spifiliator@hotmail.com

Edge paced nervously in his room. He had showered, shaved, and brushed his teeth about four times. He even put on cologne! It was the first time in a few months that he could remember feeling so clean. He was terribly anxious though. Every five minutes it seemed he was checking the underarms of his shirt for dampness or any obnoxious odor.

He checked himself out in the mirror once more. After straightening the orange collar of his cape he nodded approvingly at his reflection. "All right Edge," he said aloud, "This is your big moment. You love her so tell her so."

His little pep talk was cut short by a knock on the door. It was Rosa. "Rydia is here. The innkeeper is sending her to your room, so I am going to leave the door open. Good luck!" She gave him a quick hug and hurried out of the room. He stood in the corner of the room waiting for Rydia to appear.

A few moments later there she stood. She looked radiant. Her hair hung loosely down her back. She wore a simple, long skirt with a matching light blue sweater. There was nothing particularly sexy about her appearance but Edge couldn't help staring. She looked downright gorgeous! He felt his mouth go dry. Whether it was nerves or hormones he wasn't really sure.

She stepped in the room cautiously looking around. "Hello?" She had yet to see him. "Hello, it is me, Rydia!" she called.

The slam of the door made her jump. She turned around, and heard giggles outside. Someone shut it on purpose. She tried to open it, but it was stuck. "Hey! The door is stuck! Can someone help me? Hello?" Fighting the urge to call Titan and wreck havoc on the inn, she banged hopelessly on the solid wood.

"Allow me," sounded a masculine voice. Rydia recognized it immediately. It was coming from behind her, but she dared not turn around. What if she was wrong? What if it was someone who only sounded like him?

Rydia, grow up, she told herself.

"Oh, my knight in shining armor," she quipped. He laughed with her and walked silently in her direction. "Or might he be wearing an orange cape?"

He stopped, and Rydia turned to find him right behind her. Everything about him looked perfect. The phrase "Tall, dark and handsome" came to Rydia's mind. Their eyes met, and Rydia could feel her body pulling toward him. Edge felt the same pressure. He needed to be close to her! Before either one could stop it, their lips were just inches away from touching.

Rydia snapped out of the trance first. "You wrote the letter," she accused. "You didn't have the nerve to talk to me and apologize in person. Anonymous lover my butt! Instead you chose to drag me away from home and lie to me. What was I thinking?" She tried the door again. "By Bahamut's underwear!" she cussed. It was still stuck. Actually, it was locked courtesy of the innkeeper. He really wanted to keep his six hundred GP in a place it would be easily accessible!

Edge tapped her shoulder and she stiffened. "Rydia, please, hear me out. I did not write that letter."

Still dizzy from the electricity in his touch, Rydia was not sure she had heard Edge correctly. "What?" She heard a commotion outside the room.

A muffled laugh came from outside the door. "Shut up Cid!" hissed Edward.

Recognizing her friend's voices, Rydia shouted, "Open the door! This isn't funny!"

Queen Asura spoke, "That is quite enough eavesdropping everyone. Let us return home and give them some peace and quiet."

They walked away laughing as they heard Rydia cry, "No, don't leave me with him!"

Rydia turned angrily to Edge. "You mean, they did this?" She sunk exhaustedly into a nearby chair. How could her friends be so, so, so nosey? This was none of their business!

Edge nodded. "How did they get you here, Edge? Please don't tell me you ran at the summons of a secret admirer." Standing up, she turned away to hide her now scarlet cheeks. "I am so embarrassed! That is not me, I promise!"

"No, I know it is not you. Don't be embarrassed, please! I am so glad that you are here." Quickly he explained how Asura had summoned his parents. "I was not happy at all to hear of your secret admirer. In fact, I was ready to do him in if I got my hands on him!" Rydia, suddenly not so angry, caught a sly twinkle in his eye and laughed at his statement. He continued, "It just wasn't fair to think that another man would get a chance to…" His voice trailed off.

Sensing his nervousness, Rydia took his hand. "Would get a chance to what?" she asked.

With his free hand he reached up and touched her cheek. Her skin was softer than he ever could have imagined. Rydia tossed her head back, welcoming his caresses. He ran his fingers through her long hair, feeling its silky texture. While bringing his hand back to her cheek, he took a deep breath. Looking into her eyes he said, "It just wasn't fair to think that another man would get a chance to fall in love with you before I could tell you that I already am. Rydia, I love you." There, he said it! Somewhere in the back of his mind he heard angels sing a chorus of hallelujahs. A weight lifted from his shoulders. He said it again. "I love you."

A tear slid down her cheek. He followed its wet trail with his finger and wiped it away when it reached her chin. She smiled. The kiss they shared was gentle, a soul-searching kiss. Both of them seeking truth and love in each other's hearts. And when they found it, the kiss deepened. Months of hidden passion and lust took control and the kiss grew into something powerful, something they both knew they needed.

Hours later, Rydia awoke in Edge's arms. Realizing she was completely naked she blushed. She was forced to stifle a giggle as she thought about what she had just done. It was wonderful. Feeling her stir, Edge tightened his grip around her. She snuggled closer to him, breathing deeply the scent of his skin, and whispered, "I love you too, Edge."

Edge smiled to himself. He definitely got his six hundred GPs worth and a lot more!