Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny.

A/N: This is my first fic again after a long period of time. Actually, I'm planning for a Trilogy but this will do for now. I'm no genius on grammar and literatures so if you see something wrong, feel free to correct them. Comments, suggestions, and constructive criticisms are also loved. Tnx.

Warning: I am fully aware of facts regarding GS and GSD. However, I will not be following most of them since this is after all AU. I will be revising information I find fits the story. So if there is some false information about a character, a place, or event within the fic- please, don't upbraid me.

" " for speech

Italic for flashbacks, thoughts, and opinions.

Rated – T for language and themes.

It Started With A Crush: Chapter 1: "Last Year"

That Jerk.

What the hell was so funny? If there was something to laugh about, then it must have swept by her so blindly fast that she had barely noticed, because she was obviously not laughing.

She stopped for a moment, head cocked to one side, mentally grasping the situation she was in, not amused.

Even with the man's back faced to her; she could clearly see that he was shaking his head, chuckling between breaths, as he drove his cart full of cardboard boxes on his way to the other side of the building with no further delay. He wasn't even trying to refrain from laughing. If he was, then obviously he wasn't doing a very good job at it.

Point is- He was mocking her!

And her day, as of now, has officially crumbled before her. This was certainly not how Cagalli Yula Athha, Princess of ORB, had pictured herself spending this particular day or this particular afternoon. No. Not even close.

The last time she had checked, it was nearly five in the afternoon. By this time, many would probably be spending their last few days together for the year – saying their goodbyes, partying, clubbing or even setting-up a simple get together somewhere before departure held the next few days. Cagalli however was not one of them and she wasn't feeling sociable either.

Truth be told, all she wants right now is to leave this hellhole of a place. In fact, she was so excited about leaving; she had packed-up everything earlier than scheduled. And just like that, she would be gone before anyone would even notice.

At this very moment, maybe, she should be celebrating. After all, this was the day; she had been long waiting for, for months. But then, if taking a nice quiet walk around campus is considered as a celebration, then no doubt her party reeks. Because-

GODDAMNIT!

Cagalli shook her head in exasperation.

"I AM TOO A GIRL!" She shouted off again, staying where she was a moment longer, until the sound of the man's laughter faded into nothing as he drove away without a word or a turn of the head. A fortunately act for both of them, for this time she was simply unable to regain her composure, no matter how she tried.

Really, who gave that jerk, or anyone else for that matter, the privilege to comment about what she should and should not wear? She already gets enough of those craps from her father and her two long time caretakers, and their constant nagging her of what to wear, how to act, where to go, and the lot.

Being able to freely do what she wants and being able gets away with it comes along a rare opportunity such as this one. And for a start, she likes the way she looks and there is no denying that her clothes were as comfortable as they appear - Her favorite red T-shirt clung to her figure like second skin, beneath the comfort of her green leather vest. Her loose beige-cargo pants grants her a lot of space to move around, and her boots are nothing but durable.

Durable enough to kick laughing-man's arse to the next colony, that is.

But of course, believe it or not, everything comes with a price.

What is it with men!?

It's like you can't be female if you don't look or act one

So what if she is not conventionally beautiful, or that she preferred wearing shirts and pants than smooth cut dresses, or the fact that she'd rather go to the arcade and play video games instead of shopping? That doesn't mean that she isn't what she is! A GIRL. It also doesn't mean that she doesn't want to be recognized or be treated like one from time to time!

It is hardly enough to be mistaken as the opposite sex from some occasions– but to be denied of your rightful gender is just mental!

Well, damn his good-for-nothing posterior straight to hell.

And with that, she huffed, rolling her eyes before treading heavily on her way with a foul mood.

Stomp one… Stomp two… Stomp three… Four

Had Cagalli known in advance to which her life would change as a result of turning around that next corner, it is possible that she would have spun around right then and headed straight back to the dormitories. But she had no idea what was in store for her; no concept of it whatsoever.

That's when she heard it.

From up ahead, around the benches, came the sound of voices at the hedge of the outdoor basketball court. It was faint to begin with but loud enough to be heard. A talk among male friends… About matters that does not concern her.

"I'd say Meer is turning hotter each summer. Do you think those are real?"

"Is that so?"

"I mean, those are huge!"

"Will there will be no end to this!?"

"What about you Athrun, is there anyone in particular that catches your eye? Definitely, Lacus, right?"

About matters that does not interests her.

"He doesn't have time for girls! He's planning to run for school government president next year!"

"Well, at least it's better than being captain of the debate team…"

"The debate team is a high intellectual sport, one that you won't ever understand!"

"Are you insulting the basketball team? At least, we have actual people who came to watch our game!"

Matters which are unimportant, and none of her business thus she continued to walk.

There was a cough.

"Actually, it's Athha"

At this, she froze, feeling suddenly, inexplicably, a bit breathless as if the world has stopped before her. He- Athrun thinks she's attractive. There was a rushing in her ears; it stopped however instantly when she mentally slapped herself partially from disbelief.

She took a deep breath, squeezed her eyes closed, and then opened them again. Come down, Cagalli. They can't be talking about you. She calmed herself, trying to be rational.

This was simply too good to be true. Most of the boys at this place had not even ever acknowledged that she was a girl or even cared she existed. Then here suddenly out of the blue, like magic, this guy was indirectly confessing– he found her attractive. That's just not utterly possible.

Athha's a common surname, is it not? They must be referring to someone else, because no one in their right mind would ever find her attractive. If not, then he must be merely joking. Yes, this was nothing but a bad joke.

From her side of the hedge- Cagalli shook her head, clearing it up while laughing at herself for the silly little things she allows to fill her head. She stared up at the large barrier that hid and separated her from the males. Someone is actually crushing on Cagalli Yula tomboy princess of ORB. Yeah, the thought itself was ridiculous. She chuckled.

From the other side- there came vivid sound of water spat out from the mouth.

"Athha? Athha! That butch princess from ORB, tell me you're not serious, are you?"

"You know it's not right to judge someone before getting to know them, besides you're the one who asked. I really do find her quite charming."

It struck. She was no longer in control. Her hands rose on their own accord, covering her heart.

"Well, yeah but Athha? You don't even know her yourself! You haven't even had a decent conversation with her!… And what about you?" There was a short pause "Don't tell me it's Hahnenfuss! Athha. Hahnenfuss…." The male sounded pensive. "Damn! What is wrong with you two?"

"I never said I found Hahnenfuss attractive, you bastard!"

"Denial." The other manages to add, before "AW! Damn…" several violent crashes.

That, unfortunately, was last year.

00000

Several months has passed. And again, it was the start of another yearly term and unfortunately the start of another season.

Her head leaned lightly against the door with an elbow as its only support. She gazed bemusedly out through the window seat; with her amber eyes staring at the too familiar building that was slowly coming to view. Xavior, the PLANT's most prestigious University. Unfortunately, she was not on her way there for an academic degree.

Over the years, Xavior would annually take its role as an exclusive preparatory school for the elites, and all others who can afford its expense. In other words, the school takes up its role - offering a sophisticatedbut an oh-so exclusive Leadership Program. A little project formed by a majority of top-notch officials allover the world and space, to educate the selected thus hopefully, creating bonds between the most influential and potential leaders to be, that may bring undying peace among the nations someday. In contrast, to the idealism there was another side to it that most leaders would not admit, that the project is a way to show-off or exercise power though their offspring.

Hence, it was like all other boarding school only a lot duller. Cagalli just could not understand why her father Uzumi Nara Athha, chief representative of orb, repeatedly sends her back to Xavior for three consecutive periods, when it is apparent that nothing was ever going to change. Well, how would it? Every year it always has been the same faces; naturals stayed with naturals; coordinators befriend with coordinators; smugness and supremacy bounces back and forth at particular classes like it was some kind of sport with neutrals, like her as their court net; changes comes from the minority while those who she thinks- can make a huge impact are either too blind to notice or acts as if it does not concern them at all!

"Princess, we have arrived." her bodyguard slash caretaker, Kisaka informed her, breaking Cagalli from her thoughts before stepping out of the car to take out her luggage.

"Huh?" A light movement brushed against her arm, causing the young woman to stir. She blinked a couple of time before she finally realized that they have arrived. "Um yeah, Thanks." Cagalli nodded, eyed at the huge white building up front, heaved a sigh, grabbed her backpack and stepped out of the car.

She never did become fond of the place. Actually, it was no secret that Cagalli Yula Athha loathed Leadership Training with the capital L. There is nothing to it but a series of lecture, loads of paperwork, seminars and more seminars! And all these are by her opinion - boring, useless, unnecessary, and a complete waste of her time.Plus, it is not like her time at the University is what people call peachy.

She could have thought of a million better ways to spend her time, by experiencing new things like - sky diving, lead a Resistance Movement, or simply finish tertiary education back at ORB. But no, Cagalli Yula Athha, the rebellious, tomboy princess of orb, always did what she was told. No matter how it displeases her, she does what was expected of her as long as it is for ORB, her home, her people or Uzumi Nara Athha, her father. She hated herself for that; she hated herself for being too considerate. Sigh, this was one of the many ironies of her life.

"Kisaka, wait here, alright? I'll have to go to the register's office for my room key." She informed him, heaving a sigh, and left the parking lot.

The walk to the office for her had been a drab to say the least. Regulars simply came for their keys then go. New comers are told to wait in the Waiting Room for guidance and seminars. There was nothing new to look forward to. She had no friends here - A few acquaintances. Yes. However, real close ones, who she will eventually miss when she leaves? Don't think so. She could not even feel the back–to-school sensation even if she wanted too. She was not even active in any of the University's extra-curricular activities, even if that was the whole point of her being there in the first place.

What would her father say, if he knew?

Well, best not to dwell on what her father's reaction would be.

Hopefully, this time, this leadership program wouldn't be so dull. She told herself, trying her best to be optimistic.

Cagalli took a deep breath and exhaled as she stared at the door in front of her. The Register's Office. Shifting, she glanced down the hallway, hoping to see anyone she knew from ORB. She shook her head, clutching her bag tightly with one hand. She was about to reach for the open button, but pulled away to her surprise, seeing that the door gradually soared open.

"Good morning." The guy coming out from the room greeted her with a smile.

"… Morning" She bowed down her head, greeting him back as they walked passed each other. Desperately hoping that he wouldn't notice how red her cheeks were turning.

She kept telling herself to ignore him, but then her heart just would not stop beating at the sight of Athrun Zala, her adonis and the reminiscence of what she heard last year…