BUMP IT - ERYKAH BADU
You know I love it when they play my beat real loud
Because it moves the band and then it moves the crowd
Rikku sat alone in a reclusive corner, while the rest of the party was wild. She swilled the tropical punch in her glass, then downed the whole lot.
"What's up, Cid's girl? Aren't you enjoying the party?"
Gippal grinned down at her. She didn't return the smile and his face fell.
"What's wrong?"
She sighed. She didn't know either.
"I don't know. I just feel… unsettled. I feel lifeless."
He frowned, and kneeled down so that they were eye level.
"You, lifeless? Rikku, you're the most vibrant person I know."
She smiled sadly at him.
"That's nice of you to say, Gippal."
He reached out, as if to grab her shoulder reassuringly, but he hesitated and pulled away. He'd never seen her so forlorn, not since her sudran died.
"Rikku…"
She took his hand in hers and smiled brightly. It made him feel worse, it was so false.
"Don't worry, Gippal, I feel like this every now and then. I'll be better soon. Maybe a few days. Go enjoy the party."
He didn't want to let go of her hand, but if he held it any longer, she might suspect how he felt about her. She'd always be someone special to him, the one girl he truly loved. He felt awful, not being able to make her smile, make her smile for real.
"Thankyou everyone, for coming out today. But it's not fair that I get all the attention," said Yuna. She stood in front of the band, holding a microphone.
Paine smirked next to her. "Damn straight."
The crowd laughed and a few people raised their glasses.
"Paine helped us unite Spira, and so did my cousin."
Brother swelled importantly behind her, holding a red electric guitar.
"So come up her, Rikku."
Gippal couldn't help smiling at how Brother sighed and shook his head. He turned to Rikku behind him, whose eyes had lit up.
Yuna smiled. "This is your song, Rikku."
She grinned, a genuine grin, and hopped up to join her cousin on stage.
"Paine has to sing too!" cried Rikku, grabbing the silver-haired warrior before she could escape.
"I hate you, Rikku," said Paine, but she was smiling.
Gippal was mesmerised as he watched the trio sing together, and Rikku seemed alive again. The drums echoed loudly with the rest of the band in a strong crescendo. The crowd screamed and cheered. Rikku's eyes were bright with joy as her hips swung hypnotically with the music. She caught his eye and winked.
She was alive again and that was enough to make Gippal smile.