A/N: Yayness! I think I beat Yunie's hits on reviews for one story... Hah! In your face, cous! Lol. Well, she did help me on it (at least a little, tehehe), so I guess she deserves a little recognition, just a tad. Lol. I think I may end up adding another chapter in between the last one and this one. I feel like I kinda rushed things too quickly. Anyway, R&R!

Disclaimer: I don't own shit...

"Paine? Paine, are you alright? Please, wake up..."

The voices were distant, but they were there, echoing in my mind in a comforting way. I was aware of me being half asleep and half awake. How strange.

I attempted to open my eyes to see where I was at, but as soon as I did my head started throbbing and my whole body ached. I groaned lightly and closed them again, willing the pain to subside.

"She's alive!" I heard someone exclaim, who wasn't to hard to tag as Rikku due to the high pitched voice.

"Let her rest. She's been wounded pretty bad."

A male voice? I don't recall there being a male with--

Wounded?

It hit me then, everything that had happened in the Via Infintio. The explosion. The large machine chasing us throughout the cloister. Mega Flare. The other explosion. Rikku and Yuna leaving. The creature poised on my back--

Yuna.

I shot up, even though the pain in my body was nearly unbearable, I had to make sure she was okay.

I saw Baralai and Rikku standing in the doorway staring at me. A hospital... But how? How could I survive such a thing?

"Paine!"

I shake my head and try to get out of the hospital bed, but fall back down, clenching my fist and tightening my jaw as waves of pain surged throughout my whole body.

Baralai walked over to me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Relax and you'll be out of here in no time."

"Where's Yuna?" I ask, worry evident in my tone.

He smiles. "She's in the lobby. She's fine, just really upset. She was really worried about you, you know. She was crying her heart out when she heard the news. She thought you had been killed."

"But she's alright?"

"Yeah. She's alright. I'll let her come see you later. Right now, you need your rest." He says, nearing the door and asking Rikku to leave.

"I'll tell her you said 'Hey'!" Rikku says before walking off to the lobby.

"Wait," I say, aiming it at Baralai who glances back at me with a questioning expression.

"Answers would be nice."

He smiles warmly at me, pulling a chair beside my bed and taking a seat.

"You never have changed, have you, Paine? Ah, well. Where should I begin?"

I eye him, "How about by telling me how long I've been unconscious."

"Oh," He says, leaning back in his chair. "you've been out for about three days now. Rikku, Yuna, and I were worried sick. I'm glad you're alright."

"Yeah. Me, too."

"I heard the explosion and soon after Yuna ran up to me with tears streaking down her face, begging me to go help her friend. I, at the time, had no idea what she was talking about. I had never seen the high summoner so shaken up. I asked her what was the matter and she said you were still down there. I had grabbed my weaponry and ran as fast as I could to the exit where Yuna had said she and Rikku left.

I saw you laying there completely unconscious, flame just behind you. I mustered the strongest Blizzaga spell I could, creating a barrier between you and the wall of fire. It didn't last long. As soon as I had picked you up, the fire had overcome my magic and was once again climbing up the hallway at a very fast rate.

I somehow managed to get us both out of there without one of us dying, obviously. After that I brought you here to be treated and called the rest of your friends down here using the Commsphere."

I nod, "I thank you for your deeds, but I really need to see Yuna."

He smiles at me once more, placing the chair back in it's proper position and moving toward the door. "If you insist, my friend. I'll go get her right now."

"Thanks."

He was gone then, leaving me with some extra time to think.

Yuna was nearly in hysterics because of me... How can she possibly care so much about me?

The door opened back up slowly, but instead of Baralai standing there, a warm smile placed upon his features, the most beautiful woman I ever saw stood in his place, giving me a concerned, yet relived smile.

"Yuna..."

"You're alright..." She says in a soft voice, as if trying to grasp the concept of it.

"Yes, Yuna, I'm alright."

She suddenly runs over to me, collapsing to her knees just beside my bed and crossing her arms on it, burying her head in them as she cried silently. "I was so afraid I had lost you..."

I felt helpless. For probably the first time in my life, I felt helpless. I couldn't do anything to pry her free of her pain, though I wished I could so badly.

"Yuna, please, don't cry. I'm here for you, remember? I promised you that. You think I would break my promise so easily?"

She lifts her head up and gazes into my eyes intently. I noticed her tears had subsided, somewhat, which I was glad for.

The next thing I knew she had her arms wrapped around me, crying softly on my shoulder. I embraced her, as well, lightly stroking her back in an attempt to comfort her.

"Paine, I've needed to tell you something for so long, I just wasn't sure if you'd be upset with me for it or not..."

I smile slightly. "Of course I won't be upset, Yuna. You can tell me anything that's bothering you or on your mind."

She pulls away from me somewhat, staring into my eyes with such a strong emotion that I could see it. But is it what I think it is?

"Paine, I..." She let her sentence draw off as her lips brushed against mine, sending pleasurable shivers down my spine. Her hands went to my sides, trailing up and down softly as she continued to tease me.

Dear Yevon, this has to be a dream.

To my discontent, she pulled away, sitting on her heels on the bottom of the bed and gazing at me.

"I'm sorry..." She whispered, hanging her head slightly. "I shouldn't of--"

I cut her off when my lips pressed against hers, and she gratefully returned my gesture, pushing me backwards and climbing on top of me. She places her hands on my shoulders and pushes me firmly into the bed as she begins pressing harder against my lips.

I felt her tongue glide gently over my bottom lip, silently asking permission for entrance into my mouth. After giving into her desires, I part my lips somewhat, allowing her to slip her tongue through. Our tongues danced and searched each other's mouths for what seemed like hours. I found myself not being able to get enough of her.

"Nice to see you two have reacquainted yourselves."

Yuna retreats away from me, sitting on her heels once more, breathing still lacking its' pattern, and looks toward the doorway.

Rikku stood there, a huge smile plastered on her features. She gave a slight squeal and jumped up and down before running over to Yuna and pouncing on her, nearly knocking her off the bed.

"I knew you two would give it up someday!" She exclaims, hugging Yuna who seemed to be struggling for breath. "You guys were flirting way too much to not hook up! I'm SOOOO happy for you, Yunie!"

"Yeah... Rikku... Air would be... nice..."

"Oh," Rikku says, letting go of her half Al Bhed cousin with a blush. "sorry, Yunie."

Even though Yuna was almost gasping for air, I could tell she was content, her smile always gave away her well-being.

"I didn't mean to interrupt you guys, I just wanted to come to see if Yuna was taking it alright and if you were okay." Rikku explains to me, but my eyes never met hers. Yuna's and mine were locked on each others', not daring to switch our gazes.

"Perfect timing, Rikku." I comment, giving her a small smirk as she sticks her tongue out at me.

"Well it's not my fault. You two shouldn't be making out in a hospital bed. And I thought you felt bad, Paine?"

My smirk turns into a smile as I once again lock my eyes with Yuna's. "You wouldn't happen to believe me if I told you that Yuna can take all my pain away in one swift motion, would you, Rikku?"

I see Yuna's cheeks turn a light shade of pink and she looks away, smiling.

Rikku smiles at this, nodding slightly. "I'll leave you two love birds alone for a while." With that, she disappeared out the door, closing it behind her.

"Yuna, I..."

"Paine, I..."

We both spoke in unison and I shut my mouth afterwards, laughing slightly, Yuna doing the same.

Yuna crawls up beside me, lying down and putting her head on my shoulder.

"I love you." She sighed contently, closing her eyes.

I smile warmly at this, and for the first time in a while I was truly at peace. "I love you, too, Yuna."

Closing my eyes, I, too, drifted off into slumber, my arm wrapped protectively around her waist and my head placed on hers.

I'm not alone, anymore...

Hey, you guys R&R and tell me if you think I should like rewrite this or add another chappie in between, alrighty? Or if you think I kinda rushed it. Just wanted to write that part sooo badly. Lol. Well, now I gotta make next chappie (wewt). Latz ma' hommizles (lmao).

- 'Rikku.Sehdan.