Master Thief: thank you! I love that people like my fic!
xpunky-galx: I'm sooo happy that you loved it! And I'm sorry that I didn't update sooner. But class takes up a lot of time and I've been sick and I'm rarely ever home on the weekends so... sorry.
kingleby: Oh! It makes me so very, very happy that you like the kiss. Believe it or not that's the first time I've ever written a kiss. But I read kisses and knew what I liked and what I didn't. I didn't want to resolve everything too quickly because that's just so unrealistic. And this time I'm not sleepy so there's like no annoying author notes.
Angel Taisha: It's good to know that I'm not the only one. My friend who also writes, Ed Black, writes almost everything on the computer. It's good to know people don't think I'm lazy. I want to get to the good parts just as much as my readers. I mean, I look forward to the next chapter just as much as the rest of you. I want to know what happens next. (Thanks for a great review!)
Gippal nd Rikku x3: I'm sorry about the A/N but when I'm sleepy I tend to blabber on and on so...hm. Oh well. I'd never forget about this fic, it's really important to me. I love writing it. I don't think it'll end too soon. I mean they haven't even figured anything out about the theft (but next chapter (I think) they do). I haven't started the next chapter yet, so... it might be awhile.
dragonmaster: oh thanks! (I love cookies!) cosplay is fun! I'm glad you love my story so much! Thank you! (I would give you something too but all I have is sinus medicine)
Ed Black: Yeah, lots of people think Gippal's kind of a dummy. But it really isn't all his fault. I mean think about it (after you read this next chapter think about it some more) think, think, think (sorry I'm rambling) !!You know I don't have a chocobo plushie!!
Torii: you never know (although considering I'm a pretty happy-go-lucky, glass-half-full kinda person you can guess at the Rikku/Gippal thing) and of course I'll continue
dragonmaster: again? I love having power! It's awesome. Although I feel your pain. The problem is that I spend more time reading other great stories than actually writing.
dragonmaster: my, aren't you persistent? Of course I didn't forget! I'm just being slow. I'm sorry (big, puppy-dog eyes) ps. Funny review
Disclaimer: I own nothing except OC's and they are Al Bheds (at least they appear to be Mwah ha ha) and that I don't own. Nor the original story behind my story or any other characters. (well, you all should know what isn't mine)
Dedication: I usually don't dedicate but there is one who bugged me until I felt bad enough to finish writing this chappie. My 3-time reviewer for chappie 6 (drumroll please) dragonmaster!!!!! Lucky you!
Chapter 7: Sleepy
After Rikku hung up with Yuna, she headed back towards the entrance to Djose so she could put back the commsphere. When she reached the gigantic doors, she pushed them open but jumped back as she heard a thunk and a cry of pain. Rikku's hands flew up to cover her mouth in shock.
As she stood frozen, the front door opened slowly and a dark figure stepped from behind it. As the figure stepped into the dim light of the courtyard, Rikku recognized it. It was Gippal, clutching the right side of his forehead.
"That hurt, y'know," he informed her slightly wincing from the headache that was forming above the wound.
Rikku smiled guiltily and spoke. "I'm sorry," she said softly and sincerely. "Are you okay?"
"Well, I'm as okay as I can be considering I just got smacked upside the head with a door," Gippal said grinning trying to make Rikku feel less guilty. Besides, it was kind of his fault since he had been leaning against that door for quite a while listening in on Rikku's conversation. Every word had made him feel worse until the end, when Rikku stuck up for him. But that in some way also made him feel terrible. Why was Rikku sticking up for him after all he had done? He didn't deserve someone like her.
Rikku hit him lightly on the arm that wasn't clutching his forehead. "I said I was sorry!" she said grinning a little less guiltily. "C'mere," Rikku said grabbing his arm and dragging him to the stone bench she had been sitting on. She pushed him down onto the bench so that he was sitting with Rikku in front of him. Gippal let his hand fall to his side. Rikku brushed his hair away from where she had hit him and examined the wound.
"You're bleeding," she told him worriedly as a trickle of blood began to seep from the cut.
"Am I?" Gippal asked off-handedly not really paying attention. He was thinking, 'Why does she want me? I don't deserve her. Not after all I've done to her. I just don't understand. I dunno what to do. I mean...ugh, what am I gonna do?' But Gippal's brain shut down as his heart took over.
Rikku didn't respond as she pulled off her blue bandana to wipe off the blood. As Rikku lifted the scarf to attempt cleaning the now bruising cut, Gippal lifted both of his arms and pulled Rikku into him. In surprise, Rikku dropped her scarf and stood numbly as Gippal clung to her, burrowing his face into her neck and the hair that had fallen down with the absence of the scarf. Rikku wasn't aware of raising her arms to return the embrace but when she realized she had, she collapsed into Gippal's embrace burying her face in his chest.
An Al Bhed guard walked into the courtyard in front of Djose Temple and stopped dead in his tracks as he recognized the couple clinging to each other on the bench to the side of the entrance. He tried to walk by unnoticed but to his dismay he was caught skirting the edge of the dark courtyard.
Rikku pulled out of Gippal's grip as he called out into the dark. "Stop!" The guard halted in his tracks and slowly turned towards his leader eyes glued to the ground.
"Sir," he said blushing. "Sorry sir. I just got off duty and was on my way inside to go to bed. If it's alright with you, I'll be going now." He began heading for the door but as he passed under the only light hanging overhead, Gippal recognized him.
"Hey, wait!" Gippal said reaching out a hand as he stood as if to stop the dark figure. "Aren't you Knyo?"
The guard turned back to Gippal, eyes still not straying from the ground. "Um, yes sir, I am," he said much too nervously.
"Good. Come to my office tomorrow at 11. I need to get your story on the robbery," Gippal told him.
"Yes, sir," Knyo said turning on his heel and practically sprinting to the door.
After Gippal saw the door close behind Knyo, looked down at Rikku smiling and scratching the back of his head thoughtfully. "Is it just me, or do we always seem to get interrupted?"
Rikku considered this for a moment and nodded, sinking to sit down on the bench. "You know what? You're right!"
"Yeah, I know," Gippal replied smiling even wider and sitting next to Rikku. "I'm always right," he added cockily.
Rikku scowled and punched his arm lightly. "Crid ib! (Shut up!) You know what I mean! I mean," she paused rubbing her chin thoughtfully, "first it was Leblanc, then it was Nhadala, then Knyo, and now Knyo again."
"I think it's a conspiracy," Gippal said eyes on the ground as his eyes twinkled with the glee of teasing Rikku. But, instead of getting mad, Rikku just giggled. This caused Gippal to look up at her suddenly, surprised that she hadn't hit him. Gippal turned toward Rikku slightly and took her hands in his. "Rikku, I'm sorry."
Rikku frowned slightly and stood up withdrawing her hands from Gippal's. "That's right. I'm supposed to be mad at you." And with that, she turned on her heel and walked toward the entrance, intending on going to bed. It was after 2 a.m. and Rikku was getting sleepy.
Gippal let his head drop slightly before a new energy sprang into him. He stood up and jogged to catch up with Rikku. "You're not getting away this time," he said grabbing her around the waist and swinging her up over his shoulder.
Rikku, surprised at first didn't react right away. But after a second everything sunk in and she began kicking and screaming. "Put me down!" she screeched, banging her tiny fists on Gippal's back.
"Rikku! Crid ib!" Gippal replied in hushed but urgent tones as he walked towards the temple doors. "Someone's going to think I'm killing you or kidnapping you or something. I can't stand you being mad at me. Besides, if you continue being mad at me nothing is going to get done with the ancient machina or anything else.
Rikku quieted but her anger flared at the mention of the machina. 'Can he not forget about that thing for one stupid, little hour?' she thought bitterly. But other than her angry thoughts, she ignored the last comment.
"Will you at least tell me where we're going?" she asked with a quiet huff of annoyance.
"We're going to my room," he replied much too casually for Rikku's liking.
"What!?" she yelled the sound of her voice echoing through the empty halls of Djose.
"Rikku," Gippal exclaimed in a whisper. "Be quiet. Some people are trying to sleep."
"Sorry," she whispered half-apologetic, half-sarcastic.
Gippal glowered lightly at Rikku. "Like I said," he continued, "we're going to my room because I rarely get bugged there and I don't know about you, but I'm sick of being interrupted.
"Fine," Rikku replied sulkily. "Now put me down." For a while Rikku had completely forgotten the fact that Gippal still had her slung over his shoulder until that moment.
"Aww, why?" Gippal asked teasingly, the jovial-ness leaking back into him. "Doesn't Cid's Girl want to be carried off by her knight in shining armor?"
"Not particularly," she said.
"Too bad," Gippal replied. "Because I'm quite enjoying this." Rikku growled and kicked out trying to free herself. But all she managed to do was unbalance herself so that Gippal almost dropped her on her butt. "Stop wiggling," he insisted as they finally reached his door.
He pulled out his keys with one hand, keeping the other around Rikku's waist. When he finally go the front door open, he tossed Rikku onto the black leather couch and sat down next to her. Rikku untangled herself, sat up, and glared at him. But after one glance, she immediately stopped glaring. Gippal had his head in his hands, elbows on his knees, slumped over, and showing a weakness that almost nobody got to see.
"Gippal," Rikku started, trailing off as she realized she didn't know what else to say. Instead, she just watched Gippal, feeling helpless and in desperate need of advice that even Yuna couldn't give her.
Gippal ran his hands from his face through his hair and to the back of his neck. Then, he leaned back and looked over to Rikku who's eyes shone with concern and confusion. Gippal's expression, for once, mirrored his real emotions: regret and stress.
"Rikku," he said after a few seconds of just looking at her. "What're we gonna do?"
"I dunno," she said, leaning into Gippal. His arm fell around her shoulders as her head rested on his shoulder. One part of her wanted to wipe away all of his problems and make him smile. The other part, however, felt betrayed and hurt and distrustful. Everything was just too mixed up. Rikku wrestled with herself for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "You decide," she told Gippal.
"What?" he asked, completely thrown.
"I'm sick of trying to figure it all out. I want you to make the decision this time. What do you care more about? Me or machina?" Rikku knew she was scaring Gippal a bit by telling him to do it but she needed to know the truth.
Gippal knew he liked Rikku but machina was his life. "Do I have to answer you right now?" he asked helplessly, an expression of pleading crossing his face.
"Yes," Rikku replied unfazed by the look.
Gippal winced slightly and scratched the back of his neck. As his hands fell back into his lap, he continued, "What if I don't know?" He paused. Rikku's head had dropped, tears coming to her eyes. Against her will, Gippal noticed. He took one of her hands lightly in his and brought his other hand to her chin, lifting her face so that she was gazing into his eyes. "What I mean is that I don't wan to screw this up anymore than it is. I won't like to you, anymore. I really like having you around, but who am I without my machina?" Gippal let his hand drift from Rikku's chin, down her arm, to her unoccupied hand. "I guess I'm just confused."
But Rikku stood up, taking both hands out of Gippal's loose grip, and walked over to his bed. She flopped down on her back and stared up at the ceiling. "Any chance you're going to get unconfused anytime soon?" she asked in barely more than a whisper.
Gippal stood up slowly, stretching, and walked over to the bed and sat down next to Rikku. "I don't think it works like that," he said smiling comfortingly down at her.
"I guess that's true," she said frowning slightly. "But can't you try?"
Gippal laughed. "You know," he said placing one hand on the bed next to her waist and bending over her slightly to look into her eyes. "You drive me crazy sometimes."
"Yeah, I know," she replied propping herself up on her elbows.
"Rikku," Gippal said lowering his head so that his face was only centimeters from Rikku's. "Y'know, I still like you."
Rikku fell back onto the bed and sighed heavily. She closed her eyes and brought her arm up to cover it. "Yeah, I know," she whispered despairingly. "I just wish I knew how much."
Gippal sighed just as heavily and lay back on the bed next to Rikku. "How about you let me sleep on it and I'll tell you in the morning?" he suggested looking at the clock on his wall. It was after 3 a.m. now and he did have a meeting the next morning at9:30 with Cid. He needed to gather his energy to talk to Cid. He needed to sleep.
"Gippal," Rikku said sitting up. She waited until Gippal sat up to continue. "If I let you go now, how do I know you won't just avoid me tomorrow? Or the next day, or the next. I mean, face it, you know this place so well that you could probably hide out for days upon weeks." She paused and looked him directly in the eye. "Nope, I'm not letting you out of my sight until you tell me."
Gippal shrugged. "You could always stay here tonight and stalk me tomorrow until I'm done working." Gippal, of course, was kidding but Rikku didn't realize.
"Okay!" she answered enthusiastically. "That'll work," she said crawling across the bed and sitting cross-legged on the other side of the bed.
"Wait!" Gippal said panicking slightly. After all her dad would be there the next day. "I was just kidding. You can't stay here."
"Why not?" Rikku asked naively.
In Gippal's mind, there were a million reasons why she couldn't stay. "Well, umm...I guess there's no stopping you, is there?" Gippal replied stifling a yawn. He just didn't have the energy to argue with Rikku tonight.
"Good," Rikku said shimmying under the covers and fluffing Gippal's flat pillow.
"Whoa," Gippal said. "I said you could stay here, not you can sleep in my bed. Where am I supposed to sleep?"
"Here," Rikku answered sleepily lying down and patting the spot next to her. Then, she rolled so that her back faced the obviously annoyed, but way-to-sleepy-to-do-anything-about-it Gippal.
Gippal sighed. "Fine, Cid's Girl," he said. "But only for tonight." But Rikku didn't hear him; she was already asleep. Gippal kicked off his boots and climbed fully dressed under the covers. "Goodnight," he said bending over Rikku and kissing her lightly on the forehead as he switched off the lights.
OoOENDOoO
Once again, I resolved nothing! But hopefully next time I'll get back into the mystery of the missing part of the machina.(boy that's just way too long, gotta think of a better name).
Alright! That's it because I kinda have to go to a football game in 15 minutes. (American football) My high school is playing a home game finally and since I'm in choir, I gotta go help sing the national anthem and alma mater. Although I'm still sick with my nice, scratchy throat.
OH! And wish me happy birthday (Sept. 24)! I'm 17 now, yeah!
Have a good time and I'll keep updating!