Notes and Warnings: Minor spoilers for FFX-2, as it is post FFX-2.
A Gippal/Baralai [eventual] slash, and romancing.

Personal Note: It seems to me a lot of people are struck that these two would make a fantastic fanfic couple, yet I haven't found anyone who has yet to write one.

Enjoy: Love and Duty

~Chapter 1: Leaders of the Nations

Well buddy, we did it. We've got our captain, our navigator, our engineer...

Baralai smiled in kind. -But we seem to have lost our pilot.

Gippal grinned, flashing his pearly whites. As I was about to say...

Oh, do continue. Baralai interjected, eyes lively with mirth.

Thank you, Mr. I-could-hardly-be-called-a-Praetor... Gippal gestured wildly.

I what? What about you and your band of rogue, sand digging..

Gippal cut him off. Now don't go insulting my heritage. He affectionately tousled the white-blonde strands. You mean, the respectable Al Bheds, who for years have helped Spira re-grow into its formal glory by it's unsurpassed knowledge-

-And pride Baralai added, trying to get out of reach of his good friend. He just happened to like his hair the way it was.

-And talent with machines.

Baralai interjected, increasing his pace on his way down the long stairwell.

-Which, may I add, your faction tried to destroy.

Baralai stopped, leaning against Luca's gray slab walls.

S'cuse me? Gippal stopped short, mimicking the Praetor's stance.

Well, now that we are joined, it's your problem too. The Al Bhed leader rolled his eye.

Sure. Blame everything one me.

The corners of Baralai's mouth twitched into yet another smile, while a wistful appearance descended upon him. You're right. How can deadbeat kids from the crimson squad be expected to take responsibility for all this?

Gippal turned his head to look at his older companion, a teasing lilt to his voice. Yeah, I mean everything would go ok if it wasn't for all those stiff-necked New Yevon followers...

Baralai turned his head in disbelief, staring at the sandy blond.

Mmm. Just like their leader.

The man began to chuckle.

Gippal shifted his weight, leaning against his shoulder. Yeah, you heard your crowd after that speech. Gentle clapping of hands. You could barely hear'em!

Proper. It's etiquette. We're not all, Baralai bristled at the word.

Yes, you're right. They're...proper, just like in the old times.

Baralai chuckled. I'm not that old, am I?

Gippal agreed, his appraising glare causing a tinge on the young Praetor's tan skin. Your...eloquence...grace. You exude one of the great ideals of past and future. You look of hope, faith, and idealism.

Baralai seemed slightly taken aback. And you, my friend, have a flattering tongue.

Gippal laughed, pushing off the wall, continuing their journey out of the abandoned stadium. No, I just merely speak honestly. He added later. But I have had quite some luck with that flattering tongue of mine.

Baralai chuckled quietly, remembering Gippal's outgoing, bold nature in approaching single females. He quickly caught up to the Al Bhed and matched his pace. Then perhaps I have some truths to tell you also.

Yeah, sure. I can see it now, Gippal raised his hands emphatically, Bevelle's Secrets : The confessions of... he paused when his friend rolled his eyes good naturedly.

Nothing like that. I just thought someone might as well tell you,

-Tell me what? He spoke with suspicion.

-That if it wasn't for you, the Al Bed nation would be at it's weakest. You've reunited a people of a broken Home, bringing them closer together like never before, while keeping in mind of the others of Spira. Sharing your technology. Baralai admitted freely, awe permeating from his voice. Now that's a feat of hope, faith, and idealism. Gippal gazed at his friend in the corner of his vision, a small smile displaying his gratitude.

But that's easy, B. Both Nooj and I have it easier. We have a fresh start. New ideas to try, different governing ideas to use. But you, you have got it the worst, I think. Well, when trouble comes, all eyes look to Bevelle. Bevelle for centuries now has been Spira's strong hold. It is even said, that there are three things that you can find wherever, and whenever you go in all of Spira. Blitzball, a Travel Agency, and a Temple of the Fayth.

The two found themselves at the end of the stairs, standing to the side of the large blitzball booth.

But they're blind. Baralai commented sadly.

Gippal stood in front of Baralai trying to make eye contact, but Baralai avoided any attempts.

The people. They may gaze to Bevelle in trying times, but their eyes are clouded and unfocused. It is by habit they look this way. Their eyes did not see clearly the inner happenings of Bevelle. Look to Bevelle, for there your salvation remains' they used to say. And indeed, we would send out summoners to defeat Sin, knowing only full well that it would return again; after the calm lasted years, and the temples grew empty. It did not take long for many of the corrupt of Bevelle to realize it was in Spira's suffering we profited. Baralai sighed, and Gippal could see the sorrow and shame reflected in the dark depths of his eyes. Bevelle is entwined in the history of Spira, just as much shameful aspects as there are things to be proud of. I cannot tell you all of the hidden acts we have done, but in time it shall be brought to light. At the last sentence Baralai, unwavering, kept the gaze he earlier denied.

But that was history, past. Gippal tried to reassure his good friend.

But of the past, the present thrives, and the future is built. Baralai sighed resolutely, looking shamefully down.

And the present creates new pasts. Gippal smiled softly as his companion looked up, a slight smile dusting his face, too.

And Bevelle seeks that hope fervently. Baralai nodded in agreement. Gippal motioned him to follow, as they headed toward the eastern docks. Off to Djose? Baralai inquired.

Gippal nodded. Yeah. I'll be there for about a week, setting things up for our new alliance. Then I'm off to Bevelle.

Baralai's eyes widened. And what's in Bevelle?

Gippal responded simply.

And what's so alluring about me that would make you travel halfway around Spira?

Gippal stopped, a roguish grin on his face, and turned to look him over with an intense cobalt gaze. Baralai's cheeks warmed in bashfulness. A lot of things. I think we should spend some time getting reaquatinted, and start planning our new voyage on this ship called life. Gippal paused for dramatic effect. Do you want to go to Djose with me? It's on the way. he asked hopefully.

Baralai shook his head sadly, sighing. No, I must return right away. There are many things to do. But I will eagerly await your arrival. Gippal seemed to brighten at this. When should I expect you?

They continued on their walk.

Exactly two weeks from this day. By then I'll have everything done for me so I can leave and travel, and it will give you some time before you have to play host. In second thought he added, And nothing special. Ordinary treatment as anyone else. I don't want some fancy shindig or big parades.

Me, do something like that? Baralai asked, teasing.

Yes, it is something you would pull. the Al Bed accused. You always honor everyone else except yourself.

It's called being humble. They turned onto Gippal's dock, walking down the long platform.

Perhaps you need a slice of self-confidence. Baralai shook his head, smiling. No, I take that back. One, HUGE slice of it. Gippal motioned with his arms as to the approximate size.

The true nature of holding this position is to be an example, and serve for Bevelle and the rest of Spira. the shorter man quoted with ease.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that. the yellow-blond mumbled.

Baralai chuckled. I do.

Their long strides quickly led them to the machine ship. Gippal yelled out a few parting orders before turning back to his good, no, best friend.

See you soon, old friend. It's great we are back together. The unspoken I missed you' was evident in his voice. Baralai smoothly stretched out his hand. Gippal stared at the hand, then took it, pulling the older man into a fierce hug. It was so full of emotion that expanded the seemingly long years since they have parted ways. Baralai barely heard over his own surfacing emotions what Gippal whispered in his ear, sighing.

Parting is such sweet sorrow, love. Gippal slowly withdrew, prolonging the contact. Two weeks. Gippal reminded, in his usual light, but commanding tone.

Two weeks. Baralai promised, still looking up at Gippal, unable to break the eye contact. Gippal started as if to move back to Baralai, but his attentions were directed towards his ship by a shout.


Yo-ho! Gip! Ship's all ready.

He turned, shouting back. What took you so long? The sails got stuck? He joked, cajoling laughter from the on deck crew.

Yes Sir! And I'm sorry to report we seemed to have lost your favorite one too!

And what one would that be? The one with the skull and crossbones? Laughter pattered across the deck.

No sir! The other one with the naked Miss. Baralai started and blushed, while laughter onboard grew.

Oh, now I remember. The one of your mother, right Nikka? Laughter exploded, but Gippal did not to seem to notice. He regarded Baralai as he stared off into space, traces of red still on his cheeks. Gippal reached out, fingers brushing the white-blond's young face.


The textile shock of roughened skin and smooth, worn cloth brought the Praetor's thoughts back to the present, only to cause the blush to deepen. The finger's slid under his chin, pulling up his gaze.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... His words drifted away as he peered up at his companion.

Hey, it's ok to wander off. Just wanted to say goodbye. He removed his hand, speaking softly. Gippal turned to the ramp, yelling out more orders as he boarded. He sent one last trade mark cheshire grin his way, before going below deck.

Baralai remained rooted to the spot, skin still tingling wherever his fellow warrior touched him. The voice echoed in his ears.

Parting is such sweet sorrow, love.' Baralai began to ponder over the Al Bhed's choice of words when a pleading voice interrupted.


Oh there you are, Praetor. I have come to tell you your ship is ready, and you're expected in Bevelle.

Baralai cleared his mind, speaking in his soft, caring voice: Yes, thank you for your efforts. I'll make my way there now. His submissive bowed and left. Two weeks, eh? A long two weeks, my friend. Filled with many unanswered questions. Baralai spoke to the wind, thoughts churning like the nearby ocean. He left the dock, anxious for the time to tick by.