Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Duty ❯ A Step into the Past ( Chapter 6 )

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

'Legal babble' Warning: See previous chapter. Or the one before that.

Personal Note: Thanks once again for all those who take the time to read this story. And I went back and fixed some errors in previous chapters...didn't know I had so many obvious ones in the last chapter...that's what happens when you rush a chapter during exams! [I have a habit of spelling english words that are close to their french ounterpart, in french.] So sorry for my poor editing skills, and I can only hope you won't see more...but I bet you will; it's my luck.

SakuraBubbles the Muffin Child: I guess it is like a review to a review, lol. Thanks for loving the Jell-o idea. I hope you like this chapter, despite it's 'boring' content. No Jell-o and no Gippalai hot 'hugging' action. Not even hot Jell-o Gippalai action...heh. I should write a chapter where Baralai has a close encounter with body-temp Jell-o, and a hungry Gippal. The possibilities are sinful. Oh well. Plot twists are fun anyways, right?

yumemi 01: Thanks for not keeling over dead; reviewers are best served fresh! I'm so glad I made you feel better. And gummy bears are my favorite. I'm also happy that you love my tear-jerking/laughing story. Thanks for the sweet review.

Wai - Aki: I'm not sure who is the tease... Baralai, I would think. Gippal is too direct to be a major tease to B. Now you get to know what happens... I'd tell you, but it would ruin the whole chapter. And no trips to the ER. Good. Keep it that way.

Gysecune: Yes, Jell-o, the wonder food! I'm flattered that you enjoy my take on their relationship. See me? I'm happy.
Shinnyu Kudzu: The press release is out! That was foreshadowing, and here are the juicy details that suddenly popped in my head. The details that add plot, and *gasp* even better, plot twists! I won't share any more or I'll ruin it for you...

Nanashi2: 'stability of office furniture'. Now you can laugh ridiculously loud the next time you go furniture hunting and the sales-person is trying to explain how 'sturdy' the furniture is. Then you can laugh more and ask if they think it would hold the weight of two men, per se 18 and 20...

Kirie Himuro: *looks sheepish* Thanks for pointing out so kindly those errors...oops. Sorry. And thanks for all the love, I feel it just radiating from your review, thank you so much! And thanks for the really x16 tight hug. I'm all...fluffy inside and aglow.
I did almost choke when you thought B/G's personalities were perfect... oh, such nice things you say!!


Additional comment:- This whole chapter is in the past, in the good 'ol days of the crimson squad; just in case by some reason you couldn't tell by the end.



Enjoy Chapter 6: A Step into the Past


Now this was one of life's luxuries. A travel agency. A nice, warm bed. A nice, hot bath.

We had been traveling long; Baralai, Paine, and Nooj not even seeming to notice the snow and cold winds. I knew Baralai wouldn't show it, but it was frickin' cold out. The balmy weather at Bevelle doesn't create a thick hide. The reason I know is because he's silent. He was always trying to lighten the mood or talk to everyone we pass by. But when he's sick, he's silent, and I know that he shivers violently at night. But still he treads on. I have no clue how he does it. I grew up in a place, on average, that is 100 degrees warmer than this. I hope the Macalania temple freezes to hell, or sinks to the bottom of that lake. Yevon, it is cold.

And thank the stars that Rin was decent enough to set up a travel agency here. Baralai was ordering a room; yep, that's right, a room. The cheapskates have decided to keep hoarding money for our non-existent emergency, and we share rooms. And then we'd go through the same argument with Paine how yes, she should take the bed. No, it's not because she's weak. It doesn't matter if you're a female. Actually it does; Baralai refuses, even when injured, to take a bed if a female has to sleep on a cot or the floor. That guy must have been real whipped by his parents.

Man, I am cranky. But I've been inside for 20 minutes and I'm still freezing. I swear, I get the bath first, or blood is spilt.

What do they mean the men's side is full? Screw it, I'll go on the women's side. What, they have a private bath that Paine could go in? It could fit two? I don't care, I'm going in with her.

Now, that I don't get. Baralai is minding his own business, and suddenly Paine grabs his arm and drags him in there with her. I don't know what's up with those two, but it's damn suspicious. After every battle they wander off to bathe, Paine always dragging him with. She comes back distinctively in a better mood, and he comes back tired. If I knew any better, I would think she was raping my Baralai....

And where did that possessive 'my' come from? Sure, he always takes care of me and spends time with me; has this nice smile, is polite, laughs at my jokes, looks quite sexy barefooted after a battle...

Why do I get stuck with the old man? Why can't I take my bath yet? Why is it so freakin' cold?!




That, is so much better. I'm back to normal body temperature, the staff started a nice warm fire in our room, and brought plenty of extra blankets. One of the ladies gave us a strange look when she realized it was three guys and a girl in one room, with one bed. I just flashed her a grin and watched her blush. Let her think what she will.

Great, now it's just me and handsome. Finally I can get some answers. "Why do you and Paine always run off together, eh? Something I should know about?"

The white-blond crawls into his pile of blankets on the floor, yawning before answering me. "We're just being polite; we know you and Nooj want some privacy. Goodnight, Gippal."

I sputter indignantly. "What do you mean by that?!"

"Nothing." He mumbles, eyes already closed.

I couldn't believe this man. That he would even joke that Nooj and I...gah! It makes me sick even thinking about it. Oh, you are so going to pay, Baralai. You may be older than me, but that doesn't mean you can tease me like that. I am no rookie!

Heh. Revenge is best served cold. Freezing, in fact.



Long after everyone was asleep, I rose from my spot near my sole nemesis, and discretely made my way from the room. Just leaving the agency for a quick two seconds I was already freezing. My hand might be numb, but it should be well worth it.

I carried the snow in my hand and made my way quickly back to our room; it was already melting. Just my luck, Baralai was sleeping on his stomach, his back exposed. I knew he had a sensitive neural network; especially to touch and on his spine.

I carefully reached under the blankets and pushed up his shirt, finding I quite liked the feel of his skin. But feeling up Baralai wasn't my mission. I smirked. It didn't sound like such a bad mission right now...

...But to the task at hand. In a sudden movement I flip off the blankets, and drop the below 32 degree water molecules. The instant it touched skin Baralai gasped loudly, was up, and had me pinned to the ground.

"What?!" Paine shot up from the bed, turning on the sole electric light in our room. I squinted my eyes, and I could see Baralai's body shivering as the cold ice melted into freezing water, dripping down his sides and onto me. Baralai's usually soft eyes looked wild and frenzied; and it was then I noticed Nooj. His mouth dropped, eyes wide, and his face completely red. I swore I would never forget that moment Mr. Stoic had his mouth hanging open. It was only seconds later Baralai frantically removed himself from over me, putting quite some distance between us.

He started to speak, words hurried and rushed. "It's not what you think! He put something cold on my back, and I just...just..." Baralai's words faded as Nooj still stared at me, now lying casually on the floor.

Then the man finally spoke. "Perhaps next time we should invest in two rooms..."

I watched with great interest as Baralai blushed; he seemed like such a little kid right now. "I...we..." The man oh-so great with words, now a babbling idiot. An attractive, babbling idiot, mind you. Baralai ran his hand over his face, fingers pulling back the white hair from his features. "Gippal...I don't know what I'm going to do with you..." he moaned despairingly.

Paine started laughing. I grinned and laughed with her. Double entendres are so fun; especially when they aren't purposeful.

"I'm yours, to do with me as you please." I tossed out, my intonation increasing in a lilting tease.

Paine smiled, beckoning Baralai over to her. "C'mere; I'll protect you from the evil little paycd*."

Baralai shook his head. "I'll be alright; I'm just going to take a bath to warm up."

I was indignant through their whole little dialogue. First Paine always has to bathe with him, now she invites him to sleep with her? And he refuses? Baralai is definitely weirder than I thought he was. Not to mention it feels real good to be pinned by him; even in practice Baralai had never pinned me down. And what's with that anyways? No matter how hard I push, B just calmly takes. He never gets riled up. Just... weird.

And why the farplane do I like him pinning me down anyways? And why does it seem Paine can't keep her hot hands off of him?

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

It has been a long, long day. I'm not sure how Gippal can stand this desert heat; I can only assume that he has a thick hide. We've stopped at the one and only oasis on our journey in his homeland. The sun is setting, and finally the heat has started to subside. I'm worried about Paine though. I have naturally dark skin to help battle the sun, but her skin is so pale... At least she agreed to wear the thin cloak Gippal suggested, despite her many protests. It protects her skin from the direct sunlight, but I think she's still going to burn.

She's not the only one I worry about. Nooj increasingly seems to seek death; it's as if the meaning of his life has left. I may be able to heal his body, but it's increasing harder and harder to even attempt to heal his spirit.

And then the desert weighs heavy on my mind. Odd creatures have stirred out here... things that shouldn't be here are showing up. Odd behavior of fiends and other indigenous wildlife. There is something instinctively wrong, and I think my friend Gippal senses it too. And then...

Oh, there is too much to think about. My mind wanders as I set up my portion of the camp. The water is so pure and refreshing just to drink; I can barely wait to take a cool swim under the approaching cloudless night.

That, is the beauty of the desert. The nights grow chill, and the stars glow bright. In the dark velvet of night, pinpricks of light reach us softly. Their powerful light even spans to our small world; creating a twinkling jewel to embellish our night sky. These are the nights that I don't sleep; I lay awake until the dawning sun drowns out even the brightest. It is these nights that my soul enters a restful sleep...

And here I am, waxing poetic. It seems as if everyone is set up, and anxious to take a dip in the cooling waters and wash away the sand and sweat from today.

"Well, ladies first." Gippal pointed in the general direction of the oasis; we camped a good 300 feet from it. Being too near the water would attract thirsty fiends to our camp, and we've had enough battling for one day.

Paine gives an exaggerated smile, and departs for the oasis. I rise from the lumpy ground and follow my good friend. Though I try to ignore it, I can feel two separate glances follow my moves. I know they must be sending suspicious glances my way; it has been a long tradition now that I take point when Paine bathes.

It was decided quite quickly that it would be separated this way. One person always had to be onshore to keep an eye out, battle, or run to the aide of the people back in camp. At least one person would stay at camp to make sure we weren't pillaged or ambushed.

At first Paine refused that anyone would watch, and she would only bathe by herself during the darkest night. After a while she began asking me, and it has been that way ever since.

I settle myself against the dark orange sediment outcroppings, letting my eyes gaze lazily over the evening sun-lit oasis. I watch as Paine sheds her sandy cloak; indeed she burned, near her exposed neck. But the material that covered her long legs and arms served her well; no burns were evident. She has a tender spot along her left side and hip. She was badly injured by an unusually strong fiend. No doubt it will turn colorful by tomorrow, unless she lets me heal it. It is up to her; she has to come to me.

My eyes slip shut as she deftly does away with all her little belt-like contraptions. It is only out of respect I close my eyes. And I keep them closed until she is dressed once again. My...extra perception would alert me to another presence. I smile as I hear her sigh, and the pure water's ripples reaching the sandy shores. I almost want to laugh when I hear rush of displaced water when she fully emerges. I feel her demeaning gaze as she senses my amusement. Only I know she likes water. That she could spend hours in water. I rest my head back against the grainy rock, enjoying the cool air as night settles in.

I raise my arm just in time to block splashed water my way. I smile, not minding my robe is wet. In fact, I think it is high time I took this heavy thing off. My eyes still closed, I blindly, shrug open the robe, keeping it behind me to ease the rough rock.

"A strip tease just for me, huh?" I hear Paine's sarcastic voice a little distance away; she must have swam to the other side.

"Only for you, my dear." I chuckle quietly, letting my body relax and start to heal after this long, hot, tiresome day. After Paine's quiet, rain-like laughter, a long pause ensues as we enjoy each other's company.

I hear Paine emerge from the water. "Don't fall asleep on me." She teases, and I feel the water she flicks at me with her wet hand.

You would think now I would have the greatest temptation; and you would be right. She's a beautiful woman; when fully emerged I've watched her. Young, beautifully pale skin, and these brilliantly intense red eyes. Her silver-brown hair just add to the mysterious attraction to her features. And once you get to know her, she's truly beautiful under her hardening shell.

But there is one damper to this whole situation. Despite the attraction that is there, she's more of a sister to me. Perhaps in time we could grow to be lovers, but now only afforded to be closer companions. We love, but without any sexual hindrances. Greatest of friends and surrogate siblings, we can find a sort of cool refuge in each other. I suddenly felt a new presence. I tensed, but then immediately relaxed, a grin crossing my features.

Paine noticed. "What?"

"I hope you're finished dressing, we have a jecedun*." I spoke quietly, but she got my meaning.

"I'm decent. Wanna give him a show?"

I crack one eye open just to make sure she is fully dressed. "And what kind of show would that be?" I see she is 'decent', though the arms and legs were still bare.

She knelt down and flung her arms around me. "Oh Baralai!" The voice was totally fake.

"Oh Yevon-!" I replied with true surprise evident in my faked despairing voice. I'm glad Paine's body blocked Gippal's view of my face. I was about to split in two with my wide grin.

"Mmm...Baralai!!" She yelled in fake excitement. I hope my body's movement didn't portray my laughter. She wove her bare fingers through my hair, bringing my face up to hers. What I didn't expect was for her to really settle on my lap, or really brush her lips against mine. After that short encounter she possessively held my head to her shoulder, turning to look Gippal right in the eye.

"Buun pycdynt, ed ech'd ajah luhcahciym.*" I hear Gippal mutter. I can hardly hold back my laughter. I leaned to the side, watching Gippal run away from his hiding spot. Paine laughs and rolls off me, and I watch as she is quite mindful of her left side. I look at her, and she looks at me, shrugging. I sigh. Time for me to get to work. She was peculiar of not wanting to be cured in front of others. I understand. I just wish it wasn't after the long day. After healing Nooj and Gippal, the magic spent already took it's toll on me. And Gippal wondered why I was the first one asleep.



It would be a long time later until I found out what Paine did while she stared at Gippal that night. Or why he would avoid me when Paine was around.
What she mouthed to him in Al Bhed. 'Ra'c seha.'. He's mine.



~*~ ~*~ ~*~


He was sitting by the fire we made in Macalania forest, near a large tree planted in glassy water. I flopped myself down next to him, my back against his shoulder, causing the lithe white-blond to tip slightly. He just leans his full weight back, trying to restore balance. He has to put some force in it; he hardly weighs anything, and he has such a light frame.

I remember one evening while we were traveling through the thunder plains and he scared any life out of me. One minute he was walking, then suddenly he stopped. Just as soon as I turned around he went limp, falling directly on the hard rock ground. He had a fever that made his forehead hotter than fire and the rest of his body colder than ice. But what really freaked me out was how light he was when I carried him. I would almost bet Paine's sword would be heavier than him.

And what's the first thing that comes from that wonderful man's mouth? Sorry for all the trouble, and a thank you. He kept trying to apologize for making me carry him. I'd carry him any day; even if he was conscious. He was incredibly light. And he wondered why later I kept trying to stuff him with food.

Heck, I still do to this day. He mother's everyone, even Nooj. Making people relax, taking all the horrible chores, and making sure they ate all of their meals, even though he hardly ate any of his. But now is not the time to think of those things. Nope, this would be a relaxing night. Fiends in general here stayed away from fire, and were even scarcer around the enchanting water.

I straighten up a bit as he shifts, and I lay my head in his lap. I look at him upside down as he leans back against the tree, eyes watching the beautiful red and blue butterflies gathering at the water's edge for a small drink. Even distracted, his hands instinctively found my freshly washed hair. I closed my eyes, accepting the exquisite feelings as he motheringly smoothed back my hair. After a while his hands carded through my hair, just like I was aching for them to; his calloused fingers caressing my sensitive scalp. Bliss. This man was euphoria incarnate. And his back massages? To kill for. I'm serious.

Paine returns from stretching out her tired muscles. It's a bad mistake if you go right to bed; you'll regret it in the morning. She speaks, "You don't have to baby him."

I was about to open my eyes and retort when Baralai speaks for me. "It's alright, I don't mind." Paine raised a brow, and settled on the other side of the fire. Baralai's hand stopped momentarily; I think he felt the tension between us. But the interesting part is, I'm pretty sure he hasn't realized why that tension is there. What caused it.



Night creeps on, our bodies feeling that it is latter than it already is. The forest blocks out the setting sun, light gone by 17h30*, the only comfort now being the ethereal glow from the woods and the nearby water. By now I think it is only 20h30. I heard Baralai say goodnight, and Paine crawl under her wraps.

Then Baralai speaks very soft, as if he would wake me. "Goodnight." I pretend I am asleep, and I feel my stomach flip-flop, and my mouth grow dry as I felt his lips brush my temples. Oh, it was chaste, but it was so much more to me. My stomach turned as apprehensive energy filled me. Did this mean he would be interested in me?

I heard Baralai sigh, and the hand stopped it's motions, moving someplace else. It seemed like eternity when I dared open my eyes again. When I looked at the glowing embers of our used-to-be fire I saw the two red eyes. Filled with hate. Filled with jealousy.

I silently mouth to her; I know she could see me. I used her own words that she impressed on me only months earlier. Ra'c seha. I didn't wait to see her face. I smugly settled down, head still resting in Baralai's lap.



Baralai never knew why Paine and I separated on slightly sour terms. I saw it hurt him to see us like this. He tried, but he couldn't solve this dilemma; he didn't know.



He didn't know two people put a claim on him. He still doesn't, the innocent.



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< br>
up next: Chapter 7: Enlightenment of the Naive

paycd*: beast

jecedun* : visitor

Buun pycdynt, ed ech'd ajah luhcahciym.* : Poor bastard, it isn't even consensual

*17h30 - I've been using military time, assuming the planet's rotation period is 24 hours. The 'h' separates the hours from the minutes. Much like the French. This is what happens when you spend at least 4 years of your life studying a foriegn language; it gets stuck in your head.



Additional-Additional Comment: Paine is my favorite character in the game. Wise, intelligent, and witty, she adds a mature, fun sense to the game. I imagine she was quite more lively in her younger years, and dared to show emotion; easily bonding with the candidates.
Just for a plot twist I have her in the past being posessive of Baralai: Gippal has competition. I Just couldn't quite bring myself into having Nooj hit on Baralai, so Paine it was.
They've all matured over the long times together and apart. Thank goodness too, or Gippal might have attacked Baralai with ice cubes...