Chapter 8

Strength

~Thyme

Evening finally came to the cosy Hahnenfuss household with the added company of a recently drenched couple and a volatile silver haired man. All were still gathered in the warm room but when the grandfather's clock in the study chimed, the amethyst eyed woman decided that she should start preparing dinner. The two brunettes left the study with the two-raven-haired-peas-in- a-pod in tow who were extremely pre-occupied with a certain blonde's phone. Predictably no one noticed that they had it, everyone seemed to be wrapped up in their respective worlds.

When the four exited the room and no audiences were left for his performance, Dearka spoke up. Consequently, Yzak felt he had to or rather needed to screw up his handsome face.

The bronze colored man started his skit. "Is it me or we're really destined to be together?" He romantically whispered as he clasped Yzak's hand in his.

The silver haired one uninterestingly replied, swatting the tanned boy's hand away from his as if he had a disease. "I'd rather prefer that you say that it's a small world, Romeo. Do you want me to call your Juliet?" He grimaced on the later part wishing his best friend's lover was around to give him a bitter dose of his medicine.

Yzak would be an acclaimed hypocrite if he would say he hadn't missed his best friend's annoying antics that never ceased to anger him when he was happy or amuse him when he was pissed off. Smirking at him, they grabbed hands and firmly gripped each other as they patted one another's back.

"Okay, okay I don't want Miri to get pissed off right now. So, can I ask why Yzak Joule is here?" Dearka asked, his tone now taking a serious hint. He had been concerned when he couldn't contact his friend and found out that their family's estate was empty when he visited. He got so shell-shocked he had to beg Miri to help him report a missing person at the police station and it was for a guy named, Yzak Joule. The incident ended up with a fuming woman named Miriallia Haww towing a man out of the local precinct with an enormous buldge on the head, named Dearka Elsman.

Yzak pursed his lips together and tsked. He really didn't want to admit to his long time friend that his mother finally got fed up with his antics and sent him to the country side to change his ways and get a life. Well the later was according to his instincts because he never had the chance to ask his uncle about the letter his mother wrote him.

"Earth to Yzak! Hello? You still there?" The boisterous blonde kept on waving in front of his face.

Again Yzak callously swatted Dearka's waving hand in irritation and went on to reply to his question. He already knew he wouldn't get any peace starting now if he didn't answer him with a reply that will quench his unfathomable curiosity about things he shouldn't care about.

"I think Mother got fed up with my activities in the city. I still don't know why she sent me here. But I'm guessing it's for me to get serious with life and change my ways."

The blonde quietly churned the information and scoffed in an unnerving manner that made Yzak regret his actions. "Well that's rich coming from a mother who was never there to take care of her only child." Dearka leaned on the couch and crossed his arms on the back of his head.

"If she only knew you were just vying for attention. I mean you have always been a decent guy and that time you really were just going in your midlife crisis. She didn't have to send you away. Talk about drastic." Dearka whistled, a low tune coming from his lips."And here I thought she loved you so much! She even vowed to get me a restraining order from you if I wouldn't stop teasing you as a mommy's boy!"

"Okay, that's enough babbling Dearka!" Yzak pointed out in an irritated tone. He hated that he talked badly about his mother but every single thing that the blonde mentioned was true. It was true that he only did those things was for him to get attention from his mother which he didn't get when he was younger. He liked that she worried for him when he got home drunk and looked after him when he got into fights. Maybe he too was wrong when he didn't just vocalize what he wanted from his mother. He knew that she was busy because it was for his future but what the heck! He was a selfish brat, well a grown-up brat. He wanted his mother with him always and a good life.

When his mother sent him away a part of him had been happy but mostly he was still begrudging her silently in his heart. He didn't know why, he couldn't put his finger down on why he felt that way. Actually he was enjoying his simple lifestyle here, in Shiho's home. It was quiet and peaceful. He was even getting better in controlling his anger and as much as he hates to admit it the twins had brought the rowdy little boy in him. Maybe if he wasn't working in the farm and taking care of the kids and doing chores he'd be a lot happier in his situation, who knows. He did miss the fast-paced city life riding in his car or his motorcycle and chasing his dreams.

"So… Do you want to ditch this place then?" Dearka cut him off with his jolly tune.

Yzak just looked at him with conflicted eyes.

*A*

"So Shiho, what do you think of Yzak?" Miriallia inquisitively asked her particularly defensive best friend when it comes to matters of boys and love.

"About Yzak? Well if it's physically, I think he is an attractive guy. Mentally, he's sometimes deranged when he undergoes hardship like manual labour. He hates it so much that I think he holds a grudge to it. Other than that I think he's a pretty decent guy and I'm happy that he takes such good care of the twins." Shiho stated while sautéing vegetables in the frying pan.

"Hmm… Well you are right about Yzak being handsome and deranged. A lot of women love that combination in a guy. What can you say about that, huh?" A giggle escaped her pale pink lips, biting it softly to control her mirth.

"I'll say it is a dangerous combination that any girl should avoid as much as possible." Shiho pointed out with her spatula.

"Are you speaking from experience, Shiho?" Miriallia hugged her friend from the behind with a grin that outshines the Cheshire cat's grin.

"What are you trying to say, Miri? If you think I like Yzak, I shall say once and a hundred times more that I don't have even an ounce of inkling to that feeling. Maybe I like him like how I like the twins, he kind of resembles them. Attention-seeking yet contrite when they know they did something wrong."

"Ooh, that's deep and I vote defensive!"

"Miriallia…" Shiho led on with a knowing tone.

"It's just that I want you to enjoy life too!"

"I am enjoying life. Do I look miserable?" Shiho sarcastically asked the brunette clinging to her.

"Yes." Miriallia softly whispered.

Taken aback. Shiho felt something pierce in her heart. She turned off the stove and finished up her dish.

*A*

"Wow! That's such a great dinner! I love your mash potatoes, pot-au-feu, sautéed vegetables and cranberry pie Shiho! You're such a great cook! You'll be great mom in the future!" Dearka exclaimed while patting his full belly.

The twins glared at him, at the mention of their sister becoming a mother.

Miriallia kicked him in the shin, ashamed of his antics.

Yzak scowled at Shiho's smiling and blushing face.

"That guy eats anything edible and not so edible things so don't mind him."

"Are you trying to say something, Yzak?" Shiho asked, her smiling face now gone.

"It's nothing, I'm just saying." Yzak stood up from his seat, annoyed at himself for blurting out those words. It was supposed to be a joke for Dearka but he aimed it at the wrong person.

Shiho hmphed at his moodiness and ushered the twins to get ready for bed.

"Yzak-nii! Wait for us!" Quickly the boys ran after Yzak currently employed as nanny while Rin remembered to return Dearka's phone.

"I was looking for this, good thing I didn't lose it. Thanks, kid!" Dearka exclaimed as he lovingly cuddled his phone. Just then it rang with an unknown caller. He raised his brows and followed Yzak as he answered the mysterious call.

"Miri, you don't have to help in cleaning up. You helped me prepare dinner already. Just go and rest. It's been a stressful day, you even travelled." Shiho reminded her as she pushed her friend out of the room and up the stairs. Miriallia looked at her with sleepy eyes and yawned.

"Don't take too long. I'll stay in your room right?"

Shiho nodded and went back to the dining room.

Upstairs, Yzak stared blankly at the twins who were brushing their teeth. Still thinking about what Dearka told him. The farm really didn't need his assistance and sometimes he just adds to the problems. Like the other day he dropped a basketful of eggs and a jug of milk. He even unconsciously angers Shiho from time to time. She was like the innocent dandelion in the field and he was the harsh wind that's making her lose her petals.

The night progressed with him and Dearka talking about how he found his house empty and Sophie suddenly calling him awhile ago and bombarding him, asking him about Yzak's whereabouts.

"Sophie, who?" Yzak inquired not knowing who they were talking about.

"The blonde girl, with superficial boobs? The girl you helped from his bastard of a boyfriend that ended you up with a sore fist."

"I don't quite remember. I think I was drunk when I did that. Are you sure I helped her or the guy insulted me?"

"Of course, I sobered up when I heard you were fighting for a girl." Dearka chuckled lightly.

"The hell with you!" Yzak scowled and punched him on the shoulder. It was a good thing the twins were fast asleep and bunking in his bed once again or else they would tell on him to Shiho, making a punching bag out of his friend.

"You can't blame me for that! I mean any girl would kill anyone or do anything just to become your girlfriend and I think that girl's brain combusted into nothing when YOU, the great YZAK JOULE, helped her out. It was something that one can only see in a million years! And now she's pining for you like a bitch in heat." Dearka's eyes darkened as he finished his statement, making the room's temperature drop a few degrees.

"Stop that or I just might kill you with my bare hands. Does Miriallia know that she called you? She's going to be colossally pissed off when she finds out you gave your number away." The angry azure eyed man clobbered his friend. Feeling ashamed for forgetting something as monumental as helping a girl who was actually a bitch and now he felt he was falling into the darkest depths of the sea. He hated it when girls give meaning to everything he does. For god's sakes he wasn't a dictionary or a coloring book that needs someone to color everything he does as pink or red to signify he loves her. Can anyone here understand the meaning of platonic? He sighed and fell into the futon they prepared on the floor.

"Hey! That's below the belt! Why would I even give my number to her? She must have seduced one of our friends to get my phone number. Am I going to be doomed for the rest of my life now?"Dearka turned off his phone to get some peace and quiet now that the blonde bimbo was harassing his beloved phone.

Sighing in despair, he tried to channel the bad vibes away. He was so going to kill whoever gave his number away when he gets back.

"Now that I think about it maybe, you, being here isn't such a bad idea. Plus Shiho's a great woman and she doesn't look at you like the way women in general look at you. I bet its refreshing isn't?" The blonde joined him in lying down. "Miri was like that also. She didn't fall into me like the others. I was the one who fell into her." He continued and giggled like a girl in love, he completely forgot about the bloody predicament he was in a few seconds ago.

His idiotic friend had a point maybe that was why sometimes he forgets about his usual demeanour when faced with Shiho. It wasn't because she was someone special to him, it's just she's someone he's never experienced before. She was an unknown factor in his equation, in his life that he has yet to solve. What's more he liked getting attention from her. It was really setting him off. Thinking of the long haired brunette, his mind drifted off to that day in the market making him drowsy as warmth filled his chest.

*A*

The final soapy dish was rinsed and Shiho wiped her wet hands on her apron. Seeing to it that the tables and floor were clean, she turned off the lights in the kitchen and dining room. Changing her slippers into her rubber boots, she grabbed her basket of tools and headed for the greenhouse.

The rain had stopped from pouring down and only a slight drizzle was spraying over the land. The earth was muddy and it squelched under her boots. Taking a deep breath, the ever busy brunette enjoyed the after rain smell of the surroundings. Everything just smelled intoxicatingly new and clean.

Arriving at the slightly cool greenhouse, she took into account the flowers that she needed to harvest for the upcoming order tomorrow morning. It was good that the tulips grew beautifully without problems or else there will be trouble again with the orders. With the list checked and accounted for, she started her normal routine with her flowering and blooming plants.

Happy that she accomplished her task within an hour, she hurriedly returned to the warm house and continued sewing. After an hour and a half more, her eyes drooped close and she fell into a deep sleep. Her tired body and mind finally succumbed to exhaustion.

*A*

There was something peculiar that morning. Yzak blinked up to see that it was dawn already and Shiho had not come up to his door knocking.

Maybe it's my day-off.

The silver haired man thought but realizing that Shiho will never let him do so. Rising up from his futon, the three boys where still sleeping fitfully. As quietly as he could he left the room and bounded downstairs, envisioning Shiho in the kitchen preparing a warm breakfast for everyone. However the kitchen was empty and it was already 5 o' clock in the morning. Usually Shiho would be starting to cook breakfast which would commence at 6 or 7 o' clock depending on the menu because everyone ate here together which he, secretly, enjoy. Really, who here doesn't want company while eating? It's more enjoyable to eat with someone to share it with, right?

Hastily he ran up the stairs and checked her room. He insensitively opened the door to the girl's room but only saw Miriallia on the bed and the other side was empty.

This is such a peculiar morning. She didn't oversleep did she? She had an upcoming order today at 7:30 am so she should be awake.

The bathrooms were empty as well as the other rooms except for the study which he had not checked yet. Huffing in annoyance in running around the house like a madman, he went downstairs for the 3rd time. Opening the heavy door, he finally found the missing punctual brunette. She was sleeping on the couch holding a needle and cloth in her hands. The room was awfully cold since the fire had died in the middle of the night and still she looked as if she was uncomfortably hot.

Pulling the needle from her hands and into the pin cushion he softly tapped her shoulder.

"Hey, it's morning already."

The sleepy woman only sighed in reply and fought to open her eyes. "What time is it?"

"It's 5:20. You have to harvest your flowers right?" Yzak stated as he watched her rub her eyes in an effort to wake up. "What time did you go to sleep anyway? You seem to be so tired."

"I don't remember. Thanks for waking me up. I'll prepare breakfast and pick the flowers after." Shiho looked up at him. A slight flush was coloring her cheeks.

Yzak couldn't help himself hum in agreement and stare at the newly awakened girl in front of him. She looked so endearing with her soft ruffled hair and sleepy violet eyes. And of course her flushed cheeks didn't escape his meandering azure gaze.

Shiho put away the cloth in her hand and grunted in frustration while looking around her unfinished work. She sighed and remembered that she had company, gathering her wits and ignoring her heavy and throbbing head.

Everything hurts.

She stood up on her wobbly legs, gaining assistance from the cushion's arm. When she thought everything was going to be fine, everything spun out of her control. Her vision blurred and black spots entered her sight.

Yzak started to walk towards the door when he noticed her to be waiting for him to go away. But when he glanced back at her, he saw her falling down.

Adrenaline pumping in his veins, he got to her in a split second, picking her up from the cold floor and cradled her in his arms while he sat on the couch.

"Shiho! Are you okay? Hey? What happened?" Her glassy eyes were unfocused and kept pressing her fingers on her temples. She shuddered against him while biting her lips, not letting her whimper escape and wiping the hot tears escaping her eyes.

-to be continued-

Thyme Notes: Update! And the chapter is named after me! Yey! I've been a lousy writer to my patient readers and to my lovely reviewers. I felt so bad not responding to your reviews but I shall make amends to that since you really make me so happy with your support for this story which seems to be not progressing too fast! Haha and with no further ado:

Sandyx5: I have no words to express my gratitude for always being there to support me throughout my good and bad times. I'm happy that you continue to read on and I feel really loved that you make an effort to review each and every chapter that I have been posting. I'm really glad that I have captured your attention and thank you for making me realize that I have a talent for writing since you are gracing your presence in this story! You know what I mean by that. For everything, Mimou, I love you! :3 Don't be shy to tell me what you want to read in this fic okay? I'll be glad to write about it!

FireMiner: Thank you very much for voicing out what you think about the story, I really appreciate it. And also it makes me think on what I should write to make up for the slow progress and make you enjoy reading even with my sluggish plot line. I'm sorry for such a late reply to your reviews but know that it makes my day! Though sometimes you are random with your reviews, it makes me laugh, seriously I think that I just might follow your suggestions since I am a random and a cliché evader. Oh and for your last review, I will take up your offer with that scene. I like it! And no, being the 13th reviewer is not a bad omen. Actually this story really hasn't gotten that much reviews since I guess GSD isn't that popular anymore and also not a lot of people ship Shizak. But still I'm pretty happy even if I don't get a lot of reviews it's the thought that counts! :D

TheRedSin: Hi! I still remember you from my other story which I already deleted, Coincidences becomes Destiny. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to fulfil my promise in finishing that and so I created this new story that coincides with the plot but not really the same. Thank you for reviewing and it made me so happy that I didn't disappoint you that much with my writing habits. I hope that you will continue reading this story! Thank you for being such an adorable reader and reviewer! You make me smile and laugh with your comments! :D Akai no Tsumi, am I right?

Raisa yusefin: Hello there! Thank you for your very encouraging review and response to my author's note! I hope you are enjoying reading this story. I know how you feel about Shiho and that was my first response when I first encountered her in a story. It's true that she wasn't introduced that much in the series but in the manga there were some chapters dedicated to her. I was an avid fan of her that I really researched about her. I loved Shizak pairing the first time I read about them and now I ship them as well. I don't know where I got the idea that she was Yzak's lover but looking back in the series maybe she would be his lover since he was the only one who did not have a love story unlike the others and it was frustrating, right? Haha Shiho's character isn't really given unlike the other characters so I really just have to rely on my instincts on how I portray her. If you want you can tell me some tidbits that you'd like to add to her character in my story. Do keep reading, I'd love to hear from you again! And your name reminds me of my cousin, she's also named Raissah, just a different spelling though. :3

To those who followed and favorited this story:

Sandyx5, moon3, I'mStillThinking, allhaillelouchandsuzaku, TheRedSin, keiandhikari10, and TCoatJackal: Thank you very much! I hope you're still reading on and I would love hearing from you guys! I hope you don't hate me with such belated thank you's.

To everyone reading: We're on the 8th chapter I hope you can all support me all the way! :D Do tell me what you want to happen to this fic. Seriously, I'm just writing happy, fluffy, dramatic scenes and I haven't got a clue on what I really want to achieve! :D PM me you guys! Let's ship Shizak all the way! :3