Well, this is the last chapter. Sorry it's rushed, but I've lost the thread for it. The characterisation isn't great either, because I haven't played the game in ages. I did originally do some extensive research on Gippal's 'illness', but if it doesn't seem believable, feel free to think of a more suitable one when reading. I just wanted to do a short story where Gippal isn't happy-go-lucky, and that's why I started this. I probably won't be doing the stories I mentioned when writing 'Word's left unspoken' unless I really get back into Final Fantasy X-2, but if I did I would write another idea I have first, called Shadows, where Gippal realises he's slowly losing his sight, and how he copes with it. But my main goal is to complete my Shadow Hearts and Final Fantasy IX fic.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the last chapter!

Purpose

She didn't even hesitate before grinning and taking my hand, her teasing smile in place.

'You really are here to see the stars.'

'Just be quiet and humour me.' I said lightly. She grinned, standing beside me and looking up.

'They are pretty out here.' She said finally. 'So much clearer. Do you think the fayth can see us too?'

I quickly glanced at her, seeing if she was making fun. She was looking up, her face honest as she gazed up in wonder at the stars, their light reflected in her spiral eyes.

'I'm not sure, part of me hopes not. I must look like an idiot to them.'

'I don't think so. I think they'd admire you for being so strong.'

I scoffed at that, giving her a disbelieving look.

'Me? Strong? Rikku, you're the strongest person I know. You've saved the world twice, you've kept me sane all these years…and you never doubt yourself, ever. You're amazing.'

It took me about five seconds to realise how corny I sounded, and hoped my face wasn't as red as Rikku's. She ducked her head a little, then punched me in the arm, making me wince.

'Well, of course I'm great! But you're strong too Gippal. I don't suffer from manic depression, but I can see how hard it is on you. The fact you're still you, and you didn't have a complete breakdown like Mura, proves that.'

'She's better now.' I burst out, my fists tightening, clutching her hand harder. 'She's normal, and I don't understand it. How did she get better?'

I guess we all have those moments when we need a jolt back to reality. I'd always expected mine to involve physical violence…not that I was complaining when Rikku gave me a slow but light kiss on the lips.

'Gippal,' she whispered, her voice a little husky, 'She didn't get better, she just accepted it, and she learnt how to cope. Before she focused on other people being the problem or rescuing her. I can help, but it's you who needs the will to fight.' She leaned in closer again, her face exploding into a cheeky grin as she bopped my nose with her finger. 'And you have that.'

'I do, but…Rikku, are you sure about this? I can't ask you to be here for me when we could end up like Mura and Akio.

The whack on the head I got was less nice then the kiss earlier.

'Cdibet! (Stupid!) Do you really think I care about that? It's who you are Gippal, I've always known that. I like you, even when you can't like yourself. So shut up about it and kiss me!'

My purpose, my non colour. For so long I've told myself we could be nothing more than be friends, that it was unfair to expect more. But here she is, hitting me (a lot), and demanding I face the truth of who I really am. She accepts a side of me no one else can, because I've never let them see it. So who am I to deny this? Maybe this will make us both happy. Maybe I'm her non colour too.

'Of course, Princess.' I whisper, cupping her cheek and leaning down. She grinned before our lips met, and I closed my eyes to fully enjoy the moment.

Oh yes, I had found my non colour, my purpose. And I was never letting her go.

Unfortunately, oxygen became an issue. I pulled away, giving her one last tender kiss, before lifting my head away, but keeping her in my embrace. After all, we were on a snow covered mountain, and in that outfit, she must be freezing!

I felt her snuggle up to my chest, her head turning to face the mountain edge.

'Gippal, look!'

I turned my gaze from her to what she was pointing at, and laughed.

'And on the occasions when we begin to lose hope…that's when we see a shooting star. A shooting star is them rushing down to help us, to give us a new form of hope. Do you understand?'

It was beautiful, a brilliant ball of light streaking across the sky. My new form of hope; my chance at this life.

'Thank you, Rikku.' I whispered, not taking my eyes off the shooting star. I felt her tighten her arms around me.

'Anytime Gippal. Anytime.'

A cheesy ending, maybe, but I always planned to end it there. The rest can be imagined (which is what I tend to do in my stories, I don't like perfectly rounded off endings). Sorry for the long time it took to finish it, you're all great to put up with it!