Disclaimer: FFX, FFX-2 – neither of them belong to me, I'm just a poor, starving fan : )

A/N: whew – what a week. First off, thanks to everyone who has reviewed because you're reviews just keep getting better and better. It's a wonder your praise hasn't swelled my head to the size of Jupiter by now – and I don't often respond to it directly because I don't really know what to say. Thanks just doesn't seem to cut it really – but I'll say it anyway. THANKS : )

Secondly, I'm seriously thinking of starting up a 'we hate Elhandra' fanclub. Almost every single reviewer has expressed the desire to kill her in a myriad of painful ways – some of which I'm almost considering ; ) Anyone wanna join?

And now we're on to the actual reason you've located this page – the story. This chapter is dedicated to Marsie for making me laugh with the chicken request : )

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Rikku's Story

By: JoeyStar

Timeframe: Set a month or so after the 'good' ending of FFX-2

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Chapter 9

So there you have it – the point from which everything changed. The point from which I could no longer deny the curious new feelings that a particular someone was invoking in me. The point from which there was no return.

There was no way I could deny it any longer. One kiss, I could pass off as a mistake. Two, I could have unconvincingly claimed was a spur-of-the-moment occurrence. But three? With three I was pushing my luck. There was nothing for it; I would have to admit the truth – as much as it pained me to do so ...

I ... liked Gippal.

Spira, even the mere thought was embarrassing. I told myself that I had stooped to a new level and the horrible thing is, part of me actually believed that. Gippal was beneath me, I told myself. I was letting myself in for trouble. The whole situation was completely ridiculous.

I mean, how could things have changed so quickly? One minute he was a thorn in my side, you know. The arrogant, conceited idiot who I'd been lucky enough to avoid for several years while he sat on his lazy butt and I was off saving the world. And the next minute he sauntered back into my life without a word of greeting, dismissing me in favour of my famous cousin Yuna ...

This thought drew my ponderings to an abrupt halt. Had it really started that long ago? Until that moment, I hadn't been aware that my meeting with Gippal during the quest to defeat Vegnagun had had such an impact on me. But looking back now I was able to recognise my emotions as more than just the usual annoyance and irritation. There had been definite wistfulness that he hadn't seemed to have missed me as I had missed him.

How do you judge when someone jumps from the mental category of 'mortal enemy' into 'potential love interest'? With Gippal everything just snuck up on me; there had been no warning. If I had the patience I could probably sit down and trace back the moments and events that had sparked the insane attraction between us but at that moment the situation seemed completely unexpected.

And besides, 'love' was still a little bold for my liking. I couldn't honestly say that I'd ever loved anyone in a romantic way. Sure, I knew all about family love – what with Yunie, Brother and Pops. I understood the love of the friendships I shared with Paine and the rest of Yuna's Guardians. And damn, I'd also have to admit that I had a bit off a crush on Tidus when I first met him.

In my defence, he was a cute guy and hey – he'd just turned up out of the blue! What was I supposed to think?

But none of them were romantic love, you know? This ... this thing with Gippal is completely uncharted territory for me.

Somehow I don't think it's the same for him. Not with Elhandra drooling over his shoulder – wait Rikku, he did say they were just friends. Maybe it's about time I start believing what he says. After all, isn't trust an important part of any relationship?

So there you have it; Gippal and I have a relationship. It all sounds very official, you know? I don't quite know what to make of it and part of me is still convinced that I've gone completely insane and the last thing I want is to enter into a relationship with Gippal.

Oh well, guess there's no turning back now. With that third kiss I think I sealed the deal. Contract made, agreement signed. Spira knows what I was letting myself in for.

So does that make Gippal my boyfriend now? I've never been completely comfortable with the way relationships work – to be honest, I've never had many to compare my own experiences with. However limited they might be. But somehow I think calling Gippal my boyfriend is a little premature. I've tried to imagine how Yunie might class my new status and I'm pretty sure we fall into the awkward-first-moments-of-a-new-relationship-in-which-no-one-knows-what-to-do-or-how-to-act stage.

What a mouthful. I prefer to call it complete confusion. It's shorter and helps support the theory that I must have gone totally insane to even contemplate a relationship with Gippal.

"You're frowin'," Gippal observed and I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his obvious observation. I'm surprised a cavern hadn't formed between me eyes considering the weight of my thoughts.

We were still in the left anti-chamber, his arms were still around my waist and – I noticed to my surprise – my own arms had wound around his neck. Apparently I think very quickly, because although I thought I'd been lost in my reverie for several hours, not even a minute had passed.

"What's up?" Gippal asked, looking down at me. "I thought we'd gotten over your dislike of my kissin' after the whole slappin' incident."

He was joking as usual but underneath the humour I got the impression that he was actually worried about my opinion of his kissing technique. Was Gippal showing a lack of self-confidence in an area he was supposed to be renowned for?

And on a more serious note, was my opinion really that important to him?

Evidently so.

"I didn't slap you because of that," I told him, uncertain as to why I was being so honest. I was still finding it hard to think of Gippal in this new light. "I was just ... confused." I seemed to be saying that a lot recently.

One of his hands left my waist and snaked up my back, making me shiver. It stroked across my hair and came to rest against my cheek, cupping it. "And are you confused now?"

I didn't pull away, which was an indication of how the situation between us was changing. "Yes," I admitted honestly.

"Maybe I can help with that ..." He kissed me again and I was slightly surprised at my own reaction. Instead of holding stiffly, I leaned into the embrace and tightened my hold around his neck, kneading the soft skin and tangling my fingers in his short hair.

It was every bit as good as the other times and, as the pressure of his lips slowly increased on mine, I began to think that maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.

When we finally parted, I found myself grinning at him like an idiot, warmed by his kisses. Was this what it was like to feel special to someone? Was that what – dare I say it – love felt like?

Gippal smiled back. "Now that isthe kind of reaction I was hoping for," he mocked gently, recalling our conversation back on the Melatha.

Thinking of that conversation brought to mind all of the concerns I had about a possible relationship with Gippal and I began to think serious thoughts again. I'm not normally one to keep my words behind my teeth and now was no exception. I wanted to know what he was thinking, so I was going to ask him.

"Gippal ...how long have you liked me?"

The question seemed to catch him off guard and he blinked down at me for a few moments before blowing out a big gust of air that set my braids dancing. "Geez Cid's girl, you don't start with the easy one's do ya?"

He wasn't going to answer. I knew it ... the damn, stupid man –

"I dunno for sure," he said finally, cutting off my internal ranting. "But I'd guess when I saw you here – you know, when I was heading the Machine Faction and you wanted to dig in Bikanel."

"You too?" I blurted, regretting my admission instantly and hurrying clumsily on, "I mean – what made you start to like me?"

He toyed with a strand of my hair, wrapping it around his gloved finger as he considered the question with a mock-serious expression on his face. Finally he shrugged and shook his head. "Sorry – I tried to think of a clever reason but I can't." He grinned disarmingly. "I thought you were cute."

"You thought I was cute?" I echoed.

"Sure. And then when I realised who you were – well I hadn't seen you for two years, you know. And I was like – wow! Little Cid's girl's all grown up!" The look in his eye became sly. "Seems I'm not the only one who felt that way."

"I didn't think you were cute," I corrected him sweetly, "I thought you were a jerk."

"Oh really?"

"Yep."

"And now?"

"You're still a jerk." Amazed at my own daring, I flashed him a seductive smile. "But now I can't deny you're pretty cute." It just seemed the most natural thing in the world to finish that comment off by rising up on my tiptoes to plant a kiss on his lips.

He responded as enthusiastically as usual, pulling me tightly against his chest. I marvelled at how soft his lips were and how – though he was eager – he was also gentle, his lips caressing mine rather than bruising them.

When we drew apart this time I remained close to him, burying my hand into the soft material of his clothing. His chin rested against my hair and his hands settled on my bare stomach, his arms still looped around my waist. The intimacy of the moment wasn't lost on me but instead of worrying about it, I pushed any objecting thoughts to the back of my mind.

"Gippal ..." I couldn't keep quiet – it wasn't in my nature. Besides, there was something else I really wanted to ask him."

"Hmm?"

"Is this ... what I mean is ... is this – oh tyssed ..." (dammit) I trailed off hopelessly, lacking the words to explain what I meant.

It was at that moment that Gippal managed to dispel several of my qualms at once. And it was also at that moment that I knew for certain our relationship wasn't as ridiculous an idea as it had first seemed. Maybe it could actually work.

"Rikku," his voice was slightly muffled by my hair, "this isn't just some fling. I know I've a reputation – and I'm not gonna lie and say it's not deserved. But things change, you know. People change. Especially when they stare death in the face – that definitely puts life in perspective." He broke off and sighed, obviously finding the words as hard to come by as I had. "I guess what I'm tryin' to say is ... this ain't a fling. I dunno what it is ... but it ain't that."

He had read me perfectly and had told me exactly what I needed hear. I almost accused him of mind reading before remembering that it was an impossible feat and besides, I had no reason to argue with his words. It was everything I was hoping he'd say, you know?

"Oh well ... that's a relief then," I said lightly. "I'd hate to be getting myself into something that's only going to last the length of a Blitzball game."

"Not even if it ran into extra time?"

It was at that moment that I finally accepted the change between us. The antagonism that had always characterised our relationship – from my point of view at least – had dissolved completely, to be replaced by comfortable, light-hearted teasing that held real affection on both sides. For the first time I realised that despite all his words to the contrary, Gippal really did see me as an equal.

It was amazing how quickly perceptions could change. Having grown up alongside Gippal on Bikanel Island, I had developed a solid opinion of him early on in my life – an opinion that became firmly cemented in my mind. Gippal was arrogant; he was conceited; he made my life a misery with his thoughtless taunting. We could only ever be enemies.

And yet, over the course of the last week, my feelings for him had somehow gone from irritation to attraction. I suppose the element of danger in our investigation might have had something to do with it, but there had been plenty of danger during our quest to defeat Vegnagun and I certainly hadn't liked Gippal then. Maybe it was because we'd spent so much time together recently; after all I'd avoided him as much as possible as a child, fearing his never-ending taunts. It was ironic to think that if I'd just got to know him a little more back then, maybe we could have been friends.

"Um ... I'm sorry to interrupt."

Poor Lreav – he had the worst timing. Gippal and I jumped at the sound of his voice and drew away from each other as if we had been scalded. I busied myself with adjusting my headband and tried to pretend that I hadn't just spent the last half an hour hugging and kissing Gippal.

"What d'you want?" Gippal asked – not very graciously in myopinion.

Lreav looked from me to Gippal and back again before he spoke. I got the feeling he knew exactly what had happened between us and he wasn't too happy with it.

Not that it had anything to do with him anyway.

"There's someone waiting to talk to you on the CommSphere" He was looking at me. "She says her name is Paine."

"Paine?" Why in Spira was Paine calling the temple? For that matter – how did she even know we were here?

When I looked at Gippal, he shrugged. "Guess it's time to face the music."

Images of an angry Paine jumped into my head and I shivered. "Can't we just hide in here for a bit longer?"

"You're not scared of little old Paine are you?" Gippal asked me, his green eye dancing.

I widened my eyes. "You've never seen Paine angry. She'll take away all my respect points for sure!"

Gippal laughed. "You think in our two years in the Crimson Squad I never annoyed Paine?"

"I –"

Lreav cleared his throat. "Paine was rather insistent that you hurry."

I was abruptly reminded that we were not alone and the expression on Lreav's face had become rather long-suffering. "Sorry," I said, flashing him a bright smile.

We followed Lreav out of the anti-chamber and into the entrance hall of the temple. The CommSphere still lay on the ground in the corner of the room and I hurried over to it, eager to talk to the friend that I hadn't seen since the bombing.

I skidded to a halt before the small blue sphere and sunk to my knees so that I could get a good look at the scene it was showing me.

Paine was standing on the bridge of what appeared to be the Celsius – although it was certainly more deserted than I remembered it to be. She was dressed in her usual black attire, her arms were folded resolutely across her chest and, rather than looking angry – Paine never looks truly angry, she doesn't need to – she just looked lightly irritated. To be honest, that expression worried me more than naked anger would have.

"So you are alive then."

Typical Paine under-statement. I was about to answer with my normal disarming smile when her gaze moved to just beyond my shoulder and a resigned expression dawned over her face. "I should have known you'd be there too Gippal."

"Don't sound too happy to see me," Gippal replied and I felt the pressure of his hand on my shoulder. I know Paine noticed – her eyes flickered down from Gippal's face and then returned to rest on mine again – but she didn't say anything. However, there was a slightly smug smile dancing around the corner of her mouth, and she definitely had one of those I-know-your-little-secret airs about her.

"Yuna's furious with you," Paine told me, dropping into the chair that Shinra normally occupied on the deck of the airship. Just for a second she looked tired and once again, I wondered what had been happening in our absence.

"Why?" I asked innocently.

Paine's eyebrows rose. "You need me to spell it out for you? You disappeared Rikku. Completely disappeared without a word to anyone. Yuna was imagining all kinds of horrible things that could have happened to you – she was really upset. She even thought you might have been buried underneath the wreckage – that was until I reminded her that I'd seen you in the recovery room. It was about then that she got angry."

"So, no one was worried about my absence?" Gippal's hand tightened around my shoulder but I could tell from his voice that he was joking. "I'm so hurt."

Paine levelled him with a withering look. "Help save the world and you start thinking you're important."

"Yeah – wait until you've done it twice," I put in, looking up at him with a grin, "then you can gloat."

Gippal sighed dramatically. "But how many more world-crisis's can there be? I may never reach that exalted status!"

While I giggled at his words, Paine simply rolled her eyes. "You'll never change, will you Gippal? Still flying the banner for the immature."

"Oh Paine, you cut me with your words."

"I'd forgotten that trying to have a conversation with you is like speaking to a two-year old," Paine remarked to no one in particular.

"Me or Gippal?"

Paine ignored my question. "I don't have time for this," she growled. "I want you to tell me everything from start to finish – and don't leave anything out." I think she sensed that I was going to object because she added, "Don't even think about it Rikku. We deserve to know what's going on – though to be honest, I think I can guess."

"Go on Rikku – tell our sordid tale."

And so I did. I told Paine everything – even the fact that Gippal (and I emphasised that it had been his idea) had stolen the bombs, something I didn't expect her to be too impressed with.

Of course, I've never really been able to judge Paine. She's a mystery to me.

"That was possibly the only sensible thing I've ever known you to do, Gippal," Paine told him – much to be surprise. "The last thing we need is a world-wide panic. Especially involving the Al Bhed."

"Thanks Paine. Rikku was a little doubtful about my actions but it's nice to know that someone supports me."

"Hey!" I protested. "I resent that. I just didn't want you to end up in jail for stealing!"

"Aww." I felt his elbows rest on my shoulders and a moment later his chin against my hair. "It's nice to know you care."

I shrugged him off, wondering what Paine thought of our behaviour towards each other. It was certainly less antagonistic than what she was used to but you could never tell what Paine was thinking.

"What's happenin' back in Bevelle?" Gippal asked her, turning to the CommSphere once more. "What are we missin'?"

"Hysteria," she replied shortly, rubbing the side of her face slowly with one hand. "Baralai's having a hell of a time."

"How's Yunie?" I wanted to know.

Paine shrugged. "Recovered. Confused. Angry. Much like everyone else really."

Sometimes Paine's laconic attitude could be really frustrating. "But she's okay?" I asked anxiously. "And Tidus? Oh and Lulu, Wakka and the baby? I was really worried – "

"Yes Rikku," Paine interrupted me impatiently, "everyone's fine. Yuna, Nooj and Baralai have everything under control. The only mystery was where you and Gippal had disappeared to. Which isn't much of a mystery any more."

"And the bombing? Any progress?"

Paine shook her head. "What you've just told me is the first any of us have heard about who might be behind the bombing. Baralai's investigators haven't had much luck."

Gippal joined me on the floor in front of the CommSphere and fixed Paine with an unusually serious look. "Paine, what we've just told you ..."

"I know Gippal," she assured him, red eyes level. "You can trust my discretion. Though you understand I have to tell Baralai, Nooj and Yuna."

"Sure. Oh and can you tell them ... tell them we're busy pursuin' our own leads. They don't need to get involved."

Paine's eyebrows rose at that and she snorted. "They won't like that."

"They don't have to," Gippal said bluntly, surprising me with his assertiveness. "This is an Al Bhed problem." He stressed the words and I got the feeling he was alluding to something else – something between him and Paine. "They'll understand."

"Maybe," Paine allowed. "Will you at least stay in touch? I've got better things to do with my time than spend hours tracking you down again."

"I think we could manage that," Gippal drawled, relaxing again.

"What a relief."

"Paine ..." I ventured after a moment of silence, "you weren't that worried about me, were you?"

"I wasn't," she replied shortly. "Yuna was almost having kittens. Good thing Tidus was there."

Hearing her talk about them casually, I felt a sudden burning urge to see my friends again. To hug Yuna; joke with Tidus; even see Paine's glum face in the flesh once more. Even though I'd only been gone for a week or so, I got the feeling that I was going to be away from a lot longer. And besides, so much hadl happened in that week; I wished Yuna and Paine had been there to share it with me.

Plus, I wanted to tell them about Gippal. Now I had decided he wasn't going to be my worst enemy anymore, I was interested in learning everything I could about him. And who better to ask than Paine? After all, she'd known him for over two years and they'd been through some difficult times together. I've been told you quickly learn about the worst and the best of people in that kind of situation.

Another thought struck me and I leant forward. "Where exactly are you?"

"Still in Bevelle. No one's allowed to leave."

"So what are you doing on the Celsius?" At least that explained why the bridge looked so empty.

Paine looked a little annoyed at my prying questions. "Looking for you. Besides, I like solitude," she told me sternly.

Gippal laughed. "Same old Paine."

"And same old Gippal," she shot back. "Good to know that nothing – "

There was a stir of movement from behind Paine. She turned to look at something out of the view of the CommSphere and though I could only see half of her face from my angle, she looked surprised.

"Yuna? What are you -?"

"Have you found them?" My cousin's voice cut over Paine's and she appeared behind the red-eyed girl, staring directly in to the camera.

"Yunie!" I squealed, clapping my hands together. "You're okay! And you're here!"

She didn't grin back and I began to worry that she really was as angry as Paine had suggested.

"There's no time to talk now," Yuna spoke quickly, almost urgently. Her face was drawn and pale, much as it had been after the bombing. A pang of guilt struck me; had she really been injured so badly?

"What's up?" Gippal asked from beside me.

Yuna's vari-coloured eyes met his and her countenance grew even more serious – if that was possible. "Reports have just come in. There's been an attack against Guadosalamn – a large portion of the city has been destroyed. There's no knowing how many people have been killed but Leblanc's house has been flattened."

"Oh Spira," I breathed, horrified.

"There's more," Yuna continued, her eyes still fixed on Gippal and her words sounding forced. "There are clear signs indicating who was behind the attacks. It appears the Guado were bombed by - by the Al Bhed Machine Faction. Gippal ... I'm sorry but you've got to come back to Bevelle. The media are all over this story; we can't keep it quiet and if we're not seen to be doing something, the people of Spira will panic."

"Is this what I think it is?" Gippal asked, as I unconsciously reached out and took his hand, entwining my fingers around his.

Yuna nodded, looking unhappy.

"Gippal ... you're under arrest."

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::GASP:: Oh no! What's going to happen next???

Hehe – I leave you until next week to find out. Meanwhile, on with the thankyous:

oceanbang: you know, the subplot of this story has really caused me some problems because basically, at first, there wasn't one! And wow – I'm so glad you noticed my metaphor usage : ) It's about time somebody did!

Sariah Loire Valentine: hehe – glad you like the update : ) And don't worry – Elhandra's gonna get what's coming to her ...

Paperback Rider: Nah, can't have Elhandra die just yet – I've got plans for her ::rubs hands together and laughs evilly::

miyazawa kano: best Rippal moment ever written?? Hehe – you flatter me : ) : ) : ) Hope you like the continuing Rippal moments in this chappie! And as for Lreav and Rikku ... guess you'll have to read on to find out!

punkygal: don't worry – you're definitely gonna see some jealous Elhandra in the next few chapters and Rikku's gonna take great delight in rubbing her face in it : )

Diamond King: well you might have to wait a while for Rikku's kicking of Elhandra's ass but I can promise that it will happen eventually. And in the meantime you get some happy bitching instead!

A Nobody: Well, I think your second question was firmly answered in this chapter! As for the first, I can't promise anything any time soon ... but just stick with it and Elhandra-kicking WILL happen eventually.

killkikyopeople: nooo – don't go insane! Here, Gippal and Rikku get together in this chapter! So you can SMILE : ) : ) : )

Lolo: Yeah, poor old Lreav. Always the friend and never anything more ::hands him another cookie:: there, there

Al bhed princess: Well my real name is Jo, but I get called all manner of things and I like Joey best ; ) A stars is for GCSE – the highest mark you can get at A Level is an A. Oh and enjoy SATS while you can 'cos GCSE/A Levels REALLY suck!!

CaptainRikku: ::blushes:: aww ... you're compliments are SO nice ... thanks! When isn't the weather crappy in England? If it makes you feel any better, the Midlands aren't getting anything but rain, grey skies and storms ... which sucks. Oh well, less sunbathing = more time for writing! Thanks for the exam results congrats ; ) looks like I'll be going to Uni after all, and I'm even gonna end up near you cos I'm coming to London – hehe.

saku.a: thanks for the exam congrats ; ) Yup – I'm definitely going to Uni in September, it's gonna be the next big educational adventure – hehe. So you're doing your GCSE's? God I used to hate maths. I spent most of my time doodling in the back of my maths book and trying to work out how Pythagoras's theorem could POSSIBLY be off any use outside of the lesson ... never understood that one : ) Heh – yep, I totally feel sorry for Lreav. He's not gonna have a happy time between Elhandra, Rikku and Gippal!

poplollyblues: well, short but definitely sweet – thanks!

Tamelia: thanks for the exam congrats! My subjects were ... English Lit (B), English Lang (A), Theatre Studies (A), Music (B), General Studies (B) – phew, still can't believe I took 5 subjects, I must be completely insane : ) And as for my job, well I was working in an office, as a secretary. It lasted for 3 days and then they ran out of work for me to do! So now I'm free again – which is good because I get more time to write! ::takes Gippal plushie:: and my collection is almost complete. Just need a Lreav one now ... Klondic bar? That's new – but sounds yummy!

Marsie: ::joins in with 'die Lhan die!' chant, then abruptly stops:: oops – nope, can't kill her yet. I have big plans for little old Elhandra ... ::rubs hands together gleefully:: A ... chicken?? Well that's got to be the weirdest request I have ever had : ) : ) Don't think I can run with the mutant chicken idea – lol – but I'll see what I can do with good old regular chickens : ) Watch this space!

i won't tell: eugh – I can't STAND lion bars. Horrible, icky things ... ::goes to hand one to Elhandra until author realises she needs bitch-queen alive:: dammit! Wow – thanks soo much for your lovely compliments and exam congrats : )

Deliah Wigglesworth: well that is the one million pound question – and is kind of answered in this chappie ; ) hope you're enjoying the story!

Starling94: Wow – 50 chapters? I have great plans for this story but 50 chapters ... whew! You know, the "shut up" part was my fav bit as well! ::takes pupu plushie:: aww ... isn't it cute? Damn pupu though – I can STILL remember how long it took me to get hold of the pupu card while playing FF8 ... and I DO like long reviews – cos it gives me plenty to reply to!

JessyS.: hehe – thanks for the review as always and welcome to the 'everyone hates Elhandra' club : ) : )

Bulma BriefsYue Lover: you're going off to high school?? Wow – good luck! I hope you're having a good time by now : ) and thanks for the exam congrats – I'm mighty pleased with the grades myself!

New York Hope: thanks for adding me to your favs lists – it means a lot! Oh and I can definitely promise more Elhandra/Rikku clashing, even with the events of this chapter. Elhandra doesn't take anything lying down ...

Back of Beyond: ::shrugs:: Gippal's a guy. I've noticed they tend to be unobservant : ) Here's the long awaited update – heh

Aqua Marina: sorry sorry sorry for the late update! I'm glad the chappie was worth the wait though : ) Hope this one is as good!

Xtreme Nuisance: Here's your update and as you can see, Rikku's life is becoming as chaotic as normal!

missaw: everything's alright in JoeyStar land now : ) so much so that I've already written most of the next chapter – yay! So the next update won't be too far away ...

rikkufan: thank you thank you thank you!! And here's the update : )

Kiwifroot: yup – loooots of kissy-goodness : ) and lots more to come too!

Taryn: wow – thanks for saying this is your fav story – it's great to hear someone say that! As for chapter length ... to be honest I have no idea. I only have a very hazy idea of where this fic is going, so there's no possible way of predicting how long it's going to be – sorry!

kingleby: sure you can join the Elhandra hate club! Pretty much ever reviewer is a member – hehe : ) So a fellow Brit? You know, there're more of us on here than I would have expected. Let me know how you did in your GCSEs and my fingers are crossed for you.

Letselina: aww ... you're making me hungry – all this talk of cookies! As always, thanks for a lovely review and hope you enjoy the next chappie : )

ruledbythemoon: hey – late starters are ALWAYS welcome : ) : ) I'm so glad you're enjoying my story and that you took the time to read all eight chapters- it's great to get another reviewer at this stage and I just hope you're going to keep reading!

heather: I totally agree with hating the 'they fall in love and get married and have babies' thing. It's so cliché and completely overused in other fanfics. That was one of the main issues I wanted to avoid in my own – and giving Rikku/Gippal a hard time is SO much more fun!

Cute-kitty2: hope you had fun on your hols – where did you go? I agree with what you say about Gippal's character. Every Gippal-based fanfic I've read portrays him to be cocky and arrogant – as I do. It's really fun to write and if I changed his personality I think people would object – so he's gonna stay all cocky : )

As always, read, review and enjoy : )