Rikku's room early in the morning.
Rikku jumped out of bed and bounced into the shower. She had a smile that wouldn't go away and she wanted to share it with everyone most of all Paine. She dressed in a rather nice dress and walked into the cabin and sat down. Brother dropped his fork and Buddy laughed.
"Why are you all dressed up?" Buddy asked.
"No reason." Rikku said.
"Yea right." Buddy said as he went back to his breakfast.
"What?" Rikku asked.
"You look like you have a date." Buddy said.
"I wish." Rikku said turning red.
"So do we." Brother said. "You need someone then maybe you'll calm down."
"I doubt that." Rikku said. "I am who I am."
As Rikku was defending herself Paine walked in dressed in her usual clothes and sat down at the table.
"Hey Paine." Rikku said cheerfully.
"Hey." Paine said as she poured some coffee.
Rikku looked at her friend and lover a bit lost at the greeting. Paine pretended not to see her as she ate her breakfast. Rikku was sitting right next to her starting to think she had dreamed the kiss's last night until Paine dropped her hand to her side and laid her hand on Rikku's thy. Rikku's smile sprang back to her face as Paine stood up.
"Hey guys I'm gonna go to the calm lands and have some fun I'll see you later." Paine said.
"That's where I was going." Rikku said. "Can I go with you?"
"Suit your self." Paine said and walked down the hall.
Rikku finished her breakfast quickly and hurried down the hallway and stopped in front of Pains room. She looked down the corridor to see if anyone was coming then knocked on the door.
"Paine it's me." She said.
"It's open." Paine said from the other side.
Rikku slowly opened the door and stepped inside. Paine was looking out the window. Rikku walked up behind her and put her arms around her waist and rested her head on her shoulders.
"I'm sorry I didn't acknowledge you." Paine said. "I just don't think we should tell anyone about us until your sure this is right for you." Paine said.
"Very thoughtful." Rikku said.
Paine turned around in Rikku's arms and wrapped her arms around Rikku's neck and drew her into a loving kiss. Paine slowly moved from Rikku's lips to her neck.
"Oh Paine." Rikku moaned. "I love you but I'm not ready for this yet."
"Are you sure?" Paine asked between kisses.
"No but still." Rikku said as she put her hands on Paine's head and pulling her away from her neck. "If you behave then maybe in a few days."
"A few days?" Paine asked. "I've waited over 4 years to have you in my arms."
"So what's a few more days?" Rikku asked.
"Too long." Paine said as she placed her hands on Rikku's chest.
"Paine no." Rikku said. "Not yet please."
Paine sighed and pulled away from Rikku and sat on her bed.
"Rikku I can't take much more of this." She said.
Rikku sat next to her on the bed and laid her head on Pain's shoulder.
"You won't have too." Rikku said.
They sat like that for several minutes before the silence was broken by the inter com coming to life.
"Rikku, Paine sorry but looks like the calm lands are gonna have to wait." Brother said. "We picked up sphere waves coming from Macalania."
"Sigh Well let's get to work." Paine said reaching for her sword.
"I'll see you on the bridge." Rikku said as she walked out of Paine's room and headed for her own to get dressed and armed.
Rikku joined the rest of the group on the bridge just as Brother was about to start his briefing.
"Ok Gullwings we have picked up sphere waves coming from the Macalania woods." Brother said. "We're gonna pass over Besaid and pick up Yuna then head for Macalania."
"Well so much for a romantic walk through the woods." Paine whispered.
Rikku giggled at the comment and walked with Paine back to Paine's room and lay on the bed.
"I know we just woke up but I'm gonna get a little sleep." Paine said. "We have about 2 hours before we arrive at Macalania."
She stretched out on her bed and closed her eyes. She felt the bed shift and she thought Rikku stood up until Rikku's arms wend around her and Rikku snuggled her face against Paine's neck.
"So it took a mission to get you to sleep with me I see." Paine said.
"If you want me to leave I will." Rikku threatened.
"Actually I want you to stay here for now and tonight." Paine said.
"I'll think about it." Rikku said as she drifted to sleep.
Paine lay awake in the bed holding onto Rikku's arms for several minutes before falling asleep.
2 hours later.
Paine was awoken by a hand shaking her shoulder.
"Rikku let me sleep a little longer." She said.
"Last I looked Rikku was next to you still sleeping." Yuna said.
Paine's eyes shot open and she sat up and looked at Yuna.
"Oh umm Yuna this isn't what it looks like." Paine said.
"Paine its ok I don't mind." Rikku said as she opened her eyes and looked at her cousin. "We would have to tell her some day."
"It's time to start the mission." Yuna said. "If you two are ready let's get going."
Paine sat up and looked at Rikku as she also sat up. Rikku smiled at Paine and stood up.
"Are you ready?" Rikku asked.
"Yea." Paine said giving Rikku a smile.
"Oh you're gonna make me sick." Yuna said rolling her eyes. "Are you two gonna be able to focus on this mission?"
"Yea." Rikku and Paine said.
"Then let's get going." Yuna said.
Rikku and Paine walked right behind Yuna as they walked down to the ramp and prepared to start the mission. The ship landed and the ramp lowered.
"Ok let's go." Yuna said and ran down the ramp with Rikku and Paine right behind her.
They walked through the woods until they came upon a spot that Rikku and Paine knew well.
"This is where we had our first fight." Paine said.
"And if I remember right you slapped me and told me to grow up." Rikku said and put an arm around Paine's waist. "So have I?"
"Not sure." Paine said. "But you have matured."
"Come on lets go the sphere's not far." Yuna said.
"So Paine." Rikku said. "You never told me how you defeated Ochu."
"I didn't." Paine said. "It ran away."
"So you mean he's still around?" Rikku asked looking into the bushes expecting
to see a tentacle reach for her.
"He might be." Paine said. "But if he comes near you I'll finish him off for sure this time."
"You're so sweet." Rikku said as she hugged Paine.
"Let's get moving." Yuna said. "That way you two can have some time alone."
Rikku and Paine looked at Yuna for interrupting their moment. Finally they focused back on their mission. They traveled along the road until they came to a cave that went steeply into the ground. There was a sign at the opening saying.
Beware Ochu's layer to enter if to meet the reaper.
Captain Lucile of the Crusaders.
"Here's an old sign." Rikku said. "Do you think the sphere is in there?"
"It probably is." Paine said.
"Well I guess you get your chance to kill Ochu." Rikku said as she hid behind Paine.
"Anything that attacks you is as good as dead." Paine said.
"Oh Paine." Rikku said throwing her arms around her.
"Ok you two here we go." Yuna said as she stepped into the cave.