Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Duty ❯ Fate’s Blueprints ( Chapter 4 )

Notes and Warnings: Minor spoilers for FFX-2, as it is post FFX-2.
A Gippal/Baralai [eventual] slash, and romancing.


'Don't Litigate Me' Warning: I don't own or have special privileges in the following : the characters, FFX, Squaresoft/Square Enix, FFX-2, or other things I forgot to mention, or ignorant therefor of; or, by chance, something I did mention.

Personal Note: -Sorry about chapter 4. It's kinda... crappy. I'll try to make it up to you. And I have more to make up to you about this late chapter. Chapter 5 will probably be a week wait also, sorry. Finals are keeping my extra time limited. Not to mention I was gone, without any sort of computer access or free time. When February hits, we'll get back into the groove of one about every 3-4 days.

Wai - Aki: You adore it? Thanks. Your so generous with your compliments. And here's the next chapter!

SakuraBubbles the Muffin Child: Looking madly for one, eh? Well I hope you found one here. I'm sure we all want more chapters. Heck, I'm anxious to find out what happens too! Yeah, and I like Gippalai too. And wala. Another chapter. No more wait. Well, now you just have to wait for the 5th chapter...

Koko Kung: Updates to be soon. That chapter ending was supposed to be sweet. And in chapter 5 I'll try to add more sweet. This chapter i just...experimented with the sexual sides of Gippal and Baralai. I mean, they're still only 18 and 20. Kids and hormones these days.

DevaGlenn: Thanks, you're so kind with your words! I'm kinda enjoying this fic too. And I'll continue writing as long as I have such nice people like you! Such eloquance with words you have. If only I possed those talents...

Amber Dawn: Nice Handle. Wait, you're in awe? Well if you're in awe, I'm speechless. And happy. Yep, and Gippalai. And you flatter...wow. Thank you. Compliments galore. Thanks.

Zanieey : -One of my favorite reviewers! And kleenex...yes. Gippal sometimes has a dirty mind. I could see him like this on some days. And thank you for that compliment on my 'orphan' idea. I imagined him orphaned at some point of his life. It just came to me how awesome it would be if he was born of the Fayth. And perhaps even that could explain why Baralai was chosen to be possed; because he's alive, but also connected to the Fayth... perhaps that might come in play during later chapters. We'll both have to wait and see.

Additional comment: I guess I lied when I said I would change it back to 3rd person. er, maybe next chapter. Either way we're all good, unless for some reason I slide into 2nd...then we have problems.

--Dreams sequences are in italics and 1st person.




Enjoy Chapter 4: Fate's Blueprints


It's so dark. I'm so cold. But on the outside I'm so hot. I'm freezing on the inside, but my skin's on fire. It's so cold it burns. Nothing. It's not even black or white. There is no color. It's just nothing. Whatever I reach for, nothing.

I'm searching. I'm searching for nothing. I'm searching for something. I can't find it. Oh, I know it's close. But it's just out of reach. Almost there, I can feel it. I'm so close...

... It's gone. I can't see what it was, but it just fadded away, floating up. Riding on a breezeless wind. Where is it going? I need it back. Now. I need it back. Just, come back now. I need you. My arm hurts, I need you. Don't leave now. I just got here. Stay. Come back! Stay with me! Can't you see I need you? I know you're not that far away, so come closer. I need you. Here. Beside me. Next to me. With me. Around me. On me, beneath me; above and and below me. You're so close, you can't leave now.

No, you have to come to me. You don't understand. If I touch you, you'll disappear. You'll fade away. Your so close, just come a little closer. I can't breathe. It's so cold. I can't move. So close. Don't go away. Just a little further. You're so far away, and so close. I can't stretch any further. Just move this way. Please.


It was dark; but even in darkness there was light. In a gasp of air Baralai was awake, shooting up from his restless slumber. He closed in on myself, drawing up his knees, resting his head on the arms against his kneecaps. He's sweat less in intense Bikinel battles. Less than the intense dream that rocked him the night after Shuin*'s possession. Less than the ones that haunted him; his parent's 'death'.

The Praetor still shivered, tears stinging his eyes. He didn't know why he was so cold. More so than usual. He was so tired, so exhausted. It was then he sensed the presence . Someone was watching him. Someone familiar.

Baralai looked toward the open door, and knew he was there. They've both had enough haunting dreams of their own. They may have never spoken about it, but they've had their share of nights they only could look each other in the eye; silent promises of protection. And Gippal was here; it was as if he could sense his thoughts. Baralai immediately thought back to that silly dream. If only he dreamed like that more often.

He was still staring ahead blankly. Baralai continued to stare as the figure emerged from the shadow of the wall. He watched as Gippal walked to his bed. He slid in behind the older man; left leg stretched out, the other folded in. Gippal pulled the Baralai against him. Just like he wanted him to.

The shaken man sighed as he felt the warmth. The Al Bhed was so warm. So alive. His heat seeped into the sleep depraved man. His hands found a soothing rhythm smoothing back the Praetor's damp hair. His fingers are warm. So is his breath. Baralai's breathing matches the rise and fall of fairer skinned chest. It's so warm. It's so safe, and he was so tired.

Baralai's eyes slid shut as his body relaxed into the hold of dreams, and the even more potent hold of his love.


I found it. It's here. It came to me. I found it. He found me. He came to me.


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< br> I was surprised I was the one who woke up first. Usually Baralai was the early riser. Well, it was the man's day off. I decided to let him sleep a little longer; he deserved it. I carefully slipped out from under him. My arm might be slightly numb from him sleeping on it, but it was worth it to wake up with him in my arms. Ah, the things we do for love.

I rummage through his things that he apparently thinks is food, that I would label as 'garden'. Aha. There it is. Coffee. Not a lot of it, but at least it's the good stuff. You just can't start the day without some caffeine. No better way to jump start your heart in the morning. Well, there is one better way, but that theory is to be tested later. Heh. The one hopeful aspect of having a lover who's an early riser. They can start the coffee; and if that doesn't work, they can resort to more... technical procedures.

I chuckled as I wait for the coffee. Every six seconds? Yeah, sounds about right. Speaking of another thought, Mr. 'I'm only wearing long, loose-pants-and-an-upper-chest-exposing-vest Gorgeous' seems to have awoken. Let's see how much he remembers from last night.

"Good morning, sleep well? You started falling asleep just when I started talking..." Ok, so I was planning on being more tactful. But it's worth his blush of embarrassment.

"Yes, sorry. I was very tired, I had no intention of falling asleep then..." His apology speech is punctured by a yawn.

"So, what do you remember?" Ok, now what happen to 'tactful'?

He lowers his gaze, hiding his burning cheeks. "My...details...are probably a little sketchy..."

I have a suspicion he heard everything, but doesn't believe me. Time to show him otherwise. We both sit down on the bar stools near the counter; I hook my feet under a rung, pulling him close. I place a quick, tender kiss to his temple. He stays stock still, not pushing away, or encouraging more. It's a long moment before he even moves.

"Miracles." Oh, he speaks. And yeah, this is miracle. Come here and let me hug the crap out of you.

I draw him in. He wraps him arms around me. My hands slide up and hold his face. He looks at me with a faint smile; I can feel his nervousness. Tension sizzles in the air.

"Mind if I give you a proper kiss?" He ducks his head, hiding his laughter. I'm not quite sure what's so funny...

"I've been waiting a while for it." He looks back up at me. Expectantly.

"Then I'll have to make sure it's worth the wait."

"You'd better." He's grinning as I set my lips over his. He licks his lips at the last moment, his tongue touching my lips as well. The tease.


And let me be the first one to admit their surprise. He sets the rhythms to our kiss; he's got experience. He kisses real slow and long; I like it deep and fast. I lap at his lips, but they remain firmly closed. He smiles into my mouth. He knows he's running the show now. If I could just get inside his mouth ...and he pulls away, sucking at my lower lip.

I was about to voice my surprise when he cuts in. "I'm tired of waiting for the alpha male to make his move. " He pokes my chest provocatively. Now what did I say about alluring praetors and passionate lovers?

"Then let me touch you." I breathe hotly on his ear. He shivers.

"Where?"

My hands slide up to tangle in his hair again. "Oh, you know, the basics. Here." I plant a kiss on the smooth flesh of his throat. "Probably here too." I flick my tongue in one of the hollows of his collarbone. He gasps and squirms deliciously. "And last but not least..." I pinch him. Right on the butt. He makes a startled noise in the back of his throat. And suddenly he's pulling away. Bad. Very bad.

"Coffee!" He exclaims suddenly, leaving for the other side of the counter. I'm not quite sure why suddenly I was placed second to coffee; but if hot, bitter liquid is what he wants...

Boy, got to think of something else; pleasant things. Flowers. White ones. On that dark skin. On-now I can hardly keep my thoughts straight around that, that.... person.

And now he's indulging in my coffee. Well, it is his, but I made it. And the only rim those lips should be touching...

Yeah. Flowers. Think pink. My desert flower. Now what did I say about my thoughts? Dirty one minute, endearing the next. There should be a health hazard label. Written in Al Bhed; made just for Machine Faction leaders who fall easy prey to New Yevon leaders:

" Fynhehk: Syo Lyica: Micd Yddylgc, Mucc uv Cbaalr, Ihluhdnummypma Cdynehk, Byhdehk, Edlro Ryhtc, Yntahd Vaamehkc, yht udran macc jecepma ceta yvvaldc uv drec ehduqelydeuh. Dyga eh sutanydeuh. Hu Ghufh Lina. Caag yd ouin ufh necg.*"

Ah, if only it was there earlier. Now, moving on to my scrumptious companion trying to ignore me and drink his coffee. I'm starting to feel some symptoms right now. It's hard now that we've kissed not to want to corner him and do a little ravishing. Just a little. Everything in moderation. I mean, I wouldn't want to spoil my appetite. Pfft. Like that would happen.


My fey creature stiffens as I walk up to him. A wonderful, chocobo-in-machina-lights appearance settles on him. I make as if it is the most casual thing, bracing each of my arms on either side of him, palms flat against the counter. Ever caught a chocobo? I've heard it's fun.

I lean in close, but my smart, desert flower brings the mug up to his lips, stopping me from moving in closer. I thought I'd make the first move; I mean, it's rude to keep the Praetor waiting. My right arm slides around behind his waist; my hand resting comfortably on his right hip. I smile ruefully as he chokes on the coffee. He makes this cute face while he's trying to inform his body that you cannot extract oxygen molecules out of coffee. Not that way anyways.

He reaches behind himself, setting down the mug. I aim to pleasure; Yevon, I bet I have a license by now, just for this man. But no...he places his hand against my chest, pushing me away. But not with harsh force.

"Before we do anything, I think that we need to talk this over."

I wiggle my eyebrows, and he tries his best not to laugh. "What kind of talking?"

"Guidelines."

I make more faces, and he tries to hide his laughter behind his hand. "Oh? What sort of guidelines?" I could make millions if I sold the secret that the Praetor had a ticklish spot. But he has to be in a good mood and off-gaurd. Like, per se, now.

"Number one: No pinching.... and none of that either!" His hands held my wrists in a firm grip. I was so close to making him collapse into a fit of giggles.

I wiggle my fingers, but he keeps them barely out of reach. He tries to slide away, but grip him, and pull him back.

"Ok then, we're on three, right? Number three: No teasing without intentions of giving in." I stated in an accusatory tone.

Baralai's eyes widened in shock. "Teasing? I was not..."

"-Oh, what about that kiss, eh? Suddenly up and running away, then playing fey with the coffee, I'd call that teasing..."

"-You ruined the moment. If you wanted me to kiss you, then please, don't pinch me."

I moved closer, but in a liquid movement he sank to the floor, escaping my arms, rising again and leaving the confinement of the small kitchen.

"No sexual anything while on professional business."

"I absolutely agree." Hey, I do. I mean, do you know how hard it is trying to concentrate when that man is sitting right next to you, his leg rubbing up against yours? Yeah, itchy fingers. Speaking of itchy fingers... I make my way back to him, but he's slowly heading down the hallway.

"Since you're on a business visit, we shouldn't be doing anything. I don't mind; In fact I want all of Spira to know I love you, I just don't think it would look too great if we were... being more than friendly liaisons during work."

My heart skipped a beat. He loves me? And he doesn't care if everyone knew? I have no clue how I deserve that, but who am I to waste a blessing? Then a thought hits me. "Well, that's a shame. 'Cause that desk there is large enough, and is definitely sturdy-mfph!" He whips around and covers my mouth, a hot flush on his cheeks. I smile as I lick at his palm. His cheeks grow even more red, but he holds his cool resolve as my tongue maps the life lines of his hand.

"Now, I'm going to remove my hand, take a nice, warm shower, and hear nothing about the stability of desks, or other office furniture surfaces. Understand?"

I nod and he removes the hand. I can't help but ask. "So, you sure you won't need some help in there?" I motion towards the bathroom.

He smiles and starts to walk. "I'll make it just fine."

I follow. "Are you sure? There are some hard-to-reach places that maybe I could give you a hand with... or two."

He walks a little faster. "No, I've got it."

I pick up my pace also, and he makes a run for it. He gets inside, the door almost shut when I arrive. "Sure you need help. You know what they say, two heads are better than one." I can hear the laughter. The door gives a little, and I let go, about to walk in when it shuts. And locks. He's still laughing, and I walk away, trying to be unfazed. Apparently this relationship will be more lively than I thought.

It seems if in the right mood, the calm, conservative Baralai goes away, and a real flirt emerges. Both sides sit well with me.

While he's in the shower I think I'll plan out our first date: Wine and Dine. Now, to find a nice restaurant in Bevelle he hasn't been to. That'll be hard. But what we do for love.

A flash of inspiration hits. I know exactly where we can go for lunch. It has a great view, and I bet hardly anyone goes there. I wonder, has Baralai ever been on a picnic?
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Next up: Chapter 5: Wine, Dine, and One Spectacular View



Al Bhed Warning signs reads :

" Warning! May Cause: Lust Attacks, Loss of Speech, Uncontrollable Staring, Panting, Itchy Hands, Ardent Feelings, and other less visible side affects of this intoxication. Take in moderation. No Known Cure. Seek at your own risk.*"

Shuin*: A little help here, devoted fans. I've seen Shuin spelled also Shuyin. Just curious if there are two spellings or...?