So it's short but it is the end so uh…yeah. ^^' The lemon is not in this story but I will eventually write a companion piece to this which will basically be PWP so look forward to that sometime in the future, though not soon. Haha. Anyways, thanks for reading/reviewing and for the last time, at least for awhile, I do not own Final Fantasy X-2.

Rikku sat beside Paine on the floor of the blond's bedroom, trying to calm her fluttering heart as she watched the warrior examine her nails, red eyes disinterested as she waited for Rikku to speak. After all, the blond was the one that had invited over to her house. It wasn't really a house, more of a living space that she, Brother, and Buddy would use whenever they weren't sphere hunting.

"So? You said you wanted to talk," Paine said after Rikku still didn't speak.

"Oh yeah...well. Um...how are you and Baralai?" Rikku asked, trying not to come across as too prying. She knew if she did the warrior would clamp up on her feelings and give her a bland answer.

"Okay, I guess. He still feels guilty about what happened and I feel guilty for my own reasons," Paine said quietly, frowning as she spoke. "I don't blame myself for him getting taken over I just...don't feel right with him."

"What do you mean?" Rikku asked, hope rising in her chest. Maybe she did have a chance.

"I don't love him. I fought for him but I don't love him," Paine said, her tone growing exasperated as her fists curled, a clear signal that the warrior really wanted to punch something.

"He's your friend though," Rikku broke in. "Even if you don't love him, you still would've fought for him because he was in danger. You can't deny that."

"I know but still! I dragged you into it and you almost died! I risked your life for a love that wasn't real and I just can't forgive myself for that!" Paine hissed, staring at the floor with a burning red gaze.

"Don't be stupid. I would've come with you anyways. I care about you Paine and that's the reason I wanted to talk to you," Rikku said. Alright Rikku, you can do this! "I love you Paine and not in a sisterly way either."

Paine's head whipped up and their eyes met, her red eyes still smoldering from supressed anger. "You...love me."

Rikku nodded, biting her lip as uncertainty crept into all of her features, her heart fluttering as she realized that maybe she shouldn't have said anything. Paine's eyes softened though, her anger slipping away as quickly as it had come.

"That's why I feel guilty, Rikku. I feel guilty because I'm still with Baralai when I love someone else. When we were done their together...I...when you almost died...I didn't care if we saved Baralai, I just wanted you to be okay," Paine said softly. "Because I love you too."

Rikku swallowed thickly, her breath catching as she registered Paine's words. Paine loved her too, Paine loved her and wanted to be with her and-

Her train of thought was interrupted as Paine kissed her abruptly, her soft lips connecting with Rikku's and creating a spark of heat between them. Rikku never thought she would've liked being kissed by a girl but Paine's lips were so soft and smooth as they moved against her own, the kiss deepening as their arms entwined around one another, fingers moving against exposed skin. The blonde realized that nothing tasted as good as her warrior, exploring the taste of Paine as thoroughly as she could, not wanting the passion filled kiss to end.

When it did, Paine's cheeks were flushed, but a smirk graced her kiss bruised lips. "I want to be with you Rikku."

Rikku smiled, unable to control her bubbling happiness as it zipped through her, making her feel lighter than air. "I want to be with you too, Paine. I love you."

Paine kissed the tip of her nose and then her lips once more. "You're mine," she murmured against Rikku's lips. "I'm not running away from love anymore. I'm going to stay with you."

(INSERTBREAKHERE)

"Rikku, Paine!" Yuna cried as the two walked into their small hut. "I wasn't expecting you two."

"Yeah well, we just wanted to drop by and let you know how things turned out," Rikku told her, unable to stop the ridiculous smile on her face.

"I'm not dating Baralai. I'm dating Rikku," Paine said firmly.

Yuna had a knowing smile on her face as she answered. "I figured as much, actually. Rikku was asking me what to do and then went to Gippal for more advice."

Paine raised a thin eye brow and looked at Rikku. "Gippal? Really now."

Rikku hid her face in her hands. "It was embarrassing and I don't wanna talk about it," she mumbled.

Paine laughed. "Well anyways. How are you and Tidus? And how's the pregnancy going for you?"

Yuna rolled her eyes. "Tidus is fussing about everything and spending every waking moment making sure I'm comfortable and okay. The morning sickness isn't fun but we're both really happy. At least after the intial shock and all. Plus with this news, it just makes me even happier."

Rikku smiled and abruptly hugged her friend, squeezing her tight. "I'm so happy for you Yunie! I'm sure you and Tidus will make a really pretty kid."

"You phrase things weird," Paine told her.

Rikku just stuck her tongue out at her warrior. "Shush you. Anyways, we also came to tell you that we're going sphere hunting again. If you ever want to join again, after your pregnancy is over of course, there's a spot open. The qualifications are you have to have a sexy boyfriend/husband, be an Ex-High Summoner, have an adorable kid, and be really super nice!"

Yuna smiled. "I wish you both good luck. And who knows, maybe I'll join you guys again. We'll see."

Rikku gave her one last hug and then, looping her arm with Paine's, waltzed out the door and into their new lives.