Ch. 11 Intervention

Reevo had listened to Darcy's urgent message on his phone, begging him to do something. Apparently, something had gone terribly wrong with her wedding plans. What the hell did she think he could do with so little time? He needed time to think of a very good plan. Darcy's wishes would have to wait. He vaguely listened to Yuna and Rikku talking at the kitchen counter. Apparently, they thought their friend Lulu had some sort of problem. He nodded. Addict. He'd seen it too many times. He wondered briefly if he should warn Yuna when the doorbell rang. Was Tidus here already? Didn't he have a key? He left the kitchen to answer the door. It was a man he didn't recognize.

"Hi. You must be one of the tenants," he said.

Reevo nodded. "That's right. What's up?"

"I'm the new owner of the house."

"Mr. Mika sold this house? I don't believe it."

The man shrugged. "Well, he didn't exactly sell it. He passed away yesterday. Natural causes. Peaceful in his sleep. So, the house went up for sale immediately. I was interested. I could use the extra gil."

"Well, that's sad to hear. Come on in. After all, it's your house now."

The man stepped inside and looked around. Yep. This had been a good investment. He could tell that the old man had kept it in excellent condition.

"I'm going to take a look around. There are eight tenants here, right?"

"Yeah, but two haven't been here in a week."

"They paid their rent for the month, so as long as they do that, it's no big deal."

"Are you going to give us a new list of rules and stuff?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. We'll see."

"What are you doing here?" Paine asked, standing in her doorway. Her eyes were glued on the man.

"You know him? He bought the house."

"You're kidding. Small world."

"It's nice to see you again, Paine."

"You, too, Mr. Isaaru."

"Can somebody explain what's going on here?" asked Reevo.

"He's a school teacher over at the high school where we graduated," Paine explained.

"Any other kids here that I know?" asked Mr. Isaaru.

"All, except Reevo here."

"Well, that's good to know. How'd I miss you at the school, Reevo?"

"I'm from Luca."

"Why did you buy the house? I thought it was Mika's most prized possession," Paine thought aloud.

"He's dead. Died yesterday in his sleep. Why don't you give me a tour of the house?"

"You seem to have two good seeing eyes. Look around yourself," Paine said, heading toward the kitchen.

"She was always a delight," Mr. Isaaru explained.

"Well, she hasn't changed."

Mr. Isaaru began his tour of the house, starting in what had been Mika's office. Reevo stayed with him. Mr. Isaaru turned to him. "Did you know this room was connected to a bedroom?"

"No."

"Maybe I'll use it sometime. It would cut down on the drive. I live in the western section of the city."

"I guess."

Mr. Isaaru stared at him. He wondered what a kid like this was doing here. He looked obviously out of place here. He labeled him as just another freak and continued his exploring.

In the kitchen, Paine turned to Yuna and Rikku.

"Guess what? Mika died yesterday," she told them.

"That's horrible. I didn't even know he was sick," Yuna said.

"He wasn't. Natural causes. Like my granny. But that's not the worst of it. That major perve at the high school bought it. It gives me the creeps knowing he's going to be slinking around."

"What perve?" Rikku asked.

"Mr. Isaaru. Better lock the door when you're showering. We don't need a 'oops, I didn't know you were in the shower,' moment here," Paine said, putting a medium saucepan on the stove.

"How is Baralai? I haven't seen him out of his room since he came home this morning," Yuna said, watching Paine grab a jar of soup that belonged to Tidus.

"He's still groggy. That's why I'm making him soup."

"Technically, you're just warming it, not making it," Rikku pointed out.

"Hey, call it whatever you want. He'll like it. It looks like it's made of organic vegetables. Should be good for him. It was probably expensive. Who bought this? Probably Baralai."

"Tidus bought it," Yuna said, remembering that they had gone to the supermarket together.

"Well, I'm sure he won't mind Baralai having it."

"Probably not. Is there something going on between you and Baralai?" Yuna asked, noticing the way Paine's eyes shifted away quickly.

"Of course not. I'm just trying to make sure he doesn't get sick."

That wasn't the implication Yuna had detected the night of the blitz game. Paine had been as upset as she would have been had it been Tidus that had collapsed. But, she wasn't going to force the girl to admit it. Maybe she wasn't aware of it herself.

When Paine finished 'making' her soup, she carried it up the stairs on a tray. She hoped Baralai wouldn't piss her off and force her to throw it in his lap. She rapped on his closed door.

"Yeah," he called.

She opened the door, carrying the tray inside. He almost smiled. What was this? She sat the tray down carefully on the night table.

"When you're done feeding me, I could use a sponge bath," he told her.

"Better find someone else then. I'm just making sure that you eat something."

"But, I'm dirty. Real dirty," he said, his dark eyes looking mischievous.

"Call one of your playthings then. I'm serious, Baralai. Knock it off," she warned, though she felt her pulse pick up at the thought of running a sponge across his naked body.

"Maybe I can get Rikku to do it. I don't want to scare the girl, though."

She finally smiled. "Scare her? More like kill her. She's going to die from laughing."

He lost his smile. "I guess I missed your laughing. It must have been all of that loud moaning that drowned it out."

"You're sick, Baralai. Eat your soup."

"I am. So, Mr. Isaaru bought the house, huh? He had the nerve to peek in here. Just what I need. I hope he's not going to be as annoying here as he was in class."

"We can only hope. I'll be back for the dishes in a while," Paine said, walking to the door.

"What kind of soup is this?"

"The kind you're going to eat."

"I'm serious. I'm allergic to milk."

"Let me go check the label then. Don't eat it. We don't need the paramedics taking you away for a second time this month."

She opened the door.

"Hey, Paine."

"What?"

"Thanks."

She was so stunned that she couldn't speak. Had the arrogant jerk Baralai just thanked her? The sky must be falling.

"Don't sweat it. I would have done it for anyone," she said, stepping out into the hall and closing the door. Why then was she suddenly happy that he had said that then? She had to be careful. She didn't want Baralai getting any ideas.

Tidus, with Wakka in tow, began speeding through downtown Zanarkand. As soon as Jecht had finished explaining everything he had found out about Darcy, he had decided the first thing he wanted to do was see Yuna, and let her know he was available. They could be together now. There was no longer any threat of Darcy in his life. Jecht told him that the police had arrested her and were questioning her on charges of fraud. After all, had he married her, it would have been under false pretenses.

"Look at you. You look happy enough to fly to the Mika house," Wakka said, lighting a cigarette. He held the cell phone with his free hand. He was having a hard time following Tidus in the heavy traffic.

"I am. Can you believe it? After all the bullshit Darcy put me through, it's finally over. No marriage. No baby. It feels like a dream come true."

"Ya. It is. I'm happy for ya, brudda."

"We're going to help Lulu, too, Wakka. You guys will get back together, too."

"Only if she wants it. I can't force her."

"She'll never admit it. We have to have an intervention."

"Do those things work?"

"Yeah. My Dad had one for me. Imagine my surprise and annoyance, when I found him, Zalora, my coach, a few of my teammates and Darcy waiting for me."

"We'll have to tell Lu's mother. Maybe she can reach out to her."

"We'll do whatever's necessary. I promise."

"Okay. I'm in. Now slow down before the police have a word with you today."

Tidus slowed down, but he had a hard time containing his happiness. He was more than livid with Darcy and her scheming, but now wasn't the time to vent such anger. He was still wearing his dress clothes. There was no time to change. Yuna was waiting.

He pulled up alongside the Mika house. Wakka tensed as he parked behind him. He wanted to see Tidus and Yuna reunited, but he also knew there was a strong possibility that he could run into Lulu. It would be fine. He wasn't intentionally avoiding her, anyway. He followed Tidus as he took the steps two at a time. The door was unlocked. That was odd, especially after Paine had enforced a doors locked policy.

They entered the house. It was oddly quiet. Where was everyone? Especially Baralai. He was fresh out of the hospital. He had to be here.

"Hi, guys," they heard a familiar voice call. They turned toward Mika's office.

"Mr. Isaaru? What are you doing here?" asked Tidus.

"I bought the house. It was a good deal."

"You bought the house from Mr. Mika? I never thought he would sell it, ya," said Wakka.

"He didn't. He passed away. I'm actually leaving a note on everyone's door so I don't have to keep explaining this same old story over again."

Wakka wasn't sure how to take this news. After all, this man was the reason that his senior year had gone straight to the farplane.

"Where is everybody?" Tidus asked.

"Oh, they went to the mall. It was Rikku's idea."

"Who went? Is Baralai here?" asked Wakka.

"Yeah, he's here. Paine's here."

"Yuna went to the mall?" Tidus asked, slightly disappointed. How could she be out shopping on his wedding day?

"No. Yuna's father came by and she went someplace with him. Only Rikku and Reevo went to the mall."

"Is Lulu here?" Wakka asked.

"She was. But, she left about fifteen minutes ago."

Tidus turned to Wakka. "We rushed over here for nothing," he told him.

"Are you guys moving back into your rooms? I don't have a problem if you don't as long as you're paying rent. I just want to keep tabs on everyone in the house," said Mr. Isaaru, typing something on the newly placed computer on the desk.

"I'm moving back in," Tidus assured him. He had to go to Darcy's apartment and get the belongings he had taken there.

"I'll be back soon," Wakka told him, without much confidence.

"Fine. Well, I've got paperwork to finish, guys."

Tidus and Wakka waved him off and headed for the stairs. They visited Baralai briefly before Wakka declared that he was heading to Auron's house. Tidus promised him that they would do something about Lulu soon. He went into his room and changed his clothing. He wondered if he had time to take a short nap before Yuna returned. He lay on the bed on his stomach, hugging his pillow.

A short while later, he felt someone running their fingers through his hair. The same person leaned over and kissed his cheek. This better be Yuna. He opened his eye slowly. Upon realizing that it was indeed Yuna, he turned over on his back.

"What are you doing here?" she asked him quietly. She had just returned from her outing with Braska a short while ago. Thinking about Tidus had brought her to his room.

"The wedding's off. It's over," he told her, sitting up.

"It's over?"

Yuna listened carefully after he described everything that had happened today. She couldn't believe it. It was too good to be true! Tidus was free of Darcy? Lying, scheming Darcy? She squealed with joy and threw her arms around his neck. He hugged back.

"So, we can be together now?" she asked, just to be sure.

"Yeah. Unless you're tired of me already," he half joked. He wouldn't blame her if she were.

"Nope. Not yet."

"It's good to hear."

They held each other for a moment longer without speaking. Someone cleared their throat. They turned to the doorway to see Mr. Isaaru standing there.

"I'm thinking about ordering pizza. Anybody hungry?"

"See, that wasn't so bad. I told you, I've changed," Gatta said, as he led Rikku to the doorway of the pizza parlor. He had finally convinced her to go out with him. They had just left the movie theater. Rikku had to reluctantly admit that she was having a good time. It had taken her months, but she was finally moving on, starting a life without Gippal.

Once they were seated, Rikku recognized several of the teenagers there. She waved hello and turned her attention on the pizza menu.

"So, I'm about ready to give up on the date rape crusader. He's running scared. He hasn't done anything in weeks," she told him.

He groaned. "Rikku. For the last time, you've got to stop calling that guy that. I told you, where I'm from, crusaders are people that help others in trouble. They sure as hell don't go around raping women."

"Fine, fine. It's not a big deal. It just sounded good. What kind of pizza do you like?"

"Doesn't matter. I can eat anything."

"Fine. I'm getting behemoth and pineapple."

"We used to get olives and chocobo with extra cheese."

"Yeah, I guess we did," she said, remembering that the toppings she'd chosen were the ones that she and Gippal liked to order.

Gatta ordered their pizza and studied her for a moment. He wasn't sure why he was pursuing another relationship with Rikku. He found her fascinating, though. She was smarter than he had thought at first. She knew a lot about technology. Especially building things with machina. How many girls could do that?

"So, have you studied for our exam tomorrow?" he asked as their waiter, Biran, brought their drinks over to the table.

He opened his beer and took a sip, waiting on her reply.

"I've been studying on and off. I've been busy. My friends have been having emotional breakdowns, my brother has the flu, and I'm on a case," she said, sticking her straw in her soda.

"There is no case. We're not on any case."

"Fine, whatever. When I find out who it is, you're going to owe me big time."

"Anything you want."

"I'll hold you to that," she smiled.

Suddenly, he leaned across the table and kissed her. She was about to protest when she realized how hungry she was to be kissed again. And Gatta wasn't a bad kisser. She allowed herself to relax and melt into his kiss.

"Pizza," they heard a deep voice say, as Biran put the pizza on the table, barely giving them time to break apart.

"Thanks," Rikku said, as the Ronso glared at her and walked away.

"What was that about?" Gatta asked.

"I don't know," she lied, but she knew it was because Gippal never tipped him. And the Ronso was obviously still holding a grudge.

Gatta grabbed a slice of the pizza and bit into it happily. Score. Rikku's reaction to the kiss had caught him off guard. He had been anticipating a slap, or at least soda thrown into his eyes. Whatever. He hoped it was the start to a good beginning. Again.

"Lulu, what's taking so long? It's not a life or death decision, you know," Seymour told her on Sunday night. He reached for the glass of scotch on the silver tray that sat next to his bed. Lulu had showed up here earlier this afternoon. He had played the generous host, but now she wanted something more from him. Well, he had given her too many freebies already. It was time for her to pay.

Lulu debated. Why was she hesitating? All she had to do was give Seymour what he wanted and he would give her what she wanted. It was as simple as that. An exchange. But, he was asking for a lot. Not gil. No, he didn't need that. He was asking her to come to bed with him. If she did that, she would never be able to return to Wakka. How could she look him in the eye? Or herself for that matter? Where were these thoughts coming from? It should be cut and dry. Give Seymour what he wants. He has the pills. You need them.

A more conscious part of her brain asked why she was even here with him in the first place. The answer sat on the silver tray. The brown pill bottle. What would she do to get it? She wanted them badly.

"You have to give me the whole bottle," she told him.

"Sure. But, you have to give me something first."

She nodded and began to unbutton her blouse. He watched her undress. What the hell are you doing, Lulu? Her brain screamed. You said you would never let him touch you again! Seymour put his glass down and walked over to help her. He pulled her blouse over her shoulders slowly, bringing his lips to her neck. He had been waiting for this for so long.

She allowed him to lead her over to his king sized bed. He laid her down gently, stroking her hair. She trembled, but did nothing. She watched him look her over, before he brought his fingers to the front hook of her bra. He immediately buried his face into her cleavage, relishing the taste of her flesh.

Stop it! Do something! For whatever reason, she came to her senses. Perhaps the flash of Wakka's hazel brown eyes in her mind did it. She reached for his glass of scotch and brought it down hard on his skull. He screamed, as she pushed him off and ran for the door. He cursed after her. She hurriedly made her way through the mansion.

"Lulu!" he screamed after her. She knew she could never outrun him. Unfortunately, she wouldn't have to. She paused to button up her blouse hastily. His parents were within the distance. They paused in their conversation when they saw her.

"Hello, Lulu," greeted his father, Jyscal.

Seymour caught up to them, blood spilling from his brow.

"Seymour, do you realize that you're bleeding? What happened?" his mother asked.

He stared coldly at Lulu. "Nothing. I walked into the doorframe."

"Well, let's get that cleaned up. Come on," she insisted, taking him by the arm and leading him away.

"Goodnight, Mr. Guado," Lulu said, continuing on her path of escape.

Once she was inside of her wagon, she drove as quickly as she could to her mother's house. She had blown off work this morning, and she owed her an explanation, anyway. Plus, she wanted to feel the comfort of her home tonight.

She opened the door of the house and stepped inside. She could smell fresh coffee brewing and something sweet in the air.

"Mother?" she called out.

"I'm in the living room, dear."

She sighed with relief, and took off her coat. She hung it up and checked her appearance in the hall mirror. She looked like a stranger to herself. She tucked her blouse into the waist band of her long skirt and headed down the hall. She walked to the doorway of the living room.

"I'm sorry about work…" she began and broke off.

Sitting in a circle around the coffee table were Wakka, Yuna, Tidus, Rikku, Baralai, and Paine. And of course, her mother. What was going on? The silver coffeepot was on the table, next to a plate of cinnamon rolls.

"What's going on?" she asked, feeling her palms become sweaty.

"Lulu, we would like to have a word with you," Majestic said, motioning to the pink armchair in the corner.

"Sure, I guess," Lulu relented, making her way to the chair. It was silent for a long moment.

"Lu, we want to talk to you about the pills," Wakka finally began.

"I told you, Wakka, there's nothing to worry about."

"And I told you, I am worried, ya."

"There was no reason for you to come over here and alarm my mother," she insisted.

"There was reason enough for me. I want to help you. I care about you. We all do, ya. That's why we're here."

"That's wonderful. Too bad I don't need any help."

"Well, humor us, then. Your mother has called to enroll you in the Foster clinic for a few weeks," Tidus said. He knew it wouldn't do any good to beat around the bush.

"The Foster clinic? That's a place for people with addictions," she said, looking at each of their faces.

"Lulu, please. Even if you don't think anything's wrong, just go. We'll be there to help you get through it," said Yuna.

Lulu almost laughed. "You all really think I'm addicted to pills? It's a waste of money, Mother."

"Indulge me. I'll do anything to ensure that you are okay. You have to go to the clinic, Lulu."

"I can't."

"Why not?" asked Rikku.

Lulu turned hurt eyes on her. Rikku tried not to let it get to her. Tidus had warned them that she would beg and plead.

"I have my schoolwork. I can't get behind," she told them, thinking she had cleverly worked a way around their demands.

"I've hired a tutor to bring you all of your assignments. You won't fall behind," said Majestic.

"You've already hired a tutor? When do you think I'm going to this clinic?"

"Tomorrow morning," Paine said.

"No."

"Don't make this difficult, Lulu. You're mother's going through enough," said Baralai.

She stared at him. Why was he here, anyway? He didn't care about her. Nor did Paine. They hardly knew her.

"Lulu, I am prepared to beg you to go if I have to," Majestic said, standing.

"Do you want to see your mother on her knees, begging? Just agree to give it a try, ya. I'll be there with you, every step of the way," said Wakka.

She stared at him. Would he say that if he knew what she had been almost willing to do for a pill less than an hour ago? She bowed her head in shame. She would have to humor them. She didn't have a problem and she was going to have to prove it.

"Fine. I'll go," she said.

"Baralai, where are you? We need to talk!" Paine yelled, as she burst through the front door on Monday afternoon.

"I don't believe he's here," Mr. Isaaru said, carrying a thick turkey sandwich.

"How can you be here so early? Don't you have classes to teach?"

"I've only got three classes now, but that's just fine by me. It gives me time to finish my novel."

"You're writing a novel?"

"An autobiography. I think I've led a fairly interesting life. People in Zanarkand will want to read about it."

If he were planning to mention all of the students he'd slept with, she would be interested in reading it herself.

"Well, I've got homework to do," she told him, continuing down the hall to her room.

"If you need help, just let me know. I'm a very good tutor."

I bet you are, she thought as she entered her room and put her backpack down on her desk. She sighed. She wouldn't be able to concentrate right now. The new information she had discovered today had to be settled. She decided to take a smoke break and wait for Baralai. She walked out to the living room. Reevo was sprawled on the couch.

"Hey," he greeted her lazily.

"Hey. Don't you ever go to class?"

"Sure. Every now and again. I'm flunking out, anyway."

She believed it. She had no idea what had brought him to Zanarkand. He was obviously not a student.

"Can I have a smoke?" he asked her.

"Sure."

She gave him a cigarette. He thought about his current situation as he smoked. He had to plan things carefully. He wouldn't rush things. He and Yuna were bonding. They were friends, at least. They had come a long way in the past two months. He could tell that things were about to get serious until Darcy screwed shit up with Tidus. Now he had to fix it.

They heard the front door open, and saw Baralai stroll past the door.

"Baralai!" Paine called, hurrying after him.

He sighed deeply and turned to face her. What did she want? It had been a long day.

"Yeah?"

"We need to talk. Right now."

"Can it wait? I have to go to the library. I've got a term paper to do research for."

"It can't wait."

"Okay," he reluctantly agreed, following her into her room. She closed the door.

Before he could blink, she slapped him across the face.

"What the hell?" he demanded.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me that your Dad bought my farm?" she yelled.

"What the hell difference does it make? He's going to tear it down! I told you that!"

"Over my dead body he is!"

"If that's the way you want it, Paine. Don't interfere. Let the big boys play."

"Fuck you. Now I know why you've been so nice to me."

"I've been nice to you? I must be losing my touch. Let's see if this will help. Fuck you."

She slapped him again. He slapped her back. What did she expect from him? His father had made a business decision, and he had to stand by it. His future depended on it, not hers!

"You're just going to let him destroy my farm?" she screamed.

"You can bet those scarlet eyes I am!"

"I hate you for doing nothing! You really don't give a shit about anything but yourself, don't you?"

"Finally fucking figured it out, huh?"

She was about to slap him again, but he caught her wrist. They glared hotly into each other's eyes for a moment. Then, he tossed her wrist aside and left the room, slamming the door. She banged on the door, wishing it were his precious face. Damn him! He and his father weren't going to get away with this! She would find a way to get the farm back somehow.

I hate him. He's so fucking selfish. I'm sorry, Granny. He's not the one.

Tidus sat at the kitchen counter eating a bowl of noodles. Tomorrow was his nineteenth birthday. And instead of enjoying it like he should, he had to go down to the police station and give a statement about Darcy. Despite every hateful thing she had done to him, he still didn't want her to go to jail. He smiled ruefully into his fork.

You don't want her to rot in a cell? Are you crazy? Did you forget that she did something with the things that mean the whole world to you? He would have a very hard time forgiving her for taking his things. Why would she do that? Did she have them? He would have to speak to her about it. He knew that he would do anything to have them back. They belonged to him, anyway.

His mother's things. Jecht didn't have many pictures of her around the house, so he kept most of them himself. The last letter she had written to him before she passed away. Her wedding ring. The one he was planning on giving to his wife some day.

He sat lost in thought for a long time. Had he brought all of this on himself? A part of him argued that he had by allowing Darcy to believe that he cared for her. But, the fighting side of him argued back that she was an opportunist that had gotten exactly what she deserved, and possibly more. He would have to be careful that nothing else happened like this again. He couldn't imagine Yuna being so vindictive. He couldn't think of a more considerate, sweeter girl. Even the thought of her made him smile.

"Hey, does this house have a furnace?" Reevo asked, coming into the kitchen, shivering a bit.

Tidus stared at him. He hadn't said much to Reevo since his return. He couldn't understand why his so called friend hadn't called him since he had left the house. Now, since his return, he was acting like nothing had happened.

"Yeah, down in the basement," he said dryly.

"Come with me to check it out. It's cold in here."

"Fine," he said, getting up and leaving his unfinished noodles on the counter. He followed Reevo to the pantry in the back. There, they found the door to the basement. It was dark down there.

"Great. No windows," Tidus muttered.

"I think there's a light switch around."

Tidus' eyes tried to adjust to the darkness. He could make out the furnace in the far corner of the huge basement. He began walking toward it. He looked at it carefully. It seemed to be working fine to him.

"I think it's okay…" he began, when a powerful smell suddenly filled his nostrils.

"It's going to be okay."

Tidus struggled to fight the smell, but it was too powerful. He felt his lids close as he sank into darkness, his limbs relaxing.

End of Ch.11. Thanks for reading.