Hi, this is Icicle Streams with my first fanfic ever! I'm so glad it worked, I got so confused about whether my document was story or docx. I'm new to this, so please review and constructive criticism will be welcome, especially about bits that were confusing. Thanks!

"I still can't believe Pops talked me into coming. This is going to be so boring!" pouted Rikku as she and Gippal jumped of the Celsius's landing platform.

"I can't believe he talked me into taking you," mumbled Gippal. He was representing the Machine Faction at some conferences in Bevelle, and Cid had sent Rikku to inform him of Spira's political going ons. He vaguely remembered the former yelling at him, trying to convince Gippal to . He hadn't really been listening though; he found sleeping was a better use of his time than negotiating with Cid.

"You know, you could have worn something more… suitable," he nodded at her yellow bikini top and green mini skirt.

"Well, it was hot when we left!" she replied as she began to walk in bizarre high kicks, her arms swinging wildly from side to side.

"That's because it's the desert! It's always hot in Bikanel," sighed Gippal as he glanced sideways at her. When he saw her for the first time since he left her for the Crimson Squad, he was stunned. Sure, she was pretty at 15, but he had not expected this beautiful, petite yet curvy young woman. And now, just over 18, she was as gorgeous as ever, but still behaved like a child. It was nice that she hadn't changed too much though. It made it easier for them to get back in touch, something he had wanted to do ever since she had helped defeat Sin.

"And I was thinking of going visit Tidus and Yunie in Besaid!"

"You were thinking? That's a first."

WHAM!

Most girls slapped, so it only stung for a little while, but Rikku punched. Hard.

"What was that for?" asked Gippal, gently feeling the bump that would soon turn into a bruise on his cheek.

"That wasn't nice, you big meanie!" she turned around stuck her tongue out at him.

"Yeah, but you never used to punch me that hard when we were kids."

"Well, maybe I've realised what a big jerk you are," she announced calmly as she walked ahead.

"I was just joking! Wait up! Cid's Girl!"

He didn't need to hurry much to keep up with her short steps.

"AND," she turned around with an evil look in her eye. "I HAVE A NAME!!!"

Gippal was little worried as she glared at him, but then he smiled when he realised she'd almost forgotten it by now. She had already begun her high kicks again.

Baralai stood in front of the palace gates, looking down at the bright city below. One of the elder priests began to grumble loudly.

"He's an hour late!"

Baralai smiled beneath his large collar. "If Gippal were on time, then I'd begin to worry."

The bald priest muttered "Just like an Al Bhed…"

The white haired praetor was going to say something when a loud voice broke out from his left.

"Hey Baralai! How's my favourite praetor?" Gippal hugged his friend, and ignored the priest murmuring "No respect."

"I'm fine Gippal." Baralai looked over his shoulder and was slightly taken aback at the lovely Al Bhed girl standing behind him. He'd only met Rikku a few times, but he could see how much more beautiful she had become, with her tanned, slender legs and pretty face. He composed himself quickly and smiled at her. "I didn't realise you were bringing Lady Rikku."

Rikku blushed like a Bomb at being referred to so formally, but Gippal just raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Rikku? Nah, I didn't bring her. This is just my pet monkey."

Baralai chuckled as Rikku kneed him in the stomach, and then laughed harder when he saw the look on the priest's face.

"I guess you were the one responsible for the bruise on his face too, Lady Rikku?" he grinned at her.

Rikku answered "Yup yup! And just Rikku by the way."

He smiled. "Rikku it is then."

"See?" gloated Rikku, kicking Gippal again while he was on the ground "Some people remember my name." She looked up and grinned. "Let's go in! Cool bandanna by the way. We're matching!"

Baralai flushed deeply, but thankfully it was difficult to tell against his dark skin. He and Rikku were only acquaintances, friends of friends, but he was taken aback at her open, friendly manner. He and the priest (who was muttering about young people these days) followed her through the gates, while Gippal was still lying on the ground, clutching his stomach.

Any hopes that Cid had of Rikku reporting back to him were long lost. Rikku's first thoughts were right; the meeting was boring. It wasn't all bad though; she was sitting opposite two very good looking guys.

She had to admit it, Gippal was hot. She'd always thought he was good looking when they were growing up, with his handsome features and his tall, lean build. The way he always ruffled the back of his hair when things weren't going well was kinda cute too. And that eye patch… Rikku had no idea how, but he made it look awesome. It didn't make him look like a pirate at all, but a soldier, a warrior… a man. Right now he looked just as bored as she was, but was somehow managing to pay attention. He'd always been better at concentrating than she was, like when they were trying to learn the Spriran language by the Oasis. Gippal turned and smirked at her. He used to wink, but after he lost sight in his right eye in a machina explosion, you couldn't tell if he was winking or just blinking with that eye patch on. Rikku blushed, hoping that she wasn't drooling or anything, and quickly looked away.

Isaaru stood up to talk, and Rikku leaned on her elbows, trying to make it look like she was concentrating. Of course, Isaaru couldn't keep Rikku's attention without a dozen dancing chocobos and fire, so her attention turned to the young praetor sitting next to him. Baralai wasn't hot in the same sense as Gippal, but he was good-looking in his own way. He was slightly effeminate looking but it was attractive with his tanned skin and long white hair. The bandanna was nice; it made him look less serious and kept his hair out of his long, handsome face. She wanted to know him more, what was hiding behind that polite, quiet front. Rikku couldn't help smiling to herself as he brushed a wisp of hair from his face. He turned as a Youth League representative began to speak and caught her eye. His eyes were dark brown, sincere, but seemed to hide their own secrets. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly and she beamed at him. After a moment, he looked down at his notes, disappointing her a little.

Was the last bit too blocky? Was it boring? But I had to describe what they looked like! Please r&r!