A/N: Hey all! Chapter ten is here! Ha..Duh, right? Lol...well, anyways, thanks for the reviews! New people reviewed! Yay! Not that I don't enjoy reading the reviews you 'regulars' send. If I don't see a review from someone who usually reviews, it seems odd...Lol! Well, the point is, thanks for the reviews! On with chapter 10!
Disclaimer: I don't own ToS. Nope, nope nope...
Chapter 10: Winning Bets
xxxx
It was cold. There was a breeze flowing through the room. And light. It was bright. Why was it cold and bright? It should be dark and warm. It was night. That's why she was sleeping. Who had turned on the light?
Lifting her head slowly, Presea cracked open one eye, just enough to see that it was not night. It was morning, and the sun was shining in the room, giving it a cheery feel. And the windows were open, allowing the sea breeze to circulate around the room. Where was she? Why was she stretched out on a couch?
"Ah, I see that you are finally awake."
"Regal?" This must be a dream. A dream where she was sleeping on Regal's couch and he was walking around the room shirtless. But why was he shirtless? Maybe she was shirtless. Who knew. Anything could happen in dreams.
The shirtless president sat down at the end of the couch and lifted the cover off of her. Presea paid little mind to this, she still thought that she was dreaming. Regal lifted her leg and placed it in his lap, turning his attention to her injured ankle. He ran his fingers over it gently, and Presea leaned into the touch. He then prodded it gently, causing Presea to bolt up.
"Dreams are not supposed to be painful!" she exclaimed, her weariness vanishing.
"Dream?" Regal chuckled, still holding her foot gently. "I assure you, I am no dream."
Presea flushed a deep red, falling back against the cushions of the couch. Now she rememered last nights events. The date with Duke, it's...unfortunate ending, the phone call, the boat ride, the sleeping arrangements...all of it.
"I thought- You- Oh, Martel..."
Regal's chuckling deepened. He leaned over her, bracing himself beside her waist. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Like a complete moron."
His chuckling dwindled into a grin. "Would breakfast be of any interest to you? Or brunch?"
"Brunch? What time is it?" Presea queried, her embarrassment fading. She remained laying down, her pink hair sprawled out on the pillow beneath her head, and her pale blue eye's stared up at him with a questioning smile. Regal nearly forgot he quesion she had asked.
"Uh, eleven-thirty."
"What! I've slept all morning!" Forgetting her sore ankle, Presea bolted out of bed. "I've wasted the entire day." She moved towards the exit, planning to freshen up a bit, but she stopped mid-stride.
"That morning is not wasted." Regal jumped off the couch, as well, placing his arm about her waist. "There is still half-an-hour left off it," he added lightly.
Presea leaned against his arm, her ankle protesting loudly in regards to her hasty attempt to walk. This day was already horrible. She could barely walk, her head heart, and she must look awful. And, to top it all off, memories of last night were already flooding back to her. Duke, his drunken actions, his hands, his lips...all of it. And it was enough to make her sick to her stomach.
"Presea?" Regal began, his voice full of concern. She was as pale as...well, as that terry-cloth bath robe she was wearing. "Perhaps you should sit down." He guided her back over to the couch, and eased her down onto it.
"I got up to fast. I'll be fine," she muttered, her voice rather weak in his opinion.
"You need to stay off that foot as much as possible. I'll prepare your meal, and bring it to you." Regal stood to leave, but Presea latched onto his arm.
"No, I can walk. I just have to go slow," she told him, deciding not to tell him that her weakness could not solely be blamed on her foot. She hoisted herself up, still latched onto his arm. Shuffling forwards a few steps, she turned back and offered him a forced smile. "See?"
"Yes, I see. I see that a few inches causes you great pain. I can easily invision you hobbling up to the top of stairs."
"Hobbling? You make me sound like an old woman," Presea said, trying to make light of the situation. She had to, for already felt near tears, and she had just woken up.
Regal saw through her fake charade and was standing before her in seconds, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. "I will gladly assist you up the stairs."
"You can't follow me around and 'assist' me all day." She keep her gaze on the floor, feeling like a helpless child in need of constant care.
"And who says that I cannot?" He moved one arm behind her shoulders, and the other beneath her knee's, swooping her off the floor and catching Presea completely off-guard. She let out a startled yell and threw her arm's around his neck to steady herself.
"This is not 'assisting'. This is doing it for me," she said, as he carried her up the stairs. Though protest was evident in her tone of voice, she was also pleased to be in his arm's again.
"One in the same."
She was silent when he lowered her in front of the bedroom she had been sharing with Colette and Sheena, and silent still when she emerged carrying a pair of blue cotton bottoms and a black tank top. Presea stood before him, looking the part of a saddened child who was forced to do something that they really didn't want to do.
"Well, to the bathroom, assittee."
Once again Regal picked her up, very much aware of the way her head rested against his chest, and of the way her breath and hair teased his bare flesh. He put her down rather quickly, eager to put a bit of space between them for just a few moments.
"I...I shall be waiting."
Presea gave him a quizzical look and nodded her head, shuffling in the bathroom and locking the door behind her. Once inside, she shed the robe, pulled on her lounge pants, and tugged the tank top over her head. Slowly hobbling over to the sink, Presea brushed her teeth and washed off her face. She then picked up a brush and began running it through her hair.
I suppose I do hobble, she mused, a rueful smile on her lips. Why, oh why, had she gone on that date? She had not even wanted to, and she'd had to shake of feelings of uneasy-ness the whole night. Now she knew why, but now it was a bit to late. If it hadn't been for Regal...
Matel. If it hadn't been for him, I would still be sitting in the wet grass. He's wonderful. If he hadn't been there last night...Well, I would have had to slept alone, she thought with a smile. But...last night, it seemed as though..as though perhaps he still did want to give us a shot...I hope so, because I'm falling for him. Fast.
It was true. She had been attraced to him for some time now, but now...now the feeling went deeper. She just prayed that he still felt the same way. Surely he did. Last night he had been so kind...so caring. Perhaps that meant that she wasn't to late. Perhaps he truly did want to try.
She was jerked out of her thoughts when the brush ran over a tender spot on her head. Presea gave a small yelp, dropping the brush on the counter and inspecting the lump on her head. My, it was large. And it was a result of her weakness. She had let her training go, deciding that with the united world there was no need to be prepared for combat. But there was other predators, and now she knew it. She needed to train.
But for now, training would have to wait. She needed to rest, heal her injuries. Picking up her robe, Presea slipped it around her, deciding that it was still slightly chilly, and headed for the door.
Regal, now wearing a white T-shirt, was standing in front of the bathroom door, propped against the banister. When Presea emerged, she expected him to look up, but he kept his gaze on the carpeted floor. He looked troubled, so she slowly walked over to him, placing her hand gently on his forearm.
"Hey," she greeted softly. Warmth was radiating from his body, and Presea had a sudden urge to slip herself inside his arms, lean against his strong chest, and simply lose all touch with reality, if only for a moment.
The sound of her sweet voice brought Regal's gaze from the floor. "Presea." He smiled and spread his arms. "Shall we go to the dining room?" Presea nodded her head, and Regal hoisted her up for the third time that morning.
Half-way down the stairs Presea queried, "Are..are you all right?"
Regal continued down the stairs, but he turned his attention to the woman in his arms. "Why do you ask?"
"You just seemed...preoccupied." She moved her head to the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry. It's none of my business."
"I was just thinking. No need worry yourself," he added with a smile. He sat her down by the dining room table, and moved towards the kitchen. "What would you like to eat?"
"Um, toast is fine. And some coffee would be nice," replied Presea, easing herself down into one of the chairs.
"Coming up." Regal moved into the his kitchen, quickly busying himself with preparing the meal. Once the coffee was set, he moved to the toast, and then he moved to the stove, deciding that toast was not an adequate breakfast. Placing a skillet on the burner, he grabbed some eggs, cracked them, and stood against the counter, keeping a watchful eye on the meal.
Are you all right? she had asked him. He had to stop himself from scoffing. She had asked if he was all right. It should be the other way around. Presea had went through something no woman deserved...and she was looking out for him. Ironic, really. He had caused her pain. If only he had swallowed his pride and called her, asked her to come back, then she would have been with him, not Calabren.
Sighing heavily, Regal threw the eggs on a plate. After buttering the toast, he added it to the plate, as well. Pouring two cups of coffee, one black, one with sugar and cream, he strode into the dining room, placing the plate before Presea.
"There you are."
"Thank you." Presea stared down at her plate, finding two eggs staring back at her. "Regal," she began, watching as he lowered himself in the chair opposite from herself, "this is more than toast."
"I thought that perhaps you like more than mere bread for breakfast."
"I suppose I could try to eat more than 'mere bread'," she said, a small smile on her lips. However, before she had even finished half of the first egg, Presea found herself nibbling around on the meal before her, not really wanting to eat anymore.
Regal sat opposite her, sipping at his cup of coffee, glancing every few so often at the women across from him. She wasn't eating much. That could most likely be blamed on her nerves. But, perhaps his cooking was not to her satisfaction.
"Is the meal prepared to your liking?"
Presea looked up, startled. "Oh, yes. It's very good," she replied honestly. "It's just...I'm not very hungry."
"I see."
"Is is very good, though. The coffee, too," Presea complimented, picking up her cup and taking a drink.
Regal set his cup down and reach across the table, placing his hand over Presea's. "There is no need to force yourself. No offence will be taken."
"I know." Presea inertwined her finger with his. "It's good. Really, it is." She looked down, gazing intently at the table top. "It's just...memories."
The pain etched on her lovely face as she spoke that one word tore Regal up inside. There was no need for that pain to be present. She should not have had to gone through such an ordeal. He watched as a lone tear slid down her cheek, and it was his undoing.
"Hey, now." He was on the other side of the table in mere seconds. "You're all right now. No harm can befall you here."
Presea threw her arm's around his neck. "I know..." She buried her head in the crook of his neck, willing the tears to cease before she lost control and became a sobbing idiot. "I know," she repeated weakly.
"Hey. Hey." Regal drew her closer to him, pulling her off of the chair and onto the tiled floor. It his attempt to soothe her, he seemed to be making her more hysteric; for the closer he held her, the more she sobbed.
Now with easier access, Presea nearly climbed onto Regal's lap, wanting to be as close to the man as possible. "Regal, I'm sorry," she cried, burying her head in his chest. "I am. I didn't mean what I said about repaying my debt. It's paid, I realize that now. And I didn't want to go with Duke, I didn't! It's just that-
"Hush, now. Do not blame yourself for the...outcome of last night. You did nothing wrong," Regal told her firmly, lifting her face so that he could meet her gaze. "If anyone is to blame, it is myself. If I had only swallowed my pride and called you-"
Presea shook her head gently, reaching up to grasp his hands in hers. "No, Regal. You did nothing wrong. Last night...You did everything right." He intertwined his larger, rougher finger's with her smaller, softer ones. "Without you, I-" She trailed off, looking up to meet his piercing gaze. "I would have been lost."
Regal let go of one of her hands, moving his own to cradle her face. "Presea..." He could think of no words to say. So instead, he drew her face closer, kissing her ever so lightly on the lips.
He meant for the kiss to last only a second, but Presea returned the gesture with one of her own, full of want and need. Still, it was Regal who deepened the kiss, entangling his hands in her soft locks while Presea intertwined her hands at the nape of his neck.
Each were to preoccupied with the other to hear the opening of a door and the sound of merry voices. But when a burst of laughter rang out, Presea pulled away, gasping for breath.
"Where are the others?" she asked, just now realizing that they rest of her friends were gone.
"Shopping," Regal replied breathlessly, claiming her lips once again.
"I think-" Before she could even finish her sentence, Regal had once again pulled her to him. "Regal-" she tried again, only to interrupted by another kiss. "Listen to me-" she started, but his lips moved to her neck, and she couldn't supress that laughter that bubbled up.
"Stop!" she scolded half-heartedly. "Regal, listen..." Her sentence trailed of into another giggle. "When was the last time you shaved?"
"Yesterday," he mumbled, trailing kisses up her neck until he was back at her lips.
"Okay- Listen- Really, you have to listen. I think they're back- Are you even paying attention to me?" Presea demanded, catching his face in her hands.
"Yes. And I honestly could care less if they walked into this dining room right now." He ran his hand through her hair. "Presea, I care deeply for you-"
"And I you," Presea interrupted, stroking his cheek.
He smiled at her, a genuine smile that lit up his eyes. Presea's heart fluttered at the sight. "I- Woud-" Regal gave a slight shake of his head, starting over. "I know the timing is horrible, and the circumstances could hardly be better, but- Would you consider-"
"If you're asking me if I want to take our relationship a step further, then my answer is yes," Presea answered before he finished his question. She smiled and moved to meet his lips, but a light-hearted voice from the doorway interrupted her.
"I leave you two alone for one minute, and this is what I come home to?"
Presea turned to see Zelos, along with the rest of the gang, standing in the dining room doorway.
"He- Hey, guys."
xxxx
"That's horrible!"
"Oh, Presea!"
"Sounds like a dreadful experience."
Presea sat on the living room couch, legs folded beneath her and a cup of coffee in her hands. She met her friends' sympathetic gaze with a strong, resolute one. "I am fine, honestly." She had finished telling the group of women her tale of last night, and now she was faced with pity. Something she didn't really want.
"Yes, you sure looked fine this morning."
"Sitting on the dining room floor, pale and tear-stained," Sheena added, flipping her ebony hair behind her shoulder.
"You forgot to add in Regal's arms," Colette giggled, pulling her knees to her chest and tugging her pale blue sweatshirt over them. "Kissing."
Presea turned a bright red, pulling her cup to her lips. "I don't know what you're talking about," she mumbled.
"Oh, I think you do," Sheena probed, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh, Regal, my love!" The Summoner stood from her chair, throwing her arms wide. "Take me, right her on the dining room floor."
Presea flushed an even brighter red, resisting the urge to peg her friend in the head the coffee cup she grasped. "That isnot what happened at all."
"Okay so maybe the last part was a little to much." Sheena lowered herself back into the arm chair. "But, the first part has a ring of truth to it, and you know it."
"Yes, yes, they've made up," Raine said, waving a hand in the air. "Now about the events of last night...Are you truly all right?"
Presea nodded her head, putting on the strongest face she could muster. "I am." Raine gave her one of her famous motherly stairs, and Presea felt as is Raine was analyzing her very soul.
"I suppose you are feeling as well as could be expected," Raine finally sighed.
Presea nodded, taking another sip of coffee. "Yes, exactly. I-"
"Presea! My darling hunny!" Zelos blew into the living room, sweeping Presea off of the couch and into a bear hug before she could finish her sentence. "I can't believe what that scum bag tried to pull! Are you all right?"
"Zelos! I'm fine, really, I'm all right," Presea insisted, ending the hug. "I've been explaining this for the past hour," she added, trying to keep a light note in her voice.
"But-"
"I swear it. I'm ok-ay."
"But, Presea," Genis began, entering the room behind Zelos. "After what happened..."
"Yeah, how could you be all right?" Lloyd added, appearing along with Genis.
Presea sighed, glancing around the room. She was honered to have such caring friends, truly she was, but all the questions, all the sympathy, was starting to bear on her nerves.
"I'm fine, really," she repeated. "I just want to forget about it." And stop talking about it. The words were unspoken, but the room got the hint, and it fell silent.
Regal stode into the living room a scant moment later, smiling warmly at his guests, not noticing the bleak atmosphere. "So, how are we all doing today?" Seven pairs of eyes turned to stare at him, and each said, Wrong question.
"I, uh- Regal, can I go for a swim?" Genis queried, suddenly feeling the urge to leave. Presea did not look happy.
"Of course."
"Great! I think I'll join you," Lloyd cried, glancing around the room nervously. He locked eyes with Colette. "Colette! Won't you join me?" Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed the young angel's hand.
"But, Lloyd, I need a bathing suit!" Colette protested, feebly tugging at his hand.
"Naw. Just jump in like me and Genis are going to," Lloyd replied, already nearing the kitchen doorway.
"O-okay. Bye guys!" the blond called, disappearing from view.
"I'm taking a bath," Raine declared, pulling herself off of the couch. She patted Presea on the shoulder before climbing the stairs and leaving the room.
Down to only the Summoner, the ex-Chosen, the ex-convict, and the once axe-wielding girl, the room became even quieter than before.
"Well, uh, Regal, how about a game of pool?" Zelos queried, turning to lok at the blue-haired president.
He gave a nod of his head. "Ladies, would you like to join us?"
Sheena glanced at Presea, and Presea returned the stare. "Uh, sure," the Summoner said, rising to her feet. She turned to her friend, hoisting Presea up, as well.
As soon as Presea's feet hit the floor, Regal was standing before her, picking her up off of the carpeted floor and into his arms.
"Regal, I am perfectly capable of walking," Presea said, wiggling in his strong arms.
"Are you sure?" Sheena began, but she stopped herself from staying more, for the look her friend flashed her spoke volumes.
"Yes. Now kindly put me down."
"Of course. Once were at the bottom of the stairs."
"No, now. Please." She forced herself to add the last part. She appreciated all the concern, but Presea hated being singled out and doted on.
"You're injured," Regal stated simply.
"I'll never heal if you don't put me down."
"You will never heal if I do put you down. With you stubborness, you would be tromping all over the house."
Presea was silent at that remark. It had more fact to it than fiction. But still, she wanted to do for herself. It didn't matter that his arms felt heavenly around her, as though protecting her from all that was evil. She needed to take care of herself. She had been for years now.
"Regal, please release me. I can walk on my own." To Presea's great surprise, he gently lowered her to the ground, his arm brushing across her shoulder as he walked passed her.
"As you wish."
Presea glanced around the room. They were down stairs. He had carried her down the stairs and she hadn't even realized it! He hadn't done as she had asked at all!
"You know, I could have walked down here on my own. I already told you that you don't have to 'assist' me all day," she told him, a hint of annoyance laced in her voice.
"I understand that." Regal picked up a cue stick, blowing off some of the powder gathered at the tip of it. "I simply enjoy holding you."
At this, Presea flushed, scarlet lining her cheeks. "Well, I- That's-"
Zelos rolled his cerulean eye's. "Come on. Let's play."
Sheena waltzed up to the rectangular table, picking up a cue. "Alrighty. So, how do I this? Just whack the balls with this stick?"
Arching a red eyebrow, Zelos moved to Sheena's side. "You've never played before?"
"How hard can it be?"
Shaking his head, Zelos grabbed the cue stick from Sheena. "First off, this is a cue not a stick. Second off, you have to line up the white ball with one of those other balls, and use the cue to sink the balls in one of those pockets." Zelos indicated each objected as he descibed it.
"Oh great, are you going to into 'Professor Wilder mode' again?" She sighed, but the smile in her chocolate eye's betrayed the sound.
"Here, let me show you." Zelos stepped forward, offering the cue to Sheena and moving to stand behind her. "Now hold it like this," he instructed, placing one of her soft hands toward the end of the cue and her other near the front. "Cup this hand," he added, moving the hand towards the front to form a base for the stick, allowing a loose enough grip for the cue to slide.
"Am I doing it right?" Sheena queried, a bit breathlessly. Having the red-head this close to her was causing her mind to wander...and it wasn't focusing on the teaching.
"Um-hmm."
Presea stood back, staring at the couple before with mild amusement. Sheena looked as though she was in heaven, and Zelos looked down-right pleased with himself. She glanced over at Regal, who was also looking slightly amused.
"Now just line up your shot..." Zelos moved the Summoner's arms for her. "And strike." He let go at this, and watched as Sheena sunk her shot.
"Ha!" She turned happily to face Zelos. "Piece of cake! Thanks, Mr. Wilder," she teased, grinning...flirtiously? Presea couldn't help but stare.
"Not a problem, my darling hunny." Zelos grinned right back, pinning Sheena against the pool table and himself.
He's going to get slapped for that, Presea mused, he eyebrows shooting up as she observed the scene.
But to Presea's great suprise, instead of getting slapped, he got kissed. Deeply. They were practically making out on the pool table! Presea stood in utter shock, while Regal merely rolled his eyes. This sort of behavior had been happening for the past two days, it was no shock to him. But to Presea, it was all new.
"What are you doing?" she cried, starring at the couple before her as if they were foriegn objects.
Sheena grew dark red, realizing where they were, but Zelos laughed boisteriously. "Well, I believe we're doing what you we're doing earlier."
"But- but- What did I miss while I was gone?"
Sheena chuckled nervously. "Heh. Guess I owe you twenty gil, no?"
Presea stood in shocked silence. Martel. I'm gone for one day, and when I come back, Sheena and Zelos are all over each other? She was jerked out of her shock, however, when she felt a strong hand move to the small of her back.
"What would you say to the prospect of earning more than just twenty gil?" Regal whispered against her ear, causing Presea to give a small shudder.
"Um, Sounds good?"
Regal chuckled. "Good." Stepping forwards, Regal handed Presea a cue and then pointed his own at Zelos. "Twenty gil says that we can beat you two."
Zelos threw his red his behind his shoulder, laughing loudly. "Please. You two beat me and the banshee? Bring it on."
"Banshee? You sure know how to flatter a woman," Sheena sighed, elbowing Zelos in the side. "But, earning back my twenty sounds nice to me."
"You break." Regal strode past Zelos, grabbing Presea's hand as he did so. "They are no threat."
"No threat?" Zelos placed the all the balls in the rack, positioning them to his liking. He sent the white solid slamming into the balls, sinking two solid balls in the process. "We are going to beat you, and enjoy doing so."
"Oh, yes. We aregoing to lose," Regal chuckled, watching Zelos miss his second shot. The president stepped forward, aiming and taking his shot, sinking the desired target. "I see your reasoning," he added, adding two more striped balls to his previous one.
Presea watched the scene with amusement. Regal was good, but Zelos was no push-over. This would be an interesting game.
"Oh-ho. Was that a miss?" Zelos teased, leaning on his cue stick. "C'mon Sheena. Show him how it's supposed to be done."
Sheena strutted up to the table, studied it, then choose a target. Leaning over the table, she lined up the shot, and nailed it. The next shot proved more difficult, but she still sunk it, as well.
"And you don't know how to play?" Presea queried with raised eyebrows. She studied her friends face, watching a smirk grow on the Summoner's lips.
"Well, maybe a little," Sheena drawled, missing her next target. "Shoot," she muttered, walking back over to her partner.
"Hey, you did good, hunny," Zelos complimented, giving her rump a small pat as she walked by, earning himself a slap across the cheek.
Presea laughed at the sight, finding that being down her was very relaxing. It helped ease her of the tension she had felt earlier.
"Gee, She-ena! You didn't care yesterd- Ow!" His sentence turned into a cry. "You're ruining my good looks!"
"Shut up and concentrate on the game!" Sheena snapped, lowering her hand. She did not want her personal life aired to the world. That red-headed, perverted, cocky...her silent ranting trailed off as she met his gaze. Well, whatever he was, he was now her's, which was all that really mattered.
Presea slowly made her way around the table, finding her target and preparing to shoot. "You are not alone," she reminded the opposing pair, watching as they edged closer together and each ones hand found the other ones back. "I, for one, have no desire to see a repeat of earlier."
"Ah, c'mon. We don't care if you jump Regal," teased Zelos, his words causing Presea to send him a glare and miss her shot.
"I'll have you know, I can't jump anything." Presea saunteered over to Regal's side. "So no show for you."
Zelos laughed, walking up and readying his cue. He added one more ball to his list, leaving only one solid on the table opposed to Regal and Presea's three.
Studying the table, Regal lined up his shot, but only nicked the ball, leaving his opponents with a good lead.
"Oooh. I'm gonna beat you," Sheena sung, walking over and whacking the white ball. She struck it too hard, and instead of hitting what she had aimed for, the ball bounced off the side, hitting nothing important.
"You're gonna beat us," Presea mocked, moving as fast as her ankle allowed over to the table. Sheena had set her up perfectly. Presea added two balls to the corner pockets, tying the game. She smiled happily as she walked back over to Regal.
"Good job, Sheena! You set her up!" Zelos teased lightly, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Hey! I tried," retorted Sheena, jabbing in the chest with her finger gently.
"I just have a better partner." Regal joined in the playful banter, picking up his cue and moving to survey the table.
"True." Zelos agreed, earning a whack on the shoulder by the Summoner. Zelos grinned and pulled her to his side, kissing her cheek gently.
"Would you like to pay in cash, or check?" Regal sunk the last remaining stripe, interrupting the younger couple. He moved his sight to the last ball he needed to put away.
"No pressure, Regal."
"Yeah, but if you win this, Presea will jump you right here," declared Zelos, grinning sheepishly at the pink-haired woman sending him a death glare.
Regal missed, the white ball whizzing past the black ball completely. "Say anything, and I will take that stick from you and place it somewhere that would cause you great pain."
Zelos clammed up, closing his mouth qucikly. Stepping up to take his own shot, he struck his last remaining solid and sent it saling into the side pocket. As he turned his attention the the eight ball, Presea leaned into Regal.
"If they beat us, then you owe me twenty gil."
"How do you figure?"
"You got me into this mess."
"You agreed."
Presea stood silent. True, but she would have agreed to just about anything at that exact moment, with his strong body pressed close to her's and his soft breath blowing on her ear. Yep, if he had said, 'Let's go jump of the Grand Bridge', Presea would have happily agreed.
"Presea?" Regal was once again whispering against her ear, and Presea had to mentally slap herself back into reality.
"I- Yes?"
Regal chuckled, placing his arm about her waist and moving his lips close to her ear. "I believe it is up to you on rather or not we win. It is your turn."
Presea glanced up, looking to the table. Sure enough, the only balls remaining was the white and black solid, and Sheena and Zelos were standing back, staring at her expectantly.
"All right," Presea said, throwing her pink hair over her shoulder. She studied the table, determined not to lose any of her well earned gil. If she struck the eight ball on it's side, then perhaps it would bounce of the opposite wall and land in the corner pocket. It seemed possible...
Lining up her shot, Presea drew back on the cue and struck the white ball, sending it barreling into the eight ball, which bounced of the opposite wall, rolled down it, and into the corner pocket.
"Threat eliminated," Presea said with a smile, pointing her cuestick at Zelos.
"Cash is preferable."
Zelos and Sheena shared disappointed looks. "Fine," Zelos mumbled, digging his wallet out and handing Regal a twenty.
"Here." Sheena relented her money, as well, handing a twenty to Regal and Presea. "You won the bet," she sighed, handing Presea one twenty, "and you won the other," she added, handing the remaing bill to Regal.
Presea turned to Regal, holding out her palm. "Where is my share?"
"Share? Elaborate." Regal threw himself down on the couch, propping his feet on the coffee table.
"I helped you win. We were partners. I do believe it was a fifty-fifty deal."
"We never discussed that." Regal tapped his chin thoughtfully. "No...I do not recall that being the deal, at all."
"Partners share. You owe me twenty bucks."
"We never spoke of sharing, simply winning." Regal grinned up at her, and Presea shot him a mock glare.
"Fine, I have no desire for your money, anyways. I'm going upstairs."
Regal jumped off of the couch, reaching the bottom of the stairs before she did and offering her his arm. "Would you like some 'assitance'?"
Presea smiled, shaking her head. "No, I'll be all right." She went to move past him, but he caught her arm.
"Are you sure?" Concern shone for her in his cobalt eyes, and Presea felt her heart flutter. But, she would do this on her own, no matter how her ankle was hurting.
"Yes, I'm sure. I'm going to go rest, okay? I won't walk around."
Regal still stood in the way, searching her face. Reluctantly, he stepped aside; though as Presea moved passed him, he grasped her arm.
"If you need me-"
"I'll yell," Presea finished, smiling dryly. Suddenly, her mood was dampening.
Regal sensed the change in her demeanor, and placed his hand on her cheek. "I will be up momentarily."
"No, you enjoy yourself," Presea said earnestly. "I'll be fine, really." She made another attempt to move past him, but this time he moved in front of her, and stopped her in her tracks with a kiss.
"Presea," Regal began, but she shook her head gently.
"I'm fine, really." This time she made it up the first step, but stopped on her own. The pain that shot through her ankle was enough to render anyone motionless.
Regal watched her stop in her tracks, but said nothing. He knew words were futile. Instead, he lifted her, and started up the stairs.
"Regal! You don't have to do this! Put me down!" But it was like talking to a wall. Regal sprinted up the stairs, and deposited her on the living room sofa.
"I do not want to hear any protests."
"But-" she began, only to silenced by demanding kiss.
"No protests."
Presea nodded her head dumbly, plopping down on the couch. "Now, will you go have fun?"
"Well, I was having fun..." Regal bent down, seeking out her lips again. But before they had two seconds alone together, Sheena appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Zelos is demanding that you get back down there so he can win his money back."
Regal chuckled, standing and turning his back on Presea. "All right." He took a step forward, then turned back, tossing a twenty to Presea. "I could not have done it without you." He moved to the top of the stairs and added, "Partner."
"Aw. How sweet," Sheena cooed, sitting herself next to Presea. "All I got was 'You hinder me' and a kiss."
Presea grinned, turning to look at the Summoner. "Yes. About that...You and Zelos, no?"
Sheena blushed, but returned her friends smile. "Yeah. About that..."
xxxx
Regal made his way down to the basement, taking the steps two by two. He heard laughter above him, and smiled to himself. As long as Presea had company, he did not feel need to be her constantly. As long as she had someone with her, she would not dwell on the events of last night. Yet if she was alone...
"Hey, buddy. Throw that twenty back down. I'm gonna win back my money."
The president turned his attention to the red-head standing by the pool table, a smirk on his lips. "If you wish to lose again..."
Zelos scoffed. "Please. Sheena's not down her to distract me."
Regal tossed the money on the coffee table, adding it to Zelos'. "Blaming your defeat on a woman...Pitiful."
Zelos ignored him, placing the balls in the rack and preparing his shot. "Just pay attention to the master."
"I find it difficult to watch myself as I play."
At this, Zelos laughed. "Puh-lease." The red-head pocketed three solids on his first turn, his last shot proving the be difficult. He flashed Regal a cocky smile. "Let's see you beat that."
Grabbing his cue stick, Regal studied the table. "Shall we call out our shots?"
Zelos shrugged, using his cue as a support beam. "Sure. I'll still beat you."
Regal shook his head, declaring his shot, taking it, and nailing it. He was in the process of lining up his third shot when Zelos broke the silence.
"So...How's Presea?"
Regal continued focusing on the game, replying, "She is as to be expected."
"She seemed pretty good to me," Zelos commented, stepping up to take his shot. "But, I don't spend everyday with her," he added, grinning slyly.
"Nor do I." Zelos glanced up from the pool table, still grinning slyly. "I have weekends off," Regal murmured, earning a chuckle from the ex-Chosen.
"Seriously, though. She's okay?"
Regal stood silently for a moment, watching Zelos miss his shot. Stepping up to the pool table, the president slowly answered, "Honestly? No. She is putting on a show. As long as she is with someone, she seems well, and then I believe that she is. But when she is alone, I have noticed her...dwelling."
Zelos moved up to take his shot, Regal moving to the side. "Well," he began, after calling out his shot, "you know her better than I do. But..." He moved his sights on his next target, "She sure seemed okay a few seconds ago. Then again, you were with her."
"No objections there."
Zelos chuckled, missing his next shot. " 'Bout time you admit that. For the past week I've watched you two try to ignore the other and act like you feel nothing, only to end up in awkward situations. Regal waved him off with a chuckle, and the red-head added, "You really like her, don't you?"
Calling out his shot, Regal moved to complete it. "I do," he nodded truthfully. As he moved to the next target, he turned to subject over to the ex-Chosen and the Summoner.
"Sheena and yourself...you are serious about her, as well, no?"
Zelos grinned, leaning against his cue stick. "She's my hunny." Regal tossed him a 'liar' glance, and Zelos sighed. "Well, maybe she's different..." He rememered the previous day in the boat, and the way he longed to hold her and kiss her. Different wasn't the word. Never had he felt that way.
Regal say through his friends facade, and smirked. "I do not fully understand what happened on my boat, but I do know that both of you emerged very happy passengers. And the way you two keep 'sneaking' glances and kisses, I can easily paint myself a picture."
"I'm not exactly sure what you were doing in the dining room this morning, but I'm willing to bet that is was the same thing I was doing on the boat," retorted Zelos.
Regal laughed, lining up his last shot. He was about to strike when Zelos' voice interrupted him.
"So, any tongue?"
The question caught him completely off-guard, and the blue-haired man missed his shot. He scolded himself for allowing Zelos to catch him unaware- that was a typical Zelos question.
"So...? Was there?" the red-head probed, moving to take his shot.
Regal debated on answering the question. He choose to turn it around. "What about yourself?"
"Me?" Zelos sunk his last remaining ball. " 'Course. I'm proud to say that I tamed the Angry Banshee...sorta. But, The Grand Zelos always- always- gets a little tongue."
Regal watched the red-head miss the last remaining shot, leaving only the black eight ball and solid white. "I have found that it can be just as enjoyable- sometimes more so- without the extra...activity."
"So, you didn't get any tongue?"
Regal lined up the target, calling out the pocket as he did so. "I do not recall saying that..."
Zelos laughed, slapping the man on the back. "You dog, you."
Regal stood, striding over to coffee table, laughing along with his friend. "I win again."
"Ah, well," sighed Zelos, hanging his head and placing his cue stick on the pool table. "I'm not losing any money, you husler. Let's go upstairs."
xxxx
"My, what time is it?"
"A little after eleven. It is getting late."
Presea nodded in agreement, stifling a yawn. She, Sheena, Regal, and Zelos were sitting in the dining room, each sitting at the table enjoying a cup of tea. Lloyd, Genis, Raine, and Colette had bid them good night an hour ago.
"Where are you sleeping, Presea?" Sheena queried, muffling a yawn herself.
The pink-haired woman shrugged. "The couch, I suppose." She didn't feel like braving the stairs, her ankle was throbbing and aching like mad. Nor did she want to ask Regal to help her, the man looked as though he could fall asleep at any moment. Which was understandable. He had gotten up in morning hours to come after her, and then hadn't fallen asleep until hours after that.
"I can help you up the stairs," Regal offered, standing and raking a hand over his face. He looked half-asleep, and Presea couldn't help but chuckle.
"No, thanks. You look as though you could barely drag yourself up the stairs."
Regal nodded and pushed his glass back from the edge of the table. "I'll go prepare your bed."
"No, wait-" Presea began, but he was already out of the dining room. Sighing, she heaved herself out of the chair. "That man acts as though I can't do a thing."
"He's only trying to protect you," Zelos told her, getting to his feet, as well.
"I know. But, I'm not made off porcilen. I've been taking care of myself for years. Besides, he's wearing himself out."
Sheena saw the concern on her older friends face, and turned to Zelos. "She knows that. And she's only trying to protect him. Now, I'm going to bed before I can't make it up the stairs."
Zelos perked up the word 'bed' and eagerly trotted after Sheena.
"Your sleeping in your own bed," the Summoner called over her shoulder, heading towards the exit.
"Ahh." He hung his head dejectedly. "Do I at least get a good night kiss?"
Sheena turned back, kissing the man lightly on the lips. Zelos immediately grabbed her around the waist, pinning her against him, and deepened the kiss, leaving both of them gasping for breath when they pulled back.
"You're still sleeping in your own bed," she murmured, turning her back on him and sauntering out of the room.
"Ahh! You got me all excited for nothing!"
Sheena rolled her chocolate eyes, ignoring the comment. "Night, Presea."
"See you tomorrow," Zelos muttered, trailing after the Summoner,
"Goodnight, you two," Presea called, laughing lightly. After the red-head and Ninja left the room, Presea slowly ambled out of the room herself, making her way to the family room. Upon reaching it, she found Regal sprawled out on her bed, one arm slung over his face, the other dangling off of the couch. She hated to wake him, so she just stood there for a moment, taking in the sight of him.
"I am not asleep," he mumbled after a few minutes of silence, causing Presea to jump sky high.
"Heavens!" She palced a hand over her pounding heart. "You nearly gave me heart failure!"
Regal chuckled, pulling himself into sitting position. "Sorry." He reach out a hand, bekoning her over to him. Presea complied, allowing him to pull her into his lap.
"It's late," she murmured, leaning against his chest. Grabbing the cover that he had spread out, Presea pulled it up over her.
"That it is," Regal agreed, easing himself back into the couch. He positioned the pillow beneath his head, while Presea stretched out on top of him, covering the both of them.
"Shouldn't you go up to bed?" She queried, snuggling down into his chest. Her eyes already felt heavy, and she could tell that Regal was near sleep, as well.
"Probably," he yawned, drapping his arm across her back, "I believe we should close our eyes, wouldn't you agree?"
Presea smiled, scooting up and burying her head in the crook of his neck. She was so comfortable and hated to move, but she didn't want to make Regal sleep on the couch. He had a bed, and he deserved to lay in it.
"Regal, go up to bed. You don't have to stay down here."
"I am in bed. So lay down, and go to sleep."
"I am laying down," Presea pointed out, lifting her head so that she could stare into his sleep-filled eyes.
Regal groaned in mock despair. He moved his hands to grasp her face and pulled her to him for a gentle kiss. Presea eagerly complied, seeking his lips again in another soft kiss after the first.
"Now, if you would be so kind, please allow me some sleep."
Presea laughed softly, pulling the blanket up and taking care to make sure that it was around the both of them. After they were tucked into her liking, she placed her cheek to his chest and burrowed down into the covers.
"Are you comfortable?" she queried.
"Very. Yourself?"
"Um-hmm."
"Good," Regal murmured, closing his eyes and draping his arms across her back.
Within moments, his steady breathing and soflty beating heart alerted Presea that Regal was asleep, and she knew that she wasn't to far behind him. But she found her thoughts drifitng, keeping her awake.The night before didn't plague her sleep last night, but tonight, or rather today, that eveing had consumed her thoughts.
Though Duke had not accomplished his goal, he had come close to it. His hands had been in places in which they had not been welcomed, his mouth, as well. What had possessed the man to try such a thing? She had firmly told him no, but it had been like talking to wall- futile. If Calabren had succeeded in his goal, if he had been successful-
"Sleep, Presea."
The command was gentle, and Regal was half- asleep, but the words held a firmness- they were to be followed.
"All right, Regal," sighed Presea, glad for the distraction from her thoughts. She shifted positions, moving her head beneath his chin, and closed her eyes.
Perhaps some good did come from last night- she could now call Regal her own.
That was the thought she slept on, and again Presea was plagued with nothing. She didn't even dream.
xxxx
Replay to my grand reviewers...
Fallenharbinger: I know. It just popped in my head, so I wrote it down. Lol!
Kei-kun: He'll get what's coming to him. I don't I'll just forget about him, cause he's a client. I might...but I probably won't. I hope you keep reading, and reviewing!
NIKKERED: I think I'm the only one that has a Regal/Presea fic...scary...Hehe! I don't think I'll kill him...Lol! But, something will happen to him...
Snasouke.Cigara: All will eventually end well. I like happy endings. Hehe...and Duke will get his come up'ins. Lol!
GirlyButTough: He's 33? I was close! Lol...prune...ha! I don't see it, but I still think it's funny. I think he's sexy...it's just cause he has muscle and I love his voice. Lol. Well, ya love it even though it envolves a prune (your words, not mine) so, I'm happy!
Chibi Presea: I'm glad you enjoy it! At least it let you review this time.
Sir Exal: I'm sorry you don't like the use of technology, but it makes it so much eaiser. And, I don't know no other programming besides American. I respect your opinion, but, I've already written half the story, and I'm not gonna change it.
XxZykexX: I don't mean to make Colette act like a retard! Lol...I can't help it. I'm a Colloyd fan, but that's just cause I like Sheena and Zelos together. Truthfully, Colette annoys me. Always having to save her..I mean, how many times can you get yourself kidnapped? Heh.
WhitterZ: Yep. Duke was pushy and arrogant, and then, he had to many booze, and then he tried it. I wondered if anyone could tell he was gonna try something...Lol. Yes. I wish I had a nice guy like that! If you read a lot, you can always see how the author usually makes the lead guy everything a woman wants. Lol! And, in your review, you said 'keep reviewing'. I'll keep writing, as long as you keep reviewing. Lol!
A/N: Done! Whatcha think? Let me know in a review! The next chapter will probably pick up where this chapter left off. Or, close to it. Well, thanks for the reviews! Keep them coming! Chapter eleven will be here soon!