A/N: Just a 300 word blurb on Paine, at the beginning of X-2 and they go to Besaid, and they meet Wakka outside of the village. And trust me, it's 300 words exactly. I don't like this pairing though, so don't worry.

Disclaimer: Nothing. Mine. Go. Away.

"This is my new friend, Paine."

Her words are innocent. Her tone is innocent. So why do I get the feeling she is hiding something? I can't do anything – my brain is a whirling mass of immediate questions.

All I can manage is a feeble nod, my eyes round.

I don't understand. I should, but I don't. What's come over me? No snide remark, no grimace? My face is blank, that much I know. There is a silence – Rikku gives an uneasy cough. I can't tear my eyes away from him. He isn't even that good looking. And besides, since when do I notice guys and looks?

I don't. I'm Paine. I live alone. I've been shot in the back, and I will not stand to be close to another man again. All it brings is pain. And yet, as the tropical breeze blows past my face, I can't help but notice he hasn't looked away either.

But this is wrong. Only days ago I heard Yuna and Rikku talking happily about the child…his child. So why do I feel like this? The whole heart racing, butterfly-inducing jitters? Is it because of his red hair? The kindness in his eyes? Maybe it's the knowledge that he is a caring man, after hearing so many tales of Yuna's first adventure.

But how come all I can do is nod? That gives it away – all away. Clearly he must be disgusted. He has a wife, future child…so why can't I just stop these feelings? I don't even know him. He's only said a few sentences to Rikku and Yuna. None to myself. He probably doesn't even want to know me.

This is wrong. Paine isn't meant to feel wrong…Paine isn't meant to feel anything.

And yet, all I can do is nod.