DISCLAIMER: 'Mr. and Mrs. Jule' is a story based on characters and situations from Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed which is a property of Sotsu Agency, Bandai Studios and TV Asashi. 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 PG13/T and may mild strong language and suggestive adult themes 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.

GSEED Singles Series
Mr. and Mrs. Jule
a hermit junction project

Chapter 1: Your Call

Can I say no? Do I want to say no?
Will I say no?

24th July, C.E. 72 / Januarius 4

Ezaria Jule stared at the two men before her, the two men who she used to work with. Used to, past tense. It was all over, all in the past. She was a powerless woman now, a powerless woman, stripped of all rights, including the rights of leaving an apartment that wasn't even hers on Januarius 4, a place she had never been to in her entire life.

The last people she'd ever expect to see were Ted Elthman and Agrip Hahnenfuss.

'What do you two want?' Ezaria asked, lowering her eyes slightly. 'It's been seven months since my house arrest order and this is the time you choose to visit me. I highly doubt it being sentimental at all.'

'I see the period of exile hasn't done you much good Ezaria.' Ted Elthman said, sitting down on the sofa with his legs crossed. 'Is this how you greet old friends?'

'Friends?' Ezaria raised her eyebrows and looked at Agrip Hahnenfuss who was staring out the window at the view below him. Her apartment was located at a very rural area of Januarius 4 and it took at least an hour to get to the city center, perfect place for isolating people.

'There are no friends in politics Ted.' Agrip Hahnenfuss said in a low voice, looking over his shoulder.

'Nor are there enemies.' Ted added, raising his eyebrows slightly. 'That's why we're here, right?'

'What do you two want?' Ezaria repeated her earlier question impatiently.

'You made a very bad judgment Ezaria.' Agrip said after staring at her for a few seconds. 'You made the decision to support Patrick Zala and it was a bad one, a wrong one.'

Ezaria narrowed her eyes. 'If you're here to give me a lecture on what I've done to deserve the treatment I've been imposed upon now, then you two are welcomed to leave now.'

'Now there Agrip, be nice.' Ted smirked, running one hand through his shoulder length brown hair.

Agrip sighed and looked down at Ted. 'If she had not been Patrick Zala's number one supporter, then her son wouldn't be in such a dangerous position.'

Ezaria raised her eyebrows. 'Yzak?'

'I guess you don't know.' Ted smirked.

'Well, consider the fact that I can't even own a TV an explanation.' Ezaria snarled.

'Yzak… that headstrong boy.' Agrip shook his head. 'I don't know if it's good for politics or bad for politics.'

'What do you mean?' Ezaria asked.

'He's got some really interesting theories and is most insistent on the disarmament program.' Ted said. 'He's made himself some pretty ugly enemy's around the block and I've go to tell you, his double identity as ZAFT Commander and High Councilor is not really giving him that much of an edge.'

'Why are you telling me all this?' Ezaria asked flatly. 'Are you even allowed to tell me anything about Aprillius politics?'

'The boy's got potential Ezaria.' Agrip said slowly. 'But his talent is still raw in terms of politics. It needs tuning. And it takes time.'

Ezaria's eyebrows furrowed. 'And?'

'And before he lives up to his potentials…' Ted's voice trailed. 'He's going to have to be protected, in one way or another, especially with Lamar Wyleed snooping around.'

Ezaria's eyebrows shot up. 'You mean…'

'Yes.' Agrip nodded his head. 'A political marriage.'

Ezaria gritted her teeth. 'I'm not sure if I should trust you. I'm not sure if Yzak will trust you or even consider this proposal.'

Ted sighed. 'That's why we're here Ezaria. After working with the boy for seven months, you think we'd be ignorant of his character? It's not anywhere subtle you know.'

Ezaria looked at Agrip sideways. 'You want him to marry Geherin?'

Agrip looked down at Ezaria. 'I believe Astrof has made an agreement with our family before he passed away.'

Ezaria closed her eyes. 'I know, but Yzak assumed that the engagement was all over when Astrof died. I can tell you he didn't like the arrangement one bit. I doubt that he still remembers it now.'

Ted raised his eyebrows. 'He was only thirteen when Astrof told him.'

Ezaria shot a glare at Ted. 'Yzak is a very headstrong boy and the one thing he hates is others telling him what to do.'

'Why would he assume that the engagement was over?' Agrip asked.

Ezaria bit her lower lip. 'Because I told him so.'

Ted smirked. 'I say you hated it even more Ezaria.'

'We are talking about my son's future.' Ezaria snapped. 'I had a right to do what I thought would make my son happy! And I knew that was the right decision or he would have been pulled down by the burden!'

'Do you want to forgo his safety for happiness now?' Agrip asked sharply.

Ezaria sighed heavily. 'No.'

Agrip exhaled loudly. 'I know your worries Ezaria, but Yzak needs support now at such a vulnerable state, so vulnerable that he might not even notice it.'

'Is it that serous?' Ezaria asked weakly.

Ted snorted. 'It can't get any better, but it can get worse.'

Ezaria sighed. 'I guess there is nothing I can really say, or do. You're here to make me sign that piece of paper anyways, right?'

'Don't be so pessimistic about the situation Ezaria.' Ted leaned back and crossed his arms. 'Yzak will understand it's for the best. And who's to say that they can't get a divorce after Yzak's position has been consolidated in the council?'

Ezaria shot Ted another glare. 'We're talking about Agrip's daughter, I'm sure he wouldn't want to see that happening either.'

'No, I don't.' Agrip said quietly. 'But I have no choice. I will understand if Yzak insists on a divorce when the situation is better.'

'Oh, by the way Ezaria,' Ted leaned forward, 'the bride's not going to be Geherin.'

'What?' Ezaria widened her eyes and looked up at Agrip. 'What do you mean it's not going to be Geherin?'

'It's not going to be Geherin.' Agrip confirmed, looking at Ezaria briefly before staring out the window.

'Then who is it going to be?' Ezaria asked quietly, holding her breath unconsciously.

'My second daughter, Geherin's un-identical twin sister Shiho.'


'You're late Hahnenfuss.' Yzak Jule accused, watching as his subordinate closed the door behind her quietly.

'I'm so sorry.' Shiho Hahnenfuss apologized quickly.

'What's with the lateness kid?' Dearka Elthman turned around in his seat, and raised his eyebrows at Shiho. 'This is a first.'

Shiho shook her head and sat down beside Dearka across from Yzak. 'I was on the phone, family call.'

'Family call? Or guy call?' Dearka asked slyly, leaning forward.

Shiho glared at him. 'Family call.'

'Do dirty thoughts swarm your head twenty four seven Major Elthman?' Yzak asked, narrowing his eyes.

Dearka shrugged. 'It's hard not to when I don't have a girl.'

Yzak shook his head while Shiho's shoulder's dropped.

'Then go find yourself one.' Yzak muttered after a few moments of silence, flipping over the folder on his desk.

Dearka snorted. 'You're the one to talk.'

'Mind steering our focus gentlemen?' Shiho asked weakly.

'We would have if you had come on time.' Yzak muttered, shooting a glare at Shiho.

Shiho looked down. 'I'm sorry.'

'Dude, you're scaring the shit out of her.' Dearka murmured.

'She should be use to it by now.' Yzak snorted.

Shiho just smiled at Dearka. 'Can't say I'm not.'

Yzak Jule was not a superior you would like to anger, nor would one ever genuinely please him. From the first day she was introduced to him onboard Versalius during the war, she knew he was not to be messed with, nor would anyone have the ability too.

One could get unbelievably frustrating when working with Yzak Jule. He demanded perfection and not a lot of people could work up to his standard. His very appearance created a presence and all of his inferiors respected him and at the same time, was very intimidated by him.

He was indeed a very intimidating person, and he made it clear from day one. He had created a wall and no one was to tear it down and look through him. He made it impossible, even to his best friend Dearka. There was a reason behind it, a reason, a kind of anger generated from the war, the brutal war that had the power to change everyone involved.

Including her.

'It's about time.' Tossing the file aside, Yzak leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily. He made it clear that he wouldn't exhaust himself to an extreme because of work. He too had the right to relax, along with anyone working in the military.

'How are the debates in the council going?' Dearka asked, stretching.

Yzak eyed him with one eye opened. 'Like I can tell you.'

Dearka shrugged. 'My Dad tells me, I don't see why you can't.'

'Because I don't want to.' Yzak retorted. 'Good enough answer?'

'Some kind of friend.' Dearka muttered.

Yzak just shrugged.

'If there's nothing for me to deal with, then I should be off Captain Jule.' Stacking her files together neatly, Shiho stood up.'

'Remember to get all the reports done and hand them to me ASAP.' Yzak said curtly, leaning one arm on his desk.

'Will do so Captain, any other orders?' Shiho asked politely.

Yzak narrowed his eyes slightly. 'Don't be late again.'

Shiho bowed her head slightly. 'I will make sure it doesn't happen again.'

'Good, you can go now.' Yzak said, waving his head absently. 'Say hi to your Father for me if you see him.'

'Yes sir.'

'See you tomorrow Major.' Dearka called over his shoulder before Shiho closed the door. Shaking his head, he turned to Yzak who was undoing his collar while looking down at his desk. 'Do you have to be that harsh with her? She's just a girl.'

'You think I was harsh?' Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'If that's harsh, then you've got another thing coming Elthman.'

'Woah, what's with the last names Jule?' Dearka retorted, holding one hand up. 'Your temper dude.'

Yzak rolled his eyes and stood up. 'We've known each other for five years, you know what my temper is like and since I'm your superior, I suggest that you suck it up and stop complaining.'

Dearka sighed. 'I have a newfound respect for Shiho now.'

Yzak's eyebrows furrowed. 'As much as you respect her, please don't hook up with her, I don't like couples working for me.'

Dearka rolled his eyes. 'Where did you get that idea?'

Yzak shrugged. 'You're Dearka, you live for the ladies.'

Dearka watched as Yzak shrugged on his black trench coat and stood up. 'But seriously, how Shiho deals with your temper… dude, be grateful of the fact that she's still working for you.'

'Like she has a choice.' Yzak muttered as he walked out of his office with Dearka following him.

Dearka frowned. 'She has every right to quit Yzak. Do you know how much complaints she's been dealing with from below her? It's not like I don't get the same shit but still…'

'Well she's a better sport then, not mentioning it to me.' Yzak scowled, shooting a glare over his shoulder as they entered the lobby.

'Captain Jule, Major Elthman.' The receptionist saluted.

Dearka suddenly stopped and exhaled loudly. At that, Yzak turned and glared at him. 'What?'

Dearka just shook his head. 'Why I came back to ZAFT and work for you is totally beyond me.'

'Suck it up.' Was all Yzak said as he headed towards his car.

'You got plans?' Dearka asked.

'Face Off.' Yzak said curtly.

Dearka rolled his eyes. 'Isn't it either Face Off or home?'

'If you know, why ask?' Yzak retorted. Climbing into his car, he slammed the door shut and gunned the engine. Without another word, he steered out of the parking lot with Dearka leaning against the side of his own white sedan, watching as Yzak's sleek black two seater disappeared into the busy streets of Aprillius One.

Crossing his arms, Dearka narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

'The war has screwed you big time Yzak Jule.'


Narrowing her eyes slightly at the wind, Shiho added pressure to the gas and cut two lines in a row. Leaning one hand over the door, Shiho shot a glance sideways at the space view outside Aprillius One. Twenty minutes later, she left the highway that led to the suburb areas of PLANT's capital, into the so-called 'prestigious' neighbourhoods.

Entering the identification code, the gates to the Hanhnenfuss Manor opened and Shiho cruised her white convertible down the road and parked it in the shed. Locking it absently, she stepped into the manor through the back doors that lead directly to the kitchens where she found Mrs. Skloff removing a pot from the stove.

'Miss Shiho! You're early today!' Mrs. Skloff exclaimed, setting the pot down.

'The traffic wasn't too bad.' Shiho replied, giving her a small smile while sitting down at the table. 'What's that? Dinner?'

'This?' Mrs. Skloff shook her head. 'No, this is Miss Geherin's food.'

'Oh yeah, Dr. Lazensky was going to come today. What did he say?' Shiho took an apple from the basket sitting on the table.

Mrs. Skloff shook her head. 'The same. Miss Geherin is starting to lose her patience though, I can tell.'

Shiho sighed. 'Who wouldn't with the high dose of medication she's taking.'

Mrs. Skloff just gave Shiho a smile. 'Would you like to take this porridge and medicine up to your sister?'

Shiho stood up and took the tray from Mrs. Skloff. 'Gladly.'

As she stepped out of the kitchen, Shiho saw two maids folding a huge table cloth.

'Miss Shiho.' They bowed their heads as she passed by them.

'What's that for?' Shiho asked, cocking her head.

'It's for the dining room.' One of the maids, Malise replied. 'Mrs. Skloff told us to change the old one.'

Shiho frowned. Change it? They haven't used the dining room for a long time, ever since the death of this household's lady Israsie Hahnenfuss.

Shrugging, Shiho turned and headed up the stairs and down the hallway to the furthest room. Knocking on it softly, she heard a slightly impatient voice call from inside.

'Who is it?'

'It's me, Shiho.'

'Shiho? Come in!'

Shiho couldn't help but deepen her frown at the weakness in her voice as she pushed open the mahogany door. Her sister was sitting on her double bed with the quill pulled to her waist, a book in her hand. Her shoulder length brunette hair was pulled in a lose bun behind her head and she was in her blue silk pajamas.

She was getting thinner and thinner.

'Mrs. Skloff made this for you with extra love.' Shiho said, giving her sister a big smile while closing the door with her back.

Geherin Hahnenfuss couldn't help but wrinkle her nose slightly. 'I love her porridge but I hate the medicine!'

'Have you been throwing up again?' Shiho asked gently, setting the tray down.

Geherin sighed heavily and tossed the book aside. 'When have I ever not, thrown up?'

'Patience sis, you're going to get better.' With that, Shiho handed her the bowl that was wrapped in a cloth. 'You're on top of the doner's list.'

Geherin rolled her eyes. 'When have I never been patience?'

Shiho shrugged and sat back. 'I don't know, but sometime's you can be a little snippy.'

'I have the right to, don't I?' Geherin muttered. 'I spent three years in the hospital and the rest on this bed. Be grateful that I'm not crazy yet.'

'You didn't spend all your years in the bed, remember the time I took you to February 4?' Shiho smiled. 'We had fun!'

Geherin gave a small laugh. 'Yeah, we did have fun, then you had this big fight with Father and enlisted without his permission.'

Shiho's smile faded. 'You know I did what I thought I had to do.'

Geherin set down the bowl on her lap and looked at her. 'Do you regret it?'

Did she regret? A part of everyone entering the military would regret their decision. It was not just a matter of pushing through the pain of training, not just a matter of the long hours of work, not just a matter of constant tension but the matter of whether or not you're fighting for something, fighting for something right and for justice.

She still doubted her reason for fighting, but she knew that if she didn't enlist, she'd regret it even more. The war had taught her a huge lesson, it had taught everyone a lesson.

Stirring her porridge, Geherin looked at her twin sister who had fallen into deep thought. Whenever she looked out the window with dazed eyes, it meant she was thinking about something.

From the day Shiho was born, she bore their parent's expectations for the both of them and for this, Geherin felt guilty because she couldn't share that burden for her. From day one, their parents had already drawn a path for her to follow and she had followed their orders obediently, never daring to disobey them one bit. It was Shiho's nature to try and please everyone, do what she was told to do, do what their parents expected her to do, expected her to do for the family.

Her enlistment was the very first time Shiho rebelled against their parent's wishes, and ironically, it was her family who was punished. Their mother had died in a car accident when Shiho was officially enlisted and sent to Jakin Due and Geherin was left to deal with the grief alone, resulting in the aggravation of her condition and added tension of her failing heart.

Shiho knew nothing of her Mother's death until after the war and it hit hard. She was prepared to deal with her Father's wrath and ultimate disappointment, but much to her surprise, her Father said nothing, which frightened her even more. She was later told that she could stay in ZAFT, but on the condition that she had to spend as much time with Geherin as possible, making it clear that their Mother's death and almost killed her as well.

The guilt of her rash decision of leaving the family during the war still lingered, and sometimes she wondered if she should still stay in ZAFT, not to mention she had a superior who was exceptionally harsh on her. Geherin knew that Shiho would do anything their Father wanted her to do and for that…

'Geherin?' Shiho cocked her head at her twin sister who suddenly grabbed her hand.

'You've made enough sacrifices for this family Shiho.' Geherin murmured. 'Don't sacrifice your own happiness too.'

Shiho's eyebrows furrowed. 'What are you talking about Geherin?'

Geherin just looked at her and shook her head. 'Just…'

They both turned at the knock on her. It opened with their Father's secretary stepping in.

'Miss Geherin, Miss Shiho.' He bowed slightly.

'Good evening Mr. Avon.' Shiho greeted, smiling. 'Is there something you need?'

'The master, Mr. Hahnenfuss wants to see you Miss Shiho.' Avon said.

Shiho blinked. 'He's back already. Well, I guess I should see him. He's in the study, right?'

Avon nodded. 'Yes.'

'Shiho!' Geherin pulled her sister by the hand, not wanting her to leave.

'We'll talk about it later, okay?' With that, Shiho preyed her fingers away from her wrist. 'Eat your food and take your medicine.'

'Shiho!' Geherin hissed, then coughed loudly.

Sighing, Shiho gave her a few pats on the back. 'I'll be back soon, okay?'

'Miss Shiho?' Avon opened the door wide.

'Yes, I'm coming.'

Geherin could only clench her teeth while holding one hand to her chest, watching as Shiho closed the door behind her again. Little did she know that their Father was going to ask her a favor she would regret for life.

'How can you do this to her Father?' Geherin whispered, leaning back against the headboard.

How could you?


Three weeks later

Shiho stared at herself in the reflection, stared into her clear amethyst eyes, oblivious of the maids running around behind her, getting her ready for her wedding.

Her wedding, today was her wedding day, supposedly the most romantic and happy day of her life. Why didn't she feel happy and romantic?

'You agreed Shiho? How could you?'

'I didn't have a choice, he needed it!'

'What do you mean he needed it? What about you? Did it ever occur to you that by agreeing to this absurd arrangement, you'll be bound forever! How could you?'

'He needed it Geherin, It's a favor.'

'A favor?'

'I don't have a problem with this whole arrangement Geherin! Honest! It's not like I have a boyfriend or anything…'

'It's marriage Shiho. Marriage. Do you know what marriage is? Do you know what it's like to marry out of love? Our Mother is the perfect example! You're life is going to be miserable Shiho, you have my word on that.'

'I'm sorry Geherin, but this is what I think is right and necessary.'

'Right and necessary?'

'Yes.'

'Sometimes… just, sometimes I wish I could help you, for once, even if it's to marry a man I've never seen before.'

'Don't say that Geherin, I don't think it's a burden. It makes me happy when I know I'm doing something that will benefit everyone.'

'Everyone except you?'

'Geherin…'

'I wish Mother was here, she'd love to see you in a wedding gown.'

'Miss Shiho, your hair and makeup is done.' Malise smiled at her reflection in the mirror. 'I have to say the designer's a genius.'

She had been staring at herself for the last thirty minutes or so, but it was till now that she noticed the matte make up on her face, the light blush on her cheekbones, the natural looking mascara on her lashes… Her hair was pulled up in a high bun and a laced rose bud beaded V-band was pinned around her head. Simple yet elegant.

Standing up, Shiho turned and stared at the mannequin that held her tailor maid wedding gown.

'Shall we Miss Shiho?' The dresser asked, smiling at her.

Shiho managed to smile back as Malise helped her out of her silk robe. She felt like a doll as the maids dressed her into the complicated gown. She had to close her eyes, unable to look at herself.

'Master Jule will be amazed at how beautiful you are when he sees you.' Malise exclaimed. 'Come on Miss Shiho, take a look, you're the most beautiful bride in the world.'

Opening her eyes slowly, Shiho found herself staring into the full length mirror before her. It was her alright, her in an A-line shaped gown with metallic embroidery and beadwork. The skirt itself was in multiple tiers with a scalloped edge and the chapel train extended across the floor.

It was beautiful, undeniably beautiful, but she didn't feel beautiful at all.

Taking a deep breath, Shiho gulped down the lump in her throat as Malise attached the elbow length veil onto the headband, letting it fall over her face.

'You're ready Miss Shiho.' Malise said softly.

There was a soft knock on the door and Avon, one of the coordinators of this wedding, entered, bowing ceremoniously.

'It is time Miss Shiho, the limousine is waiting outside for you.'

'Miss Shiho?' Malise looked at Shiho's dazed form. 'It's time.'

Pulling herself together, Shiho gave Malise a smile. 'Thank you.'

'It's always a pleasure to serve you Miss.' Malise said quietly. 'I only wish Miss Geherin was here too to see you leave.'

Shiho just nodded. She too wished Geherin was here, but after the announcement of her wedding, she had suddenly gone from bad to worse and they had no choice but to send her to the hospital, despite her strong protests.

Stepping into satin pumps, she took the lily bouquet from one of the servants and gave Avon and nod. 'I'm ready.'

Avon nodded and held the door wide open. Outside, two girls dressed in white gowns gave her a nod. They were supposed to be her bridesmaids but she didn't even know them. How pathetic. It was going to be a very lonely wedding indeed.

'Mr. Jule is waiting for you at the Cathedral.' Avon said when Shiho found out that the limousine was empty.

Nodding, Shiho stepped into the car and couldn't help but lean back and look out the tinted window.

Yes, it was going to be a very lonely wedding indeed.


'You're Mother left, if you care at all.' Dearka sat down at the bar table beside Yzak.

'You saw her leave?' Yzak asked quietly, looking down at his glass.

'Yeah, since I was in charge of security.' Dearka scowled. 'What are you doing here?'

Yzak shot a glare at him. 'What do you mean what am I doing here?'

Dearka rolled his eyes and pointed at the wedding band on his left ring finger. 'Please allow me to remind you that you are married now. You have a wife who is waiting for you upstairs, what are you waiting for?'

'A wife?' Yzak spat. 'The person sitting in the honeymoon suite upstairs is not my wife, she's Shiho Hahnenfuss, my subordinate!'

Dearka sighed and racked one hand through his hair. 'It's been three weeks and you still haven't gotten over this simple fact?'

'If you were in my shoes, you'd understand.' Yzak grunted.

'Hey, at least she looks nice today.' Was Dearka's only comment.

'I don't care if she's nice or not.' Yzak snarled. 'The main problem is I have no feelings for this woman and – '

'Girl.' Dearka interrupted, eyeing him. 'She's only seventeen.'

'Gods!' Throwing his hands up, Yzak reached into the pocket of his white notch tailcoat and tossed a few dollars on the counter. 'I'm leaving.'

'Wait, you're not walking out on your bride on your wedding night are you?' Dearka followed him quickly and almost bumped into him when he stopped and turned around.

'Why do you care so much Dearka?' Yzak asked, narrowing his eyes. 'Are you hitting on her or something?'

Dearka smirked. 'Would you let me if I wanted to?'

Gritting his teeth, Yzak hauled him by the collar. 'Then I can tell you that if I were you, I'd think thrice before even thinking of hitting on her.' Pushing him back, Yzak turned.

'She's not Gazelle Wyleed or any of the other chicks you screw out there.' Dearka said in a low voice, making Yzak stop in his tracks. 'What have you done for her Yzak? Not even a bouquet of flowers, not even a fucking engagement ring and she married you. You know during banquet, the host didn't even dare to announce you two as Mr. and Mrs. Jule, you didn't even dance your first dance with her, you know girl's fantasize marriages. Even if it's not intentional, she's doing it for you, you're the biggest winner in this whole game.' Pausing, Dearka shook his head. 'She's Shiho Yzak. Remember, Shiho.'

'I know perfectly well who my wife is and the last thing I need is for you is to remind me.' With that, Yzak stepped into the elevator and let it close behind his back. After a few moments of silence, Yzak looked up and stared at his dim reflection in the mirror. Seething, he reached out a hand and ripped the tie off, clutching it tightly in his hand. When the elevator doors opened, Yzak whirled around and stomped out of the elevator, marching down the hallway until he reached the end where the most expensive suite in Hotel Dionarva, Aprilius One's most expensive and high-class hotel, was located.

Reaching into his back pocket, Yzak took out the key card and slipped it in, frowning at the click. Pushing the door open quietly, he walked down the short corridor that led to the huge suite. He stood at the end and saw Shiho sitting on the dressing stool with her back to him, staring out at the window. Catching his reflection in the polished window, Shiho stared at him silently.

'What should I call you now?' Shiho asked quietly.

Yzak blinked at the question. 'What do you mean?'

'What should I call you now?' Shiho asked again. 'Captain Jule.'

Yzak never realized how disturbing his title could be. 'What are you thinking, of course call me Yzak.'

Shiho shrugged and stood up. 'I've never called you by your first name before, I didn't know if you'd be offended.'

'I was offended the day you agreed to this marriage.' Yzak said sharply, watching in the glass pane as Shiho lowered her eyes and looked down. 'What were you thinking?'

'I wasn't the one who came up with the idea.' Shiho said quietly.

'But you could have rejected it.' Yzak seethed.

'You could have rejected it too.' Shiho retorted.

'You don't think I've tried?' Yzak exclaimed. 'Seriously Hahnenfuss, the last thing I ever dreamt of doing was marrying you!'

'Well I'm sorry!' Shiho snapped, turning around abruptly. 'If I had every penny in the world I'd say no but I couldn't! Don't blame everything on me because for all I know, I'm – '

'What?' Yzak demanded when Shiho suddenly stopped short, looking away. 'What did you want to say Hahnenfuss?'

'Hahnenfuss?' Shiho gave herself a bitter smile. 'You really do hate me don't you, you've been nothing but harsh from day one.'

Clutching his palm in a tight fist, Yzak turned sideways. 'You're ridiculous, I'm harsh to all my inferiors.'

Shiho just took a deep breath. 'Right.'

Liar. A voice in Yzak's head hissed. Fucking liar.

He was exceptionally harsh on Shiho, deep down, he knew it but refused to admit it. He had asked himself why, and he blamed it on her sharp eyes, so sharp that they pierced through him the first time he saw her. He was intimidated by her, he had a feeling that she could look right through him, read him like a piece of paper when he was most vulnerable during the war, when he was thoroughly betrayed and didn't even have a clue till the very last moment.

Her presence made him uncomfortable, but till now he still couldn't decipher that feeling and to his frustration, the feeling still existed.

Turning his head slightly, he saw Shiho close her eyes, his eyebrows furrowing when he thought he saw tears. Gritting his teeth, he crossed his arms and stood straight. Wasn't he supposed to be the one crying?

'Be honest with me and tell me one thing Hahnenfuss.' Yzak finally said, exhaling loudly, running one hand through his silky hair.

'Shoot.' Shiho murmured, closing her eyes while turning her head away from him, not wanting to look at him at all.

'What do you have in this marriage?' Yzak asked quietly.

Shiho's eyebrows furrowed. 'What do you mean?'

'You've got to be kidding me.' Yzak spat, glaring at her. 'You're telling me you're doing this out of nothing? Just because of your Father? You do know that I'm the biggest winner in this marriage. Don't tell me you married me because you like me.'

Taking a deep breath, Shiho opened her eyes and stood up. Yzak's heart couldn't help but skip a beat when Shiho suddenly looked into his eyes, reflecting in the moonlight. He narrowed his eyes, trying to refrain from stepping back when she walked up to him until her face was inches from his. He could feel her breath breathing into his lips through the thin material of her veil.

He remembered kissing the corner of her mouth after he turned the veil a few hours.

'Will you believe me, if I said I fell in love with you Yzak?' Shiho asked in a whisper. His name sounded different in her voice.

'You fell in love with me?' Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'I'm so glad I caught the "if".'

Shiho cocked her head. 'You don't believe me?'

'You've got to learn how to lie better.' Yzak narrowed his eyes. 'Shiho.'

'Say I did.' Shiho leaned closer into Yzak. 'What would you do if I started taking off me clothes, waiting for you to take me, to make me your real wife. What would you do?' As if to prove her point, Shiho reached for his hand and placed it on her side where the zipper was.

Gritting his teeth, Yzak refrained from actually unzipping her dress and snatched his hand away. 'Knock it off Hahnenfuss.'

Raising her eyebrows, Shiho watched as Yzak turned around. 'You don't believe me Captain?'

Stopping in his tracks, Yzak looked over his shoulder. 'I don't, but if you really did, I'll make you fall out of love. I won't let it happen. It will never happen between us Hahnenfuss, we're parallel lines.' Taking a deep breath, he turned his back towards her again. 'You can have the room to yourself, I'll see you later at the Jule Manor. Good night.'

The room fell into death silence as the door clicked shut. Feeling the energy drain from her body completely, Shiho collapsed onto the floor, her hands pushed against the carpet. Biting her lips, she tried to hold back the tears but couldn't.

'Don't cry you idiot.' Shiho whispered, glaring at the floor. 'Don't.'

Closing her eyes, she let the tears fall as the lonely night went on. Her wedding night.


Opening her eyes, Shiho stared at the unfamiliar ceiling above her, wondering for a brief moment where she was.

She was at the Jule Manor, her new home, her husband's home.

The cell phone on the nightstand suddenly rang, pulling Shiho back to unwanted reality. Shifting, she turned to her side, feeling the cold satin sheets brush against her a bit irritating. Gritting her teeth at the twentieth ring, she sat up slowly and glared at the phone before picking it up, squinting her eyes slightly as the sun shone into the room.

'Shiho Hahnenfuss.' Shiho answered the phone curtly.

'Am I your friend or not Shiho Hahnenfuss? Tell me!' a familiar female voice demanded from the other side.

Frowning, Shiho stared at her phone briefly before putting it back to her ear. 'Vena?'

'Yes it's Vena!' the voice scowled. 'I can't believe I learn that my friend gets married from tabloids and I don't even get to be a bridesmaid! How could you do this to me?'

Sighing, Shiho let her head hit the pillow again. 'It's not like that Vena.'

'It's not like that?' she exclaimed. 'Like there would be another reason! You married friggin' Yzak Jule for crying out loud!'

Vena Poisa was a good friend of Shiho's from the academy and they had coincidentally been drafted into the same vessel when they graduated though Vena was a technician. Though Vena had retired completely from military after the war and continued with her education at December 4 where she grew up, they still kept in touch and among the little people she knew, Vena was considered her closest friend besides her sister.

'I'm sorry Vena, I really am.' Shiho sighed. 'I had no choice, I didn't have a say on my own wedding, let alone the guest list. You know how politicians can be.'

'Freakishly efficient to the point of disregarding personal sentiment?' Vena suggested in a flat voice.

Shiho laughed and sat up again. 'You could put it that way.'

'So, how do you feel? It's been a week and I've finally got hold of you, where have you been?' Vena asked.

'Me?' Shiho bit her lip. 'I was on my honeymoon.'

'Honeymoon?' Came Vena's skeptical voice.

'Yeah.' Shiho said quickly, praying that Vena wouldn't go into the details. Knowing Vena, there wasn't much of a chance, but what she got as a response surprised her.

'You went with your hubby?' Vena asked shortly.

'I…' Shiho's voice trailed as she ran one hand through her tangled hair.

Vena sighed. 'I guess it's good that you don't read tabloids then.'

Shiho narrowed her eyes. 'What do you mean?'

'You really don't know?' Vena asked.

'Yzak was spotted with another woman?' Shiho asked quietly.

'Bingo.' Vena said flatly. 'And not just any other woman, but Gazelle Wyleed.'

Shiho frowned. 'What about her? Who is she?'

Vena felt like hitting herself. 'You don't know who Gazelle Wyleed is? Are you even a part of PLANT? She's like a super celebrity that can be compared with Lacus Clyne!'

'Lamar Wyleed's daughter?' Shiho asked.

'Yes!' Vena cried. 'Yzak Jule was spotted with Gazelle Wyleed coming out of the Empire Hotel at ten thirty in the morning two days ago. What do you think they were doing? Having breakfast? And you said you just came back from your honeymoon? You've got to be kidding me Shiho.'

Sighing heavily, Shiho looked down at her lap. 'Look, the situation is complicated Vena, it's a political union. What do you expect? We haven't officially talked it over but I'm sure Yzak has his plans and lifestyle that he doesn't want to change because of me.'

'So you guys didn't marry out of love, why am I not surprised?' Vena snarled.

Scratching her head, Shiho crossed her legs. 'Vena, I don't need your sarcasm, I've got enough going on in this household I now call home.'

There was silence before Vena opened her mouth again. 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way.'

'I know you didn't.' Shiho said gently. 'What can I say? I chose to marry him and now – '

'You could have rejected it!' Vena cut in. 'Come on, it's like, what? The seventh decade of the Cosmic Era? I don't understand why those councilors and politicians want to marry their kids so much? I mean, what does it do?'

'Believe me Vena.' Shiho said in a low voice. 'It does a lot.'

'Why are you doing this Shiho?' Vena murmured. 'Why are you throwing your future away like this?'

'I have no choice Vena.' Shiho said quietly. 'I'm the daughter of Agrip Hahnenfuss, there are duties I have to perform as the daughter of a powerful politician.'

'Are you doing this because of your sister?' Vena asked bluntly.

'Leave my sister out of this.' Shiho snapped.

'Sorry.'

Sighing, Shiho shook her head. 'I'm sorry. Please, just understand that I have my responsibilities.'

'I know Shiho, I just think it absurd that you're doing all this for someone else.' Vena muttered.

Shiho shrugged. 'Hey, at least I can convince myself that I'm making someone happy.'

'It sure doesn't seem like Yzak Jule.' Vena scowled.

'Maybe it's his punishment.' Shiho joked.

Vena snorted. 'You sure know how to entertain yourself Hahnenfuss.'

'Thank you.'

'Are we planning on meeting up sometime or what?' Vena asked, changing the subject.

'Sure.' Shiho responded. 'Just tell me when you're in town.'

'You sure have a lot of time on hand Mrs. Jule.' Vena sneered.

'What did I say about sarcasm?' Shiho warned lightly.

'Yes Major.' Vena scowled. 'I have to go, I'll talk to you later, I might make a trip to Aprillius One in a month or two, I have a student conference.'

'How's school going?' Shiho asked.

Vena shrugged. 'It's cool, a piece of cake compared to ZAFT. I'll see you later then, okay?'

'Okay, see you.' With that, Shiho cut the connection and stared down at her phone. Sighing loudly, she climbed off the bed and padded across the carpeted floor to the coat rack where she had her robe hung. Slipping it on, she went into the bathroom and cleaned herself quickly. Feeling slightly refreshed, she opened the closet and stared at the clothes inside. They were all new and were supposed to be hers.

Shrugging, Shiho took out a green V-neck sweater and white jeans. Throwing them on, she tossed the silk slip into the hamper and put on some trainers she had brought, the only thing she had brought with her, or to be more specific, the only thing that was left of what she had brought with her.

Shooting a glance at the clock on then nightstand, Shiho decided she needed some breakfast, or probably brunch. The kitchen was almost always stashed with food, why she did not know. Come to think of it, Shiho didn't know why there were so many people working here, there was only her and Yzak living here, or probably just her now.

Giving herself a bitter laugh, Shiho stepped into the kitchen, surprised to find it empty. Frowning, she opened the fridge and took out some milk and hunted around for some cereal, she wasn't that hungry anyway. Sitting at the counter, she stirred her cereal absently while looking out the window at the huge garden. The sun was shining, it was a beautiful day. She shouldn't waste it.

'I'm bored out of my mind.' Shiho murmured. It had been a week since her wedding. When she was found sleeping on a made bed with her wedding gown still on, alone with hat suspiciously looked like tear stains on her cheeks, everyone knew that Yzak Jule had abandoned his newlywed wife on his wedding night. After a night's thought, a night's sleep and a night's tears, Shiho found that she didn't care at all, she just wanted to go home.

Unfortunately for her, she wasn't allowed and she was forced onto a shuttle to Sextilis 9, a famous artificial beach city that was designed with reference to old Hawaii on earth, for her honeymoon, alone.

How pathetic.

'I might have turned into the laughingstock of the whole society.' Shiho murmured. Abandoned by her husband on her wedding night and went onto her honeymoon by herself? She couldn't help but exhale loudly at the thought of it. It was ridiculous.

That fact that Yzak didn't come back to his own Manor after the wedding, however, was predictable.

'Have you read the latest copy of Meygan?' Shiho frowned at the faint voice from afar.

'I know, not that I don't feel sorry for our new mistress.'

'She should have seen this coming, I mean, political unions are all like that, I just don't know why the young master didn't marry Miss Wyleed instead, I mean, her Father's in the council too.'

'I don't know, but what I do know is Miss Wyleed is so much more beautiful than Miss Shiho, I mean, our young master has taste.'

'I know…'

'Ladies,' Shiho heard another voice ring sternly. 'Haven't you got work to do?'

'What work Niolava? I mean, the young master's not even coming home!'

'Still, we have the young lady to serve.'

'Like she needs to be – ' The three stopped short when they found Shiho sitting at the counter with her back to the entrance.

'Miss Shiho!' One of the maid's gasped.

'It's Mrs. Jule.' Niolava said sternly. Stepping into the kitchen, she smiled when Shiho turned in her stool. 'Is there anything I can get you Mrs. Jule?'

Shiho smiled back and hopped off the stool, her bowl in one hand. 'I was just a little hungry.'

'Do you want anything else? I can get the chef to cook.' Niolava said, as the two maids scrambled out into the gardens.

'I'm fine.' Shiho said while putting the bowl into the sink. Rinsing it, she placed it on the drainer, much to Niolava's surprise.

'You don't have to wash it Mrs. Jule, we have maids to do it.' Niolava said.

'Call me Shiho.' Sighing, Shiho turned around. 'I'm not used to being called Mrs. Jule, I'm not even sure that I will be one in this household.'

Niolava frowned. 'What do you mean?'

Shiho shook her head. 'It's nothing. I want to borrow a car.'

'Borrow? You don't have to borrow, all the ca's in the shed are basically yours Shiho.' Another voice rang from the door.

'Vuit, have some manners!' Niolava hissed as the old man entered, smiling.

'But the new missus said that we can call her by her name.' Vuit argued, turning to Shiho. 'All the cars are in the shed, the car keys are hooked up on the wall, you can go through the other back entrance.'

'Uh, thanks.' Shiho gave the old man an uneasy smile. 'I just wanted to go out for a drive.'

Vuit shrugged. 'Sure, pick whichever car you want.'

'Thanks.' With that, Shiho turned and stepped out of the kitchen.

'She's a nice kid.' Vuit said, grabbing an apple from the crystal bowl. 'Yzak doesn't know what he's missing.'

Niolava sighed. 'Things like this need time dear.'

'I guess.'

Grabbing a white jacket from the hanger, Shiho made her way quickly down the stairs and into the huge shed. Flipping the lights on, she gasped at the collection of cars parked, including two convertibles, a limousine, a black mini van and three sedans.

'God they must be insanely rich.' Shiho muttered, grabbing the keys to a white sedan. Unlocking it, she climbed in, running her hand over the leather steering wheel. 'Well there's one thing going good in my life after all.' She was about to gun the engine when her cell phone suddenly rang.

'Hahnenfuss speaking.' Shiho answered in her usual business tone.

'Major? This is Stera.' The voice from the other line answered.

'Lyn? How are you?' Shiho asked, sitting back.

'I'm good, just wondering if you're doing well? I mean…' Lyn Stera's voice trailed.

'I'm fine, serious. Don't worry about me.' Shiho reassured.

'If you say so Major, you know how rumors fly. Anyway, I was wondering if you're going to come and pick up the rest of your stuff, we're having your locker and office cleared, since you're waiting for relocation.'

Shiho sighed. 'I'll come by now, I have nothing to do anyway. It'll probably take months before my relocation kicks in.'

'Yeah, it can be tricky if you can't be relocated outside of Aprilius One, personnel has to be really careful since you used to work for Commander Jule.'

'How is he doing in his office now?' Shiho asked carefully.

There was a pause before Lyn opened his mouth again. 'Let's just say we wished you guys didn't marry so we'd still have you around.'

Shiho laughed shortly. 'I'm sorry too. I'll see you guys in a bit hopefully.'

'See you Major.'

Flipping her cell phone shut, Shiho stared into space for a few moments before gunning the engine. Rolling the windows open, fumbled for her shades at the sun shining into the garage. She was just turning the corner when she suddenly stopped at the sight of a boy sitting on the porch of the shed, a greasy tank top on with what looked like a cigarette in his mouth, or what it would have been mistaken for if Shiho didn't have a very sharp sense of smell.

Stopping in front of the porch, Shiho climbed out of the car and slammed the door shut. Seeing her, the boy with dirty blonde hair glared up at her.

'Who the hell are you bitch?' He growled, standing up. 'What are you doing driving the car out of the shed?'

Narrowing her eyes, Shiho took off her shades and stared at him, or to be more specific, staring at the weed in his mouth.

'And who the hell are you?'


End of Chapter 1
Next Update: 31st March, 2006

A/N: Pisces Miles strikes again! Review!