Author's Note: [June 6, 2010] Alright, part 2 is underway! Should I call this a ''Beyond Admiration'' mini-marathon? Jokes, jokes. Just two chapters will be up.

I really did enjoy doing this chapter. I once again hope I'm not overdoing things. Hopefully no one's confused. Then again, it's natural to be confused when dealing with these things, isn't it?

'

Italics - thoughts / phone conversation

Words in italic - to emphasize

Disclaimer: I, Candide Avedo, do not own anything that has to do with Gundam Seed. Or any other commercial franchise that I fail to mention.


'

Persistence

'

Yzak gripped Shiho's cell phone, then pocketed it.

Please don't do anything stupid...

His mind repeated the mantra over and over again. Somehow he wasn't surprised if Shiho was prone to being a perfectionist in her work like himself. That fact made everything more dangerous.

Should he be worrying over her choice to run off like that?

Looking at the positive side, chances were good that Franklin Rull would be in their custody at the end of the day. Shiho may be a girl, but Dearka was right. She was a strong girl, persistent, resilient, and patient.

Let's hope not too persistent.

Thinking fast, Yzak fingers flipped open his own cell phone and dialed Kira's number. After the first ring, Kira's voice filled his ears.

''Hello, Yzak?'' Of course, call display was always handy.

''Kira, we have a situation here.'' Yzak ran a finger on the nitrogen tank absentmindedly. ''There's a nuclear-type bomb on this shuttle door that I will be deactivating in a few moments.'' Knowing they didn't have enough time to discuss the matter, ''I'll be sending you a report on in as soon as I can.'' He added.

Silence for a few moments, until Kira let out a tense hum. ''If you have it under control, then thank you, Yzak.'' Muffled in the background was Lacus's voice in a concern tone. ''Is Shiho helping you out there?''

Yzak sighed into the telephone. ''That's what I'm phoning about.'' He adjusted the earpiece on his ear. ''Shiho's gone after a guy we suspect is in charge of installing this weapon on the shuttle. I'd call her myself, but her phone was left behind.''

A moment was spared, and Yzak could almost hear Kira relaying the story to Lacus on the other line. ''Lacus says she'll have the terminal personnel in here look out for your suspect, if you want to give me a description.''

It did sound like a good plan. ''Please have them look for a male, 5'10 at least, with blond hair, no ID, wearing shuttle personnel uniform.'' Yzak said slowly, so Kira could catch every word.

''Is that it?''

''Yeah, that's it.'' replied Yzak. ''You'd also probably want to find an alternative transportation. This shuttle has to be taken apart later and analyzed from top to bottom for anything else suspicious.'' He mentally checked off whatever other things might need to be done right after this scenario.

More confirmation on the other end, followed by more muffled voices. ''We might have to use Cagalli's own private shuttle.'' Kira answered. ''You two need any back up?''

Minutes were ticking by, and Yzak knew he couldn't stall any longer. ''Only the personnel looking for the man I described is good enough, thanks Kira.'' He squat down to check the nozzle on the nitrogen tank. ''I have to go, sorry. I have to catch up to Shiho later.''

''Call if you need anything, Yzak.'' replied Kira. ''Lacus would like to extend her good luck to both of you.''

''Thank you.'' Yzak shut his phone closed, pocketing it. Lots of luck might be needed for Shiho and himself, along with the general future of this case.

A decision had been made up in his mind. Whether Shiho was okay with it or not, he wasn't going to let her handle Franklin Rull alone.

Without any other delay, he slipped on some protective gloves that were attached to the tank. Taking the nozzle, he aimed it at the crevasse within the door, particularly at the circuit board, and the bundle of wiring.

Then, making sure that the goggles were still in place, Yzak found a firm grip on the valve that opened the tank. He turned it slowly, and a white gas encompassed the crevasse.

Yzak took care to lean his face away, letting more of the gas out. He continued to blast the inside with nitrogen gas, traveling a little to the bomb itself. White fog from the gas made it difficult to see if he managed to coat the whole apparatus.

After a couple of minutes have passed, Yzak shut the valve off, removing the nozzle from the door. As the fog settled, he could see that the highly compressed nitrogen gas succeeded in it's purpose.

The bomb was completely covered in white frost- frozen.

Relieved and triumphant, Yzak removed the gloves. That should keep it from detonating now. To keep from having accidents, people will have to watch that for a while, until shuttle mechanics can take it properly apart and analyze it.

Yzak felt the warm glow of satisfaction spread to his toes, completely pleased with himself.

He removed his goggles as well, blinking a few times. Before he could look for Shiho, he needed to alert the proper terminal personnel, so they could keep tabs on this machine.

'

Panting heavily, she entered what felt to be a second hangar they had run through by now. Shiho had managed to close much of the gap between herself and the man, right after she started going after him. She had been chasing him long enough to know he was unarmed; as far as she knew.

Or was he intent on getting her alone?

Passing through door after door, shuttle personnel had to duck for cover, as the man she assumed was Franklin Rull streaked past them, with her on his tail. Shiho apologized profusely as she missed a man whose arms had been laden with building materials.

Pieces of metal tubing and spare parts tumbled behind her, daring Shiho to trip if she allowed a moment's lack of concentration.

Her legs pounded on the tarmac, feeling her muscles stretch beyond their usual limits. Was it such a long time since she had been fit to run long distances? Another thought persisted in her head, something that she hadn't thought of before.

What happens when she managed to corner him? Would she be able to apprehend him?

Apart from the fact that she might have the disadvantage of height, but she was a coordinator; surely she could have some kind of an upper-hand on something. Still, hand to hand combats were not her style. Weapons and various armament were her specialty- anyone who saw her in action agreed.

Was this a bad mistake?

Shaking the idea that pursuing him was certainly not her best plan, Shiho continued her pursuit.

There was also the chance that Franklin Rull could be getting tired. For now, Shiho didn't see that happen any time soon.

Flying past a vast array of shelving that stored many other shuttle parts, Shiho hoped the end was soon. Many more eyes followed them, some curious, others looking scandalized. Her quarry was loudly panting ahead of her now. She mentally began preparing herself for hand to hand combat.

''Stop!'' Shiho shouted, not wanting to fire a gun with so many other bystanders around them.

Before they burst through the doors exiting that hangar, Shiho had to predict his movements as Franklin Rull turned around suddenly. For the briefest seconds, Shiho caught a glimpse of blond hair and brown eyes. A heavily chiseled face was perspiring, flushed.

With a small war cry, he pulled on a tall shelf holding many metallic parts, causing it to fall. Shiho didn't think much of this, until she realized that first shelf was attached to the second next to it in some way.

The shelves were toppling like dominoes.

Angry shouts of protest were behind them, as ear-splitting racket from falling metal filled the area.

To avoid being flattened, Shiho veered to the right, trying to get herself clear of the danger zone. Her feet almost slipped as a sheet of metal fell in front of her like a shiny, slippery sheet of sharp ice. There was no time for any double-takes, and Shiho had to rely on her peripheral vision to keep herself out of danger. In her main view she spotted Franklin Rull exit out the doors ahead.

A heavy cylindrical object grazed her back, making Shiho wince.

There was no time to check that either. She assessed from the brief sting that the worst that could come out of that was a bruise. More determined that ever, Shiho burst through the doors that Franklin Rull burst through moments before.

To her dismay, they ended up in a place she didn't want to end up at all.

Anywhere but here would have been great...

Crowds of people were making their way around the terminal, many still with their baggage. The young, mature, and old alike were chatting happily, noisy. Large television screens displayed flight schedules, as well as delays. Through the commotion, only a few saw Shiho bursting through the door.

Her eyes scanned desperately for Franklin Rull. If this ended badly, she knew Yzak wouldn't hesitate to show is disapproval.

Shiho bit her lip from that thought that immediately dropped the bottom of her stomach. It was too early to assume the outcome of this. As long as no one was hurt, it will be fine.

I'll do what it takes to make sure no one gets hurt.

There.

Darting behind some potted palms, she spotted the uniform-clad figure again. Just as she caught up to him, Shiho noticed that he seemed to be stuck, amidst a large crowd of people, all qued up to check-in with their baggage. He was darting back and forth, clearly attempting to find some way out. In his haste, he tripped over a bag, sending him sprawling to the ground.

People in the vicinity whispered behind their hands at this stranger.

Elated at his stumble Shiho closed in, straightening out the arm that held her hand gun in place. She didn't want to use it, but in a crowd with this many people... To avoid unnecessary risk, she must take careful aim.

Meters away, Shiho watched him get up to his feet, spotting her. He appeared frustrated, however clearly refusing to give up. His eyes analyzed her own then flew to the object in her possession. People who saw his line of vision saw Shiho, holding a gun in her hands. Many gasped, backing away as much as possible. Silence filled their vicinity.

''Stop right there, Franklin Rull.'' Shiho's voice no doubt carried far. ''You'll be taken to custody for the assassination attempts on Lacus Clyne.'' Her voice quavered at the last sentence, to her disappointment. Seeming as though far away, Shiho could feel a faint burn at her back.

The expression of frustration left Franklin Rull's face. Instead, an amused smile swept across his cheeks.

Before anyone could react, Franklin grabbed a small child from her mother, who screamed. In another swift movement, he slipped a concealed knife from his sleeves to just below the child's throat. The child, shocked, fell frozen and silent in his hands.

Shiho snarled under her breath at her slow reaction. This, was what she was afraid of happening.

''Dear, dear, Shiho.'' smiled Franklin Rull, dragging the young child away from her mother. The woman pealed a sob, gasping in the background. He came to a stop feet away from Shiho, brandishing the child in front of him. ''You have figured it out.''

''Some nerve to use a child as a shield.'' whispered Shiho, wondering how she could pull herself out of this mess.

'

Yzak didn't have to look very hard for the trail of where Shiho ran off to. The only hindrance he encountered was when he made a report to the terminal manager to keep the hangar with the bomb under close surveillance. The man was difficult to find. Yzak had to school his patience once again, in dealing with people that seemed to be distrustful of him. Especially in his uniform.

Asking random shuttle employees had no problem with informing Yzak of where Shiho had ran off to. A few disgruntled faces he met as he ran through the various hangars, noticing a few people jump out of his way.

Clearly Shiho made such a pleasant impression upon these people...

Not able to fight off a moment's amusement at the thought of Shiho barreling through without hesitation, Yzak smirked. He avoided charging through much of the debris that seemed to have fallen recently. Surprise displayed on his face as he saw a whole row of metal shelving that collapsed, right down a wall.

Please don't tell me this is all Shiho... Don't be too rash...

'

''I'm only making sure you don't shoot me, is that so bad?'' laughed Franklin Rull, tightening his grip on the child's shoulder, and making her squeal. Behind him the child's mother moaned. The crowd barely made any sound, completely enraptured.

Shiho's grip on the handle of her gun grew tighter. Sweat began to drip down her forehead. Her teeth gritted against each from tension. ''It's low to use such a shield. You're a coward.'' Shiho said, as calmly as she could.

The man in front of her only chuckled to himself. ''This child isn't my main focus. My main focus is you.''

''What?'' muttered Shiho.

''I need you to drop your gun.'' Franklin replied simply. He appeared calm now, unconcerned by the gun pointed at him. ''I want you to put your gun on the ground, and slide it to me slowly.''

Shiho knew it had to be a trap. She would be unarmed if she passed him her weapon. As long as the child was still in his possession, she couldn't risk anything that would get them harmed.

''Faster please.'' called the man, tapping on the girl's shoulder.

Shiho narrowed her eyes, bending down and reaching her hand carrying the gun to the floor. She could feel Franklin's eyes carefully register her movements unblinkingly. Shiho allowed the gun to fall from her fingers, feeling her chest rise and fall rapidly.

''Slide it over.'' Franklin Rull's voice traveled to the crowd around them. ''None of you try anything funny now, or her blood will be spilled right on this floor.'' Murmurs were the only replies heard.

More eyes followed Shiho as she gently slid the gun across the floor, coming to a halt next to Franklin's black boots. He bent down, still holding the child, and grabbed the gun with his hand. The knife was wedge between his palm and the gun, pointed outwards.

''Okay.'' said Shiho, expectant. The man was still fixing the gun in his grip, having folded the knife and placing it in his uniform. ''Hand over the girl nice and easy now.'' called Shiho, taking a step forward.

''Don't order me around, young lady.'' A warning shot rang out into the air, making Shiho wince. The people around them began to push against each other, afraid to be in the line of fire. The gun was pointed at Shiho's head, steadily. ''You're going to give me a minute before pursuing.'' He began to take careful steps back. It was difficult for Shiho not to follow. ''Got that?''

''Got it... All you need to do is let the girl go.'' said Shiho, getting down to one knee on the ground. ''Blue Cosmos has no right to take away the peace that we all worked hard to achieve.'' Weapon, weapon, any weapon... Half of her attention was on to searching for a new weapon. Her quarry seemed to be in a bit of thought, as though he wasn't finished.

''...Hahnenfuss.'' said Franklin, calling out her name. Shiho's eyes narrowed further. ''For someone that fought in the war, you don't know much. Be careful, coz you also know more than you need to know.'' He let out a wide grin. ''Stop nosing into other people's business if you know what's good for you.''

Without another word, he thrusted the child into the startled crowd. He turned tail and ran, arms flailing furiously. His pace regained speed, faster now that the crowd parted to let him through. Shiho's knelt leg pushed out from under her, creating a spring-like action. From the corner of her eye she was in relief to see the young child reunited with her mother; though badly shaken, the child appeared to be in no other harm.

On the other side of the terminal, she could see about a dozen other armed men, still yards away behind her. Was that back-up? If it were, some burden would be lifted off her.

Shiho took note that they were passing a less populated area of the terminal once more. The halls were barely populated, save for a steward or two, rushing to get out of the way. Thankfully, the lights were still bright, making it next to impossible to get away. Commotion ahead of her was a give-away of where Franklin was headed.

But... Once she caught up with him, what now? She was certainly unarmed. There was a necessary risk, and an unnecessary risk. She was still making the right choice, wasn't she?

Whatever happens, I can't let him get away. Shiho decided. Innocent people were still in the building, and there was no way she would let them be endangered.

The sound of a door opening to her left caught her attention. Slowing down to press herself against the wall, Shiho found a glass door shutting heavily closed. Peering her head around to see within the room Franklin had ran into, she could see him running towards- nothing.

Franklin Rull was trapped in a room with no other ways to escape apart from the door he arrived through. A dead end.

Pleased, Shiho edged into the well-lit window-less room. She inched past the door, into what appeared to be a small conference room. Chairs were folded to one side of the small room, with a large wooden table in the center.

Next to the table she found him, casually twirling the gun in his hands. Shiho purposefully stood in front of the doorway, blocking his exit.

A sigh escaped the man, properly equipping the gun in his hand. ''I thought it's about time you here.'' Franklin pointed the gun at Shiho again. Shiho remained calm, in front of the door. Through the glass, she could hear quiet voices, that no doubt belonged to the armed men following her moments ago.

''You have no where to run.'' said Shiho, which was obvious.

''I do, but someone's blocking the way.'' He pointed in her direction. ''I could basically just shoot you and get it over with.'' He smiled. ''There are two bullets left. Plenty of chances.''

Shiho felt herself grow clammy. ''Outside these doors are some armed men, waiting for you.'' Her voice was wavering. It's been quite a while since a gun had been pointed in her direction. ''You've got no other place to go, even if you shoot me.''

''Is that a dare?'' Franklin said in a silky tone. ''I have killed many coordinators in the past, with no hesitation. You think I'll have problems dealing with you?''

She knew he wasn't bluffing. Blue Cosmos members wouldn't hesitate in shooting coordinators, or anyone that gets in their way. At the same time, she hated being toyed with.

''I'm not daring you, but I cannot let you continue to terrorize people who are in favor of peace.'' Shiho breathed, carefully bending her body a little low. The arms at her sides were limp, but ready to shield herself when the time comes. Could she be quick enough to dodge a bullet aimed at her heart?

''Wasting my time, wasting my time.'' sighed Franklin, his aim following Shiho, as she took a step to the right. ''After I kill you, I kill myself, of course.''

With that, he fired his gun.

Bang!

'

He found his pace completely slow and lingering. His chest was heaving, fighting to process air faster to his cells. Why couldn't he breathe faster?

Where are you, Shiho?

Yzak reached the terminal, where crowds of people were there. What he noticed however, was that something was amiss. The regular lines that one would see in a terminal was non-existent, with sobbing children with frightened mothers littering the scene. Distressed terminal employees attempted to comfort those who were difficult to comfort.

Security guards were no where in sight.

Sprinting through a crowd, he felt eyes on him as well, especially on the weapon in his hands. It effectively made him uncomfortable.

He spotted a little girl wailing uncontrollably in her mother's chest, gripping tightly around her waist. At least...There was no sign of casualties anywhere.

Panting, he scanned wildly around the crowd, hoping for some sign of Shiho anywhere. Through these crowds, it was very hard.

Shiho...

Yzak was in the process of asking a civilian as to which direction they may have seen a woman chasing a man, he heard something he wished he never had to hear.

Bang!

A gunshot rang, in the direction of a deserted corridor. Screams echoed in the terminal following the noise.

Yzak's muscles froze, forcing him to abruptly stop, as deja vu entered his mind. Something that he didn't need a reminder of this instant.

His dream...

The sound of a gunshot...

The frightened screams...

The heavy running...

The figure dying in his arms covered in blood...

''What the- Shiho!'' Yzak shouted, pushing through the crowd. Feelings of unexplainable dread fuelled his desire to get there faster.

That couldn't happen. It couldn't. The Shiho he knew was highly trained in combat, especially with firearms. She wouldn't allow herself to fall victim to those weapons easily. Nevertheless, Yzak found himself worrying as he ran flat-out on the carpeted floor.

What if the man she was against was armed as well?

'

Shiho didn't have any time to think, as she could only faintly recall how the gun was aimed at her. She dodged in a direction she could only think of, jumping half a foot into the air, hoping that it would be enough to avoid hitting her most vital organs.

Less than a second later, pain seared her shoulder. Shiho gasped, landing to a crouch on the floor. Her attention was all on Franklin Rull, who appeared only amused.

''Stupid coordinator reflexes.'' he muttered, the gun in his hand still smoking. A used ammunition shell had fallen to the floor.

Commotion from the outside was explosive and the glass door burst open, where armed men quickly stormed in. Screams from the frightened public reached their ears.

Shiho prepared herself for another shot, but was surprised.

Franklin Rull smirked, hand already pointing the gun at his head. He faced her, speaking in a monotonous tone, with his eyes hollow.

''For the preservation of our blue and pure world!''

Another shot rang out, and Franklin Rull crumpled to the ground, dead. His eyes were still wide open, as though determined to haunt her.

Finally tearing her eyes away from his, she could only bow her head down, as the armed men around her fell on the fallen man, checking his vital signs. Her left arm throbbed painfully, refusing to be forgotten. Still crouched, Shiho heaved deep breaths, calming herself down.

Her body felt exhausted from all the excitement.

''Shiho!''

Shiho could hear a familiar voice rushing towards her. She could feel herself ease up ever-so-slightly. Warmth flushed through her. From that time, she knew the danger was over.

A moment later, Yzak's face peered up in front of her.

Was that an illusion, or did Yzak look worried? In a different situation, she could have laughed out loud in amusement.

''H-hello, sir.'' whispered Shiho, trying to smile lightly. He ignored her.

The expression on Yzak's face changed to annoyance, as he stood up to speak to the armed men who were surrounded Franklin Rull's body. Incomprehensible words were exchanged, Yzak sounding very much like his regular self, giving (what sounded like) orders on what to do with Franklin Rull's body.

Still quite exhausted but refusing to stay on the crouching position any longer, Shiho pushed herself off the ground with her right arm. The left arm dangled painfully at her side.

A pair of hands helped her to a standing position, steering her away from the loud noise that was the conference room.

''Don't you 'Hello sir' me.'' muttered Yzak, as he manoevered Shiho through the crowd of watching bystanders. People didn't think about following the furious-looking man leading an injured subordinate away.

''I'm saying hello.'' Shiho hissed out, as she moved to cradle her arm close to her stomach.

Yzak's brows unknitted. ''You pulled off a stunt that could have had major consequences today.'' he said quietly. His hand still pulled on her right arm, leading them right through a few door ways. ''What were you thinking?''

Shiho bit her lip, already knowing her mistakes. ''I did what I thought I had to do.'' was all she could explain to him at this point.

She briefly caught glimpse of the door labelled 'Men's Washroom' before being pushed through it. Yzak let her go for a moment, locking the door behind him. He was beside her in an instant, studying her shoulder.

''Luckily you were only grazed on the shoulder.'' said Yzak, more to himself than to her. ''Stay here a moment.'' He commanded, leaving her by a row of sinks in front of a large mirror. The door swung closed quietly.

Angling her left shoulder so she could see better, Shiho winced as she saw her blood dribbling down her arm and onto her hand. It looked much worse than it felt. Feeling soreness on her back, Shiho couldn't see what happened there, since her uniform covered much of everything.

The door to the Men's washroom opened again. Yzak returned, this time with a bundle tucked under his arm. A first-aid kit was held by the handle in his other hand.

''Alright Shiho, we need to look at your shoulder.'' Yzak announced, as though introducing a new battle plan. He placed the kit down on the counter with the bundle beside it.

A little uneasy, Shiho watched as Yzak drew closer, squinting down at her shoulder. She winced as Yzak plucked at her sleeve. ''Don't move.'' said Yzak, turning around to fish into the first-aid kit. He emerged carrying a small pair of sewing scissors.

''Yzak, what are you going to do with those?'' asked Shiho, feeling the uneasiness grow. ''There's nothing to cut.''

Yzak rolled his eyes. ''Shiho, we just need to cut off your sleeve. It'll make everything easier.'' He studied her face a moment. ''Don't move.'' He repeated.

Barely any doubt was on Shiho's mind that Yzak could feel her trembling. From the coolness of the scissors, or how close Yzak was, it was hard to tell. The fabric split wherever the scissors cut, revealing the skin underneath. The bloody fabric was tossed into the garbage, the scissors placed on the counter.

''We need to clean this up before I can wrap it up.'' Yzak took some gauze and turned on the faucet. He allowed the water to run warm, checking the temperature every now and then. When he was satisfied, he soaked the gauze, wrung it out, and reached for Shiho's arm. ''Just relax.'' he said. Again, Shiho couldn't tell whether he said it to himself, or to her.

She could feel the tips of his fingers resting on her arm. The gauze he was using to wipe with had barely any pressure on her skin. He was taking care to be gentle, Shiho noticed. Her cheeks were beginning to flush from the careful strokes Yzak was doing.

Yzak let go every now and then, to get a new sheet of gauze to wipe her shoulder with. He handed her an extra wet sheet, to wipe her hands with.

''Thank you.'' Shiho said, smiling lightly. Yzak just nodded, absorbed in the task of wiping off any excess water. He reached for another sheet of gauze, this time bringing along with a Tensor bandage.

Wrapping her arm around with gauze first, Yzak then proceeded with wrapping the Tensor bandage around the gauze, taking care not to have any folds or creases. Putting place the clips to keep the wrap steady, he sighed upon it's completion.

Shiho gently bent her arm, studying his handiwork. ''Wow... That's very nice, Yzak.'' she commented, noticing that it hadn't been wrapped too loose, or too tight. His expression was awed at the use of his name. ''You're actually good at this.'' Her tone was incredulous.

''You sound surprised.'' said Yzak, throwing the used gauze in the trash can. ''I took my first-aid class seriously.'' He packed up the supplies, tossing Shiho the small bundle he had brought with him. ''Here's an extra coat someone from the front desk said you can use.''

''Thank you.'' Catching it in her hands, Shiho winced as her back gave a tell-tale sign of distress. Unfortunately Yzak noticed, who stared intently at her again.

'

Yzak saw Shiho wince. Surveying the woman before him, she quickly composed herself, spreading the coat before her, to put it on. Her mouth twitched, most likely concealing the pain from her face.

''Your back looks hurt.'' he commented, unable to allow her to hide it any longer. Yzak could not let her be in pain, even if she was too stubborn to allow him to look at her injuries. Seeing the harm she merited herself was enough to make him attempt to be gentle.

''My back is fine.'' Shiho answered, wincing as she denied her pain. Yzak felt frustration come onto the surface again. He continued to glare at her until she stopped moving. ''What?'' she asked innocently.

''Stop being stubborn, Shiho.'' He opened the first-aid kit again. ''We need to get a look at that or it might get infected.'' Yzak saw Shiho gape her mouth at him indecisively. ''Well?'' he asked, withdrawing the pair of sewing scissors from the kit again. ''Are you going to make it difficult, or-'' Knowing she wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight, he smirked.

A long tense silence followed.

''Just turn around. Don't turn around until I tell you to.'' Shiho managed to reply. She was difficult to read beyond the painful expression.

Yzak shrugged, turning around. Whatever was the big deal? They were just going to check her upper back.

Rustling of clothing made Yzak aware of the reason why Shiho was hesitant to comply. The spasmodic thought of suddenly telling her to stop undressing blared loudly. An even scarier form of awareness seeped into Yzak; why would seeing bare flesh disturb him? It was nothing different, right?

''Okay, you can turn around now.'' Shiho called to him.

Having no other choice in the matter and scolding his lack of professional conduct, Yzak unknowingly braced himself, turning around.

There Shiho stood, her face flushed and turned away from his. The coat was wrapped securely around her chest, leaving her shoulders and upper back bare.

O-kay...

He better be as sure as hell not blushing. There was no need for any reminders about his gender, thank you.

''O-right, just turn around with your back to me now.'' Yzak mentally slapped himself at the stutter he just uttered. He watched as she slowly turned. A breath escaped his chest as Shiho pulled her ponytail away to her chest in order to fully expose her back.

There, nothing too alarming, was a bruise the size of a kiwi between her shoulder blades. The maroon colour of her bra straps framed the bruise exactly in the middle. Slowly he came up behind Shiho, studying the injury. Yzak could sense her tense up, clutching the coat tighter.

Distractions were in order.

''So Shiho, tell me why you are so focused on putting yourself in danger like that.'' Yzak randomly blurted out the first thing from his mind. Shiho's head turned to look at him in disbelief.

His tongue had a difficult time being restrained from releasing the verbal tirade he ached to let out; how Shiho somehow caused so much unexplainable dread within him, how he burst through the door, fearing the worst of his subordinate.

It's convenient for Shiho that Yzak couldn't bring himself to scold the woman before him at this time. Especially at a vulnerable state.

''Yzak, what are you talking about.'' Shiho said, frowning.

''I'm altering your attention. You need to stop worrying just this time and let me check on this.'' Yzak muttered, taking a finger and palpating the bruise lightly.

Shiho hissed in pain, sucking in breath. ''Fine, if it'll make everything easier...'' She let out her breath slowly. ''How about because I wanted to be reliable in someone's eyes?'' she replied, posing her statement as a question.

He let out a frown, studying the colour of the bruise. Nothing different. ''Intending to be reliable by risking your life unnecessarily and in a rash way is not the right idea to go about it.'' Yzak replied swiftly. Scrutinizing her back closer, he saw a cut right below the bruise, the size of the pinky finger. Unfortunately for Shiho, it looked as though it extended a little farther down her back.

''So, how is it?'' asked Shiho, as though she knew there was more to be found. She jumped a little as Yzak brushed against her bra strap by accident.

Face grim, Yzak audibly sighed. ''You got a cut that looks like it extends down lower on your back.'' He straightened out his posture. ''I think we should take a look at it.'' The protest came as he predicted.

''Maybe it's nothing.'' Shiho said. Yzak could see a visible shiver run through her. Is she really that antagonistic to his help?

''If you really don't like me helping you, maybe we should just find someone else then.'' Yzak called over his shoulder, turning around again. He was getting rather annoyed with Shiho's insecurity. Did she (somehow in the back of her mind) detest him in one way or the other? ''I'll just turn around and let you get dressed again.''

He tensed, sensing her presence quite close behind him.

''No.'' came Shiho's reply, in a whisper. ''Look, I'm sorry to be so difficult.''

Yzak caught her eye as he turned around. Shiho seemed to understand the effects of her actions, and her remorse proved it.

She wrung her hands uneasily. ''I'm just insecure about a lot of things okay?'' Shiho noticeably forced a smile, looking sheepish. ''Please don't hate me yet.''

Letting out a ''huh'', Yzak made a gesture that told her to turn around again. ''I won't, just don't get yourself into trouble like this anymore, how about that?'' Yzak grabbed gauze again and soaked it in water. ''Shiho, you need to let me see a little more of your back now.''

He shut his eyes for a moment, as Shiho did as she was told. This was a sentence he never imagine he would say.

...Get a hold of yourself Yzak.

Opening his eyes again, Yzak could see the continuation of the cut he scrutinized moments ago. Taking the gauze, he began to wipe away at the blood crusting around at the site. Goosebumps was beginning to form down Shiho's back, as the water cooled.

''Sorry, it's getting cold fast.'' He said, effectively making himself awestruck from apologizing.

''It's nothing.'' replied Shiho quietly, visibly taking deep breaths. Her back flexed beneath the coat languidly.

His eyes traveled down the cut. It seemed clean, nothing that would be in danger of getting infected.

He watched, fascinated at the contrast of colours between the dark red, and the pale glow of her skin. The crusty rough patches of the wound was comparable to the smooth and soft quality of her skin. It's jagged edges were unattractive, compared to the slender curve of her spine and the gentle curves of her waist-

Yzak paled. What...?

''Yzak?'' asked Shiho, noticing his silence. ''Is it alright?''

''So why have you declined 3 marriage proposals again?'' Yzak blurted out, before he could think things properly through. His patient sent him a scandalized glare. ''Sorry, it just came out all wrong- distractions, remember?'' He gave as an excuse.

He was being ridiculous.

Yzak furiously worked on the cut, careful to remain gentle... And to make sure his mind stayed on track.

''Yzak?'' came Shiho's voice softly with a little awkwardness.

''Mm?'' acknowledged Yzak, working on placing a Band-Aid on the cut. He pressed on the sticky sides carefully to make sure it was completely sealed.

''I want to say that I appreciate you helping me like this. I know you don't do this often, so really, thank you.'' Shiho turned her head to smile at him.

This smile caught Yzak off-guard, striking something hard within the commander.

Unlike her usual smile, this one was a little different. Her gaze held a message of something more meaningful. Something that Yzak couldn't pinpoint. Something Yzak wasn't sure how to react to.

Also maybe a little fearful towards.

As unexpected as the feeling came, it also ended. All the same, hearing Shiho appreciate what he did made Yzak feel glad at what he had done.

Odd, Shiho didn't appear so tense this time around, as Yzak himself felt at this moment.

One could even say that a smile rendered Yzak Jule speechless.

Say something...! He scolded himself. Anything! A little bit of alarm struck, as he noticed Shiho's smile faltering. She seemed to think that he didn't accept her 'thank you'.

''I was worried when I heard the gunshot, but I'm relieved that you're in one piece.'' Yzak said quickly, shocked at caring about losing her smile. Her smile returned, this time beaming widely at him. ''You're all set.'' he added, turning around again.

It took all of Yzak's self-control not to get affected by the rustle of clothing that threatened to take over his thoughts.

After all, he took pride in being a gentleman.

What is this effect I'm under?

Why am I only this confused when I am with you, Shiho?

'

'

'


Author's Note: Tadaaaaaa! The second part of my two-post blitz! I am... exhausted. Maybe it sounded rushed. Dear goodness, I hope not. I got all giggly in the end. I can't help it =(. I am completely happy of how this chapter turned out. Self-satisfaction is achieved. -happy-

Now that it's done, time to edit these two together! -background sounds of yay!-

Once again, hoped you enjoy- r&r

C.A. [June 7, 2010]