*Alright Guys, I'm sorry if this is late! I had half of it done on the 26th, but someone deleted it! So if you get this AFTER my birthday, I'm sorry! (Takes a breath) Time to do that chapter 16 thing!*
"Back to you, it always comes around.. back to you,
Try to forget you, I try to stay away, but it's too late..
Over you, I'll never really be.. over you..
There's somthin' about you, It's just the way you move,
The way you, move me..."
-Back To You
~John Mayer
"Alright you fruitcake, why don't YOU watch where I'm goin'?!" -Naida Dark
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey...Naida...psst..hey.."
"Hmm..."
"Naida, come on, get up."
"Urr..."
"Naida, get up!"
Lime green eyes fluttered open to connect with pale blue.
"..uh?"
She was about to scream, when a hand clamped over her mouth. She stared blindly at the thing holding her face, until it finally came into focus.
"..Datto?!"
Well, that's what she tried to say, but all that came out was a muffled shout.
"Shhh..be quiet!" He whispered loudly, "Everyone's still asleep!"
She froze, listening. Sure enough, after a few seconds, the normal ongoing chorus of snores filled her ears. She smiled slightly, then looked at Datto, who wasn't even looking at her.
"...Look."
He removed his hand so she could sit up. She did so, slowly but surely, and turned to see what he was talking about.
Naida smiled at the scene of Keepa and Svanda asleep on Keepa's cot. She was curled up in his arms, and he had his chin resting on her head.
"Yeah-a..." Naida cheered quietly.
"That's what I'm sayin'."
With that, he turned and crawled back onto his cot, sitting Indian Style and going off into his own world for a little while. Naida layed back down, closing her eyes. After a few minutes, she realized sleep wasn't going to come back, and sat back up, leaning against the wall and looking around the room. Her gaze stopped on the sleeping form of Botta, who-due to the three extra people in the room- was re-positioned to be at her feet. If she were lying down, she would've been able to reach out and kick him in the head.
(Not a bad idea, now that I think about it...) She thought sourly.
She paused for a moment, letting her gaze rest on his still face. Almost immedietly, her thoughts softened.
(What's his problem, anyway? Why does he always have to push me away like this? One minute, he's fine, and the next minute, we're not talking at all, and it feels like he hates me.. It's that bloody wall, like always..)
She let out a slightly frustrated sigh.
(I bet it's because of that Shoopuf Viranda...Yevon if I got my hands on her, he only knows what I would do.)
She breathed in again, leaning her head back against the wall. After a moment, she rolled her head over to look at Letty, who was still sleeping soundly. Instantly, she noticed something.
"Hey.."She whispered loudly,"Datto..hey!"
The Shooter snapped out of his daze and looked at her with wide blue eyes.
"Huh? What's goin' on?"
"Botta told me...that you two were going to dye Letty's hair purple."
"Oh...yeah..hehheh..we were."
"Well? What happened?"
"He woke up before we could leave to get the stuff."
"Hmm...good."
He stopped, raising an eyebrow.
"Why's that?"
She paused, before a wide yet evil smile flashed across her face.
"Because I think it looked better blue."
Datto thought for a moment, before he returned her evil smile with a smirk.
"Yeah...me too."
Later that morning, the group woke to a rather familiar phrase.
"TELL me this isn't permanent."
Letty walked out of the bathroom to find Datto and Naida sitting on Datto's cot, looking as innocent as possible. Unfortunately, when they saw the panicked look on their friendly Smurf Center's face, they went into hysterics.
Letty stared at them for a moment, before shaking his head.
"You two...you two just aren't right..."
They continued to laugh, waking up the few remaining members of the group, who-when they saw Letty's hair- joined right in with laughing.
"YEAH!" Jassu yelled, "Papa Smurf is BACK in the house!"
Letty only shook his head again and started bundling his things up. Finally, the laughter died down a bit, and everyone started getting their things ready to go before they went out for early morning practice. It passed quickly, like always, and soon enough, the group was on their way home to Besaid.
On the observation deck of the Airship, Naida stood alone, looking out over the vast ocean, almost losing herself in it.
(It'd probably be a whole lot better than bein' here...) She thought, brushing her hair out of her face and leaning against the rail, (WAY better.)
"Hey..."
She cast a sideways glance as Svanda walked up and stood next to her.
"You okay?" The younger girl asked gently. Naida laughed.
"Okay? Yeah, I'm fine. You're the one I should be asking that. You worked everything out with Keepa?"
She nodded happily, "He understood completely. He knew I was only 17, and naive, and he said he was willing to forget all that."
Naida smiled, "That's great to hear. Congratulations."
Svanda giggled, "C'mon now, Naida. It's not like we're gettin' married or anything.."
At this, Naida raised her eyebrow, causing the Chocobo Trainer to giggle again, and turn slightly red.
"Gotta go!"She squeaked excitedly, "Talk to ya later!"
She turned and ran back down to the hallways of the Airship, and Naida smiled, shaking her head.
"Glad I could help make her happy..." She said softly, turning back to the window.
The group arrived home that evening, which was MUCH faster than they usually did.
"Man.."Jassu said as they walked into the village, "...Jus' think..we only got 3 games left. Kilika.. then whoever..then probably the Goers.."
"If we win against the first two," Botta added in.
Jassu looked at him, "Man, what are you, white? Kilika's a pushover, then it's whoever, and we've pretty much beat everyone else!"
Botta laughed a little, shaking his head, as they all went their separate ways to sleep. He started for the Inn, and turned to see where Keepa was. Instead, he turned and ran smack into...
"Alright now, Twinkletoes, watch where yer goin'."
Naida glared at him.
"Twinkletoes?" She said, raising an eyebrow, "Alright you fruitcake, why don't YOU watch where I'm goin'?!"
He raised his eyebrow back at her, but before he could say anything, she had pushed past him and was walking straight to Aunt Julia's house. Botta sighed.
(Man..there I go again..Trapper, one of these days she's just gonna haul off and break yer nose, and you'll have no one to blame but yerself.)
He sighed again, then turned and went into the Inn.
Naida stormed into Aunt Julia's house, resisting with all the willpower she had the urge to slam the door. She stopped as soon as she entered, setting her pillowcase on the floor and breathing in deeply, running one gloved hand through her blonde hair. She was about to pick up her pillowcase again, when she heard voices from the kitchen.
"Yeah, she should be here any minute. She was talkin' to Botta when I saw her last."
"Oh, Botta? Good!"
"Ummm..Well I-"
Svanda's sentence was cut short when she opened the kitchen door to meet a pair of slightly irritated green eyes.
"Oh! Naida!"
"Hello Svanda." She replied dully.
"Naida!"Aunt Julia exclaimed,"Svanda was just saying you would be here any minute, and that's perfect, because I was needing help with dinner!"
Naida paused for a moment, before nodding.
"I'll be there in a second."
She picked her pillowcase up off the floor, and started for the door to her/Svanda/Keepa's room. As soon as she disappeared, Aunt Julia turned to Svanda.
"...What's wrong?"
The young Chocobo Breeder winced, "Ahh...well..."
Aunt Julia crossed her arms, "Does it have anything to do with who we were talking about...?"
Silently, Svanda nodded. Seconds later, the blonde Al Bhed reappeared in the doorway to the bedroom.
"..What are we cookin' tonight, Aunt Julia?"
The older woman looked at her, "Well, lasanga actually.. but it could wait..if you needed to talk about something..."
Naida raised her eyebrow, before shaking her head.
"No ma'am, I'm fine."
Aunt Julia paused, before glancing at Svanda. The younger woman breathed in slowly.
"Naida...what's going on between you and Botta?"
Naida froze, looking at her best friend in slight shock.
"..Well.. nothing Svanda."
The Chocobo Breeder crossed her arms, "Uh huh.. SURE. What's up? C'mon."
Naida shook her head again, walking into the kitchen, "I don't wanna talk about it, okay?"
Svanda and Aunt Julia exchanged glances, before Aunt Julia smiled slightly.
"We'll get it out of her later," She whispered. Svanda smiled back, nodding, and they both went into the kitchen.
That night, the Besaid Aurochs sat around a silent table. Tension was sensed at the far end of the table, where a certain blue-eyed redhead and a certain green-eyed blonde ate slowly, each one taking turns catching the other staring.
Suddenly, a loud cough was heard from the end of the table, and instantly everyone turned and looked at Datto. The young Shooter shifted around uneasily in his seat as 7 pairs of eyes fixed on him, not including Naida and Botta.
"...Excuse me?"
He stared back at the group, almost afraid they might up and kill him any second. After a moment, Jassu started laughing.
"Man, this has GOT to be the whitest dinner I've ever been to in my life!"
Letty raised his eyebrow, turning to his dark-skinned best friend.
"Well Jassu, I CAN'T imagine why..!"
Jassu paused before grinning, "Yeah..me neither. Ain't none of y'all in here full blooded white. 'Cept for Datto over here, coughin' an' all. I'm pretty sure he's white. But then there's Keepa.. He's the Pilsbury Doughboy, so I guess he's kinda white."
Datto and Keepa exchanged glances as Jassu went on.
"Aunt Julia's pretty white sometimes, but I guess that's cuz she's old."
"WHAT?!"
"Kiddin'!!!!"
A little bit of laughter broke out on their end of the table as the dyed-blonde Guard went on.
"Let's see...Svanda.. I guess yer pretty good. Yer a Chocobo Breeder an' all, so I think yer yellow. Ah...Letty? ...Haha nevermind. Tidus? Eh, yer from Zanarkand, nobody likes you. Cap'n? Yer about like me! ..Last-but not least- would be Botta and Naida...uh.."
Everyone seemed to freeze as the two dark ones turned their attention from their food for a moment to hear what their friend had to say.
"...I don't know WHAT y'all are. So I'll just hush now."
With that, he leaned back in his seat, sipping his sweet tea.
After what felt like forever, dinner was finally over. The table was cleared, people left(mostly silent), and the trio of Svanda, Naida, and Aunt Julia retreated to the kitchen to start cleaning.
Much of it was done like everthing else that night-in silence. After a few mintues of listening to the steady sounds of Naida scrubbing the plates and Svanda drying them, Aunt Julia cleared her throat.
"Um...girls?" She said, almost uneasy,"I'll be back in a minute, I need to step outside for some air..."
She turned and walked out the door, leaving the two Calm Land foreigners alone to clean their adopted home's kitchen. The white window above the sink was slightly cracked open, letting in the gentle breeze that signified the soon coming of rain.
(Probably won't come for a while...) Svanda thought to herself, setting a dry plate down on the counter and re-filling her hands with another wet one. She glanced over at her troubled friend, automatically seeing stress etched into the Al Bhed's face. The wind from the cracked window was blowing her blonde hair gently across her peach skin, and the soft light from the single bulb above the oven let off just enough light to give her lime eyes a strange yet beautiful glow.
Svanda breathed in quietly. She didn't like seeing her best friend like this at all. It made her sad to see the older Al Bhed sad, and that was...well..sad. Especially when it was over...a GUY.
"..Naida?"
Her soft but smooth voice broke the fragile silence, but Naida's ears seemed to block it out.
"Naida."
The Al Bhed still didn't answer, and scrubbed the plate in her hand even harder.
"..Hey, Naida."
No answer. Finally, the Chocobo Breeder reached out and touched her friend's arm.
"Naida!"
"Ah!"
The blonde Center jumped, jolting violently out of her trance. She stepped back, and the wet plate slipped out of her hand, falling to the linoleum floor and meeting it with a crack, causing both of the girls to let out a yelp. Instantly, Aunt Julia was in the door.
"What's wrong?!" She said, worry covering her voice.
"Oh...man.." Naida groaned, looking down at the pieces of plate on the floor. She took a deep breath and leaned against the counter, wrapping one arm around herself and covering her face with the other hand.
"It's nothing, Aunt Julia,"Svanda said calmly, kneeling down and picking up the pieces of plate, "I just..startled Naida. It was an accident."
"...Ohh...I am SO sorry Aunt Julia..."
The green-eyed girl groaned again as she knelt down and began to help her friend pick up the plate pieces. Aunt Julia went and grabbed the small tin trash can from the other side of the stove.
"Oh, no.. Don't worry about it,"She said, as calm as a grandmother, "It's fine. Nothing that can't be replaced easily."
The two girls slid the pieces into the trash can, and the older woman set it back in its place. They stood in silence for a moment, Naida staring at the floor, Svanda watching her worridly, and Aunt Julia glancing in between them. Finally, she took a breath.
"I have an idea,"She said matter-of-factly,"Naida, dear? Why don't I go run you a hot bath, and you can just..relax. I can tell..well everyone can tell..that you're obviously under a lot of stress right now..and you need to wash it off, alright?"
The Al Bhed orphan paused, looking at the older woman for a moment, before looking to her younger best friend, who offered a small smile of encouragement. Finally, she nodded.
"...I think I could use that..Thank you."
Aunt Julia smiled and nodded, leaving for the bathroom in the back of the house. Svanda turned to Naida.
"Now," She said gently,"You go get yer stuff to take yer bath, and I'll finish puttin' up the dishes, alright?"
Naida nodded, "Thank you so much, Svanda."
The two hugged, before the older one left for the room to get her stuff.
The bath was JUST what Naida Dark needed. The Calm Land recruit sank down into the water, dunking her head under the bubble-covered surface for a second to get her hair wet. She re-emerged, brushing the slick locks back out of her face.
She sat in solitude for a few minutes, before a gentle knock was heard on the deep blue door of the small bathroom.
"..Naida?" Came Svanda's voice from the other side,"Are you covered?"
Naida paused, looking at the surface of the tub. The pure white bubbles covered everything that needed to be covered, but something about not being concealed behind something while...soaking in a tub when talking to someone just..didn't seem.. well, sanitary. The Al Bhed looked up at the navy blue curtain that dangled from the pole that ran from one wall to the next, around the tub. Leaning up, she reached out one slender bare arm and pulled it around the edge of the tub, shrouding her small area in slight darkness, but bringing a sort of comfort and security with it.
"..Yeah." She finally answered. A moment later, she heard the doorknob turn, and the soft footsteps of her taller-yet-younger best friend pad in on the black linoleum floor. She relaxed again as she heard Svanda slide down next to the tub, leaning against the wall at the end of it.
"..So.."Svanda started, leaning her head back against the tiled wall, "Is there anything you want to talk about?"
"Like what?"
"...Like what's bothering you?"
Naida paused,"..Nothin'."
Svanda almost laughed, "Oh, yeah. That's why you were so dazed out that when I touched yer arm, you freaked out and broke one of Aunt Julia's plates?"
"......."
"Ha! I told you!"
Naida smiled slightly from her place behind the curtain, breathing in slowly and leaning her head back onto the back of the tub.
"...Well..what do you need to know? Isn't it obvious?"
"Well, I can tell it has somethin' to do with a certain redhead on the team..."
"Yeah, it DOES have somethin' to do with Botta."
"So...what happened?"
"We had a fight."
"..Again?"
Naida laughed a little, "Yeah, Sav. Again."
"What'd the moron do this time?"
"Well..it's hard to explain really..."
They sat in silence for a moment, before Svanda cleared her throat.
"So is that a 'I don't wanna talk about it'?"
Naida paused for a second, before she sighed.
"...It's just..everything Sav,"She said softly, "It's not just him, it's.. just everything.. Leon..and my Journey.. "
"Yeah,"Svanda replied almost as soft,"I understand what yer sayin'."
They sat for another minute, before Naida let out another sigh, blowing some of the steam that rose up in front of her face away from her.
"...He's..he's so sweet.."She went on, almost hesitantly,"But then..he just turns on me, and that bloody wall goes up again, you know?"
She sat up as she talked, pulling her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.
"It's almost like he's Bipolar, but I know he's not. He's just.. so.."
"Confusing?"
"Yeah."
Once again the two entered silence. This time it was broken by the soft-voiced Chocobo breeder.
"Is..that all?"
"Yeah,"Naida breathed,"Pretty much...I'm sorry Sav. I'm makin' such a big fuss over such a small thing.."
Svanda shook her head, causing some of her honey brown hair to fall in front of her face.
"It's not a small thing, Naida. If it's enough to put yer nerves on edge like that, then I think it's important."
"...Thank you."
"Girls?"
Aunt Julia's sweet voice came through the door, along with a gentle knock. Both of them turned to it.
"Yes ma'am?" They replied in unison.
"I hate to barge in on the conversation, but I've got some clean towels for you, Naida dear. Fresh from the dryer."
"Oh," Naida said, pulling the edge of the curtain back and poking her head out,"Thank you Aunt Julia!"
The older woman opened the door, her hazel eyes connecting with the Al Bhed's green. A warm smile spread across her comforting face as she slid into the dark-colored bathroom, and set a small stack of towels down on the black toilet next to the tub. She began to separate the stack, putting some on a shelf above the toilet, and some in a closet across from the sink, which was next to the toilet.
"Well,"Svanda said, getting up,"I think I'm gonna go get my shower, and go to bed."
"Oh, that's fine, dear,"Aunt Julia replied,"I just got done putting some towels in there."
"Thank you! Good night Aunt Julia, 'nite Naida."
"You're welcome dear, and good night."
"'Nite Sav. Thanks for talkin' to me."
"No problem!" She replied as she slid out the door, closing it softly behind her.
"Such a sweet girl.."Aunt Julia said softly, hanging the last remaining fluffy dark blue towel on a pole that hung under the shelf.
"She's the best friend I've ever had," Naida agreed, laying back down,"Next to Leon I mean..but you know."
"I understand."
The older woman paused for a moment, examining the small but comfortable bathroom, before breathing in contently. She turned for the door, when Naida's voice sounded from behind the dark curtain.
"We're goin' to the Tourneys tomorrow.." She trailed off. Aunt Julia smiled.
"You sure are. I'm so happy for all of you, I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Yeah..I hope we do."
Aunt Julia paused, before sitting down on the covered up toilet, leanining against the back of it as she breathed in slowly.
"So..did you get everything worked out?"
"With what?"
The older woman chuckled softly, "Well, you were stressed out..."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I did.. sort of. Svanda helped me out, listened to me for a bit, ya know?"
"I know..."
They paused for a minute, before Naida suddenly remembered something.
"Aunt Julia..?"
"Yes dear?"
"Umm..Uncle Matt said that he wanted you to come to the last Blitzball game in the Tourneys, so you guys could tell the group about our parents."
Silence. Dead silence.
"...E..excuse me dear?" She stuttered, obviously shocked, "Um..."
Naida laughed a little, "It's okay, Aunt Julia. He's doin' fine, and still livin' in Kilika."
Aunt Julia paused, before letting out a short laugh, "Oh..oh my goodness. I had.. no idea..that you had..talked to him.."
She continued to laugh as Naida talked.
"Yeah..he told me everything. About Mom and Dad meetin' in Luca, and you staying there with them. About how you met Maechen, and how he had to convince you to go with the old man..."
Aunt Julia stopped again, and Naida suddenly could almost feel the sadness start to eminate from the older woman.
"Aunt Julia..?" She said slowly, "...Did I say something wrong..?"
"No.."She replied softly, wrapping one arm around herself and running the other hand through her curly hair,"You didn't say anything wrong..it's just.. hearing about Matt brings back memories..."
They were quiet for a minute, before Naida sat up in the tub again, curling up like she'd done before.
"...Can I hear one of the stories..?"
The older woman smiled slightly, "..Like what?"
She shrugged a little, "I don't mind really..just.. whatever you want to tell me.. I guess it could be.. about how you two met..."
Aunt Julia laughed again, and nodded, "Alright.. well.. I remember.. it was.. over 20 years ago.. 25 at least.. I'd have to think to tell you exactly..Anyway, I was.. 16. It had been a couple of years since me and Raida Perigan had started living together, and Erin-your mother- had just moved in with us a few months before, but was hardly ever around, which is why it took so long for her to meet your father. She was always, ALWAYS working.."
She took a breath, then went on.
"Well, I remember, that I had lived in Luca for.. about 10 years.. my parents died when I was 10, four years after I'd moved to Luca, and my two siblings, Roch and Diana, had moved over to Besaid when I was 14.. I had refused to leave, so I moved in with my younger best friend, Raida, who lived in a small apartment not far from me.. Well, I'd known Matt almost all my life..and we just.. I guess we just got closer when I moved in with Raida. He had been there next to me, when the Crusader captain handed me my mother's Nurse bonnet and my father's dog tags.. He held me as I cried, and let me stay with him and Adam for almost a week, before I started moving in with Raida. After that.. we just started.. well.. being friendlier I suppose."
"Well?" Naida said, laughing a little, "Did you just.. decide one day you were together, or what?"
Aunt Julia laughed with her, "I..well.. in all honesty, that's about how it happened. One day, I went to go get him from Blitzball practice, and he had just walked out of the sphere. He walked up to me, as casual as me and you talking, and kissed me. Right there in front of the whole team. He kissed me, and then said, 'Great to see ya sweetie.'"
Naida paused, before breaking into laughter, "Wow, talk about not being shy!"
"Well,"She laughed back,"Adam told me later, that he'd been planning it for a while, but he'd been to scared to do it!"
The two finished laughing, before Aunt Julia sighed. Naida hesitated, then.
"..Did you love him?"
Aunt Julia paused, frowning a bit.
"...Yes dear..I loved your Uncle Matt...very much."
"Then..why did you leave?"
She sighed,"Because...he wanted me to go for something more than being a simple waitress at the local cafe. When the opportunity that Maechen offered appeared... I..he.."
She paused, brushing back a few more curly lockes of her dark brown hair.
"...I didn't want to leave him. Yevon knows I would've married him, had I stayed. But then again.. if I hadn't have left.. I would never have been here to take care of the Aurochs and everyone else after the attack..."
They sat in silence for another minute, before Aunt Julia stood up.
"Oh, Naida dear. I'm sorry to have dragged you down memory lane with me."
"Hey, it's fine, Aunt Julia. You helped me feel a bit better."
"Anytime, dear."
They paused again, before Naida cleared her throat.
"He said to be there, the last game.."
Aunt Julia nodded, "I will..and we'll tell you everthing that we've been keeping..everything."
Naida nodded back as if the older woman could see her, and sat up.
"Well, I'm gonna get out of here now, Aunt Julia."
"That's fine dear. I'm going on to bed."
"Good night, Aunt Julia. And thanks again."
"Anytime, sweetie. And you have sweet dreams."
With that, the older woman slid out the door in a fashion similar to Svanda's, closing it gently behind her. Naida sat up, and pulled the plug on the tub. She pulled the curtain back, grabbing the towel of the hanger, and stepped out onto the black rug, wrapping the fluffy navy thing around her as she turned and looked at the water. She watched it drain for a moment, almost in a daze. The soapy water swirled, creating a small tornado as it finished off with a loud slurping sound.
(Well,)She thought (I've washed my problems away for tonight...Now I've just gotta live through the next few days.)
Botta Trapper stared out the window of the Besaid Inn, gazing up at the patchy sky, and watching as the rain begain to fall in areas of the small town.
(Alright Trapper,) He started thinking to himself, (Tomorrow's the start of the Tourneys. If you and the Al Bhed can't get along, there's no way the games'll go well.)
He took a deep breath, watching a few drops of water trail down the window.
(But...you can't get along with her. Not after what happened the other night...)
He shook his head, (Why did I do that anyway? I know I was upset about my old family's death, and she just..wouldn't leave me alone.. but all she did was care about me...)
He sighed, (Yeah, but unfortunately I didn't figure that out until AFTER it happened...She really did care.. Unlike.. certain people..who only pretended to care..and then..)
"Hey Red."
The blue-eyed Guard was shaken from his thoughts at the sound of his teamate's voice. He looked up at the Goalie, his eyes meeting the deep hazel that shone throught the dim light of the rental room.
"Hey, Keep, what's up?"
"Uh..nothin'."
"How are ya?"
Keepa raised his eyebrow, leaning foreward on his rental bed.
"Better than you, apparently. You never ask me somethin' like that unless somethin's wrong with one of us, and I'm fine."
Botta looked at him for a moment, before nodding, biting his lip for a second, and turning back to the window.
"Ah.... Whatever."
"C'mon, Red. You might as well tell me what's eatin' ya. Tourneys start tomorrow, and you remember what the Cap'n always said, 'Sleep angry, play angry.'"
Botta didn't look at him, but sighed.
"...You should know..."
"..Naida."
"...."
"Yeah, I thought so."
They sat for a moment, before Keepa shifted to where he was leaning against the headboard of his bed.
"So..you like her?"
Botta turned to him, crystal eyes shimmering.
"No." He shot.
"Whoa, whoa..." Keepa said, smiling slightly, "Didn't mean to hit a soft spot there..ya?"
Botta continued to look at him, breathing out slowly, "Yeah..I know.. I'm sorry, Keepa.. I guess I'm just..a stress case right now."
"Yeah,"He replied, "And whatever it is, it's buggin' her too. You saw how miserable she looked at dinner."
"I know.."
"So..What'd you do?"
"Oh," Botta said, raising an eyebrow, "So when somethin's wrong, you automatically assume it's my fault?"
"...Yeah?"
"...Okay so maybe I've just been..a little harsh on her lately."
"Thought so. D'you apologize?"
"Well, no, but there's no need to really, right?"
He was answered with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms.
"What?" He said, shrugging a little, "It's not like she'd talk to me if I tried."
"No,"Keepa answered, tilting his head to the side, "But she'd listen. She's a good girl, Botta, and I bet she didn't do anything wrong either. You probably were in one of yer moods, and she showed compassion for ya, and you got all defensive."
Botta stared at his husky friend, almost shocked. The Goalie didn't smlie, however, he only raised both of his eyebrows.
"Am I right? All she did was care."
Botta opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He froze for a second.
(..All she did was care.. just like..)
*Flash*
"Oh...Botta, honey, what's wrong?"
"Nothin', Randa. I'm fine."
"Don't give me that crap! I know when somethin's wrong with you, so you might as well tell me."
"Well..it's about my family.."
"Oh, your brother?"
"Yeah..kinda dumb, huh?"
"Well, yeah. But that's okay, I still care about you. If you feel that way, then go ahead and talk about it."
*Flash*
(All she did was care..)
"..Botta?"
The redhead was once again shaken from his trance by his friend's voice. His crystal gaze was met by concerned hazel eyes.
"..I say somethin' wrong, man?"
The Guard shook his head, shifting in his bed.
"Nah, Keep. It's alright.. you're right. All she did was care." He twisted around, laying down, "Well, if ya don't mind. I'm tired of talkin' about the blonde, so I'll see ya in the mornin'."
The Goalie looked a bit shocked, but nodded.
"Alright..we can.. uh.. talk about it in the mornin'."
"Nite Keepa."
"Night Botta."
Keepa paused, before setting down, and soon, the two Aurochs were fast asleep.
The next morning, the group awoke bright and early to board the Airship for Luca one last time...That season anyway.
"Man..how many times in the rest of our lives you think we're gonna haveta do this?"
Datto Perigan turned to his dark-skinned, blonde haired friend.
"As many times as we want to, Jassu."
"Oh, ya. Like I WANT to get up this early."
"Good thing it's worth it, ya?"
Jassu smiled slightly as the two trudged onto the ramp going up into the Airship. They turned around just in time to see the huge doors close behind them, and caught the last glimpse of Besaid before the huge metal ship shuddered to life.
"Good bye, Besaid.."Datto trailed off.
"Hello, Tourneys." Jassu finished for him.
The two exchanged glances, before turning and walking to the observation deck with the rest of their team.
The group arrived that afternoon, ON TIME.
"Oh my good cow!" Letty yelled as the Airship docked at their port in Luca, "We're..we're EARLY!!!!"
"Yevon, ain't that somethin' crazy?!!!" Wakka said with a laugh as he picked up his bags and started for the door.
The dark Center grinned, and followed his Captain. Soon, the whole group was next to the doors, waiting for them to open.
Naida stood on the edge of the group, silent. Keepa looked at her for a moment, before raising his eyebrow.
"And what's wrong with you, blondeness?"
She smiled slightly, "Oh..nothin', Keepa. Just thinkin' about the game, I guess."
The Goalie raised an eyebrow, "You..guess?"
She laughed a little, "I am. I guess I'm just a little spaced out, ya know?"
"Yeah...well, try not to worry too much about it.. we've got a game in a couple of hours."
She paused, then nodded with a smile, "Alright."
Their conversation was cut short when the doors of the Airship began to open, and the ramp was extended. Suddenly, the intercom blared on.
"Go get 'em, guys!" Came Rikku's voice loud and clear above them, "We'll be cheerin' for ya all the way!!!"
Her voice faded out, and the group stood silent for a moment.
"Man..."Datto said, smiling slightly, "What a girl..."
When he looked around, he noticed he was being watched by 8 pairs of eyes.
"Oh.."Jassu said, a mischevious grin sliding up on his face, "I think SOMEONE'S got a crush on a certain green-eyed Al Bhed...."
"That ISN'T Naida,"Letty added with a short laugh.
Datto started to turn slightly red, but instead of saying anything, he turned and ran down the down stable ramp. Wakka let out a hearty laugh, walking down after him, then Tidus, then Jassu, then Letty, and so on.
When the group got to the registration desk, Datto set down his things and began to check the game times for the next few days as Letty talked to Lacy to get their forms signed and the keys to their lockerroom. After a moment, Datto turned to Tidus, who was closest to him.
"Okay, we play in a couple of hours against Kilika, right? That's about.. 5.. If we win-"
"Which we willl."
Datto smiled and went on, "We'll play whoever wins the other match tomorrow at 6. Then if we win that one, we'll play the remaining team the next night at around 7 or 8."
"Ohh..."Svanda said, brown eyes glittering with excitment, "The big night game! Everyone from every team'll be there to watch that one!"
"Yep,"Keepa replied, putting an arm around her, "And we'll be playin' in it."
She smiled up at him, and he smiled back.
Naida watched them from a few feet away, almost sighing at the sight of her younger being so happy with a guy. She looked at them for a moment longer, before turning her gaze to the rest of the team. She looked at each of them in turn, until she came to Botta. She froze when her green eyes locked with his blue. They stared at eachother for a few seconds, before Wakka's voice jolted them out of their staring contest.
"Alright, Aurochs, let's do this!!!"
The team cheered, making their way to the lockerroom.
The next two hours were pure torture for Naida. It was dead silent in the lockeroom, and no one left. Datto did his normal ritual of tying and re-tying his sandals and gloves. Keepa sat in the corner, staring into space, and Svanda sat next to him, holding one of his large Goalie hands in both of her small, calloused ones. Jassu sat on one of the benches, leaning over on his knees, obviously concentrating on the game. Letty sat back to back with him, staring at the wall. Wakka and Tidus stood against the far wall of the lockeroom, talking quietly, and Botta..Botta sat on the floor close to the door, leaning against the left wall of the lockeroom. He had his knees up, and his arms were draped across them, some of the strings of his gloves were dangling down onto his tan legs. He stared at the floor beneath him, thick eyebrows creased in concentration, going over the Blitz strategy in his head over and over.
Naida watched him for a moment from her place on the floor across from him. She sat, leaned up against the bathroom door, with her knees drawn up to her chest, and her arms wrapped around them. She tilted her head to the side when she saw Botta's glove strings.
(..He needs to fix that..) She thought, raising one of her thin blonde eyebrows,(He should know that loose strings on a uniform are one of the main reasons a blitzer loses the ball...and it's dangerous.. You can snap your wrist easily when your protecton isn't strapped properly...)
She gazed at the strings for a moment longer, before Wakka's voice shook her out of her trance.
"Alright, guys and girls,"He said in his thick accent,"We've beat these guys before, this should be a cakewalk, ya?"
Slowly, everyone in the room nodded. Their Captain smiled widely.
"Well, let's go get 'em!!"
Everyone got up silently, and started for the door.
"WOO HOO!!!"
The group jumped at the sound of none other than Jassu. The brown-skinned Guard jumped foreward through the crowd, running toward the sphere. Everyone paused, before two more yells were heard.
"Let's do this!!!!"
"HECK YES!!!"
In a blur, Datto and Letty streaked by. After another moment, Keepa yelled, kissed Svanda on the cheek, and ran out the door. Tidus and Wakka laughed, jogging after the team, leaving Naida and Botta standing in the hallway. Svanda looked between the two, before giggling to herself and walking back into the lockeroom. The two exchanged glances, before Botta ran after the team. Naida paused, watching him run away, before jogging after him.
As the group gathered in front of the entrance to the sphere, Wakka lined them up and picked out the players. Out of the 8 standing in the line, Datto and Naida were to sit the first half out. They stood, watching their team start to go in. First Keepa, then Jassu, then Tidus, then Wakka...
Botta was about to step into the sphere when a dark gloved hand reached out and grabbed his arm. He turned, crystal eyes almost wide with shock, to meet with the Al Bhed's cool green gaze. Her lime eyes entrapped him for a moment, and he almost didn't noticed what she was doing until she spoke.
"You should know better..."She said softly, sliding her hands from his arm to his gloved wrists. She grabbed the strings of his glove, tightening them, then tying them, "Than to go into a sphere without your gear on right.."
She switched to his other arm, tightening that glove, but he only continued to gaze at her face. So calm, and yet he could sense the surpressed sadness underneath her dimly swirling Al Bhed eyes. Once she was finished, he drew his arm back, rubbing each one in turn to ease some of the pressure.
"..Thanks.."He muttered, turning to the sphere, hesitating, then walking in.
Naida watched him as he went, but soon felt two pairs of eyes on her. She turned to see the surprised expressions of Datto and Letty.
The tattooed Center suddenly grinned, walking toward the sphere.
"I saw that.."He said, laughing a little,"And you can bet that you'll be hearin' about it from me later..."
With that, he entered the sphere, leaving the sub-Center alone with the young blue-eyed Shooter.
"So.." Datto started, a hint of laughter in his voice.
"Say anything,"Naida cut him short, "And I'll kill you."
Datto laughed and walked up next to her, both of them turning to watch the game.
"Hey hey..don't worry about it..I know what's up, and I'm not sayin' a word.."
Naida smiled slightly, not responding, as the buzzer rang, starting their first game of the Tourneys.
Half time came up fast, and-without a doubt- the Aurochs were killing the Beasts, 7 to 0. The group stood in the hallway in front of the sphere, not needing to go to the lockeroom, and rested as Wakka prepared to send them in again. Naida and Datto walked among the group, helping to heal any status ailment that had been casted on their teamates.
"Hey"Came a thick voice from near the water, "I've got Wither on me, a little help, ya?"
Naida turned and looked at Datto, who was busy administering towels to wipe off the goo that came after Venom wore off. He nodded to her, and she turned and walked over to Botta, who was now sitting on the floor. She knelt down next to him.
"..Where is it?"
He looked up at her, eyebrow arched, before stretching out his right leg in front of him. She paused, before placing both of her gloved hands on the leg and massaging it. He watched her for a moment, almost wanting to apologize to her for being so harsh on her right then and there. He'd treated her horribly, and she still helped him out when he'd gotten hurt in the sphere. However, something inside him wouldn't let him. Something from...long ago.
"Alright, I need Datto in for me, Naida, you go in for Letty."
"Cap'n,"Letty said from the wall, "Umm.. I think someone needs to sub for Botta."
All eyes turned to the Guard on the floor, but he shook his head.
"I'm fine."
"Like Ifrit you are,"Keepa said, "I saw you take that hit. If it'd been any harder, the old man would've broken yer leg."
Botta stared at him for a moment. Varuja had hit him pretty hard with a wither tackle, but Botta had kept the ball. It had taken alot out of him, and now he played the price.
"Try to stand up,"Wakka said, crossing his arms.
Botta looked at him for a second, before drawing his leg away from Naida's hands. She stood up, watching him as he leaned against the wall for support. He finally got to his feet, and took his hands off the wall. He looked at his Captain, crossing his arms defiantly as he looked up at the orange-haired man.
"..Walk on it."
Botta raised his eyebrow, but took a deep breath and started to try anyway. He took one step, wincing slightly. He took another, then another onto his hurt leg. He winced again, and this time his knee gave out. He fell foreward, arms flying out in front of him to catch the floor.
Before he hit, however, two slender arms locked around him, catching him.
His force hit Naida pretty hard, and she sidestepped so she was standing in front of him, letting him lean on her. She locked her strong arms around him tightly, and for a moment, it almost looked as if she were trying to hug him. He leaned against her for a moment, breathing in her femenine scent, before jolting himself upright and out of her arms. He leaned against the wall, glaring at her. She only looked at him, green eyes remaining empty, before she looked at Wakka and the rest of the team, who all looked almost shocked.
"..Okay,"Wakka said finally, letting his dark arms drop to his side, "Tidus, yer in for Botta, Datto's in his old spot, Naida, go in for Letty. Everyone else, let's get this into gear and just PLAY!"
The group cheered, and began to run back in as the buzzer rang again. Once the hallway was clear, Botta slid to the floor in pain, groaning. Letty smiled slightly, kneeling next to his friend and taking over the job Naida had been doing previously.
"..Tryin' to be strong for the woman, eh Red?"
Botta looked at him for a moment, before leaning his head back on the wall.
"You think she went for it?"
"Sure..up until you fell on her."
With that, Letty locked his hands around the Guard's slowly swelling knee, and pressed hard. A small snap was hear, signifying that whatever bone had been knocked out of place, was officially back in. Botta yelled, then looked at his friend, grunting, then breathing out tensley.
"..Thanks Letty." He said stiffly.
"No prob, Botta,"The Center replied with a grin,"Now, lets go get this thing bandaged and iced."
20 minutes later, the Besaid Aurochs entered the lockeroom, tired, but happy with their victory over the Kilika Beasts, 9 to 2.
The group collapsed on their designated spots in the room-Svanda and Letty had unfolded the cots earlier- and waited patiently as Svanda administered towels to the players. After a few minutes, Wakka stood up in front of the group.
"Alright gang,"he said, tired but grinning, "Great game today. Taught us not to always brush off our opponents like nothin, ya?"
The group laughed a little nodding. Wakka laughed with them, wiping the towel over his wet head.
"And we've got livin' proof right over there in the corner," He said, pointing his toweled hand at Botta in the corner, "Let's hear it for Botta, for takin' one for the team!"
The group cheered, and Botta laughed, holding a fist in the air. Jassu stepped up next to him.
"C'mon, man, stand up!" He laughed, then stopped, "Oh, wait..I'm sorry, you can't!"
Botta smirked popping him with the towel. He jumped away, grinning even wider.
"Well, I guess you could, just make sure Naida's nearby to catch ya again, ya?!"
The group started laughing, all except for Naida, who raised an eyebrow at the dark Guard, smiling slighty to conceal the blush she felt starting to creep into her face. Unfortunately, it was too late.
"Awww..look!" Datto exclaimed from his seat on the bench in the middle of the room, "She's BLUSHIN'!!!"
An array of "Awwww"'s broke out in the room, causing Naida's face to burn furiously. She covered the side of her face with one hand, and turned toward the door to hide. She stood as the group continued to laugh, looking around the small area around her. She finally let her hand down just in time to catch Botta looking at her, a calm smile on his face and an almost understanding look in his crystal eyes. She looked at him for a moment, before turning her gaze back to the wall. He kept looking at her, until finally turning to the group.
"Alright guys,"He said firmly, that's enough."
The laughter started to die down again, and Letty walked over next to him, slapping him on the shoulder.
"Ohh..c'mon, "He started, "You know we were just-"
He was cut off as the sound of the phone ringing pierced the air. The group became silent, and Wakka strode over to the small old-timey phone that hung next to the bathroom door.
"Auroch's....Lu?"
Grinning glances were exchanged, and Jassu prepared to start the group in "Oooo"'s, until he saw his Captain's face become serious.
"..What's wrong?....What?! ...Alright..hey....calm down, calm down! It's okay, ya?.....Yeah..We'll be there in a few."
He hung up the phone, turning toward an expecting group.
"...That was Lulu,"He said darkly,"Ahh..we're bein' called out again..seems Old Man Cid's got those hunka junk cannons on the AirShip workin'...and now we're gonna go..fight the last one, ya?"
The group was dead silent, until the sound of Tidus's bag zipping was heard. They all glanced at him as he set his and Wakka's stuff on the bench next to Datto, extending his arms.
"Let's do this."
The group gathered into a huddle, Datto still sitting in the middle, and immedietly, Jassu took over.
"...Yevon, Father of the Fayth, creator of Spira...hear us now..."
He said the prayer that was alway said when Wakka and Tidus left to go fight Sin, and when he was done, the two warriors parted in silence, with some hugging and handshaking in bewteen them and the door. As they left, Wakka said softly.
"Win one for me, guys..."
And with that, they were gone.
The group was in silence for a bit longer, before Letty cleared his throat.
"Ah..well..we've got a pretty clear day 'till tomorrow night, ya? Still, we need all the sleep we can get so...I'm goin' on to bed."
He walked over to his cot on the far wall, laying down, Jassu nodded in agreement, sitting down on his cot. Keepa took a breath, looking at Svanda.
"Wanna go to the cafe?"
She nodded, and he took her hand as they left. Datto sighed.
"I'm gonna go for a walk,"He said softly, walking out.
Botta looked at Naida, before sliding down onto his cot. She paused, before brushing some of her hair out of her face.
"I'm goin' after Datt."
She turned, walking out after her half Al Bhed friend.
The room was silent, leaving Botta to think to himself.
(Man..I hope they come back alive..They're like brothers to me, even if I haven't known Tidus as long...I don't know what I'd do if they just..died..I've already lost one brother...)
He paused, before raising rolling over onto his side.
(...Naida knows what it would be like....With Leon and everything.. and her parents, and Teale..she would know all about losing people..)
He sighed to himself, closing his eyes.
(Maybe..I should talk to her,) He nodded, drifting off (Yeah...I will..tomorrow.)
And he was gone.
"...Datto?"
No answer came from the young Shooter as Naida approached him on the bridge.
"..Dat?"
"Why do they always have to leave like that..?" His voice was soft, and instantly Naida knew he was upset.
"Wakka and Tidus..? They're..fighting..Sin. They don't always want to leave."
"Yes they do..they don't want to die, but they want to leave. They say they're doin' it for revenge..but I know..they're doin' if for us, for Spira... they don't want us to end up dying, like.. our parents..."
Naida watched, her lime eyes filling with sadness as the Shooter looked over his shoulder at her.
"But you would know all about that kind of stuff, wouldn't ya Naida?" He said gently, then looked down, "I'm not trying to sound harsh.."
She nodded, walking up next to him, "I know, Datto..it's okay."
"But it's not! You..you lost your brother..the only one left in yer family..and yer still here, with us, playing. I don't.. I don't understand...why?"
Naida paused, then looked out over the dark ocean.
"...My mother..before she died..always told me..that dwelling on the past..won't help the future, and that if you want to live tomorrow, you've got to live today first.."
She paused, letting that sink in, before shaking her head slightly.
"I...wasn't sure what she meant then.. but now..after all this..I understand. So..I just..try to live my life one day at a time... and I try not to live in a daze, you know?"
Datto looked at her for a moment, before nodding.
"..Thanks Naida."
She smiled, "Anytime, little man."
He looked at her, smiling slightly. She looked back up at him, returning his smile. After a moment...she almost gasped.
In the dim light of the street lamp, she noticed something about the young Shooter's eyes.
(There it is..) She thought, (I was wondering why I couldn't tell earlier...)
In both of Datto Perigan's pale blue eyes, were speckles. Small, but in the light they were standing under, very, VERY visible. In one eye, they were jet black, in the other, blood red.
"Raida..." She whispered.
"Huh?"
"Oh!" She shook her head, "Nothing..don't worry about it."
Datto looked at her, then nodded slowly, "...Okay. Sure. Umm..wanna head back?"
Naida smiled, nodding, "Sure thing, Datto Perigan."
(The AL BHED!!!!)
Datto raised an eyebrow, before shaking his head with a laugh.
"Alright you weirdo, snap out of yer daze and let's go."
With a laugh, the two headed back for the lockeroom to get some rest for the big day tomorrow....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Note: First off I would like to APOLOGIZE for this thing being so DAD-GUM LATE!!!!!! *looks at her last chapter* "Oh, I'll have it up for y'all on my birthday, promise!!" *YEESH* Am I a ditzy teenager or WHAT? Let's see.. 2 month's LATER!
*laughs* I really am sorry you guys, but, I promise in the future, that not only will I stay true to my words, but NO MORE DEADLINES!! *Wince* Tio! I thought I'd learned from you NOT to do it, but this proves otherwise, eh?
Of course, I'd like to thank all of you for staying with me, and readin' what ya could when ya could! If y'all didn't notice, I put some poems and a one-shot up in FF.Press for y'all to read, and I should have another poem up by the end of tonight or tomorrow. Thanks to those who actually bothered to read that mess!
Okay, I've got to get to the Thankios now! OF COURSE, there's ALWAYS Tio, who reads and reviews my stuff, no matter HOW sucky I think it is! I'M STILL WAITIN' FOR YA TO UPDATE!! *laughs* if I can do it, so can you! *j/k* There's no rush, woman. Take yer time, just be sure to tell me when you update! *Please?* ^_^ (Also, thanks for my b-day present, I LOVED IT!!!!!!)
And then there's Carter, the FIRST one to read my one-shot, 5 Mississippi! Thank you SO much, and yes yes yes, I AM lookin' foreward to the next chapter of Jaws! Keep it rollin'!
Nikki! Thank you for the dedication of yer chapter of yer story for my b-day! I love Where Broken Dreams Go, and I'm waitin' for the next chapter on that one too!
Soldier of Mercy, I'm lookin' foreward to whatever yer writin' next, I just want you to know that! ^_^ Thanks for readin'!
DA, I'm actually about to go check and see if you've updated, and I HOPE YOU HAVE!!! Thank YOU for readin' too!
EchoHunter, I just wanted to say thank you for readin', and to tell you how happy I am that you like my story! It's y'all that keep me goin', and you've been there all the way!
Oh man, Drea?Don't you DARE think that I forgot YOU! *laughs* You guys, I think anyone who likes this fic needs to thank FairDrea and Echo for totally kickin' me in the rear! I was so out of it, didn't feel like writin', when these two ganged up on me until I promised I'd try! *haha* Woman, Thank you SO much! I hope I get this up before you come home from work, like I told you I would. Thanks for readin', and now..I'm off to read yer fic! (You guys think I write good FFX Stories? Try readin' hers!! It's called "Forever Silent" And if you don't look at it, I'll be forced to beat you severely. ^_^ *Teehee*)
Okay now, you guys, I'm outta here. You guys stay safe, with all this bombin' and mess goin' around! Biya!
-Keeping it "Real"
~Ari
P.S. TIO! What do you think? Enough Baidaness for a little bit? *hehe* PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!! *grin*
"Back to you, it always comes around.. back to you,
Try to forget you, I try to stay away, but it's too late..
Over you, I'll never really be.. over you..
There's somthin' about you, It's just the way you move,
The way you, move me..."
-Back To You
~John Mayer
"Alright you fruitcake, why don't YOU watch where I'm goin'?!" -Naida Dark
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey...Naida...psst..hey.."
"Hmm..."
"Naida, come on, get up."
"Urr..."
"Naida, get up!"
Lime green eyes fluttered open to connect with pale blue.
"..uh?"
She was about to scream, when a hand clamped over her mouth. She stared blindly at the thing holding her face, until it finally came into focus.
"..Datto?!"
Well, that's what she tried to say, but all that came out was a muffled shout.
"Shhh..be quiet!" He whispered loudly, "Everyone's still asleep!"
She froze, listening. Sure enough, after a few seconds, the normal ongoing chorus of snores filled her ears. She smiled slightly, then looked at Datto, who wasn't even looking at her.
"...Look."
He removed his hand so she could sit up. She did so, slowly but surely, and turned to see what he was talking about.
Naida smiled at the scene of Keepa and Svanda asleep on Keepa's cot. She was curled up in his arms, and he had his chin resting on her head.
"Yeah-a..." Naida cheered quietly.
"That's what I'm sayin'."
With that, he turned and crawled back onto his cot, sitting Indian Style and going off into his own world for a little while. Naida layed back down, closing her eyes. After a few minutes, she realized sleep wasn't going to come back, and sat back up, leaning against the wall and looking around the room. Her gaze stopped on the sleeping form of Botta, who-due to the three extra people in the room- was re-positioned to be at her feet. If she were lying down, she would've been able to reach out and kick him in the head.
(Not a bad idea, now that I think about it...) She thought sourly.
She paused for a moment, letting her gaze rest on his still face. Almost immedietly, her thoughts softened.
(What's his problem, anyway? Why does he always have to push me away like this? One minute, he's fine, and the next minute, we're not talking at all, and it feels like he hates me.. It's that bloody wall, like always..)
She let out a slightly frustrated sigh.
(I bet it's because of that Shoopuf Viranda...Yevon if I got my hands on her, he only knows what I would do.)
She breathed in again, leaning her head back against the wall. After a moment, she rolled her head over to look at Letty, who was still sleeping soundly. Instantly, she noticed something.
"Hey.."She whispered loudly,"Datto..hey!"
The Shooter snapped out of his daze and looked at her with wide blue eyes.
"Huh? What's goin' on?"
"Botta told me...that you two were going to dye Letty's hair purple."
"Oh...yeah..hehheh..we were."
"Well? What happened?"
"He woke up before we could leave to get the stuff."
"Hmm...good."
He stopped, raising an eyebrow.
"Why's that?"
She paused, before a wide yet evil smile flashed across her face.
"Because I think it looked better blue."
Datto thought for a moment, before he returned her evil smile with a smirk.
"Yeah...me too."
Later that morning, the group woke to a rather familiar phrase.
"TELL me this isn't permanent."
Letty walked out of the bathroom to find Datto and Naida sitting on Datto's cot, looking as innocent as possible. Unfortunately, when they saw the panicked look on their friendly Smurf Center's face, they went into hysterics.
Letty stared at them for a moment, before shaking his head.
"You two...you two just aren't right..."
They continued to laugh, waking up the few remaining members of the group, who-when they saw Letty's hair- joined right in with laughing.
"YEAH!" Jassu yelled, "Papa Smurf is BACK in the house!"
Letty only shook his head again and started bundling his things up. Finally, the laughter died down a bit, and everyone started getting their things ready to go before they went out for early morning practice. It passed quickly, like always, and soon enough, the group was on their way home to Besaid.
On the observation deck of the Airship, Naida stood alone, looking out over the vast ocean, almost losing herself in it.
(It'd probably be a whole lot better than bein' here...) She thought, brushing her hair out of her face and leaning against the rail, (WAY better.)
"Hey..."
She cast a sideways glance as Svanda walked up and stood next to her.
"You okay?" The younger girl asked gently. Naida laughed.
"Okay? Yeah, I'm fine. You're the one I should be asking that. You worked everything out with Keepa?"
She nodded happily, "He understood completely. He knew I was only 17, and naive, and he said he was willing to forget all that."
Naida smiled, "That's great to hear. Congratulations."
Svanda giggled, "C'mon now, Naida. It's not like we're gettin' married or anything.."
At this, Naida raised her eyebrow, causing the Chocobo Trainer to giggle again, and turn slightly red.
"Gotta go!"She squeaked excitedly, "Talk to ya later!"
She turned and ran back down to the hallways of the Airship, and Naida smiled, shaking her head.
"Glad I could help make her happy..." She said softly, turning back to the window.
The group arrived home that evening, which was MUCH faster than they usually did.
"Man.."Jassu said as they walked into the village, "...Jus' think..we only got 3 games left. Kilika.. then whoever..then probably the Goers.."
"If we win against the first two," Botta added in.
Jassu looked at him, "Man, what are you, white? Kilika's a pushover, then it's whoever, and we've pretty much beat everyone else!"
Botta laughed a little, shaking his head, as they all went their separate ways to sleep. He started for the Inn, and turned to see where Keepa was. Instead, he turned and ran smack into...
"Alright now, Twinkletoes, watch where yer goin'."
Naida glared at him.
"Twinkletoes?" She said, raising an eyebrow, "Alright you fruitcake, why don't YOU watch where I'm goin'?!"
He raised his eyebrow back at her, but before he could say anything, she had pushed past him and was walking straight to Aunt Julia's house. Botta sighed.
(Man..there I go again..Trapper, one of these days she's just gonna haul off and break yer nose, and you'll have no one to blame but yerself.)
He sighed again, then turned and went into the Inn.
Naida stormed into Aunt Julia's house, resisting with all the willpower she had the urge to slam the door. She stopped as soon as she entered, setting her pillowcase on the floor and breathing in deeply, running one gloved hand through her blonde hair. She was about to pick up her pillowcase again, when she heard voices from the kitchen.
"Yeah, she should be here any minute. She was talkin' to Botta when I saw her last."
"Oh, Botta? Good!"
"Ummm..Well I-"
Svanda's sentence was cut short when she opened the kitchen door to meet a pair of slightly irritated green eyes.
"Oh! Naida!"
"Hello Svanda." She replied dully.
"Naida!"Aunt Julia exclaimed,"Svanda was just saying you would be here any minute, and that's perfect, because I was needing help with dinner!"
Naida paused for a moment, before nodding.
"I'll be there in a second."
She picked her pillowcase up off the floor, and started for the door to her/Svanda/Keepa's room. As soon as she disappeared, Aunt Julia turned to Svanda.
"...What's wrong?"
The young Chocobo Breeder winced, "Ahh...well..."
Aunt Julia crossed her arms, "Does it have anything to do with who we were talking about...?"
Silently, Svanda nodded. Seconds later, the blonde Al Bhed reappeared in the doorway to the bedroom.
"..What are we cookin' tonight, Aunt Julia?"
The older woman looked at her, "Well, lasanga actually.. but it could wait..if you needed to talk about something..."
Naida raised her eyebrow, before shaking her head.
"No ma'am, I'm fine."
Aunt Julia paused, before glancing at Svanda. The younger woman breathed in slowly.
"Naida...what's going on between you and Botta?"
Naida froze, looking at her best friend in slight shock.
"..Well.. nothing Svanda."
The Chocobo Breeder crossed her arms, "Uh huh.. SURE. What's up? C'mon."
Naida shook her head again, walking into the kitchen, "I don't wanna talk about it, okay?"
Svanda and Aunt Julia exchanged glances, before Aunt Julia smiled slightly.
"We'll get it out of her later," She whispered. Svanda smiled back, nodding, and they both went into the kitchen.
That night, the Besaid Aurochs sat around a silent table. Tension was sensed at the far end of the table, where a certain blue-eyed redhead and a certain green-eyed blonde ate slowly, each one taking turns catching the other staring.
Suddenly, a loud cough was heard from the end of the table, and instantly everyone turned and looked at Datto. The young Shooter shifted around uneasily in his seat as 7 pairs of eyes fixed on him, not including Naida and Botta.
"...Excuse me?"
He stared back at the group, almost afraid they might up and kill him any second. After a moment, Jassu started laughing.
"Man, this has GOT to be the whitest dinner I've ever been to in my life!"
Letty raised his eyebrow, turning to his dark-skinned best friend.
"Well Jassu, I CAN'T imagine why..!"
Jassu paused before grinning, "Yeah..me neither. Ain't none of y'all in here full blooded white. 'Cept for Datto over here, coughin' an' all. I'm pretty sure he's white. But then there's Keepa.. He's the Pilsbury Doughboy, so I guess he's kinda white."
Datto and Keepa exchanged glances as Jassu went on.
"Aunt Julia's pretty white sometimes, but I guess that's cuz she's old."
"WHAT?!"
"Kiddin'!!!!"
A little bit of laughter broke out on their end of the table as the dyed-blonde Guard went on.
"Let's see...Svanda.. I guess yer pretty good. Yer a Chocobo Breeder an' all, so I think yer yellow. Ah...Letty? ...Haha nevermind. Tidus? Eh, yer from Zanarkand, nobody likes you. Cap'n? Yer about like me! ..Last-but not least- would be Botta and Naida...uh.."
Everyone seemed to freeze as the two dark ones turned their attention from their food for a moment to hear what their friend had to say.
"...I don't know WHAT y'all are. So I'll just hush now."
With that, he leaned back in his seat, sipping his sweet tea.
After what felt like forever, dinner was finally over. The table was cleared, people left(mostly silent), and the trio of Svanda, Naida, and Aunt Julia retreated to the kitchen to start cleaning.
Much of it was done like everthing else that night-in silence. After a few mintues of listening to the steady sounds of Naida scrubbing the plates and Svanda drying them, Aunt Julia cleared her throat.
"Um...girls?" She said, almost uneasy,"I'll be back in a minute, I need to step outside for some air..."
She turned and walked out the door, leaving the two Calm Land foreigners alone to clean their adopted home's kitchen. The white window above the sink was slightly cracked open, letting in the gentle breeze that signified the soon coming of rain.
(Probably won't come for a while...) Svanda thought to herself, setting a dry plate down on the counter and re-filling her hands with another wet one. She glanced over at her troubled friend, automatically seeing stress etched into the Al Bhed's face. The wind from the cracked window was blowing her blonde hair gently across her peach skin, and the soft light from the single bulb above the oven let off just enough light to give her lime eyes a strange yet beautiful glow.
Svanda breathed in quietly. She didn't like seeing her best friend like this at all. It made her sad to see the older Al Bhed sad, and that was...well..sad. Especially when it was over...a GUY.
"..Naida?"
Her soft but smooth voice broke the fragile silence, but Naida's ears seemed to block it out.
"Naida."
The Al Bhed still didn't answer, and scrubbed the plate in her hand even harder.
"..Hey, Naida."
No answer. Finally, the Chocobo Breeder reached out and touched her friend's arm.
"Naida!"
"Ah!"
The blonde Center jumped, jolting violently out of her trance. She stepped back, and the wet plate slipped out of her hand, falling to the linoleum floor and meeting it with a crack, causing both of the girls to let out a yelp. Instantly, Aunt Julia was in the door.
"What's wrong?!" She said, worry covering her voice.
"Oh...man.." Naida groaned, looking down at the pieces of plate on the floor. She took a deep breath and leaned against the counter, wrapping one arm around herself and covering her face with the other hand.
"It's nothing, Aunt Julia,"Svanda said calmly, kneeling down and picking up the pieces of plate, "I just..startled Naida. It was an accident."
"...Ohh...I am SO sorry Aunt Julia..."
The green-eyed girl groaned again as she knelt down and began to help her friend pick up the plate pieces. Aunt Julia went and grabbed the small tin trash can from the other side of the stove.
"Oh, no.. Don't worry about it,"She said, as calm as a grandmother, "It's fine. Nothing that can't be replaced easily."
The two girls slid the pieces into the trash can, and the older woman set it back in its place. They stood in silence for a moment, Naida staring at the floor, Svanda watching her worridly, and Aunt Julia glancing in between them. Finally, she took a breath.
"I have an idea,"She said matter-of-factly,"Naida, dear? Why don't I go run you a hot bath, and you can just..relax. I can tell..well everyone can tell..that you're obviously under a lot of stress right now..and you need to wash it off, alright?"
The Al Bhed orphan paused, looking at the older woman for a moment, before looking to her younger best friend, who offered a small smile of encouragement. Finally, she nodded.
"...I think I could use that..Thank you."
Aunt Julia smiled and nodded, leaving for the bathroom in the back of the house. Svanda turned to Naida.
"Now," She said gently,"You go get yer stuff to take yer bath, and I'll finish puttin' up the dishes, alright?"
Naida nodded, "Thank you so much, Svanda."
The two hugged, before the older one left for the room to get her stuff.
The bath was JUST what Naida Dark needed. The Calm Land recruit sank down into the water, dunking her head under the bubble-covered surface for a second to get her hair wet. She re-emerged, brushing the slick locks back out of her face.
She sat in solitude for a few minutes, before a gentle knock was heard on the deep blue door of the small bathroom.
"..Naida?" Came Svanda's voice from the other side,"Are you covered?"
Naida paused, looking at the surface of the tub. The pure white bubbles covered everything that needed to be covered, but something about not being concealed behind something while...soaking in a tub when talking to someone just..didn't seem.. well, sanitary. The Al Bhed looked up at the navy blue curtain that dangled from the pole that ran from one wall to the next, around the tub. Leaning up, she reached out one slender bare arm and pulled it around the edge of the tub, shrouding her small area in slight darkness, but bringing a sort of comfort and security with it.
"..Yeah." She finally answered. A moment later, she heard the doorknob turn, and the soft footsteps of her taller-yet-younger best friend pad in on the black linoleum floor. She relaxed again as she heard Svanda slide down next to the tub, leaning against the wall at the end of it.
"..So.."Svanda started, leaning her head back against the tiled wall, "Is there anything you want to talk about?"
"Like what?"
"...Like what's bothering you?"
Naida paused,"..Nothin'."
Svanda almost laughed, "Oh, yeah. That's why you were so dazed out that when I touched yer arm, you freaked out and broke one of Aunt Julia's plates?"
"......."
"Ha! I told you!"
Naida smiled slightly from her place behind the curtain, breathing in slowly and leaning her head back onto the back of the tub.
"...Well..what do you need to know? Isn't it obvious?"
"Well, I can tell it has somethin' to do with a certain redhead on the team..."
"Yeah, it DOES have somethin' to do with Botta."
"So...what happened?"
"We had a fight."
"..Again?"
Naida laughed a little, "Yeah, Sav. Again."
"What'd the moron do this time?"
"Well..it's hard to explain really..."
They sat in silence for a moment, before Svanda cleared her throat.
"So is that a 'I don't wanna talk about it'?"
Naida paused for a second, before she sighed.
"...It's just..everything Sav,"She said softly, "It's not just him, it's.. just everything.. Leon..and my Journey.. "
"Yeah,"Svanda replied almost as soft,"I understand what yer sayin'."
They sat for another minute, before Naida let out another sigh, blowing some of the steam that rose up in front of her face away from her.
"...He's..he's so sweet.."She went on, almost hesitantly,"But then..he just turns on me, and that bloody wall goes up again, you know?"
She sat up as she talked, pulling her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.
"It's almost like he's Bipolar, but I know he's not. He's just.. so.."
"Confusing?"
"Yeah."
Once again the two entered silence. This time it was broken by the soft-voiced Chocobo breeder.
"Is..that all?"
"Yeah,"Naida breathed,"Pretty much...I'm sorry Sav. I'm makin' such a big fuss over such a small thing.."
Svanda shook her head, causing some of her honey brown hair to fall in front of her face.
"It's not a small thing, Naida. If it's enough to put yer nerves on edge like that, then I think it's important."
"...Thank you."
"Girls?"
Aunt Julia's sweet voice came through the door, along with a gentle knock. Both of them turned to it.
"Yes ma'am?" They replied in unison.
"I hate to barge in on the conversation, but I've got some clean towels for you, Naida dear. Fresh from the dryer."
"Oh," Naida said, pulling the edge of the curtain back and poking her head out,"Thank you Aunt Julia!"
The older woman opened the door, her hazel eyes connecting with the Al Bhed's green. A warm smile spread across her comforting face as she slid into the dark-colored bathroom, and set a small stack of towels down on the black toilet next to the tub. She began to separate the stack, putting some on a shelf above the toilet, and some in a closet across from the sink, which was next to the toilet.
"Well,"Svanda said, getting up,"I think I'm gonna go get my shower, and go to bed."
"Oh, that's fine, dear,"Aunt Julia replied,"I just got done putting some towels in there."
"Thank you! Good night Aunt Julia, 'nite Naida."
"You're welcome dear, and good night."
"'Nite Sav. Thanks for talkin' to me."
"No problem!" She replied as she slid out the door, closing it softly behind her.
"Such a sweet girl.."Aunt Julia said softly, hanging the last remaining fluffy dark blue towel on a pole that hung under the shelf.
"She's the best friend I've ever had," Naida agreed, laying back down,"Next to Leon I mean..but you know."
"I understand."
The older woman paused for a moment, examining the small but comfortable bathroom, before breathing in contently. She turned for the door, when Naida's voice sounded from behind the dark curtain.
"We're goin' to the Tourneys tomorrow.." She trailed off. Aunt Julia smiled.
"You sure are. I'm so happy for all of you, I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Yeah..I hope we do."
Aunt Julia paused, before sitting down on the covered up toilet, leanining against the back of it as she breathed in slowly.
"So..did you get everything worked out?"
"With what?"
The older woman chuckled softly, "Well, you were stressed out..."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I did.. sort of. Svanda helped me out, listened to me for a bit, ya know?"
"I know..."
They paused for a minute, before Naida suddenly remembered something.
"Aunt Julia..?"
"Yes dear?"
"Umm..Uncle Matt said that he wanted you to come to the last Blitzball game in the Tourneys, so you guys could tell the group about our parents."
Silence. Dead silence.
"...E..excuse me dear?" She stuttered, obviously shocked, "Um..."
Naida laughed a little, "It's okay, Aunt Julia. He's doin' fine, and still livin' in Kilika."
Aunt Julia paused, before letting out a short laugh, "Oh..oh my goodness. I had.. no idea..that you had..talked to him.."
She continued to laugh as Naida talked.
"Yeah..he told me everything. About Mom and Dad meetin' in Luca, and you staying there with them. About how you met Maechen, and how he had to convince you to go with the old man..."
Aunt Julia stopped again, and Naida suddenly could almost feel the sadness start to eminate from the older woman.
"Aunt Julia..?" She said slowly, "...Did I say something wrong..?"
"No.."She replied softly, wrapping one arm around herself and running the other hand through her curly hair,"You didn't say anything wrong..it's just.. hearing about Matt brings back memories..."
They were quiet for a minute, before Naida sat up in the tub again, curling up like she'd done before.
"...Can I hear one of the stories..?"
The older woman smiled slightly, "..Like what?"
She shrugged a little, "I don't mind really..just.. whatever you want to tell me.. I guess it could be.. about how you two met..."
Aunt Julia laughed again, and nodded, "Alright.. well.. I remember.. it was.. over 20 years ago.. 25 at least.. I'd have to think to tell you exactly..Anyway, I was.. 16. It had been a couple of years since me and Raida Perigan had started living together, and Erin-your mother- had just moved in with us a few months before, but was hardly ever around, which is why it took so long for her to meet your father. She was always, ALWAYS working.."
She took a breath, then went on.
"Well, I remember, that I had lived in Luca for.. about 10 years.. my parents died when I was 10, four years after I'd moved to Luca, and my two siblings, Roch and Diana, had moved over to Besaid when I was 14.. I had refused to leave, so I moved in with my younger best friend, Raida, who lived in a small apartment not far from me.. Well, I'd known Matt almost all my life..and we just.. I guess we just got closer when I moved in with Raida. He had been there next to me, when the Crusader captain handed me my mother's Nurse bonnet and my father's dog tags.. He held me as I cried, and let me stay with him and Adam for almost a week, before I started moving in with Raida. After that.. we just started.. well.. being friendlier I suppose."
"Well?" Naida said, laughing a little, "Did you just.. decide one day you were together, or what?"
Aunt Julia laughed with her, "I..well.. in all honesty, that's about how it happened. One day, I went to go get him from Blitzball practice, and he had just walked out of the sphere. He walked up to me, as casual as me and you talking, and kissed me. Right there in front of the whole team. He kissed me, and then said, 'Great to see ya sweetie.'"
Naida paused, before breaking into laughter, "Wow, talk about not being shy!"
"Well,"She laughed back,"Adam told me later, that he'd been planning it for a while, but he'd been to scared to do it!"
The two finished laughing, before Aunt Julia sighed. Naida hesitated, then.
"..Did you love him?"
Aunt Julia paused, frowning a bit.
"...Yes dear..I loved your Uncle Matt...very much."
"Then..why did you leave?"
She sighed,"Because...he wanted me to go for something more than being a simple waitress at the local cafe. When the opportunity that Maechen offered appeared... I..he.."
She paused, brushing back a few more curly lockes of her dark brown hair.
"...I didn't want to leave him. Yevon knows I would've married him, had I stayed. But then again.. if I hadn't have left.. I would never have been here to take care of the Aurochs and everyone else after the attack..."
They sat in silence for another minute, before Aunt Julia stood up.
"Oh, Naida dear. I'm sorry to have dragged you down memory lane with me."
"Hey, it's fine, Aunt Julia. You helped me feel a bit better."
"Anytime, dear."
They paused again, before Naida cleared her throat.
"He said to be there, the last game.."
Aunt Julia nodded, "I will..and we'll tell you everthing that we've been keeping..everything."
Naida nodded back as if the older woman could see her, and sat up.
"Well, I'm gonna get out of here now, Aunt Julia."
"That's fine dear. I'm going on to bed."
"Good night, Aunt Julia. And thanks again."
"Anytime, sweetie. And you have sweet dreams."
With that, the older woman slid out the door in a fashion similar to Svanda's, closing it gently behind her. Naida sat up, and pulled the plug on the tub. She pulled the curtain back, grabbing the towel of the hanger, and stepped out onto the black rug, wrapping the fluffy navy thing around her as she turned and looked at the water. She watched it drain for a moment, almost in a daze. The soapy water swirled, creating a small tornado as it finished off with a loud slurping sound.
(Well,)She thought (I've washed my problems away for tonight...Now I've just gotta live through the next few days.)
Botta Trapper stared out the window of the Besaid Inn, gazing up at the patchy sky, and watching as the rain begain to fall in areas of the small town.
(Alright Trapper,) He started thinking to himself, (Tomorrow's the start of the Tourneys. If you and the Al Bhed can't get along, there's no way the games'll go well.)
He took a deep breath, watching a few drops of water trail down the window.
(But...you can't get along with her. Not after what happened the other night...)
He shook his head, (Why did I do that anyway? I know I was upset about my old family's death, and she just..wouldn't leave me alone.. but all she did was care about me...)
He sighed, (Yeah, but unfortunately I didn't figure that out until AFTER it happened...She really did care.. Unlike.. certain people..who only pretended to care..and then..)
"Hey Red."
The blue-eyed Guard was shaken from his thoughts at the sound of his teamate's voice. He looked up at the Goalie, his eyes meeting the deep hazel that shone throught the dim light of the rental room.
"Hey, Keep, what's up?"
"Uh..nothin'."
"How are ya?"
Keepa raised his eyebrow, leaning foreward on his rental bed.
"Better than you, apparently. You never ask me somethin' like that unless somethin's wrong with one of us, and I'm fine."
Botta looked at him for a moment, before nodding, biting his lip for a second, and turning back to the window.
"Ah.... Whatever."
"C'mon, Red. You might as well tell me what's eatin' ya. Tourneys start tomorrow, and you remember what the Cap'n always said, 'Sleep angry, play angry.'"
Botta didn't look at him, but sighed.
"...You should know..."
"..Naida."
"...."
"Yeah, I thought so."
They sat for a moment, before Keepa shifted to where he was leaning against the headboard of his bed.
"So..you like her?"
Botta turned to him, crystal eyes shimmering.
"No." He shot.
"Whoa, whoa..." Keepa said, smiling slightly, "Didn't mean to hit a soft spot there..ya?"
Botta continued to look at him, breathing out slowly, "Yeah..I know.. I'm sorry, Keepa.. I guess I'm just..a stress case right now."
"Yeah,"He replied, "And whatever it is, it's buggin' her too. You saw how miserable she looked at dinner."
"I know.."
"So..What'd you do?"
"Oh," Botta said, raising an eyebrow, "So when somethin's wrong, you automatically assume it's my fault?"
"...Yeah?"
"...Okay so maybe I've just been..a little harsh on her lately."
"Thought so. D'you apologize?"
"Well, no, but there's no need to really, right?"
He was answered with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms.
"What?" He said, shrugging a little, "It's not like she'd talk to me if I tried."
"No,"Keepa answered, tilting his head to the side, "But she'd listen. She's a good girl, Botta, and I bet she didn't do anything wrong either. You probably were in one of yer moods, and she showed compassion for ya, and you got all defensive."
Botta stared at his husky friend, almost shocked. The Goalie didn't smlie, however, he only raised both of his eyebrows.
"Am I right? All she did was care."
Botta opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He froze for a second.
(..All she did was care.. just like..)
*Flash*
"Oh...Botta, honey, what's wrong?"
"Nothin', Randa. I'm fine."
"Don't give me that crap! I know when somethin's wrong with you, so you might as well tell me."
"Well..it's about my family.."
"Oh, your brother?"
"Yeah..kinda dumb, huh?"
"Well, yeah. But that's okay, I still care about you. If you feel that way, then go ahead and talk about it."
*Flash*
(All she did was care..)
"..Botta?"
The redhead was once again shaken from his trance by his friend's voice. His crystal gaze was met by concerned hazel eyes.
"..I say somethin' wrong, man?"
The Guard shook his head, shifting in his bed.
"Nah, Keep. It's alright.. you're right. All she did was care." He twisted around, laying down, "Well, if ya don't mind. I'm tired of talkin' about the blonde, so I'll see ya in the mornin'."
The Goalie looked a bit shocked, but nodded.
"Alright..we can.. uh.. talk about it in the mornin'."
"Nite Keepa."
"Night Botta."
Keepa paused, before setting down, and soon, the two Aurochs were fast asleep.
The next morning, the group awoke bright and early to board the Airship for Luca one last time...That season anyway.
"Man..how many times in the rest of our lives you think we're gonna haveta do this?"
Datto Perigan turned to his dark-skinned, blonde haired friend.
"As many times as we want to, Jassu."
"Oh, ya. Like I WANT to get up this early."
"Good thing it's worth it, ya?"
Jassu smiled slightly as the two trudged onto the ramp going up into the Airship. They turned around just in time to see the huge doors close behind them, and caught the last glimpse of Besaid before the huge metal ship shuddered to life.
"Good bye, Besaid.."Datto trailed off.
"Hello, Tourneys." Jassu finished for him.
The two exchanged glances, before turning and walking to the observation deck with the rest of their team.
The group arrived that afternoon, ON TIME.
"Oh my good cow!" Letty yelled as the Airship docked at their port in Luca, "We're..we're EARLY!!!!"
"Yevon, ain't that somethin' crazy?!!!" Wakka said with a laugh as he picked up his bags and started for the door.
The dark Center grinned, and followed his Captain. Soon, the whole group was next to the doors, waiting for them to open.
Naida stood on the edge of the group, silent. Keepa looked at her for a moment, before raising his eyebrow.
"And what's wrong with you, blondeness?"
She smiled slightly, "Oh..nothin', Keepa. Just thinkin' about the game, I guess."
The Goalie raised an eyebrow, "You..guess?"
She laughed a little, "I am. I guess I'm just a little spaced out, ya know?"
"Yeah...well, try not to worry too much about it.. we've got a game in a couple of hours."
She paused, then nodded with a smile, "Alright."
Their conversation was cut short when the doors of the Airship began to open, and the ramp was extended. Suddenly, the intercom blared on.
"Go get 'em, guys!" Came Rikku's voice loud and clear above them, "We'll be cheerin' for ya all the way!!!"
Her voice faded out, and the group stood silent for a moment.
"Man..."Datto said, smiling slightly, "What a girl..."
When he looked around, he noticed he was being watched by 8 pairs of eyes.
"Oh.."Jassu said, a mischevious grin sliding up on his face, "I think SOMEONE'S got a crush on a certain green-eyed Al Bhed...."
"That ISN'T Naida,"Letty added with a short laugh.
Datto started to turn slightly red, but instead of saying anything, he turned and ran down the down stable ramp. Wakka let out a hearty laugh, walking down after him, then Tidus, then Jassu, then Letty, and so on.
When the group got to the registration desk, Datto set down his things and began to check the game times for the next few days as Letty talked to Lacy to get their forms signed and the keys to their lockerroom. After a moment, Datto turned to Tidus, who was closest to him.
"Okay, we play in a couple of hours against Kilika, right? That's about.. 5.. If we win-"
"Which we willl."
Datto smiled and went on, "We'll play whoever wins the other match tomorrow at 6. Then if we win that one, we'll play the remaining team the next night at around 7 or 8."
"Ohh..."Svanda said, brown eyes glittering with excitment, "The big night game! Everyone from every team'll be there to watch that one!"
"Yep,"Keepa replied, putting an arm around her, "And we'll be playin' in it."
She smiled up at him, and he smiled back.
Naida watched them from a few feet away, almost sighing at the sight of her younger being so happy with a guy. She looked at them for a moment longer, before turning her gaze to the rest of the team. She looked at each of them in turn, until she came to Botta. She froze when her green eyes locked with his blue. They stared at eachother for a few seconds, before Wakka's voice jolted them out of their staring contest.
"Alright, Aurochs, let's do this!!!"
The team cheered, making their way to the lockerroom.
The next two hours were pure torture for Naida. It was dead silent in the lockeroom, and no one left. Datto did his normal ritual of tying and re-tying his sandals and gloves. Keepa sat in the corner, staring into space, and Svanda sat next to him, holding one of his large Goalie hands in both of her small, calloused ones. Jassu sat on one of the benches, leaning over on his knees, obviously concentrating on the game. Letty sat back to back with him, staring at the wall. Wakka and Tidus stood against the far wall of the lockeroom, talking quietly, and Botta..Botta sat on the floor close to the door, leaning against the left wall of the lockeroom. He had his knees up, and his arms were draped across them, some of the strings of his gloves were dangling down onto his tan legs. He stared at the floor beneath him, thick eyebrows creased in concentration, going over the Blitz strategy in his head over and over.
Naida watched him for a moment from her place on the floor across from him. She sat, leaned up against the bathroom door, with her knees drawn up to her chest, and her arms wrapped around them. She tilted her head to the side when she saw Botta's glove strings.
(..He needs to fix that..) She thought, raising one of her thin blonde eyebrows,(He should know that loose strings on a uniform are one of the main reasons a blitzer loses the ball...and it's dangerous.. You can snap your wrist easily when your protecton isn't strapped properly...)
She gazed at the strings for a moment longer, before Wakka's voice shook her out of her trance.
"Alright, guys and girls,"He said in his thick accent,"We've beat these guys before, this should be a cakewalk, ya?"
Slowly, everyone in the room nodded. Their Captain smiled widely.
"Well, let's go get 'em!!"
Everyone got up silently, and started for the door.
"WOO HOO!!!"
The group jumped at the sound of none other than Jassu. The brown-skinned Guard jumped foreward through the crowd, running toward the sphere. Everyone paused, before two more yells were heard.
"Let's do this!!!!"
"HECK YES!!!"
In a blur, Datto and Letty streaked by. After another moment, Keepa yelled, kissed Svanda on the cheek, and ran out the door. Tidus and Wakka laughed, jogging after the team, leaving Naida and Botta standing in the hallway. Svanda looked between the two, before giggling to herself and walking back into the lockeroom. The two exchanged glances, before Botta ran after the team. Naida paused, watching him run away, before jogging after him.
As the group gathered in front of the entrance to the sphere, Wakka lined them up and picked out the players. Out of the 8 standing in the line, Datto and Naida were to sit the first half out. They stood, watching their team start to go in. First Keepa, then Jassu, then Tidus, then Wakka...
Botta was about to step into the sphere when a dark gloved hand reached out and grabbed his arm. He turned, crystal eyes almost wide with shock, to meet with the Al Bhed's cool green gaze. Her lime eyes entrapped him for a moment, and he almost didn't noticed what she was doing until she spoke.
"You should know better..."She said softly, sliding her hands from his arm to his gloved wrists. She grabbed the strings of his glove, tightening them, then tying them, "Than to go into a sphere without your gear on right.."
She switched to his other arm, tightening that glove, but he only continued to gaze at her face. So calm, and yet he could sense the surpressed sadness underneath her dimly swirling Al Bhed eyes. Once she was finished, he drew his arm back, rubbing each one in turn to ease some of the pressure.
"..Thanks.."He muttered, turning to the sphere, hesitating, then walking in.
Naida watched him as he went, but soon felt two pairs of eyes on her. She turned to see the surprised expressions of Datto and Letty.
The tattooed Center suddenly grinned, walking toward the sphere.
"I saw that.."He said, laughing a little,"And you can bet that you'll be hearin' about it from me later..."
With that, he entered the sphere, leaving the sub-Center alone with the young blue-eyed Shooter.
"So.." Datto started, a hint of laughter in his voice.
"Say anything,"Naida cut him short, "And I'll kill you."
Datto laughed and walked up next to her, both of them turning to watch the game.
"Hey hey..don't worry about it..I know what's up, and I'm not sayin' a word.."
Naida smiled slightly, not responding, as the buzzer rang, starting their first game of the Tourneys.
Half time came up fast, and-without a doubt- the Aurochs were killing the Beasts, 7 to 0. The group stood in the hallway in front of the sphere, not needing to go to the lockeroom, and rested as Wakka prepared to send them in again. Naida and Datto walked among the group, helping to heal any status ailment that had been casted on their teamates.
"Hey"Came a thick voice from near the water, "I've got Wither on me, a little help, ya?"
Naida turned and looked at Datto, who was busy administering towels to wipe off the goo that came after Venom wore off. He nodded to her, and she turned and walked over to Botta, who was now sitting on the floor. She knelt down next to him.
"..Where is it?"
He looked up at her, eyebrow arched, before stretching out his right leg in front of him. She paused, before placing both of her gloved hands on the leg and massaging it. He watched her for a moment, almost wanting to apologize to her for being so harsh on her right then and there. He'd treated her horribly, and she still helped him out when he'd gotten hurt in the sphere. However, something inside him wouldn't let him. Something from...long ago.
"Alright, I need Datto in for me, Naida, you go in for Letty."
"Cap'n,"Letty said from the wall, "Umm.. I think someone needs to sub for Botta."
All eyes turned to the Guard on the floor, but he shook his head.
"I'm fine."
"Like Ifrit you are,"Keepa said, "I saw you take that hit. If it'd been any harder, the old man would've broken yer leg."
Botta stared at him for a moment. Varuja had hit him pretty hard with a wither tackle, but Botta had kept the ball. It had taken alot out of him, and now he played the price.
"Try to stand up,"Wakka said, crossing his arms.
Botta looked at him for a second, before drawing his leg away from Naida's hands. She stood up, watching him as he leaned against the wall for support. He finally got to his feet, and took his hands off the wall. He looked at his Captain, crossing his arms defiantly as he looked up at the orange-haired man.
"..Walk on it."
Botta raised his eyebrow, but took a deep breath and started to try anyway. He took one step, wincing slightly. He took another, then another onto his hurt leg. He winced again, and this time his knee gave out. He fell foreward, arms flying out in front of him to catch the floor.
Before he hit, however, two slender arms locked around him, catching him.
His force hit Naida pretty hard, and she sidestepped so she was standing in front of him, letting him lean on her. She locked her strong arms around him tightly, and for a moment, it almost looked as if she were trying to hug him. He leaned against her for a moment, breathing in her femenine scent, before jolting himself upright and out of her arms. He leaned against the wall, glaring at her. She only looked at him, green eyes remaining empty, before she looked at Wakka and the rest of the team, who all looked almost shocked.
"..Okay,"Wakka said finally, letting his dark arms drop to his side, "Tidus, yer in for Botta, Datto's in his old spot, Naida, go in for Letty. Everyone else, let's get this into gear and just PLAY!"
The group cheered, and began to run back in as the buzzer rang again. Once the hallway was clear, Botta slid to the floor in pain, groaning. Letty smiled slightly, kneeling next to his friend and taking over the job Naida had been doing previously.
"..Tryin' to be strong for the woman, eh Red?"
Botta looked at him for a moment, before leaning his head back on the wall.
"You think she went for it?"
"Sure..up until you fell on her."
With that, Letty locked his hands around the Guard's slowly swelling knee, and pressed hard. A small snap was hear, signifying that whatever bone had been knocked out of place, was officially back in. Botta yelled, then looked at his friend, grunting, then breathing out tensley.
"..Thanks Letty." He said stiffly.
"No prob, Botta,"The Center replied with a grin,"Now, lets go get this thing bandaged and iced."
20 minutes later, the Besaid Aurochs entered the lockeroom, tired, but happy with their victory over the Kilika Beasts, 9 to 2.
The group collapsed on their designated spots in the room-Svanda and Letty had unfolded the cots earlier- and waited patiently as Svanda administered towels to the players. After a few minutes, Wakka stood up in front of the group.
"Alright gang,"he said, tired but grinning, "Great game today. Taught us not to always brush off our opponents like nothin, ya?"
The group laughed a little nodding. Wakka laughed with them, wiping the towel over his wet head.
"And we've got livin' proof right over there in the corner," He said, pointing his toweled hand at Botta in the corner, "Let's hear it for Botta, for takin' one for the team!"
The group cheered, and Botta laughed, holding a fist in the air. Jassu stepped up next to him.
"C'mon, man, stand up!" He laughed, then stopped, "Oh, wait..I'm sorry, you can't!"
Botta smirked popping him with the towel. He jumped away, grinning even wider.
"Well, I guess you could, just make sure Naida's nearby to catch ya again, ya?!"
The group started laughing, all except for Naida, who raised an eyebrow at the dark Guard, smiling slighty to conceal the blush she felt starting to creep into her face. Unfortunately, it was too late.
"Awww..look!" Datto exclaimed from his seat on the bench in the middle of the room, "She's BLUSHIN'!!!"
An array of "Awwww"'s broke out in the room, causing Naida's face to burn furiously. She covered the side of her face with one hand, and turned toward the door to hide. She stood as the group continued to laugh, looking around the small area around her. She finally let her hand down just in time to catch Botta looking at her, a calm smile on his face and an almost understanding look in his crystal eyes. She looked at him for a moment, before turning her gaze back to the wall. He kept looking at her, until finally turning to the group.
"Alright guys,"He said firmly, that's enough."
The laughter started to die down again, and Letty walked over next to him, slapping him on the shoulder.
"Ohh..c'mon, "He started, "You know we were just-"
He was cut off as the sound of the phone ringing pierced the air. The group became silent, and Wakka strode over to the small old-timey phone that hung next to the bathroom door.
"Auroch's....Lu?"
Grinning glances were exchanged, and Jassu prepared to start the group in "Oooo"'s, until he saw his Captain's face become serious.
"..What's wrong?....What?! ...Alright..hey....calm down, calm down! It's okay, ya?.....Yeah..We'll be there in a few."
He hung up the phone, turning toward an expecting group.
"...That was Lulu,"He said darkly,"Ahh..we're bein' called out again..seems Old Man Cid's got those hunka junk cannons on the AirShip workin'...and now we're gonna go..fight the last one, ya?"
The group was dead silent, until the sound of Tidus's bag zipping was heard. They all glanced at him as he set his and Wakka's stuff on the bench next to Datto, extending his arms.
"Let's do this."
The group gathered into a huddle, Datto still sitting in the middle, and immedietly, Jassu took over.
"...Yevon, Father of the Fayth, creator of Spira...hear us now..."
He said the prayer that was alway said when Wakka and Tidus left to go fight Sin, and when he was done, the two warriors parted in silence, with some hugging and handshaking in bewteen them and the door. As they left, Wakka said softly.
"Win one for me, guys..."
And with that, they were gone.
The group was in silence for a bit longer, before Letty cleared his throat.
"Ah..well..we've got a pretty clear day 'till tomorrow night, ya? Still, we need all the sleep we can get so...I'm goin' on to bed."
He walked over to his cot on the far wall, laying down, Jassu nodded in agreement, sitting down on his cot. Keepa took a breath, looking at Svanda.
"Wanna go to the cafe?"
She nodded, and he took her hand as they left. Datto sighed.
"I'm gonna go for a walk,"He said softly, walking out.
Botta looked at Naida, before sliding down onto his cot. She paused, before brushing some of her hair out of her face.
"I'm goin' after Datt."
She turned, walking out after her half Al Bhed friend.
The room was silent, leaving Botta to think to himself.
(Man..I hope they come back alive..They're like brothers to me, even if I haven't known Tidus as long...I don't know what I'd do if they just..died..I've already lost one brother...)
He paused, before raising rolling over onto his side.
(...Naida knows what it would be like....With Leon and everything.. and her parents, and Teale..she would know all about losing people..)
He sighed to himself, closing his eyes.
(Maybe..I should talk to her,) He nodded, drifting off (Yeah...I will..tomorrow.)
And he was gone.
"...Datto?"
No answer came from the young Shooter as Naida approached him on the bridge.
"..Dat?"
"Why do they always have to leave like that..?" His voice was soft, and instantly Naida knew he was upset.
"Wakka and Tidus..? They're..fighting..Sin. They don't always want to leave."
"Yes they do..they don't want to die, but they want to leave. They say they're doin' it for revenge..but I know..they're doin' if for us, for Spira... they don't want us to end up dying, like.. our parents..."
Naida watched, her lime eyes filling with sadness as the Shooter looked over his shoulder at her.
"But you would know all about that kind of stuff, wouldn't ya Naida?" He said gently, then looked down, "I'm not trying to sound harsh.."
She nodded, walking up next to him, "I know, Datto..it's okay."
"But it's not! You..you lost your brother..the only one left in yer family..and yer still here, with us, playing. I don't.. I don't understand...why?"
Naida paused, then looked out over the dark ocean.
"...My mother..before she died..always told me..that dwelling on the past..won't help the future, and that if you want to live tomorrow, you've got to live today first.."
She paused, letting that sink in, before shaking her head slightly.
"I...wasn't sure what she meant then.. but now..after all this..I understand. So..I just..try to live my life one day at a time... and I try not to live in a daze, you know?"
Datto looked at her for a moment, before nodding.
"..Thanks Naida."
She smiled, "Anytime, little man."
He looked at her, smiling slightly. She looked back up at him, returning his smile. After a moment...she almost gasped.
In the dim light of the street lamp, she noticed something about the young Shooter's eyes.
(There it is..) She thought, (I was wondering why I couldn't tell earlier...)
In both of Datto Perigan's pale blue eyes, were speckles. Small, but in the light they were standing under, very, VERY visible. In one eye, they were jet black, in the other, blood red.
"Raida..." She whispered.
"Huh?"
"Oh!" She shook her head, "Nothing..don't worry about it."
Datto looked at her, then nodded slowly, "...Okay. Sure. Umm..wanna head back?"
Naida smiled, nodding, "Sure thing, Datto Perigan."
(The AL BHED!!!!)
Datto raised an eyebrow, before shaking his head with a laugh.
"Alright you weirdo, snap out of yer daze and let's go."
With a laugh, the two headed back for the lockeroom to get some rest for the big day tomorrow....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Note: First off I would like to APOLOGIZE for this thing being so DAD-GUM LATE!!!!!! *looks at her last chapter* "Oh, I'll have it up for y'all on my birthday, promise!!" *YEESH* Am I a ditzy teenager or WHAT? Let's see.. 2 month's LATER!
*laughs* I really am sorry you guys, but, I promise in the future, that not only will I stay true to my words, but NO MORE DEADLINES!! *Wince* Tio! I thought I'd learned from you NOT to do it, but this proves otherwise, eh?
Of course, I'd like to thank all of you for staying with me, and readin' what ya could when ya could! If y'all didn't notice, I put some poems and a one-shot up in FF.Press for y'all to read, and I should have another poem up by the end of tonight or tomorrow. Thanks to those who actually bothered to read that mess!
Okay, I've got to get to the Thankios now! OF COURSE, there's ALWAYS Tio, who reads and reviews my stuff, no matter HOW sucky I think it is! I'M STILL WAITIN' FOR YA TO UPDATE!! *laughs* if I can do it, so can you! *j/k* There's no rush, woman. Take yer time, just be sure to tell me when you update! *Please?* ^_^ (Also, thanks for my b-day present, I LOVED IT!!!!!!)
And then there's Carter, the FIRST one to read my one-shot, 5 Mississippi! Thank you SO much, and yes yes yes, I AM lookin' foreward to the next chapter of Jaws! Keep it rollin'!
Nikki! Thank you for the dedication of yer chapter of yer story for my b-day! I love Where Broken Dreams Go, and I'm waitin' for the next chapter on that one too!
Soldier of Mercy, I'm lookin' foreward to whatever yer writin' next, I just want you to know that! ^_^ Thanks for readin'!
DA, I'm actually about to go check and see if you've updated, and I HOPE YOU HAVE!!! Thank YOU for readin' too!
EchoHunter, I just wanted to say thank you for readin', and to tell you how happy I am that you like my story! It's y'all that keep me goin', and you've been there all the way!
Oh man, Drea?Don't you DARE think that I forgot YOU! *laughs* You guys, I think anyone who likes this fic needs to thank FairDrea and Echo for totally kickin' me in the rear! I was so out of it, didn't feel like writin', when these two ganged up on me until I promised I'd try! *haha* Woman, Thank you SO much! I hope I get this up before you come home from work, like I told you I would. Thanks for readin', and now..I'm off to read yer fic! (You guys think I write good FFX Stories? Try readin' hers!! It's called "Forever Silent" And if you don't look at it, I'll be forced to beat you severely. ^_^ *Teehee*)
Okay now, you guys, I'm outta here. You guys stay safe, with all this bombin' and mess goin' around! Biya!
-Keeping it "Real"
~Ari
P.S. TIO! What do you think? Enough Baidaness for a little bit? *hehe* PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!! *grin*
