New Romance

by Jolly Bean

Shiho knew all along her feelings for a particular silver-hair Commander will not be returned. What if she is wrong? Yzak probably needs more time to put it all together. Plus, a couple of shoves from their friends and a series of incidents to make him realise. R&R please :)

5. Chapter 4 (Part 2)

Sorry about the delay guys. I know I promised an update in Feb and it had been 6 months since. I was working my ass off for a promotion, which I didn't get. The crazy amount of effort I've put in, it affected my health. I fell sick frequently. With all that disappointment and bad health, I was at a bad place. However, writing this fanfiction made me feel better.

I wrote bits and pieces of this fanfiction to distract myself. This update - I managed to pieced them together. The rest will be for future chapters. It accompanied me when I was on the bed and feeling really sick and upset.

But, as expected of disrupted writing, it was in a mess. I need time to clean it up. I need time to recover and nurse my health back. I needed to look for a new job, where my creative efforts will be appreciated and open doors for career progression (I'm from advertising and promotions line, by the way). Yes, it took me 6 months to get back up, to be back here again.

I hope you will enjoy this update. You guys (reviews, messages & subscription) are the one and only reason behind this update.

See you all at the end later... response to you lovely reviewers will be at the end of this update! it's good to be back *hugs*

DISCLAIMER: The story is mine and characters I've created to facilitate the story-telling are mine too but I do not own Gundam SEED & Gundam SEED Destiny.

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New Romance: Chapter 4 (Part 2)

Yeap, still asleep.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he wondered how long she was going to keep up with the act. The 'asleep' brunette seated beside him in the car.

Sure, she leaned her head to side, against the seat belt. However, he found her asleep in DEEP ARMS' cockpit too many times to know that she was faking it. Simply because she tends to murmur and make incoherent noises in her sleep. Now, she is dead quiet and still.

Every time he found her in there, the main screen was always on, showing the programme behind the battery consumption and cooling system. She will be asleep on the pilot seat with her head lolled to the side in an awkward angle. Her arms will be folded across her chest. No doubt she was thinking hard about the coding before she nodded off, eventually falling asleep.

There are times he found her breaking out in cold sweat and made frightened little noises. Brushing it off as stress or nightmares, he will always gently nudge her awake.

He quickly returned his attention to the road in front of him as he turned in to join the long line of cars waiting for the valet.

Inwardly sighing, he knew what happened earlier was going to cause serious awkwardness between the two of them. He started this whole mess by kissing her, and again. He can't blame her for doing this. It was her way of handling the impending awkwardness.

Then again, it spelled trouble - to have a straight talking person like her, who always face the problem head-on, behaving in this manner. First, the awkwardness was going to be ten folds worse. Second, there was a high possibility that she is going to brush it off as a mistake or pretend it didn't happened. The thought of it hurts, a lot. Don't ask him why he felt this way. It just did.

If it wasn't for Lacus' phone call earlier...

(Flashback)

"Ahhh!" She called out suddenly.

Her breathless yelp should have frightened him. It should have brought him to his senses, the girl under him was his subordinate. However, it didn't. In fact, it fanned the fire in him bigger. The desire to kiss her neck, shoulder, chest, and to leave marks along the way was almost animalistic.

He had never expected her to react like this, at such a light touch. Her hips bucked against his boner, and his mind went blank instantly. Nothing else matters right now, except for the brunette writhing in pleasure under him, unknowingly stroking him, pushing him closer to the edge.

"Shiho..."

Red staining her cheeks, purple eyes glazed with desire and something else, looking into his. All that while her fingers ran down his abs, tracing them through his cotton tee. As her roaming fingers neared the hem of the top, he couldn't stand it anymore. He needed to feel her skin on his.

He grabbed her wrist, guiding her hand under his tee, and pressed it against his stomach. He shuddered at the sensation. The coldness of her hands. A jolt of tingling chill down his spine, while he felt the fire consuming him grew bigger. He was growing warmer by the second. All this from a mere touch of skin. Unbelievable.

He leaned in to kiss her again. A rough sounding moan caught in his throat at the sweet contact with her swollen pout.

She whimpered and returned the kiss with a newfound fervour. One hand slid its way to his neck, bringing him closer. Her other hand beneath his tee took the opportunity to explore every raise and dents defining his abs.

Oh god... Feeling it yet unable to see, while her lips locked with his for complete domination make this whole escapade a lot more erotic. She slipped the other hand under his tee too.

His ears caught a soft drawn out whimper slipped from her lips, in between the heated tangle. Both of her hands slid away from his perfect abs and run along his sides. Gliding their way up his back, she unknowingly pressed him closer to her, chest to chest, and causing his tee to ride upwards.

Just as her hand ghosted past his shoulder blades and her fingers digged into the back of his neck where it meets his shoulders, he pulled back suddenly.

With quick work of his hands, he removed the sweater and tee.

She was about to take a good look at his bare chest when he came leaning towards her and returned to frying her nerves. A guttural moan filled the room the moment his lips slammed over hers in a heated caress.

She swear if the 'scramble' alarm in Voltaire went off, nothing in her will register it. Simply because her conscious mind had melted away. All her senses locked on to the out-of-this-world pleasure the man was giving her. A hand tangled in her hair while the other explored her figure, sliding lazily down side of her breast to her waist, while ravishing her with his tongue. Strokes mimicking the likes of the intimate sexual act, making the heat tingling her cheeks burn while her heart slamming against her ribs.

His hand untangled itself from her hair. Suddenly, he had both of his hands wrapped firmly around her. She was amazed by how feverish his skin was and how she was warming up from that. She can never become this warm on her own. Only with him, only in his arms. Her thoughts disappeared when he broke the scorching kiss to press hurried ones right below her ear and down her neck.

"Yzak..." She whined in pleasure. There was no way she could hold it back. She ran a hand through his soft platinum locks, while the other dig deeper into his shoulder blade. Pressing him closer and holding him there. Whatever he was doing felt too good. He can do this all night, if he wants. They can give the party miss and she won't feel guilty about it.

She felt one of his hand unwrapped itself from her waist. Taking its own sweet time, the long warm digits smoothed over her exposed stomach before they slid higher under her blouse to stop below her hidden rosy peaks. His long warm digits ghosted over one of them, movement was fluid and graceful, reminding her of silk flowing along the surface while being pulled from one end. His thumb gently pressed and dragged itself along the underside of the swell, as if familiarising the curve of a trail.

A jolt of electrifying sensation ran through her. Chills shot down her spine, while heated blood raced to her chest and up to her neck and cheeks. Her skin began to tingle, while her core started to throb, a new unfamiliar sensation pooled there.

As the sensory overload slammed down on her, she arched her back, unknowingly delivering her luscious mound into his hand. When she felt his hand closed on one of her breasts in a gentle squeeze, her heart almost stopped. Air knocked out of her. She swore she could have black out for a split second. These were all too much to handle.

Unknown to her, her half-gasp with a whimper stuck in her throat was a new addition to his growing list of things he liked about her. The other was her 'twins'. It was just as he had expected, firm yet soft. He didn't need to see it to know those luscious swells were not big by any standards but they fit his hand just right. The need to remove her blouse hit a new high when he felt its perky end, bagging for attention.

Sliding his fingers away and out of the blouse, he ran his fingers lazily along the neckline towards the thin strap. He fought the temptation to remove the blouse without her consent.

"I want to see them, Housenka..." He whispered into her ear, while tracing the edges with his lips. "badly..." He added huskily. He had to ask, recalling she had never been with a guy like this. Even though it was killing him. The tightness he felt down south wasn't helping either.

*RINGGGGGGG*

He froze when the sound of his mobile phone ringing.

*RINGGGGGGG*

You've got to be kidding me.

"I-I think it's your phone." She said shakily. Her cloudy eyes turning brighter with passing second, even though the blush colouring her cheeks and little pants of air told him that she was still caught up in it.

*RINGGGGGGG*

"Yzak... I think it's urgent."

Why now? WHY?! Guess he didn't have a choice but to answer. FML.

He reached for his phone reluctantly. "WHAT THE FxCK DO YOU WANT?!"

"Yzak?" A feminine, almost child-like voice sounded from the other end of the line.

"Sorry, it's me." Cold wave of dread washed over him as soon as he recognised who the caller was. Lacus Clyne. He just yelled at his boss. Better yet, he used a 'colourful' word on her too.

"Lacus? Oh god. Sorry! I thought you were Dearka." He quickly got off Shiho and sat at the other end of the sofa with his free hand holding his head.

"Is everything ok? Are you in the middle of something?" Lacus asked, genuinely sounding concerned. How can someone not be offended after being yelled at?

"Maybe you can call me back when you are done?" She added calmly. She made a small sound that told him that she was wearing a small smile, not at all annoyed.

I won't be able to return your call when I am done. I'll probably too exhausted to remember my name. He thought wearily as he dragged his palm down his face.

He would probably go at it until both of them were flat-out exhausted. Wait, she has never been with a guy. Could she be...?

He turned his head slightly to the side and stole a glance at the brunette. Grabbing a cushion nearby, she sat up and buried her very red face into it. He inwardly chuckled at the sight. She was so adorable. Even her ears were red. With such a reaction, he doubt it will be happening now or soon.

"Yzak? Are you there?" The pink hair woman sounded over the phone.

"Yes, it's good now. What happened?" He replied, wondering why she would call him at this time. She is a nice boss – she tries not to bother him when it was past working hours. Not that he minds, because he was perfectly aware of his job's nature.

"I just wanted to inform you that I've arranged a private meeting with Cagalli. It's two weeks from tomorrow."

A wave of annoyance and puzzlement surged through his veins. Staring down at his now clenched fist, knuckles turning white, he quickly pursed his lips together.

"It's about what we have discussed previously, isn't it?"

Has Lacus gone crazy? Why are they having this meeting? The Princess of Orb's late husband is a supporter of Earth Alliance (EA)! He was the ringleader behind ORB's brief alliance with the enemy.

He may be dead, crushed by a mobile suit during the recent war, but Yzak is not about to take the risk.

Although the Princess fought tooth and nail to snatch back the full reign from the other four royal families, Yzak is not going to even consider.

Even if the Princess of Orb announces the annulment of the politically-driven marriage (since that joker is dead), Yzak is not going to discuss such matters with her, or Orb or anyone that was not from ZAFT. Period.

"Somewhat." Lacus replied. He caught her formal tone and evasive reply. It only means that he has no way out of it.

"Let me know when and where." He replied, no point arguing with his boss or requesting for details now. Lacus is not about to tell him over the phone. Although they are speaking via encrypted and secure channel but it's best not to risk it.

"Yes."

"Okay."

"By the way, have you seen the finalised shots?"

His mind was still a little murky to register the sudden switch in topic. "Finalised shots?"

"Yup, for the campaign. The PR team included the one with Shiho in it. She's beautiful in the kimono." She said excitedly, while the platinum blonde was still lost. "Huh? The what?"

A small chuckle slipped from Lacus. "Kimono. It's the Japanese's traditional attire for women. She's half a Japanese."

Upon the word 'Japanese', he immediately recalled what Chloe has revealed about Shiho's background.

Her mother was a Natural from Japan, a territory under the Republic of East Asia. How did Jordan Hahnenfuss get involved with Shiho's mother in the first place? Considering Chloe's age, who is a couple of years older than Shiho, Jordan Hahnenfuss was married by then.

With Chloe's outburst after dinner and Shiho's revelation of her childhood days in the Hahnenfuss' estate, it made sense for the brunette not to don the traditional attire of Germany. Except for old Madam Hahnenfuss, no one there welcomed her. They probably tolerated her presence because of the elderly matriarch.

Guilt washed over him. If only he knew Shiho more, he wouldn't have asked her to represent the Joule team and participated in the post-war campaign. Shucks, it's bad. It put her in an awkward position. Perhaps, it made her more bitter towards her circumstances. He remembered how caustic she was when talking about Chloe.

Oh no. He should apologise to her. Then again, how is he going to do so without her learning that he knew about her background.

Shit, just what kind of sticky situation has he gotten himself into?!

"Right." He muttered a reply, as the brunette was nearby. He didn't want her to know that they were discussing about her.

"You knew she's part Japanese?"

"Yeah."

There was a silence at the other end of the line for a couple of seconds.

"I don't mean to pry into your personal life. If the rumours about you and Chloe is true, I want you to know two things." Lacus finally spoke but she sounded rather stern the moment she mentioned about Chloe.

He and the blonde bombshell was rumoured to be dating. No doubt that she was the one who started it. However, he didn't come out and counter it because he is a soldier and a interim politician. He is not a celebrity so he is not going to react like one. Even though the media behaves as if he is one.

It was better than being accused of having a varied sexual orientation. He was not homophobic. He has an open view on such matters but to have the media writing such nonsense about him was out of line.

Wait till the day he marries or better yet, becomes a father, he is going to squash the whole bunch of them with lawsuit. They will be sorry for writing rubbish about him.

"One, I hope you don't give Shiho mixed signals. Things between them are complicated. It started at the parents' level and trickled down to both of them... They are half-sisters but Chloe regards Shiho as a stepsister, for unknown reasons." Lacus started, with her usually child-like voice going downward spiral, sounding slightly matured and very serious.

"Second, if you hear anything about Shiho from Chloe, it will be great if you disregard it or run it with Shiho. The decision is entirely up to you." The pink haired woman continued.

Okayyyy. She means business.

"Don't worry about it. If it makes you feel better, it was a one-off thing. We aren't in contact anymore. Not by choice." He revealed, making sure he sounded causal. No point going defensive on her when she was just looking out of a friend. He would have done the same.

She blew out a tensed breath. "Shiho is a dear friend, and a great girl too. I don't want to see her hurt because of your indiscretion."

Yzak's eyebrows raised in surprise. He was utterly taken aback by her words. He can't help but to feel that she was warning him to thread carefully. The friendship between the two women certainly runs deep. He had never expected the mild-mannered woman to be so uptight and blunt.

"Noted." He replied, trying to sound normal.

"Okay, see you tomorrow." And she hangs up.

He locked the mobile phone and returned it into his pocket. Looking to his side, he realised the brunette was nowhere to be found. However, his discarded tee and sweater were folded nicely on the sofa cushion beside him.

Right. He had removed his tops and almost did the same to her.

Putting them back on, he wondered about now and later. Especially when she reappears and the both of them had to be in the car for a 30 minutes drive.

Don't get him wrong though. He wasn't embarrassed about their steamy escapade. Neither was he going to brush it off as a case of uncontrolled hormones.

Sure, he was young and a guy. However, there is something more than it being a physical thing when it comes to Shiho. Ever since he took over the team and worked with her, got to know her in person, everything regarding her – her words, her actions etched onto his consciousness longer and much deeper than anyone else in the team. Occasionally, it tugs at his heartstrings.

Over time, he became more aware of her presence. There are times he subconsciously scans the meeting room for a brunette with a stoic face. Especially when the war has ended, the warm tingling feeling she ignited in him grew into something deeper. Now, it was beginning to be feel intense. It baffles him as much as he scares him. He had never felt this way before. Not even when he was with Brenda. This thing he is feeling, it is different. It is bigger.

Yes, Yzak Joule is scared. He was afraid that she didn't feel the same. That it was all in his mind. That it was all on him.

(End of Flashback)

"We are here. You may want to try napping later." He said, decided to cut her some slack by not using the word 'pretend'.

He had expected Shiho to sit down with him and attempt to put a label to what is the relationship between them. That was what other women try to do but he never gave them a chance to. He leaves before they wake up. He made it very clear before they went on. He knew the women who came to him did not really want that a committed relationship. It was tied to some form of materialistic gain, either being his trophy girlfriend, surge in popularity and/or status or better yet, his wealth.

He knew Shiho was not like them. If she did want to talk to him about it, it was because of work. Heck, he can even foresee what she would say, "I don't want this doesn't affect our working relationship. You are still my boss and I'm still your staff. We are going to treat each other as it is."

He can't put a finger on the reason behind this guess but he just knew how the brunette behaves when it comes to work. She is an incurable workaholic, just like him. If Shiho was like the other women, she would have pulled a couple of stuns long time ago. There were plenty of opportunities for her. And then he would have removed her from his team, from all the classified projects, and put her under surveillance for an extended period.

Unlike popular belief that he doesn't thread areas under his mother's influence or once under his mother's purview, he didn't care that Shiho was brought in by his mother to work beam weaponry project.

The moment Shiho behaves like them, he will cut her off and kick her out. This is work. Given its nature and importance, he has to ensure personal matters don't come into the picture. That is also why he has been very firm about not fraternizing with female colleagues, until just now. Almost. When the thought of it struck him at her studio apartment. And of course, how he behaved earlier. It went totally against his initial stand toward fraternizing.

Yeap, so much for not fraternizing, Joule. You almost strip your third-in-command. If she's willing, you would have slept with her. No doubt. The annoying voice was back again but what it said was true.

He will be lying if he disagrees. However, something tell him that it isn't going to be as casual as it sounds. No, definitely no. It won't simply be sex. All because the person is Shiho.

Right now, he didn't want to go there. He need to iron things out with her first. Starting with what happened earlier, which confirmed his suspicion that the dynamics between them has shifted, into something beyond professional. Was it platonic? No, doubt it. Perhaps romance has come into the picture?

Nevertheless, he didn't expect the brunette to be like this – to pretend to be asleep, to avoid talking about it or facing him. He doesn't know why but it hurts. It hurts so bad that he can't breathe.

He felt like he was the leading male in a typical drama or movie. The couple had the biggest and nastiest fight in the whole of their relationship. The woman, who is Shiho, is expected to give the man, him, the cold shoulder. However, it turns out that the woman shut him out completely. It was heading towards the scene where she finally speaks up, only to initiate the ultimate decision.

("Let's break up," she would say. And then, he will respond. "Why? Why are you doing this? Isn't there any way out of it? Can't we talk this out?" Tears will start rolling down, staining her cheeks as she sobbed, saying that she can't do this anymore and that they can't go on like this.)

However, knowing Shiho for so long, he knew she wasn't going to cry. She will go Ice Queen on him – steely gaze, giving off that 'my word is rule' vibe. Words were going to slip past her lips in a flat tone. She won't give him a chance to counter her or change her mind.

Alternatively, she will look away, not into his eyes, and say it quietly before she walks away, effectively ending the conversation and making whatever they shared a bittersweet memory.

A chill ran down his spine at the thought. No, that is not happening. He won't allow it. "Shiho, we need to talk."

Several seconds went past before she decided to open her eyes slowly. She looked at him for a second before scanning the surrounding area outside the car.

"Where are we?" She sat up instantly, too quickly for someone who was supposedly asleep a couple of seconds ago. A frown surfaced and she was already unfastening the seat belt.

She was getting tense. If he makes a wrong move, she is going to knock him out cold.

This is how she operates on the battle field - hit first, talk later. That is probably why she rarely engages in close combat. She prefers to eliminate her threat from a distance, before they noticed her. DEEP ARMS' beam canons were live and hot when it reaches the catapult. She was firing away the moment DEEP ARMS was out of the no-fire zone.

He shifted backwards very slowly, in an attempt to put some space between them. He recalled her sparring sessions with other female pilots in the gym. She lacks in strength, so she banks on speed.

"If you don't keep a close eye on her, you are a goner." It was the late Commander Le Creuset's advice to him whenever he was about to go into practise or simulation with her. With her offensive yet stealthy ways, coupled with the speed she was famous for, it always escalated into a dogfight. "Lose sight and lose the fight, Yzak."

"The Attic Place. Apparently, everyone wants the valet's help, so we are stuck here for a while." He replied, indirectly telling her that there was no escape from the impending conversation. She nodded and kept her sight on the long line of cars in front of them.

Why was he not surprise with her response?

"Shiho-" As soon as he started, she cut him off. "What do you want me to say about it, Yzak?" Her voice was cold. His mind may have made it up but he caught a hint of defeat lacing her words.

The platinum blonde shifted in his seat to face her fully. "Don't you have nothing to say about earlier? I'm not buying it." He pressed, keeping a tight grip on his temper. He never likes to repeat himself, and this was his third attempt.

She took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Refusing to look at him, she kept facing the front and closed her eyes. "I'm not saving it for marriage but I don't want to be in a toxic relationship."

There, she said it and she can't believe what she blurted out. Nevertheless, her tone was surprisingly firm, opposite of her resolve. She was getting increasingly irritated with Yzak's persistence.

What does he expect her to say? That she likes it? That she thoroughly enjoys it and can't wait to move into the next level with him? What is that? To sleep with him?

"I don't want to be one of those girls, whom you hook up with for a one night stand. I don't want to end up being your fxck-buddy simply because I'm in your team." She continued, feeling something huge wedged in her throat as soon as those words left her lips.

She wanted to hit herself so badly, for this contradiction. Earlier, she let him have his way with her. Now, she decided to cut him off. Is this wrong of her? It definitely sounds contradicting but can't a girl say no? Just because... well, just because she wanted more. Something more than a physical arrangement. Sure, she enjoyed their little escapade earlier but this... she wasn't stupid. She knew where this is heading to.

For her, having sex (before marriage) with someone she likes romantically is an emotional and physical investment. She is absolutely alright with it as long as her partner feels the same.

For Yzak, she knew it is not going to be the case, at least for now. She heard about such cases, seen it in movies. She doesn't know how people in real-life deal with this lopsided equation but she know she can't. Her being emotionally-invested, while this is likely to be a mean for Yzak to rid of the 'itch'. It is going to kill her.

Even if (according to Dearka) the platinum blonde does like her, she wants to be certain of it. She wants to feel it, to ascertain for herself. If all of it turns out to be one way, she can't deal with it. She's going to be inconsolable.

To say that she really likes Yzak under-describe the intensity of her feelings for him. If the unfortunate happens, she did rather have things the way it is right now. She secretly harbours romantic feelings for him, while he sees her as a loyal comrade in arms.

He blinked for a couple of seconds. The frown, which grew into a look of surprise, morphed into an expression of understanding. "Is it too late now to say sorry?"

She went rigid and turned around sharply to look at him. "I don't want you to apologise-" He sighed exasperatedly, effectively cutting her off.

"I know you aren't looking for one but I haven't been doing anything that makes you not think I'm trying to hook up with you."

She opened her mouth and was about to interrupt when he raised his palm at her. "Let me finish, Housenka." She shot him a glare with her lips pouted in annoyance. He could kiss her right now.

"I know my behaviour earlier is not helping here but I've never consider you as a hook up material." He repeated, holding on to her glare which was quickly softening. "You are right. If we carry on, we are going end up being friends with benefits. I don't want us to end up like that too. You..."

Nice going, Joule... please don't tell me you are going to tell her it's because she is too valuable to the team and the ongoing projects.

He inwardly sighed. Of course not. There are so many things about her he doesn't know and he has been wanting to find out but he doesn't know how or where to start.

"You... Aside from the fact that you have a really bad sweet tooth, I don't know anything about you, personally." She raised both eyebrows at him, not in her usual fashion of challenging him, but in utter surprise.

He raised an eyebrow at her too but looking completely puzzled. "What? Why are you looking at me like that? I'm not kidding. We should get to know each other... Not as working partners. As friends maybe? You know, to start somewhere." If Dearka was here, that idiot was going to laugh his ass off. He sounded unsure, so not himself.

She frowned immediately, with her purple eyes locked on to him in disbelief. As if he grew two heads.

Her silence was driving him crazy. "What? Say something, Housenka."

She blinked in response, and that was the best she could manage for the time being. She was speechless. All that he had said moments ago was very unlike the man she knew. As Commander Yzak Joule. As Supreme Council Member Yzak Joule. As her crush, Yzak Joule.

First, he apologise and the Yzak Joule she knows rarely apologise.

Second, he admits that his actions were misleading. He never admits his actions are less than favourable, even after you point it out in his face.

Third, he doesn't want them to be bed-buddies. Guess she misunderstood him.

Fourth, and most surprising of all, he knew she had a sweet tooth. How on Earth did he found that out about her? As much as she wanted to, she has never request for an extra serving of dessert when she was done with what she was given at the cafeteria. All because the cafeteria staff weren't very friendly to her, for unknown reasons.

The thought of him noticing her brought about a familiar wave of tingling sensation all over her. Maybe Dearka was right after all. He does like her, well, in his own ways.

Don't let such a small insignificant observation fool you, woman! Like he said, he doesn't know anything about you in person! That little voice scolded.

It had a point but recalling his attempt to befriend her, in a bid to know her better, surely the thought counts for something. Right?

Then again, should she give him that chance? What if this attempt to be friends fail? Things are going to be awkward between them. Her heart sank at the thought of him or herself not being able to look at the other in the eyes and have a decent conversation. There is no way they are able to resume that collaborative synergy for projects and missions. This also means that she isn't going to remain in his team for long afterwards. As there is no point for him to have her in his team when it is uncomfortable for them to work together.

She sighed inwardly. Is Yzak that stupid when it comes to such matters? Even for someone who has never dated or been on a date before, she knows how it works. Why doesn't he, whom she assumes he has dated before, sees her dilemma? Why does he keeps pressing her about this? Or is he acting dumb?

The sound of the car door opening snapped her out of mental ramblings. It was Yzak, who was holding the door open for her. She turned to see the valet standing behind him, smiling, patiently waiting for her to get off the car before he get on the driver's seat.

"After you." The platinum blonde sounded, giving her a small smile. She got away this round but knowing him, he was not going to let it slide the next time. He was going to get an answer out of her, and likely to be pushing for the answer he wants to hear.

"Thanks." She smiled as he quickly offered his hand while she got out of his car. As it was a sports car of sorts, it was relatively low in height. Quite challenging for someone of her height, in bandage-skirt no less, to get out.

Her heart somersaulted when she held on to his hand for support. Now, her heart fluttered like a hummingbird because he tighten his hold on her hand and did not let go. The valet stepped forward as the platinum blonde handed him the keys.

"Can you do me favour?"

"It will be my pleasure, Mr Joule."

"Please be extra gentle with her and don't put her out for show. She belongs to my great grandfather. Pre-Cosmic Era, one of the seven produced. There's no way to fix her if she's injured."

"Rest assured. She will be fine."

"Thank you." Yzak gave a tight smile and shook the valet's hands.

"Enjoy the party, Mr Joule. Miss." The valet nodded, while Shiho smiled and waved her thanks.

"What?" she asked as he looked at her with surprise written all over his face.

The women he knew (out of the military circle) or those his mother tried to match-make him with, expected to be served. When it comes to service staff like the valet, they treat them as if they were servants, resembling those of ancient times. It was a stark contrast from the way Shiho's small yet friendly gesture to the valet. It was a refreshing experience, after having to put up with the distasteful attitude.

As they joined the queue for bag check, a voice called out from behind. "You must be Shiho!"

Both of them turned to the direction of the voice to see a petite woman with light brown hair and ocean blue eyes, at an arms length. Behind her was Dearka.

"Miriallia?" Shiho asked, with a smile forming.

The woman briefly nodded, taking a step closer. "You knew? We haven't met before."

Shiho eyed the smirking tanned blonde. "Dearka has a photo of you at his desk."

"See? And you don't believe me." The tanned blonde gave her the sideway look, effectively earning a playful smack on his arm from the blushing woman.

She chuckled at the scene in front of her. Both of them made an adorable couple. One was tall and loves to tease his significant other, while the other was petite and hits him as a way of hiding her embarrassment. She suspects that was her way of showing affection too, well, in a playful manner. Less of the lovey dovey kind, which was more of Dearka's style.

"Just arrive?" Yzak's voice startled the Natural.

"Yup, the parking here is terrible." Dearka replied as his hand held Miriallia's smaller ones.

"Yzak, Shiho. Miriallia, the love of my life." The tanned blonde introduced proudly, while the Natural blushed and shoved him.

"Hi." She waved timidly, a sharp contrast of how she was like to Dearka a few seconds ago.

As Shiho returned the friendly wave, she couldn't help but to feel a little envious. She wondered when her turn will be.

The platinum blonde responded with smiled but it had an awkward slant. Then it struck the brunette. Could it be that Dearka has never formally introduce Miriallia to his friends?

Well, this is the first time they have met her anyway. Wait a minute, it shouldn't be a surprise. He was a hard-core playboy last time. He probably changed his 'girlfriends' in a such short span of time, too short to make it to the stage where he introduces her to his friends. She may not know Miriallia long but she felt happy for her. It seems the tanned blonde is slowly proving himself to be a changed man.

"Well, look at you! Major Hahnenfuss! You look great, all dress up for a party." Dearka flashed a toothy grin, and quickly eyed her playfully from head to toe before Miriallia caught him.

She was about to make him concede defeat when Yzak beat her to it. "Miriallia, keep an eye on your boyfriend. I don't want him anywhere near her."

In an instant, three pairs of eyebrows raised and eyes staring at him with utter shock and disbelief.

"What's with that look? And hit him for me, will you? This stupid ass challenged her to dress up like that. She's going to catch a cold!" He said with annoyance written all over his face.

The platinum blonde further surprised everyone when he quickly removed his navy cable kit sweater, and placed it over the brunette's shoulder. Gently pulling both edges closer, where the buttons are, to cover her somewhat exposed chest.

"Hopefully this is enough to prevent you from catching a cold. You can wear it, if it's more comfortable that way."

The brunette stared at him, dumbfounded at his thoughtful gesture, while being oblivious to the blush dusting her cheeks.

Miriallia smiled at Dearka, while the guy wriggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Shiho was stunned beyond words. She can't believe he said all that. While his protective streak was way off the scale, she was touched by his gestures. Although she should be mad at him about this, she can't bring herself to.

He was being a sweetheart. He was afraid that Dearka can't keep his hands to himself, which was 100% impossible because Miriallia is here. Yzak was also worried about her catching a cold because of her skimpy top. Well. Not the usual or typical standard of skimpy but the top she wore is unlike the everyday sleeveless top or tank top.

It was a cream-coloured peplum-like bralette, but of a thicker material. The top half was less fitting than the bottom half, which ends just below her ribcage and skin-tight.

Held up by two thin strips, like those of a spaghetti top, the top half resembled a flower in half bloom. It loosely covers her boobs, like blooming petals that weren't close tight but not fully open yet, offering a peek of the flower's colour and a hint of its size before its full bloom. It was exactly the same effect when worn.

Don't worry, she won't end up with a wardrobe malfunction, nip-slips and all. Just the top of her breasts – its gentle swell , and the cleavage of her 'twins' were revealed. The remaining areas were covered securely, with the 'Hollywood Tape' holding the cloth to her skin.

Paired with her favourite pair of Nike Women Sky Hi (Hidden wedge) Dunk, which the fabric appears to be inspired by Chanel classic tweet, she was comfortable, looking good, and appears of her age – 19 going 20.

She hope she didn't look trashy in the revealing top and bodycon skirt, while attempting to win the challenge. Not wanting to be identified as a party queen or an airhead, she skipped the push-up bra, and made effort to avoid typical dresses with plunging necklines, bodycon dresses, and killer heels.

Now with Yzak's cardigan draped over her shoulders, it was her preferred style of dressing. A touch of feminine but still comfy, and keep her warm.

It felt nice to have someone fussing over her wellbeing. She felt cherished and taken care of. The fuzzy feeling was back again, warming her up from within. If she could, she would give him a peck on his cheeks.

"What happened? Why did he challenged you into dressing up?" Miriallia stifled a laughter.

"He thinks I'm not capable of dressing up. Sexy and all. Just because I'm always in boyfriend-blouse, jeans and Nike dunks." Shiho shot the tanned blonde a pointed stare. Now that Miriallia is here, this is the best time for her to lodge a 'complaint' against him, and get him into 'trouble'.

The good-natured woman gasped, "he did that?" Dearka, who was behind her, mouthed to the brunette to can it.

Shiho crossed her arms and appeared offended, "yes. He did that in the cafeteria filled with many officers from other teams. Everyone there was watching a show."

Miriallia's jaw dropped and turned sharply to Dearka. "That was mean! How can you do such a thing?" The sound of open-palm slapped on an arm rang loud and clear. Yes, revenge is sweet.

Her ears picked up an evil snigger. Looking to her side, she realised it came from Yzak who pursed his lips in a bid to stifle his sniggers. Meeting her gaze, he gave her a small thumbs up. She can't help but to grin in response. It felt good.

"Miss. Please open your bag. Security check." The bouncer said in a monotonous voice. Shiho smiled as she unzipped her sling bag and opened it for the big guy to shine his torchlight in it. A wallet, a packet of tissue, and her mobile phone.

"Please unzip the small compartment over there."

The brunette dropped her smile and raised an eyebrow at him. "Why? I keep my sanitary napkin in there."

The bouncer straightened up and took a stare-down approach. "Sorry. Drugs peddlers are getting desperate these days. So are terrorists, they are getting smarter."

Shiho frowned at how ridiculous it sounded but decided to go along before a certain platinum blonde blows his top at the poor guy. She unzipped the compartment, took out a small sealed pink wrapper, and held it up to show him. "If you must know, I am off the Pill for a while now. Doctor's advice. The problem here is my menses happens to be irregular, so I need to have one of these with me at all times."

Despite her icy cold tone, she wished that the ground would split open and swallow her whole. Now the gang knows her body problem.

"Manager!" Yzak signaled the man in stylish suit to come over.

"Yes? Sorry! I meant! May I help, Mr Joule?" He approached, flashing his perfect set of pearl white.

"I completely understand your staff is passionate about his job but we are holding up the line for a while now." Yzak said politely, even though annoyance was starting to slip through.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind unwrapping it and show both of you, MEN, the content but you will have get her one in replacement." Yzak raised his eyebrows in an act of challenge. Him stressing on the word 'men' hinted how ridiculous the situation currently was. Clearly, his patience was wearing very thin now.

"My apologies, Mr Joule. Your understanding to my staff's dedication is much appreciated. Please this way." He extended his hands to the side and ushering all four of them in.

"Can I arrange a more exclusive corner for you and your guests, perhaps?"

"We have a table reserved under my name. Some of them are already here." Dearka replied, placing each of his hands on Miriallia's shoulder as she walks. As though he was pushing her along. They really make an adorable couple! If Miriallia decided to stop walking, he can easily rest his chin on top of her head because of her height. Shiho inwardly sighed.

The manager nodded and swiftly took out his tablet. Within a few taps, he found out about the table, while the 4 of them spotted the group of young officers toasting their drinks and laughing away.

"A gathering, I presume? If I may, I would like to offer a better spot. Usual charges for exclusivity and the table is with complements of the management, Mr Joule. Mr Elthman." The manager flashed his pearly whites again.

"What do you think, buddy?" Dearka asked as Yzak turned around and was about to throw the question at him.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Are you alright to change table?" he asked, looking over to Shiho. "I'm good with anything. As long as the kids are alright with it." She nodded in the direction of the younger officers.

"Don't worry, they will be fine!" Dearka waved it off. "Show us the better spot please. And can you get those bunch of monkeys to come over as well? Thanks!"

Miriallia laughed at his description of the youngsters.

Once all of them were gathered at the new table, Dearka introduced Miriallia. Much to their surprise, the young officers received her rather warmly. It was likely because of the good terms they shared with Dearka as their captain.

The waiter came along to take their orders for drinks. "I will order directly at the bar." Shiho announced, closing the menu. The question-and-answer session between the kids and the couple, mainly Miriallia, stopped immediately. The kids were looking at her as if she grew an eye somewhere on her face.

"What? I want something sweet but they don't have it here."

At side-glance, Yzak chuckled.

"There are some cocktails that are on the sweeter side. Second last page." Miriallia suggested.

"Doubt they are sweet enough for her." Yzak responded, giving the brunette a knowing look. The younger officers exchanged expressions and giggled with one another and Dearka.

Shiho smiled at him and stood up, about to leave the table when the Natural joined her. "I'll go too. Maybe I will order the same."

The brunette smiled and they began to make their way to the bar.

"You know, I'm not sure if the two woman becoming friends is a good or bad thing." Dearka quipped while everyone in the table burst into laughter.

(At the bar)

"Hi, can you make me something sweet and fruity? More on the sweet side. Not too heavy on the liquor please." Shiho ordered as the bartender came over. She was never a fan of liquor. In fact, she drinks only when she is at a party but just a little.

"Similar but more on the fruity taste, for me. Thanks!" Miriallia added.

The bartender nodded and started gathering the necessary ingredients.

"Thank you, Shiho." Miriallia said with a warm smile, while the Coordinator blinked in bewilderment. "What for?"

"If you had not make him come for me..." Miriallia pursed her lips in a weak smile, unable to continue. Shiho gave her a comforting smile and slowly brought a hand to the Natural's shoulder and started a soothing rub, "I can't imagine how painful it was."

Miriallia nodded.

"If his feelings for you isn't strong enough, no amount of scolding will convince him to make that trip to reconcile with you." The brunette started. She took a step forward to put her face to face with the Natural. Holding her gaze, she continued.

"He was stupid to agree, to break up with you, but it's not because he doesn't like you enough. You mean a lot to him, Miriallia. If that was what you wanted, he assumed that you will be happier than being with him, so he agreed and left."

The Natural's ocean blue eyes widened in surprise, before giving a small nod. Understanding swirled in her eyes.

"I know I sound like I'm siding him... but for a jackass who goes through girls as fast as changing clothes, it's shocking to see him so hung up about one girl. Yzak said the best word to describe Dearka in the past was 'man-whore'."

A small burst of laughter sounded from the Natural. Glad that she was feeling better, Shiho gave a little encouraging squeeze of her shoulder. "He got this, Miriallia. I know he jokes and teases too much to be taken seriously but when it comes to you, he is dead serious. You can trust him."

The petite Natural nodded with a warm smile. "Was he very badly affected when he returned? After the break up."

Shiho pursed her lips shut before her immediate response slipped. She was threading on thin ice. She didn't want to say the truth and then cause her to feel more guilty. Dearka mentioned before that the woman was still bashing herself inwardly for the break up and the hell she had put him through.

She felt her hold her free hand in between her small yet warm hands. "Please? Yzak is too intense for this. He will probably scold me for doing this to his best friend. Besides, you were the one who talked him into reconciling with me."

The Coordinator released a defeated sigh. Guess there was no way to avoid telling her, perhaps she can sugar-coat it. "The Second Bloody Valentine distracted him pretty well. When it ended, so was the distraction, and that was how we came to know the pain was killing him and his focus on the war was just a diversion. He was like a zombie. A ghost of his usual self. Yzak, you know, being himself, went into a crazy fit and even attempted to blackmail him out of it, but it didn't work."

She hoped Miriallia doesn't ask further. She doesn't want to reveal details of the meltdown Dearka went through. She remembered how she and Yzak struggled to carry the 1.8m tall man, who was knocked out cold by liquor, back to his studio apartment. That man was heavy.

"If it's alright, can you tell me what you said to convince him?" Miriallia asked quietly. It was obvious that a part of her don't want to know but the other part of her won the battle.

(Flashback)

"You are the biggest liar, Dearka. The worst of them all." She can't help herself. She was fuming. Angry that she hadn't noticed earlier. Frustrated, just like Yzak was, that he didn't share it with either of them.

"I'm alright now. Thanks." He held his head in his hands as he sat up. She returned to sit by the edge of the bed and handed him a warm towel. No doubt he was having the mother of all headache.

"Don't do this to yourself, Dearka. Talk to me." She said softly. Thank God Yzak left for a meeting. Otherwise, she can foresee him yelling his face off at the tanned blonde the moment he is awake.

"I just had too much last night. I should be fine after a warm bath, a good meal and a long sleep." He gave a small smile before pressing the warm towel to his face. He groaned in pain.

"I will bring you out for lunch. Take your time with the hangover and shower. I will be at the living room." Shiho nudged him by the shoulder and stood up, heading towards the door.

"I'm not suicidal... if that's why you are putting me under surveillance. Just let me have some quiet time and peace." Dearka said, sounding a little offended.

She turned around sharply and glared at him. She doesn't know why anger was running through her vein but her blood was boiling in a bad way. "Peace? Are you kidding me? Are you sure that your heart is going to leave you at peace?"

Knowing there was no way he can out-talk her when she is angry, even the slightest, Dearka lay back on the bed and chuck the towel on the night stand. "Please help yourself out of the room. I need to rest." He brought an arm over his eyes.

Shiho gave a bitter laugh. "You are lucky, Dearka. She feels as deeply as you do for her. And you let it go... you have no idea how my hands are itching to beat you. I'm never going to have this special thing with Yzak. I like him but he doesn't feel the same. And that's why you and Miriallia are idiots." The fire in her got bigger as soon as she started.

"You are the bigger one because you agreed to it. You let something so beautiful, something that doesn't come to everyone, go. You didn't even try and ask for a chance to prove her wrong, to fight for the two of you. You just went along with it. Then why the hell do you even bother with a relationship, with her in the first place?" She had to give Dearka a piece of her mind. She hated to see one of her good friends in such a state. She wanted the nosey, meddlesome, and cheery Dearka back.

"You could have just take it as a hook up or a new experience because she is a Natural. But you didn't. Because you saw something special about her. Something or many things about her draws you in. And you let all of that go, because you let her go. I expected more from you, Dearka. I expected more from a guy who turns his back on his best friend with a loaded gun in hand and ZAFT, indirectly because a girl." When she was done, she was a tad breathless. She couldn't shut her mouth.

"If Yzak does this for me, he doesn't need a ring or go down on a knee. I will marry him, because the effort is good enough." She said softly, almost like a whisper. With every word she spoke, her heart shattered into smaller pieces.

"..."

"Go back to Earth and get her back, Dearka." She urged him more firmly this time, and that was when Dearka Elthman, the live wire of the Joule team snapped. "Stop it, Shiho! You think you know but you don't, OK?!"

Her hands balled into a fist, the thought of hitting him on the head and across his face has never been more tempting. "I don't but one thing is for certain, you mean a great deal to her and that is why she behaved the way she did!"

Although it was a short burst, it did nothing to cool the wildfire burning in her, making her blood boil at a whole new level.

"Why would she care so much about you losing your friends and family or you being looked down at by everyone when she could have use you, as Dearka Elthman, son of Tad Elthman, as her bragging right, as a trophy boyfriend? Or maybe dig as much gold as she can while you two are together.. Instead she chose to break up with you. I know it sounds self-righteous but think about it, Dearka." She paused to catch her breath before going on.

"If you didn't mean so much to her, she wouldn't have done it! Why would she fell out with her parents just to be with you at the first place? You tell me, why would anyone do that? You did that too. Initially, you joined ZAFT to escape the arranged marriage and ran from your family. Now, it's different. You walked out of your family for her, Dearka. The word, Elthman, is nothing more than just a family name on your birth certificate now. No status, no inheritance etc. You are nothing but a working class commoner but you have never been happier and free. Because you had Miriallia. I can see it. Yzak saw it too."

He may had a hand over his eyes, it wasn't enough to hide the tears that rolled out of his eyes and down his cheeks. She let out a tired breath before sitting down on the bed, beside him. "I'm not sorry for what I've said, Dearka. I'm not taking them back either, because it is the truth and deep down inside, you know it too."

She took the towel from the night stand and wipe away whatever tears she could reached. Softening her voice, she gently nudge his shoulder. "Have a good sleep. I will make you something to eat later. You are going to freshen up, and then you are heading down to Earth. Go win the girl back, soldier."

She patted his shoulder before leaving the bedroom. Leaving him to his thoughts.

(End of flashback)

"See what I mean? If he didn't love you deep enough, I could have scream my face off and he won't budge." She shrugged nonchalantly, giving the petite woman a comforting smile.

The Natural took a step closer to her and hugged her. "Thank you, Shiho. You are god-send. I don't know how to thank you... I can't thank you enough..."

Having a hunch that the both of them are going to be great friends, the brunette returned the bear hug. "You don't have to. Just be happy and blissful with Dearka and I couldn't be any happier."

"He got this, Miriallia. Have faith in him and in the two of you. Everything will be fine." She reassured, gently touching her head like how an elder sister would.

The Natural nodded.

Taking a peak at the table, before reaching out for the drink prepared by the bartender, Miriallia gently nudged Shiho. "I'm pretty sure Yzak likes you. The thing between you two... it gives off the couple vibe."

The brunette just shook her head. "It's complicated... I wish things were more straightforward."

Miriallia met her gaze and held it for a couple of seconds before smiling. "Could it be his job as a politician? You know, the media attention and the fan girls."

Shiho broke the gaze and took a sip of her drink. It was sweet, just how she liked it.

"My mother is a Natural... and she is not married..." She revealed, going along with the hunch that Miriallia meant no unpleasant intentions.

She never shares about her background with anyone. Except for Lacus, but it was because they were friends since childhood days. Even when the pink haired princess was a little girl, the cold suffocating atmosphere within the Hahnenfuss mansion cannot be missed. Especially when Mrs Hahnenfuss happens to be at home, instead of having high tea with other wives of politicians and businessmen.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to." The petite woman said, looking awkward and guilty.

"It's alright. I hope you are not offended. I have my reasons for joining ZAFT but exterminating all Naturals in the world is not one of them." She smiled and the Natural burst into laughter.

"Nah, I will know if you are. Dearka was being an ass when we first met." Miriallia waved it off.

"How is your mother? Where is she staying at? Are you going to move back? Now that the war is over... you must have missed her a lot..." She quickly added, her enthusiasm was infectious.

A big lump formed in her throat. The brunette quickly took another sip of her drink while inhaling a deep breath. Should she? Should she not? She never spoke to anyone other than Lacus, about this.

"She passed away... shortly after I located where she was and found an opportunity to meet her. I have never stayed with her. I was taken care by my granny... you know, the mother of the sperm donor." She quickly turned away and had her body facing her drink, instead of leaning lazily against the bar. She reached out once again for the drink and sipped.

Deep breath. You are tougher than this, girl.

Deep breath. You can do this.

Deep breath. You don't want to make Miriallia feel bad, do you?

Deep, deep breath.

"How did you and Dearka came to realise the feelings for each other anyway?" Shiho asked before the nice woman started apologising.

The smaller woman offered a small apologetic smile before continuing. She caught her silent request to drop the topic. "Honestly, I'm not sure... we chat just before we went separate ways. I think it started from there."

(Flashback)

She left her seat and walked into the hangar the moment Captain Ramius announced the end of battle, and that she was released from her stations.

Despite her usual pace, her heart was racing. She needed to know if he was alright. She need to see it for herself. She didn't why she was so worried but she didn't anyone to die. She was scared, sick and tired of all these killings. Although she wasn't a mobile suit or mobile armour pilot but she participated in the battle, she was just as guilty.

In her eyes, Kira was very strong. He broke down but he fought on, regardless of his personal struggles. The entire ship had depended on him and Lieutenant Mwu La Fllaga to fend off attacks. She hoped Kira and Captain Ramius will recover from this tragedy.

Just as she stepped into the hangar, she started scanning for a tall tanned blonde. She began to walk towards his battered mobile suit, still looking around. Stopping in front of Buster, she saw the cockpit was opened. So where the hell was that arrogant ass?!

"Looking for me?"

She jumped at the familiar voice sounded behind her. Turning around, she half-yelled at him. "You scared me!"

"No, you weren't paying attention." He smirked. Argh, that annoying smile.

"What's going to happen to you now? Where will you be going?" She asked.

"ZAFT is going drag me back for a trial, military court." He said as if it was not a big deal, which worries her even more. Normal human being will be worried about such stuff, when authority comes into picture but the genetically enhanced human being in front of her isn't.

"Will you be alright?"

"I think so. Death sentence." He shrugged casually and started walking away.

"It's not funny!" She exclaimed as she quickened her steps to catch up. Him and his stupid long legs.

"I'm not joking." He looked sideways and smiled at her.

Goodness, talking to him can be so infuriating. "How can you be so calm about this?"

"Because I'm screwed either way."

She stopped in her tracks. The flash of sadness in his eyes left her stunned. His calm nonchalant exterior was just a facade.

"There has to be another way." She said, almost whispering. She couldn't get her mind of those haunting eyes.

He chuckled dryly. "Sure. Run back to my father. Agree to marry a girl I don't know and don't want to know. Then, I will have a solid chance of getting out of it alive."

Her heart fell. He had a fiancée. There was someone waiting on him. Hold on, why does she care. That's right. It was none of her business.

"It may not be that bad... after you get to know her better."

He stopped in his tracks, wearing a frown on his usually cocky yet handsome face. "I'm going to ruin 2 or 3 or maybe even 4 lives, depending whether I'm able to give my father a grandson with the first child. I'm going to ruin the life of my supposed wife and child or children. I may be an ass on many counts but this is different. I don't want history to repeat itself, on my kid." She didn't know why but he became more good-looking after speaking so firmly. Her heart skipped a beat. Something was wrong with her.

"Is that why you join the military?"

He smirked, "you're quick."

Then again, she didn't know how to respond or what to say. Hearing a little of his story, made her realise how lucky she was. She didn't know how she was going to live with such arrangement.

Just then, she felt a finger slid under her chin and tilted it upwards. In a blink, she was looking into a sea of bright purple. "Don't look so sad. I'll be alright." He said softly, almost as if he was convincing himself too. He was inching closer. Oh no! Was he going to kiss her? No, no, no! Tolle!

She quickly took a step back, out of his gasp. "Does that mean you will be marrying the girl your father picked for you?"

She didn't why but her heart ached at the sight of his hands falling to his side. He shook his head, "never."

She wanted to know he will be alright. Why can't he make it easier for her ? "How are you going to be alright? Does everything appear to be a joke to you?"

"It depends."

"On?"

"Your safety wasn't a joke to me. I promised you that I will be back, that wasn't a joke either." He took a step forward, and looked deep into her eyes.

She felt her face burning up at his honest words, coupled with the sincerity burning his lavender eyes.

"HEY KID! Stop hitting on her! You are needed on the Bridge. ZAFT is on the other line. They are arranging a carrier to pick you up." Murdoch shouted from where he was, at the entrance of the hangar.

The tanned blonde waved in acknowledgement, before shifting his attention back to her.

"You should returned to your room and stay there until ZAFT carrier leaves." He said, looking away. No longer meeting her gaze. The light, teasing tone was gone too.

"Why?"

A sad smile marred his features. "I don't want you to see me taken away..."

Her body froze as chill ran down her spine and ice crept up her limbs and held her heart in a freezing grip. It was happening, for real. He was going to be trialled in a military court. He was going to be sentenced to death.

Why? Why do they have to be so cruel? What was wrong with going against a twisted command structure? What was wrong with protecting those who merely wanted to stop the war and go home alive? Just what is wrong?!

"Hey..." his voice gently coaxed her out of her thoughts. That's right, she refused to tell him her name. When he found out and called her once, she told him not to speak of her name.

"It's Miriallia."

"Is it too much of me to ask for a hug, Miriallia?" He asked with a small smile. Eyes twinkling but still held the heart-wrenching emotion in it.

He didn't have to repeat himself. She took a step forward. Her hands past his waist and ended on his back, she rested her head on his chest as she leaned into him. She felt small but safe, as soon as he wrapped his arms around her. One across her back and the other around her waist, holding her closer against him, leaving no room between them. He pressed his cheeks to the top of her head, resting on her hair.

She closed her eyes as she committed this moment, being held by someone who may become history soon, to her memory.

"I'm sorry, Miriallia, for all those nasty things I've said. I'm sorry for your lost. I'm sorry that we got off the wrong start." He said quietly.

She felt him tightened his arms around her. He was afraid. He was saying his last words.

"You are going to be fine, Dearka." Her voice shook. She almost choked, as if something wedged in her throat.

He stiffened slightly. No doubt that he was surprised that she addressed him by his name.

"If I manage to get out of this alive, let's start anew. We got off the wrong start. I'll visit you, introduce myself properly and we will befriend each other. Perhaps you can show me around too. What do you think?" His voice carried a small flicker of hope.

She was fine with it. She was fine with anything long as he is going to be alive.

"Alright, it's a deal then."

(End of flashback)

"He took down my mobile phone. And he dropped me a message soon after, to leave his number in my mobile phone." Miriallia added, with a blissful smile on her face.

She has never regretted her actions that day. Even though she felt bad at the beginning because Tolle passed away not too long ago and there she was, in contact with another guy.

Shifting her attention back to the brunette, she gave her arm a little squeeze of encouragement. "From his behaviour earlier, Yzak is coming around. Just a little longer and you can hit him on the head for being a snail."

Shiho laughed at the image she placed in her head. "I hope so."

"Don't worry, you'll see. Let's head back before he comes over." Miriallia took their drinks and nudged the taller woman.

"He has been looking over for awhile now. I'm sure he is keeping an eye on you... in case any guys approach you." The Natural teased, while Shiho just shook her head.

"You are really Dearka's girlfriend." The brunette narrowed her eyes at the petite woman.

...

"What took you two so long?" The tanned blonde asked the moment they returned to their table. "We are almost done with first round."

"She lodged quite a few complaints about you." Miriallia folded her arms across her chest, and narrowed her eyes at him.

"What did I do?" The tanned blonde asked, genuinely looking lost.

"Many things. You are terrible." The Natural added.

"Sure you want me to say it out loud and remind your girlfriend?" Shiho folded her arms too and shot a pointed glared at him.

Yzak reached for his bottle of beer and took a sip, hiding the smile. Dearka was stupid enough to be fooled by two women. They were obviously having him on.

The staring competition went on for a couple of seconds more before Dearka finally cracked. "Come on, it was a joke."

Everyone else at the table burst into laughter. "You are so whipped, Captain! Can't you see Major and Miriallia jointly pulled a stun on you?"

When it finally struck him, he had a palm over his forehead in exasperation. "Oh no... the two of you became friends. This is the start of my nightmare."

Laughter filled the entire table again, while everyone clinked their glasses and beer bottles with one another.

"You look great, Major. Should dress up more often and you will be attached sooner then you think." Laura winked, while the brunette just rolled her eyes.

"I totally agree with Laura. You should wear skirts more often. By the way, nice legs!" A male officer raised his beer bottle at the brunette, effectively earning a death glare from his commander who was seated beside Shiho. He quickly lowered his beer bottle and took a sip from it.

The brunette, who was completely unaware of Yzak's silent threat, laughed and raised her cocktail glass in appreciation. "Thanks but pants are convenient. Movement wise. Keep my legs warm too."

"Is that why you wear the guy's uniform? Because of the pants?"

"Yeap. The ship is too cold, so is the base."

"It's just too bad, Major! You will look great in the women's uniform. The fitted top and skirts. Don't you agree, Commander?" Laura grinned at him, causing everyone at the table to look at him. She was Dearka's prodigy alright.

"She looks great every other day." Yzak shrugged casually. As the youngster made a scene with their cheers, claps and cat-whistles, he quickly reached for his glass of cold water and sipped. Hopefully it hides his warm cheeks.

"What about now?" Dearka added with an evil smirk.

The platinum blonde raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm not answering it. Coming from you, it's a trick question." He took another sip of his drink.

"Remember to do the necessary arrangements, you are taking her for three night shifts!"

Dearka burst into laughter and gave him an okay sign with his fingers.

"You shouldn't have challenge Major, Captain." One of the officers laughed.

"Now, now! If I didn't, none of us will know that she is capable of dressing up. We wouldn't know she has nice legs, decent boobs and knows how to do a winged eyeliner, am I right?" Dearka retorted playfully, while Shiho threw a paper coaster at him which he dodged quickly. Everyone burst into laughter.

"Let's take a group shot!" Laura quipped, signalling the waiter to come over. Yzak volunteered his mobile phone.

"Alright people, some of you are out. You will have to stand up and close the space between everyone." The waiter instructed.

Everyone stood up and hurdled closer together as much as the table allows. Hands to shoulders, hands to waist for those who are became close friends or more.

As she turned to face the camera, her back to Yzak, she spotted Dearka wrapped his hands around Miriallia's waist and pulled her against him. The petite woman shot him a half annoyed look, while red stained her cheeks. The tanned blonde grinned at her and pecked her nose.

A stab of envy went through her heart. She can't help it. They look great together and found herself wondering again on when her turn will be.

"Not good enough, hurdled as close as possible. Shoulders to shoulders. Yes, come closer, towards the table."

Just then, she felt a hand to her waist and something solid but warm pressed against her from behind. She looked back and saw Yzak. His face was a couple of inches away from hers. He must have taken a step forward according to the waiter's instruction.

"It's going to appear awkward in the photo." He said softly but heated look in his eyes told her that he didn't mind. He wanted this. She smiled and held his gaze while she felt for his free hand. Finally touching it, she held it by the wrist and brought it to up to her waist. "Because you left out the other one."

*camera flashed*

"hey!"

"what the?!"

He smiled as he wrapped both hands around her immediately, and held her close to him. "I was afraid someone will snap my wrist as declared. One wrist is better than two." He smirked.

"we weren't ready!"

"again! Again!"

She laughed and shook her head.

"Okay, everyone face the camera!"

She turned her head back to face the waiter and smiled.

*camera flashed*

"one more!"

She took a step back to press herself against him. A small sigh slipped as the warmth of his firm body sipped past his sweater and her blouse into her skin. She really likes it when he warms her up. It wasn't about conquering the lower body temperature she was born with but also her lonely heart.

He caught the little breathy sigh of contentment and tightened his arms around her. Tilting his head down, he pressed a quick kiss where her neck meets the shoulder. She turned her head slightly to the side, where her lips were a breath away from his ear. "You are the only exception, Yzak Joule."

*camera flashed*

"I wanna see!"

"Yeah, let's take a look!"

"Is it alright?"

"Was everyone's face in it?" Dearka walked over and took the phone from the waiter before the youngsters reached him.

As he scrolls through the photograph, his eyebrows rose in surprise. His expression soon morphed into one of smug satisfaction. He gave his best friend and Shiho a brief yet cheeky grin before he locked the mobile phone, making the screen blank just before the youngsters caught sight of it.

"Let's take another one, people!" Dearka announced and handed his phone to the waiter.

"I want to see everyone's hands over your neighbour's shoulder! We don't look like a team in the previous shots."

Surprisingly, the youngsters didn't grumble and were back to their initial position but following their Captain's instructions.

"Everyone look at the camera! One. Two. Three."

*Camera flashed*

"Another one! I wanna see your glasses up!"

The whole table went wild and did as told.

*Camera flashed*

Cheers erupted , and everyone stepped forward for a toast.

"To Commander, Captain, and Major!"

"To the mechanics!"

"To the pilots!"

"To the CICS and everyone on the bridge!"

"To our fallen comrades!"

"To Peace!"

The sound of glass clinking against one another went around for a while before the sound of gulping and laughter took over.

"Tonight is going to be awesome!"

"Yeah!"

"Free drinks!"

"Live band, woo-hoo!"

"Can't wait for the DJ!"

(Band's LIVE session)

*Jess Glynne – Take Me Home*

She swayed gently to the ballad as soon as the band started playing. He wasn't sure if she was singing along or mouthing the lyrics, but her lips were definitely moving. He soon found himself wondering how her singing voice sounds like.

Hopefully it isn't like Lacus. He is one of the rare few who wasn't mesmerized by the pink-haired woman's vocals. He found it too pitchy and sugary sweet. As the curiosity get the better of him, he inched closer to the brunette slowly, not wanting to be caught.

Her slender fingers, while holding onto the drink, started tapping to the slow beat of the drum. Purple eyes looked distant, as if she was stuck in a memory.

Despite the dimmed lightings, he caught reminiscence and hurt swirling in them. Her brief encounter with Lacus at his office flashed in his mind. Those usually-bright orbs were dulled with the same depressing emotion.

His heart constricted painfully at the sight. Just what had happened? Why was she so sad? He wanted to reach out and tell her it is alright. Then again, is that an appropriate thing to do? Are those words enough to make her better?

A sudden burst of anger surged through his veins as the truth dawned upon him. He was clueless. He knew nothing about her. Aside from her sweet tooth and Chloe's revelation about her birth, he knew nothing about her personally.

They fought two wars together and he knew nuts about her. It was so ridiculous that all the different definition of the word combined was not enough to describe the overwhelming sense of disbelief he felt towards himself.

Although he wasn't sure whether she knew much about him personally, he was certain that she knew more than him knowing her. Simply because she always say the right things at the right time, on active duty. She has a way of making him spill everything when he doesn't want to reveal it to anyone. She knows what his intentions are even before he say it. Yet, he can't do the same when it comes to her. There are times he knew how she was going to react but it's rare. Most of the time, she surprises him.

Something soft and cold beneath his hands jolted him out of his mental ramblings. As he blinked and looked down, there was the brunette's hand underneath his. He had unknowingly reached out and held her free hand.

"Yzak?"

He slid his eyes up her fine-bone hands to her lean arm and finally meet those purple eyes he came to like very much. Especially so with eyeliner. As she lined the amethyst orbs in a subtle winged eyeliner, which brought a hint of foxiness to her doe-like eyes.

"Is everything alright?" She asked, putting down her drink as she held his gaze. Even though her orbs are mostly filled with concern, there was still a trace of those soul-crushing sadness in them. He hates it. He want them gone. He want Shiho to smile, her purple eyes twinkling with joy, unspoken sarcasm, or even glint of mischief. He want to know what happened. He want to be able to comfort her. Just like how she did when he was at his breaking point.

That evening when Requiem was revealed. He didn't know whether he should be happy or upset that he was alive, while many of his comrades were killed in action. Someone's son, someone's daughter, someone's father, someone's mother, someone's spouse-to-be. He lost more than half of his squadron of mobile suit pilots that evening. He couldn't breathe when he heard the final count which Shiho came in to report.

She wasn't looking well herself. Her bangs were clipped up revealing a self adhesive bandage at the upper right corner of her forehead and it was swelling into a bump. He recalled hearing the CIC yelling at her over the communication channel to pull back.

It was a nightmare. Her helmet had cracked when she hit her head against the interior of cockpit, due to the impact from enemies' fire. Her machine's battery was almost dry. DEEP ARMS was showing signs of getting overheated due to the brunette's abuse on its beam canons. Even the mechanics were frantically ordering her over the communication to retreat too.

She set new records on the number of rounds fired by the beam canons, causing them to be on the brink of meltdown. One more round, which will be technically a forced fire, and DEEP ARMS' legendary beam canons will go into a meltdown. When that happens, there won't be a DEEP ARMS anymore. Its pilot, Shiho Hahnenfuss, will disappear with it too.

The usually stoic officer, whom he gave her a nickname of Housenka, was also the one who comforted him that evening. Slowly wrapping her arms around him, she held him as snuggly against her as possible. Resting her head slightly beneath his shoulder, she pleaded softly to him.

Not to blame himself. He didn't want it to happen. She didn't want it to happen. Nobody but EA wants it to happen.

Her voice, laced with something he had never heard from her. Tenderness. It singlehandedly filled his entire being with warmth. It soothed away the chilling sense of horror from the repeated memory of seeing Requiem fired, and the overwhelming sense of lost and guilt from the report on the number of his comrades he had lost. All of it were replaying over and over again in his head like a broken record player.

Until one touch, her touch. A comforting gesture accompanied with softly spoken words. She cut off all that noises in his head, and the terrible feeling.

She left him speechless. It wasn't just her tone but what she did too. She saw a side of him, which will no doubt be a shock to everyone. Terror of ZAFT was shaken. A side that he swore he will never show it to anyone. Not even his mother. Instead of laughing at him, she stayed.

He will never forget the look she had when she made him turn around to look at her in the eye. Worry was written all over her face. It only took her a second to register what was going on and her expression of worry morphed into one of pain. As though it hurt her to see him in such a state. He wasn't expecting that from her.

The biggest surprise of all was him returning the gesture. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed her even closer against him. He was unaware that he needed it until she showed him. He will never forget how she made him feel when she held him. As if he was all that matters to her. As if he meant the world to her. And she continued to hold him until he was better. No, she let him hold her until he was able to get back on his feet. She did that for him. She did many things for him. He had done none. He wants to now, for her. He hopes he is not too late.

"Can I have this dance?" He wrapped his hand around hers. Why are her hands always so cold?

Her jaw went slack and purple eyes widened in surprise, "You mean you want to dance with me? Like now? At the dancefloor where everyone is? Someone is going to recognise you and you are going to be on the news!"

He chuckled at her blabbering, she was really surprised. "Let my PR manager handle it. That is her job."

She pursed her lips and eyed the crowd filled with couples slow dancing to the band's performance. She will be lying to herself if she says she is not tempted to join them. The picture of her and Yzak over there, looking like one of the couples in love, made her dizzy with disbelief and yet, filled her with bitterness. Their escapade earlier was nice but it didn't mean anything until Yzak figured it out. Until then, she didn't want to put herself out there. She was afraid. The hurt will be too great for her to handle.

Very contradicting, girl. You wanted him to kiss you the second time! You gave in to it and now this? You are problematic, really.

Sigh, she couldn't agree more. Earlier she gave in and now, she was back at putting up shaky walls around herself. What on Earth does she wants? To give herself up and see where Yzak leads her to? Or hold back, wait till Yzak catches up, and then walk down the path together.

"I don't know about this... I don't want to cause you any trouble..." She voiced her dilemma aloud, chewing on her lips.

A small laugh slipped as he take in the sight of the brunette looking so lost and indecisive. Major Shiho Hahnenfuss is never uncertain. It was always either a yes or no. There was never a maybe. The Shiho now amuses him. "Is that your way of saying you don't want to dance with me?"

She straightened up and shifted her body to face him fully. Her hands waving frantically. "No! It's just-"

He tighten his hold on her hand and stood up, pulling her up with him. "If it's not, then let's go."

"Yeah, Major, run along! We'll look after your bag." Laura chipped in, eyes twinkling with mischief and excitement.

Sticking her hand out with open palms, she gestured to the brunette's small sling bag. "Hand that over and you are good to boogie." She gave her superior a naughty wink and nudged colleagues seated beside her.

Cue in the noisy youngsters.

"That's right!"

"Pass Laura your bag, Major!"

"Yes, the bag, Major! You are wasting precious time!"

"Don't worry, we will keep an eye on it for you!"

"Hurry hurry, before the band ends its session!"

Soon after, the whole bunch of them stood up and reached for Shiho's bag slinged across her body.

The brunette was caught off guard by their united front and sudden movement. Taking a step to the side only to bump into Yzak. Before she could apologise, someone was tugging at her bag.

Shifting her attention back to those overgrown kids, she conceited defeat. "Okay, okay. All of you are scary. Just a minute." The brunette sighed as she slipped her hand free from Yzak's grasp and removed her bag.

"That's it." Laura grinned with satisfaction at her victory. She took the bag and passed it to Dearka, who was laughing at the scene.

"Now be a good girl and have fun!" She cheered as she turned her superior around to face Yzak and playfully smack her butt.

The brunette yelped and turned around sharply. "What the fuxk? That hurts-"

The younger officer burst into laughter and playfully swayed her index finger left and right. "Uh-uh! That's post-party! Not cool to do it here. Go! Go!" with that, she turned Shiho around and pushed the couple forward.

"Be naughty, you two!"

*Justin Bieber ft. Halsley – The Feeling*

***Returning to the group's table, Laura planted herself beside Miriallia and made a face at her Captain. "Goodness. What is wrong with her? Commander finally makes a move and she did all that."

"Now you feel my pain." Dearka gave her a bored look as he took a sip of his drink.

The younger officers started discussing about the budding romance between their cool Major and fiery Commander.

"How can Commander not know Major likes him?"

"Maybe he is playing dumb."

"Or hard to get."

"Please, why would he wants to do that? He can have any girl he wants."

"To boost his ego, duh."

"Nonsense. It's not as if Major spell it out to him or swoons over him like those fan-girls."

"And annoying bimbotic daughters of other Council members."

"and those daughters of other senior commanders or ZAFT big shots."

"I agree. Major is not making it obvious enough to Commander."

"No. I think Commander is beyond hopeless in this. Come on, all of us can see that Major likes him. A lot. But Commander... *sighs in exasperation*"

"Wait a minute. All of you knew about Shiho crush on Yzak?" Miriallia asked in surprise, looking around at everyone.

Her boyfriend nodded. "It's pretty obvious, Milly. The only human left being clueless is Yzak."

The Natural's jaw went slack for a moment, "wow. He is dense. Really dense."

Laura chuckled, feeling very proud of herself. "That was why I insisted on her to go dance with Commander."

Reaching out for her glass, she grinned. "It's not everyday you see Commander making a move on Major."

With the glass in her hand, she raised it in the air. "To our romantically-hopeless Commander and Major."

The group burst into laughter and raised their glasses in a toast.

"Just make sure whatever happens tonight stays among us. No one is to say anything to anyone, this includes those who couldn't make it tonight. Deal?" Dearka said, raising his glass for another toast to the group.

Everyone was cheered and toasted. That was what made the Joule team different from many other teams. It is tight-knit, almost like a family.

"I thought only married couples are not allowed to be in the same team."

Dearka gave a tight smile to his younger comrades, "Let's just say Shiho's role in the team, plus Yzak's positions in ZAFT is going to be a very deadly combination...if he decides to go rogue."

"Commander almost has absolute power."

"Nah, he is still a baby in the political world."

"Unless Major comes from a family with strong political connections..."

"Holy shit! GUYS! LOOK!" one of the younger officer called out, pointing to the middle of the big crowd on the dance floor. "Commander is about to kiss Major!"

Everyone decided to flank the younger officer in an attempt to catch a glimpse of history in the making.

*Justin Bieber ft. Halsley – The Feeling*

***Stop staring girl, just stop.

The little voice was right. She should stop drooling over his back. He is going to feel someone was burning holes into his back and she was the culprit. It can't be helped though. Just look at him!

The muscles in his back, beneath his white tee, moved in rhythm with every step he took towards the crowd filled with lovebirds who were slow-dancing the band's performance. The white tee he wore was not wrapped tight like second skin but hugged his form snuggly enough to see the gentle dips and swells of firm muscles of his shoulder blades and upper back. They look so good that she can lick them.

It was different from how those overly-built guys in ZAFT wore their tee, which the cloth was stretched tight and left nothing to imagination. The one Yzak wore was likely a slim fit, subtly highlighting his wide shoulders and toned back. The form-fitting ends there, while the remaining length of the tee hung loose, leaving it to her imagination. No doubt the firm back tapered down to his narrow waist, since it was fitted at the top.

The overall picture hinted that Yzak has a narrow V physique, instead of the very common wide V she see in many male officers. Guys with muscles bulging everywhere, shoulder and chest wider than hips by too much, scare her. Guys with an all-over lightly toned look, wide shoulder and chest but proportionate to overall height and hips are very hot. And Yzak is one of them.

She could imagine the nice muscle definition he has hidden beneath the white tee and denim. She wanted to hit herself for not sneaking a peek when he removed his top earlier in her apartment. Sigh, she was probably too caught up in the giddy rush of sensation to steal a glance. It must have been quite a sight.

And don't get her started on the jeans. How he fill out the denim should come with a warning label. It wrapped his slightly thick thighs and the mild bulge at the calves, creating a nice lithe silhouette, which make him look much taller and built than he really was. Throw in his good looks and Shiho felt her heart skipped a beat while flames of desire licked her entire being.

As she shifted her attention to her now-warm hand, her heart did a backflip. She can't believe it was happening. Yzak was holding her hand. His bigger, slightly calloused hand wrapped securely around her smaller ones. He is always warm, warmer than her. She could never get that warm on her own.

Just then, he stopped walking and turned to smile at her. Taking her other hand in his, he gently pulled her closer to him until they were inches apart. "I think we are far in enough... less likely to be photographed here than at the edge." She felt her cheeks burning up as he looked into her eyes and smiled, still holding on to her hands.

Not trusting her voice, she nodded. It was just a contact of hands and she was reduced to a bundle of nerves! She can't imagine what is going to happen to her when he do more than that. Oh wait, he already did.

The sudden lost of warmth around her hands brought her back to reality. She was about to ask what had happened until she felt his hands slid around her waist and gently pressing her against him, silently urging her to step closer and lean on him.

She never like people telling her what to do. She never follow what she was told to do, especially when she has a choice or a right to say no. When she enrolled into ZAFT, she will never let others lead her into doing something she doesn't want to or when she has no idea what the consequences were, and what the situation was. Not even when she was test pilot in the Frigore Team, part of the Ground Forces.

Until the day she came to know Yzak personally, more than a colleague. That was after the Le Creuset team reshuffled and became the Joule team. When the hot-tempered and rash Red Elite Yzak Joule was trialled, mellowed, and became Commander / Councilman Joule.

This, the dance he asked of her, will be one of the many exceptions she extended to him only. Something she can never do for any other man. Don't mistaken her as one who plays hard-to-get though. It's just... she can't find it in herself to entertain such gestures. She didn't know why. Maybe it is what Lacus always say (more like gently chiding) about her, highly self-determining. A nicer way of saying she is too strong-willed and too independent to a fault. But what was wrong with being so?

Every time a male officer tried his luck, she did burst the unlucky guy's bubble without a second thought. Whether it was rudely or politely done depends on how the man approached her. She wasn't a man-bashing feminist but she wanted to be seen and treated as an equal, and not as a lesser being just because she has a different anatomy. She didn't like to be treated as a damsel in distress or someone in need of a man to save day when she can handle it perfectly. Since the platinum blonde asked her nicely, maybe gently - based on his usual way of speaking to both male and female officers, she can't find it in her to say no.

Please, you didn't intend to say no or reject him anyway. That little voice at the back of her mind reminded.

Not wanting to resist his advances and fight with the rationale part of her, which was screaming at her about the risk of being photographed with him, the brunette followed his lead. She took a step forward and closed the distance between them. She slid her hands up his back as she rested her head on his chest, while he tightened his hold on her waist, pressing her fully against him. Closing her eyes, she let the warm fuzzy feeling enveloped her heart and slowly filled her entire being. Being held like this by him, with his arms firmly around her, surrounding her with his warmth, she felt cherished and protected. She will never get sick of this feeling. She will never get tired of him holding her. A blissful sigh left her lips.

If only this is forever...

Don't go there, girl. Don't ruin the moment.

That's right, she will take whatever she was given. Even if it was fleeting. Even if it is just for now.

*Jess Glynne - Take me home*

They started swaying slowly to the next song, which was an encore of the song played when they were at the table. Just before Yzak asked for this dance.

"I remember the first time we were like this was at the end of the Second Bloody Valentine war." The platinum blonde said softly. Hot breath tickling the shell of her ear. Chills down her spine, while fire started coursing through her veins. The crazy onslaught of sensations was starting.

She made a sound of agreement, snuggling closer against him. "Felt like it was just yesterday. Even the first time we met, it felt as if it was this morning."

A hand of his unwinds itself from her waist, slid up her back and pressed her fully against him. The scene, him hugging her, was likely to appear on the headlines.

Lowering his head downwards slightly, he chuckled softly into her ear. "You hated me, didn't you?"

She knew exactly what he was referring to the first Bloody Valentine war. She met him when she was transferred from the Frigore team to the Le Creuset team.

Yes, Red Elite Joule and Red Elite Hahnenfuss didn't always get along back then. Many ignorant gossip-mongers will say Hahnenfuss avoids the much-feared Joule, or walks away when an argument was brewing because she was afraid of crossing Joule.

Commander Le Creuset, Athrun Zala, Nicol Amalfi, Dearka and those who worked directly with both of them will know that she didn't give two hoots about the platinum blonde. His bossy nature, self-assured leadership grated on her nerves.

Knowing he doesn't like to be ignored and hates to be challenged, she enjoyed giving him the bored look and walked away, or raising an eyebrow at him, throw in a smirk just before she excused herself from the meeting room.

If he needs her, he will have to approach with valid reasoning and not expect her to work just because he ordered her to. 'The Girl in Man's Uniform', it was exactly like what everyone calls her before she was labelled as 'The Flower of Joule Team'. She wears the pants, and doesn't follow orders blindly.

She laughed at the memory, "I don't hate you. You were being a royal pain in the ass, that's all. Nothing personal."

A deep rumble escaped from his chest as he laughed, "that bad, huh?"

She tried to suppress her laughter but ended up chuckling. It was epic to see Yzak Joule exploding. His reaction to her staring blankly at him, was more entertaining. She remembered seeing his veins at his temples showing. All because she did not cower in fear or flinch. She just sat there and looked at him, unimpressed by his outburst.

"I thought you were the weirdest human being in the universe. How can anyone just sit there with a poker face? No reaction, retaliation or whatsoever." He added. His voice was light, laced with tickles of laughter.

She knew he was referring to her impassiveness to his temper back then. No longer resting on his chest, she pulled back enough to look into his eyes. "It was really amusing to see you go all angry and verbal."

"I bet you kept it that way to make me go crazy, didn't you, Major?" He narrowed his eyes at her in mock annoyance, while his voice held a hint of tease.

Her heart skipped a beat at use of her title. "You know me well, Commander Joule." She smiled, eyes holding a playful glint. However, the one in his orbs dulled, while the mischievous slant of his lips tilted downwards.

"Am I wrong?" She asked in bewilderment.

He inwardly sighed. How he wish she was wrong. Like now, she is perfectly attune to his moods. She seems to know what his thoughts are, every single time. But he can't say the same for himself when it comes to her. Sure, her eyes go cold means she was upset or deep in thoughts, but he is unable to get a good gasp of her thought patterns. Thus, her forthrightness, strength in personality, and vivacity (this was when he got to know her in person later) are constant sources of surprises for him. Her ruthless comments bruise his ego, her aggressiveness give him shocks at times but her sparkling enthusiasm made his day a little brighter, his job a little more bearable. Her presence was a challenge and a joy, both of which he thoroughly enjoys.

"I don't know you as much as I wish I did, Housenka." He confessed in a quiet whisper.

Her heart broke at the disappointment and regret in his voice. No doubt that it was directed at himself. However, she didn't blame him. She knew it was too much to ask of him back then. They were fighting a war. He was the Commander of a team assigned with two battleships. While many envied him, everyone in the team knew first-hand how challenging it was, especially for their Commander, who had to oversee everything going on in two battleships. There was simply no time for such developments then.

A glimmer of hope sparked in her. The platinum blonde came to realise what he was lacking and perhaps, in need of action.

"It's not too late..." She offered a small comforting smile as she patted his back. Sliding them to the front and past his chest, her fingers once again lingered at his collarbones.

"I'm right here." Why are her fingers so drawn to those protruding bones? Oh god, they look lickable too.

"Ask what you want to know and I will answer... we've got all night." She continued in a low sultry whisper, wanting it to be a conversation meant only for the two of them. She was trying hard to stop herself standing on her toes and make that sweet contact. She didn't mean to add on to the hint of foxiness at her last phrase. Neither did she want to send the wrong message to Yzak, it being an open invitation to a one night stand. She did not intend for it to turn out like that but it just did. All because Yzak lowered his head further and their lips were inches apart.

His hand on her back slowly made its way to the edge of her shoulder and mimicked the way her fingers ghosted along his collarbones. His hand crept their way up her neck and held a side of her face. Thumb gently caressing her cheek. "Not here, Shiho." His voice was low and started to sound husky.

"Hmm?" She was officially reduced to a mush. She couldn't think straight. All her senses were locked onto the sweet friction his thumb was making, while lazy trail of his other hand gliding down to the small of her back.

"Let's go somewhere else..." He continued, putting a slight pressure on her lower back. Skin began to tingle at the contact while her heart started to race, sending hot blood within her. She was burning up, almost like she was having a fever but a good one.

Just then, all she heard was loud cheers and claps. Jerked out of the trance, she looked around.

Much to her relief, it was just the crowd thanking the band as the live session came to an end. Nothing else.

She shifted her attention back to the man who was still holding her. He looked a tad irritated as he scanned the crowd. Her heart ached at his frustrated expression.

This must be one of the many instances he dislikes his new job as politician. He can't have a decent social life. He has to be mindful of his every action when he was out in public, to avoid reminding them of his privileged background.

He may be a 20 year old, going 21 in a few hours' time, but he couldn't behave like one. Correction, he can't be seen behaving like one.

Now that he is a public figure, he was expected to keep up with the image, which was painstakingly crafted to ensure the public's support.

Yes, he has a PR manager that oversees a team who keeps an eye on all media channels, especially social media, to make sure photos of him out and about are aligned with the carefully managed image. If there were exceptions, it has to be in his favour. For example, photos of him (taken and shared by civilians) at the supermarket for grocery shopping, grabbing a cup of coffee (to-go) at Starbucks, or walking the dog while jogging in the park. All these were not taken down because it supports the image of him being a regular guy, instead of a typical spoilt heir or a privileged child of an high society member like Ezalia Joule.

However, Shiho knew him too well. The new job was wearing him out as much as it irritates him. Although Yzak can be pretty loud at times, he never like the attention paid to him by the media and civillians. Given the intensity, it was bordering on intrusive. Yet, there was nothing he can do about it.

She knew there were many occasions he wanted to throw the letter but he didn't. She wondered why.

"Come on, let's make a move before the crowd do and someone recognise us." His voice brought her back to reality. Followed by a gentle nudge of his hand on her lower back.

"We should probably head back to the table…" She nodded awkwardly, feeling her cheeks growing warm once again. He was too close. No, he was holding her to him.

He chuckled and gave her a slanted smile. "Nope, we are getting out of here. Remember?" She was about to speak when he gave the side of her waist a little squeeze.

"Yzak!" She slapped him on his chest, while he grinned.

He still can't believe it. The stoic Major Hahnenfuss is easily tickled. If it wasn't for the frown she had on her face, he would have laugh out loud at how adorable she was.

She opened her mouth again and was about to say something, when he twitched his index finger back and forth to give her a brief tickle. She yelped in surprise and jumped a little.

"No buts, Housenka..."

She shot him a glare with her lips pouted in annoyance. He could kiss her right now. "How about a late dinner? Your stomach was very noisy in the car earlier."

She quickly placed a hand over her stomach, and it rumbled in agreement. Yeap, she was hungry all right. She felt her face becoming warm; no doubt it was red too. Thank God for the dimmed lightings. "I don't think it is a good idea. It's supposed to a team outing anyway."

He clenched his jaws at the slight anger that bubbled in him. He hated it when Shiho skips meals. He didn't know why he was getting worked up but he just doesn't want her to go hungry, period. It felt as if he wasn't doing a good job taking care of her and it irritates him big time.

"Unless you want to knock yourself out before the party hits the peak, you can't drink with an empty stomach. And you aren't skipping meals, not on my watch."

What the hell, Yzak Joule? What are you? Her father? The little voice sounded.

Okay, he was too young to be her father.

Pfft, you aren't her boyfriend too. He froze for a brief moment. The annoying voice was right. What are they now? Colleagues? Friends? Friends with benefits?

Bloody hell, they weren't even making out just now! How the hell does that even count as Friends with benefits? Never mind, he will figure it out later.

He took her hand and made their way back to the table. His best friend and girlfriend had disappeared. "Where's Dearka?"

"They went to the dance floor too. Should be coming back anytime now." Laura answered, and quickly winked at Shiho, after seeing her hand firmly in their Commander's gasp. Faint blush started surfacing on the brunette's cheek. She gently tugged her hands backwards in attempt to break free, only to have him tightened his grip.

Yzak gestured to the small bag next to the younger officer. "Can you pass her bag over? We are leaving for a while, she haven't had her dinner."

Laura flashed a toothy grin, and handed the sling bag over to her Commander. "Have fun, you two. I'll inform Captain."

Yzak nodded and began to walk away, tugging the brunette along. She didn't know why she did it but she turned looked back at the younger officers and almost burst into laughter at their ridiculous actions. Some were waving goodbye to her with naughty grins on their faces while others were doing a victory dance.

"I think they placed a bet on us." Yzak sounded. She turned and looked at him with disbelief. "Definitely started with Dearka. He's always the ringleader for such nonsense."

She laughed at his exasperated tone. "It's not that bad... This team is different. It's like one big family. You are the principal and discipline master, aka the bad guy. Dearka is like the good guy, Mr Popular Teacher. The kids, well, they are just... kids. Restless and happy."

He chuckled at the image she places in his head. "so where do you fit in?" He asked. The valet gestured to Yzak as soon as they exited the club. At his acknowledgement, the valet went to get the car. "I don't know. Just another face, another name on the list, I guess..." she shrugged casually.

Memory of her absence came crashing back. The emptiness he felt stung deeply. There was no words to describe. It pierced into him and knocked the air out of him. The need to correct her was overwhelming. "That's not true. Everyone felt it. The kids you have trained. The mechanics, who are always complaining how you abuse DEEP ARMS. I felt it too..."

The last phrase must have caught her by surprise. She stopped in her tracks and looked at him with wide eyes. "Yzak..."

"I miss our small talks..." He quietly added, looking into her pale amethyst ones.

She almost choked at the honesty and longing in his eyes. He meant every word. He really did missed her.

I'm sorry, Yzak.

"I-"

Why did you leave?

"Why-"

"Excuse me, sir." It was the valet. Yzak cleared his throat as he broke the gaze.

The valet returned the key to him. "She is the same as you left her in my care earlier."

The platinum blonde smiled as he pressed the unlock button. Taking out his phone, with the screen away from the valet, the car's skeleton was onscreen. A scan on both its exterior and interior had just ended. Soon after, it was back to the home screen. He was running a check whether his car was compromised.

"I know you don't accept tips, but please approach your manager after this. Thank you." Yzak pat his shoulder with one hand, while the other nudged Shiho along as he walked towards the black car.

As they made their way over, she realised the car wasn't from the usual brands of luxury sedan or flashy sports car driven by someone of Yzak's family status. It was a supercar. Recalling Yzak's much earlier conversation with the valet, it was a dated one. As it was from pre-Cosmic Era, belonging to Yzak great grandfather.

Nevertheless, there was nothing about it that raises a doubt about its performance. Its sleek silhouette was heavily inspired by aerodynamics. Its steady and attention-grabbing humming of its engine declares its ability to hit top speed in no time.

Now that she was standing in front of it, she noticed it was coated with a unique ash black colour. If it wasn't the surrounding bright lights, she would have thought the finishing was 100% matte. As extremely fine glitter or shimmer dust trapped in the ash black paint collectively gave a subtle sheen to the car, giving it an undertone of blue.

Cementing that it's a class of its own and not to be compared with other sports cars and super cars, its silhouette was a skilful mix of streamline and edginess. It gave the impression that it was a speed monster under the its elegant disguise.

Just then, a hand was on her head. Blinking, she turned to see Yzak had opened the door for her. "Mind your head, Housenka."

She can't helped but to blush. It was just a simple action but she felt pampered. She wondered if this is how a date with Yzak Joule will be like.

She quickly brought her hand over her cleavage while another held on to the end of skirt as she got in. This get-up was troublesome. She missed her T-shirts and jeans!

"Any cravings?" He asked as the driver's door close and the engine started. She like this car already. There was something about the soft hum that hinted on its acceleration and speed ability.

"Not really." Her stomach protested loudly and a chuckle drifted to her ears. She chewed her lips, as she strap on the seat belt. "It's late, let's pop by a fast food stop."

He glanced at her to make sure the seat belt was secured and proceed driving. "No fast food. Those are just snacks. You are having dinner, a proper meal with proper food.

She turned to look at him with a ridiculous look and laughed.

"I'm being serious here." He quickly shot her a pointed look before returning his attention back to the road in front.

"You sounded so old, like a parent." She shook her head, trying to can it but to no avail.

He chuckled a little. Her laughter has always been contagious. "I thought I was the discipline master?"

She raised an eyebrow at him mockingly, egging him on purpose. "Doesn't work on me. Just the kids. I thought you knew that fact a long time ago."

Despite looking at the road in front of him, he caught her expression at sideways glance and smiled. "A fact? Don't flatter yourself, woman."

She snorted and crossed her arms. "Didn't mean to burst your bubble... obviously, you forgot about the time I gave you the finger."

He smiled to himself. How can he not remember that? She is the first and probably the only girl who dare look at him squarely in the eye and pointed her middle finger at him.

She surprised everyone, even the late Commander Le Creuset.

They were discussing about trapping the legged ship and the Commander wanted Shiho to take over Dearka's position. The tanned blonde became a prisoner of Archangel then, and the brunette was the other of the two marksman in the team.

In fact, her precision was better than his friend. Even Athrun couldn't escape her when she locked on to him.

The problem was her fighting style. She works best with distance and prefers it that way. She doesn't go to the enemy. She does her best not to bring them to her either. She eliminates them from a distance. She was the opposite of him. He invades the opponent's personal space. If the enemy doesn't go to him, he goes to them. Except that one-time face off with the infamous Sakura Burst, from the Earth Alliance. He has never seen her so aggressive before, to the extent she uses DEEP ARMS' laser sword which she rarely uses. She wanted all three of them dead and she did it, alone.

Anyway, she was halfway into giving Yzak a better picture of the range she works with and where she will need his help to ensure Strike was in position for a precise kill. He interrupted and insisted she backed off and let him finish Strike off. It was probably out of her respect for Commander Le Creuset that she presses on by coming out with countless alternatives, to meet him halfway.

Suddenly, she clamped her lips together and glared at him for a second before she started staring at him for the next three seconds. She stood up and salute to the Commander, "my apologies, Commander. You will need to find another marksman to partner with His Majesty." Sarcasm was dripping from her last two words.

That was when he lost it. Palms slammed against the table, he stood up while pilots beside him hold him in fear of his temper, and maybe going over to hit the woman. "What did you say, woman?! Just because you don't have what it takes to wear a female uniform doesn't make you a man."

A collective gasp from everyone in the room echoed and filled the meeting room. Even Commander Le Creuset had his mouth agape in shock.

However, it was her response that left him utterly speechless and stunned. Hell. If there is a better word to describe the shock he felt, that would be it.

She immediately turned to face him and looked at him as if he was a commoner speaking to her, a pure bred royalty. She then snorted and rolled her eyes as if he was a child talking rubbish and she did rather be sleeping than being in the same room as him.

"Woman, you say... I'm sure no human being with a dick and two balls has ever done this to you."

And there it was. Two middle fingers directed at him.

Best of all, she was smirking at him. She was right, no man, correction, no human being had given him the finger.

Shiho Hahnenfuss was the first, and she was a girl.

His expression must have mirrored the look on everyone's face. Satisfied, she straightened up and smiled at him. "Pardon my behaviour, sir." She salute to Commander Le Creuset and left the meeting room.

"You are grinning. I take it that you remember now?" Her voice snapped him back to reality. There was a hint of amusement laced in it.

"That was epic." He can't contain it any longer and started laughing quietly. The brunette laughed with him, small bursts of laughter filled the car.

"You must be super offended then." Yzak added.

"You bet I was! It was insulting, you know!" The brunette playfully snapped at him.

"I take that back. I didn't know you were afraid of cold." Yzak threw her an apologetic smile.

"Not good enough. If you were nicer back then, and asked, I would have told you. Assumed was all you did." She narrowed her eyes at him, arms still folded. If it wasn't for her light tone, he would have thought she was really annoyed.

An idea clicked. "Tell you what? I will cook you dinner as an apology."

At the corner of his vision, she turned to look at him with slacked jaw. "What?"

"There is no way I'm going to let you have fast food for dinner and you aren't going to let me off the hook easily. How about homemade dinner for truce?" Yzak added, giving her a slanted smile before he returned his attention to road.

She was silent for a second before speaking. "There's not much left in my kitchen."

She sounded like a mouse. If he wasn't busy with driving, he would have turned to the side and catch her expression.

"Lucky for you, mine is always stocked."

She went quiet again. "No. Wait. Which house are we going to ? Your bachelor pad or where Ezalia lives?"

"Why? Are you afraid of leaving a bad impression on my mom because of your dressing today?" He teased, wearing a playful smirk. Although it added to his handsome face, she was itching to punch him now. "What the hell, J-"

"My mom likes you. She said you are a smart and well-mannered girl. She was happy to hear that you are still in my team." He revealed, smirk turning into a goofy smile.

The brunette's heart did a backflip at his words and smile. Could it be that he's happy because his mom had a good impression of me? But… that was so long ago... Ezalia remembers me. Her heart did a backflip for a second time. How could she not be surprised? That was awhile back. Being the most powerful woman in PLANTS, Ezalia must have met many others who were more capable than an undergraduate of the military academy.

"I don't know what to say… I-I mean, it has been a few years…"

He chuckled at her lost for words, "she was pestering me to bring you over. You know, to catch up and all… but I told her we were going for team outing."

Shiho's heart fell but she tried to keep it casual. Hopefully the disappointment was not obvious. "Oh…"

Stupid woman, what were you thinking? Just because his mother likes you doesn't mean anything! The little voice was right, she was getting ahead of herself back there. Argh, what was wrong with her? She sounded so desperate!

"No, no, no!" Yzak quickly added as soon as he caught the hint of disappointment in her voice.

"It's not that I don't want to bring you to meet my mother. Don't go there, Housenka." Ensuring his right hand has a firm grasp of the steering wheel, his left hand reached for one of hers, nearest to him, and hold it.

"I'm really proud of you but tonight is not the right time. We have that party earlier, and it was too last minute. I don't think that's very nice – if you get what I mean. Just because my mother wants to see you, doesn't mean I have to bring you over. I want to make sure that you are alright with it too." He continued, giving her cold and smaller hand a gentle squeeze.

"You probably have realised I've gotten my temperament from her. She's not the easiest woman to hang around... I think you would want some time to think about it or prepare yourself." He offered an apologetic smile when he briefly turned to look at her before focusing on the road ahead.

"Y-yzak…" That was she could manage. The platinum blonde's thoughtfulness left her speechless. If it was safe for her to lean over and give him a peck on his cheeks she would do that. From the time she spent with him alone on DEEP ARMS, she knew that he had a softer side under the crisp white Commander uniform and structured green Supreme Council coat. Never has she expected him to be this thoughtful. Then again, why was he behaving as if they are an item. Or was it all in her head again? That she was reading too much into it. Perhaps, Ezalia was bored from being under house arrest, and wanted someone to talk to. Shiho happens to be a convenient distraction. After all, she was in her son's team and both women had worked together before.

While she was glad that Ezalia likes her and Yzak seems agreeable to bringing her for a visit, it may not mean the same as how it appears to her. Him bringing his girlfriend for his mom to take a look, and hopefully, she was okay with the girl he likes.

Yes that's right. Yzak and her aren't a item yet. He probably agreed because she was probably the only person in his team who knows Ezalia more than whatever they have read on the newspaper or heard from gossips. The relationship between Yzak and her was platonic. Yes, earlier on, before the steamy escapades, he wanted her to see him as a friend, beyond the fact that he was her boss. That must be it. Bringing a friend to entertain his mom.

She felt as if someone poured a bucket of ice cold water on her as her heart sank.

"Shiho?" He looked at her as he called out gently, only to have silence as response. She was deep in thoughts ever since he mentioned about visiting his mom. Did he frightened her?

As the car elevator's doors open, he quickly drove out and parked his car outside of his apartment but did not switch the engine off.

Unclasping his seat belt and then hers, he let go of her hand and slid his up to her shoulder. "Shiho? Is everything alright?" He gently nudged her.

She blinked and turned slightly to meet his gaze. "I-I'm okay." A small smile followed, and his blood bubbled with anger. If there is one thing about her that ticks him off big time , aside from her challenging him, the smile would be it.

"It's about visiting my mom, isn't it?" He asked, watching his tone, keeping it casual instead of know-it-all. He learnt that going hard on her won't give him the answer he wants. The brunette will withdraw further or do something to aggravate him more. On many occasions, he felt that he had met his match on the competition of 'who is more stubborn?'.

She nodded, purple eyes looking away.

"You don't have to give me an answer or set the date and time now, you know..." He teased, leaning forward and a little to the side to look into those lavender orbs.

"Just what are we, Yzak? What am I to you?" She snapped suddenly. A frown and anger flashed across her eyes before she shut it and take a deep breath.

"Sorry." She said quietly as she opened her eyes. Not meeting his blue orbs, she turned away and began to open the door.

Yzak froze, still recovering from shock. She rarely lose her cool. She will either wore a poker face or raised her eyebrow at him, while saying something caustic to agitate him further but never like what she did moments ago. It felt the same as the time she gave him the finger. It was so sudden that knock the air out of him, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Now that he thinks about it, he can't blame her. It was misleading. Although he viewed it as a simple visit, she may not take it as such.

Considering what has happened between them earlier, and his mom's mission to find herself a daughter-in-law. The picture hit him.

Shit... No wonder she snapped at him.

She was a convenient target for Ezalia. Both women knew each other and had worked together briefly in the past. He might have viewed it as a casual catch up but not his mother. She was the one who requested for it. Whenever his mom initiated things, there will always be a reason behind it. A motive. And Shiho figured it out just now.

'Just what are we, Yzak? What am I to you?' The brunette's words rang loud and clear in his mind.

Yes, it was as clear as day but he didn't get it. Shiho beat him to it. So much for being your mother's son, Joule.

Argh! How can he be so stupid?!

If he were to bring Shiho over just now, he was walking into his mother's trap.

Okay, that didn't sound very nice. Sure, his mother has her 'good' intentions but still...

A dull ache stabbed his heart at the thought of Shiho was unwilling to meet his mother. Frankly, he was thrilled that his mother wanted to meet with her. Unless it's work related, Ezalia doesn't give a hoot about people whom she dislikes or whom she doesn't know and there isn't a need to.

The fact that his mother said good things about Shiho was a big relief. A part of him went rigid with worry that she mentioned about remembering who Shiho was. He didn't know he was holding his breath until Ezalia smiled and said she was a intelligent and well-mannered girl. If his mother doesn't like the girl, it spells the beginning of a long nightmare.

His mother is the only kin he have left. His father, who was a captain of ZAFT special forces, was killed in a raid against one of EA's labs suspected of creating biological weapons, like Stella Loussier. Extended family members by the name of Joule fell out with his family a long time ago, because of inheritance. Thus, he doesn't want to go against his mother, and risk a fall out with her over Shiho. And yet, he didn't want to lose the brunette again. So thank God his mom had a good impression of Shiho. Or else, he will be sandwiched between the two women.

His entire being went rigid as it hit him. What was he thinking? He and Shiho weren't an item! Why does it matter whether his mother likes her or not? He being sandwiched between the two most important women of his life – where the hell did the thought came from?! Then it clicked. Don't tell me...

He blinked and directed his gaze to the brunette standing by the door, which leads to his living room when unlocked.

"I like her...?"

*RINGGGGGGGGGG*

He jumped at the sound of his phone ringing. Recovering from shock, he realised the number belongs to the brunette.

"Hello?"

"Is this how you treat your guest? Leaving them waiting outside of your apartment, at your indoor private parking lot... with an empty stomach." She said in a flat tone. Her back was to him, while her free hand meddled with biometric pad beside the closed door. No doubt that she was trying her luck on breaking in.

"Coming over..." He quickly shut the engine and exit the car. "Quit trying to override my pass keys, will you? Both of us are going to be locked out." He muttered into the phone, before he hang up and walked over.

At the growing sound of his shoes against the floor, Shiho quickly took a deep breath to calm herself. She was in a mess now.

She was angry with herself for letting her feelings muddled the facts. She was disappointed that Yzak was still as clueless as before.

At the same time, she was nervous because she was going into his house. Well, legally speaking, she was already in his house. That is if you consider the private indoor parking lot (more like a huge empty space meant for 4 to 5 supercars). She assumed the living space at the other side of the wall will be much spacious if it wasn't for the wall in front of her. Yes, the wall divides the entire level into two parts – parking space and living space (or his apartment).

"Coming in?" His voice cutting through her mental rambling.

She quickly stepped in as soon as she realised Yzak was already on the other side. He was holding the door open for her.

Once through, she froze at what had greeted her. It has never occur to her that Yzak was a cosy kind of guy. White oak wood flooring covered the entire area. Its warm shade complements the cream-coloured wall, which was also a surprise. She was expecting the stark white painted walls or those glossy ones in Voltaic and Rosseau.

While the cream colour was gentle on the eyes, the huge glass panels running along the flight of white stairs leading to the second level gave a modern touch. Throw in the contemporary furniture that are of similar cream and warm hues, it was a modern home with a clean and neutral appearance.

It must have felt nice to come back to such a comfy looking house after a crazy day at work.

"Not what you have expected?"

She blinked and shifted her gaze to him. If it wasn't for the glint of tease twinkling in those piercing blue eyes, she thought there was a hint of nervous in his voice.

"It's just... warm and cosy. I thought you would go for a minimalist kind of look." She smiled, gesturing to the floor and walls.

He arched an eyebrows at her. "Minimalist? Me? Must be my quarter in Voltaire... but everyone has that look for their quarters too. Even yours."

"No, no. It was based on your dressing. Fuss-free. Safe colours. Minus your car outside. I'm pretty sure she is capable of being tyrant on the road, if you push her." A small laugh slipped at the thought of Yzak, a Supreme Council member, breaking the law just to test the acceleration rate of the car. Impossible.

The platinum blonde chuckled. "I can't do that here, in PLANTS. Next time when I do, I will bring you along."

She gave a small nodded, trying to appear nonchalant even though her heart was about to burst.

"By the way, the car is not mine. It belongs to my mother."

Her jaw went slacked. Surprise was written all over her face.

"I'll tell you more over dinner..." He had a playful smile before turning over to a built-in shoe cabinet. Well, it was unnoticeable until he opened it with a gentle press.

"First, you need to get comfortable." He placed a pair of comfy slip-on beside her feet. It resembled those meant to be paired with pyjamas for a day of lounging at home.

"I don't know about you but I never find high-cuts or dunks comfortable." He walked towards the white stairs with another pair of slip-on in his hands. As he sat down, he began to take off his shoes.

"They are way better than stilettos. And they keep the ankles warm too." She replied, looking down at the slip-on and wonder how was she getting out of her shoes without risking a wardrobe malfunction. While the potentially risky areas of her blouse were held to her skin by Hollywood tape, her skirt is not long enough. Even though she was still wearing his sweater, it was insufficient.

Annoying skirt. Stupid Dearka.

"Your ankles feel cold too? Now I'm really curious about your body temperature." He had an amused yet disbelieved look, as he stood up. Before she could think of a retort, he was in front of her, and then he knelt down.

"Yzak! What are you d-" She was about to take a step back as a reflex when he reached out.

His hand wrapped around ankle-covering part of the Nike dunks she wore.

While she was staring at him, holding her breath in anticipation of him trying to be 'funny', his eyes remain fixed on the neatly tied shoe laces. "I'm not a pervert. I just want to help you get out of the shoes."

When she didn't move a millimetre, he knew she was still weary of him. One wrong move. Or even a tiny joke, she was going to kick him in the face. He was dead sure about it.

"Look, it's difficult to get out of such shoes without a stool to sit on. And I have none here. Furthermore, you are in a bandage skirt. I bet freedom of movement is as much as how it appears to be." He reasoned, still keeping his eye glued to her shoes. He was very much well aware that he might see something he shouldn't when he looks up.

When his ears picked up a shaky breath, he relaxed a little. Just a tiny bit. Goodness, she can fry his nerve endings as quickly as she pull them tight with anxiety.

"I don't know if you should do this, Yzak... I mean... it's not as if I can't do it myself and..." I'm not your girlfriend or someone special to you.

She couldn't bring herself to say the remaining part of the sentence out loud, but it is the truth. Why does he have to be so nice to her? And only to her. Especially when they are alone. Like now.

"It's just me, Shiho. It's alright, let me help."

Her heart skipped a beat at the tenderness and near-whisper of his voice. If he could look up at her, she was certain that he will be wearing that small slanted smile. It never failed to melt her heart. Yes, it sounded cheesy but that was how she felt. Her heart will race for a few second and a sudden rush of warmth spread through her, setting her face on fire.

"If you don't mind ... thank you." She replied softly. He made a small sound that hinted a smile on his face. His long fingers began working on the shoe laces.

Realising the huge glass panel reflected how they were at the moment, she quickly committed the image into her memory. The platinum blonde was down on one knee. His blue eyes glued to the shoe laces in front of him, which was being skillfully untied by his long slender finger.

Yzak Joule may be a loud-mouth ass, quick tempered, unforgivingly stern but he can be sweet and nice too. And she happens to be one of the lucky few to witness this side of him.

She will never forget this moment and all the other times when he spoke a tad softer than usual. A tad nicer. A tad kinder. All that, to her. Not even Dearka had received the same treatment. Yzak gave him more leeway but was still as snappy and unforgiving with his words. Talking about the tanned blonde, if he ever finds out that Yzak did what he was doing now, that joker will never let his friend live in peace.

That aside, no one has ever done such a thing for her. Sure, she met nice people in school, in ZAFT Academy, and in both Frigore and Joule team. However, the likelihood of their niceness sharing the likes of Yzak's current gestures, she doubt it. Only Granny will do that.

"What happened here?"

Feeling something warm lightly touching her right knee, she blinked and look down at the man.

The shoe laces were untied, and he even loosened the rest for an easy slip off. Wearing a slight frown, he had two fingers lightly tracing the pale pink scar that stretch across her right knee.

"Oh. That." She spoke just as a unwanted memory resurfaced.

Noting the slight sourness lacing her voice, he quickly got up to look at her. Her eyes usually hold answers to his questions or indicates how she was feeling at that moment before they turn cold and unwavering.

"Must be a bad fall and a very deep cut to leave a scar like that." He tried to sound casual about it but in fact, he was dying to know what had caused it. Although it appears to have healed well, it remaining as a scar instead of healing completely and disappear speaks volume. Then again, she could get it removed.

"Yeah... one of the many reasons why I am not a fan of Chloe, since I was a kid." She replied in a flat tone.

If it wasn't for the intense hatred swirling in her orbs, he would have believed that her feelings towards Chloe was merely dislike, while the slightly older woman was on verge of murdering her if it was not punishable by law.

The conflict between them runs deep, really deep.

"What did she do? She tripped you over when both of you were playing?" He asked, sliding his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. In case he heard something he didn't like, which was likely the case, she didn't need to know that he was tempted to beat Chloe up. If only she was a guy.

"I was playing hide & seek with Lacus one day. I was looking for Lacus... I thought she hid at the mid-size canal, which brings the rain to a nearby lake. Chloe, encouraged by Mrs Hahnenfuss 'to go play with Lacus', pushed me down. Nasty fall, broke a leg and an arm. Scratches all over..." She trailed off, pulling the right sleeve of his sweater, which she was wearing.

A long tattoo that stretches from her wrist to where the hand joins with the arm. It was made up of dainty little stars connected with noticeably-sized ones.

Before he knew what he was doing, the platinum blonde took a step closer to her. Gently holding her hand, he traced the slightly raised skin. The tattoo resembles a constellation, formed by connecting different stars in the sky.

"Really nasty..." He muttered softly, his long fingers still tracing along the length of a pale pink scar. "The fall and that woman." He added.

Flames licked her neck and cheeks while warm fuzzy feeling enveloped her. His words and his touch. Anger lacing his words made her feel cherished. As thought it matters to him. His lazy trail along the scar and tattoo reminded her all over again that the Terror of ZAFT has a soft side.

The sight of him, wearing a frown and lips pursed with annoyance, tickled her. Before she could tease him, he looked up. From the emotion in his eyes, he felt unfair for her. "Is this why you join ZAFT? Mrs Hahnenfuss and her."

She hesitated for a moment. It felt nice to have someone wanting to know her beyond professional boundaries. Especially when the person is her crush. And that, she does not want to gain sympathy or pity point from him. She doesn't need it from anyone.

A gentle squeeze in his grip snapped her out of the dilemma. Since he wants to know...

"One of my mother's wishes."

Pure surprise was written all over his face. "You found her? Why didn't you just live with her?"

She froze, while she felt her feet became rooted to the ground. His words rang loud and clear in her ears. How did he know about her mother? How could he have known? How much did he know? She doesn't mention or discuss her family or background with anyone. Then it clicked. There is only one person. That bitch.

"You knew." Her voice came out calm, a complete opposite of the emotions running amok in her. She doesn't want his pity. Neither will she accept or let it slide, if he was to judge her for the complicated background she came from.

Right now, she didn't know how to carry on with the conversation. It all depends on his response now.

Strange, he seemed surprised too. The slightly widened blue eyes.

Then he swallowed. "People tend to be more verbal and less cautious with their words when they are raging."

"What did she say?" She was curious. She wondered if Chloe exaggerated it. And of course, she will play victim.

The frown deepened. "Does it matter? I don't care because it didn't come from you."

"I don't know what she told you... but what if all of it was the truth?" She said quietly, looking straight into his eyes. She want to see if he is saying the truth.

"So what? It doesn't change anything. It doesn't change what I think of you."

She wanted to ask what she think of her when she felt his grip tightened. "Why don't you tell me? All of it."

Did her ears pick up correctly? "What?"

"I want to know... if it's okay. I don't want to hear it from her. I want to hear it from you." He said with so much sincerity that she wanted to cry. It was in his beautiful blue eyes too.

"We fought two wars together, Shiho... but I don't know you as much as I wish I would."

"We didn't have the time... you knew..."

"Exactly but we do, now."

After several moments, she sighed in defeat.

The crease between his brows disappeared. "Come on, let me prepare dinner and then we can start somewhere." He gave a slanted grin before he release her wrist and walked off.

Shiho remained at where she was, staring into space in disbelief. What a night...

END

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*Justin Bieber ft. Halsley – The Feeling* and the *** means that both scenes were happening at the same time. Hope you weren't confused. I wrote those scenes while listening to the respective songs. It reflected the mood exactly.

I hope you liked how this chapter went. I heard your squeals about the couple's steamy scene and gave you that one, so keep the reviews coming, okay? :D I think I've crossed the T-rating with that scene but whatever. As long as you had a blast reading it, Yzak really can't keep his hands to himself. *face-palms*

They will be back in ZAFT in the next chapter... but before they do, they will really have about two more sweet moments together! And no, they are not going to have sex, you naughty kids! For now, hehe! I believe you guys sort of guessed why I wrote a scene in Yzak's house anyway, right?

I included 2 flashbacks on Dearka and Miriallia because I am also a fan of this pairing. I was hopping mad when it turned out in GSD that they were no longer together. However, I didn't want to just simply write that 'they are together. Period'. Hence, you got that 2 scenes. What do you think? Was it good? I was dying to know why they broke up but no answers was given, so I did one for my own sanity sake.

I MIGHT do ONE or A FEW for Cagalli and Athrun in the next few chapters – if you guys are keen. Because... Shiho revealed that she went to the same school as Cagalli and she doesn't have good opinion of Athrun. Remember? This only goes to show that she and Cagalli still kept in contact. Not to mention that she was in the same team as Athrun when she transferred to the Le Creuset team and Yzak was still a hot-headed ass. Don't forget, Lacus has arranged a meeting between herself and Yzak with Cagalli. I can always find a way to get Shiho there too. *rubs hands in glee. throw in evil smirk*

Athru x Cagalli fans, this is a darn good time to make yourselves known. Because I hate how they remain separated and single by the end of GSD. That hug Athrun gave to Cagalli didn't do a shit for the fangirl in me. Yes, I am very angry with the writers or whoever that approved this arrangement. Sucks big time! who the heck is Meyrin?! I mean, I know who Meyrin is but how the hell a relationship as solid as Athrun x Cagalli , one of 3 years, can be easily replaced by a friendship or acquaintance of a few months?! Ridiculous! If I have enough encouragement or requests for Athrun x Cagalli pairing, I will do it. Just like how it did for Dearaka x Miriallia.

Okay, enough of my ranting.

Wondering how Shiho's blouse look like? Refer to my tumblr account (jollydreamer, or, JOLLY DREAMER) – set up especially to share the image with you :) you will see some posts.

1 post featuring Lucky Blue Smith, whom I think Yzak Joule will look like if he has a hair-cut. That guy is sooo handsome. His eyes are piercing blue too *faints* Anyway, Barbara Palvin is in one of the photos with Lucky B but let me remind you again, Shiho has Japanese blood. Go refer to the post with Namie Amuro (heavily photoshopped magazine cover shoots make this Japanese-Italian singer look about Shiho's age).

1 post shows what Yzak's apartment looks like (for earlier scene)

1 post shows the car driven by Yzak. It's a Lykan Hypersports, which was featured in Fast & Furious 7 movie. Yeap, it is the sassy red car that flew out of a building in Dubai. Maximum speed in 7 or 10 seconds. Speed Monster. My favourite car.

1 post, which features a quote saying, "I look at you, and I just love you, and it terrifies me. It terrifies me what I would do for you." This is sneak preview of next update. I borrowed this quote for Shiho's POV. Something really bad is going to happen to her. It is going to brings us closer to the climax of the story (not so soon, a couple of chapters more, but yeah)

Please pardon typos & grammar errors. I rushed this update and it is wee hours of morning over here. Leave a review / message will be nice, I miss you all!

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GoddessOfVictory: Sorry about the long wait hun, really. Your reviews were very encouraging. It kept me going and prevented me from cutting this update short :) you know, removed all the thoughts and opinions of each character – they make up majority of the chapter, if you realise.

Pandora154085: Hello there! I hope the scene makes the cut for you! Heheh! I enjoyed writing it pretty much, honest! Given Yzak's naughty behaviour earlier, it definitely will be one hot sex BUT it won't be happening so soon. Our dear Shiho likes him but she hasn't reach that stage yet. I think she wants him to be on the same pace as her, otherwise, no go. Hahah!

Ranneyuki: oops oops! I hope I didn't get you into trouble! Was this chapter equally good? As much as I enjoyed writing this, my face was burning up too! *fangirl mode* hahaha

TheRedSin: Hi new avid reader, I'm glad you made yourself known! Good to know you enjoyed this story and I can promise you that I won't be dropping this. I have an ending in mind already. I hope the clubbing scene make the cut? I wanted to write the typical body-to-body, guy-touches-girl clubbing scene but decided not to. I wanted to include as many sweet / tender scene as possible. Because I want to build that emotions or 'connection' between Yzak & Shiho. Let me know what you think yeah?

Arika518: *grabs your swirling office chair* Now I'm worried that this chapter, especially the naughty scene, didn't seal the deal for you. Tell me what you think ok? I don't want our favourite girl to have sex with Yzak just yet. I want that horribly dense guy to 'meet' Shiho first and maybe, well, you know, the hot sex, the third base, is definitely happening but ... Wait for it hun, it will happen but I don't know whether I will write it (you know, the M rating version) because I have never written one.

shigatsu-sanjyunichi: Yzak will get sweeter in next chapter but, just curious, was he a little OOC in this update? I want to show a softer, nicer, more gentleman side of him (because Shiho is around and that they are out of workplace) but I'm not sure if I nailed it. I hope you like it! I think the earlier naughty scene was close to M-rating... if you are refering to *ahem*, I can try but I have never written one before... it might turn out far from your imagination and far from how I want it to be (oops, now you know I've imagined it, hehe!)

Monkeyheart: hi there! Good to know you enjoyed it so far! Sorry about the long wait though... to make it up to you, I will share a little (in response to your question). Yes, Chloe will ruin things a little in a few chapters' time BUT don't worry, it won't have a huge or adverse impact (that is if you are worried she is going to ruin the budding romance between Yzak and Shiho). She will definitely reappear again but whatever she does, she will only bring the two of our favourite characters closer. Fret not, I'm a sucker for good ending :D