Personal Note: Well folks, been a while, hasn't it? I've been busy being sick, school, and planning my trip to Japan. I'll be sure to post another chapter before I leave on the 16th, since I'll be gone for 2 weeks. If I'm real lucky, I'll write two before I leave, or start one so you can have it as soon as I get back.
Additional Comment: Not the best and brightest chapter, but I dished it out. Enjoy.
<<Enjoy Chapter 14: Fair Play >>
I woke up. Oddly cold. Now, that's unusual. Maybe the cooling unit in the temple was malfunctioning. Ah, wait, this isn't my bed. Too smooth and hard. Hmm....
I open my eyes, realizing I'm sprawled on an empty bed. If my memory serves me correct, I should still be holding a lovely young man, and across from him should be my soon-to-be cousin in-law twice removed... or something like that.
Hmm...now, I really should get up and see where those two went. Get up, sleep some more. Get out of the nice, warm, comfy bed, and slip into sweet oblivion, or brave the freezing cold of 'room temperature'. I sighed. 'Be a man, Gippal.'
Ok, 15 more minutes.
"Pimmcred," I swore to myself, and whipped off the covers, rising to stand in the cold air. 70 degrees is not room temperature.
I walked out the door, smelling the giver of all life. Coffee. Especially Baralai's brand. It's 'mana eh machine'. The best. But, unfortunately this brew doesn't come with a complimentary sexy, young man. Well, not the one I wanted anyways.
So Tidus is awake, and drinking coffee in the open dinning area. Where is his yevoness? The halls are empty, and so is the bathroom. Oh, wait. He only had three days off... has it already been three days? It couldn't be. I don't remember, we've been running everywhere and doing so much.
"Except ourselves," I mutter with a chuckle. But, we've gotten close, haven't we?
"He's in the guest room."
My heart leaped at that. I tried to tell myself how stupid I was to be startled at that voice, I mean, Tidus was in the same room as me. Snap out of it. You're dazing.
I run my hands over my face, scratching absently at the eye patch. Oh, dearest coffee.
"C'mere," I murmur, walking in the kitchen for my pot of liquid black gold. Coffee. Coffee. I looked at the digital reading of the appliance.
"Damn, it's early."
"Maybe for you." I jumped again at the voice. Damn body.
"Crid ib!" How could any be up at... I rub away my bleary vision.... 7h45 in the morning?
Tidus laughs from the couch, reading something as he sips from a mug.
"Oh yes. Coffee. Coffee... caffiene." I repeat the mantra as I carefully let the hot liquid burn down my throat. Mmm... much better. I dig into the nearby basket and pull out and apple. Got coffee; I got my apple.. now where is my B? I can't start my day without a healthy dose of ABC...
Ah yes, guest room. I munch on my apple and sip the essence of perfection as walk down to the shut, but not locked guest room door. I open it, and lo-and-behold, by vitamin B is sleeping sound. I chuckle evil, putting down my coffee and half eaten apple. I know how I'm going to wake my tacand vmufan.
"Oh... mmrrr.... how late is it?" I suddenly remember I'm not in my own bed, but in the guest room. Thank goodness, too. My aching ankle, and bruised temple reminded me of exactly why I left. Gippal, as per usual, kicks around in his sleep. And Tidus? That was a joyous experience in itself. I woke up when a wrist hit me square in the temple, and immediately the world went black. And for those 2 hours I was unconscious, but I wasn't sleeping. I'll have to make a mental note to warn Yuna of the impending danger.
I clench my teeth to keep back the gasp as I feel fingers slide up under my shirt, carefully pushing the fabric up. Deja vu. The little idiot was going to try and pull that little fiasco again, eh?
I murmured a few choice words, and sighed back into my pillow as the spell was released.
"Remo Cred! Lumt! Lumt!"
A sort of decadent grin slips on my face at those words. I risk a glance at the childish figure jumping up and down, practically howling, hands between his legs like a little child who needed to go to the bathroom.
His eye catches mine under my mused hair. I'm holding back laughter with a face-splitting grin. I turn my head to face the other wall, knowing it will aggravate him that much more.
I hear heavy, quick footsteps. "What the hell is going on in here?!"
Oh, Tidus is awake. Well, of course he would be after all that screaming.
"He! He did it! That...That pycdynt!"
My eyebrows shot up. Gippal was angry if he would say that. But for some reason, it really doesn't concern me. I haven't slept in for so long: no way anyone could ruin my day.
"What did he do, Gippal? You're the one who went to grab the ice cubes."
Did ever tell this man I love him? I think Tidus and I are going to be best of friends.
"He cast blizzard in my... on my..."
Say it Gippal. C'mon, you can do it. Sound it out.
"On your..?" Tidus prompted.
Ahhh...this is refreshing morning after all.
"In my pants!"
"He what?"
Say it Gippal. You know you want to.
"On my crotch!"
Good job, no profanities.
"So? What were you going to do with those ice cubes, eh? You're just upset he got the best of you. If it's still bothering you, go take a hot shower."
It's nice not having to be the voice of reason. Ah. Revenge exacted.
"No, I'm alright. The spell was too weak, it didn't last long."
Weak? I'm not sadistic; it wasn't meant to damage. If you want to see weak stay still and I'll cast flare on you a couple of times. See how 'weak' I am then. Why am I monologuing to myself?
Whispers. They're whispering. I feel impending doom.
"Attack!"
"Ah!" Pillows! That jerk! If he wants a pillow fit, he'll get one!
"Meanie!"
"Jerk!" I briefly note Tidus already left the room.
"Fun killer!"
"I'm so sick of this immaturity!"
"....."
"....."
The room is eerily silent as we both stop fighting and yelling, just staring at each other. Painfully. I instantly wish those words never escaped my lips. Gippal's smile is gone. You never realize how important it is until it's not there. I feel like I stabbed him in the heart with ice, then in turn did the same to myself.
"Baralai..."
His words are so soft. It hurts just to hear my lips come from his lips in such an aching, painful way.
"Baralai... are you really sick of this?"
He's asking me if I'm sick of him. Tired of this relationship. If I really loved him. If this was real. I shake my head. Why did I say that? It wasn't something that just came out. If it slipped like that it came from my heart. Maybe...no. I am not sick of Gippal. And I'm not tired of his little games, no matter how childish. That is what makes him Gippal. I'm sick and tired of myself.
"Baralai..."
"No...Gippal. It's not you. It's me."
"That's what they all say." I watched in horror as he started to move away. I desperately grabbed onto his wrist. I just couldn't let him leave. Not like this.
"No Gippal, it is my fault." He stopped trying to move, but his body language spoke of an icy shield. It angered me. My emotions swirled inside me. I grabbed him and shoved him into the wall. Hard. Harder than I intended. Ever.
"Gippal, listen to me, and hear every single word that comes from my mouth, even if it is the last time." My words are coming out harsher than I wanted them to.
Gippal is fuming, but can't escape. He forgot how strong I am.
"With every single fiber of my physical being and even things we don't know about and can't see, I love you. You hear that?" I breathe, my next words quiet and hushed, as if they were sacred. They are. "I love you."
"But you hate me, you hate my immaturity." He spits venom into my heart.
I shake my head, staring hard and long into his eye. "Gippal, I don't hate you. I couldn't. Ever. Not possible. Once I love, it's forever, hear me? I will love you always, even when you hate me."
"But-"
"No. Gippal I love you. I hate... I hate myself." Oh yevon, I am not going to cry. I'm not.
"Baralai..." His voice is soft now.
"No, hear me out. I hate how I'm so inexperienced, awkward... immature around you. I can't help it. I try to suppress it, but it just comes out. I laughing, smiling... hell I could skip when I'm around you. Do you understand? I have no clue what's going on here. "
I take a deep breathe, diving deeper into my problems. " I swear I could swoon like a little girl just when you smile at me. I could pass out when you kiss me. I want to shout for joy when you hold my hand. And when we become more intimate," I shift a little uncomfortable at this subject, " I feel like I am on fire with your love, except I never burn."
He's quiet now. I can only hope he understands. I think he does; he puts his hands on my hips and smiles that wonderful, soft, world-melting smile.
"You...you're bringing out things in me that I didn't know existed. I act so immature around you. I can't control my thoughts or emotions. I sit at my desk, and can't concentrate; well, I can, but only on you."
I sigh in frustration. It hurts to be this open.
"I love you, but, far be it from me to be able to be mature about it. I'm giddy, high, whatever on you. I just...dammit Gippal, you make me feel like a kid. Everything's so new, I just.. I don't know what to do."
I rest my forehead on his shoulder. I have more issues than I thought. He holds me close. I am not going to cry.
"For the first time I'm not in control." I grin, shaking my head, even as my eyes grow watery. "You drive me crazy Gippal? " I sigh, holding onto him. "Insane. I'm crazy with you, and insane without you. Yevon, these feelings...I'm so immature."
He looks so happy, but he looks like he is going to cry. "I'm crazy with and about you too. And you're not immature... I can't believe it but..." He chuckles disbelieving, "...you're in love, with me."
We are hugging each other so tight we're crushing each other. But still we're not close enough. I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping I can will away my tears of confusion and joy. I feel the back of the cheek get wet.
My voice is weak. "You're not crying, are you?"
"No," is the strangled response.
"Great," I practically sob into his hair, "neither am I."
A half an hour later with red eyes and tearstained cheeks, we finally separated enough to make it to the bathroom. Though Gippal couldn't quite let me go, he was always holding my hand, or hand an arm around my shoulder or waist. I washed both of our faces clean smiling weakly as i was emotionally drained.
I made it a priority next to find Tidus; all we found was a note that he went for a walk, and would be back later. It was for the best. I told Gippal next I'd like to change. It was a silent plea, asking if he could stay with me. He didn't want to leave me, and I really didn't want him to leave me either.
So he didn't. And he stayed there. Always keeping a comforting physical contact. His arm stayed wrapped around my waist most of the time. I wasn't embarrassed, though my heart beat faster; and he only ever looked at me with love.
He helped me peel off my vest, placing a gentle kiss on my nape. He held me for a while like that. Both of his hands around my waist, just us. I twined my fingers with his. And we just stood there, swaying gently to the timeless beat of lovers.
I eventually broke the hold, reluctantly, but still held onto both of his hands, bringing him over to my closet. His hands still covered mine as I reached out for my usual office attire. I brought our hands up to my lips, and I kissed the back of his. He smiled gently. Then I brought our hands down to my hips, sliding them just under the band of fabric. And I stilled, waiting for him to make the next move. He maneuvered me closer to him, so I could feel him behind him, smell his intoxicating scent, relish in the heat of his proximity. Then, very carefully, and slowly, he moved our hands down, sliding the thin pants down with them, until feel down into a puddle at my feet. I felt my face grow hot, but it wasn't uncomfortable. I reached for my underwear rather quickly, and thankfully he didn't protest when I pulled them on.
But he did grab my wrist when I went for my pants. He held them, moving in front of me. He snatched my clothes from me, and proceeded to put them on himself. I stepped into the pant legs,a nd he slid them up, fastening them at my waist. Since I was six only two pairs of hands ever reached there, including my own. The second...well..he was long gone.
I placed my hand on his shoulder when he reached for my shirt. I then proceeded to return the same treatment, albeit a bit more shyly. I laughed lightly when even I became confused at his outfit when there wasn't armor attachments. I even asked him if I was missing something. He chuckled, drawing me close. And then I kissed him. Kissed him with all the passion I've ever held within me.
I think I did a pretty good job, because his legs buckled and I had to hold him up. Not to mention he eventually regained his wits and dragged me to the floor with him, and his lips were swollen and red. And the fact that I forgot we were still shirtless until his cool fingertips stroked my mid-drift.
Eventually we cooled down and got our shirts on. Eventually we made it to the kitchen, holding hands, and ate a breakfast. Eventually I cleaned the two rooms, with Gippal close at hand, of course. Eventually we just settled on the couch, his head in my lap; and eventually Tidus came back.
And that brings us to the here and now.
"I'm glad to see you to kiss and made up."
"Me too. And let me tell you, I owe you one for this morning."
"You owe him what for this morning?"
I turned my head back down to look at Gippal. "I had a good laugh at your expense with the help of him."
"Yeah, well, I guess it's only fair."
"You are welcome. Now I have an hour to get my stuff ready before the ship leaves dock."
I shifted. "May we see you off?"
"It'd be my pleasure."
"Great, just great," Gippal drawled, " I can get kicked in the shin more."
I frowned, looking back at a grinning Tidus. Then I frowned even more. "I don't know what you're complaining about. I was constantly kicked in the ankle by you, and Tidus knocked me out by hitting me in the temple."
"So that's why you left."
I smiled back at Gippal. "Told you, sleeping in the middle is not fun. But it wasn't that bad. Nooj was worse; getting smacked full-force by sheet metal.. he's cracked a few of my ribs."
Gippal cackled at my expense. "So when do we leave, oh dear brother of mine?"
"In about 5 minutes, I'll be ready to go."
And so he was. We all headed down to Bevelle's docks, saying our farewells to our newest friend. I couldn't help but give him a hug goodbye.
"Goodbye, dear friend. Keep us appraised of the wedding, alright?"
"Sure thing."
Gippal slugged him the the shoulder. Tidus hit him back harder. "Goodbye, and say hello to your cute little wife-to-be for me." Gippal winked.
Tidus raised his eyebrow, and shoved him playfully. "Do I have competition?"
"No," Gippal looked to me, "I have my hands full with this one. Besides, I think I'm in lo~ove!" He leaned into me, sing-songing the word. I chuckled, pushing him away.
"You sure are."
Gippal looked back at Tidus. "Yeah I am, and I got the better end of the deal. He's prettier."
A low horn sounded the soon departure.
"Well, bye guys, it's been fun. And Yuna is beautiful, not pretty, so there." He stuck out his tongue at Gippal as he started walking away.
I was about to turn away when his voice carried over.
"Oh yeah, Baralai! Y'know that whole Auron thing?" He shouted as the boarded, "I was just kidding! Rikku told me to make something up to get you to open up!"
I was floored. "She WHAT?"
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Pimmcred : BS
pycdynt: bastard
tacand vmufan: remember? it's 'desert flower'
mana eh machine: mana in machine; ie. mana from heaven expression
-yes! A sort of cliffhanger! So who are Lai's parents? It's like the tootsie pop riddle; the world may never know.
And, if Gippal were a cross dresser, would he wear an evening gown or a sundress? I'm thinking a yellow sundress, with legs like that. Now you go ponder that for a while.
