"I can't do this anymore, Rikku."
"What do you mean?"
"This, with you. Its wrong." He climbs out of bed and walks to the window, where he stares out at the city.
"Wrong how?" Rikku almost wishes that she didn't understand what he means. Wishes that she hadn't been thinking something similar.
"It isn't about us, anymore. I don't think it ever was." He sighs and turns back to her. "I'm trying to use you to replace your cousin."
She has to admit, Baralai hasn't taken her by surprise here.
"Its okay, Baralai."
"No, its not. I don't feel anything for you." Baralai runs a hand through his disheveled white hair. "Its wrong for me to use you to pretend I don't feel anything for Yuna."
She joins him by the window, taking his hand in hers. "No, it is all right. I've been using you to replace someone I can't have too."
He's shocked, she can see it on his face, though his expression doesn't change.
"He's…gone, you know? There isn't even a teensie hope that maybe someday…" Rikku shrugs and drops his hand.
"Rikku…" Baralai's heart goes out for her at her pained expression.
"So, its okay. If you want to pretend a little longer. If it makes you feel better."
"But it doesn't. It just makes it worse." He pulls her into a hug that is meant to comfort.
"I know," She whispers. "But even then, we can still pretend."
Baralai is quiet for a long moment. "If you want. For a little while longer."