A/N: The translations are all in bulk at the bottom so it's easier. I've been getting lazy at the moment though, so there may not be any Al Bhed for a bit. Plus, it kind of gives you the view that Yuna has also. And it's also neater in structure not to have it half way through the story.

Thanks for the amazing reviews! N dawntheif, you aren't the only one who can't stand bad grammar. I do English Literature, so my grammar has to be right, so that's why it is also on here. And also, its cos I used to have an Alex/Marissa OC fic.

Hofftailing; Yes, I agree, it was too short. This one is a nice longer one. I got a bit carried away in the moment. :p but i doubt ne1 will care. neways, enjoy

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or scenes of FF X-2, I just use them. The storyline, girl/girl idea and anything else square doesn't own in this fic, is mine.

Chap 5: There Must Be Something There That Wasn't There Before

Paine woke up alone that morning, and wondered if Gippal was hounding Rikku. It would give her a nice excuse to punch him, after all Rikku was technically her girl. Although she hated to admit it, she'd become quite attached to the younger woman, and also, if she was honest, attracted.

Getting up, Paine pulled on her usual things, leather trousers, leather jacket and black tank top. Giving her hair a brush, and using gel to hold it in place, she wandered down to the bridge after having had some much needed, energizing breakfast.

"Paine!" Rikku grinned at her. Paine, still a little sleepy, sent Rikku a soft smile. "Awwww, is Dr.P sleepy?" Paine almost threw up with the sickly sweet tone Rikku used, but hid this from the Al Bhed, simply nodding.

"I only just woke up." Paine explained, sitting down on the steps and closing her eyes. Paine did feel a little more drowsy than usual. Maybe the coffee hadn't set in yet.

"P, not even you are this tired in the morning. I think someone may have slipped you a sleep. Mustn't they, GIPPAL?" Gippal did indeed look guilty to Paine, but that was all she remembered before she fell unconscious.

Paine woke up later, finding herself alone, but with a note in her hand in Al Bhed. She opened the letter, reading it to herself. "Kuha du Luca fedr Gippal. Yuna'c lusehk fedr, caa oui mydan. Femm secc oui muytm Paine. Muja, Rikku." Paine punched the wall hard, cursing Gippal loudly. She got up and headed to the deck to train; praying Rikku wouldn't be seduced by Gippal, as he most certainly would shake off Yuna.

Paine heard footsteps behind her. They were light, almost stealthy ones, which told her it was Rikku. Paine looked at the deck, not wanting to look at Rikku for the time being.

"Hey." For once Rikku wasn't saying it bouncily, and Paine swallowed hard. "You know, when we went down there, all I could think of, was how much I didn't want to be away from you."

Paine let the jealous tear fall from her eye. She couldn't deny it, all she wanted to do was go down to Luca and keep Gippal away from Rikku.

"Don't cry." Rikku lifted the warriors hung head, and pulled her close. "See, I'm not annoying all the time."

"You could never be annoying. Not to me." Paine retained her grip on Rikku's waist and looked up to the blonde Al Bhed.

"How, in all of Spira do you stay so calm with me?" Rikku slipped her arms around Paine's neck, resting them there whilst her hands raked through Paine's silver hair slowly.

"Yevon knows." Paine replied, letting a small smile grace her lips. Rikku searched the crimson eyes, hoping, almost praying for something that told her her feelings weren't simply unrequited. "What happened down there, in Luca?"

"He tried it, and I pushed him away. I told him I was all yours." Rikku smiled softly, as Paine watched the spirals in her eyes.

"And are you?" Rikku frowned in confusion.

"Am I what?" Rikku swallowed hard as Paine moved her cheek next to Rikku's, breathing into her ear.

"Mine." Rikku took a sharp intake of breath at this and bit her lip, closing her eyes as she grinned.

"I always will be." Rikku almost cringed at the pure cliché that was happening, that was until Paine moved back slightly from her cheek. Just inches away, Rikku felt her heart begin to pound. The usually silent and guarded warrior was showing Rikku what she wanted, all through the crimson eyes that met her own emerald ones. Rikku wondered on the thought as both stayed still, neither breaking the gaze.

I guess this is what they mean when they say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Rikku knew what she wanted, but didn't move, as she watched the desire in the warriors eyes grow. Her pulse was now racing, and she felt hot, as she also felt the warrior's heart racing, realising their torso's were up against each other.

Taking the bold attempt, Rikku let her eyes drop shut, noticing the warrior's began to also, and then felt the 18 year olds lips touch her own, timidly at first, but then growing in confidence as the warrior searched for entrance into Rikku's mouth. Rikku granted access, and relished the sensation she got when she felt the warrior's tongue on her own, and the warrior's hand running through her hair, as well as the way her other hand moved over her back.

Reluctantly for both, they withdrew their lips, and rested their foreheads against each other.

"You wanna go to the uh, the cabins on the far side of the ship?" Rikku grinned as she watched the warrior breathing deeply from the loss of air, and nodded. Paine took her hand, smiling, and the pair began walking to their destination, gaining quick kisses from each other along the way.

Al Bhed translations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kuha du Luca fedr Gippal. Yuna'c lusehk fedr, caa oui mydan. Femm secc oui muytm Paine. Muja, Rikku. - Gone to Luca with Gippal. Yuna's coming with, see you later. Will miss you loads Paine. Love, Rikku.