DISCLAIMER: 'Resonance' is a story based on characters and situations from Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed which is a property of Sotsu Agency, SUNRISE and MBS. 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 R/M and may mild strong language, violence, cruelty, explicit adult content, rape, death and nudity 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 go to gseedaftermath.hermitjunction. net for site hosting of this fic. For Dearka and Miriallia's story, please go to 'GS Aftermath Trilogy I: Rebound'; for Rusty and Lain's story, please go to 'GS Aftermath Trilogy II: Repercussion'.

Gseed Aftermath Trilogy III:
RESONANCE
a hermit junction project

Chapter 6

The digital clock on the nightstand beside Shiho's bed read six when the phone rang. Sticking her head out of the fridge, Shiho blinked, a straw stuck in her mouth. Holding the towel over her head, Shiho padded across the floor barefoot and answered the phone just before the person on the other hand was about to hang up.

'Shiho Hahnenfuss.' Shiho said absently, freeing her long brunette locks.

'It's me, Miriallia.'

'Hey, how's it going?' Shiho asked, jumping on her bed.

'You're really not going tell me about the bet are you?' Miriallia pursed her lips, jumping up when the bathroom door of Dearka's apartment clicked open.

'You'll see.' Shiho said, crossing her legs. 'You're so going to see how that precious honey of yours is going fork over a sweet thousand bucks.'

'Who's that?' Shiho heard Dearka ask.

'It's Shiho.' Miriallia replied.

'She's not getting cold feet is she?' Dearka smirked. 'I don't mind, I can use another thousand bucks, maybe I should get a new look for my car, a thousand bucks should be enough.'

'Miriallia, would you be a doll and tell Dearka to go to hell?' Shiho asked sweetly.

Miriallia giggled. 'How are you going to get there?'

'Captain Jule is going to give me a ride, I'm his guest and it's really the least he can do. I mean, I'm doing him a favor for the love of god!'

'What favor?' Miriallia asked curiously.

'Come on, we don't have much time.' Dearka said from behind Miriallia.

'I'll see then.' Miriallia said quickly, then cut the connection.

Seething at how Dearka cut in, Shiho hung up and threw her phone onto the pillow. Glancing at the clock again, she figured she'd better get dressed before she met Yzak downstairs. Though they lived in the same building for the past two or so years, they've never been in each other's apartment and it was absolutely just for the both of them. They were, afterall, in a serious working relationship and they couldn't afford wrecking it, even if they both recognized each other as just comrades and friends.

Adding the finishing touches to her light make up, Shiho smirked at her reflection and made a turn, admiring the fitting evening gown. She was about to reach for her purse when she suddenly caught sight of her bare back. Stopping, she looked over her shoulder and stared at the really faint scar that cut right from her left shoulder to the small of her back. She had used some powder to cover it up but it still showed a little from where she stood.

Taking a deep breath, she shook her head violently and started stuffing her compact into her purse. Slipping her feet into white thin heels that had pointed toes, she reached for her matching emerald shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders.

When she stepped into the halls, she looked back and fourth, making sure no one was around. When she walked out of the elevator, the clicking sound of her heels caught the attention of the guard.

'Major?' The guard blinked at Shiho, looking up and down.

Shiho smiled uncomfortably. 'Good evening.'

'Good evening.' The guard took of his hat, nodding at her.

Shiho could feel his eyes follow her. When she stepped out of the glass doors, she couldn't help but look back and caught the guard staring at her. Turning away again, she giggled, pulling her shawl closer at the nocturnal wind.

You go girl. She thought, looking around the parking lot. Walking down the isle of cars, she finally located Yzak's black sedan. He was leaning against the driver's side of the car, looking down at some files with his legs crossed at his ankles, his back to her. Taking a deep breath, Shiho cleared her throat and crossed her arms.

Sensing someone behind him, Yzak turned. He couldn't help but stare at Shiho for a while, his eyes wide open, the file dangling from his fingers. Blinking, he shook his head violently.

'So, what do you think?' Shiho asked, turning in a circle. 'Not to bad for a shield right?'

'No, not bad at all.' Yzak said, clearing his throat. 'You look nice.'

Shiho smiled, holding her small purse before her with both hands. 'Thank you, that's a nice compliment Captain.'

'Yes, you definitely look nice.' Yzak walked around the car and held open the door for her. 'You deserve being served by a gentleman, that's for sure.'

Shiho laughed. 'Do you want me to tip you then?'

'I'll keep that in mind and ask for it when we come back.' Yzak joked, slamming the door shut. Walking back to his side of the car, he climbed in and asked Shiho to put the file inside the compartment.

'Dearka is so going to lose his thousand bucks.' Shiho smirked, looking out the window.

'You do know his definition of sexy right?' Yzak asked dryly.

'Of course, it's not the first time I've seen his stack of porn lying around in his office before Miriallia came along.' Shiho said flatly, eyeing Yzak.

'Porn King.' Yzak muttered, pulling at his tie slightly.

'Are you dreading this or looking forward to this?' Shiho asked.

'Both.' Yzak said. 'I'm looking forward to Dearka's reaction but dreading those boring conversations with the other councilors, like I haven't heard enough in our regular meetings.'

'So do you really like your job or not?' Shiho asked curiously.

'Well… it's okay, but if I had a choice, I wouldn't work for the council.' Yzak said, shooting Shiho a glance. 'There's a lot of issues between the councilors and I've been a very sensitive case from square one, my Mother and all.'

Shiho nodded. 'I know, but haven't you ever wondered why?'

'I'd be the world's biggest idiot if I haven't ever wondered.' Yzak replied. 'But there are things that are meant to be understood only and not discussed among people. That's the reality of politics, you've got to make a good guess and come up with the right decision or you're going to be shot down.'

'I don't know about politics.' Shiho responded, leaning back. 'It's too complicated, that's the last thing I need in my life.'

'I'm sure it is for everyone.' Was all Yzak said. The drive was short and they arrived the convention hall in less than fifteen minutes. Leaving his car for the valets to park at the front doors, Yzak led Shiho to the reception counter.

'Name please.'

'Jule.' Yzak replied while signing the book. 'Yzak Jule.'

'Of course, councilor.' The receptionist nodded, giving him a bright smile before turning to Shiho. 'And this lady is?'

'My guest.' Yzak replied, glancing at Shiho briefly. 'Shiho Hahnenfuss.'

The receptionist paused. 'Hahnenfuss?'

'I'm thirsty Captain.' Shiho cut in, tugging Yzak by his suit sleeve. 'Can we go to the cocktail now?'

'Sure.' Yzak shrugged and looked around. 'Has Dearka Elthman arrived yet?'

'Uh…' the confused receptionist quickly went through the computer in front of her. 'Yes, he – '

'Oh, there he is.' Yzak interrupted, looking over the crowed of people near the tables. 'Thanks.'

'You're welcome…' the receptionist blinked, her eyes following the two.

'What's going on?' Another receptionist asked, nudging her in the ribs.

'Nothing.' She shook her head. 'It's just… I never knew Councilor Hahnenfuss had another daughter, or is it just the same surname?'

'Who knows, now get to work.'

Dearka couldn't help but frown at the sight of Shiho while Miriallia tried to suppress the giggles while holding on to Dearka's arm tightly.

'Well? What do you think Major?' Shiho asked with a hint of glee in her voice, slipping the shawl off her shoulders.

'Damn it!' Dearka cursed, seething at Shiho. 'What is wrong with you?'

'Nothing's wrong, except for the thousand bucks you owe me.' Shiho smirked. She looked down at her extremely low-cut evening gown with a stylish twist at her cleveage that so happened to be also low-back with a slit that ran up her right leg and sat on her thigh. 'Is this your definition of sexy?'

'God, just give her the thousand bucks.' Yzak said, shaking his head.

'Hey.' Dearka glared at Yzak.

'Hmm… what should I do with a thousand bucks?' Shiho asked herself, tapping her face with one finger.

'You better not walk down a quiet street in that stupid dress.' Dearka muttered.

Shiho paused for a moment before giving Dearka a snarl. 'Don't worry, I have my chauffer right here.' She patted Yzak's shoulder.

'Remember to tip me.' Yzak said dryly.

'We should go in, it's about to start.' Miriallia said, tugging Dearka by the sleeve.

'Yeah.' Taking Miriallia's hand, he started for the huge entrance of the hall.

'I think Dearka's definition of sexy is only confined to Miriallia now.' Shiho muttered, crossing her arms. 'You think he'll use this excuse to make me lose my money Captain?'

'I don't know Major.' Yzak shrugged. 'You know he's the unpredictable.'

'Yeah…' Shiho gritted her teeth. 'That's what I hate about that guy, but hey, I'm happy for them, she at least.'

Yzak laughed and held out his arm. 'Come on, you're my shield and you've got to stick with me. I'm telling you those senior councilors are doing anything to make me marry their daughters.'

'Because you're PLANT's most eligible bachelor?' Shiho joked while wrapping her arm around his.

Yzak pursed his lips. 'Well, I'm not going to deny that, I am one of the most eligible bachelor around here, if not the only one.'

'Shut up!' Shiho laughed, hitting him in the arm playfully.

'Yeah, make me.' Yzak sneered down at her.

'Jule!' Shiho froze at the familiar voice from behind them.

Turning, Yzak smiled at one of his colleagues from the council.

'Hahnenfuss.' Yzak greeted, shaking hands with the old man and nodding at his wife.

'I see you're up and about now.' Agrip Hahnenfuss said, looking at Yzak. 'The attack hasn't done any serious damage has it?'

Yzak shook his head. 'Not to me, but to the headquarters.'

'I hope there has been extra security here.' Irasie Hahnenfuss said in a worried tone.

'There has been.' Yzak said. 'The best team has been sent from ZAFT, trust me.'

'We always trust you Yzak.' Agrip said, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. 'I see you've got a guest, that's a surprise.'

Irasie nodded. 'You've never brought any girl along with you to this annual ball, has the young man finally found himself a girl?'

'She's not my girlfriend or any of that sort.' Yzak smiled, feeling Shiho tighten her grip around his arm. 'She's a comrade of mine, my most trusted member of the team.'

'Really?' Agrip looked at the girl who had her head lowered all the time.

Yzak touched Shiho's gripping hand and smiled up at them meaningfully. 'Her name's Shiho Hahnenfuss.'

The couple couldn't help but widened their eyes in shock as Shiho looked up slightly with trembling amethyst orbs. Her heart was pounding with such fear that she didn't take notice of Yzak's hand wrapping around hers tightly.

'The people have all entered the hall.' Yzak said after a few moments of tense silence. 'After you.'

'Yes…' Agrip nodded slowly and pulled his wife along while shooting one more glance at Shiho.

Yzak tried to let go of Shiho hands but couldn't, feeling her grip tighten. 'You want to go in now Major?'

Shiho nodded, feeling her breath leave her mouth. Taking another deep breath, she smiled up at her commander.

'Let's go.'

'I never knew Shiho was the type to dance, have you?' Miriallia asked Dearka, taking a sip from her glass of champagne.

'Neither did I.' Dearka muttered, taking Miriallia's glass.

'Hey, that's mine!' Miriallia protested, watching as Dearka drained it down.

'It tastes better.' Was his lame excuse as he gave her a sly smile.

'Yeah right.' Miriallia muttered, blushing slightly.

'Hey, is your shield working okay?' Dearka asked as Yzak sat down at the table.

'Working my ass.' Yzak muttered, glancing at the dance floor.

'She's still not doing anything for you huh?' Dearka said, his arm draped across Miriallia's chair.

'It is she never will.' Yzak snapped.

'Really? You dance with her every time.' Dearka argued. 'There's got to be something going on.'

'That's because her Father makes me.' Yzak grumbled, grabbing his glass of white wine.

'Seriously dude, she really doesn't do anything to you?' Dearka asked, raising his eyebrows. 'I mean, come on, she's not that bad looking. Hell she's a model!'

Miriallia pursed her lips and gave Dearka a little shove in the rib. 'Or is it because you like someone else?'

'Or, maybe he's gay.' Dearka said warily.

'You want to have sex with the missus tonight?' Yzak asked in a threatening tone, pointing his knife at Dearka threateningly.

'Please gentleman, be nice.' Miriallia said, looking back and forth. 'We don't want a bloody incident around here.'

'Fine, you're not gay then.' Dearka sneered.

Snorting, Yzak put the knife down.

'Where's Shiho?' Miriallia asked, looking over at the dance floor again.

'Huh? Wasn't she dancing with the son of Tayne just a while ago?' Dearka said.

'She was, but now she's gone.' Miriallia said, squinting her eyes in the dim lights.

'Don't worry, she's a big girl, she's probably off with the guy somewhere, dressed like that.' Dearka muttered. 'I still can't believe it, who would think that Shiho Hahnenfuss would have the guts to wear such a dress?'

'It's your underestimation Dearka, you can't blame anyone.' Miriallia said dryly, leaning her head against his shoulder.

'Still…' Dearka's voice trailed. 'She's not really doing that of a great job Yzak, get more tip from her when you drive her back.'

'Ha ha.' Yzak said flatly, standing up.

'Going to hide in the bathroom again Captain?' Dearka asked slyly.

'Shut up.' Yzak muttered. Turning on his heel, he walked to the restroom, deciding that he needed to wash his face.

At the balcony outside, Shiho stared at the magnificent night view before her, leaning against the cold marble. She had just had her third dance with someone she barely knew. She was surprised at herself, she wasn't the type of girl who'd accept a stranger's invitation to the dance floor, but somehow, she didn't have the strength to say no.

She knew she wasn't doing a great shielding job for her Commander.

'You're not really doing a good job Major.'

Shiho turned and stared at Yzak who had his hands in his trouser pockets. Smiling, she shook her head. 'You're right, I'm not. Sorry.'

'You should be.' Yzak muttered, walking towards her.

'Why are you so scared of Wyleed's daughter?' Shiho asked curiously, resting her cheek on her palm. 'It's not like she's ugly or anything.'

'I don't want to be involved in any political unions.' Yzak replied. 'It's obvious that Wyleed wants his daughter to marry me so he can expand his power.'

Shiho frowned. 'I thought Lamar Wyleed helped you out a lot during those first few months.'

'He has.' Yzak exhaled loudly. 'But trust me Hahnenfuss, you can't trust anyone in that council, you can't trust anyone when you're dealing with politics.'

Shiho just shrugged.

'I see you had a few dances.' Yzak said casually, leaning his elbows on the marble while loosening his tie. 'Anyone in particular you like? I can give you some information if you want.'

'Why so helpful all of a sudden Captain?' Shiho asked, raising her eyebrows. 'You've never been interested in my love life.'

Yzak shrugged. 'It's nothing, but I can tell you that those idiots have been drooling over you. I've got some of those councilors sons asking me about you back there.'

'What did you tell them?' Shiho asked, standing straight.

'Nothing, I told them to have some guts and ask you themselves.' Yzak said flatly. 'I'm not about to go around advertising you.'

'Thank you.' Shiho said sarcastically.

'Miss Shiho.' Alden Tayne stepped forward with a glass of champagne in his hand.

'Oh, have I interrupted something?' Yzak asked innocently, looking at him.

'Not really.' Tayne said, managing a smile. 'Miss Shiho said she wanted to go to the restroom and I lost her since. I was wondering if she'd like me to take her home, it is getting late.'

'Thanks, but no thanks.' Shiho said, giving Tayne a small smile.

'I came with her, we live in the same building.' Yzak explained.

'You two are just comrades right?' Tayne asked.

Shiho nodded. 'He's my commander.'

'Let's go, it's getting late.' Yzak said, grabbing Shiho's arm.

'Bye, nice meeting you.' Shiho said over her shoulder, giving Tayne a wave.

'Bye…' was all Yzak could hear from Tayne as he pulled Shiho away form the balcony.

'You guys are leaving?' Dearka asked as Shiho wrapped her shawl around her shoulders.

'It's getting late.' Miriallia said, pointing at her watch.

Dearka shrugged. 'Who cares, I'm off tomorrow.'

'You are?' Shiho's eyebrows furrowed. 'I'm off too.' She turned to Yzak, who shrugged innocently.

'Don't look at me, it was just a coincidence.' Yzak said.

Dearka pointed one finger at him. 'You're off too right.'

'Like I said, coincidence.' Yzak muttered. 'Let's go.'

'Don't forget my thousand bucks, I don't take checks.' Shiho smirked.

'Get out.' Dearka muttered while Yzak laughed.

'I can't believe you would bet on something like this.' Miriallia giggled. 'She's really beautiful and sexy tonight, have you seen the guys stare at her?

'I haven't.' Dearka frowned, taking Miriallia's hand. 'I mean, come on, it's Hahnenfuss, she does nothing to me whatsoever.'

'Do other women do anything to you?' Miriallia asked sweetly, grabbing Dearka chin.

Dearka shrugged. 'Yeah, one.'

'It better be me.' Miriallia muttered, letting go of his chin.

Dearka smirked while standing up, pulling her with him. 'Maybe.'

Outside, Yzak tipped the servant before taking his car keys. The ride back to the sleeping quarters was exceptionally silent, making the ride seem twice as long. When Yzak pulled in front of their building and killed the engine, neither of them made a move to leave.

'You're upset Captain?' Shiho asked, but it sounded more like a statement than a question to Yzak.

'And you're upset too Major.' Yzak responded. They both turned and looked at each other. Shiho felt her heart accelerating at the sudden nakedness of his stare. It felt extremely uncomfortable yet she didn't want to look away.

'There is something I wanted to ask you Captain.' Shiho said, sighing.

'Shoot.' Yzak rested his hand on the steering wheel.

'Did you invite me to this banquet because you wanted me to be a shield… or is there another reason?' Shiho asked carefully.

'It's both.' Yzak said honestly. 'I admit that I wanted you to see your parents again.'

Shiho looked down at her lap. 'You want to ask me something, you're curious, you have been for two years. You've been refraining yourself from asking me about my family ever since you asked about my sister two years ago.'

'I'm lying if I say I'm not curious.' Yzak leaned back against his seat and looked up. 'But I didn't want to push it. There's obviously a disturbing history behind all this. I can tell you that I'm pretty close with your parents, especially your Father. He is, after all, in the council. They don't know that you're in my team, I've never told them nor mentioned you. The funny thing is, I've never knew your existence and I was surprised that a Hahnenfuss was assigned to my team during the war.'

'You were never meant to know I existed.' Shiho said quietly. 'To my parents, there was only my sister, and because of this, they hate me.'

'They hate you?' Yzak narrowed his eyes.

'Were you close with my sister?' Shiho asked, turning to Yzak. 'Did you love her?'

Yzak shrugged. 'I don't know. To be absolutely honest, my memory of her traces back to when we were thirteen? I had no idea what a marriage really was, I was just following my parents' orders. Your sister was a nice person and I really didn't mind marrying her at that time. You know how the council can be, they like to pull their sons and daughters together in political marriages, Athrun and Lacus Clyne was a very typical example.

'Geherin and I were friends, good friends. I remember her looking forward to my visits. We were so innocent back then, before Junis 7 and my enlistment. I never thought of her again during the war, not until I went back home after my missions on Earth was I told that she died, apparently of disease.' Yzak gave Shiho a small smile. 'That was the end of our relationship, if there was one at all.'

'You were told she died of a disease?' Shiho asked carefully.

Yzak nodded. 'That's what your Father had announced. There was no public funeral though, everyone so busy then.'

They were silent, sitting in the small space of the sedan.

'She didn't die of disease.' Shiho whispered, looking down.

'What?' Yzak turned his head abruptly.

'She died because of me.' Shiho said in a barely audible voice. 'That's why my parents hate me.'

Another wave of silence washed over them. Shiho couldn't help but tighten her fist nervously until Yzak unlocked the doors.

'It's almost two, we should get of this car before we suffocate.' Yzak said, climbing out of the car.

Nodding, Shiho stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut. She held her hand up, brushing her unruly hair out of her eyes in the nocturnal breeze while pulling her shawl closer to herself.

'It's getting cold.' Yzak commented. 'You sure you're okay in those shoes?'

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'Please, they're just heels. I have a high threshold of pain. I'm lying if they don't hurt, but I'm not going to take them off now and walk around barefoot in the parking lot.'

'You sure, because I really don't mind.' Yzak smirked as the glass doors of the foyer slid open.

'Major! Commander Jule!' Another guard was on duty. 'What a surprise to see the two of you together!'

'I invited her to this councilors' charity banquet.' Yzak said.

'I see.' The guard nodded.

'Oh, uh, can you give me the CYL file? You borrowed it from my secretary yesterday and I kind of need it.' Yzak said as they entered the elevator. 'I'm not in the office tomorrow.'

'You're lucky I brought it back Captain.' Shiho said dryly, eyeing him.

Yzak just shrugged as they reached seventh floor. 'Hey, do you realize we've lived in the same building for two years but this is the first time I've ever been in your apartment.'

'Well, if you don't want to ruin that record, you can stay outside while I get the file for you.' Shiho said sarcastically, opening the door.

'Hey, I was just pointing out the irony.' Yzak said, stepping into Shiho's studio.

Shaking her head, she took off her heels, sighing loudly.

'I told you, you should have taken them off.' Yzak said, crossing his arms.

Shiho just snorted. 'Take off your shoes, I don't clean up this place too often and it already looks like a dump.'

'Well, not entirely a dump if you've seen Dearka's place.' Yzak said, looking around the simple studio. 'It's not that bad.'

'Thank you.' Shiho muttered, tossing the keys onto the kitchen counter. 'Help yourself, I need go to the bathroom first.'

Yzak waved his hand absently and looked around. Seeing a stereo hi-fi sitting on the chest of drawers, he walked towards it, looking at her stack of CDs. Picking out one from the rack, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, surprised that Shiho liked ballroom music. No wonder she could dance so well with those guys. Popping the CD into the tray, he pressed the play button just as the bathroom door slid open.

'What in the world are you doing Captain?' Shiho asked, tossing the shawl onto her bed.

'Nothing.' Yzak shrugged. Walking towards her, he reached out one hand with his eyebrows raised. 'I believe we haven't had a dance yet.'

Shiho looked at him weirdly. 'You're kidding aren't you?'

'Come on, you are technically my date and you haven't been doing a good job, mind you.' Yzak jerked his hand slightly. 'This is the least you can do.'

Shho couldn't help the smile spreading across her face as she took Yzak's hand, very aware of the fact that it was warming up around hers.

Yzak wrapped one arm around Shiho's back while she placed one hand gently on his shoulder. Looking down, Shiho tried to hide the slight blush across her cheeks as she felt Yzak's hand on her bare back.

'You really aren't a bad dancer.' Yzak commented as he led them across the carpeted floor against the soft music.

'Likewise.' Shiho responded, giving Yzak a small smile. As they swayed against the music silently, Shiho was aware of Yzak's arm tightening around her back.

'Shiho.'

Shiho looked up abruptly, her eyes widening slightly at Yzak's use of her first name. It was the first time…

Yzak smiled down at her. Letting go of her hand, he stopped their dancing and brushed his fingers over her cheek, guiding some of her loose hair away from her face.

'You look beautiful.' Yzak whispered, his thumb fingering the side of her cheek. His smile fading, he guided Shiho's body towards him even more with his arm and leaned down.

Shiho couldn't move at the slight shock and could only watch Yzak lean down. She couldn't help but close her eyes as Yzak brushed his lips against hers. Feeling her soften against him, Yzak pulled her towards him even more as they sunk into the kiss, feeling her melt against his chest, one of her slim arms draped across his shoulder.

Preying her mouth open gently, Yzak slipped in, tasting the sweet champagne she had. Ending the kiss, they both panted slightly, their breaths mixing between them.

Yzak touched her face, feeling the heat from her cheeks. 'Shiho, I – '

Widening her eyes, Shiho pushed Yzak away as a ringing tone cut through the air. Taking a step back, Yzak blinked, watching Shiho press one hand against her chest, looking away.

Turning sideways, Yzak answered his annoying cellphone, trying to keep his composure when Dearka's voice rang from the other side.

Swallowing a lump down her throat, Shiho stumbled towards her writing desk and fumbled for the file Yzak wanted. When Yzak hung up, Shiho stuffed the file into Yzak's hands.

'Good night Captain.' Shiho said nervously, taking a step back, avoiding Yzak's eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Yzak clutched the file so hard the side crumbled in his hand. Nodding his head, he walked towards the door, putting his shoes on quickly.

'Good night Major.' Yzak said quietly before closing the door behind him.

Shiho stared at the door, unable to breath. When she finally got back her senses, she started panting, sliding down onto the carpeted floor, a trembling finger reaching out for her lips.

He kissed her. Her captain and commander kissed her. Her sister's fiancé kissed her…

Leaning against the foot of her bed, Shiho pulled her knees to her chest, burying her face.

Damn you, Shiho Hahnenfuss. She thought, unable to stop the single tear that slid down her face.

Damn you.

End of Chapter 6
Next Update: 27th November, 2005

A/N: There's a reply feature for reviews! Thank God! Fire away with questions of any doubt and I will try my best to answer them through the review board, that of course provided that you're a registered user. Enjoy