Disclaimer: I do not own "Naked" by Avril Lavigne. I haven't actually heard it either though, but because she is one of my fave singers, the song must be good at least…

Note: Okay, let me explain the whole mushy side of this chapter. I am someone who doesn't trust anyone (even myself, but that's different). I know everyone has intentions for their actions, and why trust someone who is going to use you for their purposes anyways? I guess I'm just cynical. But to be able to trust someone completely… That's one thing that I've always wanted. I guess when I meet that guy, he's the one. I haven't yet. Maybe I'm just picky. Maybe I'm just panicky. But that's the concept behind this chapter. To find that one person you can be yourself around. That one person that you'd do anything for, including die. Sadly, my bf is not fitting the criteria quite yet, and maybe never will…frustrated sigh

     Oh, yes to the nice person who reviewed me last, thank you. I never really thought about reviewing like that. I always am one of these types of people that wants a response soon, or I feel like it's not worthwhile, ya know? But I like my story so (my other fics are on the backburner because of it) am going to finish it. Yes, finish this demented tale of woe, and lust, and other things! Anyways, thanks for taking the time to review.

Chapter 46: Let down your guard, and I'll let down mine

Rated SC: Sappy Chappie

I wake up in the morning
Put on my face
The one that's gonna get me
Through another day
Doesn't really matter
How I feel inside
'Cause life is like a game sometimes

     Ocea woke up, still tired, but feeling alive for once. For the past few years, since she- No she wouldn't dwell about that today. She would enjoy the day, and for once, feel alive.

But then you came around me
The walls just disappeared
Nothing to surround me
And keep me from my fears
I'm unprotected
See how I've opened up
Oh, you've made me trust

     She put on Squall's robe, too big for her emaciating frame. The shoulders hung loosely off of her shoulder, the sunlight soaking into her skin. She stood by the French doors to the balcony, taking in the atmosphere.

Because I've never felt like this before
I'm naked
Around you
Does it show?
You see right through me
And I can't hide
I'm naked
Around you
And it feels so right

     Squall lay in bed, snoring quietly. His hair was cow licked from the sweat, his bare chest exposed. She opened to curtains slightly, letting the sunlight shine on his glorious face.

I'm trying to remember
Why I was afraid
To be myself and let the
Covers fall away
I guess I never had someone

To help me, to help me fit
In my skin

     He awoke, and sat up, yawning as the sheets fell away from him. He covered his essentials up, and looked at Ocea.

I never felt like this before
I'm naked
Around you
Does it show?
You see right through me
And I can't hide
I'm naked
Around you
And it feels so right

     The sunlight filtered through the robe, her silhouette showing. He stared for a moment, and she wondered what he was looking at. She asked him, and he got up, without a word. He put his boxers on, went to her, and turned her around, holding her in his strong arms and looked out the window. She held her arm with her hands, taking in the moment. He rarely ever let his guard down, but with her, he felt… like he could trust her.

I'm naked

Oh oh yeah
Does it show?
Yeah, I'm naked
Oh oh, yeah yeah

I'm so naked around you
And I can't hide
You're gonna see right through, baby

     She stood, wrapped in his arms. Letting down her guard she had always up for almost as far back as she could remember. Trusting him was what got them inot trouble before, but she's stronger now. She refused to take crap form anybody. Since when they were parted the first time, she refused to trust anybody. Even her own sisters betrayed her… But now that didn't matter. She was in his arms.

     She trusted him. He could have died saving her earlier from his own father. Sure that was also an outlet for his hatred for Laguna, but that wasn't the point. He saw a reason to fight him. Squall rarely entered battles except when necessary, or for training. If he didn't see a point, he didn't do it. But he had found a point. She was his point. Despite her flaws, and issues, he thought she was worth saving… but why? Did he really care for her?

     She needed to know. She moved her hand to the back of his neck, rubbing his skin gently. He affectionately nuzzled his face in her hair in turn.

Ocea: Squall… I love you.

Squall: …I … love you too.

     Ocea buried her face in his arm, content with his answer. He held her waist tighter, still taken a bit off guard by her proclamation of love, and even his own answer. But it felt real, genuine to him. He knew he cared for her, but to love her? He held closer yet, thinking about what he just said, and realizing that in fact, it wasn't a lie. He did love her, as she did for him.

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

     Irvine sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for Selphie to get out of the bathroom. He decided to be blunt, be supportive, but be truthful. Selphie knew he was a cutter, but why did she do it? She knew what a hell it was for him to come out of. But he also realized that that was how she had been relieving the stress she's been under. She was always so happy, but she was in agony underneath it all.

     Selphie came out; wet legged from "shaving." He rose, and took her hand, sitting her on the bed. He looked into her eyes, seeing the hurting behind them that he had never noticed. They talked, yells were exchanged, and tears shed. They talked about her problems, and when he was a cutter. Eventually Selphie gave up her act, crying bitterly in Irvine's arms. He held her close, as if letting go would let her return to her hell.

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

     Quistis stood in the bathroom, putting on her makeup. A copy of the Karma Sutra lay on the counter, reading it as she put on her mascara. Zell lay asleep still, drooling slightly from his lip. She put in her earrings, and left for her meeting, leaving Zell a note. She had something important to do, and let in a hurry.

     Zell awoke hours later, the sunlight streaming through his window as Irvine stood by it.

Irvine: Get up.

Zell: What the-?

Irvine: We're leaving in two minutes, man.

Zell (falls out of bed): What?! Why didn't you get me up sooner?!

Irvine: Just kiddin'. There's a meeting. Hurry up, or else.

Zell: That's f---ed up.

Irvine (takes a Polaroid of nakie Zell on floor): No, that's comedy.

Squall: Did I really have to come?

Irvine: Naw. Just thought you'd think it was funny.

Squall (shakes head, hand on forehead): No. Considering what happened last night, nudity isn't funny at all.

Irvine: Maybe we should take all of his clothes so he has to go in the buff.

Squall: No.

Irvine: Oh well. I'll just pass this around. Come on Zell.

Zell (asleep, he's all cute): SNNNNOOOOOORRRRRREEEEE

Squall (previous head/hand gesture): Moron.

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

     Laguna sat up in his bed, the meeting being held there. He clutched a picture of Raine, and began to speak.