Silence filled the Celsius later that day. No one seemed to have anything to say. Paine just went up on deck. She hadn't spoken a word at all ever since that earlier incident with Isolde. So she remained up on deck for what seemed like hours. Yuna and Rikku stood near the elevator just waiting. They wanted to speak to Paine hoping that she might want to talk. Although they knew that going up there was not a good idea. The two of them couldn't help but worry.

"Do you think that she's okay up there?" Rikku asked.

"I don't know I'm worried about her. That look in her eyes she seemed so lost. I really hope that Paine is alright." Yuna spoke. Up on deck was where the silver haired woman stood. Her mind was stuck on the events of earlier. Why did that silly little magician have to do that? Was it all just some big joke at her expense? And more importantly why hadn't she pushed her away. Why had she let Isolde kissed her? The warrior touched her lips where the magician had kissed her. Paine found that she had no answers as to why. She soon sat down closing her eyes. At least now she had some peace and quiet.

Meanwhile down below Yuna watched as Rikku paced back and forth. Of course the silence was killing the al bhed thief. In truth the silence was bothering her as well. but what could they do about it right now. They had to leave Paine alone right now. They needed to give her some time to sort things out. No matter how badly the two of them wanted to talk to her.

"Ah that's it I'm going up there." Rikku said.

Yuna knew that there was no stopping Rikku. She didn't even bother to stop her. The blond walked on to the deck. There was Paine sitting there one hand resting on her sword. That was Paine for you always ready for an attack. "Go away." Paine spoke.

She heard the footsteps yet she kept her eyes closed. It could only be one of two people. It was either Yuna or Rikku. Judging by the footsteps it was Rikku. "Dr. P?" slowly crimson eyes opened she looked up at Rikku. Her eyes staring into Rikku's swirling green orbs. There was silence for awhile Paine sat up slightly. Slowly the warrior sighed. "Rikku what is it?"

"Are you alright? You really got me and Yunie worried."

"I'm fine why do you ask?"

Rikku sat down besides the warrior. There was some more silence as she recollected her thoughts. Things were going so smoothly right now. Maybe they could finally have a conversation without Paine getting angry. Besides she really wanted to know what's going on. What was Dr.P thinking about? She had to have thoughts and feelings behind that stoic mask. No matter what Rikku wanted to keep the conversation going.

"You have something to ask don't you? Go ahead ask if you must." Paine spoke.

"Yeah that kiss with you and Isolde did you enjoy it?"

That question had been bothering Rikku for the longest. She would have never asked if it weren't for today. If only she hadn't kissed Paine again. The blond noticed that there was something different about that kiss. The second time Isolde had wanted to make her jealous Rikku was sure of it. yet this time it actually seemed to be real. That was what worried the thief. Just how real was that kiss? Had it meant something to Paine? The silver haired woman put her finger to her chin. She looked to be in deep thought as she pondered her question. She could always just give Rikku the same story. Or she could tell her the truth. Either one would do right now because Paine wanted the conversation to be over. She wanted it to stop before it got even more personal.

"Did I enjoy it? I could have done without her tongue shoved down my throat." She admitted.

"So you didn't enjoy it." Rikku said hopefully. Paine shot her an angry look which caused her to shake her head knowingly. She was only going to ask more questions. Both she and the warrior knew that. There were only so many questions that Paine could answer. In fact Rikku was kind of surprised that she even answered the first question.

"Listen Rikku I can't tell you anymore than that. I really don't know what to say. Isolde is a weird little magician. it was probably just one of her mind tricks." Deep down the warrior really didn't know what to believe. On one hand she didn't trust the red head. She also found her slightly annoying. Yet that kiss had seemed so real to her. She almost felt like Isolde had really liked her. In short Paine was finding herself in a romantic situation. She want sure what she should do. For the first time in her life she had been unsure of what to do.

"Paine tu oui mega ran?"

Paine noticed the hint of sadness in Rikku's voice. That was certainly unusual for the usually happy blond. It was then that other thoughts entered her mind. It was true that Paine knew that Rikku had admired her. Yet was it possible that the blond had other feelings for her. It was certainly a possibility. The silver haired woman couldn't say that she would be surprised.

"E tuh't ghuf." She answered in al bhed. the warrior stood and gazed to the sky. It looked like it might rain but that wasn't important right now. There was something that she had to ask Rikku. Even if the answer might scare her a little. It was too important not to ask. "Rikku why do you care so much? You aren't jealous are you?" Rikku's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She really didn't want to answer that question. Besides both she and Paine knew the answer. Paine was not stupid. Just because she didn't talk a lot that didn't mean she wasn't aware of things.

"Um." She started. Before Rikku could answer Yuna came up onto deck. The both of them became distracted and looked over to her. "There's a sphere in Zanarkand are you ready to go?" Paine and Rikku just nodded not really having anything else to say. Which was a first for Rikku normally she would be dancing up in excitement by now. Yuna didn't say anything yet she could feel the tension. Something had clearly happened or rather something was about to happen. Once they were dropped off in Zanarkand they noticed a familiar face.

"Aww Geez what are you stalking Paine now?" Rikku asked. Isolde walked passed Rikku and went straight to Paine. She smiled softly but Paine didn't return her smile. There had to be some truth to Rikku's accusations right? Was the red head secretly stalking her? She hoped that this wasn't the case.

"Here Red I wanted to give you something to remember me by." Isolde went into her pocket taking out a silver bracelet. It was perfect for Paine because of all the skulls going around it. the silver haired woman looked towards Isolde.

"I don't want any gifts from you?" she spoke.

"No take it I insist."

She placed the bracelet on Paine and smiled for her again. Yuna and Rikku looked in both of them at a lost for words. There was nothing else that could be said right now. "Thanks I guess."

"Come on Paine lets go get that sphere already." Rikku shouted. Paine nodded without saying another word she made her way to her friends. The magician watched until Paine was completely out of sight. She smirked slightly. "If all goes accordingly Paine will be mine soon enough." She whispered.

Al bhed translations:

Rikku: Do you like her?

Paine: I don't know.