Ahhh! Sorry for the late update o.o… I've had a ton of projects to do lately and finals to study for . Just a warning… a lot of swears and so… yeah.

Chapter 7: The Balcony Scene

"Oui'na y naymmo pyt meyn." ("You're a really bad liar.") I said. The slow dance was over.

"It doesn't matter anyways, not like I would tell you anything either! I'm going to go talk to Yunie and get my stuff from the hypello." She began walking away. I grabbed her arm.

"Hey wait, the slow dance is over but the party isn't. What happened to party animal Rikku?" She sighed and just left without a word. Strange. Maybe I should leave her alone for just a bit.

For now, I think I should get some good Dr. P advice.

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"Hey you!"

"The name is Paine." She gave me a cold glare.

"Whoa okay Dr. P, I just wanted some advice."

She chuckled softly.

"Is that so? You want advice from me? This is about Rikku isn't it...?" I scratched my head and nodded.

"Why don't you start by telling her you love her?"

"Easier said than done Dr. P! …You know she's hard to get to."

Paine just rolled her eyes and gave me an odd stare.

"You're kidding right? You've had quite a history of being a player, who knows how many girls you've slept with... and yet you won't even let one guy get near Rikku. I really wouldn't say that she is the hard one to get to."

"What can I say? I'm a ladies man. Besides, I wouldn't get so far as to saying I slept with any of my ex's."

Paine rolled her eyes again.

"If you're sooo confident why don't you just tell Rikku everything?"

I was about to say something until Paine interrupted again.

"Wait wait, I know what you're going to say. 'Rikku is different, I can't risk losing anything.' Am I right?"

Ugh Dr. P wasn't helping!

"Paine! She's so damn hot she could get any guy!" …It's true but it wasn't like I wanted her just because of that. Me and Rikku go waaaay back.

"Not with you following her around everywhere and beating every guy who flirts with her or vice versa to pulp. You know, you're making a really big fuss about telling Rikku how you feel, and normally you seem to just go right ahead with other girls."

She paused.

"Hah. I get it. You're afraid! You really do love her a lot... you just wouldn't know what to do with yourself if the feeling isn't mutual!"

I stared at Paine blankly. Why the fuck is she giving me this attitude? I just didn't want Rikku to think about me differently that's all...

"I don't think so." I ended our conversation and walked away, hoping to find Rikku.

Then again, maybe Paine was right. I guess if she didn't feel the same way I wouldn't have much to live for. I have the Machine Faction though, they need me. However, the world wouldn't be interesting if I didn't have Rikku. She makes me smile; being with her makes me happy. I'm generally in a good mood, but Rikku puts my life in suspense... it's hard to explain my feelings. I don't think I've ever talked about them anyways... maybe that's why it's so hard for me to confront Rikku about this. I've asked girls out--- actually most of them have asked me but I want something more with Rikku than just some dating relationship like what we had before when we were younger; before she left to join Yuna on her pilgrimage.

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I finally found Rikku out on the balcony. She had changed back to her default/thief dress sphere. She still had her hair down though; it was gently blowing in the wind along with her scarf. She seemed to be in deep thought.

"Hey... what's Cid's girl doing up here?"

"Just thinking about things... I should really get going now and get my stuff into the airship. Don't want to keep Yunie waiting you know..."

Shit. I had better think of something... and FAST.

"Why are you leaving anyways? You'll just be extra trouble for Yuna and everyone else anyways..."

"Shut up Gippal!!!"

"No really, don't you ever think of anybody other than yourself sometimes? Yuna and Tidus are about to get married soon, I would think they'd like some time alone. Have you not considered that?"

"I... um... well... I guess I'll just spend some time babysitting Vidina then. ...Or maybe try and hook Paine up with Baralai!"

"You just don't get it do you?! Lulu and Wakka can take care of their own kid and they haven't even asked you to baby sit. I mean why would they ask someone like you to baby sit their kid, being such a role model you are--- immature and wearing those skimpy clothes. You should stop butting into other people's business. Oh that includes that Paine and Baralai. I don't think Paine or Baralai would enjoy you bugging them and trying to get them into a relationship that won't happen."

Rikku looked at me in disbelief.

"I… I can't believe you just said those things to me! I just wanted to spend some time with Yunie and my friends! I... I.. miss them you know but.... I guess you're right. They have their own lives to deal with. I know that you care about your friends--- Baralai and Paine too... I can understand if you or anybody else doesn't want me around! You know, maybe I shouldn't go anyways! I'd be just thinking of myself and I guess more help is needed at the Machine Faction!"

She turned away from me and burst into tears and started running back inside where the party was just over.

Damnit!!! I didn't mean to say those things!! Shit shit shit!! I just couldn't think of an excuse at the moment to make her stay so I panicked and that was the result... Crap. I don't know, a million thoughts are going through my head right now and I don't know what I'm going to do next. Things have just gotten worst.

"Rikku!! I..." I wanted to say something but she had already run out. I went after her back outside the Moonflow.

"Rikku! What's wrong?" I heard Yuna say to Rikku.

"Nothing, nevermind Yunie... I can't go back to Besaid with you and interrupt what you and Tidus are in the middle of."

"Wha--wha-t? Ri...kku!" Yuna shouted, being confused at the same time but Rikku had already run off.

She had probably gone back to the Machine Faction, so I decided to head in that direction hoping to find her and explain myself.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

The irony! You didn't think Gippal was going to tell Rikku everything yet did you…? I mean only after six chapters?!? Nooo the story must continue! I've had at all planned out already… since chapter 4!

Oh and you still don't get to know why Rikku was upset in the first place from this chapter. Don't worry you will soon though… erm when I finish my schoolwork ;;

K, R&R as usual! XD;