I had fallen asleep in Paine's arms, feeling very relaxed and.. loved. I knew it didn't mean anything, that Paine was just sick and delusional, having no idea what she was doing. I knew that when I awoke, I'd have to explain to Paine why she was in bed, with me. But for the moment, I merely let myself enjoy the feeling of her arm holding me close to her and her breath on the back of my neck.

I remember dreaming about her, and about how much I really loved her. I can remember many times during our journey with Yuna that I wanted so badly to tell Paine how much I cared about her. Yuna already knew that I cared deeply for Paine, for she had caught my one night, crying about Paine and how I didn't know what to do.

I had spilled my heart to Yuna that night, telling her how much I loved Paine and how much I loved watching Paine in battle, as she stood ready to attack, her brow furrowed in concentration. I even told Yuna how much it had gotten to me at the hot spring at Mount Gagazet, when we were all bathing together. The site of Paine like that, so.. vulnerable and real.

Yuna had been completely understanding of the whole thing, and had promised to keep my secret for me, even though she thought I should have told Paine how I felt. I told her though that I couldn't tell Paine, because she probably would hate me if I did.

I could hear the distant sounds of Barkeep scuttling about below, preparing for the day ahead. For a moment, I forgot about the current situation until I felt Paine shift. I opened my eyes wide, and realized I was laying on my back right next to the warrior, whose arm was draped across my stomach, causing the butterflies within to flutter about madly.

I didn't know what to do, and in truth, I was still too tired to think about it. So I allowed the comfort of being held next to Paine lull me into a decent sleep once again. However, that didn't last long.

In a flash I found myself screaming "OUCH" and some other things out of anger and confusion. I blinked my eyes a few times before I took in what happened. Paine had pushed my clear off the bed, and not gently mind you. My lower back ached now from the way I had landed on it.

"Rikku, what in Spira did you think you were doing?" Asked Paine, quite accusingly.

She was angry, this I knew. I thought about ways to explain myself, trying to find the words to use to explain that she had been sick, and that she had technically pulled me next to her, therefore making me innocent instead of guilty, but before I had the time to say a word, she had stormed right passed me, shooting my a glare that froze and shattered my heart.

Before I knew what I was doing, I had curled up and leaned against the bed, warm tears trickling down my cheeks like streams. I tried not to sob, tried not to let Paine hear me, but I knew she most likely heard me sniffling pathetically. I silently cursed myself for being so childish, so weak.

I think I cried myself right to sleep, because the next time I opened my eyes, an hour or two had obviously passed. I had a feeling it was a little after noon, because I could hear Buddy down below, talking to Barkeep, and eating lunch.

I stood up slowly, my back still hurting slightly from before. I checked in a mirror that was hanging on the wall and noticed my eyes were slightly red and puffy. I tried to fix them up a bit, but it was pretty much no use. I slowly made my way down the stairs, hoping I could make it passed Buddy without him seeing me.

I was unlucky.

"Hey Rikku!" He called out.

I walked over to him and gave him a weak smile. He frowned at me after looking me over.

"Is something wrong? You really don't look so well." Said Buddy, his face showing true concern.

"I'm fine.." I muttered. I knew he didn't believe me, but he didn't press the issue any farther.

"Okay. What did Paine have to do in Luca?" Asked Buddy. He must of thought that I would know, but I didn't. Actually, I was a bit shocked.

"Luca?" I questioned. "I'm not sure, but do you think you could drop me off there?"

Buddy nodded his head and with that the two of us walked back to the bridge to fly back to Luca.

I stepped off the airship, blinking in the bright light. Luca was bustling with people of all sorts. I spotted a few Ronso, a couple of Al Bhed, and a lot of other people walking around. A lot of people had shopping bags, clearly there to shop. Others were talking animatedly about Sphere Break, and others about Blitzball. I walked passed them all, wondering where I could find Paine. I wanted to talk to her, to explain what really had happened. Most of all, I was angry about the way she had treated me.

I walked around for what seemed like forever, checking all sorts of shops. I even started asking people if they'd seen her around.

"Excuse me, sir, but have you seen a female warrior, clad in black, with a huge sword?" I asked an elderly looking man walking with a little boy.

He gave me the oddest look and continued passed me.

"Um.. okay. Poopyhead.." I muttered as I continued on.

"Paaainey," I whined as I walked. "Hey lady, have you seen a scary looking girl around here? Wearing black?"

The woman shook her head and kept walking.

I asked many people, getting no positive response, until..

"You there, have you seen a lady in black with a long sword that has a skull at its base?" I asked a little boy.

He nodded and grinned cheekily up at me, pointing towards the main cafe in the town, where people gathered to watch blitzball.

"Finally," I muttered as I entered the little cafe. Looking around, I didn't think she was in there at first. All I saw were men watching blitzball, a few ladies doing the same, and a cute looking female couple in the corner. After scanning the room again, however, I spotted Paine in the corner opposite the couple.

I gave a low growl and walked straight over to her. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to say, and despite myself, I felt myself becoming very angry at the thought of what she had done earlier.

I put my hand on Paine's shoulder and swung her around. I paused, merely staring at Paine, examening the look of shock on her face. I had lost my voice, and could do nothing but glare.

Paine, almost cautiously, asked me what I was doing.

I somehow managed to find my voice, and asked her why she pushed me off the bed.

Suddenly I found my anger taking over, and before Paine replied, I continued.

"You had no reason to do that. I was only trying to help you. You're the one that pulled me next to you!"

I had screamed the last sentence. I was aware of the fact that most of the patrons in the cafe were now staring at Paine and myself. I was also aware that Paine did not like humiliation, which she proved with the way she clenched her fist.

"Leave me alone," I heard her say. She stood up and headed for the door.

I wasn't about to let her go without her understanding what happened, and an apology. I grabbed hold of her shoulder once again.

The next thing I knew, I could feel a sharp, stinging pain on my cheek. Paine had slapped me.

My anger was gone, now replaced by confusion, sadness, and even pity. All I could do was stare.

"Rikku, I-" Paine began, but I didn't want to hear it any more.

I screamed at her to go away, and she did, as if nothing happened. I sat down on the stool she had just left and ordered myself a drink.

Hours later, many, many hours later, and quite a few drinks later, I opened my eyes. I had been in the cafe for quite some time, and I must have fallen asleep. I stood up off the stool. I nearly fell right back down again, but I managed to hold myself up using the table. I stared for a moment at the door, which seemed to be moving a bit. Then, taking a deep breath, I made my way towards it, stumbling slightly as I opened it and walked outside.

The cool breeze upon my face woke me up a bit, and I realized it was pretty dark. The only thing I could think about was finding Paine. We really needed to sort this whole mess out, before it ate me up inside.

"Paine," I moaned. I didn't feel so good.

I decided to walk towards the Sphere Theatre, to see if Paine was around there.

I walked, more so stumbled, in that direction. But once I reached the statue and benches right before the path to the Sphere Theatre, I knew I had to sit down for a moment.

I sat down, trying to think clearly. Nobody was around, the city was silent for once, due to the night. The cool air was waking me up more efficiently now, but I still couldn't concentrate very well.

And then I heard footsteps coming towards me.

"Hey, Cid's girl," said the voice of a man as he came closer to me.

End of Chappy 4! Sorry that took so long.. I was really busy with the fourth, and family, and then my pc decided to be stupid. But here you go! The next one shouldn't take me so long.

Thanks to those who continue to read my story, it means a lot to me. Also, thanks for the reviews! They keep me going.