chapter 7

the before the blitz game

Yuna put on a pair of shorts and went into the bathroom. She found a rag and wet it, holding it to her knee to try and stop the bleeding. She went to her bed and sat down on the side and waited for Tidus to come up. After a few minutes of sitting up there alone, Tidus finally ran into her room without knocking on her door or anything.

"Tidus, I could have been naked for all you know and you just barged in here," Yuna said as she watched him go to her bathroom. "Where are you going? I'm right here,"

"Come in here," Tidus said sticking his head out of her bathroom.

Yuna sighed and got up and walked into her bathroom looking over at Tidus who was sitting on the side of her tub.

"Sit over here with your legs in the tub," Tidus said scooting to make room for her.

"Why?" Yuna asked as she sat down beside him. He pulled peroxide from his other side and put it between them. "What's that for?"

Tidus gave her a dumb look and then smiled, "Uh, gee I don't know, might be for your legs, maybe?" He replied sarcastically.

He took her leg and propped it up on his own, grabbed the peroxide and was opening it. He was getting ready to pour some on her knees when she jerked back almost causing him to spill it.

"What the hell are you doing?" Tidus asked grabbing her leg again.

"It'll hurt real bad," Yuna said again trying to pull away from Tidus.

"Yeah, but you can either let me pour this stuff on it, or you can just let it get infected making it hurt worse," Tidus said looking at her. "If it starts to hurt real bad, I'll blow on it to cool it off, alright?"

Yuna nodded and Tidus again tried to pour some of the peroxide on it. Yuna winced as it hit her knee and she grabbed Tidus' pants leg. He bent down and started blowing on the bubbling scar.

"See look at how bad it was before we cleaned it, if we hadn't cleaned it today, it would have hurt a lot worse," Tidus said with a smile. "Okay, next one," Tidus grabbed her other leg and did the same to that one.

After he had cleaned out both of them, he reached again to where the peroxide had been and pulled out some of the same things Yuna had wrapped her hands in. When he was finished, Tidus stood and walked over to the wall. Yuna gave him a confusing look.

"What are you waiting for?" He asked pointing at the door.

"Huh?" Yuna said cocking her head to one side.

"Can I not take a shower without crazy girl in here," Tidus said with a smile. "Oh and could you go get my clothes out of my car? Thanks you're great," Tidus said as he threw her his keys.

Yuna caught them and sighed as she stood. Tidus walked over to where she was and then leaned in next to her.

"Pweese?" He asked in a baby voice. "Oh and do you have any shampoo that doesn't smell, you know, girlie?"

"No, if you haven't noticed, I'm a girl, so no I don't have any so you're just going to have to smell nice," Yuna said leaning back on his chest. "I'll go get you're stuff and just leave it in my room okay?"

"Fine, but if the guys beat me up because I smell like wild strawberries, you're gonna get my doctor bill," Tidus said pushing her out of the bathroom.

Yuna just laughed as he stuck his tongue out at her as he shut the door. She shook her head and went downstairs to get his stuff from his car. She carried his blitz bag up and laid it on her bed and then went back down stairs. She ran into the kitchen and started looking around.

Maybe I should make something? Like those drinks mom made for Shuyin when he use to Blitz. I wouldn't think he would object to food, and I wouldn't mind having one either. She went to the fridge and pulled out all the fruit she would need for her recipe. After cutting some of them into smaller pieces she pulled out the blender and poured orange juice into it and then added the fruit. When she was done she stuck it in the freezer after pouring it into three containers to take to the game. She stretched and looked at the clock, noticing there was only about an hour and a half before the game. She decided now was a good time to ask Cid some questions. She walked into the living room and saw him reading the paper. He looked up at her and then back down at the paper.

"How long you been up there? And doing what I might ask?" Cid said continuing to read his paper.

"Um, we were talking, and I need to ask you some things," Yuna said sitting down were Rikku had been earlier. "Where's Rikku?"

"She went to meet someone for the game," Cid said.

"Oh, well um, do you think you could let Tidus stay here for a little while?" Yuna asked.

"He can stay until the game, I'm sure a player doesn't want to miss it," Cid said with a laugh.

"No I meant like stay here, with us for a while," Yuna said with an unsure look on her face.

"Wait a dang second, you mean like sleepin and eating here right?" Cid said putting the paper down. "Why the hell can't he stay in his own house for?"

"His house caught on fire and his dad needs some time to fix it," Yuna said as it popped into her mind as she glanced at her healing hands.

"Oh, well, sorry to hear that," Cid said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah so can he?" Yuna asked.

"Yeah as long as he sleeps downstairs away from any girls that might be likein him," Cid said eyeing Yuna.

"There's something else," Yuna started.

"Can it wait till later, honey?" Cid said with a yawn.

She gave him an innocent smile, nodded, and stood. "Thank you Uncle Cid," Yuna said giving him a peck on the cheek as she ran past him and to the kitchen.

Yuna ran up the stairs and sat down in front of her door. She leaned on to it and was about to fall asleep when it opened and she fell back. She looked up and saw Tidus, in his blitz uniform, laughing as he stepped over her.

"You okay?" He asked smiling.

Yuna nodded and held out her hand. Tidus sighed and groaned as he pulled her up half way.

"You're too heavy," Tidus said dropping her back down.

She landed on her back and gave him a poutie look.

"I'm kidding, you're actually a little to light," Tidus said holding out his hand. Yuna smiled and took it. He pulled her up and then threw her over his shoulder. "See light as a feather,"

Tidus spun around with her on his shoulder and she laughed as he went back into her room and grabbed a pillow from the bed.

"What's that for?" Yuna asked worriedly.

"Nothing," Tidus said as he threw her on the bed. He held her down and stuffed the pillow over her face, making her scream and kick. Yuna then 'accidentally' kicked Tidus in the stomach. He doubled over and fell on top of her.

"Tidus get off," Yuna squealed as she tried to push him off herself.

"Can't, kick, bad, hurt, too close to…" Tidus was saying, when Yuna rolled him off of her and onto the floor. He lay there with his face in the carpet.

Yuna looked at him for a minute and then became worried when he didn't get up. She jumped off of her bed and kneeled down next to him.

"Tidus?" Yuna asked getting a little closer.

Tidus lifted his head a little and then dropped it back to the floor. He smiled and then turned his head to see her.

"You're a damn murderer," Tidus said giving her a baby face as he sucked his thumb. "You shouldn't beat up little babies Yuna, it's not very nice,"

"Shut up, hey, are we going to a game or not?" Yuna asked holding out her hand for Tidus.

Tidus nodded and took her hand. She pulled him up half-way and was thinking of dropping him like he had did to her, but decided against it, and pulled him to his feet.

"Tidus? Can I ask you about something?" Yuna asked looking at him seriously.

"Yeah?" Tidus said wondering why she was suddenly so serious.

"Remember when you said, that you loved me, did you mean it?" Yuna asked looking down at her feet.

Tidus was silent for a while and looked over at her. "Did you think I didn't?"

"I kinda knew you probably did," Yuna said with a sigh.

"Is that a bad thing?" Tidus asked pulling her over to her bed. He sat down and then pulled her onto his lap.

"No…Well, yeah it kind of is, but not really," Yuna said shaking her head. Depends on how you look at it.

"Oh," Tidus just said.

"Well, anyway, we should head for the game before you're late," Yuna said changing the subject.

Tidus smiled and nodded as he ran over to his bag, grabbed it and ran over to the door and out to the hallway.

Yuna sighed and stood and followed him as he ran down the stairs. She grabbed a bag of her own and went and grabbed the drinks she had made earlier. She stuck them in her bag and ran through the living room to where Tidus was bouncing up and down waiting for her.

Cid looked up from his chair. "The kid looks like he's gotta go," He laughed at the face Tidus made and went back to his paper.

"Come on," Yuna said pushing her way past Tidus and out the door.

He followed her out and went around and jumped in the car throwing his stuff in the back. He looked around for his keys as Yuna got in and shut her door. She gave him a scared look and then handed him the keys, which were in his pocket.

"I knew that," Tidus said as he turned the car on.

"You okay? You're kind of jumpy," Yuna said giving Tidus a strange look.

"Yeah, hey, uh, what do…What do you want to do after the game tonight?" He asked stuttering.

"Tidus? Will you chill out please?" Yuna asked, laughing at his jumpiness, "You're making me nervous. I don't care what we do after, but Cid said you can stay with us, but you're sleeping downstairs. And I still have to ask about tomorrow,"

"Oh cool," Tidus said as he continued to strum his fingers on the steering wheel. His left leg was bouncing up and down.

"Tidus!" Yuna screamed at him.

"Fryd?" Tidus asked as he slammed on breaks. Yuna let out a cry.

"What's wrong with you?" Yuna cried. "Are you speaking Al Bhed?"

Tidus smiled as he realized Yuna most not know it. "Oac,"

"What? Tidus stop, I don't understand Al Bhed," Yuna said crossing her arms.

Tidus shook his head and smiled an even bigger smile and then asked, "Ec Bickson y yccruma, un tu oui mega res?"

"Tidus? Please stop," Yuna whined.

"Yhcfan bmayca," Tidus said shaking his head.

"Tidus! Fine whatever yes!" Yuna whined.

"Oac," Tidus said with a smile.

"Did I get it right or not, now start talking English!" Yuna whined more.

"Man, will you stop whining? It makes me feel bad, and yes you got it right. I asked you if Bickson was an asshole or if you liked him," Tidus said with a laugh.

"Oh," Yuna said slumping down in her seat.

"What's wrong?" Tidus asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," Yuna just said.

"Oh okay," Tidus said, "Sure?" Yuna just nodded.

The two rode in silence for the rest of the way to the school. When they got there, Tidus pulled into the parking lot and parked. He rushed out of the car with Yuna behind him. He ran into the building and Yuna followed hi as he ran towards the locker rooms. He went in and Yuna stopped outside the door. He poked his head out from behind the door.

"You coming?" Tidus asked stepping out.

"I thought…. Am I allowed too come in there?" Yuna asked taking a step back.

"Don't see any harm in it," Tidus said with a shrug as he crossed his arms.

"But, will I get in trouble?" Yuna asked.

"You could, but I'll make sure you don't," Tidus said pushing the door open.

"I don't know," Yuna said uneasily.

"Just until I'm through and then I'll take you to your seat, 'kay," Tidus said holding the door open as he waited for her to go through.

Yuna reluctantly followed him. The door led to a waiting room for the players after the game. She followed him to another door, where he turned and faced her.

"Okay, now you can't go in here," Tidus said and then whispered as he leaned in next to her, "Unless you really want too," He gave her a mischievous look.

"Ewww," Yuna said pushing him away from her.

"Okay, wait next to this door and don't talk to anyone who comes out of that other door, that's Bick's team, got it," Tidus said turning back to the door and going in.

Yuna sat down next to the door and waited. After a few minutes, someone from the other door walked out. She ducked her head down so whoever it was wouldn't stop. The person did not leave the room. Just stood, watching her. Suddenly, the guy whistled.

"Well, well, if it isn't Baby," He laughed.

Yuna's heart dropped as soon as she heard that word. She knew who it was. Bickson. She lifted her head up as he walked over to her.

"Come to see me play, Baby?" Bickson asked with a smile.

"Um," Yuna started.

"Stand up," Bickson said, though not in a demanding tone.

Already afraid of what he might do if she didn't, Yuna stood though she scooted closer to Tidus' locker room door.

"Good girl," he said with a smile as he crossed his arms.

"Come on," Bickson said motioning towards the door Yuna and Tidus had come through earlier.

Yuna slowly followed him to the door. Before she left the room, she gave a quick glance at the room Tidus had told her to stay in. Praying he would come out, but he didn't. They entered the other room and Bickson grabbed Yuna's wrist, and pulled her over to the wall. He held her up against it by her arms as he laughed at her struggles.

"So tell me Baby, who you here to see?" Bickson asked, glaring at her, "Who do I need to stab good in the pool?" Bickson asked flashing a knife from his pocket as he let one of her hands drop to where she put it against his chest to push him away/

"No..No one," Yuna stuttered as she looked down.

"Right," Bickson said slamming her up hardly against the wall.

Yuna let out a whine as she fell to the floor.

"Baby, tell me," Bickson said keeling down next to her.

"Leave me alone," Yuna said with a shake of her head. Bickson pulled her to her feet.

"You have until the count of five to tell me, before you wished you had," Bickson said drawing Yuna closer to him.

Tidus had finished putting all his gear on for the game and was going out to the room he left Yuna in to get her. Tidus looked around the room as he entered, her bag was still here but she was gone.

"Yuna?" Tidus said confused. I left her right here, where'd she go?

Tidus walked over to the exit and opened the door. Tidus' was furious as soon as he walked in and saw Bickson, kissing Yuna down her neck. Yuna's eyes were closed, with tears flowing from them, while trying to push Bickson away. Bickson stopped and looked at Yuna and smiled.

"That's four, Baby," Bickson said and then started kissing her again.

More tears escaped her eyes; Tidus ran over and pulled Bickson away from her.

"Well, well, Baby, looks like you don't have to tell me now," Bickson said walking over to a chair. "Come here, Baby," Bickson said.

Yuna looked down, and shook her head.

"Baby," Bickson said controlling, "Remember what we talked about."

Yuna let out a whine and left Tidus' side and went over to Bickson. Tidus watched as she stopped next to Bickson and looked over at the wall. Tidus took a step forward.

"Yuna?" He said though he stepped back to where he was before.

"See, how everything works out when you listen, Baby," Bickson said putting an arm around her as he kissed her forehead. "Now Ti, you can leave, she's fine here,"

Yuna looked over at Tidus and gave him a pleading look. She wanted him to help her; she wanted to get away from Bickson. Tidus took a few steps forward, and Bickson pushed Yuna down in the chair and took a step forward.

"Baby, stays where ever the hell I tell her," Bickson said with a smile.

"She told me, get away from her now, before my fists find you," Tidus said as he clenched his fists tightly at his side.

"I don't give a shit what Baby told you, and bring it own Blondie," Bickson said with a laugh. "And besides, Baby and I are going to have some fun after the game, ain't that right?" Bickson smiled down at her.

Tidus rushed forward and punched Bickson across the face. Bickson shook it off and then turned and pulled up Yuna. He turned to face her.

"Sorry Baby, but you should have told him to leave earlier," Bickson said. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the knife he had shown her earlier. "I told you this was for him, but he obviously wants you to have the honors," Bickson said as he turned her to face Tidus. He put the knife to her throat.

"Yuna!" Tidus took a step forward.

Tears escaped her eyes as Bickson put the knife closer to her neck.

"Bickson," Tidus said, "What do I have to do, throw the game, pay you, whatever, just let her go," Tidus swallowed. "Anything you want,"

"I don't know, Baby's not something you want to trade," Bickson said as he put the knife down and back into his pocket. He pushed Yuna towards Tidus.

As soon as he pushed her, Yuna ran over to Tidus and wrapped her arms around his neck, scared to let go of him. Bickson let out a laugh.

"Oh Baby," Bickson said, "That hurts,"

Tidus pried Yuna from himself and walked over to Bickson. He stared him in the eye and then tackled him to the ground. Bickson's coach, Coach Ichigo, came in and saw the two exchanging punches. He pulled Tidus from Bickson and threw him over to where Yuna was; she knelt down beside him and helped him sit up.

"What the hell is going on?" Ichigo yelled.

"Man, Tidus threatened me that if I didn't throw the game, he'd freakin' kill me," Bickson said cradling his jaw, "When I said no, he freakin' attacked me!"

"That's not…"Tidus started, while Yuna looked down at the floor.

"You shut up, I didn't ask you," Ichigo screamed as he turned to Tidus and Yuna. "I can see right through you kid,"

"But Bickson's lying," Yuna said quietly.

Ichigo walked over to her, "Excuse me,"

"Baby," Bickson said warningly.

"Um," Yuna looked back down, "Never mind,"

Bickson smiled at her and stood.

"Tidus, I'm going to have to keep you from this game for assault," Ichigo said. "Bickson go tell the refs," Ichigo then turned to Yuna. "Who are you? You're not a player, why are you here?"

Yuna was about to start when Tidus interrupted her.

"She was waiting on me, to take her to her seat, when Bickson got a hold on her, he drug her out here," Tidus yelled as he stood face to face with the coach, "Then he held a damn knife to her neck," Tidus swallowed, "Lucky for him you showed up, or I might have killed him,"

"That's bullshit ain't it Baby," Bickson yelled.

Tidus looked down at Yuna. She gave him a tearful glance and then shook her head.

"Baby, Baby, you gonna wish you hadn't," Bickson said.

"Stop calling me that!" Yuna cried as she stood next to Tidus, "Coach, sir, Bickson really did hold a knife to my throat, he tired to hurt me, Tidus was just helping me,"

Ichigo turned to Bickson. "You. You are out of this game and possibly for the rest of the season," Ichigo said grabbing his arm and leading him to the locker rooms. "You're probably lucky she ain't charging you,"

Tidus looked over at Yuna. He pulled her close to him and held her, and whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry,"

"He said he'd hurt me if I didn't do what he said," Yuna said through tears. "I was scared, he slammed me up against the wall when I didn't tell him about you,"

"I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have left you knowing he was here," Tidus said as he drew her even closer, "It was my fault,"

"You should go get ready, I'll go get my bag and go find my seat," Yuna said as she pulled herself away from Tidus. She went and got her bag and then went to the exit, before she left the room, she turned and looked at Tidus. "Bye, good luck," Then she left.

Tidus sighed and then went to get ready to enter the sphere pool.