A/N: HEEYYY! You guys reviewed! I love you all! Thanks so much. Really, I am so happy people like it. I have been reading fanfiction on this sight for about 3 years and I finally decided to write a story. I was getting bored reading my favorites over and over so I wanted to try something new. Anyway, here are a few replies for you guys and then on with the story.rr1963: Thanks for your review! Your right, there is not much plot yet but I am working on it, kinda going chapter by chapter right now, let's see where it goes. Thanks for being honest and helpful.
Gining: Thanks I am glad you like it so far! Don't worry though, I like a more mature Rikku too. I will try to keep you entertained:)
VampyreQueen24: Yeah I love them too...thanks for the review!
Buffybot76: Aww thanks, your awesome, im glad you like it!
Mikoyasha: I'm glad you like Auron in this, trying to keep it real. I am working on the Aurikkuness, don't give up yet! Let me know what can be improved.
P.S: I really wasn't trying to update until Friday or Saturday, but I got the feeling some of you wanted me to update...like now. So a little chapter now and another coming this weekend.
Disclaimer: I keep forgetting this..and I don't own Final Fantasy.
Something's Different
"Say what?"
Rikku sighed, "I said that I am going to teach you to live. As long as you cooperate that is, and hey what else do you have to do?"
She had a point, he thought. Auron was contemplating where he was going to go from here when Rikku came to him. When he was alive he was a guardian, and when he was dead he was a guardian. Now there were no summoners. More importantly, he didn't want to be a guardian anymore. Wasn't the whole point of getting his life back to live? The problem was he didn't know what to do now.
Auron laughed aloud causing Rikku to stare at him. "What is so funny?" she asked.
"It is nothing Rikku," he replied when his laughter subsided.
"Hey buddy! Lesson number one: Living is laughing. Now share please!" Rikku yelled at him.
"I just found it funny that I am a man with answers to everything, but I can't answer the question a sixteen year old asks me." He told her.
"WHAT? I am not sixteen Auron," Rikku placed a hand on her hip and glared up at the older man.
Auron blinked at her a little taken back. That's right, he thought, she is older. As is everyone else. He hoped she wasn't going to make a big deal about his mistake. Because she would.
" My apologies Rikku. I...forgot for a moment."
"That's fine Auron. Memory is the first thing to go. Come on its late and I have a room for you." Rikku started off toward what was left of the fire.
Auron started after her and then after a few steps stopped in his tracks. Oh Rikku thinks she funny now hmm...
"Rikku, you should consider revising your lessons list."
"Why's that?" Rikku turned to look at him.
"Living is laughing? Who comes up with something as corny as that?" He joked back.
Rikku's eyes widened at his remark. She expected him to brush off her comment with a stern glare.
"Took you long enough to get it. Don't turn into Wakka on me now." The pair laughed together as they returned to their friends.
When they got back to the fire they found only Tidus and Yuna sitting peacefully together.
"Hey guys! Where did Wakka and Lulu go?" Rikku inquired. Tidus looked up and told her Wakka carried Lulu off the bed a little while ago. Yuna blinked sleepily at her friends and smiled. She was so happy. And so tired. She stood up and stretched her arms in the air. Rikku was the only one who caught Tidus checking out her cousin.
"Ok guys," Yuna said, "I think it's time for bed...what's so funny Rikku?"
Rikku smiled and winked at Tidus, "Nothing Yunie. I must be getting a case of late night silliness is all."
Auron looked at Rikku and hoped that she wasn't. He was rather looking forward to getting some sleep. Did Rikku say she had a room for him?
Yuna laughed at her cousin. "Come on guys let's go home. Rikku and I have extra rooms you can stay in."
The four friends set off to the house after putting out the fire. Yuna led the group followed closely by Tidus. Ha, he thought evilly, extra rooms nothing. I might accidentally sleepwalk.
Rikku was telling Auron about the house he was being led to. He appreciated her conversation for once. It took his mind off the moral debate he was having in his head. Hmm, I wonder if I should keep an eye on those two. Braska might find his way to Spira and kill me if I don't. Then again, as Rikku said, they are older now..
They reached the house and entered through the big wooden doors. The people of Besaid offered Yuna this house when she decided to live there permanently. It was her favorite place in the world. She loved everything about it from the cozy rooms, to the deck overlooking the sea. It was home. She took Tidus by the hand trusting Rikku would take care of Auron. She said goodnight to them and led Tidus to his room
Rikku smiled after her cousin. She was so going to grill Yuna for info in the morning. "Come on Auron this way."
Rikku took him to the extra room across from hers. "Ok Sir Auron, this is your room. There is a shower behind that door if you feel the need to wash off Farplane germies. I am not sure about any kind of clothes though. We are going to have to remedy that tomorrow. You can borrow something of mine if you like," she giggled at him.
Auron rolled his eyes sure she was imagining him in one of her supposed outfits. "No thank you Rikku. I worked a long to time for my dignity, I don't intend on losing it now."
"Oh ok," she sighed, "seriously though, if you need anything I'm just across the hall."
"Thanks Rikku, I will keep that in mind."
"Goodnight Auron."
"Goodnight Rikku."
Auron waited a few minutes after Rikku left and then went into the bathroom and stripped down. He took a long, hot shower enjoying the sensation of the water on his newly alive muscles. Then he put on his black boxer shorts and undershirt and laid on the bed. He was way to tired to look after Tidus and Yuna.
He remembered how hard sleep was when he was unsent. Sometimes when he was trying to relax he found himself being pulled by the call of the Farplane. He always jerked awake to keep himself on Spira which resulted in a lot of restless nights. He missed sleeping on the Farplane because he didn't really have to sleep there.. Tonight he was going to enjoy his first decent rest in over ten years.
Rikku closed the door to Auron's room and walked over to her own. Earlier today she didn't think she would ever sleep again with all the excitement that was happening. She was dead wrong. She flopped onto her bed and snuggled up underneath her blankets. As she fell into slumber, she found herself thinking about Auron. Something was different about him but she couldn't figure out what. Oh well, I'll figure it out in the morning.
