This is My Story
Chapter Five
Never in my life would I have imagined myself in this kind of situation but I can't say I'm disappointed now that I'm here. I guess it's not so unusual as I've always held a strange sort of fascination with the Ronso tribe... even though the feelings that Amara were inspiring were something entirely unique...
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Mission Four: Take a Chance (cont)
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“Lady Yuna, it's time!” Shelinda announced happily. Giddy at the prospect of seeing the Ronso beauty again, I hurriedly dusted a few stray pieces of the popcorn from my shoulders.
“How do I look?” I asked, nervously straightening my top and smoothing out the half skirt of my Gunner Dressphere. Rikku and Paine looked at me, then at each other and grinned.
“Um, Lady Yuna you have a...” Shelinda started to say but Rikku leaped to her feet and began bustling me out of the box.
“Come on, Yunie, don't want to keep her waiting!” Rikku shouted, hurrying me down the ramp to the award platform.
“Oh this is so exciting! What should I do?”
“After you give her the award, try to pull her aside and ask her out to dinner or something, keep it casual.”
“That sounds good!” I said with a giddy squeal as we arrived at the platform.
“Ah, Lady Yuna, so good of you to come! A sell out crowd too, just as predicted!” a tall, thin, man announced as he stepped off the stage to great me. I vaguely recognized the man as the head of the Blitzball League.
“It's me that is grateful for your hospitality and the chance to present this award to such an... incredible athlete. Um, when do I...”
“In a moment we'll have you stand up here and... you know you have a...” the man started to say.
“Hell of a game, wasn't it?!” Rikku interrupted loudly.
“What? Oh! Yes, very impressive, I had a feeling the Ronso's would take it this year,” the man said before turning back to me. “Ah, I think it's about time Lady Yuna, right this way.” I was led onto the stage to stand before a podium that held a large cue card with a prepared speech on it. I had to fight down the urge to roll my eyes as Shelinda made a hand signal for me to begin. I took a deep breath and began to read.
“I'm sorry I didn't have time to prepare a speech...” I was barely paying attention to what I was reading, recognizing it as pretty standard stuff. My eyes were locked on Amara, I could barely draw them away for a moment before they found their way back to her. She looked so proud standing there, not only with, but at the forefront of her people, an Exile that stood above all others. I wanted to just run over and hug the woman in an attempt to rid her of the sadness I knew she kept locked away in her heart. “...and so, without further ado, I will now present the award to the top scoring Blitzer of the tournament!” I announced to the thunderous approval of the crowd, bringing me to the realization that I had finished the speech.
I noticed the cue card simply called for the announcement of her name but I felt she deserved a bit more flair. “It's really no surprise today, is it?” I asked, receiving a confused look from Shelinda and the League Manager. “This woman dominated the sphere in just about every way you can measure. Scoring an incredible fourteen goals across three games... the proud... the fierce... the beautiful... Amara Ronso!” I hadn't even really been paying attention to the crowd or even what I was saying but the response was definitely positive as I was nearly deafened by the ensuing roar of approval. I watched with barely concealed glee as she stepped away from her teammates and waved to the crowd before walking up onto the stage and approaching me.
“Amara... I feel you honor me more than is deserved, High Summoner Yuna...” she said, bowing low and refusing to look me in the eyes. A hint of a frown crossed my lips at her self deprecating tone but I masked it behind a quick smile until an idea formed in my mind and a genuine one took its place. I leaned forward and covered the small microphone with one hand to whisper into her ear.
“It's the least I can do for helping me up at the dance club, that could have ended badly.” She looked up at me directly then, feline pupils widening slightly as recognition flared behind them. “Good to see you remember me because I never forgot about you. Now rise up and stand proud as you should be, brave, powerful, and beautiful Ronso.” Our eyes locked and I could see her shame as an Exile struggling against her pride as a victorious warrior. Pride won in the end. I nodded and flashed her my brightest smile as she rose to her full height. I uncovered the microphone and laughed lightly. “Why thank you, I have lost a few pounds!” I announced, sending a ripple of laughter around the stadium. She flashed me a wide smile, obviously having much more practice at it than Kimahri. “Now, without further delay for your or my flattery, I present you, Amara Ronso, with the Blitz Ace award for your outstanding performance here today!” The stadium erupted once more into thunderous applause as she leaned down so I could slip the medal around her neck, leaning in to place a quick kiss against the soft fur of her cheek as I did so.
“I am honored,” she said simply as she rose up to her full height once more to wave at the crowd. She then bowed low to me and returned to her team mates. I watched her go with barely concealed longing until the League Manager appeared next to me and began to usher me away from the podium.
“High Summoner Yuna!” he announced, starting up a round of applause as I left the stage. It wasn't until I hit the ground after hopping off the front that I realized where my feet were taking me.
“Amara, wait a moment!” I shouted, jogging to catch up to the retreating figure. She looked at me strangely, her eyes focused slightly above my own before lowering them to meet my gaze, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth before she spoke.
“High Summoner Yuna has already given Amara more honor than thought see again. Amara is shame of Ronso. Would better spend time on...”
“Would you like to go to dinner with me?!” I blurted out suddenly, unable to listen to her talk down on herself anymore.
“Amara... I... I do not...”
“Please,” I murmured, reaching out to rest my hand on her arm. “I... I'd really like to get to know you better and spend some time with you...” I said, my face flushing at the admission.
“High Summoner Yuna... you would not be ashamed to be seen with Exile?” I laughed and flashed her my brightest smile, the same confidence I felt before when I had flirted with Leblanc beginning to build up inside me.
“To be honest... I'm kinda new to this whole thing but... I find you incredibly beautiful and interesting... and I really want to take you out to dinner. That is... if you'd like to go with me...” I murmured, looking up at her hopefully.
“Forgive me High Summoner...”
“Please just call me Yuna. I really don't like being referred to as title.” She smiled a bit at that, seemingly pleased.
“Forgive Amara's... my actions. I am not used to being treated kindly outside of dance club.”
“I'm doing everything I can to fix that!” I said with a fast becoming familiar conviction. “It's terrible the way people... like us are treated and I'm working to change it.” She looked at me for a long while, eyes occasionally glancing slightly above mine, before smiling and taking my hand between hers. I couldn't help the slight whimper that escaped my lips at the feeling of her silky smooth fur.
“Amara... I accept.” It took a moment for the words to register.
“Y-You do?!” She nodded, the simple motion sending such a surge of joy through me that before I knew it I had wrapped my arms around her and was pressing my cheek against her velvety shoulder. Realizing what I'd done I went stiff and pulled away awkwardly. “Um... where are you staying?” I asked, coughing slightly.
“Mihen Travel Agency.”
“All the way over there? Why aren't you staying with...” It was slight, but the muscles in her face tightened somewhat. “Sorry...” I murmured, she simply shook her head. “Um... would it be okay if I picked you up around seven o'clock?”
“What clothes?”
“Oh, right... I hadn't really planned anything passed asking you to dinner. I think anything will be fine, we'll just go wherever we feel like going if that's okay?” I asked, hoping I didn't sound too flighty.
“Am looking forward to night with Yuna,” she said, a low purring sound rising in her throat as her tail swished behind her. “Must go now, give thanks to Elder Kimahri for letting play in tournament.” With one last look just above my forehead and a smile, she turned and walked away. Almost immediately I was nearly bowled over from behind by Rikku.
“Oh my gosh Yunie that was so awesome! We scored tons of lesbian points on this one and... maybe a little bonus to go with it?” she asked excitedly.
“Oh I don't know, it seems like... I totally asked her out and she said yes!” I squealed and was soon joined by Rikku as we hopped up and down.
“That's wonderful, Yuna, you really did an amazing job today... but...” Paine looked to be struggling with every last bit of willpower she had not to keep from laughing.
“What?”
“Oh nothing...” Rikku said innocently as she slowly reached out to pluck a large piece of popcorn from my hair and pop it into her mouth. A lot of things started making a whole lot of sense at that moment.
“I'm gonna kill you two...” I said quietly, causing them both to burst into laughter, at least until they saw me reaching for my guns...
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“Okay, so you're definitely taking Lady Luck in case you need to go for sheer sexiness, and maybe Thief too in case you need to be more flexible for dancing or whatever.” I chewed my lip and nodded. “Hmm, you'll need something classy in case you go somewhere nice... Black Mage without the hat is kinda cute, ne?” I thought about it for a moment and shook my head.
“Yuna's Gun Mage is really elegant, that would work,” Paine added in.
“Oh totally! I've always been jealous of that one!”
“Okay so Lady Luck, Thief, and Gun Mage... um, I guess I'll need something for walking around in so Gunner I guess,” I murmured, fixing the Spheres into the Grid.
“I dunno, she's already seen you in Gunner... if only I'd had enough time to fix Sexy Surprise... damn feisty Leblanc...”
“Rikku! It's a first date... and like hell I'd walk around in public wearing that!”
“Oh shush, I was only kidding,” she muttered, something in her tone telling me she wasn't kidding in the least. “Oh! I know! Those new ones that Shinra had just barely finished!”
“The Festival one? Too corny.”
“No, the other one, the Psychic thingy. If Yunie took off the gloves and the visor it would be totally adorable!”
“You think so?” I asked, fitting the new Sphere into the slot and activating it. I removed the energy charged gloves and visor and did a little spin. “What do you think?” I asked, smoothing out the skirt jacket.
“I think I got ripped off,” Paine muttered. “Yours is all stylish, Rikku looks a sexy school girl... mine is a damn pant suit...”
“But you look so handsome in it,” Rikku teased, sticking her tongue out at the woman who turned away irritably. “Okay, Yunie, checklist time!”
“Let's see, I have: Lady Luck, Thief, Gun Mage, and Psychic Dresspheres, one thousand gil, mints, tissues, and my communicator. That everything I'll need?”
“Not everything...” Rikku murmured, a sneaky grin on her face as she darted into the next room and returned with a massive bouquet of roses. “Ta-da!” Rikku shouted happily, only to yelp as Paine smacked her on the back of the head. “Owie! What was that for?!” Paine shook her head.
“You have no sense of subtlety,” the woman murmured, removing a single rose from the bundle and handing it to me. “She's probably not used to big displays of affection.”
“You're right, and thank you so much... both of you...”
“Yes, yes, we love you too, now get going and have some fun!” Rikku laughed, shoving me towards the exit ramp.
“Good luck, Yuna, call us if you need anything.” I waved goodbye to both of them and made my way down the ramp into the crisp evening air outside of the Travel Agency. Giddy is about the only word I can think of to describe how I felt as I made my way inside and up to the counter, finding none other than Rin himself to be working that night.
“Ah, Lady Yuna, a pleasure as always to see you. -How may I help you?-” the man asked with a smile. Having been expecting him to shift into Al Bhed, I was ready with my answer.
“-I am here to see Amara Ronso.-” I answered smoothly.
“Very good! You have been practicing. The lady is expecting you, I take it?” he asked, eying the rose in my hands. I nodded nervously. “She is in the first room on the left.” I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and nodded my thanks before walking over to the hall that led to the rooms. “Oh, and Lady Yuna?” he questioned just before I was out of sight.
“Yes?”
“I attended the tournament today and I must say it is good to see that your smile is honest once again.” I looked at him curiously for a moment before a grin spread across my face.
“Realizing who you are tends to help with that,” I said before bowing and then turning down the hall. I swallowed nervously once I was standing in front of her door, my confidence wavering slightly. “Come on, Yuna, you know you can do this!” I whispered to psyche myself up. Taking a deep breath, I brought my hand up and knocked on the door, hearing a surprised yowling sound coming from within the room when I did. I chewed my lip nervously for a moment until the door opened, revealing a very disheveled looking Amara.
“Amara... I beg forgiveness, Yuna. Was resting after tournament and... and...”
“You overslept?” I offered with a giggle.
“Am very sorry, will understand if not want to...” I offered her the rose, which she stared at in surprise for a moment before taking it and sniffing it lightly.
“How much time do you need to get ready?” I asked, not giving her the chance to sink into depression.
“Fifteen minute at most,” she murmured, the fur on her cheeks quivering slightly in what I knew was the Ronso equivalent of a blush.
“I'm fine with waiting, take your time.” A look of relief washed over her as she opened the door wider to let me in.
“Have seat, Amara will hurry,” she said, placing the rose on the bed and gathering a few items from a large bag before stepping into the bathroom. I stood nervously for a while, glancing around the room and finding that she had laid out a couple different outfits on one side of the bed. I could see that, apart from the travel pack and the clothes, a large hunting spear seemed to be her only possession. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but dwell on the fact that she was standing nude amid the falling water and steamy fog of the shower just on the other side of the door. Blushing at the persistent thoughts, I took a seat and eventually began wringing my hands together as time passed. After a few nervous minutes, I heard the flow of water stop in the other room and the sounds of her moving about. After a time the door slowly opened to reveal her standing amid a cloud of steam wearing only a flimsy white towel to cover herself.
“Oh my...” I murmured as she stepped out of the bathroom cautiously. She approached the bed and looked down at the various clothes and then at me.
“Amara... I do not know how should dress,” she said quietly, obviously as nervous as I was about the whole situation.
“Um, neither did I actually,” I murmured sheepishly. “I brought a couple different outfits just in case.” She looked at me curiously. “Oh, sorry, I guess I should explain... well... I don't really know how to explain it either... maybe I should just show you.” I stood and activated my Gun Mage Dressphere, the tight fitting sleeveless top, forearm length gloves, and half skirt appearing on my body in a swirl of light. “See?”
“Is beautiful,” she said excitedly. “And is used for fighting too?”
“Yes, all of them are actually but we still use them as normal clothes for convenience.” She fidgeted for a moment as she looked down at her assembled clothes.
“Can see others?” she asked nervously. I blushed at the thought of the other two I'd brought along but nodded and switched over to Lady Luck. I turned my face away as the revealing pink and purple segmented dress took it's place on my body. “Yuna should not be embarrassed, very beautiful.” This only caused my blush to deepen several shades.
“Thank you...” I murmured nervously, shifting one last time into the Thief outfit. “And this is the last one, I figured one of these would work for whatever we decided to do.” I noticed a look of disappointment flash across her face for a brief moment, giggling as I realized she had wanted to see more. I gained a bit of confidence from this a put my hands on my hips. “You were hoping to see me in ribbons again, weren't you?” I teased.
“Only little,” she said with a smile.
“I guess we should decide where we want to go first, anywhere is fine with me.”
“Amara... I have not been in area much.”
“Hmm, I know of a good place in Luca, it's a little fancy but not too extravagant. The food is really good though, and they have nice music playing too.” She looked down nervously at her assembled outfits which appeared to mostly be suited for travel. She paused then and glanced at her travel pack, seeming to war with herself for a moment before stepping over to it and removing a loosely wrapped bundle.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, noticing her hands were trembling slightly.
“Amara... I never thought would use...” she said quietly, unfolding the bundle and removing a bright yellow one piece dress.
“Oh it's beautiful!” I exclaimed, taking in the intricate wave pattern in the stitching and the trim of lace around the hem. “And I bet it will look even more beautiful when you're wearing it...” I said in barely more than a whisper, sending the fur of her cheeks quivering again.
“Will hurry,” she said, stepping back into the bathroom and closing the door. I switched back to my Gun Mage outfit, finding it to be the most appropriate, and sat down in the chair. I could barely believe the things I had said and done and the date hadn't even started yet. Thinking back to the hazy memories of myself comforting Leblanc I couldn't help but smile as I remembered how easy the words and actions had felt to me.
“Maybe Rikku's right... maybe I am a natural at this.” I whispered to myself and giggled.
“Say something?” she asked from the other room.
“Oh no, it was nothing...” I said, wondering just how good her hearing was to have picked up my whispering. I looked up at the sound of the doorknob turning and felt all the breath leaving my body as she stepped back into the room, hands clasped nervously behind her back. “Oh... oh my... you look gorgeous!”
“Not true, have gained weight since was sized, fit too tight...” It took a moment for my mind to register what was happening but when it did I couldn't help but laugh.
“So even Ronso women obsess over their clothes fitting... that's so adorable!”
“Not funny or adorable!” she said, trying to sound serious but failing miserably.
“Oh yes it is!” I giggled, standing up and walking a circle around her while looking her up and down. When I passed behind her I noticed her tail poking out of a hidden slit of the dress and gave it a playful tug, giggling at the small yowling sound she made. I continued around the front and locked our gazes together. “You look absolutely beautiful...” Her eyes seemed to light up and her tail began swishing happily behind her.
“Ready now,” she said quietly, walking over to the door and holding it open for me. I smiled and walked out into the hall to wait for her to lock the door, offering my hand to her when finished. She looked at it for a moment and turned away nervously. “Not good idea, people think...”
“People can think what they want to think. The only person that matters to me tonight is you, Amara,” I said in a steady tone to convey my conviction. With one last nervous glance she took my hand in hers and we walked into the main area.
“My my, ladies, you are looking particularly stunning!” Rin announced as we walked by. “I take it you are heading into Luca on this fine evening?”
“Thank you, Rin, and yes, we'll be having dinner at the Highwind restaurant.”
“An excellent choice, although I do hope you remembered to make a reservation. It is often difficult to find a table after a Blitzball tournament, especially one so popular thanks to the two of you of course.” I smacked a hand to my forehead.
“Crap! I forgot all about that! Sorry Amara, I guess I really should have planned this better...” My hand was given a reassuring squeeze.
“Amara... I think anywhere is fine.”
“I was kind of looking forward to it though, they always have live music...” I murmured, my plans of dancing with the Ronso woman beginning to crumble away.
“Do not fret, Lady Yuna, the owner is an old acquaintance of mine. I will send a message that a valued patron of mine will be arriving. I am sure you will be well taken care of.”
“Really?!” I asked hopefully, the man nodded. “You're the best, Rin!”
“It is the least I could do after all you have done for the Al Bhed and for Spira.”
“Amara... I am grateful. You are good host and good man,” Amara said, bowing slightly in respect which Rin returned.
“Might I inquire as to how you will be traveling to the city?” Rin asked. “I would be happy to lend you a chocobo if you would like.” I thought about it for a moment before shaking my head.
“Thank you again, Rin, but I'd rather not show up smelling like one. No matter how cute they are, that smell just doesn't come out for a while.”
“Indeed,” the man said with a grin.
“I guess we could go on the Celsius... but I was kind of hoping to take a walk with you...”
“Many fiends on Hi-Road at night... should get spear,” she paused then, seeming to remember something. “Nearly forget money too! Elder Kimahri insist I take share of prize money.” I giggled and tugged on her hand to stop her.
“I asked you out, silly, I'm the one that'll be paying.”
“Should still take spear.” I shook my head and summoned the Dressphere's gun into my hand.
“The fiends around here shouldn't be a problem,” I said with a wink. “Besides, I'd never forgive myself if that beautiful dress were to get stained.”
“Are sure?” I allowed the gun to fade away and nodded. “Should leave then before gets too late.” Rin, who had been watching the interaction with some interest let out a short laugh.
“-Do enjoy yourselves.-” I grinned and waved over my shoulder as we walked toward the exit.
“-How could I not with a woman so beautiful?-” I replied in Al Bhed, turning to see the man smiling broadly. “And thanks again for everything!” The two of us made our way outside into the fresh night air, only managing to take a few steps before being hit with the spotlight from the Celsius...
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To be continued...