Jasper Bloodstone & Jan Saur in Eorzea

Jasper found himself dozing once again as he peered through his silver spectacles at the text before him. His initial excitement about learning thaumaturgy was just now dwindling. He was far too old for such things—at least old in the eyes of a Hyur who was perhaps the most populace race on this continent he happened to occupy. His once strikingly dark purple hair was more gray than anything else and his trademark blood red eyes were more black than any other color. It was a trait that was long passed down through his family and it was always known to fade at this stage of life. Not only did he look old, he had even begun to feel that way. It was ridiculous seeing as Elezens were known for their longevity. Maybe he'd spent too much time away from his homeland—Gridania.

Surely by now he would have figured out how to focus his attention on studying, but for some reason, he simply could not do it. His eyes wouldn't stay open for some reason. The words he was reading would stop making sense altogether and his mind would drift to other times. Then it would take him a moment to convince himself that now was reality. The reality being that he was now putting all of his effort into learning a new class of fighting and he was being taught by none other than the Lalafells. He would have laughed if he didn't think it rude to do so. Being taught by children—not something he thought would ever happen to him. But they knew what they were talking about. Was it Cocobusi? Cocobuki? One of those strange names of theirs. Already he could conjure up fire to a small degree. He couldn't do it for very long and he would grow fatigued often. They'd reassured him that it was simply because he was a newcomer not because he was too old.

With a sigh, he placed the old tome down. He'd dozed off for the last time. He needed rest and then perhaps he could focus. Just as he was taking off his spectacles, an older man stepped into the quiet library he occupied. The man looked familiar; very familiar. In fact, when their eyes locked, he thought he could almost recall the man's name.

"Ah, Jasper, there you are," the man said with a grin.

He wore a dark red eye patch and Jasper recalled that he wore it merely for fashion reasons—not that any of his crystal blue eyes were impaired. His short blond hair was pulled back sensibly and he wore clothes that were almost completely made out of leather of some kind.

"Do I know you?" Jasper asked despite himself. After all, he still could not recall his name. It could be that the man just had a familiar face.

"C'mon, Jasper, you mean you don't remember me after all we went through back then?" the man questioned in a tone that suggested surprise and disbelief.

The blond man had stopped at the table and placed his heavy gloved hand on the wooden table. Jasper could make him out clearly now in the glow of the candlelight. There were lines about his eyes and mouth, but the man's name came back to him. He was unmistakable.

"Jan Saur," Jasper said steadily. "It's really you," he said with slow surprise.

"Of course it is. I've been looking for you, friend. You're a hard man to find. You know, you said you were going to settle down in Gridania, but you were nowhere to be found. I was afraid you dropped off the face of the planet."

"Leave it up to you to jump to the extreme conclusions."

"Not so extreme when it's you. You've always been a bit of a loner—you'd be completely content in your own company. Am I right or am I right?"

"Well, you couldn't possibly be wrong apparently. How did you find me? I'm sure it wasn't easy."

"Now that's a bit of a story. I would hate to interrupt your intimate relationship with that book of yours."

Jasper frowned at the other. "You haven't changed, have you? I wouldn't catch you dead with any sort of text in your hands."

Jan grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment. You're far too kind. You know, I almost didn't recognize you, sitting there like somebody's grandpa barely making it through that exhausting book."

"I'll have you know, I'm quite young by Elezen standards."

"Not by mine and not from what I can see."

Jasper leaned back in his chair. "You're probably right," he said with a sigh. "For a Hyur, you seem to have aged gracefully."

"Thank you. But then, I don't spend my days in dusty old libraries. Let's go out for a bit. You look like you need it."

"Why not? I'm not getting anything done in here anyways."

Jasper finally stood, picking up the book and putting it back where he had taken it. He had always been taller than Jan, but then he towered over most people—he enjoyed the added intimidating factor. The Lalafells appeared like ants compared to his stature. Jan wasn't concerned about such things—he was used to it. The two of them made it out into the afternoon heat and headed for the adventurer's guild.

At that time of day, the younger ones probably wouldn't be there. They were, of course, off adventuring. All of which was fine with them. They started out ordering drinks together, but they eventually drifted to different parts of the establishment. Jasper always envied Jan's ability to converse with practically anyone. The affair was probably made even easier with people who spoke with freer tongues thanks to the booze. He already had a bit of a crowd around him. Sometimes they'd burst out laughing, but their voices quickly transformed an almost laid back atmosphere to a more excited one. The noise level practically increased twofold in the place and it was probably thanks to Jan. Not that Jasper was perturbed about such things. He'd taken the strongest drink they had there and sipped on it slowly in the quietest spot he could find. He was for all intents and purposes, enjoying himself. The sound of people talking joyously—and not even a hint of a fight breaking out—laughter and the like. It was a far cry from the solitude of a drab library as Jan would call it.

A woman who he could tell was quite plastered stumbled over to him. Usually, he'd avoid such interaction like the plague, but Jasper didn't feel like leaving his spot. Besides, at first glance, the woman was easy on the eyes. Her most noticeable trait being her large breasts. She was dark skinned, her complexion just a little lighter than his and when she looked up at him, he noticed her strikingly golden eyes. She smiled at him playfully. Actually, she was the same height as he, but when she fell into him, she'd seemed otherwise. The sharp smell of alcohol was on her breath. Closer examination and he knew her to be Roegadyn.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? It's no fun drinking all alone, is it?"

"I'm enjoying myself, FYI."

She laughed. "Of course! Leave it up to a loner Elezen to be enjoying himself posted up against a wall."

"Of course, indeed."

She was practically using him to support herself. Her breasts were quite pushed into him by then. He made no motions to remove her presence.

"What's that you have there?" she asked indicating the glass he still managed to keep in his hand.

"Oh, no, you've clearly had enough."

She laughed again. "Probably something light anyway."

"I beg to differ."

"Then let me try some."

"Alright," he said giving in. Although, he didn't think it was exactly customary for a woman to be asking for his drink rather they'd ask for a new one altogether.

He put the cup to her lips and allowed her sip. He could tell immediately that she approved.

"Now that's the good stuff," she declared. "Guess I was wrong about you. Look at you, getting all tipsy over here. You hold your liquor well."

"I'd say the same for you, but…"

She went into a laughing fit. It was a full minute before she could calm herself somewhat. "I'm new to this, ya know. But Roegadyns are supposed to be able to handle a few drinks at least—geez!"

"Well, I'd say you're training yourself quite well in that regard. Keep getting plastered every night and you'll build a good tolerance."

"Oh, you're such a bad man! Telling me to keep getting drunk as Hell!"

Dispensing with the pretenses, Jasper decided he'd empty the rest of the contents in his glass—he was tired of holding it. He'd only gotten a slight buzz, but that was enough—he disliked not being in control of his own faculties. Seeing as the woman wouldn't leave and she appeared quite gorgeous in his eyes, there was really only one way to respond. He lifted her face towards his and kissed her outright none of which received any protests from her. She was quite slumped against him at this point and she wore a tank top. He could easily slip his hand under such a garment to feel her plentiful breast—something he thought he'd never find himself doing in such a public place. They were quite soft. Good enough to eat as he began to kiss her with a greedy passion. It did seem as if he would get lucky tonight. He wasn't normally a breast man. In fact, he often avoided such woman as he saw them as lewd, but his tastes had changed without him ever knowing until that night. She giggled playfully between mouthfuls. What in the world was he getting himself into? This certainly wasn't something he did on a normal basis if ever, but he was intent on her. Perhaps it was her rusty red hair, perhaps it was her soft lips, perhaps it was his sudden need of companionship—he didn't know. He just knew that now felt right—it felt like the most natural thing in the world to do.

He hadn't noticed that Jan had approached, he was far too engrossed and his hands far too occupied with supple breasts.

"Geez, man, what are you doing? Get a room already."

Jasper only half heard his voice. He paused in his kissing all the same and turned his head to him. "Apologies. This young woman and I were just leaving."

"Just leaving? You don't even know her name. This isn't like you at all."

Jasper already knew such things—he didn't want to hear it from someone else. He also didn't want to hear anymore the other had to say so he continued with the woman for a bit longer just to annoy him.

"Are you actually drunk?" Jasper heard Jan say.

Jasper turned from the other then and took one of the stumbling woman's hands.

"I'm fine," Jasper said as an afterthought. "See you in the morning."

With that, Jasper left the other to his own devices. They didn't have far to go, but it was task to even get her up the stairs, but once in bed, she seemed ready for anything. He was quite hard by then, but he eased her into it. She did say she was "new to this" even though she'd been referring to drinking, he suspected sex fell in the same category. So he began to work her down slowly so that she might become more aroused. She was quite firm and muscular as was expected and she was energetic, always giggling when he kissed her softly down her body. And he loved her breasts, he always loved her breasts. He would return to them often to suck on them—she found that to be quite pleasant. Eventually, he dispensed of the foreplay and slid his cock smoothly into her and she began to moan—it meant that he was doing something right. He began slow and gradually increased his speed. He could tell from her reaction that she would enjoy things fast and hard—and that was exactly what he gave her. That night, they experimented with different positions—she seemed surprisingly lucid enough for such things—and for some reason she couldn't stop commenting on how pleasantly large his cock was as if she expected all Elezens to have significantly smaller ones. He wore her out all night with energy he hadn't known he had. Why just earlier he couldn't even stay awake for a simple book, but perhaps this was far more exciting than a book. At the very least, it required a lot more activity. Jasper didn't know just when they fell asleep, but at some point it must have happened because when he awoke, it was the next morning.

The first thing he noticed was that his hair was in his face. He always without fail had it pulled back into a ponytail; however his band had mysteriously disappeared. He vaguely remembered her pulling it off claiming that it seemed far too constricting. He pushed it back once with his hand, but it fell right back in his face—it was a losing battle and he simply let the matter rest. Of course, he was also naked. He turned to look over at the woman's nakedness and he found that he was still quite lustful as if last night just hadn't been enough. He gently pushed the stray pieces of hair from her face and almost instantly she began to rouse. Her eyebrows crinkled as her golden eyes peered out into the world. Now that that there was better light, he could see her better. He noticed her rippling abs, far more defined than his had ever been. She was already grinning at him.

"You still here?" she asked.

Jasper thought the question to be rhetorical so he did not answer. Instead, he climbed atop her.

"Oh, fine," she said with a sigh, "If you're really so eager, but only because you're so handsome."

Such compliments did much to boost his confidence—it wasn't often that they came his way. There was no foreplay this time and she seemed completely fine with this. He went at a moderate speed. She seemed sober now and able to make more sense out of the situation.

"I never got your name," Jasper finally said.

She waited for a moment enjoying his movement atop her. "I never got yours," she replied.

"Jasper Bloodstone," he said simply.

Her eyes lit up a bit with recognition. "You're a Bloodstone. The Elezens with the blood red eyes." He felt her eyes studying him closer, "But I guess you're an exception."

It wasn't entirely odd that she would know such a thing. His family was a bit well known almost synonymous with old money. Many years ago, perhaps even centuries, they had stumbled upon a mine rich in jasper. Though it was a rock that could be virtually any color, the deep red ones were the kind his family had laid claim to. That their eyes shared the same color was by coincidence, but it was legend that their ancestors mined said jasper with such intensity and passion that it stained their eyes and that the earth stained their skin. Over the years, the jasper they mined gained a common name known as "blood stone". It seemed their family name had always been such, but, of course, Jasper knew otherwise. It had been changed so long ago, that their old one was all but forgotten by the general public. Times were different. The land that they lived on had changed as well as the people who dwelt there. They were widely known as the Bloodstones and they had had no reason to change it. The name "Jasper" was a reoccurring name in the family. It was tradition to be named after a precious stone or some variation of Jasper. But that did not stop him from being quite fond of his name. Whenever he had the chance to say it in full, it did fill him with a sense of pride, doubly so if the person he said it to recognized it.

"It fades with age," he replied. No doubt, his name made more sense when he was younger.

"You must have been quite the lady-killer back then, old man, weren't you?"

"I wouldn't say that."

"But don't feel so self-conscious about it. You still have a youthful face." She reached up and touched his face.

"As do you." He got a pleasant smile in response.

"Well, of course I do, silly—I'm young enough to be your daughter. I bet if you dyed your hair, no one could tell just how old you really are."

"I see no sense in hiding things."

"Really?" she asked in unconvincing tone.

"Well," he began giving her suggestion another thought, "do you think that'd work? If I supposedly wanted to look younger."

She nodded. "Seems like you would have already done that…am I the type of woman you always go for? Young, vulnerable."

"I don't have a type."

"Yes you do. Everyone does even if you don't know it. It's even possible to have more than one. If you're always going for younger, then I'd dye my hair. But if you're going for someone younger who doesn't mind someone older, well then, I wouldn't bother."

"Looks like you have this all worked out."

"It's not rocket science."

"And will you be revealing your name?"

"Alright, I guess it's only fair. Crimson Dawn."

"Is that really it or are you pulling my leg?"

"Does it sound strange to you?"

"Your first name happens to be an adjective and your last name a noun—what are the chances? It rather rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?"

"Well your name is just two nouns and I believed you straight away even without the red eyes."

"Touché. I wonder, does anyone ever call you a nickname like 'Crim'?

"Cute. Does anyone call you Jazzy? I didn't think so. It's customary for people to say my full name because, as you say, it does roll off tongue. I suppose that's what my mother had in mind when she named me."

"Do you mind if I just called you Crimson? I'm rather fond of that color."

"I bet you are. As long as you don't try to abbreviate it, I'm fine with that."

Jasper took this time to pull out of her. He'd finally had his fill and she did seem to be a bit restless.

"If you don't mind, I have someplace to be in the morning," Crimson said as she sat up to look about for her discarded clothes.

"You have to leave so soon?" Jasper questioned. He too sought out his clothes.

"Unlike some people, I am busy."

She was putting on her clothes quickly.

"Sorry, if I made you late then," Jasper said watching her dress.

"No, you have no fault in it. I chose what I wanted to do last night and if I am late, I feel it was for a good cause."

"You wouldn't leave without giving me your Linkshell code, would you?"

She stopped in whatever she was doing and turned to him with a look that suggested that his question had sounded quite ridiculous. "We had a one-night stand. You do know what that is, right? Our paths crossed for a moment and we separate. That's no cause for handing out contact information."

"We went through all the trouble of revealing our names—

She sighed exasperatedly, "I forget Elezens are quite emotional creatures. Always making situations far deeper than they should."

"So as I hear it, you don't want to meet again at some later date?"

"Well, if we happen to meet again, I suppose I wouldn't be unhappy. Now I have to go. I did enjoy your company, Jasper, you're quite a pleasant individual both in temperament and sex."

"I'll see you whenever then."

Jasper sat on the bed still naked and he didn't miss the fact that she did pause to look at him a moment longer than usual before leaving. After he was left alone he put on his clothes and walked to the door only to put his back to it and slide down the length of it as he sat back down on the wooden floor. He was a wreck. He hadn't known it, but he had expected more. The more he thought about it, the more depressed he became. Only a fool would have become so arbitrarily emotionally involved with a woman he hardly knew. Yet Jasper felt that he knew her and had lost her all in the span of a few hours.

His linkshell began to vibrate and interrupted his dreary solitude. He picked himself off the ground, went over to his bed and lifted it to his ear.

"Yes?" he asked in as pleasant a tone as he could muster.

"Jan. How is my wayward friend doing this morning?"

"She left," Jasper said simply. "She just left."

"Yes. People do that."

"But, it was so abrupt."

"Now, Jasper…Roegadyns are pretty no-nonsense—

"I know. I just thought…she might have stayed a bit longer."

"You did it again, didn't you?"

"Did what?"

"For as long as I've known you, you always tend to get too—what's the word?—'involved' with women far too quickly. You expect too much and you get disappointed over and over and over again."

"That doesn't…sound like me at all."

"Doesn't it? Take it from someone who's looking from the outside in."

"I guess I'll just have to take your word for it, huh?"

"You sound depressed. I bet you didn't manage to get any breakfast yet."

"No."

"Meet me at the guild in five."

"Make that ten."

"Alright. See you then. And try not to jump off any tall building before then."

Jasper shook his head in annoyance as Jan quickly turned off his end. He finally stood up. He took his time cleaning himself and met Jan in fifteen minutes instead of ten, but this didn't bother him all that much. He wasn't exactly known for being punctual. Jan was there already contently sipping on a glass of orange juice.

"I'm curious, Jan," Jasper said as he sat down across from the other. "How did your night go?"

Jan shrugged. "Nothing special," he said drably. "Got a room somewhere nearby. Went to bed."

"You think I should dye my hair?" Jasper asked with little pretense, but he was less careful about how he sounded in front of Jan—he was expected to be socially inept and not at all savvy with carrying conversations. At the moment, his hair was back in its usual ponytail.

Jan gave him a thoughtful look. "Why? Do you want to?"

"That's not an answer—it's a question. And it doesn't help me."

"Geez, sorry, man. I don't want to be making life changing decisions about you. If you want to, do it…but, it'd be pretty out of character. I mean, are you really that concerned with your looks? Wait a minute," he said in a suspicious tone. "It's something that woman said to you, isn't it?"

"Am I that transparent? And she's not 'that woman'. Her name's Crimson Dawn."

"Whatever. The fact remains. You can't let some girl get to you that easily. I say, if she doesn't like you the way you are, then be about your way."

"You know, that contradicts quite a few anecdotes you've told me over the years, but I'll let that slide. I see what you mean."

"Well, now that we've gotten that out the way." Jan took a nice long swig of his orange juice. Jasper remembered that his friend rather fancied the drink especially when it was icy cold.

"You seemed surprised that I wasn't back in my homeland, 'settled down' as you say, but I could say the same for you—well, minus homeland. I mean, between the two of us, I thought for sure you would have been somewhere fathering kids with a loving wife."

Jan gave the other a strained look. "Does that really sound like me?"

"It's not in the realm of impossibility, but…I guess I read you wrong all those years ago. We said our farewells and I didn't expect to see you again and if I did, you'd certainly be different."

"You're not wrong," Jan said sitting back. "In reality, yes, I did want to settle down, but it's easier said than done. It's like when you're actively searching for someone, the ocean suddenly becomes empty. Women are such fickle people. They always fantasize about someone dashing, brave, handsome…no one like me."

"I've never known you to be self-degrading."

"I'm not. It just seems that way. I know what I want and if I see it, I will pursue her. But women, they haven't the slightest clue what they want and they lead you on and on to a dead end every time."

"Sounds like this is coming from experience."

"Yes, it is."

"Tell me about it."

"Really?" Jan said with a raised eyebrow. "It's not very exciting."

"Oh, but you always manage to make even the most boring subjects sound exciting. In fact, I bet if it were you teaching me thaumaturgy, I would be far more motivated."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence. Since you're so interested, I'll bore you with a short and depressing love story—one of many."

Before he began, Jasper finally ordered some food from the waiter and then indicated to Jan that he had his full attention.

"Well, I was walking home from work."

"Wait, you work?"

"Yes, we can't all have rich families. Besides, I wasn't doing nearly as much adventuring as I had in the past—money was getting tight."

"But where did you work—what did you do?"

"Nothing worth mentioning," Jan said with a slight blush.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to this story you so eagerly wanted to hear."

Jasper put his hands up in truce.

"Anyways, I was walking home from work and I scoped this woman waiting for the Chocobo Express—well, her and two other people. They were pretty insignificant; forget if they were men or women. She had long brunette hair and a very innocent looking white dress. She didn't look at anyone—she was always looking down. Exactly my type: shy, beautiful. I couldn't let the chance pass by—I pretended as if I needed to wait there as well. Immediately started talking to her."

"What did you say?" Jasper asked. Wondering how in the world one could successfully speak to strangers without sounding awkward.

Jan shrugged. "Whatever was on my mind at the moment which must not have been important seeing as I can't recall. Luckily, the express was running late. Gave me more of a chance to introduce myself which, by the way, I did not start out doing. I couldn't tell if I was annoying her half the death or if she was genuinely interested in what I had to say. She just wouldn't talk. I judged from her reactions. It's always a good sign if she smiles and she would push her hair back every now and then when it fell into her face—something she hadn't been doing before. Eventually, I found her name to be Hannah Seawig."

"A Hyur?"

"A Hyur," Jan confirmed. "Although, here's where I started to second guess myself. When I asked for her contact information, she hesitated. You always want to reassure the woman that you don't plan on doing anything stupid with that kind information, just that you wanted to meet again, maybe for a drink. I did all of this and she still hesitated, but eventually she did give that to me. It was like pulling teeth from a baby. She'd managed to make me feel like I was coercing her into doing it. I didn't call her that night or the next for good measure. But on the third day, I took a chance. Asked if she was busy and if she was up for doing something together. She was very indecisive so I simply chose the most convenient location seeing as she was 'good for anything'. That night, I got her to speak about herself, but she still seemed closemouthed. I mean, most shy people open up if they know you somewhat and if you give them attention. She did not. I mean, girls want to talk about themselves on dates and I was completely prepared for that. Even had questions I would ask her in my head. But none of it started the kind of conversation I wanted. She shut me down at every chance. And, of course, I did what I do best—talk about myself; commandeer the entire night. Not that I didn't give her chances, but I'm sure that must have been annoying. Soon after finishing her meal, she left abruptly—rudely even. And I was certain it must have been something I said….because I do say a lot of things. I followed her. I mean, it's a completely natural thing to do if you feel your guest has left far too soon. You'd want a reason at least. I try to be patient especially if the girl's angry and she seemed that way. Just in a completely different mood. And I asked what was wrong and I apologized in advanced for anything that rubbed her the wrong way. And she told me—I remember this clear as day—'I'm just not into you.' Spun on her heel and stalked off. But I still pursued her—that was a horrible, nondescriptive answer. Wasn't there something more? When I caught back up to her, she said: 'You're too controlling and you talk too much. Would you mind losing my contact information?'. I told her, I never call a person who I know doesn't want talk to me. And she left after that. I've never called her again and I've deleted her information."

"She really said those things? Is that even customary? Doesn't seem like she knew you well enough to already be making those kinds of assumptions about you."

"It happens. Especially if you constantly find yourself dealing with the same kind of person. Maybe she saw something in my mannerisms, maybe I am too controlling. I did set everything up from the very beginning. Forced her to give me her contact information, dragged her out on a date, decided how I wanted the conversation to go. That all sounds pretty controlling to me in hindsight. And the 'talk too much bit', well I already knew that."

"But isn't that why you always go for her type, so that you'd have an excuse to be that way. I'm sure an indecisive woman would benefit from someone like you."

"Well, I wasn't thinking along those lines. I just want someone who would put up my mouth and if the girl doesn't talk much well then she wouldn't mind if I did."

"I see, but what if she just doesn't like to talk and she doesn't like to be around those who do?"

"I won't know that until I get to know her. It's just one failed attempt after another."

"Have you ever considered going for someone different?" Jasper suggested.

"No. I mean, I have it all figured out."

"Do you? Seems like if you go for same type of girl, you'll yield the same results. You have to do something different in order to get something different."

"You know," Jan said thoughtfully, "That actually makes sense. I knew there was a reason I hung around you."

"So, no more super shy girls. They're too indecisive and it often just encourages you to take far too much control. Why don't you try for someone who is the complete opposite?"

"Complete opposite?" Jan asked wearily. "Sounds like a headache waiting to happen."

"Oh, but I know you well enough. You're not really controlling, you just always need to have an immediate answer for something, a particular system set in place to take care of certain situations, you always have to know what to do next before you actually do it. But if someone says, 'if you do this, it will make me very happy.', you'll do it, no questions asked. If someone suggests you do something different, you'll try it even if you don't initially agree with it. That's why I know that since I've suggested you go for a different type, you'll do just that. Certainly, a woman who knows what she wants would take the reins out of your hands for a change—and you might even find that you like it that way."

"Who would have thought that I would be getting dating advice from someone who's hardly dated anyone? But…it does make sense."

"See? You can't tell me you've always dated the same kind of girl. I mean, surely you must have at least come in contact with others."

"Well, there was that stripper…"

A beginning of a smile formed on Jasper's face. He put his hands together lightly. "Of course! A stripper. Why the very definition of decisiveness. Well, tell me about this stripper."

"You want to hear about a stripper?" Jan asked giving the other an unconvinced look.

"Well, if she was worth mentioning, she's worth talking about."

"Alright," Jan said with a sigh. "She was…very flexible. I know what you're thinking—well, aren't they all?—but she was different. You could tell that she was the main attraction. I was much younger then, younger than when I first met you and I used to have some wild friends—they'd finally succeeded in dragging me out to this strip club. When I was there, I was practically mesmerized by everything. I was so surprised that women could be so…loose and unclothed. She focused her attention on me, you see. I was a newcomer and she could probably tell that immediately. It couldn't have been that I was tipping her well—I didn't have much money—but she stayed in my vicinity almost the whole night. And, yes, there was a lap dance involved or shall I say several of them. She was called 'Delicious' on stage, but she eventually told me her real one was Dinah."

"Just Dinah?" Jasper interrupted in curiosity.

"Just Dinah. And she told me to wait for her after the show. So I stayed there until the place closed. Even my friends had left already. I waited for her. I didn't expect anything special. I knew she must have been tired out after such a busy night. It was pretty chill. I'd managed not to get myself stupid drunk and I took her to this really low key place to eat. Good conversation. And finally I took her home."

"I'm not seeing how this didn't work out."

"I was getting to that. First of all, we hadn't exchanged contact information. We hadn't wanted to. As much as she liked my company she was still guarded. And I, at the time, didn't want to get involved with anyone—not like that anyway. I don't know—I sensed that she was looking for something deep, a real relationship and I wasn't. So I avoided the place where she worked like the plague. It was so long ago, I'm sure she's forgotten me. And there's no way she could still be doing the same thing at the same place."

"Seems like the time just wasn't right."

"Story of my life."

"But how do you know she's not working at the same place?"

"Jasper, it's been twenty years, surely she'd have found something better to do with her life."

"And if she hasn't?"

"Well, that would be horrible. She'd have to be my age probably not making nearly as much as she had in the past."

"You sound concerned," Jasper said with a grin.

"I see what you're doing. Nothing's going to convince me to go back to some old strip club just to go see if she's still there."

"Why not?" Jasper asked with a shrug. "Strip clubs are for old geezers such as ourselves anyways. I doubt we'd look out of place. And I have absolutely nothing to look forward to this evening and you don't either. Worst case scenario, we get there and she's not there—it wouldn't be a complete bust. And if she happens to be there, well, that wouldn't be so bad either."

"I hope she isn't. In fact, I know she isn't. The only reason you're suggesting any of this is because you just want to see some naked women—admit it."
"Maybe I do. But the only reason you're even considering my suggestion is because you want to see some naked women as well."

Jan grinned at him. "What the hell, let's just do it—I have nothing better to do this evening."

/

Neither one of them expected to actually find Dinah. She was more of an excuse—some way to justify their need to be in a place such as that. Jan had never believed he would be one of those wistful old men throwing money at a woman just so she would pleasure him more vigorously. Yet here he was. Strangely, Jasper was not at all shameful. He seemed not to care at all. Perhaps he'd already given up on the prospects of finding a suitable mate. He'd lived this long and it hadn't happen, why should it happen later?

The night was still young when they finally separated themselves from the enticing environment. Jasper had given the other a knowing look and they pulled off to the bar to discuss their course of action.

"Well, I don't see her," Jan said immediately after they sat down.

"You think she'd still be the main attraction after all these years? If she's still working here, she may still be in the back."

"It's not like we can get back there anyway."

"Or can we? Have you seen that lackadaisical bodyguard they have guarding the back? You could dispatch him in your sleep, am I right? Or are you that out of practice?"

"You know, Jasper, you're turning into some really bad influence. You want me to start a scene over there? For what? So I can see if someone may or may not be there?"

"You don't have to start a scene, Jan. People aren't alert here. They're attentions are quite averted, if you know what I mean. Take him out quietly and then we can slip into the back. Easy."

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"I'm on an adrenaline rush, bear with me. If you can't do it, I certainly can."

"Fine."

Jan stood up then and strolled off and Jasper followed casually behind. The guard certainly was lackadaisical and with a quick hard fist to the guts, the man slumped in unconsciousness. Before he could fall to the ground, Jan deftly moved him to a nearby couch and sat him down. For all intents and purposes, he seemed asleep. No one noticed a thing. No ruckus or anything. Jan looked back at Jasper for reassurance, but the other was already gesturing for him to go forth. He did so obediently; tried out the doorknob and it opened the door quite easily. He stepped in and the noise volume decreased twofold. Jasper closed the door behind him. All that could be heard was the women busily trying to get on their outfits and put on makeup. They hadn't noticed, at first, that they had come. Jan began to look from woman to woman. It was crowded and tight back there so it wasn't exactly easy to then begin walking down the aisle. As they did so, more and more women began to notice them. "Oh, hellooo, cutie", "Wait, for my performance, baby", "C'mere, daddy". That and various indescribable sounds could be heard from them. Sometimes, Jasper responded with a grin of his own, sometimes not at all. It wasn't as if he knew what Dinah looked like. In fact, at the moment, he was probably in excess of. But it did seem that Jan needed constant reassurances as he looked back to his friend more often than not. It felt like an hour had passed before they got to a bigger opening in the room at the pace they were going. At this point, Jasper put a hand on Jan's shoulder to get his attention. Jan looked at the other with a questioning look.

"Let's just ask one of them," Jasper said low enough for only Jan to hear.

Jan nodded to the other. With that, Jasper turned to a nearby blond Mi'quote putting on eye shadow.

"You wouldn't happen to know a stripper by the name of 'Delicious', would you?"

"Oh, are you one of her men?"

"Yes." Jasper didn't even skip a beat.

"Sorry, but she doesn't work here anymore—she doesn't need to from what I heard."

"Do you know where I can find her?"

"She didn't tell you?" She sighed exasperatedly, "That girl can be so airheaded sometimes. Geez, at least tell your clientele where they can meet you. I tell you her address and you tell her she owes me."

"Alright."

The blonde leaned over and whispered in his ear and Jasper remembered the address instantly. Jasper turned to Jan and gestured that he follow him out of there. They went out the back of the club and finally there was peace and quiet. Jan hadn't realized just how loud it was until silence was juxtaposition.

"What you find out?" Jan asked.

"Where she works probably. Seems like your girl has a steady clientele of men who want to see her specifically—no need for her to work here."

"That doesn't sound good at all."

"Well, in her world, I bet she's a celebrity. Everyone seems to know her. Tell me, Jan, do you really want to see her again?"

"You're asking me this now?"

Jasper shook his head slowly, "I mean, it's one thing if she was actually still working here—another if she's gotten herself caught up in this kind of lifestyle. She may like where she is. She may not want to leave. And I don't want to see you get disappointed."

"We've come this far," Jan finally said after a moment of silence. "And…I've been wondering how she's been doing now that it seems like we might be able to see her again. Win or lose—that's all I want."

"Well then, I'd hate to keep you in suspense."

/

They came upon a manor almost in the middle of nowhere. In fact they had to ride their chocobos for almost an hour to get there. They tied up their mounts on the white picket fence and made their way up to the entrance.

"By the way, this Dinah. Is she a Mi'quote?"

"She is. Dark purple hair, dark eyes, dark skin. Very voluptuous."

"I'm sure her clientele would agree."

"I know who she is, Jasper," he said with a slight edge to his tone. He knocked on the door soon after.

They waited for only a moment before a butler opened the door.

"Ah, and who are you two?" the balding man asked to the duo.

"I'm Jan. This is my friend Jasper."

"I see, newcomers. How did you hear about her, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I knew her a long time ago," Jan said steadily.

"Ah," the man said simply. "Follow me."

Jan and Jasper looked at each other quickly but then followed the man.

"The night is still young, you know. The real show hasn't even started yet," the butler said.

He led them up the main stairs and they stood at large and grandiose doors. The butler pushed both of them open and the two was presented with a dark room with sparse light splashed against the walls and floors.

"Take a seat, no need to be shy, fellas."

The duo looked up a little startled at the woman's voice. Their eyes hadn't adjusted to the darkness yet, but obviously there was a stage somewhere and a woman on a microphone. When they glanced behind themselves, they found the butler was gone and the door had been closed behind them.

"Ummmmm, delicious, just the right age. Come, sit close."

Jan began to walk forward; he'd almost forgotten Jasper was even there. That voice—it was her. It was Dinah. It sounded just as he remembered it to be; rich and full of life. His eyes were beginning to see better. He wanted to see her so he did walk closer, as close as he could get. The stage appeared and then her. His hands were on the stage and he gazed at her with a mesmerized look. She looked different. Before, her hair had been short, now it was much longer now falling in lovely waves around her. She hadn't even begun to undress herself, but Jan could tell that she was just as slim and muscular as before. Her soft smooth skin glistened a bit in the scarce light. She smiled at him and he nearly melted. Suddenly a light came on over the stage and then anyone could see her in all her glory. Jan hadn't the slightest clue who else might have been there—he just knew that he was there and he had her attention. She began her dance, curling about the pole expertly. She made eye contact with the other men, but Jan thought her eyes stayed on his the longest. He must have been the only one who had moved so close. He could hear the men whistling, encouraging her to expose more of her body. Money, flowers, even condoms were thrown on the stage and she seemed to be enjoying herself. Jan was glad that she seemed at ease with the whole thing, but at the same time, it saddened him. Her skills had not dwindled over the years—they'd only become better, sharper, and more precise. She hadn't lost her vigor; not from what he could see. She purred affectionately at the larger tips and made it a point to move over closer to them.

Jan realized suddenly that he hadn't thrown out any money and when he went to his wallet to grab some, he realized he did not want to. She meant something more to him than being an exceptionally good dancer. He already saw her in a different light and he could not bring himself to tipping her. Surely she must have recognized him, but she'd given him no real evidence that she did. No one came to pull him away from his close vicinity. If there were security guards about perhaps they'd decided not to deal with him. Jan simply watched her. He watched as she enticed one of the men to give out more and more money and he saw her whisper something in the man's ear. Whatever she said got the man even more excited. Jan didn't like the look in the man's eyes—they stared at her greedily. But then again, perhaps he shared that same look only the other man paid money, he did not.

Jan wasn't sure how long he stood there, but his trance was only broken when the lights shut off and the room they were in suddenly became lit up with low key lighting. Jan blinked once and looked around. Where had Jasper gotten off to? He was nowhere in sight. Jan walked further back into the room and finally found his friend standing, almost hiding behind a piece of the wall that was meant to be a column fused with the wall.

"Jasper, what's wrong?" Jan asked the other immediately when he was in earshot.

"Sorry, I couldn't watch anymore."

Jan knew that tone of voice anywhere—he was most certainly blushing.

"Dinah. I can see why you still remember her even after all these years. I thought it was improper of me to be watching your woman undress—it seemed private."

"But she's not my woman," Jan said exasperatedly. "Besides, she may not even remember me. It must have just been my imagination that she recognized me. You should have seen that guy she was all over—the guy must have given her a couple hundred." He shook his head slowly.

"If I had my way, I'd have done away with the lot of them. They're just distractions and she's just doing her job. Think, Jan, she wouldn't compromise her money flow for someone she only knew for a spell decades ago. I say you pursue her—just as you did that Hannah girl—and see how she responds."

"What do you mean pursue her? It's obvious what or more like who she's going to do tonight. You want me to get in between that? She's just doing her job."

"Follow them."

"That's borderline stalker."

Jasper gave him a perturbed look. "Well no one said she has to know that you are. Just watch her. Make sure she's safe. I don't like how that man was looking at her."

"Look, Jasper, she a beautiful woman who knows how to work the pole, of course that guy was going to be looking at her like that."

"It was more than that."

"You were all the way over here. How could you tell?"

"I have good eyes at least when things are at a distance. There was more than lust in his eyes. There was something dangerous there. If I'm right, you may yet have your chance with your bonny lass."

"You really think so?"

"I wouldn't lie to you. When have I ever led you astray? Besides, you should be worried for her safety. There she is right now."

Jan turned just in time to see her walk into the room. Her eyes didn't turn his way this time, but he was distinctively not drawing any attention to himself. The men were looking at her. There were a group of them siting together and she further entertained them. Soon other girls walked in as well and picked up the slack. The room was quite full after all and Dinah only dealt with the highest paying customers. They were only two guys standing against a wall trying not to get noticed, the girls avoided them. Jan watched Dinah intently until Jasper tapped his shoulder.

"Let's not be so obvious," Jasper warned. "I'll keep an eye on her. Let's blend into the crowd."

Jasper took a seat in a nearby sitting area. It was the last empty one they could occupy and just as suddenly as they sat down, a stripper came to entertain them. The duo found that they'd been "stripped out" for the day and eventually managed to get her to sit down with them and join them in casual conversation. Jasper supplied them all with drinks, more for the girl.

Time passed quickly enough just as Jan was beginning to succumb to the warm environment in complete tiredness, Jasper tapped him and indicated that "his girl" was finally leaving with the man. By then, the girl had fallen out in drunken tiredness so it was quite easy for them to get up from the area and walk out of the establishment. The night was coming to a close anyhow. Jan followed Jasper who seemed to know intuitively where she was headed, but then Jasper's senses had always been far sharper than Jan's so he felt completely at ease that they would not lose her and that no one would notice them following.

"Now you see that apartment? They're in there," Jasper said confidently after they'd stepped out of the manor and travelled on their chocobo mounts a little ways.

"Alright, I'll take your word for it."

"Now, Jan, this is something you need to do on your own. I think I'll head home for the night. I await the good news in the morning."

"Wait, you're leaving?" Jan said surprised at the other.

"Yes. What more can I do here? I'll certainly be in the way if I go any further with you."

"I suppose you have a point. Thanks for the help, friend. Without you, I wouldn't in my wildest dream go looking for her again."

"I'm glad I could be of service. But don't give me all the credit. In the end, I really just wanted to see some naked girls," Jasper said with a grin. The Elezen climbed on his mount smoothly. "You take care," he said with a brief wave.

"You too!" Jan shouted to Jasper's disappearing form as he rode out into the night.

Jan took a deep breath. Now he had to do this part on his own. He made sure not to make too much noise as he walked the length of the small yard and into the hallway. Jasper had pointed on the bottom left apartment so he faced this very door. Then he began to have second thoughts. How did he know anything bad was happening? What if they weren't doing anything at this point? What if the man hadn't wanted sex at all and they were peacefully talking to each other? Maybe they were just good friends. And what was he? A manic stalker at this point. A man obsessed with a woman who probably didn't remember him at all and why should she? They hadn't spent very long together that night. It could have been his imagination running rampant that night, hormones raging, or the excitement of gaining audience with a woman who could have any man she wanted.

And then he heard a scream that jolted him out of his reverie. Without further hesitation, he knocked open the door. Even in the dim light he could make out a lot of movement on the couch and it sounded a lot like struggle. Still they could have still been having sex. The movement paused as soon as he stepped in. He could no longer hear the female's voice.

"Who there?" asked the very slurred, rough voice of the man.

"I thought I heard a woman in distress."

"Go about your way. Is this one of your nosy neighbors?" the man asked now to the woman that was probably beneath him.

Jan had already turned away from them—he had no desire to see just what position the man happened to be in. He just happened to glance at a very hairy back and wanted to see no more of it.

"Yes, probably," the woman said drowsily.

Jan couldn't hear even the smallest amount of terror in her voice. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.

"Whazzit it to you? Hasn't anyone taught you not to interrupt grown folk bidness? Git out of here 'fore I remove you myself."

Jan wasn't at all put off by the man. "I want her to answer," he insisted.

"Boy!" the man warned.

And the man had finally pressed the right button. No drunken man was going to call him that in such a degrading tone. Jan was on him surprisingly quick pulling him off the woman and slinging him to the ground. Dinah shouted in surprise. The drunken man struggled to get back to his feet, but when he did, Jan punched him squarely in the mouth and he was down for good.

"What in the world?" Dinah exclaimed.

Jan didn't get a good look at her and he hadn't turned towards her. "I'm sorry if I ruined your night. I should go." He had all the intentions of leaving right then and there too embarrassed to face her.

"Wait…please…I'm a bit handcuffed," she said sheepishly.

A little surprised, Jan finally turned to her and beheld her naked form. Her hands were pulled back, handcuffed to the arms of the table, but his eyes were more drawn to the crawl of blood streaking down her neck. She looked so worn out now, not the way she had appeared on stage; vibrant and happy. Her makeup was running obviously ruined by tears.

"Are you going to free me or keep staring?" Dinah asked watching the man closely.

"Sorry," Jan said quietly.

He disappeared for a bit in the dark to search the other man's pockets and found the key easily enough. He couldn't make direct eye contact with her as he stretched over her to reach the key holes in the handcuffs. As soon as she could, she pulled her arms close to her and rubbed her wrists.

"I would thank you, but you've lost me half a K with that stunt you've pulled."

"Is that what that man was willing to pay you?"

Dinah nodded, "Of course. My services aren't cheap. And what are you, my knight in shining armor? I saw you watching me intently tonight. Should have put up some money—I'd have enjoyed doing you," she said with the beginnings of a smile.

"Do you not remember me?" Jan asked cautiously.

Dinah looked at him evenly. "Well, would you hate me if I said I feigned ignorance in hope that you'd put up some more money for me? Come, sit down."

She had been laying down the length of the couch. When he came over, she pulled her legs closer to herself and leaned back on the armrest.

"You know, you haven't changed very much," Dinah said as she reached her arm out and turned his face towards his. "Well, shorter hair, but it suits you. Oh, don't be bashful."

"I didn't think I'd see you again. And when I saw you on that stage—

"Stage magic," Dinah said matter of factly. "I am getting up in the years and I've lived what most would say a hard life. I wear a lot of makeup. It's okay. I'm not afraid to say it at least to you."

"Dinah," Jan began. He drew a smile from her using that name. "Do you still enjoy your line of work?"

She shook her head. "Not anymore. Men are so much more rough than I remembered. After the Calamity, things got a lot worse. So many people wanted to 'feel good', forget about their own troubles, and live out their fantasies. That's what this man was doing tonight and he paid top dollar for it. The money is good, but sometimes…not good enough."

Jan gave her a sympathetic look. "This is your place?"

She nodded. "It's been mine for quite some years."

"Where's your kitchen?"

Dinah gave him a strange look. "Back there," she said indicating the area right behind them.

"I'll be right back."

True to his word, he didn't take much time going to the kitchen, wetting a towel and filling a plastic cup with water. He took these items back to her. She was exhausted, he could tell and she was thankful for the water and he carefully wiped the blood from her.

"He was quite fond of pointy objects," she said as he did this.

"I have a friend who can heal you as good as new," Jan said as he began to notice other scars on her body.

"You want to know something, Jan, I'm secretly glad that you came…"

Jan was startled when her hand grabbed for his cock. He looked at her in a perplexed manner, but she was already grinning.

"Ah, so you are hard, you kinky little man. I was supposed to have sex with someone tonight. Why not let it be you? I'll give you a freebie. In hopes that you might come back to see me."

Jan took her hand into his. "Not tonight. You've gone through enough."

"Now, Jan—

"You've gone through enough for one woman. Why don't you come with me?"

"Taking me someplace to eat? Jan, you don't have to romance me. All you want in the end is sex and we can just skip to that now."

"I'd rather just have you—sex can come later."

"Who do you think you are? Walking in here, interrupting my work, losing me money and now you don't want to have sex with me?"

Jan was surprised at her outburst, but then he began to realize what kind of woman Dinah was. The only thing she knew how to do well was sex and this was her livelihood. This was her life. Even if there was some nice man that she might have been attracted to, at the end of the day, she still had to go back to work.

"Dinah, I could give a damn about you losing money this night—you've gained something far better in return. Now did you want to stay here, wallow in your misery, and hope that when that man wakes up again he's civil? Or did you want to leave?"

"Jan…it's only for this night…You'll leave me again just like any other guy. I at least want some money out of this."

"I won't leave you, Dinah, not this time. If you allow it, I wouldn't want it to be for just this night."

"Wh-what are you saying?" Dinah asked nervously.

"I'm saying—I'm here to rescue you." Jan stood up and held his hand out to her. She took it with a little hesitation and he lifted her easily. "Now go get yourself dressed. We're leaving."

"But…what about my things?"

"We'll come back for it, of course."

Though she was bone tired, she was beginning to feel excited, giddy even. She embraced him firmly for a long time and for the third time that night tears began to fall from her eyes further ruining her makeup—she didn't care. When she felt his arms come around her, she felt completely and utterly secure.

"Now will you get your clothes? I'd rather not be here when he awakes."

"You can just knock him out again, right?" Dinah asked cheekily.

"Yes, but I don't like attacking unarmed men."

"Oh, alright already. I was just…enjoying your closeness."

Dinah finally pulled herself from him and went to the back to find a suitable set of clothes and then on second thought took another.

"Ready," Dinah proclaimed to Jan's waiting form.

He took her by the hand and led her out to his chocobo mount.

"Now hold on tight," Jan said as he helped her climb on.

"No problem."

Jan tugged on the reins and they shot out of the apartment complex and towards Ul'dah.

/

AN: For those wondering if there'll ever be any real plot or how this even ties to the game. Stay tuned! Adventuring awaits.