This Is My Story
Chapter Eight
I think it's safe to say that I was in over my head here... but then again you can say that about a lot of the situations I've been in and a lot of those have turned out pretty great! Who knows... this story might just have a happy ending after all...
–
“It... it doesn't have to...” I whispered. She looked up to face me, lower lip trembling, and shook her head.
“Could never ask Yuna to...”
“I'm the one that's asking, Amara. I know it wouldn't really be official in the eyes of the rest of Spira... but it would be to the two of us. Even if we haven't had the time to fall in love with each other, even if it's just a means to preserve your future happiness... it's still a lot to ask of either of us,” I said softly, struggling to keep her worried, yet hopeful gaze. “But... but if it means even the slightest chance for even one more person that's suffered because they're different then I would be proud to be a part of it!”
“Yuna...” I stood and walked slowly across the room, hands clasped nervously in front of me. “Amara never imagine could make Yuna feel so much. Think Yuna save Amara pride too...” she said, reaching out with a tentative hand to take one of mine. I brought the hand up and pressed my lips to the soft fur.
“Amara...”
I tugged on her hand to signal for her to stand, stepping forward into her arms when she did. I could feel tears welling in my eyes as I pressed my face into the silken fur of her shoulder. I blinked the moisture back, finding one of the shoulder straps for her dress right before my eyes. I kissed a trail down from her neck to the strip of fabric that would seal our marriage. I brought one hand up, caressing her side and grazing one of her breasts as I did, and hooked one finger beneath the fabric. I had barely tugged it an inch before her whole body suddenly tensed up and she stepped away to arms length.
“Amara so excited, nearly forget!” she said, breathing heavily with pent up emotion.
“What? Did I do something wrong?” She shook her head.
“Need witness...” she said, shifting nervously on her feet. “Is usually done by bride's closest friend but...”
“Oh... oh!” I said, biting my lip as I realized what she was asking. “Do they have to stay for the... for all of it.
“If want to.”
“Crap! Knowing Rikku she'll... oh well, guess we don't have much choice,” I said, pulling out my communicator. “Hey girls, I need your help with something.”
“Is everything okay?” Rikku's voice chirped.
“Yeah, we're fine, we just need a favor.”
“Is it important? We were just getting... comfy.” I rolled my eyes.
“It's really important,” I said, then after a moment added, “and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.”
“Alright, but this had better be good, and I'm talking like naked Ronso babe good!”
“Oh for the love of...”
--
“You're serious about this then?” Rikku asked in a very non-Rikku-like tone. I nodded.
“This is what I swore to do. Spira needs to change and every single person we can help is important.” I turned and caught Amara's eye. “More than that though... I want to do this for her,” I said, flashing the Ronso woman my brightest smile.
“Oh, Yunie! You're such a sweetheart!” Rikku shouted, throwing her arms around my neck.
I looked over her shoulder at Paine who smiled and nodded her consent. I could have sworn she was even a little misty eyed but seemed to be holding it back. I gently pushed the sniffling blonde away and stepped toward Amara.
“Amara,” I said quietly as I bowed low to her. “Will you take me as your mate until you are ready to return to Gagazet and rejoin the Ronso?”
“Would be Amara's greatest honor to be mate of High Summoner Yuna,” she said with a touch of shyness in her voice.
“This is so adorable!” Rikku whispered only to be shushed loudly by Paine. Amara closed the distance between us and leaned down to press her forehead against mine.
“Amara will never forget Yuna's kindness... give Amara courage to try for life have dreamed of since cub.”
Not trusting myself to find the right words, I simply tilted my head and brought our lips together. Without breaking the kiss I brought both my hands up and slipped the straps from her shoulders, guiding the material down her body until it slipped free to pool around her feet. I pulled away slowly, seeing tears streaking through the golden tinged fur of her cheeks.
“Oh Amara...” I started, only to be interrupted by the sound of someone bursting into tears and turned to see Paine burying her face into Rikku's neck, her body trembling with sobs. My eyes met with the blonde's and we shared a surprised smile.
“Well, I think we'll go ahead and give you newlyweds your privacy. Congrats you two,” Rikku said happily as she began pulling Paine towards the door. The silver haired woman turned to look at me, her face in full blush and cheeks stained with tears, and smiled just as the door closed behind them.
“Well that was a sweet surprise,” I murmured, gazing fondly at the door. I would be given another in the form of Amara wrapping her arms around my waist and pressing her warm body against me from behind. “Amara... we don't have to if you don't want to...”
“Amara wishes to lie with Yuna,” she whispered, leaning forward to purr loudly into my ear. I swallowed hard, the intensity in her voice making me weak in the knees.
“Are you sure?” I asked, breath catching in my throat when her answer came in the form of her undoing my bikini top with her teeth.
The ruffled material fell away, only to be replaced by her hands a moment later followed by a trail of kisses being placed on my neck and shoulders. A mixture of nervousness and excitement had me trembling beneath her touch and was increased further when she raised up to nip gently at my ear, her warm, panting breaths tickling the sensitive skin.
“Does Yuna wish Amara to stop?” she whispered, kneading my breasts and pressing our bodies even closer together. Gathering all the willpower I had in my body, I reached up to tug her hands away and step out of her embrace. “Yuna?”
I looked at her over my shoulder and gave her a sultry wink as I hooked my thumbs under my skirt wrap and bikini bottoms, bending over as far as possible as I slid the material down my legs. I rose up slowly and stepped out of them before making my way over to the bed and laying out on top of the covers. I turned to her and signaled her to join me with one finger. A ripple passed through her fur as she shivered from head to toe at the invitation. I watched, completely mesmerized, as she stalked towards me like some fierce jungle cat. The way her fur shimmered as the light danced across it, the way her powerful muscles coiled and uncoiled with her every step, and most of all the burning passion in her predatory gaze had me trembling with anticipation. Our gazes locked with one another, promises of the coming passion passing between us.
Finally, when I knew my body couldn't wait another instant... she pounced...
--
“Leaving so soon?” I asked, startling her enough to make her drop her pack. I'd been watching her move quietly about the room for a few minutes now.
“Was about to wake and tell,” she murmured sheepishly. “Amara... think best if travel alone.”
“Don't I have any say in the matter? I am your... err... husband you know!” I teased, only to burst into laughter when she started stumbling over a response. “Sorry, I'm only teasing, Amara. I figured you would want to go.”
“Still need travel until find courage and wisdom to return to Ronso... and to Nuvy.” The way her eyes lit up at the mention of the woman's name warmed my heart.
“And when you're ready, I'll be right there by your side to support you. They'll take you back and give you their blessing to marry Nuvy if they know what's good for them!” I said with a laugh as I cracked my knuckles.
“If seen Yuna fight, Ronso would know to be afraid,” Amara chuckled. I rose from the bed, more shy about my nudity than I would have expected after last night, and fished through the pile of my clothes before rising up with my communicator.
“I want you to take this and call me whenever you're ready... or if you're in trouble... or if you just want to talk or spend some time together,” I finished with a blush.
“Yuna is good husband,” she said, rumbling with mirth. The warm moment quickly faded into an uncomfortable silence. I bit my lip nervously as my mind scrambled for the right words to say but Amara beat me to it. “Amara will miss Yuna...” she murmured, voice thick with emotion. Unable to contain myself, I ran to her and threw myself into her arms, burying my face into her neck.
“You'll tell me about all your adventures, right?”
“Only if Yuna tell Amara of women she meets in search of life mate.”
“I promise,” I whispered, relishing in the throaty purr she gave me.
“That way Amara know who to hurt if break Yuna's heart.” I laughed and pressed my face deeper into her soft fur. I was suddenly hit with the memory of the first time I'd seen her in the locker room at the tournament, an idea quickly forming in my mind.
“Hey, you don't have to leave right now, do you?” I asked, trailing my fingers up and down her sides
“Amara leaves in pursuit of Ronso soul, sooner leave then sooner can find...”
“Oh,” I said, a very Rikku-like grin appearing on my face as I pushed away and took a few steps toward the bathroom. “I was just going to ask if you wanted to take a shower with me before you left. But I suppose if you have to...” She was already stripping before I could even finish.
“Soul can wait!”
–
–Mission Complete!–
–
-
Mission Five: Kindling The Flame
-
“How are you doing this fine morning, Lady Yuna?” Linna asked cheerfully. I had to fight against the urge to groan.
“Linna, it's been almost a month already, please just call me Yuna or something.”
“Oh, was I doing it again? I'm so sorry Lady... lady... err... sexy lady!” she let out in an awkward stumble, face ablaze.
“Nice save Lin!” Rikku said with a giggle as she shuffled into the dining room, a very groggy looking Paine following closely behind.
“What's wrong, Paine, up too late planning your dream wedding?” I asked with a sneaky grin. Rikku and I had been on a teasing spree since learning of Paine's tearful habit during wedding ceremonies. The red eyed girl shot me a foul glare.
“Yeah, and I have an extra ugly bridesmaid dress in mind for you. Be sure to plan on posing for lots of pictures for the Sphere Network,” she muttered, sticking her tongue out at me.
“Aww, lay off my Painey! It's super cute that she's such a big softy at weddings. Her happy tears are just so adorable!” Rikku chirped happily, pressing her cheek against the still glaring woman's.
“Don't know why you're so chipper, you'll be wearing one too. You'll both look like crap next to my new wife.”
“Bitch!” Rikku shouted indignantly, slapping Paine on the arm.
“Airhead,” Paine shot back.
“Slut,” I added in.
“Says the girl who frequently puts out on the first date.”
“Hey I married one of them first!” I shouted, sending all of us into a fit of giggles. “Speaking of which, Amara said she'd be disappointed if I didn't put myself back on the market soon so keep your eyes open during the next job!”
“Can do, Yunie! We'll have you a lucky lady that gets lucky in no time!”
“Thanks a lot,” I muttered with a rueful grin, grateful for the distraction Linna provided when she set a plate of bacon and eggs down in front of me. “These look fantastic as always, Linna!” The woman turned away blushing.
“Fweakin dewishious!” Rikku mumbled around a large mouthful.
“Ah, she's a rose...” Paine said with a laugh as she gestured at the blonde.
“Maybe a Marlboro Lily,” I said, earning a puffy cheeked glare from the blonde. “Anyways, speaking of jobs, what's available?”
“I checked them for you this morning La... Yuna,” the redhead said, smiling at me with a somewhat hopeful expression.
“How many?” I asked, flashing her the smile I figured she was hoping for. As expected her eyes lit up at the sight of it.
“Two, one from an Al Bhed woman who's name I can't pronounce. She said they need some experienced diggers to handle some job in the desert.” I could see Paine stiffen noticeably at the mention of the woman. Nhadala had been Rikku's first girlfriend.
“Pass,” Paine said stoically.
“Worried she might make a move on her ex?” I asked with a laugh.
“She's a skirt chaser!” the silver haired girl added with rare enthusiasm.
“And you weren't?” I asked, quirking one eyebrow.
“Hey I was picky about who I pursued! And besides, I don't really feel like having to pick sand out of places it has no right being in.”
“Aww, my Painey's so protective of her Rikku,” the girl cooed sweetly before laying a huge lip smacking kiss on the woman's cheek. “You know I'd never sleep with any other girl... unless you were participating of course,” she said, throwing Linna a saucy wink. The redhead promptly flushed crimson and hurried out of the room.
“Stop teasing her so much!” I scolded. “Poor thing's gonna pass out from blood loss one of these days.”
“You cause most of it! She's like a schoolgirl around you.”
“Oh shut up!”
“Lady Yuna, I baked these cookies special for you!” Rikku imitated. “What would you like for dinner, Lady Yuna? I'll make you anything you want!” I couldn't help the shy grin spreading across my lips. The woman really was... “Lady Yuna, I'd love to run my tongue up and down your body!” ...such a sweetheart but...
“Rikku!” I shrieked as the words finally sank in. “Linna would never...”
“What's that, La... Yuna?” Linna asked as she reappeared from the kitchen with her own plate of food and sat down across from me.
“Um.. uh.. I...” I shot the giggling Rikku a murderous look.
“What was the other job offer?” Paine asked before slapping Rikku on the back of the head.
“Oh, of course. The other was from a woman named Leblanc. She was wondering if we'd be available to...”
“We'll do it!” I shouted without thinking. I turned away to avoid the knowing grins that were sure to be plastered on Rikku and Paine's faces.
“Okay then,” Linna said a little uneasily. “I didn't know you had such a passion for moving furniture.”
“Moving furniture!” Rikku shouted irritably. “Dang it, Yunie! Think with the brain in your head before the one between your legs!”
“What do you... oh... oh!” Linna exclaimed, failing to stifle a few nervous giggles, and suddenly finding her eggs to be incredibly interesting.
“You suck, Rikku...”
--
“Leblanc! It's so good to see you!” I shouted as I ran up to the blonde waiting in front of her 'Chateau'. Her eyes seemed to light up at the sight of me but she kept her reserve.
“It's... good to see you too, love,” she said, her grin taking on a sort of lopsided quality.
My body seemed to move of its own free will as I found myself leaning forward to kiss her cheek. At the same time Leblanc was offering her hand, forcing us to stop and reposition, each of us attempting what the other had done causing another awkward pause. After a few tense moments passed we both moved in for the cheek kiss, meeting in the middle for a light peck on the lips.
“Gay,” Rikku giggled as she and Paine walked passed into the building.
“Oh shut up!” Leblanc and I shouted in unison which only increased Rikku's mirth, both of us turning away irritably.
Leblanc recovered first and stomped in after the two of them, muttering something about 'the heel' as she did. I followed suit soon after, finding Rikku and Paine continuing the argument they'd been having all morning.
“I don't want to wear that creepy thing! It feels so... creepy!” Rikku whined.
“Feeling creepy beats a broken back any day so quit whining and put it on,” Paine muttered, shoving the bracelet into the blonde's hands.
“But it came from that spooky dungeon in Bevelle, it's gotta be haunted or something!”
“What's wrong?” I asked, noting out of the corner of my eye that Leblanc appeared somewhat nervous and fidgety.
“Rikku doesn't want to wear the Iron Duke.” I rolled my eyes.
“Come on Rikku, we only have two Champion Belts and you lost the Rock, Paper, Scissors game so suck it up! Besides, it's not that bad anyway,” I lied. I really hated wearing that creepy thing as much as she did.
“What's all this about, loves? This isn't what I hired you to do!” Leblanc shouted irritably. There was something different in her voice though that I couldn't quite place. Rikku and Paine didn't seem to notice it though and turned to each other for a quick laugh.
“Course not, you hired us so you could gawk at Yunie,” Rikku giggled. Leblanc's eyes flew wide open.
“I think somebody's asking for the heel!” Leblanc muttered before a rather cruel looking grin appeared on her face. “You can clear out the basement, blondie, the malfunctioning Recoils down there should help with that smart mouth of yours.”
“Yeah yeah,” Rikku said, taking her time in clipping the enchanted bracelet around her wrist, shuddering for a few moments as the magic coursed through her system. “Gah! That's just so gross for some reason!”
“I'll take the rooms on the way,” Paine said, casting Leblanc a challenging look as she fit the Champion Belt around her waist. For a moment Leblanc looked like she wanted to say something but stopped, bit her lip, then looked up at Paine.
“Yes, that's fine,” she said before turning to Rikku, her normal haughty self returning. “You could learn from this one, blondie.” Rikku stuck her tongue out at the woman.
“I guess that conveniently leaves Yunie to clear out your room. Under your... close... very close supervision no doubt. Fifty gil says your eyes never leave Yunie's ass!” Rikku chirped happily. Paine shook her head and laughed.
“Don't you remember all those nibble marks? My money's on Yuna's chest.”
“Get to work!” Leblanc shrieked, throwing her fan at the two of them as they hurried off to the lower chambers.
“So disappointing...” I murmured.
“Hey, they started it!” I giggled and tapped her on the nose as I walked by.
“Not that. It's just that I was going to put money on my chest too,” I said, giggling at the horrified expression on her face.
“I was drunk!” she sputtered angrily as a blush consumed her cheeks.
“Drunk on Yunie's boobies!” Rikku shouted from down the hall.
“Oh that little...”
“Just ignore them, they're just jealous,” I said with a laugh, fixing my own strength enhancer around my waist. I noticed her fidgeting again and turned away to hide my frown, something was bothering her. “How have you been, Leblanc?” I asked to break the silence. “You were really upset before we... you know.” She tensed up, making me think she was going to give me an angry retort but in the end her shoulders slumped and she shook her head.
“I've made my peace with most of it,” she said quietly, turning her face away from me.
“I uh... I bumped into Nooj a while ago,” I said nervously, wondering if it was a good idea to mention the conversation.
“Oh yeah, I saw the news about the new Airship.”
“I asked him about why he...” She interrupted me with a short laugh.
“It's okay, Yuna, I told you I'm over all that.” I looked into her eyes and was surprised to see an honest glow in them. “He was right about me.”
“About what?” I asked, getting a bit of color in my cheeks as she gave me a long, examining look.
“About who I really am,” she said cryptically, nodding in the direction of her room and then walking on ahead.
I recalled the conversation I'd had with Paine and nodded as I affirmed Nooj's method of making things right.
–
To be continued...