A/N: I have no clue how they do funerals in Spira, so I just did it the way I though. And it was a lot of fun typing up Barkeeps part. For all you know, he could become the main character in some fan fic soon XD

Chapter 2

Rikku cried into Gippal's chest, leaving Tidus to sob alone. Gippal wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. "While you were asleep, a storm came in. Tidus and Yuna were at the beach, and I guess she was strucked by lightning and..." Gippal didn't want to finish his sentence. He didn't like talking about her death, hell anyone's death. He ran his fingers through Rikku's blonde hair. "I'm sorry..." Gippal whispered into her ear, as tears began to fall down his face.

"You shouldn't even be talking about her! You barely knew her!" Tidus yelled as he pushed the chair onto the ground in pure frustration. Then, without thinking, he pulled Rikku out of Gippal's arms and grabbed him by the shirt. "Don't talk about her if you don't know her!" Gippal pushed Tidus away and walked over to Rikku. "I didn't know her for as long as you, but she was still my friend. And if Yuna was here.-" Suddenly a hand flew over his mouth. "Let's just go. He needs to be left alone right now." Gippal nodded and walked out of the room, with his arm around Rikku's waist.

A few men lifted Yuna's deceased and burnt body onto the wooden boat. Many people came to watch their savior drift down the river, and be apart of Spira's land forever. The men pushed the boat into the river, and lit it on fire as sobs could be heard.

Rikku turned her head, unable to watch her cousin burn. It was a tradition in Spira, but she couldn't bear to watch. Gippal noticed how torn she was and placed his arms around her. "It's going to be alright. I'm here...to comfort you and protect you." He placed his lips on the top of her head. "I'll be here when you need me."

Rikku smiled warmly. She knew she could turn to someone, someone she cared for. But what about Tidus? Would he have someone to turn to? Rikku's green eyes moved about, looking for her blonde friend. Eventually, she mover her head around. Gippal looked at her with a strange look, but quickly smiled. "Just stand still for a bit." He said as he placed his hand on her head and gently pushed her head onto his chest.

Tidus could see Rikku looking around in the corner of his eye as he watched the boat that contained his love, burn to a crisp. He fought back tears. He didn't want to draw any attention to himself.. He looked away from the burnt boat and saw Rikku, in Gippal's arms. Jealousy filled him. True, he did love Rikku, but not as much as Yuna. Tidus cared for the young Al Bhed deeply, and didn't want to see her in the arms of another man.

When the service ended, Rikku was still in Gippal's arms, crying. "I can't believe she's gone!" Were the only words that would leave her mouth. Gippal's grip around her tightened. "E ghuf. E ghuf. (I know, I know.)" He looked up as he heard footsteps come closer. "Let go of her..." Tidus said in a serious manner. "Let her go, now!" Rikku turned her head and saw the anger in his eyes. "Why should I! She needs me now!" Gippal replied.

"Let go of her now!" Tidus yelled as he punched Gippal, just missing Rikku's arm. Her eyes widened as she watched Gippal fall onto the sand. "Gippal!" Rikku knelt down besides him, then looked up at Tidus, with a look of disgust on her face. "What is wrong with you Tidus!" Gippal got up before Tidus could answer his question. "Ku du dra yencreb.(Go to the airship)" He said with a serious look upon his face. "Huf... (Now...)" Rikku shook her head. "Hu! E's hud kuehk du mayja oui dfu uid rana cu oui lyh gemm ouincamjac! (No! I'm not going to leave you two out here so you can kill yourselves!)" Rikku walked over to Tidus. "Just let me talk to him. Like I needed you, he needs me right now."

Tidus brought Rikku into the cabin on the Celsius. He sat on one of the beds and she sat next to him. "Rikku, there's something I want to tell you, but I don't know if I can..." Tidus said looking down at the floor. "Rikku placed her hand on his shoulder. "You can tell me." Tidus looked up at her. Her beautiful smile was on her face, like always. He smiled back at her. "Rikku, I love Yuna. You know that. But I-" He couldn't get 'love you' to come out of his mouth. Instead, he leaned towards her and placed his hand on her chin. He pulled her closer with his free hand and placed his lips on her, kissing her passionately.

Rikku's eyes widened as he kissed her. She should be happy, shouldn't she? She has the man she loves kissing her, but she's not happy. Rikku's grown to love that cocky Al Bhed, Gippal over the years, and she knew he loved her too. But, if Gippal ever found out about this, Gippal would kill Tidus.

Barkeep walked out of the room, not making a sound. "Mishter Brother." He said as he entered the room, interrupting his and Gippal's conversation. "Mishter Tidush ish in the cabin with Missh Rikku." Gippal raised his eyebrow. "What are they doing?"

"He jusht kisshed her."