Once again, since my computer is still taken away, I have to write this new story. A Paralai of course, in my keyboarding class. Which is only 45 minutes long. And, it takes me much longer to write a chapter than that. But okay, I have 15 minutes to get an intro. Where to start…

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Bevelle – Conference Room – Paine's POV

Sitting leaned back in my chair, feet on the conference table, nothing less of twiddling my thumbs, once again I thought the same thought I had been thinking for the last 2 hours. This was so boring. Here I was, sitting in the Peace Council of all things, listening to some middle-aged battle veterans' talk about the politics of our great Spira. And why was I here? Because somehow, after beating Vengagnun (along with Yuna and Rikku), I somehow was important to the Bevelle Council and Baralai begged me to join the council. Now, here I was wishing I didn't. Or did. Because Baralai was involved which made it so much easier to agree to. Mentally smacking and cursing at myself, I had to remember that I was a married women.

(Calm down people. You'll see in time.)

I married Deon (pronounced Day-on), because frankly, my feelings for Baralai were way too strong. Nothing short of almost pouncing on him every time I saw him. I guess I thought that if I made myself unavailable, he would become nothing to me. But, I should've known better. Everyone told me not to marry him, but do I ever listen? No. So here I am, stuck in a loveless marriage, well in love with another. F-ed up, yes? But, I would continue to deal. It wasn't as if Baralai loved me back or anything. Life wasn't that easy. Least not for me.

(Or is it? Hehe.)

Baralai's POV

Paine looked so pretty, sitting with her feet on the table. Uncaring to the stares of the other men. Damn Deon. Why did she have to marry him? Every time I saw him I wanted to kill him. But, if Paine really loved him, I wouldn't hurt her like that. But why was it that I didn't believe she really did. Of course, Paine is a independent, proud women. I never thought she'd marry someone so quick. They had only dated for 5 months. Or maybe I was just being old-fashioned. Momentarily breaking my thoughts I glanced around the circular table. The veterans appeared to be restless.

"Good evening gentlemen, and lady," I hastily added in my best praetor voice.

"Question?" Paine asked, straightening herself. "Why do I have to be here?"

One of the veterans with only six mismatched teeth responded with a wicked grin. "Come now, Lady Paine. What would this meeting be without you gracing us with tour presence?"

I saw Paine's fingers gently lay onto the sword at her belt. "Hmm?" She said her voice milky sweet, but equally deadly.

"Haven't had a proper lady here in a long time, Lady Paine," the veterans said again, giving a toothy grin.

Before anyone even could comprehend it, Paine was up and her sword pressed against the smart-ass veterans neck. "I bet you haven't had anything in a long time. But since I've got you listening to me, I might as well tell you. Women don't just let men walk all over them anymore. They fight back. If I ever here some stupid, sexist little remark out of your hillbilly mouth again, I will kill you. Got it?" She said in a voice almost daring him to refuse.

The man nodded, as a bead of sweat trickled down his neck.

"Good." Paine said sitting down. "I'm glad we understand each other."

I smiled slightly at the scene that had just taken place. "Well, shall we get started then?" I said, sending a laughing smile at Paine.

Nods came from all of the veterans, and even Paine, who shot me the same kind of smile back.

After Conference Meeting of Bevelle Council Paine's POV

I was glad that was over. Only the boring-est thing ever. Stupid taxes, and something about some new form of transportation. What could be better than flying in airship? And as I walked down the steps from the Bevelle Council building, I wanted to stall going home. I really didn't have a reason not to like Deon, he was handsome and he had all the charm, (Not as much as Baralai but close) but, I knew in my heart that he wasn't Baralai. Like anyone could be. Maybe I could go out to dinner or something. Get some Besaid shrimp from the seafood café. (Yum Yum, Besaid food.) That's what made up my mind. Turning left from the building, I walked the 50 or so feet to the café. I was a regular there so as soon as I walked in the door the owner (who I'm friends with. Gotta love connections!) immediately set me a small table, and was already getting me the usual. Couple minutes later the food was placed in front of me. I was about to take a bite, when I saw someone familiar out of the corner of my eye entering the shop. I turned back to the door and (of course) Baralai walked in. And he saw me immediately.

"Hey Paine," he said, walking smoothly to my table and sitting down in the chair across from me.

"Hey Baralai." I said, trying to pull any emotion into my tone.

He smiled at me. The same smiled that made me melt ever since I first met him in the Crimson Squad. "What did you think of the Council?"

Chewing some of my shrimp, I thought it over for a minute. Then made a so-so gesture with my hand. "It was okay, but you know with the rising taxes and things how are the poorer families going to afford it and regular expenses?"

Baralai nodded at me approvingly. "Your right. But even though I'm the Praetor, there's nothing I can do."

"You could talk them out of it." I said.

"True. But those old men don't exactly want to change their ways."

"True." I said.

"But you'll just have to make them now won't you?"

Baralai laughed. "I guess I do."

"I could help. I bet my sword would make a very convincing tool."

"Paine!" He said, his eyes gleaming with laughter.

I laughed too. "Just kidding."

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Or is she? No. she is. There is my first chapter. Hopefully theres some good material there. Well better go post this now.

-RKL!