Disclaimer: I do not own FFX-2!
"…" character's speech
'…' character's thoughts
(…) my rambling
Note: Hello everyone! I can't believe that this fic received 81 reviews in total! I'm really happy to know that you're enjoying the story! I must celebrate! Never did I receive so much reviews for one fic! Usually my fics reach the50 range but never above that! I'm just impressed that I got 81 reviews, and I owe it all to you, the readers! If it weren't for you sweeties I wouldn't be this motivated to continue on! So special thanks to:
Back of Beyond: Thank you for reading and reviewing! Your such a sweetie for following my fic since the beginning :)
Auron's Fan: I appreciate the long reviews you leave me! You're such a lovely person! Yep I also agree with you, I prefer the name Snowy as well. Don't know why I used the name White, maybe because I was lazy to think of another name :P LOL, yep Gippal is the sweetest guy in FFX-2!
FairyIce: Thank you for reviewing! Yep, everything turned out alright! The girl did get her dog back and Gippal is still the sweet guy we all know :)
seelenspiel: Lol, don't worry they will admit their love soon, maybe in this chapter :) Thank you for the lovely review!
oOoDancingQueenoOo:No, I thank you for reading my fic :) I'm really sorry to hear that your grandmother isn't feeling well, but I really hope that things turn out to be ok for you! So don't worry, cheer up, and have faith! Thank you once again for reviewing :)
lonelyngel: LOL! I was thinking of putting that up, about how they would make great parents, but thought otherwise. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed my fic! Thank you for leaving me a lovely review :)
Rikku SWiRLS:LOL! You're such a sweetie! Thank you for reviewing, kweep :)
PRODIGIOUS TECHIE: Oops, did I write down Rikku instead of Cid's girl? My bad, I won't do it again :) Thank you for reviewing!
neko56: I'm so happy that you enjoyed this chapter!Don't worry I'm emotional too, sometimes I wanna cry in fics as well :) Oh, about Keev, I don't think he will show up. He was only a one time character, like Jaxxy, but it would be nice if he appeared again, wouldn't it ;) Once again thank you for reviewing :)
boameda: Thank you for the review and the compliment :)
Knda Crazie: Thank you for leaving me a long review, you are such a sweetie! LOL, yeah maybe he is jealous of lil Gip! Oh, don't worry the kiss will come soon, don't know when, but it'll come ;) About the fic A Mom and a Dad, I don't think I'll work on that story. I kinda gave up on it, but maybe, just maybe I'll continue. Thank you once again for the review :)
seraphicwolf: You are such a sweetie for leaving me a long review! I'm really glad that you like my fic! Yeah, I didn't mention much about the date, right? Well don't worry, I mentioned it in this chapter (if it's still not clear plz tell me)! Oh, and sorry for not updating the fic earlier like you wanted, but I need this whole week to write the fic and then recheck it before I send it in :) Thank you once again for the lovely review!
Sum1special: LOL, thank you for giving my fic a chance! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the review :)
Jezzi: Thank you for the review! What! Lie In The Sound is in the end already! I'm still in chapter 9! I have to catch up and fast! Sorry for being such a slow reader, I don't check the updates that often, in any fic for that matter! But don't worry I still love your fic and I am going to read it all and leave you a review! Thank you once again :)
Dangerously Sweet: Thank you for the lovely review! I'm glad you like it :)
Hope you like this chapter and enjoy!
Chapter 10
Gippal found himself awake in his bed early in the morning. He had one more hour left before he had to get up and unlock the temple doors to greet his fellow friends. Although Gippal could go back to sleep and let his alarm clock wake him up later, he preferred to gaze toward the other side of the room and admire a certain Al Bhed girl, who he grew to love.
She was beautiful in her sleep even if her hair fell upon her face. He stretched his hand out and imaged how wonderful her soft skin would feel under his touch. Time was running by and Gippal found himself desperate to confess himself to her. Rikku was everything he wanted and wished for, even though he teased her, he loved her more.
He cursed himself for the short time they had left together, but yet he blessed the gods for making this month a wonder. Gippal never thought he would have fallen in love with Rikku, but falling in love with her made him a better man. He cared for her deeply and that was why Gippal promised himself that he would tell her of his feelings before she walked away from his life.
'What would you say Cid's girl, if I told you that you are my world?' Gippal thought to himself in great doubt of her reaction as he watched her sleep.
Sighing, Gippal felt a yearning inside of his heart calling for Rikku to notice him. She laid there oblivious to his feelings, while he felt the pain that went inside of his heart whenever he wanted to embrace her in his warm arms.
Time was never a friend of his, but he prayed that it would give him a helping hand just this once.
...o...
Rikku watched a far as Gippal talked with a group of Al Bhed men about a 'secret' project they had been working for the past few days. She would miss everyone and everything about this place. Rikku had grew to love the temple and her job as Gippal's 'servant'. Even though she had been here only for a couple of weeks, Rikku felt part of the group already. She never had enjoyed herself so much, but now her services were coming to an end. A month was almost near. She had a couple of days left.
Rikku had become so close to everyone, including a certain Al Bhed man, who she never thought she would develop a certain kind of feeling for. Although she hated to admit it, Rikku was falling deeply in love with Gippal. The brat would constantly tease her, but yet it was a teasing that showed his affection and care, which she secretly grew to enjoy.
His attentions, his protections, and his great personality was everything she loved about him. Gippal somehow became an important person in her life, more than she ever wanted him to be. His simple smirk would make her blush. A simple look would make her nervous. A simple touch would make her shiver. His presence was driving her crazy.
Rikku wondered for the last couple of days about confessing her feelings. She was a bit hesitant, wondering if confessing would ruin his busy life, but she couldn't bottle up her feelings anymore. Rikku knew that it was pain enough to love him a far. She needed to risk herself and tell him everything before she left.
But yet Rikku still questioned if she was enough for him, if she wouldn't be a burden in his life.
"Oi Rikku, I know you're devouring Gippal with your eyes, but would you mind concentrating on your work for now?" Questioned an Al Bhed man who stood beside her.
Quickly gazing away, her emerald eyes settled upon the grinning Al Bhed man, known as Vasso, who had called her attention. She softly blushed before frowning at him.
"I wasn't 'devouring' him!" Rikku protested. "I was just...just looking around the crowd."
Vasso laughed before ruffling her hair. "It's ok to like him Rikku." He spoke. "He deserves a girl like you."
Rikku raised a questioning eyebrow in doubt. "What do you mean?"
The Al Bhed looked over toward the laughing Gippal before gazing back at Rikku with a smile. "He is a great leader Rikku, the best, to be more exact. Gippal has always worked so hard to achieve everything he had conquered. Even though he had failed sometimes, he never gave up. In the end he would always make it, because the kid is strong and he has the abilities." Vasso then paused before questioning. "Do you know what are his best qualities?"
Rikku thought for a moment before answering with a smile. "His care and dedication."
The Al Bhed man smiled widely at her response, she really did know him well. "Yes, his care and dedication for everything and everyone. Gippal didn't conquer everything he has for himself, by the contrary, he did it for his family, for his people. Gippal worked hard to make this temple a place for the Al Bheds. He became this strong leader to bring the Al Bheds up and show Spira how talented we are. Gippal did this for us all and not only for himself."
Rikku felt her heart pound widely in pride and in love for Gippal. He was such a generous man that it was impossible for her to not fall in love.
"That is why Rikku." Continued Vasso with a soft smile. "That it is ok for you to like him. He deserves you as you deserve him. Gippal has worked so hard for the Al Bheds that it is time for him to take a break for himself."
"Why do you think I deserve him?" Rikku curiously asked still in doubt.
He chuckled at her silly question. "Don't tell me that you don't know what you have done for Spira!"
"Of course I know what I've done for Spira." Rikku replied, but yet she still wondered. 'Am I enough for Gippal.'
"You saved Spira two times." The Al Bhed man confirmed with a nod. "Not only that Rikku, but like Gippal, you brought the Al Bheds out to the world. You brought confidence and hope to us all. You are not only Spira's heroine but also the Al Bhed princess that fought for her people. You are important to everyone Rikku because you made a difference to the Al Bheds."
Rikku suddenly realized the impact of his words and how important she really was. Of course she knew what she had done for Spira, but never saw the importance of her actions. She smiled to know that her fights made a difference for everyone, and most importantly to the Al Bheds, her family.
"I can't imagine any other girl best suited for Gippal than you Rikku. That is why it is ok for you to like him." Vasso repeated one last time.
Rikku smiled widely before hugging him in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much."
There was no doubts left.
...o...
Rikku approached the group of Al Bhed men, including Gippal, who were all working on the 'secret' project, which she herself did not know anything about. Hoping to be of some help, Rikku decided to bring them some refreshing drinks, and maybe if she was lucky she could take a small peek on what they were all so fervently working on.
"Anyone care for a drink?" Announced Rikku happily, as she stopped in front of the group with a heavy tray on hand.
Startled, the group of Al Bhed men quickly turned around to find Rikku smiling toward them. They uneasily looked at each other, while they formed a barrier to prevent the girl from seeing the project. Rikku grinned, as all of them pretended to be unaffected by her presence, while some of them whistled or gazed around the room.
"Rikku what are you doing here?" Asked one of the Al Bhed man nervously, as he quickly grabbed a nearby clothe and thrust it behind the project to cover it.
"I brought drinks." Rikku replied as she stepped forward, making everyone move back a bit. "Anyone?" She offered while showing the tray.
They all looked spectacle at her, wondering if she would make any bold move to find out what they had behind them.
"Umm, thank you." Spoke an Al Bhed man, as he quickly approached her and took the tray away from her hands.
"So." Rikku started curiously, as she tried to gaze at the hidden project. "What are you all working at?"
They all gulped. "Nothing."
She laughed at their actions before stepping closer, making them all nervously look at her, while she made another step closer. "Nothing?" Rikku asked with a mischief grin. "If it's nothing then why are you all hiding it from me?"
"Hiding? We aren't hiding anything from you." Answered an Al Bhed man who was now trying to block her view from the project behind.
"So what is it?" Rikku asked, before she took another step closer.
"Ok that's it." Gippal replied, as he quickly took Rikku by her hand and pulled her away from the group, which all sighed in relief.
Gippal pulled her all the way toward his office room where he closed the door and faced her. Rikku surprised by his action looked at him apologetically. The project must be really important, and yet she was being such a childish girl, wanting to know everything. She shouldn't have been that curious. If the project was a secret, then she should have respected their privacy and kept away from the group. Even though her intentions were to help them, she ended up being a parasite.
"I'm so-." Rikku wanting to apologize but was interrupted by Gippal.
"Cid's girl." He started softly, making Rikku blush, not only by the softness in his voice but also by the kindness reflected in his eye. She did not expect that, by the contrary, she thought she would be scolded.
"I don't want to hide anything from you, but this is something you must not see now." Spoke Gippal kindly.
Rikku felt guilty. "I know and I'm sorry for being such a curious girl." She replied while staring down at the floor. This definitely felt worse than a scold.
He chuckled before lifting her chin up with his finger, while bringing her gaze up toward him. "I'm not blaming you for being curious, in fact we are all curious people. I'm only trying to prevent you from seeing the project."
Rikku nodded in understanding. "I won't do it again."
"Good." Gippal smiled before patting her shoulder. "Now cheer up beautiful, you look better with that smile of yours."
Rikku gazed up in surprise as she felt herself blush hard. Did he just call her beautiful?
Suddenly the sphere on top of his desk began to beep, which meant there was a call. Turning around, Gippal made his way toward the sound where he pressed the blue sphere, making a image pop up from the device. There gazing up from the sphere was Baralai, as he smiled toward his old friend.
"Hey there Baralai. What can I do for you?" Asked Gippal curiously to have received a call from him.
"Hello Gippal, it's nice to you." Spoke the man with a friendly smile. "Well, I just called to remind you of the meeting we will be having in Bevelle this Friday morning. Since I know you are a very disorganized man, I knew you wouldn't have read the letter sent to you about the conference."
Gippal sheepishly smiled, while he gazed toward his messy desk full of papers and useless junk. You could hardly find a pen in that mess. "Well, you can't blame me old pal. I've been busy with work. I have hardly any time to clean my own office."
Baralai chuckled before shaking his head. "Anyway, your presence is mandatory, since all of the important leaders will be gathered together to discuss about Spira's future. As I told you the meeting will be on Friday, starting at 8 in the morning. So don't be late!"
Gippal suddenly frowned as a thought passed through his mind. "Wait a second. You said the meeting would be on Friday?"
Baralai grinned. "Yes, for the third time, the meeting will be on Friday."
"I can't." Gippal stated.
"What? What do you mean you can't! We sent this letter to you a week ago, warning you that future plans should not be made on this date! But as we all know how you are careless, I had to call you in order to prevent you from missing this mandatory conference."
"I'm sorry pal, but I can't." Gippal simply replied with a apologetic smile.
Baralai sighed before he looked up at his friend with a serious look. "You will come to this meeting Gippal. It is very important that you show up. If you don't, you will not only disrespect the other leaders but also hurt the reputation you have built during these past few years."
Gippal closed his eyes in frustration. He had no choice. All his hard work as a leader could go down the drain because of this one meeting, but yet he didn't want to go. This was not the right time. Gippal saw himself in a dilemma, where he was stuck in a fork road.
"Don't worry Baralai!" Rikku suddenly popped up into the conversation. "Gippal will be there on Friday morning. I'll make sure of it!"
Baralai smiled. "Hello Rikku, it's been a long time since I last saw you."
"Wait a minute!" Gippal suddenly interrupted with his protest. "I'm suppose to decide whether I go to this meeting or not."
"You have to go." Rikku demanded. "Gippal, you have to, or your reputation will be hurt. Beside what's that important that you can't miss on Friday?"
Gippal sadly gazed at her. "It's your last day here." He whispered.
Rikku froze. How could she have forgotten? Friday was the day she was leaving. The day Brother had fervently promised her to pick her up. The day she would leave the temple and say goodbye to everyone. Gippal was willing to miss the meeting for her cause? Why was he being so generous? Didn't he know that the Machine Faction, the Al Bheds, and his reputation was much more important than her? So why was Gippal still in doubt whether he should or shouldn't attend the conference? Was she that important to him?
"Gippal are you coming to the meeting?" Questioned Baralai patiently, who hadn't heard Gippal's words.
Rikku quickly gazed down at the sphere, she wouldn't let him throw away all of his achievements. "Yes he will. I'll make sure he will be there on time."
"Good. Now I must end the transmission. Goodbye and thank you Rikku." Spoke Baralai with a smile before the connection ended.
Rikku gazed away from the blue sphere to look toward Gippal, who was leaning against his desk with a sad expression upon his face. Pain began to envelope her as she once agian was reminded of how little time she had left to spend with Gippal. This was not fair, time was not giving her the courage she needed to confess, but she had to do it. Now was the perfect time to let it all out. She had to tell him how much she loved him before it was too late.
Rikku nervously opened her mouth to speak out the words she had been longing to say but was interrupted.
"I need to finish the project." Gippal suddenly stated as he stood up straight.
Rikku frowned. He was worried about the project while she felt depressed about her departure? Did this mean that machinas were much more important to him than her? Rikku staggered back, as she felt the pain suddenly increase inside of her. Who was she fooling anyways? Of course his job was much more important to Gippal than she would ever be! She wasn't that important, right? She was just Cid's girl, the Al Bhed who he loved to tease.
So why was he worried about Friday? Why did he sound and look so sad? So why was Gippal so lovely in the past couple of days? He was such the perfect gentleman, treating her with care and affection. Was all that attention and kindness a lie?
"Go." Rikku replied coldly, although inside it hurt. "Go back to your project."
Gippal turned to look at her curiously, was she mad at him? "Are you alright?" He asked worried.
"Yes of course I'm alright." Rikku replied back with a frown. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"You seem upset." Gippal answered as he himself felt depressed and gloomy that his time with Rikku was running out.
"Look Gippal I'm ok! So go back to your important project, while I'll go work on something else." Spoke Rikku in frustration. 'Besides you couldn't possibly love me the way I love you.' Her bitter thoughts pierced her wounded heart.
She quickly then pushed pass him toward the door without looking back at Gippal, who stared at her in sadness and longing.