A/N: Okay…This is the alternate ending requested by mrs. zala. Maybe you had a high hope, but this is all I can do. Actually I didn't even think about making this when I wrote this story, but after the request... well, here it is.

And Dhevz, if you read it, here is the wedding scene you want. I think even though with Athrun's blindness, I would want the wedding to be like this.

And thanks to Khalil Gibran, Il Divo, And Elvis Presley.

Enjoy, to whoever read this.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam SEED/Destiny

October, 29th 2010

Cagalli was safe, for now.

But the death was bound to happen, Athrun thought, no matter how he tried to prevent it.

He didn't want to make Cagalli worry about him and herself, so he didn't tell her.

He just didn't have the courage to tell her she was going to die tomorrow.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Seriously, no need for this, Lacus." Athrun put the box on the table, where there was a medium black forest cake and other foods and drinks.

"It's just a little thing, Athrun; didn't cost much. And happy birthday," Lacus said as she came and hugged Athrun, and then sat back on the sofa.

"And here is from me. Lacus helped me to decide the place, though." Kira held out a thin envelope to Athrun.

They were seated at Athrun's living room, celebrating Athrun's birthday there. Athrun fiercely insisted that he wasn't going anywhere out, and neither was Cagalli. Lacus had complained, but Kira assured him that it was for the best. Lacus agreed, though half-heartedly. She brought her home-made black forest, beef stroganoff and smoothies. Athrun ate a few bites, but that's all; he was stuffed with Cagalli's brownies.

Lacus let herself be entertained by singing the good-old happy birthday song, along with Kira and Cagalli, grinning widely and singing the song aloud while they were clapping hands. Athrun rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but be embarrassed. He felt like he was five years old again. And it was ridiculous.

Athrun opened the envelope from Kira. Inside was a voucher for plane tickets, for Athrun and Cagalli, to Bali. They could use it for their honeymoon. Kira didn't know if Athrun really want to go there, but it was a nice place for a vacation. He hadn't had the chance to visit the place himself, but it was nice from what he had heard.

"Seriously…?" Athrun asked as he looked at Kira, who was smiling.

"I'll take over your place for you, it will be alright. You can go as long as you want."

"Oh, so you're planning on stealing my company?" Athrun asked, teasing.

"You know it's not like that. When is the last time you go for a vacation?" He asked back.

"I… don't remember…" Athrun said slowly. Come to think of it, he didn't remember any vacation trip. But if he was not mistaken, he had gone to Japan with his parents, when he was 12 years old. Or maybe 11, or 10? He wasn't sure. "Maybe… about 14 years ago…?"

"What did you do for those 14 years, Athrun!" Cagalli said desperately. How could he? Locked on his house and company, trapped in this city, doing all his boring activities including working, and not enjoying the world? Cagalli put the cake she had been eating and took the envelope from Athrun.

"I'll go with you. I'm afraid you wouldn't understand how to enjoy your vacation and your life," Cagalli stated.

"Off course you will. I won't go without you. What's the point?" Athrun asked and smiled.

Actually, Cagalli wanted to take Athrun somewhere to the lake, river, beach or forest. But Athrun had insisted that she stayed here for his birthday and they wouldn't be going anywhere. Cagalli didn't really understand why, but now that Athrun was happy with the little party they were having, Cagalli didn't complain much.

She felt her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. As she pulled and saw the caller id, unrecognized number, she picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"May I speak to Miss Athha?"

"Yes, this is she," Cagalli got up. "Who's this?"

"I'm from the poster maker. You ordered two pictures a few days ago."

"Oh, yes." Cagalli walked to the kitchen to hide from Athrun. She hadn't told him about his present yet. "Is it done already?"

"Yes. But we are sorry we can't deliver it today. We can do it tomorrow, but if you want it today, we are sorry if you have to come here and take it."

Cagalli knew if he told Athrun she had to go to take his birthday present he would freak out. She didn't want what had happened yesterday to happen again. She wanted to make Athrun happy for his birthday, and her going out maybe wouldn't make him as happy as she staying here.

"Please deliver it tomorrow. I'm… kind of busy today," Cagalli said. For Athrun.

"We understand. We are sorry, Miss. Have a good day."

"Thank you." Cagalli closed her cell and went back to the party. Kira and Lacus were feeding the cake to each others. Athrun was toying his straw in his melon smoothie. When Cagalli took her seat beside Athrun, he turned his head and asked:

"Who was that?"

"Uh… someone…?" Cagalli said, or asked. She wasn't sure if she had to tell Athrun or not.

"Someone who?" Athrun asked, suspicious.

"I… ordered something for your birthday…," Cagalli finally said. "They can't deliver it today, so I have to go there by… Athrun calm down!" Cagalli said as his breath started to pick up.

"You're not going anywhere!" he shouted. The images of her putting the thing, his present, to the trunk, her sprinting toward the street, her being crushed by the truck… "You'll stay here!"

"Athrun…" Lacus called, didn't like her being shouted, especially by Athrun.

"I told them no. They will deliver it tomorrow. Calm down," Cagalli said. "I'm not going anywhere," Cagalli put one hand on Athrun's arm, and the other on his back, softly rubbing it to calm him down. Lacus watched in confusion, but tried not to be nosy about why Athrun was so persistent about Cagalli staying home. Kira watched without any emotion showed on his face. He had a fair guess about what Athrun had seen in his dream that day, and why he was acting like this. But he decided he wouldn't say anything.

Athrun hid his face on Cagalli's neck, chanting softly, "Don't leave me; you can't leave me…"

Cagalli was feeling something uncomfortable, like Athrun was scared that she was going to leave him, for a long time. She had a nagging feeling that it meant… That he had seen her… died.

Was that why he was so scared to let her go, even for just a while?

Cagalli shivered, and tightened her grip on Athrun. Athrun was doing what he should do to protect her. And she wouldn't just thwart it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cagalli was wiping the dishes they had used earlier. Lacus and Kira had gone back about an hour ago. They politely declined the offer for dinner. Kira said he still had things to do, while Lacus was asked to cover someone's shift tonight. Athrun was in the living room, watching the news. He wanted to help Cagalli cleaning the dishes but Cagalli refused, saying that the birthday boy should be free from any task.

As she wiped the plates, she thought about the reservation to Bali, sunny place, beach, coconut trees, tropical flowers, and a hotel room for them.

Cagalli sighed. As long as Athrun's nightmare still occurred every night, they wouldn't really feel joy. But it would be all right, Cagalli thought. At least Athrun would have the chance to enjoy his life after those suffering years.

Maybe Athrun was a foreteller, but he was living, and he had to live his life, not grieving and stressing himself for his curse.

I will make Athrun happy, she told herself. She wanted to be the one who was able to make him happy, the one who can do what other couldn't do to him.

Cagalli went to the living room to ask Athrun if he wanted a cup of coffee or tea. As she was nearing the living room, she could hear the voice of a news reader, reading the news in the TV.

"Athrun…?" Cagalli called him. She didn't get an answer.

Cagalli walked and stood beside Athrun, who was sitting on the couch, watching the news intently. Curious, Cagalli turned her head to the TV, which was displaying news of an accident. The headline was 'Seven year old boy got hit by a truck'.

"Seven year old boy, Nicol Amalfie, had been hit by a truck at the 5th avenue. He was chasing his ball which was bouncing to the street. Neither he nor his mother realized that a truck was coming. The ambulance and the police were too late to save him because Nicol was dead right away."

Cagalli froze as she saw the place of the accident. Across the street was the place where she had gone to order Athrun's birthday present.

If she had gone, it could be her who was being reported by the news right now.

Cagalli felt sorry for Nicol, for his parents, but still, she was grateful that she was still alive. If it was someone she knew, maybe she would feel much sorry than she was right now.

She turned to Athrun, who hung his head, hands gripping his hair. Cagalli could hear he was sobbing softly. Athrun must be blaming himself again for Nicol's death. She made her way to him, sitting beside him and hugged him tight to her.

"I'm a bad person…" Athrun said as he buried his face on Cagalli's chest.

That wasn't something Cagalli predicted to came from Athrun's mouth. "Why would you think that way?" She stroked his hair, confused of why Athrun would think that and trying to get him calm again. Athrun's emotion was up and down for the last two days. Cagalli was worried that it would affect his health.

"Because I am…"

"But you're not," Cagalli tried to convince him.

"I feel remorse… of myself… And I know you'll be too, to me…"

"Why would you think that?"

"Because for a moment… I felt… happy… relieved… when I saw the news…" Athrun sobbed, and buried hi head deeper. "Because you're not the one to die in that accident… Because you're alive and save and here with me… while he wasn't… He was dead…"

Cagalli stopped stroking Athrun's head. So it was true, she thought, that Athrun had seen her death. Athrun froze as Cagalli's hand stopped, but he understood. He pulled away but Cagalli tightened her hold to him.

She hid her face on top of Athrun's head. She silently thanking God that she was still alive, still given the chance to spend her time with the man she loved, that she had Athrun to protect her from being separated from her love.

"Don't you feel disgusted in me…?" Athrun whispered. Tears were still clear in his voice, but it had died down a bit. Maybe it was because Cagalli pulled him to her, and didn't shove him away like he had imagined before.

"No, Athrun," Cagalli answered. "I feel just what you felt…"

"You mean… happy?" Athrun lifted his head from Cagalli's chest, and then she could saw his tear-stained face. His eyes were red. Had she seen Athrun crying? No, it was her first time to see him like this. Oh, she had, once. But it was tears of joy; this time, it was tears of sadness and grief, and remorse.

"Not happy… Just… relieved… that I'm still here with you, that I have obeyed your order. Off course I felt sorry for him and his family, but… I don't know him…"

"But he was still a child…"

"I know. I'm sad too that he had to… die like that…"

"Maybe I should just be the one who—"

"No! I'll have none of that, Athrun! You're not to blame! You're only seeing it. You can't do anything! And it had happened!"

"He had gone there and died. If you go there, you'll die…"

"You've seen it, right? Was it should be me?" Cagalli asked in low voice. "When you were in the hotel?"

"Yeah." Athrun answered, "It was you, trying to save Nicol… Maybe he really should have died in the first place, but I saw you in my dream, twice. And that gave me panic. I… saw you… until you were hit by the truck… You were thrown so far, far from the real location…" Athrun was starting to shiver. His dream came back to his mind right now.

"I'm here, Athrun. I'm here, and I'm all right. I'm save, I'm with you…," Cagalli repeated it to him, knowing he was frightened again. "It could have been Nicol, me, or you… But it had happened, and fate had chosen him. We're safe… I'm glad that I'm safe, and so are you. I felt remorse too, Athrun… But it was not enough to feel like crying and blaming myself for not being the one to die."

"I feel selfish… for wanting you, for feeling glad that you're alive and Nicol didn't, for all of this!"

"Me too, Athrun. If there was anything I can do, I want to save him, so nobody die. But after he died and we are save here, I couldn't help but be grateful that I'm still alive. We're still given the chance to live, Athrun, to live the life as we should. And maybe for Nicol also…" She paused. "And it's all right to be selfish… because every human in this world is; it's in our nature. It's normal to be selfish, Athrun. All people will be selfish if it was about their loved ones. Nicol's parents might felt glad if one of us were the one in their son's place." Cagalli bent down and kissed Athrun's forehead and said, "You're not the only one."

Athrun was still sobbing, trying to accept the fate, and trying to forgive himself, in Cagalli's arms.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Much of your pain is self-chosen.

It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility: For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen."

December, 31st 2010

The night was quite warm, and clear too. The stars were visible, and so was the moon. It was like the nature was celebrating the happiness of two humans who was going to be together soon, along with the people who were gathering in the garden of the orphanage; Mwu, Murrue, Thalia, Gilbert, Sai, and all the children from the orphanage. The children actually wanted to see the fireworks for the New Year Celebration, but when they heard that Athrun and Cagalli was going to hold their marriage at New Years Eve, they decided to stay up and attend their wedding. They had slept earlier, and were able to be presented at this hour. It was nearly midnight.

Athrun stood there before an arch decorated with flowers, with Kira and the priest, waiting for his bride to come out. They had practiced it before, so the timing would be perfect.

As he heard someone played Wagner's wedding march on the piano, Athrun was starting to feel his heart beat, which had been beating in quick pace, got more quick. How was that possible? He was sure his heart would rip off of his chest. He saw Lacus walking slowly in soft pink gown, holding a bouquet of pink carnations and roses. Athrun could tell Kira was smiling beside him. He was looking straight, waiting for Cagalli.

After Lacus took her place, and a few seconds later Cagalli walked the aisle.

All these years, ever since he realized the curse he had had, he had always thought that he would live his life alone. No friends—except Kira, no girlfriend, wife, children, and finally he would see his own death and die alone. It had felt like he had said goodbye to happiness and allowed himself to be taken by the darkness. It was a miracle, Athrun thought, that he hadn't gone insane. Though maybe trying to kill yourself was one of the symptoms of going insane. But he had survived.

And because he survived, here he was, standing in the end of the aisle, waiting for her bride to come, to say their vows and sealed the promise to be together forever, without any hesitation because he was pretty sure now that he could make her happy, as he learned that the nightmares had gone now.

That the curse had been broken since that day, since his 26th birthday, since Cagalli didn't die the way he had seen it in his nightmare. And since that day, Athrun didn't have any horrific nightmare any longer. The night after he celebrated his birthday, he had a dreamless sleep, which had left him stunned as he woke up in the morning.

After that night, most of his dreams were filed with happy things; he rarely saw nightmares. Cagalli had said that he was more alive than before. He asked if it changed her perspective of him. And she told him no. She really liked it, off course. Now Cagalli could see Athrun laugh without some trace of pain or sadness in his eyes, it was carefree. He really enjoyed his life; it felt like he had been reborn. Athrun could really see the world he had left, but Cagalli was always by his side, showing him what things he had missed all those times.

Illuminated by the moonlight, Cagalli finally reached Athrun side and he took her hand in his. Good thing the moon shined tonight, unlike the New Years Eve last year; there was no light from the moon because of eclipse.

And the moonlight just made her looked exquisite, even though her face was covered with the veil, Athrun could tell she look amazing—he could see it even when she was walking the aisle—plus the happiness that made her looked glowing.

Taking Cagalli's hand, Athrun said his vow clearly and sincerely:

"I, Athrun Zala, take thee, Cagalli Yula Athha, to be my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."

Cagalli was staring at Athrun with awe, wondering if she was dreaming. When she was sure that she wasn't, she started to doubt the thing she was now feeling, some kind of happiness. But the immense of it made Cagalli shivered and afraid. The happiness was so much, thinking about Athrun as her husband, the family she wanted to start planning, and then seeing Athrun in front of her, saying his vow to her, binding their life and love with the words. She felt like she was going to burst. She could felt her eyes starting to water.

"I, Cagalli Yula Athha," Cagalli said after Athrun finished his vow, "take thee, Athrun Zala, to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth."

The ring bearer came up. Athrun took the ring and before he slipped it to Cagalli's finger he said, "With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

The priest was looking at Mwu, who was giving him a thumb. He understood what he meant so he continued, "May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. That God has joined, men must not divide." He stopped and looked at his watch and waited a few seconds, and then said, "You may kiss your bride."

Athrun was holding Cagalli's waist with his hand and her shoulder. As they brought their face closer, the crowd counted the time, led by Mwu.

"4…3…2…1…!"

At the count one, Athrun took Cagalli's lips on his, and then all he could focus on was Cagalli and their kiss. He didn't hear the sound of the people cheering or the sound of the first few fireworks shooting and booming, as the New Year Eve ended, and the New Year began.

Cagalli's hands that were on Athrun shoulder pulled him to her as Athrun tried to break up. He chuckled and pulled her face from his, and stared at her eyes.

"We have plenty of time for that after this, Mrs. Zala."

Cagalli blushed, but smiled at her new name. A glimpse of memory flash through her mind when she was little, chatting with her friends about their future husband. She hadn't really given much thought about that. She had always thought she didn't have to think of it, she didn't even like it, having to live with a guy. But off course that was when she was young. Now, she was 24 years old. And she was married with the guy she had met seven months ago. She had once thought if it was a bit too early. But her father's words assured her that it was okay. Sometimes, early was good. Just like what Elvis had sung, "Wise men say only fools rush in… But I can't help falling in love with you…"

Now, illuminated by the light from the fireworks, the priest said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, now I present to you, Mr. Mrs. Zala!"

They faced their cheering guests. Kira and Lacus went first to hugged and congratulated them, followed by the others. Cagalli was passed from one person to the others, while Athrun was being crowned by the males. The kids were busy watching the fireworks, thought some of them still remembered to congratulate the newly wed.

Cagalli felt her husband—her heart beat loudly as she thought of that, reminding her that she was a wife now—encircled his arms around his waist. She looked up, and her lips met his.

"I love you…"

"I love you…"

The fireworks went on, shining the two lovers with many colors of lights, like their bright and colorful future they were going to make, starting now.

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I promise I will take care of you

And will live only to love you

When you be sad there I will be

With this immense love that

I feel for you and you will not cry anymore

You will be the only one

February, 10th 2016

"The swing!" A little girl with blonde hair with a red bow tied on her head ran from the house and stood beside the hand-made swing, just like her mother's swing at her father house. Caren had wanted it when Cagalli showed her the pictures of her old home. She wanted the exact swing like in the picture; even though Cagalli had said they could buy a porch swing.

"Do you like it, baby girl?" Athrun asked as he saw Caren just stood there, like she was looking at it with awe.

"You made this as my birthday present, daddy?" she looked up to her father.

"Off course. My baby girl gets whatever she wants," He bent down and picked her up. "Happy birthday, Sweetheart. Daddy loves you," he kissed her loudly on her cheek, and made her giggled. "You want to try?"

"Oh yes, Daddy, please!" She wriggled her body, asking Athrun to put her on the swing. And then he was swaying the swing with Caren sitting on it, telling him to push her higher. Her sweet giggles filled the backyard, as they were absorbed in their moment and forgot about the party they were holding.

"Daddy…"

"What's wrong little guy?" Kira asked as he felt something tugged his sleeve.

"I want that," the little guy said, pointing to his friend who was enjoying her birthday present with a hint of jealousy in his eyes.

"You can ask Caren to try it later," Kira answered, smiling at his son.

"But I want to have it too," he pouted.

"But if you borrow hers, you can play with her every day. You like playing with Caren don't you?"

The boy thought about it for a while, and then looked up at his father, nodding his head with a smile on her face.

"Good. You can play swing together later." Kira ruffled his boy's hair, making it messy.

"Dad!" the boy scowled and tried to straighten his hair again. His mother was smiling at her boys antics, and then she helped him taming his hair.

"Do you want to eat the cake first, Alex? It looks like Caren is busy with her new play toy," Cagalli said, trying to make the party go back inside.

"Ooh, I want the cake! Can I get half of it!" Alex squealed, exciting about the opportunity of having the cake for himself, since the birthday girl was busy—

"No! That's my cake! I will have it first!" Caren shouted from her place. She jumped of the swing and ran to the house.

"You go play with your swing! I'll take care of the cake!" Alex said, ready to sprint to the living room where the cake and the other presents were.

"No, you won't!" The parents could hear the tears that were threatening to come. But Cagalli and Lacus were sure Alex wouldn't do what he had threatened to her. He would always make her happy; he would let her win some games even though he could win it easily.

Alex waited for Caren to come to the porch, letting her in first, and then he was half-running to her, letting her be there first, letting her win as always.

His effort was clear on the parents' eyes. They were smiling, thinking about how the future of their son and daughter would be like.

"We'd better go after them. I think the two can't cut the cake without making a mess in my living room," Athrun said as he reached Cagalli's side. "She couldn't even cut clear brownies, let alone a black forest with whipped cream and chocolate."

"You're right. Let's see the children," She took her husband hand and led the way back to the living room. As she thought, Caren would ask Alex to cut the cake for her. Alex was eyeing the cake, a knife in hand. He was looking at it carefully, looking for the best angle to cut it.

"Here, give me the knife, Alex. I'll cut it for you," Cagalli walked to the kids, taking over. Before she could cut the cake, Athrun interrupted.

"You haven't given her your present, Cagalli."

"Oh, right." Cagalli lowered the knife. "Do you want your present now or later, baby girl?" she asked, smiling to her daughter, feeling excited to tell her—and everyone—the news.

"I want it now! You won't touch my cake until I got my present from mommy!" She glared at Alex, but it was a cute glare, according to the grown-ups.

"I won't, I promise," Alex said, and then eyeing the cake. He gulped, and then licked his lips. He sighed as he sat on the couch. Cagalli noticed, and decided on something.

"Lacus, can you cut the cake while I get Caren's present?" She asked.

"Off course," Lacus took the knife and starting to cut the cake. Alex's eyes were never leaving the cake, and he looked at his mother's hand impatiently. Kira and Athrun just had to chuckle at his expression.

Athrun turned his attention to his favorite girls. Cagalli hadn't let him know what her present was, and told him to just guess. He had given her his best pouting face, even combined it with his puppy dog eyes, but it didn't work. Her determination was swaying though, but she was just too stubborn to want to wait till Caren's birthday. Athrun was curious, and wanted to know so badly. He had thought that it must be something big or special. So he furrowed his brows as he saw Cagalli gave their daughter a thin envelope; the wrapping paper was scattered on the floor.

"What is it, mommy?"

"Open the envelope, baby. And you'll know." Cagalli was smiling, almost beaming with happiness.

Caren ripped the top of the envelope; she was ripping it slowly and carefully. As peaked inside, she arched her brow as she saw a black, slimy thing. She pulled it out, finding that there were some square printed on it, with blur images. She narrowed her eyes, trying to make out of the picture, while Athrun gasped as he saw it.

"Mommy, what is it? It's like the picture I get from tracing a coin," Caren asked her mother, not understanding the pictures.

Cagalli pulled her into her lap, taking the ultrasound picture from her. "This, sweetheart, is the picture of your future little brother or sister."

Silence.

"Really? I'll have a little brother or sister, just like Marry? She has a little sister that she plays with. I can have it?"

Before Cagalli could answer it, Lacus squealed so loud and ran to hugged Cagalli. "Congratulation! When did you find out?"

"About a week and four days ago," Cagalli answered, smiling.

"But Mommy, is it going to be my little brother or sister?" Caren asked, looking up to her mother from her lap and tugged her clothes.

"I don't know yet, baby. But we will find out soon," Cagalli kissed Caren's forehead. "Happy birthday, Sweetheart."

"Thank you, Mommy!" Caren hugged her mother. She squealed as she felt her father join them. "Group hug!"

Athrun laughed, his voice was a bit strangled with unshed tears, though his eyes were a bit watery. "You didn't tell me first," Athrun whispered in his wife's ear. He had hoped his wife would tell him first, but this made him really surprised.

"Because it's a surprise," Cagalli answered.

"I love you," Athrun said as he kissed his lovely wife. "Thanks for the gift."

"It's for Caren," Cagalli laughed. "But yeah… It's for you too."

"When did you go to the doctor? How could you go there without me? Have you heard his heartbeat yet?" Athrun continued.

"Hey, it's a surprise; I couldn't take you with me. And yeas, I've heard it, but how could you know it is going to be a boy?" Cagalli asked.

"Oh, I know it. And I'm sure of it," Athrun answered, remembering the dream he had seen once, a rare, almost surreal dream he had seen when the curse hadn't been broken yet. That was a miracle, Athrun thought. And even though the circumstance was different, but there were some things that matched. And Athrun was sure that his other child would be his son.

"Congratulation Athrun, Cagalli," Kira said, giving each of them a friendly hug.

"Thanks, Kira," Athrun and Cagalli answered together. Caren went from Cagalli's lap and approached the table where the cake was put; Lacus had cut it and put each piece on the plate. Her attention was back on the cake, and so was Alex. They each took a plate and ate the cake together.

"Hey, Caren, do you think the baby is going to be your little brother or sister?" Alex asked with mouth full of cake, his lips were covered with cream and chocolate.

"Daddy said it's going to be my little brother. Though I want a sister," Caren answered before shoving another piece of cake into her mouth, which was in the same state as Alex's.

"Can I ask your brother to play soccer with me, then? Hey when will we see him? Is he going to be here tomorrow?" Alex asked again, excited for a buddy to play soccer with.

"No! He is going to play with me! I'll let him play with my swing and we can play together. Oh, can he come out tomorrow, Mommy?" Caren turned to her mother, who was engulfed by the other adults.

"No, you're going to have to wait for another six month until you can see your little brother," Cagalli chuckled, along with the others.

"That's too long… I want to show him off to my friend…" Caren pouted.

"We'll have to prepare for him, Caren dear. We'll go to the store and buy his things, arranged his room and stuff. Do you want to help?" Athrun asked.

"Yes, Daddy. Where is he now?" Unconsciously, all the people accepted Athrun's idea of the baby being a boy and refer to it with 'him'. No one complained anymore.

"He is hiding inside your Mommy's tummy. It's a nice place, so he wants to be there for a little bit longer."

"I hate waiting…" Caren whined. Cagalli got up, took a piece of tissue paper and wiped her daughter's messy lip.

"Then why don't you play with Alex in the backyard? You can kill some time," Cagalli suggested. "Enjoy your birthday present," Cagalli said as she wiped Alex's lips.

"Come on, Alex!" Caren pulled Alex's hand and ran to the backyard.

Kira stood up and gave something to Athrun. "Maybe you want to see this, and I'm tired being a photographer. It's your turn."

"Oh, thank you. Go with them, I'm worried of their safety. Just make sure they are okay," Athrun said, taking the camera from Kira's hand. Actually he wanted some alone time with his wife, and apparently his best friend understood; he always did.

"Come on, Lacus. Oh, make sure you take some pictures of us; I think there are only a few photos of mine," Kira said as he walked with Lacus to the backyard.

"Off course. Be there in a minute!" Athrun shouted. He watched he couple left the room to see the kids. As they disappeared, Athrun put the camera on the table and took the picture of his unborn baby Caren had put there, and pulled his wife in his arm.

"You know, ten years ago, I wouldn't imagine having you as my wife, a wonderful daughter like Caren, and now, you give me another gift."

Cagalli grimaced, remembering the time when Athrun wallowed himself in depression. She could imagine, when you were haunted by your own curse, happiness was only in your dream. But Athrun didn't even have a chance to dream it; there was only nightmare for him. But it had been such long, long time.

"You know, Gibran said, 'And knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream.' Those times were bad memories. So let's just forget it. We can dream now… And make good memories."

And Athrun did the thing he had wanted to do since he heard the news about his new baby from his wife. He kissed her deep, with so much passion and love. They were panting as they broke off. But Cagalli gave him pecks here and there, and guided his hand to her belly. They smiled to each other. And Athrun just couldn't help but kissed her once again.

"They won't miss us…" Athrun whispered between his kiss.

"C'mon, it's Caren's birthday." Cagalli pulled away and picked up the camera from the table. They walked hand in hand to the backyard, the giggles of their friends and children filling the air.

"Do you have time tomorrow?"

"For my wife? Always. Just name it."

"Tomorrow is my next appointment."

"Now, how could I miss that?" They laughed together.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"When love beckons to you, follow him, though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you yield to him, though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you."

I copied the vows from Wikipedia because I DON'T know anything about that. So if there were mistakes on the wedding scene (or everywhere) I'm sorry…

I hope you enjoyed my story.

I'm working on a story, set in 2500 BC, in ancient Sumerian… I'm still thinking about it, though (because it's weird to have 'Athrun' as a given name in Sumerian era But... oh well...).

Tell me if you want me to write the story…