AN: I know I should be working on my other stories…but I needed to get this out of my system first. I'll try to update my other work soon, just give me a bit of time. I'm currently working between my three fics, and some work for this LJ community I joined entitled 30 Nights (for which I totally claimed Y/S for my pairing, so expect more one-shots). (This was actually suppose to be one of the stories for the community…but I'm considering continuing…) Anyways, hope you like this…
Summary: Yzak died…or so she thought. A wedding in PLANTS, a gift…tears will be shed. Yzak x Shiho
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Gundam Seed Destiny, if I did the world would be oh so much better for me.
Love You Till The Bitter End
Yzak turned to Shiho and asked softly, "You know I love you?"
Shiho just looked up and smiled, "Of course I do, just like how you know I love you…"
The image of two nights ago flashed through Yzak's head, as everything around him changed to a brilliant white. He could feel his mobile suit crumbling under the force of the opposing attack, but he was powerless to it. He was going to die.
"YZAK!"
He could hear Shiho's voice penetrating through his last seconds. He loved her, and knew she'd one day move on. His only dying regret was dying before her eyes and still wishing she could always be his.
--
Flashback
Shiho couldn't help but genuinely smile as Yzak pulled her down the empty corridors of the Voltaire. After a year of secretly dating, Shiho still couldn't get enough of her silver-haired commander. Things were perfect between the two of them, and when no one of important political or military status was around to witness, they became the inseparable couple. She loved him, and he loved her, that was the simplest way to describe everything.
The two wandered the hallway until they stopped outside Yzak's room. For awhile, they spoke pleasantly, just enjoying each other's company, but eventually as sleep seemed to succumb in the young woman's eyes, the pair found themselves in Yzak's room, sitting on his bed.
Rubbing her eyes, Shiho leaned onto Yzak's shoulder, and felt herself drifting off. Everything seemed right with him, and despite their arguing, things always worked out. She couldn't picture herself with anyone else, and vice versa.
"Shiho," Yzak breathed softly into her ear, sending shivers up and down Shiho's spine.
"Hmmm?"
Yzak pulled the resting girl closer to him, and slowly pressed his lips against hers in a sweet, gentle kiss. He could feel Shiho smiling against his lips. For them, it was just another moment of pure bliss together.
Pulling away, Shiho once again sleepily rested her head on Yzak's shoulder. God did she love him, and things couldn't seem to get any more perfect than they already were.
Yzak turned to face Shiho and asked softly, "You know I love you?"
Shiho just looked up and smiled, "Of course I do, just like how you know I love you."
"Yeah, about that," Yzak started, pulling Shiho so that she was now sitting on his lap. Turning her face towards him, he spoke once more, "Shiho, we've been together for exactly a year now, and well…we both know we love each other. So I was wondering…if…"
"If what?" Shiho prompted curiously. Yzak seemed extremely serious, so whatever he was about to say, Shiho knew was important.
"I was wondering if…youdmarryme?" Yzak said quickly.
Shiho simply tipped her head to the side, a habit that Yzak had grew fond of, and said, "What was that Yzak?"
"Will you marry me?" Yzak asked again, only this time much more clearly. "I know I'm suppose to do this with a ring, but it's still getting engraved, and somehow this seemed like the perfect time so…"
Yzak was cut off as a set of lips were pressed firmly against his. Out of instinct, he pulled Shiho closer to him, savouring the taste of her mouth, up until she pulled away. He looked at her and immediately her shining eyes and bright smile came into view.
"Yeah, I'll marry you," Shiho replied before placing her lips on Yzak's once more.
End Flashback
--
Shiho couldn't help but let a few tears fall down her cheeks at the memory of long ago. Things had changed a lot since then, scratch that, things had changed a lot two days after. The day after the proposal, may have been the best day of her life; Shiho found herself surrounded by complete and utter perfection. Things were right with the world, and she knew that next summer, she'd be walking down the aisle to Yzak. Shiho couldn't be any happier than she already was, all she needed now was the ring; but the day after had shattered her soul. What had started out as a normal routine inspection of a sector on Junius 7 had ended quite tragically. A group of rebel co-ordinators had attacked, and though the crew of the Voltaire had managed to surpass the attack, that day hadn't been much of a victory. There was no smiling on board, and no congratulations for job well done, everything was silent as the ship slowly took course back to Aprilius 1. Their great commander, Yzak Joule, had died in battle.
Now, one year later, Shiho was lost in thought as she sat in her room. Her hair done up perfectly, makeup applied just right, and a long flowing white gown giving her the look of utter elegance, on her left ring figure lay a silver band with what seemed to be the most outrageously huge diamond in all of PLANTS. It didn't matter though, she had been engaged for several months now, and tonight she'd be married…just not to the man she'd wanted.
Awhile back the Earth Alliance had decided the best way to try to promote peace was to have an extremely publicized wedding between a ZAFT solider and an EA soldier. With the lost of Yzak still fresh in her mind, Shiho doubted she'd ever find someone she loved as much, so knowing that no one else would probably want to take on the task, she faked a smile and took the spotlight.
Brad was a good guy and he made her smile in a way not many could do. He was what many would consider good looking, with that toned body, and godly face, clear blue eyes and shiny blonde hair. For a bit Shiho even thought she had feelings for him, but they quickly changed when she noticed how much more of a brotherly figure Brad took on. She couldn't love him, or at least not in the same way she loved Yzak. Brad on the other hand, was set on the military's decision and therefore had no plans on letting the wedding suffer. Slowly as the wedding approached Shiho gave up on the idea of Yzak ever coming back, she'd only heard of one such case for two members of the ArchAngel crew, and by now she knew she'd never be as fortunate.
So there she sat, quietly thinking of the husband she'll never have. Despite the want to runaway, she knew she no longer had a choice in the matter; she'd get married, and that was that. Sighing, she walked over to a small vanity table in her room, and pulled out the white gold necklace Yzak had given her for her birthday. She used to wear it all the time, but with everything that happened… Frowning, Shiho unclasped the ends, and placed it around her neck. If she wasn't going to marry Yzak, she'd at least keep the necklace with her at all times.
There was a soft knock on he door, as Dearka opened it slightly, "Shiho, everyone's waiting."
For the umpteenth time that spring evening, Shiho sighed, still lost in thought.
Dearka walked behind her and gave her shoulders a light squeeze, "You know he'd want you to be happy, and as much as it kills me to tell you this, Yzak wouldn't want you to be alone for the rest of your life."
Nodding her head slowly, and wiping away the rest of her tears, Shiho stood up and took Dearka's arm, as he lead her downstairs.
Throughout the whole ride, Shiho kept a well practiced smile on her face. If she was going to do this, she could at least be happy that it was with someone close to her; someone she knew would love her.
--
Yzak Joule sat in usual silence, as he watched the bride joyfully walk down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband. A majority of people believe he had been killed in the Junius 7 attack, but the truth was a covert group of civilians had found him half death after the battle. It was a miracle he'd survived, and if he could of, he would have returned to his beloved much earlier, but fate was never that kind. Yzak had spent the months recovering under the care of the mysterious group, and when he'd finally been able to get back to the PLANTS, he came only discover that he was supposed to be dead, and that his Shiho would be married in the spring.
Normally, he would have just walked to up to Shiho, kiss her, and tell her how much he missed her, yet he couldn't bring himself to do so. She looked to damn happy in all the pictures, and well, he wouldn't ruin whatever made her happy. Looking back at the ceremony, he silently thanked Dearka for getting him into the wedding.
--
As Shiho walked down the aisle, she swore she saw a person who looked exactly like Yzak sitting in one of the rows. Shaking the thought from her mind, she took one final step and waited for the ceremony to just finish.
--
One Hour Later…
"If there is anyone who feels that these two should not be join in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace," the priest spoke solemnly. Only a moron would try to sever this couple, to both Naturals and Co-ordinators alike, they seemed like the perfect match.
'Okay, this is the part Yzak comes and sweeps me off my feet, stopping me from marrying Brad. Where are you Yzak?' Shiho's mind thought as she stared into the crowd, praying that by some amazing feat, Yzak would appear.
'Okay, this is the part when I come in and sweep Shiho off her feet, stopping her from marrying that idiot fiancé,' Yzak thought as he slowly started to get up, only to be stopped by Dearka.
"What the hell now Elsman?" Yzak growled angrily.
Dearka merely shook his head, "It's not worth it Joule. Shiho's happy with Brad, and you'd just complicate her life more if you did this; she doesn't need her past lover changing everything. Beside, she just got over you."
Yzak frowned as he thought some more. 'Dearka's right. Shiho's happy, and as long as she's happy, I won't ruin that for her. But the idiot better take care of her or I'll hunt him down and shoot his ass!' Deciding on what he'd do, Yzak remain seated and listened silently to the rest of the ceremony.
"Well then, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Shiho could feel the tears threatening to spill over as Brad lifted the veil over the face and leaned in to kiss her. 'If Yzak isn't coming then I'll just have to continue my little charade until I die…only thing is, I wanted him to come.' Slowly she tried to put her thoughts to rest as she pictured Brad as Yzak, and leaned forward to kiss him as well.
The reception was full of congratulations to the newly weds, but despite the smiling faces Shiho was heartbroken. To her every joyous "good luck" or "I'm so happy for you," was just another constant reminder that she'd be stuck with Brad for the rest of her life. They were all reminders that she'd have to wait until she died to be with Yzak. Forcing another smile on her face, Shiho turned to speak with one of Brad's guests. If she was going to be stuck doing this for the rest of her life, she could at least make it look like she was happy. Truth be told, no one actually knew how much she missed Yzak. Sure Dearka thought he knew, but he also thought she actually loved Brad. Everyone else thought she let go of Yzak a long time ago…but like that would ever really happen.
Excusing herself for a moment, Shiho wandered over to the presents that had been dropped off. Every box was wrapped perfectly white, and attached to each was a card. Nothing was labelled 'For: Ms Shiho Hahnenfuss,' but rather 'For Mr and Mrs Miller.'
Again Shiho sighed, she'd be stuck with that last name for the rest of her life as well. Aside from that, a vast majority of people across the nations were expecting children out this relationship, meaning they expected her and Brad to do something. This was going to be one hell of a lie she going to live, but at all costs, she refused to sleep with Brad.
Looking back at the gifts, a small box caught her eye. Unlike the others, this one was wrapped in a cobalt blue, and had a tiny label that read, 'For Lt Shiho Hahnenfuss-Joule.' Confused by its abnormal appearance, Shiho picked it up and slipped out into the hallway. When she was sure she was alone, she unwrapped the box, only to find a leather ring box beneath the paper.
Yzak watched from the shadows as Shiho opened his gift. When she'd left earlier with it, he'd followed from a distance, in hope of seeing her reaction to it. If Dearka caught him doing this he'd kill Yzak. 'Stupid, don't mess up Shiho's wedding, and don't let her see…bullshit,' Yzak thought unpleasantly, before turning his focus back on Shiho who'd let out a small gasp.
Shiho looked down at the gold ring inside the box. It had three diamonds inlayed in the middle and was simple, but at the same time, elegant. It was the exact ring, she'd ask Yzak to get for their wedding. Picking it up gingerly, she tilted it slightly to get a glimpse of the engraving, 'Shiho and Yzak Joule Love you till the very end' Shiho could feel the tears streaming down her cheeks as slipped the ring onto her necklace and sunk to the floor. There she found a tiny slip of paper that had fallen out of the box. 'I'm sorry. Yzak Joule.' At that, the tears just continued to flow. 'If you're so sorry, why didn't you get me?'
From his spot on the side, Yzak could see Shiho crying. 'Shiho I'm sorry, I truly am,' and with that thought in mind, Yzak turned to leave. It'd be the second time he lost Shiho…and if he ever did come around, because of this one night, it'd be just too late.
AN: There you go another story finished. I've considered actually adding to this with an afterward, or with Yzak finally deciding to get Shiho…but I'm not sure. So if you want me to continue tell me via a review or PM. Oh, an please review this story, this is my first tragedy, so I want opinions on it. Thanks.