Chapter 10: Then She Asks For Advice

Rune Merfil. She was a good girl. Approachable and bubbly, and most of all a good listener. She took time to listen to her rant and complain; something that Celes appreciated on their lunch break. Not that Sylphie hadn’t fulfilled that role like she did, but there was something about talking on even grounds that she felt more comfortable with.

“He’s an idiot. A big idiot. I hate him so much,” Celes complained through gritted teeth. She gulped her orange juice then slammed the cup on the table. That loud noise attracted attention from the bar’s customers, but she didn’t care.

“Celes, you need to understand,” Rune said while smiling wryly. “Guys are less emotional than we women, so don’t be surprised if he has a tough time telling you that he’s hurt after an argument, frustrated when you’ve worked late every night, or that he just isn’t getting what he wants.”

That was true too. Jude hadn’t said a single complaint about her working every night, but she remembered him persisting on going home in time. Needless to say she thought of that silent agreement as an obvious yes.

“But… After what happened that night… he hasn’t done anything. We continue to sleep on the same bed, but this idiot goes straight to sleep as soon as we’re on it.”

Her friend giggled. “It means he wants to be honest, but don’t want to appear weak.”

That got her attention. “Meaning?”

“He’s ultra dependent on you. He wants your opinion in something. And when he shares, absorb it all in - and don’t forget to respond.”

What she said sounded so pleasant in her ears she couldn’t help but grin. Poor Jude who couldn’t read, poor Jude who was terrified in being alone - she was right. It was all about him and her.

Celes traced her fingers on the handles of her cup. “But all these things are new to me, and I’m confused as a result.”

“You really need to free your mind and listen to your body. It’s one of the pleasures of making love. If not, this can ultimately become destructive for him, who may feel neglected and have feelings of resentment because his needs are not being met.”

At that comment, Rune shook her index finger at her. In the end, the answer to all of their trouble was sex. She had expected it, steeled herself about it, but still couldn’t grasp the thought.

“Tell me honestly. What do you think of him?” Rune pressed on, her brown eyes bright in amusement.

That question woke her up. Celes flushed as she thought of Jude. “I’m not positive… But I think… I think I like him.”

She described her feelings in small little details while her friend listened with a wide smile, and that smile remained no matter how chatty she became.

Then a small bell rang a few times as the door opened. A black haired boy came inside, looking all over the pub. He lit up as soon as he saw his quarry and wasted no second to approach her.

“Umm, can I sit here?”

He asked, but didn’t wait for a response. Jude casually sat on the chair beside her. What a good way to ruin her lunch break, Celes thought. She rolled her eyes and cocked her head on one side away from him. She didn’t want to have something to do with him at this moment. Not at this time of the day when she was just confronted about her feelings.

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“I’m sorry for disturbing. My name’s Jude.” He smiled as he introduced himself then offered a handshake. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

“Oh my.” Though a little baffled, Rune shook his outstretched hand. “Likewise. I’m Rune Merfil. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

He chuckled. “I hope that doesn’t involve my “inability” in certain areas.”

“Perhaps, but that’s your fault if it does.” She quipped.

Oh, how she loved her friend for saying that. Her opinion of her just skyrocketed. Celes smiled unseen and bashed Jude in her head. That ought to shut him up for a while.

But as she giggled by herself, Jude took her hand underneath the table. She looked back at Jude, flushed and bright eyed, but she was met with a calm and composed smile.

“Hi,” he murmured.

“Hi,” she murmured back, then pursed her lips and turned the other way.

Rune covered her mouth as she laughed out of the blue while holding her stomach like an innocent girl. Once she had her fill, she wiped her eyes and looked at the two.

“Have you ate yet?” asked Jude, his fingers on the table made a short rhythmical noise.

That curious melody got her attention and she cocked her head back to Jude. “No.”

“You want to eat?”

“No, our break is almost over.”

Jude exhaled a long sigh. “I see. How is your day so far?”

“Fine.”

Now he rolled his eyes. “That’s good to hear.”

She frowned. “Don’t roll your eyes on me.”

“I can’t?”

“No, it annoys me.”

“Alright.” He acquiesced, drew her hand up to his lips, and kissed her knuckles softly. He squeezed her hand and then let go. “It doesn’t seem like you want me here, so I’ll just head home. It was nice meeting you, Miss Merfil.”

“I as well,” Rune replied as she gave Jude a single nod.

Jude stood up, his dark eyes gleamed flashes of disappointment, and curved down a bow before strolling out of the bar. Celes, who was frowning until Jude left, slouched her head down on the table. She made several circles with her finger while mumbling his name. There were so many things she wanted to say, but couldn’t find the words.

“You really need to sort this out.”

Celes looked up. “How?”

“You know men, especially young boys like him, this thing is always in their head. But sometimes a simple hand on his arm is the only reassuring touch he really needs.”

Nodding as she explained, Rune’s words were oddly convincing. It might be because it came from someone who was experienced in that regard but, because of that, Celes felt like she found the resolve she needed to settle things with Jude tonight.