Gippal woke up early that morning. His hand was holding Rikku's belly. He looked at it focusing on its size. Rikku was a petit woman. He supposed that her belly would look different since the begging of the pregnancy. Yet, her stomach was flat as always. His eye travelled then to Rikku's face. They had talked about everything last night. Gippal had told her how sorry he was and he also talked about his relationship with Taria. But, she still looked sad. He still needed to work their reconciliation. Gippal walked slow out of the bed after kissing Rikku's forehead.

Rikku moved to one side of the bed and it was when she noticed that she was alone. She rubbed her eyes looking for Gippal. A tickling noise caught her attention. She opened her eyes in time when she saw Gippal entering the room with a tray and breakfast. He was having some problems with the door and he cursed in a whisper.

"Can I help you?" Rikku asked then, making Gippal startled. He threw the tray up and everything fell down. Hot coffee covered him. "Gippal!" Rikku ran out of the bed and took the sheet of her bed to wipe him.

"Oh, Yevon!" Gippal touched his burnt shoulder. "I just wanted to be nice and..."

"Honey, why so?" Rikku looked at his shoulder. It looked so bad.

"Cause I have not done enough to make you forgive me." Rikku looked at him with tender eyes.

"Why don't you take a shower? It will help you with this feeling." Rikku stroke his back as she helped with the breakfast mess. Gippal did not say anything else as he got to the bathroom and closed the door.

Rikku walked outside of Paine house. They were not sure about keeping up with the trip. She sat down on a bench and thought about her situation with Gippal. It was true that his words had hurt her a lot but at the same time, he was not the same Gippal anymore. It was something that Gippal told her a lot. She used to believe those words but now...

"Oh, Yevon." She whispered as she closed her eyes.

"Everything is fine?" Rikku opened them to the sound of Baralai's soft voice. She looked at him as she nodded and made space for him on the bench. Baralai looked at her surprised. His relationship with Rikku was good. Although they had never shared a conversation only the two of them. He took a seat.

"You look tired," Rikku said. Baralai was tired. He had been awake all night looking at the house. Paine stayed with him but Baralai told her to go to sleep after an hour. She had refused it but he convinced her telling her that she should watch everyone in the morning.

"A long night." He laughed. "What about yours?" Rikku smiled softly as she told him about how difficult it was to have fun with a baby in her belly. "How are you feeling? With the baby, I mean." Baralai said pointing to Rikku's belly.

"Well... I hate all this thing about nausea, you know? And I am still getting used to the fact that I cannot drink alcohol." Rikku laughed. Baralai joined her. "The thing that Gippal is new in this is also not helping. I mean, he has never thought about parenting and he doesn't know what to do something or even what to say."

"He'll get used to it. Don't worry, Rikku." Baralai tried to comfort her. "We need more time. Try to make him take part in the process so he could understand what's going on." Rikku looked at Baralai. She was about to ask if he was sure that it would work when she realised that he was talking about his own experience. Rikku was not sure if she should ask him about it or not. Finally, she made a decision.

"How are you feeling, Baralai?" Rikku asked. Baralai had been always kind to her.

"I rather prefer not to talk about it. Sorry." Baralai excused himself, not wanting to be rude with Rikku. She looked at him a bit worried. "I'm still trying to pick all the pieces. I have been believing my whole life that the baby was mine and know..." Baralai started to feel nervous. He looked for his cigarette pack. He was about to light it up when Rikku cleared her throat. Baralai realized that he could not smoke with her. "Sorry." He excused himself as he saved the cigarette for later. Baralai wanted to leave but he could feel that Rikku had something in her mind. "Rikku, is something bothering you?"

"What if I am not able to have it?" Rikku hugged her knees. "What if I lose it?"

"That's not going to happen, Rikku." Baralai tried to cheer her up.

"It happened to Taria." She was breathing with difficulty. Rikku regretted her words at that moment. Baralai held her look. She did not see rage, but a soft look that was hiding something more.

Paine woke up with a headache. She did not sleep well. She could not stop thinking about the mess with Gippal and that stranger who was trying to kill him. Paine appreciated the fact that Baralai was doing all he could do to protect them. It was a side that she had never seen from Baralai. His side as a policeman. Although Paine thought that it was something more. Last night they were talking about Gippal and Rikku's baby. He could not help but feel excited about the fact that his best friend was about to be a father. At the same time, Paine could notice some disappointment in his words. She knew that deep down, he wanted to have his own baby, as he had recently known that Taria's baby was not even his. Paine's mind was thinking too fast. He deserved to know the truth about her baby.

"I have to tell him. Yeah." She convinced herself as with shaking hands she tried to open her door room. "Focus Paine! Don't be childish!" She yelled to herself trying to calm down. She walked to the nearest window as she tried to think about how to tell him the news. The thought of it made a strange pressure begin to form in Paine's chest. She could not help but remember the previous year and how Baralai had betrayed her. But I betrayed him, too... I hid the fact that we were having a baby. The feelings had resurfaced, and Paine began to gasp for breath. She left her room with a hurried pace. She needed to finish soon or she would go mad.

Paine opened the door of her room and walked down the stairs, following the sound of Rikku and Yuna's voices. In the middle of her way, she met Baralai. He was looking down with his hands in his pockets. He looked tired and seemed to be thinking about something else. Paine moved to one side and he repaired in her figure.

"Good morning." Baralai smiled at her and stopped some steps back.

"How are you?" Paine asked politely. The same thoughts that she was having a moment before came to her mind in a rush. She cleared her throat. Her determination disappeared in seconds.

"A bit tired, but glad that everything has been under control tonight. I was thinking about going to the office again. Maybe I can talk again with the guy before he goes to the court." Baralai talked but he noticed Paine's reaction. He was sure she was not right. He insisted on it but Paine refused to tell him what was in her head. Gippal appeared on the stairs at that moment. They exchanged a look. Baralai did not want to be mad at him, but he still needed time to heal all his wounds.

"Hey, guys." Gippal greeted them and stopped in the stairs with Paine and Baralai. "What's up?"

"Gippal." Paine breathed a sigh of relief. Gippal's interruption allowed her to reorganise her thoughts on how to tell Baralai the truth. "How are you feeling?" Gippal grimaced uncomfortably in response. Baralai did not overlook his gesture and remembered what Rikku had told him a few minutes ago.

"Be patient. We all need time to recover." Baralai patted Gippal's back in support. It was true. He did not want to hold a grudge for what had happened in the past, but it was not something he could forget in two days. "If you don't mind, I'm going to get some sleep."

"Bad night?" Gippal asked behind him as Baralai ascended the remaining steps to finish. Baralai nodded and left them alone.

Paine tried to cheer Gippal up as he made coffee. She talked about random, unimportant topics until Gippal finally surprised her. He did not know what to do to get involved with Rikku like before.

"She has met the worst version of me. A version that has long since ceased to exist. How can I make her forget it?" Gippal sounded desperate.

"You can't do that." Paine felt sorry for him. "That version of you is what made you who you are today. You must remind Rikku of that. Show her the difference, and make her see that she's responsible for that change." Gippal looked at her unconvinced. "Yevon, Gippal, you're going to marry her and have a baby! You think that's not enough to show her that you've settled down?" Paine laughed as she picked up the cups. "You need to get involved in those aspects."

"I could start by finding a place and date for the wedding," Gippal murmured as he fiddled with his fingers. "I could go to the temple in Bevelle, or even in Luca..."

"That is an option." Paine was not very attentive to Gippal's words.

"But what do I do with the baby?" Paine froze. How would she have liked Baralai to act if he had known about the baby?

"You could start by going for check-ups and tests."

"Tests?" Gippal asked in fright.

"Relax, they're routine." Paine was not able to look Gippal in the face. "You also have to design the room and buy all the furniture." Paine continued to give Gippal advice for a long while.

Tidus and Yuna had decided to go for a walk together. After all that had happened, they had not even had a moment to have their say.

"Everything is so crazy." Tidus laughed as he picked up around rock and threw it towards the surface of the sea, making it hit the surface over and over again.

"You see," Yuna replied with a strained tone.

"What's wrong?" Tidus looked at his girlfriend in surprise.

"It's just that baby thing..." Yuna shied away from Tidus' gaze.

"You mean Baralai's?"

"What, no!" She replied quickly. "It's a shame about Baralai, yes, but it's something that happened a while ago now."

"Is it because of Rikku's baby?" Tidus hoped Yuna would show more excitement about the news.

"Just..." Yuna seemed to be having trouble expressing her feelings. "I think it's too soon." She kept walking without looking at Tidus once.

"Soon?" Tidus had to pick up his pace to catch up with her.

"They've only been together for a year. It's already a bit accelerated with the wedding thing, but the baby..."

"Well, it's true they're not following a logical 'order'." Tidus laughed, trying to downplay the issue. "But off you go, Yuna. They love each other and I'm sure that baby will grow up surrounded by lots of love."

"They love each other now Tidus when they've barely lived together and known each other. Who's to say they'll still be together two years from now when they know each other's quirks?"

"Well... Look at us." Tidus smiled sincerely. "It's true that we had some time apart, but hey, we're still together." Yuna did not answer. She was still walking crestfallen. "Yuna?" Tidus stopped, causing her to do the same. "Yuna, is something wrong?" Tidus knew their relationship was going through a rough patch. Yet, he was convinced that the affection they had for each other would be enough to get them through it. "Yuna." Tidus' tone was more serious. Yuna turned at that moment. For a moment, Tidus saw a glint of sadness.

"Shuyin?" Yuna looked confused at the boy who had just arrived with a bag. He got out of a taxi and was walking in the direction of Paine's house. Tidus turned in on himself and fixed his gaze on the boy.

"What is he doing here?"

"I don't know. Maybe he's on holiday." Yuna replied, following the boy's figure as he ascended towards the hill where Paine's house was. "I guess we'd better get back."

Paine was sitting on her couch as she read one of her favourite books. The story of a young summoner who set out on a long journey to unknown lands. She was meant to fight a terrible monster that threatened the existence of mankind. Thanks to this, Paine had managed to clear her mind about Baralai. With patience, she would know when the time would come when she could tell him everything. She was so engrossed in the story that she was startled by a knock on her door. Rikku and Gippal had gone out to the centre of the island, after Gippal's strong insistence. It was still too soon for them to return. The knocking sounded again. Paine rose nimbly and walked to the door.

"Paine!" Yuna exclaimed from the other side of the door. She looked around the house as she closed the door. "Where are the others?" She was looking for Shuyin's bag, but there seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary.

"Gippal and Rikku have gone to eat downtown. I was going to fix myself something to eat."

"Are you alone then?"

"Yes. Well, no. Baralai is still asleep." A twinkle crossed Yuna's eyes. "In his room," Paine added quickly. Yuna stared at her. She had not heard from Paine in almost a year. She could only talk to her on the phone. At that moment she realised that she missed her friend. The door rang again.

"Hello?" she heard someone say. Paine looked at Yuna before opening it. Tidus was on the other side, breathing heavily. "How did you get here so fast?" she asked Yuna as she plopped down on one of Paine's armchairs.

"Because I wasn't content to work alone in the office." Yuna laughed as she ruffled Tidus' hair.

"I think I need to get back in shape." He sighed with a soft smile.

"Why don't we go and eat out too?" proposed Yuna. Paine looked at her doubtfully, but that doubt dissipated in seconds. What was she going to do alone in the house while Baralai slept?

"I'm going to get my wallet."

Paine chose the restaurant she used to go to with Baralai when he was on the island. The one by the beach. Tidus decided to leave the girls alone for a while, so he stayed home. Yuna was relieved in a way. She could talk to Paine openly and freely. After discussing what to eat, Paine and Yuna stood in silence while waiting to be served.

"So, Paine, what's up?" Yuna asked. "How's business?" She knew that after the death of Millow and Nooj, Paine would be in charge of running the business.

"Oh, now that you mention it." Paine rummaged through her purse and pulled out a small gift bag. "We just came out with this new line of makeup."

"Makeup?" Yuna asked as she opened the bag. "I thought the business line was focused more on more electronic aspects."

"That line was opened by Nooj." Paine felt her stomach churn at the thought of her cousin. Yuna needed no further explanation. "I needed another approach. It would be horrible to work on something that reminded me of everything that happened. It's bad enough I'm still living at my parents' house."

"So you opened the make-up line and closed the others?" Yuna fiddled with a make-up stick.

"I didn't close them. I just don't care to wear them. At least right now. I already have someone to take care of it." Yuna looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"Shuyin?" Yuna did not know why she had decided to say his name. Paine hesitated for a few moments before nodding.

"He's a good friend after all." Paine stared at Yuna. She was trying to understand the reasons why she had taken the boy out after so long. Yuna for her part also held her gaze. She did not understand why, but seeing how Shuyin had gone in the direction of Paine's house had created the idea in her head that they were together. Although she was in a relationship with Tidus, she felt the feelings for Shuyin still in her, resurfacing more strongly in recent months.

"Just a friend?" she asked, avoiding looking at Paine.

"What does that matter to you?" Paine was hurt.

"I don't think it's quite right for you to go screaming to the four winds that you have feelings for Baralai, meddling in his relationship with Lenne and not saying that you're the one who's with someone." Paine stood up from the table startled.

"Who are you to judge me?" She rested her hands on the table and leaned her face towards Yuna. "I'm a grow woman who has very clear ideas and I make sure everyone knows my intentions." Her face was red with anger. "Yes, Shuyin has kept me company this year. While you and Rikku were still living your fairy tales, he was the only one who cared about me." At that moment she remembered how he had been the one who encouraged her to have her baby.

"We left because you kicked us out!" Yuna shouted, imitating Paine.

"Is this what you wanted to bring me here for? To reproach me for everything that has happened in this time?"

"You should have been a good friend. You kicked us out of your side and you're not even to respect the friend codes." Paine clenched her fists tightly. She could not stoop as low as Yuna. She grabbed her phone and stormed out of there, not knowing which way to turn. She just knew she wanted to get the hell out of there.

Gippal walked hand in hand with Rikku. They had finished eating an hour ago and Rikku was determined to go to the city centre. Their first stop was a beachwear shop where Rikku bought a swimming costume for her and Gippal to match. The gesture was something that cheered Gippal up quite a bit. As their walk went on, he felt his feelings and insecurities dissipate. He felt Rikku tug him towards a shop window with shoes. Excitedly, she commented and pointed out everything she liked or thought would match her clothes. However, Gippal's attention travelled to the shop next door. Its pastel colours and the big teddy bears at the entrance seemed to be inviting him in. At that moment, Paine's voice echoed in his head as he remembered the advice she had given him.

"Gippal? Are you listening to me?" Rikku did not notice that Gippal's gaze was averted. She only felt his hand released hers. "Gippal?" That was when Rikku saw him enter the shop. She stood hesitantly as she debated whether she should enter. She did not want to see again the expression she saw the night Gippal found out he was going to be a father. On the other hand, she had entered of his own free will. Rikku finally gave in and looked for him inside.

"Gippal?" Rikku called out to him. He was holding a small cap of an Albhed scout, with his goggles on top. Rikku kept a distance as she insisted on calling out to him.

"I bought it," Gippal spoke almost in a whisper, his eye on the cap as his fingers caressed the fabric. "I've been wandering all the aisles while I made a list of everything we were going to need. But I think this is the first thing it'll be wearing." That was when he looked up. Rikku's eyes were bright with excitement.

"It's beautiful." She replied as she kissed his cheek and hugged him more than a little too tightly. Gippal put his arm around her as he turned his attention back to the hat. He felt a mixture of emotions ranging from dread to excitement at being able to go on this adventure with Rikku.

Shuyin was watching Paine's house. He had seen Tidus and Baralai playing sports in the garden outside, hanging from the branches of the trees like dominoes. Seeing Baralai made him feel betrayed by Paine. He had tried to give her time and keep up with her, but he had made no progress. He had only managed a couple of nights in her bed, her disappearing at dawn. He watched as Yuna returned to the house and chatted despondently with them. He could not hear the conversation, but he watched as Baralai grabbed his phone and cigarettes and ran in the direction of the beach as he waved goodbye to his companions.

Paine came to a small natural park where she decided to stop. She could not forget the conversation with Yuna and, in the calm she found, she decided to let out everything she had kept quiet.

"How dare she? Who does she think she is to reproach me for what I do with my life? Is hers so empty that she have to interfere in other people's lives?" Paine paced back and forth trying to calm herself. "And she dares to bring Baralai into this whole affair. She knew he was with Lenne and she didn't even say anything to me." Paine was furious. "If she had been a good friend I wouldn't have needed Shuyin in my life." She stayed like that for more than twenty minutes until the creaking of a branch caught her attention. Someone was approaching the place. She avoided being in sight and hid behind a thicket of trees. She feared that someone had seen her from afar and wanted something from her. The footsteps came closer and closer, and Paine saw that it was Baralai. He was wearing trainers and his workout clothes. Paine's lips curved into a smile. She was going to enjoy herself for a while. Being as stealthy as possible, she crept out from her hiding place and surprised Baralai from behind, grabbing his arm behind his back and wrapping her free arm around his neck. "Surprise." She murmured in his ear.

Paine did not expect Baralai's reaction. No sooner had she grabbed him than he bent down to his knees, rolling her onto her back awkwardly. Paine lost her balance and tried to hold on to Baralai's arm, but fell onto her stomach. At that moment, Baralai took the opportunity to immobilise her body, straddling her and holding her hands in handcuffs. After her complete immobilisation, Baralai gently lifted Paine's head, placing his hand on the side of her neck to lean over her.

"Surprise." He whispered in her ear in a tone that made Paine feel a flame burning in her stomach and lower waist. The situation made her breath hitch. The thin fabric of Baralai's trousers made her feel all of him.

"How did you know?" Paine asked from the floor.

"It's my job." Baralai stood up after unlocking the handcuffs. His words were like a bucket of cold water to Paine.

"After all, you're a cop." Baralai noticed the bitter tone with which Paine was responding, but he did not want to argue. He walked over to her and they stood in the clearing where Paine had been all along. Now she sat down on a small rock and began to play with a leaf, twirling it in her fingers.

"I've seen Shuyin in the area." Baralai kept a close eye on the area. "I think I've managed to throw him off."

"You too," Paine exclaimed in exasperation. "Why don't you leave my life alone?"

"I beg your pardon?" Baralai was stunned. "I didn't say anything." He defended himself.

"First Yuna. Now you. Who's next? Tidus?"

"What are you talking about Paine?" Baralai began to raise his voice.

"You all think you're in a superior position to judge me and my relationship with Shuyin." Baralai stood at attention at Paine's words. He knew Shuyin had gone after her, but from there to them having a relationship?

"Really, Paine? Shuyin?" Baralai felt his blood boil at the mere thought of Shuyin hugging and kissing Paine.

"He was the only one who stayed with me." Paine turned to him. Her eyes reflected the anger and rage inside her.

"You threw the others out of your side."

"You were the first to throw me out." Paine's eyes began to glisten with accumulated tears. "I spent months waiting for you to call me! I gave you time to forgive me! I did everything in my power to help you! I paid your medical bills!" Paine began to feel a tightness in her chest.

"You lied to me!" Baralai shouted as he approached her. "But that wasn't the worst of it. You kicked me out of your life when you knew my life for real. You didn't even give me a chance to explain. And you did the exact same thing I did." Baralai tried to contain his anger. "Did you really think it was going to be easy?" Paine's red eyes were locked on his. "I loved you, Paine. I was willing to give my life for you. And you knew it."

"You never said anything to me!"

"It was clear! I got you out of going to jail for drug dealing!" Paine grimaced in doubt. "Why do you think they didn't pursue legal action? Do you really think you're smarter than me? I removed the evidence! I did things that could cost me my job to help you and save you!" Baralai's chest pressed against Paine. "And yet you still doubt if I loved you." Paine remained silent as tears streamed down her face contracted in anger. "And now you tell me you're still with the same guy who got you into that mess." Baralai was disappointed.

"How did I think this would be a good idea?" Paine trailed off as she hid her face and wiped her tears. She shook her head as she repeated over and over how stupid she was. She turned around and walked back into town. She did not want to be with Baralai for another minute.

Baralai watched as her figure disappeared into the trees. He did not run after her. He was furious at her reaction. He needed to vent that anger and punched the trunk of the nearest tree while screaming out all the pain he felt inside. He kept hitting until the pain moved to his hands. They were bleeding.

Gippal lay down on the bed he shared with Rikku at Paine's house. They had finished dinner with Tidus and Yuna and he needed to rest after the day.

"I've got a bad back, bae," Gippal said as he kicked off his shoes.

"I think you've gone way overboard with your parenting." Rikku laughed as she joined Gippal on the bed.

"I have to go rehearse," Gippal replied as he wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her chest. Rikku shook her head as she continued to laugh at him. Gippal began to run down her side until he reached her belly. He cast a slight glance her way. "Rikku!" She exclaimed as she jumped to her feet. Rikku startled and followed him.

"What's wrong?"

"Your belly." Gippal patted Rikku's belly. "It wasn't like that this morning." Rikku lowered her gaze and saw how her belly had grown considerably.

"You scared me." Rikku dropped back down and Gippal got a better look at the small curvature. "You'd better get used to it."

"It did scare me." Gippal lay back down again, but this time, his head was level with Rikku's belly. "I never thought this would go so fast." Gippal stood stroking the belly. "Rikku, we need to move up the wedding." He said after a few minutes of silence.

"Why?"

"I don't want you to get in trouble for the baby. Nor do I want you to be uncomfortable." Gippal wanted Rikku to enjoy her wedding quietly. "We can call and find out about the little chapel in the old part of Luca. Or do you like the temple in Bevelle better? That would mean having to find rooms for the guests, but it won't be difficult." Gippal picked up his phone and started looking for hotels.

"Gippal, do we have to do that now?" Rikku asked uncomfortably. The whole wedding preparations thing reminded her of her nightmare with Auron.

"Aren't you looking forward to it?" Gippal worried. He knew that had been Rikku's attitude with Auron. He did not want to make the same mistakes again.

"I'm tired, Gippal. I'd rather sleep right now." Gippal looked at her as he mumbled a sorry and hugged her to sleep.