|Valentine's Room|
Today was the big event. The day she would officially be instated as Damos' heir. She could already feel the nerves coiling around in her stomach at the thought. Would she do okay? Would she screw up? What if something bad happened? She just stepped out of her underwear when she heard a knock at the door.
'Macie found me!' she thought in a panic, ducking for cover behind the simple couch. When the knocking continued she imagined it might not be Macie. The elderly woman wouldn't be so patient on a day like today. She still remembered what Damos had given her as a punishment for meddling in his affairs without permission. 'No way. No way I'll allow something like that happen to me.' she thought, her face changing to a slightly pink color beneath her slight tan.
A voice from the other side of the door made her jump up. "Valentine, are you in there?" It was Jak's voice. At first she was happy that he had come out of the Nest fine, then she realized she was in here naked.
She could hear some faint mumbling coming from the other side of the door. It seemed like he was trying to decide what to do. She had been hoping to grab a quick shower before finding a place in Spargus to hide until evening fell. Maybe if she waited he would go away. If nobody knew where they could find her, Macie wouldn't be able to catch her.
"Valentine if you're in there, I'm going to barge in the door now." Jak finally announced, loud enough for her to hear. With a shriek she shot up from behind the sofa.
"No!" she shouted back, her voice rising a few octaves. "I'll be right there! Wait, don't bash in the door!" For all of the moments for him to decide to pay a house visit, this had to be the one. She scrambled to the small bathroom, grabbing the biggest towel she could find within a few seconds. Wrapping it around her securely she moved to the door, opening it on a crack.
She looked straight in Jak's cerulean eyes. For a moment they were frozen like that. "Does anybody know you're here?" she asked in a hushed tone, barely moving her lips. When Jak shook his head she let out a sigh of relief, before she grabbed him by the red scarf around his neck.
"Wha-" he managed to bring out before she yanked him inside the room, quickly checking the hallway. Damos had her moved into the palace carved into the city rock after the adoption, meaning any moment one of the monks could pass by. Safely inside she locked the door behind her, letting out a sigh of relief.
Jak looked at her as if he was unsure what her plans were dressed like that. "I was going to take a shower just now." she explained hurriedly. "Wha… what are you doing here, actually?" she asked him before he could say anything about her current attire. He'd seen her in a towel before when they'd been living together, so why was she being so self-conscious now? Maybe because he seemed to be having trouble keeping his eyes anywhere near her face.
The question snapped him out of his trance. "Damos said that since tonight is the big night, I have to keep a look on you. That is until Macie comes to pick you up."
She let out a groan, looking up at the ceiling. She wondered how Jak would feel if she knocked him out now so she could save her own skin. Probably not too well. "Of course he would send you." Jak was the only person she wouldn't be able to toss out of the window. She would deal with that later. First she needed a shower. "Just make yourself at home here. I'll try to make it quick."
Jak nodded, at a loss for an answer that would seem even remotely intelligent. What was he supposed to say to a barely dressed Valentine anyway? She nearly sprinted out of the room, towards a screen which he supposed shut off the bathroom from the rest of the place. The last time he had seen her move this fast was when they'd been chased by five Metal grunts.
He sat down in the sand-colored sofa, letting his gaze wander around the room. The color scheme was clearly chosen to match the Wasteland, only a few blue tints breaking the coloring. Books were scattered everywhere, next to note pads and sketches of Metal Head components. He picked up a piece of paper where Ma'al was depicted, with arrows and writing so tiny he wondered if she could even read it. Just what was the relation between those two?
The hero felt oddly at a loss for something to do while he was waiting. Normally Daxter would have been with him, but his friend had mumbled something about checking the competition before following Sig who knew where. He placed his gun on the table, arms hanging loosely on the sofa. When a soft cry was emitted from the bathroom he startled.
"Valentine, are you okay?" he asked, not sure if he should barge in there or not.
"Just some cold water… it surprised me a little bit." She answered in what was almost a meek voice.
Oh right, she was in the shower. Oh. He had to fight the image of Valentine, covered in soap as she… no. What was he thinking? He sat back down on the sofa, hands on his knees. He would not go in there. There was nothing for him to do as he sat there though, just listen to the sound of water falling down.
He remembered the way her dark brown hair almost looked black when she got out of the shower. She liked the water almost scorching hot, leaving her with a heated blush on her face. Somehow she never managed to completely dry herself off either, always having a few drops still visible whenever she came out of the bathroom.
He cleared his throat, trying to make his mind go anywhere, anywhere besides Valentine in the shower. He was not thinking about slightly tanned skin getting soaped up, or hands wandering up and down her body. Not a moment he lingered on hot water pounding down on his own skin as he slowly pressed his mouth to hers, her hands reaching for him. They would –
"There, all done." She announced cheerily, stepping out of the shower.
Jak jumped up as if he had been caught sneaking a peek. He just barely managed to bite his tongue before he started blabbing everything he had been thinking. Stupid, stupid, stupid. He'd have thought he had some self-control.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her face indeed flushed from the hot water. When he nodded, still feeling as if he had swallowed his tongue she continued talking. "Well, in that case better get ready. I'm going to get dressed, and after that we hide. There's no way I'll do what Macie suggested." Her face took on that particular look when she considered something so wildly out of her comfort zone she would never agree. "No way." She repeated, more to herself than to him.
That was before someone started banging on the door, sending her into hiding behind a large plant. "What are you doing?" he asked her, wondering what could have sent her into such a strange mood.
She pressed a finger against her lips, indicating he should keep his mouth shut. "Valentine dearie, I know you're in there!" Macie called out, slamming the door at least three times harder than necessary. "Damos told me you changed your mind, which is only natural. Open up the door, sweetheart."
Valentine shook her head violently, her wet hair spraying drops left and right. Jak didn't move from his position near the sofa, almost afraid to breathe. What was it that Macie wanted that had Valentine so cautious? When a key was inserted in the door, she let out a long moan of agony.
Macie stepped into the room, her white hair in the same bun as always. She was followed by the three young Metal Heads, who immediately ran towards Valentine.
"Traitors." She said out loud, before turning to Macie. "Macie, you have it all wrong, I swear to the Precursors and to Mar. I never said anything about changing my mind."
"Tuttut." Macie said, grabbing Valentine by the ear, dragging her up from her crouching position. Her eyes flashed towards Jak as she grabbed the towel around her with two hands. "Damos says he wants you to look your part tonight. It's good thing you've already showered, that saves us the job of washing you."
"No, I really don't need-"
"I already told Mira and the other girls about what I had planned, and they are really looking forwards to helping you shine, young lady. Say goodbye to young Jak now, and get ready to really shine like the gem you are." Macie started to drag the young woman to the door, ignoring her pleas.
"Jak, do something!" she pleaded, before Macie stuck a finger in the air.
"Any of you two children try anything, and I won't cook for either of you for a whole year." Now that was a threat that got the two thinking. Jak didn't know about Valentine, but he doubted he would last a month without a taste of Macie's pies. He shrugged, waving goodbye as she obediently trailed after the woman. It would seem the lure of sweets was too much for even her to resist, or she didn't want to lose her towel with a man watching.
|Evening|
"This grub is sweee-eeet!" Daxter exclaimed in between bites of a fruit pastry. For the grand occasion Jak had been offered the chance to have dinner with Damos, Ma'al and Valentine as the latter's bodyguard, though Valentine was nowhere to be seen. For now the four men were left to their own devices, making Jak feel very uncomfortable as they sat on the thick carpet.
Damos seemed to have gotten over his anger from the day before, though that could also be because he was constantly hindered by his formal outfit being in his way. Annoyed he tugged at the collar, muttering something about keeping up appearances. Jak took another bite of the skewered meat pieces, trying to ignore the piercing, golden gaze of Ma'al.
The man in front of him had only eaten meat, as rare as he could get it. For some reason he had a Metal Stone on his forehead, making Jak doubt his sanity. Ignoring the man's mental capacities, the fact remained that Valentine obviously liked Ma'al. Which made Jak feel very, very nervous. The man spoke as Jak reached for his beer cup, making their eyes cross.
"It would seem King Valentine has accepted you back into her good graces." Ma'al observed, ignoring Daxter as the Ottsel made his way through a plate of very choice dates. "One should be grateful she has had the mercy." Ma'al made clear that he would not have been so lenient had it been him.
Damos nodded at the notion. "It is a good thing my heir has shown she is above petty revenge. I am pleased you have managed to talk things out. Now if you were to be so obedient as well…" he noted, referring to the incident of the day before.
Jak swallowed. Looking straight at Ma'al he answered with a slight smile playing around his lips. "Of course I'm happy we are friends again. We were very close back in Haven." He waited to see if Ma'al would react to that choice of words.
"Yet she still has not agreed to have eggs with you." Ma'al replied calmly, confusing Jak. Why would he need to have eggs with Valentine? They'd had plenty of meals together already. "Until the day she chooses someone to do that with, I shall still consider you a rival for her affection."
Damos as well sent some side-eyed glances towards the robed man, as if considering if he should somehow intervene in this. "Ma'al has been an invaluable help to our city in these few years." He said, in an awkward attempt to break the tension. It was obvious the man wasn't forced a lot to make polite dinner conversation. "The Metal Scouts he has granted to Valentine's pupils have already shown they will be of great use in the future."
Ma'al bowed his head slightly, acknowledging the compliment. Jak's mind was once again racing, trying to fit together the puzzle pieces. He thought he had heard Ma'al mentioned before, but he couldn't remember in what context.
"Did you forget already, Jak?" A voice he knew all too well asked him, coming from behind his back. He turned back, leaning on one hand as he did so. For a moment he could not remember breath being necessary.
Valentine stood in the doorway, looking like a real princess. Her dress was dark red, embroidered with gold thread in elaborate symbols and almost too tight to be decent. Strips of the same red cloth were wound around her arms, draping down in longs sleeves while her shoulders were left bare. Deep red gemstones glittered in her hair as she moved towards the seated men, almost a bit shy.
"I thought I heard Kleiver saying he mentioned it to you, that Ma'al is a Metal King. It is the reason why he is able to grant us some of his children." Even her lips seemed a bit redder, a bit fuller than usual. Then the meaning of her words hit home, making him break his eyes away from her.
"A Metal King?!" Daxter shrieked in his place, at once taking cover behind Jak as Valentine seated herself on her knees next to Damos. "Why the hell would there be a Metal King here?"
Valentine took a modest bite from a meat pastry, answering while she waved it around. "Oh, relax you two. Ma'al and I have reached a very good understanding with each other. He won't eat anyone that lives in Spargus, and in return we don't kill any of his children."
Ma'al gave Valentine a heartfelt smile. "It is as King Valentine says. I have no wish to harm anyone in this city." His eyes glanced towards Jak for a moment. "Unless a person would wish to bring harm to my fellow King."
Valentine made herself more comfortable, her knee stroking past Jak's as she did so. She licked some of the meat juice from her fingers before she answered Ma'al. "King Ma'al seems to be forgetting that I will deal with any possible threats." The smile she granted the King was almost that of a predator.
She turned to Damos, a slight hint of disapproval and horror in her voice. "Macie gave me reason to believe that it is my father who I have to thank for this attire." She seemed to be terrible displeased, taking a deep breath. Jak tried to disguise his glances towards the tightening dress parts as a result, hoping nobody would take notice. Was it suddenly getting hotter in here?
Damos gave her a smile in return. "I believe it was my daughter who said that a ruler should dress according to their station if they are to inspire their people. I was only following your advice, just like I have done yesterday."
This caused Valentine to choke on the sweet milk tea she had been sipping. "Well played, father." She granted him, a wry smile on her face. "Though those words were spoken when I was not yet expected to rule myself."
The two of them shared a stern look, before a corner of Valentine's mouth started to twitch. Before any of the other diners knew what was happening, she almost started to snort with laughter, giving in to the urge to laugh. Damos followed soon after, clapping her on her bare back as they did so. Ma'al and Jak were left to watch dazed as Daxter started to eat again, keeping close to Jak.
"Trust me when I say that all women know how to make a man bend to their will." Damos said, looking happier than Jak had ever seen him looking. It made him smile himself, especially when he saw how Valentine was almost radiating happiness.
"And when I saw that some men know how to get back at a woman, be sure to believe that as well." The two continued to snicker a bit, seemingly having made up. Damos pulled on his fancy white collar, casting Valentine a grin. She fiddled with her necklace, obviously wishing she had a collar that came so high up.
Damos and Ma'al soon ended up in a discussion about tactics, leaving Valentine and Jak some time to talk. He gave her an appreciating smile. "This is what you were so scared about this morning?" he asked, gesturing a hand to her outfit.
She cast her eyes down to her hands, fiddling nervously. "Ah… I haven't worn a dress in so long." She confessed. "The last time I wore one, I think I must have been twelve. I guess I was a little afraid."
Jak let out a chuckle of surprise. "You, scared? Of what then?" he had trouble imagining Valentine as truly afraid of something. She'd befriended a Metal King for crying out loud, something which he was trying very hard to ignore.
She seemed to be looking any way except his. "That I would look horrible in a dress, I guess." She mumbled, just loud enough to be heard by him. "It's just been so long. I couldn't imagine…" Dear Precursors, this admittance had caused her to blush such a charming shade of pink.
He pushed his knee against hers for a moment, not looking at her either when he spoke. "I think you look lovely in that dress."
He could see her head move so she could look at him, almost sounding shocked at the compliment. "You think so? Really?" she sounded like she couldn't quite believe him.
He turned to look at her, feeling her bangs stroke past his cheek for a moment. He hadn't thought she'd be this close to him. He moved back a little bit, in case Damos was watching them. "I think I haven't seen anyone who would look better dressed like you are. It reminds me of a princess."
He wondered how many more shades she was able to blush, and he most certainly wanted to find out.
|Moon's plethora of thank you's :
Sage Nightwing is being a most wonderful proofreader, so as always a big thank you to them!
LadyAmazon : Ah, Ma'al will always remain a cutie though. I suspect he was just afraid of Valentine yelling at him again for running around naked.
M-Angel 05 : It won't kill Jak to be a little jealous. And well... I'm the boss, so he just has to do what I say. The joys of being a writer!
Dear Guest : Aaah, sometimes I don't get jokes. I fear I'm a little bit dense sometimes, sorry.
Ayylmao : I don't think I would ever be able to write like that. After my Joker fic where I had to use non-standard English I practically vowed never to write like that again xD
Also, don't get your hopes up too much about the 'move' Jak will try to move on Valentine. I have limited romantic experience, which mostly has to do with me bursting out into laughter when someone tries to ask me out. When I get nervous, I get the giggles. It's horrible, trust me. But I will of course do my best. If I can write about Metal Heads and weird conspiracies, I should be able to write some decent romance. And Sage will stop me if I'm starting to get ridiculous, I hope.|