A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: OOC, MODERATE LANGUAGE, FLUFF, WAFF, SUGGESTIVE THEMES
Chapter 11: Misconstrued Motives
His eyes, seemingly vacated in expression, regarded her evenly, "Argilla…What brings you here?" he asked as he appraised her from head to toe.
She was clad in nothing but her nightgown…And at that, he couldn't help but let his male primordial instinct run free…and unrestrained. This primeval instinct of his appreciated what she looked like…of what she appeared to him as…and he, Gale the tactician, finally understood.
Whereas before he would be perplexed as to the apparent male fixation on the female anatomy, now, he had been enlightened.
Her chest was half seen with her perked up nipples almost being prominent from the thin fabric of the gown…The stitching of her garment had accentuated her petite waist, letting him see for certain the elaborate curves of her body…
The low hemline of the gown gave away free observation of her strong yet smooth, long creamy legs…
Enticing…yes?
Argilla bit her lip as she began to shiver a bit from the cold, seeing that not only did she run from Heat's room in nothing but her gown, but she had done so without having the least bit concern for her bare feet.
The cold was beginning to seep into her body from her feet that she shivered, "Can I come in?"
Gale snapped out of his appraisal of her. Clearly, he had not expected her to visit him that night; not at all. And most definitely not in what she had donned upon herself!
He moved out of the way and gestured for her to enter, "Go ahead."
A few moments later, the two were within the room. Argilla spoke first, "Gale, I'm so sorry about tonight." she said as she continued to stand in the middle of the room, her eyes piercing his, letting him know that she was indeed sincere with what she had just said.
She frowned as she was met with his swollen eye, "Gale…let me take a look at your eye…"
He shook his head even before she had a chance to come near him and spoke in his low and husky voice, "You need not apologize for the evening or its…results Argilla." he said firmly, "You were not at fault."
Argilla glared, "Yea it is and I am at fault…I should've known better than to trust Heat!"
So far, within those seconds that she had been within his room, he had felt…warm. His dull walls and mundane furniture didn't seem so drab with her in his room. His quarters seemed to come alive…
And it was all thanks to her. She was a welcomed break from his monotonous and bleak world…
However, that little sanctuary that he had built for himself had crumbled and had turned into ash as he had heard her mention her lover's name.
And that had propelled his rational thought to kick in. Granted, he would love nothing more than to keep her within the folds of his bed and behind the protection of his walls…but…as rational thought would dictate, those flights of fancy would have to be set aside for the time being.
Right now, he had but one thing to ask.
"Argilla, what are you doing here at this time of night…and…" he paused as he hesitated, once more, gazing at her from top to bottom before finally letting his gaze rest on her eyes, "…and dressed like that?"
She blushed as she suddenly remembered. She then shook her head, "I just…I'm sorry for barging in here…"
At hearing her words, his inquisitive mind was roused. Did something happen?
The woman in front of him seemed…dismayed. She lacked her usual cheerful and jovial spirit. This woman in front of him seemed…lackluster.
"I just had to see that you were alright."
He knew that she was concerned for him. He wasn't stupid or ignorant. He knew that it was true and his heart skipped a beat at knowing she felt that way about him. But he also knew that her concern for him wasn't the only reason that had catapulted her from her quarters with Heat and had had her land in his room instead.
He walked over to his closet and retrieved a clean black robe. He held it out for her, "Here. Wear this. It's freezing in here." he told her.
Argilla smiled endearingly at him as she took his black cotton robe. She immediately put it on herself and noted with astonished delight, the alluring masculine scent that engulfed the aforesaid garment that she now wore.
She smiled dreamily. It was a scent that was purely…Gale.
He looked at her as she wore his robe…and at that point, his blood rushed malevolently within his veins and his heart beat erratically. His body was reacting to what he saw in her…
Somehow, he liked seeing her in his apparel…
He wanted to smile at that point. She looked…
'Cute.' he commented internally.
He suddenly blinked, where did that come from?
Immediately, he shook his head and focused on the issue at hand instead of foolish fantasies.
"Argilla, what happened between you and Heat?" he asked flatly.
She looked up at him with shame written all over her eyes and pouted sadly, "He and I had a fight…"
And so, she had spent the next quarter of an hour telling him of all that had transpired.
She, now seated on his chair, frowned as she fidgeted with the fabric of the robe that she wore, "I'm sorry for barging in like this…"
Gale, who sat on his bed, looked at her evenly, eyes vacant in expression revealing nothing of what he truly felt…
"Do not think anything of it Argilla…But I must ask you. What is your plan now?"
She tilted her head to the side as she heard his question. What indeed? She looked at him and again saw his swollen eye. She bit her lip, "I hope you don't mind…but can I stay here…just for a little while?"
His heart leapt at that although his face betrayed nothing.
"I need to clear my head and blow off some steam." she commented as she pouted, thinking of her ever annoying lover. "I need some Heat-free time…" she finished. And then, with a sweet smile, she peered into Gale's emerald eyes, "I need to blow off some steam and have some heat-free time with my best-bud." she finished, gazing at him hopefully.
He smiled then and nodded, "You may remain for as long as you want Argilla…"
Her smile widened; glad that she had indeed found a friend in him. And in that moment, she had forgotten momentarily all about Heat. She stood and earned her a questioning look from Gale.
"Gale, please let me take a look at your eye…" she said as she took a step closer to him.
He saw her advancing form from a mile away…and he knew what it would do to him should she continue her advancement…But for some reason, as if he had been shackled by invisible chains, he found himself completely immobile.
His contemplation had come to a screeching halt as her soft fingertips came in contact with his cheek. She moved them upwards and slowly touched the growing bruise on his face. He sucked in a quick intake of breath and opened his mouth to say something but couldn't.
Argilla saw his expression and wondered for a moment before realizing it. "Oh! I didn't mean to…invade your space…"
They were friends, she knew that. But he was still Gale after all. She should know by now that he wasn't comfortable with a lot of physical contact. And dancing didn't apply to that argument. He had learnt to be comfortable with that, yes, but it didn't mean that he would be able to welcome any and every sort of physical contact.
She took a step back and spoke, "Erm, do you have a fridge?"
Still shaken from her warm touch, he could only point to the other door of his room. She smiled at him, "Thanks. Don't worry Gale, your eye would be A-OKAY!" she beamed as she walked out of his room and into his kitchen.
Once she was gone, he shook his head.
Maybe having her there wasn't such a good idea.
She came back a moment later with an icepack. Hm. Now why didn't he think of that? Oh right. He was so busy reminiscing about his date that icepacks to relieve that bruise on his face…simply didn't occur to him.
She smiled at him and walked over to him, pulling along the chair that she sat on behind her. "Just don't move Gale." she whispered as she carefully sat on the chair in front of him and leaned in, the icepack in her hand.
He hissed as the cold material met with his swollen closed eye.
"Aww…my poor baby…" she playfully teased, giggling.
'Poor…? Baby…?' he thought in bemusement. What was she talking about? He was neither poor nor was he an infant!
He hissed again as he felt the overwhelming chilly feeling originating from the icepack and seeping into his skin only to be distributed to the rest of his body.
He shivered.
And as he kept one of his eyes opened, he stole a peek at her. She was there, before him, still holding the icepack to his face, a look of concentration decorating her face.
At that, he shivered again. And at that, he came to a conclusion. Was it the icepack making him shiver or was it her…? And was he shivering due to the chilly sensation…? Or was that the beckon of cold sweat from excitement…?
He snapped out of his daze and made for the icepack, "No it's alright. I can hold it up for myself…"
"No Gale! You just relax! You've had a-"
Both froze as their hands made contact. Gale felt nothing but electrical jolts as their flesh touched…
His eye flew to hers and there, he saw that she felt it too…
'She…' he thought.
Argilla blushed beet red.
'Oh man! Totally awkward…!' she frantically thought. At that moment, she willed herself to pull back but she froze as she looked into his alluring green eyes…
Slowly, as the contact between their eyes continued, the two's hands slowly parted and both let the icepack fall onto the floor, all but forgotten.
The two, still lost, slowly leaned in towards one another…
Gale's heart beat wildly against his ribcage. He wondered for a moment though; was it even possible at all for his heart to burst from there…?
Slowly…he saw her eyes beginning to close…and oddly enough, carried off by the moment, he felt himself doing the same…
A moment later, he could feel her breath tickling his lips…and there, his blood surged and coursed violently within him, stirring something within him that had slumbered for too long a time.
He could feel his very own soul screaming in anticipation…
Oh how he would love to conquer those lips of hers…
He could hear the thumping of his heart…or was it hers…?
It was close now…oh so close…Why couldn't he find her lips…?
The second was going painfully slow…
"Argilla!!" a male voice thundered.
At the sound of an angry male yell from the other side of the room's door, the two suddenly broke apart.
They looked at one another for a moment, dazed, only to shove it aside and focus on the present. Well, she did. But not him; their near-kiss was an issue still freshly etched onto his mind…and he probably would never forget it…
"It's Heat." she whispered in annoyance.
He stood, "Yes. It is."
"What do you want to do now?" he asked her calmly, his eyes once more empty.
She stood as well and bit her lip, "I…I don't want to see him right now."
That was all that he needed to know.
He walked over to his door and opened it. He was met by the redhead, clad in his uniform, only without his cape, who, by now was breathing raggedly, his red eyes blazing and his face as red as his hair, "Where is she?" he barked angrily.
Gale regarded him evenly, "Why are you looking for her here?" he asked back.
Heat growled at him, "Don't give me that bullshit old man! I know she's here!" He did. He had searched for her…and he didn't find her. He knew that she would be freezing in what she was wearing…and he knew that if she did leave the barrack, she'd definitely catch an illness.
There was no other place she could've gone to.
Gale looked back at him, lamely. There really wasn't a point in lying. He didn't lie.
"She doesn't want to see you." he deadpanned.
Heat narrowed his eyes at that, "That's none of your fucking concern dickshit." he hissed maliciously, his red orbs boring into Gale's emerald orbs.
"Bring her out here or I'm coming in there and drag her out!" he thundered again.
Here, Gale narrowed his eyes, "Do not forget that this is still my quarters Heat. I can have you thrown out." he warned coolly.
"Sure old man; but not before I beat the shit out of you for harboring my mate in your damn room!" Heat retorted.
Argilla bit her lip guiltily. Heat and Gale were fighting because of her. Well, she had had enough. With narrowed eyes, she stood from her chair and walked over to where Gale stood. She put a hand on his shoulder and he turned to look at her, surprised.
She smiled warily, "It's fine. I think it's time I go to bed anyway…"
Gale could not believe what he was hearing. She…Heat could hurt her!
But…would he?
He frowned; probably not…Heat adored her after all.
And so, knowing himself and his sense of integrity, he stepped aside, but not before eliciting a triumphant grin from the redhead on the other side of the door.
"Very well…" Gale said, as he watched her walk out.
Argilla smiled at Gale and then looked at Heat who looked displeased, "Let's go home…" she told him, ignoring his almost-murderous glance at her.
He nodded and said nothing. But even as he said nothing, he couldn't help but let his suspicious mind reel as he saw that she was clad in a robe that was not hers; a robe that was neither hers nor his…A robe that he knew she didn't leave his room in.
Argilla cast her face down and began to walk when she suddenly remembered something.
"Oh!" she exclaimed as she held the knot of the robe's tie. She looked at Gale once more with widened eyes, "I'm sorry…Here's your robe back Gale. Thanks for letting me borrow it." she smiled languidly, unfastening the tie.
Gale shook his head, "No. Keep it. Return it on some other time. It's cold. And I know that Heat wouldn't want you to feel chilly…" he said snidely, as he stole a glance at the redhead who merely snorted in response as he crossed his arms and looked away.
Argilla looked from Gale to Heat and saw that he agreed. She smiled at Gale and whispered a 'thank you' and a 'goodnight'.
Soon after, she found herself within Heat's room once more.
She immediately took off Gale's robe and hung it. She then remembered the sensitive moment that they had shared in his room. The kiss that could've happened but didn't. And then…there was the accidental kiss that did happen.
She groaned lightly at that.
What was that? What was she thinking?
'That's the point.' she told herself, 'I wasn't thinking…' she sighed in regret. She had been so preoccupied about her problem with Heat…She had been so caught up in the moment…that she had temporarily lost sight of perspective.
She then shook her head as she dismissed those thoughts, 'No. It was an accident; both were accidents.'
Of course they were.
Gale was her friend. 'He's just a friend. I just…don't see him that way.' she thought with firm conviction; her faith solely on her feelings for Heat.
'Heat…' she then nodded and smiled lightly, 'He's the only one.'
She froze as she heard a sneer, "What did you do with the old man?"
She frowned. He was doing it again. When he first showed signs of jealousy towards Gale, she found it cute. But now, as it became all the more prominent, she found it…annoying and overly vexing.
She turned around and pounced on him, kissing him hungrily.
Heat raised an eyebrow as she did.
As the hour ticked by, the two had their passionate lovemaking. And now, there they were, on the floor, basking in their afterglow.
Argilla, who had her head on his bare chest rose from her position and looked at him in the eyes, with deadly accuracy and honesty, "Heat…You're the only one I want. I don't want Gale. So please…enough with that crap. Okay…?"
At hearing her words, he felt his feelings of hidden insecurities die…
Maybe he had been overreacting a bit…
"Okay…"
xxxxx
As he lay on his bed that night, he turned to his side and saw it empty. His stomach churned. He then wondered…
'What would be like to…to have someone in it?' he asked himself.
He frowned at himself, disappointed.
He had always prided himself with having only the highest moral standards. But when it came to his…issue with Argilla and Heat, all morals and all principle seemed to fly out the window.
He knew he shouldn't feel deprived of her affection since he never had her affections to begin with; it lay with another man…
But he just did.
And as he remembered the kiss that they shared not too long ago and the kiss that they almost shared…
His resolve grew; his heart once more hardened. This time though, it was hardened, blind, deaf and dumb to reason and principle.
Screw principle.
It had been Argilla herself who told him that it was human to feel things and do things, irregardless of reason or rational thought. And so, holding that argument to be true, he justified his feelings…and justified the scheme that formed in his mind.
At that, his once dead pools of emerald shone and twinkled with life.
He wanted her, yes. And she probably liked him too. He saw it in her eyes; she cared for him. Heat was the only one standing in their way…
He blinked as his mind drifted to his next course of action…
xxxxx
He scanned his teammates with uninterested eyes as he began the briefing. He had noticed that Argilla and Heat were on better terms. He could tell. They still stood as close to one another as possible…
Not only that, but he also noticed the subtle yet intense gazes that they would send to one another. He wanted to frown at that but urged himself that all was not lost.
His plans still had to be carried out.
And so, with those thoughts in mind, he spoke, "There is a raid that will be conducted to dispose of the supplies of what is believed to be ammunitions from Anahata to Ajna. The task is simple. Infiltrate the Solids HQ, gain control of the trucks and acquire the ammunition. Any questions?"
He looked to see that Cielo had raised his hand slowly. And he couldn't help but roll his eyes in annoyance, "Any questions pertaining to the mission and not my eye." he told them sourly, his annoyance reaching a new high.
After explaining the same sentence for the third time, he was glad that no one raised their hands. He had known that his black-eyed eye would catch their attention, but, what else was he supposed to do? He couldn't very well hide it. His hair was too short, his hood wasn't that big and damn it he would never, ever wear an eye patch!
He shook his head. He was getting sidetracked!
Think of the damn mission!
"Any volunteers?"
xxxxx
The briefing had gone smoothly, as he had hoped. Needless to say that, once more, Heat, Serph and Cielo had been sent.
And he and Argilla remained.
He felt Heat's disappointment at his decision but he had asked everyone for their inputs pertaining to it and was glad that they concurred. After all, he had argued that the nature of the mission clearly nullified Argilla's combat expertise, thus, making her a mere liability for the aforesaid task.
Hence, she was not included in the taskforce.
Serph and Cielo agreed and so did Argilla.
For the first two, he knew that they agreed with him for the sole reason that they knew it was true. But for Argilla, it was different. She agreed with his decision and did not question him because she trusted him. It had been a result of their bond he reckoned.
And at that realization, he immediately realized that he was, indeed, doing the right thing.
He was freeing her of her cumbersome responsibility from an oafish partner…
She would appreciate his efforts in the end; that he was sure of.
xxxxx
Argilla bit her lip as she watched him. He was up to his neck with paperwork. Naturally, she should be helping him. But she didn't. Instead, she shirked off her duties…but then again, she reckoned that it had been for a good cause.
She bit her lip.
It had been two days since the guys' departure. She blinked; they had received transmissions from them and she was glad that they were fine…
But then, she had found out something interesting.
She had come to know that Gale's birthday was fast approaching.
She smirked. And that day was today.
It was his…
His…nth birthday. And because of that, they had to celebrate. She stole another peek at his semi-huddled form as he sat on his chair, glazing his emerald eyes upon the stacks of paper. Making up her mind, she stalked around him, making sure not to make any noise, making certain that her breathing was deathly silent…
She now stood behind him, tiptoeing…and there, she jumped and put her palms over his eyes, "Guess who!" she beamed excitedly, playfully.
Gale smiled as he felt her palms on his eyes. His hands immediately went up to her hands and held them…
A moment later, he let go and leaned back on his chair, his hand on his chin, "Hm…I don't know." he told her, humoring her.
She giggled, "Come on! Take a guess…!"
He snorted, "And what is the purpose of all this…? Even if I did 'guess', you could just easily deny it. You can keep denying until I run out of plausible guesses…hence never bringing this game of yours to an end."
Argilla rolled her eyes, "Why do you have to say all that," she asked playfully, "when you could've just said 'I can't guess because I don't know how.'?"
He laughed lightly, "Aa…Perhaps one day."
She giggled, "Right! So, guess who I am!" she said, knowing that their game now made little or no sense at all. What was the point? He already knew that it was her anyway…
He was confused for a moment; this game of theirs possessed no sense at all. He, as well as she, knew that the gig was up. But then again…he remembered her lessons…
There were just some things that people did without reason or justification…Even nonsensical, impractical things…
Why?
Because they just wanted to…
Up till then, he didn't really understand…but now he did. He himself felt confused as his rational mind received no justification for this apparently silly and time-wasting activity…But now, he understood why people did them.
People did them because it made them feel…pleasant. Yes, to Gale their strange and pointless game made him feel nice…
Even if there was no objective to meet or no rewards to be had…he still underwent this strange and eccentric activity.
It was just that…being with her…no matter what they did together…no matter how silly or stupid, to him…it meant the world. To him, those moments were no longer a waste of time. Those times were no longer a point of skepticism or ridicule. Now, to him, they were precious times…Times that he would never regret to have done…Times that he wouldn't trade for anything in the world…
That was why…now, he wasn't confused any longer.
"Come on Gale! Guess!" she childishly said.
He lightly chuckled and thought, "Hm…Who is it…? Well, you can't be Serph…Your voice is deeper than his."
"Hey!" she scolded him.
He smirked, "Hm…Cielo?"
He heard a growl.
He laughed again, "Alright. I give up. Reveal to me your identity…oh enigma." he drawled playfully.
She giggled and without taking off her hands from his eyes, she walked to his side and with lightning speed retracted her hands back, "Boo!" she yelled playfully.
He smiled at her, "Aa…so it turned out to be you after all."
She smirked; she knew that it wasn't like him to humor her like this…but at least he was trying.
That was the most important thing.
He lightly smiled at her, "Argilla. What is the meaning of this…?" he asked, pertaining to her earlier behavior.
She giggled, "Nothing! Just felt like doing it!" she responded, beaming.
He raised an eyebrow at that, "I must ask you as per the reason why you are…overly exuberant and zealous today."
She smirked, "Can't you guess…?"
He touched his forehead, "I don't believe I can. There are many, in fact, countless of reasons why you would be in such a state…The probability of hitting the correct possibility would be a-"
"Forget I asked." she said, laughing a bit as she cut him off. She then beamed at him again, "Say, Gale."
"Hm?"
"Don't you know what day it is today…?"
He saw the serious look in her face and he thought seriously. Today? What was it today anyway…? He thought hard…
'No.'
Nope. Squat. Zilch.
He didn't know.
He looked at her and shook his head, "I have no idea." he told her honestly.
She felt saddened for a moment. He…honestly didn't know what today was…? She peered into his eyes and saw that he wasn't lying. She frowned internally.
'He…he doesn't even celebrate his own birthday…' she thought sadly.
She then smiled sweetly at him and spoke gently, "Happy Birthday Gale…"
Gale raised an eyebrow, "What…?"
She allowed her smile to broaden, "Happy Birthday…"
Gale blinked. Birthdays. He frowned within. He had never really bothered much with birthdays. There was just no point in doing so he supposed. One, birthdays only reminded one of how old he or she really was. To him, knowing his age was fine, but being reminded of it by "celebrating" it was not only insulting but pointless. Two, he just had too much work in his hands that he didn't seem to remember his birthday…
Three, what was the point of celebrating…when he was alone?
And so, that was how he lived his life. With those justifications, he lived his life without birthdays and as the years went by, he became accustomed to it. And now, when someone else had finally wished him a happy birthday…he was confused…He was confused and at the same time, lightheaded, as he remembered the origins of his decisions to not celebrate the aforesaid event.
And the most important thing was that…
It came from her…
He blinked and responded, "Thank you."
She giggled as she looked at him; he was still lost, wasn't he?
'Aw…'
She grinned at him and tugged at his arm, "Come on."
He blinked, "Where to?"
"To celebrate your birthday!" she said, smiling widely.
He frowned lightly. He…would love to. Spending time with her was always something that he looked forward to…
But now, he just couldn't it.
"Argilla, you and I can't…"
She grinned, "Are you speaking of the trip we're going to have at the southern bunker?"
He nodded.
She figured as much. That was why…
"Gale, let's go then!" she said, hoisting him up. He stood and looked at her perplexedly, "Well, of course." He was confused. First she wanted to celebrate his birthday, and now she was all too eager to go on their mission.
But still, like he said before, birthdays were a waste of time.
xxxxx
Gale looked at his file and supervised as the work had been done. He narrowed his eyes. They can't really afford to have lax defense systems, and the fact that they were already spreading their forces, made manpower scarce.
Hence, even he, Embryon's elusive tactician, had to expose himself in the field…
He was glad though that they had succeeded whatever it was that they came for.
He wanted to smile a bit…But then again, he remembered that he was still in the outdoors. He frowned at that. It was one thing to smile…but smiling outside for the whole world to see was an idea that he wasn't overly comfortable with.
And so, even if he watched Argilla from afar, thinking to herself, having that ever quaint yet seductive pout upon her full and supple pink lips, his own lips remained positioned in that ever-grim line.
He regarded her coolly, almost coldly, as he saw that she was lost within a world of her own…He could only wonder as to what her thoughts were…
And at that notion, his mind couldn't help but wander. He wondered; was she thinking of him…? Or was she thinking of Heat…?
He didn't mean to but he just felt displeased at the latter…
He sighed internally.
At that point, another thought invaded his mind.
'Happy birthday huh…?' he thought blandly; his cold green eyes refusing to leave her visage.
She had wished him happy birthday…
Happy birthday.
Just how old was he now anyway…?
'No…I couldn't be…that young…' he thought stupidly as his thoughts remained the jumbled heap that it was.
'Thirty…five…?' he thought, confused, 'No but…I remember that eclipse five years ago…That was at the same time as that…Then I couldn't be…But I…' he thought.
"Whatcha doin'?" a voice from his left ear spoke cheerfully, rousing the green-haired man from his contemplation.
He lightly jumped at hearing such a voice and there had his head whip sharply to the sound of the voice, only to be met with dazzling pink eyes.
"Argilla." he said coldly.
Argilla wanted to make a face. He was doing it again. She had noticed his presence moments prior and when she had finally decided to look at him, she had come to know that he was lost within his own world.
Even when she had waved at him, he seemed to have not noticed and instead of looking at her, he had looked right through her.
And now, now that she had caught his attention, he seemed to have reverted back to the same old stranger that he had been. He seemed cold and distant.
And that annoyed her.
"Ne, what are you thinking of?" she asked.
Gale blinked. There was that thing again. That thing in her. That small thing that he found absolutely captivating…
He had never thus far seen that quality in a person before…
Not really.
What quality?
'That thing that she's doing…' he thought as he continued to gaze at her face…and more specifically, her eyes.
Yes; whatever it was that she was doing that he found fascinating…she was doing it right now. He nodded internally as he thought about it…
There was just something in the way she spoke her words that made him wonder…Her voice seemed so cheerful and her tone seemed so…carefree…
'So childlike…' he thought knowingly, all the while feeling quite…pleasant.
And it was in the way that she looked at him…
Her eyes…they shone and twinkled like that of a child's. And for a moment there, again, he felt quite envious.
Why?
'I was never that young…was I?' he thought to himself.
Again…he felt another prick in his heart as he thought further.
Happy birthday.
Happy birthday…
"Happy birthday Gale."
He blinked and focused on her now coyly smiling face, "What?"
She giggled, "I said happy birthday!" she said again, a bit louder than before. "Honestly speaking, I think that you're going deaf!" she laughed, "But then again, it could be that you're just coming into age…"
He frowned at that; coming into age? He knew what she meant.
Coming into age for retirement.
Argilla sweat-dropped. Maybe that wasn't the right thing to say…
Of course, needless to say that she didn't mean any harm and she justified that there had been no harm sustained. But Gale's facial expression told her otherwise…
"Erm…hehehe…Happy birthday?" she finished unsurely.
He frowned; again with that phrase. But this time, it came with an addendum. He had remembered how old he was.
'I'm forty years old.' he thought with a hint of disgust and disdain.
Argilla knew how old he was. Of course she did; she had, after all, checked his files. She blinked. Wait. Would…would he take offense with what she had just said…? This was something that she couldn't help but ponder over. It wasn't a secret, after all, that older people scarcely wanted to be reminded of their age…
She had just been so used to seeing Gale's youthful appearance that…she had forgotten, for a moment there…that he, indeed, did belong to the category of people that were considered…elderly.
'Damn…A mistake…' she thought with regret, half-hoping that he wouldn't take offense…
But then again, that slight frown on his face had only confirmed what she had been, thus far fearing…
"So, what should we do now?" she asked excitedly, attempting to remove whatever presence of ever-irking irritation and awkwardness there was that pervaded them.
Gale looked at her blankly. She wanted to celebrate his birthday…?
She wanted to celebrate this…horrendous event…?
He made a face, "We are in the middle of a-"
She shook her head, "The bunker is secure sir and all jamming dishes are in place. The place is up and running." she told him resolutely, her eyes fierce and unyielding.
"Is that so?" he challenged openly.
She nodded once, "Yes it is. I've checked the systems myself sir. And if there is any doubt, I have two cadets wiling to corroborate my statement. And of course, there is still the fact that you can double-check the systems yourself."
He searched her eyes and saw that they were truthful.
He really couldn't say anything more. And so, he nodded and turned away, "There isn't a need. I trust your judgment."
At hearing his quaint and blankly-toned response, she smiled and grabbed his arm, "Then come on Gale! Let's go!" she squealed excitedly.
He raised an eyebrow to ascertain her overly exuberant countenance but found himself unable as he was dragged away from the scene with a force that he never knew her tiny and soft hands possessed.
xxxxx
Gale looked around himself, flabbergasted. There he was, standing on the sandy platform, barefooted.
How he had gotten barefooted, he didn't know. And right now, he really didn't want to know how.
He snapped out of his daze as he heard a female giggle. He turned and saw his object of attention to be by his side…
He sucked in a quick intake of breath as he regarded her with cool emerald eyes…
There she was, a few inches away from him…But she was different.
Her hair, that carefully bound hair of hers now dangled carelessly…Her pink locks tumbled gently yet audaciously along her skin…The playful wind played boldly with her fuchsia tresses, making her locks dance and swirl…spiraling in an endless cycle sending his already turmoil-filled mind upon another journey filled of conundrums…
Conundrums that consisted of only thoughts of her.
Argilla grinned. She had hoped that he would enjoy himself. She had been lucky to have found that place. What place?
The quarter-of-a-mile walk from the bunker.
That place, she had noted, was a deserted beach.
She had had a feeling that Gale probably wasn't a big fan of beaches.
She turned to him with a grin and bared her teeth in a grin, "Come on Gale!"
Without warning, the magenta-haired woman grabbed the jade-haired man by his hand and there ran for the water.
Gale, feeling the sudden rush of inertia, threw his head backward as he found his feet following her playful yet firm tug…having a mind of their own.
He froze and stiffened as his legs perceived the sensation the wet feeling. Without further ado, he looked and there he saw water engulfing him. He was…in the ocean…?
He blinked; the water was cold.
There they were, knee-deep in crystalline saline water…
He frowned a bit though, 'What is it that…people find in these…sort of excursions…?' he thought, annoyed.
'They do nothing but get wet and-'
"Incoming!!" yelled his female companion convivially.
Splash!
He didn't have enough time to either interpret the message and let alone dodge whatever projectile had been launched at him as he found himself…wet.
He made a sour face and turned himself to meet the giggling visage of his companion.
Argilla bit her lip as she stifled her laugh, her hair going everywhere and nowhere as a breeze passed by them. When she had decided to splash Gale with water…she didn't expect to hit him square in the face…
She suddenly sweat-dropped. Maybe she should've expected it. 'It's just sniping skills and instincts kicking in.' she thought.
She took in his lost facial expression and there giggled again, "Heads up!!" With lightning speed, she bent down and gathered water in her lithe palms and hurled them at her "lost" adversary, again bound for his sharp facial features, "Boogies at six o'clock!!"
Again, she hit him.
"Hahahah…Oh my god sir! Presence of mind!" she said as she held her tummy in laughter. That last assault on him had his hood fall from his head, letting it float around the water around them.
Gale blushed crazily. This woman had hit him not once, not twice but thrice! Consecutively!
And now, she had used some of his lines in conduct against him!
"Argilla I-"
He was cut off as he saw her preparing for another assault. But this time though, he was ready for her and dodged her projectile with ease.
"Aw…!" she whined in mock disappointment, "I thought I'd get another bull's-eye!"
He made a lame face, "Argilla, it's prudent to remain humble…"
"Over confidence is usually the cause of complacency and contributed directly to the untimely demise of-"
Splash!
"Gotcha!" she half squealed as she once more hit him square in the face.
She grinned evilly as she saw that he was now drenched wet. She grinned wider still as she saw that ever lame face of his…She suddenly felt strange as she realized that she was staring straight into the eyes of a handsome man.
'It's such a waste Gale…' she thought helplessly, 'Don't let life pass you by…'
Splash!
"Ahh!!!" she screamed as she covered her face with her hands, as water hit her. She wiped her face with her hands and pouted at Gale, "Not fair!!"
At that, he sneered and crossed his arms, "That is a statement that is usually put forward by ill-prepared and childish personnel…"
"Gr…" she growled playfully, "I'll get you for that!"
Splash! Splash!
Gale had had enough. He had been diplomatic enough. But now, he feared that all bets were off and the declaration of war had already come to pass.
And so, like two children, they played and ran, forgetting momentarily the responsibilities that they had…temporarily leaving the positions that they both occupied in society…
Simply…being just…
Children.
xxxxx
"Hahah…"
He turned and looked onto his side and saw her looking up at the dimming skies. There they were, lying on the sandy beach after having exhausted themselves from their childish games…
He looked at her in amazement and enticement.
She had had her uniform wet…and so she had taken off her jacket and her billowing skirt…just being in her black Embryon shorts and her corset…
Simple…yet alluring in his eyes.
But that wasn't what really drew him to her…
He hadn't known her intimately…and the time that they had spent together was minimal…but still, this young woman beside him had awakened feelings and sensations within him that no one else had…
And she had done it in a relatively short amount of time.
She had made him realize that there was still…a child in him. A child that saw the inner child within her as well…and there, as the two children within their consciousness had met and played, he had realized that perhaps…it really was alright to be a child…every once in a while.
Suddenly, as if hearing his thoughts, she turned to her side and looked at him with a smile on her face, "I hope you had fun Gale…"
He blinked and let a ghost of a smile grace his lips, "I did. Thank you."
"You're welcome Gale."
"Hn…"
"Happy birthday Gale…"
At that, the gentle aura that had enveloped the two suddenly crumbled as he realized…
'I'm too old for this, aren't I…?' he thought.
'Too old for her perhaps…?' a voice chimed in mockingly.
He frowned at that.
"Thank you again Argilla."
"I do hope that we get to celebrate your birthdays…to come." she remarked truthfully…wistfully.
He narrowed his eyes at that; that was still a query that plagued his mind. Birthdays…Why did people…?
"Haha…Sir, don't tell me that you…really don't practice the celebration of your birthdays?" Of course she knew that he indeed didn't celebrate. But she just wanted to hear it from his very own lips.
"No…"
"I really don't." he stated nonchalantly.
Aa…
Just the topic opener that she was looking for. She locked her eyes on him and looked at his profile, just hearing the gentle sound of the rolling of the waves…reaching their toes…
"Why don't you sir…? What's wrong with that…?" she asked, genuinely curious. This was another aspect of Gale that she just wanted to…open up. She wanted to know the reason…of why he cared less for himself…
He shrugged his shoulders, eyeing the now darkening skies, "There isn't a point."
"How so?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
He looked at her with a bored expression, "A birthday…technically is an event that commemorates the event of one's birth, correct?"
She nodded and he nodded in response, "A person is born…lives and dies. Millions of people undergo this process…and we aren't any different. In each year…a person just takes a step closer and closer to that path that leads to the inevitable demise of the aforesaid person." he paused here as he narrowed his eyes, his emerald pools showing her nothing but naked truth and the tumultuous rocking of conviction, "Each celebration brings you closer and closer to natural death. Hence, wouldn't you say that when one celebrated birthdays that he or she is in fact celebrating the deterioration of their own bodies…?"
She was stupefied at what he had said.
His perception was…completely different.
It was an interpretation that she had never heard of…from anyone.
And although what he had stated had made sense, she just couldn't bring herself to accept it…
She looked at him sadly and nodded, "You're right Gale. You're right; on all accounts."
He nodded in satisfaction at that. She had never told him that he was right ever since she had decided to teach him a few things in this web of confusion called life.
"Hn…"
"But…"
Aa…
There was the proverbial "yes, but" response. He should've expected that.
"But…of all the perspectives to look through at the subject of birthdays…of all the interpretations that you can draw…why did you choose that one…?" she asked gently.
He blinked, "What?"
She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again, "I'm not saying that you're wrong Gale. What I'm saying is that…birthdays could be seen as both a good thing and a bad thing." she said gently, her tone being childish, "But why do you look at it as if it was a bad thing…?"
He frowned, "I'm merely pointing it out as per what it really is Argilla. Nothing more. I'm not stating it in a negative fashion either. It is what it is. And the fact remains that a birthday is but a step closer to aging. It's a step for further deterioration…and then to death. Isn't that a fact?"
She bit her lip, "It's a fact…but it's not true."
He blinked rapidly.
"What?" he asked in confusion.
"A fact is a statement that is beyond all reasonable doubt…But it's not truth. Truth is subjective; truth is what you believe in. It isn't what one thing is. It is what you believe it to be. So, truth is dependent on each person's idiosyncrasies. For me, your truth is false."
She saw the perplexity and nodded, "Your perception on birthdays is both a fact and truth; your truth. For me, it's false. I do not…view birthdays the way you do…"
She smiled warily, her hand coming up to touch his arm, "It's true…that some people take pleasure from believing in things…things like birthdays and…and other occasions…and some people find that silly and stupid. But…don't you see…? When you celebrate things like that that it's not that you don't realize the 'inevitable demise' that is to follow…It's not about that Gale."
She sighed, "We all know that we're all going to die. We know that." She then laughed bitterly, "In fact, we are lucky to have reached whatever age we've reached! We'd be lucky to have reached into old age and maybe die in bed or in our sleep! Instead of taking a bullet in the head without even knowing it!"
He knew what she was speaking of. Being a soldier, there was no guarantee about the lives that they lived. They could die at any given day or time…
She looked at him with painful yet hopeful twinkling eyes, "Don't you see that because of the high mortality rates in this day and age, that it's more reason for us to celebrate our birthdays…? Knowing that we can die anytime…anywhere…" she paused as she shook her head, "Don't you feel that…that thing within you, when you passed another birthday 'Damn! I'm still alive…! I didn't think I could get this far…Praise be to the gods…'?"
He was tongue-tied. Her perception was…completely different.
And it confused him.
She smiled weakly still, her eyes still holding his own captive, "Don't you see that life is a fragile blessing…? It's given to us by the gods…only to be taken away…But it's how we lived our lives that matter the most. Was it…happy…? Or lonely and sad…?"
She sighed and scooted ever closer to him, "Each birthday that we have is a milestone that we have taken in our lives. Each one is different from the last…Because within each birthday, we have changed. We weren't the same person we were a year ago; in some small or big way, we have changed. We have tasted more of life…either its harsh punishments and tests or…its sweet fleeting yet happy moments. We become a bit wiser with experience and time…"
"Gale," she began, "a birthday is so much more than the deterioration of our bodies…It's not just that. It's the culmination of all that we have seen, heard, tasted and experienced in the year prior…since our last birthday." She then touched his cheek, "We commemorate not what we will become; we commemorate what we have become since that last birthday."
His emerald pools widened at that.
"We commemorate our life's blessings…and we commemorate the mistakes and hardships that we have endured, serving as our eternal teacher…We commemorate the person we have become…and we remember the times in the previous year that made us feel happy…and complete."
Suddenly, his stomach churned and turned.
Her point of view was something that…never occurred to him.
Ever.
"Do you…understand it now Gale…?" she asked gently.
He nodded slowly, "I…I believe that I comprehend your statement Argilla…" he trailed off, "As strange as it may seem, I believe I understand."
She smiled warmly at him, gladdened…from the heart that he understood…
"Then I'm glad…" she said gently, her voice light and low, almost in a whisper.
He frowned then and turned away, "Then I suppose that I've wasted all those years…hn?"
She frowned in returned and held onto his arm tighter still, "No…The past is the past…The important thing is now…you understand and now…you will not make the same mistake…"
"Hn…"
She smiled lightly at him, "The gods have blessed you Gale."
He arched his eyebrow and turned to her again, "Oh?"
She chuckled, "Yes. If they didn't, then, you probably wouldn't have had this realization in life. You would've probably still…be that grouch."
He blinked, "I still am that grouch. Aren't I?"
She shook her head as she laughed, "Nope." She then nodded, "What's important now…is that, now, you've celebrated your birthday…and I hope that you enjoyed it. Even if just a little."
He felt horrible at that moment; horrible…but enlightened.
Enjoyed…?
He nodded at her and there held her hands in his, holding them tightly, "I've enjoyed Argilla." His emerald eyes pierced hers, "More than you'll ever know."
xxxxx