Phase 06: Breaking Point

"We know that Blue Cosmos always has an escape route ready when the going gets rough, so our strategy will be to box them in and anticipate which possible method they will choose. We already have Albert Heinlein from COMPASS there working closely with the Island of Pacifica's government to ensure that any unusual vehicle will be flagged for our pursuit."

Athrun was standing in front of a large briefing room with forces from Orb, COMPASS and the United States of South America seated, listening intently to him as he discussed their strategy once they start the operation. With all the forces complete, this was the best time to have a discussion on the finalized plans. Where each team would be stationed, what they would do, what tactics they would employ and all those things.

"What is the possibility that Jonathan Gabriel is there on the island?" Captain Gonzales of the USSA asked him as he fiddled with his beard.

"Our intel has informed us that he was present in the production site, overseeing the production of their newest mobile suits. Although there is no report if he is still present now, there is also no flag of any person that matches his description leaving the country by air or by sea." Athrun responded with the report that was given to him by Terminal.

"There are no unusual movements with the production site as well." Captain Kisaka, who was standing behind Athrun, stepped forward and added. "It seems that they have not been tipped off that they are under pursuit by our forces."

"Let's hope that it stays that way so that tomorrow the operation goes smoothly." Captain Luciano, another military personnel from USSA, remarked.

That was what Athrun hoped for as well. So far, this mission was very confidential. To avoid any speculations as to why members of the United States of South America and COMPASS were here, they had to create distractions. Officially, Orb military has announced a military training camp with the United States of South America. They had USSA personnel staff fly to Olofat for two weeks to have a collaborative time with Orb's own staff. They would exchange established training regiments, common practices and the like.

For COMPASS, they had them flown in under the guise of participating in the training camp as well as being briefed on their role as the Head Representative's escorts for the ball that would take place in the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

So when other members of the Orb forces see people from either USSA or COMPASS, they would not bat an eye and think that this was all for the current events that were taking place.

"Rear Admiral Zala, we are to capture the leader of Blue Cosmos alive?" Ensign Barry Cornwell, the officer that had a mock battle with him a few days back also flown in for the mission.

"That's right." Athrun agreed. "In any case, there might be vital information about any other Blue Cosmos activities that we can get from him."

"But what if he opens fire on us?" A petty officer from the Earth Forces, assigned to the front lines asked him. Indeed, it was not an easy task to ensure that they could capture him alive, especially when their lives could also be in danger.

Athrun wanted to keep the casualties of this mission steady at zero.

"Then you have permission to shoot."

After more questions from several people in the room and some conversations between the commanders, the extensive meeting has come to an end. It felt like they were there for the whole day and Athrun was reasonably exhausted from it. He was not the type to be outgoing anyways so these long meetings that he had to lead and facilitate drained his energy.

He thanked everyone in the room before stepping out. Kisaka followed behind him and he slowed down to match Kisaka's pace.

"Good work, Athrun." Kisaka casually told him as they walked together in the same direction.

"Good work too, Kisaka-san." Athrun replied. Even though they have the same rank now, he would still address him with honorifics as Kisaka was some sort of mentor figure for him and has been Cagalli's guardian for the longest time.

"By the way, about your tactics for the next operation, I was thinking…" Kisaka started, which worried him.

"Was there anything there that you disagreed with? Or that might lead our teams to fail?" Athrun was prepared to rethink and hold another session later in the day.

Kisaka shook his head, easing Athrun's trepidation. "No, it's a great strategy if I can say so myself, as expected of you. What I meant to say was with the way you set it up, it just felt to me that you wanted it to be finished as quickly as possible." He pointed out and started to laugh.

Athrun thought for a bit before responding. He never really realized it when he was formulating the plans, all he knew was that he had to execute the plan in the most efficient way possible and without any casualties, which was important to him.

"Are you rushing to get back home to Cagalli?" Kisaka inquired in a joking way.

Athrun stopped in his tracks, surprised by Kisaka's comment. He doesn't usually pry about matters between him and Cagalli, while he did give advice when needed, so that caught him off-guard a bit. "Ki-Kisaka-san?"

Kisaka wasn't wrong but also, he was embarrassed to admit it. He did want to take a chance to have a bit of a day off if he finished the mission early so that he could see her on the off-chance that she was also free after she got back from Scandinavia.

Kisaka saw his flustered reaction and gave him a huge pat on the back, while laughing. "Why are you still so self-conscious talking about it? What are you, a teenager?"

"It's not that!" Athrun retorted and tried to regain his composure. They usually bring Representative Athha in a discussion when related mostly about work. Sometimes, of course even in a professional setting, she gets talked about a lot, but not in that way, which is why it took him by surprise and has no clue how to react.

"How is Cagalli recently? Are you having a hard time convincing her to go to the Kingdom of Scandinavia instead of joining this operation?" Kisaka then asked, changing the subject even though he wanted to tease him further.

"She's doing well. Surprisingly, she hasn't articulated that she preferred to go and join us. But she's not too thrilled about going to the ball either." Athrun admitted. When they talked about the upcoming mission to the Island of Pacifica this morning though, something in her face told him that she wanted to be of help but didn't outwardly express her desire to go. He knew that she'd rather be there with them, but she was very aware of her duties now and that she cannot go running around wherever she pleased.

"With the ball just coming right after the prince's coronation, her attendance is highly anticipated." Kisaka added. "It's not a good look for her and our country if she doesn't go especially when Orb and the Kingdom of Scandinavia have been longstanding allies. Cagalli is also very good friends with Prince Fredrik, and he is also looking forward to seeing her there. Well, now the public in both countries are looking forward to their meeting as well."

"That's right." Athrun agreed with him. After all, both countries stood each with other, sending help and support when needed in times of peace and war. He also knew about the good relationship between both Cagalli and the Prince.

Now, thinking about how they would probably be socializing and dancing together him a bit peeved. He was sure that more people would be voicing out how they look good together and asking questions of possible marriage in the future. That would be a pain for him to keep hearing how the love of his life is a good match for someone else.

Of course, he was sure that there were no romantic feelings coming from Cagalli towards the prince. He didn't need to worry about someone else sweeping her off her feet. If last night wasn't an indication of her affection towards only him, he didn't know what else could be proof of that.

But the Prince? He wasn't so sure about that. He had known Cagalli longer than Athrun had as they had been friends since they were younger. Prince Fredrik did sing praises of Cagalli often and most recently, commented that he would also be honored to be her partner, which sent the media into a frenzy. Even until now, he had no fiancée yet despite being the crowned prince… which aroused so many curious questions …

For this instance, Prince Fredrik had been the one that personally requested her presence at the ball, insisting that she attend so they could catch up. Cagalli wasn't able to make it to his coronation as it was coincidentally held the same day as Orb's Memorial Day, something that was dearer to her heart.

He didn't know if it was his imagination, but sometimes the prince acted a bit differently around Cagalli. Of course, he had a noble upbringing and acted with so much refinement, but with Cagalli, he was more… relaxed and he was a perfect gentleman to her, more than to anyone else. He also has this look when his eyes are on her, and Athrun knows exactly what kind of look that is.

Now thinking about it, another man getting to enjoy her company, being in close proximity to her while she is all dressed up, whispering words into her ears due to the crowd, holding her hand and dancing with her… And it was the man that most people rooted for to be her husband? And worst of all, it was a man that is showing hints that he may be harboring some feelings for Cagalli…

That made him incredibly annoyed.

Kisaka was beside him, watching the changes in his expression in amusement, knowing what was going through his head.

"What is this? What is this?" He was surprised that Mwu suddenly appeared and threw his arm around him, treating him like his junior as he always did. "Is our Athrun jealous of the Prince Charming in Scandinavia? He will be hosting Cagalli-chan for a few days. Hmm…"

"Mwu-san! No, I-" Athrun tried to brush him off, but Mwu had a tight grip on him and was ruffling his head. He was getting even more annoyed that he was being teased like he was a kid.

"He definitely is bothered." Kisaka added, which made Athrun wish he didn't say anything else.

"Don't worry." Mwu assured him. "You should ask Shinn to watch over her and growl at anyone that dared to approach her, even the Prince!"

"Like hell I will!" He scoffed.

All the morning deliverables have been accomplished and Athrun was heading outside the military facility to his vehicle. He purposely opened his schedule so that he could drive to Cagalli's office. He would be staying late anyways as he to finish up all the preparations so he would take the chance on that slim opening that they both are free to spend time together. It was rare and fleeting after all.

As he made his way to Cagalli, he noticed something strange with his surroundings. It feels like he was being observed.

What is going on?

Officers that he came across gave him a salute, but it felt weird, and he couldn't put his finger on it. They looked like they wanted to tell him something but didn't dare to do so. He felt stares from behind him, burning a hole on his back. He couldn't see them, but he knew they were there. There were some whispers going around too.

"Hey, did you hear? A while ago, Representative Athh-"

"Quiet down! Rear Admiral Zala is right here! Don't talk about it."

What was going on? Is Cagalli alright?

"What is-"

He turned around to call out to them, but instead the people who were in his proximity shrieked and then excused themselves to attend to other businesses. Athrun had never seen so many people scurry away from him that quick until he found himself deserted. It would be hilarious if it wasn't happening to him.

He checked his phone and there were no calls and messages from her or any other people from their circle. Kisaka wasn't rushing back to him after they went their separate ways. So, it seems like nothing bad happened to Cagalli, otherwise, he would be one of the first to hear it. But what was that odd atmosphere?

He got into his car and turned on the mini television in his car. The news was reporting on the charity event that Cagalli attended this morning. No breaking news of any incident related to her, which made him relieved.

He started his car and left the military headquarters. Since he was driving, he couldn't really watch, but he was listening very closely. They described how the event was such a success with Orb's Chief Representative's presence and her participation. They mentioned how their chief representative did not shy away from also doing arduous tasks and everyone else in the venue all moved to do the same.

He reached a stoplight so he could focus on the television. It was Cagalli dressed in comfortable wear, with a hat on her head and her hair tied into a low ponytail.

"Cute." He found himself saying out loud.

Changing into that garb, she looked like any other ordinary girl as she crouched down on the ground and started to dig the soil with her shovel. If it weren't for a dozen of security detail watching her every move in the proximity, one would think that it was a random cute girl that was volunteering for the job.

For some, this could be misconstrued as her putting on an act, but for most, this is exactly the reason why she was so loved. She wasn't a stuck-up spoiled princess despite her upbringing. She was down-to-earth and wore simple clothes as her casual wear. She was willing to eat anything, tried anything that was asked of her. She did not hesitate to do some manual work and or to do work on the ground. She would interact with anyone kindly, not caring about their social status. A lot of people found her an authentic leader that could really relate to the masses.

The stoplight turned green, so he had to look away from the screen and focus on the road ahead. The segment was done and the tone on the show became more light-hearted. It was the entertainment portion of the program.

"Welcome to Orb Entertainment Daily! I am Andrea Park and today we'll bring you the latest scoop! I'm joined today by my lovely co-host, Daichi Arata!"

Athrun wasn't interested in these types of things, it was something that he felt like wasn't really needed since this was all gossip and drama. He didn't know why other people would keep consuming this type of entertainment. But he supposed that there are really some people that are interested in things like this. He was about to reach out and switch it off or change it to another channel when the host suddenly mentioned Cagalli.

"In today's charity event where our Representative Athha attended, a buzz of media awaited her outside the venue. It had been a while since we had the chance to have a glimpse of our beloved Cagalli-sama, so everyone was excited to ask her other questions." The host excitedly shared.

Athrun's face showed a bit of a discomfort after hearing that. These are probably the ones that had no sense of delicacy. To get their latest headline, they would do whatever means was necessary, even making the subject of their stories uncomfortable. Cagalli was not spared from these types of people either, even as the Head Representative of Orb, which was surprising if you think about it.

"But Cagalli-sama lost her temper today, didn't she?" The co-host chimed in, making Athrun really shocked. Cagalli had always been trying so hard to reign in her emotions. In fact, she had been good at being calm and collected nowadays, so to hear that made him really worried for her.

The host agreed. "That's right, she did lose her temper. If you'd ask me, the interviewer really pushed his way to the front to ask Representative Athha marriage questions, something that she always tried to brush off."

There it was. They asked her those intrusive questions again. Athrun thought. Can't they leave it alone? Why did they feel the need to ask her that every single time? Why was it so important for them to ask her about that? It was none of their business! Whether she was married or not didn't matter anyways because Orb isn't a monarchy! Cagalli doesn't need an heir to give security to the people. The role can be taken by any of the people in the five noble clans for crying out loud!

"EVERYONE, PLEASE CUT IT OUT!" He heard Cagalli's booming voice silence the audience around him. He was still driving so he couldn't spare a glance at the screen, but he could already tell what she looked like. Her face scrunching up as she tried to control her emotions, her taking a deep breath and trying to calm down but failing…

"But the Representative could have handled that better. With the upcoming ball in the Kingdom of Scandinavia, people are excited to hear her thoughts about the prince and a possible marriage. They are both single and at that age after all." The co-host commented further.

Gripping his steering wheel, Athrun thought about wanting to deck the co-host with what he said. Why was he defending that person who crossed the line like that? Why did it seem that Cagalli was at fault? Excited or not, to push Cagalli to the edge like that was inexcusable. She made it clear before that the media should refrain from asking her of such things and yet, they still did. Time and time again, she was nothing but patient, but they just refuse to be respectful of her boundaries.

"I suppose so! Aside from the Prince of Scandinavia, it appears that Athrun Zala from the Orb Defense Forces seems to be another person that has been appearing in the spotlight recently! It appears that he is a bachelor too!" The host exclaimed and Athrun almost stepped on the breaks, if not for his quick thinking and reflexes that decided against the move.

Why was he also being dragged into this?

"That is exciting! He has robbed the hearts of a lot of women when he first made the appearance during the Orb Military's Annual Policy Updates!" Athrun didn't even understand what he did, but apparently his appearance back then became a viral sensation in both mainstream media and in social networks.

It was not a great time as people would approach him to have pictures taken with him like he was some sort of celebrity. There was even a time when some media went to Morgenroete, but unlike Cagalli, he couldn't care less about being polite and patient towards them. He had asked security to have them kicked out or arrested should they push it even further. Thankfully, all that buzz died down eventually.

He thought that people would have forgotten about him by now, but it appeared that they have not.

"He is a hero that helped Cagalli-sama and the Kusanagi during the first war. He was also fighting for Orb in the second war and during the battle of the Foundation! Truly a fine man! I understand why a lot of the mothers want him to be their husband of their daughters."

"I would go as far as to say that those mothers also want him to be their husband too!" They chucked.

"He was engaged to the famous but now inactive pop idol, Lacus Clyne years before, wasn't he?" They just kept talking and talking about their lives which made Athrun unnerved.

"Ah yes, but it does seem that there is nothing going on between the Representative and Rear Admiral Athrun Zala." The host commented, sounding a bit disappointed.

Then it played the footage from the event where the media journalist was still pushing for an answer from Cagalli.

"So, there's nothing romantic going on between the Representative Athha and Athrun Zala?"

"There is nothing going on between us! Stop it already!"

The exchange made Athrun's heart drop.

He reached his destination, which was the Orb parliament office, so he immediately shut off the television screen and his car, so that won't hear anything further.

He knows that their relationship is a secret and that it was not the time to make it known to the public. He also knows that Cagalli had been harassed by the media time and time again regarding these questions… But to have Cagalli deny it like that vehemently make him a bit hurt and upset. But it couldn't be helped, that may have been needed for them to lay off their business.

But usual with the media, what was screened on the television was not the whole picture, and Athrun didn't know why Cagalli got very upset in the first place.

Athrun was walking towards Cagalli's office hoping that she was on break, and they could eat lunch together. His mood was dampened a bit due to the footage from earlier. He now understood why the staff in the military headquarters all were acting so strange. He was just mentioned in the gossip section of the news, and Cagalli's denial probably made them feel bad for him.

He was aware of the gossip within the military that was happening behind their backs. A few of them saw him giving Cagalli a very tight hug before they left to space and defend Orb from Durandal's NEO-genesis. That instance spread to some people in the forces, and it had been always rumored that he had been pining for her and that it was one-sided. They probably think that with Cagalli's answer a while ago, that it was clear that Athrun was thoroughly rejected.

Now he just wanted to see her because he knew that her presence would immediately make him feel better and dispel all these uneasiness away.

Athrun was near the office when he noticed that the door was slightly ajar. He heard Cagalli discussing with several Orb officials, and he stopped in his tracks.

"Cagalli-sama, may I remind you to watch your temper." Emir Kiou's voice was in a scolding tone. While she was the ruling noble, the other Emirs were not afraid to point out when she was out of line. "I know that you are tired with the questions regarding your personal life but to snap like that in front of everyone… Just right before you fly off to the Kingdom of Scandinavia."

"I apologize…" Athrun heard Cagalli admit, not trying to fight it. "I was at my limit with them. We must do something about this type of behavior from the media. I've been seeing news that celebrities are also being harassed to the point that they either get injured or this affects them mentally. They are hounding us like felons."

"I understand that, and I agree with you fully, but again, please be mindful of snapping like that in public." Emir Kiou reminded her again. "Your angry face is all over the media now. Tomorrow, it might be in the front cover of the newspapers…"

"We should contact the media immediately to cease publishing any photos or reporting on this incident any further." Emir Tokino suggested.

"Yes, I am already on it." Touya answered. "We have already started contacting media outlets."

"Thank you Touya." Cagalli thanked him and sighed in relief.

Athrun didn't even know why he was still outside listening in to their conversation. It feels too criminal to be eavesdropping on a conversation between Orb's five noble clans. But for some reason, he remained frozen where he was. There was a lot going on in his head and now he didn't know what to think or what to do.

"About the question that the interviewers asked you, you were really riled up when they asked about Rear Admiral Zala." Emir Watanabe [1] pointed out. "You had a more extreme reaction when it came to him than when they were asking you about Prince Fredirk."

"That's…" Cagalli was unable to answer him.

"Is he the reason why you keep turning down all the marriage offers that you've received?" Emir Watanabe pressed again. Athrun swallowed hard outside, so they were catching on too…

"Emir Watanabe, that's a bit…" Touya tried to step in and defend her from these questions.

"I don't know what's going on between the two of you behind the scenes, but it's not as if we're stupid and can't see the closeness between the two of you." Emir Kiou added. "Don't you think we ought to know by now?"

"Is he the person that you intend on marrying?" Emir Watanabe was bent on getting an answer from her.

…

But she didn't respond, and the silence grew longer. Athrun's heart felt a bit heavier the longer the stillness permeated the room.

"I see…" Emir Watanabe spoke calmly, breaking the silence. "Then I suggest that Representative Athha fix her affairs in order."

Athrun couldn't bear it and walked away before he could hear anything else. He felt hurt and betrayed. His hands were shaking, and he took deep breaths to relax. What was that? Why didn't Cagalli say anything? It was one thing that she didn't say a word to the media or whoever, but in the presence of the other noble clans she trusted who were pressing for the truth, she said nothing?

They have never broached the topic of marriage or future plans because he was scared of her answer… That it wasn't the time, she had priorities as Orb's leader for now… Could he wait a bit longer? He knew all those reasons already, but it still hurt to hear, which is why he always very understanding and going at her pace, not wanting to insist on his own personal desires. This was something that he vowed to himself, that he would patiently wait for her.

But her silence… Was this an answer in itself? Could this be an indication of their future… that they have none?

Is this why she never wore the ring back on her ring finger? He didn't think it was the case, but now, he doesn't know anymore.

Is this why they always had to stay hidden? They always had to meet secretly, they can never go out just the two of them, they always had to keep their distance in public and pretend that they weren't as close as they really were.

Was she also having doubts regarding the public's opinion about them? Was being a coordinator and the son of Patrick prove to be an issue after all? Could it be that she was worried over something like that?

Was he holding out for something that would never happen between them?

A life when he would wake up to her and go home to her every day, to start a family with her, to grow old with her… all of those were his simple desires in life. It's the reason for him to get up in the morning and start his day.

His mind was in a turmoil. He was so confident about her feelings towards him, but her feelings towards a future with him, he wasn't so sure anymore. These past few days have been tough for him. Suddenly, he didn't know where he stood or if he was just deluding himself with his own fantasies.

No… this can't be…

Notes:

[1] The Gundam Wikia only shows 4 current noble clans in Orb, so I had to invent the last one myself HAHA

[2] Also, why does Athrun keep overhearing things? Stop eavesdropping bruh!