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 12

'He's trying to kills us, I swear! He is trying to kill us!' Iwen exclaimed, throwing his hands. 'What does he have against us? Did I like kill his whole family or something?'

Dearka yawned, stretching. 'Suck it up dude.'

'It's worse than the usual.' Ohin muttered, looking down at the stack of files in his hands. 'Plus I have night shift!'

'I guess there's no clubbing for you Nia.' Lyn sneered as they all stepped out of the conference room.

Nia seethed at Lyn. 'Shut up.'

'Oh yeah, you still have the STOC report to finish!' Monroe snarled, loosening his collar. 'Poor you.'

Nia raised her fist up in the air. 'You want me to beat the crap out of you cause I'll do it!'

'No fair!' Ceit whined, his shoulders dropping as Shiho stepped out of the door, still looking down at a blue file.

'What?' Dearka cocked his head.

'Why does Major Hahnenfuss get a two day leave while we're stuck here!' Ceit cried. 'And I have night shift with Ohin for God's sake.'

Shiho shrugged. 'Pure coincidence.'

'Okay, say that's pure coincidence.' Iwen crossed his arms. 'Why does Jule get a two day off too?'

'It's his birthday?' Dearka tried.

Iwen's eyes lit up. 'Oh yeah! You think that Gazelle Wyleed's going to spend the weekend with him then? I can't wait for Meygan's next issue!'

'No wonder he got a two day leave for himself.' Nia muttered, pursing her lips. 'What's so special about that stupid supermodel anyway? A stick figure with the IQ of a napkin…'

'If it makes any of you people feel better, the two day leave was pure coincidence.' Another voice said from the door.

Shiho sighed, dropping her head as the green uniformed soldiers all jumped at Yzak's voice. Crossing his arms, Yzak leaned against the door frame.

'Any other complaints? Mind as well shoot them out, I don't have much time and I can't afford you guys lounging around when I have a jammed packed schedule for all of you in the future.' Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'Anymore questions about me and Gazelle Wyleed maybe?'

'No questions at all Commander, we'll be on our way, won't we lads?' Monroe looked at the others frantically. 'Let's go!'

'What's with the temper?' Dearka muttered.

'I'm always with a temper.' Yzak snapped. 'You make sure those yahoos get their job done properly while I'm gone or I'll screw your head right off Dearka.'

Dearka frowned. 'Now I call that a threat.'

'Yeah.' Yzak said promptly.

'If you say so.' Shrugging, Dearka turned on his heel.

'What's with the temper Commander Jule?' Shiho asked, holding the file to her chest, darting her eyes as two other elites past them.

'You have no idea Hahnenfuss.' Yzak muttered, rubbing the side of his head. Taking out one file from the stack he had under his arm, he gave it to Shiho.

Shiho sighed. 'What's this?'

'Read through it before you leave today.' Yzak said flatly, raising his eyebrows at her. 'A must read before your leave.'

'What?' Shiho shrieked. 'You really do want to kill all of us don't you Commander?'

Yzak just shrugged and looked down at his watch. 'You're shift's over at two-thirty, make sure you go through the report before you leave.'

'Yeah yeah.' Shiho waved her hand in the air absently.

'Remember.' Yzak looked down at her.

'I got it!' Shiho exclaimed. Rolling her eyes, she turned on her heel and marched down the hallway. She couldn't help but curse when Yzak's secretary called her, reminding her to go through the file Yzak gave her.

'I got it, what is the matter with your boss?' Shiho exclaimed.

'Hell knows. Just be glad you're not his secretary.' Was all she said before cutting the line.

'Well, yeah, that too.' Shiho muttered, staring at the telephone for a while before putting it down. Exhaling loudly, Shiho undid her collar and reached for her glass of water when Monroe and Ceit came in.

'Major, TTOC report.' Monoroe tossed the file beside Shiho's mug.

'Isn't that the Racster report?' Ceit's eyebrows twisted at the file Shiho was about to flip open. 'I filed that in two weeks ago, what's it doing on your desk, wasn't it suppose to be directly sent to Commander Jule?'

Shiho frowned. 'Really? Why would Jule want me to go over a two week old report?' Turning it open, she closed it shut immediately, her heart pounding.

'Is it?' Ceit asked.

'No, it's not the Racster report.' Shiho stammered.

Monoroe pursed his lips. 'But the date…'

'Don't you two have duties? You have a night shift right Ceit?' Shiho said quickly.

'Yeah, but it's not for another fourteen – '

'I have a lot to do before I leave, I still have to go through some files.' Shiho interrupted. 'I'll see you guys on Monday, okay?'

Ceit shrugged. 'If you say so Major.' Saluting, the two retreated.

Making sure her two team members were really gone, Shiho took a peek inside the file before turning it open. Staring at the note taped on the inside of the file, Shiho sighed.

Shiho,

You promised to spend my birthday with me. Look for me at the convenient store on Owenia Street, make sure you change, I don't want to spend my birthday with Major Hahnenfuss.

By the way, I won't let you go home for the whole weekend. Fear not, I've got everything prepared.

Yzak.

'The whole weekend?' Shiho murmured, ripping the note from the old file. 'What does he want to do for the whole weekend?'

Yzak Jule wasn't exactly a romantic person, but he sure was clear what he wanted from a girlfriend and knew how to make her fall head over heels. He could practically see through her, knew her weak points and used them to his advantage. She hated herself for letting him have his way all the time, but when she saw him laugh like a giddy little child getting candy, she felt happy herself too, especially after seeing his tantrums at work. She knew how unbelievably busy he was and knowing she could relieve some of the pressure made her happy, really happy.

Their relationship was really limited when it came to venue, that was the only setback she could think of during the past eight months. Both of them understood this limitation and tolerated it. They weren't up and about, ready to tell everyone that they've sort of hooked up. They had talked things over and it was true that their relationship at work put their relationship in a very tough spot and no one would think it would work.

The added fact that Yzak brought a lot of council work back to his apartment further explained why he always made his way into her apartment. There really was no confidentials in her house so he made full advantage of it. She was beginning to think that he spent more time at her apartment then at his own. A lot of his personal stuff was in her studio, from clothes to toothbrush to shaving cream. She was only glad that no one came to her apartment or she'd be screwed all over.

The bell rang when Shiho entered the convenient store on Owenia street. Sticking her hands into her jeans, she looked around, her thick pony tail flicking sideways.

'Woah, watch it there Hahnenfuss.'

Shiho turned and gasped as her pony tail smacked Nigel right in the face.

'Sorry.' She apologized sheepishly, holding her hand up. 'Didn't know you were there.'

'I swear you're the only girl who has that long a hair around in ZAFT.' Nigel muttered, rubbing his nose. He was still in his white ZAFT uniform, but had a cargo jacket on top with the collar opened. Every girl would think that Nigel Roldan was hot.

'Sorry.' Shiho apologized again, holding at her hair as another person passed by. 'I didn't see you.'

'Of course you didn't.' Nigel looked up at her. 'What's going on, you're never around this area.'

Shiho shrugged, pulling at the edge of her tank top. 'I was just hanging around this place since I have the day off.'

'You have a day off, I'm so jealous.' Nigel smirked, crossing his arms. 'Time does not fly by in ZAFT.'

'What're you doing here?' Shiho asked, looking down at the plastic bag in his hand.

'I'm not so lucky.' Nigel groaned. 'I still have a few report deadlines and this meeting to prepare. Looks like I'm going to be at the headquarters the whole night.'

'Poor you.' Shiho teased.

'By the by.' Nigel took a step back and looked at her from head to toe. 'You look hot in a tank and low cut jeans. How come I've never noticed?'

'That's because you've never seen me in civilian clothes.' Shiho rolled her eyes.

Nigel shrugged. 'Speaking of civilian clothes, I saw Yzak going down the stairs a few days ago in jocks. I swear he was up to something, mind giving me some of the dirt?'

Shiho looked at him with narrowed eyes. 'What dirt? The dirt with Gazelle Wyleed?'

'I don't know.' Nigel shrugged again. 'He said he had to buy something, what's a military man to buy at a convenient store? Condoms was the first thing that came to my mind.'

Shiho choked on her throat. 'Condoms?'

Nigel waved his hand in the air. 'Anyway, there's something going on with that kid. I just wish I knew what it was. There've been bets on who the mystery girl is by the way, interested in placing some money on Gazelle Wyleed? The chances are pretty big.'

Shiho shook her head and patted his shoulder. 'If you ask me, I'm not going to place my money on her.'

Nigel rubbed his chin. 'Really? Maybe Elthman then.'

Shiho nodded, trying hard not to laugh. 'Maybe.'

'Wow, look at the time, got to go.' Nigel tapped his watch. 'I'll see you around.'

Shiho waved as Nigel rushed out of the store and crossed the busy street, the plastic bag hanging from his fingers. Shaking her head, she as about to look down at her watch when her phone rang.

'Hahnenfuss.' Shiho answered mechanically.

'What did Nigel say?' Yzak asked shortly on the other line.

'Where are you?' Shiho looked around the store.

'I'm in the car, just around the corner.' Yzak replied.

'I'll come out first, okay?'

'Can you get me a soda?' Yzak asked.

'Sure.' With that, Shiho cut the line. After paying for a soda and a bottle of water, Shiho stepped out of the store and walked around the corner, finding Yzak's black sedan parked in the alley with the rear lights on, much to her surprise. Walking up to it with the cold can of soda against her face, she kicked the door, motioning for Yzak to unlock the door.

'What's with the secrecy Commander?' Shiho asked absently, climbing into the car.

'Do you need to even ask that question Major?' Yzak seethed back, grabbing the soda from Shiho. 'What did that bastard ask you? I was just around the corner, wanting to go in when you smacked him in the face with your hair.' He added when Shiho gave him a weird look.

Shiho shrugged. 'Something about condoms.'

Yzak smacked his forehead. 'Damn him!'

Shiho eyed him while taking in her water. 'He also put his bet on Gazelle Wyleed, but I convinced him to change his bet to Dearka.'

'What?' Yzak shrieked. 'You didn't!'

'You rather me say Dearka or me?' Shiho shot back. She smirked when Yzak's voice caught in his throat. Shaking her head, she took the cap hanging from her belt and put it on, pulling it down to her eyes.

'I'd rather you say you.' Yzak murmured, gunning the engine.

'Yeah right.' Shiho sneered.

'At least people won't think I'm gay!' Yzak cried, steering out of the alley, lowering his head at the sun.

'Face it, you're gay in the eye of your comrades, except for maybe me and Dearka.' Shiho turned and smirked at Yzak.

Yzak could only snort in response.

'We're we going?' Shiho asked putting her hands behind her head. 'Better not be something place out in the open.'

'As a matter of fact, yes.' Yzak smirked.

Shiho sat up. 'What?'

'You'll see.' Was all Yzak said as he hit the highway.

Shiho just shrugged and slid back down. 'You won't do anything stupid.'

'Of course I won't, you trust me.' Yzak said.

'I still can't believe you ditched the rest of the team.' Shiho looked at Yzak. 'You're a bad man.'

'A bad man who wants to spend my birthday with you.' Yzak snorted. 'I'm the birthday boy, so justice is always mine.'

Shiho laughed. 'Okay birthday boy, what do you have in mind that'll take the whole weekend?'

Yzak shot her a glance. 'You'll see.'

'Can't you give me some hint?' Shiho tried. 'I have a feeling I'm going to forfeit a lot of resting time.'

'Don't worry, that's in the agenda.' Yzak smirked.

Knowing her Commander slash boyfriend will never give her a straight answer if he didn't want to, Shiho crossed her arms with a pout. The ride was in relative silence with Shiho falling asleep in the middle, the music player playing soft music. God it could just make her fall asleep like snap.

'Shiho.'

'Huh?' Opening her eyes, Shiho blinked, staring at the greenlands before her blankly. 'Where are we?'

'At the stables.' Was all Yzak said as he climbed out of the car.

'Stables?' Shiho blinked while following suit, wondering if she had heard wrong. 'What's going on?'

They were indeed parked in front of a huge stable, a beautiful brown stallion strolling inside the ranch with a man in a white cowboy hat leading it. When he saw Yzak wave at him, his eyes lit up and he took off his hat, revealing his big beard and cocky smile.

'Hey kid, you're late!' He bawled across the ranch, jogging towards them.

'Sorry Baul, had a little something to do.' Yzak said sheepishly, wincing as the old man slapped in the back hard. 'Seventy-seven and still a strong man aren't you?'

He roared with laughter. 'Better than you fellow.' He eyed Shiho who was standing behind Yzak, looking up at the tall man curiously. 'So this is the little lady huh?'

Shiho widened her eyes and tugged on Yzak's sleeve.

'Don't worry, he's an old family friend.' Yzak said, taking her hand. 'If he ever says anything, I'll kill him, don't worry.'

'Ouch.' He winked. 'Mind introducing us Yzak?'

'Shiho, this is Baul Seaton, he's the owner of this ranch and is a dear friend of my late Grandfather.'

'Nice meeting you little lady.' Baul shook Shiho hand.

'Shiho Hahnenfuss.' She smiled up at him. 'You are a strong man.'

'Yzak!' Another voice called from the stables.

'Ainsley!' Yzak gave the young man a high five. 'It's been a long time.'

'Of course it has been, you haven't been here ever since you got promoted.' Ainsley Seaton said. Turning his head, he raised his eyebrows at Shiho. 'So this is the girl, very nice.'

'She's not for you to flirt son, believe me.' Baul laughed as Yzak pulled Shiho towards him protectively while Ainsley shrugged.

'Worth a shot.'

'How's Quill doing?' Yzak asked as they walked towards the fence.

'That's Quill?' Shiho asked, cocking her head.

Yzak nodded. 'He used to be my Grandfather's, now he's mine.'

'A great stallion.' Baul said, putting on his cowboy hat again. 'This fellow use to make big bucks for the Jule family, now he's an old horse who's just living in the moment.'

'How old is he?' Shiho asked.

'Eleven.' Yzak said quietly, lowering his eyes. 'In human terms, he's about a hundred years old.'

'Still a good horse.' Ainsley said. 'He'll have fun with the two of you.'

'Us?' Shiho turned to Yzak. 'What do you have in mind?'

Yzak just smiled at her. 'You'll see.' Hoping across the fence with Ainsley, he walked towards Quill and ruffled his hair.

'Yzak loves this horse, it was the very first horse he rode when he was ten.' Baul said. 'He's been horse back riding his whole life, this fellow was actually a birthday present from his Grandfather before he died when he was thirteen.'

'No wonder he's so good at riding.' Shiho murmured. 'He used to be on top during his academy days.' Shiho raised her eyebrows when Yzak walked towards her again.

'Come on.' Yzak pulled Shiho by the hand, leading her to Quill where Ainsley was putting the saddle and reigns on.

'We're riding him?' Shiho asked, looking at Yzak weirdly. 'What's going on?'

Yzak shrugged. 'Trust me, I'm not going to lock you up.'

'But you want to.' Ainsley muttered, shrugging when Yzak glared at him.

'If you say so.' Holding onto Yzak's arm, she hopped onto the saddle.

'He likes you.' Yzak commented.

'Of course.' Shiho smirked. 'I'm good with horses too, you're not the only one who aced it in the academy.

'Sorry, he likes you because you're my girl.' Yzak smirked back, hopping onto the space behind her.

'You are so smitten Jule.' Ainsley sneered.

'Back off.' Yzak growled.

'Don't go yet.' Baul held his hand up. 'You forgot the keys.'

'Right.' Yzak shrugged.

'I'll help you get it, you don't where it is Dad.' Ainsley muttered.

'Who says I don't?'

'They're really Father and son right?' Shiho murmured, watching as the two bickered they're way back to the barn.

'Trust me, they've been like this ever since I could remember.' Yzak smirked. 'They've learnt to live with it.'

'Where are we going anyway?' Shiho asked, looking over her shoulder.

'Spend my birthday.' Yzak said innocently.

Shiho narrowed her eyes skeptically. 'There's something going on in your head Yzak Jule.'

Yzak shrugged. 'Maybe.'

Shiho reached out one hand and pinched his nose. 'You're being cocky again.'

'And you – '

'like you because of it?' Shiho finished for him, pulling face forward by his nose.

'Don't you?' Yzak raised his eyebrows and wrapped his arms around her waist. They're lips were about to meet in a kiss when Yzak's eyes darted sideways, catching a flash of light before Shiho's cap blocked his sight. Gasping, Shiho found herself pressed into Yzak's chest.

'Hey!' Baul shouted. Darting forward, Ainsley hauled out a skinny man from behind the barn. A camera in hand, he was obviously a paparazzi.

'Don't move.' Yzak muttered, pressing her into his chest tightly while pulling on the reigns of a snorting Quill.

'Happy birthday Mr. Jule, I see you're not spending this special day with Miss Wyleed.' The man said quickly. 'Our readers would love to know who your new girlfriend is, you mind me taking a few pictures? Maybe an interview.'

'Back off.' Ainsley held him back. 'Give me your camera.'

'The public really cares about your personal life Mr. Jule, expecially our female readers!' The man protested, holding out his camera. 'You can trust Maygan, we only report the truth!'

'Maygan, blah.' Baul spat. 'Take his camera away Ainsley.'

'Hey!' The man struggled in Ainsley strong grip. 'You can't do this! Reader's have the right to know!'

Yzak narrowed his eyes as the reporter stuck his hand into his pocket just as Ainsley grabbed the camera from him.

'Do you mind saying a few words Miss?' The reporter asked as Ainsley held him back.

'Take care of him for me Ainsley.' Yzak said, feeling Shiho tighten her grip on his shoulders, burying her face into his chest. 'I don't want this to spoil my weekend.'

'Will do.' Ainsley said, smirking down at the skinny man.

'I'll see you guys then.' Was all Yzak said as he turned Quill around by the reigns.

'Mr. Jule!' The reporter shouted, coughing at the dust, watching as Quill galloped away into the woods.

'You're in big trouble man.' Ainsley sneered, hauling him by the collar. 'You're so going to be sued by Yzak.'

'Let go!' The reporter shouted. 'Give me back my camera!'

'If Yzak wants me to give it back, then I'll give it back.' Ainsley said, holding it out of his reach.

Seething, the reported pulled away from Ainsley's grip and backed away, pointing a finger at him. 'You're not going to get away with this.'

'You think it's going to be okay?' Baul asked as the man disappeared.

'Yeah.' Ainsley tossed the light camera up in the air. 'If Yzak thinks it's okay, then it's okay. Besides, I don't think he got the girl's face or Yzak'll beat the crap out of him for sure. He just got here anyways, I think that was the only shot he got.'

Baul just shrugged. 'If you say so, I hope the kid knows what he's doing.'

Ainsley just sighed and looked down at the empty card socket in the camera. 'He's a big boy, he'll know what to do.'

'Are you sure it's going to be okay?' Shiho asked.

'Trust me, this place is practically a fortress, there's no way those paparazzi's will get in.' Yzak said as they galloped through the forest. As they approached a huge gate, Yzak pulled at Quill's reigns.

'Where are we?' Shiho looked behind the gates curiously.

'Name please.' Shiho jumped at the recording voice.

'Yzak Jule.' Yzak gave Shiho's shoulder a squeeze.

'Me?' Shiho pointed at herself. 'Shiho Hahnenfuss.'

'Identity confirmed. Welcome.' Shiho raised her eyebrows as the gates opened.

'Why is there my record?' Shiho asked.

Yzak shrugged. 'Because I put it in.'

'Can you tell me where we're going now?' Shiho asked, gripping his arm as they strolled down the long boulevard.

Yzak just smirked and leaned his chin on her shoulder. 'Be patient Major.'

Pursing her lips, Shiho reached out one hand and pulled at Yzak's cheek, sneering when he grabbed her hand, wincing in pain. 'Where are we going?'

'We're here!' Yzak said, rubbing his red cheek. Holding Quill back, Yzak motioned for Shiho to look up with him.

Shiho just blinked at the exquisite villa before her. 'Nice.'

'That's all you have to say?' Yzak asked as he hopped off Quill, ruffling his mane. 'Let's get you to the stables first.'

'What about me?' Shiho looked down as Yzak grabbed Quill's reigns.

'You stay up there until I let you down.' Yzak ordered jokingly.

'What is this place anyway?' Shiho asked as Yzak led them down the dirt bath that circled the villa.

'It belongs to my late Grandfather, he changed the property name to me in his will, so technically, it belongs to me.' Yzak pushed open the stable doors. 'My Grandfather loved this place. Baul use to be his valet and later helped him with the ranch. When he died, Baul took over his ranch for my family and took care of this villa. I haven't been here for at least two years.'

'You must be very close with your Grandfather then.' Shiho said softly.

Yzak nodded. 'We were the closests, mainly because I loved horse back riding.' Holding out both hands, he helped Shiho down, smiling at her. 'I've never brought anyone here, no one other than my family. You're its first guest.'

'Then I should be grateful that you've brought me here.' Shiho jumped off Quill, landing into Yzak's outstretched arms.

Steading her, Yzak looked down at Shiho. When Shiho blinked at him curiously, Yzak shook his head and turned her cap sideways. Leaning down, he gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

'Quill's going to be fine right?' Shiho asked, kicking herself for blushing. There was more than just puppy love between them.

'He's a good boy, he'll take care of himself for two days.' Yzak said, taking Shiho's hand.

'We're going to be here for the whole weekend?' Shiho asked, following him down the dirt path. 'You really think those yahoos back there aren't going to suspect anything?'

'Please.' Yzak rolled his eyes. 'They're not that bright when it comes to speculating my personal life. Besides, they all think there's something going on between me and Gazelle Wyleed, it'll be the end of the world before they suspect anything between us.'

'How about Dearka?' Shiho wrapped one arm around his. 'He's like your best friend, surely he'd find something different about you in the past eight months.'

Yzak snorted. 'I'd have to thank Miriallia, she's the best distraction Dearka can have.'

Shiho laughed. 'He can be a jerk when you catch him with Miriallia. I got thrown out of his office once because he was on the phone with her.'

'Ouch.' Yzak grinned. 'Better keep that in mind.' Walking up to what looked like the back door of the villa, Yzak punched in a code and pushed open the door at the click.

'Jesus, this place is huge!' Shiho exclaimed, stepping out of the kitchen into the lobby.

'You like it?' Yzak asked, leaning against the stairs with his arms crossed as he watched Shiho wander around.

'Like it? I love it!' Shiho cried, taking off her cap. 'how come you haven't brought me here before?'

'I didn't have the time.' Yzak said simply. 'Besides, I wanted to save this place for something special.' Uncrossing his arms, he walked up to Shiho's excited form and grabbed her arm.

'Where are we going?' Shiho asked as she was lead up the winding stairs.

'Food's ready at the porch, it's almost sunset, the view's pretty nice up here.' Yzak said. 'You might want to change first.'

'Where'd you get food?' Shiho asked curiously.

'One of my servants from the Jule Manor prepared it for me.' Yzak replied. 'She used to be my Nanny.'

'Does she know about us?' Shiho asked as they stopped at a pair of huge white double doors that led to the master bedroom.

'She doesn't.' Yzak reassured. 'But I'm sure she'd be thrilled if she knew I was seeing someone.'

'More thrilled than your Mom?' Shiho teased.

'If it were before the war, yeah, but now with my Mom haven't really nothing to do, I say the same.' Yzak joked, wrapping one arm across her shoulders. 'Come on, stop being such a worry wart. Lighten up, it's my birthday.'

'And you're turning into an old man.' Shiho teased.

'Yeah, with you following me.' Yzak sneered, pushing her into the bedroom. 'Change.'

'Huh?' Shiho looked at him weirdly. 'Change? Why?'

Yzak rolled his eyes. 'Just do as I say and come down here as soon as possible. This is an order!' With that, he closed the door shut, leaving Shiho to stare at it in awe.

What's going on through his head? Shiho wondered mentally. Turning around, her jaw dropped at the selection of bathing suits laid on the king-sized bed. Walking towards it, she picked up a flowered string bikini.

'There's this huge pool at the backyard, you really think he wouldn't want to take a swim?' Shiho muttered, holding it up to herself at the mirror. Picking up a few more, she held it up to herself, wondering which one would fit. She didn't even want to know how Yzak figured her size.

After fifteen minutes, she finally decided to give Yzak a treat and settled for a string bikini set. After changing, she looked at herself in the mirror, surveying her figure. It wasn't bad, definitely not bad for someone who covers herself from head to toe all the time at work.

Clipping her long dark brown hair up in a loose bun, Shiho stepped out of the room and padded down the cold marble floors bare foot. When she walked out of the villa, she saw Yzak sitting there with his back towards her, a champagne glass dangling from his fingers. A huge silk cloth was spread beside with food placed on top, including a basket with cheese, fruits and a bottle of champagne.

'You're really making me wonder Commander Jule.' Shiho smirked, crossing her arms.

Turning, Yzak just smirked back and looked at her up and down. 'Nice.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'That's all you have to say?'

Yzak shrugged and stood up. 'What did you expect Major? I've seen you naked a million times.'

Pouting her lips, Shiho turned her head. 'I don't even know why I bothered. Why did you bother anyway?'

Walking up to her, Yzak lifted her chin up. 'You really want to know?'

Shiho stared into his cobalt blue eyes silently and watched as Yzak leaned down and kissed her softly. 'Even if I said I wanted to, you wouldn't tell me.'

'You know me too well Major.' With that, Yzak sat her down on the silky spread.

'If Meygan caught a picture of you in this, they're going to make a fortune and I'll be hunted down.' Shiho murmured into his ear, fiddling with his dogtag. He was in black swimming trunks and had an unbuttoned purple shirt thrown on.

'You're the lucky one then.' Yzak muttered back, looking down. 'By the way, you look both sexy and hot in a bikini.'

Shiho held her head up. 'That's the compliment I was looking forward too.'

Yzak paused and ran one hand down her arm. 'Or maybe it's the dogtag, you don't see military women in bathing suits all the time, definitely knew.'

'There's no maybe! It's all because of me!' Shiho declared, pulling Yzak's head down by the chain around his neck.

'You're definitely not gentle.' Yzak winced.

'Serves you right.' Snorting, Shiho let go and reached for a filled champagne glass beside Yzak's.

Resting his head on her shoulder, Yzak wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. 'What do you think of the view?'

'Breath taking.' Shiho said softly as they both looked out at the sinking sun, the lake-shaped pool sparkling beneath them. Leaning back against Yzak's chest, Shiho sighed and relaxed herself, letting Yzak' tighten his grip around her. 'Everything's artificial yet it feels so natural.'

'It has to do with mood Shiho.' Yzak whispered, breathing into her ear.

'So what mood are you in?' Shiho asked, turning to him.

'Relaxed, pleased.' Yzak shrugged and brushed some of Shiho's loose hair out of her face. 'It's been a long time since I've been so unwind.

'Is the council really giving you that of a hard time?' Shiho asked softly, holding his face with both hands.

'No work stuff.' Yzak declared. Turning his head, he kissed her palm. 'It's only about you and me tonight.'

'Shouldn't it just be about you Commander?' Shiho teased, pinching his face gently. 'It's your birthday afterall.'

'Keep doing that and I'm going to have another scar.' Yzak threatened in a joking tone.

'You're too pretty and feminine, you'll look more masculine with a tasteful scar.' Shiho said.

'Tasteful? Are you saying my old scar wasn't tasteful?' Yzak demanded.

Shiho shrugged and patted his face. 'Scratch that, you look better with perfect skin.' With that, she gave him a quick peck on the lips.

'You really do.' Yzak said softly, looking down.

Shiho cocked her head. 'Do what?'

'Look sexy and hot.' Yzak replied, smirking when Shiho blushed slightly. Pulling away from her, Yzak lied down on her lap, much to her surprise. Reaching both arms above his head, he stretched and opened his mouth. 'I want cheese.'

Rolling her eyes, Shiho gave Yzak a playful smack on his stomach and reached for the basket beside them.

'Miriallia's coming over on Tuesday I think.' Shiho said as she fed Yzak a piece of cheese. 'Dearka told me she's going to meet his parents.'

'Really?' Yzak opened his eyes. 'He's not afraid that Elthman will rip him apart?'

Shiho looked down at him curiously. 'Why? He doesn't like her?'

'Let's just say he had to do a lot of damage control when Dearka dumped Eneta.' Yzak responded.

'He didn't dump her.' Shiho argued, but shrugged her shoulders when Yzak looked at her with raised eyebrows. 'Maybe a little, but it just sounds so harsh.'

'Having known that, ' Yzak grabbed Shiho's hand and put it on his chest. 'Don't dump me okay.'

'Is it both ways?' Shiho asked, fiddling with his dog tag.

Yzak shrugged. 'Yeah, if you it want to be.'

Shiho smirked. 'Then I'll think about it.'

Yzak frowned. 'You're not going to dump me Major, I'm too good to be true.'

'Says who?' Shiho challenged.

'Says me!' Sitting up abruptly, Yzak scopped Shiho up, much to her surprise. He was so fast, she didn't even know what happened and could only scream when she felt her body hit water. When she managed to surface the water with her hair all over her face, Yzak was no where to be seen.

'Where the hell are you Yzak Jule!' Shiho shouted, looking around while wiping her face. 'Yzak!' Sighing, she crossed her arms and looked around with narrowed eyes, trying to calm herself down while listening to sounds. She could only let out another scream when something wrapped around her ankles and pulled her down into the water again. She caught a glimpse of Yzak's smirking face before being pulled forward and kissed under water. Feeling strong arms wrapped around her waist, Shiho held onto his shoulder and could only moan into his mouth. As the surfaced the water again, Shiho could help but break the kiss and wrap her hands around his neck.

'What the hell were you doing?' Shiho cried, strangling him.

'You really think I wouldn't make use of this god damn pool?' Yzak asked incredulously, grabbing Shiho's wrists while panting slightly. 'You should have seen this coming!'

'What?' Shiho gasped when Yzak pulled her close to him, pressing her hips into his. That was when she realized that he had already stripped and was naked in the middle of his pool.

'Skinny dip.' Yzak whispered into her ear, pulling her her earlobe with his teeth. 'That's present number 1.'

'1?' Shiho felt her heart pound in her ear as she pulled away slightly and looked at Yzak. 'How many presents do you expect Commander?'

Yzak shrugged and turned her around, pulling her against his chest. 'You're mine for the day.' Sliding his hands down her cleavage, he breathed into her ear. 'Aren't you a little overdressed for a skinny dip Major?'

'I think so.' Was all Shiho could murmur as he thrust his tongue into her ear. Reaching for the string around her neck and behind her back, he pulled at them in one quick motion and tossed it aside. At the corner of her eyes, Shiho saw it floating away in the water. Leaning her head back onto his shoulder, she started moaning unconsciously as Yzak rubbed her breasts.

'You're liking it?' Yzak murmured.

'I thought it was your birthday? Shouldn't I be the giver?' Shiho asked softly. Grabbing his hands, she guided them down the side of her waist, letting them rest at the two strings at her hip.

'It's like I'm unopening my very own present.' Yzak smirked, pulling at the strings slowly. Shiho turned around and pushed him back forcefully until his back reached the side of the pool. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she breathed into his mouth. Yzak was very aware of his erection when Shiho wrapped one leg around his waist, pushing herself against him. The coldness of the pool water sent shivers up his spine as she licked his lips.

'What do you want for a present?' Shiho asked while sliding her hand down his six pack. She smirked when he almost jerked up at her searching hands.

'Anything you want to give me Major.' Yzak whispered hoarsly. 'Everything you have to give me.'

'You're one possessive man Commander.' Shiho murmured into his ear, squeezing him.

Trying to hold still, Yzak gripped her arm. 'And that's why you're here Shiho.'

'Why?'

'To give me everything you have, everything.'

It was a scary thought, a very scary thought. Everything? She wanted to give him everything she had, but could she? Would she? She didn't know. They both knew she was holding back, he had an idea why but he didn't push it. This consideration of his made her guilty yet she didn't have the courage to tell him. He wanted to know, she could see it in his eyes, but somehow…

'You look beautiful Yzak.' Shiho whispered, running one hand through his hair.

'Beautiful?' Opening his eyes, Yzak glared at her while squeezing her arm. 'What do you mean beautiful? I'm a guy, you know that, you've tried it.'

'I know.' Shiho slapped his shoulder, the sound dull from their moist skin. They were still in the pool, the sky completely dark with only the stars, the moonlight and the dim pool lights. Yzak was lying on the inclined pool floor. Lying on top of him, Shiho had her elbow on the tile beside Yzak's head and was watching him calm down, the water sloushing against their bodies at their waist.

'You're right Yzak.' Shiho murmured, tracing one finger across his face where his scar used to be.

'What?' Yzak frowned.

'You're too good.' Shiho whispered, caressing his cheek. 'You're too good for me. What do you see in me anyway? You have so many more choices out there.'

'Are you kidding?' Grabbing her hand, he started kissing her fingers, one by one. Pulling her down forcefully, he kissed her roughly and sat up, holding her by the waist so she wouldn't slide down and instead straddled him.

'What do you see in me then?' Shiho whispered against his lips, panting softly.

'Why did you wait for me outside that god damn court three years ago?' Yzak asked back, holding her to him closely. Shiho stared back at him with wide eyes. 'I fell for you back then, believe me.'

'Really?' Shiho whispered, touching his cheek with dripping fingers.

'You know I don't lie Shiho.' Wrapping his arms around her, Yzak held her tightly, resting his chin on her shoulder. 'you were the only one beside me, stuck by me during those hard times. Even during the war, just watching you made me feel so much better. I didn't know why back then, not until I saw you sitting outside the court late at night, playing with your fingers. That's why I wanted you in my team, wanted you by my side.'

'You certainly are a good actor.' Shiho murmured, running her fingers through his silky white hair. 'How come I never knew?'

'I wanted to wait for the right moment Shiho.' Yzak pulled away and raised his eyebrows. 'And apparently, I caught the wrong moment more than just one time.'

Looking at him sheepishly, she rubbed his cheek with her thumb. 'It hurt didn't it?'

'Not just the slap Shiho, also the words.' Yzak whispered, staring into her eyes.

Feeling her heart pound, Shiho suddenly felt so bare and helpless. Snatching her hand away from his cheek like it was on fire, Shiho climbed off his lap and turned in the water. 'It's getting late, we're going to catch a cold if we keep hanging out here.'

'Shiho.'

Feeling her heart skip a beat, Shiho held her hand to her chest with her back towards him in the middle of the pool. 'Yes?' She could hear him wad through the water. She almost jumped up in shock when he wrapped arms around her shoulder tightly.

'Are you really that ignorant Shiho?' Yzak buried his face into her neck.

'Yzak?' Shiho held onto his arm, taking deep breaths.

'I love you Shiho, do you know that?' Yzak whispered hoarsely, tightening his grip around her.

Time seemed to have stopped as Shiho froze in the middle of the pool, right in his arms. She could literally feel a huge wave crash into her mind, occupying her thoughts. She could hear nothing but the slamming of her heart against her rib cage and Yzak's breathe in her neck.

He loved her? He really loved her?

'You know I don't lie Shiho.'

He loved her, he really did love her.

They stayed like this, in the middle of the pool, Yzak's arms wrapped around her from the back tightly, not wanting to let go, not wanting to leave until he got a response.

'Shiho?' Turning her around, Yzak tried to lift her face up but she wouldn't budge. Sighing, he kissed her forehead. 'You want to go upstairs?'

Shiho nodded, looking down the whole time. She tried to protest when he lifted her up and carried her out of the bed but he wouldn't have any.

'You're getting the floors wet.' Shiho stammered, holding onto him as he walked up the stairs like he was carrying nothing but feather.

'Someone'll get this place cleaned.' Was all Yzak said as he walked down the hall towards the master bedroom. Pushing the double doors open with his back, he stepped onto the carpeted floor, water still dripping form their skin.

We're like newlyweds. Shiho thought, blushing when he put her onto her feet. She watched as Yzak went into the bathroom and came out with a thick green towel with stripes.

'Shouldn't we take a shower instead?' Shiho asked softly as Yzak started toweling her, his hair still dripping wet.

'Maybe we should.' Was all Yzak said as he continued toweling her. She squinted her eyes as he wipped her face and hair.

'Let me.' Shiho said in a bare whisper, grabbing the towel from Yzak. Yzak stood still and watched as Shiho started drying himself slowly, refusing to look at him even when she was wiping his face and hair. Frowning, he suddenly snatched the towel away from her and tossed it over his shoulder. Grabbing her hand, he made her sit on the bed and knelt down. Seeing this, Shiho bit her lip in guilt. 'Yzak, I – '

'Marry me.' Yzak looked up, his hand still wrapped around hers.

Shiho widened her eyes in shock. 'What?'

'Marry me.' Yzak repeated. Reaching out one hand, he opened the top drawer of the nightstand and took out the red velvet box. Opening it, he revealed the diamond ring he bought earlier at Reva to. 'Marry me Shiho, that's the only birthday present I want. I want you to give me your world and I'll give you mine in return.'

'Are you crazy Yzak?' Shiho whispered, reaching out one trembling hand. 'You want me to marry you, like marry marry?'

'Yes.' Yzak said firmly. 'If I could, I'd lock you up forever. I want you to be mine and mine alone. I don't care when we'll get married, but right now, I want to give you a promise, a promise that I'll love you like no one else.' Yzak's eyes softened. 'I hope you'll give me this promise too.'

'Do you know what you're asking Yzak?' Shiho whispered. 'You don't ask people to marry you unless – '

'I love you.' Yzak cut in, looking into her trembling amythest eyes. 'I love you Shiho Hahnenfuss.'

'You love me…' Shiho murmured, her voice trailing. 'You love me Yzak?' Reaching out one hand, she caressed his slightly moist cheek.

She wanted to, she wanted to give him everything, he made her want to give him everything. She was crazy about him, never in her life will she find someone she'd love more than Yzak Jule.

Yes, she loved him, loved him with all she had. She had everything to offer, but will he want it? Did she have the right to give him what she had, including her terrible past?

'Follow your heart and do what you want to do Shiho, remember that I'll always be here, I'm your sister.'

She wanted to be with him, be with Yzak Jule, the man she was falling head over heels in love with. Yes, she was in love, so in love with him. That was the only thing that mattered, only thing that cared, right?

Right?

A smile spreading across her face, Shiho traced her finger across Yzak's face and pinched his nose. 'You better make sure you really want me, because it's a no return policy here.'

Yzak stared at her for a while before smiling. Taking out the ring, he held up her left hand and slipped the ring through her forth finger. 'You're stuck with me Major, I'm going to stick to you like glue, no way am I going to let go of you so be prepared.'

Shiho gasped when Yzak threw his arms around her and laughed as he spun her around the huge room, almost tripping.

'I'm starting to regret!' Shiho laughed as he put her down, feeling a bit dizzy. 'You almost tripped!'

'There's no room for you to regret Major.' Yzak declared. 'Case closed, you're going to marry me whether you like it or not!'

'You're crazy!' Shiho shot back.

'What else?' Yzak smirked back. 'Shoot it out once and for all, either way you are stuck with me!.'

'You're insane! Crazy and have a big ego!' Shiho laughed, slapping his bare chest.

'And you – '

'I love you because of all this.' Shiho interrupted. She smiled as Yzak stared down at her.

'Come again?' Yzak whispered.

'I love you.' Shiho grabbed hold of his dog tag and pulled him down slightly, brushing her lips across his. 'I love you Yzak Jule.'

Yzak couldn't help but smile. 'Come again?'

'I love you Yzak Jule.'

'And again.'

'I love you…'

End of Chapter 12
4thJanuary, 2006

A/N: So, did you guys like it? To be honest, I had a minor writer's block during this phase, I was kind of stuck, wondering if I should even write it. Well, I did, and it's an important chapter. Hope you guys liked it. See you guys next year.