"I can't believe you did that! How am I supposed to show my face again?" The shrill voice echoed around the large hotel room as she shouted. The man she was yelling at virtually had to cover his ears or risk losing his hearing.

"In my defense, I simply used what you wanted to get you a step closer. Think of it as inspiration for your next album if you have to."

"My next album? I don't think so, Rin. Akane is done. I refuse to produce any more!"

"You can't do that." He replied staying perfectly calm compared to her.

"And give me one good reason why not!" She dared him as her green eyes flashed.

"You are under contract. You owe me two more before you can go alone or quit."

She growled as her hands formed fists at her sides. "You tricked me." She accused as one hand came up to point at him. "You sent him that ticket and told me where to be so that when I looked I would have no choice but to see him."

"You wanted him to hear your words, did you not?" He questioned.

"I did, but like like this!" She paced back and forth before flopping on the bed with her arms spread out. "How am I supposed to face him now? What if he finds out it was me up there?"

"Akane, will you stop being so over dramatic? He does not know anything. You do not have to let him know if you do not want to. I will help you keep your secret."

"Psh..What's on the sphere?" She asked ignoring him. Turning it on, Akane flipped through before a picture of her face caught her attention. "What is this about?" She turned it up to hear better. Rin came over and sat next to her.

"This is the first image we received today from the very first live Akane concert this afternoon. While it was well received, something strange happened at the end of the show that is still being investigated. We have tried to question her manager, but he refused to appear for questioning. Instead we were told to wait for Akane to tell us that answer herself. He then disconnected us leaving us with more questions then we began.

While doctors say that they do not believe it was a medical reason, there is still speculation. While some say that perhaps a ghost may have been at work, others are doubtful. We now have video footage of the event."

A video was shown of Akane singing as she moved about the stage. She reached the chorus the second time before freezing and staring ahead. She took a step back in fear and shock.

Unable to watch any more, Akane turned it off. "How dare they? It was a good good show up to that point. Why can't they just let it go?"

"It will pass in time. They will soon forget this event. Just give them time."Rin advised her.

"Maybe, but how long will that be? I can't wait forever."

"You can, because of who you are. You will find a way to use this to your advantage. That is a skill only you can do. Because you...are Rikku."

--

"Hey, I know you! You're that guy!"

Auron was still at the cafe trying to enjoy his drink, but the second person had just come up to him and accused him of being the person Akane had been staring at.

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you are talking about." he answered. It worked for the last time, it might work again.

"No," The man persisted. "I was sitting right behind you. I saw where she was staring. Do you know her or something?"

"I have never met her before in my life. In fact it was the first time I ever saw her myself. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to enjoy my sake in peace." He took another sip thinking that the matter had been settled. Unfortunately, that was not going to happen.

"Hey everyone, he's here. He's really here. This is the guy Akane was staring at!" He stood up on a chair and pointed him out.

Auron's eyes opened wide in shock. Suddenly herds of people rushed at him trying to get a look at his face. Questions began flying at him before he was forced to duck his head and run from the cafe. He dashed outside and circled around the building hiding in the alley behind it. He stayed there for several moments before peeking out. It seemed as if the way was clear. The mob of people having ran out to try and chase him down.

"If this is how Spira's pop stars live, then I am glad I am not among them." He muttered under his breath. Glancing down the far end of the alley, Auron saw the way was clear. He sneaked his way down in order to try and head back to the hotel room.

He had almost made it when he was spotted again. "Over there! Maybe he can get us Akane pictures!"

With a groan, Auron ran for the safety of the hotel and dove for an elevator just before the doors closed. He hit the back wall and slid to the floor trying to gather himself together.

"Auron? Not used to the fan treatment, are you?" A chuckle from above him drew his attention up. He pulled himself to his feet.

"Rin. Never expected to see you here."

"Well, this is one of the hotels I own in Spira. I was just visiting a friend of mine. She is staying here during the concert." Rin explained before the elevator came to a stop. "This is your floor, is it not?"

"Hmm, I suppose it is." Auron took a step ready to head back to his room before he stopped and turned around. "What did you mean by 'she'?"

Rin laughed again. It was unusual for Auron to question a statement like that. But he was relieved he did. Perhaps he could talk the two into a meeting of sorts. "I did. A young woman really. Would you have time for a meeting?"

"I don't think so, Rin. Thanks for the offer."

Rin frowned as he watched the man walk away. Another chance had been shot. He had to get them together before the man left the city. While he himself would not reveal Akane's secret, he hated to see the girl so miserable. She deserved more. Perhaps it was time to talk to Cid again.

--

Auron slid his card key quickly and entered the room. He saw the two couples laying about seemingly in deep conversation. It stopped as soon as they saw him. With four sets of eyes on him, he began to feel more then a little uncomfortable. He kept the feeling down, as he stared back at each of them before heading off to shower.

"Well, that was awkward." Tidus spoke up after he was gone.

"He looked...almost angry." Yuna added. "Do you think we can do something to help?"

"Don't be thinking that that, ya." Wakka warned her. "I'm not about to get involved. Let him worry about about his own problems. That's they way it's always been."

"But still, we were all sitting here talking about him. It would not be right if we didn't do something." Lulu spoke up. "I for one would like to know what we can do to encourage him."

"No way! Count me out! I'm staying out of it." Wakka protested as he waved his hands in front of him.

Tidus reached over from his place on the couch and half-heartedly smacked him with the back of his hand. "Come on, Wakka. Where's your sense of adventure? Don't you like to live on the edge?"

"Not when it's Auron." He grumbled.

Yuna began giggling as she watched them argue. Lulu was doing the same but used one hand to cover her mouth so Wakka would not see and get more upset. When the two girls looked at one another, they could not keep it in any longer. They both exploded into laughter.

"What's so funny?" Tidus asked as he looked over at them.

"You are." Yuna answered through the fit. At his pouted face, she stood from her seat and bent over him to kiss his head lightly. "You're so cute when you pout." She told him.

By this time Lulu had managed to contain herself and took a deep breath before speaking up. "We still have two more days here. Would anyone like to go out site seeing tonight? I've heard there is a highly recommended restaurant near the docks."

Right away the others agreed. Lulu gave a hidden smile at how well her plan worked. She wanted them to forget about the conflict they had and move on before it became a problem.

"Do you think we should see if Auron would like to come along?" Yuna questioned. She had heard the water turn off and knew he would be coming out soon. She didn't want to upset him in case he was hungry as well. At the group nod, she knocked gently on the door. "Auron, we are all going out for the night. We wanted to know if you were interested in coming with us."

The door opened a crack, but he did not respond. Yuna looked back at the others as she bit her bottom lip. Perhaps he had not heard her. She was about to ask again when his voice drifted out.

"I think I will decline. I have had enough of the city." The door closed again.

Turning on her heel, Yuna addressed the others. "Well then. It looks like it will be only us. Let's go."

There was some clatter as they all gathered their stuff together before the main door of the room closed behind them and there was nothing but silence.

Auron breathed out in relief as he exited the bathroom. Finally for some peace and quiet alone. He had just poured himself a drink and sat down when he heard a knock on the door. He rubbed his temple in aggravation before standing up to answer it.

To say he was shocked when he saw who stood on the other side of the door would have been an understatement. He blinked before rubbing his eyes not sure if they were playing tricks on him or not. The person on the other side giggled lightly.

"You gonna invite me in, or just leave me standing here all night?" She asked as she smiled.

He forced his mouth to work before moved back and waving his hand in a gesture for her to enter. Two guards moved to stand outside the door before he closed it again.

"You know, Rin talks about you a lot." She began to make small talk. "I never knew you were so close."

"He saved my life once." Auron explained.

She scratched her cheek before spinning to face him. "Oh wow. Think you can tell me about it?"

Auron debated to himself. His face was set in a neutral expression, but his mind whirled in so many directions. "If you would like."

The girl smiled and clapped her hands together in excitement. "Great! I can't wait to hear all about it. But...maybe not here." She glanced around the room as if assessing it. She clasped her arms behind her back as if embarrassed by her next thought. "I was wondering if maybe, you wanted...to see Luca with me?"

"Are you asking me on a date?" He asked. Wasn't this supposed to happen the other way around?

"You don't have to think of it like that if you don't wanna." She pouted. "I just thought it would be nice to hang out with the person Rin looks up to so much. He's my manager, and has me pent up on the top floor by myself. It gets so boring all alone. So as soon as I heard there was someone he knew and trusted staying here, I took a chance and escaped." She explained quickly.

"He doesn't know you're gone?" Auron asked flabbergasted.

She hung her head as she tried to look cute. "He will! Eventually."

"When he sees it on the sphere I bet."

She huffed before grabbing his hand and pulling him out. "Just come on. I want to have a little fun before I'm caught!"

And so that is how Auron found himself going out with one pop star named Akane.

--