The Luca Incident
Ch. 5
FYI, this chapter starts before the "temple" incident in the previous chapter but continues during it. Plus, the majority of this chapter is a flashback.
[text] thought; "text" dialogue
---------------------------------------------
To keep is mind busy, Wakka decided to practice blitzball by himself. He grabbed his favorite ball, Striker, from the side of his bed and exited the grass hut. He looked at it with sad eyes.
[You gave me this.]
He wasn't in the mood to hang around anyone, so he decided to wonder around aimlessly through the jungle. The redhead made his way down the beaten path while practicing various blitzball moves. Once again, his mind began to drift off…
~~~~~~~~~~~~ flashback in Luca Stadium ~~~~
*a blitzball whizzed passed Tidus*
"Come on Wakka! Are you even trying to hit me!?
The young man teased a good distance away from his friend. He was helping Wakka improve his accuracy while training his speed. So the two thought it would be a good idea to play a quick game of dodge ball, while Yuna and the others stocked up on provisions before heading to Djose Temple. The blonde was doing a good job at avoiding the ball, he hadn't been hit by one yet.
"So you want me to hit you, huh?" Wakka picked up a stray ball off the ground.
"Boo ya!!!"
Wakka threw it in a baseball fashion. Tidus rolled on the ground as he narrowly missed being hit by the blue and white striped ball.
"I'm sorry, but are you trying to hit me?" he said as he got off the ground.
"Damn you! You can't caste Haste on yourself!"
"Apparently I can," the blonde said as he pulled down his bottom right eyelid and stuck out his tongue at the man.
"Grrr…" [I don't want to hit you, but…]
The redhead with gravity defying hair picked up another ball off the ground.
"This time you'll hit me, right?"-The teen said in an obvious sarcastic tone.
Wakka didn't say anything. There was a serious look on his face but it wasn't stern or angry. The man focused solely on Tidus; the blonde was preparing himself for the pitch and looked ready for anything. The blitzer raised the ball in the air, getting ready for his attack. Like a bullet, the teen took off to his right, making sure not to trip on any spare blitzball on the ground of the empty Stadium. "Let's see if you can hit a moving target!" he yelled behind him.
[Why is Tidus running so slow?] / "IT'S OVER!!!"
Not hesitating to miss his opportunity, the redhead threw the ball at his opponent. It struck him in the back and the young man rolled over rapidly on the concrete.
"Ha! Gotcha'!"
Wakka started to do his usual victory dance, like he always did when he won a random battle between friend or foe. Training with Tidus was paying off; he just learned the Aim ability! It obviously helped him out right now. The blitzer looked over at Tidus, who was still on the ground.
"Yo, Tidus! You're getting a little slow, ya?"
The blonde was speechless and wasn't moving. He laid flat on his stomach on the ground of Luca Stadium.
"Tidus?…TIDUS!"
Wakka sprinted to the young man, his heart racing. [Holy Shiva! I hurt him…] When he reached him, he knelt down to examine the damage on his friend.
"Oww…good shot."
Tidus rolled over and made an effort to stand, but didn't succeed. The redhead helped him to his feet and the blonde put his right arm around the man's neck to help his balance.
"Here, drink this…" Wakka took a small vial that contained green liquid from his pocket and handed it to his injured friend. Tidus thumbed off the cap and easily drank the thick substance quickly.
He wiped some green dribble off his lips. "Thanks, you got me real good there Wakka…you knocked the stuffing out of me!"
"I'm sorry," Wakka replied.
"It's all right, the Potion made me feel a bit better…"
They walked together a good distance when Tidus said, "Damn, I'm sore all over…I can barely walk."
Without asking, the Besaid native lifted him in both muscular arms and proceeded to walk out of Luca Stadium. The entrance was full of people, like always, and some people raised their eyebrows at the sight of the two men. Wakka wasn't embarrassed that he was carrying Tidus at all…in fact, he was kind of happy for the excuse. He turned the corner and headed down the stairs that lead to the men's locker room.
Tidus looked up at the older man. "Thanks Wakka."
"No problem."
The two men briefly locked eyes with each other, almost losing themselves in them. Tidus broke the gaze and looked in the direction to where they were going.
Wakka's heart skipped a beat. [Don't look at me like that!]
The redhead started to feel hot all over, especially his face, when Tidus rested his head on his shoulder. [God, what's wrong with me!? I want to hug him closer…but that would be too awkward.] He was thankful when he reached the door to the locker room.
With one swift movement, he kicked it open and entered. It was empty. No other blitzers were around, the season had just ended not too long ago with a win for the Besaid Aurochs. What a day that was. They triumphed over their nemesis, the Luca Goers, and Yuna almost being kidnapped were highlights of that particular afternoon. The stadium along with the city was packed back then but not anymore. Still, Wakka and Tidus had full access to Luca Stadium and its locker rooms.
The redhead sat the blond on the nearest bench.
"Thanks again." Tidus said as he slid out of Wakka's arms.
"It's all right. You sure you're okay, brudda? No broken bones, ya?" Wakka asked, his voice sounding concerned.
"You didn't hit me that hard. Like I said, I'm fine."
The two started to look around the locker room nervously, not knowing how to act or what to say next.
"I just need a shower."
Tidus went to his open locker where his Brotherhood was stashed, stood in front of it, and began to undress. He took off his yellow boots, black socks, and his Zanarkand Abes uniform with ease and left them on the cold concrete floor. Wakka was leaning against the wall, continuing to look at the youth strip from the corner of his eye.
Fully nude, Tidus grabbed a towel from his locker and wrapped it around his slim waist. After grabbing a crystal looking bar of soap, he walked over to a shower stall that was in clear view of Wakka. He turned on the water and let it cascade across his flawless skin. "Thank God for hot water, this should soothe my aching muscles," he said to himself as he lathered the soap in his hands. Tidus started to wash away the sweaty grime that covered all of his toned, masculine body. When he knelt down to scrub his legs he glanced up and spotted Wakka watching him from a distance. The redhead abruptly diverted his eyes elsewhere, hoping that Tidus didn't notice.
[Heh heh, he's watching me isn't he? Maybe I should tease him a bit…see how he reacts. I could just say I messin' with him if things go wrong anyway, we always play around like that…] -Tidus thought. He stood up and rinsed off the soap from his figure. Still facing the shower, he turned his head around and asked with a suggestive voice--
"Care to join me Wakka?" The young man had a devilish look on his face while he was slowly running his soapy hand down his smooth chest and it continued to descend. Wakka carefully followed it with his eyes, they went down Tidus' chest to his washboard stomach. Then to his belly button. Then to his…
"I uh…I uh…" Wakka was petrified, he had never been in this situation before--with another man anyway. His armpits began to perspire and his heart was beating faster than a hummingbird's wings.
In a fast manner, he replied, "I uh…I uh…need to go…I promised Lu that I would help her shop for another doll…next time, ya?" The Auroch ran to the door and practically smacked into it head first as he left. Tidus was a little disappointed and felt quilty for freaking Wakka out. [Damn it! Oh well, I'll bag him next time…]
The redhead nearly made people instant road kill as he ran through Luca. An old man yelled "Watch where you're going!," at him as he ran passed him. He stopped at the bridge that led to the heart of Luca's shopping center to take a breather, ending his terrorism. Panting, he leaned against the stone guardrail and stared down at his feet, pondering at the previous event.
[What in the name of Yevon is going on? Tidus just made a pass at me and I have no desire to beat him into a bloody pulp?] The man felt dazed and confused.
*A 13 year old kid ran by at lightning speed.*
Thinking back at the incident, Wakka realize something about himself--he actually wanted to take a shower with Tidus. This revelation scared him, he wasn't supposed to feel this way toward another man--but he did.
[Maybe I should've taken him up on his offer…]
Wakka shook his head in disgust for the impure thought. He didn't know what course of action should be taken next and felt ashamed for the feelings he was developing for Tidus. The redhead stood at the bridge for a couple of minutes, pondering his next move.
"So here you are. I've been waiting for you."
The black mage known as Lulu walked up to the distressed man, with a brand new cactuar doll walking beside her. The same kid that went by earlier came back and nearly tripped over it, with a blitzball tucked under his right arm. She glared at the youngster as she bent down and scooped the doll into her arms as he ran off. Lulu shrugged off the thought of zapping him with a Thunder spell and went beside her friend.
"You were taking so long with Tidus that I went ahead and bought this, isn't it cute?"
"Of course, is it better than your old moogle doll?"
"Way better, it should make my black magic stronger."
"That's good, ya?"
"Yeah" *she looked around the area* "Where's Tidus?"
"Oh, uh…he's taking a shower in the Stadium locker room."
*the woman shook her head* [Why am I not surprised?]
"Okay, go fetch him while I gather the others and meet us at the entrance of Mi'ihen Highroad. Got it?"
"Gotcha."
Wakka took off and headed down the path he just used. Even though the evening hours were just getting started, plenty of people were still on the streets of Luca. Kids were running here and there. Old couples sat on benches as they watched the setting sun. He passed all of this commotion and made his way back to the locker room.
The redhead was surprised at himself as he half hoped to see Tidus soaping up still. Wakka mentally kicked himself twice for passing up the event and for wanting to see it. His half hearted wish was denied, the blonde was fully dressed after taking a refreshing shower and had his right leg on a bench; lacing hit boot. On the floor, laid a blitzball which wasn't there before. Wakka smirked…he had an excellent view of Tidus' ass. The man continued to stare at the blonde's muffin without realizing it.
Sensing some eyes on him, the teen turned around and gave the guy at the door a smile. "See something you like?"
Wakka's eyes opened wide at the casual remark and felt his face beginning to burn. "Uh…No, No!…I don't see anything!," he said with his arms gesturing "no" and quickly turned around to face the door; feeling stupid. [Was I really looking?]
*smack!*
"Oww!!!" The redhead spun around in time to see a blitzball return to the hands of its owner and gave him an angry stare.
Tidus winked back and spun the ball on his right index finger. "I was talking about the ball."
"Oh…"
"Here, dummy, it's yours!" Tidus tossed the ball to his friend. "I gave a kid some gil to get it for me and I gave him a little extra for a speedy delivery."
Wakka caught it, briefly examined it, and looked back at its thrower. "Oh, thanks Tidus--you didn't have to…"
"Yes I did, I even signed it for you…I wanted you to have something to remember me by is all…"
"What do you mean by that? What're you talkin' about?"
"What I mean is--thanks for being there for me Wakka. You've helped me readjust to Spira like no one else. You're the only person I can truly depend on and trust around here, I just wanted to thank you before I left…"
"What are you sayin'? You're not leaving the group before we get to Zanarkand are you?
Tidus' vision felt foggy. "No…no I'm not leaving yet." He didn't want to face Wakka anymore. Fearing his emotions might get the better of him, he turned around to put his left boot on the bench and started to lace it.
"It's just that I might not make it past Zanarkand--or Sin for that matter…"
There was a pause as Wakka took in the information.
"It's normal if you're scared that you might not survive this trip, it comes with the job of being a guardian…but you can't let that keep you down. All you can do is pray for the best but expect for the worst…"
"I know…but it doesn't make things any easier…" a strong, depressing pain began to fill Tidus' heart. Wakka wanted to comfort the troubled man, he could sense that something was bothering him but he wouldn't directly come out and say it. Letting his instincts take hold, he dropped the blitzball and walked up to Tidus. He put his arms around him and gave the man a warm, meaningful hug. Resting his chin on the teen's left shoulder, he closed his eyes and whispered into his ear-- "I'll make sure you survive this trip-- and live happily in world without Sin…in a world with me…"
"Wakka…do you really mean that?" [If only it were possible…]
"Yes…"
A tint of red started to run across Tidus' face. He didn't want Wakka to let him go, it felt so right to be in his arms. It was like his body was contoured to fit the redhead's body frame perfectly, like they were a pair. The teen turned around and the two men hugged properly, then they looked at each other. Wakka forgot about his doubts as he stared lustfully into Tidus' sapphire eyes. He ran his fingers through the blonde's freshly washed hair, feeling its damp smoothness.
"But…what about Lulu, don't you have something going on with her?"
Wakka snorted. "Ha! She's my dear friend an' all but I wouldn't date her! Besides, she was supposed to marry my brudda, not me…that would be too weird for us both, you know?"
"Yeah, I guess so…"
"So, what about you and Yuna…you two seem to enjoy each others company."
"Well, I like her a lot but I was never into girls… if you know what I mean."
"Oh really…" Wakka said with a raised eyebrow. Tidus face instantly turned bright red.
"What!!?? You shouldn't be surprised."
"I'm not, I'm just happy to look at you without wondering if you're gay or not. Now I know it's okay to kiss you…"
Slowly, Wakka nudged his head closer to him; it was Tidus' turn to sweat. His heart started to pound in anticipation. [OMG! I'm really gonna kiss him!] Their eyes closed as their faces got closer and closer; their lips were finally going to meet…
*a loud, rapid knocking came from the locker room door*
Startled, the two men leapt out of their embrace and looked frantic.
"What are you guys doing in there? We would like to make it to Rin's place before nightfall," Lulu said with a slightly aggravated voice.
[Shit]-Wakka / [Damn it]-Tidus
"Yeah, yeah…we're coming!" Tidus yelled back through the door. [Don't get your black, lacey panties in a twist…]
Obviously disgruntled, Wakka picked up his present off the floor as Tidus grabbed his shiny, aqua-blue sword from his locker.
"Well, time to hit the road, ya?" Wakka said with an unhappy expression across his face. [Fuck, I almost kissed him…]
"Yeah…"the blonde replied. [Perfect timing Lulu…]
Both men felt like they were robbed of something valuable, like all their gil was just stolen in an instant. Regretful, they exited the Luca locker room to catch up to their travel mates. Next rest stop, Rin's Travel Agency on Mi'ilen Highroad.
~~~~~~~~~~~ end flashback ~~~~~~~~~~
Wakka was just exiting the jungle when he was done day dreaming. There was no one on Besaid Island's beach, the creamy white sand was undisturbed. He made his way to the wooden pier, leaving a fresh trail of footprints. The redhead stood at its end, gazing thoughtfully at the calm blue sea. He was silent as he took in his surroundings. Then, he dropped his blitzball to his side on the dock as a pelican swooped by and caught a fish from the water. Remembering yesterday's event, he decided to imitate Yuna.**
[I know it's pointless…but I got to try…]
The blitzer put his right index finger and thumb in his mouth and whistled as hard as he could. He listened for a reply for a couple of seconds, then whistled again. And again. And again. A couple of feet behind him, a seagull landed on the pier and cocked its head, seemingly perplexed by the man's antics. It started to mess with its feathers on its left wing, then continued to watch him. After viewing Wakka repeatedly blow air at the endless ocean, the gray and white bird gave him a response of his own. The seagull began to do its signature "laughing" bird call directly at the man in front of him, as if mocking him for his futile efforts. *Ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha Ha Ha!!!* Wakka didn't appreciate it.
Instantly, as if on reflex action, he picked up Striker and hurled it hard at the bird. The blitzball nailed the seagull on its orange beak *SQUAWK!!!* and the bird fell backward into the water. The ball returned to the redhead's hand, like it always did when it made contact with its' target. A pang of guilt came from Wakka's chest, but it left when the seagull flew from the water while cursing at him angrily.
"Stupid bird, not laughing now are ya?"
Wakka turned back to face the sea. He stood briefly and then sat down in Indian style. The redhead lazily looked forward, took a deep breath, and did his final whistle.
No response came.
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End Ch.5
*Whew* This was a long chapter to type. So, what do ya'll think? Please, please read and give me a review!!! Thanks!^^
**BTW, I'm referring to the scene before Yuna's speech at the end of FF X, the one where she's whistling at the end of a Bevelle dock
Ch. 5
FYI, this chapter starts before the "temple" incident in the previous chapter but continues during it. Plus, the majority of this chapter is a flashback.
[text] thought; "text" dialogue
---------------------------------------------
To keep is mind busy, Wakka decided to practice blitzball by himself. He grabbed his favorite ball, Striker, from the side of his bed and exited the grass hut. He looked at it with sad eyes.
[You gave me this.]
He wasn't in the mood to hang around anyone, so he decided to wonder around aimlessly through the jungle. The redhead made his way down the beaten path while practicing various blitzball moves. Once again, his mind began to drift off…
~~~~~~~~~~~~ flashback in Luca Stadium ~~~~
*a blitzball whizzed passed Tidus*
"Come on Wakka! Are you even trying to hit me!?
The young man teased a good distance away from his friend. He was helping Wakka improve his accuracy while training his speed. So the two thought it would be a good idea to play a quick game of dodge ball, while Yuna and the others stocked up on provisions before heading to Djose Temple. The blonde was doing a good job at avoiding the ball, he hadn't been hit by one yet.
"So you want me to hit you, huh?" Wakka picked up a stray ball off the ground.
"Boo ya!!!"
Wakka threw it in a baseball fashion. Tidus rolled on the ground as he narrowly missed being hit by the blue and white striped ball.
"I'm sorry, but are you trying to hit me?" he said as he got off the ground.
"Damn you! You can't caste Haste on yourself!"
"Apparently I can," the blonde said as he pulled down his bottom right eyelid and stuck out his tongue at the man.
"Grrr…" [I don't want to hit you, but…]
The redhead with gravity defying hair picked up another ball off the ground.
"This time you'll hit me, right?"-The teen said in an obvious sarcastic tone.
Wakka didn't say anything. There was a serious look on his face but it wasn't stern or angry. The man focused solely on Tidus; the blonde was preparing himself for the pitch and looked ready for anything. The blitzer raised the ball in the air, getting ready for his attack. Like a bullet, the teen took off to his right, making sure not to trip on any spare blitzball on the ground of the empty Stadium. "Let's see if you can hit a moving target!" he yelled behind him.
[Why is Tidus running so slow?] / "IT'S OVER!!!"
Not hesitating to miss his opportunity, the redhead threw the ball at his opponent. It struck him in the back and the young man rolled over rapidly on the concrete.
"Ha! Gotcha'!"
Wakka started to do his usual victory dance, like he always did when he won a random battle between friend or foe. Training with Tidus was paying off; he just learned the Aim ability! It obviously helped him out right now. The blitzer looked over at Tidus, who was still on the ground.
"Yo, Tidus! You're getting a little slow, ya?"
The blonde was speechless and wasn't moving. He laid flat on his stomach on the ground of Luca Stadium.
"Tidus?…TIDUS!"
Wakka sprinted to the young man, his heart racing. [Holy Shiva! I hurt him…] When he reached him, he knelt down to examine the damage on his friend.
"Oww…good shot."
Tidus rolled over and made an effort to stand, but didn't succeed. The redhead helped him to his feet and the blonde put his right arm around the man's neck to help his balance.
"Here, drink this…" Wakka took a small vial that contained green liquid from his pocket and handed it to his injured friend. Tidus thumbed off the cap and easily drank the thick substance quickly.
He wiped some green dribble off his lips. "Thanks, you got me real good there Wakka…you knocked the stuffing out of me!"
"I'm sorry," Wakka replied.
"It's all right, the Potion made me feel a bit better…"
They walked together a good distance when Tidus said, "Damn, I'm sore all over…I can barely walk."
Without asking, the Besaid native lifted him in both muscular arms and proceeded to walk out of Luca Stadium. The entrance was full of people, like always, and some people raised their eyebrows at the sight of the two men. Wakka wasn't embarrassed that he was carrying Tidus at all…in fact, he was kind of happy for the excuse. He turned the corner and headed down the stairs that lead to the men's locker room.
Tidus looked up at the older man. "Thanks Wakka."
"No problem."
The two men briefly locked eyes with each other, almost losing themselves in them. Tidus broke the gaze and looked in the direction to where they were going.
Wakka's heart skipped a beat. [Don't look at me like that!]
The redhead started to feel hot all over, especially his face, when Tidus rested his head on his shoulder. [God, what's wrong with me!? I want to hug him closer…but that would be too awkward.] He was thankful when he reached the door to the locker room.
With one swift movement, he kicked it open and entered. It was empty. No other blitzers were around, the season had just ended not too long ago with a win for the Besaid Aurochs. What a day that was. They triumphed over their nemesis, the Luca Goers, and Yuna almost being kidnapped were highlights of that particular afternoon. The stadium along with the city was packed back then but not anymore. Still, Wakka and Tidus had full access to Luca Stadium and its locker rooms.
The redhead sat the blond on the nearest bench.
"Thanks again." Tidus said as he slid out of Wakka's arms.
"It's all right. You sure you're okay, brudda? No broken bones, ya?" Wakka asked, his voice sounding concerned.
"You didn't hit me that hard. Like I said, I'm fine."
The two started to look around the locker room nervously, not knowing how to act or what to say next.
"I just need a shower."
Tidus went to his open locker where his Brotherhood was stashed, stood in front of it, and began to undress. He took off his yellow boots, black socks, and his Zanarkand Abes uniform with ease and left them on the cold concrete floor. Wakka was leaning against the wall, continuing to look at the youth strip from the corner of his eye.
Fully nude, Tidus grabbed a towel from his locker and wrapped it around his slim waist. After grabbing a crystal looking bar of soap, he walked over to a shower stall that was in clear view of Wakka. He turned on the water and let it cascade across his flawless skin. "Thank God for hot water, this should soothe my aching muscles," he said to himself as he lathered the soap in his hands. Tidus started to wash away the sweaty grime that covered all of his toned, masculine body. When he knelt down to scrub his legs he glanced up and spotted Wakka watching him from a distance. The redhead abruptly diverted his eyes elsewhere, hoping that Tidus didn't notice.
[Heh heh, he's watching me isn't he? Maybe I should tease him a bit…see how he reacts. I could just say I messin' with him if things go wrong anyway, we always play around like that…] -Tidus thought. He stood up and rinsed off the soap from his figure. Still facing the shower, he turned his head around and asked with a suggestive voice--
"Care to join me Wakka?" The young man had a devilish look on his face while he was slowly running his soapy hand down his smooth chest and it continued to descend. Wakka carefully followed it with his eyes, they went down Tidus' chest to his washboard stomach. Then to his belly button. Then to his…
"I uh…I uh…" Wakka was petrified, he had never been in this situation before--with another man anyway. His armpits began to perspire and his heart was beating faster than a hummingbird's wings.
In a fast manner, he replied, "I uh…I uh…need to go…I promised Lu that I would help her shop for another doll…next time, ya?" The Auroch ran to the door and practically smacked into it head first as he left. Tidus was a little disappointed and felt quilty for freaking Wakka out. [Damn it! Oh well, I'll bag him next time…]
The redhead nearly made people instant road kill as he ran through Luca. An old man yelled "Watch where you're going!," at him as he ran passed him. He stopped at the bridge that led to the heart of Luca's shopping center to take a breather, ending his terrorism. Panting, he leaned against the stone guardrail and stared down at his feet, pondering at the previous event.
[What in the name of Yevon is going on? Tidus just made a pass at me and I have no desire to beat him into a bloody pulp?] The man felt dazed and confused.
*A 13 year old kid ran by at lightning speed.*
Thinking back at the incident, Wakka realize something about himself--he actually wanted to take a shower with Tidus. This revelation scared him, he wasn't supposed to feel this way toward another man--but he did.
[Maybe I should've taken him up on his offer…]
Wakka shook his head in disgust for the impure thought. He didn't know what course of action should be taken next and felt ashamed for the feelings he was developing for Tidus. The redhead stood at the bridge for a couple of minutes, pondering his next move.
"So here you are. I've been waiting for you."
The black mage known as Lulu walked up to the distressed man, with a brand new cactuar doll walking beside her. The same kid that went by earlier came back and nearly tripped over it, with a blitzball tucked under his right arm. She glared at the youngster as she bent down and scooped the doll into her arms as he ran off. Lulu shrugged off the thought of zapping him with a Thunder spell and went beside her friend.
"You were taking so long with Tidus that I went ahead and bought this, isn't it cute?"
"Of course, is it better than your old moogle doll?"
"Way better, it should make my black magic stronger."
"That's good, ya?"
"Yeah" *she looked around the area* "Where's Tidus?"
"Oh, uh…he's taking a shower in the Stadium locker room."
*the woman shook her head* [Why am I not surprised?]
"Okay, go fetch him while I gather the others and meet us at the entrance of Mi'ihen Highroad. Got it?"
"Gotcha."
Wakka took off and headed down the path he just used. Even though the evening hours were just getting started, plenty of people were still on the streets of Luca. Kids were running here and there. Old couples sat on benches as they watched the setting sun. He passed all of this commotion and made his way back to the locker room.
The redhead was surprised at himself as he half hoped to see Tidus soaping up still. Wakka mentally kicked himself twice for passing up the event and for wanting to see it. His half hearted wish was denied, the blonde was fully dressed after taking a refreshing shower and had his right leg on a bench; lacing hit boot. On the floor, laid a blitzball which wasn't there before. Wakka smirked…he had an excellent view of Tidus' ass. The man continued to stare at the blonde's muffin without realizing it.
Sensing some eyes on him, the teen turned around and gave the guy at the door a smile. "See something you like?"
Wakka's eyes opened wide at the casual remark and felt his face beginning to burn. "Uh…No, No!…I don't see anything!," he said with his arms gesturing "no" and quickly turned around to face the door; feeling stupid. [Was I really looking?]
*smack!*
"Oww!!!" The redhead spun around in time to see a blitzball return to the hands of its owner and gave him an angry stare.
Tidus winked back and spun the ball on his right index finger. "I was talking about the ball."
"Oh…"
"Here, dummy, it's yours!" Tidus tossed the ball to his friend. "I gave a kid some gil to get it for me and I gave him a little extra for a speedy delivery."
Wakka caught it, briefly examined it, and looked back at its thrower. "Oh, thanks Tidus--you didn't have to…"
"Yes I did, I even signed it for you…I wanted you to have something to remember me by is all…"
"What do you mean by that? What're you talkin' about?"
"What I mean is--thanks for being there for me Wakka. You've helped me readjust to Spira like no one else. You're the only person I can truly depend on and trust around here, I just wanted to thank you before I left…"
"What are you sayin'? You're not leaving the group before we get to Zanarkand are you?
Tidus' vision felt foggy. "No…no I'm not leaving yet." He didn't want to face Wakka anymore. Fearing his emotions might get the better of him, he turned around to put his left boot on the bench and started to lace it.
"It's just that I might not make it past Zanarkand--or Sin for that matter…"
There was a pause as Wakka took in the information.
"It's normal if you're scared that you might not survive this trip, it comes with the job of being a guardian…but you can't let that keep you down. All you can do is pray for the best but expect for the worst…"
"I know…but it doesn't make things any easier…" a strong, depressing pain began to fill Tidus' heart. Wakka wanted to comfort the troubled man, he could sense that something was bothering him but he wouldn't directly come out and say it. Letting his instincts take hold, he dropped the blitzball and walked up to Tidus. He put his arms around him and gave the man a warm, meaningful hug. Resting his chin on the teen's left shoulder, he closed his eyes and whispered into his ear-- "I'll make sure you survive this trip-- and live happily in world without Sin…in a world with me…"
"Wakka…do you really mean that?" [If only it were possible…]
"Yes…"
A tint of red started to run across Tidus' face. He didn't want Wakka to let him go, it felt so right to be in his arms. It was like his body was contoured to fit the redhead's body frame perfectly, like they were a pair. The teen turned around and the two men hugged properly, then they looked at each other. Wakka forgot about his doubts as he stared lustfully into Tidus' sapphire eyes. He ran his fingers through the blonde's freshly washed hair, feeling its damp smoothness.
"But…what about Lulu, don't you have something going on with her?"
Wakka snorted. "Ha! She's my dear friend an' all but I wouldn't date her! Besides, she was supposed to marry my brudda, not me…that would be too weird for us both, you know?"
"Yeah, I guess so…"
"So, what about you and Yuna…you two seem to enjoy each others company."
"Well, I like her a lot but I was never into girls… if you know what I mean."
"Oh really…" Wakka said with a raised eyebrow. Tidus face instantly turned bright red.
"What!!?? You shouldn't be surprised."
"I'm not, I'm just happy to look at you without wondering if you're gay or not. Now I know it's okay to kiss you…"
Slowly, Wakka nudged his head closer to him; it was Tidus' turn to sweat. His heart started to pound in anticipation. [OMG! I'm really gonna kiss him!] Their eyes closed as their faces got closer and closer; their lips were finally going to meet…
*a loud, rapid knocking came from the locker room door*
Startled, the two men leapt out of their embrace and looked frantic.
"What are you guys doing in there? We would like to make it to Rin's place before nightfall," Lulu said with a slightly aggravated voice.
[Shit]-Wakka / [Damn it]-Tidus
"Yeah, yeah…we're coming!" Tidus yelled back through the door. [Don't get your black, lacey panties in a twist…]
Obviously disgruntled, Wakka picked up his present off the floor as Tidus grabbed his shiny, aqua-blue sword from his locker.
"Well, time to hit the road, ya?" Wakka said with an unhappy expression across his face. [Fuck, I almost kissed him…]
"Yeah…"the blonde replied. [Perfect timing Lulu…]
Both men felt like they were robbed of something valuable, like all their gil was just stolen in an instant. Regretful, they exited the Luca locker room to catch up to their travel mates. Next rest stop, Rin's Travel Agency on Mi'ilen Highroad.
~~~~~~~~~~~ end flashback ~~~~~~~~~~
Wakka was just exiting the jungle when he was done day dreaming. There was no one on Besaid Island's beach, the creamy white sand was undisturbed. He made his way to the wooden pier, leaving a fresh trail of footprints. The redhead stood at its end, gazing thoughtfully at the calm blue sea. He was silent as he took in his surroundings. Then, he dropped his blitzball to his side on the dock as a pelican swooped by and caught a fish from the water. Remembering yesterday's event, he decided to imitate Yuna.**
[I know it's pointless…but I got to try…]
The blitzer put his right index finger and thumb in his mouth and whistled as hard as he could. He listened for a reply for a couple of seconds, then whistled again. And again. And again. A couple of feet behind him, a seagull landed on the pier and cocked its head, seemingly perplexed by the man's antics. It started to mess with its feathers on its left wing, then continued to watch him. After viewing Wakka repeatedly blow air at the endless ocean, the gray and white bird gave him a response of his own. The seagull began to do its signature "laughing" bird call directly at the man in front of him, as if mocking him for his futile efforts. *Ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha Ha Ha!!!* Wakka didn't appreciate it.
Instantly, as if on reflex action, he picked up Striker and hurled it hard at the bird. The blitzball nailed the seagull on its orange beak *SQUAWK!!!* and the bird fell backward into the water. The ball returned to the redhead's hand, like it always did when it made contact with its' target. A pang of guilt came from Wakka's chest, but it left when the seagull flew from the water while cursing at him angrily.
"Stupid bird, not laughing now are ya?"
Wakka turned back to face the sea. He stood briefly and then sat down in Indian style. The redhead lazily looked forward, took a deep breath, and did his final whistle.
No response came.
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End Ch.5
*Whew* This was a long chapter to type. So, what do ya'll think? Please, please read and give me a review!!! Thanks!^^
**BTW, I'm referring to the scene before Yuna's speech at the end of FF X, the one where she's whistling at the end of a Bevelle dock