A Semi-Familiar Face (Rikku)

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud wandered aimlessly through Kilika Village. He remembered what it looked like before Sin destroyed it. Pretty similar, but the odd touch was different. Such and such a house wasn't there anymore, this sign was labelled differently. Mostly it was the people who had changed. They all seemed much more solemn...

One stood out from the rest of them. She seemed a little, no, a LOT happier than the rest of them. She seemed to dance along, rather than simply walking. He couldn't help but smile. Something niggled at him though. He swore he recognised the face...

It wasn't just the face. It was the whole package he remembered. The tan flesh, the athletic poise. Blonde hair tied in what Cloud classed as 'rather unusual'. Not that his hair was much better. And the clothing... He didn't think much more COULD be revealed without becoming indecent... 'Designed for mobility' and 'minimalist' simply weren't terms to describe it.

But there was something else about her that made her familiar... As if she was connected somehow... To someone important. The niggling feeling grew. He stood up, and called out to her.

Excuse me, but, do I know you? You look... Somewhat familiar.

He smiled easily. It felt more natural. She seemed to radiate a palapable aura of good will about her. It was the eyes that did it for Cloud. It was always the eyes. He believed the eyes told you what a person truly was like, and what they were REALLY thinking.

[Rikku]

The village was some place that Rikku didn't frequent anymore to be honest. She usually stuck by Yuna's side and thieved around when she could. What was she supposed to do? Abandon Yuna to go off and find awesome treasures? Well that did sound nice but she had to take care of her cousin! It was a family duty! Sometimes though...Rikku shook her head to stop that train of thought. She had to stick by her cousin! Through thick and thin! Blood was thicker than water after all!

Oh that made her head spin a bit. With a quiet little sigh she rubbed her temples before putting on one of her traditional grins. Even when you're done you gotta smile! Even when you don't wanna smile! Cause then when you smile you'll feel so much better! With that she nodded to herself and began walking again before she was stopped by a voice.

With a "hmm" she turned around to look at the person that had spoken to her. She blinked a few times before grinning. Oh what a cutie! Such gorgeous blue eyes! "Oh hello. I don't think I know you. I'd think I would remember such beautiful blue eyes. But! Since we've spoken, I'm Rikku! Master of machina and master thief! And you are?"

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud inclined his head instinctively. He knew he recognised the face. Rikku... Of course... Yuna's cousin was it? Either way, he stood in a much more formal position, one hand behind his back.

Cloud Strife. Dragoon of Non Serviam, m'lady.

His tone was rigid and almost mechanical. It was instictive to him. A matter of principle drilled into him while in the ranks of the Crusaders. Respect your superiors. And as cousin to the High Summoner, she was technically a superior. But her manner was so... Open, that he couldn't help but return to his normal pose.

I'm flattered Ms Rikku. I would comment on your appearance, but I feel it is not my place to do so.

He couldn't quite shake this feeling of formality just yet. Despite her open behaviour and cheerful disposition, it was a lot of years of etiquette and discipline to go against. He wanted to talk like a normal person, but his almost infallible doctrine stopped him just short of opening his mouth and speaking. His back was straight as a board, but he was much more relaxed. It was visible in his shoulders, they weren't as tense as a few moments ago.

May I enquire as to why you are here Ms Rikku?

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[Rikku]

Rikku blinked curiously when the man straightened into a more formal position. Oh no! Did she do something wrong? She couldn't have? Could she? Was complimenting his eyes too much? Inside she was panicking and it could probably show on her face. "You don't have to be so formal with me Cloud!"

She nodded as she spoke. "Please be informal with me! It's my cousin you can be formal with! I'm nothing important like Yuna is! I promise!" With that she grabbed Cloud's hand and tugged gently with a smile. "I promise I'll only bite if you want me to!" She nodded fiercely. "Promise!" All the while she was figuring out a way if she could steal anything off of him for practice. She smiled up at him as she sneakily pulled off the glove that Cloud wore. "Ya know~ I've been practicing to read palms! It's really easy!" She chirped with a nod before she bent over to peer at his hand before slyly putting the glove into her back pocket.

"It seems like you have a long life line!" she mentioned when she looked up at Cloud again. "That's good! Also...if I'm doing it right, it seems like you'll find romance soon~!"

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud couldn't help but grin. She really was open. His face was drawn into a light smirk, before looking at her inquisitively. Palm reading? He didn't even realise there WAS such an art.

Really? Interesting...

He watched her closely. It was rather enchanting to watch her work. Her distinctive eyes were the trait of her race, but despite this, they were mesmerising.

About the biting, are you actually serious? It's not something I hear too often.

It was true, but that was possibly because he spoke to so few people, and even fewer of the opposite sex. She was having a noticable effect on him, he was feeling more mischievous than normal. But then again, that wasn't exactly hard. He was a thoroughly serious person. It was what made him an exemplary soldier. He smiled at the last comment.

Oh? I will, will I? That's interesting. I had no idea you could get that much information from looking at someones hands. Now, could you tell me who might it be?

He was genuinely curious, but he had the feeling that she wasn't being entirely truthful. He knew she was a thief, so it could be an elaborate distraction. He didn't notice anything missing... He smirked a little at her comment, but remained very much the gentleman.

[Rikku]

Rikku couldn't help but to giggle. Did she really know what she was doing? Of course not! It was after all just a very clever excuse to touch Cloud and be near him. When he asked "really?" she nodded and smiled up at him. "Mhmm~! Really really!" Oh if she was caught right now, talk about embarrassing! She couldn't help but to grin up at Cloud though. He really did have gorgeous eyes and she couldn't help but to feel sucked in by them. She shook her head and went back to "studying" his palm.

Then she giggled and looked up at him again. "Of course I am. Biting can be pleasurable if done right that is. Gotta know how much pressure to use and where to bite~." She sounded so innocent when she said it but the innocence probably did not help at all with the comment she made. She winked up at him before giggling softly as she went back to her work.

"You never know~. The one for you at this time in your life could very well be right in front of you or under your nose~."

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[Cloud Strife]

Their eyes locked for a moment. Just a moment. But in that moment, he felt her presence all the more potent. His face relaxed, easing into a gentle smile, before she shook her head, returning to her palm reading. He couldn't help but smile a little wider.

Tell me Rikku. Where did you learn such a talent? I have never seen such an art as this.

He smiled again, before watching her work. Her comment on biting was... Well, he wasn't quite sure how to put it. How could something so inherently forward be uttered in such sweet and, almost adorable tones. He blushed lightly, he rarely spoke to women at all, let alone ones so forward, whether she was being deliberate or not. He coughed very lightly, beforesmiling awkwardly.

I can't say I would know. I've not had the time to relax, nor practise such... Ahem, luxuries, if you will.

He looked around, luckily for them, they were not stood in the middle of Kilika, or they may well have started a spectacle. He moved them subtley away from the centre of the gangway they were stood on, making sure they were stood on a balcony, rather than the main sections.

He blushed slightly more vividly when she uttered the words. He'd never even contemplated someone being the one for him. Other than possibly Tifa, but that was a long time ago. He looked at her, unsure of what to say. She seemed completely at odds with his being, but perhaps that was irrelevant. Maybe opposites did attract. But he really wasn't sure. The comment had caught him off guard, and he merely looked at her, blushing very slightly, unable to speak.

[Rikku]

When their eyes locked, Rikku blushed slightly before shaking her head and going back to her "work". She didn't look up for a while, just letting her fingers trail over the lines in Cloud's palm. With a slight shrug, she let her fingers still for a minute. "Just picked it up in my travels. That and I found books on it. Don't tell anyone that I do this though. I could get into trouble for it."

When Cloud moved them slightly, Rikku couldn't help but to chuckle softly. It was so much fun to tease him~! She smiled and trailed her fingers over his palm again. It was interesting to feel the rough skin that came from hours of training. It brought a gentle smile to her face, like she remembering the happy times or the good times before some tragedy befell her.

With that, she reluctantly let go of his hand. It had felt odd to hold Cloud's hand for so long in her hands. "My belief is that you never know what'll happen today or tomorrow so you gotta live each life to the fullest. No matter what."

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud smiled. Seemed like a legitimate place to pick up such a skill. As he had though before, her work was enchanting. Her skin was soft, compared to the toughened skin that was his own. Despite wearing gloves, being tried in combat so often was very brutal on his hands. He felt a slight pang of loss when she withdrew her hands, but he quickly shook it off, as well as his stunned appearance.

I guess you could say I live by a similar ethos. I just rarely have the time to relax. Moments like these are golden. It's nice to be able to share them with someone. It makes them all the more memorable.

He smiled again. She was pretty in a strange way. It was strange to be thinking like this. He'd not ever held true feelings for anyone, so this was all rushing in, throwing him off. He wasn't sure what to do. It was like battling a new enemy. One wrong step, one false move, and the moment was gone. But during that moment, everything was in perfect clarity. How she moved, how she smiled. Her voice. It was... Strangely melodic, yet pure, not falsified tones meant to impress. It just rang like that. Or at least to Cloud it did.

Would you care to take a walk? Get away from the bustle, it's going to pick up in a minute.

He smiled, extending a hand, opened slightly. He wasn't entirely sure what he was doing, simply going with what felt right to him. His eyes shone with happiness, something that trarely graced them, but when it did, it almost illuminated his face, as his face naturally eased into a warm smile, open and caring, free of all his normal impassive, dutiful poise.

[Rikku]

She nodded and smiled gently. "Memories are the best and the worst things in the world. Even if someone dies, someone special lives on through the memories you hold dear of them..." she said softly, thinking slightly on Tidus. She sighed softly and grinned. "Memories are memories and they help make up who you are really and show how people influence you." Oops. She was rambling. She laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry, I'm rambling it seems." She ran her fingers through her tousled blonde locks. She smiled nonetheless. "I have a habit of rambling sometimes. If it ever gets on your nerves, lets me know! It gets annoying to some people sometimes..."

When Cloud suggested a walk, she nodded and smiled. "That sounds great!" When he offered his hand to her and smiled, Rikku was speechless for a minute. Blushing and staring up at him she took his hand shyly. "Uh yeah..." She scratched her cheek shyly and blushed darker. It was odd. She had never really thought of guys in any particular way. She looked up at Cloud shyly. He was...stunning when he was happy. "You should smile more ya know..." she said softly.

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud nodded serenely. He agreed entirely. It was memory which had driven him to serve, memory which had brought him back from voluntary exile, brought him to Non Serviam. Memory was something he valued greater than most things. It served as a tool for bringing back the pleasant to counter what often seemed like overwhelming bad. His smile fell slightly at the dredging up of some pretty dark memories.

I know exactly what you mean. While I sometimes wish that I could remove them entirely, the events that made up my past have shaped my future. Those who I have lost must be preserved, if only in memory alone.

He looked at the floor, but looked up again, almost surprised when she took his hand. His smile came back to him, his heart soared a little. He laughed at the comment. He couldn't begin to list the number of people who had said that.

You're not the only one who has said that. But then, if I smiled often, would it be something to remember? I'd rather have a few smiles than a few grimaces as a memorable feature, if that is what you see them as.

He smiled softly as he began walking away from the hub of Kilika. Her hand was such a delicate thing. Deft, nimble, yet soft and almost welcoming. It's touch was unlike any other he had felt. But then, most people's touches were unique. This one however, it seemed to fit. A contrast to his own.

I remember this place well. I used to come here often. I always found it tranquil, like I was in touch with myself. I got through some difficult times here. It holds a very important place in my heart.

For more than one reason. It was one more example of why he had come back to fighting. But now, it was also where he had met Rikku. His head swam with emotion. He couldn't begin to understand how so many feelings could reside in a head at once, but reside they could. He was wholly lost as to what to do. His hand squeezed hers gently, before he stopped, turning to look at the village.

I sometimes wish I could fit in like they do. Not have to worry about the safety of everyone else. But then, someone has to do it. Fate seems to think that I'm one of those. But enough of reminiscence. What matters at this moment, is now.

He turned, looking at her, his eyes warm, his smile soft. He reached out with the back of one hand, running it across her cheek, before resting his fingertips against the other. He held her hand gently, squeezing it again, hoping that he wasn't rushing things. But he could not fight against the maelstrom of emotion in him. This was all he could think, or rather not think of, and simply act almost reflexively, to do. He could not look away from the mesmeric swirling of her eyes, that seemed to go on forever.

[Rikku]

As Rikku thought and thought about it, she realized what Cloud said about his smiles were true. They were memorable; much, much memorable because it made him all the better looking. She blushed slightly when she realized she was staring. Almost immediately, she looked down at her feet and scuffed her toes against the ground slightly, embarrassed. He laughed and she got goosebumps all up her arms. She shivered slightly and smiled. She really, really liked the sound of his laughter.

When he began to walk, Rikku followed faithfully, keeping a hold of his hand. She noticed the size and how easily his hand fit against hers. She blushed again at the thought. Stupid older women talking about ridiculous things and getting her thinking like a romantic. Then again, she had been eavesdropping on Lulu talking about men and that had been an embarrassing conversation to listen to in general. She tightened her grip on his hand slightly, as if afraid he was going to slip away when she closed her eyes for just a second...

"It's very peaceful here...even with the fighting drawing nearer. It's nice. It shows that not everything's going to hell in a handbasket." she commented quietly. It was how she thought. The peaceful, calm, content air made her feel safe, even though she knew she shouldn't.

She blinked and looked up when she felt the back of Cloud's hands on her cheek. She blushed furiously as she looked up at him. For one of the few times in her life, she was unsure of what to do or say. Her heart jumped up in her throat and she swallowed softly, unsure of what to do.

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud gazed into Rikku's eyes, his body locked against it's own will. He was immobile, the two held in that moment as if cast in marble. It was perfect, every sound in perfect clarity, the gentle sigh of the breeze, the warm overtones of her delicate breathing, the rustle of leaves. Everything was in such harmony it was if this moment had been planned.

She was beautiful, in so many ways. The delicate aura of innocence she seemed to exude, the way she flushed, her eyes... Her eyes were particularly captivating. They were mesmeric, yet so exhilirating to look into. Like staring into a deep pool of water, they seemed to go on forever.

He looked at her again, his breathing all but stopped. He slowly brought his other hand up, bringing her closer to him, embracing her gently. She was warm. He closed his eyes, his head resting gently on hers. He closed his eyes, lost in the moment, taking in the scent of her hair. Like the rest of her, it was a joy to behold. He wasn't sure he could get much closer to perfection if he tried. He was in over his head. And he liked it.

He continued his embrace, completely oblivious to everything else other than her. His eyes flicked open, and he breathed in deeply, but entirely relaxed, content almost. He smiled softly again, holding her head gently with one hand, and her hand in the other. He didn't know what he was doing, but what he was doing, just felt... Right...

[Rikku]

Rikku froze when her eyes locked with Clouds. It was definitely a feeling she had quite experienced before. It made her heart pound hard in her chest; it felt like it was about to burst out of her ribcage at any second at this rate! She could hear her heartbeat in her ears, loud and fast, she was sure that Cloud would be able to hear it. How couldn't he? It was just so loud! She breathed softly, trying to calm her racing pulse.

Slowly, she was brought closer to him and folded into an embrace. She took a sharp intake of air and blushed darker. For a moment, she just stiffened, unsure of what to do or what to say, if she was supposed to say anything at all. Rikku vaguely thought that she wasn't supposed to say anything or she would ruin the moment and that she wouldn't be able to grasp it again any time soon.

Sure, she was nervous as heck, but she also felt comfortable and safe. After a moment or two, she allowed herself to return the embrace as her eyes closed. Cloud was to put it simply, warm. It was a comforting warmth she found in his embrace. She felt safe really.

Shyly, she snuggled into his embrace slightly, moving her head against his chest, finding a nice fit under Cloud's chin where she could rest her head. It felt...nice...

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud felt his heart flutter slightly when she returned his embrace. Everything was silent but for the thrum of her heart. It was such a delicate sound. Rapid, but somewhat comforting, completely at odds with his own continuously slow one, each beat deep and rhythmic, as if set to a completely independent body, not one that was so deeply enthralled in the presence of a girl who to Cloud, was the only thing in this world at that moment.

His head swam again. She just seemed like she almost belonged there. It was a strange thing to think, but it just seemed to pop into his head. Everything was going so... Well. As if the two of them were made for each other. The thought was a comforting one, it made him somewhat more at ease with the moment.

He brought his head back, bringing her head up to look at her once more. He was completely oblivious to all else, but her visage. She really was beautiful. He tilted his head to one side, looking at her, not longingly... More... Devoted? Either way, he was so far gone down this path that his head seemed to move with a will of it's own, bringing it close to hers.

And then their lips touched.

It was only for the briefest of moments, but in that single moment, everything else that had ever happened in his life paled in comparison to this one moment, one riotous moment of feeling, purpose, belonging. Her scent, the touch of her lips, the softness of her skin, it was more than enough to send his head spinning into an uncontrolled spiral of bliss. His lips hung close to hers, tantalisingly so, a single, gentle breath escaping from them.

Still speech could not hope to describe any of the feelings that he was feeling, or that he had felt in these last few moments. He swallowed back the slight retching in his stomach, praying that he had not read this entirely wrong. To be honest, he was never reading, like playing a hand of cards without so much as glancing at your own, he simply threw in his lot, and hoped it would stick.

Nothing moved. Time seemed to stand still around this one single expanse in time. His body unmoving, his breathing still, nothing so much as contemplated moving. He was almost frozen to the spot, yet it was voluntary, he didn't want to leave this moment, for fear of one that deep in the pit of his stomach he knew he could never face. Not now. Not ever.

[Rikku]

When Cloud pulled back and raised her head up, she blushed darkly again. Ah! Why was she blushing so much? When did she all of a sudden become a shy, meek, little wisp of a thing! Apparently when she met Cloud it seemed. The thought made her cheeks heat up more. Oh darn it! She couldn't tear her gaze away though. Something about Cloud had captivated her and captured a part of her and it seemed like she was caught now.

Then their lips touched.

Rikku had no clue, whatsoever what to do. She tentatively, shyly, touched her lips to Cloud's, unsure of what to do and unsure of herself. Blushing furiously, she chewed on her lower lip slightly when they broke apart slightly. When it came to romance and feelings like the ones that she was feeling, she was hopeless and clueless. She went with her instinct, which on occasion got her in a lot of trouble. It was just...Cloud was so warm...and things felt right. She didn't want to pull away. Not yet at least.

For a moment, Rikku was stumped, unsure of what to do and unsure of how to execute any manner of action. Instead she threw herself Cloud, hiding her face against his chest embarrassed. What was she supposed to do? She locked her arms around his chest and pouted slightly, blushing furiously and darkly. Now if only she could think of something to do. Instead, she just nuzzled Cloud's chest, too shy to look up at him at the moment.

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud allowed her to embrace him, almost bury her face in him. He smiled gently. He sort of knew how she felt, only his way of dealing with such feelings was much more controlled, almost drilled. It was strange how often such things affected ones own reactions. He stroked her hair with one hand, his other wrapped around her waist, holding her gently. He was thoroughly content. She'd returned his kiss. That was all he needed to make him happy right now.

He thought about the last time he'd felt this happy. Or even close to it. Probably his acceptance into the Crusaders. It had been a moment somewhat like this. The tantalising, and thoroughly exhilirating experience and sense of belonging, purpose. It brought into sharpened focus how little he embraced the more delicate facets of humanity. How could he not have experienced a moment like this before? What had he been depriving himself of?

But perhaps that was why this moment was so special. One of those unique moments, the first time he'd ever felt this way about someone. He'd heard the term before. He was loathe to use it so early, but it was the only thing he could actually think of that could describe the whirlwind of emotions. First love. Some of his fellow Crusaders had explained this sort of rush of feelings to him. He'd been too impetuous, too young to understand. The only thing that had mattered was his future. Perhaps that was why he excelled where others struggled, was such a rapid study, and a proficient combatant. He had isolated himself in a Spartan existence, with an appetite of war and honour.

Now he found that his role was somewhat reversed. He was the one experiencing such a delectable, exquisite horde of feelings, that threatened to make him collapse with the overwhelming closeness and rapidity of it all. She was just... So... Right... He couldn't think of anything else to say. His concept of everything else seemed to warp around him. Priorities wheeled, about faced, and rearranged into something wholly new. He was in free-fall, diving into the unknown that he assumed was a first love.

He didn't want it to end.

[Rikku]

Now Rikku could say how Yuna felt for Tidus. Or how she once felt at least. The awesome thief, Rikku was blushing madly like a little school girl with her first crush. Sure she had had crushes before and dated here and there but nothing that was earth shattering like this was. It absolutely shook her to her core. What was she supposed to do? She had just met the guy and basically fallen head over heels for him in a matter of minutes! Oh her head was spinning now. What was she supposed to do? She couldn't panic though. No. Panic would be bad. Very, very bad. Maybe her fake palm reading wasn't so fake after all. Maybe she did something right. She gulped and tightened her grip on Cloud slightly. Her heart was beating so hard against her chest.

Reluctantly, she pulled away, still keeping a grip on Cloud's shirt though. She wasn't going to let him run away. Nu uh! She looked at the ground, staring at her boots slightly, deathly embarrassed. What are you going to do now Rikku? She gulped before looking up at Cloud, still blushing darkly. "You better not run away from me now! Got it?" She pouted slightly, trying to hide her blush as she stared at him then blushing darker and looking away.

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud laughed softly. It seemed he wasn't the only one who was nervous here. But run away... No. That would be impossible. He leaned in, and kissed her lightly once more, before pulling back, his lips scant inches from hers.

And why would I ever want to do that?

His eyes sparkled, his smile radiant as the midday sun. He had never felt such limitless joy as he did now. His heart had long since soared away from his body, was floating somewhere, suspended in what he could only class as perfection. The moment was just... So... Immaculate...

He leaned in, holding her oh-so-gently, kissing her lightly again, slowly, deliberate, savouring every moment. If he could pick a moment to live out for the rest of his days, this would be it. Everything else seemed so dull in comparison. The flush of her cheeks, the quickness in her pulse, everything was held in such exquisite detail. It was as if his eyes had been viewing in monochrome, and was suddenly granted the ability to see colour for the first time.

I won't ever run away from you. Never.

The conviction in his eyes was palapable, almost like a physical entity. Nothing could ever seperate him from the feeling of happiness she just seemed to exude. The blissful envelopment in her presence made him feel more alive than ever before. This was that moment so many had talked about. Now he knew what they meant, and understood how they could explain it in such perfect detail.

This was a moment you never forgot.

[Rikku]

When he kissed her again, Rikku's face erupted into another blush. She tried to hide her blush by looking anywhere but at him. She found a good spot at staring at his chest instead. That probably didn't help. Instead her face warmed more as she stared at his chest. It was broad and strong; it made her feel...well safe. Like he was going to protect her or something. As she thought about it, the thought was silly really considering she could easily defend herself.

When he kissed her again, she blushed furiously and kissed him back shyly. It was just all so new. She didn't really know what to do with her hands or her lips or whatever! It was somewhat frustrating really. When he said he wouldn't run away she nodded before looking up at him, determined.

"You better not! I'm a master thief! I can track anything down that I want and get it! So if you do run I'll be able to find you!"

Then she froze. That didn't sound creepy at all. Nope. Not at all. With a groan she smacked her forehead. It sounded creepy. She was such an idiot sometimes really. Rikku really had to start thinking about what she said. It seemed the mechanism between her mouth and her mind didn't always work.

"Sorry..." she said meekly, looking down at her feet and blushing darkly. Now she had made a fool of herself. Great.

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[Cloud Strife]

Cloud smiled, raising his eyebrows a little. She was a little odd, but adorable at the same time. The red flush in her cheeks was almost enough to make him go 'awww'. Almost. But not quite. He held her head up.

It's nice to know I'm wanted. I want you to know that.

He embraced her again, turning her around, his arms around her waist, rocking in time with the waves. He sighed contentedly. Finally, someone who he could stand to be around and not feel like he had something better to be doing. It felt good. I mean, really good.

So. A master thief. I guess I should have suspected as much. It would explain why you still have my glove.

He couldn't help it. The thought had just sprung into his mind, and had almost made him burst out into laughter. His face face split into a broad grin, his eyes sparkling. He was trying desperately not to laugh, even a little bit, despite how much he wanted to. Just looking back at how long she'd managed to keep him distracted. But he didn't see any false pretences there. The glove stealing was just an added bonus. Or perhaps she'd just forgotten. He immediately regretted what he'd just said, it sounded so accusatory, but he couldn't help himself. His grin slipped away from his face, becoming much more sombre.

Oh, I didn't mean it like that... I'm sorry, I just... Don't really know what I'm doing. I feel like I'm falling... I've... Never really felt like... Like this...

He blushed ever so slightly. He almost felt uncomfortable opening himself up like this. He scraped his boot along the gangway, he felt like kicking himself. But she was in the path of his kicking, so it wouldn't strictly be wise, nor correct. He'd probably do it later. He was acting like a fool. First love. It was as nightmarishly awkward as they'd described...

[Rikku]

With Cloud smiling, Rikku couldn't help but to smile herself softly. "Well..I'm glad it makes you happy," she said with a slight nod. "Because you are very much wanted..." she trailed off shyly to look at her boots and tapping them against the ground.

As if already out of habit, when he embraced her and turned her around so her back was to his chest, she immediately leaned into his warmth. Already it was calming and comforting, making her feel safe and cherished all at the same time. She put her hands on top of his shyly and closed her eyes as he began to rock gently. Very soothing. For once she wasn't spastic and hyper but calm and happy.

At the mention of the glove, Rikku stiffen slightly. She had honestly forgotten about it. Really. "I swear I forgot about it!" she said with a nod as she reached behind her to take it out of her pocket. With a weak giggle, she handed it back to him. "Sorry, sometimes I forget what I've taken until I'm home and realize that there's stuff in my pockets."

When Cloud started apologizing, Rikku couldn't help but to smile as she turned around in his embrace. "It's o-kay~! I forgot about it and honestly, that's not a rare occurrence. You should ask Yuna about all the times she's realized I've taken something and I haven't. Then again she's no fun.." Rikku pouted slightly. "It's okay. Promise. No need to apologize. Promise!"

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[Cloud Strife]

He smiled, the flush lingering in his cheeks as he gazed adoringly into her eyes as she turned around. She really was spectacular. He looked at her again, before kissing her on the lips again. It wasn't as electifying as the first, but it was still... Amazing... The delicate taste of her lips was so unique... He lingered there for a moment, their lips locked in blissful unison. He left her lips, far enough to speak, but close enough to feel her breath on his own.

I'm glad. And I'll hold your word for it. And I believe you.

His hands moved down over her waist, his breathing ever so slightly elevated. Her presence made him feel so... Alive. His hands lingered there, barely touching them, just there. He kissed her lightly again, enjoying the closeness between them.

I don't want this to end...

He really didn't. She was just so...

Perfect...