Akatsuki-hime: A story told from Shinn Asuka's point of view. I don't know, but I just love Shinn and Cagalli, though I'm a major Athrun and Cagalli fan. There's no romantic stuff here. Just pure feelings. I hope you enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam SEED Destiny. I want to make Shinn mine, but I can't. Still wishing anyway…

True Feelings

I met her and I know that I love her, yet I hurt her with my words. I had kept my feelings for her for a very long time and I don't know if there will come a time when I can't hide it any longer.

I blamed her and her father for the death of my family. I hated her with all my guts. I wanted to destroy the nation because of her ideals. I wanted her to disappear from the face of the planet.

But deep inside, I yearned for her. I fell for her when I was still little, when she visited my school. She was a princess, a model figure of my home country, and a very upbeat girl. She was different from the other girls. She acted more of a boy. She was so unique in my eyes.

I figured I was mad at her because I felt disappointed. Her family's ideals were not able to protect my family. They were poor victims of war. But no matter how mad I was, I still loved her. It was so weird. I can't tell my heart to change my feelings.

No matter how much I pushed her away or spouted insults, I still loved her. Meeting her in the Minerva was unexpected. I acted like a complete jerk to her. To be honest, I was also jealous because she seemed so close with her bodyguard. I have to admit that I'm a very emotional person. I'm also hotheaded. When I want to say something, I let it all out, regardless of the situation.

I was in a relationship with a fellow soldier and mobile suit pilot. But I felt no excitement with her. I felt like that I'm only forced to be with her. She was happy to have a boyfriend like me. But she didn't know how much I tried to avoid her sometimes.

Then one day, I told her about my feelings about this special girl in my heart. I told her that I still loved this girl with all my heart. My girlfriend cried. She never expected me to break up with her. And I felt guilty to make her cry. At the same time, I felt light and free.

Maybe one day I can muster up the courage to face the girl I've hated and loved. I've already asked for her forgiveness before, but I hesitated to tell her about my undying feelings. I know my love won't be returned, because she loved somebody else. But I know I'll regret it if I won't tell her.

Now I walk through the sandy beach, with the wind blowing in my hair. I stop and gaze at the wonderful view. No one is around, so I decide to express my feelings. "I love you, Cagalli Yula Athha…" I mutter under my breath.

"Are you serious?" a voice speaks from behind me.

Surprised, I turn around and gasp at what I saw. It's none other than the girl herself. I swear I want the ground to swallow me up at this point. Now I have to come up with an explanation to her. Man, it's going to be hard, but I have to. My true feelings must be realized. It's now or never.

End

Akatsuki-hime: How was it? I know it's short. I know it's not that good. It's just a simple little story. Don't be harsh on me. No flaming. Reviews are welcomed.