A/N: Wee. Chapter 9 up. Enjoy it. =) That's all I really have to say for
now. ^_~ My apologies that I took so long to get this one up. ;_; It's been
hard for me to sit at the computer to actually write it. ^^;
Well, I know this is what you've all been waiting for. ^^ Enjoy it.
****
{{ Chapter 9: Flying }}
****
"So, you know Rikku?"
"Yes. You are Yuna, correct?"
A pause.
"Why did you help us anyway?" the other girl asked after some time had passed.
He looked at her. She met his gaze fully with her dark ruby eyes, a dark wisp of hair falling in front of her forehead.
"Who are you anyway?" one of their male companions asked before he could even answer the first question that was asked.
"I am Serru. I received word from the Celsius about your situation and came out here as quickly as I could."
Yuna turned to look at the young man, unable to contain her gratitude for what he had done for them. It was because of Serru that they were breathing the fresh air that filled her lungs now. She remembered that her eyes had begun to water from the heavy smoke that had been all around them. As she felt herself falling over because of her lack of air, heavy wind began to swirl about her and she suddenly looked up, seeing an all-too- familiar airship. It was the Celsius, and she could see a young man with dark hair looking down at them from the open hatch. He had thrown a rope down to them and here they were now.
Looking out into the night sky, the stars twinkled down at her as a light breeze from the nearby window blew across her face, a refreshing change from the sweltering heat that had been from the fire earlier.
She shook her head of the thoughts. There was no need to recall past events. It was all over now. Their lives were saved because of Serru.
Her green and blue eyes drifted over to him. He was sitting on the other side of the Celsius' red seats. He was gazing out the window as well, a soft wind rustling his hair. She realized that he was indeed very striking. His dark features and bright eyes gave him a very handsome look.
"So, are you going to tell us why you helped?" Paine repeated again. She had sat up fully this time, quickly wiping her face from the soot.
Yuna turned to her friend and then turned to Serru for his answer. He seemed to hesitate slightly before finally looking towards them to respond.
"It is because of your cousin," Serru spoke, looking at Yuna as he said so. He saw her raise her eyebrows as if stunned by his words, and couldn't help but smile in amusement. Undaunted, he continued. "Her worry for you was something I had not seen in a person in a long time, and my consciousness told me that I had to do something to ease her pain."
"So you helped us..." Tidus trailed off with uncertainty as he listened to the Al Bhed's words. His blue eyes sparkled under the moonlight as he watched the group. Paine met his gaze as if silently agreeing that something was not quite right with this situation and with Serru, but—
"Then let me take a moment to express my thanks to you, Serru," Isaaru suddenly spoke up from his position across their seats. His voice sounded clearer now, the hoarseness gone.
"You are welcome, sir. I'm just glad I was able to reach the Ruins in time," Serru responded with a smile.
***
Her mind raced. The warmth of his lips on hers, his breaths coming out in short wisps on her skin as she felt one of his gloved hands come around the small of her back gently; his touch hypnotic. His fingers on her bare back, she began to feel him gently caress the soft skin. Her eyes fluttered closed. Shakily, she raised a hand to rest behind his neck and sighed softly against him.
A few more seconds passed before she felt his lips slow down, but still lingered on hers for a few extra moments. She felt him slowly pull away, his spiky hair tickling her forehead as he did so.
He looked up at her, beginning to regret what had just happened between them. The feeling of her soft lips was still fresh in his mind. He didn't know what was happening to him.
"Gippal, I um..." he heard her begin, her eyes on the ground.
He cringed at himself, anticipating the anger she must have felt for him at that moment.
"No, you don't have to say anything, it was my fault and—" Gippal paused to look up into her face once more. He found himself unable to find his words as he saw Rikku lick her lips, her green eyes almost mischievously flickering up to see his expression.
"I uh...didn't know what I was thinking—" Gippal began again as he watched her. He felt his pulse beating faster as she suddenly stood up and moved right in front of him. Struggling to control his breathing, he watched as she leaned down, her scent intoxicating him. His eyes widened again, her soft lips brushing across his.
***
"Now, I have asked Buddy to take us all to Luca."
Tidus looked up in surprise. "Huh? What for—" he started, his words cut off by a sudden cough.
"Are you ok?" Yuna asked softly, concern clear in her eyes as she moved close to him.
Tidus said nothing, his coughs quieting before stopping completely. He looked towards Yuna and smiled at her reassuringly.
"That is why," Serru answered with a nod towards Tidus. He motioned towards the group. "You are all in no shape to go back out there."
Isaaru smiled. "Ah, so I take it you're taking us to a clinic in Luca, am I right?"
"Yes. That is right." Serru stood up from the seat and made his way to the doorway leading out into the hall. "I'm sure you all know Cid. He'll be waiting for us in Luca. But...he was struck with worry when I told him what happened to all of you..." Serru trailed off uncertainly.
"Uncle Cid? I hope we didn't worry him too much..." Yuna spoke quietly, looking at her tattered boots. The soot on the violet leather. The edges scuffed from running. She suddenly remembered something. Turning herself around to face Tidus who was sitting beside her, she looked at him curiously.
"Can I ask you something?" Yuna said, her gaze drifting from Tidus and then to Isaaru. The two men looked up at her.
"What is the matter, Lady Yuna?" Isaruu asked.
"Yuna, what's up?" Tidus whispered as well. His blue eyes, although tired, were now curious as he regarded her. Paine crossed her arms, waiting what her friend was about to say.
"When Paine and I found out that you and Isaaru needed help in the Zanarkand Ruins, we didn't know why you two were there in the first place...so I want to know now. Exactly what were you two doing there, and how did this fire start?" Yuna asked, causing Paine to sit up at her words.
Tidus and Isaaru exchanged hesitant glances.
Serru turned to look across the room. His hand dropped from the doorknob he was about to turn, when Yuna's question caught his attention as well.
"You see, Lady Yuna. This was not supposed to be revealed to you and everyone else, but..." Isaaru said quietly. His eyes drifted over to Tidus, who realized that there was no point in hiding it now.
"Yuna, Cid was the one who sent us out there," Tidus began to explain. He leaned back in his seat, a wave of exhaustion washing over him for a second. Blinking away his sudden dizziness, he continued on. Paine was now listening carefully.
"I had originally intended to shut the Zanarkand Dome for good, but something seemed like it was beckoning me to return and check the area just one last time," Isaaru began seriously.
Yuna and Paine nodded to themselves, recalling that Isaaru had indeed meant to close the Dome for a while. But wait...
"So why did you go back there, Isaaru?" Yuna decided to ask.
"It may sound strange, but I remember one night while I was standing upon one of the hills overlooking the shore near the Ruins, I could almost swear that I saw smoke rising from atop the Dome," Isaaru continued to explain.
"Wait, smoke? From a fire, maybe?" Paine asked incredulously.
"Yes, that is it. I thought it was a fire that could have been burning the Dome, so I rushed back as quickly as I could, and there was indeed a fire. Thankfully I had an Ice spell with me at the time and was able to stop it for the time being."
"So there was a fire back then, too?" Yuna asked thoughtfully. She stood up and looked out the window, the white clouds passing them by.
"Yes," Isaaru responded quietly, sensing Yuna's worry.
"What's going on here? Why are all these fires showing up all of a sudden?" Paine exclaimed as she stood from her seat, moving to the other side of the room and crossing her arms.
"I decided to contact Cid about the matter since he was the first person I knew who cared for the Zanarkand Ruins. He was enraged to say the least, so I was informed that he wanted to conduct an investigation."
"So Cid called and told me to go with Isaaru on this investigation," Tidus added. He saw Yuna turn around to face them.
"But why keep it a secret from us?" she asked after some time.
He ran a hand through his hair. "He wanted me to help since I knew Zanarkand well and was the only person he knew who could help," Tidus replied simply, hoping Yuna wouldn't be angry. "Cid didn't want you to get involved."
"Oh, I-I see..." Yuna said, beginning to understand.
"Well it's too late to be saying that, don't you think?" Paine retorted. Her boots echoed across the metal flooring as she took a seat once again. "We're all involved in this now." Her ruby eyes flickered across the room. "And how about you? You seem quiet," she asked the other man.
Serru chuckled at Paine's comment towards him. "I suppose you're right."
"Care to explain what's bothering you?" Paine pressed on, one eyebrow raised.
"Hm, perhaps I should tell you what your cousin has experienced as well..." Serru spoke up, returning to the seats where they were.
"Rikku? What happened?" Tidus asked curiously. Yuna looked on in concern, the mention of something happening to her cousin deeply worrying her.
They watched as the Al Bhed sat down, his brown hair shining from the moonlight. "I know this may not be the proper time, but she nearly experienced harm in a fire that broke out in Kilika a few days ago."
"FIRE?!" Paine and Yuna exclaimed at once.
"Damn, what the hell is going on here?" Paine mumbled to herself, regaining her composure.
Serru fought his lips from curving up, trying his best to keep his face neutral. "I do not know. But whoever is responsible for these recent fires has done a good job at concealing his identity," Serru said.
"He? How do you know it's a man who's doing this?" Isaaru asked, Serru's words striking him as odd.
The Al Bhed froze. "Just a way of words. I don't know if the arsonist is a male or female," Serru continued, feeling his pulse slowing down again.
"I see..." Isaaru replied. He watched as the Al Bhed turned his back to the group. Still, he couldn't help but shake off that nagging feeling that was tugging at his instincts. Something was not quite right with this young man...
Serru's voice cut off his thoughts.
"We will be arriving to Luca shortly. As soon as we get there, Cid will help you treat any injuries you may have," Serru explained, changing the subject completely.
Paine narrowed her eyes at Serru's form, his back still turned to the rest of the group.
***
The morning mist hung lightly in the early air, causing her to blink her eyes from the moisture. Up above, the sunlight was beginning to stream through the thick canopy of trees, providing the first signs of a new day.
Rikku couldn't help but hum a light tune. The previous night shocked her to say the least, yet something within her had awakened. Or rather, someone had awakened feelings she never thought she had.
Gippal.
Just the sound of his name caused a light shiver to run through her. Sensations of the kiss they shared came washing over her. His warmth, his touch, his scent. She shook her head, almost disbelieving that Gippal had actually kissed her.
Never before had she felt this way over someone, let alone had anyone care about her like this. But this was a whole new world for her. Rikku could hardly contain her feelings. She felt like soaring high, flying into the end of forever.
Still, something was telling her that Gippal was only trying to keep her mind off of Yuna and everyone else. Maybe he really didn't care about her and that the kiss was...
"Stop it! That's not the way to think, Rikku!" she exclaimed aloud, scolding herself for thinking so negatively.
She sighed. There was no way to win with herself, and she hated it.
Deciding to head back into the clearing, she began to walk up the pathway. The sun was now in full view, the light streaming from the trees above, brighter than ever.
Rounding the corner, she found herself running into a warm body, a flash of dark red catching her eye before she felt herself begin to fall backward from the impact. An arm slid around her body, preventing her from falling down.
She felt her cheeks flaming, already knowing who her rescuer was. Her green eyes rose to his face, the characteristic green eye and black patch greeting her.
"Hey, uh...you okay?" he asked, his voice low and soft, face mere inches above hers. His arm was warm around her, still holding her near him as if she was going to fall.
Rikku looked up at him. "Uh, Ehehe...yeah. Um, sorry about that..." she began to say, preparing to step away from his gentle hold around her. But he didn't remove his arm from around her lower back.
He gazed down at her for a few more moments before sliding his arm away from her, still watching her closely. Gippal realized that he was at a loss for words.
'Damn, what's happening to me...?' his inner thoughts whispered as her eyes locked on his. He felt himself getting lost in the endless swirl of green. She smiled up at him, and he finally understood it.
'I'm in love with her...' Gippal realized in disbelief. She was still smiling at him, her face gentle, her eyes sparkling. He felt himself reaching for her again.
He seemed to move in slow motion as he felt himself raising a hand to her face. It didn't come as a shock anymore as his face neared hers, before her lips met his in a kiss.
***
"They're going to be just fine," Cid declared with a sigh. Although his tone was strong, his eyes were not. Serru could see that in the old man's face.
"I'm glad to hear that, Sir."
The two men began to walk down the hallway, heading towards the exit. Yuna, Tidus, Paine, and Isaaru were now being treated for their injuries. The doctors said that they would be ready to leave within a few days. Neither Al Bhed man said anything, yet the silence was comforting.
At last they stepped out into the sunlight, the warm Lucan air hitting Serru's face.
Cid suddenly stopped walking. He scratched the back of his head, something obviously bothering him.
"Listen, kid. There's something I need to talk to you about..." the older man began.
Serru stopped as well, turning to face him. "What is it, Sir?"
"Ah, uh...well you see. Uh, it's about my daughter, Rikku. I'm sure you've met her," Cid began, his eyes on the ground.
Serru blinked, his attention fully on Cid at the mention of Rikku's name. "Yes, I know her."
"Alright, I'm just going to go right out and say this. Tysh...this isn't hard for me to say as father but..." Cid tried again. He was now pacing in front of a balloon stand, Serru continuing to listen to him.
"Yes? What is it, Sir?"
"Rikku's now getting to 'that age' and what I'm trying to say is that I want her to marry someone like you, son," Cid said in a rush, his words hitting Serru hard. Nevertheless, the younger Al Bhed knew what he heard.
He could hardly believe his luck. His gaze drifted to Cid.
"Cid, I'm not sure I can reply to what you've just told me..."
The older man paused in his step, eyes flashing towards Serru. "What do you mean by that, son?" Cid demanded, taking a step towards him.
Serru tried to keep a smile from forming on his face. "You see, I believe your daughter has already developed feelings for another..."
Cid's eyes narrowed. "Who?" he demanded, his voice low.
"I believe she may be in a relationship with Gippal."
***
A/N: Ah, so thank goodness I've finally finished this chapter! I'm so sorry everyone, for being so late with this release. ;_; Like I've mentioned, my schedule has been very hectic as of late, but I've done my best to please all of you who have remained loyal to the fic. ^^
Thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews, everyone. I hope to get the next chapter out soon!
Well, I know this is what you've all been waiting for. ^^ Enjoy it.
****
{{ Chapter 9: Flying }}
****
"So, you know Rikku?"
"Yes. You are Yuna, correct?"
A pause.
"Why did you help us anyway?" the other girl asked after some time had passed.
He looked at her. She met his gaze fully with her dark ruby eyes, a dark wisp of hair falling in front of her forehead.
"Who are you anyway?" one of their male companions asked before he could even answer the first question that was asked.
"I am Serru. I received word from the Celsius about your situation and came out here as quickly as I could."
Yuna turned to look at the young man, unable to contain her gratitude for what he had done for them. It was because of Serru that they were breathing the fresh air that filled her lungs now. She remembered that her eyes had begun to water from the heavy smoke that had been all around them. As she felt herself falling over because of her lack of air, heavy wind began to swirl about her and she suddenly looked up, seeing an all-too- familiar airship. It was the Celsius, and she could see a young man with dark hair looking down at them from the open hatch. He had thrown a rope down to them and here they were now.
Looking out into the night sky, the stars twinkled down at her as a light breeze from the nearby window blew across her face, a refreshing change from the sweltering heat that had been from the fire earlier.
She shook her head of the thoughts. There was no need to recall past events. It was all over now. Their lives were saved because of Serru.
Her green and blue eyes drifted over to him. He was sitting on the other side of the Celsius' red seats. He was gazing out the window as well, a soft wind rustling his hair. She realized that he was indeed very striking. His dark features and bright eyes gave him a very handsome look.
"So, are you going to tell us why you helped?" Paine repeated again. She had sat up fully this time, quickly wiping her face from the soot.
Yuna turned to her friend and then turned to Serru for his answer. He seemed to hesitate slightly before finally looking towards them to respond.
"It is because of your cousin," Serru spoke, looking at Yuna as he said so. He saw her raise her eyebrows as if stunned by his words, and couldn't help but smile in amusement. Undaunted, he continued. "Her worry for you was something I had not seen in a person in a long time, and my consciousness told me that I had to do something to ease her pain."
"So you helped us..." Tidus trailed off with uncertainty as he listened to the Al Bhed's words. His blue eyes sparkled under the moonlight as he watched the group. Paine met his gaze as if silently agreeing that something was not quite right with this situation and with Serru, but—
"Then let me take a moment to express my thanks to you, Serru," Isaaru suddenly spoke up from his position across their seats. His voice sounded clearer now, the hoarseness gone.
"You are welcome, sir. I'm just glad I was able to reach the Ruins in time," Serru responded with a smile.
***
Her mind raced. The warmth of his lips on hers, his breaths coming out in short wisps on her skin as she felt one of his gloved hands come around the small of her back gently; his touch hypnotic. His fingers on her bare back, she began to feel him gently caress the soft skin. Her eyes fluttered closed. Shakily, she raised a hand to rest behind his neck and sighed softly against him.
A few more seconds passed before she felt his lips slow down, but still lingered on hers for a few extra moments. She felt him slowly pull away, his spiky hair tickling her forehead as he did so.
He looked up at her, beginning to regret what had just happened between them. The feeling of her soft lips was still fresh in his mind. He didn't know what was happening to him.
"Gippal, I um..." he heard her begin, her eyes on the ground.
He cringed at himself, anticipating the anger she must have felt for him at that moment.
"No, you don't have to say anything, it was my fault and—" Gippal paused to look up into her face once more. He found himself unable to find his words as he saw Rikku lick her lips, her green eyes almost mischievously flickering up to see his expression.
"I uh...didn't know what I was thinking—" Gippal began again as he watched her. He felt his pulse beating faster as she suddenly stood up and moved right in front of him. Struggling to control his breathing, he watched as she leaned down, her scent intoxicating him. His eyes widened again, her soft lips brushing across his.
***
"Now, I have asked Buddy to take us all to Luca."
Tidus looked up in surprise. "Huh? What for—" he started, his words cut off by a sudden cough.
"Are you ok?" Yuna asked softly, concern clear in her eyes as she moved close to him.
Tidus said nothing, his coughs quieting before stopping completely. He looked towards Yuna and smiled at her reassuringly.
"That is why," Serru answered with a nod towards Tidus. He motioned towards the group. "You are all in no shape to go back out there."
Isaaru smiled. "Ah, so I take it you're taking us to a clinic in Luca, am I right?"
"Yes. That is right." Serru stood up from the seat and made his way to the doorway leading out into the hall. "I'm sure you all know Cid. He'll be waiting for us in Luca. But...he was struck with worry when I told him what happened to all of you..." Serru trailed off uncertainly.
"Uncle Cid? I hope we didn't worry him too much..." Yuna spoke quietly, looking at her tattered boots. The soot on the violet leather. The edges scuffed from running. She suddenly remembered something. Turning herself around to face Tidus who was sitting beside her, she looked at him curiously.
"Can I ask you something?" Yuna said, her gaze drifting from Tidus and then to Isaaru. The two men looked up at her.
"What is the matter, Lady Yuna?" Isaruu asked.
"Yuna, what's up?" Tidus whispered as well. His blue eyes, although tired, were now curious as he regarded her. Paine crossed her arms, waiting what her friend was about to say.
"When Paine and I found out that you and Isaaru needed help in the Zanarkand Ruins, we didn't know why you two were there in the first place...so I want to know now. Exactly what were you two doing there, and how did this fire start?" Yuna asked, causing Paine to sit up at her words.
Tidus and Isaaru exchanged hesitant glances.
Serru turned to look across the room. His hand dropped from the doorknob he was about to turn, when Yuna's question caught his attention as well.
"You see, Lady Yuna. This was not supposed to be revealed to you and everyone else, but..." Isaaru said quietly. His eyes drifted over to Tidus, who realized that there was no point in hiding it now.
"Yuna, Cid was the one who sent us out there," Tidus began to explain. He leaned back in his seat, a wave of exhaustion washing over him for a second. Blinking away his sudden dizziness, he continued on. Paine was now listening carefully.
"I had originally intended to shut the Zanarkand Dome for good, but something seemed like it was beckoning me to return and check the area just one last time," Isaaru began seriously.
Yuna and Paine nodded to themselves, recalling that Isaaru had indeed meant to close the Dome for a while. But wait...
"So why did you go back there, Isaaru?" Yuna decided to ask.
"It may sound strange, but I remember one night while I was standing upon one of the hills overlooking the shore near the Ruins, I could almost swear that I saw smoke rising from atop the Dome," Isaaru continued to explain.
"Wait, smoke? From a fire, maybe?" Paine asked incredulously.
"Yes, that is it. I thought it was a fire that could have been burning the Dome, so I rushed back as quickly as I could, and there was indeed a fire. Thankfully I had an Ice spell with me at the time and was able to stop it for the time being."
"So there was a fire back then, too?" Yuna asked thoughtfully. She stood up and looked out the window, the white clouds passing them by.
"Yes," Isaaru responded quietly, sensing Yuna's worry.
"What's going on here? Why are all these fires showing up all of a sudden?" Paine exclaimed as she stood from her seat, moving to the other side of the room and crossing her arms.
"I decided to contact Cid about the matter since he was the first person I knew who cared for the Zanarkand Ruins. He was enraged to say the least, so I was informed that he wanted to conduct an investigation."
"So Cid called and told me to go with Isaaru on this investigation," Tidus added. He saw Yuna turn around to face them.
"But why keep it a secret from us?" she asked after some time.
He ran a hand through his hair. "He wanted me to help since I knew Zanarkand well and was the only person he knew who could help," Tidus replied simply, hoping Yuna wouldn't be angry. "Cid didn't want you to get involved."
"Oh, I-I see..." Yuna said, beginning to understand.
"Well it's too late to be saying that, don't you think?" Paine retorted. Her boots echoed across the metal flooring as she took a seat once again. "We're all involved in this now." Her ruby eyes flickered across the room. "And how about you? You seem quiet," she asked the other man.
Serru chuckled at Paine's comment towards him. "I suppose you're right."
"Care to explain what's bothering you?" Paine pressed on, one eyebrow raised.
"Hm, perhaps I should tell you what your cousin has experienced as well..." Serru spoke up, returning to the seats where they were.
"Rikku? What happened?" Tidus asked curiously. Yuna looked on in concern, the mention of something happening to her cousin deeply worrying her.
They watched as the Al Bhed sat down, his brown hair shining from the moonlight. "I know this may not be the proper time, but she nearly experienced harm in a fire that broke out in Kilika a few days ago."
"FIRE?!" Paine and Yuna exclaimed at once.
"Damn, what the hell is going on here?" Paine mumbled to herself, regaining her composure.
Serru fought his lips from curving up, trying his best to keep his face neutral. "I do not know. But whoever is responsible for these recent fires has done a good job at concealing his identity," Serru said.
"He? How do you know it's a man who's doing this?" Isaaru asked, Serru's words striking him as odd.
The Al Bhed froze. "Just a way of words. I don't know if the arsonist is a male or female," Serru continued, feeling his pulse slowing down again.
"I see..." Isaaru replied. He watched as the Al Bhed turned his back to the group. Still, he couldn't help but shake off that nagging feeling that was tugging at his instincts. Something was not quite right with this young man...
Serru's voice cut off his thoughts.
"We will be arriving to Luca shortly. As soon as we get there, Cid will help you treat any injuries you may have," Serru explained, changing the subject completely.
Paine narrowed her eyes at Serru's form, his back still turned to the rest of the group.
***
The morning mist hung lightly in the early air, causing her to blink her eyes from the moisture. Up above, the sunlight was beginning to stream through the thick canopy of trees, providing the first signs of a new day.
Rikku couldn't help but hum a light tune. The previous night shocked her to say the least, yet something within her had awakened. Or rather, someone had awakened feelings she never thought she had.
Gippal.
Just the sound of his name caused a light shiver to run through her. Sensations of the kiss they shared came washing over her. His warmth, his touch, his scent. She shook her head, almost disbelieving that Gippal had actually kissed her.
Never before had she felt this way over someone, let alone had anyone care about her like this. But this was a whole new world for her. Rikku could hardly contain her feelings. She felt like soaring high, flying into the end of forever.
Still, something was telling her that Gippal was only trying to keep her mind off of Yuna and everyone else. Maybe he really didn't care about her and that the kiss was...
"Stop it! That's not the way to think, Rikku!" she exclaimed aloud, scolding herself for thinking so negatively.
She sighed. There was no way to win with herself, and she hated it.
Deciding to head back into the clearing, she began to walk up the pathway. The sun was now in full view, the light streaming from the trees above, brighter than ever.
Rounding the corner, she found herself running into a warm body, a flash of dark red catching her eye before she felt herself begin to fall backward from the impact. An arm slid around her body, preventing her from falling down.
She felt her cheeks flaming, already knowing who her rescuer was. Her green eyes rose to his face, the characteristic green eye and black patch greeting her.
"Hey, uh...you okay?" he asked, his voice low and soft, face mere inches above hers. His arm was warm around her, still holding her near him as if she was going to fall.
Rikku looked up at him. "Uh, Ehehe...yeah. Um, sorry about that..." she began to say, preparing to step away from his gentle hold around her. But he didn't remove his arm from around her lower back.
He gazed down at her for a few more moments before sliding his arm away from her, still watching her closely. Gippal realized that he was at a loss for words.
'Damn, what's happening to me...?' his inner thoughts whispered as her eyes locked on his. He felt himself getting lost in the endless swirl of green. She smiled up at him, and he finally understood it.
'I'm in love with her...' Gippal realized in disbelief. She was still smiling at him, her face gentle, her eyes sparkling. He felt himself reaching for her again.
He seemed to move in slow motion as he felt himself raising a hand to her face. It didn't come as a shock anymore as his face neared hers, before her lips met his in a kiss.
***
"They're going to be just fine," Cid declared with a sigh. Although his tone was strong, his eyes were not. Serru could see that in the old man's face.
"I'm glad to hear that, Sir."
The two men began to walk down the hallway, heading towards the exit. Yuna, Tidus, Paine, and Isaaru were now being treated for their injuries. The doctors said that they would be ready to leave within a few days. Neither Al Bhed man said anything, yet the silence was comforting.
At last they stepped out into the sunlight, the warm Lucan air hitting Serru's face.
Cid suddenly stopped walking. He scratched the back of his head, something obviously bothering him.
"Listen, kid. There's something I need to talk to you about..." the older man began.
Serru stopped as well, turning to face him. "What is it, Sir?"
"Ah, uh...well you see. Uh, it's about my daughter, Rikku. I'm sure you've met her," Cid began, his eyes on the ground.
Serru blinked, his attention fully on Cid at the mention of Rikku's name. "Yes, I know her."
"Alright, I'm just going to go right out and say this. Tysh...this isn't hard for me to say as father but..." Cid tried again. He was now pacing in front of a balloon stand, Serru continuing to listen to him.
"Yes? What is it, Sir?"
"Rikku's now getting to 'that age' and what I'm trying to say is that I want her to marry someone like you, son," Cid said in a rush, his words hitting Serru hard. Nevertheless, the younger Al Bhed knew what he heard.
He could hardly believe his luck. His gaze drifted to Cid.
"Cid, I'm not sure I can reply to what you've just told me..."
The older man paused in his step, eyes flashing towards Serru. "What do you mean by that, son?" Cid demanded, taking a step towards him.
Serru tried to keep a smile from forming on his face. "You see, I believe your daughter has already developed feelings for another..."
Cid's eyes narrowed. "Who?" he demanded, his voice low.
"I believe she may be in a relationship with Gippal."
***
A/N: Ah, so thank goodness I've finally finished this chapter! I'm so sorry everyone, for being so late with this release. ;_; Like I've mentioned, my schedule has been very hectic as of late, but I've done my best to please all of you who have remained loyal to the fic. ^^
Thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews, everyone. I hope to get the next chapter out soon!