YUNA
In all honesty, I don't know why I forgive Tidus, or why I was angry in the first place. Perhaps I'm just not used to having friends, and dealing with the odd times when they might say something hurtful without really meaning to. I did feel somewhat silly, sitting in that art room, trying to be mad when I knew that I really wasn't. It was the strangest feeling though, seeing him walk into the room and have his eyes instantly fall to me. Perhaps it is simply wishful thinking, but . . . I could have sworn I saw regret, or at least some sliver of guilt. But why should he feel bad for a girl he's only known for a day?
I should be paying attention to the art teacher's instructions, but my mind is occupied with the young man sitting carelessly next to me, with his feet propped up on the table, leaning back against the wall. I wonder if he too is distracted, but with what I cannot know.
All I know is that our project has something to do with photography . . . and now that I look, I see that Mrs. Faradi is writing down the criteria on the blackboard. I copy them down in my notebook and then turn to Tidus, who is once again busy scratching something on the table's surface with an unwound paperclip. I look closer and see that the table is marked by numerous signatures, all of them no doubt coming from the blonde-haired blue-eyed athlete beside me.
"So," I say, interrupting him. He stops and glances up at me from under his eyebrows. "What are we going to do for the project?"
"How long do we have until it's due?" he counters. I glance at the board once again.
"A week."
"Then we don't have to worry just yet."
"I really think we should at least discuss what we want to do-"
"Relax, Yuna," he says dismissively, returning to his table scribbling. "It'll all work out."
I am stunned at his indifference. I come from a household governed by one strict rule: Never procrastinate. In one short sentence, this young man has made a mockery of the very thing my instincts have always told me was the secret of success. All I can do is stare at him, and feel my spark of annoyance grow.
"Fine," I sigh, opening my notebook again. "I'll just start jotting down ideas, and you can keep to your vandalism."
"Sounds good," he says quietly, entranced by his work. He does not catch the edge in my voice.
Ten minutes later, I drop my pencil in defeat and stare down at my sad list. I have two things written down.
Nature scenes City scenes ?
"That all you got in ten minutes?" Tidus asks over my shoulder. I glare at him and snap the book shut in my irritation.
"Well, I don't see you lifting a finger to help me," I grumble.
"I told you, everything will work out. Just don't sweat it, all right?"
"What else do you have planned that is so demanding of your time?" I demand, crossing my arms over my chest and narrowing my eyes at him.
"Nothing. But we can't just force artistic inspiration, Yuna," he says calmly. "We have to wait for it to come to us, and when it does, it'll be the best in the class. So just chill and wait for the magic to happen."
As much as I hate to admit it, I find truth in his words. What good would it do to compel the ideas to come out when they clearly aren't even in our heads yet? I sigh and lean my back against the wall as he does, and close my eyes in thought. I try to clear my head, hoping that if I manage to do so, an idea will come to me.
"Yuna, can I ask you something?" he says suddenly, keeping his eyes closed.
"Of course."
"What did Dona talk to you about before the bell rang?"
I hesitate, unwilling to bring up that topic so soon after moving past it. Even though it was perfectly harmless, I sense that Tidus takes it very seriously. Dona was very nice to me, if not somewhat overly sweet, and I do not see the 'danger' in being around her.
"Oh, nothing important. She was just saying how she would love to take me shopping with her and her friends some day. You know . . . girl stuff," I say with a shrug.
He sighs through his nostrils and shakes his head.
"Scheming little bitch," he mutters.
"Are you so certain she doesn't want to just get to know me?" I ask, somewhat more sharply than I meant for it to sound. He looks at me quickly.
"I'm not trying to put you down," he tells me, and I see the sincerity in his eyes. "I'm just saying that I know this girl too well, and she never does anything without thinking of herself first. She would stab all of her little girlfriends in the back if she could get something out of it."
He is silent for a moment, as if debating whether or not he wants to add something to his statement.
"Just . . . be careful. I won't stop you from hanging out with her, but if you do . . . don't let her get too close. Okay?"
I can't help but smile at his concern as I nod in agreement. He really is worried about this whole thing, though I can't understand why. I know how to look after myself.
"You have nothing to worry about," I tell him reassuringly. I feel a flutter inside as he flashes me another heart-stopping smile. How does he do it so easily, so naturally? How is he so effortlessly alluring?
The rest of the class passes uneventfully. Tidus speaks to me now and then, when he isn't transfixed with his graffiti, and we talk about nothing in general. They are easy conversations, perfectly innocent. I am startled by his quick wit, something I was not sure he possessed up until now, and I am eager to hear more.
When the bell rings, he waits for me as I gather my supplies and accompanies me out the door.
Instantly I become embarrassed, seeing the many pairs of eyes turning to stare at us. I can only imagine what they all must be thinking, seeing me walk with Tidus. I do not like to think of myself as being superior to anyone else just because of who my father is, but I know that Tidus comes from a completely different background than my own. I know that we must look strange walking next to each other, ambassadors of two opposite worlds.
"Everybody's staring," I whisper to him, keeping my eyes to the floor.
"I know," he replies carelessly. "It's because they're jealous."
"Of what?" I ask, glancing up at him quickly.
"Either you or me. I haven't decided yet."
"Oh, really?" I say with a grin, rolling my eyes at his humour.
"Face it, Yuna," he says with an air of mock tragedy, "we are a cursed pair, we are. People will always envy me for being with you, the High Summoner's daughter, and people will always envy you because you are in the company of a devilishly handsome rogue with stunning blue eyes, gleaming golden hair, chiselled muscles, a perfect ass, and a smile that can melt anyone's heart. It's your burden, I'm afraid, to be seen with a specimen like myself."
I laugh. What else can I do in the face of such blatant arrogance? But he too is laughing, simply because he is a person who enjoys laughter in any form. I find it hard to believe he thinks Gippal is the only really conceited one in the gang. Then again, perhaps he is simply saying it to make me smile.
We meet up with the gang at Tidus' locker. I see that Rikku is smoking again, not caring that people are coughing and waving smoke out of their faces as they walk past her. Wakka is tossing a switchblade up and down, trying to see how many times he can make it spin in the air without catching it by the blade. Lulu seems to be fascinated by something in a book of spells, and Gippal is busy flirting with the girls walking by. Paine is simply leaning against the lockers, arms folded and eyes closed in thought.
They all stop what they're doing to greet Tidus as we approach. I am touched to see them smile at me when they see me walking next to him, and offer me a welcome as well.
"How's it going, Princess?" Rikku asks, politely blowing smoke over her shoulder rather than in my face.
"Yeah, we were worried Boss scared you off," Gippal adds teasingly, jumping back to avoid Tidus' barrage of playful punches.
"No, everything's fine," I tell them, pleased to be back with them again. It feels nice having friends to hang out with so soon after coming to a new school. I am still overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people in this place. In West Bevelle Prep, the numbers had been reduced to a maximum of four hundred and fifty students, but here . . . the population is well over two thousand at least.
I am worried about becoming too attached to this gang, in case they only see me as a casual acquaintance. They don't seem to mind me being with them, but I know there is a deep bond within their circle that I can never hope to penetrate. They've been friends for so many years, and have been through so much together that I know better than to assume that I too can be that close to them. Not even Tidus, who has captivated my attention from the very beginning.
I stand and talk with them for another minute before I head to my locker to get my things for my next class, Math. Fortunately, Paine is also in this class with me.
I see her walking down the hall, math books under one arm, and I hurry my steps to catch up with her. She merely acknowledges me with a quick glance and a nod. Of all the gang members, Paine is the most distant with me. I sense no dislike or malice for me in her, but I can detect an undertone of mistrust. It is as if she has set up a barrier around herself, keeping me on the outside. I would like to break through that barrier and become friends with her.
"So, do you mind if I sit with you in class? I don't know anyone else."
She merely shrugs. "I don't see what's so bad about sitting alone, but go right ahead."
I falter slightly, but say nothing. I should have been expecting some kind of answer like that from her, I suppose.
"So, how long have you known the others?" I ask, hoping to drift away from the awkwardness.
"Since I was ten," she says shortly. It does not appear that she is willing to say anything else, so I close my mouth and content myself to simply walking in silence.
"Hello, Paine."
Both of us stop and turn to see who that low, gentle voice belongs to. I see a tall young man with silvery white hair and deep green eyes standing nearby, staring at Paine with a slightly nervous but eager expression. I know instantly that he was with Nooj at that bar the other day. He is handsome, but not comparable to Tidus.
That last thought catches me off guard.
I glance quickly at Paine and see that her face is cold, but her crimson eyes are soft with emotion I never imagined I would see in her.
"Baralai," she replies calmly, staring back at the young man.
"I was wondering if we could talk," he says, taking a step towards her. He then notices me standing nearby, and quickly nods to recognize my presence. Paine casts me an emphatic glance, and I know instantly that I am not welcome there at the moment.
"I'll see you later, Paine," I tell her, backing away to allow them privacy. She says nothing in response. I thought I had seen a spark of familiarity between them at 8-Ball's yesterday, but I hadn't been sure up until now.
I must face Math alone today, but inside I am wondering about Paine and that young man Baralai. They would look good together, and I wonder if there is a history between them. Obviously they know each other, but is there something more secret underneath their magnetic stares?
Math is, as it usually is for me, as unbearable as any class can get. The teacher was quiet and only mumbled vaguely, the room was hot and stuffy, and everyone was talking over the lesson. I already have enough trouble with math itself, and it is little comfort to know that my teacher never makes sense and the students are not considerate enough to be quiet.
By the time I drag myself from the class room at the bell, I have a pounding headache and my face is warm from the heated room. It is a relief to have Long Break awaiting me.
When I reach my locker, I am surprised to find writing in black pen on the door. For a moment, I feel a pleased smile growing on my face. Perhaps Tidus and the gang have written a friendly message for me to enjoy. And then as I draw closer, the smile dies on my lips, and I feel nothing but outrage.
GO BACK TO YOUR PALACE, PRINCESS YUNA
I clench my fists and sigh heavily to calm my self down. I have very little doubt in mind who could have done this.
Seymour Guado and his little friends.
I should have been expecting at least some hostility coming to a public school, but I had never imagined it would be so soon. Then again, I suppose it would make the most sense to harass me as soon as I arrive, rather than waiting for me to settle in before causing trouble.
"Good morning, Yuna!"
I turn around and see Dona coming to stand at my side. She is once again wearing a halter top, but this time it is dark green and her mid-thigh skirt is pleated black. She is wearing impossibly tall high heels and there is golden jewellery flashing all over her. I smile at her weakly, and watch as her dark brown eyes fall to my locker door. Her face becomes concerned.
"Who on Spira could do such a thing?" she demands, attempting to scratch it off with her perfectly manicured nail. "This is no way to greet new students."
I gently move her hand away.
"Let's not ruin that nail of yours," I say with a sigh. "I'll get the janitor to wipe it off later."
"Do you have any idea who could have done this?" she asks me, and I am touched by her worry.
"I might," I say grimly, opening my locker to put my books away. Thankfully the inside of my locker has been left untouched. "It's not important. I should have been expecting something like this."
"You shouldn't have to deal with this," Dona says, linking her arm in mine and leading me down the hall. "Really, this is a nice school. Whoever's doing this to you is making this place seem worse than it really is. I bet you anything that this won't happen again."
I try to smile at her, but her words are not genuine, and I know that she does not believe them herself. Had she been Tidus, or someone from the gang, I have the feeling that they would be more truthful and tell me that there is more in store.
"Hey, Yuna, we should eat lunch together today," Dona tells me, changing the subject abruptly. "I'd love to introduce you to my friends, they're all dying to meet you."
I nod my head, grateful for the offer. Even though I enjoy spending time with Tidus' gang, it feels nice to have more than one set of friends to hang around with. Besides, Dona really does seem like a nice girl, if not a bit insincere at times. I don't understand why Tidus is so mistrusting of her, but . . . then again, I don't exactly know what happened between them after they 'slept together'.
I am suddenly bothered to realize that the girl next to me actually did sleep with Tidus. Why should it bother me? I am not Tidus' girl, nor is he somehow in my possession. What does it matter to me if they've been together?
This confusion is not helping my headache . . .
In all honesty, I don't know why I forgive Tidus, or why I was angry in the first place. Perhaps I'm just not used to having friends, and dealing with the odd times when they might say something hurtful without really meaning to. I did feel somewhat silly, sitting in that art room, trying to be mad when I knew that I really wasn't. It was the strangest feeling though, seeing him walk into the room and have his eyes instantly fall to me. Perhaps it is simply wishful thinking, but . . . I could have sworn I saw regret, or at least some sliver of guilt. But why should he feel bad for a girl he's only known for a day?
I should be paying attention to the art teacher's instructions, but my mind is occupied with the young man sitting carelessly next to me, with his feet propped up on the table, leaning back against the wall. I wonder if he too is distracted, but with what I cannot know.
All I know is that our project has something to do with photography . . . and now that I look, I see that Mrs. Faradi is writing down the criteria on the blackboard. I copy them down in my notebook and then turn to Tidus, who is once again busy scratching something on the table's surface with an unwound paperclip. I look closer and see that the table is marked by numerous signatures, all of them no doubt coming from the blonde-haired blue-eyed athlete beside me.
"So," I say, interrupting him. He stops and glances up at me from under his eyebrows. "What are we going to do for the project?"
"How long do we have until it's due?" he counters. I glance at the board once again.
"A week."
"Then we don't have to worry just yet."
"I really think we should at least discuss what we want to do-"
"Relax, Yuna," he says dismissively, returning to his table scribbling. "It'll all work out."
I am stunned at his indifference. I come from a household governed by one strict rule: Never procrastinate. In one short sentence, this young man has made a mockery of the very thing my instincts have always told me was the secret of success. All I can do is stare at him, and feel my spark of annoyance grow.
"Fine," I sigh, opening my notebook again. "I'll just start jotting down ideas, and you can keep to your vandalism."
"Sounds good," he says quietly, entranced by his work. He does not catch the edge in my voice.
Ten minutes later, I drop my pencil in defeat and stare down at my sad list. I have two things written down.
Nature scenes City scenes ?
"That all you got in ten minutes?" Tidus asks over my shoulder. I glare at him and snap the book shut in my irritation.
"Well, I don't see you lifting a finger to help me," I grumble.
"I told you, everything will work out. Just don't sweat it, all right?"
"What else do you have planned that is so demanding of your time?" I demand, crossing my arms over my chest and narrowing my eyes at him.
"Nothing. But we can't just force artistic inspiration, Yuna," he says calmly. "We have to wait for it to come to us, and when it does, it'll be the best in the class. So just chill and wait for the magic to happen."
As much as I hate to admit it, I find truth in his words. What good would it do to compel the ideas to come out when they clearly aren't even in our heads yet? I sigh and lean my back against the wall as he does, and close my eyes in thought. I try to clear my head, hoping that if I manage to do so, an idea will come to me.
"Yuna, can I ask you something?" he says suddenly, keeping his eyes closed.
"Of course."
"What did Dona talk to you about before the bell rang?"
I hesitate, unwilling to bring up that topic so soon after moving past it. Even though it was perfectly harmless, I sense that Tidus takes it very seriously. Dona was very nice to me, if not somewhat overly sweet, and I do not see the 'danger' in being around her.
"Oh, nothing important. She was just saying how she would love to take me shopping with her and her friends some day. You know . . . girl stuff," I say with a shrug.
He sighs through his nostrils and shakes his head.
"Scheming little bitch," he mutters.
"Are you so certain she doesn't want to just get to know me?" I ask, somewhat more sharply than I meant for it to sound. He looks at me quickly.
"I'm not trying to put you down," he tells me, and I see the sincerity in his eyes. "I'm just saying that I know this girl too well, and she never does anything without thinking of herself first. She would stab all of her little girlfriends in the back if she could get something out of it."
He is silent for a moment, as if debating whether or not he wants to add something to his statement.
"Just . . . be careful. I won't stop you from hanging out with her, but if you do . . . don't let her get too close. Okay?"
I can't help but smile at his concern as I nod in agreement. He really is worried about this whole thing, though I can't understand why. I know how to look after myself.
"You have nothing to worry about," I tell him reassuringly. I feel a flutter inside as he flashes me another heart-stopping smile. How does he do it so easily, so naturally? How is he so effortlessly alluring?
The rest of the class passes uneventfully. Tidus speaks to me now and then, when he isn't transfixed with his graffiti, and we talk about nothing in general. They are easy conversations, perfectly innocent. I am startled by his quick wit, something I was not sure he possessed up until now, and I am eager to hear more.
When the bell rings, he waits for me as I gather my supplies and accompanies me out the door.
Instantly I become embarrassed, seeing the many pairs of eyes turning to stare at us. I can only imagine what they all must be thinking, seeing me walk with Tidus. I do not like to think of myself as being superior to anyone else just because of who my father is, but I know that Tidus comes from a completely different background than my own. I know that we must look strange walking next to each other, ambassadors of two opposite worlds.
"Everybody's staring," I whisper to him, keeping my eyes to the floor.
"I know," he replies carelessly. "It's because they're jealous."
"Of what?" I ask, glancing up at him quickly.
"Either you or me. I haven't decided yet."
"Oh, really?" I say with a grin, rolling my eyes at his humour.
"Face it, Yuna," he says with an air of mock tragedy, "we are a cursed pair, we are. People will always envy me for being with you, the High Summoner's daughter, and people will always envy you because you are in the company of a devilishly handsome rogue with stunning blue eyes, gleaming golden hair, chiselled muscles, a perfect ass, and a smile that can melt anyone's heart. It's your burden, I'm afraid, to be seen with a specimen like myself."
I laugh. What else can I do in the face of such blatant arrogance? But he too is laughing, simply because he is a person who enjoys laughter in any form. I find it hard to believe he thinks Gippal is the only really conceited one in the gang. Then again, perhaps he is simply saying it to make me smile.
We meet up with the gang at Tidus' locker. I see that Rikku is smoking again, not caring that people are coughing and waving smoke out of their faces as they walk past her. Wakka is tossing a switchblade up and down, trying to see how many times he can make it spin in the air without catching it by the blade. Lulu seems to be fascinated by something in a book of spells, and Gippal is busy flirting with the girls walking by. Paine is simply leaning against the lockers, arms folded and eyes closed in thought.
They all stop what they're doing to greet Tidus as we approach. I am touched to see them smile at me when they see me walking next to him, and offer me a welcome as well.
"How's it going, Princess?" Rikku asks, politely blowing smoke over her shoulder rather than in my face.
"Yeah, we were worried Boss scared you off," Gippal adds teasingly, jumping back to avoid Tidus' barrage of playful punches.
"No, everything's fine," I tell them, pleased to be back with them again. It feels nice having friends to hang out with so soon after coming to a new school. I am still overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people in this place. In West Bevelle Prep, the numbers had been reduced to a maximum of four hundred and fifty students, but here . . . the population is well over two thousand at least.
I am worried about becoming too attached to this gang, in case they only see me as a casual acquaintance. They don't seem to mind me being with them, but I know there is a deep bond within their circle that I can never hope to penetrate. They've been friends for so many years, and have been through so much together that I know better than to assume that I too can be that close to them. Not even Tidus, who has captivated my attention from the very beginning.
I stand and talk with them for another minute before I head to my locker to get my things for my next class, Math. Fortunately, Paine is also in this class with me.
I see her walking down the hall, math books under one arm, and I hurry my steps to catch up with her. She merely acknowledges me with a quick glance and a nod. Of all the gang members, Paine is the most distant with me. I sense no dislike or malice for me in her, but I can detect an undertone of mistrust. It is as if she has set up a barrier around herself, keeping me on the outside. I would like to break through that barrier and become friends with her.
"So, do you mind if I sit with you in class? I don't know anyone else."
She merely shrugs. "I don't see what's so bad about sitting alone, but go right ahead."
I falter slightly, but say nothing. I should have been expecting some kind of answer like that from her, I suppose.
"So, how long have you known the others?" I ask, hoping to drift away from the awkwardness.
"Since I was ten," she says shortly. It does not appear that she is willing to say anything else, so I close my mouth and content myself to simply walking in silence.
"Hello, Paine."
Both of us stop and turn to see who that low, gentle voice belongs to. I see a tall young man with silvery white hair and deep green eyes standing nearby, staring at Paine with a slightly nervous but eager expression. I know instantly that he was with Nooj at that bar the other day. He is handsome, but not comparable to Tidus.
That last thought catches me off guard.
I glance quickly at Paine and see that her face is cold, but her crimson eyes are soft with emotion I never imagined I would see in her.
"Baralai," she replies calmly, staring back at the young man.
"I was wondering if we could talk," he says, taking a step towards her. He then notices me standing nearby, and quickly nods to recognize my presence. Paine casts me an emphatic glance, and I know instantly that I am not welcome there at the moment.
"I'll see you later, Paine," I tell her, backing away to allow them privacy. She says nothing in response. I thought I had seen a spark of familiarity between them at 8-Ball's yesterday, but I hadn't been sure up until now.
I must face Math alone today, but inside I am wondering about Paine and that young man Baralai. They would look good together, and I wonder if there is a history between them. Obviously they know each other, but is there something more secret underneath their magnetic stares?
Math is, as it usually is for me, as unbearable as any class can get. The teacher was quiet and only mumbled vaguely, the room was hot and stuffy, and everyone was talking over the lesson. I already have enough trouble with math itself, and it is little comfort to know that my teacher never makes sense and the students are not considerate enough to be quiet.
By the time I drag myself from the class room at the bell, I have a pounding headache and my face is warm from the heated room. It is a relief to have Long Break awaiting me.
When I reach my locker, I am surprised to find writing in black pen on the door. For a moment, I feel a pleased smile growing on my face. Perhaps Tidus and the gang have written a friendly message for me to enjoy. And then as I draw closer, the smile dies on my lips, and I feel nothing but outrage.
GO BACK TO YOUR PALACE, PRINCESS YUNA
I clench my fists and sigh heavily to calm my self down. I have very little doubt in mind who could have done this.
Seymour Guado and his little friends.
I should have been expecting at least some hostility coming to a public school, but I had never imagined it would be so soon. Then again, I suppose it would make the most sense to harass me as soon as I arrive, rather than waiting for me to settle in before causing trouble.
"Good morning, Yuna!"
I turn around and see Dona coming to stand at my side. She is once again wearing a halter top, but this time it is dark green and her mid-thigh skirt is pleated black. She is wearing impossibly tall high heels and there is golden jewellery flashing all over her. I smile at her weakly, and watch as her dark brown eyes fall to my locker door. Her face becomes concerned.
"Who on Spira could do such a thing?" she demands, attempting to scratch it off with her perfectly manicured nail. "This is no way to greet new students."
I gently move her hand away.
"Let's not ruin that nail of yours," I say with a sigh. "I'll get the janitor to wipe it off later."
"Do you have any idea who could have done this?" she asks me, and I am touched by her worry.
"I might," I say grimly, opening my locker to put my books away. Thankfully the inside of my locker has been left untouched. "It's not important. I should have been expecting something like this."
"You shouldn't have to deal with this," Dona says, linking her arm in mine and leading me down the hall. "Really, this is a nice school. Whoever's doing this to you is making this place seem worse than it really is. I bet you anything that this won't happen again."
I try to smile at her, but her words are not genuine, and I know that she does not believe them herself. Had she been Tidus, or someone from the gang, I have the feeling that they would be more truthful and tell me that there is more in store.
"Hey, Yuna, we should eat lunch together today," Dona tells me, changing the subject abruptly. "I'd love to introduce you to my friends, they're all dying to meet you."
I nod my head, grateful for the offer. Even though I enjoy spending time with Tidus' gang, it feels nice to have more than one set of friends to hang around with. Besides, Dona really does seem like a nice girl, if not a bit insincere at times. I don't understand why Tidus is so mistrusting of her, but . . . then again, I don't exactly know what happened between them after they 'slept together'.
I am suddenly bothered to realize that the girl next to me actually did sleep with Tidus. Why should it bother me? I am not Tidus' girl, nor is he somehow in my possession. What does it matter to me if they've been together?
This confusion is not helping my headache . . .