DISCLAIMER: 'Rebound' is a story based on characters and situations from Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed which is a property of Sotsu Agency, Bandai Studios and TV Asashi. This work is non profited and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Unless specified, all materials in the web is work done by HERMIT JUNCTION. Please do not use without permission any text or artwork.

WARNING: Text and all related materials are rated PG13/T and may mild strong language, violence and suggestive adult themes unless otherwise stated. Please do not read if you are underage or maybe offended by such material. Spoilers for Gundam Seed.

NOTE: This fanfiction disregards the plotline of the original series' sequel Gundam Seed Destiny. Please see author's page for the site hosting of this fanfiction.

Gseed Aftermath Trilogy I:
REBOUND
a hermit junction project

Chapter 7

Dearka sighed as he met silence. Closing the door behind him, he took his shoes off and walked towards the bed, collapsing on it. Lying on his back, he stared at the ceiling for a while before raising his hand in the air, looking at his watch.

It was already four thirty.

Sitting up, he stared at the door. Miriallia had rushed out of the apartment this morning and didn't even bother to change her clothes. She never told him where she had to go and she didn't have the obligation either.

Standing up, he started to take off his clothes, wanting very much to take a shower and clear his mind. Tossing his clothes on the bed, including his boxers, he walked across the apartment butt naked, slamming the door of the bathroom shut. He figured he'd take a bath instead of a shower since he didn't have much to do. It seemed like Miriallia wouldn't be back soon anyway.

Turning on the tap, he sat himself down in the huge tub, staring as the hot water that started to fill and turned it off again when water went up to his chest. The bathroom was suddenly filled with steam from the hot water and he could barely see the door. Leaning his head back, he stared at the ceiling of the bathroom.

He'd been staring at ceilings a lot lately, been staring at ceilings a lot for the past two years.

Closing his eyes, he draped his arms across the side of the tub.

He wondered where Miriallia was. For the past week or so, everything he did was with Miriallia. She had a job and had meetings from time to time so whenever she was out of the apartment, he'd sit on the chair and stare into space, wasting his time. He had an initial gut feeling that when everything ended, he'd have to drag himself back into his lonely little apartment and stay there for the rest of his life, living a meaningless bachelor life.

He came to find answers but in the end, he found none. The past week with Miriallia was amazing but an annoying voice in his mind keep telling him that he wanted more than just this. Another voice also told him that what he wanted was not what Miriallia could give him. Maybe it was time to let everything go.

When watching Miriallia rush off this morning, Dearka felt like she'd leave forever, like that morning two years ago. It was a scary thought, a scary but realistic thought which made it even scarier. In the past week, they never mentioned anything about the night they spent together two years ago or anything related. He was starting to think that this was just a fling, a man meeting a woman in a foreign place, going out, sleeping together and when the day comes, they'd part with no strings attached.

He wanted more, but would she? He wanted to move on with her, but does she?

When he opened his eyes again, he heard someone calling his name faintly. Focusing, he found Miriallia staring at him, leaning against the side of the tub.

'You look tired.' Miriallia commented, fingering his moist hair absently.

Dearka stared at her for a little while before sitting up, the water slouching against his well toned body. 'Just fell asleep, that's all.'

'Did you even wash yourself with soap?' Miriallia asked, standing up.

Dearka shrugged. 'I took a shower this morning.'

'What have you been up to today?' Miriallia asked, leaning herself against the counter with crossed arms, watching Dearka stand up, dripping wet. Reaching for the towel on the rack, she tossed it towards him.

'Nothing really, met Athrun, hung out a bit and came back.' Dearka said absently, wiping his body. Rubbing his hair with the towel briefly, he wrapped it around his waist and stepped out of the tub, pulling the stopper to let the water out.

'What do you want for dinner?' Miriallia asked, walking out of the bathroom.

Whenever she said that, he'd feel like they were a couple, a real couple who live together and knew exactly what the other wants. They'd hang out together the whole day, go places hand in hand and make passionate love at night. Somehow, somewhere, something was disturbingly missing from this picture.

'You sure you're okay?' Miriallia asked, cocking her head at Dearka's silence. He'd usually talk back but today, he was just staring at her, clad in nothing but a white towel, his hair still dripping wet.

'You have to do anything tonight?' Dearka asked, looking away, running his fingers through his damp hair.

Miriallia opened the fridge and took out a bottle of juice.' What do you have in mind?' When she didn't get a response, she turned and found Dearka staring at her in the eye. Suddenly scared, Miriallia turned her head sharply, feeling her heart pound in her ears all of a sudden.

'I want to watch the sunset.'

Miriallia looked at him weirdly. 'Sunset?'

Dearka nodded, grabbing at his hair. 'I want to watch sunset in the air.'

'What do you mean, in the air?' Miriallia asked.

Not saying anything. Dearka changed quickly and grabbed his car keys, pulling her out of the apartment, his hair still a bit wet. He didn't say a thing as he drove to a small airport that was a part of Morgenroete.

'Elthman! I've been waiting for you!'

'Sorry Loll.' Dearka apologized, pulling an awed Miriallia forward.

Loll, one of the technical supervisors of Montenegroe, gave him thumbs up. 'Everything's ready for you and the little lady.'

'You…' Miriallia recognized him from Kusanagi.

Leading them out of the hanger into the small airport, a fighter was parked.

'It's not loaded right?' Dearka asked.

'No, God no.' Loll shook his head violently. 'Simmons will have my head.'

'Let's go.' Dearka said, reaching out one hand.

Miriallia looked at him. 'You sure it's safe? I mean… this is a fighter.'

Dearka laughed. 'Trust me, it's going to be just fine. If anything happens, Loll here will help me, right?'

Loll shrugged. 'I guess I can cover the two of you for a while. Simmons' being nice about the whole deal, so get your asses in the air. If anything goes wrong, you know what to do, the Princess will cover your asses any how. '

'Come on.' Dearka said, helping her into the cockpit. Although it was a single cockpit, there was enough room for the both of them. Seated comfortably in front of Dearka, Miriallia watched as he started the engine and steered the fighter into the start of the runway and took off. Miriallia winced unconsciously at the speed, squeezing her eyes shut.

'It's okay.' Dearka said, his lips at her ear. 'Open your eyes.'

Doing as she was told, Miriallia gasped at the beautiful sunset before her. They were above a thick layer of clouds and the sun was right before them, a deep orange yellow.

'Oh my God…' Miriallia breathed, her hands on the protective shield. 'I can't believe it...' she turned and shot Dearka a glance. 'It's beautiful!'

'Isn't it?' Dearka smiled. 'I first saw sunset like this when I was still a cadet in ZAFT. I've never seen it on Earth, but it was already beautiful in space.'

'It's lovely.' Miriallia whispered, her eyes shining. 'I can't believe I didn't bring my camera!'

Dearka landed the fighter on a small island and from there they watched the sun set completely.

Miriallia felt like crying. It was so amazing it didn't feel like reality.

'I lied Dearka.'

Dearka looked at her back, feeling the coastal breeze lift his soft locks and didn't say anything.

'I lied.' Miriallia whispered, looking down. 'I like taking pictures of sunrise and sunset because I see Tolle in it.'

Dearka froze at the name. It felt like a curse from Miriallia's mouth.

Miriallia looked at the sky. 'Tolle always loved sunset, when we were going out, he'd always pull me to the hills to watch the sunset. He always complained that sunsets on Heliopolis was so fake, so artificial and promised that one day, when we went back to Orb, he'd go watch the sunset with me. He even said he'd take me up in the air in Skygrasper…'

Dearka put his hands in his pockets and looked away, not sure of he wanted to hear what Miriallia wanted to say.

'He loved sunset.' Miriallia whispered, raising her hand in the air as if she were touching the sky. 'All I can do now is take pictures of it and remember him through these pictures.' She knelt down and stared at the earth, her hair flying into her face. 'I'm sure he'll be breath taken by this view.'

'It's been two years, you know what you have to do. You have to move on, really move on and start a new life.'

She had to move on, really move on. She knew it, really did.

'Treasure what you have now and don't let go.' Ssigh's words rang in her head. Looking up again, Miriallia's light orbs widened as Tolle's smiling face appeared before her eyes. He was there, smiling down at her.

'Move on and start a new life Milly.'

'Tolle…' Miriallia stood up.

'Don't let go anymore. You've found the one, go for it.' Tolle smiled down at her. 'I'll watch over you, always. Miriallia.'

Dearka felt it hard to breath as he watched tears stream down Miriallia's cheeks.

'Thank you.' Miriallia whispered. Dearka looked up and found himself staring into Miriallia's light blue eyes.

'Thank you, Dearka.'

They didn't have sex tonight which was unusual because in the seven nights he slept here, they did it every night. Not just once and not just on the bed.

When they came back from Morgenroete after a simple dinner at a chain fast food store, Dearka said he was tired and wanted to go to sleep. Miriallia had given him a weird look but said nothing and walked into the bathroom to take a shower. When she came out again, he was already under the covers in his boxers and an old T-shirt. He wasn't asleep and sensed Miriallia's confusion but she didn't do anything and crawled under the sheets, turning off the lights on her way.

She was now lying on the bed in deep sleep, wearing shorts and a tank top, her back towards him. He hadn't been able to sleep all night and was now sitting against the headboard, staring into the darkness. He'd look down at the back of Miriallia's head once in a while, wondering if she was dreaming about Tolle Koenig.

Fuck him. Dearka cursed mentally, his hand in a tight ball that was hanging over his right knee. He kicked himself mentally for taking her out on that flight, it did nothing but rouse memories of her dead boyfriend.

'Thank you, Dearka.'

He felt nauseous at the thought. She thanked her, for what? For letting her connect with her dead boyfriend?

'Don't do this to me, I don't deserve it in any way.'

He couldn't bring himself to think that she did not deserve this treatment, although he really wanted to. He was suffocated around her yet he didn't want to let go. If he let this go on, he'd die, physically and mentally.

He had no sleep through the whole night and continued to stare into the air. He didn't even notice the sun rising until the phone rang.

He turned and stared at the phone on the nightstand, waiting for Miriallia to wake up and answer it. He never answered her phones, knowing that it would generate nothing but embarrassment for the both of them. It was obvious that the less people knowing that he was living here the better.

'Damn it.' Miriallia muttered, throwing the covers over her head. 'Who the hell is it at this time on a Sunday?'

'Looks like the one calling really wants you to answer.' Dearka said, shaking her by the shoulder. 'Answer it for God's sake, it's annoying.'

'Damn it!' Reaching out one hand, Miriallia grabbed the phone from the stand and threw it to Dearka. 'You answer it, stop bothering me.'

Staring down at the blinking telephone, his eyebrows furrowed. 'You sure, it's – '

'Just do it!' Miriallia grumbled, throwing the sheets over her head again. 'If it's one of those commercials, tell them to go to hell.'

Sighing, Dearka picked up the phone and answered it. 'Hello?' There was dead air on the other end. 'Hello?'

'Is this Miriallia Haww's apartment?' the voice on the other line asked. It was a woman's voice.

'Yeah.' Dearka said.

'Where's Miriallia?' the woman asked.

'She's sleeping.' Dearka answered. 'Can I take a message?'

There was a pause before the woman opened her mouth again. 'I want to speak to Miriallia now, please put her on the phone.'

'But she's – ' Dearka started.

'I'm her sister, please put her on the line, it's urgent.' The woman insisted.

'Sure.' Dearka stood up and walked to the foot of the bed. Grabbing the edge of the sheets, he gave it a sharp pull. Suddenly without warmth, Miriallia yelped in shock. Dearka gave the phone a toss and it landed on Miriallia's stomach. 'It's your sister.'

'What?' Miriallia sat up quickly, fully awake. Shaking her head violently, she grabbed the phone. 'Sis?'

'Who the hell was that?' Narlea demanded on the other line. 'It was a guy right?'

Miriallia sighed, running her hand through her messy hair. 'He – he's a friend.'

'What the hell is he doing answering your phone at six thirty in the morning?' Narlea continued.

'He's an old friend.' Miriallia stammered, watching as Dearka walked towards the counter for a glass of water. 'He's on vacation so I invited him to stay for a short while.'

'How long?' Narlea asked suspiciously.

'Look, you're calling me at six thirty in the morning, what is it?' Miriallia asked tiredly, leaning her back against the headboard.

Narlea sighed. 'Fine. Mom wants you over for dinner tonight.'

'But – ' Miriallia shot a glance at Dearka's back.

'No buts!' Narlea screeched. 'You're coming back for dinner whether you like it or not. Don't make me come up there.'

'Fine!' Miriallia snapped. 'What time?'

'Seven.' Narlea said shortly. 'Don't be late, you know how Mom gets.'

'I'll be there.' Miriallia said. 'Let me sleep okay, we'll talk about things tonight.'

'Fine.' With that, Narlea cut the connection and all Miriallia could hear was the annoying long beep of the telephone. Exhaling loudly, she put the telephone back on its stand. She had a feeling she wasn't going to hear the end of it. Her sister had a knack for making people extremely guilty.

'Dearka.' Miriallia turned, wanting to warn him about her sister but gasped when she saw him right before her eyes. Before she could say anything, Dearka pushed her onto the bed. Wasn't he in the kitchen a few seconds ago?

Straddling her, Dearka wasted no time and kissed her roughly, preying her lips open. Miriallia struggled a bit before she melted in his embrace, kissing him back. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she felt him grab hold of the edge of her shirt and ripped it.

'Dearka!' Miriallia gasped, trying to catch her breath. The urgency was confusing and scared her a little bit. Before, he'd always take his time, pleasing her in a way she'd cry and beg. He always took things slowly and never rushed, even when he was in deep pain.

Sucking at her neck hard, Dearka slid his hands down her bare back and dug them into her shorts. Wasting no time, he ripped at her shorts and underwear too. He was surprised at how violent he was but he wasn't in the mood for foreplay. He wanted her right now.

Still dazed, Miriallia faintly noticed that he had already taken his boxers off and he was growing hard against her. Before she could even think, he entered her swiftly, making her scream out in surprise.

'Dearka! What – ' Miriallia tried to make him look at her but couldn't. Crushing his lips onto hers, he drove into her, his thrusts deep and fast to the point of hurting her. Opening her eyes, she looked at Dearka's face from an inch's distance, seeing the sweat on his forehead. She felt tears welling up at the corner of her eyes at the force. Dearka broke the kiss just as he came, closing his eyes. Miriallia felt him trembling inside her.

'Did I hurt you?' Dearka whispered, collapsing on top of her.

Miriallia fought the urge to wince as he pulled out of her. Wrapping one leg around his waist, she wiped the sweat off his brow. 'Is everything okay?'

'Yeah.' Dearka muttered, his eyes still closed, his pants calming down.

'Dearka?' Miriallia frowned at his pained expression. 'You sure?'

'I am.' Dearka insisted, grabbing her hand, stopping her from touching his face. He managed a smirk. 'I just wanted to make up for last night.'

He was trying to make a sarcastic joke, but Miriallia failed to find it funny or annoying. Something was wrong.

Watching Dearka leave the bed, Miriallia's eyebrows furrowed. Before he leaned down to pick up his boxers, she rushed forward and threw her arms around his waist, forcing him to stand straight. Something was bothering him and she knew that it more or less had to do with her.

'I'm really okay Miriallia.' Dearka said softly, standing still, fighting the urge to turn around and take her again.

'I know.' Miriallia whispered back, pursing her lips. 'Do you have anything to do tonight?'

'What is it?' Dearka asked, turning his head slightly.

'I…' Miriallia let go of him. 'My sister asked me to go home for dinner.'

Dearka turned his head back. 'Don't worry, I'll find something to do, the guys would probably want to get a beer or something.'

'No!' Miriallia said quickly, grabbing his arm. 'I was wondering if you'd like to come.'

Dearka paused before turning around to face her. 'Are you sure?'

Miriallia nodded.

Sighing, Dearka reached out one hand and ruffled Miriallia's hair. Sliding his hand down the side of her cheek, he thumbed her bottom lip. 'What time?'

'Seven.' Miriallia said softly.

Nodding, Dearka leaned down and kissed her softly, feeling his lips move against hers. When they parted, he scooped her up and headed towards the bathroom. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him again.

'What do you want to do?' she whispered against his lips.

'I want to take a bath.' Dearka replied coarsely, letting her down. 'A long, hot bath.'

'The doorbell's right there.' Dearka said dryly, sticking his hands into his jacket pockets. 'We've been standing out here for more than five minutes, are you planning on ringing the bell for a change.'

'I…' Miriallia's voice trailed and she pursed her lips. She wasn't sure how her parents were going to react and there was Narlea. Maybe bringing Dearka with her was a bad idea, but then again…

'What are you two doing out here?' another voice asked. Turning around, Miriallia and Dearka saw Narlea standing there in a suit and a briefcase in her hand. She had just come home from work.

'We – we just arrived.' Miriallia stammered.

'Well, what are you waiting for?' Narlea walked past the two, deliberately ignoring Dearka and opened the door with her keys. 'Ma, Dad! I'm home! Miriallia's here!'

'Miriallia!' Mrs. Haww stuck her head from what seemed like the kitchen. She was a small woman and had a flowered apron around her waist.

'You're back!' Mr. Haww stepped out of the living room while Mrs. Haww hugged her daughter.

Taking off her heels, Narlea shot a glance at Miriallia.

'Huh, Ma, Dad, this is Dearka Elthman, a friend from Archangel.' Miriallia introduced. 'Dearka, my Mom and Dad. This is my sister, Narlea.'

'Pleasure meeting you.' Dearka greeted, shaking hands with Mr. Haww.

'A survivor of Archangel huh?' Mr. Haww said impressively, looking at Dearka.

'Where the hell's Rafe?' Narlea asked, setting her briefcase down.

'Why don't we sit down in the living room, it's roomier than the hallway.' Mr. Haww suggested.

'I'll bring some tea.' Mrs. Haww said, then disappeared into the kitchen.

'Excuse me.' Narlea said, passing Dearka, she headed up the stairs.

'Come on.' Miriallia gave a silent Dearka a push.

Sighing, Deraka followed Miriallia into the huge living room. The Hawws lived in a quiet neighbourhood located at the suburb areas. It was a nice community near the coast.

'Did Miriallia drive?' Mr. Haww asked, sitting down.

Miriallia shook her head and plopped herself on the sofa, motioning for Dearka to sit down. 'Dearka did the driving.'

'You're on vacation?' Mrs. Haww asked, stepping into the living room with a tray of tea and some biscuits and cookies. 'I've never heard Miriallia talk about you. You don't live in Orb do you? Were you friends with her on Heliopolis?'

Dearka shot Miriallia a glance who nodded. 'I live in PLANT, Aprilius One.'

Mr. Haww raised his eyebrows and nodded. 'So you're a coordinator.'

Dearka shrugged. 'You could say that.'

'Why were you in Archangel then?' Mr. Haww asked. 'Or are you like Kira?'

'No.' Dearka said quickly. 'I, huh… I'm a part of ZAFT, well, I was deflected to Archangel for a while during the war then I joined ZAFT again. I'm a major now.'

Mr. Haww nodded, raising his cup of steaming tea to his lips . 'I'm sure there's a story behind all that.'

'Ma! Where's my polish? My saber needs cleaning!' a voice shouted from upstairs.

'Rafe! Don't shout!' Narlea cried. 'You're going to fall down for God's sake!'

Miriallia exhaled loudly and leaned back. Dearka saw her mouth 'one, two, three' and heard heavy footsteps.

'Rafe Haww!' Narela screamed through the hallway. 'Get your ass back here!'

'Get off my case!' Rafe scoffed, running into the living room. 'Ma – ' he paused and stared at Miriallia, then at Dearka. 'Who the hell is he?'

'Rafe Dearka, Dearka Rafe.' Miriallia introduced flatly, shaking her head.

'Nice to meet you.' Dearka shook his hand.

'Pleasure.' Rafe blinked, sitting down on the floor. 'Who is he again?'

'Miriallia's friend.' Narlea snapped, kicking him in the back. She had changed into a simple T-shirt and slacks. 'Move over.'

'Kids.' Mrs. Haww said sternly. 'We have a guest.'

'I didn't know you had guy friends other than Kuzzey, Ssigh and Kira.' Rafe said, crossing his legs on the floor. 'Where's he from? Never heard of him. You knew him from one of your 'expeditions'?"

'As a matter of fact, yes.' Miriallia said, plopping a biscuit into her mouth. 'The very first one.'

'Oh God, you're from Archangel too?' Rafe turned to Dearka.

'You could say that.' Dearka said, crossing his arms.

'Neat…' Rafe reached out a hand, wanting to get a chocolate cookie.

'No.' Narlea slapped his hand away. 'It's almost dinner.'

'Bossy.' Rafe muttered. 'Miriallia, you should just move back here, you know, spread out the attention, Narlea's driving me crazy!'

Narlea glared at him. 'You're the one who's bugging me.'

'Calm down people.' Miriallia muttered. 'Ma, you want me to give you a hand?'

'Sure.' Mrs. Haww stood up. 'It's almost done anyway, we just need to set the table.'

'Are you going to be okay?' Miriallia asked Dearka, standing up.

Dearka shrugged.

'We're not going to eat him, now go!' Narlea said, shooing her away. 'I'm going to help too.'

'Dearka, right?' Rafe asked, draining down some tea.

'Dearka Elthman.' Dearka said, leaning forward.

Rafe smirked. 'You're a coordinator right?'

Dearka raised his eyebrows. 'How did you know.'

Rafe shrugged. 'I've heard about you. I'm friends with Ssigh.'

Dearka narrowed his eyes. 'Really.'

Rafe sighed. 'I wish I were on Archangel. I can't believe I was sick at home during the Heliopolis raid. If I were with Kira and the others, I'd have a chance to enlist.'

'You should be glad you didn't.' Mr. Haww said sternly. 'You have no idea what war is like.'

Rafe shrugged. 'Maybe.' He cocked his head at Dearka's confused expression. 'We're twins.'

Dearka blinked in surprise. 'Oh, now that's not so surprising.' He said sarcastically.

'I can't believe Miriallia's never mentioned me!' Rafe complained, looking at his Father incredulously. 'I mean, I'm her twin!'

'Yes son.' Mr. Haww said, setting down his cup. 'Dinner's ready.'

Mrs. Haww's cooking reminded Dearka of his own mother. It's been almost three months since he went back home. Mrs. Haww was a good host. Miriallia's sister, on the other hand, was always passing sarcastic comments, especially towards his brother. Rafe kept asking him question about ZAFT and Archangel and he answered them one by one. Miriallia was exceptionally quiet except when the focus came to her. Dearka came to know that she came back home directly from Carpentaria.

'You have a really enthusiastic brother.' Dearka commented as he and Miriallia did the dishes after dinner. Mrs. Haww had been nice about it but he had insisted on doing them since he didn't really bring anything.

'Yeah.' Miriallia sighed. 'He's… he really wanted to be in military, wanted to be a technician. He's actually part of my faculty when we were in Heliopolis but he was sick that day when, you know.'

'Right.' Dearka handed her a soapy dish. 'What's with your sister by the way?'

'Narlea?' Miriallia bit her lip. 'She's… she's a little protective so you don't have to worry about it.' And the fact that you answered her phone this morning says a lot too. She thought, exhaling loudly. 'She's okay, don't worry about her.'

'She's burning holes in my back with her eyes now.' Dearka muttered.

Miriallia laughed dryly. 'Ignore her.'

Drying his hands afterwards, he reached into his back pocket and frowned.

'What?' Miriallia asked, picking up the plate of fruit.

'I left my cell in your apartment.' Dearka muttered. They walked into the living room again and Dearka reached for the cordless phone. 'Do you mind if I check my messages?'

'Sure.' Mrs. Haww said, smiling at her. 'You can use the balcony for some privacy, the door's right in the kitchen.'

'Thanks.'

'He's nice.' Mrs. Haww commented as Dearka disappeared around the corner.

'Not to mention cool!' Rafe exclaimed. 'I mean, he was the pilot of Buster!'

'Act your age, please.' Miriallia rolled her eyes.

'How long is he staying?' Mr. Haww asked.

Miriallia paused, then shook her head. 'I heard he had a two week off, but I don't know when he started it. He's been in Orb for a week already.'

'Where's he staying?' Rafe asked casually.

Before Miriallia could lie, Narlea stood up abruptly, dusting herself off. 'Excuse me, I need to go to the washroom.'

Rafe's eyebrows furrowed as he exchanged glances with his father. 'What's wrong with her? Is it like that time of the month?'

'Rafe…' Mrs. Haww sent his son a warning glance.

'Rafe…' Miriallia mimicked. Laughing, she stood up.

'Where're you going?' Rafe asked, looking up.

'There's no more tissue.' Miriallia said, rolling her eyes.

'Wait up!' Rafe jumped up and caught up with his twin sister in the hallway. 'Wait up sis!'

'What?' Miriallia asked impatiently, looking over her shoulders.

Rafe took a deep breath and walked forward, wrapping one arm around her shoulder. 'So you and Elthman…'

Miriallia looked at him sideways, her eyebrows twisted. 'What?'

Rafe poked her in the cheek with one finger. 'You two are fuck buddies, no?'

Miriallia choked, coughing loudly.

'Are you okay dear?' Mrs. Haww asked from the living room.

'Uh, yeah!' Miriallia called back, then glared at Rafe and grabbed him by the collar with one hand. 'What did you say?'

'Hey! No need to flip out!' Rafe said in a low voice so that their parents wouldn't overhear. 'God you've gotten strong.'

'What did you say?' Miriallia hissed, pushing him against the wall.

'Fuck buddies.' Rafe repeated with a smug look. 'I know what you guys are doing.'

'What do you mean?' Miriallia looked at him with narrowed eyes. 'You've been in my apartment!'

'Hey! You gave me the keys!' Rafe argued. 'I came the other day but the apartment was empty. All I found was a dogtag on your counter that was not yours and condoms in the trash.' He gave Miriallia sly smile. 'You guys' been doing it hard, I couldn't even guess the number of condoms in there.'

Miriallia's face turned red. 'You bastard!'

'Watch the language little lady.' Rafe said as Mirialia let go of him. 'What? He seems like a good guy, plus he's in real military.'

Miriallia pointed on finger at him threateningly. 'You tell anyone and you are dead, you hear me, dead as in D-E-A-D. I know how to use a gun.'

'Right.' Rafe said dryly. 'For real, I'm your twin, I won't harm you in anyway.'

Making a face at him, Miriallia stomped into the kitchen and found Narlea sitting at the kitchen table with her cup of tea, glaring at the balcony door, or more correctly, glaring at Dearka's back. 'What are you doing Narlea?'

Narlea gave her a brief glance. 'Nothing.'

Shrugging, Miriallia opened the closet and took out a box of Kleenex.

Watching her leave the kitchen, Narlea set her cup of tea down onto the kitchen table and stood up. Narrowing her eyes, she slide the door open and stepped into the balcony, closing it behind her just as Dearka turned off the phone.

'Dearka Elthman, right?' Narlea crossed her arms.

'I knew you wanted to talk.' Dearka said, his back to her. 'Your hostile looks give a lot away.'

'Are you the one Miriallia slept with on Archangel before she was disbanded?' Narlea asked directly, glaring at him.

Dearka paused then turned around. 'She mentioned that night to you?'

Narlea shrugged. 'Briefly. She locked herself in her room for the first two weeks after returning home, not wanting to talk to anyone, not wanting to eat, not wanting to sleep and only cried, staring at Tolle's photo. No matter what we did, she just didn't come out.'

Dearka closed his eyes and smiled. 'Right.'

'She was killing herself.' Narlea said softly, looking away. 'She was guilty, guilty that she slept with another man.'

'I know.' Dearka whispered, turning his back to her again. 'That's why she left.'

'She's weaker than she seems to be or claims to be.' Narlea continued. 'She's been hiding in her shell ever since the war and still thinks that she's a betrayer.'

'I know.' Dearka snapped. 'I can feel it for the love of God, I don't need you to repeat it and make my life harder than it already is!'

Narlea flinched, then bit her lips. 'All I'm saying is, she doesn't know what she's doing now and to what I see, she's still attached to Tolle, even if it's subconsciously. It's already hard enough on her part, don't make it harder for her.'

Dearka didn't know how long he stayed on the balcony but he knew Narlea had retreated back to the house again. Miriallia had come out and dragged him back into the house and he had politely thanked her parents for dinner before they left. During the ride back to Miriallia's apartment, he didn't say a word.

Seeing that he wasn't in the mood for a conversation either, Miriallia had closed her eyes and fallen asleep until they arrived.

'I guess my parents do like you.' Miriallia commented, yawning as she opened the door. Throwing her bag onto the bed, she stretched and shot a glance at the clock. 'It's already eleven.'

'Even more than Tolle Koeing?'

Miriallia froze. After a few seconds, she looked down. 'What do you mean?'

Dearka stared at her back for what seemed like forever before he opened his mouth again. He had to end it before everything got out of control. The answers were clear to him and it seemed like they weren't going to change no matter what he did.

I'm leaving Orb tomorrow.'

End of Chapter 7

Next update: 13/07/2005

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews, I hope they keep coming. I've seen a few questions around and there are a few I'd like to respond to, so here I am.

PiNkLeMiNaDe00123: 'for one of your side stories could you have a dearka flashback of the zala team. Like what it was like when they first met or just a funni story.' Well, I'm not going to write a separate story for just the, you mean Klueze team? Anyway, I'm not that good at funny stories, but you will expect flashbacks of the five elites during their time before the Heliopolis raid in the next installment of 'GS Afermath', that's all the spoilers I'm going to give around here. Hope you'll be interested in reading it.

Komillia: 'You've done a good job writing Dearka as well, especially his scenes with Yzak and Shiho (the latter two should really get a fanfic of their own ;) )' Thanks for the compliment, I enjoyed writing the scenes of, what I call, the new trio. Anyway, we'll see about the separate story, we'll see...

The Angels' Princess: Yeah, I as just saying it, I am aware of Dearka's state of wealth. Thank you for enjoying this story so much by the way.

C-town Chica: 'I wonder what is going to happen with the sniper and that attempt.' Again, we'll see in the next installment.

Have I given out too much? - Hope it will keep you guys reading on. By the way, I'm in the mood to give all of you a teaser of the next chapter.

Read under own risk!

Gseed Aftermath Trilogy I: Rebound - chapter 8 teaser excerpts

'Things sure have changed in ZAFT.' Athrun sighed. 'Who would think the five of us would come to live completely different lives?'

'Yeah, with two dead.' Dearka muttered. 'I've always wondered what life would be life if the raid at Heliopolis was complete, you know, with Rusty still alive and all.'

'If the raid had been successful, I wouldn't have met Kira again. We'd be dying for ZAFT.' Athrun said quietly. 'I wouldn't have changed my views and doubted my Father's decision, nor would I have had a chance to meet Cagalli and you wouldn't have been defected to Archangel during the last phase of war.'

Dearka looked out the window in silence. The sky was getting dark and a huge black cloud was hanging over the city. It was already raining heavily and he could see people dashing for shelter. He narrowed his eyes at a girl shivering in the rain, a few moments later, a guy came out with an umbrella in his hands and put his arm around the shivering girl.

If the five of them had survived, no way Dearka would have met Miriallia. There wouldn't be the stabbing incident, he wouldn't have looked forward to seeing Miriallia in the cells, he wouldn't have decided to join Archangel in hopes of protecting her. If everything had happened according to the original plan, he wouldn't be sitting here, kicking himself mentally for his stubbornness which in the end ruined every chance between the two of them.

He felt like he was walking on a tightrope, knowing he'd fall but not knowing when. The unpredictable was frightening and the fall had proved to be hard.