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 8

I'm leaving Orb tomorrow.'

'Wh – what?'

'I'm leaving Orb tomorrow Miriallia.'

'I – I thought you had a two week vacation.'

'I need to go back sooner or later. There really is nothing left for me to do here.'

'Do? What do you mean "do"?'

'You know what I mean, hopefully.'

'I don't get it. What's going on Dearka?'

'I can't stand it anymore. I can't stand the guessing and maybe I don't even want to get an answer anymore.'

'An answer?'

'It's been two years Miriallia and I've done nothing but think about that night, thinking why you left without even a word of goodbye. I thought it was over two years ago and it would have been if we didn't see each other again at Carpentaria.'

'What do you mean?'

'I'm tired of all this, it's making me lose my mind. You have no idea what it's like to live in the shadows of another person. I can't do that. It's obvious that you can't get Tolle Koenig out of your mind either.'

'If you had that impression in mind all this time why didn't you just leave?'

'Because I thought I could change your mind which to me now is probably next to impossible.'

'Are you saying I'm the one who screwed this up? Screwed us up?'

'Well, yeah, you and your stupid dead natural boyfriend!'

Miriallia stared at her palm. That slap hurt, it really hurt. She could still see Dearka's shocked face and the red mark on his left cheek. She remembered flipping out two years ago, the topic involved Tolle as well and she had almost killed him with a knife.

This slap hurt even more.

'Don't you ever dare say that about Tolle, leave him out of this, leave him out of us.'

'There's no "us". There haven't been and will never be.'

Those words were like a sharp knife and she felt her heart rip apart while her mind relived it. There was no "us"?

'Bastard.' Mirialia whispered, closing her hand in a fist. He had flipped out and so did she, it was the first fight they ever had and it scared her. He had just walked out of the door, not even turning back, slamming the door right in her face. She had stared at the door in the dark for what seemed like forever before she crawled onto the bed, staring into space until now.

Miriallia's head jerked at the sound of something vibrating. Sitting up slowly, she stared at the nightstand where Dearka's cell phone was. She reached out and caught it before it fell to the floor. It was a message for him.

She hesitated for a while before she flipped open the cover and opened his mail box.

'Mr. Elthman, please be reminded that you're flight to PLANT Aprilius One will departure from Orb at eleven thirty, platform 32. You're flight number is TXC 53 and you're seat number is 23E.'

Miriallia stared at the message in disbelief. He wasn't lying, he was actually leaving and didn't even bother to give her a notice in advance until last night. So what? He just wanted to leave at night when she was asleep and never return? What was she in his eyes anyway? Or was this his way of vengeance?

Glaring at the message, she snapped the cover shut and slammed it on the nightstand again. Flopping back on the bed, she threw the covers over her head, biting her lip. Just then, the door clicked and opened. She didn't dare move and kept dead stilled. Her heart started to pounded violently as she heard Dearka's light footsteps close on her and tried hard to resist jumping up from the bed.

She heard him pick up the cell phone. The footsteps went away and she faintly heard the sound of a chain being picked up. It was his dog tag, he was really leaving.

Miriallia pulled the sheets back and sat up after the door clicked shut again. She felt herself go numb as she stared at the door. He didn't even say goodbye…

Turning her head mechanically, she stood up and stumbled across the counter.

He really left, he was really walking out of her life…

He didn't even say goodbye.

'You are full of surprises Dearka Elthman.' Athrun said sarcastically as he seated himself across from him at a little café in the shuttle port.

'Am I?' Dearka responded, raising his eyebrows, his cheek resting on his palm. 'Well, I guess you got this impression because I phoned you in bed with your girl.'

Athrun smiled. 'Why the rush?'

Dearka looked at him. 'It's not a rush, I've actually planned to leave today a few days ago, just didn't come to tell you guys about it, hope that's okay.'

Athrun shrugged. 'It's okay with me, but I don't know if it's okay with someone else.'

'You think too much.' Dearka said lightly, crossing his legs.

'Do I?' Athrun eyed Dearka tired face. 'When's your flight?'

Dearka glanced at his watch. 'In an hour, platform 32.'

'You're heading back to the headquarters immediately?' Athrun asked.

'No.' Dearka made a face. 'I'm not going back to work on the first day. I still have a day or two.'

'And Yzak will let it go?' Athrun asked dryly.

Dearka shrugged. 'If I don't let him know I'm back, yeah.'

Athrun snorted. 'Don't count on it.' At that, Dearka's cell rang.

'Elthman.' Dearka answered.

'Dearka!' It was Shinho on the line.

'Hahnenfuss?' Dearka's eyebrows furrowed. 'You never call me unless it's urgent, what's going on?'

'Well…' Shinho voice trailed.

'What?' Dearka snapped.

'You tell him to get his ass in my office the minute he steps foot on Aprilius One!' Yzak's voice yelled from a distance.

'Damn it!' Dearka cursed, glaring at Athrun who muffled a laugh. 'How the hell did he know? You guys have been keeping tabs on me!'

'I had to!' Shinho protested. 'It's not like I can disobey Captain Jule in anyway! He just wants you to come back to work! You have no idea what a nightmare it has been here with the disarmament program still going on and all the other security stuff! I haven't slept in two days!'

'Yeah whatever.' Dearka muttered.

'Report to Captain Jule!' Shinho reminded him.

'I got it!' Dearka snarled, then cut the connection.

'Is this Hahnenfuss a new recruit?' Athrun asked.

'She graduated from the academy a year later than us.' Dearka said absently. 'I didn't get to know her until after the war when I rejoined ZAFT. A kick-ass pilot, good leader, clean and efficient. Helps Yzak a lot and brings the team lots of smiles and laughter.' He shrugged. 'All in all, a good team member to work with.'

'Right.' Athrun nodded.

'Where's the missus?' Dearka asked, crossing his arms.

'Cagalli? I dropped her off at the orphanage, she's off for the day.' Athrun replied.

'Are you guys planning to marry or anything?' Dearka asked casually.

'Us? Not yet.' Athrun responded. 'I know Kira's been pondering on this question though. We're still young, we got time.'

'Tell that to Yzak.' Dearka smirked. 'He's been doing nothing but work, work and work. No personal life whatsoever, he spends so much time with Hahnenfuss going over reports they should just marry each other.'

'Hahnenfuss is directly under Yzak?' Athrun asked.

Dearka nodded. 'You can say that, though she has her own people.'

'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.

'Second call for flight TCX 53. Passengers please board the shuttle at platform 32, platform 32.'

'Well, I guess that's me.' Dearka sighed, standing up. Athrun walked him to the platform. The station was starting to pack and with all the umbrellas and soaked passengers, it seemed even more packed that usual.

'It's been nice seeing you again.' Athrun said, shaking hands with Dearka.

'You planning on returning to PLANT?' Dearka asked.

Athrun took a deep breath. 'Someday, I'll come with Cagalli. I haven't visited my mother in a long time.'

'Well, safe trip then.' Athrun said. 'Say hello to Yzak for me.'

'Oh I will.' Dearka smirked. 'He still thinks you're his ultimate enemy.'

'I know.' Athrun rolled his eyes. 'The guy should grow up.'

'He has, at least he can keep his temper in check for most of the time.' Dearka laughed. 'See you.'

'See you.' Athrun watched Dearka board the shuttle and take his seat on the other side, away from the platform.

'Last call for flight TCX 53. Passengers please board the shuttle at platform 32, repeat, passengers please board shuttle at platform 32.'

Athrun was about to turn and leave when his cell phone rang. 'Athrun Zala.'

'It's raining like crazy outside Athrun!' Cagalli's voice rang from the other side. 'You got your umbrella?'

'I parked my car at the indoor car park.' Athrun reassured.

Cagalli sighed in relief. 'Has Dearka boarded yet?'

'Uh-huh.'

'Weird that he suddenly said he was leaving.' Cagalli said.

'Weirder that I received his call in bed again.' Athrun muttered. 'You know the guy does not have a sense of time whatsoever. When he came, he called at six, when he said he was leaving, he called at five thirty.'

Cagalli giggled. 'It's not like it's an everyday occurrence.'

Athrun sighed. 'I guess.'

'TCX53, prepare for launching, doors closing, please stand clear of the platform.'

Athrun watched as the doors of the shuttle closed. 'You want me to...' Athrun stared at a familiar figure pushing through the people.

'Is everything okay?' Cagalli asked.

'It's Miriallia.' Athrun exclaimed. 'I'll call you back.'

'Dearka!' He heard her shout over the roaring engine of the shuttle. 'Dearka!'

'TCX53 countdown. Ten, nine…'

'No!' Miriallia shouted. Pushing her way through the wall of people, she ran along the shuttle platform as the shuttle started to move.

'Miriallia! Don't!' Athrun yelled.

'Dearka!' Miriallia cried as the shuttle started to pick up speed. A dog tag was dangling from her fingers. Athrun watched in horror as she slipped on the wet platform and rolled across the surface, bruising herself. Rushing forward, he tried to lift her up.

'Dearka…' Miriallia whispered, watching as the shuttle took off. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned and faced Athrun. 'Why?'

'Miriallia…' Athrun winced as she closed her eyes and dropped her head. He gasped when she suddenly collapsed in his arms, Dearka's name on her lips.

Miriallia opened her heavy eyes and found herself staring at a white ceiling. Blinking, she turned her head sideways and found herself staring into Cagalli's bright orbs. She blinked a few times, watching as Cagalli stood up.

'You fainted.' Cagalli said softly, pouring a glass of water for her.

'Fainted?' Miriallia repeated as Cagalli helped her sit up. She took the glass of water from her and took a sip, wincing at the dryness of her throat. 'What time is it?'

'Six in the evening.' Cagalli replied. 'What happened?'

Miriallia took a deep breath and shook her head. 'It's nothing really, everything's okay.'

'Okay?' Cagalli raised her eyebrows. 'You come rushing in madness and run after a launching shuttle. You call that alright? I don't think so.'

Miriallia gave her a weak smile. 'I'm sorry I made people worry, it really is okay.'

'Athrun sent you to the hospital.' Cagalli said. She watched Miriallia lower her head and narrowed her eyes. 'He was with Dearka, he was scheduled to leave this morning. You knew that right?'

Miriallia bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears. She looked up when Cagalli held something out in front of her face. It was a dog tag. Feeling herself pant, Miriallia grabbed the dog tag and held it to her chest.

He had really left.

'What in the fucking hell happened?'

The both of them looked at the door. Frowning, Cagalli walked towards the door and opened it. 'Athrun!'

'What the hell happened?' Rafe bawled, grabbing Athrun by the collar.

'Rafe!' Narlea tried to calm him down, trying to pull him back by the arm.

'Miriallia was still in good shape yesterday and now you're telling me she just passed out in the shuttle port?' Rafe yelled, ignoring his sister. 'What the hell happened?'

Athrun winced. 'She – '

'She was chasing after the shuttle!' Cagalli cried, separating them.

'What do you mean she was chasing after a shuttle!' Rafe demanded. 'That's crazy!'

Rafe and Narlea had received Athrun's call this afternoon saying that their sister was admitted to the hospital. Not wanting their parents to worry about it, they had rushed to the hospital and found that Miriallia had passed out.

Athrun soothed out his collar. 'I don't know what happen but I saw Miriallia running after it. I was sending Dearka off if you have to know.'

'Elthman?' Rafe's eyebrows twisted. 'He left this morning?' Narlea bit her lip.

'You mean Miriallia didn't know?' Cagalli asked, frowning.

'Apparently she didn't.' Athrun muttered.

'Damn it!' Rafe racked his hand through his light hair. 'What in the hell happened? Elthman doesn't seem like the type of guy to just sleep with my sister and take off.'

Cagalli shot a glance at Athrun, who took a deep breath and nodded.

'Rafe!' Narlea nudged him the rib.

The doctor came out from the ward and Rafe rushed forward. 'How's my sister?'

'She's okay.' The doctor said. 'Just some scratches and bruises, nothing major, she didn't hit her head or anything so she can leave today.'

'Thank you.' Narlea said. 'Can we see her?'

The doctor smiled. 'Why not?'

The siblings thanked the doctor one more time before pushing the door open.

'Sis?' Rafe opened his mouth carefully. Miriallia was sitting at the edge of the bed, staring down at her lap. 'You okay?'

'Rafe?' Miriallia turned her head and smiled. She had some bandages on her arm and on her forehead but no slings which was good news.

'What happened?' Narlea asked, walking up to the bed. Cagalli and Athrun stayed at the entrance, not wanting to bother them.

'I'm fine.' Miriallia said. Standing up, she put on her slippers. 'The doctor said I could check out today, I'm not staying at a hospital overnight.'

'Fine.' Narlea nodded. 'We'll take you home for a few days.'

Miriallia sighed. 'Whatever.'

Rafe crossed his arms and watched Miriallia walk towards Cagalli and Athrun.

'Thank you.' Miriallia said softly, her hands together. She bit her lip nervously. 'Could you do me a favor Athrun?'

Athrun looked down at her with a small smile. 'Anything you need.'

'Can you give me the number of Captain Ramius, I want to talk to her.' Miriallia said, looking down.

'For what?' Cagalli asked softly.

Miriallia paused, then smiled and looked up. 'I want to take some pictures of Archangel.'

'I am going to kill that son of a bitch.' Rafe paced the living room of his house, his arms crossed.

'Calm down.' Ssigh watched as Rafe plopped himself down on the sofa.

'Still, it's unbelievable.' Kuzzey muttered. 'Miriallia and Elthman? What happened during my absence?'

'Lots.' Ssigh eyed Kuzzey. 'I haven't been the best friend during those last few weeks, mind you. We had so much going on, I thought Miriallia had gotten over Tolle.'

'It's only temporary.' Kuzzey said. 'There's no way she can get over him so soon. Even if she was attracted to Elthman at that time, it was just out of emotional need, like a rebound.'

'You think that's why he left?' Ssigh wondered.

'Well, even so, he shouldn't just – just – ' Rafe grumbled, biting off his last words.

'It really is their business, we're not really in the place to pass any judgment.' Ssigh reasoned, reaching for a cookie on the plate.

'Still…' Rafe looked out the window. 'She's my sister. I may act like a ten year old sometimes but she is only two minutes older than me, mind you. You know how she was before everything happened.'

Ssigh nodded. 'She was a very dependent girl, always depended on you, on Narlea and later Tolle. You can't say she's spoiled but…'

'She makes people worried.' Rafe muttered, crossing his legs. He still remembered flipping out when he woke up, finding that he was on a shuttle off to space when Miriallia was missing. When he later found out that she was on Archangel, he had begged his parents to let him meet her but the government had forbid it. He loved his sisters, Mirialia in particular because she was his twin and she knew it. Despite maturing a lot during the last two years, she was still a person he constantly worried about.

'You know, she's not that good at dealing with emotions.' Rafe sighed, rubbing the side of his head. 'You know how she locked herself in her room for two weeks straight after she returned home.'

Ssigh nodded. 'Yeah, I came to see how things were going but she didn't even want to see me.'

'Exactly.' Rafe pointed a finger at Ssigh. 'Hell knows what she's going to do, and I blame that son of a bitch.'

'Don't say that.' Ssigh countered. 'We don't know the whole picture.'

'You're being protective again.' Kuzzey said dryly.

'Can I help it?' Rafe muttered. 'This guy just left for Christ's sake, you don't just leave!'

'That's exactly what Miriallia did two years ago.' Another voice rang from the entrance of the living room. The three turned and found Narlea standing there.

Ssigh looked at her. 'What do you mean?'

'She told me two years ago.' Narlea said, looking away. 'She said she was guilty because she slept with Elthman, like she was cheating on Tolle, but to what I see…'

'What?' Rafe asked bluntly.

Narlea sighed. 'I think she's guilty because she slept with Elthman while thinking about Tolle. She hurt Elthman bad and she knows it. She's been finding a way to make herself feel better for the past two years and part of her brilliant plan was to keep Tolle in mind in hopes of forgetting about Elthman.'

'A brilliant plan!' Rafe said sarcastically. 'That idiot.'

Ssigh sighed. 'Either way, she's killing herself.'

Kuzzey looked at them, then exhaled loudly. 'Where's Miriallia now?'

'Murrue Ramius has taken her to Archangel.' Narlea said, sitting down.

'Archangel?' Kuzzey raised his eyesbrows.

'She said she wanted to take some good pictures of the battleship.' Rafe muttered. 'More like wanting to relive the past.'

Shaking his head, Ssigh took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes tiredly. 'Either way, she's going to get through, even if it means losing Elthman. She should know what she's doing and be responsible for it. There's really nothing we can do.' He put his glasses back on and gave Rafe a glare. 'Don't you dare do anything!'

Rafe looked at him innocently. 'What? I couldn't even make her stay home!'

Narlea nodded. 'She insisted on moving back to her apartment downtown.'

'Was Dearka living there during that week?' Ssigh asked curiously.

'I guess so.' Narlea said quietly. 'He picked up the phone at six in the morning, anyone can imagine what they were doing.'

'Right.' Kuzzey smirked, leaning back.

Just then, the phone rang and Narlea answered.

'Who is it?' Rafe asked when she hung up.

'Miriallia's editor.' Narlea answered. 'She couldn't find her.'

'Probably left her cell at home.' Kuzzey said.

Narlea took a deep breath and put the phone back into its charger. 'I hope so.'

'Take your time, Archangel's not going to go anywhere.' Murrue said, smiling at Miriallia gently as she led her into Archangel's special hanger.

'Thank you Captain.' Miriallia bowed her head.

Murrue smiled. 'You okay there? I heard you got yourself into the hospital?'

Miriallia shook her head. 'Just a few scratches and bruises, nothing serious, thanks for asking though.'

Murrue reached out one hand and patted her shoulder in encouragement. 'Just use the communicator if anything goes wrong okay? Nothing should though, you should be familiar with this ship.'

Miriallia nodded. Watching Murrue leave the hanger, she stepped into the battleship. Putting one hand over her chest, she bit her lips as memories flooded back to her.

She had stayed at her mother's place for over a week after that day and had just moved back to her own apartment. Athrun and Cagalli had given her Murrue's number and she was kind enough to let her onboard since Miriallia said she wanted to take some photos of it. Sentimental reasons.

Walking down the familiar corridors, Miriallia found her way to the bridge. Turning on the lights, she touched the side of the seat she used to use. Stepping back, she took out her camera and took a few shots.

'This ought to do it.' Miriallia said to herself, reviewing the pictures. Exhaling loudly, she sat herself down and stared at the blank screen.

'We're going to be in deep shit if any of those nuclear missiles hit us!'

'Fine, don't go.'

'Hey!'

'Just joking… be careful.'

'Thank you.'

Shaking her head, Miriallia leaned back and stared up at the solid ceiling above her. She remembered the exhausting days they spent on this ship, both mentally and physically demanding. They never knew what would happen and there was a big chance they'd die with this ship if it weren't for Kira and Lieutenant Fllaga, later Athrun and Dearka.

Grinding her teeth, she stood up abruptly and left the bridge.

What was she doing? This was crazy! If he wanted to leave, fine by her! It's not like they had an obligation of any sort! So they slept together, big deal, it's not like they're stupid teenagers who don't know what they were doing. They were responsible for themselves and if Dearka could just leave like that then so could she, so did she.

Feeling the blood boil in her veins, Miriallia broke into a run.

She didn't care, she had to force herself to not care! Yes, she could do it! If he can do it so can she!

'Damn it!' Miriallia shouted, stopping. Her voice echoed and she found herself at the entrance of the hanger. Staring up, the image of Buster locked inside flew across her mind. Digging into her bag, she took out a photo, the first photo she took and had been trying to throw away for the past two years.

To be honest, the two of them never really had any interaction inside Archangel face to face. He was always in the hanger discussion matters with the technicians on Buster and she was either at the control information center or resting in her room. When they did have a chance to meet, it was usually with a whole lot of people in the cafeteria.

They did have a chance to talk though and it was usually before launching. He'd make cynical comments about the situation and she'd try to ignore him, though they usually ended up in a blunt conversation. She felt surprisingly comfortable though and knowing that Buster was protecting Archangel made her feel safe, though she didn't really know him.

Walking across the hanger, Miriallia approached the simulator Tolle used to use. When Dearka brought her up in the air to see the sunset a week ago, realization had hit her.

Tolle was indeed the past, she was just denying this solid fact, trying to convince herself that she could still relive the days when he was still here. The reality was, she couldn't and Dearka had slowly crept into her life for the last two years, occupying practically every corner of it. If she didn't give a damn then she wouldn't have thought about him for the last two years. The thought of Tolle fading away had frightened her so she had tried to deny any possible connection with Dearka.

'Can you do it? Can you put your past behind you?'

'You can't. You can't and you won't.'

Miriallia stared at the door of the room which had once belonged to Dearka during the last phase of the battle. Reaching out one trembling hand, she opened it. Stepping into the room, she didn't bother to turn on the lights and let the door slide behind her. Dropping her shoulder bag onto the floor, she walked across the room with heavy footsteps.

Touching the new sheets with one hand, she crawled onto the bed and lied on her side.

She remembered staring at Dearka's sleeping face for hours, her vision blurred by her tears, wondering how she would react once he woke. She didn't want to face him because at that time, it was clear to her that she was using him. He was a rebound and she did not want to face that accusation directly from him.

She knew he liked her, he said it himself that night, but never did again.

Reaching into her shirt, she pulled out a dog tag, Dearka's dogtag.

That morning after Dearka had left, she found that he had taken her dog tag instead of his own. Convincing herself that this was her excuse, she had sat on her bed for more than three hours before she made a dash to the shuttle port. It was too late though.

'Can't we at least be friends? I mean – '

'I don't think we can be friends. There's too much between us, we'll never be "just friends".'

'You're right Dearka.' Miriallia whispered, staring at the dog tag. 'We'll never just be friends.'

They would never be just friends because she didn't want to, neither did he, simple as that. She loved him too much to just want to be his friend.

She loved him.

Miriallia felt her vision blur again. Dearka left, he really left and she only had herself to blame. It hurt her to see him in such pain and it hurt even more that she was the one who created this pain. She didn't deserve it.

She didn't deserve him in anyway.

End of Chapter 8
Next update: 20/07/2005

A/N: In order to celebrate me finishing 'Gseed Aftermath Trilogy II: Repercussion', I will be updating every week from now on, so stay tuned!