A/N: I'm terribly sorry for this extremely late update. I've been unexplainably tired these past few weeks and kinda sank into one of my depressed moods. I had some writer's block as a result. Also, the homework load didn't help much. But I finally got this chapter done, and I decided that instead of sending it out Monday as usual, I didn't want to delay the wait any longer so I'm sending it out today :)

Perfect Stranger: You were supposed to forget about it T.T lol

Chili Girl: You were supposed to forget about it too! Lol. And I decided to make the last chapter in Rikku's POV because since we started with her, it only seemed right that we ended with her as well.

To anyone wondering, I'll most likely do another Rikku/Gippal fic, but I'm undecided on whether to make it on the humor side or on the serious side.

Thank you EVERYBODY! Every single person - every single one who took the time to review, even those who went the extra step to give me nice long explanations to help clear my mind. I really appreciate the effort and time. Without you guys, I would've never made it this far. And thanks especially to Little Knight of Gondor's explanations and emailed pictures of the game itself.

This chapter may get a little bit confusing.

He backed up against the wall as she clung onto him tightly.

"Why?" she asked in a low whisper.

He felt uneasy, wondering if he would have to push her away for her to finally understand. "We're done," he told her in a firm voice. "It was a long time ago, Khlana."

She dug her fingers into his back. "But I – I still…"

He gave her a slight push. "I'm sorry," he told her. "Please, understand."

She shook her head. "I don't," she replied in a desperate tone. "We're great together, don't you think? Please, Gippal; I need you."

He glanced down both ends of the hall for any wandering eyes. Then, he gave her a warm embrace. "You'll always have me… as a friend. That's all, Khlana."

She paused. "Is it someone new?"

He held her tightly. "No, someone old…"

He left the airship with a proud aura about him as Chuo approached him. "Uh – Sir?"

Gippal turned to him with a glare. "Yeah?"

The man looked down embarrassingly. "There's nothing going on between Rikku and I," he confessed.

Gippal stared at him with a dead expression on his face. "You're fired."

"Hold on, just listen!" Chuo grabbed his shoulder. "There is honestly nothing going on between us. Si-Gippal…" He sighed and turned towards Luca's marketplace. "She wants you."

Gippal crossed his arms and leaned against the body of his airship. "Not that I'm surprised or anything, but you know this because…?"

Chuo shrugged his shoulders. "Just trust me. She does." He rubbed the back of his neck. "So why don't you just tell her that you want her too?"

Gippal raised his eyebrow, and then he smirked. "Ghosts?"

"What?"

"Nevermind." Gippal unfolded his arms uneasily and stared at the entrance door in anxiety.

Chuo smiled. "Just go tell her."

"Say what though?"

"I don't know. Say how you feel."

Gippal frowned. "I feel hungry."

Chuo slapped his head. "No, no. I'll help you plan what you'll say then."

Gippal slapped Chuo's back with a thud. "Alright!" he exclaimed as the two began brainstorming. Gippal chuckled, "You know, remind me to give you a promotion…"

Present

I've given up my role as the civilized Al Bhed Princess, and have become a gangster.

SHHHHHHHHH! Quiet you guys!

I quickly dodged behind a building and watched the sand intensely for any approaching shadows. Feeling the cool sensation of the wall against my skin, I shivered slightly and wished that I had brought more than just a T-shirt and a plain pair of shorts that evening.

When I could no longer take the irritation that filled my veins from standing there in waiting, I slipped out from the protection of the building and rapidly scampered across the desert sand.

I felt like a fugitive on the run; police hot on my trails but never catching me. Or like a robber on the loose, too swift for the eye or eyes to see. Or, oh! a gangster like we had declared before, except, without the gang part.

The Rikster. Yeah, that's what they'll call me. Hah, you like that eh?

…Hmm?

SHHHHHHHHH! Don't speak so loud! We're committing a terrible misconduct here!

I sought for the cover of another building and watched for anything that moved in the night. When my senses confirmed that the coast was clear, I stepped out and instantly scurried across the desert sands again.

Ouu, this was worse than 'poopie'. This was diarrhea.

It would've been easier to run if we had gotten the road-building materials to Pops earlier and he could've started the construction on roads for Home. Of course that would mean the streets would be lit up and my lawbreaker identity would be revealed, but at least I wouldn't have chunks of sand making a habitat between my toes. (Sigh) I guess that's my punishment for doing this horrible, sinful action.

…What did I do you ask? (Glances around) Is anyone else listening? Tell the walls to turn away. Is all good? Alright. Okay. I will tell you, my trustworthy friend. I, Rikku, have broken my father's household rules and snuck out of my bedroom.

(Holds up hand) Stop, don't say anything. I know, I know, you are shocked. (Gives water) Here, drink this and cool down. It's alright. It's okay. Just because I broke that one rule doesn't mean that I'll be doing anymore rule breaking – especially not from our friendship rule book. Don't worry; I will not drag you into this. I am still a good influence, honest. It's just… I have my reasons.

And then I saw it. About a thirty second dash away was the Bikanel Hotel, surrounded by twenty four, seven foot guards, twenty four seven. Well, okay sorry. It was actually more like no guards, just a bellhop or two when they had nothing else to do but smoke away their troubles outside.

Guards, bellhops, what's the difference? The only thing that matters is getting past them and their attentive eyes.

Adjusting my hair and pushing my braids back, I walked confidently up towards the door with my head high to the stars.

The two men looked at me confusingly; one even started choking on the puffs of smoke upon seeing me.

I turned to them with a seductive smile. "Kuut ajahehk kahdmasah (Good evening gentlemen)."

"Kuut ajahehk, Secc (Good evening, Miss)," they responded in unison. "Oui'mm pa haatehk yhodrehk (You'll be needing anything)?"

I gave them a clear wink. "Hud huf (Not now)." And then entered the building as they exchanged looks.

While they were chatting away about my tremendous undercover performance, I exited the building and sneaked around the corner.

Excellent job Rikku! Mission almost complete!

Feeling my surroundings in the dark, I finally reached the side of the wall with the windows. Glancing up, I counted the levels to find the exact window. And there, I had found it. Second floor up, third to the right was the orange curtain covered window, wide open for any intruder to enter. Lucky for him, I'm not purely on the dark side just yet.

Finding a grip on the wall, I began to scale it effortlessly, my struggles disappearing away as I thought of the satisfaction that would fulfill me afterwards.

I reached it in no time, and grunted as I squeezed my body through. Everything was perfect; everything was done with the greatest thought and most accurate precision.

BAM.

Until I fell lopsided on the hotel room ground. (Sigh) Dusting myself off, I checked around for any sign of life.

"HUUGFfhhagguppf…"

Doesn't have to be a profound piece of life.

I trotted over to the bed and smiled at the sight of spiky blond hair that stuck out from the blanket. Removing it from his face, I shook him gently to wake him up.

"Pssssssst! Gippal. Wakey, wakey sleepyhead!"

He didn't budge, only soft murmurs evolved from his mouth.

Angry, I shoved him even harder. "Wake up you dumb butt!" I shook him viciously, sure that he would have to feel that.

But he didn't.

Absolutely frustrated, I pushed him suddenly and accidentally rolled him off the bed. He landed on the carpet floor with a thump.

Slapping my forehead, I ran over to his side and noticed that he was still asleep.

It was time for the classic water-on-face trick – every criminal's secret weapon. I rushed around the room, desperately looking for a cup and a bathroom, but none was to be found. I stomped furiously.

Walking back to him, I kneeled down and frowned at his calm and relaxed face. I decided to do the next best thing. Summing up as much as I could, I closed my eyes and released the powerful armament.

I spit on him.

Immediately his eye opened. He blinked twice, and then brought a finger to his forehead. He examined the saliva in the moonlight. "Ew, Rikku." He wiped his finger on the carpet. "Nasty…"

I smiled. "I know you love me."

He gave a light chuckle and rubbed his eye to wake himself. "You came here just to spit on me? You could've waited till morning you know."

I placed two hands on my hips and replied, "I did not come here with the intention to spit on you."

He raised his eyebrow. "Really…" He reached for my leg. "So you came for something else eh?"

I slapped his hand away. "You had a fun enough time bragging to Rleyd."

He gave an innocent face. "Hey, it never even happened!"

I stood up. "And what makes you think it ever will?"

He frowned an adorable, pleading frown.

I sighed and kicked him. "Get up, Mister. We have places to go and things to see."

"We?"

"No, just you," I responded sarcastically.

"Me?"

I gave him a confused look. "No, we."

He threw his arms in the air. "Geez, Rikku. Make up your mind, will ya?" He grabbed his blanket and then realized that he was on the ground. Turning to me with a confused look, he shrugged it off and crawled back on the bed. "Wake me up when you do."

"I have!" I exclaimed and slammed my hands on the mattress. "Get up, get up!"

"Nuughh," he answered.

"C'mon, it'll be quick, I promise!"

He shook his head.

I balled my fists angrily. "Gippal!"

He turned on his back and looked at me tiredly. "And where are we supposedly going?"

"It's a surprise."

"Nah, don't like surprises, sorry."

I narrowed my eyebrows and folded my arms. "You're such a guy," I growled.

He chuckled faintly and closed his eyes without another smart-alecky reply.

Sighing, I realized the only way to get him out of bed. Walking over to his side, I slid both hands underneath him and lifted the faction leader up.

Well, I tried. (Grunts) It worked when he did it.

He immediately jumped at contact and nearly rolled off the bed again. He looked at me in surprise.

I gave him a tiny smile. "No," I said to deplete any disturbing ideas forming in his mind.

He relaxed a bit and then gestured his hand. "So that was because…?"

I folded my arms and headed back towards the window. "You know what? I think I'll just go ask Chuo. I'm sure he'd want to come with me."

BAM!

On my stomach, on the ground, Gippal on me.

"Chuo has a girlfriend," he said in a steady tone.

I wiggled out from underneath him. "So, we'll just be going as friends. You wouldn't mind, right sleepyhead?"

"Khlana would," he replied.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Eh." And got up.

Gippal frowned. "Alright, I'll go," he mumbled exasperatingly.

I eagerly grabbed his wrist and together we climbed down the window.

"We could've just gone through the door, you know," Gippal said, once he reached the ground.

I leapt off the ledge and into his waiting arms. I shook my head disappointedly. "No… That just wouldn't be right…"

We began to head towards the outskirts of Home, me leading the way; Gippal tiredly dragging himself to keep up. He wasn't being a very good sidekick for a criminal mastermind like me. Every so often he would whine like a child.

"RAAEEkkkuuuuu…" he groaned despairingly.

"What?" I hissed.

"You're ugly."

I kissed my teeth at him. "Your face," I responded.

His lips curled into a grin and he instantaneously stood up straight, forcing us to a stop. "What about my face?" he asked in a low, masculine voice.

Oh, Chocoboshit.

My body naturally fell numb and my mouth was sealed shut.

He chuckled softly and slipped his hand around my waist. He gently traced my neck. "You think I'm good-looking?"

Um… good at looking?

His hand inched towards the edge of my shorts. "You think I'm handsome?"

Well, you sure got some hands.

He then shoved me down on my back and hovered over me as his hands continued to wander. He leaned down close and whispered, "You think I'm sexy?" Then, he immediately dove down to RG me when I rapidly turned away.

His mouth filled with sand.

I stood up and watched him cough in amusement. "I think you're crazy."

After a few more pathetic attempts to seduce me, we finally reached the hill I was looking for. I turned around to see him exhaustingly crawl up. "C'mon, Gippal!"

He collapsed midway. "So… sleepy…" he forced out.

I clutched his arm and tried with all my might to pull him up. "We're almost there! Don't abandon me on this mission!"

"What?"

"Nothing."

We eventually reached the top and he struggled to keep his eye awake. I helped him onto his feet and then pointed below. "Look," I told him. I slapped his face awake.

He merely grumbled in response.

"Surprise," I whispered.

He lazily placed half his weight on my body as he lowered his head to the sight beneath us. "It's an airship," he stated unenthusiastically.

"I know," I said with pride. "Mine."

"Cool." He yawned. "Can we go back now?"

I took a step forward, and he suddenly found himself leaning on air. He fell.

Down and down the hill he rolled, like a snowball on wheels; except he didn't get fatter, just dustier. Well, at least he was now awake.

I ran down the hill alongside of him until we reached the bottom. I walked over to my beloved airship and unlocked the entrance door. "Look familiar?" I asked him.

He stood up and dusted the sand off of him angrily. "No."

I smirked. "It's yours."

He jerked his head up in panic and examined the airship carefully. "No it isn't," he realized.

"Opps." I laughed. "It was yours."

He faked a laugh. "Right…" He walked over to it and placed his palm against it. He circled the airship in curiosity. "Wait…" He analyzed its exterior from top to bottom. Then, he turned to me. "This was supposed to be mine." He took a step back to observe it as a whole. "I found this thing years ago, through the Forbidden Caves."

"Ahh," I said, making my way to the side ladder. I climbed up onto its roof. "But you left it, so I adopted it as my baby." I hugged it with affection. "Isn't she purrrty?"

He folded his arms. "You.stole.my.airship."

Aren't I just the criminal?

I grinned at him sweetly. "Just call me the Rikster!"

He walked over to the ladder and climbed up to me. "I'll call you the thief." He crawled up onto the roof and sat down next to me. He looked around at our surroundings. "Where's the cave entrance?"

I pointed in front of us. "Over there."

He turned. "Where?"

"Over there, you don't see it?"

"No."

I shoved him playfully. "Because it's on the other side of the city." I shook my head. "I flew the airship over here, stupid."

He hesitated for a moment to understand our conversation.

Forgive him, he's a little slow sometimes; poor guy must have a brain-patch somewhere in there.

After a while, he knocked on the body of the airship. "When did you complete it?"

"A few days ago." I leaned back on my arms and stared out at the night sky. "I've only made a few test flights with it."

"Does anyone else know about it?"

"Pops, Brother…" I replied.

He gave a gentle smile and looked down, almost disappointedly. "So… what did you call it?"

"I don't have a name yet." I paused. "Hey, what's the name of yours?"

He laughed. "Two full days on it and you hadn't figured it out?"

I twitched my mouth to the side. "Well no one told me."

He tapped his fingers against the metal frame and looked at me with a glint in his eye. "The GR."

I gasped in surprise. "Y-You called it The GR?"

He nodded coolly.

I sighed in amusement. "What does the GR stand for?" I asked, testing his limits.

He chuckled. "Isn't it obvious?"

I smiled. "Yeah…"

He pretended to dust off his shoulder. "For Gippal Rules, of course."

I punched his arm. "Zylgycc (Jackass)."

He laughed and then moved closer. "Or whatever you want it to stand for."

I hesitated for a moment, and then leaned against him with a sigh.

"You can call yours The GR 2 if you want. I don't mind," he said with a conceited grin.

I elbowed him. "I don't think so." My eyes grew heavy. "Maybe I'll think of one in the morning."

He looked down at me. "Getting tired already, Rikster?"

I held back a smile. "No… just want a quick nap, that's all. I'm awake… I am…"

He carefully adjusted himself behind me and I rested my head against his body. "You'll miss the sunrise."

I weakly moved my mouth. "I w-won't… I won't…"

He chuckled softly and stared out at the empty desert landscape. After a few minutes he nudged my arm. "Well aren't you just the lucky Al Bhed…"

I was pending between reality and the dreamworld. "W-Wha-Why?"

He pressed his lips against my cheek soothingly and motioned towards the rays of sunlight that emerged from the horizon. "Mornin' Sunshine," he whispered.

I opened my eyes slowly to see the cool navy sky transform into a pool of red and orangey warmth. I melted into contentment at his statement. "Mornin' to you to," I replied.

"I was talking to the sun."

#&()#)(&#!

"…Gippal?"

I could sense a hint of amusement in his voice. "Yes, Beautiful?"

I closed my eyes and smiled. "Go home…"

I awoke the next morning with no blanket, no scarf, not even a bed; but with two protective arms tightly wrapped around me as we lay on Sunshine's roof top, soaking in the morning sun...

End.

A/N: I hope that you've enjoyed reading this story as much as I had writing it. And I hope that I managed to squeeze at least one small laugh out of you during the course of this fic :D

Thanks for reading. Please Review.