A/N: Hello everyone! I'm sorry it took me several weeks.. OO I've just been really busy... Anyway, a million thanks to everyone who reviewed. Here's the next chapter, enjoy:)
Princess
Chapter 6
When Cagalli opened her eyes, she stretched and yawned, which was actually very unusual for her. She rarely did it because she usually ended up being woken up by somebody. So when she realized it was probably one of those very few days when she woke up by herself, she appreciated the cool atmosphere, and the way the sunlight illuminated the room in a slightly lazy fashion. She climbed off the bed and walked slowly towards the open doors leading to the balcony, feeling her body absorb the lethargic mood of the early morning. For some particular reason, she felt extremely elated. And when she reached the glass doors, she finally stopped dead... Her room had no balconies.
In a flash, everything suddenly became clear to her. Being woken up late at night because Athrun had called for her; her still feeling slightly drunk; and finally...
Her face paled, and her happy mood went down the drain.
She realized she was most likely still in his room...and probably Athrun as well...somewhere. She felt afraid to turn around and make a run for it, even though that was what her mind was screaming for her to do. And her feet remained immobilized when she heard some ruffling sound behind her. She cursed under her breath. When she finally felt arms snake around her waist from behind, she immediately pulled out from the grasp and turned around, glaring at the man who stood before her.
"Kagari?" Athrun asked innocently. "What's wrong?"
Cagalli inhaled sharply, slightly pleased at herself for keeping her temper at bay.
"You tell me." Her voice replied venomously.
"Weeeell... I think I may have some explaining to do..." Athrun said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
Cagalli raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms; ignoring the slight twinge she felt when he did the gesture.
"I hope it's pretty good, because I think I'm just a second away from--"
"Nothing happened!" He said defensively, raising both his hands. "Actually..."
When Athrun finished explaining, he had on a silly smile that Cagalli almost doubted his explanation. She was sitting on his bed, knees to her chest while he sat on a chair in front of her. After hearing his story, she felt a little embarrassed for being caught sick, and for actually spending a night inside the master's room. She looked skeptically at him before finally taking a deep breath.
"I'm surprised. You're actually a pretty nice guy." Cagalli smiled warmly. "Anyway, I'm really so sorry for last night, sir. I should have told you I was not feeling well enough."
"It's ok really, you shouldn't apologize. You...didn't do anything wrong." He replied, still with a stupid smile on his face.
Cagalli's eyes narrowed.
"Sir, did I do anything last night?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Athrun said, looking innocent.
Cagalli glared at him.
"Nothing... I...I better go now... thank you so much again for last night."
Standing up, she walked around Athrun and headed towards the door, but stopped to look at him one last time. He still had on his goofy grin. Something was most definitely wrong.
"Good day, sir."
"Oh, good da---"
"Why are you smiling like that?" She asked exasperatedly. "You've been smiling ever since I saw you this morning!"
"Me? I don't know... Maybe I just thought that the day was too perfect for—"
"Are you sure I didn't do anything weird last night?"
"Perfectly nothi—"
"Did you do something last night?" She bit back with her brows furrowed.
This seemed to make him falter.
"Wha..! me? I didn't---"
"Never mind." Cagalli mumbled to herself before leaving the room.
Athrun waited the door to close before chuckling. He knew he had to apologize to her somehow...Indirectly, of course. But he really had no idea how to do it. He had been smiling stupidly to himself this morning. He didn't know why exactly, but he was really happy he was able to spend some time with her. In truth, he was already late with his appointment with Kira, but he didn't care. He was really tired, and besides, he loved watching her sleep. She looks really endearing.
The ringing of his cell phone broke his chain of thoughts.
"Yes, Kira? I'm on my way."
"No you're not." Kira's voice rang through the phone. "Your car is still parked outside the house. I'm right here actually..."
Oops.
Athrun laughed nervously.
"Sorry...I—"
"It's ok if you don't come today. We still have tomorrow right?"
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yeah." Kira laughed. "Besides, you have to prepare yourself for a visitor today. Enjoy!"
Click.
Athrun stared at his cell phone.
'What the hell was that? A visitor...'
A sudden noise caught his attention. Walking closer to the sound, he found himself in front of a wall. He kneeled down and found out that the sound was coming from the vent near the bottom of the wall. He leaned down to get more of the seemingly heated conversation between the two people.
"---your business! Why do you always have to do this! What do you care anyway!"
'Kagari...?'
"Of course I care for you, Princess. Don't think that I'm only doing this because of my job. If you're here, then you're my responsibility. I just want to know---"
"Kisaka...please... I hate it when we fight like this. I'm sorry for drinking last night ok?"
"Cagalli... why won't you listen to me...?"
Silence followed.
Athrun heard a door open.
"Please look for Erika later, you have some chores to---"
Gentle knocking caused his head to turn sharply at the doorway. There stood a surprised looking Erika. In embarrassment, he stood up hastily and brushed the dirt off from his clothes.
"Sir...?"
"What is it?" He asked, clearing his throat.
"Uhm..." Erika bit her lip before continuing. "You have received calls from Mr. Villanueva and Mr. Millian..."
"Tell them the usual..."
"I have. But apparently, Mr. Millian says it is something very important."
"Very well... I'll call him later, please leave his number on my desk."
"Yes, sir." At this, Erika bowed down and left.
Princess? Why was Kisaka calling her a Princess? An endearment... Are they having a relationship! That's impossible! Maybe the two of them are just really close relatives... But still, using an endearment in a heated argument is nowhere near normal.
Brushing the though aside, Athrun slumped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Too many unexpected things had been happening lately, and half of them revolved around a certain lady.
He remembered how she had acted in bed last night. It was certainly not like her, but the thought that she was probably having dreams about that made him feel hot. He closed his eyes and slowly drifted to sleep. 'Such an interesting woman...'
Cagalli stomped across the hallway. She was starting to hate her 'maid' life more and more. First she's asked to rid of the living room's dust, and the next thing to sweep the floor. And when the doorbell rings, she's the one who's scolded and screamed at. 'What a stupid day for the stupid butler to catch a fever.'
Stopping before the door, she took a deep breath and pulled the door open. She opened her mouth, and prepared to release a rather rude remark when she finally caught sight of the person standing outside, then she stopped dead.
"Hey, wake up!"
Athrun stirred in his sleep and pulled the covers around him in instinct. "Later... I didn't ask for any wake up calls today. Go back to your work."
"I don't care. Wake up you lazy pig!" Cagalli said, shaking him more roughly this time. "You are just so stubborn..."
Cagalli started pulling at the sheets, but stopped when she felt the weight on the bed suddenly change, he was already waking up. And when she saw him sit up and reach for her, she was ready. She immediately jumped off the bed and walked a few distances away from him and the bed. She couldn't help but feel pleased at the disappointment etched on the man's face.
"Awww... How'd you know?"
"I'm starting to get used to your tricks you know, you won't be able to fool me anymore."
"You're such a kill joy. If I know, you actually like what I'm doing to you." He replied with a wide grin on his face, remembering what had transpired that night.
Cagalli blushed hotly.
"In your dreams, you stupid insufferable moron!"
Athrun stared at her for a moment, and then suddenly laughed out loud in the irony of her statement.
Gritting her teeth in irritation, Cagalli stomped towards the door.
"FINE! If you don't want to wake up, then let your beautiful pink-haired GIRLFRIEND wait for you much longer!"
Athrun's laughter stopped, and Cagalli stopped walking as well. Turning around slowly, she watched as the expression on Athrun's face changed from shock, to confusion, then finally to joy. And in a blink, he was suddenly off the bed and rushing out the room in haste, leaving the stunned girl in his room.
The princess watched the door slam shut before her, and she felt irritated. She was the one who was supposed to be angry, not him! When he heard what she said about the guest, he left so suddenly, ignoring her presenceas if... he totally forgot about her!
When she opened the front door and found the girl standing there, smiling at her, Cagalli paused and was suddenly unsure of what to do. She was really very pretty that she almost felt embarrassed by her appearance. In addition to that, the girl even introduced herself before asking for Athrun when she herself intended to throw rude comments at the supposed person at the door. She was probably Athrun's girlfriend... and they would really look perfect together too…
Cagalli blinked, then frowned. A single thought popped into her mind.
Am I jealous...?
Upon realizing the answer, she immediately felt her blood boil.
Groaning out loud, she mentally slapped herself for thinking too much and left the room immediately.
"It's really been a while, Athrun." Lacus said gently, sipping at her teacup.
"Yes, you're right. I missed you a lot." Athrun replied, grinning at her.
"Still your flirtatious self, I see."
Athrun chuckled and leaned back on the sofa.
"Am I that readable, Lacus?"
"You can say that... But you know what?" Placing her cup back on the glass table, she titled her head to the side and studied Athrun's face. "You've changed a lot too..."
Athrun felt surprised at her statement. She was the first one to tell him that ever since he came back. And at this, he smiled gently. He knew he had changed over the war. But Lacus hadn't. She still had her pale skin and long pink hair. She still moved with grace in her expensive clothes. And of course, she spoke with wisdom beyond her years. Also, her wonderful voice and expressive eyes still made people aloof and relaxed around her.
And this was exactly what Cagalli saw when she was about to enter the doorway with the snack tray. She stood immobilized, staring at Athrun's face. His eyes were full of emotion as he stared at the chattering girl across him. He had on a gentle smile that Cagalli had never seen before. And she suddenly wished he would smile like that more often.
"Thank you..." Athrun smiled, remembering Kira. "So you were the one Kira was talking about!"
Lacus chuckled.
"I suppose he did tell you I was coming. This was supposed to be a surprise, but I guess its ok, you still didn't realize it was me anyway. Oh that Kira, he's really such a boy sometimes. "
Athrun watched as the happiness radiated from her face, and he couldn't help but remember the time when he was still betrothed to her. Back then, she was the only one to tame him when he was at his worst. He loved her, but of course, he already knew that Lacus was too good for him. He waited and watched for the right man to appear, and finally, his best friend came along. He knew it was the perfect match, yet with that came his choice to let go. Of course, he did. He was making the right choice, and of course, he would do anything for Lacus...
"Athrun?" Lacus' soft voice broke his thoughts. "What's wrong?"
"Oh...nothing. Just thinking..."
Lacus sighed.
"You think too much... You know, sometimes, it's better not to think. It usually gives you either unnecessary doubts or bad memories."
Athrun stared at her. People have been on making really ironical statements lately.
"Anyway, I have some good news." Lacus exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "2 days from now, there will be a masquerade ball in our mansion, and you're invited to go, of course. It will begin at 8 o'clock in the evening. And don't forget to bring a date. Father had invited mothers and their daughters. You know what that means..."
Athrun groaned.
"Of course I do." Athun rolled his eyes, but suddenly felt silent, as if remembering something.
'He's going to ask her out!' Cagalli thought and something twitched inside her. Mustering enough courage, she took a step and started walking slowly towards the two.
"...Lacus..." Athrun looked down. "I..."
"What is it?" Lacus asked, glancing curiously at him.
'2 days from now... That's the day I'll be leaving...'
Cagalli watched the serious expression on Athrun's face, and she held her breath.
"I don't think I'll be able to go."
Lacus' eyes widened, and Cagalli stopped suddenly in her tracks, causing the other two occupants to suddenly notice her. She faltered, staring at the two people in the room before bowing her head in embarrassment and proceeding to bring the tray to the table. The room was in complete silence for a while before a sudden sound broke the ice, almost making Cagalli drop the tray she was holding.
"Wait!" Athrun exclaimed.
Cagalli looked at him, quite shocked and unsure of what to do.
Athrun cleared his throat.
"I'm sorry, Kagari. Please don't mind me."
"Athrun... what happened?" Lacus asked worriedly when Cagalli left.
"Nothing." Athrun replied, with a mysterious smile on her face. "I'll be seeing you in your party."
Lacus felt silent for a while, before she smiled encouragingly at him.
"She's very pretty, Athrun. But I believe you'll have some trouble asking her to go with you. She's supposed to be leaving already, right?"
"H—how did you know that?"
"Let's just say... the maids kept me company while Kagari went up to call you." Lacus stood up. "Uhm... I'm really sorry Athrun, but I still have other appointments, but I promise I'll come visit again."
"Oh, it's ok. Thanks for visiting me, you really completed my day."
"I'm sure I did." Lacus replied with a mysterious smile before she left. "I do hope you're not fooling around this time. There's more to Kagari than meets the eye."
Why Lacus said that he had no idea. But he had a gut feeling he was bound to find out soon enough.
Upon seeing Athrun walking to her direction, she immediately thought of a way to avoid him. Turning around sharply, she prepared to dart off when he called her name. Cagalli cursed under her breath and stopped.
Why am I avoiding him anyway? I'm acting like a spoiled jerk...I have to act like myself...
She faced Athrun and glared up at him.
"What? Looking for another victim to flirt with now that your pink-haired princess is gone?" She blurted out at him before she even had the chance to think. 'Okaaay...now that didn't come out right...'
Athrun blinked. 'What's eating her?'
"Kagari..."
Cagalli merely closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Kagari...Are you jealous?"
Her eyes snapped open, and her brows furrowed.
"Wha---?"
Athrun pulled Cagalli in his arms and chuckled softly.
"Oh my dear little princess, you are jealous!"
"I am not jealous!" She retorted, blushing hotly. "And I am not your princess! Please let me go!"
Athrun loosened his hold on her, but not before pressing his lips gently on her forehead.
"Lacus is a special friend." Cagalli stepped away from Athrun and looked away irritatingly. "Also, she is the girlfriend of my best friend, Kira. I think you may know him. You remember the time when he walked in while we were---"
"Of course I do, you idiot!"
"So I guess you do remember the moments we have together, I wonder if you dream about them at night..." Athrun asked, putting his forefinger and thumb under his chin, looking thoughtful.
Cagalli gripped the feather duster with trembling hands, aching to throw it at him.
"But it's a good thing, you know...because I do..." He muttered as he started advancing towards her. "Do you want to know what I see in my dreams?"
Cagalli gazed up at his eyes and backed up a step, and then another. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
"I dream about a certain girl with the most wonderful eyes..."
He captured her chin in his hand and he gazed back at her amber orbs.
"I dream about her..." His face grew closer to hers. "... in my bed..."
Cagalli felt the wall behind her, and she felt helpless as Athrun's arm blocked her from the left. She started to tremble.
"I wonder... what do you dream about...?" He asked, his breath tickling her ear.
"I...I..."
"Cagalli! Cagalli! Where are you!" A voice echoed across the hallway, startling the lady in distress. And while Athrun was distracted, she ducked under his arm and dashed across the hallway. With her heart beating at an incredible rate, she bit her lip and shut her eyes. Athrun almost had her there. And if the person hadn't called her back there, she would probably have done something she would definitely regret.
End Chapter
A/N: Whew...took me 8 hours to make this one! Reviews would be greatly appreciated! Take Care everyone!
--MaI
Chapter 7 Previews:
"The party at Lacus---wait--Hot springs! I can't go with you to the hot springs and the ball! Besides, Kisaka won't approve of it! And I---"
"Kisaka's not here to disapprove of it. In fact, he won't be here until the day after tomorrow.."
"It's not like you have any choice." Athrun raised his brows in emphasis.
Cagalli buried her head in her pillow and groaned.
Athrun wrapped the towel around Cagalli's body, feeling her small body lean back towards him. He inhaled her scent, feeling her shiver slightly.
"Uhm... I'm ok now. Thanks for the towel." Cagalli tried turning around, but the firm grip on her belly prevented her from doing so.
"Yume?" She struggled against the grip, but stopped dead instantly.
"Quit moving. You're not dried off yet." His deep voice whispered huskily against her ear.
Cagalli felt her limbs go weak.
"A--athrun..."