31_days | [August 11] [Final Fantasy X] Respect

Title: Respect
Day/Theme: August 11/the contrast of white on white
Series: Final Fantasy X
Character/Pairing: Kimahri/Rikku
Rating: PG
Warning: Anthro/human pairing, but very mild
Word Count: 306

Rikku stared out the doorway of the tent. Snow was beginning to fall. It was fascinating to watch the white flakes as they piled up.

"Rikku never see snow before?"

She turned to see Kimahri, currently the only other occupant of the tent.

"No," she replied, a bit embarrassed to admit it.

He walked to the doorway with her. "Snow mean Mt. Gagazet soon," he said.

"Is that why you've been so quiet lately?" she asked.

The Ronso looked surprised. "Kimahri always quiet," he said.

"I know, but you seem... worried," Rikku said.

Kimahri nodded. "Kimahri see Biran at Mt. Gagazet. Biran old enemy, break Kimahri horn."

"Are you afraid?"

Kimahri seemed to hesitate. Rikku took his large hand and laced her fingers through his, careful to avoid his claws.

"Remember what you told me back on the Thunder Plains? When I was so scared? 'Rikku not be ashamed of fear. Someday Rikku no longer afraid.'"

He gently ran his other hand through her hair. "For Ronso is great shame to have broken horn. Kimahri must fight Biran."

"Well, your horn doesn't bother any of us," Rikku insisted with a smile. Then she grew serious. "And I believe you can beat Biran, if that's really what you have to do."

She found herself leaning against his chest, her head burrowing into his fur. "The snow is beautiful." she murmured. "All that white."

"After Kimahri beat Biran, Kimahri show Rikku Mt. Gagazet."

"You know, even if you don't beat Biran, we'll all still respect you," Rikku said.

"Kimahri beat Biran," the Ronso insisted gently. "Then Kimahri no longer ashamed."

"All right," said Rikku, her voice muffled by his fur. "And then we'll walk in the snow and I'll throw snowballs at you."

She waited uncertainly until Kimahri laughed, and then they stood together watching the whiteness fall.