" Aiden scowled and crossed his arms stubbornly. "Mommy, can I just eat Cabbage?"he pouted
Cagalli giggled and ate the lettuce on her son's plate. "It tastes like Cabbage baby, it's good" Cagalli encourage trying to feed him some lettuce.
On the other side of the table, Cathleen poked the freshly sliced tomato and gingerly ate it. Her scowl deepened and she grimaced at the taste. The blonde watched the two children eat their remains of their sandwich and continued to tell them how healthy and good they were. At the Kitchen counter, Athrun secretly smiled and watched Cagalli treat both children equally and as if they were in a different world all together. They really looked like family.
"Alright, Meat stuffed cabbage coming right up!"He yelled lifting the finished plate up and serve it at the two children.
His children.
"Yeey!"
She slowly twisted the door knob open and enter the room. Nothing changed. Of course nothing changed. Her son, Athrun wasn't staying in their house at the moment. So nothing was different in the room Athrun had left. Lenore Zala suddenly missed her only son and decided to do a general cleaning in his room since the room itself was starting to collect dust bunnies.
Lenore started sweeping the floor and wiping his desk table and furniture She hummed herself a soft song to entertain herself as she did the chore. After dusting and sweeping all the furniture, she started to change the linens and curtains.
She reached for the pillow on his bed and unrolled the pillow case, replacing it with a new one. Just when she was just about to place back the newly changed pillow she noticed something sticking out between the bed frame and the bed cushion. It looked like it was purposely hidden there. Curiously, she reached for it and slowly pulled it out.
"What's this?!" She gasped.
It was a photo.
A photo of Athrun, her son with a girl.
HMM... Cathleen is pretty smart for a 7 year old and realize things. She knows Meyrin isn't her birth mother and will still acknowledge her real mother. Meyrin's starting have doubts yet she still doesn't have the slightest clue it as Cagalli... WHAT WILL CAGALLI DO? What will happen to them And, what is that photo Lenore saw hidden in Athrun's bed? More revelations in the next succeeding chapters~...
I hope everyone liked the small mother and daugther bonding. I felt like they really needed one. I really find Cathleen cute and Aiden adorable XD...
Hope you guys liked this chapter!
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