Yesterday & Today - an Yzak & Shiho fan fic
Disclaimer: I don't not own anything and everything of the Gundam Series. Well, maybe the nature/character of the male and female leads in this fan-fiction.
Chapter 1: Under the Influence
"Be sure to do a thorough inspection on Deep Arm's physical structure. Run all system checks as well. I want you to personally see to it." Yzak ordered his Chief engineer as he watched his best pilot's mobile suit transported into Voltaire's hangar.
Dearka, his second in command shot him a puzzled look. "Pardon me, sir. I get the point on running all the usual system checks but a physical inspection?"
It's the Chief engineer's turn to give Dearka a surprised look. He's got to be out of his mind.
No one in the right frame of mind questioned Voltaire's Commander, much less seeks explanation regarding his instructions. Well, except one, Commander Joule's third in command, Major Hahnenfuss.
Started off as one of the elite graduated from the prestigious ZAFT Military Academy, Shiho Hahnenfuss joined the team as one of the team's mobile suit pilots. As Voltaire regularly participates in classified missions, countless pilots and squadron leaders were sent off by Commander Joule, commenting that they were unfit to be soldiers.
An eye for details though less aggressive than Commander Joule, Major Hahnenfuss was promoted to who she is today, the one and only Squadron Leader of Joule Team. Commander Joule's third in command.
She may be the Terror of ZAFT's preferred and most trusted mobile suit pilot, Major Hahnenfuss is affectionately known by everyone onboard as an angel. She will raise questions and doubts on behalf of any confused staff, shielding them the Commander's outburst or sarcastic replies.
After the second full-scale war (Gundam SEED Destiny), rumor has it that her relationship with the Commander Joule is beyond colleagues or friends.
"Do I need to remind you that this mobile suit just came back from joint training exercise with Earth Alliance and ORB, lieutenant? Even a toddler knows that Earth Alliance can't be trusted. You, of all people should know that better than anyone."
Dearka casually shrugged the caustic remark off. After all, that reply wasn't the worst. Yzak became more level-headed after the first war (end of Gundam SEED) even though many still see him as the infamous Terror of ZAFT.
"I know that it's more of a military power showcase. Look! I have developed the latest and most power packed toys. Don't poke around, buddy Earth Alliance. Then, we have ORB playing the teacher with a ruler in hand to spank the ass of those who misbehaves."
Chief engineer shook his head while trying to contain his laughter. Trust Staff Captain Elthman and his expressive nature to make a little skit out of Commander Joule's caustic reply.
"Like I've always said, you made a mistake joining ZAFT, Dearka. You should be a comedian. You'll be a famous one." A feminine voice sounded behind Yzak.
Shiho?
Yzak turned around to his best mobile suit pilot, who was smiling at him as she saluted. "I was just about to report for duty, sir."
With a nod, Yzak walked past Shiho. "Just to inform you, Major, I've instructed Chief engineer to run all system checks and to perform a thorough inspection on Deep Arm's physical structure."
Shiho joined her commander, totally forgetting to exchange greetings with her superior (Dearka) and the Chief Engineer. "I understand, Sir. If ORB didn't repeatedly remind that it is a friendly joint military exercise, it will escalate into another war between ZAFT and Earth Alliance. The atmosphere was rather tense."
"No wonder Defense Council was dead set to have you assigned in the joint exercise." Yzak smiled which was a rare sight.
Mistaking Shiho's surprise look as a sign of confusion, Yzak explained. "I was really reluctant to release you for some showcase of military power… thinking that it's a complete waste of time to have someone like you flying around on Earth, shooing rodents…"
Shiho pursed her lips to contain her laughter. Yzak sure has a unique way of describing things he has serious dislike for.
"… but I guess Defense Council did notice your prowess in the strategic combat tactics and battlefield… to have you up there, telling Earth Alliance that with pilots like you around, theirs look like blind flies flying around."
She couldn't take it anymore. Being a visual person with rich imagination, Shiho burst out in laughter. To her surprise, the usual stoic Commander joined her with a short chuckle.
It's been quite a while since I've seen you laugh, Yzak.
The past 2 years has been really tough for Voltaire's young commander.
With the death of Patrick Zala, all of his supporters which includes Yzak's mother, were charged. As she was a Supreme Council member, Ezalia Joule was stripped of her position.
As the Supreme Council has yet to find a suitable candidate to take up Ezalia Joule's position, her son was selected to take her place, throwing him into the harsh world of politics. Political and military duties clashed, especially when Yzak was promoted, being ZAFT's youngest commander.
Although there are times that ZAFT reassigned her to other military operations against Earth Alliance, Shiho and Dearka did their utmost best running Voltaire when Yzak was away, stuck in the world of politics.
Come to think of it, the three of them came a long, long way.
Shiho can't help but to smile as flashback of her graduation day starts replaying in her mind.
Upon learning that she'll be assigned to the Joule squad after graduation, everyone warned her how terrifying he is. Some placed bet on how long she'll last during her first day under Yzak's tyranny. Others, even instructors wished her all the best.
Was he that bad?
She could still remember that she was looking forward to the day she reports to Voltaire, being curious and excited to meet the infamous Yzak Joule, Terror of ZAFT.
Dearka, the first person onboard she spoke to, told her about their commander while bringing her around Voltaire.
"You may not believe what I'm about to tell you… but everyone loves that grouch after they passed the initial stage of being a little demoralized and shock by his yelling and grumpiness. He may come across as aloof, having a short fuse, ya da ya da… but the things he do…many things in fact… put it simply, he cares for everyone onboard. Welcome to the Voltaire Family, Shiho!"
The senior officers onboard warned Shiho on her first day, "God bless you and your soul if Commander Joule finds you idling, submitting sloppy reports or trying to 'smoke' your way through."
She may be a top mobile suit pilot in her cohort but as a new team member cum ZAFT Academy graduate (aka Green Horn); Shiho got a fair share of dressing down from Yzak. It didn't take her long to get used to his way of doing things onboard.
He doesn't have high expectation of everyone. Yzak only wants everyone to do their best and carry out duties without getting themselves and everyone killed, simple as that. So if you get yelled at by Commander Joule, it's either you are a newbie or done something that falls short of common sense.
After reporting to his office (his quarters as well) for several one-on-one meeting, Shiho was bewildered that he doesn't lock his door. Dearka explained that Yzak may be labeled as the Terror of ZAFT but if any one feels unwell, needing quick break or a time-off from shift, his door is always open (in a way).
In short, Yzak have a unique way of getting everyone to do their best but not to point that they overworked.
Being under his charge for about 3 years now, Shiho came to notice that he's a guy who keeps to himself unless someone provoked or get him to talk. That would be the job of Voltaire's second in command, Dearka Elthman, who's also known to be Yzak's best friend.
You know, Shiho. You might think that I'm siding my best friend but it's really unfair… people keep on speculating that Yzak enjoys squeezing the staff dry and suffers from ladies' Pre/Post Menstruation Syndrome (PMS) based on his sarcastic remarks...
-flashback-
After the successful operation which enables ZAFT to gain control of Requiem, her superior looked out of sort as he get off his ZAKU after he retreated from the battlefield. He head straight to every department from the hangar to the Bridge of Voltaire, checking on every staff.
Soon after, he had a disturbing distant look in his sky blue orbs. He didn't even notice Shiho had followed him back into his quarter. "Sir, are you alright?"
Next thing she knew was the Terror of ZAFT drew her into his arms. "You are still here… alive… everyone in Voltaire is alive."
Placing her hand on his back, Shiho assured the platinum blonde. "Everyone is fine, sir. We were worried about you. You didn't respond to Dearka's order to head back to Voltaire just now..."
"That thing just destroyed Januarius 1 and caused December 7 and 8 to collapse." He spoke softly, almost whispering and sounded breathless.
Did the Commander just shivered?
"It's alright, sir. Voltaire should be out of the perimeter by now... Everyone is in one piece. You should get a rest, sir."
He held her tighter, heat rushed to her cheeks and her heart raced. "Stay with me a little longer, Shiho..."
-End of flashback -
"Major?" That familiar voice sends her back to reality.
Yzak Joule.
"Pardon me, Sir."
Yzak took a few steps forward and stood in front of Shiho. There was a worried glint in his azure orbs. "Are you alright? I remember extending your stay on Earth with a week of time-off. Did you manage to get some rest?"
That was one of the many reasons why the man in front her is a great commander, in Shiho's opinion, a nice guy too. She nodded, "About that, Sir… I did like to thank you. It was really nice of you."
Yzak was taken aback by the last part of Shiho's reply. That was nice of me? Strangely, he felt all warm and fuzzy inside.
Well, being nice didn't exactly cross his mind when he decided to extend her stay on Earth. He just thought that she deserved a vacation, at least a short one since Shiho has the tendency of forgetting to knock off whenever she start working on Deep Arms and assisting him and Dearka regarding operation issues onboard.
Judging from the dumbfounded look and hint of blush on her superior's face, Shiho wasn't sure if that was appropriate of her. Besides, both of them were in their uniforms, formalities must be observed.
Just when Yzak was about to break the awkward silence between them while containing his odd sense of happiness, Dearka appeared. "It's pretty obvious that you two missed each other. Stop looking and keep quiet about it. Just hug and confess already!"
If glares could kill, Dearka would have been long dead. Yzak turned around and faced Dearka. "DIDN'T YOUR MUM TAUGHT YOU ANYTHING ABOUT MANNERS AND THAT IT'S DAMN RUDE TO INTERRUPT WHEN PEOPLE ARE TALKING?"
Shiho pursed her lips, trying her very best not to laugh. It may sound weird but whenever Yzak looses his cool and started telling people off, being sarcastic and all, he looks rather comical. Besides, it's been quite a while Shiho witnessed Yzak lost his temper and shouted at anyone. However, it wasn't simply anyone he shouted at. Yzak shouted at his best friend, who was laughing instead of wetting his pants.
"Buddy, you and Shiho weren't even talking! I swear I saw you blushed for a second back there and Shiho was just standing there, looking at you, waiting for you to say something."
She decided to put an end to this conversation which has gone from wrong to extremely awkward. "To be honest Dearka, I missed Commander and YOU when I was on Earth. I missed talking to Commander. I missed your jokes and you telling me how well your relationship with Miriallia is progressing. Now here's a big hug for you." She hugged her colleague who came to be a close friend and saluted her speechless commander.
"Please excuse me, Sir. I'll be in hangar discussing with Chief Engineer on Deep Arm's beam weapons and thrusters." With that, Shiho walked away.
Dearka was flabbergasted. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Yzak. Both of you usually talked about issues brought about by Deep Arm's beam weapons, orders from headquarters, anything and everything about work. Nothing else! And she missed talking to you?"
From the way he sees it, Dearka knew that two of his close friends need a little pushing before they realize the feeling they had for each other. So much for being ZAFT Academy's elites!
"Shut up, Dearka! You love to make things awkward between me and Shiho, don't you?"
"I make things awkward between you and Shiho? Hmmm, I wonder who sought comfort by holding Major Hahnenfuss in his arms when he was shaken back then. I bet that guy was basking in her warmth."
"Just WHAT are you implying now, Dearka? For the record, I was NOT basking in her warmth, you sick asshole! Neither was I taking advantage of her! It was you and your bad habit of not knocking the door or announcing your arrival that interrupted us and caused the awkwardness between Shiho and I!"
Dearka howled in laughter. His best friend may be the one of the top guns in ZAFT and PLANTS but when it comes to such matters; he is an open book and has the tendency of spilling the beans. That was one of the funny things about his childhood friend.
"My dear friend, I completely understand why you are pissed. I felt that way when Athrun and Princess of Orb walked in on me and Miriallia… perfect moment interrupted. But it doesn't mean you can blame me. If you feel comfortable with her around and want to be closer to her, ask her out."
Yzak let out a sigh and raised his hands in defeat. "I have no idea what you are talking about. You walked in on me and Shiho back then is ABSOLUTELY DIFFERENT from the situation you and your girlfriend were involved in. And no, don't explain what situation you and your Natural were doing. I don't want to know. In conclusion, I am Shiho's superior, she is my subordinate. Nothing else."
Dearka shook his head and smiled at his friend, "you know, you can always ask for help. I did love to see you and Shiho together."
"Get back to work, Captain! NOW!"
- A while later -
Shiho rubbed her temples as she gave up trying to re-configure the energy consumption and distribution throughout Deep Arms after repeating the same string of codes for umpteen times. However, it wasn't the operating system's repeated rejection that caused her headache. It was her earlier confession.
Nice one, Shiho. You just confessed that you missed Yzak Joule, your commander no less.
"At least I added that I missed talking to him. It shouldn't be that bad, right?" Yes, it was pretty bad for someone who developed a crush for her superior, who only sees her as a good friend and trusted colleague.
Are you sure that he doesn't have feelings for you? A little voice sounded at the back of her head. Shiho rubbed her temples even harder.
Who was the one supported your blatant refusal towards direct orders to abandon Deep Arms for an advanced ZAKU Warrior, hmm? Didn't those gossip queens from the Bridge told you that Yzak used his authority as a National Defense Committee Member to ensure you get to keep your beloved Deep Arms? Oh no, she didn't need the little voice to add on. Her earlier confession has been bugging her ever since as though she didn't kick herself mentally after confessing.
However, the conditions were that CGUE DEEP Arms has to undergo regular armor upgrades, weapon test and Major Hahnenfuss has to continue with her research on beam weapons. As of now, her mobile suit retains its original looks but loaded with Ultracompact Energy Battery and armaments of a GuAIZ as alternatives to its beams weapons - the energy cannons and laser sword.
Not to mention that ever since Major Hahnenfuss got promoted to be Joule Team's Squadron Leader, she was spared from Yzak's verbal assault. A privilege that even best friend, Dearka wasn't entitled to.
You see? Are you REALLY sure that he doesn't have feelings for you? Shiho rubbed her temples even harder, in a futile attempt to silent it.
"At the rate you are rubbing your temples; I'm not surprised that your temples will soon resemble Frankenstein's." Shiho looked up and Yzak was standing in front of Deep Arm's cockpit, where she was seated.
Dumbfounded, Shiho stared blankly at the guy who was oddly good-looking with a smirk on his face. Was it my expression? She wondered to herself.
Realizing that guy in front of her was her commander, she jolted to her feet only to have her head hit against the cockpit's ceiling and switches. As she attempt to rub her aching head while getting out of the cockpit to where Yzak is, she tripped and stumbled.
Fortunately, he caught her. "I didn't know you are capable of being this clumsy."
"It's those moments that occur once in the blue moon..." Shiho replied, trying to have her poker face on.
Yzak steadied his subordinate although he was still amused with what happened earlier. Shiho… clumsy? What a day. He then noticed that Shiho was looking at him with a strange expression accompanied with a faint blush on her cheeks. Then, realization hit him. His hands were still holding onto hers when he prevented her from falling and perhaps, breaking her nose in the process.
"-Cough- Sorry. I didn't want you to fall and break your nose. I hate doing reports on accidents. –Cough-"
What a stupid excuse! Yzak couldn't agree more as he immediately withdraw his hands from hers. Funny, he felt a tinge of regret which was further fueled by the hangar's cold temperature surrounding his now empty hands. Shiho's hands were warm.
Next thing he knew, he was looking at Shiho's hands. It was relatively small despite of her long, slender fingers.
Just like Shiho's frame. She may be standing at 170cm, a little too tall among women in military but she always come across to Yzak as a petite woman. Probably it's because she's slim. However, it doesn't mean that she's weak.
He have seen her trained in the headquarter's gym a couple of times as Yzak does his usual workout routine. It looks as though she was venting some anger or frustration. Damn, Shiho could easily break a person's face, the neck or anywhere else just by looking at the uncomfortable degree the dummy swing and bend under her assault.
Unlike him, Shiho is not known to have a short fuse but God bless the unlucky man who annoyed Shiho.
"Sir? You are looking for me?" Shiho asked while rubbing the spot that hit the cockpit's ceiling. Yzak wonders how long he was lost in thoughts, "Report to my office in 15 minutes. I have matters to discuss with you."
- Yzak's office -
Shiho was about to salute when Yzak nodded, "Make yourself comfortable, Major. It will take awhile." Although Shiho has been here many times for numerous meetings and discussion, this time around feels uncomfortable. Realizing that Yzak's office is also his bedroom, Shiho felt her heart raced. What is wrong with me? It has got to be my stay on Earth that I'm feeling so awkward. Focus, Shiho!
"I've received the footage of the joint military exercise and made a few observations. In order to ensure that my assumptions are right, I need your input." Yzak sat on the chair behind his desk with his arms crossed and the usual stoic expression. With him sitting in front of her, an arm's length away from her, in his quarters no less, Shiho felt trapped. Just you and I…
HE JUST ASKED YOU A QUESTION! Shiho resisted the urge to knock her head, "I'm afraid my observations are limited since I'm not assigned to ORB's forces which are the 'referees'."
"Not an issue. Go on." Yzak's gaze was driving her crazy. She felt as though she was a microbe being scrutinized under a high-powered microscope.
"I didn't have the time to identify which were Atlantic Federation, the Eurasian Federation, the Republic of East Asia and the South African Union… all the other political and military entities that made up Earth Alliance. It seems that Earth Alliance has decided to reuse its Moebius Mobile Armors…"
There was a puzzled look on Yzak's face, followed by a frown. "Moebius Mobile Armors? Are you referring to those aircrafts look-alike that fly around like mosquitoes? Correct me if I'm wrong, those are ancient mobile weapons, Earth Alliance's favorite toys before rolling out their version of mobile suits, Gundams."
Shiho nodded. "That's what all of us thought but we were dumbfounded when they fired their armaments which are mostly beam weaponry. As ORB and the treaty between ZAFT & Earth Alliance strictly prohibits the use of any form of nuclear technology and weapons, the Beam Cannons mounted under the main body of the Moebius packed quite a punch. If it was an actual battle, I don't want to know how many destroyers and battleships will sink because of these mosquitoes."
She saw a tic at the side of Yzak's jaw. He is frustrated though deep in thoughts. That's when Shiho's mind started to drift and realized that Yzak does not look as feminine as what those bimbotic girls on the Bridge have gossiped about. Despite his fair complexion, he has a fair share of masculine, at least, boyish features.
Unlike most guys, Yzak's jaw is not overly squarish and angular. It tapers towards the chin which does not have that 'dimple' at the middle of chin, much to Shiho's liking. With huge blue orbs, a straight nose and a small mouth, Yzak is a pretty boy.
However, the way Yzak fill out his uniform was far from feminine or boyish. With his arms folded across his chest, Shiho could see the fitting sleeves outlined his toned arms. As memories flashed in her mind, Yzak's physique is definitely not feminine.
Shiho came across her commander working out in headquarter's gym a few times when she was there. He wasn't big, bulky or anywhere near the Incredible Hulk's physique. Donning the usual blue tee worn by any off-duty officers onboard, it fits Yzak's snugly enough to outline his lean and well-defined physique.
"Major?" It was the third time he called her after he realized her amethyst orbs stopped looking everywhere except him. Unlike earlier, they were studying him, starting with his face and then his arms. Wonder what Shiho is thinking about?
He gave up calling her and left his desk. Yzak sat on the couch, beside Shiho and nudged her shoulders. The dazed glint in her eye disappeared, "Yzak? Sorry! I mean, sir. Why are you sitting beside me?"
Something is seriously wrong with him. Yzak was so captivated by her lavender orbs that he didn't noticed Shiho has accidentally addressed him by his name until she quickly apologized. Normally, he would sternly correct anyone who addressed him by him name during shift hours. Get yourself together Joule!
"I lost you awhile ago. Is something bothering you? Or did something happen during the joint military exercise? I have never seen you so distracted before." Yzak tightened his hold on her shoulders as his mind considers what could have happen to Shiho during her stay on Earth. After all, she is a woman and he wasn't there to send death glares to officers who take a second look at her, like how he did to officers on Voltaire.
Now that Yzak think about it, thank God she didn't wear the female version of uniform with those terribly short skirts. Unlike Dearka (when Miriallia isn't around), Yzak doesn't check girls out but at times he gets distracted whenever female officers from the Bridge came over and submit their reports. Just then, Yzak made a mental note to bring it up during the next Council meeting.
Come to think of it, if Shiho were to wear those skirts instead of pants… especially with those long legs of hers, Yzak will have trouble getting male officers to concentrate on their duties. What about yourself, Joule? Weren't you stealing glances at Shiho whenever she is in flight suit? Dearka caught him red-handed once but being the Commanding Officer has its perks, threatening that he wouldn't approve Dearka's request for leave.
Yzak's train of thoughts was broken when he felt something warm latched onto his wrist and gave it a little shake. It was Shiho, looking at him with a hint of blush on her cheeks. "Erm sir, if you don't mind… your hands."
"Sorry. I was thinking what could possibly happen to cause you to be so distracted."
Shiho let out a chuckled, "And I lost you a while back there when you were thinking of the possibilities."
That chuckle together with the twinkle in her eyes were the reason why meetings and discussion about work always end up with random unrelated topics.
At the end of it, both of them will be poking fun at each other or laughing. After some time, Yzak came to realize that despite her reserved nature, Shiho is easily tickled. She always tells him that he has a unique way of describing things and being sarcastic, all at the same time.
Realization hit him.
He too, missed talking to Shiho.
He missed the feeling of being at ease and having to voice whatever that comes to his mind without holding back, looking around, contemplating how he should phrase his words. "I mean, you are a woman after all. Even though it's temporary assignment, the thought of you being assigned to another team, under the command of a stranger… what I am trying to say is that anyone who cares for you would be worried."
There it was again. Shiho smiled and this time, it reached her eyes, making those orbs glassy. "Thank you, sir. That's probably the most sincere thing I've heard ever since I set foot on Earth." Yzak was troubled by her last sentence.
He immediately scanned Shiho from her head to her footwear, "what? Are you trying to say that the Commander or some idiot onboard did something to you? Like… damn, I don't know how to ask you without having it to sound wrong or offensive. You know, like abuse you or… You have to tell me, Shiho. I will see to it that moron begs for his mum."
Shiho burst out laughing, "No, Yzak! I just felt alienated from everyone, that's all. Probably it's because I'm from the elite Joule Team and that I have the infamous Yzak Joule, Terror of ZAFT, backing me. You can stop planning how to torture them. They didn't do anything to me."
"That better be the case, Shiho. Or else…"
"You will probably shoot them all." There was this warm tingling feeling that Shiho felt upon Yzak's reaction. Just then, her mind chose to replay an earlier phrase said by Yzak, "… anyone who cares for you would be worried."
He cares... for me?
Shiho nudged him by the elbow, "Don't worry, Yzak. I'm good."
Azure orbs met lavender's.
As though his body and lips have a mind of their own, he inched closer to Shiho and spoke softly. "I missed you…" Those lavender orbs widened for a second. Next thing he knew, her small hands was gently stroking his face, "me too."
Shiho's heart was racing and she could do nothing about it. Not to mention that she had no idea why she was caressing Yzak's face.
Just then, the door slided open and Dearka sounded, "hey Yzak, Chief engineer wants to inform you that he's done … Wow! Sorry! I didn't see anything, carry on!"
Both Yzak and Shiho already got off their seat. She saluted both Yzak and Dearka and then, she quickly exited the office. Knowing Yzak since he was a kid, Dearka smiled. "I say that Shiho is good with putting on poker face within split seconds. Don't you think so, Yzak?"
"Didn't I just tell you earlier that you have a bloody bad habit of not knocking or announcing your arrival, DEARKA?"
- End of Shift -
On her way out of the shower/changing room, she switched on her mobile phone and realized someone left her a text message.
"Noticed that you said thank you to me a couple of times throughout the day… if you want to thank me, meet me at the HQ's reception area at 6.30pm"- Yzak
Could it be a date? Shiho's heart skipped a beat or two upon the thought that Yzak Joule is asking her out on a date.
End of Chapter 1
Hello readers! I was surfing the net one fine day in search of more info on Yzak x Shiho pairing and ended up finding this wonderful website with fans like all of you here!
So I've decided to do a fanfic on these two. Hope you will like it =)
By the way, the title of this chapter is taken from a song of an identical title, sung by Jordyn Taylor. That's where I got inspirations from.
Other songs that I've listened to when writing & brainstorming this story are:
What A Feeling – Namie Amuro
Do Me More – Namie Amuro
One Shot – The Saturdays
Once – Diana Vickers
(you might wanna give those songs a listen! Pretty interesting.)
I would like to know what you guys think, so do leave a comment or review alright?
See you in chapter 2!