34: The Language of Touch

Braska leaned forward on his stool, watching the large sphere screen on the wall. He took a sip of tea. "This is all very exciting, don't you think?"

"As exciting as any tournament in Luca usually is," Auron answered with a distinct lack of emotion. The waitress placed his meal on the table and he nodded in thanks. "But, this is your first time here during the Blitzball season, isn't it?"

Braska nodded, eyes still trained on the screen. "Indeed. I am a bit surprised that you aren't more affected. You've shown great interest in the seasonal results before." He looked at Auron. "I would think you'd be more enthusiastic, considering Rikku and Jecht's involvement this time."

Auron shrugged. "I followed the tournaments out of necessity – through Blitzball, one can gauge the various factions in Spira." He picked up his sandwich. "I don't bear any particular love for the game itself."

"Bevelle has never declared war on Luca," Braska said with a hint of melancholy. "Must you prepare for the worst, even during a celebration like this?"

"It would be foolish to discount the power Blitzball holds, and Maester Mika is no fool."

Braska wilted.

Relenting, Auron sighed. "Although I am curious to see what those two are up to this time."

The buzzer sounded, waylaying any further attempts at conversation. Braska perked up and directed his attention back towards the screen. "I think it's beginning. Oh look, there Jecht and Rikku are!"

Auron picked up his meaty sandwich and took a bite. Swallowing, he raised an eyebrow at the screen. "They're playing for the Fangs? How did they even convince the Ronso to let them in?"

"Oh, hush. Rikku can be very persuasive when she wants to. I will cheer for them if you won't."

Despite taking another large, stubborn bite in response, Auron kept his eyes glued to the screen. A cheer sounded through the cafe as the horn blared for the blitzoff.

"There, look at that. The big Ronso in the middle caught the ball! What a magnificent start!" Braska said, before frowning. "Forgive me if I'm wrong, but… aren't they supposed to move more quickly than that?"

"The Fangs are notoriously slow." Auron put the sandwich down. "This is normal for them."

"Hmm," Braska said, never looking away from the screen. "Look, he's cornered. Oh! Well, at least they can't force him to drop the ball. Now, he need only pass it, and then they can score easily – "

A ripple of laughter ran through the cafe.

Braska lowered his teacup. "That was... not good."

"No," Auron agreed.

Braska waved his arm, and some tea sloshed from his cup. "Why did he try to shoot? Rikku was right there!"

"Calm yourself," Auron said, rescuing the cup. "There's still time left on the clock."

"But they can't swim fast enough to catch them!"

The crowd oohed, and Auron smiled. "The Ronso may be slow, but Rikku is fast. There, she's passing to Jecht."

Braska blinked. "Is that wise? He's at the other end of the arena. Surely, it will be intercepted."

"Hnn," Auron said.

The patrons oohed again, and Braska leaned back. "Did she just knock that player unconscious… with the ball?"

"It's called a Nap pass," Auron corrected him. "What is Jecht doing?" He squinted and rubbed his chest. "I know that move."

The crowd exploded into a mix of excited cheers and shrieks of disbelief.

"...Did Jecht just knock two of their defenders unconscious, too? Is that even allowed?"

The Fangs scored a goal, and a roar rose in the cafe.

"The Sublimely Magnificent Jecht Shot Mark III," Auron said dryly. "He's a fool."

Braska spun around. "Why so dour, Auron? They're winning, aren't they?"

Auron sighed and picked up his sandwich again. "The Ronso Fangs have never had a problem scoring. The real game starts now."

The horn for a blitzoff sounded again. The Aurochs took possession of the ball.

"They're ganging up on Rikku now? Why is she defending? Isn't she playing as a… what was that term… an offenser?"

"A forward," Auron corrected him. "Rikku claimed to be a midfielder, which is a very versatile position. Judging from what I've seen so far, her style is defensive, used mainly to disable her opponents and create openings for the rest of the team to score goals." He shook his head. "But, the Ronso have placed her as a forward."

"Ah," Braska said, though he still looked confused. "Do forwards also defend?"

"No," Auron said, exasperation leaking into his tone. "That is the job of the defenders. And this," he added, gesturing at the screen, "is the Ronso weakness. They have no tactical acumen whatsoever. They took a valuable resource and squandered it." He grunted and took another bite of his sandwich, visibly losing interest in the game. "Weak or not, the Besaid Aurochs play as a team, which is why they'll win this match."

"We'll see – " Braska started before gaping at the screen. "She only lost the ball because there were three of them on her at once!" He leapt out of his seat. "That can't be fair! What were her teammates doing?"

Auron pulled Braska back down. "Calm down and drink your tea," he said.

"Calm down? How can I be calm? The Ronso are too slow! Every time they catch up, the Aurochs just pass the ball to a different player! They're completely avoiding Rikku and Jecht now, too!" He pounded his fist on the table. "Oh, they're taking a shot – "

The goal horn sounded once more, and the crowd cheered.

"A tied game," Auron said, eyeing Braska suspiciously. "I thought you weren't a fan of Blitzball."

Braska bit his knuckle, eyes glued to the screen. "How are you not worried? Those are our friends!"

"There's little point. As I said, they're going to lose." He shook his head and laughed. "I'll enjoy teasing Rikku about this."

"The game's not over yet," Braska said fiercely. "I'm sure Jecht and Rikku will be able to rally. They're very good at working together, too – "

The horn sounded for another goal. 2:1, Aurochs.

"I told you," Auron said smugly. "Now, drink your tea."

.x.x.x.

Rikku sat on the bench in the locker room, head between her knees. Jecht collapsed on the floor, resting his head on the bench next to her. Their teammates were expressing their discontent in a much more typical Ronso fashion: by scowling, growling, or fighting with one another.

"That was a disaster," she mumbled. "Not even disasterrific. Just a complete and total disaster."

"No kiddin'," Jecht groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "I've worked with bad players before, but this brings it to a whole new level." He sat up and glared at Gazna. " 'Ey captain! Shouldn't you give us a pep talk 'bout now?"

Gazna's face remained impassive, though his tail lashed from side to side. "Guardians promise victory. Ronso Fangs lose."

Zev leapt up from his slumped position on the floor. "Ronso Fangs lose game, but still win," he declared. Everyone glared at him, but he only puffed out his chest. "Final score 4:3. Fangs score three points! Best score of Ronso!"

"Runt hit by blitzball too hard," Zamzi said scornfully. "Horn pushed into brain."

"If you compare it to the games without us, the team did pretty well," Rikku admitted. "But a loss is still a loss. You have to actually win to advance, you know."

"Shaddup, all of ya," Jecht shouted, clambering to his feet. "It's clear as the tails on your asses what the problem is, and it ain't us!"

Rikku squeaked and waved at Jecht, trying to convey an emergency message to abort mission. Was he really trying to antagonize the angry blue giants right after they'd lost the game?

Jecht ignored her, continuing his rant. "A good team works together. All you guys do is play like lone warriors!" He grabbed Zev. "You gotta think more like this guy. Zev's the only one who even tried to pass!" Dropping his victim, he pointed at Irga. "And you!" Irga looked down at Jecht. "The name of your game is defense! You left Rikku coverin' the entire base by herself, and she was a forward! You gotta stay in your position!"

Finally he faced Gazna, who was watching the proceeding with an unusual amount of tolerance. "But most of all – you! The hell you doin', captain? You're the midfielder! You gotta lead your people to victory! What you say goes. You tell Irga to stay put, she stays put. You tell Zev to shoot… well, at least he stopped listenin' to you and started passin' instead. And you – you have got to stop shootin' every damn time you get that ball! Midfield is defense, not just point!" Frustrated, he threw his arms into the air and kicked the bench.

Rikku eyed Gazna. He didn't look as mad as she expected... more like thoughtful.

"Gazna consider Jecht's advice. Gazna allow Guardians to stay for tournament tomorrow." His tail twitched. "Ronso will… talk."

The team began to file out of the locker room.

"So, see you here tomorrow?" Rikku called out. Zev nodded – the only one to acknowledge her – before the door swung shut behind him.

"Talk," Jecht muttered in disgust. "S'like talkin' to a damn wall! Gazna didn't even answer you!"

"The Ronso aren't all that chatty." Rikku placed her head between her knees again. "This is hopeless. Even if they listen to every word you said, they won't be ready by tomorrow. So much for my big plan." She groaned. "Looks like we'll be leaving Luca as poor as we came. Auron must be laughing his head off."

Jecht shook his head. "No way, Blondie. This ain't about money – it's about pride! We're gonna win our game tomorrow, no matter what it takes!" He raised his fist and smiled. "This ain't over yet. I got a plan of my own." He pulled her to her feet.

"Hey, leggo! I haven't even changed yet!"

"No time," Jecht told her, steering them towards the exit. "We gotta get back to the market before that sweet roll vendor closes down."

Rikku pulled away from Jecht, grabbed her things, and jogged after him, confused. "Sweet rolls? I don't think we can bribe the other team into throwing the tournament with a few pastries."

Jecht turned back to her with a glint in his eye. "Trust me on this. I got a surefire way for us to win tomorrow. You with me or not?"

"Hoo boy," Rikku said, nodding uncertainly. "It's gonna be a long day, huh?"

.x.x.x.

When they finally returned to the market plaza to rendezvous with the others, twilight was descending. Tourists and natives alike gravitated towards the bars, and only a few were still strolling through the streets – mostly couples at that.

Auron stood out like a sore thumb, sitting alone on a bench with an expression that could curdle milk. "There you are." He rose to his feet as they approached. "The game ended nearly two hours ago. Where have you been?"

Rikku pouted. "Oh, I'm fine, Auron. No serious injuries other than to my pride, Auron. We lost the game, but I still had a great day, Auron. Thanks for asking, Auron!"

"You lost. It happens. Get over it, you're not dead." Though his tone was amused, his dour frown quickly returned. "That's still no reason to keep your friends waiting. I sent Braska back to the hotel ahead of us." He glared at Jecht. "I assume you're to blame for this?"

Jecht shrugged. "We were takin' care of business. We're still on track for the tournament tomorrow." He grinned cockily. "Just you wait and see. We're gonna win the next one."

"I'm sure you'll blow us out of the water," Auron told him. "Forget about blitzing for now. You both did your best," he grudgingly admitted, "but you can only go so far with the materials you're provided. Now come," he said, strolling away.

"Ain't nothin' wrong with them Ronso," Jecht corrected him, following behind. "Other than constantly comparin' the size of their horns. They'd have more of a chance if they weren't all tryin' to piss on each others' feet."

Rikku crossed her hands over her head and smiled at Auron's retreating back. As comforting went, he still sucked at it, but at least he'd tried. "Thanks," she said, skipping next to him. "Maybe Jecht and I are just too used to working with a good team. If you and Braska could blitz, we'd take the cup for sure!" She winked.

"Even if I could swim, I'd pass," he said. "Nevertheless, I did as you asked. Your treasure bought us a night at the Glitzball and passage to Kilika on the S.S. Pualu."

"The Glitzball?" Rikku blinked as Auron led them towards the largest building in the entire plaza. "The Lucan Glitzball? The most famous hotel in Spira?" She cupped her face and tried not to scream as they approached the plush runner leading towards a pair of polished doors. A very detailed weaving of a blitzball, complete with shining silver thread, decorated the carpet, and the walls were painted in an array of eye-catching, colorful designs. "All the biggest names stay here!" She dropped her hands and glanced down at her bikini, pouting. "I'm so underdressed!"

Auron snorted in agreement. A dignified cat-like creature held the door open for them, and Auron nodded his thanks as he swept inside.

"Huhuhuhuhuh…" Rikku wiped some drool from her chin. Even the indoor air seemed more expensive. "How can anyone afford this? It's like they papered the walls with gil!"

Auron grimaced. "It's overdone," he said simply. "I never did enjoy the tastes of the Leblanc family."

Rikku choked. "The Leblanc Syndicate owns this place?"

"They own nearly half of Luca's entertainment industry and you asked for massages," Auron told her, lifting an eyebrow. "They do specialize in that here."

"I think you just ruined it for me," she grumbled, trying to purge all memories of Leblanc's Noojie-Woojie fantasies. A passing attendant handed her some complimentary champagne. "No, wait. I'll be fine!"

"This place is somethin' else," Jecht said, waving away said attendant with a brief look of regret. His gaze caught on the opulent crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, which were emitting wavering light from dozens of tiny lightbulbs. He did a double-take. "Wait, they got machina here? I thought that was all forbidden."

"Much more is tolerated in Luca," Auron said.

"That's not really machina electricity anyway." Rikku danced in place on the carpeted floor, heedless of the stares from the other lounging guests. "It's all chocobo-powered. I've only ever seen that type of system on a ship, though!" She stopped swaying, shoved her face into one of the massive flower arrangements decorating the main hall, and sniffed. Smells expensive, just like everything else here! Then she wandered over to the stairs, where a harpist was beginning to play a soothing melody.

"Feels like I'm a celebrity again!" Jecht said with a broad grin.

"Are you done yet?" Auron asked, tone exasperated. "I've rented us a suite. Let's go." He directed them down a small hallway. "We each have a room to ourselves, but will share the bath and common area." Jecht wandered by; Auron grimaced at the odor trailing after the other man. "I humbly beg either of you to inspect the bath first."

"What, can't stand the sweet smell of victory?" Jecht smirked.

"More like the stench of defeat," Auron snorted.

Jecht took a cautious sniff at his armpit. "Maybe you're right. Dibs, Blondie!"

"Fine, knock yourself out." Rikku rolled her eyes and started inspecting an intricately carved chair rail. The opulence surrounding them was fascinating. Although she wasn't completely unfamiliar with wealth – heck, the Celsius was probably worth more than this entire hotel – neither Brother nor she ever thought to display that fortune as obviously as the Leblancs did.

She wondered if being constantly reminded that you were filthy rich was overwhelming.

A quiet rattle at the end of the hallway caught Rikku's attention. "Is that a paternoster?" she squealed. The wide doorframe hosted two cabins, one side ascending and the other descending in constant motion. They brought the faint scent of chocobos wafting up the shaft with them.

"We're heading to our rooms – second floor," Auron told her.

Rikku raced down the hall and jumped into the ascending box as soon as the opening was large enough. "Jecht, hurry up or you're gonna miss our ride!" She hopped from foot to foot and beckoned eagerly to Auron. "This is even better than those things in Bevelle! Do you think we could ride it all the way around?"

"No," he told her as he stepped into the slowly rising cabin. "It's late, and this is not a joyride. Jecht!"

"That thing is creepy," Jecht grumbled, leaping on just before the cabin rose too high to accommodate his huge frame. "Couldn't we take the stairs? And it stinks in here, too." He pinched his nose.

"It's cool!" Rikku declared, dancing in place; the cabin shook. "This is the smell of chocobo technology! It's organic!"

Auron sighed. "If technology is to smell like chocobo musk, I can see why the people would flock to Yevon." He inspected the floor they were passing. "This is our stop."

They tumbled out of the paternoster, even as it continued to rise, and followed Auron down a dimly lit hallway. Rikku removed her shoes and dug her toes into the thick carpet. Here, it was dyed a deep shade of blue and adorned with swirling patterns that looked like the surface of water in sunlight. Auron strode towards one of the few doors lining the hallway, key in hand.

"Over here," he called, moving to unlock the door just as it swung open. Braska stepped into the hallway. "My lord?" Auron asked.

Rikku also stopped; Braska was dressed more casually than she'd ever seen him. He'd forgone his usual voluminous robes, and was wearing a simple set of patterned shorts and white undershirt that exposed his wiry chest. A pair of sandals and a towel slung over one arm completed his new look.

"Ah, you've returned!" Braska greeted them. "I'm sorry about the game today, but perhaps fortune will smile on you tomorrow."

Jecht brightened and opened his mouth. " 'ey, Blondie – "

Rikku held her hand up. "I am not wearing Lady Luck to blitz."

"It was just an idea," Jecht sulked. "A really good one."

"Where are you off to so late?" Auron asked Braska, visibly reverting into Guardian mode. "Shall I accompany you?"

"Ah, let me explain." Braska beckoned them into their room.

"Free samples!" Rikku yelled as she entered. She made a beeline towards the side table and pocketed the complimentary vials.

Braska laughed at her for a moment before shaking his head at Auron. "Company won't be necessary. I've gotten wind of some concerning rumors, that's all." Everyone turned towards him. He lifted his hands to calm them. "The crusaders here already know of our battle with the sinspawn." He smiled faintly. "But, I haven't been able to determine if Bevelle's official story is complimentary or not. In my full robes, such a task will be impossible."

"What will going out to the city in your nightclothes accomplish?" Auron asked. "No matter what Bevelle decides, we will continue the Pilgrimage regardless."

Braska hefted his towel and laughed. "Relax. I wasn't planning on leaving the hotel at all. I was hoping to learn more about the rumors in the sauna. And, if no success is to be found there, I'll next try in the massage parlor."

Jecht whistled.

"It's not that sort of a massage, Jecht," Braska said, amused. "Still, I do intend to enjoy myself to the fullest. I've heard the masseuses wear the strangest outfits here..."

"At least someone's enjoying himself," Rikku mumbled.

"That is – " Auron started.

Braska shook his head. "That is my plan for the evening, and I won't have you interfering. Don't wait up for me."

"Man, I'm with you one-hundred-percent! There ain't nothin' like a good massage after a hard day of blitzin'! Where'd you get the towel?" Braska pointed to the bathroom; Jecht scurried there and back in record time, returning with a towel slung around his neck. "I'll keep an eye on him, Auron," he said, thumping the other man on the chest as he passed.

"A noble sacrifice, I'm sure," Auron deadpanned before sighing. "Just let us know if we have to make a quick exit from the city. At least the tournament will be working in our favor."

"And I guess this means I have dibs now!" Rikku cheered, heading for the bath.

"Rikku! Wait!" Auron called out before she could shut the door completely.

She wrinkled her nose. "What now?"

"Have you eaten yet?"

She rolled her eyes. "Of course not. As if Jecht would let us eat when he's on a Blitzball mission. Just order room service or something!"

He looked stricken, but after a brief moment of hesitation, she slammed the door. Maybe the food here's too expensive? Well, whatever. That's his problem – today we're splurging!

Pushing it from her mind, she eagerly examined the luxurious bathtub. There was no pump and it wasn't filled, but after judicious use of a few water spells and a fireball, the bath was steaming and ready. She stripped, let her hair down, and all but dove into the water.

With a happy sigh, Rikku dunked her head and let her worries float away.

.x.x.x.

On the other side of the door, Auron put his head in his hands. "Can you both leave already?" he asked miserably.

Jecht pounded him on the back, laughing. "Fine, fine, I know you're eager to get started, but leave a boot out or somethin' if you don't want us interruptin' later. And remember what I told you – don't mention her rack unless it's a compliment! Otherwise you won't be gettin' any!"

"Calm down, Jecht, the children aren't thinking that far ahead yet." Braska stifled his laughter. "Although you are both hopeless," he finally managed.

Auron sagged. "Not you, too."

Wiping his eyes, Braska continued. "Just consider this as a proper first date. Be sure to select some good wine. Ask them to bring candles." He paused. "And try to order something that requires the use of utensils, for the love of Yevon. No sandwiches."

"Just go," Auron repeated, running his fingers through his hair. "I've faced down armies of fiends. I can manage a dinner."

Braska and Jecht exchanged a look. Jecht hit Auron on the back one more time. "Well, good luck! You'll probably need it."

"Hush. Go wait outside for a moment, would you?" Braska said before regarding Auron with a softer, more serious look. "Relax," he said gently. "You've nothing to lose by trying your hand at romance. For some reason, that girl loves you like no other. You could feed her a two-gil meal from the slums and sleep on the fishing nets by the docks, and she would still awaken and look to you as though you were the rising sun itself."

Auron sighed and raised his head. "That is not – " He growled. "I don't even understand my own feelings. How can I properly answer hers?"

"Perhaps you are overthinking this," Braska chided. "The journey is just as important as the destination. You must find your answers together. There are no rules to follow or bend, no outcome you can guarantee. Love simply… happens." He grinned. "For some, more clumsily than others."

"I am not clumsy."

"So you say." Braska sighed. "I know the Teachings, Auron, but you are not that man anymore. You do not have to follow them. To love an Al Bhed is not a sin. I am quite literally staking my life on that." He stepped back. "But I am killing the mood, as Jecht might say. Go, have your fun tonight." A twinkle entered his eye. "I've the means to secure another room if it becomes necessary."

"You're as bad as Jecht," Auron answered him with a faint smile of his own. "Go enjoy your massage," he added.

Braska chuckled as he exited the suite. "I fully intend to, my friend."

.x.x.x.

Rikku exited the bathroom, clad in the Glitzball's luxurious complimentary bathrobe. She finished wrapping a large towel around her sopping hair – and froze. A small dining table had been placed in the center of the room. The lights were dimmed, and a tall candle burned between two lavish place settings. A bottle of wine was sitting in a rack to the side of the table, chilled by a minor Blizzard spell. Silver-domed plates announced the main entrées; whatever they hid smelled heavenly.

She reached for a dagger, eyes darting around the room. "Auron?" He emerged from the shadows. Jumping, she brandished the weapon at him. "Who the heck are you and what did you do with the real Auron?"

"This is already going well," Auron mumbled, crossing his arms. "Put the dagger down. Do you not recognize a date when you see it?"

"You mean the dried fruit? Yeah, there it is, in the fruit bowl. What's all the rest of this, though?" Rikku asked, still waving her dagger. "And where's your armor? I thought I told you to grab us some dinner, not switch yourself with a Leblanc Syndicate body snatcher."

"Leblanc body snatcher – " Auron mouthed, then reached over to raise the lights in the room. He strode to the table and snuffed out the candle with his fingers. "Are you satisfied now?"

Tucking her daggers away, she nodded warily. "I get it, I think. I just don't understand. A date, Auron? You don't do dates." She made her way over to the table and peeked under one of the silver domes. "Ooh! Is that shellfish?"

"No, and I am apparently not who you think I am. Let me call room service and ask them to remove this offense," Auron huffed.

"No-no-no," Rikku said quickly, seating herself at the table and stuffing a bite of food into her mouth. "I'm starving! It's cool if you wanna hang around for a little longer. I'm sure the real Auron won't mind if you eat something while you're here too," she added.

Huffing again and beginning to smile, Auron settled into the chair across from hers. He watched her slurp down another shellfish. "The others put me up to this, you know."

She grinned. "I could tell. This isn't your style." Grabbing the iced wine from the rack, she popped the cork open with an ease that surprised Auron and filled both of their glasses. "Honestly, it's not mine either. A sandwich and a movie on the sphere screen is good enough for me."

Auron hummed in agreement and picked up a glass.

"Besides, I'm already in my underwear," she continued, eyeing him. "Dressing up just to use some fancy silverware seems unnecessary."

Choking, Auron snorted liquid from his nose.

Rikku sipped daintily from her own glass. Score!

Auron grabbed a napkin to wipe up the mess. "Must you really? That was excellent wine."

"That was revenge. Be thankful I'm tolerating a second date from you at all." She drew her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them. "Seriously, though. I get that you're putting yourself through this for my sake; I guess this makes up for the first one." She grinned and held up one of the forks on the table. "But do you even know which of these we're supposed to be using right now?"

Auron shrugged. "Reject authority and use your fingers." He grabbed an oyster and sampled it. "Hnn. These are good too."

"Less talking, more eating," Rikku instructed. "I haven't had anything but a sweet roll since before the game. Jecht and his stupid ideas," she muttered, busying herself with demolishing the meal.

As expected, the food was delicious. How did we live before this? Rikku thought, eagerly

tasting everything. For a number of minutes, the only sounds in the room were of them eating, interspersed with an occasional prompt to try another dish.

Finally, when her stomach ceased complaining, she grabbed her napkin and looked up from her plate. Auron was watching her, dark eyes crinkled in amusement. He'd eaten less than half of what she had.

"You aren't hungry?" She frowned. "This meal must've cost a fortune. Are you sure you don't wanna eat more of it?"

"It is delicious, but I enjoy watching you more," he told her.

Rikku eyed him suspiciously. "Eating like a savage in front of you? That's what does it for you? Really?"

Auron nodded. "Creating armors, stealing from fiends, playing Blitzball, eating your dinner... you become absorbed in whatever you set your mind to, to the exclusion of all else. I find your single-minded focus fascinating."

"Huh," she replied dumbly, feeling her cheeks heat. She cupped her hands against them.

"You also lose the power of speech when I embarrass you." He grinned. "I relish that the most." A dramatic pause. "The golden silence, that is."

"Oh, shut up," Rikku giggled, hitting him in the arm. He grabbed her fingers and drew them to his lips in a soft kiss.

"I wonder, sometimes." Flipping her hand over, he ran his thumb slowly down her palm. "What it would be like to be your focus. To be the one receiving all that attention, with no distractions."

She shivered. "Are you going to try to find out?"

In answer, Auron stood, drawing her away from the table. "Come with me." He led her towards one of the rooms.

Rikku's eyes bugged. "Wait, what? You want to sleep with me? FOR REAL?"

Auron winced. "Why do you always jump to the most awkward conclusions?"

She stepped closer, still clutching his hand. "Well, you just wined and dined me. I'm in my underwear. You're not wearing your armor, so you're practically naked, too. And look! There's a bedroom right there." She stepped closer still. "What am I supposed to think?"

Auron jerked away. "I may have miscalculated the effect of the… environment." A rash of color splashed across his face, but he soldiered on, still gripping her hand. "You asked for a massage. I thought I might be able to assist."

"Oh." Rikku let that sink in. "Yeah, um, so I'm not exactly a virgin," she told him bluntly. "We can totally get it on if you want."

Auron's hand spasmed around hers. "That was not what I meant!"

"So you're not gonna massage me with your d – "

"Rikku! Just – stop!"

An awkward silence fell. Rikku swayed on her feet and chanced a look at Auron. He rubbed his forehead, eyes clenched shut.

"Wait a sec, are you still a virgin?" Auron sent her an exasperated look. She shrugged. "I take it that's a no, then?" she asked, somewhat disappointed. "What's holding you back?"

"For some reason, you have the power to deconstruct whatever words I throw at you and turn them into complete nonsense." Auron dragged her into the bedroom, released her, and pointed at the bed. "Remove your robe and lie on your stomach."

Rikku put her hands on her hips. "Why do I have to get naked if you don't?"

"We are not going to have sex!" Auron threw his hands up. "And I am not going to attempt to massage you through that abomination of a beach towel." He fingered the collar of her plush robe. "Do you want this, or not?"

Frowning, she worked her fingers at the knot on her belt. "What are you planning?" She opened her robe and dropped it to the ground.

Auron flushed and turned away. "I thought you said you were wearing underwear!"

Rikku looked down at her neon purple panties. "I am?"

Auron made a choked noise that sounded somewhere between a snort and a groan. "I meant your top."

Scowling, she flopped down onto the bed face-first. "Well, somebody told me I didn't have anything up there to write home about, so what's the big deal?" She looked at him over her shoulder. "You can turn around now if you're worried about seeing the girls."

He slowly turned to face her, as if he was expecting her to leap off the bed and attack him with her nudity. It was a tempting thought, but Auron seemed to have a plan for the evening, even if it wasn't sex. This is progress! She forced herself to wait.

Auron settled on the bed next to her and carefully unwrapped the towel around her hair. "Since words can mislead us, I hoped to show my intent with actions." He spread out the tangled mass of dark gold strands, still damp from her bath, and grunted. "You should take better care of this," he mumbled, threading his fingers through her hair and working out some of the knots.

"It's just hair," she replied, already sinking into a comfortable stupor as his fingers ran along her scalp. "As long as it stays out of my face, I'm good."

Chuckling, Auron combed through another long, blond strand. "That seems to be very Al Bhed. The style of your people is eminently practical."

She stared at the bedsheets. "Is that why you won't sleep with me? Because I'm an Al Bhed? Even after everything?"

Auron's hands moved to her neck. They were large and warm, and his thumbs applied slight pressure at the base of her scalp. "The warrior-monks are not a celibate order, but Yevon does frown upon engaging in relationships." He traced down the side of her neck to her shoulders, before working on those muscles. "For most monks, sex is merely another distraction, a physical act which must be performed to maintain one's health. It is not a tender thing. There is no feeling in it, other than that of release."

Rikku closed her eyes. "You're so romantic," she said, dryly. Still, it wasn't hard to filter through Yevon's blatant influence. "So, you don't want to sleep with me because you care about me? That's – " Going to kill me. "Sweet of you," she finished unenthusiastically.

His hands traced a burning trail down her sides, kneading muscles she hadn't even realized were sore. "Are the Al Bhed really so different?" he asked. "You are no blushing virgin either. Do you mean to say you gave away such a precious and meaningful experience to someone you truly loved?"

She pressed her face into the mattress. The truth was, she'd been jealous of the other girls and their boyfriends, and more than a little drunk. Paine had Nooj and Yuna had Tidus. She had a bottle of Bartender's strongest offering, the memories of a dead man, and Buddy's sincere sympathy. " 'Live as we want' – that's the Al Bhed way," she finally said. "Our bodies and our desires are a part of who we are. We won't deny ourselves for some distant moral code passed down by a false god. It's not natural."

Auron's fingers dug into the base of her spine and she groaned. "Is that really what you want, though?"

She snorted as his hands traced the curve of her butt; he grasped her firmly and pressed his thumbs into her glutes. "You're asking me this right now? Seriously?" Rather than respond, he pushed harder, hitting a pressure point that actually hurt, albeit in a toe-curling sort of way. She groaned again.

Auron's warm chuckle washed over her like a soothing balm. He smoothed his fingers over the sore spot and continued the massage. "Haven't you wondered what it must be like for two people to give of themselves so completely? And to actually receive something in return, beyond the physical? An exchange of souls."

Rikku thought of how Yuna and Tidus looked at each other. The sun and the moon. Always connected. Unable to exist without the other. She shivered.

Auron's fingers slowed. "Sex is not a decision I would make lightly. It's an act that can consume a man and commit him to a path of self-destruction."

The warm haze from the massage slowly faded. She blinked. He has such a low opinion of sex? "But aren't some things worth the risk?" Aren't I worth the risk?

"...If I were to taste that gift, and then lose it..." He trailed off.

"It'd be just like Braska and Raenn," Rikku breathed. "Do you think loving me will kill you?"

Auron was silent, though his hands continued to rove down one of her legs. His fingers tickled the back of her knee before digging into the muscles of her calf. "A number of things may kill me. I will always be a warrior before I am a lover, though."

Whatever else he might have said was lost to Rikku as he continued to work his magic. He cupped her lower leg firmly and pushed his palms upwards. She let out a low moan as his fingers circled around her muscles with long, sweeping strokes. Then his thumb hit a tender spot just below her knee and she hissed, tensing.

Auron immediately stopped. "Are you all right?"

"Mmm," she murmured. "I'm fine. You can keep going."

He smoothed his hands over the sore area, gently running his fingers over the spot for a moment.

The slight respite allowed Rikku to regain some of her senses. "If you're so afraid of losing yourself, why are you doing this?"

He switched to her other leg and didn't speak for a moment. "You asked for a massage. I can deny myself, but I cannot refuse you," he replied, concentrating on his movements as he warmed up her leg.

"Auron – "

His hands encircled her foot and massaged her heel and her concentration scattered. He dug his thumbs into the arch of her sole – if she could've mustered the energy, she would've been embarrassed by the sound she made.

Auron's grunt of satisfaction barely registered over the pleasant buzz echoing through her body, but it started to fade as his fingertips slowed.

Rikku's brow twitched in annoyance. Don't stop, her mind sobbed. I'll go into withdrawal!

"Words are useless with us," Auron said, picking up her neglected foot as if he'd heard her thoughts.

Thank machina.

He circled his thumbs absently over her heel. "We always seem to end up fighting, but perhaps I enjoy that, too. You give as good as you get." He began to massage her in earnest once more, driving his knuckles into the base of her foot. Rikku nearly wept in relief. "But there is an intimacy in touch, which cannot lie."

You don't know how right you are, Rikku thought muzzily; she was seriously considering placing Auron's foot massage several tiers higher than her limited sexual experience.

When he finally stopped working over her feet, Rikku was too relaxed to protest. His hands – magic hands, she was going to call them from now on – traced their way back up her body, over the ground he had so painstakingly explored, back to her shoulderblades. He rested there, spreading his fingers as though he could push them below her skin if he pressed firmly enough. She was already half-dozing when he spoke again, his voice distant and melodic in her ears.

"We were never taught to appreciate touch. Sex was an acceptable debasement, but to savor a caress – that was too vulgar, too intimate in the eyes of the Church." He leaned over her and planted a soft kiss between her shoulders. "To show affection is the true weakness."

"Hmm," Rikku hummed, drifting bonelessly through warm clouds. The soft weight of a blanket settled on her back, and the mattress shifted as he stood. "I love your weakness."

"I know," he said, stepping away.

Loving someone doesn't make you weak, she tried to tell him as he carefully shut the door. But, fighting against the warm, soothing state he'd so carefully constructed took too much effort. She drifted into a relaxed slumber.

edited 8/16

A paternoster is a lift consisting of a series of linked compartments moving continuously on an endless belt. It's still used in Germany in the place of elevators in some buildings. (Your author lives in Germany.) If you can't picture what it is, this graphic may help:

https [colon double slash] upload. Wikimedia wikipedia/ commons/ 8/ 85/ Paternoster_animated .gif

The title of this chapter comes from a Margaret Atwood quote - "Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth."