'Time Flies'
FFX-2 Drabble
PG
Rikku/Paine
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Rikku stood in the doorway to the deck, being as quiet as she could be, looking out over the red metal of the Celsius. The deck hadn't lost it's shine over the years, the meticulous care that Buddy and Brother took with the ship showed in how it still gleamed like new, no sign of age on it at all. Glancing down at herself, Rikku idly thought of how she wished she could say the same of herself. Gone was the relieving outfit from her late teens, replaced with a -slightly- more conservative outfit, shorts that actually neared her knees, and a shirt that more closely resembled what Yuna used to wear rather than a bikini top. Her hair was still long, more often than not held in a braid now, the beads still woven into it, her bandana still present, something she was far to fond of to get rid of. The arm covers were gone, to the elbow fingerless gloves in their place, and a less...floppy, pair of boots on her feet. The years of continued sphere hunting had darkened her skin a bit more, laugh lines finally present around her eyes, and gave her a few scars, battle marks to reflect her risk taking nature. If she had been single, she might have been worried about them, but she wasn't, and her partner considered them fun to 'explore' when certain events took place.
Speaking of her partner, Rikku smiled as her eyes traveled over the figure sitting next to the bird at the front of the airship. Paine had loosened up over the years, the black leather replaced with black jeans and dress shirts, no matter how often Rikku tried to insert a little more color, -other- than red, it would always seem to revert back to black. Blue, she could sometimes get the warrior to wear, and she smiled a little wider to see the blue duster situated on the woman's shoulders. Paine's silver hair had gotten a touch more white over the years, Rikku anticipating it someday being as white as snow, and she finally got color to her skin, though compared to Rikku she was still almost ghostly. Much more personable, at least with the crew of the Celsius and with Rikku, Paine would often laugh and relax, getting serious only when the situations called for it. She had as many new scars as Rikku did, prouder of them than Rikku ever would be for her own. Though if asked, the thief would be quick to admit that she enjoyed the 'exploration' as much as Paine did on her.
Walking quietly up behind the woman, she smiled as she saw the slow smile spread over Paine's features, the dark clad warrior lifting her head and looking back at Rikku, turning slightly and holding her arms out. Rikku gladly settled into Paine's arms, settling back against her chest and starting to absorb warmth. Chuckling, Paine settled her chin on Rikku's shoulder, her arms securely wrapped about the woman's waist.
Closing her eyes, Rikku leaned her head back to Paine's shoulder. She smiled, nuzzling into Paine's neck and inhaling her familiar scent, murmuring softly after a few moments. "What're you thinking about, Muja?"
Paine didn't answer right away, something Rikku was long used to, knowing that the woman liked to take her time with her answers. Paine's voice was more of a rumble in her chest than a sound heard as she softly spoke in reply. "Us. It's been a crazy few years, hasn't it?"
Rikku laughed lightly, opening her eyes and looking up at Paine's profile. "Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it."
"Would you do it again?"
"In a heartbeat."
"Why?" Paine turned her head slightly, looking down at Rikku out of the corner of her eye.
Wrinkling her nose, Rikku reached up and pinched Paine's, getting a squeak and clack of teeth at her fingers in return. "Because I love you." She eyed the pale woman. "Why do you ask?"
"I'm afraid I'll finally someday hit the point where you grow bored, I guess." Paine shrugged her shoulders slightly. Rikku held back the quick, teasing reply, sensing the seriousness of the situation, instead leaning back slightly so that she could shift around and face Paine. Reaching up, she gently ran her fingers through Paine's still short hair, toying a little with the longer bangs. Cupping Paine's cheek, she directed the bright red eyes to look into her own.
"How could I ever get bored with you? Half the fun hasn't started yet."
Paine laughed softly. "Half the fun hasn't started? How do you figure?"
Rikku smiled and shrugged lightly, leaning in to brush her lips over Paine's. "I don't know, exactly. But I do know, that if you grow old along side of me, we've still to hit the best times of our lives. I figure we'll know it when we hit it."
Another slow smile spread over Paine's features, something Rikku -still- found sexy. "Promise?"
Rikku smiled, wrapping her arm up around Paine's neck, leaning in and pressing into a slow, loving kiss. After a few moments, she pulled back, emerald eyes locked on Paine's. She could swear that she could see the future within them, and it was a bright, and happy one. "I promise, with all of my heart."
"E muja oui, meddma dreav."
"E muja oui, cdnuhk fynneun."
The Celsius continued to glide silently through the clouds, the sun setting on the horizon, stars starting to dot the darkening sky. Two souls, forever entwined, basked quietly in their love for each other, the future bright and promising.
"...vunajan, Muja. Vuanjan."
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Translations: 'E muja oui' 'I love you'
'meddma dreav' 'little thief'
'cdnuhk fynneun' 'strong warrior'
'vunajan' 'forever'