The first thing that came to Gippal’s mind when he woke up the next morning was ‘oh my Hyne, I’m naked.’ The next thing he thought was, ‘oh what a soft and warm bed.’ He had never sleep anywhere so comfortable before, nor so warm.
Gippal set up in bed and looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. It took him a few minutes before he remembered last night. And when he did, his cheeks flushed.
Could I have been put in a more embarrassing spot? Nope, no I don’t think so. That Baralai guy, was very kind to me. I wonder why? No one has ever been that gentle with me before. It’s a nice change. I’m sort of saddened that I’ll have to leave, now that his healing cream fixed me all up.
I don’t want to go back to the streets. I always seem to be shoved in harms way. Like last night. I had been walking along Luca’s streets, and those thugs had cornered me for no reason. Before I knew it, I was pulled into that alley, and beat to a bloody pulp. And all so they could get the few gil I managed to make. Then they left me for dead.
Gippal looked up at the ceiling, remembering when he first came to. He had opened his eyes and was shocked to see someone holding him. I was really scared too. But after he spoke a few words, I felt safe. I don’t know why, I just did. He’s really something. I can tell, even though I’ve barley met him.
Gippal sighed, and laid back on the soft bed, wondering where the mystery teen, who had saved his life, went.
Balancing the tray, Baralai carefully made his way to his bedroom, and peeked in. He smiled seeing that Gippal was awake and looking around the room, from the safety of his bed.
"Hungry," Baralai whispered, walking into the room? His cheeks flushed, when he remembered, Gippal was naked, under his covers.
Gippal jumped, startled out of his thoughts of last night. "Oh . . . sure," Gippal slightly smiled.
Grinning, Baralai walked over the bed, and lay the tray down on his bedside table. He moved the table so it was closer to Gippal.
Gippal looked over at the breakfast tray, his eyes bugging. He hadn’t seen that much food in a long time. There was eggs, sausage links, toast, oatmeal, and a large class of orange juice. Gippal looked up at Baralai, "this all supposed to be for me," he asked, his eyes blinking in surprise?
Baralai laughed. Gippal liked the sound of it. Like wind-chimes, or a bunch of angels playing harps. "You can have it all if you want. I can always make more for me."
Gippal blushed, "oh right. Of course. No . . . no, eat with me." Gippal shyly reached out, brushing fingers with Baralai’s, when he reached out at the same time. Both were going for the same piece of toast. Gippal blushed, and pulled his hand back.
"You can have it," Baralai said, reaching for a different piece of toast.
"T...thanks," Gippal took the toast and started to nibble on it. When Baralai looked away, Gippal shoved the whole piece of bread in his mouth. He didn’t want to look like a pig, but he was so very hungry.
Baralai noticed, but didn’t want to embarrass the teen so he acted like he was really interested in re-setting his wrist watch, so Gippal could shovel down as much food as he wanted. Baralai’s heart broke. It was now almost obvious that this mystery teen was homeless, and hadn’t eaten a proper meal in ages.
Gippal glanced up at Baralai, feeling relieved that he was fiddling with his watch and not watching him make a pig out of himself. After a while, for the first time in a long time, Gippal felt full. It was an amazing feeling.
Baralai noticed that Gippal had stopped eating and guessed he was done, "did you want more," he quietly asked, picking up the almost empty tray?
"No, thank-you. I’m full." Gippal hugged his covers to him, "um, do you think I could get . . . some clothes?"
Blushing, Baralai nodded, "of course. I’ll get you some of mine." He looked to where Gippal’s clothes were laying. They were ripped and dirty. "Yours, um . . . "
Gippal smiled, "it’s okay. You can say it. My clothes are dirty . . . I’m dirty." Gippal flushed.
"Not your fault. Whoever . . . um, hurt you . . . "
"No, maybe they got my clothes and me dirtier but I was already dirty." Gippal sighed, "I try my best to wash off, when I can."
"You’re . . . um," Baralai paused, not sure how to ask the question he wanted to ask.
"Homeless . . . yeah, pretty much."
Baralai bit his tongue to keep his tears back. He was sure this teen wouldn’t want him to cry over him. But that was how Baralai was. And he really felt like shedding some tears for this teens. Baralai looked down, "how . . . I mean . . . sorry, never mind." Baralai stood up. "It’s none of my business."
Gippal was shocked. He could tell that Baralai was truly interested and sympathetic. Nobody ever acted that way. Usually they were disgusted when they found out he lived on the streets. "It’s okay," Gippal whispered. "Nobody has ever seemed interested in me . . . I mean hearing about my past. I don’t mind talking about it."
Baralai faintly smiled, "I’ll be happy to listen." Baralai’s smile widened, "but first, I have to put this tray away, and you need to . . . if you want, shower. You can use anything in my bathroom. And I’ll get you some clothes."
Gippal blushed, "really? I would love to." He started to get up, but froze. I’m still naked!
Yeah, but he saw you naked yesterday. Gippal’s inner voice told him.
That was different, he was tending to my wounds.
It’s not like he’s interested in looking at your body.
Gippal lay back down, knowing his inner voice was right. Of course, Baralai wouldn’t be interested in looking at his body, so then way did he feel uncomfortable getting out from under the covers?
"It’s okay," Baralai blushed, "I’m going to leave," he pointed to a door, "the bathroom is in there." Baralai stood up, and walked out of the bedroom door, going to the kitchen.
Once he was sure, he was really alone, Gippal slowly got out of Baralai’s bed, shivering when the air from the air-condition hit his bare body. Gippal looked at the bedroom door, and walked toward it, peeking out. He could see Baralai’s shadow down the hallway, and he could faintly hear voices.
"Hmm," Gippal strained his ears, "who’s he talking too?" Probably a neighbor, wanting to borrow something. I’ve got to go shower. Boy, will that feel great.
Almost skipping in glee, Gippal ran to the bathroom.
A/N Poor Gippal! Yes, as I’ve said, this is AU, and Gippal and Baralai are somewhat OOC, as you can tell. Please review!
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