The day had come. It was finally here. The day Gippal was leaving Home—forever.

Rikku tried to shrug it off casually. She acted like nothing was happening, as if he were just going out for a walk. But deep down, every second it felt like she would burst open and cry her eyes out.

Gippal was sitting in his room, packing his bag for the big day. Rikku opened the door soundlessly, a giddy grin pasted on her face.

Slowly she snuck up behind the boy, ever...so...slowly...

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" She cried, pouncing on his back.

"Holy Yevon!" Gippal cried, jumping up. Rikku laughed, her arms still wrapped tight around his neck.

"Boo."

Gippal laughed, shaking his head. "Seems I have a rather large pest..." He started to run around the room, already much more stronger than Rikku, (being able to carry her around and all). Rikku shrieked and laughed, clinging onto him for dear life.

"Gipp—stop! STOP! I'm sorry!" She cried, still smiling. Gippal finally slowed down, the momentum loss carrying Rikku from his back to his front.

"Boo." He said quietly, giving a devilish smile. Before she knew what was happening, Gippal had grabbed her in a kiss. She sighed, content.

How would she live without these?

"A-hem." A voice called from the door. The two sprang apart, both blushing furiously.

"You're on a schedule, Mr." Buddy said, tapping his watch impatiently. "Now skidaddle!"

Gippal nodded. "Aye aye!"

Buddy left the room, leaving Gippal left to pack. Rikku sat on his rumpled bed as he threw random stuff into his bag.

"Excited, Birthday Boy?" Rikku asked with a giggle. Gippal nodded.

"Sure am! Now that I'm 16, no one will really care where I go!"

"I will." Rikku said, putting on a pouty face.

"Aw, sorry Goose. Didn't mean it."

Rikku just smiled. "Do you think you'll remember me?"
"No, of course not."

"Gippal!" Rikku yelled, lightly punching him in the shoulder. "Tell me the truth!"

"Of COURSE I will Rikku, for the millionth time..."

The two heard the honks of an airship calling out to Gippal. He grinned widely. "I gotta go now."

Rikku nodded sullenly. "Yea—I guess."

The two walked out and down the streets in silence. Already Rikku's stomach was bubbling with loss. She had that nervous feeling right before something big and terrible happens.

A small group of Al Bhed had come to see them off, smiling and wishing good luck.

Finally, it was Rikku's turn to say goodbye.

"Don't get killed." She said sternly.

"Of course."
"And eat your vegetables."
"Unlike you."
"And remember me."
"Duh." He said with a cocky grin.

Rikku than looked around, as if to make sure everyone were watching them.

"Oh, and I forgot your birthday present."
"Aw, doesn't matter, really-"

But he was cut short as Rikku made a bold move in front of everyone and kissed him. And it wasn't no innocent thing. Nope, it was long and passionate, full of desire. Rikku wanted him to know just how much she'd miss him.

The two finally broke apart to scattered applause.

"Wow." Was all Gippal could say.

Rikku grinned. Since she didn't have the guts to say 'I love you', she just gave him a big hug.

"Write, okay?"

"I'll try."

"You WILL."

Gippal grinned. "All right." With that he tousled her hair. "I'll see you around, Cid's Girl."
"Give it UP!" She shouted, laughing.


Gippal just gave her a wave as he stepped on board.

'Be happy, be happy...' Rikku thought to herself.

But the minute the airship rose and flew out of site, Rikku didn't pretend anymore.

Running, blinded by tears, Rikku reached her house, slamming the door open shutting it loudly. Slowly she slid to the floor, tears pouring out of her eyes, hiccups and sobs escaping her throat.

'So this is what it feels like to be alone.' Rikku thought sadly.

"WELL I HATE IT!" She screamed, throwing a random object at the wall.

"I HATE HIM! I HATE HIM FOR LEAVING ME TO DIE A BORING DEATH!"

But it was all a lie. Rikku loved him as much as she ever had...but she knew this love was over, no matter how hard she tried.

He would be all the way across Spira, and, Yevon only knows, falling in love with some other girl she was unaware of.

"I hate my life." She moaned once more, hiding her tear-stained face in her knees.

"I hate it."

A/N: So whaddya think? ;D Whoah...two chapters of this story in the same day—I'm on some kind of creative high. I know, not that good, but it'll get more interesting—hopefully. Oo R&R please!