DISCLAIMER: 'Breaking Point' is a story based on characters and situations from Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny which is a property of Sotsu Agency, SUNRISE and MBS. This work is non profited and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Unless specified, all materials in the web is work done by HERMIT JUNCTION. Please do not use without permission any text or artwork.

WARNING: Text and all related materials are rated PG13/T and may mild strong language and mild adult themes unless otherwise stated. Please do not read if you are underage or maybe offended by such material. Spoilers for Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny.

NOTE: 'Breaking Point' disregards situations presented after Gundam Seed Destiny, including the special edition and upcoming Movie sequel.

GSEED Singles Series
Breaking Point
a hermit junction project

They met in the midst of the first war
And everything changed when the second war ended.
They hurt each other because of war's circumstances
And though they seemed to have resolved naturally
Because peace has been achieved
The scars were still there, still lingering.

In war, you have to conceal your emotions
When war ends, emotions will want to burst out
But one's sense prevents it from doing so.

When it's just too much to bear, you know it
And now, it is Cagalli's turn to leave,
To find place where she can properly heal her wounds
But will the wounds from Athrun and the war be healed?
Will Cagalli's departure allow Athrun to heal himself in return?

Or maybe it's just time and new environment
That will bury their lingering history
And start a fresh new one for them…

Chapter 1: Painful Decisions

She needed time. Everyone needed time. It wasn't something a bandage could fix, some wounds just need time to heal.

'Athrun-san!' Meyrin Hawke grabbed his arm before he made a move to ring the bell. 'Are you sure?'

Athrun Zala stared at her in confusion. 'What's the problem?'

Meyrin looked down. 'Nothing, it's just…'

'God Meyrin, you've been with Athrun for four months already and you know the real Lacus-sama, what are you afraid of?' Another voice rang from behind.

Turning around, Meyrin's face flamed up. 'Onee-chan!'

Shaking her head, Lunamaria Hawke sighed. 'If anyone should be unsure, it should be us.'

Beside her. Shinn Asuka stared up at the huge seaside mansion. 'This house is really big, it's like a hotel.'

'It belongs to the royal family.' Athrun said, smiling. 'Cagalli arranged for the orphans to stay here after the wreckage caused by Junis Seven.'

Lunamaria raised her eyebrows. 'Cagalli? Is it Attha?'

Athrun nodded. 'Yes.'

'Have you seen her since we came to Orb?' Shinn asked quietly.

Athrun shook his head. 'No, I haven't.'

Lunamaria was about to open her mouth again when the huge double doors suddenly opened.

'I thought I heard someone out here!' Lacus Clyne smiled brightly.

'Lacus-sama!' Meyrin greeted, a big smile on her face.

Lunamaria bowed her head at Lacus awkwardly while Shinn just stared at her. They have, after all, only met once at the memorial three days ago.

'Come in!' Lacus held the door wide open. 'Devon is dying to start his birthday party, he really wants cake.'

'That sweet tooth.' Athrun muttered as he stepped into the foyer. Meyrin and Lunamaria gasped while Shinn had his eyes wide open when a bunch of kids dashed out of the kitchen and rushed towards Athrun.

'Athrun! Athrun!' Devon, a brown haired boy tugged at Athrun's sleeve. 'Do I have a present?'

Athrun smiled down at him. 'Happy birthday Devon.'

'Who are they?' Alexis, a girl with blonde hair peeked from behind Athrun.

'They're our new friends.' Kira replied, walking out of the kitchen.

'Kira –san.' Shinn stammered, looking down.

Kira waved his hand. 'Kira will do.'

'What's your name?' Ari asked, pulling at Meyrin and Lunamaria's skirt.

Meyrin knelt down and ruffled his black hair. 'My name is Meyrin and this is my sister Luna.'

'Who's that scary looking boy?' Lois cocked her head at Shinn, her lips pouted.

Shinn pointed at himself. 'Me? Scary looking? A boy?'

'You are a boy Shinn.' Meyrin smirked while Lunamaria tried to refrain from giggling.

'I am not a boy!' Shinn protested.

'His eyes are red!' Lois cried, pointing one chubby finger up in the air.

Shinn could only stared at her with his mouth hanging open.

'Now, now children.' Lacus clapped her hands together. 'We can't be rude to our guests!'

'Athrun! Where's Cagalli?' Devon yanked at Athrun's hand.

Athrun stared down at him for a few moments before kneeling down. 'She's very busy.'

Devon bit his lip. 'But she promised to come to my birthday, she promised!'

'I'm sure she has tried her best Devon,' Lacus knelt down as well, 'but you know Cagalli has a lot of things to do and – '

Devon was on the verge of tears. 'I want Cagalli! She promised!'

'Yeah!' Alexis and Lois nodded. 'You two promised to play Mom and Dad with us!'

At that, Athrun was speechless as he turned to Kira for help.

'Mom and Dad?' Lunamaria raised her eyebrows while Meyrin stood up, staring at Athrun.

'Them?' Shinn snorted. 'I cannot imagine that woman being a Mom.'

'Shut up Shinn!' Lunamaria hissed. 'People can hear – '

'I got it Mana I got it!' Another voice cried from the other side of the door.

Standing up quickly, Lacus dashed to the door and opened it, just in time to see Mana pulling at Cagalli's skirt.

'Is that a limo?' Shinn asked, cocking his head.

'Cagalli-sama, remember!' Mana said sternly. 'I do not want to see another stain on that dress and please try not to break your heel while playing with the kids.'

'That's why I have a duffle bag with human clothes!' Cagalli Yula Attha yanked her dress away from Mana. 'I'll get it back to you in one peace okay?'

'Promise?' Mana looked at her skeptically. 'Promise?'

'I promise!' Cagalli cried. 'Now go!'

'Cagalli! It's Cagalli!' Devon yelled, dashing down the stairs.

Not knowing that the door was wide open with an audience, Cagalli turned and stared at the door in embarrassment, a red duffle bag in one gloved hand.

'Cagalli looks beautiful!' Alexis cried, her hands in the air. 'Cagalli looks like a bride!'

'Brides wear white, not green you idiot!' Devon argued.

Lois rolled her eyes. 'Whatever, we can play wedding now!'

'Uh – ' Cagalli tried to open her mouth. 'I – '

'But this time, the groom cannot be that bastard Yuna!' Ari declared while pulling Cagalli into the house.

'Ari!' Mrs. Yamato said sternly. 'Where did you learn that word?'

Ari stuck his tongue out and pointed at Cagalli. 'Her.'

Cagalli was on the verge of fainting. 'Guys…'

'This time, the groom is going to be Athrun!' Alexis announced as the kids pushed Cagalli towards Athrun.

'Hey!' Cagalli turned before Athrun had a chance to grab her arm. 'I just came in here dressed like a fool and – '

'But you look pretty, you don't look like a fool!' Alexis turned to Athrun. 'She doesn't look like a fool, she looks like a bride!'

'Okay okay!' Cagalli raised her hand up in the air, slinging the duffle bag over her shoulder before Athrun could open his mouth.

'You made it Cagalli.' Lacus smiled. 'The kids were worried that you wouldn't come, they were complaining the whole day.'

'Yeah, you always come with Athrun!' Devon said.

'Where have you been Cagalli?' Athrun asked quickly before she opened her mouth.

Cagalli sighed and shot him a glance. 'I had to go to one of those stupid cocktail parties.'

'In that?' Shinn muttered.

Cagalli turned and looked at him with narrowed eyes. 'Excuse me?'

'I presume you know them!' Kira said quickly. 'They're – '

'The crew from Minerva, I know' Cagalli said softly, clutching onto her bag. 'If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be standing here. I owe them a lot.' She smiled at the three and set her eyes on Meyrin. 'Especially Miss Hawke.'

Meyrin shook her head violently. 'No, I – '

'Are we going to play bride and groom?' Alexis cried, pulling at Cagalli's dress.

Devon rolled his eyes. 'That's such a girly game. Do you have a present for me Cagalli?' he asked when Alexis stuck her tongue out at him.

'Right here in my bag.' Cagalli reassured. 'And no I will not play bride and groom or whatever you call it.'

'No?' Alexis pouted her lps.

'No.' Cagalli said firmly. 'I really need to take off these heels and this ridiculous dress, I need to turn back into the Cagalli you guys know, I mean, can you picture me running around the house in this?'

'That's true.' Devon and Alexis giggled. 'Cagalli hardly ever looks like a girl.'

'Why you two – ' Cagalli made a move to kick them as they all went squealing and dashed back into the kitchen.

'Careful!' Lacus called.

'No wonder they know the word "bastard".' Kira smirked, crossing his arms.

Cagalli put her hands on her hips. 'I'm not Cagalli Yula Attha for nothing, I'm the Cagalli Yula who fought in a guerilla before you came along with Strike.'

'Strike?' Shinn's ears perked up. 'The Strike?'

'Let's all gather in the kitchen shall we?' Lacus said quickly. 'Lunamaria, Meyrin, would you like to help me set up the table?'

'Of course Lacus-sama!' Meyrin said quickly, pulling her sister along. 'Come on Shinn.'

'Me?' Shinn pointed at himself. 'Why me?'

'Because you're going to eat too!' Lunamaria countered.

'I'm going to change.' Cagalli called after Lacus. 'I'll help later okay?'

'Are you staying for the night?' Kira asked when the crowd left the foyer, leaving only Cagalli, Athrun and him.

Cagalli shook her head. 'Can't do, I have a very important meeting announcement tomorrow.'

'What announcement?' Athrun asked in an alarmed voice.

Cagalli just gave him a smile. 'It's a secret. Political secret. You'll see.' With that, she dashed up the stairs and disappeared.

'Give her some time.' Kira said, giving Athrun a pat on the shoulder. 'She's been… busy.'

Athrun frowned and turned to Kira. 'That doesn't explain why she doesn't want to see me Kira, believe me.'

Kira cocked his head. 'Then what?'

Athrun sighed and looked away. 'I don't know, and that is what bothers me. I, I just…'

'You two have been through a lot.' Kira said quietly. 'You're enlistment, the wedding… there are holes that need serious mending in this relationship of yours.'

'The problem is if there still a relationship to mend.' Athrun murmured.

Kira's eyebrows furrowed. 'Don't say that, you know you mean the world to Cagalli.'

Athrun looked at Kira in the eye. 'You really think so?'

Kira nodded deeply. 'I really do. Now get in there and help set the table or Lacus will have a hard time.'

Athrun stared at Kira. 'You two really do know each other inside out.'

Kira shrugged. 'I take that as a compliment.'


Pausing at the corner of the hallway, Lunamaria cocked her head at her sister who was nervously pacing the door in front of her, twirling a strand of hair from her pigtails. Sighing, she walked up to her soundlessly.

'What are you doing here?' Lunamaria asked.

Gasping at the voice, Meyrin jumped and glared at her sister. 'A little heads up would have been nice! You scared the bejsus out of me!'

Lunamaria rolled her eyes. 'Yeah, like me coming up from behind is so much more scarier than following Athrun into a mobile suits and escaping with him, not to mention getting beat up in the process, and then deciding to betray ZAFT and following Archangel, risking a death penalty from PLANT.'

'It's not like that onee-chan!' Meyrin protested weakly. 'Everything happened so fast then! I, I didn't have time to think and when I realized what I did, it was already too late and I was too scared! I didn't want to be left alone at Orb!'

'Right, the fact that you really like Athrun Zala has nothing to do with all the stunts you've pulled.' Lunamaria said nonchalantly.

'Onee-chan…' Meyrin's voice trailed as she lowered her head.

Laughing, Lunamaria gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder. 'Go for it, you've gone this far.'

Meyrin shot a glance at her. 'But…'

'I'm over him.' Lunamaria declared. 'Trust me.'

Meyrin bit her lip. 'But still…'

Lunamria sighed. 'What can possibly be in your way now? Mia Campbell's dead.'

'Cagalli-san.' Meyrin said in a low voice.

'Right.' Lunamaria crossed her arms. 'Are you sure they're together? I mean, she was supposed to marry Yuna Roma if it weren't for Freedom and frankly, I don't see a chemistry between them at all, that kind of chemistry, you know?'

'Well, they haven't actually seen each other until now after we returned to Orb.' Meyrin said in a small voice.

'There you go!' Lunamria exclaimed. 'You still have a chance so grab it and use it before someone else swoops in, like Cagalli Yula Attha!'

'Onee-chan!' Meyrin hissed. 'Don't be so loud, she might hear you somewhere!'

'Right.' Lunamaria sneered. 'The bottom line is, even if they were somewhat a couple, they have their issues now and they're back to square one, no one says that a guy has to be with the same girl for the rest of his life, he's just eighteen, he has choices and has a very nice choice here.'

'What choice?' Shinn walked up to them with a soda in hand. 'What are you guys talking about?'

'How Meyrin should tell Athrun how she feels.' Lunamaria said.

'Oh.' Shinn took a gulp from his soda. 'So you're really into him, good choice, you guys can make fairly decent match, better than him and Attha.'

'Exactly!' Lunamaria exclaimed.

'Don't be mean!' Meyrin cried.

'Hey, you've met her.' Shinn sneered. 'Come on, she's the princess, the representative of Orb? I mean, come on, like she's done a good job at all. Besides, Athrun's better off without her, she's too much of an idealist, they'll never make it.'

'The question is, if they are still it.' Lunamaria muttered.

'I say go for it.' Shinn said curtly. 'You've risked your life for him, he's a good guy, he'll figure out who's best for him and that will be you Meyrin.'

Meyrin blushed. 'You think?'

Shinn was about to open his mouth again when a loud ring echoed from the other side of the door. 'Are you waiting for the bathroom?'

'Uh, yeah.' Meyrin said absently. 'And wondering whether not to tell Athrun that I…'

'Do it.' Shinn scowled. 'Seriously, I would really puke if Athrun was really with Attha.'

'Okay, we get it.' Lunamaria raised her hand up in the air. 'We get that you hate her and think that she's a waste with Athrun, no need do any serious character bashing.'

'I was just – '

'Shh!' Lunamaria hissed, glaring at Shinn. At the sudden silence between the three, they realized that someone was talking in the bathroom. When it clicked open, Cagalli came out, with her cell phone to her ear.

'Everything's ready? Good, I'll be looking forward to the morning news tomorrow.' Cagalli said, giving them a smile while holding the door open for Meyrin, who stared at her. 'Yes, I know it's huge, I'm sure, the parliament already passed the act and the resignation, I'm sure.'

'Shit.' Lunamaria muttered, watching as Cagalli walked down the hallway with Devon running up to her. 'You think she heard?'

Meyrin sighed heavily while Shinn just shrugged. 'I don't care, I hate her and I'm not going around with it being a secret anyway, she knows I hate her.'

'Right.' Lunamaria nudged him the ribs. 'Shut up Shinn.'

When Cagalli reached the corner of the hallway, she cut the connection and snapped her phone shut, shooting a glance at the trio who had their backs facing her. Sighing, she looked down at Devon who was tugging at the sleeve of her hoodie.

'You want to see the new model I built?' He asked excitingly.

'I will Devon,' Cagalli said as they continued their way down the hall until they reached the huge living room, 'you know I'd love to, but I have to talk to Kira.'

'You want to talk to me?' Kira asked, looking up from the tea he was sipping from. He was just hanging out with Athrun, the crew from Archangel and Mwu La Fllaga who had arrived later with Murrue Ramius.

'What's up kiddo?' Mwu asked, looking over his shoulder .'Can't say it in front of us?'

Cagalli smirked and punched him lightly in the shoulder. 'Are you a twin of mine?'

'Thank God no.' Mwu rolled his eyes.

'Then you don't get to participate in our sibling talk.' Cagalli concluded.

'Is something wrong?' Athrun asked, his eyebrows furrowed as Kira stood up.

'Nothing, nothing is wrong.' Cagalli said softly. 'In fact, something is finally going right for once in my life.'

'You want to talk outside?' Kira asked, noting Athrun's deepened frown.

'Sure.' Cagalli kneeled down and ruffled Devon's short red hair. 'I'll see you a bit champ.'

'Athrun!' Devon turned to his next target.

'What's up sis?' Kira asked as he closed the balcony doors behind him.

'Is it going to rain tonight?' Cagalli asked, looking up at the starry sky.

'I don't think so, nothing about precipitation from the weather report.' Kira replied.

'That's good.' Cagalli said absently, the wind blowing up her shoulder length blonde hair.

Frowning, Kira walked up to her. 'Are you okay Cagalli? You seem…'

'I seem what?' Cagalli asked, leaning against the rail. 'I seem like I'm distancing myself from all of you, from all of the merriment?'

Kira looked at her briefly before sighing. 'Athrun's been asking about you for the last two months, he's worried about you.'

'I'd be disappointed if he wasn't.' Cagalli said softly, smiling.

'Really, Cagalli, what's wrong?' Kira asked in a bear whisper. 'It's not like you to be this secretive and hard to get.'

Cagalli nodded. 'Sometimes I still have a hard time believing that we are siblings, twins.'

'Cagalli, don't change the subject.' Kira said shortly. 'What is wrong?'

'You want to know what's wrong?' Cagalli looked at Kira briefly before sighing. 'Kira, I'm breaking.'

Kira's eyebrows furrowed. 'What?'

'I've reached breaking point Kira.' Cagalli whispered. 'I can't do it anymore, I need a break, I need to get out of here.'

'You want to take a leave from the government?' Kira asked carefully. 'You want to go on vacation?'

'Yeah.' Cagalli nodded deeply, looking out at the sea. 'I'm taking very a long leave, I've resigned.'

Kira's eyes widened in shock. 'What? You've resigned from the government?'

'I handed in my resignation four weeks ago.' Cagalli said softly. 'The past months have been busy for me because I've been working on the handover. My resignation was approved a week ago along with the passing of a structural reformation act of the government.'

'Why?' Kira asked in a whisper. 'Are you planning to abandon your country? To leave your duties behind? To let your Father down?'

Closing her eyes, Cagalli took a deep breath. 'Kira, sometimes, you have the face the fact that you are not suitable. I've been struggling for three years and I know that I can't do it, it's not in me and I know that someone else, someone who loves this country as much as I do, will make a better leader. I know my limits Kira, and it's my time to step down.'

Kira looked at her silently. 'You feel betrayed?'

Cagalli gave herself a bitter laugh. 'I feel suffocated, every time I think about the war… it's too complicated, everything just sort mixed up together and now… I just feel like I've reached my limits and my limits are not good enough for this country, for the people around me.'

'What are you going to do?' Kira asked softly.

'I'm going to leave.' Cagalli said after a few moments of silence. 'I'm leaving this place, I need to leave this place before this complicated feeling turns into hate. I don't want to hate my country, I really don't… you understand me don't you?'

'I do… I do understand you.' Kira said nodding. 'It's like me and Athrun. We know that we can do so much more but we don't, we can't because of circumstances… I do know that feeling.'

'Lacus makes a better politician then me.' Cagalli smiled. 'If only I can be more like her.'

'You've done your best Cagalli.' Kira said, giving her shoulder an encouraging squeeze. 'We all know that, Orb knows that.'

'You think Orb will understand?' Cagalli asked, turning to look at Kira.

'In time, they will.' Kira whispered, nodding.

Reaching into her pocket, Cagalli took out a velvet box and held it up to Kira. 'Last time I asked you to give it back to him, you failed me, so I've decided, to give you another chance.' Taking his hand, he put the box into his palm and closed it.

'Are you sure?' Kira asked, looking down at his sister. 'Are you sure it's… over?'

Sighing, Cagalli turned. 'It hurts to think about it at night when I'm trying to sleep, but it's something that you have to deal with quickly, decisively, to ease the pain. Maybe… maybe I'm just not good enough for him, or maybe… maybe our chances have passed. Either way, I can't, I just can't….'

Taking a deep breath, Kira turned Cagalli around and enveloped her in his arms, stroking her back. 'It's okay, you can cry Cagalli, it's me.'

Biting her lip, Cagalli held onto his shoulder. 'I promised myself no crying, but somehow, you just make want to…'

'It's okay…' Kira whispered as she sobbed quietly into his neck, tightening her grip around his neck, as if wanting to relieve the stress and tension that has built up for so long but couldn't be released completely.

She needed time. Everyone needed time. It wasn't something a bandage could fix, some wounds just need time to heal.


'Kisaka!' Lacus opened the door wide open while Ledonir Kisaka stepped in full Orb military uniform.

'Lacus-sama.' Kisaka nodded his head. 'Is Cagalli here?'

Lacus nodded with a smile. 'She's in the living room with the kids, everyone's just hanging out.'

'I see.' Kisaka's voice trailed as they walked down the hallway.

'How's it been?' Lacus asked. 'The parliament, Cagalli.'

'She's fine.' Kisaka said with a small smile. 'Everything's under control.'

Lacus looked at him in the eye briefly. 'Good, that's always good to hear.'

'Kisaka! It's Kisaka!' At the sight of the burly tanned man, the kids rushed forward to him, laughing.

'Happy birthday Devon.' Kisaka smiled down at the little redhead.

'Are you here to take away Cagalli?' Devon asked.

'I'm afraid so.' Kisaka said. 'The princess still has some work to do.'

'No! I don't want Cagalli to leave!' Devon dashed into Cagalli's arms. 'Cagalli, stay here for the night!'

'Devon, you know I can't.' Cagalli coaxed.

'But it's my birthday!' Devon protested. 'I never get to see you! I never get to see you and Athrun!'

'Devon…' Cagalli sighed and knelt down.

'No!' Devon threw his arms around Cagalli's neck.

'Devon, come on, it's not like Cagalli's leaving Orb.' Lacus knelt down beside them. 'She's always around and now that we don't fight anymore, she'll come more often, right Cagalli?'

Cagalli managed a smile at Lacus after shooting a brief glance at Kira, not realizing that Athrun was looking at them closely.

'I'll stay.' Cagalli said finally.

'You'll stay?' Devon threw his hands up in the air. 'Yeah! I got Cagalli to stay!'

'Are you sure?' Kisaka asked, his eyebrows furrowing.

Cagalli nodded, standing up with Devon's hand in hers. 'I'll make the calls here, it's really no big deal.'

Kisaka sighed. 'Well then, I'll see you tomorrow morning at Morgenroete Princess.'

Cagalli nodded. 'I'll see you there tomorrow.'

Nodding at Athrun, Kisaka turned and caught Meyrin's eye, who scrambled and bowed her head quickly at him, startling Lunamaria and Shinn who were standing next to her.

'It's getting late.' Athrun opened his mouth after the kids pushed Cagalli into the kitchen, turning to the three. 'You want me to give you two a ride? You took the cab right?'

Shinn shrugged after exchanging glances with Lunamaria. 'I don't see why not.'

'Will you come back?' Kira asked.

Athrun blinked. 'I don't know, probably, probably not, it's late.'

'Have a safe ride then.' Lacus smiled. 'I'll see you guys later then.'

Meyrin smiled back and motioned for Lunamaria and Shinn.

'Is everything okay Kira?' Lacus asked as they watched the group disappear down the hallway. 'I don't know, but Cagalli seems…'

'She's okay.' Kira took her hand and gave it a squeeze. 'She's going to be okay, give her some time.'

Lacus looked up at him with furrowed eyebrows. 'Give her some time? Are you sure everything's okay?'

Kira just nodded. 'I'm sure, dessert?'

Outside, Athrun turned to Meyrin and gave her the keys to his convertible. 'You guys head over first, I want to talk to Kisaka.'

'Okay!' Meyrin said quickly.

'It's another sign sis.' Lunamaria smirked, wrapping one arm around her neck. 'You so have to tell him tonight.'

'Tonight?' Meyrin's eyes bugged out. 'You are crazy!'

'Better tonight then never.' Shinn muttered as they headed towards Athrun's grey convertible.

At the other end, Athrun caught up with Kisaka just as he started the engine of his military jeep. 'Kisaka!'

'Athrun?' Kisaka's eyebrows furrowed. 'Is something wrong.'

'You tell me.' Athrun said shortly, holding onto the windshield as if he'd step on the gas and drive away any minute. 'Is something wrong?'

'Why would you think there's something wrong?' Kisaka asked back.

Athrun looked down at the man for a while. 'If there's something wrong, if something is going on with Cagalli, you will tell me, right?' He frowned at the silence. 'Right Kisaka?'

Kisaka smiled. 'Of course Athrun, of course will tell you but I assure you that nothing is wrong, Cagalli is perfectly fine at this moment.'

Athrun exhaled loudly. 'Good, good, I just needed to hear that.'

'What is she to you?' Kisaka asked out of the blue, catching Athrun by surprise.

'Wha – what do you mean?' Athrun stammered.

Sighing, Kisaka released the hand break. 'Think about it Athrun.' With that, he reversed his jeep. 'Have a good night Athrun.'

'You too.' Athrun said before the jeep disappeared around the corner. He stood there for a while before turning, heading towards his own convertible. Climbing in, he stared at the steering wheel, totally oblivious of the three other people until Meyrin called him.

'You're keys.' Meyrin said softly, holding it out for him.

Blinking, Athrun turned and gave Meyrin a smile, taking the keys from her, his hand brushing against hers. 'Thanks.'

'No problem.' Meyrin brushed and looked away shyly.

Totally oblivious of Meyrin's reaction, Athrun stuck his key into the jack and gunned the engine. Narrowing his eyes, he looked up at the brightly lit mansion briefly before releasing the breaks, reversing the car with one arm extended behind the passenger seat. At that, Shinn couldn't help but snicker at Lunamaria who in turn shot him a glare.

Pausing, Athrun shift the gear and gave Meyrin a smile. 'Let's get you guys home.'


The drive was in complete silence as the convertible cruised along the shore. Athrun would shot a glance at the sea where the dock extended until they turned the corner and headed towards the city center.

'Are you going to stay here Athrun?' Shinn suddenly asked.

Athrun was silent for a while, looking at Shinn in the rear mirror before he pulled into the parking lot of the government guest accommodation located downtown. Killing the engine, Athrun took a deep breath. 'Why the question Shinn?'

Shinn looked back at him in the mirror. 'Because, I want to know where you're loyalty lies.'

'You're trying to ask me where my loyalty should lie Shinn.' Athrun said quietly.

'You can put it that way too.' Shinn said flatly. 'So? Are you staying? Or are you going back to PLANT? Back to ZAFT?'

'I'm staying.' After the curt reply, he climbed out of his convertible.

'Why?' Shinn asked, jumping out as well, slamming the door shut. Lunamaria couldn't help but sigh while Meyrin looked down at her lap, still sitting in the passenger seat.

Sighing deeply, Athrun turned to him. 'Will you be willing to stay in Orb Shinn?'

'No.' Shinn replied immediately. 'I can never live in Orb again, never.'

'That's with me.' Athrun said quietly. At that, Meyrin looked up with wide eyes.

Shinn stared at him. 'You hate PLANT?'

Athrun looked away. 'I don't hate PLANT, but PLANT is no longer my home.'

'You fought for PLANT!' Shinn argued. 'How can you just throw your loyalty away like that?'

'It's war Shinn.' Athrun replied in a low voice.

'Then why did you reenlist?' Shinn demanded, his hand in a fist.

'Lapse in judgment.' Athrun replied promptly. 'Or to be more specific, I wasn't firm enough, I didn't know how I could use my powers. I used it in the wrong way, I trusted the wrong person and I paid the price, I made other people pay the price. Orb is where I belong now, is where I want to belong.'

'Is it because of Attha?' Shinn scowled.

'Leave her out of this!' Athrun snapped, much to Shinn's surprise. 'You have been nothing but hostile to her. I know your reasons but it doesn't give you the excuse. She has done all she could and sometimes, circumstances just get into the way of everything so don't blame her for what happened to you!'

Shinn gritted his teeth. 'She knows nothing about war! She knows nothing about politics! Nothing!'

'Stop it!' Athrun snapped. 'You're not the only person who lost a family in the war, you are not the only one who went through the agony of fighting, of killing! Don't judge her when you know nothing about her!'

Athrun and Shinn glared at each for a long while before Lunamaria stepped up and held Shinn back, wrapping one hand over his trembling fist. 'We're not here to have argument Shinn, it's not worth it, we're in peace now.'

'With Cagalli Yula Attha around, I doubt that Orb will be in peace!' Shinn snarled. Turning, he stomped up the stairs and into the lobby with Lunamaria following him, bowing her head apologetically at Athrun.

'He hasn't changed one bit has he?' Meyrin said with a weak smile, closing the door.

'I just hope he gets through this soldier's transition.' Athrun muttered, sighing deeply.

'He's hot headed, but he has his own reasons for…' Meyrin's voice trailed, 'for behaving this way to the princess.'

'I guess.' Athrun said quietly, looking down at his feet. 'It's late, you should go in as well.'

'Athrun-san!' Meyrin grabbed his arm. She looked into his eyes intensely, the conversation she had with Shinn and her sister still ringing in her head. Biting her lip, she threw her arms around him.

'Meyrin!' Athrun tensed up, holding onto her shoulder with one hand.

'You know I didn't risk my life for nothing!' Meyrin cried into his chest. 'I like you! I really do!'

They stayed like that for a while, both silent until Meyrin pulled away slightly. She stared up at him for a while and to Athrun's surprise, she suddenly grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him.

He didn't kiss her back.

When they parted, Athrun pushed Meyrin back gently, both hands on her shoulder.

'You don't like me?' Meyrin whispered, her eyes trembling.

'It's not that Meyrin.' Athrun sighed. 'I like you, but it's because I'm grateful.'

'I can wait!' Meyrin cried. 'I really can! I can wait until you, you get over…'

'Until I get over Cagalli?' Athrun asked quietly. At that, Meyrin looked down, biting her lower lip hard. 'Meyrin, this is not just because of Cagalli. Do you really want a relationship to be based on gratitude?'

'I understand.' Meyrin nodded quietly. 'I guess I'm just not good enough – '

'You're a wonderful girl.' Athrun interrupted, giving her shoulders a squeeze. 'It's just… we will never be that way.'

Taking a deep breath, Meyrin looked up with tears streaming down her face. 'I guess. You don't know what you're missing out.'

'I'm sure there's another man out there who will appreciate you, give you the appreciate you deserve.' Holding the side of her head, Athrun hesitated briefly before pressing a light kiss on her forehead. 'I'm sure.'

Nodding, Meyrin let go of Athrun and turned abruptly, her hands flying over her mouth. She took a few seconds to calm down before looking over her shoulder. 'Goodbye Athrun-san.'

Giving her a smile, Athrun nodded. 'Goodbye Meyrin.'


End of Chapter 1

A/N: After a fairly successful GS trilogy and another YS fic in progress, I figured I'd take it to the next level and write a fic that involves main characters from the series, and my conclusion? It's so hard. There's just so many things that you have to consider when writing these characters because they've been developed so much in the original series. I despise OOC characters and I spend a lot of time trying to eliminate any OOCness there is, though I would not doubt that people will not see zero of it. It's a challenge, and this challenge has given me writer's block.

Anyway, for those who have known me from GSA and Mr and Mrs. Jule, sorry but I don't have a schedule for this fic because it's not even half complete, which is kind of rare for me. Writer's block got in the way and I made a promise to post it today. Oh well, we'll see what happens.

For my previous readers, welcome back, for new readers, please enjoy.