AN: Ok, so I changed a few things. I know that Paine really leaves first so I had to change it a little and have her stay behind to talk to Baralai.

Baralai

….After the fight with Baralai in the Bevelle Underground…

"You guys go ahead, I'll catch up in a minute." Paine said calmly

"Ok" the girls answered and Rikku smiled a little at Baralai

When Paine saw them turn the corner Paine switched her gaze down to Baralai. "Baralai I'm –"

He stopped her "I understand"

"Good, I care about you so much 'Lai, you're like a brother to me, and I didn't mean to hurt you" Paine said softly as she sat down next to him

"Paine, I care about you too, and seeing the look in your eyes –" Baralai said as he stared at the wall beside him

"I know" Paine said before he could finish

"Give Yuna and Rikku a chance," Baralai started "I think you could really care about them, if you just let your self."

"You're right 'Lai" Paine replied

"I know" Baralai and they both laughed a bit

"There's that smile I've missed" Baralai grinned

"I've missed you too, but this isn't the best time to catch up." Paine said

"Ok, so…" Baralai said waiting for Paine to say something

"I need to ask you some serious questions, like about Nooj and stuff." Pane said finally

"Shoot" Baralai said than quickly added "Sorry poor choice of words" Baralai chuckled and Paine smiled

"So, you saw him?" Paine said looking down not wanting Baralai to see the hurt still in her face from two years ago

"Yes. He was trying to find Vegnagun as well." Baralai said in a serious tone

"Right, what exactly do you know about Vegnagun anyway?" Paine asked curiously

"Not much, just that he's very unstable and can kill all of Spira. He really shouldn't be touched. Anybody who does must have a deathwish." Baralai explained

"If we all worked together we can handle him, right?" Paine asked

"I don't know Paine, I guess we'll find out eventually" Baralai said then sighed knowing Paine intended to find it anyway

"I gotta go, Yuna and Rikku are waiting for me." Paine said not wanting to leave her old friend alone, but she got up anyway

"Paine wait!" Baralai said as she started to walk away

"Yeah 'Lai?" Paine asked with her eyebrows raised

"Have you spoken to Gippal lately?" Baralai questioned

"Briefly, why?" Paine asked

"From the last time we spoke it seemed like he missed you." Baralai said with pity

"Oh, Gippal miss me?" Paine asked knowing that he did miss her, but she didn't know it was enough to tell Baralai

"If you ever want to talk about the old days I'm always here." Baralai said

"That's good to know 'Lai, goodbye" Paine said

"Be careful Paine, please I don't want to see you get hurt." Baralai said staring at Paine

"I won't, I'll be okay." Paine said as she left

"What was that about?" Rikku asked

"Nothing important" Paine stated dryly

"Hmph" Rikku groaned

"Paine, you know you can trust us right?" Yuna asked politely

"Yeah" Paine said in a tone that meant the conversation was over

As they walked farther into the Bevelle Underground Paine thought about what Baralai had said. The old days. The days where she laughed and Paine was with the people she cared about most.

Flashback

Paine, Gippal, Baralai and Nooj were sitting around a fire they made in front of their tents.

"This is nice" Paine stated

"Yeah, it is" Gippal agreed

"Poor Baralai though" Nooj said

"Why poor me?" Baralai asked

"Well," Nooj continued "Your probably lonely without that stuffed yellow chocobo you sleep with."

Baralai blushed "Hey how did you know about Dudley?" Baralai asked while everybody else started cracking up.

Paine laughed so hard that she cried that night.

Flashback Over