DISCLAIMER: I do not own SQUARE, SQUARESOFT, SQUARE ENIX or the characters, places or ideas from their games. They own me.
...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...o...

Chella entered the shed to see Kinoc standing over the seated Auron. They were talking in hushed tones she could barely make out. She heard Kinoc ask Auron about his shoulder.

"It is healing. Your..secretary is skilled."

"I'm sorry I did that to you."

Chella couldn't stifle the gasp. Kinoc apologizing? It couldn't be. Apparently the same thoughts were going through Auron's mind as he raised wide, rust-colored eyes to look at his friend.

Kinoc squatted on the floor and Auron had to shift so that he could still look at the blond, who continued:

"I know I've done a lot to hurt you, and yet still you love me."

"Kinoc.."

"Shh, don't say anything;" Kinoc laid his head against Auron's knee, "I'm sorry."

Moments passed with the two of them in that position, Auron at a complete loss as to how to react and Kinoc seemingly contented to stay that way. Chella's eyes narrowed at the expression on Auron's face. He looked as if he might start crying.

Eventually, Kinoc raised his head and stood, motioning Auron to rise as well, which he did. Taking a half step forward, Kinoc stood for a while, his body close but barely touching Aurons. He leaned in for a passionate kiss which completely took Auron's breath away. Finally seeming to wake, Auron kissed him back, solid arms moving to remove the clothes that were in their way. Noting how Auron still favored his good shoulder, Kinoc nodded towards the bed. Auron took a few steps backward, avoiding the chairs they had been sitting in and sat down on the bed. What followed then was the most cruel and spiteful thing Kinoc had ever done to him, it could only be called a rape. Auron, standing firm on his decision not to marry the girl had been beaten, cut and thoroughly humiliated. Worse perhaps was that something inside him broke, and the hope that he held on to, that kept him going was overcome without a chance.

Chella slowly stood in the cramped shed, muscles protesting after the tension of the past hours. She grabbed her kit and gingerly made her way to meet Kinoc at the entrance.

Kinoc saw her and immediately took off at a trot into the night, calling instructions over his shoulder:

"Take as much time as you want, if you're going to move him to the bed, make sure you properly dispose of the sheets and have it all cleaned up by noon."

Even though he was at a good distance she could see the smirk on his face

"Arenia is waiting.."

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The rage that she had felt now simmered to a steady, purposeful conviction. She would see Kinoc sorry - truly sorry; someday. She slowly moved towards the door, the click of the handle coinciding with the snap of her façade moving firmly into place.

Auron stirred on the floor as the creak of the door opening disturbed the quietness. The lights turned on and he noted Chella's presence, bag in hand, as she stepped primly over him and placed her equipment on the bed. He wearily propped himself up on his elbows and tried to sit up, his body aching with each movement. Then she was there - kneeling beside him, helping him up, lending him her strength to make the few steps to the bed.

Chella let Auron sit on the edge of the mattress before pausing a moment – he wasn't exactly the lightest person around. She nodded at him.

"Lie down."

He pushed himself towards the center of the bed and slowly lowered his body. Was that concern he heard in her tone? Auron contemplated if her pity would prove to be worse than her hatred. His eyes followed her movements as she retrieved a cloth from her kit and doused it in some translucent liquid, the overflow running down her arms in clear, orange rivulets. She carefully placed the wet cloth on his chest before getting on the bed and sitting cross-legged next to him. Leaving the cuts for the moment, she gently pulled the cord that held his hair until it came loose and ran her fingers soothingly through his hair. She massaged his scalp and watched as some of the strain left his features. She loved him so much it hurt.

She sighed and set to work on the cuts on his chest, cautiously running the soft cloth over the wounds and letting the antiseptic fluid soak into the cuts. Aurons breathing turned shallower as the numbing medicine took effect, relieving him of the now-dull aches that covered his torso. He had learned early on how effective her cures and cleansers were, both at healing as well as lessening pain, and was very grateful for the many times he was able to sleep despite a cut or bruise that would otherwise keep him in pain.

He sucked in a breath through his teeth as she applied a different salve to his face, this one burned, but he trusted her knowing that she was completely apt at what she was doing. Taking his look to be one of question, Chella explained:

"This will keep the bruising from showing and keep any swelling to a minimum…" she paused and added "Sorry."

When she finished doctoring his face she gave another sigh and hesitated, her body trembling slightly.

"Um.." This time he did look at her quizzically, and she moved her finger in a twirling, circular motion; there was only one thing left to attend. He complied slowly, shifting till he lay flat on his chest, and tensed as he felt the damp cloth at the place so private and now so violated. He buried his face in his arms as she efficiently treated him, somehow even more humiliated by this than by the actual rape. After a few minutes she gently placed her hand on his shoulder to signal that she was finished. Auron looked at her, his eyes deep pools of shame.

"Why do you do it?"

Weary, she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the headboard. "You're not the only one trapped."

"There's no hope, is there?"

Her eyelids flew open to reveal gold that meaningfully looked into his own rust-colored eyes,

"You may not be the only one trapped, but you are the only one who can get out."

Completely confused now, Auron merely looked at her, willing her to explain. She shook her head.

"I've already said too much." She gave a quiet laugh, "I was assuming you wanted to get out."

Auron replayed the last encounter with Kinoc and the reason for the violence and something in him hardened in determination.

"I do want to get out."

Shocked and pleased all at once while trying not to show it, she nodded.

"However," he continued, "I do not know how." Taking a deep breath and preparing himself for rejection he ventured: "Will you help me?"

Heart racing dangerously Chella acquiesced, "Next time he calls you, I'll come and meet you in your quarters." Her eyes sparked a dangerous resolve that matched his own. The memories in the sphere played on, plunging ahead as though fearful they may not have time to let the whole story be told.

A week passed and Auron didn't get a glimpse of the ex-waitress. Kinoc had left him alone as well on the pretext that absence makes the heart grow fonder and his plaything would be more receptive to him next time, after he had a chance to simmer down somewhat.

True to Chella's word no bruising appeared on his face and he was able to avoid any questioning or prying. He had taken the time to catch up on his own duties as a senior graduate and center himself in the teachings of Yevon. Exiting the temple after the last class of the day he hesitated before making his way to his own chambers. He was not sure what to expect from the girl, especially since her attitude towards him seemed to have completely changed in a matter of minutes. She had seemed earnest enough that night after.. Auron nearly retched at the memory. He would be willing to take a chance at any help he could get.

He glanced around as he neared the hut, not seeing any sign of her yet. He entered and removed his cloak to hang it on a bedpost, feeling a twinge of resistance from his shoulder. It was not healing fast enough for his liking and his inability to do simple things was very humbling.

Finally he heard the sound he was waiting for: a soft tap at his door. He ushered the girl in and closed the door, knowing that it was best they not be seen alone together. He motioned towards the couch,

"Have a seat." Settling down on the edge of the bed, he looked at her expectantly.

Chella gave a soft sigh and shifted, tucking her legs underneath her, "Tell me how it all started, how it came to this."

There was no need to explain what 'this' was. Auron contemplated the question for a moment before beginning.

"I've known Kinoc for as long as I can remember." It was true- he had many vague memories of the two of them as toddlers. He proceeded to tell her how as children they had fought, competed and finally forged a bond of friendship that made them inseparable. Pausing now and then to make sure he had all the facts straight, Auron explained how he had always admired Kinoc's confidence as well as his poise.

He recounted how one day in their early teens he had walked in on his friend pleasuring himself and instead of becoming angry, Kinoc had invited him to stay and watch. Auron had been fascinated with Kinoc's body and how he was comfortable exposing – showing off such an intimate moment. That was when the 'relationship' had manifested.

He reminisced about their first kiss

he had never been able to talk to anyone about these things and now it was as if they were fighting within him to be the first to come out and be free. He told her of their tender moments together and their tiffs, happening upon happening.

Eventually his narration slowed and he looked at Chella, expecting to see revulsion or at least boredom on her face. Instead she nodded at him and he knew that she had listened intently and would continue to do so no matter how much longer he talked. He hesitated a moment before he described another first but told her nonetheless, emboldened by the unburdening.

He told her more. He told her everything. It set part of him free, the emotions and mindsets. He was still physically a slave to Kinoc but right there in that place he was free. But nonetheless it was hopeless. Tomorrow he would be back at square one, unable to resist if and when Kinoc commanded him to come.

He sighed deeply and looked at her; a drowning man.