He was never going to come back and there was nothing that would change that. The loss that Yuna felt when she’d lost Tidus the first time had nearly destroyed her. However, with time it came to pass that the pain was tolerable. There was a point in which she realized that she could live without him. It was Rikku and Paine who had found her where she’d been living a quaint, if not boring existence in Besaid.

Rikku’s insistence that she look at a mystery sphere had pulled her away from that life. The hunt for spheres was an enjoyable endeavor. Joining the Gullwings, Yuna knew, was a way to keep her mind off of things. It was ironic that the very thing that allowed Yuna to think of him less comprised of searching for clues that would allow them to be reunited.

Still, in the end her quest had been for naught. Vegnagun had been vanquished and Yuna was grateful for the experience she’d had. For once, she felt she had really come into her own. Yet, she couldn’t deny that she’d been crushed when Tidus hadn’t been returned to her. It was one thing to have lost him the first time. The possibility of getting him back had lifted her hopes too high. Though she’d told herself not to be too disappointed if his return didn’t come to pass, she’d been childishly optimistic. His failure to come back had broken her once more, despite her smiles that would lead others to believe that nothing was the matter. There was an abundance of memories from the time she’d spent with Y.R.P. but now, more than a year since they’d saved Spira again, she was once more alone. Memories were all there was to cling to.

These days she traveled alone. She followed her whims without much hesitation. There was so much to Spira that she’d never truly enjoyed. There had always been a mission that needed accomplishing or someone that needed saving, she never got to stop and observe everything leisurely. Sphere hunting didn’t keep her interest for long these days but Paine and Rikku still had fun with it. She’d left Y.R.P. and the others had accepted it, though they told her that she was always welcome to return. “I just might,” she’d said and after the hugs and the tears, the Celsius had been left behind and its crew along with it.

It was strange, traveling by herself. Yuna was used to guardians or to friends accompanying her on her voyages. At first it was difficult to get accustomed to it, but in time she came to enjoy meeting new people. They always had smiles and kind words to offer her. When she wasn’t chatting with the locals and fellow travelers she would retreat to her room in the inn and read a book.

There was no place that Yuna felt was too unbecoming or dreary to visit. The Moonflow still held a place in her heart but she tried not to go there too often. The memories seemed to take on a life of their own, then. It was nice to see Tobli and the Hypellos, but it often made her think of so many years ago and the things that Tidus had told her. She didn’t want to go there unless he could be by her side. It was fine when there was a mission, but without him, it felt too much like a broken promise.

So anywhere but the Moonflow. If she had to pass it, she would pass it quickly. A few weeks back Yuna had set her next destination as Guadosalam. She had considered the thought that she might run into LeBlanc and Nooj there and that it would be pleasant to see them. However it was not them that she stumbled into when she walked into the tavern that day.

Gippal sat at the bar, an elbow firmly planted on the counter as he ate various seeds that were provided in a small bowl in front of him. Yuna wondered why he was in Guadosalam of all places and for some moments she studied him. He appeared to be alone. His demeanor was relaxed and he drank a dark concoction lazily from a small glass. When her eyes met with his he raised the glass to her, a surprised smile tugging unto his full lips. “If it isn’t the ex-summoner.”

“Gippal,” she smiled and approached him. “What are you doing here?”

“I could say the same of you,” he appraised her for some moments before looking past her. “You here with the two troublemakers?”

Yuna laughed at his description of Rikku and Paine. She could imagine Paine making a face at hearing it and Rikku throwing a tantrum before deciding it was an accurate description. After debating for a moment, she took a seat on the stool next to him. “I’m by myself.”

“Isn’t that convenient? So am I.” He pushed the small bowl of seeds toward her. “They’re dry,” he said making a face. “But not too bad if you’re starving.”

Yuna took one politely and scrunched up her face slightly. They were dry and a little bitter, in her opinion. “Too bad I’m not starving.”

Gippal laughed at that, his fingers delving into the seeds once more, plucking a few up and dropping them into his mouth. “Maybe later, huh? You want a drink to wash the taste down?”

“Oh...I don’t know,” Yuna hoped her face wasn’t heating. It certainly felt that way. She decided to look straight ahead at the various bottles that lined the shelves behind the bartender and hoped that Gippal wouldn’t notice.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never had a drink before?” Gippal’s tone was astonished. “Hey, bartender,” he tapped on the top of the bar a few times to get his attention. “You’ve got a celebrity here,” he indicated Yuna with a careless hand. Yuna could make out a few faint scars lining it. “Fix her the best you’ve got!”

“That isn’t necessary,” Yuna said in a tiny voice, embarrassed.

“Nonsense,” Gippal waved it away and watched the hypello get to work. “Don’t worry, I’m not trying to get you drunk. But it’s a nice way to relax. Have you come far?”

“Not too far.” Her fingers circled around the various coloured drink that had been placed in front of her. The glass felt cold to the touch. “What about you, Gippal, what are you doing here?”

“Ah,” he made a dismissive motion. “Even I need a break from the machina faction sometimes.” Planting his chin in his palm he looked her over. “I’d understand why you’d need a break from the other two.” Yuna smiled at that and he continued. “So, Yuna, what are your plans for the night?”

“Well, I wanted to look around a bit and see how this place had changed since last I came here,” she started. “And then I thought I’d read.”

There was a momentary pause.

“Read?” Gippal threw his head back and laughed. Yuna frowned at him. “You’re telling me you came all the way to Guadosalam to bury that pretty little face of yours in a book?” He noted her blush and attributed her lack of speech to it. “Forget the book. You’re going to have my company tonight.”

“But-“

“No buts,” Gippal raised a finger. “Really, it’ll be fun.” Reaching over he covered her hand with his and watched as her ocean coloured eyes observed the gesture. Gently, he pried the drink from her hands and took a drink. “Holy Yevon!” He set it down and coughed a few times, feeling his eyes sting and his face flush red. “I think that’s a little too strong for you, sweetheart.” His attention turned to the bartender. “Hey bartender! You trying to kill her!? What’s the matter with you?” His arm was reaching out to grab the stunned bartender when he observed Yuna from the corner of his eye, take the concoction and down it before he could say otherwise. “What are you doing!?”

“I don’t need you babysitting me, thank you very much. I decide what I can and can’t drink.” She set the heavy glass down with a finality that impressed Gippal. For a moment she felt her head swim and she blinked rapidly before taking in a deep breath.

“You all right?”

“Perfectly.” She slipped from the stool and held on to the bar, pausing for a few moments, reflecting. “I’m going to take a nap.”

“Out like a baby?”

“I’m just tired,” she explained and met his gaze. She forced her lips east and west simultaneously. “Now if you’ll excuse me.”

He stood and took hold of her arm. His fingers, Yuna noted, were rough to the touch but gentle. “Steady.”

“I’m fine,” she said delicately and offered another smile.

“Okay.” His hand let go of her arm and he appraised her. “You’re at the inn, right? I’ll come get you tonight.”

“Sure,” she said fighting to walk straight. To her relief, she believed she succeeded.

Gippal looked after her, his eye twinkling with amusement.

--

Yuna awakened to the sound of a melodic rapping on the door. Rising groggily, feeling a slight pounding in her head, she went to the door and opened it. Gippal stood with his hands on the doorway, leaning in with a small grin on his face. “I didn’t wake sleeping beauty, did I?”

She blinked at him before smiling. “It’s all right.” Her senses awakened at the scent that he exuded. She didn’t know what it was but it was pleasant. Yuna wondered if he noticed because he leaned forward then, maneuvering so that her face was practically nestled in his neck.

“What do you think?” Gippal asked in a peppy manner. “I bought it from a merchant who guaranteed it’d drive the ladies crazy. Hopefully I didn’t get swindled. Feel your sanity slipping away yet?”

Yuna pulled away and looked at him cross for a moment before laughing. “No, but I think I’m starting to hear voices.”

“If they’re wicked, give in to them,” he nudged her a little before relinquishing his hold on the door and striding in past her. There weren’t too many belongings in the room, he noticed. “You travel light these days.” Moving to take a seat on the bed he looked up at her. “You know, I was worried about you earlier. What were you thinking downing that drink like that? Rikku’s been a bad influence.”

“She’d be happy to know that you use her name these days,” she remained by the door and reclined against the doorframe. “And Paine always did say she was a bad influence.”

Gippal smiled at the name. “They’re doing well these days?”

“Yes. How are Nooj and Baralai?”

“LeBlanc is still driving Nooj nuts, but I think he loves her more for it. And Baralai is busy being a praetor. I tried to get him to come out on this vacation with me but he wouldn’t hear of it.”

“Sounds like Baralai.” He always struck Yuna as determined and focused on working for the people, so it didn’t surprise her that he’d passed up the chance at relaxation to keep working.

“You bet.” Gippal jumped to his feet and looked at the bed as if he’d been burned. “There are some people who’d chain me up for sitting on your bed.”

“Well,” Yuna took a step toward him, “should that ever happen I’ll see what I can do to speak on your behalf.”

Gippal noticed the devilish smile that crept unto her lips. “You do have a sense of humor! Traveling on your own has done wonders for you.”

“I think it was more the sphere hunting, but I think traveling by myself had a part in it.”

“Excellent.” He briefly brought his hand to his chin and stood with his head bowed. Yuna could tell that he was contemplating and so she remained quiet. “How do you feel about dinner?”

“I am a little hungry,” Yuna admitted. Closer to starving, really. It felt as if something had clenched her stomach tightly. She had the sudden fear that her stomach would grumble and she’d be embarrassed.

“We’ll start off our date with dinner, then,” Gippal said and moved past her, taking a hold of her hand and leading her out of the bedroom.

Yuna tried to process the word ‘date’ at the same time as she fought the shiver that racked through her. She felt a little sick and she told herself it was the alcohol from before or the hunger. The fluttering sensation in her stomach was not from his contact. Her eyes drifted to their laced hands. It would be impolite, she reasoned, to pull her hand away.

--

The dinner had been a quiet affair. LeBlanc’s former getaway had been revamped into a restaurant and it struck Yuna as extraordinary. She remembered being in the same place years earlier and the trick Seymour had pulled on them. On this evening, however, she didn’t give it much thought. Gippal wouldn’t allow her to lose herself in times of old as he spoke animatedly about the faction as well as Spira and his plans for the future.

“What about you?” Gippal asked as he paused to butter some bread. “What are your plans for the future?”

“I don’t know yet,” she said, stopping momentarily to chew on the fine meal that had been provided. “I think I live one day at a time now.”

He nodded as he took a healthy bite out of his bread. Yuna was grateful that he never spoke with a full mouth, and wondered at why she’d thought a thing like that would matter much anyway. “That’s good. You need a chance to relax and have some fun. Living so long for Spira’s benefit. I’m surprised your hair didn’t go white like Baralai’s. It wasn’t always that way, I tell you!”

Yuna laughed. “Would you have taken me to dinner if it had?” A curious question and one she immediately began to ponder. Why had she asked it?

“Absolutely,” Gippal said without missing a beat. “Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to take you to dinner?” Yuna was at a loss for words. A red sprinkle began to colour her cheeks. Gippal picked up on it and continued. “And you’re still so modest after everything you’ve done.” He winked at her. “I like that in a woman.”

Yuna cleared her throat and resumed her meal. Gippal, thankfully, did not tease her after that.

--

Night had fallen by the time they left the restaurant, though it wasn’t immediately apparent to them. Gippal had suggested they walk over the Thunder Plains and have a quick look. Before they exited Guadosalam and entered the Thunder Plains they could hear the roar of the thunder hitting the metal towers.

Yuna thought to herself that she never, ever wanted to calibrate another tower again as long as she lived. Some moments later she decided to voice the small thought to Gippal and was rewarded with a laugh. She liked it about him that he could laugh so easily. “You’re always in good spirits,” she told him.

“Is there any reason not to be?”

“Sometimes it’s hard,” she confessed putting her thumbs through the loops of her shorts. It was raining lightly and she let the cool water wash over her face as she watched the zig zags of lightning bear down on the towers. “Sometimes you feel like crying but you have to smile.” She turned to look at him then, a sad smile pulling on her lips.

Gippal cocked his head slightly. “Why?”

“Because you wouldn’t know what to do with yourself otherwise.” She turned away from him and looked off into the distance. Further on ahead, so many years ago she had told her guardians that she had decided to marry Seymour. He had been shocked. “Besides, it makes it easier for others who don’t like seeing you upset.” Gippal was quiet and Yuna looked at him once more. “I’m sorry to have brought it up. I don’t know why I told you that, really. I do feel happy right now.” The sound of the falling rain was the only thing between them then. Yuna didn’t mind the lag in their conversation. She felt comfortable regardless.

“I’m glad you told me,” Gippal finally said, turning his head to look at her. His blonde strands fell over his forehead and hung limply in front of his eye. It struck Yuna as such an exquisite shade of green. She wondered what had happened to him that he’d lost an eye. She curled her fingers softly to keep her hand from reaching out to him.

“So am I,” Yuna said softly. Briefly she turned away from him before glancing back. Catching that he was looking at her, she once again shifted her focus away, keeping her sights ahead of her. “It’s a little chilly,” she felt droplets of water running down her face.

“Do you want to head back?” The rain seemed to mute his words.

“Do you want to?”

“I don’t mind either way.”

“Let’s stay a little longer, then.”

“All right.”

Yuna crossed her arms lightly across her chest and tried not to shake as the icy water sunk into her. It would make sense to simply leave and not risk a cold. When the wonderful fragrance from before surrounded her she didn’t know exactly what had happened. It took her a second to realize that Gippal had stepped behind her and circled his arms around her waist. Her eyes flicked down and caught how his hands rested lightly atop of hers.

“It is cold,” he breathed into her ear. Yuna could see wisps of smoke escape his mouth. “Is this okay...?”

She was surprised that he’d asked for permission. Already she felt warmer. She half closed her eyes and leaned back into him, turning her hands so that they twined with his. There was something about Gippal that felt reassuring. “Yes,” she said quietly. “This is fine.”