Chapter 3

Hey readers, sorry I didn’t update in a very very very long time. Also I would like to apologize in advanced for making you think that I would stop this story. I’ve promised myself that once I’ve posted up a story it WILL NOT be discontinued, even if it takes me forever to update, rest assured that I finish every story that I’ve posted up so please no worries.

The story takes place after FFX2, Yuna’s reunited with Tidus, but are not living together. Rikku, Paine, and the rest of the crew are still sphere hunters (Yuna quits btw). The ages are as followed:

Yuna – 20

Rikku –18

Paine – 19

Summary: After their glorious victory against Vegnagun, Rikku begins to daydream about the past, and comes across her true feelings for a certain brunette, but is uncertain on how to express herself.

“Speech”

‘Thoughts’

- - - Scene change

WARNING: If you still haven’t noticed this is a Yuna/Rikku fanfiction as in shoujo-ai, yuri, femslash, etc. You get my point. Turn back now if you can’t handle it, for those who can please enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Final Fantasy X-2, or any of its characters. All belongs to Square Enix.

Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes that I may have not noticed.

Yuna and Rikku have gotten closer again during the thief’s stay. Paine was glad to see the blonde slowly return to herself with each passing moment she spent with the ex-summoner.

Helping Lulu with breakfast, Paine voiced her worries to the older girl. Their stay was shortly coming to an end, and she couldn’t bear to see Rikku return to her pervious state. Lulu understood, for she too has thought ahead.

“I’ll think of something, for now just enjoy the rest of your vacation.”

- - -

Rikku sneaked out of the house early in the morning, when she stepped outside it was still dark. Breathing in the fresh clean ocean air, she slowly made her way to the beach, not worrying about any monsters that might make an appearance.

The blonde wanted to see the sun rise on her last day here. Still half asleep, and too concentrated on her thoughts, Rikku didn’t hear or even notice the brunette taking a seat next to her. A kiss on the cheek quickly brought her back. Green eyes turned to meet that of brown.

“Hey.”

“Morning.”

Lips brushed together slightly, before being pulled apart. Tanned hands clasped together with fingers entwined, a content smile appeared on both girls’ faces as they snuggled up with one another watching the first few rays of the sun begin to crawl over the deep ocean water.

Unbeknownst to the young couple, Yuna stood rooted on the spot by the beach’s entrance watching the display of affection between the two Al-Bheds. ‘So much for watching the sunrise with Rikku.’ The brunette frowned, wishing that Ichika was out of the picture so she could have Rikku to herself. The ex-summoner ignored the twig of jealousy she had, and simply left, walking slowly back to the village feeling sort of defeated somehow. ‘Maybe she’ll be free for the festival tonight?’ looking foreword to the day’s events later on, Yuna managed to smile.

- - -

The thief spent her entire day with her lover, seeing on how Ichika finished with her research yesterday she got the whole day off. Rikku was happy, as happy as a girl with a broken heart could be, sure Ichika wasn’t Yuna, but at least she was someone who returned her feelings of affection. ‘I’m sorry Ichika. I can’t give you all of my love.’ Sure, Rikku felt guilty about it, but she never expected for them to last this long, especially with the schedules they have.

“I want you to come with me.”

The order snapped the blonde right out of her deep thoughts. The couple were currently taking a nice long walk on the shore, bare feet getting wet occasionally by ocean waves. Rikku stopped walking, which caused a slight tug on their clasped hands. Ichika faced the emerald-eyed girl in front of her, her own brown eyes searching for an answer.

“Go where Ichi?”

The nickname didn’t go unnoticed. The brunette stepped into the blonde’s open chest, and slid her arms around the taller one’s neck. Rikku replied by closing her arms into a tight hug, holding the smaller girl as close as possible.

“Just you and me Rikku, just like old times.”

‘Like old times? Oh how I wish it always stayed like old times, with no bliztball goof to steal her away…how I wish.’

FlashBack

“You…You understand me!”

Smack. A crew member hit Tidus on the chest causing him to lose his breath. The two blondes stared at each other, one looking more surprised and the other slightly amused. It didn’t take long for the older of the two to scramble up into a standing position once the shock settled down. Tidus frowned not liking the hospitality shown on the ship. The young girl grinned at the boy’s frustration before going into detail. She basically told him that in order for him to remain on the ship he would have to make himself useful.

“Alright I’ll work.”

Rikku nodded and continued to explain that they’ve found ancient ruins that still had a bit of power left, so they plan on going down there and activating it. Tidus quickly dove into the water with Rikku following behind, shivering slightly at its cold temperature.

“Follow me.”

Together Rikku, Tidus and the crew dove farther down into the ocean’s dept, swimming through what looked like a sunken city, but none seemed interested at the city at all it was this tower up ahead that everyone had their sights glued on. After activating the power source and defeating a giant monster squid, search lights began to shed light upon the ocean’s dark water.

Climbing back onto the deck, Rikku brought Tidus food. They stayed out on the deck for a good while, mostly just talking about Tidus’ situation. After hearing his story Rikku filled him in on what’s happening in the world right now, giving him warnings to be careful when people ask about him. Telling him to not mention that his from Zanarkand, but that he’ll be fine in time because he got affected by Sin’s toxin. Tidus was still at a lost, everything that’s happened to him so far didn’t make any sense, but in the long run at least he had someone who was able to answer some of his questions.

The blond offered to bring Tidus back to Luca saying it’s the town famous for blitzball and that maybe someone there was recognize him or vice versa. Getting excited now Rikku went back into the control to try to get Tidus to Luca. Tidus was left to ponder his thoughts until a huge fin crashed into the ship. Crewmembers equipped with guns rushed out into the deck yelling Sin and some other orders that didn’t make sense to him. Once again the fin smashed into the ship causing Tidus to fall into a whirlpool. Rikku rushed to the railing feeling helpless as she watched Tidus being swallowed by the ocean water.

End FlashBack

A small smile spread across her face as the memory of her first encounter with Tidus faded away. If he hadn’t traveled through worlds we would have never met him, never crossed paths and Yuna…Yuna would be alone. Gripping Ichika tighter, Rikku bit her lip in agony, feeling that she was the most hated person in all of Spira for having such selfish thoughts.

“I’ll…I’ll think about it Ichi. For now let’s head back, it’s getting late.”

The brunette loosen herself from the embrace nodding at her lover’s suggestion, so off they went hand in hand, no words were needed to be spoken the silence was pleasurable to them both.

“I’m leaving tonight.”

- - -

The 18 year-old entered Lulu’s hut appearing a bit depressed, taking notice to Rikku’s state Lulu privately asked the blonde what was wrong. Shaking her head Rikku simply brushed the matter as not important, saying the feeling would be gone and not to worry about her. Sitting down at the table Lulu went ahead and called everyone down for supper, the atmosphere around the table was welcoming as they mostly talked about the festival taking place tonight.

At around eight in the evening the village was filled with laughter and wonderful music. All sorts of booths were put up throughout the day as shop owners prepared for a long night of excitement. As the hours flew the gang began to separate each going their own ways, finding booths that held an interest to them. Yuna on the other hand made sure to stay by Rikku’s side, she was determined to spend the festival with her cousin seeing on how this was their last night together.

The blond on the other hand was searching for another brunette, she couldn’t do this anymore to herself she had to end things tonight. ‘It’s better that I face reality then try to hide from it, I’ll only end up hurting myself even more.’ Catching the object of her desire in sight, the blond excused herself from her secret love and went after Ichika. Yuna stood in the middle of the crowd looking disappointed, for some odd reason she never felt more alone in her life than she did now. ‘What’s wrong with me?’

Approaching Ichika rather quickly she grasped the brunette’s arm and tugged her into a hug, kissing her temple softly. Whispering words of apology Rikku turned down the Al-Bhed’s offer of joining her, and of ending their relationship. Ichika sighed deeply, it hurt but in a way she knew it was coming, knew that deep down the blondes heart never truly belonged to her. Kissing the blond one last time, the brunette bid her good-bye and wished her luck in being with the one she really loved. Tears flowed from emerald eyes as she watched the back of a heart-broken girl walk away, vanishing into the crowd. ‘She knew all along, God I’m so sorry Ichika.’

Retreating back into the joyful crowd Rikku began to look for Yuna, wishing to apologize for her sudden disappearance. But, it turns out that finding the ex-summoner in this crowd would pose as a challenge. Shouting her love’s name didn’t seem to bring them any closer, her shout just seemed to merge with everyone else’s making it have no affect whatsoever. However the thief did succeed in finding the rest of gang except for the one she really wanted to see. At one point Paine agreed to help the poor thief out only to result in them losing each other while searching for said brunette.

Giving up the search Rikku decided to get away from the noise and the cheerful atmosphere, not wanting to tint the mood with her depression. Some how she always ends up somewhere with water, dragging her feet across the sand the blond came to a halt when she spotted a figure standing in the water, her back facing towards her. The thief smiled as she unconsciously walked to the lonely figure; making hardly any noise she wrapped her long tanned arms around the brunette’s waist pressing them close together.

“I’m so sorry.”

The words left her mouth easily, flowing gently into the brunette’s ear causing her to shiver slightly. Hands clasped together they patted back to shore and continued walking aimlessly on the moonlit beach. Occasionally they happen upon couples on the beach in their own little world not caring about anything else than the person beside them. While passing by random couples Rikku always managed to blush as thoughts of how her and Yuna with their hands entwine might be mistaken as a couple themselves. Heading back to the village, the girls arrived in time for the festivals dance ending ceremony.

“Yuna may I have this dance?”

The ex-sphere hunter blushed at Rikku’s proposal, but gladly accepted making the blond smile happily. ‘Rikku’s smile can cheer up any person.’ Laying one hand on her shoulder while the other entwined with her’s, they began to waltz with everyone else. The blond continued to smile while spinning them around when needed. She felt free and content, so many nights were spent dreaming of dancing with her beloved, and here right now she was leading her love in a beautiful dance.

Paine and Lulu watched from the sidelines as the two cousins twirled around the bonfire along with every other dancer. Paine was happy that her partner was able to have this one content moment before their departure in the morning. The warrior refused to think of Rikku’s state tomorrow when they left the island for good, she decided to paint herself a mental picture of the blondes grinning face, fearing she might not see this side of Rikku once again.

- - -

Quick silent feet made their way across the hut still holding five slumbering people, the sixth was up and about, and after last night’s festival the poor girl couldn’t sleep properly knowing that she would be leaving early the following morning. Out the front door she went her destination set clear in her mind, a place that brings her to another world, her world, where everything is dark and gloomy, every light and hope is drowned by her sorrow. Only the gentle rock of the waves can soothe this broken heart, but even it is unable to mend her shattered heart.

The cool water sends shivers down her spine, once floating on her delicate back, emerald eyes gaze up towards the dazzling sky, no cloud was in sight leaving the sun very exposed, beaming its hot rays down at her as if in a mocking matter. She raises her arm bringing the communication device to her soft pink lips.

“Brother, come pick us up now.”

“Alright…Rikku.”

Limp less, her arm dropped back to her side causing the water to splash. Rikku was clearly aware that someone was standing at shore watching her, having a pretty good idea that it was her partner Paine the blond decided to leave her sad state until their ship arrives. The warrior’s quick to comment on the blonde’s early raise, the thief shrugged her shoulders lazily not caring about her habits or her life in general. Paine sighed before telling her that Lulu was also awake and preparing breakfast for them before they leave. Rikku nodded saying that Brother would be here shortly. Together they headed back dumping their luggage near the entrance while they ate Lulu’s breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes and sausages. Rikku wasn’t much of a coffee person so orange juice sat well with her.

A few moments after, Brother contacted the two sphere hunters saying he arrived at the beach and is waiting for them. The pair said their good-byes to Lulu seeing as everyone else were still fast asleep. Lulu had suggested to go wake them up but Rikku quickly refused her offer telling her to let them sleep since they went to bed late last night.

“I’m sure Yuna would have liked to be present here.”

“It’s alright, it’s not like we’ll never see each other again Lulu.”

The thief looked away as she spoke, she has already set her mind to never come back here until her love for Yuna would disappear, and knowing that such a thing can’t happen as it is close to impossible for her she would just have to live life without seeing her beloved brunette ever again. Yes, it will hurt, it will be truly agonizing but she will try, she will try to let Yuna go even if it means to completely disappear off the face of the earth.

Lulu escorted the pair back to their ship; the hangar was already opened, waiting for their arrival. Just as Paine set foot on the platform a shout from across the sandy beach caught their attention, it was Wakka running towards them waving his arms like mad hoping to stop them from getting on the airship. Bent over and breathing heavily, Wakka managed to catch his breathe and hugged the girls tight, wishing them the best of luck along with an invitation of coming back here again. Rikku felt touched by Wakka’s offer, knowing that she would always have a home here.

Saying their good-bye’s once again, the sphere hunters crossed from soft white sand to hard grey metal. Lulu and Wakka watched the girls being lifted into the airship ‘til their bodies were out of sight. A strong gust of wind blew around the married couple as the ship began to lift itself into the air. Already heading back, Lulu and Wakka crossed paths with a running Yuna. Wakka turned around to go after her, but was stopped by his wife. The ex-blitzball player frowned, wanting to tell Yuna that they’ve already left.

The brunette ran across the beach she could still make out the red airship in the distance but it was too late, she didn’t have a chance to say good-bye. She stood there watching the Celsius until it vanished out of sight, still she continued to stand in that spot just hoping that maybe they’ll turn back. The tide was still low and something glimmered near the edge of the water, curious Yuna went to investigate, she discovered a yellow sphere along with it the words ‘I miss you’ written in the sand next to it, though the words quickly vanished as a wave crashed over them, making the message disappear.

Yuna stared at the spot where the message was written as if she could still see the words that were marked there. Sitting a few feet away from the salted-water, the brunette started watching the sphere a small smile making itself known as a past event continued to play before her watery eyes. There she sat the whole day, completely alone her cheeks marked by dry tears that were shed hours ago. By her side lay the yellow sphere, embedded in the soft sand as it glimmered in the warm sunlight.

- - -

Rikku sat quietly on her bed watching as the clouds sped by. The many white fluffy clouds started to turn into a dark grey, adding on to Rikku’s sorrowful feelings. The blond fell back on her bed now staring at the ceiling fan as its blades spun in a clock-wise motion. Footsteps could be heard making their way up the stairs; it was none other than Paine bringing news on how Yuna has contacted them through the CommSphere.

“Don’t you wanna say hi?”

“No thanks Paine, I’m feeling kinda tired, would you tell her good-bye for me?”

Crimson-eyes narrowed, the warrior resisted the urge to drag the blonde’s butt out of bed and back to the bridge, where a video communication showing the face of a certain brunette, was waiting anxiously for a reply from said thief. Still slightly frustrated with Rikku’s actions, Paine sighed deeply before heading back herself to tell the soon-to-be-disappointed ex-summoner that her so-called cousin and secret lover was feeling ill at the moment, but still sends her good-byes.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…I just…I just can’t handle it right now.”

The thief whispered to no one as she curled up in her bed and did something she hadn’t done in days, she cried herself to sleep, having dreams of sweet torture. The brunette never really left her mind alone.

‘Maybe one day I’ll be able to say good-bye.’

Thank you for the reviews, chapter will take a while but fear not it will be updated. Please review and look forward to the next installment.