LOVELY MAID - PROLOGUE (REMAKE)

LOVELY MAID

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Seed Destiny, if i do i will kick Dullandal ass for making another WAR and ruined asucaga relationship.

Warning : Maybe a lil' bit ooc for them... I guess! AU

Summary : Cagalli disguise herself as one of the maid in Zala's mansion to find a soulmate. Can she really find one?

Prologue

Ulen Hibiki Attha is one of the successful businessmen in ORB country. He owns the Attha Co. after his deceased father; Uzumi Nara Attha died seven years ago. He married his wife, Via Hibiki Attha and they are blessed with wonderful twins. They named the twins, Kira Hibiki Attha and Cagalli Yula Hibiki Attha. However due to some circumstances, Ulen let his brother raised their son when he reached the age of ten. He was reluctant but he did promise his brother to let him adopted Kira when he fully aware of why he was adopted and who is his real parents. Moreover, he thought that with Kira dominant the coordinator blood it was best to let his brother and his brother’s wife educate him to his full potential.

With his son gone to PLANT Island, he and his wife showered Cagalli with affection and higher education so she could handle the company when she was old enough thinking that Kira will eventually took over his step brother’s company. She was thought about leadership when she entered middle school. To Ulen and Via delight, Kira was staying with them during his middle and high school years. His brother told him that it was best to let him explore living in Natural states and Coordinator’s. During his stay with them, they treated him equally. Their love for their son never once decreased. The day he went back to PLANT Island, they silently cry but he will have more opportunity in that state than ORB.

Now at the present time, he and his wife happily celebrating his daughter arrival after four years of studying overseas. Their joyful faces were visible to their guests and they understand why. With their daughter achievement and moreover of having her finally at their side was enough to make the couple leaped with joy.

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 Cagalli smile happily when she sees her parents enjoying themselves with their guests from the garden. She giggled at the memory when she told his father that she already arrived at ORB Airport the day before yesterday and was rewarded with incoherent yelling and made her mother took over the phone. She then turn his gaze toward the guests, she felt a bit guilty for hiding in her garden but she want to have a peace and quiet moment to herself. Don’t get her wrong, she is truly happy that her father and mother thrown this party for her, but she couldn’t handle the noises and the people at the same time. Plus, some guests that congratulated also introduced their own sons along to her. Praises their son for their achievements so that she could consider them as her future partner, or worst husband. She sighs with frustration.

"Young mistress…”

She was startled out of her thoughts, she slowly turn her gaze towards the owner of the very familiar voice.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your peace, but may I ask what are you doing here alone when you are the VIP in this wonderful evening?"

She snorted at that, "What's got in to you tonight?"

"It’s been four years since I last saw you and you’ve been cold," the man said as he took his sit beside Cagalli.

Cagalli raise her eyebrows. How could she be cold to her childhood friend? She didn’t see him among the guests earlier. She playfully hit her friend’s shoulder.

"So how was your job, Yzak? I heard that you took over your father’s company?" she asked while gazing at the full moon.

The night is so beautiful when there’s a moon lighten up the dark sky, she thought.

"Yeah," he answered her short as he sighs lazily. "Can you believe? My father went and blackmailing me if I'm not willing to take over the damn company I will lose all my inheritance? How pathetic…"

“Of you…” she interjected.

Yzak nodded earnestly, “Yes! Of me! For even accepting the term just because I don’t want to lose the money!”

“Yup!” Cagalli agreeing, “That is indeed sound rather pathetic. I was under the impression that without your parents money you still can make millionth on your own. I heard you are one of the most seeks architects in the whole wide world.”

Yzak smile sheepishly at the praise, “Well, not world… just here and there. But!  With the additional of my parent money in my account I will have the advantage of conquering the world!” he exclaimed ecstatically.

Cagalli look at her friend with sceptical look. She ought to know about Yzak and his obsession over conquering the world by now. But it still surprised her whenever his best friend told… okay; scratch that, literally screamed at her face about his ambitious. Sometimes she wondered if Yzak need to visit the psychiatric for some needed counselling.

“Whatever makes you happy, buddy. But I thought you were going independent since that was what you have been aiming for since we were in high school ," she inquired, interested in knowing what made her friend changed his mind.

She received an outwardly groaned from her friend, "Dammit! When you remind me of it I feel so guilty over myself.”

Cagalli patted her friend’s back and rub it gently. Trying her best to not smile but she can’t help it. It’s not every day you see the prideful Yzak feeling self-loathing. "I'm sorry," she told him earnestly, but her face betraying her words.

"Wipe that smile off from your face then I’ll forgive.”

With that, Cagalli grinned wider. “Can’t do.”

Yzak shook his head and let out a soft chuckle. “Oh right, do you remember Dearka?" he said suddenly breaking the moment.

"Dearka? That Dearka Elthman?"

"Yup."

"Yup! Who can forget that Mr flirts?” she giggled, “Why? What’s wrong with him?” she asked, now worried if there’s something bad happened to their old friend.

"He’ll be getting married,” he said fondly, and Cagalli smile again. Dearka and Yzak they were the best buddy even though Yzak always deny it. “Want to guess who will be his partner for life?"

That made Cagalli face lightens up. "Is it, Miriallia Haww?" she guessed and giving him the smile that he knew that was her trademark when she was certain of her answer.

"Yes."

"I can't believe it! They survive after those several break ups?! Wow, I must say that Elthman is something to tie down Mirri," she said delightfully. She was happy that her friends will tie up the knot soon after being in long on and off relationship.

"Can you not mentioning the past? I really don't want to remember helping him getting back with his ‘chick’! Those suffering old days! Damn that Dearka!"

"Rather than helping, I think you were being forced to do it. I am still in disbelief that you ended up helping him anyway. What kind of spelled did he put on you?" she laughed.

Yzak just groaned unhappily, trying to forget the tricks that his buddy played on him. That jerk! He muttered angrily in his head. But nonetheless, he was hap- well it’s more appropriate to say he was overjoyed with the outcome. Those suffering old days finally paid off.

"oh uh” Cagalli said, alerted. “I better went back in. She's coming"

Yzak raised his eyebrows, "Who?"

"My over protective nanny…"

He snickerd at the words 'over protective'; the nickname his friend gave to her nanny. Mana, her nanny loved her dearly that she always fusses over Cagalli like she was her own daughter. What made his best friend felt restless and irritated was when she always gave her a lesson on how a lady should behave for Cagalli always acting like a stubborn girl that he knew.

"You still have her looking after you, little girl?" he teased her and followed her back into the mansion.

"I guess, my parents love me that much that they still worry for me not having a nanny while I'm already this big," she said sarcastically and ended up having Yzak laughed at her.

(O v O)b (O v O)b (O v O)b (O v O)b

"Eh?"

Cagalli looked at her parents, surprised.

"What reasons will you give us this time?" Ulen inquired her, sternly as his eyes locked with his daughter’s fiery amber’s.

"They were not reasons, father. They were facts! I'm too young to get married and to have someone I didn’t know as my husband? I don’t think so." She said firmly and looked equally to his father eyes. She will not back down on this. How could her father do this to her? Not to mention after three days she came back home.

"I think our daughter is right, Ulen. She's too young to settle down," Via told her husband lovingly.

Hearing her mother backing her up, she nodded almost instantly. "Yes, that's right… that's right."

Seeing her childish behaviour made Ulen and Via smiled with happiness. Ulen sighed, defeated by his wife and daughter. It’s not that he was in a hurry to see her daughter married. But he was trying his best to choose someone better for her. His daughter, called him a doting parent if you must, is a one fine young lady. He was aware of the young men eyeing his daughter and how some parents trying to impressed him with their son achievements at last night dinner party. As much as he respected them, he knew they are keener to his assets (that will someday be Cagalli’s) rather than his daughter herself. 

"So, are you willing to take over my company now?” he asked, coming to conclusion that if he can’t get her to marry anyone he chose, she should start working with him so she could handle some future bugs to their family assets.

"Wha…What? So this is how you play. Are you blackmailing me father?" she asked rather playfully while giving his father her infamous stern look.

His father smile, "I'm proud to have a smart daughter."

"Mother…"

Cagalli stared at at Via almost pleadingly, trying to make her mother reasons with her stubborn father. Knowing what his daughter was thinking, she placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder and rubs it gently.

"I think that is good offer than having you engaged with unknown person, dear."

Cagalli almost gape.

"But, I'm not ready to take over the Attha co. I just finished with my study and I plan to rest for a while before I be your apprentice, father," she retorted as she pouts adorably. The tricks that always make her father waver. Well, that was when she was still that adorable little girl her father sees her. But she could always try.

Believe it or not, the trick still works. Ulen turn to look at his beloved wife and Via nodded, agreeing with whatever her husband decides. She will gladly follow.

"It seems like I love you too much, Cagalli. So let us make a deal. I will give you a chance to rest until the end of the year and after that, no more excuses. Deal…?"

When Cagalli was about to protest her mother cut her off.

"Just accept it, Cagalli dear, before he changes his mind."

Cagalli sighed in defeat. Well, there is still 6 months before they reach next year. It short but she can make do.

"Al…alright. Deal. Do you learn this from Yzak's father?" she guesses and studied her father face and he let out a snort.

"So, you found out?"

She shook her head and let out a soft chuckle. Her family together with Joule family, which means Yzak's parents, have been in a good terms before they were even born yet. Yzak's family is like her second family she could relied on.

"Today I'm in a good mood so I will make us dinner."

She went off to the kitchen. When her mother calling out to her offering to help, she declined and told her mother to spend the evening with her father while waiting for the chef aka her to call them when dinner’s ready.

"Who knows if the dinner I make will have father to change his mind about earlier," she joked and winked at her father.

"I doubt that."

He heard Cagalli laughed trailed off to the kitchen. He just shook his head with smile plastered on his face. Via cuddled closely to his husband warm embraced.

"I'm sorry for not agreeing with you about the engagement. I just want her to have a good life before settling down and have a family of her own."

"Are you regretting marrying me when you were 18?"

 Via shook her head instantly.

"No, I'm not regretting it. I'm happy I can have a family with you and I hope she will find her happiness too. Just like us…"

Ulen smiled softly at his wife and give her a peck on her forehead.

"I couldn't agree more, Via dear."

Upon seeing her parents cuddling, lost in their sweet moments together she smiled of an obvious happiness. She prayed that their love will always remain strong for each other before went back preparing tonight’s dinner.

(O v O)b (O v O)b (O v O)b (O v O)b

Cagalli went into Rusty Café, the place she promised to meet Yzak and took a sit at the back of the cafe. The environment in the café was as peaceful as she remember it was years ago. She and Yzak along with her twin and his girlfriend, Lacus, frequent this place almost every day before they went back home. It was a way for them to de-stress from school workload and club activities. And sometimes Dearka and Miriallia will join them. She smiled fondly at memories where they were laughing and Miri knocked her boyfriend on the head for flirting with the waiters. Lacus obediently serving Kira like they were newly married couple and Yzak troubled face when Dearka dragged him into his own conflict with Miri.

"What would you like to order, Miss Attha?"

Cagalli was startled out of her reminisced. She immediately scanned the menu before looking at the waitress to give her or order. Her eyes widen at the familiar face and her lips twitch to smile.

"Asagi!” she beamed. “You still work here?"

Asagi smiled back, “Yes. Since there is no better place to work and considering the pay is high enough to make a living. I just couldn't leave," she answered.

Cagalli chuckle a bit. It seems like there’s not much of a change in her hometown after she left and she was glad. Asagi has been working here for almost six years now, if she remembers it correctly. To stay at one place for this long, this café must’ve treated her good.

"Then, I would like a slice of American choc and a chocolate shake."

"Oh? No ice cream?" the waiter asked, surprised.

"Unfortunately,” she pouted. “However, I'm drooling for one. But I must follow my diet. I think I'm getting fat."

Asagi let out a small giggled and Cagalli giggled along. He handed the menu list to the waitress.

"You are not getting fat, that’s for sure. You are still as beautiful as always Cagalli. Your order will be arrived after several minutes," she told her before she leave to get the order ready.

Cagalli took out the magazine she bought before going to this café and turn the pages randomly trying to find a good topic to read. Then her wonderfully delicious cake and drink arrived. After she said her thank you to Asagi, she took a bite of the cake and went back to reading. Her concentration on reading failed her to noticed that Yzak was already sat in front of him and ordering his usual black coffee. Hearing someone putting a cup on the table brought her back to her surroundings.

"Yzak! God, you startled me! When did you arrive?" she inquired, surprised at her friend’s sudden appearance.

"About ten minute ago," he answered casually and took a sip at his black coffee. "So what are you reading?"

"I'm thinking about having a vacation while working," she answered him and still reading the page that caught her attention.

"Meaning….?"

"I want to work as a maid in PLANT Island."

"WHAT?!" he shouted but immediately smile apologetically to the startled customers and workers. “What?!” he tried again, but with a small voice.

"I think I know where to get one too. In this article it wrote that the president of ZALA co. searching for a maid," she continued, ignoring her best friend’s reaction.

"Are you out of your mind? Why working when you want a vacation? You just told your parent that you want to relax and now you tell me you want to work. As a MAID?" Yzak tried his best to control his voice as to not make a scene. He couldn’t believe at what he just heard.

"Geez Yzak, chill down will you?!  I have a mission, you know."

"Mission?"

"Yes, a mission to find my soul mates."

The nonchalant way his best friend was giving him the news while smiling that goofy smile of hers made Yzak stared at her, dumbfounded. He was torn between laughing out loud or …. Well, he ended up laughing hysterically until several pair of eyes in the café watching him oddly. She rested her chin at the table and look up at his crazy laughing friend lazily.

"What is so funny?"

"You!" he answered still laughing madly and only stops when he catch that his friend gives him that infamous death glared. He coughed. "ehem… sorry. So, what about this soul mate thing?" he asked, trying his best to not let his laugh out once again at that ridiculous ‘soul mate’ words.

"Glad you ask.” She started, “You see, I do not like the idea of marrying someone for the benefits of it. Do you get what I mean?"

"You mean, marrying someone for his or her wealth, right?"

"Yeah, maybe. Kind of like that. You know, I don’t want a husband that wanted me because of what I am and not who I am. After a while of thinking, I think disguising myself as some unknown commoner and search for one true love is quite a good way to find that Mr right," she told her friend like that was the most brilliant idea she have come up with.

"Yeah… like that will happen," he said mockingly while giving a small snort.

She stomped at his feet hard and glared at him, annoyed. And Yzak could only moan in pain. She shook her head. Talking with him just wasted her energy and saliva.

"Okay. I'm sorry. However, you are the daughter of the Attha co. and then you tell me you wanted to work at PLANT Island’s most successful person who owns ZALA co. by working for him as a house cleaner? You want to do all of that just to complete the mission of finding your soul mate?” he said it all almost in one breath. Before Cagalli could interject, he continued, “It’s not that I have anything against your decision. I knew you always do the craziest stuff just to achieve something. But I must admit, this is by far is just too funny… I cannot help think that this will fruit to nothing.”

“Well, thank you for your advice!” Cagalli hissed feeling irritated.

 Yzak chuckled, “Just do whatever you think is right for you, Cagalli. You do know that I will always there to support you no matter how silly your plan are," he said and patted Cagalli's shoulder lovingly.

Cagalli couldn’t help to stay mad at her friend, "Thank you… But please keep this information from Yamato."

"Yamato aka Kira Hibiki Yamato?"

"And don't forget Lacus Clyne Yamato too. Lacus will spill everything if Kira pulled that pouting-adorably-like-a-lost-puppy trick on her," she growled.

"Afraid of your twin brother huh?"

"Even though my father gave Kira to uncle Yamato, his step-brother, who yearns for a child because he and his wife couldn't conceived, doesn’t mean he will stop being that over protected brother and give me his lecture like a big brother always do. How I hated that!  I was informed that we only two minute apart."

"He loves you. Plus, he went away to PLANT Island at ten and comeback again when we entered middle school. He must’ve been proud to be able to act like a big brother to you during those times."

Cagalli nodded lazily. She loves Kira as well. She remembered the day Kira leave for PLANT, she cried and cried until her mother and father bought her own laptop so she could video call with her twin. She still had that laptop and she still used it sometimes to contact her brother and his wife.

"Don't worry. I will keep it a secret. I hope that he will never find out. I do not want to know what he will do to me if he ever found out. Thinking about it makes me feel Goosebumps," he continued and shook his head trying to shoo away things he imagined that Kira will do to him.

Cagalli let out a small chuckled. He knew Yzak and her brother probably had their own history together and she knew Kira always giving him a hard time when it comes to her. Well, what can she do about it? Kira always be Kira, a stubborn yet loving and caring person. Even he lived as her uncle’s son they grew up together and went to the same school together. Plus, her father and mother still have full custody of her win should anything happened to Uncle Yamato and his wife.

She sighed remembering how Kira went and warned all her male friends about hitting on her while him having himself a cute girlfriend. And now, he was married with the said girlfriend and blessed with a kid, while she was still single. So much for a brother!

"Ah!"

"What, Yzak?"

Yzak smiled at her mischievously giving her a glint in his eyes.

"I can try to find my soul mate using this idea. Having a love of your life love you for whom you are is what I really need."

"I bet your soul mate will be pleased to have you as her husband."

"Are you mocking me?"

"Nope. I sincerely think so."

They both stared at each other knowingly before burst to laughing out loud. Unaware of the time that plays it part in tricking their fate to have a good life ahead.

 Or will they?