I know I left you all hanging a little bit and I am a little sorry for that. All will be explained here...
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," their warrior friend stated. "I guess I didn't exactly want you bugging me about it."
"I'm still a little confused," Yuna said into the comm-sphere, that they were talking to their friend on. "You...and Baralai? Where did that come from?"
"It's a long story," she replied, rubbing her temple. "I really can't explain it."
"Guess those days in the Crimson Squad come with a little history," Rikku stated mischievously. She grinned with a sparkle in her eyes.
"I'm not saying anything," she replied, her eyes narrowed. "Just come to the wedding. The two of you are gonna be my bridesmaids, right?"
"Of course, silly," Yuna replied. "Wouldn't dream otherwise."
"So, how'd he pop the question?" Rikku asked eagerly. "And how long have you been seeing each other?"
"We haven't," she replied. "But I've been in Bevelle for a while. I was only visiting when I passed through on my way to the Calm Lands and he insisted I stay at the temple. That's when he asked me."
"Is that all?" Yuna asked thoughtfully.
"I won't go into detail."
"Oh, we'll get it out of her Yunie," Rikku reaffirmed with a wink.
"I'd really like to see you try," was the retort, Paine's arms crossing.
"Oooo, if looks could kill..." The blonde giggled. "So, do you need us for anything?"
She nodded. "I'm completely new at this wedding thing," she replied. "I might need your help with some details."
"No problem," Yuna replied.
"Eh...there might be a problem on my part," Rikku commented, raising her hand slightly. "I still am back tracked a week. I've got so many things to do that I'm working in all my spare time," she replied. "I should be working now. Poor Elhana is taking over for everything. Speaking of which, I have to get back to work. Write the things down for me and give me the memo, will ya Yunie?" she asked, getting up and heading towards the door. "My break's over."
She went out the door and her two friends looked at each other. "She really has changed, hasn't she?" Yuna asked, a bit of sorrow in her voice.
As Rikku was hurrying to make it back to the site, she didn't even bother to look who she passed on the way. She passed one person in particular without even glancing at them as she jogged around him. But when he spoke, she froze.
"Well, working Cid's girl. Now that's a a switch," said a familiar cocky voice.
She stopped in her tracks and turned around, finding none other than her worst enemy, Gippal. He wore his usual working outfit and looked the same as she'd remembered him. "Gippal," she said grimly. "What in Spira are you doing here?"
"Oh, I just came for a visit," he replied. She gave him a look and he spoke again. "What do you think I'm here for? I need to ask a favor of you?"
"Really?" she asked. "I'm a little busy, so I don't know if I can help you right now. But, talk to me while I'm working," she said, heading towards the site once again.
"That's why I'm here," he replied.
"You could have called for business," she replied.
"You're impossible to contact. That assistant of yours is always picking up my calls," he replied. "What's her name...?"
"Elhana," she said. "And she's doing just fine with her job."
"Not trying to offend her."
"Okay, so get on with what you were saying." They finally made it to the site and she went up to Elhana, taking a paper from her.
"You said you're busy, right?" he asked.
"Notice why I'm multitasking."
"So, you need workers?"
"That would help a little bit," she said, going through a few things. "I mean, mine are good, but they can't work all the time."
"I've got people coming to Djose for interviews," he said. "I can't really use them as diggers, I have so many already. Do you think they could come here? Work for you?"
"I don't see why not," she said. "If they can build, they can come for an interview. Elhana, do I have any free time?"
"If you push it a little, Tuesdays and Thursdays have three hours at lunch time," she replied, looking at her clipboard.
"Good, mark down that for interviews," she said. "And, if people come in for interviews at other times, try to squeeze them in when I have a free moment."
"Yes malady," she replied.
She turned back to him and put her hands on her hips. "Now, is there anything else you needed?"
"Yeah. Did you hear about Baralai and Paine's wedding?" he asked.
"Got an invitation this morning," she replied. "Why? You the best man?"
"Groomsman," he replied. He raised his eyebrow at her. "And you?"
"Bridesmaid," she stated. "In fact, Yunie and I were talking to her just before you got here." She marked a few things, looking up and going up to one of the machines. "Make sure you checked this," she said to its operator. He nodded and she turned back to him. "So thanks for the new workers. With them, I might be able to get a second hand here to help me."
"That's a thank you?" he asked. "I'm so gracious."
Her eyes narrowed on him. "If you don't mind, I'm a little busy. Some people don't have others waiting on them hand and foot, begging for them to do your bidding," she retorted.
"Ow, that hurt," he replied, putting a hand over his heart.
"If you don't need anything else, I suggest you leave," she retorted. "I have things to do."
"Alright," he said. "But I'll be staying a few days, just to tell you." He said this as he walked away.
She blinked and almost gagged back a cough. "Excuse me? Why?"
"Your dad's orders," he replied over his shoulder, heading for the temple.
Rikku just stared as he left, her mouth hanging open with shock. "Pops..." she groaned.