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 11

8 months later

'Are finished with that? I want to read it!' Nia hissed.

'No way, I'm not finished.' Iwen Cavicog shot back, snatching the magazine away from her.

'Come on, you've been hogging it!' Nia whined.

'Go buy a copy yourself then.' Monroe Fonz muttered, taking a sip from his coffee.

'I would have if they haven't been like sold out!' Nia snorted, crossing her arms.

'What's the big deal, news about our Commander and the ladies come out every now and then.' Lyn Stera said, sitting down.

'Everyone's talking about this.' Iwen said. 'Look around and you'll see people holding this copy of Maygen.'

'What's going on children?' Another voice rang from behind them. Turning, they saw Dearka cocking his head at them.

'Major major!' Nia stood up and motioned for him to sit down excitedly. 'Have you read the latest copy Maygen?'

'Maygen?' Dearka's eyebrows furrowed. 'I never read that kind of trash magazines.'

'Hey! Maygen is so not trash.' Nia said, pointing a finger at him.

Dearka just rolled his eyes. 'What did they write?'

'So you don't know?' Monroe snatched the copy from a protesting Iwen and tossed it towards Dearka. 'It's about our commander Yzak Jule.'

'What about him?' Dearka asked curiously. Looking down, he paused and raised his eyebrows before lifting the magazine up slowly. 'Every girl's dream guy, the soldier and politician Yzak Jule has finally decided to settle down, the lucky girl being Gazelle Wyleed?' He looked up at Monroe. 'That's impossible.'

'Why? You're his secret lover?' Monroe sneered.

Dearka shot him a glance before smiling. 'You really want to know? Okay, lean over a little.' Seeing him lean forward, Dearka immediately smacked him in the head hard.

'Ouch! What was that for?' Monroe cried, rubbing his head.

'You really don't know?' Iwen snarled

'There's no way he's getting married.' Dearka declared, pushing the magazine to Nia. 'He's not even going out with this Gazelle girl!'

'Yeah, but he's a politician.' Lyn pointed out.

'So?' Dearka shrugged.

'So?' Iwen shook his head. 'Come on Major, you're half a politican yourself. You know how those counsilors are like! They'd marry their children when they've got the chance. Hell you were a victim before!'

'Point taken.' Dearka muttered, hanging his head. 'But still…'

'Wyleed's been like a mentor to Yzak.' Monroe pointed out. 'I don't find it surprising that he's trying to pay this huge favor back by marrying his daughter. Everyone in the world knows Wyleed wants Yzak to be his son-in-law.'

'And this woman's like totally hung up on him.' Nia muttered.

'Let it go Ciers.' Iwen murmured, rolling his eyes. 'You're never going to get hooked up with Jule, even if it's a fling. Trust me, he's not the type you can have a fling with.'

'Hey!' Nia screeched. 'Are you saying I'm out of his league or something.'

'You're the one talking, not me.' Iwen sneered.

Dearka peered down at the magazine. 'Are you sure this is Yzak?'

'Who else could it be?' Lyn rolled his eyes. 'He bought a friggin' diamond ring! They say they've asked the sales and she said Yzak wanted to buy a ring to propose!'

'That's ridiculous.' Dearka muttered. 'Do you know how much money the publishers will give to make that sales lie? Those paparazzis are like crazy!'

'Okay, fine!' Iwen turned to the next page. 'How do you explain this?'

Dearka's eyebrows furrowed. 'Supermodel Gazelle Wyleed, daughter of senior counsilor Lamar Wyleed finally admits feelings for PLANT's most eligible bachelor, senior counsilor slash ZAFT commander Yzak Jule?'

'Look look!' Nia pointed at the screenshot and the caption below it. 'She talked about what she's giving Yzak for a birthday present!'

'Can she be more brazen?' Monoroe muttered in disgust.

Dearka rubbed his chin. 'Nah, Yzak won't fall for a girl like her. He actually told me he disliked this woman, you know, if not hate. No way he's going to marry him for Lamar Wyleed alone.'

'You never know Major.' Lyn said, pursing his lips.

'Hey hey! We've got another person we can ask advice from!' Iwen motioned for Shiho, who was walking into the cafeteria with another two of her team members.

'What's up people?' Ceit Emerson asked, high fiving Monroe.

'You guys gossiping again?' Ohin Rois asked with raised eyebrows.

'You've got to know something Major!' Nia declared, turning in her seat.

Shiho pointed a finger at herself. 'Know about what?'

'I know!' Ohin narrowed his eyes wickedly. 'You're talking about PLANT's most eligiable bachelor, our commander Yzak Jule and supermodel Gazelle Wyleed! Am I correct?' He draped one arm across Shiho's shoulder. 'Our Major here might know a little something to feed that undying curiousity of yours.'

'It's not possible Hahnenfuss.' Dearka said, shaking his head firmly.

Shiho stared down at the magazine for a few moments. After a few moments, she looked up at the anticipating faces before her. 'She's pretty.'

Ceit and Ohin laughed while the others hung their heads. Rolling her eyes, Nia snatched the magazine away from her. 'I'm not asking you to comment on the girl's looks. You've got to know something, you work for Yzak twenty four seven!'

'His work wife.' Ceit teased, giving her a playful squeeze on the shoulder. 'Don't tell me you're jealous Major.'

Shiho turned to her and flashed her a big smile. 'Do you see me getting jealous?' She turned to the others. 'Do I need to do a little curtsy and invite you people back to your stations?'

Chills went up their spines at Shiho's exceptionally bright smile. Making excuses, they scrambled away with Dearka sitting there, laughing behind one hand.

'Hey, you guys forgot your copy!' Dearka called.

'Gods they need more than just a wake up call.' Shiho muttered.

'What do you think?' Dearka asked, giving the magazine a shove.

Shiho just shrugged nonchalantly. 'How'd I know? You know I don't ask about Captain Jule's personal life.'

'It's impossible.' Dearka said firmly, shaking his head. 'There's no way Yzak would let this happen anyway, he hates political marriages.' Standing up, he stretched. 'Have you seen him by the way?'

Shiho shook his head. 'Nope, his secretary said he's not going to come back because of the council meeting.'

'Ah, right.' Dearka nodded. 'Oh well, I'll make him spills the beans. See you.'

Bowing her head slightly, she watched sideways as Dearka left the cafeteria with his hands behind his head, whistling to himself. Sitting down, she pulled the copy of Meygan towards her and flipped through the pages, narrowing her eyes at the pictures and Gazelle Wyleed's interview. She could still picture her dancing with Yzak a year ago at the annual charity ball, gazing up at him.

'Smitten.' Shiho muttered under her breath. Taking a deep breath, she closed the magazine and stood up with it. Walking up to the nearest trash can, she tossed it in, watching as the flap moved up and down. Turning around, she marched out of the cafeteria and went straight back to her office. She stopped when her cell phone rang. Taking it out, she narrowed her eyes at the display. Closing her eyes briefly, she flipped it open and answered it while entering her office.

'Hello Commander.'

'Oh God…' Yzak sighed heavily. Sliding down the leather seat of the limo, he tossed his files onto the empty seat beside him while pulling at his tie uncomfortably, cursing for the millionth time. Why did they have to make him wear such uncomfrtable clothes?

'You're not the only one who's tired Jule.' Yzak's council secreatry, Reiss Seaian muttered, climbing into the limo with a briefcase in hand.

'I might as well say I'm tired then.' Elemar Hussein smirked over his shoulder from the driver's seat.

Yzak and Reiss both glared at him.

'You got to sit your ass off for the last ten hours so shut up.' Yzak sneered, pointing a finger at him.

Reiss leaned back and exhaled loudly. 'You have no idea Elemar, absolutely no idea.'

'You know,' Yzak sat up straight, 'the only thing the council is giving me as a compensation is probably this limo and driver I can only use when I'm doing council work. How pathetic.'

'At least you get to ride in a limo and not drive back yourself.' Reiss muttered, messaging his shoulder. 'I'd gladly sleep my way through.'

'Aren't you sitting here now?' Yzak sneered.

'Ten hours, ten god damn fucking hours.' Reiss cursed, slapping his forehead. 'What have I done to deserve this?'

'Language mister.' Yzak eyed him wearily. 'I'd like people to think that my secretary is culturally profound with manners.'

'Get stuffed.' Reiss shot back.

'Where do you want to go gentleman?' Elemar asked.

Yzak sighed heavily and slid back down. 'Home sounds like a winner.'

'Me first!' Reiss declared, springing up.

'Hey! This limo's mine!' Yzak protested. 'You get me home first Elemar!'

'I have a wife waiting for me at home and if I don't get back there she's going to think I'm cheating on her!' Reiss protested back. 'Or worse, cheating with you!'

Yzak growled while Elemar choked on his saliva.

'You want me to kick you out of this car?' Yzak threatened. 'You want me to? Cause I'll do it!'

'Come on Boss!' Reiss whined. 'I want to see my sweet pie!'

'Hey! Who says I don't have – ' Yzak stopped short while Reiss looked at him smugly.

'You got someone waiting for you at that cold military barrack of yours?' Elemar asked slyly, looking at him in the rear mirror.

'No I don't.' Yzak said croakly, pulling at his collar. 'I just want to get home soon. And I do not live in a barrack.'

'Come on, who's the lady?' Reiss looked at him with raised eyebrows. Reaching into his briefcase, he took out a copy of Maygan. 'Is it this pretty lady in the cover?'

Yzak rolled his eyes. 'For the last time, there's nothing between me and Gazelle Wyleed for Christ's sake!'

Reiss batted his eyes at him. 'Are you sure? She's going to be so upset if she hears this!'

Yzak made a face. 'Please don't do that look, it's bad enough people think I'm gay.'

'Hey, that's what I thought when I first met you.' Elemar said. Gritting his teeth, Yzak leaned forward and smacked him in the head.

'But seriously,' Reiss looked down at the cover, 'did you buy an engagement ring in that store?'

'No.' Yzak denied, crossing his arms.

'The lady sure thinks you're going to propose.' Reiss commented, looking up. 'Did you see Wyleed's face today? People were on the verge of congratulating him for crying out loud!'

'Even if she's the last women in existence, I'm not going to marry her.' Yzak declared. 'She is a pain in the ass. You have no idea Reiss.'

'Course I don't, I already of my little sweat pea at home.' Reiss said.

Elemar shook his head. 'Newlyweds get so mushy. Who marries at the age of twenty three?'

'I know a guy who married at the age of eighteen.' Yzak said absently, opening a bottle of water.

Reiss looked at him weirdly. 'Who?'

Yzak looked up. 'Who? Oh, just an old friend. Anyway, the last thing I'd like to be in is a political marriage. No way, I don't care how much pressure Wyleed gives me, I'm not going to marry her daughter.'

Reiss just smirked, throwing one arm across the back of the seat. 'We'll see my friend.'

'When do we expect another one of these marathon meetings of yours Yzak?' Elemar asked.

Reiss and Yzak sighed together.

'In a day or two.' Yzak replied tiredly.

The council was facing a crisis now with the members divided among each other. One side, lead by Lamar Wyleed was against any further disarmament while Spence Tayne supported further negotiations with EA on this issue. Due to his double identity in the council and ZAFT, Yzak was practically torn in half. Knowing Wyleed, he was determined to pull Yzak over to his side as to consolidate his power further in the council and run for the next chairman election, but Yzak would take none of it.

As a soldier, Yzak inclined to support further negotiations with EA on disarmament yet he wasn't comfortable with support this idea out in the open. Throughout his years in the council, he had earned a reputation of being non open with his ideas, silently effecting other members and not voicing them out loud in the assemblies themselves. He had a totally different style from that of his Mother Ezaria Jule and the old members, especially Wyleed, who was stupid enough to think that he would be easily manipulated.

Though loud in his days of ZAFT, Yzak had learnt his lesson and toned down his temper significantly, especially when dealing with politics. He had learnt the art of manipulated people and their ideas silently so as to get his way. Not a conventional and welcomed way of dealing with political enemies but a very efficient. In the council, he was more of a listener than a speaker yet people could sense his presence and influence.

Though he had received help from Lamar Wyleed during his first few months in the council, Yzak wasn't prepared to let him get away with what he had done during the past three years. He had suspsected some unusual activity between Wyleed and a party yet it took him a year to figure out who it really was. Being Yzak Jule, he had no intentions to trigger open fire with him, at such, he only waited while gathering intelligence from Nessar and waited until the time came.

Imagine his surprise when Rusty came along declaring that he was the trump card assassin of Nessar. He was shocked, but he also knew that his chance had come to cut the wings of Lamar Wyleed. Without Nessar's backing, Wyleed was now handicapped within and was desperate for more support. The only regret Yzak had was that he couldn't pull him down all together despite the arrest of Herze van Ness.

Everyone knew why Wyleed wanted his daughter to marry Yzak and with Nessar going down, he was more desperate than ever.

'Yo, you're here.' Reiss kicked Yzak in the leg.

Yzak almost bolted up. 'Huh? Thanks.' Running his hand through his hair, Yzak tossed the files to Reiss. 'Have the paper work done before the next meeting.'

'Yes sir.' Reiss said lazily, his head hung.

Glaring at the magazine cover for the last time, Yzak climbed out of the limo while saying good bye to Reiss and Elemar. He watched as the limo drove off before he entered the lift alone. He stared at the button panel for a few moments before pressing nineteen, his fingers brushing past seventeen.

Exhaling loudy for the zillionth time, he stepped out of the lift into the quiet halls with one hand in his hair. Punching in the codes to the digital lock, he entered his apartment.

'I don't know why they let you open the door in three different ways.' Yzak muttered. It was a total waste.

Rolling his head on his shoulders, Yzak pulled off his tie while shrugging off his long navy blue coat. Tossing them onto the counch, he collapsed on top of them, wrinkling his clothes.

Closing his eyes, he lied there briefly, one leg hanging from the couch while the other was draped across the armrest. Opening his eyes again, he shot a glance at the digital clock on his kitchen counter that read twelve thirty.

Sitting up, he stared at the door, wondering if she had gone to bed yet.

He had made plans with her today but because of the urgent meeting, the plans were cancelled. He still remembered Shiho addressing him Commander Jule when answering his call earlier and he had felt his heart drop. He knew that somehow the cover story would go to her but he hadn't expected it to be that soon.

Jumping up from the couch, Yzak went to his room and changed, figuring he'd try his luck and see if she was in her apartment at all. She had told him she'd go to Dearka's Mom's for dinner with Eneta and she should be back by now.

Throwing on slacks and a washed black T-shirt, Yzak was about to throw his uniform into his dry-cleaning hamper when something on his nightstand caught his eye. Sitting down on the bed, he picked up the velvet box and opened it, revealing a platinum ring with an oval shaped diamond set in the middle, accented by two smaller diamonds on the side.

He almost laughed out loud when he read the article in Maygan, it seriously amused him more than angered him. He wasn't going to deny the fact that he had went into Reva, PLANT's most pretigious jewellery and diamond retail corporation to buy a ring, but saying that he bought it to propose, let alone to Gazelle Wyleed was surprisingly funny.

Snapping the velvet box shut, Yzak pulled open the top drawer and put it in, shutting it with his knee. Stretching while crossing his living room, Yzak yawned while flipping off the lights, shutting the door behind him. He about reached the stairs when another commander of ZAFT that was five years older than him came up.

'How's it going Jule?' Nigel Roldan greeted, stopping at the top of the stairs in full white uniform.

'The same.' Yzak shrugged, leaning against the railing.

'I heard the council's being a pain in the ass.' Nigel smirked, crossing his arms.

'The same pain in the ass.' Yzak muttered. 'Just be glad you don't have a double identity like me.'

'So what's with you?' Nigel looked up and down at Yzak's casual attire and running shoes on his feet. 'Doesn't seem like you're going to work that's for sure.'

'I have to go buy something from the convention store.' Yzak lied casually.

'Hey, if you want to buy condoms, you better go for the supermarket next time because those babies are llike a rip off in those twenty four sevens.' Nigel joked.

Yzak snorted. 'I'll take that advice when I seriously need it.'

'Glad I'm of help Jule.' Nigel gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. 'I hope that supermodel of yours is a good treat.'

'Get off!' Yzak growled, making a move to kick him in the ass. Laughing, Nigel turned and ran up the stairs, giving him a wave before disappearing around the corner that led to the floor upstairs. Shaking his head, Yzak made his way down the flight of stairs two and a time, hopping off at seventeenth floor. He couldn't help but marvel at the bounciness of his running shoes, he never could jump at all in his uniform boots or leather shoes.

Making sure no one was around, Yzak punched in the security code on Shiho's door and waited for the door open at the click. Checking the hall one last time, Yzak closed the door behind him quietly, making sure no one saw him entering his Major's private room.

'Major!'

A scream escaped Shiho's lips as she let go of the plastic scraper in her hand. Whirling around, she bumped into an outscretched arm and almost fell back. Holding her hand against the counter, Shiho looked down at Yzak with wide eyes. He was leaning across the counter, his arm stretched out, the scraper dangling from his fingers.

'What the hell are you doing Yzak!' Shiho demanded, holding onto her chest.

'You scare easy Major.' Yzak said warily. Pushing himself off the counter of Shiho's open kitchen, he looked down at the scraper with raised eyebrows and wiped his index finger across it. 'You're not calling me Commander Jule anymore?'

Shiho looked up with crossed arms. 'I called you that because I was at the headquarters.'

Yzak snorted. 'Yeah right.' Sticking his finger into his mouth, he tasted the whipped cream.

'What are you doing here at twelve thirty?' Shiho demanded, putting her hands on her hips.

'And what are you doing at twelve thirty?' Yzak shot back, sitting himself down on the stool. 'You had that beater on so loud you couldn't even hear me come through the door. I've been sitting here, watching you whip that cream and humming to yourself for the past ten minutes you know.'

Shiho's face turned red as she whirled around, her back facing him. 'I'm so going to change that stupid combination.'

'Fine by me.' Yzak shrugged. 'I can still open that door like snap.'

Shiho threw a glare over her shoulder. 'I'll add a chain if I have to.'

'To chain me to your bed?' Yzak asked, raising his eyebrows. 'You tried cuffs but they didn't work.'

Taking a deep breath, Shiho bit her bottom lip and flashed Yzak a big smile, trying to suppressing the redness creeping into her cheeks. 'I was thinking of chaining my door so you can't come in, but I'll keep that suggestion in mind.'

Teasing Shiho had become Yzak's favorite entertainment for the past eight months or so. Though having done everything a couple did, Shiho would still have this shy quality inside her and made desperate attempts to hide it by snapping at him.

'You sure you don't have anything to ask me Major?' Yzak asked, emphasizing her title.

'No I don't.' Shiho said firmly, snatching the scraper from him.

'What's going on around here?' Yzak asked, deciding the change the topic for a while.

'What do you think I'm doing?' Shiho snorted, holding out the bowl of cream for him to see while pointing at the oven. 'I'm making desert.'

'You learnt it from Mrs. Elthman?' Yzak asked, hopping off the stool.

'Uh-huh.' Shiho nodded absently. 'It was only me, Mrs. Elthman and Eneta so they decided to make it cooking day.'

'I never knew you liked to make cakes and stuff.' Yzak said, leaning against the counter.

Shiho shrugged. 'It's not really that hard, I'm a fast learner. Besides, I didn't want to waste the beater that came with this apartment.'

'Where did you buy all the ingredients?' Yzak asked.

'Dearka's Mom gave them to me, she usually buys in bulk to save money.' Shiho replied.

'Like they need to save money at all.' Yzak muttered. 'What are you making then?'

'Puffs.' Shiho replied, looking over her shoulder. 'You want one?'

'Weren't you making them for me?' Yzak said slyly.

'You really do think high of yourself.' Shiho scoffed, a comment she'd throw to him often.

'And you like me because of it.' Yzak smirked. Leaning towards her, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. 'You really don't have anything to ask me?'

'What do you want me to ask you?' Shiho asked back, shooting a glance at her.

Yzak pulled away and stared at her. 'You should have read that stupid article with Nia and Lyn around.'

'I have.' Shiho turned back to her bowl of cream. 'So?'

'You're not jealous?' Yzak asked incredulously.

Sighing, Shiho set the bowl down and faced him. 'Who do you want me to be jealous of? Gazelle Wyleed?'

Yzak looked away. 'The least. I know I would.'

'Then maybe I should give these puffs to Talman downstairs.' Shiho said, making a move to open the oven.

Gritting his teeth, Yzak grabbed Shiho's arm, forcing her to face him. Sticking his index finger into the bowl of cream, he grabbed Shiho's chin and forced her to look up.

'The cream's not sweet enough.' Yzak said when Shiho looked at him weirdly. Wiping it across her lips like lipstick, he leaned down and licked it off before kissing her. Letting go of her chin, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him, prying her mouth open.

Shiho struggled a bit before sinking into the kiss, responding to his hungry lips eagerly. When they parted, Yzak stuck his finger into his mouth and licked the rest of the cream off. 'Now it's sweeter.'

Shiho watched as Yzak turned and left the kitchen without another word. Plopping onto the sofa, he crossed his legs and closed his eyes.

Biting her lower lip, Shiho turned and took the oven tray out, eight huge puffs sitting on it. Taking two out, she sliced it open with a sharp knife and spooned in some cream. Sprinkling some icing on top, she put them on a plate and walked out of the kitchen. Sitting herself beside Yzak, she held the plate under his nose.

'Want one?' She coaxed, moving it from side to side. 'Yzak…'

Yzak opened his mouth, his eyes still closed. Sighing, Shiho set the plate down and picked one puff up. Holding it before his mouth, Yzak took a huge bite. Shiho couldn't help but giggle at the cream smeared across his face.

'You really are a fast learner.' Yzak muttered. Opening his eyes, he took the remaining puff from Shiho's hand and finished it. 'If only there was a cup of coffee…'

'No way.' Shiho said flatly, holding out a piece of tissue. 'There's no coffee drinking around here.'

Yzak snickered while wiping his mouth. 'Bossy.'

Shiho snorted. 'You're under my roof, so suck it up.' Taking the remaining puff, she took a small bite.

'Seriously, no hard feelings whatsoever?' Yzak wrapped one arm around Shiho's shoulders. 'Don't toy with me, you're a girl aren't you?'

'You're right.' Shiho licked her fingers. 'I did want to rip that article in half if you have to know.'

Yzak poked her in the cheek. 'A fine choice.'

'But what do you want me to do?' Shiho asked, sitting up. 'You really want to me to like charge up to your office and strangle you or maybe go and kill Gazelle Wyleed?'

Yzak shrugged. 'I don't mean that, I just think it's weird – '

'You know nothing!' Shiho suddenly cried, cocking him in the head hard.

'What?' Yzak covered his head in pain.

Gritting her teeth, Shiho knelt one knee on the sofa and grabbed Yzak by the collar. 'I wanted to make your life better by not saying anything Yzak Jule! You really think I like reading articles about you proposing to another woman?'

'That's more like it.' Yzak murmured.

Shiho widened her eyes and gave Yzak a violent shake. 'What did you say?'

Smiling up at her, Yzak gave her a solid kiss on the lips. Letting go of his collar, Shiho turned around and crossed her arms.

Sighing, Yzak wrapped his arms around Shiho and leaned his chin on her shoulder. 'I know that Shiho. You don't want to put me into a difficult position, but you can't blame me for wondering. You're the one who doesn't want anyont to know about us.'

'And you want to?' Shiho cried incredulously, turning around.

'Yes, I don't want to either.' Yzak coaxed. 'But sometimes it's just hard, sneaking around all over the place.'

'You just sneak in here.' Shiho muttered. 'It won't be appropriate for me to come up to your apartment anyway, with all your council work.'

'Besides, you kind of freaked me out when you called me "Commander Jule".' Yzak said dryly, brushing some hair out of her eyes.

'That sort of explained how pissed I was.' Shiho said warily, pushing him away.

Yzak made a face. 'I should have noted that.'

'Yeah.' Shiho sneered. 'If you'll excuse me, I've got a sink full of stuff to clean up.'

'Shiho.' Yzak grabbed her wrist as she stood up.

'What?' Shiho said curtly, turning around.

'Sorry?' Yzak suggested, raising his eyebrows.

Sighing, Shiho pursed her lips and reached out one hand, rubbing the side of his head. 'Did it hurt?'

'I have a hard head.' Yzak shrugged, pulling her down.

'You should be tired.' Shiho said softly, leaning her head on his shoulder. Crossing his legs, Yzak laced his fingers through hers.

'They want to kill me, they really do.' Yzak muttered. 'The only thing I'm looking forward to is seeing you, and not as my Major.' He added before Shiho could respond.

'Is it true?' Shiho asked.

'What?' Yzak looked down at her.

'That you bought a ring at Reva.' Shiho said quietly.

Yzak shrugged and leaned his head towards her. 'Maybe.'

Closing her eyes, Shiho relaxed against him, not wanting to push the question further. She knew when Yzak would answer and when he wouldn't and she wasn't going to put her effort on something she knew wouldn't be successful.

'Shiho.'

'Hmm?'

Yzak opened his eyes slightly. 'It's my birthday this Saturday.'

Shiho shifted. 'You're not asking me to buy you a present are you?'

'Sort of.' Yzak leaned his forehead down on hers. 'I want you to spend the weekend out with me.'

'Really? Both of us off?' Shiho raised her eyebrows suggestively.

'You let me take care of the trivials.' Yzak snorted. 'I'm no Commander for nothing in ZAFT.'

Giggling, Shiho cupped his face. 'You sure you don't want anything else Commander Jule?'

Yzak smirked back and leaned his back down until it hit the soft material of the sofa with Shiho on top. 'I'll think about it. And in the meantime, I just want you.'

'Be my guest.'

End of Chapter 11
Next Update: 28th December, 2005

A/N: A sort of transition chapter before something huge happens, or at least what I think is huge, and not just one thing, but a few things. I'll keep you guys on the edge of your seats for a while. See you guys after Christmas, that is if you're not Jewish and celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone! Bye the bye, you know what Christmas present I'd like? Reviews! Seriously.