Hello lovely reviewers :D 41 reviews :o If this story gets 50 reviews Rikku will deliver you all personalised cupcakes. Please dont see this as free promotion, but if you like this you may like 'Boy meets Girl reloaded' and its sequal 'Girl meets Boy.'
Disclaimer: I do not own FF-2. I wish I did though.
"The straw man. This is the topic we will cover today." Professor Mika began, drawing a long screeching line onto the chalk board and waking up the entire class room. Paine sighed from her seat at the very back of the class. Another boring lecture. Since the newspaper was still a huge secret to the rest of the group, Paine was still having to take politics with Baralai. The coursework was unbelievably piling up on the floor next to her bed. She needed a tutor. Quickly she scribbled a note on her half doodled notebook, tore it off and handed it to her neighbour who was twiddling a pencil between his fingers lazily whilst watching the professor go on about his precious straw man.
Baralai laughed when he read what she had put and gave her a thumbs up before scribbling back. Have you talked to Yuna yet?... Paine read, sighing and wondering what to say back.
"Now I want you all to take five minutes to structure a straw man argument with your partner." The professor yelled, putting down the chalk and leaving the room muttering to himself about coffee. The two friends didn't need further permission than to pull their chairs together and start nattering. If anything, Baralai would save Paine's ass later. He always did in politics.
"I know what you're going to say Baralai and no I haven't." Paine sighed, rolling her eyes. He had really got on her case about what had happened with Seymour and felt it appropriate to chaperon her around the entire town. She hardly ever had a minute to herself and was now very accustomed to the smell of his leather seats in his car. Even when he had to work occasional days after lectures he was on the phone to her checking she was safe. Sometimes Paine had to wonder who the bigger stalker was – Seymour or Baralai.
"Something has to happen, Paine. People like him don't just disappear. They bid their time. Wait for the perfect situation." Baralai insisted, drawing a doodle of a star onto Paine's notebook. She was also very accustomed to his lack of interest in her personal space bubble. She had to flick him a couple of times to stop him before her paper was a mass of his art work.
"So, when are you going to tell me where you work, more to the point?" Paine slyly asked. She knew Baralai pretty well now. She knew the scent of his house and the colour of every room there. She had seen pictures of him when he was a kid, heard stories of his life in Bevelle before his dad transferred to Kilika. These were sore points to him. Never did he talk about his family unless asked and even then one would have to read between the lines. Baralai was a mystery Paine wasn't ready to leave unsolved.
"I work in town." He replied with a smug smile. He knew what she meant.
"No Baralai. What do you do?" She asked again, this time more directly. He scratched the back of his head and sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"This isn't the place for this conversation Paine. Later." He urged, clearly not releasing his secrets.
"Fine. But don't expect me to forget. I want an explanation." Paine scowled. Later wasn't going to be today.
"If you can handle it." Baralai said, winking and pushing his chair back as the professor entered to room. From the corner of her eye she saw him sadly look down at his notepad. Whatever the situation, he really wasn't ready to tell her yet.
Yuna hadn't seen much of Paine since the replacement poodle situation. She had wondered if she had been a little harsh on her. After all, it wasn't Paine who ran over the dog. Rikku too had spent a lot less time with her cousin. Apparently, knowing Gippal wasn't enough for the blonde. In the time they spent away from the boys, Rikku could be found perched in her chair with her binoculars pointed squarely at the apartment opposite. Yuna had a difficult time explaining to Tidus when he walked in one day to find the blonde excitedly giggling and pointing her binoculars into Gippal's window. It seemed now that the Al Bhed boy was the only one not in the know about Rikku's 'little crush'. With no one at home to turn to and a boyfriend that was a star blizter at the college, Yuna found herself alone a lot in the university library. She felt alienated from her friends and she couldn't understand how it had happened. Sighing to herself she turned the musky pages of the torn book she was reading. She had hidden herself away in the modern language section today, this seemed to be the most ignored of all the columns lining the old stone building. A few second year students were studying at the central tables and a young couple was laughing amongst themselves in teen fiction, receiving dirty looks from the old female librarian in charge. Yuna found it funny how the people in books could seem more real and give more comfort than those in her life. She knew she should be happy for her friends. Paine finally had someone who she could talk to and enjoy their company, even though the relationship hadn't been set in stone. Both Baralai and Paine seemed to be dancing around the giant elephant in the room with them, neither willing to except it was there. Or at least that was how she saw it. And Rikku, dear, sweet, innocent Rikku. She had finally been released into a world where she was socially allowed to talk to the one person she liked. Yuna herself was most gracious, she had a wonderful boyfriend who took her out places and wasn't embarrassed by her intellect. She was so happy she could cheer on Tidus during the big games and know every goal was for her. But something still didn't feel right...something was hanging in the air like a thick fog. Not knowing what this was made Yuna feel on edge wherever she went. This feeling was growing more and more. Turning the pages of her book again a small sheet of white folded paper fell out into her lap. Considering Yuna had been the only one to read this book in the past two days she had assumed someone had picked it up when she left and lost their bookmark. Not wanting to be rude she planned on putting the piece of paper back for when the person came back. Turning it over she noticed thick scrawls of writing on the back. Her heart did a triple flip from her chest when she spotted her name scribbled over the top.
Yuna...How rude of you to ignore me. Do not fear, I am always watching you...You can't run forever.
Taking in a quick gasp of air she dropped the book and paper and collected her belongings. Maybe she should have taken the paper to show her friends, but just the thought of it in her pocket scared her. Running quickly out the library, away from the note and the book, Yuna gasped and grabbed at her sides as she continued to run further into the campus. Someone was watching her. Someone was trying to get to her and she didn't like it. She wanted to go home, but what if they followed her back? What if they got in the house? She grabbed at her side in pain, tears streaming from her face as she took a seat at a fountain, opposite the student park. She couldn't face calling her friends. She didn't want to get them involved if it was just someone messing with her. She watched a few cars pass, heart quickening when they slowed down near her. She was a nervous wreck when a slim, black car with tinted windows slowed down to a near halt in front of her and began to roll down the windows. She jumped to her feet, ready to run but shaking uncontrollably.
"Yuna?" Baralai's familiar voice asked in worry as he undid his seat belt and got out. "Yuna? Has something happened?" He asked, grabbing her arm softly and dragging her to the passenger seat. By then Yuna didn't have the strength in her to stop him. She watched as he did up both their seat belts and began to swiftly drive away. She continually shook her head when he asked if something had happened, despite her tears giving her away. She watched him drive the familiar path back home. Baralai began to slow as they reached her house.
"Don't stop!" She cried, pulling the steering wheel towards her sharply.
"Woah!" The white haired boy cried, trying to correct Yuna's suicidal driving before he hit the cars opposite. "Yevon Yuna! You could have killed us. Now don't even try to tell me something didn't happen." He softly yet so urgently told her, instead driving into his parking space outside his house. Taking out his house keys he helped Yuna out the car and manoeuvred her around towards the door. When they were inside he sat her down on his sofa and threw a brown blanket over her to warm her up. Yuna had wondered why he had a blanket down in his living room but decided she didn't really care. "Yuna, if something- anything, no matter how small, has happened, please tell me." Baralai insisted, grabbing her hand gently and looking into her eyes.
"I found...I found this note in the book I've been reading at the library."She started, looking down at the ground. Baralai squeezed her hand encouragingly.
"What did it say?" He asked calmly, patiently waiting for the rest.
"Something stupid about not being alone and ignoring someone." Yuna finished. The brown blanket seeming much more interesting as she pulled absent-mindedly at a loose thread.
"Was that all it said? Can you remember exactly what was written?" the brown eyed boy in front of her asked, voice quivering slightly.
"I think it was something along the lines of 'How rude of you to ignore me. don't worry, I'm always watching you. You can't run forever." The brunette sobbed, finally overcome with the emotions today had delivered.
"And was this just a piece of paper or do you think it was meant for you?" Baralai asked calmly again, hand already outreached for his mobile and dialling Paine.
"It had my name written at the top." Yuna gasped, hands covering her eyes as the tears fell.
"Paine? Where are you?" Baralai asked on his phone, gently patting Yuna on the back. "Well can you leave?...It's Yuna. Someone has planted a note for her to read...Who else would it be? Of course it was him. Can you leave? Ok, Well get Tidus to drive you back then. Yes, I think Yuna needs him to be here right now...No, Paine...No...definitely not!...Just get here ASAP please? Ok, bye." He hung up, looking at Yuna. "Tidus and Paine are on their way."
"Who were you talking about? To Paine? You said 'of course it was him'. Am I in trouble?" Yuna whimpered, scared for herself and her friends. What if someone hurt them to get to her?
"Yuna, something happened to Paine last week. I've been trying to get her to tell you but she was worried that it would scare you." Baralai sighed, sitting down next to his friend.
"What happened? Was she hurt?" Yuna cried, heart quickening again. Baralai gave out a low sigh and continued, sadness in his eyes.
"Very nearly. I found her slumped over in an ally crying. She had been given a note to give to you. The person had held her at knife point and made her promise she'd do it." he explained, sorrow flowing from his voice.
"That note? The one I thought you had written?" Yuna began. Baralai nodded. "There was never a dead dog then." She confirmed in her head. "Baralai, do you know- who?"
"Paine doesn't know his name. I never saw him but she can explain when she gets here." The snow haired boy said, giving his friend a hug and going to make her a strong tea. Yuna followed him to his kitchen, not wanting to be alone. She noticed Paine's necklace on the table and sighed.
"You've been watching Paine haven't you? Making sure she's ok." Yuna asked, pretty sure she had got the whole situation with those two wrong.
"It would kill me if someone hurt her, Yuna. I think...I think I love her." He sighed, leaning against the counter and leaning his head on the cabinet above. The doorbell sounded and Baralai left to greet his two worried friends. Instantly Yuna rushed into Tidus's arms and sat down in the living room. Baralai explained to the two what Yuna had told him and then asked Paine to describe the man she had seen. Yuna dropped her cup, Paine's voice melting into a background noise like she was underwater. The cracking of the porcelain at her feet brought her back as she saw her friends look worried.
"You know this person?" Baralai asked, taking head of the investigation.
"Seymour Guado..." She whispered.
That night Baralai had insisted everyone stay at his house for security. Yuna had protested at first, not wanting to cause a fuss but eventually gave in. At least she had her friends around her for comfort.
"Can I talk to you?" Paine asked, dragging Baralai out of the living room and upstairs to his bedroom. He sat down nervously on his bed wondering what Paine was so urgently needing him for. She stood in front of him, hands on hips. "I was just wondering why you of all people are so worried about Yuna's safety?" She asked, looking confused. Baralai scratched the back of his head.
"Aren't we all?" He replied, not smugly arguing for once but staring at the carpet.
"But what makes you think that you of all people can do that?" Paine asked again. He sighed and placed his head into his hands with a moan.
"Because I can." The chocolate eyed boy said in annoyance. "Paine, there is something I need to tell you. About me. But I'm afraid to." He slowly said, looking up into her nervous crimson eyes.
"Why?" She warily asked.
"I don't want to frighten you away." Baralai said, standing up and walking to the window. Hands firmly gripping the seal.
"Spill it. Maybe then things will start to make sense." She smirked, still on edge and waiting for his confession.
"Please don't think any less of me?" He begged, staring into her eyes with a little fear.
"No promises there." She said with a faint smile.
"Well, there's a reason why I can afford such a nice car. Or why I own a massive house." He began, taking in a deep breath. "Or why I had to leave Kilika. The truth is Paine..." She looked at him, her heart beating fast and faster in anticipation. "I don't even have a job. My dad paid for all this an when I'm not here I'm with him." He said, eyes looking sullen.
"Is that such a crime? To have a rich dad?" She laughed a little relieved that a rich dad was the most of his problems.
"Paine, my family... My father, he's the head of a large chain of mafia." Baralai said, looking disgusted with himself. "This is no lifestyle to wish on people. A code of silence and a house, paid for from dirty money tainted with innocent blood. I know I can keep Yuna safe because i'm one of the most securely protected people in Bevelle. Being the son of the 'god father' has its benefits and failures." Paine looked at him stunned. After all the lying, the hints and the silence.
"You don't need to be ashamed of yourself for your father's crimes, Baralai. You are not him. There isn't a bad bone in you-" She began.
"You're wrong. How can there not be when my whole life is a parade on crime?" he insisted, pulling away from Paine's grasp as she grabbed his shoulders. She grabbed him again.
"So, you think I'm a bad person then?" She asked, a hint of anger in her voice. He shook his head in confusion. "My dad went into a park and shot fifteen people dead, Baralai. Fifteen. He had a pregnant wife at home and he did that. Just for the thrill of killing. Does that make me bad? I am his flesh and blood after all." Paine whispered to him, tears forming in her eyes. She had never told anyone that before. It sent shivers to her soul just thinking of the monster.
"No. Paine, you're perfect. You're the most wonderful, original and defensive person I have the privileged of knowing...and moreover, loving." He shyly added,noticing as the shock took over her face. " But my life is so limited. Who ever is around me runs the risk of being hurt." He whispered back, slowly pulling her into a hug as the tears ran from her eyes.
"I think you're worst the risk." Paine replied, wiping away the tears and leaning forward, touching his lips with her own. "You can't frighten me away."
