A/N: I have returned! Hehe. Thanks for the reviews you guys. I'm really gald you like it. This chapter is gonna start pretty much where it left off. Well, on with chapter eight!
Disclaimer: I do not own ToS. Nope. I own the game, but not the game itself. Get what I mean? Bottom line: I don't own it.
Chapter 8: New Resolve
xxxx
"Lovely morning, isn't it?" Raine called cheerily, waltzing into the sitting room and sitting down on the beige armchair.
"Oh, yes," Regal replied sarcastically. "Grand." Raine shot him one of her motherly stares, causing Regal to add, "Forgive me. Too many nightcaps can cause...mammoth headaches."
"Nightcaps? How many nightcaps?" Raine queried, a motherly tone evident in her voice.
"Too many," Regal mumbled.
Last night had been...well, dreadful. After ending his phone conversation with Presea, he had indeed had his nightcap. Which had turned into another one, which had turned into another one. In the end, he had finished a whole bottle of brandy by himself. After a night of self-pity, he had figured that he could start this day off like any other.
Wrong.
He now had a horrible headache, and his thought's were still centered around Presea. All those nightcaps had only made it worse.
The mage shook her head, her short, silver hair framing her face. "I am disappointed in you Regal. Drinking never helps solve a problem, in only makes it worse."
"I am aware of that."
She sighed, adding a small 'tsk' at the end. "Listen to me, I am not fully aware of what transpired between you two," she began, "but I do know that you are both grown adults. I believe you should conduct yourself as one."
Regal felt a smile tug at his lips, despite his current mood. "Wise advice. Perhaps I should call her, invite her for breakfast?"
Raine gave a nod of her head, settling down into her chair and picking up the book she had carried down with her. "It's your personal life, do as you wish." She peeked over the top of the book, offering him a small smile.
The blue-haired president returned the gesture, a full grin on his lips. He pulled himself out of his chair and walked up the stairs, making his den his destination. Leave it to Raine to give him sound advice.
xxxx
The high-pitched ring sounded through the apartment, jerking Presea from her slumber with a start. But instead of answering the telephone, she let the device ring, turning over in her bed and buring her head in the fluffy pillow. She closed her red-rimmed eye's, wishing that whoever was calling would just give up. She didn't feel like talking at the moment.
After what seemed like an hour but was in reality only a minute, the ringing ceased. Dragging herself out of bed, Presea trudged into the bathroom. Brushing her teeth and washing off her face proved difficult, seeing as how her limbs felt as if they weighed a ton. Who would have thought that sleeping could make you feel so bad?
Moving out of the bathroom and into the kitchen, she put on a pot of coffee and propped herself against the small section of counter space. Last night had been one of the worst nights of her life. After crying for over an hour straight- something she hadn't done since she was a child- she had finally nodded off. Though she didn't have any dreams, it was still a fitful sleep, one that left her feeling oddly anxious.
Pouring herself a cup of the black liquid, she ambled into her living room, choosing to sit in her blue arm chair that faced the window, which looked out over the cystal blue waters of the ocean. The day was truly lovely. Not a cloud was in the light, blue sky, and the ocean rolled gently with the sea breeze. If only she could feel as at peace as the day looked.
Instead, she felt...depressed. Regal was now off-limits, his tone of voice had revealed that much. Their growing relationship had skidded to sudden halt, and it was her doing. Her silly ideals had cost her any hope of his love.
"But not his friendship," she spoke resolutely, lowering the cup of steaming coffee from her lips. "I will not lose that."
She finished her drink, standing from her chair with a new goal. She would stay home today, for she feared if saw Regal again her resolve to simply stay friends would fade. Instead, she would call him later and have a mature conversation with him, letting him know of her desire to keep his friendship.
She placed her cup in the kitchen sink, a small smile on her lips. It sounded like a good plan so far. In fact, the day was looking up. And...who knew? Perhaps the date with Duke wouldn't be so bad after all.
xxxx
Sitting outside on the patio, the sea breeze rustling the stray ebony locks that had fallen from her bun, Sheena looked absolutely beautiful. Unaware of Zelos' gaze, she idly twirled a piece of her hair, staring of into the horizen. It seemed to be one of those moments when you were completely at peace, and Zelos lost his nerve to go speak with her. It would be rude to interrupt.
Turning on his heel, the ex-Chosen turned from away from the scene and nearly collided into someone.
"Whoa! Why'd you sneak up on me like that?" the red-head demanded.
"My apologies. I only wanted to know if you were ready for lunch."
"Regal, we had breakfast three hours ago, and then we had a snack, all of which you prepared. How could we possibly be hungry?" Zelos lowered himself into a dining room chair, watching as Regal did the same. "Are you implying that we all need to gain weight?" he added lightly.
Regal ran a hand through his semi-long hair. "When I am...anxious, I tend to cook. A lot. It helps calm me."
Zelos nodded his head in understandment. "Yeah, when I'm having women problems, I have a quirk like that. I'll mope around for awhile, and then I just go out on the street and a whole bunch of hunnies flock around me. Always cheers me up. 'Course, it's a rare day that I have women problems."
Regal remained silent for a moment. "Does the company of all those women truly lift your spirits? I cannot seem to get Presea off of my mind, and we never even had an 'official' relationship."
It was Zelos' turn to remain quiet. Did the company of all those women really make him feel good about himself? "Well, since it's just you and me, I guess I can be honest. ...Yeah, it does."
Regal looked up, catching Zelos' gaze. "I do not belive you. You only tolerate the company of those women because you enjoy the status- the hype they bring to you. You like the attention, not the women themselves. They make you feel proud- having a flock of beautiful women around you make you feel rather invinceible, though it in reality it portrays you as arrogant and pompous."
Zelos sat in shocked silence. Was he that easy to see through? Was it that easy to see- Wait a second! Regal had just insulted him! Calling him pompous and arrogant! But he had also just told him the truth...So, how should he react?
"Gee...Have you been talking to Sheena lately?"
The small grin on Zelos' face reassured Regal that he had not said too much. "I did not mean to sound so harsh. You...you do not the company of those women to feel good about yourself. You are a good man, Zelos. You-"
"Whoa, Ramblin' Regal. No need to keep pegging me with deadly accuracy," Zelos said with a grin, standing from his chair.
Regal stood as well. "I suppose the effect of those nightcaps are still present," he chuckled.
"Say, what's Presea up to today, anyway? Did you call her?"
"I did, but there was no answer."
"Maybe Duke upped dinner to breakfast." The look on Regal's face quickly alerted him of the fact that he had said the wrong thing. "Ah, you know-"
"I am going to go prepare lunch." Regal strode off. Upon reaching the doorway that seperated the dining room from the kitchen, he added lightly, "And you had better eat it."
xxxx
"Hey, Sheena."
Hearing her name, the young Summoner whirled around in her chair. She watched as Colette sauntered over to her and dropped down into the chair adjacent from her own.
"What are you doing out here by yourself?" the young angel queried.
"Just enjoying the quite." She glanced over at Colette, and noticed that the blond was clad in a pale blue two-piece swimsuit. "Guess that just went out the window, huh?"
A baffled look crossed Colette's face. Then she follwed Sheena's gaze and realized her ebony haried friend was referring to her swimsuit. "I'm sorry. We don't have to swim-"
Sheena held up a hand, silencing Colette's babbling. "Enough, Colette," she laughed. "I don't mind if you swim." After a moment she added, "Wait, what do you mean 'we'?"
Before Colette could answer the question, a battle cry echoed through the air and Colette was swept up and thrown into the swimming pool. She emerged from the suface looking slightly ruffled and she shot a mock glare in Lloyd's general direction.
"Lloyd!"
The young swordsmen looked down on his girlfriend, a huge grin on his face. "Ah, I'm sorry, Colette." He offered her his hand, squatting down beside the edge of the water. "We are supposed to go swimming." His grin grew. "No hard feelings?"
Colette eyed his proffered hand wearily. After a brief hesitance, she accepted it, giving it a hardy shake. "Okay..." She then gave a his hand a hard tug, sending Lloyd toppling into the water head first. "No hard feelings!" She cried as Lloyd broke the surface.
"You're in for it now, Colette!" Lloyd declared. The young blond wad already a few feet ahead of him, but Lloyd quickly caught up with her, wrapping his arm's around her small waist and rendering her immobile. "Ha ha! I got ya!"
"No, Lloyd! Don't!" Colette yelled, though it was futile. Lloyd dunked her despite her cries of protest. The girl came up laughing, and splashed Lloyd in return. "Lloyd!"
Sheena watched the scene from her seat with amusement. The pair was now enaged in a water fight, and it looked like both were losing. The Summoner felt herself grinning. Lloyd and Colette were so cute together...
"Hey! You two got in without me!" Genis yelled, charging out of the sliding door and jumping into the pool.
"Genis! Assist me in fighting off this vile woman!" Lloyd yelled, luring his friend over.
"Wow, Lloyd. I didn't know your vocabulary included 'assist' and 'vile'."
"Hey! Shut it!" Lloyd temporarily ceased his assault on Colette and moved to the half-elf, shoving the boy under the water. Colette used Lloyd's distraction to her advantage.
"Vile woman! I'll show you vile woman!" she giggled, creating a large wave and sending it crashing on Lloyd and Genis.
"Hey!" Both of the boys turned their attention back to the angel. "You're gonna pay for that!"
"My, aren't children loud?"
Sheena turned to see Raine, decked out in black one-piece bathing suit and looking hightly uncomfortable. Though the mage complained about the noise factor, Sheena saw a smile in her aqua eye's.
"How'd they talk you into getting in?"
Riane sighed and took a seat next to Sheena. "I honestly don't know."
Sheena grinned. Before she could question Raine futher, another figure appeared behind them, blocking out what little sun entered the shaded area.
"Ladies."
"Regal?" Sheena's eyebrow raised in question as Raine added, "They dragged you out here as well, I see."
Regal nodded his head, throwing the white towel he was carrying with him down on the table. "They did." He looked a bit preoccupied, and Sheena assumed that his mind was on a certain pink-haired friend of her's.
"Hey, Regal!" Lloyd shouted, spotting the man standing on the patio. "Get in here and help! Colette's winning the battle!"
A smile twitched on the older man's lips. How would some childish fun do any harm? Perhaps it would even brighten his spirit. "It seems that I have been spotted." He slowly walked over to the edge of the pool, then gave a small wave in the direction of the women a dove in.
"Men are crazy," Sheena sighed, watching as Regal tried to fend of his attackers..or attacker. Colette was drenching all three males. "And weak. Colette's wiping the floor with all them."
Raine watched the scene before her with a smile on her lips. The smile disappeared, however, when her gaze stopped on Regal. "Have you spoken with Presea today?" she asked suddenly, turning to Sheena.
"No...Why?"
"Curiosity," Raine remarked. "I thought that maybe perhaps she and Regal and worked out their relationship."
Sheena shook her head. "I haven't heard from her. In fact, I'm kind of concerned about her. She seemed so upset yesterday, and now she hasn't called- and she told me she would. You don't think that something happened to her, do you?"
"No. She is probably simply pondering over her situation."
"I guess your right..."
"You know how confusing relationships can be," Raine sighed with a wave of her hand.
"Not really," Sheena mumbled, a blush creeping into her cheeks.
"Oh, Sheena. Honestly. If you think that we know nothing about your feeling's for Zelos then you are not nearly as intelligent as I thought you to be."
Sheena's face turned a deeper shade of red, and when she heard a voice behind her, she was positive that it was the color of the speaker's hair.
"Are you fine hunnies discussing the lovely me?" Zelos walked up and draped an arm over both women. "What were you speaking of? My charming personality? My dashing good looks?"
Raine sighed and stood from her chair. "I'm getting in the water." As she walked off, Sheena caught the words 'honestly', 'Sheena', 'Presea', and 'knocking sense into them'.
"Man, she'd rather face water than me. Can I clear a room or what? Usually I have the opposite effect..." Zelos plopped down on the chair across from Sheena, propping his feet on the table. He seemed just like his usual self, though Sheena couldn't help but wonder if he had heard her conversation with Raine.
What if he did? she pondered, wondering if it would really be horrible if he knew of her feelings. She deducted that it would be. He'd probably laugh his butt off. The Angry Banshee liking the Almighty Zelos. Yeah, that's a picture. Sheena sighed mentally. What am I doing? Zelos is...well, Zelos. What's wrong with me?
"What's the matter?" Zelos queired. At Sheena's befuddled look, he added, "You're chewing on your lip." He placed his index finger on his bottom lip, as if emphasizing his point. "You only do that when your nervous."
"I-I'm not nervous," Sheena defended. She immediately ceased the chewing off her lip- something she wasn't even aware of that she was doing. "I'm just thinking."
"Then what are you thinking about?" Zelos retorted.
"Um...Well..." Sheena trailed off. She couldn't tell him the truth, so she concocted, "Uh, you know, about when we first met."
"You remember that?"
Sheena scoffed. "Well, yeah."
Zelos grinned, recalling the memory. "It was- what?- about seven years ago? Remeber?"
"Yeah, Zelos, I remember. How could I forget? I was in Meltokia with Grandpa and Kuchinawa, and you ran out in front of me, which resulted in me knocked to the ground."
"Admit it, Sheena. You were knocked of your feet by the sight of my gorgeous face."
"Yeah...That's it," Sheena said with a roll of her brown eye's. "Anyway, why did you run out in front of me that day?"
Zelos took her hand from across the table, a sincere smile on his lips. "Because I had never seen a more beautiful creature."
Sheena's heart picked up speed considerably. Was he confessing his feelings for her? "Zelos," she said softly, squeezing his hand. She glanced up, her chocolate eye's locking with his cerulean one's. "I..."
Zelos glanced away, breaking the trance. "Across the street," he added, sweeping over his tracks with ease. "You just happened to be in my way."
"Zelos!" Sheena cried, her cheeks flaming. She jerked her hand out of his grasp. How could I have fallen for that stupid line...she chided herself.
Zelos laughed boisterously, trying to cover up his own nervousness. He had skirted around on the borderline of his feelings, coming dangerously close to actually blurting them out. He chanced a glance at Sheena, finding the young woman with her head in a bowed position. Perhaps he shouldn't have added that last part...
"Sheena...I was just joking. In all honesty I was chasing after Seles."
"Seles?" Sheena lifted her head, once again meeting his gaze. "But, isn't she in the abbey?"
"She hasn't always been, you know," Zelos replied, glancing at the patio floor. "We were playing tag- I was being forced to baby sit- and Seles had ran over in the garden. I was afraid that she would get hurt, so I was trying to get to her."
Sheena watched as Zelos' features softened. He may claim that he hated his younger step-sister, but she knew better. "That's...sweet."
"Sweet?" Zelos smirked. "That's not something I expected to hear. But, it's wasn't like I cared about her well-being, or anything. I just didn't want to get into any trouble. If she had gotten hurt, where would that have left me?"
The Summoner nodded her head, dropping the subject. She knew Zelos was as stubborn as he was proud, there was no way he would admit to anything that he didn't want to.
"Well, you know why I ran in out in front of you, but now I have my own question: why were you out in the middle of the street?"
Sheena shrugged her shoulders. "Kuchinawa had taken my hair pin."
Zelos stared at her, red eyebrows raised. "You were screaming bloody murder because he took your hair pin?"
"It's special," Sheena retorted, her hand traveling to her hair. The hair pin in question sat embedded in her ebony hair. "My mother gave it to me."
"Let me make sure I understand. You were running around Meltokio, screaming like the angry banshee you are, because Kuchinawa took your hair pin?"
"Yes! And stop calling my an angry banshee! I am not an angry banshee!"
Zelos pointed a finger at the yelling Sheena. "Point proven." His quickly withdrew his pointing finger as Sheena raised her hand. "Now, now, my Angr- Sheena, no need for violence."
Sheena begrudgingly lowered her hand, mumbling under her breath as she did so. She soon quited, and the pair sat that way, each silent and each staring at the pool before them, which was alive with merriment.
"Let's go for a ride," Zelos spoke suddenly, breaking the silence and earning a startled look from the Summoner.
"Ride? What do you mean 'ride'?"
"You know, a boat ride. I'm sure Regal would let us borrow his boat."
"Boat ride?" Sheena echoed dumbly. "But.."
"Hey, Regal!" Zelos shouted, cupping his hands around his mouth so the sound would carry. "Can I use your boat for a while?"
It took Regal a moment to respond- the man was up against an onslaught of water. "The keys are located in my den!" he shouted, the distraction giving Colette and Raine enough time to create a mammoth tidal wave and send it crashing down on the man.
"Ohh. Wet enough for ya?" Zelos laughed.
"You had best leave before I turn my attention away from these ladies," Regal yelled in response, he, Genis, and Lloyd returning the ladies' gesture.
Zelos chuckled, turning to Sheena with a satisfied smirk. He hoisted the woman to feet, and linked his arm through her's. "Let's go."
Sheena found herself in the boat quicker than she bat her eyelashes.
xxxx
It really was a lovely day, and Sheena found that it was even lovelier out on the water. With the bright sunshine shimmering off the water, the clear blue sky and the cry off the gull's abover her, and the gentle lap of the waves at her side, the Summoner quickly found herself enjoying her boat ride.
She had also found that Zelos was a talented driver, and that he could navigate the floating vessel with ease. Though she had no clue where they currently was, Zelos could tell her with confidence, and she was thankful for that. Floating out in the middle of the ocean without a clue of where she was was not how she wanted to spend her day. Though, so far, her day was progressing nicely.
"Sure is quite out here, isn't it?"
Sheena turned to face her comrade. "Peaceful," she agreed, leaning back in the bench-like seat where she was currently positioned.
Zelos stretched out on the seat opposite her own, laying flat on his back. "Wonder how far away we are from the land...?"
"What!" Sheena immediately sat up. "I thought you said you knew where we are! What-" she stopped mid-sentence. "What is so funny!" she demanded, glaring at Zelos' laughing form.
"It was a joke, my Beautiful Banshee. I do know where we are. We're about 5.4 mil-"
Sheena held up her hand, the anger expelled from her voice. "Please, no more sailor talk." The first hour of their little cruise had been spent with Zelos serving as teacher, and Sheena had learned nothing in the process. "I can't comprehend anymore terms."
"You didn't comprehend anything I told you start with. You're the most awful student I've ever had," Zelos said with a grin.
"Oh, really? How many student's have you had, Mr. Zelos?" Sheena replied, the same laughter in Zelos' voice present in her's.
Zelos contemplated her question. "Let's see...There's Marilee, Bridgette, Cas-"
Sheena fought back the sudden rush of anger and pain that acommpanied his words. "Never mind. It was a rhetorical question."
Zelos didn't miss the injured note in his voice, and he felt like smacking himself. Why did he have to bring those women up? Everything had been going so well, and then- boom! Veered of path and right into a wall.
Sheena chanced a glance at Zelos and found that he was staring up the sky, a rather glum look on his face. Why he looked so defeated was beyond her- he had all those 'hunnies' waiting for him while she secretly pined after his affection. He had a harem of women; she didn't even have a candidate.
Suddenly, she felt pathetic. Here she was, sitting out in the middle of the ocean with someone whom she secretly adored, and all he cared about was his 'hunnies'. She was nothing to him. Nothing.
"Zelos, I think we should head back. It's been almost two hours."
The ex-Chosen bolted upright. "Aw, Sheena. I didn't mean it. We're having such a good time."
Sheena put on the most casual look she could muster. "What? You think I care about that 'hunny' crack? Please. Why should I care?"
Now it was Zelos' turn to feel rejection. He didn't know how to read the woman sitting next to him. One minute he thought he had a chance, the next he was back to square one.
"It's not like I have a right," Sheena continued her rambling. "I mean, you mean nothing to me."
The boat grew oddly silent at that last comment. The gull's even ceased their calls. It was as if the water it's self stopped it's gentle laping. There was no sound. Both occupants of the pontoon-like boat sat in silence, both staring at each other, yet looking past the one they were staring at.
"Zelos.." Sheena was the first to break the silence. "I-"
The red-head stood and walked towards the boat's steering wheel. "Hey, no problem. It's not like those words are new to me." He tossed her a fake smile, and she saw through it immediately.
"No, Zelos. That didn't come out right." She stood as well, meeting him at the boat's middle, where the cockpit was located. "I...I do care about you. You're my friend."
"Thanks, Sheena."
His uncharacteristic low tone immediatly alerted Sheena that something was amiss. "I mean it. You really are my friend."
"I know that." He started the boat's engine. "But you said you wanted to go back, so we're going back."
"No." Sheena turned the key, killing the engine before Zelos could even attempt to move the craft. "Why don't you belive me? I really do care about you."
"I do believe you, Sheena. I was just doing what you asked me to do."
"You're lying. There's something wrong with you. Look, I really am I sorry. I really do-"
"I know, Sheena! I know that I'm your friend. I know you didn't mean it. Okay? Now can we just go?" He asked, his tone hardening.
"Fine." Sheena turned and strode back to seat, sitting with her back towards the him. "I was only trying to apologize."
Zelos heaved an exasperated sigh. "I know. Look, I'm sorry." When Sheena made no move to turn around, he went to her, settling himself behind her. "I didn't mean to yell. Forgive me?"
Sheena shook her head, leaning over the boat slightly so she could dip her finger's in the salty water. "Yeah," she mumbled, keeping her back to him. "I forgive you."
Zelos took a chance and placed his head against her's, resting his chin on her shoulder. "C'mon, Sheena," he prompted, his old charm coming into play, "Don't be upset with me. I was just...My pride had took a hit, you know?"
"I do, actually." Sheena turned around, her face within mere inches of Zelos'. "Everytime you say something about those...groupies, my pride takes a hit, as well."
Zelos sat in shocked silence. His cerulean eye's locked with her chocolate one's, his mouth slightly agape. Was that a confession?
Obviously, Sheena was as shocked as Zelos, because she was equally as quiet as he. "I-I-" Sheena stopped, turning away as she felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. That had come out all wrong.
"Sheena," Zelos spoke gently, trying to coax her to look at him. "C'mon, Sheena, look at me."
The Summoner continued to stare at the floor, though a half scoff, half laugh escaped her lips. There was no way she was lifting her head. She had just condemned herself to a life of torture. Now he knew that she cared about him more than she let on. Now he could use that to taunt her with. Oh why did she have such a big mouth...
"Sheena..." Zelos bent over, catching her chin with his finger's and bringing it up along with him. "Do you mean that?"
His hand holding her in place, Sheena had little choice but to look him in the eye. "I guess..."
"You guess?" Zelos felt a smirk tugging at his lips, and the gesture didn't go unnoticed.
He was enjoying this! That red-headed pervert was enjoying watching her squirm! "Oh, yes! Yes I meant it!" She jerked free of his grasp. "You little perverted, egotistical, conc-"
Zelos' smirk broke into a grin at her confession. Before she could finsih her ranting, and before he could stop himself, he pulled her to him, silencing her with a sound kiss.
"You were saying?" Zelos queried, breaking the kiss and gazing into the dazed face of the Summoner.
Sheena sat in shocked silence for a moment, her mind blank to everything but the man before her. He had kissed her...He had put his mouth over her's...His lip's had been against her's...He had...He had...
"Sheena?"
Hearing her name snapped Sheena out of her dazed state. "You...you...perverted, egotistical, conc-"
"You already said that," Zelos chuckled, causing Sheena to fluster.
"Oh, it isn't funny!" She jumped out of her seat. "You can't just go around kissing people! It's..It's..." Sheena blew out an irritated sigh. Why couldn't she formulate words? Was his kiss that great?
"It's what? It's a free land, Sheena. I can kiss who I want." Zelos stood as well, a smirk on his lip's.
"You use that privilege a bit to much," Sheena retorted, her brain finally coming out of hibernation.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Zelos queried, the smirk slipping from his face.
"Relationships are a game to you."
"That's not true." His voice took on an uncharacteristic serious tone. "Not true, at all."
Sheena scoffed, the sound slipping from her lip's with ease. "How many women have you gone through? How many of them have meant one thing to you- other than a booty call?"
Zelos contemplated her accusation. It wasn't to far from the truth really. Most of those women where just convenient. But, Sheena was different. He really did care about her. More so than any woman he had ever met.
"That's what I thought. You just go with those groupies because that's what they are. Sluts." The Summoner turned on her heel, knowing that she couldn't go far, but wanting to put some space between herself and Zelos, none-the-less.
"No, Sheena, wait." Zelos caught hold of her arm, stoping her retreating before it could start. "That's not how it is at all."
"Zelos, I know how it is. I've seen you with those women." She jerked free of his grasp. "I know what you expect from them; what they're happily willing to give. I'm not like that, and you should know that by now."
"You don't think I don't know that? Why do you think I'm so attracted you? It's because you don't act like them! Look at yourself, Sheena! You're absolutely beautful! Yet you don't go flaunting it around."
"Wha...? Zelos..." But Zelos wasn't done speaking, and he simply continued.
"You speak your mind, you're free spirted, you don't take anything from anyone...you don't even succumb to my Wilder Charm."
"Zelos, I-" Yet he still wasn't done.
"You know, you chew on your lip when your nervous; and when if your uncomfortable, you have this really high-pitched, fake sounding giggle; but when your happy, or with your friends, you have this really bright grin that reflects in your eyes; and when you think someone is a total idiot, you try to hide it, but you still have this cute lil' annoyed look on your face; and-"
"Zelos, stop." Sheena picked up his hands, which were gesturing around wildly. "I-"
"I do know you, Sheena. I've even tried to stop my growing feelings. I mean, you are the Angry Banshee, what would you want with the beautiful me? But I can't. I-"
Sheena sighed mentally. Why wouldn't he just be quite for a minute? Then she could tell him how she felt about him. But he wouldn't shut up.
Then, an idea struck the Summoner. If he wouldn't shut up, maybe she could shut him up. Though his confession was touching, and made her feel extremely giddy, she needed to tell him her own feelings.
"Zelos," she moved her hand's from his own to grasp the side of his handsome face, "you really do talk to much." With those words, she pressed her lip's firmly against his.
xxxx
Regal pulled himself out of water, his dripping form leaving a trail of water droplets behind him. "I surrender," he called out, grabbing his towel and throwing it around his shoulders. "You are all to much of a threat. I know when I am finished."
Colette gave a victory squeal. "We're unbeatable, Professor!"
Raine returned the girl's smile. "We are a force to be reckoned with."
Lloyd and Genis scambled over to the pool's edge, hoisting themselves out of the water, as well. "We're out!" they called in unison.
"Ah! That's not fun! Please, come back, Lloyd. Please!"
Lloyd paused at the water's edge. He glanced behind him at the young blond bobbing in the water, and it suddenly looked very inviting. "Ah, I guess."
"Man, Lloyd, your whipped," Genis sighed, trudging over to where Regal was standing.
"Shut it, Genis!" Lloyd cried, jumping back into the water. He was immediately greeted by a happy Colette, who threw her arm's around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.
Raine gave a contented sigh, having pulled herself up onto a floating raft. "Now this is relaxing." While the children were occupied with each other, she could just float peacefully.
"Get the Professor!"
The cry was echoed before Raine could react, and she quickly found herself off of her floating raft and in the clear substance of the pool. She emerged from the surface with an enraged cry.
"Lloyd! Colette! Genis, where's my staff!"
The young half-elf stood next to the blue-haired president, a look of shock on his face. "Uh-oh."
"I am going on a short walk," Regal voiced, watching as Lloyd and Colette scurried away from the angry Raine, who was quickly gaining ground on the young couple. "Would you like to join me?"
"Uh..." Genis contemplated Regal's offer. Did he really want to talk a friendly stroll with the older man?
"Genis! My staff!"
"Yes. Let's go."
xxxx
The walk, Genis quickly realized, was more like a mini-hike. The pair was still dressed in their swimming trunks, and Genis only wore a pair of thin flip-flops to protect his feet. Regal, on the other hand, was bare foot. How he managed that was beyond Genis; the path they took was well-worn, but it still had sticks and leaves on it.
The walk wasn't strenous though, and the pair made small chit-chat as the ambled along. They walked east of the house, making their way through a small strip of woods before they emerged out of the shady area and into the sunlight, the dirt and grass beneath their feet turning into grainy sand.
"This place is cool," Genis declared, treading along the sandy shore and plopping himself down close to where the blue water was laping against the shore.
"Yes, I do enjoy coming here," Regal agreed. He seated himself close to the young mage, laying back into the warm sand with a sigh. Though his swim- or more like battle- with his friends had been enjoyable, he found that his though's still drifted back to Presea. How could he resolve the situation? What could he say to convince the woman to give them a chance?
Genis sat a couple feet away, idly drawing circles in the sand with his finger. He'd come to realize that Regal wasn't so bad, after all. He was a pretty decent guy- even if he was old. Even if he was trying to steal Presea...
Oh, who am I kidding? the half-elf though angrily. She doesn't want me...I'm more like her kid brother. He flicked the sand bitterly. Just my luck...The first girl I ever really like has to be fifteen years older than me...
He sighed mentally, glancing over at the older man beside him. Ever since they picked Regal up during their jouney, Genis had had disdain for the man. It wasn't so much personal, it was just that the ex-convict seemed to always be hovering over Presea, and Genis hadn't liked entertaining the thought of some old man moving in on his turf. Though it had quickly been explained the Regal shared a bond with Presea's sister, therefore sharing a link with Presea herself...
But still, it had annoyed the young half-elf. Regal was...old! Presea was his age! Or so Genis had thought. Turned out that she and Regal was closer in age than Genis and herself would ever be...To bad he couldn't find a exsphere that enhanced his age...
Regal stole a glance at the young boy sitting beside him. He had never truly gotten to know the boy. In fact, he sensed that the mage didn't care to much for him, though he never really understood why. Now, however, it seemed as though perhaps the awkwardness between them was fading.
"Forgive me, Genis. My thought's are running rampart. I do not mean to disregard you."
"Oh, that's fine. I'm thinking, too," Genis admitted, turning his gaze to the sand. After a moment of silence he added, "I-I guess you win."
"Win?" Regal propped himself up on his elbow's and turned to face the young boy. "May I inquire as to what I have won?"
Genis faced Regal as well, a dead serious look on his young features. "Presea. We've sorta had this competition going- well, I've had this competition in my mind- and I guess you win. You can have Presea."
Regal sat in silence for a moment, then a chuckle escaped his lip's. Soon his chuckle turned into full fledged laughter. So that was why the boy was wary of him! He believed that he wanted Presea! Well, there was truth to that now, but not in the past! Though he had always felt protective of her, his feelings for her had just recently developed into more.
"Gee, it's not that funny! It's not even supposed to be humorous! I'm admitting defeat!"
Regal held up his hand in a gesture of surrenderance. "My apologies. I know it took a great deal of courage to swallow your pride and say those words. I am grateful for that, honestly." His chuckling dwindled. "But, I- Thank you."
"For what?" Genis queried, his anger fading.
"For-" He couldn't say the laugh, that would only insult the boy. Though Regal truly did appreciate Genis' words. "Your word's are touching. May I take them to mean that we are now friends?"
Genis thought over Regal's words for a moment, then he offered his hand. "Friends?"
"Friends," Regal confirmed, grasping the boy's hand in his own much larger one and giving it a hearty shake. He grinned and laid back in the sand. "Though, speaking man to man, I must say that Presea want's nothing to do with me at the moment."
"I heard Raine and Sheena talking about what happened," Genis said, laying back into the sand as well. "But I don't think she's mad at you."
"I spoke with her last night. She said that she and Duke were dining together this evening."
"So? Maybe she was saying that so you would protest. Maybe she wanted you to tell her that you don't want her to dine with Duke."
Regal continued to stare up at the blue sky. "Is it wrong to want her to dine with Duke? Not out of want, but for the firm? Mr. Calabren is such an important client, he is bringing a large sum of money to the company. Is it improper to want Presea to go on that date?
"It is. How could I be willing to sacrifice Presea for the company? I do not deserve her desire even if she had it. I-" Regal stopped short, realizing that he was speaking to a child. "I am sorry, Genis. Forgive me for unloading my thoughts on you."
Genis shrugged his shoulders. "I don't mind. But, I do have a question."
"I shall answer it to the best of my abilities."
"Why are you sitting here talking to me? I mean, I can clearly see that you care about Presea, and...I know that she cares about you, as well. You should...you know, call her."
Regal sat up, running a hand through his hair. "I tried. She did not answer her phone. And what if she had? What would I have said- what would I say now?"
"Tell her how you feel! I may not be an expert in the relationship department, but that sounds like a good start to me."
Regal turned to face the young boy. Though he had heard this advice before, it somehow seemed much simpler coming from a child. "Come. It would seem that I have a phone call to make."
xxxx
Presea stood at the foot of her bed, staring at herself in her full sized mirror. Duke had called earlier, telling her that he was on his way to pick her up. She'd had to shake off the feeling of regret that had accompanied his call earlier, and she found that she was having to shake it off again. Though this time something accompanied it. Nerves, perhaps?
"You've committed yourself to this, so now you have to follow through," Presea told herself aloud. She continued to stare at herself in the mirror, and decided that her knee-lengthed black skirt, blue blouse, and black pumps looked good enough. Sighing, she threw herself down on her bed.
She had tried to phone Regal earlier, but the phone had just rang and rang. She had been prepared to tell him how much his friendship meant to her, and how she didn't want to lose it, but she had been denied the opportunity. Now her resolved had dwindled down to near nonexistence, and she was regretting her previous actions all over again.
"Why don't I just go back to his house? Why don't I go back to him and tell him how I really feel?" She spoke to the empty room. "And why do I keep talking to myself?"
She pulled herself off of her bed and ambled into the living room, talking to herself all the while. "What is wrong with me? Why does bad luck seem to follow me around? I looked like I was twelve for over half -half- of my life, and then when I find someone that I really care for, I blow it! And then I set myself up on a date that I don't even want to go on, yet I'm going to go on it anyway." She threw her arms up in frustartion. "And why am I talking to myself!"
She was about to pick up a throw pillow and scream into when her doorbell rang. Calming herself, she strode over to the door and threw it open, placing a fake smile on her face.
"Presea," a deep, rich voice greeted.
"Mr. Calabren. It's very nice to see you again. Let me just get my purse, and we can be on our way." Presea turned from the door, still wanting to scream into a pillow. The day was dragging on and on. How could it possible get any worse?
"Please, call me Duke." Calabren stepped into the door way, admiring the woman before him. The woman he was about to wine and dine. "You look lovely, by the way."
Presea turned, throwing her purse over her shoulder as she did so. "Thank you. You look," she surveyed the man before her, "nice, as well." He truly did. Wearing a pair of black dress slacks, white button-up, and a dinner jacket, Duke looked quite handsome.
So why do I want to run away from this good-looking man and back to Regal? Presea questioned herself, keeping a smile on her face, even though she was doing anything but smiling on the inside.
"Well, if your ready..." Duke moved aside and motioned Presea forward. She complied, and was about to close the door when the telephone came to life.
"Oh, if you'll wait just a moment, I'll only be a second," she said quickly, turning to head back inside. But before she could even turn half a circle, Duke grasped her arm.
"We have reservations," he chided lightly. "Whoever it is will just have to call back later." He closed the door for her. "We must go."
As Duke guided Presea out of her apartment and down the stairs, she couldn't help but silently cringe at the thought of spending her evening with the arrogant man.
Suddenly her day had just gotten worse.
xxxx
Reply to wonderful reviewers...
Fallenharbinger: Yeah..I'm so mean to Genis...I can't help it. Hehe. I love Zelos, and Lloyd..I love them all! Glad ya enjoy it!
GirlyButTough: Wow! So many words to descibe my story! I'm glad you think it's all those things you named off! And you welcome with the whole name thing (If I really helped. Lol!). Nah, your not weird. Year old iceing rocks!
Chibi Presea: Oh. Well, glad ya like!
WhitterZ: Actually, at the time I wrote the last chapter, I had beaten the game, but in my ending Zelos lived. I've almost beat it again, and I...killed Zelos! Which SUCKS by the way! I wish I hadn't. I was like, Nooo! Zelos! Okay, now that that's outta my system...I think we see eye-to-eye on Genis. Lol. Well, glad ya like it!
Lil-Samuu: Yay! You reviewed to my fic! Hehe...I don't thenk to many people like Regal/Presea fics. Oh well. The guys (and girls) that review to my story do, and that's good enough for me! Really glad you reviewed though!
A/N: Well, there's chapter eight! Whatcha think? Let me know in a review! Sorry it took a little longer for me to get it here. It took forever for me to type it. I had half a page written and didn't like it, so I had to erase it. But, I'm glad I did. I like this version of it a lot better. Hehe...Well, thanks for the reviews you guys! Keep 'em coming! What will Regal think of Duke and Presea? Will Presea go on her date with Duke? These questions will be answered in chapter nine! Which will be here soon!