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 8

Shiho stared at herself in the mirror, trying hard not to seethe at her reflection. Reaching out one finger, she touched the red hickie at the side of her neck, feeling her heart pound in her ears all of a sudden.

Ripping her eyes from the mirror, she turned around and buttoned her uniform collar up quickly, training her eyes on the floor the whole time.

'Is it Shiho?' Nia Siers entered the changing room in a mini skirt and heels.

Shiho raised her eyebrows at Nia. 'Did you just stumble out of a nightclub?'

Nia shrugged and sat down on the bench, kicking her heels off. 'Sort of, hooked up with a guy last night from Face Off.' She gave Shiho a wink.

'How you concentrate in the day is beyond me.' Shiho said, sighing loudly.

Nia gave her a gleeful smile. 'What can I say? I'm a genius.'

Shaking her head, Shiho took her belt out from her locker. 'You're going to get yourself into trouble one of these days.'

Nia waved her hand in the air, unzipping her skirt. 'Relax, it's nothing serious and I get my work done on time. You, on the other hand, have taken a few days off. What's that all about? You've never taken sick leaves before.'

'I caught a cold.' Shiho said lightly, slamming her locker door shut.

'It's a miracle Captain Jule actually let you off though.' Nia muttered, opening her locker. 'You know how he is when people take leaves.'

Shiho just nodded in response.

'Speaking of which.' Nia paused and grinned up at Shiho. 'Did you see how absolutely hot the Commander was on that race day?'

Shiho looked at her weirdly. 'Well, I did get to see him – '

Nia exhaled loudly. 'God he's such a treat. I'd do anything to hook up with him for a night. I mean, he was so hot! I never realized that before, you know, until I saw him at Club Charisma with Dearka a few months ago.' Nia looked at Shiho again. 'You think he's really gay? He's just seems too good to be true.'

Shiho choked on her saliva. 'Where did you hear that from?'

Nia rolled her eyes. 'Rumors lady! They say he has not been seen with a date at all, except for maybe Wyleed's daughter, Gazelle or something. But he keeps denying it!

Shiho nodded meaningfully. 'Right.'

'Who'd you think he'd be interested in, you know, if he's straight?' Nia wondered out loud. 'You think he'd be interested in me?'

Shiho snorted. 'If he were, then we'd be in big trouble.'

Nia's eyebrows furrowed. 'Why?'

'You don't dip your pen in the company ink.' Shiho said.

'Big deal,' Nia scowled, standing up. 'Tonnes of people around here do that, not like it's a rule or anything.'

'But it is frowned upon.' Shiho reminded, pushing herself from the locker door. 'You be careful.'

Nia rolled her eyes. 'Get out of here, you look like you haven't slept in days, go get some coffee.'

'I need to get some breakfast too.' Shiho muttered. 'See you.'

'See you.'

Shaking her head, Shiho walked out of the changing room and strolled down the hallway, noting that it was still early. When she got to the coffee shop on the ground floor, it was almost full. Sighing, Shiho decided to order take away and start with her abandoned work as soon as possible.

'Shiho!' The waitress greeted. 'How're you feeling? I've never seen you take leaves.'

'Miracle isn't it?' Shiho smirked. 'The usual with milk tea.'

'Got it.' The waitress winked. 'An extra muffin on the house.'

'Thanks.' Shiho smiled.

'Coffee black, table eight.' Shiho heard another waitress say. 'Commander Jule's table!'

Shiho froze at the name.

'You okay Shiho?' The waitress asked.

Shiho nodded. Turning her head slightly, she saw Yzak sitting with his legs crossed elegantly at the window, the waitress placing his coffee black on the table. He was going over some reports when another commander in a black uniform sat across from him. Shiho watched as they engaged in a deep conversation that could concern nothing but work.

'Here you go Shiho, the usual plus a chocolate muffin on the house.' The waitress handed Shiho a brown bag and her milk tea in a paper cup.

'Thanks.' Shiho gave the waitress her card. Turning, she almost bumped into Dearka who was entering the café.

'You all better now Shiho?' Dearka asked, crossing his arms.

'Sure, why not?' Shiho replied absently.

Dearka's eyebrows furrowed. 'You okay? You did know what I was asking you right?'

'What?' Shiho looked at Dearka with dazed eyes.

Dearka sighed. 'Whatever. I guess your three day sick leave didn't do much good.'

'Yeah, to you.' Shiho scoffed.

Dearka cocked his head. 'That too. Miriallia was worried though when I told her you were sick.'

'Tell her I'm okay.' With that, Shiho gave him a pat on the shoulder and slipped out of the shop quickly, flying up the stairs instead of using the elevator.

'What wrong with her?' Dearka muttered. Shrugging, he walked up to Yzak's table. 'How's it going Elroy?'

'Not bad.' Elroy gave Dearka a pat on the back. 'I've got to go, I have an important meeting in ten minutes.'

'What's going on?' Dearka asked, sitting down.

'You want something?' Yzak asked, closing the file on the table.

Dearka nodded and called the waiter. 'Decaf.'

'Decaf?' Yzak wrinkled his nose. 'Eight in the morning?'

'I'm not you.' Dearka said dryly, crossing his arms. 'I saw Shiho by the way.'

Yzak paused, his coffee black to his lips. 'Where?'

'Just outside.' Dearka replied, turning his head to the entrance. 'Bought breakfast and flew up the flight of stairs like someone was hunting her down, not even bothering to use to elevator. Weird if you ask me.'

'Your decaf sir.'

'Thanks.' Dearka eyed Yzak who was looking out the window. 'You okay?'

Yzak nodded, taking a bite from his toast. 'Why not?'

'Your temper dude, twice as bad than the usual.' Dearka murmured. 'I hope Shiho can bring it down a notch.'

'Shut up.' Yzak muttered. Finishing off his breakfast, he stacked his files up neatly. 'Remember our meeting at four, memo Hahnenfuss on it.'

Dearka watched as Yzak stood up and left the café. Shaking his head, he sat back and took a sip from his coffee, having a feeling that the two had issues.

'Well, that's it, I need a break.' Yzak declared, sitting back, stretching.

Dearka snorted. 'Since when did you need a break?'

Yzak glared at Dearka. 'I'm not a machine.'

Dearka shrugged and closed his file. 'If you say so Commander.'

'When's Athrun leaving?' Yzak asked.

'Tomorrow.' Dearka replied promptly. 'He can't stay away from Orb too long, he's got his duties back on Earth.'

Yzak nodded, leaning his elbows on the table. 'Then I guess we'll just have to see what comes out of the situation. You keep Athrun posted on the situation Dearka.'

'Yes sir.' Dearka said lazily, yawning. 'Gods I have to get some sleep, you really know how to take revenge on someone Shiho.'

'Serves you right.' Was Shiho simple response as she stood up.

'Where're you going?' Dearka asked, turning his head slightly.

'Can a girl go to the bathroom?' Shiho asked, putting on hand on her hip.

Dearka rolled his eyes. 'Just asking.'

'Major.' Yzak called.

'Yes?' Shiho stopped in her tracks, her heart almost stopping at the same time.

'I need the LLC report, can you give it to me?' Yzak asked, staring at her back.

Shiho bowed her head slightly. 'Of course Commander.'

'What's wrong with her?' Dearka asked, glancing at Yzak weirdly. 'She's usually all energetic when the others are like dragging their bodies around the place. Was she really that sick?'

'How would I know?' Yzak muttered.

Dearka's eyebrows furrowed. 'Don't you two live in the same building?'

'So?' Yzak looked at Dearka. 'That doesn't mean there's necessarily anything between the two of us except work. We hardly ever see each other outside this building anyway.'

Dearka just shrugged. 'If you say so pal.' Standing up, he stretched. 'Must sleep.'

'And have sex.' Yzak added, eyeing Dearka.

Dearka smirked down at him. 'And that too, see you.'

Yzak watched as the door closed behind Dearka. He stared at it until his phone rang.

'Major Hahnenfuss is here sir.' Yzak's secretary said.

'Tell her to come in, and I don't want anyone in here so if anyone is looking for me, tell them I'll call back.' Yzak said.

'Yes sir.'

'Commander.' Shiho stepped in and closed the door. Yzak refrained from seething as she saluted him. Walking up to his desk, he placed the file onto it. 'Anything else sir?'

Yzak opened the file and scanned it briefly before looking up again. 'You really have nothing to say Major?'

'About what?' Shiho asked, looking down at him.

'About that night.' Yzak said in a low voice. 'The night we had sex, to be more specific.'

Shiho looked at Yzak in the eye silently before taking a deep breath. 'I do have to apologize.'

Yzak's eyebrows furrowed. 'For what?'

'For running away like that.' Shiho said quietly. 'I also have to thank you for taking in that beer or I would have woke in another guy's bed the next day.'

'So I'm just another guy?' Yzak asked through gritted teeth.

Shiho bit her lip. 'Look Commander, what we did – '

'Was a mistake?' Yzak finished for her, narrowing his eyes. 'Is that what you wanted to say?'

Shiho swallowed a lump in her throat. 'Yes Commander, it was a mistake. I'm willing to forget about it and – '

'You want me to forget about it too, right?' Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'That's a brilliant plan.'

Shiho clenched her teeth. 'Does this mean you think what we've done was sensible?'

Yzak looked at her. 'It wasn't the best thing but – '

'Then just forget about it!' Shiho exclaimed.

'You really want me to forget about it?' Yzak asked quietly.

Shiho looked away. 'Yes. We have to.'

Yzak racked his hand through his hair in frustration. 'Is this because of Geherin?'

'No!' Shiho said sharply. 'It's not just her, it's… it's complicated, you won't understand Commander.'

'Of course I won't.' Yzak snarled, standing up. 'I won't understand because you won't tell me anything! You think I'm a guy who'd go clubbing and hook up with women I don't even know? I'm not Dearka or any of the other guys. I don't sleep with a girl I don't like and I don't force them! I gave you a chance to leave that night and you didn't, that obviously means you – '

'Stop it!' Shiho cried.

'Face it Shiho – '

'Don't use my first name!' Shiho shouted, throwing a glare at Yzak, who looked startled at her sudden outburst. Turning sideways, she pressed her right hand on her chest, trying to calm herself down. 'We have to have some boundaries Commander.'

'Boundaries.' Yzak nodded to himself bitterly. 'You do know we've crossed the line don't you?'

Shiho looked at him with trembling eyes. 'Then we'll just have to push that line further.'

Taking a deep breath, Yzak looked away in frustration and sat down, loosening his collar. 'Have it your way. I'll see you tomorrow at work Major.'

Turning, Shiho gave him a salute with slightly trembling hands and stepped back, leaving the room quietly.

Glaring at the door, Yzak slammed his fist into the desk, trying to calm himself down but couldn't. He almost slammed his fist into the phone when it rang.

'I thought I told you to reject all calls!' Yzak seethed at his secretary.

'I know sir, but there's an urgent meeting at the council.'

'Fine, tell them I'll be there in fifteen minutes.' Slamming the phone down, Yzak button his collar and grabbed his coat from the hanger. Struggling it on, he snatched his car keys from the tray and marched out of his office, making his secretary jump in her seat when he slammed the door behind him.

Fuck it. Yzak seethed mentally. If she didn't want to have anything to do with him, if she wanted to keep those fucking boundaries in tack, then fine by him. He wasn't the person who'd force people to like him or sleep with him.

Just… fuck it.

'This looks nice on you Shiho, what do you think Miriallia?' Eneta Toullon held a strapless sundress in front of Shiho.

'Hmm?' Miriallia took a flowered chiffon dress off the rack and held it up. 'This one's nice too, she has nice arms and legs.'

'She'll look good in these jeans too!' Eneta said excitedly, holding up a pair of white flowered printed jeans.

'Oh God, these jeans would look perfect with this sway belt!' Miriallia exclaimed.

Shiho sat down and watched as the two girls dashed around the shop excitedly, throwing clothes, shoes and jewellery down on the seat beside her.

'When did the two of you get along so well?' Shiho asked dryly, crossing her legs.

'Since the ball.' Eneta replied absently, taking a mini skirt off the rack. 'We hit it right off.'

'And the fact that her boyfriend is your so called ex-fiance doesn't make things awkward?' Shiho asked warily.

Eneta shook her head. 'Nope.'

Shiho pursed her lips. 'You really are a one of a kind Eneta.'

Eneta turned and smiled at her. 'Thanks.'

'I've been meaning to ask.' Miriallia sat down and tried on a pair of boots. 'Where did you get that dress?'

'What dress?' Shiho asked.

'That sexy evening gown you wore to the ball.' Miriallia replied, eyeing her.

'That dress?' Shiho looked up. 'I had it tailor made.'

'Tailor made?' Eneta shook her head. 'You really don't do girl shopping at all do you.'

'I don't have the time lady.' Shiho snorted. 'I work almost twenty four seven, mind you.'

'But still, there's got to be that shopping vibe every women has.' Eneta said. 'Try this on!'

'What?' Shiho wrinkled her nose at the white dress with a halter design. 'That looks so slutty!'

'Just try it on!' Eneta rolled her eyes, pushing her into the changing room.

'Hey! Try these on too!' Miriallia cried, stuffing a pair of white heels into Shiho's arms.

'But – '

'No buts!' Eneta said sternly, closing the door.

Shiho sighed heavily and stared down at the dress. She might as well please the two excited girls outside or she'd never hear the end of it.

Today was her day off and she planned on sleeping her way through but got a call at eleven in the morning from Eneta. She had made her come out to do some shopping which she personally did not have any interest in. However, Eneta always got her way when it came to buying things and told her she'd bring a special guest. Having no energy to argue with her, Shiho had agreed and dragged herself across the studio, washing up and changing with half opened eyes.

She could not hide her surprise when she saw that the special guest was Miriallia. She couldn't help but feel impressed at how well Eneta got along with Miriallia, especially since the man she loved was so head over heels with this girl.

They had ended up spending the day lost in the famous shopping area of Apirilius One, Vladlen Bay, walking in and out of shops. Eneta was really the one who bought stuff while Miriallia kept looking around, buying this and that occasionally. Shiho, on the other hand, had bought nothing in the past four and a half hours and the two thought it was high time she tried on something, even if she didn't want to buy it.

Sighing like an old lady, Shiho stepped out of the changing room and held out her arms. 'Here it is ladies.'

'You wear that outside and guys will be drooling over you Shiho.' Eneta declared. 'It's a shame you still don't have a boyfriend yet.'

'I just don't have time for one.' Shiho said through gritted teeth while Miriallia muffled a giggle.

'Are you going to buy this?' Miriallia asked. 'Really, you look great in it.'

Shiho shook her head. 'No, it would be a waste anyway, there's no occasion for me to wear it.'

'How about that evening gown?' Eneta pointed out.

'I made my money back on that dress.' Shiho smirked.

Eneta rolled her eyes. 'Whatever. When you get a boyfriend, you're going to beg me to go shopping with you, mark my words.'

Shiho just shrugged. 'We'll see.'

They spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at a small café until it was time for Eneta to go for a family dinner. After dropping her off at her family's mansion, Shiho headed off to Dearka's quarters with Miriallia.

'I'm starting to think that she's using me.' Shiho muttered.

'Who's using you?' Miriallia asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

'Eneta!' Shiho cried. 'She just wants me to be her chauffer with all that stuff she bought.'

Miriallia giggled. 'That's not true!'

'Oh yeah?' Shiho sneered. 'I'm telling you, it's not the first time.'

'She just wanted to cheer you up.' Miriallia said.

'Me?' Shiho shot her a glance. 'Why do I need to be cheered up?'

'Well, she told me you seemed a little dazed these days, not the cheerful you.' Miriallia replied.

Shiho pursed her lips. 'Well, she's wrong.'

Miriallia raised her eyebrows. 'Really?'

'Yes.'

Miriallia shrugged. 'We had fun though, didn't we?'

'You two had fun.' Shiho corrected. 'I was just a tag along.'

'You were not.' Miriallia argued. 'You just didn't try on stuff like Eneta or even me.'

Shiho sighed. 'Shopping's just not my thing Miriallia, trust me.'

'Well, at least we got to hang out before I leave.' Miriallia said.

'You're leaving?' Shiho blinked. 'I didn't know that.'

'Yeah, well,' Miriallia paused. 'I have this shoot at Aprilius One before I return to Orb, so I'll be leaving next week.'

'How's Dearka taking it?' Shiho asked, steering into the quarter's parking lot.

'Taking it?' Miriallia shrugged. 'He knew this was coming and it's not like I'm leaving for long.'

'Where are you shooting then?' Shiho asked while stepping out of the car.

'Outskirts of Apirlius One, the old war ruins.' Miriallia replied, taking the few paper bags out from the back seat.

'I knew it.' Shiho smirked.

'Miss Haww.' The guard greeted. 'And this is?'

'Shiho Hahnenfuss.' Shiho said curtly, taking out her identity card.

'Of course, Major!' He saluted.

'You want something to drink?' Miriallia asked, dropping the paper bags onto the sofa.

'Uh, water's fine, I just want to borrow the bathroom.'

'Go ahead.' Miriallia said absently as she poured the glass of water for her. When Shiho came out, Miriallia was already on the couch, going through the stuff she bought.

'What's going on?' Shiho sat down on the carpeted floor.

'You think this a little too plain?' Miriallia asked, holding up a black coat. She then dug out the polo shirt she bought. 'You think this material's soft enough? It should go with this jacket right?' She then took out a stripped tie and shirt. 'You think these match?'

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'You've been asking these questions during our whole shopping expedition, yes, they match and Dearka will wear them. He'll wear anything you buy him!'

Miriallia eyed her. 'Really?'

Shiho gave her a deep nod. 'Really, trust me.'

Shrugging with a smile on her lips, Miriallia folded the clothes she bought for Dearka. 'Did Dearka tell you?'

'Tell me what?' Shiho asked, taking a sip from her water.

'That Yzak's been acting weird lately.' Miriallia replied absently.

Shiho paused and stared at her. 'What?'

'You didn't notice it?' Miriallia cocked her head. 'That's what Dearka told me.'

'What did he tell you?' Shiho asked carefully.

Miriallia shrugged. 'Dearka said Yzak asked him if he'd ever get married.'

Shiho almost spit out her water. 'What?'

'Weird question huh?' Miriallia started folding the paper bags.

Shiho ran one hand through her hair, looking away. 'Yeah.'

Miriallia looked at her. 'You okay Shiho?'

Shiho gave her an uneasy smile. 'Yeah, I'm fine.' She stood up. 'I better go.'

'Really? I was wondering if you'd want to stay here for dinner.' Miriallia said, standing up as well. 'Dearka said he'd cook.'

Shiho shook her head. 'Nah, I have to be on my way, I have a very early meeting tomorrow.'

'If you way so.' Miriallia walked Shiho to the door.

'I'll see you later then.' Shiho smiled, stepping into her running shoes.

'Yeah.'

Shiho leaned against the wall of the elevator with her arms crossed, her eyes trained on her shoes the whole time until it reached the ground floor. She winced at the uncomfortable sunlight and fumbled for her shades when she got into her car. Gunning the engine, she steered out of the parking lot.

She needed rest.

She had been very unfocused for the past week and felt her usual bursting energy completely drained. She knew why she was so unfocused and she really had only herself to blame. Yzak was right, he gave her a chance to leave but she didn't, and now she could only kick herself over and over again.

It wasn't just about the guilt, the guilt of sleeping with her sister's fiancé. It was the nightmares, they just kept coming back to her in her sleep. She thought that four years was long enough, but somehow, after that night with Yzak, they just kept coming back.

Deep down, a voice told her that this was wrong. She couldn't start a relationship with Yzak, shouldn't. Not only would it be risky to their working relationship, they could also risk being followed by the media. Yzak wasn't exactly high profile but he was a semi-public figure and actually had fans. She could just picture the damage if anything like that happened and they couldn't run that risk.

But you want to. A little voice said in her head.

She was confused, she really was. Her thoughts were scrambled together and she just couldn't think straight. The situation was complicated and she knew that brief confrontation in Yzak's office wasn't the end of it. She felt like walking on thin ice, very insecure. Never in her life had she been this anxious and guilty.

Stepping into her studio, Shiho didn't bother to flip on the lights as she kicked off her shoes. Taking off her jacket, she tossed it on the sofa and padded across the room. She stopped when she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Turning her back to the mirror slowly, she started to undress herself. Her hands started to tremble as she unbuttoned her shirt and let it slide down her shoulders. Looking over her shoulder, she narrowed her eyes at the prominent scar that ran diagonally across her back. The pain came back just by looking at it. Not only did it hurt her, it also hurt her sister, her family.

Walking up to her bed with week knees, she collapsed onto the mattress and curled herself into a ball in only her bra and panties. Furrowing her eyebrows, she buried her face into her pillow. She could still feel the unbearable sting on her back.

She really was the world's biggest fool to even think that there would be anything possible between her and Yzak Jule.

'Snap out of it Hahnenfuss.' Shiho whispered, biting her lip. 'It's never going to happen.'

Sighing, she tried to relax and close her eyes, hoping she'd get a dreamless night's sleep.

End of Chapter 8

A/N: GSA III has generated more reviews that I thought it would, judging from the number of YxS fans out there. Thank you for your reviews, they mean a lot to a writer. Lemons? Read on and you'll see... Enjoy.