Chapter 6
Sorry for the late update guys.
Personal shout out to Fuyu Aki for giving me the name for Yama's father.
Thanks to Fuyu Aki and Sakurai Zala for commenting which gave me the drive to keep writing. Love you guys, enjoy
The door bell rang just as Athrun had finished preparing tea for his guest.
He went to the apartment's entrance and opened the door. The anticipation of what he would hear from his guest almost made him collapse.
"Meyrin, how are you?", he said and forced a polite smile.
"I'm fine. Good Morning, Commander ", Meyrin said and entered the apartment.
They both sat on his dining table while Athrun served the tea.
"So, what did you get?", Athrun asked with great worry and anticipation in his eyes.
"You were right, sir, indeed, there's been someone keeping tabs on your...I mean Representative Attha ", she said hesitantly.
Athrun's heart dropped but it's not like he wasn't expecting it to happen.
The previous three days were gruesome for him. He had to cope with his intuition telling him to protect Cagalli while still not getting any information of how and whom he should be protecting her from.
He managed to stay at his apartment peacefully this day because Cagalli had a day off, so she would be staying at home. The Attha Manor was always occupied by almost a hundred of highly qualified security details, so Athrun always trusted that as long as Cagalli stayed at home, no harm could come her way.
"Dammit", he cursed , "oh- sorry, what intelligence have you gathered so far?".
Meyrin took an information disc out of her purse and handed it to him.
"This is the proof, this disc contains the sp coordinates which indicates the exact bird robot used to take the photos, it's gps history and everything else you need to know", Meyrin said.
"Photos?", Athrun was puzzled.
"Yes, the person also took pictures of her whenever they stalked her, you can insert the disc into your laptop and see what it is".
Athrun kept quiet for a while.
"I'll take my leave, sir, I need to go prepare for the event tonight ", Meyrin said standing up.
"Okay, thank you for this, I really appreciate it ", Athrun forced the words out of his mouth.
He didn't even have the energy to say anything or at least walk her to the door.
He opened his laptop and slid the disc on the side.
He read every detail he needed. The type of bird used, it's sn coordinates and many more things he needed to.
Athrun started noting down every detail of the robot bird that was used. All the robot birds were obviously stored at Morganroute, so he knew where to find the bird but he was left with the "who?" part of the question.
Who would follow her and why?.
Athrun clicked on the picture folder. One thing that scared him now, was that the spy obviously had the copy of the pictures he took during their meeting with Kira. And Athrun now feared what he was going to do with those pictures.
If he were to publish them, Cagalli would look like a liar in front of everyone.
The first picture popped up on the screen and to Athrun surprise, it wasn't the one where they met Kira.
It was from almost a year before. It was from the infamous day he escaped with her from her security details and took her to the beach.
"Oh my...", he held his breath in shock.
Athrun continued scrolling through the pictures and his shock grew even more.
"If this person has been stalking her for more than a year without getting caught", Athrun said in a whisper, "then he must be really powerful and has a lot of people helping him to breach security at Morganroute ".
The pictures of their meeting with Kira was also included in the photos.
"I need to find this son of a bitch", Athrun said in anger.
The spy hadn't taken any photos at the Attha Manor probably because there's tighter security there.
Athrun immediately dialed Kisaka's personal number.
The line rang a few times before he picked up the phone.
"Hello".
"Colonel Kisaka, this is Athrun Zala, I'm sorry to disturb you this early in the morning".
"Athrun Zala, quite surprising to hear from you this early for sure, is there something wrong with the Representative?".
"Yes, sir. I have found some evidence that suggests someone has been spying on her for more than a year now".
"What?!!, How?!", Kisaka exclaimed.
"It seems they have used a robot bird".
"Our robot birds are highly secured at Morganroute, so I guess it's a foreign spy, probably from the Blue-".
"No, sir, it's coordinates and structural data specifies that it's from Morganroute, it's actually manufactured here in Orb".
"But how come?!, there's very tight security around our spy machines that I don't think anyone could be able to steal any".
There was silence for a moment.
"So then, I guess, it's someone here in Orb, a citizen but also someone who is powerful enough to do it without getting caught ".
"But...who could it be and why?".
"I have been asking myself that too Colonel. However as far as investigations go, this has to be a secretsince it's an inside job. If anyone knows that we're investigating, it'll alert the spy. And please, could you arrange more security details for Cagalli both at work and wherever she goes please?".
"Of course, I'll work on that".
After the phone call, Athrun dialed the Attha Manor telephone and Marna answered.
"Hello, Attha Family Residence, this is Marna speaking ".
"Mrs. Marna, thank goodness, you answered", Athrun said in relief.
"Good Morning, Master Athrun, how are you today?".
"I'm fine Ma'am, I have a favor to aske from you".
"Go on, how may I help you Master Athrun?".
"I need you to make sure Cagalli doesn't leave the house today, even with security details, we need to do some reinforcement in her security".
"Oh...".
"So can you please run all her errands for her and tell her chief of security to not allow her to get out of the house until the Event tonight?".
"Master Athrun, I'm sorry to inform you but Lady Cagalli left the house early in the morning".
"What?!!, where to?!!...did she have any security at all?".
"I don't think so sir, she only had her driver".
"Dammit", Athrun cursed, "I-I'm sorry for saying that Mrs. Marna. Did she tell you where she was going?".
"Yes, she was going to see her doctor ".
"Okay, thank you for your time, have a nice day, Mrs. Marna ".
"No problem, have a nice one yourself too Master Athrun ".
Athrun sighed after hanging up the phone. It seemed like Cagalli didn't take her safety seriously at all.
"Dammit, Cagalli, why do you always have to be so stubborn ", he cursed under his breath.
Athrun checked the gps position of the tracker he put in Cagalli's ring. He got ready and followed her.
Cagalli knocked on the doctor's door. She had come wearing a head scarf and dark shades to hide her identity. She was also wearing casual clothes.
Of course, it would be a real scandal if the Representative of Orb, who's neither married nor engaged was seen at a Gynaecologist's office.
The door opened and the bald older man smiled at her.
"Miss Attha, welcome ".
"Good Morning, Doctor", she said entering the room.
"Morning, how are you, please have a seat?".
"I'm fine, thank you ".
"So how may I help you?".
"I couldn't say it over the phone last night because I don't want anyone to know about this...I would like to get contraception".
"Contraception?", his eyes widened.
"Yes and I would like to ask that you do not make a record of it because I really don't want anyone to know about this...this should just stay between us, alright doctor?", she said sternly.
"Y-yes Representative, but as a gynaecologist, I'd like to advise that all birth control methods have side effects that may-".
"I'm sorry to interrupt you doctor but, I already know that".
"Oh I see, so you've done a little research of your own...but I'll tell you professional medical advice on contraception first before we start".
After a long conversation with the doctor. Cagalli finally got the implant inserted in her arm.
The doctor had applied local anaesthesia but soon after the insertion, her arm started hurting. He bandaged her arm carefully and gave her some painkillers.
"Okay, that's it", the doctor said while removing his gloves, "you should take the painkillers three times each day and the insertion wound should be fully healed in three days...After that, you should regularly touch the implant to see if it's still fixed in it's position. That should be done at least once in two weeks, do not push it, just touch it".
Cagalli nodded.
"As I said before, the implant will work for the next 3 years".
Cagalli winced in pain when she tried to move her arm.
"So?", she started, "...when will the implant start working?, how long will I have to wait to be intimate with someone?".
"The implant usually takes a few days to start working but to be safe, I advise you to wait at least to weeks before you engage in intercourse", the doctor said, "we wouldn't want you getting pregnant before your betrothal is officially finalised into marriage ".
"Okay...so are we done yet?".
"Yes, Representative, we're done here, you may take your leave".
"Thank you".
Cagalli gathered her stuff and left the doctor's office.
It was still early in the morning but she could already see that it was going to be a sunny day. She loved sunny days, the weather was obviously less depressing than winter, the only thing she hated about sunny days was that she had to stop wearing trousers because they'd be too hot. She hated wearing dresses but wearing shorts was never comfortable for her either so she worried what she was going to wear to the event tonight.
"Cagalli ", she heard someone call her from afar.
She looked around and saw Athrun's car. He closed his door and walked towards her.
She excitedly ran to meet him.
"Athrun ", she said hugging him.
"Cagalli ", he said hugging her back, "Are you okay? What are you doing at a doctor's office?".
"Uh, yeah, I'm okay, it was just a routine check up, nothing to worry about", She lied, "...how did you know I was here?".
They let go of the embrace.
"Uh...Mrs. Marna told me you were here", he lied, "She also told me that came with no security, so I'm here to look after you".
"Hey, I'm not a child Athrun!, I don't need to be looked after and I have my driver here, he can protect me if anything happens", she demanded.
If it were a different day, he would have laughed, but after discovering that someone had been spying on her, Athrun's sense of humour was gone that day.
"Cagalli this is not about you not being able to take care of yourself or not, it's about you being the Representative of this country which puts you in a position where people out there might attack or even kill you", Athrun said sternly with a serious face, "Why is this so hard for you to understand, Cagalli?!".
"I am not in danger, Athrun. It's all in your head!!, why can't you understand that too?", she said angrily.
"Cagalli, we're not arguing about this, you need to be with at least two security details wherever you go".
"So I can't even live a normal life now?, I can't go anywhere without a bubch of bodyguards hoovering around me?".
"Unfortunately, yes, you have to, and that's not up for discussion, now come on, let me accompany you wherever you want to go for the rest of the day".
"No!, you can't dictate my life like that, I'm not a child, Athrun!".
"Well I have no choice but to treat you like one since you keep acting like one, now let's go".
Athrun took her by her left arm and she yelped in pain.
"Ouch, that hurts, you're hurting me", she winced.
Athrun immediately let go of her arm. He had been very gentle with his touch so much so that he was shocked to hear that.
"I'm so sorry, did I twist your arm?", Athrun said worriedly taking a look at her arm under her coat.
"No", she winced again, "it's okay".
"Cagalli ", Athrun said frowning, "Why do you have a bandage?, Did you get hurt or something?, Is it why you came here at the doctor's?, why didn't you tell me you were hurt?".
Athrun couldn't stop blabbering.
"I'm not hurt Athrun, it was just a routine check up", she lied.
"A routine check up that involves bandages?", Athrun frowned again, "Cagalli, sweetheart, can you please tell me what really happened here instead of lying to me?".
Athrun now worried that she may have been hurt unknowingly by the spy.
"Nothing, stop being so paranoid, Athrun".
"I'm not being paranoid Cagalli, I need to know what happened and if-".
"Ok, ok, ok, fine!", She yelled, "I got the implant, that's why I have a bandage...are you happy now?!", she said angrily.
Athrun's eyes widened. He immediately realised that this was a conversation they were supposed to have in private, so he went to her driver and told him that he would be the one taking her home.
They both got into his car.
"Cagalli-".
"I know, it's stupid or I am rushing things right, is that what you're gonna say?", she harshly cut him off.
"No, that's not what I was gonna say", Athrun said, "Cagalli, are you really sure you want to do this?".
"Yes, I already told you haven't I?".
"Okay, okay, calm down...I...I...are you really sure that-?".
"Damn it Athrun, if you are no longer attracted to me then just say it, why do you keep acting like you don't want to be with me?".
"I want to be with you, Cagalli, believe me on that".
"Then why do you keep rejecting me?", she said tearing up.
"Hey sweetheart, don't cry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings with that. I wasn't rejecting you, I was just trying to respect you", Athrun said gently wiping her tears off, "come here".
Held her in his arms comfortably as they sat in the backseat of his car.
"There there, my love, I'm sorry didn't mean you hurt you, please don't cry", he said rubbing her back.
"Then why do you keep rejecting me?, Is it because you slept with Meer Campbell and no longer want ugly short haired girls?!", she asked in anger in between her sobbing.
Athrun's heart skipped a bit. Cagalli knew about that incident?.
"Meer Campbell?", he let her go and looked into her eyes, "I didn't sleep with her, she just came into my room and-... wait a minute, who told you that?!".
"Does it matter?", she sniffed angrily.
"Yes, it does!", he lost control of his anger, "because whoever told you that is a liar!".
Silence.
"So it is true then", Cagalli said in shock, "You did...sleep with her".
"Cagalli, that was just a misunderstanding, she-".
"Then why did you get so worked up when I said it?", she cut him off.
"Can you just please let me finish what I'm saying, for once at least?", he begged.
She huffed and crossed her arms like a stubborn toddler.
"She came into my room while I was asleep and I just saw her in my bed in the morning and then when Lunamaria knocked on my door to invite me to breakfast, Meer opened the door, that's why Luna thought I had slept her", he explained desperately, "I tried to explain to her what had really happened but she never believed me...Was she the one who told you?".
Cagalli laughed.
"Why are you laughing Cagalli?", Athrun was confused. One minute she was crying and now she was laughing as if nothing had happened?.
"You just", she couldn't say more since she was still laughing.
"Cagalli, this is something really serious that we need to talk about", he said sternly.
"I'm sorry", she held in her laugh, "it's just that, the way you explained it was so funny".
"Why?".
"You just looked and sounded so desperate, I've never seen you like that before ", she laughed again.
"Cagalli this isn't funny", Athrun said firmly, "We need to clear up this misunderstanding ".
"You're a well decorated soldier and spy Athrun, how couldn't you see that I was manipulating you?", she wheezed.
"Huh?".
"I know you didn't sleep with her, at least now I'm sure of it ", Cagalli continued laughing.
"But...what do you mean by that?", he asked.
"I have known about this incident since the end of the second war...Lacus had invited me to her pyjama party the other day...When I was still in the passage , I overhead Meyrin, Lunamaria and Lacus talking", she paused and bit her lip and then continued, " I heard them talking about how she was always throwing herself at you but you never gave her the attention she really wanted. Both the sisters sounded so jealous of her".
"Both?", his gasped.
"Yes".
"Wait, I was at that party too, how come I didn't see you or hear any of that, was Kira there too?".
"No, it was just the three of them. I ended up not getting inside and I didn't let them know I had come either, till this day Lacus still thinks that I was caught up in work and couldn't come".
"So you must have arrived after Kira had escorted Shinn and I to the main entrance of the building", Athrun said in shock.
Those were the days he was missing Cagalli a lot and he was still hurting from the fact that she had removed his ring, basically breaking up with him.
If only he had know she had been in the PLANTS that time, he would have gone to see her.
"Anyway, we have to forget about this, I need to go do my dress fitting for tonight's Gala ", She said closing her eyes to suppress tears.
"No wait", Athrun held her hand, "Cagalli, I want you to know that I have never laid my eyes on any other girl since I met you, nomatter how hard they try to throw themselves at me ...my heart will always belong to you", Athrun said bringing her hand to his chest and she felt his heart beat.
She smiled at him and he did too.
"I love you Cagalli, with all my heart and this heart ", he pressed her hand on his chest harder, "only beats for you. I really want to be with you intimately but I was scared that it might have been an impulsive idea you got and that you would regret it later but now that I see that you've actually thought things through, we can take this next step in our relationship, sweetheart".
"Really?", Cagalli was excited.
"Yes, my love", he said and kissed her passionately.
Athrun had longed to make love to her. He had thought about it many times, even dreamt about it but he had always wanted to respect Cagalli and wait until she was ready. And now that she was ready, he couldn't be happier.
After dropping Cagalli at the Attha Manor, Athrun drove to his workplace. He needed to collect some things he needed for his investigation.
He walked down the empty hallway quietly. No one was at work today since everyone was preparing for the Gala tonight, so the hallway was very quite too.
"Ouch", he murmured when he bumped into someone at a corner.
"I'm sorry...Commander Zala?...what are you doing here today, I thought you had an off day today?", Samantha smiled at him.
"I'm just here to get a few of my things...why are you here too?...isn't everyone supposed to be preparing for the Gala tonight instead of coming to work?", Athrun frowned.
"Uh...yeah, I just passed by here to make sure I locked my office, I'm actually on my way to the mall to shop for tonight with Meyrin ", She said.
"With Meyrin?", he was confused because he had never seen them speak to each other before.
"Yes, we just discovered that we've so much in common when it comes to fashion".
"Oh...then have a nice day", he said and continued walking to his office.
He stopped in his tracks when he remembered something.
"Uhm, Miss Reed?".
"Yeah?".
"I have been wanting to apologise...uh about last week, I really made a mistake when I yelled at you".
"Oh...don't worry about that commander, I had already forgotten about it".
"Thank you".
Samantha was no longer affected by that at all but then she got an idea, an idea of how to use his guilt for everything to work in her favor.
"You know, it still bugs me sometimes though, I've never had any boss yellbat me like that, especially when I am trying to do my best to make sure their job is always smooth for them", she made a pretentious sad face.
"Oh", that's all Athrun could manage to say. He felt really bad for what he did. In his eyes, the poor assistant was just trying to do her job and he yelled at her.
"I mean, it didn't surprise me that much since you've always been very cold towards me".
Athrun couldn't find any more words to say.
"Commander ", Samantha put on another sad face, "Do you think my work is too bad, I mean am I efficient at all to you...if I am not, please let me know so that I can fix where I am not doing well. Throughout my whole career, I have been very confident about my work since my bosses always treated me right but since I started working for you, I can't help but feel so useless since you always seem annoyed by my presence ".
"No, no, you're a very efficient assistant Ms. Reed, it's just that, I struggle to communicate with people so sometimes people think I hate them or I am not satisfied by their work but I actually am. I am really sorry for making you feel that way, I wish I could make it up to you".
"Okay, well, you can do that by having lunch or dinner with me sometime, when you're free", She smiled.
One thing she was most confident of, was how she was always able to get what she wanted from men, especially through manipulation.
"No, thanks for the invite but I can't do that".
"Well if you're afraid of being seen in public with your subordinate, you can come to my apartment and I'll fix something for us, I'm a very good cook".
"No, Ms. Reed, let's just keep this as an apology".
Athrun left for his office after that.
Samantha was so annoyed. Why was he such a tough nut to crack?.
"You're a challenging man, Commander Zala and I happen to love challenges ", she said to herself and walked out of the building.
"That looks really good on you, it hugs your figure very well", Meyrin commended.
"Uhm, no...I don't think so", Samantha frowned while studying the dress.
"But it looks so good on you, you look so elegant in that".
"Elegant?", Samantha chuckled, "Elegance won't get me a single admirer at all".
"Nonsense, I'm sure you'll turn a lot of heads tonight ", Meyrin smiled at her.
"I doubt that, elegance will turn heads of older men, guys our age prefer hotness over elegance", Samantha huffed, "I'm gonna look for another one".
"Well, we have plenty of time to shop, so let's go to another store", Meyrin said.
"No, I think I saw something better in the third isle here", Samantha said.
"Okay".
"What about you?, you've only tried one dress, are you already satisfied with that?".
"Yes, I like how it looks on me and besides, you said it looks good on me too".
Samantha chuckled, much to Meyrin's confusion.
"You need to try more dresses especially the ones that leave a little cleavage out. I think those would make you look really hot and sexy too".
"I am not a big fan of experimenting with clothes", Meyrin chuckled, "if something already looks good on me, I don't need to look for more do I?".
Samantha sighed dramatically.
"Well then, I guess Commander Zala is one of a kind. He is a keeper".
Meyrin was confused by what she said.
"What do you mean?, where does Commander Zala fit in this conversation?", Meyrin frowned in confusion.
"He likes you just the way you are, I've never seen you wear something sexy but look at you now, he is so loyal and loves you enough to cancel his important work meetings just to be with you", she smirked.
Meyrin kept quiet for a while, not knowing what to say.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone if you guys want to keep your relationship a secret, I was just commenting, I'm sorry if I offended you".
"Relationship?", Meyrin gasped.
"Y-yeah,...it's okay if you want to keep it private, but you can't fool me by denying that a punctual and serious man like Commander Zala would cancel important work meetings just to see someone he isn't romantically involved with, can you?".
"No, no, you really got this wrong Samantha ", Meyrin laughed, "I'm not involved in any way with the Commander".
Samantha's eyes widened.
"So, the Commander is actually single?", she smiled, "I wonder how a hot and handsome guy like him can still be single".
"You speak like you're very fond of him, in a romantic way, I mean", Meyrin teased.
"Come on, who wouldn't have the hots for a guy like him, he is a such a heart throb".
"Huh?", Meyrin asked in shock.
She had asked Samantha in a teasing way without expecting her to actually be in love with the Commander.
"Okay, Meyrin calm down, I know he is my boss but come on, it's not like I have committed a crime".
"Okay, but don't go for it okay, that's the only advice I can give you".
"Why, you think he won't find me attractive? or are you still in love with him?".
"No, I already moved on from that a long time ago", Meyrin smiled thinking about her current boyfriend, "I just want to help you not waste your time".
"Why are you saying that?".
"The Commander already has a woman in his life but he is a very private person, that's why you don't know about her".
"A woman?, who is she?", Samantha frowned.
"Like I said, he doesn't want his private life to be talked about at all, so it's not my position to tell you that", Meyrin said, "even if you try to be with him, he will never notice you, and don't try to get naked in front of him, because even that won't work either...trust me, I know someone that tried that too and the Commander still didn't budge...he will always chose the woman he loves nomatter what and no even distance or time can separate them, so I have noticed ".
Meyrin started recalling when she still had a crush on Athrun. She herself had gotten so deep into it especially after she realised that he and Cagalli were no longer together at that time. She had tried everything to be close to him but it was all in vain. She would cook for him and try to start conversations with him.
He eventually started talking to her too outside of work. She was so relieved and thought that maybe they would at least start a friendship and then start dating but he was still very emotionally closed off.
She finally decided to let go of pursuing him when she found him alone in their terminal office one day. Tears were streaming down his face while holding something in his hands. When she moved closer to him, she realised it was a picture of Cagalli.
He had been crying for her.
"Do you know her personally?", Samantha asked.
"I've met her a few times but we only talk professionally so I can't say I know her personally but all I can tell you is that...she is very special to Commander Zala and nothing in this world can make him leave her, not even if she wants him to apparently ".
Samantha kept quiet while digesting the information.
"So are you gonna try the next dress or that will do?".
"I-I'll try the next one".
"Okay, I will be waiting in the changing room".
Dusk came upon Orb and everyone in the military and government was ready for the Gala to honor the war heroes.
This was the first ever Gala held for Soldiers in Orb thanks to Kisaka's suggestion. Orb Soldiers were usually awarded in just an award ceremony not a big Gala like this one.
Everyone was arriving at the ceremony hall dressed in their military and governmental uniforms respectively.
The Gala was a two part event. First, the Award ceremony for the Soldiers and their promotions and then the party would start afterwards.
Cagalli stepped out of the limo accompanied by her guards. She was wearing her white uniform instead of the purple one.
A swam of journalists started taking pictures of her.
"Representative Attha, could we ask you a few questions please?", a journalist asked.
Cagalli stopped.
"Representative, this is the first ever event held just dedicated to Soldiers in our country, since you're the first Chief Representative of our country to actually fight in a battlefield with the Soldiers, did that influence you to go overboard for our heroes like no one else has done before?".
"Uhm, yes and no", Cagalli said smiling, "Well, I would say that I really got first hand experience of how hard our Soldiers work when I worked alongside them both as a Representative and as a normal civilian but Colonel Ledunior Kisaka of the Orb Space Forces is the one that suggested that and I was really surprised as to why I hadn't thought of that yet".
Cagalli knew that as a politician, lying to the press was the way to go but she always to be honest like her father.
"Representative there have been a few rumours that suggest that despite the positive attitude the citizens have towards COMPASS, you might want to suspend it forever", another journalist answered.
Cagalli almost froze when that question came across. Of course, she knew that she would eventually have to break the news to the public but she wasn't ready to do it yet.
"The COMPASS issue is still in the discussion phase, we haven't come to any conclusions yet".
"Representative, we all know that Commander Yamato is the main catalyst in the suspension of COMPASS being revoked, since he is your brother, don't you have a way to contact him or you just don't want to?", another journalist asked.
That question hit her hard. She was doing the latter and she felt so guilty for that.
"No, I do not have any other way to contact the Commander. I have tried and exhausted all means that I had to contact him, excuse me please, I need to get in before the ceremony starts", Cagalli gave them a polite smile and walked into the building.
Another car arrived and Athrun stepped out. He too was wearing his Orb Commander uniform.
After entering the Hall, he scanned around for Cagalli. He wanted to be near hear and protect her. Since finding out about the spy, he had never been the same, he always feared that she was in danger every time she was in public.
He walked around and found her conversing with other Orb officials. The lights in the hall illuminated her features and Athrun was mesmerised by her beauty. He smiled while staring at her, her wine rich laugher echoed in his ears and warmth filled his chest. Gosh, how much he loved her.
A waiter offered him champagne and he took one glass.
Athrun then heard two people walk and stand near him.
"Our defence forces surely have a lot of hot women", one of the young men said.
"Yeah, a lot", another one said but in a sort of bitter way.
"Too bad you can't get one anymore ", the first guy laughed.
"Shut up", the bitter one said.
"Come on cheer up, man, it won't be the end of life if you marry her, besides she's pretty though".
"She's an animal, she's the worst spoiled brat that I've ever met".
"But you have to marry her whether you like it or not".
"I know but I still can't believe my father would suggest something like that, it really pisses me off, why would I marry such an ugly excuse of a woman?".
Athrun low key felt bad for the girl being talked about. He too was betrothed to someone he didn't like but he never bad mouthed her or disrespect her like the two gentlemen were doing to that poor girl.
"Hey, at least she has a great body, have you taken a look at her curves?, plus she has a cute face, I wouldn't call her ugly though", the other guy said, "maybe you should give it a try, maybe you have a little chemistry between you".
"Haumea forbid, I can never have chemistry with that brainless little twat, she is classless and doesn't even know how to behave like a Royal Noble or at least like a woman".
Athrun frowned. Who were they talking about?.
"I get you though, she's a real troublemaker that one".
"But anyway, I have to or else this country will go into Shambles, just look at what has happened to our country during her leadership, Orb has been threatened by genesis and requiem more than two times. No other leader has put Orb in danger as much as she has", the bitter guy said.
Athrun dropped his glass getting the attention of everyone around him. The waiters rushed to clean up the mess.
He involuntarily dropped it after realising who the two guys were talking about. It ws Cagalli, HIS Cagalli.
Athrun turned his head and looked at them. He recognised one of them. He had seen him in the Parliament offices and on the news. It was Yama Sahaku.
Athrun felt intense anger well up in him.
"Oh, are we making too much noise for your liking Commander Zala?", Yama gave Athrun a devious smirk.
Athrun balled his fists in anger.
"No", Athrun said through gritted teeth.
If Yama wasn't a Royal Noble, Athrun would have beaten the daylights out of him. Attacking a Royal Noble was considered as treason and Athrun would go to prison for life if he did.
The anger in him had become unbearable. He knew that if he stayed there another minute he would end up punching Yama so he barged out of the hall and went out side to catch his breath.
Marriage?, Cagalli was getting betrothed to someone else? He couldn't believe that this was happening again. He thought that since Yuna was dead, the whole marriage thing was gone but it seemed like he was wrong.
Athrun punched the wall while standing in the dark outside of the hall. He was so angry that after all the work he and Cagalli have put in to be together, something like this comes up.
"Your hand is bleeding, do you need a towel?", Yama said standing behind Athrun.
"What the heck are you doing here?", Athrun frowned in anger.
"Just checking in on a friend".
"You and I aren't friends so fuck off!".
"Oh, I know we aren't but we will have to be", he smirked.
Athrun wanted nothing more than punching that idiotic smirk off his face at that moment but he knew it would get him in serious trouble.
"If you fuck off, it would benefit both of us, I won't listen to you disrespect Cagalli again without beating the life out of you", Athrun hissed, "Now get out of here!".
"Wow, what a temper you have. I have heard a lot about you, the cabinet praises you for being a calm, objective and rational man Commander Zala, if only they knew this side of you", Yama continued teasing Athrun but Athrun knew he was trying to provoke him into an altercation so he kept quiet.
Athrun walked away from Yama, making his way back into the hall but Yama stopped him when he said something.
"You know?, I am someone you'd really want to be friends with than an enemy", Yama said, "I mean, you wouldn't want to get our dear Cagalli into trouble by having me as your enemy".
Athrun kept quiet again, he knew if he opened his mouth, he would end up beating Yama up into a pulp.
"I suggest you try to make other friends, not me, Mr. Sahaku", Athrun said through gritted teeth.
"I wouldn't want to make friends with someone as insignificant as you but you definitely should be on my good side, Commander Zala, you wouldn't want anyone finding out about you and our dear Representative".
Athrun's heart skipped a beat, how did he know about this?.
"Or about her recent lies concerning not being able to contact her brother ", Yama said throwing the pictures at Athrun.
Athrun picked up the pictures from the ground. His eyes widened as he saw that these were the pictures Meyrin found during her investigation, the ones where they met Kira.
"So you're the spy", Athrun murmured in a low voice.
Yama didn't hear that.
Athrun's anger got even worse and he felt like he was a second away from killing him right on the spot.
"What do you want from Cagalli, you bastard?!", Athrun hissed as he grabbed Yama's collar.
"Hey, calm down, Commander, I'm come in peace here".
"Shut your filthy mouth you disgusting rat!", Athrun hissed, pushing him to the wall, fortunately no one was the to see that, "if you hurt her even in the slightest way, I swear I'll kill you with my bare hands, you here me?!!".
"Don't forget who I am-".
"I don't give a damn who you are!, touch Cagalli and I'll do things to you that even the devil is afraid of!".
Athrun let go of the him. Yama looked a little afraid but angry at the same time.
Athrun walked back into the hall and searched for Cagalli again. He didn't know if he was supposed to be relieved that he had found Cagalli's spy or not.
He had been expecting the spy to be a mysterious figure probably sent by the blue Cosmos or other political enemies of Orb but never had he ever thought that it would be an Orb citizen much less a political figure.
The only thing that relieved Athrun was that at least he now knew who to protect her from.
Cagalli stood alone in a corner. She saw Athrun standing a few feet near her and felt disappointed that he didn't come to her.
Of course, she knew that they had agreed to keep a low profile in public but she felt so lonely. Athrun had only spoke to her a few seconds when she officially handed him his medals and presented to him his new promotion from Commander to Admiral of the Orb ground forces.
She thought Athrun would at least be happy after getting promoted but he had a gloomy look on his face. The face he always had when he was in battle.
She sighed and walked to him.
"You know?, sometimes you need to relax and have too", she said as she approached him.
"Huh?", Athrun said.
"I said you should be having fun at a time like this instead of drowning in your thoughts ", she smiled at him.
Athrun's features relaxed and he gently smiled at her too.
"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about a few things I need to do tomorrow ", he smiled at her.
Athrun's heart welled with love. She looked so beautiful in the dress she was wearing for the party and her eyes were gloriously glistening in the bright light.
"That's what I am talking about, you work a lot, you need time to let loose and have fun too".
"Okay, as you wish, Representative...well in that case, may I have this dance?", he smiled at her.
Cagalli agreed and he took her hand. They joined the crowd of couples on the dance floor.
"You look really beautiful in that dress", Athrun smiled while looking into her eyes.
Cagalli blushed.
"Thanks...do you like dresses on me?", Cagalli asked nervously.
"I like anything on you, my love".
He wanted to kiss her so bad but they were in public.
"You look great too tonight, tuxedos really suit you", Cagalli said smiling as they swerved and danced to the classic music.
"By the way, congratulations for your promotion, my love".
Athrun blushed and his eyes widened.
"What's wrong? did I say something bad?", Cagalli asked.
"No...it's just that,...this is the first time you've ever called me that".
"Called you what?", she frowned.
"My love".
"Oh...I-I..I'm sorry-".
"No, no, no, you don't have to apologise, sweetheart, I actually like it".
"Oh okay", She smiled.
"Don't you feel cold?, the temperature in this hall seems low", Athrun said.
"Yeah, but I'll be okay, don't worry".
"I'll give you my jacket".
"No, hey, we're still in public remember?".
"Oh, damn it".
"We could go to your car, I mean the event is almost over and my presence is no longer needed here anyway ".
"Okay, my car is parked quite far away, so I'll go get it first, just wait here, I'll be back".
He almost gave her a peck on the lips but then remembered that they were in public. He groaned disappointedly and went to get his car.
Athrun longed for the day they wouldn't have to pretend anymore, the day he would let the whole world know that Cagalli is the love of his life.
'I have to be patient, everything will workout one day', he thought.
Cagalli was left alone again. She stood there feeling colder than before.
"May I have this dance Representative?".
Cagalli turned around and saw Minister Sahaku's son.
"Ah, Yama, I'm really sorry I can't, I'm about to leave anyway ", she said innocently.
"Aww, too bad...you're trembling, are you cold?".
"Uh yes but I am fine".
"Here, cover yourself with my jacket", he said taking off his jacket and putting it on her shoulders.
"No, Mr. Sahaku, I am fine, you can take back your jacket".
"I insist, we wouldn't want you getting sick Representative, I mean no harm by the way, it's just a jacket".
Cagalli couldn't say anything more, she just felt awkward.
"Representative Attha, it's time".
Cagalli turned again and saw Athrun there. He was talking to her but his gazed was fixed on Yama and Cagalli couldn't understand why he looked like he was about to kill him.
"Okay, Admiral", Cagalli said to Athrun, "Thank you for your jacket Mr. Sahaku ", she said handing it over to Yama.
"No problem Representative, have a goodnight".
Cagalli and Athrun went to his car and Athrun drove in silence. Cagalli kept looking at him and the expression on his face was still gloomy.
"My love, what's wrong?, you haven't said anything since we left the Gala", Cagalli asked worriedly.
"Nothing", Athrun mumbled and kept his gaze fixed on the road.
Cagalli sighed.
"Athrun, I know you, you don't get so gloomy like that for no reason, did something happen?".
"No, nothing important except when you refused to wear my jacket in public but you accepted that idiot's jacket ", his jaw clenched.
"So...this is what it's about?...a stupid jacket?...you're mad because of a stupid jacket Athrun?", Cagalli laughed bitterly.
Athrun kept quiet.
"Athrun, why would-".
"Can we just get home in silence please Cagalli?, I don't wanna talk about this", he cut her off.
"Oh, we have to talk about it Athrun...I actually didn't want that guy's jacket but he kept insisting".
"Like I said, I don't feel like arguing tonight, Cagalli ".
"No!, you can't just accuse me of something and then say you don't want to talk about it!", Cagalli fumed, "besides what harm would it do if I wear his jacket?".
"What harm would it do if you wore mine?".
"Because everyone would start seeing that there's more than a professional relationship between us, since Yama is a Noble they won't talk much about it because it's normal".
"Since he is a noble member too, will you marry him if you're required to?".
"Athrun...why are you asking that?, where did that question come from?, what the hell is wrong with you tonight?".
Athrun didn't answer but he pulled up by a gas station and parked his car there.
"What are we doing here?", Cagalli asked.
"You want to know what's wrong with me, Cagalli?".
"Yes!".
"It's your weakness!...I hate that everytime I try to trust you, you show me just how fast you're willing to bend to someone if they put even the slightest pressure on you!", Athrun raged.
Cagalli's eyes widened, she had not thought that Athrun was already that angry in just a span of a few minutes.
"What...what do you mean?".
"You were supposed to reject his advances Cagalli, when you let him put that jacket over your shoulders, did you even think about how that would make me feel?".
"It's just a jacket Athrun but anyway I am sorry if that upset you", she said angrily.
"Look I'm sorry for lashing out at you like that, I just...".
Cagalli kept looking at him angrily.
"Just promise me you won't agree to marry him Cagalli, please?".
"Marry who?, Athrun what the heck are you talking about?".
That's when it hit Athrun hard. He realised that all the things Yama was talking about were being planned behind her back.
'Should I tell her about this or how he has been stalking us for years?', Athrun asked.
But there was one thing Athrun was sure of, that he was going to deal with Yama and make him pay, nomatter the circumstance.
Thanks for reading, let me know what you think.