Rikku (post X-2)

The last couple of months since saving the world from Vegnagun had been a rollercoaster for the Gullwings.

The former Grand Summoner Lady Yuna had saved the world one more time from a seemingly unstoppable threat, and had helped prevent a civil war in the process. The three faction leaders had finally managed to sit down together and actually begin leading Spira down a path that wouldn't end in war. Of course, this didn't stop people looking to heroic treasure hunter for guidance.

The global fame and notoriety was good for business, but Rikku could see the toll that celebrity status was beginning to have on her cousin. People just wouldn't let the girl relax.

Not to mention the fact that the spirit of vengeance behind Vegnagun had been the soul that her beloved Tidus was a memory of. Talk about a cruel and convoluted trick for fate to play. At least she had gotten to say goodbye properly this time, but Rikku could see how heavy the loss stilled weighed on Yuna's heart. She needed someone to share it with and Rikku was determined to be that confidant, she loved her cousin and wanted her to be happy.

Walking through Luca market after watching the Aurochs beat the Psyches in a close match, Rikku patted her well-won Gil from the bet she'd made. She was proud of her Al Bhed heritage, but like she'd told Brother: "Never bet against Wakka when Lulu and Vidina are in the crowd!"

"Now, what can I get Yunie to help her open up?" Rikku pondered, approaching a curio stall placed just inside an alleyway off the main market square. 'Maybe a moogle doll; more Lulu. Scented candles might work... I mean, I'm not Brother here. I just want Yunie to know we can talk about stuff. Maybe a diary sphere? Could always get her drunk--'

Then she spotted it.

A thin pink notebook with embossed Old Spiran text on the cover. Tracing her fingers over the leather surface, the Al Bhed Bnehlacc awed at the quality craftmanship juxtaposed against the absurd title: 'SexNote'

"Okay~," Rikku chuckled, taking the book and opening the cover to the front page, "now you have my attention... " As she read down the SexNote's supposed 'rules', Rikku's expression shifted from amused, to perplexed, to our right hysteria, "Pfft! Hahaha~!"

"Something I can help you with, Miss?"

"EEEP!" Rikku cried, juggling the book in panic before snapping it closed as she caught it. "Hehe~" she laughed nervously, turning the stall keeper with a nervous grin, "Sorry."

"No need to apologise," the girl replied with a sinisterly sweet smile. Even in the relative shadow of the alleyway entrance the girl's green eyes sparkled with mischief. Rikku admired her body length silver hair, thinking the shopkeep couldn't be much older than herself. "Would you like to buy the book?"

"Err, well," Rikku blushed under the young woman's expectant gaze, "I mean, I don't know if I could really spend much on a joke, ya know? It's clearly well made, so it probably costs more than I-"

"What makes you think that it's a joke?" Rikku froze at that, her expression probably giving away how insane the other woman's words sounded. Fortunately, the girl broke into a chuckle of her own, "Haha~ I'm only teasing, Miss. Truth be told, I don't know where it came from. I found it on the Mi'hen Highroad a few days ago and thought it would be a fun item to sell."

"Oh, right~" Rikku laughed with relief, "I guess that makes sense. It is pretty out there. So it's not expensive?"

"200 Gil, just for the ornate cover really," the girl held out her hand expectantly. It wasn't a bad price, Rikku figured and she could easily buy something else for Yuna before heading back to the Celsius. With a keen sense of salesmanship, the stall owner made her final pitch, "It's also a guaranteed laugh among friends."

"Okay, you got me," Rikku smiled as she handed over the money, "I do just want to help someone smile again. Thanks." She placed the SexNote in her bag and turned to leave.

"My pleasure, Miss," the woman added, before adding as Rikku made her way back to main Luca market, "And who knows? I never actually tested the book's claims. Enjoy your day."

"Huh? Wha-" Rikku turned back to question what she meant, but found that the woman was gone. The stall and all its contents remained, but the owner had apparently disappeared as swiftly as she had arrived. Probably into the building behind the stall, Rikku reasoned with herself. That didn't stop her feeling creeped out though.

Either way, she had her gag gift so now she could focus on something more serious.