This Is My Story
Chapter Six
If you had told me a year ago that I'd be on a date with a Ronso I would have laughed... and probably been a little intrigued if I was being honest. The more time I spent with Amara Ronso the more I learned about the depths my intrigue could reach. There was just something about her that had me all tingly inside and my mind couldn't help but wonder to what might happen if the date went really well. My old moogle plushie would probably pale in comparison...
-
Mission Four: Take A Chance (cont)
-
“Ooh, looking good, Yunie, and you don't even have popcorn in your hair this time! And your date's a super cutie too!” Rikku's voice announced through the ship's intercom.
“Oh! Shut up Rikku!” I shouted at the hulking frame of the ship. I could hear a low rumbling sound next to me and turned to see that Amara was laughing.
“Wondered how got in there.” I buried my face in my hands.
“I'm so gonna kill those two...”
“Yuna has good friends.”
“Yeah, they're pretty great... but I'm still going to kill them.” Her rumbling laughter continued for a moment as we walked passed the ship.
“Ship is impressive too.”
“We can take a ride in it later if you'd like?” She looked at me with wide eyes and nodded excitedly. “Okay then, I'll have them pick us up when we're finished in town.”
“Amara... I am very glad Yuna asked me to come to dinner,” she said quietly, reaching out slowly to take my hand.
“So am I, Amara,” I said, giving her hand a little squeeze. “So am I...”
–
“Yuna is amazing!” she announced as we were walking down the steps into Luca. I blushed as I retracted both the gun and the gloves into the sphere.
“If you keep flattering me I'll never be able to look you in the eye! It was nothing, really...” This, of course, was a total lie. I had used several of the most high powered Blue Bullet spells to dispatch the fiends that had attacked us in an, admittedly foolish, effort to impress her. Not only had that worked like a charm though, but the general easy flowing conversation had been wonderful.
“Yuna fight like Ronso with fiend ability... powerful fiend too. Yuna succeed...” she said, glancing away as her cheek fur began to tremble.
“Succeeded at what?”
“Impress date,” she said, followed by her rumbling laughter.
“Oh, quiet you! I told you I'm new to this!” I said, smacking her on the arm playfully.
“Amara... I think is very natural for Yuna.” I paused for a moment.
“You know, people keep telling me that...” I said thoughtfully. “Also, I've been wondering something... and I don't mean any offense by this... but why do you talk that way?” She lowered her head.
“Is difficult being Exile. Do not know if should speak like Ronso or not...” She made to pull her hand away but I kept it firmly in mine.
“I know it's not really my place to say... but I think you should just speak in whatever way you feel comfortable. Maybe... maybe we can forget about our titles for tonight and just be Yuna and Amara?” She considered my words for a long while before responding.
“Amara would like that.” I grinned and turned to keep walking, finding that we were just down the road from the restaurant.
“I'm really looking forward to this!” I said excitedly. “It's been months since I've eaten anything other than crummy airship food!” I could feel the tension in Amara's hand as she took in the large spire that housed the restaurant.
“Never eat at place this nice before...”
“Then let's get inside so we can change that!” I giggled, pulling her giddily towards the place. Of course I'd never tell her but I was practically starving after casting so many powerful spells. I could feel my confidence wane slightly as we walked through the main entrance to be met by the surprised staring of everyone present. Amara's tail twitched nervously and smacked me across my bare right thigh. “Owie! What was that for?”
“Sorry... happen when nervous,” she whispered sheepishly.
“Well quit it, a delicate girl like me can only take so much,” I said with a giggle and stuck my tongue out at her. I could instantly feel a bit of the tension drain from her and let out a relieved breath. “Come on,” I said, tugging her towards the hostess.
“Oh my goodness, it is you! Amara Ronso and...” the perky redhead's eyes seemed to light up, “High Summoner Yuna! It's such an honor to meet both of you!”
“It's a pleasure to meet you too,” I said, flashing the woman a cheery smile. Amara simply nodded in acknowledgment. The woman stared at us starstruck for a moment before she seemed to remember what her job was.
“Oh, forgive my manners, are the two of you meeting your party here or...” She looked down and noticed our clasped hands. “Oh... oh!” she said loudly as the realization struck. Amara turned away nervously but I merely kept smiling at her. Eventually the woman smiled back and winked before looking over the list in front of her.
“Oh dear, I'm so sorry, Lady Yuna, but there don't seem to be any available tables right now but I'll be able to seat you as soon as one opens up!”
“I believe Rin already sent ahead that we were coming.”
“Oh! You were the old friend he was talking about! Yes, we reserved a table for you. My name is Linna, I'll be your hostess and your server.” The excitable woman then turned and led us into a large circular elevator and activated the machine. “You'll be dining on the top deck tonight, oh and feel free to make any soft tempo music requests you like to the band.” The lift finally reached its destination and we exited to the same greeting we had received in the lobby, this time accompanied by quiet muttering throughout the room. Amara's tail twitched again, although much stronger than before, and managed to catch me across the backside and produce an unusually loud crack. I looked up at into her horrified face with wide eyes as a dull throb settled across my butt. The room had gone completely silent, even the music had stopped.
“Did... did you really just spank me in front of all these people?”
“Not try to!” The look on her face was too much for me to resist, I burst out laughing. A wave of snickering spread across the room as the music began anew.
“Where are you going?” I managed to ask as she pulled her hand from mine and started walking to the side of the room.
“Amara throw self off building, stop embarrassment!” Laughing harder than ever, I managed to catch up to her and pull her off in the direction of the table where the hostess was waiting. I was pleased to see that we were seated close to the stage, but also a little off to the side to avoid drawing too much attention. To my mild surprise, Amara walked ahead to pull out my chair for me, easily sliding me into place before taking her own seat across from me.
“Here are your menus, ladies, you'll find appetizers in the front, followed by standard entrées and then some of our more exotic dishes. The list of drinks is on the back.” I casually flipped through the pages of the menu though I was paying more attention to Amara then to what I was reading. The nervousness in her eyes as she looked through the menu was all I needed to see.
“Would you mind giving us some recommendations, Linna? Keep in mind though that I'm hungry enough to eat a shoopuff so don't just mention the dainty stuff to stroke my ego,” I said, sharing a laugh with the woman.
“Well I'd definitely recommend one of our rare specials, they're always fantastic. If you're looking for quantity and quality you can't go wrong with the Omega Platter. It's a cut of Behemoth steak that's wood grilled and served with all the trimmings and comes with any two appetizers of your choice. If you're looking for something a little less heavy then the Chef Knife Carbonara would probably be a better choice. Buttered egg noodles in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with thinly sliced Tonberry meat, a rare delicacy and very delicious, it also comes with an herb salad. And lastly, if you have a more... exotic taste at the moment you can try the Escargot Deluxe made from the rare Shell Shocker fiend. It's big on flavor but the texture leaves something to be desired if you ask me.
“Shell Shocker?” Amara asked.
“Giant hermit fiend. It's like a big snail...” I said, unable to keep the grossed out look from appearing on my face which Amara soon shared.
“It's not for everyone,” Linna admitted with a giggle. “Well, do you have an idea of what you'd like or would you prefer I gave you a few minutes?”
“I think I know what I want, how about you?”
“Amara will have Chef Knife Carbonara.” She noticed me looking at her a little surprised and smiled. “Rare chance, want try different things.”
“Okay,” Linna murmured, checking it off on a clipboard. “And for you, Lady Yuna?”
“I'll have the Omega Platter with an herb salad and a fruit platter for my appetizers, that way we can share it.”
“Alright!” she said after marking everything off. “And what would you like to drink?”
“Do you know of any wine that would go well with our meals?”
“Hmm, I think a nice Kilika Red would pair fairly well with both of them.”
“Then we'll take a bottle of that please.”
“Very good choices, ladies, I'll be back in a few minutes with your wine and your appetizers,” Linna said with a warm smile as she collected our menus and then walked off into the kitchen area.
“Amara feels spoiled...” I smiled and reached across the table to put my hand on top of hers, stroking my fingers across the soft fur.
“Then I'm doing something right.” The fur on her cheeks began to tremble. “You know, I've never seen a female Ronso with coloring like yours... it's beautiful.”
“Only Ronso family with bright fur,” she said, dropping her eyes shyly.
“So you're related to Biran?”
“Twin cub mate,” she said before laughing softly.
“What's so funny?”
“One become pride of Ronso, other become shame. Both like female though.” I giggled.
“I've never heard a Ronso joke like you do either, you're definitely something special.” I bit my lip nervously as I tried to gather the courage to ask what I'd been wanting to. “Umm... Amara... I was wondering if...”
“Want know why Exile?” I nodded sheepishly. “Think already know.”
“I figured, but I'd like to know what happened. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to though.” She shook her head.
“Not much to say. It was five year ago when...” she trailed off as Linna returned with a small cart.
“Sorry about the wait, ladies, full house tonight,” she said, laying out our salads and the fruit platter before popping the cork on the bottle of wine and pouring us each a glass. “I'll return in a little while with your main courses. Enjoy!” She quickly hurried off again.
“Oh, this looks good!” I said excitedly, taking in the intricate preparation of the salad and the beautiful arrangement of fruit. “It's almost too pretty to eat... almost.” I said with a wink before digging into the salad. Amara smiled as she took her fork, a little awkwardly I noticed, and speared several of the herbs.
“Never try this many herb...” she said thoughtfully before taking the bite, her eyes widening as she chewed.
“You like it?”
“Ronso not eat many vegetable...”
“Oh... maybe we could have her bring you out something...”
“Ronso foolish, taste very good!” I couldn't help but giggle as and idea struck me. I picked up a slice of blue fruit I wasn't familiar with and held it out to her.
“How about fruit?” I asked suggestively, playfully smacking the back of her hand when she reached out to take it. She stared at me curiously for a moment before her eyes widened with realization.
“Amara not think good idea...” she murmured, looking around nervously. I shrugged and put the fruit into my mouth, making sure to slowly draw my fingers out while over exaggerating the taste as much as possible. She looked at me suspiciously for a moment before reaching out to take a slice from the plate only to receive another slap to the hand.
“Only one way you're getting any,” I said with a wink. She swallowed hard.
“Yuna getting revenge for... for...”
“My public spanking? Maybe a little,” I teased. She quickly looked around again to make sure nobody was looking, completely missing the fact that Linna was coming up behind her, and darted in to lap the fruit from between my fingers, sending a shiver down my body at the mixture of both the rough and slippery feeling of her tongue.
“Well I'm glad to see you're enjoying yourselves,” Linna said with a giggle as she came alongside the table. Amara quickly sat bolt upright and turned away, even the fur on her arms and neck seemed to be quivering this time. “Okay, we have the Carbonara for the Blitz Ace,” she murmured, setting down a large plate of creamy noodles topped with slices of braised green meat. “And the Omega Platter for Lady Yuna,” she said, setting down what had to be the most massive steak I had ever seen. My stomach let out the loudest groan I'd ever heard it make as the aroma from the perfectly cooked meat assaulted my nostrils, a reminder of the energy I'd used up by my spell casting.
“Wow... this might be harder to eat than they are to fight,” I said with a giggle, only to notice the other two women staring at me curiously. “What?”
“Yuna fight Behemoth?”
“Only a couple times...” I said, suddenly self conscious.
“You'd better be more careful about spanking her,” Linna said with a laugh, “she might just beat you up next time.” Amara and I both did our best to hide our faces in our hands. “Enjoy your meal, ladies!” she said, chuckling to herself as she left. I removed my still blushing face from my hands and took a long sip of wine, delighting at the fruity taste.
“Yuna really going to eat whole thing?” she asked, eying the massive slab of meat that sat in front of me. “Weigh more than Yuna, Amara thinks.” I laughed as I picked up my knife and fork.
“Well then you better get ready to be surprised...”
–
“So you confessed you were in love with her?” I asked, setting my knife and fork down on the empty plate.
“Yes, return feeling too... but scared. Fear of Ronso feeling, fear of punishment of Yevon. She tell Elder, Elder tell family, family cast Amara into Exile.”
“Oh that's terrible... what happened after that?”
“Live as Exile,” she said with a shrug, only to laugh at the confused look on my face. “Told Yuna was not much to tell.”
“I see...” It was heartbreaking to see her keeping so much locked up inside. “Would you like to dance with me?” I asked suddenly, my cheeks flushing from a combination of wine, too much food, and a trace amount of shyness. The mix felt good though, nothing like the pure inebriation I had experienced at the club but enough to take the stiffness out of me.
“Sure can stand? Eat whole Behemoth...” she said, trailing off into rumbling laughter.
“Quiet you,” I said, glaring and grinning at her all at the same time. “Come on, I've been thinking about dancing with you ever since I bumped into you at the club... and look, the whole floor is just wide open too!” I pointed at the empty half circle between where the band was seated and where the tables were placed. I could see her warring with herself again, a mixture of shame and anxiety from her past holding her back.
“Amara never think of... dance wearing dress...” she said nervously, glancing between me and the dance floor.
“Are you nervous about what people might think?” I asked, reaching to cover her hand with my own only to have her pull away.
“Worry for Yuna. Life comes with much shame, much hate. Spira loves Yuna, you have chance to live happy life and...” I banged my hand down on the table, halting her words and likely drawing attention from a few nearby tables.
“I don't want to live like that... I've seen what it does to people, good people who want nothing more than to live their life in the way that feels right to them. That's not a happy life, Amara... it's a lie that I'm not willing to live,” I said, standing from the table and walking over so I could whisper in her ear. “You don't have to join me if you really don't want to... but fear and shame aren't reasons I'm willing to accept.” I leaned down further to kiss her cheek before standing and walking across the dance area towards the band.
“Ah, High Summoner Yuna, it's an honor to play for you this evening.” I smiled at the man and dropped a fifty gil note into the large wine glass that sat on the piano.
“The music has been lovely, but I was wondering if I could make a few requests?”
“Of course.”
“Do you know 1,000 Words and Red String Butterfly?” The man looked at the other members who all nodded. “Wonderful, I was wondering if you could start with 1,000 Words and...” I bit my lip nervously, “if the woman I'm with comes out onto the floor then could you switch to Red String Butterfly?” The man looked at me curiously for a moment before nodding once again. “Thank you,” I said quietly before turning around and waiting for the music to start.
“What's she doing?” I heard someone whisper from a nearby table.
“Do you think she's drunk?” came another.
“People say she's been acting kind of...” The hushed voices were silenced by the sounds of the violin beginning to play. I couldn't help but smile as the familiar music washed over me. I stepped out onto the floor, spinning as I summoned the Lady Luck dress around my body to the surprised whispers of everyone paying attention. My eyes met with Amara's feline gaze and held it for a moment before my body began to move to the music.
I loved to dance, there was just something so simple in the act that could inspire so many different emotions. I'd felt sorrow when I danced to send the departed off to the Farplane. I'd felt sheer joy and excitement while dancing on stage at my concerts. I'd felt both longing and regret when I danced and sang at the Thunder Plains with Lenne... and I'd even felt an overwhelming sense of desire and passion when I'd danced with Rikku and Paine at Deviant Hearts. I closed my eyes, letting the music consume me and strip away my thoughts and worries, baring my emotions for all to see as I danced to the slow, even melody. Then, just as I was really settling into the motions, the feeling vanished as the music stopped. My arms fell to my sides, my body screaming its regret at the loss of its liberation... and then the second song started up. My eyes fluttered open to see Amara standing in front of me with cheek fur trembling.
“Would always regret if not take chance...” she murmured, shifting about nervously. I grinned as I walked forward and slipped my arms around her waist, leaning in to rest my cheek against the silky, golden tinged fur of her shoulder. She stiffened slightly for a moment before letting out a long slow breath and slipping her arms around my neck.
“I'm glad you did,” I said quietly, swaying gently back and forth to the music. She was warm and her fur was so soft that I couldn't help but nestle my cheek into the crook of her neck in hopes of feeling more of it.
“Tickles,” she mumbled, squirming slightly against me. I grinned and turned so that I was facing her neck and began to lightly blow a stream of air across it. “Quit,” she said as a much lighter version of her laughter sounded in ear, after a moment I realized she was giggling. An incredible sense of elation surged through me with the knowledge that I could inspire something like that in a woman who I knew was carrying so much sadness. Before I knew what I was doing, my lips were pressed firmly against her neck. “Y-Yuna...” Finding myself equally as surprised, I decided to just play along with what my body had in mind.
“Hmm?” I hummed, keeping my lips pressed against her fur covered skin.
“Amara... not think...” her voice degraded into a throaty purr for a moment until she was able to bring it under control, “is not...”
“Not a good idea?” I finished for her, pulling away so I could lock my eyes with her feline gaze. I removed one hand from around her waist and brought it up to caress her cheek. “You know, sometimes...” I whispered, standing up on my tip toes to place a few kisses along her jaw. “Even if we think something isn't the best idea...” I brought up my other hand and wrapped them both around the back of her neck, pulling her down slightly. “We want to do it so much that it just doesn't matter...” We were drifting together slowly, breaths tickling lightly at each others cheeks. In a few seconds we would share our very first...
-
To be continued...