Ch. 14 Abe Overload

The drive to the airship station took two hours. Baralai didn't mind. Yuna had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Well, she had fallen asleep and he had placed her head on his shoulder. He didn't even mind the small amount of drool dripping on it. It was Coach Luzzu's Yevon awful singing that was getting on his damn nerves. He imagined this is what a dog trying to sing would sound like.

"Here we are, kids. Finally. I'm going to get a nice nap on the airship" Coach Luzzu announced, as he cut the engine. Baralai turned and gently woke Yuna. She woke up, disoriented, her multi-colored eyes bleary, yet stunning in the afternoon sun.

Darcy stretched. They were at the airship. Good. She could still hear Tidus and Wakka talking. Had they spent the whole drive talking? She turned to him.

"Come on. We're here," he said to her, waiting to follow the other students off the bus. Darcy looked out the window. Her eyes bulged. Was that freaking Yuna? Standing next to a good-looking boy with dark skin? What was she doing here? Why hadn't Tidus told her?

She turned and followed the others off the bus. Tidus squinted at the sun, and turned to her.

"Did you know Yuna was coming?" she whispered to him.

He shook his head. "No."

She didn't believe him. In fact, she was certain that he was going to pull away from her house without her. Of course, she hadn't witnessed anything significant between him and Yuna yet. And maybe that guy was Yuna's boyfriend. She felt better with that thought in place.

"Okay, everybody, grab your things. Let's go. We have a schedule to keep," Coach Luzzu said, putting on a pair of dark sunglasses.

Everyone gathered their belongings and followed the coach into the airship station to board the airship. The airship didn't have seats. Since they were mostly used to hold cargo, the Spiran officials didn't think they were necessary. Plus, they believed you were safer on the floor than strapped in a seat, anyway.

Coach Luzzu found a quiet corner and settled down. Everyone soon found a comfortable spot. Darcy noticed that most of the girls were sitting together in a corner.

"Come join us, Darcy," called Yuna.

She ignored her, and settled down next to Tidus. He was engaged in a conversation with Datto and Keepa. Wakka decided he would take a nap. Gippal held court in another corner with Baralai, Letty, and a few others.

"So, what's the story with Tidus' girlfriend? She acts like she's scared to leave his side," said Rikku. She was sure they were a sufficient distance away from being overheard. Not that she cared.

Yuna shrugged. She had no idea.

"I think I'm going to take a nap," Lulu announced, using her bag as a pillow.

"That's a good idea," Calli said, as she rolled on her side.

"I just took a nap," Yuna complained. Though she was sure she could probably take another. The airship was so soothing.

"We're here! Welcome to Besaid, ya!" Wakka yelled, surprised that he was so excited about being back on his island again.

"Come on. We're supposed to check in at Omega Ruins. I hope that's just the hotel's name," said Coach Luzzu. The students followed him off the airship, where they had landed on the beach. Coach Luzzu had to repeatedly tell them to hurry up. They kept lagging behind, trying to see everything along the walk.

"You've got the rest of the afternoon to explore the beach. I'm hungry," he barked in the voice he used specifically for his players. The Abes obeyed, hurrying along the wooded path.

They finally arrived at Omega Ruins. Thank goodness it wasn't in ruins. They followed Coach Luzzu inside of the small lobby.

"Coach Luzzu. We have reservations," he told the desk clerk.

The clerk, dressed in nothing but a tank top and shorts, checked into his computer. "Right. The school group, ya?" he asked.

Coach Luzzu nodded. "That's right."

"Six rooms. Here you go," he said, handing the room keys over to him.

"Alright guys. I did the math in my head. There are a total of sixteen of us. The guys will split three rooms, three to a room. The girls will split two, three in each room. I have my own room for obvious reasons. If it's not, too damn bad. Go put your stuff down, get settled in for a moment, and meet back here in fifteen minutes. I'm ready to damn eat."

"Want to room together, ya?" Wakka asked Tidus.

"Sure."

"I'll room with you guys," said Datto. Coach Luzzu handed them a key. They went back outside and headed up the wooden steps that lead to the second floor.

"Okay. It'll be me, Letty, and Gippal," said Baralai. Coach Luzzu shrugged and gave them a key.

"Choosing a Psyche over an Abe, Baralai? Where's your allegiance?" Botta complained.

"I'm just cooler," insisted Gippal.

Botta, Keepa, and Jassu took the key and headed out.

Coach Luzzu turned to the girls. "Um, I guess us three will room together," Lulu said, indicating herself, Rikku, and Yuna. So Darcy, Calli, and Talynda took the last key. Coach Luzzu followed them up and headed into his room. His stomach growled.

"Patience," he demanded.

"Wakka, is it really necessary to wear this shirt?" Baralai complained, looking at the green shirt with white flowers on it that Wakka had given him.

"Only on the first night, ya. There's a party on the beach for newcomers."

"Okay, whatever," Baralai said, putting the shirt on.

Gippal couldn't believe it. Couldn't he have been given a shirt that actually complimented him? The yellow shirt he was wearing was not his most flattering color.

"It doesn't matter what I wear. I look good in everything," Letty said, in his tan colored shirt. All of the shirts had the white flower design on them. They were waiting on the girls in front of the hotel. As a group, they would head to the party.

Keepa slapped at a mosquito on his arm. Finally, they saw some girls coming. Talynda was heading down the stairs first. Keepa smiled. He'd known the girls would have to wear grass skirts, but he hadn't expected it to look that damn good. Talynda wore her red bikini top, with a green and red lei around her neck. Her blond curls were pulled up into a ponytail. She smiled at them. Jassu raised an interested eyebrow.

Darcy and Calli came down together. They wore outfits similar to Talynda's though Calli's top was purple and Darcy's yellow. Matching leis were around their necks, as well. Datto's eyes lit up. His girl was looking good.

Lulu came down next. Wakka was bringing his exotic drink to his lips, but paused when he saw her. Her orange bikini top struggled to hold all of her ample bosom in place. Letty had a hard time keeping his eyes at a decent level.

Darcy immediately moved to Tidus' side. She thought he looked cute in his blue shirt. She wrapped an arm around his waist. Rikku and Yuna came down together. Everyone was here now. Tidus allowed his eyes to travel slowly from Yuna's bare feet up her shapely legs, even slower up her firm abdomen…the lei blocked his view from her breasts. Her hair was pulled up in its ponytail. Incidentally, her bikini top was blue.

Darcy looked up at him. She followed his line of vision and scowled. Fortunately, Baralai grabbed Yuna's hand and led the way to the party. Once the party was in full swing, Darcy allowed herself to relax and actually began to have fun. The up tempo music, the friendly islanders, the exotic drinks, and the delicious food put her at ease. Tidus had remained by her side all night.

Coach Luzzu sat in a chair, keeping a close eye on everyone. He sipped his drink, and half listened as an old man he didn't know told him all about the fishing season. He would announce that it was time to retire soon. It had been a long evening. This was the best paid vacation he'd had in years. Maybe he could sneak back down here once the students were in their rooms. The old man had said that the adults would be here around midnight.

Wakka was having a great time. He and Lulu spent a lot of time on the sand dancing. He loved the music here. Naturally, he knew that Coach Luzzu wouldn't allow the students to drink. Too bad Coach Luzzu didn't know he knew the bartender. Kendo would make him whatever he wanted to drink, disguising it in a coconut. He had allowed Lulu a few sips of his favorite drink: Volcano Rush.

"We're going to have to retire soon. I'm sure Coach Luzzu promised our parents that he'd have us in bed at a decent hour," Lulu said, having to talk directly in his ear because of the music.

He nodded. If they didn't have a chaperone, they could stay out until the sun came up if that were their choice. Teenagers were treated as adults here.

"Well, who wants to go on the tour of the island? It's going to be pretty informative. You might learn something," Coach Luzzu said on Thursday morning. So far, the kids didn't want to do anything except hang out at the beach. Which was okay, but he was interested in other things. He didn't get any answers.

"Who wants to go to the beach and do nothing all damn day?" he asked. Everyone raised their hand. He smirked. Lazy ass kids. It had rained for the past three days, and they were looking forward to finally being able to enjoy the beach again. Playing charades with Coach Luzzu in the hotel lobby hadn't been the best time of entertainment. Yuna and Rikku had celebrated a birthday during the week, but the rain had ruined it.

"Fine. I'll meet you down at the beach," he told them, as they hurried off.

Darcy strolled behind Tidus slowly. They hadn't had any time for romance as she had hoped they would. The rain hadn't helped. But, she was certain that tonight would be fun. There was a luau going on. They would be heading back to Zanarkand on Saturday. It had been a good week. When the weather was nice, she worked on her tan on the beach, lazily watching the boys play volleyball. At night, the parties never ended. She laid her beach towel out carefully, and then lay across it on her stomach. She was certain she looked good in her black bikini. She wondered if she could get Tidus to put some lotion on her back. She turned to ask him, but he was already at the ocean's edge, getting ready to go in.

"Hey, Darcy, want some company?" she heard, and squinted up at Yuna. She was wearing a hot pink bikini, with a white sarong tied around her waist.

Darcy shrugged. Yuna put her towel down and sat next to her. She honestly had no idea why she kept trying to be friendly to the girl. But, she felt bad for her. She didn't know anybody.

"So, Yuna, is that guy, Baralai your boyfriend?" Darcy asked, deciding to use this as an opportunity to drill all the information she could out of her.

Yuna smiled as she rubbed lotion on her arms. "No. I don't have a boyfriend."

She missed Darcy's grimace. "Well, how come? He's cute."

"I'm not ready for a boyfriend yet. It's fun being single." And it was. The Abes had been very attentive to her this entire trip. From bringing her drinks to dancing. She was never bored.

"I guess. But, I don't have that problem. I'm dating the most gorgeous guy on the beach," smiled Darcy.

Yuna winced. She certainly couldn't argue with her about that. "I guess you guys are pretty serious, huh?" she asked.

Darcy propped on an elbow, facing her. "We sure are. I think he's going to pop the question soon."

"The question? Do you mean marriage? Aren't you a little young for that?"

Darcy shrugged. "We love each other. Why wait? He said he can't wait to have me for his wife. Can you blame him? Look at me."

Yuna frowned. She sure was conceited. She was a pretty girl, but she didn't expect to see her on the cover of Luca Fashions or anything.

"Hey, come play volleyball with us!" called Rikku.

Yuna turned to Darcy. "Want to?"

"Okay." Anything so you'll leave me alone.

Pretty soon, the girls had a friendly game of volleyball going on. They played for a while. Some of the boys came over to sit down to watch.

"If we score the next point, we win," Phoenix warned as she served the ball over the net. Rikku managed to smack it back across. Baralai watched the game behind a pair of sunglasses. Gippal nudged him. "We need to do something about Coach Luzzu tonight. I'm sick of his curfew."

Baralai nodded. It certainly interfered with his seduction plans for Yuna. He was certain that out here, under the stars, the exotic music filling their ears, Yuna would be putty in his hands. He focused on the game again. He liked watching the girls bounce around in their bikinis.

Darcy looked over at Tidus quickly. She had hoped to find him giving her an encouraging smile. He wasn't. His head was turned slightly, watching Yuna hit the ball. She gritted her teeth. Her hands were clenched together, because of her height; it was difficult to just smack the ball over the net. She saw the ball coming toward her. She took a step closer to the net deliberately. With all of her might, she hit the ball up, under the net, and smacked Yuna in the face.

Yuna let out a small yelp, the pain of the ball stinging her face. She reached up slowly to touch her nose. It was stinging.

"Yuna, are you okay?" shot out Baralai, instantly on his feet and rushing over. The other Abes, including Tidus, rushed to her side.

"Sorry, Yuna," Darcy called innocently. She didn't bother to go over to check and see if the girl was okay. She started cleaning her nails.

Yuna felt the blood slowly seeping from her nose. "Step aside. Let me take a look," commanded Coach Luzzu. The Abes stepped to the side. Coach Luzzu examined Yuna's nose.

"Come on. Let's go see Mr. Calhoun," he told her, gently pulling her away. Tidus handed her a few napkins to press to her nose. He watched them stumble away. Baralai took off after them, with Letty at his heels.

"I guess I don't know my own strength, huh?" Darcy replied, appearing at Tidus' side.

"I guess not."

"She'll be okay. Just a little nose bleed. Let's go swimming." He followed her to the water, turning back to watch Yuna and Coach Luzzu disappear into the woods.

"Ti, you believe me when I say it was an accident, right? I don't know the girl well enough to hurt her on purpose," Darcy said, at the ocean's edge.

"I know," he said, but he really didn't.

Yuna was completely miserable. This trip had taken a turn for the worst. First, she had to listen to Darcy's confession that she and Tidus were like peas and carrots. Then, she'd taken a blitzball to the nose. Dr. Calhoun had assured her that it was fine, but he'd put a bandage on it just in case. She sat on a log, holding another Pink Flan. Wakka had gotten it for her from the bar. He could tell she was depressed and needed a real drink. She had watched the other students participate in a game of limbo. Gippal had won. Now, a little after twelve, she was beginning to feel the effects of the flan.

Coach Luzzu was passed out in his room. From what she understood, Botta and Keepa had put a sleeping antidote in his drink. She wished she had asked for some. Lulu and Wakka were dancing slowly on the sand, their bodies pressed extremely close to each other. Get a room, already! She thought irritably. She didn't know where Rikku and Gippal had run off to. She turned up the last of her drink miserably.

"Here, have another," Baralai said, taking the empty coconut from her hands and giving her a fresh drink. She sipped without replying. He patted her shoulder, and went over to get some of the pig that was being prepared on the other side of the beach. She hadn't had one single moment alone with Tidus the entire week. Thanks to Darcy. Probably hit me on purpose, she thought bitterly, turning up the coconut again.

She saw the couple sitting with some of the others around the fire, eating. She hadn't wanted any. Talynda had visited her briefly, complaining about Wakka showing her no attention. Know what ya mean! She had thought sarcastically. Talynda hadn't let it get the best of her, though. She started flirting with Botta. After Yuna finished her third drink, her head begun to spin a bit. Baralai returned with his plate of pig. He sat down clumsily next to her. He'd had his own fair share of drinks tonight. He picked up pieces of pig with his fingers, forgetting everything he'd been taught about proper dinner etiquette.

Letty came over carrying two drinks. He handed one to Yuna, and sat on her opposite side. He laughed. He was drunk. Yuna laughed with him, and quickly took a sip of her new drink. Baralai laughed, pieces of pig falling out of his mouth.

"Hey, Lu, how about we get out of here, ya?" asked Wakka. She looked up from his shoulder.

"And go where?"

"I can get a room. Want to?"

Lulu didn't hesitate. "Yes. Let's go."

Yuna watched the two of them hurry off and down a path through the woods. She knew what they were going to go do. Lucky them, she thought grudgingly. She was happy for Lulu. She took another drink of the huge glass that Letty had given her.

Tidus kept an eye on Yuna from his place by the fire. He was certain that she was more than a little drunk by now. She kept missing her mouth with the glass she was holding. And laughing. A lot of laughing.

"Guess what I saw in Coach Luzzu's room?" Keepa asked suddenly.

"What?" asked Phoenix.

"Island weed. From Kilika."

Phoenix's dark eyes widened. "Stop lying, Keepa. He doesn't even smoke."

"Maybe he sells it. I saw it. I even stole some of it. Want to sample it?"

"I don't think so."

"Scared?"

"Yes." Not of the weed. Of waking up naked in bed with you.

Darcy looked intrigued. It certainly would put her in a better mood. She looked at Tidus. He shook his head. Why not? They had certainly smoked their fair share of it in Luca. So what if he had spent three hours thinking he was a Garuda?

"Hey, Keepa, let's sample that shit," said Jassu.

"Count me out," said Phoenix.

"Count me in," said Talynda. Botta smiled. He liked this girl's adventurous nature.

"Count me out," said Tidus.

"I might try it," Darcy said. Tidus rolled his eyes and turned his attention back on Yuna again. She could hardly stay seated upright on the log. Baralai's plate fell out of his lap, but he didn't notice. He turned to Yuna and kissed her. Tidus' eyes bulged. To his surprise, Letty broke their kiss and pressed Yuna's lips to his. They kept alternating. Tidus couldn't take his eyes off of them. What the hell was wrong with Yuna?

He smelled the weed burning. "Here, try some. You look tense," Keepa said, holding it out toward him.

"Didn't I say I didn't want any?" he demanded.

"Fine. More for me," Keepa said, taking another hit.

Darcy watched him. He looked pissed. Maybe he had forgotten about keeping his emotions hidden. He got up suddenly and walked around the fire. He grabbed Yuna by the arm, and pulled her off toward the woods. Baralai laughed again, with Letty joining him.

"Tidus, where are we going?" Yuna called angrily. He kept dragging her through the dark wooded paths. What was he doing? What gave him the right? He kept walking. Yuna tried to break free, but his grasp on her wrist was too strong. Finally, he stopped walking and released her. She tried to focus. He had his back to her, probably knowing she was too drunk to run away.

"What are you doing?" she demanded angrily.

He turned to face her. "You're drunk, Yuna. I'm keeping you from doing anything that you'll regret in the morning."

"I wasn't going to regret anything! I knew what I was doing!" She stepped toward him, stumbling a bit.

"Really? You were going to have sex with Baralai, and possibly Letty too?"

"Yes! If I wanted to!"

"Yuna, you don't want to lose your virginity like this. I know you don't."

"You don't know anything! Let me have it now while I have the nerve. I won't have it in the morning."

"No, but you will have one hell of a hangover."

"I don't care! All of my friends are happy, having a good time. Why not me, too?"

"That's your idea of a good time?"

"Right now it is!"

He sighed. She was very drunk, and for some reason, very angry with him. She was close enough to touch him suddenly. She smiled up at him.

"Well, why don't you sleep with me then?"

He shook his head. "No. Not like this."

"This is your entire fault, anyway! If you would quit playing games with me, I wouldn't be so…confused. One minute, your flirting with me, the next, you love your girlfriend…"

"I never said I loved her. Who told you that?"

"No one. It's the way I see it. Are you trying to drive me crazy?"

"What does all of this have to do with anything? Why were you about to sleep with Baralai? Why do you keep flirting with the Abes? I can't deal with it anymore."

"You can't deal with it? You brought your girlfriend here! She injured my nose. And I flirt with those boys because I know it makes you mad!"

He didn't say anything for a long time. Why the hell would she go through the trouble of doing that? Hadn't she told him on more than one occasion that she didn't want a boyfriend? He was confused.

"Yuna, I don't understand. Why would you try to make me jealous?"

Yuna shook her head miserably. She didn't know. She just wanted his attention. She wanted him. She turned to head back to the beach somehow.

He caught her shoulder. "Why, Yuna? Why?" he demanded.

She tossed his arm off. "Because I love you!" she shouted. This time, he stumbled backward a bit. Had he heard her correctly? He couldn't have. Words he had been hoping he would hear. Some day. He was shocked.

"What?" he finally managed.

She shrugged helplessly. "I love you. I guess I'm a fool, huh?"

Before he could answer, she fell forward. He stepped quickly to catch her. She had passed out. He shook her arm.

"Wait, Yuna. Don't pass out yet. We have to finish this." He feared that she wouldn't remember this conversation in the morning. She didn't stir. He picked her up, sighing deeply. His heart was leaping with joy. He couldn't believe it! She loved him! He smiled down at her.

"I wanted to tell you that I love you, too, but I guess it'll have to wait." He started down the path back toward the beach.

Darcy stood up from her perched position from behind the coconut balm. She didn't know what to do. Her whole body was shaking with intense rage. Yuna loved him. She wasn't surprised to hear that. What had shocked her was hearing him say that he loved her, too. That was the first time she had ever heard him say those words. But, not to her. ! Her brain screamed. What was she going to do now? She knew without a doubt that he was going to break up with her soon. Hell, maybe even tomorrow. She had to do something. Anything. He belonged to her! Yuna didn't deserve him! She had all those silly boys fighting for her attention! She sank against the tree. Ironically, it began to rain. Pouring. Stupid tropical weather! She needed some more time. The prom was in three weeks. She was going to go with him! She started making her way back to the beach slowly. When she arrived, she noticed that it was deserted. Where was Tidus, anyway? She headed back to the hotel. She saw Calli in the lobby. "Have you seen Tidus?" she asked her.

"He brought Yuna in a while ago, and then he went to his room. How come you're drenched?"

She left the lobby without a word.