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 7: To Home
When you saw me, you wanted to run away
You ran away.
'What's going on Shiho?'
Looking up from her cell phone, Shiho sighed when she saw Ceit, one of her course mates come up to her.
'Lost my ride.' Shiho said in frustration. 'Vena decided to ditch me with Nix.'
'That's bad.' Ceit said. 'I would give you a ride but I have plans with my girlfriend and I'm already sort of running late. Sorry.'
Shiho exhaled loudly. 'Don't be, it's Friday, the big night, how could I blame you for having plans? I should blame myself for not having plans.'
'You'll find someone, trust me.' Giving her an encouraging pat on the shoulder, Ceit turned. 'See you next week Shiho.'
Waving goodbye to him, Shiho sighed again and stared down at her cell phone. 'Bastard and bitch.'
'I hope I'm not a bastard.'
Blinking, Shiho looked up abruptly and found that a car had stopped right in front of her on the road, a black convertible two to be more correct. 'Oh my…'
'It's been a while Shiho.' Taking off his shades, Alden smirked up at her. 'How's it going?'
Shiho stared at him for a while, her mouth gapping before she found her voice again. 'What in God's name are you doing on December 4? Do not tell me you're here on business because there is no business for you here Alden, trust me.'
'I am here on business.' Alden smiled, reaching over to open the passenger seat door. 'Personal business. Got plans?'
Shiho shook her head. 'Nope, or I wouldn't be standing here, cursing my roommate who was supposed to give me ride but decided to ditch me for her boyfriend.'
'Well, now you do.' Alden said, motioning his had. 'Hop in, we got a lot to catch up.'
Laughing, Shiho climbed into the car and slammed the door. 'Just so you know, I've gained the reputation as a penis destroyer, so you wouldn't want to hook up with me.'
Alden stared at her briefly before laughing. 'Well, I'm glad to say that I am over my crush.'
Laughing, Shiho pulled on her seat belt. 'Glad to hear, let's go.'
Taking her to a small café he found earlier during the day, they settled down and ordered quickly.
'So,' Shiho placed her hands on the table and looked at Alden. 'What brings you here?'
'You are one of my most important friends Shiho,' Alden started, leaning back, 'and despite not keeping in contact with me for four years, I still want to invite you…' he reached into his jacket and pulled out a cream colored envelop, 'to my wedding in two weeks.'
Shiho stared at him briefly before looking down at the invitation lying on the highly polished table. 'You're getting married? Oh my God! Congratulations!'
Alden smiled. 'Yeah, a little early, but I've decided to tie the knot.'
Shiho raised her eyebrows at him. 'Early?'
Alden nodded sheepishly. 'Yeah, not that early.'
'So, who's the girl?' Shiho asked, scanning the invitation briefly before sticking it back into the envelop. 'Eneta Toulon?'
Alden took a sip from his coffee. 'She's a friend of mine, from school back on Earth. I bumped into her again three and a half years ago on a ski trip at Januarius Two and we sort of hit it off there.'
'What does she do?' Shiho asked, leaning her chin on her palm.
'She's a journalist.' Alden replied. 'We studied politics together.'
'And now you guys are getting married, that's wonderful!' Shiho exclaimed. 'I'm really happy for you Alden.'
'So, you're going to come to wedding right?' Alden smiled.
'I don't know…' Shiho's voice trailed as she looked at the window. 'It's in Aprillius One?'
Rolling his eyes, Alden opened the invitation and stuck it at her face. 'It's in Sextilis Nine Miss Hahnenfuss.'
Shiho stared at it for a while with her eyes wide open. 'I, I don't know Alden, I've got a lot of coursework to tie up near graduation and…'
'It's just a weekend Shiho.' Alden said. 'All expenses paid, take off on Friday and come back Sunday, the wedding's on Saturday by the way.'
'I don't know, it's just one wedding and…' Shiho grabbed the invitation from him, 'I don't have a date, it's weird going to weddings without date I'm sure a lot of your guests are politicians and even…'
Alden watched as Shiho took a deep breath while shaking her head. 'Shiho, there's nothing to worry about, that invitation was standard, you don't have to bring a date. Also, it's going to be a very big wedding, you know, my Father and all, so there's going to be tones of people, they won't even notice you and it's been four years, so what if Jule's there, I mean…' he paused and stared at Shiho, 'you're over him right?'
'I don't think that's the right word to use at all.' Shiho murmured, looking out the window. 'We never really started, it wasn't even a marriage. We were just two people who walked down the isle dressed fancy, exchanged rings and a lousy kiss, had sex for two months and went on with our lives… it wasn't a marriage Alden, we were too young to know what marriage really was.'
Alden stared at her for a while before sighing. 'You know what I did when you left?'
Shiho turned and looked at him. 'What?'
'I punched him.' Alden said, raising his eyebrows.
Shiho's jaw dropped. 'What? You punched him? You literally…'
Alden nodded. 'Yeah, I punched him square in the mouth. Boy was he pissed and I was surprised that I actually had the guts to hit a military man, not that I'm not strong in my own way.'
Shiho just stared at him. 'Did he…'
'Oh yeah, he wanted to.' Alden sneered. 'I was glad that Elthman was there to restrain him.'
Shiho laughed softly. 'I don't know what to say Alden.'
'Say you'll come to my wedding.' Alden said, smiling. 'Don't blow me off because of that asshole, he doesn't deserve to have so much influence on you.'
Shiho stared down at the invitation for a while before looking up with a smile. 'Well, since you came all the way from Aprillius One just to give me my invitation, I can afford to leave this boring place for two days.'
His smiling widening, Alden reached out one hand and squeezed hers. 'You're my star Shiho, you know that don't you?'
Shiho smiled back as their food came. After the long meal and a stroll in the huge park beside the restaurant, Alden drove her back to her apartment at around eleven.
'Well, I guess I'll see you in two weeks.' Shiho said, unbuckling her seatbelt. 'Thanks for the dinner and the invitation.'
'Wait.' Climbing out of his car, Alden took a paper bag out from the backseat and handed it to her. 'A present, a dress and matching shoes actually for the wedding.'
'I'm not that poor!' Shiho protested playfully. 'It seems like you always give me something after we haven't seen each other for a long time.'
'Hey, I had nothing to do with this.' Alden said, handing her the bag. 'My fiancée chose it for you, she has good taste, trust me.'
'Thank you.' Shiho said softly. Stepping forward, she gave him a brief hug. 'I'll be there.'
'That's all I want to hear.' Alden said. Giving her shoulder a squeeze, he climbed back into his car.
'Did you tell him that you were a penis breaker?' a voice suddenly rang from behind her.
'What in god's name are you doing sneaking up on me?' Shiho cried, whirling around to find Nix standing there.
'Was he scared when you told him about your little… talent?' Nix asked, trying to contain his laughter.
'I am not a penis breaker!' Shiho cried, throwing her hands up in the air. 'He is just a friend and what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with my roommate who ditched me this afternoon?'
'Hello, it's already eleven thirty major.' Nix said tapping on his watch. 'I just came out to get some ice cream.'
'Right.' Shiho eyed him. 'And condoms.'
'Oh yeah, flavored ones.' Nix said, nodding his head.
'I so did not need to hear that!' Shiho exclaimed as they walked up the stairs. 'That's too much information.'
'Hey, you two share a wall!' Nix scoffed.
'That's why I put a sound proof panel there.' Shiho said dryly as she unlocked the door.
Rolling his eyes, Nix entered the apartment with her. 'Yeah, like you and your boys aren't loud Major. You may not have gone to home base but you're still pretty loud.'
'Vena!' Shiho shouted, slamming the door shut. 'Get out here and shut your boyfriend's fucking mouth!'
'What did you do this time hon?' Vena asked absently as she stepped out of her room with a magazine in her hands. 'Did you get the ice cream? Cookie's n Cream?'
'Right here.' Nix replied, holding up the plastic bag.
Gritting her teeth, Shiho plopped herself down on the sofa. 'Your boyfriend, is unbelievable.'
Snorting, Nix wrapped his arms around Vena and rested his chin on her shoulder while sticking his tongue out at Shiho. 'Shut it Major, she thinks I'm incredible.'
'Incredible and unbelievable.' Vena said quickly before the two engaged in another one of their bickering wars. 'Where did you go Shiho? You didn't return my call.'
'I ran into a friend right after you ditched me.' Shiho scowled.
'It was a guy.' Nix whispered playfully.
Shiho held her fist up. 'Patience Hahnenfuss, patience…'
'Had dinner? A walk? A little sex?' Vena's voice raised hopefully.
'No.' Shiho said firmly. 'He's not that kind of a friend, he's just a friend, a friend.'
'If you say so Major.' Nix whistled, sticking the ice cream into the fridge.
'He did have a crush on me before.' Shiho admitted.
'Ha!' Nix whirled around and pointed a finger at him. 'So he's a potential victim of your penis breaking.'
Throwing her hands up in the air, Shiho turned and headed for her room. 'I'm not going to talk to him Vena.'
Vena shrugged while glaring at Nix. 'Fair enough.'
'Oh, before I forget,' Shiho turned at her door, 'I won't be here for the weekend after this one.'
'Why?' Vena asked, cocking her head.
'I've got a wedding to go to.' Shiho said casually. 'The friend, he's getting married at Sextilius Nine.'
'Sextilius Nine?' Nix nodded his head. 'Really nice, the honeymoon fantasy land. You want to go there some day Vena?'
Turning, Vena gave him a peck on the cheek. 'I'll think about it hon.'
'Good night love birds.' Shiho said, rolling her eyes.
'Nighty!' Vena chirped before Shiho closed her door. Leaning against door she didn't even bother to flick on the lights as she reached into her pocket and took out the invitation again. Smiling, she tossed it onto her dressing table and stared at it.
'Yeah, the honeymoon fantasy land.' Shiho murmured, lowering her eyes. 'I've been there.'
942, a very familiar number, a very familiar room number. It was her room number four years ago when she was here at Sextilius Nine's Mirandia Hotel for her honeymoon, alone.
'Miss Hahnenfuss, you're room is down the hall.' The bell boy said, carrying her white duffle bag and dress bag.
Snapping back to reality, Shiho rushed forward. 'I'm sorry.'
'No problem.' The bell boy smiled. 'Say, you look familiar to me, have I seen you somewhere? I can't relate you but you look awfully familiar.'
'I have very ordinary features.' Shiho smiled.
Shrugging, the bell boy led her down the hallway. Of course she remembered him, he was the exact same bell boy who had led her down the exact same hallway four years ago, talk about coincidence. She had been bored on the second day of her 'honeymoon' and had a quick chat with him and found out that this was his part-time job aside from school. Four years and he was still here. Really, talk about coincidence.
'Here you are Miss Hahnenfuss.' The bell boy opened the door for her and handed her the card key. Taking his hat off with his gloved hands, he bowed.
There were two major differences, four years ago, he led her to room 942 and called her Mrs. Jule, four years later he leads her to room 912 and calls her Miss Hahnenfuss.
Fishing into her trench coat pocket, Shiho handed him a few dollar bills. 'Here you go.'
'Thank you Miss Hahnenfuss.' Bowing one more time, he turned and left. Shaking her head, Shiho closed the door behind her and tossed the garment bag on the queen size bed. Drawing the curtains open, Shiho stretched and looked down at the view. Turning around, she opened the mini bar and tapped her chin, her eyes scanning the collection of miniature wine bottles.
'It's a little too early to get drunk don't you think?' Shiho murmured, holding up a clear vodka bottle while kicking the fridge door shut. Shrugging, she unscrewed the cap and threw herself on the lounge chair beside the window. 'What the hell, I'm on vacation and I don't need to pay.'
Taking a small sip, she looked out the window. The view was similar, the window faced the huge tropical pool where people were lounging in the sun with colorful fat glasses, swimming in the shimmering water, walking around in twos… Sextilius Nine was holiday paradise, honeymoon paradise. It was like a combination of Las Vegas, Hawaii and the Caribbean's. That was the amazing part of PLANT, you could tailor it, make it into whatever you want, they definitely succeeded.
Sextilius Nine was definitely not a place to go alone.
Rolling her eyes, Shiho jumped up and screwed the cap back on after take two sips of the vodka. Tossing it on the chair, she opened her duffle bag and pulled out a small white Tshirt, black shorts and matching flats. Changing quickly, she pulled her waist length hair in a pony tail and stuck her sunglasses on her forehead.
She wasn't going to waste this vacation like last time, she was going to enjoy herself and be happy despite the chances of bumping into her ex-husband.
'Yes, I am going to enjoy myself and try to get drunk during the day.' Shiho muttered. Grabbing her card key, she stepped out of her room and flounced down the hallway, almost bumping into another girl with shoulder length black hair in a flowered bikini and a matching wrap. Apologizing briefly, she stepped into the elevator just as it closed.
Muttering under her breath, Nia adjusted the strap of her bikini and shrugged on the light sleeveless jacket she had in her hands. Stopping at room 942, she knocked on it. A few moments later, she heard a groan from inside and smiled, leaning against the door frame when it flung open.
'What?' Yzak growled at the sight of her.
'It's right smack in the middle of the day, come outside.' Nia said, sticking a flower behind her ear.
'I thought you had some errands to do for the groom and the bride.' Yzak muttered.
'All done.' Nia said. 'Aren't you going to let me in?'
'You know I don't let girls into my room.' Yzak said flatly. 'It's my happy place, my bachelor pad.'
Rolling her eyes, Nia stepped back and crossed her arms. 'Are you coming down or not?'
'Can I say no?' Yzak asked tiredly.
'No.' Nia said curtly. 'Come on, it's Sextilius Nine, the paradise, you are so not going to waste this trip, and besides, all expenses paid.'
Yzak nodded. 'True.'
'So?' Nia raised her eyebrows in anticipation.
'Sec.' Closing the door, Yzak changed into linen slacks and slipped on a dark blue shirt, not even bothering to button it up as he opened the door again.
'Not a fan of swimming?' Nia asked.
'No.' Yzak said, rolling his eyes as he slammed his door shut.
'Come on, lighten up!' Nia cried, nudging him in the ribs as they entered the lift. 'Jeez, you're at a wedding, I seriously don't understand why my cousin gave you that invitation.'
'I've been wondering about that too Nia, trust me.' Yzak muttered.
'Oh, I don't know if you know about this, but uh, you don't have to dress for dinner rehearsal.' Nia said quickly as they stepped into the lobby.
'Good, because I only have one suit.' Yzak sneered. 'What is it about dinner rehearsals and all that crap, I mean, I didn't have a – '
'Right.' Nia turned when Yzak stopped short. 'I forgot you were married before, so you should be a pro at it.' Frowning, Nia turned and searched for what was catching Yzak's sudden attention, her frowned deepened at a certain brunette who was standing at one of the bars ordering a drink. 'Is that she?'
'What is she doing here?' Yzak muttered, turning away abruptly.
'She is here as my special guest Jule.' Alden walked up to them with his fiancée. 'I'm sure you two are acquainted.'
'If it's any consolation, you two are seated at the same table.' Eneta teased.
Shooting a glance at Eneta before turning to Alden, Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'She's satan, you know that.'
'Why thank you Yzak, it's a very good pet name for him to use.' Eneta smirked, wrapping her arms around Alden's waist.
'Hey Shiho!' Alden called.
Looking over his shoulder, Yzak watched as Shiho turned and met his eyes. They stared at each other for a split second before she smiled and held her martini glass up.
'Glad to see you made it.' Alden smirked, giving Shiho's shoulder a pat.
'Well, all expenses paid.' Shiho shrugged. 'It's the perfect time to try and get drunk in the middle of the day.'
'Hey, you might just break Jule's record.' Alden turned to Yzak and raised his eyebrows.
'So you're Shiho Hahnenfuss?' Nia asked quickly, turning to her before Yzak had a chance to open his mouth.
Shiho looked down at Nia's outstretched hand briefly before shaking it. 'And you are?'
'My cousin, Nia Siers.' Alden introduced, deliberately ignoring Yzak. 'You guys never met before, her family lives on Earth.'
Nia nodded and looked at Shiho straight in the eye. 'Yeah, I moved to Aprillius One by myself three and a half years ago, I'm a journalist now, I work for the same company as Eneta, that's how we met.'
Shiho looked back at her and nooded, shooting a glance at Yzak who stayed silent. 'And you two…'
'We're on and off.' Yzak replied before anyone could open their mouths while shooting a glare at Alden.
Shiho smiled. 'Right. Was Dearka invited?'
'Yeah, but he's not coming.' Alden replied. 'Too far, and apparently he's got a project on hand.'
Shiho nodded. 'ZAFT, you never know what comes up.'
'Why are you still in ZAFT?' Yzak asked. 'You're still listed as an on call enlistee which literally means a veteran.'
Shiho looked down at her glass briefly before looking up, straight into his eyes. 'Because I need the money, I'm poor, I left home, left everything behind, my family, my friends. I needed to start all over and I needed to know that I didn't have to worry about paying tuition, so I decided to be an on call enlistee. Is that a satisfying answer Commander Jule?'
'More information than I needed.' Yzak muttered, looking back at her.
'So, you know when the dinner rehearsal is Shiho?' Eneta asked quickly.
'Seven right? Casual?' Shiho nodded. 'I'll be there.'
'Do you guys want to hang out by the lounge or…' Alden looked around.
'I'm good.' Shiho raised her hand up. 'I want to spend some alone, see if I can get drunk before the dinner party.'
'Fair enough, just don't come puking.' Alden joked.
Watching Shiho disappear into the crowd, Yzak rolled his eyes and turned around.
'Where are you going?' Nia called as he headed back into the lobby.
'Men's room.' Yzak said, throwing a glare over his shoulder. 'Consider my evening completely ruined.'
Crossing her arms, Nia turned to Alden with narrowed eyes. 'What the hell are you doing? You think this, this – '
'If you had gone through the guest list, you would've known.' Alden said nonchalantly.
Gritting her teeth, Nia glared at him. 'You invited his ex-wife to the wedding! You know that Yzak still has something going on with her and I've waited for three years! You are not doing me any good here!'
'Shiho is my dear friend, and I am not going to deprive myself from sharing this joy with her.' Alden said coldly. 'Not for you, and not for that jackass who you claim to love.'
'You are unbelievable.' Nia seethed.
Ignoring her, Alden turned and gave Eneta a quick kiss on the lips. 'I have to make a call, I'll see you in a bit?'
Nodding, Eneta gave his hand a squeeze. 'Go on.'
Inside the lobby, Alden looked around and caught a silver head enter the men's room at the far end. Narrowing his eyes, he followed and threw the wooden door open and found Yzak at the basins with both hands on the counter, staring at his reflection, his face dripping wet.
'You really hate me don't you?' Yzak asked in a low voice, looking at him in the mirror.
Seeing that the restroom was empty, Alden leaned against the door with his arms crossed. 'What made you think that Jule?'
'What made me think that?' Turning, Yzak fought the urge to punch him in the face like he did to him four years ago. 'So that was the surprise, that was why wanted to come.'
'What?' Alden cocked his head and raised his eyebrows. 'Shiho?'
'Yes.' Yzak said through gritted teeth.
Alden smirked. 'She's my friend, why should you be surprised at all that I invited her?'
'Oh I'm not surprised you invited her.' Yzak spat. 'I'm surprised you and your cousin made me come.'
'Why? Because you're not over her?' Alden asked.
Glaring at him, Yzak tore some paper towels out from the dispenser. 'You really do hate me Tayne.'
Alden sneered. 'Yeah I do, and you know why?' Taking a step forward, he stared straight into his eyes. 'It's not because you married the woman I thought was the love of my life, not because you screwed her over and and in the end divorced her, not because you quit the council when we most needed people and not because you're going on and off with Nia like dying light bulb.'
Yzak just looked at him. 'Then what? Why?'
'You know why I punched you four years ago even when I knew you'd beat me down if Elthman hadn't been there?' Alden asked.
'You didn't care to explain then.' Yzak scowled. 'Care to enlighten me now?'
'You give people hope.' Alden said quietly. 'You gave Shiho hope, an illusion that there was a chance between the two of you and in the end you just snatched it away, destroyed it like snap, and now? You're doing the same to Nia.'
'Believe me, I am not doing it to Nia, we both know our grounds or we wouldn't be on and off.' Yzak muttered, tossing the crumpled paper towel into the trash can. When he passed Alden, he was suddenly hauled by the collar.
'Shiho Hahnenfuss may no longer be the love my life, but she damn well is my most important friend who left everything behind because of a bastard and if you screw her over again, I'll make sure your future in ZAFT is as worst as hell.'
Yzak narrowed his eyes at Alden. 'Is that a threat?'
Smirking, Alden let go of him. 'Yeah, and I have the grounds to do so, trust me Commander Jule.'
Looking at Alden, Yzak suddenly let out a bitter laugh. 'Yeah, you do. And don't call me Commander Jule, you're not in the position to call me that.'
'And Shiho is?' Alden asked promptly before Yzak reached for the door.
Looking over his shoulder, Yzak sneered. 'Yeah, she is.'
She was avoiding him.
Lifting the glass of wine to his lips, Yzak watched with narrowed eyes as he leaned against the window pane at the far end of the hall, his feet crossed at his ankles. Taking a tiny sip, his eyes followed Shiho who was dancing with a random man on the polished dance floor that was lightly dimmed.
Weddings, great way to meet people, great way to hook up, especially when you're in a hotel.
'Hey.' Nia came up to him with a glass of champagne.
'Hey.' Yzak responded absently. 'Great wedding.'
'Thank you, I want mine to be like this one too.' Nia said.
'Good luck on that then.' Yzak muttered.
Sighing, Nia leaned against the window and took a sip. 'What are you doing tonight?'
'Nothing.' Yzak replied curtly.
'Really? Because there's a great nightclub a few minutes from here and I've heard it's great.' Nia suggested, eyeing Yzak sideways. 'Interested? You never really pass a chance to whine down at a nightclub Yzak.'
Pausing, Yzak turned and looked down at Nia. 'Can't, have an early flight back to Aprillius One tomorrow.'
Nia raised her eyebrows. 'On a Sunday?'
'Yeah.' Yzak said, his eyes still trained on the dance floor.
Snorting, Nia crossed her arms. 'Trying to avoid someone Jule?'
'No.' Yzak said quietly, draining down the rest of his wine. 'But someone's trying to avoid me.'
'Are you letting her?' Nia asked quietly.
It was Yzak's turn to snort. 'When I have ever had the ability to control anyone Nia?'
'You have the ability to control women in bed.' Nia said slyly.
Turning, Yzak smiled down at her. 'Have a good evening Miss Siers.'
Exhaling loudly, Nia watched helplessly as Yzak left the hall. After three damn years and Yzak was still a mystery man, no one could decipher his emotions and as challenging as it is, it gets woman frustrated.
Taking another sip from her champagne glass, Nia watched as Shiho parted her dance partner and made her way to her table. Setting down her glass down on the nearest table, she walked up to her just as she put on her sash.
'Nia Siers, I believe we met yesterday but weren't properly introduced.' Nia held her hand out.
Looking at her briefly, Shiho shook her outstretched hand. 'Congratulations on catching the bouquet.'
'It was a lovely bouquet wasn't it?' Nia commented nonchalantly, studying Shiho's face.
'It was.' Shiho replied.
'I didn't see you trying to catch it.' Nia continued.
Shiho shot a glance at her. 'There's no point for me to catch it, I've been married before, I'm sure you know that too.'
'But you're divorced.' NIa said, emphasizing her last word quite clearly.
'So I am, doesn't mean I want to get married again.' Shiho countered quietly.
'True.' Nia smiled at her. 'So, have you moved on?'
'I don't believe that is your business Miss Siers.' Shiho said curtly.
'You would think.' Nia shot back.
They stared at each other for a few moments before Shiho bowed her head slightly. 'I have to go, it's getting late. Have a nice evening.'
'You too,' Nia paused before smiling again, 'Miss Hahnenfuss.'
Giving her a curt nod, Shiho turned on her heel and walked across the hall, exiting through the doors opposite the ones Yzak left through a few moments ago. When she could no longer hear the music floating from the hall, she stopped and sighed.
It was a long day, a long and tiring day, physically and mentally.
Stopping outside the ladies room, Shiho turned and tapped her finger on her cheek. She wanted to get a chocolate bar.
Looking back and fourth, she decided to go for it even though the convenient store that closed the latest was at the other end of the huge hotel. She could use the walk though she was in pointed four inch thin heels.
Fifteen minutes later, she found herself running before the shop closed.
'We're closing ma'am.' The youngster said.
'I just want to buy a chocolate bar.' Shiho said breathlessly.
'Uh, yeah, if you're quick.' The youngster responded, looking at her weirdly.
Going to the back of the store, Shiho picked up a jumbo sized one and went to the cashier.
'Wow, you're really hungry.' The youngster commented as he scanned the chocolate bar. 'What are you, pregnant?'
Shiho eyed him briefly before snatching the chocolate bar from him. 'I had a four hour reception cocktail and one lousy wedding dinner the whole day, I'm entitled to a big fat chocolate even if I weren't pregnant dude.'
'If you say so.' The youngster said. 'Enjoy.'
'Thank you.' Stepping out of the shop, Shiho ripped the chocolate bar open and stuck it in her mouth, wincing at her painful feet. Cursing she decided to lean down and take off her heels. 'Damn friggin' shoes.' With the chocolate bar still firmly between her teeth, she took off her sash and stood on the carpeted floor bare feet. Looking up, she found herself staring into familiar cobalt blue eyes.
They stared at each other for a while before Yzak opened his mouth. 'What are you doing here?'
Standing straight again, Shiho took the chocolate bar out of her mouth and shot a glance at it. 'To buy junk food?'
Yzak smirked. 'The dinner was crap wasn't it?'
'It wasn't exactly crap.' Shiho said, taking another bite. 'But I have to say we should have had more time to eat and more meals.' Dropping both hands to her sides, Shiho cocked her head. 'What are you doing here?'
Yzak shifted his weight unconsciously. 'Nothing, just taking a walk.'
Shiho gave him a skeptical look before opening her mouth. 'You're lost?'
'Yeah right Major.' Yzak muttered.
Raising her eyebrows, Shiho smirked. 'You're lost.'
Yzak rolled his eyes. 'I'm not lost.'
Shioh let out a short laugh. 'This comes from a guy who got lost his first time on Voltaire.'
'Hey!' Yzak pointed a finger at her. 'Voltaire was altered the last minute and I didn't get the plans, it's not my fault.'
'Yeah, whatever you say Captain.' Shiho shrugged nonchalantly. 'You need some directions?'
Yzak sighed and racked his hand through his hair. 'I want to get back to my room, I need sleep, I'm leaving early tomorrow.'
'What room are you in?' Shiho asked, taking another bite.
'942.' Yzak said reluctantly. He frowned when Shiho froze. 'What?'
'Nothing.' Shiho murmured. Finishing the rest of her chocolate bar, she tossed the wrapper into the trash can and turned away. 'Come on.'
Yzak couldn't help but deepen his frown at the silence between them as they walked down the hallway, her leading the way and he following her. He figured it was another avoidance thing, who would want to see the guy you divorced after four years at another person's wedding? It was weird, strangely and disturbingly weird.
'You seem to be very familiar with this hotel.' Yzak commented as they entered the lift he had used most often the past two days.
'You really want to know why?' Shiho asked, raising her eyebrows as she punched the button.
Yzak rolled his eyes. 'Like it's going to kill me.'
Turning, she faced him. 'This was the hotel I had my honeymoon in, alone.'
Yzak stared at her face for a while before looking down. 'I take that back.'
Turning, she leaned against the mirror, her white heels dangling from her right hand.
'Why do women wear heels?' Yzak muttered, glancing at her red feet.
Shiho shrugged. 'I don't know either, but they say they make you more aware of your posture, make you feel like a lady. I've only worn them three times.'
'When?' Yzak asked.
Shiho turned and looked at him. 'Again, not a good question.'
Yzak sighed and looked at the number display. 'This wedding, the council dinner and the wedding, our wedding.'
Shiho looked down, tightening her grip. 'Yeah.'
They were silent for a while before Yzak opened his mouth again. 'What have you been up to?'
Exhaling loudly, Shiho looked up at him. That was when he realized that they were in either corner of the elevator. 'Do you really want to do this?'
Yzak narrowed his eyes. 'What do you mean?'
'Exchange life stories?' Shiho said, her eyebrows furrowed. 'Asking how we've been doing, what we've been up to, are you going out with anyone, are you going to get married soon… do you really think we should do this? Should know about each other's lives?'
'You really want to draw a line between us don't you?' Yzak asked quietly. 'It was just a simple question, a question two ordinary strangers who aren't even friends might ask.'
'Knowledge is a very dangerous thing.' Shiho said. 'I think it's better that we're both left in the dark about each other.'
Biting back the retaliation, Yzak took a step forward and stared at her in the eye. 'Really Major? You really want to be left in the dark?'
When the elevator rang with the doors opening, Yzak found himself pushed out, lips crushing onto his. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Shiho drop her shoes onto the carpeted floor as she forced him to back into the hallway with her lips still on his until they reached his room.
'What are you doing?' Yzak demanded when she broke the kiss and reached into his back pocket.
Ignoring him, she took out his card key and slipped it in. Looking at him straight in the eye, Shiho opened the door and pushed him inside the dim room. Slamming the door shut behind her, she grabbed his face and pulled him down, kissing him again. Her hands sliding down his neck, she felt for his tie and ripped it off. Pushing his jacket off his shoulders, she started to unbutton his white shirt when Yzak's hands suddenly shot up and grabbed her wrist.
'What the fuck are you doing?' Yzak asked in a dangerously low voice. They looked at each other in the eye briefly before Shiho struggled her hands away from his strong grip and pushed him onto the bed roughly, much to his surprise.
'You want to know something Yzak Jule?' Shiho asked breathless while glaring at him. 'You don't deserve to be left in the dark after all.'
Yzak's eyebrows furrowed as she started to unzip her white satin dress. 'Shiho, I don't think – '
'In the last four years, I've had fifteen guys.' Shiho continued, pushing the straps off her shoulder, letting the soft material bunch around her ankles. 'All of them went to first base.'
Sitting up, Yzak shook his head. 'Look, I don't need to know about your sex life.'
'Oh yeah, you deserve to know it!' Shiho said, taking off her bra. 'Half of them made it second base.'
'Shiho!' Yzak scowled. 'Stop it!'
'A quarter of them made it to third base!' Shiho shouted, pulling off her panties. Standing completely naked before him, Shiho took a step forward and looked down at him, her chest heaving, her eyes trembling. 'You want to know the naked truth?'
Yzak looked up at her. 'Tell me.'
Kneeling on the side of the bed, Shiho grabbed his collar and pulled him forward, her face inches from him. 'None of them made it to home run.'
'None?' Yzak raised his eyebrows.
'None.' Shiho whispered in a dangerously low voice. 'I haven't had sex in four years, two months and twenty seven days. I am now one horny bitch who is throwing herself at you and if you want to push me away like you did four years ago, be my guest, I'm just going to rape you if I have to.'
They stared at each other in the eye, trying to read each others mind. Reaching out one hand, he slid it up her bare thigh and trailed it over her butt and up her back. Narrowing his eyes, he suddenly flipped over, much to Shiho's surprise. Pinning her down onto the fluffy sheets, he looked down.
'Rape you cannot,' Yzak whispered against her lips, his breath blowing in her face, 'fuck me you can.'
'Fuck me, fuck you, whatever.' Shiho whispered back, her hands reaching down to his belt. 'You talk to much Commander.'
Smirking, Yzak lifted her chin up with two fingers and kissed her briefly. 'You are one horny bitch.'
Undoing his trousers successfully, Shiho pushed it down along with his silk boxers. 'You think.'
Before her hand reached down, Yzak grabbed her wrist and stared into her eyes. 'No strings attached?'
'No strings attached.'
Shooting a glance at the clock on the TV that read five fifteen, Yzak reached for the nightstand and grabbed his pack of cigarettes and lighter. Lighting the cigarette, he took a drag and watched as the sun slowly shone into the room. He turned when the body beside him suddenly shifted. He watched as Shiho turned and looked up at him. They stared at each other for a while before Shiho threw her arm over her face.
'What's the time?' Shiho asked.
'Five fifteen.' Yzak muttered, taking another drag.
Shooting him a glance, Shiho sat up and stared into space briefly before throwing the covers off her. Climbing off the bed, she sighed and racked one hand through her hair. 'I thought you had to leave early.'
'Not until eight.' Yzak said, watching as she paced the room stark naked with the sun shining on her.
Picking up her bra and briefs, she slipped them on. When she looked up, she found Yzak staring at her. 'What? You've seen me naked before, you've seen women naked a gazillion times before.'
Yzak frowned. 'I'm not a man whore.'
'Yeah, you're not.' Shiho snorted. 'I'm the whore.'
Gritting his teeth, Yzak grinded the cigarette butt into the ashtray beside him. Turning, he watched as Shiho slipped on her dress, covering the scar he saw and had felt a few hours ago on her abdomen 'You think we've ever had civil conversation that did not include bickering, sarcasm and rough sex?'
Shioh shrugged. 'I don't think so.'
'We didn't use protection last night.' Yzak said shortly, lighting another cigarette.
Zipping her dress up, Shiho exhaled loudly and leaned against the table. 'Is that what you've been trying to ask me? We didn't use protection last night, you don't have STD do you?'
Yzak frowned. 'No.'
Shiho shrugged. 'Then we're good, not that it would be the end of the world, that's what's cool about we being coordinators.'
'What if you get pregnant?' Yzak asked in a curt voice.
Crossing her arms, Shiho smirked. 'Don't worry, there are always post intercourse pills that I can use.'
'Early stage abortion pills?' Yzak asked, narrowing his eyes.
Shiho shrugged. 'You can say that if you want.'
'You've changed Shiho.' Yzak said after a few moments of silence.
Shiho just smirked back. 'I haven't changed, this is the me, the real me. You just haven't had a chance nor made the effort to know me in our three month marriage.' Turning she looked around. 'Damn I left my heels outside.' Making her way to the door, she was about to open it when she suddenly looked over her shoulder. 'By the way, you stink Commander, of smoke, that's the only bad thing I could say about last night.'
'Well, I don't have someone to make me quit smoking.' Yzak sneered. 'I'm moody, I'm stressed.'
'I can see that.' Shiho snarled. 'Too bad I'm not your wife, or I'd make you quit like made your brother clean.'
'Ouch.' Yzak scowled.
'Too bad, I'm not your wife anymore.' Shiho sneered.
'Fuck you Hahnenfuss.' Yzak jeered.
'Why fuck you too Jule.' Giving him a sweet smile, she opened the door and left, shutting the door quietly behind her.
Gritting his teeth, Yzak grabbed the ashtray and before he knew it, threw it against the door.
'Fuck you Shiho.'
End of Chapter 6
Next Update: 4th August, 2006
