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 14

'There she goes again.'

'Kill her, fuck her until she's dead!'

'You think she'd be grateful of her upbringing, but no… brats will always be brats.'

'What do you want from us? Geherin's dead! She's dead!'

'You see this girl? This girl has set a bad example for all you bitches who will not be allowed to fuck with our business.'

'Yeah, she's the reason why Miss Geherin's dead, I have no doubt about the Lady's anger towards her, she's never really liked her anyway, despite her being the Lady's daughter.'

'There you are you little slut!'

'Not to mention the Master too.'

'You don't belong here Shiho, you will never belong here.'

'Fine! Send me away! I don't care!'

'Shiho, don't do this to yourself, don't try to attract attention by hurting yourself.'

'Too late, I already have.'

'Damn it.' Shiho cursed, clutching the sheets so tightly her knuckles were turning white. Hutched over, her hair blocked most of the limited moonlight from her eyes. She could feel sweat dripping down her face, damping her tank top.

'Damn it.' Whispering the curse to herself again, Shiho ran one hand through her hair and sat on the side of her bed, looking down at the dark floor. Damn it.

She could still feel her heart pound as the voices rang in her head, over and over again, dominating her thoughts, her sleep. They were nightmares, living nightmares…

Shooting a glance at the digital clock on the nightstand, Shiho gulped down the lump in her throat, trying to keep her mind straight. Reaching for her red uniform pants over the chair at her desk beside the bed, she slipped them on, followed by her white boots. Sitting back down on her bed, she racked one hand through her hair and stared at the dark, the moonlight shining onto the space before her. Feeling her heart calm down a little, she stood up and walked out of her room at the sleeping quarters of Gilberta base of ZAFT on Earth.

The halls were deathly silent, not at all weird because it was two in the morning. Though only in a loose tank top, she didn't feel cold at all from the nightmare she just woke up from a few minute ago. Just the thought of it made her heart pound again.

'Snap out of it Hahnenfuss.' Shiho muttered to herself as she walked down the silent corridor. 'It's been friggin' three weeks, nothing's going to happen, they're just memories.'

Horrible memories.

Shaking her head violently, Shiho decided to get some warm milk at the cafeteria, hoping it would clear her mind and let her sleep peacefully, she did have a busy schedule tomorrow.

The cafeteria was technically closed, but the self-serving unit was open twenty four seven, serving hot drinks and quick mid-night snacks for those who had night shifts. Making herself a cup of hot chocolate, Shiho sighed heavily and stared down at the cup, seeing her distorted image floating inside. Turning, she walked out of the food area and into the huge mess hall which was empty. Sitting down at the near center, she raised the cup to her her nose, watching as the steam rised up, watering her eyes slightly.

It had been three weeks since they're teams' abrupt relocation. Things have picked up in a surprisingly quick and efficient manner, much to everyone's surprise. Work here at Gilberta was heaven compared to the mess they had to deal back at Aprillius One, and after three weeks of what their team could almost call a vacation, there weren't that many complains and grudges like three weeks ago.

It may be easy work for all the others, but it was a mental burden for Shiho. Being a part of DSC, they constantly worked with local authorities, stamping down any local narcotics and sex trade. Ever since the armistice four years ago, all military focus had turned to Carpentaria and Gilberta was left with a major focus on social issues occuring in ZAFT regions and the area was infamous for the narcotics and sex. Filthy brothels and self proclaimed nightclubs ruled the streets and hookers could be found everywhere, strolling the sheets in what could barely be called clothing, making money for their pimps.

Their team had taken full control over DSC and under Yzak's efficient make over, their work started to gain recognition, from intelligence to planning to arrest. It was too efficient, so efficient that arrests occurred on a daily basis, so frequent it was suffocating Shiho. Never in her life had she expected to come face to face with her nightmare again. Everything, from her job to the place to the people made her think of the appalling past she held, a past no one knew, a past she hoped to delete from her life.

Setting the half drank chocolate, Shiho looked up at the echos of doors opening. She watched as a group of ZAFT soldiers in green pilot suits walked across the cafteria towards the food area, one with blonde spiky hair being very familiar. She widened her eyes slightly when he made eye contact with her. Seeing his eyes light up, she watched as he turned to another soldier beside him, a few moments later, he was walking up to her and that was when she realized it was Nix Loweia, her former teammate aboard Versalius during the last phase of war four years ago.

'Major Hahnenfuss!' Nix greeted, grinning at her with one leg on the bench. 'I thought you looked familiar, hell you look the same when you were four years ago.'

'Four years.' Shiho couldn't help but grin back at him. 'I see you've been promoted to Captain.'

'No complains, really, no complains.' Nix said, shaking his head. 'What brings you here, still in Yzak Jule's team I presume?'

'Been in his team for the last four years.' Shiho nodded as he sat down across from her, setting his helmet on the bench. 'What's with you? Just been transferred?'

'Yope.' Nix sighed. 'It's not like I have prejudice towards this base, but seriously, it's so peaceful it doesn't seem like a military base at all.'

Shiho laughed. 'Come on, just because it puts focus on regional social issues doesn't mean it's that peaceful. Just be glad you're still in the combat division. Just finished a night shift or taking a break?'

'Taking a break.' Nix motioned his head towards the pilots at the far end of the cafeteria. 'My team, we're testing a few MAs that are on the verge of being eliminated. That's what my division really does, testing, testing and testing.'

'At least you're not in the battlefield anymore.' Shiho said dryly.

'Yeah.' Nix sighed. 'The tension was killing everyone and I never did get a decent night's sleep.' They were silent for a while before he opened his mouth again. 'How's everyone else? I know Decole and Charlea are in MNC which by the way I think is so cool. How's it with Vena? She did okay after, you know…'

'She's fine.' Shiho reassured. 'She's actually with an orphanage now at Aprillius One, I sometimes visit her, you know, just to see that she's doing okay. Sassi has retired completely from military and I think is back at school. That's about all the information I got.'

'We don't need specific information on Jule, the media has done that for him.' Nix joked.

Shiho laughed. 'Yeah, I guess.'

'Well, nice talking to you again, but unfortunately my break is over.' Standing up, he gave Shiho a brief hug. 'I'll see you around this base I guess, hopefully for not a long time.'

Shiho smiled as Nix gave her a wink. The mess hall turned quiet again as Nix's team exited. Staring at the door blankly, Shiho shook her head and gave herself a small smile. Some things will never change.

'Yeah.' Shiho whispered to herself bitterly before throwing the empty cup into the trash. Some things will never change, including one's past.

Figuring she didn't want to sleep at all, Shiho decided to wander the halls, something she rarely did on a base. During her previous services, she was so busy she didn't have the previledge to do so, and even if she weren't busy, she'd make herself busy, but now, she'd gladly quit her job if she could. This base brought back too many memories that she hated, the darkest moments of her life, moments she never wanted Yzak to know about.

Stopping at the windows of a dark hallway, Shiho looked out, watching as a provision aircraft took off afar.

'Yzak…' She used to think the name weird, but now, it was a name that could sooth her unsettling heartbeat. Yzak used to be a person she could only watch from afar, up in her room through the small window that overlooked the Hahnenfuss' Manor's perfectly manicured garden, but now…

'Who the hell was that?'

Shiho blinked at the familiar voice, wondering if she was dreaming. Turning, she saw Yzak half submerged in the dark corridor that lead to the hallway, still in full uniform with his arms crossed, not looking that happy. No, he wasn't happy at all.

Not only could she look at him from anything but a distance, she could also touch him, hug him, kiss him and make love with him…

'Shiho?' Yzak's eyebrows furrowed at her staring form.

Biting her lip, Shiho looked down. 'I missed you.'

Yzak could only widen his eyes at the sudden words. Sighing, he stepped out of the shadows and grabbed her hand, pulling her into the dark corridor again. Cupping her face with both hands, he lowered his head and kissed her. He couldn't help but frown slightly at the coldness before deepening the kiss, preying her mouth open.

Three weeks, three fucking weeks and it was high time he drew the line. If he could, he'd take her here, right in the middle of the corridor.

'Damn it.' Yzak cursed, breaking the kiss. Panting slightly against her lips, he tried to calm himself down.

'Yzak?' Shiho breathed into his mouth.

Yzak clenched his teeth and shot a glance at her. 'Give me a minute.' He might have just broken his own personal record, turned on by just a kiss.

Staring at him, Shiho gripped his shoulders, watching as he exhaled loudly. When he opened his eyes again, she cocked her head at his frown.

'Who the hell was that?' Yzak demanded in a low voice, gripping her arm gently.

Shiho's eyebrows furrowed. 'Who?'

Yzak narrowed his eyes slightly. 'The bastard in the mess hall.'

Shiho stared at him in surprise. 'He didn't recognize him? He used to be in Charlea's team back at Versalius, Nix Loweia!'

Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'Really? I don't remember him.'

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'He just got transferred to Gilberta.' She looked at him. 'Is someone jealous?'

Yzak pursed his lips. 'No.'

Smilingly slyly, Shiho leaned forward and touched his face, pressing him slightly against the wall. 'You're jealous Commander.'

Yzak narrowed his eyes. 'Yes Major, I'm jealous. Take one more step forward and I'll strip you down right here right now.'

Shiho could only smile at his threat before kissing him softly on the lips. When they parted, she wrapped her arms around him. 'I missed you Yzak.'

Pressing her head against the crook of his neck, Yzak sighed heavily. 'You're the only person I think of at night, believe me.' He looked down at smirked. 'It's a miracle I've been able to keep my hands off you for so long.'

Shiho snorted and gave his nose a flick. 'You're making yourself sound like a pervert Mr. Jule.'

Tilting her chin up, Yzak licked her lip. 'A pervert for you Major.'

Reaching out one hand, she fiddled with Yzak's opened collar. 'Three weeks…'

Yzak smirked down at her and tugged at the silver chain around her neck. 'I'd gladly give up my job, get the hell out of here, marry and be a hermit.'

Shiho stared at him. 'You wouldn't.'

Yzak shrugged. 'Can't say the thought hadn't crossed my mind multiple times.'

Adverting her eyes, Shiho tightened her grip. 'I really want to…'

Yzak smirked, one hand hiking up her back, drawing her tank top up. 'Want to what?'

Shiho gritted her teeth and grabbed hold of his arm. 'Do you want me to spell it out for you Commander.'

'I don't only want you to spell it out, I want you to do it too.' Yzak whispered into her ear.

Pulling away from him slightly, Shiho looked at him with raised eyebrows. 'You really do sound like a pervert.'

'Only for you Major.' Yzak tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth. 'Only for you Shiho.'

Closing her eyes, Shiho sunk into his kiss as he pulled her close to him. Opening her eyes briefly, she felt him push them further into the corridor, further into the darkness and surprisingly, she didn't feel scared, she felt safe.

Safe in his arms, in Yzak Jule's arms…

'What's going on?' Shiho raised her eyebrows with her hands on her hips as the group before her quickly stashed away what looked like a magazine.

'What's up Major?' Lyn greeted her with a big smile. 'You're off tonight right?'

Shiho looked at him sideways, raising her cup of tea to her lips. 'Yeah…'

'Where are you planning on going?' Monroe asked sweetly.

'I'm going out to dinner with Dearka and Commander Jule.' Shiho said. 'Why?' She didn't miss the sigh from him.

'Nothing!' Ceit nudged Monroe in the ribs. 'It's just Lyn's birthday and we're deciding on how to celebrate, since, you know, it's a long time since our job has allowed us to do so.'

'You yahoos are all off?' Shiho asked, raising her eyebrows.

'Yeah, Jule's team's on duty tonight.' Lyn said. 'Can't say I'm sad about it.'

Shiho shrugged. 'I guess. Where's Nia? Haven't seen her today.'

'She hooked up with someone last night, I believe.' Iwen said absently.

Shiho frowned. 'The girl has got to tone it down a notch.'

'Hello people!' Nia waltzed by the table with a stick in her hand.

'What's up girl?' Ceit asked. 'You look like you've just won the lottery or something.'

'Better than the lottery my friend.' Nia wagged her finger.

'What?' Iwen demanded.

'Is that a pregnancy test?' Shiho asked, her eyebrows furrowing. 'I get that you're not pregnant then.'

'Bingo, you're my lucky star Major.' Nia blew a kiss to an eye rolling Shiho.

'That's what you've been worrying about for the whole month?' Iwen asked incredulously. 'Jeez, don't you at least use some kind of contraceptive? A condom maybe?'

'Hey!' Nia pointed one finger at him. 'Not all guys use them and besides, sometime's there's just no time to think about that you know.'

'Talk about STD.' Monroe muttered.

'So did your little friend come on time?' Ceit asked.

'Not yet.' Nia shook her head. 'It's been like six weeks, but the negative confirms everything.'

Lyn shrugged. 'Maybe it's a false negative, huh Major? Major?'

The group turned to the silent Shiho who was staring into space with her cup of tea on the verge of tilting.

Reaching out one hand, Nia pushed the paper cup straight in Shiho's hand. 'You okay Major?'

'Huh?' Shiho blinked violently. 'What?'

'I said maybe it's a false negative.' Lyn said, rolling his eyes.

Shiho's eyes furrowed. 'There's no such thing as false negative, there's just false positive.'

'How do you know, you've got it before?' Ceit teased.

'I can't believe we're talking about menstruation and pregnancy tests.' Monroe said dryly, his chin resting on his palm.

'Where are you guys going tonight?' Shiho asked, snapping herself mentally for dozing off.

Monroe shrugged. 'Some nightclub I guess.'

Nia sneered. 'I bet you guys are dying to go to hey – ' she winced as Lyn kicked her in the shin while Iwen glared at her. 'What?'

'You're not coming with us, so bugger off.' Ceit muttered. 'Guys night out tonight.'

Nia just scowled while rubbing her ankle. 'Yeah right.'

Shiho cleared her throat. 'Well, anyway, don't forget about the briefing tomorrow afternoon, we'll be having another operation soon, probably within this week. Happy birthday too Lyn.' She added before turning.

'Thank you Major!' Lyn gave her a sharp salute.

Returning the salute, Shiho walked out of the mess hall, tossing the empty paper cup. Halfway down the hallway, she couldn't help but pause, holding onto the railing. She would have stayed there if it weren't for Dearka suddenly patting on her shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise.

'Woah, easy there Hahnenfuss, it's me!' Dearka cried when Shiho almost whacked him in defense. 'You alright?'

Shiho nodded, pulling at her fringes with one hand. 'I'm okay, just didn't sleep that well last night, haven't really slept that well since I got here.'

Dearka's eyebrows furrowed. 'Why not? It's a great place, besides the workload is like heaven compared to the shit back at Aprillius One. I seriously think I'm on vacation.'

Shiho frowned. 'That's because Miriallia's here too.'

Dearka shrugged. 'Yeah, well, that too.'

Crossing her arms, Shiho leaned against the wall. 'Question.'

Dearka eyed her. 'Shoot.'

'Well…' Shiho tapped her face. 'Aren't you worried about Miriallia? I mean, you do know the topic of her recent coverage, right?'

'Sex trade? Yeah.' Dearka shrugged. 'So?'

Shiho stared at him. 'Aren't you scared, you know, ever since her abduction a year ago? I mean, if it weren't for Lain and Rusty, she might have died or sold to one of Nessar's brothels.'

Sighing, Dearka leaned his back against the wall. 'To be honest, yes, I'm scared to death that something like that will happen again, but can I stop her from her traveling around the world? The answer's pretty obvious. Miriallia absolutely loves her job and the first one to be scared should be her. If she's comfortable with it, then I should be too, not that I don't nag her about safety.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'You're surprisingly optimistic about it.'

'What can I say anyway? She might dump me if I even mention that I want her to quite her job.' Dearka couldn't help but rub his nose. 'That does not sound like fun at all.'

'What's going on?' Yzak walked up to them.

'You're still on for dinner tonight right?' Dearka asked.

Yzak shrugged. 'I don't see why not, I'm off and I deserve a break.'

'Where are we going anyway?' Shiho asked, leaning away from the wall.

Dearka shrugged. 'Forgot the name, it's supposed to be great though, I don't know.'

'What time again?' Shiho asked.

'Seven, I think, I got a jeep, so.'

'It better be good Elthman, I'm spending my precious off time with you guys.' Yzak warned.

Dearka snorted. 'It's either with us or in your pitiful room Jule, face it, we're your only entertainers until you find a girl of your own.'

Yzak raised his fist in the air, his teeth clenched while Shiho turned her face, trying to refrain from giggling.

'Anyway, I'll see you two in a bit.' Stretching, Dearka turned and walked away, but stopped and looked over his shoulder. 'It'll be like we're double dating.'

'Get out Elthman!' Yzak shouted while Shiho made a move to kick him. Laughing, Dearka disappeared around the corner.

'One of these days, I'm really going to kick him out of the squad and stick him into the cleaners section or something.' Yzak muttered, gritting his teeth.

Shiho laughed. 'I wouldn't miss it for the world, Dearka scrubbing floors.'

Yzak sighed and gave Shiho a small smile. 'Looks like we're really going to double date, except that idiot doesn't know about it.'

Shiho frowned. 'And I wouldn't want him to know, it'll just just give him more excuses.'

'Believe me, he's going to be the last to know.' Yzak smirked. 'I'll see you tonight then.'

Shiho smiled back 'Yeah, see you tonight.' She gave him a wave before he too disappeared around the corner. The smile fading, she let her hand fall. She stared into space for a while before turning the opposite direction. Arriving her room, she immediately flipped open her computer and opened her personal organizer. She couldn't help but feel her heart drop at the date circled a month ago.

It had been eight weeks.

Sighing, Shiho collapsed on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. Eight weeks?

She needed to get a pregnancy test, fast.

'Hey, who's this pretty lady standing here?' Iwen walked up to a girl in a white peacoat and black plated skirt. From the back, he could see that her hair was pulled up in a long ponytail and she had black heels on, leaving a very generous proportion of her slim legs for others to praise upon.

However, when the 'pretty lady' turned around, Iwen's jaw dropped to the floor in complete shock.

'Hi Lieutenant, I see you're getting ready for the birthday bash you guys are throwing for Lyn, right?' Shiho flashed Iwen a big smile.

'Ma – Major!' Iwen looked up and down at her. 'Wow, you look great!'

'Thank you.' Shiho muttered, eyeing him.

'What's the occasion Major?' Iwen asked, leaning one hand into the wall.

'Dinner out.' Shiho said absently, reaching into her purse.

'With who?' Iwen asked curiously. 'You're seeing someone on this base?'

'She's not exactly seeing someone, just a night out with her friends and Dearka's girlfriend.' Another voice rang from behind him.

'Commander!' Iwen saluted sharply, standing straight. 'I did not know you were behind me.'

'Of course.' Yzak muttered.

'I'll be off then.' Iwen said quickly. 'Have fun you two!'

'Yahoos.' Yzak muttered, watching as Iwen leaped down the stairs at the far end.

'You do know you're scary sometimes, right Commander?' Shiho teased, nudging him playfully in the ribs.

Yzak looked down at her with a frown. 'You should have seen the look he had on his face, to be more correct, he had his eyes on your legs.'

Shiho shrugged. 'I have nice legs.'

Yzak nodded meaningfully. 'Can't say they're bad, definitely not bad when they're wrapped around me.'

Shiho eyed him while while uncapping her lipstick. 'I take that as a complement Commander.'

Yzak was about to open his mouth again when Dearka suddenly walked up to them.

'Hey dressy dress.' Dearka eyed the both of them. 'Very nice.'

Shiho's eyes lightened up as Miriallia stepped from behind Dearka.

'Hey!' Miriallia gave both of them a wave. 'How's it going?'

'It's been a long time.' Shiho hugged her briefly.

'Half a year, to be exact.' Miriallia smiled. 'How are you?'

Shiho managed a smile. 'I'm great!'

'Would you ladyies mind mingling in the car, we got a dinner reservation.' Yzak said dryly, motioning for the door.

'So how's the photo shooting going?' Shiho asked as they piled into the jeep with Dearka in the driver's seat.

'Not bad, half way there.' Miriallia replied. 'I can't say the shoots are actually appealing. No, they're actually appalling.'

'Oh yeah.' Dearka cut in. 'It gives me the shivers too.'

Yzak eyed him. 'We have operations every other week at those brothels and nightclubs.'

Dearka shook his head. 'You won't believe the stuff Miriallia takes.' He eyed her in the rear mirror. 'Have you been careful by the way?'

'Yes!' MIriallia replied hotly. 'You ask me that every time we're on the phone.'

Dearka just shrugged. 'Looking out for you.'

Shiho couldn't help but smile when Miriallia blushed. She almost jumped up when Miriallia suddenly leaned forward, pointing her finger out the window. 'I had a shot today over at Rykel.'

'Rykel?' Yzak frowned. 'We just had an operation there with the locals two weeks ago.'

'Believe me Yzak, they can start up again the minute we put those thugs into jail.' Dearka said. 'That's why it's a never ending buiness.'

'That's just what I was worried about.' Yzak muttered.

'Are you okay Shiho?' Miriallia nudged her gently.

Shiho blinked and looked at Miriallia blankly. 'I'm sorry, what?'

Miriallia shook her head. 'Nothing, you just seem a little dazed. Are you sure you're okay? Is something bothering you?'

'Don't tell me it's the workload gal, cause there's none.' Dearka sneered.

'Be nice.' Miriallia said in mock sterness.

In the side mirror, Shiho caught Yzak staring at her. Shaking her head, she gave him a smile. With that, he turned to Dearka, starting a conversation that revolved around the base until they arrived the restaurant that was a twenty five minutes ride from Gilberta. It was a nice cozy restaurant, a romantic restaurant, obviously targeting couples and Shiho had a vague suspicion that Dearka was on the verge of ditching them, not that Yzak didn't have the exact same thought, judging from his constant grab of her hand under the table.

'I need to go to the bathroom, want to come with me Shiho?' Miriallia asked, standing up.

Shiho shrugged. 'Yeah.'

'You two look so much like a couple Yzak.' Dearka smirked, raising his wine glass to his lips. 'This looks so much like a double date.'

Yzak eyed Dearka. 'Who says it isn't?'

Dearka choked on his wine. 'Don't tell me you're actually seeing Shiho!'

Yzak looked down at his desert plate. 'No.'

Dearka sighed loudly. 'Thank God, that would be disastrous.'

Yzak frowned. 'How would that be disastrous?'

Dearka shrugged. 'I don't know, just the thought of the two of you together's strange, not that Shiho's not a great girl. She is in her own way.'

'She's just not your cup of tea.' Yzak muttered.

'Exactly. And you buddy,' Dearka gave Yzak a playful punch in the shoulder, 'you have to find yourself someone or you're going to really have to marry Shiho.'

Yzak just gave him a wary smile. 'Whatever.'

He looked up again when the two girls walked out of the restroom. Yzak couldn't help but gaze at her in a way only lovers would. She was beautiful, literally breathtaking. Her eyes, he loved her amythest eyes the most and the light make up on her face eccentuated her features perfectly. And underneath her military uniform, she really had the body to die for, something only Yzak would know……

Get a grip dude or you're going to cream your pants in public. Yzak grumbled mentally, holding his hand in a fist tightly.

'Are we ready to go ladies?' Dearka asked, standing up.

'Who paid?' Shiho asked curiously, closing her purse.

'Dearka.' Yzak said promptly. 'He owes me a lot anyway.'

Dearka just gave him a sneer. 'Isn't it always Commander Jules?'

The foursome checked their coats out and when Yzak helped Shiho with her peacoat, he gave her a peck on the cheek, much to Shiho's surprise.

'Ready to go Major?' Dearka asked, taking Miriallia's hand.

Shiho looked up at the couple blankly. 'Uh, yeah, I guess.'

'Something's wrong with you girl.' Dearka's eyebrows furrowed before pulling Miriallia out of the double doors of the restaurant.

'You can sit in the front.' Yzak said when Miriallia reached for the door at the back. 'I know Dearka's just not going to head back to the base and I'm not going to even think where he's heading.'

Miriallia's face turned red at the comment as Yzak held the door out for her.

'Expect me to be out of the base at night for a fair share of nights from today onwards.' Dearka said as he climbed into the driver's seat.

Yzak could only shake his head, climbing into the car beside Shiho who already had her seatbelt fastened. The ride was surprisingly silent and all Shiho did was look out of the window. There was something wrong, Yzak could feel it, ever since their relocation yet Shiho was not even thinking of telling him.

The very thought was disturbing.

Looking down at her hand, Yzak was about to reach out and touch it when Shiho sudden cried for Dearka to stop.

'What?' Dearka asked in an annoyed voice as he pulled at the side of the road at a parking meter.

'I uh, I have to buy something at that convenient store.' Shiho said uncomfortably.

'Now?' Dearka frowned. 'Don't tell me you're going to hook up with some guy in the base.'

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'I'm not buying condoms you idiot!'

'You want us to wait for you?' Miriallia asked gently, looking over her shoulder.

Shiho shook her head. 'It shouldn't be far from the base anyway, I can walk.'

Yzak frowned. 'At midnight?'

'Yeah.' Dearka cast a glance at Yzak. 'Maybe you should go with her, you know, just as company.'

'No!' Shiho cried quickly. 'Really, it's going to be okay, I'm fine, jeez I'm in military and I have a gun. Don't worry! I'll be perfectly fine, trust me.'

Dearka looked at her uncertainly. 'If you say so.'

'I'll see you guys tomorrow, okay?' Shiho was about to climb out of the car when Yzak suddenly grabbed her wrist.

He stared at her silently for a brief moment before opening his mouth. 'Be careful, you're really near the Rykel district.'

'Oh come on, Hahnenfuss' in military, she can kick whoever's ass she wants.' Dearka sneered. 'We'll see you tomorrow then, don't forget the briefing.'

Shiho smiled as Yzak let go of her wrist. 'See you guys tomorrow then.' She stayed at the sidewalk and watched the car disappear into the night before she stepped into the convenient store. She couldn't help but frown at a bunch of gangsters huddled over by the liquor section. Her frown deepened as the gang catcalled and hooted when she past by.

'Uptown bitch!' One hooted.

Ignoring them, Shiho went around the corner and located the pregnancy tests. She couldn't help but sigh at the huge variety.

'Dip-in-a-cup? Pee-on-a-stick?' Shiho ran her hand over the rack and decided that either one would be the same. Picking up two, she went to the cashier and paid, noting his prominent raise of eyebrows when he saw that she was buying pregnancy tests.

If only he knew I had a gun. Shiho thought as she stepped out of the store. Pulling her coat closer to herself, she looked around before deciding which side to go. Her heels clicked against the cement floor, ringing into the night. Looking down, she couldn't help but touch her midriff.

Pregnant, she might really be pregnant. Not that she wouldn't be happy if she really was pregnant, but it would generate a lot of questions and she might have to retire from ZAFT. She wasn't really that fond of the military, but it gave her a reason to live, it gave her the reason to live for the past five years.

Five years, has it been that long?

Stopping in her tracks, she found herself staring up at a abandoned complex before her. She had unconsciously walked the path she did five years ago, her escape path and she was caught every time. Located at the outskirts of the Rykel district, it used to be the property of ZAFT, yet it was abandoned after the Bloody Valentine Day. She was one of the last.

Walking down the deathly quiet path, she opened the glass doors to the dark lobby, wincing at the squeaky joints. Her heels clicked against the marble floor, the only light coming from the limited windows down the hall. Memories washed through her like a wave and it suffocated her bit by bit. With each step she took down the hallway, the more breathless she felt.

Stopping at the end of the hall, she stood before a door that had a sign reading 'visitors room'. Grabbing the knob, she took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The light wasn't working, but she could still see the room, a very simple room with only a big table and two chairs on either side. She still remembered sitting there with her arms crossed, glaring at her sister sitting from across.

Looking away abruptly, she stepped out of the door quickly, slamming it shut. Leaning against the wall, she tried to calm down her beating heart. Closing her eyes, she tried to refrain the tears from overflowing. It was too hard, she shouldn't have come here.

Taking a deep breath, Shiho pushed herself from the wall and was about to leave when she suddenly heard a woman's scream echoing from the other side of the hallway. Looking up slowly, she stared at the huge double doors and gulped.

It was a scream too familiar; it was a scream that would constantly creep into her dreams, every now and then.

End of Chapter 14
16th January, 2006

A/N: A little late, I messed up the dates, today was supposed to be my scheduled update. Anyway, it was just two days. Did any of you guys, I know one did, find the soldiers confusing? You know, Nia, Lyn, Iwen, Ohin and all the other guys? I don't know, if you still remember, some of them already appeared in GSA I, so I thought people would be used to them popping up. Oh, by the way, you can go to by LJ (piscesmiles) because I've posted something regarding my next huge project. Yeah, 3 trilogies (3x3 9) if you will.