'Just Try It'

Authors note: Would anyone consider being my beta? Meaning, a proof-reader? I know I still don't really have personalities down and it's choppy still. Thank you!

-Baralai's POV-

I hate drinking.

I hate the rotten smell of the alcohol, the burn as it goes down my throat, the sick feeling I get as it starts to reach my stomach… I don't get any really good effect. Like the stupid laughing. My face flushes… I get hot, so hot… Then I get tired and horribly dizzy. Exhausted, even. If I manage to stay awake, then the fatigue turns into a wonderful headache and I want to curl into a ball.

I don't judge others who drink. If it makes them happy and relaxed, then let them drink!

But others judge me based on the fact that I won't drink with them. I think in the AlBhed culture, it's even considered an insult if you don't drink with your host, when offered.

I look down at the glass that Cid, the leader of the AlBhed, uncle to High Summoner Yuna and father to a few of the Gullwings, had offered me. I could smell it from his hand all the way to behind the collar of my shirt. I didn't want it, but I couldn't refuse it.

I slowly take it into my hands and much to my horror, the glass was hot. Hot alcohol. I thank him anyway and look to Gippal as he receives a glass as well. The glance he gives me tells me to drink it, or else.

So it is a serious issue.

The younger AlBhed drinks the whole glass at once, then takes a deep breath. Cid holds his own glass out to me and smiles, "To new alliances. As odd as it may sound, may Bevelle and the AlBhed share a bond for centuries to come."

"To new alliances." I hold my glass up like he is and he hits his glass against mine and drinks the whole thing just as Gippal had. I follow suit and nearly throw up in the process.

It BURNS. In more ways than one and it nearly makes me spit the nasty concoction all over the table. I manage to swallow all of it, but still cough a bit after, much to the glee of the two AlBhed men with me.

"Ha ha, not bad kid! I'm surprised you didn't hoark it all over!"

It's the same moment that I realize that Cid is excessively loud, that I realize that Gippal is being much more quiet and reserved than he usually is. I set my glass on the table and lean back in my chair, suppressing a groan as I feel the liquid slowly making its way to my stomach.

"It's really strong." I say off handedly, thankful that 'Home' is air-conditioned. This would be one hell of a meeting if it weren't.

Gippal shifts and I can tell he's uncomfortable. "Shouldn't we discuss the plans?" He mumbles, keeping his eye on the ceiling, also leaning back in his chair.

Cid scoffs and glares at him and I can immediately tell there's a tension here. "Crid ib. We're trying to be social. This is a major breakthrough for our people."

I can tell Gippal wants out of here as bad as I do, but I decide to stay out of this fight, not knowing where it started.

My assumption would be that Gippal has gained quite a bit of power recently and it's upsetting the leader.

But that might just be the fast acting drink talking.

I was already feeling warm as they began to talk about simple things, like weather in Bikanel compared to Bevelle. The dizziness starts to set in when we actually get to business. I'm ready to fall asleep on the table and I think Gippal takes notice.

I can feel his hand briefly brush my thigh and I'm wide awake again. Not at all really aware of my surroundings, but certainly awake.

I'm just glad that I am neither a stupidly happy drunk or a particularly angry drunk. Perhaps this level-headed drunkenness would come in handy.

We talk about plans, plans to increase the rate at which Home is being built… Officially sign Bikanel over to the AlBhed making it their true homeland… in return for things like help with the Machina around the temples and the repopulation of Chocobos, that Yuna's Shuyin-like husband has been pushing near constantly.

It's all pretty complex and I truly wish I could have denied the drink. My head starts to ache suddenly, but we're just about finished when that happens.

"Well, I think that settles it!" The older AlBhed nods, clearly happy with what we had accomplished in… I look at the digital clock on the wall… nine hours? Where did that time go?

How did I stay awake for that matter?

He offers me another drink and again, I take it and toast to us.

Xxx

I reach the room I'm staying in and absolutely collapse onto the bed… Which turns out to be hard as a rock, much to my already aching head's regret.

I don't bother changing at all, just lay on my stomach and close my eyes, trying to sleep as much as I could before I could leave this horrible hell hole tomorrow.

…

That's not right.

I immediately curse my train of thought, trying to kill the anger that was rising in me.

Maybe I am an angry drunk? Maybe it's just the fact that it was so hot…

And strong.

I hear a knock at my door and I'm ready to snap. "What is it?"

I hear an awkward laugh on the other end. "You feelin' alright?"

Gippal. "Come in, it's unlocked."

"It's not, actually."

"…" I don't want to get up and open it for him, as much as I'd really like to know why Cid is so pissed with him. "I really… really don't want to get up right now."

"Well I really, really, really need to talk to you, so my three really's cancel out two of your really's and still have one left over."

I groan. Loudly. "You're drunk."

"So are you. OPEN UP, BITCH." He's attempting to be playful, I can tell by the tone of his voice. There's something familiar about it.

I chuckle and sigh, shoving myself off the bed and forcing my legs to walk me to the door. I open it, without having to unlock it. "It was unlocked, asshole."

"Cred, really? I guess I was pulling it, instead of pushing it." He leans against the doorframe, one arm holding him up, the other placed on his hip. "Or maybe I just wanted to force you to open it for me."

"What do you want, Gippal?"

"Right now?"

"Yeah." I shake my head. Honestly, he can be so childish.

"You." He throws his arms around my neck, causing me to fall back enough where he can shut the door with his foot. After it's shut, he pulls me against him and rests his head on my shoulder.

"Gippal, I'm really tired and it's hot and I'm drunk and I have a headache…"

"I love you." He grips me a tiny bit tighter and buries his face into the fabric of my shirt.

Fuck. So, he's a sad drunk then.

I wrap an arm around him and pat his back. "I love you, too. Now go to sleep and we'll talk in the morning."

"I don't wanna talk anymore, 'Lai. I don't… I don't even wanna be here anymore."

I lay my chin against his shoulder, wondering how he survives in all his clothes in the desert. "Ok, so you can spend some time in Bevelle, but tonight-"

"Tonight, let me be with you."

Xxx

I ended up, after much complaining on his part, letting him stay in my bed. It's not too odd, considering this had happened many times when we were training for the Crimson Squad. We're both fully clothed and laying on the bed, when I decide to right out and ask him about Cid.

He stares at me with his eye for a bit, before closing it and replying, "His daughter almost died saving me when I lost my eye. He was pissed. Then I started dating his daughter, he was even angrier. Then I broke up with his daughter and he was furious. Then I left to go fight alongside Yevonites and he was ready to strangle me. Then I refused to help rebuilt the Home he blew up and opened my own Machine Faction."

"Let me guess," I interrupt, "He got so angry…"

"That he hates me. Yeah. But now he has to work with me." Gippal opens his eye again and moves forward so our foreheads touch, "Doesn't mean he hasn't done everything in his power to make my life a living hell though."

"Have you tried talking to the Gullwings about it?"

He lays his head back on the pillow. "Uh-uh. They'll only make it worse. They're on the outs with him, too."

"Well, damn." I smile at him. I don't really care if Cid hates Gippal, it doesn't affect me any. Gippal likes me and as far as I could tell, Cid does too. "Wait… Does that mean that if Cid finds you in my room that he's going to…"

"Nah, you've been respectful and obedient. He loves that shit."

Xxx

I see the airship that is to take me back to Bevelle, landing in the designated area a few yards away. Cid laughs loudly – so loudly – and slams me on the back a few times. We exchange formalities and I'm quick to head into the machina, ready to get back to a cool town with quiet, sober monks and nuns and sit in my office with my paper work. It all sounds so appealing now.

… Nooj was right, I sound old.

And it's horrible hearing that come from a man who wears granny glasses and walks around with a cane.

Xxx

Gippal wasn't lying when he said he hadn't wanted to be in Bikanel any more. Apparently, he hadn't even wanted to be in Djose, as he's shown up here… Sober, at least, with a smile on his face.

I welcome him to stay as long as he pleases, offering him a room close to mine. I don't entirely trust the monks around here not to try anything.

Crap, the intro makes it seem like this fic is based off drinking. xD It's not. Well, I'm not entirely sure where this story is going, but after working over 15 hours in a hot as hell kitchen last night, I wanted to write. And I did. I just... wrote.

My other Gippalai story, 'Circle', will be finished in around 3 more chapters.

ANYWAY, reviews are extremely appreciated, though I know this is highly choppy. Anyone want to be my beta? Haha.