Standard disclaimers apply
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Author's notes; Okay, first off, Rikku only thought that Paine and Nooj kissed. Personally, I don't like old Nooji-woogie at all. I've had an on again off again like for Paine, and regardless, I'd like to see her happy. I'm just not sure who I like her with for a pairing.
Anyway, I guess I'll write the Baralai Seduction and then write the Gippal Seduction. They're going to be two separate stories... kinda like alternate happenings. If you get my drift.
I just hope that I can keep true to everyone's opinion of my writing, (and if not, well, I tried my very best.) So, without further interruption, here is the Baralai Seduction.
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"Operation, Baralai Seduction ready to commence," I whispered softly. I was wearing my mascot dressphere - a truly disturbing sight for all to behold. Personally, I found the thing to be itchy, hot, and ugly. Not the best combination and certainly not one that I should have willingly gotten myself into. But then again, since when have I actually thought before I acted?
Young and irresponsible those two words just about summed me up perfectly. Of course, I would like to think that playfully spunky and cute were more appropriate, but I'm always honest with myself. And it's true that I don't take things too seriously.
Tilting my head from side-to-side ( and I cringe to think how that looked to the casual observer) I started along the path to Bevelle. I must have been a real shock to the guards. Looking like a giant stuffed cat with black and white marking, I approached them with a bounce in my step. "Hello!" I called out brightly.
Both men turned and... I guess the right word to use would be 'paled'. "Can I help you?" the first guy asked. He leveled his gun at me carefully, but discreetly. I suppose he must have noticed that I wasn't a fiend. Yay, for me! I had a feeling that he would have shot me if he got the slightest inkling that I was a threat.
"Just heading into Bevelle," I said. Stupid, stupid me. I should have realized that they had the power to turn people back if they didn't want them in the city. I was just way to used to going there with Yunie and, well, let's be realistic, who in their right mind is going to tell the High Summoner that she can't pass.
"Sorry, road's closed."
I felt disbelief coloring my face, but they couldn't see the heated red color through my mask. "No, it's not!" I exclaimed indignantly. "You just don't want me to pass because of what I look like!"
The guards didn't answer and didn't budge an inch. Briefly, I debated fighting my way into the city. But then again, that would probably get Baralai out in the open to fight me and my task was seduction, not victory in a fight. See, I do to think before I act.... sometimes... that is.
"Please, don't do this to me," I said, anguish tingeing my words. The anguish was real, and directed towards myself. I had gotten myself into one hell of a mess this time and couldn't see any way out.
"What business do you have in Bevelle?" the second guard asked.
"I'm here to -" Heh, heh, stupid me, I almost said that I'd come to seduce Baralai. I'm sure that would have made them let me into the city - yeah right! They would have probably opened fire. "To see the temple," I lied. Mentally, I promised that I would take a look at the temple if I got through.
Although, to tell the truth, I didn't want to have anything to do with it after all the trouble I went through with Vegnagun. Bevelle, in case nobody realized this yet, is what I like to refer to as one mucked up city! With hidden passageways and secretes galore, it's not exactly fun to explore - mainly because of the constant fiend presence that accompanies a lot of the tunnels and passageways.
Bevelle is the only city in Spira - besides Zanarkand - that has fiends romping through it's underground. That, of course, might have been because Bevelle was the only city with such an extensive underground, but who knows. Not me in any event.
The guards held a brief whispered conversation. I crossed my fingers and hoped like hell that they were going to let me into the city. Finally they turned to me. "You many pass," one of them said.
Whoo-whoo! I let out a mental cheer. I pranced by them with a carelessly tossed thank-you.
The city of Bevelle was built on the waterfront. It was truly a beautiful city - almost more beautiful then Luca, but I didn't have time for sightseeing at the moment. I strolled through the crowds, trying to blend in and failing horribly.
It was a fool's mission - trying to seduce someone while looking like an idiot. Even if I succeeded, I was cursed. That might seem a bit odd, but if you really think about it, it makes perfect sense. I'd have to lie at some point during the seduction - like when my name was asked for. That lie or those lies, would come back and haunt me. Either I'd have to maintain the lie throughout the party in Luca - and thereby miss out on all the fun I could have - or, I'd have to tell the truth and my date wouldn't be pleased.
Baralai didn't strike me as the type of person who appreciated being deceived. He was secretive, but at the same time, I don't think he ever outright lied to anyone. Especially since the Youth League and New Yevon had patched things up.
"Hey, get out of the way!" a man shouted at me. "Don't just stand there causing trouble."
I whirled hidden fire in my eyes. "I'm not causing trouble, you jerk!" I shouted at him. There was no way I was going to get accused of causing trouble before I actually did. I'll except any and all critiques when I'm guilty, but on the off chance that I'm innocent..... there's not a chance that I'm going to let anything mess with me.
"You got a problem with me?" the guy demanded. He reached out and pushed me back a step. Big mistake on his part. Furious, I went to deck him in the face with one plush fist. Naturally, that wouldn't really hurt him, but that was kinda the idea. He wouldn't stand a chance if I used any of my many talents on him. Such as taking off my mask and revealing myself as a Gullwing. Although that was a tempting thought. I wondered briefly what he'd do if I did take off my mask.
"Stop that!" a familiar voice snapped. I felt a hand on my back and twisted to see who was coming to my rescue. "Move along," Baralai said with a calm look on his face. I gasped in disbelief. I had unwittingly run into the very person that I was looking for and now I had a chance!
"Thank-you," I murmured, making sure to keep my voice from getting too similar to my normal tones.
"It was no problem," Baralai responded. "You should be more careful." He turned and started away from me. My chance was slipping by... nearly gone. But if I said or did the wrong thing... Well, let's just say that I wouldn't have any chances left.
"Uhhhmm, I'm kinda lost," I said a little louder then I meant to.
He turned back to me and smiled. And I swear, that is the first time that I ever seen him smile. He usually has such a stern expression and well, let's face it, he's not exactly the most easily read person. "I used to get lost in Bevelle as well," he told me.
I was shocked. Truthfully, I didn't think that he would get lost anywhere. I took a calculated (yeah right, I just spoke and called it calculated ) risk. "Aren't you the prateor of New Yevon?"
He nodded his head. "Yes, but I'm still just human."
My mind was whirling. What he said wasn't that strange, was it? It's just, I couldn't get past the thought that he was... I don't know. My mind was blanking on it's reason for being confused. He started walking away again and I couldn't think of anything to stop him.
Cursing myself for my silence, I tried to come up with another plan. I was going to have to arrange to run into him -"
He turned back towards me, running one hand through his hair. To my eyes, it looked like a slightly nervous gesture. "How about I give you a tour of the city?" he asked. "I'm not doing anything right now, so it wouldn't be a problem. And to tell the truth, I don't really want to be alone right now."
I gaped open mouthed at him. I must have opened and closed my mouth at least seventy times. Thankfully, my mask hid my mouth from view, preventing him from noticing. "If you don't mind..." I said, my voice trailing off.
He almost smiled again. It looked like he caught himself at the last possible second. "I don't," he said. He held his hand out for mine. I reached out and took his hand, feeling a firm, but gentle grip tighten around my hand. I wondered briefly what his hand felt like.
He was a politician, but I had fought him before and he wasn't a pushover. He was strong and a talented fighter. Hey, I know - I fought him before in the cursed Bevelle underground!
He was talking, so I quickly allowed my mind to focus on his words. He was telling me about Bevelle's history. I listened as attentively as I could, but... . blah! History is boring.
"A lot of famous summoners were born in Bevelle. Lord Braska, Lady Yuna, Lady Yoceon-"
"Where were you born?" I asked curious. I completely didn't realize that I had cut him off. Oops, I hoped that he wouldn't be offended by the sudden personal question. I crossed the fingers on the hand he wasn't holding.
"Why do you ask..." his voice trailed off. "Ah, well, I suppose it doesn't matter. I was born in Tynna."
"Tynna?" I asked. I hadn't heard of the city / town before, which was odd considering I had been all over Spira - twice! That wasn't something that a lot of people could brag about. In fact, I only knew one other person who could make that particular boast - Yunie! (Although, if we must be technical, Yuna has done more traveling then me.)
He nodded his head. "How old are you?" he asked, startling me with a personal question.
"Ahh, seventeen, why?" I said automatically. I was happy that I'd told the truth, but was curious if he would notice how nervous I was. If I let too much about myself slip, he might guess who I was. I was betting that he was going to be furious if he found out my seduction plans.
"Tynna was a small village along the Moonflow," he said. "Sin destroyed in seventeen years ago. There's no reason that you would have heard about it."
"Why didn't they rebuild?" I asked, curious. My great fault, and Baralai was mercilessly exploiting it. I can't resist curiosity and it's mysterious call. It was at that point that I thought of the old, old saying, 'Curiosity will kill the cat.' And guess what - I was dressed up like a giant cat!
"Who?" Baralai inquired softly. He stopped walking and let go of my hand, leaning on a railing. He was looking over the water, but I don't think that he actually seen anything.
"The people who lived there!" I said exasperated by his stupid question. I propped my elbows on the railing and looked over the water. Judging by the slight movement in his hair, there was a nice breeze coming in from the bay. Not that I could feel it - head stuffed in a mask like it was.
"I've thought about it many times." The bitter note of sadness in his voice caught me off guard. "I am the only survivor of Tynna," he said softly. He looked towards me. "And here I'm spilling my past to a complete stranger."
I felt a surge of guilt. I wasn't really a complete stranger. But still.... him opening up like he was... it was a good opportunity to seduce him.
He started walking again and gestured for me to follow. I hurried and caught up with him. He reached for my hand and I took his. We walked in silence for about twenty minutes.
By then, I felt like I was going to explode. I mean, come on, me being quiet for more then twenty minutes! Please, anybody who knows me obviously knows that I am NOT quiet. "So, Baralai....." my voice trailed off. Just what was I going to say?
He stopped walking and turned towards me attentively. "Yes?" he asked. I was surprised by the intensity of in his voice. I took a step back, feeling a blush creep up my face. He was looking at me so.... seriously.
"Whoa, ease up a bit," I said with a nervous laugh. "I was just wondering...." Once again my mind blanked. I almost asked him if he wanted to go and get something to eat. I could just imagine how that would work. I mean how in the world am I supposed to eat? I can't - not unless I take off my mask, and then - BAM! Baralai would know who I was. That made that a big no-no.
"If we could...." Once again my mind blanked. But now that I had spoken, I had to continue. "If we could go.... there!" I stabbed out with my finger and regretted it. A festival of some sort was in full swing. It was where I would like to be, but somehow I didn't think that Baralai would agreed.
"Sure," he said, catching me off guard. He started towards the ticket vendor and purchased two wristbands.
"Why are you being so nice?" I asked him. "You don't even now my name." Curiosity, damn you! Why won't it just leave me alone?!
He shrugged lightly. "You're proving to be good company and... I'm ...." his voice trailed off and he looked away. I didn't push him anymore, although I was still curious. (Mark one victory over curiosity down for me.)
We walked through the various booths, stopping and watching the crowd play different games. "Wanna try something?" I asked, eagar to let loose, but hesitant in his company. Which only made sense because I was under cover.
We stopped in front of a shooting game. "How about this?" I asked.
The corners of his mouth twitched in an upwards direction. "You'll have to take your gloves off," he said, sounding ammused. "I don't think you'd be able to pull the trigger if you didn't."
He picked up a play rifle and sighted along it carefully. "Besides, I wouldn't want to beat you -"
"Hold it! I can outshoot you!" I exclaimed. Heh, heh, me and my big mouth. I removed my gloves, hoping that he wouldn't recognize my fingers. He stared at them for a long time. Long enough that I finally started to get nervous. "W-what?" I stammered.
He closed his eyes. "Nothing," he said. He reached down and picked up one of my hands, raising it to his lips and brushing a slight kiss across the knuckles. "The best of luck to you," he said. He handed me a gun and gallentally offered me the first turn.
I took a shot, but missed. I was way to... confused. Why the hell had he kissed me? That didn't make any sense. And would Paine consider me disqualitied because I'd revealed my hands? That was always a possibility, you know. I started to get anxious.
"Relax," Baralai said. "Aim and try again."
I shot and hit the target dead center. He smiled - a real smile and hit his target dead center. Then the competition really started. I was a good shot - borderline great - but Baralai, he was excellent. Every shot he made hit just where he wanted it to - even when he didn't hit dead center. He was making sure that the score remained close - with me just in the lead!
I tried to be irritated, but it didn't work. It was just too much fun attempting to make him pull out all his stops and I was pleased that he was being so nice as to not whoop my butt completely.
I ended the game finally. We had decided that the first one to get a ten point lead would win. After he tied our score, I misfired - badly. I didn't even hit the target. It was a ten point penalty, dubbing him the winner. I grinned at the shocked expression on his face. And he got a giant stuffed chocobo.
We left the booth and ended up the the ferris wheel. "Why'd you throw the game?" he asked as we were raised about the ground.
"You were throwing it first," I objected. "I figured I better make sure you got the win you deserved before you made it look like I was a better shot then you." I grinned widely and patted his knee sweetly. "It was a sweet gesture and I really appreciated it."
He laughed.
I nearly died. I didn't think that the serious youth even knew how to laugh. It was a nice rich laugh, sending shivers chourousing down my spine.
"Who are you?" he asked. "We've been together all day and yet... we never really introduced ourselves. He leaned towards me slightly. "I'm Baralai..... you needed even think about the prateor part."
I got it. He wanted me to call him Baralai. "Baralai..... I -" I didn't know what to say or do. He was being so nice to me and I was just attempting to seduce him.
"You don't have to tell me your name," he said. He leaned back abruptly and looked away. I tried to judge if I'd upset him or not. We hit the top and the wheel stopped moving, letting on more passengers and letting off others. "There's a peace celebration in Luca," he said.
My breath caught in my throat. He knew who I was. He'd known all day long and was just stringing me along. He knew why I was here and what I had planned for him. I didn't say anything. I was kinda glad that he knew who I was. That way I didn't have to hold back anymore. But still, my silence held until we were more the halfway towards the ground.
He laughed again. "You may think me to be strange, but would you come with me to Luca.... as my date?" He was holding his hands and I noticed that they were trembling slightly. "It's more fun to dance with someone," he murmured.
And that's when I knew. Baralai didn't know who I was. He didn't have the slightest clue. I felt rotten for my trickery. I had seduced him - I don't know how - into asking me out. And I felt horrible. I would have much rather prefered if he had asked me in my thief clothes. Then I could dissmiss his words as simply wanting a cute date. But right now, I looked hideous. I had succeeded, but I couldn't reap my reward because I felt guilty.
"I'm sorry... Baralai," I murmured. I didn't stick around to hear what he did or said. I jumped. We were only a little way from the ground and I was really agile. I hit the ground and allowed myself to tumble foreword.
I came to my feet and glanced back and up, meaning to take one last look at him, but found him standing a couple of feet away from me.
"It's not for you to apologize. I just thought.... that it would be nice not to be alone for a change and you -" He smiled sadly. "You make good company in spite of your anxiousness."
I swallowed hard. He was being so ... serious... "I'm sorry, I'm not the type of girl that you think I am."
"You're the type that likes to act and saves thought for later. Spunky and impatient, but a compassionate person at heart," he said. "I'm pretty good at reading people. And would like to get to know you better.... sometime when you don't feel the need to act maybe?" He suggested. "I'll be in Luca... maybe..." his voice trailed off and he turned away from me.
I let him go. Dammit, I sure mucked things up.
I didn't feel very playful. I returned to the Celcious and drowned myself in the bathtub for several hours. Yuna and Paine seemed to think that was funny. They thought I'd failed. But in a way, I had succeeded and failed at the same time.
Baralai had seduced me, or so it seemed.
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Thanks for reading,
Kissa-chan
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Author's notes; Okay, first off, Rikku only thought that Paine and Nooj kissed. Personally, I don't like old Nooji-woogie at all. I've had an on again off again like for Paine, and regardless, I'd like to see her happy. I'm just not sure who I like her with for a pairing.
Anyway, I guess I'll write the Baralai Seduction and then write the Gippal Seduction. They're going to be two separate stories... kinda like alternate happenings. If you get my drift.
I just hope that I can keep true to everyone's opinion of my writing, (and if not, well, I tried my very best.) So, without further interruption, here is the Baralai Seduction.
*************************
"Operation, Baralai Seduction ready to commence," I whispered softly. I was wearing my mascot dressphere - a truly disturbing sight for all to behold. Personally, I found the thing to be itchy, hot, and ugly. Not the best combination and certainly not one that I should have willingly gotten myself into. But then again, since when have I actually thought before I acted?
Young and irresponsible those two words just about summed me up perfectly. Of course, I would like to think that playfully spunky and cute were more appropriate, but I'm always honest with myself. And it's true that I don't take things too seriously.
Tilting my head from side-to-side ( and I cringe to think how that looked to the casual observer) I started along the path to Bevelle. I must have been a real shock to the guards. Looking like a giant stuffed cat with black and white marking, I approached them with a bounce in my step. "Hello!" I called out brightly.
Both men turned and... I guess the right word to use would be 'paled'. "Can I help you?" the first guy asked. He leveled his gun at me carefully, but discreetly. I suppose he must have noticed that I wasn't a fiend. Yay, for me! I had a feeling that he would have shot me if he got the slightest inkling that I was a threat.
"Just heading into Bevelle," I said. Stupid, stupid me. I should have realized that they had the power to turn people back if they didn't want them in the city. I was just way to used to going there with Yunie and, well, let's be realistic, who in their right mind is going to tell the High Summoner that she can't pass.
"Sorry, road's closed."
I felt disbelief coloring my face, but they couldn't see the heated red color through my mask. "No, it's not!" I exclaimed indignantly. "You just don't want me to pass because of what I look like!"
The guards didn't answer and didn't budge an inch. Briefly, I debated fighting my way into the city. But then again, that would probably get Baralai out in the open to fight me and my task was seduction, not victory in a fight. See, I do to think before I act.... sometimes... that is.
"Please, don't do this to me," I said, anguish tingeing my words. The anguish was real, and directed towards myself. I had gotten myself into one hell of a mess this time and couldn't see any way out.
"What business do you have in Bevelle?" the second guard asked.
"I'm here to -" Heh, heh, stupid me, I almost said that I'd come to seduce Baralai. I'm sure that would have made them let me into the city - yeah right! They would have probably opened fire. "To see the temple," I lied. Mentally, I promised that I would take a look at the temple if I got through.
Although, to tell the truth, I didn't want to have anything to do with it after all the trouble I went through with Vegnagun. Bevelle, in case nobody realized this yet, is what I like to refer to as one mucked up city! With hidden passageways and secretes galore, it's not exactly fun to explore - mainly because of the constant fiend presence that accompanies a lot of the tunnels and passageways.
Bevelle is the only city in Spira - besides Zanarkand - that has fiends romping through it's underground. That, of course, might have been because Bevelle was the only city with such an extensive underground, but who knows. Not me in any event.
The guards held a brief whispered conversation. I crossed my fingers and hoped like hell that they were going to let me into the city. Finally they turned to me. "You many pass," one of them said.
Whoo-whoo! I let out a mental cheer. I pranced by them with a carelessly tossed thank-you.
The city of Bevelle was built on the waterfront. It was truly a beautiful city - almost more beautiful then Luca, but I didn't have time for sightseeing at the moment. I strolled through the crowds, trying to blend in and failing horribly.
It was a fool's mission - trying to seduce someone while looking like an idiot. Even if I succeeded, I was cursed. That might seem a bit odd, but if you really think about it, it makes perfect sense. I'd have to lie at some point during the seduction - like when my name was asked for. That lie or those lies, would come back and haunt me. Either I'd have to maintain the lie throughout the party in Luca - and thereby miss out on all the fun I could have - or, I'd have to tell the truth and my date wouldn't be pleased.
Baralai didn't strike me as the type of person who appreciated being deceived. He was secretive, but at the same time, I don't think he ever outright lied to anyone. Especially since the Youth League and New Yevon had patched things up.
"Hey, get out of the way!" a man shouted at me. "Don't just stand there causing trouble."
I whirled hidden fire in my eyes. "I'm not causing trouble, you jerk!" I shouted at him. There was no way I was going to get accused of causing trouble before I actually did. I'll except any and all critiques when I'm guilty, but on the off chance that I'm innocent..... there's not a chance that I'm going to let anything mess with me.
"You got a problem with me?" the guy demanded. He reached out and pushed me back a step. Big mistake on his part. Furious, I went to deck him in the face with one plush fist. Naturally, that wouldn't really hurt him, but that was kinda the idea. He wouldn't stand a chance if I used any of my many talents on him. Such as taking off my mask and revealing myself as a Gullwing. Although that was a tempting thought. I wondered briefly what he'd do if I did take off my mask.
"Stop that!" a familiar voice snapped. I felt a hand on my back and twisted to see who was coming to my rescue. "Move along," Baralai said with a calm look on his face. I gasped in disbelief. I had unwittingly run into the very person that I was looking for and now I had a chance!
"Thank-you," I murmured, making sure to keep my voice from getting too similar to my normal tones.
"It was no problem," Baralai responded. "You should be more careful." He turned and started away from me. My chance was slipping by... nearly gone. But if I said or did the wrong thing... Well, let's just say that I wouldn't have any chances left.
"Uhhhmm, I'm kinda lost," I said a little louder then I meant to.
He turned back to me and smiled. And I swear, that is the first time that I ever seen him smile. He usually has such a stern expression and well, let's face it, he's not exactly the most easily read person. "I used to get lost in Bevelle as well," he told me.
I was shocked. Truthfully, I didn't think that he would get lost anywhere. I took a calculated (yeah right, I just spoke and called it calculated ) risk. "Aren't you the prateor of New Yevon?"
He nodded his head. "Yes, but I'm still just human."
My mind was whirling. What he said wasn't that strange, was it? It's just, I couldn't get past the thought that he was... I don't know. My mind was blanking on it's reason for being confused. He started walking away again and I couldn't think of anything to stop him.
Cursing myself for my silence, I tried to come up with another plan. I was going to have to arrange to run into him -"
He turned back towards me, running one hand through his hair. To my eyes, it looked like a slightly nervous gesture. "How about I give you a tour of the city?" he asked. "I'm not doing anything right now, so it wouldn't be a problem. And to tell the truth, I don't really want to be alone right now."
I gaped open mouthed at him. I must have opened and closed my mouth at least seventy times. Thankfully, my mask hid my mouth from view, preventing him from noticing. "If you don't mind..." I said, my voice trailing off.
He almost smiled again. It looked like he caught himself at the last possible second. "I don't," he said. He held his hand out for mine. I reached out and took his hand, feeling a firm, but gentle grip tighten around my hand. I wondered briefly what his hand felt like.
He was a politician, but I had fought him before and he wasn't a pushover. He was strong and a talented fighter. Hey, I know - I fought him before in the cursed Bevelle underground!
He was talking, so I quickly allowed my mind to focus on his words. He was telling me about Bevelle's history. I listened as attentively as I could, but... . blah! History is boring.
"A lot of famous summoners were born in Bevelle. Lord Braska, Lady Yuna, Lady Yoceon-"
"Where were you born?" I asked curious. I completely didn't realize that I had cut him off. Oops, I hoped that he wouldn't be offended by the sudden personal question. I crossed the fingers on the hand he wasn't holding.
"Why do you ask..." his voice trailed off. "Ah, well, I suppose it doesn't matter. I was born in Tynna."
"Tynna?" I asked. I hadn't heard of the city / town before, which was odd considering I had been all over Spira - twice! That wasn't something that a lot of people could brag about. In fact, I only knew one other person who could make that particular boast - Yunie! (Although, if we must be technical, Yuna has done more traveling then me.)
He nodded his head. "How old are you?" he asked, startling me with a personal question.
"Ahh, seventeen, why?" I said automatically. I was happy that I'd told the truth, but was curious if he would notice how nervous I was. If I let too much about myself slip, he might guess who I was. I was betting that he was going to be furious if he found out my seduction plans.
"Tynna was a small village along the Moonflow," he said. "Sin destroyed in seventeen years ago. There's no reason that you would have heard about it."
"Why didn't they rebuild?" I asked, curious. My great fault, and Baralai was mercilessly exploiting it. I can't resist curiosity and it's mysterious call. It was at that point that I thought of the old, old saying, 'Curiosity will kill the cat.' And guess what - I was dressed up like a giant cat!
"Who?" Baralai inquired softly. He stopped walking and let go of my hand, leaning on a railing. He was looking over the water, but I don't think that he actually seen anything.
"The people who lived there!" I said exasperated by his stupid question. I propped my elbows on the railing and looked over the water. Judging by the slight movement in his hair, there was a nice breeze coming in from the bay. Not that I could feel it - head stuffed in a mask like it was.
"I've thought about it many times." The bitter note of sadness in his voice caught me off guard. "I am the only survivor of Tynna," he said softly. He looked towards me. "And here I'm spilling my past to a complete stranger."
I felt a surge of guilt. I wasn't really a complete stranger. But still.... him opening up like he was... it was a good opportunity to seduce him.
He started walking again and gestured for me to follow. I hurried and caught up with him. He reached for my hand and I took his. We walked in silence for about twenty minutes.
By then, I felt like I was going to explode. I mean, come on, me being quiet for more then twenty minutes! Please, anybody who knows me obviously knows that I am NOT quiet. "So, Baralai....." my voice trailed off. Just what was I going to say?
He stopped walking and turned towards me attentively. "Yes?" he asked. I was surprised by the intensity of in his voice. I took a step back, feeling a blush creep up my face. He was looking at me so.... seriously.
"Whoa, ease up a bit," I said with a nervous laugh. "I was just wondering...." Once again my mind blanked. I almost asked him if he wanted to go and get something to eat. I could just imagine how that would work. I mean how in the world am I supposed to eat? I can't - not unless I take off my mask, and then - BAM! Baralai would know who I was. That made that a big no-no.
"If we could...." Once again my mind blanked. But now that I had spoken, I had to continue. "If we could go.... there!" I stabbed out with my finger and regretted it. A festival of some sort was in full swing. It was where I would like to be, but somehow I didn't think that Baralai would agreed.
"Sure," he said, catching me off guard. He started towards the ticket vendor and purchased two wristbands.
"Why are you being so nice?" I asked him. "You don't even now my name." Curiosity, damn you! Why won't it just leave me alone?!
He shrugged lightly. "You're proving to be good company and... I'm ...." his voice trailed off and he looked away. I didn't push him anymore, although I was still curious. (Mark one victory over curiosity down for me.)
We walked through the various booths, stopping and watching the crowd play different games. "Wanna try something?" I asked, eagar to let loose, but hesitant in his company. Which only made sense because I was under cover.
We stopped in front of a shooting game. "How about this?" I asked.
The corners of his mouth twitched in an upwards direction. "You'll have to take your gloves off," he said, sounding ammused. "I don't think you'd be able to pull the trigger if you didn't."
He picked up a play rifle and sighted along it carefully. "Besides, I wouldn't want to beat you -"
"Hold it! I can outshoot you!" I exclaimed. Heh, heh, me and my big mouth. I removed my gloves, hoping that he wouldn't recognize my fingers. He stared at them for a long time. Long enough that I finally started to get nervous. "W-what?" I stammered.
He closed his eyes. "Nothing," he said. He reached down and picked up one of my hands, raising it to his lips and brushing a slight kiss across the knuckles. "The best of luck to you," he said. He handed me a gun and gallentally offered me the first turn.
I took a shot, but missed. I was way to... confused. Why the hell had he kissed me? That didn't make any sense. And would Paine consider me disqualitied because I'd revealed my hands? That was always a possibility, you know. I started to get anxious.
"Relax," Baralai said. "Aim and try again."
I shot and hit the target dead center. He smiled - a real smile and hit his target dead center. Then the competition really started. I was a good shot - borderline great - but Baralai, he was excellent. Every shot he made hit just where he wanted it to - even when he didn't hit dead center. He was making sure that the score remained close - with me just in the lead!
I tried to be irritated, but it didn't work. It was just too much fun attempting to make him pull out all his stops and I was pleased that he was being so nice as to not whoop my butt completely.
I ended the game finally. We had decided that the first one to get a ten point lead would win. After he tied our score, I misfired - badly. I didn't even hit the target. It was a ten point penalty, dubbing him the winner. I grinned at the shocked expression on his face. And he got a giant stuffed chocobo.
We left the booth and ended up the the ferris wheel. "Why'd you throw the game?" he asked as we were raised about the ground.
"You were throwing it first," I objected. "I figured I better make sure you got the win you deserved before you made it look like I was a better shot then you." I grinned widely and patted his knee sweetly. "It was a sweet gesture and I really appreciated it."
He laughed.
I nearly died. I didn't think that the serious youth even knew how to laugh. It was a nice rich laugh, sending shivers chourousing down my spine.
"Who are you?" he asked. "We've been together all day and yet... we never really introduced ourselves. He leaned towards me slightly. "I'm Baralai..... you needed even think about the prateor part."
I got it. He wanted me to call him Baralai. "Baralai..... I -" I didn't know what to say or do. He was being so nice to me and I was just attempting to seduce him.
"You don't have to tell me your name," he said. He leaned back abruptly and looked away. I tried to judge if I'd upset him or not. We hit the top and the wheel stopped moving, letting on more passengers and letting off others. "There's a peace celebration in Luca," he said.
My breath caught in my throat. He knew who I was. He'd known all day long and was just stringing me along. He knew why I was here and what I had planned for him. I didn't say anything. I was kinda glad that he knew who I was. That way I didn't have to hold back anymore. But still, my silence held until we were more the halfway towards the ground.
He laughed again. "You may think me to be strange, but would you come with me to Luca.... as my date?" He was holding his hands and I noticed that they were trembling slightly. "It's more fun to dance with someone," he murmured.
And that's when I knew. Baralai didn't know who I was. He didn't have the slightest clue. I felt rotten for my trickery. I had seduced him - I don't know how - into asking me out. And I felt horrible. I would have much rather prefered if he had asked me in my thief clothes. Then I could dissmiss his words as simply wanting a cute date. But right now, I looked hideous. I had succeeded, but I couldn't reap my reward because I felt guilty.
"I'm sorry... Baralai," I murmured. I didn't stick around to hear what he did or said. I jumped. We were only a little way from the ground and I was really agile. I hit the ground and allowed myself to tumble foreword.
I came to my feet and glanced back and up, meaning to take one last look at him, but found him standing a couple of feet away from me.
"It's not for you to apologize. I just thought.... that it would be nice not to be alone for a change and you -" He smiled sadly. "You make good company in spite of your anxiousness."
I swallowed hard. He was being so ... serious... "I'm sorry, I'm not the type of girl that you think I am."
"You're the type that likes to act and saves thought for later. Spunky and impatient, but a compassionate person at heart," he said. "I'm pretty good at reading people. And would like to get to know you better.... sometime when you don't feel the need to act maybe?" He suggested. "I'll be in Luca... maybe..." his voice trailed off and he turned away from me.
I let him go. Dammit, I sure mucked things up.
I didn't feel very playful. I returned to the Celcious and drowned myself in the bathtub for several hours. Yuna and Paine seemed to think that was funny. They thought I'd failed. But in a way, I had succeeded and failed at the same time.
Baralai had seduced me, or so it seemed.
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Thanks for reading,
Kissa-chan