Gundam Seed Destiny Fan Fiction / Gundam SEED Fan Fiction ❯ Play of the Fates ❯ II: The One Where Athrun Has Fans ( Chapter 2 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: PaolaAdara 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Seed Destiny Fan Fiction / Gundam SEED Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.17.2007 | Updated On: 04.16.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 575 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Seed Destiny Fan Fiction / Gundam SEED Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.17.2007 | Updated On: 04.16.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 575 | Status: Work In Progress
Title: Play of the Fates (2 of ?)
Author: Paola
Disclaimer: Play of the Fates is based on characters and situations that belong to Sotsu Agency, Bandai Studios, and TV Asashi (and other production affiliates that have the right of ownership). No money is being made, and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Considerations: Similarities to other stories/events/passages are purely coincidental unless otherwise cited.
The idea to make the chapter titles begin with “The One…” is from the TV show, F.R.I.E.N.D.S
This may, in all possible intent, be differently written compared to any of my previous literary ventures.
Rating: Rated M for language and adult situations. You have been warned.
Play of the Fates
Chapter Two
If this didn’t shake Athrun out of his element, then nothing ever would.
“Oh fuck,” the blonde by the door echoed his thoughts.
“Cagalli!” Uzumi Nara Athha exclaimed, seemingly not making the connection between the blonde’s reaction and Athrun’s presence. “Language, Ms. Athha. We have a visitor, if you haven’t noticed.”
The woman, Cagalli, as his client had called her, nodded slowly. “Yes…Father.”
Again, Athrun was surprised by the turn of events. Who would have thought that the woman who’d refreshed his mind about how sex should really be was the daughter of one of the clients of Genesis Motors? He knew the world was small, but damn, why didn’t he notice that it had gotten even smaller?
“I don’t suppose this is anything trivial as you forewent knocking?” Uzumi asked after excusing himself and his daughter’s apparent rudeness.
Athrun’s gaze moved from Uzumi to his daughter, and he was quite amazed at how quickly Cagalli seemed to have schooled her composure.
“I’m in a hurry, but carry on. I’ll wait outside. Excuse me, father, Mr.–?”
It took a short heartbeat before Athrun remembered his manners, and he stood up to introduce himself, but Uzumi beat him to it.
“Athrun Zala,” Uzumi supplied. He then turned to him. “Mr. Zala, this is my daughter, Cagalli.”
Being addressed by his client completely jolted him out of his befuddlement. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Cagalli.” He smiled tentatively, wondering how the blonde girl in front of him was taking all this. She appeared to be a tad flustered, but he couldn’t exactly take that against her as he supposed it wasn’t always that the stranger she so randomly slept with showed up not just on her doorstep, but inside her house. Damn.
“Nice to meet you, too.” Cagalli stepped back. “I’ll be excusing myself,” she said, and with that, she backtracked out of the room, unwittingly drawing Athrun’s attention to her legs as she strode away.
“Now, where were we?” Uzumi turned to speak with Athrun.
It behooved Athrun to clear his throat to allow him a little time to gather his thoughts. Dammit, when had a woman’s legs distracted him as much? Those long columns of flawless flesh had just been wrapped around him last week, and he vaguely wondered how he could have managed to get her out of his head the instant she’d waltzed out of his hotel room after a quick, casual, and painless parting session.
As he turned his attention back to the father of the woman who’d managed to distract him by just showing herself, something clicked in his head. And as Uzumi told him that, aside from the vehicles he was to purchase to serve as company cars, he was planning to buy an extra Justice and have it customized according to his daughter’s fancy, Athrun couldn’t help but smile inwardly. He was sure that he and Ms. Athha were going to see much of each other in the near future, and closing a deal with a client had never proven this interesting.
o-o
If it were possible, Cagalli, with her frenzied pacing, would have worn a hole through the marble flooring. Just once in her life, she’d indulged in a night of fabulous sex with no strings attached, and it promptly blew up in her face. This was just not happening. How could that man in impeccable Armani be the same one as the man her father was currently making a business deal with? Surely, her eyes were playing tricks on her.
Cagalli paused to stare at the door she had so carelessly barged into, shaking her head. No, the man with her father inside was someone else. It just so happened that he looked like the green-eyed god she’d slept with. She paced a little more before collapsing on an armchair, her fingers flying to the bridge of her nose as she felt the first pricks of a coming headache.
She sighed and shook her head again. She couldn’t deny it. No matter how much she wanted to delude herself, there was no mistaking that midnight blue hair and emerald eyes. Maybe if she hadn’t had the impulsive idea of stoking her father’s irritation by interrupting his meeting, she wouldn’t have to deal with this. Sometimes, her hardheadedness just got her into troubles she hadn’t consciously asked for.
Just as she was about to let out a frustrated groan, a thought came to her. She didn’t live in this house anymore, and she rarely saw her father, so she wasn’t going to see that Zala guy again, unless they bumped into each other out on the streets, which was highly unlikely since Orb was such a big place. So what if that night proved to be the best she’d had? She wasn’t looking for a repeat performance. No, of course not. She already had problems to deal with, and she was certain that associating with Athrun Zala could be more trouble than what it was worth. Besides, aside from her work and her nagging father, she still had that clingy ex-boyfriend to deal with. She had no time for another man in her life, her sex life be damned.
With a resolute nod, she sat up straight and waited for the meeting to be over, looking as proper and professional as her cut-off shorts and faded sweater would allow. But she didn’t have to wait long because as soon as she checked her watch, the doorknob gave its distinctive rattle, and the door opened not long after. She made a face before she could hold herself, but she schooled her features just as both men turned to regard her.
“Ah, yes, Cagalli,” Uzumi addressed her, “Athrun is the acting chief executive of the Justice make. Since he’s in the country for a business merging, he’s generously decided to meet with me himself. For that car I promised you, I’ve asked him to accommodate your demands in case you’re interested in having the car customized.”
Cagalli bit the inside of her lower lip to keep her from telling her father that he talked like she had already agreed with his arrangement. “About that, Father, may I talk with you in private?” She turned to Athrun. “If you can excuse us, Mr. Zala?”
“Of course,” Athrun easily agreed. “I can show myself out.” He extended his hand towards Uzumi, and the old man shook the offered appendage just as Kisaka entered the floor.
“Ah, Kisaka, show Athrun out, will you?”
Kisaka looked as surprised as Mana to see Cagalli, but he nodded at Uzumi’s order. “Of course. This way, Mr. Zala,” he directed the last part at Athrun. “Nice to have you back, Cagalli,” he added.
“Good day, Uzumi, Ms. Cagalli.”
“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Zala,” Cagalli replied, refusing to look him in the eye.
Athrun nodded before following Kisaka, and when the two of them were out of earshot, Cagalli fully turned towards Uzumi. “I see you’ve taken the liberty of arranging my car deals by yourself, Father.”
Uzumi lowered his head and dropped a kiss on Cagalli’s brow, more like a force of habit than an affectionate gesture towards his errant daughter. Cagalli couldn’t really tell. She had disobeyed him for so long that she wasn’t sure just how much longer her father would tolerate her behavior. She knew Uzumi wouldn’t disown her and that he loved her just as he always had before, but she also knew that her father wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. And right now, he wanted her home, working in his company, and acting as though she was still underage and should be following his orders.
“Of course, Cagalli. It makes sense that a father does his only daughter a few favors.” He walked past her, giving the impression that he believed Cagalli would follow even if he hadn’t asked her to.
Cagalli gritted her teeth, but followed nonetheless. If this was the only way she could get him to listen to her, then so be it. “I don’t need those favors, Father. I am well capable on my own. If you’d only take time to notice, I was able to afford my own car.”
“I’ve noticed. A Mazda6, if I’m not mistaken. A good car, yes,” he replied, his dignified footfalls echoing in the empty hallway, and if Cagalli didn’t know better, she’d think he was hedging. “But you could have a better means of transportation if you’d chosen to work for the company.”
“That’s not the point. The poi–”
“Of course, it’s the point. I’ve offered you a good position because you’d be inheriting the company one day, and you chose to go gallivanting on your own. I am very tempted to call that irresponsible.”
Cagalli rolled her eyes behind her father’s back. “Then call it that by all means. I told you I don’t want the company!” she exclaimed, knowing that everything would lead to that if she took what he offered. “I’m not meant to sit behind a desk all day and sign documents upon documents! I want to write! Be an author! Explore the world to find inspiration for a book!”
Uzumi looked at her over his shoulder, then opened the door leading to their very own cocktail lounge. “Then why are you merely a secretary at a magazine company? Isn’t that sitting behind a desk, signing documents upon documents?” he observed astutely, borrowing her daughter’s words to use them against her.
Cagalli was struck speechless. She was supposed to defend her situation, not be questioned about it. Here she was, trying to prove a point and trying to grate on her father’s nerves, but he didn’t even flinch as she stood up for herself, not to mention that he barely gave what she was wearing a second glance.
“Yes, Cagalli? Where have you traveled to look for that inspiration you’re speaking of?” Uzumi poured himself some scotch, taking a sip from his glass as he studied his daughter.
“No where yet. I’m still saving up for that. And no, I won’t be working for you to earn enough money for my future traveling expenses,” she finally found her voice.
“It’s been a year since you started working there, and where has it gotten you?”
“It’s not easy climbing the ladder of success, Father.” She had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes in front of Uzumi.
“It would have, had you not let your stubbornness get the better of you. You can work in our company and still be a writer, Ms. Athha.”
Cagalli hated being called ‘Ms. Athha’ by her father. It had always felt like she’d already lost the argument whenever he addressed her that way. “I already told you, I don’t want to work in that company of yours. You’d be breathing down my neck, and that’s gonna be a hell lot stifling.” This time, she gave in to the urge to roll her eyes. Really, couldn’t her father get it? She didn’t want to work for him, plain and simple.
“I’ll make you a deal, Cagalli,” her father began, fixing her steady gaze that brooked no argument.
“I don’t wa–”
“You’d do well to listen to me first before you say no, Ms. Athha.”
Cagalli gritted her teeth. She wasn’t a kid anymore, and here was her father, trying to undo all the things she’d established for herself by treating her like a child. She hated it.
She bit down the immediate reply that had formed at the tip of her tongue.
“It won’t be too bad. I get what I want, and you get what you want after that. That can’t be too unfavorable a deal.”
The blonde puckered her forehead in obvious skepticism. “Fine, let’s hear you out.”
“Listen well then.” Uzumi smiled.
o-o
Cagalli let the chopsticks linger on her lips as she half-listened to her friend. She was back in her apartment, and Miriallia had come over again that night with some Chinese takeouts, instinctively knowing that the blonde would refuse to have dinner at their stately mansion and would instead opt to go home with an empty stomach.
“So, you get the apartment and the wheels?”
“Yeah,” she mumbled with an abject concealment of her almost palpable tedium. She reached out her chopsticks almost mechanically and retrieved a shrimp dumpling from the polystyrene container.
“I was hoping for a more enthusiastic reply. Just thought I’d tell you,” Miriallia said, her sarcasm at her friend’s lack of candor quite evident.
“You know what, for some reason, I feel like I’ve gotten the raw end of the bargain,” Cagalli finally allowed a little life into her speech.
“How do you figure?”
“Well, the old man has this talent of making me agree to something that I, at first, think is more beneficial for me.”
“Your lack of trust in your father is astounding.” Miriallia chewed on a dumpling thoughtfully. “Where’s the papa’s girl I knew?”
Cagalli almost snorted. Miriallia didn’t know her as a child, simply because they had met the first time at the office. Though, she had to admit, she found it amusing that Miriallia almost always chided her like they’d been childhood friends. “We were twenty-four when we first met, Mir.”
“That’s not the point.”
Cagalli laughed, her discontent almost seeping off her. She’d been more than annoyed the moment she drove out of her father’s estate. Her father had talked, and she’d listened, just as he commanded her to. His words had made sense, and it seemed like a fair deal back then, too. All she had to do was work for him for the next nine months – that would mean that she would have to retire from her current job, which was quite a soothing thought since the other secretary would be permanently out of her hair. Not to mention that she’d finally get her father to shut up.
Nine months at his father’s company would be paid in advance with an apartment at the Upper East Side, a Justice, and a starting salary that would make saving easier. It seemed fair, all right, but now that she had thought about it without having to listen to her father’s convincing speech, she’d be sacrificing her principles – those same principles that she’d worked hard to make apparent to those around her. She’d be reneging on her promise to herself and to the vow she’d made to her father that she wouldn’t ever work for him. That vow had once been voiced out with the influence of hard-knocked defiance, and she had lived up to it….that is, until she left the cocktail lounge with her head down like a beaten puppy.
Remembering her earlier thoughts caused a frown to betide her recovering optimism.
“Stop frowning and enjoy the things you’d get in return for sacrificing a little of your pride!”
“Tsk!” Cagalli glared at her friend. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re happy because you know you get to share my loot.”
“Of course,” Miriallia answered, sounding like that was the most obvious thing in the world.
Cagalli sighed and put away her now-empty box of rice. “I guess I have to write my resignation letter, huh? Damn, and I gotta start packing.”
“I’m not too busy. I’ll help you pack!” Miriallia enthused.
“You’re more excited than I am.” Cagalli rolled her eyes.
“Well, someone has got to be excited! I’ll be sure to be too much of that for the both of us,” Miriallia easily answered, making Cagalli laugh again. “Oh, you know what, you should really be excited about working at your father’s company.”
Cagalli arched an inquisitive eyebrow.
“I’ve been there. It’s heaven. Lots of young and sexy executives!” Miriallia wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Cagalli shook her head, but grinned nonetheless. And just as she thought about what Miriallia revealed, she couldn’t help but remember one certain sexy executive at another company. Oh, they’d be getting to see more of each other, all right. What was she thinking when she told herself that she wouldn’t ever be seeing Athrun Zala again? She should have known that, upon throwing her father in the mix, she and Athrun were less likely to never cross paths again.
Another frown threatened to steal over her features. He was just the kind of man that practically had trouble written all over him, finished with flashing neon lights that should serve as ample warning. She hadn’t recognized him that night – he wasn’t on her A-list, but she supposed Sheila, the other secretary, was handling him – but now that her father had introduced him, she could easily place him. She had heard of Athrun Zala before, the most eligible bachelor after he’d broken off his engagement with Lacus Clyne, and she’d read articles upon articles about how women fell at his feet, but she was different. She wasn’t attracted to his so-called “man of the year” charm. And, to justify her behavior that night, she’d just had one too many glasses of alcohol to even think straight.
She certainly didn’t need more complications in her life. She was determined to keep their meetings professional, and, surely, he’d want to keep them that way, too. After all, what did one-night stands usually leave to the participants? Nothing but the good old “let’s leave it at that” attitude and the memory of a bad judgment. It didn’t make the sinners want to be involved with each other. No, she didn’t think it worked that way.
Cagalli finally allowed a small smile to play at the corners of her mouth. Maybe things weren’t that bad. If she were lucky, she’d be able to accomplish all that needed to be accomplished and still leave with her dignity and pride intact. Looking at her situation in a different perspective, her father’s proposition might just be the stepping stone she needed to finally get a move on in her professional life. She wouldn’t let the recollection of a mistake hinder her from achieving the plans that had begun brewing in her head.
Nope, not a chance!
o-o
Athrun sank into the soft leather of the lazy boy before pulling the lever to raise the feet support, closing his eyes as he finally had time to relax after a long day. For a few seconds, he remained motionless, then he opened those emerald orbs and surveyed his surroundings. He’d been housed at the Freedom Metropolis the first two days of his stay before the company he worked for rented a decent apartment where he could live for the rest of his business visit. He couldn’t really complain. Although the hotel had an amazing room service, it was still a hotel no matter how cozy his room had been. This apartment he was currently occupying felt much more comfortable, more private, and a house helper arrived every morning to clean, so he was content.
Picking up the Times from the table beside him, he cursorily studied the picture in front. It was of a familiar man he’d known for the longest time. Not exactly wanting to be reminded of that person, he skimmed through the contents, stopping at pages containing articles that caught his attention.
He was in the middle of an article about the latest Justice when his mobile phone rang, the non-intrusive ringing tone a smooth cadence in the otherwise silent room.
“Zala.”
“Hey, Athrun! I’ve heard you’re in Orb. I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch as soon.”
Athrun smiled at the melodious voice on the line. “Good evening to you, too, Lacus. Kira’s told me you haven’t returned yet.” Lacus’ voice had always had a comforting quality, a familiarity that bred easiness, each changing lilt almost mirroring her even disposition and positive temperament. It was one of the things that made him unable to stay angry at her for long, even after their much-publicized break-up. He’d long ago acknowledged that he and the Songstress were no longer owners of hearts beating with the same tune, but Lacus would always have a soft spot in his heart.
“A little busy, yes, but I’ll be going home tomorrow. Have you and Kira seen each other?”
Athrun laughed. “Of course, Lacus.”
“Good! I was thinking you’d be too busy to meet up with friends. You better be there when Kira picks me up at the airport!”
Kira had already made him swear he’d be there, so Lacus really didn’t have to worry about anything. Besides, he’d promised to himself that he’d keep in touch with his long-time friends in the long duration of his stay in Orb. “Yes, I’ll be there.”
Lacus giggled. “You better be. Oh yeah, I’ve been wanting to ask, met anyone new lately? And I didn’t mean those adoring fans of yours.”
Athrun detected the teasing in her voice, and he chuckled at the playful tone of his ex-fiancée. Did he meet anyone new? Oh, yes he did, and he’d shared his bed with her even before he knew her name. Not only that, but he’d been unwittingly guaranteed meetings with her during his stay in Orb. She was different, he was sure, because she hadn’t seemed to know him that night at the hotel lounge. She’d left his room with no complaints, either, clearly distinguishing the line between them and establishing that what they’d shared was nothing more than a casual romp in bed that wasn’t going to happen again. When they’d met once more this morning, she hadn’t seemed inclined to get to know him, almost refusing to acknowledge his presence. He’d dismissed her from his mind after their escapade, but seeing her again and noticing how she’d acted around him, she’d gotten his attention. Now he was interested. Now he wanted her, and what he wanted, he got.
“Do old, boring, business executives count?”
Lacus sighed. “I’ll take that as a no.” Athrun could almost imagine her shaking her head at the tone of her voice. “Anyway, Athrun, I just called to say hi. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, all right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Hugs, Athrun.”
“Bye,” he replied, waiting for Lacus to hang up before he clicked off his phone. Anyone new, all right, and she wasn’t one of my ‘adoring fans.’ Athrun ran a hand through his hair, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Cagalli, was it?
x-x-x-x-x
Not the most original of plots, but let’s see if I can make it really interesting for you guys, all right?
Author: Paola
Disclaimer: Play of the Fates is based on characters and situations that belong to Sotsu Agency, Bandai Studios, and TV Asashi (and other production affiliates that have the right of ownership). No money is being made, and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Considerations: Similarities to other stories/events/passages are purely coincidental unless otherwise cited.
The idea to make the chapter titles begin with “The One…” is from the TV show, F.R.I.E.N.D.S
This may, in all possible intent, be differently written compared to any of my previous literary ventures.
Rating: Rated M for language and adult situations. You have been warned.
Play of the Fates
Chapter Two
If this didn’t shake Athrun out of his element, then nothing ever would.
“Oh fuck,” the blonde by the door echoed his thoughts.
“Cagalli!” Uzumi Nara Athha exclaimed, seemingly not making the connection between the blonde’s reaction and Athrun’s presence. “Language, Ms. Athha. We have a visitor, if you haven’t noticed.”
The woman, Cagalli, as his client had called her, nodded slowly. “Yes…Father.”
Again, Athrun was surprised by the turn of events. Who would have thought that the woman who’d refreshed his mind about how sex should really be was the daughter of one of the clients of Genesis Motors? He knew the world was small, but damn, why didn’t he notice that it had gotten even smaller?
“I don’t suppose this is anything trivial as you forewent knocking?” Uzumi asked after excusing himself and his daughter’s apparent rudeness.
Athrun’s gaze moved from Uzumi to his daughter, and he was quite amazed at how quickly Cagalli seemed to have schooled her composure.
“I’m in a hurry, but carry on. I’ll wait outside. Excuse me, father, Mr.–?”
It took a short heartbeat before Athrun remembered his manners, and he stood up to introduce himself, but Uzumi beat him to it.
“Athrun Zala,” Uzumi supplied. He then turned to him. “Mr. Zala, this is my daughter, Cagalli.”
Being addressed by his client completely jolted him out of his befuddlement. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Cagalli.” He smiled tentatively, wondering how the blonde girl in front of him was taking all this. She appeared to be a tad flustered, but he couldn’t exactly take that against her as he supposed it wasn’t always that the stranger she so randomly slept with showed up not just on her doorstep, but inside her house. Damn.
“Nice to meet you, too.” Cagalli stepped back. “I’ll be excusing myself,” she said, and with that, she backtracked out of the room, unwittingly drawing Athrun’s attention to her legs as she strode away.
“Now, where were we?” Uzumi turned to speak with Athrun.
It behooved Athrun to clear his throat to allow him a little time to gather his thoughts. Dammit, when had a woman’s legs distracted him as much? Those long columns of flawless flesh had just been wrapped around him last week, and he vaguely wondered how he could have managed to get her out of his head the instant she’d waltzed out of his hotel room after a quick, casual, and painless parting session.
As he turned his attention back to the father of the woman who’d managed to distract him by just showing herself, something clicked in his head. And as Uzumi told him that, aside from the vehicles he was to purchase to serve as company cars, he was planning to buy an extra Justice and have it customized according to his daughter’s fancy, Athrun couldn’t help but smile inwardly. He was sure that he and Ms. Athha were going to see much of each other in the near future, and closing a deal with a client had never proven this interesting.
o-o
If it were possible, Cagalli, with her frenzied pacing, would have worn a hole through the marble flooring. Just once in her life, she’d indulged in a night of fabulous sex with no strings attached, and it promptly blew up in her face. This was just not happening. How could that man in impeccable Armani be the same one as the man her father was currently making a business deal with? Surely, her eyes were playing tricks on her.
Cagalli paused to stare at the door she had so carelessly barged into, shaking her head. No, the man with her father inside was someone else. It just so happened that he looked like the green-eyed god she’d slept with. She paced a little more before collapsing on an armchair, her fingers flying to the bridge of her nose as she felt the first pricks of a coming headache.
She sighed and shook her head again. She couldn’t deny it. No matter how much she wanted to delude herself, there was no mistaking that midnight blue hair and emerald eyes. Maybe if she hadn’t had the impulsive idea of stoking her father’s irritation by interrupting his meeting, she wouldn’t have to deal with this. Sometimes, her hardheadedness just got her into troubles she hadn’t consciously asked for.
Just as she was about to let out a frustrated groan, a thought came to her. She didn’t live in this house anymore, and she rarely saw her father, so she wasn’t going to see that Zala guy again, unless they bumped into each other out on the streets, which was highly unlikely since Orb was such a big place. So what if that night proved to be the best she’d had? She wasn’t looking for a repeat performance. No, of course not. She already had problems to deal with, and she was certain that associating with Athrun Zala could be more trouble than what it was worth. Besides, aside from her work and her nagging father, she still had that clingy ex-boyfriend to deal with. She had no time for another man in her life, her sex life be damned.
With a resolute nod, she sat up straight and waited for the meeting to be over, looking as proper and professional as her cut-off shorts and faded sweater would allow. But she didn’t have to wait long because as soon as she checked her watch, the doorknob gave its distinctive rattle, and the door opened not long after. She made a face before she could hold herself, but she schooled her features just as both men turned to regard her.
“Ah, yes, Cagalli,” Uzumi addressed her, “Athrun is the acting chief executive of the Justice make. Since he’s in the country for a business merging, he’s generously decided to meet with me himself. For that car I promised you, I’ve asked him to accommodate your demands in case you’re interested in having the car customized.”
Cagalli bit the inside of her lower lip to keep her from telling her father that he talked like she had already agreed with his arrangement. “About that, Father, may I talk with you in private?” She turned to Athrun. “If you can excuse us, Mr. Zala?”
“Of course,” Athrun easily agreed. “I can show myself out.” He extended his hand towards Uzumi, and the old man shook the offered appendage just as Kisaka entered the floor.
“Ah, Kisaka, show Athrun out, will you?”
Kisaka looked as surprised as Mana to see Cagalli, but he nodded at Uzumi’s order. “Of course. This way, Mr. Zala,” he directed the last part at Athrun. “Nice to have you back, Cagalli,” he added.
“Good day, Uzumi, Ms. Cagalli.”
“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Zala,” Cagalli replied, refusing to look him in the eye.
Athrun nodded before following Kisaka, and when the two of them were out of earshot, Cagalli fully turned towards Uzumi. “I see you’ve taken the liberty of arranging my car deals by yourself, Father.”
Uzumi lowered his head and dropped a kiss on Cagalli’s brow, more like a force of habit than an affectionate gesture towards his errant daughter. Cagalli couldn’t really tell. She had disobeyed him for so long that she wasn’t sure just how much longer her father would tolerate her behavior. She knew Uzumi wouldn’t disown her and that he loved her just as he always had before, but she also knew that her father wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. And right now, he wanted her home, working in his company, and acting as though she was still underage and should be following his orders.
“Of course, Cagalli. It makes sense that a father does his only daughter a few favors.” He walked past her, giving the impression that he believed Cagalli would follow even if he hadn’t asked her to.
Cagalli gritted her teeth, but followed nonetheless. If this was the only way she could get him to listen to her, then so be it. “I don’t need those favors, Father. I am well capable on my own. If you’d only take time to notice, I was able to afford my own car.”
“I’ve noticed. A Mazda6, if I’m not mistaken. A good car, yes,” he replied, his dignified footfalls echoing in the empty hallway, and if Cagalli didn’t know better, she’d think he was hedging. “But you could have a better means of transportation if you’d chosen to work for the company.”
“That’s not the point. The poi–”
“Of course, it’s the point. I’ve offered you a good position because you’d be inheriting the company one day, and you chose to go gallivanting on your own. I am very tempted to call that irresponsible.”
Cagalli rolled her eyes behind her father’s back. “Then call it that by all means. I told you I don’t want the company!” she exclaimed, knowing that everything would lead to that if she took what he offered. “I’m not meant to sit behind a desk all day and sign documents upon documents! I want to write! Be an author! Explore the world to find inspiration for a book!”
Uzumi looked at her over his shoulder, then opened the door leading to their very own cocktail lounge. “Then why are you merely a secretary at a magazine company? Isn’t that sitting behind a desk, signing documents upon documents?” he observed astutely, borrowing her daughter’s words to use them against her.
Cagalli was struck speechless. She was supposed to defend her situation, not be questioned about it. Here she was, trying to prove a point and trying to grate on her father’s nerves, but he didn’t even flinch as she stood up for herself, not to mention that he barely gave what she was wearing a second glance.
“Yes, Cagalli? Where have you traveled to look for that inspiration you’re speaking of?” Uzumi poured himself some scotch, taking a sip from his glass as he studied his daughter.
“No where yet. I’m still saving up for that. And no, I won’t be working for you to earn enough money for my future traveling expenses,” she finally found her voice.
“It’s been a year since you started working there, and where has it gotten you?”
“It’s not easy climbing the ladder of success, Father.” She had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes in front of Uzumi.
“It would have, had you not let your stubbornness get the better of you. You can work in our company and still be a writer, Ms. Athha.”
Cagalli hated being called ‘Ms. Athha’ by her father. It had always felt like she’d already lost the argument whenever he addressed her that way. “I already told you, I don’t want to work in that company of yours. You’d be breathing down my neck, and that’s gonna be a hell lot stifling.” This time, she gave in to the urge to roll her eyes. Really, couldn’t her father get it? She didn’t want to work for him, plain and simple.
“I’ll make you a deal, Cagalli,” her father began, fixing her steady gaze that brooked no argument.
“I don’t wa–”
“You’d do well to listen to me first before you say no, Ms. Athha.”
Cagalli gritted her teeth. She wasn’t a kid anymore, and here was her father, trying to undo all the things she’d established for herself by treating her like a child. She hated it.
She bit down the immediate reply that had formed at the tip of her tongue.
“It won’t be too bad. I get what I want, and you get what you want after that. That can’t be too unfavorable a deal.”
The blonde puckered her forehead in obvious skepticism. “Fine, let’s hear you out.”
“Listen well then.” Uzumi smiled.
o-o
Cagalli let the chopsticks linger on her lips as she half-listened to her friend. She was back in her apartment, and Miriallia had come over again that night with some Chinese takeouts, instinctively knowing that the blonde would refuse to have dinner at their stately mansion and would instead opt to go home with an empty stomach.
“So, you get the apartment and the wheels?”
“Yeah,” she mumbled with an abject concealment of her almost palpable tedium. She reached out her chopsticks almost mechanically and retrieved a shrimp dumpling from the polystyrene container.
“I was hoping for a more enthusiastic reply. Just thought I’d tell you,” Miriallia said, her sarcasm at her friend’s lack of candor quite evident.
“You know what, for some reason, I feel like I’ve gotten the raw end of the bargain,” Cagalli finally allowed a little life into her speech.
“How do you figure?”
“Well, the old man has this talent of making me agree to something that I, at first, think is more beneficial for me.”
“Your lack of trust in your father is astounding.” Miriallia chewed on a dumpling thoughtfully. “Where’s the papa’s girl I knew?”
Cagalli almost snorted. Miriallia didn’t know her as a child, simply because they had met the first time at the office. Though, she had to admit, she found it amusing that Miriallia almost always chided her like they’d been childhood friends. “We were twenty-four when we first met, Mir.”
“That’s not the point.”
Cagalli laughed, her discontent almost seeping off her. She’d been more than annoyed the moment she drove out of her father’s estate. Her father had talked, and she’d listened, just as he commanded her to. His words had made sense, and it seemed like a fair deal back then, too. All she had to do was work for him for the next nine months – that would mean that she would have to retire from her current job, which was quite a soothing thought since the other secretary would be permanently out of her hair. Not to mention that she’d finally get her father to shut up.
Nine months at his father’s company would be paid in advance with an apartment at the Upper East Side, a Justice, and a starting salary that would make saving easier. It seemed fair, all right, but now that she had thought about it without having to listen to her father’s convincing speech, she’d be sacrificing her principles – those same principles that she’d worked hard to make apparent to those around her. She’d be reneging on her promise to herself and to the vow she’d made to her father that she wouldn’t ever work for him. That vow had once been voiced out with the influence of hard-knocked defiance, and she had lived up to it….that is, until she left the cocktail lounge with her head down like a beaten puppy.
Remembering her earlier thoughts caused a frown to betide her recovering optimism.
“Stop frowning and enjoy the things you’d get in return for sacrificing a little of your pride!”
“Tsk!” Cagalli glared at her friend. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re happy because you know you get to share my loot.”
“Of course,” Miriallia answered, sounding like that was the most obvious thing in the world.
Cagalli sighed and put away her now-empty box of rice. “I guess I have to write my resignation letter, huh? Damn, and I gotta start packing.”
“I’m not too busy. I’ll help you pack!” Miriallia enthused.
“You’re more excited than I am.” Cagalli rolled her eyes.
“Well, someone has got to be excited! I’ll be sure to be too much of that for the both of us,” Miriallia easily answered, making Cagalli laugh again. “Oh, you know what, you should really be excited about working at your father’s company.”
Cagalli arched an inquisitive eyebrow.
“I’ve been there. It’s heaven. Lots of young and sexy executives!” Miriallia wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Cagalli shook her head, but grinned nonetheless. And just as she thought about what Miriallia revealed, she couldn’t help but remember one certain sexy executive at another company. Oh, they’d be getting to see more of each other, all right. What was she thinking when she told herself that she wouldn’t ever be seeing Athrun Zala again? She should have known that, upon throwing her father in the mix, she and Athrun were less likely to never cross paths again.
Another frown threatened to steal over her features. He was just the kind of man that practically had trouble written all over him, finished with flashing neon lights that should serve as ample warning. She hadn’t recognized him that night – he wasn’t on her A-list, but she supposed Sheila, the other secretary, was handling him – but now that her father had introduced him, she could easily place him. She had heard of Athrun Zala before, the most eligible bachelor after he’d broken off his engagement with Lacus Clyne, and she’d read articles upon articles about how women fell at his feet, but she was different. She wasn’t attracted to his so-called “man of the year” charm. And, to justify her behavior that night, she’d just had one too many glasses of alcohol to even think straight.
She certainly didn’t need more complications in her life. She was determined to keep their meetings professional, and, surely, he’d want to keep them that way, too. After all, what did one-night stands usually leave to the participants? Nothing but the good old “let’s leave it at that” attitude and the memory of a bad judgment. It didn’t make the sinners want to be involved with each other. No, she didn’t think it worked that way.
Cagalli finally allowed a small smile to play at the corners of her mouth. Maybe things weren’t that bad. If she were lucky, she’d be able to accomplish all that needed to be accomplished and still leave with her dignity and pride intact. Looking at her situation in a different perspective, her father’s proposition might just be the stepping stone she needed to finally get a move on in her professional life. She wouldn’t let the recollection of a mistake hinder her from achieving the plans that had begun brewing in her head.
Nope, not a chance!
o-o
Athrun sank into the soft leather of the lazy boy before pulling the lever to raise the feet support, closing his eyes as he finally had time to relax after a long day. For a few seconds, he remained motionless, then he opened those emerald orbs and surveyed his surroundings. He’d been housed at the Freedom Metropolis the first two days of his stay before the company he worked for rented a decent apartment where he could live for the rest of his business visit. He couldn’t really complain. Although the hotel had an amazing room service, it was still a hotel no matter how cozy his room had been. This apartment he was currently occupying felt much more comfortable, more private, and a house helper arrived every morning to clean, so he was content.
Picking up the Times from the table beside him, he cursorily studied the picture in front. It was of a familiar man he’d known for the longest time. Not exactly wanting to be reminded of that person, he skimmed through the contents, stopping at pages containing articles that caught his attention.
He was in the middle of an article about the latest Justice when his mobile phone rang, the non-intrusive ringing tone a smooth cadence in the otherwise silent room.
“Zala.”
“Hey, Athrun! I’ve heard you’re in Orb. I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch as soon.”
Athrun smiled at the melodious voice on the line. “Good evening to you, too, Lacus. Kira’s told me you haven’t returned yet.” Lacus’ voice had always had a comforting quality, a familiarity that bred easiness, each changing lilt almost mirroring her even disposition and positive temperament. It was one of the things that made him unable to stay angry at her for long, even after their much-publicized break-up. He’d long ago acknowledged that he and the Songstress were no longer owners of hearts beating with the same tune, but Lacus would always have a soft spot in his heart.
“A little busy, yes, but I’ll be going home tomorrow. Have you and Kira seen each other?”
Athrun laughed. “Of course, Lacus.”
“Good! I was thinking you’d be too busy to meet up with friends. You better be there when Kira picks me up at the airport!”
Kira had already made him swear he’d be there, so Lacus really didn’t have to worry about anything. Besides, he’d promised to himself that he’d keep in touch with his long-time friends in the long duration of his stay in Orb. “Yes, I’ll be there.”
Lacus giggled. “You better be. Oh yeah, I’ve been wanting to ask, met anyone new lately? And I didn’t mean those adoring fans of yours.”
Athrun detected the teasing in her voice, and he chuckled at the playful tone of his ex-fiancée. Did he meet anyone new? Oh, yes he did, and he’d shared his bed with her even before he knew her name. Not only that, but he’d been unwittingly guaranteed meetings with her during his stay in Orb. She was different, he was sure, because she hadn’t seemed to know him that night at the hotel lounge. She’d left his room with no complaints, either, clearly distinguishing the line between them and establishing that what they’d shared was nothing more than a casual romp in bed that wasn’t going to happen again. When they’d met once more this morning, she hadn’t seemed inclined to get to know him, almost refusing to acknowledge his presence. He’d dismissed her from his mind after their escapade, but seeing her again and noticing how she’d acted around him, she’d gotten his attention. Now he was interested. Now he wanted her, and what he wanted, he got.
“Do old, boring, business executives count?”
Lacus sighed. “I’ll take that as a no.” Athrun could almost imagine her shaking her head at the tone of her voice. “Anyway, Athrun, I just called to say hi. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, all right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Hugs, Athrun.”
“Bye,” he replied, waiting for Lacus to hang up before he clicked off his phone. Anyone new, all right, and she wasn’t one of my ‘adoring fans.’ Athrun ran a hand through his hair, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Cagalli, was it?
x-x-x-x-x
Not the most original of plots, but let’s see if I can make it really interesting for you guys, all right?