Ureta Tsumi (A Ripened Sin)
Chapter Two: A Warm Hand
By: NurikoLuver (Trudy Haley)
Author's Notes: Special thanks to Aurikku Chick and Tonia Barone for their commentary- this chapter is deticated to you. Finally, someone bothers reading the crap I write: it's appreciated beyond words.
Rikku needed the warmth of someone's hand. Words, they could be unintentionally DISCOMFORTING, but someone's flesh, their warmth-- no one could manipulate that to feel bad or wrong. She looked around for a minute at everyone, as they seemed to quicken their pace. For a minute Rikku was certain they were set on leaving her behind. But she scampered after them, making sure she wasn't left behind.
She continued on with her thoughts, staring down at her feet, gulping in deep breaths of air. There was nothing she wanted more than to lock palms with someone. She needed that comforting warmth-- that security that soothed babies and small children: that security that could comfort even Rikku. She stared at the group, focusing in on the face of each member as the suggestion came up in her mind.
Wakka? Yeah, right. Comforting an Al Bhed? Hmm. Interesting concept, but it's never gonna happen.
The silent Ronso...Kimahari, wasn't that his name? He was kinda scary and serious. Rikku couldn't recall even ONCE when they exchanged more than one or two words.
Lightening screeched overhead and She shuddered at the staccato symphony of thunder, and edged closer to the group.
Auron? That cold guy? Hmph. He wouldn't hold Rikku's hand if his life depended on it.
What about Tidus? He was cute, sweet, funny, happy...he had gotten Rikku out of a jam more than once. He and Yunie- they were the only people Rikku could really consider FRIENDS out of the group. Everyone else...well, they always seemed so formal around her. Even when she was trying to cheer them up or when she was trying to get to know them so their formalities could be tossed aside. But Yuna and Tidus...they were so laid back. Rikku smiled-- she was just about to rejoin the group, which had long disapeared beyond the horizon when alluvasudden--
"Gold Elements!" Rikku's fear of lightening surpassed the concern she had for the Kusariqqu, centered in the middle of the two Gold Elements. Rikku looked around apprehensively. Where WAS everyone?! "Tidus! Yunie!" Rikku screeched out before launching an mug attack on the Kusariqqu. She didn't dare want to provoke the wrath of one of the Gold Elements. And atleast by mugging the Kusariqqu, she was able to get a High Potion out an ill-fated battle. After dodging two lightning attacks by the Gold Elements and being slashed with the claws of the Kusariqqu, Rikku decided to take the most practical option- RUN!
Her legs throbbed as her long legs stretched out to seemingly impossible lengths, her long, deep strides sent her speeding across the plains so fast she was certain she had escaped. Rikku paused for a minute, panting in sheer exhaustion. It was during that suseptible moment that she didn't notice the incandescent flash of light as it pommeled towards her.
Rikku felt disoriented as her impotent body began falling. Everything seemed so blurry and slow and hot. She tried to scream, but all she could manage was a soft moan before she landed...in the grasp of warm arms.
"Tidus," she tried to utter-- unsucessfully. Tidus, her lifesaver. Probably one of the only people that'd bother to come back for her. The only one who would catch her and carry her away, like the prince he was. Rikku tried to smile, but was so painful...the pain succumbed like the sun as she fell into a lethargic fit of darkness.
"Hey, Rikku, you okay?" Rikku opened her eyes to Tidus' soft cornflower gaze.
"I...I think so," Rikku said, forcing a smile as she tried to pivot her body upwards. Failing miserably, she fell down on her back. "Yeah, I'm fine," she fibbed. "I just need a little rest."
"Before you rest up some more, I'm going to heal your wounds," smiled Tidus, pulling a high-potion from his pocket. "Hold still...it might hurt..."
Rikku winced silently as he lathered the potion across her legs and arms. He leaned over her, massaging her sore muscles. He worked the precision and tenderness of a masseur with the confidence and strength of a chiropractor.Rikku felt so tired, but so happy; as her muscles relaxed, her slow, heavy breaths picked up his scent, an all too familiar aphrodisiac. But this time, combined with the rhythmic healing potion, it worked as an anesthetic.
The next time she woke up, Rikku was surprised to see Auron sitting on the edge of her bed. She blinked in confusion for a second before realizing that it wasn't a trick of the mind- Auron was really there. "Hey, Auron." Rikku faked a smile.
"How are you doing?" He spoke those words as if talking to a complete stranger- so formal, so unkind. Rikku tried her best to ignore it.
"I'm fine," Rikku beamed. Another lie. Her muscles ached profusely, despite the healing efforts of the High Potion. But it was best not make everyone else worry about her. After all, she WAS Rikku. It wasn't her job to disapoint, but to cheer.
"Good, because it's time to go."
"Already?"
"Hmph. It's already afternoon."
"What? I...I'm sorry!" Rikku apologized. "I didn't know, you know?"
Auron nodded.
Rikku dragged herself out of bed and into the main shop, where everyone was already packed up and ready.
"Rikku better?" Kimahari asked.
Rikku nodded cheerfully. "Yeah, all better!" she gave the Ronso a thumbs- up.
"That's good. I'm glad." Yuna smiled.
"I guess we'd better go, yah? Go tell Seymour your decision, yah?"
Yuna nodded and everyone proceeded to the door. Rikku glanced out the door, and crashing with the sound of thunder came her shell of bravery. "Oh no....can't we stay just a little while?"
"Rikku..." Auron shook his head, and offered her his hand.
At first, Rikku was reluctant to take the gift of his protection, but she grasped his hand tightly and smiled- this time genuinely. Maybe now she wouldn't have to be afraid anymore.
Rikku could have almost sworn she saw Auron smile back.
Not very romantic, eh? V_V;; I promise it'll get better! Please leave comments! Whoo-hoo! ^_^v
Chapter Two: A Warm Hand
By: NurikoLuver (Trudy Haley)
Author's Notes: Special thanks to Aurikku Chick and Tonia Barone for their commentary- this chapter is deticated to you. Finally, someone bothers reading the crap I write: it's appreciated beyond words.
Rikku needed the warmth of someone's hand. Words, they could be unintentionally DISCOMFORTING, but someone's flesh, their warmth-- no one could manipulate that to feel bad or wrong. She looked around for a minute at everyone, as they seemed to quicken their pace. For a minute Rikku was certain they were set on leaving her behind. But she scampered after them, making sure she wasn't left behind.
She continued on with her thoughts, staring down at her feet, gulping in deep breaths of air. There was nothing she wanted more than to lock palms with someone. She needed that comforting warmth-- that security that soothed babies and small children: that security that could comfort even Rikku. She stared at the group, focusing in on the face of each member as the suggestion came up in her mind.
Wakka? Yeah, right. Comforting an Al Bhed? Hmm. Interesting concept, but it's never gonna happen.
The silent Ronso...Kimahari, wasn't that his name? He was kinda scary and serious. Rikku couldn't recall even ONCE when they exchanged more than one or two words.
Lightening screeched overhead and She shuddered at the staccato symphony of thunder, and edged closer to the group.
Auron? That cold guy? Hmph. He wouldn't hold Rikku's hand if his life depended on it.
What about Tidus? He was cute, sweet, funny, happy...he had gotten Rikku out of a jam more than once. He and Yunie- they were the only people Rikku could really consider FRIENDS out of the group. Everyone else...well, they always seemed so formal around her. Even when she was trying to cheer them up or when she was trying to get to know them so their formalities could be tossed aside. But Yuna and Tidus...they were so laid back. Rikku smiled-- she was just about to rejoin the group, which had long disapeared beyond the horizon when alluvasudden--
"Gold Elements!" Rikku's fear of lightening surpassed the concern she had for the Kusariqqu, centered in the middle of the two Gold Elements. Rikku looked around apprehensively. Where WAS everyone?! "Tidus! Yunie!" Rikku screeched out before launching an mug attack on the Kusariqqu. She didn't dare want to provoke the wrath of one of the Gold Elements. And atleast by mugging the Kusariqqu, she was able to get a High Potion out an ill-fated battle. After dodging two lightning attacks by the Gold Elements and being slashed with the claws of the Kusariqqu, Rikku decided to take the most practical option- RUN!
Her legs throbbed as her long legs stretched out to seemingly impossible lengths, her long, deep strides sent her speeding across the plains so fast she was certain she had escaped. Rikku paused for a minute, panting in sheer exhaustion. It was during that suseptible moment that she didn't notice the incandescent flash of light as it pommeled towards her.
Rikku felt disoriented as her impotent body began falling. Everything seemed so blurry and slow and hot. She tried to scream, but all she could manage was a soft moan before she landed...in the grasp of warm arms.
"Tidus," she tried to utter-- unsucessfully. Tidus, her lifesaver. Probably one of the only people that'd bother to come back for her. The only one who would catch her and carry her away, like the prince he was. Rikku tried to smile, but was so painful...the pain succumbed like the sun as she fell into a lethargic fit of darkness.
"Hey, Rikku, you okay?" Rikku opened her eyes to Tidus' soft cornflower gaze.
"I...I think so," Rikku said, forcing a smile as she tried to pivot her body upwards. Failing miserably, she fell down on her back. "Yeah, I'm fine," she fibbed. "I just need a little rest."
"Before you rest up some more, I'm going to heal your wounds," smiled Tidus, pulling a high-potion from his pocket. "Hold still...it might hurt..."
Rikku winced silently as he lathered the potion across her legs and arms. He leaned over her, massaging her sore muscles. He worked the precision and tenderness of a masseur with the confidence and strength of a chiropractor.Rikku felt so tired, but so happy; as her muscles relaxed, her slow, heavy breaths picked up his scent, an all too familiar aphrodisiac. But this time, combined with the rhythmic healing potion, it worked as an anesthetic.
The next time she woke up, Rikku was surprised to see Auron sitting on the edge of her bed. She blinked in confusion for a second before realizing that it wasn't a trick of the mind- Auron was really there. "Hey, Auron." Rikku faked a smile.
"How are you doing?" He spoke those words as if talking to a complete stranger- so formal, so unkind. Rikku tried her best to ignore it.
"I'm fine," Rikku beamed. Another lie. Her muscles ached profusely, despite the healing efforts of the High Potion. But it was best not make everyone else worry about her. After all, she WAS Rikku. It wasn't her job to disapoint, but to cheer.
"Good, because it's time to go."
"Already?"
"Hmph. It's already afternoon."
"What? I...I'm sorry!" Rikku apologized. "I didn't know, you know?"
Auron nodded.
Rikku dragged herself out of bed and into the main shop, where everyone was already packed up and ready.
"Rikku better?" Kimahari asked.
Rikku nodded cheerfully. "Yeah, all better!" she gave the Ronso a thumbs- up.
"That's good. I'm glad." Yuna smiled.
"I guess we'd better go, yah? Go tell Seymour your decision, yah?"
Yuna nodded and everyone proceeded to the door. Rikku glanced out the door, and crashing with the sound of thunder came her shell of bravery. "Oh no....can't we stay just a little while?"
"Rikku..." Auron shook his head, and offered her his hand.
At first, Rikku was reluctant to take the gift of his protection, but she grasped his hand tightly and smiled- this time genuinely. Maybe now she wouldn't have to be afraid anymore.
Rikku could have almost sworn she saw Auron smile back.
Not very romantic, eh? V_V;; I promise it'll get better! Please leave comments! Whoo-hoo! ^_^v