Disclaimer: I do not own FFX-2 or any of the characters in this fanfiction, except my OC ^^

Hello everyone ^^ I'm sorry the editing is taking so long, but i'm about to finish my school year, and theeeen ..SUMMER HOLIDAYS!! a.k.a. fanfic writing time =D Right, anywho Chapter 1, edited version is right here for everybody to enjoy. Feedback is appreciated ^^ Comments, opinions anything, tell me whether its good or bad, better than the original Chap.1? BUT, please use only constructive criticism, flames will be deleted.


Chapter 1: It's for the best

It all started that day… I made a decision that would change my life forever, although I was ignorant of the consequences until several days later…however that is coming now. Let me continue with my story, a story not of pink princesses and prince charmings, but of the suffering one must sometimes go through to make a loved one happy, even though that loved one is not happy despite my attempts to make him so. One of the consequences I was completely oblivious to when I stepped out of the Praetor's office for what I thought would be the last time. Even now… I ask myself what in Yevon's name drove me to take such course of action…

The sound of high heeled boots echoed through the hallways in the temple of Bevelle, heading towards the Praetor's office. They gradually slowed and came to a halt in front of a door, a shiny copper-coloured plaque with the word 'Praetor' engraved on it with elegant handwriting, indicating the office of the leader of New Yevon, co-leader of Spira.

A quiet sigh escaped the lips of the crimson eyed warrior now standing in front of the door, silently glaring at the door handle, debating whether or not to enter. A leather gloved hand gripped the handle as the other rose, ready to knock on the polished wood. A moment of hesitation made her hand falter though, lowering slightly as the warrior closed her eyes, allowing the memories of the past few weeks to flood her mind… The snowy haired Praetor pacing up and down behind his desk… an order for a dozen red roses hidden in the paperwork…the little square velvet box she had found in the drawer of his desk instead of the stapler… the nervous glances he gave her during their now awkward conversations… the way he avoided her in the hallways… and the voice… the woman's voice she had heard laughing merrily while walking past his office one day… a deep chuckle soon following the tinkling laugh.

Ruby red orbs snapped open and narrowed as the leather gloved hand gripped the door handle with a new determination. Knuckles rapped on the door and she heard a rapid shuffling of papers and the sound of a drawer being shut hastily as a muffled voice called "Enter". A flash of pain burned in the back of her deep red eyes, but it was gone as soon as she opened the door, the hurt covered up by an ice cold wall.

The door swung open to reveal a man with snow white hair, sitting behind his desk, his chocolate brown eyes watching the leather clad swordswoman walking up to him ,with a certain nervousness, which increased with every metallic 'click' he sword made against her belt buckles as she walked slowly towards the desk. The Praetor opened his mouth to speak,

"Pai-.."

"We need to talk," Paine cut him off brusquely, crossing her arms over her chest. "Now Baralai," she added when she saw the Praetor make yet another attempt to avoid a conversation with her. Baralai blinked in surprise and nodded slowly, motioning to Paine to sit down in the chair opposite him. The silver haired woman shook her head and let her arms drop to her sides.

"I'm leaving." Her simple monotone statement echoed loudly in Baralai's ears. He paled slightly.

"Oh? Where are you going? I could take a couple of days off and accompany you if you want?" Paine's eyes narrowed as she lowered her head a little, crossing her arms over her chest again.

"What part of 'I'm leaving' didn't you understand? I'm leaving 'Lai, on my own. And I don't know where…" Paine snapped he head up and gazed into those big brown eyes she had fallen in love with, those big brown eyes that had lost their twinkle as soon as her last words escaped her lips. "But it's somewhere far away from here." And far away from you, she added to herself. So I'll be out of the way, and out of your life so you can be happy.

Baralai's eyes widened in shock, his tanned face losing all it's colour as the blood drained from it. His lips parted and closed as he tried to find the words to say. He faltered a few moments before whispering,

"You're leaving me…"

The Praetor winced as it came out more as a statement than the question it had been intended to be. He trembled involuntarily at the fact that he already knew the answer, he just didn't want to accept it. Paine nodded curtly, both answering his question and reaffirming his statement. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from taking everything back there and then. No, she reprimanded herself, remember it's so he can lead a happier life, this is for him, not for yourself. She watched impassive as Baralai tried to assimilate the information. It was killing her on the inside to see the man she loved like this, but she stood firm, she had to carry out her actions so he could be happy, it was for his own good… Baralai managed to lift his head and stutter one word wracked with pain.

"Why…?"

Paine lowered her head and turned to leave. She knew he was bound to ask that question, but she just couldn't bear to look at him when she answered. Her gloved hand was on the door handle when she turned her head to the side slightly, staring at the corner of the desk, clenching her jaw. She blinked twice and murmured just loud enough for Baralai to hear

"I don't love you."

And with that she opened the door and walked out without a second glance, the door closing softly behind her.

The sound of high heeled boots echoed through the hallways in the temple of Bevelle, heading towards the main entrance. Paine stopped at the beginning of the Highbridge, with her back to the temple doors. An unfamiliar burning behind her eyelids made the warrior pause. A single tear escaped from the corner of her eye and landed on the leather glove that was holding the hilt of her sword. She stared at it for a few seconds before closing her eyes tightly. Why did lying have to be so painful? Slowly she opened her eyes again and took a deep breath. She held her head high as she started walking down the Highbridge, leaving Bevelle, and the man with the key to her heart, behind.