Disclaimer: If I owned Final Fantasy 10, would I be writing a fanfic about it? Ok, wait… don't answer that, because I would… but no, it doesn't change the fact that I do not own it!

Oh, and this chapter is the same as chapter one, it's just from Auron's point of view.

Auron's Embarrassment

I glanced up as Zali came running into the courtyard. Damnit Zali, can't you let us practice in peace? I said the first thing that came to my mind as I looked around, completely missing the hurt expression that appeared on her face. My eyes landed on three Al Bhed "heathens" that were chasing after her. Damn the lot of them and their forbidden machina!

Swinging my sword, at last some real practice, I prepared for a fight. It's a pity they had to run when they did, I was looking forward to it. Oh well. Now Braska, that wasn't very nice, yelling at them when they're already running. Oh, not only yelling at them, but insulting them as well? Ok, I thought it, but you were the one to say it!

When she stumbled into me I did the first thing that came to mind, I wrapped my arms around her and wiped away her tears. I may be a cold, heartless bastard at times… but she's a kid and she's crying. What do those heathens want with her? Can't they see it hurts her? Whatever… that was probably their point, damn Al Bhed.

"Auron, bit young to be making a move on her," Jecht laughed. "At least, she's a bit young."

"Jecht, enough," that was Braska. Yevon, I hope she didn't hear what Jecht said, she really is too young. "Hey Auron, why don't you be her protector, kind of watch over her and keep her out of trouble?"

"You want me to do what?" The nerve of him! If he weren't Braska… ok, he is so this is beside the point. Knight? Protector? Fairytale? What is wrong with Braska? Oh wait, we return to the original point… it's Braska.

"Does the Lady Zaliestia wish to return to her chambers, or would the fair maiden wish to watch her knight train so that he might better protect her when the need arises?" What utter load of rubbish, I wonder if she'll buy it.

"Go play." Damn her mischievous grin and her smug superiority!

I kept her in the corner of my eye at all times. Maybe I'm taking this whole "protector/knight in shining armor" business too seriously. But her blue eyes and her complimentary blue outfit kept drawing my gaze back to her, and there was no help for it, I was destined to not pay attention and get continually hit by Braska and Jecht because of it. Oh woe is me!

I couldn't have been happier when Braska suggested we take a break, my poor limbs. I deluded myself saying that I wasn't going to look at her, and I wasn't! I was looking for Jecht, it's not my fault he was standing next to her. Wait a minute, why is he over there, that's my job! I've got it bad, jealous over a nine year old, what is life coming to? Glares at Jecht, why is he teasing me about her? He has no room to talk!

After a while, I noticed that she had fallen asleep leaning against the wall. Now that can't be comfortable. I called a short break and I went over there and shook her shoulder, damn… she is waking up. "Hey guys, I'll be back later, I'm going to take my "charge" to her room since I am her "protector." I scooped her up and with a bit of fidgeting I was able to open the manor doors and carry her inside. I went up a flight of stairs and was walking down the hallway to her room when I felt her begin to stir.

I was prepared to ignore it when I felt her thrash out and her arm collided with my chest. Ouch, this girl packs quite a punch. I told her that I didn't appreciate what she did, and made her walk the rest of the way. When I left, she asked me if I was ok. No I bloody well was not ok, but I'd be damned if I were going to tell her that! And to salve my wounded pride I told her that no, it didn't hurt, because she's just a little girl.

-Arcander-