''Nissa, I'll be fine. I'll be home in a few days, ok'
''Oh Tifa-sama, how I want you to be next to me right now. Your presence is essential to me. I love it when you wrap your strong arms around me and hold me close to you.'' Nissa had sounded like she was shedding tears over the phone.
''Nissa, I...'' Tifa paused. She was short on words.
''Yes I know my love, you love me and only me! I'm your sexy and beautiful Al Bhed goddess!''
''Ah...''
''I know thats what you were thinking, right my raven-haired Blitzer'
''Well...something...along those...lines. Aheh heh'
''Tifa-sama'
''Yes, hun'
''Tell me that you love me. I want to hear you say it.'' Nissa demanded, smiling.
''I...love you.'' The last time Tifa said those words was three years ago when her first love Aerith was alive. She didnt think she would be able to say those words to another person ever again. But saying it to Nissa, she felt a bit uncomfortable.
Rikku felt more hurt as the conversation turned more and more romantic. Her chance with being with the one person she admired more than anyone else on the planet...has died. She placed her back on the nearby wall, crouching downward to the floor. Tears began to shed down her big green eyes, and her arms were hugging herself.
''I should've known that my dream wouldnt come true. She's madly in love with Nissa. Theres no chance for me.'' She quietly said to herself.
''Yeah, you shoulda known that by now that you cant have her.'' Another voice appeared.
Rikku looked up to see Paine standing there with her hands on her hips. Rikku picks herself off the floor so she can be face to face with the dark warrior.
imghttp/ knew? That I...liked Tifa'
''Yeah..Yuna and the others dont seem to see it, but I do. The way you act around her...god its sickening. It sickens me that you would throw yourself over someone who doesnt even return the feelings. Shes taken, Rikku, face it. And I dont think she even notices that you have feelings for her'
''But Paine...I love her so much...more than Nissa loves her. Ever since I was 15, I've admired her from afar. And now thats she's just in the next room, I felt that it was my chance. I was going to tell her I felt, but she loves Nissa and...'' Her tears were increasing.
Rikku's little plee made Paine even more jealous and frustrated.
''Rikku'
''Yes?''
Paine grabbed Rikku by the wrist and pulled her close. She did not hesitate to kiss the Al Bhed maiden on her lips. Rikku's bright green eyes widened with shock at the moment. Paine wanted to deepen the kiss but she stopped at that moment, thinking that kiss was enough to convince Rikku to forget about Tifa anc come be with her instead.
''Forget Tifa. I want you.''
imghttp/ Rikku placed her fingers onto her lips. A slight blush appeared on her face.
''Stop thinking about someone who doesnt even want you. Come to someone that does.'' Paine demanded.
''But Paine...I dont love you that way.''
Those words felt like a blade piercing through her heart. Paine felt rejected.
''...Jesus, what the hell do you see in her?''
Paine stormed off before Rikku could even say anything.
''Paine...Im sorry.'' Her voice lowered within each word.
Rikku then turned her attention back to Tifa, who has finished talking to her ''Al Bhed Goddess'' and continues to drink her beverage. Rikku decides to get out of her corner and have a seat next to Tifa. She wiped some of her tears away.
''Hello, Tifa.'' Rikku puts on a fake smile and waves.
''Rikku! Hiya.'' Tifa smiles at her.
Rikku takes a seat.
''Bartender? Can ya get me a milkshake'
''Yesh. In a shec'
''So ah, whats new, Tifa?'' Rikku asked shyly.
''Nothing much...I got a call from Nissa just now...she's worried about me'
''I..see. You guys love each other a lot huh.'' She asked in a meek tone.
''Here iz yoor milkshake?'' Bartender hands Rikku her milkshake.
''Well...yes but...'' Tifa paused.
''But'
''Nissa is wonderful, but lately I've been...thinking about someone else.''
Rikku's face suddenly lights up with a bit of hope.
''Someone...else'
''Yes, although this person may not feel the same way'
''Well, who is it, if you dont mind me asking'
''I cant say. Not now.''
''Awwwww why not?'' Rikku whines.
''There are just certain things you dont tell someone until the time is just right, Rikku. If I were to tell you that I liked Yuna right now, you'd probably go tell her or she might just be around the corner.'' :P
Rikku gasps.''Its Yuna who you like?''
''No. I'll tell you what though. When everyone falls asleep tonight, meet me on the deck again to watch the stars, just like we did the other night. Okay?''
That cheery, spiritual side of Rikku has arisen once again.