Gundam Seed Destiny Fan Fiction / Gundam SEED Fan Fiction ❯ Eternal Destiny ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Gundam Seed Fanfiction

Started April 10, 2006

Words: 16,884

82 CE - Representative of ORB's Private Offices, ORB

ORB's Lioness sat alone in her office, having commandeered all of her assistants, aides, and bodyguards out of the room with dire warnings to her secretary that she did not expect to be disturbed for the rest of the afternoon. Not even for an emergency.

And so, finally, she was alone.

Anxiety clawed at her stomach and choked at her throat, but for the longest time she could only sit and stare at the deceptively neutral looking green file holding dominance over the multitude of other files piled unceremoniously across the polish-worn desk top. The same desk her father had used. The same desk his father had used and the previous representative before him, for generations lost count. She allowed herself the luxury of distraction, thinking of the man who had raised her and helped set the mold for the woman she had become. What would Uzumi Nara Athha think of his daughter if he saw her today, shying away from simply opening a file and reading the report that contained the very real possibility of changing her entire life? Of ultimately affecting the life of every citizen of ORB?

It wasn't the first time Cagalli had felt the weight of responsibility her position placed on her. It wouldn't even be the first time the weight would threaten to drive her to her knees, and she didn't doubt it wouldn't happen again, but she knew she'd continue to carry it. For herself, for the promise she'd made over a burning ORB, and for their future. She would continue to steadfastly hold onto ORB's principles and lead the way into tomorrow with pride and determination.

And with that self-same pride and determination, Cagalli picked up the folder and flipped it open.

Although the file contents were quite thick--documenting her complete medical history from the tender age of 3 months until her last physical examination three days ago--she was only concerned with the short memo affixed to the first page.

Dear Minister Athha,

It is my great pleasure to inform you that your test results returned positive.

May I be the first to congratulate you. You're having a baby.

Sincerely,

Dr. L. J. Spoto

Orb's lioness exhaled.

76 CE, Unlisted Apartment, PLANT

If he experienced a spike of surprise at opening his door to find Kira Yamato there, it was only reasonable. He knew for a fact his information was unlisted by public means, and it had been nearly a year, after all, since the two friends had talked in person--not since Lacus had backed away from the public's eyesight again to resume her quiet life on the coasts of Orb.

"Hello, Athrun," Kira spoke first, his face cast in the oh-so-familiar quiet, friendly fashion of his. "May I come in?"

"Oh, um, sure," he flustered, stepping back away hastily to hold the door open for the other man, self-consciously worrying about the state of his apartment. "Yes, come in. How are you, Kira?"

"I'm good. You?"

"I'm doing all right, I guess," Athrun hedged, closing the door and surveying his own living quarters. They weren't the most luxurious, he supposed--nothing near what he'd enjoyed growing up or while in the military--but the one room apartment was decent and suited his needs well enough.

"So, how'd you find me?" he asked, turning back to his friend. "I didn't think anyone knew where I was?"

"You mean, not since you left Meyrin's?"

Athrun nodded in acknowledgement of the dig. He hadn't really told anyone where he was going when he left, had he. Kira shrugged, as if shrugging off the unvoiced apology as unneeded and smiled kindly.

"Lacus has her ways," he answered, and even Athrun couldn't prevent the smile that teased his lips.

"How is she?"

"She's good. A little busy at the moment," Kira added, hesitating a moment before pushing on. "We're getting married."

"Oh?" There was that surprise again, but this time it was more along the lines of 'it's about time'. "So she's finally going to make an honest man out of you, huh?" Athrun teased. "That's great, Kira. Really. The both of you, you're really good together. I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, Athrun," Kira blushed and looked down. "I hope you know that you're important to us both. That's why we wanted to tell you in person, and, and we wanted to ask you if you would stand with us."

"Kira..."

"We'd understand, of course," Kira continued as if Athrun hadn't spoke, "if you'd rather stay away, but, Lacus and I, we would really like you to stand with us when we're married."

There had really never been a question of saying no. That's why, two months later, he was standing on Orb soil once again. Logically, of course, he knew that she would be there as well. She was, after all, the sister of the groom and a close friend of the bride. Athrun tried not to think about it, about her, but it was damn near impossible.

He'd never stopped thinking about Cagalli Athha. Never stopped loving or wanting her, even after they'd gone their separate ways. Any relationships he'd tried to have in the last two years were incapable of comparing to the intensity of what he and Cagalli had shared. One minute of holding Cagalli in his arms had been infinitely more intimate than the cumulative time he'd spent with any other woman.

He was just beginning to come to terms with the fact that he'd met the only woman he'd ever loved at fifteen, only to then lose her to circumstance at eighteen, when they were brought together once again.

"Okay, I think everything's ready," Cagalli huffed out a sigh and absently brushed her length of blond hair back behind her ear. Her hair was darker, he noticed, and longer--no doubt a result of less hours spent in the sun and more in the cold confines of an office.

"Lacus is ready, too, so all that remains," she added ominously, approaching her brother and Athrun as they stood waiting near the ancient stone pavilion. She reached up and played with Kira's uniform, straightening and brushing off an invisible speck.

"You look happy," she said softly, and to Athrun's ears she sounded sad and even a little lonely.

Kira just smiled, placing a gentle kiss to her cheek and pulling her into a warm embrace before letting her go again. "I am."

"Good," she snapped, her expression turning stubborn and defiant. "If anyone deserves it, it's you. You both do."

"So do you, Cagalli," he reminded her.

"Orb is safe and the reconstruction is almost complete. I am happy."

"I mean for yourself," Kira began before she could continue.

"Today isn't about me, Kira. It's about you and Lacus and committing your life to one another."

"We've already done that." Kira smiled and shrugged negligently. "Today is merely a legal formality for everyone else. In our hearts, Lacus and I have been married for years now."

"Well, I just hope that when it's my turn I can be half as calm as you two are today," Cagalli muttered, playing with one of the pale ruffles on her sea-foam green gown.

"You will be," Kira assured her, kissing her forehead. "As long as it's right."

"And if it's wrong?" she couldn't resist asking.

Kira's little wicked grin was decidedly out of place for the day when he answered. "Well, then, I guess Lacus and I will show up with Freedom and steal you away again."

Her lips twitched in response, eyes sparkling as she stared up at her brother. "I'm so happy for you, Kira," she began, tearing and choking up. Kira pulled her into another embrace, and brother and sister held on to each other tightly for a long minute.

Cagalli was the first to pull away with a sniffle and warning. "If my makeup is smudged, I'm going to have to hurt you. Mana was especially over-obsessive this morning."

"You look picture perfect," Kira promised.

"Speaking of pictures," she snapped, sturdying her posture and turning to Athrun for the first time that day. "Don't forget we have a press conference to attend after the ceremony. You'll have already worked out your statement, I hope."

"It's been a while, but I haven't forgotten how to handle the press," Athrun gritted as congenially as possible. "I know what I want to say, yes, and I've even prepared to field some questions, so don't worry yourself about me."

"I wasn't," she replied coolly. "I just want everything to run as smoothly as possible today."

"It will," Kira interjected before the two could become openly hostile towards one another. "Why don't you check one more time with the concierge before waiting with Lacus. I think we're starting soon."

Cagalli softened almost immediately and was smiling again. "Okay. See you soon," she added with one last quick peck to his cheek.

Kira and Athrun watched her disappear into one of the many tents set up nearby.

"You're both too stubborn sometimes,"

Athrun remained staunchly silent, and Kira sighed.

"I know," the elder said, as if replying to something Athrun didn't say. "But Lacus and I hate to see you both hurting yourselves like this."

"Not that it's really any concern anymore, but it might do you both good to remember that we did try, once, and it was her, not me, who decided it wouldn't work," Athrun finally ground out--more bitterly than he'd realized he still felt about the incident.

"Did you," Kira asked. "I mean, did you really try to make it work?"

Athrun stared at his friend in angered shock, not quite believing that Kira needed to asked him that, but then, he stopped and asked himself, had they both really tried to make their relationship work? How could they have when Cagalli had been focused on assuming control over a country? When he'd been focused on keeping her alive and safe? Sure there'd been a stolen moment for a light kiss on the cheek or a reassuring hug, but they'd never had time for more than that because they'd both been focused on their jobs, secure in the belief that once they'd gotten the world straightened out, there'd be time left over for each other.

Except, that expected time had never come. Instead Cagalli had cut him loose, and he'd meekly drifted away without really trying to reconnect to her. They hadn't really tried to make it work, had they? They'd both just gone along with the flow of the world around them, running from one situation to another, never giving their situation any time or attention.

A hand on his shoulder hooked Athrun back to the present. Kira was standing closer than before and smiling that easy, reassuring smile of his that promised that somehow, someway, everything would work out.

"You both need to sit down and really talk to each other," Kira told him with kindly assertiveness. "Even if it's never meant to be between you two, you shouldn't keep maintaining this cold war. You still love her, and I know she still loves you."

"It was never a matter of loving each other, Kira," Athrun returned.

"Promise me you'll try and talk to each other, rationally, before you disappear again?"

"This is Cagalli you're talking about," Athrun grinned. "I don't know how rational a conversation between us you can expect there to be."

Kira's lips twitched in answering amusement. "Cagalli will always be Cagalli, but I think you'll find three years apart can change a person. None of us are teenagers any longer."

Before Athrun could respond, music cued guests and participants that the ceremony was ready to begin.

In the bridal tent, Cagalli was receiving similar admonishments to place her anger and hurt feelings aside for the day and just enjoy being alive and happy and well enough to celebrate the day's blessings with friends.

It was hard to argue with a bride as serene and peacefully happy as Lacus, and honestly, Cagalli wasn't even sure why she wanted to, except for the fact that he was here, now, in Orb again. Athrun was back in Orb for the first time in nearly three years.

Three very long years.

How was it even possible that after such a long period of time he could still draw such a raw and intense emotion from her? He shouldn't have any power over her what-so-ever anymore. He should only be just someone who she used to love.

Why then, if that was true and Athrun was merely a person from her past, did the sight of him standing there near the wedding pavilion affect her so acutely?

"Cagalli?" Lacus's gentle voice drew her away from her chaotic thoughts and emotions. "Are you ready?"

"I'm the one who should be asking you that," the blonde young woman groused. "You're the one who's getting married. Not me."

Lacus laughed and held out her arms. "Well, then, how do I look?"

She studied her friend, decked out in delicate silk and satin ribbons and pearls. "Like a goddess," was the only answer she could think that aptly applied. "If Kira wasn't already in love with you, he definitely would be the minute he sees you."

Lacus turned to survey her reflection in the full length tri-fold mirror that had been set up in the corner, turning this way and that with a thoughtful expression. After only a moment, her face cleared and brightened and she nodded in satisfaction.

"It's a good thing this dress is a lot easier to get out of that it was to get in, then," she announced, running her fingers along a slick length of pink hair.

"Lacus!" Cagalli had a chance to cry out before they both dissolved into a mass of uncontrollable giggles. Cagalli hastily pressed a hand to her mouth to try and repress the disgusting display, but she only ended up gasping and snorting instead, which sent Lacus cascading into new levels of hilarity. It was several minutes before the young women could regain their composure, cheeks and sides aching as they carefully applied kerchiefs to watering eyes.

"Oh. Oh my," Lacus breathed.

"For future reference," Cagalli gasped, "Please, please, please don't ever mention anything about my little brother and sex, okay? I don't care if he's a grandfather---as far as I'm concerned, he's a virgin, okay? Please don't ever dissuade me."

Lacus shoulders shook again, but she bravely managed to repress her laughter. "You know, he said the same thing about you."

"I'll just bet."

"Oh, that's our cue," Lacus perked up as music began to fill the pavilion.

"I guess that means it's time to get married. Are you ready?"

"Of course. Don't be so nervous, Cagalli. It's only a wedding," Lacus told her, soothing the arm of her dress. She reached over for the white satin pillow with the two simple bands tied with a red ribbon and handed it to the blond. "You'd better get out there."

Cagalli stared at the wedding bands for a second before reaching forward and pulling the taller woman to her for a quick hug and kiss, whispering, "I'm proud to call you my sister," before ducking out of the tent.

She nearly barreled right into her brother outside.

"Is everything all right?" Kira asked, catching her arms to steady her.

"Fine," Cagalli immediately snapped, and the she stopped, breathed, and smiled. "No, better than fine. I'm just more nervous than the bride and groom is all. She's ready. Just give me a minute to get back to the pavilion, and you two can get married."

He smiled and released her. "Well, try not to take too long. I hear there's this really great party planned for afterwards, and I'm starting to get hungry."

Cagalli resisted commenting--just barely--as she headed back up the stone steps. She very nearly stumbled when she looked up and saw the priest and Athrun standing there waiting for her to join them. A tumult of emotions washed over her, so strong they actually had a physical effect--her breath shallowed out as her heartbeat quickened, a flush spread across her skin leaving her burning with a warmth that had nothing to do with the early summer temperature, and her stomach knotted so painfully she worried she might be sick.

At the top, Athrun continued to watch her. She could feel his eyes on her as she determinably braced herself and forced one foot up over the other in a cool even gait, remembering belatedly the cameras that had been allowed to document the event. They would focus on her as much as they would focus on the stars of the day. Cagalli's face molded into the calm, confident mask she'd spent the last three years learning and perfecting until it was second-nature.

She held herself to form until she reached the top, and Athrun reached out a hand towards. She hesitated, faltered, before she could constrain herself and accept his assistance. A brief glance at his face--all she would allow herself--told her he was probably feeling confused, too. His hand tightened on hers a second before he released it, and they both turned to watch Kira and Lacus ascend the steps to their life as a married couple.

Kira and Lacus looked liked a fairy tale prince and princess standing together, about to embark on their "happily ever after." And then the pair stepped forward and began to climb the steps. Cagalli could see their fingers entwined, their steps perfectly matched to each other. They were a working unit made up of two separate, but equal, parts.

Was that the key difference, she wondered. Was it because they viewed themselves as equals that Kira's and Lacus's relationship worked so well when hers and Athrun's had failed? Because they were equals, or viewed each other as having equal responsibilities? Because they were both coordinators?--no. Being or not being a coordinator didn't have anything to do with it. Her reasons for letting Athrun loose three years ago remained the same: She was responsible for cleaning up the mess left behind in Orb. Her duty was, and was still, to Orb. Athrun didn't need a distracted girlfriend.

Sometimes, when she was feeling particularly masochistic, Cagalli would try and imagine her life married to Jona. She had been acting in what she'd believe was Orb's best interests then, too, and she'd nearly made the biggest mistake of her life. Movement of the couple standing between her and Athrun cued her back into the reality of the moment, and she realized she'd missed the affirmation of Kira's and Lacus's intent---not that anyone who knew the couple doubted their love and devotion to each other.

But people change. Priorities and situations change them. Even Athrun had said it--you could understand why a person does something and still not be able to accept it. Athrun had left her first, left Orb and returned to ZAFT. He might have had good reasons, but she couldn't--no, she wouldn't accept that he'd left at all. Of course, if he had stayed, she might never have found the strength she needed to truly lead Orb.

Athrun stepped forward, and Cagalli's emotions did that funny, about-to-malfunction thing again. There had been a time; a moment in her life, when she'd cherished thoughts of standing here, in this same spot, with him. Times when the delicate ring Athrun had given her before returning to Plant, returning to ZAFT, was her most precious belonging.

"The ring, an ancient symbol of promise and commitment," the priest intoned, "represents the never-ending circle of life."

Cagalli stepped forward, annoyed at the trembling of her hands as she held the satin pillow forward.

"The giving of the ring is the promise of your love and faith in one another. The acceptance of the ring is your commitment to honor your promise. It is not an act to be taken lightly. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Kira and Lacus answered in unison before reaching out to untie the rings.

"This is a symbol of my love and faith."

It was inevitable that her eyes would seek out Athrun's. But then, he was already watching her.

"This is a symbol of my love and faith."

And just like that, with an exchange of words and rings, Cagalli thought, her little brother was married.

Kira and Lacus were spirited away by the photographer before any of the press could rush them. Athrun was relieved. The security was tight, but not infallible, and really, it was practically amazing that they'd made it this far without some freak accident or catastrophe.

He and Cagalli stood back, waiting for some unspoken cue as the wedding couple disappeared inside another tent and the guests began to file away. The banquet wouldn't be held for another two hours--plenty of time for portraits and press conferences. In fact, Athrun could already see Cagalli's publicist, Rumi Zandus, handling the hawking crowd of reporters off near the entrance to the temple grounds. He and Cagalli would have to go there next.

Athrun turned to start in that direction when he realized Cagalli was still standing, frozen, staring off sadly at something only she could see. Deliberating only a minute over taking the liberty of a public display of affection that he no longer--if he ever--had the right to, Athrun reached over and lightly ran his hand down Cagalli's spine. She started, and looked over at him, but didn't pull away, and so Athrun left his hand resting at the small of her back, acutely aware that it was the first they they'd touched in two years.

"Are you ready?" he asked, and when she nodded but didn't move, he offered, "If you'd like, I can speak first?"

"No, it's all right," she sighed. "They're used to me, at least."

"I'm sure they'll want to ask about my former engagement, and why I wasn't the groom today."

"I don't doubt it. They just love to know all about your private, personal life."

"The good people of the press are eager to pin you down?"

"More like they're eager for the excitement another bride high-jacking would stir."

He ignored the pang the thought of that other wedding left in his chest. "Ah, yes. I can see them now, climbing all over each other to get the best picture."

"All things considered, they did manage to get some nice shots last time," Cagalli responded with a quirked smile.

"You know, I don't think I ever saw any," he said, eager to keep the tone light and easy between them. "I bet it was quite the sight, you in your wedding dress, being carried off by Freedom."

"Stop by one day and I'll show them to you," she offered without thinking. He could tell the minute she realized what she'd said.

"Maybe," he allowed, but before she could say anything else, he pressed her ahead of him and into the direct line of sight of the cameras. Light bulbs flashed in frenzy as Cagalli stepped straight towards the microphone.

"Good afternoon, everyone," she began, her voice all business and no nonsense. "I thank you all for attending today. The bride and groom and their family and friends are pleased to share this happy day with you."

"Where are they?" someone called out as the cameras continued to flash.

"Both Lacus Klein and Kira Yamato are understandably busy continuing their duties of the day, but they promised to pose for pictures before they leave the pavilion area."

"'Klein'? Does that mean Lacus will be keeping her surname?"

"Yes," Cagalli clipped. "In memory of her late father, Siegel Klein, Lacus will retain her family name."

"A question for Athrun Zala! How do you feel, watching your fiancée marry another man?"

Athrun stepped forward as Cagalli stepped aside. "The engagement between Lacus Klein and myself was a contract arranged by our fathers, not a love match. In addition, the contract was revoked by my father before his death, therefore Lacus has not been my fiancée for many years now. We remain, however, close and good friends, and I was honored to be a part of her special day. I hope both she and Kira will be able to live a long and happy and peaceful life."

That, of course, sprouted new questions, which lead to other questions, which in turn led to other questions and although it was really only something like twenty minutes, it felt more like two hours by the time Cagalli's publicist stepped forward to draw the meeting to a close. They made their escape to rejoin the photographer and the wedding couple, and Athrun matched her pace naturally when Cagalli held back before she could walk in and ruin the picture before them.

Kira's parents had joined the wedding couple, grinning proudly as they teased their son about something. Lacus laughed lightly while Kira smiled, suffering through the embraces and kisses as the photographer worked.

"Cagalli?" Athrun questioned gently, cautiously touching her shoulder.

"I'm glad they finally got married. For a while there, I was really beginning to think that they were just going to continue living together without a more concrete commitment."

"And that would have been wrong?"

"Not wrong... just... It made their relationship seem... unsure. Uncertain... and too easily capable of breaking."

"I don't think so," Athrun sighed, watching his friends longingly. "It's like Kira said: In their hearts they were already married. This wedding was just a show for everyone else." He turned to look at her. "Is that what you needed, Cagalli? The commitment in front of the world's eye?"

Cagalli frowned thoughtfully. "Maybe.. but... Honestly, Athrun, the way things happened--- I don't think there would've been a way to change them. Do you?"

"No." He sighed again. "I guess not. We're different people from Kira and Lacus."

"Yes," she agreed softly. "We are. It must be hard on her today. Without her father."

"Lacus is very strong."

"Missing your loved ones, missing your parents, doesn't make you weak, Athrun."

He looked away, and then turned back as Kira's mother embraced Lacus. "Lacus, you, me, the children... the wars made us all orphans."

"It can't be changed, the past. All we can do is guard the future and insure that it doesn't repeat itself," Cagalli told him firmly. "To guard against future altercations that could lead us back down the road to similar wastes. Athrun, I--"

"Cagalli! Athrun! Hurry up and join us!" Kira called out laughingly.

"We've just finished having our faces beamed across the world sphere, and now you want us to pose for more pictures?" Athrun returned with mock skepticism.

"Of course," Lacus answered sweetly. "These are family portraits. They wouldn't be complete without you both."

The pink-haired young woman held out her hands for Cagalli to take and pulled her into the circle. Kira grinned and reached out for Athrun's hand, tugging the stunned young man forward. "We're family after all."

The reception was finally over. Kira and Lacus had excused themselves some hours before, but the guests remained, celebrating and drinking long past midnight. Dawn was creeping ever closer but was still a couple hours way, and Cagalli was dead on her feet before the last guest had either been shown to their room for the evening or escorted into a waiting vehicle.

Well, almost everyone, Cagalli thought with a prick of annoyance when she opened the library door and realized someone else was already inside.

Athrun looked up startled from the text resting in his lap. "Cagalli--you must be exhausted. Why aren't you asleep already?"

"I could say the same for you," she replied back, unable to hide the petulant tone. "Aren't you ready to drop yet?"

He closed his chosen book and sat forward to watch her warily. "I was about an hour ago, but then I guess I got my second wind. Couldn't fall asleep."

"Oh." She suffered a moment of indecision--stay or just go--before slipping inside and shutting the door behind her. "Drink?" she offered, bee-lining it towards the mini-bar that had been her intended destination anyway.

"No, thanks. I'm not much of a drinker," he admitted, watching her maneuver the bar with experience.

"Neither's Kira," Cagalli returned with a grin as she delicately sipped the ruby-colored liquid she'd poured into a tumbler. "Now Lacus, on the other hand--she can drink us both under the table without breaking a sweat."

Another moment of hesitance--return to her rooms with her drink like she'd originally planned...or stay? Athrun watched her, carefully not saying a word as if he knew what she was thinking and was determined not to influence her choice. He probably knew her too well.

"Mind if I sit down?"

"No, it's your home."

"Not that I spend that much time here," Cagalli muttered as she toed off her strappy-heels and tucked her feet up under her on the more comfortable of the two sofas. After only a minute of stretched silence she huffed, "Well, this is uncomfortable."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not really your fault. Not entirely any way. I wasn't the most approachable person after the war..."

"That wouldn't have stopped me if I'd tried more than once," he admitted.

"Then why didn't you?" she snapped with more bitterness than she was comfortable showing.

"Cagalli..."

But the wall that had been erected between them three years ago during the second war had vanished suddenly, without warning, and everything came pouring out.

"I was really hurt when I found out you returned to ZAFT like that, but it wasn't any worse than what I did, abandoning Orb--I--I really screwed up, and Orb suffered because of it, and I know and I live with knowing it every single damn day. But I've worked really hard to try and make up for it--to try and correct all my screw ups--"

"And you have, Cagalli," Athrun insisted, standing up to pace off his nervous energy. "The city I saw yesterday was every bit as happy and peaceful as the one six years ago. Orb's recovered a lot, and it's because of you. Because you've done a good job."

"But it's not enough!" She cried out, curling into a ball.

"It's never enough! You have to draw the line somewhere, Cagalli."

"Is that what you did, Athrun? You drew a line?"

He hesitated, stiff and tense, before forcing himself to relax. "With us, you mean?"

She nodded, not quite trusting her voice not to crack and embarrass her further.

"I... I don't know what happened with us, Cagalli," Athrun sighed dejectedly. He found he was too mixed up inside to remain standing so he paced over to the window to look out. "I just... After the second war I couldn't come back here right away. Everything was so messed up. PLANT, Orb, the other space colonies, the moon, the Earth. I didn't know what I wanted, who I was anymore, who I was supposed to be--I just knew I couldn't rely on you to define who I was anymore. I was... very mixed up. Inside my head. Everything was crazy. I kept thinking about what Dullindal said, and then, of course, we found the reports..."

Her raged expression turned grim and dark.

"It was that girl you were with who found them, wasn't it? What was her name, Marianne?"

"Meyrin," he corrected gently, "And there was nothing between us, Cagalli; at least not on my part. I know Meyrin might have had a crush on me, but I was never in love with her. I cared about her, yes--she risked herself to help me, and I appreciate that, but my feelings for her were never romantic at all."

"But you lived with her," she stated monotone.

"You were keeping tabs on me?"

She blushed and looked away. "Kira must have mentioned it," she answered, noncommittally.

He exhaled, sweeping the matter aside. "Yes, we shared living quarters for about a year. We also worked together; she eventually started her own business---It's going well. She's engaged now."

"Oh."

"Yes."

She reached for her drink while he turned to stare out the patio doors.

"I heard you were there when they recovered Dullindal's records." He made a tiny noise of acquiesce but didn't turn around. "Did you read them?"

He sighed, giving up his night time viewing perusal. Walking back towards the sitting area, he folded his arms over the back of the chair he had sat in previously and studied the ornate rug that decorated the floor. "Some of it," he confessed finally. "Not all."

"Oh."

Silence descended again before Athrun could manage another small, "I'm sorry."

Cagalli's head snapped up off her knees, eyes flashing with quick-flare fire before she could reel her emotions back in and force herself to relax again. "Don't be. It's not like any of it's your fault, and it helps a little to know more of the truth. Really, it's amazing he was able to gather so much information after the project had been abandoned and locked down.

She shivered and pressed her cheek into her knee. "What must he have been thinking every time we spoke, knowing more about me than I did?"

"It doesn't matter," Athrun insisted. "He's dead, so we won't ever know anyway, and, really, do you care that much for his opinion?"

"No, but it hackles," Cagalli admitted.

"Not everyone is going to like you, Cagalli."

"No, but I deserve their respect at least, dammit." She rose from the sofa in a furious burst of movement and stalked back over to the bar to slam her half-full glass down. She stood there a moment, warring with her self-control, fingers gripping painfully into the smooth wood-and-marble surface before taking a deep breath and turning back around.

Athrun was there, standing right in front of her. He hesitated only a moment before reaching out and pulling her to him, wrapping his arms around her comfortingly as her face pressed hotly against his shoulder. He buried his own face against her hair and breathed, "I'm sorry."

"Dammit," she mumbled, pounding on him with her fist. "Why do you have to be so damn nice? I really want to hate you."

"I know."

"I tried."

"I know."

"Really hard. But it only made it hurt worse."

"I know." Athrun pulled back, forcing her to look up at him. Her tears tickled his conscious, wrenched his gut into tight, angry knots before he could wipe them away. "I know, Cagalli. I'm sorry. I--I shouldn't have stayed away. Not for so long at least. I --I guess maybe I was just scared."

She sniffed, determined to keep her tongue, but her wounded price wouldn't abide it. "What did you have to be scared of?"

"What wasn't there?" he exploded back, stepping away from her. "You think you're the only one having a difficult time of it then? What about me, Cagalli? Or did you really think I'd be okay with you marrying that bigoted asshole? I know you didn't," he cut her off. "But you were going to. You would have if Kira hadn't gotten to you in time. How do you think that makes me feel, huh, Cagalli? I love you, and you went and tried to marry--"

"What was I supposed to do, Athrun?" she shouted back. "You weren't here. Every which way I turned I was being pressed to do something I didn't want to do! Everything was falling apart around me and I didn't know how to stop it or salvage what was left!"

"I'm not saying you're to blame, Cagalli. Not completely. I'm just asking you to see where I was; the position I was dealing with. Even afterwards, I was hurt, too, and I was confused. I just--I realized I couldn't do what I used to do anymore. And it was the only thing I was good at, so what the hell was I supposed to do? I can't--I don't want to be a soldier anymore, Cagalli, but it's as if that was the only thing I'm good for. Hell, how could I support you when I couldn't even support myself?"

"I never asked you to support me!"

He looked away, breathing hard. And then slowly, step by step, he went to stand in front of her. "Cagalli---I couldn't be here and not want to support you. Whether you ask it of me or not. If I had stayed in Orb then... it would have been worse. For both of us."

Her fist pounded against his chest, hard enough to hurt. "Do you---dammit, what about me? What about my needs? My wants? Damn you, Athrun, I loved you, and you just left, never came back! You never wrote or called or anything. Hell! If it hadn't've been for Kira, I wouldn't even have know if you were alive anymore!"

"I'm sorry--"

"Will you stop saying you're sorry, dammit! Being sorry doesn't change a damn thing!"

Athrun winced as her fist continued to pound on his chest in punctuation to her words. "Cagalli, I know we can't go back--we can't change the past, but maybe... maybe we can heal the present and face the future as friends?"

She took a stunned step back, her face registering shock before it darkened again, and she dragged him forward by two fistfuls of his tunic. "Friends?" she choked out angrily. "You think after everything we can just be friends?"

"Cagalli, be reasonable," he pleaded, short of breath.

"I'm tired of trying to be reasonable!" she shouted. "I want--I want to--"

Her eyes darkening in the handful of seconds before she moved was his only warning.

And then her mouth was crushed against his, her body leaning into his in a way that was achingly familiar and yet terrifyingly alien. Hands that had originally been gripping her arms above her elbow slid and dropped until they were at her back, pulling her closer. His mouth opened to hers naturally, greedily accepting the slide of her tongue as it boldly drove farther. And then he pressed back, seeking the fiery addictive taste of her mouth.

This was no teasingly sweet gentling kiss like Kira and Lacus had shared previous hours ago. This was a war of battling spirits, waged with lips and tongue and teeth that left them both shaking and panting and glaring at each other warily.

Cagalli wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "I don't know if I can pretend we've ever been just friends, Athrun."

He licked his lips, still tingling from the pressure of her kiss. "Maybe really close friends," he suggested, eyes darting down to her bruised and flushed full lips.

And then they came crashing together again.

Athrun stumbled, falling backwards, and they tumbled onto the sofa, accompanied by grunts and groans as they slid all the way onto the fancy antique rug he'd been admiring earlier. They wrestled back and forth for dominance, managing to completely rumple their clothing before Cagalli settled for bottom, her dress hitched up around her thighs as their legs tangled. The slippery straps of the gown kept slipping annoyingly off her shoulders until she'd finally had enough of the distraction to pull her arms free.

She raised her bare arms up to warp around Athrun's neck, messing her fingers in the silky texture of his hair. His hands ran the length of her body, and she arched into the burning touch, welcoming the inferno he stroked within her skin.

They rolled, gravity pulling at their bodies in such a delicious fashion that his heat pressed against her center when she sat up, and she moaned, chest heaving. His hands faltered, tangling in the slick material of her gown as he helped it slide down, away from her chest to pool at her waist. He watched her closely, trembling, his hands slid back up the naked flesh of her torso--begging, daring her to tell him to stop.

"Cagalli--"

"Yes," she hissed, grinding down even as she arched forward, filling his hands with the soft, sweet flesh of her breasts. Her body writhed unconsciously, seeking out the pleasure of touch and sensation that was in danger of overloading her senses.

It was too much.

It was nowhere near enough.

"Athrun," she sobbed, falling forward so that their hot breath gasping from their heaving chests painted their faces with heat. She wanted, needed, so much from him.

"Cagalli--I--we---oh, gods," he groaned, rolling them over again and burying his face against her collar. "Cagalli, please, tell me to stop. I will, I swear I will. Just please tell me to stop."

"I want you," she hissed instead, holding his mouth to her skin. "Only, ever, you, Athrun. Please--"

"Dammit, Cagalli," he growled before shutting her up with his mouth. And while their tongues and lips collided and danced together, his fingers raced down the fastenings of his dress form, occasionally getting caught up against her fingers set in the same determined intent until the garment was sufficiently loosened enough to allow him to wiggle and squirm, tearing free from the fabric.

Slipping free from her dress was a much easier process and quickly accomplished.

They both groaned appreciatively as fevered naked flesh met and slid against fevered naked flesh. For long minutes they lay there, moving against one another, exploring with hands and legs and hungered kisses.

"You still wear shorts."

Athrun blinked before responding. "They're comfortable. What about you," he asked, plucking at a thin, lacy strap slung over her hip. "I don't recall fancy, lacy things like this in your wardrobe."

Cagalli stared down her flat belly to eye the piece of sea-foam green material in question. "Came with the dress," she answered, frowning and shifting. "I don't know, though, they're not really all that comfortable."

"I like them."

"I don't think they'd fit you," she fired back, grinning when he sobbed out a weak laugh against her shoulder. "Athrun? Have you--? Before--?" she asked, nerves making a quick reappearance in the lapse.

"I--no." He looked away quickly before forcing himself to look back at her. Still, he was too embarrassed to actually give voice to the reciprocal question.

Cagalli answered anyway, with a shake of her head and a detersive snort. "Even if there had--been someone else I was interested in--there was never any time."

"We don't have to do this, Cagalli," he hesitated, still wrapped up in her touch, her body pressed to his but obviously still wary. "In fact, there are probably half a dozen very good reasons why we shouldn't."

"I'm done with reasonable for tonight," she reminded him, before hastily adding, "Unless, I mean, you don't want--"

"I want to," he interrupted her quickly before she could finish that thought out loud, pressing his mouth to hers before moving their bodies into close contact again and adding, "I want you very, very much."

"Good," she swallowed, blushing. "I mean, I want this, too. I--" She paused and breathed and then answered more succinctly. "I want you, too, Athrun."

"Ah, then, ah, maybe we should find a more conventional place," he suggested, looking around them as if realizing for the first time that they were lying nearly naked on the floor of the library.

She looked around, too, and then shrugged. "Nothing about our relationship has ever been conventional. Why should be we start now?"

"Why indeed," he murmured with a huff, a smile playing around his lips. And then he was kissing her again, his hands skimming down her side until they could hook in the thin scrap of fabric that represented her last article of clothing. Her hips canted up into his touch even as she reached down to push the material off before reaching for his shorts.

"Cagalli--"

"--Athrun."

Their bodies fused together, completely naked for the first time, and then they were writhing together, awash in sensation as they continued to feast at each other's mouth. Soft muscular legs wrapped around his thighs, and Cagalli moaned his name, pulling him closer, drawing him in with her entire body. With hitched breaths and some minor manhandling they were finally able to come together in a way that licked sweet tongues of fiery sensations throughout their bodies.

For a handful of seconds they were able to hold still in the aftershock of actually being joined so intimately---and then they were moving, pressing and writhing against each other, caught up in the crazy tempo of lovemaking. The sounds of their coupling filled the air in a series of cascades and crescendos as they threw themselves into the act with the burning passion that comes from wanting to completely fuse yourself to your lover.

It lasted far too long and was over much too soon.

Cagalli laid sprawled exhausted and drained against Athrun's chest, having at some point taken the upper point again. Athrun, head thrown back against the floor, eyes closed, was acutely aware of everywhere their bodies still touched, of the slick sweatiness of her skin as he run his fingers up and down her back, of her hot breath tickling his neck and collar, of that special spot where they were still joined that shuddered and spasmed around him still.

"I don't want to move," Cagalli moaned, snuggling closer.

"As nice as this is, we can't stay here," he reminded her.

"I know," she sighed, pressing her face against his sweaty skin. "If nothing else, I have to take a shower and wash all the gunk Mana plastered on me this morning."

Mustering up more energy than he'd credited himself with moments before, Athrun rolled them back over and hovered, looking down at a surprised and blinking Cagalli. "You looked more beautiful than the bride today."

She looked away, blushing. It was intoxicating to see that expression of embarrassment coloring her cheeks in this moment when they were pressed naked to each other, and he could tell the minute she realized what kind of effect she had on him when startled golden eyes flew back to his face and her mouth gaped open.

Athrun slowly lowered himself down until their bodies pressed together from thighs to chest. "You were the most beautiful I've ever seen you," he whispered hotly, brushing his lips against Cagalli's.

"Athrun," she breathed, eyes fluttering shut, arms binding him closer as she undulated.

"Gods, Cagalli," he groaned into her neck.

Neither managed to return to their rooms until dawn had already begun to color the eastern sky.

82 CE, ORB's Foreign Ambassador's Quarters, Aprilius-1 (PLANT)

ORB's Foreign Ambassador to PLANT forcibly fought off a sigh as he safely returned to his private quarters, alone, having vehemently insisted (for none less then the twentieth time) that his new personal guard did not need to accompany him into his rooms. He could appreciate Karin's persistence, if not for the knowledge that he could protect himself better without the distraction of a hopelessly crushing young woman.

For the first time since he'd left this morning, Athrun Zala was finally able to relax. And he started immediately by taking several deep breaths before beginning to remove ORB's uniform, taking care to leave it where the housekeeping staff could retrieve for cleaning it without hassle.

The council meetings he had been forced to attend for the last three days were particularly tedious and boring today. More than once he'd had to resist the urge to reach for the gun he wasn't allowed to bring and shoot one or another of the speakers just to shut them up. But then, he supposed that was one of the reasons weapons weren't allowed into the Talk Chambers. Not to mention it would probably be considered extremely bad form for ORB's emissary to start shooting people. No matter how incredible asinine those people were being.

He was already gleefully preparing for a long, hot shower followed by a grateful descent into sleep when his private communicator chimed an incoming call. His shower would have to wait, he thought, this time not bothering to swallow his exhausted exhale as he sunk into the office chair in front of the communications console. There were only a handful of people who could reach him on his private channel--all other in-coming calls were routed through the embassy's calling service.

"Audio-feed only. Zala, Athrun."

The view-screen flared to life and any lingering tension from the long day melted away as he reached over to turn on the reciprocal visual-feed.

"Cagalli," he greeted warmly, softening as he took in every detail of the young woman's digitized face. Her blonde hair was a mess of tangles, her face slightly hallowed by stress and probably lack of sleep if the smudges beneath brandy-colored eyes was any indication. She looked like hell warmed over and still, she was beautiful.

On the screen, Cagalli softened as well, a warm smile curving across her lips and lighting up her golden eyes with an emotion he could and did reciprocate in full. "Athrun," she sighed graciously. "You look tired. Long day?"

"I could say the same," he returned, reaching out to brush his fingers along the cool smoothness of the screen. Her eyes fluttered shut, as if she could feel his caress, and the pang of loneliness and need he had to fight everyday welled up to choke him again. "Have you been sleeping?"

"Well enough, I suppose. I've been busy."

"Aren't we all?" he asked rhetorically.

"And I'm about to get a busier," she added, scrubbing at tired, aching eyes. "I'll be in space at the end of the month."

He was surprised, but he thought he hid it rather well. "You're coming to space? Now? But why?"

"Actually, I'm going off on a grand world tour," Cagalli announced with a hint of asperity. "I leave in three days' time and won't be back for at least a fortnight. It's mostly just to touch base personally with some of the allying governments, and to remind others that ORB is still present. Then, the Memorial Day for Junius-7 is approaching, and it was agreed that it would be a nice touch if I were able to put in an appearance--"

"Cagalli," he began warningly, already not liking how overworked her schedule was beginning to sound.

"And since I'll already be in space," she went on, breezily ignoring his tone, "I thought maybe I could scrape up the grout to earn a visit to PLANT and maybe see my husband."

Athrun's mouth snapped shut as the fight he was bracing himself for fled.

"I miss him," Cagalli added.

Athrun's expression matched hers, a mixture of wistful sadness and longing. "I have it on very good authority that he misses you, too. Cagalli." He closed his eyes and took a deep steadying breath before opening them again. "I'm sure PLANT would be delighted to play host to the representative of ORB. When should I make your accommodations available for?"

Cagalli smiled at him. "I'll have my secretary call your secretary."

He smiled back. "It's a date, then."

"I understand why you have to be there, Athrun, and I appreciate your hard work--there's no one I trust more than you to represent Orb in PLANT, but that doesn't help me miss you any less. I'm sorry," she added guiltily, not quite able to look him in the eyes.

"I love you, too," he said gently, and when she shifted restlessly he noted that a dressing gown and shift were all she was wearing. Fingers fiddled with the two rings she wore on a golden chain, the two rings he'd given her, worn close to her heart--a sure sign she was nervous about something, and tired enough to show it. "What time is it there? It must be late."

"Almost morning," she admitted, glancing away again. "Has there been any headway in those meetings yet?"

He didn't comment on her change of subject, knowing his telling her she needed to sleep wouldn't help anything. So he told her of the meetings, including some of his more personal opinions that he would never be able to include in the official report. His theory on the weapons' policy earned a spark and flash of amusement as he'd hoped it would.

"And Kira dropped me a message the other day."

He watched pain and sympathy flicker across her face as she exhaled. "Lacus is really taking it hard," she told him. "I don't think Kira would be really upset, either way, but Lacus really has her heart set on having a child naturally."

"Kira loves her, and he wants her to be happy, but I agree," Athrun nodded slightly disheartened. "He wouldn't be upset if they couldn't conceive naturally. Which, I suppose is a good thing since, like me, Lacus is a third generation coordinator."

"What do you mean?" she asked, surprised.

Athrun tensed and then forced himself to breathe and relax. "Plant scientists have been studying the problem for little more than a decade now, but they haven't discovered the cause."

"The cause of what? What are you talking about, Athrun?"

"It's just that coordinators have been loosing the ability to procreate naturally. The natural birth rate in the last year was seventeen percent less than it was five years ago; thirty-four percent less than ten years ago."

He saw the shock on her face and felt a pang of guilt. This was something they should have taken the time to talk about sooner. He had almost brought up the subject when Kira and Lacus had announced their decision to have a natural conception. He'd prepared himself, expecting Kira's and Lacus's decision to spark the conversation between him and Cagalli, but Cagalli had never said anything about having children, and they'd each become busy. Soon after he'd left to begin his work as Orb's representative in PLANT, and the only time they had alone together were stolen moments on videofeed or the even more rare and precious times when they were in the same place at the same time.

He missed his wife, too.

"Athrun," she started, but stopped and began chewing her lip--something he knew her publicist would breate her for in the morning when she spotted the damage. It was one of the few insecure habits that he loved about Cagalli.

"I'm sorry, Cagalli. It's something I should have told you about sooner."

"When we actually had the time?" she muttered, bitterness lacing her words.

He said nothing. What could he say, really? It was the truth. After two years living separate lives, they'd finally gotten back together, but their separate lives and responsibilities still demanded the majority of their time and focus. They both knew that nothing had changed. Cagalli was still Orb's representative. Orb would always have to come first, Athrun and their relationship second, but she was the only woman he loved. Even if there were others he cared about, Cagalli was the only woman he would ever be in love with.

They had known it would be difficult--the media would only accept the story they'd been fed about him being a close, personal friend for so long without pressing for more, but for the past five years, it had allowed them a little leeway. Gossip had dried up shortly after he'd accepted the position as Orb's representative in PLANT and started spending more time in space. But more time in space meant less time with his wife. It was... a difficult situation. Two years was a long time to be seperated from your loved ones, and there were more than just a few days when Athrun has seriously considered resigning his position and returning to Orb as a free agent.

"Athrun?" Cagalli was still worrying her bottom lip. "How do you feel about children? I mean, about us, specifically, having a child?"

Athrun sucked in a deep breath and went to pour himself a drink-- a last delaying attempt at the conversation. He knew they'd come to this point eventually, and he'd duly given time and thought to the matter, but he still dreaded it.

"I've thought about it," he admitted, finally turning back to her with drink in hand. "I think, even if I didn't want children, we would still need to have one, right? Someone to pass Orb's future on to, like your father to you? But then, I get to thinking about how busy both our schedules are, and yours especially, Cagalli, and I worry about it being too much."

"You... don't want children?" she asked haltingly, sounding funny even for the long-distance connection.

"No, I mean," he hastilly retracted. "I do. I would really like to have children with you, Cagalli. But my concern lies in your safetly and the safety and security of Orb. Hell, Cagalli, no one even knows we're married--I know, I know," he interupted before she could say anything. "We both agreed that we wanted some semblance of privacy, but--hell! Do you have any idea how crazy public opinion will get when they do find out we've been married for over two years now and haven't told anyone?"

She sighed, looking more exhausted than even he felt. "No, I understand what you're saying. I guess it's something we can talk about when I get there," she agreed, rubbing her temple.

"Cagalli--"

"You should get some rest, Athrun," she interrupted quickly. "Those meetings are hell enough when you're not already tired. I'll see you in another week. Love you," she added before cutting the connection.

For a minute, he considered calling her back, but he quickly reigned in that impulse. If she had seriously started thinking about having children, then the knowledge that they might not be able to conceive naturally would've been a huge shock, he was sure. They would have a chance to talk about it in person, like she said.

Sighing, Athrun turned away from his console and headed for that shower.

79 CE, Athha House, Orb Union

In the last two years, Cagalli Yula Athha had discovered a new method of stress release that she found she liked very, very much. She stretched her exhausted muscles and made a sound of contentment that wasn't quite unlike a purr of satisfaction as she melted against the softness of bed sheets and skin, the warm lassitude of afterglow singing through her nervous system like a mother's lullaby.

Athrun nuzzled closer, his warm, solid strength supporting her, cradling her, a protective barrier between dreams and the harshness of her day's work. His lips were a moist caress against her shoulder; the touch of his hands gently sweeping across her belly, up and down again, worked wonders in chasing any lingering tenseness.

It was a quiet moment of content, stolen only when they could be assured of being undisturbed--one which they idolized, all the more sweet for its inconsistently. They had been secret lovers for the past two years. Although by no means ideal, they were addicted to each other's touch; their scent, their love was like a tempting ambrosia, supposedly forbidden and thus forced to be kept hidden from public knowledge. Not even the council members of Orb's parliament were aware of the true nature of their representative's and Athrun's relationship.

But it was beginning to not be enough.

"Athrun?"

"Hmm?"

"Let's get married."

He froze against her, but she pressed on boldly.

"Just you and me and a priest. No one would need to--"

"Shut up, Cagalli." He said it quietly, too quietly. It made her more nervous than if he'd just come right out and told her 'no'.

"Athrun?" she asked as he held her tightly.

"How much do you honestly think I can take?" he whispered hoarsely, releasing her and rolling away. "We're lovers, but we can't tell anyone. We sleep together, but we keep separate rooms because we have to keep up the pretense. Outside this room, we can only been seen as close friends when what I would really like to do is announce to the whole damn world that I love you, and you love me too, and we're lovers. But I can't."

"Athrun..."

He threw back the sheets and rolled out of bed, agitated.

"And now you're suggested we get married? Secretly?" he went on, unable to keep his agitation out of his voice. "How the hell can you justify asking me for that, Cagalli? If we got married..." He whirled around to face her. "We couldn't keep it a secret, Cagalli. Eventually someone, somewhere, would find out, and then what would you do?"

"This is about us, Athrun," she tried to say calmly as she sat up, alone in the bed. "About you and me. I don't want this to be about Orb."

"It can't be about you and not be about Orb, too, Cagalli," he raged. "I know you want to, but you can't separate the two. You are Orb, and Orb is you."

"I'm myself!" she shouted, but he didn't respond. He turned away again and wouldn't look back at her. "If... If I try to think for Orb," she began again, haltingly, "then I start thinking that this, you and me... is bad; that we're a big mistake. That you're a coordinator and that's a threat to Orb's safety, for Orb's future, and therefore, you should be sent away. And I know if parliament found out, that's exactly what they'd try to do."

She got up and went over to where he was standing, slipping her arms around his waist and pressing her face into his tense back. "I can't do that, Athrun," she whispered, holding him tighter.

"I -- I can't lose you, not again."

"Cagalli..."

"Maybe it would've been best if we'd never met and weren't in love, but we did meet, and we are, and I refuse to give you up, even for the safety of Orb, because I don't know how to be without you. I really don't, Athrun. I've tried, and it was hell, living without you. But... I don't know how to do both. How do I reconcile my needs and Orb's? How do I keep Orb safe and still keep you?"

"Cagalli... how long can you keep living this lie?" he asked softly, laying his hands over hers.

"As long as I can," she insisted, pressing hot kisses against his shoulder blades.

Athrun remained quiet for a long moment before he finally relaxed and turned around, pulling her back against him. "You can't just get married and not tell anyone..."

"Kira and Lacus," she suggested. "And maybe Mana, too, since she already knows about us, I mean. And... Is there anyone you'd like..."

"What about the council?" he asked.

"No!" she shouted, pulling away, eyes wide and pleading. "They would only try and stop it. No. I want to be your wife, even if I can't tell anyone."

"We knew we wouldn't be able to hide our relationship forever... if we tried to hide a marriage... think of what the repercussions would be?"

She turned her face away, shoulders shaking.

"Cagalli..."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" she asked hollowly.

He sighed and pulled her back to him, holding her close. "Cagalli.... I love you," he whispered against her hair. "Nothing can ever change that." He tilted her face up for his kisses, keeping them soft and gentle even when she would press for more. "If you can keep living this lie, then I can, too," he said finally.

"I don't like it," he added quickly as hope began to light up her whiskey-colored eyes. "But I love you, and... and I would really like knowing you're my wife." He kissed her again. "That I'm your husband, and no one can take that away from us."

She jumped him, throwing all her weight into his arms as she eagerly pressed her lips to his.

"Cagalli, wait!" he gasped laughing as he fought for balance. "Hold off, Cagalli! We need to talk about this first, seriously."

"But you said--"

"I said I want to marry you, yes," Athrun agreed, letting her slip back onto her own two feet. "But there're still things we need to discuss, if we're seriously going to make this work and still keep it a secret."

"Oh."

They settled back on the bed, Athrun with his back propped up by pillows and the head board, playing idly with Cagalli's hair as she sprawled against the sheets. "You know, that's really not the way you're supposed to propose to a person."

"Well, excuse me," Cagalli groused, wiggling around until she was comfortable. "I don't have much practice, and I figured it was better than waiting forever for you to ask me."

"Would you have said yes," he wondered aloud.

"Of course," she replied without hesitation.

"Even if I asked for it to be an open affair?" he asked, watching her carefully.

"I.... Athrun, you know why that can't be right now," she whispered, looking away, and he sighed.

"Cagalli--"

"I know what they'd say," she interrupted. "Do you think I haven't thought this over at all? They wouldn't see you, Athrun. They wouldn't see the kind, sweet man that you are, the man that I love. They wouldn't see anything past your genetics. That I love you and you love me would mean next to nothing to them. And assuming I actually win over Parliament's favor, there's the rest of the world to consider.

"Even though we don't go around attacking other sovereign nations as a past-time sport, the fact remains that Orb possesses a strong military force, and other governments fear and respect us." She paused and then looked up at him.

"Athrun, you do realize that once we're married, you'll become second in command of all of Orb's forces, don't you?" she asked plainly.

His eyes widened, and she knew it wasn't something he had considered yet. But she had, after all, it had happened to her before when Jona has tried to up spur her command, using their almost-marriage as his privilege to command. Jona was an idiot who had the strategic skills of a hamster, more concerned with the powerful image than the actual responsibility --> . But Cagalli had no doubts about placing Orb's safety in Athrun's care. She wasn't the one they would have to convince, though. It was the rest of the world that was the problem. [Author:EPL]

"There is no one," she stated firmly, "That I trust more than you, Athrun. I trust you with my life, and even with the future of Orb. But I don't trust the rest of the world. How do you think the other Earth governments will react when they learn that the second in command of Orb forces is a coordinator?"

His expression, already darkened, grew grimmer. "Then what--"

"I'm ready to commit myself to you. I have been for years. But not Orb," she added sadly.

"When then?" he asked softly. "When do you think Orb will be ready to face the consequences of our wants?"

"I... I don't know," she admitted.

"I love you," he stated plainly. "I want to be married to you. I want to be your husband and you to be my wife. But I don't want to have to hide who we are, Cagalli. Yes, it'll be difficult. Our wants puts Orb in a tricky situation, but... It's not right, Cagalli, to keep lying like this to the people who trust and respect you to lead them."

"Athrun..."

"How long, Cagalli?" he asked again. "How long do you expect us to continue this charade until Orb will be strong enough to handle the backlash our marriage will create?"

"A year," she hesitated to guess, her voice weak. "Five... ten? I just don't know."

"I can masquerade for a year or two--I've done it for you before, but I'm not hiding us indefinitely, Cagalli. I can't."

"Athrun..."

She reached up to caress his cheek, and he caught her wrist, bring her palm to his lips. He trailed lips, teeth, and tongue across her skin, paying particular attention to her frantic pulse and inner elbow as he slowly worked his way up her arm until he could whisper in her ear, "Ask me again."

Already flushed and breathing rather erratically, she swallowed a whimper. "You should be the one asking me," she responded, reaching to pull him down over her.

"You outrank me," he returned, compliantly laying out over her.

"I--" she began to protest, but her mouth lost the words and after a moment she snapped it shut again. Then, rolling them over, she leaned up to look down at him. "Athrun Zala, will you marry me?"

"Yes," he answered, reaching up to pull her down into a kiss that quickly deepened as their limbs tangled, and they held onto one another with bodies and souls joined by intent and will and desire.

82 CE, Aprilius-1, PLANT

Cagalli was exhausted. Running around the globe for over a week, meeting with various leaders of "peace", followed by the emotionally-draining memorial service for Junius-7... her energy reserves were running on low. It didn't seem to matter how much sleep she got, either. A full nights' rest followed by a handful of catnaps throughout the day, caught in between meetings or on cross-region transports.

Cagalli was living in a constant state of exhaustion, one she was sure no amount of makeup would hide from the analytical eyes of her husband. There were times when Athrun's cool observations were more piercing than that of even the over-critical media. Would he notice that she'd neglected her bi-monthly styling appointment, and as the result, her hair was a longer than her normally preferred length? Would he comment on the few kilos she'd somehow picked up in the last month? Would he question the bags under her eyes and wonder why she was pushing herself so much?

Probably. This was her husband, after all. The man who knew her so well, so intimately. And despite it being a four hour trip up to Aprilius-1, Cagalli found she couldn't nap. She was too nervous. So she worked on some trivial reports that really should have been delegated to one of her secretaries but hadn't. That was something else she would have to change once she got back to Orb. Stricter filters on what paperwork actually made it into her hands. It was going to have to be done if she really planned on working at and making time for a family.

Her family. Athrun and their baby.

Her hand slid protectively over her non-existent belly, and not for the first time in the last two weeks, Cagalli found herself wondering how other mothers found a way to continue working while still caring for a family. How her father had managed it. How did one balance the needs of family with the responsibilities of a running a nation?

"Athha-sama?" a soft voice interrupted her thoughts. "We're about to dock at Aprilius-1."

"Thank you," Cagalli responded, shifted up in her seat and sliding her papers back into her case, uncomfortably aware that she had, yet again, failed to complete the file.

The cabin attendant--a pretty young woman whose name Cagalli was embarrassed to realize she couldn't remember although the same woman had been attending her for the majority of this week--returned to take her drink. "Representative Zala is already waiting for you."

Cagalli smiled then. "Thank you for your hard work."

"Oh, it's been no trouble at all," the woman replied. "I've been happy to help serve the leader of Orb."

Cagalli nodded, and then was off, striding through the portal tube and into the reception area of Aprilius-1's spaceport. And, as promised, Athrun was there waiting for her.

"Athha-sama," he offered, bowing formally, and a pang of guilt and longing shot through her so sharply it threatened to rip her apart. They were caught in the public's eye, trapped by the roles they'd agreed to play for that public. Roles that were like a pair of shoes you continued to wear even after you've outgrown them simply because you haven't told anyone they're too small.

"Representative Zala," she greeted with a nod.

"You must be tired from your travels," he began, offering to lead the way. "I've had your rooms prepared, if you'll follow me? They're near mine, so if you have any questions..."

"Of course," she replied, shooting a covert look towards the young woman who was shadowing them. "I would appreciate the opportunity to relax and refresh."

They continued all the way from the shuttle port to a waiting car, where they had a small opportunity to talk somewhat privately when their shadow slide into the front seat with the driver.

"So what do you think of Karin?" he queried softly.

"She would be more effective if she paid more attention to your surroundings and less to your more... appealing bodily attributes," Cagalli answered swiftly before the woman in question could enter the vehicle.

"Jealous?" he couldn't resist teasing.

Cagalli shot him an amused look. "Is there a reason I should be? Ah, but the colonies truly are amazing," she went on before he could respond. "It's hard to believe that such beauty can exist in the coldness of space."

"But Plant's beauty could never compare with yours," he responded gallantly, causing her to laugh abruptly.

"Oh, trust me, I know just how I look, and 'beautiful' isn't one of the top ten words I'd use," she shot back. "It's been a long week, but I'm glad I was finally able to come back and visit. It's where one of my favorite people is, after all." She tossed another look towards the front of the car before turning back to Athrun and asking, "How is Yzak, anyway?"

His lips twitched. "Whining and complaining and bitchy as ever," he answered, still grinning. "He's out on patrol now. He'll be upset that he missed your visit."

"You neglected to tell him I was coming, didn't you?" she guessed, shooting him an amused look.

Athrun shrugged negligently and confessed, "It might have slipped my mind the last time we spoke."

Cagalli shook her head, laughing with soft amusement at her husband and his friend. "You two will never change, will you?"

"I can't help it if he's still sore that I got promoted before him," Athrun replied as the car pulled to a stop in front of an elaborate condo unit. "Come, let's get you settled and relaxed."

"That sounds great," Cagalli enthused with a longing-filled little moan. Athrun shot her a look before looking past her to the woman who was trying to follow them still.

"Karina, thank you for your assistance today. I can escort the Athha-sama to her rooms. You may retire early."

"Thank you, sir, but I can wait."

"That won't be necessary," Athrun insisted, frowning slightly. "There are some things I plan on discussing with the representative before retiring myself. Enjoy your evening," he added, ushering Cagalli ahead of him into the elevator and preventing the young bodyguard from following them further.

"Someone has a crush on you," Cagalli murmured, fighting off her snickers.

Athrun barely repressed a groan. "I know."

The doors slid open into an atrium, and Athrun led off again down a short hallway. "There are only three apartments on this floor, and one is unoccupied at the moment. Mine is over there, this one has been assigned for your use," he added, sliding his id card into the key slot and activating the palm plate.

"Zala, Athrun, Orb Union Representative, security code FAITH029. Voice and print recognition for Athha, Cagalli Yula, Orb Union Chief Representative, initiate," he commanded, motioning Cagalli forward.

"Athha, Cagalli Yula, Orb Union Chief Representative, confirm," she stated. Beneath her hand the palm panel blinked from red to yellow to blue before the door to her newly assigned quarters slid open with an airy whoosh.

Athrun motioned her in with mock flourish, and only when the doors slid shut and locked behind them did he allow himself the freedom to pull her into his arms and greet his wife properly. She melted against him, falling into him with the longing and need for the comfort of familiarity only he could represent for her.

"You look like hell," he murmured as they slowly, reluctantly, drew apart. "You need to take better care of yourself."

"I know," she mumbled, burying her face against his chest and shoulder, breathing in his warm musky scent. "Just been too busy."

"Keep it up and you'll make yourself ill," he warned.

"I know, I know," she grumbled, pulling back to shoot him a dirty, petulant look. "I'm going to start working on it, just as soon as I get back to Orb. Promise. Now, shut up and hold me some more."

He did without protest, luxuriating in the feel of his wife in his arms again. "Cagalli...."

"It's been too damn long. Missed you, too much."

He murmured his agreement, rediscovering the shape of her body with his hands until she finally pulled away.

"Cagalli...?"

"I've been thinking," she announced, stretching and rubbing at aching muscles as she went off to explore what was to be her rooms for the next two days. She'd been waiting on what felt like pins and needles for this moment, the moment they were both alone together again and she could tell him... And now that it was finally here, she was terribly nervous.

"Cagalli?" he queried, following her into the other room. "What is it?"

"Athrun, I think we should stop trying to hide," she said, pulling the thin golden chain she wore from out under her collar. Two rings glinted in the suite's lighting. She slipped the chain over her head and fiddled with rings, not quite sliding them onto her finger but coming close.

"I don't want to hide our relationship anymore," she announced. "I think... I think together we're strong enough to handle whatever they try and throw at us, don't you?" she added quickly before running on. "And, well, Orb is running smoothly now, our economy is stable; growing, even. And I think I'm at a point where I can step back for a while, delegate out most of my more stressful responsibilities and tasks to other capable people without worrying that it's all going to fall to pot again because of my negligence."

"Cagalli--"

"What I'm trying to say is," she said, taking a deep breath and turning to him with serious intent. "You've waited for me while I focused on getting Orb back together and on solid standing again, and now I'm ready to give that same focus and attention to our marriage and... and our family."

"You've really thought about this," he said almost-wonderingly.

"I have," she agreed, nodding firmly to back up her words. "A little bit before, but especially within the last month."

"Me, too. I mean, I've been thinking about us, and, Cagalli... I really appreciate your understanding and patience with me, and I'm grateful to Orb for allowing me to represent your voice here in PLANT, but, more and more, lately, I've been considering stepping down."

"What? But why? I thought you loved PLANT, and--"

"PLANT will always be special to me; a place my mother and father were; where I lived for a time. But, Cagalli, you're my home, and I hate having to be away from you for so long. I want to go home. I'm ready to go home, for good. And spend time working on us instead of the fate of the world."

"Athrun..."

"So... you want to make a family, huh?" he interrupted, reaching out to take her hand and pull her close. "I don't know how easy or hard it'll be, but--" He leaned in closer to whisper against her ear. "I would really like to make a family with you, Cagalli Yula Attha."

"I'm... glad," she said weakly, leaning into him.

"'Glad?" he repeated, laughing. "That's all you can say? You're glad?"

"Relieved?" she offered, turning willingly in the cradle of his arms, sliding her arms around him and relaxing--really relaxing for the first time in weeks. "Nervous? Excited?"

He pulled her more snuggly against his chest, resting his chin against her shoulder. "Any thoughts on how we're going to tell the public that Orb's Lioness has been married for the last three years and didn't bother to tell anyone?"

"Not yet, but I'll let my publicist worry about that. It's her job after all."

"I do pity her."

"Right now I have other things on my mind."

He grinned and shifted accommodatingly as she turned to face him. "Mmm? Like what?"

"Like getting started on that family you mentioned," she answered, leaning towards him until their faces were centimeters apart, wavering intoxicatingly on the verge of a kiss.

"Cagalli, you do realize that it probably won't be easy, right? Kira and Lacus---"

"Have their own problems," she interrupted, brushing her lips against his. "Athrun, I'd been meaning to tell you," she beginning, getting distracted by another series of airy little kisses--not to mention the delicious feel of his hands slipping under her jacket to slide along her back.

"Mmm?" She was so soft, and yet still hard.

"My purpose for coming to space now--"

"I know. I'm sorry I couldn't join you at the Junius-7 Memorial," he answered, bending to reach her neck and lay kisses there as well.

"No, Athrun, it's not that," she breathed, biting back a moan as her body rocked against his. "I wanted to tell you--" She broke off as the moan succeeded in breaking past her lips. "Oh, damn, Athrun--" She stopped again, this time moving to claim his lips with hers, snatching at his arms until she could pin his hands down with hers, and excitement trilled along her spine as she forced him back onto the nearby sofa and straddled his lap, skin flushed and eyes bright.

"Cagalli--"

"I'm pregnant."

She watched nervously as the words trickled through his brain, the meaning processing, and the realization dawning.

"You're--" he began, licking his lips, eyes darting from her face to her flat belly and up again. "You mean, *now*, you're--"

He still couldn't seem to say the word so she took pity on him. "Pregnant," she said, sitting back on his knees almost shyly-- which was absolutely ridiculous because this was Athrun, and really, what did she have to be shy about? -- and dropped his hands. They fell naturally to her thighs before sliding up to her waist, hesitating only briefly before sliding center to cover her stomach.

Smiling, she reached down to move his hands over her belly. "The doctor thinks it's about twelve weeks, maybe thirteen. I--I wanted to tell you in person."

"You're really pregnant," he said wonderingly, staring at their hands before looking up into her face.

"Yeah."

"We're going to have a baby?"

"Mmhmm."

"You're really pregnant. We're really going to have a baby," he breathed, a mixture of wonder and excitement creeping into his voice.

"Yes."

And before she could think, Athrun had her pressed back against the sofa cushions and was leaning over her. "I love you," he whispered hoarsely.

"I love you, too."

He groaned, leaning in to kiss her before pulling back again to whisper, "We're going to have a baby," amazingly, and then he was kissing her again, and all she could do was hold onto him and laugh in relief and excitement.

82 CE, ORB Union's transport, destination ORB Union

She had been in Plant for a grand total of two days--two days that were spent mostly in meeting and greeting important members of the Supreme Council and lunch with the new chairwoman. Athrun was able to schedule two small side trips for them as well, but it was the nights she mostly lived for. The nights were spent in rejuvenating lovemaking and plan making for the immediate and long term future.

It was the first time in their lives they'd really allowed themselves to discus the future in such concrete goals and defined expectations. Always before there was the cloud of secrecy overshadowing their relationship. A secrecy that was about to be broken, and that in and of itself demanded a certain amount of planning and preparing. Cagalli had never intended to be pregnant when she and Athrun finally revealed their secret marriage, but she hoped the news of a new heir would help appease public opinion.

Parliament would still be problematic, but that had always been expected.

"Athha-sama?" the same attendant from before interrupted her thoughts. "There's an incoming communication for you from General Yamato. Should I put it through to your console?"

"Kira? Yes, please, and switch to a secure line if it isn't already," she requested, swiveling to the view screen nearest her seat. It took close to a minute for the video feed to reconnect through a more secure channel, and then her brother's image materialized clearly for her.

"Kira! Is everything all right?" she demanded, worry clawing at her chest.

"We're fine here," he answered calmly. Maybe too calmly. "Are you on your way back home, then?"

"Yes. But my transport won't arrive until late tomorrow night. Isn't it late there?" she asked, still worried.

"We've been keeping irregular hours around here lately," he evaded. "So, how are things up in space? How's Athrun?"

"You could always call and ask him yourself," she snapped, mildly annoyed with her brother. "Come out with it, Kira; it's not like you to call for idle chitchat. Just tell me what's wrong?"

"Lacus and I were just watching the screen," he said instead.

"And?" Cagalli prompted, reminding herself that it probably wasn't a good idea to get upset right now.

"Well, I just thought you might like to be informed of it, before you land tomorrow--"

"That's great, Kira," she interrupted. "Informed of what?"

"Well, apparently someone somewhere got the idea that you're pregnant--"

"What...?"

"And they told someone, who obviously told somebody else, and, well, a reporter got wind of it, and you can pretty much image what--"

"Wait a minute, you mean... they..."

"Like I said, I thought you should know before you land," Kira finished, sympathetically.

"They're running stories, about me? Being pregnant?" Cagalli asked slowly. "On the screen?"

"Yes."

"How the hell did they find out?" she demanded.

Kira's eyes brightened. "We'd wondered if there wasn't some truth to the story," he confessed. "Although it's not quite the way we would have liked to have found out," he softly reproached her, but she was having none of it.

"I just found out recently myself," Cagalli snapped. "Hell! I just told Athrun yesterday, Kira. You were the next person on the list, honest, but... oh, damn." She sighed and rubbed at her eyes. "This changes everything again."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. We'd already decided to inform the Parliament of our marriage, and Athrun's stepping away from his position to return to Orb--I don't suppose you or Lacus would want to do it?" At his less than thrilled look she grinned. "No, I didn't think you'd make it as politician. Damn."

And just because it felt good to say it, she cursed several more times.

"Cagalli..."

"This is faster than we'd planned," she sighed.

"You and Athrun will get through this."

"Somehow we always do," she agreed, sounding every drop as tired as she suddenly felt. "Kira, I'm sorry you had to find out about it on the news."

He shook his head. "Don't be. We're just really happy for you, Cagalli. To be able to bring a new life into the world is a truly miraculous thing."

And suddenly, all her worry about herself and Athrun and their situation melted away for a few moments, replaced with concern for her brother and sister-in-law. "I'm sorry, Kira... Is---how is Lacus?"

"She's happy for you both, Cagalli."

"She must be angry with me--"

"No," Kira insisted gently. "She's not angry with you or anyone. If she's angry, it's with her own body. Don't worry about it, though. Just like you and Athrun, we'll always find a way."

"Kira--"

"I should probably let you go," he replied. "You look really tired. Try and get some rest, Cagalli. It's not just yourself you're responsible for now, you know."

She groaned. "Go. I'll be sure to make arrangements to get out there and visit you both sometime this week."

"You'll be too busy," Kira predicted with an amused smile. "But we appreciate the thought."

"Thanks for calling, Kira."

"No problem. Take care of yourself, Cagalli. Love you."

"You, too," she added before releasing the connection and slumping back into her seat, suddenly dreading returning home.

And then, one more time, just for good measure, she cursed.

82 CE, ORB Union's Council Room, Parliament House

Cagalli stalked into the conference room, every inch the lioness her country titled her for. Her two aides and bodyguards trailed in behind, but she spared them little notice, well used to their ever-shadowing presence. She set the file she was carrying down in front of her before she took her own seat, and only when she sat did the members of her council resume their seats.

"Thank you for coming today," she began. "As I'm sure you're aware, there are several matters that must be discussed, but before we delve into those, is there anything anyone would like to bring up first?"

There was a moment filled with rustling papers and creaking chairs. And then finally,

"I'd wondered if you've had a chance to consider my request?"

Cagalli turned to the voice that had spoken, hard pressed to keep her expression from softening when she looked upon the computer-generated image of her husband, but she managed it, nodded and turning back to look at each of the other members of the council. "Representative Zara has requested to be relieved of his duties," she spoke to the seven men and women sitting around the table with her.

"But why?" came the expected explosion.

They had discussed this when Athrun told her he planned to step down, and though they agreed that they would have to disclose most everything at this meeting, they had agreed to do so slowly. And Athrun would start.

"I appreciate the opportunity the Orb government has given me to represent Orb in Plant," Athrun stated clearly for all the members listening. "I have tried my best to accurately represent Orb's ideals and desires here."

"And you've done a good job," interrupted Koji Toshihiro, the current prime-minister, gruffly. "I don't know why you'd want to step away from such a promising career in politics, especially at your age."

"Thank you, sir, but the simple reason is I miss my wife and family."

As expected there were the shocked faces of many of the cabinet members who were not experienced or jaded enough to guard their expressions. Her hands clenched tightly on the table top was the only physical sign of nerves Cagalli would allow herself as she quickly gauged the reactions of her council. This would set the tone for the rest of the meeting, she knew.

"I see," Cagalli spoke into the pregnant pause. "If there are no objections then we can have the paperwork drawn up within the week--"

"Wait a minute," Rumi Zandus shouted with a panicked air. Cagalli felt a moment of pity for her publicist. "There's nothing in his personal file about any living family!"

"That's quite the secret to keep," Baryn Perott agreed, eyes narrowed as he watched the halo projection critically.

Athrun nodded by didn't otherwise respond to the comments. "Representative Athha? Your permission?"

"You've done good work, Zala-san. Thank you."

"All wedding bands must be posted," Pachiri Sather interrupted, a stickler for details. "We must have the records if it's to be considered a legally binding--"

"They were posted," Athrun snapped before he could control his emotion. "They were also subsequently logged under classified, as my personal file demands. You won't find any public record."

"Such secrecy, Zala," Perott remarked. "Why hide?"

"Hide?" Athrun returned skeptically. "I suppose there are some who would interpret it as such, although hiding was not our purpose so much as offering as much immediate protection as possible."

Cagalli's eyes narrowed dangerously at that statement, and her annoyance bled through into her voice. "Are we objecting to Zara-san's desire to step down as Orb representative to Plant, or the fact that he neglected to inform this council of the details of his private life."

"It was a small wedding, a very limited guest list," Athrun added, unable to help the smile that played at his lips.

"Everyone is allowed to have their little secrets, Baryn," Toshihiro reminded the other senior member. "And some have more cause than others to want to keep their private lives private." He turned to face Athrun's image and continued, "I know what it's like to be too busy with work to attend to the things we're working for. If we don't make time for our families and loved ones, there's no point in working so hard. While I still say it's a shame to lose you, Athrun-san, I understand and support your request for replacement."

"Thank you," Cagalli responded while Athrun nodded his appreciation for the support. "Now, is there any other business to be discussed?"

"I know Representative Zara might not be up to date with the news here on Earth," Ledonir Kisaka spoke up for the first time, "But this story about your being pregnant is currently our main concern, Athha-sama."

For a moment Cagalli was actually glad she hadn't had a chance to call and warn Athrun about the leak--it would have been hard to fabricate the look of shock that slackened his features, but it would've prevented the outburst she was sure would come.

"What?" he demanded, voice crackling over the connection. "But how--"

Cagalli held up a hand to forestall him. The story might have been true, but her councilors did not know that for certain yet. "Yes, I was informed about it on the way home yesterday, which is why I wasted no time in calling us together today, and why I asked for Representative Zala to join us, despite it being so late in Plant." She turned in her seat to face her old guardian and friend. "What I would like to know is what source they're basing this story on?"

"We haven't been able to confirm a security breach yet, but the reports filtering through the news claim to be referring to your medical records."

"I thought all medical records of public officials were locked under special classification systems," Athrun snapped.

"They are," Kisaka returned coolly, "Which is why we suspect a security breach--"

"This is, of course, assuming there's any truth to these stories," Perott cooed solicitously.

The room quieted as all eyes turned back on Cagalli, questioningly. She ignored their curiosity for the moment in favor of her own. "And how has the public responded to these stories?"

"Well, it's been pretty divided into 'believe it' or 'don't believe it'," Zandas replied, reaching for the paper her aide held out for her. "Of those who believe the story, the ranks are strongly divided between the traditionalists and the naturalists," she continued skimming the report she held. "The traditionalists are, of course, bellyaching that it's sinful for a woman to bear a child out of wedlock, while the naturalists seem to be more focused on the idea of having a child heir in place again."

Cagalli frowned, sitting back in her chair. Once word that she was married was released, the traditionalists would back down she hoped. But then, the matter of genetics and coordinator versus non-coordinator might be raised. By right, her child would become the next representative of Orb, and that child would be a fourth generation coordinator through Athrun. Her eyes met Athrun's briefly before she looked to the rest of her advisors.

"It's only natural that the people of Orb should talk of and speculate about an heir," she began slowly. "My father's betrothal to my mother was confirmed and signed before he was thirty."

"Athha-sama--?"

"How would you like to handle this matter?" Zandas queried cautiously.

"Very delicately," was her answer as Cagalli pinched the bridge of her nose. "To begin with, if you haven't already, increase the investigation into the security breach. I want to know how the hell someone got into my medical files--if this story had hit even a day earlier," she began, her eyes meeting Athrun's again before she shook that thought away. "We'll need a statement drawn up--"

"I've already," Zandas started before Cagalli interrupted.

"You'll need to redo it," she prophesized with an apologetic smile. "Of course I don't want to disclose everything, but--"

"Athha-sama," one of the younger councilors spoke up with eagerness filling her voice. "Does this mean the story's true? You're really--"

Norah Peyton wasn't even able to say the words, such was her excitement, and Cagalli sighed, surveying the faces of her remaining council members. The majority of her senior members were able to control the facial features, but they couldn't hide the worry-panic-stress-dread-sympathy that beamed from their eyes. And a calmness she hadn't really been able to experience since finding out settled over her.

She breathed and smiled, and then she nodded, once, before adding verbal confirmation. "Estimated at twelve weeks."

"That's why you scheduled that world tour for this month," Kisaka announced, face still impassive despite the worry etched deeply around his kind eyes.

She nodded again. "I image things will be getting a bit chaotic here in the coming months. I wanted to make sure our connections were as neat as possible before we all turned our focus back inward again. But we'll need to step up on security. Just because we have neatly maintained fences doesn't mean I completely trust our neighbors--"

"But, Cagalli-sama," Peyton interrupted. "Who's the father?"

"My husband," she answered as calmly and as matter-of-factly as if stating the weather.

A small, tiny part of her felt guilty for pulling such an act on her unsuspecting and hard-working council members. Another, much larger part of her rejoiced in finally being able to pull something so wild and unbelievable over on them. She waited, soaking up their shock, knowing it wouldn't last much longer, and that when it did break, it could only go from bad to worse. She was going to enjoy every last second of her privacy while she could.

It began with sputtered incomprehension.

"But--but---that---!"

And then it exploded.

"Your husband!

"This is absolutely preposterous!"

"--But the bands--the records--!"

"--Husband?"

"-- That the representative of our fine nation would behave in such a fashion--"

"ENOUGH!" Cagalli roared, not moving from her laid back position. She waited for the last grumble to fade away before continuing. "As I said, I image the next several months will be chaotic--" There was a whimper from her publicist. "But if our council members can't even control themselves to deal with the matter responsibly and maturely, I'm hesitant to rely on your continual guidance and council."

A few members had the gracefulness to look shamed for their reactions; unfortunately, it wasn't the ones who would be giving her the most problems, although they held their silence as well.

"The statement we'll release should follow the lines that both my husband and I are excited by the news and are eagerly looking forward to the development and birth of our first child. Short, simple. No names dropped but my own. Then move on to other business. No questions asked."

"But, Cagalli-sama, they're going to want to know who your husband is? Where is he now? Does he know about the baby? When did you marry, and why didn't you tell anyone--"

"Zandus," Kisaka interrupted. "Just offer the simple statement Athha-sama told you, and then, when her husband returns to Earth, I'm sure they'll make time to sit down with you and put together a more detailed report."

Zandus turned to snap off an angered reply... And then her eyes widened as they fell across the halo-screen and comprehension began to fill the room. She released a more awe-stricken, "Oh."

And from that point on, the rest of the council meeting was a chaos of accusations and incriminations.

finished April 23, 2006

You could really use this as a main theme in your plot. I don't know if you planned to but having Athrun gain the trust of people of Orb would be a great plot line.