"There's just something suspicious about him. Not like evil or anything, but I feel as if he's hiding something."
October 9th, 2122. "Daddy….DADDY! Wake up Daddy…is time for breaktass!" said Zaine as he patted Aran on the head.
"Come on kid…you will really appreciate the value of sleep when you are my age! Hehe." said Aran as he sat up and playfully threw Zaine on the bed. Zaine squealed with delight as Aran pinned him down and began tickling him.
"Haha! Daddy's got you now! Ohhh nooo…" he said playfully as Zaine "tackled" him.
Aran laid still on the bed with his eyes closed, and Zaine said, "Daddy…I no mean to break you…I sorry!" he crawled up to Aran and patted his head again, and Aran sprung to life and grabbed his son. "Hehehe, gotcha!" Zaine squealed and laughed some more. "Ok Zaine, I think it's time we ate breakfast!"
"Ok Daddy!" Ryuden was waiting at the door, since he had accompanied Zaine to Aran's room. He gave a warm smile to Aran, since it seemed that Aran was truly happy once again. Aran quickly brushed his hair, which had grown back for the most part. It fell just above mid-back.
"So, how are things with you and Leina?" asked Ryuden.
"Ah yes. Things are going well. We are taking things slow." said Aran with a smile.
"Glad to hear it. I knew you two would get together! I'm starving!" said Ryuden as the trio headed for the dining hall.
"Ryuden, when do you not think about food?" said Aran, lightheartedly.
"Well…when I'm thinking about Renaiya, of course. Even then, I'm usually thinking of food in some way…like the time I licked whipped cream and sliced strawberries off her stomach…hehehe!" said Ryuden laughing.
"Ok Ryuden…TMI!" said Aran as he lightly punched his cousin in the arm and laughed.
"What? You can't tell me that you've never done something like that!" said Ryuden with a smile.
"Well, egg donor was always rather…traditional. We never did stuff like that. She was pretty much a tranquilized mattress. There was that one time though, with Saraiah…it was…chocolate hazelnut butter." Ryuden gave a sensual growl and bit his knuckle when Aran said that. "Yeah…me and Saraiah were rather adventurous…hehe…we totally did it in a dressing room at the shopping center one time." said Aran with a devious grin.
"Hah, you naughty boy! I can top that! Right in the swimming pool…King Cid was at the other end of the pool! All of you were there, in fact. She just straddled me and I moved her bottoms to the side. It totally looked like she was just facing me while affectionately sitting in my lap. Renaiya darn near took a chunk out of my shoulder…did I ever show you that?" Ryuden pulled his shirt collar down and showed a scar made from teeth marks.
"Dayum, Ryuden! Those Raynes girls are so dirty underneath all the cuteness and innocence! Know what's funny? I don't think Zaine has any idea what we are talking about!" said Aran, laughing.
"No kidding…those two have to be the classiest women I know, for sure. Cid raised them right, no doubt about that!" said Ryuden.
"Well…Leina may have an aversion to anything that's longer than mid-thigh…but don't be fooled. I didn't know this…but that son of a bitch Vince pretty much deflowered her. She had been a "re-virgin" the whole time. She has never had sex since she was…thirteen...and she's twenty-six now, also it was never consensual." said Aran, with a shocked expression on his face.
"Are you serious? How is that possible? She's so damn gorgeous! I'd think she would have done something with someone since then…" exclaimed Ryuden.
"Well…she's been pretty frigid most of her life. She had a really bad experience when she was thirteen...she was brutally raped. She never sought relationships after that. I think I'm the first guy in which she's shown interest in a long time, if ever. That's one of the main reasons why we are taking things slow. She has a case of PTSD from when she was raped…poor girl. I certainly do not want to push her." said Aran, looking somewhat cross after mentioning what happened to Leina.
"Dang…I guess that would do it…if you equated sex to pain, abuse, and degradation…hmm. I know you'd take good care of her, but I guess I can understand why she's reluctant." said Ryuden, looking sympathetic for Leina.
"Well Ryuden, we tried the night before last. She freaked out right after we…ahem…began, and she told me to stop and started crying and screaming. As physically frustrated as I was at first, I felt terrible about it. That's where this bruise right under my eye came from…she hit me. She was definitely not in her right mind. It seemed like she was reliving what had happened to her so long ago…" said Aran as he crossed his arms.
"Well shoot…that sucks. For both of you." said Ryuden.
"Yeah, but oh well. Since then we are pretty much just holding hands and doing that quick kiss thing. It's excruciating, but I don't want my horny ass to send her screaming and running away in the other direction from me, ya know?" said Aran, shrugging.
"Oh yeah, I totally get what you mean." said Ryuden.
"She's been talking with Sam Frankewicz about it." said Aran, with a smile.
"Oh yeah, Dylan told me that his mother is a rape victim too. She and Dylan were attacked…and she was raped…but she didn't have as much of an issue with her husband. It also pushed her to start the Hunter's Guild. That's good that Leina has her to talk to, though."
"Leina's having lunch with Saraiah today, then she and I are going out to dinner tonight." said Aran, as his expression turned from sympathetic for Sam to smiling again when he mentioned his plans for the evening. "She's been talking with Saraiah about it as well. Maybe Saraiah will tell her I'm boring at the absolute worst…hehe!"
"Hah, Aran. You're a trip!"
"Speaking of Saraiah, you two have been spending a lot of time together. Moving in on Dylan's girl, are ya?" Aran said, nudging his cousin.
"No, idiot! We're just friends!" Ryuden quickly retorted, punching Aran's arm. "Friends spend time together. Duh!"
"I believe you, but I think you might have a little crush, Ry…" Aran said with an amused grin.
"Seriously? I have a girlfriend, you bloody fool!" Ryuden snapped back, suppressing a blush. "And she seems pretty happy with Dylan. But…he really doesn't spend a lot of time with her. Always has his nose in his research."
"You've noticed that too? Well, I suppose it's for the greater good." Aran shrugged.
"Maybe, but she told me that he's constantly requesting blood samples from her." Ryuden heaved a sigh. "But…I suppose it's with good intentions. I just find it a bit weird is all."
"Yeah, he sure seems to want to poke her with needles a bit much…" Aran paused for a moment. "Well, as long as she's ok with it then I don't see the problem."
"Heh…I can think of better ways to "poke" her…"
"Whoa, Ry!" Aran exclaimed as he laughed. "I'm not buying that you don't have a crush."
"I will set you on fire, Aran! I was referring to Dylan…you think I was talking about…ME!?" Ryuden blushed and avoided eye contact with Aran. He hadn't really mentioned to Aran about what happened a couple months prior.
"Why are you blushing, Ry?" Aran asked, teasingly.
"Because you are embarrassing me with this delusion that I have a crush on Saraiah!" Ryuden used a single finger to touch Aran's shoulder and zap him.
"Gahhh! Stop doing that, Ry!" Aran exclaimed as he grabbed his shoulder and immediately began healing it.
Ryuden was holding up his finger as a small bit of smoke dissipated from it. The look on his face was one of pure amusement. "Anyways, let's change the subject, we've arrived at the dining hall."
"Dylan, Leina just got here! I'm heading out to Julia's Cafe!" said Saraiah as she put a light jacket on.
"Alright honey, have fun! You look beautiful, by the way!" said Dylan as he kissed Saraiah.
"Thank you, sweety! I love you!" said Saraiah as Dylan walked her to Leina's white sedan.
Leina got out of the car and gave Dylan a quick hug as she said, "It's good to see you, Dylan! How are you?"
"Doing well, how about yourself?" said Dylan with a warm smile.
"Great."
"Glad to hear it. I hope Maleigha's not giving you too much trouble, hehe!" joked Dylan.
"Haha! Nah, Aran's been awesome. He's my first boyfriend and I'm enjoying it." said Leina as she gave a big smile. "Zaine seems to really like me as well! He told me he wants me as a mommy and that he wanted a sister. You should have seen how red Aran turned…it was adorable!" she continued, laughing.
Dylan laughed too and said, "Zaine's such a cute kid. I think you'd be a great mom to him one day!"
"Leina, I'm so happy for you. You look so good now! I think my brother's been a good chicken soup for you!" said Saraiah as she hugged her dear friend.
Yes, Leina had always been pretty, but when she first met the Armasa Group on the warship, she looked obviously stressed and a little bit unhealthy. She had been rather thin and looked fatigued, and of course her eyes were always filled with sadness, even when she was smiling, and they lacked luster. Now, she has been eating healthier and seeking therapy, and of course having Aran as a boyfriend and Saraiah and Amber as best friends has really done her well. Her skin and eyes were glowing, and she seemed really happy.
"Thank you Saraiah, and of course, you are stunning as always!" said Leina, cheerfully.
"Well, you lovely ladies both look amazing. Now go have fun!" said Dylan as he hugged Leina and hugged and kissed Saraiah and sent them on their way.
The two women arrived at the café and turned a few heads. Saraiah had her long, red hair tied up in high, unbraided pigtails and was wearing a light blue, form-fitting v-neck shirt with flower designs, and the shirt extended just two inches over the top of her black, comfortably flattering cargo pants. She was wearing chunky black boots that had a four-inch platform rise. Leina had her blonde hair down and elegantly wavy and was wearing a beige turtleneck short-sleeved sweater and a brown skirt with a hemline that fell just above mid-thigh. She had on neutral colored pantyhose and brown, close-toed pumps that had three-inch heels.
"Leina, people are totally checking you out…hehe!" Saraiah whispered to her.
"Pretty sure they are looking at you, sweetie…" whispered Leina with a smile.
"Ok fine. They are looking at both of us. I must say, we look pretty damn good, Leina!" said Saraiah as the two of them sat down at a table.
"I guess we do! Even so…I think everyone in here pretty much knows us first and foremost as 'Aran's girlfriend' and 'Aran's sister'." said Leina, jokingly.
Saraiah laughed and said, "Yeah, I guess so, after everything that's happened! He's pretty darn prominent, for sure!"
"Sure is! I'm also still getting used to having a boyfriend that's prettier than I am!" said Leina, smiling.
"No way. He's beautiful, in the masculine way, but you are prettier! It's not like he wears makeup and dresses in drag…hehe!" Saraiah and Leina giggled for a minute after a vision of Aran in a dress crossed their minds.
"Thanks Saraiah! I do think that if he wore tasteful makeup…none of us actual women would stand a chance!" said Leina, still laughing.
"Nah, he's still too manly looking. Have you seen the photos of his mother? Holy freaking MILF!" said Saraiah, wide-eyed, with her hands in front of her, palms facing outward.
"Oh gods yes. Lucretia was smoking hot. No denying that." said Leina, serious, but smiling. "I know where Aran got his good looks from. His father was handsome too, but Lucretia…wow."
Both Saraiah and Leina sat in silence for a moment, entertaining a few naughty thoughts about the late Mrs. Maleigha.
"Saraiah, I need to talk to you about something…personal." said Leina, growing serious.
"Sure. Tell me all about it." said Saraiah.
"Princess Saraiah! Lady Leina! What can I get for you two lovely ladies today?" said the café owner, happily.
"Oh, hey Julia! I'll start with water and a small grilled chicken café salad with balsamic dressing!" said Saraiah.
"…and I'll have the small chef salad, with thousand island and water to drink! Thank you so much, Julia!" said Leina.
"No problem. I'll get that right to you!" said Julia with a big smile as she left.
"Phew, I need to make sure I have room for the really good food!" said Saraiah, patting her belly. "I'm not Ryuden…I would never challenge him to an eating contest, that's for sure! Every time we have lunch together he eats three times as much as I do!"
Leina laughed and said, "Me neither. I could take him in a sword fight, but if you give us food and tell us to eat as much as we can…I'm up a creek!"
"Leina, you're silly! Aran and Dylan sure can pack it away as well…and they are still smoking hot. All three of those guys! I hate them!" said Saraiah, laughing.
"Me too, and at the same time, I can't complain!"
"Amen to that! So anyways, what did you want to talk about?" said Saraiah as she grew serious.
"Saraiah, remember what I told you about two nights ago?" said Leina, her amused expression having faded.
"You mean when you and Aran tried to…?"
"Yes. I feel so terrible. I couldn't concentrate. Everything leading up to it felt amazing, but as soon as Aran…you know…everything seized up and it hurt terribly. I had terrible flashbacks from when I was…raped." Leina took a deep breath and let it out quickly as she said the last word in her sentence. "I started screaming and kicking him, and I even punched him in the face. It's like I was reliving that nightmare…and I was seeing my assailant. It was so bad that Aran had to throw his pajamas on and hold me tight to him and stroke my hair as he said 'Leina, I love you. I'm right here.' over and over again. I just didn't understand it…the assailants were all unattractive and had blond and brown hair, and the one who did the most to me had dark blond hair and grayish eyes. Aran on the other hand is obscurely gorgeous and has long black hair and red eyes. Yet I still freaked out. Oh Saraiah, I'm so embarrassed and I feel like a terrible girlfriend." Leina paused and inhaled several bites of her salad.
"Oh Leina…" said Saraiah softly as she caressed Leina's hand. "Aran's a great guy. He will do everything he can to make you feel comfortable, including waiting until you are ready. I'll share something very personal as well. It's about when I was with him." Leina nodded, and Saraiah continued, "…we were both virgins when we first slept together, and he was very patient and gentle with me, and it ended up being a really special experience for both of us. It HURT though, at first. You've probably discovered that Aran is quite…gifted."
Leina giggled and blushed, and said, "Yeah, I do know that! It could be part of why it hurt me."
"It's possible, since I was still pretty nervous at first. I was only sixteen and about to have sex. It was a huge decision for me. Granted, I don't have your exact history, but I've had a few boyfriends before Aran try to force themselves on me. I was well trained at that point though and was able to get away, and in one case, Aran heard me yelling and protesting and he protected me. Leina, you are in such good hands with him. Just try not to put too much thought into it. Aran's a passionate man and he's pretty hard to push away. He frigging loves you, Leina, and he's not going anywhere."
Leina gave a warm smile and squeezed Saraiah's hand. "Thank you so much, Saraiah. I just think I need to focus on him and not break eye contact when it finally happens. I still think it's going to be a while, though. Hmm."
"Well, Aran will understand. Oh, and three words. Chocolate hazelnut butter."
"Oh my gods, Saraiah!" said Leina as she laughed and blushed.
"Trust me. Also, the spot right below his ear, where his jaw ends…he loves to be kissed and lightly caressed there. Same goes with the spot right between his pecs where they meet his abs…" said Saraiah as she lightly bit her bottom lip. "Sorry, this may seem a bit awkward."
Leina blushed even more and took a deep breath, then said, "I will keep that in mind. And nah, not awkward. Just helpful."
Saraiah had traced her fingers along the inside of Leina's forearm while she was telling her about where to touch Aran. Leina felt strangely aroused by Saraiah's touch. She thought to herself, "Whoa…did she do that on purpose? Saraiah's touch…it was…titillating…I kinda want more…This is ridiculous…I have those sensual responses, but once the actual event starts to take place, I freak out!"
At the same time, Saraiah was thinking, "Her skin…it's so soft. Part of me is jealous of Aran and wants to cure her of her issues myself…hehe! The best part is that she seemed to enjoy that…maybe if I…" she traced her fingers up Leina's other forearm and a sensual sigh escaped from Leina in response, and she returned the favor. Saraiah inhaled through her nose and an illicit sensation seemed to shoot from her arms all the way down to her toes.
Their little connection was cut short, however. "Ok ladies, are you ready to order your entrees?" said Julia as she walked back to the table.
Both Leina and Saraiah blushed immensely, then cheerfully ordered their next course. "Alright ladies, I'll get that right out as soon as possible!" Julia cheerfully replied as she walked away.
"So…that was interesting…what just happened." Leina said, avoiding eye contact.
"Sure was!" Saraiah said happily. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I still can't believe I haven't really tried anything with Amber!"
"Anyways, you and Ryuden have been hanging out a lot. Is there something I should know?" Leina said, finally looking up at her friend.
"Um…that we're just really close friends, Leina!" Saraiah replied, trying not to blush. "Even if he's insanely attractive…"
"Of course. You two just have a lot of fun together!"
"Yeah, Ry's pretty awesome! But yeah, Dylan's been so busy lately and constantly running blood tests on me. I understand he's got work to do, but I just get so lonely sometimes." Saraiah heaved a sigh. "So Ry's been keeping me company. We have lunch, play video games, and just go out on the town sometimes. We aren't secret lovers or anything!" she laughed slightly. "It sure felt that way two month ago, that one night…"
"I understand! And yeah, Dylan needs to make time for you!"
"I'll say, you'd think he'd be a bit worried if I was spending time with a guy like…Ryuden…" Saraiah blushed. "Aeons…even Dylan has a little crush on the guy."
"Well I guess I can see why, he's really handsome!" Leina said, giggling.
"Handsome? Hah, more like ridiculously hot…but alas, he's got Renaiya, and I've got Dylan. I'm not in love with Ry anyways. Besides, the guy isn't even remotely interested in me. I just wish Dylan didn't seem more devoted to his work than he is to me. And of course, Amber has been busy once again. Life is unfair sometimes." Saraiah shrugged, then Julia approached them with their food.
"Your highness, Tallon Ravencrow has arrived." said a guard.
"Glad to hear it. Send him in." said King Cid.
"Dad, what are you and Tallon doing today?" asked Aran.
"Well my boy, I have a new Aeon for him. I wish to test his summoning abilities and reward him with Ifrit."
"I see, so it's kind of like the exam you did with Saraiah and I." said Aran.
"That is correct, Aran. I'm actually guessing that Tallon may damage the training grounds more than you did!" said Cid, chuckling. "I'm glad we have Dylan and the other alchemists around to fix it!"
"Heh…well maybe his Aeons will. He is a tough cookie though, for a short, thin white mage. He totally decked Ryuden when we first met him! He totally threw the guy over his shoulder!" said Aran, with a smile.
"Wow…he threw Ryuden!? The kid can't be more than 130 pounds…" said Cid, looking astonished.
"Yeah well, I weigh barely shy of two-hundred pounds and I can beat up several-ton monsters. Obviously weight isn't an issue around here! It was so hilarious though, watching big ol' Ryuden get tossed like a rag doll by a guy who's five-seven!" said Aran, laughing.
"I bet. Too bad I missed that!" said King Cid with a smile. "Where is he, anyways?"
"Ah, he took Zaine to the park. I was busy and Ryuden offered to take him. He's been a big help. Thankfully Zaine sleeps through the night! They should be returning any minute though, since Zaine really wants to see Tallon's test." said Aran.
"Aran! King Cid! How are you two doing?" said Tallon as he walked into the royal chamber, happily.
"You're here, Tallon. Very good. We will get started in ten minutes. It's good to see you." said Cid as he shook Tallon's hand and gave him a quick hug.
"Tallon! How are ya?" said Aran as he gave him a hug.
"Doing well, Aran. How about yourself?" said Tallon.
"Doing well. Leina and I are going to dinner tonight. What's Heather up to?" said Aran.
"Well, I'm doing great, Aran! I wanted to see Tallon's test as well!" said Heather as she walked in.
"Oh! Hey, Heather! What a pleasant surprise!" said Aran as he walked over to her and hugged her.
Tallon walked over to Heather and kissed her on the cheek and placed his arm around her. "Aran, we really should double date soon." he said with a smile.
"Ah, we should! How long has this been going on?" Aran asked about Heather and Tallon's relationship.
"Three weeks." said Tallon, smiling.
"Awesome! Congrats you two!" said Aran.
"DAAAAAAAADDYYYYYYYYY!" Zaine happily burst into the chamber and ran to Aran. Ryuden swiftly walked in after him.
"Heyyyy it's my little Z-Man! Did ya have fun with Uncle Ry?" said Aran as he scooped up his son and hugged him.
"I did has fun! Uncle Ry played on playground wif me! Der were ladies talking to him. He rather play wif me, doh." said Zaine.
"Yeah…I got hit on. I certainly wasn't intending to use him as a chick magnet, obviously!" said Ryuden, shrugging. "I kinda casually brushed them off. Maybe they think I should give up on Renaiya or something. Fat chance."
"I understand. I'm glad you two had fun!" said Aran. "Anyways, I think we should head for the training ground."
Tallon had changed into his standard combat clothes and headed for the field. He was armed with his staff. Cid was waiting for him.
"You have arrived. Your test is simple. Defeat Ifrit. Use any summon until you run out of them. Let's get started!" said Cid. He summoned Ifrit.
"Alright, let us battle!" said Tallon as he summoned Quezacotl.
"Whoo, this is gonna be good!" said Aran as he and Zaine watched the battle.
Quezo and Ifrit began their battle. Quezo shot lightning at Ifrit, and Ifrit sent a burning rock in Quezo's direction. The two Aeons dueled until Quezo was knocked out.
"Quezacotl!" said Tallon as he ran to his yellow bird. "You've done well. Get some rest." Quezo disappeared, and Tallon summoned Shiva.
Shiva managed to freeze Ifrit momentarily. "Not bad!" said Cid. "But that's not enough! Ice against fire? Bad idea." He commanded Ifrit to use a strong attack on Shiva, and she was defeated as well.
"Damn it!" said Tallon as he called Shiva to rest.
"Shit, it's not looking good for Tallon, is it?" said Ryuden.
"Just wait, Ryuden. Tallon's not done yet. Dylan gave him the Leviathan crystal…little does Cid know that he successfully obtained that Aeon." said Heather with a smile.
"Yeah, Tallon does seem the type to toy around sometimes…" said Aran.
"So, is he gonna do it or not?" said Markas, who was observing Tallon just standing in the field, looking disappointed.
"Just watch." said Heather.
"Well boy, better luck next time." said Cid as he prepared to send Ifrit away.
"Not yet." said Tallon.
"Tallon, you are finished. Both of your Aeons have been defeated." said Cid, looking confused.
Tallon's lips curved into a devious grin and he began twirling his staff as he said, with increasing volume, "Not all of them. Come to me…Leviathan!"
Cid gasped as the large water dragon appeared along with a massive amount of water. Tallon jumped onto the dragon's head and grabbed Cid and pulled him up as the water washed over Ifrit and knocked him out.
"Told you!" said Tallon, smiling.
"Wow…you got me!" said Cid. "Well done! I had no idea that you had obtained Leviathan. When did this happen?"
"Just a few weeks after we took down Sumestris. Dylan found the Fazium summon crystal while we were at the headquarters. They were keeping it secure." said Tallon. Leviathan swam over to where Aran and the others were, and disappeared, taking the water with it. The others were clapping and cheering, and Cid presented Tallon with a red Fazium crystal.
"Tallon, you have done well. I'm proud of you. Take good care of Ifrit. As an added bonus, I will let you have this one as well. This Aeon is almost as good as Aran is at landscaping!" said Cid, smiling, as he handed a shiny brown crystal to him as well. "Not like there's any being as destructive as Aran!" Cid chuckled and Aran laughed a little bit.
"Oh my gods, this is Titan! Thank you so much, your highness!" said Tallon with a big smile as he accepted the crystals.
"You've earned it, my boy." said Cid, warmly.
5:00pm, same day. "I had a lot of fun, Leina. Thank you so much for inviting me to lunch! I had fun shopping with you as well…I think Aran will love that dress on you!" said Saraiah as she and Leina arrived at Dylan's house.
"I had fun too. Thank you so much for coming! I'd love to stay and hang out a little while longer, but I need to get ready for dinner with Aran! He's picking me up at six, and it's five already!" said Leina as she gave Saraiah a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Oh yes, get going! Stop by for hot cider and apple pie tonight! Bring Zaine too!" said Saraiah with a big smile.
"I'd love to, I'll throw that idea at Aran and see what he thinks. Bye!" said Leina as she got into her car and drove off.
Saraiah went into the house where Dylan was waiting for her. There were candles lit and a wine glass on the table. Dylan was wearing a black, short sleeved button up shirt and dark red cotton pants that were comfortably form fitting, not too tight. He was holding a glass of wine and had a crooked smile and bedroom eyes. "Hey, Saraiah." he said with a sultry tone.
Saraiah's jaw hit the floor. "Wow…Dylan, you look so damn hot." She walked over to the table and picked up the wine glass and sipped it. Dylan watched her glossy pink lips touch the rim of the glass. Her dark red hair glistened like fire in the candlelight.
"You are so beautiful, Saraiah." he said as he watched her. "I'm sorry for being so distant lately."
Saraiah walked over to her dark haired lover and pressed her lips to his. She gently pulled away and said, "I'll be right back." She walked to the bedroom and changed into a sexy outfit, a black tank top with rainbow colors and matching bikini underwear that tied on the sides. Her stomach was slightly exposed. She walked back downstairs and resumed her kiss with Dylan.
"I am such a lucky man…" said Dylan as he gave a sensual laugh and traced his nose along Saraiah's neck, kissing it softly as he did so.
"…and I, a lucky woman." said Saraiah as she lightly nibbled Dylan's shoulder.
"Ooh, hey!" he said with a smile. He nibbled her back, and she inhaled deeply, then he pressed his lips to hers again. Saraiah moaned softly as she parted her lips and invited him in for a passionate kiss. Their tongues danced and caressed each other, and only to press their lips together for a few seconds would they break the contact between their tongues.
The kiss grew more steamy and passionate, and Dylan had his hand in Saraiah's hair, wrapped around the back of her head as he had her pressed up against the wall, with his other arm supporting her weight. Saraiah's strong legs were wrapped around Dylan's waist while her arms were tightly wrapped around his neck.
She could feel the effect that this encounter was having on him when he brushed his hips between her legs. She untied one side of her panties and lowered Dylan's pants enough to liberate him, and she took him in right there against the wall.
After several moans and grunts and Dylan passionately rubbing against Saraiah rhythmically, they both found their release.
Dylan went weak in the knees and felt them shaking as Saraiah put her feet on the ground and tied her panties back in place. "Wow…" she said, still breathing deeply.
Dylan was on his knees and inhaling deeply as he pulled his pants back up. "Damn, Saraiah…I love you!" he said with a big smile. He started to regain his composure as he stood up and wiped his sweaty brow. Saraiah had run to the bathroom for a minute.
Dylan refilled the wine glasses after he sat down at the table and Saraiah returned. "Have a seat, my dear." he said to her sweetly.
Saraiah sat down and sipped her wine again. "Dylan, you are wonderful. I hope you are ready to be in it for life, 'cause I have no plans of cutting you loose!" she said with a smile. "How wonderful would it be, to have a little one, and raise a family…as husband and wife. Saraiah Frankewicz…I like the sound of that."
"So do I. One of these days, for sure. I'm definitely in it for the long haul, Saraiah. I know it hasn't been long…but you really are one of a kind, and I know you are the one I want as a wife, the one to bear my children. By the way, I have an early birthday present for you!" said Dylan with a big smile as he handed Saraiah a small, wrapped box. He inhaled deeply, as if he were nervous.
Saraiah took the box, and looked at it. "Well, open it!" said Dylan. His knees started shaking.
Saraiah complied, and slowly took the paper off. There was a black box, and she opened it. Inside, there was a silver ring with beautifully cut and patterned diamonds on it. Her heart started pounding as she felt her face get warm. "Oh my gods…Dylan…is this…?" she said, her voice wavering. She looked at him, to discover that he was down on one knee. She found herself unable to talk.
"Saraiah Faye Raynes…I love you so much…will you do the honor of becoming my wife?" said Dylan, somewhat nervously.
Saraiah's heart stopped for a moment, and she felt her eyes welling up. She looked at him, and at the ring, then she took a deep breath and managed to form one word. "Yes."
Dylan's eyes welled up as he took the ring and placed it on Saraiah's finger. Saraiah regained her composure, and started crying. "Yes, Dylan. I will marry you. I would love to become your wife!" she threw her arms around him, and Dylan said, through tears of joy, "Thank you so much…I'm so glad you said yes!"
"Oh Dylan, why wouldn't I?" she said as she pulled away to look at him.
"Well, I guess because it's only been five months, and I've been so distant!" he said.
"So what. I know how I feel about you, and it's not going to change!" she said with a smile as she gave him a big kiss. "I am so sorry that I doubted you. I just wanted your company all those times I bothered you!"
"You never bothered me! I'm sorry if it seemed that way, though! I've been developing a new potion, actually."
"It's all good! So…how about we celebrate?" she said, with a wink. "And really? You gotta tell me about it afterwards!"
"That sounds great. Let's go!" said Dylan as he stood up, scooped up Saraiah, and carried her up to their bedroom where they made passionate love once again.
"Leina, Aran's here!" Emma yelled up to Leina, who was finishing up her hair.
"Ok, invite him in. I'll be right down!" Leina yelled back.
Emma opened the door and did a double take. "Wow…you look rather handsome tonight, Aran!" Aran was wearing an untucked, somewhat form-fitting dark red button-up shirt that had the first two buttons undone, and he had on black, well-tailored slacks that fit rather well, and black loafers.
Aran gave a warm smile, with straight, white teeth, and said, "Why thank you, Countess."
"Please…call me Emma." she stammered, finding it difficult to form a complete thought.
"Emma, of course. So where's Leina?" he said as he turned his attention towards the stairs.
"Um…she should be down any minute…" came the reply. "By the way…where did that bruise on your face come from?"
"Oh…training. Saraiah belted me good." lied Aran. He figured that some information is better left unknown.
"I see. She's one feisty woman, that's for sure!" said Emma.
"Sure is." said Aran, casually.
"Aran! Hey!" said Leina as she walked down the stairs. Aran's heart stopped and he found it rather impossible to take a breath. "Babe…are you ok?" said Leina when she saw Aran's jaw hit the floor.
"Uh…yes. Wow, you look…sexy." he managed to form a brief cognitive thought.
Leina just smiled and said, "Why thank you. You look rather…sexy as well." Leina was wearing a silky emerald green dress that fell just below her knees and at the top, just above her bust, there was floral lace that you could see hints of bare skin through, and the lacy part extended into sleeves that stopped just above her elbow. She was wearing black, four-inch stiletto heels, and her hair was tied back in an elegant bun. She walked over to Aran and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, and he raised his eyebrow. "What?" said Leina.
"Four inch heels, sweety? You are five-nine barefoot. I'm five-eleven. Do the math and think about that." he said with an amused smile.
"We're the same height right now, Aran. It's no big deal!" Leina replied, giggling. "You literally signed up for this!"
"Hah, I suppose you're right about that!" Aran said, shrugging.
"I was always two inches taller than Matthias! I'm sure you can deal with being the same height as Leina!" Emma said, laughing.
"Of course! Let's get going, shall we? What does Ryuden say…Milady?" Aran said with a giggle as he took Leina by the hand and headed out to his car. He opened the door for her.
"Thanks, hun!" said Leina as she got in. Aran got in the driver's seat and they headed out.
They arrived at the restaurant, the top restaurant in Seiyomari. Aran drove up to the valet and passed his keys off. The place was packed.
"Aran, it seems we are in for a long wait…" said Leina.
"Not really, sweetheart." said Aran as he winked and lead her to the host desk. There was a young man and woman standing behind it. "Good evening, Ethan, Vivian." he said as he removed his sunglasses.
"Ah yes. Aran, we have your table ready. Is this your lovely lady?" said Ethan. Vivian smiled as she handed Ethan two menus.
"Sure is. This is Leina." Aran said with a smile as Leina shook hands with the host.
"A pleasure to meet you, sir." said Leina with a smile.
"Same to you, Miss!" came the warm reply.
Ethan escorted Aran and Leina to a small table by a window and seated them. "I'm actually a server, I just thought I'd personally seat you two myself, hehe! What can I get you two this lovely evening?" he said.
"Well, let's start with the nacho platter, we'll split that. That ok with you Leina, or do you want something else?" said Aran.
"That sounds good, Aran. Ethan, what's today's soup?" said Leina.
"Well, we have white broccoli cheddar today." said Ethan with a smile.
"Oh yeah, I'll take a bowl." said Leina with a smile. "That stuff is fantastic."
"Yeah, make that two, Ethan!" said Aran, happily. "So yeah, the nacho platter and two bowls of today's soup. I'll have a beer to drink."
"I'll have sweet white, if you don't mind." said Leina, sweetly.
"May I see ID cards for both of you?" said Ethan. "You two look pretty young."
"Really Ethan, you know Leina and I are over twenty-one!" Aran said as he laughed and handed his card over.
"I know, it's just protocol, even if you're 80!" Ethan replied, chuckling.
"I got stopped by a rookie cop last week because he thought I looked too young to be driving." Aran said with a look of amusement on his face. "I was like, 'dude, I got my son with me, and I'm twenty-four…' he was all embarrassed and sent me on my way after he checked my card. It's my friend Tallon who looks fifteen, even though he's nineteen."
"That's pretty funny! But both of you are good. I'll get those drinks out to you right away!" Ethan smiled as he handed the ID cards back to the couple and headed off.
Just then, an alert on Leina's phone chimed. "Oh, a text from Saraiah…" she said as she checked her phone. She read it and smiled.
"Well, what's it say?" said Aran
"Dylan proposed to her!" Leina replied happily.
"Awesome!" said Aran with a smile. "Ya know, I was with him when he bought the ring. He had asked both Cid and me for our blessings. I was totally cool with it, and Cid thought for a moment, then said yes. I guess that's a father for ya! They are never ready for their daughters to grow up."
"That's true. My dad was an ass…but I never wished him dead. I miss him." said Leina as her expression grew somber.
"Hmm…I guess I can understand that…I definitely miss mine…I'm so glad to have Cid around, he's been awesome. I seriously would lose my mind if something happened to him." said Aran.
"I can imagine. He's such a good man." said Leina in agreement.
"Yeah, for sure. I hope I can be half as good to Zaine…" said Aran, as he rested his chin in his hands.
"I'm sure you will be. As I've told you before, you're doing great." said Leina as she took Aran by the hand.
Aran gave a smile with his lips and said, "Thank you."
"Aran…about the other night…I'm sorry." said Leina. She heaved a sigh after saying that.
"What for, Leina? It wasn't your fault. Hell, I was the one who kinda jumped you. I should have at least asked before seducing you like that…" said Aran, sheepishly.
"Aran…You shouldn't be sorry. I wanted it. I really did. I would have said something if I wanted you to stop from the beginning. I mean, we were alone together, and the way you kissed me, that's all it took. I've never willingly kissed someone before, especially not like that, and it was so amazing…I really wanted to go all the way, but I had no control over my thoughts and due to that, I seized up down there and it hurt, and I couldn't get the flashbacks out of my head. I'm sorry I hit you, by the way…" said Leina.
"It's no big deal…you hitting me. As difficult as this is for me, I want you to be comfortable. Don't feel like I think any less of you because of this issue. Look, like it or not, I'm in it for life. I love you Leina, and I'm not going anywhere, ok?" said Aran sweetly as he tucked a lock of hair behind Leina's ear. "Besides, we can work on this. We'll figure something out when the time comes again."
"I hope so…cause I really, really want to do that with you…but I want it to be good, and not be interrupted by stupid flashbacks again. Man…this is so frustrating! I feel ready to go at a moment's notice when you so much as look at me a certain way…but I can't go through with it right now!" said Leina, in an exasperated tone. She took a gulp of wine.
"Oh trust me, I know the feeling…" said Aran, who heaved a sigh, then continued, "…well, when it happens, for real, I'm sure it'll be wonderful for both of us."
"I'm sure…anyways, maybe we should change the subject, cause it's not helping!" said Leina, as she gave a little smile.
"Good idea. It really isn't." said Aran, grinning sheepishly.
"So…Saraiah invited us over to her place for hot cider and apple pie with her and Dylan, and she said to bring Zaine." Leina said with a smile.
"Sounds good to me!" said Aran, happily. "Have you decided what you want for an entrée?"
"Yes, the shrimp and steak dinner, with fries and broccoli on the side. I'm not afraid of a good dinner!" said Leina, with a devious grin.
"My gods, you get hotter every second, Leina!" said Aran with a big smile. "I'm getting the same thing. What man doesn't appreciate a good steak?"
"Not many, that's for sure!"
"I wonder what Ryuden will think of his girlfriend getting engaged to Dylan!" Aran said, jokingly.
"Oh gosh, you know he'd zap you for calling her that!" Leina replied, laughing.
"He makes it way too easy. I know he's dating Renaiya, but he likes Saraiah. There's not a doubt in my mind about that. The guy seems to be losing hope. He also mentioned that things are just fizzling between them." Aran's expression turned somber.
"I feel so bad for him."
"Me too. Let's just try our best to get her back, then those four can sort out their shit." Aran said, shrugging. "But yeah…Dylan. There's just something suspicious about him. Not like evil or anything, but I feel as if he's hiding something. From all of us, including Saraiah. What could be so important that he buries his face in his research when my six and a half feet of perfection cousin is spending so much time with her?"
"I'm wondering that too. She told me he doesn't let her watch him work. Says he can concentrate better by himself."
"Sounds stupid as hell to me, but I suppose it's not my business." Aran heaved a sigh. "But Ryuden told me that he feels like Renaiya is hiding something as well."
"Here you two go, are you ready to order entrees?" said Ethan as he set the appetizers down.
"Yes, two of the steak and shrimp dinners, with fries and broccoli!" said Leina, with a smile. Aran nodded in agreement.
"No problem, I'll get that to you as soon as possible. You two enjoy!" said Ethan as he walked away once again.
"I'm just taking bets on how long Dylan and Saraiah end up lasting. I don't wanna be negative, especially with the engagement, but ya know?" Aran said as he cut a piece of steak and placed it in his mouth.
Leina nodded, and said "She seems happy though, in spite of how distant he is. Perhaps Saraiah is hiding something as well. Possibly from herself."