Part Two
All Bets Are Off V: Chapter 11
Hurricane Leftovers
One Month Later
Baralai hurried into the mansion, his arms bearing new presents. He greeted the Griffin's butler, Timmons, briefly and continued to the west wing. It had been a few years since he'd entered his childhood home so enthusiastically. He and Val were temporarily spending their newborn son's first weeks at the mansion and then they would move back into the penthouse suite. When his parents had suggested it, he had put up little to no fight. He wanted only the best for his son. Naturally, when he found out what Val had done and where she'd been during one of the worst storms in Zanarkand's history, he'd been livid. He'd rushed to Zuke Memorial. However, the moment he laid eyes on his son, he was no longer angry. He was perfect, a tiny version of his father. He opened the door to the nursery and stepped inside. A woman he didn't recognize sat in the antique rocking chair that his mother had purchased rocking his son softly.
"Who are you?" he asked directly, carefully placing his bags beside the crib.
The woman gave him a friendly smile. "I'm Miss Newberry. You must be Mr. Griffin. I was hired on by your wife who contacted our agency recently. We're one of the best in the business," she said, reaching into her purse to produce a card.
He took it and scanned it quickly. "I hardly think we need a nanny," he said to himself.
What did Valerie have to do all day, anyway? She wasn't attending college classes any longer and hadn't mentioned returning when the semester began again in a few weeks. They would begin a month late, in mid September due to the school's completion of repairing some of the minor destruction it had received in the storm. She didn't have a job, if she had ever had one which he seriously doubted. So, why the nanny?
"A lot of new mothers feel more comfortable having someone more experienced help out during their baby's first few weeks," Miss Newberry explained, getting up to place the baby gently into the crib.
"I would think this would be a time for bonding. Where is Mrs. Griffin, anyway?" he asked, stepping up to the crib to watch his son sleep peacefully.
"I'm not sure, sir. She just said she was stepping out for a little while this afternoon."
He looked Miss Newberry over. She was an attractive, slender woman with shoulder length ash purple hair. Her eyes were a deeper purple, the darkest violet he'd ever seen. She had a model's figure except he noticed when she turned to return to the chair, her ass was rounder. He wondered what an affair with the nanny would cost him. He looked at the crib again and decided it probably wasn't worth it. He couldn't risk losing his son.
"Let me know when he wakes up," he instructed the nanny.
"Yes, sir."
He left the nursery and walked down the hall to his former bedroom suite. He looked over a stack of mail the maid had placed on the table in his sitting room. He grimaced as he opened one credit card bill after the other.
He sat back and thought for a moment. It had been months since he'd seen Paine last. He'd been avoiding her like the Spiran plague since he'd found out she'd married Mr. Isaaru. What was she trying to prove? That she could get married too? He wished she hadn't done that. He'd learned the hard way that marriage wasn't anything to play about. Once you give up your freedom for someone else, it's almost equivalent to being in prison. He got up and walked over the bar in the corner. He fixed a quick drink. Nothing too heavy, after all, he had a game tonight. He wondered how Coach Luzzu would feel if he told him he couldn't make it. He wanted to be there when his son woke from his nap. He wanted him to see at least one of his parents and not a stranger. He returned to the couch, knowing the coach wasn't going for it. He turned on the television and settled back. On the news, continued coverage of how the city was being rebuilt after the storm continued. There hadn't been massive damage to any structure. He'd called of his friends to make sure they were okay, and had even called the Mika house to be sure. He'd been minimally disappointed when Mr. Isaaru had answered.
The door to the sitting room opened and Val stepped inside, holding five large shopping bags.
"It's a good thing I'm not concerned with gil. The way you spend it, I'd be broke within six months," he greeted her.
"There was an end of summer sale going on at the mall. These things are marked down," she shrugged, putting her purse on the table.
"Is this why you hired a nanny? So you can go shopping?"
"Your mother hired Miss Newberry."
"She did? And you didn't object?"
"She was right to do so. I'm very inexperienced about babies and she made me realize that Ayden needs the best possible care."
"And wouldn't his mother provide that?"
Val chewed her bottom lip without answering. She was certain that Ayden's biological mother would have provided it. The poor woman had died, though, and she was doing what she could as if he were her son. There was something about the baby that was troubling her, though. By pure coincidence, he bared a striking resemblance to Baralai from his dark skin to his white hair. It was truly a sign from Yevon that helped her convince him that the baby was his. She'd watched the news religiously after the storm to try to find out the identity of the woman that had died in the abandoned building that night. So far, they hadn't mentioned it. Surely, someone had to have found them. They couldn't still be there, even if the building had been abandoned.
She'd thought about going to see, but couldn't risk someone seeing her in broad daylight and besides, if no one had discovered them, it was probably for the best. This was one secret she was planning to hold onto until her dying day. She began to unpack her purchases, trying to ignore the intensity of Baralai's stare. What was it? Did he want to make love? She shook her head.
"We can't do anything for another two weeks," she reminded him.
He appeared startled. "What? I know that. I was there when the doctor told you and I'm not thinking about sex, anyway. I hope you took his advice and renewed your pill prescription. I love Ayden, but I'm not dying to give him a brother or sister yet."
He took another sip from his glass. Sex. Who was she kidding? She wasn't a stupid girl. She had to know that he had been sleeping with someone these past months. He supposed she'd assumed the oral sex she performed for him had been enough. It hadn't. Surprisingly though, she'd been better at that than regular sex. Since the birth of his son, he hadn't touched another woman and had no intention of doing so. He owed it to Ayden to be faithful to his mother.
"I have a game tonight. I'll have to leave in a few hours. I hope Ayden's woke before then," Baralai said, watching Val as she opened her purchases.
She seemed more interested in that stuff than her own baby. He doubted she'd dropped by the nursery on the way here. She certainly hadn't asked him anything. Money couldn't be the only thing this girl cared about. She had to care about Ayden. She had struggled to carry him for seven months. The family had been more than concerned when she'd gone into labor early, but Ayden arrived a healthy baby. He wasn't even under weight. Baralai decided that he would go to the Mika house soon. He wanted to show off his son, but he also wanted to take things slowly. He was a premature baby, after all. He was thinking about Dr. Allen's amazement that Ayden was such a healthy baby although he was premature. The doctor had just summed it up to the baby being blessed by Yevon.
"When does the season end?" Val asked absently, holding a pair of pearl earrings up to her ears.
"Tonight's our last game of the season. We did really well this season, but we lost more than we should have, too. Everybody's mind is occupied. I'm glad it's over. And now all I have to do is finish my last year of college."
"I'm going to take a shower before dinner."
"Aren't you going to check on the baby?"
"I will, right before dinner. You said he was napping, didn't you?"
He watched her stroll into their bedroom wondering why Yevon had chosen her to be the mother of his first child. She didn't have natural motherly instincts. Even a dog kept an eye on her puppies every few hours. Before he could think about it further, his father was asking him to come down to his office over the intercom. He walked over to the wall unit and pressed a button.
"I'm on my way down. Should I bring Val?"
"No. This is private.
"Rikku, you really didn't have to come with me, but thanks, anyway," Gippal said as they sat in the waiting room of Zanarkand Star Records.
"I didn't mind, Gippal. It's okay," she said, looking around the waiting room with interest.
For the first time, she realized that Gippal had been on his way to becoming a star. Behind Gippal, she noticed a new picture of Penance, without him. She hadn't heard anything new from the band since Gippal's accident. Yet, there the three guys smiled. Of course, she recognized Spencer and Mallet, but the guy she presumed was the new lead singer was unrecognizable. His hair was platinum blond, his skin deep and olive, and eyes so black they seemed to stare into a person's soul. He was just as skinny as the other guys, but she couldn't help but admire the way his snug jeans hugged his body. He was incredibly sexy. Who was he?
"Who's that guy with Penance now? And how can there be a Penance without you?" she asked.
Gippal was grateful that the waiting room was empty today. He didn't need his business all over the rags.
"They can be Penance without me because the company owns the name. And the new guy is Garrett. I don't know anything about him since they have yet to come out with a single with him on it. But, that's not my problem anymore."
"How can they do this to you? Where is Mallet and Spencer's loyalty? They've been riding your coattails for years!"
Gippal grinned. At least there somebody else in Spira that knew they'd screwed him over. He'd been good to them.
"Mr. Greene will see you now," the receptionist informed them.
Rikku was outraged. How could they treat Gippal like this? It hadn't been is fault some nutty girl had tried to kill him. Weren't they grateful that he was alive? They had showed their gratitude by kicking him out of his own band and stealing the name. Unbelievable. She followed Gippal to the elevator where they went up the third floor. She followed him down the hall until they came to a door that read: Paxwell Greene. Gippal knocked.
"Come on in, Gippal."
Gippal opened the door and waited for Rikku to enter before he closed it. They sat in the two chairs in front of Pax's desk.
"What is this about?" Gippal asked, coming directly to the point.
He hadn't wanted to come here to begin with. Hadn't they done enough to him? What else could they possibly want?
"Well, it's like this, Gippal. You may have noticed that Penance has yet to release a new single. We haven't been able to find anything to fit the image. Spencer mentioned that you have some unreleased material, and we'd like to buy it from you."
Gippal simply stared. "Why the hell would I go for that?"
"Because once you see what we're offering, it's going to be pretty hard for you to say no. We don't just want the unrecorded material you've written; we want you to be Penance's permanent writer."
"Gippal, tell this guy to get lost. They just want to keep using you. They realize now that the band can't make it without you," Rikku urged, hating how confident Pax looked.
"Rik, they haven't made me an offer yet."
Pax watched them silently. Who was this girl? He hadn't really paid her any attention when they'd first come in, but now she had his full attention. When he looked at her, he instantly saw a marketing gimmick. She was young, blonde, pretty, and had a nice figure. Could she sing? Did it matter? It certainly hadn't stopped his former group, Flantastic, from making it big.
"Is this your girlfriend?" Pax asked Gippal.
"No. She's my ex and still a friend."
"What difference does it make who I am?" Rikku wondered.
"The difference is that I want you both. I want Gippal as Penance's writer, and I want to be your new manager."
"What? I can't sing," Rikku protested.
"Doesn't matter. I can market anyone."
"Wait a minute. You dropped me cause I can't sing anymore, but you're willing to take a risk on Rikku, a real amateur?" Gippal asked incredulously.
Pax held up a hand. "Gippal, Penance is known for their sound. It's the most important thing that they have going for them. But, this fresh girl is brand new. I'm going to market her purely based on her looks. I'll make you a star, honey."
"Do you know how sexist you sound?" Gippal asked.
Rikku's mind twirled. She wasn't a feminist, but she believed in equal rights. And what were the odds that she'd ever get a chance again even if she failed? She could feel excitement stirring in her and she needed a major distraction right now. She knew that Yuna and Tidus had reunited. She had told Tidus that he should try to get Yuna back, but deep down, she'd been hoping he realized that she was the one he wanted. Now, she had a chance to show Tidus that he'd chosen wrong. When she became a big star in Spira, he was going to regret his decision.
"Where do I sign?" she asked eagerly.
Gippal sighed. "Hold on, Rikku. You don't sign anything without a lawyer."
"Lawyer? We're friends here, Gippal."
"Remember what they did to me, Rik?"
"I'll get back to you, Mr. Greene, after I talk to a lawyer."
"That's fine. And call me Pax."
Lulu drove slowly through west Zanarkand. She hadn't seen Chappu in a few days, and thought it would be a good idea to check on him. It was mid September and she was looking forward to returning to college for her final year. She couldn't believe it. She was almost a college graduate. School wouldn't be over for her, though. She intended to go right into law school. She wondered why her life wasn't as on schedule as it should be. She frowned as she made a right turn. If things had gone according to her high school plans, she would at the very least be engaged to Seymour Guado right now. She wasn't in the least bit disappointed about that change in plan. However, she had thought that she would be married when she entered law school and had planned to have her first baby when she finished. She wasn't engaged, but there was still hope.
At first, she'd had a hard time imagining a future with Chappu. He'd seemed immature, brash, and his choice in Darcy as a girlfriend didn't reveal his intelligence. But, he'd always been nice to her, even before it was discovered that he was Wakka's brother. He didn't send her heart racing with excitement or anything, but he would be a stable choice if things between them went that far. She was certain that she wasn't the first woman who had ever been with two brothers before. She froze suddenly and pressed the brake. In fact, wasn't the twin's mother in her predicament? Lulu wasn't married to either brother, but the coincidence couldn't be ignored. The brothers had the same physical build, bronze skin, and wide, white smiles. But, that was where the similarities ended. Wakka was more considerate of other's feelings, but he had a bad tendency to always try to be the one to fix everybody's problems. Chappu was quieter and lacked his brother's confidence, but he didn't try to act like a hero, either. She pulled into the driveway of Auron's house, noticing that the red sports car was parked in the garage.
She got out and smoothed down her dress, admiring the diamond bracelet that she'd received recently as a gift from Chappu. It looked really expensive to her, but he had insisted that it wasn't. She thought he was going to be in credit trouble if he didn't slow down. She'd seen him using a gold card at a restaurant last week. He didn't talk about his college classes that much. She had volunteered to help him, but he'd told her that he had to do some things on his own. She had admired that. She walked up to the front door and knocked. And then she knocked again. It was early afternoon, so someone should be woke. The door finally opened slowly.
"Hey…where've you been hiding…?" she broke off slowly.
Chappu squinted at her through his good eye. The other, his right, was a mess. But, that was small potatoes considering the rest of his condition. He had a big bandage over his left eye, his lips were split, and his left arm was in a sling.
"What happened?" she asked quickly.
"Oh, it's not a big deal. I got robbed," he shrugged, letting her in.
"This is a big deal. You look horrible. I hope you called the police."
Get real. You want me in a body cast?
He sat down slowly on the couch, hoping Lulu wasn't about to make a big deal of his bruises. He'd already lied to Auron and now he was lying to her, too. He'd made a delivery for Seymour, and all of the merchandise hadn't been there. He had been surprised. He never counted it himself, just relied on Seymour to make sure a deal was square. One single package had almost cost him his life. He'd been beaten to death and dragged by his ankles to his car, where they'd dumped him and had tossed the gil they owed over his body. When he'd got back to Seymour's, he told him what had happened. Seymour had his butler clean his bruises and basically told him to shut the fuck up. If something had been missing, it was Chappu's fault. He certainly hadn't miscounted anything.
"Please don't worry, Lulu. I'm okay," Chappu insisted, though he wondered if his wrist was broken.
"You've got to be more careful here in Zanarkand, Chappu. There are some really rough areas of this city. I'm surprised they didn't steal your car."
"I wasn't near it. They took my gil and left me on the sidewalk."
"What about school? I hope you don't drop out because of this. You've only just completed your first semester this summer."
If he felt bad about lying to Lulu, he was getting over it fast. The truth was that he had never registered for any classes at the community college. He knew Lulu wanted a college man, so he was pretending to be one. He didn't need it. With the gil he was making as one of Seymour's delivery men, he could retire in a few years in a big way. He wouldn't need anything from anyone again. He certainly wouldn't need to work himself to death in Auron's restaurant. He had to make sure nothing else went wrong. He needed somebody with Seymour's vast connections backing him. He thought it for a moment. Seymour had told him that he'd dated Lulu in high school. It was almost creepy the way she'd been with him, his brother, and Seymour. He wasn't complaining, the sex was the best he'd ever had. But where would the lies end? Strangely, he'd never had to lie to Darcy.
"I won't drop out. I'm going to finish."
"Do you have to work today?"
"No. What are you doing here?"
"I just hadn't heard from you in a few days, not that I'm checking up on you, but ever since the storm…"
"It's okay, Lulu. I like to be checked up on."
"I know you said you didn't have an appetite, but just try to get this in your system," Mr. Issaru said as he placed the tray gently on the night table beside the bed.
Paine continued to stare at the ceiling. What did she care about eating? Why should she care about getting stronger? Even waking up in the morning had been a disappointment. None of it mattered. Her baby was gone. Fresh tears sprang to her eyes as she tried to understand it all. She thought about what had happened.
Paine could hear voices all around her. Where was she? Was she still in the abandoned building? Where was the old bum? She felt fuzzy. Her heavy lids opened slowly. She stared at a white ceiling with bright lights. Lowering her eyes, she focused slowly on Dr. Allen and three other people in medical uniforms that she didn't know.
"Hey, Paine. Take it easy. You've been through quite an ordeal, but you're not damaged," Dr. Allen said gently.
Then she remembered. Her eyes filled with alarm.
"The baby…I passed out while I was giving birth…and…" she gasped.
Dr. Allen nodded. "We know. An elderly man that had called the paramedics told us he helped deliver the baby."
"Where's the baby?"
Dr. Allen shook his head. "When the medical personnel finally made their way to you in the building, they found the baby unresponsive."
"And?" Paine panicked.
"They did all they could to revive him, but it was too late. I'm sorry."
She had closed her eyes tightly as he went into an explanation of what he'd thought had happened to the baby. She didn't hear anything else. She felt as though she'd fallen into another deep pit of despair. Why did Yevon insist on punishing her? Hadn't she lost enough already? And though she'd never really wanted to be a mother, she'd formed a bond with her unborn baby over the months.
Mr. Isaaru reached for a tissue from the box and handed it to her. He was at a loss. He didn't recognize this emotional mess of a young woman. The Paine he knew was hard as nails. She didn't do much with her days. She just sat in this room all day and night and silently cried. It was understandable and yet he didn't think it was healthy. He'd insisted on having a small burial for the baby on the farm. When that was done, he'd come here and moved all of the baby's things from Paine's room into the attic. He felt really bad for her. He'd been receiving heartfelt sympathies from the housemates ever since he had explained about the baby. It hadn't really occurred to him until now that they thought he was the father. Paine obviously hadn't told anyone the truth. He wouldn't, either. It would be her decision.
There was a light knock on the bedroom door.
"I'll get rid of them," Mr. Isaaru said, going over to the door and opening it a crack. Wakka awkwardly stood there.
"Hey. I know Paine's not up for it, but Baralai's here…"
"Oh, no. I don't want Paine upset. Besides, I wasn't aware that he knew about…"
"I don't think he do. That's not why he's here."
"Well, if he's visiting, that's fine, but…"
"He brought his baby, and I just wanted to warn you…"
Paine immediately sat up. "His baby? He brought a newborn baby over here?"
"He said that Val went into labor a little early, so he's not fresh out of the hospital. Anyway, I'll make sure he don't bother you. I'll explain…"
"That's okay, Wakka. I'll tell him myself," Paine said, reaching for her robe.
"Paine, you really don't have to force yourself to deal with him," Mr. Isaaru warned, secretly wondering where this burst of energy in her had come from.
Was that all it took? A visit from Baralai Griffin? Were her feelings for him still so strong that she would lie in this bed day in and out for the past six weeks, but as soon as he showed up, she was renewed? He watched her run a brush through her hair and rub her pale cheeks.
"Its okay, Clive. He's dying to show off his baby, so I don't want to be bitter about it."
"Darling…"
"It's okay," she insisted, opening the door and heading for the living room where she could hear excited voices speaking.
She stood in the doorway. Baralai sat in the center of the couch with Rikku on his right and Lulu on his left. Wakka, Datto, and Tidus stood nearby. Yuna was perched on the edge of the coffee table directly in front of him. The girls were obviously cooing over the baby. Gippal, sitting in the recliner, noticed her in the doorway.
"Hey, Paine," he said quietly.
The room suddenly filled with silence as everyone turned to stare at her. Baralai's smile froze. He knew something was going on here, but no one had told him anything. He didn't push it; he just carried Ayden into the living room so everyone could meet him.
Paine nodded, indicating that it was okay. She barely glimpsed Baralai. Her feet carried her slowly to where she could see the baby he was holding. She couldn't take her eyes away. There was little doubt that Baralai was holding his son. The baby had the same smooth chocolate skin, dark eyes, and a small amount of white hair on its head.
"Paine. They told me you weren't feeling well. I hope you get better. This is my son…Ayden," Baralai said, wondering why she was staring at the baby so strangely.
She stared wordlessly at the baby, as he stared back at her.
"Um…why don't you let me take Ayden in the kitchen for a feeding?" Lulu suggested, thinking that seeing the baby might be too much too soon for Paine.
"He had a feeding before we came here."
"Can I hold him?" Paine asked.
Lulu and Yuna exchanged a glance. Mr. Isaaru grimaced.
"I don't see why not," Baralai said, making room for her on the couch.
She sat down next to him as Baralai gently placed the baby in her arms. He looked her over. She looked more than a little wore down. He wondered why Mr. Isaaru was allowing this. It had been months since he'd seen her looking like herself. He looked at the baby. He looked like he was smiling.
"Is he smiling? That's the first time I've seen him do that," Baralai explained.
"I think he is," Rikku said excitedly.
Paine smiled. The baby was smiling at her. And just as suddenly, she was crying.
"Let me take the baby," Lulu said, taking Ayden carefully. "Why don't you go get some rest?"
Paine left the room.
"What's wrong?" Baralai asked no one in particular.
"I think you should go talk to her," Mr. Isaaru said.
Gippal raised an eyebrow. Why didn't Mr. Isaaru just tell Baralai that he and Paine had lost their baby? It was odd sending her ex-lover in to comfort her. Where was this man's balls today? Baralai shrugged and uncomfortably left the living room. He walked across the hall to Mr. Isaaru's bedroom, where he assumed Paine was spending her nights now. He knocked and opened the door gently. He found Paine in the bed, curled up on her side. He closed the door and approached the bed.
"Paine. What's the matter? No one's telling me anything but obviously seeing me has upset you," he said, feeling somewhat claustrophobic in the small bedroom.
She sighed. "Baralai…I've been through an ordeal…"
"Like what? And what does it have to do with me?"
She cleared her throat; sorry she had allowed him to see her cry. "I was pregnant," she muttered.
"What? When?"
"It really doesn't matter. I lost the baby during the storm…"
"Oh," he said, thinking that was why she had married Mr. Isaaru. It all made sense now. "I'm sorry. If someone had told me, I wouldn't have brought Ayden around. Despite everything that's happened between us, I don't want to see you in pain."
"It's okay. It's just still so fresh. You have a beautiful baby. I'm happy for you and Val."
"Thank you. Listen, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."
"I just don't understand what happened. I know the baby was okay after I had him…" she thought aloud.
"You had a boy, too?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I named him Xander."
"Were you here in the house? How could you have him? Wouldn't it have been too soon for you to be in labor?"
She sighed, wishing she could tell him everything. However, Xander was gone, so it didn't really matter who his father was. There was no point.
"I've talked about it enough. I want to get some rest now."
He nodded. "Okay. Just don't forget that you can call me, Paine."
"I won't."
"Yuna, I hope you don't rush into anything. Just remember that you have some trust issues with Tidus that can't be forgotten in your excitement about getting married," Braska said as he stared at his only child, his only daughter.
"I'm not going to rush into anything. We're going to have a long engagement. Father, please trust my judgment. There is no other man for me except for Tidus."
"Sweetheart, you're so young. How can you possibly know he's the one? Maybe you have yet to meet your true love."
She shook her head. What was it going to take to get Braska to understand? Yes, Tidus had made some mistakes. Well, some major mistakes, but she still loved him. She knew that she always would. Her heart couldn't be lying to her. No other boy had ever made her feel like this.
"I've met him. And even if I'm wrong, I am human, after all. I'm allowed a few mistakes, too."
"Of course you are. But, marriage shouldn't be one of them."
"I've already told you that we're going to have a long engagement. We haven't even set a date. I'm going for after graduation."
Braska sighed. He wasn't happy, but at least she would be done with her college education. He just didn't believe that Tidus could make his daughter happy. Hadn't he proven that he couldn't over and over again? Braska decided to relax. Yuna would never marry Tidus. Before they graduated, he was certain that she would see his true colors. But until then, he would play the role of the happy father.
Yuna idly folded her laundry as she took it out of the dryer. She knew her father wasn't happy about her engagement, but what could she do? It wasn't like she and Tidus were rushing things. They had been a couple on and off for the past four years. Tidus had betrayed her in the worst way in the past, but she was willing to give him one more chance. And if he failed again, then she could move on with her life. They had told no one of their engagement yet. With the recent storm and the rebuilding of the city and everything that was happening at the Mika house, they were waiting for the perfect opportunity. It could wait. As long as they knew, that was all that really mattered. They had let it be known that they were back together.
Lulu was cautious, yet happy for her friend. Rikku had been quieter, though Tidus had said he'd told her of his plans and she had agreed. They were taking things extremely slow. It had been six weeks since they'd gotten back together, but they hadn't had sex. They both agreed not to rush back into a physical relationship, though it had been well over a year since they'd last had sex, anyway. She thought their wedding night would be perfect for such an occasion, but her body disagreed. She thought about Paine to distract her mind. She felt bad for her friend, and seeing cute baby Ayden had to be difficult for her.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of hands on her waist. She squealed.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," Tidus said.
"I guess I was really daydreaming. I didn't even hear you come down the stairs," she said, folding a dress.
"Daydreaming about me, I hope," he said, his hands still on her waist.
She smiled. "Yes," she said, pretending she didn't feel his fingers on her skin. She was wearing a pair of low waist black sweatpants. "Where is everybody?"
"I don't know," he mumbled, thinking that he was going to die if he had to spend another day without touching her.
It had been a pure blessing from Yevon that she had said yes. He had spent a lot of time in Luca thinking about it. He knew her father wasn't happy, but at least he was around to voice his opinion. He knew Jecht would certainly approve of him choosing Yuna as his bride. He froze. Was that the real reason he had proposed? Because Yuna was the only girl his father had ever approved of? And now that Jecht was gone, he was willing to do all the things that would have made him happy?
No. He was glad that Jecht had liked Yuna, but he loved her. There was no other girl in Spira for him. And although they'd tentatively agreed to wait until their wedding night to have sex, he knew there was no way in Spira he could uphold that agreement. At least not without some fulfillment at first. He gently turned her around to face him. It was late afternoon and the sun was setting. She stared up at him. He leaned down and kissed her, pressing his lips gently against hers. The kiss began innocent enough, until he pressed her butt against the laundry table. Her tongue slipped inside of his mouth. He picked her up and sat her on the laundry table. He took his shirt off and reached to help her out of hers.
Yuna was about to protest, but the way the sun touched his bare shoulders and abs made her change her mind. He helped her out of her bra, leaning over to join his mouth with hers again. Her fingers pulled the drawstring on his short and they fell around his ankles. He pulled down his boxers and stepped out of both garments until he stood naked before her. He took her sneakers off and reached for the waist of her sweatpants, never taking his eyes off hers. Now, both were naked and dying to surrender to each other. He wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed her again. His lips trailed her neck, as she slowly lay back on the table. He pulled her down until her butt hung off the edge of the table and then he entered her. She closed her eyes and softly moaned.
It had been so long. Too long. Their lips and fingers were everywhere. Her lips on his neck, her nails deep into his lower back. Her hands underneath her thighs, supporting her body as they rocked. Her fresh laundry had been knocked onto the floor but neither noticed nor cared. He didn't want it to end, but he knew that it would be over for her soon as he felt her legs clench him tighter. And if that happened, she was going to pull him in, too.
"Tidus…" she moaned, which was usually her way of warning him.
"Wait, Yuna…"
"I can't…"
He felt her climax, and just as he predicted, it forced him to finish as well. He didn't care. He was too busy enjoying the parade of pleasure that flowed through his body. They groaned simultaneously, and then it was over. Someone was thumping down the basement stairs.
"Shit…" Tidus muttered, reaching for his shorts.
Yuna grabbed a towel and wrapped it quickly around her body.
"I'll head them off," Tidus said, running over to the stairs. He ran halfway up and almost collided with Forest.
"Hey. Clive said I could use the washer and dryer," he said.
Tidus, his shirtless body glistening with sweat, was relieved. The house had recently had a meeting about out of room sexual activities, and he didn't need a lecture today.
"Yeah. Just give me a few minutes to finish collecting my stuff," he said.
"Okay. I'll wait upstairs," Forest said easily as he stared at the young man.
I'm coming for that bitch soon. My hands itch constantly. I can't wait to look into her eyes as I squeeze. I'll watch the life flow out of her with the same amount of pleasure you just received. I won't wait forever. I'll finish what I came here for and whoever gets in my way will meet the same fate.
End of Ch. 11.
