Well, here it finally is... I'm really sorry I kept you guys waiting for so long!

Chapter 6

"Of course… Come in." Tidus motioned Rikku to sit on the bed and joined her after shutting the door. They simply were like that for a while.

"You've… probably wondered about my friend I told you about." Tidus closed his eyes. So they had finally come to this point, huh?

"Yeah." He turned to look at her again. Her eyes were fixed upon some invisible spot on the wall ahead of her.

"Why do you wanna know?"

Tidus told her.

"I'm constantly afraid of saying the wrong thing, as I don't want to hurt you."

She was silent.

"So you'll hear me as a friend?" Tidus felt a sting in his chest. Well, he did want more than that, but supporting her as a friend was just self-evident to him. Surely she knew that?

"What kind of a question was that? Of course I will, being a friend means to be there for you in hardships as well."

Her face went sad for a brief moment, but it was soon gone. Her lips slightly curved into a smile.

"A friend…yes. Well, then I'll tell you about my past." She looked up a bit, seemingly reminiscing.

"Karip was my childhood friend; we'd known each other ever since I was four. He…was like a brother to me, you know? And when my mum died… Well, don't get me wrong, but my pops and my real brother didn't seem to think about it that much. It was just their way of coping with it, I guess. But I needed to talk about it. And in the end it was always Karip who'd be there for me. …For better for worse, as it were."

She smiled wistfully.

"But there was a problem too, of course. You already know how Yevonites and the Al Bhed typically don't get along with each other. Well, the thing is, that's happening inside tribes as well. Karip, he… came from a family that opposed our summoner policy and partly the use of machina as well. I never really minded, but my pops didn't like the idea of me being with him. His family, on the other hand, was ok with it and I was always welcome there."

Tidus listened intently. He knew there was more to come.

"Things continued like that for many years – I'd secretly spend time with him and his family. But Karip and I…"

A light blush had appeared on her cheeks. Tidus started to feel uneasy.

"Well, he was always like a teacher to me too, as he was older than me. …And a handsome teacher at that. Somehow I just found myself having a deep crush on him. Luckily my feelings were reciprocated, but you must see I was already getting older by then and had started to think my own way. So although I was ever grateful for his efforts of teaching me about life, I wanted to grow independent in that sense."

Rikku sighed heavily and proceeded.

"I told him this when we'd already dated for some time. But he was a strong-minded guy, so we ended up having quite a fierce row. I just ran home in my anger after that."

Tidus could see she had started to tremble.

"But that night…they…There was a bombing incident in the district where he lived. I was in panic when I heard of it, of course, and went there as quickly as I could. But when I finally came there…"

Rikku's voice cracked completely and she waved her arm about while trying hard to explain.

"…His entire family was… there was just so much blood…And they were in such pain before they… before they got their final rest."

She swallowed hard. Tidus carefully put his hand on Rikku's shoulder, wanting to show her he was there, although his own thoughts were in brainstorm at the moment. She nodded shortly, accepting the hand.

"I know they weren't my family, but after spending so much time with them all those years they practically were. And seeing in how much pain Karip was, as he was the only one to survive, was just too much. But he couldn't stay as he could've been killed any minute as well. I know it sounds unreal how they could bomb people for such a thing, but it's been going on for decades now. And it's not just because of the policy. Anyway, there I was, suddenly all alone as he had left and given me some final advice and wisdoms of life."

Rikku closed her eyes in a pained expression and slowly shook her head.

"So I wanted independence and got it. But I made it my new priority one – I had to be strong – both for his sake and my own. And I had to prove myself I could live without retorting to him although I loved him. Time passed, I did become stronger. But by the time that happened I had already given up all hope of ever seeing him again."

Rikku sighed again, but this time it was more like a sound of relief.

"The rest you know. The first and last time I heard about him after the incident was just some months ago, when Yunie brought me the news he had died. I know this might sound horrible, but deep inside I felt relieved as well. I didn't have to live in anxiety and ignorance any more. But I must go and see him in Farplane, to put a proper end to all this. And because Yunie advised me to. I don't want to let her down, since I'm so indebted to her – she always listened to me and supported me. You see… Yunie was the only person I could talk to about Karip. And that's because she has an invaluable quality – she doesn't judge people."

Tidus had a hard time trying to get all the information in his head, but there was yet one thing he needed to know.

"Do you still love him? I mean, I know he's dead, but…"

Rikku chuckled a bit.

"Your question itself is very simple to answer to – yes, I do still love him, Tidus. But in what way? I don't even know myself."

So it wasn't exactly hopeless. But Tidus had to concentrate on Rikku now, she had gone through a lot of pain just by reflecting back on the events.

"Well, I'm really sorry, Rikku. It must've been hard for you."

She turned to look at Tidus and smiled.

"No, it's ok. Time will heal the wound and all that."

"You have a courageous attitude."

"Well, things got a lot easier when I met… you all."

Tidus could sense there was something important in those words.

"Do you think you'll manage in Farplane?"

"I don't know." She shook her head as to show her indecision. "The worst is over, I guess. But I've made up my mind to go in any case."

"Ok. But remember I and Yuna will be there all the time, if it becomes too much to bear."

She eyed Tidus with a rummy look. He feared he had said the wrong thing again, but Rikku soon averted her gaze from him.

"Yeah… I won't forget that all right. ...Well, anyway, thanks for listening to me, Tidus."

"It's really no problem, Rikku. And it was me who put you telling your story, after all."

"All right. Then I guess we should head downstairs, what? Yunie's probably soon ready."

"Yeah, let's go." They left together and met with the others outside. Yuna had already returned and was talking to Auron and Wakka. Tidus joined them.

"Morning Yuna."

She turned to smile at him.

"Good morning, Tidus."

"So how did it go? Though you were successful it seems, judging from your good spirits..?"

"Oh, yes, the negotiations proceeded well. I even got the impression Maester Seymour's plans and methods are partly disapproved among his people as well, so it doesn't make us look that suspicious."

"That surely is good news."

"Yes, well I've been defying people above me, though, so I'm feeling a bit bad."

Tidus could readily imagine she would – thanks to her new guardians she had started to break against certain rules, which wasn't a very admirable quality for summoners. Rejecting Seymour's proposal was probably also due to the pressure they had put on her.

"Don't think about it too much. After all, we aren't the bad guys here, are we?"

"No, I guess not. Thank you, I'll keep it in mind." She smiled again and turned to face the whole of the group.

"As the next thing I had reserved a while from our timetable for a visit to Farplane. Who will be coming?"

Everyone raised their hands except for Auron, which of course Tidus knew why. He declined actively without sounding suspicious.

"I'll pass. There are still a few things I need to take care of."

"Of course. Then the rest of you can follow me and Wakka."

As they walked together to the familiar staircase Tidus felt some butterflies in his stomach. He had already been to Farplane once, so the worst was over. But he could still remember the odd feeling when entering the place – it really was like a whole different world.

"Shall we go, then?" Yuna interrupted Tidus' thoughts as the others nodded. One by one they ventured into the emptiness, finally followed by Tidus.

The surroundings started to change fast, just like they had done then. Millions of different coloured pyreflies danced around them when "the rock", as Tidus called it, appeared beneath them. The group scattered, everyone going to their own corner to pay their respects to dead acquaintances. Tidus, however, had decided to keep his focus on Rikku, so he just remained standing where he was.

He watched intently Rikku's every move. She stood and stared into the emptiness, waiting. Then, gradually, the pyreflies started to dance blissfully, taking on the form of a young man.

He did resemble Tidus – quite frightfully so. His features were different, but otherwise he could have easily been mistaken for Tidus. He also seemed a bit older.

"Karip..." Rikku spoke quietly before lifting a hand to her mouth to suppress a gasp. Tidus could see how Yuna wearily shifted behind her, ready to act if need be.

Trembling Rikku whispered something neither he or Yuna could hear – apparently she was trying to say her last goodbyes. It wasn't before long, however, when she couldn't hold back the tears any more. Despite Yuna's warning gestures Tidus stepped forward, facing the blonde girl.

"Rikku..." He said slowly, reaching his hands out to enclose her in an embrace. But she looked bewilderedly up at him with tears streaming down her face.

"No!" She exclaimed and ran past a confused and hurt Tidus, leaving entire Farplane. He lowered his hands, allowing his fists to bend. Rikku may be a short-tempered girl, but except for snapping at him sometimes she had never expressed Tidus' proximity would have been unwelcome.

"You should go after her, Tidus." Yuna said quietly. Tidus snorted.

"Like hell I will! Clearly she wants me miles away."

"No." She turned to look him in the eyes. "That's just it. She wants you close, but she suspects your honest intentions."

"What?"

"Tidus. I wasn't thinking of revealing this to you, but it appears I must. Rikku likes you just the way you like her."

Tidus' mouth left hanging open.

"How..."

"I just know. Now, go after her. Please." They exchanged looks before he nodded and complied by running after Rikku.

Tidus exited Farplane and looked around the staircase, but the blonde couldn't be seen – let alone anyone else. He could only hope she hadn't went far or done something reckless. Now that he thought of it, the whole situation was all strange and unfamiliar for him. Mostly Rikku was able to get a grip of herself, but now... well, she had lost it completely.

He continued to look around him as he quickly stepped forward. It was still morning, so there weren't too many Guados out either. He couldn't care less, though, as his only interest was to find the Al Bhed girl.

In any case, Yuna's words still lingered in his head. She had said Rikku liked him in the same way he loved her. One part of him kept saying it was impossible, while the other reasoned it made sense. Well, Rikku had been acting strangely lately, there was no denying that. And when had it started? The day he had announced he'd return to Zanarkand? But it had to be love between friends, nothing more, the denial inside Tidus' head continued.

He stopped when he realized where he had got to – he was about to exit Guadosalam. Rikku had to be in the woods, he had already checked every other possibility. He started walking the tree-lined path deeper into the forest. And there, thank God, was Rikku not too far away. Tidus couldn't help but sigh in relief. He had feared she might do something stupid.

"Rikku! Are you ok?" He asked with a raised voice, while approaching her. She gave a start and looked up to reveal her miserable face stained with tears.

"Don't come closer!" Tidus flinched at the hard words. He knew she was very upset at the moment, but it hurt nevertheless. He wasn't going to drop this so easily, however. He took carefully a few steps forward whilst speaking softly.

"Rikku, it's all right. I realize you must have a hard time right now, but I just want to-"

"-comfort a crying girl?" Pain and sarcasm marred the ever so cheerful voice of hers. Tidus continued to advance towards her.

"Look, Rikku, I..." He began, but was cut off again.

"Oh, I know the 'comfort' you showed in Macalania all right!" She replied hotly.

Tidus had never seen her like this. She couldn't keep her voice down any more and tears were seemingly close. And above all, Rikku was – for a reason yet unknown – incredibly angry at him, which hurt.

"Huh?"

"Oh, don't you 'huh' me! Stop pretending you don't know what I'm talking about!"

Tidus in all his honesty didn't know. Rikku saw Tidus' clueless face and left a hurt, ironical laugh.

"...You bastard." Tidus could only watch in horror. Was this even Rikku he was dealing with? He didn't think she would ever have used such words directed to him.

"Did you really think no one noticed your...show? I saw you with Yuna, goddammit..." Her voice broke completely.

Tidus' eyes widened. Macalania. 'Show'. Yuna. Then she could mean nothing less than... He didn't hesitate one moment. He gripped Rikku's wrist, preventing her from going. He didn't even know if he was hurting her, but he couldn't let her go.

"Rikku!" She was fiercely struggling to get loose from Tidus' firm grip.

"Let me go!"

"Rikku, listen to me!" She would probably soon get bruises if she didn't stop fighting. "No, listen to me. I. don't. love. Yuna. I never really have in that sense." Rikku put her free hand to her ear, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Stop it, stop it..."

"No! I need you to listen to me, Rikku. Yes, I was attracted to Yuna, and yes, I did those things with her, but I was blind!" Tidus shook his head and finally let it all out – those thoughts he had even denied himself for so long. "...Rikku, you were always there for me from the very beginning. I was lost and an outcast in Spira, but you continuously helped me out. Not only did you give me support, but you became my first friend here and I didn't even want to go back any more."

Rikku had stop struggling but her eyes were still turned away from his. It didn't matter, though, as long as she was listening.

"And I haven't spoken of anything else besides friendship since Karip was always there. I may have heard your story only today, but I knew your close bond. I'm not talking bad of dead people, but even like that he managed to deprive me the only thing I yet longed for. Your love."

Rikku looked up. And for the first time they held back absolutely nothing – they showed pain, despair, a ray of hope and the affection Tidus had failed to notice all this time. He squeezed Rikku's wrist, easing his grip a bit.

"Do whatever you must, but don't go before you hear what I've got to say." Tidus swallowed hard. It should have been an easy thing to do, but he had never confessed like this before. Well, there's a first time for everything. "...I love you, Rikku. I believe I always have, but I just didn't realize it until recently."

Rikku's mouth opened as if she was about to say something, but it closed again. This was repeated a few times and despite the situation Tidus couldn't prevent his lips from curving upwards, giving him an amused look. Seeing it safe enough, as she didn't seem so angry any more, he commented:

"You're being a fish, Rikku. You'll have to speak up."

She glared at him a few seconds before she started suddenly crying again. But this time she flung herself into Tidus' arms, beating him softly in his chest.

"...I love you too, you silly ass." She said in between sobs. Tidus felt himself become warm inside. He truly hadn't expected to hear those words from her when he had found out his own feelings. He drew back a bit and wiped the tears away from her face. She still managed to look so beautiful.

Tidus stared deep into those spiral green eyes he loved so much before taking the liberty of leaning forward and brushing his lips upon hers. It soon became a heated kiss, which Tidus didn't want it any less to be, though. He wanted to convey all the feelings and thoughts he hadn't been able to put into words. After a while, which seemed peculiarly long, they broke apart to get some air.

Rikku's eyes were sparkling and he knew now his sentiment was returned. Tidus smiled and held out his hand.

"I guess you wouldn't mind a walk with me?"

Rikku took the hand and laughed.

"You read my thoughts there."

They walked a good while talking about everything and nothing. They also discussed the events of the week and the time they had first met. Rikku told she had always been aware of her own feelings, but didn't act because of Yuna and the fear of losing their friendship. But there was yet one thing puzzling Tidus.

"Rikku, that day I told I'd leave Spira... You were just smiling. Why?"

She looked at Tidus.

"It wasn't like I wouldn't have been sad – of course I was. ...But I also knew it was a decision you had been contemplating for quite some time. And that's one thing I admire and love about you Tidus – you know exactly what you want and are ready to fight for it. To be honest, I also believed that even if you had left, you would have come up with a way to return to us. ...To me. That was what I hoped and I still believe in." Tidus smiled back at Rikku's honesty.

Then it dawned upon him.

"Rikku." Tidus began in a serious tone, facing her completely now.

"Tidus?" Rikku asked with a hint of worry in her voice.

"Dryhg oui, Rikku. Vun kejehk sayhehk du so meva rana." (A/N: in Al Bhed: " Thank you, Rikku. For giving meaning to my life here.")

And as a respond Tidus was greeted with the most genuine smile of all.

THE END

Phew! Well, it is finally over, then : ) I guess I could go for a little confession here at the end – this fic was actually a one-shot at first, featuring the first chapter. As people liked it, however, I decided to write some more – and this is the result, which I'm quite satisfied with. I hope my plot wasn't too confusing, I admit the whole story behind Karip and Rikku was very demanding to create. And yes, I know the lines are really sappy at the end, but I hope it didn't disturb you too much. In any case, some final thoughts and feedback are most welcome. A warm thanks to all readers and reviewers ^^

~Rayne