©Lexiter Jackson 2003

Tears of the Fayth

Chapter Four:

Of Sake and the Farplane

Hello once again, 'tis I! Yes, you read right, its another chapter. I'm trying to update only once every five days – or I update so fast I don't get any reviews! At least, that's the way I see it.

Anyway, again I have some cookies to throw about:

Eva Kasumi: I'm really sorry, but the rating has to go right up on this chapter. You'll see why when you read it. And don't worry, I'm an innocent 17 year old! (Well, semi-innocent) There will be a warning, though, so don't worry. Thank you for the fantastic reviews! Cookie!!

Kenji: Hey again! Thank you for saying my chapters are interesting – sorry about the length. They're probably going to get longer too. Ah well. That's me for you. Have a cookie! *passes a cookie to Kenji*

S-Star: You got your wish – the rating is as high as I can put it now. It would go higher if FF.Net hadn't banned NC-17 *grumbles* but hey. Thanks for the review! *lobs cookie*

Laceyleopard: Yeah Jassu's cool ain't he! I spent a while trying to get him right, and hopefully he's fitting into the storyline. *passes cookie*

Don't forget to drop me a line, and I'll mention it here.

Anyway, onto the warnings. There's a lot for this chapter. One which always stands: YAOI peoples. Boy/boy. And fluffy too. This chapter has pushed the rating up to R because of a scene, but I haven't written it for the sake of writing smut – it does add to the story line. Mind you, if I had my way, this would be an NC-17 fic, but as FF.Net have taken that off, I've had to place this under R. Sucks.

There's also instances of getting drunk 'n' stuff.

Anyway, on with the story! Enjoy, and unless you have something to say, DON'T FLAME!!!!

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Jassu had a sleeping Danny tucked up in his coat as he sat watching the Moonflow, leaning against a tree. He had loved to watch the river under the stars, as pyre-flies swirled over the still waters and the lilies threw their glittering pollen into the air. He thought back to that afternoon, and why he'd been embarrassed to be that close to Auron. Hell, they'd been as close as that in battle.

Jassu sighed. Maybe it was something to do with the strange emotion that had settled into the pit of his stomach since teenagehood. The one that made his chest tighten and his heart swell all at the same time.

Jassu closed his eye. He could no longer blame this on teenage hormones, because he was no longer a teenager. He'd tried not to think about this too much during Lord Braska's pilgrimage, but faced with having to do the same journey again with Auron he had to think about it now.

The moon came out over the trees, then, sparking a memory that had been born of a starry night, Jecht and way too much sake.

'Hey, it's your round, blitz boy.' He slurred, smirking at the other, far drunker man. Jecht raised a hand, ordering another round for the pair. Hell, he had a lot of gil.

'Y'know, you don't drink bad fer a monk.' Jecht slurred as the waitress came back.

'Uh, sirs, we feel you have had enough to drink.'

Jecht stood up, a little unsteadily. 'Fair enough. So do I.' He tried to stand straight, gave up, and leant against the nearest wall. 'C'mon, Ja...Jassu. Let's go.'

Jassu stood up and thanked the girl, albeit a little drunkenly, and pressed a hundred gil into her hand.

'Thank you. I've been trying to get him to go home all night.' He slurred. The waitress flashed him a smile.

'That's okay, sir. Have a nice night.'

Jassu and Jecht stumbled their way out of the pub, collapsing on a bench looking out to sea.

'Thaz some damn good sake.' Jecht grinned, sighing. Jassu did the same. 'So, Jaz, when're you gonna tell him?'

If Jassu had been a little more sober, he'd've probably run off at that question. 'I dunno. Probably never.' He nodded, looking out at the ocean and knowing Sin was out there somewhere.

'Naw, mate. You's gotta tell him sometime. Or, or, or you'll miss your chance, and you'll, wossisname...'

'Regret?'

'Yeah, that. It. Yeah. What're we talking about?'

'I dunno.'

'There you are. Braska's worried.'

And of course, it ended up with Auron dragging their drunk asses home, just like most nights did when they hit the drinking houses. There were a couple of occasions, though, when Jassu had to drag a drunk Auron home, though.

'I'm not drunk.'

'Yes you are, Auron. You're stinking drunk.'

'No I'm not. I'm perfectly sober.'

Jassu cast his eyes heavenward. 'Fine. Walk on your own.' He said, letting go of him. Auron managed a couple of steps before running out of legs and falling over.

'Okay, maybe I'm a bit tipsy.'

'A bit?' Jassu picked Auron up and wrapped one of Auron's arms around his neck. 'How many bottles of sake have you had?'

'I emptied my jug, then got it refilled, then I drank two glasses of that vodka stuff.'

'Shit, Auron.' Jassu laughed as Auron laid his head on his shoulder. 'You're rat-assed!'

'Am not.' Auron pouted.

Jassu smiled at the memories. He sighed and looked up to the stars. Admit it, his mid said. This is a little more then raging hormones, no?

Why does he always look lost?

Jassu started slightly as the thought, not his own drifted across his mind. He lazily looked to the left, and saw Auron standing there, his face and shoulders highlighted by the moon. For once he was out of his robe, and carrying his sake jug in his hand. As Jassu watched him, Auron swayed slightly.

'Can I join you?' Auron smiled hesitantly at Jassu. Truth be told he'd just drunk half a bottle of sake.

'Sure. Park your drunk ass down before you fall, Auron.' Jassu smiled. Auron did as he was told, passing the bottle to him. Jassu took a long swig of the fiery liquid and coughed slightly as it went down. Taking another swig, he passed it back to Auron. 'Good thing Jecht never got hold of that stuff.'

'Mm.' Auron agreed, taking a swig and passing the bottle back to Jassu. 'Damn good. Wouldn't be any left otherwise.' Auron nodded to himself. 'Potent stuff.'

Jassu smiled, taking a very long draught of the sake. Once the spots had cleared from his vision he nodded. 'The only sake the Auron can get drunk on half a bottle of.'

'And you.' Auron looked out across the Moonflow and grinned. 'I lost count of the times I had t' drag you and Jecht back.'

Jassu finished the rest of the sake and handed the bottle back to Auron. 'Can you remember when Braska tried sake?'

Auron groaned. 'Please, don't remind me. I felt sorry for the fiends in the morning. I never knew he could get so grumpy!'

'I never knew Summoners could be hungover.' Jassu grinned, looking over at Auron who'd leant against the tree as well. If he slipped...

'Nrk...'

Jassu slid down the trunk until his head hit Auron's shoulder. Auron looked down at him, trying to focus on his face. He gave up.

'Didn't know drink hit you so hard. Lightweight.' Auron chuckled.

'Well...haven't had none for ten year...' Jassu said, yawning. A slight snore came from his jacket, and he looked down at the little Jassite asleep in it. 'I ain't never livin' that one down...'

'What?' Auron smiled. Even in his state, he could feel the blush on his cheeks from the proximity of the other guardian.

'Havin' these named after me. The Ja...the Jassites.'

Auron grinned. 'Well, you are small, green and cute.' He received a poke in the ribs for that one. 'C'mon. We'd better get to the inn.'

Jassu didn't answer. A light snore came from the raven-haired guardian, and Auron smiled, pulling out the band holding in Jassu's hair and running his fingers through the locks. Jassu purred and snuggled into Auron's chest. 'You lightweight...' Auron repeated, looking up at the stars. 'I bet you're on the Farplane, laughing at me right now. Jerk.' Auron chuckled softly, picking Jassu up and carrying him a little unsteadily to their joint room and placing him on the bed. Auron stripped the guardian down to his boxers, folding his clothes on the chair, and placing Danny, still asleep, at the foot of the bed. He looked back at Jassu, and sighed. Without the tee shirt covering it, Auron could clearly see the scar where Jassu had taken the spike instead of him. Auron ran a finger lightly over it, then turned away.

'Auron?'

Auron turned towards the guardian. 'Yeah?'

'You're a great guy.'

Auron nodded. 'So are you. Go to sleep.'

'Mmm...'

Auron walked over to his bed, stripped down and slid between the covers, sighing. He turned over, almost immediatly falling asleep.

[AUTHOR'S WARNING!!! THIS IS THE NC-17 BIT!!!!]

~d-r-e-a-m-i-n-g~

'Auron?'

Auron woke to the sound of his name, opening his eye and focussing on the face above his.

'I'm cold.' Jassu shivered. 'Can I sleep with you?'

Auron took a moment to look at Jassu. His hair was out of its ponytail, fluffed up around his face. Jassu shivered again, and Auron nodded, moving over.

Jassu slid in next to him, turning over to face him. He wrapped his arms around Auron, nuzzling into his chest.

'Mmm...warm.'

Auron shivered at the feel of Jassu's hot breath on his bare chest. He felt Jassu's hand tracing lazy patterns on his lower back, raising goosebumps all along his spine.

Hesitantly Auron wrapped his arms around the younger man, drawing him closer. He ran a hand through Jassu's hair, smiling as Jassu purred. He could feel the sound from behind Jassu's powerful chest.

'You like that?' Auron whispered. Jassu looked up at the older man and smiled. 'Guess I better stop doing it then.'

Jassu pouted, sticking out his bottom lip. Auron growled and bent his head down, capturing Jassu's lips in his own. Jassu opened his mouth, and Auron pushed his tongue in, taking the open invitation.

Jassu kissed like he fought; all fire and grace. Almost before he realised what he was doing, Auron was underneath him and Jassu was planting bites and kisses that burned against the skin of his neck and chest. Auron moaned, suddenly realising that boxers were very constricting. Jassu nipped at a nipple, making Auron moan again as Jassu removed the offending items of clothing. The sensation of cool air hitting the heat made Auron gasp. He felt Jassu's erection rub against his own, making him buck his hips and moan, wanting more but unsure how to ask for it. He felt Jassu smile, and then his eye shot open at the feeling of something penetrating him.

He moaned as Jassu withdrew the finger, then gasped as it was replaced with two more.

'Please, Jassu...' Auron gasped when Jassu withdrew the fingers. He closed his eye when he felt hands on his erection, slowly stroking him as Jassu entered, making Auron clutch at the sheets at the sensory overload. Jassu pulled out, then pushed back in slowly as he stroked Auron at the same pace.

'Please!' Auron bucked his hips up, trying to drop the hint that he wanted this fast. And Jassu obliged. As they got closer to release Auron coukd hear Jassu's breathing become more laboured, much like his own. He felt the pressure become too much. Auron came first, and the feeling of Auron clenching around him made Jassu follow soon after.

Auron felt Jassu pull out, then collapse onto Auron's chest. Auron smiled, pulling the covers back over them and stroking Jassu's hair again, smiling at the tired purrs.

~g-n-i-m-a-e-r-d~

Auron woke with a smile on his face, which soon disappeared when he remembered why he was smiling. And from the damp feeling between his legs, he would have to shower, too. He sat up, putting a hand to his aching head.

Damned fool. It's your fault, so don't even think of complaining.

Auron grunted and looked across to the other bed, checking that Jassu was still asleep before heading to the shower.

Jassu woke, stretched and yawned. He heard the shower going and groaned. He looked across at Auron's bed and saw the man had already woken up. He hoped Auron was okay – it sounded like he had a nightmare last night.

Jassu sat up, rubbing his face as he tried to wake up. For once, he slept without dreaming last night, although that was probably helped by the sake. He had a slight ache in the back of his head that promised to get worse if he drank again in the near future. Looking around for his clothes, Jassu saw that Auron had folded them up and placed them on the chair – something that made Jassu blush slightly at the thought of Auron stripping him.

When Auron – clean, dried and dressed – stepped out of the shower, the beds were made and Jassu was sitting examining the Katana for any nicks or scratches.

'Morning.'

Auron grunted, reaching for his sunglasses and placing them on his nose.

'You alright, Auron? It sounded like you hade a nightmare last night.'

Auron just grunted again for an answer. 'Yeah. And I'm a little hungover.'

Jassu frowned, standing and resheathing the huge sword. 'What possessed you to drink last night anyway?'

Auron shrugged, picking up his robe and putting it on. 'Felt like it.'

'Ah.' Jassu perfectly understood that. 'Well, shall we go to the others?'

Auron nodded, leading the way out of the inn to the shoopuf, where Tidus wsa staring up at it in amazement.

'Wow!' He cried. 'Auron, look at this!'

Auron looked at the shoopuf, noticing the long scar on its hind quaters. 'Jassu, I think this is the same shoopuf.'

Jassu took a look himself. 'Yeah, I do believe it is.' He grinned. 'That used up the last of our money and lost me a drinking partner, if I remember.'

'Hn.' Auron smiled. 'He kept true to his word, though.'

'What? Who?' Tidus asked, frowning at Auron.

'One day when your father was drunk, he attacked the shoopuf thinking it was a fiend. He was horrified when he was sobered up, and paid for the damages, swearing off drink for the rest of his life.' Jassu grinned. 'And he did, too.'

Tidus frowned. 'Okay, the getting drunk bit sounds like my old man, but the rest of it sure as hell didn't.'

Danny twittered in Jassu's ear, having finally woken up. 'Bit-skit!'

Jassu got out a biscuit. 'Only if you say please.'

'Bit-skit!'

'Danny. Say "Biscuit please".' Jassu scolded. Danny huffed.

'Bit-skit peas.'

'That's better.' Jassu handed the biscuit to the little Jassite, who trilled happily and wrapped his tail round Jassu's neck for balance. Jassu turned to Yuna. 'He's getting better.'

Yuna smiled up at the Jassite, who watched her warily. He looked down at his bicuit, then broke a bit off, holding it out.

'Bit-skit?'

Yuna smiled. 'Okay.'

'Bit-skit peas.'

Yuna laughed. 'Biscuit please!' She managed to get out. Danny solembly handed over the piece of biscuit to Yuna, who took it and bowed to the Jassite.

'Who wantsh to ride the Shoopuf!'

The group looked up to the Hypello driver, who waved them all onto the lift. The party crowded onto the lift, which took them up to the shoopuf's back.

'Ish ebellybody ready?'

'Yes.' Yuna said, still giggling lightly. The Hypello nodded.

'Shoopuf launch!'

So saying, the shoopuf moved off. Jassu's mind wandered as the group explained a little about Spira's past to Tidus. He had let the Jassite wander.

Suddenly Danny shot back to his shoulder, hissing, his ears flat against his head.

'Ku, ku, ku!'

Before anyone could react, an Al Bhed had leapt up and dragged Yuna off the shoopuf. Jassu lost no time; he drew his sword and shrugged off his jacket.

'Ah! Not again!' He heard Wakka cry.

'Again? This has happened before? And you didn't think to tell me?'

Wakka and Tidus jumped into the river. Jassu went to follow but was stopped by Auron.

'Jassu...' Auron sighed, his gaze dropping to the floor below. 'Be careful.'

'I will. I have Jecht to thank for that.' Jassu smiled, then dived into the river. Looking around, he spotted a machina that was holding Yuna captive in a bubble. Jassu tried to remember what Jecht had taught him about breathing under water.

Suddenly remembering, Jassu began to filter the water out of his lungs, breathing as if he was in air. He swam over to Wakka and Tidus.

Catching their attention, he waved them back, concentrating and sending a Thundaga into the machina.

The machina shook, then shot a torpedo straight into Jassu's chest. He felt a rib snap, and all the breath whooshed out of his lungs. A plume of blood followed, but Jassu still whacked a last Thundaga into the machina. Tidus swiped it with his sword, and Wakka hit it with a Thunder charged blitzball. The machina exploded. Tidus pulled Yuna to the surface, and Wakka fought to get a now unconcious Jassu to the shoopuf. Having delivered Yuna, Tidus came down to help Wakka. He looked at Jassu and popped the cork on a hi-potion, forcing the liquid between his lips. That healed the rib and puntured lung, but the two teens just about managed to pull the still-unconcious and still unbreathing warrior to the surface.

The shoopuf picked him up and placed him on the seat on his back, and Auron bent over him.

'He's not breathing! What happened?' Auron cried.

'Took a torpedo in the chest. We've cured the lung and the rib, but I can't get him to breathe again.' Tidus said. Auron growled and bent over the fallen warrior. Pressing his lips to Jassu's, Auron proceeded to breathe for him until Jassu coughed and sputtered his way back to life. Auron backed away from him.

'You okay?' Auron asked as he helped the man into a seat.

'Apart from feeling like I just got punched in the throat, yeah, I'm fine.' Jassu gasped. Danny leapt over to him, trilling worridly and sniffing his face. Jassu smiled and placed the sword that he'd kept hold of in the scabbard.

'Ish ebellybody okay?'

Yuna stood and waved. 'Yes, yes, we're fine now!'

Auron reached up and pulled Yuna back down into her seat. 'Yuna.'

'Oh, I'm sorry.' Yuna smiled slightly. Jassu sat back and relaxed, watching Auron out of the corner of his eye.

Finally they got across to the other bank with no further mishap, apart from Danny being sea-sick as soon as they touched land. Lucky he wasn't sitting on Jassu's shoulder at the time.

Jassu walked around in dazed circles; he never did like travelling by shoopuf. Danny clambered up to his shoulder, and Jassu leant against a wall.

'G'day to ye, sir. Is there anything I can sell to ye?'

Jassu turned and smiled. 'O'aka the Twenty-Third, I presume?'

O'aka's face lit up. 'Ye've heard of me?'

'Of the O'aka family empire, yes.' Jassu smiled.

'Jassu! Sir Jassu!'

'Ah, it appears I am needed.' Jassu sighed dramatically. 'If ever I am in need, O'aka, I will call on you.'

'Thank ye, sir!' O'aka called after him. 'Such a nice lad...' he rooted around in his pocket for a few gil to give to a passing begger, but he couldn't find them. 'Hey, where'd they go?'

A coin was flipped past his nose, landing into the begger's hat.

'Thank you, O'aka.' The begger wavered, and O'aka turned to see Jassu grinning and walking away.

'The little devil...' O'aka shook his head.

Jassu smiled and strode down to where everyone was gathered, around an Al Bhed girl.

'So what's up?'

'Jassu, this is Rikku! She saved me when I first came to Spira! She's an Al Bhe...heh heh...'

Jassu nodded, glad that Tidus managed to catch himelf in time or Wakka'd have a fit. He turned to the girl.

'Hello, Rikku. I'm Jassu, that grump there,' pointing to Auron 'is Auron, that's Yuna and Lulu standing there. Behind Yuna is Kimahri Ronso, and over there is Tidus and Wakka.'

Rikku nodded, smiling up at Jassu. 'Thanks!'

Rikku ran to talk to Yuna and Lulu, and Jassu watched her. He was surprised that none of the other guradians had come to the same conclusion, although he'd figured that Auron had. They'd just stopped a kidnapping by the Al Bhed, and one just happened to wash up on the shore? Unless everyone knew except Wakka. More then likely.

'Hellooo?'

A hand was waved in front of Jassu's face, and he blinked, focussing on Rikku.

Rikku grinned. 'I'm one of you now! Cool, huh?'

Jassu nodded, Danny squeaking at the sudden movement. Jassu reached up and scratched him behind the ears, making him coo.

'Aw, what is that?' Rikku smiled at the little animal while there was a sudden staring match with either the ground or the sky. Jassu glared at the others and then sighed.

'A Jassite.'

'Hey, that sounds like your name.' Rikku smiled.

'That's because they're named after me. I don't know why, but hey.' Jassu shrugged as Danny squinted at Rikku. He pointed.

'Bit-skit peas Rit-rit.'

Rikku grinned. 'He talks!'

Jassu laughed. 'That he does. He wants me to give you a biscuit. Rit-rit.'

'Bit-skit peas Danny.'

Jassu laughed as the group walked into the woods, handing both Danny and Rikku as biscuit. When he judged the group far enough away he whispered to the girl.

'Oui'na uha uv dra Al Bhed fru gethybbat Yuna, oac?' [You're one of the Al Bhed who kidnapped Yuna, yes?]

Rikku cast her eyes to the ground. 'Oac. E's cunno ypuid dryd.' [Yes. I'm sorry about that.]

'Hu bnupmas.' [No problem.] 'Now we have that sorted, shall we catch up with the others? I won't tell anyone.'

Rikku flashed him a grateful smile before running to join the rest.

Jassu smiled, watching as the young Al Bhed girl started to chat animatedly to Kimahri, despite the Ronso not answering. He reached up and stroked Danny absently, switching his gaze to Auron. The man had seemd genuinly scared when Jassu had come to, a flicker of fear showing through before he'd had time to lock it away.

Jassu raised a hand to his lips, and smiled, dropping his hand again. Alright, not quite what he imaginged as a first kiss, but it would do.

'Oh jeez.' Jassu heard the sound of a sword being drawn, and ran forward. A huge Ochu barred the party's way. A sound like wood being crushed was heard, and Jassu realised that it was sleeping.

'Don't attack!' He whispered. 'Its asleep. Maybe we can get round it.'

So saying, Tidus, Yuna, Wakka and Kimahri crept around it, and then Rikkusnuck around. Lulu followed, looking back to the other two fighters and waving them over. Jassu went to follow, then the ground shook.

The Ochu had woken up, and wasn't happy. A tentacle whipped down, hitting Auron. He rolled out of reach and was on his feet, his sword drawn. Jassu drew his own and ran to join him.

The giant plant roared, reaching forward with its tentacles again, this time hitting Jassu. He felt something being injected into him and swore.

'Shit! Anyone got an Antidote!'

Everyone shook their heads, then Yuna ran forward and cast Esuna on the guardian, curing him. Jassu grinned at her, then turned his attentions to the plant.

'Jassu! Got an Overdrive?' Auron yelled as he fended off another snake-like tentacle. Jassu nodded.

He stabbed the sword into the ground and glared at the Ochu as he knelt on one knee. Taking the daggers out of his boots, he straightened. Closing his eye and concentrating, he spun the black knives in his hands. One started to crackle with the power of a Thundaga, and the other burst into flame. Jassu opened his eye and threw first one, then the other into the plant, making it scream. He pulled the sword out of the ground and nodded to Auron.

'What happened to Last Laugh?' Auron called as he sliced into the Ochu. Jassu brought the Katana round in a two handed swing, connecting with the plant and wincing when bright green sap squirted onto him.

'Would've shattered your blade. You saw what it did to Harlequin.' Jassu said as Tidus came in and swiped at the plant. The Ochu just swept the young boy away, and Jassu caught him before he lost his footing. 'Watch out for the tentacles.'

'Thanks.' Tidus grinned, then dove back into the fight. Between the three, the Ochu soon became a mass of pyre-flies. Jassu moved forwards and claimed his knives back, wiping the sap off and replacing them in the boot scabbards.

'Well, now that's done, shall we move on?'

The party moved through the woods, discussing Guadosalam and the Farplane. Auron and Jassu stayed out of the conversations. Both had agreed, unspoken, to sit outside the Farplane. As Jassu put it, he had too many memories, too many dead people on his conciounce.

Auron looked over to Jassu as he gave a chittering Danny a biscuit. Suddenly the dream forced itself onto his memory, and Auron looked away before Jassu could see him blushing. He clenched a hand, forcing the memory of a naked Jassu out of his head. Then he looked back to the man in question.

'Jassu.'

Jassu looked round and raised an eyebrow. 'Yeah, Auron?'

'We'll be going through Macalania Woods again.'

Jassu sighed and looked at the road ahead. 'Figured.' Then he grinned half-heartedly. 'Maybe this time I'll see a little more of the world. Get a little farther. That'd be nice. I want to see the sunset on Gagazet.'

Auron felt something tug at his heart at the wistful tone in Jassu's voice. He felt an urge to put an arm around his shoulders, which Auron knew would probably not be appreciated. 'You will. I'll make sure of it. I will not let you die on my account again.' Ever.

'Hey! Auron! Jassu! We're at Guadosalaaaaam!!'

Jassu looked up at a bouncing Rikku. That girl has far too much energy. 'So?'

'So hurry up!'

Jassu grinned, and looked at Auron. 'I think Auron's too old to move that fast, sweetie.'

Auron grunted, raising an eyebrow at Jassu. 'I bet I could still beat you in a straight race.'

'Shaddup.' Jassu snorted. 'You've been training from birth. I was only accepted in when I was nine.'

And you still think you're second best, that you'll never be as good as me. Auron shook his head and moved on. You don't get the fact that you are better then me. Always will be, too.

The group found itself in a grove surrounded by huge trees that must have been there for hundreds of years. Doors were set into some of the trees, and strange fungus growing on the trees provided the light. Jassu looked around.

'Doesn't change much, does it.' Jassu sighed, turning to Auron.

'I...can't say.' Auron pushed his glasses up onto his nose again. 'But it hasn't appeared to.'

'Welcome to Guadosalam, my Lady.' A voice used to speaking rang out in front of them, and a Guado with hair the colour of moss spread his long arms as he walked towards them. 'Come, Maester Seymour has been expecting you.'

He went to take Yuna's hand, but Wakka blocked his path. The Guado bowed in apology.

'Oh, excuse me. My name is Tromell, personal assistant to Maester Seymour himself. If you would follow me to the mansion...?' He indicated a large set of beautiful ornate doors set into the largest tree of all. Jassu looked at the doors uneasily, then sidled up to Auron. He didn't know what was wrong, but something told him this place was bad. It seemed to hold a large amount of sadness and anger.

'I'm...gonna miss this one, Auron.' Jassu whispered as the guardian went to make his way in. Auron looked at Jassu.

'Are you sure? You are Yuna's guardian, after all.'

Jassu nodded impatiantly. 'Yes, I know that, Auron. But what is there that you and the others can't take care of? If Seymour tries anything, which I doubt he will, I'm sure you'll be able to do something.'

Auron seemed to be scrutinising the other, making Jassu feel uncomfortable. 'This place unsettles you.' He stated. Jassu nodded. Auron sighed, shrugging. 'Alright. Where will you be?'

Jassu motioned vaguely towards the Farplane entrance. 'I...want to go the the Farplane.'

Jassu couldn't be sure, but he could have sworn a flicker of fear showed in Auron's eye, but if it had he'd buried it too fast. 'Alright.' Jassu started to walk away. 'Jassu!'

Jassu turned. 'Yeah?'

'If you see Braska...say hello. And don't fall in!'

Jassu shot Auron a smile, and waited for him to go inside the mansion before turning and taking the path to the Farplane.

He nodded to the guard at the entrance and walked up the pathway, pointedly ignoring the pyre-flies floating past him. He mounted the steps going up into the Farplane, and stopped before entering. He looked behind him, took a deep breath and walked through.

Jassu had never experianced it before; it was like standing in a waterfall, only the water was falling up instead of down. The sensation was dizzying but somehow refreshing, and he found himself on what was basically a piece of rock floating above clouds.

'Holy...' Jassu looked around; there were no other people in sight. In the distance he could see vast cliffs falling into a blue sea. Pillars of water stretched upwards through a bright day into an inky night sky, complete with moon and stars.

If this is how the real Farplane looks, Braska should be happy. Jassu wandered over to the side and glanced down, then decided that was a bad idea. I wish Braska and Jecht were here.

As if on cue, an image of the blue-robed Guardian wavered into view before him, and Jassu gasped.

'Lord Braska?'

The image didn't talk back, but the same gentle expression, the same smile, even the same laughing blue eyes were present. Jassu bowed his head, closing his eye.

'Why was I able to be sent back, Lord Braska? Why didn't you come instead of me?' Jassu sighed. He knew he wasn't going to get any answers, but he felt better for asking. 'Your daughter is indeed beautiful, in mind and spirit, my Lord. Auron...Auron says hi. Heh,' Jassu scratched the little Jassite behind the ears, making it coo softly. 'I've even picked up a little friend. Danny, this is Lord Braska. Say hello.'

Danny wrinkled his nose and blinked, looking first at Jassu and then at the image of Braska. 'He-yo.'

'Close enough.' Jassu smiled. 'Look, I know you can't hear me...but I don't know I can do this, Braska. There's too much at stake here. Auron's guarding the girl well, and Jecht's son...well, besides being so much like his father in all ways...he's a good lad.' Jassu chuckled. Then he sobered. 'But...I don't know what to do about Auron, Braska. I...'

For some reason, Jassu couldn't say the sentance out loud. He sat on the ground, leaning against a conveniantly placed rock, and sighed. The image of Braska wavered, but only shifted position slightly so that he could still see it.

I what? What is it about Auron? Jassu leant his head back, Danny running down his shoulder and curling up in his jacket. He'd been around the guardian for what seemed like a very long time. Auron was what, thirty five now? Which would make him about thirty one. Jassu chuckled. He still felt like a seventeen year old, and probably would until the day he died. Again.

Shifting slightly and making Danny squeak, Jassu stared into space, letting the sound of distant waterfalls stroke his stress from his mind.

He'd been around the red robed monk for most of his life, and the two had been fairly young when Braska had taken them on as guardians. Jassu frowned as he thought back to a time before that. When the two were training partners, when Auron was nineteen and Jassu was fifteen, and Jassu got his first view of Auron's torso.

~f-l-a-s-h-b-a-c-k~

The two swords flashed in the afternoon sun; both only visible as blurs, same as the two combatants as they pushed themselves and their bodies to the limit. It was always the same when you got these two together – one always trying to out-do another. Especially the young Jassu Rammas, four years younger then the other and already at the same level.

The two broke apart for a breather, an unspoken truce had been agreed on. Both were sweating heavily, and one stabbed his blade into the ground to retie his long black hair, shot through with gold, back into a ponytail. The other mirrored his actions, blinking the sweat out of his chestnut eyes.

'You're doing better, Jassu.' The one stated, smiling at the other who nodded. 'I haven't even managed to catch your knuckles this time.'

Jassu wiped sweat off his forehead and nodded. 'Easy for you to say. I'm still not the best, Auron. You are.'

Auron grinned at the younger teen. 'Only because I have you to train with, Jassu.' The grin disappeared to be replaced with a serious expression. 'You're still going on about the second best thing again, aren't you.'

Jassu sighed, walking over to a stone bench and sitting on it, Auron close behind. 'Well, yeah. I'll never be the best. How many people will trust a monk with a past of thievery?'

'You're a warrior monk, Jassu.' Auron replied, as if that explained everything.

Jassu shook his head in frustration, hair flicking over his face. Irritated, he flicked it back. 'No, that's not it at all. You, you got into Bevelle first time, no problems. I tried twice before they'd accept. Because I was a problem child. I was fucked from the start.'

Auron sighed and nodded. 'So you think that I'm the best and you'll never be able to beat me because I happened to get in younger then you?'

Jassu nodded and stretched. 'That's the one.' He stood up. 'Well, are we gonna finish this fight or what?'

Auron grinned and stood, holding his sword on his shoulder as Jassu brought his sword up to eye level. Without warning, Auron jumped at Jassu, bringing his sword slicing up. Jassu just managed to dodge the blow, retaliating with one of his own. Auron spun, and Jassu caught his tee shirt on his sword, making it tear and fall to the ground, revealling Auron's bare torso.

Jassu felt his jaw hit the ground, dancing back as Auron swung again. He swallowed and burned red, swinging his sword to connect with the others.

~k-c-a-b-h-s-a-l-f~

He'd been friends with Auron for, how long? A long time by then, long enough that Jassu knew the man inside and out before he was fourteen. And quite long enough for Jassu to fully comprehend what it was like to be lusting after your best friend, and the awkwardness of the fact your best friend was the same sex.

Somewhere down the line, Jassu reckoned, that lust had turned into something else.

He leant back as a group came into the Farplane. It was Yuna and the rest. Jassu rose, glanced at the fading image of Braska and wandered towards Tidus, Danny asleep in his arms.

'Auron outside?' He asked the teen, making him jump.

'Yeah. Rikku's there too.' Tidus motioned to the entrance, his eyes on Wakka.

Jassu chuckled. 'So...when are you going to tell him?'

Tidus looked about guiltily. 'Um...'

Jassu grinned. 'There's a travel agency in the Thunder Plains. Tell him there.'

Tidus grinned sheepishly. 'Thanks, Jassu.'

'Whatever, kid.' Jassu walked away, going through the portal to the steps beyond.

A splash of red halfway down told him that Tidus was right – Auron was sitting down, his head in his hands as Rikku was munching on an apple. Jassu walked down to the two, sitting beside the other monk.

'You okay, Auron?' Jassu asked, concerned. Auron sighed, raised his head and glanced at Jassu.

'Fine.' Came his reply. 'Seymour asked Yuna to marry him.'

'Ouch.' Jassu winced. 'Why?'

'The benefit of Spira. Or so he says.' Auron left no doubt as to what he felt about the matter. 'What did you do in the Farplane?'

Jassu smiled. 'Talked to a ghost.'

'Braska?' Auron asked. Jassu nodded.

'There was no sign of Jecht, so I'm guessing that he's still causing havoc.' Jassu smiled wryly. 'In the literal sense.'

Auron sighed as the rest of the guardians came out, Yuna following. Lulu turned to tell her something, and gasped as she saw what was behind them.

'Yuna!'

Yuna turned to see a Guado struggling to get out of the Farplane. Jassu swore and drew his sword.

'Lord Jyscal?' Yuna gasped.

'He is Lord Jyscal no more. Yuna, send him!' Auron yelled, and Jassu replaced the sword. He glanced at Auron. Was it him, or was there a hint of panic in the man's voice?

Yuna began to dance, pyre-flies swirling around the Guado as he was sent. Auron suddenly cried out, falling to his knees and doubling in pain. Jassu immediatly went down beside him.

'Auron?'

Auron had his eye squeezed shut, and he was pounding the ground, muttering.

'Auron!' Jassu shook his friend. 'What's wrong?'

Yuna had finished the dance, and Auron opened his eye, panting. He straightened, brushed off his robe and shook his head. Then he looked at Jassu.

'Nothing. Just...an old injury.'

Jassu watched as the other walked past, frowning. Danny cooed and whistled in his ear.

'Ron bit-skit?'

Jassu smiled, stroking him. 'Nah. And you've just had one, so don't even ask.'

'Aw.' Danny huffed and batted Jassu's hand.

Following the rest, Jassu found them all waiting for him outside the mansion. Tidus was off talking to various people to try and find out where the Maester had disappeared to.

'Guys!'

Tidus ran over to the group, out of breath. 'He's gone to Mayacalun, or something.'

'Macalania?' Wakka grinned. 'You need to work on your geography, ya?' He play-punched Tidus on the shoulder as he blushed.

'Macalania?' Lulu frowned. 'We'll have to go across the Thunder Plains, then.'

'Oh...' Rikku said very quietly. 'Can't we go in the morning? Only...it's getting real dark now.'

Auron glanced up at what little he could see of the sky and grunted. 'Fair enough. We rest here tonight, and leave in the morning.'

The group nodded, and each wondered off in their own direction. Jassu looked around for a drinking house; he felt a profound need to get drunk. But it seemed all the Guado drank was water. He sighed bitterly and made his way to the inn, ordering himself a room and going upstairs. It was late; and he was a lot tireder then he thought.

Taking off his boots and stripping off down to his boxers, Jassu smiled as Danny pulled the band for his hair out and gave it to him. Jassu took it off the Jassite and placed it with the rest of his clothes, slipping under the sheet and falling asleep very quickly.

Sometime during the night, Jassu woke up suddenly. He looked around for whatever had disturbed him, then heard a whimper from the other bed. Blinking and letting his eye get used to the absolute darkness of the room, Jassu peered at the other person.

It was Auron.

Auron was curled in a ball, shaking as a nightmare haunted his sleep. A whimper followed by a moan emanated from him, and Jassu roused himself to wake him up. The he stopped as Auron moaned again.

'Jassu...'

Jassu raised an eyebrow. That did not sound like a moan from a nightmare. Jassu suddenly blushed as he got back into bed and buried his head under the pillows and the cover, his cheeks flaming.

Auron was having that sort of dream about him? Jassu couldn't help but smile stupidly. So that was why Auron didn't look at me yesterday. Auron moaned again, and Jassu smiled wider. I didn't know that Auron could have those sort of dreams!

Jassu settled down to go to sleep, deciding that Auron would get highly embarressed if he woke to find Jassu was hiding under the pillows. He just hoped the cover was thick enough to blot out noise.

Evidently it was, because Jassu fell asleep almost straight away, a smile still flickering on his face.