You Better You Bet

By Mignonne

Chapter 1: Not That You Would…but You Could

Disclaimer:  Characters don't belong to me.  Neither does Final Fantasy X.  The title is the name of a song recorded by the Who and written by Pete Townshend, from whom I've shamelessly swiped it.  I wouldn't be worth suing anyway.  If Squaresoft or Pete and Roger want my student loan debts, they're welcome to take them.  Just so long as they don't take my car.  Or my pony.

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When I say I love you you say you better
You better you better you bet
When I say I need you you say you better
You better you better you bet
You better bet your life
Or love will cut you like a knife

                        You Better You Bet, The Who


Auron was tired. He was fairly certain he was getting too old for this sort of thing. Or perhaps he was just getting too dead. Promises kept him in Spira, but they couldn't stop his longing for rest. But he would never admit it, not to anyone. He clung on, determined to protect the daughter of his friend.


"Why are you still here?" Seymour had asked. Though the tone of the question had been snide, Auron knew that there was some truth to it. What was he doing? Fulfilling promises, he kept telling himself. But that wasn't the only reason. He wanted to give the deaths of Jecht and Braska some meaning. He couldn't if he was on the Farplane.

So he was on another pilgrimage, this time with Braska's daughter, Yuna. Every time Auron looked at her, he realized how young she was. He knew Braska would have been proud of her. As would Jecht of Tidus, even though Tidus swore he hated his father. He watched as the two of them disappeared into the Farplane, followed by Kimahri, Lulu, and Wakka. This left him alone with Rikku.

***

Rikku sat on the edge of the ledge, dangling her legs and looking into the nothingness beyond. She couldn't believe what Seymour had just done. Poor Yunie! She wished she had been able to kidnap Yuna successfully. Then she'd be safe, and wouldn't have to deal with this. But maybe, if Yuna did marry Seymour, she'd quit her pilgrimage. Rikku sighed. It was wishful thinking and she knew it. Yuna would never agree to end her pilgrimage. She lived - and would die - for the people of Spira. Suddenly, a voice cut through Rikku's thoughts.

"Why are you still out here? No one you wish to see on the farplane?" She turned abruptly, to see Auron standing there, left eyebrow raised above his glasses. She had been so preoccupied that she hadn't realized that he too had stayed behind.

"It's just pyreflies reacting to your memories. Memories are nice, but that's all they are. I keep my memories inside," she replied, after a moment's pause. Auron nodded, seemingly satisfied. But Rikku wasn't. "Why didn't you go?" she asked him, "I know you must have people you'd like to see."

He turned away. "It's complicated," he said, in a tone of voice that very much implied the conversation was over. Rikku was mildly disappointed. The man had intrigued her from the start, though that wasn't very long ago. This was the first chance she had really gotten to talk to him. The legendary guardian of Lord Braska was aloof, cold, and stiff; he seemed absolutely devoid of emotion. Rikku wondered if that was really the case. After an uncomfortable silence, she decided to try a different tact.

"I can't believe Seymour! Does he really expect Yuna to marry him? I didn't like him from the start, you know?"

"You and Tidus both. Though I daresay Tidus likes him even less than you do now."

"Well don't you think it's unfair? That she should marry other than for love. When I marry, it won't be to some creepy Yevonite politician," she proclaimed proudly.

"I doubt you'll be getting many offers from any Yevonites, let alone 'creepy' politicians." Auron's expression was, as always, unreadable behind the high collar and dark glasses. Rikku glared at him, despite the fact that she was sure he didn't care what she thought or felt. Her surprise at the fact Auron had made a joke couldn't outweigh the annoyance that it being at her expense had produced. And Auron wasn't finished. "But what bothers you more, the fact that he's a Yevonite or the fact that he's a politician. Is he 'creepy,'" Auron snidely stressed the word, "Just because he's half Guado?"

"Who do you think I am, Wakka? I'm not prejudiced. I know what it's like to be different. I just think it's wrong that he's marrying Yuna to help his career, you know? Don't you agree? Come on, would you do it if you were in that position?" Rikku realized about five seconds too late that she had said too much. Auron's body language only served to verify this, as he grew stiff - even more than normal - then turned away. Rikku knew the conversation really was over.

***

Auron knew Rikku didn't know about his past. How he had refused the hand of the priest's daughter. Not many did. Of course, had he married her, it would be common knowledge for the people of Spira. It would have been a very much a political marriage...promoting his career rather than anyone else's. And he had refused.

What right had he to influence Yuna's decision? He knew she held him in high esteem, and took any advice he gave very seriously. His approval, even implied, might tip the scales of her decision. Yet he felt wrong giving advice on this matter. He had made his choice. He was what he was. And Yuna needed to make her choice on her own.

He sat in his hotel room in Guadosalam and pondered. The past. The present. The future. He knew what the future would bring for him, but not the rest of Spira. Because for all his melancholy and feigned disinterest, he really did care. Especially about his travelling companions, though not in the way he had the last ones. They were all so young and hopeful. He hated the word hope after his had been taken.

His mind wandered, finally coming back to what Rikku had said. He had been in that position, he knew what it was like. He had chosen exile over power. Yet fate was funny. Now he was the "legendary guardian," Sir Auron, though he didn't feel that way. He wondered what would happen should the populace of Spira discover his deceased status. Or should his traveling companions discover what he was. He wondered if Yuna would look at him the same way, that borderline adoration apparent in her gaze. Maybe she wouldn't listen to what advice he had to give.

Yuna shouldn't marry Seymour. He deep down agreed with Rikku. Seymour was a creepy guy, though exactly why he wasn't sure. He was young to be a Maester of Yevon; the title itself led to abuse of power, coupled with Seymour's age, Auron had a feeling it would lead to trouble, with a capital T. Yuna's status would only make things worse. It would make Seymour look all too wonderful in the eyes of Spira. But at the same time, it would bring joy. He did not envy Yuna her decision one bit. The only thing he knew for sure was that he would stand behind her no matter what. It was what Braska would have wanted. A promise was a promise.

***

Rikku was terrified, and not just for Yuna, who had just gone to see Seymour. They had been assured that Seymour wished Yuna to continue her pilgrimage even if they did marry. That ended Auron's objections to the marriage at least (thought it removed Rikku's only reason to support a decision in that direction), and Rikku knew how much his opinion mattered to her cousin. Rikku feared that Yuna would mistake his apparent indifference for actual approval. And that might sway her decision. The wrong way.

Auron could see Rikku out of the corner of his eye. He had a feeling she didn't realize she was staring at him. She looked angry. He couldn't blame her for being upset; none of them were happy about the situation, though why it seemed to be directed at him, he had no idea. He was fairly certain that Seymour's proposal hadn't been his idea, any more than Yuna's decision was his choice. What Rikku didn't seem to grasp was that a guardian's concern was not of the personal matters of a summoner, but that summoner's immediate safety and protection. All else was unimportant, as long as Sin was defeated. Keep telling yourself that old man, you may start to believe it.

***

Of course, as this was parading through his thoughts, he didn't realize that he was staring at Rikku. The fact that they looked like they were making eyes at each other was not lost on the other members of the party. Wakka, Lulu, and Tidus, desperate for a release from worrying about Yuna, were watching them.

"Oooh...they like each other, ya!" said Wakka quietly.

"Keep it down! They'll hear you and stop doing it!" Lulu said, while kicking Wakka ever-so-discretely in the shin.

"Ok, no need to get violent, ya. That hurt! And you were louder than I was!" Wakka was rather indignant. Lulu was rather ignoring him.

"Hey! Stop flirting and let me watch. This is the first chance I've ever had to get any ammo against Auron!" Tidus looked as if his birthday had come early.

"Didn't he live in Zanarkand for ten years? If you've known him for that long, you must have gotten some dirt on him." Always practical, that Lulu.

"Yeah, but he never DID anything! He just...lurked around...after my old man disappeared."

Lulu rolled her eyes. "Or Tidus was just so oblivious that he missed anything that went on," she whispered to Wakka. Tidus didn't notice. Neither did Wakka.

They watched the pair in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly, Wakka had a stroke of brilliance. "We should have a pool, ya! We can place bets about when they get together and keep an eye on them. Whoever's closest gets to keep...uh..."

"One thousand gil to enter. Winner keep pot. Kimahri call Calm Lands." Kimahri's statement was met with looks of shock. He had been standing in the corner not thirty seconds ago; how he knew what they were talking about was beyond anyone's comprehension. Maybe the Ronso had really good hearing. Not only that, but it was an actual statement out of Kimahri that wasn't along the lines of "Protect Yuna." It was also more than three words at once.

Tidus, who liked to hear himself talk a little too much, was the first to recover. "Well then I get...Zanarkand, cause it's the only place I know we're going. Yeah!"

Lulu was next to cast her lot. "The Thunder Plains."

There was a silence before Wakka finally came up with "Bevelle." Clearly, that required as much deep thought as did his choice of hairstyle every morning.

"Well then. Rules must be set." Lulu was a firm believer in the rules. "No outside interference...this has to happen of their own accord." Lulu had used a big word and both Wakka and Tidus looked confused. Lulu didn't seem to care.

Neither did Kimahri, who put in, "Pool end when Sir Auron kiss Rikku. Kimahri get money."

*That* Wakka and Tidus understood. "Nuh uh either. I'm gonna get the money, ya?"

"No way! It's mine!"

Lulu rolled her eyes dramatically. "That's enough! When I collect, you'll all see."

***

As absorbed in each other as Auron and Rikku were, they didn't miss the commotion. Auron ambled over. The four schemers quickly shut up and made quick excuses.

"We were talking about...Seymour...yeah!" Tidus claimed, a little too enthusiastically.

"He makes us angry, ya?"

"Poor Yuna..." Lulu put in, combined with her very best 'pouty face.'

Kimahri just nodded gravely.

This seemed to satisfy Auron, as well as Rikku, who had just bounded over. Yuna soon returned and they were told of Seymour's departure for Macalania. The gamblers breathed a collective sigh of relief that they had gone undiscovered and the group departed for the Thunder Plains.

***

Rikku was trudging. Usually, she bounced, or maybe skipped, or sometimes even hopped, but today was not a bouncing day. She was dragging her feet and jumping into the air every time lighting struck. Which was often.

Auron was studiously ignoring her antics. While privately, he thought them quite annoying and was suppressing the urge to smack her, he didn't let that show on his face. Warrior monks are funny like that, especially when they're die-hard stoics like Auron.

Lulu was watching them carefully, studying body language. They were only on the Thunder Plains for so long, and her time was running out. So she decided to help things along a bit. Rikku had been walking a little apart from the group, drifting behind at a slow shuffle.

"Rikku, the lightning will be attracted to the tallest thing in the plains. Since we're not by any poles that would be Auron, because he's the tallest one in the group. You should get closer to him, that way you won't get hit," Lulu suggested, proud of her 'stroke of brilliance' and unerring logic.

Her companions looked annoyed, except for Yuna, who looked oblivious. Tidus realized she hadn't been filled in, and resolved to do so at the next opportunity. Not only would it give him an excuse to talk alone with Yuna, but she would think he was brilliant when he told her about the great idea he had had (he was, of course, discounting the fact that it hadn't been his idea at all).

Rikku had quickly scooted up and was now clinging to the back of Auron's jacket and heels in a low crouch. Lulu was pleased.

***

They had arrived at Rin's travel agency, Thunder Plains division, shortly thereafter. After fighting, mainly with Auron, to remain, Rikku had won and they were safely indoors. Rikku was happy.

Auron had disappeared into a room. He had decided to take advantage of the rest while they had it. He was quite annoyed that they had paused, albeit briefly, for the newest member of the entourage. Her fear of thunder was frankly irrational, despite her insistence that she had had a bad experience as a child. Did she mean to imply that she wasn't *still* a child?

Auron was catnapping when a timid knock came on the door. Small fingers curled around the door and a small face poked in, followed by a small body. 'Shit,' Auron thought, 'Just what I need.' He steeled himself and gave her his best unrelenting stare. If she had come to gloat, he wasn't going to take it.

Rikku shifted uncomfortably under his disconcerting gaze. It made her nervous. Nevertheless, she was going to say her piece.

"I'm sorry. And thank you. I know you didn't want to stop and I'm sorry for making you and thank you for giving me a chance to rest." It came out in one breath, a barely recognizable jumble of words. Rikku looked frightened.

Auron nodded once, so slightly that Rikku thought she might have imagined it. He would never cut her any slack. That was part of why everyone respected him, she realized, he didn't tolerate anything from anyone. She decided then and there that *she* wouldn't tolerate being blatantly ignored by Auron. Which meant that rather than turning and leaving, which would have been the intelligent thing to do, she stayed.

After a good minute had passed, she was still there. She looked like she was trembling slightly. She and Auron had locked eyes.

"Yes?" he asked, "Anything else?"

Rikku decided to lay her cards on the table right then and there. "I'm not just a little kid, you know."

"If I had thought that, I wouldn't have allowed Yuna to make you a guardian," Auron countered swiftly, eager to end the conversation and get back to his nap.

"Oh." Rikku looked a little forlorn. She tried again. "Wouldn't have let Yuna make me a guardian? Who's pilgrimage do you think this is?" She knew, even as she was saying it, how trite her statement was. As did he.

Auron's cool gaze remained fixed on the girl. "Yuna respects my opinion. You clearly don't seem to care what I think or you wouldn't still be here."

Ouch. That one hurt. He wanted her out. She didn't want to leave on such a bad note.

"Well...you're a meanie! I hope you realize that!" Rikku stomped her foot, nodding her head forcefully. Auron's expression remained unchanged. Rikku just stood there. The girl just couldn't drop it, could she?

Fortunately, Rikku was saved from shoving her foot so far down her throat that it would have needed to be surgically removed by a knock on the door. "Sir Auron?" Wakka's voice rang through the wood. "It's almost time to go."

Rikku was glad that Wakka didn't seem to realize she was also present.

***

Wakka was pretty happy. He had heard what had gone on. Listened to the whole conversation, in fact, ready to interrupt when things got out of hand. He couldn't very well just let Lulu win, now could he? He sauntered down the hall, thrilled with his own brilliance and convinced he had just cinched his own win.

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Does Wakka win the betting pool? Will Rikku learn to cut her loses and drop the subject? Will Auron get over his inner strife? Will Tidus get some 'ammo'? Will this actually end up being an Aurikku? Tune in next week, same bat time, same bat place!

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