A/n: Hey look, I'm not dead! Sorry, I got rather discouraged in this. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go next, but I think it should be done soon. My muse went on vacation I think. So anyway, I'm about to do some begging now....just a warning. Please, please, please review and tell me if this is good enough. I need opinions so I know how I can improve. Without them, I'm shooting in the dark here. Thanks for those who take the time to tell me. Gin~
For the next week, Braska would either check in on Rikku himself, or send one of the children over. He felt bad for what had happened, but it appeared Rikku seemed to be over it. She was laughing and smiling the day he drove her in for her first day of classes.
After Auron had walked out, she had pushed herself so hard to take care of herself, that she had no energy for much else. Meals were not a problem seeing as her uncle and father had stopped in to deliver enough food for three weeks should she need it.
"Well, Rikku. This is it. Are you ready?" Braska asked as he pulled up to the front doors.
"Don't you worry about me, Uncle Braska! I'm Cid's girl. I can do anything!"
He smiled at her sadly as she opened the door and attempted to step out. Jecht had found an old cane that was collecting dust after his own father passed away. He cleaned it up and gave it to Rikku to use to help her keep balance as she walked. Rikku held onto it tightly for support as she opened the back door and grabbed her bag out and slung it over her shoulder.
"I'll see you later. Thanks for the ride!" Closing the car door, Rikku waved as she limped up the stairs and inside the school.
Braska watched as other students her age walked right by her ignoring the fact that she may need help. His brows came together in sympathy. He wished there was more he could do for the young woman. It wasn't right that she was forced to do so much on her own yet. As soon as she was gone from sight, he had no choice but to drive off. After all, he still had work to worry about.
As soon as he arrived in the office his secretary handed him a sheet of paper with some notes on it. "Your first appointment sir." She said as he took it from her waiting hand.
Braska glanced over the paper as he flopped in his seat. He was not looking forward to this day at all. Yuna was in Bevelle again for another interview, they seemed to like her the first time and called her back last night. So the morning was quiet without her there for breakfast. She had left early to make sure she had plenty of time to arrive for her next appointment.
The phone on his desk rang pulling him out of his thoughts. He allowed it to ring three times before answering, "Summer's office. How can I help you?"
"Hey Braska! You talk to Auron recently? I haven't been able to get in touch with him at all."
Braska shook his head even though it could not be seen. "Sorry, Jecht. After last week, he hasn't wanted a thing to do with me. And not to jump subjects, but why are you calling me on my work line? You know that's restricted for client calls only."
He could hear Jecht on the other end chuckle softly as if he were a child that just got reprimanded. "Eh, sorry about that. I tried calling you at home first, but you musta left early."
"Oh yes. I drove Rikku to her classes today. The university is strict on returning students being on time. Something about setting the example. That's one thing I have to be too. My first appointment should be waiting for me now. I have to call you back later."
"Yeah, yeah. I got it. Sorry to bother ya." Jecht hung up the line just as Braska's secretary was showing his first client through the door.
Standing, he came around the desk to shake hands with the young woman who entered. "Miss Besetto, how are you doing today?"
Rikku tried so hard to pay attention the first day, really she did. But her eyes kept wandering out the window taking her mind with it. She hated it, despised the fact that her thoughts only centered on one person. The pen in her hand tapped the edge of the desk in agitation as she attempted once more to focus on the professor in front of the class.
She scribbled a few notes that no doubt would not be able to be read later. One of her classmates leaned over and tried to peek at what she had written. "What does that say?" He whispered.
"Huh?" Rikku looked down at her paper before blushing. At the end of her notes she had written a name. "It's nothing." She hissed back. "It shouldn't even be there. I musta wrote it without thinking."
"I'll say. You haven't payed attention to one word the professor said."
Rikku pouted earning a small laugh from the student. Feeling sorry for her, he reached over and held a hand out. "The name's Maroda. Nice to meet you." Rikku shook his hand as he went on, "My brother went to this school a couple of years ago. Thought it might be good for me to follow in his footsteps, you know."
"I have an older brother too, but he's an idiot. My uncle suggested coming here, he thought it would be a good place for me to get my Masters in Chemistry. Oh, I almost forgot.."
"Miss Targe, if it is all the same to you, I would rather be the only speaker in the room at this time."
Rikku blushed as she was caught in conversation. She laughed nervously before trying to hide her face from all the eyes on her. "Sorry, professor. Won't happen again."
The student next to her, now identified as Maroda, smiled gently in an attempt to give a silent apology. Once the class was over, he came up to Rikku again. "Hey, sorry for getting you in trouble. I hope you're not upset."
Rikku giggled as she tried to slide her books into her bag before getting to her feet. She gripped the cane tightly leaning on it for most of her support. "It's okay. No harm done."
"Ok then. Here, let me help you." Maroda reached over before Rikku could get her bag over her shoulder. "Where's your next class?"
"Actually, I have free time for the next hour. Class won't start until after lunch. I thought I would just stay outside somewhere and study until I have to be there." She replied as she watched him carry both her bag and his own books in his hands. "Are you sure you can carry all that?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. People say I'm stronger then I look all the time. It seems to be one of my good qualities. There are others too, but that is one of the first they notice." He kept talking as he followed Rikku limp away.
She could see it in his eyes he wanted to ask what happened, but refused to do so seeing as they just met. Rikku glanced behind her before sighing, "I was in an accident at the beginning of the summer. I got hit by a small truck as I crossed the street." She finally told him.
Maroda wasn't sure what to say to that, so for now he wisely stayed silent. He watched Rikku as she stumbled, but remained on her feet until she reached the place she was searching for. Once under the tree, Rikku released a loud sound of satisfaction before dropping to the ground. She used her upper body to pull herself up against the tree.
"Are you sure you're alright? It can't be good for you to push yourself so much like that. What if you would have fallen?" Maroda took a seat next to her and set her books on the grass near her thigh.
Rikku glanced over at him as she tried to massage away the pain that was starting in her back. She winced once as she hit a particular sore spot. "I would agree with you, but once I get home I can ask...." She stopped as what she was about to say sunk in. Auron wasn't there, he wasn't about to come back either. Her hand stopped moving and she went deathly still. Her face brightened suddenly seconds later, "Oh, I almost forgot! The names Rikku. It's a pleasure to meet you!" She held her hand out for him to shake.
Smiling, Maroda took it. He noted that she had a much firmer grip then he expected. "And I already told you I'm Maroda. I'm in my forth year here. I have to make it through this year and then I'm done."
"I would say the same, I'm also in my forth year. But since I'm going for my Master's I still have two left. Pops wasn't too happy when he saw how much this all costs, but I do what I can to pay for some of it myself."
Leaning back, he brought one hand up and rubbed his chin. "Master's, huh? That's not going to be easy. Only the best can go that far."
Rikku huffed at his words. "Hey, I'm smart! I know I can do it!"
Realizing his mistake, he quickly tried to make amends. "That's not what I meant. My brother is always saying how I speak without thinking. What I meant to say was..."
Holding one hand up, Rikku stopped him. "I know what you meant. But you might want to be careful in the future. Someone might get upset with you."
"I guess so." He agreed before checking the time. "I better go. My class is about to start. Will I see you around campus again?" He asked as he stood to his feet.
"I'll be around!" Rikku called as she waved to his retreating figure. She then reached forward and grabbed the closest book before opening it in her lap and began to study.
It had only been a week since he began, but Auron threw himself into caring for his next client. She wasn't as incapacitated as Rikku had been, but she was even more needy, if that were even possible.
"Auron!" Speak of the devil.
Auron winced as he left the kitchen where he had been preparing dinner, and into the living room where his client was seated. "What is it you need, Miss Branford?" He asked exasperated.
"Auron, honey. Haven't I told you just to call me Lani? Calling me Branford makes me feel so old." Her bottom lip stuck out as she pretended to pout. "My legs hurt. Could you please rub them for me?"
Auron sighed as he came closer to the older woman. She was young looking, he would not deny that, but Lani Branford just was not what he looked for in a physical relationship. Her brown hair was long and thick, and she flipped it over her shoulders several times when he was near as if that would help attract Auron over. She was slim, yet retained a modest amount of body fat. Although that was well hidden under the clothing she wore, clothing that was much too young for a woman in her forties to be seen in.
Auron kneeled in front of her body, shorts showing off most of her long legs. He gulped before reaching out and grasping one leg within his large hands. "Miss Branford, you do realize that if I do not tend to dinner, there is a chance it will burn?"
"Oh, I don't care about that." She said as she waved her hand in his face forcing Auron to back away ever so slightly. "As long as you are here to take care of me, I don't need food." He quickly moved onto her other leg as she continued talking. Once in a while she would make a small moan of contentment as he worked. "How did you get so good at this? It's like your hands are magic or something!" Her head tilted back revealing just how low her shirt really did dip down in front.
Auron closed his eyes so he would not have to be forced to see it. He had to keep his mind focused on the job at hand. This was only supposed to be temporary, one month and he would be done. After he left here, well he wasn't sure where he was to be heading next. "Miss Branford, I must go now. If you will excuse me." He stood so quickly and smoothly that Lani couldn't help but fawn over him.
He took a deep relaxing breath as he reached the kitchen. Dinner wasn't burnt yet, he was thankful for that. Grabbing hold of the pan, he poured the liquid inside of another pan he had waiting. The mixture inside bubbled as air was released before going thick. He gave himself a very small nod in satisfaction.
Dinner was then separated onto two plates. He turned and set the plates on the table. It had been set previously as he waited for the oven to warm up. Gathering courage, he left the kitchen to help Lani from the other room.
"Dinner is ready." He stated as he reached down and helped her to her feet. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Auron ignored the fact she clung to him as he helped her walk across the room.
"Oh, Auron. You are so strong. You really should start wearing shirts that show off your arms more. You must be so hot wearing that long sleeved shirt." Lani's breath was heated in his ear, and Auron had to once again pull away slightly before he was able to help her sit in a chair.
"Miss Branford, if you don't mind, that sort of talk is not appropriate for our level of relationship." He spoke up as he sat down and began to eat his own plate.
"So you do agree!" Lani exclaimed causing Auron to almost choke on the bite he had just taken. "You do feel something between us! I always knew you did!"
After clearing his throat, Auron corrected his client. "As I have said before. This is not now, nor will ever be anything between us. I do not care for any sort of involvement resembling a relationship at this time. I do not think I will be changing my mind either for many years to come." Calmly now, Auron began to eat again, but it was not settling right within his stomach.
Lani stopped swooning to eat as well. She had a forced smile on her face, but Auron could tell she was not enjoying what was in front of her. He wasn't sure if it was because of what he said or if she truly did not like it. Honestly, he really did not care. If she did not want to eat, that was up to her. He could not force her to.
As he focused on eating, he thought back to the first time Rikku ate his cooking. She had seemed to enjoy every meal he made without complaint. Shaking his head, Auron pushed those memories away. He wanted nothing to do with the selfish child. He dropped his fork with a loud clatter making his client jump in surprise. "Forgive me. I am not as hungry as I thought." He said before standing. After pushing his chair in, Auron left to go to the room he had set aside for himself. The home of Lani Bradford was huge, situated on the outskirts of the city proper. She was as far from Rikku as one could get.
Picking through his briefcase, Auron pulled out the paper that explained Miss Bradford's situation. She had been injured at work, not badly, but enough that it caused her pain to walk. She needed someone there to help her move about the home and keep it clean for her as she could not do this on her own. He checked over his schedule and made note of her appointment for the next day. He stared at the ceiling above wishing it could be now. He really could use the break from the woman.
He could hear his name being called again...in that sickening voice she liked to use. His teeth were ground together as he closed up the briefcase and slammed it closed. He had no option but to do as she requested for now.
"What is you need?" He questioned as he came back into the kitchen.
"I'm done eating now. Would you be a doll and help me back into the other room. I'm afraid I don't have the ability to do it on my own." Lani's brown eyes batted at him, and Auron knew this was not going to end pretty. Wrapping her arm over his shoulder, he wrapped his own around her waist and supported her as she tried to walk. The woman's free hand crossed her body and rested on his chest. "Such a strong man. I think I would much rather you take me to my room instead. I believe I am getting tired. I could use a nap." Her lashes batted once again and Auron looked away pretending he had no idea what she was implying.
Three weeks went on this way for both of them. Braska attempted several times to get in contact with his young friend, but Auron seemed to have redirected all calls from his numbers to a voice mail program saying that he wanted nothing to do with his old friend.
Jecht had managed to reach him once. The call lasted for only three seconds before Auron hung up the phone in frustration. But not until after accusing Braska of using Jecht to reach him. He was tired enough of Lani Bradford making passes at him, he didn't need any more interference in his life.
Rikku attended school, growing closer to Maroda in the process. He was nice enough she supposed, but he could be real obnoxious at the same time. Although after meeting his older brother once, she could see why he thought so highly of the older sibling. Isaaru was ever the gentleman, always looking out for his brothers, and their friends. She was included in that group.
What made it even better, Isaaru had graduated five years ago with the same degree Rikku was striving for. He had warned her it was hard, but the work was fun. Agreeing with his assessment in the field, Rikku promised she would be looking him up after she graduated.
However, when she was alone, Rikku couldn't help keep her mind from wandering. While she had never said anything (outside of the privacy of her uncle) to anyone, Rikku began to miss having Auron Marasame around. She knew she had hurt him, blew her chances, ruined anything that may have began blooming. And she had no one to blame but herself. The first week alone was the worst. Rikku refused help from anyone, even her own father. She just wanted to be left alone so she could cry in peace.
Yuna was gone, Tidus not far behind her. She had been accepted at the hospital in the northern city of Bevelle. If Luca was big, Bevelle was four times as grand. There was never a dull day for her. She always had something to do. And Tidus, unable to bare being without her, moved in with her within only a few days. They called each week, but Rikku could tell her uncle really missed his daughter. Without realizing it until it was too late, she noticed that Braska began trying to help her more often now. She allowed him after the second week knowing that he just needed a chance to do something now that his little girl was gone.
Auron had just began to get over his separation from Rikku when Lani decided she wanted a day away from home. She wanted a day at the mall, and she wanted Auron to take her. Of course, being who she was, Lani would not settle for just any ol' mall. It had to be one of the biggest ones nearby. She wanted to splurge and buy herself the most expensive item she could find. As they were in the car, she warned Auron "Finding the perfect item could take some time. It has to be the biggest and most expensive I can find!" Her hands swung through the air as she told him this.
Auron for his part simply drove on. The only thing on his mind at this point was that he only had to endure this job for nine more days. After that, Lani Branford was going back to work. He still had not decided what he was going to do next, perhaps a vacation was in order. The islands of Besaid were nice this time of the year he heard once. He might take a chance and try going there for six or seven days.
"Are you even listening to me?" The woman in the seat next to him shouted in his ear pulling him quickly from this thoughts. "I asked you a question."
"My apologies. I was doing some thinking. What was it you needed?" His voice grumbled and growled, but she did not seem to notice.
"I was thinking of taking a vacation. Besaid islands are nice now. It would be the perfect place, I think. You really should come with me. You look like you could use the break too."
And all his plans have just been shot down. "I do not wish to visit that place. You may go if that is your desire, I prefer a place not as sunny and hot." He had to physically bite his tongue so that his face would not give away his lie. When he felt the warm metallic taste in his mouth, he had to stop.
Lani pouted again as she crossed her arms under her breasts pushing them up and almost out of her top. Auron diverted his gaze quickly. Even if he did not find her attractive, he was still a man. And breasts were one thing that many men found appealing.
Fortunately for him, they reached the mall by this time. As he waited for the light, Auron quickly glanced around in an attempt to find a parking spot as close as possible. The company car he drove was handicapped marked, so that would not be an issue. The problem was where was the closest area so he could get Miss Branford inside.
At his first chance, Auron took off like a shot and took up the parking spot he spied just seconds before. He turned off the engine quickly and stepped out as if he were going to help his client. Honestly, he just needed the fresh air the passenger area of the vehicle did not provide. Pinching the bridge of his nose and exhaling deeply, Auron was ready.
He came around and helped Miss Branford out of the car. She held onto him tightly even though she did not need to. Her recovery had come along nicely, and she could walk with little to no support, unless Auron was around that is.
Taking another deep breath, Auron took her inside the building. She needed to rest often, asking to be led to a seat where she begged Auron to rub her sore legs. He refused each time saying this was not the place for that. She then settled for his hands on the back of her neck instead. As long as he was touching her, she didn't care where his hands were.
This went on for about four hours. Auron was getting tired and bored quickly. He knew woman could shop, but this was too much! And to make matters worse, Lani Branford still had not found that one item she wanted to buy!
"Miss Branford, if I may make a suggestion. I believe the mall is going to be closing soon. Perhaps we should head home and get some dinner. We can come back another day." Auron had helped her into a seat once again where she was acting as if the thought of finding that perfect item would just pop in her mind.
However, she did not react in the way Auron expected. Her chest heaved up and down as she began screeching in protest. "Excuse me! I have not yet said I was finished here, have I? When I say I want something, I do not rest until I get it! We are not leaving here until I find it either! There will be no more complaints from you." Her perfectly manicured finger was pointed in Auron's face shaking ever so slightly.
He had no choice but to consent with her wishes. "As you say. Very well, where would you like to go next?" He hated himself for this. He had never been such a spineless wimp before. What had happened to pull him so far down? As he helped his client up from her seat, he got the suspicion that someone was watching him. He brushed it off at first thinking he was being paranoid. But the feeling persisted.
As soon as the two of them turned to head down another direction, Auron paused. He blinked several times unsure if he was seeing things. A set of swirled green eyes caught his own brown and refused to let him go. He sucked in a quick breath before whispering, "Rikku?"