Hold Me Tight

Don't own GSD...

Gomen for the Grammar....


reminders that this is kinda Semi-Alternate Universe....

Enjoy.


Chapter 5 – A Touch of Sin

She was safe and cuddled back to the arms of her kind, Athrun silently remarked as he watched her from the other side of the almost crowded ballroom of the Royal family Attha. The effect of helplessness had vanished from her aura ever since she had been returned to her domain, her own tiny yet powerful kingdom. Good for her then, he again mused. He didn’t come here, honorably invited by the ORB Parliamentary Council, to see the young princess to be at her lowest state, neither seeing her relating her ‘horrible experience’ from every person she would meet tonight although it was no big deal. Guess that he had judged her unfairly. It was good for the Orb to have such fine leader.

It seemed that people around her expressed their gratefulness and relief upon seeing her back in good shape especially after knowing that she had been stranded from a far away, unknown island. And in addition to that, she, being alone with a Coordinator and is still intact. At least he knows the other ‘intact’ issue so well. Chortling these past few minutes had been too hard to suppress.

ORB is a neutral country, serving none from both sides yet still ready to address or send help care if needed. But the feeling of uneasiness was still there lingering at the edge of Athrun’s wits. Although part of the celebration held for addressing their warm thanks and honor for him, he could not be totally rest his guard especially when he knew well from the very beginning most of the Orb’s Council’s real and dark intentions. In other words, they were only doing it for dirty political reasons. Growing up with his father and his political crap businesses surely gave him enough training to know one.

Dressed in formal evening wear, the young captain was a little bit uncomfortable for being here at the party held, celebrating for the return of their precious Amber princess and ORB representative. He was invited as the Guest of Honor for saving her. So they said. Being presented to a room dominated by the Naturals wasn’t a good for him since he, himself, is a Coordinator. Not only that, him, being the only son of the infamous half-demented Patrick Zala, the corpse commander of the PLANT where all of the coordinators mostly resides.

Under his careful survey, he could see that the room had been dominated by the Naturals. Of course, it would be. ORB is a part of Mother Earth which only makes sense that more of their kind were lurking to this side of the planet. Even so, he just chided himself from entertaining the thought. So what if he and a few of his colleagues were being dominated in numbers by these Naturals. It was just that his sense of personal space were being challenged. There was a part of him that he didn’t want to be mixed up with the lower class of human beings. The logic was understandable since he belonged to the group that was brought up to hate and kill their kind if needed to be.

But not tonight, neither hating them all, Athrun mused as he sipped his wine languidly. His green eyes were staring intently to the gracious almost-naked back of the Orb princess. She was wearing a sleek, glittering long white gown that hugged every curves of her slender body. Her movements were all graceful and flawless, natural for being sired by a noble blood. She demurely laughed and smiled every time her guests, particularly men, gave her compliments and sly shares of flirtation. So this is the real Cagalli, a part politician. For Athrun, it was understandable since he too share an almost similar playground. But does she have to dress like a lady love for this night? Does she have to return their intentions and favors with those very affecting grin and smiles? Athrun irritably asked himself. She at least should have chosen more decent clothes to wear, avoiding further spreading of temptation to these men’s lustful eyes. She should be careful on giving away those serene smiles of hers, not sending them those wrong signals of affection.

There was one thing that startled him since the moment his green eyes laid on her. His hands were aching to touch her bare skin once again. Even from afar, her pink lips were enticing enough to boil a man on the spot. Athrun could only remember all the fine kissing moments he had thought her back then at ‘their’ hut. And thinking about it was the only move he could do for the princess is totally off-limits. He wouldn’t jeopardize his life and especially with the truce PLANT has with ORB for the sake of his carnal craving for the lovely Amber fairy. Goodness! If only these men knew what happened between him and the beloved princess at that lone island, thanking him wouldn’t be on that top list. Propositions of duel from 10 to 20 guys or more would be for the night’s show. Athrun was snickering like a fool.

“She’s a pretty one. A total hot package even though she’s more on the slim side, don’t you think so?” a blond man, dressed in colored tan tuxedo, amusedly commented as he closed the distance between them. He gradually sipped his wine after taking the slim glass from a passing waiter. He long before noticed Athrun’s solid staring to the young ORB representative which was a bit taboo. “You might get her burned if you stare at her like that.”

“Why are you here?” Athrun flatly asked the blond man without taking away his eyes from the source of the topic. “Did someone send you here to make my momentarily solitude miserable?”

The young blond man had playfully gasped. One of his manicured fingers tried to cover his agape mouth. “Why?! I could never do that to a friend. You know me, Athrun. I am only here to see if you needed some company. You, as their Guest-of-Honor, should be treated well.”

Athrun snickered again. “Heine,” without turning his head, his eyes’ pupils searched for his obnoxious friend, “let me rephrase that. You are only here to see if I needed some BAD, unwanted company. As you see, that is the least I need.”

“Ouch! You hurt my feelings. Here I am trying to soothe things for you,” To Athrun, Heine Westenfluss was one of his trusted confidants when it comes to personal issues. There were times without even talking; his blond friend could know what’s bothering him. And sometimes, teasing and taunts are the best ways to show their affection and care.

“You don’t have a heart to begin with, Heine, so stop pretending.” Suddenly, Athrun had turned the table against his friend. He notoriously grinned and went back on surveying the rest of the crowd.

“Sad to inform you, Captain Zala, the doctor from the clinic I recently visited told me that I passed all of my standard health check-ups with flying colors, in which included the ECG.” Heine smugly informed even though he was just playing along with Athrun’s game of wits.

“Which only means your doctor is a great liar and a charlatan,” Athrun retorted. “Do remind me next time to give you the card of my personal doctor. Tell him you know me. He will surely give you a huge discount.” He winked at him.

“I don’t take charities from you, my beloved philanthropist. I am rich enough to pay and capable enough to judge the right specialist to take care of my needs. And as for your doctor,” he gently patted Athrun’s left shoulder and said, “I might hire his service to check the minds, or even the hearts, of those who needed the most care. As for my case, I’m excluded to the list since I don’t have any grudges hidden inside of me.” Heine smiled then scowled afterwards. “Well, except if those bastard Naturals starts to pick up their sticks to poke us. I just need to reboot my anger for a good cause of defense.”

Athrun replied with a lop-sided smile. “I will drink to that.”

Heine joined in for a moment of celebrating. “Alas! We agreed to a common idea.”

“What are you boys talking about?” A well-downed woman suddenly interrupted their conversation at the corner. She appeared to be very much acquainted with the two Coordinators. “Is it about me?”

Athrun had smoothly sipped the last drop of whiskey from his glass as the pink vixen approached him and tried to take his attention away from their conversation. Heine greeted her with his courteous nod.

“Politics, dear, politics.” The blonde man easily lied. It was a typical move for them two to end their secret conversation about other women. And also, Meer Campbell couldn’t keep up with such ‘complicated’ talks.

“At a night like this? Why would you waste your time talking about governments and war? You should be socializing and enjoying the party instead.” Meer said as she looped her arm to one of Athrun’s arms. “Am I right, dear?” Then she smelled the scent the young captain’s fresh black tuxedo.

Athrun didn’t respond. He just produced a smile at her and then signaled the nearest waiter to take his empty glass.

“Men like us think that talking politics is our way of socializing, Meer.” Heine lectured and then he went for the blood. “From all the powerful men you have been sleeping with since you have broken your innocence I’m expecting that you already have known it.” There was something in Meer that he liked degrading.

Meer glared at him and hissed, “Having grudges from not being included in my list, Heine?”

Heine shrugged. “My taste is too high to be compromised with such empty crap.”

Meer gasped as one of her groomed eyebrows arched.

“Let me propose a toast for that! For Athrun’s lady bird,” Heine held tauntingly his glass and then sipped his wine languidly. He was watching Meer with his wicked eyes.

“Athrun! Are you going to stand here, pretending not hearing all of his insults?! Defend my honor from this insufferable fiend!” She was tugging his sleeves.

The blonde grinned. “I am entitled to have my own opinion, dear. Neither Athrun has the right to stop me from the few pleasures of my life – telling the hurtful truth to those who deserve it.”

Meer was about to slap him with her free hand when Athrun gently pulled her to his other side, away from the obnoxious Heine.

“Come on people. This is not the place to show both of your boorish sides.” Athrun reprimanded the two with raising his voice. “This is why I prefer to be alone often times. I hate scandals.”

“Oh…. ‘Outright’ scandals would fit to the bill.” Heine corrected and chortled as he gave Meer another meaningful look.

The young captain glared at him.

“Sorry about that, Athrun.” Heine immediately apologized but not to Meer. “Old habits are very hard to die.”

“I wonder why you still have to put up with this guy.” Meer murmured as she gently embraced the young captain, seeking for warmth. “He’s just using you, pretending to be your friend. He’s no good to your standing in PLANT’s society, even in this world.”

“It takes one to know one.” Heine smiled mischievously. He knew for sure that he isn’t that kind of man, a friend to Athrun. It will take more than that to ruin their brotherly bond.

“Stop it, Heine. You’re not helping. Being a captain yourself should know when to stop.” Athrun reminded.

“Stop from what?” a rough yet somehow sweet voice joined into their arguing. It sounded very familiar to Athrun’s ears.

Following the source of the intrusion, Athrun turned his eyes to the lovely belle of the night. She was a sight of a seductive and elegant angel judging from the evening gown she wore, almost very far from the Cagalli he had known from his island. She was indeed a very beautiful woman who knows her bearing. Mustering all of his wits, he greeted her as if he was meeting her for the first time.

“Good evening, Princess Cagalli.” Athrun solemnly greeted as he took her right gloved hand and pecked a gentle kiss. “I believe that you are without any chaperone. Is it ok for you to join us alone, Coordinators as we speak?”

The last time Athrun was with Cagalli was that when he handed her back to her own kind above a raised ORB submarine vessel accompanied by 2 enormous war ships equipped with 10 stand-by mobile suits each. It was then that he knew and believed that this woman wasn’t some ordinary lost survivor. A standard procedure of mandatory security check was done to ensure everything was safe and clear. It is understandable to both partied since they all work in a dangerous line of war duty. After all were cleared, they were welcomed and greeted by some of ORB’s high raking officials, particularly by a repugnant Natural who was repeatedly proclaiming into Athrun’s face that he was her fiancé and the ORB’s next male ruler. Athrun could only remember how he hugged the weary young Amber princess with his steel-like embrace. She couldn’t breathe for goodness sake. She was trying to push him away but was reprimanded by the glaring looks of another high official from the submarine, not far from where they were standing. So, she let the idiot did his unwanted cuddling.

Athrun could hear her rambling curses beneath her fiancé’s arms. The young man was also shooting him some glares and meaningful messages of threat and warnings. Athrun didn’t care in the least. He was very used on being threatened by weasels like him, as if they had the courage, but none so far in his long list of enemies had the guts to make it in action.

He was taller than him, more mature looking at their young adulthood age. His hair is wavy and colored lavender. Some might call him a handsome buck because of his obvious male vanity but after knowing his true attitude, none will be said to appraise. Athrun described him to be a conceited, deceitful and possessive man, who is up to no good.

He had hoped that the princess would see and guard herself to his devious machinations.

“You Coordinators won’t do anything stupid as of kidnapping or assassinating me, right?” Cagalli asked jokingly. “What good would it do? And besides, I am not the type of ruler who will stand here and easily be taken by the enemies.”

Athrun smiled while Heine chuckled. Meer remained unaffected.

“Since ORB doesn’t have any enemies, why bother?” Cagalli ended it with a smile of her own.

“I see that you’re fiancé is too busy to share and socialize with us this evening. I wonder if it has something to do with us as Coordinators.” All of the parties involved looked at Cagalli’s fiancé who was currently talking with the Earth Alliance’s high raking officers. Athrun shrugged. “It’s not that I want him here, with us. I was just expecting that he should be doing his duty as your soon-to-be-husband.”

One of Cagalli’s eyebrows arched. “And that would be?”

Athrun gradually bent his head close to the vicinity of her ear and huskily whispered, “Protecting you from other vicious predators,”

Such as yourself, Athrun? Cagalli silently asked from herself. The memories of him, saying those seductive words played on her wicked mind again. Somehow, she didn’t mind. Somehow, the indecent thought was very welcoming. The anticipation to have it played again was coming to warm her insides, particular the area where he used to….

Meer pulled Athrun back to her arms and tried to make an excuse for them to go elsewhere, as long as Cagalli was out of their vicinity. She was slyly urging Athrun to take her to the bar to have some drinks.

“What a great timing,” Heine sarcastically commented.

Meer glared at him.

“Heine Westenfluss, at your service, Mademoiselle Cagalli Yula Athha. This is by the way, Meer Campbell. I believe you already known her since she’s from the field of showbiz entertainment. ” Heine offered his hand to the young princess and she gladly accepted it. She also apologized for not asking their names from the start.

Cagalli gave Meer an apologetic smile but was somehow snubbed. Athrun cleared his throat, easing the tension building within their circle.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m very used of being ignored by the female species when I’m approximately close to this young lad’s vicinity.” The young blond patted his friend’s shoulder and winked at her. “His only fault is that he tends to forget his friends when he is at front of a very beautiful lady – the apple of his eye.”

Both Athrun and Meer glared at him this time. Heine laughed while Cagalli’s face began to redden. His laugh caught Cagalli’s fiancé’s attention which made him turn his heel; leaving the men he was having some serious debate.

“Forgive my friend’s loose tongue, Princess Cagalli. Most of the times, he didn’t mean what he says,” Athrun apologetically explained. He solemnly swore to himself that after this night, Heine would seek a dog’s face to borrow.

“No, it’s all right. I know that he only mean to cheer our sterile conversation.” Cagalli supplied, trying to regain her lost composure after being described to be a beautiful woman to his green eyes.

“Oh but I had said the truth!” Heine winked at her and chuckled.

“And what about it?” Cagalli’s fiancé’s stern question was heard. Talk about right timing again.

He immediately took Cagalli’s arm and enfolded it with his. Then he smelled the scent of her by closely trailing his nose from the base of her slender neck to the back of her ear. Athrun wanted to clobber the man for showing disrespect to the princess.

“Good evening to you, Yuna Roma Seiran. I thought you were having a discussion with the Earth Alliances back there.” Heine pointed with his looks what he was implying.

“Changing the subject is like trying to hide an important data,” Yuna declared. His eyes were only at Athrun but he was asking Heine this time. “Who are you anyway?”

“I’m Heine Westenfluss, a trained pilot of a Mobile Suit under PLANT’s ruling. The rest of my soldier profile is forbidden to tell. As about your question, we were just having a simple and friendly conversation like you guys do at the other side of this room. She seems to be enjoying it and nothing more.”

“Are you mocking me?” Yuna sneered. Cagalli tugged her fiancé’s sleeves to get a hold of himself.

“Well, no. Why would I do that?”

“You forget that you are in the lands of the Naturals, my friends. Better watch your words when it comes to me and the princess.”

“Is that so? I thought that ORB is a neutral country. Since when did that happen?” Heine had to push it further. “I mean to report it back to my nation, right?”

Yuna was about to hit Heine when Cagalli intercepted his move. “Will you at least respect me and the rest of the guests here at my celebration party? You are making unnecessary scenes!”

“I never said that you have to invite the fools here in our celebration.”

“And who said that I have to follow every bit of your word, Yuna? You’re not even my husband yet.”

“When I do, you will have to.” Yuna threatened.

“You don’t scare me, Yuna. I know the laws. I maybe married to you that coming time but the leadership of this country will be mine to execute.”

“Ah…a consort, that is.” Heine courageously supplied.

Yuna glared at him this time. He tried to calm himself by breathing gently. As he did the act, he had somehow looked at Meer then suddenly, his mood changed. There had been an exchanged of sly stare between them.

“He means nothing from it, Yuna. I apologize for his behalf.” Athrun said.

“What?!” Heine was startled, genuinely disappointed.

“Sorry Athrun. This is all a misunderstanding,” Cagalli cajoled. Then she turned to her fiancé, reprimanding him in front of them. “Yuna! You should be ashamed of yourself. They are also our guests. Let me remind you that this party wouldn’t have been possible if Athrun hadn’t saved me. And also, I wouldn’t be here alive if it weren’t for him. At least show how your appreciation of his efforts. This party honors him.”

Yuna ignored Cagalli by checking upon his manicured nails.

One of them had to back down to ease the growing tension. Only the wisest will do that.

“Will you please excuse us, Princess Cagalli? My companion needs refreshment.” Athrun politely asked.

Cagalli couldn’t fathom why she was sad for the sudden exit of her young Coordinate savior. “Yes, you may. It might be the best.” She nodded.

“Are you coming with us, Heine?” Athrun asked as he was about to led Meer to the bar, hand in hand.

Cagalli saw how Athrun handled his date. He was so ever so gentle. Somehow she felt jealous seeing him with another woman. If only he could spare a time for her, even only for a dance would be enough to stop the nagging notion of this obsession of him.

Just a simple dance….and all will be over….never again…

Heine looked at Yuna with an expressionless smile. “Sure, buddy. I wouldn’t miss that for the world.” Then he glanced at the ORB Princess. “This is good-bye for now, Princess Cagalli. I hope that we didn’t ruin your evening.”

She snapped out from her musing. “No, don’t mind that. There is nothing to apologize, Heine.”

“I can’t believe what crap I am hearing,” Yuna mumbled, rolling his eyes.

“Shut up, Yuna, if you know what’s good for you.” Cagalli threatened back.

*******


Athrun and his friends went on for their businesses. He hadn’t encountered Yuna again. He was back with his group, tagging Cagalli along. He had no chance on speaking with her again. That may be his punishment on gaining Yuna’s unwanted attention. Hell! In the first place, it was Heine’s fault. But he had to take responsibility of what his close friend had done although he also had a say for his own. Athrun just to have to count his blessings and one of them was the peace being held between two army forces at this party – Earth Alliance and the ZAFT. At least there had been no problem as the time progressed further. They had a momentarily truce when both parties reside in this land. But if some crosses the line, they have to break that tie of peace.

Moments later, Heine told Athrun his sudden leave for the party and that he couldn’t accompany him any further. He was summoned by their Group General to report back to their ZAFT’s base located at the Sahara dessert. He also told him that there was nothing to worry about since it had nothing to do with attacking or warring with the Naturals. He was only needed to check upon some standard procedure upon receiving some new batch of Mobile Suits coming from their homeland in space.

Before he got the chance to leave Athrun, he had plainly asked, “Are you going to fuck Meer tonight?”

Good thing Meer was at the women’s comfort room that time to do her female necessities.

“Respect the woman, Heine.” Athrun warned his friend for his callous behavior toward Meer. “She deserves it also.”

“Ofcourse, she is.” Somehow, Athrun felt his friend’s half meant appraisal. “It just happens that Meer is your companion tonight. I will still ask you this question regardless who’s your date with.”

“You are asking the wrong question here, Heine.” He said smilingly then his eyes turned serious. “Spill it out.”

Heine laughed. “You really do know me, Athrun. You can read me like a book.”

Athrun was patiently waiting for his question as he sipped his wine.

His friend cleared his throat and murmured, “I need to use your room, Athrun. Can you lend me your apartment for a while?”

Athrun mischievously grinned. He massaged one of his aching temples. “Another innocent victim, I’m sure.”

“Hardly. She’s very experienced if I may say so.” He smugly shared the intimate detail.

“So…..returning to the base has nothing to do with your duty.” Athrun raised a questioning eyebrow. He was trying to hide his amusement but failed miserably.

“There is, Athrun. Never doubt my loyalties to our duties. It just also happens that my virility is a legendary one that women from our base couldn’t resist.” Heine proudly proclaimed and then glared at his friend. “You’re not the only one who has a reputation to care for.”

Both men laughed heartily. Several beautiful socialite women did notice them, shooting them meaningful glances. For Athrun and Heine, they were used of being invited by such independent females. Athrun gave all of them a simple greeting by nodding his head and share his warm smile while his friend gave them his infamous killer wink. Too bad Heine could not be able to entertain them with his expertise since he will be very busy with his ‘duties’ back to their base. He could only sigh for that.

“Yzak wouldn’t mind hearing you and your woman moan all night, you know. You just have to put sleeping pills on his milk drink or whatever he takes when he’ll go to sleep.” Athrun advised him. He could see Heine chortling.

“He’s taking an energy drink. Imagine that,” Heine confided gloomily.

“So what? As long as he takes the sleeping drug without noticing it, there will be no problem, right?”

“Already done that before and it was a disaster! That man could only sleep for 3 hours under the medication of sleeping drugs. Amazing, isn’t? No wonder he is always grouchy.” He brushed away his bangs from his forehead.

“Yeah. I remember the time you offered him to join the actual sex just to compensate his anger.” Athrun laughed.

“You have to understand, Athrun! I was on the verge of sexual climax, fucking my vivacious lusty subordinate, when Yzak was unexpectedly released by the worthless Sandman. I never thought that long sleep is not among his life’s motto.”

“Neither accepting your twisted morals and principles often times.”

“We both have those twisted morals and principles, Mr. Zala, so don’t go using those wise words on me. Enough of this crap. I know for sure that your roommate Nicol is on leave which makes your room too much available for me to use – and if you will not use it also this night.” Heine’s eyes were twinkling.

“Well…”

“OH! Maybe we could have some orgy….” Heine suddenly suggested, trapping his friend.

“Hell NO!” He abruptly replied.

He grinned triumphantly. “So lend me the card of your apartment. No more arguing.” He held out his hand, waiting.

Athrun sighed and shrugged. “I could just ignore you, you know.” He took his e-card pass from the secret pocket of his tuxedo.

“You won’t be because you love me as you love your countrymen.” Heine abruptly snatched it from his hand and patted his shoulder. “Thanks. I owe you big time.”

“Just go forth and multiply, Heine.” Athrun snapped, pushing his friend’s chest. “Have it cleaned after the mess. I don’t want any reminders of your liaison at my room.”

“Ok then. Say adieu to the beautiful Amber Princess for me. Face to face.” He waved and immediately left.

“As if I can do that,” Athrun mumbled as he took another glass of wine from a passing by waiter. From the drinking pace he was having on these spirits, soon he could blackout. Luckily he has great tolerance of it. Sipping his whiskey and alone in the corner of the ball, Athrun’s eyes search for Cagalli. She was there, listening to every politics those men feed on her brain. He never cared whether they poison her way of thinking. That’s only Cagalli’s prerogative to do so or what.

He was watching her every move as she was being led to the center of the ballroom’s dance floor. The crowd gathering at the said space gave way to the coming star couple. One of the oldies from the ORB’s Parliamentary Council and also one of her late father’s trusted friends was her partner for the slow dance. At least, Athrun had nothing to worry about since he knew that the old man was blissful happy with his current life as a loyal husband and a caring grandfather of 6 children. What the hell?! What was he thinking anyway?! He should also never care whether she flirts with other men, young or old. That is also her prerogative.

The band was about to perform another slow song, particularly Michael Buble’s song. They had been playing the balladeer’s hits since an hour ago. By this time, they were about to play “The Way You Look Tonight” in instrumental theme. All of the couples at the dance floor prepared for their stance as the band began to perform. Cagalli and the old fellow were sharing a few moment of reprieve before they started to join, to move along with the other dancing couples who were enjoying the lovely theme.

The ballroom’s lights were softened to create a romantic ambiance among the couples on the floor. Athrun and the rest of the guests who weren’t at the center show were now being blanketed by the darkness since all of the available lights were tuned to Cagalli and her partner. They were dancing like a daughter with his father, loving and cherishing every moment of it.

Watching her dancing on that floor made Athrun’s heart at ease. He didn’t know the reason why but he cared not to answer the question anyway. From all the women he had met, Cagalli was very different. Behind the layers of a strong and witty woman lies innocence and charm that attracted him every moment his attention was at tuned at her. He believed that his type wasn’t among the inexperienced and yet with this one, the most untouchable of them all, seemed to be very difficult to restrain and refrain. Maybe because of the restriction or the value toped on her head as the ‘forbidden subject’ that caused his senses to reel and increased his yearning. If so, he had to regain his wits whenever they get the chance to meet or even contact since they both share the same important positions in the world of chaos between two genomes. He had to restrain himself, or else.

Also, another thing that will put everything, particularly his interest of her to rest was to keep thinking that having a serious relationship with a noble blood will complicate his life. More importantly, her being a Natural will do worse. Not because he didn’t prefer her kind. He had numerous accounts of liaisons with Natural women. Some gave him greater sexual ecstasy than he was receiving with his own kind. But to Cagalli, for him it felt more than that. He couldn’t just simply explain it. And another thing that bothered him, it was just that his position as a Coordinator will be jeopardize, especially when he belongs to the noble and respected families reigning in PLANT. His father, from all the people, will be the first one to object.

Patrick Zala hated the Naturals, so to speak. His wrath was beyond compare. And Athrun wouldn’t want to try any chance of testing it, especially on Cagalli.

Athrun inwardly cursed. He was thinking further than sharing a bed when it comes to her. He started reprimanding himself, of his silly fantasies of her.

“You only met the woman for two days, Athrun. What the hell are you thinking? Have you lost your wits?” Athrun mumbled upon himself.

“I’m back! Have you picked up some poor girl while I’m gone?” Meer suddenly spoke as she arrived to Athrun’s left side.

He wasn’t surprised anyway. As an officer and soldier, he was used to instant ambush or surprises.

“I was thinking of getting some fresh air, Meer.” Athrun looked at her as he put his glass on the buffet table.

Meer languidly smiled and was about to make it into a very mischievous grin. “Is that an invitation, Athrun?” Placing her pointer finger to the rim of Athrun’s glass then circling it with its tip, she somehow showed her flirting side.

“Could be,” Athrun coolly replied.

Meer took one step to close their distance. She was deliberately brushing her ‘healthy’ bosom to the young captain’s solid chest. “Shall we go outside? I know a place where we could be in private.”

Athrun took the opening offer and led her out of the ballroom by the nearest French doors. The same beautiful socialite women spared their piercing looks at the buxom vixen as the couple passed beside them. One of them patted his strong shoulder and silently mouthed, “When it’s done, I’ll be here, waiting for you.”

Athrun got to smile at that indecent proposal. Why not? Tonight he hungered for sexual releases since the one he wanted the most couldn’t be taken.

Or is it?

After escaping from the social gathering of ORB, the couple walked upon the garden maze until they arrived at the center of it. There placed a small, white gazebo, enough three to four persons to occupy at once. Its roof was made of dark blue shingles and its walls were only crossed wooden thatches. Vines snaked through its holes, enveloping most of its primary columns. Some had purple flowers from the lines of the vines. Athrun forgot the name of the flower and had no plans on identifying them. He was busy maintaining Meer her control of sexual appetite for a meantime while he was still enjoying strolling to the young Amber princess’ garden. He was asking himself if this is Cagalli’s favorite spot in her precious garden and if this place is sacred for her. Somehow, a part of him needed to know since he and Meer were about to ‘desecrate’ it by having casual sex.

Hell. He had done it to numerous parties so why bother to hesitate when at first he had none of it in his persona. Sex in public places gave him additional thrills. It had changed when he happened to met her in his special get-a-way island. He just shook his head.

Cagalli here, Cagalli there….Damn it!

That night, full moon shined brightly. It had added a much more romantic effect than what they were receiving back from the social party. There had been a breeze that soothed every person passing by, enjoying the magnificent sight of the garden maze. Not quite cold, not quite hot. Just right and fuzzy.

“Did I please you with this?” She was pertaining to the place she had brought Athrun to seduce or be seduced.

Athrun looked at her for a moment. He knew that she was fishing for compliments. It was very typical of her to do so. Well, almost all of his women actually.

“Yes, Meer. You just found a perfect spot.” Athrun gradually bent his head and then kissed her. He pulled her against him and touched some of her curvy parts particularly her buttocks.

Meer was moaning as she savored her lover’s kiss and sinful touches. Eyes fluttering, she was a bit disappointed when Athrun removed his lips and tongue from hers. “Since that I made you happy, why not reciprocate the feeling. Make me happy. Make me the happiest woman in PLANT.” She was purring like a cat as she seductively touched his manly jaw. “Marry me instead.”

Athrun suddenly felt frozen. “You know that I can’t do that. I can never offer you more than what we have right now.” He removed her moving hand and kissed it.

As he was about to let go of her hand, Meer grabbed it and clasped it with both of her dainty hands. “Do you know, from all the men I’ve slept with, you’re the only man who caught my heart? Hearing you saying those words breaks me apart.”

Athrun continued to listen.

“People have known me as just another personality from show business, trying to take over Lacus Clyne’s fame. Some says that I was molded to be her perfect replica, out of desperation. It was like begging for the few scraps of public attention, of her acknowledgement, even for HIM.”

He had known all along for the first time he had met Meer, there was something more about her that meets the eye. Besides the similar looks with his fiancée Lacus, she was hiding behind those seductive smiles and cheerful showbiz attitude. He hadn’t pursued her to tell him her dark story for he had known everyone of us had skeletons in their closets.

“For years, I’m doing my best for him to notice me. I even have to imitate your fiancée’s persona and put a little of my character so that people would recognize me with worth. Well, it hadn’t been easy. So far it has been a great success. But it wasn’t enough anymore. There are only two people I’ve been waiting for that recognition, Athrun.”

She looked up to him with misty eyes. “Siegel Clyne and you,”

Athrun closed his eyes and sighed.

“He still hasn’t accepted me as his daughter, Athrun. Do you know how hurtful is that? He has been washing his dirty hand since the day I was born to our world. He said that he didn’t have any extra marital affair with my mother since he had been blissfully contented with his wife and daughter.” She scoffed. “Look at me, Athrun. This face looks very similar to Lacus! I didn’t have any surgery on it. If I have to go to a DNA test, I will! The only problem here is that bastard doesn’t want to perform any test.”

He must be guilty of it, Athrun wanted to say out loud.

“He broke my heart, Athrun. And now, after hearing your rejection of me, I can’t bear it anymore.” She cried on his chest.

Athrun pampered her with his gentle caresses. “Meer, listen…”

“Why all of you hate me so? Am I so disgraceful? Am I so dirty to your upper social taste?”

“It’s not what you think, Meer.”

“And how so?” She demanded for an answer as she looked up to him again.

He sighed. He already knew this was coming. Then again, he was very used to it and also, he had known a deeper reason why Meer was acting like this. “From the very beginning of our relationship, I had told you that I can never give entirely myself to you. You know from the start that I’m much of already shackled man. You accepted it and had gone with that arrangement.”

“I changed my mind. I began to fall in love along the process,” she abruptly admitted.

Athrun shook his head. “No. You don’t love me, Meer. You’re THINKING that you love me.”

Meer frowned as she wiped her tears from her damped cheeks.

“You’re a very beautiful woman, Meer. At some points, more beautiful than any women I had slept with. I admit that you’re one of the special ones I cherished. But I’m afraid that I can’t supply your demand of feelings for I’m a very selfish person. I don’t share my heart just like that.”

“Athrun…”

“And also, you’re just doing this out of jealousy and anger towards your half-sister Lacus. I am her fiancé. Ruining our engagement is the key to hurt her.” Meer was objecting, denying, when Athrun made her silent by putting his finger on hold on her red lips.

“It’s insanity to love a person just like that, out of a few weeks of having great sex,” Athrun coldly said. He was also asking himself the same question, of loving a person out from a short period of time.

“You don’t know what and how I feel, Athrun. You’re just saying those words because you’re very used of busting women’s feeling when it comes to serious matters of relationships.” Meer sobbed.

Athrun embraced her one more time. “Don’t cry. Please. I hate seeing women crying. You have to understand.”

She shook her head and continued to sob. Her hands grabbed a handful of clothe from his tuxedo and crumpled it.

The only alternative for this kind of reaction to his closure was just one wild kiss. Athrun clasped her jaw, made her looked up to him again and then gradually bent his head to give that soothing remedy. Yes. He was kissing her as if it would be the end of the world and no other woman will ever replace her in his heart. Tongues mingling with each other, Meer was moaning again. Athrun’s hands were like everywhere at the same time. First he was caressing her shoulders and arms. It was so happen that his expert hands ended up to her curvaceous buttocks. Automatically, Meer shove herself more to Athrun as their kiss grew wilder. She was threading her fingers to Athrun’s hair.

As their passion left untamed, there had been rustling sounds around the manicured bushes of the garden maze. Athrun’s eyes shot open, searching for the intruder. Seconds after, he made the heated woman separated from him. Both of them were gasping for air.

“I think it wouldn’t be wise for you to be alone with me in this garden, Meer. Your talent manager will be very angry of me if that ever happens.” Athrun suggested.

“I don’t care!” Meer was about to embrace Athrun but she was pushed away steadily by his hands and arms.

“Compromising you in the public will be a great disaster for your career.” He reminded. “You still have many things to prove to HIM, you know.” It was so bad of him to use Siegel Clyne into this persuasion.

She snorted. “You already did that when you took me out of that mansion, Athrun dear. Many saw our exit together.”

“Not enough to create a great scandal,” He retorted.

“But still….”

“Please, Meer. You have to. We have to have time to think about our relationship. You, especially.”

The pop idol frowned, not believing the reason Athrun was saying. But moments later, she had to give it up. For the sake of their relationship’s continuation, she had to.

She was leaving the central part of the garden maze without looking back. It was for the best. Athrun had told her to take the route were people will not be able to notice her exit. Good thing she did that.

Alone in one of the most beautiful garden he had ever seen – as of yet – in his entire life, Athrun was pacing upon the grass as he was also looking up to the sky, to the full moon exactly. After a minute or two of being silent, he suddenly spoke.

“You can come out now, Amber Princess.”

No one, particularly the one Athrun had been calling, came out from the bushes. The breeze swayed its path to the young captain. He savored the refreshing feeling.

“Don’t make me come after you, Cagalli. You know how I work as a Coordinator soldier.” He chuckled. “You had experienced it at first hand basis.”

The Amber Princess immediately stood and moved out from her hiding place. She was behind him, about 20 feet from where he stood. She glared at the laughing Athrun. “Satisfied now?”

Athrun turned around and gave her a smile that could melt an ice maiden’s heart. “You’re really a classic, you know.”

“Stop grinning, you fool!” She hated it so much when Athrun gets the upper hand of the situation. This is her home court so she should be on control.

“I’m not grinning, Cagalli. I’m smiling.” He brushed his bangs away from his face. The moon shined upon them, adding a certain devious effect to his charm.

“It’s just the same!” She snapped.

“Whoa!” Athrun pretended to be shocked. “What happened to the prime and proper lady of this mansion, the host of this huge party?”

She crossed her arms to her almost revealing chest. “Do you have to remind me of that?”

Steps were done towards the lovely amber princess as she was still rambling and complaining. She hadn’t notice Athrun’s close proximity; his invasion of her personal space.

“You deliberately destroyed the moment I have there with Meer, Cagalli.” He winked at her. “Admit it.”

Cagalli blushed. “Hell! What made you think of that?!”

Athrun didn’t believe every excuse she was saying. Some were very pathetic.

“I happen to like this place, Mr. Athrun Zala. This place is very special to me!” Cagalli informed with desperately.

“I know that somehow that it is to you.” He calmly replied.

“Also, I own this place, this mansion, even this garden. I can stroll here whenever I want. You won’t do anything about it since everything you see here is mine.”

Long gone the elegant lady Athrun had known hours ago during the party. A tiger was set out. Somehow, at some unknown reasons, he preferred this type of fierce attitude.

It makes Cagalli more interesting, more sensual and more alluring. Oh….this is bad for him since his appetite for a great sex tonight was only for her….this is really bad.

“Well, if that’s the case,” Athrun clasped at her waist, pulling her closer to him, “you wouldn’t mind sharing your lovely evening with your Guest-of-Honor in this magnificent garden maze of yours, right?”

Cagalli was stunned for the abrupt romantic move. She looked at him as if she was seeing him for the very first time.

“You have ruined twice of my evening, you know.” Athrun pointed out. “One is that I was treated like an ass to your party, instead of being honored.”

“It wasn’t my fault! Yuna did it!” she rapidly defended herself.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Blaming your faults to others isn’t a good thing, Cagali.” Athrun reprimanded her. Although that he knew she was right, he just couldn’t help himself not to tease her.

“Hey! Look her Mister Athr…” She was swept away by him, swinging her just like a slow dance.

“Two,” Athrun shushed her by initiating the act. “I was about to settle a score tonight, once and for all. Your presence ruined it.”

“Oh! Why blame me, you dolt!? You and your lady bird were about to do it in my garden, near my gazebo from all the place! Have you no shame?! If you want any privacy, you should have taken her into a motel or maybe back to your pad or base.” She snorted.

Athrun chortled. “You know, you are so cute when you’re angry.”

“You can’t make me fall on that pathetic wooing, Captain Zala. You maybe taught me some ‘interesting’ things….” Cagalli blushed. “But I am not that innocent anymore.”

He hated to think that she had gotten to know real passion from her stupid and conceited fiancé. He remained silent for a while.

“I know the likes of you, Mr. Zala. You would say anything that would make women crave for you. Well, here’s some news for you. I’m not one of them.” She smugly said.

Athrun smiled again and pulled her much closer than before. Cagalli was on the verge of a panic mode but she didn’t make it obvious. He was deliberately making her nervous. And she knew this was coming.

“Cagalli,”

She couldn’t speak. She was just looking at his green, alluring eyes.

He bent his head and whispered to her ear, “Thank you for doing so – from defending me from that dolt fiancé of yours and from Meer Campbell.”

She was a bit stunned of his acceptance at his mistake, of his fault. There had been a few moments before she regained her wits again. “Why, don’t mention it.”

“And one more thing,” One of his hands was placed at the side of her hips. While the other, at the small of her back.

The Amber Princess gulped. “What now?”

Athrun chortled and cleared his throat. “Will you do the honor of dancing with me, here, tonight?”



tbc...


A/N: I made Meer and Lacus kinda related. yeah....this is beginning to be kind Semi-Alternate Universe.