Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy X or X-2. I simply am a HUGE fan and wanted to write a story about it. Fair enough?

Rating: M for violence, language, drug reference, crude humor, and sexual content. In my previous stories I would write a disclaimer and rating before each and every chapter. That will be changing with this story. I find it repetitive and unnecessary. You already know what the story is rated…I'm sure you don't like the constant reminders either. ; )

Author's note: This fic is inspired by a song by Bon Jovi. I thought that it fit Rikku and Gippal's relationship really well…perfectly actually. So I hope you all enjoy.

Until We Aren't Strangers Any Longer

A Final Fantasy X/X-2 Fanfic by Beautiful Nightmare07

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"I wish I could still call you a friend, I'd give anything." –Pink, Who Knew

"Tell me who you think you see when you look into my eyes."- Bon Jovi, Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore

**************

Sand. That's all she have had the taste of inside her mouth and she was sick of it. Sand. Sand. Sand. EVERYWHERE! She was sick of seeing it, sick of tasting it, sick of being around it. She needed a change in scenery and she needed it NOW.

Vegnagun was long gone. Peace had once again returned to Spira. Yunie was happy with Tidus. The two had been inseperable since he had returned. Yuna had fought so hard to bring him back to her. She deserved to rest with her beloved. Paine had gone on to work with Baralai in Bevelle. It was strange that she had decided that was her calling but it came to Rikku's attention shortly afterwards that Baralai was very single and very good looking. She couldn't blame her calloused friend for her need to be around someone of the opposite sex for once. Besides, it wasn't like he was an enemy of the world or anything. Baralai, Nooj, and Gippal had joined forces after the defeat of Vegnagun. So Rikku couldn't find anything to complain about.

Even Rikku had to admit that it had been getting a little tense there towards the end. There were only so many female hormones you could take and for so long. So they had all said their goodbyes and parted into different directions. Yuna stayed in Besaid, Paine to Bevelle, and Rikku back to Bikanel. She frowned, "They all start with a B."

"Pardon?"

She snorted at her random comment that she had thought she had kept within the confines of her mind. Apparently she had been sadly mistaken. She threw Buddy a grin, "Oh nothing…you know me, always sayin' random stuff."

She was sure he rolled his eyes. It was rather hard to tell with the goggles that he constantly wore. What color were his eyes, now that she had a chance to think about it? 'I bet they're like hot pink or something…'

The former guardian let out a growl of impatience. She was so close to freedom that she couldn't take it. Perhaps the airship had crashed on its way back to Bikanel from its trip to Luca? 'For the love of machina please don't say that!'

"Rikku," Brother purred in that borderline stalker tone, "I will miss you, yes?"

She turned to him and threw him that sun-worthy smile, "Well of course you will, Brother. I'll miss you too. I'll make sure to keep in touch with a com sphere at least once a week so keep yours on, 'kay?"

He nodded his mohawked head before grabbing a hold of her small frame and pulling it to him in a tight hug.

Rikku let out a whimper of discomfort and slipped out of his hold, "Be good, 'kay? Keep dad in check."

Again Brother nodded, saluting her.

The long awaited airship came into view and finally landed, sending more grains of sand into the air and Rikku's mouth. She glared angrily at the golden pieces of Spira before she stomped onto the ship, flicking her hand in a dismissive goodbye to Brother and Buddy. Soon the door shut and she was lifted away from Bikanel and away from Home.

************

Not that Djose was much better than home. While Bikanel was covered in annoying grains of sand, Djose was covered in jagged, electrical rocks. One false move and one was in store for a nasty shock to the rear.

As usual, there was a long line jetting out of one of the nearby tents. She didn't waste her time. She was here to work on machina per Cid's orders. Even though the venture into the world alone had been her idea, Cid had made sure to get a word in edgewise. She would work at Djose for the Machine Faction until further notice.

'"Try not to piss off Gippal too much, Rikku. I'm pulling a lot of strings to get you a job down there. Please stay out of trouble, please?!"'

She casually rolled her eyes, tossing her long pony tail of golden hair over her naked shoulders. Surely her father had more faith in her than that? She could act professional if she absolutely had to. Sure Gippal annoyed her but she could ignore him. She was rather sure she wasn't his cup of tea either.

That hadn't been the case when they were younger though. They had been attached at the hips, constantly going out on adventures, warding off fiends and hunting for treasure. That had all changed once he had started to mention some of the older Al Bhed girls. Why did he care about their shiny hair or curvy waists? Why had that automatically made them better than her? She couldn't figure it out but once she grew a pair of long legs and curves she realized what he had meant. But still, Gippal didn't seem to notice her transformation. Sure she was younger than he was but was she really that unnoticeable? Not that she cared or anything.

"Stupid Gippal," She grumbled to herself, casting wary eyes in search of the smart mouthed Al Bhed. Surely he was close by. He wouldn't leave the Machine Faction without its boss. This was his life. He had built this company from the ground up. Nothing kept him from his work. Nothing.

"Except maybe a pair of long legs and a bright smile," She added sourly. This was getting ridiculous. Surely he wasn't inside on such a beautiful day. No more wasting time.

Rikku grudgingly walked up to another Al Bhed to gather information on the Machine Faction's leader's whereabouts.

"He said something about a trip, that he would be back shortly."

She frowned, "A trip? Where the hell could he possibly want to go?"

"Well what's it to ya, Cid's girl?"

The swirls in her eyes seemed to spin upon hearing the familiar mocking voice of her childhood friend. She wouldn't let him see how much he had unsettled her though. In a very Rikku fashion, she straightened her back, let her eyes sink nearly shut, and spun around. Once she was completely facing him she put her hands on her hips, "Gippal. I was just looking for you."

Remarkably white teeth peeked out at her against his tanned skin, "The ladies always say that. I didn't expect you so early."

"I was eager to leave," Rikku muttered, trying to ignore her body's obvious interest in his. He was beautiful, even if his one eye was gone. Even when they had stumbled into each other not long ago when Yuna had dragged them all to Djose to find more information on Tidus' whereabouts, Rikku had noticed how devastatingly handsome he was. Perhaps the lapse in time of seeing him had made her truly realize how perfect he was. Not that she didn't know already…'Shut up.'

"You were eager to see me, don't lie. I know how it is. Women can't stand to be away from me," He teased, his green eye peering at her curiously.

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, whatever. So can you please just tell me what my job will be so I can get a move on with my life? The less time spent with you the better."

Gippal snorted, "My sentiments exactly. Alright so you're going to be working inside the Chamber of the Fayth with my most skilled workers."

Rikku felt her spirit falter. Inside? Why, it was perfectly fine out here. Besides she had wanted to sneak off for like an hour or so. There was no way she would be able to sneak past him while she was inside!

"We're trying to put a new master machina together so your added expertise will be appreciated. After all, you took down the world's most powerful machina, your input will be crucial."

'Damn you Shuyin, why'd you haveta make me so qualified for?' "Alright," Rikku sighed, throwing Gippal a wink, "I'll do my best."

The gesture seemed to nauseate him. He frowned darkly at her, sighing, "What have you got planned?"

She let her eye open again, her mouth opening slightly, "What Gippal, I can't wink at you without you thinking I'm gonna torch your business?"

Gippal raised an eyebrow, "Can you blame me? I know how you are, Cid's girl."

Her eye twitched at his use of the nickname he had deemed for her. Was it even witty enough to consider it a nickname? It was more of a statement. She was indeed Cid's little girl. He had started calling her that around the time he had started noticing breasts. She was still just that little girl that used to tag along with him in Bikanel. Even though now she was more than grown he still labeled her as Cid's girl. Apparently things were never going to change, were they? And since when did he get off with saying that he knew how she was? The only thing he knew was her face, other than that she was a complete stranger to him, and he to her.

"Smart guy," She offered finally, turning towards the former temple, "When's lunch?"

His mouth fell open, "Are you asking already? You haven't even started yet!"

She shrugged, walking towards the door that led inside, "I just was curious as to when I was going to be able to be free of your pompous ass."

Gippal grinned devilishly at her, "Hey where's your cousin Yuna? She was a babe. She still hooked up on that dead guy?"

Rikku clenched her hands into fists. 'Stay cool…stay cool. He's trying to annoy you.' "She's in Besaid with that dead guy. And his name is Tidus, for your information. And he was never dead, he was a dream, one that the Fayth decided to give back to her. So back off, she's happy and very much taken!"

He clicked his tongue in a disapproving notion, "That's too bad. I haven't seen a woman with hips like hers in ages. Well I bet you're pissed about her and Tidus being an item. Weren't you crazy about him there for a while?"

She glared at him, shoving the door open, "Shut up, Gippal."

All she could hear was his sardonic laughter as she slammed the door shut behind her.

************

The day went rather well after her less than comfortable meeting with Gippal. She would have to get used to it though. He was now officially her boss and she had to be civil for her father. It was his wish so she should respect them. But it was so hard with a man like Gippal. Just one look could make her blood boil so badly that she was quite sure that if Vegnagun was still around that she could have taken it alone.

"Time for lunch, Rikku!" A worker exclaimed, smiling at her brightly.

"Oh thank god, I thought I was going to pass out," Rikku gasped, jumping to her feet. She wiped oil and grease from her hands and even removed some from her sweating forehead. "Thanks for telling me…er I didn't ever ask you your name."

He threw her a lopsided grin, "It's Tamai. You're Rikku right?"

She nodded, "Um yeah…how did you know that?"

"Gippal's been preparing all of us for a hoover-wreck waiting to happen and he called her Rikku. I'm assuming he meant you."

The vein in her temple pulsated. Damn Gippal couldn't keep his mouth shut for anything.

"Yeah, I'm Rikku. Nice to meet you. Thanks for tellin' me about our lunch break."

"No problem. Would you like company during lunch?" He offered, rubbing a towel over his brown spikes.

She grinned. Everyone else seemed friendly here, Gippal was the only exception. Or maybe it was just her loathing towards the leader that made him so insufferable.

"Would I? I don't even know where to get any lunch."

Tamai laughed, "Well typically most workers just eat in the cafeteria but if you ever feel like a break from the food here we can walk out onto the Mi'Hen Highroad and there's this awesome little place that sells some kick ass soups."

Rikku blinked, "I don't remember there being a side restaurant along the Mi'Hen Highroad."

He nodded, "Well they put it up within the last few months or so just for the workers of Djose."

"Hmm. Well let's try the cafeteria today and then if it's too sickening then we can do the restaurant tomorrow. Deal?"

Tamai gave her a thumbs up, "You read my mind."

************

It was crowded beyond reason. And the idle chitter chatter quickly faded once she had stepped foot into the cafeteria inside one of the larger tents. Her cheeks instantly crimsoned, "They're all staring. What all did Gippal say about me?"

Tamai wrinkled his nose in amusement at her embarrassment, "He mostly just called you an airhead. I don't think that's why they stopped talking."

She bit down on her lower lip, bowing her head in attempt to look less noticeable, "Well then why did everyone shut up?"

"If you take a look around most of them are men."

"So men have this thing about talking in front of women?"

He laughed, "No…it's how you're dressed. Most of the women around her are usually dressed…more."

Rikku threw her green eyes down to look at her attire. Surely they weren't offended, were they? "Oh my god am I offensive looking?"

He shifted uneasily, "Well to the women I'm sure. The men don't seem to mind."

She glanced around the room and realized what he was saying. They weren't looking at her in disdain, they were looking at her like they were starving and a rare piece of meat had just wandered in the door.

"Oh crap," She muttered only loud enough for Tamai to hear.

He nudged her shoulder, "Hey don't let it get to you. Just try to ignore them and dress in something different tomorrow."

Rikku nodded as she picked up a tray and received her meal for the day. Tamai led her to a mostly abandoned table and sat down next to her, "Alright so the food isn't growling today. That's a good sign."

She laughed robotically.

Tamai sighed, "Look…why don't you ask one of the women for a spare shirt or something?"

Rikku swallowed, "You think they'll let me? They don't look too friendly."

"Alright if you were a woman and there was a new girl who came in and every guy in the room stopped to stare, would you be the happiest camper?"

She blinked. That was a normal thing when it came to Yuna. "Um…I wouldn't really care."

He shrugged, "Well you're a rare breed then."

Rikku stabbed at some pasta, "Let's just eat. The sooner I finish the sooner I can get out of here."

Tamai studied her expression for a moment before he took a bite of his own food, "Agreed."

************

Lunch couldn't pass quickly enough. All Rikku could do the entire meal was fidget. The daggers the other women were staring into her back were actually starting to feel real. As soon as Tamai had finished off his meal they left.

Once they had returned to the Chamber of the Fayth to continue constructing the machina, Rikku finally settled.

"God is my back bleeding? I'm pretty sure a couple of them chucked knives at me as we were eating."

Her new found friend rolled his blue eyes, "Rikku, don't worry about it. They're just catty. They'll be over it by tomorrow."

She laughed mockingly at him, "Haha, apparently you don't know how jealous women's minds work. Forgetting is definitely NOT something that they'll do. They'll go to bed, plan my demise, and be back tomorrow."

At least all she had to worry about for the time being was jealous women and sex-deprived men. Gippal had remained out of sight and out of mind for the entire day. As long as she was mostly covered when she came to work and Gippal stayed away, then this job wasn't going to be as bad as she had initially thought it would be.

"So how do you know Gippal-sama?"

She fell from her mental rants to find that Tamai had come to stand next to her, helping her turn a wrench that had been jammed tight against a screw. She blushed, "Thanks. Um…Gippal and I grew up together. We used to be best friends."

"Used to be?"

Rikku tilted her head to the side and wrinkled her nose, "Yeah. We grew apart. We don't even hardly talk now."

Tamai sighed, "That's unfortunate. It's always sad to see the ones who we used to care so much for go about life as if we never mattered to them."

Her heart thundered in agreement. He was completely right. Maybe that was another reason why she hated him…he acted like he didn't know her. Like he never knew her. At first it had been hard to stomach but after years of pretending like it didn't hurt her, she got used to the gnawing feeling in her stomach whenever she thought of him, seen him.

"Yeah…" She murmured, turning back to the machina, "It is."

************

The rest of the day Rikku worked in silence. Her mind, however, was louder than it had been in a long time. But once a firm hand came to rest on her shoulder, the mental torture ceased.

She looked up through long pieces of blonde hair, her light green eyes tired with the day's work, to find Tamai smiling down at her, "Time to call it a day."

Rikku nodded, shakily pushing herself up to her feet, brushing off any debris that had fallen into her lap.

"You look bushed."

She giggled slightly, "I'm not used to this. I'll be good by tomorrow though. You would figure being a guardian and helping destroy Vegnagun would top this but I'm tellin' ya, I haven't been this tired I think…ever!"

Tamai watched her laugh at herself and couldn't help but let a smirk come across his face. She was so light hearted and full of life. How anyone could say she's a nuisance was beyond him. Gippal was truly a blind fool if he found this girl to be troublesome or insufferable.

As they walked out the door of the temple Rikku gasped, whipping around towards Tamai, "Um, I have a question…where am I supposed to sleep?"

He brown haired man blinked and then sighed, "Gippal never said anything did he? I haven't the slightest idea. Shall I try to find him for you?"

Rikku shook her head, blonde hair whipping around her face as she did so, "No thanks, Tamai. I can find him. Sleep good tonight. See you tomorrow."

Her friend nodded and waved goodbye to her as she turned back to the temple. Rikku let out a sigh and headed back inside. A weight had settled onto her shoulders the instant she realized that she would have to speak with Gippal for a second time that day.

The door pushed open to reveal Gippal standing in the middle of the temple front room, facing to the side, his arms crossed, legs spread ever so slightly, a charming expression on his face. Rikku blinked and then realized that he was talking to some woman.

The female was around her height, a little curvier than she was, and tanned. Her eyes were different from a typical Al Bhed's. They were brown which led Rikku to believe that the girl was only half Al Bhed. She was blushing and swaying her body around in an attempt to look innocent. And it was obviously working because Gippal seemed to be eating it up.

An animal in the pit of Rikku's stomach growled ever so slightly at the scene before her. She wanted to storm in and destroy the moment but she refrained. It took everything in her, but she remained silent and seemingly unnoticed.

"So tomorrow night then, love?"

The blonde nodded eagerly, grinning goofily at Gippal as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to it, "So until then."

She laughed nervously before she removed her hand and headed towards the door. Upon seeing Rikku her smile widened and again she laughed…rather stupidly, Rikku noted.

As the door shut Gippal caught sight of Rikku and couldn't help but sneer, "Well if it isn't Cid's girl. Couldn't get enough of me earlier, had to come see me again I see."

The animal in her stomach quickly faded and instead was replaced with the cooking of her blood, "Keep flattering yourself. No I just needed to know where I was supposed to stay tonight. You didn't tell me earlier."

"I know."

She glared at him, "What did you expect me to sleep upstairs with the machina or something? What the hell, Gippal?"

He grinned her. That cheesy grin that made her want to smack it clean off of his face, "I figured you'd find somewhere to stay. You and Tamai seem to be hitting it off rather well."

Rikku was in disbelief. Was he seriously implying that she would whore her way into a bed? "What the hell is wrong with you, Gippal? I'm not going to share a place to sleep with him or anyone else for that matter. I want my own place."

He shrugged, "Well there's a spare room here in the temple. We used to use it for storage but I had it cleaned out and a bed with other proper furnishings brought into the room for your convenience. And your wardrobe."

The part about the wardrobe made her flinch, "Um…do you have uniforms or anything?"

Gippal cocked an eyebrow, "What?"

Rikku made a circular motion with foot against the floor, "Well I…I wasn't really dressed for my job today. And most of my clothes are around this…length."

Her former friend laughed, "The men were eye-raping you were they?"

She stomped her foot onto the floor, causing the room to echo, "Could you stop being an asshole long enough to help me out, please?"

He shook his head, "No. See you in the morning."

Rikku glared at his back as he headed into a room to the right of the entrance into the Chamber of Fayth. 'I know where you sleep, jerk. Don't think I won't smother you in your sleep…'

She cursed loudly to herself as she took the room to the left of the entrance to the Chamber of Fayth, kicking the door lightly for it to open. The room was basic. A bed, sheets, a pillow, a dresser, a light…and was that an attached bathroom? At least there was a plus to having to be inside the same building as Gippal. She could shower in peace.

The spicy Al Bhed reached down and grabbed her suitcase, extracting her pajamas for the night. She knew she had better get to bed soon…if today was any indication, things were only going to get worse and she would need her sleep.

Alright so a new story in the process. Don't worry my "Lips of an Angel" fans. I'm still working on it mostly. This story won't be updated nearly as frequently as LOAA until the story for that one is finished. So stay happy! Reviews. =)

Much love,

~Nikki~