"Give me back my point of view 'cause I just can't think for you. I can hardly hear you say ' what should I do?' Well you choose. Oh look what you've done, you've made a fool of everyone. Oh well it seems like such fun until you lose what you had won." – Jet, Look What You've Done
"If you only knew how many times I counted all the words that went wrong. If you only knew how I refuse to let you go even when you're gone."- Shinedown, If You Only Knew
***********
"You seriously are gonna bet THAT?"
"What, you think longer?"
"Hell nah, I say this weekend."
"Oh c'mon now, I doubt that. He doesn't seem to have it in him."
"Oh please, looking like that? He definitely has the odds favoring him."
"He doesn't want to overstep any boundaries though."
"He doesn't, but who says she won't? You've seen how she dresses. She's just asking for it."
The other men chuckled, "Just one false move and you'll get an eye full."
One man actually seemed to drool at that point, "I try not to stare but it's so damn hard."
"Yeah and I'm sure your wife appreciates your efforts to not be a total perv."
The balding Al Bhed glared at him, "Sarah doesn't even notice. She hates her."
The other middle-aged Al Bhed smirked, "So that gives you a right to lust after her when she's not looking?"
"Like you don't."
"I'm not married."
"It doesn't make you any less of a pervert, Roji."
Roji rolled his olive green eyes, stroking his goatee, "I'm just…admiring a beautiful piece of art."
The bald Al Bhed snorted, "What do you think Gauz, appreciator of art or dirty perv?"
Gauz, the youngest out of the group, nearly Gippal's age, probably a year or two older, laughed, "I think you're all dirty pervs. But I s'pose that makes me one too. So when we gonna get this bet finished? What do you say, Irkah?"
Irkah, the balding Al Bhed, sighed and thought about his decision thoroughly, "Well…I say by the end of next week."
Roji dropped in a piece of money, "I saw by the end of the month."
Gauz thought for a moment before raising an eyebrow and his index finger, "I say that if he hasn't banged her by the time they get back, that I'll have her fucked by the end of the week."
"You haven't even talked to her," Irkah breathed, trying to suppress his need to laugh hysterically at the youngest man's declaration.
"That doesn't mean that I won't when she gets back. I've just been buying my time. Studying her."
"Stalking," Roji offered.
"STUDYING. NOW, can we get this bet going?"
"Alright so the pot is up to 300 gil and a bottle of sake," Roji hummed happily, scrapping up the donations and putting them into a box, snapping a lock over it to keep the contents secure until the winner had been crowned.
"Well then, it's settled. I'm so gonna win. If not the bet, at least the girl," Gauz said happily, taking a long drink of his tea.
Roji and Irkah glanced at one another and then shrugged, "We'll see."
Gauz's metallic green eyes glinted with excitement, "I can hardly wait."
************
Where she got the gumption, he would never fully know, or understand, for that matter. She always worked in a way that seemed foreign to him. It was why he had distanced himself from her initially.
Things had suddenly changed once Takeira had started taking an interest to him. Cid's girl had seemed to change over night. It was odd. It still confused him. She and Takeira had always been friends but almost as if overnight their friendship had ended and a new rivalry had been forged.
At one point Gippal had actually witnessed the two attempt a battle royal against each other, Cid's kid brandishing some sort of knifed-glove type deal, and Takeira flailing around a spear. It had been frightening to say the least. The person he had been afraid for the most had been Takeira. Cid's girl seemed like she knew how to handle her mighty mitt. And, which was more likely to occur, Cid's kid was extremely clumsy and likely to kill a friend before she would a foe, simply by pure lack of coordination.
If he hadn't been insanely pissed at her, he would have found this particular memory to be humorous. However the only expression that made its way onto Gippal's young face was that of a scowl. And a particularly nasty one. Thankfully it was the weekend and he didn't have to put up with his workers until Monday. Two days to get over his anger. Easily done. It would be easy to forget all about Cid's girl and her vehement tongue. Gippal had been feeling a little homesick and a visit from an old friend might do him some good. So with a slightly happier outlook, Gippal flopped down in front of the Sphere Center and connected to Bikanel's sphere screen.
"Hello?"
Gippal nodded at Cid, "Ahhh Cid, it's been too long since we've last spoken."
Cid's face seemed to fall upon recognizing Gippal as the sender of the transmission. What had Rikku done now?! "Um…is this a hospitable call or should I start clenching my teeth now?"
The young Al Bhed shook his head, trying to hide his disdain for Cid's girl at the present time, "No, no. It's purely hospitable."
The life seemed to be breathed into Cid once again as he relaxed and even threw Gippal a sloppy smile, "Excellent. What can I do fer ya, Gip?"
Gippal leaned back in the office chair, lacing his fingers together methodically, "I was wondering if you could tell me the whereabouts of an old friend."
Cid raised an eyebrow with the request but nodded his consent to help him in any way.
************
Upon her return to Besaid there were no crowds littering the beach. No reunion of lovers that had been long separated. No smiles. No cries of excitement. Nothing. And it was nice. She felt like she could just be herself here. Rikku had always felt that way with Yuna and Tidus. And Wakka and Lulu eventually. It had taken some time but during Yuna's patronage she had managed to befriend the black mage and stalky blitzer, much to his original disdain.
"Oh I get to see the baby!"
Tamai raised an eyebrow, helping her down from the ship, "Baby?"
"Wakka and Lulu's son! I bet he's so big now!"
"Wakka and Lulu?"
Rikku smiled at Tamai as he caught her, letting out a little 'meep' as the air dissipated from her lungs for a moment.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to knock the air outta ya," Tamai breathed, setting her down on the ground gently.
For some reason, Rikku felt herself becoming increasingly self-conscious around him. It had all started that morning, after her blow up with Gippal. It was then that she really began to notice just how blue his eyes were. It was then that she began to notice the nice shade of brown that his hair was. It was then that she began to notice just how built the man was. It was then that she began to notice everything. Almost like he had suddenly been put in high definition for her viewing pleasure. And what got her going about Tamai was his personality. She had yet to see any character flaw. He was doting and respectful, and he was fun to be around. He was the complete package deal. Something she should have been looking for since the very beginning.
She thought she had found it once, but it had quickly vanished, being replaced instead with a brotherly bond with Tidus. Sure, she had harbored intimate feelings towards the bubbly blond blitzer, but upon seeing his love for Yuna, and her feelings returned, Rikku quickly backed off, wishing nothing but the best of wishes for the two lovers. And after their journey together, and their journey to return him back to Spira, was when she had realized that Tidus wasn't the one she was supposed to be with. He was like her in a guy's body. It would never work. And she was happy for that. It had worked out for her cousin and close friend. There was no better result she could have wished for. It was perfect.
"This is nice; I've never been to Besaid before."
"Really? Well I guess it is kinda outta the way," Rikku commented, hoisting her backpack onto her shoulders, falling into step alongside the tall Tamai.
"I haven't been many places, really. Just Luca, Mi'Hen, and Djose. Oh and to the Moonflow once."
Rikku stared at him with utter disbelief. Perhaps she had taken her ability to travel all over Spira on separate occasions for granted, "Really? You've never been anywhere else?"
Tamai laughed a bit uncomfortably, "Sheesh make me feel like I've lived a sheltered life or something. I just have always been working."
"Since you were born?!"
The half Al Bhed laughed at her lack of foresight, "No Rikku, since I was a pre-teen."
"Where did you grow up?"
"Luca."
She smiled at the thought of possibly running into him at some point during her journeys, "What did you do?"
"Well I mostly just helped work on machina. But in my spare time I was blitzing."
Rikku cocked an eyebrow in response, "You play blitzball?"
Immediately Tamai's eyes began to sparkle at the mere thought of playing the sport, "Oh yeah. I wanted to be a part of the Al Bhed team but when Sin came I was forced to join a machina assembly squad."
She frowned, "In Luca?"
The older of the two nodded, "Not everything in Luca is all glitz and glamour. Behind the reporters, blitzers, and singers there's a lot going on. It usually all takes place at night, though."
Something about the sour look on his face made her skin turn cold. What was there in Luca that made him so bitter? This was the first time she had ever seen the man in such a disposition. And it didn't suit him. It was a look that Gippal had mastered but Tamai shouldn't ever have such a demeanor. He had experienced something that had left him mentally scarred.
'I'll remember that.'
"Well the important thing is that you get to see some of Spira now. If we ever break away from the hell hole known as the Machine Faction we can try and go sight seeing, would you like that?"
Tamai's face instantly sobered and the smile fell back into its normal spot on his face, "I would love it."
Rikku winked at him as they approached the village, "Doesn't take long to get here does it?"
Her friend shook his head, "Not at all. It's rather peaceful."
"Tell that to Tidus. He falls down this hill most of the time."
Tamai chuckled, "Clumsy is he?"
"Definitely. Which I find to be surprising because he was the star player for the Zanarkand Abes."
She watched as Tamai came to a stop, staring at her incredulously, "The Abes? There isn't a team for Zanarkand."
"I know that. Pre-war Zanarkand."
Tamai smacked his forehead, letting out a muffled groan of confusion, "Pardon?"
Rikku tapped the side of her temple as she tried to think of a way to explain it, "Well um…just know that he was the star player for his old blitzball team and that you should probably be ready to brush up on your ball skills because Wakka, Tidus, and the Aurochs are going to bombard you."
That made him nervous. This brought a mischievous grin to her face. It was strange but his look of helplessness she found to be attractive. Maybe this was all she had needed after all. Since her arrival to Djose she had been completely wrapped up in all things Gippal, regardless of how much it had sickened her. But now that she had a break from Djose and the prick she could completely focus on her friends and relaxing. Who knew after one week of work that she would need a vacation as much as she did right now?
"Wow, welcome back stranger."
The Al Bhed's froze, unaware that they were being watched, "Um…"
From behind one of the old Yevon statues appeared Wakka, jogging up with a huge smile.
Rikku couldn't help but smile, "Wakka! Hiya!"
The blitzer made a fist and pounded it against his chest softly, "Well if it isn't my favorite Al Bhed. What brings you to Besaid?"
"Do I need a reason to come and visit?" Rikku asked, quickly remembering that Yuna had been a little more than secretive about her reason for summoning Rikku back to the island. Perhaps she was the only one who knew about the transmission. Until it was clear that the others were in on it as well, she was going to keep her mouth shut.
Wakka shrugged, glancing over at Tamai. Suddenly his face fell and his fingers twitched at his sides, "Holy shit you got married, ya?"
Rikku's eyes rounded before she quickly shook her head and arms simultaneously, "No, no, noooooononoonoonooo. This is Tamai. He's a friend from Djose. He works for Gippal too. He's never been able to see Besaid so I thought it would be nice of me to bring him for a visit."
The red-headed blitzer flipped his long piece of hair back, smirking at Tamai. It was then that Rikku realized that the two were the same height, which was rare. Wakka typically towered over most men. Poor Tidus was a good head or two shorter than the former guardian and proud father.
"Hmmm, well good. Who knows if he's good for ya. He looks kinda thin to be suitable for you."
"Tidus is thin."
"Tidus is also thin because of his blitzing forte and his fighting style."
"I play blitzball as well."
Wakka was stopped short of his destruction of Tamai's appearance when the quiet Al Bhed finally opened his mouth, "And I work on machina all day. I don't really have time to pig out."
The islander raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest, "A blitzer, ya? Well I sure hope you don't mind but you're going to play a game with us later, got it?"
Tamai blinked stupidly, "But I-"
"Just do it!" Rikku whispered hurriedly, smiling guiltily at Wakka.
"I can take anything you have to throw at me."
Wakka gave a curt nod before turning on his heels, motioning for them to follow them, "Yuna was helping Lulu watch the baby. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."
Rikku was practically dancing in step next to Tamai as they headed for the village.
"You handled that pretty well. Wakka can be pretty intimidating."
Tamai warmly smiled down at her, "It's nothing. I'm used to people trying to intimidate me. Besides, I have to impress your friends, right?"
The pesky thief could only smirk.
************
She was even prettier than he remembered.
"I didn't think you would come. It was such a sudden request. You came quickly. Did you have a safe journey?"
Flipping her reddish-blonde hair over her shoulders, she simply gave him a dark smirk, "I don't look like I'm hurt, do I?"
His mouth automatically parted into an interested smile, "I suppose not. So how has life been?"
"Boring. Nothing at all to do," She whined, fluttering her long lashes at him.
He knew what she was doing. She knew what he was doing. And neither seemed to mind. It was what they had needed. A change in pace. What a better way than this?
"So are you going to take me to dinner to catch up or what?"
Gippal mockingly gave her a bow, "I do apologize my dear lady. Where are my manners? You must be famished. Come, let us go to Luca and dine. We'll take my hover."
Delighted dark green eyes swirled at him, the lightning from the temple catching them just right, "I take that you have a business proposition for me?"
'A lot more than that.' Gippal thought hungrily, taking a good look at her slender body, "In good time. Dinner first. Then we'll talk business."
She pulled her long hair from her face, flipping it behind her shoulders, "Yes. Let's go then. We have a lot of catching up to do. You sure have changed since the last time I have looked upon your face."
"A lot of things have changed since the last time you saw me, Takeira."
Takeira smiled at him mysteriously, "I would definitely like to know."
Gippal held out his arm for her to take, "All in good time. Tell me; are you any good at filing?"
************
Rikku didn't want to let her cousin go. She was even more stunning now that she was in person. Time had made Yuna's memory a little hazy and distorted. But upon seeing her again she realized why Gippal always made comments about her cousin's figure.
"You sure have gotten thinner, Rikku."
"Yeah, thanks Ti. Like I haven't noticed."
The blond blitzer gave her his goofy grin, laughing slightly, "Just saying."
Yuna shook her head, "No, she's perfect. Was it easy enough to get here? I didn't think you would be here so soon!"
Rikku shrugged, "Don't you know that I can't stay away whenever you call for me?"
The former summoner smiled softly, "Of course. I assume you are tired. Would you like to rest?"
"No, we're fine, aren't we Tamai?"
The half Al Bhed nodded eagerly, staying close to Rikku.
Yuna raised an eyebrow at Rikku, and then turned to Tamai, holding out her hand, "Tamai was it? Nice to meet you, I'm Yuna, Rikku's cousin."
"The summoner who defeated Sin and saved Spira a second time from Vegnagun. It is truly an honor to meet you," Tamai whispered, kissing Yuna's hand.
The blonde Al Bhed woman beside him simply beamed at Yuna as her cousin turned a shade of red. She was never any good with compliments.
"So how do you know Rikku?"
"Um I'm her partner at work. Gippal paired us up together to assemble his 'Monster Machina', or whatever the hell he calls it."
Yuna giggled, "He's a bit eccentric."
"Let's not talk about Gippal anymore. I left to get away from him, not to talk about him. Now Yuna…" Rikku began, throwing her cousin a curious look, "Can we talk?"
Yuna let out a quick 'oh' as Rikku dragged her cousin away from the group, leaving an animatedly talking Tidus and Tamai to better acquaint themselves with each other.
Once they were safely away from the others, Rikku held onto Yuna's shoulders for dear life, eagerness seeping from her pores, "Well, what's happened? You two seem to be better than ever. What's the deal?"
The brunette couldn't help as a sloppy, yet completely beautiful smile filled her face, "Well I wanted to tell everyone at once but I think you should know ahead of time. You're my cousin, after all."
"Yeah, yeah, get to the point, I'm about to pass out with excitement here, Yunie!"
This caused the former summoner to giggle for a moment before nodding, "Of course. Well it happened the night before I sent you the sphere transmission-"
Rikku waited, growling with frustration, "Um hello? Info please!"
"He did something."
"Well what the hell did the idiot do?!" Rikku exclaimed, shaking her cousin slightly.
Yuna threw up her left hand and fiddled her ring finger in front of Rikku's eyes, the blue diamond ring sparkling with a vengeance.
"Rikku, I'm engaged!"
Alright so probably not that big of a surprise but I wanted it to be different. Most fanfics already have them married and all that jazz. I wanted it to be more of a edging into that field for Tuna. Lol. Hope you liked it. Nothing too exciting. Next chapter will have more and will be posted within the next couple of days. =)
Much love,
~Nikki~
