Ok… So I was never the kind of girl who would bow for the leader of the Al Bhed (I know he's my father and all, but he's still scary as hell!) and when he told me I had to start working on something that actually gave me money, I started yelling things that put me on thin ice.
"If you don't get a job I will get one for ya!"
I stared at him like he had two heads. What the hell got into him?! Maybe it's a middle age crisis… Hmm… I wonder.
I started thinking where I could work. Maybe I could do something fun!!! Help Clasko with the chocobos… That would be sooo cool.
"What job would you pick? For me that is…"
"Well you've got some amazing hands…"
Yeah… I could be a masseuse.
"… so I thought something machina related…"
Not a masseuse. I do have some amazing machina skills if I dare say so myself.
"… and although I hate that guy, he's doing something good with that Machine Faction thing…"
What?! Damn… Of all the guys in Spira. Why him? The most arrogant, egotistical, conceited, big headed, cute, funny (sometimes)… I got over him. I mean, we never had anything but he's the only person that can make me uncomfortable. I still don't know why. Who cares anyway!
"…and he called me today. He wanted some capable mechanics."
"I asked what job you would get me. I didn't said I would take it. I'll look for something."
"Rikku!"
Vydran roaring is one of the things that scares me the most. I don't think I ever told this to anyone. Not even Yuna.
"I promise, Vydran. If you want I can talk to Gippal tonight. Just so you feel better."
"Tonight?! Why tonight?"
Oops… I let it slip. I guess the party isn't so secret anymore.
"Me, Paine and Yuna are having a party at the Celsius. Since Brother isn't here…"
I giggled… just a bit, 'cause Vydran over there is fuming.
"Your brother is gonna be very angry wit' ya."
"Vydran… Brother is not going to find out. Is he?"
I raise a brow so he can take the hint. C'mon Vydran, a little help here.
"He's not?"
He didn't take the hint. He's getting old. If he ever heard me say this…
"No, he's not and you're not going to tell him."
"And why is that?"
What a stupid question.
"Because he wouldn't let us do the little party if he knew!"
This is getting frustrating. Very, very frustrating.
"Yeah I know… Okay, I won't tell him but…"
Ha ha… I knew it! With Vydran there is always a 'but'.
"… you have to find a job in one week!"
Oka- What?! My dad's mad!
"A week?! But I have all of Spira to look for a job!"
"A week or there is no party."
"Fine! Bye…"
I storm out. My feet make as much noise as my petite form will let me. I should just jump up and down just to make more noise.
I am so going home.
Only one hour to the party. Oh yeah.
Good thing I have an apartment in Luca. I had absolutely nothing to wear. When I left my father with himself, I headed to Luca and bought some clothes and shoes. I have one thing to say: Shopping alone sucks!
I'm heading to the Celsius, it's in the docks near my humble apartment, so I can prepare the last details.
Almost there. This bag is too heavy. I should have dressed home but clumsy as I am I would probably ruin the dress.
There's already someone there. That's odd. I could swear I got the time right… At least this time.
When I approach I can see that it's a man, and a well built one at that. I get closer and the man turns.
Whyyyyyyyyy?
One hour alone with him? God, do you hate me that much?
"Hey there Cid's Girl!"
"Hi back at ya!"
Smile, don't let him know he bothers you.
"You seem happy."
"It was just that beautiful nickname. You know I hate it. Why do you keep calling me that?"
"I just love the way you frown. It's the cutest frown I have ever seen."
See why I hate him? He can make me blush. Another thing that only he can do. I turn around and continue heading to the Celsius. I hope he didn't see it. Anyway I insert the code and the door opens. I turn around to call him and I'm immediately with my face in his chest.
"G- hmmf."
"Hmm… Cid's Girl. Watch it. No need to throw yourself at me."
I hear him chuckle and that only makes me blush harder.
"S-Sorry."
I whisper that because I can't really trust my voice. My throat has a knot. I told you he could make me uncomfortable!
I rub my nose. That hurts. What the hell does he have there? (Besides a beautifully toned chest that is.)
My hand is still in my nose when he lifts my chin so he can look at my face. He has that damn smile that makes my knees melt.
I brush his hand away with more strength than needed and poke him in the chest. Ha, he's not smiling now!
"What the hell do you have there? I almost broke my nose."
He smirks this time. Raises his right hand and knocks on his chest like it was a damn door.
"Just Gippal, baby."
I roll my eyes, turn around and enter the Celsius.
"C'mon."
I head to the cabin. Gippal is right behind me and looking at everything. I should have known. When a machina is envolved the guy goes crazy.
"You can look around if you want. The engine is in the first floor."
A glint appeared in his eyes and he disappeared into the elevator.
"You're welcome!"
That was kinda rude. It's Gippal. I shouldn't expect more.
I head upstairs and sit on what was my bed. I better get the last things done before people start arriving.
After ten minutes, everything's in place and ready. Now I just have to get dressed and everything's done.
I start taking my shirt and skirt off when I hear the door open. Oh no. Where's the dress? There… Ha ha. Damn I have to take off my bra. Quick Rikku. He's in the stairs.
"Cid's Girl?"
I finally put the dress on. Pfeew. That was close. I never dressed so quickly!
"Ri-Rikku?"
"Yes, Gippal?"
"Why is your dress open?"
I smack my forehead turn around so that I'm facing him and he laughs.
"I was trying to cover myself before you got upstairs. I covered the essential I guess."
He laughs even more. This guy is pissing me off not to mention my damn blush.
"You could have told me to wait downstairs."
Why didn't I think of that?
I sigh. He starts moving closer. He's serious, no smile is present on his beautiful face. He grabs my bare shoulders and I gasp. His skin is hot against mine and I stiffen. He turns me around and puts his right hand on the zipper in the small of my back and the left hand on my neck. I'm glad he can't see my face, it's as red as it can get. His right hand starts moving up and the sound of the zipper never reaches my ears as his left hand continues to grab my neck. His hand isn't really caressing me. It's just… there.
"There. Just the shoes now, Cid's Girl."
"Thanks."
I turn around without looking at him and sit on the bed.
He sits in front of me and I bet he's looking at everything I do.
"Cid's Girl, are you going to wear those 12 cm heels?"
"Yeah. Why?"
I raise a brow at him. Where is this going?
"I didn't bring any potions with me so I can't help the people you fall on or yourself when you sprain your ankles, kid."
What the hell?! Who does he thinks he is?! My face must be so horrible. The total hate I'm putting into it isn't healthy.
"I'm tired of this!!! Who the hell do you think you are and why doesn't anyone take me like the woman I am? I'm not a kid anymore and I'm not Cid's Girl. I'm Rikku. Rikku! I can make decisions on my own. I can be whatever I want. I don't need people like you ruining my day!"
My outbust was unexpected. Even by me. What did that had to do with anything? But his face is priceless. He's with his mouth open like something wants to come out and his eye is wide. I put the shoes on, get up, head to the stairs when someone presses the call button from outside.
Thank God.
He starts calling me but I just ignore it and head to the door.
"Yunie, Tidus!!! I'm so happy you're here."
I hug them with as much strength as I can muster, without killing them of course.
"I… can't… breath, Rikku!"
"Sorry Yunie. Go in."
"So Rikku how's it goin'? We haven't spoken much since… I got back."
"Right now, not so good Tidus."
"Is anything wrong?"
"Go in and find out."
"There's no need for that. I'm right here."
I freeze and the look in Yuna's an Tidus' face isn't helping. They're wide eyed looking back and forth between me and Gippal.
"I'm leaving."
My heart clenches at the hurt in his voice.
He passes through me, Yuna and Tidus and heads outside.
"What did you do?"
Who? Little old me? I just let him have it. Although he did nothing to deserve that little outburst.
"Go get him."
"But Yuna-"
"Go get him!!!"
I stare wide eyed at Yuna but do as she says. I start to head out as slowly as I can.
"Faster Rikku."
I swear that works better than a whip. I walk faster.
When I reach the docks I can't see him. How fast can he walk? I start running and looking for him. The streets are crowded by now. How am I supposed to find him?
"Gippal!"
Half of Luca is looking at me. Then an idea hits me!
"Has anyone seen the Machine Faction leader?"
No one answers and I get desperate. So many people and no one sees him? Is that even possible?
"He was heading to the stadium."
I don't even say thanks. I just bolt out of there. I hit lot's of people and mutter a sorry. I don't think they even hear it.
I'm in front of the stadium now and he's not here.
"Gippal…"
I whisper. I can't give up or Yuna will kill me. If Gippal isn't with me when I get back I'm gonna get hit. A lot!
I raise my head and look around. I finally see him!!!
"I found you!!!"
I start running towards him. I hit more people, but this time I don't say anything I just run and bump. I hit a man, stumble and next thing I know I'm in the ground. There goes my beautiful ankle. I get up or at least try. My ankle and knees hurt so much. My dress is ruined and I'm amazed that I actually ran all this way with these heels. I finally get up and try to walk as best as I can to where I last saw him. At this rate I will never get to him.
"Gippal!"
I continue screaming until I hear people utter things like 'Watch it!' or 'Hey!'.
"Gippal!"
I finally see him and lean against the wall for support.
"What now?!"
He snaps. I kinda deserve that but I still sigh in relief.
"I'm sorry."
It's better to cut to the chase. He just looks at me up and down.
"You're a mess."
What? I say I'm sorry and he says I'm a mess? I should just call him as many names as I can. But I have to remember Yuna and the ways she will torture me.
"Please, come back."
Beg Rikku, beg. Your life is in danger.
"I'm not wanted there."
You are. Just not by me… at least not much anyway.
"Yes you are. There's Paine, Nooj and Baralai. They've probably arrived by now."
"What about you?"
I frown. I'm confused. I'm not there yet. I left to chase you down. Hi hi hi. That was a funny joke… it wasn't? Hmmf… You suck.
"What about me?"
"Do you want me there?
I gasp. Is he a mind reader? Gippal a mind reader. Now there was a serious problem. He could hear what I think when he's around. That toned chest and the way his muscles contract everytime he works shirtless… I'm blushing again!
"I… Gippal…"
"Yes or no?"
"Does it matter?"
That's it. Act cool.
"Yes."
That was unexpected!
Do I want him there? Let's see. I've known him since I can remember. Everything he does pisses me of. He teases me. He's gorgeous and smart and that's very difficult to find. He makes me uncomfortable. My stomach suddenly has butterflies whenever he's around. That's a strange feeling. And when he touches me… I almost melt. I've felt some of these things before, with Tidus. But this is Gippal for God's sake. Gippal. If I'm falling or have already fallen for womanizer Gippal a lot of pain is coming my way.
"Yes. I want you there."
Where did that come from? I wasn't going to say that. Well, what's done is done.
If he's happy with my answer he doesn't show it. I frown. He should be happy.
"Let's go then."
Jesus… Any emotion in your face would be good. Even if it was anger. I just want to get up and punch him in the head. Of course for that I had to be able to, at least, walk… Without falling back again!
"Uhh… Gippal?"
"Yeah, Cid's Girl?"
"Can you help me? I fell. My knees are a bloody mess, literally, and… and I… sprainedmyankle."
He just stares at me and offers me a hand. I take it… Bad idea. Pain shoots up my leg when I support my weight with my ankle. I wince and he grabs my soulders.
"Nice job you did with yourself. C'mon. I'll carry you."
"What?! No, that's fine. I can walk I just need a little help."
"What you need is a potion and, as I told ya, I don't have one! I'll carry you to the Celsius and I'll let Yuna take care of you."
"O- Okay. Thanks."
"You're welcome, Cid's Girl."
I was getting quite mad at that 'Cid's Girl' sh-… Thing!
"Gippal…"
"Yeah, kid?"
"Before we go can I ask you something?"
"Shoot it."
"Call me Rikku. I'm tired of those nicknames."
"I can get you new ones if these ones are getting you bored."
Ahhhhhhhhhh… Did he even hear me? I hate him… At least I would like to think so.
"No! Just… Just call me Rikku."
Zen Rikku, Zen. Breathe.
"Okay… Rikku."
"Was that hard?"
He didn't answer. He lifted me up and started carrying me back to the ship. The silence was weird. We were never the type to be quiet when around each other.
"So… How's the Machine Faction going?"
Oh yeah, I could ask about the job Vydran told me about.
"We're a little short on mechanics but I already called your dad today so he can help with that."
"I know…"
He looked down at me in his arms and raised a brow.
"…He wants me to help you there. I'm pretty good with machina and you need experienced mechanics so…"
He smirked. His first smirk since my outburst. Awwwwww… So sweet! Who's the… man?! Not me.
"You're gonna take the job? If you want it I can give it to you right now."
"I don't know. I want something fun."
"And working with machina isn't fun? Are you an Al Bhed? That's like genetically written on us!"
I laughed and a few moments later he joined me. I missed this 'things' between us. This episodes. When we were kids it was like this everyday. He was laughing so much he started letting me slip from his arms.
"Gip- Gippal, I'm… sliiiiiiiiiihihihihiping!"
"The ground is as far as you'll go!"
Because that was so damn stupid we laughed even more. I was panting by the time we stopped laughing and Gippal was jumping so I would return to the right place in his arms.
"I missed this."
I whispered it but I guess he heard me since he chuckled and then answered.
"Yeah, me too."
He was so warm. I snuggled closer and my injuries didn't matter so much anymore. This is what confuses me about Gippal. When he's not being a total jerk, he's the sweetest guy I know. I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face in his neck. I sniffed.
"What? Do I smell bad?"
His voice had a bit of mock worry.
No you don't smell bad. It's exactly the opposite.
"No. You smell like… like…"
He stopped and pulled his head away so he could look at my face.
"You're blushing."
I what?! I can't believe this. I didn't even notice it. He sure did though. When he leaned down and his nose touched mine, I closed my eyes and exhaled as softly as I could. Pure torture. But I never felt his lips touch mine. We stayed with our mouths millimetres away, breathing the same air and panting as if we had been running. My heart started beating faster and I could feel his do the exact same thing. It was here, in this moment, that I knew that I had already fallen for Gippal. I open my eyes and look him in the eye. I see desire (For me, just for me.) and whimper.
He straightened and began walking again. I hugged his neck harder, buried my face in his neck again and his grip became stronger on my left shoulder and thigh.
"We're here."
I raised my head and looked at the Celsius.
"Thanks. Gippal… I…"
This was an awkward moment. Never thought I would lose my amazing speech capacity with Gippal. What was I gonna say anyway?
He stood there waiting for me to continue when something stung my neck and his eyes widened.
"Ow… What the hell?"
I brought my hand to my neck and… Why do I have feathers in my neck?
"Rikku… Oh God!"
Suddenly I'm not feeling so good. I'm getting numb, everywhere! I better tell him.
"Gippal… I… don't… feel… so good."
"Shhh Rikku. Don't talk."
He grunts suddenly and I can see feathers on his neck too.
"Fuck! We have to get in, quickly."
He starts to run but falls down. Everything turns black.
Author's Note: Thanks SilentFall for remembering me the name of the Cabin. Thanks 2hot41guy I'm really glad you liked it. The feather are explained below. Thanks elegant-lil-lady. I'll try to update as fast as I can. Oh, one more thing. I'm thinking about a not so happy ending. What do you think? Good or Bad ending? Maybe Both?
The feathers are from some type of sleeping dart. Like so: http:// images.jupiterimages. com/common/ detail/34/53/ 23115334.jpg (Just remember to delete the spaces.)