All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire.

-Aristotle

The morning came quickly for the Gullwings. Rikku held onto such hope that she'd finally be able to meet Paine's parents. She felt strongly that Gippal would've seen them there or at least knew where they went. "He hides it well, but that man is a busy body if I ever saw one," the thief laughed as they stood on the deck.

Paine smiled wearily, "I hope you're right." She looked out across the land below them and sighed. I truly hope you're right.

A show of sympathy for her girlfriend, covered Rikku's features. Paine felt a small pang in her heart at the sadness shown. She held her arm out to the blonde and whispered, "come here."

Rikku entered the embrace and held Paine tightly. She crushed her face into the warrior's chest and radiated in the warmth given off. The warrior rested her chin on Rikku's hair and closed her eyes. A high-pitched muffle came from below her. "Geez Paine, you've become a mush ball."

Crimson eyes popped open and soon Rikku found herself pushed away. The sound of heels clacking on metal became softer as the distance was increased. "Whoa-wai-wait! I never said it was a bad thing!"

"Hey, Cid's girl and her bodyguard. To what do I owe this pleasure to?"

Gippal flashed a charming smile and raised an eyebrow. Pulling out the sphere, Paine held it to him, "have you seen the people on this sphere?"

"All business I see," he responded, taking the sphere. "Let's go take a look. Wyccyz li." (Follow me.)

The trio stepped inside Gippal's hut outside the temple and he placed the sphere in the player. The screen jumped and began playing. Paine watched the Faction leader for any sign of recognition. The screen cut off and Gippal scratched the back of his head. "Nope. Haven't seen them."

"You're lying."

An exasperated sigh escaped his lips and he shook his head. "Your mother? Right? With similarities like that you'd have to be kin."

"Where is she," the warrior questioned, slight agitation lining her voice.

"She's here in Djose."

"Where. Is. She," Paine said through gritted teeth.

Gippal held up his hands, "before I tell you…you have to know, she isn't how you remember her."

Paine balled her fists and puffed up. "You mean she's been here for a while and you didn't tell me?"

"Hey, I thought she just looked like you. I had no proof of her being your mother. But, she's infected with Sin's toxin. Has been for years."

Rikku interjected, "but she made that sphere. She seemed okie doke there!"

"She was. She and her husband would go on travels everywhere and they ran into Sin again. This was little over three years ago. They made their way back here, but the toxin started affecting their mental state. I'm sorry."

"I don't need your sympathy. Where is she?"

"Past the bridge, down the dirt path to the right, the green hut under the alcove. "

Immediately, Paine exited the hut and began running in that direction. Rikku grabbed the sphere and followed suit. Gippal was left alone and wondering of how bad the reunion would be on his ex-squad mate.

Paine stood outside the small hut, breathing heavily. "Rikku, I'm going in alone."

"Okay. Here."

The younger girl placed the sphere into the warrior's gloved hand. She gave her a sympathetic smile and stepped back. Paine wrapped her fingers around the glowing orb and exhaled shakily. She stepped forward to the blanket posing as a door. It was pinned open so Paine wearily walked inside. "Hello?"

A woman in her 40s stepped out from behind a screen. Her silver hair fixed in a messy bun and her garnet eyes dulled by the past years. Paine stopped breathing. Her eyes burned and she swallowed hard. With a tilt of her head, the woman spoke, "yes? May I help you?"

Paine saw how her eyes constantly jolted back and forth and the slight twitch of her right hand. "It's me, your daughter."

The older woman's eyebrows furrowed and shook her head. "Who are you? How do you know of my daughter? My daughter died 10 years ago in a swimming accident!"

Paine's eyes widened and she thought back to when she was eight. True, she had almost drowned when the undertow pulled her out when she was playing. She had swallowed so much water, the doctor didn't know if she would make it. "No. I didn't die that day. Think hard."

Obviously the toxins had affected more than just a couple motor skills in Paine's mother. She had forgotten the past ten years and only remembered up to that traumatic event in Paine's life. "Here."

Holding out the sphere, Paine's mother just looked at it. "Watch it."

Showing signs of severe discomfort, the woman tentatively took the sphere. "I'll be outside."

Paine stepped back through the doorway and made her way to Rikku, her verdant eyes looking up expectantly. "She doesn't remember the past ten years. She's watching the sphere now."

"Paine…did the toxin only affect her memory?"

"No. She has muscle spasms and her eyes jump repeatedly. Though it could be worse."

Inside the hut, Paine's mother played the sphere the woman asked her to. Seeing her husband again brought tears to her eyes and she gasped in disbelief. She held a hand to her face and shut her eyes while shaking her head. She and her husband had convinced themselves that they lost their daughter that fateful morning a decade ago. Unknown to him, she held onto flashbacks of times after that day, never knowing if they were real or the toxin playing tricks on her. Shakily, she stood and walked to the doorway.

Paine quickly tore her attention from Rikku and was soon at her mother's side. The warrior wore a dubious expression as she tried her best to stay collected. The older woman smiled and pulled her daughter into a strong embrace. Rikku jumped in excitement as mother and daughter, who each thought the other was dead, were reunited.

"Mom," Paine whispered. "I've missed you."

The afternoon and evening were spent talking about memories, or rather the lack thereof. Paine shared her life; both with them and after Sin destroyed their home. Her mother told only of what she could remember and about Paine's father.

"He passed away a few months ago. His memory was almost nonexistent and neurologically, he lasted longer than the doctors expected."

Paine lowered her head and figured that one parent alive was too good to be true. Having two would've been impossible. "Doctor said he was exposed to beyond the lethal amount, yet somehow he pushed through that long."

Sounds like dad. Always fighting. He died around the same time my dreams started up… "Where did you find this sphere?"

"It was inside the cave Tarja and I used to play in when we were little."

Rubbing her temple, the older woman shook her head with an exasperated sigh. "Damn, I wish I could remember!"

"It's okay Vexa, it's amazing you've remembered as much as you have, being that close to Sin," Rikku assuaged.

"I suppose. Still, it's aggravating."

Rikku gave a small smile. I can only imagine.

Paine stood up and went to kneel in front of her mom. "It's been a long day. I'll come back tomorrow."

Vexa smiled with such warmth. She too fell to her knees and hugged her little girl. Tears she held in for so many years came pouring out. Her heart swelled and a lump formed in her throat. "You've grown up so much."

"I know. I'll see you tomorrow, mom."

Paine stood and helped lift her mother up. Her mom kissed her on the cheek and hugged her once more before leading the duo out the door. The fighter glanced back once more and mouthed "bye."

"G'night Ms. V! Get some sleep!"

"Yes Rikku, I will!"

Rikku and Paine walked down the road under the night sky. The moon shone brightly over them and the stars just as brilliant. The blonde grabbed Paine's hand and pulled her towards her. "You okay?"

With a slight nod, Paine spoke softly, "I didn't want to leave."

"For a good reason! But we'll be back first thing tomorrow!"

Paine smiled an uncharacteristically wide grin and nodded once more. Rikku's smile waivered and her expression changed to troubled, "that's creepy. Stop it."

"You stop it."

"I didn't do anything!"

"You did everything."

"No I didn't!"

"I beg to differ."

The Al Bhed was completely confused but soon realized what was going on. Yup, she's in a good mood.

With her trademark grin, she called to the Celsius for a pick up.

Brother answered Rikku's call and said he'd be there in a moment. He looked over to Buddy who commented, "cra caasc rybbo. Sicd'ja fahd famm." (She seems happy. Must've went well.)

"Sicd ryja." (Must have.)

The two smiled and Brother put the airship in gear to pick up his sister and Paine.

Once they boarded the airship, Rikku stayed behind and told Brother, Shinra, and Buddy about the reunion. Paine headed to the cabin and laid down on her bed. Alone in the dim room, she closed her eyes and replayed the day in her mind. Though she wished her father were still alive, and her mother could remember more, she was more than grateful to have Vexa alive and functioning well for being exposed to the toxin. She was even grateful that Sin was still rather weak when it came into their lives. A smile formed on her lips as she felt a weight be lifted.

The sound of boots made their way closer and closer to Paine until they stopped beside her bed. She felt a warm body straddle her hips as she opened her eyes. Rikku sat there and smiled affectionately, her head tilted. The warrior's eyes danced over the tanned face of the girl she felt so strongly for. Lifting her body up and propping her weight on one hand, she pulled Rikku closer with the other, connecting in a warm kiss. She pulled gently on the blonde's scarf and the two slowly fell back onto the bed. Paine whispered into Rikku's ear as she nipped at it playfully, "thank you for coming with me today."

Rikku responded with a searing kiss and laid her body on top of Paine's, her thigh resting between the warrior's legs. Having removed the orange scarf, warm lips brushed the soft hollow behind the thief's ear. The heavy breathing so close to her, caused Rikku's heartbeat to increase and her own breathing to become shallow. Gloved hands ran over a smooth, tan back and covered every inch of skin the blonde publically showed.

Paine gently flipped Rikku over on her back and traced her fingertips from her collarbone down to the waistband of her skirt. The warrior's hand rested on a sculpted hip, her thumb stroking the sensitive V line of her partner.

Unconsciously, Rikku bucked her hips toward Paine and her eyes became dark. She took the warrior's hand and brought it up to her breast, applying firm pressure. As she gently kneaded the woman before her, Paine could feel the hardened nipple under the yellow bikini top. She dipped her head and caught a pair of rose-colored lips with her own. Slowly, she kissed down Rikku's jaw and smooth neckline. Every now and then, tasting the Al Bhed with her tongue.

Rikku's head was swimming. With so many sensations at once, she felt as if her body was going to explode. A soft moan escaped her lips as Paine kissed down to the valley between her breasts. Her chest heaved and the heat between her legs grew in anticipation. The older woman slid her hand underneath the bikini top and she felt an intake of breath from the girl under her. She pushed the top up, exposing a hardened nipple. With finesse, she took the supple nub into her mouth.

Hands wrapped themselves around Paine's silver hair as she sucked lightly. Licking the tip, she pulled the nub gently with her teeth. A drawn out moan left the Al Bhed's mouth, causing Paine's temperature to rise. Rikku pulled Paine up to her and crushed her mouth with fevered pressure. She undid the clasp holding the leather shawl in place and threw it to the floor. Moving to the thin straps across Paine's taut stomach, she unbuckled and removed them. Rikku tore off the warrior's gloves, and then removed her own. Along with her sleeve guards and pouches around her waist.

Paine removed her boots and threw Rikku's off to the floor as well. The thief pulled her partner back down. Holding her body as close to hers as she could, the sensation of warm skin against her own sent tingles throughout Rikku's body. She trailed her nails across Paine's back, the warrior drawing in a sharp breath. With a feral grin, the younger woman winked as she slid the red suspenders off milky white shoulders.

Switching positions, Rikku climbed on top of Paine, straddling her once again. Reaching behind her neck, she began to untie her bikini string. Paine smiled as she reached around her and did the same to the twine behind her back. In seconds, the yellow top joined the pile of shed belongings on the floor. Crimson eyes ran over the tanned skin of perfection before her. Paine slid her hands up the statuesque body, leaving in their wake, a heated trail. Throwing back her head, Rikku exhaled in pleasure. Feeling Paine's hands on her sent shivers up and down her spine. Every touch just made her want more and more.

Paine swallowed hard, trying to keep herself under control. Being this close to Rikku made her hands shake and her heart beat abnormally fast. The desire in her built up rapidly and she knew she'd soon be past the point of no return, if she wasn't already there. Nimble hands wrapped around her leather top and proceeded to lift it off, exposing the warrior's torso fully. Before the shirt hit the ground, a warm mouth closed down over an erect nipple.

A jagged breath filled the room. Rikku zealously licked and sucked at the pink tip, her left hand gently pinching and rubbing its twin. She switched between the two, allowing each the same amount of attention. Slowly, she began a trail of hot kisses down Paine's stomach. Once reaching the leather waistline, swirled eyes glanced up, silently asking how far she was allowed to go. The look bestowed upon her was anything in the world but a no. Blissfully, she nuzzled the soft skin, and with every inch she pulled the leather down, a kiss took its place.

Soon, Paine laid completely vulnerable and exposed to Rikku. The blonde's heart swelled. She climbed back up and gave her lover a deep kiss. Unlike the carnal kisses earlier, this one relayed knowing, acceptance, and love. Pulling back, the Al Bhed gave a tender smile. A warm hand snaked its way into her hair and brought her back. She soon found herself lying on a soft blanket, and the silver haired beauty was above her once again.

The two kissed passionately and Paine's hand made its way to the olive skirt worn by the blonde. Sliding beneath the waistband and under the bikini, her hand made contact with the thief's heated center. Rikku inhaled through clenched teeth as her core tingled in response to the touch. Sliding her fingers over the wet folds, Paine suckled on the pair of breasts before her. Biding her time with each one. After a few moments, Rikku began bucking her hips against Paine's palm.

Removing her hand, the warrior threw a leg over her and proceeded to remove the skirt and soaked bikini bottoms. Paine ran her hands up Rikku's thighs and continued up to her abdomen and breasts, trailing her nails across taut skin as she went back down. Gently pushing apart the blonde's knees, Paine settled in comfortably. She kissed the soft skin of inner thigh and around the heated core. Everywhere, but exactly where Rikku wanted her. A small "please" escaped the Al Bhed. That was all the warrior needed as she dove down to the drenched crux that lay in front of her.

"Ah," Rikku breathed, "uhmmmmm."

Rikku tugged at Paine's hair in delight. Her hips undulated into the bed as her body tingled with answered desire. Paine rolled the blonde's swollen clit around with her tongue, occasionally applying mild suction. Rikku held onto her lover's hands and rubbed them over her body. Slowly she pulled two fingers into her warm mouth and sucked them dreamily. Paine withdrew her hand and inserted her fingers into Rikku's moist center. A sensual sigh fell from her lips as the warrior slowly began to pump her hand in a rhythmic motion, pushing her fingers upward.

It didn't take long for the Al Bhed's breathing to become shallow and her body start to writhe. She bucked into Paine as her tongue and fingers worked together in salacious harmony. A fire ignited in the thief's body and the flames rolled across her entire being in waves of scorching bliss. The deep guttural moan that accompanied the spasms sent Paine into a prurient frenzy. She increased her hand's rhythm and pressure and flicked her tongue with dauntlessness. Rikku's body felt as if it was going to rupture. She gripped the sheets as her back arched higher. The muscles in her abdomen tightened beyond any feasible means and she held her breath as Paine carried her over her breaking point once again. Intense contractions tore through Rikku's being like wolves through a herd of sheep. She cried out in immense euphoria and rode the wave of spasms until she thought she'd pass out.

Breathing heavy, the Al Bhed's head was buzzing as she swore she saw stars. A thin veil of perspiration cloaked her entire body. Paine nonchalantly wiped her mouth and crawled up beside the spent girl. Rikku managed to gather enough strength to turn her head and face the warrior. Paine looked at the glare being cast her way, "what?"

Feigning anger, Rikku yelled, "where the heck did you come from?!"

A smile graced the dark woman's features and she shook her head. Rikku rolled over and kissed the now salty neck of the woman she loved. "What are you doing?"

The thief grinned and held a beastly look in her eye. "Nadinhehk dra vyjun." (Returning the favor.)

With that said, Rikku's lips met Paine's in a renewed passion.

Meanwhile, downstairs at the bar, the Hypello stood there with a rag in his large hand, flushed purple and forever scarred.

A.N. Sweet baby Yoshi it has been years. I'd ask for forgiveness but even I prolly wouldn't give it for that long of a wait. Either way, thanks for reading this. Also, I usually stray away from love scenes because I'm awkward at writing em but I figured I could give it a shot since this update is WAY overdue. Please review and lemme know what I can do to work on my writing. Thanks muchly for reading!