Chapter 2

The journey to collect the remaining exspheres had now taken an interesting turn for Lloyd. Although he was still dedicated to finding the dangerous gems, he wanted to spend as much time as possible improving his newly evolved relationship with Sheena. This was actually proving to be quite difficult considering how little experience either of them had with being in a relationship, but Lloyd was happy with the way things were.

Sheena was also quite happy. Rather than the two sleeping bags on either side of the fire, it was now one large one. She never had to worry about going to bed lonely, Lloyd came to the conclusion it would be more "cost effective" if the two were to share a single room rather than pay for two. Listening to his heart beat every night was her ideal lullaby. It seemed this journey had finally taken a turn in the right direction for her.

They had also been trying to find time for "dates" in-between leads on exsphere locations. Many restaurants in the cities they stayed in were all too happy to give discounts to the most famous living man in the world, however neither Lloyd nor Sheena had a desire for the more upper-class facilities so most dates consisted of a quick meal and then the two would take long walks around the city, sometimes playing games they had learned from their home towns.

The nights were always the same. They spent a fair amount of time kissing in whatever sleeping arrangements they had that night, and then after their energy was spent they wrapped themselves up in whatever warming apparatus they had, Sheena placing her head on Lloyd's chest, and slept well into the latter hours of the morning.

Over time Lloyd began developing another more intimate set of feelings for Sheena, and having little experience with women, he wasn't quite sure how to go about acting on these feelings. Not only that, but he was worried how Sheena might react when he did, he would hate to be taken as a pervert. However it was becoming more and more difficult to control these feelings. The way Sheena dressed certainly didn't help either. He didn't know it but Sheena had caught him staring once or twice, but rather than let it bother her she actually found it cute the way he seemed so embarrassed by it unlike certain other men she knew.

Little did Lloyd know Sheena was having a similar problem. Her attraction to Lloyd had always been primarily in the emotional sense, but it didn't hurt that he was quite good looking too. She loved the way his messy spikes bounced with every step he took, it seemed like his chestnut eyes were always shining, and anytime he was shirtless she couldn't help noticing his light muscle definition. Sheena knew what she wanted to do, but again she was apprehensive about making the first move, and it wasn't something she was particularly comfortable talking about. Again it seemed like all either one of them could do was wait and see what happened.

It had been another three weeks since the night of Regal's birthday ball, and Sheena and Lloyd found themselves back in Meltokio for a small party at Zelos' mansion in honor of Lloyd's birthday. Zelos in all his infinite kindness deemed it necessary to have not only a birthday party, but also a reunion for all of the heroes of the regeneration, although most just assumed this was another side effect of his being bored. In any case, Sheena and Lloyd were the first to arrive at Zelos' mansion as they had already been in the area.

"Ah Lloyd my old bud, good to see you again, what's it been, two weeks?" Said an over excited Zelos. "And Sheena, I'm glad to see your voluptuous figure hasn't gone to waste on this young lad just yet." Sheena raised her hand to imply an oncoming slap, Zelos retreated slightly. "Well come in come in, I'd hate to keep you two out here in the sun when we could be inside having fun."

"Do you practice that line in front of a mirror?" Sheena said.

"Ha-ha as a matter of fact I practice a lot of things in front of the mirror." The slap was literal this time. "Ouch, you know I didn't mean it that way." Sheena just shook her head as she entered. Zelos turned to Lloyd. "I completely meant it that way." He said giving him a nudge with his elbow.

Zelos' mansion was only slightly more decorated than usual. The only noticeable item was a giant "happy birthday sir bud" banister in the middle of the room.

"So you two, what have you been up two these past two weeks?" Asked Zelos. "And please, spare me any mushy details."

"Well," started Lloyd, "we found some bandits that had been hoarding exspheres and selling them on the black market, but we ended that operation pretty quickly."

"And we were able to find a ledger tracking their sales," Sheena added, "so now we'll be able to find all the people those exspheres went to and get them back."

"Well it's good to hear the great exsphere hunt is going well. I wish I could say things were getting more exciting on my end too, but unfortunately it's just more church work."

"But the work you're doing with the church is important." Lloyd said. "People are going to be looking to the Church of Martel to unite Tethe'alla and Sylvarant."

"That's all well and good, but "important" and "exciting" are two completely different things. I do exciting things all the time that are completely pointless, but I never regret them." Zelos said with a gleeful tone.

"Typical idiot chosen." Sheena sighed. "Well if you two boys will excuse me, I've got to go powder my nose before everyone else shows up." She said as she headed up the stairs. After she was out of sight, Zelos took a spot closer to Lloyd.

"So tell me Lloyd, how goes the new relationship?" He asked.

"Honestly I don't think it could be going better." He replied.

"Ah, I see. So I take you two have…" Zelos began, waiting for Lloyd to finish. Of course there was no answer. "You know."

"I know what?" He responded.

"Come on Lloyd, don't give me that naïve crap again, I know you know what I mean."

"Oh that!" He said coming to the realization. "Well that's not exactly something I think I need to be talking about, it's sort of personal."

"Okay, so the answer is no you have not."

"Well how would you know?"

"Because if it had happened we'd be talking about it already. Again Lloyd, you have to remember who you're talking to here. So I guess with you two it's one of two things, you're too shy to make the move because if you did you would have no idea what you were doing and would make a complete ass of yourself."

"Hey I wouldn't make that big of an ass of myself." He replied defensively.

"Or, you're waiting for more of a special night so you're not just humping in the woods where any Tom, Dick, or Harry could be watching."

"Boy Zelos, you really have a way with words." Lloyd said with extra sarcasm.

"Hey, I save all my eloquence for the hunnies, but in your case I'll level with you. I take it this is something that you've at least been putting some amount of consideration into?"

"I'd say I've been putting a fair amount of consideration into it yeah." Lloyd replied.

"Ha-ha yes and who wouldn't with a girl like."

"You know Zelos now that Sheena and I are together I'd really appreciate it if you'd stop talking about her like that, otherwise I'll be the one who's going to start slapping you."

"It's about damn time."

"What?"

"I just think it's about time you started standing up for her, you're a good man Lloyd, and you definitely shouldn't let any man talk about your woman like that."

"But you're the one who was just talking about her."

"Ha-ha yes but we're all friends here. Anyway, back to the main topic of conversation here. You obviously want Sheena in a more than emotional way but you are yet to make the next step."

"Right, well I guess it's sort of a combination of those two things you said earlier. I'd have no idea what I was doing, and I'm waiting for a more special night."

"Well then Lloyd you are very much in luck."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well it's your birthday of course, there's no better day for love makin than on a birthday, of course you could argue every day is someone's birthday and I frequently do."

"I don't know. I'd hate to move things too fast."

"By that you mean yet again, that you would have no idea what you're doing. I can read men just as well as I can women. Speaking of reading women, I must say I think Sheena is ready for you. If there is something I can pick up on its-"

"Spare me." Lloyd interrupted. "So what do you think I should do?"

"I say you go for it. For the love of god man go for it. For my sake and that of every man in this crazy world of two becoming one, go for it. You love her, she loves you. Let me say it again she loves you, and how would she know how bad you are anyway? She wouldn't have anything to compare it to. And because it's your birthday, I'll even let you in on a couple of my secrets for lady pleasing."

"Whatever, you probably just didn't want to buy me a present."

"Regardless. Look, tonight might be your only chance for a while if you want to make it special. And special just so happens to be my middle name."

"Ha-ha special like-"

"Now shut up and listen. Probably the most important thing I can tell you when it comes to this sort of thing is that you can't just go right for the goods."

"What do you mean?" Lloyd asked. Zelos continued to stare at Lloyd in disbelief. "Oh, right, gotcha."

"The keyword here is foreplay. A lot of guys can't even spell the word they ignore it so much, but let me tell you that girls love foreplay, if you can't get foreplay right you're probably not going to have a very happy woman on your hands."

"Well what should I-"

"Don't worry; we'll get to that later. The other thing is don't just go after the obvious places. The shoulder and neck area can be just as sensitive as any other." Zelos was interrupted by a knock at the door. He sprang to his feet and opened it. "Ah Regal my presidential pal, come in come in." He said showing him a seat near Lloyd. "Lloyd and I were just discussing some, shall we say personal matters of his."

"Ah, I believe you mean romantically then?" Regal concluded. This earned him a bit of a shocked look from Lloyd. "Well what other personal matters might this particular chosen be interested in? And thirty isn't that old."

"Care to give any tips to our young Casanova?"

"Unfortunately my love life is still lacking at the moment so I'm afraid I wouldn't be of much help."

"Ah yes, the life of a prudent president can be a lonely one. Well the last thing I can tell you is that you really just need to go with it. Every guy has his own way of going about it, and every woman is going to have different things she likes, but believe me when I say if you do something she likes, you'll know." Zelos then opened the door yet again to allow Presea to enter.

Lloyd sat back in the couch trying to allow is thoughts to center. He was more nervous about the subject now than he had ever been before. He figured all he could do now was let the night continue and see where it would take him.

Sheena had be up stairs "powdering her nose" for close to half in hour now, in reality she had just been sitting in one of the many bedrooms staring at herself in the mirror having a conversation with herself in her head. Don't worry, I'm sure the only reason Lloyd hasn't tried anything yet is because he's scared just like you are. But what if it's not that? Maybe he's just not that attracted to you. But he's always telling me how lucky he is and how beautiful he thinks I am. That's true but men say a lot of things. Yeah but Lloyd is different, he's not like all those other guys. Sheena let out a deep sigh. Then there was a knock at the door. She opened it to see Raine standing in the hallway.

"Raine, it's good to see you." Sheena said.

"It's good seeing you Sheena." She replied. "Mind if I join you up here?"

"Of course not, come in."

Raine took a seat in a chair in the corner of the room, Sheena sat back down on the bed in front of the mirror.

"So how have you been?" Raine asked. "I heard you and Lloyd finally did something about those pent up feelings you've been having."

Sheena smiled. "Yeah, it's been going pretty well so far."

"That's good to hear. Forgive me for asking such an intimate question but-"

"No we haven't. Why do you ask?"

"Oh I don't know. I know it's sometimes difficult to believe but like other women my age I do enjoy a bit of gossip here and there."

"Sorry, sometimes I forget you're not always just the professor."

"That's right, I can be a friend on the rare occasion too. I know it can be a bit of an uncomfortable subject but would you like to talk about it?"

"I just don't know what to do about it. And I don't think Lloyd does either."

"Well I wouldn't worry about Lloyd's limited knowledge on the subject now, I'm sure Zelos has been telling him all about it."

"Great, the last thing I want is for that stupid chosen to know the intimate details of our relationship."

"I wouldn't worry too much about that, I doubt Lloyd is the type to talk about it too much."

"You're right."

"So I take it you and Lloyd haven't tried talking about it."

"Of course not. I wouldn't know where to start."

"Well if talking isn't going to work, then perhaps you should just act on your feelings. "

"I don't think either of us would have any idea of what we were doing."

"Just do what feels natural to you. Monsters and animals have been doing for thousands of years with no instruction, I'm sure it won't be too long before you two know what you're doing."

"Ha-ha yeah I guess that's true. I guess I've really just been waiting for the right time, I mean lately we've just been camping out in the woods rather then staying in any of the towns."

"Well then why not tonight? I hate to be so blunt but it is his birthday, which should be a fairly special occasion."

"But with everyone staying the night in the Zelos' Mansion?"

"Well from what I understand you two are going to be only ones staying here tonight. Genis, Colette, and I are staying at the Inn. Regal has a home here he'll be staying at, and Presea will be in his guest room. And knowing Zelos he'll be out philandering most of the night. I don't think you two will have anything to worry about."

"Yeah I guess you're right. Thanks Raine."

"See? It wasn't all the uncomfortable to talk about now was it? Anyway I'm sure more of our friends have arrived by now, perhaps we should join them?"

"Yeah good idea." Sheena replied.

Within the next hour the old gang was back together again sharing stories from their new adventures over the past month and a half. An invitation had also been sent to Yuan who had been living a life of seclusion every since the events of the regeneration. Although he never actually made an appearance at the party, Lloyd swore he saw him in the street for an instant during the night.

After cake was served Lloyd was all too happy to open his gifts. From Presea he received one of the hand crafted luck charms she had been making to benefit Ozette. Genis got him a new pair of gloves to replace those he had worn during the entire journey of regeneration, which were now quite ragged. Colette baked a fresh batch of her famous "sugar frosted pecan raisin oatmeal carrot cake cookies" where polished off later that evening. Raine gave him an entire set of encyclopedia she had received from the academy in Palmacosta. Lloyd was outwardly joking when he said he now had kindling for the next two months, but on the inside he couldn't be more serious. Sheena then presented him with his new sheaths which he was quite ecstatic about and quickly replaced his old ones. Regal presented him with a weeks' vacation for two a la Lezareno Company at the Altamira resort and amusement park. Zelos was serious when he said his gift would be his advice.

Later that night a package was found on the doorstep. Inside there was a sword and shield and a note accompanying it explained it be the first Kratos had ever wielded. The package was addressed from Yuan and Martel.

As the party began to die down, everyone eventually retired to their separate sleeping quarters within the city. Lloyd sat in their bed staring at the sword and shield, reflecting on his father. Both the sword and shield were heavily battered from frequent use, but they must have been well taken care of to still be around four thousand years later. He put them on the nightstand and lay back in bed. Sheena entered from the bathroom wearing the same nightgown from the ball. She crawled into bed next to him.

"Happy birthday." She whispered as she kissed him. Lloyd stared into her eyes as she pulled away. "What is it?" She asked.

"Well I was just thinking," his heart was beating harder and it was making it difficult for him to speak. "I was thinking tonight might be the night." He finally managed to mutter.

Sheena smiled an apprehensive smile. He could feel her heart start to pick up speed. "I was sorta thinking the same thing." She said gazing into his chestnut eyes.

Lloyd pulled her closer and the two began kissing. Lloyd tried to remember everything Zelos had told him earlier, but the heat being generated between their bodies and the thought of impending sex made it difficult for him to focus on anything. He began moving on instinct, which seemed to work for a time. Then she pulled away. She looked back into the brown pools of his eyes.

"Maybe we should-maybe we should start by getting undressed." She said with full blush in her cheeks.

Lloyd hesitated. "Ye-yeah, I think that might be a good idea. Why don't you go first? Since it is my birthday and all." He shyly suggested.

She thought for a moment. "Okay." She finally said. She got up and stood at the end of the bed. Suddenly the apprehension of sex all came rushing back as he realized he had never even seen a naked woman before, not on purpose anyway, and now here he was about to do the last thing he had ever thought about doing with Sheena.

She took a deep breath as she turned and faced Lloyd who was barely breathing at this point. "Just don't laugh or anything." She said trusting that he wouldn't. Sheena took another deep breath as she moved the straps down past her shoulders and let the nightgown fall down to her feet. She was surprisingly comfortable standing bare in front of Lloyd, who didn't blink once. She then got under the covers next to him.

"Okay, now you." She said. Lloyd nodded his head and stood at the same pot at the end of the bed. He removed his shirt, his shorts, and then finally his undergarments. Sheena smiled as he got under the covers with her.

For a moment they just stared at each other, quietly committing this moment to memory. Lloyd leaned in and began kissing her, placing a hand across her bare stomach, lightly caressing her alabaster skin. Sheena tried to relax her body, but was nervous as his hand became fluent with areas of her body that were foreign to him. Lloyd felt the same anxiety as her hand followed a similar path.

Lloyd pulled away for a moment as he positioned himself over her. He took a long look into her eyes. "I love you." He whispered. "I love you too." She replied as the two became one.