Disclaimer:FFX, FFX-2 – neither of them belong to me, I'm just a poor, starving fan : )

A/N: Thanks to everyone who has been so patient waiting for this chapter. It gave me a lot of trouble - I'm still not completely happy with it - but at least it's finally done. And (hopefully) from now on it will be plain-sailing, as I know exactly what is going to happen in the next few chapters. I promise it gets more exciting ; ) And coming up next chapter ... the long-awaited wedding!

Our Story

Chapter Nine: Gippal

Just lately, my whole life seems to revolve around 'father' issues. First there was my own dad and his death when I was still just a kid, then the whole business with Lreav turned out to be fuelled by his ma and da's separation and now Cid looks like he wants to castrate me for daring to touch his precious daughter.

Talk about a passion killer.

I guess I should have excepted it. Cid and I do not have a happy relationship. You know how everyone goes through those rebellious teenage years where they act like a complete idiot and do dangerous stuff regardless of the consequences? Well, Cid had a ringside seat for mylittle trip through puberty and by his reaction to the news about me and Rikku, I'm pretty sure he hasn't forgotten.

Either that or it was just a typical overprotective father routine – but something tells me my first guess might be more accurate. Maybe it was the red face. Or the yelling. Or the fact that Cid's fingers were twitching and he was eyeing my neck in a really unsettling way. I'm not kidding when I say I think he might have strangled me if Rikku hadn't been there. Me and Cid … well there're a lot of reason why I bailed out of Bikanel Island and into the Crimson Squad and avoiding Rikku's dad for the rest of my life was pretty high on that list.

And it was a tactic that had been working pretty well until Rikku's damn cousin decided that she just hadto use Djose Temple as her base for the wedding. Don't get me wrong; I've got nothing against Yuna. She's a nice enough girl – a bit serious and 'destiny-bound' maybe – but nice enough. It's her 'retinue' that I object to. Bride, bridesmaid's, family… I can't turn around recently without running into an excited girl jabbering on about 'flowers' or 'dresses' or 'rings'. Even Paine – stoic, reliable Paine – has been corrupted by the unstoppable force that is Yuna and Tidus' wedding. I swear yesterday, I heard her giggle.We're not talking her usual deep laugh, I mean I full blown, girly, high-pitched giggle. Part of me never wants to hear it again, but the other part of me wishes I'd had a recording sphere handy. Paine giggling would make excellent blackmail material.

"Gippal?"

So, there was one salvation amongst the madness. Rikku had been noticeably happier since the arrival of her family, even with the argument with Cid. That's not saying I don't think she was unhappy with just me and the Machine Faction, but Yuna and Paine are her best friends and … well to be honest, I'm not sure I completely get the whole female-bonding thing. I mean, Baralai and Nooj are my best friends, but I don't feel the need to throw my arms around them whenever I see them. That would just be … well weird.

"Gippal!"

I looked up from the report I hadn't been reading as the object of my wandering thoughts suddenly bounced into the room. "Look! Look at me!" She danced across to my desk and twirled in place. "Isn't it pretty?"

Now I'm not exactly an expert on women's clothing, but the dress that Rikku was wearing … wow. It was made of this shiny, dark blue material that seemed to cling all of her curves. It was weird; I'm used to seeing Rikku in a lot less clothing than the bridesmaid's dress, but somehow I'd never fancied her as much as I did now. Her hair was up in some kind of fancy, twisted style and there were all of these curly bits hanging down by her face. She looked older than normal. She looked sexy. She looked gorgeous. Next time I saw Yuna I was going to thank her.

Rikku started pouting when I didn't reply. "You don't like it?" she asked in a wheedling tone, twisting some more. The dress flared up at the bottom and from my seated position I had to fight the urge to look up her skirt.

"Yeah – yeah it's nice."

"Nice?" I knew instantly from her tone that I'd missed the mark. "Do you not see this dress here? It's a bit more than 'nice'." She twisted again, looking down at herself. I watched her hips move back and forth, back and forth. It was strangely hypnotic – and kinda hard to ignored when they were right in front of my face. "I was going for more of an 'amazing'."

"Okay, it's amazin'." I was still watching her hips.

Rikku stopped twisting. "You're just saying that 'cos you know I want you to."

I looked up at her and grinned. "Maybe."

She hit me on the shoulder. "I wanna know what you really think."

I rolled my eye. "Rikku, it's a dress. It's blue and shiny. What more do you want me to say?"

Her eyes grew huge and pleading. I swear I saw her lower lip wobble. "Don't you think I look pretty?" She twisted her body provocatively, her eyes never leaving mine.

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest. "You know you do."

"Doesn't mean I don't want to hear it …" Rikku sashayed closer, her hips swinging. I did not want to know where she had learned to move like that – not that I was going to complain or anything.

"Why don't you go find Yuna then? I'm sure she'll satisfy your need." It was hard to maintain a nonchalant tone in the face of Rikku's hips.

"What if it's not Yuna I want to hear it from?" She was right in front of me now. There was no mistaking the mischief in her eyes.

I shrugged. "Then you'll have to find someone else. Paine, Lulu – hey, what about Brother? I'm sure he'd oblige."

I caught a flash of irritation in Rikku's face and grinned inwardly. She hid it well but I knew my obstinacy was getting to her. Looks like I was going to win this time.

Of course, I hadn't banked on Rikku changing the rules. Instead of replying, she leaned down and pressed her lips against mine. Instantly all coherent thought fled out of my mind. All I could focus on were the feeling of her hair tickling the sides of my face and her soft lips on mine. The rest of Spira faded away as I reached out to deepen the kiss.

In the next instant I felt myself falling forward. My hands lunged out, catching my weight against the seat of the chair. I looked up in protest and found Rikku watching me, one eyebrow raised, her tongue moistening her lips. "I think there was something you're supposed to say first."

Damn me, she was good. My eyes followed the path of her tongue helplessly and I could think of nothing else but the need to feel her lips against mine again. I had to get that sensation back – even if it meant sacrificing my pride. I mean, what's pride worth, anyway?

"You're beautiful," I told her distractedly, barely noticing how her face lit up with a mixture of triumph and genuine pleasure at my words. "Dress or no dress. You're always beautiful."

This time when she kissed me, it wasn't just part of a game. It was honest, it was real and oh sweet Spira it was good. It wasn't like Rikku was the first girl I'd ever kissed – or the tenth, or even the twentieth – but man, she was the best. Hands down, no debate … kissing Rikku was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. It wasn't something I could explain – it just kinda was.

Was this what it felt like to be in love with someone?

I barely had a chance to concentrate on that rather groundbreaking thought. Somehow Rikku had ended up in my lap and she was doing some very interesting things with her hands. I thought I'd better return the favour, so I wrapped my arms around her, touching the expanse of warm skin that the dress left bare. As I ran my hands up and down Rikku's back, she leaned into my touch and made these cute little noises of pleasure.

It was only when my hands became a little too adventurous for my own good, and began heading south, that Rikku broke the kiss. She reached behind her and pulled my hands away. I grinned at her shamelessly, excepting a clever remark in return, but instead Rikku looked vaguely unsettled. She started to slide off my lap and only the strength of my grip kept her from moving away from me entirely.

I frowned at her. "What's wrong?"

"Gippal, just let me go. Please."

"No." I lifted her bodily off the ground and back onto my lap. There was nothing she could do against my greater strength. "Not 'til you tell me what's upset you."

She wouldn't meet my gaze. "It's nothing."

"C'mon, Rikku! It's obvious more than nothin' to get you all bothered like this."

When it was clear I wasn't going to let this go, Rikku gave up and sagged against my grip. She was silent for a moment, staring at her hands where they rested in her lap. When she finally did raise her head, she looked off to the right rather than directly at me.

"You're really experienced, aren't you?"

Five words, and suddenly I understood completely. And with the understanding came to sudden urge to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Of course, Rikku would never forgive me for that – this was obviously very important to her, even though to me, it wasn't even an issue. It'd never even crossed my mind.

I studied my girlfriend's tight face. Sometimes I forgot how young Rikku still was. Not that I'm ancient or anything – I mean, I'm only a year older than her – but in terms of relationship experience I'm playing in the major leagues while she's still trying to compile a team.

In that moment I resolved never to let Rikku know how many girlfriends I'd had. It didn't have anything to do with my relationship with her and if she did know, she'd only feel more inadequate. As much as honesty is supposed to be important between couples, I'm not suicidal.

Not that I was going to tell an outright lie, either. "More than you, I guess."

Rikku's unhappy expression didn't clear. "Then you must think I'm just a stupid kid, who doesn't know how to – who won't let you –"

Time to cut this off before it could even begin. "Rikku, I think you wearing that dress is proof enough that you're not a kid."

"Oh, enough about the dress! I don't care about the stupid dress anymore!"

Okay – obviously humour was not the way to go. Then how to give this enough gravity without sounding like I was giving one of Baralai's boring speeches …?

"Rikku," I tried again, "I don't think you're a stupid kid." Something in my tone had caught her attention and she watched me unblinkingly. I knew I'd have to be careful about what I said next. Rikku's got one hell of a fiery temper and I didn't want to upset her. I cast about for the right words. "What I do think … what I do think is that you're clever and sneaky and the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen."

"Woman?" She savoured the word.

"Unless there's somethin' important you've been meaning to tell me." I reached up and brushed one of the loose strands of hair back behind her ear. Her expression was clearing but something in her green eyes told me she still needed reassurance. Ruefully I thought that right now it might not be so bad to have Baralai's oratory abilities.

"Look, Rikku … I'm not gonna deny that I've had girlfriends before you. It would be kinda stupid as I'm pretty sure you're da's already filled you in on that score. But you've gotta understand that I'm not lookin' for anythin' from you that you're not ready to give. I mean, when you are ready, I'll welcome it with open arms, yeah? But 'til then – we'll I'm with you because of you. Not because of that … you know?"

I hoped she knew. Because I'd kind of run out of words and painful silences – not a big fan.

Luckily, liked I'd said, Rikku's a pretty smart girl so she managed to make some sense out of my ramblings. And apparently I managed to say the right thing, because the uncertainty faded out of her face and she began to smile again.

"Do you mean that?" she asked quietly.

"Nah, I just thought I'd say it to embarrass myself."

She hit me on the shoulder again and suddenly everything was back to normal. I pretended to wince to hide the fact that my girlfriend had a surprisingly strong punch. All that saving the world business had obviously worked wonders for her strength. I was gonna have one mean bruise on my shoulder tomorrow.

Rikku slid off my lap. "Well, as much as I'd like to hang around here all day, listening to you say nice things about me, I'd better get back before Yuna starts worrying that I've run off with her dress."

"Which, basically, you did."

"Well, yeah, but –" Rikku stuck her tongue out at me. "Stop confusing me. I'm going now."

"Okay."

"Really."

"Go on then."

"I will."

"I'll see you later."

"If you're lucky." With a toss of her hair, Rikku flounced across the room towards the door. She was about the leave the room when I called her name.

"Rikku?"

She looked back over her shoulder, dress shimmering and gold tendrils framing her slender face.

"The dress looks amazing."

Her smile lit up the room. "I know. I just wanted you to say it, that's all."

I couldn't concentrate on my reports after that. Every time I tried to focus on the printed words, an image of Rikku in that dress filled my mind and I had to suppress the urge to track my girlfriend down and continue what we'd started. After all, I hadpromised that we'd go at whatever speed she was comfortable with. So what if it was a lot slower than I was used to? This was Rikku and I'd meant what I said. I was with her for her – not for well, the other thing.

Problem was, the thoughts about Rikku in that dress invariably led to ones about Rikku in a lot less – which of course, led straight back to that other thing.

Sex.

I slammed the report down on my desk and pushed my chair backwards. I had to get some air; banish the semi-naked Rikku's that kept parading themselves through my head. A brisk walk around the temple would help, or maybe I could go and see how Freelan and Avrin were getting on with Experiment R …

First, of course, there was the obligatory 'dodging of the bridal party'.

In the corridor outside of my room, I looked both ways to check the way was clear. I was in luck; the hallway was empty of people and although I could hear voices coming from the direction of the dormitories, they were speaking Al Bhed, which probably meant they were some of my people. While they might have questions about Machine Faction business, at least they wouldn't want my opinion on what tablecloths to use for the reception.

I crept along the corridor, keeping close to the wall. Crossing the first intersection successfully, I took the hallway that would lead out towards the entrance hall of the temple. There were a few tense moments when I heard footsteps approaching along the corridor, but they faded away again before I was forced to throw myself into a nearby room to keep out of sight.

Feeling like a naughty child trying to avoid his parents, I darted out into the entrance hall, looking back over my shoulder to make sure that no one was following me. Unfortunately, I'd momentarily forgotten that Al Bhed don't posses eyes in the back of their heads and I walked straight into something hard and unbending. As I stumbled and fought to keep my balance, I wondered at just how distracted I'd been recently. Since when had there been a wall bisecting the entrance hall?

"Gippal!"

The surprise of my voice being yelled so loudly, so close to my face, tipped me over the edge. I lost my footing completely and fell backwards onto the floor with a flurry of curses. As I gazed blearily up at the murals on the high ceiling, a round, red face rudely interrupted my view.

"I've been lookin' for you, boy."

Life, I decided, has a distinct sense of humour. And an ironic one. Out of all the people I could have literally run into it had to be the man who probably hated me most in Spira. And who also happened to be the father of my girlfriend – but hey, maybe he'd got over that by now and the anger in his voice was all about the hate.

"Cid," I returned with as much dignity as I could manage, seeing as how I was lying on the floor and he was towering over me like a bristling Behemoth. I flashed him a bright smile and rolled over carefully before climbing to my feet. "How've you been?"

"I wanna word with you. In private."

Oh that did notsound good. Suddenly I longed to be with Yuna, discussing tablecloths.

"Well, as much as I'd love to spend the rest of the day catchin' up on old times, I've actually got a load of work to do so –" I stepped around him and headed from the entrance of the temple.

He caught me by the shoulders. "I aint done with you yet."

I opened my mouth to tell him where he could shove his request but as the words were forming in my mouth, an instant voice in the back of my mind reminded me that Cid was Rikku's father. He was someone I was going to be seeing a lot more of if Rikku and I stayed together. Maybe I would be a good idea to try and get on with him.

Sometimes I really hated that little voice.

So I bit back a sarcastic reply and although I shrugged his hands off my shoulders, my voice was civil. "What'd'ya want?"

"Rikku."

One word, so many connotations. I guess imaging that he'd accepted me and Rikku as a couple was a little optimistic …

I couldn't help asking, "What about Rikku?"

Cid gave me a look that suggested he thought I was as intelligent as that scummy black liquid that leaks out of a piece of machina when it overheats. It's a special look he reserves only for me.

"Outside."

Great, we had progressed to the monosyllables. I almost preferred the yelling.

Cid jerked his chin in the direction of the temple's entrance and then stomped off towards the doors. I was forced to trail after him like a scolded kid. Pulling a face at Cid's back made me feel marginally better as we stepped out into the bright sunlight. I hope Rikku appreciated the sacrifices I was making in the name of our relationship.

The area outside of the temple was scattered with Al Bhed. Several of them glanced up as Cid and I passed. Avrin was among them and after seeing the expression on Cid's face, he gave me a pitying look. I responded with a lofty wave of my hand that didn't fool anyone for a second. You'd've had to be blind, dumb and deaf, not to know what the deal was between me and Cid.

Across the rough ground and onto the bridge. I wondered if Cid was intending to walk all the way to Luca. If he was he was going it alone – there is a limit to the things I am willing to do to appease Rikku's dad.

As if he had overheard my thoughts, Cid stopped abruptly. We were half way across the bridge and though I couldn't see why this expanse of wood was any more special than the bit three metres away, Cid seemed satisfied. At least, he folded his arms across his chest and turned to face me.

"Sit."

Okay, you know that limit I was talking about? I'd just reached it. What did he think I was, a trained Dingo? So, "I think I'll stand," I said coolly.

Cid sniffed. "Suit yourself." He leaned back against the rail off the bridge, arranging his impressive bulk comfortably. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, feeling even more like the naughty child who'd been caught doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing.

Silence hung between us. My nose began to itch. I rocked backwards and forwards on the balls of my feet. I cleared my throat, sneaking a look at Cid from out of the corner of my eye. For a loud, yelling guy, he sure was being quiet.

"So … Rikku," I stated when I could stand it no longer.

"Rikku," Cid agreed.

There was another pause. I was growing more and more unsettled. Where was the big explosion? Or was this just some kind of weird psychological warfare that Cid was employing to catch my off guard? My estimation of the man's intelligence rose several notches.

Whatever he was playing at, I was going to keep me cool. "You wanted to talk about her," I reminded him. He was getting old – maybe he'd forgotten. "And you've got me out here, away from pryin' ears – " Where no one can hear me scream " – So talk."

"Stop seein' her."

After all that build-up, his first demand was almost a letdown. 'Stop seeing Rikku' – talk about predictable.

And I could be just as predictable. So, "No."

Something flashed through Cid's eyes; too quickly for me to identify it. Whatever it was, he didn't seem surprised by my answer. "Last chance. Stop seein' her."

Was there an echo in here? "No," I repeated firmly.

The hint of a smile appeared on Cid's lips but there was nothing friendly about it. "Then I guess I'll have to tell her about what you got up to back on old Bikanel."

I should have expected it – after all, it was the major leverage that Cid had against me. Yet once again, Cid had managed to surprise me. I was beginning to realise there was much more to Rikku's father than an overbearing man with a loud voice.

Still, I wasn't going to give anything away. "How do you know I haven't already told her?"

" 'Cause she wouldn't be with you if you had."

Dammit, he was right. But what could I … ? Deflection, of course. Distract him. Turn the tables. Time to go on the attack.

I took an aggressive stance. "What's this reallyabout Cid? Not ready to let Rikku go yet, is that it? This has nothin' to do with me – I could be anyone and you'd still be reactin' in the same way. So stop pretendin' this is all about your grudge against me and admit that you're just a selfish old man who doesn't want to see his daughter happy!"

"You aint good enough for her!" Cid shot back, two bright spots of colour appearing on his cheeks.

"Is anyone?" I countered.

Cid glared at me. I reminded myself that I was the leader of the Machine Faction and I had powerful friends. If Cid killed me, revenge would be had. Unless of course, he hid the body and no one knew what he'd done …

"You're gonna upset her, and hurt her, and – and throw her away like a rusted piece of machina!" Cid roared, pushing away from the side of the bridge and meeting me toe to toe. "I know your type!"

All lingering thoughts of trying to reconcile with Rikku's dad flew out of my mind. "My type?"

"Reckless, idiotic, only out for yourself! You don't see women as people – you see them as things you can use!"

I shook my head in disgust. "You think you know me so well."

"You've done it before."

"For Spira's sake, I was a kid!" I shouted, patience gone. "Are you gonna hold that against me for the rest of my life?"

"When it comes to my daughter? Hell, yeah!"

"Um … excuse me?"

Cid and I turned in unison. Freelan, who had approached unnoticed, gulped and took a step backwards beneath our duel gazes.

"Freelan." What was he doing here? More importantly, how much had he heard?

"I'm – I'm sorry to interrupt, sir," the young Al Bhed stammered, looking horribly embarrassed. He wouldn't meet my eye.

"What is it?" I prompted shortly.

"There's a call for you. On the CommSphere. It's from Bikanel Island."

I frowned. "Did Nhadala say what she wanted?"

"It wasn't Nhadala, sir."

"Treilad then."

"No, sir. It was Elhandra."

Elhandra? Before I could process this surprising information, Cid spoke up.

"Take a message."

Even with everything that was going on, there was no way I was going to let that slide. "Unless somethin' changed in the last five seconds, I'm still the leader here. Which means I make the decision, got it?" I poked him in the chest for emphasis.

"Don't push me boy."

"Then keep the hell outta my business." I was talking about more than just the Machine Faction. I turned back to Freelan, who was looking between us with rapt fascination and not a little fear. "Tell her I'll be right there."

Cid stepped forward. "Take a message," he ordered. "We aint finished here."

"Oh what? You gonna yell at me some more? Threaten to tell Rikku all my dark little secrets?"

"I don't make threats, boy."

"Well I hate to spoil your fun – no actually, I don't hate it, it gives me endless pleasure – but whatever you think you've got over me is gonna become obsolete." I paused, partly for dramatic impact and partly because I had the feeling I was about to do something really stupid. "I'mgonna tell Rikku."

Cid stared at me. He looked surprised and a little disappointed. I really had spoiled his fun. "Right now?"

"Yeah. Right now." Before he could say anything else, I turned on my heel and strode confidently off towards the temple. As I passed Freelan, I said, "Tell Lhan I'm sorry but I've got somethin' I gotta do."

"So … so I should take a message?"

"Yeah."

As soon as I was out of sight of the bridge, I slowed my pace, first to a walk and then to a complete standstill. I stared up at the exterior of the temple without really seeing it and let out a deep, shuddering breath. I'd walked the tightrope and survived; my bluff had worked. Hopefully it would get Cid off my back for a few days. The problem was, the man wasn't completely stupid. He'd soon realise that I hadn't told Rikku anything, and then the whole damn mess would start all over again.

Which left me with a choice. I could tell Rikku, free myself from Cid, but wreck my relationship. Or I could keep quiet, keep battling Cid's influence, risk Rikku finding out anyway … but keep my relationship.

It seemed that whichever way I turned, I was going to lose.