Final Fantasy X-2: The Heat Underneath
Baralai wiped at his forehead with his bandana. "We're lost."
"We are not lost, I know exactly where we are—"
"We've passed the same worm skeleton for the third time ten minutes ago. We are going in circles. Please admit that your magical oasis does not exi—"
Gippal shouted and pointed. "Ha! Right there!" Baralai followed Gippal's finger, fully expecting to see more endless sand. What he did see made him want to weep with relief, the shock of green rising out of the sand. If Gippal could see it and he could see it, then—
Gippal was off and running, and Baralai followed behind, tripping over the dunes that Gippal had grown up on. They tumbled into the oasis, trampling over huge leaves. Gippal stopped, dropped the pack he was carrying and pressed his hand against a tall palm. Baralai went for the sparkling water of the pool. He tossed water on his face and arms, a minor relief—he was filthy everywhere.
"This is the last time I trust you when you ask to go on an adventure."
Gippal only grinned and sat down on the edge of the pool to fill his canteen. "Come on, it wasn't that bad."
Baralai snorted. "I can't think of many worse things than wandering around the desert for two hours." He sat back and laid on the sand. "It's going to be dark soon. Why did you bring me out here?"
Baralai jumped as Gippal shifted and covered him, his head blocking out the sun. His cheeks were pink from being out all day, and his lips curved as he looked down. "You have a sunburn, Praetor. That bodyguard of yours is going to lecture me for returning damaged goods." The various buckles on his clothes pressed into Baralai's skin as Gippal bent down, and Baralai sucked warm air and the scent of Gippal's sweat.
"H-his name is Isaaru." Baralai had imagined this moment for weeks now, ever since—but hadn't expected it to happen like this. "Gippal—" His breath shuddered out when Gippal brushed their cheeks together, then their noses.
"All alone." Gippal kissed his jaw. "No way for you to avoid it. No meetings, no paperwork." Baralai arched when Gippal kissed his neck. "Stranded on an oasis with nowhere to run."
Baralai didn't like to be fooled, and really, he should have seen it coming, with the supplies and the pack and—hadn't Isaaru helped him pack? Baralai moaned when Gippal slid his mouth over the pulse in his throat and decided that he didn't care, and he might buy Isaaru a gift besides. "Gippal, I—"
He didn't get to finish, words lost as Gippal pressed their lips together, mouth gentle and slow. His hand slid into Baralai's hair and he urged with lips and tongue, asking, asking—
Baralai finally cupped Gippal's neck with his hands and kissed him back and said yes, yes, as the palms around them rustled in the wind.