Universe: Some sort of FFVII/FFX Crossover AU
Timeline: Teenagers
Status: Friendship

"What a wonderful day for a picnic," Mrs. Strife smiled, looking up at the blue sky above, the brim of her sun hat shielding her eyes from the sun's bright rays.

Cloud nodded in agreement, and took a bite of his peanut-butter sandwich. He loved coming to the park, especially on days like today. He had to admit that sometimes he was a little embarrassed to still be having these outings with his mom—most fourteen-year-olds wouldn't be caught dead doing that sort of thing—but Cloud never liked to let his mother down.

Cloud took a good look around the park. All around him, people were tossing frisbees, snacking on various foods, and chatting at picnic tables, but Cloud liked it right here on his picnic blanket. He gave his mom a smile when she looked in his direction, and he took another bite of his sandwich.

"Delicious, as usual, Mom," he grinned.

"Glad to hear it," Mrs. Strife smiled. "The cookies are there when you want them."

Cloud nodded again and continued to munch on his sandwich. The peaceful atmosphere of the park was soon interrupted when a boy about Cloud's age and his mother approached. Cloud nearly choked on his sandwich when he saw him. Tidus. One of the most athletic kids at school, one of the few kids who was able to be friends with whoever he wanted and still keep his popular status. And, he was the kid that Cloud had had his eye on for months.

"You okay, sweetie?" Mrs. Strife asked, when Cloud seemed to be having trouble taking in air.

"Oh yeah," Cloud said, forcing a smile. "Just... some crumbs went down the wrong way."

Cloud and his mother looked in the direction of the noisy newcomers strolling their way. Cloud listened hard, trying to catch wind of their conversation.

"So, you mean, he's not coming?" Tidus was saying, sounding angry.

"No, he's not," his mother replied.

"So, I work my butt off training for this game, and he gets himself wasted and can't come watch?" Tidus fumed. His mother didn't respond this time, but her lips pressed themselves into a firm line. Tidus folded his arms, in total disbelief and frustration. How many times had Jecht done this to him now? Far too many to count.

"Are you coming?" Tidus' mother asked, flipping her blond hair out of her eye as she spoke. She looked behind her. Tidus had stopped in his tracks.

"In a bit. Better cool down first before I go home. Otherwise I might just pound him into the ground," Tidus muttered.

"Fine," his mother said, sounding fed up with her son. "But don't take too long." The woman walked off, leaving her son behind. Tidus slumped down at one of the nearest picnic tables, and looked away in embarrassment when he realized Cloud and his mom were staring at him.

Cloud. Tidus couldn't believe Cloud was here, that he had just witnessed that little scene. Tidus let out a sigh. He didn't really know Cloud that well, but he always seemed like a nice kid. Quiet, but kind.

Tidus glanced up every now and then at the blond a few feet away. He remembered a few years back when Cloud's dad had passed away. The whole school had found out about it, and he remembered how sad Cloud had been that week. He remembered Cloud forgetting his lunch money, and Tidus had been in the line behind him, and had paid for his meal. He doubted Cloud remembered that. He'd been pretty out of it.

Tidus released another sigh, and got up from the table, brushing himself off. He stuffed a hand into his pocket and retrieved a ticket for his upcoming Blitzball game—the ticket that was supposed to have been for his father. Jecht had no need for it now. Tidus was so furious with him that he could have torn it up right there on the spot, but there were better uses for it. Maybe he could make someone's day just a little brighter.

Tidus bravely walked toward the Strife family. Cloud's mother gave him a smile as he approached, while Cloud's gaze flickered from him to the ground. He looked about as nervous as Tidus felt.

"Hi, Cloud," Tidus smiled. "I don't know if you remember me." Cloud looked up slowly, feeling a little honoured that Tidus knew his name.

"Of course, I remember you. Tidus," Cloud said, forcing a shaky smile. Tidus stared for a moment. Cloud had nice eyes. Very blue.

"Oh, good. Well, anyway, I was just wondering if you'd like to come see my Blitzball game this afternoon. I have an extra ticket here. I'm sure you heard... I won't be needing it," Tidus admitted, looking sheepish as he held the ticket out to Cloud. Cloud tried to prevent his smile from growing too wide as he reached out and accepted the small paper from Tidus' hand.

"I'd love to. Thank you so much," Cloud grinned, hoping he wasn't blushing too badly.

"Great! Well, see ya," Tidus waved, heading off after his mother.

"He seems nice," Mrs. Strife said, watching the boy go off into the distance. Cloud held the ticket against his chest, his heart pounding beneath his fingers.

"He is," Cloud beamed.