A/N: I got this idea for a story a couple of days ago and started writing. This time it's someone else in the lead, so I hope I can put myself in that persons perspective. Please tell me what you think? O! And more chapters will come!


-Hidden truth-

---Keep it quiet---

Of all the things I would have expected to happen, never ever did this pop into my mind. I've always thought Yuna would be the first. Or perhaps Rikku? But not me, at least not in the next 10 years. And I thought that I was a responsible person, but now I'm not so sure. Plus, how are my friends going to react! No wait! Better yet, the father! I am way to young for this. I know I'll never make a good mother, not with my past. Oh Yevon, I totally messed up. I…me, I messed up. Can you believe it. She chuckled and shook her head.

A knock on the bathroom door made her look up. Who could it be? Argh, what kind of question is that, of course you know who it is, he's the only one besides you, who lives here! Paine let out a frustrating growl.

When she heard another knock and Baralai's worried voice, she started to panic. 'Paine? Is everything alright? You've been in there for…20 minutes. I don't want to rush you, but we're going to be late.'

Oh no, what now…just say that you're fine and you'll be out in a minute. O! And hide the test. Paine grabbed the small box and put the test in it. 'I'm fine. I'm almost done.' She said, voice as normal as possible. Or so she hoped.

She put the box as far down in the disposer as she could get it. Then she walked towards the toilet and pushed the button to flush. Making it seem like she'd just been on the toilet. When she opened the door, she revealed Baralai. He was leaning with his back against the wall, His hands in his pockets. He wore his praetor outfit.

When he heard the door open, his head shot up and looked at Paine a little concerned. 'Are you alright?'

Paine nodded slowly and walked passed him. 'I'm fine.' She spoke.

How am I going to tell him? What if he doesn't…No, Baralai would make a good father, that's not the problem but…I won't…being a good mother I mean. I'll…I'll tell him…later.

Baralai pushed himself of the wall and followed her. 'So, you're ready to go?'

Paine nodded once. She grabbed a black purse. It matched the outfit she was wearing. Some wide black pants, with buckles on the sides. A ruby coloured sweater, with a low cut back. The front reached her collarbone. Actually it was a very classy outfit for Paine. But it had to be since they were on their way to an important dinner of some sort. They were going to be accompanied by the Mevyn of the Youth leage, the Machine faction leader, the high summoner and a couple of praetors.

At least Yuna was going to be there. Maybe…maybe she should tell her…or maybe not. Paines thoughts were running through her head, making her get a headache. But she hid it, just like she always would.

They got to the restaurant in time. It was the chicest restaurant in Bevelle. With a view that used to be one of the most beautiful views in all of Spira, looking over the Macalania forest. Now, the forest was almost gone.

The waiter brought them to their table. Everyone was already there, except for Gippal. 'Late, as usual.' Baralai whispered in Paines ear before he turned towards the table to greet everyone.

Paine took a seat next to Yuna after saying her greetings as well.

'You look great Paine.' Yuna said as she noticed the class in Paines outfit. Sure was different then her usual warriors outfit. 'Thank you.' Paine said, with a faint smile. 'So, how have you been?'

After about an half an hour of casual talk, the Faction leader finally arrived. He sat down between Baralai and Nooj. 'Hey guys, sorry I'm late.' He grinned at the praetors, who remained silent. Baralai shook his head. Nooj sighed. 'You're always late.'

They all ordered what they wanted.

One of the praetors started talking. 'Now that Sin is gone, people have been using machina more and more. We fear that the people of Spira are falling into old habits again.' The other one nodded, agreeing with his colleague. 'Yes, precisely. We think that people shouldn't use to much machinery. Isn't that why Sin appeared in the first place? Because we used to much machina?' Gippal frowned, he certainly didn't agree with them. 'No, that's what you made of it.' The 2 praetors looked at each other. 'But, the Yevon ways tell us that Zanarkand was de…Gippal interrupted him before he could finish another word. 'Yevon was all one big lie. You've seen what they had underground! Let alone Vegnagun.' He glared at them from across the table. Baralai cleared his throat. 'People have chosen to use machina themselves. We cannot tell them what they can and can't use. They don't have anything to fear anymore.' The praetors nodded, but didn't look like they agreed with Baralai.

Before they could continue the discussion, 2 waiters came and filled the table with plates and but she never said a word during bowls.

'Maybe we should give the people of Spira some rules to live by. Like the use of machina, we could ask them not to use it to much. I know the people that follow the New Yevon ways would listen.' Nooj shook his head thoughtfully. 'It wouldn't make a difference. A lot of people have already excepted machinery into their lives. I don't think they'll give it up so soon. It does make ones live a lot easier.' Baralai agreed with Nooj, and so was Gippal. He is the Machine faction leader after all, not to mention an Al bhed. Of course he wasn't going to agree with those two, about reducing the use of machina.

Paine was awfully quiet the entire time. Not that she's a talkative type, but she never said a word during dinner. Yuna noticed this to her great concern. When the praetors left, the rest decided to go to the bar for a drink before they left.

Baralai ordered for Paine and himself. 'Can I have 2 white wine please, thank you.' He asked the bar tender but was immediately interrupted by Paine, even before the bartender could reach for a glass. 'No, I'll just have some water.' Gippal and Yuna both frowned. Baralai looked concerned. She had been acting a little strange ever since they got there.

'Are you alright?' He asked her as he put his arm around her waist. 'Yes, I'm fine, just a headache.' Paine reassured him, even if it was a lie. Baralai nodded, still a bit worried. He kissed her on the cheek before he went and sat next to Gippal and Nooj.

Paine sighed deeply and sat on one of the empty barstools. The bartender placed the glass of water in front of her.

How am I ever going to tell him.

Yuna took the stool next to her friend and looked at her with worried eyes. 'Paine?' She hesitated. Paine stared ahead of her. 'Yes?' Yuna cast her eyes down at her drink. 'Is something wrong, something I should know?' Paine wasn't sure how she should react on that question. She had expected it though, she didn't know how to answer it.

Should I tell her? Maybe it's best to share the burden, for once.

'Yuna…you are my friend, right?' Yuna looked confused. 'Of course!' Paine remained silent. 'What's wrong?' Yuna said, a bit pleading. Paine sighed and forced the words to come out of her mouth. 'I…I'm pregnant.

Yuna's jaw dropped as she stared at her friend. Well that sure was something she hadn't expect Paine to say. 'You…you're…' She stammered, she was just to shocked at the moment. Paine shook her head in annoyance. 'Yes, I'm pregnant. Do I have to spell it out for you?'

Yuna placed her elbows on the bar and rested her head on it. 'I just…I didn't expect you to say that…does…Baralai…wait! He is the father, right?' Yuna looked at her, nodding as if she already knew what she was going to say. 'Yes, he is.'

Yuna placed her head back in it's former position. 'When did you find out?'

'About 4 hours ago.'

'Did you tell him yet?'

'No'

'Are you going to?'

'….'

Yuna turned to her friend once more, both eyebrows raised. 'You're not going to tell him?' Paine sighed again, and shrugged her shoulders helplessly. The first time Yuna ever saw Paine helpless. 'I don't know, I just…' Again a sighed came from Paines side.

Yuna took a sip of her drink. 'Why'd you tell me first?' She asked.

Paine stared into space again. 'I don't know…'cause you happened to be around right now.'

'Hey.' Yuna shoved her and smiled kindly.

Paine smiled a bit too. She felt so relieved now that Yuna knew too. She sure hoped that she wouldn't tell Rikku though. Then all of Spira would know the news in less then an hour. Besides if she was going to tell Rikku, she want to tell it herself. But she was sure Yuna would understand that.

'I want to know, really, why'd you tell me first?'

Paine looked up from her thoughts. It took her a while to realize what Yuna just said. Yuna mistook her confused look for her to be struggling with words.

'I guess, because your someone I can rely on. You're my talk person.'

Yuna's eyes shined. 'Really?' She said happily, and with a brilliant smile.

'Really.'

Yuna smiled even brighter. She put one arm around Paines waist, and rested her head on her upper arm.

Paine still stared blankly ahead. 'You realize this constitates hugging.'

Yuna smiled faintly. 'Yeah, but I'm allowed. I'm your talk person.'


Read and Review please : )

She chuckled and shook her head.Paine grabbed the small box and put the test in it. 'I'm fine. I'm almost done.' She said, voice as normal as possible. Or so she hoped.Paines thoughts were running through her head, making her get a headache. But she hid it, just like she always would.