*Warning! * - Sex, language, violence, nudity, and torture possibly present.
I do not own FFVII characters – though I wish I did. lol
I do own my own character – Jalyne and other originals.
Chapter 37 – The Party
Reno and Jalyne had spoken at great length about a great many topics that Wednesday and Thursday night. She had explained her great weakness and her fear about not being strong enough to resist it. She also told him how certain she was about what she wanted and how she had no idea how to make it happen. As Jalyne explained how addicted she was to the physicalness and touches to her Light, Reno realized he wasn't really that type of person, though conceded to himself to make the effort. At least with her.
Reno imparted some of his dealings with one-nighters and the reasoning behind them, hoping to have her understand his perspective and outlook on that particular topic. He knew Rufus was the second person she was endeared too and surmised that it occurred during the week she was with him. Reno was oblivious to who she really wanted to be with as she strictly kept her answers cryptic and vague.
They discussed Turk life; Reno explaining some of the harder choices that had to be made, including the upcoming Christmas party, and why he couldn't back down at Fort Condor. Reno realized in that moment on Thursday evening that they've been going from one catastrophe to another, with only small breaks in between in which it seemed the two of them could not be on the same page.
It was a start.
Rufus sent a car Friday afternoon to pick Jalyne up and she was escorted to his guest suites, where she was met by him. She glided into the suite and stood straight, awaiting the President to acknowledge her presence. He turned from the window with a nod to her.
"Jalyne."
"Sir." she calmly stated. "Reporting as directed."
Rufus sighed and edged around the bed to stand with her. "Still upset?" he asked smoothly.
"Not really, Sir." Jalyne lowered her eyes. "Reno explained a few things this week."
"He did?"
"After I beat him at the wastelands." She commented.
Rufus put his hands on her shoulders, of which she looked at him inquiringly and didn't flinch at his touch which was a good sign. "You served out your reprimand, Jalyne. Relax."
"Directive, Sir?" Jalyne inquired.
"Enjoy the evening with me." The president simply stated with a sigh at her forwardness. "Give yourself to me for one night and allow me to show you a wonderful time." He leaned down and whispered. "And no, I have not forgotten."
Jalyne's eyes widened at the statement and wondered if the young blond knew what the words he spoke meant to her. She side-stepped him and walked to gaze out to the city Midgar, mind racing. Just his touch made her crave more and though her and Reno were talking, they were not officially together.
Reno understood the circumstances of tonight with the possibility of other activities as they had discussed it at great length the previous evening. Jalyne was torn, however, not because Reno was understanding of what could happen, but because of her feelings for him and for Rufus.
The President had changed. True, he was still domineering and demanded obedience, but usually in only certain circumstances and events. The interactions between them had allowed her spark to resonate with the young blond. Jalyne bowed her head in thought. Rufus knew how she felt about Reno, she had told him personally. She also knew he remembered what circumstances her request would have on the Turk. He was deliberately keeping her close for no other reason than to not allow Reno the guilt of having to perform it, should it come to pass.
The princess had wondered if Rufus saw something in his quarters when he relinquished the Soul Writings to her. He had never divulged it to her but if it was similar to what she saw, then they were barreling towards an outcome that no one could diverge.
Jalyne raised her head to look outward once more and whispered. "Is it what you want?"
Taken aback by her question, Rufus paused a moment before answering with his own question. "What do you want?"
She turned from the window, shocked at the question as it was only the second time one has asked it. Jalyne studied him, gazing at his eyes, and outreached subtly to him. She maintained her calmness at the answering aura and slowly brought her hands together in front of her and bowed deeply. Turning to the window again, looking at the setting sun, she spoke.
"From the moment the sun is hidden below the horizon and until its first rays shine within the morning, I am yours."
His eyes widened at the formality of her words, though she didn't see it and he found the statement quite peculiar. Rufus reached out to take her hand and guide her to the dress that was hanging, tearing her attention from the sunset. Jalyne smiled lightly at him in comfort realizing he didn't quite know the gravity of her statement. She forced herself to relax and start enjoying what the evening would bring. Jalyne looked at the deep red gown hanging behind the door and smiled, turning to the President.
"It's gorgeous, Sir."
"Rufus." He corrected. "Will you be alright?"
"Yes." Jalyne sighed and leaned her head back on his shoulder. "Just a lot going on. I feel sometimes that I am drowning."
"Keep the guard up, Jalyne." He whispered. "But enjoy the evening. Use it to keep your mind off of other matters." The darkening of the room alerted them to the beginnings of the evening. "It is time to prepare."
"Sir?" the formal dressed red-headed Turk addressed the President upon entering his suites. "You wanted to see me, yo?"
Rufus turned from the mirror, dressed in a white tuxedo, red dress shirt and black tie. The edges of his tux were lined with dark green and red hollies, a symbol of the Christmas season. "Is Jalyne okay?"
Reno's eyes looked shocked at the question. "As far as I know, Sir. Why?"
"She said a formal phrase to me and I'm curious as to what it means." Rufus rubbed his chin in thought. "You were with her on Trerran when the sorcerer took her."
"Yes." Reno stated darkly. "What's your point, yo?"
"What were her words? Do you remember?"
He ran his hands through his flamed spikes concentrating on the encounter. Reno looked at Rufus and narrowed his eyes, recalling the words. "From the time the second sun is hidden by the horizon and until the first sun sliver appears in the east, I will be yours."
This was one of those rare times that Reno witnessed the Presidents' true emotions as they flashed across his features. "What does it mean?" Rufus whispered.
"Any number of interpretations." Reno started to explain. "It that situation, she was protecting us." The Turk narrowed his eyes again at the President. "What did she say, yo?"
"From the moment the sun is hidden below the horizon and until its first rays shine within the morning, I am yours." Rufus answered him.
"Shit!"
"But what does it mean?" Rufus pressed. "Reno, you know her better than anyone."
"She will submit only to you, Sir, for this one night." The Turk explained gritting his teeth. "You can do anything to her you wish."
Rufus gazed at his Turk in thought. "I don't want to do anything to her, Reno, but allow her to enjoy the night."
"I know she is conflicted." Reno offered. "Between you and another."
Rufus smirked at him then. "And I know who the other is." He commented staring at the Second. "If you don't do something about that one way or another, Reno, we will lose her. And we cannot afford that."
"Sir?"
"I will tell you what I told Tseng months ago and it doesn't leave these quarters." The blond explained. "She is probably the most precious being in all the Heavens and we must protect her. This I feel most poignantly." He glanced out at the darkening sky and the stars beginning to shine. "But why would she submit to me tonight?"
"Perhaps it is her way of apologizing, Sir, for Fort Condor."
"Or she is trying to protect me from something tonight." Rufus turned back to Reno. Reno stared hard at him with tightened eyes.
"Just remember, Sir. If she breaks her word, her life is yours to do as you see fit." And turned to walk out of the Presidents' apartments intent on finding a drink before the party starts.
Rufus watched the Second-in-Command depart, deep in thought. Reno doesn't know that I am to take her life when warranted. Rufus looked out at the night sky, watching the stars. My Dearest…do not make me do it.
She waited for him patiently at the stairwell at five minutes to six. Jalyne appeared calm, but her mind was racing, she could feel some thoughts filtering through, especially from a specific red-dressed, blonde-haired, weapon's specialist that she detested.
Rufus had come behind her as she was deep in thought, sorting out the voices and creating stronger barriers. He slid her intricately braided and pulled up hair to the side, lightly tracing her markings, eliciting a moan from her. Jalyne turned and bowed, a smirk playing on her lips.
"My Lord."
Rufus raised an eyebrow. "So that is how it will be tonight, My Lady?" and formally returned the bow. He reached for her hands, outstretching her arms. "Ravishing." He whispered.
"You wanted me to enjoy the evening, Sir." She idly shrugged. "And so I will attempt to do so." Jalyne looked devilishly at him. "Would you be upset if turned Scarlett into a bug or something? She's already on my nerves."
Rufus met her eyes surprised. "Already? We're not even there yet."
Jalyne lightly laughed. "What did you think I was doing a minute ago? I've been trying to strengthen my barriers. I don't want to hear her scream all night long." She looked at Rufus. "Do they know that I'm at your side all night?" she inquired.
"No." he paused reaching into his tuxedo pocket withdrawing an ornate box. He opened it for her to see and her eyes widened in surprise. Two silver and diamond earrings were within it, and at the bottom, the familiar pull of magic called to her. Then she narrowed them at him.
"So you are courting me?" Jalyne inquired bluntly. He studied her, eyes gleaming dangerously "You know how I feel about Reno, Sir."
Rufus reached up, placing one of the materia gemmed earrings on her. Her sharp intake of breath let him know she absorbed it's magic.
"Revive." She breathed closing her eyes. He circled around behind her and placed the other one upon her. "Treatment/Remedy."
"Just in case." He whispered to her tracing her midnight crescent moon behind her ear. "And if that red-headed Turk doesn't get his ass in gear in courting you, I may just become serious about it." He kissed her behind her ear, making her breath escalate. She closed her eyes and as much as she could tell the President was joking, the emotion she picked up from him was…endearment. "I simply wanted to give you your gift now."
Jalyne turned to him reached up and brushed a blond strand from his eyes and whispered. "Thank you." She was going to give the customary kisses of thanks when he reached for her chin, drawing her closer. He kissed her softly and passionately.
"You are welcome." Rufus whispered when they pulled apart. She dipped her head, the blush creeping into her cheeks as she felt his aura call to hers lightly but not forming anything solid for her assess. Jalyne gazed into his crystal eyes as he extended his arm. "Ready?"
"Yes." She affirmed as they made their way to the party.
"Do not be surprised at what goes on or what I say." The President cautioned. "Maintain calmness."
"Business as usual, then?"
Rufus stopped at the landing and looked down at her. "Do not hide who you are, Jalyne. Do not play the ditzy lady tonight."
Her eyes glinted at him in the light and Jalyne wore just a hint of a smirk. "I am a Princess of T'Karvia, My Lord. The Emperor's daughter and heiress to the throne. I would surmise then that you wish to see the persuasive and sexy version, tonight? Along with the tyrannical and political devious mastermind?"
Rufus chuckled at her. "Yes. Tonight, you are above all of them."
"I thought I already was."
Reno waited for them to make their entrance into the party. It was unlike the President to be a few minutes late and figured Jalyne may have had something to do with it. The President appeared at the landing to the ballroom and the soft music that was playing stopped and changed to a louder symphonic tempo. The sighs from the single ladies had Reno rolling his eyes to the ceiling as they fawned over the young President.
Tseng and Elena were together near the bottom of the staircase awaiting his arrival. Rude was across the room by the cuisine, keeping a watchful eye while Reno was near the entryway to the outside. Rufus waited until the music softened a bit and the sighs and oohhs died down from the ladies before he extended his hand.
Jalyne stepped out into the light, accepting his offered hand with all the dignity and royalty that she was trained for. The gasps that emanated from the singles was almost deafening and Rufus maintained a passive, albeit smirked look. The groans were even louder and a particular one Jalyne had caught, causing her to smile even more.
Reno stared at her as she descended with Rufus. She was beautiful, dressed in a deep red silky gown, open in the back with the exception of the clip in between the shoulder blades for her off-shoulder sleeves. It was silver and green embroidered with ivy and hollies giving the entire ensemble the holiday feel. Even from this distance, Reno spied his necklace upon her, and he grinned lightly.
She sought him out, the flame of her heart and spied him across the room. He was handsome as ever, dressed in a formal black tuxedo and red spiky hair without his goggles. Jalyne caught his turquoise gaze assessing her and she hardly nodded at him, smiling more as she surveyed the room.
"Later." Rufus whispered as he led her to the dance floor. He had advised her that a first dance was the start of the ball, led by them. They bowed formally to each other and he pulled her to him to start the dance.
Sir? She threw her thought to him, maintaining appearances.
He hid the shock well. You can see Reno later. Jalyne was taken aback by the statement and barely furrowed her brows. Rufus caught the look, staring deeply into her green eyes, slowly smirking even more. We have to get through the first part. He explained. Before the alcohol starts flowing. He paused a moment. They are your family too, Jalyne. They wish to see you, also.
Thank you. Jalyne stated and as the dance ended, Rufus pulled her closer, deeply kissing her.
Keep me posted if you sense anything. He requested as they bowed to the crowd to start the ball. Tseng and Elena presented the wine glasses of which they raised in toast. "Merry Christmas to all." Rufus greeted the people present. Solarna just entered.
The cheers went up loudly and Jalyne glanced at Reno in the back, talking to a young blond. When he noticed her gaze, he winked, smiling at the princess. She smiled and chuckled as Rufus led her to the cocktails. Perhaps all they really needed was to accept each's point of view and understand each other.
The party for the most part, was well, formal. Jalyne hated formalities but in a different respect she was enjoying it. Rufus and she made their way around to the assorted guests making small talk. He would introduce her, and the wives or girlfriends would speak while the gentlemen talked business.
Solarna offered no outward indication of the club's events a few weeks ago. As Rufus and him chatted, Jalyne amused herself with a wordy battle with his unsuspecting wife while lightly brushing his mind. She watched as Solarna gazed at her as Jalyne inwardly cringed at the thoughts running through his mind. She glanced at Rufus and nodded politely at his wife, excusing herself for a drink.
She surmised it was the afterparty that was the real event as the non-Shinra guests began to leave around ten thirty. By this time, the alcohol did indeed flow and most of the Shinra higher management was drunk, including Scarlet and Heidegger. Rufus guided her to the Turks, who were still gathered by the cocktails.
"Anything?" Rufus inquired of his special intelligence team.
"Na-da, yo." Reno pipped up, inhaling a bacon wrapped concoction.
Rude shook his head. "Nothing."
"We didn't find anything either, Sir." Tseng reported.
They talked for a bit before Jalyne excused herself and walked out onto the balcony, lost in thought. Rufus followed her a few minutes later, handing her a drink.
"Are you alright?" he asked her.
"Yes." Jalyne replied gazing at the stars. "Just musing."
"About?"
She looked at him and smiled, noticing the buzz of the President as his eyes glassed over a bit and he was holding onto the railing. "A great many things." She answered, smiling. A noise caught their attention and they looked into the ballroom.
Scarlett was scolding the young blond employee from earlier who was speaking with Reno. Jalyne only caught something about keeping her hands off of him and something about the Turks. She turned her eyes to Rufus.
"Are you sure I can't change her into a KolaKala?" She pleaded with him teasingly. "Please." She implored raising her hand to show him, her aura springing to life at her hand. He peered at the ugly ten-legged crawly insect and nearly spit out his drink and laughed at Jalyne's expression.
Unfortunately, Scarlett had seen the influx of power from Jalyne and Rufus double over and assumed the worst, leaving the blonde and Reno alone and appearing in front of the princess, swatting her hand forcibly. Jalyne could smell the alcohol all over her and she stepped purposefully in front of Rufus, knowing Scarlett's previous desires.
"Scarlett." Rufus warned as he watched the Turks advance. "I wouldn't."
"This bitch has you under her spell, Rufus!" Scarlett attempted to reach out to Jalyne to grab her.
"Scarlett!" Tseng ordered. She spun around, sliding the gun from her thigh holster, and pointed it at the Turks.
"Stay!" she commanded. "The old hag has you all deceived!"
Rufus unconsciously wrapped an arm around the smaller woman guarding him, feeling her breathing heighten. "She's drunk." He whispered to her. "Does this every year."
"That's no excuse, My Lord." Jalyne breathed as he tightened his grip upon her.
Scarlett whirled to face her again. "And just who do you think you are to address him as such?" She struck out with her gun, clipping, and shattering the glass that was in Jalyne's other hand. Jalyne bristled at Scarlett, standing straighter against Rufus. The President nodded at Tseng and the Turks, then peered over the balcony. It was a long way down.
Scarlett followed with a strike to Jalyne's jaw sending her to the ground, but Rufus was still holding her and followed. Jalyne rubbed her chin glaring at the older woman as Rufus tried to cover her. She heard the creak of metal underneath them and froze. Tseng grabbed Scarlett, wrapping his arms around her shoulders to subdue her as she kicked outward on the balcony, just missing the President.
Rude and Elena sprang into action, keeping the rest of the employees away from the balcony and ushering them out the door the best they could. Reno extended his mag rod to butt Scarlett only she flipped Tseng, landing him on his back. The ornate balcony creaked further from the strain.
Jalyne struggled to get out of Rufus' grip, but he held strong, keeping her still. He knew what she did, the balcony may not hold, the metal creaking underneath them. Scarlett kicked outward, landing a heeled foot in the center of Jalyne's chest, pushing them into the railing. Her gun went off, shattering the balusters by their heads. Rufus untangled himself from Jalyne as she struggled to rise to her feet.
It is amazing how strong a drunk woman can be when agitated. Of course, the Turks were trying hard not to truly harm the Weapon's Department Chief. Reno came around to the other side, trying to clip the blonde woman only to have her lash out with an elbow, knocking the Turk into the railing on the other side. His weapon hit the railing sending electricity through it, cracking, weakening, and breaking the metal.
Tseng had stood, grabbing Scarlett by waist as shots rang out breaking the railing, and slammed her to the balcony, effectively silencing her. Rude and Elena were coming from behind, the other guest far enough back but could witness the events. The balcony cracked and bowed, sending Rufus over and Jalyne sliding after him.
"Sir!" They all screamed in unison as they froze to not upend the structure further. Rude and Elena took Scarlett and subdued her, placing her in cuffs for the moment as she growled coming out of unconsciousness. They pulled into the doorway as a precaution and waited…and waited for any sign.
Slowly, they saw the halo of light rise from the dark shadow of the building. She rose to her family waiting patiently, and the blonde, red-dressed, drunk out of her mind Chief in cuffs, kneeling on the ground. Jalyne hovered in front them, double wings flared beautifully and with Rufus behind her, smirking and encased within her light. The gasps around the crowd drew her attention and she dissolved her wings. Rufus reached for her, encircling her waist as she turned with questioning eyes to him of which he nodded lightly. Jalyne raised her head at the people gathered and her Turk family. She suddenly glared at Scarlett who became fully awake at the spectacle.
"To answer your question, Scarlett, of who I think I am to address your President as My Lord." Jalyne began loud enough for all to hear and glanced at Reno. He nodded and winked at her and mouthed 'never be afraid of who you are'. She raised her head once again. "I am Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria. Emperor's daughter, Princess and Heir to the Throne of Heavens of the T'Karvia Empire and I have given my word to the President this night that I would protect him from all harm."
Jalyne landed the both of them in front of the woman and she stared at her hard addressing solely Scarlett. "As one that adores weapons and mass destruction, I would have you heed my words." Reno saw Jalyne's eyes darken, and her power shade them. "I am the Heaven's greatest weapon. I am the Heaven's greatest shield, and I will not allow anything to happen to Gaia or her people." She smiled evilly and winked, sending Scarlett shrieking in terror as Rufus nodded for the guards to take her from his presence.
They retired shortly after that event and Rufus conferred briefly with the five Turks. Jalyne escorted him to his suites and retired to his guest suites for the night. She walked out into the chilly night air after raiding the bar in the kitchen and stared at the quarter moon high above.
Jalyne sighed. This was not how she wanted the night to go, revealing who she was to others. She was content to let all people think she was simply a Turk, or even Rufus' current interest. She downed her exceptionally strong drink and moved into the bedroom, taking off her jewelry and placing it on the dresser, glancing at the modified coms the twins had given her attached to her necklace and hidden behind the emerald. She decided on another drink and turned to leave the bedroom, deep in thought about the fall, when she stopped noticing the President, leaning against the doorway in his white lounge attire.
"Sir?" she questioned. "Are you okay?" Jalyne moved to be in front of him, concerned. His eyes were studying her, appraising her and as they met hers, she almost gasped at the emotion within them. "Rufus?"
He reached for her, turning her so her back was against the wall and pulled her close, lightly caressing her sides. Rufus placed a kiss behind her left ear, making her shudder in pleasure.
"What is it?" Jalyne whispered. "What is it you want?"
"You." He breathed huskily.
Rufus pulled back enough to gaze at her, watching her bite her lower lip as she studied him. Jalyne felt it then, the pull of pain that she sensed before giving him her promise. Gone was the steel, the hardness, and all of the barriers that he had always maintain. He was in pain and it called to her.
Jalyne realized with clarity the gift that was within her. The Light, the purification, and the ability to heal, while previously innate and unconscious, flooded her as she gazed at him. She was consciously answering the call to one she held dear. It begged her and she concentrated slightly seeing his deep purple and strong aura tinged with black.
Rufus planned on leaving her alone that night; until they fell from the balcony. It was when she grabbed him that his eyes felt like they had sight for the first time. Her power encased him, eased him, and calmed the war within. She broke the last barriers he had placed and brought down the shield he always kept erect.
He needed her tonight, to quell the nightmares of what was to come and to sooth his rage. For one night, Rufus wanted to show her how special she was to him and that he would do anything within his power to protect her. He would never have her heart and soul, Rufus knew, but that didn't stop him from loving her in a completely different and unpredictable way.
"For one night," the President whispered again. "I need you." Dearest.
Jalyne's eyes widened, and she gasped as she heard his thought clearly. She reached up and brushed his hair out of his eyes as he ran a thumb along her lower lip and inched closer, finally capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. Rufus wrapped his arms her, unhooking her dress as Jalyne wove her fingers through his hair.
He trailed his fingertips between her shoulder blades, down her back, reaching the zipper to her dress and undid it. Rufus lifted lightly, letting it fall to the ground, cupping his hands underneath her ass and pulled her closer. He broke the kiss and raised her higher, trailing feather kisses down her neck and walked to the bed, placing her softly upon it.
Jalyne gazed at him with lidded eyes as he shrugged out of his pants, trying to control her aura but finding it difficult to do so. The blond joined her on the bed, capturing her lips again, running his hands softly over her, making her shudder in pleasure. Her breathing escalated as her aura responded to his and she realized that this time she would not be able to control it. His pain was too great. She closed her eyes, submitting to him as her word demanded and allowed all of her aura to flow.
Rufus suddenly looked into her eyes, tracing her diamond mark and studied the expressive green orbs that held a vast array of emotions swirling within them. She closed them and gasped as he kissed her mark and he understood what her promise to him for that night meant. Jalyne relented and gave herself to him, wholly. Rufus kissed her crescent moon and nipped at it lightly, causing her to arch her back and gasp.
As he trailed down her collarbone, Rufus noticed the faint glow within her, though it could have been the moonlight within the window. He roamed her entire body lightly, paying attention to her nipples and breasts, hipbones, naval and stomach. She moaned softly at each touch and kiss, threading one hand in his hair, and allowing the other to caress along his back.
There were no words between them, each losing themselves with one another. Rufus shifted to the side of her, breathing lustfully and continued his light and feathery touches. He slid a finger inside of her, then two, and she arched back and moaned a little louder. She lightly trailed her fingers up and down his erection, gaining speed then slowing. Jalyne was teasing him as he was her. He watched as her breathing became faster, deeper, and noticed her glow strengthen and her power swirl within her eyes as she watched him.
Jalyne watched him as he licked his fingers of her orgasms and moaned at the sight. Rufus curled that hand under her ass lifting and angling her as blue eyes gazed into green ones. In one motion, he slid into her and kissed her. He ran his hands down her arms to hers, clasping them as she curled her legs around him.
He broke the kiss and Jalyne stared into the crystal blue eyes that were no longer shielded from her. They flickered to their hands and barely widened. She didn't need to look for she felt everything Rufus was giving her. He kept an even, slow pace and with each thrust, she took more and more of his remorse, pain, suffering and darkness. His aura called to hers in need.
As Rufus gazed, his eyes flickered to their hands and he noticed her glow was turning a light purple lavender color. He watched her with each thrust, enjoying her feel and her body. He realized then how remorseful he was at their first encounter. Jalyne tightened her grip within his, letting him know it was forgiven. He let go of her hands and lifted them to their knees.
Jalyne cupped his face with both hands as he steadied them, kissing him deeply. He kept the slower pace until Jalyne's breathing increased even more and her glow heightened again. He reached for her hands again, threading his fingers within hers. She leaned forward and kissed him lightly.
"Please." She requested softly. "Let it go."
It wasn't the orgasm Jalyne was referring to, and as Rufus made the final thrust, she arched her back and her light pulsed brightly and she screamed, capturing all the darkness in his aura she could heal. He let go of her hands and held her tight as she collapsed against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Rufus laid her softly into bed, accompanying her and pulling her close. They stayed that way for a long time; Jalyne slowly tracing circles on his chest while Rufus fought sleep.
"Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria." He whispered sleepily. "My dearest." I will protect you with all that I can.
Her eyes widened at his thought, directed solely for her when he called her by name. Jalyne waited until his breathing was steady and slipped out of bed. She walked around and leaned over him, kissing him on the forehead.
"Sleep, now." She whispered. "Rest and heal."
Jalyne walked out into the sitting room, which was the farthest from the bedroom, grabbing her robe as she made her way. She curled up into the large double chair and hugged a pillow to her chest.
And cried.
Jalyne's whimpers echoed throughout the sitting room as she cried and sobbed. Not because of having sex with Rufus, but because of the pain she absorbed from him. All of the sorrow, regret, anger, and pain he carried because of choices not only of his doing, but of others; Jalyne had taken for herself. He carried the weight of Gaia upon his shoulders, no different than the weight of the Empire for her, and she felt every drop of that stress and frustration and absorbed it within her light. She felt unsure, tired, frustrated and most of all chaotic.
Jalyne stayed there for a long time until she cried herself to sleep.
He had stayed there, in the main hall, for a reason he didn't understand. They had spoken at great length about tonight and the possibility that sex would occur between her and the President. In fact, they discussed that possibility in terms of the job of the Turks as they were known to have some deep, undercover, and nasty assignments. They had already survived one possibility of sex on the job with Solarna. It was part of the job description – the ability to be able to do anything that was needed.
So why did he stay? Reno put the glass of whiskey down on the table and stood. He wasn't upset or even jealous of the thought of Jalyne sleeping with Rufus. As he walked to the door, the wave hit him. And then another. And another. Reno felt her and as he looked to the upwards floors of the buildings, he knew she was crying and struggling with something. He could hear it within the recesses of his mind.
The waves of emotion weren't guilt, but of sorrow and regret, possibly frustration and anger. As Reno concentrated on them, he realized that they weren't for her, but for him. He took a last glance at the stairwell, knowing he couldn't go to her and turned to walk out of the building. Perhaps they could talk this weekend.
As Reno reached the crisp winter night air he looked up to the Mako green haze of the sky and reached into his jacket pocket withdrawing a box. Opening it, he gasped, lifting her feather with his fingertips. The glow had faded and along its outer edges, a dark blue-black color swirled, creeping to take away the light. His heart constricted and as he placed it back in its place and he looked again at the night sky.
"Faterian." Reno whispered to the deity. "Please do not let her fall." he prayed. Reno's eyes widened at the answer he received.
That is not my choice to make, Reno Sinclair…but yours.