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 9

Shiho almost collapsed when she unlocked her door. Kneeling down for a brief moment, she could barely feel her legs as she crawled forward slightly, closing the door shut with her feet. She kicked off her shoes and managed to stand up. Sitting at her dressing table, she slowly took off her jacket, wincing at the pain on her left arm.

The last few days had been a nightmare, starting off with Miriallia's abduction. Dearka had almost gone crazy when Miriallia's partner called him, telling her that Nessar had caught her. If it weren't for Yzak and Athrun, Dearka might have charged into their headquarters, armed or not.

Being very careful, Yzak had immediately blocked all news of Miriallia's abduction from leaking out. Thinking they were in hell, even Athrun started to panic at the situation because they really couldn't do anything. Shiho on the other hand had tried to secretly contact Lain but failed to do so, reasons unknown.

Imagine their shock when Miriallia suddenly appeared at Dearka's door, blood stained, dirty and basically sick. She didn't say anything and Dearka had made the others suck their anxious questions back in as he carried her in. Luckily, she only had a few scratches as the blood stained on her and her clothes weren't hers. She had a fever for two days straight though and that kept Dearka fully occupied.

Shiho, however, felt something strange about the whole situation and instincts told her someone was around the corner when Miriallia showed up at the door. Acting quickly, she had flew down the stairs and ran across the parking lot, just in time to see a black convertible steer away with a man with very bright red hair in the driver's seat, the women beside her looking suspiciously like Lain.

By the time she got home at around six, she wasn't that surprised to find a parcel at her door step, a stamp with the word 'screened' on it. She was, however, surprised at the data inside the disc and the fact that Lain had run such a risk, giving her such crucial information that had potential to tear Nessar down.

She didn't know her real intentions and never asked, but when such information was in her hand, she'd use and she knew Lain wanted her to too. Wasting no time, she had driven back to the headquarters, not even bothering to change into her uniform. That was when she overheard Yzak's conversation on the phone behind his half closed door.

'What do you want me to do then Rusty?' Yzak had muttered, sitting on his chair with his back to the door.

She knew from that point that Lain was being captured by Nessar, more specifically Novita van Ness. Wasting no time, she had turned and was about to leave when she made a mistake of crashing into his secretary's desk. Wincing in pain, she cursed her luck when Yzak appeared at the door, staring down at her with his cell in one hand.

'I'll get it done.' Was all he said before he cut the connection. He continued staring at her, his eyebrows tied in knots. 'You heard?'

'Yes.' Shiho had replied promptly, standing up. Digging into her jacket pocket, she produced the data disc Lain had sent her. 'This will help you.'

Yzak took the disc. 'What the hell's this?'

'MacKenzie's wife sent it to me.' Shiho said.

Yzak looked at her with narrowed eyes. 'You know her?'

'That's none of your business Commander.' Shiho shot back.

Yzak took a deep breath. 'I don't have the time to argue with you on this issue. What's this?'

'Data from Nessar, you might want to send it over to LF anonymously.' Shiho suggested flatly. With that said, she turned to leave.

'Wait.' Yzak grabbed her arm. 'Where are you going?'

'I'm going to return a favor.' Shiho replied, flinging his hand off her arm.

'You want to save Rusty's wife?' Yzak asked, his eyebrows furrowing.

'Yes!' Shiho spat. 'Can I go now?'

Yzak looked down at his watch. 'It's only ten, Rusty said he's going to meet Novita van Ness at twelve. We still got time.'

'What are you going to do?' Shiho asked skeptically.

'I'm going to blow the warehouse up.' Yzak replied, eyebrows raised.

'Well, you better send that over before it's too late.' Shiho said, crossing her arms.

'You do it for me, I have to go change.' Yzak said, tossing the disc back to her. 'Use my computer, you know my password.'

Shiho had no room to argue as Yzak had rushed down the dark hallway. Turning on his computer, she had quickly sent the data to LF, making sure all connection were put under anonymity. When she was done, Yzak had already changed and was waiting for her at the door. Taking the disc out, she had destroyed it before leaving the room, making sure that no one knew the information was sent out from Yzak's computer.

To make things easier, Shiho had decided to let Yzak give her ride though very unwillingly. When they arrived the warehouse, Shiho had jumped out of the car if it was on fire.

She was more than lucky to have been able to save Lain before her head was shot off by Novita van Ness' sidekick. She would have kicked herself for the rest of her life if she had failed to return this favor, this huge favor.

Refusing Yzak's offer to drive her back with a pretty hard slap, Shiho was now so tired she'd gladly stay in her bed for a week straight. The wound on her arm was pretty much wrapped up by the doctor but it still hurt like hell and she'd have to be careful when taking a shower, a much needed shower.

It proved to be a pretty difficult task and when she was finished, she was so exhausted she couldn't open her eyes once she collapsed on her much missed bed in only her robe.

For the first time in weeks, she had a dreamless sleep despite the unhappy encounter with Yzak at the parking lot earlier.

She didn't mean to slap him, she really didn't, but a voice in her mind told her to get away before she did something stupid. She couldn't afford it, she just couldn't…

When she woke up again, it was already six in the morning. The strange thing was, she was under the sheets. Blinking, she sat up and stared at the air with dazed eyes. Reaching her hand up, she found that her wound had been wrapped up with fresh gauzes.

Slapping her forehead, she tried to wake herself up. Standing up, she looked around with furrowed eyebrows, trying to find out the difference. There were no discarded clothes on the floor, her uniform was hanging on the door of her wardrobe and there was steaming milk tea on her kitchen counter.

'A thief?' Shiho shook her head at the possibility. What kind of thief would help her clean up the house and make her breakfast?

Walking up to the kitchen counter, she sat down and picked up the milk tea. She was about to take a sip when something caught her eye. Putting the mug down, she saw her key on the counter, a note under it.

Major,

You dropped your keys in my car last night. Consider the milk tea, the ironed uniform and the wound wrapping a payback.

Yzak Jule

Setting the note down, Shiho stared at her keys. It really was him.

Jumping from the stool, Shiho threw on her uniform quickly, ignoring the pull of the tight gauzes around her arm. Stepping out of her apartment, she was just in time to see Yzak walk out the building, saluting another soldier who was going in. Shiho watched as he unlocked his car with the remote. Pausing at the door, he suddenly turned and looked at her direction.

Her breath suddenly caught in her throat, Shiho whirled around abruptly, pressing one hand against her pounding heart. When she peeked over her shoulder again, Yzak was still staring up at her, this time with a small smile on his lips. With that, he climbed into his car and steered out of the parking lot.

'Major?'

Shiho looked up and saw the cleaning lady standing there with a broom in her hand, looking at her weirdly.

'Yes?' Shiho breathed, her heart skipping a beat.

'You're shoes?' The lady raised her eyebrows.

Looking down, Shiho gasped and dashed back into her apartment. 'See you around…' she said in an embarrassed voice, closing the door behind her. Hearing the lady laugh behind the door, Shiho slide to the floor, covering her heated face with both her hands in embarrassment.

'Damn you Yzak Jule!'

3 months later

'I still can't believe you came all the way back just to check on Rusty.' Dearka said.

Athrun shrugged. 'Why not? It's not an every day occurrence that a comrade you saw killed in front of you come back to life after so many years, of course I'd like to check him out.'

'It's New Years Eve Athrun, what about the princess?' Yzak asked as they walked down the stairs.

'He's flying back to Orb in an hour.' Dearka said, winking. 'He's not going to leave the princess alone.'

'And how about you?' Athrun asked, raising his eyebrows. 'What about Miriallia?'

'She's coming on the fifth.' Dearka said, shrugging. 'I'm an understanding boyfriend.'

'Yeah right.' Yzak snorted, crossing his arms.

'They're going to be alright right?' Shiho asked, looking back.

'Don't worry, Yzak's working on their new identity.' Dearka said, giving her a pat on the shoulder. 'It's Yzak Jule we're talking about, there really is nothing he can't do.'

Yzak smirked. 'I take that as a compliment.'

Shiho sighed heavily and looked down. 'Still…'

Dearka rolled his eyes. 'Don't be such a worry wart Shiho. Gods you've been like this after your unusual sick leave three months ago.'

Shiho could only glare at him.

'I've got to go, you're giving me a ride right Dearka?' Athrun asked.

Dearka shrugged. 'I don't see why not.'

'Say hello to Miriallia for me!' Shiho said quickly.

Athrun smiled. 'I will.'

'I'll see you later then.' Yzak said, reaching out one hand.

'Too bad the two of you didn't get together with chess.' Dearka joked.

'I'm going to win if we really play chess.' Yzak muttered. 'I swear.'

Athrun smirked while shaking Yzak's hand. 'I won't lose either.' Saying goodbye to Shiho, he climbed into Dearka's car.

Watching the black sedan steer out of the small parking lot, Yzak turned with his arms crossed. 'You want me to give you a ride? It's already eleven.' He paused. 'Or you want to walk all the way to the main road like you did last time?'

Shiho refused to look at him, her lips pursed together.

Yzak smirked. 'Last chance Major.'

'Fine.' Shiho gritted her teeth and stomped her way to Yzak's car.

Shaking his head, Yzak unlocked his car and climbed in. Buckling her seat belt quickly, Shiho turned her head sideways.

'Major – ' Yzak started.

'I'm tired Commander.' Shiho said quietly, closing her eyes. 'I want to go home.'

Yzak stared at her for a while before sighing heavily. Starting his car, he rolled of the parking lot. Reaching out one hand, he turned on the music player.

Shiho pretended to be asleep the whole ride yet she was more awake then ever. She refused to open her eyes though and Yzak seemed to be perfectly comfortable with the situation, leaving Shiho with gritted teeth, praying that the ride would be over soon.

'Time-check is now eleven-forty four.'

'Why is it taking so long?' Shiho muttered under her breath.

'Because we're not going home?' Yzak suggested.

Her eyes flying open, Shiho turned to Yzak, then looked up. 'Where in the hell are we?'

'You said you wanted to go home but you didn't say now.' Yzak said, shooting her a glance as the car went uphill.

Shiho crossed her arms and frowned. 'Then would you tell me where we're going and why we're going to where you want to go?'

'You'll see.' Yzak said shortly, eyeing her.

Shiho sighed heavily. 'I should have walked home by myself.'

'I'm not that horrible am I Hahnenfuss?' Yzak asked, stopping the car abruptly.

Shiho's heart skipped a beat at the sudden halt. 'What's the matter with you?'

Yzak just smiled. 'We're here.' Unlocking the car, he climbed out, slamming the door shut. Shiho watched through the wind shield as Yzak shivered and pulled his jacket closer. Turning he raised his eyebrows, suggesting quietly that she come out of the car too.

Yzak had been acting like this for the last three month, giving her unexpected smiles and even winks, flirting with her silently when no one was around. It was obvious that he didn't want her forget about that night's passion they shared and was insisting that they cross the line instead of pushing it back.

Her Commander was a very uncooperative one indeed.

Sighing heavily, Shiho stepped out of the car, not wanting to suffocate herself despite the cold weather. 'Care to tell me what we're here for?'

Yzak motioned for her to walk up to where he was. Looking out his direction, she couldn't help but gasp at the magnificent scenery before her.

'It's New Years Eve Hahnenfuss.' Yzak pointed out, looking at the famous ferris wheel of famous amusement park of Aprilius One where most people did their countdown.

Shiho eyed Yzak skeptically. 'You countdown at New Years Eve? I thought you had to work last year.'

Yzak shrugged. 'A man can change.'

Shiho snorted. 'Right.'

Yzak looked at her sideways. 'You cold?'

'No.' Shiho said stubbornly, trying hard not to shiver in front of him.

Yzak just smirked. 'Fine by me.'

Pursing her lips, Shiho stuck her hands into her jacket pockets and watched as the ferris wheel clock started to countdown from sixty seconds. Though far away from the city, they could still faintly here the chants and cheers of the excited people who were hoping for a better year to come.

'Goodbye 74 and welcome 75.' Yzak murmured.

'Five, four, three… two… one! Happy New Year!'

'I'm too old for this.' Shiho laughed as she watched people cheer and shout through the gigantic screen beside the ferris wheel.

'You've got anyone to kiss at midnight?' Yzak asked.

Shiho turned and stared at him.

'Do you have anyone to kiss at midnight?' Lain's words rang in her head.

Yzak shrugged. 'If not…'

Shiho froze and could only watch Yzak walked forward. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her towards him and planted a kiss on her cold lips.

'It's been four years Shiho, let it go. So what if it really was your fault, she's not going to live again and neither will Jule care if she lived. She's dead.'

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 obvious means you – '

'Happy New Years Shiho.' Yzak whispered against her lips.

Shocked, Shiho was unable to move and could only be pulled into his warm embrace, her eyes wide open.

'I've given you three months Shiho.' Yzak whispered into her ear. 'We've crossed the boundary and I want to, you want to too. Give us a chance.'

Pulling away, Yzak saw Shiho look down. Lifting her face up by the chin, he stared into her amethyst eyes. 'It's about you and me, nobody else.'

Shiho's eyes trembled. 'How can you be so selfish?'

'I am.' Yzak admitted. 'I'm selfish because of you. I've fallen for you and I'm not going to let go.' He brushed his lips across hers. 'And you've fallen for me too Major.'

'I haven't.' Shiho denied, looking away.

Yzak just smiled. 'You have. One chance, that's all I'm asking.'

Shiho looked up at him. 'What if it doesn't work out, do you know how much damage it's going to – '

'Then we'll make it work out.' Yzak whispered, touching the side of her head. 'I'm Yzak Jule, there's really nothing I can't do.'

Shiho let out a laugh, and flicked him. 'You have a really big ego Commander.'

'Don't mind if I do.' Yzak shrugged. 'So?'

Shiho looked away briefly before pushing him away, much to his surprise.

'Shiho?'

Shiho turned her back to him. 'I'll think about it.'

Yzak ran his hand through his hair and was about to open his mouth when Shiho took a step backwards.

'I like you using my name.' Shiho said softly. Yzak could only stare at her as she looked over her shoulder with a smile.

'Yzak.'

Lain van Ness could only roll her eyes as she watched Shiho dash around her apartment through the screen, not even knowing that the vid-com was connected.

'What is the matter with you?' Lain finally cried loudly, resting her chin on one palm.

'Lain!' Shiho gasped and sat down, panting slightly. 'When was this thing connected?'

'When you hit it with your belt.' Lain said dryly. 'What's going on?'

'Nothing.' Shiho said lightly while running a brush through her hair.

Lain looked at her skeptically. 'Then why are you in a plated skirt that's up to your thighs?'

Shiho growled at her. 'Can't a girl dress up?'

Lain shrugged. 'Yeah, but seeing you dress up is a bit weird, unless…'

Shiho shot a glance at her through the screen. 'What?'

Lain smiled smugly. 'You got a date Miss Hahnenfuss?'

Shiho looked up. 'Maybe…'

'Maybe?' Lain smirked. 'So, who's the lucky guy?'

'I'm not telling you.' Shiho declared while pulling her hair up.

'I'd know even if you don't tell me.' Lain sneered. 'Who could it be other than the legendary Yzak Jule?'

Shiho stuck her tongue out at her. 'So what if it's him?'

Lain shrugged. 'Nothing, just glad to see that you've finally gotten over the whole thing.'

'Who said I have?' Shiho said quietly.

Lain raised her eyebrows. 'You haven't?'

Sighing, Shiho rested her elbows on the desk. 'It's just… I don't know. It's not that easy to get over Lain, it's a past. You've got a past too.'

Lain looked at her briefly. 'I've got a different past, though I understand what you mean.'

Shiho looked away. 'Maybe you're right, Geherin is dead. I'm just trying to give myself a chance, us a chance.'

'So he really likes you huh?' Lain smirked.

Shiho shrugged. 'I guess.'

'I've got a question.' Lain sat up straight.

'Shoot.'

'Have you two slept together yet?'

Shiho choked her on saliva and glared at her. 'What kind of question is that?'

'No question.' Lain shrugged. 'Just a curious question.'

'Well I'm not answering that.' Shiho declared.

Lain gave her a smug look. 'Then I'll take that as a yes.'

'Be my guest.' Shiho growled, standing up.

'Wait – '

'You've got a lot of questions today Mrs. MacKenzie.' Shiho sneered.

It was Lain's time to growl. 'I'm still not used to that name.'

'Suck it up, it's your legal name now.' Shiho smirked.

Lain waved her hand in the air. 'It's about the thing Jule told me to do. Do you know about it?'

Shiho shook her head. 'Nope, there are certain things I will never know about his work Lain, no matter how close we are.'

'I know.' Lain said. 'Anyway, I've finished the job, tell him to contact me, not that it seems urgent or anything, but just prep him about it, okay?'

'Yeah.' Shiho paused and gave her a wicked smile. 'If I remember.'

Lain rolled her eyes. 'You're turning into a love sick idiot Shiho Hahnenfuss.'

Shiho's mouth dropped open. 'No I'm not!'

'Yeah yeah.' With that, Lain cut the connection.

Shiho stared at the blank screen for a while before turning to the mirror, rubbing her face with one hand. 'Do I look like a love sick idiot?'

Shaking her head violently, Shiho looked at her watch that read eight o'clock. Frowning, she started clearing things that were scattered across her room. Yzak had said he'd come down at around eight thirty and pick her up for dinner, yet somehow, she had a bad feeling he'd be late.

Her premonitions came true when the clock on her wall striked ten and there still was no sign of him. Pursing her lips, she picked up her cellphone and dialed Yzak's number, not at all surprised when no body answered.

Taking a deep breath, Shiho hopped off the kitchen stool and grabbed her coat. Stepping her feet into black heels, she grabbed her car keys and walked out of her studio, locking the door quickly.

'You're fancy tonight Major, you've got a date?' The guard teased as she walked by.

'A date at this time of the night?' Shiho joked.

The guard shrugged. 'It's Friday!'

Responding with a smile, Shiho walked out of the lobby, shivering slightly at the cold weather. Climbing into her car, she steered her way out of the parking lot and hit roads, noting how crowded the nightclubs were as she passed by.

The headquarters was quiet at this time of the hour except for the people who were on night shift. Not wanting to be seen by anyone, Shiho used the back entrance where there was no guard, just a more complex security system. When she approached Yzak's office, she wasn't at all surprised to find light seeping through.

Pushing it open soundlessly, she found Yzak lying on his desk face down, the papers scattered everywhere, even on the floor. The computer was still running and his mug was still filled with now cold coffee.

Shiho sat herself down on the chair opposite him and looked at the top of his head. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and slammed both hands onto the huge desk.

'Yzak Jule!'

At the shout, Yzak jumped up in his seat, his eyes wide open. Crossing her arms, Shiho watched as Yzak's eyelids started to lower again. Gritting her teeth, Shiho reached out one hand and leaned across the huge table, grabbing Yzak by the collar. Giving him a few violent shakes, Yzak finally woke up.

'Major?' Yzak asked in a dazed voice.

Widening her eyes in disbelief, Shiho practically half knelt on the desk, grabbing his collar with both arms. 'You are unbelievable Yzak Jule! Do I look like a Major to you now?' she cried.

'Sto – stop it!' Yzak cried as Shho continued shaking him. 'You're killing me here Shiho!'

Snorting, Shiho let go and turned on her heel. 'You're the one who asked me to give you a chance Yzak Jule.'

'What time is it?' Yzak looked down at his watched and paused. Slapping his forehead, he sunk down onto his chair again. 'Damn it…'

Raising her head up high, Shiho looked over her shoulder. 'You stood me up Commander.'

'Wait!' Yzak sprang up again. 'I can explain! I mean, you know I can't tell you much about the stuff going on in the council, but you've got to believe me! I didn't mean it! It's just I had this huge meeting and I haven't slept in days! I didn't even go home last night! You've got to trust me here, you know how busy I can get…'

Shiho tried to contain her laughter as Yzak continued blabbering. Turning around again, she shot Yzak a glance before picking the coffee mug up from the desk.

'You need some coffee Commander.' Shiho said dryly.

'You're not mad?' Yzak asked carefully.

Shiho shrugged. 'I kind of knew this would happen. Besides, I work for you and I have an idea just how much stuff you have on hand just for ZAFT.'

Yzak smiled. 'So you were just messing with me?'

'Nah-huh, don't you make this a practice or I'll dump you.' Shiho warned, wagging her finger in front of his face. Turning, she walked out of his office to get him some coffee.

Running one hand through his hair, Yzak gave himself a smile while buttoning his collar up again with the other hand. Sitting down again, he rubbed the side of his forehead, sighing heavily.

'Espresso coming up.' Shiho said, stepping into the room.

Yzak smiled as she walked up to his desk. 'You look nice.'

'Well, it's normal for a girl to dress up for her first date.' Shiho said dryly.

'God, I can't believe I screwed this up.' Yzak muttered.

'Oh well.' Shiho shrugged. 'We can do it some other time.'

Yzak shook his head and gulped down the strong coffee quickly. 'No.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'No?'

Standing up, Yzak grabbed his keys and jacket from the coat hanger.

'I drove!' Shiho said, standing up.

'Leave your car here, I can drive you back on Monday.'

With that, Yzak grabbed Shiho's hand and pulled her out of the office, flipping off the lights on the way.

End of Chapter 9

A/N: So updates will be either five days or ten days, depending on my mood, my current situation and how far I am on my other stories. It gives me time to write. For a list of potential stories coming up after GSA is over, you can go to my profile on there's a list there, supposedly by order. Anyway, enjoy.