Disclaimer: Refer to chapter 1.

(A shorter) Author's Note: Oh my god, an update! I like writing in the hours of the early morning. :3

Chapter summary: Our favorite warrior comes to a decision, Rikku tries to figure her out (as always), Yuna and Tidus quickly flee—er, leave, and Rikku drags Paine off for a night on the town. During this, Rikku gets a little tipsy and Paine is forced to look after her.

Additional note: I'm making the drinking age eighteen here. Also, as for Paine's clubbing outfit, image something in the style of Squall's default outfit but a white tanktop instead of white T-shirt and a leather jacket minus the feathered collar. What can I say? They're supposed to be a lot alike so why not have similar outfits?

Chapter 2: Have Fun, Go Mad

"Hey, Paine! Where's…?" Tidus trailed off.

Paine quickly pointed at the shop and stalked off, her mood obviously darkening.

"What's with her?" Tidus asked, looking at Yuna.

"I don't know," she said, "But we better go check on her."

Tidus nodded and followed his girlfriend.

Scowling into her cup of tea, Paine re-crossed her legs at the ankles under the table. Knowing she only had a few minutes before Tidus and Yuna showed up, she tried to think as quickly as possible. Used to doing such a thing in battle, Paine settled a little more comfortably and thought.

Well, that was a nasty shock, wasn't it? Paine snorted quietly. Or maybe it wasn't nasty at all and therein lays the problem. Come on; be honest with yourself if no one else. You're attracted to your team mate. She lifted her cup and sipped quietly at the warm tea. Her eyes flickered upward at the door, and not seeing the infamous couple, moved back to the table.

You have been for quite a while, and it was easier to ignore it when you were busy trying to help Yuna. But now… Paine suppressed a sigh. It was easier even back in Besaid where you could focus on your friend's happiness. But Yuna and Tidus are going back, and you and Rikku aren't. What now?

Once more the warrior looked up and wasn't surprised to find Tidus opening the door for Yuna and the two walking into the café. She continued to sip her tea slowly, not letting herself be rushed but not about to be caught deep in thought. She didn't like personal questions.

If she returned the interest, you'd notice by now. In fact, the only person she's shown any interest in has been Gippal. Paine's eyes narrowed automatically, glaring at the now empty teacup in her hand. You know he's a good guy underneath all that bravado. He'd treat her right and she'd be happy. So what's the problem?

Shadows fell over her table and she pulled her legs back towards herself.

There's no problem, she answered herself just as Tidus sat down in front of her, setting the shopping bags on the floor beside him.

"Hey, Paine," he said, smiling uneasily. "Uh, what's up?"

The person in question mentally rolled her eyes at his attempted subtlety.

"I needed something to drink," she said, lifting her empty cup. "I also haven't had breakfast."

"Why didn't you say something?" Yuna asked, sitting down beside Tidus. "We could have stopped for it earlier."

Paine smirked. "With Rikku bent on all those sales?"

"I guess you have a point," Yuna said, then giggled a little.

"You sure you're okay?" Tidus asked. He leaned forward and peered at Paine.

Paine moved backward as he moved forward, frowning a little. "Yeah," she said, "I'm fine. Knock it off."

Tidus laughed and sat back. "Okay, okay, sorry." He glanced around. "So where's the waiter? I'm starving."

Yuna flagged down the waiter while Tidus looked the menu over. Pushing side her teacup and awaiting a refill, Paine folded her arms over her chest and waited for Rikku to show up.

She didn't have to wait long, because by the time the three had ordered (Yuna ordered for Rikku as she knew her tastes), Rikku was headed for their table, a shopping bag in hand.

"Hiya!" she said, dropping into the seat beside Paine. She noticed Paine moving away from her and pouted a little. "Why'd ya take off like that?"

Tidus and Yuna exchanged glances. They were used to the two's arguments and knew not to interfere.

"I was hungry," Paine answered, shrugging a little.

"You said you were going to get something to drink," Rikku said.

"I did," Paine said, pointing at her full-again teacup. "Nobody said I couldn't get something to eat while I was at it."

Rikku opened her mouth to say something, but the waiter interrupted politely and deposited their plates onto their table. She glanced at Paine out of the corner of her eye, making sure Paine saw her and that she understood that this discussion isn't over. She knew something was off with her friend, and she was determined to find out what.

The group chatted while they ate except Paine, who, as usual, was quiet and only made an occasional sarcastic remark or gently teased Yuna.

After they had finished, they went back to the inn; Tidus and Yuna checked out while Rikku put up her things. Paine couldn't make up her mind whether to go with Rikku or the other two, so decided a walk alone was in order. When she came back it was time for Tidus and Yuna to catch their boat ride home. Rikku had offered to have Brother take them home in the Celsius, but they had declined, stating they'd rather go back by boat for the memories. Understandingly completely, Rikku had gotten their tickets and persuaded Paine to carry their considerable amount of luggage aboard.

"One of the crew can do it," Paine had said, folding her arms over her chest.

"But we're seeing them off!" Rikku had said.

"I can manage it," Tidus said, scratching the back of his head. "It's no big deal."

Rikku had spun and pointed her finger at Tidus. "You're not helping. Quiet! I'm trying to do you a favor!"

Yuna had giggled and Rikku only seemed to be encouraged by that, turning back to face Paine. Looking up at her taller friend, she grinned.

"Come on, Paine," she'd said, poking at the warrior's shoulders. "Put those muscles to work! You've gotten lazy."

Eyes narrowing though unable to stop the corners of her mouth from twitching in amusement, Paine had grabbed Rikku's hands with a quickness that surprised even the thief.

"Lazy, huh?" Paine'd drawled, before letting Rikku go and walking off to do as requested.

Biting her lower lip for a second in thought, Rikku swayed a little from side to side, then turned with a bounce and grinned at her friends.

"See? Nothing to it!"

Now all that was left was to say goodbye.

"We'll see each other again," Yuna said, pulling her cousin into a hug. "Soon."

"Yeah, I know," Rikku said, sniffing a bit. She hugged tight, even managing to get Yuna to squeak with her force. "But, if you need us… you know where to find us."

"Rikku, don't cry," Yuna said, pulling back to look at her cousin, "or you'll get me started!"

The younger girl let out a wail and clung to her cousin.

Paine rolled her eyes over to Tidus, smirking a little.

"Uh, well, Paine," Tidus said, holding out his hand. "I learned a lot about you this past year, and I'm glad you were there for Yuna while I was… gone."

A little surprised by the man's words, Paine grasped his hand in hers and squeezed.

"Me too," she said, looking into eyes on level with hers. She almost yelped in surprise when he pulled her into a hug.

"You take care of Rikku, okay?" he asked, grinning into her tense shoulder. "She needs someone like you around."

Oh geez, Paine thought, just what I need. Unsure of how to really respond, Paine awkwardly patted him on the back. "…Sure, I'll do my best."

Nodding, Tidus pulled back. "I'm sure you will," he said. With that, he let her go and turned to Rikku as Yuna turned to Paine.

Unable to help herself, Paine gave her older friend a small smile. It was barely there, but it spoke volumes.

"Paine," Yuna said, walking closer and pulling her into a hug.

This time it wasn't so awkward and Paine allowed the contact, returning the embrace briefly.

"I'll miss you," Yuna said.

"You make it sound like we're never seeing each other again," Paine teased, smirking into Yuna's hair.

The ex-summoner laughed and pulled back, fresh tears sparkling in her eyes, threatening to spill onto her cheeks. "Don't be silly. I know we'll see each other again." She paused. "Paine… whatever you're looking for, I hope you find it." She glanced sideways to the joking around Tidus and Rikku were doing. "She's a really sweet girl and pretty calm once you stop looking at her as a guardian or a team mate." Looking back up at Paine, she smiled brightly. "Let her look after you, too."

Again, Paine didn't know what to say and merely stared at Yuna.

Her friend giggled and stepped back after brushing her hand against Paine's. "I've rendered her speechless," she said. "Wonders never cease. But, really, Paine…"

"Okay," Paine said, finding her voice. What am I agreeing to again? It doesn't matter; she smiled. I'll miss her. She's the sister I never had, I guess. "…Thanks."

"Anytime," Yuna said.

"Ready to go, Yuna?" Tidus asked, coming over with Rikku.

"Yes," she answered after giving Rikku and Paine a last hug each.

"Okay," he said, looking at the other two Gullwings. "Be safe and have fun."

"You betcha!" Rikku said.

"Goodbye," Yuna said, going aboard the ship as the crew prepared for departure.

Paine inclined her head and blinked when Rikku leaned against her side, jumping up and down and waving frantically at the parting couple.

"'Byeeee!" Rikku called out. "Don't forget to write!"

Paine sighed and waved too, though admittedly much slower than her companion.

This is gonna be fun, she thought.

"I'm really gonna miss them," Rikku said.

Paine said nothing for a while, content to walk beside Rikku in the late afternoon sun. They were on their way back to the inn and Paine hoped to grab her sword and get in a few practice drills. I'll show her 'lazy,' Paine thought. Realizing Rikku had said something, though, and quickly thinking back to what it was, she said, "You know we won't be away from them for long."

Her friend nodded, unconsciously moving closer to her taller partner. "I know, I just worry…"

"About?"

"Whether Yunie'll be okay."

"What do you mean?" Paine asked, brow furrowing a tiny bit. "Of course she'll be okay. She's been okay so far. In fact, I think she's adjusted pretty well."

"I guess you're right…" Rikku still sounded doubtful.

Without pausing to think about where the sudden burst of compassion came from, Paine took a step in front of Rikku. Lifting her hands to place them on the younger girl's shoulders, she waited until she caught Rikku's eyes with her own to start talking.

"Listen," she began, "because I'm only going to say this once. I don't do these heart-to-heart talks very well, much less out in public. Yuna will be okay. She loves very much and she's very much loved. Nothing's going to happen while we're separated." She paused and even though there wasn't anybody around to hear, she lowered her voice. "You're still important to her. We're still important to her. But right now, for a while, it's time to… to let loose and have some fun. Okay?"

There, Paine thought, I've officially become a softie. She was surprised to find out it wasn't all that displeasing.

Rikku took so long in answering that Paine was worried she'd just ruined the whole thing. What she wasn't counting on was Rikku throwing her arms around her neck and squeezing her into a tight hug.

"Thanks, Paine," Rikku whispered.

What do you know… I think I did okay, Paine thought, patting Rikku a little on the back.

"You're welcome," she said. "Now lemme go before people start talking and you ruin my reputation."

Giggling, Rikku hugged her harder.

"Oh, I couldn't do that," she teased, pulling back to look Paine in the eye. "I'm not mean like you are." She paused. Then, "But I think you're right. Time to chill and have a night on the town!"

"Excuse me?"

"Don't you back out now," Rikku said, dropping back to her feet and grabbing Paine's hand. "Come on! We gotta get ready." Tug.

"Get ready for what?" Paine asked. She was starting to regret showing her 'softer side' to Rikku if this was the response she got.

"Partying, silly!" Tug, tug. "Let's gooo already."

"Rikku, I don't think that's a good--"

Tug. "It was your idea." Tug. "Geez, you're really hard to move, you know that? Like a well-dressed wall…"

Paine rolled her eyes and Rikku laughed at her expression.

"Come on, duikr fynneun, follow your own advice," Rikku said.

"Oh, all right…" Paine relented, and then added, "meddma dreav."

Rikku gave her a broad smile and tugged at her hand again, obviously happy when she found she could lead Paine back to the inn.

She really likes being the one in control, Paine thought. Wonder why it doesn't get on my nerves so much anymore? Must be because I've known her for quite a while now…

She tried very hard not to notice how warm Rikku's hand was in her larger one or the occasional pleasurable bump into her when she stopped for some reason. Unfortunately, she didn't quite make it into ignorance, much less denial.

Well, she thought as they entered the inn, this can't be too bad. After all, how much trouble can she get us into?

Paine stared.

"What?" Rikku asked, twirling then striking a pose. "Don'tcha like it?"

Shaking her head and assuming an indifferent posture and expression, Paine said, "Whatever. It's fine. Let's just go already."

Rikku pursed her lips against a smile, grabbing her miniscule purse and slinging it over a shoulder.

"There's a new club that I want to try out," Rikku said as they walked out of the inn into the night air. She hardly noticed the chill since she was nearly bouncing with eagerness.

"What's it called?" Paine asked. She was perfectly fine with the breeze, especially since she had on a jacket.

"Ummm." Rikku's face scrunched up cutely as she tried to remember. "Oh yeah, Ifrit's Fire!"

Having long forgotten the phrase, 'Keep doing that and they'll get stuck that way,' Paine rolled her eyes. "How original."

Rikku laughed. "Yeah, it is a little…"

"Cheesy?"

"I was going to say corny, but cheesy works," Rikku said, smiling at Paine.

Uncomfortable with looking at the smile directed at her, Paine turned her attention forward. She unconsciously made sure her long strides were cut back enough to stay a little behind Rikku since she was the only one of the two who knew where they were going.

She just had to wear that dress tonight, Paine thought. She caught its blue shimmer brightened by lights along the street out of the corner of her eye. But what else was she going to wear? She always wears her new clothes out somewhere the day she buys them. You just had to give her the money, didn't you? Too late now. Forcibly shoving her thoughts away, Paine stopped when Rikku did.

"This is it," Rikku said, tilting her head back to look at the sign. "Wow."

The building itself wasn't as tall as it was long, slightly resembling a warehouse in size and shape. A large sign fashioned in likeness of Ifrit rested above two sets of double doors. Lights depicted flames surrounding him and tendrils of smoke wafted up from his nostrils. It wasn't a perfect image of the fire aeon but it was impressive enough. The color scheme ranged from bright red to black. Orange and a blue that was almost exactly the same as the color of Rikku's dress could be spotted here and there.

There weren't really any lines in front of the doors, but where were bouncers, large, hulking men who looked like they could dress up and pass for Ifrit himself. Loud, pulsing music could be heard from within, the air vibrating with sound.

"This is different," Paine murmured under her breath, getting a giggle out of Rikku.

The thief grabbed her arm. "Let's go inside!"

Shrugging, Paine walked up and let Rikku do the talking. Before long, they were allowed inside.

The place was packed. Bodies of all shapes and sizes and genders writhed together in a mass of dance. There were bars scattered about, equally filled up with patrons.

"I don't know about this," Paine said, almost having to yell to be heard over the music.

Rikku let her go and started to melt into the crowd, grinning back at Paine. "Where's your sense of adventure?" she called out before she disappeared from view.

Glancing around, Paine growled under her breath. "I'll give you 'sense of adventure.'"

With that, she joined the party.

The next time Paine saw Rikku, it was at one of the bars an hour after they had come in. The thief looked like she'd slammed into more than one person, but she was more or less in one piece.

"Fancy meeting you here," Rikku said. She grinned impishly at Paine as she sat down beside the warrior. "Whew! These people really know how to party."

"Uh huh," Paine said, sipping her drink and looking out at the crowd. "Have I mentioned I don't like people? Because I really don't like people. I swear, if one more person grabs my ass, I'm gonna…"

"Oooh." Rikku leaned forward, peering at her friend. "Did you hurt them?"

Mouth twitching a little, Paine leaned back against the bar. "They'll feel it in the morning," she admitted.

Rikku laughed and slapped Paine on the arm. "You're so mean!"

"Mean?" Paine turned to face Rikku. "They're the ones who felt me up!"

"You could have just told them you weren't interested," her friend pointed out. She looked at the bartender who now stood behind the bar. She pointed at Paine's drink. "I'll have what she's having." The bartender nodded and began to mix the drink.

"This is pretty heavy stuff, Rikku," Paine warned.

"Oh please." The thief grabbed Paine's glass and sniffed it before taking a sip. Her eyes widened a little and she suppressed a cough.

Smirking, Paine took the glass back. "I told you."

"I can hold my own," Rikku sniffed. She thanked and paid the bartender when he pushed her drink towards her. Having another taste, she asked, "What do they call this, anyway?"

Pleased she'd finally be able to one-up Rikku, Paine twisted her glass in her hand before gulping a bit of it down. "The manager of the club invented it. In Al Bhed, it's 'Dra Tasuh'c Casah.'"

In the middle of a large sip, Rikku choked and spluttered, resisting the urge to spit out the fiery liquid. "What!"

She just couldn't help it. Paine laughed; it was a low thing from deep in her chest.

"Bmayca damm sa oui'na zugehk!" Rikku babbled in Al Bhed, ignoring the bemused and slightly annoyed looks she was getting from the people around her.

"No," Paine said. Her mouth was once again threatening to break out into a smile; or maybe just a grin. "That's what it's really called."

"Ewwwww," Rikku squealed, putting her glass down and pushing it towards Paine. "You can have it. That's so gross."

Chuckling, Paine finished off her own drink and started in on the rest of Rikku's. "It tastes good, though."

Rikku looked at her in disgust, before leaping up. "I'm going to dance." She looked at Paine. "Wanna come?"

"No thanks," Paine said, waving the hand with the glass in it. "I'll pass. I'm not much of a dancer."

Shrugging, the younger woman started to move back into the crowd. "Suit yourself!" With that, she was gone from view again.

Despite her many attempts to find Rikku and take her back to the inn, Paine came up empty-handed and decided to just wait by the bar they met up at. Half an hour later, an even more disheveled Rikku parted the sea of moving bodies.

And she wasn't alone.

It looked like the bouncy Al Bhed had collected quite a fan group, at least two people of each gender asking her to come back out and dance.

"No, no, I can't," Rikku said. She giggled nervously and backed up to stand beside Paine. "I—I've got things to do, y'know, and—I can't. I've—I've gotta go." She glanced at Paine and brightened considerably. "I've got to go with my friend! She wants to leave, so…"

Several people suggested Paine could just go home by herself. Already far from charmed by the fan-boys and girls, Paine bristled and stood up, placing a steady hand on her friend's shoulder. She noticed Rikku was flushed from more than just the usual excitement.

Great, Paine thought, these bozos got her drunk.

"Beat it," she growled warningly, starting to lead Rikku towards the exit.

So when someone blocked her path she was more than a little surprised.

Used to tilting her head back to look at Nooj but never too happy about it, Paine looked up into the face of one of those hulking monsters that made their living as bouncers. But this particular brute was just another person out of the crowd.

"I don't think we're done partyin' with your li'l 'friend' there," he boomed. He grinned, seemingly very talented at imitating a shark.

"Oh, hey, listen," Rikku said. She moved from under Paine's arm to stand between the two. "Uh, I—I really gotta go, but I'll be sure to come back, um… later…?"

"I like your company, girl," he said, still grinning like a water fiend, "and I ain't so keen t'give it up so quickly."

"But, um—" Rikku began, but was interrupted by Paine.

"Really? That's too bad, because I'm taking my friend," she stressed the word with annoyance, "out of here. So get out of the way."

"You're gonna hafta move me," the man growled. He was suddenly flanked by the adoring group Rikku had acquired.

Seduces people everywhere she goes, Paine thought wryly. Lucky me.

"That can be arranged," Paine said. "But you're gonna lose something in the process."

"Ohhh, this is not good," Rikku said, deciding that hiding behind Paine was the best course of action.

The man laughed. "You? Hurt me?"

"Oh yes," Paine drawled with a sneer, "I am very much going to hurt you."

"Hey! What's going on here?" a loud voice barked.

Everybody turning as one, they saw several bouncers headed their way. Paine just now noticed that, in their general area, people had stopped hanging out to watch the new source of entertainment.

"You better not be fighting," one of the bouncers said. "That means a permanent ban from the club."

"No one's fightin' here," the big man with the shark grin said. Rikku apparently wasn't worth getting banned to him. "Not at all."

"Good," the lead bouncer said. "So scram."

Grumbling, Rikku's fan club left.

"Sorry about that," the bouncer said, giving the girls a friendly smile. "It happens sometimes when people get a little too into the fun, y'know what I mean?"

"Sure," Rikku said weakly, swaying a little. Though this time it wasn't the trait Paine secretly found endearing; Rikku was clearly smashed. "No probs."

"If you don't mind," Paine snapped, "I'd like to leave."

"Of course," the bouncer said. "Let me see you out."

He did just that, one of his bouncer buddies offering to help Paine with Rikku. More than irritated by the offer, she said she could manage it and there was no more talking until after they were outside.

Knowing she could have handled the bully, but nonetheless thankful for the help, Paine gave the bouncers a quick thanks before helping Rikku back to the inn.

Shivering at the cold air hitting her flushed skin, Rikku took the opportunity to sidle up against Paine's side, sighing contentedly at the warm arm around her shoulders.

"How do you get yourself into these things?" Paine asked, not really expecting an answer.

"Part of my charm, I guess," Rikku said, giggling.

"It's not a good thing," Paine snapped. "It could have gotten real nasty back there."

Despite her intoxicated state, Rikku looked up at Paine, her beaded braids hiding most of her expression. "Are you mad at me?" she asked quietly.

Wanting very much to say 'yes' but knowing it'd be a lie, Paine let out a frustrated breath. "No," she said, "I'm not mad at you."

"Good," Rikku said, eyes drifting half-closed. She leaned into Paine even more. "I don't like it when you're angry with me."

"Are you an emotional drunk? You better not be." Paine glanced down at her friend. "And don't you dare fall asleep. I am not carrying you all the way back to the inn."

"No fun," Rikku mumbled.

Paine snorted and they continued on in silence.

"Almost there," she said. Now she noticed how loose Rikku's movements were, and when she looked down again, she realized the younger woman was asleep.

"Great," Paine grumbled, stopping. She bent her knees a little and tightened the hold she had on Rikku's shoulders with one arm, scooping Rikku up from underneath her legs with the other. With ease, she continued the rest of the way to the inn.

Figures, she thought. Always getting in trouble, and I have to get her out of it, and then I have to take care of her, and…

Her thoughts trailed off into nothing at all when her eyes flickered to Rikku's face. She looked even younger when she was asleep, and Paine was briefly awed by the gentle innocence she found in Rikku's expression. Also very briefly, she wished she could have and see that within herself.

Stop it, she thought, spotting the inn's lights. Just stop it. Put it out of your mind. You did this for Gippal enough times, even if he did actively go out to get drunk. Thank the heavens Baralai got him to break the habit…

Losing herself in thoughts of her past, Paine had no trouble taking Rikku to their room. She had no problem with taking the dress off Rikku and putting the girl into her pajamas. She was still mentally wandering when she pulled out some hangover medicine, putting the item on the bedside table for Rikku when she woke up. And there was hardly a twitch out of her when she tucked Rikku into bed, brushing her friend's bangs back and pulling the covers up to Rikku's chin.

It was only after she'd brushed her teeth and gotten into her pajamas and was lying in bed, drifting off, that she realized what she'd done.

How easy it had come to her.

How much she secretly enjoyed looking after Rikku.

Sighing, Paine rolled over onto her side and watched Rikku's peacefully sleeping form. Slipping a hand under her cheek, Paine closed her eyes and wished that she would dream nothing and forget about her feelings in the morning.


Al Bhed translation:

Duikr fynneun means "tough warrior."

Meddma dreav means "little thief."

Dra Tasuh'c Casah means "The Demon's Semen." cough.

And bmayca damm sa oui'na zugehk means "please tell me you're joking."