Chapter 09: Books and Ice Cream
Cagalli woke up early in the morning, feeling parched. She was glad to see a glass of water on her table and drank the entire glass, grateful for Shura's thoughtfulness. After a quick trip to the bathroom, she checked the living room. As expected, Shura was sleeping on the couch. She tiptoed back to her room and went back to sleep.
A few hours later, she was woken by a knock on her door. "Cagalli?"
"It's open, come in," she called.
Shura entered, carrying a bowl placed on a tray. Beside it was a napkin, fork, and a spoon. "How are you? I made some quick noodles for you. Just like old times."
"Thanks, Shura, you're the best," Cagalli said, taking the tray. The scene felt intimate, reminiscent of a comforting breakfast in bed. She was used to Shura doing these kinds of things after they had too much to drink. The hot soup was not really instant noodles but a soup prepared with patience. She started by scooping the hot broth. "Yummy!"
Shura took a seat near her table. "Hey, remember what you did last night? And our conversation?" Shura asked, his tone more relaxed compared to the previous night.
"Yeah, of course," she answered without hesitation. "I even teased you about the tongue," she added with a playful grin. "Hmm, why don't I know about your type? Seemed to me you already have one," Cagalli replied curiously.
Shura let out a sigh, the weight of the previous night's kiss lingering in his mind. He had spent all night wondering if that kiss would taint their friendship. "When the time is right," he finally said.
"Don't keep me in the dark too long," Cagalli teased. "I will want to meet her."
"Looked like you're okay," Shura smiled, a sense of relief washing over him. "I must go home. Let's chat about the museum? See you," he said, giving her a light hug. "Everything will be alright. Talk to you later."
As Shura disappeared through the front door, Cagalli pondered over what he had said about the museum. This part of the conversation was not clear to her. Then she checked her phone and was surprised to see a barrage of messages from Alex.
[Hey, you all right?]
[Give me a call when you wake up?]
[Good morning!]
[When are we going to the Musée de l'Amour?]
Cagalli thought in between sipping the soup and reading the message. What happened last night? She remembered the kiss but not the part about inviting the two of them to a museum. How did I invite Alex and Shura? She thought hard about whether she should cancel the plan, but since she had already overcome the fear of inviting two people, she decided to follow through.
She sent a reply.
[Hey Alex! I'm fine.]
A few moments later, Alex was already calling her.
"Hello?" Cagalli sounded unsure.
"Someone's awake now. Where are you?" was his first question.
"At my flat. What kind of question is that?" she asked, gulping another spoonful of soup.
"Just checking. You seemed so candid last night like you were drunk," his tone was teasing.
Cagalli laughed a bit. "Looked like it."
"Yeah, I suppose. You called in the middle of the night. I thought it was an emergency," he said in a worried tone.
"Yeah, I got overboard. Sorry about that."
"No worries, but you did remember inviting me to the Musée? Were you drinking with someone?" he asked, trying to sound casually.
"So many questions! Are you my boyfriend or something?," she jeared, but laughed harder.
"That hurts, I'm just your regular reading buddy, is that it?" he teased back.
This was their usual banter—always funny and teasing. His interaction with her is always like this, never serious. She was only serious when they talked about books, politics and her unusual interests. Well, as for himself, he did enjoy these conversations, but being with her on a regular basis, doing this kind of stuff had almost resulted in a certain dependency. Kira and Lacus often asked him where he goes now every now and then, and he just answered that he is giving them time on their own to do "couple" things, which is basically true, but also, a time for himself and Yula.
"Don't worry. I am with my best friend," she replied.
"Well, you did mention it last night. Seemed you're sane and okay. So, about the Musée, when do you plan to go?"
Shit! Don't panic! You got this! Cagalli thought. "I'll check the website. We must reserve. They don't accept walk-ins."
"All right. So… I am thinking," he wanted to see her to check if she was really alright, "uh, want to meet later?"
"I don't know. I want to sleep more before I go to work. Maybe tomorrow?"
Athrun sounded a little disappointed, "All right. I was excited to show you this peculiar book I found."
"What is it about?"
"Some visions for the future from long ago."
"Really? Okay! So, we're having a discussion about the future. Can't wait. Tomorrow, as usual?"
In this day and age, fewer people read books. Most read on their tablets, so finding someone with the same interest was rare. Sometimes, they argued about various topics but always tried to find a compromise. With Alex, Cagalli realized and discovered more about herself. She understood that she was an idealist, and this could be reflected in her leadership style. Someone who was straightforward wasn't easy to find. She tried to understand where the other person was coming from, and in most instances, she did. But there were things, in her opinion, that couldn't be compromised, like the interests of the people, for instance.
"Sure thing."
"Copy. Bye, Alex!"
"Bye, Yula. Until tomorrow!"
After talking with Alex, Cagalli immediately checked the website and reserved for three. She felt relieved that there were a few slots open at the end of the week. Well, the museum is a bit expensive so it may have been the reason why it is also somewhat exclusive.
Athrun and Cagalli casually met near the bridge along the quays of Ghent where the brawl had happened. The bridge, an old stone structure with wrought iron railings, arched gracefully over the water. There was a nice little spot nearby that was perfect for hanging out, shaded by large, leafy trees and dotted with benches. People often strolled along the quays, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestones, sometimes even wandering up to the port where the smell of the river mingled with the scent of fresh pastries from nearby bakeries.
The area was lively yet serene, with the gentle murmur of the river providing a soothing backdrop to the chatter of pedestrians and the occasional cyclist ringing their bell. If they wanted to grab some coffee, there were several charming cafés to choose from, each offering a cozy nook to relax in. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the distant sound of laughter from café patrons enjoying the morning sun.
Cagalli wore shorts and a t-shirt, her attire casual and comfortable. She sat under a tree as usual, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves creating a pattern on her book. The tree provided a cool respite from the warmth of the day, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. She was engrossed in her reading, occasionally looking up to watch the world go by.
Athrun watched Cagalli's form as she settled herself under the tree. Most of the time, he arrived earlier just to watch her. Her serenity and the way she seemed to blend seamlessly with her surroundings fascinated him. He then walked toward her, trying to contain his excitement. "Hey!" he greeted with a warm smile.
"Hello there," Cagalli replied, looking up from her book, her eyes brightening at the sight of him.
"Lost as usual?" Athrun asked as he sat beside her, brushing a few stray leaves off the bench. "Everything okay?"
Cagalli smiled, her eyes softening. "Yup. Just enjoying the serenity."
Athrun brought out a book from his bag. "Here's the one I mentioned yesterday."
"Hmm? Are we talking about this book? It's written ages ago," Cagalli remarked, noting the book's worn cover and fragile pages.
"Uh-huh," Athrun replied. "I found it amazing because the arguments laid out in this book were somewhat futuristic for the times it was written. It envisioned a future where people and robots interacted in a sort of utopia. In that world, humans and robots peacefully coexisted."
"Nice premise," Cagalli responded. She admired Athrun's passion for these unique finds and enjoyed their discussions about them.
The two talked casually for a while, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Then, Athrun brought up the topic that had been on his mind.
"So, about the Musée, when do you plan to go?" he asked, in a laid-back tone, but clearly looking forward to finally visiting the museum with her.
"Oh, I didn't know you were THIS interested," Cagalli said.
"Woah, who was the one who called in the middle of the night asking to visit a museum of—"
"Of what?" Cagalli teased, leaning in slightly.
Athrun heart skipped a beat as Cagalli leaned down closer. He is not use to this kind of proximity, they were just inches apart, "Of… unique things."
Cagalli withdrew and crossed her arms in front of her, "But museums are like that. I did visit some unique museums: turtles, watches, paper mills, saw many of them," she replied.
Athrun let out a nervous laugh , "Yeah, I guess unique is not part of your vocabulary. It's about discovering new knowledge with you," he replied.
"Haha. You understand me well. Yeah, I did check the reservation since the museum requires it. Are you okay with going in the early evening at the end of the week? I think we need 3-4 hours to see and experience everything."
"Early evening?" Athrun asked, as if he hadn't already checked the website. He liked the idea of an evening adventure with her.
"Yeah, since it's also an experiential visit, we need to get into the vibe," Cagalli explained, her excitement infectious. "So, coming or not? Though I won't take no for an answer."
"Haha, what can I do if you don't take no for an answer," Athrun chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him.
"Right! Haha. Anyway, I need to go to work now," Cagalli said, closing her book and getting up. She tucked the other book on her bag.
"Leaving already?" Athrun asked, feeling disappointed. Time always seemed to pass too quickly when he was with her. "Funny, I still don't know where you work," Athrun added.
Cagalli thought for a while. It had been some time since the incident Shura mentioned, and they hadn't heard about it again. Maybe it had already subsided. She had also met Alex on many occasions and thought he was a trustworthy person.
"Well, if you want, we can walk there," she invited.
Athrun did not expect an invitation from her. He had a group meeting with some classmates. He still cared about academics despite not being very interested. However, this was an opportunity not always present to him, so the decision was easy. "Yeah, sure."
As they walked, they passed by an ice cream parlor. The ice cream parlor was a quaint, charming little store nestled on the corner of the bustling street. It boasted a cheerful exterior with pastel-colored walls and a striped awning that added a whimsical touch. The counter displayed a delightful array of flavors. The air was filled with the sweet aroma, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for a brief, refreshing stop on a warm day.
They both ordered unusual flavors as agreed.
Athrun observed her as took the ice cream from the cashier, her eyes twinkling, like a child in delight. This carefree expression is what also drew him to her. He found himself staring at her again.
"Sir, your ice cream," repeated the staff.
"Oh thanks," Athrun took it and smiled gently. "So, lead the way," he said.
The two walked along the quays with ice cream on hand. From a distance, the two seemed like a couple on a date. They had been meeting regularly for book discussions, eating here and there or trying the coffee at different cafes. Their interactions had become so natural that it came effortlessly to them.
Then, out of nowhere, she asked about the mysterious woman. "So, how's the search coming along?" Cagalli asked.
"Huh?" Athrun looked surprised.
"You know, the mysterious, beautiful woman you were searching for?" she asked emphasizing on the descriptions.
"Ah…" Athrun countered, his tone cautious.
"Ah…" Cagalli repeated. "Your tone tells me she's just a friend?" she continued, nodding as a part of the ice cream got into her hair. "No, I don't think so. You don't devote your time to a person if she's just a regular friend."
"But she did save my life, and in some ways, I am indebted to her. She is a little special, I would say. I wouldn't have met you if not for her either," Athrun replied, his gaze thoughtful. Instinctively, he reached out to wipe the ice cream off Cagalli's hair. "Be careful, or you'll find those sweet little ants around you," he said, then wiped his fingers with a handkerchief, which he eventually offered to her.
Cagalli froze for a moment but then took the handkerchief. "Look who's talking," she said, wiping one side of his lips where a smudge of ice cream had landed.
Once more, he felt his heart raced fast as Cagalli patted his lips and then shyly looked away, "I'm good, thanks."
"There, nice and clean," Cagalli said, her voice suddenly became timid. She tucked the handkerchief into her pocket. "I'll wash this before returning it to you," she said.
Athrun nodded but it was enough to have an awkward atmosphere between them for the first time. The usually easy conversation between them was suddenly strained, each of them lost in their thoughts. Athrun finally broke the silence. "Anyway, I plan to stop searching for her. I have been to all the pubs in Ghent at different times and couldn't find her. I even asked a friend, who asked someone else, but she couldn't be located."
"It's hard to look for someone in this haystack of people," Cagalli said, trying to dismiss the awkward feeling. "Anyway, we are here. Welcome to Café Fion!"
The café was nothing new to Athrun. he had been there twice before. But today, it felt different, like seeing it for the first time. "Are you working here? I visited it before but didn't see you," he asked.
"I alternately work the day and night shifts," Cagalli explained. "Today, I'm just filling in for some people, that's why I'm on the late afternoon shift." She walked and scanned the place. Then she saw Kisaka coming in. She knew he had been following her but didn't mind.
"So, that's it. I guess I'll see you on Friday at 17:00?"
"Yeah. Uhm… Do you need me to walk you there?" Athrun asked as he moved closer and then whispered forgetting the awkward feeling from before, "Remember, the place is somewhat located in the Red-Light district."
Cagalli punched him lightly. "No need. My best friend is also coming. Looking forward to the visit. Bye!" she replied as she joined the other staff.
Athrun was dumbfounded and could not say a word before she joined the other staff. What? Another person is coming with us? He thought this was going to be a visit just for the two of them. Was he hoping for too much? This was a far cry from the first time she invited him. He clearly remembered how anxious she was.
[FLASHBACK]
As they sat on the bench, Cagalli hesitated for a moment, gathering her courage. She knew she was about to reveal a more unconventional side of herself, one that not everyone might understand. But the openness and non-judgmental nature she had sensed in Athrun encouraged her to take the leap.
"I was thinking of visiting the Musée de l'Amour," she admitted, her cheeks colouring slightly. "Do you know what it's all about?"
Athrun had some ideas, but he asked, "As in the Love Museum?"
Cagalli gently nodded. "The Musée de l'Amour is a museum dedicated to BDSM." She liked to use the French name of the place, Musée de l'Amour, there was something sexy in the title that the English version failed to capture. "I've always been curious about it," she explained, watching for his reaction.
Athrun blinked in surprise at her candidness. BDSM? But he kept to his thoughts. "There's a, uhm," he cleared his throat and tried the French name, "Musée de l'Amour, did I pronounce it correctly?" He closed one eye and checked for Cagalli's reaction to which she nodded with a smile, "Okay, so Musée de l'Amour exists in Ghent? I didn't know," Athrun exclaimed, surprised by the revelation.
"It's surprisingly not a piece of common knowledge. It's exclusive I would even say. Even the website is just for reservations, with limited information," Cagalli explained.
His interest in the topic increased. "Oh, that is something."
Cagalli grinned sheepishly, feeling a mix of amusement and pride at his reaction. Cagalli hesitated but asked anyway, "Would you... like to accompany me?"
Athrun chuckled softly, finding himself increasingly intrigued by her curiosity. "Well, it sounds like it's not my cup of tea," he remarked while already researching the place on his phone. "One more thing I find suspicious is that it's located in the Red-Light District. Don't you think it might be a scam like a motel people go to for quickies or something like that?" he asked curiously.
Cagalli let out a nervous laugh, "That's why I was hesitating to ask you. I couldn't go there alone. I mean, even you, who did not have any knowledge of the place, have this kind of misconception about it," Cagalli replied, her tone a mixture of disappointment.
"Misconception? They should have thought of that when they decided to build it in this location. But tell me honestly, is that your main concern? Not like asking me, a guy you just met?" Athrun questioned, his eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "Are you sure I won't do anything bad to you?" he added, trying to sound scary.
Cagalli tried to hide her laughter but couldn't. She formed a square with her thumb and forefinger, pretending to take a photo of him. "You don't seem like a bad person and, well, I felt comfortable with you."
"You just met me, and you feel comfortable?" he repeated, teasing her.
"Like I told you, I'm a good judge of character and I make the best decisions because of my intuition. To me, you have that insinuation of a good friend and someone dependable. A little serious, I would say, but overall, a good man. And, I did patch you up so I know where to hit just in case," she chuckled.
"Fair enough," he said with a smile. "I'm glad you thought of me that way."
"We're practically not random people anymore. I mean, I would recognize you and call out to you if I saw you in the streets. Wouldn't you do the same?"
"How sure are you?" Athrun chuckled.
"Hey! The fact that you're not denouncing or making fun of the book that is so important to me, that's enough of a start for us to be good friends," Cagalli replied.
"Don't you have friends?" Athrun asked.
"You think I'm a loner with those weird interests? Haha, But for your information, I do have friends, a best friend in fact. But I'm not sure if I'm ready to reveal things like this, with all the stigma and misconceptions as you said," Cagalli thought about Shura. Shura was so "innocent" that she didn't want to taint him. She would only ask Shura if she were about to get married into a random noble family and wouldn't be able to visit the museum otherwise.
"Well, don't know what to say. But I guess I did read your book, and that book gave me this bump, so yeah, I think I can go with being your friend." He chuckled. He didn't know why, but joking came out naturally. "Other than the location, won't you find it awkward going with a man?" he asked sincerely, wanting to understand her perspective.
Cagalli paused for a moment, considering his question.
"It's true, it might be a bit unconventional," she admitted thoughtfully. "But didn't I say I trust you enough? And I repeat, I am a good judge of character," she said proudly.
Athrun nodded, "I see what you mean," he replied thoughtfully.
"To be honest, it would be more suspicious if I went there alone," Cagalli admitted, her voice tinged with concern. "Sometimes people see me as a little girl or on the other ehd, I might become a a target or attract unwanted attention. I can defend myself, but if they gang up on me, that would be a different scenario," she said.
Athrun nodded understandingly. He admired her courage but also respected her way of seeing things, of trying to look at two sides, risks and rewards. "I get it," he said reassuringly. "But maybe give me more time to prepare psychologically and read more on the topic. I don't want to seem clueless about this," he admitted.
Cagalli laughed lightly, relieved by his response. "Take all the time you need. It's not like the museum is going anywhere," she said, smiling warmly at him.