Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Duty ❯ Formalities and Flirting ( Chapter 13 )

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


'The Warning Everyone Else Has' Warning: ie chapter 7.

Personal Note: Wow, it looks like a pattern is showing. I guess I'll be updating every two weeks, since that's how long it seems for me to get a chapter out. Thank you again for the wait. And If you're ever bored again, check out my A Short Vacation, it gets updated probably just as much as this.




Additional Comment: I love first person... anyways, for those slightly confused, today we dig into Tidus' pov. It will be refreshing to look at the forming relationship with new eyes. Darn pretty new eyes, may I add.

<<Enjoy Chapter 13: Formalities and Flirting >>

I waited. And waited a bit more. Then Gippal waited with me. Then Gippal started complaining to me. The 'one minute' stretched to be a whole 15. When Baralai emerged from his room, I started to second guess if my attire was appropriate for where I was headed.

Though unruly as always, his hair now held a sort of immaculate edge, reflecting in the clothing he wore. Sure he stuck to earth tones, but white was utterly stunning on him. So white it was; a long, collared robe trimmed to his figure. Unlike the the priests though, the robe was merely an outerwear, as it hung open and loose in the front. Underneath were his usual earth tones; long, tan pants, and emerald forest green top. He smiled casually as he traversed down the hall. I think he was a little put-off by our sudden quietness. Or more succinctly, his silence.

I looked over at Gippal, who if had any less self control, would have his jaw hanging in shock. I knew the look right away when I saw it. I had a much similar reaction when I saw Yuna again, in her much more...adult outfit. Except, Baralai managed this reaction without showing skin. You could really only see his hands buried in his robes and his face. Though, the outfit did nothing to hid what laid underneath. In fact, it accented it. And the more that is covered, the wilder the imagine can get when what wonders what is underneath.

I internally snicker at my thoughts. My internal dialogue makes it sounds like I fancy the oh-so-young Praetor. I admit I have a certain draw to him, but I attest that to his magnetic personality. His past screams for someone to hold and love him, while his daytime life urges you to challenge his mental prowess and wits. And I can imagine at night, as I saw his relaxed features while curled up on the couch, he must seem like something not from here. Something above and beyond our humble little existence.

And yes, even though thoughts shoot through your head faster than the speed of light, we have been standing here in silence for a long time. Almost imperceptible, Baralai's shoulders shifted, as if he was loosing face, loosing confidence. Though he wasn't expecting praise on his appearance, he was expecting something. I try to smile sweetly, to reassure the beautiful vision. I subtly kick the idiotic blond beside me in the ankle, hoping he snaps from his daydream. And thankfully he does. Not without a blush, I note.

"So, you had to go pretty yourself up before we went out?"

I wanted to hit myself, then Gippal for saying that. It seems this man could never speak direct and from his heart; you always had to search for the loving meaning behind all the teasing, joking, and laughter. Underneath it all the boy was really saying 'You look nice.'

"Well he has to look nice for his debut; I doubt the priests have given him the time of day to even leave the temple." Hey, I can tease him; I'm not the one trying to court him.

Y'know, Gippal and Baralai could pass for the same age; until you hear them talk. Separate they're two different people. The Al Bhed talks like he's trying to sell you his ideas; twisting opinion to become like fact, and down right flattering you at every step he takes. Though he also can turn serious, giving sage advice, but the humor and charm flows through his entire being.

Baralai alone, and the other hand, is almost depressingly realistic, sharp, clear, precise and to the point. He smiles genuinely; not the wide, charming grin of the Al Bhed, but a small smile showing gratitude, respect, and caring of well being. Baralai completely avoids his own opinions, strictly sticking to the facts; though honestly, he can just as easily sway one's thinking; in a deadly efficient, subtle way.

But as I see the older man smile, and laugh, I realize he starts to act his age around Gippal. Yevon, that man is barely 20 and already has out-mastered the aged priests in their civil ways. Perhaps Gippal's young, different ways are refreshing to the young, aged ways of Baralai.

But who knows, really? Afterall, I'm merely a blitzball player. What do I know about life?

Finally on our way and out the door, Gippal and Baralai keep themselves amused with mutual teasing. It's not until we leave the temple when I notice the somber mood settling on the Praetor. He stopped us right before we left the quiet sanctuary, and journey into the bustling city.

He seemed bashful. "I'm not sure how to put this eloquently-" I kicked Gippal, stopping him from laughing. Gippal was sort of a younger brother to me now. I liked kicking him in the shins. "-There will be....people in the city..."

"Aha!" Gippal leaned conspiratorially towards me. "Baralai's always been good at the obvious."

This time he was quick on his feet, and was able to moved his abused ankle in time. Though he was still on the jabbing end of my elbow.

"I mean, news reporters, of the more... rumorous kind."

Gippal laughed, but I spared him from my wrath; I'd get him later. "You mean, all the young women of Spira fawn to hear of the great, handsome, single Praetor of New Yevon."

"And men..." Baralai muttered darkly, but I doubt Gippal heard it. Baralai took up the pace again, emerging into the busy city life.

The sun dipped below the heights of Bevelle, the warming glow of the setting sun illuminating the whole sky. I swear it was only two minutes into the city and already a young voice interrupted our peaceful walk. What I wouldn't give for a sword and some fiends.

"Praetor! Sir! May I have a moment of your time, please?"

I cringed as I watched people hush and turn their gazes towards us, their conversations now buzzing with whispers.

Baralai, with more patience and grace then I've ever seen, turned toward the young reporter, meeting his gaze. I wanted to laugh when it provoked a blush on the young man's face.

"Yes, you may have a moment, but please, only just one." I almost outright awed at the well cultured tones that easily rolled off his tongue that I was never able to learn.

"Well, I , uh... I just wanted to ask about these recent and abrupt changes in the temples, and..." The young man seemed to falter under the intense gaze.

"Well Lamian, it is noble for you to want to here it coming from me, but the temple office might be better suited for these types of questions. You can also get a copy of the official press release if you'd like."

Cool calm and collected. That was Baralai. Nervous, embarrassed, and distracted, was the young reporter.

"Well...Sir...thank you for your time..I.."

"You can ask for another question if you wish."

The young reporter struck up some courage. "Who are your companions, and where are you going?"

Baralai smiled softly, like an adult would to an adoring child. "This is my dearest and closest friend, Gippal." Gippal grinned, posing in a way only an Al Bhed could. "And this is my new friend, Tidus. Both are visiting me on my leave, and we plan to have a nice dinner together."

"Where are you eating?" The question was almost rude, as it quickly tumbled out of the young man's mouth.

Baralai's lips curled. "Someplace with a good atmosphere, remarkable food, savory wine, and splendid service." I raised my eyebrow in admiration as Baralai was able to politely stop any other questions. "Now, please excuse me, Lamian, it would be rude to have my guests wait any longer than necessary."

With that I watched Gippal slide over, curling an arm around the Praetor's waist. At the look of surprise on the lad's face I did the same, winking at him and steering both men away from the shocked reporter. A breathy chuckle escaped me as I imagined 'scandalous' and 'Baralai'; two utter opposites.

After we dodged many other inquisitive reporters, I notice a faint blush to the dark cheeks.

"It feels rather odd," he commented, looking down at his waist, "it seems like you two are the ones leading to the restaurant."

Gippal grinned, giving the middle man a squeeze. "Yep, and you're paying, right Tidus?"

I grinned, showing one of my more feral smiles. "Of course." I pushed Baralai into Gippal, exacting my immediate revenge. Baralai wisely detangled himself then, pushing Gippal in the middle.

"Don't get me involved in this!"

Gippal and I laughed. "You already are!"





Though forever is over guestimating the time it took to get to the restaurant, in this case it was deemed an appropriate usage. With service only befitting a legendary blitzball player, we were immediately seated in a private section, overlooking the more complacent ocean, and under the canopy of dazzling stars.

Baralai sat between us, his back to the view at out quaint round table. Despite the harrowing experience of those awful 'reporters', I noticed Baralai didn't seem worse for wear. In fact, he seemed quite the opposite. Relaxed, happy, and all around healthy.

Chit-chat continued as we ate through the bread and cheese, and soup and salad courses, until finally our main meals were presented. At Baralai's suggestion, they all had a fruits de mer. Gippal had fresh lobster from their lobster tank cooked with fresh cream and mushrooms in a white wine sauce, adorned with mollusks. Baralai had a plate of fish partly filleted and coated in seasoned bread crumbs, gently sautéed in virgin olive oil and served with lemon grass sauce. And since the Praetor insisted on buying, at any cost...I went for the more interesting combination of fresh okra, shrimp, crab meat, shellfish stock, tomatoes, shallots, capsicum, celery, and cayenne pepper, all served with garlic bread. Though the honest truth is, I couldn't make up my mind. My plate alone took up most of the table. Baralai laughed as Gippal gawked at my meal.

I decided to strike up more conversation as we stuffed ourselves. "So, Gippal, tell me more about yourself."

Gippal looked up, leaving his lobster alone. "What do you want to know?" he asked lightly.

I gestured. "I don't know; your mother's maiden name...if you have any sisters..."

They both laughed, Baralai steadily smiling the whole evening.

"First off, if I had any sisters, I'd remind you that you're happily engage to a lovely young brunette. And my mother's maiden name? Now that's a tough one." Gippal thoughtfully chewed on some of the white meat. "I don't really remember that one; my mother was an orphan. Well, so was my dad, but he was old enough to remember his name and family. " Gippal paused for another bite. "That's where they both meet, an orphanage. And after they were adopted and separated, my father diligently wrote letters to her. At first in the open, but later in secret."

"So you got your charm from your father, eh?" I teased.

Gippal shook his head. "Charm? No. Maybe I'm hopeless romantic like him, but charm? Poor man didn't have much charm. Persistence, and a magnetic personality; everyone could love him, because he was just so honest and caring. Mom used to call him 'beautiful'."

"So what about your mother?"

Gippal leaned back, stretching his legs, mindful of his riveted audience. "Well, you could say the charm was my mother's. She was completely independent. She had the charm, and she would always tease my father endlessly. Though she was like a wild west wind, my father pursued her. He knew she just loved to play hard to get. So he backed off, just being friends. And soon she was the one pursuing him. Boy did she get angry when she realized she'd been fooled like that. But do you know what? That night she said she loved him, he got up and proposed right there.

"And she actually cried. She claims there were only three times in her life she ever cried, and that was one of them. They got married, and my father and mother worked well, creating a machina business. He designed machines for household use, and my mother's personality made her perfect to sell his ideas. And that's how life went. We lived in one of the best houses there was; only because of all the strange inventions.

"Climate control." Gippal nodded. "The single most important creation. See, there was this liquid, and..." Gippal paused, looking at my face. I knew what he was taking about.

"Air conditioner. It pumps out cool air in vents around the room, keeping the interior temperature nice and comfortable."

"Yeah..." Gippal seemed a little perplexed at my knowledge. "Anyways, everyone always wanted to be in our house during the hot desert days... it was a great way to make friends." He grinned.

"What about your childhood?" I asked, noticing Baralai, who completely forgot about the spread in front of him, enraptured by Gippal's stories.

"My childhood, eh?" Gippal laughed. "I remember when I was 12," he smiled ruefully. "That wasn't that long ago, was it?" He shook his head. "Anyways, before I was twelve, my father taught me mathematics and artistic design. My mother, I wonder if it was on purpose, taught me her teasing ways along with everything else in life. Reading, writing, social skills, speaking skills, and all around how to be independent. So life was grand."

"What about after you were twelve."

Gippal grinned and I knew he had some evil in store for his lover. "I'll tell you about after I was twelve after you eat some more food." Gippal looked at me, a grin on his face. "I mean, he's practically skin and bones."

Baralai yipped when Gippal prodded him in the ribs. I joined in the torture. Apparently the young man had a great deal of self control, for he valiantly stayed where he was, completely ignoring our strategic attacks. He slowly ate some more of his cool fish, the action obvious pleasing to Gippal as he ceased the poking.

"So, where was I? Oh yes, when I was twelve, life was grand. But well, then this happened." He pointed to his patched eye.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Running with scissors." He responded gravely, and I wasn't sure if I should laugh or sigh in concern. Thankfully he began to laugh, quenching my fears. "No, no! You guys, I really didn't get my eyes poked out by scissors or anything." He was waving his hands back and forth, laughing hard at our expense.

"Then how?" I pressed, I knew it probably was a touchy subject, but...

"Really?" He scratched his head sheepishly. "It was around then the crusaders really hated us Al Bhed. We'd been at ends forever; them convincing us our machina were evil, and we should only trust ourselves, not scrap heaps of metal." Gippal's tone spoke volumes of how he felt about the Crusaders.

"And we were trying to convince them machines would help aid the cause in defeating sin, and all the other jazz." Gippal wound down to the point. "So, we had a friendly little competition, and let's just say we kicked their...butts."

I was glad Gippal reconsidered is language in this setting; I have a feeling he would've gotten a stern lecture later from mr. formality himself if he had a loose tongue.

"So...the least to say was, they were a little sour. The tensions stirred when Al Bhed already in their ranks were unceremoniously 'removed' or 'demoted'. As the discrimination continued, we became more aggressive towards the Crusaders. Soon, when traveling the desert, they found less and less homes willing to take them in. Even travel agencies turned away good business because of the silly fights. A few rogue groups began pillaging and destroying the smaller Al Bhed towns. That was the end of the fuse...

"Everyone shorted, their circuits fried, and it also became a war in itself. Despite my mother and father's protests, I still walked to the next town in the early morning shade, working with my friend's father at his machine shop. I hand nimble hands, and could practically wire anything together. One fateful day there was a raid in his town. They even came into our shop, knocking my mentor unconscious. Next I know some huge punk throws me against the wall and-" Gippal stopped suddenly. "If you're going to eat anymore, I'd better stop there."

Both Baralai and I shook our heads. We were literally on the edge of our seats. Baralai, if a man of his skin color could, even looked pale at the prospect.

"So my head was hit pretty hard, and I was so disoriented I couldn't dodge the other man on a chocobo and his sword." Gippal's finger drew a diagonal line, a slash across his eye patch. "So he got the edge of me. Split my skin open; thankfully that healed, but the blade slit my cornea, and most of my eye in two. One of the scariest moments of my life."

We all were shocked how nonchalantly he spoke, as if those memories couldn't touch him. Or how he wouldn't let them. I noticed how Baralai visibly flinched at the horrific image.

"So after I wake up, a lot less blood later, someone finds me and takes me in. Two days later I wake, finding that I will no longer see in that eye, but I lived thanks to a peaceful Yevon healer who was in town. And, well, I head home, curious as to where my parents were." Gippal took a deep breath. "My town was raided too. They died. Both of them. But surprisingly the house wasn't raided; thanks to my father's protective machines. But guess who they sacrificed their lives for?"

I shook my head numbly.

Gippal grinned ruefully. "Apparently Rikku, one of my childhood friends had stopped by while I was gone. She had poor timing though. Cid was furious when he found out; that was when the Al Bhed became a nation again. We regrouped, strengthened our numbers, and lived in a large community, building a protective city. I had Cid's blessing and financial support until I took after my father, and started building the designing machines, and I could live on my own. After 'Home' was destroyed, a couple of us still wanted that community, so my machine building friends started a small, almost club. The Machine Faction. Slowly we grew as we hired more people, and more people offered their skills to us.

"We took up residence in Djose Temple after it was abandoned, trying to tap it's electrical nature for ourselves. And that ends my story." I noted Gippal managed a smile, and also to eat everything on his plate, and steal a bit more from my half-eaten one. I looked over at Baralai who smiled, though seemed someplace else at the time. He barely touched his meal, save for the few bites he took at the Al Bhed's protest. Talk about head-over-heels.

It was then the waiter punctuated our complacent silence refilling our wine glasses, and inquiring if we wanted anything else. Despite Baralai's slight protests, Gippal made sure his meal was taken to be delicately packaged to take home, along with the rest of our wine. Gippal ordered a dessert, and I can only guess his stomach was a bottomless pit. Much like mine was when I was his age. I had no clue what 'Mille-feuille' was until it arrived.

Thousands of paper-thin pastry layers and delicately between the layers was cream and chocolate, cut and powdered fruit decorating the outside. I was surprised when Gippal discretely shoved it towards Baralai. The older man was obviously surprised too, as I saw a handsome arch of an eyebrow raise relatively high.

"You're not going to eat it?"

"No."

"Why should I eat it?"

"Because you didn't eat your dinner, that's why."

I watched the little argument transpire, and I took it for what it was; flirting. Yuna and I did much of that in our own time. One insistent, one stubborn. I used to attribute her stubborn nature as her Al Bhed side coming out.

"But you ordered it."

"And you ordered your fish and you didn't eat it."

Baralai paused, an evil grin on his face. I wanted to choke at what he said next.

"But dinner comes before dessert." He spoke in this low, sensual voice that just danced along your skin. I raised my brow at Gippal, smirking at his blush.

"We can always make exceptions to the rule," he barely recovered.

"Okay, but only if you help me eat it."

"Like what we did with the zamm-u?"

Point for Gippal; Baralai almost sputtered.

"I wasn't quite thinking that way."

Oh...now I wanted to know about this 'zamm-u' incident; it had to be real hot to get him to act like that. Or so embarrassing you'd die laughing.

"I was." Gippal actually purred, leaning closer in a most definite dominant position. And here I wondered who would be on top. Though, Baralai was quick-witted. Very smart. He slowly he ate the cake, making it a seduction instead of a simple act of consumption.

Part of my father side kicked in, and I wanted to say 'now son...' as Baralai was no longer eating, but putting on a show. But what a better way to torture Gippal? So I grinned and leaned back, waiting for the end of the evening.



The evening did end, not without a few choice conversation those two shared in Al Bhed. I vowed silently to make Yuna teach me Al Bhed; by their reactions they were having real interesting conversations. Though as I learned later, the 'fun' had only just began.

As soon as we dodge a few more persistent late-night reporters, we made it back to the Praetor's with a sigh. We all settled down, showering and changing for the night. That was when the arguments began.

"Tidus, you take my bed and Gippal, you take the guest room."

Gippal beat me to my question. "But where are you going to sleep?"

"Out on the sofa."

" You are not sleeping on the couch. This is your own place. I'll take the couch."

"Yes, but you're my guest-"

"So you'll let me do as I please. Now Tidus takes the guest room, and you go sleep in your bed." Gippal paused, a smirk smeared across his face. "Unless you want you and I to share..."

Baralai didn't blush, but was almost flustered. "No, you and I are not going to sleep alone together and I will be sleeping on the sofa."

A light seemed to go on in the Al Bhed's head, and he 'escorted' us into Baralai's immaculately clean room and bed. Gippal pulled back all the covers, pointing to the bed. "Get in."

"Ha. No." Gippal advanced on Baralai, and his resolve broke under the demanding gaze. "Fine."

He then pointed me to the other side, the man's left, as he himself slid in after his lover. Baralai attempted to leave as he pulled the covers over us.

"See? Problem solved. No one is uncomfortable on your couch, I get to sleep by you, and we're not alone together, and we're in your bed."

I chuckled as Baralai protested lightheartedly. "I am not sleeping in the middle."

Gippal sent an 'you've got to be kidding' eye-rolling glare back.

Baralai held up his finger in protest. "If you remember correctly, I was the one who slept between you and Nooj in the tents, and many a mornings I woke up with bruises and black eyes. I was jabbed, poked, pinched, squeezed, and rolled over. I learned my lesson."

"That's good to know." Baralai slid easily on the sheets as he was pulled over to Gippal, the Al Bhed curling himself around his elder lover. Now if that didn't speak tenderness right there... "Here's a new lesson to learn." He placed a soft kiss on the Praetor's nape. I can hear the female 'awws' now...

"G'night." I spoke softly, sleeping on my side, facing Baralai. I let my eyes drift shut. I was tired from that long journey today, and who knows how late it was then.

Soft, deft fingers brushed back my hair lovingly. "Good night, Tidus."


That same soft voice growled a while later. "Gippal..."

"Alright, alright, I'm sleeping!"

I smiled. They were such children. But even I could feel the love radiating from both of them through my haze of exhaustion. Yep. They acted just like Yuna and I not too long ago. Perhaps that two year wait did them good too.


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Additional-Additional Comment: If your memory is bad, hop back to chapter 5. And I left off in a fuzzy, warm memory, because I shouldn't be so cruel and leave every chapter off at a climax. Well, it didn't exactly ever get that far, but it got pretty close.

And for you BaralaixTidus fans, I write fun little shorts in my spare-spare time, and I've decided to post them... so I have a little archive of them in a story called 'A Short Vacation' - take a short vacation from convential pairings...
LaixRin, ShuinxLaixTidusxGip,GipxNoojxLai, LaixAuron, ShuinxLaixTidus, practically everyone at the auction chapter...

* * In that story chapter six was a small bit about a slave auction..if you have time you might get want to jump over and enjoy it.