This story will revolve around Rikku and Gippal, told from Rikku's POV. There's some fluff, a little humor, bits of action, and a plot to arrive soon enough. Other characters will make appearances, but this is mainly a GxR fic.

Disclaimer: I own the game, but Final Fantasy X-2 is owned by Square-Enix.

Timeline: A few months after the end of FFX-2.

Chapter I

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Lightning blistered the sky above me. A second later, drops of rain dripped onto my skin. My fingers trembled as they clutched the bloodstained daggers I considered my weapons. A soft wind rustled my blonde braids, brushing them in front of my anguished face.

Why is this happening?

He was standing there, eyeing me with a flurry of emotions.

The sky overhead had become concealed behind the dark gray mass of thunderclouds, casting shadows through the nighttime sky. I didn't realize where we were. Besaid? Bevelle? No, it wasn't a town; it was more like a cliff. Crashing waves deafened with loud sounds to the side, which reminded me of the Mushroom Rock road.

Gippal stood adjacent from me, his right hand clutching a single dagger. But his wasn't stained with any blood at all, unlike my twin daggers.

Dagger-shaped wounds littered his body, mostly small, shallow cuts on his arms. His shirt was torn in different places, soaked with blood around the gashes. Despite all the injuries, he was still standing.

Another bolt of lightning caressed across the gloomy sky, but I didn't flinch an inch. The rain started to pick up, coming down on us like damp sheets. My hair clung to my face wetly, but the blood from Gippal's wounds started to blend in his shirt with the rain.

Why is this happening? Did I hurt Gippal? I mean, I've seriously wanted to hurt him, but definitely not to this extent! What's wrong with me?!

Gippal mouthed something to me, but the echo of the rain drowned it out. Then my body lurched forward, beyond my control, launching right at him. I tried to scream in shock, tried to resist, but my teeth were gritted furiously. Gippal tried to evade my assault, yet he did not try to counter it at all. Was that why I was the on unharmed? Why would he not try to fight me?

Against my will, my arm shot out and swept the tip of my dagger across Gippal's cheek, leaving a lengthy slash in its wake. Blood started to ooze out of the injury, and trickle onto the front of his sopping shirt, slicked with rain and sweat. Why couldn't I stop myself from attacking from him?

My foot shot up unexpectedly, once again with out of my control, slapping Gippal in the chest and sending him onto his back that caused a great splash in the mud as he hit the grimy ground. His one eye stared at me with those same emotions of incredulity, irritation, and misery. The other emotions I could not decipher; feelings I was uncertain that he felt.

I moved towards him, my daggers pointing down for a quick attack, but Gippal didn't even seem like he was going to defend himself against me. Maybe he was trying to psyche me out. But I couldn't even psyche my own body out of harming Gippal and stop this uncontrollable rage! I would never attack someone like this, would I?"

An eerie glow lighted up the sky, brighter than any magic attack I'd ever witnessed. I could feel the colossal gathering of electricity overhead, knowing that it would explode soon in the form of a plasma bolt accompanied by a deafening thunderclap.

My expectations were blown out big time, as loudest sounds I'd ever heard echoed everywhere around me, while a searing gathering of plasma descended my way like a fatale arrow about to pierce its target.

The daggers dropped from my hands as I dropped to my knees in an instant, falling right onto Gippal with an ear splitting scream of fright.

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Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

My eyes shot open and my upper body jerked upwards and off my bed, my blonde locks catching on my sweaty face.

It had only been a dream.

I breathed a deep and long sigh, fanning myself with both of my hands.

"That was a super weird dream," I told myself quickly, trying to reach a state of calmness.

But suddenly I found my legs churning in a speedy motion, carrying me right out of my room.

Was Gippal okay? Of course, get a grip, Rikku, it was only a dream. You wouldn't fight Gippal in reality like that.

I bit my lip nervously, and slowly pushed open the door to Gippal's quarters.

Thankfully, he was sleeping like a baby. I sighed loudly, but then instantly clamped my hands over my mouth in fear of waking him. Gippal stirred a bit, mumbling incoherently, but then drifted back off to a peaceful slumber.

My hands started to tremble again as I moved closer to Gippal, but I willed them to stop. Why should I be nervous? It's just Gippal here, and he's just fine and dandy.

Stopping at his bedside, my gaze scanned over Gippal's sleeping, and now slightly snoring, form. It was near the winter season, yet here he was lying in bed shirtless and without any thick covers to keep him warm. The ends of the covers stopped just above his waist, leaving most of his torso bare and exposed. A nice tan stood out, showing how much he was outside in the sun. His muscular and well-toned upper body showed how hard he worked with his machina.

Suddenly I found my finger sliding down the soft skin over his arm, tracing over his biceps and triceps.

Rikku, get a hold of yourself; this is Gippal you're feeling! If he found you like this, it would totally fuel his egotistical attitude. I knew I'd never live it down, while everyone who he would tell would be saying, "Cid's little girl has the hots for the Machine Faction leader".

Lost in my thoughts, I hardly noticed Gippal's strong arm snaking around my back. I almost squealed, at least jumped little, once I finally noticed what he was doing. His eyes were still closed, and he was still sleeping softly. Feeling really comfortable, I brought my hand back to slap Gippal on the arm. But as he stated to mumble, I caught myself before I'd made contact.

"Hey here, I gotta tell you something." Gippal muttered, his lips hardly moving at all.

I had no idea how he knew it was me, but a devious smile graced my lips as a plan popped into my mind. I wasn't proud of it, but this would be the perfect way to find out what's going on in Gippal's head, more important, his dreams.

"What Gippal, what do you want to tell me?" I asked in a soft whisper while holding back a large snicker. This was going to be so muchfun!

"Guess how many girls I've taken showers with?" He continued slowly, leaving me to stick out my tongue in a mad, disgusted manner. I should have known better, Gippal is such a player! Now it seemed like it wouldn't be any fun at all.

"How many girls have you had showers with, Gippal?" My voice lacked obvious interest now, but I decided to still humor the sleeping man. A smug smirk lit up on Gippal's face, leading me to roll my eyes casually.

"None, I've been saving that moment for the two of us."

What?!

My mouth dropped open, as I gawked with a look of wild horror. Of all the insulting, degrading things...I really wanted to give him a good slap now, even if he was sleeping and pretty much defenseless. My hand rose for a strike, coming down with swift precision and power. This would teach him a lesson about sleep talking to me like that.

Then Gippal jerked me forward with a hug, causing me to topple onto his bed. Now I seriously wondered if he was sleeping. I clamped my mouth shut though, to avoid shrieking out of surprise. Not trying to struggle, I waited calmly as Gippal dragged me until me cheek was resting on his bare chest. The warmth of Gippal's body washed over me, even if it was slight contact, and it actually felt like I was standing right next to a weak Fire spell, but in a good way. But with his strong arms nestled around me, I couldn't help but feel so safe that I actually started to drift off into sleep. I nudged my head against one of Gippal's broad shoulders, until a peaceful slumber overcame me.

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"Wow, Rikku, I didn't expect to wake up with you in my arms?"

What, who's in my soft, cozy bed? That voice, it sounded exactly like Gippal's but he wouldn't dare come in my bed.

"Hey Cid's girl, you awake?" The same voice asked me in a humorous and calm tone. Something was sliding under the back of my shirt, and oddly, messing with my bra strap.

"GIPPAL, you perverted, obnoxious feely loser!!!"

With a slight smirk, Gippal removed his arm from beneath the back of my shirt.

"Ha, I knew that you would wake up for that, Cid's girl."

I didn't even remark about his annoying pet name, instead, I brought my hand into a sideways strike, aiming for his cheek. Gippal easily ducked under it, laughing as he did, and I started to lose my balance, tinkering on the edge of his bed.

"Careful Rikku!" Gippal suddenly blurted with a noticeable touch of concern, but it was too late. I plunged over the side and fell onto the floor in an awkward sprawl, my hair falling over in front of my face.

This is so embarrassing.

"Rikku, are you alright?"

Wow, Gippal actually worried, and for me? I flipped my hair back quickly, and spun around to face him while rubbing the area between my back and butt.

"Thanks a lot for saving me, Gippal!" I spat at him, my voice sweet with sarcasm, and I jumped up to give him a good shove in the chest. The push was a little off, as Gippal caught me by the wrists and pulled me onto his chest.

"I told you to be careful," he whispered in a soft, smooth voice blonde locks fell upon his tanned, bare chest while I caught myself staring into his swirling eyes in a confused daze. Was Gippal, the arrogant jerk I knew inside and out hitting on me like I was one of his girls? I was not about to let this wacky scene play out like a soap opera, no siree!

"Get off me Gippal!" I demanded hotly, my voice a little weaker than I'd intended.

"Um, you're the one on me," replied Gippal, a touch too smug for my liking. I could feel myself ready to blow up in his face, but I gave myself an infuriated sigh and pushed myself off his chest. Then I quickly turned around towards the door, Gippal's concerned voice trailing me.

"Rikku, why did you come into my room, into my bed?"

I sensed genuine concern n his voice, but I still froze, inches from the doorway. What could I tell him, that I'd bee kicking his ass uncontrollably in my nightmare? Unlikely, he might take it as a joke and treat it lightly. But it wasn't funny, not the least bit, because I'd actually been threatening Gippal's life. Just the thoughts of frightening dream sent chills down my spine, making me miss the dreams of silly Moogles, fluffy Chocobos, and playful Cactuars. They were certainly better than trying to pierce Gippal with my daggers in a thunderstorm. My mind was made up; I wasn't going to tell Gippal, or anyone else for that matter, about my awful nightmare.

"None of your business!" I finally answered, dismissing Gippal's concern.

"Like I'd buy that excuse. I know you like me, Cid's girl." He replied with a saucy smile, shattering any worry he seemed to have about me. To add an effect, he rolled onto his side and flexed a muscle, which I responded to by slamming his door as hard as I could, causing the walls to shudder somewhat.

Just as I finished showing my anger, I tore down the hall in a wild frenzy, al most slipping on my bare feet. I didn't care, all I wanted to do was hide in my room and escape everything. Escape...something I always needed. Back when I was worrying about Yuna and her pilgrimage, all I could do was try to drown out the fear. I had known her trip was supposed to end sacrificially, so it always helped to imagine what the Calm would be like. Good thoughts always pulled me through, and so would talking to others. Tidus helped me the most, always the one willing to hear me out. Now I didn't really have anyone. At least when I'd felt worried as a sphere hunter with the Gullwings, Yuna and Paine were always there. Yuna's deep concern for my well being, and Paine's stern motivation. Now, I was alone, all of them were far away. Gippal was there, but I hadn't forged a strong enough relationship because I hadn't exactly shared a perilous adventure with him. There had been the time during the final battle with VegnaGun, but that wasn't enough.

Now, all I could do was break in to my room, lock the door, and sink to the floor in tears. I know crying was silly, but I was worried and scared and confused. Gippal wasn't helping a bit with his smart-ass attitude. Tidus would be able to comfort me, I'm sure he would. He would convince me that the dream was just a dream, and that I was letting it get to me too easily. Then we'd talk about old times, and I'd forget about Gippal and the nightmare. Tidus was like that, able to really get my mind off worrying. I have to admit I'd been attracted to him at first, like Gippal, he had the tan, the muscles, the smile, and their eyes. Both men have really entrancing eyes, even if I can only see one of Gippal's eyes. Yet Tidus was the one who'd comforted me so many times, while Gippal always seemed to strike me as arrogant and self absorbed. But my infatuation with Tidus was over before Sin was defeat, because he felt more like an older brother. Plus, Yuna had dibs on him first. And I like the two of them together much better than him and me; they are perfect together.

Footsteps outside my door awoke me from my reverie, and made me muffle my cries. I knew it was Gippal, no doubt, and I didn't want him to worry over me any more than he already was. He knocked on the door twice and called my name, but after a minute of no response, he walked away. I curled up against the door for a few more minutes, thinking back on the joyful times I'd had with my friends during are quests for Spira's safety.

That made me feel a little better, and gave me the determination I needed. This was just a nightmare I was stressing over! I knew I wouldn't forget, but I could at least stop stressing over, I think though, the main reason why I got so worked up because Gippal. Venturing into that area would be like jumping into a field of wild machina! For as long as I've known Gippal, I still can't figure him about a bit. Best to leave it that way and get on with my life.

I took a few more minutes to dwell on my happy times during my adventures, then walked into my large closet. Now that I think about it, I really need to lessen my wardrobe. So while I searched through the rows of clothes, I fixed my hair up to its usual style, glad that I'd done the braids when I was bored last night. Then I changed from my pajamas into a brown skirt, similar to my thief outfit but longer and softer, a bright pink bikini top, and a blue and green scarf. Wrapping the scarf around my neck five times just so it would hang at my knees I slipped on a white head band and slipped my feet into a pair of comfortable shoes like the ones in my thief outfit.

As I exited my closet and passed by my dresser, the twin blades came into view. I disregarded my weapons, knowing that I was just going for a stroll around Home. I wasn't exactly ready to toy with them, at least not yet.

A balcony was near my room, so I stepped onto that first, admiring the sunny day before me. Hot but bearable wind breeze along me, and I leaned against the railing with my arms crossed and my elbows propped up. I loved the sunny days, but Bikanel Desert is simply downright hot! Of course, it is a desert, but I prefer a day in Besaid's tropical climate.

While I was admiring the sights, someone below in the desert happened to be dueling with some fiends. They didn't look like much of a challenge, but what caught my interest was the fighter. Wielding a dagger, and clad in a tight, black muscle shirt and baggy brown pants, was none other than Gippal!

He was a little far away, being almost right under me, but he seemed like he was taking his sweet time with his opponents. The fiends kept striking at him, missing, and being countered at. His tanned and bare muscular arms glistened in the sunlight, showing me that he was in really good shape. I guess all the Machine Faction work and fiend fighting buffed him up a lot, plus he does go work out in the gym. Not to mention he has all those girls to impress with his well toned body. Ugh, it's as if he has a fan club made up of hordes of seductive girl! Now, I know they aren't all like that, some are shy and quiet, but Gippal plays them all. He loves attention and loves to please them, and he especially likes those girls who, well, really put his interest in prime perspective. I can't stand it, since I know all it does is make him ore pompous. But I know he doesn't treat them like he treats me, whether that's a good or bad thing.

As I was watching him, I think the sand started to move. Wait, probably an illusion, sand dunes don't move. No, something was really moving, but through the sand and heading right for Gippal! He didn't even notice the approaching mystery, trained on his easy fight. As the figure billowed a few feet out of the sands, I realized what it was. A huge, worm-like body, towering high into the air and dripping saliva out of its enormously large mouth. A Sand Worm, and it was definitely a huge one, about to close in on Gippal!

"Gippal, behind you! Gippal!!" I screamed, but maybe I was too far away, because he didn't even react. I watched the Sand Worm closing distance on my unsuspecting friend, so I knew it was up to me to save him. Just past the railing of the balcony, along the wall downwards, was a large and thin pillar attached along the wall. Its curved arc at the bottom would give me enough of a ramp to help me reach Gippal. If I played it out right, I should land on my feet and be able to rush to Gippal.

I back up a few paces, then darted forward, hurtling over the railing. My feet lightly touched the downward rail, and my sliding drop began. The Sand Worm was only a hundred yards away when I hit the curve, sailing into the air and adding a brisk backflip to help my balance. My feet touched the ground a little harder than I had anticipated, so I dropped to one knee and cupped my hands to my mouth.

"Gippal dinh ynuoht! Drana'c y Sand Worm pareht oui!"

Finally, after all my trouble, Gippal finally looked at me. It almost cost him though, as he barely reacted to one of the fiends striking him. HE took down both of them, just as the Sand Worm closed in on him.

"Muug uid!" I screamed loudly, pointing at the fiend about to squash him into the sand. Gippal narrowly avoided the massive bite into the sand, rolling onto his back and sliding towards me. I rushed to his aid, but then a frightening realization struck me. I was unarmed. Having left my daggers and any dresspheres back in my room, I had no offense or defense. My worries just about made it out of my mouth and to tell Gippal, but he suddenly pushed me to the side. The Sand Worm's wide mouth crushed against the sands that I was just on, and Gippal disappeared. The fiend's mouth stayed glued to the ground, with Gippal inside it. I screamed and tried kicked it's face, but all the ended up in was the Sand Worm brushed a cloud of sand with its large tail. The blinding cloud kicked up in my face, and I dropped to my knees with a cry of surprise. Despite the sand, I could still clearly see a blade protruding the skin of the Sand Worm. I watched excitedly, as Gippal fought the fiend from within it, striking it with his dagger. Finally, the Sand Worm pushed its mouth of the ground and fled, flowing through the sand like it was a river. Then I found Gippal, and I suddenly kicked myself for not having a CommSphere handy.

Standing there and shaking his limbs, Gippal stood covered in the Sand Worm's saliva. Most dripped off his spiky hair and clung to his shirt all over. I exploded into a fit of laughter, while Gippal eyed me with a nasty look. Once I had started to settle down, he peeled off his soaked shirt, some of the saliva had even dripped inside his shirt and on his pec muscles and shoulders, and tossed it into the air. I first thought he was being angry, until the shirt sailed right at me. Gippal was the one laughing it up as his slimy, icky shirt landed on my face. A split second passed where I was so horrified to even react. The initial moment passed, and then I tore it off my face and stamped on it with my feet, screaming at Gippal. But he'd already started towards Home, leaving me with saliva dripping from my hair and face.

"Hey Cid's girl, wash that for me, will ya?" Gippal called over his shoulder, brushing some saliva off his chest. I couldn't help but smile at the humor of Gippal's antics, even if it was directed at me. Telling myself I'd have to give him a good beating, I scooped up the sloppy shirt and jogged after him.

For the first time in a while, I couldn't stop myself from breaking into a real smile.

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The first chapter was an intro to GippalxRikku, but the next chapter is about what has happened since the defeat of VegnaGun. A plot will come into play soon. And don't worry, there's plenty of GxR fluffiness, but don't there will be hardships. Expect updates one or two a week, like every five days unless I'm busy, but I will try hard to get the chapters out. Most of them will be long, but probably a little shorter than this. Please review and tell me what you thought about this chapter!