A/N: Re-wrote this about twenty-times. So, sorry ppl, for the wait. The reviews r damn cool! Sorry if this is short. I've had writers block for a while.

Take It All Away

"I just, I think it's time I took a time out, from everything."

"Including me."

"Rikku, surely you of all people must understand just how rushed this is?"

"I don't want you to leave."

"If I don't, I'll end up hurting you with false promises. And I just don't make false promises."

"But Paine, living on Besaid…I…isn't that just running?"

"I'm not scared of you Rikku. I'm scared of me."

"But…"

"Rikku, shh. I promise, if this is meant to be, it will be."

"But…"

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes…"

"The do that. Trust me."

"Ok."

"Come here my meddma dreav."

--------------------12 Months Later--------------------

"No way! Are you serious?" Rikku bounced up and down with delight at Yuna's announcement. Yuna smiled and nodded. "That means, that means I get to see Paine?"

"Yes." Yuna's smile widened and Rikku jumped. "And she said she can't wait to see her girl."

"Yes!" Rikku punched the air and Gippal, who was still with them, shook his head.

"What is it with her anyway? Miss Ice isn't exactly the best looker." Gippal sounded off, before feeling his cheek sting. He looked to find Rikku in front of him, looking angry.

"'Miss Ice' doesn't shout out anything and doesn't like people being so bitchy. Why don't you go and spank the monkey!" With that, Rikku stormed off.

Landing on Besaid, Rikku entered and ran ahead, straight to Lulu's hut to find Paine.

"She's not here Rikku. She went for a walk. She's changed a lot since she came a year ago." The black mage told the blonde Al Bhed.

"Oh poopie! I wanted to see her." Rikku sat reluctantly. Lulu got up, smiling fondly at the young woman, whose chin was now resting on her hands.

"Let's go find her. I think she was headed for the cliffs." Lulu and Rikku began the ascent, and Lulu sensed Rikku's nervousness from her silence. "She's changed. She's more compassionate and open now."

"Really? What does she look like? What does she wear?" Lulu watched carefully before deciding to answer the Al Bhed, ignoring her distracted look.

"She still has the deep red eyes of course. But she's got longer hair. And she wears white." Rikku's attention swayed back to Lulu at the mention of white clothes.

"White? She hates white." The smile Lulu showed said otherwise.

"She also wears a bikini top. With a white shirt over it, but she leaves that open." Rikku's smile had reappeared by now, and Lulu stopped. "She'll be just at the top of this hill. I'll leave you two alone."

Rikku watched the black mage leave, and then turned to continue the climb. She reached the top, and looked around, finally seeing the image she had waited for. Paine.

Al Bhed

Maddma Dreav - Little Thief