A/N: Okay, so I told you guys I'd write a Yuna x Paine story, so here it is (at least the beginning of it). I think I might post the second chapter, too. This one's kinda sad. By the way, if any of you don't like couples like this, then don't read. Plain and simple. To those of you who are okay with it, please R&R!
Disclaimer: Sadly enough, I don't own any Final Fantasy characters, only this plot.
(PoV - Paine)
I remember it was some time after I had joined the Gullwings when I first found out I'd be working along side Spira's only living high summoner. I wasn't awed or nervous like most people would be. I had figured she was cocky, full of herself, and irritable like most celebrities. When I met her in person, I kept the cold and mysterious act up. Then I found she was nothing like I had expected. She was kind, understanding, and caring. I felt ignorant for thinking such things about Spira's savior.
As time passed, so did my act. I began to be more open around her and trusted her more. Looking back, I've found she was the only one I really trusted. Ever since I was shot in the back by my best friend, it's been hard for anyone to gain my trust.
Today, as I sit and reminisce on all that's happened, I find myself thinking I'm developing more of a feeling than just friendship toward her. Which, I also think, is crazy in itself for one reason.
I had overheard Yuna and Rikku talking once. Yuna had claimed she joined the Gullwings not because she loved to hunt down spheres of Spira's past, but to find a man named "Tidus". I recall Rikku telling me Yuna had been madly in love with him during the time of her pilgrimage. That he was her guardian, her lover, and her friend. I didn't become upset then like I do now. One mention of his name, even if it is implied, and I get mad.
"You shouldn't worry yourself, Paine." Rikku had told me once. "He's been gone for a little over two years, now. There's a strong chance he won't come back."
"There's also that small one to a million chance that he will. Allow me to inform you, Rikku, that I'm not a very lucky person." I replied as she sighed and turned away, walking out of the cabin.
"You still have a chance." She mumbled to where I could still hear her, and then had disappeared from my sight.
I remember that's the day I actually considered myself having any chance at all with her, and this day I've decided to give it a shot.
"Hey, Dr. P!"
I sigh as I set down my empty glass at the bar and Barkeep picks it up and puts it in the wash.
"Ish Mish Paine feeling any besher?" He asks and I nod, turning my attention to the hyper Al Bhed beside me. I cross my arms across my chest and give her an annoyed look.
"What is it, Rikku?"
"Brother wants you on the bridge A.S.A.P!" She replies, bouncing around as usual.
"Ugh... What for?"
"Buddy said he found sphere waves coming from Bevelle!"
"Isn't that a surprise..." I comment in a monotonous voice as Rikku gives me a pleading look.
"Please come with us, Paine! I know you haven't been feeling all that great, but we may haveta go into the Via Infintio. That place gives me the creeps! Besides, Yunie might get hurt if it's just us two..."
I sigh, "Count me in, then."
Rikku gives a excited squeal and bounds off to the elevator, motioning for me to come, as well.
"Give me a minute, will you?"
I hear her groan in protest, but reluctantly she rides the elevator back up to the bridge.
I begin to walk up the stairs leading to our beds, and then walk over to mine, kneeling down and looking under it.
Not there...
I stand and look under Rikku's, then under Yuna's. No sight of it.
Where in Spira's name did I put that- -
"What ares yoo looking for, Mish Paine?" Barkeep asks and I jump slightly, forgetting of his presence.
"Um... You wouldn't have seen my sphere by any chance?"
"Oh, the shphere." He then pulled it out from behind the counter, holding it out to me as I quickly walked down the stairs and took it from him.
I gave him a queer look, "And where might have you found this?"
"Mish Rikku was up here looking around, and I thought yoo might want me too keep it safsh."
I slide the sphere into my jacket pocket and turn away. "Thanks, but leave my stuff alone." I then make my way down to the bridge.
-
"'Bout time you decided to show up, Dr. P!"
Upon exiting the elevator, I sigh in annoyance. "Save yourself some breath and tell me when we're leaving."
"Oh, whenever Yunie's ready." She said, pointing over her shoulder to the young sphere hunter.
Her back was to me and she was looking out the front window of the Celsius, appearing to be in deep thought.
"Yuna," I called, "whenever you're ready."
She faces me, seeming somewhat surprised by my presence, and nods slightly, a small, soft smile playing on her lips.
"Right! Then let's get this show on the road!" Rikku cheered as Yuna and I gave a sigh.
"Alright, girls. Get ready for action." Buddy says as we start off toward Bevelle.
----
About thirty minutes later, we reached the city. Once we landed, a couple of Yevon's high priest monks came out to welcome their high summoner, obviously unaware of Yuna's actual intentions.
"Welcome, Lady Yuna. How are you?" One of them asked as they all bowed to her.
"I'm fine, thank you." She responded, giving the priest a forced smile.
"I'm glad you're feeling well, my lady. Might I ask you why you've chosen to bless Bevelle with your presence once again?"
Rikku rolls her eyes at the man's antics, sighing lightly. I step in front of Yuna and glare at the monk. "She doesn't need to explain herself to you or anyone else. I think you have spoken to her enough."
Yuna sighs, pulls me back slightly, and gives me a small smile. "Let me handle this, Paine." She whispers to me, and I reluctantly obey.
The monk gives me a questioning look, then glances back at Yuna.
"Forgive me, sir. She's slightly protective." I roll my eyes at her comment. "I'm here to pay a visit to the praetor."
"But of course, my lady. Right this way." He then turned and began to escort us to the temple.
Once the other monks were out of sight, I felt a strong grasp on my wrist and I was pulled to the ground in some sort of alley. I soon realized that it was Yuna who pulled Rikku and I off to the side; and that I was on top of her.
I jump up immediately and apologize, offering Yuna my hand as I dumbly stare down at her.
She laid there, a playful smile upon her lips. She quirked an eyebrow, "What's the matter, Paine?"
"Yeah, Dr. P, what's up?" Rikku asked as she herself stood. "One would think you'd like that position you were in."
"45, Rikku. Watch it, and stop calling me 'Dr. P'. I just didn't mean for myself to land on her."
Yuna grabs my hand and I pull her up. She then gets awkwardly close, pressing herself up against me. Her warm breath on my neck being rather arousing.
"I did." I heard her whisper, then she pulled herself away and retreated down the alley. As for myself, I stood there in awe.
Rikku began to giggle as she elbowed me in the side. "Ooooh, Yunie just came onto you."
"40."
"Aww, c'mon." Rikku objected, but soon gave up and followed her cousin, as did I.
Once we caught up with the young high summoner, we were already in the temple. Somehow, Yuna had found a back way in.
"Yuna... How'd you..."
She giggled slightly as I stuttered over my words. "I grew up here. I know almost every short cut and back way in this city."
"Right."
----
"If they catch us wandering around over here after saying we're going to see the praetor," Rikku began. "it's not gonna be pretty."
"Don't worry. I can make up a half ass excuse pretty quick."
Rikku laughs at this, but I cover her mouth with my palm, bringing my index finger up to my lips and shaking my head. She nods and I drop my hand, following behind Yuna, who hadn't said a word for over five minutes.
"Yuna," I whispered, speeding up my pace so that I was walking beside her. "are you alright?"
She looks at me, giving me a reassuring smile and nodding. "Yeah, Paine, I'm fine."
"Just making sure."
We entered the room containing the entrance to the Via Infintio and Rikku coward behind me.
"Why'd we haveta go in here?"
"Because Buddy said the sphere waves were coming from the Via Infintio, Rikku." Yuna said as she sighed.
"When'd he say that?"
"Just shut up and let's go." I say, becoming impatient. I see Yuna smile and my mood becomes less demanding.
Rikku sticks her tongue out at me but nods, glancing at Yuna as she shakes her head.
"You two really haveta stop staring at each other. It's gonna get us killed in here."
"38."
"Hey! No fair! Please tell me how I can earn 'em back. Please, Paine."
I smirk slightly. "Leave us be and shut up until we at least get back to the Celsius."
"Deal!" She says, turning and running into the portal that lead into the Via Infintio.
Well, there it is. I'mma post the second chapter some other time. Too tired to do anything else at the moment (yes, it's a surprise and I know Yunie's laughing her ass off right now, so shut the hell up, lmao). Latz all!
'Rikku.Sehdan.