A/N: Song ficcy alert! A song of my own creation, so if you review the
chapter please tell me if it's good! Laurena's like Garnet kinda in FF9,
she likes to sing. Oh yeah, and I'm moving up the rating to R because some
of the previous stuff I kinda feel deserves an R rating. I dunno. I'm a
Chicken Wuss...
Chapter Three: Sirensong
It was early in the morning, but Irvine wanted to visit Laurena like he'd promised and still have enough time to see Matron. He decided he enjoyed sneaking away to see her, it was like a secret he had all to himself and no one else knew. He found his way to the clearing but of course didn't find her. "Okay, Laurena, I know you're here this time," he called. Nothing. "All right," he said slyly, and whipped around. "Ah-ha...!...ah...you're...not there..." She wasn't there. He stood there, confused of her whereabouts. And then he heard her voice. And what he heard sent chills of euphoria down his spine. She was singing.
::Love, where are you? I saw you in a reflection in the stream. But you swept yourself away before I could fall into you And all I felt was cold waters of despair And the crescent moon's cruel gleam::
Irvine didn't notice it at first, but he was moving. His feet, as if they had a will of their own, moved toward the distant voice. He consciously began to follow it, entranced by the eerie tune. It was as if a haze fell over him, guiding him, luring him closer to the beautiful voice. A hunger was growing within him, something he just couldn't control and the emotion was taking over fast.
::Love, I need to find you Before my heart's desire slips from me again. It seems I will always be searching for you night and day And when I find you, he will be gone And whatever shall I do then?::
He was led by the voice to a small cliff. Twenty feet below there was a large pool of river water, which came down from a waterfall on the opposite side. In the large pool, was Laurena. She was bathing. Her back was to him, her hair wrapped around to the front where she ran her hands through it. He noticed vaguely that on her back was a design of angel's wings, the same design on the back of Rinoa's dress, pure white against the creme skin. She was waist deep in the water, but she wasn't clothed. Irvine was mentally screaming at himself to avert his wide eyes but they would not budge from their steady gaze on the beautiful woman's body.
::Love, my love, is the only way that I can let you stay If there is no love I must make you fly away. A caged bird sings because it still seeks to be free, If you were meant for some one else then never again bother me::
::But if you love me, fly to me, Over the rivers, across the seas, Search the earth if you are true, You know I'd fly the same for you...::
Suddenly she stopped singing, spinning around to face him as if she had sensed him. "Irvine?!" The halt in the song brought the tall sharpshooter to his senses. "Laurena?! Irvine couldn't stop himself from staring at her body. She was beautiful. She looked down and quickly covered herself up. "What are you doing here?!" "I...heard you," he explained, knowing it wasn't much of an explanation. "You have a beautiful voice." She sank deeper into the water, to shield her body from his eyes. She smiled desperately. "Thank you, but could you turn around for a minute?" "Huh? Oh, dear sweet Hyne!" He shut his eyes and blushed crimson red. "God, I'm so _sorry_..." He heard Laurena giggle nervously. "That's okay." A few minutes passed. Then he heard her say, "Okay, you can look now." She was right beside him, clothed now, a blush on her cheeks as well. But all was forgiven and forgotten, it seems, because she leapt forward and gave him a big hug. "You came back!" she cried. "Well I said I would," he chuckled. "It's so great to see you." She stepped away. "Why are you here so early? Not that I am complaining." "Well, I wanted to visit you before I went somewhere." "Where are you going?" she asked, as curious as a child. "A SeeD mission?" "Kinda." He sat down on a rock, and she beside him. "My buddies and I are gonna drop by and visit Matron. She's the one who took care of us in my old orphanage." "Matron?" she said suddenly. "Yeah. You know her?" She quickly shook her head. "No." "Oh, well anyway, we're gonna go visit her and I just wanted to see you before I went." Irvine paused. "But you could come if you'd like. She's awfully nice." "Where does she live?" "Centra." "Centra? That far from Balamb? From the forest?" She shook her head again, rising to her feet and walking down the dirt path towards her clearing. "Oh, no, no, no. I can't leave here. It isn't safe out there..." "Whaddya mean?" He chased after her, walking swiftly to keep up with her. "Why isn't it safe?" As they entered the clearing she made a move like she was going to climb into one of the willows, but he stopped her. "Laurena, just who or what are you hidin' from?" Irvine almost felt sorry for snapping at her, she looked so trapped; she tried pulling away but his arm firmly gripped hers, offering no escape. Her beautiful green eyes bore into his, as if searching for any reason that she shouldn't tell him. There was none. "Laurena," he said in a coaxing one. "We're friends, okay? You can trust me. My lips are sealed." With a grin he demonstrated, running his thumb and index finger across his pink lips. "But I..." "Laurena," Irvine repeated. "Trust me. Whatever you say will not be repeated outside of this clearing. Okay?" He stroked her arm and gripped assuringly. Laurena melted into the touch. It was very reassuring. It made her feel willing to tell him anything. Sometimes she wondered about him... She nodded slowly. "All right." "Yeah?" "Yes. Here, sit down." They rested on the mossy grass again. Irvine watched as she sat down, he noticed how elegant and noble she looked, how solemn her face was. Now he wondered if he even wanted to know. "You've heard of Sirens, haven't you?" she asked. "Well, I know about the GF, Siren." "All right. Well, the Sirens have existed since the times of ancient. They are a people, a culture, but they keep to themselves. Some of them are vain, wicked people, and some are kind. Back in the days of ancient, they weren't thought of as human, but today no one knows they exist." "But they exist now?'' "Yes. They are everywhere. It is easy for them to hide their identities, which no one would recognize anyway. But...when I was young...I told you my mother died, didn't I?" "Yes?" "Well," she said softly. "She didn't die of grief. She was killed." Irvine drew in a quick breath. "Killed?" "Yes." Her voice was so calm, stoic, as if she'd gone over it so many times in her head the words didn't hurt as much as the memories. "By a Siren." "Do you know who?" "No. But we lived near a colony of them. They don't like regular humans, at least the colony didn't. So one day one came into our home and killed her. They must have tried to kill me too, but I ran away. And those Sirens never give up until they've finished what deed they started. Being outrun and outsmarted by a mere child was a great insult to them. So still they look for me. And this." Around her graceful neck was a chain. She pulled out from underneath the cloth of her dress a pendant shaped like an ankh, quite like the one he'd seen on Tryphaena only it was gold, not black. "This is one of their precious artifacts. The Ankh of Life. Another reason why they killed her. She possessed it and refused to return it to them. So they killed her. And now, after all this time, they're still looking for me." "Why don't you just give it to them, Laurena?" "Because they'd kill me anyway. Though it wouldn't be..." she trailed off slowly, then shook her head again, her dark chestnut hair, now dry, falling like a curtain around her face. "I've said too much. At least for now. But at least, now you know why I'm afraid of the sun's light." Irvine waited in the uncomfortable silence, watching Laurena though he couldn't see her face through the shade of thick hair. He wanted to comfort her, but there was an invisible wall there. Finally he reached out and brushed back the hair to reveal her face. There were no tears, but her face had drained to a pale color. "I'm sorry," he said. She pulled back from his hand. "Why should you be? No. It's all right. I don't mind. Like I said, I couldn't ask for a better life. Don't be sorry." Laurena gave Irvine a soft smile. "I need pity from no one, Irvine. All I ask for is a open ear." "It's not pity. But don't worry, both my ears are wide open." She chuckled. "Thanks." A sigh escaped her lips. "I suppose you must leave now. Your friends will miss you, so will Matron..." "Ah, they can wait a little longer. We barely talked." Laurena smiled. Soon Irvine forgot all about the visit to Matron, and Laurena forgot to remind him. They talked on for hours, or at least Irvine talked and Laurena listened. He talked about his embarrassing moments and happy times, re-enacted some of his famous battle scenes for her, and with a slight blush on his cheeks about the girls that he had met and dated and broke up with. She laughed when he tried to be funny and sighed when he he was trying to be dramatic. Irvine felt a rush of satifaction and and a deep feeling of being appreciated flow through him every time he looked from his antics and saw Laurena watching his every move, entirely attentive to each word and listening with a smile on her face and a light in her gorgeous eyes. Though Squall and the others were all good friends of his(how can you band together to save the world and _not_ be friends forever?) he had always felt somewhat the outcast of the group, no one really came to him for advice or really listened if he had an idea or something important to say. To have someone finally listening to him and understanding was such a thrill to Irvine it almost felt addictive. And having that someone be as beautiful and kind as Laurena, a person he'd only met two days ago, made it feel even better. Laurena listened to him intently, watching and laughing as he acted out a fight and lost his balance. He was so silly, and yet so endearing. Each word made her smile wider. Irvine wasn't afraid to show his feelings at all, not like her, and also unlike her he wasn't afraid to tell his deepest secrets. But he trusted her completely, it seemed, and she felt bad inside...she wished she could trust like she used to. But now it wasn't that simple. Still, it was nice to feel wanted, as she felt now...all his words and stories and secrets gushed out of him endlessly as if he feared she would disappear any moment and leave him with no one to talk to. She'd been so afraid, at first, thinking he would expose her...but he had some kind of charm, some kind of spark that led her to him like a curious wolf is led to the fire of man. It hadn't been long, only two days, and he made it feel like years had passed...splendid, golden years of friendship. It had been so long since she had talked to anyone, or seen another person, and she wanted him to stay as long as he could, because when he had walked into that clearing that late afternoon, it opened something in her heart...a want, a need, for contact with the outside. And everytime Laurena saw him look at her and see that she was gazing back, the sparks in his violet eyes blazed anew and he smiled like a small child that craved attention. She was more than willing to give it to him. Soon, any memories of her past were temporarily moved out of her mind as she laughed at Irvine's wild antics, and her mood lightened entirely.
She stood up, grinning. "Want to go swimming?" He grinned back, blushing as he recalled his blunder from earlier. "As long as you keep yer clothes on this time, gal." She giggled. "Sure. C'mon!" They ran back to the river pool, which sparkled in the sunlight. Irvine stripped down to his shorts, but tarried at the waters edge, it seemed awfully cold... Laurena was about to dive in, but paused when she saw him hesitating.. "Aren't you coming in?" "Yeah, yeah, just give me a minute. Isn't that water freezin'?" "No. You just have to get used to it, that's all." "It looks cold to me." She laughed softly. "Oh, Irvine..." She came over to him and leaned against him from behind, placing one hand firmly on his shoulder blade and the other hand on the small of his back her head tucked between his neck and shoulder. Irvine reveled at the sudden touch, lost in the tenderness of it. But suddenly he felt her warm, gentle hands tighten around his skin and realized what her true intentions were. "Oh, no," was all he managed to make out. "Don't you even dare--- ack!" She laughed and shoved him hard into the water. But before he fell, he spun around and grabbed her by her small waist, dragging her in as well.
The two fell into the water, making a huge splash. They swam away from each other but as soon as they surfaced they started splashing at each other fiercely. "Take that!" Splash. "Ah! It's in my eyes! Oh, yeah? Well, get a load o' this!" Splash splash. "Ah ha haa!" "Heh heh!" Then Irvine was gone. Laurena stopped splashing. Where had he gone? "Irvine?" Suddenly strong arms grabbed her bodily from behind. "Gotcha!" She shrieked with laughter. "Irvine!" She squirmed as he tickled her, until she begged for him to stop. "AH-HAH-no, please--I'm very, _very_ ticklish...hee hee!" He stopped, but something else happened. Instead of letting go, Irvine's arms tightened around her, encasing her in clammy warmth. She melted in the sudden embrace, closing her eyes, feeling safe. For a moment she had no sense of reason, just the feeling of security. But the feel of Irvine's lips pressing against her cheek brought her back to reality in a hurry. "...No," she said suddenly, tensing. He understood. Reluctantly he released her and drew his lips away. He blinked, not even sure what he had been thinking. "Sorry," he murmured, embarrassed. "Don't be. It's okay." She turned to face him, her smile returning. There was a light blush to her cheeks. "I'll race you to the other side of the pool." He grinned. "You're on." ~~~~~~~~~~
Irvine flopped down on his bed later with a great sigh, tired and wet under his dry clothes but still happy. Laurena was a lot like Rinoa, he thought. She was like a kid, playful and careless, and yet he had never met anyone more mature. She was a secret friend, a secret _best_ friend, and for her sake and his she'd stay secret until she deemed it okay to step out into the world. He didn't want to force her. The only thing he couldn't understand was the kiss. He didn't know what had come over him. Something about how close she was, the feel of her and how she just relaxed in his grasp, it took him over. Laurena was one girl that he wanted as a friend, because that was what she needed right now. She didn't need anything more than that. If she did, he had a feeling she would tell him. But still...why did he try to kiss her? "Irvine!" There was a loud knock on the door. "Irvy!" "Open up, man!" He answered the door to find Squall, Rinoa, Selphie, Zell, Quistis and Ellone on his doorstep, all looking a little more than miffed at him. "What's up, guys?" "Matron was wondering where you were. She told us to tell you that she missed you." Quistis spoke these words, her crystal blue eyes flaring dangerously. "What are you guys talking...OH SHIT! Matron! Dammit, I completely forgot!" His hand came up and slapped his forehead. "Yeah, that's what we figured, Irvy," Selphie said in a dry tone, her hand on her hip. "Where were you, Kinneas? Even Seifer was there. _Seifer_ had enough courtesy to show up for the reunion." Squall spoke plainly, but it was plain to see he was pissed. "We asked some students, and they saw you heading for the Balamb Forests today," Rinoa said raising an eyebrow. "And yesterday, too." "What's up, man?" Zell demanded. "What's so damn important that you'd forget _Matron_? Nothing important, but she _is_ the one who took care of us!" "Yes, Irvine. What is wrong? Do you want to talk about it?" Ellone was more gentle and caring about it, but Irvine could tell she was very disappointed with him. "I don't need to talk about nothin'," Irvine said, scratching the back of his neck. "I jus' forgot. I'm really sorry." "What are you hiding, Irvy?" Selphie said. She suddenly gasped. "Are you drinking? Or doing drugs?!" "Selphie!" Rinoa said, surprised by the frank question. "No! I'm not doin' any o' that shit," he protested indignantly. He looked down. "I was just kinda preoccupied today. That's all." "Hm." Zell shifted his eyes, arms folded in front of his chest. "Who is she?" "What?" "What are you talking about, Zelly?" "Isn't it obvious?" Zell grinned, gesturing toward the tall man. "Kinneas' got another girlfriend!" "Really?" Selphie smiled widely at Irvine. "Who? Who? Who?" "She's not my girlfriend," he shouted, then suddenly drained white and clapped his hand over his mouth, but too late. "Ah, but there _is_ a girl," Zell stated triumphantly. "So, come on...who is she?" Irvine's white face quickly flushed an angry and frightening red, and his teeth gritted, beside himself in fury. He stared murderously at all of them. "Don't you dare tell anyone I said that. Now leave me alone! I don't wanna talk to you right now." He stepped back into his dorm and slammed the door forcefully in their faces. Dammit! He couldn't believe he did that! He told them! Oh, why?! If they found Laurena she would never forgive him! Dammit! Knock, knock. A few minutes later the door sounded again. Irvine looked toward the door angrily. What, had his dorm turned into a complaint department? "Go away!" He shouted. "Why?" A sly, deep voice came back. It was Tryphaena. Sighing, he opened the door again. "Yeah?" he said gruffly. "Ooh. No need to be grumpy, darling. I come in peace." She smirked flirtatiously. Her hair was up in a long, tight braid, she leaned on the frame of the door. "What do you want?" "Just to thank you for being so kind the other day," she purred, "And to ask if you would join me in a spar, if you are not too busy." Instantly his flirting instinct sparked anew. "Who could be busy when you're around, girl?" She chuckled. "Hmm, indeed." Her eyes sparkled. "Shall we, then?"
A/N: Are you getting an idea, at least, why I re-rated this fic to R? Yeah. Anyway, I know my song was a little short but was it good? Tell me! I'm especially looking for your opinion, Kali Randone and Metropolis Dream! But please don't be a meanie! I can't take the pressure! Good reviews inspire me! Please review!
Chapter Three: Sirensong
It was early in the morning, but Irvine wanted to visit Laurena like he'd promised and still have enough time to see Matron. He decided he enjoyed sneaking away to see her, it was like a secret he had all to himself and no one else knew. He found his way to the clearing but of course didn't find her. "Okay, Laurena, I know you're here this time," he called. Nothing. "All right," he said slyly, and whipped around. "Ah-ha...!...ah...you're...not there..." She wasn't there. He stood there, confused of her whereabouts. And then he heard her voice. And what he heard sent chills of euphoria down his spine. She was singing.
::Love, where are you? I saw you in a reflection in the stream. But you swept yourself away before I could fall into you And all I felt was cold waters of despair And the crescent moon's cruel gleam::
Irvine didn't notice it at first, but he was moving. His feet, as if they had a will of their own, moved toward the distant voice. He consciously began to follow it, entranced by the eerie tune. It was as if a haze fell over him, guiding him, luring him closer to the beautiful voice. A hunger was growing within him, something he just couldn't control and the emotion was taking over fast.
::Love, I need to find you Before my heart's desire slips from me again. It seems I will always be searching for you night and day And when I find you, he will be gone And whatever shall I do then?::
He was led by the voice to a small cliff. Twenty feet below there was a large pool of river water, which came down from a waterfall on the opposite side. In the large pool, was Laurena. She was bathing. Her back was to him, her hair wrapped around to the front where she ran her hands through it. He noticed vaguely that on her back was a design of angel's wings, the same design on the back of Rinoa's dress, pure white against the creme skin. She was waist deep in the water, but she wasn't clothed. Irvine was mentally screaming at himself to avert his wide eyes but they would not budge from their steady gaze on the beautiful woman's body.
::Love, my love, is the only way that I can let you stay If there is no love I must make you fly away. A caged bird sings because it still seeks to be free, If you were meant for some one else then never again bother me::
::But if you love me, fly to me, Over the rivers, across the seas, Search the earth if you are true, You know I'd fly the same for you...::
Suddenly she stopped singing, spinning around to face him as if she had sensed him. "Irvine?!" The halt in the song brought the tall sharpshooter to his senses. "Laurena?! Irvine couldn't stop himself from staring at her body. She was beautiful. She looked down and quickly covered herself up. "What are you doing here?!" "I...heard you," he explained, knowing it wasn't much of an explanation. "You have a beautiful voice." She sank deeper into the water, to shield her body from his eyes. She smiled desperately. "Thank you, but could you turn around for a minute?" "Huh? Oh, dear sweet Hyne!" He shut his eyes and blushed crimson red. "God, I'm so _sorry_..." He heard Laurena giggle nervously. "That's okay." A few minutes passed. Then he heard her say, "Okay, you can look now." She was right beside him, clothed now, a blush on her cheeks as well. But all was forgiven and forgotten, it seems, because she leapt forward and gave him a big hug. "You came back!" she cried. "Well I said I would," he chuckled. "It's so great to see you." She stepped away. "Why are you here so early? Not that I am complaining." "Well, I wanted to visit you before I went somewhere." "Where are you going?" she asked, as curious as a child. "A SeeD mission?" "Kinda." He sat down on a rock, and she beside him. "My buddies and I are gonna drop by and visit Matron. She's the one who took care of us in my old orphanage." "Matron?" she said suddenly. "Yeah. You know her?" She quickly shook her head. "No." "Oh, well anyway, we're gonna go visit her and I just wanted to see you before I went." Irvine paused. "But you could come if you'd like. She's awfully nice." "Where does she live?" "Centra." "Centra? That far from Balamb? From the forest?" She shook her head again, rising to her feet and walking down the dirt path towards her clearing. "Oh, no, no, no. I can't leave here. It isn't safe out there..." "Whaddya mean?" He chased after her, walking swiftly to keep up with her. "Why isn't it safe?" As they entered the clearing she made a move like she was going to climb into one of the willows, but he stopped her. "Laurena, just who or what are you hidin' from?" Irvine almost felt sorry for snapping at her, she looked so trapped; she tried pulling away but his arm firmly gripped hers, offering no escape. Her beautiful green eyes bore into his, as if searching for any reason that she shouldn't tell him. There was none. "Laurena," he said in a coaxing one. "We're friends, okay? You can trust me. My lips are sealed." With a grin he demonstrated, running his thumb and index finger across his pink lips. "But I..." "Laurena," Irvine repeated. "Trust me. Whatever you say will not be repeated outside of this clearing. Okay?" He stroked her arm and gripped assuringly. Laurena melted into the touch. It was very reassuring. It made her feel willing to tell him anything. Sometimes she wondered about him... She nodded slowly. "All right." "Yeah?" "Yes. Here, sit down." They rested on the mossy grass again. Irvine watched as she sat down, he noticed how elegant and noble she looked, how solemn her face was. Now he wondered if he even wanted to know. "You've heard of Sirens, haven't you?" she asked. "Well, I know about the GF, Siren." "All right. Well, the Sirens have existed since the times of ancient. They are a people, a culture, but they keep to themselves. Some of them are vain, wicked people, and some are kind. Back in the days of ancient, they weren't thought of as human, but today no one knows they exist." "But they exist now?'' "Yes. They are everywhere. It is easy for them to hide their identities, which no one would recognize anyway. But...when I was young...I told you my mother died, didn't I?" "Yes?" "Well," she said softly. "She didn't die of grief. She was killed." Irvine drew in a quick breath. "Killed?" "Yes." Her voice was so calm, stoic, as if she'd gone over it so many times in her head the words didn't hurt as much as the memories. "By a Siren." "Do you know who?" "No. But we lived near a colony of them. They don't like regular humans, at least the colony didn't. So one day one came into our home and killed her. They must have tried to kill me too, but I ran away. And those Sirens never give up until they've finished what deed they started. Being outrun and outsmarted by a mere child was a great insult to them. So still they look for me. And this." Around her graceful neck was a chain. She pulled out from underneath the cloth of her dress a pendant shaped like an ankh, quite like the one he'd seen on Tryphaena only it was gold, not black. "This is one of their precious artifacts. The Ankh of Life. Another reason why they killed her. She possessed it and refused to return it to them. So they killed her. And now, after all this time, they're still looking for me." "Why don't you just give it to them, Laurena?" "Because they'd kill me anyway. Though it wouldn't be..." she trailed off slowly, then shook her head again, her dark chestnut hair, now dry, falling like a curtain around her face. "I've said too much. At least for now. But at least, now you know why I'm afraid of the sun's light." Irvine waited in the uncomfortable silence, watching Laurena though he couldn't see her face through the shade of thick hair. He wanted to comfort her, but there was an invisible wall there. Finally he reached out and brushed back the hair to reveal her face. There were no tears, but her face had drained to a pale color. "I'm sorry," he said. She pulled back from his hand. "Why should you be? No. It's all right. I don't mind. Like I said, I couldn't ask for a better life. Don't be sorry." Laurena gave Irvine a soft smile. "I need pity from no one, Irvine. All I ask for is a open ear." "It's not pity. But don't worry, both my ears are wide open." She chuckled. "Thanks." A sigh escaped her lips. "I suppose you must leave now. Your friends will miss you, so will Matron..." "Ah, they can wait a little longer. We barely talked." Laurena smiled. Soon Irvine forgot all about the visit to Matron, and Laurena forgot to remind him. They talked on for hours, or at least Irvine talked and Laurena listened. He talked about his embarrassing moments and happy times, re-enacted some of his famous battle scenes for her, and with a slight blush on his cheeks about the girls that he had met and dated and broke up with. She laughed when he tried to be funny and sighed when he he was trying to be dramatic. Irvine felt a rush of satifaction and and a deep feeling of being appreciated flow through him every time he looked from his antics and saw Laurena watching his every move, entirely attentive to each word and listening with a smile on her face and a light in her gorgeous eyes. Though Squall and the others were all good friends of his(how can you band together to save the world and _not_ be friends forever?) he had always felt somewhat the outcast of the group, no one really came to him for advice or really listened if he had an idea or something important to say. To have someone finally listening to him and understanding was such a thrill to Irvine it almost felt addictive. And having that someone be as beautiful and kind as Laurena, a person he'd only met two days ago, made it feel even better. Laurena listened to him intently, watching and laughing as he acted out a fight and lost his balance. He was so silly, and yet so endearing. Each word made her smile wider. Irvine wasn't afraid to show his feelings at all, not like her, and also unlike her he wasn't afraid to tell his deepest secrets. But he trusted her completely, it seemed, and she felt bad inside...she wished she could trust like she used to. But now it wasn't that simple. Still, it was nice to feel wanted, as she felt now...all his words and stories and secrets gushed out of him endlessly as if he feared she would disappear any moment and leave him with no one to talk to. She'd been so afraid, at first, thinking he would expose her...but he had some kind of charm, some kind of spark that led her to him like a curious wolf is led to the fire of man. It hadn't been long, only two days, and he made it feel like years had passed...splendid, golden years of friendship. It had been so long since she had talked to anyone, or seen another person, and she wanted him to stay as long as he could, because when he had walked into that clearing that late afternoon, it opened something in her heart...a want, a need, for contact with the outside. And everytime Laurena saw him look at her and see that she was gazing back, the sparks in his violet eyes blazed anew and he smiled like a small child that craved attention. She was more than willing to give it to him. Soon, any memories of her past were temporarily moved out of her mind as she laughed at Irvine's wild antics, and her mood lightened entirely.
She stood up, grinning. "Want to go swimming?" He grinned back, blushing as he recalled his blunder from earlier. "As long as you keep yer clothes on this time, gal." She giggled. "Sure. C'mon!" They ran back to the river pool, which sparkled in the sunlight. Irvine stripped down to his shorts, but tarried at the waters edge, it seemed awfully cold... Laurena was about to dive in, but paused when she saw him hesitating.. "Aren't you coming in?" "Yeah, yeah, just give me a minute. Isn't that water freezin'?" "No. You just have to get used to it, that's all." "It looks cold to me." She laughed softly. "Oh, Irvine..." She came over to him and leaned against him from behind, placing one hand firmly on his shoulder blade and the other hand on the small of his back her head tucked between his neck and shoulder. Irvine reveled at the sudden touch, lost in the tenderness of it. But suddenly he felt her warm, gentle hands tighten around his skin and realized what her true intentions were. "Oh, no," was all he managed to make out. "Don't you even dare--- ack!" She laughed and shoved him hard into the water. But before he fell, he spun around and grabbed her by her small waist, dragging her in as well.
The two fell into the water, making a huge splash. They swam away from each other but as soon as they surfaced they started splashing at each other fiercely. "Take that!" Splash. "Ah! It's in my eyes! Oh, yeah? Well, get a load o' this!" Splash splash. "Ah ha haa!" "Heh heh!" Then Irvine was gone. Laurena stopped splashing. Where had he gone? "Irvine?" Suddenly strong arms grabbed her bodily from behind. "Gotcha!" She shrieked with laughter. "Irvine!" She squirmed as he tickled her, until she begged for him to stop. "AH-HAH-no, please--I'm very, _very_ ticklish...hee hee!" He stopped, but something else happened. Instead of letting go, Irvine's arms tightened around her, encasing her in clammy warmth. She melted in the sudden embrace, closing her eyes, feeling safe. For a moment she had no sense of reason, just the feeling of security. But the feel of Irvine's lips pressing against her cheek brought her back to reality in a hurry. "...No," she said suddenly, tensing. He understood. Reluctantly he released her and drew his lips away. He blinked, not even sure what he had been thinking. "Sorry," he murmured, embarrassed. "Don't be. It's okay." She turned to face him, her smile returning. There was a light blush to her cheeks. "I'll race you to the other side of the pool." He grinned. "You're on." ~~~~~~~~~~
Irvine flopped down on his bed later with a great sigh, tired and wet under his dry clothes but still happy. Laurena was a lot like Rinoa, he thought. She was like a kid, playful and careless, and yet he had never met anyone more mature. She was a secret friend, a secret _best_ friend, and for her sake and his she'd stay secret until she deemed it okay to step out into the world. He didn't want to force her. The only thing he couldn't understand was the kiss. He didn't know what had come over him. Something about how close she was, the feel of her and how she just relaxed in his grasp, it took him over. Laurena was one girl that he wanted as a friend, because that was what she needed right now. She didn't need anything more than that. If she did, he had a feeling she would tell him. But still...why did he try to kiss her? "Irvine!" There was a loud knock on the door. "Irvy!" "Open up, man!" He answered the door to find Squall, Rinoa, Selphie, Zell, Quistis and Ellone on his doorstep, all looking a little more than miffed at him. "What's up, guys?" "Matron was wondering where you were. She told us to tell you that she missed you." Quistis spoke these words, her crystal blue eyes flaring dangerously. "What are you guys talking...OH SHIT! Matron! Dammit, I completely forgot!" His hand came up and slapped his forehead. "Yeah, that's what we figured, Irvy," Selphie said in a dry tone, her hand on her hip. "Where were you, Kinneas? Even Seifer was there. _Seifer_ had enough courtesy to show up for the reunion." Squall spoke plainly, but it was plain to see he was pissed. "We asked some students, and they saw you heading for the Balamb Forests today," Rinoa said raising an eyebrow. "And yesterday, too." "What's up, man?" Zell demanded. "What's so damn important that you'd forget _Matron_? Nothing important, but she _is_ the one who took care of us!" "Yes, Irvine. What is wrong? Do you want to talk about it?" Ellone was more gentle and caring about it, but Irvine could tell she was very disappointed with him. "I don't need to talk about nothin'," Irvine said, scratching the back of his neck. "I jus' forgot. I'm really sorry." "What are you hiding, Irvy?" Selphie said. She suddenly gasped. "Are you drinking? Or doing drugs?!" "Selphie!" Rinoa said, surprised by the frank question. "No! I'm not doin' any o' that shit," he protested indignantly. He looked down. "I was just kinda preoccupied today. That's all." "Hm." Zell shifted his eyes, arms folded in front of his chest. "Who is she?" "What?" "What are you talking about, Zelly?" "Isn't it obvious?" Zell grinned, gesturing toward the tall man. "Kinneas' got another girlfriend!" "Really?" Selphie smiled widely at Irvine. "Who? Who? Who?" "She's not my girlfriend," he shouted, then suddenly drained white and clapped his hand over his mouth, but too late. "Ah, but there _is_ a girl," Zell stated triumphantly. "So, come on...who is she?" Irvine's white face quickly flushed an angry and frightening red, and his teeth gritted, beside himself in fury. He stared murderously at all of them. "Don't you dare tell anyone I said that. Now leave me alone! I don't wanna talk to you right now." He stepped back into his dorm and slammed the door forcefully in their faces. Dammit! He couldn't believe he did that! He told them! Oh, why?! If they found Laurena she would never forgive him! Dammit! Knock, knock. A few minutes later the door sounded again. Irvine looked toward the door angrily. What, had his dorm turned into a complaint department? "Go away!" He shouted. "Why?" A sly, deep voice came back. It was Tryphaena. Sighing, he opened the door again. "Yeah?" he said gruffly. "Ooh. No need to be grumpy, darling. I come in peace." She smirked flirtatiously. Her hair was up in a long, tight braid, she leaned on the frame of the door. "What do you want?" "Just to thank you for being so kind the other day," she purred, "And to ask if you would join me in a spar, if you are not too busy." Instantly his flirting instinct sparked anew. "Who could be busy when you're around, girl?" She chuckled. "Hmm, indeed." Her eyes sparkled. "Shall we, then?"
A/N: Are you getting an idea, at least, why I re-rated this fic to R? Yeah. Anyway, I know my song was a little short but was it good? Tell me! I'm especially looking for your opinion, Kali Randone and Metropolis Dream! But please don't be a meanie! I can't take the pressure! Good reviews inspire me! Please review!