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 3: Regretting it... or not

In my dreams, you said you'd kiss me,
But before your lips touch mine, I'd wake up.

Popping a few coins into the vending machine, Yzak punched the button and watched as the panel blink while a huge thud could be heard. Reaching down, he took his can of ice coffee and opened it.

'Vending machine?' another voice asked from behind him. Looking over his shoulder, Yzak saw Alden standing there with a smirk on his face.

'The ice coffee they have isn't that bad.' Yzak said flatly.

Shooting a glance at the vending machine, Alden reached into his pocket. 'I guess it's worth a shot.' Popping his coin into the slot, he looked over his shoulder at Yzak who had his back towards him, leaning against the balcony of the lounge. 'So this place is your little getaway?'

Yzak paused. 'Yeah, you could say that. The old coots usually like hanging out in the coffee house downstairs.'

Alden smirked. 'We certainly are the youngest of the bunch.'

'Your preposition was impressive Tayne.' Yzak eyed him briefly. 'Very insightful.'

Alden bowed his head slightly. 'Why thank you. I didn't expect that from you.'

'I say what I feel.' Came Yzak's blunt response. 'If it's good, I'll say it.'

'Being in military really doesn't make you special in politics Jule.' Alden commented, sitting down on the bench with his legs crossed elegantly.

Yzak snorted. 'It's just the way I am.'

Alden shrugged. 'I know, Shiho already warned me.'

At that, Yzak remained quiet, clutching his can so tight he made a dent. At that, Alden couldn't help but shake his head.

'So, I take that you will be going to the dinner thing tomorrow night.' Alden said casually, changing the subject.

'Since I'm a council member, I have to.' Yzak said flatly.

'Are you going with Shiho?' Alden asked.

Yzak found the question both irritating and disturbing. 'No, I go every year by myself.'

'But this is the first year that you've been married. 'Alden countered, further pushing the subject.

Turning around abruptly, Yzak glared at Alden who sat there, looking at him with nothing but a small smile. 'What are you aiming at Tayne.'

At that, Alden dropped the smile. 'I asked Shiho to the dinner with me.'

Yzak narrowed his eyes. 'What?'

Alden sighed and stood up. 'Don't worry, she's fully aware that she is Mrs. Jule, reminded me more than once since we met each other again.' Pausing, Alden looked into his eyes. 'You have no idea what you're missing Jule.'

'I don't think I need you to tell me that.' Yzak snapped.

'Then leave her be.' Alden stood up when Yzak walked past him. 'You're doing nothing but destroying her.'

'Oh, and I think she'll be so much more happier with you.' Yzak sneered over his shoulder.

'Better than with you.' Alden shot back. 'You're just using her, everyone knows that. I don't care what made her do this, but I sure know she's being torn apart. After all she's been through, and I'm sure you have an idea what she's been through and don't even care, she deserves happiness and not another person telling her what to do. You think she likes seeing her own husband walk away like that, even if she doesn't like you. She deserves happiness, and you aren't giving her that.'

'You know nothing of our situation so shut it Tayne.' Yzak gritted his teeth.

'If this is what Shiho really wants, then I'll shut it.' Taking a deep breath, Alden narrowed his eyes. 'But if it's not, then I'll make sure you have a miserable life this term.'

'We'll see.' With that, Yzak turned and left the lounge.

'Yzak, about your private meeting with Hahnenfuss – ' Reiss, Yzak's council secretary started when he saw him enter the room but was cut off.

'Cancel it.' Yzak glared at Reiss. 'I don't want to see him now.'

'But – '

'Don't make me repeat myself Reiss.' Yzak narrowed his eyes.

Knowing that something had flared up his temper again, Reiss bowed his head. 'I'll make sure we reschedule.'

'I don't want to see anyone today, or tomorrow.' Yzak added.

'But sir – '

Ignoring him, Yzak stepped into the elevator and let the door close behind him. When he reached the basement car park, he reached into his coat for his keys and unlocked his car.

He needed a distraction, anything. He was not about to open that door, not about to revisit the guilt he felt ever since his wedding day.

No, he wasn't going to.

Parking his car in front of the noisy clubhouse, Yzak ripped off his tie and blue coat. He knew it was pathetic, but every time he felt frustrated, felt helpless, he would indulge himself in alcohol and sex, something average youngsters his age would do to whine down. He kept reminding himself he was no different, that he too had the right to indulgence despite his role in society.

The war had taught him a lot, one being to find an outlet for frustration and tension. When he came back from the war, he felt himself physically and mentally strained to almost the point of breakdown. He found his mental condition more serious and had even consulted a psychiatrist. During the war, he never really gave thought to what he had really done, from the Heliopolis raid, to the ugly scar from Strike, to the unexpected arrival on Earth, the battles in the desert, the massacre at Josh-A, the retaliation at Panama, the lost of his comrades, the betrayal of Dearka and Athrun….

When he came back, reality of war had hit him hard and he felt himself not only having nightmares, but also extremely unfocused. He heard screams and shouts in his head, conversations of the past ringing in his mind, the sound of his radar beeping inside the cockpit of Duel… it suffocated him and he needed an outlet.

Any outlet.

Opening his eyes, Yzak sat up abruptly. Taking a deep breath, he adverted his eyes, watching as the fan above him creating moving shadows over the bed that he was sitting on. He trained his eyes on the dust that shone under the rich sunlight seeping through the Venetian blinds.

Cheap motel rooms. Yzak mused. He turned his head as the woman beside him shifted and opened her eyes.

'What time is it?' She asked, squinting her eyes.

Yzak shot a glance at the clock on the night table. 'Three.'

She yawned. 'In the morning?'

Yzak rolled his eyes. 'No, in the afternoon.' Climbing out of the bed, he picked up his discarded boxers and slipped them on.

Rolling onto her back, she sat up, letting the sheets slid down her. Reaching for a pack of cigarettes, she took one out and lit it 'What's your name again?' She pointed the pack in his direction. 'Want one?'

Yzak shook his head. 'No thanks, not in the mood, not a regular smoker.'

The woman sneered. 'Not even a bummer?'

Yzak shrugged. 'Sometimes.'

'Say…' She took a drag. 'You look familiar to me.'

Yzak raised his eyebrows and leaned against the television. 'Do I?'

Slipping out of the bed, she walked towards him, blowing smoke into his face. 'You aren't by any chance Yzak Jule, are you?'

'Gee, that's a good call.' Yzak sneered, fully aware that her tits were brushing his chest.

'Wow, I hooked up with Yzak Jule.' Leaning forward, she pressed herself into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. 'What's with the wife and the lover huh? Can't satisfy you?'

'A change of taste once in a while.' Reaching out one hand, he snatched the cigarette from her mouth and took a drag, blowing the smoke back into her face. Grinding the butt into the television screen behind him, he narrowed his eyes as she brushed her lips over his.

'I do say you don't seem like the type to have casual sex.' She nipped his lips while reaching into his boxers, sliding them down again. 'But you are fucking hot.' Before she could grab him, Yzak grabbed her wrist.

'Aren't you forgetting something?' Out of nowhere, Yzak held out a condom between his fingers.

'My are you a careful person.' She took the condom with her teeth and ripped it open.

Pushing her onto the bed again, Yzak was silent as he slammed into her, trying to lose himself, trying to escape reality. When his cell phone rang shortly after the brief sex they had, Yzak knew that no matter what he did, reality would kick in.

'Fuck.' Yzak fought the urge to chuck his cell phone against the wall. Climbing off the bed, he started dressing himself.

'The name's Ari.' The woman purred when Yzak made a grab for the doorknob. 'Not that I expect you to remember me.'

'Good.' Yzak opened the door. 'I hate woman who think too high of themselves.'

Ari just smirked. 'Pleasures all mine.'

Slamming the door behind him, Yzak hopped down the wooden stairs two at a time and headed towards his car, cursing at the sunlight. Unlocking his car, he was about to climb in when he caught his reflection in the window. He needed a shower.

Gunning the engine, he steered out of the parking lot, noting that Ari had the door open with the sheets wrapped around her, blowing a kiss at him before he steered out of sight.

Opening all windows of his coupe, he tried to let the strong wind wake him up. His mind was still in a slight daze as he tried to comprehend what had happened last night. He remembered having a few beers before finding Ari who had short black hair, long legs, nice tits and a fine ass, dancing on the packed dance floor. He blamed it on the amount of alcohol he had, he always turned into one horny son of a bitch when he had alcohol through his veins, how he always managed to remember using a condom was beyond him.

'Another one night stand…' Yzak smirked at himself in the rear mirror. 'You're the man Jule.'

Who didn't have one night stands and got screwed over? He was just an eighteen year old guy who was forced to grow up because of the stupid war.

'You are so screwed Yzak Jule.' Yzak muttered, staring into space.

'Identification please.'

Yzak blinked at the electronic voice. Turning, he stared at the intercom mounted on the brick wall that surrounded the Jule Manor.

'Yzak Jule.'

'Please enter Master.'

Narrowing his eyes, Yzak watched as the gates opened. Steering into the pathway, he looked around. The place hadn't changed much. If he didn't need a new suit, he'd probably just head back to the hotel suite he had rented downtown at Dionarva.

'Yzak, what a pleasant surprise.' Vuit stepped down the stairs as he stopped the car in front of the double doors.

'Okay, if you're here to give me a lecture then I'm taking off.' Yzak scowled, stepping out of his car.

'Why would I young Master?' Vuit asked in a smooth voice.

Rolling his eyes, Yzak handed his keys to him. 'Talk about being sarcastic.'

'Get your ass in there Yzak.' Vuit muttered.

'So much about being a valet.' Yzak sneered.

Vuit just shrugged. 'Then fire me.'

Sighing loudly, Yzak watched as Vuit steered his car around the corner and into the shed. Sometimes he was worse than his dead Father.

'Young master!' Ewan quickly bowed her head when she almost bumped into him while stepping out of the dinning room. 'What a surprise.'

Yzak only eyed her briefly before walking up the spiral stairs.

'Master!' Ewan made a move to follow him. 'The lady – '

'Just because I don't come back often doesn't mean I don't have the right to go where I want to go.' Yzak snapped, looking over his shoulder briefly. Leaving Ewan at the base of the stairs, Yzak jumped up two at a time. Reaching the other end of the hallway opposite the study, he didn't even bother to knock and swung the door open.

He couldn't help but feel relieved when he saw that the room was empty, not until he saw a white satin dress lying on the neatly made bed. Adverting his eyes, he saw a familiar black paper bag on the easy chair and on the nightstand beside it, a huge bouquet of champagne colored roses sitting in a crystal vase.

Fighting the urge to grab the dress and rip it in half, Yzak made a grab for his collar instead and headed for the bathroom, opening it without hesitation. He almost bit his own lip as he cursed under his breath and turned around.

Sitting inside the huge Jacuzzi tub, Shiho had her eyes closed. The water was already still but would slosh against her white skin occasionally when she shifted. At the sound of the door opening, Shiho's eyes flashed open. Turning her head, she saw in the little mirror sitting on the side beside her that Yzak was standing at the door, clutching the doorknob so tightly his knuckles turned red.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Shiho counted to ten, trying to muster all the energy she had. She wasn't going to embarrass herself in front of Yzak now, though she had a right to because she was sitting in the bath tube naked.

'Don't you know how to knock?' Shiho finally opened her mouth in an accusing voice.

'I didn't hear the shower on, how would I know you had the habit of taking a bath with all those stupid candles lit. What is it with woman and baths, you just sit there stewing in your own filth.' Yzak's retaliation made Shiho's eyebrows twitch.

'Well, I'm not that dirty, if you have to know.' Seething, Shiho stepped out of the tub, trying to ignore the fact that Yzak was watching.

She was doing it on purpose, he knew it.

Grabbing the towel from the rack beside him, he threw it to Shiho, who caught it with both hands. 'For god's sake put something on.' Yzak glared at her briefly. 'Do you have a habit of walking around naked in front of guys?'

'No.' Shiho sneered, turning her back to him. 'But you're different, you're my husband.'

'Bitterness.' Was all Yzak said as he turned and stormed out of the bathroom. Wrapping the towel around her chest, Shiho followed him, letting her hair down. 'What's with that dress?'

'What dress?' Shiho asked absently, running one hand through her silky brunette locks.

Yzak tried to refrain from yelling. 'On the bed, the one Alden Tayne gave you.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'How did you know it was from Alden?'

Yzak gritted his teeth. 'I remember the bag and that ridiculous bouquet of flowers sitting there. Are you having an affair with the guy?'

Shiho stared at him briefly before walking up to him, much to his surprise. Instinct told him to back away but pride stopped him from doing so. He couldn't help but notice that her hair had a fruity scent. He stood still as Shiho leaned her face into his neck, her lips inches from his skin.

'You smell like smoke.' Shiho whispered into his ear. 'Is it Gazelle Wyleed or a random girl you hooked up at a nightclub?'

At that, Yzak could do nothing but drop the subject. Damn she had a way of shutting him up completely.

Turning away from him, Shiho sat at her dressing table. 'Yes, the dress is from Alden and if you have to know, I'm going to the council ball.'

Yzak blinked. 'What?'

Shiho eyed him in the mirror. 'I'm not going with you, so don't worry, I'm not going to ruin your reputation.'

Yzak seethed. 'Oh, so you're going with Tayne huh? Wow, what a way to tell people how lonely you are.'

Shiho stared at him silently. 'I'm going with my Father.'

At that, Yzak shut up completely. Satisfied, Shiho turned and started applying moisturizer, watching as Yzak turned and walked into the cloak room. Closing her eyes, she counted to five.

'Where the hell are my clothes?' Yzak demanded, stomping out of the cloak room five seconds later.

'So you are here to get some clothes.' Shiho turned and gave him a smile. 'You could have just bought some and save your time, plus you won't have to see me.'

Yzak glared at her. 'You really think you're the mistress of this household don't you?'

Shiho just smiled at him. 'You're clothes are in the basement honey, you can take a shower down there.'

Exhaling loudly, Yzak racked one hand through his silky hair. 'Fine, I owe you anyway.'

'Thanks for realizing that.' Shiho responded flatly, turning back to her mirror.

Turning, Yzak headed for the door, but paused before he took a step out. Looking over his shoulder, he shot a glance at the white dress before landing his eyes on Shiho's back. Sighing, he opened his mouth. 'You're coming to the council dinner with me.'

Pausing, Shiho turned. 'Are you sure?'

Yzak rolled his eyes. 'It'll be weird if you went with your Father and I went alone, I have enough media coverage as it is.'

Shrugging, Shiho turned back to the mirror. 'Your choice.'

'Meet me at the foyer in half an hour.' Yzak said curtly. 'I'm taking the LaCienega.'

'Sure.'

Turning, he stepped out of the bedroom and slammed the door shut. He kept barracking himself for even thinking of going to the dinner with her as he stalked down the basement.

'Come on Azuiles, five more!'

'No.'

'Five more.'

'No!'

'Five more and I'll flash you.'

'One – '

'Two – '

Yzak couldn't help but raise his eyebrows at the conversation he heard halfway down the basement stairs. When he reached the ground, he saw his little brother lying on the floor with Lois at his feet. Apparently he was doing sit ups.

'Two and a half…' Collapsing onto the carpeted floor, Azuiles pointed one finger at Lois. 'I give up, just show me one of them.'

Gritting her teeth, Lois gave him a hard slap on the abs. 'Pervert!'

'More than I need to know.'

They both turned at the voice.

'Yzak!' Jumping up, Lois rushed forward and gave him a hug.

'Woah!' Yzak took a step backwards at the force. 'How've you been Lois?'

'Fantastic!' Lois let go of Yzak and cocked her head. 'I haven't seen you in a while.'

'Well, you do see him on TV and newspaper.' Azuiles scowled, sitting up.

'Been busy.' Yzak muttered. He raised his eyebrows at Azuiles. 'I see you're a changed man.'

'Man?' Lois scowled, shooting a glance at him. 'He's still just a little boy.'

'Shut up Lois!' Azuiles snarled.

'What are you guys doing anyway?' Yzak asked, crossing his arms.

'Physical training.' Lois said. 'I'm his supervisor.'

'You're wife is crazy.' Azuiles declared, standing up. 'Just completely out of her mind.'

Yzak shrugged. 'At least you're clean.'

Azuiles scowled. 'You have no idea what that bitch put me through in the last month.'

'Oh well, she had my approval.' Yzak smirked.

'Because you were too busy screwing other chicks out there.' Azuiles shot back. At that, Yzak glared at him in silence.

'I think I'm going to get something to drink.' Breaking the awkward silence, Lois turned and fled up the stairs.

'I'm not stupid, I read the papers and I know you're never around here.' Azuiles said in a low voice. 'Hell I haven't seen you since that bitch moved in here.'

'Well, it seems like you're starting to be protective of this bitch.' Yzak snapped. He was surprised when Azuiles didn't deny it.

'She may have locked me in a closet down here, but she's not too bad.' Azuiles muttered. Grabbing a towel, he rubbed his face.

Sighing, Yzak sat down beside him. 'I have my reasons for doing all this Azuiles.'

'I know, politics.' Azuiles snarled.

'Yes, exactly.' Yzak said curtly. 'We're going to get a divorce sooner or later, that was the deal between me and her Father.'

Azuiles raised his eyebrows. 'Her Father? What about her?'

Yzak shook his head. 'Don't start with me on that, it's too complicated.'

'Just once question.'

'Shoot.'

Azuiles eyed his brother sideways. 'Have you guys had sex yet?'

Yzak gave him a look. 'That's a fairly simple question.'

Sighing, Azuiles stood. 'No wonder that Tayne guy comes over all the time.'

Yzak's eyebrows furrowed. 'What?'

'Jealous?' Azuiles looked over his shoulder with a smirk.

Gritting his teeth, Yzak walked past him. 'Shut up Azuiles Jule.'

'You're jealous and don't even know it.' Azuiles muttered under his breath as he slammed the bathroom door shut.

'Where's Yzak?' Lois looked around with two bottles in her hands.

'The wuss is taking a shower.' Azuiles said, throwing himself onto the couch.

Lois looked down at him weirdly. 'You're calling your brother a wuss? The Commander Jule slash Councilor Jule?'

Azuiles eyed Lois. 'Yeah.'

Laughing, Lois shook her head. 'What a brother he has.'

Azuiles rolled his eyes and sat back. 'Shut up Law.' Giving the empty seat beside him a light pat, he motioned for Lois to sit beside her.

Compiling, Lois plopped down and handed him the bottle. Taking it, he took a long sip. Pursing her lips, Lois eyed the closed bathroom door briefly before leaning her head hesitantly onto Azuiles' shoulders. Narrowing his eyes, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him.

'Shiho said you could leave the basement tomorrow.' Lois said quietly.

'What do you have in mind?' Azuiles asked, sliding his hand down her arm and lacing is fingers through hers.

Grinning mischievously, Lois looked up at Azuiles. 'Lets get out at midnight.'

Azuiles raised his eyebrows. 'Midnight?'

Lois shrugged. 'We're not breaking any rules, it's a new day after midnight. Besides, Shiho's gone for the night, she'll never know.'

Azuiles sneered. 'Aren't you the clever one.'

Leaning up Lois brushed her lips over his. 'I believe I am.' Azuiles was about to lean down and give her a proper kiss when the door to the bathroom suddenly flung open.

'Fucking cold water.' Yzak muttered, shivering slightly with a towel wrapped around his waist.

'Yeah, your wife doesn't let me take hot showers.' Azuiles snarled, letting go of Lois.

'Crazy.' Yzak murmured. Walking into the storage room, he closed the door and changed quickly.

'Not bad.' Azuiles commented when Yzak stepped out again. He had on a black suit with a stripped shirt inside. Instead of a tie, he had a scar wrapped around his neck loosely.

'I believe I do have some taste.' Yzak muttered.

'Have fun!' Lois smiled.

'When does he ever have fun at these stupid parties?' Azuiles muttered.

Yzak pointed a finger at his brother. 'Point taken. See you guys.'

'When do we ever see you bro?' Azuiles sneered while Lois nudged him in the ribs.

Yzak shrugged. 'You never know.' Stepping out of the basement, he went to the kitchen.

'Yzak!' Niolava's eyes lit up at the sight of their young master. 'You look dashing.'

'Thanks.' Yzak muttered, reaching for a glass.

'Do you want to eat something?' Niolava asked. 'Who knows when you'll get to eat at the dinner.'

'Nah, I'll survive, I'm just a bit thirsty.' Yzak replied. Walking to the series of keys hung on the board at the far end. He scanned through them until he located the keys to the LaCienega convertible the Jule family owned.

Why am I listening to her? Yzak wondered as he drained down the water. Stepping out of the kitchen, he saw Vuit coming in from the front doors.

'I see you're all ready.' Vuit said, dusting himself off.

Yzak shrugged. 'Another one of those stupid dinners.'

'Are you taking the LaCienega?' Vuit asked, eyeing the car keys.

'Yeah, Shiho told me too.' Yzak replied. 'I don't even know why I…'

'Why you what?' Vuit cocked his head as Yzak's voice trailed. Turning, he saw Shiho at the top of the stairs, smoothing out her white evening gown. It was sleeveless and had a high waistline, making her look slim. She had a matching sash draped over her forearm and a tiny white sequin purse. On her feet were thin heels and she had her hair piled up elegantly on her head with wisp of brunette strands escaping from her ears.

Yzak could only stare with his mouth slightly opened when Shiho walked down the stairs carefully.

'You ready?' Shiho asked, walking up to him.

'Uh, yeah.' Kicking himself mentally, Yzak motioned his head towards the back doors.

'Have fun kidos.' Vuit winked at them.

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'No one has fun at these dinners.'

'Finally we have something in common.' Yzak muttered.

'Wait.' Shiho held her hand up when her cell phone rang. Unlocking the door, Yzak started the engine and opened the convertible while Shiho stepped aside.

'Who was it?' Yzak asked in a casual voice as she stepped into the car carefully.

Shiho eyed him. 'Why do you care?'

'It's like we can't go through a conversation without shooting daggers at each other.' Yzak seethed, shooting a glare at her as he steered out of the shed.

'You started it.' Shiho murmured.

'Fine, don't tell me.' Yzak muttered. 'I bet it's Alden Tayne anyway.'

'Aren't you the bitter one.' Shiho snarled.

Yzak rolled his eyes. 'Why did I even think of going to this fucking dinner with you?'

'Beats me.' Shiho muttered much to Yzak's aggravation.

They sat there in silence until they reached the convention center where the dinner was held every year downtown Aprillius One. Handing his car to the valet, Yzak frowned at the flashlights.

'I guess it's going to make the cover.' Shiho murmured.

'What are you doing?' Yzak asked, watching as Shiho wrapped one arm around his.

Shiho turned and smiled at him, her cheeks slightly flushed from the ride. 'We're in public, I'm pathetic as it is.'

'Fine.' Reaching down, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down the busy foyer, ignoring the reporters as they trudged down the wide hallway.

For the first time, she felt like she was actually his wife, and he was actually her husband.

'Yzak, Shiho!' Agrip greeted, a cocktail in his hand.

'Father.' Shiho let go of Yzak's hand and stepped forward, giving her Father a kiss on the cheek.

Yzak couldn't help but frown at the sudden coldness of his hand.

'I got the message from my secretary, I thought Yzak was too busy and came directly from work.' Agrip smiled at Yzak.

Shiho smiled and turned to Yzak. 'He's full of surprises.'

'That call was from your Father's secretary?' Yzak asked against her ear.

Shiho eyed him. 'Make a guess.'

'Shiho! My!' Dearka walked up to them with a champagne in hand. 'You look better than you did during your wedding.'

Shiho bowed her head slightly. 'Thank you.'

'Yzak!' Lamar Wyleed walked up to him with his daughter beside him. 'Glad to see that you're here.'

Gazelle eyed Shiho, who only smiled at her.

'My, what a lovely wife you have.' Wyleed held his hand out for her to shake. 'I believe we haven't been formally introduced.'

'Shiho Hahnenfuss.' Yzak introduced quickly. 'This is Lamar Wyleed from the senior council, representative of Sextilius.'

'Pleasure to meet you.' Shiho said.

'Have you seen Tayne Yzak?' Wyleed asked. 'I really want to talk to him about that preposition he made yesterday.'

'No, I haven't.' Yzak said flatly.

They stayed there for almost half an hour before the huge doors to the grand hall opened. Beside Yzak the whole time, Shiho knew that he was in a complete daze as politicians went up to him. Through the whole cocktail, she could also feel Gazelle Wyleed burning holes into her back.

'Well, here come the boring speeches.' Dearka muttered as the people started entering the hall.

'Where are you going?' Yzak asked as Shiho turned.

'I want to go freshen up a bit.' Shiho replied.

Dearka looked at her suspiciously. 'Are you just trying to skip all the speeches?'

'No.' Shiho replied. Eyeing Yzak, she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Leaning back, she cocked her head and rubbed off the faint lipstick mark on his cheek. 'Have fun.'

'She is so going to the ladies room to miss the speech.' Dearka muttered.

Taking a deep breath, Yzak shook his head. 'I don't care. Let's go.'


'You look stunning.'

Turning, Shiho couldn't help but smile as Alden walked up to her.

'Thanks.' Shiho looked down at her white evening gown. 'You have great taste.'

Alden nodded. 'I had this dress tailor made.'

Shiho blinked. 'Really?'

Leaning against the railing of the balcony, he turned his head and looked at her. 'Taking a break from the crowd?'

Shiho nodded. 'I'm not used to socializing with politicians. I mean real politicians.'

Alden made a face. 'Yeah, they can be a pain in the ass.'

Shiho shook her head. 'I hope my Father isn't that bad.'

Alden watched as Shiho looked out at the starry sky. Reaching out one hand, he brushed some of her silky strands out of her eyes. 'You look beautiful Shiho.'

Looking down, Shiho tried to calm herself down at the soft touch of his fingers. 'Thank you.'

Narrowing his eyes, turned her face to him slightly and looked into her amethyst eyes. 'Tell me I'm not too late.'

Widening her eyes, Shiho stared at him. 'What?'

Feeling his throat tighten, Alden pulled her into a tight embrace. Feeling her stiffen, he only responded by tightening his grip.

Feeling her eyes sting, Shiho closed her eyes and finally relaxed, holding onto him gently. 'Alden, if anyone sees us like this…'

'Screw them.' Alden muttered. 'I don't care if Yzak Jule saw us like this.'

Opening her eyes slightly, Shiho could only muster all her strength to prevent the tears from welling up. 'He won't care Alden.'

Pulling away from her, Alden looked down. 'You were forced into this marriage and I know you're anything but happy. I will give you happiness, think of the times we had when we were little! You always knew how I felt before the war, before I left. Do you know how I felt when I found out you married Yzak Jule?'

Shiho bit her lip and looked away. 'I'm sorry Alden, but things happen beyond my control and I – '

'You can make a choice.' Alden insisted. 'It's been three years, but I know you still have something for me, I can feel it. Right?'

Taking a deep breath, Shiho looked up at Alden's intense hazel eyes. Reaching out one hand, she brushed some of his black locks out of his eyes and brushed them over his fair skin. Yzak had very white skin too. She'd give anything to run her fingers through his silky white locks and kiss his thin cold lips again. In some ways, Alden and Yzak were so similar…

Cupping her face, Alden leaned his forehead against hers. 'Tell me I'm not too late Shiho, please, tell me I still have a chance to give you a happy life, to make you smile.'

Did she not smile anymore? Has her marriage with Yzak Jule drained her completely? They didn't even do anything, he'd be out sleeping with different woman and she'd be lying on their huge cold bed, staring into space, counting sheep, wondering what he was doing, forcing herself to close her eyes and sleep…

Feeling long awaited tears overflowing, Shiho watched with blurry eyes as Alden leaned down. Just as his lips were about to brush past hers, she turned her head abruptly, feeling them hit her face instead.

Opening his eyes, Alden sighed and pulled away from Shiho. 'I'm too late after all, am I?'

Shiho bit her lip, refusing to look at him. 'I'm sorry.'

Alden stared down at her. 'You've fallen for Yzak Jule?' He was more of a statement then a question.

Opening her eyes, Shiho suddenly felt herself completely out of breath. It sounded like a curse.

Letting go of her, Alden turned and stared out into the night. 'If you didn't want to do something, you'd find a way to get out of it. I remember you telling Geherin that no one could force you into marrying someone you didn't like, you sounded so serious and I thought I had a chance. When I came back, everything changed and I thought it was because of the war, but it's not…' Alden paused and looked at her sideways. 'When it comes to marriage, you haven't changed at all, have you?'

She was trying to denying it, but at this point, she knew she couldn't anymore.

Smiling, Alden reached out one hand and brushed the tears that had made way down her cheeks. 'Don't cry, you don't need to.'

'You'll always be my friend Alden.' Shiho said softly, looking up at him. 'You will always be an irreplaceable friend to me.'

His eyes softening, Alden lifted her hand up. 'And it will always be my honor.' Blinking back the tears, Shiho watched as Alden leaned his head down and kissed her hand. When he looked up again, she found that he was a friend looking at her. He will always be her friend, and only a friend.

'Nice to meet you Mrs. Jule.'


Turning away from the glass doors, Yzak clutched onto his champagne glass tightly and walked across the hall. Gritting his teeth, he entered a quite chamber and threw the glass onto the carpeted floor, watching as the red wine stained it, color oozing over the surface.

'I guess you don't mind if I had a little affair of my own, do you?'

'Fuck it.' Yzak cursed. He didn't know if it was because of his pride or that he was just plane annoyed at seeing Shiho with Alden on that balcony. When he turned away, they were about to kiss and at that point he knew that they have successfully established an open relationship, if there was a relationship at all. The later sounded much more accurate.

Twisted. Yzak mused. Completely twisted. This should have happened, it shouldn't have…

'Where have you been Yzak?'

Turning his head slightly, Yzak found Gazelle leaning against the mirror with her hands crossed, a frown on her face.

'What do you mean where have I been?' Yzak asked, narrowing his eyes.

Gazelle raised one thinly shaped eyebrows as she walked up to him, her hips swaying. Reaching out one finely manicured hand, she started fiddling with his collar while looking at him. 'I thought we were supposed to get together last night.'

'Sorry, had plans.' Yzak said promptly.

Gazelle could see the absence in him. Falling for a man like Yzak was a pain, yet one could get easily addicted, like drugs. She wasn't stupid, she knew what Yzak did outside, the woman he hooked up with. Hell she was one of them, but she didn't care. The more Yzak was aloof about her, the more she wanted him. If you wanted him to come back to you, then you'd have to tolerate the fact that he was a wanderer, and would never stop being one.

'You surprised me when you came with your wife.' Gazelle murmured, wrapping one arm around his neck. 'I thought you told me you'd come alone.'

Yzak wasn't stupid, he felt the prominent accusation in her voice and one thing that turned him completely off was accusation.

Pushing her away gently, Yzak turned sideways and glared at her. 'You talk like you're expecting more from me Miss Wyleed.'

At that, Gazelle knew she had aggravated Yzak Jule big time. 'I'm sorry, I…'

'You're no different from all the other girls I screw out there, except for probably you have a better upbringing.' Yzak said quietly, still glaring at her. 'Don't talk like I owe you anything because I don't. We're not even in a relationship, please keep that in mind.'

Biting her lip, Gazelle looked away, trying not to tremble in anger and hurt. 'What about Shiho Hahnenfuss? You seriously think she's any different?'

'You keep her out of this.' Yzak scowled. 'You know nothing about our relationship, if there even is a relationship at all.'

Gazelle looked up and stared at him. 'What?'

'It's not of your business.' Yzak narrowed his eyes. 'Don't make me repeat myself.'

Gazelle could only watch as Yzak turned and left the hallway.

'Boy do you like challenges.' Cavicog sneered, appearing from behind the corner with his arms crossed.

'I'm going to make him mine.' Gazelle whispered, her eyebrows twisted.

Cavicog raised his eyebrows, the sneer still on his face. 'What are you going to do then princess?' Looking over her shoulder, Gazelle gave him a suggestive look. Shaking his head, Cavicog stood straight, sticking his hands into his trouser pockets. 'Guess I won't be needing condoms tonight then.'

Stalking down the sparse hallway, Yzak stopped at the front lobby and waited for the valet to retrieve his car.

'Where's the lady?' The valet asked as Yzak gave him the tip.

'I don't know.' Yzak muttered as he made a move to climb into the car. 'What did you think of her?'

The valet stared at him briefly before bowing his head. 'The lady is beautiful. You are a very lucky man.'

Looking away, Yzak stuck the keys in and gunned the engine. 'I doubt that.'

Steering out of the driveway, Yzak leaned his arm over the door and stared into space. He always did that when he was at a traffic light and would sometimes get an unfriendly honk from drivers behind him. He found himself dazing out a lot recently and he blamed it on politics, on the marriage, on Shiho. He was a blamer.

Blinking at yet another familiar honk behind him, Yzak stepped on the gas and turned the corner into a main street that would eventually lead him to a highway.

He never found it disturbing, not going home after his marriage. They had an unspoken agreement, at least he imagined there was, and his wife didn't seem to have a problem at all. That he knew he wasn't imagining because if she did have a problem, she would have bitched about it and wouldn't waste her time trying to help his bastard brother.

Because of that, because of her nonchalance to the situation she was put into, Yzak felt disturbed. It was a stupid feeling, but it was also real and really annoying. Even more annoying was the fact that he felt utterly disturbed at the sight of Shiho and Tayne.

'What the fuck's wrong with you Jule?' Yzak muttered. There was a silent alarm in his head, telling him that he couldn't continue living like this. He had to pull himself together before something serious happened, before something floating underneath the surface surfaces and spins out of control.

He hated this feeling.

'What am I doing here?' Yzak asked himself as he killed the engine, his car parked in the shed. He sighed as the silence met him and stepped out of the car.

Maybe I'd get a good night's sleep in my own house for a change. He mused, praising himself for a dry sense of humor.

Shooting a glance at the clock on the wall that read two in the morning, he stopped at the top of the stairs that led to the basement, not missing the black coupe that was missing in the shed.

'That kid better not let her know anything.' Yzak muttered to himself. Taking off his jacket, he tossed it over his shoulder as he walked up the stairs two at a time. Reaching the master bedroom, he didn't even care to knock and flung the door open, nothing but surprised when he found Shiho sitting at the window with one foot up, her arm resting on her upright knee, her hair still in the loose updo she did and was in nothing but a white towel. She was looking out the window, and now looking at him through the reflection.

'Aren't you supposed to be with Alden Tayne?' Yzak asked curtly, closing the door behind him.

Shiho kept staring at him in the window's reflection. 'Aren't you supposed to be with Gazelle Wyleed?'

Sighing, Yzak racked his hand through his head violently and threw his jacket on the easy chair beside him. 'Can we never have a conversation without being at each other's throats?'

'With your temper and attitude?' Shiho smirked, pausing. 'I don't think so Commander Jule.'

Yzak narrowed his eyes. 'If you were still my subordinate I would have fired you with that attitude.'

'On what grounds?' Shiho asked.

Yzak sneered. 'For starters, you have total disrespect for me, you still have your back to me while I'm talking to you, I would never let my inferior talk to me like that.'

'Then too bad, because I'm no longer your Major Hahnenfuss' Shiho said quietly. Turning, she looked at him with raised eyebrows. 'But if you think that I was hired to be your wife, you can by all means fire me.'

Yzak stared at her, shaking his head. 'You're hard to get, harder then I thought Shiho.'

Shiho smiled at him, much to his surprise. 'That's the first time you used my first name in a civil conversation.'

Yzak gritted his teeth. 'You know I like boundaries.'

'So…' Standing up, Shiho leaned against the poster of the bed with her arms crossed. 'Do you have boundaries with the women you screw out there?'

'Why do you care?' Yzak asked, looking at her skeptically.

Shiho shrugged lightly. 'Just wondering, you do have a reputation of being a player.'

'Should I take that as a compliment?' Yzak muttered.

Shiho cocked her head. 'Maybe. So? Boundaries?'

'More than you can imagine.' Yzak replied vaguely.

'Really?' Raising her eyebrows, Shiho pushed herself from the poster and walked up to him. This time, he didn't back away.

'What do you want Hahnenfuss?' Yzak muttered as she stood inches from him.

'There's a half naked lady standing inches from you.' Shiho whispered against his lips. 'Are you really going to throw away the opportunity of having sex?'

Yzak raised his eyebrows, very aware of her scent. 'I may be a teenager with raging hormones but I'm not a pevert, I don't screw every woman out there. I make choices.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows back at him. 'Are you saying I'm a bad choice? Are you saying I don't meet this high standard of yours?'

Yzak seethed. 'I didn't say that.'

Shiho cocked her head. 'Then why am I not getting laid by my husband?' Shaking her head, she sighed. 'Isn't that sad?'

'Is this some kind of self-sarcasm you're trying to play?' Yzak asked sharply. 'Because if it is, it's not working on me.'

Turning back to him, Shiho narrowed her amethyst eyes. 'Why are you even here Yzak? Just, why? Shouldn't you in some fancy hotel room screwing a chick you hooked up in a bar or something? Or maybe Gazelle Wyleed, isn't she your regular high class release?' Gritting her teeth at his silence, Shiho raised her hands and pushed him roughly. 'Say something! Am I so bad that I can't even compare to all those women out there? Huh? Answer me Yzak Jule! Answer me!'

When she raised her hands again, Yzak caught them, watching as she tried to struggle from his strong grip. Holding her hands to her side, he leaned down, his face inches from hers. 'You want it?'

Shiho just stared up at him in stubborn silence. It was a silence that gave you pressure, also a silence of determination.

Running his hand up her arm, he rested it against the side of her neck. 'You're going to regret it.'

'Try me.'

Running his hand down her chest, he gently removed the lose towel around her, tossing his carelessly onto the floor. Wrapping his arm around her bare back, he pushed her towards him and leaned down, giving her a deep kiss while lacing the fingers of his other hand with hers. When they parted, he leaned his forehead onto hers, watching as she panted slightly.

'Last chance Hahnenfuss.' Yzak whispered, running his warm hand up and down her bare back.

'Shut up and fuck me Jule.' The response was curt as she stared straight into his eyes.

Narrowing his eyes, Yzak pushed her forward without warning and kissed her again, this time rougher, more urgent. A dominating kiss, a kiss that could only be derived from carnal desires. There were no more words as they sunk into each others heat, each others touch.

It was going to be a long night, and when morning came, they'd become, physically, husband and wife.


End of Chapter 3
Next Update: 12th May, 2006

A/N: Sorry if some people think the story is too long, once again, author's stubbornness, can't change the structure of the story. All I can say is, take a break in between if you can, or when reading it, think about the person who had sat in front of the computer writing it.

Anyway, Yzak's the bastard huh? Oh well... I promise he'll get what he deserves later. By the by, if you haven't noticed, I have announced a new DxM story by the title 'Fools in Love', check out the synopsis on my author's page if interested.

Till next update. Enjoy.