this chapter will be alittle bit longer. Enjoy!

Beta Read by: Skymia

Chapter 10 - Bye Bye, Gippal

Last night, I saw a shooting star, and I immediately wished to see Gippal again. I don't care if I waste a perfectly good chance to wish for the bullying to stop. I admit that I have fallen for Gippal.

This is the second time I tried finding Gippal at the fire escape, and he wasn't there again. Instead, I seem to run into Tidus more than I do meeting Gippal. The handkerchief is getting wrinkly because I've been holding on to it too tightly. And no matter how long I waited, Gippal didn't come. Frustrated, I slammed my fist on the railings and yelled to the sky.

"I just want to see him again!"

Just then, I heard the door open behind me. At first, I thought it was a teacher about to tell me to leave, but when I turned around, it was Gippal. Suddenly, I couldn't move. There he was in the flesh after all this time, and yet I couldn't say a word.

"Ah, Rikku. I haven't seen you in a long time. Was that you yelling earlier?" He asked, kindly.

"O-oh! You heard me?" I said, shyly.

"A little." He said.

He was standing next to me, resting his elbows on the railing and looking down at a magazine in his hands. He wore the same purple and black jacket when I first met him on the fire escape. I hadn't realized until now how much it suited him.

"I think I heard you yelling you wanted to see someone. Who?" He asked.

I felt my heart skip a beat.

"Oh, it was nothing." I lied. "I was just yelling to release my frustration."

"Hmm," he mumbled. He continued to stare at a picture of Yunalesca. I squeezed the handkerchief one last time before I opened my mouth.

"She's leaving for Bevelle tomorrow." Gippal interrupted. I paused and quickly hid the handkerchief in my pocket.

"Oh," I nodded, trying to look shocked. "I didn't know...but I'm glad I met her. She is such a kind person. I wish I could thank her properly."

"Would you like to meet her?" Gippal suddenly asked. His one green, spiral eye stared at me.

"What? R-really?" I gasped.

"Sure. Yunalesca was quite fond of you. I think she'd like to meet you again." Gippal said, closing his magazine. "Was it Yunalesca you wanted to see? I think I remember you once told me you admire her."

"Oh, yes. I did!"

"Come on. I'll take you to her house."

The last time I was here was at the party. It was such a magical night, but for only a moment after Tidus ruined it. Now that I'm back, I can finally thank Yunalesca for her kindness. Gippal looked right at home, which I wasn't surprised but it did make me feel jealous.

Gippal knocked on her bedroom door and she opened it.

"Gippal...and Rikku! How nice to see you again." She smiled. She was flowing in an elegant dark purple dress. It wasn't formal, but I could only imagine what it must have cost. She's always flawless.

"It's nice to see you too," I nodded, bashfully.

"I'll be right back." Gippal brought up. "I should probably say my greetings to your aunt."

"Oh, thank you, Gippal." Yunalesca nodded, and he left.

Before I knew it, I was alone with Yunalesca again. Her room was just as I remembered, except there were tons of suitcases and clothes scattered everywhere.

"I want to thank you for what you did." I said. "You really saved me that one time."

"It's no problem at all." She smiled. "I simply despise the way those girls treated you. Wealthy people like them are people I hate the most. And if you ever need my help, you can call me."

She went back to her bed that was covered with her stuff. She started folding her clothes and gently stuffing them into her numerous suitcases.

"Gippal told me you were leaving. You've already started to pack?"

"Yes, I'll be leaving in a week." She said, sorting out her clothes and books. "I'm sending these ahead so I won't have to carry too much."

"I see," I mumbled.

I didn't want to bother her, so I waited for Gippal's return. I looked around her room until I came across a few pictures on a table. They were all pictures of young children. One of them had four boys and one girl smiling happily at the camera.

"That's me with F4." Yunalesca said. I gasped.

"Really? That's them?" I gawked at the picture. There were a few pictures of her and a younger Gippal.

"We've been together since we were young." She explained.

"I've never seen Gippal smile like this." I said, quietly. He looked so happy being with her in the picture. Even back then, he loved her. But now that she's leaving, will Gippal smile again? I just want him to be happy!

Without a second thought, I drop down to my knees and bowed my head down to Yunalesca.

"Rikku!"

"Please! Don't leave to Bevelle! For Gippal's sake!" I cried. "You mean so much to him. If you go, he might become a different person!"

I didn't know how long I've kept my head down. I wanted to hear her say yes and that she'll stay. Yunalesca placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and I lift my head up. She had a calm expression and smiled.

"I'm sorry, Rikku." She said. "That's a wish I cannot grant. I'm glad you feel strongly for Gippal. It gives me a peace of mind. But I have to go. This is a once in a lifetime chance. For me, if I don't take this opportunity, I'll never forgive myself.

"Please understand, Rikku." She said. "And take care of Gippal for me."

I swallowed a lump that was stuck in my throat. I slowly got up and immediately felt embarrassed for what I did.

"Thank you," I bowed one last time before I ran out the door.

As I exited out the main entrance, I heard someone behind me.

"What was that?" I whirled around and saw Gippal staring at me with annoyance. Suddenly, I was scared. His one eye glared down at me so coldly. I felt more terrified than I ever was when I was with Tidus.

"Gippal...I...I just-"

"Why did you have to say that?" He said. "Why did you have to bow down to her like that?

"I was just-"

"I didn't bring you here to say that." He said, a little louder. "Do you know how embarrassing that was...for me? Go home."

I've never seen him glare like that to me. I was on the verge of crying.

"Go home!" He shouted.

I didn't need to be told again and I ran away, the tears streaming down my face. What have I done? Gippal is mad at me. I didn't want this to happen. I just wanted him to be happy. This was worse than being pushed around in school. Worse than getting a red notice from Tidus. Worse than having my first kiss stolen.

A week passed, and I arrived at the airport. Yunalesca sent me a card that she wanted to see me one last time. I was grateful, but I was scared that I'd see Gippal again. I found the terminal she was going to depart from, and I saw a large crowd of admirers sending her off as well. I also saw Tidus, Nooj, and Baralai there too. I kept my distance since I didn't belong to such a fine and powerful group.

"Rikku!" Yunalesca waved. She walked towards me and pulled out a box. "I'm glad you came. I was worried I didn't send the card to the right address."

"I'm happy to see you once last time," I smiled, but then looking over her shoulder. "Is Gippal...here?"

"No," she laughed. "Don't mind him. He's just being childish."

I was still nervous at the chance of seeing him again.

"This is for you." She said, handing the box to me.

I opened it and inside were the white shoes I wore at the party.

"But-"

"I want you to have them." She smiled. "And I hope they'll lead you to some place wonderful."

I swallowed my tears and hugged the box.

"Thank you, Yunalesca. For being so kind to me."

I watched her walk away and waved goodbye to everyone. I didn't care if I was standing next to Tidus himself, I just waved my arm until she disappeared around the corner. She was gone; my fairy godmother was gone. The crowd walked away when she left, but I still stayed since I wanted to see the airship take off. Apparently, the other F4 members stayed too.

"What a nice scene." I heard a voice behind me. I turned around and there was Gippal, smiling and looking handsome.

"How long have you been there?" Baralai asked.

"I've been here for an hour." Gippal said, like it was no big deal. "I saw the whole thing."

How could he be so calm? Why didn't he say anything to Yunalesca when she was still here? Feeling a surge of frustration, I marched up to him and accusingly pointed at him. I didn't care if he yelled at me before.

"Why were you just standing there?" I yelled. "You idiot! You love her, don't you? Go after her before she's gone!"

Gippal laughed.

"But I am." He said. He pulled out a ticket for Bevelle. "I'm going to Bevelle too."

"Are you serious?" Nooj said. Tidus just stood there with his mouth slightly open.

"I've been thinking a lot." Gippal said. "And thanks to you Rikku, I really opened my eyes."

"Me?" I asked.

"I'm tired of waiting and hoping. That's what you were trying to say, right? And I've decided I can't give up just yet." Gippal patted my head. "I really like that about you. I don't have that kind of strength. But thank you."

He slowly leaned down and kissed me on my forehead. I felt my face heat up, and my heart was racing. I was still frozen when Gippal walked away and followed Yunalesca, but Tidus blocked his way.

"Are you really leaving?" Tidus asked. I watched from a distance, but I still heard Tidus' voice about to crack. "Why didn't you tell me, Gippal?"

Gippal looked surprised.

"Tidus, I-"

"We've always been together!" Tidus said louder and he shoved Gippal. Tears were building up in his eyes. "But now we have to be apart? And so sudden? You know when you're there, we won't be around!"

Gippal didn't say anything, as if he was too shocked seeing Tidus being so emotional. Nooj and Baralai were speechless too, and so was I. I've never seen Tidus like this before. He held onto Gippal's shoulder firmly.

"If anyone gives you shit, let me know right away, okay?" Tidus nodded. "The three of will fly right away, no questions asked!"

"Tidus," Gippal mumbled.

I watched the four friends have one last group hug before Gippal walked away. None of us said a word to each other. Tidus didn't even seem to acknowledge my presence. We waited outside to see the airship take off. Tidus was waving his arm frantically.

"Gippal!" He shouted at the airship. "Gippal, good luck! Take care! Gippal!"

I simply whispered quietly as I watched the airship disappeared into the sky.

"Bye bye, Gippal."

I don't know how long Tidus stayed there looking up at the sky, but I knew I had to leave them be. After all, F4 has been together all their life, and it was only fair to leave alone. I headed back for work where Yuna was waiting for me. I told her what happened and she kindly patted my shoulder. To my surprise, Yuna wasn't impressed with Gippal's kiss, but what I told her about Tidus' emotional farewell.

"It sounds like he's surprisingly nice." She nodded. I had to agree with her.

"My opinion has changed about him." I said. "I guess when it comes to friendship, he cares about it deeply."

"An unexpectedly good man." LeBlanc appeared out of no where. "I...once loved a man."

"Here we go," Yuna whispered.

"He was strong and fierce, but he had a kind heart." LeBlanc continued. "He was also known as a cold-blooded killer, with no one to understand. My Vincent Valentine."

"It can't be that Vincent, could it?" I whispered to Yuna.

"He was truly a lonely man. But I understood him." LeBlanc sighed over-dramatically. "Girls, always remember that a man who is lonely rarely shows his true face. Under that hard exterior, is a kind and gentle soul."

I still didn't believe LeBlanc meeting such a legend, but her words got to me. In a way, Tidus is someone with a hard surface. Now that I've seen his inner self, maybe I've been wrong about him all this time. Maybe, he wasn't a jerk entirely...

At Tidus' Mansion

Only a day had passed and Tidus already decided to write a letter to Gippal. He never realized how much he actually talked to Gippal until now. It was always natural to have Gippal next to him, along with Nooj and Baralai. Now that he was gone, even only for one day, Tidus missed him dearly.

"Dear, Gippal." Tidus wrote out loud. "How are you doing? Are you having a good time in Bevelle?"

He had never written anyone a letter, but Tidus still thought he was being so creative with his words. Then, his mind started to wander back when he saw Rikku at the airport...and when he saw Gippal kissed Rikku...

"Do you...like Rikku?"

"Who are you writing to?"

Tidus jumped.

"Lenne! What the hell! Don't barge into my room without me knowing!" Tidus yelled, but his sister quickly grabbed the letter and smirked.

"Isn't that sweet." Lenne said. "You wrote this wrong."

"What?" Tidus frowned, and stared down at his letter.

"Would you like some help writing?" Lenne asked.

"I can't let you do that. Then I wouldn't be able to convey my feelings to Gippal." Tidus pouted and snatched his letter back. Still, Lenne was chuckling at him.

"My my my. I've never seen this side of you, little brother." She said. "It's like the old saying."

"What old saying?"

" 'When you love you wish to do things for, you wish to sacrifice for, you wish to serve. ' "Lenne quoted.

"What does that mean?"

"It was from a famous book by Maester Mika. When you love someone, Tidus, you'll understand." Lenne smiled. Tidus sat back down, his thoughts on a certain blonde, poor, strong girl. "You need to understand that you can't buy love with money. Patience is virtue...you must love in order to be loved."

Suddenly, Tidus stood up so fast that his chair tipped over. Lenne looked up at him, startled. Tidus, however, was grinning ear to ear and see something far in the distance. A beautiful truth lit up before him!

"I get it," Tidus said, softly. "It's as if I've been struck by lightning."

"Oh?"

"I understand now!" Tidus walk up to his sister and gave her a quick hug. "You have a safe trip back to Zanarkand, Sis. When you come back, I'll be a new person! You just wait!"

And he walked out the door with high spirits.

The next day at school

Why am I still the target during lunchtime? And why do I always return to the cafeteria when I knew this was going to happen. Yet again, everyone was looking at me and laughing behind my back for some unknown reason. The three mean girls looked down at me while I tried to eat my lunch.

"Now with Gippal, Yunalesca, Shelinda, and Lenne gone, no one will be there to be on your poor pathetic side." Pink Ears laughing at me.

"With no one to protect you, it's time you know your place." Green Ears knocked over my juice. I just stared at my spilled drink.

"Just leave already!" Blue Ears yelled. "You're an eyesore to this school."

"It's Tidus!" Someone shouted. Sure enough, here comes the all-mighty himself.

"Tidus!" The three girls squealed. "Don't bother with this riffraff. Would you like to eat with us?"

He rudely shoved one of the girls down without remorse.

"Shut up, ugly!" He sneered at her. But the girl looked more than happy to be touched by him.

Then, he glared at me. I immediately stood up in defense as he slammed his hands on my table. The entire cafeteria was watching and the tension was killing. What is he going to do next? Those girls were right. Now that I'm all alone in school, how will I put up with him and his wrath?

"What do you want?" I asked.

But then, he mumbled to himself.

"Patience...is a virtue."

I was about to say 'what,' but then he randomly walked around me and the table. I frowned in total confusion, but he kept a straight face with his blue eyes glaring at me.

"Sunday. Luca Garden Place. At one o'clock." He said bluntly. And as quickly as he came, he left. Everyone, including me, was completely shocked with our mouths hanging open.

But Pink Ears screeched.

"Did...did Tidus just speak to Rikku?"

"It sounded like...a date." Blue Ears commented.

I felt the goosebumps run up my arms.

"What?" Everyone in the cafeteria yelled.

I left my lunch and ran after Tidus. Surely, they have been mistaken. There was no way he...there's no explanation he would...that's just not possible! I round a corner just in time to see Tidus walking away.

"Hey!" I shouted down the hall. He turned around. "What...what was that?"

At first, I thought he looked embarrassed. He was fiddling with his chain belt until he finally yelled back at me.

"You don't know? Stupid." Tidus said, and clicked his tongue in annoyance. "It's...Maester Maika."

"Maester...Mai...ka?" I tilted my head. But he laughed at me too.

"Read the book. The book." And he walked away.

This can't be happening. My sworn enemy, the very person who is causing me all this misery... asked me out on a date? Unbelievable!

the quote, lenne mentioned, is actually from A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. so i just took that and made maester mika the author. just to give it a final fantasy element. so if you seen the drama, were Tidus (domyouji) said 'hemingyay!' i tried to make it the same by writing 'maester...m-ai-ka."