"Drunken Men and Unwelcomed Dreams", chapter 8 to 'Strangers'
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy X2 or any of its characters. Sadly enough. I’d be a rich mofo by now.
Author: Senpai//xelijahbabe07x//beautiful nightmare07
Rating: This chapter, PG13. Overall, M.
Characters: Rikku, Gippal, main Final Fantasy X/X2 cast, some OCs, Gippal/Rikku
Author’s Note: Originally posted to ff.net. Wanted to post it to my community as well because I’m still debating on deleting my ff.net account and I want this in separate places. So, with that being said, this is the story. It’s based off the song, “Until We Ain’t Strangers Anymore” by Bon Jovi. Enjoy.
--
“I was thinking ‘bout you, thinking ‘bout me, thinking ‘bout us and what we were gonna be. Opened my eyes--it was only just a dream.” - Nelly
****
Alright, this was funny. She even laughed.
Yuna raised an eyebrow of suspicion, uncertainty taking her features hostage, "R-Rikku…are you…alright?"
Rikku waved Yuna's concern off lightly, bracing her hands against her knees as she continued to laugh hysterically at a rather serious comment, at least from Yuna's perspective.
"Why are you laughing?" Yuna demanded, stomping a booted foot with irritation.
"B-b-because…heheh, I thought you said you were…that Ti had…the ring…ahahah I thought you said you were engaged."
Her cousin threw her arms across her chest and glared at Rikku with a disgusted expression, "I did say I was engaged, Rikku. I'm glad to see that you think it's funny."
Immediately Rikku sobered and her laughter was cut oddly short. Instead a gasp fell from her mouth as she took a lunge towards Yuna, grabbing her roughly around the shoulders again, "YUNIE, YOU'RE ENGAGED?"
Yuna's eyes widened as she held up a finger to her lips, "Shhhhh! I brought you here to tell you before everyone else. You are the only one who knows. You have to be quiet!"
"BUT YUNIE-"
"RIKKU!" The former summoner exclaimed, shrugging off her erratic cousin and clamping her hands over her mouth.
"PPPPUUUT MMMYUNAH!"
"Shush! Right now!" Yuna demanded, her face solemn.
Rikku stared at her awkwardly for a few moments more before she closed her eyes, "Ahhhhlrightahhhh."
With a deep breath, Yuna finally let go of Rikku's mouth and backed away, "Now then, will you please keep your voice down? You're starting to make me think that you don't support my engagement."
It was Rikku's turn to stare at Yuna incredulously, "Yunie…no I just…didn't expect this. I thought the idiot had cheated on you or something!"
"Wha-ahahahaha!" Yuna laughed, holding onto her stomach as she returned Rikku's gesture of a round of laughter, "Cheated? Oh please. With who?"
"Well I don't know, him and Wakka are always alone. Maybe the hours got kinda long."
"Are you implying that my fiancé is gay?"
The blonde Al Bhed shrugged, "Well I mean not that he acts like it or anything but he is kinda pretty. And Wakka is a lot bigger than he is. All he would haveta do is surprise Tidus and then-"
"Too much, too much! Stop!"
A blush painted Rikku's cheeks as she wrapped her arms around her chest, "Well…you asked if I was implying-"
"I know what I asked! Just stop it, Rikku!" Yuna interrupted, shaking her head rapidly, trying to shake the images of Wakka attempting to rape her fiancé from her head, "And besides, Wakka has a kid and is with Lulu. And Tidus loves me. OFTEN!"
"What do you mean…often?"
The color faded from Yuna's face, her eyes shimmering with the fear that she had been caught, "I meant that Tidus always tells me how much he-"
"You mean he always shows you-"
Yuna pointed a finger in Rikku's face, "He tells me too. Don't you say a thing, that's supposed to be private."
"When?"
The white mage froze, "When?"
"When did he first-" Rikku shook her head and swallowed.
"When did we first…it takes two. I don't know Rikku like…three months or so after he came back."
"Oh god so this whole time you've been shagging?"
"Did you just say shagging?"
"Answer my question!"
Yuna looked away and towards the blue sky, "Yes, Rikku. I didn't know it was such a big deal to you. Last time I checked you always told me to live my life and to stop playing it safe all the time. The time we spent on the airship hunting for spheres really opened up my eyes. And once Tidus came back…it just all fell into place."
“I know I just--Tidus is a great guy. You know that I love Ti to death, I just never expected…any of this."
Her cousin sighed, "Rikku, please tell me that you're happy for me. Tell me you're happy for Tidus . We're so happy and we love each other so much…please just-"
Rikku watched as the half Al Bhed woman bowed her head, waiting quietly for Rikku's reaction. Instantly she softened and pulled Yuna in for a tight embrace, "Of course, Yunie. You know I'm happy for you…I was just…surprised. Ti will make a great husband and father someday. And you…well you know I think you're extraordinary."
She listened to Yuna choke out a half sob and half laugh, "You give me too much credit."
"No Yunie, I don't give you enough."
--
By the time the two had rejoined the others(after a long walk and some extra stops here and there), nightfall was beginning to surround them-- and Tamai and Tidus were completely obliterated thanks to a heavy dose of alcohol.
"Oh god, who gave them alcohol?" Rikku groaned, glaring at Wakka.
The blitzball captain grinned wickedly at her, "What makesh you fffink I gave it toosh them?"
Lulu looked at the two cousins with a pitiful expression, "I didn't know. I was inside with the baby most of the afternoon. And then when the baby finally goes to sleep I come out to find this: the three of them completely incapacitated."
"Hey, I am sooooooo not trashed. I could drink anyone under the table in Zanarkand-"
Yuna's eyes narrowed in on Tidus as he fought to keep his balance. His already alcohol-based reddened cheeks burned further under her scrutiny, "Not that I'm proud of it, or anything."
"Sssssure," Tamai hiccupped, tilting his cup back, emptying the contents into his mouth, "I need a refill, bartender."
Rikku put her hands onto her hips, "Um no, you're gettin' cut off. The first time you meet my friends and this is what you do?"
Tidus shook his head, his brows furrowing together angrily, "Hey, hey, hey. Stop breakin' his balls, R-R-Ricky-"
"It's Rikku, Tidus!" She hissed.
"Rikku…s-s-s-sorry. That's what I meantahhh. He's totally awesssssssome. He knows so musch stuff about blitzbahhhhl. He's fun to talk to."
"Totally the guy for yous, kid," Wakka coughed, his head lulling backwards.
For some strange reason Tamai began to laugh hysterically. Rikku had just been getting used to their compliments when he had interrupted her train of thought, "What's so funny?"
Tamai struggled to his feet, holding onto his cup as he teetered for a moment or two, "That they fffffinks we are good togethersh."
Her mouth didn't fall open because she was surprised. No, of course not. She was just trying to breathe in a little deeper. His comment didn't bother her one bit. Nope, not at all.
"What do you mean?"
The half Al Bhed man stumbled over to her, dropping his cup in the process, and draped his arm over her shoulders, leaning his cheek on top of her head, "Because you lovesssssss someone elsh."
Yuna blinked, "Pardon?"
Even when he was drunk Tamai was a gentleman. It was strange. Most men became dogs and tried to molest anything they came into contact with. But this man…he was still courteous.
"I'm so sawry, missesh summoner. I didn't 'splain. Beautiful Rikku here loves Gippahhhhl."
Rikku's swirled eyes met with her cousin's briefly before she shook her head quickly, "He's drunk. He doesn't know what he's talking about."
"Then why are you so red?"
"I'm not! It's just the glow from the fire."
"Rikku, I-"
"Hey uh…s-sweetheart?" Tidus grumbled, leaning forward quickly.
Yuna quickly ripped her attention away from Rikku and to her fiancé, "What is it, Tidus?"
"Does vomit come out of saaaaaaaand?"
Rikku and Yuna's mouths both fell open as Tidus lurched forward and emptied his stomach of the poisonous liquid that had caused his intoxication.
Tamai and Wakka simply let out cries of astonishment and then laughed, "Whoa, dude! That shit ish everywheres!"
--
Gippal couldn't have been more pleased with himself if he tried. This was the best idea he had concocted in the longest of times. And he was always spurting off great ideas, so this was definitely one that he was rather proud of. And not only was he proud of his decision but he could also enjoy this idea of his.
"Takeira, it has been quite the pleasure."
Her long lashes batted seductively at him, "The pleasure was all mine, my friend. It has been far too long. So have we come to an agreement, then?"
The blond Machine Faction leader leaned forward, smiling when she didn't flinch away, "I think we have an accord, madam."
Takeira gave him a haughty expression, her hand coming to rest against his tanned cheek, "Now then, I've come to stay with an old friend and I have absolutely nothing to do tonight. Do you know of anything I could do for entertainment?"
Gippal's light green eye shimmered with her allusion, "Why, I do believe I have something that might be quite entertaining for the both of us."
She giggled, "I don't think you're talking about a board game, are you?"
He shook his head slightly, taking her hand into his, "I have never been one to rely on the dry entertainment of childish board games."
The busty strawberry-blonde raised a defined eyebrow, "I vaguely remember such qualities in you when you were just a child. You were always off on some sort of adventure."
Gippal nodded eagerly, "I still like adventures. I just play a little differently now."
Takeira gave him a wry grin, "Well then, I would definitely like to see how."
--
Rikku and Tamai had been able to board at the village inn, taking beds alongside one another.
As soon as Tamai's head had hit the pillow, she had heard the distinct sounds of uneven breathing and snores. She watched him for a while longer, all the while trying to come to terms with the news that Yuna had disclosed to her earlier that day.
She felt guilty. She really did. She hadn't reacted the way Yuna had expected her to. Hell, she had reacted in a way that she hadn't expected either. For how long now had she wished that Tidus and Yuna would just get married already? The two were perfect for each other. They had always been meant to be together. So why had the announcement of her engagement caught her so off guard? And why had the idea of Yuna and Tidus being intimate with one another been yet another shocker to the young Al Bhed? Surely she had expected as much. It wasn't really that shocking now that she had time to reflect on it.
Then why had she become a statue upon hearing the news?
Rikku let out a long exhale as she turned on her side, her back to the slumbering Tamai.
Maybe it was just because it was unfamiliar territory. She had always been the one helping Yuna out, telling her what to expect in certain situations but now…now she was completely helpless. Helplessness didn't suite her at all.
There was no advice she could offer. No dirty little secrets she could divulge in a night of playful banter between her, Yuna, and Lulu. And Paine-- if the anti-social little bitch ever came around to say hi to some people once in a while. 'She's shoved so far up Baralai's ass…can't say that I blame her.'
Rikku covered up to her nose with the blankets, sighing in the sweet smell of tropical flowers and ocean air. It was peaceful here. But such a peaceful surrounding left her to think in the quiet of the night. And thinking was never good when it came to Rikku.
The moon danced in her vision as her mind clouded with memories of her childhood and the main person that filled those memories. As much as she didn't want to fall back into her routine of dreaming of Gippal, she couldn't help it. It was what she did when she couldn't talk to him, or see him. And after their argument, there was no reconciling. The things he had said had been despicable. She would be a fool to ever forgive a man such as him. What she couldn't fathom was his innate need to hurt her. What had she ever done to him?
It hurt to think that she was never going to talk to Gippal again on a personal basis. There had been a time when talking with Gippal had been the main reason for her to live. Now it was her downfall.
She shifted in the rough cot, causing it to squeak under her weight. Rikku's eyes widened at the loudness of the bed in the otherwise silent room. She quickly inhaled a breath and listened.
Tamai choked for a moment before yawning and falling back into an alcohol induced sleep.
The air hissed from her lungs as the tension passed and the world returned to the way it had been. Lonely and depressing. Dull and gray.
These feelings were simply annoying. There was no other way to describe it. Every time she thought she had finally caught up to her emotional roller coaster, it would climb up another set of tracks and follow the upside down loop, tossing her confused body from the cart. It was frustrating.
Before she had thought that it was a hopeless idea to try and save the summoners from their deaths in order to defeat Sin. Now that it was all said and done, this was much more hopeless. As much as she tried she just couldn't seem to shake it off. She was doomed and the only one who knew it was her.
And even if she didn't want to accept it, it wouldn't matter. If she ever wanted to finally settle down with someone they would always be second place, as much as she wished for them to kick the current asshole in first place clear out of her memory banks.
Her long legs stretched as she buried her face further into the pillow, her eyelids sliding shut after much hesitation. This trip was supposed to clear her mind, and instead she was becoming more and more confused.
With the realization that Yuna was engaged to be married, and Wakka and Lulu were happy with one another and raising a child, and somewhere, Paine and Baralai were probably all over each other--it was all just too much. She hadn't found anyone to love on her first journey, and her second journey had led to an emotional ruin as well. When was it going to be her chance to win? When was she going to get those knots in her stomach whenever someone looked her way? When was she going to have the fairy tale first kiss that made the whole world stop? When was she going to have someone to love, and someone to love her in return?
WHEN?
--
"Hey, why don't you stop staring at me, Gippal?"
He was laughing. He was always laughing in her dreams. Much like her real life, always laughing-- and always laughing at her expense.
"How can I not stare? You look ridiculous!"
She crossed her arms, "I don't look ridiculous. Vydran said I look pretty."
He snorted, "If that's what you want to call it. Then fine, you look pretty…pretty scary."
Rikku glared at him, her hands settling onto her hips, "How about you stop makin' fun of me, Patchy the Pirate?"
At that comment he fell deathly silent, "Shut the fuck up."
A smirk curled onto her mouth. Success. Finally she had unnerved him enough that he would leave her alone.
"I don't understand what's so bad about this outfit. I mean…yeah it's a little revealing but Vydran said that it's perfect for the dinner tonight."
Gippal rolled his eye, touching his eye patch absentmindedly, "He's just trying to show you off like some sort of new airship. He wants all eyes to be on you that way it'll be easier to marry you off later."
Rikku rolled her eyes, flipping her blonde pony tail slightly as she did so. Gippal caught sight of the familiar movement and knew all too well what her eyes happened to be doing at that exact moment, "Roll your eyes all you want, but I know what he's doing. Why else would he have you dressed in a dress that slits clear up to the top of your thigh, make it strapless, and your cleavage pushed up?"
She sighed, "He just wants me to feel pretty-"
"Yeah well he's just meatin' up the hook for all the hungry fishies to take a nibble."
He rose to his feet, his back muscles contracting as he did so. Why he was without a shirt she couldn't remember. He had come in that way. All she could remember is that she had seen him with Takeira earlier that day. Perhaps she was the reason for his lack of a shirt?
"Well whatever, don't say I didn't warn ya, kid."
Rikku gave him a push, causing his body to tense, "Like you care. You don't hardly ever talk to me but then as soon as you hear about this you come prancing in here like you own the place. Where do you get off, Gippal?"
His hands were fisting now. Why was he so angry?
"Fine, then. I was just trying to look out for you like a brother should. Your piece of shit brother doesn't give a fuck enough about you to tell you what's going on here. If you were my little sister I wouldn’t let you out the damn door lookin' like that."
"Well thank all the deities you aren't my brother then, eh?" She hissed back, her eyes locking with his one good eye. It was unreadable. Much of the time that's how it was. As much as she tried, she just couldn't seem to decipher what his green orb held within its depths.
He raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smile creeping onto his face, "Yeah, thank them for that."
That was it. She couldn't take his scrutiny anymore, "Just go," She growled, storming to her door and throwing it open.
"Gladly!" He mumbled, stomping past her, "Oh and by the way, if you see Takeira, tell her I need my shirt."
Rikku stared at him in awe, "W-what? Takeira? Why would she have your shirt?"
He leaned in, his face smug. Her cheeks instantly reddened as she recoiled from his invasive gesture, "Just ask her, would ya? Good luck tonight, Cid's girl. You're gonna need it. Don't come cryin' to me if one of those men try and cop a feel. I tried to tell ya."
She slammed the door then. And of course, much to her father's chagrin and Gippal's absolute delight, she had changed and dressed in a more modest evening gown. It had been purple and criss-crossed down her back. There was no slit. There was no cleavage to gawk at. She was simply elegant in a dress that her mother had worn when she had been younger.
No men bothered her. And her father didn't even hardly speak to her for the next few weeks to come. Neither did Gippal. But from what she could remember, every time her eyes happened to meet his, he automatically smiled.
--
She stared sleepily at the window, the sunlight dancing across the surface of the sea, casting bright reflections directly into her light green eyes. It had been a dream. No…a memory. One that she had forgotten on purpose. These little visits to her past were beginning to effect her. All these suppressed memories were suddenly resurfacing and causing her heart to crumble with each smile or word spoken within their confines. It was all still too fresh within her heart. That little episode in particular had happened a few weeks before her fifteenth birthday.
It had also been one of the last times Gippal had actually come to visit her. It was then that he had been preparing to leave for the Crimson Squad. She had been close to embarking on a journey that would forever change her life and the world of Spira. It was then that she realized that she had lost everything with the slam of her door.
The blood curdling sound of the wood slamming against the frame still ran through her ears, reminding her that she had been the one to shut the door. Both physically and figuratively. That night she had shut Gippal out, as well as the rest of the male population.
Rikku sat up and glanced over to Tamai's cot. He was gone. Apparently she had slept longer than expected. She tilted her head, closing her eyes and listening. Off in the distance she could hear Tidus' infectious laughter, joined by Yuna's, Wakka's, and Tamai's. And there was even a slight giggle of amusement that obviously belonged to the stoic Lulu. They were all out and enjoying the day already. Yet again she had been left behind.
Yet again.
--
Notes: Vydran is Al Bhed for Father.
Author: Senpai//xelijahbabe07x//beautiful nightmare07
Rating: This chapter, PG13. Overall, M.
Characters: Rikku, Gippal, main Final Fantasy X/X2 cast, some OCs, Gippal/Rikku
Author’s Note: Originally posted to ff.net. Wanted to post it to my community as well because I’m still debating on deleting my ff.net account and I want this in separate places. So, with that being said, this is the story. It’s based off the song, “Until We Ain’t Strangers Anymore” by Bon Jovi. Enjoy.
--
“I was thinking ‘bout you, thinking ‘bout me, thinking ‘bout us and what we were gonna be. Opened my eyes--it was only just a dream.” - Nelly
****
Alright, this was funny. She even laughed.
Yuna raised an eyebrow of suspicion, uncertainty taking her features hostage, "R-Rikku…are you…alright?"
Rikku waved Yuna's concern off lightly, bracing her hands against her knees as she continued to laugh hysterically at a rather serious comment, at least from Yuna's perspective.
"Why are you laughing?" Yuna demanded, stomping a booted foot with irritation.
"B-b-because…heheh, I thought you said you were…that Ti had…the ring…ahahah I thought you said you were engaged."
Her cousin threw her arms across her chest and glared at Rikku with a disgusted expression, "I did say I was engaged, Rikku. I'm glad to see that you think it's funny."
Immediately Rikku sobered and her laughter was cut oddly short. Instead a gasp fell from her mouth as she took a lunge towards Yuna, grabbing her roughly around the shoulders again, "YUNIE, YOU'RE ENGAGED?"
Yuna's eyes widened as she held up a finger to her lips, "Shhhhh! I brought you here to tell you before everyone else. You are the only one who knows. You have to be quiet!"
"BUT YUNIE-"
"RIKKU!" The former summoner exclaimed, shrugging off her erratic cousin and clamping her hands over her mouth.
"PPPPUUUT MMMYUNAH!"
"Shush! Right now!" Yuna demanded, her face solemn.
Rikku stared at her awkwardly for a few moments more before she closed her eyes, "Ahhhhlrightahhhh."
With a deep breath, Yuna finally let go of Rikku's mouth and backed away, "Now then, will you please keep your voice down? You're starting to make me think that you don't support my engagement."
It was Rikku's turn to stare at Yuna incredulously, "Yunie…no I just…didn't expect this. I thought the idiot had cheated on you or something!"
"Wha-ahahahaha!" Yuna laughed, holding onto her stomach as she returned Rikku's gesture of a round of laughter, "Cheated? Oh please. With who?"
"Well I don't know, him and Wakka are always alone. Maybe the hours got kinda long."
"Are you implying that my fiancé is gay?"
The blonde Al Bhed shrugged, "Well I mean not that he acts like it or anything but he is kinda pretty. And Wakka is a lot bigger than he is. All he would haveta do is surprise Tidus and then-"
"Too much, too much! Stop!"
A blush painted Rikku's cheeks as she wrapped her arms around her chest, "Well…you asked if I was implying-"
"I know what I asked! Just stop it, Rikku!" Yuna interrupted, shaking her head rapidly, trying to shake the images of Wakka attempting to rape her fiancé from her head, "And besides, Wakka has a kid and is with Lulu. And Tidus loves me. OFTEN!"
"What do you mean…often?"
The color faded from Yuna's face, her eyes shimmering with the fear that she had been caught, "I meant that Tidus always tells me how much he-"
"You mean he always shows you-"
Yuna pointed a finger in Rikku's face, "He tells me too. Don't you say a thing, that's supposed to be private."
"When?"
The white mage froze, "When?"
"When did he first-" Rikku shook her head and swallowed.
"When did we first…it takes two. I don't know Rikku like…three months or so after he came back."
"Oh god so this whole time you've been shagging?"
"Did you just say shagging?"
"Answer my question!"
Yuna looked away and towards the blue sky, "Yes, Rikku. I didn't know it was such a big deal to you. Last time I checked you always told me to live my life and to stop playing it safe all the time. The time we spent on the airship hunting for spheres really opened up my eyes. And once Tidus came back…it just all fell into place."
“I know I just--Tidus is a great guy. You know that I love Ti to death, I just never expected…any of this."
Her cousin sighed, "Rikku, please tell me that you're happy for me. Tell me you're happy for Tidus . We're so happy and we love each other so much…please just-"
Rikku watched as the half Al Bhed woman bowed her head, waiting quietly for Rikku's reaction. Instantly she softened and pulled Yuna in for a tight embrace, "Of course, Yunie. You know I'm happy for you…I was just…surprised. Ti will make a great husband and father someday. And you…well you know I think you're extraordinary."
She listened to Yuna choke out a half sob and half laugh, "You give me too much credit."
"No Yunie, I don't give you enough."
--
By the time the two had rejoined the others(after a long walk and some extra stops here and there), nightfall was beginning to surround them-- and Tamai and Tidus were completely obliterated thanks to a heavy dose of alcohol.
"Oh god, who gave them alcohol?" Rikku groaned, glaring at Wakka.
The blitzball captain grinned wickedly at her, "What makesh you fffink I gave it toosh them?"
Lulu looked at the two cousins with a pitiful expression, "I didn't know. I was inside with the baby most of the afternoon. And then when the baby finally goes to sleep I come out to find this: the three of them completely incapacitated."
"Hey, I am sooooooo not trashed. I could drink anyone under the table in Zanarkand-"
Yuna's eyes narrowed in on Tidus as he fought to keep his balance. His already alcohol-based reddened cheeks burned further under her scrutiny, "Not that I'm proud of it, or anything."
"Sssssure," Tamai hiccupped, tilting his cup back, emptying the contents into his mouth, "I need a refill, bartender."
Rikku put her hands onto her hips, "Um no, you're gettin' cut off. The first time you meet my friends and this is what you do?"
Tidus shook his head, his brows furrowing together angrily, "Hey, hey, hey. Stop breakin' his balls, R-R-Ricky-"
"It's Rikku, Tidus!" She hissed.
"Rikku…s-s-s-sorry. That's what I meantahhh. He's totally awesssssssome. He knows so musch stuff about blitzbahhhhl. He's fun to talk to."
"Totally the guy for yous, kid," Wakka coughed, his head lulling backwards.
For some strange reason Tamai began to laugh hysterically. Rikku had just been getting used to their compliments when he had interrupted her train of thought, "What's so funny?"
Tamai struggled to his feet, holding onto his cup as he teetered for a moment or two, "That they fffffinks we are good togethersh."
Her mouth didn't fall open because she was surprised. No, of course not. She was just trying to breathe in a little deeper. His comment didn't bother her one bit. Nope, not at all.
"What do you mean?"
The half Al Bhed man stumbled over to her, dropping his cup in the process, and draped his arm over her shoulders, leaning his cheek on top of her head, "Because you lovesssssss someone elsh."
Yuna blinked, "Pardon?"
Even when he was drunk Tamai was a gentleman. It was strange. Most men became dogs and tried to molest anything they came into contact with. But this man…he was still courteous.
"I'm so sawry, missesh summoner. I didn't 'splain. Beautiful Rikku here loves Gippahhhhl."
Rikku's swirled eyes met with her cousin's briefly before she shook her head quickly, "He's drunk. He doesn't know what he's talking about."
"Then why are you so red?"
"I'm not! It's just the glow from the fire."
"Rikku, I-"
"Hey uh…s-sweetheart?" Tidus grumbled, leaning forward quickly.
Yuna quickly ripped her attention away from Rikku and to her fiancé, "What is it, Tidus?"
"Does vomit come out of saaaaaaaand?"
Rikku and Yuna's mouths both fell open as Tidus lurched forward and emptied his stomach of the poisonous liquid that had caused his intoxication.
Tamai and Wakka simply let out cries of astonishment and then laughed, "Whoa, dude! That shit ish everywheres!"
--
Gippal couldn't have been more pleased with himself if he tried. This was the best idea he had concocted in the longest of times. And he was always spurting off great ideas, so this was definitely one that he was rather proud of. And not only was he proud of his decision but he could also enjoy this idea of his.
"Takeira, it has been quite the pleasure."
Her long lashes batted seductively at him, "The pleasure was all mine, my friend. It has been far too long. So have we come to an agreement, then?"
The blond Machine Faction leader leaned forward, smiling when she didn't flinch away, "I think we have an accord, madam."
Takeira gave him a haughty expression, her hand coming to rest against his tanned cheek, "Now then, I've come to stay with an old friend and I have absolutely nothing to do tonight. Do you know of anything I could do for entertainment?"
Gippal's light green eye shimmered with her allusion, "Why, I do believe I have something that might be quite entertaining for the both of us."
She giggled, "I don't think you're talking about a board game, are you?"
He shook his head slightly, taking her hand into his, "I have never been one to rely on the dry entertainment of childish board games."
The busty strawberry-blonde raised a defined eyebrow, "I vaguely remember such qualities in you when you were just a child. You were always off on some sort of adventure."
Gippal nodded eagerly, "I still like adventures. I just play a little differently now."
Takeira gave him a wry grin, "Well then, I would definitely like to see how."
--
Rikku and Tamai had been able to board at the village inn, taking beds alongside one another.
As soon as Tamai's head had hit the pillow, she had heard the distinct sounds of uneven breathing and snores. She watched him for a while longer, all the while trying to come to terms with the news that Yuna had disclosed to her earlier that day.
She felt guilty. She really did. She hadn't reacted the way Yuna had expected her to. Hell, she had reacted in a way that she hadn't expected either. For how long now had she wished that Tidus and Yuna would just get married already? The two were perfect for each other. They had always been meant to be together. So why had the announcement of her engagement caught her so off guard? And why had the idea of Yuna and Tidus being intimate with one another been yet another shocker to the young Al Bhed? Surely she had expected as much. It wasn't really that shocking now that she had time to reflect on it.
Then why had she become a statue upon hearing the news?
Rikku let out a long exhale as she turned on her side, her back to the slumbering Tamai.
Maybe it was just because it was unfamiliar territory. She had always been the one helping Yuna out, telling her what to expect in certain situations but now…now she was completely helpless. Helplessness didn't suite her at all.
There was no advice she could offer. No dirty little secrets she could divulge in a night of playful banter between her, Yuna, and Lulu. And Paine-- if the anti-social little bitch ever came around to say hi to some people once in a while. 'She's shoved so far up Baralai's ass…can't say that I blame her.'
Rikku covered up to her nose with the blankets, sighing in the sweet smell of tropical flowers and ocean air. It was peaceful here. But such a peaceful surrounding left her to think in the quiet of the night. And thinking was never good when it came to Rikku.
The moon danced in her vision as her mind clouded with memories of her childhood and the main person that filled those memories. As much as she didn't want to fall back into her routine of dreaming of Gippal, she couldn't help it. It was what she did when she couldn't talk to him, or see him. And after their argument, there was no reconciling. The things he had said had been despicable. She would be a fool to ever forgive a man such as him. What she couldn't fathom was his innate need to hurt her. What had she ever done to him?
It hurt to think that she was never going to talk to Gippal again on a personal basis. There had been a time when talking with Gippal had been the main reason for her to live. Now it was her downfall.
She shifted in the rough cot, causing it to squeak under her weight. Rikku's eyes widened at the loudness of the bed in the otherwise silent room. She quickly inhaled a breath and listened.
Tamai choked for a moment before yawning and falling back into an alcohol induced sleep.
The air hissed from her lungs as the tension passed and the world returned to the way it had been. Lonely and depressing. Dull and gray.
These feelings were simply annoying. There was no other way to describe it. Every time she thought she had finally caught up to her emotional roller coaster, it would climb up another set of tracks and follow the upside down loop, tossing her confused body from the cart. It was frustrating.
Before she had thought that it was a hopeless idea to try and save the summoners from their deaths in order to defeat Sin. Now that it was all said and done, this was much more hopeless. As much as she tried she just couldn't seem to shake it off. She was doomed and the only one who knew it was her.
And even if she didn't want to accept it, it wouldn't matter. If she ever wanted to finally settle down with someone they would always be second place, as much as she wished for them to kick the current asshole in first place clear out of her memory banks.
Her long legs stretched as she buried her face further into the pillow, her eyelids sliding shut after much hesitation. This trip was supposed to clear her mind, and instead she was becoming more and more confused.
With the realization that Yuna was engaged to be married, and Wakka and Lulu were happy with one another and raising a child, and somewhere, Paine and Baralai were probably all over each other--it was all just too much. She hadn't found anyone to love on her first journey, and her second journey had led to an emotional ruin as well. When was it going to be her chance to win? When was she going to get those knots in her stomach whenever someone looked her way? When was she going to have the fairy tale first kiss that made the whole world stop? When was she going to have someone to love, and someone to love her in return?
WHEN?
--
"Hey, why don't you stop staring at me, Gippal?"
He was laughing. He was always laughing in her dreams. Much like her real life, always laughing-- and always laughing at her expense.
"How can I not stare? You look ridiculous!"
She crossed her arms, "I don't look ridiculous. Vydran said I look pretty."
He snorted, "If that's what you want to call it. Then fine, you look pretty…pretty scary."
Rikku glared at him, her hands settling onto her hips, "How about you stop makin' fun of me, Patchy the Pirate?"
At that comment he fell deathly silent, "Shut the fuck up."
A smirk curled onto her mouth. Success. Finally she had unnerved him enough that he would leave her alone.
"I don't understand what's so bad about this outfit. I mean…yeah it's a little revealing but Vydran said that it's perfect for the dinner tonight."
Gippal rolled his eye, touching his eye patch absentmindedly, "He's just trying to show you off like some sort of new airship. He wants all eyes to be on you that way it'll be easier to marry you off later."
Rikku rolled her eyes, flipping her blonde pony tail slightly as she did so. Gippal caught sight of the familiar movement and knew all too well what her eyes happened to be doing at that exact moment, "Roll your eyes all you want, but I know what he's doing. Why else would he have you dressed in a dress that slits clear up to the top of your thigh, make it strapless, and your cleavage pushed up?"
She sighed, "He just wants me to feel pretty-"
"Yeah well he's just meatin' up the hook for all the hungry fishies to take a nibble."
He rose to his feet, his back muscles contracting as he did so. Why he was without a shirt she couldn't remember. He had come in that way. All she could remember is that she had seen him with Takeira earlier that day. Perhaps she was the reason for his lack of a shirt?
"Well whatever, don't say I didn't warn ya, kid."
Rikku gave him a push, causing his body to tense, "Like you care. You don't hardly ever talk to me but then as soon as you hear about this you come prancing in here like you own the place. Where do you get off, Gippal?"
His hands were fisting now. Why was he so angry?
"Fine, then. I was just trying to look out for you like a brother should. Your piece of shit brother doesn't give a fuck enough about you to tell you what's going on here. If you were my little sister I wouldn’t let you out the damn door lookin' like that."
"Well thank all the deities you aren't my brother then, eh?" She hissed back, her eyes locking with his one good eye. It was unreadable. Much of the time that's how it was. As much as she tried, she just couldn't seem to decipher what his green orb held within its depths.
He raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smile creeping onto his face, "Yeah, thank them for that."
That was it. She couldn't take his scrutiny anymore, "Just go," She growled, storming to her door and throwing it open.
"Gladly!" He mumbled, stomping past her, "Oh and by the way, if you see Takeira, tell her I need my shirt."
Rikku stared at him in awe, "W-what? Takeira? Why would she have your shirt?"
He leaned in, his face smug. Her cheeks instantly reddened as she recoiled from his invasive gesture, "Just ask her, would ya? Good luck tonight, Cid's girl. You're gonna need it. Don't come cryin' to me if one of those men try and cop a feel. I tried to tell ya."
She slammed the door then. And of course, much to her father's chagrin and Gippal's absolute delight, she had changed and dressed in a more modest evening gown. It had been purple and criss-crossed down her back. There was no slit. There was no cleavage to gawk at. She was simply elegant in a dress that her mother had worn when she had been younger.
No men bothered her. And her father didn't even hardly speak to her for the next few weeks to come. Neither did Gippal. But from what she could remember, every time her eyes happened to meet his, he automatically smiled.
--
She stared sleepily at the window, the sunlight dancing across the surface of the sea, casting bright reflections directly into her light green eyes. It had been a dream. No…a memory. One that she had forgotten on purpose. These little visits to her past were beginning to effect her. All these suppressed memories were suddenly resurfacing and causing her heart to crumble with each smile or word spoken within their confines. It was all still too fresh within her heart. That little episode in particular had happened a few weeks before her fifteenth birthday.
It had also been one of the last times Gippal had actually come to visit her. It was then that he had been preparing to leave for the Crimson Squad. She had been close to embarking on a journey that would forever change her life and the world of Spira. It was then that she realized that she had lost everything with the slam of her door.
The blood curdling sound of the wood slamming against the frame still ran through her ears, reminding her that she had been the one to shut the door. Both physically and figuratively. That night she had shut Gippal out, as well as the rest of the male population.
Rikku sat up and glanced over to Tamai's cot. He was gone. Apparently she had slept longer than expected. She tilted her head, closing her eyes and listening. Off in the distance she could hear Tidus' infectious laughter, joined by Yuna's, Wakka's, and Tamai's. And there was even a slight giggle of amusement that obviously belonged to the stoic Lulu. They were all out and enjoying the day already. Yet again she had been left behind.
Yet again.
--
Notes: Vydran is Al Bhed for Father.