Thank you everyone for your patients. I know it was taking me forever to do
this but there's been a lot of stuff going on. As some of you know, Ari,
Echo..and a few others, my great uncle passed away last week. Along with
that my parents are moving away from me as well as my sister. Damn
depressing time to write. But I pulled it off!! Misty, thanks for breathing
down my neck to get this done. I'm sorry it took so long. A warning, there
is a lemon in here. I marked it so you can skip right over it if you want
to. Those of you who are a little more brave..a bit more risqué then
others, I hope you will enjoy it. So far it's my baby. I worked very hard
on it and the rest of the chapter of course. So hasta luego! I'm off for
the night. Enjoy the read folks!
Disclaimer: I don't own a damn thing!! Lol
One Last Day of Celebration
Whistling softly to himself, a towel tucked under his muscular arm, Botta crossed the village to wake Kenzi up so they could all go swimming like they had agreed on the previous day. He didn't bother calling out a warning. He knew her too well. She slept through pretty much anything. Pushing the cloth door open he walked in and took a deep breath, ready to yell but immediately stopped when he saw the leggy Al Bhed curled up in the arms of Wakka. "No way," he breathed, a huge smile splitting his face.
He silently backed out of the hut and looked around almost frantically for any of his other teammates. As if on cue, Datto and Keepa ambled slowly out of a near by hut. Botta put his fingers to his lips and whistled loudly, motioning for them to come over after their heads had snapped up in his direction. They crossed the ground at a tired jog, smiling when they reached him. "Hey, what's goin' on?" Datto asked. "Kenzi up yet?"
Botta shook his head. "Nope, but you gotta see this." Once again he pushed the cloth door aside, leading the two into the hut. As soon ad Datto caught a glimpse of Wakka and Kenzi he burst out laughing.
Keepa scratched the back of his head, blushing slightly. "Bout damn time these two figured things out," he muttered, elbowing Botta.
Datto's laughter pulled Wakka from his sleep and the muscular red head slowly opened his eye, doing a double take when he saw Datto, Botta and Keepa gathered around the bed. "What the-."
"Now is it what it looks like?" Botta asked, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
As if things couldn't get any worse for poor Wakka the door opened yet again and Jassu stumbled in, yawning and stretching his arms above his head. "Hey guys. Need help wakin' her-." His voice trailed off and his eyes went wide as he stared down at Wakka and the blond female still fast asleep in his arms. "Way to go capn'!!" he exclaimed proudly, giving Wakka a thumbs up.
Kenzi finally started to stir. She muttered something incoherently and turned in Wakka's arms. "Mmm, what do you say we try what we did last night again?" She asked softly.
Immediately the group of spectators broke out into fits of laughter. Wakka shook his head, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Kenzi, time to wake up," he muttered, giving her a gentle shake. Her lids drifted open to reveal her gorgeous gray blue eyes. The smile on her face gradually started to disappear and she whipped around, confirming that she had not just been hearing voices. "Oh no." she muttered, burying her head against Wakka's chest. "Please tell me this is not happening."
"Oh it's happenin' alright!" Jassu exclaimed, still laughing. "This time you two really are busted!"
Wakka smiled, giving his friends a pleading look and motioning to the opening of the hut with a jerk of his head.
"We get the point," Botta said, backing towards out with Keepa and Datto behind him.
The last to leave was Jassu. He turned back to Wakka, shaking his head at Kenzi who was still trying to hide herself. "So you comin' with us then?"
"Where?" Wakka asked, stifling a yawn.
"Swimmin'. We kinda decided to do somethin'...you know, just the team. We're gonna hang out on the beach until later tonight when everything starts up again."
"Sure. We'll be down in a bit, ya?"
Jassu grinned. "Oh, take your time," he muttered suggestively.
Wakka shot him a slightly hostile look and the blond Auroch quickly left, the sound of his laughter following him.
A smile quickly replacing his scowl, the red haired captain looked down at the top of Kenzi's head. He could defiantly get used to waking up with her warm, supple body next to his. The fact that she was completely into cuddling had been a very pleasant surprise and yet another thing he hadn't expected from her. He'd never really...cuddled with a woman before but he was defiantly starting to like it. "Hey Kenzi," he called softly, feeling regretful that he had to end their time alone together so quickly. "You fall asleep?"
Kenzi shook her head, still keeping it pressed against his chest. "That was so embarrassing," came her muffled voice. "They all heard what I said, didn't they?"
"Yeah," Wakka answered, laughing when she groaned loudly. Several minutes passed and finally she raised her head to look at him. Her cheeks still glowed an adorable shade of pink and her disheveled hair hung over dark gray-blue eyes. Suddenly she smiled, an amazing smile that lit up the room and stole his breath. "You're still here."
He nodded. It was all he was really capable of doing.
"I thought I was just dreaming again," she murmured, her fingers playing lightly over his side and back.
Wakka pulled her close, wrapping his arms tightly around her slim waits and deeply inhaling her unique scent. Rain and wild flowers. He'd never smelled anything so intoxicating before. "Maybe we should just stay in bed all day," he suggested sleepily.
Kenzi giggled, not making any effort to pull free of his hold. "Wakka, I promised the guys I'd go swimming and hang out with them today. And you're the one who told Jassu we'd be there in a bit."
Grumbling, Wakka gave in but only after making Kenzi promise to stay with him instead of sleeping at the Inn, which she had, of course, happily agreed to. They got out of bed and quickly got dressed, Wakka opting for the blue shorts he usually wore under his blitzball uniform and his sandals while Kenzi slipped into a dark blue bikini with deep purple swirls that tied around her neck and back. She wrapped a length of thin, sheer blue and purple fabric low around her waist and tied it in a loose knot at her hip. Leaving her feet bare, she pulled her hair up in a messy ponytail and grabbed Wakka's thick blue headband off the dresser.
"Ready?" She asked, walking up to him. She reached up and slipped the headband over his wild hair then pulled it down over his eyes, laughing softly and raising on her tiptoes to press an affectionate kiss to his scruffy chin.
Wakka pulled the band back up, making a big show out of adjusting it. When he was done he looked at her thoughtfully. "I'm missin' somethin'."
"What?"
The tall redhead thought for a moment, scratching the back of his head. "Oh yeah!" he said, giving Kenzi a lop sided grin and pulling her into his strong arms. He stared down into her eyes for only a brief second but it was enough for the blonde Al Bhed to become light headed. 'Will it always be like this? Will I always feel so deliciously weightless when he holds me so close?' she wondered as his lips came down on hers, gently coaxing, teasing until she opened for him with a sigh of surrender, deepening the kiss. His hand moved slowly up her arm, pausing to rub her shoulder, easing away whatever tenseness remained from sleep and then moving up to her neck, angling her head slightly for a deeper kiss.
When the kiss ended Wakka rested his forehead on Kenzi's and smiled. "Now we can go," he said, his voice a bit shaky.
Kenzi nodded still feeling dazed from the drugging effect of his kiss. "Yeah...okay, let's go."
They grabbed two towels, Kenzi pulled her sunglasses out of her bag and together they left the cozy hut to greet the beautiful day. The bright cerulean sky was free of clouds and a diminutive breeze swept across the island, just cool enough to ward of the unbearable heat and make the temperature comfortable.
As soon as Kenzi's bare feet hit the hot sandy pavement she knew that not grabbing her sandals had been a mistake. She sucked in a breath and started hoping from one foot to the other, looking for anywhere else to walk.
Wakka laughed at her comical expression of panic. "Shoulda grabbed some shoes," he said, scooping her up in his strong arms and cradling her body against his.
Kenzi smiled brightly and rested her head on his shoulder. "Nah. This was all part of my plan. I'm devious like that."
Falling into a comfortable silence they made their way across the village. As they walked by Lulu's hut, the hut that Wakka had left in anger the previous night, the dark mage stepped out, her eyes immediately narrowing when they took in the sight of Wakka and Kenzi together. Kenzi's own eyes went wide and she swallowed hard, unconsciously tightening her hold on Wakka's neck.
The tall man only spared his friend and ex lover an indifferent glance, nothing more, and continued to cross the village.
Once out of her view Kenzi slowly released the breath she was holding and relaxed. "That was..uncomfortable," she muttered under her breath, once again resting her head on Wakka's broad shoulder.
Wakka smiled wearily and dropped a light kiss on her forehead. "Yeah, it was a little uncomfortable. But seriously, how many drinks did you have last night? I don't know if I can hold....much...longer..." Wakka swayed from side to side pretending he was struggling with the load in his arms and Kenzi laughed. The tension was successfully broken.
"You're such a smart ass," Kenzi muttered laughingly, rolling her eyes.
Wakka smiled down at the beautiful burden he was carrying. "Yeah, but you like it."
Kenzi's only replay to that was a secretive smile. If only he knew exactly how much she liked about him, how deep her feelings for him truly went and how long she had harbored them. 'Not now Kenz,' she told herself firmly, 'be happy with what you have at this moment and don't push your luck.'
Lifting he head she saw Tidus and Yuna walking hand in hand towards the path that lead to the beach where blitzball practice was normally held. They were dressed much the same way as Wakka and Kenzi, Tidus wearing a pair of baggy dark gray shorts and Yuna dressed in a tasteful black bikini with a long magenta and purple wrap.
Not thinking about the fact that Tidus and Yuna knew nothing of the events from the previous night or of the relationship that had formed between herself and Wakka, Kenzi waved tot hem. "Hey guys!" she called cheerfully.
The younger couple turned at the sound of the Al Bhed's voice and their jaws dropped. Yuna was the first to recover, snapping her mouth shut and giving them a pleased smile. "Hello," she said back as she gently nudged Tidus in the arm with her elbow. "Don't look so surprised," she whispered. "You're the one who hoped they would get together."
As Wakka approached them with Kenzi Tidus quickly shut his mouth and grinned, happy that the two had finally figured out they belonged together. "Hey. You two going down to the beach?"
"Yup!" Kenzi replied. She murmured something in Wakka's ear, kissed his cheek and allowed him to put her down. Walking up to Yuna she slid her through the young summoners and started pulling her down the shaded path, calling out over her shoulder, "Hey Tidus, mind if I borrow your girlfriend? Thanks!"
Smiling, Tidus shook his head and watched their retreating backs for a moment before turning to his good friend. "Still want to kick her out on that scrawny ass of hers or do you plan on doing something else with it?" he asked the taller man, hard pressed to hold his laughter in check.
Wakka tore his gaze away from the enticing sway of Kenzi's hips and smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Already done."
That caught the young blitzer totally off guard. Once again his mouth dropped open and he gaped at his friend. "You...Kenzi..you mean...you guys..."
Laughing, Wakka slapped Tidus on the back, almost knocking the younger man over. "Yeah. That okay with you?"
Tidus threw him a smirk. "Yeah. Saw it coming all along! But ahh.." He paused, shuffling his feet uneasily. How the hell was he supposed to word his next question without erasing the happiness from Wakka's face? It had been a long time since he'd actually seen the older man content and he didn't want to be the one to ruin it but he saw no other way around it. "What..happened to Lulu?"
The smile immediately disappeared from Wakka's face and he released a weary sigh. "You know how when you first came here Lu was always tellin' us to quit tryin' to use you to replace Chappu?"
"Yeah."
"Well...all that naggin' didn't keep her from doin' it herself."
Tidus stared at the muscular Auroch in shock. That wasn't quite what he had been expecting to hear.
"Lately thing have been gettin' a little..strange between us. We haven't been gettin' along, you know?" Wakka continued speaking, keeping his somber gaze focused on the ground before him. "At first I thought it was because Yuna was spendin' less time with her but last night..me and Lu got into it. Stuff got brought up, includin' Chappu. She said I wasn't like him at all and that she was a fool to think I could take his place."
"Oh man," Tidus breathed, still trying to take it all in. In a way he felt responsible. He had known things weren't exactly stable between Wakka and Lulu. Hell, it had been obvious to everyone. But he'd been spending so much time with Yuna that he hadn't taken the time out to talk to Wakka about his troubles. "I'm really sorry Wakka."
The red head shrugged off his apology. "It's okay. I'm glad she got it out of her system. Now I can be with someone who knows I'm not Chappu, ya?"
"So how did that happen?" Tidus asked, eagerly letting curiosity overcome his feelings of guilt.
A fond smile tugged at Wakka's lips and he felt heat creep up into his face as he thought back to his night spent with Kenzi. How much should he tell Tidus? All of it? A little? He was defiantly going to keep the kiss on the ship to himself. That was a memory for only Kenzi and himself to share. But there was no harm in telling the younger man what everyone else probably already knew and give him some of the details. "She overheard me and Lu fightin'. I went back to my place, thinkin' she'd be asleep but she wasn't. She was awake, sittin' on the bed. She told me she heard everything." His smile widened as he remembered the words she had whispered so shyly to him in the dim light of the hut. "Then she said that I would always be Wakka to her."
Tidus smiled. "She said that? Man, she must really like you." The two started walking down the path, hearing the voices of their friends getting closer and closer. Tidus threw a sideways glance at Wakka. "So, ah..what happened after that?"
Wakka chuckled softly and shook his head. "That's all you're gettin' out of me, ya?"
"Alright." Tidus' smile turned smug and he folded his hands behind his head. "I'll just assume that you two either slept together or you really pissed her off this morning and that's the reason she clawed the hell out of your back. But I don't know Wakka, the girl looked pretty happy to me."
Wakka whipped around to face Tidus, his cheeks turning a dark shade of pink. "Is it really that bad?"
"Noticeable, but not too bad. Must have been pretty good for her to scratch you like that."
"Shut up," Wakka muttered, unable to hide his shy smile.
They walked the rest of the way to the beach in compatible silence, stepping onto the sandy expanse of white sand several minutes later and laughing at the sight that greeted them.
Kenzi was laying flat on her back and straddling her, hugging the startled woman and squeezing the life out of her while talking rapidly in a mix of Al Bhed and English was Rikku.
"So I guess Rikku knows," Tidus remarked dryly, patting Wakka on the shoulder and crossing the beach to where Yuna stood. Wakka started to follow him when something very small and very cute crawled in his way. A baby with a head full of wispy brunette hair and liquid brown eyes stared up at him. Wakka watched it curiously as it lifted a chubby hand and wiggled it's fingers. "How come you look familiar, huh?" he wondered out loud, bending over to pick up the small child and earning a tiny gurgle of laughter for his efforts.
"Hey capn'. Whose kid is that?" Jassu asked, jogging up to him.
"Not sure. You ever seen it before?"
"Nope. Looks..familiar though, ya?"
"That's cause she's mine," a voice called from behind them.
Jassu and Wakka turned simultaneously and smiled. "Letty!"
The dark haired ex-Auroch, whose place Kenzi had taken, approached them grinning. "Hey guys. Long time no see."
"No kiddin'," Jassu said, welcoming his good friend with a hug. "So how's Killika treatin' ya? How's the wife?"
"Bree's doin' okay. She missed Besaid so we're movin' back!"
Wakka carefully shifted Letty's child to his other arm and extended his hand for Letty to shake. "It'll be great havin' ya back man. Things haven't been the same without you. I think Jassu's startin' to miss you, ya?"
Letty laughed and shook Wakka's hand. "I heard he's with Rikku now. That's good Jassu. I knew ya liked her man. Just can't believe it took you so damn long."
The baby chose that moment to start fussing and with a look of pure dread on his face, Wakka quickly handed the child over to its father. "She..he.umm."
"She," Letty said, smiling when the little girl immediately calmed once in his arms. "Hard to tell, I know. I would have had a problem with it too if the doc hadn't told me what she was. I guess babies are like that at first. Sierra's been..I dunno guys, she's just amazing. Every day I love her more, you know?"
"Yeah, she is a cutie," Wakka said. "It would be hard not to love somethin' like her."
Letty nodded, taking one of Sierra's hands in his and kissing her little fingers. "Hey, speakin' of things that are cute, who's the blond?" Letty asked, motioning to the two Al Bhed's on the sandy beach.
Wakka turned to where Rikku was helping Kenzi to her feet. Kenzi's musical laughter carried to him and he smiled. He would never grow tired of hearing such a beautiful sound. "That's Kenzi," he said faintly, answering Letty's question but never taking his eyes off the tall Al Bhed.
Sanding next to Letty, Jassu rolled his eyes. "You'll have to forgive Capn' Wakka. He fell for her pretty hard. Tidus recruited her to play in your place."
"She any good?"
"Too busy with Bree to watch the game, huh?"
Letty gave him a smirk that said it all and Jassu laughed, slapping him lightly on the back so as not to disturb Sierra. "Don't worry about it man. It was a good tournament though. Shame you had to miss it. Kenzi's got some major talent and I'm not the only one who thinks so, ya?"
"So you got the hots for the newbie, huh capn'." Letty stated with a knowing smile. Sierra started squirming and he set her down, watching her as she plopped down in the sand and started digging her curious baby fingers through it. "Does she know?"
"Found 'em in bed together this mornin'. What do you think?" Jassu said laughingly, ducking when Wakka tried to smack him.
Letty released a low whistle and arched a brow in amusement. "That so? Man Wakka, I always thought you'd end up with-." Jassu made a discreet slashing motion with his hand across his throat. "Someone as cute as her," the dark haired man finished off smoothly.
Wakka knew what he was going to say though. Letty thought he would have ended up with Lulu. Looking at Kenzi, he couldn't help but be thankful that she had come along. She was what he had needed. He hadn't even realized there was more to a relationship then conversations that usually turned into arguments. But Kenzi had showed him something completely different then what he knew and she'd managed to do it in the span of a few hours. And it wasn't just the sex, although it was absolutely wonderful. It was the small things she did. The way she cuddled with him through the night, the smile she had given him right away after she had woke up and the fact that, without even having him say anything she had grabbed his headband and slipped it onto his head as if she knew that he didn't feel fully comfortable without it. No one had ever done anything like that for him before.
"Told ya he had it bad," Jassu muttered to Letty as they watched Wakka stare longingly at the leggy Al Bhed.
Letty nodded. "No kiddin'. I've never seen him look at a woman like that before."
"Maybe you two should quit worryin' bout my love life and start wonderin' why no one's even noticed Letty's here yet," Wakka said, turning to them and crossing his arms over his chest with a smug grin. He knew Letty hated being left out of anything, especially when it came to the team.
"Heeey," the dark haired man said at length, a sudden frown creasing his brow, "You're right. Yo Aurochs! Ya miss me?" he yelled, catching the attention of the several young men and three women scattered along the beach.
With the exception of Kenzi, everyone smiled and ran forward to greet the ex Auroch. Kenzi simply watched, not wanting to intrude upon the reunion. She had never met Letty before but she knew who he was and she know that it was in his place she had played. She had no idea how he felt about a girl taking his place and an Al Bhed for that matter so she decided it would be best to let Letty introduce himself. Turning to look out over the clear blue water, she waited patiently and watched the dolphins leap out of the water out in the distance.
Several minutes passed before Kenzi started to feel as if she was being watched. She turned her head slowly, her heart racing as her stormy gray-blue eyes met with a pair of smoldering amber ones. Wakka gave her a slow devastating smile and a warm fuzzy feeling started to spread through her, leaving her with an almost overwhelming need to be close to him, as close as they were last night.
As if he could hear her thoughts, Wakka separated himself from the crowd of people and made his way across the sand to where she stood. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his muscular body. Kenzi closed her eyes and smiled, loving the feeling of just being there in his arms.
"You gonna come introduce yourself?" Wakka asked, his low voice close to her ear.
She shivered as his warm breath fanned over her neck. "I..I don't know if I should. I took his place and I have no idea how he feels about the Al Bhed's. I thought I should let him make the first move."
"Considerate, but you got nothin' to worry about. Letty has no problem with Al Bhed's."
Kenzi nodded, staring straight ahead with a thoughtful expression. Suddenly she turned to face him, sliding her hands up his arms, shoulders, neck and then placing one on either side of his face, lightly brushing her thumbs over the short hair of his side burns. "Wakka..what am I to you? I mean...are we...am I-." She could feel the blush heating her cheeks as she stumbled over her words. She had to keep going though. She had to know. "I'm not just...some woman that you slept with, am I?"
Wakka's eyes narrowed in perplexity and for a moment Kenzi thought he was going to yell at her. "Kenzi," he said softly. His arms tightened around her and he rested his forehead against hers, staring deeply into her eyes, trying to read her, maybe even see her emotions for what they truly were. "You know you're more then that to me, ya?" he dropped a light kiss on her nose. "A lot more then that."
Touched by what he said in more ways then she could possibly express through words, Kenzi went up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. He responded immediately, angling his head slightly and running the tip of his tongue over her bottom lip. Kenzi buried her hands in his hair and submitted to the kiss, pressing her body against his and feeling the lust burning white hot within her. Gradually the kiss became less intense and turned slow, almost lazy. With a smile, Kenzi broke the kiss and leaned back in his arms.
"So I'm guessing that kiss meant you understand what I was sayin'," Wakka said with a satisfied grin.
Kenzi toyed with the diamond stud he wore in his left ear and shrugged. "That was kind of a round about answer, don't you think?" she asked with a teasing grin.
Before Wakka could answer the group that had been yards away earlier approached them, all of them wearing knowing smiles. "So Wakka, going to introduce me to your friend?" Letty asked.
Kenzi started to move out of Wakka's embrace but the tall Auroch held her where she was, only dropping one arm and keeping a firm hold on her waist with the other. He smiled at his friends. "Sure Letty. This is Kenzi, the newest addition to the Besaid Aurochs and...my girlfriend."
Kenzi whipped around to face him, her mouth slightly agape in shock. "I'm..your-."
"Good decision capn'. We were startin' to wonder if you were gonna start another one of those kinda/sorta relationships again," Botta said. Rikku, Jassu and Keepa glared at him and he shrugged. "What? Someone had to say it. Besides, capn' knows I'm right."
Wakka nodded in concurrence. Beside him Kenzi was still in a state of disbelief. She had played out so many scenes in her head where he had said those exact words to her but actually hearing him say them..she never thought she would be so lucky.
"Kenzi, you okay?" Rikku asked, pulling the older Al Bhed back into the world of the living.
Kenzi smiled radiantly and stepped forward. "Yeah. Sorry about that. It's nice to meet you Letty," she said to the tall, dark haired man, extending a hand for him to shake.
"Nice to meet you too Kenzi. I hear you're doin' a pretty good job takin' my place." He winked at her and she laughed softly, happy that he wasn't upset about a female Al Bhed being recruited to fill in for him.
"Hope you don't mind."
"Nope. You're helpin' the team win, right? I'd be a little strange if I had a problem with that, ya?"
"Man, you're already strange," Jassu remarked loudly.
As the group laughed, Letty picked up his daughter who was using his leg to pull herself up. He gave Jassu a severe look. "Keep it down man. She's not supposed to know her daddy's strange. What if she starts talkin', huh? That's gonna get back to her mother you know?"
"Speakin' of which, where is Bree?"
"Back in Killika. She's workin' one more week at the Inn for some extra gil and she sent me here to line up a place for us to live. I'm goin' back at the end of the week to help pack and tie up loose ends."
"You need any help, you know you can count on us, ya?" Wakka said.
"Yeah, and it's great havin' you back man," Botta agreed with a sneaky smile as he walked by Letty, only pausing briefly to pat the other mans shoulder before turning to Kenzi. "Hey there legs. How are ya?"
Kenzi gave him a strange look and smiled guardedly. "Fine. Botta, what are you up to?"
"Oh..nothin'." He glanced up, noting with satisfaction that Datto and Keepa had successfully snuck up behind Yuna and Rikku. "I just thought you girls looked a little tired. Maybe they need help wakin' up guys!" he yelled to his partners in crime.
Kenzi glanced over her shoulder to see who Botta had been talking to. Once she was distracted the red headed Auroch lunged forward and grabbed her around the waist, pinning her arms to her sides and lifting her effortlessly. At the same time Keepa seized Yuna and Datto went for Rikku.
"Do it Datto and you're a dead man!" Rikku yelled, laughing.
Yuna and Kenzi struggled for all they were worth against their captors, laughing and trying out loud protests at the same time.
"Tidus! You're supposed to be my guardian!" the usually soft-spoken guardian shouted in feigned outrage.
"Just put your fingers to your lips and whistle honey! I'll come running!" Tidus laughed, knowing full well that her arms were trapped under Keepa's massive ones.
Kenzi kicked furiously, trying to hit Botta's legs and failing. "I swear you are going to regret this buddy! I'm takin' you down with me!!" she shrieked, choking on her laugher. "Wakka! Help!!"
Tidus crossed his arms over his chest and smiled up at the taller man. "You know, we really should do something," he said observantly, cocking his head to the side and watching the three women get dragged closer and closer to the waters edge.
Wakka rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You're right. Hey guys, hold on a sec!" he yelled out to the three men just as their feet entered the water. Datto, Keep and Botta looked up at him, slightly irritated that their plans were about to be trashed.
Wakka walked forward, Jassu and Tidus following close behind him. Each of them went to their women who were more then grateful to see that their saviors had finally showed up to supposedly save them. "You guys can't throw them in," Wakka said, smiling down at Kenzi. He reached forward and his hand closed around the loose knot of her wrap. With a flick of his wrist the knot came undone and the fabric slipped down her legs with a whispered objection, falling in a heap on the sandy beach. Kenzi's mouth dropped open and her gray blue eyes went wide. "There," Wakka said matter- of-factly. "Now you can toss em in."
Two other outraged shrieks pierced the calm silence of the day as Jassu quickly slid Rikku's short off of her kicking legs, leaving her in only her deep gold bikini and Tidus undid Yuna's wrap with an apologetic shrug.
With a triumphant shout, Botta drug Kenzi, kicking and screaming further into the water. "You ready legs?" he asked before hoisting her up and tossing her in.
Kenzi went with a shriek and came up sputtering, murder in his eyes. She pushed soaking wet hair back from her face, spared a quick glare in Botta's direction then ducked back under the surface and went for his leg, closing her fingers tightly around it and giving it a hard yank. The red heads laughing was quickly cut off as he was wrenched roughly into the water. When he came up Kenzi was grinning at him. "I told you I was taking you down with me," she said smugly.
Botta laughed and splashed water at her. "I knew you were going to. I just expected a lot more screamin' before you came after me, ya?"
Several hours later when the sun was high in the sky, Kenzi laid on her side sprawled across her towel, little Sierra dozing peacefully beside her safely shaded by a collection of large ferns that Letty had stuck in the sand. The guys were still in the water, bumping a blitz ball around and talking while the girls relaxed on the beach, soaking up the warm rays of the sun.
Kenzi rolled over onto her back, propping herself up by planting her elbows behind her. Her eyes scanned the group of laughing men, searching for one in particular. Wakka. When she found him, her hungry gaze moved up over his washboard stomach, deeply tanned from years of constant sun exposure, then to his muscular chest and arms, and finally to his smiling face. She drank in his features, loving the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, loving the way his crazy hair stuck straight up and curled back like a untamed feather and defiantly loving the way the water droplets clung to his skin, clarifying his muscles in an erotic way that left her breathless.
"So Kenzi, whatcha thinking about?" Rikku asked, her shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth as she watched the older Al Bhed stare avidly at Wakka.
Yuna glanced up, also amused by the look of naked longing on Kenzi's face. "Oh, something tells me we don't want to know the answer to that one Rikku," she mused softly.
"I already know. She's thinking about Wakka." Rikku laughed and flipped onto her side, propping herself up on her shoulder and resting her chin in the palm of her hand. She tilted her head to the side, noticing that Kenzi was not paying attention at all to what they were saying. And idea forming in her mind she leaned towards the dazed blonde and whispered, "He's pretty cute huh?"
Without even thinking, Kenzi sighed dreamily and smiled. "Yes. He's gorgeous."
Suppressing her giggles, Rikku went on. "So how long have you loved him?" she asked, careful to keep her voice to a minimal whisper.
"Since the moment I laid eyes on him when I was sixteen."
Rikku's sparkling green eyes widened in shock and she turned to Yuna who merely confirmed Kenzi's breathy response with a nod of her head then, smiling deviously, joined in on Rikku's little game. "So you two have slept together then right?"
Finally realizing what was going out, Kenzi snapped out of her daze and whipped around to face her two friends. "You tricked me!"
"It's your own fault!" Rikku cried, laughing. "You were so intent on staring at Wakka it was almost too easy. But really," she continued, quickly sobering. "You did sleep with Wakka right? Not that I've ever thought about it because I haven't...but what was it like?"
Kenzi shot a look out to the water where the guys were still stuck in their own made up game to make sure they were all out of ear shot, then once again turned to Yuna and Rikku, a slow smile spreading across her face. "It was wonderful. I've never experienced anything like it in my life. He was so passionate and so..so gentle. When he kissed me it was like my entire world just spun out of control. And when he ran his hands over my body all I could feel was this amazing burning feeling. I-." Her voice cut off as she realized just far she had gone into detail and her cheeks began to heat with mortification.
Yuna and Rikku were both watching her fixedly, their mouths slightly agape. "Wow," Yuna said breathlessly, suddenly overcome with a desperate need to be alone with Tidus.
Rikku quickly nodded. "No kidding. I had no idea the guy even had it in him."
Kenzi didn't know how to respond to that. On one hand she was beyond humiliated that she had just spoken so candidly of what her and Wakka had shared, but on the other she was immensely please to know that she had put the Rikku and Yuna's view on the handsome Auroch captain in an entirely different light.
The sound of splashing caught her attention and he looked up, her heart catching as warm pleasure rushed through her. Wakka strode purposefully out of the water, a faint smile curing his lips and his amber eyes fixed on her. As he approached Kenzi smiled and place a finger over her lips, nodding to the napping Sierra. "What's up?" she asked quietly, the gleam in his eye causing her to feel suspicious.
He shook his head and held out a hand for her to take. Casting a quick look, bewildered look at the other two women who only offered her helpless shrugs, Kenzi took Wakka's offered hand and he pulled her up. "Yuna, Rikku," he said in means of a greeting as he slid his arm around Kenzi's waist and started to lead her across the beach.
"Where are we going?" Kenzi asked, curiosity eating away at her.
"You'll see."
They came up on a group of trees that lined the beach. At least what Kenzi thought their main purpose was. Wakka pulled thick fern branches back, revealing a small but unmistakable path. She gave the tall man an apprehensive look and he chuckled softly, rolling his eyes as he lightly pushed her ahead of him. Further down the path the foliage started to dissipate until it completely fell away to reveal a clear, sparkling inlet of ocean water. Trees, ferns and exotic flowers of deep violets and vibrant yellows lined the small cove, closing it off entirely to the rest of the world. The pool was not deep. Maybe four or five feet Kenzi guessed. She could easily see to the sandy bottom strewn with rocks.
"This is so beautiful," she whispered, entranced by the unique splendor of the secluded area. "Wakka, why did you bring-." She was immediately cut off when Wakka spun her around to face him, silencing her with his lips.
Startled only momentarily, Kenzi quickly relaxed and sagged against him with a plaintive whimper, wrapping her arms around his strong neck and drinking in his raw, masculine taste as if she had been dying of thirst.
Wakka pulled back, breathing heavily as he stared down into Kenzi's flushed face. "The guys tricked me into letting them come over to our place later tonight."
"Our place?" Kenzi asked softly, interrupting him. A bright smile curved her lips.
He smiled sheepishly, his cheeks coloring. "Yeah. Our place. But since they're comin' over I decided I'd better get some time alone with you while I still can, ya?"
"So you brought me here to seduce me," she said, smiling up at him through her lashes.
"Somethin' like that."
"You...are evil," she purred, raising up on her tiptoes and pressing feather light kisses to his lips.
"Not evil," Wakka said, tightening his arms around Kenzi and drawing her slim body up against his own. "Just selfish."
"To spend time alone with me?"
"Uh-huh."
"And seduce me?"
"Yup."
"Well then get to it!"
Wakka laughed at the words of his demanding nymph and lifted her, his knees almost giving out when her long legs circled his waist at the same time her lips claimed his in a heated kiss.
*~*~LEMON~*~*
Slowly he walked them into the pond. He knew exactly where he was going. He'd spent hours in this spot, sitting, thinking, swimming in lazy circles, valuing what little time he had to himself. Just as Yuna had her own place to get away, he had his. Practically the entire population of Besaid had one. By memory alone he found what he was looking for, a large rock that broke the surface, its hard granite face raising barley an inch above the water. He twisted around, resting his back on it and making sure to adjust Kenzi's legs to that they didn't scrape up against the large stone.
His hands moved restlessly over her back, sliding over the slick skin and driving his need for her to an almost painful state. She only made it worse by pressing her hips intimately against his own, moaning as she slid her fingers through his hair. Her tongue caressed his lower lip, followed by her teeth as she gently suckled it. Wakka groaned, twining his fingers in the strings of her bikini top and giving it a vicious yank. He tossed the flimsy top aside, not giving a damn where it landed as long as it got out of his way. Next he pulled her hair free of its restraints. The silken strands fell free, brushing against the arm he had circled around her.
Breaking the kiss, Wakka moved to her neck. She cried out softly, dropping her head back and allowing him more of her tender, sensitive flesh. He devoured it, starving for the sweet taste of her skin. His sharp teeth grazed the column of her neck and she moaned as she dug her fingers into his hair, guiding him. Her leg came up, wrapping sensuously around his, bringing their bodies closer together. She pressed her hips intimately against him, showing him without words what she wanted and he was more then willing to comply.
Wakka tightened the strong arm around her waist and turned her around, sitting her on the rock. He backed away wanting to see her, wanting to memorize every tantalizing curve of her body until it was burned into his mind. She watched him, gray eyes clouded with passion, her full sweet lips slightly parted. "Wakka-," she murmured, a small plea evident in her voice.
"I've never seen somethin' this beautiful before," was his husky reply, instantly bringing a blush of pleasure to her high cheekbones. He moved back to her and smiled wickedly. Reaching a hand out he curved it around her and slowly started to pull her into a lying position on the rock, trailing hot kisses over her skin, tenderly laving each breast in turn and suckling the nipple into a taut peek beneath his questing lips. His lips traveled down as he lowered her further and further onto the rocks rough surface. He ran the tip of his tongue over the tight muscles of her stomach, smiling when he heard her sigh.
When he reached the waistband of her bikini he stopped. Ever so lightly he brushed his fingers from the back of her calves up over her thighs and slipped them under the string waistband of her bikini, pulling it free and tossing it too aside, it's destination unknown. The last barrier had been removed and now there was nothing to stop him. He lowered his head, kissing her intimately, his boldness growing when he heard the startled gasp that left her lips. He licked her lovingly; using his teeth to draw forth fevered cries from the blond that lie captive to his ministrations. She moved beneath him, her hips bucking when he grazed certain spots that were highly sensitive, her hand gripping his where they rested on her slim hips. When he felt her muscles start to tighten he moved away and kissed his way back up, pulling her limp body into his arms and hugging her.
He was opening his mouth to say something when Kenzi's hand nimbly removed his shorts and then moved back up, closing around him. Every rational though flew from his mind. He leaned heavily against her as she moved her hand gently up and down his length, slowly at first then increasing the speed and pressure until his arousal became almost painful. With a half moan have growl he moved a hand in between her legs, brushing his fingers against her slick heat. He parted her gently, lifting her lithe body at the same time and entering her in one, swift thrust.
Kenzi cried out his name, her head falling back. For a moment she was still, stretching to accommodate him as Wakka ground his teeth together, forcing himself not to move. Then she lifted her head. Her hungry gaze met his and held, stormy gray clashing with golden brown. Her arms tightened around his neck and together they began to move, as if they were one and fully understood each other's bodies. But maybe they did. Maybe two souls that had been searching a lifetime had finally found one another. Whatever it was, it was powerful on a level neither of them fully understood yet.
Kenzi wrapped her legs tightly around Wakka's waist, kissing him deeply and swallowing his rough groans of passion. They moved faster, desperate for something more, something almost within their grasp. Wakka hastily but gently lay Kenzi back down onto rock. The change was different, catching Kenzi off guard and she screamed from the absolute sensuality of the feelings consuming her. Wakka's hand griped her waist and with one hard thrust the tension building inside of Kenzi exploded. Her climax took her swiftly leaving her to float back down to earth but when she finally reached it, laying sated in the hot afternoon sun she still felt a need for something more. Inspiration guided her and she tightened her legs around Wakka, yanking him hard against her. With a hoarse cry he joined her in her ecstasy, his seed filling her womb as he collapsed against her, his head landing in the valley of her firm breasts.
*~*~END OF LEMON~*~*
Wakka listened to the unsteady beating of Kenzi's heart, patiently waiting for his own breathing to return to normal. Kenzi shifted beneath him. She hummed softly, a soothing, pleasure filled sound and he lifted his head to look at her, smiling as she stretched her arms above her head. Then she lowered them, one hand resting on the back of his head while the other alighted just above his shoulder blade. Resting his head back on her chest, he closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her delicate fingers moving lightly over his scalp and neck.
"Wakka?" she questioned softly. When he didn't answer she shook him lightly. "Wakka..hun, you alive?"
"Hmm," was all he was able to manage. He was far too relaxed to even form a coherent thought, let alone speak.
"I hate to ruin the mood but I'm just starting to realize how uncomfortable this rock is."
Wakka immediately straightened; slightly embarrassed that he hadn't thought about how the hard granite surface would dig into her back. "Sorry about that," he said, helping her sit up.
She smiled up at him, her gray blue eyes sparkling with pleasure and something else. Something he couldn't identify but knew he had seen it before. Where though? "Don't be sorry. I really didn't notice at all while we were-." Her voice trailed off and bright pink stained her high cheekbones.
Wakka grinned, pulling her into a loose embrace and kissing the top of her head. "New problem," he murmured softly after a while, brushing his fingers through her unbound hair.
"What?" Kenzi asked on a yawn.
"Clothes."
The long legged Al Bhed pulled back and smirked at him, playfully smacking his arm. "And whose fault is that?"
"Hey, I didn't loose all of 'em." He laughed as he grabbed her leg and lifted it above the water, revealing the blue and purple bikini bottoms dangling precariously from her foot.
Her light laughter joined his and they quickly gathered the remaining clothes that had been tossed aside in the heat of the moment, dressed, and then waded to the bank. Wakka sat down on the sandy stretch of land, pulling Kenzi down and settling her much smaller body in his lap.
They sat in silence for a while, Wakka with his arms wrapped loosely around Kenzi while she sat with her head resting on his broad shoulder. She snuggled further into his protective embrace, listening to the singing of the tropical birds and the gentle swish leaves as the wind passed through them. "Wakka," she said, after several minutes had passed.
"Yeah?"
"Why do you hate the Al Bhed?"
Her question took him by surprise. It was the last thing he expected to hear her ask, especially at that moment. He released a weary sigh, taking one of her hands in his. "I don't hate 'em. Not all of them."
"Not me you mean. But you did," she said softly.
Wakka shook his head. "I never hated you, Kenzi. I was just mad at you. You join the team, you're an Al Bhed, and you're cute as hell. I get around you and what I've always believed..I'm not so sure of anymore."
"Oh," Kenzi murmured.
"You're the first person to come along and make me think...maybe I was wrong, you know?"
"SO whatever happened that made you feel that way in the first place?" she asked, her curiosity still not appeased. This was something she felt they had to get past, something she felt he needed closure on so that he could live his life and be truly happy.
Wakka was silent for a moment then finally he spoke in a low voice full of pain that made Kenzi's heart ache. "When Sin came back the last time my brother, Chappu, he decided to join up with the crusaders. Didn't really know what to say at the time, you know? I was upset 'cuz I didn't want him goin' to fight Sin. He was the only real family I had. I told him what I thought after we had finished a game in Luca. We argued, but he went anyway.
I..I gave him a gift before he left, somethin' to show him I was sorry and that I was okay with him goin' off to fight Sin. It was a sword. He didn't take it with him though. He used Al Bhed machina instead...and was killed. I guess I placed a lot of blame on the Al Bhed for his death. If they wouldn't have come along..maybe he'd still be alive." Wakka fell silent and waited for a reaction or a lecture on his narrow-minded views, but none came. Kenzi remained silent, staring out at the water with a peaceful expression. "Not gonna say anything?"
She turned to face him. "Should I?"
"I just figured you'd start tellin' me I was wrong to think like that."
Kenzi's brows lowered thoughtfully. She once again turned her gaze to the tranquil waters. Something about the way she did it just as she had done on the ship the other night and on the beach hours ago made him think. What was it about the clear blue expanse of sea that always seemed to calm her? It was almost as if she depended on it for something, but what?
"Its not my place or anyone elses to tell you what to think or how to feel. Everyone was born with the right to have their own thoughts, their own beliefs. They're a big part of what makes you who you are. I would never want to change who you are Wakka. Besides," She shrugged and looked up at him, "I can understand how you feel. I've..never said this to anyone but...I blamed us too. I blamed us, I blamed Sin. I was so confused that I didn't even know what was right anymore. Everything was so crazy and every time I attempted to think about it I would always think the same thing. Us Al Bhed were so determined to beat Sin and so set in our ways of doing it...by using forbidden machina. Maybe...maybe we just made it worse." She hung her head, feeling ashamed for giving voice to the thoughts that had remained hidden for so long. "I'm horrible for thinking such things. I know."
"Hey now," Wakka murmured, hugging her close. "Don't say that. Weren't you the one just talkin' about how everyone has a right to their own thoughts? Just because you thought somethin' like that doesn't make you horrible. You were scared. People think things they usually don't when they're scared."
"Yeah, you're right," Kenzi agreed reluctantly.
"So," he said after a while, looking to change the subject. "You asked me a question. Mind if I ask you one?"
"Go for it."
"What's with you and the sea?"
Kenzi cocked her head to the side giving him an odd look. "Me and water?"
"Yeah. Maybe I'm just imagining things but it seems to me like whenever you're upset about somethin' or confused you always look out at the water," Wakka tried to explain, hoping that he didn't' sound as if he had completely lost his mind.
The blond Al Bhed's eyes widened slightly and a faint smiled played at the corners of her mouth. "You...actually noticed that?"
He nodded and she felt her cheeks grow warm. He had been that aware of her actions? She couldn't help but feel pleased and yet a little apprehensive. She never thought anyone would notice that little quirk or even pay that close attention to the little things she did. But Wakka had...and now she owed him an explanation.
Captured as always by the whisper of the waves as they washed onto the shore, Kenzi gazed at the coves surface and searched deep inside of herself for a moment that lay buried but not at all forgotten. "We were in Killika, me and my family. We were visiting friends. While my parents were talking and my brother was off playing with his friends, I went inot the woods just to look around and pick some flowers that I thought my mom would like. That's when..Sin came. I..I could hear the screaming and I ran back. When I reached the edge of the woods it was already over. I searched for my family even though I already knew they were gone. I didn't know what else to do. But then she came."
"Who?" Wakka asked, lost in Kenzi's story.
"Yuna. She walked off a ship surrounded by her guardians. The only one I recognized at the time was you." Kenzi's gray-blue eyes took on a far off detached look. It was as if she was mentally going back to that place and that time, reliving a moment that had had a deep impact on her life. "I've heard one of the villagers talking, saying that Lady Yuna was going to perform the sending. I had never actually seen one before. So I hid behind a post on the dock and watched. When Yuna started dancing...I remember thinking how beautiful her dance was. But it was also sad and haunting. It was one of those things that you never forget. There was one thing though, that amazed me even more then her dance. It was the pyerflies moving under the water. I knew they were spirits of the dead. Of my Mother, father..and my brother but all I could think was how happy and peaceful they looked. Suddenly all the sadness and pain went away and this feeling swept through me. A feeling of peace and certainty. Even though they were gone...I knew they were happy. Ever since that moment whenever I feel scared or upset or even lonely I just look out at the water and start to feel calm again."
When she finished speaking Kenzi dropped her head, shaking it back and forth with a slight smile. "Such naïve thoughts. But they were the only things that kept me sane."
"Then you go out with me," Wakka muttered, lightening the mood. "Thought you wanted to be sane?"
Laughing, Kenzi turned to face him and threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?"
Kenzi pulled back and gazed into gorgeous amber eyes, feeling tenderness swell in her heart. "For making me laugh." She lifted her shoulder in a tiny shrug and gave him a shy smile. "For making me happy."
"I do what I can, ya?" the tall Auroch said with a lopsided grin. He leaned forward, brushing the tip of his nose against hers. "We should get back."
Kenzi placed a feather soft kiss on his lips and smiled. "Yeah, we should." She gave him one last, lingering kiss then pushed herself out of his lap and stood, brushing clinging granules of sand from her long legs. She held out a hand for Wakka and he took it, laughing as she jokingly struggled to pull him to his feet. Hand in hand they walked slowly back to the beach, content to walk in silence.
When they reached the end of the path Wakka pulled back the branches of the trees on either side of the worn path allowing Kenzi to go first. She stepped out onto the hot sand, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight. She took several steps then came to a dead stop, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a gasp. Not paying attention, Wakka ran into her almost knocking her over. Wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her, he looked up and groaned.
Sitting in a curved line no more then ten feet away, wide grins wreathing their faces, were the Aurochs and their girlfriends. The wild applause started immediately, punctuated by cat calls and loud cheering.
Kenzi's face was beat red. She could feel that, but there wasn't much she could do about it. Her only options now were to hide behind Wakka, which she was sorely tempted to do, or just brush it off. The second one was obviously what she had to do so she mustered up her most brilliant smile, swallowed her embarrassment and took a bow. "I can only assume that this idea belonged to he with no sex life?" she drawled sarcastically, straightening and turning her pointed gaze on Botta. The others laughed and Kenzi crossed her arms over her chest. "Haven't you messed with me enough today?"
Botta held up his hands in front of him, still grinning. "I do it outta love Legs!"
Kenzi rolled her eyes and leaned against Wakka. "Yeah. I'm sure that's what it is." She tilted her head back, meeting Wakka's laughing eyes. "What do you say to that Capn'?"
Wakka rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I say..paybacks a bitch."
Botta saw the immediate change in their expressions and he knew he was in trouble. He jumped up and started running just as the two came at him but his head start wasn't enough and second later two bodies slammed into him, taking him down into the sand. There was a brief struggle, ending with Botta laying on his back, Wakka sitting by his head with the younger Auroch's arms pinned to the earth and Kenzi perched proudly on top of him, straddling his waist. The first thought to cross Botta's mind was "thank god I only think of her as a sister or I'd be screwed," the second, "what the hell is she thinking?!"
"So...Botta," Kenzi said sweetly, leaning down. "You remember what you told me the other night? When we all had a bit too much to drink?"
"No Kenzi!" Botta yelped, his eyes going wide.
"It's only fair."
Her hands hovered over his bare stomach as he began to squirm, trying to pull his arms free from Wakka's grip but knowing it was pointless. The man was much stronger then people gave him credit for. He quickly switched tactics. "Come on Legs," he said, giving her his most charming smile. "You can do better then this. That beautiful mind of yours can think of somethin' more devious, can't it?"
Kenzi shook her head. "Using your charm on me? You know that wont work." She smiled and pressed the tips of her fingers ever so gently to his stomach, laughing when he jumped. "Ya ready?"
"Come on Kenzi. Please don't!" he tried one last time. "You said you wouldn't use this against me!"
"I never said that. Nice try though." She curved her fingers around his sides and begin tickling him mercilessly, not giving in to his laughing yelps of denial until tears of mirth collected in the corner of her blue eyes. Satisfied that he had finally learned his lesson, he hopped off of him and stood, crossing her arms over her chest as she grinned smugly.
Releasing his hold on Botta's arms, Wakka joined Kenzi, shaking his head back and forth and laughing as he watched the younger man try to catch his breath. "How ya feelin?"
"You...guys...suck."
Kenzi and Wakka only laughed harder, reaching down to help Botta up. They joined the rest of their friends who had taken to the water for an improvised game of Blitzball. The game lasted well into the afternoon. When the time came to head back to the village for the final celebration feast, the group slowly made their way up the winding path, talking amicably and paying little attention to the dark clouds gathering in the distance.
A roaring bonfire had already been started, this one greatly out shining the previous ones that had been lit over the week. People crowded around table full of food, the pleasant sound of their laughter and chatter carrying to the group as they slowly approached.
Kenzi and Wakka were the first in line for food and the tall Auroch earned himself quite a few light hearted remarks when he grabbed a plate for himself and Kenzi, helping the Al Bhed dish up. For the most part he ignored them. Doing such a small thing for Kenzi made him feel like he was a better man and it filled him with a warm sensation he had never felt before. It felt like his heart was going to burst with happiness. His palms were slightly sweaty, every few seconds a nervous flutter would make itself known and he couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from the beautiful woman at his side. Was he..in love with her? Wakka quickly shook off the thought. It was much to early in the relationship for things like that. Instead, he watched Kenzi as she picked out food for both of them and placed it on the plates he was holding, noticing with pleased interest that she had filled his plate with all of his favorite foods.
Once all of them had gone through the line, the Aurochs, including Yuna and Rikku, sat on one of the large blankets that had been scattered around the bon fire. It was the farthest from the blazing heat of the flames offering them only a small amount of comfort from the dense heat that had moved over the island like a thick blanket.
"Why did it get so hot?" Kenzi asked to no one in particular, pulling a section free from the orange she had peeled and popping it into her mouth.
"Not sure. It doesn't feel right though," Jassu murmured. He finished his food and set his plate down in the middle of the blankets where a stack of already empty ones had started to form. "Too calm. Kinda feels like-."
"A st-storm!" Rikku finished for him in a wavering voice, pointing her trembling finger towards the heavens. Everyone looked up. The dark clouds that had been gathering in the distance earlier were now right over their heads, churning silently. Red hues from the sinking sun turned the clouds' edges an angry scarlet color.
"That doesn't look good, ya?" Wakka muttered.
A second later lighting split the sky and chaos broke loose. A clap of thunder shook the earth, accompanying by Rikku's terrified shriek as she dove into Jassu's arms. Then came the rain, pouring down in heavy sheets and soaking the sand covered earth. People scrambled to their feet and ran for the safety of their huts shrieking and laughing, attempting to block the rain with empty plates and blankets.
"Back to our place guys!" Wakka shouted over another crack of thunder. He looked at Jassu who wore an expression of bewilderment as he stared at Rikku cowering against him. The wild haired captain shook his head. "Pick her up Jassu. That's the only way you're gettin' her off the ground," he yelled, pulling a laughing Kenzi to his side and following the rest of his teammates back to his large hut. Once there he pulled back the heavy cloth door for her and went in after the leggy blonde.
Tidus and Yuna were sitting on the bed he never used, playfully fighting over a towel while Datto, Botta and Keepa passed around another towel, sitting in a small circle between the two beds. "You go sit down. I'll grab a towel," he said softly to Kenzi, giving her a light push in the direction of his bed. She threw him a shy smile over her shoulder and went to sit down.
Lightning lit the room and the door flapped open once more. "Someone mind tellin' me what the hell is wrong with her?!" Jassu yelped, stomping in and placing Rikku's shaking body on the floor.
"She's afraid of lightning," Yuna offered, watching as the young Al Bhed started crawling around the floor in wild circles.
Tidus feigned terror and pushed himself back towards the wall. "Wakka! She's doing it again!"
"Whadaya expect me to do? Jassu's her man, not me!" Wakka exclaimed, veering around Rikku and sitting down next to Kenzi on his bed.
Jassu watched helplessly as Rikku skidded to a halt and abruptly sat up. Green eyes wide with fright, she clasped her hands tightly in front of her and hunched her shoulders, laughing. It was an even, staccato sound, devoid of actual humor.
"Jassu, do somethin' man," Datto yelped, staring wide eyed at the terrified Al Bhed. "You're girlfriends goin' insane."
The bleach blond Auroch squared his shoulders. "Fine. Since the rest of you are about as yellow as a chocabo..." He continued to mutter as he grabbed Rikku's arms and hauled her gently off the carpeted ground. She stared at him with unseeing eyes, whispering disjointedly. "That's it woman." Jassu bent his head and captured her lips in a heated kiss. Rikku's eyes, if possible widened further and she gasped, unintentionally allowing Jassu to deepen the kiss. Her lids fluttered shut and with a sigh she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"Damn," Tidus remarked over Botta's shrill whistling. "Why didn't we ever think of that?" He quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding Yuna's tiny fist as it came flying at him.
"Maybe cuz none of us felt that way about her," Wakka suggested.
"Yeah, but Kimahri could have taken one for the team."
Rikku broke away from Jassu and whipped around to face Tidus. "Kimahri?!" She shrieked, launching herself at Tidus, her fingers curled like claws.
"Way to go man!" Jassu laughed, watching his girlfriend tackle Tidus, accidentally catching Yuna and dragging her into the brawl. "She's your problem now!"
From the bed Tidus, Yuna and Rikku tumbled to the floor, unintentionally adding more opponents to their little wrestling match. Botta and Datto eagerly joined in, pulling a reluctant Keepa with them.
Jassu watched for a moment before shaking his head and lifting his shoulders in a careless shrug. "Aw man," he muttered, diving into the mass of tangled bodies.
"Their going to kill each other," Kenzi said, her voice bubbling with suppressed laughter.
Wakka turned to her. "You want in on that, don't you?"
Returning his smile, Kenzi nodded. "You know it!"
They threw themselves into the fray with enthusiasm, fighting for victory even though no one was really sure of who they were fighting to beat.
"Ack! Someone's still soaked!"
"Datto get your foot the hell outta my face!"
"I can't believe you'd even think that I would make out with Kimahri!!"
Somewhere between the laughing insults and the shouting Kenzi was gently kicked aside. She rolled to a stop on the floor, the air leaving her lungs in a sudden whoosh when a massive amount of weight collapsed on top of her. "Oh jeez.."
"Sorry 'bout that."
She looked up, immediately lost in the smoldering amber depths of Wakka's eyes. Drawing in a trembling breath she smiled. "If it were anyone else I might be mad, but in your case I think I can make an exception."
"Really," Wakka drawled slowly, a sinful smirk curving his lips. "What kind of exception."
Winding her arms around his neck she pulled him down. "The kind where you kiss me and I'll forget to yell at ya for knockin' the wind out of me."
The wild haired Auroch appeared to think about it for a moment, screwing his face up in an expression of serious consideration. "Hmm..."
Kenzi quickly grew bored with waiting and pulled him the rest of the way down, slanting her lips across his. He responded quickly, wrapping his arm around her waist and crushing her body to his. Kenzi lifted one long leg, wrapping it around his leg and moving it slowly up in down in a sensual motion that caused him to groan.
"For the love of Spira you two! Can't you just keep yer dang hands off each other for a minute?!" Jassu exclaimed flippantly.
Datto rubbed the back of his head, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the fact that it looked as if his Captain was about to tear Kenzi's top off. "I think they might be rethinkin' their decision to let us stay the night," he muttered.
"No!" Kenzi said, the sound coming out muffled from Wakka's lips against hers. With a giggle, she pushed him off and scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and pleasure. "No, we want you to stay. That's why Wakka invited you guys here."
"Yeah guys, besides...it's not my fault if she can't control herself, ya?"
Kenzi shot him a look and he quickly backed away from her, holding his hands up defensively in front of him. "Sorry! Couldn't resist. So, who all's stayin?"
Everyone decided to stay, Tidus and Yuna in one bed, Jassu and Rikku on the floor a good ways away from Botta, Datto and Keepa, and Kenzi curled up beside Wakka in his own bed, snuggling under the covers to get close to him. They group talked quietly, mostly about things that didn't matter, telling hilarious childhood stories while carefully skipping over anything involving Sin. Botta even went as far as to make up an elaborate ghost story that, even though no one would admit it, had effectively scared everyone.
Finally they all started to drift off to sleep and Wakka turned out his bedside lamp, throwing the hut into darkness. Thunder rolled softly in the distance. Rain still fell steadily, drumming against the resilient fabric of the large hut. Kenzi laid in the protective enclosure of Wakka's arms, smiling as she listened to the sounds of Mother Nature. It was so serene, so beautiful...like the man who she was laying beside. Wakka...god, how she loved him. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have him in the ways she had only dreamed of before. What had she ever done to deserve such a thing? Oh well, it didn't matter. She was happy with what she had and she was incredibly happy that the evil thing resting inside of her had seemed to retreat for the moment. Maybe it was gone. She could only hope. "Wakka..." she whispered softly.
His arm tightened around her and she felt his lips brush softly against the column of her neck. "Yeah?"
"I..." She paused. She knew better then to say such things. She was so happy now. For all she knew admitting her feelings could ruin everything.
"What is it Kenzi?" he asked.
"Nothing. Goodnight Wakka."
Disclaimer: I don't own a damn thing!! Lol
One Last Day of Celebration
Whistling softly to himself, a towel tucked under his muscular arm, Botta crossed the village to wake Kenzi up so they could all go swimming like they had agreed on the previous day. He didn't bother calling out a warning. He knew her too well. She slept through pretty much anything. Pushing the cloth door open he walked in and took a deep breath, ready to yell but immediately stopped when he saw the leggy Al Bhed curled up in the arms of Wakka. "No way," he breathed, a huge smile splitting his face.
He silently backed out of the hut and looked around almost frantically for any of his other teammates. As if on cue, Datto and Keepa ambled slowly out of a near by hut. Botta put his fingers to his lips and whistled loudly, motioning for them to come over after their heads had snapped up in his direction. They crossed the ground at a tired jog, smiling when they reached him. "Hey, what's goin' on?" Datto asked. "Kenzi up yet?"
Botta shook his head. "Nope, but you gotta see this." Once again he pushed the cloth door aside, leading the two into the hut. As soon ad Datto caught a glimpse of Wakka and Kenzi he burst out laughing.
Keepa scratched the back of his head, blushing slightly. "Bout damn time these two figured things out," he muttered, elbowing Botta.
Datto's laughter pulled Wakka from his sleep and the muscular red head slowly opened his eye, doing a double take when he saw Datto, Botta and Keepa gathered around the bed. "What the-."
"Now is it what it looks like?" Botta asked, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
As if things couldn't get any worse for poor Wakka the door opened yet again and Jassu stumbled in, yawning and stretching his arms above his head. "Hey guys. Need help wakin' her-." His voice trailed off and his eyes went wide as he stared down at Wakka and the blond female still fast asleep in his arms. "Way to go capn'!!" he exclaimed proudly, giving Wakka a thumbs up.
Kenzi finally started to stir. She muttered something incoherently and turned in Wakka's arms. "Mmm, what do you say we try what we did last night again?" She asked softly.
Immediately the group of spectators broke out into fits of laughter. Wakka shook his head, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Kenzi, time to wake up," he muttered, giving her a gentle shake. Her lids drifted open to reveal her gorgeous gray blue eyes. The smile on her face gradually started to disappear and she whipped around, confirming that she had not just been hearing voices. "Oh no." she muttered, burying her head against Wakka's chest. "Please tell me this is not happening."
"Oh it's happenin' alright!" Jassu exclaimed, still laughing. "This time you two really are busted!"
Wakka smiled, giving his friends a pleading look and motioning to the opening of the hut with a jerk of his head.
"We get the point," Botta said, backing towards out with Keepa and Datto behind him.
The last to leave was Jassu. He turned back to Wakka, shaking his head at Kenzi who was still trying to hide herself. "So you comin' with us then?"
"Where?" Wakka asked, stifling a yawn.
"Swimmin'. We kinda decided to do somethin'...you know, just the team. We're gonna hang out on the beach until later tonight when everything starts up again."
"Sure. We'll be down in a bit, ya?"
Jassu grinned. "Oh, take your time," he muttered suggestively.
Wakka shot him a slightly hostile look and the blond Auroch quickly left, the sound of his laughter following him.
A smile quickly replacing his scowl, the red haired captain looked down at the top of Kenzi's head. He could defiantly get used to waking up with her warm, supple body next to his. The fact that she was completely into cuddling had been a very pleasant surprise and yet another thing he hadn't expected from her. He'd never really...cuddled with a woman before but he was defiantly starting to like it. "Hey Kenzi," he called softly, feeling regretful that he had to end their time alone together so quickly. "You fall asleep?"
Kenzi shook her head, still keeping it pressed against his chest. "That was so embarrassing," came her muffled voice. "They all heard what I said, didn't they?"
"Yeah," Wakka answered, laughing when she groaned loudly. Several minutes passed and finally she raised her head to look at him. Her cheeks still glowed an adorable shade of pink and her disheveled hair hung over dark gray-blue eyes. Suddenly she smiled, an amazing smile that lit up the room and stole his breath. "You're still here."
He nodded. It was all he was really capable of doing.
"I thought I was just dreaming again," she murmured, her fingers playing lightly over his side and back.
Wakka pulled her close, wrapping his arms tightly around her slim waits and deeply inhaling her unique scent. Rain and wild flowers. He'd never smelled anything so intoxicating before. "Maybe we should just stay in bed all day," he suggested sleepily.
Kenzi giggled, not making any effort to pull free of his hold. "Wakka, I promised the guys I'd go swimming and hang out with them today. And you're the one who told Jassu we'd be there in a bit."
Grumbling, Wakka gave in but only after making Kenzi promise to stay with him instead of sleeping at the Inn, which she had, of course, happily agreed to. They got out of bed and quickly got dressed, Wakka opting for the blue shorts he usually wore under his blitzball uniform and his sandals while Kenzi slipped into a dark blue bikini with deep purple swirls that tied around her neck and back. She wrapped a length of thin, sheer blue and purple fabric low around her waist and tied it in a loose knot at her hip. Leaving her feet bare, she pulled her hair up in a messy ponytail and grabbed Wakka's thick blue headband off the dresser.
"Ready?" She asked, walking up to him. She reached up and slipped the headband over his wild hair then pulled it down over his eyes, laughing softly and raising on her tiptoes to press an affectionate kiss to his scruffy chin.
Wakka pulled the band back up, making a big show out of adjusting it. When he was done he looked at her thoughtfully. "I'm missin' somethin'."
"What?"
The tall redhead thought for a moment, scratching the back of his head. "Oh yeah!" he said, giving Kenzi a lop sided grin and pulling her into his strong arms. He stared down into her eyes for only a brief second but it was enough for the blonde Al Bhed to become light headed. 'Will it always be like this? Will I always feel so deliciously weightless when he holds me so close?' she wondered as his lips came down on hers, gently coaxing, teasing until she opened for him with a sigh of surrender, deepening the kiss. His hand moved slowly up her arm, pausing to rub her shoulder, easing away whatever tenseness remained from sleep and then moving up to her neck, angling her head slightly for a deeper kiss.
When the kiss ended Wakka rested his forehead on Kenzi's and smiled. "Now we can go," he said, his voice a bit shaky.
Kenzi nodded still feeling dazed from the drugging effect of his kiss. "Yeah...okay, let's go."
They grabbed two towels, Kenzi pulled her sunglasses out of her bag and together they left the cozy hut to greet the beautiful day. The bright cerulean sky was free of clouds and a diminutive breeze swept across the island, just cool enough to ward of the unbearable heat and make the temperature comfortable.
As soon as Kenzi's bare feet hit the hot sandy pavement she knew that not grabbing her sandals had been a mistake. She sucked in a breath and started hoping from one foot to the other, looking for anywhere else to walk.
Wakka laughed at her comical expression of panic. "Shoulda grabbed some shoes," he said, scooping her up in his strong arms and cradling her body against his.
Kenzi smiled brightly and rested her head on his shoulder. "Nah. This was all part of my plan. I'm devious like that."
Falling into a comfortable silence they made their way across the village. As they walked by Lulu's hut, the hut that Wakka had left in anger the previous night, the dark mage stepped out, her eyes immediately narrowing when they took in the sight of Wakka and Kenzi together. Kenzi's own eyes went wide and she swallowed hard, unconsciously tightening her hold on Wakka's neck.
The tall man only spared his friend and ex lover an indifferent glance, nothing more, and continued to cross the village.
Once out of her view Kenzi slowly released the breath she was holding and relaxed. "That was..uncomfortable," she muttered under her breath, once again resting her head on Wakka's broad shoulder.
Wakka smiled wearily and dropped a light kiss on her forehead. "Yeah, it was a little uncomfortable. But seriously, how many drinks did you have last night? I don't know if I can hold....much...longer..." Wakka swayed from side to side pretending he was struggling with the load in his arms and Kenzi laughed. The tension was successfully broken.
"You're such a smart ass," Kenzi muttered laughingly, rolling her eyes.
Wakka smiled down at the beautiful burden he was carrying. "Yeah, but you like it."
Kenzi's only replay to that was a secretive smile. If only he knew exactly how much she liked about him, how deep her feelings for him truly went and how long she had harbored them. 'Not now Kenz,' she told herself firmly, 'be happy with what you have at this moment and don't push your luck.'
Lifting he head she saw Tidus and Yuna walking hand in hand towards the path that lead to the beach where blitzball practice was normally held. They were dressed much the same way as Wakka and Kenzi, Tidus wearing a pair of baggy dark gray shorts and Yuna dressed in a tasteful black bikini with a long magenta and purple wrap.
Not thinking about the fact that Tidus and Yuna knew nothing of the events from the previous night or of the relationship that had formed between herself and Wakka, Kenzi waved tot hem. "Hey guys!" she called cheerfully.
The younger couple turned at the sound of the Al Bhed's voice and their jaws dropped. Yuna was the first to recover, snapping her mouth shut and giving them a pleased smile. "Hello," she said back as she gently nudged Tidus in the arm with her elbow. "Don't look so surprised," she whispered. "You're the one who hoped they would get together."
As Wakka approached them with Kenzi Tidus quickly shut his mouth and grinned, happy that the two had finally figured out they belonged together. "Hey. You two going down to the beach?"
"Yup!" Kenzi replied. She murmured something in Wakka's ear, kissed his cheek and allowed him to put her down. Walking up to Yuna she slid her through the young summoners and started pulling her down the shaded path, calling out over her shoulder, "Hey Tidus, mind if I borrow your girlfriend? Thanks!"
Smiling, Tidus shook his head and watched their retreating backs for a moment before turning to his good friend. "Still want to kick her out on that scrawny ass of hers or do you plan on doing something else with it?" he asked the taller man, hard pressed to hold his laughter in check.
Wakka tore his gaze away from the enticing sway of Kenzi's hips and smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Already done."
That caught the young blitzer totally off guard. Once again his mouth dropped open and he gaped at his friend. "You...Kenzi..you mean...you guys..."
Laughing, Wakka slapped Tidus on the back, almost knocking the younger man over. "Yeah. That okay with you?"
Tidus threw him a smirk. "Yeah. Saw it coming all along! But ahh.." He paused, shuffling his feet uneasily. How the hell was he supposed to word his next question without erasing the happiness from Wakka's face? It had been a long time since he'd actually seen the older man content and he didn't want to be the one to ruin it but he saw no other way around it. "What..happened to Lulu?"
The smile immediately disappeared from Wakka's face and he released a weary sigh. "You know how when you first came here Lu was always tellin' us to quit tryin' to use you to replace Chappu?"
"Yeah."
"Well...all that naggin' didn't keep her from doin' it herself."
Tidus stared at the muscular Auroch in shock. That wasn't quite what he had been expecting to hear.
"Lately thing have been gettin' a little..strange between us. We haven't been gettin' along, you know?" Wakka continued speaking, keeping his somber gaze focused on the ground before him. "At first I thought it was because Yuna was spendin' less time with her but last night..me and Lu got into it. Stuff got brought up, includin' Chappu. She said I wasn't like him at all and that she was a fool to think I could take his place."
"Oh man," Tidus breathed, still trying to take it all in. In a way he felt responsible. He had known things weren't exactly stable between Wakka and Lulu. Hell, it had been obvious to everyone. But he'd been spending so much time with Yuna that he hadn't taken the time out to talk to Wakka about his troubles. "I'm really sorry Wakka."
The red head shrugged off his apology. "It's okay. I'm glad she got it out of her system. Now I can be with someone who knows I'm not Chappu, ya?"
"So how did that happen?" Tidus asked, eagerly letting curiosity overcome his feelings of guilt.
A fond smile tugged at Wakka's lips and he felt heat creep up into his face as he thought back to his night spent with Kenzi. How much should he tell Tidus? All of it? A little? He was defiantly going to keep the kiss on the ship to himself. That was a memory for only Kenzi and himself to share. But there was no harm in telling the younger man what everyone else probably already knew and give him some of the details. "She overheard me and Lu fightin'. I went back to my place, thinkin' she'd be asleep but she wasn't. She was awake, sittin' on the bed. She told me she heard everything." His smile widened as he remembered the words she had whispered so shyly to him in the dim light of the hut. "Then she said that I would always be Wakka to her."
Tidus smiled. "She said that? Man, she must really like you." The two started walking down the path, hearing the voices of their friends getting closer and closer. Tidus threw a sideways glance at Wakka. "So, ah..what happened after that?"
Wakka chuckled softly and shook his head. "That's all you're gettin' out of me, ya?"
"Alright." Tidus' smile turned smug and he folded his hands behind his head. "I'll just assume that you two either slept together or you really pissed her off this morning and that's the reason she clawed the hell out of your back. But I don't know Wakka, the girl looked pretty happy to me."
Wakka whipped around to face Tidus, his cheeks turning a dark shade of pink. "Is it really that bad?"
"Noticeable, but not too bad. Must have been pretty good for her to scratch you like that."
"Shut up," Wakka muttered, unable to hide his shy smile.
They walked the rest of the way to the beach in compatible silence, stepping onto the sandy expanse of white sand several minutes later and laughing at the sight that greeted them.
Kenzi was laying flat on her back and straddling her, hugging the startled woman and squeezing the life out of her while talking rapidly in a mix of Al Bhed and English was Rikku.
"So I guess Rikku knows," Tidus remarked dryly, patting Wakka on the shoulder and crossing the beach to where Yuna stood. Wakka started to follow him when something very small and very cute crawled in his way. A baby with a head full of wispy brunette hair and liquid brown eyes stared up at him. Wakka watched it curiously as it lifted a chubby hand and wiggled it's fingers. "How come you look familiar, huh?" he wondered out loud, bending over to pick up the small child and earning a tiny gurgle of laughter for his efforts.
"Hey capn'. Whose kid is that?" Jassu asked, jogging up to him.
"Not sure. You ever seen it before?"
"Nope. Looks..familiar though, ya?"
"That's cause she's mine," a voice called from behind them.
Jassu and Wakka turned simultaneously and smiled. "Letty!"
The dark haired ex-Auroch, whose place Kenzi had taken, approached them grinning. "Hey guys. Long time no see."
"No kiddin'," Jassu said, welcoming his good friend with a hug. "So how's Killika treatin' ya? How's the wife?"
"Bree's doin' okay. She missed Besaid so we're movin' back!"
Wakka carefully shifted Letty's child to his other arm and extended his hand for Letty to shake. "It'll be great havin' ya back man. Things haven't been the same without you. I think Jassu's startin' to miss you, ya?"
Letty laughed and shook Wakka's hand. "I heard he's with Rikku now. That's good Jassu. I knew ya liked her man. Just can't believe it took you so damn long."
The baby chose that moment to start fussing and with a look of pure dread on his face, Wakka quickly handed the child over to its father. "She..he.umm."
"She," Letty said, smiling when the little girl immediately calmed once in his arms. "Hard to tell, I know. I would have had a problem with it too if the doc hadn't told me what she was. I guess babies are like that at first. Sierra's been..I dunno guys, she's just amazing. Every day I love her more, you know?"
"Yeah, she is a cutie," Wakka said. "It would be hard not to love somethin' like her."
Letty nodded, taking one of Sierra's hands in his and kissing her little fingers. "Hey, speakin' of things that are cute, who's the blond?" Letty asked, motioning to the two Al Bhed's on the sandy beach.
Wakka turned to where Rikku was helping Kenzi to her feet. Kenzi's musical laughter carried to him and he smiled. He would never grow tired of hearing such a beautiful sound. "That's Kenzi," he said faintly, answering Letty's question but never taking his eyes off the tall Al Bhed.
Sanding next to Letty, Jassu rolled his eyes. "You'll have to forgive Capn' Wakka. He fell for her pretty hard. Tidus recruited her to play in your place."
"She any good?"
"Too busy with Bree to watch the game, huh?"
Letty gave him a smirk that said it all and Jassu laughed, slapping him lightly on the back so as not to disturb Sierra. "Don't worry about it man. It was a good tournament though. Shame you had to miss it. Kenzi's got some major talent and I'm not the only one who thinks so, ya?"
"So you got the hots for the newbie, huh capn'." Letty stated with a knowing smile. Sierra started squirming and he set her down, watching her as she plopped down in the sand and started digging her curious baby fingers through it. "Does she know?"
"Found 'em in bed together this mornin'. What do you think?" Jassu said laughingly, ducking when Wakka tried to smack him.
Letty released a low whistle and arched a brow in amusement. "That so? Man Wakka, I always thought you'd end up with-." Jassu made a discreet slashing motion with his hand across his throat. "Someone as cute as her," the dark haired man finished off smoothly.
Wakka knew what he was going to say though. Letty thought he would have ended up with Lulu. Looking at Kenzi, he couldn't help but be thankful that she had come along. She was what he had needed. He hadn't even realized there was more to a relationship then conversations that usually turned into arguments. But Kenzi had showed him something completely different then what he knew and she'd managed to do it in the span of a few hours. And it wasn't just the sex, although it was absolutely wonderful. It was the small things she did. The way she cuddled with him through the night, the smile she had given him right away after she had woke up and the fact that, without even having him say anything she had grabbed his headband and slipped it onto his head as if she knew that he didn't feel fully comfortable without it. No one had ever done anything like that for him before.
"Told ya he had it bad," Jassu muttered to Letty as they watched Wakka stare longingly at the leggy Al Bhed.
Letty nodded. "No kiddin'. I've never seen him look at a woman like that before."
"Maybe you two should quit worryin' bout my love life and start wonderin' why no one's even noticed Letty's here yet," Wakka said, turning to them and crossing his arms over his chest with a smug grin. He knew Letty hated being left out of anything, especially when it came to the team.
"Heeey," the dark haired man said at length, a sudden frown creasing his brow, "You're right. Yo Aurochs! Ya miss me?" he yelled, catching the attention of the several young men and three women scattered along the beach.
With the exception of Kenzi, everyone smiled and ran forward to greet the ex Auroch. Kenzi simply watched, not wanting to intrude upon the reunion. She had never met Letty before but she knew who he was and she know that it was in his place she had played. She had no idea how he felt about a girl taking his place and an Al Bhed for that matter so she decided it would be best to let Letty introduce himself. Turning to look out over the clear blue water, she waited patiently and watched the dolphins leap out of the water out in the distance.
Several minutes passed before Kenzi started to feel as if she was being watched. She turned her head slowly, her heart racing as her stormy gray-blue eyes met with a pair of smoldering amber ones. Wakka gave her a slow devastating smile and a warm fuzzy feeling started to spread through her, leaving her with an almost overwhelming need to be close to him, as close as they were last night.
As if he could hear her thoughts, Wakka separated himself from the crowd of people and made his way across the sand to where she stood. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his muscular body. Kenzi closed her eyes and smiled, loving the feeling of just being there in his arms.
"You gonna come introduce yourself?" Wakka asked, his low voice close to her ear.
She shivered as his warm breath fanned over her neck. "I..I don't know if I should. I took his place and I have no idea how he feels about the Al Bhed's. I thought I should let him make the first move."
"Considerate, but you got nothin' to worry about. Letty has no problem with Al Bhed's."
Kenzi nodded, staring straight ahead with a thoughtful expression. Suddenly she turned to face him, sliding her hands up his arms, shoulders, neck and then placing one on either side of his face, lightly brushing her thumbs over the short hair of his side burns. "Wakka..what am I to you? I mean...are we...am I-." She could feel the blush heating her cheeks as she stumbled over her words. She had to keep going though. She had to know. "I'm not just...some woman that you slept with, am I?"
Wakka's eyes narrowed in perplexity and for a moment Kenzi thought he was going to yell at her. "Kenzi," he said softly. His arms tightened around her and he rested his forehead against hers, staring deeply into her eyes, trying to read her, maybe even see her emotions for what they truly were. "You know you're more then that to me, ya?" he dropped a light kiss on her nose. "A lot more then that."
Touched by what he said in more ways then she could possibly express through words, Kenzi went up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. He responded immediately, angling his head slightly and running the tip of his tongue over her bottom lip. Kenzi buried her hands in his hair and submitted to the kiss, pressing her body against his and feeling the lust burning white hot within her. Gradually the kiss became less intense and turned slow, almost lazy. With a smile, Kenzi broke the kiss and leaned back in his arms.
"So I'm guessing that kiss meant you understand what I was sayin'," Wakka said with a satisfied grin.
Kenzi toyed with the diamond stud he wore in his left ear and shrugged. "That was kind of a round about answer, don't you think?" she asked with a teasing grin.
Before Wakka could answer the group that had been yards away earlier approached them, all of them wearing knowing smiles. "So Wakka, going to introduce me to your friend?" Letty asked.
Kenzi started to move out of Wakka's embrace but the tall Auroch held her where she was, only dropping one arm and keeping a firm hold on her waist with the other. He smiled at his friends. "Sure Letty. This is Kenzi, the newest addition to the Besaid Aurochs and...my girlfriend."
Kenzi whipped around to face him, her mouth slightly agape in shock. "I'm..your-."
"Good decision capn'. We were startin' to wonder if you were gonna start another one of those kinda/sorta relationships again," Botta said. Rikku, Jassu and Keepa glared at him and he shrugged. "What? Someone had to say it. Besides, capn' knows I'm right."
Wakka nodded in concurrence. Beside him Kenzi was still in a state of disbelief. She had played out so many scenes in her head where he had said those exact words to her but actually hearing him say them..she never thought she would be so lucky.
"Kenzi, you okay?" Rikku asked, pulling the older Al Bhed back into the world of the living.
Kenzi smiled radiantly and stepped forward. "Yeah. Sorry about that. It's nice to meet you Letty," she said to the tall, dark haired man, extending a hand for him to shake.
"Nice to meet you too Kenzi. I hear you're doin' a pretty good job takin' my place." He winked at her and she laughed softly, happy that he wasn't upset about a female Al Bhed being recruited to fill in for him.
"Hope you don't mind."
"Nope. You're helpin' the team win, right? I'd be a little strange if I had a problem with that, ya?"
"Man, you're already strange," Jassu remarked loudly.
As the group laughed, Letty picked up his daughter who was using his leg to pull herself up. He gave Jassu a severe look. "Keep it down man. She's not supposed to know her daddy's strange. What if she starts talkin', huh? That's gonna get back to her mother you know?"
"Speakin' of which, where is Bree?"
"Back in Killika. She's workin' one more week at the Inn for some extra gil and she sent me here to line up a place for us to live. I'm goin' back at the end of the week to help pack and tie up loose ends."
"You need any help, you know you can count on us, ya?" Wakka said.
"Yeah, and it's great havin' you back man," Botta agreed with a sneaky smile as he walked by Letty, only pausing briefly to pat the other mans shoulder before turning to Kenzi. "Hey there legs. How are ya?"
Kenzi gave him a strange look and smiled guardedly. "Fine. Botta, what are you up to?"
"Oh..nothin'." He glanced up, noting with satisfaction that Datto and Keepa had successfully snuck up behind Yuna and Rikku. "I just thought you girls looked a little tired. Maybe they need help wakin' up guys!" he yelled to his partners in crime.
Kenzi glanced over her shoulder to see who Botta had been talking to. Once she was distracted the red headed Auroch lunged forward and grabbed her around the waist, pinning her arms to her sides and lifting her effortlessly. At the same time Keepa seized Yuna and Datto went for Rikku.
"Do it Datto and you're a dead man!" Rikku yelled, laughing.
Yuna and Kenzi struggled for all they were worth against their captors, laughing and trying out loud protests at the same time.
"Tidus! You're supposed to be my guardian!" the usually soft-spoken guardian shouted in feigned outrage.
"Just put your fingers to your lips and whistle honey! I'll come running!" Tidus laughed, knowing full well that her arms were trapped under Keepa's massive ones.
Kenzi kicked furiously, trying to hit Botta's legs and failing. "I swear you are going to regret this buddy! I'm takin' you down with me!!" she shrieked, choking on her laugher. "Wakka! Help!!"
Tidus crossed his arms over his chest and smiled up at the taller man. "You know, we really should do something," he said observantly, cocking his head to the side and watching the three women get dragged closer and closer to the waters edge.
Wakka rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You're right. Hey guys, hold on a sec!" he yelled out to the three men just as their feet entered the water. Datto, Keep and Botta looked up at him, slightly irritated that their plans were about to be trashed.
Wakka walked forward, Jassu and Tidus following close behind him. Each of them went to their women who were more then grateful to see that their saviors had finally showed up to supposedly save them. "You guys can't throw them in," Wakka said, smiling down at Kenzi. He reached forward and his hand closed around the loose knot of her wrap. With a flick of his wrist the knot came undone and the fabric slipped down her legs with a whispered objection, falling in a heap on the sandy beach. Kenzi's mouth dropped open and her gray blue eyes went wide. "There," Wakka said matter- of-factly. "Now you can toss em in."
Two other outraged shrieks pierced the calm silence of the day as Jassu quickly slid Rikku's short off of her kicking legs, leaving her in only her deep gold bikini and Tidus undid Yuna's wrap with an apologetic shrug.
With a triumphant shout, Botta drug Kenzi, kicking and screaming further into the water. "You ready legs?" he asked before hoisting her up and tossing her in.
Kenzi went with a shriek and came up sputtering, murder in his eyes. She pushed soaking wet hair back from her face, spared a quick glare in Botta's direction then ducked back under the surface and went for his leg, closing her fingers tightly around it and giving it a hard yank. The red heads laughing was quickly cut off as he was wrenched roughly into the water. When he came up Kenzi was grinning at him. "I told you I was taking you down with me," she said smugly.
Botta laughed and splashed water at her. "I knew you were going to. I just expected a lot more screamin' before you came after me, ya?"
Several hours later when the sun was high in the sky, Kenzi laid on her side sprawled across her towel, little Sierra dozing peacefully beside her safely shaded by a collection of large ferns that Letty had stuck in the sand. The guys were still in the water, bumping a blitz ball around and talking while the girls relaxed on the beach, soaking up the warm rays of the sun.
Kenzi rolled over onto her back, propping herself up by planting her elbows behind her. Her eyes scanned the group of laughing men, searching for one in particular. Wakka. When she found him, her hungry gaze moved up over his washboard stomach, deeply tanned from years of constant sun exposure, then to his muscular chest and arms, and finally to his smiling face. She drank in his features, loving the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, loving the way his crazy hair stuck straight up and curled back like a untamed feather and defiantly loving the way the water droplets clung to his skin, clarifying his muscles in an erotic way that left her breathless.
"So Kenzi, whatcha thinking about?" Rikku asked, her shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth as she watched the older Al Bhed stare avidly at Wakka.
Yuna glanced up, also amused by the look of naked longing on Kenzi's face. "Oh, something tells me we don't want to know the answer to that one Rikku," she mused softly.
"I already know. She's thinking about Wakka." Rikku laughed and flipped onto her side, propping herself up on her shoulder and resting her chin in the palm of her hand. She tilted her head to the side, noticing that Kenzi was not paying attention at all to what they were saying. And idea forming in her mind she leaned towards the dazed blonde and whispered, "He's pretty cute huh?"
Without even thinking, Kenzi sighed dreamily and smiled. "Yes. He's gorgeous."
Suppressing her giggles, Rikku went on. "So how long have you loved him?" she asked, careful to keep her voice to a minimal whisper.
"Since the moment I laid eyes on him when I was sixteen."
Rikku's sparkling green eyes widened in shock and she turned to Yuna who merely confirmed Kenzi's breathy response with a nod of her head then, smiling deviously, joined in on Rikku's little game. "So you two have slept together then right?"
Finally realizing what was going out, Kenzi snapped out of her daze and whipped around to face her two friends. "You tricked me!"
"It's your own fault!" Rikku cried, laughing. "You were so intent on staring at Wakka it was almost too easy. But really," she continued, quickly sobering. "You did sleep with Wakka right? Not that I've ever thought about it because I haven't...but what was it like?"
Kenzi shot a look out to the water where the guys were still stuck in their own made up game to make sure they were all out of ear shot, then once again turned to Yuna and Rikku, a slow smile spreading across her face. "It was wonderful. I've never experienced anything like it in my life. He was so passionate and so..so gentle. When he kissed me it was like my entire world just spun out of control. And when he ran his hands over my body all I could feel was this amazing burning feeling. I-." Her voice cut off as she realized just far she had gone into detail and her cheeks began to heat with mortification.
Yuna and Rikku were both watching her fixedly, their mouths slightly agape. "Wow," Yuna said breathlessly, suddenly overcome with a desperate need to be alone with Tidus.
Rikku quickly nodded. "No kidding. I had no idea the guy even had it in him."
Kenzi didn't know how to respond to that. On one hand she was beyond humiliated that she had just spoken so candidly of what her and Wakka had shared, but on the other she was immensely please to know that she had put the Rikku and Yuna's view on the handsome Auroch captain in an entirely different light.
The sound of splashing caught her attention and he looked up, her heart catching as warm pleasure rushed through her. Wakka strode purposefully out of the water, a faint smile curing his lips and his amber eyes fixed on her. As he approached Kenzi smiled and place a finger over her lips, nodding to the napping Sierra. "What's up?" she asked quietly, the gleam in his eye causing her to feel suspicious.
He shook his head and held out a hand for her to take. Casting a quick look, bewildered look at the other two women who only offered her helpless shrugs, Kenzi took Wakka's offered hand and he pulled her up. "Yuna, Rikku," he said in means of a greeting as he slid his arm around Kenzi's waist and started to lead her across the beach.
"Where are we going?" Kenzi asked, curiosity eating away at her.
"You'll see."
They came up on a group of trees that lined the beach. At least what Kenzi thought their main purpose was. Wakka pulled thick fern branches back, revealing a small but unmistakable path. She gave the tall man an apprehensive look and he chuckled softly, rolling his eyes as he lightly pushed her ahead of him. Further down the path the foliage started to dissipate until it completely fell away to reveal a clear, sparkling inlet of ocean water. Trees, ferns and exotic flowers of deep violets and vibrant yellows lined the small cove, closing it off entirely to the rest of the world. The pool was not deep. Maybe four or five feet Kenzi guessed. She could easily see to the sandy bottom strewn with rocks.
"This is so beautiful," she whispered, entranced by the unique splendor of the secluded area. "Wakka, why did you bring-." She was immediately cut off when Wakka spun her around to face him, silencing her with his lips.
Startled only momentarily, Kenzi quickly relaxed and sagged against him with a plaintive whimper, wrapping her arms around his strong neck and drinking in his raw, masculine taste as if she had been dying of thirst.
Wakka pulled back, breathing heavily as he stared down into Kenzi's flushed face. "The guys tricked me into letting them come over to our place later tonight."
"Our place?" Kenzi asked softly, interrupting him. A bright smile curved her lips.
He smiled sheepishly, his cheeks coloring. "Yeah. Our place. But since they're comin' over I decided I'd better get some time alone with you while I still can, ya?"
"So you brought me here to seduce me," she said, smiling up at him through her lashes.
"Somethin' like that."
"You...are evil," she purred, raising up on her tiptoes and pressing feather light kisses to his lips.
"Not evil," Wakka said, tightening his arms around Kenzi and drawing her slim body up against his own. "Just selfish."
"To spend time alone with me?"
"Uh-huh."
"And seduce me?"
"Yup."
"Well then get to it!"
Wakka laughed at the words of his demanding nymph and lifted her, his knees almost giving out when her long legs circled his waist at the same time her lips claimed his in a heated kiss.
*~*~LEMON~*~*
Slowly he walked them into the pond. He knew exactly where he was going. He'd spent hours in this spot, sitting, thinking, swimming in lazy circles, valuing what little time he had to himself. Just as Yuna had her own place to get away, he had his. Practically the entire population of Besaid had one. By memory alone he found what he was looking for, a large rock that broke the surface, its hard granite face raising barley an inch above the water. He twisted around, resting his back on it and making sure to adjust Kenzi's legs to that they didn't scrape up against the large stone.
His hands moved restlessly over her back, sliding over the slick skin and driving his need for her to an almost painful state. She only made it worse by pressing her hips intimately against his own, moaning as she slid her fingers through his hair. Her tongue caressed his lower lip, followed by her teeth as she gently suckled it. Wakka groaned, twining his fingers in the strings of her bikini top and giving it a vicious yank. He tossed the flimsy top aside, not giving a damn where it landed as long as it got out of his way. Next he pulled her hair free of its restraints. The silken strands fell free, brushing against the arm he had circled around her.
Breaking the kiss, Wakka moved to her neck. She cried out softly, dropping her head back and allowing him more of her tender, sensitive flesh. He devoured it, starving for the sweet taste of her skin. His sharp teeth grazed the column of her neck and she moaned as she dug her fingers into his hair, guiding him. Her leg came up, wrapping sensuously around his, bringing their bodies closer together. She pressed her hips intimately against him, showing him without words what she wanted and he was more then willing to comply.
Wakka tightened the strong arm around her waist and turned her around, sitting her on the rock. He backed away wanting to see her, wanting to memorize every tantalizing curve of her body until it was burned into his mind. She watched him, gray eyes clouded with passion, her full sweet lips slightly parted. "Wakka-," she murmured, a small plea evident in her voice.
"I've never seen somethin' this beautiful before," was his husky reply, instantly bringing a blush of pleasure to her high cheekbones. He moved back to her and smiled wickedly. Reaching a hand out he curved it around her and slowly started to pull her into a lying position on the rock, trailing hot kisses over her skin, tenderly laving each breast in turn and suckling the nipple into a taut peek beneath his questing lips. His lips traveled down as he lowered her further and further onto the rocks rough surface. He ran the tip of his tongue over the tight muscles of her stomach, smiling when he heard her sigh.
When he reached the waistband of her bikini he stopped. Ever so lightly he brushed his fingers from the back of her calves up over her thighs and slipped them under the string waistband of her bikini, pulling it free and tossing it too aside, it's destination unknown. The last barrier had been removed and now there was nothing to stop him. He lowered his head, kissing her intimately, his boldness growing when he heard the startled gasp that left her lips. He licked her lovingly; using his teeth to draw forth fevered cries from the blond that lie captive to his ministrations. She moved beneath him, her hips bucking when he grazed certain spots that were highly sensitive, her hand gripping his where they rested on her slim hips. When he felt her muscles start to tighten he moved away and kissed his way back up, pulling her limp body into his arms and hugging her.
He was opening his mouth to say something when Kenzi's hand nimbly removed his shorts and then moved back up, closing around him. Every rational though flew from his mind. He leaned heavily against her as she moved her hand gently up and down his length, slowly at first then increasing the speed and pressure until his arousal became almost painful. With a half moan have growl he moved a hand in between her legs, brushing his fingers against her slick heat. He parted her gently, lifting her lithe body at the same time and entering her in one, swift thrust.
Kenzi cried out his name, her head falling back. For a moment she was still, stretching to accommodate him as Wakka ground his teeth together, forcing himself not to move. Then she lifted her head. Her hungry gaze met his and held, stormy gray clashing with golden brown. Her arms tightened around his neck and together they began to move, as if they were one and fully understood each other's bodies. But maybe they did. Maybe two souls that had been searching a lifetime had finally found one another. Whatever it was, it was powerful on a level neither of them fully understood yet.
Kenzi wrapped her legs tightly around Wakka's waist, kissing him deeply and swallowing his rough groans of passion. They moved faster, desperate for something more, something almost within their grasp. Wakka hastily but gently lay Kenzi back down onto rock. The change was different, catching Kenzi off guard and she screamed from the absolute sensuality of the feelings consuming her. Wakka's hand griped her waist and with one hard thrust the tension building inside of Kenzi exploded. Her climax took her swiftly leaving her to float back down to earth but when she finally reached it, laying sated in the hot afternoon sun she still felt a need for something more. Inspiration guided her and she tightened her legs around Wakka, yanking him hard against her. With a hoarse cry he joined her in her ecstasy, his seed filling her womb as he collapsed against her, his head landing in the valley of her firm breasts.
*~*~END OF LEMON~*~*
Wakka listened to the unsteady beating of Kenzi's heart, patiently waiting for his own breathing to return to normal. Kenzi shifted beneath him. She hummed softly, a soothing, pleasure filled sound and he lifted his head to look at her, smiling as she stretched her arms above her head. Then she lowered them, one hand resting on the back of his head while the other alighted just above his shoulder blade. Resting his head back on her chest, he closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her delicate fingers moving lightly over his scalp and neck.
"Wakka?" she questioned softly. When he didn't answer she shook him lightly. "Wakka..hun, you alive?"
"Hmm," was all he was able to manage. He was far too relaxed to even form a coherent thought, let alone speak.
"I hate to ruin the mood but I'm just starting to realize how uncomfortable this rock is."
Wakka immediately straightened; slightly embarrassed that he hadn't thought about how the hard granite surface would dig into her back. "Sorry about that," he said, helping her sit up.
She smiled up at him, her gray blue eyes sparkling with pleasure and something else. Something he couldn't identify but knew he had seen it before. Where though? "Don't be sorry. I really didn't notice at all while we were-." Her voice trailed off and bright pink stained her high cheekbones.
Wakka grinned, pulling her into a loose embrace and kissing the top of her head. "New problem," he murmured softly after a while, brushing his fingers through her unbound hair.
"What?" Kenzi asked on a yawn.
"Clothes."
The long legged Al Bhed pulled back and smirked at him, playfully smacking his arm. "And whose fault is that?"
"Hey, I didn't loose all of 'em." He laughed as he grabbed her leg and lifted it above the water, revealing the blue and purple bikini bottoms dangling precariously from her foot.
Her light laughter joined his and they quickly gathered the remaining clothes that had been tossed aside in the heat of the moment, dressed, and then waded to the bank. Wakka sat down on the sandy stretch of land, pulling Kenzi down and settling her much smaller body in his lap.
They sat in silence for a while, Wakka with his arms wrapped loosely around Kenzi while she sat with her head resting on his broad shoulder. She snuggled further into his protective embrace, listening to the singing of the tropical birds and the gentle swish leaves as the wind passed through them. "Wakka," she said, after several minutes had passed.
"Yeah?"
"Why do you hate the Al Bhed?"
Her question took him by surprise. It was the last thing he expected to hear her ask, especially at that moment. He released a weary sigh, taking one of her hands in his. "I don't hate 'em. Not all of them."
"Not me you mean. But you did," she said softly.
Wakka shook his head. "I never hated you, Kenzi. I was just mad at you. You join the team, you're an Al Bhed, and you're cute as hell. I get around you and what I've always believed..I'm not so sure of anymore."
"Oh," Kenzi murmured.
"You're the first person to come along and make me think...maybe I was wrong, you know?"
"SO whatever happened that made you feel that way in the first place?" she asked, her curiosity still not appeased. This was something she felt they had to get past, something she felt he needed closure on so that he could live his life and be truly happy.
Wakka was silent for a moment then finally he spoke in a low voice full of pain that made Kenzi's heart ache. "When Sin came back the last time my brother, Chappu, he decided to join up with the crusaders. Didn't really know what to say at the time, you know? I was upset 'cuz I didn't want him goin' to fight Sin. He was the only real family I had. I told him what I thought after we had finished a game in Luca. We argued, but he went anyway.
I..I gave him a gift before he left, somethin' to show him I was sorry and that I was okay with him goin' off to fight Sin. It was a sword. He didn't take it with him though. He used Al Bhed machina instead...and was killed. I guess I placed a lot of blame on the Al Bhed for his death. If they wouldn't have come along..maybe he'd still be alive." Wakka fell silent and waited for a reaction or a lecture on his narrow-minded views, but none came. Kenzi remained silent, staring out at the water with a peaceful expression. "Not gonna say anything?"
She turned to face him. "Should I?"
"I just figured you'd start tellin' me I was wrong to think like that."
Kenzi's brows lowered thoughtfully. She once again turned her gaze to the tranquil waters. Something about the way she did it just as she had done on the ship the other night and on the beach hours ago made him think. What was it about the clear blue expanse of sea that always seemed to calm her? It was almost as if she depended on it for something, but what?
"Its not my place or anyone elses to tell you what to think or how to feel. Everyone was born with the right to have their own thoughts, their own beliefs. They're a big part of what makes you who you are. I would never want to change who you are Wakka. Besides," She shrugged and looked up at him, "I can understand how you feel. I've..never said this to anyone but...I blamed us too. I blamed us, I blamed Sin. I was so confused that I didn't even know what was right anymore. Everything was so crazy and every time I attempted to think about it I would always think the same thing. Us Al Bhed were so determined to beat Sin and so set in our ways of doing it...by using forbidden machina. Maybe...maybe we just made it worse." She hung her head, feeling ashamed for giving voice to the thoughts that had remained hidden for so long. "I'm horrible for thinking such things. I know."
"Hey now," Wakka murmured, hugging her close. "Don't say that. Weren't you the one just talkin' about how everyone has a right to their own thoughts? Just because you thought somethin' like that doesn't make you horrible. You were scared. People think things they usually don't when they're scared."
"Yeah, you're right," Kenzi agreed reluctantly.
"So," he said after a while, looking to change the subject. "You asked me a question. Mind if I ask you one?"
"Go for it."
"What's with you and the sea?"
Kenzi cocked her head to the side giving him an odd look. "Me and water?"
"Yeah. Maybe I'm just imagining things but it seems to me like whenever you're upset about somethin' or confused you always look out at the water," Wakka tried to explain, hoping that he didn't' sound as if he had completely lost his mind.
The blond Al Bhed's eyes widened slightly and a faint smiled played at the corners of her mouth. "You...actually noticed that?"
He nodded and she felt her cheeks grow warm. He had been that aware of her actions? She couldn't help but feel pleased and yet a little apprehensive. She never thought anyone would notice that little quirk or even pay that close attention to the little things she did. But Wakka had...and now she owed him an explanation.
Captured as always by the whisper of the waves as they washed onto the shore, Kenzi gazed at the coves surface and searched deep inside of herself for a moment that lay buried but not at all forgotten. "We were in Killika, me and my family. We were visiting friends. While my parents were talking and my brother was off playing with his friends, I went inot the woods just to look around and pick some flowers that I thought my mom would like. That's when..Sin came. I..I could hear the screaming and I ran back. When I reached the edge of the woods it was already over. I searched for my family even though I already knew they were gone. I didn't know what else to do. But then she came."
"Who?" Wakka asked, lost in Kenzi's story.
"Yuna. She walked off a ship surrounded by her guardians. The only one I recognized at the time was you." Kenzi's gray-blue eyes took on a far off detached look. It was as if she was mentally going back to that place and that time, reliving a moment that had had a deep impact on her life. "I've heard one of the villagers talking, saying that Lady Yuna was going to perform the sending. I had never actually seen one before. So I hid behind a post on the dock and watched. When Yuna started dancing...I remember thinking how beautiful her dance was. But it was also sad and haunting. It was one of those things that you never forget. There was one thing though, that amazed me even more then her dance. It was the pyerflies moving under the water. I knew they were spirits of the dead. Of my Mother, father..and my brother but all I could think was how happy and peaceful they looked. Suddenly all the sadness and pain went away and this feeling swept through me. A feeling of peace and certainty. Even though they were gone...I knew they were happy. Ever since that moment whenever I feel scared or upset or even lonely I just look out at the water and start to feel calm again."
When she finished speaking Kenzi dropped her head, shaking it back and forth with a slight smile. "Such naïve thoughts. But they were the only things that kept me sane."
"Then you go out with me," Wakka muttered, lightening the mood. "Thought you wanted to be sane?"
Laughing, Kenzi turned to face him and threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?"
Kenzi pulled back and gazed into gorgeous amber eyes, feeling tenderness swell in her heart. "For making me laugh." She lifted her shoulder in a tiny shrug and gave him a shy smile. "For making me happy."
"I do what I can, ya?" the tall Auroch said with a lopsided grin. He leaned forward, brushing the tip of his nose against hers. "We should get back."
Kenzi placed a feather soft kiss on his lips and smiled. "Yeah, we should." She gave him one last, lingering kiss then pushed herself out of his lap and stood, brushing clinging granules of sand from her long legs. She held out a hand for Wakka and he took it, laughing as she jokingly struggled to pull him to his feet. Hand in hand they walked slowly back to the beach, content to walk in silence.
When they reached the end of the path Wakka pulled back the branches of the trees on either side of the worn path allowing Kenzi to go first. She stepped out onto the hot sand, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight. She took several steps then came to a dead stop, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a gasp. Not paying attention, Wakka ran into her almost knocking her over. Wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her, he looked up and groaned.
Sitting in a curved line no more then ten feet away, wide grins wreathing their faces, were the Aurochs and their girlfriends. The wild applause started immediately, punctuated by cat calls and loud cheering.
Kenzi's face was beat red. She could feel that, but there wasn't much she could do about it. Her only options now were to hide behind Wakka, which she was sorely tempted to do, or just brush it off. The second one was obviously what she had to do so she mustered up her most brilliant smile, swallowed her embarrassment and took a bow. "I can only assume that this idea belonged to he with no sex life?" she drawled sarcastically, straightening and turning her pointed gaze on Botta. The others laughed and Kenzi crossed her arms over her chest. "Haven't you messed with me enough today?"
Botta held up his hands in front of him, still grinning. "I do it outta love Legs!"
Kenzi rolled her eyes and leaned against Wakka. "Yeah. I'm sure that's what it is." She tilted her head back, meeting Wakka's laughing eyes. "What do you say to that Capn'?"
Wakka rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I say..paybacks a bitch."
Botta saw the immediate change in their expressions and he knew he was in trouble. He jumped up and started running just as the two came at him but his head start wasn't enough and second later two bodies slammed into him, taking him down into the sand. There was a brief struggle, ending with Botta laying on his back, Wakka sitting by his head with the younger Auroch's arms pinned to the earth and Kenzi perched proudly on top of him, straddling his waist. The first thought to cross Botta's mind was "thank god I only think of her as a sister or I'd be screwed," the second, "what the hell is she thinking?!"
"So...Botta," Kenzi said sweetly, leaning down. "You remember what you told me the other night? When we all had a bit too much to drink?"
"No Kenzi!" Botta yelped, his eyes going wide.
"It's only fair."
Her hands hovered over his bare stomach as he began to squirm, trying to pull his arms free from Wakka's grip but knowing it was pointless. The man was much stronger then people gave him credit for. He quickly switched tactics. "Come on Legs," he said, giving her his most charming smile. "You can do better then this. That beautiful mind of yours can think of somethin' more devious, can't it?"
Kenzi shook her head. "Using your charm on me? You know that wont work." She smiled and pressed the tips of her fingers ever so gently to his stomach, laughing when he jumped. "Ya ready?"
"Come on Kenzi. Please don't!" he tried one last time. "You said you wouldn't use this against me!"
"I never said that. Nice try though." She curved her fingers around his sides and begin tickling him mercilessly, not giving in to his laughing yelps of denial until tears of mirth collected in the corner of her blue eyes. Satisfied that he had finally learned his lesson, he hopped off of him and stood, crossing her arms over her chest as she grinned smugly.
Releasing his hold on Botta's arms, Wakka joined Kenzi, shaking his head back and forth and laughing as he watched the younger man try to catch his breath. "How ya feelin?"
"You...guys...suck."
Kenzi and Wakka only laughed harder, reaching down to help Botta up. They joined the rest of their friends who had taken to the water for an improvised game of Blitzball. The game lasted well into the afternoon. When the time came to head back to the village for the final celebration feast, the group slowly made their way up the winding path, talking amicably and paying little attention to the dark clouds gathering in the distance.
A roaring bonfire had already been started, this one greatly out shining the previous ones that had been lit over the week. People crowded around table full of food, the pleasant sound of their laughter and chatter carrying to the group as they slowly approached.
Kenzi and Wakka were the first in line for food and the tall Auroch earned himself quite a few light hearted remarks when he grabbed a plate for himself and Kenzi, helping the Al Bhed dish up. For the most part he ignored them. Doing such a small thing for Kenzi made him feel like he was a better man and it filled him with a warm sensation he had never felt before. It felt like his heart was going to burst with happiness. His palms were slightly sweaty, every few seconds a nervous flutter would make itself known and he couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from the beautiful woman at his side. Was he..in love with her? Wakka quickly shook off the thought. It was much to early in the relationship for things like that. Instead, he watched Kenzi as she picked out food for both of them and placed it on the plates he was holding, noticing with pleased interest that she had filled his plate with all of his favorite foods.
Once all of them had gone through the line, the Aurochs, including Yuna and Rikku, sat on one of the large blankets that had been scattered around the bon fire. It was the farthest from the blazing heat of the flames offering them only a small amount of comfort from the dense heat that had moved over the island like a thick blanket.
"Why did it get so hot?" Kenzi asked to no one in particular, pulling a section free from the orange she had peeled and popping it into her mouth.
"Not sure. It doesn't feel right though," Jassu murmured. He finished his food and set his plate down in the middle of the blankets where a stack of already empty ones had started to form. "Too calm. Kinda feels like-."
"A st-storm!" Rikku finished for him in a wavering voice, pointing her trembling finger towards the heavens. Everyone looked up. The dark clouds that had been gathering in the distance earlier were now right over their heads, churning silently. Red hues from the sinking sun turned the clouds' edges an angry scarlet color.
"That doesn't look good, ya?" Wakka muttered.
A second later lighting split the sky and chaos broke loose. A clap of thunder shook the earth, accompanying by Rikku's terrified shriek as she dove into Jassu's arms. Then came the rain, pouring down in heavy sheets and soaking the sand covered earth. People scrambled to their feet and ran for the safety of their huts shrieking and laughing, attempting to block the rain with empty plates and blankets.
"Back to our place guys!" Wakka shouted over another crack of thunder. He looked at Jassu who wore an expression of bewilderment as he stared at Rikku cowering against him. The wild haired captain shook his head. "Pick her up Jassu. That's the only way you're gettin' her off the ground," he yelled, pulling a laughing Kenzi to his side and following the rest of his teammates back to his large hut. Once there he pulled back the heavy cloth door for her and went in after the leggy blonde.
Tidus and Yuna were sitting on the bed he never used, playfully fighting over a towel while Datto, Botta and Keepa passed around another towel, sitting in a small circle between the two beds. "You go sit down. I'll grab a towel," he said softly to Kenzi, giving her a light push in the direction of his bed. She threw him a shy smile over her shoulder and went to sit down.
Lightning lit the room and the door flapped open once more. "Someone mind tellin' me what the hell is wrong with her?!" Jassu yelped, stomping in and placing Rikku's shaking body on the floor.
"She's afraid of lightning," Yuna offered, watching as the young Al Bhed started crawling around the floor in wild circles.
Tidus feigned terror and pushed himself back towards the wall. "Wakka! She's doing it again!"
"Whadaya expect me to do? Jassu's her man, not me!" Wakka exclaimed, veering around Rikku and sitting down next to Kenzi on his bed.
Jassu watched helplessly as Rikku skidded to a halt and abruptly sat up. Green eyes wide with fright, she clasped her hands tightly in front of her and hunched her shoulders, laughing. It was an even, staccato sound, devoid of actual humor.
"Jassu, do somethin' man," Datto yelped, staring wide eyed at the terrified Al Bhed. "You're girlfriends goin' insane."
The bleach blond Auroch squared his shoulders. "Fine. Since the rest of you are about as yellow as a chocabo..." He continued to mutter as he grabbed Rikku's arms and hauled her gently off the carpeted ground. She stared at him with unseeing eyes, whispering disjointedly. "That's it woman." Jassu bent his head and captured her lips in a heated kiss. Rikku's eyes, if possible widened further and she gasped, unintentionally allowing Jassu to deepen the kiss. Her lids fluttered shut and with a sigh she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"Damn," Tidus remarked over Botta's shrill whistling. "Why didn't we ever think of that?" He quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding Yuna's tiny fist as it came flying at him.
"Maybe cuz none of us felt that way about her," Wakka suggested.
"Yeah, but Kimahri could have taken one for the team."
Rikku broke away from Jassu and whipped around to face Tidus. "Kimahri?!" She shrieked, launching herself at Tidus, her fingers curled like claws.
"Way to go man!" Jassu laughed, watching his girlfriend tackle Tidus, accidentally catching Yuna and dragging her into the brawl. "She's your problem now!"
From the bed Tidus, Yuna and Rikku tumbled to the floor, unintentionally adding more opponents to their little wrestling match. Botta and Datto eagerly joined in, pulling a reluctant Keepa with them.
Jassu watched for a moment before shaking his head and lifting his shoulders in a careless shrug. "Aw man," he muttered, diving into the mass of tangled bodies.
"Their going to kill each other," Kenzi said, her voice bubbling with suppressed laughter.
Wakka turned to her. "You want in on that, don't you?"
Returning his smile, Kenzi nodded. "You know it!"
They threw themselves into the fray with enthusiasm, fighting for victory even though no one was really sure of who they were fighting to beat.
"Ack! Someone's still soaked!"
"Datto get your foot the hell outta my face!"
"I can't believe you'd even think that I would make out with Kimahri!!"
Somewhere between the laughing insults and the shouting Kenzi was gently kicked aside. She rolled to a stop on the floor, the air leaving her lungs in a sudden whoosh when a massive amount of weight collapsed on top of her. "Oh jeez.."
"Sorry 'bout that."
She looked up, immediately lost in the smoldering amber depths of Wakka's eyes. Drawing in a trembling breath she smiled. "If it were anyone else I might be mad, but in your case I think I can make an exception."
"Really," Wakka drawled slowly, a sinful smirk curving his lips. "What kind of exception."
Winding her arms around his neck she pulled him down. "The kind where you kiss me and I'll forget to yell at ya for knockin' the wind out of me."
The wild haired Auroch appeared to think about it for a moment, screwing his face up in an expression of serious consideration. "Hmm..."
Kenzi quickly grew bored with waiting and pulled him the rest of the way down, slanting her lips across his. He responded quickly, wrapping his arm around her waist and crushing her body to his. Kenzi lifted one long leg, wrapping it around his leg and moving it slowly up in down in a sensual motion that caused him to groan.
"For the love of Spira you two! Can't you just keep yer dang hands off each other for a minute?!" Jassu exclaimed flippantly.
Datto rubbed the back of his head, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the fact that it looked as if his Captain was about to tear Kenzi's top off. "I think they might be rethinkin' their decision to let us stay the night," he muttered.
"No!" Kenzi said, the sound coming out muffled from Wakka's lips against hers. With a giggle, she pushed him off and scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and pleasure. "No, we want you to stay. That's why Wakka invited you guys here."
"Yeah guys, besides...it's not my fault if she can't control herself, ya?"
Kenzi shot him a look and he quickly backed away from her, holding his hands up defensively in front of him. "Sorry! Couldn't resist. So, who all's stayin?"
Everyone decided to stay, Tidus and Yuna in one bed, Jassu and Rikku on the floor a good ways away from Botta, Datto and Keepa, and Kenzi curled up beside Wakka in his own bed, snuggling under the covers to get close to him. They group talked quietly, mostly about things that didn't matter, telling hilarious childhood stories while carefully skipping over anything involving Sin. Botta even went as far as to make up an elaborate ghost story that, even though no one would admit it, had effectively scared everyone.
Finally they all started to drift off to sleep and Wakka turned out his bedside lamp, throwing the hut into darkness. Thunder rolled softly in the distance. Rain still fell steadily, drumming against the resilient fabric of the large hut. Kenzi laid in the protective enclosure of Wakka's arms, smiling as she listened to the sounds of Mother Nature. It was so serene, so beautiful...like the man who she was laying beside. Wakka...god, how she loved him. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have him in the ways she had only dreamed of before. What had she ever done to deserve such a thing? Oh well, it didn't matter. She was happy with what she had and she was incredibly happy that the evil thing resting inside of her had seemed to retreat for the moment. Maybe it was gone. She could only hope. "Wakka..." she whispered softly.
His arm tightened around her and she felt his lips brush softly against the column of her neck. "Yeah?"
"I..." She paused. She knew better then to say such things. She was so happy now. For all she knew admitting her feelings could ruin everything.
"What is it Kenzi?" he asked.
"Nothing. Goodnight Wakka."
