Love Through Jealousy
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter One: It Begins
Every step took her closer to the Farplane, and she didn't like it. Yuna could tell; Yuna knew everything. Rikku looked over at the summoner, her intense green eyes glazed over with unease. Her hands felt clammy, and her stomach squirmed a little as she examined the ancient steps and the mysterious Farplane that lay on top.
After the first few steps, Rikku swallowed, and her usual smile seemed a little wobbly, more strained than holding true happiness.
"Yunie...?" she began in a small voice. Tidus stopped, as did the rest of the party, and Rikku's green and blue eyed cousin turned to look at her as well, concern etched through her entire face.
That was what Rikku loved about her. Always so gentle to others, even though she was the one in most danger. Even though she had her own problems with their previous encounter with Seymour. Even though she was eventually going to... The Al Bhed shook her head furiously. No... don't think about that.
The blond opened her mouth again, but found no words to say. She didn't want to seem like a coward, since some of the others already seemed to have a problem with her... especially him. Why did he treat her as if she was nothing? She was a human too, with feelings and... well, she couldn't really think of anything else right now. The Farplane was making her nervous.
To her great surprise, he suddenly sat down on the steps in an almost elegant fashion, his dark eyes hidden behind the usual glasses and high red collar. He almost sighed as he dropped his fierce sword, and leaned back, scratching at the base of his neck. Uncomfortable. Rikku bit her lip to keep herself from smiling. That had always been Auron's way of saying that one, he was uncertain of himself; two, that he was uncomfortable; or three, that he was annoyed and everyone needed to shut up right there and then.
And though he attempted to remain as silent and mysterious as he could to the rest of the party, Rikku always knew what he was feeling. She had mapped out every feature of his face a long time ago. She was even starting to become his stalker, and she added a smirk to that idea.
Yuna blinked in surprise. "Sir Auron?" she asked, in her soft voice. Her fierce guardian looked up at her and then replied, "I'll stay here."
Rikku frowned. There was something else in the man's usually low voice... something she had never heard before. Pain? The thought seemed impossible.
Tidus rubbed the back of his head. "Not chickening out, are we, old man?" Auron grunted, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
Lulu silently stared at her companion with her crimson colored eyes, partially hidden under her ebony colored hair. Something seemed to flicker between the two of them, and the black mage sighed silently and uncrossed her arms. Wordlessly, the woman continued up the stairs, her shoes clicking hollowly on every step. Her loyal Onion Knight followed her.
Yuna smiled, seeming slightly reassured by Lulu's decision, and then bowed her head slightly. "Very well. We'll come back soon." She turned around as if to leave. Rikku blinked as the others continued towards the Farplane and sprang into action at the last moment, twiddling her hands and hopping from side to side on her feet.
"Yunie?" she asked again, resting a hand lightly on her cousin's shoulder. "I think I'll stay here too." The bouncy blond squirmed a bit as Yuna looked back at her, smiling. The summoner nodded her agreement, and Rikku promptly dropped herself down on the dirt besides Auron.
The chance she had been waiting for. Some private time with him.
She wasn't surprised, but was a bit hurt, when Auron raised a scarred eyebrow at her and turned his head away slightly.
Fine. Be a grumpy old man. She could cope with that.
When the moments passed and the others had already disappeared into the Farplane, Rikku groaned in boredom and disappointment, hoping to catch Auron's attention. All she wanted was a response, even something critical, just something to indicate that Auron knew she was there. She was received with nothing.
Closing her green eyes, Rikku breathed out her irritation, and replaced it with her usual bubbly smile. She could have had a slightly easier life, easier love life to be specific. Any of the cute Al Bhed guys at home would have been fine. But no... she just had to fall for the grumpiest man on the entire mass of Spira.
She hated her luck.
But when she looked at him, she was secretly glad at her choice. He was so dark and so... she couldn't describe it. Maybe she was fawning, she didn't know. But she couldn't take her eyes off of his face, hoping that she could somehow penetrate through his dark lenses and peer into his eyes. Eye, she corrected herself, gazing at the scar.
He suddenly turned towards her, and Rikku felt her breath catch in her throat. "Rikku..." His voice was so low and inviting... she couldn't help but stare intently at his face.
"Yes?" she whispered breathlessly. It was the first time he had addressed her directly.
He examined her for a moment longer before turning away again. "Stop looking at me."
The Al Bhed blinked in surprise, her dream shattering like glass. Then she immediately pouted. "What? That's all?"
He raised his eyebrow again. "What did you expect me to say?"
"I dunno. Something maybe a bit more..." She stopped, and then sighed and bounced up, stretching her arms. "Mr. Grouch," she muttered, fingering her Godhand, before she started conversing to herself in Al Bhed.
Auron eyed the girl and scratched his neck again. His message was clear.
Shut up. Now.
Rikku placed her hands on her hips before walking in front of the secretive guardian. "Stop bossing me around, Auron! And you could be a little nicer too. It doesn't hurt to smile, ya know." She grinned, bending down and tapping lightly at the high collar that hid the lower half of his face and lips. "I bet 'cha are right now. You're a softie underneath it all. Just don't wanna show it."
He scoffed, turning his eyes to focus on the Farplane, not on the playful green orbs just inches away from his face. Rikku raised her eyebrow and whacked his head with her goggles.
"You're acting just like my dad." She sat down next to him again, twirling her goggles around a slim finger. "Always playing the role of Superman. You can relax a bit, ya know? It's not like someone's gonna attack us right now." She indicated at the empty area below and above them, completely devoid of people and animals.
Auron merely blinked, but Rikku could have sworn that the corners of his stern mouth had twitched, just visible above his collar. He was surprised when the young Al Bhed rested her head lightly on his shoulder, cushioning it with her disordered ponytail. She untied one of her braids and redid it, her body facing the Farplane.
"I'm scared of it, you know?" she whispered suddenly, and Auron shifted uncomfortably, gazing straight ahead. He didn't need her to tell him what "it" was. He was scared of it too, though he hated to admit it. It was something no one could avoid, not even him.
It was strange, that for once, Rikku didn't seem her usual annoyingly cheerful self. She almost seemed... serious.
"I don't know why. Maybe it's just how it looks. But... I just can't go there. It's just..." she trailed off, closing her eyes. "My dad used to laugh at me. Thought it was a stupid idea. It is, actually, now that I think about it. It's not like the dead can hurt me." She suddenly giggled. "They're just grouchy old men. Maybe after I die, I can teach them to laugh a little, huh?" She tilted her head, looking up at Auron. They're like you, she mused silently.
The silence stretched on.
She didn't like silence.
People needed to talk more often.
The blond jumped up again, her smile plastered onto her face, and bobbed unconsciously on the balls of her feet. "This is boring!" she blurted, and her eyes glinted. "Come on! Let's go back! Maybe do something fun!" She nodded her head back to the narrow passageway they had come through. "Yunie'll understand."
Auron remained still. "I have no intention of going anywhere." He leaned back and closed his eyes. "I told Yuna I'd wait here."
Rikku pouted, crossing her arms. Once again he was the serious, cold guardian. And once again she was being treated like trash. She'd take it quietly for now, but she'd get back at Auron. Maybe even sneak him a kiss or two, just to see his reaction. Just to make him show that he really did care, even if he didn't know it yet.
Now she was confusing herself.
Ah well, she thought, and she dropped herself onto her stomach gloomily. I can get used to this.
After several minutes, already bored out of her mind (Auron's slow breathing didn't help), she began sketching figures into the ground with her toes.
+++
As his brother's image slowly faded in front of him, the blitzball player lapsed into silence, running a hand through his flaming red spiked hair. Chappu, you idiot! Why did you have to leave me here...? I always told you that machina wasn't the way to fight...
He rubbed his forearms, trying to rid the cold that came with the Farplane. Probably because of all the spirits it held.
Wakka swallowed, his eyes drifting back to the area where his brother had previously been. Not only me... You've hurt others with your parting too...
He turned around from the dangerous drop. There was Yuna, always cheerful and happy, now silent and with Tidus behind her, a hand on her small shoulder. So much for not getting any ideas.
The silent Kimahri was standing near the entrance of the Farplane, his arms crossed and looking wary. With a soft swish, his tail flicked out behind him, in time with his slow and steady breathing.
Finally, Wakka turned to the distant side of the plane. There she was, exactly where she said she'd be, with her back facing him. Wasn't she cold? He examined her pale shoulders. Maybe she was used to it by now.
Chappu... Don't you care about her?
He stepped towards her, slowly as not to scare her. Which was probably good for both of them since she would most likely blast him away with Firaga if he caught her off guard. It wasn't an easy thing to accomplish, but it could happen, and he didn't want to become the equivalence of a burning pillar of fire.
Wakka stopped just a few inches away, and then said cautiously and a bit clumsily, "Lulu?"
The black mage didn't move, her delicate braids spread across her bare shoulders and just brushing her back. The woman lowered her head, and the fur on her black dress shifted slightly. "Yes, Wakka?"
He loved the sound of her voice. It always succeeded in luring him, seducing him, even though he knew that its owner had no intent of doing that. He was a fool, he knew, falling for the one woman that his brother had loved. That shouldn't have happened. It was never planned. But... he just couldn't help it.
And it was obvious she wouldn't love him back. Not in the same way. She was so beautiful and elegant, and he... he was so clumsy and believed himself to be unattractive to look at.
Get a grip on yourself Wakka, he snapped, scolding himself.
"Did you see him again?" Lulu asked quietly, turning around. The belts woven into each other on the lower part of her dress seemed to click together, and her Onion Knight was perched in her arms. It seemed to go with her everywhere. Wakka couldn't remember the last time she had gone somewhere without her doll by her side.
He nodded, rubbing his head sheepishly. "It's been awhile, ya? It was kinda weird to see him again."
Lulu nodded quietly, her eyes on him but not really seeing. They were always like that - two pieces of crimson ice, hardened by years of service and loss. Her eyes never seemed to focus on anyone anymore. He felt almost invisible under her gaze that was so distant and full of pain and longing. All because of you, Chappu.
He wanted, just for once, for Lulu to actually see him, to actually let him tell her everything and give the same back to him.
Wakka mentally scoffed. Yeah right. Keep dreaming, ya.
He jumped when he felt an icy hand on his elbow. Looking down, he was startled to see Lulu next to him, her eyes hidden under her dark hair.
"You're almost blue, Wakka." Her voice held no feeling. "You should head back."
He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms in mock indignity. "Me? Worry about yourself first, ya?" He placed his hand over hers, trying his best to warm it but not succeeding. She stared up at him again with the same distant look before starting to walk away. "Ice is something easy to get used to."
Wakka watched her leave in silence, his dark eyes hooded. He missed the familiar comfort of his blitzball at his side. Without it, he felt strange, vulnerable. He was getting way too used to the whole fighting thing.
"Wakka."
He jumped out of his thoughts to find that Lulu had stopped. She looked over her shoulder at his dazed expression and sighed, trying not to smile. "I think Yuna is ready."
The blitzball player quickly caught up with the mage, and the two of them followed the others and stepped out of the Farplane.
It was so warm on this side. Wakka could already feel his limbs again. It felt as if his very bones were thawing. The five of them walked down the stone steps towards a rather bored Rikku and a sleeping Auron.
Or, at least he looked like he was sleeping, for when Yuna stepped up next to him, the guardian immediately opened his eyes and sat up.
Rikku yawned and jumped to her feet, hugging Yuna almost a second later. "Yunie!" she exclaimed, her voice clouded with sleep. "How was it? Have you thought about Seymour? Are you okay? Can we leave now?"
Auron got up in a slightly slower fashion, adjusting his glasses and dusting off his clothes. That finished, he looked up at Yuna with a stern gaze. "Well?"
The young summoner hesitated, and Tidus placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at her with concerned, azure eyes. She tightened her grip around her staff and smiled. Her entire face seemed to light up, even thought inside, she felt leaden. She was about to make the biggest mistake in her life, and she knew it. But if it was good for Spira, she'd do it willingly.
"Everyone," she whispered. "I've decided."
**********
A/N: This is just something random I thought of while playing Final Fantasy X. I'm not sure if it's a good idea yet. It might have already been written before, but if so, then sorry! This is just my version! Please review! Constructive criticism is welcome! And I promise, the next chapter will be a lot more interesting (probably with the whole Wakka and Rikku work together thing). But anyway, once again, please leave me a review and tell me what you think! Thanks!
--Natsue Arishima
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter One: It Begins
Every step took her closer to the Farplane, and she didn't like it. Yuna could tell; Yuna knew everything. Rikku looked over at the summoner, her intense green eyes glazed over with unease. Her hands felt clammy, and her stomach squirmed a little as she examined the ancient steps and the mysterious Farplane that lay on top.
After the first few steps, Rikku swallowed, and her usual smile seemed a little wobbly, more strained than holding true happiness.
"Yunie...?" she began in a small voice. Tidus stopped, as did the rest of the party, and Rikku's green and blue eyed cousin turned to look at her as well, concern etched through her entire face.
That was what Rikku loved about her. Always so gentle to others, even though she was the one in most danger. Even though she had her own problems with their previous encounter with Seymour. Even though she was eventually going to... The Al Bhed shook her head furiously. No... don't think about that.
The blond opened her mouth again, but found no words to say. She didn't want to seem like a coward, since some of the others already seemed to have a problem with her... especially him. Why did he treat her as if she was nothing? She was a human too, with feelings and... well, she couldn't really think of anything else right now. The Farplane was making her nervous.
To her great surprise, he suddenly sat down on the steps in an almost elegant fashion, his dark eyes hidden behind the usual glasses and high red collar. He almost sighed as he dropped his fierce sword, and leaned back, scratching at the base of his neck. Uncomfortable. Rikku bit her lip to keep herself from smiling. That had always been Auron's way of saying that one, he was uncertain of himself; two, that he was uncomfortable; or three, that he was annoyed and everyone needed to shut up right there and then.
And though he attempted to remain as silent and mysterious as he could to the rest of the party, Rikku always knew what he was feeling. She had mapped out every feature of his face a long time ago. She was even starting to become his stalker, and she added a smirk to that idea.
Yuna blinked in surprise. "Sir Auron?" she asked, in her soft voice. Her fierce guardian looked up at her and then replied, "I'll stay here."
Rikku frowned. There was something else in the man's usually low voice... something she had never heard before. Pain? The thought seemed impossible.
Tidus rubbed the back of his head. "Not chickening out, are we, old man?" Auron grunted, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
Lulu silently stared at her companion with her crimson colored eyes, partially hidden under her ebony colored hair. Something seemed to flicker between the two of them, and the black mage sighed silently and uncrossed her arms. Wordlessly, the woman continued up the stairs, her shoes clicking hollowly on every step. Her loyal Onion Knight followed her.
Yuna smiled, seeming slightly reassured by Lulu's decision, and then bowed her head slightly. "Very well. We'll come back soon." She turned around as if to leave. Rikku blinked as the others continued towards the Farplane and sprang into action at the last moment, twiddling her hands and hopping from side to side on her feet.
"Yunie?" she asked again, resting a hand lightly on her cousin's shoulder. "I think I'll stay here too." The bouncy blond squirmed a bit as Yuna looked back at her, smiling. The summoner nodded her agreement, and Rikku promptly dropped herself down on the dirt besides Auron.
The chance she had been waiting for. Some private time with him.
She wasn't surprised, but was a bit hurt, when Auron raised a scarred eyebrow at her and turned his head away slightly.
Fine. Be a grumpy old man. She could cope with that.
When the moments passed and the others had already disappeared into the Farplane, Rikku groaned in boredom and disappointment, hoping to catch Auron's attention. All she wanted was a response, even something critical, just something to indicate that Auron knew she was there. She was received with nothing.
Closing her green eyes, Rikku breathed out her irritation, and replaced it with her usual bubbly smile. She could have had a slightly easier life, easier love life to be specific. Any of the cute Al Bhed guys at home would have been fine. But no... she just had to fall for the grumpiest man on the entire mass of Spira.
She hated her luck.
But when she looked at him, she was secretly glad at her choice. He was so dark and so... she couldn't describe it. Maybe she was fawning, she didn't know. But she couldn't take her eyes off of his face, hoping that she could somehow penetrate through his dark lenses and peer into his eyes. Eye, she corrected herself, gazing at the scar.
He suddenly turned towards her, and Rikku felt her breath catch in her throat. "Rikku..." His voice was so low and inviting... she couldn't help but stare intently at his face.
"Yes?" she whispered breathlessly. It was the first time he had addressed her directly.
He examined her for a moment longer before turning away again. "Stop looking at me."
The Al Bhed blinked in surprise, her dream shattering like glass. Then she immediately pouted. "What? That's all?"
He raised his eyebrow again. "What did you expect me to say?"
"I dunno. Something maybe a bit more..." She stopped, and then sighed and bounced up, stretching her arms. "Mr. Grouch," she muttered, fingering her Godhand, before she started conversing to herself in Al Bhed.
Auron eyed the girl and scratched his neck again. His message was clear.
Shut up. Now.
Rikku placed her hands on her hips before walking in front of the secretive guardian. "Stop bossing me around, Auron! And you could be a little nicer too. It doesn't hurt to smile, ya know." She grinned, bending down and tapping lightly at the high collar that hid the lower half of his face and lips. "I bet 'cha are right now. You're a softie underneath it all. Just don't wanna show it."
He scoffed, turning his eyes to focus on the Farplane, not on the playful green orbs just inches away from his face. Rikku raised her eyebrow and whacked his head with her goggles.
"You're acting just like my dad." She sat down next to him again, twirling her goggles around a slim finger. "Always playing the role of Superman. You can relax a bit, ya know? It's not like someone's gonna attack us right now." She indicated at the empty area below and above them, completely devoid of people and animals.
Auron merely blinked, but Rikku could have sworn that the corners of his stern mouth had twitched, just visible above his collar. He was surprised when the young Al Bhed rested her head lightly on his shoulder, cushioning it with her disordered ponytail. She untied one of her braids and redid it, her body facing the Farplane.
"I'm scared of it, you know?" she whispered suddenly, and Auron shifted uncomfortably, gazing straight ahead. He didn't need her to tell him what "it" was. He was scared of it too, though he hated to admit it. It was something no one could avoid, not even him.
It was strange, that for once, Rikku didn't seem her usual annoyingly cheerful self. She almost seemed... serious.
"I don't know why. Maybe it's just how it looks. But... I just can't go there. It's just..." she trailed off, closing her eyes. "My dad used to laugh at me. Thought it was a stupid idea. It is, actually, now that I think about it. It's not like the dead can hurt me." She suddenly giggled. "They're just grouchy old men. Maybe after I die, I can teach them to laugh a little, huh?" She tilted her head, looking up at Auron. They're like you, she mused silently.
The silence stretched on.
She didn't like silence.
People needed to talk more often.
The blond jumped up again, her smile plastered onto her face, and bobbed unconsciously on the balls of her feet. "This is boring!" she blurted, and her eyes glinted. "Come on! Let's go back! Maybe do something fun!" She nodded her head back to the narrow passageway they had come through. "Yunie'll understand."
Auron remained still. "I have no intention of going anywhere." He leaned back and closed his eyes. "I told Yuna I'd wait here."
Rikku pouted, crossing her arms. Once again he was the serious, cold guardian. And once again she was being treated like trash. She'd take it quietly for now, but she'd get back at Auron. Maybe even sneak him a kiss or two, just to see his reaction. Just to make him show that he really did care, even if he didn't know it yet.
Now she was confusing herself.
Ah well, she thought, and she dropped herself onto her stomach gloomily. I can get used to this.
After several minutes, already bored out of her mind (Auron's slow breathing didn't help), she began sketching figures into the ground with her toes.
+++
As his brother's image slowly faded in front of him, the blitzball player lapsed into silence, running a hand through his flaming red spiked hair. Chappu, you idiot! Why did you have to leave me here...? I always told you that machina wasn't the way to fight...
He rubbed his forearms, trying to rid the cold that came with the Farplane. Probably because of all the spirits it held.
Wakka swallowed, his eyes drifting back to the area where his brother had previously been. Not only me... You've hurt others with your parting too...
He turned around from the dangerous drop. There was Yuna, always cheerful and happy, now silent and with Tidus behind her, a hand on her small shoulder. So much for not getting any ideas.
The silent Kimahri was standing near the entrance of the Farplane, his arms crossed and looking wary. With a soft swish, his tail flicked out behind him, in time with his slow and steady breathing.
Finally, Wakka turned to the distant side of the plane. There she was, exactly where she said she'd be, with her back facing him. Wasn't she cold? He examined her pale shoulders. Maybe she was used to it by now.
Chappu... Don't you care about her?
He stepped towards her, slowly as not to scare her. Which was probably good for both of them since she would most likely blast him away with Firaga if he caught her off guard. It wasn't an easy thing to accomplish, but it could happen, and he didn't want to become the equivalence of a burning pillar of fire.
Wakka stopped just a few inches away, and then said cautiously and a bit clumsily, "Lulu?"
The black mage didn't move, her delicate braids spread across her bare shoulders and just brushing her back. The woman lowered her head, and the fur on her black dress shifted slightly. "Yes, Wakka?"
He loved the sound of her voice. It always succeeded in luring him, seducing him, even though he knew that its owner had no intent of doing that. He was a fool, he knew, falling for the one woman that his brother had loved. That shouldn't have happened. It was never planned. But... he just couldn't help it.
And it was obvious she wouldn't love him back. Not in the same way. She was so beautiful and elegant, and he... he was so clumsy and believed himself to be unattractive to look at.
Get a grip on yourself Wakka, he snapped, scolding himself.
"Did you see him again?" Lulu asked quietly, turning around. The belts woven into each other on the lower part of her dress seemed to click together, and her Onion Knight was perched in her arms. It seemed to go with her everywhere. Wakka couldn't remember the last time she had gone somewhere without her doll by her side.
He nodded, rubbing his head sheepishly. "It's been awhile, ya? It was kinda weird to see him again."
Lulu nodded quietly, her eyes on him but not really seeing. They were always like that - two pieces of crimson ice, hardened by years of service and loss. Her eyes never seemed to focus on anyone anymore. He felt almost invisible under her gaze that was so distant and full of pain and longing. All because of you, Chappu.
He wanted, just for once, for Lulu to actually see him, to actually let him tell her everything and give the same back to him.
Wakka mentally scoffed. Yeah right. Keep dreaming, ya.
He jumped when he felt an icy hand on his elbow. Looking down, he was startled to see Lulu next to him, her eyes hidden under her dark hair.
"You're almost blue, Wakka." Her voice held no feeling. "You should head back."
He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms in mock indignity. "Me? Worry about yourself first, ya?" He placed his hand over hers, trying his best to warm it but not succeeding. She stared up at him again with the same distant look before starting to walk away. "Ice is something easy to get used to."
Wakka watched her leave in silence, his dark eyes hooded. He missed the familiar comfort of his blitzball at his side. Without it, he felt strange, vulnerable. He was getting way too used to the whole fighting thing.
"Wakka."
He jumped out of his thoughts to find that Lulu had stopped. She looked over her shoulder at his dazed expression and sighed, trying not to smile. "I think Yuna is ready."
The blitzball player quickly caught up with the mage, and the two of them followed the others and stepped out of the Farplane.
It was so warm on this side. Wakka could already feel his limbs again. It felt as if his very bones were thawing. The five of them walked down the stone steps towards a rather bored Rikku and a sleeping Auron.
Or, at least he looked like he was sleeping, for when Yuna stepped up next to him, the guardian immediately opened his eyes and sat up.
Rikku yawned and jumped to her feet, hugging Yuna almost a second later. "Yunie!" she exclaimed, her voice clouded with sleep. "How was it? Have you thought about Seymour? Are you okay? Can we leave now?"
Auron got up in a slightly slower fashion, adjusting his glasses and dusting off his clothes. That finished, he looked up at Yuna with a stern gaze. "Well?"
The young summoner hesitated, and Tidus placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at her with concerned, azure eyes. She tightened her grip around her staff and smiled. Her entire face seemed to light up, even thought inside, she felt leaden. She was about to make the biggest mistake in her life, and she knew it. But if it was good for Spira, she'd do it willingly.
"Everyone," she whispered. "I've decided."
**********
A/N: This is just something random I thought of while playing Final Fantasy X. I'm not sure if it's a good idea yet. It might have already been written before, but if so, then sorry! This is just my version! Please review! Constructive criticism is welcome! And I promise, the next chapter will be a lot more interesting (probably with the whole Wakka and Rikku work together thing). But anyway, once again, please leave me a review and tell me what you think! Thanks!
--Natsue Arishima