Ya-haw! It's been awhile people! I'm soooooo sorry for the late update! (Exams finished about two weeks ago) and here I am finally updating ya-hawie! Well, i wouldn't want to say much as this chappie is kinda...romancy? For my style that is XD
I would like to thank: (Of course these wonderful reviewers!) Aquastorm XIV, InfinityStream, Riku Uzumaki, fujingodofwind, miano53, XHollow18, OrganizationsNumberXIII, Draconic, just2awesome, Zexionisawesome, XDivinexMadnessX, and my 100TH REVIEWER ..L1ght! (Who actually was kind enough to remind me as the 100th reviewer! XD)
YA-HAW! I've finally reached the 100th Review! Sob* I'm so happy! XD Anyways I hope you guys enjoy this chappie, it's kinda'...well, romancy (again?). Reviewwww! You guys know I love getting em', and this time I'm prepared to answer all with the sudden twist at the end of the chappie (dun* dun* dun*!) Well without further ado, the 14th chappie~
CHAPTER XIV: The Wheels Are Turning (Part 2)
Aqua
I waited. I waited as long as I could as the students piled out from the school. Earlier I spotted Ven amongst the midst of the crowd and grabbed him by the collar before he went out of sight. The boy made a confused look as I explained the situation, making sure he followed my every order correctly.
"Look out for a guy with really spiky, black hair and blue eyes." I told him.
"But there are a million guys like that in our school Aqua." Ven groaned but he kept a lookout regardless.
Pretty soon the crowd thinned out and we were alone, waiting restlessly for Zack to show his face. I crouched and hugged my own legs as my determination grew stronger. I want to see him again. That idiot, think he can escape from me can he? I'll show him, I'll wait here until the school gates closes if I have to!
"Aqua..."
Ven's soft voice snapped me out of my own musing. "Mmm...?" I mumbled incoherently, looking at the boy.
"Can you tell me who this guy is? And why'd you want to see him anyways?" Ven was jumping up and down energetically, or rather because his legs were starting to lose some feelings in them.
"Ah..." I thought he might ask that. Now what am I going to tell him? "He's..."
Luckily (and nice timing BTW) Roxas suddenly came out and waved at us, distracting Ven from pursuing the subject. The twins immediately broke into a playful fight and rolled around on the ground, bringing a small smile to my face.
The two went off later, with Ven apologizing for not able to stay but I told him it was alright, and I was left alone with my own thoughts accompanying me (and bugs, let's not forget the earthworms and weird-looking ants now). I called Lulu to tell her I wasn't able to make it today and again, waited.
Afternoon soon turned to evening, and finally night-time. If this was a prank made by the boy to literally tick me off then he succeeded. I stomped my foot impatiently as I unwrapped the wrappers of a chocolate bar (I had one on me just in case, courtesy of my first meeting with Axel) and bit a huge chunk of it. I was probably acting stupid, he could've gone out through the back gate or even jump off from the walls surrounding all sides of the school (Well...He is a SOLDIER). Maybe he was never even in the school to begin with, that I was just deluded and Aerith would pass it off as heat-stroke.
"Aqua...?"
My heart skipped a beat as I turned to the voice who called my name. Could it be...?
"What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" Xion looked quite surprised herself.
I felt slightly disappointed but I quickly gave the girl a smile. "Hey Xion, what are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" Smooth move girl, counter a question with a question!
"I'm jogging. This is my usual route and school is quite close to my house. Now why are you here again? Have you been standing here all day long?" The tone of surprise was very clear in her voice.
Snap, I'm busted. "Uh...kinda'...but don't tell anyone! Especially a certain porcupine-head or chocobo-head." I made a shushing gesture at her. "I don't want Axel and Cloud to pry into this."
Xion stared at me silently for a while, as though contemplating her next action. Finally she nodded and I let out a sigh of relief. "I won't tell anyone but...you have to let me know why though."
"Why'd you wanna' know?" I raised my eyebrows at the girl.
"Just curious is all. Incidentally Roxas told me that Ven told him that you were acting weird this afternoon, said something about looking out for a spiky-haired guy maybe?" Xion recounted with a smile as she leaned against the school gates.
"I'll tell you if you don't tell them too." I said quickly.
So there I was, explaining about first love and how they're forever and whatnot. I even went to details about how I saw him in the middle of the crowd, just standing there as if he's used to the place. Oh by the way, Xion was the next person who knew of Zack's full name, I finally told her.
Xion stayed quiet for the most part, usually snorting or even let out little gasps over my explanation and then after I finished she was merely looking at me with a thoughtful look. The silence prolonged until she finally opened her mouth to speak;
"I dunno' how to say this Aqua but...don't you think it's kinda' funny how Zack happened to just be standing there when you were around?"
"What are you implying? I don't think he realized I was there though, he didn't even look at me..." If he did I bet he'd look really scared for sure, I'll shoot laser-beams from my eyes and vaporize him.
"Sorry, let me rephrase that; Isn't it suspicious that the boy you were in love with just so happens to be appearing in front of you after your little speech in front of Xemnas?" Xion said, her voice laced with seriousness and vigilance that could make Mr. Cid proud.
Wasn't it Mr. Cid who always yells "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"? Oh wait, think I got the wrong guy...Sorry Professor Moody...
"I don't really know Xi...For all I know I could have looked at some random kid and thought he was Zack." I sighed as I crumpled the wrappers I was holding and threw it into a nearby rubbish bin.
"And yet you still wait out here till the dead of the night right?" Xion gave me an understanding smile. Crud, do I really look so hopeless that an underclassman has to give me an encouraging pick-me-up look?
I didn't exactly answer her question as I turned to look at the school. I rubbed my hands together and finally realized how crazy I was. Here I am standing in front of the school way past the dismissal hour and still wearing the school uniform waiting for a phantom to whisk me away... Maybe Yuffie was right, maybe I should learn to let go of the past...
"I dunno' cuzzie maybe the best solution for this is to talk to somebody." My cousin, Yuffie, said seriously over the phone.
I bid farewell to Xion about an hour ago after making sure she'll stick to her promise, but fortunately I didn't say I can't tell anyone about it though. Yuffie was my definite Number One in confiding secrets. Despite her ditzy attitude and air-headedness she's, well, family.
"I'm talking to you now aren't I?" I twirled a few strands of my hair nervously. Please give me a more useful advice, is what I'd like to say.
"Yeah but~ I'm not really the right person to tell you what to do cuz~" Yuffie's voice drawled as some noises were heard in the background (I'm guessing she's watching television).
"Care to elaborate on that? You've always been telling me what to do even if it's none of your business or anything." I'm telling the truth here, Yuffie's always had me on a leash and I always ended up listening to what she told me to do.
"Cuzzie you know what I mean~ I'm saying that this isn't my fort. Love. That's what you wanna' ask me right?" Yuffie hit the mark. I felt a sense of momentary admiration for my cousin at her uncanny instinct.
"...Yes..." Was what I could say.
"Then I'm definitely not your gal, sorry cuzzie but the Great Ninja Yuffie has never let her heart be stolen by some random, clueless guy and that will never happen." Yuffie snorted.
"But don't you have a crush on that college guy Vincent-or-something?"
"..."
I definitely stabbed a vulnerable spot there. I waited patiently as I let my cousin gather her senses and come up with a good retort.
"T-That's nothing! I-I mean it's just a phase, I don't even k-know the guy that well!" Yuffie is flustered...wow...
"Aren't you guys still keeping in touch with each other on the net? I mean, I did see him post something on your wall a few days ago..." I recounted.
"W-We're getting off-topic here! Cuzzie if you need to talk about love with someone then you should already know who that is, if you don't then here's a clue; her name rhymes with Meredith. See you at school tomorrow cuzzie I gotta' go now toodles!" Yuffie said hurriedly and ended the conversation.
I giggled in satisfaction as I managed to make her feel embarrassed for once. I searched my contact book and dialled the number of the girl in Yuffie's so called 'clue'. I waited for a few seconds before someone picked up.
"Hello Aerith, sorry to bother you this late at night. I was wondering if you're free tomorrow after school..."
"Aww, the dress looks cute on you!" Aerith sighed dreamily with twinkles in her eyes. She was still in her school uniform while carrying her bag and a camera (She said it was a gift from Cloud, but why bring it today?).
"Thanks Aerith, come in and wait for a while." I smiled.
We met up in the cafe I worked at and I led her to an empty table. Still being forced to wear the maid outfit, I couldn't help but feel that Aerith was secretly taking photos of me now behind my back.
I brought her a glass of iced lemon tea and went about my usual work of entertaining the regular customers and after the cafe seemed pretty empty, I finally was able to take a break. I took a seat across Aerith and groaned a bit as my legs were sore from standing all those hours.
"I know that feeling don't worry." Aerith winked, obviously implying about my feeling of relief from seating down.
"Sorry for the long wait..." I mumbled apologetically. Well, I was the one who asked her to come here in the first place and I left her seating there alone for hours...I think she's pretty happy herself though, what with playing with her camera and all.
"It's no problem sweetie, so what is it that you wanted to talk about?" Aerith stuffed her camera back into her bag and her emerald green eyes looked at me understandingly.
I shifted in my seat as my insides squirmed uneasily. I didn't really feel up to it to tell her this because it'll only bother her but at the same time I feel like wanting to share my problems with her. Aerith gives of this sort of vibe that makes you want to share all your troubles and worries while at the same time wanting her to console and comfort you.
Sensing my hesitation, Aerith smiled a bit and took my hands into hers. "It's okay sweetie, you know you can tell me anything. Is there something troubling you? Is it the jocks again? Are they giving you trouble? Or is it something else? Perhaps it's ...a boy?"
I felt like my heart had just been shot with an arrow. She's definitely the motherly type no doubt. "You're good." I managed to grin as she gave me a wide, understanding smile.
"Oooh a boy? Who is it? Is it Axel? Or maybe is it Terra?" Aerith sounded really excited all of a sudden. She really looked like the hyperactive mother who just found out her daughter finally has a crush on a boy.
"N-No! Neither of those two!" I felt my own cheeks burning with embarrassment as I shook my head vigorously.
I could see the incredulous idea forming in Aerith's head right now. No doubt she's forming her own sort of fantasy about this mystery guy right now.
"I can assure you it's not Ven, Roxas, Cloud or any other male students in our school Aerith." I quickly explained, not wanting her to continue with her daydream.
"Oh...?" Aerith's eyes widen as she absorb that piece of information. "Then who could it be?" She tilts her slightly to the left as she tried to guess.
"Well..." I'm feeling slightly squirmish right now... "Remember about my ex-boyfriend who I told you guys about back in the dorm the other night?" I began.
Aerith's mouth formed an 'o' shape as she remembered and she nodded her head quietly.
Guessing the silence is my cue to continue; "Well...I just wanna' ask you if it's...well how do I say this... How do I move on?" There, that's the right question I've been dying to know the answer of it.
I bit my bottom lips lightly as I anxiously look at Aerith. The older girl made a thoughtful look for awhile, as though contemplating on what to say. I knew she was the right girl to go to, after all, she's the only one I have knowledge of ever having a boyfriend (Besides Naminé but the girl doesn't have any real experience of breaking up, and I hope she doesn't).
"Hmm... That's a toughie'." Aerith finally said, chuckling a little at her own words. "I don't know if you've ever heard this before Aqua, but I used to date-"
"Sephiroth. Cloud told me, sorry." I interjected, looking at her with a slight apologetic face. I guess she didn't want that info to go around.
Aerith looked slightly surprised at first, but it was replaced with a playful frown. "Hmm, looks like I have to punish Cloud for his loose lips."
"How on Earth did you even wound up with that guy? I mean, sure he's tall, his skin is silky smooth and pale, kinda' skinny but buff body and he's kinda', wait no, really hot but-"
"I'll admit he's a perfect ten on the looks, he's a real treat for the eyes." Aerith chuckled as she agreed with me. "But... I have to confess something though Aqua, Sephiroth's not my first boyfriend." This time it was her turn to look at me apologetically.
"What? But I thought Cloud said-"
"I told Cloud that we've gone out together but the innocent boy seemed to have thought we were an official couple. Sephiroth and I were never really together. We, uh, kinda' hitched up on...something." Aerith seemed a bit embarrassed about it, but that got my spidey-senses tingling.
"Oooh, and what might that be~?" I gave her an evil grin. The girl squirmed under my stare and she finally gave in after a few seconds (Muahaha, squirm Aerith, squirm!).
"Fine, fine... Let's just say he was a big help to my mother's flower store. He came by really often back in our first year and that's when the rumours started circulating around school. You could say part of the reason of me being an outcast was because of him." She sounded fine with it somehow, as though not blaming the guy for her misfortune.
"But...You guys went out on dates and stuffs right?" I pressed on.
"We did, and I won't deny that they were wonderful. Seph really knows how to charm a girl and his words were no less pleasant than his mannerism. But..." Aerith's face darkened as the smile slid of her face.
Uh-oh, here it comes, the backlash or should I say, the chink in the godly-perfect-ten-boyfriend-material-kind-of-guy.
"What? What? Did he want something more than a kiss? Did he want your body instead? Or maybe he's the jealous type? Did he hit one of your male friends because that guy was too close to you? Or maybe-"
"He wanted to get married."
"..."
I stared at the girl for a long while. The words didn't really process well in my brain so I think I need to change the batteries and clean out the viruses.
"Oh...Ah..." I definitely heard myself mumbling. What can I say? I didn't really expect that kind of answer really. It's like you're asking a six-year old what he wants for Christmas and he answered he wanted a Ferrari 458 Italia with a V-8 engine, dual-clutch gearbox and can go up to 325 kilometres an hour.
"And he was serious about it too. He even went to visit my mum to ask for permission. He proposed to me in a restaurant not far from Midgar when we were in our Second Year." Aerith explained further.
"And what did you say when he proposed?" I felt slightly giddy though, I don't know why. Maybe because this story has a slight feel of forbidden love and marriage involved?
"Of course I declined! I couldn't- I mean- I'm not ready to get married yet!" Aerith flustered, her face growing red.
"Of course." I nodded in agreement, although I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed with her answer. If she had said yes then my *ahem* inappropriate fantasy would have been complete.
"But it was after that when my real nightmare began. He didn't want to take 'no' for an answer so he began...stalking me. Every day he'll find an excuse to be alone with me either in class or in my flower shop, he'll force me to... Let's just say he literally gives himself to me and he'll even follow me home. My mum knows him and I can't really turn him away since he's our number one customer..." She shuddered.
I never had a stalker before (At least I think I don't, Zack always drives the other guys away) so I'm not really sure I can console her in any way. All I can do was nod and give her a sympathetic look.
"So how did you finally get rid of him?" She did didn't she? Or else he wouldn't go on a blind date with me.
At this point Aerith managed to recover her smile again. I have to admit, I like her better this way.
"Cloud." She said simply. "Sephiroth doesn't like him and when he started hanging out with me that finally drove Sephiroth away."
"How'd Cloud wound up in this?" I was really curious now, is there a sort of love triangle between these three? Uh-oh, my *ahem* inappropriate fantasy is starting again.
"I hired him as a bodyguard." Aerith smiled satisfactorily.
"I remembered you saying that back when we first met... Care to elaborate on that~?" I nudged her hand for further information.
"He's a SOLDIER right? Well, he's more of a freelancer and he told me he'd do it for free too...I can't thank him enough for that." Aerith sighed and looked away dramatically. She really looked like a mother...or maybe even a goddess.
"How'd you guys meet?"
Aerith turned to smile at me again, this time a really bright, radiant, dazzling, etc. (happy thoughts) smile. "A really close friend of mine introduced us...Well, more like a real boyfriend actually, even though we weren't official. He got me this ribbon you know?" Aerith propped her ribbon proudly.
"Oooh, is it a guy from school?" Aerith shook her head. "I guess not..."
"He's some sort of brother figure to Cloud. I promised him I wouldn't tell anybody his name because he wasn't supposed to be in Midgar back then but I can tell you that he's also a SOLDIER. I first met him when I was fifteen." She sounded a bit nostalgic.
Fifteen...That was three years ago... Around the time Zack and I officially became a couple...
I tore that bit of memory apart before focusing on the conversation at hand.
"...And after that we started meeting each other at random. He'd always call if he comes around though and the most recent is a few days ago." Aerith still gave me that dazzling smile.
"I'm jealous of you Aerith, you have such a nice guy around." I really am.
"Oh I wouldn't say that...About most of the time he'd always talk about this other girl...his special person that he left back home... I'm jealous of that girl you know? Every time he comes around he'd playfully ask for a date but at the same time kept talking about this lovely girl he's lucky to have." Aerith said it a bit bitterly than intended, as she forced a smile on her face.
"Sounds like a jerk to me." I quickly changed my view on him. What kind of guy would ask a girl out and kept complimenting another girl?
"Oh he's not that bad...After all, I kept denying him the chance to go out with me just to get back at him." Aerith winked as I gave her a smile. "Thinking back, I guess I should've at least given him a date or two... Who knows? He might not have run off with another girl if I had and I wouldn't have ended up with Sephiroth proposing my hand in marriage."
"I guess we both sucked in relationships then." I chuckled a bit.
Suddenly, as if remembering something important, Aerith covered her mouth in surprise. "Oh no, we've sidetracked quite a bit from our main topic now haven't we? I'm supposed to be listening to you and not the other way around...I'm so sorry sweetie." She apologized, bowing slightly.
"It's no biggie, I was prying into it anyways." I waved my hand.
"Ah, then I think it might not be too late to give you this advice then..." Aerith stood up and walked to my side. Quite unexpectedly, she suddenly ruffled my hair, the way I used to on Naminé or Ven...It felt good.
"Aerith...?" I looked up and there was that motherly smile again.
"Always listen to your heart sweetie. I know it sounds a bit cheesy but trust me that's the best advice you'll ever get. It might be hard for you to move on from your first love, I know it is but if your heart yearns for another...why not give it what it wants? Again, I guess I should've listen to mine more or I wouldn't be in this predicament myself." She ruffled my hair again and playfully pinched my cheek.
It sounded a bit longwinded but...it makes sense...Yeah, Aerith was right... Maybe, I think... All these while I was chasing Zack's shadow and although I told myself and everyone around me I've already moved on, no one was fooled. Yeah...even I wasn't fooled myself...It was just an excuse so that I wouldn't let another guy into my heart anymore...I was scared...scared of being hurt and left alone again. And I kept thinking of Axel...and then there's another guy that keeps popping into my head...Terra...
"Shouldn't you be more positive about the boys around you then? I know Axel is your close friend but don't you think he might want something more? Or even Terra...He's definitely head over heels for you." Aerith looked at me seriously. Crud, did I just blabbed all my thoughts out loud?
"I'm scared Aerith... I know deep down Axel might have some feelings for me but there's something stopping him from getting closer to me. I liked that myself, and I really like having him close to me as my best friend but... I don't know what I should do because there's still Terra... I didn't really pay much attention to him at first but now...Now he's shaping up to be my kind of guy too..." I shook my head. All this drama is giving me a headache!
I've just confided in a girl (Who happens to be NOT Yuffie for once) that I am in love with two guys. Love...that might be too strong of a word. A crush... Yeah, that sounds better...
You might be wondering since when did I have this feeling for Axel right? Well...Let's just say it all started the night we met and things kinda' snowballed from there. Like I said, I'd like to keep him as my best friend, as close as possible without anything serious between us.
I told all this to Aerith and the girl nodded understandingly.
"It's understandable that you don't want to ruin your friendship with Axel sweetie, but perhaps you might not really understand Axel that well..." Aerith drifted off, suddenly looking guilty.
"What does that mean?" I said, slightly offended. What part of my best friend do I not understand? The way he talks, the way he moves, how he finds homework to be garbage, and a lot of other things.
"Don't you think you might want to...know about his past? Or did he already tell you about his past with Terra? And why Axel hated him?" Aerith asked.
I was stumped at that. How could I forget something that serious? They have a history together, and a bitter one at that. I merely let my mouth hung slightly open as I find myself feeling depressed about it. Sensing my dreariness, Aerith quickly comforted me with a hug (A much needed one).
"Don't you think it's time for you to know...?" Aerith whispered quietly into my ear.
I thought about it for awhile. Axel was really bitter about something and that something involves Tifa...maybe...No!
"...When he's ready to tell me, then I'll listen." I found myself saying, quickly discarding the idea of asking Tifa. "When he trusts me enough, that is. If he cares about me at all, then at that time I'll give my fullest attention to listen to his side of the story." I can't forget about Terra now can I?
"So who will you choose?" Aerith asked. I could see her face was full of curiosity and a bit of excitement.
"Neither for the moment." I answered her truthfully.
"Aww, why not?" Aerith puffed her cheeks, unsatisfied with my answer.
"Because I think of them both as my good friends, a-and actually now that I think about it maybe Axel doesn't think of me in that sort of way. Maybe he just thinks of me as his best friend, that's it. As for Terra...Well, I'll probably end up as just another one of his crushes." I hate myself for lying through my teeth and I could see Aerith was thinking the same thing. Thankfully she didn't pursue the matter as she only sighed.
"Fine, be that way. But you'll have to know sooner or later one of them will finally confess to you, and that time you won't be able to pretend to be unconscious when that happens." Aerith harrumphed.
"When that time comes it'll come I guess." I found myself sighing this time. I hate myself for being a coward but what can I do? I'll just pretend it never happens if the confession ever comes...
"It's tough to juggle two boys at once hmm? That's why you should never play hooky and- ow!" Aerith rubbed her right arm as I playfully pinched it.
Axel
"So let me get this straight... You guys wanna' join the Angel Wings?" I raised my eyebrows and looked at the three girls incredulously. I'm not judging them or anything but...
"Of course! This is the cheerleading squad right? I'll do whatever I can to make into the first team!" The blonde raised her hand into the air energetically.
Oh great, another Rinoa... I shuddered and pushed that memory aside. I observed the trio with interest.
Yuna, the one standing in the middle, had some major makeover in one day. She was no longer sporting her traditional Besaid Island outfit where she was known as a maiden. Now she doesn't even look the part. Her outfit now would be classified as 'too hot to handle'.
The girl to her left was no more appropriately dressed than her. Sporting a blonde, wild and unkempt hairstyle while dressing in a skimpier outfit looking no less like a bikini. Rikku, was it? The girl bears a startling resemblance to Yuffie, as she too was a hyperactive airhead.
Paine though...well, she still looks the same, except maybe she's sighing a lot more lately.
"So...What did you guys call yourself again?" I asked them, crossing my legs on the table.
Mechanically the three suddenly made a pose and yelled out together "Y.R.P.! We're the Gullwings!"
"Snort* Is that your girl scouts' name?" I snorted.
"H-Hey! We thought really hard to come up with that name!" Rikku said indignantly, shaking her fists.
"...I told you guys it sounded childish sigh*" Paine shook her head, looking away embarrassedly.
"P-Paine, c'mon! It's a really cool name and you know it!" Rikku sniffed, trying to convince her companion.
"What do you think of this Yuna?" Paine glanced at Yuna, her lips remained curved downwards all the same.
The brown-haired girl seemed surprised to be reeled into the argument. "O-Oh...W-Well I think it's a cute name...and it sounds alike to the Angel Wings too." Yuna looked at Paine apologetically as Rikku skipped around happily, feeling victorious.
"Right then, can I ask you guys something?" I cut in before Paine could retort. The girl huffed and glared at me but she remained silent. "Why'd you guys wanna' join us?"
"Cuz' I wanna' be a really awesome cheerleader like Rinoa! And also I'm trying to find the girl who saved my life the other day!" Rikku said jovially.
"Right. You. Quiet." I waved the airheaded girl off. Rikku's shoulders slumped as she sat in the corner of the room, looking dejected. "You two. Speak."
"Do we really need a reason? After all aren't you looking for people to join your team? We want in on opening this can of whoop-ass!" Paine cracked her knuckles. Yuna nodded her head in agreement as I eyed them interestedly.
Well...We do need the people but...they're GIRLS! Come on Axel, are you that desperate to put some defenceless chicks into a den of hungry lions? They'll be thorn into pieces! Let's not forget Seymour wants to salivate all over Yuna here, wait till he sees her in this strip-tease of a costume-
"I know what you're thinking Axel...That we're too weak to do anything right?" Yuna suddenly voiced out my thoughts. Cripes, this girl might be a real ESP like what Tidus said...
"Well, I won't say anything... I mean, you girls can still hold off a boxful of kittens right?" Sarcasm was meant in every word.
This time it was Yuna's turn to look at me indignantly. "Well I'll have you know you male chauvinist is that I've won a couple of times in blitzball against Tidus. One on One even." Yuna pumped her muscle up (Which there was n one to begin with).
"Bet he went easy on you cuz' you're his girlfriend." I snorted, rolling my eyes as I did so. No way is Tidus going to even cause so much as a paper-cut on his precious darling.
"Nope, I was there every time as a spectator...Tidus isn't the type to hold back when it comes to blitzball...and his dad was there too." Paine spoke up for Yuna's behalf.
Now that is what I call concrete evidence. If his dad saw him losing to a chick then there's no way Tidus would live it down. Finally convinced, I called the blonde girl to join up with the other two. The three girls stood in front of me and eyed me anxiously, as if awaiting the green light for a dancing competition.
"...Alright you three are in." I said, against my better judgment but hey, we need the man...I mean, girl power.
The girls cheered and whooped as they hugged each other, laughing and smiling like, well, girls. Rikku was cheering "We did it! We did it!" While Yuna was crying...the girl was crying? Never mind...Paine was smiling though, that is something else I guess...
"Make sure you guys are present tomorrow after school alright? I want you to meet the other club members, your allies from now on." I pressed that word a little heavier. The three nodded obediently as they made arrangements for tomorrow afternoon.
The three made their way to the door and before they left Yuna turned and; "Thanks Axel...and could you tell Aqua that too?" The girl smiled and finally slid the door close.
Not two seconds later did the door slid open again and in came the twins, Roxas and Ventus. Their faces were bright red (Guess they met with Rikku) and Roxas was sporting a light nosebleed.
I chuckled as the two said hello and one of them (I don't know which one) propped himself on the hammock while the other sat next to me.
"Where's Aqua?" Rox/Ven asked (The one sitting next to me).
"She has her part-time job today, so which one are you...?" I drawled, looking at the closer twin with curiosity.
"I'm Ven." He said, half-annoyed half-relieved. "Thank goodness...I thought she might be standing in front of the school gates again waiting for-"
"Ven!" Roxas suddenly interjected, suddenly looking quite alarmed.
Ven slapped his hands on his mouth as his blue eyes widened in horror. That was enough to pique my curiosity even more.
"And why...was she doing that?" I stared at the frightened looking boy. He tried to stand up but I grabbed his sleeve and made him to sit down. "Well...?" I drew my face closer to his.
Ven looked at me with the same terrified expression and shifted his glance to Roxas, who was looking quite distraught and not knowing what to do, and then back to me.
"Ven~" I began dangerously. "You don't want me to tell the whole world about a certain girl you happen to have a crush on now do you?"
If possible, Ven's eyes grew even wider with fear. "You wouldn't." His voice was low, barely a whisper.
"I would." I hissed lowly.
"Ven, don't give in. It's obviously a trick, he wouldn't-"
"She was waiting for her ex-boyfriend to come out!" Ven blurted quickly. In the corner of my eyes I could see Roxas face-palming himself and muttering "You just dug your own grave...Aqua and XIon are gonna' kill you..." while Ven banged his head on the table several times while chanting "I'm dead, I'm dead...".
I, however, was feeling quite interested in what Aqua was doing. Why didn't she tell me anything? I felt slightly annoyed at being left out from my so-called best friend's motives... I flipped open my cell phone and speed-dialled my so-called best friend's number. It rung a few times before going into voice-mail. Annoyed, I tried again and I was still greeted by the irritating, monotonous female voice on the other end of the line.
"Damn it..." I cursed and slammed my phone close. Now I feel angry. Why am I angry? I shouldn't feel like this, after all it's really not my business what that girl is doing or whose pants she's chasing. I felt myself becoming more depressed after that last thought.
So she's still not over that guy huh? Whoever he is...that SOLDIER bastard...
I sat there quietly while entertaining my own musings, pondering on what to do next. Suddenly feeling the urge to meet that blue-haired girl, I packed up my stuff and quickly exited the room, leaving the twins with their own problems.
She should still be in that cafe of hers...
Aqua
I wasn't expecting this, and suddenly I wished that Aerith had stayed a few minutes longer. Staring at me with the most perplexed and goofy (actually he looked kinda' cute) expression was Terra (Guy version).
I noticed someone was lingering outside the cafe for quite a time but I wouldn't believe it was him. Not until somebody apparently dropped a banana peel and the guy slipped on it (Just like in the cartoons). So here I was, squatting in front of the upside-down boy while holding that very same banana peel from his face.
Terra was blushing, and it took me almost a minute to realize why. Feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment, I quickly stood up and pulled on the mini-skirt of a uniform I was wearing and stared at him apprehensively.
"You didn't see...?"
Terra
Oh great Terra, mess up even more will you? It was bad enough you followed her all the way to work from school and it was even worse when you stood across the street, waiting for her to finish her conversation with Aerith, and finally this. God I feel stupid right now...
I wasn't even sure I wanted to get up though...I mean, this angle is quite excellent if I have to say so myself...
"Pervert." The blue-haired girl mumbled, covering her lower body part cautiously.
"Wha-? No I'm not!" I argued, still lying on the floor.
If possible her eyes grew even narrower as she huffed and glare at me.
"Fine...Maybe I was trying to steal a peek..." Why did I say that? Can't you see you're making her even more embarrassed Terra? Look, she's even growing redder now! I silently curse my own stupidity as the girl looked at me unsurely. Bet she's gonna' call the cops, run now Terra! While you still have the chance!
However, to my surprise she suddenly bent down again and extended a helping hand. "Come on... Get up or people here are gonna' think you're really a pervert or something..." She mumbled, her face still red.
Glad that she didn't run away (or scream), I took her hand and stood up. Well, I could've done that alone but at least I got a chance to hold her hand he he...
"What's with that gross face? Ew, don't go thinking lewd stuffs now!" Aqua stuck out her tongue playfully as she made a sound of disgust.
"I'm not." I smiled at her. A wave of relief washed over me as I observed the girl from top to bottom. No extra bruises, no cuts, no black eyes at least...
Noticing that we're still holding hands, the blue-haired maid quickly let go and looked down with embarrassment. I felt myself grew redder myself when she did that. God why is she so cute?
We stood there in silence as the townspeople gave us odd looks. I was wearing my basketball jacket and she in her maid outfit. Not your usual high school love drama now is it? I hope it is...
"So...how are you?" I asked her, finally breaking the silence between us.
The girl tilted her head upwards, making me blush from her confused gaze. She quickly averted her gaze when our eyes locked onto each other, the redness still haven't disappear from her cheeks.
"I'm...fine. How about you?" She asked quietly as I noticed her hands were playing with the hems of her skirt.
"I'm fit as a horse as you can see ha ha!" Okay, lame attempt of a joke...just die Terra... but I was glad all the same when she giggled, a smile finally appearing on her delicate face.
"Still crazy about basketball are you?" Her eyes fall upon my jacket and of course the basketball I brought which had rolled down the street (I'll pick that up later).
"You know it." I grinned. It's odd that she'd ask me that question, considering we had been on a date a couple of days ago. Yeah...before all that nastiness happens...
Aqua seemed to have remembered that moment as well, as she looked away dejectedly. I felt angry all of a sudden, not at the girl as she was the victim, but on the perpetrator of her misery. Seeing her hug herself now, as if repressing that bad memory, I felt a need to hug her tightly and shield her from any more suffering. No...The best I could do is...
"So...are you still going through with this?" I found myself asking. She doesn't have to do this right? I mean, it's not like she'll have to fight alone, there are other people who'd take that post. Axel, or even Fang...anyone but her!
However, to my surprise, Aqua's eyes flared with anger. The girl was frowning and she took a step back away from me.
"Of course I am, I'm the representative of the outcasts after all." She huffed, crossing her arms together.
Oh boy... "But you don't have to do this you know? The President's fight...you can just give that spot to Axel! You...You can just go out there and enjoy the Sports' Festival like any normal student!" I desperately tried to dissuade her.
Surprisingly, Aqua laughed. A dry, humourless laugh that made my skin crawl. It sounded bitter, and angry even.
"Any normal student? If you don't know it yet Terra the whole school already considered me a freak. Even if I give up now do you think they, the jocks, would stop bullying me? Or the others for that matter?" She sounded really angry, I mean, really really angry.
"It wasn't your fight to begin with." Again, why did I say that? I know it's just going to make her even madder.
It did. Aqua looked quite shocked as if she was rudely insulted and intensified her glare (Don't look at me like that, please!).
"You wouldn't understand! You've had it easy, all this while playing the hero while your fellow schoolmates, non-athletes, were suffering right under your nose! Sure you helped out every now and then, but you're obviously blind to their pleas Terra! They don't need an idol to worship, they need a saviour to free them!" She hissed.
I was slightly annoyed at that comment. "I didn't ask them to worship me! And you, why are you taking that spot up? Nobody actually asked you to save them! Know your limits Aqua, a girl like you can't go up against Xemnas. He's too evil, too powerful for someone like you!" I need to control myself, why am I hurting her? Look, she's backing away even more now!
"You don't understand...you don't understand at all. How it feels like to be at the bottom of the food chain." She sobbed. God, I made her cry. "Even if he's a scary guy, there's no one else who'd go against him... I have to try, I have to do all I can to help my friends..." The girl covered her face, sobbing as I stood there, feeling even more depressed at my own stupidity yet again.
"Aqua...I'm sorry..." I drew closer to her, my arm extended and my hand lightly touched her bare shoulder. She shuddered from my touch but did not push me away. Slowly, I pulled her into my embrace.
The girl looked up; serene blue eyes gazed into my eyes. The feeling to protect her grew even stronger as she touched my chest, burying her face into it. I wasn't sure what to do as I let her calm herself.
Townspeople were whispering now, muttering. I even heard them saying "In broad daylight...kids these days..."
Aqua must have heard it too, but she paid neither heed nor attention to them. "...Sorry..." She mumbled.
"For what?" I looked at her inquisitively.
The girl shook her head and looked up. "For venting out on you...sort of...I guess stress took over me and I couldn't think straight..."
Oh, it's alright, I mean, I'm the one who kept blundering on with my words and- "It's alright, I was acting like an ass anyways." I said, smiling at the girl.
"...Yes you were." She croaked, her voice slightly shaky but her smile was a real relief to see at the same time.
I thought about the Sports Festival, and also when we have to face each other. Us, becoming enemies... I shoved that thought away, all that matters is that we reach an understanding now. That I actually am on her side, that I will do the best I can to make sure Xemnas' rule doesn't stand.
Before I could say all that however, suddenly the back of my head was hit with something round and bouncy. Surprised, I quickly turn around to the perpetrator.
"Yo, you look like you're having fun there."
It was Axel. He was carrying a smug smirk but his eyes betrayed his cool demeanour. I could see the annoyance in his face, and it's obvious that he was pissed about something. That round thing he threw at me? Yeah, that was my basketball. He was bouncing it as I stared back at him.
"Axel." I said shortly, obviously I'm not all that happy to be interrupted.
"Axel?" Aqua suddenly looked past me. The girl's eyes grew wider with surprise at the sight of the redhead. To my annoyance the girl quickly trotted towards the porcupine-head like a faithful puppy.
Annoyance? Was that all I feel? I mean, they're best friends after all right so it's normal if they're close to each other. Tifa and I are best friends too, so we're usually like that. No, wait a minute...Something's off here... You don't go throwing basketballs at peoples head just for hugging your best friend (Even if it's a guy you dislike). The most common action would be to walk away or watch from afar, not to get involved.
I watched Axel for a moment before the reality hit me. Tifa always told me that I'm quiet slow when it comes to getting to know people, but what if it was my best friend from way back? What if I have years of experience from knowing that guy's behaviour? What ticks him off, what makes him sick or better yet; when he's in love?
From the pit of my stomach I felt something drop. My (ex) best friend is in love with the girl whom I'm in love with. I just know it. Who's he fooling? Just look at the way he laughs when she made that stupid joke. Better yet, look at the way she laughs when he made a stupid joke...No, I gotta' do something about this...I'm sorry Axel but I'm not letting her go...not for anyone, not even for you.
Aqua
"So you're saying, this Rikku thought we're the cheerleading team and she joined us?" I bit back the desire to laugh again. True it might not be a good thing for her to misinterpret but the way Axel described her is like he was talking about Yuffie.
"Yup, you can blame Paine and Yuna for that. They even named themselves the 'Dullwings' or something like it to join us." I'm sure Axel got that name wrong, I'll have to ask Yuna later for their real name...
"I see...so was that it?" I smiled at the taller boy.
Axel made a confused face as he scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Was what it?" He repeated.
"Did you come all the way here just to tell me that? I mean, you were planning about our action plan in the clubroom just now right? You came a long way off for something like this though..." I trailed off.
"Oh? Is there something wrong with what I say?" Axel smirked.
"No...It's just not like you to do something like this. Usually you'd tell me at the last minute." Hah! Take that you devilish porcupine!
To my surprise, Axel suddenly looked flustered. "W-Well y'know, you weren't picking up your phone so I thought something mighta' happened...I can see something did." Axel suddenly frowned, looking right past me.
I turned to see Terra standing directly behind me, his eyes staring intently into Axel's. The two males went into a staring competition and neither was willing to back off. Me? I'm caught in between them of course.
"...Got something to say muscle-head?" Oh dear, he picked a fight right off the bat...
Terra merely looked at him, his steady gaze shifted from the redhead and then to me.
"...Isn't it you who has something to tell me?" Again, Terra's eyes flickered towards me.
The two seemed to be having some sort of psychic connection as Axel's face hardened and his arms gripped my shoulders.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Axel said indifferently. Oh I think you do, or else you wouldn't be crunching my shoulder blades right now...
"A-Axel." It was painful and I had to get his attention or else he might just break my bone. The redhead seemed to have snapped back to reality as he softened his grip.
"Sorry..." He mumbled, rubbing my shoulders gently. In the corner of my eyes I caught a flicker of frustration from Terra but when I turned to look at him his face was as it was.
The two resumed their staring battle and it was beginning to annoy me. Honestly if these two boys have nothing better to do I might as well go back to work. I made to stand aside but suddenly I felt two different hands holding onto me. Terra was holding onto my hand while Axel was gripping my waist.
"Guys..." I sighed. What is wrong with them? Suddenly I remembered my little conversation with Aerith just a few moments ago. God it couldn't be happening now could it? I-I mean they won't seriously confess to me at the same time now would they? I meant that as a joke! Seriously, I'm not that vain to think that two guys would want me in that sort of way-
"Let go of her." I heard Terra say.
"Uh-uh, no can do. She's my toy." That was definitely from Axel.
"Boys..." I mumbled, slightly embarrassed now that we're causing a scene in the middle of the road.
"I have something to say to her." Terra pulled on me slightly harder. Oh dear...
"Oh? What might that be Mr. Popularity?" Axel pulled on me this time.
"Boys come on..."
"It's none of your concern, it's only between me and her."
"If you have something to say to her then you can say it straight to my face, after all she's mine."
"Boys, snap out of it, yoo-hoo~"
"No she's not, and the way you said it makes me think you're the one who has a crush on her."
"Who, me? Why would I have a crush on her? And you just admitted you like her. LOL."
Right at this point I find myself giving up since it was pretty much already useless to stop them. The familiar feeling of being a piece of meat between two dogs came back as I sighed and let the two go all out with their little squabble. Axel was doing a good job at riling up Terra.
"Yeah, I do like her."
"..."
Did I just hear that right?
Suddenly I was spinning around and come to face Terra. The boy was looking at me with a meaningful stare.
"I like you." He repeated, both his hands on my shoulders.
"Uh..." My face was absolutely red with embarrassment.
"I really do like you, from the bottom of my heart. You can say it's just a crush or whatever but please accept the fact that I am falling head over heels for you." Terra's grip tightened as he confessed. The mood was right, even the passerby's seemed miniscule and fade into the background as all my eyes could see was the Herculean boy right in front of me.
I was lost at words to say to him when I heard Axel say;
"No."
I was surprised though at his reaction. I thought he might have laughed at it, like he usually does whenever Terra and I were caught in this kind of situation. The usual calm and smug expression was not seen and was replaced with a conflicted and confused one. I have never seen Axel lose his cool before.
Without a word Axel suddenly pulled me away from Terra and before I know what's going on we had started running. Destination? Unknown. I have no idea where he's taking me as we slipped through the crowd and very soon the town's square faded from sight. The townspeople must have found it peculiar, a boy wearing a school uniform and a girl wearing a maid outfit holding hands and running on the street.
"Axel, where are we going?" I yelled, but received no answer from the boy as he merely grunted as we ran further still.
I got a sense of déjà vu since Terra had done something similar back during the Destiny Isle's Fair. Boys...What's with them and running aimlessly?
Finally, after much running, we stopped at the beach. Go figure, this is the only place that's empty around this time... It was a little after four in the evening so I doubt there would be any sane person out in the scorching heat (Other than us).
Axel was panting, I was panting heavily. I said this countless times; I am not a sports person! Give me chess, or monopoly, or even snakes and ladders but not physical sports! Well, I did some cheerleading back then but this is the present!
"Axel, what's wrong with you-" Before I could even finish my words Axel had pulled me in for a tight hug. This is the second time today a guy had randomly pulled me into their arms...
I could smell the strong scent of sweat and a certain smell of cigarette as the two smells blended together from his body. He was hugging me tightly, as if afraid I might disappear. Unconsciously I hugged him back, as gently as I could.
"...What's wrong...?" I know he must have a reason for pulling this stunt. I stroke the back of his hair gently as the taller male panted.
Axel shook his head as he rested his chin on top of my head. Despite being drenched in his sweat I continued hugging him, I know he needed it now...for whatever reasons I don't know.
"I don't want to lose you." Finally he said. "I don't want to lose you." He repeated, and pushed me away slightly so that he could see my face.
"Axel...could you possibly be jealous at what Terra had said just now?" I felt it was a bit odd, but somehow I could be right...
The redhead didn't answer as his acid green eyes bore into mine.
"Sweetie...You know I won't ever ditch you right? Even if he did confess and somehow be my boyfriend you'll still be my frien-"
"Don't. Say. That. Word." Axel suddenly placed a finger on my lips.
I frowned at the boy. Which word? Friend? What's so wrong about that word? Aren't we best friends? I don't understand this at all.
"Axel..."
Before I could say anything though I felt something push against my lips, silencing me. Something soft and squishy as Axel's face was less than centimetre away from my face. Under the hot sun, in the middle of my part time job, this boy had kidnapped me when another boy confessed to me, and had made a very bold attempt.
I was kissed by Axel.
Shorties Smarties #4 – The making of the Gullwings is actually harder than anyone thought
(From chapter XIII*) That very evening, after school, three normal looking (If you can widen your common sense to accept talking bacteria as normal) high school girls were sitting in a cafe, drinking tea and doing usual, normal high school girls' activity; Gossiping.
But no, that is too easy to interpret as Yuna, Rikku, and Paine are not your average, normal high school girls. Having just met a couple of hours ago, Yuna was surprised to find out that Rikku was her cousin.
The blond girl had produced evidences though, as she brought out family albums and even showed their family tree, which made Yuna ecstatic to know that she has an Al Bhed (A race, if you must know) for a cousin.
Squealing and hugging each other like they were some sort of lost-but-finally-reunited-family-members, it brought a sigh and a shake of the head from Paine.
"If you guys are done with giggling and all that, can we get to business now?" Paine, being the serious one, wanted to finish their matter at hand now.
"Oh don't be such a sourpuss Pinny. Look, Yunie and I are having fun!" Rikku, the hyperactive one, laughed and jumped around.
"Pinny?" Paine's left eye twitched as she gripped her fencing blade slightly harder under the table.
"Now, now...So what was it we came to do again?" Yuna, the sensible one (Although not so sensible now), asked gently.
"Ugh, we came here to form a name for our-...cheerleading squad. I mean, we have to have one right?" Paine said delicately, her grip lessened slightly.
Rikku stopped jumping around and eyed Paine happily. "Yup yup! That's right! Even in Spira High we have names for all sort of branches of our cheerleading squad! So...What do you have in mind?"
"I dunno'...what kind of names can you think of?" Paine shrugged as she took a sip from her coffee.
Yuna and Rikku put their heads together as they scratched, and pulled their hair for a name.
"How about...the Dancing Unicorns?" Rikku slammed her fist on the table, making it rattle horribly.
"Pass. Next." Again, Paine's left eye twitched and her grip became harder once again.
"The Raging Bulldogs?" Yuna said innocently.
"I don't want us to be associated with mutts. Next." Paine waved her off to.
"The Colourful Leprechauns?" Rikku suggested playfully.
"Are you taking this seriously? And why leprechauns?" Paine hissed, making Rikku whine and took shelter behind Yuna.
"O-Oh, how about the Parrot Brigade?" Yuna suggested fearfully, hoping not to earn a hiss from Yuna like Rikku had.
"Hmm, not quite there yet...does it have to be two words?" Thankfully Paine didn't seem to think the name was stupid.
Yuna let out a sigh of relief. "I don't think so...But how about if we make one name and put 'the' in front of it?"
"Ooh, that's a good one Yunie! So...What'll it be?" Rikku popped her head out from behind Yuna.
The three once again put their heads together, thinking of a splendid name to call themselves.
"It has to be something close to an Angel...or wings...since their name is the Angel Wings. The cheerleading squad's name, I mean." Paine added quickly, seeing the curious face of Rikku.
"Then how about the Birdwings?" Rikku shouted, this time earning a few glares from the other customers.
"How about you stay quiet this time birdbrain?" Paine hissed again.
Rikku retreated to the safety of Yuna's back and quietly sat there, playing with Yuna's hair now instead of joining the name-planning.
"Birds...Then how about the Parawings? You know, from parrots?" Yuna snapped her fingers.
"Does it have to be a bird?" Paine sighed as Yuna dropped her head dejectedly.
"Well all you do is put down our ideas, why don't you think of something?" Rikku said, clearly annoyed from the little cooperation she's receiving from the brunette.
Paine stared at her for awhile and seemed to be thinking of something when; "...How about...the Glitterwings?"
"..."
"..."
It seemed that the whole cafe had gone deathly quiet. The other customers seemed to have been eavesdropping on their conversation and all of them were looking quite stunned.
"...Just forget I said anything..." Paine said as she covered her face in embarrassment.
"That's okay Pinny, at least that was a cute name..." Rikku consoled the girl while patting her back.
"Yeah, you did your best." Yuna offered her comfort as well.
"Don't you worry a thing Pinny, we'll stay here till morning if we have to! We'll find a name that'll fit us glittergirls if that's the last thing we'll do!" Rikku shouted as the other customers had already covered their ears expectedly.
Paine stared at the blonde in disbelief and to the brown-haired girl who was agreeing with her.
A few hours later, after the cafe has closed down
"So how about the Duckwings?" Rikku offered.
"Or the Pigeonwings?" Yuna added.
"Kingdom Hearts why don't you give us a name!" Paine exclaimed, fearing for her sanity as she looked at the empty surrounding. They must have been left here and Lulu must have locked them inside.
"Shush Pinny, we're getting there!" Rikku said seriously as the girl looked close to cracking up herself.
"Why oh why is coming up with a name this damn hard?" Paine groaned as she banged her head on the table several times.
"So...the Peacockwings?" Yuna tiredly added.
Just another normal evening for the (to-be) Angels folks.