Hi there sea monkeys! Suspense sucks, doesn't it? Hehe. Let's see, let's see, what will happen next... Get your minds out of the gutter! What do you think this is, a porno? J/k. While I COULD go into detail, I don't think I should. Although it would be fun to use the word bosom. You just don't see or hear that word a lot.
Ok, so, let's find out what happened last night. They were in bed and mostly naked, so it doesn't take a genius to figure out what went on.
I don't own FFX-2, but if I did, I would start my own apple juice company!
Chapter 11: Dancing on Sunshine
Rikku woke up feeling very comfortable. She was under several layers of bed linens and next to a warm body. The body in question belonged to Gippal; as did the arm over her torso and the leg over her own leg. She opened her eyes to find him sleeping on his stomach with his face turned toward hers. He looked so peaceful laying there. No one would have guessed that he had spent most of the night making love to her. Rikku smiled as she replayed the events of last night.
Gippal was a surprisingly gentle lover. Even in the throws of passion, he had been gentle. He was much stronger than he looked and he knew it. Rikku had an inkling that he was gentle just for her. All the rumors said he was beyond wild in bed, which was half the reason women went after him. He was wild, but a controlled wild. He had done his utmost to please her, too. She sighed and closed her eyes, willing the day not to start so that she could be in a permanent state of bliss.
She probably could have laid there for a long time with out moving, but Gippal's comm unit started beeping. Rikku growled under her breath, vowing that whoever was on the other end was dead meat. Just before she would have thrown back the covers to rudely answer the beeping monstrosity, Gippal woke up. He blinked sleepily at her and looked around for the annoying sound that woke him up.
"Can I kill the person calling you this early in the morning?" She sounded as grumpy as she felt. It was very rude to call anyone before they have had a good breakfast. Otherwise the reception of the call would be unpleasant. She heard Gippal laugh at her, and felt him move her closer to him with the arm already around her middle and fumble for the comm unit he had put in a drawer of the night stand with the other. Rikku decided to distract him with kisses. This impeded his discovery of the still beeping unit. He eventually found it and answered.
"This had better be good..." he said. Gippal did not sound happy, and the person on the other end hesitated before responding.
"Uh, well, you see...the other boat just docked. You said you wanted to know as soon as it got here."
"Fine. You've told me. I'll be there soon." With that he turned the unit off and turned his attention back to Rikku. "It had to dock now of all times." Rikku smiled a little smile at him.
"You could always let them handle it and stay here with me."
"I could. But I wouldn't be able to give you my undivided attention. I'd be feeling too guilty about them working in this crummy weather while I'm having the time of my life in bed with a beautiful woman." Rikku reluctantly agreed to this logic. That did not make her happy though.
"They still could have waited an hour or two."
"Greedy and selfish, that's what you are."
"Can you blame me, love-muffin?"
"No." Gippal said as lifted himself up onto his elbows, arms on either side of her body. "Believe me, baby, if I could stay here I would. If I can wrap things up quickly, by tomorrow I'll have all the time in the world. We can spend tomorrow in bed if all goes well." Rikku wrapped her arms around his neck to think about the proposition. It would mean waiting until tomorrow to see him again. On the other hand she would have him for the entire day. Making sacrifices is such a difficult thing to do.
"Oh alright. As long as I get you for the whole day." She got a smile from him followed by a kiss. Rikku tried to keep him there for as long as possible. Gippal made no move to get out of bed, so she figured his presence was not needed immediately. That was until someone started knocking on the door. "You need a new inn, Gippal. We keep getting interruptions here."
"I agree. Now let me deal with Plaazt before you strangle him." He got out of bed despite her attempts to keep him there. Pouting and snuggling back under the covers, she waited there while Gippal talked through a small gap in the door. He sounded annoyed and ended the conversation quickly. Walking back to her, Gippal pulled the covers off, making her yelp at the cold air. A very silly grin was on his face and Rikku gave him a withering look.
"You big meanie! Now I'm all cold."
"Well I'll just have to warm you up then, won't I?" She brightened at this and happily fell victim to his ministrations. She warmed up rather quickly. Everywhere his hands touched her felt like fire against her skin. His kisses were desperate, as were hers. When he entered her, she threw her head back and moaned softly. "Fayth, I'm glad no one had you before me." Rikku lowered her head to be kissed again.
"So am I. But wouldn't you have more fun if-"
"No. Not at all." Gippal stopped her from talking with his tongue in her mouth. Rikku could feel her body tense up already. His body was tense as well. She wanted a release from the tension, but not so soon. Not that she had much choice in the matter. He was driving her ever closer to the edge. Instead of giving in, Rikku wrapped her legs around his waist, making him moan.
"Stop holding back, baby. I can't hold out much longer." he said into her neck. She laughed; delighted that he found such pleasure with her. The laugh turned into another moan as he arched her back slightly. There was no holding back now. Rikku was happy to note that they climaxed together. She did not know that until after the fact, but that hardly mattered.
"Do you really have to go?" she asked breathlessly. Gippal rolled off of her and held her close.
"Unfortunately, yes. Things will go faster if I help out." His fingers were playing with her hair. He had unbound it last night and tangled his hands in it while making love to her. "Although you could take a shower with me. What do you say?"
"I say you won't be leaving this room any time soon. Go on. I'll get one at the Sun Rose."
Gippal obeyed, though he gave her the offer a second time. As tempting as it was, she declined. If he had to leave, he had to leave. She made herself comfortable under the covers again. Gippal looked as if he was going to change his mind, then walked into the bathroom. Rikku only stayed there for a few minutes. Deciding to make things easy on him, she got dressed. She rescued her pajamas from the floor and the blankets. The candles had burned themselves out and were tiny stubs of their former glory. They made their way into the trash can. Once everything was back in her bag, Rikku grabbed the massage oils and put them in a separate bag. There is nothing quite as lovely as oil on fabric. She liked the still-damp jeans she wore yesterday a lot, and did not want to ruin them.
By the time Gippal came out, she was putting her hair back in a pony tail. She got a kiss on the cheek and one on the neck; then he got dressed as well. Rikku found arms wrapped around her waist and a solid body holding her close. She turned her head and gave him a sideways smile.
"I like your hair down."
"Then you're going to be the one to untangle and brush and wash and condition it everyday."
"It would be my pleasure." Rikku knew there was a silly grin plastered on her face at those words. Before she blushed she saw a similar one on Gippal's face. She giggled and leaned against him.
"Shouldn't you be leaving or something?"
"Probably. I should have left a while ago."
"And why didn't you?" She asked like she did not already know.
"Because of you, so raynd." Warm fuzzy-ness filled her to the brim. She was positively bursting with joy.
"I like that. Say it again." Gippal chuckled in her ear and kissed her hair.
"So raynd."
Someone knocked on the door again, spoiling the moment. Rikku glared at the mirror and strode to the door, yanking it open. Plaazt was there, hand held up to knock again, looking shocked at seeing her instead of Gippal open the door. The man became increasingly uncomfortable under her gaze. Lucky for him Gippal came to the rescue. He had Rikku's bag in hand and a set of keys in another. He gave Plaazt a grin and placed a hand on Rikku's back, gently pushing her out the door. After locking it, he found that Plaazt had disappeared. Rikku was standing there with her hands clasped behind her back.
"You can be really scary, Rikku. Poor Plaazt doesn't know if he's coming or going."
Before she could answer, a man emerged from the room on the right of Gippal's. He glared at the couple and then stalked down the stairs with a stiff back. Rikku stuck her tongue out at his back.
"Gee, I wonder what his problem is." Gippal asked.
"He's just jealous that he wasn't making someone moan and cry out his name all night. That's all." she replied. He hugged her tightly after her comment.
"Do you have any idea how much you just inflated my ego?"
"Well, you deserve it. Maybe your new pet name will be 'Big Guy'." Gippal laughed and kissed her. She was really hoping that he would change his mind and decide to stay with her.
"Let's see how many complaints we have for last night, shall we?" Rikku laughed out loud.
"I bet there's a lot!"
Making their way down to the lobby, bets were made on how many complaints were waiting. Rikku said less than five. Gippal said more than five. They never found out. Upon entering the lobby, Mr. Helpful was holding a broom like a bat, ready to hit a small furry creature that sat shivering near the door. Rikku ran up to him and held onto the broom, preventing it from hitting the animal. He turned an angry face to her, outraged that someone had stopped him. Rikku yanked it out of his hands and shoved him out of her way. She knelt down in front of the animal, and spoke in a coaxing voice. Eventually, the water sodden creature revealed that it was a cat by mewing pathetically and then jumping into her arms. She held the little thing against her, sharing her body warmth.
"How could you be so mean? It's just a kitten!" The vehemence in her voice startled even her. The little kitten tried to burrow under her clothes. Rikku immediately felt protective of the poor thing. It was mewing for its mother, but Rikku was all it found. So it decided to take her as a surrogate mother. "Don't you worry, kitty. I won't let that mean man hurt you."
"That mangy animal has no business here." Mr. Helpful said, his voice carefully controlled.
"She not mangy! She's wet. There's a difference."
Gippal stepped in, trying to smooth the situation out. Rikku let him. She busied herself with the kitten. After a moments thought, Rikku went to Gippal and pulled a shirt out of her bag to dry the kitten off with. It responded by purring at an amazing volume for such a small cat. She kept on talking to it, calming it with her voice. She did not want to get clawed, after all. When Gippal touched her shoulder, she took it as a sign to leave. Rikku managed to get her rain coat on without letting go of the kitten. Gippal followed her out into the rainy morning.
The rain was still coming down, but no where near what it had been for the past week. It seemed the weather had decided to clear up. Now Luca could come back to life. The sky had changed color to a light gray instead of charcoal. Rikku was only happy about this for a minute or two. She turned to Gippal, not quite meeting his eyes.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to make a scene like that. It's just-"
"Why are you sorry? That idiot could have really hurt her." Rikku had put the kitten under her coat and next to her chest. Now it had poked its head out of the neck of the coat. Gippal caressed it with a finger, earning a purr from the kitten. It wasn't as loud as the purr Rikku got though. "He's lucky he still has a job."
"So, you're not mad?" she asked hopefully.
"You're odd, you know that? You just saved a kitten and you think I'm mad at you?" He pulled her to a stop under an awning. "Baby, it takes a lot to get me mad. And even if I was mad, I couldn't stay that way for long. Not at you." The warm fuzzy-ness came back full force, and Rikku felt herself blush. She changed the subject quickly so she could stop turning red.
"Will you be careful at the docks? Don't stand under a crane or anything. I'd hate for you to be crushed."
"Concerned, baby? I feel loved." Rikku blushed again and looked at the sidewalk. She felt a hand under her chin that lifted it up to face Gippal. "Rikku, I'll be careful, I promise. People tend not to worry about me, so thank you." The statement was punctuated with a kiss.
"You're welcome." The kitten encased in Rikku's rain coat mewed, causing both of them to look at her. "I know you're still cold and hungry." She turned back to Gippal and kissed him on the cheek. She had to stand on tip toes to do it. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Don't work too hard, okay?"
"And here I was hoping to earn another massage from you. Oh well. See you later, so raynd."
Rikku watched him walk away and sighed. She looked down at the bundle of warmth against her chest and found the kitten looking at her. "Isn't he great, kitty? I'm sooooo happy I have him all to myself!" The kitten purred in agreement. "Come on. Let's get you to a vet. We need to make sure you're healthy, don't we?" Rikku continued to talk to her new kitten all the way to the veterinarian's office. When she entered, no one was in the waiting room, human or animal. Even the front desk was empty. She rang a bell that was sitting in the counter, hoping to find someone. A woman emerged from a door behind the counter. She looked surprised to find anyone in the office.
"May I help you?" she asked kindly.
"Yes." Rikku unbuttoned her coat and revealed the kitten, still trying to burrow under her clothes. "I found this little girl outside and I just didn't have the heart to leave her there. Can somebody give her a check up or something?"
"Of course. Not many people have been braving the weather recently, so we're pretty much open. Bring her on back." The woman led the way to an examining room. It was empty. Rikku was told to wait for a few minutes for the vet to come in. She was looking around the room, noting all the gorily detailed pictures when he entered. He was an older man, with a gentle face and demeanor. She surrendered the kitten, who protested loudly at being separated from Rikku. A multitude of tests and examinations ensued, all giving her kitten a clean bill of health.
"She doesn't even have many fleas. We'll give her a flea dip, and get her nice and dry. Then you can take her home. She is yours, correct?"
"Yup yup! Poor little thing loves me already, don't you?" The kitten mewed and tried to get back to Rikku. The vet took her away for her flea dip, and she came back looking very upset, but clean and dry. She immediately leapt into Rikku's arms. "Did you miss me, kitty? I've got to give you a name, huh?" She thought about what to call her kitten as she walked up to the front desk. There the same woman from before collected the fees, and suggested a list of things for the cat. Rikku agreed to all of it and purchased them as well.
"What did you name her?"
"Um..." she bit her lower lip, thinking. "I'll call her So Muja."
"That sounds pretty. Does it mean anything in Al Bhed?"
"My Love. It seems I've found My Love and my love all in the same week." She snuggled the cat again and somehow managed to balance all the heavy and awkward bags and the kitten safely all the way back to the Sun Rose. Elizza was delighted to have So Muja in her home, much to Rikku's relief. Once all the cat-things were sorted and put out, Rikku took her cat up to her room, so that she could get a shower. Setting So Muja on the bed, she went to take a hot shower. Emerging from the steamy bathroom, Rikku found the kitten still lying where she had left her.
"You can move around, you know. Just make sure to use the litter box, okay?" A mew signaled her agreement, and they both went downstairs for breakfast.
After eating what was probably her first decent meal ever, So Muja curled up for a nap in Rikku's lap. Rikku stroked the little cat, talking to Elizza about how she had found her new pet. She glanced out the window to frown at the rain, only to find it non-existent. The winds still whipped everything in sight, but the biting cold rain had stopped.
"The sun should come out of hiding soon, I think. Would you like some more tea, dear?" Elizza asked, already filling Rikku's cup.
"I hope so. I'm sick of rain. And cold. Yucky combination, that." Rikku replied, sipping her tea. Tea with Elizza was the only time Rikku drank tea. Any where else, it was coffee. Ah, coffee, the drink of the gods. There is nothing like it in the world.
Eventually, Rikku retreated to her room, So Muja trailing along behind her. She pulled her portable Commsphere out and dialed Yuna's number. Her cousin was ecstatic to hear from her. Yuna got her first glimpse of So Muja when the kitten walked up the Commsphere and batted it with a paw. Both of them were gushing about how cute she was. Then they gushed about their respective men. They talked for hours about the insignificant things that made boyfriends a great thing to have. Rikku called the conversation to a halt when the rumbles emanating from her stomach over came her voice.
"Sorry, Yunie. Hunger strikes! I'll call again, I promise."
"Alright, Rikku. It was great hearing from you. Wait until I tell Tidus you have a boyfriend!" Yuna giggled. "I wonder if he'll try to threaten Gippal." Rikku groaned.
"Tell him not too, please. He's had enough trouble because of me already."
"What do you mean?"
Rikku related what had transpired with Cid, feeling the unhappy thoughts fill her mind again. So Muja purred and rubbed her head against Rikku's cheek, like she was trying to comfort her. Rikku smiled at the kitten, scratching its neck.
"I can't believe Uncle Cid would do such a thing! Wait until I see him again, he'll be sorry."
"Don't worry about it, Yunie. He won't bother us again. Even if he did, I wouldn't change my mind; he knows that. And there is no way I'm going to let him ruin my relationship with Gippal."
"Good for you, Rikku. You take care now, and eat something before you die of hunger!"
"If you insist! Hehe. Talk to you later. Byes!" The sphere was turned off quickly and Rikku jumped off the bed. The kitten followed her out of the room, knowing that food would appear when a certain room was entered. She also knew that naps could be taken anytime and anywhere she liked. It was so different from being Outside. This place was safe, and her person was nice. No one yelled or tried to hit her. The other people her person talked to a lot were nice too. The one in the food-room was kind, and the man her person was mated to was kind as well. He did not act or smell like the one with the big stick. That one was scary. She did not want her person to go near him again. Also, she could smell another man here; this one smelled good, so she was not worried. Life was good.
She even liked the name her person had given her, So Muja. She knew it was her name, so she responded to it. She had never had a name before. Cats knew each other by smell, not names. People did not seem able to do this, so she figured names were the next best thing. Her person led the way to the food-room, and spoke to Kind One. After a moment, food appeared for her person, Mother. Mother then got food for her, and placed it in a bowl on the floor next to her chair. So Muja ate her fill, and then jumped onto Mother's lap. It was comfortable there, and her person would caress and pet her. After a while, a door opened and the man she had smelled but not seen came into the food-room. He was greeted by Kind One and Mother happily. She looked at him, finding him smaller than the other men she had seen, but heavier as well. When he bent down to look at her, she knew this man was mated to Kind One. She also knew that he was strong. The fingers that rubbed her neck were heavy and firm. She liked him. He would help her protect Mother.
Eventually, Mother went back to the room up the stairs. So Muja followed, hoping that the big soft cushion would be put to use. After changing clothes, her person pulled some soft things on the cushion back and then pulled them over herself. She was pondering this when Mother called her, patting the cushion next to her. She happily leapt on the cushion and lay down next to Mother. She was warm, and she was safe. Life was definitely good.
The next morning...
Rikku woke from the lack of noise. One would think it would make it easier to rest, but noise had been so consistent for so long, the silence seemed unnatural. She blinked and rolled over to put her feet on the floor. Touching the cold hardwood woke her up, so she decided to get up and stay up. This was completely out of character for her. She liked sleeping. It was her favorite hobby. Now she was awake and it was still dark outside.
She pulled the curtains aside, and was surprised to find clear sky and a light breeze. It was still cold, but a pleasant cold. Already she could see the beginning of what would be a spectacular sunrise. "Look, So Muja! The mean old rain is gone!" Her kitten stretched and walked over to the window, looking out of it. "I'm going to make Gippal get up and have breakfast with me! I'll bring him back here, so you can see him again. Won't that be nice?" A loud purr was her answer. It grew louder when she scratched the little cat's chin. "You go back to bed, sweetie. No need for you to be up when you could be sleeping!"
Rikku quickly took a shower, and choose an outfit from the closet. Elizza had moved all of the clothes from storage into her closet. Once her hair was dry, she set about brushing it. It was no small task, brushing her hair. It was long and unruly. Finally done with that little chore, she got dressed. A pleated skirt in cream and red plaid with a matching hat, a low cut, red shirt and cream button up sweater, and knee high brown leather boots comprised her outfit. There was a matching hand bag, but Rikku disdained hand bags, so it got to stay home.
She gave So Muja a good-bye pat, and left the Sun Rose. The air was crisp and clear, with only a few birds awake to share it with her. The sun was half up, lighting up the world with soft colors. Rikku half ran down the streets and avenues, eager to see Gippal. She was only a few blocks away from her destination when she saw a familiar figure walking toward her.
"Gippal!" He looked up when she called his name with a smile. Rikku laughed for no apparent reason and ran to him. Just before she crashed into him, he grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up in the air, spinning around in place. Rikku laughed again, putting her arms on his shoulders to steady herself. "Put me down, silly!"
"Why? I'm having fun."
"Because I want a kiss. Now put me down."
"If that's the case, okay." He set her on her feet, but she only stayed upright for a moment. Gippal swept her off her feet, holding her in his arm and kissing her intently. Rikku was happy to stay there. It was so dramatic and romantic. It was a shame no one was there to witness it. Once the kiss ended and she was back on her own two feet, Rikku hugged him tightly. With Gippal's arms encircling her, she felt safe and happy. Almost as if nothing could go wrong as long as she was there. Too bad her stomach was not of the same mind.
"Come on. Let's get some breakfast. Elizza's expecting us." She took his left hand in both of hers, walking alongside him. I never thought I would end up being someone who hangs on a man like this. It's nice. I bet he thinks I think the world hangs on him. Maybe it's starting to. This thought made her blush. Her hat and position hid it from Gippal's view, thankfully. "Isn't this great? The sun's out and we have all of Luca to ourselves!"
"Just so long as I have you to myself, I don't care what the weather's like."
"That's soooo sweet!" she said, squeezing his hand. "And of course you have me to yourself. There's no one out there that's nearly as good as you."
"In bed or otherwise?" he said with that smirk of his.
"Both."
"You've made my head twice it's natural size, you know that?"
"And I've told you before, you deserve it."
They walked into a plaza just as the sun cleared to horizon. Rikku and Gippal stopped to admire the view. The few people that were out this early stopped to look too. Rikku let go of Gippal's hand and twirled around with arms outstretched, laughing. She was surprised to find Gippal taking her hand and spinning her into a turn. The people who had been looking at the sunrise turned to look at the young couple dancing in to plaza. Happy smiles played across their faces watching them. Everyone applauded when the dance concluded, startling Rikku and Gippal. Rikku turned slightly red and grabbed Gippal's hand again.
"What's the matter? They're clapping for us. Besides, you look so pretty when you blush." This turned her face five shades of red. Gippal tilted her face up so that she could receive a kiss. She was only two shades of red when she heard someone call out their names.
"Rikku? Gippal?"
They turned to see another couple walking towards them, hand in hand. It was Paine and Barali. Rikku waved at her friends. Barali had become a friend of hers despite the whole Vegnagun/Shyuin incident.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Paine asked, the monotone all but gone from her voice. Ever since she and Barali had hooked up, Paine was a much happier person. Barali turned to look at his girlfriend and spoke.
"I think they've gone and become a couple on us, Paine. And here we thought you would tell your old Squad buddies first thing when it happened. Gippal."
"Guess I 'forgot'. Sorry."
"Like you 'forgot' to set the alarm for us to wake up on time?" Gippal just smirked.
"I don't know what you're talking about..."
Rikku decided to interrupt, seeing as she was hungry and all. "Are you guys hungry? We're going to get breakfast. Want to come? Or are you still in the 'I-only-want-to-be-with-you' stage?"
"What other reason would we be up this early, other than watching the two of you dancing like fools in love?" Paine said. She still had a blunt way with words.
"What's so wrong with that, Paine?" Rikku asked. "I seem to remember you gazing into Barali's eyes a sighing at every minute that went by."
"Touché. So where do we eat?"
"The Sun Rose. Elizza's making us a feast! You'll love her cooking. You can meet my new kitty, too! She's so cute and cuddly."
"Less talk and more walking, baby. I'm hungry too."
"Let's go! I can smell those pancakes right now!"
And there you have it folks! Wasn't that a happy chapter? I have been unnaturally giddy/happy for some reason. I think someone is spiking my food with something. Oh well!
Just a warning, evilness will happen within next two chapters! Probably the one after the next one. I'm still working out details in the daydream ridden brain of mine. It's a slow process, you can imagine. I keep getting distracted, can't figure out why...
OMG. There is a story called Red Light by Citris Rain. It infuriates me, but it is sooooooooooooooo well written, I keep going back for more. Just like AngelTaisha's Nobody's Angel. They keep on interrupting my train of thought on my story cause I can't figure out what'll happen next I their story and my boss at work thinks I'm crazy because I keep ranting about how angry I am at a certain character in Red Light and how I think BxR make a good couple. (Which goes against my belief that G and R were just destined to be together. )
Anywho, thank you to all you reviewers! Positive feed back is such and ego boost! J /k. Really, thank you a lot.
Until next chapter, byes!
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