YAY! The last chapter! Actually, there will be something else to conclude this, but this is the last offical chapter. It's extra long, that's why it took so long to write. All of you out there, here's the conclusion to 'The Thin Line'! (You also get to find out why I named it that.)

As the airship eased into the space right in front the Bevelle front gates, the latch opened and Rikku hopped down, fastening the strap on her shoe. In her mouth was comb, under her arm, a nicer purse, and under her arm were long black gloves. Her hair was down, still wild and undone. She almost growled as she pulled her stockings up again, having to bend over.

Her dress was actually very pretty, one that Paine had picked out for her bridesmaids. It had two layers to it actually. The bottom one was a blood red, to go with the theme of the wedding. It was simple, long, a-lined and was strapless. The one over top was fastened at the top, coming together in an empire waist line with the clasp under her bust line. It left a large part in the front, showing the red from the black. There were other things that went with it, of course, but they were there.

She turned, looking back into the ship, irritation in her eyes. Grabbing the comb from her mouth, she screamed, "Hurry up! We only have like an hour left!"

Gippal emerged, buttoning his shirt. His jacket and other things were in his arms, as he ran to catch up with her. After rushing to get out of the apartment, they had decided to grab the next airship out, and dress on the way there. Too bad that it had taken almost an hour for them to be ready.

The ride didn't take too long, just not enough for them to finish getting dressed. Both of them had to get there in time, being part of the wedding itself. Gippal breathed out. "Jeez, how do you dress that fast?"

"Experience," she muttered. She grabbed some of the things he had, quickly adjusting his shirt and tying his tie. Baralai insisted that his groomsmen wear fancier tuxedos, that involved a long tie, and a vest instead of a cummerbund. They were even going to wear red flowers on their coats. Well, all except Baralai himself, since he'd be wearing mostly white with his black.

When she was done, she just grabbed his arm. "Come on, we gotta move."

No one was around to operate the ferries, so they had to run up the paths and past the gates. Even the guards weren't paying attention, all hovering around a sphere. They got closer, and Gippal was more or less lagging behind. "A little help?" he asked.

Rikku rolled his eyes. Couldn't he get dressed? She guessed the running made his arm get a little stuck in the sleeve. Growling, she went over to help him adjust a little bit. His vest wasn't even buttoned, so she angrily did it herself. "I can't take you anywhere."

"I have more pieces than you," he commented, eye narrowed.

She put her hands on her hips. "I have a few things on under this thing, buddy," she said, confidently.

He didn't exactly get to say anything in return, for suddenly an acolyte appeared next to them. She looked like all the others—with the outfit anyway. But she was frantic, looking between them. "Princess Rikku and Sir Gippal?" she asked.

They nodded, and she put a hand to her heart. "Oh, thank Yevon," she said. "We were so afraid that both the best man, and maid of honor weren't going to show."

At the comment, they both looked at each other.

"Maid of honor?"

"Best man?"

"Since when?" they asked at the same time. Then, in a chorus, they growled. "I thought you knew!"

The acolyte looked between both of them. "Can I say something?" she asked, holding up a finger.

They looked at her with such annoyance, she was afraid. "No!"

And instantly they both started arguing with each other. The poor acolyte looked between them, her head going back and forth. She bit her lip, but then looked at the time. She really needed to get them to the rest of the wedding party, or else she was in big trouble.

"Excuse me, please!"

Gippal and Rikku stopped to look at her. "What!"

She shivered, but then swallowed. "Um, we really need your help," she said. "It's a complete catastrophe, monstrosity!" she exclaimed. "The whole wedding might be off."

"What?" they asked, with concern and shock.

Then Rikku growled. "Shut up for a minute," she said, then looked at her. "What's going on?"

She shook her head. "Oh, it's devastating," she confessed. "The bride—she won't come out of her suite! Praetor Baralai is having a nervous breakdown! The ring-barer won't stop screaming and Lady Yuna is in tears as well. We desperately need help. Not only that, the wedding is in an hour!"

They looked at each other, then became serious. "Bring me to Baralai," Gippal said.

"And me to the others," Rikku said. "We'll handle this."

When you walked in, the room was in complete and total chaos. There was so much noise, confusion, and just plain madness, that you couldn't even see straight. Priests and acolytes were running around, making sure everything was in order.

Apparently the florists and caterers messed up delivery times, and everyone arrived at once. That meant that flowers and foot was being rushed everywhere. Not to mention the guests were all getting there early. She even saw the cake come through, and that was a sight, since the thing was taller than she was.

Lulu, who had called Rikku to being with, was in the corner with Wakka, and a baby Vidina. The eight month old wailed in his mother's arms, as she rocked and bounced him, patting his back and whispering to him. He was red-faced, and annoyed for a baby. Still, they couldn't have him crying while some priest carried him down the isle, a cushion with the rings attached to his hands.

Yuna was over in the corner, bawling her eyes out into a cloth tissue. She was wearing what Rikku was, but her hair was up and her makeup was all smeared from the access water on her face. But the thing was, Rikku could have sworn that she was a lot further along in her pregnancy. She already had a little bulge of a stomach.

Tidus was kneeling in front of her, trying to calm her down, he too wearing a tuxedo. His was different from the one Gippal was wearing, since he was going to sit in the audience. There were only two groomsmen—the same amount as bridesmaids—who included Gippal and Nooj.

Speaking of the other groomsman, he was standing off to the side, his cane changed to match his attire. He didn't exactly look as if he was happy, with all the noise, but he looked content. To make matters worse, in Rikku's opinion, Leblanc was with him. Strangely, though, she was silent and she was just minding her own business.

Neither the bride or groom were in site.

When they came in, almost everyone either stopped or looked to them, then automatically went back to what they were doing to begin with. The only ones that really did anything was Leblanc, pulling Nooj along with her.

The dress she wore that day was actually... appropriate. The neckline was much more modest, and she didn't wear anything with bold colors or patterns. It was a simple magenta dress, with the large sleeves she liked and a slit. She brightened seeing Rikku. It almost frightened her.

"Oh, thank goodness you're here," she said, relief in her voice. Then she looked between the two of them. "And you both arrived together, how interesting."

Rikku held back any comment, while Gippal grinned to Nooj. "Where's Lai?"

The older man inhaled deeply. "Office," he said. "Can't snap him out of it. You want to give it a try?"

He sighed. "Why not?" he asked. "You'll get Paine, right?"

The blond shrugged. "I'll try. I might need Yunie's help, but she's..."

Both Al Bhed groaned, before the two men were off. Leblanc sighed, looking at her. Ever since Vegnugun, Leblanc had actually been try to be nice. Once in a while she called them the 'Dullwings' but it was out of habit, Rikku guessed. Other than that she was friendly. Still, sometimes she tried a little too hard and it messed things up.

"I am really glad to see you. I don't mean to pry, but is your cousin...?"

"Yes."

"Yes?"

Rikku blinked, then cleared her throat and lowered her voice, dragging her over by the arm to the corner. "She's pregnant, alright?" she asked. "Been for a while. Didn't want anyone to know."

The older woman laughed. "The most famous woman in the world? No wonder. I won't say anything—but it's not like I need to."

She raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"People saw her come in. The priests and servants have nothing to do but gab." She crossed her arms, pouting. "Complained even I showed too much..."

"Cleavage?"

"Skin."

She nodded, then looked to the crowd, brow wrinkled. "But, what's wrong with everyone?"

Leblanc shook her head. "You have me there, darling. I haven't the clue. I've been trying, but no one seems to be that... open."

"You don't exactly make a nice first impression," she said bluntly.

She pouted. "Well, I'm working on it," she said. "At least I'm trying."

Rikku rocked her head back and forth. "True."

"I'm not sure about Lady Yuna," she said. "But I'm pretty sure that the baby over there has something wrong with him. I'm pretty sure something to do with teeth?"

Her eyebrows went up. "Teething?"

"That's it," she exclaimed. "What's his name again?"

"Vidina," she said. "And his parents are..."

"Lulu and Wakka?"

Rikku actually smiled. "Well, you're getting there." She looked at the clock. "Why don't you go... see if the priests need help with the flowers? I'm gonna try to help these guys out."

She nodded, before turning to leave. Rikku sighed, and then pulled on her gloves for the first time. Once on, she went over to Lulu and Wakka, both unable to calm the screaming baby. They were even wearing fancy clothes, though in their own ways. Lulu had a nicer, and more covering version of a dress, and Wakka a tux, though he didn't exactly look like he was comfortable.

"What's wrong?" she almost shouted, hands to her ears.

"He started teething this morning, ya?" Wakka replied, hand to his ear too. "We didn't have time to get him anything, and we don't have anything for him to suck on."

Lulu nodded, rocking him on her shoulder. "We have to get him to quiet, but I've tried everything," she confessed. "And the noise doesn't help."

For a moment, she thought. Then, her eyes brightened and she held out her hands. "Give him here."

"What?" both his parents asked.

Her smile was confidently. "I think I have an idea, but do you trust me with him for a minute?"

"Of course," Lulu said, handing him over. Rikku smiled at the little suit Vidina was wearing.

"I'll be right back," she said, with him in her grasp. She went over and grabbed a priest. "Excuse me, do you know where the kitchens are?"

Proudly, Rikku marched over to her fellow former guardians with a smile. Vidina was happily quiet in her arms, his head on her shoulder. She handed him over to his shocked parents, and they glanced at him. Inside the baby's mouth was a damp dish cloth.

"Never would have thought of that," Wakka admitted.

"I wouldn't have either. But I know that he wanted something cool and wet, right? So that's what I went with."

They nodded, but then she came up and whispered something quietly, glancing over to her cousin. "What's with Yunie?"

Lulu leaned in a little, giving the baby to his father. "She's... showing already. She might be further along than we think, or it's just a big baby, but the thing is, that she's showing," she whispered. "And that means..."

"Everyone else is going to see," she finished, in hushed tones.

Tidus, seeing them, stood and came over. The blitzball player looked ready to cry, sad as he came up to them. "I don't know what to do. Everything I say makes her cry," he admitted. "I usually don't have to deal with her crying..."

"'Cause you make her so happy, we know," Rikku finished. "You tried everything?"

"Everything," Wakka confirmed.

"Every possible thing?"

"Well, we can't brutally harm her," Lulu stated, adjusting Vidina on her hip. "Not that we want to." The males nodded.

Rikku crossed her arms and bit her lip. "Hm," she said. "Well, maybe not everything," she said, smiling evilly.

Without another look, she marched right over to her cousin, leaving her friends to look at each other nervously. She went over, and smiled at Yuna, who looked up suddenly. "Oh, hey Rikku," she said, sniffling.

"Hey," she replied, looking a little sympathetic.

She had to restrain her grimace at the state of her cousin. Yuna really had been crying a lot, and a lot meant like buckets. She looked really pretty, with her dress, and her hair up nicely in a bun with a rose, but that was it. Still, her make up was all smudged, mascara dried onto her cheeks. She tried to smile, but her jaw trembled.

"I'm sorry," she said. "But, I'm going to ruin this whole thing. I look terrible." She sniffled, looking ready to cry again. "I'm..."

"Showing?"

"Fat!"

And with that, her cousin starting bawling again, covering her face with her tissue. Rikku just looked at her with wide eyes and then back over to the group. They all just pointed and nodded, saying, 'See? Told you.'

The blond laughed and turned back to her cousin. Then, with a sigh, she went up to her and knelt in front of her, taking her by the shoulders. As soon as she settled again, she looked up. "Sorry."

"Feeling better?"

"A little."

"Good," she said, with a little determination. "Now, get a grip!"

Yuna blinked. "What?"

"You heard me," she said, brow wrinkled, as she stood up straight. "You have got to get a hold of yourself. You're only showing a little! And it's not like everyone doesn't know already! With the way you're acting." The last part she mumbled.

Her cousin just stared up at her with surprise, and she heard dead quiet from the group behind her. "But..." Yuna started.

"Yuna," she said, shocking her by using her real name. "You're young, happily married and in love with your husband. Of course everyone knows you're gonna get pregnant!" she hissed. "Now suck it up and get a hold of yourself. This is Paine's wedding, not yours. We're here for her. And since she's currently missing, we have to go find her."

For a minute, there was a pause. No one said anything. Rikku suspected that Wakka, Lulu and Tidus were all bracing for Yuna to start crying again. But she did something that shocked even Rikku slightly.

Yuna stood up, and swallowed, wiping her face off. She brushed off her dress and fixed her hair. "You're right," she said. There was gasps behind them. "It's not like it's that bad."

It seemed as though the tension in the room went down, and Rikku was sure she heard exhaling from behind her. Rikku smiled, as her cousin continued. "Besides, this isn't my day, it is Paine's. We should be supporting her."

Rikku crossed her arms. "Good girl," she said, grabbing her arm. "Let's get you fixed up."

She went to lead her down the hallway, but then turned to the others. She held up a few fingers. "Four minutes," she said.

Lulu nodded, and then Rikku pushed Yuna down the halls.

Gippal couldn't help but look over to Nooj with almost a disturbed surprise. Baralai was in his office, and he was dressed and ready to go. He looked neat, prepped, and ready. But, there was one small thing that was wrong. He was running around like a chocobo on caffeine and sugar. The praetor wasn't even fully dressed yet.

If it wasn't something, it was another. He found plenty of reasons to run around like a lunatic. And he wasn't even down the aisle yet.

Nooj almost grinned at his blond friend, leaning against his cane. "Good luck," he said, hobbling to the door.

Gippal blinked. "You're leaving?"

"Yes."

And with that, the door closed. Baralai didn't even stop when they came inside. Gippal sighed, and then went over and leaned against the desk, crossing his arms as he watched his friend run away. He just watched him, as he was muttering things under his breath, and thinking of different things to do.

He just stood there for a bit, until Baralai stopped and looked at him. "Gippal," he said. "You're here."

"In the flesh," he said. "And you, you're here?"

Exhaling, the praetor nodded. "More or less."

Gippal rolled his eye. "What's wrong?"

Almost unprofessionally, he went over and plopped down in his chair. Gippal turned to look at him, but didn't move. "It sounds so much better in words," Baralai confessed, leaning his elbows on his legs. "I mean, I'm getting married." He put his face in his hands.

"Is that why Paine is wearing a white dress?" he asked, deviously.

"Have you seen her? Is she okay? The priests won't let me talk to her, or even see her," he said, standing, distress in his eyes. "It's that whole 'can't lay eyes on her until the walk down the isle' or whatever."

Gippal was taken aback. Apparently Baralai had a worse night than he had. Not that he had had a bad one...

"No, I haven't seen her. No one has," he replied, brow wrinkled. "She, like you, has denied anyone to see her. I have to admit, you two were made for each other. Always have to do things in pairs."

His friend gave him a look, and Gippal shrugged innocently. "What?"

"You're insufferable," Baralai stated bluntly. "Don't you have any sympathy at all for a guy in love?"

The blond man almost looked a little hurt at his, his brow wrinkling. "Well, at least Paine didn't cry at your confession of love," he pointed out, looking away.

Baralai blinked, and then looked up. Then his eyes widened in recognition. "You didn't." Hey, Baralai knew, like almost the entire Crimson squad. He'd always why Paine never said anything to Rikku during their Gullwing days.

He shrugged. "Yeah," he groaned out, turning and rubbing the back of his head. "She didn't take it all too well. Of course, I had read her diary and kept it a secret that she attacked me while she was drunk."

The praetor looked afraid, brow wrinkled. "I'm... concerned," he said. Then he realized his words, standing and giving him a look of disbelief. "You read Princess Rikku's diary?"

"I feel bad about it!" he exclaimed, waving his hands. "It's not like she wrote anything too personal." Baralai's eyebrows went up and he crossed his arms. "Okay, it was personal."

Then he came around and held up a finger. "She attacked you when drunk?"

"Why, doesn't Paine do it when she's sober?"

"This is serious," he said, coming over to shake his shoulders. "And not about me."

"Well, we're all here for your wedding, aren't we?" He nodded to the door. "Doubt any of the guards are on duty."

Baralai dropped his hands. "Okay, yeah, it's about me."

"Why are you so upset?"

He sighed, and growled and frustration. "I'm just nervous," he confessed, going over to look out the window. "I don't know what's going to happen."

Gippal almost laughed. "No kidding," he said. "No one does. You just have to take whatever you're given, and take it in head on."

His friend turned. "For someone who got their heart crushed, you're awfully cheerful," he said, changing the subject.

The blond put his hands in his pockets. "That's because you are looking at a very happy best friend," he said. "Without a broken heart."

His eyebrow went up. "Translation?"

Inhaling, Gippal thought of the best words for what was about to say. Then he grinned. "Do you know know why I was late this morning?"

"You were late?" Baralai just shook his head, deciding to play along. "No. Why?"

"I was busy in the shower with Rikku," he said, grinning like a maniac.

The praetor's jaw went slack. "You what?"

"Turns out that Brother got married, and his wife talked some sense into her," he said, coming over. "Neat, huh?" Then he shrugged, looking out the window, hands in his pockets. "Of course, my sister almost beat me up, but that was my fault."

His friend blinked. "And... you're both fine?"

He grinned. "I'm happy. She was definitely happy late night."

Baralai shook his head. "You cad." He was almost playing. "I don't even shower with Paine."

"Well," Gippal crossed his arms. "I'm going to have to show you a few tricks." His friend just laughed quietly, shaking his head, but then Gippal continued. "I really meant that whole head on thing," he said. "Really."

"Really?"

"Yes," he said, digging into a pocket in his jacket. He brought out something, and showed it to his friend. "Do you know what this is?"

"A ring?" he tried, almost sarcastically. He looked as if he didn't know why he was showing him the thing.
The ring was plain silver, but the stone was rather large, a nice light green. It was actually very pretty. "This," Gippal started, "belonged to my mother."

Baralai almost came serious. "It did?"

He nodded, and looked at it closely. "She gave it to me before she died. She told me to hand onto it, and make sure that I gave it to the girl I fell in love with. It was her wedding ring."

"What do you plain on doing with it?"

Gippal just gave him a devious grin.

Rikku growled out in frustration, propping her foot up on the counter, still wearing her heels. They had retreated to the bathroom after she snapped Yuna out of it. She lifted up her skirts, showing her stockings from underneath, and pulled them up so that they clasped onto the guarder belt. She had been in a hurry when she put them on, so she didn't have time.

Yuna stood with her, vigorously wiping her face clean of the dried on mascara. "I look horrible!" she exclaimed, wetting the towel again. "I can't believe I was like this in front of all those people."

"They hardly noticed, Yunie, believe me," her cousin replied, switching legs. "Heck, I showed all of my leg near a guard, and he didn't even glance at me."

The brunette looked over, blinking. "Really?"

She nodded. "Better believe it." She put her leg down, and then reached into her bag, taking out a stick of mascara for her friend. "Here. This is waterproof, great at weddings."

Her cousin took it with a nod, but then sighed. "I have to reapply everything," she said, rubbing her cheek.

"Then you better get started," Rikku replied, searching her bag for the things to do her hair with. She produced a comb, hair-gel, a ribbon, a few barrette with cloth roses, and aimlessly plucked a real rose from the bouquet sitting there, cutting off the bud. "Have you spoken to Paine?"

Yuna shook her head, applying her foundation. "No," she said. "Actually, no one's heard a peep from her. I tried earlier, but she locked the door and won't answer it. She won't even respond."

Rikku's brow wrinkled as she held the ribbon in her mouth, coming her gelled hair back so it would be in a nice bun like her cousin's. Pain had asked that they do their hair in that style, to look uniformly. The bun was secured with a normal tie, and then the ribbon that was tied in a bow. Next to the bow, she stuck the rose, putting the barrettes in on either side of her head above her ears.

When she was done, she looked herself over. "Do I look bad?"

Her cousin stopped, and she raised an eyebrow as she looked her up and down. "It's different for you, I can say that," she said. "It's not bad."

She shrugged. "It'll do."

"So, why were you late this morning?"

Rikku had gone to fix her own makeup, but then paused at the question. Well, she had to explain at some point. She wasn't exactly going to tell everyone she had gone to bed with Gippal. And Yuna was still a little wacky.

"Um... I overslept," she admitted.

Yuna paused at her eyeshadow, and just gave her a look. "You overslept?"

"Well, I was up early, I just didn't realize what day it was," she replied, smiling weakly. She bit her lip and looked away.

"You forgot the wedding!" Yuna hissed, eyes wild with shock.

"No!" she exclaimed. "I forgot the day. I didn't know it was Friday, that's all. I... was busy the last few days, and last night."

"And Gippal getting dressed wasn't a sign?" She bit her lip, and Yuna made a sound of disbelief. "He did too?"

"Yeah..." she said. "I told you, I was busy."

For a minute, her cousin thought about it. She just looked up in thought, but then smiled confidently. "Oh," was her only word, as she went back to her face.

Rikku stopped. "What?"

"Nothing."

"That was a 'something but I'm not telling' something," she said, and Yuna smiled innocently, not hiding her grin very well. "Now what?"

She paused. "You're gonna think I'm nuts," she said. "Or maybe it's just the hormones talking, I don't know."

The blonde crossed her arms. "Go ahead."

"Well... both of you were busy this morning, and forgot the day?" she asked. "You can't tell me that doesn't sound suspicious."

"Of what?" she asked, looking around.

"That you... slept with him," she said, putting away her things.

Rikku didn't say anything, looking away as she stuck her tongue inside her cheek, making a little bit of a bulge, as she looked to the side. Yuna's eyes widened in excitement. "You didn't."

She smiled. "Am I wearing a chastity belt?"

Yuna squealed and jumped up, clapping her hands together, and then hugged her tightly. "Oh, I'm so proud."

Rikku looked to her cousin with almost a horrified shock. "You are?"

She pulled away, holding her by the shoulders. "You're together aren't you?"

"Did the shower together this morning count?"

The brunette just laughed deviously. "Wait until you do it outside," she whispered. Her nose wrinkled with her smile. "Such a rush."

Her jaw dropped. "You... did it with Tidus outside?"

Yuna bit her lower lip entirely. "Yes," she said, looking away. "The first day he got back."

"Is that why you disappeared for like... two days?"

She nodded, giggling the entire way, and then covering her mouth with her hands. Then she rubbed her stomach happily. "I even think this one was made outside."

Rikku's eyes were almost out of their sockets. "You're horrible!"

"I know."

Rikku shook her head, and then looked at the clock. "Oh, jeez, we have to get moving," she said, grabbing her purse. "And we have to get Paine down the isle."

Yuna gasped, her expression now serious. "Yeah, we have to move."

"Paine?"

Rikku waited for an answer as she put her ear to the door. The hallway was clear, all except her. Yuna had gone back to the regular party, since she knew she couldn't get the bride outside. If what she said was true, and Paine hadn't spoken to anyone, it was a complete mystery why she had locked herself inside.

It was almost like she had gotten cold feet.

The blonde caught herself. This was Paine. Paine didn't do scared.

But when her friend didn't reply, she continued, "Paine, it's me," she said, almost sounding down. "Rikku. Your, uh, maid of honor."

Still, there was no reply. There was movement of fabric, but no reply.

"You know, I really think you're doing the right thing," Rikku said, turning around to lean her back against the door. "I think you're gonna be happy, you know? You're being a whole lot braver than me. You're actually going through with it, marrying this guy you love. That's very honorable."

"And it's really great that you could sort out your feelings and go through with it," she said. "After all this time, you didn't forget each other and continued down that path." She swallowed and smiled. "And that you admitted that you love him."

"It'll be nice when you walk down that isle, and confess that to the entire world. And saying those things, you know that you're going to be together, there for one another when you need it."

Her brow wrinkled. "Still, Paine, why are you doing this?" she asked. "It's your wedding day, and you're acting a little childish, locking yourself in your room. Why aren't you out here? There's only a little bit of time left.

Then, she laughed at her first thought. "You can't be scared, can you?" her question almost rhetorical. "I mean, you're Paine. She doesn't get scared."

But then suddenly, the answer struck her. She turned around, sorrow on your face, raising her hand to put it on the door. She looked around for an explanation. "You are scared, aren't you?"

Rikku's throat tightened, and she held back tears for a reason she didn't know. "You know it's okay to be scared right?" she asked. "It's your mind's way of telling you of something new, and unexpected. We all feel that, it's the only way we'd be human. I get scared."

"Those fears make us stronger though, if we face them," she said, tears coming up to her eyes. "And... Baralai wants to help you face them. You can share your fears with him, because he loves you. He'll be there for you."

"And if you just do this, you can have that person holding your hand," she said, the tears falling down her cheeks. "And you can be happy," she finished in a whisper.

As she stopped speaking, Rikku just stared at the door, her vision becoming blurry. But still, as she stood there, she heard the very faint sound of the lock click, and she saw the doorknob turn. She wiped away her tears, and looked up as her friend came through the door.

Paine was an image in white, covered in it. Her dress was similar to Rikku's own, but it was white, and had a transparent shawl over her shoulders, fastened at the clasp under her chest. There was also a long train in the back, that would line the isle beautifully. Her hair was back again, her hair piece pure white with fake white flowers, and a long veil came from it, a piece just long enough to cover her face, as well as her back.

But what shocked Rikku, was that she was crying. Tears slowly fell from them, but she wasn't sobbing or anything else. She breathed out. "Thank you," she whispered.

Rikku smiled, and then hugged her. At first, her friend didn't react. It was almost as if she was surprised. But then she relaxed, and hugged her in return. When they let go of each other, Rikku gripped her friend's hands. "You're so pretty," she said.

Paine's crimson gaze looked away. "Thank you," she said again. "But, you know," She smiled, "you should really follow you're own advise."

Her brow wrinkled. "But... I'm not getting married."

"But you are in love," she said. "With Gippal."

She smiled in appreciation. "No I'm not," she said. "He's an old friend... I mean."

"Rikku." She looked up, Paine putting a hand on her shoulder. "You helped me, now I'll help you." The warrior inhaled, and closed her eyes. "There is such a thin line between friendship, and love."

The blonde searched her eyes. "You crossed that line long ago," her friend said.

Rikku looked away. She did. Gippal was everything, her life her spirit, and always on her mind. She was so happy with him, incomplete without him. She was in love with Gippal. Paine squeezed her hand, and she looked up. "Thank you."

She nodded. "Anytime."

Smiling, she looked to the time. "Come on, you have to get married."

With that, the two picked up their skirts and headed down the halls.

Seeing Paine, all priests and acolytes praised her appearance.

"You're so beautiful, my lady."

"You look wonderful."

But, Rikku led her through the crowd, going over to where Yuna was waving to her. She held Vidina in her grasp, the little boy's parents apparently gone. Rikku also noted about five little flower girls running around.

"Where's everyone?" she asked.

"Sitting," Yuna said, impatiently giving Vidina to a priest, so that he could be carried down the isle. "The guys are already up there standing. But, you're on." She pushed a bouquet in her face.

"Me?" Rikku asked.

"Maid of Honor!" a priest called.

She looked around, then waved to her friends, as she was almost pulled along to the doorway, and then practically pushed down the isle.

Rikku leaned against the wall, leaning over to adjust her shoes. Standing on them like that was bad for her boot adjusted feet. She didn't know if she could dance through the night. She stood, and looked around the reception area.

It was so huge. The large hall was decorated with countless tables, all kinds of red and white flowers, and there was even a stage where the musicians were playing. The lights were dark, with a nice melody playing. Still, there was so many people.

How was she going to find Gippal in this mess? As she started through, she looked around. She saw Kimahri and Minaki, with little Kimahla in tow, but no Gippal. She spotted Tromell, a few aimless hypello. She even saw Brother and Astrah, and Nhadala and Buddy, but no Gippal. Heck, she even ran into her father.

But, she was forced to halt once the crowd silenced, the overhead light going to the door. She clapped with everyone else as the newlyweds came in, hand in hand. But, as soon as it was over, she went back to her original search. She didn't know how long it was, or what was going on with the wedding itself; she just wanted to find Gippal Somehow in the crowd, though, she passed someone, and then she was grabbed by the arm.

"Rikku!" her cousin said over the music.

She turned to Yuna, who was grinning like a maniac. "What?" she asked, voice louder with all the noise. "I'm a little busy."

"It can wait," she said, pulling on her arm. "You have to go and try to catch the bouquet."

Her eyes widened. "But, I'm—."

"Single and above fifteen," she said, pushing her past the crowd on the side. "They already threw the guarder, now move!"

Unwillingly, she was pushed into the small group of women, but wasn't facing forward. She searched for her cousin, who had disappeared it seemed when she lost eye contact. But then, there was a chorus of feminine screams, and something hit her on the head. She caught it, and then turned, finding Paine's bouquet in her hands. The women there clapped, and she even heard a whistle (ten guesses on who it was).

Rikku only laughed innocently. Not only did this mean that she was the next getting married, but whoever caught the guarder had to put the guarder on her... every inch above the knee, ten years good luck for the bride and groom.

Again, she was pushed to the front, almost in front of the stage, still holding the bouquet. She saw Paine grinning from where she stood on the stage, arms crossed. But then, when she got to the chair, she saw something unexpected.

There was Gippal, arms crossed, grinning deviously. He held out his hand, the guarder hanging on his finger. She went up to him, gapping with a smile. "You didn't," she said.

"I think they were aiming," he whispered, leaning in further to her.

There was some clapping of encouragement, and Rikku raised her hand, letting him take it as she sat. Then, he knelt in front of her. She bent to lift her skirt. There was some more whistling and laughs as he reached up to put it on, and then he stood, helping her back up.

Applause filled everything, as Gippal looked over to Baralai, standing with Paine. "Hey, Lai, that's a good hundred twenty years!"

Again, there was laughter and claps, as Rikku took his hand. He looked down at the hand, then to her with curiosity. "I have to talk to you," she said, seriousness in her eyes.

Hiding off in the corner, Rikku looked around, making sure no one that knew them was watching. She pushed him a little more behind one of the pillars, going on her toes to see over the crowd. Gippal still didn't look as if he knew why she brought him with her.

"Rikku, what—?"

She stopped him with a kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck tightly. He held her around the waist, and smiled at what she was doing. But then, she giggled and pulled away, looking up at him. "I love you," she admitted.

He only blinked, looking at her with a little disbelief. "You do?" he asked.

Rikku nodded. "Yes."

"You're sure?"

"Yes," she laughed. "I love you, really I do. I'm sorry about all this these last few days," she admitted looking away. "But I realized my feelings. I was just... scared. I'm sorry."

He shook his head, exhaling deeply and laughing. "No, it's fine. I've just... been waiting a long time to hear you say that."

Rikku blinked. "Really?"

Gippal nodded. "Really." Then, a thought struck him, and he let go of her, starting to search his pockets.

Her brow wrinkled. "What are you doing?"

Finally, he took out something triumphantly, and held up something to her. "Here," he said softly.

Rikku blinked, letting go of his neck,and took the ring he gave her. "It's beautiful."

"It... belonged to my mother." She gasped and looked up. "I want you to have it."

She put a hand to her chest, jaw slack. "I ...can't taken his," she said. "It's too precious."

Just as she was about to give it back, he took her hand. "No, you see, it was her wedding ring," he explained. "Before the ship went down, she gave it to me. She wanted you to have it."

Her brow wrinkled. "But, I've never met your mother."

"She said I was to give it to the girl I feel in love with, for an engagement ring," he said, almost shyly.

Gapping, she looked at it. "You... love me?"

He laughed in disbelief. "Of course," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Rikku, I'm asking you to marry me."

Rikku could have sworn that she swallowed her tongue. Her heartbeat started rapidly again, and her head spun with thoughts. She couldn't help but smile, and then threw herself onto him with a hug. She nearly knocked him over, but he braced himself, hugging her as well. "Yes, yes, yes!" she exclaimed.

She felt herself twirl around, and he put her down. But then, she gave him the ring back. "You put it on," she said.

He grinned, and took her left hand, the ring sliding on her finger almost perfectly. Rikku just about reached up to kiss him, but then they stopped, hearing the same man that announced Paine and Baralai's entry asking for the 'best man' and 'maid of honor' to make a short speech.

"Speech?" they chorused, looking at each other, still in each other's arms.

"Well, first off," Rikku started, as they both stood on the stage, each holding a microphone. "We'd like to say to our very good friends, good luck." She saw the two over to the side, together as expected.

"That and we promise not to bug you two for the next month," Gippal added, always putting in a little humor.

Following his comment, there were a few chuckles, but then it quieted for them to continue. "And we want you guys all the happiness in the world," Rikku said, giving him a sly look. "Finally, you two are married." Hey, she could be funny too.

"Since this is made up as we're standing here, we want you two to know that marriage is a really big step," Gippal said, looking over to Rikku as she talked. She only smiled at him in return. "And that you two are big people for doing it in front of everyone like this." He pointed to the crowd. "Not many have their weddings on a live broadcast, you know."

"We also want to say, that we're here, you two, both of us," Rikku continued for him, looking to the two. "For whatever life may throw your way."

"You two have always been the best of friends to us," Gippal said. "Even though you were too stubborn to admit you liked each other to begin with."

This received a round of chuckles of course. Then Rikku shrugged, bitting her lip with a wrinkled brow. "Anything else?" she whispered to him. Then she smiled evilly and turned her attention back to the crowd. "And, just so you know that whole bouquet and guarder actually works."

Getting the message, Gippal grinned at her, but then spoke. He took her hand subconsciously. "We're getting married in about two months, so don't all of you waste your energy tonight."

There was a little bit of murmuring through the crowd, and a few gasps from people that knew them. Rikku saw Yuna jumping up and down, and almost everyone else with shock. Rikku smiled. "We're not kidding."

"Yes! Yes! Yes! I knew it!"

Rikku sighed, Gippal looking to her with surprise as she rubbed her temple. "Pops..."

Don't forget to stay tuned for the epilogue. And please, review! Tell me how I did.