There may be some OOC-ness, but . . don't get too riled about it.

Chapter 10: Hurt(Complications)

It was one of the worst transitions in the world. The feelings of weightlessness, like you were on the air, vanished. And suddenly you were falling. The ethereal liquid state, so otherworldly and beautiful, but with the capacity to be horrific. The feeling that you were so far from the world, only to have reality suddenly appear around you. Just as you began to settle into the mindset that you had no problems, that you had no worries, no obligations, nothing to hold you back. You could finally be at peace, you could finally relax, and let all difficulties melt away. It was suddenly gone. You barely even register it. You're separate from all things, and then you feel your body. Just as you settle into this world . . .

. . . You're awake.

Rikku snorted, Fro! E tuh'd fyhhy fyga ib! Scowling as she opened her spiral eyes, she felt something cool against her arm, and she realized her head was not laying on a pillow . . per say. Blinking as to clear her vision, she yawned and began to focus more on her current environment.

She saw red, a deep, blood red. It clicked that it was the fabric of Paine's shirt. Rikku lifted her head a little. The covers were up to her chin. She ran her emerald gaze upward. Paine was lying on her back, left arm around Rikku. The thief moved very slowly to look over her shoulder.

Her cousin was still asleep, back towards the blonde. Rikku looked nervously back at Paine. She was now biting her lower lip, and wondering whether or not to move to her own bed. Paine would surely understand, seeing as how Yuna would not believe that she had gone to Paine after having a nightmare. As far as the summoner knew, she and Paine still didn't exactly get along. Also, Yuna would normally have been Rikku's first choice after having a nightmare. But then again, these were not normal circumstances.

She silently moaned in confusion and laid her head back down on Paine's chest and burrowed even deeper under the covers against the cold of the cabin, like a soldier digging in for a long battle. She sighed contentedly, feeling much safer now, though she still realized the problem at hand. She just wasn't in the mood to deal with it.

At all.

Her movement stirred Paine. And, while the warrior didn't wake, she did shift, and her arm around Rikku moved as if she was trying to draw her in further. Rikku merely blinked, a soft smile playing at her lips. And Paine always used to drive everyone away . . now look at her! The thought ran through the thief's head with a triumphant air to it.

She slowly moved her left hand to lay flat on Paine's stomach just before closing her eyes. Ironically, they snapped open a mere second later, it seemed, as she heard Yuna begin to wake up. Her spiral eyes moved up to Paine's face as she silently begged the warrior to wake up and think of something. When her tries at telepathic communication utterly failed – with a capital "F", Rikku noted – she screwed her eyes shut and prepared for the worst.

"Rikku?" she heard Yuna mumbled sleepily. This was followed shortly thereafter by, "Rikku?!" the thief noted the hint of worry, and even panic, in her cousin's voice. She heard more movement, presumably as Yuna turned over in her bed. A sharp intake of breath almost made her cringe, but she still pretended to be asleep. She had to almost force herself not to shiver.

"Rikku-" Yuna started again, a sound like desperation, maybe even remorse – something that confused Rikku – in her soft voice.

She was cut off by, "Shut. Up." Rikku's fear melted somewhat at the strong, yet undeniably tired, voice. "I think she's still asleep."

"I thought I-" Yuna started fiercely, an edge to her voice that Rikku had never heard before.

"What did I just say?" Paine asked, irritation evident at the thought of having to repeat herself this early in the morning. Rikku waited for a response, but no such reply came. Instead, she tensed up as she heard Yuna slip out of bed and walk past Paine and Rikku to the bathroom. Once the door had closed, she heard the warrior say, "You know, I know you're awake."

Rikku nodded and looked up, eyes opening slowly, "Ya. I kinda thought so."

"Especially when you tensed up like that." Paine mumbled. She yawned, "Sleep well?" she asked, sounding almost disinterested.

Rikku ignored the tone, "Yes." she sighed. Paine looked down into the thief's eyes and smiled. "What?" Rikku asked, giggling at the smile.

"Your hair." Paine said, trying not to laugh.

"What about it?" Rikku growled apprehensively. Her eyes searched the warrior's in vain.

"It's terrible." Rikku drummed her finger's on Paine's stomach for a moment before biting the warrior's side. Paine hissed, "Fuck!" she gritted her teeth. "You're a little fiend sometimes, you know that?"

"It's one of my better qualities." Rikku murmured, laying her head back down and closing her eyes.

"Don't make me name the bad ones." Paine said irritably, rubbing her side.

"Mm . . you wouldn't dare."

"I really would."

"It would mean trouble for you." Rikku said in a sing-song voice.

Paine scoffed, "Trouble for me, what could-"

"I'll bite you again." Rikku purred, grinning mischievously as the warrior grudgingly relented.

"You're evil." Paine shook her head. "Pure, blonde, airheaded, ev- Hey!" Paine growled a warning as she felt Rikku's teeth gently press to her side in a warning of her own.

"Now I gotcha!" Rikku giggled.

"My bite is far worse than my bark, meddma dreav." Paine said.

Rikku smiled coyly, "Ooh! You've never bitten me before!" she whispered with feigned excitement.

"You have problems." Paine groaned.

"Huh? I thought that was why you wore all that leather." Rikku teased.

Paine cuffed the girl on the back of the head and winced as Rikku bit her again, lighter than before, in retaliation. "When I say 'bite', blondie, I'm being figurative."

Rikku giggled, "I'm not." she said again in her sing-song voice.

Paine held up a hand, "The shower's off." she said. Rikku nodded and slipped out of the covers.

She rubbed her arms and hissed, "That's it! I'm fixing the damn heater today!"

"Better tell Brother first." Paine said, sitting up. "He may not like you messing with his junk."

"You know exactly what I'd-" Rikku was cut off by the bathroom door opening. Yuna stepped out, now in her gunner dress-sphere. She saw Rikku and paused.

"Oh . . good morning."

"Mornin' Yunie!" Rikku chirped. "Any hot water left?" she asked, hopping from foot to foot.

Yuna nodded, "Mm-hm."

Rikku dashed to grab her grid and then raced into the bathroom, desperate to get under the hot spray. The door shut and the two women were left in the cabin. Yuna looked nervously at Paine. She was about to speak when they heard the water turn on, followed by, "Oh, fuck yeah!"

Paine shut her eyes and shook her head, "Now that just sounded wrong." she groaned.

Yuna frowned, "I didn't think you'd be unaccustomed to it."

Paine glared up at Yuna, "I'm not the one with the wild sex drive." she said quietly. She got out of her bed and stretched. Yuna walked briskly over to her and grabbed Paine's arm.

"I thought I told you to keep her out of your bed!" she hissed. She didn't like the way she sounded, and she didn't even completely understand why she was so angry about any of this.

"And I thought I told you – quite clearly, I might add – last night that I didn't give a flying fuck about what you said." Paine growled. She jerked her hand out of the ex-Summoner's grip.

"She's my cou-"

"We went through this last night. And I pray you aren't looking for a rehash."

"Not particularly. I just don't-"

"Give it up already!" Paine said with an exasperated sigh. "You may have beaten Sin, but this is a truly impossible battle that you will not win."

"Have you told her yet?" Yuna asked, backing down a little.

Paine shook her head, "It would just drag her into this shit. And personally I don't want her involved. You're beef is apparently with me! And I think it should stay that way."

Yuna frowned, "Why keep this a secret from her?"

Paine stepped forward, and the ex-Summoner quickly stepped back, "Because I don't want her to actually know her own cousin, her idol, her best friend, is against the relationship she's in!"

Yuna was about to speak when the door to the bathroom opened. Rikku walked out, now in her usual attire, and shivered, "Back into frozen hell." she grumbled. "I wonder if stupid is up yet." she said. Her eyes caught the other two sphere hunters. Both were staring at her. Rikku blinked and started fidgeting, "What?!" she whined.

Paine rolled her eyes, "I'm taking a shower." she said. As she passed Rikku, the Al Bhed murmured, "Have fun." nervously. She cast a glance at Yuna before hurrying for the stairs. Yuna heard the shower kick on, followed quickly by, "Rikku!"

The thief let out a squeak and almost fell down the steps. She reached the lower level of the cabin without injury and raced for the lift. Yuna sighed. Other than the obvious problems between her and Paine, things seemed to be getting back to normal.

She wondered how long that would last.

*******

"Ur hu! Oui'na hud kuehk du tu yhodrehk du so creb!" Brother yelled furiously.

Rikku bristled, "Dra lypeh ec fyo duu lumt! Ev fa cdyo eh drana yhudran hekrd fa'mm vnaawa du taydr!" she whined.

"Pihtma ob." Brother said with a smirk. "Oui'na duu cuvd. Zocd taym fedr ed." he said, sounding very full of himself. Sadly, he really did think he was that wise.

"E's Al Bhed." Rikku growled, keeping her voice steady. "Fa meja uh Bikanel, hud vilgehk Gagazet!" Rikku screeched.

"Aargh!" Brother yelled, covering his ears. "Do not scream like that!" he shrieked.

Rikku's eye twitched, "You are a fucking hypocrite. You just said not to scream, and then you went and screamed yourself!"

"Different! Different!" Brother yelled. "I am captain! You are stupid!" he stepped closer to Rikku. "Do you understand?" he asked slowly.

Rikku glowered at her brother maliciously. An idea popped into her head. It made her want to grin and laugh, but she held herself. She leaned forward too and uttered a single word, "Mutiny."

Brother's eyes shot open, "On other hand go ahead and tinker." he said, stepping away from his sister. "It'll be good practice for you!" he yelled as Rikku skipped out of the bridge.

Buddy shook his head, "You pussy."

"Hyjekydehk!" Brother practically screamed. "She's going to get us killed! One minute, we'll be flying safely, the next, it will be like Sin two years ago!"

"Yeah, only a nice, fiery red." Buddy commented, grinning as he successfully elicited a string of Al Bhed curses from Brother.

*******

"Fuck." Paine muttered, closing both eyes.

Yuna's eye's widened, "Interesting greeting." she noted.

The warrior's left eye opened, her bloody gaze finding Yuna, shimmering with distaste, "You seem to be looking for a fight."

"Not yet." Yuna said. The two were in the engine room. Yuna had decided to leave the warrior alone for a while, but soon felt the need to talk to her again.

Talk . . yeah, right.

"Then what the hell do you want?" Paine asked.

"To talk."

"Ha!" Paine smiled wryly. "More like you wanna bitch about something."

Yuna grimaced, "This is serious."

Paine stepped closer to Yuna, and the ex-Summoner backpedaled, "You don't have to tell me." she growling menacingly.

Yuna's eyes narrowed. She surprised herself, and even surprised Paine, by stepping forward and jabbing the warrior in the shoulder with her index finger, "Well I feel like I do! Because you've ignored pretty much every damn thing I've told you!"

Paine moved even closer, arms falling to her sides, hoping to scare Yuna into backing off, "I have heard you. And I've only ignored your little orders. I don't know where the hell you get off trying to control everyone. Just because you're the High – fucking – Summoner that defeated Sin doesn't mean a damn thing. So I apologize, your highness, if you think I'm just a little out of line!" she growled the last part, leaning closer to Yuna who, surprisingly, didn't budge.

Yuna's jaw clenched, and her hands tightened into fists. She stared into Paine's eyes with loathing and fear as she struggled to stand her ground. The warrior's words hit her hard, but she wasn't about to move. She began to tremble slightly, and the beads of sweat running down her face weren't only from the heat of the room.

"You stay away from her." Yuna whispered furiously.

"Fucking make me!" Paine growled.

Yuna couldn't help but let out a low whimper, "She's my cousin. She's my blood. I love her."

"Not like I do."

"And she has no idea what she's getting into."

"I think she's old enough to make her own decisions."

"You'd only end up hurting her."

"Not on my life!"

"She's my friend."

"Then act like it."

"And I have to protect her."

"How self-righteous of you."

"No matter what."

"Good, because if you keep this up, you're gonna get hurt!"

"I won't let you hurt her."

"You're not needed, Summoner!"

Yuna felt like she was about to cry. Her fingernails were digging sharply into her hands. And the overflowing rage and other mixed emotions felt ready to consume her. As she was about to speak, she heard the door to the engine room open. Paine immediately backed away from Yuna, and the ex-Summoner turned away from the door as she tried to calm down.

Rikku appeared on the tiny balcony, toolbox in hand. She caught sight of the two girls and cocked her head to the side, "What're you two doing?"

"Chatting." Paine said, hiding her bitter edge.

Rikku, trying to keep with the act she thought was still in play, just said, "Must be pretty one-sided if Yunie's tryin' to talk to you."

Paine looked back at the Summoner and nodded, "Yes. It was."

Yuna let out a choked laugh. She turned to her cousin, smiling brightly even though inside she was furious and on the verge of tears. She had perfected this over the course of the pilgrimage. Learning to smile even when she was sad. It hurt, but at times it was necessary.

"It was pretty irritating." she said. "But, I guess I should have expected it. I feel kinda stupid now." Paine had to hide a smirk.

Rikku waved a hand dismissively as she walked down the stairs, "Nah. I've done it myself. It's fruitless," she sat the toolbox down and walked over to Paine, "but the urge to just," she mimed opening Paine's skull, "get there and dig around for secrets," she had to stand on the tips of her toes to stick her finger's into the warrior's hair, "is impossible to resist." she looked at her cousin. "Ya know what I'm sayin'?"

Yuna giggled, despite the situation, "Yes. I guess that's why I tried." she said, clasping her hands in front of her.

Rikku wiggled her fingers in Paine's hair, ignoring the frightening death glare the woman was giving her, "Ooh . . how is your hair still so soft?"

Yuna laughed, "I think she's going to hurt you now."

Rikku shook her head, "Nah. I'll just hit her with a wrench." she said, nodding towards the toolbox.

"More like she'd hit you with one." Yuna said. She shook her head. "Well, I guess I give up. I'm gonna go try and finish that book I was reading." she said. She walked up the short flight of stairs and looked back to see Rikku still playing with Paine's hair before she left.

She sighed as she stepped into the lift. She pressed the button for the cabin and folded her arms over her chest as the lift rose. When it finally opened, she let her arms fall to her sides as she walked up to the second floor of the cabin.

All at once the emotions slammed into her. Like a punch in the gut, Yuna fell onto her bed and started sobbing uncontrollably, her face buried in her pillow. Her fingers gripped the cushion with an iron force as her tears soaked the material.

What is wrong with me? Why do I feel so out of control?!

*******

"Get your hands out of my hair." Paine growled.

Rikku quickly jumped back, "Oopsy." she giggled. "Sorry. I just couldn't resist the urge to play with you hair a bit."

Paine scowled at her, "I'll let it slide."

Rikku jumped and stepped forward, pecking Paine on the lips, "Your an ang-, er, a dark angel." she said. "I am so clever!" she laughed.

"And you look so schizophrenic when you talk to yourself." Paine commented.

Rikku shrugged, "Well, I need to try and find what's wrong with the engine that's makin' the cabin so damn Gagazet . . -y . ." she said, frowning at her failure at coming up with a proper adjective. "What sucks is that it's a tiny part, so I'm gonna have to crawl in there and find it." she sighed. "Sometimes being the ship's only good mechanic is a burden."

"You flatter yourself."

Rikku smiled up at Paine, "You betcha!" she laughed. "Now skedaddle!" she said, spanking the warrior as she went to the engine. Paine's eyes widened for a moment.

"Never do that again." she said, looking back over her shoulder.

Rikku, who was now crouched next to a section of the engine, hung her head and let out an exasperated sigh, "You see?! That's why I need you gone! You're way too distracting!" she whined.

Paine sighed, "I'll hurt you."

"Empty promises! Every time you say that you always wind up letting me down!"

"Vilg, Rikku!" Paine called as she walked up the stairs. "Calm down, dammit!" she yelled. Rikku pouted as she set to work on the engine.

As she pulled off a panel she looked back up at the closing door, "Not until you stop teasin' me like that." she said. "Big, leather meanie."

*******

Yuna had stopped crying, but where the sorrow had poured from her eyes, fury was still coursing through her like a venom. Paine had come into the cabin earlier. She'd come up to the second floor and walked passed Yuna. She'd grabbed her sword and left. Yuna knew that she'd gone to the deck.

Paine thought that she would give up easily. That she would just break down and forget what her cousin and the warrior were doing. Yuna knew that she had to show Paine that she was serious. Even if it meant forcing the warrior. She had to make Paine see that she would not back down until the woman left her cousin, her friend, alone.

On an alien impulse, Yuna sat up shakily and wiped her eyes. She got to her feet slowly and grabbed her belt with her guns on it from her dresser before marching down the stairs and to the lift. As she entered the small space and clipped the two end of the belt around her waist she paused.

What am I doing? What . . am I going to fight Paine over this? She almost laughed at the thought, but the laugh never came. That voice that had at one time in her life been so predominant was now gone. Blanketed by the hateful voice now instructing her.

She reached out tentatively and pressed the button that would take her to the deck. She'd completely forgotten her reluctance to go onto the deck. This was a matter that far exceeded any of her petty fears. As the lift rose, she felt her heart speed up drastically. She had gone on instinct so far, and she hoped that instinct would guide her the rest of the way. Because she truly had no idea what she was doing, or what she would do.

And that, more than anything, that feeling of uncertainty over her own actions, frightened her.

The lift door slid open behind her with a hydraulic hiss, making Yuna flinch. She took a deep breath and turned slowly around. She felt her stomach twist as she stepped into the small room in between the lift and the deck. The lift door slid closed behind her, and Yuna moved forward, the door in front of her opened, and the ex-Summoner stepped out onto the deck.

The harsh sunlight and the high winds were the first things she noticed. She had to shield her eyes for a moment as they adjusted to the light. The feeling of speeding quickly through the air made her stomach turn.

Paine was standing near the end of the deck, her sword in hand. Her right hand was on the hilt, and the tip of the blade was on the metal deck. Paine hung her head for a moment before turning slightly.

"Finally stopped crying?" she asked. "Are you ready to give up?" she asked. Yuna's trembling right hand moved to rest on the cool steel of one of her pistols. Paine saw the movement and rolled her eyes, "You're fucking kidding me, right?"

Yuna took a shuddered breath, "If this is what it takes to show you that I won't back down, then I'll do it." she said, slowly drawing the gun from its holster. She clicked the safety off and gingerly curled her finger around the trigger.

"This seems a little drastic." Paine said. "Shooting me because I fucked your-" Yuna knew that Paine was trying to mess with her, but she couldn't stop herself. She lifted the pistol and pulled the trigger. The gun went off, the sound muffled by the roaring engines. The bullet zipped passed Paine's head. The warrior merely blinked and turned around completely, lifting her sword. "Don't make this mistake." she said.

Yuna shook her head, "You're the one making the mistake." she pulled out her second pistol and pointed them both at Paine. The warrior ducked down as Yuna fired two rounds. Paine moved quickly, rushing Yuna, lifting her sword to block a round. She tried to grab Yuna's wrist, to try and force the gun from her grip.

Yuna spun away, bringing her guns level with Paine. The warrior reacted quickly and met the guns with her sword, keeping the two firearms raised above her head with her blade. Yuna slid the guns off the blade, sending sparks flying as the metal guns raked across the sharp steel sword.

She spun as Paine's blade came down. The warrior jumped to the side as Yuna faced her again, letting three rounds slam into the deck of the Celsius. It was like a dance. Paine taking the defensive as she and Yuna dodged each others' attacks. Yuna would fire and Paine would move out of the way of the bullets to try and get the gunner's pistols from her hands.

At one point, Yuna managed to knock Paine's feet out from under her. The warrior crashed to the deck and her sword slid away. Yuna rose and aimed her guns at either side of Paine's head. Her breathing was labored, she was coated with sweat, and anger and confusion muddled her brain.

She wanted to scare the warrior, so she pulled the triggers of the guns, only to be met with two clicks. Yuna pulled the triggers again, somewhat dumbstruck. Paine took the opportunity to jump to her feet and slap the guns from Yuna's hands. Yuna tried to react, halfheartedly throwing a punch, but Paine deflected the blow and knocked Yuna's feet out from under her.

Yuna landed on her back, now dazed and confused. Paine fell to her knees and grabbed Yuna's wrists, pinning her arms down. The ex-Summoner struggled, but she couldn't overpower the warrior.

"Calm down!" Paine yelled.

Yuna tried again to free herself, but to now avail. She closed her eyes and started shuddering as sobs wracked her body, "I-I don't know what . ." she shook her head.

"Yuna." Paine said slowly. The girl shook her head, "Yuna!" Paine yelled. Yuna flinched and slowly opened her eyes. "What is wrong with you?"

Yuna shook her head slowly, "I . . I don't know . . ." she cried.

Paine's eyes softened, "Yuna, what do you mean?"

Yuna looked up into Paine's eyes. The warrior's anger had faded to be replaced by concern, "I . . I . ." she shook her head. Her frustration now stemmed from the confusion that had spread throughout her. She wasn't sure why she'd attacked Paine. She wasn't even sure why she was so against Paine and Rikku being together.

But as she stared up into Paine's eyes, something clicked. Something from two years ago. A similar feeling of helplessness. Yuna's breathing slowed down as something pieced itself together inside her mind.

Slowly, Yuna lifted her head from the deck. Paine frowned, and though every instinct was telling her to move . . she found herself paralyzed.

Yuna's lips met Paine's with a startling gentleness. Yuna shivered, the feeling was so foreign to her. Only once in her life, and that had been two years ago, had she ever kissed someone. But this wasn't Tidus. This was Paine. The girl she'd felt a strange loathing for ever since she had discovered what she and Rikku had been hiding. And, for some reason, she didn't feel like it was wrong. She welcomed the contact.

Paine watched as if from a distance. Her eyes wide in horror, even as Yuna's eyes closed. Her grip on Yuna's wrists melted to nothing. She struggled to keep herself in her position. Careful not to fall. Once freed, Yuna's right hand moved to cup Paine's cheek. The warrior's jaw clenched as she struggled to form some kind of mental command. As she tried to tell her body to do something.

Finally she managed to break away.

Yuna opened her eyes slowly. She looked up into Paine's eyes again. The crimson gaze that was always so stony or cold was now filled to the brim with fear. Paine quickly pushed herself off the deck and onto her feet. Her whole body was shaking as she looked down at Yuna. She suddenly ran for the lift.

W-What did I j-just do? What the fuck did I just do! She mentally screamed at herself for not moving. For letting Yuna kiss her. She hit the button for the engine room multiple times, praying, screaming for it to move. When it reached the engine, the warrior ran quickly out the door and down the stairs.

Rikku was putting the panel back where it had been. She had engine grease on her clothes, in her hair, and on her skin. She looked up at Paine as the warrior rushed into the room. Her smile faded as she saw the woman's frightened expression.

"Paine?" Rikku asked, standing.

Paine stopped in front of Rikku, breathing heavily, "I need to . . we . . you . ." she groaned and grabbed Rikku's hand, leading her to the lift.

"The tools!" Rikku yelled.

"You can get them later." Paine responded quickly. Once in the lift, Paine pressed the button for the cabin. She kept her back to Rikku, hands gripping the railing tightly.

"Paine?" Rikku asked worriedly. "Painey?" she whimpered. When there was no retaliation at the use of her pet name, she began to get very nervous.

The lift stopped at the cabin, and Paine took Rikku hurriedly up to the second floor, pushing the Al Bhed in front of her as she led her to the bathroom. Once they were both inside, Paine shut the door and locked it. She then leaned her head against the door, searching her mind for some sort of answer to this problem.

"Painey?" Rikku stepped closer to the warrior. "What's wrong?" she asked, gently placing her hand on Paine's shoulder. The warrior flinched.

"I don't know!" Paine snapped. Rikku quickly jumped back.

"I'm sorry." she whimpered, feeling very hurt by Paine's demeanor.

Paine winced at the sound in Rikku's voice and slowly turned around, but she refused to make eye contact with the thief, "Rikku . . I . . I'm not . . I don't know why . ." she slowly looked the girl in the eye. The girl's emerald eyes were filled with loving concern. She was scared. "I'm sorry." Paine breathed. She stepped forward and laid her hands on Rikku's shoulders. Her lips caught the thief's with a passion. Rikku almost seemed to go limp.

Paine slowed down and slowly backed away. Rikku opened her eyes slowly, and watched as Paine reached up with a single hand to unclasp her armored wrap before letting it fall to the floor. The thief stared for a moment as Paine pulled off her gloves before snapping out of her stupor and fumbling to undress herself.

They finished at roughly the same time. And when the last article of clothing had hit the floor, they were at one another. Paine turned and moved them closer to the shower, reaching blindly for the knobs before turning the shower on. She made sure the water wasn't too hot or too cold before she maneuvered the two of them under the spray.

Rikku giggled dementedly, "It took you damn long enough." she moved her lips to Paine's neck and ran her tongue up and down the cool flesh. Paine shuddered at the feelings, but had no qualms about it. "And the shower," she nipped the warrior lightly, "is an added bonus."

Paine rolled her eyes, "The shower is because you're covered in engine grease."

Rikku nipped the warrior a little harder, "I'll bite you."

Paine kissed the girl on the top of her head, at the same time breathing in the scent of her hair, which was not yet wet, "I think I may just welcome that."

Rikku let out a low squeal of laughter, "I knew you were into that."

Paine sighed, "Not since this morning. And I think I'd be better off eating my own words."

Rikku moved to look back up into Paine's eyes, her lips brushing the older girl's chin, "Too much talking." she said, kissing Paine on the lips. She slid her tongue into Paine's mouth, sighing at the contact she'd been almost begging for. She broke away not too much later to take a breath. "You see, there are better uses for your mouth."

Paine's lips twitched into a smile as she ran her eyes down Rikku's body. Beads and rivulets of water ran down her smooth, tanned skin. Paine nodded, "Prove it."

"Of course." Rikku giggled playfully. She lowered her mouth to Paine's breasts. She let the tip of her tongue run teasingly across the surface of the warrior's skin. She moved it in ever shrinking circles, finally reaching the nipple. She licked it once before taking it into her mouth, grazing it a little with her teeth before massaging it with her tongue.

Paine's sighs were drowned out by the running water. For a split second she worried about the water turning cold, but then thought, Why the hell does that matter now? She discarded the trivial worry and focused on what Rikku was doing.

The thief moved her mouth slowly to Paine's other breast. Kissing her way across the warrior's chest. Paine lowered her hands slowly, taking the time, and struggling, to focus on feeling the girl. This kind of contact was still alien for her. But yet, both times now, she'd found herself wanting more of it whenever she had it. She reveled in it. She supposed it was just human nature. The need to be close to someone.

As her hands reached Rikku's hips, she moved her left hand around to the girl's back and then up. She could feel the thief's spine, and the way her muscles moved as she shifted under the warrior's gentle touch. She slowly wrapped that arm around the girl, bringing her a little closer.

Paine's right hand moved down and to the left, her fingers tracing the line of the thief's inner thigh. Rikku shivered when Paine's hand stopped. She looked slowly up into the warrior's crimson eyes and grinned shakily, "D-Don't take your t-time." she stuttered nervously, mostly out of anticipation.

Paine nodded, "No need to worry about that." she still couldn't help but tease the thief a little. Well, until Rikku started to growl and almost bit her left shoulder. Paine slid a single finger in first, still managing to draw a shaky breath from Rikku, who's lips twisted into a smile. Paine drew her finger back out slowly, and joined the first finger with a second as she slid it back in. This time she curled her fingers, and let her thumb play at Rikku's clit. The thief's eyes shut and she let out a low whimper. She lowered her head onto Paine's left shoulder, her left hand gripping Paine's right shoulder, and her right hand gripping Paine's left arm, which was now acting as a support for the blonde.

Paine worked in a third finger a few minutes later. She started to move her fingers in faster and faster, while her thumb worked with Rikku's clit. The thief was moaning now, the sound was shaky, matching the speed and rhythm of Paine's thrusts. An idea, probably the only coherent one, popped into Rikku's head.

Paine suddenly felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, glancing down she saw that Rikku had locked her teeth around her shoulder, "I'll get you for that!" she hissed. She thought she heard something akin to a laugh mixed in with Rikku's moans.

A few minutes later Rikku's released Paine's shoulder with a hoarse yell. The girl's grip on Paine slackened. Paine slowly withdrew her left arm, and Rikku slid to her knees, her arms wrapping feebly around Paine's legs. The girl's breathing was labored. Her eyes were still closed, and a faint smile played at her lips.

"Well?" Paine asked.

Rikku nodded slowly, "Thank-you." she said.

Paine chuckled, her back now against the wall. She ran a hand through her wet hair, "You're gonna have to pay me back for that sooner or later."

Rikku laughed, "Sooner is much better than later." she said, opening her eyes. She let her gaze travel up a little. A sly smile spread across her lips. Still on her knees, she raised up a little, hand moving to grip the side's of Paine's legs. The warrior's eyes widened as Rikku planted a soft kiss on Paine's core.

Rikku had to smile a little at the way Paine shifted. Feeling very nervous herself, she parted her lips and ran her tongue hesitantly up the sensitive line, dragging a shuddered sigh from Paine. Taking a deep breath she let her tongue move into Paine.

The warrior felt like her legs were about to buckle, but she pressed her hands to the wall of the shower, and called upon every ounce of strength she had as not to fall. But it was still difficult. The sheer pleasure that Rikku was bringing her . . she'd never felt anything like it before. She began to breath harder, faster. She tried feebly to grip the wall, her finger curling instinctively to try and grab hold of something to steady herself with.

She clenched her jaw to keep from screaming too loudly when she finally came. Her legs really did give, though. Luckily, Rikku had anticipated this and simply moved back to allow the warrior room. Rikku's eyes widened when she finally took a good look at Paine's shoulder.

"Oops." was the only thing she could say. She gathered Paine into a hug and ran her tongue over the deep bite marks she'd left on the warrior's shoulder.

Paine turned her head to look down at Rikku, "Rikku . ." the Al Bhed looked back up into Paine's eyes. Paine smiled softly and wrapped her arms around the smaller girl. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes, and refused to let Rikku see them.

See, "I," really do, "love you." she said softly. "And I promise you, on my life, that I will never ever hurt you." but she wondered . . why did she have to say it?

Because I want to let Rikku know.

Or am I trying to tell myself that I love her? Am I trying to reassure myself?

As the images of Yuna kissing her, the feeling of it engraved in her memory, played out in her head, she wondered why she needed to reassure herself. Why did she have to be worried?

The fact that she couldn't answer . . frightened her.

End Part 1

Translations

Rikku: Why? I don't wanna wake up!

Brother: Oh no! You're not going to do anything to my ship!

Rikku: The cabin is way too cold! If we stay in there another night we'll freeze to death!

Brother: Bundle up. You're too soft. Just deal with it.

Rikku: I'm Al Bhed. We live on Bikanel, not fucking Gagazet!

Brother: Navigate!

Paine: Fuck, Rikku!